Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

This wasn't a good situation at all. Emiri never took her eyes off this Ixion, but as he advanced towards them, her eyes briefly flickered to her companions. She didn't know if she was going crazy or what, but she could actually see fear in Jaakuna's eyes. He was actually afraid? She had already figured that he was strong, but now she felt her previous statement of the three together being able to take them on was suddenly sounding very hollow and false. Should they flee? No, he would surely catch them. She wasn't sure if she could get both Nadeline and Jaakuna out in time; the former being on one of her tempers and the second frozen in place.

Against her better judgment, Emiri took a page right out of Jaakuna's book and decided to attack.

No time powers to rely on, I have to be careful. She grimly noted, already regretting her rather brash decision, but it was too late to turn back. Gripping her sword with both hands she went in for a swing.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

More of Jaakuna's family, it seemed. Emiri stood steady as she eyed the man, her sword at the ready. By the tone of their voices, they weren't friendly. She lightly mused that Jaakuna really didn't get along with any of his family. Still, if he was the cause of the massacre, they needed to bring him down. "Ixion the Lightning Falcon, Judge Magister of Archadia. Attacking the capital of Dalmasca...have you no shame in acting against a country that has done nothing wrong?!" Nadeline responded angrily, stepping forward. "The people of Rabanastre have done nothing to deserve your wrath, how dare you enact such senseless violence on them! Your actions have proven to be absolutely loathsome, your country will pay for your insolence!" She shouted, clearly riled up. He stood there before them, as if everything were fine and dandy. How dare he!

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"We can take them together. Just like the Gigas." Emiri spoke as she walked, not bothering to look back.

The castle was eerily quiet as it masked the sounds of battle on its streets. The brunette made sure to be aware s she walked, but was more then certain they would not encounter anyone. The trail led up a great staircase, and as she reached the top, she was shown an open door. She walked slowly, though the scene before her easily wrapped up the events of the castle. A blonde man stood before the throne, and she swore she felt a spark of electricity through the air. Nadeline gasped as he revealed what was in front of him: she recognized him as the King of Dalmasca, having been impaled with the sword of the man before them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri looked around, feeling her heart sinking. This wasn't an attack, it was pure slaughter. They struggled, they suffered, and they perished. Who, or rather what, could have such power? She had seen this kind of thing happen before with monsters, but she was certain that a Hume had caused this. Somehow. Whoever was waiting ahead had great power, though they weren't one for stealth as they left a trail right to them. She vaguely recalled a story from her childhood about a thief who always left tracks because no one could stop him. Was it the same here? Gripping her sword tighter, Emiri began walking down said path, following the trail of bodies. There was a difficult fight coming, she was sure of it.

Nadeline covered both hands with her mouth, nearly dropping her weapon. The entire scene was foreign and terrifying. So many bodies, so many lives just gone. They weren't even her own people, and she felt as if she could weep for them. Reclaiming her rapier with shaking hands, she couldn't stop looking at them as she followed Emiri. "A massacre." She finally spoke, though she couldn't control the shaking of her voice. "This...this was not a normal battle. This was done by a single person...one person managed to do all this." The thought was scary enough, but to think they were going to confront said power? Could they really do it? She didn't doubt their strength, but perhaps this time, this was out of their league. The sound of doors being forcefully open was heard, alerting the three. "They're near...oh gods..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri temporarily ignored Jaakuna (and his bad joke) as she looked around, though Nadeline did let out a slight chuckle. A chill went up her spine, a very familiar one, but she couldn't quite place it. Perhaps the enemy was lurking around the corner. "Follow me." She said, running to the stairs. The Waterway was a maze now, as the lowered water levels meant that there were more possible routes. Perhaps the place went deeper; she didn't want to find out, and getting to the castle was much more important. The trio walked through the paths, but Emiri found it particularly odd that there weren't any soldiers. She wanted to take it that they were too busy fighting among themselves, but she chalked it up as either one (Dalmascan or Archadian) waiting for them at the castle.

Nadeline very well gagged and nearly vomited. The stench was dreadful! At least Jaakuna made some sort of reaction, she could hardly believe Emiri simply walked through with no problem. Oh, she would need a very good scrubbing after this, perhaps multiple baths. Oh and the smell...she'd have to get rid of her clothes. And undergarments. And her shoes; no telling what she was stepping on. True, she was glad that there was no water, but just thinking of all the germs and filth made her skin crawl. Yes, once everything was said and done and settled, a bath was in order. For all of them.

Emiri paused before a set of stairs. This one was different then the rest, mirroring the one that lead up to Lowtown. "This is it. Be ready for anything." She told her companions, sword at the ready as she ascended the stairs. Nadeline took out her rapier, climbing the steps with some uncertainty. She prayed there wouldn't be a fight; monsters were one thing but soldiers? She couldn't bear the thought of having to harm people.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Well...that is to say...water alone isn't that much of an issue but..." Nadeline grumbled, crossing her arms as they began to walk. After a moment, the entrance was revealed, no soldiers to be seen, neither Dalmascan nor Archadian. "What about the monsters?" She asked, biting her lip slightly

"There weren't any when we came out. Doubt there'll be any when we go in. Besides, I am sure the three of us can handle it." Emiri replied, prying open the entrance. She looked inside--it was as dark as ever. She let out a sigh and began to crawl through, stating, "Come on then, it's not going to get any better." She didn't like the idea any more then Nadeline did, but as she crawled, she noticed something odd. The area actually seemed dry; had someone changed the sluice waterways since yesterday? As she popped up on the other side, she made sure there was no one around before getting up, dusting herself off, and withdrawing her weapon.

