Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Oh boy, if her heart beated any faster, she was sure it would pop right out of her mouth. No, more like burst through her chest, Wesley's stare was probably more intense than he had intended. Which was certainly saying something, considering that Nadeline was usually so poised and collected. Did he enjoy it? Maybe, she couldn't read him for once. What exactly was running through his mind right now? He hadn't responded to her just yet, and she actually felt...anxious? Wow, she hadn't felt such a way in a long time. His eyes studied hers carefully, and it seemed like an eternity would pass before he would speak again. She would slowly release a breath she hadn't been aware that she was holding, though she couldn't hide her rather hot cheeks as he would continue to speak. What was he saying? What did he mean? No, she knew, but was she ready? No wait what if that wasn't what he meant?

Nadeline's mind was scrambling through every single possibility, though she would shift underneath him. No, no thinking, just acting. No, she was too nervous now. All that talk for nothing, it seemed! What happened to the days where she was the one in charge? Ah, they were but a fleeting memory now, it seemed, and what was worse, she actually found herself speechless. No, just a single word managed to escape her: "Wesley..." It came out so quiet she almost didn't realize she had said it herself, really.

---

Savayna was acting awfully strange. Or rather, she was being very un-Savayna-ish. Grant watched her take a seat, nodding mostly to herself. Had he gone too far? Did he do something wrong again? No, had Grant done something wrong, he would have been more than certain he would have been corrected or at the very least yelled at for it. But no, the blonde woman had decided instead to perhaps get lost in her thoughts or at least let her mind wander elsewhere. Was what he had asked really such a shock to her? He thought she would be, well...happy. Or at least glad that he was taking some interest, but once again, Grant seemed to have done the wrong thing. Ah, the story of his life...

Perhaps, then, a change of subject? Letting out a small cough to clear his throat, Grant eyed Savayna wearily as he rummaged through his own mind to think of a different topic. His eyes followed hers, though they led only to the other wall. The room was quaint, but it served its purpose, and for that no one complained. Grant slowly walked over, making sure not to get too close as he would raise an eyebrow at her. He may as well ask. "Everything alright there?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Well, I never thought you would leave me before, but you did. The rather bitter thought crossed her mind, though she wisely chose to keep it under wraps. The last thing Emiri wanted right now was to get in yet another argument with Jaakuna--that and sleep sounded so tempting she might just stay in place and sleep with no regards to her boyfriend. Emiri would stretch her arms above her head, though they would feel heavy. It looked like she was just going to sleep in whatever she was wearing after all. Snaking her way under the blankets, she looked up at him curiously.

"How long are you going to keep watching instead of joining me?" She pouted.

---

And that was that. Nadeline didn't want to admit that it was only with a heavy heart that she had reached the conclusion, but at the very least, Wesley finally believed her. That would just have to do, and as she would pull her hair out of her bun, she would flip her hair over her shoulders. She was only half-paying attention when Wesley would bring up Jaakuna--oh, they would need to have a talk about his acting-like-Jaakuna antics, that much was for sure--but he would catch her attention as he would run his hand through her hair. As she turned to him, he would mention it was now or never. But for what? That question was quickly (and pleasantly) answered with a kiss, though her heart started beating against her chest it almost made her feverish. She sure did like to talk about things she knew nothing of, didn't she? Still, she was...happy. A little sad, yes, but happy.

"I love you, Wesley." She told him softly.

---

Grant nodded, a rather determined look on his face. "Mt. Bur-Omisace, sounds like we should pay a visit to the Gran Kiltas." He made note most assuredly, outright ignoring Savayna's Negative Nancy attitude. When she would mention him gaining approval, he would raise an eyebrow at her, though he had an extremely deadpan look on his face. "To be quite honest, if I can get not only your approval and your heart, I believe I can sway the opinion of anyone in Ivalice." He reminded her, shaking his head at her for a moment. "Alright then, once we find out what's happening tomorrow, we can depart to Mt. Bur-Omisace."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri stared at Jaakuna for a while, though she would end up in agreement with him, shuffling under the covers as she would let out a sigh. Despite his dismissal, it did make her somewhat curious. She would reach out to Chaos once more, though once again, she would receive nothing. No snide comment, no calling her his Scion, nothing. Was it really such a bad thing? Or should she be worried? Her powers seemed to work without him being around, so she had reason to guess that maybe, for now, he was just ignoring her.

