Traveler

Azlyn awakened with a woven blanket draped over her. She had curled herself into a ball after several intense hours of playing Triple Triad with Kida and Ozwin. She wiped the floor with Ozwin, winning the initial gold he bet. He grabbed new cards, strategizing with Kida which cards would be better. The rules were different each time they played, just to keep things entertaining.

When Roll arrived later that evening—or rather that early in the next morning—the three of them were still up playing cards. She walked passed them with a huge dolly-cart. There were things that she could easily teleport by herself. Her bulkier furniture would be brought over by her retainers in the morning.

She had retreated into the workshop, and the three of them didn’t see her emerge for the remainder of the night. Azlyn wondered when she finally went to sleep, or rather when both Ozwin and Kida had. She could see Ozwin sleeping against the wall, his arm draped over his eyes. He had one of his legs propped up against the wall.

Kida had been sleeping by the cards they forgot to put away. She was halfway sleeping on the Triad board. Each of them had a similarly quilted blanket given to them—probably Roll’s doing.

“Good morning.” A tired voice popped up from the stairwell. Azlyn looked over to see Roll carrying a box of tools. “Don’t go downstairs. It’s a mess.”

Azlyn chuckled. “Did you get to sleep at all?”

“I’ll sleep when the rest of the furniture comes in.” Roll looked to her watch on the wall. “They should be by with it in the next hour or so.”

A slight snore from the wall stopped the two of them from their chatter. Roll shrugged silently, before she walked straight to the workshop. Azlyn followed her cousin into the space, already seeing the boxes and boxes of materials and crafting supplies organized into specific clutters. She watched as Roll navigated through the space with ease, before setting down her tools on the counter.

“I like it.” Roll smiled. “It’s small, but it’s nice. Kida and Koroko Koko did a great job.”

Azlyn nodded her head in approval. “I agree with you there. Oh—thank you for the blankets.”

Roll waved her appreciation away. “No need for thanks. I know you get cold, and it wasn’t hard to weave a few blankets. I’ll make some beds for the rooms—they’ll be ready for tonight.”

“Ozwin said he wanted a couch.”

Roll looked to the side at her available projects, crossing her arms in thought. “I guess I could do that too.”

Azlyn shuffled through some of the materials in one section. There were piles of ore and metal chunks inside. “Is this your blacksmith stuff?”

Her cousin nodded. “Kida farmed a bunch of them while mining. Oh, I also created a small workstation for you. You said you like to write.” She pointed to the small cubby with a stack of papers neatly placed, a quill, and a jar of ink. “The postmoogle comes by to the houses every morning at 6 AM. You missed it this round, but they’ll be back tomorrow.”

Azlyn clapped her hands. “You’re the best Roll!” She ran over to the desk and leaned over the desk to write. She started her series of letters back home, shortening the lengthy editions of her adventures up to that point with the essentials. She smiled happily as she slid her finished letter into a sealed envelope. She stowed it into her bag for the time being, and turned to her cousin who had once again started moving things into the places she wanted them to go in. “Did you want any help organizing or cleaning anything?”  

“That’s alright. I’m good.” Roll lifted a box that looked hefty, and easily shoved it on one of the shelves. “I’m letting you know now, but I won’t be available for about two or three weeks. I’ll be focusing on the house and catching up on my duties for Twin Adder.” Roll wiped her hands on the front of her skirt. “Unless it’s of dire importance—of course.” 

The white-haired Au Ra with purple and red limbal ring eyes nodded. “So I should be on my best behavior when I’m out and about on my lonesome.” She chuckled into her hand. “You can count on me!”

Roll smirked back. “You better come home every now and then. What’s the point of having this place if not for you and everyone to rest.”

“Aye aye Captain Roll!” She saluted to her, and then a faint buzzing popped up by her horn. She blinked in confusion, wondering who would call her this early. She had called Krile last night, so it probably wasn’t them.

Reaching up, she opened the channel. “Hello?”

“Hello, hello Azlyn! Can you hear me, it is I, Minfillia.”

Azlyn hadn’t expected a call from Minfillia, but she guessed it had been over a week or so since the sylph incident. Hopefully Yda and Papalymo didn’t worry the Scions too much with their reporting. She’d hoped that they would leave out her feeling sick from the report—but she wasn’t there to see it get delivered. “Good morning Minfillia, I can hear you just fine.”

