Altered Tundra

Shuffle your music player and post the first 10 songs

Into Oblivion[Reunion] — Funeral For A Friend — Tales Don’t Tell Themselves
Cardiff — Stone Sour — Come What[ever] May
No More Sorrow — Linkin Park — Minutes to Midnight
I Apologize — Five Finger Death Punch — Got Your Six(Deluxe Edition)
Already Dead — The Pretty Reckless — Who You Selling For
Massachusetts — Silverstein — This is How the Wind Shifts
Marching Bands of Manhattan — Death Cab For Cutie — Plans
Misery Loves its Company — The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus — Don’t You Fake It
Passion -opening version- — Yoko Shimomura feat. Utada Hikaru — Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack, Disc I
Paradox — Alesana — The Annabel Trilogy, Part III: Confessions

Minutes to Manhattan

"More like defective technology."

Minutes to Manhattan

"And just who the fuck might you be? Alexandros number two?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Savayna didn’t like this. It was way too quiet. There wasn’t even so much as a single guard; not even a grunt guarding the entrance. To say the least, she found it odd. A group like The Brotherhood was among the most secretive ones in all of Ivalice. They prided themselves in keeping to the shadows. Only was when they needed to act did they come out of hiding and do what must be done. So, to Savayna, it weirded her out when one of their strongholds was practically a ghost town.

“How long ago did you say it was they brought you here? I only ask because I know the Brotherhood. They don’t leave their strongholds unmanned. I fI had to wager, I would say they are expecting us and have laid out traps. Either that or they’re gone from Rabanastre. Though, the latter is highly unlikely.”

---

“You both have a lot of nerve. I allow you into my city. I allow you to take sanctuary in my castle. I even have allowed that Rozarrian--my future sister by marriage--to go wherever she pleased. But, you continue to try my patience. Bringing this…abomination into my home and allow him to breathe the same air that my brother does as he’s trying to fight for his life is unforgivable.” Cassandra stated angrily, gripping her right fist into a ball, which caused the vines to glow brightly as the grip would intensify twice what it was before.

She turned her vengeful eyes onto Emiri. “I will not stand for this! My country will not suffer the same fate that my father did at the hand of your beloved’s cousin. Until he is brought in to pay for his crimes, that treaty that is happening right now will not happen. I will not align myself with any Rozarrians nor Archadians. If this means war, then so be it.”

And that was that. Cassandra’s word was final. They would come around to her way of thinking, lest Prince Grant want to see the Time Scion suffer a painful end.

---

Jaakuna loved his brother, but he could never understood how Roman could actually find joy in partaking in these political squabbles. He’s only been at this for an hour and already Jaakuna was ready to take his fifth break. Much to the annoyance of both Isabelle and Reia, however, he knew that wouldn’t be wise. This process was taking long enough as is, he didn’t need to add yet another five-minute break to it. Though, Jaakuna was definitely regretting actually doing this. Not for the end result, but all of the work and how much time has been wasted because of this darn treaty.

The three sat in a proper room at a circular table with four chair sitting around it. Jaakuna sat next to Reia who sat next to Isabelle. Next to Isabelle was the Grand Maester, who had was drafting all of the conditions of the treaty. Though, as he looked at them, he let out a rather noticeable sigh. “I do apologize, Empress, Emperor Proxy, and Queen Mother, the treaty is a lot more complicated than I had originally anticipated. All of these conditions are very...strange. I’m not sure I even understand it.”

“What is there to not understand?” Isabelle inquired.

“Well, firstly, you want there to be a ceasefire between all three nations.” Maester Nicholas stated, “secondly--and if I’m reading this correctly--you also want to apply that to any further expansion into each respective nations’ territory.” Nicholas seemed to be bothered by this. As a Dalmascan, he was stern in his beliefs. Though, as a maester, he had no choice but to comply with his majesty’s requests. “Though, this last one seems to be the most absurd thing I’ve heard in my years in service of the Alexander family.” Nicholas looked over the conditions on one sheet of parchment and read it carefully. “You want all three armies to put together a joint task force with...Lorenzo leading them? Tell me this isn’t right?” Nicholas couldn’t help but look at Lorenzo over to the side as he seemed to be pouting at how long this process was taking. “That’s hardly leadership material.” He commented to the three.

“Watch how you talk about my new best friend.” Jaakuna suddenly snapped at the maester, threatening him to mind his tongue about Lorenzo.

“My apologies, Emperor Proxy,” Nicholas apologized to Jaakuna. He would then go back to the topic at hand. “Your Grace, surely this isn’t what you are intending for the treaty? None of our noble houses--especially the ones who are loyal to your late husband’s house--will let this slide. Despite what strides you made in securing relationships with Rozarria and Archadia, there’s a lot of people who still seek justice for Jonathan’s murder.”

“I understand, but please try to understand that this is for the greater good. Zodiark pushes further and it won’t be long until he comes for all of us.” Isabelle told the maester, urging him to see to their way of thinking.