Putting that thought to bed, Emiri looked at Jaakuna once more. "You'll stay here with me, right?" Came out her muffled question as she would bring the blankets over her mouth.

---

Wesley reiterated his point. Nadeline would raise an eyebrow at him. If she had to be honest, he really was right in every way. But... "What sort of Queen would I be if I were to abandon my King in his time of need?" She chided him, wagging a finger at him. "If anything, I must go. How else will you tell your sister of our engagement? My future kingdom of Dalmasca should recognize its future Queen as well, don't you think?" She reminded him with a rather telling tone. "My father, my mother, Aloa, Grant...they don't need me as much as you will. Rozarria may be in turmoil, but I believe in Grant. Before we depart I will do my best to make a quick case, I am sure he will listen." She would tell him in earnest, fixing her nightgown so that it was more appropriate, though she would pause as she would reach up to her hair. "" She stated as she would tuck a stray hair behind her ear. "I should be offended that you don't want me to go with you."

---

Grant looked at Savayna, a rather bewildered expression on his face. Why was she laughing? He scowled at her, unpleased that his girlfriend thought his wedding plans were funny. No way he was going to admit it stung a little too. When she would bring up her father, Grant's eyebrows were raised. "Hmm...if I were to, where would I find him, exactly?" He asked, crossing his arms.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Famfrit and Lola, huh? Emiri had to agree with Jaakuna there, as she didn't feel like they would make a good match. Wait, how would she guess that anyway? She would halt that train of thought as Jaakuna would inquire about Chaos. It had been some time--no, she hadn't heard from Chaos since she and Grant went to the Dalmascan Estersands. Ever since then, the Esper hadn't uttered a single word. She remembered trying to reach him recently, but even now, he would not heed her. He was definitely around, that much she could tell, but he was silent.

"No." Emiri admitted. "Though I can't say it's a loss."

---

As Wesley would speak, he would actually remind her of herself. Her duty to her country would always come before anything, so there was absolutely no arguing against it. Wesley made sure to look right at her, as if demanding her attention, and Nadeline was somewhat at a loss. If only she knew she could stop Reia...and yet, at the end of it all, Wesley really would return to Dalmasca after all. Why did it seem so surreal? She hadn't denied it. Perhaps she had gotten attached to their little group, their travels, getting to see the world. The thought of having to stay behind was...difficult, to say the least. No, that was a lie. The thought of having to leave Wesley behind was what was truly difficult.

Letting out a small sigh, Nadeline would look at Wesley's hands holding hers. "I understand. It must be done." She would agree. "Though I do wonder what the group will do without us."

---

Grant was not modest nor was he one usually celebrate his victories. No, he was humble, but when he was right he was right as always. He had to admit, though, Savayna of all people admitting he was right was just too sweet to savor. She was dominant, he rather subservient, so to see her concede was...a treat. Still, he truly was confident in their group, though Savayna would take a change of topic. He almost wanted to bask in his victory some more, but would perish the thought; his humble mother would be pretty disappointed.

Savayna would bring up the subject of, once again, Giruvegan. Grant could already feel the migraine of the crystal maze coming, until she would bring up the rest of the group. Back when Nadeline would announce that she and Wesley would wed, to be more precise. She asked about them. Grant didn't quite understand the question, even as her face would redden.

