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Chapter Text

Birds soared and chirped their melodies, but for the Warrior of Light Rimsy Ziecier, she could only find solace when they paused their song and eclipsed the ever burning sun from shining down on her, even if it was just for a moment. Her head was in a constant state of pounding and aching, no doubt caused by the mysterious cowled man that kept trying to reach her telepathically. Who pleaded for her. Who also plucked her companions one by one away from her.

She had no way of knowing if he was really friend or foe, and the growing pit of anxiety was starting to rival her never ending headache. He may have tried reassuring her, but his words only caused Rimsy to fear more for her friends, more for her star. History must be changed… Ahead looms a Calamity… The speaker’s words were ominous, but were they prophetic? Rimsy knew the Black Rose was dangerous and could trigger a starwide war, killing everything and everyone in its wake. But why then, would he say her current path leads only to oblivion? The better path leads you here. Should she blindly believe that? Her gut reaction left her with no answers, just twirling bouts of worry and turmoil and feeling powerless.

And what did he mean when he spoke of Light expunging life and twin dooms? She was supposed to represent Light, to fight for it. But if anything, over the past few years, Rimsy had been dealing with a lot of darkness. She’d welcome a new light, even just a shed of light—just maybe not light from the actual sun at this moment, as it continued to beat down and blind her. A pained moan left her lips as she covered her brows, wishing for a larger, quieter bird to fly over her like a perpetual kite.

“Everything all right, Rimsy?” a small voice called out to her. 

She forced a smile. “Yes, Tataru, I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Tataru asked nervously. “You’re not going to collapse again, are you? We aren’t at the Crystal Tower yet!”

“I’m sure,” Rimsy said.

But she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure of anything. The idea of leaving Tataru and Krile and the rest of the Scions gutted her; it felt like she was needed here now more than ever. She didn’t know what else to do other than follow the cowled man’s instructions. Go to the Crystal Tower. I have left you something near its base. Though finding whatever this beacon was would surely lead her to the place he called the “First” and hopefully reunite her with her missing companions, she was still traversing into the unknown. And she had no plan past finding this beacon. How would she find her friends or this mysterious stranger once there? How would they be able to expunge the Light? How would she get back? Could she even get back? She worried her lip beneath her teeth as the bright and radiant cerulean tower reflected the sun’s taunting rays. They had arrived.

Guilt raked her heart when she remembered G’raha’s fate, but she was relieved to see so many people already working hard to find a needle in a haystack made of blue crystals. They had had no luck so far, but that wasn’t surprising either. She hoped that maybe this beacon only spoke in hushed whispers for the one it was left for—her. 

Bells passed though, and everyone, including Rimsy, came up empty handed. Perhaps she was not as special as she thought. But before she could ponder on that prospect further, a lacing pain shot through her head, bringing her to her knees. Luckily for Rimsy, the headache receded almost instantly, and when she looked up she felt a pull to a far off corner that was not yet searched, brimming with sparkling shades of blues and teals.

Sitting wedged between the shimmering rock, was a tiny gear bearing the Ironworks symbol. What is this doing here? It doesn’t make sense—

Her thoughts were interrupted with more white-hot pain, pain that was almost unbearable. Tataru had run over, frightened, and called out Rimsy’s name. But she couldn’t hear her or anyone—just the cowled man’s voice again, but this time, louder and clearer. Now… now I have you! he exclaimed in her mind.

Rimsy fell back to her knees, eyes welling with tears, and her teeth grinding against each other. It took everything in her to not collapse. Stay with me! Focus on my voice.

“What’s going on?!” Tataru shrieked.

“Tataru—I—” Rimsy stammered, gripping her head as she felt the weight of a star press in on her mind and soul. 

Let expanse contract, eon become instant. Throw wide the gates that we may pass.

In that moment, a light took Rimsy’s body and she could barely make out Tataru’s words. “The device… This is supposed… safe journey… Warrior of…”

Her head continued to throb, but as Rimsy opened her eyes she realized she was floating. Or falling, she thought. It might as well have been falling, as she had no control over where she was being pulled to. Her vision was still blurry, but as she gazed out into the nothingness she saw rips of seams of what she believed to be time. Her memories. Her history. But also the memories of others, and the history of others. Some she knew, some she didn’t. Some felt so close and familiar, while others felt so far away and vague. Everytime she went to peer in deeper, to hope to understand what she was looking at, a yank would pull her further along, and she’d curse her invisible tether. 

She couldn’t be sure of how long she had been floating, but it didn’t feel long, and soon a seam as large as the Crystal Tower appeared before her. And inside of it was the Crystal Tower. Only, the area around it was different from what she knew. It was hard to make anything out, as Light had consumed so much, but she could tell that it was not Mor Dhona. Two Crystal Towers?

But just as she was about to slip through the seam, another tug pulled her harshly in the opposite direction. She no longer saw a blinding light, but everlasting darkness. Cold and dark and hungry. Now she really was falling, and she reached out to the fleeting light, to anything, and begged with silent screams for salvation. As oblivion opened its void mouth to swallow her, a new tear was ripped open beneath her. More light shone through, but the comforting sapphire tower was replaced with a city covered in gold, something she’d never seen before, and she fell through.

Rimsy slammed into something hard, and her ribs screamed. She wanted to, too, but instead she gritted her teeth as she forced her pink and blue eyes open. It was so hard to see. It was so bright. But where her eyes failed her her nose helped, and the smell of salt and sea swept across her face. Soon her feline ears flicked at sound, and she heard cries and gasps of worry.

“What just happened?!” 

“How did she get here?”

“An intruder from the outside!”

“Guards! Help!”

Rimsy’s stomach dropped at the words intruder and guards. She almost felt like she was trespassing, but that couldn’t be right. Not when she was summoned here. She went to move quickly, but stumbled while gripping her side. She definitely bruised or broke a rib or two. 

A sword met her chin before she could do anything further. “Halt!” a guard clad in garish mauve armor commanded. “You are not a free citizen, nor do you bear a mark of a bonded. How were you able to scale Eulmore’s precious spires unnoticed?”

While her vision may have finally focused now, her mind was spinning. Eulmore? Free citizen? Bonded? She didn’t understand any of what he said, but it was clear now she did not land in the right place. “I—I—” She winced in pain, just breathing constricted her lungs and ribs. 

Her recoil caused the guard’s sword to tease her throat, and she forced herself not to breathe. “No sudden movements, wench!” he yelled.

“Now, now,” a calmer voice said. “It’s not everyday someone breaks past Eulmore’s impenetrable barriers, is it? And does this poor woman look armed to you, you halfwit?” 

Rimsy looked past the guard, and saw a tall man wearing a golden crown of hair, paired with deep and dark blue eyes that someone could get lost in. He smiled at her, and faint dimples appeared on his chiseled sun-kissed face. His attire was regal; it looked more expensive than even her father’s, a count of Ishgard, and that notion surprised her. But what surprised her more was his comment on her not being armed. She glanced down at her hip and noticed her grimoire was missing. It must have fallen from her belt when she fell through the rip in time, or whatever it was.

“But, my lord… she should answer for her crimes!”

“I agree, but I thought it was Lord Vauthry who passed judgment? Tell me, has he promoted you in his stead?”

The young guard paled and lowered his sword. “N–no, my lord… forgive my aggressive approach.”

The man with tousled golden hair ignored the apology, and instead drew his eyes back towards Rimsy. “What a predicament you are in, miss. I’m not sure how you came to be here, but I do know it was illegally done. And so you must go before our just judge and ruler, Lord Vauthry, before we do anything else. Though…” He bent down on one knee, his eyes turning more of a cold gray rather than blue, and took in every detail of her face. “Your two-colored eyes are captivating, and you have a very pretty face. Lord Vauthry likes pretty faces. Think of talents, miss. A talent that is good enough to better Eulmore. If you can provide, he may just let you live here as a bonded. A dream for so many, really. Perhaps this will be the best day of your life.”

He flashed her a smile that was wicked, and Rimsy had to resist the urge to scowl. “Oh, and where are my manners? I am Orion Chough. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss…?”

Rimsy refused to answer. Now was not the time to make enemies, but something about this man rubbed her the wrong way. He was helping her, one could argue, but she couldn’t help but feel like it was for his benefit. 

“So you choose to play the mysterious card. Very well. We will come to know your name soon enough. Or we won’t, and you will be tossed to the midnight sea, forgotten as quickly as you came.”

He stood and pivoted from her. “Take her. Alert Lord Vauthry and the rest of the council. I imagine he will want a hearing immediately.”

The guard saluted and sheathed his sword. The wind grabbed at Rimsy’s soft pink locks, and as she struggled to stand, she cast her gaze out to the sea Orion must have been talking about. And he wasn’t kidding when he called it midnight. Its waters were the pitchest of black; it looked like the endless void that wanted to devour her mere moments ago, and she shivered at the thought. 

Iron manacles were thrown on her delicate wrists, and the guard roughly jerked their chain. “This way, wench,” he muttered.

The jolt caused lightning to shoot outwards from her right side all the way to her spine, but she acquiesced and followed the guard. Though she was still dealing with a lingering headache and now her new injury, her wits were returning to her, and she saw that she had landed on a strong wooden balcony that overhung the terrifying sea. She was lucky. Just a few yalms to left, and she’d be sleeping with the fish. Or maybe I am unlucky, as I cannot drown, she reminded herself.

Once inside this city of “Eulmore” she found it hard not to gape at every gilded detail. It only took one look to understand that this city was built for the rich, and that made her stomach churn, as she knew how rich cities worked, coming from one herself. Large luxurious curtains the color of plums were tied off at every archway, a clear way of how they blocked out this incessant Light that still hurt her eyes to look at. Plush crimson carpets of the deepest and most vibrant reds lined the entire floor, including hallways. But it was the gold that sparkled and shined the brightest here, even more so than the sky outside. It was everywhere, even places where it didn’t make sense to be. 

A distinct smell took her nose as she followed after the guard. A scent of dried flowers and spices. At first it was pleasant, but as they delved deeper within the city’s spires, she realized it mixed with sins and pleasures and salt from the sea. It was a sad attempt to cover what this place clearly was to her: a fool’s paradise.

After ascending several staircases with her legs burning and her ribs still screaming at her, they finally arrived at two large doors she swore were as tall as Ishgard’s cathedral. “I hope you can swim, wench,” the guard said bitterly.

He pushed her, and Rimsy stumbled forward, losing her footing and tumbling on her hands and knees. The curls of her shimmering pink locks fell over her head, and her long feline tail thrashed in annoyance. She went to shoot a glare at the guard who just shoved her, but a thunderous voice caused her to still at once.

“This little thing is what made it past our prestigious forces of Eulmore undetected?!”

Rimsy hesitantly brought her gaze upwards, and her eyes grew wide with shock and disgust. Before her was a man—at least, she thought he was a man. He was so large she couldn’t be sure. She also couldn’t be sure if he was sitting or standing, as his legs were covered with enormous bed sheets. No, she realized. Those are robes. He sat (she assumed) upon an impossibly large throne or a bed or both. It was probably both, considering there were tables as long as houses on either side of him, all decked out with mouthwatering feasts even the nobles of Ishgard would kill for. 

“Well?!” he screeched. “I demand answers!”

“We are not sure how she made it through, my lord,” Orion’s voice chimed in. “Witnesses say she fell from the sky.”

Rimsy snapped her attention to the direction of his voice, and now realized she was surrounded by a court of people. Orion sat on an elevated platform that looked like an over glorified pulpit with three more men sitting alongside him. They all were dressed just as pretentiously as he was; donning expensive silks and velvets with jeweled buttons and golden stitching. 

But one man caught her eye differently. Or maybe it was because he was looking at her differently. He wasn’t gawking at her like the rest. This man’s focus was sharp, and it looked like he was studying her. It was hard to see anything past that, as he wore what looked to be a masquerade mask over the top half of his face. But golden eyes burned hotter than the sun on her, and suddenly Rimsy could feel her heart quicken. 

“Fell from the sky?” the loud and boisterous man repeated. “Has that spineless Exarch finally had the gall to invade Eulmore?! Or perhaps she is a spy…”

“There are no signs of invasions, my lord,” said the old man next to Orion. “But a spy is most likely the truth. We should slit her throat now, as we still haven’t recovered from the last rat who snuck in and stole our most precious treasure.”  While old, he wore countless medals of scars across his tired and aged skin; the biggest one had the honor of resting diagonally across his whole face, from the tip of his forehead to the edge of his jaw. His military man? Rimsy wondered. 

“P–perhaps that is a tad rash,” a miqo’te man on the far end said. “This has never happened before. We should at least question her.”

“I concur,” piped Orion. “Lord Aidon, your thoughts?”

Orion looked to his left, where the masked man sat, and watched as he uncrossed his arms and leaned forward, letting his hand cradle his cheek. “Aye. I’d like to hear her story.”

His voice was velvet smooth, borderline sultry, but it was his insouciant tone yet predatory stare that made Rimsy’s face flush. 

She forced her eyes back to Orion, who looked satisfied with himself. He gave an exaggerated bow to the fat man and said, “My lord… we await your noble words.”

“Fine,” he snorted. “I am a benevolent and fair ruler, after all.” He flicked his bulging eyes over to Rimsy and she braced herself for his questions. “I am Lord Vauthry, ruler of this beautiful paradise in this broken world. We’ll start with your name, what is it?”

Broken world? Rimsy wondered what that meant as she answered his first question. “Rimionne de Ziecier… though most know me simply as ‘Rimsy.’” She also wondered if her name would carry weight here. She still had no idea where she was, but her feats were great. Perhaps someone in the court might recognize her? Or better yet, maybe one of her friends was hidden somewhere within the crowd.

But after a moment there was no one familiar shouting her name, and she chided herself for wishing things would have been that easy. 

“What an odd name.” Vauthry’s words broke her trail of thought. “From where do you hail, Rimsy?”

“Ishgard.”

“Ishgard? What is Ishgard?” Vauthry asked. “I know every nook and cranny of Norvrandt. So try again, little mystel, and this time, don’t lie.”

Norvrandt? Mystel? “‘Tis the northernmost city in Eorzea. Is Norvrandt a part of the First?” she asked.

Vauthry slammed his fists down hard on his support posts, and the wood beneath his hands cracked under the intense pressure. A giant statue of a lion behind him shifted, and Rimsy realized that it wasn’t a statue at all. “Spew another riddle, and I shall eject you over the balustrade.”

Perhaps she should take her chances with the dark abysmal sea. It would be a longer fall, as she surmised they were now in the tallest spire of the city, but she did have a card up her sleeve they didn’t know about—Cerberus. She could summon her carbuncle even without her grimoire, and he could take on Garuda’s form long enough to help break her fall. And with the Kojin’s blessing, drowning wouldn’t be a fear she’d ever have again. But then what? She still didn’t know where she was.

“Maybe she comes from uncharted territory,” Orion said.

“Or this is all a ruse,” the old man hissed.

She doubted listing off other city-states or even continents would help her case. It was as if she was on an entirely new star. That idea made her stomach drop, but it really did start to make sense. She was educated on Hydaelyn’s geography, and she had never heard of Eulmore or Norvrandt. And they clearly had never heard of Ishgard or Eorzea. 

“I don’t know where I am or what this place is,” she said honestly. “Throw me over if you must. It will not change my answer. It was not my wish to come here.”

The whispers around her grew louder and denser, and gazes of wonder morphed into disdain. A vein pulsed in Vauthry’s temple, and he snarled at her. “It was not your wish to come here? Woman, do your eyes not work? Eulmore is a utopia in this barren and wretched world.”

“Forgive her blatant ignorance, my lord,” said Orion. He then looked at Rimsy. “What was your wish, then? You were clearly traveling somewhere.” 

Rimsy chewed on her lip. She didn’t know how much she should explain or reveal. She could take her chances with being tossed over, but with the way that old man was staring at her, she’d drown in her own blood before she’d ever hit the water. Her mind then recalled seeing a second Crystal Tower. Perhaps one stood here in this place as well? And if it did, that would be the best bet for finding her friends and the enigmatic figure that called her here.

“I am in search of a tower made of pure crystal. Do you know of such a thing?”

More gasps echoed around her, and she immediately regretted her answer.

“The Crystarium?!” Vauthry bellowed. “Then you do know the Exarch!”

More words she didn’t understand, and panic began to bud inside of her chest. “N–no, I don’t know—I swear to you—I—”

“Silence! Do you take me for a fool?! Ran’jit, it’s time to take care of our little pest problem.”

Rimsy blinked, and the old man had disappeared from his elevated spot next to the rest of Vauthry’s council. His hand then gripped the back of her neck, while he raised a silver dagger in his other hand like a guillotine. Rimsy tried bringing her hands up, but she was too slow. Cerberus! she cried out in her mind.

But before her carbuncle could manifest, a strong arm intercepted Ran’jit’s steel edge. Blood flowed forth, but it was not Rimsy’s. The advisor with the masquerade mask and golden eyes stood between her and Ran’jit, crimson now staining the white of his sleeve. “Tsk,” he said, annoyed. “Lord Vauthry, you must work on that temper of yours. This was my favorite shirt. Please call off your dog, and give this woman a proper moment to explain herself.”

Ran’jit seethed. “Dog? Get out of the way, then, whelp!” 

“I don’t think you realize what has fallen into your lap.” Lord Aidon shrugged, and pushed against the dagger that had lodged into his arm. More blood dripped everywhere, some of it even landing on Rimsy, but the force Aidon used caused Ran’jit to stagger back. “She is no ordinary girl. There’s something special about her. Aye… even more special than the Oracle of Light.”

Ran’jit’s face turned a shade of anger Rimsy hadn’t ever seen before, and he lifted his dagger threateningly towards her savior. “Say that again, whelp.”

“Enough!” Vauthry now roared. “Lord Aidon has never steered us wrong. His words, like mine, are equal to law. But I am running out of patience. Speak now, woman, this is your last chance.”

Rimsy attempted to find her footing. She could feel Cerberus wanting to appear, but she whispered inside her mind for him to wait. She only wanted to use him if she absolutely had to. She was in no position to fight, not while she was injured and bound. “I spoke the truth from where I came. And I truly don’t know how I arrived here. I was taken—or summoned, somehow.”

Vauthry’s large beady eyes narrowed on her. “Who summoned you?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know that, either. He only ever spoke to me in visions, and when I would see his visage, his face was always covered.”

A swollen hand stroked Vauthry’s chin. “Whatever shall we do with you? For this answer does not please me.”

“I—I could leave, and I swear to never return again—”

Earsplitting laughter shook the entire chamber. “Leave? Leave?! You wish to simply leave after everything? No. You won’t be leaving.”

“Perhaps she could work, my lord? Atone for her transgressions, as it were.” Orion’s voice sounded too chipper at that, and Rimsy wished she knew what kind of game he was playing. “She cuts a striking figure, surely she has some type of talent to accompany her beauty? One that could serve Eulmore and you?”

“Hmm…” Vauthry considered her for a moment. “Perhaps. If I were to grant you leniency and allow you to live here as a bonded, what could you offer to Eulmore’s people?”

Rimsy swallowed hard while her mind scoured viable suggestions. She was well experienced in magicks, especially when it came to summoning, but she didn’t want them knowing that. If she were to escape, that surprise card could be what keeps her alive. She thought back to her basics of her noble upbringing. She had the ability to draw and paint (though she was not as good as Alphinaud), and she could play a series of instruments. But seeing nothing in sight that would help showcase her skills, she simply blurted out, “I can sing.”

“Oh? A songbird? Then sing, little canary,” Vauthry ordered.

Rimsy looked around, feeling heat rushing to her cheeks. Both Ran’jit and Aidon had returned to their seats. Everyone was watching her, waiting. Even that creepy statue of a lion that wasn’t really a statue was staring at her. Then she noticed other statues moving. At first, she thought they were just stone angels, but further investigation proved that they were breathing and very much alive. They had a haunting beauty to them, and it was hard for Rimsy to look away.

But Vauthry clearing his fat throat shifted her attention, and she stood taller, took a deep breath, and sang.

She chose an Ishgardian ballad, one that all the kids in Ishgard would mindlessly sing, not picking up on its dark themes:

“Run, run, from the cliffs that haunt

Where people live, full of want

A castle sits made of ice

Where we have all paid the price

Melted and crumbled ‘neath massive wings

Never kept with endless kings

All must go, and all must see

A price in blood from you and me

Run, run, from the cliffs that haunt

Lest you linger and get caught

By eyes that glow, and eyes that follow

That chase us forever into the hollow

Fire burns while claws tear

And under their wings, there’s none to spare

All must go, and all must see

When wings take flight, turn and flee

Run, run, from the cliffs that haunt

For the people now, are all but naught.”

Its chilling notes accompanied with Rimsy’s angelic voice enchanted and seduced everyone. She found it ironic as she continued to sing the lyrics, how similar Ishgard and Eulmore seemed to be, at least on the surface level. But Eulmore had no dragons to humble it and its people, just endless golden accents, an obnoxious ruler, and marble-like beings that looked beautiful and terrifying at the same time. 

Her voice trailed off as she sung the last note, and for a second, it was quiet. Then, thundering claps came from all around her, but Vauthry’s was the loudest. “Marvelous! Simply marvelous!” he exclaimed. “You are a little songbird! I have never heard such a bewitching voice in all my days. And what an interesting ballad… more, I must hear more and more and more!”

Vauthry looked to his advisors, wearing a twisted and ugly grin. “I will show compassion on this day, and let all know that Rimsy de Ziecier is to be my personal bonded, and shall serenade me day in and day out for the rest of her days.

“However…” His large eyes turned deadly while his nostrils flared. “I have not forgotten how you came to be here, and the mystery behind it. We will get to the bottom of why you’re here and who summoned you. And if you try anything, I will clip your wings and throw you into the sea. Does anyone object?”

“No, my lord,” his counsel echoed in unison, though Ran’jit was clearly angered by this decision. 

Rimsy’s hands started to tremble. Rimsy de Ziecier is to be my personal bonded, and shall serenade me day in and day out for the rest of her days. This couldn’t be happening. “Thancred…” Rimsy mumbled, hoping he’d jump in any moment now and take her away from this gilded prison. But when he didn’t come she clenched her fists and did her best to remain poised. 

“Allow me, Lord Vauthry, to personally escort her to the bonded lodgings,” Orion offered with a smile. 

“Thank you, Lord Orion, please rid her of that ghastly wardrobe while you’re at it.”

“Of course, my lord, I was thinking of doing just that. I know exactly what to put her in for her first performance.”

Orion stepped down from the advisor’s tribune and walked towards Rimsy. As he did he pulled out a set of keys and reached for her shackled wrists. After some finagling, her iron manacles released her, and she clutched her side. “I—I think I broke a rib,” she said softly.

“Did you? Well, your fall was impressive, and you gritted through the pain gracefully. You continue to impress me, Rimsy. You’ll do great things here, I can feel it, but…” He forwardly touched her chin, lifting it up. “Try and smile more. Eulmore is a happy place.”

She pulled away and glared at him instead, but he just let out a condescending chuckle. “This way, bonded,” he said. 

It will be all right, she tried to reassure herself. You survived. This is just the first step. They don’t know about Cerberus, they don’t know about your magicks… you can still get out of this. You can still find them.

As Rimsy went to follow Orion, she felt a flutter deep inside of her heart. She raised her gaze, locking eyes with Lord Aidon, the man who saved her from losing her head. A faint smile curled on his lips, and she wanted to know why he looked so pleased. She probably should have thanked him, but now it was too late. And she doubted she’d have a chance to speak with him after all this, since her new station was to be by Vauthry’s side. A thought that repulsed her. 

But still, he had said something interesting. 

Who was the Oracle of Light?

Chapter Text

The hallways of Eulmore’s spires were forever curving and confusing, and Rimsy wondered if that was on purpose. They don’t want people leaving and clearly don’t want them coming in either. She could only guess what the people who wanted in were like, and based on what Vauthry had called this world—broken, barren, and wretched, they were probably no different from the people of the Brume, or the people from Ul’dah’s Pearl Lane.

She was incredibly tired and hurting, but she was also curious what time it was. Everytime she was able to take a glimpse outside, it was only ever bright. The sky had appeared to be cloudy, but Light illuminated it, as if there were a thousand suns shining all at once through a thick fog. Surely as the clouds moved the Light would dull? Or brighten? Or do something. But it hadn’t. Not even a little. 

Her walk with Orion was a quiet one; he hummed to himself happily as he continued to escort her, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. 

“Is the sky always so bright?” she finally asked.

He paused his steps and turned to her, an inquisitive brow raising slightly. “Why, yes, it is. You truly aren’t from here, are you?”

“I’m not, I told you, I’m from—”

“Ayorzeeya,” he tried sounding out.

“Eorzea,” Rimsy corrected.

“Right, right. One day you’ll have to tell me all about it, I’m awfully curious. Are your skies different?”

“They are,” she said. “So even at night, the sky does not change?”

Orion let out a loud laugh that startled Rimsy. “My girl, it is night right now. Norvrandt once upon a time knew night skies, but it hasn’t been that way in a hundred years.”

Rimsy tried swallowing the lump in her throat. She thought back to the cowled man’s warnings of Light and a Calamity. She may have not landed where she was supposed to (clearly), but she did not doubt for a moment that she landed on the “First” he had spoken of. Though she was confused why no one else seemed to know it was the First, and instead just called it Norvrandt. Could this be a shard of the Source that Hydaelyn mentioned? It was a question she’d have to ask if she were to ever get out of here and find him, which right now, felt hopeless.

“Why did the sky turn to Light?” she asked.

“Mm, I could tell you, but alas we have arrived at your quarters, and duty calls. Perhaps if you perform your duty well I shall award you with more answers,” he jested heartlessly. Orion pulled a tiny bell from his coat and rang it, and a moment later a bonded hyur woman appeared. “I need you to fetch the seamstress immediately. Oh and—” He looked back at Rimsy, who was still clutching her side where her ribs were throbbing in pain. “Get a chirurgeon while you’re at it.”

The bonded nodded and bowed, and took off in the opposite direction at a speed Rimsy thought wasn’t at all necessary, but it was clear Orion didn’t demand respect from bonded; he wanted fear. 

“Seamstress?” Rimsy questioned.

His smile was menacing. “Well yes, you do need a uniform if you are to work here. And since you have the privilege of being Lord Vauthry’s personal bonded, you will be getting something one of a kind. I daresay all other bonded will be most jealous of you.”

Rimsy grimaced, she didn’t like the sound of that. It was clear what Vauthry’s tastes were, and she no doubt knew it would be degrading. 

But what wasn’t degrading, was her own personal suite. For being essentially a prison, it was rather nice. It rivaled even her own bedroom at her family’s manor in terms of luxury. (Which ironically served as its own prison once.) The red carpets here were somehow softer, thicker. There were paintings on the walls and ceilings, all depicting the beautiful marble-like angels she had seen amongst Vauthry’s court. Gold leaf had accented the backgrounds of these paintings, which reflected a warm glimmer throughout the entire suite. The bed was large, and its spiraled ivory posts even larger, with more gold entwined throughout its curves. Another example of where it made no sense for it to be; a waste; a bold, selfish statement. Across from that was a vanity larger than the one she grew up with. It screamed vainness with its over the top carvings of flowers and cherubs and even more gold. 

This place should have been enchanting, and Rimsy knew plenty of people who would have fallen easily for this rotten charm. But she wasn’t just anyone, and no amount of fool’s gold would tempt her. In truth, she would have preferred a typical dungeon. 

“Breathtaking, isn’t it? This is the best of the best. It’s every bonded’s dream to have this suite, and it has been bestowed to you.”

“So every bonded will hate me,” she observed.

“Bonded aren’t meant to be friends with each other, Rimsy. You are workers. And you look out for only yourself here, well, that and your patron, of course. Most bonded have aspirations to become free citizens, though few ever make it to that status. I can tell you right now, you will never know your life as a free woman again, but with this—” He waved around her room. “Why would you want to be free? Especially in this world. This, people would kill for. I can’t imagine you ever saw anything like this from where you came.”

You’d be surprised, she thought. But he was right, even with Ishgard’s ostentatious tastes, it couldn’t compare to this. Still, it looked like she would really be on her own here. There was an established hierarchy, one that could feasibly take years to climb. And here she was, day one, already living in the best suite a bonded could ever hope for. She had made enemies without even realizing it. 

But she quickly moved on from those thoughts, because something else started bristling in her mind. “‘Why would you want to be free?’ Did you really just ask me that? Do you really think people want to be slaves?”

Orion’s face turned cold and empty as he simply said, “I know they do.”

Before Rimsy could retort, the bonded from before appeared, with both the seamstress and chirurgeon at her heels. “Ah, good, pray take her measurements and promptly get started on her dress. Lord Vauthry will want her to perform as soon as tomorrow night, and she needs to look like a goddess.” He walked closer to the chirurgeon while placing a hand on his shoulder and muttered, “Her arrival to Eulmore was rough, and it appears she may have cracked some ribs. We’ll need her healed, as Lord Vauthry doesn’t like looking at bruised things.”

