Heads Down

Melanie woke up to a slight throb in her head.  The Thanalassian heat combined with the wine from last night was already doing a number on her.  A welcome glass of chilled water, courtesy of the workers at The Hourglass, was waiting for her on the bedside cartonier as well as her freshly cleaned garments.  The warm Thanalassian air made quick work of drying garments that laundry became part of the service for adventurers staying at the guild.  Employees would also leave glasses of frozen ice water so that by morning it would have melted down and still retained its frosty bite for a much needed chilled refreshment.

Melanie took a few sips of the water and groaned slightly.  Every bit of sunlight that managed to pass through the ornate panels in the windows was like daggers piercing through her eyes into her head.  She wondered how Suyaya must be faring after having drank more than twice the amount of the wine last night.  Melanie placed the now empty glass back onto the cartonier and slowly pushed herself out of bed with a loud yawn.  Slowly and drowsily she stumbled across the room to a wooden table where a basin of slightly warmed water and a clean towel awaited her.  After giving her face a good wash she was more or less ready to start the day.

Melanie slipped out of her nightware and into her cleaned red mage garments.  Even her rapier and its focus had been cleaned and sharpened - another service courtesy of The Hourglass.  The inn took great pride in taking care of the adventurers' well being ensuring they had plenty of comfort, clean garments, and even polishing and repairing any damaged clothes and weapons.  Not every adventurer deserved such a service - those who were too unruly and abusive were denied lodgings at the inn and thus had to take care of themselves.  This was true to all inns that had shared dealerships with adventuring guilds, and word got around quickly between them too so if you were denied lodgings at one due to bad behaviour it was a guarantee you'd be denied lodgings at all other city inns.  This was not only to discourage mistreatment of the staff but also to discourage fighting among competing adventurers.

After securing her weapons to her belt, Melanie grabbed hold of her satchel which had been lying on the floor next to her bed and began to make her way to The Quicksand.  Her head started to throb less now that she washed and had some fluids inside her.  She could already hear the loud clinking of cutlery and plates as she left her room and the smell of strong liqour and spiced meats filled the air and her nostrils.  Alcohol was the last thing she wanted on her mind right now - all she really wanted was just a coffee with something light to eat for breakfast.

Her comrades were already waiting for her downstairs at a reserved table.  Shuyaya looked very worse for wear with head buried in her arms and flinching at every loud clatter of plate and glass.  Only Reubemont and Holskwyb looked well rested whilst Johnas was nowhere to be seen.  Reubemont was too busy counting his coins in his purse to notice Melanie coming down the stairway.

"Good monring" she said to them as she took a seat at the table.

"Ah, good morrow!" Reubemont said heartily as he put away his purse.  "I take it you slept well?"

"As good as can be" Melanie replied.

"It can't be any worse than me..." Suyaya groaned from under her arms.  She raised her head slightly to reveal her puffy redenned eyes and pale skin complexion.  Melanie's face grimaced at the sight.  "Yikes!" she gasped.

"I don't suppose you saw Johnas on the way down?" Reubemont asked Melanie, who then shaked her head with a puzzled look.  "Is he missing?"

"Nobody's seen him since last night" Holskwyb chipped in.

"We suspect he may have left overnight as there was a hume fitting his description seen boarding the airship back to Gridania not long after we went our separate ways, but nobody who was around at the time could completely verify if it was him or not" Reubemont sighed a little.

"Gods knows why he would want to return to Gridania alone..." Suyaya groaned barely lifting her head from the table.  "Being a wanted man he would be walking right into the hands of the local authorties."

Melanie started to ponder when everyone's linkpearls chimed at once.  Suyaya grimaced raising a hand to her ear to answer the call.

"Hi, this is Johnas" the voice said from the other end.  "I take it you're all together?"

"Yes" Reubemont responded, "where..."

"Ah good, I need you guys to listen" Johnas's voice continued.  "I returned to Gridania last night with intent on handing myself over to the local authorities, however it appears things have changed overnight in a rather...dramatic way.  You need to come on over and see for yourselves.  Besides which, the Elder Seedseer also wishes to see you herself.  The sooner the better."

"All right, we'll make our way over" Reubemont replied.  Everyone except for Suyaya looked at each other with concerned looks.  "What do you guys think, do you think this is a trap?" he asked.

Melanie began to replay Johna's words in her head.  There was nothing to indicate that Johnas was being deceptive or not, and without the echo to show her any clues she was at a loss whether this was a trap or not.

"Johnas might not be much of a talker but I highly doubt he'd rat us out" Holskwyb said confidently.

"I agree" Suyaya replied from under her arms.

Reubemont looked across to Melanie.  "That gift of insight sure could come in handy right about now" he said to her.  "I take it too haven't been given any visions?"  Melanie shook her head.  Reubemont sighed a little then leaned forward on the table and looked over to Holskwyb and Suyaya.  "Then I guess I'll follow on your advice, since you believe that Johnas is to be trusted then I say let's set sail - to Gridania!" Reubemont raised a fist into the air enthusiastically.  Everyone nodded in agreement including Suyaya whose head was still buried in her arms.

----

The airship ride across the Thalanassian deserts towards the Black Shroud was a smooth and quiet one.  Nobody else was onboard except for Reubemont and the rest of the team.  Melanie was sat against the airship mast.  Her anxieties over her fear of heights would still continue to kick in, especially when she wasn't sure what was waiting for her at the other side.  This was the only way to stop herself from freaking out, although the altitude was still a reminder that she wasn't on the ground and it often triggered a panic attack that she had to grip tightly onto something, take several deep breaths to calm herself down and quietly talk herself out of it.

Reubemont chatted away with his other comrades for a while before heading over to Melanie and took a seat next to her.  "How are you faring?" he asked her.

"Truth be told, not so good...but I'm kinda managing as long as I don't stand up and look over the edge" Melanie replied.

Reubemont nodded a little then leaned in a little closer to her.  "I couldn't help but be concerned about last night.  When you showed up at the table you were looking very pale as if you'd seen a ghost.  Would you like to talk about it?  You don't have to if you don't want to, but just know that I'm here to help and if you do decide you want to talk then it will only be kept between us two."

Melanie closed her eyes to mull over what to say.  I was approached by a dark figure who warned me not to draw attention because I'm the Warrior of Light - but I'm also from another world - and I need to relearn how to become a warrior so that I can continue to save the world and my friends trapped on the 13th...but in order to do that I need to maintain a low profile because if word got around to the Republic that I'm weak and no longer capable of saving the world then they would use this opportunity to retalliate and everything that's accomplished by the grand companies so far would've all been for nothing.

"Yeah, that's not going to happen" Melanie thought to herself.  She didn't want to keep on lying to her friends, but she couldn't tell them the truth either.  She needed to come up with an answer that would be more or less the truth but without saying too much that would compromise her.

"I was approached by a dark figure last night who gave me a warning that as newly fledged adventurers we should be more mindful, especially where politics are involved, so that we don't draw unwanted attention to ourselves.  But there was something about the way he said it that left me feeling very uncomfortable" she said.  "Wow, did I really think that all up by myself?" she thought to herself proudly.

"Oh, I see..." Reubemont said pondering.  "Did you manage to get a look at his face and find out who he was?"  Melanie shook her head leaving Reubemont to continue to ponder more.  "Whoever this mysterious person was is right, we certainly are taking great strides into the unknown before we're even ready to face what's in front of us and interfering with other country's politics is asking for trouble.  Perhaps we should take heed of his advice and lower our pace and our profile.  How strange though that he approached you and not me since I'm the one who's been leading us into these situations." 

Melanie shrugged.  "I guess it's because I was more approachable and by myself."

"Ah yes, of course!" Reubemont exclaimed a bit of excitement in his voice.  "I was surrounded by masters at the Triple Triad games whilst Suyaya was being cheered at by the tenders at the main entrance, and Holskwyb was busy leaping across various small islands high above Costa Del Sol for anyone to even try to keep up and approach her."  Reubemont looked down at Melanie.  "I'm so sorry that you were left to face him alone.  The thought never crossed my mind that even in such a busy place that anyone would try to take such an advantage.  I'll be a bit more mindful in future and make sure that we're not without someone to watch our backs."

Melanie breathed a quiet sigh of relief.  At least she was able to tell Reubemont a plausible half-truth without going into detail about her secret.  That made her feel so much better that she wasn't having to tell yet another lie.

As the airship began to fly over the Black Shroud, Melanie welcomed the cooler air and the smell of fresh running river water filling the air and carrying with it scents of various wild flowers and wild stag.  She felt like she could just plunge herself into the waters at the base of the waterfall just below Gridania.  The songs of various birds made her feel more relaxed and, for a moment, she was reminded of her real home back on Earth and started to feel a little sad and homesick.

Whilst she was enjoying herself travelling to various places and experimenting with new-found abilities, she began to miss the comforts of being at home.  She missed her own bed and her computer and lazy days watching Netflix, but more important of all she was missing her husband Tony.  They may not have been intimate or spoken much to each other the past few months, but she still missed seeing his face.  She started to think back to the more happier times when they were often seen together arm in arm.  He smiled more back then too.  She felt a pang in her heart as she recalled those moments and wished she could just run straight into his arms and tell him she was sorry that she spent so many years ignoring him and wasting away in her own little room doing nothing but play video games all day.  But then would she even be here if it wasn't for that?