"What, are you asking if we will marry?" He asked, his tone completely oblivious to the connotation, though he would recall his little daydream from before. "Big weddings just never seemed too genuine, though with my status I have little choice. Hmm...we could get married in private first, before the public ceremony? I would like something on the beach. Something small, with a few friends and family." His voice became light as he would imagine it, a small smile on his face.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Exodus...Hamut possesses him, this much I am sure of. That was the day he appeared before Savayna and I at the Mosphoron Highwaste." She would raise an eyebrow as she would do her best to remember. "Shemhazzai...I believe Nadeline informed me that Michel had obtained it from the time they were ambushed in Giruvegan the first time we went." Common sense dictated that Famfrit was the only one left. Still, something about that just didn't add up. Then again, Lola herself made no sense, so was it worth even thinking about?

"All that reading seemed to pay off, it seems. Though who knew it would end up being useful this way?" Emiri frowned. "I wonder if she'll forgive me."

---

Wesley was leaving? For the first time in what seemed like a long time, Nadeline was openly shocked. Definitely had been a while, considering she was rarely fazed by anything. She was rather quiet as she would listen, though she couldn't hide her rather crestfallen expression. It was funny, they had just been talking about what they would do once everything was said and done, but now that he was leaving, she felt that for once she didn't know what to do or how to react.

Placing her hands on her lap, Nadeline looked at Wesley seriously. "If that is so...you must be serious." She would reply slowly. "I just...didn't think it would be so soon."

---

That was all he was going to get after all he said? Grant shook his head, patting Savayna's head in return. "You'll find that I'm right about most things." He informed her, tapping his temple. "The curse of having a logical mind, I suppose. At this point it's push or shove, and I don't intend to go down without a fight."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna was right about that much. Letting out a long, slow breath, she would flop backwards onto the bed, sinking into it slightly. Closing her eyes for a moment, she wanted to drift off to sleep right away, but there was something else that bothered her. She wasn't quite sure whether to bring it up again or not, but she figured she may as well get it out while she could.

"I know this isn't the time...but what Lola had said made me think." She admitted to Jaakuna with a small frown. "Twelve Espers...yet Lola claimed she had one." She wondered out loud. "Do you think it was a bluff?"

---

Nadeline would have been outright insulted had Wesley not continue to talk. Giving him a scowl, she would sit up properly as she would listen to him intently. It seemed he had planned to make a return visit to Dalmasca after all. She should have figured as much; no doubt the threat of war on the horizon had everyone on edge, and it was the logical thing to do. Cassandra was the only Dalmascan royal left besides Wesley, she could probably use his advice on a few things.

Stretching her arms above her head, Nadeline would nod at Wesley. "Sounds like a plan. Shall we go tomorrow, then?" She asked him rather cheerfully, batting her eyelashes at him. "It wouldn't do for my fiance to go alone now, would it?"

---

"Levi is also human. Mortal." Grant reminded her, trying to get her to get a hold of herself. "It doesn't matter how strong she is. Just like Zodiark, Levi will fall as well. The only difference between her and every other enemy we have encountered will be the effort needed to bring her down." He stated, looking at her rather fiercely. Was what he said true? Or was he trying to convince himself? No, that was what he believed, anyway. Shion acknowledged their power. Everyone was going strong...except...for him. But that was only a matter of time. "You're not alone, Savayna. We're all here for you."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

How she wanted to believe him. How she wanted him to just take her into his arms and make her forget everything. But that...that wasn't the reality of the situation. To say or think otherwise was to betray that, and she just couldn't deny the truth. Could she just pretend to forget? Just for now? She was well aware that tomorrow, they would once again be thrust into danger. Maybe she could just put the discussion to rest. For now. They could argue about who was unwilling to lose who another day.

"Okay. You win." She told him quietly, placing her hands on his for a moment. "But you should know, no matter what happens, I promised I would protect you. I meant it. No harm will come to you if I can help it." Even if that threat is me. I will protect you, Jaakuna.

---

Something he wanted to talk to her about? What could it possibly be? As Wesley would take his turn, Nadeline would choose to sit on the edge of her bed, crossing her legs on one another. Was it possible he wanted to continue talking about Grant and Savayna? No, he would have said as much. She would cluck her tongue in disapproval, though she decided to seize the chance. Dropping her robe for a moment, she would tip toe over to her dresser, pulling off her nightgown and slipping into something a little more revealing. Grinning from ear to ear, she would slip her robe on once more and would await Wesley on her bed patiently.