Roll perked at Minfillia’s name.

“I was a bit worried when you hadn’t come back to the Waking Sands, but Yda and Papalymo assured me you were resting with Roll and Kida. Urianger mentioned that you’d be stopping by with a potion this morning.”

Azlyn remembered that Krile did say something like that last night to her. Nodding her head, she replied. “Yes, I should be heading over there shortly. I’m going to retrieve the potion the on the way.”

There was a sigh of relief over the line, “Good. There is much that must needs be done, and I’m ever thankful for your support. I was happy to hear from Yda and Papalymo regaling me with the tale of your daring exploits. And thanks in large part to you three, the name of one primal may be struck from our list of enemies. The Gridanians can now turn their attention to more pressing matters as well. Well done! Please give my thanks to Kida and Roll.”

“I’ll be sure to do so.” Azlyn smiled, giving her cousin a cheeky grin. “Alright. Anything else I need to know? I’m sure there’s always more.”

“One tales end is but the start of another.” Minfillia chuckled in her ear. “Pray return to the Waking Sands when able, I would apprise you of the present situation in person.”

Azlyn spoke resolutely. “Will do. I’ll see you all in an hour.” She hung up the linkpearl. She looked up to her cousin with a ‘couldn’t be helped’ shrug. “I guess I’m off to the Waking Sands.”

Roll leaned down to start lifting another box. “Give the Scions our regards.”

She nodded. “Of course, Minfillia also sends her thanks.”

“Tell her to send a housewarming gift if she’s thankful.” Roll replied casually and went back to work.

Azlyn decided to let her cousin work in the shop, moving out into the common area and then ran to one of the spare rooms on the main floor. She changed out from her pajamas into her clean arcanist’s robe and leggings. She pulled on a pair of comfy boots that matched her robes. By the time she was finished changing, she found Kida and Ozwin were still sleeping in the common area, and so with soft footsteps, she edged her way out from the house. When she stepped outside, the sun was hovering over the rooftops of the other houses.

She also noticed the mailbox with the “You Got Mail” stick lifted up. Azlyn checked inside, finding a rounded beaker bottle with a cork stuffed in the neck. A note had been scribbled on a tiny piece of paper that was tied around the neck of the bottle.

“Koroko Koko asked us to send the potion. Cocobuki.”

Azlyn took the bottle out carefully. “I guess that saves me a trip to Ul’dah.” She placed the bottle in her satchel for safe keeping and looked to the other side of the door. A small aetheryte crystal that wasn’t there before had been placed. Wondering if it worked or not, Azlyn reached a hand out thinking of attuning with it. After a minute of focusing, she felt a solid connection solidify, and she marked it down as Fated House. “I guess I don’t have to worry about remembering the route over.” She was mildly surprised at the convenience—and was even surprised to see Markarov nestled comfortably in the stable.

She walked over, checking in on him. She reached a hand into the stable. “Hey there big guy. I heard you were sick.”

Markarov roused to her voice, lifting his head up to regard her. “Kwehhh.” He pushed his head forward into her open palm, rubbing his plumage in her hand.

“Do you like your new space?”

Markarov happily bristled his feathers. “Kwwweh!”

“Good.” She chuckled, scratching underneath his beak gently. “You get some well-deserved sleep, don’t eat too much fish again.”

The bird cooed in her hand, before nestling himself back in on the hay. His armor had been hanging off to the side of the stable. There was no need for him to be fully vested when he was at home. Giving a quick wave, she decided to make the jump first to Horizon and make the long walk over to Vesper Bay.

She thought it would take about an hour to get over there, but with some luck on her side, and a passing caravan—she arrived at Vesper Bay in twenty minutes. She made friends with a group of passing merchants, even buying some new clothes. She made her way over to the Waking Sand’s entrance. Inside, she could see everything was still in the same place. A floral scent floated in the air that oddly reminded her of perfume. Given the source of the smell, she garnered it might have been Tataru. She was happily standing on her stool, looking over some of her papers when she entered. Azlyn made sure to close the door loudly so that she wouldn’t be startled by her presence.

Tataru did not seem bothered by her entry, as she looked up with a smile. “Good morning! If it isn’t my favorite adventurer! Welcome back Azlyn!”

Azlyn chuckled as she approached her desk. “If Kida heard you say that, she’d be saddened.”

