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

[Hero]

"You should teach me how to cook sometime." Nadeline commented sleepily as she waltzed into the kitchen, obviously having woken up in a good mood. She figured she may have been the second to rise, as she had heard Wesley walking down the hall. Though while he was selflessly preparing breakfast, she was selfishly dressing and hacking a brush through her curls. She admitted she wasn't exactly giving them the care they deserved; she was used to her maid brushing her hair every morning and evening, and she just had so much that it was a workout. She hummed as she got herself a cup of coffee, hoping to wake herself up.

Grant let out a small yawn, cracking his neck as he walked. A good night's sleep had done him well, though what would really hit the spot was a nice, warm cup of coffee. As he exited his room, he took a look around. The ship's layout was one he had yet to get used to, though he did know that Nadeline's room was close. He decided he would see if she was awake, though the smell of food hit him first. He then got the idea of following the smell, surely it'd lead to the kitchen. He followed the scent, though took the chance to stretch his arms. He wondered who was cooking, though his thoughts were interrupted as he bumped into someone. "My apologies--" He began,though he found himself face to face with the Archadian General, Savayna. Well, at least this time she was dressed properly. Before he could even react, however, she hit him. Hard. That sucker punch got him good, and he fell back. And that was the last thing he remembered.

Nadeline perked up, hearing the commotion. She looked at Wesley curiously. "Hm? I wonder what that was?"

---

Emiri opened her eyes, seeing Jaakuna right in her face. Like, super close. She let out a small yelp of surprise, instantly backing up a bit, though after a moment she did calm down. She then realized he had once again woken up before she did. His habits were sticking to her like glue. What time was it? She let out a small groan, ruffling her now free hair, though she did sweep most of it off her face. She forgot she had (once again) slept in Jaakuna's room. Hm, what happened last night? She was still a bit groggy from just waking up. "How long have you been up? Why didn't you wake me?" She pouted, clearly displeased that he once again beat her to the punch.

[AlteredTundra]

“It’s a date then/”

When Nadeline had made the comment about how he should teach her to cook, Wesley agreed. He would much rather enjoy a date with her just teaching her how to cook. Besides, everyone at least needs to know how to cook the basic stuff. Wesley would chuckle at this as he would properly set the table with everything. Just as he was about to finish up, Nadeline would make a note of some kind of commotion going on in the hall. Wesley would go with Nadeline to see what it was about.

When the two of them got there, Wesley looked on. He saw Savayna standing with a slightly bloody fist, and then he saw Grant, laid out. He shook his head. “Oh dear..” He said as he looked to Savayna who was just about to go after him again.

---

As Emiri would slowly open his eyes, Jaakuna was just staring at her. And then she yelped…loud. Jaakuna could hear every ounce of that screech and it made him rise up. She would look surprised, and soon she would slightly calm down. Though, she would raise the question on exactly what Jaakuna was doing staring at her, how long he had been doing it, and why he didn’t wake her up. All of those questions would soon be answered, but first he had to make sure his ears were still functioning. Shaking his head a few times, they worked.

Jaakuna looked to Emiri. “Well, you looked so cute sleeping there, I didn’t want to disturb you.” Jaakuna smiled, hoping that it would be enough for her. “Plus, in the position that we were in, I couldn’t really move without waking you up, and especially after last night. — WOWZA! You sure are bendy.” Jaakuna laughed, though he knew he was going to get it for that last one.

[Hero]

Cute? She looked cute? Emiri raised the blanket to her face, as if she was trying to cover it. Well, she was in a way, she didn't want him to see her blushing. Said blush seemed to deepen when he mentioned last night--now she remembered. How did she ever get the courage to actually go through with it? It was then that he made a comment of her being 'bendy'. "Wh-what in the world are you talking about?! I--That's--You--" She stuttered, clearly embarrassed. She pulled the blanket over her head, as if to shield herself from his view. He could be such a jerk sometimes, and it was too early to be dealing with this. She thought he would be happy that they...did things...gods just the thought made her face red. She half-thought it was just a dream, but seeing her lack of clothing at the moment diminished those thoughts. Not that it was bad or anything, just something...new. Though whoever said it hurt the first time was not exaggerating, but after a while it was pleasurable. No wonder people got addicted to it. Wait, what was she thinking?!

