melodiesoflife | We are off to see the Crystal Tree!

Most people might well see Sephiroth as the Colonel within the Esdham Military first before anything else and he didn't mind that at all. It was a comfortable title that he wore like an old glove, even if it did have responsibilities along with it that were inherently different to what he had been on his home world.

"We've not yet come across any such monsters that might operate in packs, yet given the terrain I wouldn't rule out the potential for nocturnal predation." He nodded in a drop of silver on either side of his head and tilted his head down towards K'pandolu as she continued.

He agreed with her, for the most part.

"Larger groups can prove problematic, but at least in this part of the trip we're all moving in the same direction. Provided we delegate duties optimally once we make camp and remain focused on that I don't see that there should be any problems."

Yet, Sephiroth was already aware that a few of the Heroes he did know seemed more than a little out of sorts. He figured it would be as a result of the vision they'd been granted and while he hadn't been privy to it, he knew enough of previous occurrences to understand.

"What's important, is that we stick together."

Kidd offered a slow and thoughtful nod in response. If she had come with her other jobs, the ones she was more experienced with, she'd probably be craving that thrill of discovery as well. As an Assassin she'd certainly try to get on one of those Behemoth's backs while fighting one. And that was to say nothing of the Long Gui.

At the moment her dabbling in magic was to help her unlock new potential to aid her work here, but the Jobs came with a flimsiness that she was unused to. She realized it was that inner knowledge that made all else here seem that much bigger and put that knot in her belly. The gap was clear and she was not used to being the one being watched over in a group.

"I suppose you're right. The rear courage and strength is being able to strike out into the unknown no matter which world you're in. and I suppose nature remains just as fickle no matter what shape it forms." As deadly as these monsters could be, they had nothing on the storms she'd seen in her time at sea.

"Ah forgive me. I must be tired and my mind playing tricks on me. Sorry for troubling you with my questions."

Kidd nodded and followed Duster's signal. She crept over, keeping as quiet as she could. She kept her breathing steady and didn't allow any irrational fears it. Still, it didn't help that this world always found new was to surprise her.

"Right...I can cast Slow on them. That should give us the advantage." She didn't know if the spell itself would catch their attention or not so she'd wait until the moment that they made their move. She shifted her hands to begin the casting, "You two go ahead. I'll cover you."

On occasion Sephiroth did enjoy the thrill of a monster hunt; he'd even taken a quick bounty up with Umiko on the first time they'd come to Mysidia. All just to see how he'd fare against the new monster types even if it wasn't strictly part of the scope of his job within the military. On his part, it had been a struggle, but that's no surprise considering he was still neglecting to advance on Paladin and preferring to store up experience in his orb for the time being.

He were less capable in battle than he might otherwise be, with another max job equipped, but most of the time he found that Warrior alone was just as viable. No such job combination would grant Sephiroth the strength that he wanted back; which was why his work on the Custom Job back in Aqures would have to be picked up again soon.

"It's no trouble at all." For all Sephiroth was an expert at seeming intimidating without any effort, he sounded honest.

"That said; perhaps not quite in such a reckless of a way." Though he nodded all the same; understanding. "I prefer to be able to at least reasonably judge before just leaping into things."

...That's an unusual phrase...

[Rialynn takes a moment to turn it over in her head and make sense of it, then dips her hand into the water once more. Sorry, Sephiroth. Her world is still nice enough where things like this are fairly common.]

[When she's had her fill, she rolls up to a sitting position, loosely holding one knee as she tips her head back and admires the beauty of the village. This thirst is one that's far more difficult to slake. Just as she comes from a world that remains simple, it also lacks the magic and wonder of this world. All the inhabitants look the same, more or less. Trees are made of wood, monsters are ordinary animals, and politics are strictly for those wealthy enough to care. They don't have crystal forests, or the ability to cast spells. Even white hair on someone who isn't venerable is pretty much unheard of.]

You know...maybe it's strange to say this, considering our circumstances and all, but I really love this world.

[She turns her head to admire a shimmering shadow cast by one of the crystal trees, and the tiny rainbows reflected upon the ground by the rays of sunlight.]

It's breathtaking. I can understand a little better why whoever was responsible for bringing us here was so desperate to defend it.

[Rialynn smiles, delighted at the audience's reception. They look so excited! It isn't often she's seen such an attentive audience, but then again, the performance they're giving was sort of impromptu, and not meant to generate any coins. They were simply doing it for the love of the craft. She inclines her head to Duster.]

Go ahead. I'd love to hear one of the songs from your world.

[She'll accompany him if he likes, but she needs to hear the song itself first before she can properly join in.]

Hmmm... A little of both, I suppose. I've never met anyone who was the subject of a prophecy before coming here. Suddenly I'm surrounded by prophesied Heroes! It's kind of exciting, isn't it?

[She doesn't count herself as one of those Heroes, even if she arrived in the exact same manner.]

[She listens to K'pandolu with avid interest. So far, this all sounds exotic and fascinating.]

How did you come by that name? Was the sun particularly important to your people?

