Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline looked around, her hands touching the wall, as if she was trying to find a secret button that would let them in. "I don't understand...the passage should be here. This is the right place..." She didn't get it. There had to be some way in, there just had to be! She didn't doubt the place or the information. It must be hidden, but where? She shook her head at Jaakuna's suggestion of breaking the wall down. "No...there must be a way in, we just don't see it."

Emiri kept staring at the device before her. It was odd, she had never seen anything like it, but it was somehow familiar to her. She really must have hit her head hard if she was considering these thoughts. Still, she was strangely drawn to it. She walked forward, and as she got closer to it, a light appeared in the center. She inspected it carefully, and suddenly, she felt the urge to touch it. She was truly going crazy, but she couldn't resist. Without really thinking, she extended her hand, and the light erupted into one much brighter.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I am fine." Nadeline replied, casting a Cure over Emiri.

The brunette managed to get ahold of herself, though she looked back at the pillar. Whatever it was made out of, it was really hard. Her head hurt a bit, but Nadeline's Cure seemed to help a bit. "Paramina Rift." Emiri murmured, getting up and dusting herself off.

"She seems to be confused." Nadeline blinked, worriedly reaching out to her. "Emi, darling, we're in the Sandsea, remember? The Tomb of Raithwall?"

Emiri swatted her hand away, clearly annoyed. "Garuda USUALLY reside in the Paramina Rift, as to why this one was here, I cannot really say. They avoid the colder temperature by going opposite of where the winds blow, supposedly." She repacked her bow, shrugging. "Perhaps it was attracted to the Tomb somehow...who knows. At any rate, we'd best be careful of whatever other nastiest are around."

The blond haired girl nodded, quickly losing interest. "Well, we all seem to be alright, let's head in, shall we?"

Emiri rubbed the back of her head. feeling a small bump, and looked back at the pillar. She really hit her head hard, she was lucky she didn't get a concussion. After making a mental note to be more careful, she began to follow Nadeline to the Tomb. The stairs were grand, reminding her somewhat of Rabanastre's own palace. Once they reached the top, Emiri noticed there was no door, only a pillar resembling a short lamp post.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Look at him go! How brave!" Nadeline squealed, waving her arms around frantically.

Emiri actually thought it was the opposite.

Taking in a breath, she shot another arrow at the monster, getting its chest. It let out a screech, though it was more of anger then pain, and it circled around them. Emiri waited until it was close enough, and as she paused time, fired off a dozen arrows. Once time resumed, they all struck the monster. "Be careful! You could wind up hitting him!" Nadeline told her, shaking her arm. Emiri bit her lip, watching the Garuda. This one was a little tougher then the usual variety of Garuda, that much was for sure. The Garuda should have gone down after her dozen arrows, but it still flew in the air.

And was heading straight for them again.

The two girls ducked separate ways, each hiding behind a different pillar. Emiri kept firing arrow after arrow. "Now what?!" Nadeline asked.

"If it can hold still for a moment, I'm sure Jaakuna could bring it down." Emiri replied, firing another shot.

To her surprise, at this point the Garuda sent a gust of wind after them with a great flap of its wings. It made the arrow fly back, as well as sweeping the girls off her feet. She could hear Nadeline's shrieks as they were sent backwards, and Emiri smacked right into a pillar. Stars briefly popped before her eyes as Nadeline ran to her. "Are you alright?!" Nadeline's voice seemed very distant for some reason. Shaking her head, her senses returned to normal, and the two looked up at the Garuda.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline followed Jaakuna, flashing a smile at Emiri as they passed her. Emiri raised an eyebrow at Nadeline. Yeah, those two were getting along too well. Nadeline was up to something. For now, she put that thought to rest, grabbing her bag and joining the two at the center of the ship. That familiar feeling of getting beamed down made her slightly sick, but once they hit the ground, she was relieved. She was also amazed at the Tomb of Raithwall--it was huge! It looked like an adventurer's dream, with multiple pillars making a path to the entrance.

"What is that?" Nadeline asked, pointing to something in the distance.

Emiri squinted, seeing something in the sky. She watched it circle around the Tomb, and suddenly it turned and flew back to them. As it got closer, it got bigger, and bigger. "That's--" Emiri started, though she let out a gasp as it dove towards them. She rushed to Nadeline, pushing her down as it swept its wings over them. It was a Garuda, something normally seen in the Paramina Rift, but apparently it had taken a liking to the desert heat. She brought out her bow, preparing an arrow as it circled around them once more.

"How are we to fight it if we cannot reach it?" Nadeline asked as Emiri fired off an arrow.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline finally relaxed somewhat, though she did look around. "It's not that she would hide it, I assure you. It's just a very bad part of her life." She tried to justify it. "And things would get much worse were she to fall in enemy hands. Technically speaking, we have both sides to worry about." She then motioned towards the tome. "I thank you for your understanding. You're very kind." She was about to end it right there, but something else was bugging her. She then recalled that they were probably very close by now. The Ifrit was classified as missing, though that information was strictly under wraps, as was Jaakuna's legal status as a prince. She wanted to pry into it, especially at this 'horrible thing', but for now, she thought it best to lay it to rest. That much, she knew, was not her business.