“With respect, your majesty, but I can’t in good conscious draft this treaty. In fact, not only won’t I draft it, but I will not allow this to stand!” Nicholas stood firm in his beliefs, even if it meant disobeying Isabelle.

And just as the latter was going to say something, Jaakuna beat her to the punch. Literally. His fist went flying and sent the maester flying to the wall, knocking him out. Isabelle yelped lightly.

Jaakuna looked around at their faces. It was a mix of subtle gratitude and complete shock and awe. “Was that really necessary?”

“In times of our impending doom, drastic measures are required.” Jaakuna stated, justifying his actions.

Minutes to Manhattan

"You're all fucking idiots."

Minutes to Manhattan

"Guess I'm going back to my squad after such a disappointment..."

@Dirty Pretty Lies

>Disappointment
"Right. And tell me, who was it that sought me out?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was quite the amazing sight to see, indeed. If anyone had told Savayna that the useless girl with the big brain and large tome would've been capable of replicating an advanced spell of one of the most talented Mist-users in all of Ivalice, then she might've suggested they were on some type of drugs. It was truly amazing to see how far this one has come. It was even more so when Savayna realized that they both had this tendency to do idiotic shit for the right reasons. Of all the time that they had argued, perhaps this was because they were a lot more alike than either of them liked to admit.

As Nadeline had finished the spell and seemed to know where they had to go, she would point in a direction finally, which resulted in a vocal approvement from Savayna. "About damn time," she stated, relieved. She followed Nadeline's lead as the two would begin their somewhat interesting adventure to get to the bottom of The Brotherhood's presence in Dalmasca.

---

That wasn't the reaction that she was hoping for.

As Cassandra had made it clear to Keiran that she had every intention of ending his life here and now, he didn't seem to be fazed by it at all. To her, it seemed like he didn't at all believe her. Maybe it was that he didn't take her seriously. Maybe it was how she was a teenaged girl and she couldn't possibly have the strength and power to do what her mouth implied she would do. Or maybe, he simply was afraid to believe that she was halting his death just to see him squirm. Whichever it was, Cassandra didn't take too kindly to him mocking her.

Right as increased the pressure of her Mist Vines around Keiran's body, in came some unwelcomed guests: Rozarrian Prince GRant and The Time Scion. At first, neither of them seemed to mind the position that Keiran was in, which brought a welcomed smirk to Cassandra's face. When Grant politely requested that she release Keiran from her hold, she looked at him with a confused look. It was then that he informed her that Keiran and The Time Scion were connected. Based on the burn marks that the queen saw on her arms and where the vines were placed on Keiran's own, Cassandra saw that whatever pain was inflicted on him was dealt back to her.

"I see. So it's true after all. These ancient beings can share pain with whatever host they've bonded with," Cassandra muttered to herself, remembering a scripture she once was read to by her brother.

Just as she was going to release him, Keiran made a note of how it wasn't all that painful. To prove him wrong, Cassandra tightened the hold even more as the Mist Vines dug deeper into his body and burning the flesh even more. As she did that, she caught the sight of the Time Scion, who happened to react to it accordingly.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

So they had to retrace Aloa’s steps huh? That seemed easy enough. With both of their enhanced magicks, there should be something that the two blondes would be able to do. They might actually prove the blonde stereotype wrong and surprise a lot of people. Granted, if people actually knew about this, they would probably try to stop the dumb blondes. Truly, the plan was insane, but Savayna was not about to turn her back ont his now. First off, she needed to get away from everyone jsut so that she could breathe. But above that, she wanted to find out more about The Brotherhood. And going with Nadeline was the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.

“Let’s get going already.” Savayna said, cutting Nadeline off mid-sentence. She looked to the blonde princess for a general direction they had to go. She didn’t need specifics, but left or right wouldn’t be a bad start.

---

“Cute and a smartass, huh?”

Briefly, she dismissed the remaining two guards. Without fighting her on it, they did as she commanded. Meanwhile, she looked at Keiran. Cassandra had always kept her mind on something once it was decided. In a lot of ways, she was like WEsley. He had committed to going out and trying to save Ivalice. Though that left her alone, she understood that. And much like Wesley, it was hard to say no to her, though this one was certainly making it hard for her. Ah well. Cassandra never liked an easy challenge. She liked it to be difficult so, when she would finally claim her prize, it would actually feel rewarding and not like some cheap thrill.

“No, that’s not quite what I’m thinking, handsome.”

Much to Keiran’s discomfort, she asserted herself closer to his form, slowly stroking his hands. Just at the moment he had lowered his guard, she would bring her lips to his ear and whisper something into it. At that same moment, before he would even realize it, Keiran would find himself unable to move. He would find himself frozen - well, paralyzed was the more accurate way to describe what happened to him.

“I’m thinking how disgraceful it was for the Time Scion to bring a spawn of the dark one into our home. And what’s even worse, no one seemed to be bothered by it. But please, do not fret. I promise you that your death will be swift. As Queen of the Dalmascan Kingdom, I will make sure you feel no pain. Though it’s more than you deserve, I will not allow you to hurt anymore of the ones I love.”

