[IC] Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

[AlteredTundra]

The kiss could have lasted forever and Jaakuna wouldn’t mind. He and Emiri were in a whole other world. It would see that the longer the kiss would go on, the closer they would get to each other. It would seem that it got to the point where they had each other one another’s arms. The moment was magical and on a beautiful night that it was, Jaakuna didn’t want to pull away. He wanted to hang on this moment for as long as he could.

---

Hearing Prince Grant agree to his idea pleased Vincent to no end, and he even chuckled at what Grant had said about Princess Nadeline. “Oh yes, I know the kind.” Vincent couldn’t really say anything about kids since he’s young himself. Nonetheless, he agreed to the idea of Grant. “When things are settled, do please send word. There is a woman under my command who would most enjoy to help you. Perhaps you could meet her tonight, if you aren’t in a hurry.” He said, “Seek out Savayna Glacie, she would just die to hear about these plans, I’m sure.”

[Hero]

The Archadian General? Now that she was mentioned, he did recall her being in Bhujerba. Perhaps then, she had a knack for finding the little group. If it meant not having to go back with Michel, Grant would meet with this Savayna. He nodded, standing up and bowing. "Then by your leave, my lord. I will seek her out, I think it best if we start the search as soon as possible." He told him, standing from his seat. "I will seek out Miss Glacie at my lord's suggestion. Eagerness is a rare quality these days, as is enthusiasm." From what he heard, the general was one who freely used force. It didn't matter much. So long as his precious doll was unharmed, he would let her have a field day with Jaakuna and Nadeline.

Things would get interesting.

[AlteredTundra]

Since the night of the party, Jaakuna and Emiri both had a good one. They talked and they kissed, then they walked each other to their rooms and then they would sleep the night away. Jaakuna was happy with the way things were and he wouldn’t push it at all. He didn’t want to make Emiri feel uncomfortable in any sense of the word. He wanted to make sure that the time she would come to the point where he is at with feelings that she did it of her own volition.

In the nine hours he was asleep, Jaakuna had a good sleep. The room he slept in was really big, especially for a guest room. All three of them — Jaakuna, Emiri, and Nadeline — had their own room and each were the same size. They were decorated with all of that fancy shit that palaces have. There was a balcony to each room and a window that let the natural lighting from the sun beam down the room. It would awake anyone in a glorious way.

When Jaakuna would wake up, he stretched his arms out, and released a moderately-loud moan. It was all good for him and his mood when he woke up was just so pleasant. Perhaps Jaakuna felt wonderful about everything. As he got up from his bed, he had nothing on but his red and white boxers. He saw that his weapons and clothes were already ready for him. “Oh fancy.” He smirked and laughed a bit. He would proceed to put on his clothes, which included his usual wear. His weapons would be next as he would put them on one-by-one.

As he would make his way out of the room, he would run into Wesley. b]“Oh, Prince, hello.”[/b] Jaakuna said a bit awkwardly.

“Good morning Jaakuna. Sleep well?” He said with a pleasant smile.

“Yes I did, in fact.” Jaakuna said laughing a bit.

“I’m glad. Do come and join all of us for breakfast. Got to get stuffed before we depart.”
“Yes of course.”

Jaakuna said as he followed Wesley to the table.

[Hero]

"Emiri, it simply won't do for you to stay in bed. Get up!"

Emiri let out a sluggish groan, pulling her covers over her head. She was feeling especially groggy that morning; she would normally be the first up, but it seemed as if she was the last person to awaken. Nadeline was having a hard time trying to get her out of bed. The blonde ripped the blankets off the brunette, but she did not stir, instead simply putting her pillow over her head. Nadeline huffed, annoyed, and grabbed the girl by her ankles. Using all her might, she yanked Emiri off the bed. The brunette in turn grabbed the sheets in a desperate attempt to stay in bed, only to meet defeat when she collided with the cold floor. She actually had half a mind to just sleep on the floor.

"Honestly!" Nadeline threw her arms up in the air, exasperated and frustrated. "Look at you! What in the world is wrong with you, Emi? Get up!"