---

Nadeline let out a gasp as she saw Grant on the floor. She looked up at Savayna, who had her hand clenched into a fist, and immediately made the connection. She hit him! Why?! Oh, wait, Savayna hadn't been with them when they went to rescue Emiri. Nadeline immediately ran forward, putting herself between the blonde general and the currently unconscious prince. "S-Stop! He's on our side now!" She wailed dramatically. She couldn't believe she hit him! The woman was a force to be reckoned with, having knocked out Grant with one hit. She immediately began healing Grant's face. She hit him really hard, it seemed. Once her magic had done its job, she let out a sigh, though she did stand up and face Savayna. "What in the world were you thinking?!" She exclaimed.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna could clearly see how embarrassed she was. If not on her face itself, then by the way she was holding the blanket over her face. Jaakuna had a half-smile on his face. He looked at her, bringing the blanket from her head and seeing her face. He could see the embarrassment plastered clear across her face. Even as he would look at her, he could see that she was both embarrassed that he had said those things to her in the way that he did, and also she was angry with him for blatantly saying those things.

Jaakuna looked at her chuckling a bit. “You were the one that said it was alright that we go all the way.” Jaakuna said somewhat shrugging, “besides, who was I to say no?” At this point, Jaakuna was smiling both at the fact that last night was the first time they did it and based on her inexperience, it was her first time doing it. Period.

---

When Savayna had got and hit Grant right in the face, it was so hard that it knocked him out. That wasn’t enough for Savayna. She would soon go for some more, but then Nadeline got in the middle of her hitting Grant some more. She would yell out how he’s on their side. Savayna cocked her head to the side with a rather confused and puzzled look. First off, since when did Grant even have any other side that wasn’t his own and that begged the question when everyone lost their freaking marbles.

“What the fuck do you mean he’s on ‘our’ side?” She asked Nadeline and Wesley.

Wesley would sigh. “Okay, you and I will go to the kitchen while Nadeline fixes up Grant.” He said, guiding Savayna to the kitchen.

When they got to the kitchen, they would sit down in two chairs. Wesley would start from the beginning. “Okay, so pretty much this is how it went.” He said, “When you told us that Vincent had Emiri, first off, we were pissed, as you can imagine. Jaakuna roared, he cried, he punched the ground and walls. It took myself and Nadeline to take him out of that rage fit. After that, Jaakuna went off on his own, which we assumed was to just relax. At the time, we didn’t know that he was going to contact his grandfatther, which--” He said, interrupted.

“JAakuna willingly contacted Hamut!?” Savayna said with widened eyes.

“Yes, now let me finish.” He said. Savayna huffed, arms crossed. “As I was saying, he contacted his grandfather, to which we met him at the Sandsea in Rabanastre. The meeting was direct and short from my perspective. Jaakuna pleaded his case and after some back-and-forth banter from both of them, they came to an understanding on the sole promise that Jaakuna would marry Emiri when everything with the war is settled. “ He said, “The plan was that Hamut would fake-arrest us and as we would be flown to Archades, we would be presented to Vincent — who is every bit of a douche that the rumors set him out to be. “Wesley laughed, “— and we were told about how we were to be his prisoners, but what I didn’t expect was he asked for Jaakuna to stay back. He beat Jaakuna worse than he did to you…much worse. Jaakuna was out for over 2 hours. He had broken arms, cracked ribs, his face was beat in. “ Wesley cringed at the thought of it. “Anyways, as for Grant, he too was Vincent’s prisoner and he told Grant that once Emiri was done with whatever he wanted her to do, he would slay her right in front of him, and of course made Grant switch sides.” Wesley said, “And after we got Emiri back, we got the hell out of dodge, and well there you have it. The rest I’m sure you can just piece together.”

Savayna couldn’t believe what she just heard. She didn’t know whether to go to Jaakuna and hug the guy or go to Grant and apologize. She just assumed the worst, but maybe she should have asked Grant what he was doing aboard the Ifrit and not punch first. She did know she had to apologize to him first, after thinking about it. “If you’ll excuse me.” She said as she got up, and went over to Nadeline and Grant. She would just be right there no doubt that Nadeline would give her some sort of nasty glare or look.

[Hero]

Nadeline couldn't believe Savayna had actually hit him. On one hand, it showed that the General had very good reflexes, considering that she didn't even have a scratch on her (meaning she got the initiative). On the other hand, she wished that she had actually asked first before acting. She let out a sigh, though to her relief, Grant stirred. He let out a groan, a hand on his face as he slowly sat up. He blinked a few times, though he looked around, confused. He spotted Nadeline, noticing her rather worried expression. "Nadeline...?" He asked, clearly befuddled. Nadeline wondered if Savayna had hit him hard enough to cause a concussion. She helped him up gladly. "What...happened?"

"You mean you don't recall any of it?" She asked him.

He paused for a moment, thinking. "I was on my way to the kitchen, I believe. Afterwards, I bumped into someone...then...oh." He stopped as he spotted Savayna, though his expression turned into one of a grimace. "I remember now."

