Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Who says anything about clothes?” Jaakuna winked, obviously he wasn’t meaning for them to wear clothes. Though, maybe at what Jaakuna said it and the way he said it wasn't exactly clear, but he was trying to lure her to the lake. With no one around, it's not like that they would get caught or anything. Besides, Jaakuna felt being a little naughty. "It's not like anyone is around to find us out." He said winking.

---

Wesley couldn't believe what kind of mess this turned out to be. First it was all fun and giggles, but now it just sucked. Savayna called Grant a meanie, he walked off, well not after letting Nadeline have an earful of what he really was thinking. He would go on to state that he'd been hit, kicked, made fun of, humiliated, and all in one day. Wesley couldn't help but feel bad for Grant. For some reason, Wesley blamed himself for this slightly. He would at least try to fix it. So, he would also get up, but he would go after Grant.

As SAvayna found herself crying and she noticed Nadeline walked in. She tried her best to wipe her tears, but a woman like Nadeline would automatically notice them. Savayna couldn't hide them either. She looked to Nadeline, hands on the counter. "I-I don't know. I just told a guy that I liked him and he didn't say nothing, not even rejecting them." She said as a self-pity laugh came out. "Maybe expecting anything to come from Grant's mouth was too much. He is, after all, a prince, and I'm just the Whore of Archadia." She again, found herself laughing at her own self of how pathetic she sounded.

Meanwhile, Wesley caught up with Grant just outside the restaurant. "Grant! Wait a minute!" Wesley yelled out as he would try his best to stop Grant. "What's going on?" He asked concerned for his friend.

Magik Ther Was

I could have sworn I did earlier. I guess I didn't, but it's there now. And ofc I like ya guys. <3

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He really had nothing to say about it, about what she said? Like nothing at all? WHAT THE FUCK! She was livid with him right now. Truly, she wished she hadn't apologized for punching him cause she really wanted to punch him, kick him, choke him out — just something to get her anger out. Seriously, was he not even going to acknowledge that he heard her. Savayna didn't even know what to say or do. She wanted to kill him, but yet, as she looks upon his face, she gets all flustered. She could feel something stirring around inside her. She really didn't want to make the mistake of punching him and ruin any chance of actually being with him, but seriously? She just can't get over the fact that he said nothing.

She looked at him, took a hold of his water, took it away from him, and looked at him once more. "Are you seriously not going to say anything?" She said sternly. "You knew something was wrong, so obviously you care enough to ask, but when you get the answer, you don't even want to address it." She said as she huffed and puffed. "Ugh, you're such a big meanie!" She said as she got up from her seat and went to the ladies room.

Meanwhile, Wesley looked to Nadeline and a low whistle came from his mouth. If that wasn't a big 'fuck you' to Grant, then Wesley didn't know what was. Wesley spoke to Nadeline. "Uh, maybe you should go check up on her." Wesley said quietly.

---

When Jaakuna had spoke about going back home someday and showing Emiri his it and actually showing her it. Not like before when they were there as prisoners. He wanted to shower her with the glories of what it is like to be an Archadian. He wanted to show her that Archades is called one of the best cities of Ivalice for a reason, he wanted to show her what he once called home. He wanted to show her his roots and what became the foundation of who he is in the here and now. As he would think about all of that, Emiri would tell him that she wanted to show him something.

As Emiri would lead Jaakuna to somewhere, they would soon find themselves at a lake with a fountain in the center and there were several dragonflies flying and flapping their tiny wings above the lake. Their bodies would reflect from the colors of the magicite in the lake. the dragonflies would take on hues of all colors. It was such a marvelous sight to behold. Jaakuna was so amazed by all of this. He knew that Stigma had marvelous things about it, but truly he's seeing that this city does have things that Archades could never have.

Jaakuna looked to Emiri with a rather michevious grin. "Wanna take a dip?" He smiled, somewhat tugging at her near the lake.

---

In the ladies room, Savayna had walked in, huffing and puffing. She was so angry at Grant and she didn't know why. Maybe the fact he said nothing really hurt her more than she thought it would. Perhaps him saying nothing really meant a lot. She would look into the mirror, tears slowly forming, but she would wipe them away before anyone who walked in would see. She then looked at herself in the mirror. "Who are you kidding? He's a freaking prince and you're just the whore of Archadia. Even Jaakuna wouldn't stick around for you." As she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt insignificant to the likes of Nadeline and Emiri. The two of them are both happy and here Savayna was, thinking that a Prince of Rozarria would fall for her.