Emiri slowly sat up, shoulders drooping as she looked up at Nadeline. Why did she have to get up now? Not like Jaakuna wasn't still snoring over in his bed. Besides, she always woke up before him, so what was the big deal? She crossed her arms, throwing Nadeline a look. "I thought it was obvious that I desire to sleep more, thank you very much." She stated.

"You are the last to rise, have you no shame?" She snapped back, clearly just about having enough.

This surprised Emiri. That wasn't possible. He himself stated that he never liked to get up on time. Still, she felt so exhausted, but if she even thought about going back to bed, she had a feeling Nadeline would drag her out in her nightwear and all. She stood up and began to get dressed, noting that these particular daily tasks were...they were a lot harder to pull off. Even lifting her arms seemed to be a task, her body felt sluggish and heavy. Did she not get enough sleep? No, that couldn't be it. Perhaps fatigue had finally caught up to her at last. She thought a good night's rest would have cured it, but really, she felt even more tired now. Nonetheless she dressed herself and pulled her hair into her usual ponytail, and followed Nadeline. She had said something about breakfast, but she didn't quite catch her exact words.

The ladies entered the room, with Nadeline grinning from ear to ear. "Good morning!" She called rather happily. Emiri noted that Jaakuna was wide awake: she really did out sleep him!

[AlteredTundra]

While Jaakuna and Wesley were at the dining room table eating the grandeur of the food on the table. It was the finest breakfast items one could ever hopeful. The best money could buy, actually. Though, Jaakuna sometimes just preferred cheap food. Some poorly-made French toast and shit coffee always seemed to be his preferred one, but Jaakuna didn’t mind the exotic ingredients. As he ate it, he recognized the taste.

“Is this Archadian Egg Custard?” Jaakuna asked Wesley.

Wesley was surprised. “Ah, a good eye you have there, Jaakuna. It is indeed Archadian Egg Custard. One of the finest in he world.”

Jaakuna nodded and he started eating the shit out of it. He might hate the current rule his country has, but the food there is to die for, sometimes even literally.

As he would eat more, Emiri and Nadeline walked in, and they bid them a good morning. Jaakuna turned to their direction, mouth full of custard. “Good morning ladies!” He said, food flying out. “oops.” He said closing his mouth and letting the remaining custard go down his wind hole.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin as Emiri would sit next to him. He turned to her. “Sleep well, Emiri?” He simply said.

Meanwhile, it would seem Nadeline was next to Wesley. “Good morning Lady Nadeline, I trust you found your room satisfactory? He said with such charisma and character as he smiled when he did so.

[Hero]

"A little too well, apparently." Emiri murmured, wincing as Nadeline threw her a look.

Said blonde let out an irritated huff as she quickly (and cleanly) slathered some butter onto her toast. It didn't matter if they were at the castle or not, she simply would not have Emiri abandon her etiquette just because they were free from their mothers' eyesight. She eyed the prince as he spoke, taking a neat bite out of her bread. Once finished, she batted her eyelashes at him. "Quite well, Your Highness. I would have much preferred the company of someone, but alas, it was not so. Do join me next time." She spoke quite freely, the flirtatious tones in her voice would make any proper lady blush.

Emiri chocked on her juice, completely flabbergasted at Nadeline's forwardness. How the heck was she able to do that? Nadeline threw her wink, she could read her look as such: Pay attention, this is how men like it. The brunette was completely at a loss. Did guys like forwardness? Even if that were the case, she could never even consider to follow Nadeline's lead.

[AlteredTundra]

Wesley was amused. Nadeline was surely an interesting one. She was definitely forward, he had to at least give her that. Wesley smiled. “Perhaps dinner will be a start.” He said, slightly chuckling. He quite liked Nadeline’s forwardness. Of all the girls who have flirted with him, she was the most direct of all. He preferred the direct approach, but she definitely held herself with a certain dignity.

As Jaakuna saw the little something going on between Wesley and Nadeline, he just sighed. He didn’t understand that woman, but better Wesley than Jaakuna, right? Yes, right. On the course of Emiri, she made a note of how she slept too well. Jaakuna laughed at this. “Since when did you become the lazy one of us two?” He said.