“Yes, my lord,” they both echoed.

Rimsy scowled at Orion, but his back was turned to her, and he paid her no mind. “I look forward to your first official performance,” he said over his shoulder, and then he was gone.

“Well, let’s have a look at you,” the chirurgeon said as he opened his bag of remedies. 

Rimsy at first hesitated, but the pain was still agonizing, and so she undid her corset and blouse. Violet bruising had already spread across her right side, as if someone had spilled purple ink all over her skin. It was splotchy and looked painful. 

“Yep, I’d say you cracked a few by the looks of it.” He held his hand up, offering her body aether. The pain slowly faded, and she could breathe easier, though was still sore. “I think it’s best if we wrap it, but not too tight. Would hate for it to constrict your breathing. Also, drink this, it will help with healing the bruising faster.” He handed her a potion the color of gold, which at this point didn’t surprise her. 

She brought the potion up to her lips, it smelled of honey and sugar and things that are too good to be true. And it was too good to be true, because it tasted like poison. Bitter, salty (saltier than the dark sea beneath them), and acidic. She coughed and wheezed while her fellow bonded stifled a chuckle. 

“Its taste may be awful, but it works wonders, I promise you,” the chirurgeon assured her. He quickly wrapped her chest, and she was grateful that he was true to his word and didn’t wrap it too tight. “All right, I’ll check on you again tomorrow, but for now, you’re set.”

“Thank you,” Rimsy meekly offered, but he had already turned to leave.

It was now the seamstress’s turn, and her hands were not as gentle as the chirurgeon’s. They were fast and cold, and felt like tiny icy daggers every time they gripped Rimsy’s skin. “Hold still,” she said multiple times, even when Rimsy was holding still.

It was demeaning. She’d been outfitted before. Tataru had loved making her traveling wear and gowns of all kinds of styles, but a darkness shadowed Rimsy’s heart at the realization she might never see Tataru or anyone else again. No, you mustn’t think that way. You’ll get out of this, you will… you must. And so she kept her head high and looked straight forward, waiting for the outfitting to be over.

Half a bell later the seamstress was finished with her measurements and sighed with visible irritation. “I must be off. I’ll be back in the morning for a fitting, so be prepared. We will be working together all day if we have to, for this has to be perfect for Lord Vauthry.” Another enemy, Rimsy noted, because of her this poor woman would know no sleep, and had no room for failure or mistakes. She could gather where those who do make mistakes wound up, and she shuddered at the thought of how many bodies the sea had swallowed. 

And then it was just Rimsy and her fellow bonded. “I’m Rimsy—”

“I don’t care to know your name, Canary,” the woman hissed. “I am only here because I have to be. Do not mistake it for anything else. Dinner will be delivered in a bell. Most bonded eat in the mess hall, but well, as you can see—you’re special. So you will only ever eat in your room.” She went to take her leave, satisfied with the nasty words she just delivered, and Rimsy didn’t have it in her to fight back.

Yet another person added to her list of those who hated her. She sighed, but welcomed the isolation. Now that it was quiet, she had time to think. The bonded woman said she had an hour, and so Rimsy whispered to the air, “Cerberus, to me.”

A flash of orange light sparkled, and her amber carbuncle squeaked as he eagerly brushed against her, showing his relief in his face that she was all right. “Thank you for waiting,” she said softly. “Now, we have to come up with a means to escape, but it’s hard when I can’t even see where we are.”

Cerberus scanned the room, his long ears flicking while his small wet nose twitched. He then bounced to the back of her room, scratching at large plum colored curtains that had been covering what Rimsy assumed was a window. But it wasn’t a window, it was a door. Huge and made of glass, it led out to her own personal balcony. “Good boy,” she said as she pulled the drapery back. “But stay inside, I would hate for someone to see you.”

She stepped outside and welcomed the fresh air; her room was strangled with too much potpourri. She could do without the blinding sky though. “I don’t think I’ll get used to it,” she mused back to Cerberus. “How can it be night right now?” She shook her head, wishing she could understand how and why this world was like this. But perhaps her stay here in Eulmore would eventually provide those answers. “And worse case scenario…” she murmured as she brought her gaze down to the black waters. “I could always jump.”

Cerberus squealed out to her in objections, and Rimsy could not help but chuckle at him. “Worry not, Cerberus, I would not jump without your aid.” 

She sighed once again as she leaned on the railing, staring out into the endless Light. Birds flocked in the distance, circling around the spires and whatever was below the city. It was hard to make out what they were, but a few dared to fly closer to her. Storks?… Shoebills?

A light brighter than what was around Rimsy went off in her brain. “Cerberus!” she breathed as she ran back to her room and got down on his level. She pointed to the birds in the sky. “Do you think you could take on the form of a shoebill? You could be my eyes and figure out where we are. Maybe even find our friends, or the Crystal Tower.”

Cerberus yipped in affirmation before jumping into the air. His oranger aether flickered brightly, and Rimsy pulled her curtains back to hide from any prying eyes that may have been watching—one could never be too careful. In a blink of an eye her three-tailed amber carbuncle was now an amber shoebill with one tail. That was good, because she was pretty sure a three-tailed shoebill would attract attention. So would shoebills that were gold instead of gray. “Cerberus,” she gently said, “I’m afraid your plumes are too beautiful, and if you were to fly alongside your fellow birds you’d be caught, or worse, struck down for your feathers. They do love gold here.”

A low squawk that sounded more like a moan came from her familiar, but he shifted once more, to a boring, dull gray, except for one feather that remained his golden color, on the underside of his right wing. “Fine,” Rimsy huffed. “I suppose if you keep one it’s okay. It will help me differentiate you from the rest of the flock. But don’t go flaunting it!” She stood up and pulled her curtains back again. “Let’s do a test flight, all right? Just fly around the city, and stay close to other shoebills. Come back to me in about a bell?”

Cerberus cooed under Rimsy’s touch as she petted him farewell. He hopped on to the railing of her balcony, spread his mostly gray wings, and took off effortlessly, as if he’d always been a bird. She watched him as he grew smaller, but her hope grew bigger, and now all she had to do was wait.

It was hard to wait though. Rimsy never liked being confined, and growing up she was kept inside walls very much like the ones she was surrounded by now, just with less gold. A lot less gold. She decided to fiddle with her door knob, but unsurprisingly, it was locked, and loneliness soon set in. 

She thought about sleeping, but was afraid of oversleeping once drawing her dark curtains closed, and there would be no way she could sleep without them either. So she resolved herself to just lay on her bed, her hands clamped tight together across her bound chest, as if she was about to be buried rather than try and find some repose. She stared at the top of her bed, a canopy of red and ivory silks overhung from the obnoxious posts. If she looked closely, she could see intricate patterns of worldly pleasures sewn in golden stitching. Where does it end? Everywhere she looked there was propaganda of how amazing this place was supposed to be. She didn’t think she’d ever take staring at a blank wall for granted. 

The rope holding back one of the curtains slipped and cast a shadow over Rimsy and her grand bed. She told her body to move to open it, because she could feel her eyelids getting heavy, but her limbs refused her. It seemed traveling between worlds, cracking ribs when landing, and climbing endless spirals of stairs wears one out rather quickly. Perhaps she could just shut her eyes for a minute, yes, only a minute....

A loud banging jolted Rimsy awake, and she hissed in pain when her ribs reminded her that she was still healing. She instinctively brought her gaze to her window, to look out at the sky to get an idea of how long she was asleep. But the Light that still dominated half of her room had not moved at all, and she cursed that she had no way to track time. It was one thing to be a prisoner, it was another to have no idea how long one had been trapped. That was the the true torture of it all.

As she shuffled out of her bed, the aggressive banging resumed. Rimsy hurried as fast she could to answer it, and was met with the hateful woman from before. “Your dinner, Canary.”

“That’s not my name—”

But before Rimsy could finish her sentence, the bonded pushed a serving cart with a silver lidded plate through. “Just leave the cart by your door when you’re finished. Someone will come back later to fetch it.”

Rimsy tried her best not to show her annoyance. “What is it?” She was hungry. It was hard for her to recall her last meal. It was with Tataru, before they left for the Crystal Tower… but that already felt like it was days ago. Confounding Light. 

The woman pursed her lips in a smile that was anything but warm. “A Eulmoran delicacy,” she said. “Meol.” She lifted the lid in an overdrawn way. “It’s an acquired taste, I suppose… though I hope you choke on it,” she whispered bitterly. 

She dropped the silver lid on the floor, and a loud, terrible echo rang in Rimsy’s sensitive feline ears. Now pleased, the bonded woman offered her a glare before slamming her door shut.

Rimsy really wanted to ask her for a timepiece to track time, but she had to be wary of who she spoke to. The simplest requests could rouse suspicion, and it was clear that this woman was not a friend. 

She also wanted to ask what in the seven hells was meol, because it looked like anything but food. It was an eerie shade of white. Solid. Heavy. It made her think of clay, but touching it felt more like dough… until she studied it more, seeing barely noticeable grooves and lines that seemed to breathe. It then reminded her of meat. Something inside her stomach twisted, and the feeling jumped all the way to her throat. Whatever meol tasted like, she would not be finding out today or any other day. 

There was nothing else accompanying the meol, which she frowned at when she recalled all the prepared food that lined Vauthry’s tables. Cooked birds and roasted pigs, soups and dumplings, trays stacked of endless fruits and vegetables, baked breads and cakes, and enough wine that could fill the sea below her. Perhaps that’s why it’s stained so dark. Her thoughts of his royal feast made her stomach growl, but she picked up the plate of meol, walked over to her balcony, and fed the ever hungry ocean. 

She placed the plate back on the tray and eyed the pitcher next to it. Not wine, but water. And it was at least clean and fresh. She filled her cup and guzzled it down, and then another, before setting it back on the cart and pushing it to her doors. 

Then she went out to her balcony, leaning on the railing and searching for the shoebill with the one golden feather. She hoped Cerberus blended in enough, because come tomorrow, she’d ask him to fly a little further.

Chapter Text

Rimsy assumed it was early morning when the seamstress came to her room the following day. The woman, who was an older elezen, had dark circles under her eyes, and seemed to have more dreary lines weighing down her face. She definitely did not get a wink of sleep, and guilt pricked at Rimsy as she slept rather well, all things considered.

Cerberus had returned to her safely, and from what she gathered, they were on an isle, and Eulmore was a coastal city very much like Limsa Lominsa. Though Cerberus couldn’t speak as people did, he did have a way of communicating with Rimsy, and he delivered the disappointing news of not finding her friends or the Crystal Tower. “But if we are on an island, then there’s got to be more land elsewhere. Perhaps the Crystal Tower lies somewhere to the east as there is nothing but a black sea to the west,” she murmured to him. “Rest, and tomorrow after I… do what I must, you can fly once more and see what is on the east’s horizon.”

He didn’t want to leave her side, but they both understood that his existence must be kept secret, and so he disappeared, leaving her to sleep alone in a cold and stifling room. But sleep she did, and she was grateful that it was dreamless.

“I need you to quickly bathe yourself,” the seamstress said as she pointed to Rimsy’s washroom. “And don’t miss a single spot. Oh, and use the soaps they have left you. They’re Lord Vauthry’s favorite scents.”

Rimsy glowered. She wished she could jump into a puddle of mud instead. Just do as they say for now, you’ll find out more tonight when Cerberus flies. She went to her private washroom, garish like her bedroom (actually, probably more so) and turned the knobs to her grandiose porcelain tub. The bottles of soap smelled of fresh pears and irises, scents that usually smelled really nice, but now they burned her nose at the thought that Vauthry wanted this. 

She heeded the seamstress’s orders with a fast bath, but made sure to take her time with removing her bandages around her chest. She felt mostly healed, and while the gold potion tasted awful, it did work. All of her bruising was gone, and her skin looked pristine. She modestly used the soaps given to her, hoping it would be enough to satisfy her disgusting patron.

When Rimsy exited her washroom, the seamstress had brought in a long bag, no doubt carrying her “uniform.” 

Rimsy awkwardly cleared her throat and tried making smalltalk. “I didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Penella. Though names don’t really matter for bonded, you’ll learn that soon enough.”

Penella then turned, revealing the garment Rimsy was to wear, and it took everything inside of her to not gape rudely at it. One could hardly call it a dress, much less a uniform. “All right, come here and try this on,” Penella said.

“Where’s the rest of it?” Rimsy asked.

For the first time since she had met this tired woman, she saw her smile and then laugh a mirthless laugh. “I didn’t realize you had a sense of humor, thanks, I needed that.”

The dress was all loose ivory silks—too loose—that draped over Rimsy in such a way that one wrong movement or blowing of the wind would expose her body. Rimsy’s whole body flushed. She had never in her life worn such a thing with a nonexistent neckline, and never would, if given the choice. While the skirt of the dress did flow all the way down to the floor, its two slits sat high upon her hips, letting both of her legs peek out way too easily. It was cinched off at the waist by a golden rope belt, but the belt was for more show than utility, and hardly helped hold things together. Her back was completely exposed, and she could feel the draft of the room dance down her spine. 

“Perfect,” Penella said. “I won’t need to make alterations. Let’s move on to the next pieces.”

“There’s more?”

“We are just getting started, dear.”

Penella also had a large leather bag with her, and she pulled a pair of golden sandals with laces that would coil around Rimsy’s legs just like the gold that curled on her curved bedposts. Slowly but surely, she was becoming a gaudy bauble for all to gawk at and exploit. It can’t get any worse.

Oh but it could.

And it did.

The next thing Penella pulled out was a gold plated choker. It was thick and tall, and Rimsy wanted to know how she’d be able to move her neck while wearing it. Dangling from it, were long, thin golden chains, attached separately to two gold wrist cuffs. Stamped in the metal of both the choker and the cuffs were two angel wings tied tightly together.

The older woman caught Rimsy staring. “‘Tis the sign of the bonded, though most just wear stamped leather.” Penella pulled down her own collar, revealing her leathered choker, though it looked less obnoxious than what Rimsy’s appeared to be. “You’re quite lucky to wear such beautiful jewelry. There are even free citizens who don’t have half of what you have.”

“Bound wings, fitting,” Rimsy mumbled.

“Careful, mystel,” she warned her. “Eulmore is a happy place, and you must always speak of it so.”

There was that word again. Mystel. And that insufferable phrase that Orion had also said. Though this elezen at least tolerated Rimsy, so she chanced a question. “What’s a mystel?”

The seamstress looked at her funny. “Whatever do you mean, dear? You’re a mystel. Did they give you too much wine with your dinner last night?”

Is that what they call miqo’te here? Rimsy wondered, though it was only half true, as Rimsy was only half Keeper. Elezen blood ran through her veins, thanks to her father, but she looked almost identical to her mother. Minus the pink hair and one pink eye, and she was also missing her mother’s clan’s markings. But most just assumed she was full miqo’te—or mystel in this case.

Though, suffocating was not a strong enough word to describe how it felt to wear these “bonded marks.” It was constricting, uncomfortable, and demoralizing. Rimsy tried adjusting them the best as she could, but they clung to her like the foam clings to the sea. She was already starting to sweat.

“Do I have to wear these all the time?”

“Usually, yes. But I imagine when you have leisure time here in your room they will be removed. Skin needs to occasionally breathe, after all,” Penella replied.

She quietly sighed. Hopefully this is it.

Penella then stood abruptly and walked to the doors of Rimsy’s suite. “Stay right there,” she ordered. “I have one last thing to check.” 

She stepped outside and pushed a large metal rack into her room. Hanging from it were two massive angelic wings. No. No, absolutely not.

“T–that can’t be for me,” Rimsy said.

“My dear, this is the masterpiece to your entire ensemble. This is the reason why I didn’t sleep last night. I had to sew each and every feather, individually!”

The wings were huge, bigger than Rimsy. White, silver, and gold feathers shimmered under the soft light of her room. They were beautiful, but only in a sad piteous way when she thought of the reason why she was to wear them. At their base, where they would seemingly attach just above Rimsy’s backside, were straps and hooks that could easily be hidden within her flowing gown. It took almost half a bell for Penella to attach them properly, but they secured correctly and held. But to Rimsy’s dismay they were also heavy, despite being made of mostly feathers. 

“Oh my,” Penella said. “Once your hair and makeup are done, you will truly look as divine as one of Lord Vauthry’s sin eaters.”

Sin eaters. Those were new words. She surmised it must be the stone beings that were hauntingly beautiful and sat very still next to Vauthry. She decided to be bold once again. “What are sin eaters?”

“Did you hit your head or something?” Penella asked, concerned. “Maybe you were speaking the truth when you said you were not from here because everyone knows what sin eaters are.”

“They look like statues.”

“They might look like statues, but they are far from it, dear. They’re a product of the Flood. Terrible things, or they were. Lord Vauthry has found a way to control them, and so Eulmore—and only Eulmore—is the safest place in all of Norvrandt. Even safer than that Crystarium!”

A spark lit in Rimsy’s heart when she heard that word. Vauthry mentioned the Crystarium when she had asked about the Crystal Tower. Could they be one in the same? “Flood? Crystarium?” Rimsy asked.

The seamstress shook her head. “We don’t have time for history lessons, dear. Everything fits, but I must make some adjustments to these wings, as well as add some last minute detailing. I’ll be working up until your performance at this rate.” She unfastened the straps to Rimsy’s wings and hung them back on the metal rack. “Go ahead and change out of your uniform and leave it hanging on your vanity, breakfast should be brought soon, and then I believe the chirurgeon will wish to see you.”

Rimsy gladly undressed, taking off the choker and cuffs first, and then changed back into less revealing garments provided for her—a petal-pink dress with a high collar. The skirt of the dress was too short for Rimsy’s comfort, but it was flowy, and gold and black lace dripped from its hem. Around her collar was a thick black ribbon, reminding her of the choker she had just removed. At least she could loosen this one. She placed her bonded marks on her vanity, and draped the delicate gown over her mirror. When she looked up to say goodbye to Penella she noticed she was already gone.

But Penella was right about breakfast, and not even a quarter bell later a knock came to her door. Rimsy expected the hateful hyur, but today it was a different bonded. He was an older hyur man, whose face was warm despite being weathered with age and servitude. “Your breakfast, my lady,” he said softly.

“Thank you,” Rimsy said, slightly taken aback with his gracious manners.

He bowed and took his leave, and Rimsy held her breath as she lifted the silver lid atop her plate. Maybe meol wasn’t served every day.

Or maybe it was.

Because that’s exactly what sat centered on her plate. 

She let her breath go. “Well, time to feed the ocean again.”

As Rimsy tossed the white mass into the sea, she swore she could hear it gurgle and hiss as the meol sank. Even the sea doesn’t want it.

Her stomach wasn’t growling anymore—it was starting to roar, but she’d rather starve than eat whatever meol was. So she drank her water and told herself that would have to be good enough for now. She was to sing in Vauthry’s throne room, and perhaps when no one was looking she could snatch something off one of his never ending buffets.

After placing everything back on her food tray, she sat on her bed and whispered, “Cerberus.”

Her familiar’s orange light filled the room as he appeared, and he rubbed against her legs affectionately. 

 “Listen,” she said, “they could knock upon my door at any moment, but I think we should go ahead and plan now, so that when night falls you can fly at once.”

Cerberus squeaked, which meant he agreed.

“If they do knock, then you must disappear quickly, all right?”

Another squeak of agreement.

Cerberus then eyed her revealing gown that hung over her mirror and whined. 

“I know,” Rimsy said. “I hate it too. If only I had my own needle and thread. Then I could make adjustments.” She shook her head. “But let’s focus on what you can do, Cerberus. The seamstress said something about a ‘Crystarium’ which I think will lead us to the Crystal Tower....”

Relief swept over Rimsy, because she and Cerberus were graced with enough time to go over his flight path. The chirurgeon did finally knock after some time and she was grateful that his assessment was quick. And he confirmed what she already knew: that she was healed from her injury. She thanked him once again, and he left her, wishing her good luck on her first night of singing. He was sincere with his encouraging words, but Rimsy couldn’t help but wince at them. Her lunch was also delivered, and she threw the meol over once more.

Though it was impossible to tell, the evening did approach, and Cerberus reluctantly disappeared. She assumed Penella arriving was like clockwork, and she brought with her a woman whose hair was done in large red curls that wound tight around her head and didn’t move. Her face was painted like a creepy marionette doll, and she wore an odd black and white jester costume. “Rimsy, this is Jezebel, and she will be doing your hair and makeup.”

“Am—am I to look like her?” Rimsy blurted.

They both laughed. “No. Lord Orion said you are to look like a goddess. And so a goddess you shall be. None shall be as beautiful as you.”

Jezebel painted Rimsy’s face with a faint shimmer, across her eyes, her cheeks, and her lips. Her cheeks and lips remained rosy, but her eyes sparkled like a sky full of flickering stars. Even Rimsy had to admit it was beautiful and tame compared to the paint on Jezebel’s face.

Her hair was curled with a hot rod, and Jezebel took sections of locks to weave a braid atop of Rimsy’s head. From there, she secured a flower crown of ivory petals and golden stems and leaves to the braid. 

With the help of both women, Rimsy was transformed in a matter of minutes. She hardly recognized herself in the mirror. They both had echoed the word goddess, but all Rimsy saw when she looked at her reflection was a sin eater. That made her shiver, and she pushed the thought from her mind.

“It’s time. We’ll escort you. Can’t have anything smearing or tearing before you even get to Lord Vauthry’s throne!”

Rimsy felt like a child with the women on either side of her, but with the span of her giant wings, she actually needed to hold on to something—or someones—so she wouldn’t topple over while walking. Ironic that something that was supposed to allow flight weighed her down. A cruel, sickening joke.

The walk to Vauthry’s chambers was agonizingly slow, and she found trepidation had begun spinning within her chest. It, like her movements, was tight, and she felt like the cords could snap at any second. When they came upon his doors she made herself take in a deep breath. You can do this. It’s just singing. Once it’s over, Cerberus can fly, and you’ll be one step closer to escaping.

As they entered, Rimsy felt the first cord inside her heart pop. All the curtains had been pulled, and it was dark, except for a spotlight lighting the center of the chamber. Directly in front of Vauthry, was a large, metal birdcage sitting on a makeshift stage. Rimsy was speechless. Dangling from its center was a swing wrapped with silver and gold branches. She didn’t think it could get any more degrading, but this place, and Vauthry, kept outdoing themselves.

Rimsy sucked in a sharp breath as she walked past Vauthry’s court. There weren’t that many people from what she could see, and she assumed they were probably the richest of the rich. She wondered what they had to pay to see her like this. Bitterness attempted to twist her face, and another pop went off in her chest. 

When she got to the stage, she eyed the advisor tribune, her heart thumping loudly now. Ran’jit was thankfully missing, and the miqo’te (or mystel) man she still didn’t know the name of was sitting with a larger woman she assumed was his wife. Orion was next to the couple, his golden hair standing out like a candle in a dark room. His blue eyes were frigid as they pierced Rimsy, and she pointedly ignored him when he smiled and waved at her. Her eyes then caught a brighter light than Orion’s hair. Two topaz stars behind a black and red mask. Lord Aidon sat on the end, focusing on her so intently nearly all the anxious strings twisting inside her heart had threatened to snap. 

Rimsy was never shy about her singing. It was something she liked to do, and others enjoyed listening to her. Times were more hard than not for the Scions, and her lullabies often eased the pain and sorrow and worry they constantly felt. But now suddenly her throat felt dry, and she forgot what words were. Something that is detrimental to singing. 

There were two bonded women also in angelic attire (though not near as elegant or revealing as what Rimsy was wearing), who received her and helped her into her cage. Once she was inside, they closed the door. It wasn’t locked, but it might as well have been. The two bonded then took their places on the side of the cage, freezing in place like one of Vauthry’s sin eaters.

Rimsy closed her eyes and carefully took her seat. Her wings were so large that they touched the bars to her cage. She already felt cramped, but she could not allow her breath to become shallow. When she finally opened her eyes, a second spotlight lit in front of her, and Vauthry’s ugly countenance came into view, and then his voice filled the chamber.

“Beautiful! Exquisite! Divine! Now your appearance matches your voice, and you shall sing and sing and sing. Go on, my canary! Sing!”

She didn’t want to look at him, and she didn’t want to look at Orion’s condescending face either. She tried looking at nothing, but a magnetic force brought her angelic gaze to Aidon, and despite her feeling her face flush, there was now a calm about him. The strings inside her chest loosened, and Rimsy opened her mouth and sang.

She chose a lullaby that sang of the Twelve. She assumed that the people of Eulmore probably hadn’t heard of the Twelve, if they didn’t know Eorzea. The song was one of the twins’ favorites. Gods, she missed them, and prayed to the Twelve as she sang that they were safe and not in a cage like she currently was.

But her efforts paid off, because the crowd and Vauthry did love it, and of course, wanted more.

So Rimsy sang and sang, and after a full bell they had an intermission to let her voice rest. She asked to be let out of the cage, not wanting to be ogled at while she took her break, and to her surprise, they let her out and walked her to one of Vauthry’s private balconies. 

She forgot how bright it was outside, and the sudden shift from dark to light blinded her, but still, she tried to take comfort in getting this quiet moment to herself. Though she regretted not being able to swipe a morsel to eat from one of Vauthry’s tables. Perhaps she could when on her way out… Yes, she could say singing worked up an appetite and—

“Well that was an awe-inspiring performance. I could almost believe you were a real goddess.”

Rimsy nearly fell over with how fast she turned around at the sound of the voice. In fact, with her pivot her large wings attempted to pull her down, but the owner of the voice reached out, steadying her. “Careful now,” he said. “I don’t think those could save you, if you were to fall off the balcony.”

Rimsy blushed. Aidon stood tall over her, and with him being this close (and her not being threatened by an old general with a dagger), she studied his appearance. His face was still covered by a masquerade mask. It was sleek and mostly black, but had red stitching that followed the contours of its surface. His golden eyes sparkled through, and they felt hot as she noticed him staring. He was pale, and she could tell his face was sharp with striking features; his handsomeness was undeniable, despite the fact he tried hiding it under the mask. His hair was a rich chestnut brown, except for a streak of solid white that fell over the right side of his mask. She’d never seen anything like it.

“Enjoying the view?” he asked with a sly smile.

She felt her face become even more red. “I—I was just studying your mask. I noticed no one else wears one here.”

“I’m shy,” he said.

Or you’re hiding something. This man seemed to be a lot of things. But shy wasn’t one of them. 

“I didn’t get a chance to thank you for what you did for me. I’d be dead if it weren’t for you, so… thank you.”

He hummed thoughtfully. “You’re right, you would be dead if it were not for me. But know, little bird, that nothing is given freely here.”

“D–don’t call me that,” Rimsy said. “What… what would you ask of me?”

Aidon shrugged. “Nothing for now, but I will collect in due time.” 

Something inside of Rimsy throbbed with anger. She wasn’t sure if it was her heart or her soul or both. She felt ashamed for thinking that one person in power here could be benevolent. How foolish of you.

“Noted,” she said, attempting to turn to give him a cold shoulder. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, I don’t have much time before I have to go back, and I’d rather have these moments alone.”

“Is that so?” he asked. “That’s hard to believe, considering you look like a sad, lost little kitten.”

She glared at him, and he responded with a taunting smile. Then, her stomach betrayed her and roared so loud she was lucky it was just her and Aidon on the balcony. She was worried her face would be stained pink at this point, with all the blushing she was doing. Maybe he didn’t notice?

“My, you are so very hungry, hm? Have you not been enjoying Eulmore’s special dish of meol?”

“I—” She wanted to lie, but looking into Aidon’s eyes, it was hard to. Despite him obviously toying with her, there was something about him that made her feel safe. Which was a ridiculous feeling, but he did save her throat from meeting a silver blade. While she didn’t know why, he wanted her alive… Perhaps she could use that to her advantage. “I don’t trust it,” she whispered.

Aidon slightly tilted his head. “I see. Well, are you content with taking on more debt?”

“What do you mean?”

It was like magick, the fruit appearing in Aidon’s hands, unless he was hiding it in his pockets, which Rimsy didn’t find that likely.  “Are those—”

“Grapes, yes,” he confirmed. “Simple, I suppose, but these are no ordinary grapes. They’re infused with a great deal of aether. Eating just a couple is like eating an entire meal.”

“But why are they so… square?” Rimsy asked.

“A flaw in their design, I agree,” Aidon said. “But their hard edge does not take away from their flavor or purpose, I assure you. So…” He dangled them in front of her. “Would you like one, little bird?”

Rimsy’s brows furrowed with frustration, and she bit down on her lip. Despite the odd shape, he was offering real food, and she was so hungry. “What do you want in exchange for it?”

“That will come later, my dear. Your answer?” He bobbled the grapes once more. 

It was her stomach that moved her hand, not her rational brain. Because if she had listened to her brain, she would have waited until after her performance was over and tried her best to work magicks of her own in getting food. But before she knew it, she had plucked one square-grape and ate it. And Aidon was telling the truth. She instantly felt satiated and revitalized. She hesitantly reached out for another, and he allowed it. 

