Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He had expected her to say something more than what she did. He expected her to ask him if he still cared for Savayna, but nope. She simply said that she was glad that he was glad. Jaakuna was truly lucky to have this woman in his life. The fact that she has accepted the fact that Savayna was his dear friend and that her happiness meant a lot to him made him feel so much better than he had been feeling. When Emiri would lay her head on his shoulder, he smiled. He hold her close. His arms wrapped around her as the two of them just stayed in the position they were in. Nothing too sexual about any of this. It was a sensual moment and it would last for as long as they were alone.

---

When Grant had responded, she was totally surprised by what he did next. He would take both of his arms, cup her face with both hands, stare into her eyes. That moment caught her off-guard and she found herself blushing, but she did not want him to stop. Then, in the next moment, her heart melted. He would bring his lips into hers and he kissed her. Her first response was a sound of surprise that would sound like ‘hmm!’, and then she gave in. Her tough exterior or whatever people wanted to call it melted away. It was his fire that melted her cold ice. She would return his kiss and her hands would wrap around his head, fingers locking between his silky-smooth black hair. She didn’t know what on Ivalice was going to happen to either of them today, but she wasn’t concerned about that at the moment. She would let him take the lead in this as she wanted nothing more to be with him.

---

In the throne room, Wesley was just starting to get out of his unconscious state and as he awoke, he saw Nadeline hovering over him, but that wasn’t all. In a very uncomfortable way, he also saw Karolina and Lorenzo also hovering over him. His eyes fully opened and instantly Wesley let out a very nervous half-yell, half-laugh.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Emiri sat next to Jaakuna, taking his hands as she did so, so would simply ask him why he was glad. Jaakuna looked at her smiling. “I know it’s silly, but I’m glad Savayna found someone that makes her happy.” Jaakuna did sound silly for saying what he just said. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but her and Grant have been getting closer. Obviously they’re not at the level of closeness that Nadeline and Wesley are at or you and I, but I see the way that he makes her feel. The only other time she was like that was when her and I were together.” Jaakuna said smiling. He didn’t know why he was smiling. “I’m just glad she was finally able to move on from what I did — or rather what I didn’t do and didn’t tell her — and find someone who truly makes her feel good about herself, gods know she deserves it.” Wow, that was a mouthful Jaakuna just said.

---

When they were outside the Royal Office, Grant just asked what she wanted to talk to him about. Savayna, by now, had her arms behind her, looking down, and right foot sort of moving to the left and right as the toes stayed firmly on the ground. It took her a full minute until she looked up at him, and she stared into his eyes — his beautiful, gold eyes. Then there was the way his jet-black hair flowed down his chiseled face. Oh boy, she was getting red on her face. “You’re really going aren’t you?” She asked quite nervously. Her arms coming in front of her, one crossed and holding the other. “I just wanted to…just be careful.” She said eyes darting away from his direct gaze, but she could not hide the way she felt about him nor could she hide the redness of her blush.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Just as the trio was about to go out and search for Grant and Wesley, Grant had arrived to the room Emiri would simply ask what where Wesley was and the raven-haired man in front of them would state that he’s out of commission for the time being. Jaakuna and Savayna raised an eyebrow, but wouldn’t press the matter since Grant said that it wasn’t important. He would then go on to say that the team of himself, Wesley, and Nadeline would all go search for the missing Empress, Reia. While Jaakuna would have liked Grant there for the numbers game, he knew that Grant had to attend to family matters.

Jaakuna would give Grant a reassuring look. “Hey, I understand. You have to deal with family matters before anything else. It’s no big deal, really.” Jaakuna said smiling at Grant. When Emiri requested that he at least explain what was happening. He definitely seemed like he didn’t want to say too much, but from what he said, it wasn’t anything good. In both scenarios, there’s going to be a war; either civil within Rozarria or a war between Archadia and Rozarria. Being of Archadian birth, Jaakuna and Savayna know the ramifications that could come from all of this.

Savayna was really quiet, which would set off anyone in the room. She’s usually really loud and often obnoxious, but when Grant said that he was going to be venturing out to look for his sister and the very violent Empress, something in her clicked — or rather clicked off. Perhaps it was the fact that Grant could get hurt or something of the like. Whichever the case, she would step forward, and got just inches away from Grant. “I think..I mean, can we talk.” She said lowly so the others wouldn’t hear her, but they would definitely see her lightly tugging him towards the door.

Jaakuna took notice to Savayna and while he raised an eyebrow, he would brush it off. He would somewhat smile and no doubt Emiri saw it. “I’m glad, you know.” He said to Emiri.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Wesley preferred the atmosphere when they were talking about Reia. At least then there wasn’t any focus on him and in the slightly bad way. Oh yes, Wesley was surely to die at the hands of Lorenzo. Yup, he definitely was as Lorenzo then violently grabbed Wesley’s collar and started to violently shake and yell at him, shouting out stuff about how could Wesley propose without a ring. Wesley couldn’t think. All there was to focus on was the fact that Lorenzo was about to pop his head off his neck with the violent shaking.