Nadeline peered through the passageway, motioning to Jaakuna. "Well then...after you." She spoke, lightly patting her skirt. She hoped it wouldn't be as disgusting as she had heard.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri gave Jaakuna a completely deadpan look. "It WAS yesterday." She reminded him. It felt like ages ago, now that she thought about it. Indeed, too many things were happening in such a short amount of time.

Nadeline wrinkled her nose slightly at the idea. The waterway was used to distribute water throughout Rabanastre. She had read about it in a book once. Still, while it was clean for the most part, some parts were very...sewage like. And filthy. Very, very filthy. Last she heard there was a monstrous flan going on about, as well as some rather horrid creatures that ade traversing into the deeper parts very dangerous. "The Garamsythe Waterway...? Wouldn't we get all wet and dirty?" Nadeline asked meekly, hoping to be wrong, but she already knew the answer before it came.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Both Emiri and Nadeline each gave Jaakuna a look, but for different reasons:

"You've already offered to help them." Was Emiri's simple response.

"If this is not stopped there'll be more casualties." Was Nadeline's quicker and harsher response. She then eyed the city warily, placing one hand on her hip. "I don't think we'll just be able to get in smoothly. No doubt they'll made sure to block off the city entirely...if only there was another way in."

Another way in...like the way we came out before. Emiri thought, lightly shifting in her boots. Just the idea was getting her uncomfortable already, or was it the heat? Still, there weren't exactly a lot of options hanging around, and as much as she'd know Jaakuna would be more then happy to go in swords ablaze, this called for a more indirect approach. She shook her head, then looked at Jaakuna. "We could always go in through the Garamsythe Waterway. You did block off the entrance to Lowtown, remember? There was also this rumor that spread around the Sandsea that one could get into the castle that way...maybe at the very least we could offer our aid there?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The brunette nodded, slightly relieved to at least having let it out. Nadeline smiled to herself, though feigned ignorance as she looked at her nails. Once they got up, however, the blonde let out a huff of indigence, stating, "Exactly how long is it taking for us to get there? Rabanastre isn't THAT far." She just about had enough of being locked up like a criminal. Didn't they have their rights or whatever? Not that she would know...normally she would be at the other side of the judicial system, on the lawful side. Well, there was always a first time for everything. Her father would surely punish her for certain this time; he was a stickler for rules, really. She watched Jaakuna and Emiri look around, though let out another irritated sigh.

Emiri rolled her eyes, turning to Nadeline. She was about to speak when the door opened up, though rather then a guard, the prince himself seemed to grace them with his presence. Nadeline blinked a few times, though she carefully avoided eye contact, lest she be recognized. Emiri was also surprised, but more that he seemed as if he wanted to tell them something. Before he could, however, the group was suddenly thrown to the side, and Emiri felt her head collide with the wall. She let out a groan as she got to her feet, shaking her head lightly. One of these days she's going to get a concussion. It would seem they were under attack--by the Archadian Empire, no less.

Once the cuffs were off, Emiri was more then glad. "Quite a bold move, attacking Rabanastre without provocation." Nadeline mused lightly, looking outside. "Should Dalmasca fall into Archadian hands, this will turn the tide for the war."

"But Archadia and Rozarria aren't at war." Emiri said.

"Once my--once the Empress hears about this, she will be sure to prepare the troops. Dalmasca is right on the border of Rozarria, after all. Using Rabanastre's fall, they will declare war on the premises of defense." Nadeline explained. "It's only a matter of time."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Lady Karolina Roselia née Rosenburg

Mother of Nadeline Lenore, Wife of Prince Lorenzo, Younger Sister of Justine. A woman of common blood who won the heart of the prince with her genuine heart. She is kind but has fallen to an illness as of late and is mostly confined to her bed. As such she often encourages her daughter to see the world in her place. While she knows little of politics she will always side with her husband.

Prince Lorenzo Jeremiah Roselia of Rozarria

Father of Nadeline Lenore, Husband to Karoline, Youngest Brother of the Royal Siblings. He is not a man who is interested in power or politics and wold much rather spend his days in a library studying. His father's death has had a profound effect on him. He married Karoline many years ago and the two had Nadeline at a young age. Still, he will do anything for his wife and child, and suspects that his eldest brother Roland did not kill his father. He makes sure to keep his siblings close and hopes to avoid a war. Many of his ideals are passed on to Nadeline, though he is notorious for spoiling her and letting her do as she pleases.

Lady Justine Iniabi née Rosenburg

Wife of Andre, Mother to Emelia Rianna, Sister to Karolina. A woman who comes from a very poor background, she is determined to do whatever it takes so that her family doesn't have to go through what she did. She is very stern and made sure her daughter was groomed to be the perfect wife for Grant. She may mean well, but many argue that her way of going about things makes it hard to believe said intentions.

Lord Andre Iniabi

Husband of Justine, Father to Emelia Rianna. He is a hardworking soldier who often risks his life by going out to the battlefield often. He enjoys the thrill of battle, but it often keeps him away from his family. As a result he is distant from his daughter, something he has come to regret. When she ran away, he blamed himself for not being there and stopping her mother's abuse.