“When will I know what you want in exchange for this?” she timidly said.

“You’re incessant with your curiosity, aren’t you? Patience is all you need right now.”

“…Fine.” She hoped that she and Cerberus could leave before this man collected on anything, so perhaps it didn’t matter what he ultimately wanted. 

Rimsy’s ears twitched to the sound of Orion’s bell ringing, and she knew that meant her break was over. Her shoulders slumped at the idea of having to walk back with her giant wings. But the lord extended his arm, offering his aid. “‘Twould be bad if you were to fall, allow me.”

She nodded, and slipped her golden cuffed hand around his arm. The same arm that stopped Ran’jit’s blade. “Is—is your arm all right?”

Golden eyes flicked downwards at her. “Hm? Oh, that. Hardly a scratch, my dear.”

“But you were bleeding.”

“And now I’m not.”

As he guided her back to her cage, he bent down and whispered in her ear, “I look forward to the encore, little bird. Good luck.”

His words were like the lightest of lace, and they wrapped around her ears and then her neck and traveled even further south, constricting her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as she stole a glimpse of his beautiful eyes once more. Whatever charm or allure he had, she needed to be careful. He’s dangerous. And now you owe him.

Rimsy’s encore ended with applause and a delighted Vauthry. She ended up being lucky she accepted Aidon’s offer, because she did not get a chance to snatch or even ask for something to eat. It was late, and she was to be ushered back to her room. She’d have to perform again tomorrow, and they insisted on her rest. Orion had tried speaking with her, but she pushed Jezebel to take her back to her quarters, as Penella had already retired for the evening. 

“You were amazing!” Jezebel squealed. “I think Lord Vauthry is going to want more costumes, which means more hair and makeup! I can’t wait! You are my muse and my masterpiece all at once!”

Rimsy didn’t say anything, but tried smiling back at Jezebel. She at least was friendly. Maybe as she got to know her, she could ask her questions she was dying to know the answers for. She still didn’t know who or what the Oracle of Light was, or what the Flood was. And maybe these answers could come without any debt attached. 

Jezebel helped Rimsy out of her gown and said her goodbyes, but not before letting the older bonded man deliver Rimsy’s dinner. It seemed they hadn’t forgotten she needed to eat after all. Though this was becoming an old dance with the ocean.

It stunned her when she opened her lid to not see meol, but a single cluster of square-grapes in the center of her plate. She chewed on her thumbnail as she studied them. A gift from Aidon? Or a reminder of her deal? She sighed, but decided to keep them. That was something she’d have to worry about later.

Now, it was Cerberus’s turn to shine. “Cerberus,” she called out. 

In seconds he was beside her, squeaking in anticipation. 

“It’s time. I want you to go find this ‘Crystarium.’”

Chapter Text

It had been six days since Rimsy landed in Eulmore, and her days were becoming routine. Wake up, eat and pocket a couple of square-grapes, change into her bonded attire, and sing all day and into the evening for Vauthry. 

And it was exhausting. She used to sing casually, here and there, but now it was her job. No, not a job. A job assumes getting payment. She was merely chattel here. Her voice had become almost hoarse from the constant singing, and while most bonded worked with few days ever off, Vauthry decided that she would have every fourth day of the week to herself in her suite to let her voice recover. He had become addicted to her singing, requesting more and more time with each growing day, but didn’t want to risk her wearing out her voice permanently.

She sighed, worried what he might do if her voice became damaged. In just her short time here, she’d seen him pass his judgment on several bonded and free citizens alike. Some were lucky, some were given second chances, while others met their fate with the dark sea, and then there were those who had the option to “ascend,” but she hadn’t seen what that entailed. She couldn’t imagine it was anything good, despite how much people praised it and wished for the chance to ascend themselves.

Cerberus’s flights were successful, in such that he and she had not been caught. But she still hadn’t found anything useful. He was gone for more than a day, and still had not seen the Crystal Tower or the Crystarium, which she believed must be the same thing. “Maybe it’s further out than we initially thought,” Rimsy had told him. “But it must exist, or Vauthry wouldn’t have had the reaction he had. You’ll just have to extend your flights, Cerberus.”

He whined at that. The more he flew, the less he was at Rimsy’s side, making her vulnerable. They both knew this, but she had no other solutions, and this was her best chance to make it out alive. “I know, Cerberus, I know. Just fly a little further today, all right? I think you should cross the waters, to the other land. It might mean a few days trip, but I’ll be okay. I promise.”

Her carbuncle, now shoebill, trilled sadly and nuzzled her chin. Rimsy then parted her curtains and began opening the door to her balcony. “If you want, you can check that village you mentioned to the northeast one final time. Perhaps there is something there you overlooked?”

Cerberus seemed satisfied with that compromise, and hopped onto her railing. He quickly took flight, and how Rimsy wished she could vanish with him. But with constant eyes and surveillance everywhere, she knew she wouldn’t get far. This was the best move, no matter how hard it was to make.

She only wished she could do something productive here. Having a day off seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn anything about where she was; she still didn’t have any new answers. She’d try talking to Penella and Jezebel, but they were always so focused on making her perfect, they didn’t have time for her constant inquiries.

Then there was Orion and Aidon. Perhaps if you perform your duty well I shall award you with more answers. Orion did say that, and she had performed impeccably over the past few days. But that would involve her actively engaging with him. Something she did not want to do. Something she diligently avoided. With Aidon, it would come at a cost, and it was a price she wasn’t sure she could afford to pay. He still hadn’t collected on what he said he would. The last thing she’d want is to owe him further. “I guess I might have to pick my poison.” She sighed once more.

But how could she seek out answers from either of them when she was locked in her room all day? It would take a miracle to get her outside of her doors unnoticed, let alone pick the lock. She wished she paid more attention when Thancred had attempted to teach her in the ways of subterfuge. She had plenty of hairpins to choose from and try, but the lock to her door had remained steadfast.

Thancred…

She didn’t know why, but it felt like it had been years since she’d seen him, even though it really had only been just over two moons now. Thinking of him, of being held by him, brought her comfort in her moments of weakness and loneliness. They hadn’t quite established what they were. But they were something. And she had no doubt in her heart once he found out where she was he’d come running. Cerberus will find you. He’ll find you, and then you’ll find me.

She hugged her pillow tightly as she lay on her bed, trying to fight the tears that threatened to spill over. “Don’t cry, you have to be strong. You will get through this. You will, you must…”

A sudden knock made her jump, and she swiped at her wet eyes and stood from her bed. The door slowly opened, and Rimsy squinted as Orion stepped through. “Rimsy, may I come in?”

“Do I have a choice?” she asked.

“Not at all.” He winked at her. 

“What do you want?”

“No need to be so venomous with your tone. I come bearing you a gift.”

“And what is that?” Rimsy said skeptically.

“A breath of fresh air. A change of scenery. A tour of Eulmore.”  In his hand he carried a cane that looked out of place. It was more of a branch than a cane, and at the end where the grip formed were blue butterfly wings. It was such an odd thing to see in a place that was covered in only precious metals and jewels. 

“Truly?” Rimsy said, wringing her hands. “This isn’t some kind of trick?”

“Rimsy, I’m positively hurt. This is a friendly offer, no strings attached. But if you’d rather stay here…”

“No!” she shouted, stepping forward. “I—I do wish to get out of my room, if for a little while.”

As she stepped forward, he lifted his cane, stopping her. “Ah, ah,” he began, and then used his cane to point to her gold choker and cuffs sitting on her vanity. “Bonded must always wear their marks while out and about, even if they are off duty.”

Rimsy felt her face heat with anger. To continue to be degraded in such a way was grueling. “Must I wear my goddess attire then as well?”

Orion laughed. “Only if you want the attention and possible touch of others. You won’t be in your cage, Rimsy. I can’t guarantee people passing by wouldn’t be pushed to touch what they see, what they want.” The end of his cane ghosted her jaw. “People love to feel the softness of perfect skin, and you have been showing a lot of it.” 

Rimsy shoved his cane out of her face. She snarled at him, but said nothing as she retrieved her bonds. She attached her cuffs first, but the choker was giving her trouble; usually Penella helped with putting it on. “I can help,” Orion said. “Turn around.”

“I can manage,” she said.

“I wasn’t asking.”

If Rimsy were to clench her jaw any tighter surely her teeth would crack. Slowly, she turned, holding the choker in place and waiting for Orion’s haughty hands to grab and secure the fasteners. 

He took his time with it. Deliberately he’d drop the hook and have to start again, and as he’d pick up the tiny hook his fingers would brush against the nape of Rimsy’s neck. It sent all the wrong kinds of shivers down her spine, and she so desperately wanted to blast him away with her magicks. She knew it was an obvious act of domination, but she couldn’t afford to reveal her hand. Not now. Not yet. 

Orion leaned in closer to her. So close that she could feel his breath on her neck. “You have spirit, Rimsy. I like spirit. It separates the promising from the weak.” He then pulled tightly on the fasteners, making the choker compress on Rimsy’s throat. She gasped for air. “But too much spirit can be a problem. You’d be wise to remember that.” He breathed her in before releasing her. “Mmm, fresh pears and… irises? My favorites.”

Rimsy stumbled forward, holding her throat and coughing. “ Y–your favorites? I was told that those scents were Lord Vauthry’s—”

“Ha! Girl, Lord Vauthry’s favorite scent is only that of his own swollen, fat upper lip. Everything you wear is because of me. Because I willed it so.”

 She thought Aidon was dangerous, but this man before her was something more. He was evil. She needed to plan her next steps very carefully.

“I will remember your words… my lord.”

“Good! Shall we then?” 

He extended his arm, and it was the last thing she wanted to touch, but she knew right now in this moment she didn’t have a choice, and so she loathly hooked hers with his and followed his lead out of her room. 

Their walk reminded her of the first time he had escorted her. Uncomfortably quiet while he hummed cheerfully to himself. The only other thing making noise were her delicate golden chains that hung from her neck to her wrists. A sound that would haunt her forever.

“Where are we going?” she finally asked, not being able to bear the music of her chains any longer.

“It will be impossible to show you everything today, but I figured we’d start somewhere impressive.”

Today? So does that mean he’ll take me out again? The idea that she’d have to spend more time with him caused a pit to form in her stomach, but if it meant she’d get to see the entire city, then it was something she could not turn down (not that she would have a say in the matter).

“It’s quite a walk though, but even a caged bird should stretch its wings, no?” He looked down at her, his cold blue eyes demanding her attention in a vicious way. “This is where you say, ‘yes, thank you, my lord.’”

“Yes, thank you, my lord,” Rimsy ground out.

“You learn quickly.” He smiled, but it wasn’t friendly. “I think my initial thoughts about you were right, by the way.”

“Whatever do you mean, my lord?”

“You are more than just some girl who fell out of the sky. That doesn’t happen. Maybe in faerie tales. And while many believe those who live in Eulmore are living in a faerie tale, it’s the furthest thing from it.”

“Didn’t you say Eulmore was a happy place?” she questioned. 

“I did, and it is. But being a happy place does not mean it’s a faerie tale. Would you not agree?”

“I suppose… but I don’t know what you’re trying to insinuate either.”

He stopped and so did her heart. “I’m insinuating that you’re hiding something. Even Lord Aidon said you were more special than the Oracle of Light. And nothing and no one ever catches his attention.”

Rimsy quickly averted her gaze at the mention of Aidon’s name; it should not have awakened butterflies within her chest, and she breathed deeply, hoping the air in her lungs would blow them away. “I’m—I’m not hiding anything, my lord,” she muttered.

“You’re a very bad liar, Rimsy. Your voice has charmed everyone and Lord Vauthry, and in time, I’m sure they’ll forget how you came here. Especially if you keep your head low and be the good little songbird that you are. But I’m not everyone, and I won’t forget.”

Orion began walking again, this time, at a faster pace. Rimsy did her best to avoid tripping over her feet.

“You will find that I am a patient man. I can even be agreeable. Perhaps if you tell me of your Eorzea I may lessen my suspicions about you.”

Worry began to weigh Rimsy’s brow. It was such a heavy thing for being invisible, and she was so incredibly frustrated that she couldn’t see his cards. She couldn’t even see the game he was playing. Maybe he wasn’t even using cards. “Well, our skies are colorful, and range from blues, oranges, reds, purples, and at night, the pitch blackness is torn apart by millions of glittering stars.”

“That sounds… remarkable.” 

It was the first sentence he spoke that felt sincere. This was her chance to play one of her cards, she just hoped it would be the right play. “You mentioned before that the Flood did this to the sky?”

“You’re still curious, are you? Like I said, it was a hundred years ago. I wasn’t there, clearly, but it was called the Flood of Light, brought forth by the Warriors of Light.”

Rimsy’s hand betrayed her as her fist clenched down on his arm. She noted his glance, and hoped he wouldn’t notice her stiffened posture. If he did, he ignored it, and continued. “So much Light… it couldn’t be contained. The world cracking and breaking wasn’t enough. It had to fill it, and so it swept over everything, swallowing the entire star, all except Norvrandt.”

“Why was Norvrandt the exception? And who is the Oracle of Light?”

“That I may answer on a different day. As for the Oracle of Light, you should ask Lord Ran’jit. But for now, you shall continue to tell me of your homeland.”

Ask Ran’jit? I’d be better off jumping into the sea.

The rest of their walk consisted of Rimsy talking more in depth about Ishgard and what snow was. A concept that Orion could not wrap his mind around at all. He was absolutely enchanted with her stories of the Source.

“Now where you come from sounds like a faerie tale. I mean, living, breathing dragons?”

“It’s anything but, but it is home,” Rimsy lamented, remembering that she had a life sentence here, and even if—no, not if, when—she did escape, she still had no idea how she’d ever be able to find home again. 

Orion’s words faded away as she thought about her home, as she really thought about it. Specifically the reason why she had made every single move up until now: her tempered mother. Kept secret and hidden away from the world inside her family’s grand home, her mother had been living as a husk for almost two decades. Rimsy swore she would never stop looking for a cure, and hadn’t, even all these years later. I can’t falter, not even for a second. You will get out of this. You will.

“Well?” 

Rimsy’s ears flicked to Orion’s voice. He was staring at her, waiting. “I–I’m sorry, my lord, it appears I was lost in thought…”

“I noticed. Bonded don’t have time to daydream, Rimsy.”

“Yes, my lord. What did you ask?”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re here.” He gestured with his butterfly wing cane. 

They had descended a long staircase into a large circular room dominated by the color red, or blood, Rimsy thought, as it was so dark down here and smelled of sweat and steel and soldiers. There were countless soldiers and guards standing about. Some doing drills, others polishing their blades and armor, others on break. But something odd about this place stood out to Rimsy. She noticed there was a jumble of things here. It was like the soldiers were living out of a storage unit, with swords and shields mixed in with things like bottles and barrels of wine and crates marked with either produce or medicines. 

Towards the back wall, was a large iron door, and Orion tapped his cane in a playful manner three times. It shifted, slowly, creaking as if it didn’t want to be opened, and Rimsy held her breath as she now saw the cells that lined the outer edges of the room she was standing in.

Orion let out a small chuckle. “They’re just for storage, Rimsy. Our gaol is actually beneath the city.”

He ushered her through. The room she entered was bright, as the back wall was nothing but gridded window panes. Mounted along the walls were all kinds of weapons, from spears, to axes, to swords, and bows with quivers full of arrows. There was an arsenal in here. In front of the window was a large dark oak desk, displaying a map of what she assumed had to be Norvrandt. And behind it, stood Ran’jit, with his back towards them. 

Rimsy froze. Why would Orion bring her to the one man who wanted her dead? But while her body stilled, her eyes moved, quickly they darted down to the upside down map. It didn’t take long for her to spot Eulmore. Her eyes then traveled west (in reality, east) and her breathing hitched. Painted clear as day, bright and blue and radiant, was the Crystal Tower dead center in the map. It was impossible to read the names of the areas, but still, this was a huge win. Cerberus will have to fly far, but this is crucial information. Yes, this is good, this is hope…

“Rimsy, welcome to the Eulmoran Army Headquarters! This wasn’t always where our noble and important troops were stationed, but when Lord Vauthry became mayor he decided to find a better location for them. Isn’t that so, Lord Ran’jit?”

The general just grunted at Orion’s obvious jape. When he turned, his gaze was like a flying knife, and it flew at Rimsy, aiming at the center of her throat. For once, she was grateful she was wearing her gold choker.

“Why is she here?” Ran’jit demanded.

“I was just giving her a tour and thought showing her the barracks would help comfort her in how well guarded this place is. She is Lord Vauthry’s sacred bonded now. She should feel safe, no?”

There it was. The answer to why he brought her here. He was doing this to tell her, If you try to run, you will have to deal with Eulmore’s forces and Ran’jit, the general that suspects you and wants you dead. Did he know she was planning to do that very thing—to run? Did he know about Cerberus? Paranoia is a deadly thing. It’s like a weed. It can spread effortlessly and grow at alarming rates. By the time one goes to cut their way through, they’re caught within its tendrils, and at its mercy.

But Rimsy wouldn’t get caught. Not by them or her paranoia. “Eulmore is impressively equipped. What calls for such a grand army?” she asked.

“To keep people like you and would-be invaders out, girl. Orion, get her out of my sight.”

“Oh.” Orion feigned a shiver. “So callous, my lord. Did you forget what Lord Aidon said about her? She’s more precious than your Oracle of—”

A loud hissing broke through the air, and right before Orion’s eyes was a flying red serpent, baring its fangs and ready to bite. Despite it being mere ilms from his face, Orion didn’t flinch. A familiar?  

Orion rolled his eyes when the serpent remained unmoving. “Oh please, put Gukumatz away, there is no need to be so hostile, Lord Ran’jit.”

“Do not bring her up. Get out. And never bring this woman back here. Or you will be explaining to Lord Vauthry why his pet canary is dead.”

Her?

“It seems I struck a nerve. Forgive me, my lord. We shall take our leave.”

Rimsy studied Orion’s face as he bid farewell to the general. He gave him a smile that was so cold she expected it to crack like ice. There was a subtle squint to his gaze. And it screamed disdain. There was a history between these two men, and she was curious what had happened. Perhaps they had conflicting views as advisors? They had clashed about her sentence, but this felt deeper, personal. 

As the large iron door closed behind them, Rimsy released the breath that was still held in her lungs. “You upset him,” she stated.

“He’s always upset. He’s a washed up man who can’t fight what he was molded to fight because Lord Vauthry has tamed the sin eaters. That and the fact that his Oracle was easily kidnapped by a gallant rogue with white hair.”

Rimsy’s eyes grew wide. Could it really be? “K–kidnapped?”

“Oh look at me,” Orion sighed, placing his hand over his mouth. “Talking about another man’s business. It’s not very gentlemanly of me, is it? I think you’ve seen enough for today. Let’s go back, Rimsy. I hope you enjoyed seeing how secure things are here.”

“Yes, quite so, my lord.” 

Orion offered his arm once more, and she reluctantly took it. He may have brought her here to intimidate her, to break her hope, and to feel alone and small. But Rimsy felt anything but. She hid the tiny smile that curled on her lips, because now she had more than just hope. She had a map that would lead to a blue beacon of salvation. And with Orion’s slip up, she knew Thancred was out there—and he had infiltrated and rescued this Oracle of Light. He did it once… he can do it again.

When they arrived back at her room, Orion released her arm and gripped his cane with both of his hands. “Keep performing well, Rimsy, and perhaps on your next day off I shall take you out again.”

“Of course, my lord,” she said, slightly bowing so she could avoid his stare.

He smiled at that. A terrible, evil smile that was possessive. Go on, think that you own me and control me. By the time you realize everything, it will be too late.

He closed her door, and she heard the click of her door’s lock. Normally, that would be demoralizing, but right now, she wanted the privacy. She wanted to celebrate. She only wished Cerberus was there so she could share the good news.

Perhaps this place was becoming something like in a faerie tale, because it seemed like her wish was granted. Tapping came from her window, and she rushed over, seeing her familiar open and close his wings eagerly.

“Cerberus?! But you were supposed to be gone for a few days? Did something happen?” 

He cooed as he continued to flap his wings and nodded downwards to his long leg. Attached was a rolled parchment secured with a deep blue ribbon. Rimsy felt her blood rush to her heart, leaving her hands cold with anticipation. With all the blood that was pumping into her chest, the thumping of her own heart became almost deafening. “A—A note? Who’s it from?”

Cerberus nudged her chin, as if to say, Open it, open it now! With shaky hands she pulled the note from its ribbon, and sprawled out in beautiful, elegant handwriting were the words, 

Little Swallow, 

Help is coming.

Little Swallow. It was her alias and a nod to her family’s crest. She never had a need for an alias growing up, but becoming a Scion warranted one for more than one occasion. Thancred had come up with this one, and it made her smile and blush whenever he’d call her that. But only one person had handwriting this neat and immaculate. She didn’t even feel or see the tears that escaped her lashes and stained the paper.

Alphinaud.

Chapter Text

Rimsy must have read Alphinaud’s note a hundred times over. She didn’t think her hope could grow any more, but here it was, sprouting into a sapling.

“Cerberus,” she sniffled, “It’s really Alphinaud. He’s in the village? It’s not far from here. A day’s trip at most, do you think?”

Her familiar cawed in agreement, and she read the note one final time. She knew she couldn’t keep it. If this was found… It all would be over before it’d begin. Rimsy folded the paper, pressed it to her lips, and then offered it to Cerberus. “We must burn this, Cerberus.”

He opened his large beak, and Rimsy used her magicks to gently levitate the note. Ifrit’s flame swirled from Cerberus’s mouth, and a small spark ignited the paper, turning it into a tiny pile of ash instantly. 

“Good… now, how do you feel about delivering a message for me?”

He trilled happily, and Rimsy went to her ornate writing desk. It was a beautiful white oak desk with golden trims and a marble top that looked like fresh whipped cream. On it was a pen stand and some loose sheets of paper, as well as books provided to her to read in her spare time. Though she had not cared to read Bonded Etiquette, or The Rewarding Job of the Bonded. She had asked for history books on Eulmore, but was told that was privileged information. She then asked for books on Eulmore traditions, which Penella said she’d try to get for her, as knowing and following customs were important. But so far, she had received nothing yet.  

She sat at her desk, pulling out a pen and a fresh sheet of paper. “It should be short and vague, just in case.”

Thank the Twelve.

Trapped, but safe for now. 

You will need to wait for the Rain.

— LS

Rimsy knew based on what Cerberus could communicate that Alphinaud was alone, and he would most definitely need the aid of Thancred in infiltrating Eulmore once more. She just hoped that waiting for Thancred wouldn’t take too long. She folded the paper neatly and then secured it to Cerberus’s leg with the same blue ribbon that held Alphinaud’s note. “Cerberus, can you take this to Alphinaud right away?”

He chittered as they walked back to her balcony’s door. Rimsy hugged her familiar, her hands gently brushing against his plumage. His one gold feather glittered in the light, and she carefully tucked it under his gray and unremarkable ones. “Be careful, Cerberus,” she whispered. 

His take off was different from the ones she’d seen before. It was full of promise and deliverance. There was a way out, she’d have to be patient, but there was a way. 

She decided to retire early for the night. She’d need her rest, because her real work was about to begin, and now she had to make sure she’d play her part flawlessly.

***

The next day saw Rimsy revitalized, and one could argue she almost had an ethereal glow to her as she sang for Vauthry in her goddess attire. She was still waiting on Cerberus’s return, hopefully with a new note from Alphinaud, but she had no doubt that that evening he’d be on her balcony, waiting for her.

She was even able to ignore most people’s stares, including Orion’s, who was there in court and watched the beginning of her performance. Though later he had disappeared, and she couldn’t help but feel like he was scheming something. 

Aidon’s stare, however, was still very intense, and for every grape she’d eaten she felt her heart jump ten times over when their eyes would lock. What was he waiting for? What did he want? He looked at her in such a way that said, Enjoying your meals? Because you’ll pay soon enough.  

But it didn’t matter. Soon, her friends would be here, soon she could play her winning card and escape this horrid place.

Rimsy took her break on one of Vauthry’s many balconies. This time, she asked to visit the northeast balcony, hoping to spy the village in the distance that Alphinaud had been residing in. It was too far to make out, but that didn’t discourage her. Cerberus is out there right now. Just a little longer…

“Longing to fly, little bird?”

Rimsy startled and then heard a chuckle behind her. As she turned (slowly, because of her massive wings), she saw Aidon standing there, hands in his fancy pockets and looking smug as ever.

“Lord Aidon,” she greeted nervously.

“Stilltide.”

“What?”

“The village northeast from here. The one you’re obviously yearning to see.”

She paled, suddenly, her wings and chains felt so heavy. “I didn’t even know there was a village, my lord,” she attempted to lie.

Aidon moved to stand next to her, leaning on the railing in front of them and took in the ocean air. He was still wearing his mysterious mask like he always did, but it didn’t dim the brilliance that were his eyes. 

“I could take you there, if you wanted. You would just need to ask for it.”

Was this some sort of trick? Or maybe it was a test. He was one of Vauthry’s advisors. And while he did go against protocol and give her real food, he had motivations behind that, even though she still didn’t know what those were.

“Leave the city? Just like that?” she asked.

Aidon now moved his hand to his cheek, tilting his head playfully at Rimsy. “Just like that.”

“I’m not even allowed to leave my room when I’m not singing. Lord Vauthry—”

“Said my word is equal to law,” Aidon cut in. “Were you not out with Orion yesterday?”

Rimsy chewed her lip. She didn’t think Aidon would concern himself with her except for when he wanted his “payment” for saving her and giving her food. But now he’d been keeping tabs on her? “Yes, I was, but I didn’t really have a choice, either. He insisted on giving a tour of the city.”

“Then I insist on giving a tour of Stilltide.”

“And why would you offer such a thing?” Rimsy had turned fully now, to try her best to study his hidden expression. She wanted to damn his mask. It was too hard to get a true read on him.

“Do you not wish to fly?” Aidon said, shaking his head. “Vauthry was telling the truth when he called this world broken. I mean for you to see it with your own eyes. No hope can grow in a desolate space.”

Was he trying to break her spirits like Orion had? Or was he simply trying to paint Eulmore as the happy place so many claimed for it to be?

“You’re wrong. Hope thrives the most in a desolate place,” Rimsy argued.

A light scoff left his lips. “Your ignorance is charming, but you still haven’t given me your answer.”

Rimsy’s brows wrinkled. Aidon wasn’t the type to just give something away for free. “Does this mean I’ll owe you more?” she sheepishly asked.

He smiled. It was handsome and devilish all at once. “Of course.”

“And you still won’t tell me what it is you want?”

“In time, my dear.” He leaned in close, his stature towering over her. His eyes felt hot as they landed on Rimsy’s lips. When had he gotten this near?

Rimsy’s face pinkened while her heart jumped to her throat, making it hard to speak. “W–when?” she choked out.

“Tonight. I’ll come to your room… I look forward to it, little bird.”

He turned and left quickly, too quick for her to object or react at all. She was nervous and terrified and excited all at once. Aidon had already shown that he was strong and fast, but she hoped Thancred would be alongside Alphinaud by the time they’d arrive. Between the three of them, they could have a chance at overpowering him and freeing Rimsy from her gilded shackles. It was her turn to take a deep breath of the ocean air. Her hope sapling was becoming a tree.

***

Rimsy halfway expected Aidon to escort her back, but when her performance was finally finished he was nowhere to be seen. She frowned, perhaps he had forgotten, or perhaps something came up that pulled his attention away. Jezebel had become her primary escort on her nights of walking back, and it was the only time she’d have a friendly conversation.

“I saw Lord Aidon talking to you today! The whole court is raving about it. You’re so lucky to have caught his eye!” Jezebel swooned.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean,” Rimsy said.

“Rimsy, Lord Aidon has a reputation here. He’s cold and mysterious and suave and elegant. No one has ever seen him without his mask—including Lord Vauthry! Countless free citizens have thrown themselves at him, and he’s never batted even a single eyelash. But for you? Why, he’s sought you out. Twice, too, from what I hear!”

Jezebel’s words made Rimsy’s heart dance, which frustrated her to no end. Why would her heart react in such a way? She didn’t know him at all, and he was essentially preying on her situation. 

“What did he talk to you about?” Jezebel interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh, um—just wanted to know how I was acclimating…”

Jezebel pursed her lips into a heart shape. “You’re no fun! But fine, keep it to yourself. I probably wouldn’t tell people either. I’m sure they’d get insanely jealous.”

As if they weren’t jealous enough, Rimsy thought, now seeing her doors to her extravagant suite coming into view. 

Once inside her suite, Jezebel helped her change out of her goddess attire, and into a simple and comfortable everyday dress. Its color matched her petal-pink hair, but the skirt’s length was lacking and made her feel somewhat self-conscious. Orion’s words echoed in her mind as she looked at herself in the mirror. Everything you wear is because of me. Because I willed it so. She scowled at her reflection before turning to say goodnight to Jezebel. 