[Hero]

Nadeline smiled mischievously, and Emiri swore she saw her wink at her. Obviously the prince was impressed and quite frankly so was Emiri. Nadeline was good. Like, really good. Maybe she should take notes? But she could never be like that. Did nothing ever faze the girl? Seriously, she was like a brick wall! A flirtatious brick wall. As Jaakuna laughed and asked what he did, Emiri shrugged. "Hmm...I seem to be picking up your habits." She said, raising an eyebrow at him. "Hopefully this is a one time thing, I would hate to start mimicking your bad habits." She lightly joked. Yeah, it was just one day of oversleeping. Things would get back to normal tomorrow.

Emiri paused, then looked at the group. "What will be our next move?" She asked.

-------

The prince walked through the streets of Archades, enjoying the sights. It was actually refreshing to walk without a guard of some sort--Michel had offered to accompany him, but as the conversation soon went into a silence, he politely and kindly gave the prince the address he needed. Grant was never too good with directions, but it was fun to see the people and their daily activities. Eventually, he did find his way to her residence.

Grant quickly checked himself. No dirt or dust, his hair was in place, and his clothes properly ironed without a wrinkle in sight. He was sure Vincent had already sent word to her about his arrival (though his tardiness was another thing) so she should have been expecting him. With a slight cough, he knocked on her door, awaiting the lady to answer.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna laughed at the thought of Emiri possibly picking up his bad habits. “It would be pretty hilarious if I picked up your good habits. “ He said just laughing that notion up. As he would do that, Emiri brought up the question of what the group is to do next.

Wesley thought about this as well. Truly, his sister’s coronation is later on in the morning and he can’t miss that, but after that he’s free to travel with them. His father’s funeral isn’t for five weeks from now, so he can travel up until then. On the other side of things, Jaakuna has no idea what to do.

“I really don’t know.” Jaakuna said. He then turned to Nadeline. “What say you?” Jaakuna said.

---

Savayna had just woken up, but it wasn’t her choice. She was woken up by a knock on her door. She would be wearing nothing but her bras and panties. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so she rudely opened the door, showing her half-naked body.

“Who the fuck dares interrupt my sleep!?” She yelled as she opened the door and as she saw him, she spoke “Who the fuck are you?”

[Hero]

Grant was surprised. Very surprised. The cursing, the partial nudity, the rudeness...He had expected...actually, he didn't have any expectations. No, that isn't right, he expected a woman with force. She was pretty forceful. Her outburst certainly made it so, anyway. He regained his composure, trying very hard to focus on her lovely eyes and not the rest of her exposed body. "...Your Emperor sent me. Savayna Glacie?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her...lack of garment. Well, this was interesting. He cleared his throat and introduced himself, "I am Prince Grant Hershel of House Roselia. We were to...discuss joining forces." Wow, he didn't realize how uncomfortable he was. She was certainly beautiful, but the only one for him was his Emelia. Although she was impressive. Very much so.

--------

Emiri rolled her eyes at Jaakuna. He'd do well to get some of her manners, but she kept that thought private. Besides, he should be himself. And she should be herself, her usual, early bird self. She took a cup of tea gladly as Nadeline procured her epic tome of knowledge that she had gotten from the Ifrit. Jaakuna may have been joking, but Nadeline was, as always, one step ahead. She laid the ancient book flat, carefully opening it up and revealing several more figures between two pages. She ran her finger over them, landing on Belias. "There are more of them out there." Nadeline said, pointing to the several figures. "I think we should go about collecting them, what say you?"

[AlteredTundra]

When Savayna had opened the door, she didn’t know who it was, but as he introduced himself, she instantly let him in. She knew exactly who he was, but added to that, she knew that she was completely underdressed. So, she told him “one moment,” as she would go to her room, and get her usual dress on. She would then come back only to find Prince Grant sitting down in a chair.

“I guess I should say I’m sorry, but you didn’t turn away, so fuck that shit. “ She said laughing a bit. “So, what’s this about joining forces with the likes of you and Rozarria?” She asked. This truly came to her as a surprise. The last thing she remembered, the two empires hated each other’s guts. Unless she is missing something. She has to or else she wouldn’t be at a loss for words on the matter.

