Chapter 2: The Figure in Black
Alphinaud was up before the sun the next day as he finished his last minute packing, making sure that he had enough clothes and books for an extended trip on the off chance that negotiations went on longer than expected. Despite what he told his sister last night though, he still made sure to pack his favorite quill and stationary to write home to his family just in case for the same reasons. All that was left was for him to dress and be ready to head out the door when the ship was ready to leave.
He spent that time pacing around his room, all but anxious to set off, and when the first rays of warm sunbeams finally peeked into his room, he dashed downstairs to greet his family and the servants.
He had managed to beat everyone save for his father, who had presented to him the robes that he was expected to wear upon his meeting with Lord Vauthry and Alphinaud looked over them reverently before his mother and sister joined them at the table.
Mother insisted upon one last breakfast together before they left and so they did enjoy some food as she fussed over his hair and tied it up with a blue ribbon during the next hour or so while they ate.
"Mother, it's going to be a three day voyage on the ship," he reminded her with a smile.
"It doesn't mean that you can't look the part during those three days," she said as she smoothed out the collar of his robes lovingly. "Now you be sure to be polite and respectful. But also to enjoy yourself. Take the time to get to know the people and enjoy their food. Make sure that you eat well while you're away. Maybe I should pack a lunch…?"
"Mother," he groaned, but he was still smiling even as one of the servants came into the dining hall.
"Forgive the interrupting, Lord Leveilleur, but it seems that Mistress Krile has just arrived," the girl informed them.
"Ah, she must be here to escort us down to the docks," father said as they all stood up together. "Alphinaud, you go and collect your things, Alisaie, go and speak with Krile until your mother and I join her?"
"Yes, father," they both said and they left the room together to enter the main hall where a familiar figure was waiting for them. The Students of Baldesion were a group of researchers who had a great deal of influence in Sharlayan and many of them were so knowledgeable that they were often asked to come and give lectures at the Studium. Krile was one researcher, and both twins got along with her almost immediately upon their first meeting as she was giving a lecture upon aetherology during their first day.
In fact, she had been there the moment that Alphinaud proudly proclaimed to their teachers his life's goal and that caused the Lalafell to instantly be drawn to them—never passing up an opportunity to remind him of such embarrassing words. Alphinaud quickly greeted Krile before he went rushing upstairs and collected his bag. Though he had left behind most of his clothes, it was still an impressive amount that he was able to fit into his bag and had to really struggle just to get it off the floor.
Hoping that Alisaie didn't make too much of a deal of this, he successfully dragged it out of his room and down the stairs to where he heard Alisaie asking Krile what she knew of these distant lands.
"Have you been to Norvrandt before, Krile?" Alisaie asked curiously.
"No, but my grandfather had been," she answered back fondly. "The part of Norvrandt that we will be visiting is just off the mainland of Norvrandt, known as Kholusia. The city we will be going to is known as Eulmore, that is where Vauthry rules over as king. We will be arriving at the docks and then travel by carriage across Kholusia straight to the city itself. We should be able to get a clearer view of the lands there and see what else plagues them."
"Well, that sounds like a plan," Alphinaud said as he approached and dropped his bag next to him.
"Well, well… how are we feeling today, Alphinaud?" Krile said brightly when she saw him and eyed him up and down before acknowledging, "Seems that someone is ready to go."
He could only beam back excitedly as the earring his sister gave him the night before glinted a little in the light and asked, "You are ready as well?"
"Of course," she said. "I was going to bring my things, but one of my associates promised that they would bring it down to the docks for me and that it would be better to collect you in person."
"To make sure that my brother's sense of direction didn't get him lost on his way down to the docks?" Alisaie asked brightly.
"I do not have a bad sense of direction!" he countered hotly.
"Well, why are you getting so defensive about it?" Alisaie teased. "Besides, how many times have you gotten turned around inside the Studium because you had your nose in a book?"
Alphinaud opened his mouth to argue but the doors to the dining hall opened again and his parents appeared, his mother carrying a box in a carefully wrapped handkerchief while his father held a few documents in his hands.
"Good morning, Master Leveilleur, Madam Leveilleur," Krile said with a polite curtsy.
"Now, now, enough of that Krile," mother chimed sweetly. "It's just Ameliance to you. And good morning to you also. I trust you slept well?"
"Well enough," Krile said happily. "I was so excited though, truth be told, I could barely sleep. I had long wanted to visit Norvrandt myself so when I heard of this meeting, how could I not volunteer myself to go?"
"Truly, it puts my heart at ease to know my son will be in capable hands," mother said as she handed out the box to Alphinaud and added, "A little something to snack on during your trip. I made sure to add plenty for both you and Krile. This should last until you reach land."
"Thank you, mother," he said, truly touched as he took the box from her.
"And these are the documents that the Forum plans to offer to Lord Vauthry on the trade routes and exchanges," father added as he held them out to Krile to take since her hands weren't full. "I expect you both to memorize them as well before presenting them to Lord Vauthry. We feel that we are being very fair in both sides of the agreement, of course please let Lord Vauthry know that we will be open to future discussions and that he may take his time in considering our proposal. If he has any problems or questions, I trust that you can set his mind at ease. I expect to hear good tidings upon your return?"
"Of course, father," Alphinaud promised, eager to look over the forms himself when they were on the ship.
After that, it was another round of hugs from his family before they accompanied him to the docks, where several members of the Forum were already waiting for them as well. Alphinaud felt his heart about to burst with pride as they greeted him as if he had just been welcomed into the Forum himself, and added a few helpful bits of advice and words of praise before the sailors were calling out that they were boarding now.
Before they did however, Master Montichaigne approached with an elderly man that Alphinaud had never seen before. He was a tall Hyur with long silver hair, with a matching goatee and mustache, with grey eyes and rather pale skin. The center of his face was scarred, as if he had taken a sword or claw directly head on, while also carrying himself with the type of stance that one would expect of an old solider. Alphinaud had a guess to who he was when he saw the black and purple garments with golden accessories—markings of Eulmore—and looked to his aged face, finding it looking so hard and cold that it was as if it were carved out of stone.
"Alphinaud, this is General Ran'jit," his teacher said to him, making the introductions. "He is the emissary that Lord Vauthry has sent to us and he will be here to serve as your escort and guide through the lands of Kholusia."
Alphinaud bowed at the sight of him and answered, "Tis a pleasure to meet you, Master Ran'jit."
Ran'jit didn't answer him right away as he looked him up and down with a critical eye, as if trying to detect something wrong with him. But it seems that he passed the test for he sighed and said, "He will do. I can't imagine that she would have too much to complain about."
