We’re back! on! track! Let’s goooooo
I guess canonically the WoD arc (3.4) comes before Zurvan (3.5?) but oh well.
Y’ever go to, like, a museum in Europe and look at those suits of plate armour with the chemical etching all over? Gorgeous. (This one’s from the Gravensteen in Ghent)
Chapter 43: The Demon of Meracydia
Chapter 44: The Arrow
Dinner with Aymeric was as lovely as it always was, Achiyo reflected as she sipped her wine. The food was delicious, and Aymeric’s company was as pleasant and heartwarming as ever. Though… she was finding the red wine a bit strong-bodied for her taste. She preferred the white wines, but that would apparently not go with the red meat, slow-cooked in exotic spices and more wine until it was nigh-falling apart on the plate… Kekeniro and Vivienne were with her this time; R’nyath, who often also came, was busy with Hilda, and Vivienne had put on a show of reluctance but agreed to take his place. The dogs, Tempête and Tonerre, lay on the rug before the fire, remarkably well-behaved.
There was something troubling her. She had been studying Ishgardian etiquette for a little while now, so that she might be as well-behaved a daughter to House Fortemps as she had ever been for the Kensaki name – not that she was planning to give up the name Kensaki, she treasured it as a memorial to her parents, her father, that her clan was not wholly extinct in the world. But the rules were very different here, and she wanted to know them. And Aymeric was not following them as laid out in the books.
She had read, that if a nobleman wished to court a noblewoman, then he should visit her in her family’s home, and spend time with her in the company of others, or under the supervision of a family member. Which seemed excessively stuffy and in a way very blunt, but if that was how things were done here-! Yet Aymeric, despite his connection with House Fortemps, had only visited them for dinner once since Heavensturn, and had not really spoken with her much at that time. At least Ishgardian courtship was not Doman-style courtship, which often involved several rounds of matchmakers before the couple involved even spoke to each other. She did not know Hingan traditions that well, having not been of age while she lived in her birth country, but she thought they were similar to Doman ones.
To be fair, most noblewomen were not also mercenaries, gallivanting about the land slaying monsters; not that they were bound to their homes – indeed, Ishgardian noblewomen seemed more free in many ways than Doman noblewomen, and some were even esteemed knights such as Lady Laniaitte – but Achiyo was in yet different circumstances than they were. And it would be strange for her to begin refusing his invitations and making him come to her, especially after she had already accepted so many. Especially since she didn’t know if he was courting her. But one reason why she didn’t know if he was courting her or not was because if he was, he wasn’t doing it by tradition.
Perhaps he thought those traditions were old fashioned. Perhaps he thought she wouldn’t know or care, being a foreign mercenary, and she hadn’t known until very recently, that was true. Perhaps he did not want to advertise to the rest of the world what he felt, for whatever reason. Perhaps he just wanted to spend time with her without limiting them both by awkward rules. Any of those reasons she could understand and approve of. A foolish part of her wanted to suggest that maybe she was courting him, a female knight courting a lord as a male knight might court a lady. Though if that were the case she would have to be more assertive, shouldn’t she?
Perhaps he wasn’t actually courting her and she had read the situation all wrong for months, that he was just happy to have a new close friend. Perhaps she should come right out and ask for clarification- no, her own Eastern etiquette rebelled at that. To ask directly was the height of indelicacy.
She was definitely overthinking it, and it was well for her that Kekeniro was telling again the story of how he had met his wife. They had together already told Aymeric of facing Zurvan, leaving out the most concerning details, and now Kekeniro spoke of when he first left the Black Shroud and ventured into Thanalan, woefully underprepared, set upon by bandits, and saved by a beautiful woman who drove them off with her sword.
“Your tale is romantic from beginning to end,” Aymeric said in admiration. “I can think of nothing finer than the pledge the two of you made to each other.”
“Thanks!” Kekeniro said, and winced. “I’m not always very good at living up to it, though.”
“I thought she moved to Mor Dhona to keep a better eye on you,” Vivienne said, her elbows on the table.
“She did,” Kekeniro said, smiling happily. “I’m not getting away that easily. I don’t want to, for one thing.”
Aymeric laughed. “I must say, your spirited accounts always come as a welcome change from the arid reports which fill my days. Though I have lived in these lands my entire life, to hear you speak of them, there is much and more I have yet to see. Truly, yours is a marvellous journey.”
“I wish you could come with us,” Achiyo said. “You would ever be very welcome to join us.”
“Yes, that would be fun,” Kekeniro said.
“I wouldn’t kick you out,” Vivienne muttered. “Better than Tam.”
His face lit up in a completely unguarded smile, a sudden delighted laugh, and her heart jumped in her chest. “Well… truth be told, when I think back on the sweeping vistas of the Churning Mists, I do feel some slight pangs of wanderlust… Alas, much as I would like to accept your invitation, I fear my present duties with the House of Lords demand my undivided attention. Someday, perhaps.” Already he was packing away his excitement with wistful resolve, and that retreat pained her a little to see.