The blonde looked at the other woman, her face relatively neutral, though it did contort into one of anger. She had the intention to give Savayna a piece of her mind, though Grant gently grabbed her arm, shaking his head. "Excuse me." She muttered, walking back to the kitchen, though not without shooting the general a glare.

Grant let out a sigh, though he raised both hands before him. "Technically I should have been the one throwing punches, you almost got me executed." He joked, though his monotone voice made it somewhat difficult to recognize that. He did cough slightly, deciding to start over from the beginning. "Forgive me for bumping into you, though imagine my shock to see you of all people here. I hadn't the slightest clue you would be around."

---

Emiri shifted slightly, looking up at Jaakuna. Of course it she had said it was alright, she was the one that initiated it. She didn't like how he was somewhat laughing at her, though she figured it was probably because of her inexperience. She let out a sigh, sitting up, though she held the blanket to her chest. Not like she had a reason to cover up, but it was still embarrassing. As eager as he had been, she wondered if she had even done him justice. The entire thing was new to her, so she wasn't really sure. Of course, actually asking was somewhat humiliating, too. She did smile at him a little, though it faded as she let out another sigh. "It was fine...right...?" She asked him quietly, avoiding his eyes. "I mean...I was okay...? Or...was I good enough...?"

[AlteredTundra]

Looking at her, Jaakuna could see she was actually serious about whether she was good or not or whether she was good enough for him. Jaakuna had a blank expression on his face. He didn’t even know where to begin. Of course she was good enough. Actually, she was more than good enough. She was the best he’s ever had the pleasure of fucking, how could se even doubt that? Maybe cause it was her first time, but seriously how could she doubt it? Jaakuna would take her hands, which resulted in the blanket coming down and showing her bare chest. “Listen babe, you were more than ‘good enough’. I’ve never had someone entice me and seduce me in ways that you did. If you need any form of confirmation that you were more than ‘good enough’, feel this.” He said half-forcing her hands onto his chest. His heart pounding as looked into her eyes. “No one before gets my heart racing like you do.” Jaakuna said, “what we did last night was much more than just fucking. We made love — hot, passionate, lustful love — and if I could, I would relive every second of it.”

---

Nadeline had proceeded to leave Grant and Savayna to talk whatever it was they needed to talk about. As grant, obviously would speak, he would say that he was the one that should be throwing the punches. Savayna now stood there mouth dropped. Was he for real!? Savayna couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy. And now he would have the nerve to say that Savayna was the sole reason why he was almost executed. That raised the question on who exactly was at fault there.

“Umm, last time I checked, you failed dear Vincent. Not my fault you couldn’t foresee what I did to you. And let me just clarify. If you haven’t been such a grade-A dickwad, I wouldn’t have to had ‘betrayed’ you in the first place.” She would use air quotes when saying ‘betrayed’. “And besides, imagine MY surprise that I would bump into YOU here.” She would get closer to Grant almost wanting to punch him, but she remembered that little voice in her head ‘talk first, punch later’. So, she would lower her fist. “At the time of knocking your lights out, I didn’t know you were actually one of the good guys. Who would have known? The mighty manly man Grant was a fucking pussy underneath it all.” She was taunting him on purpose. Her words, the way she said them — all intentional. “You know what, that has a nice ring to it. “She said, “From here on out, you, Prince of Rozarria, will forever be known as Prince Pussy Grant!” She would say as she would laugh and laugh and laugh.

[Hero]

Wasn't the whole point of betraying someone keeping it a secret until the time of switching sides? Vincent and Savayna both had a very specific version of the word. This was the second time he was told that he 'should have seen it coming'. He didn't understand what exactly was so humorous about the whole situation. Besides, she sucker punched him! The entire thing was unfair! He watched her laugh, a very nonchalant expression on his face. This woman was crazy, this much he had known from the first time they met. He let out a sigh, scratching his head. "Hmm, alright then, where to start...?" He asked slowly. "One: Yes, it was your fault. Two: If you wanted to betray me and only me, you could have killed me, maimed me,done everything possible to stop me--except you didn't, you fled like a coward and betrayed your country. Three: I don't see how changing sides would make me a pussy. If so it'd go double for you since you did it first. Four: Grow up." He ticked off every reason with a different finger.

---

Emiri stared back at Jaakuna, her heart pounding and matching his. He was so serious, so serious, how was she supposed to respond to that?! Well she was glad she could...satisfy him, anyway. She enjoyed it, too. A lot more than she expected it to. She decided to tease him, gently taking back her hands and crossing them. "Is that so?" She asked, bearing the most serious expression she could muster. "That's too bad...if I had been inadequate, I would have suggested...that we practice more." She said, smiling lightly at him as she twirled a lock of her hair between her fingers. "I was about to ask if...you wanted to shower together. You know, we'd save some water that way. But if I'm already good, then maybe not..." Her voice was airy, light, and had just a hint of playfulness in it.

