Chapter Text
"I leave them in your capable hands, Julyana." Alphinaud strode off to do whatever machinations he had come up with this time. I was no politician, and didn't envy him the task.
Turning back to Lady Yugiri, I was reminded that I was also not a diplomat. Except under duress, as I had been with the Sylphs… and the Moogles. So I had even odds for whether this was wildly successful, or ended in violence.
"I had forgotten there were Au Ra native to the far East," I commented, quietly. Yugiri turned her masked face toward me, stiffening. I held up my hands. "My homeland fell under Garlean rule not long after yours. Auri soldiers from Werlyt were part of the occupation force. A source of childlike wonder for me… but in regards to the majority of Eorzeans, I agree with your choice of garb." My brows knit. "Especially in the northernmost city-state, Ishgard, which wages war against dragons and their kin."
Yugiri nodded, solemn. "Were you also forced to flee, Lady Julyana?"
"No lady- I'm only Julyana," I replied reflexively. I cast a glance around the Quicksand- at the chattering adventurers, entrepreneurs, dilettantes, and layabouts packing the other tables. And the Domans themselves, to whom Garlemald had only recently laid waste to everything they knew and loved. "I prefer not to talk of it," I finally said, finding no good way to cushion my enlistment and defection. "It makes no difference now- after doing battle with Legatus van Baelsar and crippling the XIVth Legion, I'm an enemy of the Empire. And always will be," I grinned with bloodthirsty satisfaction.
"If I may," one of Yugiri's attendants stepped forward, bowing formally. "If we are all enemies of Garlemald, is it not fitting that we should join forces?"
I winced. "I wish it was so simple. A common enemy isn't always enough to see common cause." I settled my elbows on the table and rubbed at my forehead. "Having held the Empire at bay twice, and at staggering cost, Eorzea would prefer to turn their attention elsewhere. Ul'dah in particular is a nation motivated by profit, not honor," I said bluntly. "You only need to step out the door to Pearl lane and see how Ul'dah treated the Ala Mhigan refugees these last two decades."
"Your countrymen," Yugiri commented, astutely. I nodded.
"Aye. A people displaced and divided," I gave a wry smile. "I'm sure you understand."
"I do indeed." She bowed her head. "Is there so little hope to be found, even here, beyond the grasp of Garlemald?"
"I didn't say that," I tried to backtrack. "Merely that Ul'dah in particular might not be the haven you had hoped for. Neither is it the only refuge to be found in Eorzea. Our connections stretch beyond just Ul'dah, and we will find respite for you and your people." Othard had coastlines, I recalled. If they couldn't settle in sun-baked Thanalan, maybe Vylbrand could accommodate the Domans. I doubted Ishgard would welcome unbelievers, but surely the la Nosceans and even the Shroud-dwellers could appreciate the good that two hundred able sets of hands could provide. Two hundred souls united under one leader, not two hundred squabbling Ala Mhigan refugees... and what could I hope to do for them? For my people? No wonder Yugiri had such little faith in my reassurances...
"Pardon me. I was lost in thought," I broke the heavy silence with a sharp shake of my head. As we set to business finding food for those trapped aboard the ship, I tried to set aside the roiling discontent in my stomach.
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"...A realm-wide Grand Company. The military might of such an institution would be drawn from every corner of the land, and directed against threats no single nation could hope to overcome alone," Alphinaud explained.
I stilled abruptly, eyes narrowing.
"Yet while the purpose of this hypothetical organization is undisputed, the logistics of its formation have become the source of endless debate. And the longer these discussions continue, the more I sense the impetus towards unification draining away. Thus have I been campaigning for the creation of what might be considered a trial company. It will be on a much smaller scale than what we hope to eventually achieve, but capable of the same manner of unrestricted operation accorded to the Scions. 'Tis my hope that the successful utilization of such a force will lend momentum to the lagging deliberations. Also, being a primarily military outfit, I mean to assuage fears of its misuse by putting it under the authority of the Antecedent-"
I cut in, "I've heard this speech before, believe it or not. Many times." I glared down at Alphinaud. "The benefits of a force that could cross borders, and of unifying against common threats. Of bringing order to divided and chaotic peoples. I was part of an organization founded on exactly these ideals. Shall we call your new military order a Legion?" I shook my head, stiff with anger. "I will not let you use my name for this- this- ack!" I turned to leave.
"Julyana, please, hear me out!"