The shaking would continue and get more violently as Grant would make a note that one didn’t need a ring to propose. Wesley didn’t even know what to think right now. Lorenzo was manhandling him and yelling at him while he did it. Wesley was getting to the point where he was beginning to lose consciousness. “Lorenzo….please…too…hard…” And Wesley was now unconscious, no doubt from the violent shaking. Though, truth be told, it was more like his head going back and forth. He really just lost consciousness from some sort of weird form of motion sickness.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Wesley, Grant, Lorenzo, and Karolina were all talking about what to do and how to get Reia, Nadeline would stand up and say that she would go after her. Her reasoning was right, but Wesley didn’t like her going alone. He was just about to speak up about it, but that’s when Grant would do so before he could and say that he would go as well. Then he would look to Wesley and suggest that they go to the group as well. They might as well tell them what’s going on. Though, Wesley couldn’t stay silent about this either.

“I will go as well.” He said, looking at Grant and then to Nadeline. “I did promise to protect you and I just can’t let my bride-to-be get hurt, now can I?..” And without realizing it until it was too late, Wesley had just outed their engagement. Why did he say that? Now he was going to get it, if not from Nadeline, then from her parents. Here it comes..

---

As Emiri muttered something, Jaakuna and Savayna raised an eyebrow at her, but then just forgot about it. Though, she did say some truth. Assassins did go through the shadows and they ruled from said shadows. So, with that being the case, their boss could be anyone across the world of Ivalice. Truly that was frightening. However, Emiri would turn the topic on Grant and Wesley as to where they could be. Jaakuna and Savayna both wondered the same thing.

“They really have been gone for a long time.” Jaakuna said, and Savayna would speak next. “I knew they weren’t just getting fresh air.” She said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"That's the thing though." Savayna said biting her thumb. "If their boss truly was Reia, then why not say the Empress or some shit like that? Of what I heard them say, they said nothing about Reia. That must mean that Reia truly isn't the one that they answer to, which makes me worry about who exactly commands Lola and Michel. Whoever it is, they are truly someone to be feared." Savayna didn't like being fearful for her life. She never was one to be like that, but she couldn't help but show slight fear on her fact. Perhaps the real reason why Savayna is so fearful about the boss of Lola and Michel is simply for the fact that if someone could command Michel and Lola — who has yet to show what she could really do — then that person really must be strong. The only question that Savayna was really asking herself is who exactly was their leader?

---

When Lorenzo and Karolina both explained the situation to Wesley and GRant, they were both speechless at this point. They just couldn't understand. No, they understood. It was more like they couldn't believe it. Yes, truly they just couldn't believe it. A revolt was something that no one wanted nor needed. However, the one thing that truly made Wesley completely in shock was that the Council of Rozarria was planning on giving Nadeline away to Dalmasca. It made things just more stressful than they already were, nevermind the fact that Wesley and Nadeline recently got engaged. So much for telling anyone else that, at least for the moment. Wesley spoke. "I really doubt that my sister would force me into marriage. She is like me and believes in free will and choice." Wesley said in response to the council wanting to marry off Nadeline to him just to get her out of the way.

Grant and Lorenzo would get into a discussion about what they should do. WEsley agreed that there was definitely no right course of action. Should they move against the council, then they piss them off. If they move against Reia, they piss off the people. Either way any of them look at it, there's no winning side of it all. When Grant would ask about where Reia was, Karolina, who helped Nadeline to get to her feet with the aid of Wesley, said that her and Aloa were seen leaving the city on foot. Wesley thought about it and he spoke. "I may not have no such place to speak about this, but I say that a small group goes to look for the missing Empress." Wesley proposed.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As she told them about running into Lola and Michel, Emiri would ask if she fought them or if they’re strong. Savayna wished she said she fought them, but she didn’t. They ran tail before she could even get a chance to. Well, at least to see how strong Lola was. Savayna knew how strong Michel was and he definitely was around the levels of Savayna in terms of power, but his real strength came in surprise and evasion. Savayna would quit thinking about that for the time being, she would sigh as she spoke.

“Sadly, we didn’t. They left before we got the chance, but it would seem that Lola is not the boss. Some other person was. That much I heard before they left us with thirty-six ninja.” Savayna said as she sighed. As she said that, Jaakuna just wondered who this person could be. Though, was it really a person that they needed to worry about? Jaakuna didn’t know, but he didn’t speak. He just wondered about more things than just that Lola person.

---

As Grant motioned Wesley to follow him, he did and the two slick men were on their way to the throne room. As they did that, Grant would go on to say his sister is up to something. Wesley could definitely agree on that. He didn’t know Reia personally, but he only knew of her from what Nadeline and Grant had told him. Wesley would also silently agree with Grant at the fact that Reia wasn’t present in Stigma meant that she was up to something. Whichever the case, Grant and Wesley had arrived at the throne room within minutes and they came to sight of Nadeline on her knees and her mother comforting her. Wesley instantly rushed to her side. “What happened? Are you hurt?” He said also on his knees to make sure she was alright.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna suggested that they go around the castle, for some reason Savayna was overtaken with a thought of telling them what else happened back in Giruvegan. Yes, for some reason, Savayna felt she had to tell them. “Before we do that, there’s something you two need to know.” Savayna said. Jaakuna looked at Savayna with a curious look. “And what’s that?” He asked her.