[AlteredTundra]

Emiri was teasing him on purpose and he…well he didn’t hate it, but he’s not used to it. Jaakuna was usually the one doing the teasing. She definitely was taking a change for the better, now wasn’t she? Jaakuna would definitely put this into his favor as she would playfully smile at him as she would suggest the two of them shower together and of all things to say to suggest that, she would steal the excuse that he gave to her when he first suggested that the day before. Jaakuna smiled at this as he liked this new version of Emiri. “As good as last night was, there’s always room for improvement. “ Jaakuna said, winking to Emiri. “Yes, I believe as a couple, we owe to ourselves to indulge in practice.” Jaakuna said just nodding, “besides, we’re killing two birds with one glorious stone, are we not?”

---

The nerve of this man. How dare he tell me to grow up!? Safe to say that Savayna was not happy with Grant, not in the slightest. His words to her about how it was indeed her fault sent anger chills down her spine. Even more so, he would go on to say that since Savayna also changed sides, that she’s a pussy. Her mouth dropped all the way down at this point. Like, he had the nerves of a fucking dumbass. Savayna has never been so offended in her life and it only got worse from here on out. “I’d watch that mouth of yours , Prince Pussy, less you wish to get knocked out by a girl again.” She said raising her fist, threatening him with it.

[Hero]

Yeah, the woman had a fuse the size of her pinky finger. It looked like the nickname was here to stay. It was more of an annoyance than anything, but he wasn't about to stoop down to her level. Nope, he was better than that. At her threat, it was his turn to chuckle slightly as he placed one hand on his hip. "I've met plenty of strong, capable women on the battlefield, the fact that you're female is irrelevant. So try again, sweetheart." He yawned as he spoke, though it was unintentional as he had yet to get his coffee. "Mmm, I hope there's coffee, I could sure use a cup." He said outloud as he began to walk to the kitchen.

---

That got his attention. She felt somewhat encouraged at this point, only offering a light giggle in terms of response. Practice makes perfect, and for one reason or another she was getting somewhat excited. So she decided to take the initiative once again. Emiri lightly flipped her hair over her shoulder, though at this point she pushed the covers off of her. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, getting up as she did so, and so she walked over to the bathroom door. She looked over her shoulder at him. "Coming, darling?" She asked him curiously as she waited for him.

[AlteredTundra]

Emiri was all for it, after all it was her idea. Jaakuna would see that she would get off the bed, naked body and all, as she would go to the bathroom, only to look back at Jaakuna as she would motion him to follow. Jaakuna, like some kind of giddy teenager, hopped off of his bed. He wouldn’t even bother with hiding his excitement. As the hot water would get started, the steam would take most of the visibility away. Jaakuna and Emiri would enter it. The shower itself was a pretty big one, as it could easily fit two or three people in it. So, Jaakuna and Emiri would easily be able to fit in just with the two of them.

While in it, Jaakuna would take her, grip her, embrace her with his arms as the water would soak the both of them in luke-warm water. He would start be leaning her against the white, texturlized wall of the shower, and start to kiss her neck while lifting her left leg his right arm as his hand would grip the outer parts of her knee area.

---

Grant was getting on her nerves the more he spoke and now he was acting like he was better than her. Seriously? He actually thinks he’s better than her. Oh, how wrong Pussy Grant will soon realize he is. The one thing that got under her skin the most, however, was his comment about her just being a female. Savayna could have let the fact that he was a douche pass, but the pure fact that he said her being a female just got under her skin more than anything. He would then go to the kitchen, completely ignoring her. Savayna just about had it, but she would rush past him, shoving him into the wall as she would enter the kitchen, but not before saying “Sexist jerk” as he passed by him.

As she would enter the kitchen, she would see Nadeline and Wesley. She would give a false smile to them. “Everything is fine, don’t worry.” She said.

Wesley raised an eyebrow. He didn’t believe her for one second. “In any case, eat up.” Wesley said

[Hero]

Nadeline remained surprisingly neutral as Savayna walked in, though her forced smile got her curious. Grant trailed in shortly afterwards, and while he was the same Grant as always (read: nonchalant about life) she could have sworn he had a somewhat mischievous look as he eyed Savayna briefly. She hoped the woman at least apologized, regardless of the circumstances it was a very rude thing to do. For the moment, she wouldn't bother saying anything, and once Grant got what he wanted, the group ate in a comfortable silence. Grant's coffee felt like the nectar of the gods, he was so relieved to finally have some. He drank it gladly, though he did wince slightly, feeling his tongue slightly burn a bit. It looked like he had been just a little too eager.