The airship finally began its gentle descent into the trees and slowed as it approached Gridania.  Melanie pulled herself back on her feet and gave a long stretch.  Having been sat down for so long had made her legs feel a little stiff.  Reubemont raised himself up onto his feet and took position in front of his comrades as the airship stood to a halt at the docking area.  "Allow me" he said looking over his shoulders to his comrades.  "I just want to be first in line so should anything be amiss I'll be the first one to face it and give you time to escape."  He cautiously stepped off the airship onto the deck and looked around.

"Hmm, nothing so far" he mumbled to himself.  He walked further down the deck with his comrades and Melanie slowly following behind him.  "Still nothing..." he mumbled again as he peered through the doors that led into the airship's entrance and departure terminal, then he turned to his comrades.  "I think we're safe.  Let's see if we can locate where Johnas is and find out what's been going on here in our absence."

Leaving the airship docking area they began to scale the winding staircase leading up to the Carline Canopy.  Melanie couldn't help but notice that nobody was paying any attention to their arrival and that they all seemed to be preoccupied gossping to each other.

"He calls himself The Black Jekyll" she heard one of them say.  "Nobody's ever seen his face.  Some think he's some kind of special hire from a small band of elite assassins from the far north."

As they finally emerged from the staircase Reubemont looked around in surprise at how uninterested everyone was about their arrival.  Even the guards were paying no attention to them.  "Strange..." Reubemont whispered.

Melanie's ears began to twitch as she caught wind of another conversation from some nearby villagers, "and their bodies were left on display right in the middle of the plaza, yet nobody even saw who brought them there!  And there was this note that was pinned on one of the bodies - it said those who ecourage others to give in to acts of crime, whether it be as an act of desperation or as recruitment, will be punished just as harsly as those who fall.  -The Black Jekyll.  I can only imagine this has something to do with those two girls who were here many moons ago.  Didn't they both become members of the Coeurlclaw?  I honestly can't remember."

All around them people were gossiping about "The Black Jekyll" and the bodies that had been left on display in Gridania.  Reubemont sided up to Melanie and quietly whispered in her ear, "Do you think this Black Jekyll has anything to do with the mystery man who approached you last night?"  Melanie shrugged slowly.  She was just as bewildered as he was that none of them had been arrested yet.

As they left the canopy they heard a familiar voice just up the path towards the plaza.  "Ah, you finally made it."  Johnas waved and hurried over to their position.

"Johnas!" Reubemont exclaimed in relief to see his friend safe and sound.  "Tell me, what is going on and what's all this talk about a Black Jekyll?"

"You're never going to believe this" Johnas said a little enthusiastically.  "Those guards you beat up the other day?  Someone going by the name The Black Jekyll took them out and left their corpses in the middle of Gridania.  It's all everyone's talking about now."

Melanie's eyes and mouth opened agape.  "So, that's what he meant about cleaning up my mess" she thought to herself.  It was now beyond a shadow of a doubt that the man who approached her last night was none other than the assassin going by the name The Black Jekyll.

"Wait, what?" Reubemont gasped.

"Come, we'd best go somewhere a bit more quiet."  Johnas ushered them from the canopy and led them to a quieter part of Gridania near the waterfall where they could be alone.  "After that brawl you had with those two guards, Gridania went into a state of emergency with mostly people who weren't born Gridanian rioting and petitioning for a change for the treatment of non-native Gridanias, and demanding justice against the two guards responsible for the deaths of the two sisters who they mistreated and were later recruited by the Coeurlclaw.  That was until this morning when their bodies were found lying against the aetheryte plaza having been assassinated in an execution style along with a note left by The Black Jekyll with a warning to all who encourage others into engaging in criminal behaviour to survive.  The Elder Seedseer has taken this matter very seriously and already addressed the Gridanians earlier this morning.  She's proposed new changes that will change the way non-native Gridanians are treated and disciplinary action against those who fail to treat everyone as equals.  It seems that Gridania's finally going to do what it's been promising to do for years and do away with all this nonsense over who is and who isn't a true Gridanian and be more welcoming to outsiders so they aren't left out in the forests to starve and be lulled into joining the Coeurclaw."

"Wow" Reubemont exclaimed.  "All this because of a bar brawl?"

"Most people have already forgotten about that and are talking more about The Black Jekyll" Johnas replied.  "Whoever this mysterious man is he's done us a big favour.  He's now the only other subject on peoples' minds with the brawl being yesterday's news, leaving us to be able to walk around freely without drawing too much attention.  But with that said the Elder Seedseer still wishes to have a private audience with us."

"Then I guess we shouldn't keep the Seedseer waiting" Reubemont said with his arms folded.  Johnas nodded and together the group made their way towards an ancient and sacred area known as Nophica's Altar in Old Gridania.

Winner Takes All

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.

Training with Benefits

Melanie slowly opened her eyes with a pained groan.  Her neck and back felt a little sore from having slept on her stomach all night.  The heat was already starting to build up in the room which was filled with the spicy fragrances of Ul'dah's markets.  Slowly she pushed herself up onto her knees and blinked several times and looked down at herself.  She was back in her mi'qote body again and wearing the same clothes she had been wearing the night before.

Melanie began to think about the dream she had, or was it a dream?  It seemed far too real to have been a dream.  "I have to overcome my fears...hmm..." Melanie muttered to herself.  "And just how am I supposed to do that?!"  Melanie winced and raised her hand to her head as a headache spiked in her temples.  Grimacing she pushed the base of her palm against her temples until the pain started to subside.  "This...wasn't a dream" she said to herself as she recognised the signs of having just received a vision via the echo.  She started to laugh a little and then tears began to well up in her eyes.  "I have tried for years to overcome my fears.  I don't know if I can... there are so many, more than I can count.  But knowing you're being held against your will and that you cannot be freed until I have learned how to overcome them means I must try harder.  I will try, whatever it takes I will try.  I promise.  I will free you and our friends on the First."

Melanie clambered off the bed and began to collect her belongings from the floor where she dropped them that night.  Standing in front of a dresser she adjusted her hair and her clothes and left her room.

Just moments later she was at the top of the stairway leading down to The Quicksand.  This time Reubemont hadn't been waiting outside her room to help guide her down the stairs.  "I guess I made him feel uncomfortable last time."  Melanie let out a sigh.  Slowly she took a step forward followed by another.  Her knees started to tremble and her heart palpitate.  She pressed herself up against the side of the stairs and placed both hands against the wall to steady herself.  "Come on, one step at a time" she thought with determination.  She took in a few quick breaths and lowered her feet down to another step.  It was slow progress but with each step she noticed it was getting easier.

She was already halfway down when Reubemont saw her from one of the tables below.  "Brovola!  I forgot..." he gasped running towards the stairs.  Melanie quickly held an arm out in front of her in protest and he stopped at the bottom of the stairs and watched.  Taking a couple more quick breaths Melanie steadied herself against the wall again and proceeded to make her way down the remaining steps.  Reubemont smiled proudly to see her make it down by herself.  He held an arm out to her as she reached the final step and Melanie grabbed hold of it.  "I did it!" she exclaimed giddily.

"You did it!" Reubemont said with a smile.  "And by yourself!"

"I did..." Melanie said catching her breath and holding herself steady next to Reubemont.  Once she finally relaxed she then began to laugh.  Reubemont was glad to see her looking so happy especially after the events the day before.  "Full glad am I to see you smiling again" he said to her with a gentle smile.

Together they walked over to the table Reubemont had been sitting at.  The rest of the team hadn't yet arrived so it was just the 2 of them for now.  "Did you sleep ok?" Reubemont asked her.

"A bit rough" Melanie replied.  She was about to describe her dream when she remembered she wasn't to speak of her true identity.  "I slept a little odd and it's given me a bit of neck ache" she said.

"Oh?"  Reubemont looked over to the back of her shoulders.  He could see they looked a little swollen and started to reach over to them.  "May I?" he asked holding his hands back.  Melanie gave it momentary thought and then nodded her head, after all it was only a massage he was offering.  "What's the worst he could do, throttle me?"  Melanie started to moan a little as she felt Reubemonts fingers gently dig into her neck and shoulder muscles in slow circular movements.  It still hurt yet was also soothing at the same time.

"You call that a massage?" a loud voice spoke out from the other side of the room.  Melanie and Reubemont glanced over to see who was speaking out to them.  He was a tall and muscular hyur with short white hair and a very well trimmed beard and moustache.  On the middle of his forehead were 6 small gems arranged in 2 vertical lines.  His attire was very minimalistic down to a pair of white underpants, sandals and red tinted spectacles.  Despite his disturbing appearance there was something gentlemanly about him.

The loud and boisterous hyur suddenly appeared behind Melanie, he had moved so fast that she barely even saw his shadow move.  "Stand aside young boy, let a gentleman show you how to do a proper massage!" he said with a slight smile behind his bushy moustache.  Flamboyantly he whipped out a vial from goodness knows where although Melanie really didn't want to think too much about where he pulled it out from, and poured the contents of what looked like an oily substance onto his hands which carried a potent and floral scent unlike anything Melanie had come across before.  Rapidly rubbing his hands together he then clapped his hands onto Melanie's back and began to rub the oil over her neck and shoulders.