“And the Temple Knights,” Kekeniro said. “I guess there’s not so much for them to do now, though.”
Aymeric looked into the middle-distance, considering. “Lucia and Handeloup could manage them. If I truly wished to get away. You have the right of it, but not completely; there is little to do for any of our knights now. The whole of Ishgard’s formidable war machine is suddenly without grist, and there is little worse than a bored army. Thus I have tasked Lucia to continue drilling them rigorously. I do not think we are ready to disband them entirely. We do not know what the future will bring.”
“You’re thinking of Garlemald?” Vivienne asked.
Aymeric sat back and steepled his fingers. “Aye, they have been in my thoughts – for though they may not threaten us directly, I know the Alliance considers them their greatest foe, and we may be asked to aid against them. The rank and file question my wisdom – in the wake of Nidhogg’s first defeat, the political situation was so confused that I partly let slide their discipline until his return. That is not the case now, though peace is truly achieved at last. I have not told them this, however, only Lucia and Handeloup. I do not wish to bring more fear into their lives. I only want them to be prepared – and occupied in the meantime.”
He bowed his head a moment, closing his eyes to think – then opened them and looked intently at them. “By your deeds, you have all helped us to lay the foundation for lasting reform. The formation of the republic is but the beginning, for it is not only our system of governance which must needs change. We the people must learn to let go of our hatreds and rise above our bloody past. I only pray that I live long enough to see us achieve some measure of success – that I might know the lost did not die in vain.” His serious mien shifted into a soft smile. “I can still see you there, on the Steps of Faith, striding fearlessly towards the wyrm. If you could do that, who are we to balk at the challenges ahead?”
He was on a roll now, and none of them made a move to interrupt him. “The question of how best to strengthen ties with the other great nations of Eorzea has been debated at length in the Lords and Commons of late. As you may imagine, maintaining stability during this period of historic upheaval is our paramount concern. Nevertheless, we are greatly indebted to the Alliance for their support during the grand melee, and it would be remiss of us not to repay their faith in kind. Of course, we owe you the greatest debt of all, and it is my hope that in extending our support to you and the Scions, we might also express our gratitude to our neighbours – nay, our fellow Eorzeans, whom we pray you will continue to protect. The Lords and Commons agree on very little, but not a soul in either house begrudges your order this offer of patronage. For all you have done and will do, we thank you.”
“You’re talking like a politician,” Vivienne said uncomfortably. “Stop it.”
Aymeric glanced down, chastened. “My apologies… I forget myself. You are my friends indeed, not my fellows in government. Very well, then. Ishgard will support the Scions of the Seventh Dawn in their future endeavours… and I will support you, my dear friends, in whatever I can.”
“Better,” Vivienne said. “Not that we need pledges or anything. All I mean is that I did what I did for you, and for the friends I made in Ishgard – not for the country. Not for faceless masses. Especially high-born ones.”
“I’m just happy we’re friends,” Kekeniro said, smiling. “Remember way back when we first met, and we were talking about how we both most wanted to bring all our fighters back home? I knew we were going to be friends then.”
Aymeric smiled. “I do remember. Haurchefant had spoken so highly of you, I was wishing to be acquainted with you more than anything else in the world. It has been everything he promised and more.”
“You’re such an idealist,” Vivienne said to Kekeniro. “But then I’m the one most likely to die again.”
“You need a different panic spell than Living Dead,” Kekeniro said.
“That’s all I have – you think I have the power to cast Hallowed Ground? That takes astral affinity, and that’s the opposite of what I have…”
Aymeric turned to Achiyo as the others began to banter about strategy. “Lady Achiyo… may I ask a personal question?” Eh? What was he asking, here, in front of everyone?? She nodded. “Now that the dust has settled, what will you do? Not as a Scion, I mean, but… what do you want for yourself?” His voice was so soft, so informal, so intimate, his blue eyes gentle and mesmerizing.
Her breath caught a little. What did she want? No one had ever asked her that before, out of a genuine desire to simply know. He truly did care for her. It took her a long time to answer. She… didn’t know. It was true nothing immediately loomed on their horizon – the Warring Triad was gone, Nidhogg was gone, Diabolos was gone, Alexander contained. Hildibrand was a minor concern. The Ascians would return ever and always, but perhaps, she might dare hope, not immediately.
She had not really thought about it. Would she stay in House Fortemps, integrate into her new family, into Ishgardian society, learn to become an Ishgardian lady? Would she lay aside her weapons and armour, her mercenary past? Or would she find herself unable to resist the admitted pleasure of travelling with Chuchupa and the others, learning to fight for enjoyment as well as survival, finding Ishgard too confining for her?
What did she want… Did she have the courage to say she wanted to stay near him?