Tataru laughed behind her hand. “But you’re all my favorites! Oh! Lady Minfillia awaits you within the solar. While you’re talking with everyone, I’ll start brewing a pot of tea!” She hopped down from her seat, making her way down into the Waking Sands below. Azlyn followed the Lalafell wondering why everyone was in such high spirits.

Today was probably just a good day.

Tataru parted ways with Azlyn, walking straight into their break room off to the side. She had a jubilant expression on her face as she went about making tea. Azlyn went forward, walking in the direction of the solar, only to see the doors open ahead of her.

A young boy with snow white hair pulled back into a long ponytail walked out, his azure blue eyes caught sight of her. She could tell he was still wearing the same blue and white outfit that his other twin wore—however she did not she the young girl with him. It felt odd that they were suddenly apart when she’d been used to seeing the pair together this whole time.

“Azlyn! It’s great to see you again—how are you holding up?”

She smiled, “I’m good Alphinaud. What are you doing here? Where’s your sister? Did she grow tired of your diplomatic approach?”

He feigned to be hurt, clutching his chest. “Ugh, your words hurt. No—she’s off to do her own thing. We share the same goal, however we’ve decided to walk on different paths. No matter. I won’t keep you—I’m sure they’re waiting for you inside. Good day.” Alphinaud bowed slightly, and then walked toward the stairs leading out of the Waking Sands.

She waved goodbye, and moved forward to the solar doors. She didn’t miss the fact that he avoided answering her first question about why he was there. Shaking her head, she figured she would find out eventually. Until then, she’d just go about her business. She opened the doors to the solar, and she could see all the Scions chatting amongst themselves. She could also see Biggs and Wedge sitting on a bench going over some detailed blueprints.

Entering the room, she smiled to everyone. “Morning everyone.”

Minfillia’s face softened at her approach. “It is good to see you again Azlyn. Come in.”

The Scions were all accounted for, save for Thancred. She supposed he had something else that required his attention. She entered as directed, noting Yda’s greeting as she approached the group. The instant she was within touch of Y’shtola, the young Miqo’te reached over to check her temperature.

“Hmm. High fever, but nothing too bad to note.” She smiled warmly. “You haven’t been pushing yourself too hard?”

Azlyn let her do as she pleased, given that she was prone to make them worry. “Sorry for worrying everyone. I feel much better.” She reached into her satchel to retrieve the glass bottle from Cocobuki. Urianger stepped forward, his form towered over hers as she presented it to him. “I believe you were expecting this?”

He nodded solemnly, taking the potion from her hands. “How unique an ailment. Be not worried—I shall look in the tomes of my study to figure the mystery behind it.”

Azlyn shook her head. “No—you really don’t have to go that far. I just want to make sure it’s going to be effective is all.”

“The web that spins must weave new threads. This too shall come unravel themselves in the end—like all things do.” Urianger seemed insistent about this, so she sighed—and his puzzling way of speaking finally were lost to her.

“R-right. I’ll leave it to you then Urianger. Thank you.”

He stowed the potion in his sleeve, taking a step back from her. Minfillia smiled, her purple eyes shining with a mischievous glint. “The sooner we find a remedy to your illness, the better it will be for all our minds. We were dreadfully worried that you were bedridden.”

“Bedridden?” Azlyn swallowed the large lump in her throat, looking away from them with a tint of red. “N-no way. I’m sturdier than that…” She laughed nervously. She couldn’t even remember being bedridden.

Y’shtola sighed, not quite believing her unshaken resolve. The Miqo’te shook her head. “Minfillia, we should prepare a cot for her incase she requires a place to rest in the future.”

The Antecedent clapped at the idea. “I think that’d be a lovely idea!”

Deciding to change the topic, Azlyn looked to Papalymo and Yda. “I didn’t get to thank you two for your help in Gridania. Roll stated that the Sylph’s in Larkscall also seemed amicable if we weren’t in their territory.”

The Lalafell nodded his head. “Indeed. With how territorial Ramuh is, I have no doubt that they’d be driven to protect their homeland. Little Solace and Gridania will have some peace in the meantime.”

Yda nodded enthusiastically. “And it’s all thanks to you, Roll, and Kida! You three were able to protect the Sylph Elder after all!”

Minfillia raised a hand up to her chest, a grateful smile on her lips. “I have been looking forward to congratulating you on your triumphs in the Twelveswood. Owing to your efforts, conflict has been averted. Truly, you have done the Scions proud.”