"Oh...ahh...ooh!" Melanie gasped loudly as she felt his fingers rapidly dance around her neck and shoulders and rubbing the massage oil deep into her tissue.  The pain was so intense and his hands seemed to be moving faster and faster.  A warmth began to burn into her shoulders and radiated down all the way down her back and arms.  "Woah...!" Melanie cried out as the gentleman relentlessly rubbed his hands deep into her skin that she could feel her eyes roll into the back of her head.  Despite how intense the massage was it felt extremely satisfying and within moments he had finished and her neck and shoulders felt like they had been renewed.

"Oh my goodness, that was amazing and the pain is gone!" she gasped.  She turned to face the gentleman with an amazed look on her face.  "Thank you so much..."

"Godbert's the name, and you needn't thank me my dear" he interrupted her.  "It is my pleasure to help a young woman like yourself in distress, however next time I will require a fee for the service."

"Of course" Melanie said with a nod.

"I best be on my way now.  Do take care of yourselves and when you have some free time feel free to pay a visit to the Gold Saucer.  The first game is on the house to all new visitors.  Maybe you'll be lucky and walk away with your pockets loaded with MGP."

"Thank you, Godbert.  We accept your invitation and will be certain to pay a visit" Reubemont said to him.  Godbert responsed by tapping the middle of his glasses with a finger and then proceeded to do a pose which accentuated his already bulging muscles through his coatee and grinned.  A sparkle of light was seen from behind his moustache and both Melanie and Reubemont could only stare agape in surprise.  As quickly as he had arrived Godbert had vanished from sight.

"What a strange man" Reubemont said in a bemused tone.

"Yes...a Manderville man" Melanie added.

"A what now?" Reubemont asked confused.

"Oh, never mind" Melanie waved a hand in front of her face shaking her head.  She then caught sight of their friends entering The Quicksand and waved over to them.  Reubemont turned around to see who she was waving to and welcomed his friends over.

"Wow, what is that fragrance?" Suyaya gasped as she breathed in the scent from the oil on Melanie's shoulders.

Johna and Holskwyb breathed in the air and gasped in amazement themselves.  "Oh wow, that smells incredible!" Johna exclaimed.

"Err, we had a gentleman by the name of Godbert offer Brovola a free massage" Reubemont replied.

"Oh, how very nice!" Suyaya said in a percussive voice.  She looked up at Melanie with a smile happy to see that her friend was no longer looking as sad as she did the night before.

"So, do we have any plans for today?" Holskwyb asked as she sat herself down at the table.

"I was thinking due to how we managed to handle Bockman that we should press on to more stronger prey, perhaps ones located over at Camp Drybone in Eastern Thanalan.  I believe this is now the season for culling the overpopulation of wild aldgoats which are both a source of food and leather to the locals.  We would be doing them both a favour in providing them with supplies and there would be a reward involved also."

"Hmm, training with benefits, I like the sound of that" Holskwyb said with a grin.

"That was my thought too" Reubemont smiled.  "Let us order breakfast and then we can be on our way."

The group continued to talk over breakfast discussing various other things.  Melanie was in deep thought over her encounter during the night and barely noticed she was being addressed.  All she could think about was how she was going to be able to overcome her fears.  Conquering the stairs to The Hourglass was one thing, but what about bridges, tall mountains, crevasses, flying airships and chocobos, spiders, monsters that would be twice her size and more?  In a video game where she was still safely in her chair it was one thing, but to be doing these in person was an entirely different ball game.

"Brovola?" Reubemont said looking at her.  Melanie suddenly snapped back to reality and look at him.

"Uh, yes?" she asked.

"Are you all right?  You seemed yalms away for a moment there" he said slightly concerned.

"Oh, yes I'm fine.  It's just..." Melanie tried to find an answer but nothing came to mind.  "I'm sorry, my mind wandered" she finally said.

Reubemont sighed with relief and smiled at her.  "I was just worried about you, that was all" he said.

Johna placed his knife and fork down on his now empty plate and pushed it from him and patted his belly.  "Nothing like a good hearty breakfast before going on an adventure."

"I take it we are all ready then?" Reubemont asked as he looked around the table of empty plates and cups.  Everyone nodded at him.  "Then let us be on our way.  To the chocobokeep, we can get there much sooner and start before any competition arrives."

"Oh, must it be chocobos?  All that bouncing around is going to make me throw up breakfast" Suyaya groaned.

"Would you rather walk?" Reubemont said looking down at her.  Suyaya let out a deep and long sigh.  "I guess not" she said dejectedly.

The chocobokeep was strategically located just opposite The Quicksand so that adventurers who stayed over at The Hourglass could immediately get about with their day right away.  Outside The Quicksand the group descended a small set of stone stairs and crossed the street where loud cooing noises could be heard.  A chocobo handler wearing a long yellow apron and a chocobo mask was sweeping away some of the hay that was scattered in the ground with a long broom.  On seeing the group approach he put aside his broom and greeted them.  "All of you here for a ride?" he asked cheerfully.  Reubemont nodded to him.  "Where are you all heading?"

"Camp Drybone, Eastern Thanalan" Reubemont stated.

"All right, help yourselves to a ride.  Remember one bird per person.  They haven't been flight trained yet but they should still get you to your destination just as swift."

Melanie breathed a sigh of relief at hearing they hadn't been flight trained yet.  The thoughts of riding on the back of one of these was scary enough.  They were the size of horses with thick muscular legs that looked like they could cause severe damage if they were to kick out.  Melanie approached one of the birds and gently stroked its neck.  Its feathers were soft and silky and the chocobo cooed gently at her touch.  "Is this your first time riding a chocobo?" the handler asked her.  Melanie nodded.  "Well sweetie there's not much to it.  With the new saddle design this should make it more easier to climb up.  All you do is put your left foot into the stirrup and place your hands onto the pommel here then pull yourself up and swing your other leg around."

"Like this?" Melanie grabbed onto the top of the leather saddle and began to hop herself onto it.

"That's right, just push yourself off the ground with your left foot and pull up using the pommel."

Melanie used all her strength to push herself off the ground and held tightly onto the saddle.  After a couple of attempts she pushed herself upwards and slumped over the back of the chocobo.  "Okay now, just hold on tight and swing the other leg around" the handler stood ready to catch her in case she fell back down again.  "Hnngh!"   Melanie pulled her body across the saddle and tried to drag her other leg across the chocobo's back to the other side.  This was way less easy than she thought it would be.  "Gyaah!!!"  Melanie dragged her right leg across to the other side of the saddle and was now able to sit herself upright.  It felt strange sitting on top of a giant bird and being high up made her feel very jumpy and nervous.

"You will get used to it eventually" Reubemont said to her as his chocobo gently trotted towards her.  "Be sure to hold onto the reigns and never let go of them."  The handler stepped back satisfied that Melanie was now safely in place.  All the other team members were mounted up and ready to move on.  "Kweh!" the chocobo cooed and started moving forward.

"Woah!" Melanie gulped and started to shake as she felt the chocobo moving.  Its powerful claws made a loud thumping noise as it walked across onto the cobbled street and turned around to one of the city's main entrances.  "Remember all you got to do is just dismount when you are finished with your journey and the chocobo will find its way back to us" the handler called out to them.

Thud!  Thud!  Thud!  Thud!

The noise became louder as the chocobo exited the city onto the dirt path outside and started to pick up pace.

"Oh my god...woah!!!"  Melanie leaned forward and held more tightly than ever onto both the reigns and the saddle as the chocobo began to swiftly accellerate.  She started to feel the wind against her face blowing her hair back from her shoulders.  The chocobo still continued to move faster.  Melanie could feel her breakfast being tossed around in her stomach that she thought she was going to throw up.  She wanted to scream out in fear but also in excitement and then she began to laugh  "I can't believe I'm riding this thing!  This is fun!"  Melanie thought to herself.  She gazed at how fast the world was moving past her as the chocobo pounded its way across the dry landscape at high velocity.

"Ha ha ha, woo!!!" Melanie shouted as the chocobo turned down a slope into a small shallow lake area and passing several large toads that were the size of cars.  Ahead in the far distance Melanie could see another landscape cluttered with large orange crystaline formations that curled unnaturally high into the sky as if they had burst from the land itself.  Chunks of land were caught in its structure with trees still growing on them.  It was another reminder of just how different this world was to her own.

The trail started to twist and turn towards a small outpost and the chocobo began to slow down.  The outpost was built into a wide crevasse near some rocky cliffs.  A tall aetheryte stood in the heart of the outpost barely visible from the ground.  Just above the outpost was a church-like building and a large graveyard.  Melanie could sense the smell of death, insence and embalming oils coming from the church.  A small number of hyur dressed in long white hooded robes slowly walked around the premises with their heads held low in respect and speaking out prayers for the dead.

Below in the crevasse more white hooded men and women walked among the few citizens that remained preaching their ways and offering aid to them.  One particularly loud roegadyn whose robes were heavily soiled and hidden behind a dark brown cowl was trying his hardest at convincing those who would listen that the calamity was divine judgment but nobody seemed to pay attention to him.

The chocobos came to a halt at a stable just outside of the outpost.  A handler wearing the same yellow attire and chocobo mask helped steady the chocobos as Melanie and her comrades climbed down from them and offered each chocobo a krakka root as a reward for their job before they turned around and sped back towards Ul'dah.