I stopped, looking over my shoulder with undisguised disgust. "No. For once, hear me out. Take a long look at your fledgling military. Tell me honestly that it bears little in common with Emperor Solus' mission." I turned to face Alphinaud, and he retreated a step from the fury in my face. "I'll be willing to listen when you can answer how you mean to keep this… this unbound force from being twisted to ends other than your lofty- and nebulous- goals. Who is commanding your soldiers? Minfilia? You? To be blunt, neither of you have the field experience." I saw Alphinaud's expression, and suddenly understood. "You want me to command it. You want to use my military experience to shape your organization into a force that can stand toe-to-toe with Imperial soldiers or primals."
Undeterred, Alphinaud spoke up. "The Scions work tirelessly to protect Eorzea and its people. But as you yourself have witnessed with the refugee revolt, there are limitations to what even we can achieve. With this new company under the Scions' command, however, we will be capable of responding to a wider range of difficulties without straining our resources or overtaxing your formidable talents."
"As I told Minfilia before: I am not a soldier," but my heart wasn't in the objection. I knew the Scions weren't able to deal with the violence in Ul'dah- nor try to tackle Ala Mhigo's liberation. It was a thorn in my breast to know that, and yet while away the days, just waiting for the next primal summoning. As it stood, there was little else we could do.
Alphinaud heard the hesitation and pressed his point. "The goals of my proposed organization and those of the Scions are ultimately identical- a point conceded by all concerned. Thus, the strength and fidelity of our new organization would come from the spirits of its leaders and members."
I recalled the bustling halls of the Waking Sands before Livia's attack. The cheer of the Scions' new recruits. The energy that filled the halls of a group unified toward a single purpose. Eorzea was not Garlemald. The hearts of the people here were stronger than anyone knew. Together they could do great things- as the Scions and the Grand Companies had proven time and again. Alphinaud offered a tantalizing chance to dream recklessly and pursue all those things I knew to be right, but thought impossible.
"But before I can move forward with establishing this precursor to the true, border-spanning Grand Company, 'tis yet necessary that I visit the three leaders and gain their official approval. A tiresome and time-consuming task… which is why I would ask that you accompany me on this journey, and attend to the business of recruiting our inaugural members while I am otherwise engaged with bureaucratic formalities."
"Using my stature to advertise your organization?" I cut in. Before Alphinaud could object, I shook my head and went on. "I'll help recruit, if only to see for myself the quality of the members this venture attracts." My expression was still hard as I looked at the young lordling. "You're not going to back down- I see that. So, to be completely clear: I do not approve of your little legion. I still want answers to my questions- definitive ones, not idealistic generalizations. And I will not be commanding. But I'll grant you the benefit of the doubt."
"...'Tis reassuring indeed to know that the Bringer of Light and her discerning eye will be selecting our future allies. Our first destination will be Limsa Lominsa. Let us rendezvous at Bulwark Hall."
I nodded sharply and left without a word.
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One. I'd found only one person in Limsa who was both willing to join, and who I deemed trustworthy enough to be part of Alphinaud's newest folly. If a member of the Company of Heroes couldn't be trusted to uphold Eorzea's interest, then who could? Alphinaud had been surprised by the quality of recruit, even as he was disappointed by the quantity. I merely shrugged and suggested that we move on to Gridania.
I'd grown used to the feeling of the Echo- that tiny prescience that pulled my eye toward those in need. Today I followed its pull through Old Gridania's tree-shrouded ways, letting the drizzle soak through the nape of my armor. It led me to Mih Khetto Amphitheater and the hunched figure lurking on the benches out of view.
The shaggy-haired midlander looked no different from any other young man, but my instincts told me he was my quarry. I tapped his shoulder. He sprung to his feet, reaching for a spear that wasn't there. "Oh Gods, can it truly be you !? By what fickle fortune must the first face I see upon my release be yours!?"
I blinked slowly at the haggard Hyur, unable to place him.
"...Eh? Could it be that you don't remember me? It is I, Laurentius, the man whose crimes you exposed. I was a Wailer, and a regular patron at Buscarron's…"
"Ah." I tilted my head, expression level. "The Twin Adders were lenient with your sentencing then." Good. My heart lifted, knowing my words had swayed someone.
"I was beginning to wonder if gaol had changed me more than I realized. …Not that I have any particular wish to be recognized after my shameful conduct. Hmph. The less said of my past, the better, I suppose. And what of you, adventurer? What business brings you to this part of Gridania?"