---

As Nadeline pulled out her great big book of everything. The reactions from Wesley and Jaakuna were vastly different. Jaakuna just shook his head, like how he did the first time she brought it out. However, Wesley would be amazed. He didn’t expect such a big book to be just around for her. Truly she enjoyed the finer things in life, especially education.

“Truly fascinating. “ Wesley said leaning against the table as Nadeline went to the page where Belias was at. “You must really love reading, Lady Nadeline? Truly wondrous.” He said admiring the great big book of everything.

Jaakuna was shocked. Nadeline seemed to have the prince already around her finger. He leaned to Emiri. “Dang, how could such a smart man fall for something like that? She’s got him hooked.” He whispered to her ear.

As he said that, Nadeline said that they could go get more of those creatures like Belias. Jaakuna shrugged. “I guess it’s worth a shot. Does it say where the closet one is?” He asked.

[Hero]

Goodness, she certainly handles him well. Emiri's jaw slightly dropped as she watched Nadeline and Wesley. The two were getting along...like, really getting along. Sure, Nadeline was a gorgeous girl, a princess, an intellect (apparently), but she had no idea the prim and proper princess knew how to handle the opposite gender so well. She was secretly glad she didn't have her eyes on Jaakuna: she was almost certain that she could've had him the same way. Emiri looked at Jaakuna, equally surprised. "She was always reading romance novels in the castle...perhaps she picked up her expertise from them. Emiri whispered back.

"Tis the life of a princess trapped in a castle." Nadeline replied to Wesley with a slight shrug. Nadeline frowned at Jaakuna's question, looking once more at the book. "Apparently, they're called Espers...'Beings of strange form and appearance made by the gods in ancient times. Favored with great strength and intellect, the Espers knew power far beyond that of men, but their power made them proud, and at length they sought to challenge the gods. Seeing this, the gods were angered and struck down their blessed children, and binding their souls and flesh with the Glyph of the Beast, they stole their freedom for all eternity. Now they are bound to live only when summoned by their Glyph, to serve whosoever called them forth.' is what it says here." She pointed to one. "I haven't translated all of them, but it would seem this one is located in the Zertinan Caverns."

Emiri thought for a moment, then said, "Supposedly the caverns are full of dangerous monsters and extend to many places. I think there's an entrance through the Ozmone Plain. We'd have to go through the Giza Plains to get there.

-------

Grant was slightly amused at Savayna. Now that she had clothes on, it was much easier to face her. He had a half smile on as she walked in. She was truly an experience for him. As she asked her question, he guessed that the Emperor had yet to send word--Grant must have arrived early. "Miss Glacie, your Emperor as reached out to Rozarria for a temporary truce. You see, he says we should join forces as we have a common denominator, so to speak. At the attack on Rabanastre, it was reported that our royal princess, Nadeline Lenore Roselia, was spotted with your kingdom's Jaakuna." He explained. "He was hoping we could work together...you would get the criminal and I would get...our princess back..." His voice trailed off at the mention of Nadeline, unsure whether or not to mention Emelia.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna just laughed quietly as he and Emiri were just gossiping about how Nadeline and Wesley seemed to be getting along really well. Jaakuna actually was surprised that the prince was falling for her shtick, but perhaps he had to found her interesting at least or else he wouldn’t be hovering over her like a dog and its bone. Jaakuna leaned to Emiri. “Only someone like her would find some advice from books.” Jaakuna laughed.

Wesley heard what Nadeline said as nodded at what she was saying and about how the facts she said were true. He wasn’t that surprised that she was a princess. “You do present yourself like a princess would, so that doesn’t shock me one bit.” He said as he would just move closer to Nadeline(accidentally of course). His side bumped into hers. “Oh, my apologies, I only wished to get a better look at the book — it’s truly fascinating.” wesley was only telling half-truth there. He sort of wanted to get closer, but as a gentleman he is, he wouldn’t dare admit that.