“Yesterday at Giruvegan, we ran into that Lola chick.” Savayna admitted.

A look of shock came over Jaakuna. “And that just slipped your mind until now!?” JAakuna asked clearly displeased.

Savayna sighed. “Oh give me a break, a lot happened this morning. I just never got around to it. But that’s not all.” She said.

Jaakuna tilted his head slightly. “Oh?”

“She was also partnering up with Michel.” She said.

Jaakuna was truly confused. He really didn’t understand why Michel was aligning himself with Lola. He remembers Michel, the kid was a good one. Michel was always respectful to Jaakuna and his family, so this truly troubled him. “I don’t really understand.” He said, “I thought he was faithful to Archadia?” JAakuna asked in confusion.

“I only know of what I found out last night. He really didn’t say why, but I can betcha nothing good is going to come out of it.” She said.

---

As Grant no doubt was struggling with what he just heard, Wesley was also struggling with it. He didn’t like it, but Wesley didn’t want to completely abbandon Nadeline either. Just as Wesley was in his thought train, Grant would ask why exactly Nadeline would do this. Wesley would sigh and he spoke. “I believe it had to do with what Jaakuna said about what his father was just a few moves away doing and bringing a truce between Archadia, Rozarria, and Dalmasca. She did say that while she doesn’t agree with Jaakuna’s plan, she did say that he was right and she also said that there would be no peace if your sister is still in a position of power.” Wesley said. He really didn’t know what else to say at this point.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Grant and Wesley departed form the Royal Office, they started to walk down the hallway to which they arrived to the garden or whatever was at the end of the walk. Grant would actually make it a little easier for Wesley as he would pretty much deduce what Wesley actually wanted to talk to him about. Though, obviously he didn’t know about the specifics, which Wesley would take it upon himself to tell Grant about. Though, he did feel some anxiety of telling him, only because of what Nadeline would think. However, Wesley knew this was the right thing to do. He knew that what Nadeline was trying to do was going to put her in danger and he swore to protect her from any danger, no matter what it meant.

Wesley would breathe in and he spoke. “Okay, before I tell you, just know this is what I think is best for her protection.” Wesley stated as he and Grant came to a stop at a bench. “Nadeline intends to dethrone Reia and convince the council to let her succeed you.” Wesley admitted, “I’m only telling you this because I truly believe that you have a right to know, and I don’t want to see Nadeline in any danger.” Wesley said, “And just know, Grant, I plan on staying here regardless of what happens. I will not leave her side.” He said, assuring Grant that he will stay in Stigma with Nadeline in any way that she would need him for.

---

When Vlyn had departed, the rest of the group just stayed in the office. Jaakuna really wasn’t sure where they would go. It wasn’t like that they could just go wondering around the castle without an escort of some sort. Jaakuna really didn’t know what to do, so he just sat down, but not before seeing Emiri smile to him. He smiled back. As he sat down, he stretched, letting out a sound of release as the cracking bones meant just that. “So, what to do now? Not like we can just go around roaming the castle as we see fit…or can we?” Jaakuna suddenly had a mischievous smile upon his face as he would look to Emiri.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Even though what Vlyn said answered his questions, Jaakuna still didn’t feel that much better. It didn’t help the difficulty he was faced with. Still, at the very least, Jaakuna now knew what it took to return a soul back to its body. Though, the entire thing spoke dangerous. As Vlyn had said, taking the soul back to the body definitely was a dangerous task all on its own. Hell, just going to Archadia again was something that Jaakuna dreaded. The last time he was there, he almost died and that was the help from his grandfather. Now, he wasn’t sure if Hamut would help him, not that Jaakuna would want it.

“Yes, that at least helps my understanding of it; though I guess I expected it to be something different.” Jaakuna admitted. “Oh well, I thank you for the help, Vlyn.” Jaakuna said thanking Vlyn for his help.

When Vlyn had finished, Wesley was going through some inner-turmoil just as Jaakuna was. Wesley had to decide that if he wanted to tell Grant or not. He was leaning to telling him, but was that really the best thing for him to do. Even as the time went on, Wesley kept on debating within himself on what he wanted to do. He had this feeling that Nadeline wouldn’t be all too happy with him, but at the moment, Wesley knew she was going to be in grave danger if she went through it. So, with that, Wesley decided and he would slightly tug on Grant’s arm. “We need to talk. “ WEsley lowly said. “But not here. Let’s go for a walk.” Wesley said as he would motion Grant to follow him, which alarmed the rest of the group.

“Where are you two going?” Savayna asked.

“Oh don’t mind us, just getting some fresh air. Be back in a Dalamascan minute~” Wesley cheerfully said.

Savayna raised an eyebrow, but just shrugged.