"I'll go check in with the locals and find out if they need any supplies" Reubemont said to his team before descending down the crevasse.  Melanie heard a noise behind her and turned around to see a caravan of roughened up adventurers solemnly carrying the body of a fallen comrade on a makeshift stretcher towards the graveyard.  The corpse had severe burns spread across the body and several holes had been burned through the armor.  "I told him to not to stare into its eyes" one of the adventurers who was following the caravan said outloud in a distressed voice.

Johna looked up at the caravan as they carried the body into the nearby church.  "No doubts fallen to Maahes" he said in a low voice.

"Of course!  They were the people we saw fighting from above" Melanie recalled.  "Is there nothing we can do to help?" she asked.

Johna shook his head.  "Nah, he's been long dead.  Any chance of reviving him was long gone and doesn't look like they had a healer with them."

Melanie looked down sadly.  She knew if this was still the game she could've taken down Maahes and nobody else would've died.  Perhaps if it wasn't for the training band suppressing her magic she could've taken down Maahes herself.  She looked down at the ring on her finger and gently ran a finger over its setting.  Her skill in magic mastery had improved since she was first made to wear it.  She began to wonder just how strong her magic would be now without the ring and then recalled the explosion that took place in the Thaumaturge's Guild.  "Yeah, I probably shouldn't take this ring off just yet."

Reubemont emerged from the crevasse.  "The locals aren't for want of any supplies, however they did mention that the Golden Bazaar further up north have been in need but they just haven't had the muscle to be able to set up any trade arrangements yet" he said to his comrades.  "I would say this is a good opportunity to cash in ourselves while we can."  He looked over beyond the crevasse to the rocky plains where several young aldgoats were roaming around.  "No other competition has arrived.  This is our lucky day!  Shall we begin?"

Everyone nodded in agreement and followed Reubemont around the crevasse to where the aldgoats were grazing on what little grass remained on the plains.  Seeing the small crowd approaching the aldgoats started to move around unsettled.  Melanie let out a gulp as she sized up the aldgoats.  She had forgotten how big they were.  They were as tall as horses and their overall size made her feel a little uncomfortable.  Reubemont drew out his sword and shield and lobbed his shield towards one of the aldgoats which bounced back to him like a boomerang.  Upon seeing one of the young being injured an older aldgoat roared and both began to charge towards Reubemont.  "That's right, come to pappa" Reubemont said under his breath posed ready to assault.  Melanie was already mid-casting a sleep spell on the older aldgoat and within seconds it had stopped in its tracks and closed its eyes into a deep slumber.  With the older aldgoat sleeping it made the battle so much easier.

Melanie was now getting used to using magic to strike down foes, however deep down she still couldn't help but feel that slowly burning and freezing a creature to its death was a barbaric way to do it.  By all logic a single deep slice with a sharp blade should result in a fatal cut without unnecessary prolonged suffering, but having been bruised a number of times herself she started to understand that life on Eorzea was far more tenacious than life on Earth and that aether was most likely the reason behind it all.  Unlike soldiers on Earth who were trained to endure all kinds of conditions to survive, aether played a vital role in how much a person could withstand before succumbing to mortal blows.  As well as providing life and being able to be manipulated into powerful magics, aether acted both as a shield and an amplifer towards a persons' magical and physical strength and the more that person trained in combat the more potent it was.  This also explained the discrepency between adventurers and normal citizens who could easily fall to a simple knife wound.  It also explained why life on Eorzea was so very different to Earth and why every city needed to be enclosed by protective walls to keep out the wildlife to protect its citizens, much like early civilization on Earth using castle walls to protect its citizens.  If every encounter was like a slow battle to the death then this would make culling the wildlife to a more manageable population most difficult even for trained martialists, and thus was left to adventurers to provide the necessary extra muscle when it became too densely populated.

The day went by with very little fuss.  No other adventurers had come into the region so they were able to cull as many aldgoats with no interruptions.  Reubemont began tallying the amount of meat and undamaged hides and horns they had gathered.  "This looks plenty enough to feed and clothe an entire village for several days" he said with a satisfied smile.  "We should haul this back over to Camp Drybone."

As Reubemont began bagging up the spoils another group of adventurers were heading towards them and hailed as they approached.  "Well met fellow adventurers, I see you have a fine haul there" the leader of the group said as he eyed the collection of hides.  "Is there any left for us to profit from?"  The hyur leader wore a mixture of leathers and furs and carried a big heavy looking double-edged axe strapped to his back.  His large muscular body featured a thick red moustache and beard, unevenly cut red hair that reached down his back, and a deep scar across his left cheek and also on his chest.  The other members of his team comprised of what appeared to be a female lalafel arcanist with an emerald carbuncle companion, a female roegadyn pugilist, and a male elezen lancer.  "Afraid not, but you might find some further up north near the Highbridge as we haven't traveled that far yet" Reubemont replied.

"Suyaya, is that you?" the lalafel arcanist said as she squinted her eyes towards her.  Suyaya looked over and gasped in surprise.  "Memesi, it is you!" she said excitedly running towards the arcanist with her arms open wide embracing her in a hug.

"I see you're already well acquainted" the leader said as he stared in surprise at the two lalafels.

"Of course!  This is my sister Suyaya" Memesi said excitedly.  It was now that Melanie could see the resemblance.  Memesi had the same dark pink eyes and slightly raised ears as Suyaya, and she had long mint green hair that was braided at the back.

"I see" the leader said with a slight smile.  "Ah where are my manners!  Varin's the name" he said facing Reubemont and extending a hand out to him.  Reubemont now finished packing raised himself to his feet and took Varin's hand with a firm shake.  "Reubemont, well met" he replied.  "We have just finished up here so the area is all yours.  We already cleared up from here down towards Halatali and the areas far east and up north we left untouched.  We haven't seen any other competition since our arrival this morning so there should be plenty left over for the taking."

"Thanks for the advice" Varin said nodding slightly, then he twisted his head over his shoulder towards his team.  "You hear that?  There's still fightin' here to be done and the field is all ours!" he bellowed with a grin.  Memesi gave Suyaya a fond farewell as Varin led his team away northwards.

Reubemont picked up the satchel of spoils and swug it over his shoulder.  "That was a nice fellow" he said with a slight smile.  "Let us be on our way now though, the next group of adventurers we could bump into might not be so friendly."

As they headed towards Camp Drybone on foot Melanie ran up to Suyaya.  "You didn't mention having a sister" she said to her.

"I have two sisters, and three brothers" Suyaya replied.  "Only us two took to adventuring whilst my remaining siblings took to either farming or studying in Sharlayan.  We don't often see each other, that is the ones who are studying.  Sharlayan isn't one for opening its doors to random visitors even if they are family."  Suyaya tilted her head up to look at Melanie.  "What about you Brovola, I assume being a mi'qote you must have many siblings back at home."  Melanie began to stammer for a moment.

"How do I answer this?  In sunseeker society it's known that a single Nuhn will produce many offspring, hence I would have several siblings, but I wasn't born on Eorzea.  If I answer no that would come across strang, but if I answer yes then by what number do I invent?  And what happens when we one day stumble upon the D tribe themselves, then how do I explain how none of them know me?  Unless..."

Melanie looked down at Suyaya.  "Actually I don't know the answer.  Ever since the calamity I've had memory blocks of who I was and were I originally came from.  The only thing that stuck with me was my name, however none of the D tribe leaders heard of my family name and any delving into my family history turned up blank as if they never existed.  It's been assumed that my parents might've been from a band of mi'qote that went rogue some many years before the calamity and established their own tribe deep into hiding.  It's possible that I might even be the last surviving member."

"Oh, that's sad" Suyaya said as her face curled into a sad frown.  "So you don't remember anything since before the calamity?"  Melanie nodded in response.

Suyaya shook her head in despair.  "It's so sad.  Many other Eorzeans also have memory blocks of the calamity, mostly to do with the Warriors of Light who were said to be around at the time.  None can remember their faces or even recall their names, yet they remember their shadows and their presence.  Some believe that the present Warrior of Light may have once walked among them although she never declared herself as one."  She then looked up eyes wide as if realising something important then gazed up at Melanie.  "Perhaps you too once walked among them!  That could explain why you have no memories about your past, and how you already have the gift of the echo."

Melanie looked at her startled and started to panic a little.  "Uh oh, that was a bad choice coming up with that excuse...although maybe I could work with this."  She smiled awkwardly and shrugged her shoulders.  "Perhaps" she said.

The group finally arrived at the dirt trail that led down to Camp Drybone and followed Reubemont towards the market stalls that were housed on the perimeter of the camp.  He approached a large tent where a lalafel in traders' clothing was stood behind a small wooden table and surrounded by barrels containing hand-woven rugs.  Reubemont slid the satchel from his shoulders and opened it up revealing all the spoils they had gathered that day.  The trader eagerly hopped from behind the table to get a closer look.  "Let's see here...these are some fine hides and horns you have, and those meats look to be of good quality too.  I'm sure the people of the Golden Bazaar will be quite happy to accept those rather than yet more red and green lentils" he said as he shifted his eyes towards the roegadyn trader next to him who was sitting behind a stall with several bags and bowls full to the brim of lentils.

"Hey!  It's the only decent thing that grows here!" the roegadyn shouted back.

"Oh yeah?  Then how do you explain the girl at front with an entire garden salad on display?" the lalafel motioned towards a stall just around the corner that was twice the size as the roe's and hosted a fine display of varying fruits and vegetables.

"Bah, she got lucky!" the roe said folding his arms and sulking.