She looked up at him. “I…”
The door opened abruptly and a knight strode in, clad in House Fortemps colours, breathing hard. The dogs lying before the fireplace started to their feet in surprise. “Lord Commander, pray forgive the interruption!”
“News from House Fortemps?” Aymeric asked, calm and controlled. If he was disappointed not to receive her answer, he was hiding it well.
“An urgent message for the Warriors of Light,” said the knight. “I was instructed to deliver it without delay. Master Thancred returned to the manor a short time ago, bearing an injured maiden. Master Leveilleur and Mistress Tataru are tending to her wounds, but they like not her chances. Respectfully, my lord, they have requested the Warriors’ immediate presence.”
“Who’s the girl?” Vivienne asked, already rising.
“I did not see her myself,” the knight said.
“My apologies,” Achiyo said to Aymeric, putting aside her serviette and following Vivienne. “They would not call for us were it not important.”
“No apology is necessary,” Aymeric said. “I shall go with you.” He looked like he wanted to say something further, his hand in his pocket, but even as she looked at him, he withdrew his gaze and turned to the door.
Coats were hastily brought, and the knight led them at a brisk pace through the evening streets to Fortemps Manor. R’nyath met them from the city below on the way, having been alerted as well via linkpearl.
They came into the drawing room and found Thancred and Count Edmont standing a little apart from Alphinaud and Tataru, who knelt beside…
“Is that…?” Aymeric began in surprise.
“Alisaie!” Achiyo exclaimed, hurrying to her beside Alphinaud. Alisaie lay insensate on a sofa, mumbling in uneasy sleep. Bandages were wrapped about her right shoulder, spotted with blood. It had been many moons since she had last seen the young woman, and to see her like this…! What had happened?
“Alisaie, Alphinaud’s twin sister,” Thancred explained to Aymeric. “She ran afoul of the Warriors of Darkness.”
“What!?” Vivienne cried, though trying not to raise her voice and disturb Alisaie. “I’ll kill them.”
“I’ll help,” R’nyath said, coming to stand behind Achiyo. “Nobody messes with Alisaie.” He pulled out his astrologian globe and began to look Alisaie over.
“I thought I was forgetting something,” Kekeniro said. “What were they doing?”
“I had been tracking them since the ceremony at Falcon’s Nest. Little did I know I was not the only one. Evidently she had learned of their activities and attempted to shadow them on her own.” Thancred’s voice turned sardonic with disapproval. “Poorly.”
“Okay, lay off,” R’nyath said sharply. “We’re not all trained to be spies.”
“Then she should have sought me out first rather than run after them recklessly,” Thancred snapped back. “I rescued her in the Twelveswood, and together we fled north. But though I made every effort to cover our tracks, they caught up with us on the Ishgardian border, and in the ensuing struggle, Alisaie took an arrow to the shoulder. ‘Twas only after we had made good our escape that I realized it was poisoned…”
Alphinaud stood and turned to face them. “Thank you for coming so quickly. And you, Ser Aymeric.”
“Think nothing of it,” Aymeric said. “What is her condition?”
Alphinaud looked down anxiously. “We have done all we can for now. Although the immediate danger has passed, the poison yet lingers in her blood…”
“Yeah, I’m sure you tried Esuna already, but it’s not having the effect I would like,” R’nyath said, lowering his globe. “We need a real healer like Rinala. I just ask the stars for combat shields.”
“I called her,” Tataru said. “She is on her way.”
Alphinaud looked at his sister again. “We came to Eorzea together, hoping to bring salvation to the realm our grandfather gave his life to protect. But when confronted with the bitter realities of its politics and its petty powermongers, she was driven to anger – and to doubt. She refused to become embroiled in what she termed Eorzea’s ‘squabbles’, and distanced herself from the Scions. Though she remained hopeful of a brighter future, she would walk her own path. Would that it had not been so perilous… For all our differences, she is as dedicated as any Scion to the salvation of Eorzea. But more than that, she is my sister… To be reunited with her, only to lose her forever… Gods, even to speak the words…” Alphinaud stifled a sob.
“Then don’t speak them,” Vivienne said. “She is a strong woman. She will not go gently into the night.”
The door opened and Rinala ran in. “What happened? Oh, Alisaie!” She dashed over to the sofa, already raising her staff. “Oh, that’s… that’s some nasty poison.”
“Yeah, I thought so,” R’nyath said. “Should we just let her rest?”
“I’ll stay with her,” Rinala said.
“Yes, we can take her to a bedroom, perhaps?” Achiyo said. “Mine is close, I shall make it ready-”
“W-Wait…” Alisaie rasped, reached out to grab her sleeve weakly. “D-don’t go… Please, come closer…” Achiyo and Alphinaud leaned in, their heads nearly touching, so Alisaie would not have to exert herself too much. “The Warriors of Darkness are in league with the Ascians… Slaughtering the primals is but the first step in their plan…” She paused for breath. “They make for Xelphatol to bring about Garuda’s summoning… And to kill her… You must… You must stop them…” She closed her eyes again.