I described, in short, Alphinaud's mission, and the search for potential members. Laurentius' eyes lit up, then shadowed again. I recognized that hesitation. I'd worn the same look many times. Joining the Adventurer's Guild- named Merlwyb's representative- meeting the Scions. And here I was now, Eorzea's Champion.
Laurentius didn't allow his doubts to best him. "And what is your policy on reformed convicts? As matters stand, the Wood Wailers will have naught more to do with me. This… this may be just the second chance I was looking for…"
I wished dearly that the Echo would gift me insight. Of course it stayed quiet as the grave, as it had since my battle with the Ultima Weapon. I was left with whatever soul-searching I could do with my own senses and the urgings of my heart. After a beat, I answered without artifice. "Who better than a reformed man to know how to do good and avoid temptation. After all- the Scions took me." I clapped Laurentius on the shoulder, giving him a lopsided smile. "I for one look forward to seeing what you do with your newfound wisdom."
"You shall not regret this, I promise you! I am a changed man!"
I watched the midlander stride off with newfound pride, and shook my head. He seemed so young, still. I'd be shocked if he was older than twenty. He had far too much life ahead of him to have it cut short by a mistake- and a lot to learn even after his time in gaol. I picked up another old acquaintance who might appreciate the work- a healer, no less- and made my way back to Alphinaud with Laurentius' desperation still occupying my thoughts.
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In Ul'dah my steps led me immediately to the Gladiator's Guild. Raubhan had earned scars on the bloodsand. Surely some bright young men and women with fire in their hearts would be willing to step up to a cause.
It took me no time at all to find a familiar face. He'd traded up from the antique arms I'd left in Little Ala Mhigo. Doing well for himself, obviously. I walked up next to him as he watched the bout in the arena below, leaning on the balustrade as if I hadn't a care in the world. Wilred , I recalled his name.
He only glanced at me until I remembered to remove my Dragoon's armet. Then he took a second, startled look, and smiled like he saw an old friend. "Wait, you're that lady who came to Little Ala Mhigo looking for that masked devil. Who knows what might've happened if you hadn't… I'd probably be dead, and a whole lot more of my friends besides. We were such fools."
"I can't argue with that," I replied. "It looks like my advice has done you well, Wilred."
He chuckled. "That disaster really got me thinking- about our homeland, and about the outsider who saved us from ourselves. I realized how easily I'd been manipulated, and vowed to make of myself a more worldly man. So here I am."
"I pray the others have done half as well. Have you heard from them?"
"Nay, not a word." He shrugged broadly. "But we're Rhalgr's own- I'm sure they're finding their strength. Just as I have."
The confidence in his voice reassured me. I described our recruitment, and watched his eyes light up.
"…A new company of champions? And you say it will take me to all corners of the realm? That sounds like exactly the sort of opportunity I need. And don't worry: I'm not the same stripling you met in Little Ala Mhigo. I've prepared myself to fight the evil I know is out there."
"Keep that resolve close to your heart- you'll need it. I'll see you in Revenant's Toll."
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"I don't believe we've met. I am Ilberd, and I will have the honor of leading my fellow recruits as captain. Much did I lose to the Calamity, and I look forward to aiding others in rebuilding their lives."
"Julyana Vestigal," I offered in reply- and held out my hand. He gripped my forearm, warrior to warrior. "The Scions look forward to working with you," I pulled out his uniform, this one with white ornamentation on the collar and belt. "Welcome to our midst."
Ilberd took the heavy coat with a careful look. "The uniforms are a shrewd decision. There is no easier method of creating a common bond among what is, essentially, a band of strangers."
I smiled. "We need not remain that way long. None of us are so different from one another. You're Ala Mhigan- from the Lochs, aye?"
His gaze immediately sharpened, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I hear the Royal City in your voice, now that you allow it. And something familiar, besides. Do you have a brother?"
"Maybe." I cocked my head. "But you haven't answered my question, Captain."
"Ah- my apologies. I hailed from Coldhearth before the Calamity drove me to Eorzea."
"And I left long before that," I said, shaking my head. "You're right- I still have a brother in the Royal City. He keeps the Gambol, a tavern in the upper city."
"Gelard's Gambol," Ilberd nodded. "It was a local favorite before the Calamity." He gave me a raking look, all business and no pleasure. Professional to a fault. "It has been… illuminating, meeting the Guardian of Eorzea in person. I feel we have much to look forward to in the days ahead, Scion."