Jaakuna just saw what Wesley did. He leaned to Emiri once more. “Sheesh, did you see that? Dude isn’t even being subtle.” Jaakuna just laughed semi-silently about it. However, he did hear what Nadeline had to say about the Espers and where the closest one was. He also heard Emiri say how they would get there.

“Then I guess after the princess’s coronation, we depart for the Zertinan Caverns.” Jaakuna said leaning against his chair.

---

Upon hearing the reason why prince Grant was at her house, Savayna first was interested, but then she heard Jaakuna’s name, and she flipped a lid. Seriously, she hates the guts out of that guy and if it didn’t make matters worse, it would seem he’s tangled up with another blonde. “Seriously? He’s got himself another tramp! Fuck, I’m gonna tear him a new one.” She said as she completely ignored some of the details that Grant said.

“Before we do this shit, refrain from calling me Miss Glacie. The name is Savayna.” She said as she told Grant that she prefers to be called by her first name. “Now, tell me more..”

[Hero]

The blonde liked where this was going. She always was more of a physical person as opposed to dilly dallying. She was enchanted by him, no doubt: but she wanted to make sure she was the one in charge. In a sense, the two were playing an imaginary game of tug of war, trying to see who could outdo the other. "How rude of me, with the day's events, I had forgotten all my manners." Nadeline gasped, lightly bowing to Wesley. "Nadeline Lenore of House Roselia, third in line to the Rozarrian throne." She introduced herself, holding out her hand daintily as was custom for the women of nobility.

"The word subtle doesn't exist in Naddie's vocabulary, that much I can assure you." Emiri muttered to Jaakuna, nudging him slightly. Nadeline shot Emiri a look, and the brunette almost erupted into giggles. Well, it was true, the way the girl carried about she was always direct and always missed the more finer lines of conversations. She then recalled something and looked out the window. "Hmm...we will have to walk, it'll be the Rains at this time in Giza Plains. Better make sure we're prepared for the trek."

[AlteredTundra]

While Jaakuna and Emiri were quietly gossiping about the other two, Wesley was finally informed of who Nadeline was. “A pleasure, Princess Nadeline.” He said taking her hand and kissing it, as it is customary for a gentleman to do so.

Jaakuna just looked like he was going to barf. That’s when Emiri noted that it was raining. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?” Jaakuna had yelled that so suddenly, he fell out of his chair. He couldn’t believe it. He wanted to fly, but his ship didn’t handle rain good. He was just on the ground sobbing(not really, but you know). He didn’t want to walk. “This sucks ass!” He said still fake-sobbing. “Life is so unfair.”

Wesley looked at Jaakuna as if something was wrong with him, but then looked outside himself. “It does seem it will be raining. I best prepare for the journey ahead.” He spoke as he would prepare it after his sister’s crowning ceremony.

[Hero]

Nadeline looked out the window, running a hand through her hair on instinct. Oh her precious locks, she hated getting wet! And now they would have to walk through it? This was blasphemy! The gods were surely testing her! As she was having her mini meltdown, Emiri looked from her to Jaakuna. Geez, the two sure didn't like the rain for whatever reason. She lightly patted both of them before standing upright, looking out the window. She personally enjoyed the rain, but not everyone was the same in that aspect. She shrugged, though she followed the prince's lead. "I'm going into town to resupply." She told them. ""I'll be back soon."

[AlteredTundra]

It was mere minutes until the coronation ceremony, and just about anyone on the high profile list of the Kingdom of Dalmasca was present. There were high politial figures, royal families, and just about a who’s who were here in the castle. The coronation was going to be private, and it would be held in the throne room. It was actually a miracle that the place was able to be cleaned up in the shortness that it did. Considering what had happened in the hours before the ceremony, Wesley was surprised, but of course, his orders are just and they pretty much were the reason why the ceremony is taking place.

Among the high profile figures, sit Emiri, Jaakuna, and Nadeline. They all were in the VIP row, which is in the front. Sitting in the throne, of course, is the center of the ceremony, Princess Cassandra Annalise Dalmasca. There she sits, awaiting the crown.