She leaned back in her seat, lazily taking one of her curls between her fingers. "The Tomb of Raithwall...dare I say, I actually look forward to it. Most ships aren't able to bypass Jagd territory." She said, though she left it at that as she got up. "I got some supplies from Rabanastre, I'll be sure to pack them in my bag. I know some White Magicks as well, but better safe then sorry, right?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline nodded and sat down once more, crossing her legs and folding her hands on her lap. She looked at Jaakuna directly, wondering where to start. She then leaned back in her seat, and looked at him again. "I think you two fit well with one another." She began, though wondered if that was a good point, and shook her head. "No...that isn't what I want to talk about." She eyed Jaakuna and let out a sigh. "The first time I met Emiri was, oh I don't know, a good six or seven years ago, maybe more. She was brought before the Emperor, you see...her father had offered her hand in marriage to one of his sons, Prince Grant, in exchange for a rise in status, so to speak. Grant is...different from you and I. Despite the way you act I think somewhere in there is a decent person in you."

She paused a moment, a finger on her chin as she thought carefully, but she pressed on, "If you had met her years ago, you would not believe that she is the same person that she is today. She was very quiet, very docile, so to speak. She wouldn't speak unless spoken to, she wouldn't act without permission...it was actually disturbing to look at her in the eyes and notice how empty they were." She said. "Grant he...he used to call her his 'doll'. And let me tell you, it was frighteningly accurate. At the time, she went along with whatever, but over time she started to change...and he didn't like that. At all." She shifted in her seat, knowing she was going into some personal territory, but she had bore witness to it. "To everyone it seemed that they were fine, especially since Emiri never...spoke. But whenever they were out of sight, she was terrified of him, you see. It was bad enough that it was an arranged marriage, but to have to be with someone who had just lost everything, who lashed out at the world in revenge...he is my uncle, and I love him, but..." Nadeline visibly shuddered as she recalled him.

"I suppose what I am trying to say is that if you're just messing around...if you're just toying with her...you need to stop." Nadeline warned him. "It's bad enough that she's suffered more abuse then anyone deserves in a lifetime, but if you and her are going to be involved, you need to be serious. I can tell she likes you, whether she wants to admit it or not, and I thought it best that you know about him." She let out a sad sigh. "I think...he will come looking for her, if I may be so blunt. Mind you she wants nothing to do with him...but if she goes back..." Her voiced trailed off as she closed her eyes.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

At this point Emiri got up, just about having enough of the conversation. She threw Nadeline a look and marched off into the hallway. Unbelievable! Neither one of them had any shame, it seemed, and she didn't want to hear anymore of it. Nadeline watched her go, though she too stood up. "I better go apologize, the girl's such a sensitive thing." The blonde girl excused herself, following Emiri out. Once she thought she was out of earshot, she sprinted towards Emiri, but it seemed she got too excited, because she ended up tackling her to the ground.

"Naddie, truly, you are a thorn in my side." Emiri grumbled as she rubbed her shoulder.

Nadeline pressed her finger to her lips. "Quiet, he might hear us, and I need to ask you something quickly." Before she could reply, she interjected, "Have you told Jaakuna of Grant? You realize you are still engaged to him, yes?"

She was actually really surprised at this. She assumed that when she ran away the engagement would be called off, but apparently she was wrong. She got up and dusted herself off, waiting for Nadeline to stand before responding, "I don't care. Grant...That man has nothing over me. I loathe him with a passion, he's manipulative, abusive--" Emiri caught herself, taking in a deep breath before pointing at Nadeline, "Quite frankly, I don't give a damn about him, he could burn for all I care, and if you so much as mention him again in my presence I promise you that you WILL regret it."

Now it was Nadeline's turn to be shocked, though she remained quiet. Wow, she actually angered her. And threatened her. Not that she thought it weighed much, but she would rather not get on her bad side. "Alright, alright...Forgive me, I didn't mean to upset you."

Emiri rubbed her arm and stared at the ground, though she did nod at Nadeline, taking her leave. It was a touchy subject, wasn't it? Still, it didn't quite sit with her that she would keep it a secret. Nadeline found herself wandering back to the dining room, and she approached Jaakuna. He had a right to know. "May we speak?" She asked, her voice in a serious tone. "It's...it's somewhat important."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The blonde haired girl rolled her eyes at Jaakuna's insult. He was so touchy. Besides, it wasn't an order, more of a...friendly suggestion. (For the record, it had been an order) He certainly had a temper. He was brash, rude, somewhat vulgar, obviously his years of being royalty had gone down the drain. He was nothing like Grant, that much was for sure--the two were opposites. Grant was the epitome of a gentleman, always courteous and respectful. And yet, while Jaakuna was rough, he was more direct and more honest, so to speak; Grant would have lied to his own mother and was manipulative. She then remembered Reia's words, and looked at Emiri. Technically, she was still engaged. Did Jaakuna know this? The way they got along, Nadeline assumed so, but she knew Emiri would rather never mention Grant if she could.