Achiyo looked around at them. “Where is Xelphatol?”
Count Edmont frowned. “Xelphatol? Warriors of Darkness? What is this all about?”
“The Warriors of Darkness are as a mirror to us,” Vivienne said. “They have the Echo as we do, and slay primals as we do… and they have tried to kill us at least once.”
“Xelphatol is in the east of Coerthas, north of the Black Shroud,” Tam said, putting his head through the door. “Nice place if you like mountains. Hello, everyone. Oh, Alisaie’s back.”
“Alisaie is wounded,” Vivienne told him angrily. “Shut up if you’re not here to help.”
“I will help,” Tam said with sincerity. “Though I am sure I cannot help with her injury. What shall I do?”
“If you intend to make for Xelphatol and challenge the Ixal, challenge Garuda, then I feel certain that all the Warriors of Light should be available to do so,” Aymeric said. “Therefore, rather than having Rinala stay behind to watch over her, I propose that Mistress Alisaie be moved to the infirmary at the Congregation, where she will be attended by our most skilled chirurgeons. Captain Whitecape shall treat her as my personal charge. Take heart, Master Alphinaud.”
Alphinaud let out a sigh. “Yes. Please take care of her.”
“I shall inform the others at once, and try to get Aentfryn and Chuchupa to come quick as they can!” Tataru said, and hurried out of the room.
Aymeric turned to Thancred. “Master Thancred – I would ask that you accompany Mistress Leveilleur to the infirmary. Your knowledge of her injuries may well prove useful in determining her treatment.”
“Of course,” Thancred said shortly.
Aymeric went to Alisaie and began to remove his coat. “It is a long walk to the Congregation. I would spare her the chill of the eve…”
“Here,” Achiyo said, shedding her own more quickly – she was the closest present in height to Alisaie, and she would be changing into armour in a few minutes anyway. Aymeric accepted her coat and helped her to wrap Alisaie in it. When Alisaie had been well bundled, they all stood back, and the House Fortemps knight picked her up gently in his arms. Together with Thancred, they left the room.
Alphinaud watched them go, twisting his fingers together. “Surely, surely they won’t let her…” He caught Achiyo’s eye and sighed again. “Yes, yes, I know. We must trust in Captain Whitecape and his chirurgeons. Did they not bring Estinien back from the very brink of death? …I am uncomfortably reminded of how he mocked me for praying at his bedside for so long.” He shook himself and straightened. “What say you, my friends? Shall we turn our attention to a matter whose conclusion we yet have the power to influence?”
“Though I am not sure I grasp the full implications of her words, I know we dare not ignore them,” Aymeric said.
“Aye,” Alphinaud said. “Alisaie risked her life to uncover this plot, and we squander her gift at our peril. How far is it to Xelphatol?”
“Given that Ishgard shares a border with the Ixali homeland, we have a vested interest in the outcome of this ritual,” Aymeric said. “We have been willing to suffer the beastmen’s intrusions into Coerthan lands to a point, but the summoning of a primal is an escalation we cannot abide. You shall have our fastest airship. The mountains of Xelphatol are not easily traversed, and this endeavour demands all haste.”
R’nyath frowned. “I’m not sure that’s going to work. The Ixal have pretty good flying machines themselves. We might be faster on foot.”
“We’ll definitely be faster on foot,” Tam said. “I’ll lead you. I’ve been there.”
“Would you? You have my thanks,” Achiyo said. For once, Tam was volunteering information instead of ‘letting them figure it out on their own’. She wondered what had prompted this change of heart.
“Where is it?” Rinala asked. “Isn’t it going to be a long journey?”
“Not longer than those Warriors of Darkness will have,” Tam said. “There’s a mountain pass east of Camp Dragonhead by which featherless ones can enter – if you’re stealthy, persuasive, or very strong.” She wondered by which stratagem Tam had entered previously… or if he had been all three at different times.
“In that case, I shall send instructions for a contingent of the camp’s knights to be placed at your disposal,” Count Edmont said. “They will secure you safe passage through the mountains, and escort you thence to Xelphatol. Though my men are unqualified to confront a primal, they are more than capable of contending with the Ixal.”
“We should be glad of their assistance, Lord Edmont,” Alphinaud said.
“In the event Mistress Alisaie regains consciousness, we will share with you any additional information she may provide,” Aymeric said. “May the Fury watch over and keep you safe.”
“Then I must see if my armour is repaired yet,” Achiyo said, and hurried out.
Her gambeson had been patched, but there had not been time to make her a new breastplate, and there was not much of the right size for her. With the aid of a pageboy, she hunted around the armoury, but the armour for adults was far too large for her, even the ones for Hyurs, and the armour for children, while still good quality, was not intended for front-line combat, and did not accommodate her tail anyway. She was about to give up and Teleport to Limsa to see if H’naanza herself had anything decent in stock, since the Crozier was not like to have anything for her either, when Artoirel came in.