I nodded, sighing internally. At least if Alphinaud lacked seasoning, this scarred highlander had experience enough to command. Charm wasn't necessary, I supposed. "I hope so. I'll see you at the induction ceremony, looking sharp in blue, eh?" I winked, and left with the satisfied glow of seeing his eyes narrowed.
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Iceheart climbed painfully to her feet on the hoarfrost-crazed floor of the amphitheater. She stood with the same regal intensity as ever once she managed- evidence of long familiarity overcoming pain and an abundance of pride. Considering that I was doing the same…
Every joint ached from the icy touch of Shiva's magics. My fingers burned with cold, barely able to sketch the sigils out of my tome.
Arrogant even in defeat, Iceheart stared me down. "Fool. Blind, bloody fool. Mine is the righteous cause. You fight in a war you do not understand- a pawn of liars and schemers. And they are no less ignorant than you! Following the creed of their fathers without question, never thinking to ask why. Trapped in a delusion of their own creation and blind to the truth." Her breath caught as she straightened. Despite the pain, she lifted her chin. "You of all people should understand the suffering war begets- that no sacrifice is too great if it brings an end to the violence."
I flinched. She saw, and the tiniest satisfied curl pulled at her pale lips. A cold fist in my chest, I said slowly, "how do you know." Iceheart only kept that mocking smile. "Who told you!?"
Her voice softened. "Warrior of Light, redemption is not beyond us. We who walk before may lead those who walk after. Seek the Keeper of the Lake. See with eyes unclouded. Do… do not squander Mother's gift."
It took me by such surprise that I stood as if frozen again when she teleported. "Hear. Feel. Think."
" Wait-"
She was already gone in a burst of aether, Returned to whatever far-flung home the heretics kept in the icy wilderness of Coerthas. My tome fell from trembling fingers to the ground, and I pressed my palms to the icy stone to try and get my bearings. Iceheart was an Echo-bearer. She was chosen no less than I, with Hydaelyn looking into her heart and finding her worthy. How could she be my enemy if the Mothercrystal found her righteous? How could she leave without giving me answers? Would she threaten my standing with the Holy See and Eorzea by revealing my past, hoping to make a desperate ally of me and my blessing? I pressed the heels of my hands into my eyes and tried not to scream in frustration.
No. No. One foot in front of the other, one thing at a time. First, I needed to reassure the Scions that my mission had been- at least nominally- a success. I reached for the aetheryte in the depths of the glacier where Moenbryda and the others would be waiting and let it pull me away in a rush.
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Men give vent to their anxieties in myriad ways. Pray do not think less of him.
I got a single glimpse of Haurchefant, slumped over his desk, face buried in one hand while his fingers dug into his scalp. At the sound of the door opening he looked up, his pale eyes wild. I fully believed Aymeric's claim that it had taken a half-dozen men to restrain him. He was on his feet and charging toward us before the doors had closed. "What were you thinking, Julyana!?" My smile wilted. Haurchefant loomed above me, voice rough with anger. "Wagering your very life on a theory which might allow you to enter Iceheart's lair- knowing full well that she could have sufficient forewarning to complete her ritual to summon Shiva anyway?" He flung his arms out, and I flinched.
"And then- and then - engaging the abomination in mortal combat? By the Fury, Julyana!" He wrapped me in his arms. "'Tis the stuff of ballads! A battle for the ages! Would that I had been there to fight by your side!" I wobbled on my feet when he held me out at arm's length. "Yet here I was forced to wait- condemned to wonder at the fate of my dearest one for a veritable eternity !" He pulled me close again, burying his face in my hair. His next words were softer. "I would not wish such torture on my worst enemy…"
"I'm- I'm sorry, Haurchefant. I didn't think-" trembling from shock and old memories, I clung to him in return. "If strength had been all I needed, I'd have called on you in a heartbeat. But a strong shield arm is no protection from tempering. I couldn't stand to imagine you…"
He sighed, the fight leaving him in a breath. "You are here now, and that is what truly matters," he said, just as intently.
"I'll proceed to the intercessory and allow you two your… reunion," Alphinaud announced primly.
With a chuckle, voice still rough from emotion, Haurchefant straightened- though his hand stayed at the small of my back. "Ser Aymeric wished to have words with you and Master Alphinaud in private. He awaits you already."
"Duty calls," I murmured tremulously. My face burned, surely as red as my old Maelstrom coat.
Haurchefant looked at me sharply, searching my face with a frown. "What is wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing at all," I lied, raising my hands. "For a moment, you reminded me of… someone else."