Alphinaud tilted his head in confusion to that before Ran'jit went on, "If the Forum has decided that you are the man for the job, then let us board already. I fear that I have been away for long enough and must return to my lord's side."
"Of course I understand your eagerness to return," Alphinaud answered. "I look forward to your company upon our journey back."
Ran'jit just gave him a hard look before he turned and went straight for the ship, leaving the rest of them a little taken aback by his abruptness.
"Unfriendly that one," Krile muttered under her breath.
"Yeah, I wonder what kind of stick got shoved up his…?" Alisaie grumbled before she was silenced with a warning look from her father.
"Yes, I fear that he had grown even grumpier during the last month," Master Montichaigne sighed with a shake of his head. "To be honest, I'm not sorry to see him leave. But still, he has come highly recommended, having been a veteran hero of Eulmore for many years. I do believe that you both shall have a safe passage with little troubles."
"Well, if that is the way of things, let us hurry before they leave us behind," Krile chirped up eagerly. "I'm quite looking forward to how this story will end!"
After he stowed his things down below in the room he was going to share with Krile, he went running back up top to stand on the deck as everyone began to wave him off. The sun had fully risen now and there wasn't a cloud for malms around as the sky was a blue as the ocean. It even felt warmer than usual this day while a wonderful salty breeze whipped his air about him and the cries of the gulls could be heard over the small crowd waving him off.
"Make sure to take care of yourselves!" his mother called with a radiant smile, "And you better have packed a coat because it can get chilly going someplace new!"
"I did!" he lied with a smile.
"And make sure to have a few adventures while you're there so you can tell me all about them!" Alisaie called. "And Krile! If he starts getting cocky, just give him a good hard poke in the side of his head! That works for me!"
"Will do!" Krile promised with a thumbs up as Alphinaud groaned. Until the very end… his sister had to embarrass him.
But still, nothing could stop the smile as he waved back, feeling a little nervous and excited at the same time as he felt the ship beginning to leave the shore—where his eyes found his father's—who was smiling back proudly and the sight was enough to make him feel this wonderful glowing sensation in his chest.
He just stood there and waved at them all and before he knew it, the people were mere ants in the distance and the city he loved was no bigger than a child's dollhouse. He smiled sadly at the sight of it as it continued to shrink more and more until finally it was nothing more than a tiny speck in the distance… and then it was gone.
He remained on deck for a time, still staring off in the distance, his emotions all mixed together by now before he forced his head to turn and gaze down to Krile as he asked, "May I be allowed to see the documents, Krile? I wish to look over them and see what the Forum has offered."
Krile just laughed and answered, "You can look over it tonight, Alphinaud. We only just left Sharlayan and already you're thinking of working? Just be patient and enjoy yourself. This is your first time on a ship, isn't it? So don't just stand there, have a look around, enjoy the view and the ocean."
She looked over to Ran'jit, who was leaning up against the cabin wall with a grumpy appearance as if he couldn't think of a worse place to be right now and she added quietly, "Something tells me that we're going to need it."
All in all, the journey across the sea wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either thanks to their guide.
Upon first meeting him, Alphinaud had the impression that Ran'jit had very little sense of humor. And it turns out that wasn't the case. Not only was he humorless but he was bitter and hardened to the point that Alphinaud couldn't help but wonder if the man saw the good in anything.
Alphinaud tried his best to strike up conversations with the man during the entire journey, looking for something that he could use to lighten the mood—but the entire time he just got the sense that Ran'jit was here only because he was ordered to do so. He would answer Alphinaud's questions about Norvrandt, but it was always in a short, gruff manner like he was answering things to a child who was wondering why their blocks fell over.
It was not a pleasant experience to be around him, so he decided to spend the days on deck with Krile so that they could get away from their salty friend, and the two would pass the time talking about the many different types of books that they had read and even made recommendations to each other. Also, Alphinaud was allowed to look over the documents like Krile promised and he was so excited to see the many different things that Sharlayan was willing to offer.
"The Forum seems to be very generous," he said as he flipped the pages over. "True that many the resources they are offering can easily be cultivated in Labyrinthos, but it almost feels a little overly generous?"
"That's the point," Krile answered. "So that Vauthry will have little reason to want to argue with them. Norvrandt has always held a level of fascination over the Forum and the people of Sharlayan as a whole, and you will be hard pressed to find a larger library than the one in Eulmore, save for the one found in the Crystarium."
"And the Crystarium…?" he asked slowly.
"The largest city in Norvrandt," she answered back as she enjoyed some of the cookies that Alphinaud's mother packed for them and their delicious smell of cinnamon drifted about them on the wind. "It lies much farther in upon the mainland, of course, and the Forum would certainly love the chance to be able to make exchanges with them as well. But with it so far on the mainland, the only reasonable way that we could come up with trade routes would be either by airship or, more conveniently, if we were able to gain a footing in Eulmore as a go-between."
"So if we can acquire their cooperation in Eulmore, then it will only be a matter of time before we are able to reach out to the Crystarium," Alphinaud said in understanding. No wonder the Forum was taking this so seriously! If anything, this made his goals to succeed even more important!
"One step at a time, Alphinaud," Krile reminded him patiently after swallowing her cookie and dusting off her hands of crumbs. "Instead of looking ahead to the next venture, we need to focus on the one we have now. I'm afraid that any plans to reach out to the Crystarium will be all but fruitless if we cannot obtain Eulmore's cooperation."
At the reminder, Alphinaud cleared his throat and nodded, eager to get back to work.
The weather continued to remain nice for almost the entire trip, so much so that they were told that they would arrive at Gatetown, the main docks of Kholusia, a little ahead of schedule, and be there just before sunrise on the third day.
Alphinaud was once more feeling his excitement rise as he went below deck to rest that very night, but found he could not get any sleep as he listened to the ship swaying back and forth in an almost comforting way. It was still early in the morning when a bell was rang, signaling for them all to get up because land had just come into sights. He jumped up and was the first one to race to the deck to see the dazzling lights in the distance.
He was taken aback by the bright city and spotlights that shone even from this faraway distance while the vivid decorations of gold and purple seemed to make it stand out in more ways than just it being night. Well, he saw the lights first before the actual shore and he had to squint at the blaring illuminations after being used to the dark for so long. Music played even from this far away that made him imagine that the town was in the middle of a grand celebration.
He certainly wasn't in Sharlayan anymore, was he?
