Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The girls stared at Wesley. Was that a joke? It was! But...it was terrible. And not funny at all. Actually it was sort of serious. Maybe it wasn't a joke? Still, the way he paused right after it made it seem as if he was gauging their reactions. Within seconds, Jaakuna started laughing, and the girls' attention turned to him. Why was he laughing? Still, it was somewhat infectious, as after another few seconds, Nadeline broke into a fit of giggles, unable to control herself. She couldn't even muster up an apology, and her giggles evolved into laughter as well. AT this point, Emiri lost it; she had been smiling somewhat, but now she caught the laughing bug too. She tried to cover her mouth, but it came out louder.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The brunette's thoughts of the future came to an abrupt halt as loud sound coming from in front of her face brought her back to reality. "Ah--Oh?" She jumped, clearly surprised and blinking in confusion. "I...forgive me, um...wha?" She looked at Jaakuna (ironically the one who had occupied her thoughts) with a confused expression. "Did I...miss something?" She asked him, her face slightly flushed from the embarrassment. Boy, did she ever zone out. She didn't really mean to, she just had a lot on her mind, so to speak. She shifted in her seat, letting out a nervous laugh.

Nadeline giggled once more, lightly prodding Wesley. "My oh my, we are here speaking of the journey ahead and there she is, daydreaming. I wonder what she was dreaming about?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline giggled at Wesley and Jaakuna's conversation. She did agree with Wesley--wasn't it all about adventure and treasure and whatnot? Quite frankly, so long as they didn't have to travel by foot, she didn't mind fighting monsters and the like. It was definitely a new and refreshing experience, one she enjoyed greatly. She also admitted having their little group was somewhat nice. She actually enjoyed each of their company, the conversations they would have. Yes, she did almost drown in an overflown river, but then that lead to something...new. So it wasn't all bad. She only wished it would stay this way. She never wanted another battle with Ixion, even if she knew it was inevitable.

At Wesley's serious statement, she perked up, getting back into the conversation. "What do you mean?" She asked curiously, wondering what he meant.

Emiri, on the other hand, was in her own little world again. Her thoughts were somewhat scattered all over the place. Espers, her power, her own role in everything...actually, she was on her mind! She wondered how it all came together, really. So the two empires wanted her to get to the Espers, but why? Did they want to obliterate one another? Would she have to be running away forever? She entertained the thought of staying in Rabanastre. She did find it to be one of her favorite cities. But maybe Jaakuna wouldn't want to settle down. She could imagine him wanting to be in the skies forever. She would probably have to ask him--wait, what was she thinking? How did she even know they'd get that far? Not that she didn't want it to, but she didn't want to jump ahead! She was so silly.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I was wondering, what exactly is the Barhieim Passage?" Nadeline pondered outloud as the group ate. There was time until they would arrive; she figured she may as well start a conversation.

"It's an underground passage beneath the fortress at Nalbina. Originally a railway to carry goods into the fortress, the passage was closed with the introduction of airships as the primary means of transport. The abandoned railway line is now rife with Mist, and the dwelling place of many fell beasts. A perfect place for an Esper, wouldn't you agree?" Emiri replied, giving a half shrug. She wanted more to keep eating rather then talking, but she supposed staying quiet was impossible for Naddie. That is, unless you manage to surprise her. She grinned to herself for a moment, before faking a cough and continuing with, "Supposedly there's a rumor that it also connects to Nalbina Dungeon...but I cannot say if that is fact or false."

Nadeline bobbed her head, listening carefully. "It would seem that the Espers are locked in places abundant with Mist. The Tomb of Raithwall, Garamsythe Waterway, Barheim Passage..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Yes please, I'd hate to get sand in my boots." Nadeline stated, flipping her hair.