When she heard her door’s lock click she raced to her balcony, pulling the curtains back and expecting to see her familiar with a new note. But the only thing to greet her was empty air and disappointment. Rimsy took a deep breath, closing her eyes and began to meditate, to feel for Cerberus. He was out there, she sensed, but still far away. Hurry, Cerberus, she pleaded in her mind.

A bell passed, and a knock came to her door. Her heart skipped a beat when she thought it would be Aidon, but instead it was just her dinner. This time, it was that nasty bonded who was delivering her meal, and Rimsy tried her best at ignoring her.

“Seems there was a mix up. There was only fresh fruit on your plate. But I knew that couldn’t be right. Enjoy your meol.” Her expression was a vile smile before closing Rimsy’s door and locking it shut.

Rimsy rolled her eyes as she lifted the lid and saw the meol. While she was hungry, she had already eaten earlier that day, so skipping one meal wouldn’t be an issue. But she worried if that bonded would mention to others that there was fruit on her plate instead? What would she do then? Asking Aidon for more was not an option, no. She’d have to think of something else. Perhaps her initial idea of partaking in one of Vauthry’s lavish feasts could still work. 

She went to grab the tray to reenact her duty of disposing of the meol, when another knock echoed against her door. Her heart didn’t jolt this time, and instead she tried steeling herself, assuming the bonded had forgotten something. But when her door opened it wasn’t the bonded. There Aidon stood, tall and clad in black and red and gold silks. He had the elegance and grace of a count, and Rimsy did her best to not appear nervous. “Lord Aidon… you came.”

“Aye. I said I would. Were you hoping I’d forget?” His lips twisted upwards slightly.

She didn’t respond. She eyed her dinner tray. Should she say something now? Rimsy knew if she did, or if he saw it, he’d offer to help in exchange for… something. But her debt was accruing at an alarming rate; she was convinced she lacked the currency he sought in order to pay.

“It seems I’m interrupting your dinner. Go on, then.”

“Ah, no, not at all, my lord.” Rimsy picked at her fingers, trying not to look suspicious. She didn’t want him investigating the tray, and she also didn’t want him around when Cerberus returned. If she got caught… “I’m actually not hungry right now.”

“Is that so?” Aidon’s golden eyes glinted in the warm light from her room as he stared at her. He walked over to the tray, lifting the lid and exposing the meol. “And it’s not because they changed the menu for you, hm?”

“I—I wasn’t going to ask—”

Another knock beat upon Rimsy’s door, and she looked at Aidon confused. He only offered her a coy smile in return. As he opened her door, a large cart was pushed in with two silver domes atop it, along with two bonded carrying chairs. Once inside her room, they set up the small make-shift dining table and chairs before bowing and quickly taking their leave.

“What’s—what’s this?” Rimsy asked.

“Isn’t it obvious, little bird? Sit.”

Rimsy took her seat, nerves still eating away at her and her hunger. He wished to dine with her? But he mentioned taking her to Stilltide. Was he mocking her? The game he was playing was different from Orion, and it was impossible to even make out the pieces of the game, let alone the rules.

Aidon lifted the silver lids off the covered plates, and before them was a meal fit for a king. A roasted bird of some kind—the smell reminded Rimsy of a dodo, but she wasn’t sure—and fresh baked bread with porridge and a salad of the richest greens. Several pieces of fruit also adorned the plate including the square-grapes she’d grown accustomed to.

“I don’t understand,” she began.

“Would you rather have the meol?” Aidon asked, annoyance beginning to claim his tone. 

“No, I—thank you…” 

Rimsy picked up a fork and knife, and slowly cut a piece of the meat away. It was cooked perfectly and smelled absolutely divine. She could feel her stomach consume her nerves, and now it wanted to consume this. But her hand hesitated. Could it be poison?

“It’s not poisoned, my dear,” he said as he, too, cut into his own bird and took a bite. “See? And if you still don’t trust me, switch plates with me.”

She tried to hide the blush that spread across her face. She didn’t think he was a mind reader, but she wouldn’t be surprised if he really was, either. “I believe you,” she meekly said. “What will this cost me?” Though that came out as more of a whisper as she took small bites.

“Answers,” he replied with a smooth smile. “I wish to know more about you.”

“But I thought we were going to Stillstide.”

Aidon sighed while pouring them both a glass of wine. “Little bird,” he intoned seriously, “do you remember when I told you all you need is patience? I meant it.”

Rimsy reached for and broke her bread, nibbling on it as to not say anything else that could potentially ruin her chances of getting out of here. He took her silence as acceptance.

“I’m curious about your eyes,” he started. “Being born with odd colored eyes, it’s considered lucky for mystels. Is it the same where you come from?”

“Ah—” Rimsy gently touched her right eye, which was bright pink, a stark contrast from her left, which was a pale blue. “I suppose that is true even where I come from, but my eyes were not always like this…”

Aidon took a sip from his glass. “Oh? Do tell.”

Rimsy clenched her jaw, a numbing pain forming in her chest. “I’d rather not discuss it.”

“A debt is a debt. And you owe me. I would know your story.”

Rimsy’s brows fell downwards, and she glared at him. He clearly didn’t care about crossing lines, but she also should have known. “Well, if you must know… I was in an accident when I was no more than six summers old.”

“Go on,” he encouraged.

She hated talking about it—this part of her past. The constant reminder of what happened every time she’d look in a mirror. That one, burning and brilliant eye that was not hers never letting her forget her guilt and shame and regret.

“It wasn’t long after my sixth nameday, which is around the same time spring begins. I begged my mother to take me to see flowers that only bloom right as winter ends and spring starts. There’s a legend, you see, of a flower that wants to bloom in the cold death of winter, but cannot, because it needs the sun and warmth and rich soil. But it had fallen in love with winter and every year it tries to bloom early, before spring wakes while winter is on its last breath…

“It’s said to be one of the most beautiful flowers to ever exist, and it has magickal properties. My mother claimed this was how she met my father—in a field of these special and rare flowers, and I was enchanted with the story. Every year I constantly asked to go to this very field to see them with my own eyes before spring arrived. The answer was always no. Ishgard—where I’m from—was dangerous outside of the city, but as a little girl I didn’t think of the dangers. I just thought of the pretty flowers that sounded like they came from a faerie tale.”

Rimsy eyed the glass of wine Aidon had poured for her. She hardly ever drank alcohol, as she couldn’t handle her liquor very well. But at this moment, she grabbed it and took a modest sip, hoping it would give her the courage to keep going, and be strong enough to hold back the tears that were already pricking at the corners of her eyes.

She bravely looked into his eyes, where they sat behind his cursed mask. Normally he was so hard to read, but as she studied him, his countenance almost looked understanding. His face had softened, and he didn’t say anything, just quietly waited for her to continue.

“The day my eye changed,” she started, her voice now quivering, “was the day my whole world changed. My mother finally agreed, but knew my father wouldn’t allow it, so we snuck out. At first, it was exciting. It was my first adventure, and after a bell’s hike outside of the city we actually found them and I—”

Her voice cracked. Rimsy clasped her hand over her mouth, feeling her face now turning a shade of red deeper than the plush carpets. “I thought it was a dragon—I told people it was a dragon, but it wasn’t. It was something more. Later I’d come to understand it was a primal—a god-like being of some sort—and it wanted me. These primals, they have unimaginable power and in a second it tempered my mother, enthralling her. It then tried grabbing me, but missed and cut my face—my eye. I don’t remember much after that. When I regained my senses, blood stained my face, but my eye was healed… healed, but changed to the color it is now. The primal was gone and as for my mother, well, she…” Rimsy broke her eye contact, letting the last bit of her tragic story come out as a hoarse whisper. “With the disappearance of the primal she became a husk. Hollow, empty, void of life. When my father found us, he was changed too. When he understood it was more than a dragon attack he couldn’t bear the thought of my mother being put to the sword, which is the only ‘cure’ for those who are tempered. Instead he locked both of us away, to keep it a secret from prying eyes and the Holy See.”

She closed her eyes, making herself breathe. She hadn’t talked about her mother in a long time, not since she admitted to the Scions what her true purpose for pursuing adventure was. “They say there’s no cure ‘cept granting tempered a quick death, but I will find it. I will,” she muttered to the room more so than to Aidon.

Aidon’s original arrogant and smug expression had completely melted away. His eyes flickered with something that looked a lot like empathy. For a moment, they both sat there, the shimmering light of her room reflecting on their still somewhat full glasses of wine. This moment felt so vulnerable to Rimsy, and she was tempted to grab the sparkling glass and drink more. What would he do with this information? Could he use it against her somehow? Or worse, would he pity and patronize her?

“To watch someone you love wither away before your very eyes… aye, there is not a greater pain.” He had lowered his head, the shine of his eyes dulling. The way he spoke was as if he had experienced the very same thing, or at least something similar, and she wondered whom he lost. “Thank you, I will accept this as your first payment.”

First payment. How many installments were there going to be? “T–then, does that mean?”

“Aye, little bird. I am a man of my word.” He carefully dabbed his lips with his cloth napkin before standing up, and the pain and sorrow that started growing in Rimsy’s chest was now budding with hope again.

But as he stood, something glimmered from the inside of his coat pocket upon his chest. Rimsy couldn’t take her eyes off the glow, and wanted to see more. It was almost as if whatever it was heard her, because it fell from his pocket and bounced onto the table before tumbling further and landing at her feet.

A peculiar orange crystal lay shining in front of Rimsy, and she bent down to pick it up. It was warm, comforting, and even familiar, but she did not recognize the circular symbol etched into it.

“Give it back,” Aidon demanded, anger lacing his words.

“But it’s mine,” Rimsy said, almost hypnotized by this crystal. “It’s—”

Wait. That couldn’t be right. She had never seen this crystal before, she was certain and yet—

Aidon snatched it from her before she could think further on it. “I can assure you, it’s not yours. It’s mine.”

It felt like something was being torn from her. Like a piece of herself she never knew existed until now. She didn’t know why, but she wanted the stone. She needed the stone. “Please, that stone, there’s some—”

Tapping from her balcony window caused Rimsy to still. Her whole body froze while fear dilated her eyes. 

Oh no. Cerberus.

“It seems you have a visitor, hm?” Aidon needled as he moved towards the drapery, whipping it violently out of the way and letting the blinding Light flood her room. 

The moment Cerberus saw Aidon he took flight, but Aidon did something Rimsy couldn’t have expected or predicted. He snapped his fingers, and Cerberus froze mid air, mid flight. 

“What are you doing?!” Rimsy squeaked.

“It seems you’ve found a pet. A shoebill? I am partial to them myself, though…” His eyes squinted at Cerberus. “Oh, little bird, I knew you were hiding something, but this? A familiar? How naughty you’ve been. And what’s this?” Those beautiful and damnable eyes shot down to Cerberus’s leg, where the blue ribbon Rimsy recognized as Alphinaud’s secured a new note.

Shite. Shite. Shite.

“You’ve got friends, do you? My, my, what were you planning? To escape on your own?”

“My lord, I don’t have the faintest idea what you mean—I’m not—”

A snap reverberated in Rimsy’s ears, and Cerberus now morphed back into his carbuncle form, screeching and crying and twisting in pain. “Stop it!” she cried.

“Oh? Stop? But why? You’re claiming that this familiar isn’t yours, yes? That you’re not some capable summoner? If that’s the case, then I must do my duty for Eulmore, and be rid of the cat that would eat Vauthry’s canary.”

“He’s mine!” she exclaimed, grabbing onto Aidon’s arm and still pleading. “Please, stop!”

Another snap, and Cerberus fell to her balcony. Rimsy rushed over to him, where he let out a small whine, but after a moment, he was able to stand and nuzzle her hand. She looked at his leg, searching for the parchment.

“Looking for this?” Aidon held the folded paper between his fingers. “This is a death sentence, you know. It doesn’t even matter what’s in the note—though, don’t get me wrong, I am curious. It looks like I just saved your life—again, as I’ll hold onto this for now. But at this rate, little bird, you’re going to owe me forever.”

He tucked the note into his pocket, alongside the orange crystal. Both she desperately wanted. Both she craved to study and hold close and never let go. But Aidon had turned to leave her. “W–wait!” she said. “I—I thought…”

Aidon let out a loud laugh, and this time, he was mocking her. “My dear, you thought, what exactly? That I would still take you to Stilltide? Why, I’m insulted. Though I must give you credit. Even I didn’t see this coming. But your surprises end here.” He smiled at her, and the softness and sympathy from before were cut away. He was back to looking sharp, cold, and dangerous. “Keep your pet, but if I see it fly from your balcony again, I’ll shoot it down myself.” 

Rimsy watched as he walked out of her door, closing it and locking it like the rest before him. Tears already wet her face. She squeezed Cerberus. “Cerberus, the note…” How she wished her carbuncle could read. She’d give anything to know what it said, but she knew Aidon would never tell her. Rimsy wasn’t sure what was worse—him keeping it or exposing her. But at the very least, there’d be no way he’d crack it. Alphinaud was smart and covert. It would just look like gibberish to him. He wouldn’t know Alphinaud’s plan, but Rimsy felt a pain in her heart when she realized she wouldn’t know it, either.

Do you remember when I told you all you need is patience? He was right in that regard. But finding patience was hard when one’s tree of hope had just been set on fire.

Chapter Text

The blinding sky seemed brighter the following morning, as if it were taunting Rimsy. Light used to be a symbol of hope for her and everyone in Eorzea, but here, it was her adversary and a curse.

She wanted so badly to send Cerberus back out, but knew Aidon wasn’t bluffing with his threat. Though Cerberus could not read, he was at least able to communicate to Rimsy that Alphinaud was in good health, though also was still alone. “Perhaps he wrote that in the note? If we assume that, then he’ll be waiting for backup. For the time being, we’re on our own, Cerberus.” She let out a defeated sigh before shaking her head. “But it’s all right, we can do this.”

Cerberus squeaked and snuggled up against her. Rimsy petted her orange familiar, letting his warm glow calm her nerves. It terrified her that Aidon found her secret weapon, and the thought of seeing him again made her blood run cold. There has to be another way, but how? If only she could freely move around the city. But earning that trust could take a lifetime, or longer. And Aidon certainly wouldn’t be an ally she could rely on now.

Rimsy thought of the rest of the council. Perhaps if she could get them on her side they could appeal to Vauthry. Ran’jit would rather see her dead, so approaching him was impossible. Orion was slimy and sinister; she couldn’t count on him. But she might have to try and get in his good graces in order to attain some freedom. He did give her one tour, after all. And he made it seem like he was willing to give more. The idea to speak with him, however, made her stomach turn. Finally there was the miqo’te—mystel, she corrected—she still hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting. She surmised that getting at least half of the council to hear her out and be on her side could potentially lead her to having the freedom to walk around the city, or at least, parts of the city. And any parts would be useful; this city was like a giant maze stacked on top of itself with never ending spirals and staircases.

She made up her mind, today she’d seek out the final council member and learn his name. Getting him in her corner would be the first step in reaching Alphinaud and the others. 

Breakfast came, and Rimsy expected it to be the meol once more. She figured Aidon would have retracted all of his help, but shockingly a cluster of the square-grapes rested on her plate. She didn’t want to eat them, and a part of her wished it would have been the meol instead. Thorns of pride were growing inside of her, poking and prodding away at her hunger. But she’d need all her strength moving forward, both physical and mental, and so she quickly popped a few in her mouth, while hiding the rest of the cluster inside one of her desk drawers. She dismissed Cerberus, but reassured him that she’d get answers today.

Penella and Jezebel entered not long after and helped get her changed and ready for her daily performance.

“I heard an enchanting rumor,” Jezebel giggled, breaking the silence of the room.

“We don’t have time for rumors,” Penella scolded. “We can’t be late today.”

“You’re not the least bit curious, really, Penny?”

“I told you not to call me that.”

Jezebel shrugged playfully. “Well, what about you, Rimsy? Wouldn’t you like to hear it?”

While most of the gossip circled around the trivial affairs of the free citizens, Rimsy wasn’t in a position to turn her nose up at information that could prove to be beneficial. “Sure, all right,” she replied.

Jezebel’s eyes turned mischievous. “I heard that Lord Aidon had a secret rendezvous with a bonded.”

Rimsy immediately broke eye contact. She shouldn’t have been surprised that the two bonded who brought the table and chairs into her room last night talked, but how she wished they didn’t. “It wasn’t like that,” she said.

“Then what was it?” Jezebel asked, her eyes now flickering with suspense and eagerness.

“It was just a simple dinner, that’s all.”

Both Penella and Rimsy winced at Jezebel’s squeal. “A date?! A real date with the Lord Aidon? A bonded and royalty… Why, it’s just like a faerie tale.” Jezebel placed a hand over her heart. “It’s so romantic!”

“Lord Aidon is not royalty,” said Penella.

“And it wasn’t a date!” Rimsy added, heat rushing to her face. 

“Well, he might as well be! And it was totally a date. Look at your face! Not even my paints can cover your blush.”

If only they knew how twisted he was. Sure, the gesture could be seen as romantic and kind, but it soured like a rotten lemon. Or perhaps it always was so, and he just masked it like he masked his stupid handsome face. He was such an enigma to her, and she hated that her mind kept thinking of him. But she hated Jezebel bringing him up more. She didn’t need any more reminders.

“You’re making something out of nothing. Shouldn’t we be going?” Rimsy said.

“Yes,” Penella cut in before Jezebel could respond. “Everything is ready. Let’s go.”

Luckily Jezebel caught the hint, and pouted in silence on their walk to Vauthry’s chambers. Rimsy figured now would be a good time to change subjects. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all the council except for the miq—mystel. Who is he?”

“Oh, that’s Chai-Nuzz Mewlah. He’s the most recent council member! He was selected by Lord Vauthry around five years ago. He is a huge patron of the arts, and takes it very seriously. I still feel bad for the bonded that was thrown over,” Jezebel lamented.

“What?” Rimsy asked, bewildered. So far he seemed like the most reasonable one. And during the few “trials” Rimsy witnessed, none involved him.

“Mm, yeah, it happened about a week before you showed up. He and his wife had their own personal artist. But every painting displeased them, and so he was given to the sea. I saw his paintings. They were way better than what I could do!” Jezebel shivered before continuing. “I’m just glad I can paint real faces well. And thanks to you, I have clients lined up for days.”

Rimsy clicked her tongue in disgust. To be sentenced to death over a couple paintings? What is wrong with this place and its people? She could feel her resolve wanting to crack, but she pushed herself forward. If he was a fan of the arts, then her singing could be her way in.

With the help of her fellow bonded Rimsy stepped into her gilded cage, to play the part of Vauthry’s songstress for what felt like the hundredth time. As she scanned the advisor tribune she noticed all advisors were missing except Chai-Nuzz and his wife. Relief blossomed in her chest, where her tree of hope had burned. Talking to him would now be easier than she thought. She’d just have to wait until her break.

When her break did finally come, she practically rushed out of her cage doors. Chai-Nuzz and his wife were already beginning to exit, no doubt on their way to enjoy the luxuries Eulmore had to offer for its esteemed free citizens. “Pardon me, my lord!” Rimsy called out.

Chai-Nuzz turned, holding his wife’s hand with the utmost affection. “Ah, Lord Vauthry’s Canary, your singing was exquisite as always.”

Rimsy bit down hard on her tongue. She hated being called Lord Vauthry’s anything and canary and little bird. “Thank you, my lord. I am sorry to disturb you and your beautiful wife…” Rimsy curtsied for the noble couple. “But I thought it only right to formally introduce myself, as I have had the privilege of meeting the rest of the council.”

“Oh my, talented, beautiful, and so polite! Why couldn’t she have been our bonded, dear?” his wife exclaimed.

Chai-Nuzz cleared his throat at the plump woman who was now squeezing his arm. “This is my wife, Dulia-Chai Mewlah.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. I’m Rimsy,” Rimsy said.

“‘Dulia’ is just fine, my dear. Oh how I’ve longed to speak with you! I’ve been begging my husband for an audience. You see, I desperately want you to sing for me and my lady friends, in the Grand Dame’s Parlor. But my husband has refused my pleas!”

“My love,” Chai-Nuzz said through his teeth. “I told you, she is Lord Vauthry’s personal bonded and is not to be seen by any except for him and those he deems worthy.”

Dulia let out a frustrated huff as she released her husband, crossing her arms and pouting like a child. Chai-Nuzz’s demeanor changed in a blink of an eye. He at first reeked of arrogance and even seemed hard-edged. But now he was almost timid and lumpy like an old worn pillow. “M–my love, you know I can’t do anything about it, I wouldn’t even know how to approach Lord Vauthry…”

This was Rimsy’s chance. She didn’t know what gods existed in this world, but they were surely smiling down at her, giving her their blessing. A blessing she fiercely needed, after Aidon had stolen her hope. “I actually would love to sing for you and your friends, Dulia,” Rimsy spoke up. “I realize that there is some suspicion still on how I arrived in this breathtaking city, but I promise just as the day I landed that I have no ill intentions, and I truly don’t know how I was brought here. I am humbled and blessed to have been shown this mercy of becoming a bonded. And if I can give back to the people of Eulmore, surely that would please Lord Vauthry? Could that then, be a valid case to plead before the lord?”

Dulia clasped her hands together. “Dearest! She is sweeter than the sugar in my tea. And she makes an excellent point. How could anyone, including Lord Vauthry, say no to her?”

“I have no doubt it would thrill the people of Eulmore, but I still don’t know if he’d agree…” Chai-Nuzz sighed.

“What if other council members supported you?” Rimsy asked. She knew she’d never get the support of Ran’jit, but Orion could probably be pushed to agree, and Aidon could potentially be bought, though she didn’t want to think about that cost. She only hoped that two of the four would be enough to sway Lord Vauthry’s decision. 

“Hmm…” Chai-Nuzz closed his eyes, his hand scratching his chin. “I suppose that could work, especially if we spin it in such a way that reflects on Lord Vauthry sharing his bonded.” He opened his eyes, focusing on Rimsy intently. “But what’s in it for you? Why do you push for this? You claim it’s to give back, but how can I believe you?”

Rimsy decided to be a little truthful here, and prayed that her gamble would pay off. “I do wish to give back, my lord, as I have received a boon. But I shall be honest, a part of it is selfish. I wish to see more of this grand and beautiful city. I’ve only had the smallest of tastes, you see. Lord Orion was kind enough to give me a tour a couple of days ago, and after that I have longed to see what else Eulmore offers. It’s beyond anything I have ever witnessed.”

“A simple request, dearest! It’s a fair trade, do you not agree? Let her sing for the rich in the parlor, and she gets to see its magnificent splendor,” Dulia said.

Chai-Nuzz hummed to himself, as if he was replaying their conversation in his head, going over everything with a fine-tooth comb. “I suppose it isn’t a ridiculous nor a nefarious ask…” He looked up, crossed his arms and nodded. “All right. I’ll bring it up to the other council members. If at least one of them agrees, then I will present the request to Lord Vauthry.”

Dulia squeaked with enthusiasm and picked up her husband in a giant bear-hug. Rimsy could hear his bones crack. “B–but, my—my love… don’t get too… excited!” he wheezed. She released her tight grip, and he coughed for air, while adjusting his frilled collar. “It’s not a yes yet, so both of you, temper your expectations.”

“Yes, my lord,” Rimsy said with a bow. “Thank you for hearing my request. If there is anything else I can do for you, please, simply name it.”

“Perhaps she could help our own bonded, dearest? He’s more dreadful than the last!” Dulia moaned.

“Dulia, my sweet, she is not a trainer by any means, and her expertise is in singing, not painting.”

“Actually,” Rimsy began, “I know my way around a paintbrush, and I still have time before my break ends. I wouldn’t mind giving a few pointers to your bonded now, if he’s available?”

“She truly is an angel!” Dulia clapped her hands obnoxiously. “Bonded!” she yelled. 

Stumbling out from behind her, was a mousey mystel boy who couldn’t have been much older than Alphinaud. His deep blue hair was a welcome contrast to the bold reds and gold that dominated Vauthry’s chamber. “P–pleased to make your acquaintance, miss. M–my name is Kai-Shirr Olkoh.”

“Please excuse us.” Rimsy bowed to the couple.

Rimsy pulled the young lad over to a quiet corner that was clear from most of the eyes of the court. The boy averted his gaze, blushing at being this close to Rimsy and her angelic gown. She tried covering herself with her arms, hoping it would make both of them a little more comfortable. “I’m Rimsy. A bonded, just like you, and I’d like to help you.”

“You can’t help me. I’m done for!” he cried out. 

She realized now that he was trembling. Were Chai-Nuzz and Dulia that terrible of patrons? They did condemn a man to death already over paintings, she reminded herself. Rimsy started to believe that they probably were very pleasant to bonded that exuded beauty and perfection. Others that fell short of that… Well, they met the sea.

“I know the pressure of being a bonded can be a lot but—”

“No! You don’t understand,” he interrupted. “I’m not—I’m not really a painter.”

“You’re not?” Rimsy asked. “But then how did you…”

“I convinced an elf to give me his spot. He had a paintbrush and said he was going to try and get into the city as a painter. He wanted to know Eulmore’s secrets, but I don’t care about its secrets! I wanted a better life and to find my friends. We made a promise to stay together… but I didn’t think this through. They’re going to find out I’m a fraud!”

Rimsy’s brows wove together with concern. “I’m sorry, but did you say an elf?” She assumed that it had to be like mystel was to miqo’te, but wasn’t sure what race he meant.

“Yeah, you know, them people with the long pointy ears?”

Oh. Elezens. “I see… this elf, can you tell me about him?”

Something inside of Rimsy said none of this was coincidence. It was fate. Every person who sought entry into this city was like Kai-Shirr. They wanted a better life. They wanted an easy life. None cared for its secrets. But there was one elf she knew who would. And also one who was exceptional at painting.

“He—he was young like me, had white hair, spoke like he was educated. Painted like he was too. He gave up his spot like it was nothing for me. He didn’t even know me… and now I’m going to ruin it all!”

Her stomach dropped and tumbled and then dropped again. She felt a mixture of emotions, of hope and second chances, and then squandering it and letting it slip through the cracks. If only Alphinaud would have known she’d been here. Then it would be him standing in front of her, not Kai-Shirr. “How long have you been their bonded?” she asked softly. 

“My first day was the day you arrived, actually. I was lucky. They were so enamored with your story and your voice they didn’t ask for any paintings. I busied myself with other work to make myself useful… but then, they remembered, and I haven’t been able to give them anything!” Kai-Shirr quickly clocked his surroundings, worried that unwanted eyes and ears were watching and listening. “It’s only a matter of time before I’m found out. I can’t stay here.”

Rimsy’s mind wanted to spin endless spools of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens. She thought the gods or fate were bestowing kindness and mercy on her. But she didn’t know how it could have been any crueler than this. My first day was the day you arrived, actually. Alphinaud was supposed to be here. He could have woken her up before this whole nightmare started. He could have—

It then dawned on her how he must be feeling. She knew Alphinaud would never forgive himself for allowing Kai-Shirr to go before him. She knew that it had to eat away at him day after day once realizing what happened. And what was he feeling now? She never responded to his last note. She didn’t even know what it had said. She couldn’t even begin to imagine the guilt and worry and turmoil he must be carrying. Aidon’s visage flashed in her mind, his golden eyes hiding behind that elusive mask wearing a wicked smile while he held her lifeline. Four tiny lines appeared inside of her palms as she clenched her fists tight, but Kai-Shirr’s choking sobs brought her back to reality.

“Breathe, Kai-Shirr.” Rimsy’s voice became a soothing melody, and the mystel boy finally locked eyes with her. Glossy and full of terror. She could relate. “It’s not over yet, all right? What are they wanting you to paint?”

“Portraits… of the fine lady…”

Rimsy nibbled her lip. She was hoping to not hear that word, as capturing someone’s likeness was very difficult. And it was most certainly even more difficult when one’s patrons held a knife to their throat as they painted their strokes. One wrong move, and the paints would be replaced with blood.

“I see, and you have no training whatsoever?”

“None. I can barely even write my own name,” he said.

“All right. I won’t lie, it’s going to be hard moving forward. But you need to just try, try your best at faking it.”

“W–what?” he sputtered.

“I mean it. Confidence can take you far. Farther than you could dream possible. Go for an abstract approach and really sell it. They may just like it, and it could buy you time.”

“I—I don’t know if I can.”

“You can, and you will if you want to live,” Rimsy said. “You won’t find friends here, Kai-Shirr, and no one will help you.”

“But you’re helping me…”

“Well, yes, but I’m—” She sighed. While he was innocent enough and not threatening in the slightest, Rimsy was hesitant to share too much of her story with this scared boy. Innocent and harmless people could often hold the noose around one’s neck, even if it was not their intention or desire. “I’m like you, I guess.”

Orion’s bell echoed in both of their sharp ears, and Rimsy looked back to see the man sauntering in as if he owned the place. He flashed her a smile with his white teeth, though it wasn’t warm in the slightest. “It looks like my break is over. I must get back.” She reached for and squeezed Kai-Shirr’s sweaty palms. “You can do this, Kai-Shirr. Good luck.”