Emiri caught Nadeline's look and simply blinked back at her. Ugh, everytime she looked at her like that she just knew that she was thinking something bad. "Might as well get it out, Naddie." Emiri told her, placing her cheek on the palm of her hand. Whatever it was that she needed to say, she might as well say it.

Now she was unsure whether to say it or not. For the moment, she would refrain; she'd pull Emiri to the side and ask her later. "Oh, alright, you got me. Tell me, have you two kissed already?" Nadeline smiled brightly, fluttering her eyelashes at Emiri. The brunette's cheeks turned red, and Nadeline got her answer. "I see, at least you've taken that first step already, that's good."

"That...Th-that is NONE of your concern--like at all! Really!" Emiri managed to snap back.

"Nothing to be ashamed of, love, though I must apologize, with my presence, I must be interfering with your romantic activities...or does it not matter?" At this, Emiri was speechless. She was crazy. She was out of her damn mind! Nadeline looked to Jaakuna and said, "What say you? Am I in the way of whatever passion is sparked between the two of you?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline gave Jaakuna a mischievous smile. "Raithwall's treasure is said to be incalculable, so to speak." She gently closed the tome and put it to the side, happily indulging in some crackers. Emiri sank into her seat with her arms crossed, clearly displeased. "Oh come now, Emi, Would you rather have us have it or them?" She wasn't quite understanding Emiri's reluctance. She was used to it, however, and knew which buttons to press so that she would go along; that's why Nadeline was the one in charge, as usual. "Of course, I understand if you're frightened. You could always hang back, Jaakuna and I will go get it."

Emiri narrowed her eyes as the familiar green feeling crossed through her mind. Yeah right, like she was going to let Nadeline manipulate her. Except the thought of hanging around in the ship waiting for those two seemed like a bad idea anyway. Nadeline was reckless and Jaakuna was...Jaakuna. Plus they'd somehow start fighting amongst one another. Though she did notice the two suddenly getting along very well. Emiri threw her hands in the air, pouting, "Fine, fine, we go, then."

Nadeline grinned at her, then looked at Jaakuna and batted her eyelashes at him. "Be a dear and tell the ship to head for the Westersand." She then paused, thinking hard. "The only downside is that we'll have to trek through the Sandsea, the Tomb resides in Jagd...Oh, Emi dear, that means the ship can't fly over the area due to an over density of Mist." She cheerfully informed her, earning her a glare (never mind that she didn't know that...Emiri really needed to learn these terms...).

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Truly fascinating." Nadeline remarked, though Emiri dully noted that she had handled the ship better then she had.

Nadeline procured the tome and set it gently onto the table. Now that Emiri got a good look at it, it seemed very old and brittle. Nadeline gingerly opened it, a bookmark made of ribbon having the page she wanted. The pages were equally as brittle, and much of the writing looked foreign and complicated. A large picture of something with four arms occupied one page, the other presumably described whatever it was. Nadeline crossed her legs as she motioned to the picture. "As you may or may not know, Emi--" Great, she came up with a nickname already. Emiri rolled her eyes. "--the family of Roselia was interested in your power since you were brought forth to the Empire by your parents, hence Vlyn and Aloa giving Jaakuna a bounty to catch you."

Emiri felt slightly bitter, but nodded nonetheless. She didn't appreciate Nadeline opening up about her past, but it seemed inevitable. "So they can use my power for themselves." She said.

"Yes and no." Nadeline tapped the image on the page. "I was at first very confused, as I couldn't possibly think of a way that my aunt could use you, so to speak. She would capture you, and then what? You could simply refuse to use your power, and that would be the end of that. When I returned to Stigma, I did some poking around when my aunt was in a meeting with the Council. That was when I saw some of her notes, apparently she's been studying something that is located at the Tomb of Raithwall. Despite it being Rozarrian territory, however, I couldn't quite find any information on it, so I came here to Dalmasca. They say that the royal family is descended from Raithwall himself, but of course that's all spectation. Now, I came across this tome, and while it merely goes on about Raithwall's conquests and whatnot, the image in the book matched one that the Empress had in her study."

Nadeline pointed to the image, and continued, "According to this, Raithwall had a power at his disposal, one so great that it was locked away at his tomb, along with a treasure of sorts." At this point she was pointed to the faded words. "The only way to unlock it, however, seems to be connected with time. Now, this is purely speculation, but I think that you can unlock it."

"How?" Emiri asked, squinting at the letters.

Nadeline grinned once more, this time winking at Jaakuna. "That's what we're going to find out."

At this point, her face visibly blanched somewhat. She couldn't explain it, but something in her gut warned her that this was a bad idea. It made her somewhat uncomfortable, really. She hated her powers as it was...why would she want another? "Absolutely not!" Emiri protested, standing from her seat. "Even if I did somehow manage to...to do whatever at the Tomb, even if we get in, what makes you think we--I can control this so called power?"

"But we must get to it before they capture you and get it for themselves." Nadeline replied, a concerned look on her face.