"The meal is great, Wesley." Grant complimented him as he lightly aired his tongue out.

Nadeline perked up curiously. "How did you know he was the one that cooked?"

"Miss Glacie was on her way to the kitchen as I was, so she couldn't have done it. Haven't seen Jaakuna or Eme--Emiri around, but the food is warm, so it wasn't either of them." He replied, though he did smile a bit at his next statement. "And last I checked, you couldn't cook if your life depended on it."

"Eh?! That's...That's not fair, you can't cook either!" Nadeline whined.

"I can't cook anything extravagant, but basics, yes I can. You on the other hand, would burn your eggs." He reminded her.

Nadeline let out a low whine, though she did notice Jaakuna and Emiri were missing again. Still, she didn't exactly want to repeat last time's fiasco, so she said nothing.

---

Jaakuna's eagerness was written all over his face. Emiri couldn't help but grin at it. It seemed this time, however, he would take the initiative. Once they got under the water, he pressed her against the wall. The textiles felt cool under her skin, making her skin tingle between its coolness an the water's warmth. His kisses on her neck made her melt, and she let out a moan of approval. She never knew she was so...sensitive there. She held onto him as he lifted her leg up, though in honesty it was a substitute since she obviously had no blankets to grip. She bit her lip, one of her hands on his back, the other lightly gripping his hair, though her grip would get tighter as he kissed certain spots.

[AlteredTundra]

His body, her body — both embraced with each other. His hand hooked her leg, her arms wrapped around his body and his lips kissed her neck. Each second that passed, the kissing would get deeper, the passion more intense. Even as the steam from the hot water would cloud the clear glass doors, so would the sexual desire within them. Jaakuna would lift her up this time by gripping her hips with both of his arms. The manly strength of his essence would flow through her feminine lady charm. His lips would dig deeper and lower on her body as he would still hold her up. Each kiss would result in him repeating her name in pure lust.

---

The breakfast was quiet, awkward, and just about everything that Wesley would have expected it to be. From the very unfavorable meeting that Grant and Savayna had to the yelling and screaming that followed, Wesley was actually surprised that they would be able to stay in the same room without ripping each other’s face off. Still, the silence was better than that. Savayna quietly ate her food, but the conversation between Grant and Nadeline would soon break the silence. Both Wesley and Savayna would look over to Grant and Nadeline respectively. The two of them went back and forth about how neither of them could cook, but Grant seemed to know the basics.

Savayna would jump in this. “Well, looky here, you can’t cook, Pussy-Grant? I guess not a real man then.” She laughed.

Wesley’s eyes widened and mouth dropped. He couldn’t’ believe what he was hearing. A little part in him was laughing, but he couldn’t do that now could he? He IS a gentleman, after all. Wesley would just ignore what Savayna said and hew would, as Grant and Nadeline had pointed out, Jaakuna and Emiri were once again gone. He didn’t want a repeat of yesterday, so Wesley would just wait for them to come down instead of all of them barging in on them again.

[Hero]

Nadeline let out a somewhat irritated sigh, as if she had been the one insulted. Honestly, the prospect of gaining allies SHOULD have been a good thing, although she knew that while she personally enjoyed Grant being around, she was well aware that the rest of the group wouldn't. However, she had expected this from Jaakuna, Emiri, even Wesley (who she applauded for putting up with him), she actually expected this least from someone who had technically been in the same boat. Still, even Savayna's less than amusing nickname was getting on her nerved. She kept on eating, if only because she knew if she had a moment's reprieve she'd want to tear Savayna a new one.

Grant looked at the general with a rather blank expression. "I just said I can cook." He replied slowly, though he did pause thoughtfully. "Does that mean in Archadia the men are the ones who are expected to cook for the family?"

The blonde haired girl nearly choked on her food. Apparently Grant had either ignored the insult or completely missed it. And judging by his now rather curious expression, she was pretty sure it flew right over his head.

---

The shower took a little longer than she had expected. Besides the obvious intentions, the actual bathing was somewhat difficult to pull off between Jaakuna's strenuous bathing techniques that both intrigued her and put her to shame (exactly how many times does he wash and rinse his hair?), her own embarrassment of him watching her shower (which was weird, considering they had just done it and she had no qualms of his lips all over her body) and the suggestion that they soap one another up (it almost led to another session, though by whatever miracle they managed to contain themselves). Eventually, she decided to end it when he thought it'd be funny to suddenly turn the water all the way to freezing as she was finally rinsing herself off. The two exited the shower, now clean, though the mirrors were cloudy and the bathroom was hot. She hummed lightly as she dried herself, and she was half tempted to suggest that they dry each other. Alas, time was ticking, so to not take the risk of being interrupted (and surprised no one came knocking while they were in the shower) she tucked that thought for another day.