“You really are an angel,” he mumbled as she walked away from him and back towards her stage. 

It was the second time she was called that today, and how she wished it were true. But in reality she was just like Kai-Shirr. A trembling imposter, trying to buy as much time as she could before she was caught and exposed and thrown in front of the lord of Eulmore once more to answer for her crimes. Her singing wouldn’t save her again, just like how she knew Kai-Shirr’s painting wouldn’t save him, either.

Chapter Text

Rimsy thought it wouldn’t have taken long for Chai-Nuzz to seek out the other advisors and get an audience with Vauthry. Especially considering how excited his overbearing wife was. But here she was, with days having passed and everything remaining the same. A sigh left her chest as she lay in her bed. It was finally a day off for her again, and how she welcomed it. Though it was hard not to be anxious at the idea of Orion or Aidon barging in on her and her carbuncle. 

“Cerberus,” she said to the air around her. “Do you think they’re worried? Alphinaud and Thancred? What if they put together that the note was intercepted?”

Orange sparks twinkled above her, and her carbuncle manifested out of thin air, his face and ears droopy at her words. He landed on Rimsy’s chest and nuzzled her chin.

“You shouldn’t be out, Cerberus, we can’t afford to get caught again.”

Cerberus squeaked at her defiantly, before standing and spinning in a dizzying circle. More of his bright orange light flashed Rimsy, and when she could see again he was as small as a mouse. In fact, he was a mouse, though his fur was as orange as an orange tabby cat. “Well, aren’t you adorable,” she mused. “Fine, as long as you stay hidden, you can remain with me like this.”

She sat up, staring at her door and then shot a look over to her large wall of a window. “Not like we will go anywhere, though.” 

Rimsy scooped her now familiar mouse and placed him on her shoulder as she made her way to her vanity. She was already dressed for the day, wearing a modest eyelet dress the color of the softest periwinkle, wrapped with golden ribbons around her bodice. Her hair remained unkempt, tousled by her tossing and turning in her sleep. She chose to pull together two loose twin braids with enough room for Cerberus to hide in on either side just in case they’d be interrupted. From there she went out to her balcony, hoping, praying, that something would be different when she looked out to the endless black sea. But it all remained the same. Just like her routine. Just like this blinding and incessant Light sky. 

“I wish we could see them, if only for one moment. Just to know they’re safe. Just to know if they are here or not. Not knowing is killing me, Cerberus,” Rimsy said.

A comforting squeak came from one of her braids, and she cast her gaze away from the sea and up to the spires that overhung her suite. “Shadows can’t hide in the light, but his seems to be invisible.” 

Keep your pet, but if I see it fly from your balcony again, I’ll shoot it down myself.  

She didn’t want to test fate. Sure, Cerberus would of course survive something as horrible as being shot down. He was at the end of the day, a familiar. But replenishing his aether would take time, and she wouldn’t want to put him through something so traumatic either. And Aidon had let her get away with it once, she was not so naive to believe that she’d be able to try it again with no true consequences. “If we cannot manage to gain some freedom to see more of Eulmore then I’m not sure what else to do, Cerberus.”

Rimsy deflated against the wall of her balcony. “I hate this,” she gritted out. Her eyes pooled as she looked down to the sea once more. “Perhaps we really should just jump.” Before Cerberus could offer his squeaky objections, a sharp knock came to Rimsy’s door. She felt her heart and soul jump, and raced to greet her visitor. Please be Chai-Nuzz. Please be Chai-Nuzz. Please be—

“Rimsy, how lovely to see you.”

She held her breath, then forced herself to swallow her contempt. “Lord Orion. What do I owe this pleasure?”

“‘Tis your day off, no? I thought you’d love another tour. I had wanted to take you to see parts of the buttress… but it seems you’ve been busy using your honeyed words on the other advisors, excluding our dear Lord Ran’jit of course.” He shook his head. “I thought we were friends, Rimsy. You should have come to me first instead of Chai-Nuzz and Lord Aidon.”

His tone was slightly miffed yet he wore a cocky smile while addressing her. Lord Aidon? But I hadn’t gone to him… does that mean he supported it? “Are you referring to the Grand Dame’s Parlor?” Rimsy asked, ignoring his passive slight.

“Why yes, I am. It seems you believe your voice should belong to the people, and not Lord Vauthry.”

My voice belongs to me, you arsehole, is what she wanted to say. “I just wanted to give back to Eulmore. Is this city not a beacon of hope and happiness? Is it so wrong for me to want to show how grateful I am to Lord Vauthry and his people?”

Orion held up his butterfly cane to hush her. “Save your hollow petitions, girl. Lord Vauthry has agreed to let you sing elsewhere.”

Rimsy’s brows shot upwards. “He did?” 

His grin grew impish. “Of course. Chai-Nuzz may have brought your idea forward, and Lord Aidon may have been the first to support it, but once I explained to Lord Vauthry how much his people would love and adore and praise him for sharing his one and only bonded, he was beyond thrilled. You still will be singing for him daily, but will take shifts in the parlor as well.”

“I see…”

“Let’s go see the parlor now, shall we? You’ll be performing there tomorrow.”

Rimsy watched as his wicked eyes darted behind her, locking on to her bonded marks. Quickly she went to put them on, not wanting to elicit “help” from him like last time. She had had some practice since her previous tour with Orion, and her cuffs slipped on effortlessly. Her choker however, still poised to be a problem. 

“I don’t mind helping again, Rimsy,” Orion hummed.

Panic made her fingers tremble. Breathe. But no matter how many times she tried, the hooks kept slipping from her hands. Her heart started racing as she knew what this meant, but in seconds two tiny little mouse claws clutched her fasteners, and Cerberus secured the holdings in an instant.

“It’s fine, really,” she assured him.

“Come here.”

She took a deep breath and turned her back to him, hoping he wouldn’t notice the tiny mouse hiding in her hair. “Looks like you’re becoming a natural,” he said with disappointment. He then offered his sleek arm. Today he sported an all ivory suit with a golden collar and cufflinks. “Let’s be off then.”

“Gladly,” Rimsy said while trying not to sound resentful. 

Rimsy wasn’t sure how far the parlor was from her room, but she hoped that there would be enough time to ask more about the Flood and Oracle of Light.

But studying Orion made her nervous. He may have acted chipper when greeting her, but now his face was stoic and hard. Was he really that upset that she had not come to him about singing in the parlor?

Still, she played her hand. “My lord, I was wondering while on our walk, if perhaps you could tell me more about the Flood of Light?”

Orion’s brows dipped into a mean line and his eyes squinted with spite. “You dare to ask something of me now? I’m a man of many talents, Rimsy. You know that Lord Vauthry is the ruler of Eulmore, but the true responsibility of taking care of the city falls on his advisors. Falls on me. And I don’t like it when people go behind my back.”

Well now she knew he was definitely angry, and any hope of hearing more history vanished like a cheap magick trick from a shady magician. She chewed her lip, contemplating how to satiate his ego enough to not feel his wrath. “I promise, my lord, ‘twas not like that at all. Lady Dulia expressed interest in me singing, and it was as simple as that. No one is going behind your—”

Suddenly Rimsy’s hand was no longer hooked around Orion’s arm. Now his bony fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm, squeezing her tighter and tighter, as he gritted each word out, “Do you think I’m stupid, Rimsy? Do you think I don’t see what you’re doing?” He pulled her in close, his harsh breath sweeping across the soft line of her jaw. “You wanted more freedom and got it, but I do hope you’re ready for the cost of that freedom.”

“You’re hurting me, let go,” Rimsy said. She used her free hand to keep Cerberus calm and hidden, as she could feel his aether sparking with fury. “You yourself said Lord Vauthry doesn’t like looking at bruised things. I wonder how he’d feel knowing one of his closest advisors put his hands on his own bonded.”

Orion let out a mocking laugh as he released her. “And do you think he’d believe you, Rimsy? I was not the advisor who came to your room alone and at night.”

Heat spread across Rimsy’s chest. Bonded had already gossiped about her and Aidon’s dinner, so she shouldn’t have been so taken aback with Orion’s words, but her breathing became shallow. “That wasn’t—”

“I care not for what worldly pleasures Lord Aidon seeks out with you. But I do care if it makes you think that you have some sort of sway or power over Eulmore. You will forever be, a bonded. A servant.”

Rimsy thought Aidon’s shadow was the one to be feared the most now after he caught Cerberus and stole away the note. But she was wrong, Orion’s obsession and mistrust were very concerning. And what was worse, is he wasn’t far off from being right. Except the part about her and Aidon. Her face wanted to flush just thinking about it. Perhaps she had been too hasty with trying to push for expanding her singing. It had been over a week at this point, but it had felt like a lifetime. 

But she was also tired of playing these impossible games inside this wretched city. “I only wanted a change of scenery. I hate being caged,” Rimsy said. 

“And I hate secrets,” Orion replied. “And you, Rimsy, have many.” 

And you don’t? “I have been forthcoming from the beginning. I have tried my best to ease your suspicions and answer all questions.”

Orion once again extended his arm, not allowing Rimsy to refuse it. His eyes studied her for a moment, changing from a cooled gray-blue into something richer, hungrier. “Yet you didn’t deny you have secrets. Whatever it is you’re hiding, I will come to find it.”

Rimsy wondered how Orion would react if she told him everything right here and now. What the Source was, who she really was, who the Scions were, and what Light means to them back on the Source. He’d probably turn as white as the Light and faint. Not a bad thing, when all things considered…

She decided to give him something to ease the tension. “Light exists in my world,” she began. “And in my world, it’s good. It’s… hope. It’s hard fathoming that it could be so consuming, that it could ruin a star. And yet it did. I simply wish to understand it, how it came to pass, and why it came to pass.” She answered as honestly as she could. Adding that she wanted to do everything in her power to save her star would have probably been a bad idea.

“It sounds like you are afraid for your world. Do you believe that our worlds are connected? Is our fate a foreshadow for yours?” Orion asked.

Ahead looms a Calamity…

History must be changed…

“I don’t know,” she said. “But even if I did, it’s not like I could do anything from here.” 

“I suppose not. Not unless you find the one who summoned you here, hm? Too bad you will never find that out.” Orion’s grin grew sinister as he pulled Rimsy down a long spiral staircase. The parlor was just below them. 

The ceilings here almost didn’t exist with how high they peaked. Ivory and marble pillars framed the entire place, gold plating dancing and shimmering down each one until it splashed into the floor. The gold dripped into the tiles, merging with jades and emerald greens to form a beautiful sea below Rimsy’s feet. Red and plum colored curtains draped everywhere, pulled at different lengths to try and balance all of the blinding Light that forced its way in with such large archways. In the center of the parlor was a huge fountain, covered from head to toe in gold, precious metals, and gemstones that seemed to glow as the water—or maybe it was liquid gold—trickled forth. This parlor felt more like a palace. Each seat a throne for those who could afford it. 

“Seems they are behind, your stage is not even built yet,” Orion said.

Rimsy followed his gaze, which halted on Chai-Nuzz and his wife. He was giving orders to other bonded who were carrying crates marked with words like cage and bars. They sought to recreate the one she had been singing in. Lovely. 

Dulia, however, was unmoving. Rimsy strained her neck to peer past Chai-Nuzz, spotting Kai-Shirr nervously looking back at her and then his canvas. Rimsy couldn’t see the painting from where she stood, but hoped he heeded her advice. He was still working, so that had to be a good sign. 

A tug from Orion pulled her from her thoughts, and she followed his lead to the esteemed couple. “Chai-Nuzz, is there something amiss? I’d expected the stage to be finished by this hour.”

“L–Lord Orion and Rimsy, what a surprise…” Chai-Nuzz looked frazzled standing this close to him. His magenta colored suit was wrinkled, his charcoal cravat crooked, and his hair uneven where he had been scratching his head. “There have been some hiccups, but it will not affect Rimsy’s schedule, I assure you.”

“You’d hope not, I can only imagine Lord Vauthry’s anger if plans go awry.” Orion’s cheeky tone now feigned fascination. “And what’s this? Working your bonded here? I’d love to see this beautiful portrait of you, Lady Dulia.”

Dulia huffed, her face twisted into something that screamed impatient and indignant. “You and I both, Lord Orion! What is with our rotten luck with bonded?! Why can we not be as lucky as Lord Vauthry with his beautiful and perfect canary?”

Rimsy worried her thumb between her teeth. The veins in her hands ran cold as she tried telling her heart to calm down. She was in no power to help Kai-Shirr if something went wrong. You can do it, Kai-Shirr, she cheered on in her mind.

“Well, let’s see it, boy,” Orion said.

“It’s—It’s not done y–yet,” Kai-Shirr sputtered, avoiding all eye contact.

“I don’t care,” Orion answered, stepping forward and grabbing the easel.

“No!” Kai-Shirr jumped forward, stumbling, tumbling, dropping everything in his hands. Rimsy could have sworn his paintbrush and palette grew wings of their own as they flew and landed on the worst person they could have outside of Vauthry himself. Orion’s ivory silks were stained with shades of deep reds and dull browns, the color of fresh and dried blood. It might as well have been Kai-Shirr’s blood.

Dulia’s scream filled the entire parlor, and gasps from patrons and bonded all echoed around them. Orion’s butterfly cane swung at Kai-Shirr as if it was a sword. Each blow hit harder, as Orion’s face turned a shade of red that wasn’t on his tailored suit. It was the color of rage, of hatred, the will to choke one’s throat until they turned a shade of purple or blue or both. “You… You imbecile!”

“I’m sorry, my lord!” Kai-Shirr cried, immediately dropping into a curled position to defend himself. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I swear!”

“Silence!” More swings, more licks, and more cries came from the now bleeding and bruised bonded.

“Stop!” Rimsy yelled, and soon to follow her voice was her hand, clutching Orion’s cane mid swing. Whispers escaped those who were watching, and Orion’s deadly gaze locked on to Rimsy.

He looked as if he could stab her right in the heart with his cane, and Rimsy’s fingertips tingled with her magicks just in case he’d try. But just as quickly as he lost his composure, did he gain it back. Orion took a step back from the shivering and terrified boy and ran a hand through his now wild golden curls. “Guards, take this good for nothing clown down to our gaols. He will go before Lord Vauthry the next time he passes judgement.”

“No, please! My lord! My lord!”

But Kai-Shirr’s pleas went unheard as two guards pulled him from the ground to haul him away. He finally saw Rimsy, and tried leaping for her. “Please! You have to help me!” he cried. “Don’t let them take me away!”

“I’m—I’m sorry, Kai-Shirr,” Rimsy said softly as she reached out a comforting hand, just to be stopped by Orion’s cane. 

“Don’t,” he warned, “lest you wish to join him.”

Rimsy retracted her hand.

The guards took Kai-Shirr away, his pleas never ceasing.

Rimsy swallowed the lump in her throat that tasted a lot like guilt. She assumed guilt must taste like bile as it burns and claws its way down to one’s stomach. Leaving a constant reminder of what one did—or didn’t do in this case. 

“He ruined the painting!” Dulia sobbed.

Whatever visage of Dulia there was was marred irrevocably. Lines blurred and shapes disappeared. It could have been a true masterpiece, but no one would ever know.

“He’s ruined everything,” said Orion. 

Other paints and paint water had spilled everywhere, staining the seafoam green tile a murky and dark color that contended with the dim waters below Eulmore. He clapped his hands, summoning the bonded who watched in either fear or delight—Rimsy couldn’t be sure—to start cleaning.

“I can help,” Rimsy said as she bent down to pick up scattered paint brushes.

“Have some pride, girl, you are Lord Vauthry’s bonded. Get up.” It seemed Orion was still seething.

As Rimsy began to stand, something caught her eye. The floor attempted to swallow it and its color, but the small tinge of blue sparkled ever so faintly against the murkiness of the weeping paints. Her thumb swiped the paint away, and she stole a quick glance of some kind of charm. Before she could see what exactly it was she pocketed it, not wanting to get caught by the already heated Orion.

She expected to be greeted by Orion’s sullied arm, but instead he had called a guard over. “Take her back to her room. I have other pressing matters to attend to. And you, Chai-Nuzz,” Orion said bitterly, “perhaps next time you will keep your incompetent bonded confined to your quarters.”

The meek and cowardly advisor just nodded as he tried consoling his wife. Rimsy wanted to roll her eyes at it all. Eulmore was so much worse than Ishgard’s court and nobles, but she was glad she didn’t have to walk back to her suite with Orion. She curtsied for the advisors, and took her leave with the all too eager guard.

The man was young with dusty blonde hair and gray eyes full of wonder. He wanted to ask Rimsy countless questions about her singing and if maybe she was a real angel, since she looked like one so often and came from the sky. It was hard to indulge him; she just wanted to be left alone. Whatever charm was in her pocket had to possess magick, because she felt it pulse with every step she took, as if it was trying to talk to her. 

As they turned the corner, something about the guard’s countenance shifted. It was almost as if he couldn’t see Rimsy anymore, but acted like he did, and he continued down the path towards her room.

“Um, excuse me—”

A quick hand gripped her wrist, pulling her into a dark and quiet hallway. Rimsy’s back was pressed up against a wall, and standing above her wearing the colors of shadows and whispers was Aidon. A majestic shade of red glittered on his mask and matched the embroidery on his tailored smoky vest, making him look like cunning royalty. It was the color of red that Orion most certainly coveted.

“L–Lord Aidon?” Rimsy said, shocked at seeing him and cursing her heart for skipping extra beats. “I can’t stop here, I’m to return to my room. If the guard catches me wandering…”

“You mean the guard who believes he’s escorting you back right now?” Aidon’s eyes flicked back towards the open passageway he had pulled her from. “See for yourself,” he said. 

Rimsy poked her head out slightly, and to her astonishment, Aidon was telling the truth. The guard was even still talking as if she never left. “How did you do that?”

His lips twitched upwards playfully. “I would say it’s just like how you can turn your familiar into a small mouse. I have magicks of my own, though I thought that would be painfully obvious by now, little bird.”

It was now Rimsy’s turn to be painted red. Her cheeks burned a bright pink as she searched for Cerberus in her braid. “I haven’t sent him out, I swear—”

“I know,” Aidon said, still smiling back at her.

“What do you want?” she asked nervously. 

“To see what you’re capable of.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Her blush now started to fade away, and her brows pinched together.

He didn’t answer, not right away. Instead he moved in closer. Too close. Rimsy’s breathing hitched as one of Aidon’s hands snaked down her waist, and then into the pocket of her dress. He pulled out the charm she had found. “You have something that doesn’t belong to you.”

“Is it yours?” Rimsy asked.

“‘Tis not,” he said.

“Then why does it matter to you?” She went to reach for it, but just like the small orange crystal, Aidon snatched it away. 

He made it dance between his long gloved fingers. Its glitter shimmered brighter for Rimsy now, crying out and wanting to be saved, just like Kai-Shirr had. Aidon then flipped it like a coin before catching it and finally revealing it to Rimsy. She noticed now that it was not a charm, but a key. The blue that wept for attention was part of the bow and it formed a singular yet ornate butterfly wing.

Suddenly there were butterflies in her chest. Eulmore was a city of gold. A city of dreams. A city of rapture. It only had room for things that shined and sparkled and lasted forever. Anything that flourished from nature was noticeably missing. Except for one thing. Orion’s butterfly cane.

“It seems you’ve put two and two together.”

Rimsy looked up to Aidon’s eyes, trying to study them and his expression. As always he was impossible to read. She was close enough to remove his mask, though he had already proven his insanely fast reflexes when he stopped Ran’jit’s blade; she doubted she’d even be able to touch it before he’d stop her. “What does this open?” she whispered.

“A closely guarded secret,” Aidon answered coolly. “A secret you’re going to find out for me.”

The butterflies in Rimsy’s chest were beginning to form a swarm. “What? Me? Why?”

Aidon shrugged and shook his head. “Have you already forgotten? Your debt. You will go into Orion’s quarters and use this key to open whatever he has hidden away and then bring it back to me.”

He made it sound like it was the simplest of tasks, but it was more like she would be committing self-slaughter. Orion had already spent part of the day showing how much he didn’t trust Rimsy. The last thing she needed was getting caught snooping around in his room. And on top of that, she now had his key. If he found out she had it, then she’d imagine she’d have a fate worse than death waiting for her. 

“And how am I to do that? I cannot leave my room, and even if I could, there are guards and bonded and free citizens everywhere.”

Aidon let out an irritated sigh and snapped his fingers. Rimsy’s ears twitched as the sounds of the city quieted, and everything seemed to come to a stop, as if lulled into a dreamless sleep by the enchanting man before her. Even the air felt like it had frozen. Tiny little specks of gold mixed in with what looked like stardust the color of amethysts entwined around her. She had never in her life seen anything as remarkable as this. “W–what is this?”

“My aether,” Aidon said. “‘Tis no different from what I did to your guard, except it has now swept over the entire city.” He snapped his fingers once more, and everything began to move again. The tiny speckles of gold and purple that captivated Rimsy had slowly dissipated, loosening their hold on her. “Tonight, immediately after midnight, your door will be unlocked and my spell will last for exactly one bell. For that bell, you will be safe and no one will see or hear you. You are to retrieve what Orion is hiding and meet me back in your room.”

“If you have this kind of power, why can’t you just do it?” 

Aidon’s arrogant laugh rippled through the remnants of his aether. “Because that’s not any fun. Besides, you are the one who found the key, not me.”

Fun? “Is this a game to you?”

“Is it not to you, little bird? You’ve been playing since the moment you landed here.” Aidon leaned forward, resting an arm above her head as he caged Rimsy between the wall and himself. “Do this for me, and you’ll be a step closer to your freedom within this city.”

It felt like the swarm of butterflies would burst from her chest. Aidon’s lips were dangerously close to hers, and his bright gold eyes challenged her staring. Rimsy felt her knees wanting to give up on her. “F–fine!” she finally managed and swiped back the key.

“Good girl.” Aidon straightened his posture and took a step back. “Oh, and I should mention one thing. The spell doesn’t work on sin eaters. So stay away from Vauthry’s throne room, and other places you shouldn’t be sticking your nose in.”

“O–other places?” Rimsy asked.

“I’d get back now if I were you,” Aidon said while ignoring her question. “The spell on the guard will wear off at any moment.”

Rimsy shot him a scowl before taking another peek to see if the coast was clear. The passageway was empty, and her room wasn’t that far. If she was quick, she’d make it. She looked back to the shadowed hallway to ask Aidon how she would know when it was midnight—she still had no way of tracking time—but like a shadow he vanished in the darkness, and she cursed under her breath.

When Rimsy got to her room the guard was waiting for her, a smile on his face as he opened the door. “Here we are, miss.”

Rimsy nodded and darted inside. Once she was positive the guard had left, she pulled out the butterfly key, studying it intently, wondering what it could open. “Cerberus,” she spoke to her braid. The little orange mouse crawled out of her hair and perched on her shoulder, eyeing the key in her hands. “He said we will have an entire bell to find what Orion is hiding, with no worries of being caught.”

Rimsy’s hands started to quiver. 

He said we will have an entire bell…

Her heart began pounding in her ears.

…with no worries of being caught.

The wing of the butterfly key dulled its color and even looked like it was starting to wilt at that thought, but what secret could be more important than her one true chance at escaping?

Chapter Text

The immaculate carpets under Rimsy’s footfalls should have frayed and torn with all the pacing she was doing inside of her room. Aidon had given her the key to escaping. All she had to do was wait until midnight, open the door, and run. But the literal key in her hand throbbed, still pleading with her to use it to open whatever secrets were hidden away in Orion’s chambers.

She took a deep breath and released it. “Cerberus, what do you think?”

Her carbuncle tilted his head up at her, while his dark beady eyes focused on her hands. He hopped onto her lap, using his wet nose to nuzzle her hand holding the butterfly key.

Rimsy pursed her lips, dissatisfied. “But Cerberus! This could be our only chance. I know he said he would help me, but how can we truly believe that? He hurt you and took the note.”

Cerberus whined at her as if he was saying, Yes, but he’s also already helped you, too…

Rimsy fell backwards onto her bed. “You go too easy on him,” she sighed. “I wish I knew what he really wanted.” She pushed the palms of her hands to her eyes, as if rubbing them would finally allow her to see the answers she was needing. “If anything, I guess we can at least get a feel for this place. It still is like a giant maze to me. And, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious.”

Rimsy turned over to now face Cerberus, who had settled on her plush bed. “Though how are we to know when it’s midnight? Perhaps we will see his aether again.” After saying that, Rimsy felt her heart quicken, and she scolded her heart to stop its fast paced pitter-patters. Why it always had to race when anything concerned Aidon was beyond Rimsy, but she found it incredibly irritating. She found it even more irritating that he seemed to know this too, and used it to his benefit. 

She looked down at Cerberus, hoping he didn’t notice her unwanted pining, but he just yawned and spun a circle before lying down. Rimsy gently petted him while he let out satisfied purrs. “I suppose a quick nap would make the time go faster....”

***

A soft light woke Rimsy. It was warm and gentle, and caressed her face like a fervent lover’s touch. When she fully opened her eyes, Aidon’s magicks were sparkling everywhere in her room. It was as if he brought whatever stars were hiding behind the Light in the sky down into her bedroom, into all of Eulmore. She found herself wanting to get lost in it, but Cerberus tugged on her dress and she shook the thought and sparkles away. 

“All right, we have one hour,” Rimsy said. “Let’s go.”

Cerberus bounced off her bed and headed for the exit to her room. Rimsy held her breath while she reached for the door. Countless times she had finagled the door’s knob, hoping it would magickally unlock for her. Each time she was denied, but this time, her wish had been granted, and the door opened.

Aidon’s aether was everywhere, as she expected it to be. “Too bad he couldn’t have had it lead us to Orion’s room,” Rimsy mumbled to Cerberus. 

Cerberus squeaked but took the lead, offering his nose as their guide. Rimsy kept up with his speed, but soon nerves started festering inside her chest. Bonded and guards came into view. It was as if she was walking naked in front of them; she felt so exposed and vulnerable. But they didn’t see her. They almost didn’t even move. The spell Aidon cast was a strong one, especially when she pictured all of Eulmore being like this. Just who was he? And how much power did he really possess? 

Her mind spiraled as she and Cerberus climbed real spirals. She tried to shift her focus more on her surroundings, memorizing what she could for when she would have her next chance at escaping. If she ever got it. Now she was starting to regret not just running, but the key in her hand seemed to sense her doubts, and tingled in her hand, as if it was reassuring her that she was on the correct path.

She wasn’t sure how long she and Cerberus navigated through the districts of Eulmore, but it felt like too much time had passed. And Eulmore’s hallways and stairways were too confusing and disorienting. “Cerberus, I think we went that way already—”

A loud screech the sound of demons and nightmares and fear itself bounced off Rimsy’s sharp ears. She halted her steps and stared down a dimly lit hallway. Cerberus hissed, warning Rimsy, but she put her hand up to shush him. She shouldn’t have gone towards the voice. She needed to find Orion’s room and secret, and time was already moving too fast. But she had never heard something so terrible. She’d been so worried about the secrets of Orion and even Aidon, she hadn’t considered what Eulmore was hiding. A quick glance, and then we will leave.

The doors at the end of the hallway stood out, and not in a good way. Where everything was decked in gold and jewels, this door was eerily plain and unassuming, with aged wood and iron motifs. Rimsy reached for the dilapidated handle and slowly creaked the door open. 

The room was dark, as there were no windows. Sconces on the wall flickered valiantly, but offered little light to the large room. Rimsy noticed Aidon’s magick barely trickled in here, and so steeled herself to stay at the door. When her Keeper eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw two hyur women wearing jester costumes a lot similar to Jezebel’s, but with the colors of red and blue. Upon careful inspection, they were moving normally—Aidon’s magick wasn’t working on them or this space.

Soon Rimsy’s ears flicked at the song coming from one of the jongleurs:

“Poor, poor, the poor beggars croon 

So we feed them, feed them a boon, 

Soon, soon, they become a cocoon

Growing and growing into a balloon,

Wait, wait, we wait for a shift

And then we feed them to Vauthry’s gift.”

It was an eerie rhyme that made Rimsy shudder, but it was hard to make out what they were doing exactly. Rimsy’s curiosity pushed her legs forwards by a mere ilm. 

But it was an ilm too much. Something shadowed behind the two women moved. It was then that Rimsy saw what had made that awful, terrible scream. She never in her wildest dreams thought she’d ever see a person larger than Vauthry, but there in the center of this large chamber was a massive person—no, massive sin eater. The sin eaters in Vauthry’s throne room looked like beautiful angels and majestic beasts out of a faerie tale. But this was a monster. Mutated and deformed and all kinds of wrong. Its stonelike mass did remind her of the sculpture-esque sin eaters she’d seen, but it moved too much to be like a statue. And the sounds it made… soft, wet, fleshy; like a clump of wet clay being formed by its sculptor’s hands. Its shade of white was sickly—she felt like she’d seen it somewhere before.