He leaned far over the railing, trying to get a better view despite the risk of falling overboard, but it looked like some kind of party was in fully swing right now, at least that was what he could tell from this point. But to his surprise, the ship was turning from the land and away from the city of lights as it sailed along the dark shores that looked even darker than usual thanks to the glare from Eulmore.
"Why are we veering off course?" he asked as Krile came up onto the deck with Ran'jit, looking as grumpy as ever.
"Because while that is the castle and the main city," Ran'jit answered in annoyance, "They don't have docks for us to disembark from. We must do so at Gatetown, which is farther north. I have already called ahead with a linkpearl to let them know that we have arrived, so we shouldn't have to wait for a carriage when we get there."
That was good to hear. Ran'jit certainly didn't waste any time. He made to compliment him on how capable he was, but instead the General told them to wait for the carriage on shore and he would join them once he finished speaking with his men over the linkpearl. With the promise of solid ground waiting for them, the two did as they were bid and waited as they soon came to faint lights upon the shore that were waiting for them.
When they finally stepped off the ship, they were met with a surprising sight.
Instead of a small port or town like he was expecting, Alphinaud and Krile were met with a town that looked like it was just barely being held together by boards and rope. To say that the buildings were shabby would've been kind. They looked as if children merely put pieces of driftwood together to build little huts or hideouts to play it. Alphinaud really hoped that no one actually lived in them… they all looked like they were one strong wind away from falling over like a house of cards. The more he looked around though, the more he could see that this wasn't just because of some preference of decorum. He could see people dressed in dirty and poor clothes, most of them looking a little on the thin side s they huddled around campfires as they talked with each other. Some were hard at work by nailing more boards together but it seemed that they ran out of nails and instead were using ropes that had seen better days to hold things in place. The moment that the ship came to rest at the docks, the people turned their curiosity over to them as they stepped off deck. Alphinaud suddenly became very aware of the fine clothes that he was wearing and felt anxiety bloom in his chest.
"What's going on here?" he whispered to Krile as they headed to the stairs. "I heard that the lands were thriving these days?"
"If they consider this to be prosperous, then I hate to imagine what they looked like before," Krile couldn't help but whisper back in agreement as they stepped onto the creaking dock that made Alphinaud fear that it wouldn't be able to hold up their weight with how it seemed to bend beneath their feet.
They were both nervous as they looked around, hoping that the carriage that they were promised would be here soon. Behind the feeble shacks stood a large, stone gate, signaling that this town must have been more prosperous than it was now at some point in the past. But even that looked to be woebegone from age and missing bricks here and there as shadows danced upon the rough surface from the flickering campfires and torches, making it look almost ghoulish in this low light.
But the people seemed to be far more interested in him than anything else around them, and Alphinaud shifted uncomfortably at the many eyes looking at them. Apparently, they were attracting more attention than he first thought for suddenly two figures, dressed in bright purple armor, stepped out from the shadows of the gate and were clearly coming towards them.
Though he had never seen them before, he recognized the colors of Eulmore and reasoned that these two must be soldiers from the army. The idea that they had at least a few guards here made Alphinaud feel a little bit safer as they approached.
"What brings you here, boy?" one of them, a stocky Miqo'te, asked gruffly, frowning a little at the sight of him. "Very few royals come this far out of the goodness of their hearts."
"Oh, I'm no royal, I'm here sent as a representative of Sharlayan," Alphinaud answered back quickly, hoping that they weren't causing any trouble. "We're accompanying General Ran'jit all the way to Eulmore to discuss possible trading routes with Sharlayan. He told us to wait out here for a carriage?"
Both soldiers looked surprised at this but they nodded, telling them that they would go and check outside the gate for any signs of a carriage and that they were to wait here.
Alphinaud sighed in relief, glad to be able to move forward so suddenly as he turned his attention back to this 'Gatetown' and wondered what was taking the General so long. As his eyes drifted over the little huts once more, he couldn't help but wonder what was happening to these lands if this was considered to be 'acceptable'? Surely Lord Vauthry was aware of how run down this town was? Surely he would be doing something to help support the people here?
But as he waited there, his long ears were able to pick up a little on what the guards were whispering to each other and picked up the phrases: "I don't know, you think that the General is really with them?"
"Why would they lie about that?" the second guard, an Au Ra man, grumbled back.
"Still, seems a bit fishy to me. I don't know, should we tell our friend about this? She would probably be interested to hear about some foreigners coming without warning?"
"Not tonight, she's busy," he heard his friend mutter back quietly. "She was called off to Tomra because of a horde of…?"
"SIN EATERS!"
The sudden shout caused Alphinaud to jump and spin around while the two guards stopped dead in their tracks when a man, looking terrified, came barging through the damaged gate, screaming that there were several—sin eaters he called them—heading this way and they best seek shelter.
Shelter? Where? These shacks couldn't keep the wind or rain out, much less defend anyone from attacking them? He didn't know what a sin eater was, but judging from everyone's terrified screams, it couldn't be good.
The gossiping guards sprang to life and were already drawing their weapons as they ordered everyone to hide while they took care of the abominations. That was when Alphinaud saw them, all but flying through the gates themselves. They were creatures that looked as if they were carved from perfect marble, white as bone, with grotesque features as they came slavering in through the doors. Krile let out a terrified gasp as he froze on the spot, staring at the monsters as the people bolted for anything that could offer even the tiniest amount of protection, while the creatures rampaging wildly.
There had to be close to ten of them at least, and the guards were hard at work killing off one apiece. But there were so many of them that the two guards were quickly overwhelmed and were being pushed back as they tried to fight their way out. The Au Ra man was battling with his third sin eater while the Miqo'te fought to try and kill his second.
But with him distracted from one pair of claws slashing at him, another sin eater came up from the side and rammed him over. The guard hit the ground hard and rolled, clearly dazed as his sword went flying out of his hands. But the two creatures were far from down as they ganged up together, Alphinaud could practically see saliva dripping from fangs as they bore down on him.
"No, don't!" he cried, moving forward to help, but he hadn't taken so much as two steps when something else came charging up from behind the sin eaters and one of the monsters let out a death song of agony before it fell. As it hit the ground, Alphinaud could see what had happened—the creature had been impaled from behind with a massive sword. One so large that it was as tall as him and looked so sharp that it seemed to glimmer in the faint moonlight.
Upon seeing the creature die, everyone, even the monsters, all turned their attention to the figure standing over their slain enemy. Alphinaud stared as a figure, robed in darkness, stepped forward, holding the blade aloft with both hands, walking in a circle as they drew the ire of the beasts.
The stunned guard looked up, and at once, it was as if any fear seemed to leave him as he recognized his unexpected savior.