Making sure to dry herself properly, Emiri strained her hair to get rid of any excess water into the sink as she continued to hum. Once done, she took her brush and began hacking through her hair, attacking whatever tangles lingered until her hair was smooth. She threw a towel over her head as she put on her boots, and towel dried her hair until she deemed it good enough. Her stomach let out a growl of protest, most likely because it was probably past breakfast time. She then paused, wrapping a towel around her body as she rummaged through her bag for clothes. She pulled out a somewhat frilly, off the shoulder white dress and pulled it over her head.

"Ready." She yawned slightly.

[AlteredTundra]

The shower had been exactly what Jaakuna wanted and then some. The majority of it was them fooling around, though they did have to cut it short to actually wash themselves off. The temptation to give into their sexual lust was difficult, but they eventually resisted, and after about ten or fifteen minutes, they were out of the shower. After getting out, the steam instantly clouded the mirror in the bathroom. It really was hot in there, so it was a good thing they had no clothes on. Even still, when they walked out, Jaakuna could hear a slight hum coming from Emiri. She really was enjoying all of it. Jaakuna just smiled as he would get a towel and wrap his waste with it. He would take another towel, and dry up his hair. Soon, he would remove his towel around his waste to do the same. When he was fully dry, however, he would look to the mirror, taking his forearm and wiping away some of the steam. He then looked into the mirror and looked at his hair being the mess that was. Jaakuna would simply take a brush, and groom his hair to straight style.

When Jaakuna was done with his hair, he came to the closet, where he would start to get dressed. First, of course, he threw on some boxers. Next, he would throw on someblack sweatpants with a red stripe going down the middle.. It wasn’t much, but Jaakuna would also throw on a white tank top. He would also just throw on a pair of black and red socks.. When he finished, however, he would look to Emiri who was also ready to head out as she asked him if he was. Jaakuna would nod as he would also check out Emiri in that dress.

We just got dressed; don’t think like that. He kept telling himself. “Yeah, let’s go.” He said to Emiri, as they would head off, holding hands and entering the elevator.

---

The breakfast conversation was getting weird again. Well, heated is more like it. Grant would respond to Savayna about how he stated that he can indeed cook, but he would make a comment/question about whether or not if the custom in Archadia is for the men to prepare dinner. Wesley watched Savayna as she would look at Grant with an annoyed expression clear across her face. Wesley would hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

“Actually, yes it is. Unlike you Rozarrian men, the Archadian men hold their own in a family. It’s something called being a man, obviously something a pussy like you would know nothing about.” Savayna said as she went back to eating her breakfast. She would cut up her steak and start to eat it.

Wesley looked to Nadeline and just gave her that ‘this is going to get worse before it gets better’ look.

[Hero]

Nadeline groaned inwardly, trying with all her might not to get into the conversation. Grant was a big boy, he could take care of himself, although she had a feeling Savayna was bothering her more than she was bothering him. She caught Wesley's look, though she let out an exasperated sigh. Stay civil, stay civil. She reminded herself, though she realized she ran out of food. Now what?! She looked and saw Grant's less than pleased look, though he caught her looking at him. She begged him non-verbally not to say anything, and he shot her a look that said 'she started it'. By whatever miracle, however, Grant merely scoffed and chose not to comment. He knew his integrity and worth and had nothing to prove to Savayna. Though the nickname was getting less and less amusing each time.

The blonde haired girl got up, taking her plate and Grant's empty cup with her. She poured him another cup of coffee. "Thank you." He replied rather gratefully as she went back to wash her own plate. He could already feel Savayna's piercing look, though as he was about to say something, the arrival of the golden couple interrupted his thoughts.

"Good morning!" Emiri greeted the crew cheerfully as she and Jaakuna walked in, bearing a smile.

Nadeline was somewhat relieved; she hoped Jaakuna could quell Savayna.. "Good morning." She replied, though she paused, inspecting the brunette. Why was her hair down? The difference was somewhat staggering, since she grew it out she always complained how heavy her hair was and how it made her feel hot and sweaty. Yet there it was, over her shoulders and down her back, though she did notice her scrunchie on her wrist. That and that smile of hers was too happy. The satisfied kind of happy. The kind of happy that--nope, she stopped that thought right there. Looks like it was good that she decided against mentioning them after all.

Emiri caught Nadeline staring. "What?"