Magik Ther Was

Once you get to know Frankie(and vice-versa), he's very trustworthy, despite him being in the business of buying and selling information. >.>

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna agreed with Emiri. After the entire day that they had, both good and bad parts, perhaps heading back would indeed be the best thing for them to do. Besides, the walk back would do the both of them good. So, as Emiri would take his hand, they would exit her old house and head back the way they came. In the amount of ten minutes and about six hundred paces, they found themselves in the middle class district, still hand-in-hand. Jaakuna was smiling and it seemed she was too. "You know, despite what happened with those two men, I'm really glad we took this walk, and I'm really glad you showed me your old house." Jaakuna said as he turned his head and smiled to her. He would then look to the sky. "Maybe someday, when things are better, you and I can visit my old house." Jaakuna said as a single tear formed in his eye. He then began looking back ahead of him.

---

Oh boy, here it was. Savayna was asked the big question. Of course, she expected it. Grant was probably getting angry and he just wanted to know. Savayna didn't know how to respond to that. She wanted to tell him exactly what was going on, oh the gods she wanted to, but how could she put it into words? She had been thinking how she could admit it to him in a way that wouldn't come out corny or anything of the sort. Even now, when she looked at him, she couldn't form the words. "Well, um, you see.." She began, knowing she just had to spit it out. "I'm finding myself, I mean..."She continued, but how could she spit it out. OH JUST TELL HIM! Her inner-self was screaming at her. "I LIKE YOU A LOT!" She blurted, but once she did, her face became redder than a plump tomato. OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! She couldn't believe she said it and even worse, she said it so loud that people were looking at her. Kill me now.

As Wesley looked in shock, he could only imagine the glee that Nadeline was feeling right now. "Well, it seems that we have our answer." He whispered quietly to Nadeline.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline had kicked WEsley underneath the table. He lightly grunted as it actually hurt, but then she would go on to say what Wesley suspected. However, if Grant felt the same was the million-gil question. Though, a guy like Grant would probably not have a freaking clue about what Savayna was struggling to put out there. Wesley chuckled, but he would stop himself after a few little sounds came out in fear that Nadeline would kick him again. "Do you think Grant feels the same way?" Wesley asked in quiet tone.

After Savayna had apologized, she was hoping for some advancement of conversation, but all he said was that it was fine. It's fine? IT'S FINE!? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY! Savayna couldn't believe this guy. All he had to say were those two words(three if you split one of them). Seriously, was this guy not tuning into obvious signs. Shit, Savayna didn't want to go out and say it, but Grant wasn't making it easier on her. "Go ahead and ask. I know you want to." Savayna said just hoping for some real response and not some short answer crap.

---

When Jaakuna made sure that Emiri was fine, she would struggle to get the dagger out of her arm, but she finally did. As that would be concluded, she would go over to one of the guys and pretty much bitch-slap the guy until he woke up. She would ask him why they were here attacking her and Jaakuna. First he said they were here to rob the place and obviously that was false. Then they said something about a high-ranking soldier living here. Again, that was false. It finally took some good old life threats to get the guy to admit the truth. The real reason why they were here was to kill some blonde woman of royalty. Jaakuna was hearing him and he tried to put it together. He kept on thinking about even as Emiri told the guy to get his friends and scram.

When they left, Emiri told Jaakuna that she wished he never had to say that. She acted as if it was bad. JAakuna didn't think it was bad at all. "Don't be silly." He said smiling, then taking her in his grasp. "That was the sexiest thing I've seen you do!" He yelled, lifting her up by the waist, and spinning around. He then proceeded to kissing her.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Grant said/questioned what Savayna had said about his looks, she grew red and just redder. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move — everything about that moment just made her so frozen. Fitting, perhaps as she commands ice, but still it didn't make the situation any better. In her own mind, she was thinking that Grant might have caught on, but then again, with him saying what he said(or didn't say), maybe her whopper of a secret is fine fro how. Though, the relief came from the waiter who gave the special of the night for apps. Savayna had already gave her approval for it.

When everyone approved of it, Wesley would smile. "I guess we'll take that then. " Wesley said.

"Very good then, sir." He said as he bowed his departure to get the food.

When the waiter left, Wesley leaned forward to Nadeline, trying to whisper as much as he could. "So, how about the awkwardness with Grant and Savayna?" He said as he couldn't help but quietly chuckle.

