The Sandsea was particularly foul; the air smelled of death. It was almost as if the sand itself was more akin to a swamp; its usually light brown, almost-tan-colored grains, were a murky brown with drops of abysmal black spread throughout its vastness. Ordinary eyes would simply think of it as the oil refineries leaking into the sea of sand and corrupting its purity, but those with the Eyes of Ivalice could probably surmise a different reason for its sudden change in color.

Those like Aloa of Eruyt and Emet-Selch of the Light Scions. These two, in particular, were no stranger to the familiar darkness that had been plaguing Ivalice for some time now. It was the same darkness that breathed carnage to her soils and it was the same darkness that brought threatened to pollute the very air that the many races of Ivalice breathed. It was the same rotten darkness that was believed to originate from the-then monster masquerading as Zodiark. Perhaps it was, but perhaps not.

The two who walk the path of light and for the Scions were most likely on the trail of the [i]true[/i] source of all of this vile mist. Whether they realize it already, it is aware that they seek it. However, would they be prepared for what was to come? Perhaps, or perhaps not. One thing was clear and that’s, as they enter the Sandsea’s depths, surrounded by monsters who have been fed the mist in copious amounts, they might find their search might be a long one.

“What do you want us to do, Master?”

“For now, we wait. Let us see where they think I will be.”

“Is there a trap of some sort waiting?”

It chuckled, choosing not to answer. Instead, from high above, shadows watched as Aloa and Emette as they traversed the sandsea. 
[hr]
It was hard not to find the joy in how Grant’s voice became a running gag among the group. Wesley knew it was all in good fun and despite his outward annoyance, perhaps Grant knew that as well. They had all grown so close over these long months that joking and laughing with one another was truly a blessing in its own right. These days were coming to an end, Wesley knew that much. They had to enjoy these moments of peace whilst they’d last. There was no telling when the next disaster would come along and threaten their livelihood. 

[color=fff79a]“Well, then I suppose we should see about getting some [i]proper[/i] wine. I do not know about any of you, but after that meeting and the not-so-bright Igeyorhm, I could really go for a glass or two.”[/color] Wesley admitted, chuckling to himself.

[color=teal]“I guess you guys have earned it.”[/color] Michel stated, turning away from the group as he mounted Shemhazai.

[color=fff79a]“You’re not going to stay?”[/color]

[color=teal]“As much as I would love myself a glass of that fine Rozarrian wine, our place is elsewhere.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]“Where will you go?”[/color]

[color=teal]“Igeyorhm is most likely heading to Archadia.”[/color] Michel stated, looking to Grant and the others. [color=teal]“Shemhazai and myself can travel through the Void for faster travel. I will inform Jackson of what has transpired here. I will tell him the Rozarrians have done their part regarding the treaty. Besides, I owe [i]someone[/i] dear to me a visit. I fear she’s not too pleased with me at the moment.”[/color]

[color=fff79a]“She?”[/color] Wesley murmured, eying Michel suspiciously.

[color=teal]“Until next time, [i]King[/i] Wesley.”[/color] He shot Wesley a smirk before he and Shemhazai hopped into a portal and were gone from Rozarria.

[color=fff79a]“I wonder who he meant..”[/color]

[color=sienna][i]Being a Chosen One and a lover is never an easy thing to do, Wesley.[/i][/color] Hashmal stated like a wise sage of some sorts.

And then it hit Wesley. Of course, Michel had been involved with that Meli woman. And then, as if like some kind of switch, Wesley let out a rather noticeable fit of laughter. [color=fff79a]“Oh man, that Michel is sure in for it.”[/color] He couldn’t stop laughing no matter how un-Wesley-like it was of him.