[AlteredTundra]

As Jaakuna and Emiri had finally joined them, Wesley looked at them. They looked like they both just got out of the shower. Though, there was something different about them, specifically about Emiri. It seemed she was happy. Wesley couldn’t place it, but something happened and she was glowing like the radiant maiden that she is. As for Jaakuna, he looked just about the same. Wesley couldn’t spot anything much different about him; at least not at the moment he couldn’t.

Savayna looked at them, but she would brush them off. Sure, it was great that they finally joined everyone, but her attention was solely fixated on Grant. Him ignoring her just made her more annoyed with him. He obviously was paying attention to Nadeline, but fuck! He’s ignoring her like the fucking plague. She would make it her mission to make Grant pay attention to her.

When Jaakuna and Emiri sat down, they were getting the looks from everyone. Jaakuna looked at them just wondering what was up with them. “So, I guess good morning guys and ladies.” Jaakuna awkwardly said as he got himself some food.

Savayna just eyed Jaakuna with a wicked smile, but she looked to Emiri first. “You seem awfully chipper this morning? Have a nice shower, hmmm?” She said actually slightly giggling. Though, for Savayna, it was more of a teasing chuckle.

[Hero]

Emiri looked from Nadeline to Savayna. Why were they looking at her like that? She felt slightly embarrassed, as if they both knew what had happened. Savayna had more of a teasing look while Nadeline had a more mischievous look on her. She turned away from the two, getting her own food, though when she sat down at the table she could feel everyone's stares. "Nothing is more refreshing than a morning shower." She responded to Savayna's question, though perhaps she had given herself away, because Nadeline looked like she had revealed something extremely scandalous. "What?"

The blonde haired girl bit her tongue, though now that Jaakuna was here, now could be a good time to ask him. "Actually, I have a request." Nadeline spoke, putting on a more serious face. "I need to be taken back to Stigma, the capital of Rozarria. My father has requested my presence there...it's not something he normally does so it's been on my mind." She admitted, looking at Jaakuna.

Grant raised his eyebrows, intrigued. Had that been the topic of the message Vlyn had passed on? He was somewhat surprised, though. Gods knew how bad Lorenzo was at putting Nadeline on a leash, he always insisted that she be free to do as she pleased. Emiri was also surprised at this, though she stayed quiet. Maybe it would be a good chance to see her father again, though she prayed that she wouldn't have to see her mother.

[AlteredTundra]

All of them were eating and while there was some chatter here and there, it was mostly quiet. That was until Nadeline would ask — no it was more like request — him to drop her off at Stigma, the capital of Rozarria. Jaakuna really didn’t mind going to Stigma, but he did want to know why. “Why, if I may ask?” He asked and Nadeline would respond back by saying that her father requested her home. She would express that it was something that her father didn’t usually do, so it had to be something quite serious. Jaakuna would just nod. “Yeah, we can swing by there. “ Jaakuna said.

As Jaakuna would say that they would be able to go to Stigma, Wesley would set down his eating utensils. “I will be accompanying Nadeline to Stigma.” Wesley said, though Jaakuna raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? Going to meet your future in-laws are you?” Jaakuna laughed and Wesley turned red. Jaakuna laughed again.

When the two of them were just going back and forth with senseless banter, Savayna sighed. She would, yet again, be left on the ship doing nothing. Well, Grant would be here, so maybe she’ll figure out something to do.

---

In the Skycity of Bhujerba, the morning sun beams down upon it like no other city out there. Unlike most of the cities in Ivalice, none of them are up in the sky and none of them get such radiant sunlight such as Bhujerba. It’s definitely near 10AM-ish, which definitely brings the citizens out for their daily morning errands. Whether they’re going to work, coming home from work, or actually doing said errands, the streets are full of people going about their business. Among the people roaming around is one that definitely stood out amongst the rest. His heavy-plated, crimson-red armor could make him out unlike anyone else. Besides, the Archadian sigil planted on the backside of his cape would automatically set him out from the rest.

As this man roams the city, he goes through the square, and in ten to fifteen minutes, he finds himself at the residence of the Marquis. Just simply going into it and to the front desk, he would approach.

“Hello, can I help you?” The desk clerk asked.

Hamut smiles. “Yes, I request an audience with his highness.” He requested.

The man would look at Hamut. “And who, may I ask, is requesting an audience?” He asked, phone in hand, but had yet to press the button.

Hamut smiled, and removed his helmet. “I am First Judge Magister, Brandon Hamut Ira Darcone, of the Archadian Imperial Court.” He announced.

“Ah yes, then let’s see if he’ll see you. One moment.” He said, phone at ear and he pressed the button that was a direct line to the Marquis. “Marquis sir, I have Judge Brandon Hamut Darcone requesting an audience with you. Shall I let him through or send him away?” The desk clerk asked.