“I have just heard the news,” he said. “You seek new armour?”
“There does not appear to be any that will fit me and my tail,” she said, getting up from searching low shelves on her hands and knees. “I was about to visit Limsa…”
He frowned. “The armour you wore to the grand melee. Where is it?”
Of course, she had forgotten. That would do. Artoirel joined in the search. “I must offer my apologies, Achiyo. Your own armour should have been replaced with all haste, and it is our shame that it was not.”
“Not at all,” she said. “How could you know we would face trouble so soon? And so soon after facing such a deadly fight as Zurvan?”
He pressed his lips together into a thin, displeased line. “You are a knight and a hero. Your heart calls you ever to fight in the defence of others. We should have been prepared for anything to happen, even if our own lives were without incident.” He pushed aside a rack of adult mail. “Ah, here it is.”
He himself helped her into her armour, belted her sword on as if he were her own kosho – a squire, they were called in Ishgard. “Thank you,” she said, taking her helmet in hand. “I feel ready now.”
“You look every bit a knight of House Fortemps,” he said, with a little smile, and it was true – Fortemps mail, Fortemps shield, Artoirel’s own sword. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Come back safely, little sister. I don’t want to do anything drastic.”
“I shall not abuse my privilege as little sister, onii-sama,” she joked back. “Do not fear for me. I expect Kekeniro will ask Vivienne to take the lead on this one.”
Xelphatol was a strange, twisted land, sharp mountains and sheer gorges with swift rivers at their bottom, through which a narrow path zigged and zagged until it reached the settlements of the Ixal. It was strikingly majestic, the ancient cliffs towering above them, the proud Ixal structures seeming to float in the air. Some of them actually were floating in the air. Achiyo wondered if this were not wrong, to be invading their very homes like this, but Tam led them by routes away from the main roads, cleverly evading many of the Ixal guards, and knocking out the few that could not be avoided before beckoning the rest of them onwards. All of them, for Alphinaud had come too, determined to do whatever he could for Alisaie rather than wait once again in useless uncertainty.
Of course, once they were spotted, there was nowhere to hide. The alarm was raised, and then they raced for the mountaintop above the village, an unstoppable deadly charge, and though the Ixal screamed in rage and banded together against them, throwing goobues and dirigibles full of soldiers at them, ever the Scions cut through their lines.
At the mountain’s peak was some sort of Ixali priest, cold aetherial winds blowing about him as he prayed to Garuda, and already the Scions could see her form taking shape in the wind. Then Alphinaud hung back with Kekeniro, as the others sprang forwards onto the wooden platform of the ritual, engaging the priest and his guards in battle. At this point, the outcome was no longer in doubt, and when the winds of the ritual died, the remaining Ixal scattered, not wishing to challenge them further.
“So they were unable to see the ritual to its completion…” Alphinaud said, coming forwards to join them with Kekeniro. Achiyo looked out from the platform, across the expanse of the mountains; truly a breathtaking view as any in the realm. “Then Garuda is no longer a threat, and whatever the Ascians and the Warriors of Darkness were planning has come to naught… But we should not tarry.”
Rinala made a noise of alarm, and they all turned to see the Warriors of Darkness approaching up the ramp to the platform. Six of them now, the five before and another Elezen, grey haired, grey robed, and grey masked.
“Well, well… What do we have here?” called the Hyuran warrior, the one who resembled… a man Achiyo had once known. “You’d better not have killed the primal without us!”
“You!” cried Alphinaud and Vivienne at the same time. Vivienne drew her sword. “I’ve heard a lot about you and your so-called Darkness…”
Their archer peered at Alphinaud with a smirk. “Wait, I know you! Still walking, I see. I could have sworn my aim was true…” Alphinaud bared his teeth in an angry snarl.
One by one, the Warriors of Light began to draw their weapons. They slightly outnumbered the Warriors of Darkness, but Achiyo had not forgotten how hard they had been put to it before – when they had also outnumbered them. And on this wooden platform…
The Roegadyn paladin glared at the new Elezen. “Just what is your game? Leading us the long way, so these fools could step in and claim our prize?”
The Lalafell healer put out a consoling hand to the paladin. “Now, now. Let’s not make hasty accusations. By the look of things, the ritual was proceeding as planned. We arrived at the appointed hour. ‘Twas they who erred.”
“Can we face them all?” Alphinaud asked.
“We can and we will,” Vivienne said. “Be ready, Kekeniro-”
“Do my ears deceive?” cried the enemy archer. “A boy! So that’s the way of it. Twins! You had me worried for a moment there. Know that I will happily make it quicker for you… if you just stand still.” She drew her bow; Vivienne stepped in front of Alphinaud with her sword raised. But the grey-haired Elezen put out a hand to stop the archer.
