The group safely landed at Ul'dah and made a beeline for The Quicksand. Inside Reubemont was sat alone waiting for his friends to arrive and greeted them. "I informed Momodi of the situation over at Halatali. Already word has spread to the Sultana who has declared Halatali as a no-entry zone save for any highly skilled adventurers willing to try to restore order back to the training grounds."
Melanie watched as a small crowd of well equipped adventurers gathered in front of one of the notice boards hung up on The Quicksand's walls where numerous orders had been pinned up and began to talk excitedly over the newest entry to infiltrate Halatali.
"It is out of our hands now" Reubemont said. "I propose we finish the day off with a little recouperation time."
"Where did you have in mind?" Johna asked.
"The Gold Saucer" Reubemont replied.
"Isn't that place a den of thieves?" Holskwyb asked with a questionable look on her face. "I heard that the prices were high and the payouts were low, even the larger payouts are rumored to be rigged or at least stacked against the players. But still, I wouldn't mind a little fun even if the odds of winning are against me."
"I wouldn't mind either" Suyaya piped up. "I've been wanting to try one of the newest gates there."
"Then it is settled, let us get changed first into something more casual and meet up at the airship landing in say an hour and make our way to the Gold Saucer" Reubemont said with a slight hint of excitement in his voice.
"You lot can go ahead, I'll be turning in early for the night" Johna said rising up from the table and swinging his satchel over his shoulder. He gave the group a wave and headed over to the staircase leading up to The Hourglass.
"All right, let us get to it then" Reubemont said rising from the table and gathering his belongings. The rest of the group began to follow suite and all headed towards the staircase chatting excitedly.
Once she had arrived at her room Melanie began to sift through her dresser for something to wear. There was so many clothes although not all of them would be suitable for wearing in a desert. She decided on shorts and a tank top with a pair of sandles. She was just about to leave her room when she looked down at the small pouch hanging from her side.inside it was thousands of MGP and a large collection of triple triad cards. She realised that to her friends this would be her first visit to the Gold Saucer and if they were to see all that MGP they would become suspicious and start asking questions. She sighed and emptied her purse into a small drawer making sure she had enough gil to afford a few drinks and made her way to the airship landing.
Her friends were already at the landing waiting eagerly for her to show up. An airship was stationed at the landing ready to take off. "Come on Brovola, the airship's waiting!" Reubemont called out to her. Melanie quickly purchased her ticket and skipped over to the group as they began to board the airship.
Even though this was Melanie's 5th time riding an airship she was not sure she would ever get used to it. She clung onto Reubemont as soon as she was onboard and buried her head into his chest once she felt the airship rock into action. Reubemont held onto her trying to offer her some small amount of comfort. She was not as fearful as she had been the first time he saw her board an airship but she was still deeply afraid.
The airship rocked a little as it began to depart from the landing and soared high into the sky leaving Uldah behind it, crossing over the deserts of Southern Thanalan and towards the unchartered territories west of the Sagolii Desert. It was believed nothing could live out here, yet somehow Godbert saw potential out in this dusty and overwhelmingly hot climate to set up Eorzea's one and only famous casino complex which attracted patrons from all corners of Eorzea.
"Brovola, take a look at this" Reubemont nudged her gently. Melanie unburied her face and looked across the airship deck. There in the distance was the God Saucer shaped like a gigantic sabotender propping up several domes. On top of the highest domes was what looked like faiground rides although these were non-functional and were only there for aesthetics. Below the sabotender was the actual casino complex itself - a cluster of domed buildings of similar design to those in Ul'dah. The airship lowered itself downwards until it was barely hovering above the sand and pulled in to a small tunnel that led into the complex.
Inside it was pretty clear why the complex was named the Gold Saucer. The wall tiles, pillars, even decorative sections of the floor were made from gold. The whole place was lit up with many colourful lanterns, glowing balloons and stained glass windows. Several young ladies awaited them at the landing dressed in very flaunting bunny outfits like they were from a Playboy magazine. "Welcome to the Manderville Gold Saucer!" one of them addressed the group. "Is this your first time visiting?" Reubemont slowly nodded with his jaw agape and barely able to take his eyes off the ladies. "If you would like we can give you a tour of the casino" she said in a cheery voice.
"Y-y-yes, of course" Reubemont stammered.
"Oh boy, here we go" Holskwyb whispered over to Melanie's ears in a sarcastic voice.