[Hero]

"Send him in."

The order was short, curt, and had the slightest hint of urgency. Roman sat in his seat, awaiting the arrival of the Judge. This was certainly unexpected. How many years had it been since he had seen his grandfather? He leaned back in his seat, awaiting the grand entrance of the man who intimidated most of the world. Roman pondered what the reason behind the visit was. He cleared his desk, leaving it free of litter, though he did pick up the letter he had received from Lorenzo. He looked at it once more, letting out a small sigh as he placed it in the drawer of his desk.

---

Nadeline smiled sheepishly. "I thank you." She said, secretly delighted at Wesley's embarrassment. She only hoped everything would go well. She wouldn't let it bother her for the moment, she needed to remain calm. Grant said Mother was getting better. At the same time, she knew of times where she would be fine one moment and on the verge of death the next. Meanwhile Emiri wondered if she should mention her own desire to see her father as well.

"I...have some business in Stigma as well." The brunette announced quietly. "It's nothing too urgent, but I'd like to look into it."

Grant assumed it had to do with Vlyn's note. "In which case this is a field trip." He mused lightly, finishing his coffee. "I'd like to see what Lorenzo wants, as well." He said slowly.

Nadeline looked at Grant for a moment. "Do you think it's urgent?" She asked, slightly worried.

"It's important." He replied rather curtly. "We may as well all go, then."

[AlteredTundra]

“Right away, sir.” The desk clerk said. “He’ll see you, Judge Hamut.”
“Thank you.” Hamut said.

Hamut would walk on in to Marquis’ Roman’s room as he would come into view of his grandson. It had surely been a long time since the two of them have seen each other. Hamut barely remembers it, but since Roman took the role as Marquis in consolation of being the bastard son of Simon, it was only natural that he would be forsaken from the throne of Archades. However, Simon isn’t alive anymore, so Hamut would come to, well to just talk things out with his grandson.

Walking down the hall, Hamut could clearly see that the style of buildings in Archadia and Bhujerba differed greatly. He would look and see that the type of wallpaper used were vastly different. The way the carpets felt more rougher than that of Archadia. The wall paint was more crystal blue as compared to Archadia’s royal blue. The way the walls felt too were also different. Archadia had a more smooth texture to the walls, but Bhujerba seems to have a more authentic rocky-feel to the walls. Of course, the sigil of Bhujerba is upon the walls.

As Hamut would arrive in front of Roman’s office door, he would walk in and his grandson was sitting there awaiting him patiently. He would walk up this grandson‘s desk, and bowed. It is common courtesy to bow to a city’s leader, even if it’s your grandson. “Roman, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Hamut said as he stood on the opposite end of Roman’s table.

---

Everyone pretty much decided that they all were going to Stigma. Wesley knew he was going cause he already stated that he’s going with Nadeline, but when Emiri would state she has business in Stigma, Grant would go on to state that he wished to know what Lorenzo, Nadeline’s father, wished to speak to his daughter about. That’s when Grant suggested that they all go. Jaakuna agreed with this, but Savayna had her reservations about going.

“Sounds like a plan.” Jaakuna said.

Savayna stood up, pounding her hands on the table which shook and as a result, sounds of the glass plates and cups would be off. “Hold on a minute. What reason would I have for going? It’s not like I’m involved in with any of you. I mean, Jaakuna is going to support Emiri, Wesley is going to meet his future in-laws, and you two, Nadeline and Grant, are going as well, but what possible reason would I, a disgraced Archadian General, have for going?” She exclaimed and asked at the same time.

Jaakuna sighed as did Wesley, but latter person was the one to speak. “If it makes you feel better, you can stay here and watch the ship.” Wesley jokingly suggested.

Savayna was not happy by Wesley’s suggestion. “LIKE HELL I WILL!” She shouted.

Obviously she doesn’t know how to take a joke. Wesley mused. He then ran his hand through his hair and scratched his head. “I joke of course. You can certainly accompany Nadeline, Grant, and myself on the promise you behave properly. What say you?”

Savayna huffed and puffed and puffed and huffed, but eventually she would agree.. “Fine, I’m good with that. Not like the two lovebirds would want me tagging along with them.” She laughed.

Jaakuna scratched his head. “I sure hope you know what you’re signing on for, Wesley.” Jaakuna said lowly. Everything was settled, so it was time to set the course. “Iris, please set a course for Stigma,.”
“Right away, Master Jaakuna. Arrival time in 60 minutes.”
“Thank you, Iris.”

As that was settled, Jaakuna would just think about how to pass the time in sixty minutes. He did know that he had to change and all that shit.