“Enough, J’rhoomale,” said the warrior sharply. “We wouldn’t want to upset the man in white with any unnecessary bloodshed, now would we?” The archer reluctantly lowered her bow. Vivienne did not move from her high guard, but Achiyo knew she was not going to attack alone.
The warrior’s voice was laced with equal parts sarcasm and bitterness as he turned back to them. “You’ve been awfully busy since we were kind enough to spare your lives.” That… was not quite how she remembered it.
“While you were idly consorting with the Ascians, you mean?” Alphinaud said. “Seven hells! What could you possibly hope to achieve!?”
The warrior shrugged at them. “Should I explain it to you? Very well. Consider it a reward of sorts for beating us here. You know the tale of Hydaelyn and Zodiark, I take it. Of the great sundering, and the reflections it created?”
“Across ten and three they were divided,” Alphinaud said slowly. “Reflections of the Source, each possessed of shards of Light and Dark…”
The Hyur nodded. “Just so. One of those reflections – the one nearest to the Source – is our home. And we were the heroes blessed with Her Light.” The Scions all flinched in surprise – though that made sense, Achiyo mused. They had the Echo, they had experience in slaying primals, they were unknown in the… the Source. She lived in the Source, right? She still wasn’t quite sure about that; she kept meaning to ask the others. How did one know which reflection one lived in?
“But not all worlds hold Light and Dark in equal measure,” the warrior continued. “In ours, the power of Light was greater by far. So the Ascians who once threatened our home were no match, and they fell before us, one after another, till none were left. Victory, we thought… …And then came the Light – a flood of pure, blinding radiance, annihilating shadow and colour and life itself. Ere long, it will consume our world, leaving naught in its wake but blank perfection.”
Alphinaud gasped. “That- That cannot be! Do you honestly expect us to believe such a story!?”
“Unukalhai,” Rinala said.
“Alphinaud wasn’t there to hear Unukalhai,” Kekeniro said.
“Believe what you like,” said the warrior. “But it has happened before, on a world far removed from ours. The Thirteenth, which was swallowed by the Dark, and transformed into what you call the void. Unchallenged Light would condemn us to a similar fate. And so we joined hands with our former enemies, and with their aid came here… to the Source. For there is but one way to restore the balance and save our home: the Ardor. Calamitous destruction with the power to break down the barriers between planes, and see our worlds rejoined.”
“I’m not an expert or anything, but that sounds like it wouldn’t save anything,” Tam said.
“You would doom our world to save your own!?” Alphinaud cried incredulously. “What would even become of us? Of you?”
The warrior waved dismissively. “Enough. I tire of talking. You know our cause. You know what is at stake. We are prepared to do whatever it takes! Are you?” He Teleported, and one by one the Warriors of Darkness blinked away – except the new Elezen.
Alphinaud glared at him. “If there is aught you would say, say it. Otherwise, begone. You have no friends here.”
The Elezen hesitated a moment more, then followed his companions.
“Do you think it could be true?” Alphinaud asked, turning to them. “That to save their world, they must bring ruin to ours?”
“Not a sodding chance,” Chuchupa said. “Sounds like they’re in a bind, but how does that make it right to screw with us?”
“I bet the Ascians are lying to them,” R’nyath said. “Desperate heroes… they’ll do anything, right? What would we do, if it was our world?”
“I have to say, it doesn’t sound like they know what’s going to happen either,” Kekeniro said, writing in his grimoire.
“Even if they’re not lying, it’s too much,” Rinala said. “We can’t let them hurt our friends either.”
Alphinaud nodded in agreement. “Such wanton destruction is beyond justification. Whatever their reasons, they must be stopped. The sacrifice, the loss – it ends here.”
Though to Achiyo, it sounded like either way unimaginable numbers of people would die. She did not know what the answer was. All she did was fight primals.
“I’m just mad we didn’t fight them,” Vivienne said. “Maybe this wasn’t the place, but how long do we delay repaying them for Alisaie?”
“We should not stay here,” Aentfryn said, cradling in his arms the baby piglet he had rescued from a crate on the way in. “Do you have the strength to Teleport out, as they did?”
“The Camp Dragonhead knights will still be waiting at the bottom of the pass,” Tam said. “The Ixal won’t bother us on the way down. Go ahead and Teleport if you’ve got the energy; if not, follow me, I’ll get us back before nightfall.”
They rested the night at Camp Dragonhead, and then in the morning journeyed back to Ishgard, heading immediately for the Congregation.
Aymeric was not in the common area, but apparently someone had sent for him when they arrived, because he came down from his office in haste a few moments after they entered. “Scions! It brings me joy to see you safely returned. What news from Xelphatol?”
“Garuda’s summoning was halted,” Achiyo said. “We were in time.”