Cassandra’s hand suddenly became engulfed in a bright orange and deep sienna aura of Mist. Sharpening it finely, her mist flowed out like vines, wrapping around Keiran’s body. Though gently at first, they would eventually tighten to the point where, upon the moment they started binding him, they would burn his flesh. Though, that’s not exactly where they would stop.

“I wonder how soon it is until they come? One minute? Maybe two?” Cassandra spoke, as if genuinely curious. “Oh well, not like it matters. You’ll be dead and away from this world before they burst through that door.”

And so, as she kept it up, Cassandra had every intention of making sure Keiran would be slain by her hands.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It did seem that Nadeline was worried about whatever she was planning to do. Understandable. This plan wasn’t necessarily the smartest of plans and the two of them would most likely end up maimed--or worse. Though, Savayna would simply wave away her worry with what could be described as a dismissing scoff, followed by an assuring smile. This was obviously the smile Savayna gave when she always threw caution to the wind and anyone who was on the receiving end, should they know her well, of course, would probably say bad things were coming when she smiled like that.

Once Nadeline would reveal her half-hearted plan, she [Savayna] made sure to take in each word carefully so she could devise what should be the next appropriate step to take. Admittedly, Savayna felt it was an insane plan. The Brotherhood was large. Rabanastre was large. Sure they could use contacts through The Hunter’s Guild here in the royal city, but it didn’t help them that much. They still would need to find this stronghold. According to what Nadeline had said before, she was captured and brought to this stronghold, so she doesn’t really know the exact location of it.

As Savayna was about to say something about how retarded this plan was and how unlikely it was to succeed, the blonde Rozarrian would state she needed to do something. Anything. It was in that moment Savayna realized the severity of the situation for her future niece. This wasn’t a matter of what she should do. To her, it wasn’t even a question. To her, she had to do this. This prompted Savayna to sigh and smile once more, walking past Nadeline. When she was about five paces away, she looked back. “You coming or what?”

---

Cassandra couldn’t be happier when Emiri finally left. She was even more thrilled when Aloa left with two of the four Dalmascan guards that were in the room. Though she would ignore them, the queen would automatically focus her amber eyes upon the slightly-tanned face of Keiran. She was a girl with a crush, but this girl was the queen and she knew exactly what she wanted. Bearing that in mind, she moved closer to the mysterious young man, bringing her hand into contact with his. In that touch alone, she sensed the very strange, ambiguous Mist that coursed through his body.

Looking deep into his eyes, Cassandra’s own would flicker with a gold light and she would gradually bring her body close to his. “Your mist is rather peculiar. It’s ancient, like that of the Espers. Like Hashmal’s. But, at the same time, I can’t help but feel drawn to it.” Cassandra noted, finding herself so close to Keiran’s body she could smell the freshness of his breath. “Keiran, do you know what I’m thinking right now?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

She heard Grant inform Nadeline that the person in charge of it all and likely responsible for Wesley’s condition(though not directly), was The Snake, Levi. She heard how Nadeline practically accused Grant of keeping something from her and how he always kept whatever was bothering him inside until it blew up in his face. She implied how he was keeping something--something Savayna knew--to himself and it was affecting his outward personality and mannerisms.And above all else, she heard both of them defending their respective points. Only thing was that Savayna didn’t like how either of their points was completely idiotic.

As Savayna would look over towards Grant standing alone on the balcony, she would spot Nadeline walking away. Half of her mind was telling her to go join Grant and comfort him, but after what had transpired earlier in the day, he probably didn't want to see her. So instead, she would follow Nadeline until they were more or less alone. Savayna pulled her aside, stopping the princess in her tracks. “Whatever you’re planning on doing, I want in.” Savayna told Nadeline.

---

Still, Cassandra ignored Emiri. Even though she apologized for the young man, who would later announce himself as Keiran, she would keep her eyes on him. It was as if Emiri was invisible to her. The only person she wanted to pay attention to and acknowledge was this very handsome, mysterious man in front of her. The name Keiran made every strand of her hair stand up with excitement. Something about the way he spoke, how his tone hinted at something intriguing about him and how he might’ve hinted at something else about him made the queen want to know more about Keiran.

Though, her joy would soon be cut short as she saw a Viera--a different one from before--enter the room. Based on how they greeted her, it was obvious to her that these two knew her. The confirmation of that came when they seemed to lower their guard around her. She stated her name as she requested something odd of Cassandra.

“The Sword of Kings?” she repeated what Aloa said, scratching her head. She had to think about it for a brief moment until she remembered that something by that name was in the armory. It had been stored the last time Wesley came back from one of his journeys. “Oh that rusted sword? What do you need it for?” Cassandra asked Aloa.

Before she would get a response though, the annoying brunette would speak without being spoken to again. Scowling lowly, Cassandra kept her calm center by looking at Keiran. “Fine, you go but Keiran stays.” Cassandra ordered Emiri, not smiling one bit at the girl. “Miss Aloa, my guards can escort you to the armory where you’ll find this...Sword of Kings.” She would briefly inform Aloa.