The bunny girl escorted the group into the main entrance square of the complex. The domed ceiling was made of tinted glass that one could still see the night stars outside but as if they were in daylight. The square despite being round was heavily decorated with colourful displays of stained glass, balloon lanterns, large chandeliers, fountains, banners, strip lights, and even parts of the floor was made from glass that lit up displaying colourful patterns. Whoever designed this place definitely had a thing for both gold and bright colours. In the very center of the square was a tall replica of the Gold Saucer sabotender surrounded by a circular counter with numerous well-dressed employees. At the perimeter of the square were numerous round tables where several people were either being served drinks by waitresses dressed in the same flaunting bunny outfits or desperately scratching away at several scratch cards they had purchased.
"Before we proceed I must inform you that the Gold Saucer has a strict no weapons rule. I must therefore request that you hand in any weapons you have at the main desk and they will be returned back to you when you choose to depart. Everyone looked at each other and then at Holskwyb who then rolled her eyes and pulled a pair of small daggers from under her jeans with a frustrated sigh and placed them down heavily at the main desk whilst glaring at their escort. The escort nodded satisfied and continued the tour.
Melanie noticed not everyone looked happy. Some of the patrons were there with their kids sobbing in front of them. It was very likely that they had gambled away the last of their coin and from what she could hear over the noise it seemed they were looking to use their children as a means to get out of debt. Others at the tables were extremely intoxicated and wailing over having nothing left to even afford a ride back home. Some patrons looked frustrated as they desperately searched their pockets for anything they could use to gamble with. It truely was a very depressing sight seeing so many gambling addicts looking so helpless and desperate.
The escort continued to show them around deeper into the complex. Various mingames were scattered in different rooms ranging from claw machines to test of strength machines. Each domed hall had a large area in the center dedicated to a specific game or "gate" as they were called. The escort then led them into a larger dome where the floors were lined with red carpet. A number of long ramps and stairways circled upwards to an upper balcony that circled the perimeter of the dome. At the widest part of the balcony was a small plaza with a glowing statue of a sabotender in the middle. At the back wall was a large wide counter and a tall display made of gold behind it. Above the display Melanie was able to just make out the word "bonus" written in Eorzean. "This here is our largest and most popular game which we call the Jumbo Cactpot" the escort said without breaking a smile. "Every week a random number is drawn and those who have participated have until the next event to claim their prize. At Jumbo Cactpot everyone is a winner even those who don't have any matching numbers."
"This place is incredible" Suyaya said as she gazed around in awe.
"Forgive me for asking but how does this place manage to stay afloat if everyone who participates in the games is a winner?" Holskwyb asked the escort.
"It's a trade secret. There are many ways in which the Gold Saucer can profit from that even our most expensive prize is but a drop in the ocean to our coffers" the escort replied.
"Ah, our guests have finally arrived!" a male's voice responded from behind her. Melanie turned around to see Godbert who was now sporting a white tailless tuxedo, a black pair of gentleman 's shoes, white gloves, and a very tight pair of black shorts. It certainly looked far more appropriate than when she saw him earlier that day in just his underpants. "I take it you're enjoying your visit to the Gold Saucer?"
"'Tis truely wonderous!" Suyaya chirped. Godbert looked down at her and smiled behind his bushy moustache.
"I'm not sure it's my style. I was never one to spend coin on gambling" Holskwyb said in a cynical tone.
"It's not all gambling we have here" Godbert said to her. "We also have physical games that test one's strength and endurance. Take for example the Leap of Faith - a challenging obstacle course set high into the clouds to test your balance and endurance, or The Slice Is Right to test your wits and reactions against the proud Yojimbo."
Holskwyb curled a smile in the corner of her mouth. "Physical games huh? Now you've got me interested."
Godbert smiled again and nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to resume my duties. This place doesn't run by itself. If you have any further enquiries pray speak to one of the hosts and they'll be more than happy to assist." He then bowed in front of everyone and departed from their presence.
"What a gentleman!" Suyaya exclaimed in awe as her eyes followed Godbert.
"Indeed" Reubemont said staring at Godbert in admiration. "I don't know about you lot but I fancy a few hands at Triple Triad. I've heard it's quite the rage all across Eorzea, and what better place to start than at the very place it all began."
"I saw some patreons scribbling away at what looked like small cards, I'd like to find out what all that's about" Suyaya said eagerly.
"I thought you wanted to try out one of the new gates?" Reubemont said a little surprised at her sudden change of mind.
"All in good time" Suyaya replied with a grin.