"My thanks," the guard hissed in pain as he held onto his wounded arm. "Sorry for causing you trouble."
The figure didn't answer them, they only gestured for them to move, which the two guards seemed to understand and did was they were told, backing away even as the lone figure stood against to the half a dozen monsters that still remained.
Who were they? They didn't seem to be a Eulmorian solider, but then why were the two guards following their orders? And more importantly, what were they thinking, leaving them to face the rest of this horde on their own?
He tried to take another step forward but Krile was pulling on his hand, trying to get him to come with her and out of danger. But that was when the true fight began.
Alphinaud could only stare on in awe as the figure swung their blade about, striking at the monstrosity closest to them, taking them out with a single strike and quickly getting the other sin eaters attention. They all turned, suddenly charging at the figure as everyone else bolted from the battle. But the figure wasn't at all daunted as they struck back, their blows deadly and strangely beautiful as they danced upon the battlefield while surrounded on all sides.
The way the figure moved… every form and as precise and deadly as a bird of prey on the hunt… as elegant and graceful as any dancer… the power that clearly shone from them was bright enough to light up everything around them even as they wore the darkness so lightly as if it were simply a jerkin…?
So transfixed upon the figure slaughtering the final sin eater in sight, he wasn't paying any attention to what was behind him—which was a mistake for another sin eager, came sneaking up behind him and he almost missed it had he not heard Krile's voice call out, "Alphinaud! Look out!"
He spun around as the white creature was directly above him, its claws raised as it brought them down. Alphinaud shut his eyes, preparing to be struck down there and then when…?
He heard the horrible sound of claws digging into flesh and a gasp of pain, but it was not his own as he was suddenly knocked off his feet and hit the ground. There was then the shriek of the dying creature and he opened his eyes to see what was going on. The dark-clad figure was there, panting hard with their sword drawn and the creature lying behind them as its already began fading back into aether. The figure moved carefully, where Alphinaud spotted blood from a wound on their shoulder and back as they slowly stood up and he understood what happened. The warrior had got him out of harm's way by tackling him to the ground, taking the hit meant for him from the monster, thus getting injured in the process but was still somehow able to land a killing blow.
He gazed up at the darkness-clad warrior, whom turned his head to look back down at him. He couldn't see their eyes through their helm, but he knew that they were staring directly into his own. There was then another shout, at least he thought that it was a shout since his head was ringing, but the figure's head jerked up to something over Alphinaud's head.
Apparently satisfied that they were alright, they bolted when Ran'jit finally appeared, bolting straight after them as the figure spun about and disappeared into the darkness itself.
"General Ran'jit!" one of the townsfolk called, "Please! They just saved us! Surely you can let them go?!"
Ran'jit ignored them as he ran off after the warrior, yelling something back at him and Krile as Alphinaud shook his head, taking a deep breath and trying to get back up. As both Ran'jit and the warrior disappeared, Krile was at Alphinaud's side in an instant as she checked on them.
"Are you alright?" Krile asked quickly as Alphinaud nodded, still a bit out of breath from being tackled, but nothing was broken.
"Yes, thank you, but I'm fine," he reassured her as he rolled onto his knees, still holding his ribs, but was able to muster back to his feet. "But more importantly, what was all of that?"
"I'm not sure," she said worriedly as talk was already spreading amongst the people.
"That was the Warrior of Darkness again!" he heard someone in the crowd cry out.
"The Warrior of Darkness! Oh, what a relief! I knew that he would come to save us!" a woman cried out in relief.
"Yay! They were so cool!" a child spoke up and before Alphinaud even finished adjusting his robes, everyone was talking about what happened and there were cheers at having been saved from the invading monsters once more.
This continued on for a few minutes before Ran'jit reappeared, stepping back through the gates and did not seem happy to hear all the excited whispers as he barked at the crowd, "Everyone! Return to your homes! The danger has passed and you can rest assure that Eulmore's army will make sure that no more are on their way! Just leave now!"
At the order, everyone seemed to realize who he was and instantly backed off, returning to their little shacks as they continued to talk more and more about how they were saved by the hero in black.
After Alphinaud caught his breath, Ran'jit had come over and asked, "Are either of you hurt? If not then go and wait onboard until things have calmed down. Now."
It wasn't just an order, it was a demand, and one whom suggested that they weren't going to like the outcome if they didn't do what he told them. Alphinaud nodded and they both hurried on board the ship where things felt a bit safer. He retreated back to their cabin with Krile as she looked over him, trying to make sure that he wasn't hurt.
It was about twenty minutes of fussing over him before he let her look over him before she realized he was telling the truth that he wasn't hurt. Some slight bruising from where he was knocked to the ground, but that was it.
"I was afraid that figure was going to kill you too," she said as she held up her hand to help ease the already bruising on his ribs. "Who was he?"
"I don't know, but he didn't hurt me," he reassured her. "If anything, I'm certain that I would have been seriously hurt had they not intervened when they did… if not outright been killed."
"Thank heavens for that," she sighed as she seemed satisfied that he was still in one piece. "Had you died just as we landed then I don't think I ever could show my face in Sharlayan again. Much less against your family. They would have killed me."
He smiled at that as he thought with worry to the shrouded warrior and remembered the blood from their injury. He prayed that they weren't badly hurt because of him, while also offering an unspoken word of thanks to being saved last moment from those light-robed figures.
"Who were they I think is a better question?" he asked.
"Sin eaters," barked up a gruff voice and they looked over at the doorway to where Ran'jit was there, dusting off his clothes and smoothing them out before he stood at attention. "Creatures affected by light-aspected aether. This is what becomes of those who are corrupted by such light. Their numbers have dwindled greatly in the last hundred years or so, but I'm guessing that these creatures were starving and came from the mainland to feed. Rest assured that the few that invaded here are already slain and we shall search the land to make sure that any others that may still be nearby will also be dealt with accordingly. Now with all that taken care of, the carriage has just arrived and is waiting for us. Gather your things and meet me there immediately."
"But what exactly are they?" Alphinaud pressed on even as he reached for his things in the overhead.
"Just as how voidsent are begins warped by primordial darkness, sin eaters are living beings warped by primordial light. While many appear more beautiful than their voidsent counterparts, they are really no different. They exist for no other reason than to feed on aether, including living aether. They are monstrosities that have no thoughts of their own. You are fortunate to come out unscathed," he answered. "I would take care from here on out if I were you."
He then turned and left the room, taking them both by surprise as they glanced at each other. Krile then shrugged and stated, "You think that he would've warned us that such creatures exist here? Or at least make sure that we're alright?"