Meanwhile, Savayna and Grant looked at each other. She wasn't sure what to say. Should she even say anything to him after she called him hot? Maybe she shouldn't, but she had to say something. "Um, Grant.." Her voice trailed off, "Sorry for before. I mean, punching you on the Ifrit this morning." She said something, but not what she didn't want to. She wanted to tell him that she liked him. Oh the gods, she wanted to, but words wouldn't come out. Fuck my life.

---

As Emiri and Jaakuna looked at each other, she took her hand to his. While it had the same feeling as any of the multiple times she had taken his hand, this one just made the moment all the more better. However, the moment would be cut short as Emiri would shove Jaakuna away and on that instant, he didn't understand why. When he would look to Emiri, he saw a dagger in her shoulder. He didn't know where it came from, but he looked to the door and he saw a man in a dark cloak. He didn't understand why this man was after her or even him. Though, that didn't matter. He hurt Emiri and that is something that just cannot be forgiven. Emiri was prepared, it seemed. Jaakuna heard the sound of metal on metal as another dagger. This one went to the ceiling.

Jaakuna was now in angry mode. He didn't know why these two men were here, but he didn't care. Emiri was hurt and he would induct these two guys into the hall of pain. "I really don't care who you two are, but the fact that you would attack a lady makes me sick, let me not forget to mention that she is my babycakes." Jaakuna stepped forward, fists up. "I hope you blockheads are ready." And with that, Jaakuna took off to the one at the door.

When he darted four paces, Jaakuna had jumped off of his left leg, his body soaring through the air, and a single knee rammed into the assassins' neck. This would cause the man to be sent flying backwards. On top of that, Jaakuna would jump again, and double-foot stomp the guy in the gut, which a loud yelp was released from his mouth and his consciousness gave. Jaakuna would turn his attention to the other assassin. He would wall-run, pressing off with his right leg, spinning his body once and his left leg would kick the man on the right side of his head, sending him crashing into the wall.

With both men knocked out, Jaakuna would make sure Emiri was alright. "You hurt babe?" Jaakuna said as he would ask if she was hurt at all.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Emiri began telling him exactly what this place was and what it meant to her really made him understand why she really despised her mother. Sure, countless years of Justine’s abuse played a hand in it, but her being forced out of her home really made Jaakuna understand it all. It made him understand what exactly that necklace meant to her. It was a key to this house. He understood what Andre meant about how it could give her courage, even if just a little bit. All of it, Jaakuna just began to understand Emiri more and that’s what made him show a smile upon his face. This made him happy that she told him all of this.

When she looked to him, she said that maybe Andre wanted her to come back to this place. Jaakuna definitely agreed with that. “I think you’re right. I think he wanted you to never let go of your roots. Even if you wind up living in some fancy-ass castle or even on a fancy-ass airship, he probably wanted you to find some courage in the fact that you once lived here. As small as it was, I’m sure your father wanted you to remember the time that you and your parents were all happy..together.” As Jaakuna said that, it hit him. What Hamut said, why he made the promise. Hamut wanted the same thing that Andre wanted, though vastly different approaches. “Yes, I am confident that Lord Andre wanted you to remember the times that you, him, and your mother were truly happy.” Jaakuna said smiling to her.

---

Grant and Savayna exchanged looks. Well, it was more like glares. Yeah, it definitely was more like glares at each other. Even still, Savayna wasn’t exactly angry at Grant, not really. She was angry at herself. No, she was confused about what she felt. Even when everything happened, everything that he did to them, and just everything that had happened since then till now, Savayna couldn’t believe she was actually feeling feelings towards him and romantic ones no less.

Why did I have to say anything? Oh why did I have to kick him? Savayna, again, was going off in her head and then she heard it. Oh by the Gods, she heard it. Grant, as unsmooth as ever, complimented Savayna on the way she looked tonight. What should I do? What should I say? I need to do something. I need to say something. Savayna was at it again, but she regained her composure mentally and spoke. “Uh, um, thank you.” She said, though nervousness was on an all-time high. “You look hot too..” Oh god, why did she say that? Why oh why did she say that? Truly, the embarrassment will be the death of her.

Wesley couldn’t focus on Savayna and Grant. Though as awkward as they may be, he wanted to focus on Nadeline. Like, how could he not? She was the single most beautiful woman in the room. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Wesley was about to compliment her more, but then the waiter came by.