"Perhaps a chance to settle your nerves is needed before the meeting," he offered, brow still knit.
I shook my head and straightened my robes with a sigh- hiding how my hands still trembled. I wasn't even sure how to put names to the welter of emotion in my breast. The stale fear, the guilt, the anger, the wobbling relief. The disgust with myself for allowing it to take over. It was only memory- ghosts of the past that haunted me from within.
"In the unlikely event that no further matters call your attention away," Haurchefant said, "please be assured that a warm drink is always ready for you here. These halls lack for your beauty these past weeks. As do I," he grabbed my hand, and kissed my knuckles. Alphinaud made a noise particular to teenage boys and turned to go. Whils had made the same disgusted huff the first time he'd caught Gelard and Tianne in the back closet together, kissing. Some things never changed, I thought- and that steadied my nerves.
I lifted our joined hands to my breast, pressing them over my heart. Seven hells, what had I ever done to deserve him? "I won't leave without appropriate farewells. And apologies, for causing you so much worry."
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As we left the intercessory, Alphinaud paused. I stopped short on his heels. Free from the restrictions of polite society and politics, I threw my hands up in a stretch, listening to the creak of abused tendons in my legs. Shiva's ice had made an old lady of me- at least until I had a chance to rest. The sky overhead stretched in unbroken starry splendor. Each point of light was crystalline-sharp, glittering in the frigid clear bowl of the heavens. Try as I might, I couldn't discern which might be the dragon star- the herald of Midgardsormr's return and Nidhogg's awakening. But the Soul of the Dragoon pulsed near my heart with the awareness of some looming portent- and the Eye, never as far away as I'd hoped it would be.
Alphinaud as well seemed lost in thought. I let him ponder and continued stretching. "I'll join you in Mor Dhona on the morrow," I finally interrupted his thoughts.
He turned to look at me, concerned. "Now is hardly the time for solitary adventuring, Julyana. The Antecedent will need our report."
"It's late already. I would wager it can wait for the morning, once I've had a chance to gather my thoughts." I crossed my arms and bounced my weight on my feet, restless. "The important pieces have already been shared with her: Shiva's summoning was unsuccessful, I returned from Moenbryda's experiment hale and whole, and we have made inroads into diplomatic dealings with the Holy See."
Alphinaud tilted his head doubtfully. "And you would rather ponder the nuances of your experiences here than at the Rising Stones? I acknowledge that you and Haurchefant seem to have grown closer since our recovery of the Enterprise , but surely a chance to share a drink does not outweigh your responsibilities," Alphinaud objected sharply, chin high.
"Alphinaud..." I pinched the bridge of my nose. My temper snapped, as it did so rarely. But this child playing at nations always seemed to bring out the worst in me. "Haurchefant and I have known each other personally long before you and I came to Coerthas searching for the Enterprise . As you insist that you're of age, I'm going to reveal to you a secret of the adult world: we're going back to his rooms, and we don't mean to drink." He sputtered, flushing, but I kept going in the same level (if ironic) tone. "If you think I'm derelict in my duties, please, say as much to Minfilia. But just this once, I'm taking a chance to rest. I'll see you on the morrow."
I walked away without another word. Let him sulk.
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"Art thou a pawn, or master of thy own fate? What hast thou wrought with thine own hands?"
I looked at the dragonet, miniscule though he was. For the moment, at least. This was still Midgardsormr, Keeper of the Lake, King of Dragons. It would be foolish to forget how easily he could have crushed me at our meeting atop the ruined Agrius. He had stripped Hydaelyn's blessing from my spirit like it was nothing.
I cocked my head and chatted away, as friendly as if we were sharing tea. "You know, for every earth-shattering Primal or Imperial power I defeated with Hydaelyn's aid, there are more simple people that I helped of my own will and strength. Smallfolk like the refugee mother in Ul'dah. Wilred didn't even know who I was until he talked to the Crystal Braves- but I saved his life and set his feet on a better path." More seriously, I added, "I killed a self that I despised. I chose my own path of heroism. I fought every day for what I know in my heart to be right, and I won't stop simply because you stole the evidence of my victories." I looked at the door out of the Solar. "How could I not, now that I have so many reasons to go on? This is my home. These are my friends. I have so much to care about and fight for with every onze of my strength."
"Your cryptic covenant won't change my heart and mind." With a smile, I looked back at the dragonet- but he was gone again. Invisible, watching, judging.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes. "You've protected me enough, Hydaelyn. I'll do my best to return the favor with the strength I earned under Your care."