I'd love to learn it. Would you mind writing down the lyrics for me? Then we can sing it together next time.

[Because surely they'll find themselves in a pub together again, eating stew and bread and performing for the masses. It's kind of what a bard does, and she loves to get the audience involved if she can.]

And don't worry about the mood. It's a good way for us to learn more about one another, right?

[The question is directed at the villagers, who nod enthusiastically.]

Would you like to sing another, or should I see if I've got a sea chanty of my own that might suit your fancy?

Both, if you don't mind sparing the time!

[When it comes to stories, Rialynn is far from picky. As long as the events actually happened, then it's almost a sure bet that she'd be interested.]

But if you need a starting point, how about stories from your own world? What made you become a hero of light over there?

[He's free to keep looking through the book, though of course she'll take it back and flip to a fresh page to start writing down his own story once he begins to tell it.]

[she's rather dubious about the nature of the prophecy about them as Heroes of Light, but Rialynn seems enthusiastic about it. That kind of energy ought to be protected, for as long as it can be.]

I suppose so- but since I working with others to protect our own world, it seems less unlikely to me.

[so that's a reasonable explanation for sounding less excited, isn't it?]

[she looks surprised for a moment, ears flicking up.]

That name- you mean as Seekers? [she nods.] Azeyma, goddess of the sun, is our particular patron. By her light, we are given strength and prosperity.

[Sephiroth remains still stood back from the bank of the river itself, watching Rialynn as the disbelief over her drinking water right from the source like that eventually starts to drop off. She's hardly the first Hero he can imagine doing such, and it is more than likely a hang over from the more-polluted world that he comes from that's causing the discomfort.

He tilts his head a little to the side, looking at the back of her head only as he considers her next words. He soon finds himself looking up and over the scene before them; a quaint village set within crystal trees. If there were any such place like it on Gaia, Sephiroth didn't know about it.

An understanding stretch of a smile slowly creeps up; there was a time when he thought much the same with regards to the condition of this world when compared to his own. It had degraded away over the months though, hammered into oblivion by their circumstances as a whole. It feels refreshing, to take a step back to that way of thinking. And so much simpler.]

It's not strange to say. [Carefully Sephiroth steps out towards the bank; still a little behind Rialynn but he didn't really want to have to raise his voice.]

Not that there is chance very often to appreciate it, but some of the locations really are something else.

[Kidd does have the Bard Job in her collection but she never really gave it much thought. Perhaps it would be one worth putting some effort into after she was done with Illusionist and Time Mage.]

Aye, that wouldn't be a problem. And I know a few more but I think I'll pass for the moment. [She looks around again at their audience, giving them a polite nod. She'd at least prefer a pint to blame the next time she does something like this.]

But if you know one I'd love to hear it.

Back home? I was just there when the wind crystal exploded. It probably didn't have time to look for anyone else.

[He frowns, considering the possibility that some sort of fate or destiny were involved. Nah, the crystal probably just just picked the four people who were there at the time.]

Actually I was there when all the crystals exploded.

[One eyebrow rose and Albel glanced over at Bartz.]

You think all crystals start out this way, and then they're enchanted later for their specific uses?

[There was nothing insulting about his tone ~~for once~~. Albel was genuinely thoughtful as he looked anew at the crystal in his hand before stowing it away.]

That would certainly change everything...

[His thoughts were interrupted when there was a sudden shake in the ground, and a roar that sounded way too close for comfort.]

What was that?

[Thankfully, Duster pulled his crystal back. Albel let out the breath he was surprised to discover he'd been holding. What was that about? Was he seriously worried about the stranger? If Duster gave his crystal and died, well then it would only serve him right for being so stupid.]

[His eyes turned to Jack's Light Crystal as well. If they didn't all have to provide one for the benefit, and Jack was willing to relinquish his spare...]

I think yours has caught its attention...

[He murmured to Jack, gesturing to his bag.]

Albel hadn't been paired with Vincent for his guard shift. He was disappointed. He liked Vincent, and he felt comfortable with the other man. The two of them, both as taciturn as they were, spending a few hours together in the quiet of night... ready to attack to protect the others if needed. It would have been most enjoyable.

Oh well. Perhaps another time.

For now, he would relieve Vincent of his post and take his place for the next watch.

"Anything out of the ordinary?" he asked quietly as he lowered himself to sit beside the gunman.

[He looks down at the ocarina in his hands, contemplating his choices. Some of the DCMC's songs won't do well on a quiet band like theirs, but perhaps a cover...

He holds the instrument to his mouth, closes his eyes, and plays a soft melody. Theme of DCMC, they called it, but OJ joked that they might as well call it Lucky's Theme since it was composed when Duster joined the band. No matter the name, this is the first song that comes to mind.]

Albel frequently traveled at the outside of the group, often with the other soldiers from Esdham. He knew Tear, but they didn't really speak. Hadn't worked too closely together since attempting to evacuate the citizens who had stubbornly stayed in the city when the empire was about to invade.

Still... there was something a little off. Albel remembered vaguely Tear's associations during the visions, but he didn't know the extent of her involvement.