"It's not luck you dodo head!  She's far more skilled in negotiating with foreign traders to supply her with more than just local produce rather than spending her entire day staring at a crop field expecting miracles to happen.  You'd do well to learn from her if you want more than just lentils on your plate!"

The lalafel then coughed gently and turned his attention back to Reubemont.  "I can't offer you nearly as much for this as a city market would, you are aware of this right?"

Reubemont nodded his head.  "As I understand the people here need wares to trade, without such wares the camp won't be able to survive.  We were mostly here just to train but we are willing to part with the spoils at a lower profit if it will help the camp to stay afloat."

The lalafel nodded and glanced once more at the spoils.  "I can only offer 500 gil for the entire lot.  It's all that's left in my coffers.  I know you can get thrice the amount of gil for half the spoils but I'm really are on a very tight budget."  The lalafel looked at Reubemont's face which expressed a slight disappointment and let out a sigh.  "Tell you what, how about I take half the product and give you 300 gil for it?  You can market the rest at the city.  It would still be more than enough we need to establish trades over at the Golden Bazaar with."

Reubemont shook his head as he refilled the satchel and placed it into the lalafel's hands.  "It is fine.  I will accept 500 gil.  If we want more we can always return to the flock once the numbers start becoming unmanageable again."

"You'ee a good gentleman" the lalafel said accepting the satchel and placing it behind the table.  He then pulled out a small purse that was tied to his belt and started to count out the gil in his hands.  "That's 500 gil" he said, then he reached below the table and pulled out a dozen hides from the satchel and placed them in front of him with the gil and pushed it towards Reubemont.  "Please, I insist" he said with a smile.  Reubemont nodded thankfully and carefully bagged the hides into his own personal bags then picked up the gil.  "A pleasure doing business with you" he said.  He then turned to his group and began counting the gil.  "500, that's 100 gil each" he said as he divided the gil between his comrades.

"Hmm, not much, but I guess it's enough to buy a new pair of blades" Holskwyb said as she pocketted the gil.  "Any chance this small village sells any weaponry?"

Reubemont pointed to a large building nearby.  "That place next to us had a few on display although nothing that looked that much better than what we already have."

"Hmph, I'll go take a look anyways" Holskwyb said as she turned towards the building.  Johna followed her inside leaving Reubemont with Suyaya and Melanie.

Suddenly a man wearing a mixture of dark and blue scale armor and a silvery plate helmet raced into the camp and on the brink of collapsing beckoned towards Reubemont.  "Th...thank the gods you're here!" he gasped pulling the helmet off his head and then balancing himself on his knees trying to catch his breath.

"What is wrong?  Is everything all right?" Reubemont asked with a worried look on his face.

"Halatali...is...danger..." the man's eyes started to roll around and his body began to go limp.  Reubemont caught hold of him before he crashed to the ground and dragged his body over to a shaded part of the wall and propped him up against it.  He looked around to the nearby traders who were looking worriedly at what was going on.  "Water!  Hurry!  Fetch me some water!" he called out to them.  The lalafel trader quickly rummaged below his table and then leaping over the table raced across to Reubemont with a bottle full of water.  Reubemont held the bottle to the man's lips and poured some of the liquid into his mouth.  The man coughed as he tried to swallow the water and then started to take some deep breaths as his eyes finally rolled back into place.

"Now, what was it you was saying about Halatali?" Reubemont asked gently.  Johna and Holskwyb emerged from the building and rejoined their comrades looking confused at all the commotion.

"A fresh new group of adventurers barged their way into Halatali.  We had established a series of new trials intended only for more seasoned adventurers, but they were stubborn demanding we gave them access and forced their way in.  Not long after our own men spilled out from inside stating that several beasts that had been trapped deep inside the walls had somehow found a way through them and began a rampage.  The adventurers were nowhere to be seen, presumed dead, along with some of my own men.  We tried to retake the chambers but we were vastly outnumbered.  I beseech you, adventurers, help find my men and bring them safely back out."

Reubemont stood up and for a few moments was in deep thought.  Melanie looked down at the exhausted man and started to feel a pain in the side of her head.  Reubemont also groaned outloud pressing his hand against his head.  Their vision started to cloud and warp until they were stood outside of Halatali.  Outside the entrance of the dungeon was the man facing a small group of adventurers who were looking very impatient.  "We said we're ready!  I don't care if you think we're not strong enough!" the leader of the group said swinging his weight around in front of the man.

"I already stated I cannot let you inside!" the man said.  "No unlicensed adventurers can enter the building without proper authorization."

"I don't believe this...stand aside!" the burly adventurer pushed himself up against the man knocking him off balance.

"What the...hey wait, you can't go in there!" the man shouted as he tried one to wrestle with the adventurer.

"Grr!" the adventurer wrestled and pushed the man so hard that he fell and crashed against the walls outside the dungeon.  "Puny soldier!" he scoffed then waved the rest of his team to follow him into the dungeon.

The scene then changed to maybe an hour later when several armor-clad men clambered their way out of the dungeon dragging wounded with them.

"It's gone crazy in there!" one of them gasped.  "Monsters just poured out of the walls from nowhere!  Some of our men are still trapped inside.  We need help!  Call for anyone who'll listen, I don't care if they're licensed or not, we must reclaim Halatali!"

The scene then faded away and both Melanie and Reubemont were back in Camp Drybone, their heads slowly recovering.  Shaking his head Reubemont looked at his team who were expressing concerned looks.  "We have to help them, but I don't know if we are strong enough" he said as he went back into thought.  Melanie started to scour her thoughts trying to think of a solution to the situation.  In the game Halatali was designed for people who were barely that much stronger than they currently were, but the more harder version was designed for much higher levels.  As much as she wanted to help she couldn't help but feel this was beyond their capabilities.  Reubemont turned towards her.  "What do you think?  Does your gift give you any insight to whether we can succeed if we were to engage whatever's in there?"

Melanie shook her head.  "I don't think we're strong enough" she replied.

Reubemont looked down for a moment and sighed.  "We should head back to Ul'dah and send in word, see if we can find some others who are willing and able to persue this."

The man reached up and grabbed hold Reubemont's arm startling him.  "You must hurry!" he gasped.  Reubemont nodded and the man let go of him.

"I'll use a teleport so I can get there faster.  We can regroup at The Quicksand once everyone's arrived."  Reubemont stepped aside and pulled a small glowing crystal shaped like a tiny aetheryte from his pockets and held it close to his chest and started to concentrate.  A blue light started to whirl around his body causing him to levitate above the ground.  His aether began to thin and within moments he disappeared from view.

"Let's head to the chocobokeep" Suyaya stated.  The group hurriedly scaled the ramp leading up and out of the crevasse and towards the small chocobo stable sat above the camp.  "To Ul'dah!" Suyaya said quickly as the handler passed her a smaller chocobo to ride on.  Suyaya quickly handed a small handful of gil to the handler then with a gentle tap of her feet the chocobo immediately started to move and pick up pace.  Melanie dropped a small handful of gil into the handler's hands then hoisted herself up onto her chocobo's back and gave a gentle tap with her feet.  The chocobo responded by moving onto the dirt track and began to swiftly pick up speed.  Melanie held on tightly as before and within moments the entire group were zooming across the landscape back towards Ul'dah.

Encouragement Where It's Needed

Outside the Fragrant Chamber, Reubemont was quietly pacing on the spot wondering about his friend.  This meeting was extraordinary, nothing about the way it went seemed to make any sense.  Normally he'd be marched straight to his superiors, reprimanded for his actions and made to scrub stalls for a month.  And what did the Sultana want to discuss with D'brovola?  Such questions circled in his head but no matter how he tried to make sense of it all the more it left him feeling confused.

The tall doors to the chamber opened and Melanie walked out looking none the worse for wear.  Reubemont breathed a sigh of relief to see his friend once more.  "Brovola, is everything all right?" he asked her calmly.  Melanie nodded as she began making her way down the long staired hallway.  "What was all that about in there?  Something's not quiet right, that meeting made no sense at all."

"What do you mean?" Melanie asked without stopping trying not to answer him.  Reubemont quickly stepped in front of her halting her steps.  "What, you don't think it was strange that the Sultana herself wanted to question us?  Don't say you don't think that wasn't strange, and add to the matter that we got away with it so lightly.  And what did she want from you?"

Melanie let out a sigh.  "What do I say to him?  I need to think of something."  Melanie tried to come up with an excuse that was plausible enough that Reubemont would just let it go.  She looked up into Reubemont's eyes hoping to put on a believable show.  "She just wanted to know how I was getting along with my training" Melanie replied.

Reubemont blinked his eyes in disbelief.  "She wanted to know about her training?  Why has she never taken an interest in my training?"  Melanie stepped around Reubemont and continued walking towards the Royal Promenade.  Reubemont was still stood where he was looking more confused than ever.  "That can't be the reason she wanted to see her privately."  Quickly he turned around and chased after Melanie before he lost sight of her.  "I understand if you don't want to answer truthfully, and I'll respect your privacy and question no further.  You are certainly a woman of mystery" he said to her.

Melanie stopped in her tracks.  "I should've known that would never have been believable" she thought to herself.  She felt a little guilty that she couldn't really be honest about herself to him, after all he did help her many times already in the short time they'd known each other.  She tried to swallow away her guilt which felt like a huge pill stuck in her throat.  "Thank you for understanding" she said quietly.