Azlyn scratched her cheek in embarrassment. She wasn’t used to all this gratitude.

Papalymo happily called up to them. “With that, we can strike Ramuh from the list.”

Yda pumped her fist in excitement to the group. “So, what’s next!? The Sahagin and Leviathan?”

The mage scholar spoke informatively. “The Lord of Whorl has not answered his minions’ call of late, nor is he expected to do so in the near future. While the Sahagin remain as aggressive as ever, they lack the quantity of crystals required to call forth their god. As with the sylphs, we can leave them to their own devices—for a time, at least.”

Y’shtola continuously tapped her fist against her cheek in thought. “’For a time’ bears repeating. We can ill afford to fall complacent.”

The lalafell adjusted his monocle upon his face. “It is as Y’shtola says. Unless we know the minds of the beast tribes, we cannot predict with any certainty when next a primal will return to plague the land.” He paused, looking back to Azlyn. “This being the case, we must proceed with as much haste as prudence allows.”

Azlyn nodded. “That is something we can all agree upon, I think.” She knew the threat of the primals all too well, especially after Ifrit.

“Any word on Titan?” Yda asked, placing her hands on her hips.

Y’shtola perked up at the mentioning of Titan. “The Maelstrom keeps the kobolds under constant observation. We shall hear from them ere long, you may depend upon it.”

Papalymo raised his hand to his chin, thinking to himself aloud. “Indeed, so then—of all the known primals that have been active in recent times, we are left with—”

“Gridania!” Yda exclaimed, interrupting Papalymo and then immediately apologized. “I mean Garuda! The primal of the Ixal and who live in Gridania. Yes, that’s what I meant.”

Azlyn chuckled at the mishap. “To be fair, they are similar sounding in name.”

Yda gave her a thumbs up. “You’re absolutely right!”

Minfillia had been listening quieting between them this whole time, as she stood behind her large desk. She had been busy reading a report that was left on the table when she popped back into the conversation. “So many malms to cover—Would that there were a more efficient way to conduct our surveys. Were he still with us, we should not long have wanted for a more practicable solution.”

Azlyn had a strange inkling that the Antecedent was talking about the late Archon however something didn’t add up. Her mind was racing through possible solutions of their own, only it depended on a larger group of people than they currently had in their possession. Unfortunately plans only worked if you had the people to drive it. Behind her, she could hear Biggs talking to Wedge.

“She’s not wrong there.” He sighed heavily. “Where in the world are you Chief?”

She didn’t know who this Chief was—but it made sense now in the context of things. She wondered if this missing Chief was the boss of the Ironworks faction. It would make sense then if that individual were around. If they had airships at their disposal, it would make the surveys quicker and much easier for a small group to handle.

Minfillia smiled to her friends, breaking what dismal atmosphere cropped up between them. “But one step at a time!” Her purple eyes shined with hope. “Henceforth, the Order of the Twin Adder will handle all matters pertaining to the sylphs, under the sage guidance of the Seedseers. And with that, I bid you all enjoy a moment’s respite!”

Papalymo and Yda cheered, while Y’shtola nodded comfortably. Azlyn crossed her arms over her chest wondering what to do with her free time. She supposed she could head back to the house and help over there, however a hand clamped down on her shoulder. She looked to the source and saw Urianger had been the one who held her.

“A moment, if you would be so kind. Perchance my eyes to see the malady and study from a personal perspective.”

“Go for it?” Azlyn didn’t really seem to have much choice, as she was whisked away from the Solar with Urianger into the break room outside in the Waking Sands. She also noted the presence of the other Scions, save for Minfillia, who followed closely behind her. She wondered if it was curiosity that won them over, or perhaps worry. Maybe both.

She was brought over to the west wing, or whatever they called it in the Waking Sands, as Urianger perused his large bookcases for some books. Y’shtola brought forth a stool for herself and Azlyn to sit upon. Papalymo had been researching a few books already laid out upon the table, as Yda stretched comfortably behind him.

Y’shtola crossed her legs and looked to her. “Your arm my dear.” She gestured for her arm, and Azlyn presented the limb as requested. The young Miqo’te flipped her palm once, studying her with her keen green eyes, before looking to Urianger. “I believe your research is about to come in handy.”

He hummed with his back to them. “Twas good fortune indeed.”

Azlyn quirked her head. “Research?”

