For all that Ever claimed Gridanian origin, she knew her way around the Black Shroud about as well as a buffalo did the bottom of the sea. He didn't need to say it. He didn't even need the others to notice. It just struck him as odd. Ever didn't seem like the lying type.
S'dennmo had insisted she be the one who'd speak to Mother Miounne on behalf of the group. Biff accepted this with much relief. The sweet-faced bard swooned at all that Miounne had to say, full of all the energy required for feelingful reassurances. She promised Miounne that their party would be back first of all, for three of the four were experienced adventurers. She convinced Miounne that the mission was in the safest hands possible, for two of the four had survived Carteneau. Biff hadn't known that about H'zula, but he didn't question S'dennmo's knowledge of the fact. He was quickly learning that bards were not only gifted with song; they were gifted with the gab, too! More than that, she took the party's lead quite naturally, guiding them expertly through the woods.
The woods that Ever fumbled through, eyes full of curiosity and wonder.
It was the look in Ever's eyes as she constantly appraised the forest canopy. It had to have been the highest she'd ever seen. He expected she'd at least read the stories. But what about the forests of Coerthas? Hadn't she seen those before the Calamity had reduced them to a wintry wasteland? She'd had to have been shut up in a castle not to have ever seen them in her life. It struck him, then, that she must be the runaway bastard of a noble lord. Didn't it make perfect sense? Not that it was any of his business, mind. It just went such a long way to explain her–her–unusualness!
"You're doing it again," said Ever, with much annoyance.
"Huh?" He blinked. "Oh… Sorry."
"You mustn't stare at a lady, my friend," said H'zula, with a small smile, "unless you are following behind her."
S'dennmo stopped in her tracks. "What did you just say?"
"I jest, my lady." He bowed deeply. "You have a lovely gait, by the way."
S'dennmo didn't look convinced, but did not acknowledge him. Then, a gasp. "It's there! Let's hurry! There are others waiting!"
The first party he spotted consisted of an elderly Elezen man and his granddaughter. He recognized them, to his surprise, from the band of adventurers lingering outside the Sastasha Seagrot; but Eyrisunn had been quick to usher the grandfather away, worried for the old man's health. A second party comprised two lady hunters and their Roegadyn leader, the lot of them rallying each other's spirits. Biff could tell from their well-worn armours that they were adventurers of experience. Perhaps they could hold their own. He flashed the Roegadyn man a smile, happily receiving one in kind. Good man!
The last was a party of four, amongst whom the common sight of a tank chastising his healer took place. Come to think of it, were they the very same pair he'd seen at the seagrot, too? He moved to look closer, but Ever grabbed his wrist, tugging him along with the rest of the group. He only hoped they were not the same people. A group like that was destined for tragedy. Also, the thought of missing out on yet another chance to tell off that bold, buggering bunghole stung rather bitterly.
The Wood Wailers standing guard of the Deepcroft asked few questions. They required proof of permission, which was reasonably provided, courtesy of Miounne; but as S'dennmo, H'zula and Ever passed into the chamber, Biff watched an air of stiffness collect around the guards, turning their faces stern. People had disappeared down here, he had heard. Some returned as ghosts. Undoubtedly, the wailers had heard the stories.
"The Lambs of Dalamud," mused Ever, resting a hand upon the deck of gilded cards in her pocket. "I don't understand how one falls into such a life. Are they tempered?"
"Aye," said Biff, "some of 'em."
"Even if they had been," said H'zula, "Dalamud has fallen, hasn't it? It seems to me, were that the case, they would have been freed, or they might have summoned another Dalamud."
"Ain't how temperin' works, though," said Biff.
"I always thought they were unwell," said S'dennmo, drawing her bow. "Vulnerable people who needed to believe in something to strengthen their resolve."
"Aren't people supposed to believe in themselves?" Ever raised her eyebrows.
"You say that like it's easy." S'dennmo laughed. "Not everyone believes in themselves from the get go, you know? Most of us are looking for someone or something to guide us, or companions or careers to define us."
"Aye, there's truth in that," agreed Biff. "A man on his own is just a man. A man with comrades at his back is a happy man."
That was the right thing to say. It was the truth, after all. No man is an island. Ever was smart, anyroad. She would understand.
"But who would choose cultists for comrades?" spat Ever, frowning. Oh. This was different. She gesticulated with her long, stringy arms. "Are people so feeble minded that they actually believe these murderous fools?"
"They're people who are vulnerable," said S'dennmo, softly. "People who have nothing left."
"Not everyone is so fragile." Ever drew forth a brilliant, gilded starglobe. Her magicks shone bright at its core, propelling its various compass arms. So doing, she strode further into the crypt, descending into the darkness. An Elezen of great height, haloed by the shine of her own magicks, she cut a regal figure against the hard, brick walls of the cave.
"I can't say I disagree with her," chuckled H'zula, trotting eagerly after. His countenance brimmed with the enthusiasm of an admirer.
S'dennmo's face twisted disdainfully, though it lacked any sign of aggression. Her ears, flattening against her hat, and her swishing tail, betrayed the sting of her heart. She had put herself on the line. She had opened herself up and been met with insult. Ever didn't mean to hurt her, he hoped. He hoped. She didn't seem like the insensitive type, from what he could gather.
"She ain't ready to understand," said Biff, hearing the silence. He had to say something. "Maybe she will, one day. It ain't like ye said a thing wrong."
S'dennmo patted his arm and smiled faintly. "You don't have to say that, Biff. Let's just make sure we don't get left behind, lest they get into trouble."