Walking down the center walkway, which if one didn’t see the throne room before, they wouldn’t believe it, but there are two sections of chairs. It’s sort of like a Wedding Ceremony, but no one is getting married. Well, perhaps if becoming ruler of a country is like marriage, then perhaps. Aside that, nope. In any case, upon a pillow, there is the royal crown of Dalasma. Holding the said pillow is the one who would have been prince, Wesley Alexander Dalmasca, but he turned it down to pursue vengeance and justice for his father.

As he appears in front of his sister, who is wearing a very elegant gown, as he goes to one knee. That’s when the person who will put the crown on her head takes it.

“We are all here gathered together to commemorate the crowning of our new queen, her Majesty, Cassandra Annalise Dalmasca, younger sister of Prince Wesley Alexander Dalmasca and daughter to Jonathan Rufus Dalmasca and Simone Rachelle Dalmasca.” The man shouted to the crowd as the crown was laid upon her head.

All but cheers were to be had. Everyone in the room cheered for different reasons Some cheer for the new crowning of a leader to their fair city and country. Some cheer for new beginnings. However, if some are like Jaakuna, they cheer for it to finally be over with. Jaakuna has never been so bored, but he withholds his real feelings so that he does not appear to be rude.

As the pleasantries are over with, Jaakuna and the other three say their goodbyes to the new queen, each in their own way.

Wesley goes to his sister in the reception hall. “My sister, you are now grown up. I know you will do father proud as you have done me proud. “ Wesley says as he hugs his sister.

“Wesley, my dear older brother. Go forth and avenge father. I will provide any support I can.” She says assuring that any worries of costs or back up will not be needed as she will provide them to the best of her abilities.

With that, the four of them would go forth to Giza Plains and go search of the Esper in the Zetinan Caverns.

[Hero]

The Rains were, as properly named, a season during which the Giza Plains would be drenched in various thunderstorms. More often then not, the rain made the usual Gizan monsters shy away, but often invited much stronger ones to roam about during this time. As such, the usual village residing in the Crystal Glade region of the plains often fled to Rabanastre during this time, and would await until the Dry season's return to go back. The land would shift as well; previously accessible areas would become flooded, blocking and creating new paths.

As the group trekked through the area, their reactions were each different, so to speak. Lightning loomed from a distance, threatening greater showers lest they hurry through. Of course, hurrying through rain wasn't an easy task. The ground often shifted under them, muddiness clinging to their boots and shoes and haste would risk one losing their steps. They also had the monsters to avoid. Some were peaceful, but others were much more bloodthirsty and wished to feed on the travelers. It was a sticky, cooled rain at this time. The normally temperate air became somewhat cool to the touch, the high percentage of humidity causing some anguish to those with much to wear. And yet the rain offered a release from said heat, so to speak.

Unless you were a certain blonde princess.

Nadeline felt her boots sink into the land, struggling slightly to keep up. In actuality, she could probably walk fine, but her refusal to get her precious boots dirty left Emiri wondering how in the world did the blonde travel so much. A squeal was always accompanied whenever the rain would decide to come down harder, and often she had voiced her complaints to Emiri, who simply offered short responses and usually ignored them. Nadeline loathed the rain with a passion, clinging to her raincloak as if it were a security blanket, though she somewhat blamed Jaakuna's ship for being unable to fly in these conditions ("Flying through the Jagd is not an issue, but some water is?!). Still, her grumblings were often low, and she trailed behind as they made their way through the plains.

Emiri paused before a bridge, adjusting her raincloak as she examined the planks. The water had risen to a level that the planks seemed to float on top of them, the ropes barely holding them together. She looked back at Wesley and Jaakuna, pointing to the bridge. "We need to be careful when crossing, the bridge looks rickety." She said loudly, having to raise her voice a bit to be heard over the rain.

By this point Nadeline had caught up, her cheeks pink as she huffed and puffed, clearly having spent too much energy pulling herself out of the mud every time her shoe would get stuck. She took one look at the bridge and stared at Emiri in disbelief. "Won't we get wet?" She asked pathetically, already knowing the answer. "I mean...the river looks pretty deep...what if the bridge breaks and we fall in?" She asked worriedly.