---

What had he done? Grant's regret would grow deeper the more Savayna cried. He would wait as long as she needed. No, that wasn't the right course of action. Or, maybe it was, but for once his gut was telling him that he needed to do something. Anything. So he would. He pulled Savayna away from him for just a moment, one hand on her shoulder as the other would wipe away her tears. "Whatever it is that happened, it's in the past," He told her, not even completely sure of what he was really saying. But he would keep going anyway. If she was going to end up beating him up for it, so be it. "But the one thing you need to know is this: it doesn't matter if it's Levi, Shion, Zodiark--none of them stand a chance against us." What was he even saying at this point? "So don't worry. Alright?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"No!" was Emiri's rather immediate, loud, and blurted out response. How could he even suggest such a thing? Emiri would move away from him, and while she would struggle, she would manage to sit up, shaking her head at him. "That's exactly what I want to avoid!" She would clarify her reasoning, her hand to her chest as she would try to reason with him. "Zodiark and I, we--somehow, in some way...Shion was after my life because she thought killing me would weaken Zodiark. If that's true--" If I lose myself again... "--then if I try to hurt anyone, you'd kill two birds with one stone."

Emiri hesitated, running her hands through her hair. It was then that she realized she was shaking. "I can't--I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hurt anyone."

---

After much sighing, some fiddling, and a search for a missing earring (that would be the first and last time she would forget to take them off before a bath--they were worth a pretty gil after all) Nadeline had wrapped up her bath faster than she really wanted. Maybe she was eager to continue their conversation, or maybe the fact that she just realized they were alone in her room had finally dawned on her. No wonder the man had been blushing like mad earlier, she had completely missed it! As she pulled her nightgown over her head, she started wishing she had something a little sexier. Ah, no, that was a bad thought, they weren't even married yet! Then again, they were engaged, so any possible fornication would be...tribute to their future heir. An heir...a baby. Their baby. Oh, she hoped it was a boy, what she would give to have a baby that looked just like Wesley--why in the world was she even thinking about that?!

Feeling very bothered by the line of thinking, she would put on a robe and hastily tie the knot around her waist. Now was not the time to be thinking of sex and babies and...whatever other lewd thoughts she had. She would gather her curls into a messy bun on the back of her head and stomp out of the bathroom, suddenly feeling very nervous. As she would approach Wesley, she would cough a bit. "If you'd like, you can...use the bath as well." She managed to stutter out, though she would curse the heavens for her hesitation.

---

She was crying. Savayna was actually crying. The thought alone was enough to stun him, but the sight itself seemed to shatter him completely. The rumors of Livathan had reached even Rozarria, but it seemed Savayna had experienced first hand what the woman was capable of. It truly was a terrifying thought, but...it didn't change anything. It didn't change what Jaakuna did. It didn't change the fact that clearly Levi had done something to Emiri. In all honesty there was absolutely nothing he could do to reassure her, no lie in the world could conceal the truth from her. A sickening notion, and for a moment, anger would flare up within him. He should have killed Levi when he had the chance.

Grant would wrap his arms around Savayna, holding her tightly to him. There really was nothing else he could do. "I'm sorry."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna didn't understand what she meant. No, he didn't understand that it was a possibility. Emiri didn't even think it would happen again, but if it did, if for some reason she would turn on the group, she needed his guarantee. Still, Jaakuna wasn't prepared for this as he would not only question her but offer to find an alternative instead. She wasn't entirely satisfied with his answer and almost wanted to drop the topic--regretting for a moment that she likely ruined the mood--but she needed his word. She needed to hear the words coming from him. She figured everyone else may have been hesitant, but Jaakuna...

"I almost killed Nadeline today." She reminded him, looking at him sternly. "Who is to say it won't be Wesley next? Savayna? Grant? What if I tried to hurt you? It's...I don't even know why I'm saying it." No, the last part was a lie. She may not have been exactly sure, but she couldn't ignore that feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I need you to promise me. I need to hear it from you, please."