"Because that's the absolute worst thing to happen. Not getting sliced open by a monster, mugged by bandits, getting possible heatstroke, noooo, gods forbid you get sand in your boots." Emiri chided the blonde haired girl, rolling her eyes. Nadeline stuck her tongue out at her, crossing her arms in defeat. As energetic as she was before, it seemed it was just a short burst of energy, once the group had gathered she felt just as muggish as before. Still, that didn't mean the enemy would be the same way, so she pushed past it and made sure her gear was in top shape. Bow string tightened, sword glimmering from a good polish, dagger as sharp as ever.

"Why do you keep putting that there?" Nadeline asked as Emiri slipped said dagger in her boot. "I don't believe I've even seen you use it."

"Force of habit." Emiri confessed as she shrugged her bag on. Everything was packed and ready to go. "But you never know, I'm sure it'll come in handy one of these days."

"I hope not." She replied, dividing the rest of the supplies between herself and Jaakuna. Slipping everything in its place inside her own bag, she mimicked Wesley and slung it over her shoulder. She prayed this trip would go well; she grimly noticed that since Belias, they have not had too much luck in getting the Espers. Hopefully things would change.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Nadeline triple checked that they bought all they needed (and a surplus--she believed there was no such thing as being too prepared) she listened to Wesley recollect about visiting the once great Nabudis capital. She had only heard the tales and rumors, though knew that it was little more then a necrohol of dangerous monsters, as well as the aftermath of a terrible power. As she noticed Wesley's regretful tone, she felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps she should not have asked. As they began to return to the castle, she quickly tried to make light of it. "I see you have me beat there, though, Nabudis...I do not think I have ever been there." She said, trying to change the subject.

-------

Yes, that moment was all she wanted. It was all she needed, really. And so, she let the moment stretch out, and once it ended, she pulled away, getting up and helping Jaakuna to his feet. She smiled brightly at him, placing her hands on her hips. "Onward!" She yelled, punching the air rather enthusiastically. She felt so energetic now, though whether it was her emotions getting the best of her or relaxing she was feeling a lot better then before. She didn't feel so heavy, or was she just feeling an energetic high? Regardless, she felt great, and as she stretched her arms over her head, she couldn't help but wonder once more what was going on with her body. No use thinking about it, but the fact that the thought suddenly popped into her head was somehow concerning. She then turned to Jaakuna, stating, "Let's get back to the lovebirds, shall we?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Cozy castles...hm." Nadeline pondered to herself mostly. As the two stopped in front of a stand, she thought carefully about what Wesley had said. "The first time I snuck out of the castle...when was that? It was so long ago...ah! There was a festival in town--my mother and father were too busy to take me, even though I desperately wanted to go. So I jumped out my window and went into town." She started giggling, grinning at Wesley. "Oh, what an uproar my disappeareance caused! But it was so liberating to see things up close rather then watching from a window. From then on I would always leave the castle as I pleased...Mother and Father encouraged it, but they would want me to go with someone...so I would go with my tutor, Aloa. Harris believed that she would be good to control me, but in reality, Aloa was the one who educated me of the world and its workings."

At this point she was rambling somewhat, a nostalgic gleam in her eye as she recalled the events. "Aloa is a viera, you see...she is very wise. She was like the big sister I never got to have--mind you Emiri is older then me but I always thought of myself as the older one. But if it wasn't for Aloa, I would never have the courage to go and do what I pleased as opposed to doing what is right. 'To be duty bond does not define you as just' she would say, and urged me to think for myself so that if I should ever rule over Rozarria, I would not have a closed mind." She let out a dreamy sigh, looking to Wesley. "Tell me more about yourself, Your Highness. It would pleasure me greatly to know what makes you tick."