"Reubemont!  Brovola!" Suyaya's voice called out to them across the promenade along with Johna and Holskwyb waving them over.

"My friends, full glad am I to see you again" Reubemont exclaimed excitedly as they rejoined together.

"It is ever so strange.  We were released and told we were free to go, no punishment or anything, except we were told Gridania is currently off-limits for the time being" Holskwyb said.

"Well for you it is, it's currently closed off for all non-citizens which means that me and Johna can return at any time" Suyaya said with her hands on her hips doing a cocky little dance on the spot.  "Although I am not sure we would want to go back there right away.  Perhaps we should wait a day or two so we can check in with our mentors.  It will give us a chance to get some insight into what is really happening over there after our departure."

"Agreed" Johna replied, "I am not so sure I want to face my mentors just yet."

"Then it is settled.  Let us remain in Ul'dah for a couple of days.  We can use this time to do some more training outside" Reubemont replied with a little optimism in his voice.

Suyaya glanced over at Melanie noticing that she was quiet and looking a little sad.  Melanie couldn't help but think about what had happened over in Gridania and about lying to Reubemont.  She also couldn't stop seeing the face of the two sisters who were failed by the Gridanians and condemned to live and die as outlaws.

"Chin up sweetie" Suyaya said to her with a smile.  "It will be all right, you will see."

Melanie looked surprised at Suyaya and closed her eyes still feeling a little despaired.  "I hope so" she said clutching at her chest.

Suyaya knew her words barely touched Melanie at that moment but she was hopeful that she might feel some amount of comfort and be able to rest easier.

"Tomorrow morning we should reconvene at The Quicksand as usual and plan our day ahead.  In the meantime let us take some rest while we can and try and clear our heads" Reubemont said in a slightly more confident voice.  Everyone nodded in agreement.  He then turned to Melanie.  "Will you be all right?" he asked her calmly.

"Yes, I think I'll be fine after I've taken some rest" Melanie replied with a nod.

"Very well.  I shall see you tomorrow.  In the meantime if you want to talk about anything or just want some company you can always contact me via linkpearl."

The group began to disperse and Melanie was once more alone.  She looked around hoping to find something to distract her so she wouldn't let her worries overcome her or cause her to have an emotional breakdown in public, however it was now dark and most people had turned in for the night.  "I need to get away from here" she thought to herself and began to head towards The Hourglass so she could book herself in.

Once she was booked in Melanie immediately headed to her room.  As soon as she was all alone she dropped her satchel on the floor, unbuckled her weapons and let them fall to the floor and then stared at the bed.  Her body started to feel very heavy as she slumped towards the bed and collapsed face down.  "I am such a failure!" she began to sob.  "All I do is cause trouble wherever I go.  What am I even doing here?!"

Melanie began to think about her home world and started to feel homesick.  How simple this would be if she could just log out and return back to her normal life and no longer worry about the consequences.  She started to miss seeing Tony's face even though they rarely spoke to each other anymore.  He might even for once offer her a hug seeing her in such distress.  She missed her old bed, she missed her online friends in the game, and she missed watching Netflix and Youtube.  There was nothing here on this world to take her mind off her worries save drinking, studying and fighting monsters.  There was nobody she could really confide in except maybe Tataru but she was all the way out in Mor Dhona.

Feeling helpless Melanie buried her face deep into the sheets.  Perhaps if she fell asleep like this she would suffocate in her sleep and put this world out of its misery before she caused even more trouble.  She started to feel sleepy and within moments began to slip away into a deep sleep.

---

Come and find me.

Melanie found herself walking in a large and empty white space.  "Did I die in my sleep?  Is this what it is to die?" she questioned herself.  She caught sight of her belly sticking out in front of her and gasped in a panic.  Her cat ears and tail were also gone and her hair was now a long dark brown with smaller ears at the sides of her head.  Familiar moles on her arms confirmed her suspicions.  She was her human self again.

Melanie then noticed she wasn't alone.  Another person was sat on a small wooden chair ahead of her.  She was a mi'qote with the same pink hair and style Melanie had when she arrived on the First.  Melanie was surprised to see her as there was nobody else there just seconds ago.

"Hello?" Melanie called out to the mi'qote but she was too far away to hear her.  Melanie walked towards the mi'qote.  "Excuse me, can you hear me?  Where are we?" Melanie said as she approached her.  The pink haired mi'qote raised herself from her chair and turned to face Melanie.  Melanie double stepped backwards almost tripping over her own feet with a gasp.  The mi'qote was exactly the same as her Final Fantasy character.  "What the... who are you?" Melanie stammered.

The pink haired mi'qote closed her eyes and giggled a little then opened them again.  "That is an interesting question.  I suppose I go by the name M'leineya" the mi'qote replied.

Melanie's heart began to palpitate and she began to struggle to breathe.  "But I created M'leineya, she's just a fictional character named after myself.  You can't be real, in fact none of this can be real.  I must be stuck in a lucid dream."

The pink haired mi'qote closed her eyes momentarily again and smiled gently.  "I assure you all this is real. Perhaps it would be best if you took a seat so we can talk."  She gestured towards a chair that was now behind Melanie.  Melanie turned around and looked startled to see the chair just materialize from nowhere.  M'leineya pulled her chair up towards her and sat down in front of Melanie.

Melanie nervously took her seat and glanced around her surroundings.  Nothing else had changed, it was still white as far as the eye could see.  "Ok...so if this is real then where are we?" she asked.

"This is a very special place, one where our souls can both communicate" M'leineya replied.

"Does that mean we're both sharing the same body then?" Melanie asked, still doubting that what was currently happening was for real.

"Not exactly.  My soul is being held prisoner somewhere beyond this realm, I don't exactly know where.  I'm able to see and feel the same things you do within my body and I can project my thoughts to you, although all of these with great difficulty, but beyond these there is little else I can do."

Melanie stopped panicking for a moment as she heard M'leineya mention being a captive.  "You're a prisoner?  Is there anything I can do to help and free you?"

M'leineya shook her head sadly.  "I have been separated from my body for so long that I am no longer able to reclaim it as my own.  Were by any chance you were to find me and free me my soul would dissipate and return to the aetherial sea."

"But aren't you here now?" Melanie looked puzzled.

"No, this is just a place where both our thoughts are able to reach out to one another.  You are still in your bed sleeping while I am held in shackles far away from our star in a realm shrouded by darkness."

"How did this happen?  Was it because of me, or because of what my people did when they created the game?"

M'leineya took in a concentrated breath.  "From what I remember I had been summoned by Hydaelyn. She warned me of a darkness that was approaching and that I would need to put my trust in her.  Then a dark hooded figure approached me.  He struck me down and bound me in arcane chains, the same ones that hold me now.  I will never forget his words to me, "I know who and what you are.  This time you will not get in the way of our plans."  I was then pulled away and cast into the darkness and made to bear witness to my body in control of another.  At first I thought he had possessed my body or another soul of his choosing was using my body to commit dark deeds, but then I saw you helping others instead and I started to doubt this was part of his act.  This was confirmed when he made himself known to you and fought against you, and with that I learned of his name - Lahabrea."

Melanie gasped, her jaw agape and her eyes wide open.  "But Lahabrea was defeated a long time ago by my hands!  I mean, your hands!  Ugh... never mind.  Wasn't this enough to free you from his spell?"

M'leineya shook her head sadly.  "These chains are all that's keeping me from returning to the Aetherial Sea.  I once contemplated just letting go but Hydaelyn stopped me through one of her consorts and reminded me that I needed to keep my trust in her.  I don't know what it is she wants me to wait for but I have placed my trust in her."

Melanie sat back in her chair feeling a little frustrated.  It seemed that there was no way forward for M'leineya to reclaim what was rightfully hers.  "Then what happens from here?  Is there just no way you can reclaim your body?"

M'leineya sat silently for a moment looking straight at Melanie.  "If there was a way I could reclaim my body it would be at the cost of your own soul.  I could not and would not do that even if such a thing were possible.  But there is something else that I could do."

"Then why not do it?" Melanie exclaimed with her palms held outward.  "You have my permission.  I don't care what happens to me, it's your body not mine.  Do whatever it is you need to do!  The realm needs you back.  All I'm doing is screwing things up and I'm just not strong enough to become this great warrior everyone is expecting me to become."

M'leineya quickly shook her head.

"Why not?!" Melanie gasped exasperated.

"Because to do so would require a great sacrifice" M'leinya replied.  "Besides, I have a personal request before I decide on a course of action."

"Well, name it then!"

"I want you to show me your strength.  Show me you can fight and overcome your fears.  You said you are not strong enough to become a warrior, but I believe you have the potential and that over time you will find strength and confidence in yourself and in others and surpass your own expectations.  Once you have shown this to me then you will be ready for my proposal."

Melanie sat back in her chair again with a look of disbelief on her face.  "So that's it, you're giving me a quest to do before you'll do anything to help yourself or your people just like an NPC?"

"No, that is not what I mean..."

"Well that's what it sounds like to me!" Melanie leaned forward hissing exhasperatedly.

"I only have one shot at this and there would be no going back for either of us!  If I were to do this now I would be cast out into the Aetherial Sea and lost forever.  As for what would happen to you I don't know and I am not willing to take that risk.  This can only work once we are one at both body and mind."