[AlteredTundra]

When the ceremony was over with and everyone was ready to depart, Jaakuna had taken the time to stop by the Ifrit real quick to drop off his ninja sword and one of his blood swords. It was only about ten minutes that it took him to have one of his Blood Swords and Demonsbane. That’s really all he wanted and to be honest, carrying four swords was just unpractical for Jaakuna. As he would come out, the other three would be waiting for him, and Jaakuna would join them. They would then go to the Giza Plains.

Walking into the Giza Plains, Jaakuna had wished that his airship would be able to handle the rain, but sadly the way his ship was built, rain wasn’t exactly the ideal weather to fly it in. In either case, Jaakuna would just complain and bitch in silence. Besides, the rain wasn’t all bad. There was at least some benefits, none of which Jaakuna has found yet, but who knows right?

As they walked through the plains, Wesley was probably one of the few of the group that found the rain soothing. Since he has lived in Rabanastre for most of his life, Wesley has been around the changing seasons of the Giza Plains. He’s seen it snow, rain, hail, and have windstorms that are just unbearable to. It really has been such a variety of weather changes that Wesley has learned to adjust and adapt. Of course, he couldn’t help but notice Lady Nadeline’s reaction to it. While he let out a slight chuckle, he just didn’t understand why she was acting such a way.

Jaakuna looked to Nadeline, “Yeah, we’re going to get wet, so what?” Jaakuna sort of sighed at that remark, then laughed.

When Nadeline made the comment about the deepness of the river, Wesley spoke. “Just hang on to me. I’ll keep you from falling.” He said giving a genuine smile to Nadeline.

Jaakuna just looked at them, slightly grossed out, but he just kept his comments to himself. As he did that, Jaakuna along with the other three would cross the bridge in this order: Emiri, Jaakuna, Wesley, and Nadeline.

[Hero]

On nearly any other circumstance, Nadeline would be glad to take up Wesley's offer. However, water always seemed to be a weakness of hers. It was just terrifying not being able to see the bottom. She supposed that was why she loathed going anywhere by boat: the sea was a nightmare. Nonetheless, the group was going to cross the bridge whether she liked it or not, so she merely bit her lip and watched everyone begin to cross. She mimicked their slow and careful movements, though she swore the bridge was getting lower every time she so much as stepped forward. She put it off as her being too frantic and closely followed behind Wesley.

The rain made it difficult to grasp the rope railings properly. Emiri managed not to slip, but she knew it was only a manner of time before that luck ran out. The river underneath them seemed to pick up its pace, the extra water encouraging the river to flow much faster and stronger then usual. Its waters splashed against the group's legs, threatening to yank them under. Still, despite the weather and river, Emiri though the crossing was actually going relatively well. She was nearly toppled off her feet a few times due to the river's current, but it was nothing that caution couldn't handle. A yelp from the back told her that Nadeline had already fallen. Emiri looked back to see the girl on her bum, holding out her arms as she looked like a cat who had gotten wet.

She couldn't help but laugh. "It's just water, Naddie. Now get up before the river carries you away." Emiri joked.

A sudden snap brought the group's attention to the bridge behind them. One of the rope's railings had finally given way to years of pulling and tearing. Before she could act, the entire bridge turned wobbly, the river now being able to freely push and pull at them. She frantically clung onto the other rope railing, steadying herself as the planks beneath her started to give way. As she turned back to warn the group, the river decided now was the perfect chance to splash a wave onto them. The wave reached to about her chest, nearly throwing her off (and probably would have if she hadn't clung so tightly to the railing) and she was soaked to the bone.

A familiar color of yellow went beneath her, and she watched as Nadeline surfaced, her arms flailing uselessly in the water, clearly unable to fight the current. "I KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!" She screamed as she was carried off. "WHY ME?!"

Emiri would have laughed at the irony (Nadeline WAS right after all) but she wasn't sure if Nadeline actually knew how to swim. Either way she scrambled to get off the bridge, only to slip at the last plank in her haste. She probably would have fallen into the river, too, if she hadn't grabbed the rope railing at the last second.