Alphinaud could only shake his head, privately thinking of what his sister said before leaving and truly beginning to think that there was some kind of stick shoved up his…?
His thoughts were interrupted when the bell ran from the mast overhead and they both jumped up, grabbed their bags, and proceeded to leaving the ship with the rest of the crew. Though with the attack still fresh in his mind, Alphinaud was still very much on edge and didn't think that he would be able to relax until they got to the safety of the castle walls.
It was with some relief when he saw how there was a large carriage being pulled by two large chocobos already outside the gate waiting for them and they quickly got on as the driver shook the reins. The birds gave out loud kwehing noises before they felt the cart being pulled off into the direction of where the city of lights they saw from the ship was located. Despite the mixture of anxiety and exhaustion, Alphinaud couldn't help but lean his head out a little to watch the lights grow ever larger and the music more noticeable than ever.
At this point, the sky was slowly starting to appear lighter upon the horizon with every second that past and even the music seemed to quiet a great deal the more that they traveled and he wondered if the celebration was over? He then turned to look around the land as they went up a steep incline that overlooked the area. Though still dark, he could just see the outline of everything around him, and realized how everything looked very dry and sickly—which made him frown at the sight.
He then began to ask all sorts of questions of the people and the difficulties that they faced from Ran'jit, hoping that he could tell them something. But as with his behavior from the ship, his answers were very brief and simplistic—as if he truly didn't care for the answer.
So Alphinaud tried instead to ask more of the industries that were found here or of the farmlands, for despite the dryness around them, he could see large fields stretching out, looking perfect for cultivating. But still, Ran'jit's answers were so abrupt that Alphinaud couldn't help but feel concerned. If Lord Vauthry was as stubborn as his General then he feared that his task wasn't going to be nearly as easy as he hoped it would be.
He kept his mouth shut then as he leaned back in his seat while Krile waited patiently next to him. But to Alphinaud, it all seemed very strange in that Ran'jit didn't seem that interested in showing Alphinaud around these parts or even tell him about it. He seemed eager to return home as quickly as possible. Ah, perhaps it would be someone else giving him a tour of these lands? Perhaps he was on the lookout for anything else happening? Whatever the reason, Alphinaud found his thoughts drifting back to the warrior dressed all in black and how they danced amongst those light-aspected monsters while saving those people.
Alphinaud was still mesmerized by the idea of this vigilante who was able to take care of those raiders single-handedly. Even some of the best spellcasters back in Sharlayan would have struggled to fight off such numbers with twice the amount of time that the warrior took to slay them—but this warrior killed them all with a greatsword that they swung about as easily as if it were a toy sword?
"This Warrior of Darkness seems to have the people's support?" he asked slowly, remembering how the people spoke of their savior like they knew him… or rather, knew of his reputation and were grateful for being saved like that. Some of them didn't even sound surprised that the Warrior of Darkness came to their rescue.
"They know not what they see," Ran'jit answered gruffly as they made their way across more uneven ground as the road became very bumpy. "The Warrior of Darkness is nothing but a trouble-maker, having caused us no small amount of grief. I can't begin to tell you of how much of a mess that they have made. They only appear at night, winning support from the masses, and causing many to start to rise up in rebellion. We've even had entire stocks of food and supplies stolen right out of Eulmore and distributed across the Norvrandt. As if we aren't having a hard enough time providing for our people in the city itself?"
Alphinaud frowned at that. While he could understand the Warrior's thinking, if they were also causing harm to others, he could understand why the army was so worried.
Still, he could not deny one thing. The Warrior of Darkness had saved his life.
…
The carriage arrived just as dawn appeared, and by that point, most of the lights and music had faded from the city itself and Alphinaud had wondered what the celebration was for. He wanted to ask, despite feeling that Ran'jit wasn't going to be so friendly with an answer, but Krile beat him to it.
"It certainly sounded like it was an exciting gala last night," she said curiously. "Pray tell, what was the cause for it? As far as I know there is no holiday being celebrated this time of the year…?"
"There is no need to have one," Ran'jit answered back gruffly. "There is honestly no need for an excuse. This is the city of desires and such celebrations are common enough."
Truly? Surely they would be struggling to hold such celebrations all the time? Alphinaud frowned, wondering what else he was about to learn of this city. Soon enough though, their carriage halted outside the tallest building of a vast, sprawling city set up upon white cliffs over the ocean itself. The city's buildings all looked to be connected with bridges and walkways that were suspended over the water, looking almost gaudy with its bright purple and gold colors. But as for the palace, it was a building that was set upon the land itself, just overlooking the rest of the city below them. There was a tall gate with five or six tall towers directly beyond them seemed to challenge the sky while all of it was surrounded by a thick wall to protect themselves from all manner of invasions.
They had made it.
Once the carriage stopped, Ran'jit promised them that they would have rooms ready, giving them time to rest and recover from the earlier 'excitement'.
"I will report to Lord Vauthry and explain everything to him. But he will undoubtedly wish to meet with you in person later on. I shall come to collect you sometime this afternoon," he explained as they disembarked. "Your things will be brought up to your rooms as well. So take this time to be able to relax and enjoy Eulmore's hospitality."
"We thank you for your…?" Alphinaud began but Ran'jit had already moved on ahead of him, having not bothered to listen for any words of thanks. Alphinaud bit back a sigh of frustration as he followed through the front doors.
He looked about at the palace as they approached the inner courtyard after stepping through the main gate while the guards watched on coldly. Inside he was astonished to see the beautiful gardens with tall hedges filled with blossoming roses, so many that he could smell them even outside the wall.
It was beautiful.
"This way," Ran'jit ordered, causing both him and Krile to hurry after his long strides as he guided them past a flowing fountain with sparkling water gently flowing from the images of stone moogles with their trumpeting horns.
"Such a beautiful garden," Krile panted, staring around them as more flowers seemed to blossom the more that they stepped inside. "Your gardeners must truly love their work for them to bloom like this?"
"Actually it is the eldest princess who cares for the flowers so," he answered gruffly.
"She does?" Alphinaud repeated in surprise, having a hard time believing that a princess would be working in the dirt.
"She is… strange in many ways," he confessed. "She certainly doesn't act like how a princess should behave. Even after Lord Vauthry was kind enough to take her in after her parents died, she has done little save cause trouble for us."
Alphinaud tilted his head, wondering what he meant by the term of 'strange' but was very much interested in meeting her when he got the chance. Ran'jit flagged down one of the guards and told him to take their guests to the rooms that had been prepared for them, for he had much work to do. Without another word to the two of them, he left as the guard looked a little taken aback but bowed low when they stepped forward.