He slowed his gait until he walked beside her. "Deep thoughts?" he asked quietly.

[Terra shakes her head, her soft green curls bouncing with the ridged motion. She doesn’t want to talk about it or think about it which is why she took such great lengths to distract herself from the situation. She’s used to seeing horrors from the past in her nightmares, she knows she can’t change it and those dreams have slowly begun to slip knowing that she’d somehow created a brighter future.

Now she isn’t so sure.

The future isn’t set and yet it weighs on her in a way that it hadn’t before. She doesn’t know what to do or change or even how. What if averting one crises only brought another? She can’t even figure out how she feels and in light of the Sage’s vision she wonders what’s real and what isn’t. She still remembers the pain of Sephiroth’s death; even two years later that pain in fresh. Love brings pain along with it and she’s only just learning this now.]

I wish they’d stop. [Her voice is soft while her eyes stay fixed to the glowing crystal tree.] I wish things could be simple.

“Would he?” Somehow she doubted Jack’s words. She knew that she took comfort during the time of Sephiroth’s death; she had been in pain. She knew that Albel was important to her, even now, but her feelings felt as if they were something she hadn’t recognized over something she didn’t feel. It wasn’t okay and Terra would most likely never forgive herself.

“I never forgot but I clung to happiness, I just wanted to feel hole again.” She felt tears rising to her eyes. “I don’t want to feel as if I’ve been ripped to pieces.” Not again.

It was worse than any physical torture or test that she’s ever been subjugated too. The pain in her chest didn’t dull with time or fade. It was always there, always reminding her of what she had lost. It hurt and even now, with Sephiroth here; it hurt because she remembered.

[Terra stands and watches a Sheena steps closer. Her expression doesn’t break and she doesn’t shy or turn away. There have but millions of thoughts running through her head since they’re shared vision and the topic of Sheena always brought confusion. It’s true that Terra doesn’t understand some feelings; she can’t understand why Sheena is upset.

She hadn’t known who Albel left when he ran to her side.

Then there is the simple fact that Terra doesn’t want to feel anger. She has no control over that emotion and knowing that scares her. She’s scared of herself and it’s only the grace of this world taking away her powers that has made her more comfortable in her own skin. That was before the vision.

Her shoulders tense and she nods her head towards Sheena at her blunt statement. They do need to talk but Terra has no idea what to say. ‘Sorry’ doesn’t feel like it’s enough and she’s never been the sort of person who just rambled to explain herself. Instead she remained silent and listened trying to figure out what answer Sheena truly sought from her.]

[It's happened every night so far on their way: in the middle of the night, Terra rises and walks to the outskirts of the camp. The time she spent out there varied from night to night. The people who joined her did as well. Usually Sephiroth would fetch her before the night was through.]

[But tonight she was alone -- at least for now. Albel had watched the past few nights, worried for her. And as disappointed as he had been that he hadn't been the one to "help," he was still relieved when he saw someone else with her. And he didn't want her to be alone for much longer. It wasn't safe.]

[He approached her, hand instinctively on hilt, remembering to make just enough noise not to startle her.]

You haven't been sleeping.

So there's more than one deity governing your world?

[Now she's very interested. Old fables spoke of many gods before the people congregated to a singular deity in her world. To think that there would be one assigned to each important element of reality is fascinating to her.]

What kind of worship rituals did you practice?

[Rialynn tips her head back and smiles up at him, before looking out over the river. She knows a lot of people were really shaken up by what the sage showed them. But as for her, she felt little more than a sense of relief that it was over, and a vague disappointment that she'd seen very little of the unfolding story before she was killed and cut off.]

[This is nice, though. She likes spending time with the others, getting to know and appreciate the people who will one day come together to save the world. Rialynn adamantly believes that Sephiroth will be one of these people. He's strong and calm, and has a natural way of inspiring people to believe that they're safe so long as he's there to defend the peace.]

Which place is your favorite so far?

A couple! Wish I'd brought my fiddle, but I think I can manage with the lute...

[Rialynn purses her lips, trying to think of something. She's tempted to choose Valparaiso, the song Oliver taught her, but that one is a little...personal. Instead she plucks out a cheery tune about Lukey and his green-painted boat. The chorus is simple enough that she can encourage her little audience to join in and shout the 'Ah-HA!' along with her. And if they're having a good time, then you'd best believe Rialynn is having a good time too.]

[When she finishes a few more songs, she concludes the performance with a bow and a promise to play one or two more later tonight. For now, she really does need to get to the shop before it closes for the evening. Rialynn slings her lute over her shoulder, turning to Mary as she stands.]

I need to go buy some supplies. Are you heading that way too?

We are off to see the Crystal Tree!

Travelling

Re: Sephiroth - Plains of Sorrow - OTA [& 4 squads of Esdham troops]

Sorry, inbox ate the notif

Sephiroth - Plains of Sorrow - OTA [& 4 squads of Esdham troops]

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late to the party

FINALLY night guard

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Terra | OPEN | Midnight

Terra | OPEN | Midnight

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