“Thank the Fury,” Aymeric said. “On behalf of Ishgard, I offer you my deepest thanks. As for we who remained behind… Mistress Y’shtola has been tending to Mistress Alisaie in your absence, and I am pleased to report that she has regained consciousness. Come, let me show you to her room.”
“I cannot express my relief,” Alphinaud said, following him up the stairs. “Thank you for all you have done.”
“Do not worry,” Aymeric said to him. “Her condition is much improved. She is a resilient one, much like her brother.”
“Do you have time to spare?” Achiyo asked Aymeric in a low voice. “There is more to tell, which we do not fully understand ourselves. We met the Warriors of Darkness again…”
He blinked in surprise. “Aye, that must needs be discussed, and you have the right of it – it should not be spoken of in the hearing of all. I shall attend you.”
Alphinaud burst through the indicated door. “Alisaie! How are you feeling?”
There were Tataru, Y’shtola, and Thancred at Alisaie’s bedside, and Alisaie herself sitting up on the edge of her bed and conversing with them in a lively way. She smiled at Alphinaud. “Well enough, Brother, thanks to the kindness of our hosts.”
“Ah, have you met Ser Aymeric?” Alphinaud asked, glancing up, though Aymeric seemed content to remain in the background for the time being.
“We have been introduced, yes,” Alisaie said, and looked around at the Warriors of Light. “They told me you had departed for Xelphatol while I was still abed. I slept much better knowing that. Thank you.”
“Good to see you again, Alisaie!” R’nyath said, echoed by happy murmurs from the other Warriors. “It’s been a while.”
“Not since we delved into the Coils to confront Bahamut together have we all met at the same time,” Alisaie said, smiling. “It seems an age ago.” She gestured to the side. “Thank you for your coat, Achiyo, ’twas much appreciated.”
“You are most welcome,” Achiyo said, going to collect her coat.
“I take it your mission was a success?” Y’shtola said impatiently.
“Yes, but when the threat of Garuda was ended, the Warriors of Darkness came upon us,” Achiyo said. “They said to us strange things…” She gestured to Kekeniro to summarize.
The other Scions listened closely. “…As if we needed any further confirmation that they are in league with the Ascians,” Thancred said. “But to save another world? …I think not.”
“I too thought his story fanciful at first,” Alphinaud said. “But it is possible there may be a kernel of truth in all of this. At the very least, none of his claims contradict the account of the Word of the Mother.” Minfilia… Achiyo glanced at Rinala, saw her bite her lips together.
“You were following these people, Alisaie,” Y’shtola said. “Why?”
“During my travels, I had oft enjoyed tales of the Scions and their exploits,” Alisaie said. “But after a time, I began to hear whispers of a gifted, and theretofore unknown, band of adventurers. Adventurers who had supposedly sworn to travel the realm slaying primals in the Scions’ stead.”
“As if we wasn’t on top of it!” Chuchupa cried. “The gall.”
“The Warriors of Darkness…” Alphinaud said. “And in the course of investigating these rumours, you stumbled upon the Ascians’ involvement.”
Alisaie seemed to take a long time to think about that. “…Yes. Exactly.”
“Forgive me,” Aymeric broke in, “but if these Warriors of Darkness mean to bring about another Calamity, to what end do they hunt primals?”
“To prompt an escalation,” Alisaie said. “To deepen the beast tribes’ feelings of helplessness and despair, and thereby drive them to summon ever more powerful gods. And lest we forget, these events do not occur in isolation. With their patron deities being slain left and right, the news of man’s victory over Nidhogg must surely have sown panic in the minds of the beastmen. ‘Tis no wonder they wish to defend themselves.”
There was a flicker in Aymeric’s eyes, and he closed his eyes to think. “Power answered with greater power, death with more death. A vicious cycle fuelled by fear and hatred. I know it all too well.”
“Indeed,” Alisaie said. “The Ascians sow discord and desperation, and the Warriors of Darkness reap the harvest. And so it continues. Yet that is not the extent of their ambitions. The Ascian himself observed that once the powerless beastmen realize that the old gods have failed them, they will have little recourse but to look to a new one.”
“Ummm?” Rinala said in shock. “How do they do that?”
“The power of imagination,” Tam said, only mostly sarcastic. “Or one the Ascians themselves suggest, like as not.”
“We cannot let that happen,” Y’shtola said.
“It should come as no surprise, but Alisaie and I have uncovered evidence that the Ascians have been manipulating certain parties to ensure that a constant stream of crystals flows into the hands of the beast tribes,” Thancred said. “If we sever these supply lines, we should at least be able to slow the escalation.”
“Agreed,” Y’shtola said. “Krile and I shall journey to Xelphatol and learn what we can of the Ixal’s source.”
“Tam, would you be willing to lead them there?” Achiyo asked. He had been so helpful to them, surely he would be even more so to a smaller group.
Tam sighed. “If it gets me away from here, I’ll lead you anywhere you want.”