"Welcome to Eulmore," he said, a blue-haired Miqo'te said. "My name is Kai-Shirr and I'll take you to your rooms. They have already been prepared for nearly a month since he left. Wasn't expecting you until a little later today though."
"We were lucky to get here so quickly," Krile said as Alphinaud greeted him, glad to see that there was someone here a little friendlier. "The weather was beautiful. And we greatly appreciate you showing us around. May you be able to give us a tour?"
"Oh, ah… well… maybe later?" he muttered before Alphinaud realized that he was holding onto a box of bandages and potion bottles.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked and Kai-Shirr laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head as he shook his head.
"Not at all, it's just that I was just making sure that we were well stocked on medicine and things for the training yard," he answered back. "We get a lot of injuries there from those just joining the Eulmorian army and all that? Especially when the one training them is the General, who doesn't understand the meaning of the word 'restraint'. I figured that with him back, we should stock up now."
"I see, well, we both have a little bit of skill in healing, so perhaps you would like us to come with you and…?" Krile offered.
"No!" he said quickly before he cleared his throat and added in a calmer tone, "No, that is alright. We appreciate the offer, but you are our guests and we can't ask you to put yourself out for us. Come, let me show you to your rooms."
He then quickly ushered them upstairs, as if terrified of being away from his duties longer than necessary. Ran'jit must run a tight schedule for the guards to be so devoted to their work. Krile was clearly thinking the same thing for she suddenly stated, "General Ran'jit certainly seems to rule over his men with an iron fist. He only just returned but he's already hard at work."
"Yeah, shame he couldn't have stayed away for a bit longer," Kai-Shirr sighed at the statement and Alphinaud frowned. What was this about?
Either way, Kai-Shirr led them to the west wing of the castle where he quickly excused himself and let them get settled in. Once they opened the doors to the rooms though, they found them both astonishingly richly furbished rooms. Both were large and luxurious with plush carpets and beds that could easily fit several people all at once. In both rooms there were large fireplaces with some plush chairs set before it with gold trimming upon the walls, floors, and picture frames, and even the rich chandelier that was decorated with pearls.
They certainly didn't waste any expense in making the room feel worthy of a king, didn't they? He happily flung himself onto the bed, feeling as if he had just settled upon a cloud or something equally as soft as he curled up, feeling comfortable and safe at long last.
He was so tired from the night before that he found himself dozing off until he heard a knock at the door and sat up in time to see Krile coming in with a bright smile.
"Oh good, I was hoping to catch you before you drifted off, it would be hard not to do so in a room like this," she said as she looked around brightly. "It looks like my room, only bigger. I guess you get the special treatment."
Alphinaud laughed as he pushed himself off slightly so that his feet were touching the floor again.
"So, Krile, what are we to do now? Ran'jit said that he had everything in hand but…?" he began but she just shrugged.
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Alphinaud, we did arrive very early so I'm sure that we're throwing the servants about in a loop as we speak," she reminded him kindly. "We should rest up and take this opportunity to relax before we're called for the promised meeting. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing well before I go and enjoy that large bathroom attached to my room. But let us go over your speech one more time? Just to make sure that we got it all down perfectly?"
"Oh, right!" he gasped excitedly as he leapt up, feeling his heart racing as he remembered the meeting was sure to take place in just a few hours. Krile took a seat in one of the comfy armchairs and waited as he cleared his throat and began to go over the proposal that Sharlayan had written up for them. He gave many examples, answered Krile's sudden questions, and couldn't help but think that he was very proper and knowledgeable during the entire process. When he finished, Krile could only clap and informed him, "I must say, I think that he would have a hard time saying no to you. You certainly been working very hard for this. Did you ever stop to think of what would happen if you did fail though?"
"Krile," he warned, trying not to dwell on that as she leapt back up and marched over to him.
She laughed and patted his leg in a comforting way, his knees the highest that she could reach comfortably as she reminded him, "Don't try to push yourself. You will do just fine. Just remember to breathe and I have no doubt that you will amaze everyone here."
He smiled, feeling much better after her pep talk, nodding firmly as she grinned again and left him to get ready. He did take the chance to take advantage of the sophisticated bathroom that was decorated with marble and with more gold lining the walls. He sat in the bath for a long time, thinking about the upcoming meeting with both excitement and fear as he went over and over his notes in his mind until he was certain that he would be dreaming of them tonight.
He had gotten out of the tub around the early afternoon and had just changed into his official robes representing Sharlayan when there was a knock at the door and he looked up as he called out who was there. The door cracked open and Kai-Shirr appeared, saluting respectfully as he said, "Sir, I am here on behalf of General Ran'jit. He has asked that I escort you and Mistress Krile to the Canopy to meet with Lord Vauthry."
Alphinaud took a deep breath. This was it.
He could only nod and allowed himself to be guided out of the room as he and Krile, who had been waiting outside in the hallway, all began to walk through the palace once more as Kai-Shirr guided them up staircase after staircase that was just as decorated as their rooms had been. He passed the windows that seemed to cause the stone around them to sparkle as if everything was made of gold, while the glass was so clean that it was as if there were no pane there at all. He had never seen anything like this before in his life.
"Is Lord Vauthry at the highest part of the castle?" Krile asked as she panted slightly to keep up with all the many stairs.
"No, that would be North Tower, but Lord Vauthry's room is a close second," he answered back without looking at them. "Won't be march further now though, at the end of the next corridor will be a lift that will take you directly up to the Canopy. The General will be right outside the doors waiting to enter with you."
Alphinaud wasn't sure if that was better or worse with the knowledge of having that grumpy old man there with them and judging everything he says or does. He blinked, shaking his head in amused exasperation as he realized how much he sounded like his sister. He wished she was here all of a sudden.
But true to Kai-Shirr's words, they did come to a golden woven lift with thick red velveteen waiting for them at the end of the hall and he bowed low as they entered.
"Take care, both of you," he said with worry lacing his tone. Something that Alphinaud probably should have questioned a lot more as the lift's doors closed and they were moving upwards with surprising speed. In fact, before he could even steady himself from the movement of the lift, they were stopping and the doors opened once more to reveal a short corridor with Ran'jit waiting by a pair of large doors that were engraved with Eulmore's emblem.
"Finally," he said grumpily as they approached him. "My lord has been waiting for this. Enter after me, and you best mind your manners."