Rimsy’s eyes then darted over the two jongleurs. Her stomach tied itself in knots. They were its sculptors. In their hands were knives and chisels, and they were cutting away at the sin eater. Next to them was a crate with a single word labeled on it: meol.

There was a reason why this door was unmarked and kept in a dark and forgotten hallway. Rimsy tried to stifle her shock and disgust as she stepped backwards, but whatever monstrosity she stumbled upon whipped its head towards her, and shrieked an even louder cry than she heard before. 

As Aidon’s magicks dulled around her, she could hear his aether whisper in her mind: The spell doesn’t work on sin eaters. So stay away from Vauthry’s throne room, and other places you shouldn’t be sticking your nose in.

Rimsy grabbed Cerberus and ran and ran and ran. She had never run so fast in her life, everything became a blur of gold, glitter, and Aidon’s aether. She dropped to her knees when she was convinced no one was following her. “Cerberus, I’m—I’m sorry, I should have listened to you.”

She knew Eulmore was a nasty city. She knew Vauthry was a nasty ruler. But feeding people that? It took everything in her not to retch on the floor. This was a secret she wasn’t supposed to have discovered, but she would get answers from Aidon. Her debt be damned. 

Whatever time she had left felt like the last grains in an hourglass. She was lost, and Orion’s chambers could be anywhere. But Cerberus yipped at her and started clawing at a door she had collapsed in front of. It looked like most other fancy doors in Eulmore, except a set of butterfly wings framing the doorknob itself. This has to be it. Orion’s room.

Just like her door and that wretched sin eater door, Orion’s door opened with ease. Rimsy wondered if Aidon’s spell also worked on locks, but maybe couldn’t work on whatever lock this butterfly key was to, hence why he sent her into the lion’s den. 

She stepped inside, preparing herself for seeing the horrible advisor, but thankfully Orion was missing. One look at his room though, and anyone would think that he was the ruler of Eulmore, not Vauthry. Gold, brass, and jewels the color of honey and stars had completely covered everything he owned. It was so hard to look at, and the only thing that gave a break to the burnt colors were the several paintings of Orion himself that adorned the walls. In the paintings, Orion’s cold blue eyes locked onto Rimsy, and she prayed that Aidon’s spell would keep her safe from his hateful gaze. 

The key in her hand was pulsating chaotically now, and Rimsy held out her palm, hoping the key would take her to its lock. It pulled her to the back of Orion’s room where a large armoire stood, basking in gold and glory. It didn’t seem to match the key, but opening its door revealed a box made of branches and crystallized butterfly wings. It was beautiful. Colors of the rainbow reflected back on to Rimsy’s face.

Carefully Rimsy inserted the small key and waited for the click of the lock to release. When it did, colors that she’d never seen before lit up the room. It was hues reminiscent of pearls and dreams, of wishes and faerie dust, and when the colors settled a real faerie flew out of the box. 

“At last!” 

“A—A faerie?!” Rimsy gasped. Rimsy didn’t think faeries were real. The closest thing Eorzea had to the mythical creatures were Sylphs, but this was no Sylph. Its petite stature made it nimble and quick. Bright red hair the color of dancing flames were tamed with twintails. Its garments looked more like bright orange flowers, and its long violet wings fluttered and buzzed as fast as a dragonfly’s.

Big blue eyes studied Rimsy. “I’m actually a pixie,” the pixie said. “My name is Feo Ul, and you have freed me from the hands of that awful, dreadful man!”

Rimsy blinked, stunned that this was what Orion was hiding. What could he want with such a little thing? “How did he capture you?” she asked.

“He tricked me, he did! My curiosity takes me on adventures, and we pixies have never had peace with Eulmore. I thought I could extend a branch, like I did at the Crystarium, and learn more of this gilded city. But it was a terrible nightmare!” Feo Ul shivered, clutching themselves. “But you saved me! You—” They tilted their head, then flew circles around Rimsy. “You aren’t of this world, are you? You came from beyond!”

Sweat started forming on the nape of Rimsy’s neck. “How—how do you know that?”

“Why, I can tell by just looking at you!” Feo Ul replied. “And you came here, broke into this ose marn’s room and freed me! You are brave and wonderful and reckless! Are you sure you aren’t part pixie?”

“What’s an ‘ose marn’?” Rimsy asked.

“Forgive me,” Feo Ul giggled. “‘Tis the language of my people. But enough about that. I should reward you for saving me. Name it and it shall be yours.”

As the sweat dripped down Rimsy’s neck, so, too, did her grains of time. Aidon’s magicks had begun to twinkle faintly, warning her that her time was almost up. She wasn’t sure what Feo Ul was capable of, but pixie magick had to be powerful if Orion had them locked away. 

As Rimsy’s lips parted, Feo Ul interjected, “Oh, wait! I know the perfect reward!” The pixie rubbed their hands together, smiling almost mischievously. “Make a pact with me, and you’ll be able to call on me endlessly! I will be your isne fish, and you will be my sune yak!” 

“Um…”

“Oops, I mean to say, I am your beautiful branch, and you my adorable sapling.”

Rimsy wasn’t sure what that meant, but nodded with a sheepish smile. 

“Raise your hand!” Feo Ul said.

Rimsy complied, and the iridescent colors that blinded her before sparked from Feo Ul’s hand, then encompassed her. The light tickled her, as if a thousand butterflies were kissing her skin before taking flight. In moments she absorbed the magicks and felt light as a feather.

“‘Tis done! We are bound now, dearest sapling!”

“Thank… you,” Rimsy said, still trying to process everything that just unfolded. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have much time, do you think you could come with me, back to my room?”

“Oh, sweet sapling! I wish I could. I know it’s not fair to deny you, now of all times. But I must go to the Exarch and the Fae immediately! Orion the Betrayer has taken something from us. Something precious. Something crucial. I must call on reinforcements. But worry not, dear sapling, for we share a bond now. I will come to you once I finish my duties!”

“Are you talking about the cane he carries?” Rimsy desperately asked.

“‘Tis no cane, dear! But a scepter, a relic, a key. We must get it back, else all of Norvrandt could fall. Now, I must go!”

“Wait—you said the Exarch—”

But it was too late. Feo Ul had disappeared, and now fear attempted to control her heart. Its beating fell in the rhythm of a clock running out of time.

Tick. Tock. Beat. Beat. Tick. Tock. Beat. Beat.

Aidon’s magicks were really dwindling now, and Rimsy fumbled as she tried putting the opened butterfly box back into the armoire. She rushed for Orion’s door, with Cerberus at her heels. “We have to hurry, Cerberus!” she yelled.

The ticking, the beating, the faint tingling of Aidon’s aether all rang in Rimsy’s ears as she raced back to her room. People seemed to be moving faster now, and she swore they tried stealing glances her way. Luckily, Cerberus used her own scent to track her room and with no moment to spare she slipped through her quarter doors. 

Her lungs burned and her chest pounded. She could hear the echoes of the bustling city once more, and now Aidon’s magicks had completely vanished. Rimsy stepped forward into her room, casting her eyes to and fro, searching for Aidon. He said he’d be waiting for her, but she had nothing to give him. Though she was worried about what he’d do, she did believe Feo Ul was better off disappearing. 

“Came back empty handed, did you?”

Rimsy almost jumped out of her skin. Behind her was Aidon, leaning against her door like a careless prince. He was just missing a crown, but everything else he was wearing screamed regal: a suited jacket that could have been sewn from real silver, with black ebony buttons and crystal cufflinks. His trousers were as dark as night, tucked into tall black leather boots so polished it was as if he never left his castle—or Eulmore. Then of course, his infamous mask. Though this one was different from his previous ones. It, like his coat, was mostly silver, with hints of red and black beading sewn into it.

“L–Lord Aidon,” Rimsy stuttered while flicking her hand and making Cerberus disappear. She took a few steps back, until she hit the frame of her bed. She wanted to collapse on it, as her knees were now starting to feel shaky, but she made herself stand tall. “While it may appear that way, I did discover his secret and what—who—Orion was hiding.”

Aidon’s gaze turned predatory at the sight of Rimsy stepping backwards, and he pushed off her door, a hungry smile turning one corner of his lips. “Keep going,” he said as he closed the distance between them.

Rimsy tried swallowing her nerves. Adrenaline was still rushing through her veins from her sprint back to her room, and now Aidon was stalking towards her. “A pixie!” she exclaimed. “He had imprisoned a pixie and stolen a relic of some kind. He carries it with him, that butterfly cane…”

She hoped her confession would slow him down, but it didn’t. If anything, Aidon now moved faster. Rimsy’s legs finally stopped working, and she slumped on to the bed. Anxiously she clenched her sheets with clammy hands, hoping the news would satisfy him enough.

Aidon’s knee grazed Rimsy’s own while he used one hand to grip one of her large bedposts. The other ghosted her cheek, and then shoulder, and followed all the way down to her arm. Gooseflesh prickled her skin everywhere he brought his hand. Then light danced across her skin, almost identical to the pearlescent lights of Feo Ul’s magicks. “It seems you didn’t come back empty handed after all,” he mused.

Rimsy studied the magicks flickering on her skin. He’s revealed our pact? “What are you after?” she asked.

Another taunting smile that teetered on devilish as he leaned into her. “I get to ask the questions, little bird.”

Rimsy fumed and let out a disgruntled sigh and curse. She made a mistake lowering her head, her guard. A gloved finger pushed her chin back towards Aidon’s face, and his golden eyes pierced hers. “You’ve done as I have asked, even if you did veer off track. Almost cost you, didn’t it?”

She paled. “Then… you know about that—that abomination.”

“I do.” His reply was so matter-of-fact. No trace of disgust or disdain or disappointment.

“And you’re okay with that?” Rimsy’s voice started to heat with anger.

Aidon shrugged. “The people choose to eat meol. No one forces it down their throats.”

“But do they know what it is? That it’s cut from a living, breathing sin eater?!” 

“Even if they did, little bird, the answer would still be yes.”

“You’re sick.” Rimsy glared at him, telling her legs to move, to stand.

“Am I?” he asked. “Have you not already seen it for yourself? Greed, lust, and gluttony rule here, and the people are content with how they live. Don’t put the blame on me, you should remember I did not put meol on your plate.”

The point he made was sharp, and it stung with how right it was. She had seen over and over how horrible this city was. Still, it didn’t sit right with her—how Aidon did nothing to stop it. “And what of your apathy then? You are one of Lord Vauthry’s advisors, you carry power here, and yet you do not use it.”

A bold hand cupped Rimsy’s face. “Shall I start using it now then?” he asked. 

Flush spread across her whole body. “L–like you said, I did what you asked, what more do you want from me?”

“I could think of a few things,” Aidon purred, but he dropped his hand from her face. “Unfortunately ‘tis late, and you have a big day tomorrow. I’d wish you luck, but since you’ve found your own charm, perhaps you don’t need it.”

Rimsy followed his eyes down to her arm, where Feo Ul’s magicks slowly faded back to being invisible. Pushing through the fluster, she tried thinking of why Aidon would want Feo Ul freed. What did he get out of it ultimately? He didn’t have her free them out of the goodness of his heart. I don’t know if he even has a heart.  

“But…” His voice pulled her from her thoughts. “I do suppose you could use this.”

Aidon had extended his hand, open, holding something that sparkled in the light of her room. Part of Rimsy wanted to refuse him, to swat his hand away and tell him to leave. She looked to his opened palm, taking in a gold bracelet that appeared to have a charm or locket hanging in the center. “You said I found a charm… yet you’re giving me another?” Rimsy asked.

He let out a soft chuckle. “Look closer.”

Rimsy studied the embossed circle of the charm, realizing it was an engraving of a flower she didn’t recognize. With careful inspection she found a tiny clasp that opened the charm, and then saw it wasn’t a charm or locket at all, but a small watch. 

“‘Tis a timepiece, don’t lose it,” Aidon said. “It’s worth more to me than all the riches in Eulmore combined.”

Rimsy thumbed over the glass face of the watch, feeling the ticking from the tiny hands. She finally had a way to track time, but for him to give her something that clearly meant a lot to him… “Thank you, but are you—”

Her words halted, for when she looked up Aidon was gone. A faint shimmer of his violet aether sprinkled down in front of her. Why did he have to be such a mystery? It felt like he continued to give rather than take, and it drove her mad. She wished she knew what his endgame was, but regardless, this was a win. A step forward.

“Perhaps he does have a heart,” she whispered to Cerberus as he manifested next to her and sniffed her watch. She took a deep breath, trying to let the fears and dread and risks of the day fall to the wayside. She fought the small smile that met her lips while listening to the tiny gift Aidon had given her. Though now she wasn’t sure what was louder—the ticking of the watch or her beating heart.

Chapter Text

All Rimsy felt the next morning was fatigue. Yesterday had been a day off for her to recover, but she had spent it dealing with an angry and horrible advisor and then surviving a potentially deadly mission from Aidon. She could feel the exhaustion in her eyes and prayed that it didn’t show. There was only so much Jezebel could do with her makeup. 

She brought her wrist to her tired gaze, studying the face of the watch Aidon had given her. Its faint ticking was comforting in a way, at least for now, she was thankful that she had a way to keep up with time. Though she wondered if the ticking would eventually start to haunt her, acting as a reminder she was trapped here forever, and that it ultimately didn’t matter. Rimsy shook her head. She shouldn’t be thinking such thoughts. She should be thinking about her next move.

Today was her first day she’d perform elsewhere after serenading Vauthry in the morning hours. She couldn’t squander this opportunity. She stood from her bed and went to her vanity where she hid her watch in one of the tiny drawers. As much as she wanted to keep it on her person, she couldn’t risk it getting seen and taken away. 

Doing so reminded her of something else she needed to hide. “Cerberus,” she whispered to the pocket on the breast of her nightgown. Her familiar had taken a liking to being a mouse and decided to keep the unassuming form. But even being a small, quiet, and stealthy mouse was too risky for Rimsy. “I’m sorry, but Penella and Jezebel will be here soon, and they will absolutely spot you if you stay. You can come back out this evening, okay?”

Disappointed and even sassy squeaks came from her familiar, but he obeyed and disappeared within a matter of seconds. The air always felt colder without him by her side, but this was for the best, for both of them.

Not long after saying her goodbyes to Cerberus, Penella and Jezebel came to Rimsy’s suite to help get her ready for her first performance for Vauthry. 

“Are you excited to sing in the parlor today, Rimsy?” Jezebel asked. 

“I am, I never thought I’d get the chance to see other parts of the city,” Rimsy said.

“Be careful what you wish for,” warned Penella. “It may be the parlor today, but I’ve already heard whispers that the Queen Bee seeks your voice for the Beehive.”

Something dropped inside of Rimsy’s stomach. The Beehive. Rimsy had heard about the infamous club—if one could even call it that—and she counted herself lucky that she hadn’t been forced to perform there. It was a place full of smoke and spirits and those so far gone in earthly pleasures and indulgences it was hard to make out what was real and what was fantasy. No was a word that didn’t exist in that part of Eulmore, and she shivered when she thought of what bonded were forced to do in that nightmarish place.

“There’s no way Lord Vauthry would let her sing in such a place!” Jezebel exclaimed. “If anything, Rimsy, I’m sure they’ll just move your stage to other parts of the canopy.”

Rimsy nodded hopefully at Jezebel, but now her stomach was starting to twist and eat away at her. She had a bad feeling. 

“Oh, Penny! Did you hear about Lord Orion? Someone broke into his chambers last night and stole something really important to him! He’s absolutely livid. They say he threw the guards who monitor around his room into gaol since they told him they didn’t see anything.”

“I didn’t, but thank you for letting me know. I’ll stay clear of him, and you, Rimsy, should do so as well. As much as you can anyways.” The crow’s feet around Penella’s eyes sank in worry, but her dark eyes remained stern. “It’s not safe when he’s angry, and it doesn’t matter who you are.”

Rimsy’s bad feeling just grew ten times bigger. “What did they steal?” she asked nervously. 

“No one knows, but I’d hate to be the person who stole from him. He’s not one to let things go. If they get caught…” Jezebel released a shudder.

Rimsy did her best to keep her composure. It seemed like no one knew anything. But staying clear from Orion would be pretty much impossible. While she wouldn’t be safe from his stare during her performance for Vauthry, she’d at least be safe from his clutches. But what about when she’d be moved to the parlor? The bad feeling now started to travel to her chest, and she felt it tighten. She said a silent prayer to the Twelve and put her faith in Alphinaud and Thancred. They had to be on the way, and had to be close, if not already somewhere in Eulmore. And maybe she was worrying over nothing. No one saw her—except that nightmare that could only scream. But Aidon made sure that people didn’t see her, and she was sure she left before the jongleurs turned around.

Nerves chased Rimsy’s skin, leaving beads of sweat in their wake. Upon entering Vauthry’s chambers she looked to the advisors’ seats. All four were in attendance today, but a shadow hung over Orion. His hair looked messy, his clothes which were usually pristine were wrinkled, and his blue eyes had turned to steel. His glare wasn’t hot, it was ice cold, but so cold it burned. The beads of sweat on Rimsy’s skin now chilled. He knows.

She quickly looked away, catching a glance at Aidon. His warm eyes were a welcome sight, and she instantly felt safe. But Aidon wouldn’t remain with her all day. She walked to her cage, bowed for Vauthry, and willed any anxieties and fear away while she sang. Anyone looking on the outside would think she was the embodiment of innocence, but Orion kept his angry stare on her, his brows dipping lower and lower the more she sang.

When her performance was over Vauthry’s voice demanded the attention of all those in court. “My canary! You outdo yourself with each song. All of Eulmore longs to hear your voice, and I, the caring ruler of this paradise, have decided to share you with her!”

A roar of applause flooded the chamber, and Rimsy forced a smile while she bowed. When she straightened back out she looked up to the tribune. But Orion had disappeared, as well as Aidon. The next breath she took was shallow. She was really hoping to have Aidon accompany her to the parlor, where she’d ask for him to escort her back to her room when she was done and maybe even stay with her. Stay? No! Ridiculous.

“Are you ready to go, Rimsy?” Jezebel asked while extending an arm. “I’ll go with you to the parlor! We need to touch up your makeup.”

“Thanks,” Rimsy said. “Will you be able to walk me back today once I’m finished in the parlor?”

“Ah, no, not today. I’m sorry, Rimsy! I have a couple of patrons I have to tend to. But I’m sure they’ll get a guard to take you back, don’t worry.”

Don’t worry. Except that was all Rimsy was doing. She made herself take steady breaths as she walked with Jezebel. Rimsy tried not looking paranoid as she constantly clocked her surroundings. There was no sign of Orion anywhere. That should have made her feel better, but it just put her more on edge.

Turning the corner to the parlor opened to a sea of people. Each person’s face full of adoration and excitement. 

“Here we are! Wow, there are so many people here. All to see you, Rimsy!”

Again, Rimsy tried her best to clock everyone in the crowd, but it was all smiles and cheering. By the bar Dulia and her friends sat, enthusiastically applauding for Rimsy. Guards pushed people back, allowing her safe passage to her new stage. The cage wasn’t as grand or large as the one in Vauthry’s throne room, and the giant angel wings on Rimsy’s back cramped in around her. She felt trapped, even more so than before. Jezebel touched up her makeup and left her with encouraging words.

She searched deep down inside of herself, strengthening her outward facade. When Rimsy looked up, she smiled an angelic smile for the crowd, and sang once again. She had everyone fooled except herself and probably Orion if he was watching. 

Part of her wished she had kept her timepiece on her, because not knowing when her break would be was torture. After what she could only assume was a bell, she was let out for a break. Though there were no private balconies for her to escape to. Perhaps that was a good thing, maybe being surrounded by a crowd was her safest bet.

Waves of people gathered around her, wanting to talk to her, touch her, and who knows what else. Luckily guards made sure no one got too close, and she actually felt somewhat protected. That was, until a chiming of a bell rang in her ears. The sea of people parted, and Orion approached her slowly. 

His hair was fixed; golden curls tamed back and out of his face. His attire was also different. It was tired and wrinkled before. Now he wore a powdered-blue suit, ironed and crisp and perfect. The blue of his clothes reflected in his eyes, which no longer had the darkened steeled edge, and the dimples on his cheeks softened his face when he smiled.

“Hello, Rimsy. It’s quite cramped in here, and I do think you should get some fresh air while on your break.” His tone was calm, borderline pleasant. 

“Of course, my lord,” Rimsy said. 

“Bonded, please remove her wings. They’ll only get in the way on our walk.”

Penella stepped forward from behind Orion, her cheek a blazing shade of red, with blood dripping from a split lip. Rimsy’s eyes darted back to Orion, who was rubbing his hand while his butterfly cane hung from his arm. She felt her own hands form a fist, trembling. 

“Penella—”

“Please step over here, miss, it will be easier to remove them here.”

“Penella,” Rimsy tried whispering.

“You’ll need to turn around.”

Rimsy clenched her jaw and closed her eyes as she turned around for her fellow bonded. Penella carefully undid her fasteners, removing the wings in one efficient swoop. 

Afterwards Penella stepped back, and bowed before Orion. “Is there anything else you need, my lord?”

“Yes, actually,” Orion said smugly. “Wait until I get back. There is something else I’d have you do.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Orion’s arm raised towards Rimsy. She’d been wearing a strong mask all day, but now it was cracking, and her scowl seeped through. She’d much rather burn his arm off with Ifrit’s fire or crush it with Titan’s strength. But she couldn’t hesitate here. She slipped her cuffed hand around his arm and followed his lead.

“Why did you hit her?” Rimsy said, not being able to hold her tongue any longer.

Silence. 

The only thing she heard were Orion’s quickened footsteps, which caused her trouble to keep up with.

“Where are we going?” she asked, now noting that he was taking her down a passage she’d never been through. 

“Shut up,” he hissed.

In seconds his face morphed back into what she saw this morning. Earlier Rimsy regretted not wearing her watch, but now she regretted dismissing Cerberus. She didn’t think he was a magick user, but the wings on his butterfly cane seemed to glow an unsettling light that oozed malice. Whatever this relic was, it was powerful.

They descended several staircases, going lower than Rimsy had ever gone before. The tightness in her chest returned, but her heart beat hard against it. “My lord, I don’t have much time—”

“I said shut up,” Orion snapped. “You sang for Lord Vauthry, and then he ordered you to sing for the masses, which you did. Now you will do as I say.”

They were under the city now, and Rimsy could take a wild guess where he was taking her. But why would he show her the gaols? Was he going to imprison her? He didn’t see her, she was sure of it. Orion’s arm ripped from her hand, and possessively he grabbed her wrist, pulling her violently behind him.

“Stop,” Rimsy pleaded. “I don’t know why you’re doing this.”

Her shoulder met a cell door, hard. Orion then grabbed a fistful of her hair forcing her to look through a small barred window. “Take a look, Rimsy, your little friend here meets with Lord Vauthry in just three days. And I promise you, he will be begging for death by the end of it.”

Kai-Shirr was huddled up in the corner of the cell, rocking back and forth, unaware of Rimsy’s and Orion’s presence. She wanted to call out for him, to reassure him she’d do every thing she could to save him, but she knew that would just add to the fuel of abhorrence from Orion.

“What he did was an accident, he doesn’t deserve this,” she said.

“But what about what you did?” Orion seethed. He now dug his nails into her arm, pulling her off the door and dragging her towards another cell. “You will tell me where that pixie is, or this will be your new home.”

She tried yanking herself away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Another shove from Orion, and now Rimsy was pressed up against a cold stone wall, with Orion’s cane pushing against her throat. “You will drop the pitiful act, Rimsy. I know it was you who snuck into my room and freed that little shite. You will return them to me. Or else…” He began to push harder, and she could feel the golden plate of her bonded choker bending under the pressure of the cane. Tears started to form at the corners of her eyes. 

Rimsy tried pushing the cane off of her, even using her magicks subtly to boost her strength, but it remained unmoving, and the tainted light from before sparkled against her face. She could feel her chest constrict as she desperately tried to breathe. “I—I—”

It happened so fast, Orion soaring away from her. Rimsy stumbled forward, holding her throat and blinking the tears away. Looking up she saw Aidon now standing next to her, his masked golden eyes on fire. 

“You’ve grown bold, Orion.” Aidon’s voice was low and full of ire. “To dare to put your hands not only Lord Vauthry’s bonded, but also my lover.”

Huh? Rimsy’s mouth dropped while her mind spun dizzying circles and her heart danced against her ribcage.

“What—what did you say?” Orion stuttered while picking himself up.

A coy smile crept up on one side of Aidon’s mouth. He then reached for Rimsy, gently pulling her into an embrace. His gloved hand traced her jaw, before slowly bringing her into a kiss. His lips were cold but electric, and they sent jolts through every nerve of Rimsy’s body, making her toes curl in her sandals. Rimsy should have screamed and pushed him away, but she found herself leaning into it, into him. Aidon’s other hand pressed into the dip of her back, causing him to steal her breath. His tongue then slipped into her mouth, teasing hers and wanting more. But before things got too carried away, he tore his lips off of hers and looked back to Orion. “Are you really that surprised? We have been the talk of countless rumors. And they were simply true.”

Orion looked like he could explode. “Even if that’s true, my lord, she stole something from me last night.”

“Is that so?” Aidon asked. “I find that completely unlikely, seeing as once she was taken back to her room after your tour she was with me the entire night. And I can promise what she was taking was nothing from you and everything from me.”

Rimsy’s face flushed immediately. “Lord Aidon!”

How he could speak lies so boldly and effortlessly stunned Rimsy, she had no idea what to say. Part of her wanted to protest against what Aidon had just said, because it was a blatant lie, but he also was helping her once again. And maybe if people—like Orion—believed they were serious he’d leave her alone. She just hoped that she wouldn’t have to prove any further that they were now… lovers.

Orion opened his mouth then closed it and opened it again. It was obvious he had more he wanted to say, more he wanted to object, but for the first time since meeting this awful man, Rimsy saw him tilt his head in submission. “I see, my lord. I apologize for my misunderstandings. I should see Rimsy back to the parlor.”

“No.”

Orion simply nodded at Aidon and went to take his leave, but not before shooting a murderous look at Rimsy. Aidon may have saved her this time, but the hatred in Orion’s eyes matched the fire that had lit in Aidon’s just moments ago. This wasn’t over. Not even close.

Once Orion’s steps could no longer be heard Rimsy let out a sigh of relief. Her face was still pink from Aidon’s declarations, and it was hard to look him in the eye. “Thank you for helping me… again. But did you really have to say we were lovers?”

Aidon’s smile turned teasing. “Oh? Afraid you’ll actually fall in love with me? Or maybe your mind is jumping to certain acts only lovers partake in.”

She frowned at him. “This is no time for jests. He knows, Lord Aidon.”

His gloved hand caressed her face. “Maybe I’m not jesting.”

“What are you saying?” she said as she swatted his hand away.

“Become my consort and move into my chambers. Orion will stay away from you if he truly believes you’re mine.”

“But I’m not yours!” Rimsy protested. “And why would Lord Vauthry allow that?”

“We both know he doesn’t concern himself with those kinds of pleasures, my dear. Or perhaps the better word is ‘can’t.’ I won’t force you to do anything. Though…” He brought his hand back to her chin, his eyes seering into her lips. “I wouldn’t say no if you decide you are willing and wanting.”

More heat rushed to Rimsy’s face and chest. “We—we are not real lovers! But… Lord Orion is a constant… problem. I couldn’t—” Rimsy severed the words in her throat. It was best she didn’t mention trying to use her magicks on Orion. “I don’t think he will let this go, so, yes, I’ll agree to this, but on the condition that it’s all in name only!” 

“Whatever you wish, my love,” Aidon drawled. “Allow me to escort you back to the parlor. After you finish your duty I’ll have you moved to my room. Because you are right. He’s a threat to you while he wields that scepter.”

“Then why can’t you just take it? You clearly have the ability to do so. He practically cowered under you. You wouldn’t even have to steal it.”

Aidon kept his head forward as he spoke. “‘Tis not my fight, little bird. I did not get tricked into giving it to him. If you want to help that little pixie, then that is your choice. Make no mistake, I will not fight your battles for you.”

“And yet you have helped me many times now. Why?” Rimsy asked. She now halted her steps, slightly tugging on Aidon’s arm to make him look at her. “You say I’ll owe you but you’ve hardly collected anything from me.”

“What if I said it was to get you into my bed?” His eyes glittered down at her while his smile grew arrogant.

Rimsy was speechless. It was the second time now he left her dumbstruck. He had done as she wished, but now she wanted to unwish him stopping and looking at her, if his only plan was to tease her. While blush still dusted her cheeks, she tried to keep her voice steady as she replied, “I’d say you’re lying.”

“I suppose only time will tell,” Aidon hummed.

They continued their walk and Rimsy decided to let the matter go for now. She had other things she needed Aidon’s help with, though she was worried now what he might ask for in return.

“Do you think you could take me to my room before going back to the parlor?”

“Did you forget something, little bird? A gift, perhaps, from a noble advisor?”