“I appreciate it,” Y’shtola said, shades of tartness colouring her tone.
“Then I, for my part, pledge to lead a similar investigation into the origin of the Gnath’s supply,” Aymeric said. “And to ensure that the Vanu Vanu are not a part of this web.”
“Ser Aymeric?” Alphinaud said.
Aymeric nodded decisively. “As a member of the Eorzean Alliance, Ishgard is honour-bound to play an active role in maintaining the security of the realm. You might also say that I have some personal motivation, given the Ascians’ dealings with my father. However, I make no secret of the fact that my knowledge of primal beings is scant at best. As such, I should be most grateful if one of your order were to assist me.” He glanced at Achiyo, but he was quick to pass his gaze over her to the others – and she would gladly stay to help, but she was not well-versed either in politics, magic, or the beast tribes. She would not be much help even if he did ask.
“Allow me, Ser Aymeric,” Thancred said, stepping forward. “I have dealt with the Gnath before, at least.”
“My thanks,” Aymeric said to him with a little bow.
Alphinaud turned to Achiyo. “Let us consult with Urianger, then. Given his dedication to the study of primal beings, I should be surprised if he could not tell us something of value.”
Alisaie stood. “Allow me to accompany you, Brother. And before you think to refuse, know that I am not the girl I once was. I shall not be a burden – you have my word.”
“But Alisaie, you-” Alphinaud started, and broke off as Alisaie glared at him. He smiled. “…You are more than welcome. After all, it was you who set us upon this path.”
“Wait a minute!” Tataru cried, bouncing up from where she had been listening quietly. “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to leave just yet – not until you try on the new outfit I prepared for you!”
R’nyath chuckled. “All right then, everybody out! I can’t wait to see!”
“Ah, that does remind me,” Aymeric said to Achiyo. “Lord Artoirel sent word, in case you did not return to Fortemps Manor first – your armour has been repaired. Replaced? Your armour is made ready.”
“Ah, thank you for telling me,” she said. “I shall go there at once.”
“You look well as a knight of House Fortemps, of course,” he said, glancing at her borrowed chainmail. “But you are renowned as the Silver Lady of the Scions, and I for one shall be glad to see you looking yourself again.”
Her armour was not particularly special-looking, certainly not in comparison to his beautiful, elaborate armour. Was this how he prised blushes from her, by complimenting her perfectly ordinary gear? “Th-thank you, Aymeric-sama. Alphinaud, I shall be back shortly.” She hurried out in search of an aetheryte.
She was not long; her new breastplate, bright new silver, with a little more engraving than the old one, was otherwise identical to put on, and she returned to the Congregation bare moments before Alisaie descended the stairs from the infirmary.
“My apologies for keeping you waiting. Right, then. Shall we be off?” Alisaie put a hand on her hip, which only helped to show off the new outfit – a heavy fawn-brown wool coat with an asymmetrical collar, a short dark pleated skirt, and long black-and-red tails that swished behind her as she walked. The skirt was perhaps a bit short, in Achiyo’s opinion, showing long stretches of bare leg, but Alisaie didn’t seem to mind. Achiyo wondered if she’d mind more once they got outside into Coerthan cold.
“Dayum, girl!” R’nyath cried. “Stylish!”
“It suits your confidence,” Vivienne said, which surprised Achiyo, that the Dark Knight would take an interest.
“Tataru never ceases to impress,” Alphinaud said, looking her over. “Though, for a moment, I feared she might furnish you with an identical outfit.”
“Praise the Twelve that she did not!” Alisaie cried, with a relieved eyeroll. “Mother and Father were rather too fond of making us wear matching clothes. Do you remember that time at the Studium when that girl of yours crept up behind me in the hall and whispered-”
“Sister, please!” Alphinaud exclaimed, blushing bright red. “She was not my– Ahem, can we not have this conversation in front of the Warriors of Light!?”
Alisaie shrugged with a coy smile. “So be it. Another time, perhaps.” She turned to them. “To be honest, I wasn’t planning on seeking you out just yet. When I set forth on my journey, I did so with grand ambitions. As you may recall, I promised I would not disappoint you… I pray you will forgive me if I do.”
“We are glad to have you with us,” Achiyo said, smiling. “It has been too long since we last journeyed together.”
“Someone needs to keep Alphinaud in line,” Aentfryn said, and Alphinaud blushed again.
“Welcome to the fight!” Chuchupa cried, punching the air.
“New garments aside, I must say that you seem different,” Alphinaud said, recovering himself. “More… resolute than when last we met. You have the look of a woman who is ready to fight for the future of Eorzea.”
“To the extent of my abilities, perhaps, but I have no delusions of grandeur,” Alisaie said. “Nor will I pretend to have ‘found myself’ or any such thing. I am here today because I would regret it if I weren’t. That is all.”
“Fair enough,” Alphinaud said. “Then if we are all ready, shall we be off?”