Papalymo nodded, pushing one of his books out to her to see. “Aye. He’s knowledgeable about most things on aetherical matters. There must be some previous cases like yours before. I’ve only seen a few in the ones I’ve combed through.”  Azlyn peered through the general studies and felt Y’shtola flicked some of her aether into her hand. The static shock of energy coursed through her as if she’d stuck her finger in a socket.

“Ow!” She whined, before Y’shtola sent another blitz of aether. This time it didn’t hurt.

Y’shtola’s eyes widened with wonder. “Interesting!”

Yda chuckled. “You have the greatest minds in the room currently working on you—what could possibly go wrong?”

Azlyn shook her head. “Oh, I don’t know—the universe has quite the knack for it.” Y’shtola sent another spurt of energy into her, and this time it hurt a bit more than the first time. She wanted to pull away, however she noted the mischievous glint in the Scions’ eye. “I didn’t mean it to sound insulting. I’m sorry.”

“It was just a fair warning.” Y’shtola happily replied, working up her arm.

The pink haired clerk for the Scions approached their group sitting around the table, a tray in her hands as she smiled warmly to each of them. “I prepared some tea for everyone. Please enjoy some!” They all looked down to Tataru who had a nice glass tea pot and ceramic glasses filled with tea. She lifted the tray with ease, before passing the glasses around. Azlyn held her in her free hand, while everyone else had theirs on the table.

Not wanting to keep Tataru waiting in suspense, Azlyn took the first sip. A powerful taste of herb hit the back of her tastebuds as she savored the drink. Its dark green color indicated this was most likely a first brew for green tea—and slightly burnt tea leaves at that. She smiled. “Did you prewash the leaves by chance?”

Tataru blinked her pink eyes rapidly. “Prewash—the tea leaves?”

Azlyn explained. “Yes, when you’re brewing green or white tea specifically it’s a good idea to prewash them. I believe it’s called microsteeping—it gives the leaves time to presoak allows you to flush the dust and fannings away. It basically helps you get a smoother cup.” She raised her glass in appreciation. “Of course, I don’t mind the bitter nodes. I am a lover of tea.”

Y’shtola smiled. She moved up her arm as she started to press into her muscle with some more aether transference. For the most part, it was ticklish to her—save for the jolts that happened once in a few times. “We should have a tea party outside. Maybe a nice picnic by the ocean.”

“That would be fun.” Azlyn thought of all the little things that could go well with something like that. “We could get one of those three tier plates and enjoy the sunset.”

Yda excitedly ran over to them. “I want to join!”

Tataru laughed. “I think she meant for all of us to join silly girl.” She collected the tray from them and waved. “I will make sure to microsteep the leaves the next time! Alright, let me know if you need anything else!”

“Thanks Tataru!” The pugilist nodded her head numerous times.

Urianger placed down about five books down from the bookshelf, before he pulled out the potion that she’d given to him earlier. He gently set the glass down before he started to silently peruse his collection. Papalymo also read with great interest, keeping to his own thoughts. Occasionally, he’d reach over for the glass of tea—sip it—and return to his studying.

“Y’shtola, can I ask what it is you’re doing exactly?” Azlyn finally decided to ask just as Y’shtola had gotten up to her deltoids.

She continued to work without batting an eye. “I’m seeing how much damage has actually occurred. The worst of it seems to be in the palm, and a bit in the forearm.” She pressed into her arm, and a warm essence of aether soaked into her muscle. It felt like a massage. “Krile mentioned to me about having to piece your aether back into place—however it’s still a bit jumbled.” She frowned. “It feels like I’m working on a puzzle, only there are pieces to it that are missing.” She directed to her arm with a shrug. “Urianger, care to look?”

He looked up from his books, his hood covering most of his complexion from view. “One must needs full awareness before meddling in the aetheric measures of the human body.” He placed the book down on the table, walking over to them sitting before reaching out to each side of her neck. He gently placed his fingers upon her. Azlyn froze, not wanting to fidget as he worked. “Peculiar. Like a puzzle missing its pieces.” He let go of her neck, and then reached up to her face. He gently started to move her head to strange angles, and then stopped her head position as she was forced to look in the far corner of the room. “On the count of three, take a deep breath.”

Azlyn wondered what he meant by that. “Is this going to be like you count to three, but actually do it on two?”

“One. Two.” Urianger focused his energy into her and Azlyn blacked out.