---

"I agree," Nadeline would nod at Wesley. "We will just have to see, I suppose..."

She would stretch her arms above her head, letting out a girly squeak of a yawn. While she wanted to continue the conversation, she was aching to get out of her clothes and into her nightwear. Stooping down, she would slip her short boots off her feet and then stand, lightly shaking her hair. As much as she wanted to change, she wanted more a fresh bath. Wandering over to the door of her bathroom, she could already feel the warmth emanating from it, signaling a warm bath awaiting her.

"Hmm...table the thought, I'd like a bath," She admitted to him, giving him a wink as she would take her nightgown in her hands. "Be a dear and wait for me, would you?"

---

Grant had to stop his jaw from dropping as he would discover Savayna's colorful words were...very ranged. Still, he got just a little nervous as he watched her go back and forth, unsure of what to make of her reaction. He was going to get in trouble for this, wasn't he? Once she finally seemed to calm down, Grant would once more find himself on the end of a Glacie Inquisition as she would practically demand to know if her guess was right. She had certainly hit the nail on the head, why did she need his confirmation? And why was she mad at him? He learned his own lession about Levi the hard way, and for what it was worth, it wasn't even worth dealing with the snake.

The possibility of trying to play it off as nothing came and went quickly; Grant highly doubted that she would believe him if he denied it. "You certainly know him well," He would sigh, scratching his head. "Though I believe both you and I know the answer to that question. Do you really need me to come out and say it?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

For once Emiri felt like she couldn't quite read his thoughts. She was never really good at that sort of thing, but it would seem Jaakuna would agree with her, holding her closer to him. She paused her thoughts for a moment, looking up at his rather peaceful expression. However, as she did, for some reason she would think back on an old dream she had. It had been the one where Jaakuna had tried to kill her--why in the world would that come up now of all times? Because if something were to happen to me again...Aloa might not be around to stop me. The thought came all too easily, and Emiri would bury herself in Jaakuna's shoulder. I almost killed Nadeline...who is to say who it would be next time?

"Should it come down to it...if I were ever to attack anyone again, I want you to stop me no matter what it takes." She admitted out loud, likely throwing him off guard.

---

As Wesley would speak of Reia, Nadeline's gaze would turn out to the window, out to the starless night sky. Nadeline had always truly, genuinely respected the woman, but she knew above all that her country came first. If Reia was not suitable for the throne, then Rozarria would have to adjust. Wesley seemed rather amused by the her idea, giving his own input. As he would laugh, she would raise an eyebrow at him, mentioning one possibility Nadeline had neglected to take into consideration.

"I hadn't thought of that," Nadeline pondered out loud as she would consider the possibility. "I don't see why not. If Jaakuna and Emiri would represent peace to Archadia, then I assume Grant and Savayna would do the same for Rozarria." She would turn her gaze back to Wesley. "Although if he became emperor, would Savayna be willing to forsake Archadia? She seems pretty loyal all things considered."

---

Nope, Savayna wasn't buying it at all. She immediately called him out, citing the fact that she knew Jaakuna better than he did (a thought he was always too willing to forget) as she would advance on him. Grant would immediately back up, though she would keep coming to him, until finally, he found himself sandwiched between Savayna and the wall. There really was no means of escaping now, was there? He silently cursed, wanting very much to hold his ground, though Savayna gave him very little choice. She would then run her hand along his arm, and he knew he had little choice but to concede defeat.

Letting out a small groan of annoyance, Grant would scowl at her. This woman was a handful, that much he had to admit. "I do have to wonder how such brashness managed to get you a position as General," He couldn't help but snap, displeased as he would muster every ounce of willpower to resist her charm. "It isn't just about my place to tell you, it is also a rather...unsettling truth." He hesitated, but when she would only look at him expectantly, he figured he might as well just come out and say it.

"There's a...reason Emiri is back to normal so quickly--or about as normal as she could be considering Chaos wiped her clean." He began slowly, choosing his words carefully.