“I was afraid it’d get taken away,” Rimsy mumbled.

“Well, now no one would dare touch a gift from your esteemed lover.”

The word lover flowed from his lips too easily. But his answer was a clear yes, as Aidon pivoted them in the opposite direction. He made no mention of payments, so maybe he didn’t see it as a favor. This was fortunate for Rimsy, because the next thing she was going to ask for was most definitely a favor.

When they got to her room Rimsy was quick to retrieve her watch from her vanity and attempted to put it on. It was awkward though, Her chained bonded cuffs kept getting in the way.

“Would you like help, little bird?”

A surge of terror shot through Rimsy as flashbacks of Orion being rough with her and her bonded marks played in her mind, but as she looked up at this different advisor her mind calmed. Jezebel had been right calling Aidon mysterious. But that mystery seemed to pull Rimsy in. She wanted to know more about him and his secrets, and maybe even his desires. 

“A–all right,” she finally answered, stepping forward and bearing her wrist.

Though her lungs allowed her to exhale normally, she could feel herself tense. It was so hard to let her guard down in this place. But Aidon’s big hands were surprisingly gentle as he secured the bracelet atop her bonded cuff. He released her wrist, but not before using his index finger to trace her palm. Such a delicate touch, and now her lungs wanted to freeze over.

“Are you ready to go back?” His voice broke through the moment frozen in time, and Rimsy once again blushed.

“Yes—I, um, thank you, my lord…”

Everytime Rimsy felt like she emboldened herself against Aidon he’d say or do something that caused all her walls to come crashing down. She was somewhat easy to fluster by those who knew her well (Thancred was by far the worst offender), but to have a stranger pull her strings so easily drove her mad. She needed to learn how to pull his strings instead, and though asking for favors wouldn’t do it, this next one was important to her.

“There’s something I need you to do for me,” she began.

That earned a genuine look of curiosity from Aidon. “Declaring my love wasn’t enough?”

“This is serious,” Rimsy said. “I’m worried about another bonded, my seamstress, Penella. Orion said there was something he wanted her to do. While you did help me, he was seething when he left, and he’s already proven he’s not afraid to take his anger out on innocent people.”

“What would you have me do?” Aidon asked casually.

“Stop him, of course!” 

“And you think that won’t make matters worse?” Aidon’s brows furrowed, his expression changing into something that seemed annoyed and slightly apathetic. 

“He already hit her, I’m afraid he may take things further. She could get seriously hurt… because of me. Please, I’ll do anything if you make sure she remains unharmed.”

Aidon’s brows lifted, and a mischievous smile curled his lips. “Anything? Be careful, little bird, you might make deals you won’t like. Plus your debt is already stacked malms high.”

“I know, you don’t have to remind me,” Rimsy said. “But I mean it. So will you help me or not?”

“Yes, but…” Aidon had stopped, the parlor was in sight, as they were now in the canopy. He leaned down, his lips ghosting hers, while his thumb swiped across her lower lip. “The favors end here.” His lips then pressed against her cheek. “I’ll see you in our room later.”

He left Rimsy breathless, but not the free citizens inside the parlor. Whispers echoed all around her.

“I guess the rumors were true, she’s his mistress!”

“I heard it was love at first sight.”

“Do you think Lord Vauthry is jealous?”

“I hope she doesn’t become one of us, I haven’t heard her sing yet!”

She wanted to tell them that they had it all wrong, but she knew she needed to let them believe the lie. It was saving her, even if she didn’t want to admit it. Guards received her and helped her get back to her stage. She was hoping Penella would be there—she would need help attaching her wings, but Penella was nowhere to be found. 

“I’m sorry, miss, but we cannot locate the seamstress, and Jezebel is with other free citizens currently.” The voice belonged to the friendly guard who had taken her back to her room yesterday. “You’ll have to sing without them.”

“That’s all right,” Rimsy said. She’d be fine if she never had to wear them again, but worry weighed down her brows and heart. It will be okay, Aidon will help her. I’m sure she’s safe.

Rimsy stepped inside her cage, her fake smile returning, and gave the parlor more songs. 

When she was done for the day, the same guard from before escorted her to Lord Aidon’s chambers. “He’s a lucky man,” he said with a grin. “Oh, um, but don’t tell Jezebel I said that.”

Rimsy’s ears twitched with embarrassment. “Do you know her?”

“Yes, I—I actually kind of fancy her, if I’m being honest, but guards and bonded are not supposed to… well, mix.”

That doesn’t stop guards from doing what they want, though. Still, at least this guard seemed to be different than what she was used to seeing.

Arriving at Aidon’s chambers was like arriving at a palace. She had seen Orion’s room, but it was dwarfed compared to this. Penella had said he wasn’t royalty, but this place would say otherwise. Big and open, the suite was actually beautiful, and not in the gaudy tacky way like the rest of Eulmore. It was clear that Aidon used his personal touch on this space. Ivory pillars didn’t exist here, it was onyx that dominated the floors and its supports. There were no signs of angels and cherubs and wings, instead most of the ornamentation was sleek and simple geometric shapes. Though gold did trickle in, here it was tasteful, here it was elegant and sophisticated. The red drapery she was used to seeing had been replaced with smoky grays and silvers, complimenting the shiny and reflective ink colors of the onyx floors.

But a squeal interrupted her thoughts as Jezebel rushed towards Rimsy and gave her a squeeze. “Rimsy! I can’t believe it! You are Lord Aidon’s consort now? I knew it! I knew it was love! Didn’t I say so, Penny?!”

An irritated huff came from the older elf as Penella stepped forward. “We don’t have time for gossip, Jezebel, we must get to work.” Penella’s face looked healed, even her busted lip was gone. 

Thank the Twelve.

“Penella,” Rimsy started, “I’m sorry—”

“That’s enough.” Penella raised her hand to Rimsy. “Nothing is your fault, dear. And I meant it when I said we don’t have time. We have to get to work immediately.”

“Oh? Are you two making a new dress for Miss Rimsy?” the guard asked.

“Edger! What are you still doing here? You brought Rimsy, now shoo, we have work to do!” Jezebel scolded. She pushed him out the door and whispered something to him, but it was too muffled for Rimsy to hear.

Rimsy looked back to Penella, her tired face looking almost remorseful. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“We are to make you a new gown, Rimsy.” The older woman struggled to keep eye contact, fidgeting with her needles in her pushpin attached to her wrist.

“What are you not telling me, Penella?” Rimsy pressed.

That’s when Jezebel rejoined them, touching Rimsy’s shoulder comfortingly. 

“You’re to sing in the Beehive tomorrow night. Lord Vauthry’s orders.”

Chapter Text

“I thought you said Lord Vauthry would never allow me to sing in the Beehive.” Rimsy’s voice was shaky, and she looked pleadingly at both bonded women. “I don’t understand.”

“We don’t either,” Jezebel said. “Something must have changed his mind.”

“It was Lord Orion,” Penella admitted. She looked away, sighing helplessly. “It’s no secret that the Queen Bee was interested in you, but most assumed his calls would go unheard. It seems Lord Orion decided to finally listen, but I am unsure why.”

I know why, Rimsy thought. But what did Orion have planned beyond Rimsy singing in the Beehive? Whatever it was, it wasn’t going to be good.

Penella pulled out sheets of fabric the colors of early starless mornings. Baby blues and teals, with hints of lavender and silver were draped over Rimsy, and she raised her arms in curiosity. “You really have to make a new gown?”

“Yes, and it has to be made with haste. Jezebel will be helping me this time. Without her aid I would not be able to finish. It’s to be grander than your angel attire.”

“What am I to wear?” Rimsy asked.

“The Queen Bee wanted you to be like his honeybees, but Orion wanted something different. You’re to be a butterfly.”

The laugh Rimsy let out was hollow. The message Orion was sending was loud and clear. But he could go to the bottom level of the seven hells. She’d not give him Feo Ul. And she didn’t even know where Feo Ul was; they still had not come back to her.

She went to speak, but Penella’s and Jezebel’s voices turned muffled, and Rimsy started seeing white spots in her vision. A ringing sound rocked her to her very core, and a sharp pain stabbed her mind. No. Not now.

She had not had a single Echo vision her entire time while being stuck in this world. She wondered if that was because maybe the enigmatic figure’s visions took up too much space in her head, or perhaps Hydaelyn’s will couldn’t reach this far—she did have to send Minfilia in her stead with the Warriors of Darkness. Though now both proved to be wrong.

When her vision finally focused, she saw she was below Eulmore, where the prisons were, but it was impossible to tell when this vision was taking place. Until fast paced footfalls caught her attention. She looked down, and ascending a spiral stone staircase was Thancred, pulling a cowled young girl quickly behind him. Rimsy’s breath caught. This is when Thancred rescued the Oracle of Light. 

Thancred looked like a knight in shining armor, except he traded his armor for a long white coat. On his back rested a rather large gun that looked awfully like the gunblades Garleans used. He looked older and even somber, as if coming here had aged him in a way that only a war could. Rimsy wished to know everything he had to face, and scorned fate for making him go it alone.  

She followed after them and felt the ground quake as they cleared the last of the steps and entered a large opened chamber. She wanted to scream “Look out!” as the ceiling broke apart and something massive fell through, but she had to remind herself that this wasn’t real; just a glimpse at a memory. 

Her blood chilled when the dust settled. The same lion sin eater that always rested against Vauthry’s back shook rocks and gravel off its majestic stone mane and wings before letting out a monstrous roar. The young girl backed away, while Thancred drew his weapon.  

Rimsy stepped forward, instinctually preparing for battle, but could only watch in awe as Thancred took this monster head on. It lunged for him, but a shot from his gunblade made the sin eater go airborne, attempting to strike Thancred with a blast of aether from afar. It was fruitless; Thancred used the blinding light from the monster’s mouth as a way to distract it, and he charged, now leaping over the beast and cutting off one of its wings with one quick slice of his blade. Thancred always did make things look easy.   

He reloaded the cartridge on his weapon as the sin eater fell to the ground and shot it again, causing it to stagger. He looked back to the girl, who was hiding behind a pillar. His handsome and confident smile lit up his face as he said, “I’m not going anywhere. I promise you, Minfilia.”

“Minfilia?” Rimsy repeated.

What?

Minfilia was here? She tried making her legs move, to run to the girl. She had to see for herself. It didn’t make sense. Minfilia was a grown woman, but there was no doubt that the young girl with Thancred was a teenager. If she could just see her face—

But her sight began blurring, and the familiar voices of her bonded friends filled her ears. In mere moments, the vision had released her, and she fell to the ground.

“R–Rimsy?! Are—are you all right?!” Jezebel cried.

“Should we get the chirurgeon?” Penella said frantically.

“No!” Rimsy gasped. “No, please, it’s all right. I’m all right.”

“What was that?” both bonded said at the same time.

“‘Twas a vision, I sometimes have them…” She didn’t want to confess, but she had little choice. There was no denying it now.

“Your eyes… they changed to the same blue as the Oracle’s. Why?” Penella asked.

Rimsy turned her head towards Penella, confusion coming down on her like an endless fog. It was true that any time she was “blessed” with a vision from Hydaelyn her appearance would change into something a little ghastly. Her dual colored eyes would shift into a bright teal blue, that glowed and shined brighter than any gemstone. It only lasted for the duration of the vision. But the only other time she saw anyone with similar eyes was when Minfilia presented herself as Hydaelyn’s vessel to the First… Could that mean she’s really here?

“What was the Oracle’s name?” Rimsy pressed.

Both Jezebel’s and Penella’s expressions creased with concern. “Minfilia. Do you know her, Rimsy?”

Rimsy knees would have buckled if she hadn’t already been on the ground. Minfilia was here. Of course she had no idea how she’d been so young, but it didn’t matter. Minfilia lives, and she’s here.

“You could say that,” Rimsy finally spoke. 

“But you said you weren’t from here, so how could you know her?” Jezebel asked skeptically. “Maybe it’s a different Minfilia?”

“There’s no coincidence with those eyes, Jezebel,” said Penella. “They’re connected…  Rimsy, are you also an Oracle?”

No, I’m the Warrior of Light. Rimsy wanted to say that, but from the little she learned about the history of the Flood she knew to hold her tongue on that matter. Warriors of Light were the villains in this world, not the heroes. “No, I’m not… but I do have a connection to the Light like her.”

“C’mon, Penny, you know if she was an Oracle that means Minfilia would be dead. She also isn’t a hume, nor is her hair blonde. And her eyes aren’t normally that shade of blue.”

The fog of confusion grew denser around Rimsy. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, just the legend of Minfilia. When one dies, another girl takes her place. They always look the same. Hume, blonde hair, blue eyes, and has an immunity towards the Light. They used to lead the charge against the sin eaters, until well…” Jezebel trailed off, not wanting to say anymore.

When one dies, another girl takes her place. Did that mean…?

“Until what?” Rimsy’s throat went dry. 

“Until Lord Vauthry murdered one with his bare hands,” Penella stated. “She didn’t deserve to die like that—beaten until she was unrecognizable. She was an angel. A real angel. It wasn’t long until another Minfilia popped up, and instead of killing her, Lord Ran’jit locked her away. I suppose you could argue it was for her protection, but no child should have to live that way. Even children are spared from bonded duties, it is a choice to become one. But for her…”

She was like me. Rimsy didn’t know if she said out loud or not. Her mind was moving too fast for her. Minfilia was alive, but had been murdered, but now was alive again? Just who was this girl? And what happened to her Minfilia? She already longed for Thancred, but now she wanted him more than ever. Surely he could shed more light on this, since Hydaelyn wasn’t going to.

It all made sense now, though. Why everyone avoided the history of Eulmore when it came to the Oracle of Light. Vauthry’s hands were painted with blood of innocence. To beat a child to death… Rimsy felt an angry sob bubbling in her throat. How could this city get any worse?

“Rimsy?”

Penella’s wrinkled hand extended towards her, and Rimsy took it as she found her footing. “Sorry,” Rimsy said, cursing her eyes for becoming glossy. 

“Does anyone else know about your visions?” Penella asked.

“No, please, don’t tell anyone.” Rimsy had grown close to these two, if anyone were to know her secrets, she’d want it to be them. 

“We won’t tell, but what did you see?”

Rimsy hesitated for a moment, but finally opened her mouth to speak. “I saw the Oracle being taken by… someone.”

“Oh, the dashing white-haired rogue!” Jezebel exclaimed. “Lord Vauthry and Lord Ran’jit were livid for so many moons after that. In fact, Lord Ran’jit still hasn’t let it go! That handsome stranger is a wanted man in Eulmore… do you know him as well, Rimsy?”

“N–no,” Rimsy stuttered, trying to lie. “But I do have questions about him and Minfilia.”

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have time for questions,” Penella said. “You can ask them later, but now we have to go. We must get this done before your performance tomorrow.”

Rimsy nodded at her friends, saddened she couldn’t come to know more. Her feelings were a conflicting storm forming inside of her. She felt relief in finally being honest, but she also felt fear for giving them a piece of truth. She prayed she wouldn’t come to regret it later.

Jezebel gave her a hug before saying, “I think Edger is assigned to your guard, I’ll give him a good talking to! He’ll keep you safe from any untoward patrons.”

Rimsy smiled at her, but she wasn’t worried about unwanted or inappropriate touching. She was worried about Orion and what he was planning. Because he was planning something. “Thank you both, for everything.”

Once they left it took a second for Rimsy to remember that she was no longer in her quarters, but in Lord Aidon’s. She shyly looked around, just now noticing a table set for two. It seemed their dinner was served before she and her fellow bonded arrived. She lifted one of the silver domed lids, and the feast of meat pies and other pastries was still piping hot, kept warm by magicks of some kind. Her days of tossing meol over and eating only square-grapes were over. Now she’d be eating meals like Vauthry. Rimsy took her seat, anxiously waiting for Aidon to open the door to his chamber.

But Aidon never came. While Rimsy dined alone, she studied the space around her. Everything was immaculate, almost too much so. This place looked hardly lived in, and she wondered how much time he actually spent here. A feeling very close to disappointment made her lips frown, but she quickly chided herself for it and moved on. 

When Rimsy was done she searched the entire suite for a second bedroom. It did have other grand rooms, but in the end, only one bedroom. She stood in front of Aidon’s large bed. It was big enough where she could spread her arms and legs and still not touch the other person lying on it. But the thought of waking up next Aidon made her head spin. She decided she’d sleep on the chaise lounge in the corner of the room. After finding some blankets and swiping one of the pillow’s off Aidon’s bed, she curled up and told herself to get some sleep. Orion would soon be moving his pieces. She just hoped it wouldn’t be a checkmate.

***

Rimsy overslept, something that never happened before here in Eulmore. Even if for some reason her body wouldn’t wake her, Penella or other bonded would. But her tired eyes blinked at her timepiece, saying it was nearly lunchtime. She always was singing for Vauthry by dawn (not that the outside would show it). Why had no one come to get her? And where was Aidon? She glanced towards the bed and it remained how it was the night before: made and untouched.

She made use of Aidon’s bathing room and freshened up. Afterwards she went to the front room of Aidon’s chambers, noting a new domed plate and hot coffee on the table. Someone had been here, but the door to the chamber was locked. “I don’t like this, Cerberus,” she mumbled under her breath.

Her carbuncle manifested back into his mouse form and searched around the room while Rimsy ate a vibrant breakfast of eggs, sausages, porridge, and fruit. Cerberus tried to sniff out anything suspicious, but his tiny nose found nothing out of sorts. Rimsy sighed, and did her best to will the anxiety away. It seemed all she could do was wait for Penella and Jezebel to arrive.

As she waited, she seriously contemplated channeling all her magicks into Cerberus and making him take on Titan’s form long enough to smash through every locked door and person who stood in her way. Though how far she’d get she wasn’t sure. She could manage without her grimoire, but when it came to fighting it significantly boosted her power. And while she could put a dent in Eulmore’s forces at her full power, she knew she alone wouldn’t be enough to overpower all of them and Ran’jit and Aidon and whatever power Orion wielded in the pixie relic he stole. But taking a stand had to be better than this waiting, this insufferable waiting.

Before she could act on her rash thought, Penella and Jezebel entered, and Cerberus hid under one of Aidon’s ebony couches.

“Hi, Rimsy, are you feeling better? We’re here to get you fitted and ready for your performance tonight, assuming you are well,” Jezebel said.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“There was word that you were ill, that’s why you weren’t called to sing this morning,” Penella answered.

“I’m fine. I wasn’t sick,” Rimsy said. There was a reason why she didn’t sing for Vauthry this morning. Or better yet, a person who didn’t want her singing for him. Did Orion not want her speaking to Vauthry about the Beehive? Or was this Aidon’s doing? She still hadn’t seen him since he walked her to the parlor yesterday.

Penella and Jezebel didn’t seem bothered by it, but by looking at them she could tell they hadn’t slept. They also were too busy to remember the Echo vision and Rimsy’s connection to the Light and Minfilia, which she was grateful for. 

In a couple of bells Rimsy was transformed into a faerie princess. Penella had absolutely outdone herself. The dress was stunning. Its layered and sheer skirts looked like folded butterfly wings. The colors were of the same dreamy blues Penella had draped over her the previous day. Its bodice also mimicked butterfly wings, following the contours of Rimsy’s waist and breasts and was adorned with what had to be hundreds of pearls. The sleeves of the dress kept her shoulders exposed, but hugged tight to the skin of her arms, looking almost translucent except for the diamond dust that sparkled endlessly. Her legs remained bare, but her feet slipped into dainty pumps that grew their own pair of butterfly wings.

It was a shame something so beautiful was also so wretched. It was also a shame that wasn’t the end of it, but Rimsy should have guessed what was coming next. Jezebel wheeled in a rack twice the size that usually held her angel wings. This rack instead hung giant butterfly wings that didn’t scream a faerie princess but faerie queen. The start of the wings were shades of violets before fading out into deep teals reminiscent of a crystal sea. A silver sheen reflected across their surface, making them look as if they could be real insect wings. Though if Rimsy looked carefully, she swore she could see slight flickers of the blood-red venom that flashed from Orion’s cane when he choked her with it.

“He’s maniacal,” Rimsy blurted.

“Keep your voice down.” Penella lightly pricked Rimsy with a pin, as if she was trying to discipline her waving tongue.

Rimsy released a defiant huff. “The last place he’d show his face is here. I get a feeling he hates Lord Aidon just as much as he hates me.”

“I think it’s more of a fear thing,” Jezebel said. “Lord Aidon is one of the most powerful people in Eulmore. There’s even rumors he’s stronger than Lord Vauthry, but any who speculate are always damned to the sea.”

“He also can’t control sin eaters,” added Penella.

“True! I wonder what Lord Aidon would do if Lord Vauthry turned all of his sin eaters on him.”

They would crack and crumble to dust. She had already seen first hand Aidon’s magicks. Nothing was a threat to him here. 

“How am I supposed to move in this, Penella?” Rimsy asked, changing the subject back to her gown. “These wings are too big.”

“They fold like real butterfly wings. They also aren’t as heavy as the angel wings. You won’t even realize you’re wearing them. Besides, you never move when you sing, and they will only open once you are on stage.”

Penella was telling the truth. Once the wings were attached they were way more manageable than the previous ones she had to wear. And with a slight maneuver they would fold delicately behind her back. It was still too much, but at least she had better control over her movements. 

“All right, let’s start on your hair and make up!” Jezebel’s face lit up, but Rimsy’s dimmed.

Most of the time Rimsy’s hair was kept down, in some sort of half-up or braid. This time Jezebel wove buns in Rimsy’s hair, each one looking like a rose in full bloom. Her makeup ensured that she really looked the part of pixie and royalty. Silver-blues glittered over her eyes, while a pearl-pink painted her cheeks and lips. She half expected Jezebel to pull out a tiara, but felt relieved when she heard the words, “There! All done.”

“Almost all done,” Penella corrected. In her leather bag of materials, Penella pulled out jeweled butterflies. “I need to attach these now. I wanted to wait until you had the gown on.”

Again, something that should have been beautiful just left a rotten taste in Rimsy’s mouth. That was until she got an idea. 

“I think I heard someone knock,” Rimsy lied.

Both Penella and Jezebel looked at eachother unsure, but then looked to the door.

It didn’t take long for Cerberus to realize Rimsy’s idea, and the little mouse who was hiding under one of the sleek couches darted out, jumping into the air while the two bonded weren’t looking, and transformed into a bright orange butterfly. He carefully fluttered and landed centered on Rimsy’s chest, acting as the perfect brooch to the ensemble. Rimsy pretended to adjust her brooch familiar as Penella tilted her head in doubt.

“I don’t remember fashioning an orange butterfly.”

“I saw it shine from the bag, it’s a nice centerpiece, no?”

“It’s beautiful!” Jezebel squealed.

Perhaps if Penella hadn’t been so exhausted, she’d push back, but she simply shrugged and closed her bag. Rimsy already admitted one truth to them, she didn’t want to spill all her secrets at once. And having Cerberus with her would turn the tide if shite hit the aetheryte. 

Jezebel then cleared her throat. In her hands were new bonded marks. They looked identical to the ones Rimsy was used to wearing, but these were solid platinum accented with the same pearls that were on her dress. “What was wrong with my old marks?” Rimsy asked.

“The gold clashes,” Jezebel said. “This will complete your gown, and you’ll be officially ready.”

The gold always clashes, Rimsy thought bitterly. But at least they were done. She made sure to keep her watch on this time, and checked to see how much time had passed. She then realized it was already evening, and soon guards would be taking her to the Beehive. 

“Did Lord Aidon give that to you?” Jezebel nodded towards Rimsy’s watch. “It’s so charming. A symbol of his love for you, I’m swooning!”

“…Yes, I was very surprised by this gift,” Rimsy said, but wouldn’t speak on it any further.

Jezebel rested her head on her hands and smiled teasingly. “Your shyness is adorable, Rimsy.”

A knock came to the door, and Rimsy knew it was time. Any time her heart beat out of line, Cerberus’s warm glow would calm it. She took a deep breath as she opened the doors to walk with Edger and a couple other guards.

“Good luck, Rimsy!” She heard Jezebel shout behind her.

She would need it, and then some.

It didn’t go unnoticed, the glance Edger shot towards Jezebel. No doubt he’d wanted to talk with her, but they couldn’t afford to be late, and he knew it. 

“You won’t be singing right away, miss,” Edger’s soft voice finally spoke, trying to change the subject of what was left unsaid but still in the air. “The Queen Bee would like to meet with you first.”

“And of what of Lord Orion? I assume he will be there as well?”

“Lord Orion?” A genuine look of confusement washed over Edger and he scratched the back of his neck. “I don’t think so, miss.”

“Isn’t he the one who orchestrated this?” 

Edger’s brows dipped, he closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. “From what I’ve heard, it was the Queen Bee who really wanted you, and Lord Aidon who made it happen.”

Rimsy’s blood turned ice cold. That had to be a lie. Why would Aidon do this? He had gone out of his way to save her. And Penella had already said it was Lord Orion who set this up. This couldn’t really be all Aidon’s doing… unless it was his plan all along?

Each step towards the Beehive felt heavy, as if her weightless wings were now made of lead. Its marble doors were some of the tallest in Eulmore, though the marble was hard to see with all the gold that clung to it like a plague.

Stepping inside was like walking into an actual plague, however. A wall of smoke slammed into Rimsy, giving her an instant headache. It was dark here, most places in Eulmore had windows with thick curtains to combat the Light, but this place had no windows. It was like the sickening room with the sin eater they were harvesting for meol. The floors, the walls, and the ceilings were all painted in either blacks or dark reds. The same colors of anxiety swirling in Rimsy’s head. Gold stuck on to every surface here as well, trying its best to brighten the depressing space. It hardly mattered, as a giant crystal ball did the job of reflecting hundreds of tiny lights all around the room. It spun around Rimsy, making her feel dizzy. Or perhaps it was the smell of drugs being smoked or the taste of liquor in the air.

The stage was huge, hosting dancers dressed in only underclothes. The only thing completely covered were their faces. Masks that looked like skeletons of beasts or maybe even sin eaters. I’d want to cover my face, too.  

No props were set up, she would not be singing in a cage, and Rimsy found herself almost missing it. The faces of the people here were different from the rest of Eulmore. Warped by the endless flow of alcohol and potions and fumes they hungered and lusted for the dancers on the stage. She could only imagine how they’d look when they saw her alone on stage with absurdly large butterfly wings. 

“Ah, the famous Rimsy,” a cool voice cut through the smoke and crowd.

An elf that rivaled the height of Aidon stood before her, sporting a wine-red tailored suit. His light blonde hair covered his magenta eyes, but they sparkled as he looked Rimsy up and down. “You’re prettier than my prettiest honeybee,” he purred. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Rimsy nodded and tried forcing herself to smile. 

He laughed, it was a proud laugh, but not condescending like Orion’s. “I am the Queen Bee, and this is my home, my hive. We are honored that you will sing for us today, Lord Vauthry’s Canary, or should I say, Butterfly.”

Again, Rimsy simply nodded, her eyes were too busy darting around like a real bee. She knew Orion’s slimy shadow had to be somewhere in the crowd. She also was hoping to spy Aidon too.

The Queen Bee smiled warmly at her and cleared his throat. “I realize that this venue might be a tad more intense than what you’re used to, but I assure you it’s just as safe, if not safer, than the rest of Eulmore. We take security very seriously around here.”

Rimsy snapped her attention back to the Queen Bee, heat warming her cheeks. “O–of course,” she said. “Thank you.”

Edger had left her side, but wasn’t too far from her. It seemed the Beehive’s own security would be the ones to lead her to the stage.

“We are all ready for you,” the Queen Bee said. “Break a leg.” He bowed for her and then used his hand to usher her towards the stage.

As Rimsy took her steps her heart started to pound, and Cerberus flickered and fluttered his wings against her, reminding her to breathe. The stage was lit, making it harder to peer out into the audience, but maybe it was for the best that she couldn’t see them.

When she first stepped into the Beehive, it was buzzing and chaotic. Now it was eerily quiet as people waited for her to part her lips. She swallowed the lump in her throat, placed her hand on Cerberus, let her giant wings unfold, and sang.

The entire Beehive gasped in amazement before returning to silence. It was as if she was putting them under her own spell. But the more she sang the faster her heart raced. It felt like when one sees a firework shoot into the night sky right before it explodes. The sudden bang and blinding light rips apart the night, striking fear and awe and excitement for all who witness it. But the only thing Rimsy was feeling was fear.

Then she heard a real bang. Her voice stopped, the audience screamed, and now chaos controlled the Beehive again. The lights that were on the stage chased the sound of the blast, and then Rimsy’s breathing stopped. In the center of the crowd, holding a gunblade to the ceiling like a torch in the darkness, was Thancred, white coat and all.

“Party’s over, folks!” he shouted. “Consider this your only warning shot.”

A flash of blue and red jumped around him, and Alphinaud and Alisaie readied their weapons and magicks.

More screams escaped from the crowd, and they all gunned for the doors like an angry mob.