Melanie slumped backwards into her chair again feeling defeated.  "You know how I feel about myself.  I have no confidence.  Everyone is relying on me to become this great hero but no matter what I do things go to shit.  Look at what I started in Gridania!  And as for my fears I've had these all my life.  I can't just switch them off like a light switch."

"This is why you will need to work hard to overcome them" M'leineya replied leaning foward to her.  "With the help of your friends you will grow stronger and more confident in yourself.  You will be able to face your fears and cast them aside.  You will stumble on the way and not always make the right decisions, but people will still stand with you because they are drawn to the light that is within you.  I know how good your heart is and how much you desire to do what is right.  I know how much you love this world and its people and will do anything to protect it.  You can do this.  I know you can.  And as for Gridania I would not be so quick to judge that things are not going to turn out well there."

"How would you know that?" Melanie asked puzzled.

M'leineya leaned back in her seat, raised a hand to her face and chuckled.  "Because I would have done the same thing myself" she replied.

Big Trouble Little Gridania

The Carline Canopy was almost empty by the time Melanie and her comrades arrived back in Gridania with news that a new group of adventurers had disposed of the Bockman threat.  They hadn't spoken since leaving Tam-Tara and even now they were sat around a table silently staring into tankards of mead.  Neither of them felt comfortable about what happened at the tower.  Melanie felt she needed to break the ice but she had no words to offer.  Only Reubemont knew exactly what she saw in her vision and would truthfully understand.

Holskwyb finally had enough of the silence and slammed her hands down onto the table.  "Listen, I know what we saw today was a shock for all of us.  Perhaps we've forgotten that we're all adventurers and this is just merely the beginning of what's still to come.  We won't be fighting monsters all the time, there will be times we must draw swords against other people."

Reubemont sighed and lowered his gaze further.  "It's not just about her death.  What I saw, what both me and Brovola saw, was something much deeper.  She and her sister no doubts hoped for a life here and instead they were treated like dirt and made to feel unwelcome.  They were driven to become outlaws in order to survive, and when her sister was killed by the same people who abused them she sought revenge.  I do not condone what she did however, but I do not also condone the actions of the people here before they became outlaws."

Johna felt a shudder through his body and moved around shiftly in his seat.  "I noticed an imbalance among the citizens, especially those who aren't native to the city" he said.  "Since my coming here trying to find work was very difficult, if not impossible, and the attitudes of the natives were rather hostile.  In the end I turned to adventuring as a source of income and even then trying to find work as an adventurer wasn't easy.  One really has to work hard to get treated decently.  I also noticed that certain races get even far worse treatment, especially those of the duskwight tribe and the keepers of the moon."

"I too noticed the imbalance" Suyaya added.  "Whilst I am a born citizen of Gridania other people who are not Gridanian natives struggle.  It is little wonder many have turned to adventuring to try to make a living whilst others have left to other cities.  The levels of snobbery here have no bounds when it comes to outsiders."

Reubemont continued to brood until he heard a familiar voice behind him.  Melanie's ears pricked up upon hearing the same voice.  "Word is they downed another one of those Coeurlclaws over at Galvanth's Spire.  What's more she was posing as one of us!  At least now that's one less of those little whores scurrying around our woods" he gloated to his partner who laughed along with him.  "That's the same voice from my vision!" Melanie thought to herself.  She looked across at Reubemont who was looking directly at her and giving her a very slow and stern nod.  Melanie looked straight into his eyes and slowly nodded in response.  Together they slowly rose from their seats with weapons drawn and walked over to two elezen men dressed in wood wailer clothes settling down at a table with a couple of tankards of ale whilst their friends looked on confused.

"What's happening?" Suyaya asked the others as they watched Reubemont and Melanie walk away.

"I don't know but I smell trouble" Holskwyb muttered as she took a sip from her tankard, her eyes following Reubemont and watching his every move.

As he approached the table the elezen men stopped laughing and looked up at Reubemont with a disgusted look.  "Ugh, what do you want?" the loud one asked.  Reubemont swiftly slammed the elezen's head down onto the table.  Before the other could respond Melanie was already mid-casting a sleep spell.  "How about you take a nice nap" she said as the spell worked its magic causing him to slump into his chair and fall asleep.

"What is the meaning of this?  How dare you!" the elezen man yelled angrily.

"That whore you was just talking about was driven by you and your partner into becoming outlaws.  Perhaps you will remember those two miqo'te that you pushed aside in the streets who were begging for mercy where you showed none.  Because of your heartless actions both of them are now dead!" Reubemont growled in a low voice.

"Wha???  Oh yeah, I remember those two" the elezen man said grinning under the weight of Reubemont's hand who was holding his head down on the table.  "What, do you expect me to feel sorry and beg for forgiveness?  Like I care about a pair of outsider scum!"

Reubemont raged, dragging the elezen from his seat and tossing him across the room causing tables and chairs to scatter.  People started to gasp and panic as they watched the scene unfold.  The elezen slammed against a wall with a loud crunching sound and collapsed onto the ground groaning.  He slowly rolled over to look up at Reubemont still grinning with blood-stained teeth.  "You'll regret assaulting a member of the wood wailers, immigrant pig!" he shouted as he defiantly spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor.

Melanie's ears pricked up as she could hear the sounds of more men hurrying towards the canopy.  Down below she also heard the sounds of propellors as an airship was docking in at the landing.  Quickly she pulled onto Reubemont's arm.  "More people are coming, we have to leave!  We can take the airship out of here" she said in a desperate voice.  Reubemont glared angrily at the elezen wood wailer.  "You forget that you too are elezen like me.  To think you are one of my own flesh and blood makes me want to throw up in disgust" he said before turning around and following Melanie towards the stairs leading down to the airship dock.  The rest of their friends quickly downed their ale and grabbed their belongings and followed.

As they approached the stairs Melanie hesitated until Reubemont was in front of her.  She could hear the voices of more men getting closer to the canopy.  The fear of being caught overpowered her anxiety and as quick as she could she began to descend the stairs.  Reubemont was already at the bottom and had bought several tickets from the ticketeer.  As soon as Melanie and their friends reached the gate he ushered them through to the airship which was waiting outside.

"HALT!  Do not let that airship leave!" a voice from above shouted out.  By the time reinforcements had arrived the airship had already left the dock and was ascending above the trees heading towards Thanalan.

Now that they were safely out of Gridania Melanie remembered her fears and quickly clung onto Reubemont, causing Holskwyb to give her a quizzing look.  "Err, it's not what you think" Reubemont said a little flustered.  "She has a fear of heights."  He put his arms around Melanie and held her gently as she trembled in fear and buried her face into his chest.

"Huh, I see..." Holskwyb said as she watched Melanie shaking and sobbing.  "Good thing she has you to comfort her, just like Junnelle" she said and she smiled in the corner of her mouth.

Reubemont looked up at Holskwyb a little startled then smiled and looked back down at Melanie and gently stroked her hair.

"So, would you care to explain what all that was about back there?" Johna said walking over to Reubemont with his arms crossed and a slightly angry expression on his face.  "In case you have forgotten I am still training under the wood wailers and they will no doubts detain me and Suyaya and question us the next time we step on Gridanian soil."

Reubemont looked at Johna regretfully.  "I am sorry, I didn't think about that" he said in a remorseful voice.  "Those two wood wailers were the same people we saw in our visions.  They drove that poor girl and her sister into becoming outlaws" Reubemont lowered his head sadly and shook his head.  "I knew Gridania had its issues but I had no idea they could harbor such contempt towards people not born of its citizens."

"Well it's too late for regrets now" Suyaya said walking up towards Reubemont.  "We are just going to have to face the music when we return and pray we don't get hit with criminal charges."  She looked up at Melanie with a pitiful look on her face.  "She really is afraid, isn't she?" she said calmly.

Time passed by with the group scattered around the ship.  Melanie was still holding onto Reubemont tightly although she had now stopped shaking and sobbing.  Johna scanned the area to see where they were.  He had ridden airships many times so he could judge how far they had come and how long it would take to reach their destination.  They were now starting to clear the trees of the Black Shroud and were entering into the dry lands of Thanalan.  He estimated it would take another 25 minutes before they'd arrive at Ul'dah.

Suyaya had found herself a small crate to perch herself on and was meditating on her magic whilst Holskwyb lingered around the back of the ship with her arms crossed looking back on the Shroud.

Johna's eyes caught sight of the silhouettes of Ul'dah's spires far into the distance.  He felt somewhat relieved they were now far from Gridania.  The wood wailers had no juristiction over Ul'dah's citizens, however word could still reach the Sultana from the Elder Seedseer and if she saw it fit she could have them arrested before they could even take a step off the airship and sent back to Gridania to face any charges awaiting them there.  He tried not to worry about what might be awaiting them at Ul'dah and appreciated the fact that whilst they were in the air they were still free citizens.

Looking down below them Johna saw a battle taking place with a large creature resembling a black coeurl and several people in adventuring gear.  He waved over to his friends.  "Everyone, quick, you gotta see this!" he beckoned them over.  Melanie held onto Reubemont's arm and slowly edged her way to the port side of the airship hoping to catch a glimpse without completely freaking out.  Her stomach lept up into her throat several times and she felt a panic attack coming on but she was able to peer enough to see the commotion below them.  "Looks like another creature took on the mantle of Maahes.  See those adventurers?  They are participating in what is known as The Great Hunt.  Whenever a fiend takes on the position of its predecessor and becomes a threat it's up to the Grand Companies to set up a hunting bill for highly skilled adventurers to participate in taking it down."  They watched as the coeurl used its whiskers to electrically charge the air around it and burst with a loud explosion causing everyone to fall to the ground and struggling to get back onto their feet again.  "Woo!  That is one of its paralysis moves, a very potent one at that.  You really do not want to get hit by that even as a healer as it's a real pain to cleanse it off."