"You know where you'll find me" Holskwyb said with a grin, mashing a fist into her hand. She then looked over to Melanie. "What of you, have you a game in mind? We could always pit our strengths against each other and see who reaches the finish line first."
"I think I'll pass on that one" Melanie said a little sheepishly, "although I saw a few game machines below. I'd like to try my hand at those."
"Suit yourself" Holskwyb said ruffling her shoulders.
"I see we've all picked different places to go to, so let's say we have our fill and meet back at the main entrance in, hmm, let's say in 1 hour?"
Everyone nodded in agreement and the group began to disperse. Melanie retraced her steps back down a long winding ramp that lead down to the lower levels. She started to feel a little giddy as she made her way towards a small arcade area at the over side of the arena. She was reminded of the times she visited the arcades as a teenager in Blackpool and also at the huge Warner Brother's cinema in her home town when it was built in an unused industrial estate. It was a ways to get there on foot and at the time not many busses travelled in that direction, but she and her friend Stella would go there from time to time and before long the estate had been converted into a massive entertainment complex with a ten pin bowling arena, arcade machines, and a competing superstore to buy cheaper popcorn and drinks before heading over to the cinema to watch a movie.
Heading over to the machines Melanie couldn't help but feel the nostalgia and once again forgot she was in foreign lands. In front of all the other machines stood out a gigantic and very ornate claw machine filled with plush sheep of different sizes. The brightly lit machine was painted gold with the words "The Moogle's Paw" etched out in Eorzean and had a gigantic moogle head on the top of it. The claw wasn't your typical claw but a mechanical moogle. Back on Earth these devious devices were set up to be one of the first arcade machines you saw to tempt you with promising rewards from soft toys to rolex watches and even wads of cash, but they were all a fraud. It didn't matter if you positioned the claw perfectly over them, the claw simply would not get a grip and anything of weight would easily slip through the flimsy mechanical fingers and reward you with nothing but misery and frustration at having wasted your time and money. Smaller items also didn't stand a chance with them just falling through the gaps in the fingers. The only time she ever won at one of these machines was when it was a lightweight soft toy that barely fit in the palm of her hands.
Melanie had already played at this machine several times on her computer, however that was more of a game of skill rather than a game of chance and she always won more than she lost. Perhaps it would be different on Eorzea. She fumbled around her pockets for a golden coin known as a Manderville Gold Point, and with baited breath dropped it through a small slot on the machine. The machine lights began to flash and the moogle let out a purring noise as it kicked into action. Taking grip of the controls Melanie guided the moogle towards a medium sized toy, then taking a deep breath she pushed the button to make it descend downwards into the toy pile. The paws gripped the plush toy, however one of the paws was pushed out of place by a larger one next to it and as such the paws weren't able to get a firm grip and swerved towards the disposal bucket empty handed.
Curses!
Melanie let out a frustrated sigh and started to think this was no different than back at home, but she was not defeated yet. She decided to give one more try, this time aiming the moogle slightly to the side so that the paw wouldn't get blocked by the large toy. The moogle descended once again into the pile. Melanie watched in anticipation as both paws took hold of the toy with a firm grip. Melanie felt her heart beat fast as the moogle swerved its way towards the disposal bucket still holding onto the toy and jumped excitedly as the moogle hovered over the bucket without losing its prize and dropped it into the bin. With a squeal she bent down to collect her winnings. Tied around the toy with a piece of string were 3 Manderville Gold Points. She untied the coins and placed the toy in her pocket, which, like with every kind of container, seemed to hold anything of any size including an elephant, and began to feed the coins back into the machine for another go.
Whilst she was distracted by the machine Melanie failed to notice a shadowy figure hiding behind in the shadows. He stepped out slowly as to draw her attention whilst remaining within the shadows. "It would seem that you have competely misunderstood the meaning of the words keep a low profile" he said in a low voice. Melanie was startled as she didn't expect to battle anyone here nor by herself. The shadowy figure chuckled quietly. "Don't worry, I'm not here for a fight. I thought I should let you know I cleaned up your little mess in Gridania, and I bring for you a simple message - Don't. Screw. Up. Again. I would not want to make this a regular habit of cleaning up after you, do I make myself clear?"
Melanie, still frozen in her spot, felt a lump form in her throat. "Who are you?" Melanie asked once she could speak.
"Who I am is not of importance" the shadowy figure replied. "What is important is that you messed up and you risk compromising yourself when what you should be doing is laying low and learning how to become a warrior. To be honest what you choose to do is none of my concern, however when it involves me to fix your mistakes then it becomes my problem, and thus - you become my problem. Take heed of my advice the next time you and your comrades decide to make a big scene among yourselves."