The man was probably around late teens, slick hair colored blonde. He had striking sea-green eyes and his outfit was the standard: black slacks, black shoes, a white, long-sleeve dress shirt and black vest over it. The waiter had a writing pad in his hand. “Hello, my name is Dominic and I’ll be your waiter this evening?” Dominic spoke with grace and formality.

Wesley looked to the waiter. “Hi Dominic, and thank you.” He responded.

“What can I get you four? Maybe some appetizers?” He suggested.

Wesley looked to Nadeline, then to Grant, then to Savayna, and then back to Nadeline. “I think that sounds lovely. What’s the special?”

“We have a wonderful Five Bean Salad imported straight from Dalmasca and the freshest Salmon rolls straight from Stigma’s very own waters.” He said.

Wesley’s mouth was already watering. He would turn to the other three. “That sound good to you?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Savayna simply said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

In the time that it took for them to shower at least slightly from the saltiness of the water, the four of them — Wesley, Nadeline, Grant, and Savayna — had found themselves at a restaurant. It was pretty fancy, by the looks of it. At least, for a couple of pairs of rich-ish people. The dress that Savayna had on was just the norm as she would look around and see people wearing some fancy clothing as well. She wouldn’t think it was that odd for her to be wearing something this fancy such as her dress. Even Wesley’s attire was something that women would swoon over and men would just be envious of.

As they were enjoying their time, Nadeline would ask what was wrong with Grant and Savayna as they were both being exceptionally quiet this evening. Savayna instantly jumped a bit. Does she know already? Damn it Savayna, you should know better than to show this kind of weakness! THINK OF A RESPONSE! Her fears of being found out about her feelings for Grant — whatever they might or might not be — she had to say something. “Oh, I’m quite fine actually. What makes you think there’s anything wrong? There’s nothing wrong.” She was going on like a chatter monkey. Oh god, I’m gonna be found out. In her mind, she was panicking beyond belief. She turned her gaze to Grant who was calmly sipping his water. HOW THE FUCK DOES HE NOT SEE IT!? Savayna, angry that Grant didn’t catch onto what she had been hiding, she lightly kicked him in the shin under the table. Oh god, why did I do that? NOW HE’LL MOST LIKELY FIGURE IT OUT!

Wesley looked to Savayna, seeing her acting weird, but he would just ignore her cause right now he wanted to focus on how beautiful Nadeline looked. She always looks stunning, but something about tonight and the way the light glistens upon her skin was making her just even more stunning. Wesley took a sip of his water and set down the glass. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” He said.

---

When the group had all gone off to their separate locations, Jaakuna and Emiri were roaming the streets. They walked hand-in-hand, and just admiring the lights and the buildings. At least, that’s what Jaakuna was doing. He definitely liked the look of this place. Though, he had to think about how Emiri was feeling right now. There was no doubt in his mind that this must be divided for her. She is obviously glad to be back home, but as they continued down the streets, the quality of the neighborhood would go from middle class to lower class. It would actually get to the point where Jaakuna began to see deteriorating houses.

When they continued down that street, they came to a stop at a specific house. Jaakuna would follow Emiri’s lead as they would go into the house as they would walk through the lawn and make their way to the front door. Using the key on the necklace that Andre had asked Jaakuna to give to her, Emiri would use it to unlock the door. And now Jaakuna realized everything that Justine was alluding too. It’s not like Jaakuna agrees with her methods, not even in the slightest bits, but he at least understands why she’s so desperate to stay in her status. Still, Jaakuna didn’t think that gave her the right to treat Emiri the way that she did. In any case, Jaakuna followed Emiri through the house as they came to the sight of a mirror that no doubt had dust all over it, but the mirror itself was decorated with some lovely designs.

When they came to a stop to the mirror, Emiri would look at Jaakuna through it and asked him to guess where they were. Jaakuna knew the instant that he saw her use the key. “This was your old home, wasn’t it?” He simply asked.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Inside the changing room was definitely an earful for Savayna and while some things that both Nadeline and Karolina had said, it still didn't make things better, but it did answer her questions. She would take in every single word that Nadeline and Karolina spoke and take it right to the heart. She didn't know what she was feeling or how deep said feeling went, but she would just let thing happen as they will happen. She would just nod to Karolina, who by now was brushing Emiri's hair. "As much as it could, I guess." Savayna shrugged.

When Jaakuna finished teasing Wesley about going on his date, it wouldn't be long until the ladies would also come out and everyone would leave and the night's events will reveal itself to them as they would look forward to it.