------

Jaakuna was afraid? It was the fight with Ixion all over again. Still, she knew what it was like to be so scared that it hurt. Emiri watched Jaakuna, feeling his hand grip hers so tightly, she felt his fear. And she knew. Gods know she understood that feeling. With her free hand she wiped his tear away, and then gently smiled at him. "Do you see how you and I are right here? Can you feel my hand, despite whatever it is that you're feeling?" She asked him. "This is what keeps me going. Just being able to hold your hand like this. So long as I breathe I will fight for this moment and the next. With whatever power I have or don't have I will keep fighting. Nothing Rozarria or Archadia can do will ever break that resolution. Just believe in me, and I will keep you safe from them." Her voice was more determined then ever, her eyes showing equal determination as she squeezed his hand back. She meant every word.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He was serious. Very serious. Emiri carefully knelt down and sat next to Jaakuna, her back to the wall, though she sat on her feet as opposed to bringing her knees up. She listened carefully to his words, trying her hardest to understand where he was coming from, but she couldn't. She didn't know if it was because this was uncharacteristically unlike him, if she didn't consider whatever reason the Emperor had for wanting Jaakuna was important, or even for her own selfish reasons of not wanting to let him go. Maybe she just did not want to understand. If she did, then she could possibly agree with him, and that was just completely out of the question.

Gently taking his hand, she examined it carefully, as if it would hold the answers for her. She held his hand tightly, holding it to her heart, and looked up at him. "I don't care." She found herself saying out of the blue. It was somewhat true, but she didn't expect to say it so bluntly. "I don't care what you did, or why he wants you back, or any of that." Her voice was bolder, somewhat stronger, slightly louder as she made her point. "I don't care about any of that! I want to be with you, and I know if you give yourself up that just won't happen!" She probably sounded like a child. She paused, lowering her voice somewhat as she realized she had basically shouted at him. "I'll protect you. If Savayna or the Emperor or anyone tries to hurt you, I will protect you. I promise."

------

"Knowledge for the sake of knowledge?" Nadeline asked curiously. She found herself wanting to learn more about the prince, whether she wanted to admit it or not. He was an intelligent fellow to say the least. "Take it with stride, I hardly ever give out compliments." She smiled mischievously, though it turned into something slightly more sheepish. "Truth be told, I used to hate books. Being trapped in a castle used to do that. Normally, books would be a manner of escape, but...I hated them precisely because they were a means of escape. I didn't want to be limited to books, I wanted to see the world with my own eyes." She paused, a thoughtful look on her face. "I was such a foolish child."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline took Wesley's hand gladly. After a moment of walking, however, she did recall something. She put on one of her trademark grins, placing her hands behind her head as she looked at Wesley. "I wasn't aware you could translate the texts. I'm impressed." She admitted rather nonchalantly, quirking an eyebrow at the prince. He spoke about her interest, but she didn't have a clue he was into the same thing. Often the texts were faded and hard to see, so to translate them as he did was a score in her book. Of course normally admitting this was very un-Nadeline-like, but she had to give him something. She made a mental note to start stepping her own game up.

------

He was so...different. It was actually rather startling, so to speak. When Jaakuna told Emiri that he wanted to turn himself in, her eyes widened considerably. This was just so unlike him, what could have possibly elicited this sudden change of heart? One minute he's cursing his brother's name and fighting tooth and nail, now he was surrendering? Really? "I...I don't understand." She confessed slowly, trying to see where he was coming from. She actually felt a little hurt, like he was abandoning her. "I thought we were going to continue together, we can overcome anything if we stick together, remember?" What happened to doing everything as a team?

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The brunette was slightly surprised by Jaakuna's lack of response. Actually, he didn't really seem to be himself. At his request, she was also surprised. What was wrong? Emiri blinked, slightly confused, but nonetheless stood and followed Jaakuna. Once they were a distance away, she decided to ask, "Is everything alright?"

Nadeline watched the pair leave and let out a low groan. "I think we should pack plenty of water, lest we get heatstroke or suffer from dehydration." She murmured, lightly ruffling her hair. She didn't mind the heat in all honesty, but she wasn't stupid enough to think that the trek through the desert would be all smooth sailings. Besides, sand is hard to walk on in heels. She considered going into town to see if she could maybe buy a pair of boots like the ones Emiri had--at first she questioned the girl's choice in footwear but now she understood why. They protected her from the elements and kept her walking sturdy (she shuddered when she remembered how she kept getting stuck in the mud). "Why don't you and I go resupply while they...talk?" Nadeline asked Wesley.