"Wait! Who sent you?!" Melanie called out as the figure stepped back into the shadows. Melanie ran around the machine to confront him but he had vanished completely. Her body started to tremble as she slowly turned around and walked away from the arcade. She needed a drink to calm her nerves and somewhere where there was lots of people and no shadows to hide behind. She walked slowly and cautiously back to the main entrance hall, all the while the shadowy man's words repeating in her head. She barely noticed the time fly by and her comrades waiting for her at the main hall.
"Ah Brovola, I was just about to...are you alright? You look pale" Reubemont looked at Melanie with a concerned expression. Melanie snapped back into reality and shook her head.
"No, it's nothing" she said forcing a smile.
"You certain? How about then I get you a drink, on me?" he said with a smile.
"A free drink? How can I refuse?" she said smiling more.
Reubemont's smile grew larger as he saw her looking more relaxed and at ease again and walked over to the nearby bartender.
Melanie took a seat at the round table with the rest of her comrades. Everyone looked to have had a great time at the Golden Saucer. Holskwyb was busy admiring her arm muscles whilst Suyaya was kicking her feet back and forth with a gentle hum and sporting a pair of bright pink cheeks from whatever she'd been drinking.
"I take it everyone had fun?" Melanie said as she settled down.
"Indeed" Suyaya said still beaming and with a slight hiccup. "I won top prize at the mini cactpot! I was treated to a glass of twice-mulled wine on the house, and before I knew it I was sipping and scratching away and won yet again! I was dubbed the luckiest patreon and am now the new owner of these..." Suyaya rummaged around a small purse tied to her waist. Melanie expected her to pull out something like a new pair of earrings, but her smile soon turned to absolute shock when Suyaya pulled out a pair of bunny ears and fish net stockings. "Well, it's the Golden Saucer, what else did I expect?" she thought to herself with a slightly grimacing smile.
"At least you're coming away with something, unlike some" Holskwyb said as she lowered her arms. Melanie tilted her head with a puzzled look on her face. "Reubemont decided rather than trying his hand at the novice contestants to go right ahead with the Triple Triad master himself. Needless to say he came away empty handed and stripped off all his ego." Holskwyb chuckled quietly to herself.
"And you, what did you come away with?" Suyaya said glancing at Melanie. Melanie quickly ruffled around her purse and pulled out the soft plush sheep.
"Isn't that cute" Holskwyb said with a grin. Suyaya's eyes and mouth however were open wide as if she had seen a gigantic cake of dreams. "Oh wow, I've always wanted one of those!" she gasped as she gazed completely infatuated at the plush toy.
"Um, you're welcome to have it?" Melanie said seeing how enamoured Suyaya was. Suyaya eagerly grabbed the toy and sank her face into its soft exterior.
"You do know you can simply win one of those at the arcades?" Holskwyb said staring in surprise at Suyaya, who was now completely entranced by the soft plushiness and off into another world.
Reubemont returned to the table carrying 2 drinks with him and was happy to see everyone looking happy...or too happy in Suyaya's case. "Ah, you're looking a lot more relaxed" he said to Melanie with a smile as he passed one of the glasses to her. A slightly sweet and spicy scent permeated her nostrils as she raised the glass towards her. The wine was a deep rich mahogany colour with a silky sheen to it. She tipped the glass to her lips and took in a gentle sip. The flavours of various spice accompanied by citrus fruits swirled around her tongue leaving behind a gentle warmth that felt like she was being wrapped around in a warm blanket. Melanie sat back feeling very relaxed and almost forgot about her encounter from earlier.
The rest of the evening went smoothly with everyone just chatting away. Melanie was quite happy to just sit back and listen as she gently sipped on her glass of twice-mulled wine. Once it was time to return back to Ul'dah Melanie was already far too tipsy to be concerned about her fear of heights and sat back against the airship mast and watched the stars as they sailed across the desert. As she looked at her comrades silhouetted against the moonlight she then remembered the shadowy figure and his words of warning to her. "Who in the hell was he and how does he know about me?" she pondered. She could only imagine someone with authority such as Krile could've sent him, but would Krile really send such a shady person as him to seek her out? And what did he mean by "cleaning up her mess"? "Huh, no point worrying about it now. Maybe I'll find out what he meant by that tomorrow" she thought to herself.
Little did she know that's exactly what was going to happen.