Alphinaud had to keep his face blank as he nodded, feeling a little frustrated that he was being chastised like he was a child being told to behave at the dinner table. The doors opened and they entered together as they walked into a grand marble hall filled with splendor with enchanting glow from the chandeliers above them.
"Allow me to present to you, the king of our fair Eulmore… Lord Vauthry," Ran'jit stated with respect.
But as soon as they caught sight of the man at the other end of the hall, he felt himself stopping dead in his tracks.
He wasn't sure what he was expecting upon meeting the king of these lands but this… this wasn't it. Vauthry looked like—there was no other way for him to describe it—a blob. Not just fat, but morbidly obese to the point that one had to wonder if he could even move on his own. He was leaning back upon a large carpeted dais, surrounded by finery and silk pillows as he observed him. He was enormous with a belly that looked like could accidently flatten and kill someone should he roll on top of them. He was very pale as if he hadn't gone outside in the sun for years, and he towered over them like a giant from the old fairy tales. He had long blond hair and deep blue eyes as he observed Alphinaud with curiosity, though his head truly looked like a coconut perched on top of a mountain of sand while the fat of his bulk was mostly covered up by black and purple gold-trimmed robes and numerous golden rings upon his hands.
"And may I also present the two princesses, Claire and Ryne," Ran'jit added as he gestured off to the side to two people. Alphinaud was so distracted by Vauthry that he completely missed anyone else in the room, but at the introduction, he turned his head to see that there were two young women standing off to the side of the dais. The younger of the two was dressed all in white with coppery-red hair tied with a pink ribbon on the side of her head and rosy cheeks that gave her a soft and angelic appearance. She looked to be no older than thirteen or fourteen summers old at most, but with the way that her head was hanging low, gave her the impression that she was much younger.
Whereas the woman next to her looked to be in her early twenties, wearing a long gown of lavender with her hair the color of pink cherry blossoms curled into ringlets that were tucked back and pinned in a way that framed her heart-shaped face. He thought that she was very beautiful, even more regal than one like Vauthry, who was dripping with finery and gold, whereas she wore almost no jewelry save for a golden choker upon her neck with a black stone set upon it.
He tried to catch their gaze, but their eyes were both closed as they stood off to the side with their heads still bowed, as if they were just dolls or something set up to look pretty.
He gulped, turning back to Lord Vauthry and bowed low to him as he recited, "Lord Vauthry, what an honor it is to be here in such a grand city of Eulmore."
He wasn't sure about it, but he could have sworn he heard a little tutting noise off from one of the princesses but he ignored it, thinking that he was mistaken as Lord Vauthry continued to gaze down at him with interest.
"So you are the representative that the Forum sent?" he asked in a deep voice that had a strange whiny tone to it.
"I am," he confirmed. "And I am fully grateful for this opportunity to prove myself. Know that I do come and speak on behave of the Forum and I am ready to hear of the difficulties of these lands and its people. But please note that the Forum has already set forth a proposal that may better interest you and your court…?"
But as he looked around, he realized that there was no one else there. Aside from him and Krile, the only other people were Vauthry, the princesses, and Ran'jit. So he asked, "Forgive me, but where are the other members of the court?"
"Court? We have no need of a court here, boy," Vauthry laughed at the very idea as if it was the most absurd thing he ever heard before in his life. "I am the one who rules here. What I say goes. My laws are absolute. My nieces I bring up here to show them how to rule correctly. Do you both not agree?"
At the mention of the women, Vauthy turned his head to them directly. The younger princess shifted uncomfortably as she finally opened her eyes to reveal bright blue orbs that showed both fear and resentment. As for the elder one, however, she was stiff when she opened her eyes, giving Vauthry a rather disgusted look before she turned her head away from him as if she couldn't have cared less about what he thought.
Lord Vauthry rolled his eyes at that as Ran'jit said to them, "You must excuse her. Claire is going through a rebellious phase at the moment and doesn't like to listen to my orders nearly so well as she used to."
He threw Claire a nasty look, but the woman just continued to ignore both men as if they wasn't in the room.
"If you aren't going to take this seriously then I suggest you both leave," Ran'jit barked at them. It seems that was exactly what they were waiting for, because without another word, Claire took the younger princess—Ryne's—hand and turned on her heel as they walked right out. They passed by them on their way though he caught a look at her face, seeing how her large, green eyes seemed to star directly into his soul as she passed, and exited through the doors that they just walked through.
It was all so sudden that Alphinaud wasn't entirely sure that what happened.
"Hah! Despite her pretty face she has quite an obstinate nature," Vauthry laughed. "You think after taking her in out of the goodness of my heart all those years ago would be enough to earn some undying loyalty but no, she just gives me that look that she knows I hate and…?"
"My lord," Ran'jit interrupted calmly. "I understand that you are frustrated by Claire, but may we set that aside for the time being as we discuss more of the upcoming proposal?"
At that, Alphinaud stepped forward and gave a little bow once more as he pulled out the documents and read out everything that the Forum had promised and explained why he felt that the conditions were more than fair. Strangely enough though, it wasn't Lord Vauthry, but rather it was Ran'jit who asked the occasional question during his entire presentation.
Indeed, the king was more interested in eating, swallowing mouthful after mouthful of some kind of rounded bread, while Alphinaud talked. Finally, at the end, he cleared his throat and finished, "All in all, it would be a great service to both of our nations should we be allowed to continue to keep communications open. Do you have any further questions on the proposal? If so, I would be happy to go over it for you…?"
Vauthry finally stopped eaten long enough to look at him through rather shrewd eyes as he asked, "Tell me, boy. Do you love your nation? And what of your family? Are you close to them?"
Alphinaud was surprised by such a question and could only smile at the thought and said, "Of course, my lord. I am proud to have been born in such an amazing city. And I love my sister and parents very much. I hope to be able to show them around your city someday and…?"
"Enough, it seems to me that you fit the criteria that we needed," he said with a wave of his hand. "Very well, you may go back to your room. I shall think it all over. But remind me, you said I can make any adjustments that I desire to this arrangement?"
"I-I well, yes, Lord Vauthry, within reason," he said, pleasantly surprised that Vauthry was so open to the offer. "I was given full authority on behave of the Forum to be able to make decisions for them in their best interests so I should be able to approve of just about any changes or concerns that you have. Anything too large I may have to return to Sharlayan to consult with the Forum in person to gain their full permission, but I promise I shall do all within my power to see that your requests are made."
Was his mind playing tricks on him? He could have sworn he saw something like satisfaction flicker upon the king's face.