The airship quickly passed over the hunting party and everyone backed away from the edge of the airship.  "You know a lot about hunts" Holskwyb said with a keen interest.

"That is because my father used to participate in them himself when I was a child.  He would tell me stories about them and would bring back gifts from the huntmasters' coffers.  That is until one day he got too cocky and tried to face off with Safat all by himself.  Stood too close to the edge of a crevasse and got sent down to his death.  Stupid wanker.  His body was found hours later by a passing hunt party after they took down Safat themselves."

"Sorry to hear about your father" Holskwyb lowered her voice.

"Nah don't be, that cocky bastard would have died anyways to some other fiend.  He believed himself strong enough to take on any fiend and reap all the rewards for himself and would brag about it in all the local taverns.  He wanted to make a big name for himself you see, as Eorzea's sole and dependable huntsman.  I pray I never become that cocky and selfish.  That is why I joined the adventurers' guild, so instead of trying to be independable like my father I would find like minded adventurers to enter into forays with together and do it properly."

Ul'dah's spires began to take on shape and colour as they approached closer to the city.  Holskwyb began to frown a little as she squinted towards them.  "Do you think word has reached the Sultana about our antics in the Shroud?" she said to Johna.  Johna nodded with a frustrated huff.  "Most likely" he replied.  "Hmm, then I wonder if she will let us back into the city again" Holskwyb muttered to herself.

Reubemont pulled Melanie towards him away from the edge of the airship and began to speak quietly to her.  "Since you and I are Ul'dah's citizens we will be the ones likely taken into questioning whilst the rest of the team will be held in custody or even sent back to Gridania for questioning there.  Try not to worry though, I will take full accountability for what happened."

Melanie shook her head at him.  "No, I was involved too" Melanie argued.

"I was the one throwing the punches, so if anyone is to blame it is me" he said holding her face still with both his hands.  "Please Brovola, do not get yourself into more trouble than you need to.  I will handle this."

Melanie let out a frustrated sigh in defeat.  Reubemont smiled and let go of her then put on his serious face as the airship started its descent towards the city's docking port.  He could already see there was a waiting party for them led by the Immortal Flames.

The airship jolted slightly as it stopped and the team started to disembark.  The team leader of the Immortal Flames approached them before they could step down from the airship.  "Sir Reubemont Lebier and Miss D'brovola Selah, I have orders to escort you directly to the Fragrant Chamber for questioning in regards to recent activities reported from Gridania.  I request that you cooperate and come quietly.  The rest of you are to be taken into custody until further notice."

Reubemont and Melanie looked at each other with dejected looks and then followed the team leader to the lift whilst the rest of the Immortal Flames escorted Suyaya, Johna and Holskwyb back across the airship towards a sealed room behind them.  Melanie started to worry about what was going to happen.  She'd never been in trouble with the law before and here she was just barely a week gone by on an alien planet causing a ruckus and getting her new friends into trouble.

Reubemont could see Melanie was troubled as they entered the lift and leaned over towards her ears.  "Remember what I said earlier, I will take full accountability" he said quietly under his breath.

"No talking" the Flame said to them in a stern voice.  Reubemont stood back upright and began to breathe calmly whilst Melanie nervously took in a deep breath.  The gate in front of the lift raised up as they arrived at the Hustings Strip and quietly walked around the Royal Promenade towards a heavily guarded door up a long and wide flight of luxuriosly carpetted stairs.  Melanie tried her best not to look down from the promenade incase she'd have a panic attack.  She was already nervous enough as it was.  The stairs weren't very steep but they were quite long and the steps were more further spread apart the further up they went.

The Flame knocked on the door and stepped back ushering Reubemont and Melanie to enter.  Taking a calm breath Reubemont pushed open the doors and they both walked into a large chamber which was mostly open space save for a large stone table with ornate wooden chairs in the back and large golden chandeliers that brightly lit up the room.  Other rich and royal decor adorned the sides of the chamber indicating that this was a room exclusively reserved for its wealthiest delegates and the Sultana.

Sat at the far back of the table was the Sultana herself, Nanamo Ul Namo, in her pink and gold attire and wispy pink pigtails.  She looked so sickeningly cute that Melanie struggled trying not to vomit in her mouth.  Reubemont and Melanie both bowed before her and stood to attention.  Nanamo looked up at them with a very stern look on her face.

"Since you no doubts know the reason why you are both here let us get straight to the point.  Your actions in Gridania have resulted in a civil war between its citizens and those in charge of keeping the peace in the city.  For the first time in history Gridania is in a lockdown with people protesting in the streets.  Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"

Reubemont stepped forward in front of Melanie trying to shield her.  "It was my fault your grace.  I engaged the wood wailers and made the first strike.  The rest of my comrades were not involved nor were they aware of what I was planning to do.  I take full responsibility for my actions and will gracefully accept whatever punishment you see fit."

Nanamo glared at him with her expression unchanged.  "Duly noted" she said in a stern voice.

"Your grace, with your permission I would like to speak freely" Reubemont said lowering his head.

"Granted" she said still without changing her expression.

"Why are you in charge of the questionings?  Shouldn't this be left up to the Immortal Flames to detain and question us?"

"Since your actions have resulted in a civil war in one of our allied states it is my responsibility that you are held and questioned in order to protect my own city and its citizens.  We wouldn't want you causing the same kind of trouble here as you did in Gridania now wouldn't we?"

Reubemont shook his head.  "I would never" he said under his breath.

"Good" Nanamo said nodding her head.  "Now then, what prompted you to start this war in the first place?"

"I had a vision..." Reubemont was interrupted as Melanie stepped around and in front of him.

"We had a vision" she said outloud.  "Reubemont and I have been blessed with the gift of The Echo.  We witnessed 2 young girls - sisters - who tried to settle in Gridania being abused by its citizens and became outlaws in order to survive.  The men we attacked were the very same ones who abused those girls when they tried to seek help and were the reason why they became outlaws.  We couldn't just let what they had done slip especially when they were gloating about it in public."

Nanamo listened quietly trying to think of how to respond.  She closed her eyes for a moment.  "I know of Gridania's biased behaviour towards its citizens and non-citizens, and whilst it's not for me to judge them I cannot deny that a good portion of our own citizens were once travelers trying to seek assylum in Gridania who faced prejudism and were driven out by its bigotry."  She then opened her eyes again and looked at them directly in their faces.  "It's also not in your hands to try to sway the citizens of Gridania into trying to change its behaviour.  However what has begun has begun and nothing can change that now.  That is why I have been requested by the Elder Seedseer not to punish you, but to rather give you a personal warning and to order you to keep the vigilante behaviour under lock and key and buried beneath Thanalan's sands.  Do I make myself clear?"

Reubemont and Melanie nodded in compliance.  "You are both free to go, as are your friends.  However, D'brovola, I would like a few moments alone with you before you leave."

Reubemont looked at Melanie a little surprised and then with a bow left the room.  As soon as they were alone Nanamo looked at Melanie with a slight hint of anger in her eyes.  "What were you thinking?!  I seem to recall Krile telling you to lay low and keep your head down, or did that correspondence slip from your mind?" she snapped at Melanie.

"I'm really sorry, yes I know but I couldn't just stand by and let those bigots get away with what they did to those innocent girls" Melanie said hanging her head low.

Nanamo closed her eyes again and let out a dejected sigh.  "I understand, it is what is in your nature to do.  You and the person I remember as once being you are so very alike that even I am having a hard time remembering that you are not the same person.  Like her you care about people other than yourself and will go out of your way to do what you see is right.  Were you still in the same position I would have let this slip as yet another one of your heroic deeds, but as a new adventurer I have to set an example otherwise every other new adventurer is going to think they can do what they please the moment they register with the guild."  Nanamo opened her eyes and looked up at Melanie.  "Gridania is in a dire state and currently off-limits to its non-citizens until things are put back in order again.  For now I would say continue your practices and your studies here in Ul'dah and pray try not to get into any more trouble while you are here."

Melanie nodded and Nanamo gave her a smile in return.  "Now then, with that aside, you said that Sir Reubemont has the gift of The Echo?"

"Yes, it happened in our last mission when we went to face off with Bockman - an entity one of those young girls I mentioned earlier reawakened using necromancy to avenge the death of her sister to the wood wailers whilst they were living as outlaws.  There was a crystal of light and it awakened the gift in Reubemont."

"So Hydaelyn's blessing is still being distributed among her chosen creating new warriors of light" Nanamo gasped excitedly.  "And they are none other than the people who are now your comrades!  I would say this is no coincidence that your new comrades are among the chosen.  Whilst I don't fully understand who gets chosen nor why I do know that those gifted with The Echo are very few in number.  Perhaps all of this is part of Hydaelyn's plan, in which case I would be foolish to try and stop you."  She glanced up at Melanie one more time.  "I needn't say this to you but pray be careful out there" she said earnestly.

Melanie nodded and proceeded to leave the chamber.