"Very well," he said as he shoved another mouthful of the strange food into his mouth. "I shall need some time to prepare everything. You may go. I shall have one of my servants' bring to you food while I decide. You shall have my answer upon the morrow at the earliest."
The meeting ended so abruptly that Alphinaud wasn't entire sure he was permitted to leave. It was only Ran'jit all but steered them from the room, did he know that it was truly over for the day. It was so strange though… it was as if Vauthry wasn't interested in hearing about the proposal at all—or rather it didn't seem to be his top priority. Instead, he was more interested in hearing about Alphinaud himself, though even that was very brief. Had Alphinaud not been so giddy with relief that it was over, he may have thought more to ask questions on why that was relevant?
Still, despite how quickly it was over—not even a full hour—he thought that it all went very well, and he was looking forward to going to bed. They were escorted by another servant as far as to the corridor where their rooms were located before Krile asked their guide to show her a little more around the castle, which Alphinaud encouraged. The servant was surprised but she agreed, and Krile beamed proudly up at him before promising that she would check in on him later.
He walked along the long hallway, holding his head up proudly as the thought of returning home so suddenly would surely impress everyone back home. He had just reached his door, barely turning the doorknob before a voice spoke up from behind him.
"Hey, you?"
He jumped and spun around, watching how a figure was standing in the shadows of a nearby pillar, as if they had been waiting for them. He tensed up as they stepped out of the shadows where his eyes widened in shock to realize that it was the elder of the princesses; and it looked like she had been waiting here for him as she approached, her face very serious.
"Oh, princess!" he said, pleasantly startled as he gave her a polite bow. "What an unexpected surprise! What brings you all the way here?"
She shook her head and raised a hand before answering, "There is no need to be formal with me. My name is Claire."
"Oh, ah… Claire then," he said a little awkwardly before smiling and clearing his throat. "So, how may I be of service?"
"How long are you planning on remaining here?" she asked him, cutting straight to the point.
"H-How long?" he asked before thinking it all over. "Well, I suppose that depends on how long it will take for Lord Vauthry to decide upon the negotiations and…?"
"You should leave now while you have the chance," she interrupted him and he blinked at that.
"Leave now?" he repeated in confusion, "I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean? If I did anything to offend you then I must apologize but…?"
But again she was shaking her head.
"No, it's not that you did anything wrong," she told him, "I am saying this for your own sake. Leave Eulmore now before something happens."
Alphinaud could only stare at her before he felt a sudden heat rising in his belly, offended that she was telling him to leave when he had done nothing to deserve such a rude statement. He had been certain to be polite and use all the manners that his mother taught to him while growing up so he didn't know what he did that would cause her to want him out of the city when they hadn't even been here for a full day yet!
"My lady," he said formally, still trying to keep up appearances of emissary. "I understand that you may be having a hard time accepting any help from outside these city walls, but you need to understand that meeting with other nations is what helps us to grow and change…!"
"Don't you dare talk to me like I'm a stupid child," she interrupted coldly, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Nor should you speak of things that you know nothing about."
"I know what Lord Vauthry told me, how he took you in five years ago," he answered.
"Really? I should have guessed that you were one of his little pets," she said coldly, her hands on her hips. "You so eager for a treat that you believe whatever he says and come to beg for scraps?"
His face flushed red with anger as he countered, "I have yet to see anything to the contrary. Vauthry is very keen on trying to build relations with Sharlayan! He specifically requested someone close to your age so that you could have more in common with me when we met!"
"Wait, he did?" she asked, some of her anger fading to surprise as her expression gave way to thoughtfulness as she muttered to herself, "What is he up to now?"
"I think that he understands the situation in these lands better than you are giving him credit for," he countered smugly as she glared at him.
"Funnily enough, I was not made aware that there would be a Sharlayan emissary coming here until this morning. I had wondered where Ran'jit had disappeared to for the last month, but Vauthry often sends him out on certain errands so I just figured that it would be something else along those lines. So he was out collecting you?" she informed him and he bit his lower lip in embarrassment.
"What's that got to do with anything?" he asked hotly.
"Don't think that you understand these lands woes just because you're well-educated," she countered with an icy tone. "If anything, you're the person who knows the least amount of what is going on in Norvrandt right now and if you know what's best for you then you should leave while you have the chance before my uncle makes you regret it."
"Regret it? Regret what?" he challenged, folding his arms.
"I've seen what he does to those who try to go against him," she warned. "And it is not something that you can forget easily. Please, for your own sake, leave now. You already made your proposal for Sharlayan and Norvrandt to enter trade routes, did you not? Then just tell him that you have an emergency or something and leave on the morrow, tonight if you can manage it. Just let him know that he can take all the time that he wants to in making his decision but that you are expected to return home immediately. And don't come back."
The princess glared at him coldly and he felt himself freezing to the spot before she shook her head and turned away. But before she left though, she turned her head slightly and added, "I'm not saying this to be cruel. I say this out of genuine concern for your wellbeing, for I don't wish to see you dragged into another one of his schemes. You can't trust my uncle. Very rarely does he do things out of the kindness of his heart—if he's even got one. He sees some kind of advantage here by entering a pact with Sharlayan. I don't know what it is that he wants or what he promised you, but you would be far better off not dealing with him."
She then walked away, leaving him alone in the corridor, both shocked and angry before he wrenched his bedroom door open and slammed it shut behind him. He took several deep breaths as he leaned up against the door, trying to relax and calm himself as he slid down to the floor, still breathing hard as he grumbled to himself.
Schemes? She certainly didn't think very highly of her own uncle if she spoke of him with such disgust. But what did she do or say during the meeting earlier? Nothing. She just stood back and let them talk everything out. She didn't bother to ask any questions or make any other suggestions! She didn't even stay for that much! What did she know about anything here?
He would show her. He was entrusted with this task and he knew that he could not fail! His father and the Forum placed a lot of trust in him and he was determined to see this through to the end.
Still, her words seemed to echo in the back of his mind as he went to bed that night, staring up at the canopy of rich velveteen, wondering just why the princess would say such things of her own family? In the end, he just punched his pillow before he rolled over, looking forward to the next day where he could continue to try and impress upon Lord Vauthry the importance of his mission.
No princess was going to tell him what he should or shouldn't do!
(So, already things are seeming fishy but the pampered lordling isn't able to see it yet. You would think that being attacked by some freaky light-aspected monsters the moment that you touch down upon solid ground would be all the 'bad omens' you would need to figure that something bad was about to happen. Either way, he's gonna be in for a world of surprise the next day when Vauthry gives him his 'offer'. Hope you're looking forward to it!)