Rimsy stumbled forward, glassy eyes never leaving Thancred. They were here. It was over. It was finally—

A shadow covered her, and then suddenly Rimsy couldn’t move. The taste of metal claimed her tongue and then she felt it—the sharp burning pain of the steel dagger pushing inside of her left rib cage. Her eyes shot to the man before her—one of the Beehive’s security—but his eyes blazed with the same red as Orion’s hatred and tainted relic. 

Rimsy quickly moved her hand to the man’s chest, focusing her magicks in one concentrated blast and blew him away from her. She yelped in pain as she ripped the dagger out and screamed, “Cerberus!”

But the orange butterfly on her chest wilted and dissipated before her eyes. “Cerberus?!” 

She fell to her knees, studying her hand that just pushed the man away. Her magicks were already gone, her mana depleted. Her eyes then dropped to the dagger, and it was then she saw the toxin drip from the blade. Poison.  

Rimsy had seen poison effects before. It made Nanamo appear dead once, and Alisaie had suffered from a poisoned arrow. Thancred was also well versed in using certain poisons from time to time. But this poison was different from the ones she’d seen. It wasn’t attacking her organs or body. It was attacking her aether.

“Thancred—”

Dirty boots kicked her backwards, causing her giant wings to tear off from her dress. She strained her head to see the security guard. He had the eyes of a killer as he retrieved the dagger and went to lunge for her. She closed her eyes and lifted her arms in an attempt to block his blow.

But neither the blade nor the man came for her. Instead, the sound of lightning striking a tree bounced off her sensitive ears. She struggled to open her eyes, but when she did she realized what had made the sound. Except it was not lightning at all, but the man’s neck snapping under Aidon’s grasp. He threw the limp body away from him like an old rag doll, and quickly scooped Rimsy up with strong arms.

She tried her best to move her head and look for her fellow Scions, but the stampede from the crowd and assault from Eulmore’s guards had forced them to make a stand. “Than—” 

“Don’t speak,” Aidon ordered.

That was an easy order to follow, as Rimsy could feel her consciousness beginning to fade. The poison was fast acting, her aether was all but gone. She wondered if it would then attack her body then soul, leaving nothing left. It at least felt like it would. Burning, consuming, unimaginable pain tore away at her. She wanted to give in to unconsciousness. 

“Rimsy, stay with me.” Aidon’s voice was soothing, like a cold rag upon one’s fevered forehead. “You mustn’t fall asleep. Stay with me,” he repeated. 

She turned her head towards his chest, breathing him in. He smelled of sage, a hint of citrus, and secrets lost in woods. “I’m dying,” she said into his chest.

“Yes,” Aidon confirmed. She could feel his aether around her, attempting to stabilize her. “You’ve been poisoned by magick. Fae magick.”

“That sounds… bad…” Her speech started slurring, and her eyes started shutting.

Where the burning pain had been now turned to a freezing, harsh chill. Worse than any winter she’d seen in Ishgard. Sleep, Rimsy, and let go. Sleep, and you’ll be free. The voice in her head wasn’t her own, it sounded like a child—or a pixie. 

“Don’t listen to it, Rimsy!” Aidon roared.

Oh, but she wanted to. The voice promised freedom if she listened. Something she had been desperately seeking since the moment she fell into this waking nightmare. She was so tired of it all. And now the last bit of her strength was leaving her.

“Open your eyes! Look at me!”

She could feel the words in her mind pull on her like chains under water, but she used her last bit of strength to crack her eyes open to see Aidon one final time. It was the least she could do after all he’d done for her.

Eye’s brighter than any star she’d ever seen lit her pallid face. Warmth filled her body and even her soul. Air lifted her lungs, and the unbearable burning and freezing became a quick memory. The voices in her head screeched and hissed, Ancient magicks! And then they, too, were gone.

Soon, more of her surroundings came into focus, and Rimsy saw that she was now lying in Aidon’s bed. But a sting of pain on her left side caused her to wince, and she went to clutch her wound.

“I need you not to move,” Aidon said. “I’ve purged most of the poison, but it is not removed so easily. This next step I will need your help.”

“M–my help?” 

“I suppose I mean more or less your consent.”

“What—what does that mean?” she asked. 

“I don’t have time to explain. Do you want to live or not?”

She nodded hastily, as she could feel the poison try to take her over once more.

Aidon closed his eyes, channeling all of his vibrant violet aether into Rimsy. “Repeat after me: hem deolum sunmul nun ith aionum.”

Rimsy repeated the words, though they were completely foreign to her. When she did, what little aether she had left formed around her, its warm orange light coalescing with Aidon’s. His hand then pressed down on her where she was stabbed and she gasped, expecting pain. But there was no pain, just his light, his power, and his aether.

“What are you doing?” she breathed.

“Making sure this doesn’t happen again,” he replied. After a moment Aidon’s hand retracted. “‘Tis done.”

Whatever he did, he completely healed her. Not only was the poison gone, but so was the wound. But there was something else. A… connection. A tether. To… to…

“Your aether will take a while to regenerate fully, so stay here and rest.” Aidon began to stand, putting on and readjusting the gloves he had removed. 

“Wait, you’re leaving?” She tried sitting up, forgetting the faint tugging pulling at her soul for the moment.

“I have… duties I must attend to. No one will come in or out of this room. My magicks will keep you safe here while you recover.” He straightened his black coat and went to turn.

“No!” Rimsy’s hand grabbed Aidon’s. “I—I mean, please, stay. I don’t want to be alone. I can’t summon my familiar like this…”

The smart play would have been to let Aidon go. Thancred and the twins were out there right now looking for her. The faster Aidon left, the faster she’d reunite with them. But her legs wouldn’t move, and the idea of him leaving her alone at this moment gutted her. “Please… stay,” she said. 

Aidon’s face was sharp, his masked eyes squinted ever so slightly, and she saw his jaw twitch. She expected him to pull his hand away, but instead he interlaced their fingers and brought her hand to his lips. Something started tugging inside her again, and her heart jumped as she heard him say, “As you wish, little bird. I’ll stay.”

Chapter Text

When Rimsy opened her eyes it was a calming and cool breeze that first greeted her. Then it was the night sky, stars glittering and twinkling down at her as if they were saying hello. It was such an awe-inspiring and beautiful sight. 

Then she remembered. Eulmore had no night skies. 

Rimsy looked around, realizing that she wasn’t in Eulmore at all. But she wasn’t sure she was on the Source either. She was somewhere in between. She was in a dream. She hadn’t had any dreams since she came to this terrible place, something she was grateful for, as a lot of times her dreams felt more like eerie omens or they replayed a part of an anguished memory that couldn’t be changed.

Nothing around her was recognizable, however. An omen, then.

At first she could only see the midnight sky and the never ending light show. But as Rimsy found her footing, trees had grown around her, covering the night sky above her. 

She already didn’t know which direction she should be going, and now she was even more disorientated. Until she heard ticking from her wrist. She turned her wrist over, and her eyes settled on the timepiece Aidon had given her. When she opened the clasp the ticking stopped, and it was no longer a watch, but a compass. Its arrow spun in all directions. She held her breath, waiting for the arrow to settle on north. But it must have been broken, because the spinning never stopped.  

Rimsy’s brows furrowed, but with no other options she picked a direction and started walking. When the trees first formed, they were shadows. Now colors of greens and blues and teals and violets decorated the leaves and branches, making the forest look a little more enchanted and less nightmarish. 

Still, the wind in the air had turned colder, and she pulled at her clothes—realizing now that she was still in her bloodied butterfly gown. The events of the Beehive all came crashing back like an iron wave. Heat formed in her stomach, then traveled to her side where she had been stabbed. She couldn’t see the wound, but it felt completely healed. The heat then continued to travel to her heart and face when she remembered Aidon saving her—again. But she didn’t have time to worry about that, she needed to change into something warmer. And less bloody. She tried manifesting new clothes or at least a coat or something—it was her dream, after all—but nothing appeared. She sighed as a puff of warm air left her lips. After walking several steps, she removed her winged pumps, deciding going barefoot would be safer and more efficient; the grassy earth below her feet was soft. 

Once the shoes were cast aside she looked back at her compass. Several taps to the thing caused it to finally point north, but Rimsy felt nervous going deeper within the forest. She always tried summoning Cerberus in her dreams, and it never worked. It was no different here. She didn’t sense any presence, but that’s also what wolves and assassins and other dangerous things hoped for. As her heart started to quicken, so did her footfalls.

After following the compass, she noticed her surroundings started changing. The trees thinned and their colors wilted, as if winter was placing its kiss of slumber on their branches. The grass turned to dirt. The rocks turned to masonry. 

But it was old, broken, forgotten. Soon it was more buildings than trees, but it looked more like a graveyard, or the consequence of a war. It was as if worlds collided; the architecture felt otherworldly, and there were too many different types of stone and wood and brick scattered about. There were some bricks so large she thought they must have been made by giants. Their ivory colors had faded to dust, but buried beneath them were some of the prettiest stonework she’d ever seen. It seemed to be blocks made from aetheryte, and she could only imagine how beautiful the city these came from must have been.

The flickering night sky was in view again, helping her see better. Though the devastation looked to go on for malms and malms. She wondered if she was supposed to find something here, like a key. It reminded her of when she first went to the Crystal Tower after she followed the cowled man’s instructions. Instructions that would lead her down a path of misery. Would what she’d find here do the same? At least no voices were forcing themselves into her mind.

“You should turn back.”

Rimsy shrieked and fell on her backside. Her head whipped towards the voice. It was soft and solemn and oh-so-delicate. A child’s voice? Her eyes scanned the rubble at her feet and beyond before stopping on a little hyur girl who couldn’t have been older than ten summers. Her hair was as dark as raven feathers, and her eyes the color of the void itself. She imagined it was what the sky above them would look like if all the stars started dying. The dress she wore was of odd design and tattered, but showed remnants of nobility. Her complexion was whiter than porcelain; she looked almost sickly and rivaled the ghastly appearances of sin eaters.

“You startled me, little one,” Rimsy said while trying to offer a friendly smile. “Are you lost?”

“No, but you are.”

The air felt freezing now, and a chill danced down Rimsy’s spine. The little girl wasn’t moving, just staring at Rimsy, waiting for her to make a move. “What’s your name?” she asked the girl.

“I don’t have a name.”

“Everyone has a name,” Rimsy said. “Mine is Rimsy.”

“Names don’t matter. Not here and not in the end,” the little girl retorted.

“And where is ‘here’?” 

The little girl didn’t answer, just moved backwards into a shadow and disappeared. Rimsy stepped forward. “Wait!” she called, but it was in vain. The girl was gone.

Rimsy looked back at her compass. It was starting to spin again, but every few seconds it would have a moment of clarity, and she decided to press onward. As she walked, some of the architecture turned into something Rimsy recognized. The blood pumping through her veins chilled and slowed, and her eyes flooded with tears. Frozen castles smashed and destroyed bleeding blue ice and red blood. Ishgard. Her home.

Win or lose, the path you walk leads only to oblivion.

Those words shook her mind, her heart, her soul, the very ground she was standing on—no longer dirt, but ash and the bones of her people. Of her star.

“What… what is this…?”

“Broken homes. Broken worlds. Broken history.” The little girl appeared next to her, seemingly out of nowhere. “History always repeats. It always brings us back here.”

“No.” It was all Rimsy could get out, lest choking sobs threatened to break free and consume her. 

The stars were weeping now, falling from the sky and going out one by one. Soon the sky really would match the little girl’s empty eyes, and possibly even heart. But in the distance, Rimsy saw a glow. It was so warm and magnificent, and the color of Cerberus, the color of her aether. She sprinted towards it.

She didn’t even care that she left the girl behind. This pull was the same pull she felt when she held the stone Aidon carried. A longing need that traveled through time and space. A piece of her she needed.

“Don’t touch the crystal,” the little girl hissed as she floated next to her.

She now felt more like a ghost than a girl, but Rimsy kept running towards the light. All ruins of fractured pasts and possible futures crumbled away from her as she went to reach for the stone.

“You’ll forget like you always do.”

Rimsy stopped her hand. “What?”

“Fourteen pieces, but only one remembers.”

“What are you talking about?” Rimsy demanded.

“It should have been you.” The girl’s face turned heartbreakingly childlike, her eyes swollen with endless tears. “I don’t want to remember.”

“Are you talking about my dreams? I always remember them, I’ll remember this, I’ll remember you.”

The tears coming from the girl started forming never ending rivers, flooding her and Rimsy’s feet. “You won’t remember,” she said. “You never have. You only forget and forget and forget. And it makes him so sad and angry.”

“It makes w–who sad and angry?” Rimsy asked, trying not to panic; the water was now to her knees, and she had this overpowering feeling that the Kojin’s blessing did not go with her in her dreams.

But the little girl was hysterical now, crying and crying until she would drown them both. “She thinks you’ll be different.”

Take the stone, Rimsy, a new voice whispered in Rimsy’s head. It was soft like the girl’s, but older, calmer, caring.

“But I don’t,” the little girl interjected. “It will consume you, just like the void consumed me.”

You’re running out of time, take the stone!

The water was now to Rimsy’s waist, and the glow from the orange stone dimmed under the murky depths. The stars were fully gone now, and once this light went out, she’d be in total darkness.

Now, Rimsy!

Rimsy took a breath and plunged under the cold waters. Tears were supposed to be hot and salty and sometimes they burned, but this water was nothing but freezing cold, doing its best to pull her into a permanent slumber.

“We are the same.” How she could still hear the girl’s voice she did not know, but she pushed herself deeper and deeper towards the stone, reaching her hand out desperately. It seemed this sea that had formed wanted to swallow them both whole. 

Her breath was already spent but she pleaded for the stone to come to her, it needed her, just as much she needed it. As her vision began to fade, a swirl of orange aether flew the amber crystal to her, bringing day to her nightmare of a dream. The water she’d almost drowned in was gone, and she was now back in the colorful and enchanted forest once more. She dropped to her knees, coughing, wheezing, and trying to shake the exhaustion of treading the deadly water.

“In the end, we are always the same, except I remember.” The sound of water dripping made Rimsy pull her head up. The little girl’s wet face was back to looking empty and hollow, pitch black eyes staring through Rimsy as she said, “And you forget. And forget. And forget. And forget. And forget. And forget. And for—”

***

Rimsy woke up with sweat clinging to her skin and sheets. Her head throbbed, a minor headache had formed where her dream had been. She wished she could have remembered the dream, especially if it made her break out into such a cold sweat. Perhaps it was a nightmare, maybe it’s best I don’t remember.

Her head had distracted her, because she then realized that her limbs were now entangled with another. Aidon. She stilled. She dared not move, not breathe. She didn’t think he’d stay, or that if he had, he would have slipped away once she had fallen asleep. She must have passed out quickly; she had been depleted of most of her aether and lost a fair share of blood, too.

But there Aidon was, asleep. She wasn’t sure if he ever slept before this. She wouldn’t have been surprised if it was something beneath him. But he also wasn’t faking it either—his breathing was too relaxed, and the light snores escaping his mouth were genuine.

What was she to do now? It wasn’t like she could go anywhere. Rimsy knew it wasn’t safe beyond Aidon’s doors. Orion was either celebrating because he thought she was dead, or he was waiting outside the door himself, a blade ready to slit her throat. There was no going back now. At the end of this, only one of them would remain. And Rimsy had fought too hard, given too much for it all to end here. 

Her eyes traveled back up to Aidon’s flawless face. Even in his sleep he still wore his mask. This one was solid red, like one giant polished ruby. As she studied it, she got a wicked idea. It was a breach of trust, of personal space and boundaries. But she had to know what he was hiding. It would just be a quick peek, nothing more. Carefully she brought her hand to one corner of the ruby mask, hoping her racing heartbeat wouldn’t act like an alarm, and gently lifted the side—

She gasped. Legs no longer tangled. Rimsy was pressed flat on her back, with Aidon hanging over her, the guilty wrist pinned underneath his strong hand. “Touching something that doesn’t belong to you again, little bird? I didn’t think you were a real thief.”

His face at first was irate, but after pinning Rimsy in this position, it grew into something rapacious. Her face now burned with shock and embarrassment. “I’m—I’m sorry,” she breathed. Rimsy tried moving, squirming, lifting her limbs, anything to get free, but even if Aidon wasn’t holding her down, her body felt heavy as stone. She hadn’t fully recovered yet. “I just wanted to see your face.”

Aidon moved his face closer to hers, his lips barely brushing against her own. “Then here it is, see all you’d like.”

She managed to get her free hand to push against his chest, though it mattered little. He didn’t budge. She resorted to looking away, fearing he might kiss her again, fearing that she might kiss him back. “That’s not what I meant.”

He lifted off of her and went to stand from the bed. He had discarded his coat and was wearing a white loose shirt, untucked from his fitted dark gray trousers. Its buttons were unbuttoned, and Rimsy stole a glance of the toned muscle underneath. Aidon’s eyes never left her, and he cleared his throat. “I can remove my shirt if you like.”

“No! I—gods, no, I wasn’t—”

The laugh he let loose was something she had not heard before. This must have been his real laugh, and the sound lit the room, lit her heart. Rimsy tried covering her face, and then realized she had been changed out of her butterfly dress. She was now in a simple nightgown, the shade of a misty silver. She squeezed at the gown. Did he change my clothes? Then he saw—

“I couldn’t just leave you in bloodied clothes,” Aidon said as if he was reading her thoughts again. “Worry not, I didn’t actually undress you.”

Rimsy tilted her head, her mouth slightly agape. “Then how did you—”

A snap stopped her words, and Rimsy felt a surge of magick dance around her. When she looked down at herself again she was dressed, wearing an outfit that suited more of an adventurer than a bonded. It was as if he knew what she truly was behind her bonded collar and cuffs. Which were notably missing—not that she was complaining.

“What happened?” She averted her shy gaze. “You said I would see you later, but you never came, and then Edger said you were the one who had me moved to sing in the Beehive.”

“And do you believe him?” Aidon asked, eyes fixed on her.

No, of course she didn’t. Penella had said when getting her ready that it was Orion. And the man who attacked her mimicked the same hatred as him. Orion must have spread rumors that it was Aidon who planned it all as a failsafe. Putting the blame on him would be easier if she were to perish. Eulmore would mourn her and hate Aidon for the death of Vauthry’s songbird. Orion would seemingly get rid of two problems in one go. Two birds, one stone, I suppose.

“He’s trying to ruin your reputation on top of killing me.”

“He can certainly try.”

Rimsy huffed in annoyance. “You should take this seriously!”

Aidon crossed his arms, the glint in his eyes dimming. “Pray tell, what have I done that makes you think otherwise? Are you not alive and well right now? Because of me.”

She felt her face flush, and she ground her teeth. “Where were you?” she pressed. “Why didn’t you come back?”

“I didn’t realize I was your keeper,” Aidon said. “I do have duties that go beyond being your constant savior.” 

He continued to play the secrets game with her. Still, Rimsy had seen all kinds of magicks, she was experienced in powerful magicks of her own, yet she had never seen anyone do anything like what she’d seen Aidon do. 

“Who are you? Why won’t you ever let anyone look under your mask?” What are you hiding?

“I was hoping for a simple ‘thank you’,” Aidon replied.

A small scowl started forming on her face. “You’re not just some advisor.”

“And you’re not just some bonded with a beautiful singing voice,” Aidon bit back. He tucked in his shirt, and picked up his black regal coat off the floor. The same hand that had held her down swept through his hair, pushing the white streak out of his face. “You tell me who you really are, and then perhaps I’ll reveal my face to you.”

A test. This was undoubtedly a test. The way he spoke, the way he smiled that taunting smile at her, Rimsy half suspected he already knew who she was. But that was impossible. He wasn’t from the Source. Unless he was the one who called her here in the first place? He bore no likeness to the figure she’d met, but she really hadn’t seen much to begin with. And he could have easily glamoured himself to keep his identity hidden. “I’m nobody,” she said softly, still not fully trusting him.

Aidon laughed again, but this time, it was his mocking laugh she knew too well. It made her want to recoil. She was indeed a horrible liar. “Tell that to the band of fools who barged into the Beehive.”

“You saw them?”

“Everyone saw them,” Aidon corrected. “If they were trying to rescue you, they did a poor job of it. You were lucky I was there. I’m the only one on this entire star who can cure Fae poison.”

Rimsy reached for her side, her face warming as she remembered. “The pixies can’t cure it?”

“No, only their mad king can. But they locked their king away, so that leaves only me,” Aidon said.

That was new information, and something Rimsy logged in the back of her mind to ask Feo Ul about later, if she ever got to see them again. Her fingers then slipped under her blouse, and she searched for the spot where she was stabbed. The pain was completely gone, she almost thought there wouldn’t be a scar, but her index finger traced something over her lower ribcage. Touching it was like striking a match. Heat hissed against her fingers and a thread she had forgotten about wound tight around her heart and soul.

It pulled her out of the bed, towards Aidon’s vanity, where she felt for the scar once more. It didn’t feel like a scar she’d get from a dagger. She lifted her blouse high enough to see it for herself. Its shape looked like a fallen star, which felt strangely reminiscent to her for some reason. It was whiter than her own porcelain skin, and it almost seemed to shimmer with hues of pale violets. Colors too close to someone’s aether. Aidon’s stare was still on her like a hawk. She swallowed hard as she felt it begin to tingle. “What did you do?”

Aidon shrugged dismissively. “I saved you. You’re welcome, by the way.”

“Why do you continue to help me?” Rimsy demanded. “You took the note, and yet you continue to do this,” she motioned to her scar, “what does this scar mean? Why can I suddenly feel… you?” As she continued to speak, it was as if whatever thread connected them had multiplied, woven into itself to make thicker cords, or chains.

The corners of his lips turned. She wasn’t sure if it was leading to a cruel smile or a teasing one. Maybe a bit of both. “Perhaps I’ve grown fond of you. As for Orion…” he began while ignoring the second part of her question, “I tire of him and the way he chooses to ‘fight’. He is a coward. And I hate weak, little, cowering ants.”

Aidon wasn’t smiling anymore; the snarl that followed his words could have made Orion soil himself. And Rimsy could feel the anger coming from Aidon, it surged from her scar, flowing through her veins and traveling all the way to her fingertips and toes. She looked at her hand, she couldn’t see the aether, but she knew it was there. He was there. “What did you do?” she repeated.

Aidon shook off his anger and then his head. “I did what I had to in order to save you.”

She glared at him, feeling her own anger spark and ignite around her. He seemed to react to it. As if he could now feel her. “What is this? What were those words you made me say?”

Aidon started walking towards her, slowly, almost cautiously so as to not make her aether swell any further. I’m still weak, she reminded herself, still not enough aether to summon Cerberus.  

“‘Tis a bond,” he said softly. “Your body needed more than just aether to heal. The poison spread too quickly. Your soul was unraveling. It needed something stronger, denser. A more powerful soul. So I gave you a piece of mine.”

“You did more than that,” Rimsy said.

“To use a soul in such a way, there must be an exchange. I cannot give and receive nothing in return. It was a consequence, ‘tis true, but one that saved your life. There was no other way.”

Healers and any magick users could channel their aether into others. It was not an uncommon thing. But using one’s soul? Never had Rimsy ever heard or seen such a thing. But she could feel it, with each second of her watch ticking she could feel the braids of their connection strengthening. It was as Aidon said, a bond. A joining. The next word that entered her mind weighed on her tongue, it was unnerving to think about, and haunted her like a nightmare… A marriage. 

“Undo it,” Rimsy said, clenching her fists as she looked upwards at Aidon. He was now standing only a couple of paces from her.

“It can’t be undone.”

“You’re lying,” she ground out. “Take it back. I didn’t ask for this.”

“You gave me your consent.”

She bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted iron. “You tricked me.”

Aidon sighed, but dared to reach out for her cheek. A soft caress it would have been, but Rimsy slapped his hand away. “You felt the Fae magick for yourself,” he said. “If I would have arrived even a second later, it would have consumed you. Killed you.”

It was overwhelming. It was all too much. His presence, his aether, his very soul was too much for her to handle, and the strings of their bond wrapped around her possessively. The grandiose room started to grow smaller while the branches of her mind and heart could only grow around him. 

“I’m—I’m going to find my friends and leave this awful place and you,” Rimsy stammered. 

She went to walk past him, but Aidon’s strong arm stopped her. He didn’t even have to use his arm. One look would have been enough. That scared her. “You won’t get far if you leave now. Plus your friends made a huge scene. Every guard in Eulmore will be looking for them. They were either smart and fled, or they’re incredibly stupid and think hiding in the shadows will somehow work.”

Hiding in the shadows. Rimsy smiled defiantly at him while she thought of Thancred. “You don’t know Thancred at all. He lives in the shadows.” 

It was subtle, so subtle that Rimsy was sure she would have missed it completely if not for this new connection she and Aidon now shared. But there was a tiniest tinge of jealousy in his golden gaze. 

“Orion’s still out there, when he hears you’re alive, he will come for you,” Aidon reminded her.

“And why would he come after Lord Vauthry’s bonded and your lover?” Rimsy hissed. “Didn’t you say he wouldn’t dare try to hurt me if I became yours? But that was a lie, wasn’t it? That was just another tactic of manipulation, to get me to… agree to whatever you wanted.”

A muscle in Aidon’s jaw pinched. “Careful, little bird,” he said with a low growl. “I may not be called to help next time.”

“I don’t want your help! Not if it means that you—that I—that we—” She couldn’t even finish the sentence. “I don’t even know you and yet you gave a piece of your soul to me and then took a piece of mine…”

Aidon’s aether went cold, chilling Rimsy to her very bones. “As much as I’d love to stay and continue this little chat, I must go,” he said flatly. 

“You’re leaving? After everything? Why?” Rimsy asked.

“Does it matter to you? Didn’t you just say you were going to find your friends and leave this place? Leave me? You are the decider of your own fate, little bird. I will be gone for a day, perhaps two. If you wish to stay here, my quarters—and only my quarters—are protected by my magicks.”

Why she was curious as to what his ‘duty’ was she didn’t know, but she did curse said curiosity for wanting to know it so badly. Why did it matter? It didn’t. It had to be the bond, forcing them in unison, tying their metaphorical wrists together. 

“If you think I’m going to sit here and wait for you, you’re wrong,” she said. “I’m done sitting and waiting. And I don’t need your help.”

“We’ll see,” was all he said as violet aether entwined around him, before teleporting him away.

Rimsy stood staring at the spot where his magicks lingered for several moments, wondering if he’d come back, but he didn’t, and she walked over to and collapsed on the bed. She was tired again, but at least the strands of the bond loosened around her, and she could breathe easier. She closed her eyes and touched her scar. Falling stars in a pitch black sky. It reminded her of something, something that was at the very edge of her consciousness. But she just couldn’t recall what it was.

Chapter Text

Rimsy awoke to the sound of humming. Both from wings and voice. Feo Ul hovered above her in a relaxed position, eyes closed. She sprung up, tangled pink locks falling over her face and shoulders.

“Feo Ul?”

A bright blue eye opened, landing on Rimsy. “Hello, my sapling!”

Rimsy brushed hair out of her face. “You came back…”

“Of course! I couldn’t just leave you here, could I?” Feo Ul said while making themself sit up straight. “We have to get you out, out, out! You weren’t supposed to land here, though… I’m grateful you did.”

“How do you know that?” Rimsy asked. “It’s also dangerous for you to be here, Orion has lost it and has demanded you back. If you get caught—”

“The Exarch told me! He intended for you to land in the Crystal Tower. Why you flew so far west…” They shook their head. “I wish I knew, dear! But as for Orion, don’t you worry! He cannot have me; I extended my branch to you, dearest sapling. There’s nothing that can be done about it.”

The Exarch. He was the one who summoned Rimsy? Then were Vauthry’s suspicions right? She didn’t know anything about the enigmatic figure, but at least she finally had a name—or title to call him by. He also meant for her to come to the Crystal Tower, and thinking back, she did see it while traveling through worlds—before she was ripped away and fell through a seam landing in gold and sin and sea.

But there was still Orion. While the pact Rimsy had with Feo Ul seemed to protect them, he still had the cane—the relic. “Did you come back for me or the relic?”

Feo Ul pursed their lips, hurt painting their face. “Adorable sapling,” Feo Ul carefully said, “I came back for both, as both are equally important to me.”

Rimsy looked down at the satin sheets, hiding her shame. She was relieved Feo Ul came back; she already saw what Fae magick could do. Having a pixie in her corner was just what she needed in order to stand up against Orion. She glanced at the door, wondering if it was locked by normal means or by Aidon’s magicks. “Feo Ul, do you think you could unlock the door?”

Feo Ul tilted their head. “‘Tis not locked, dear! It doesn’t need to be, the magicks in this room are strong, protective, possessive. But you are not bound to them and can leave whenever you wish.”

He’s left me a choice, then. Rimsy stood from the bed, straightening the clothes she had slept in: a simple ivory blouse and brown leather shorts given to her magickally by Aidon. She found matching leather boots that went up to her knees next to the bed with a sash-like skirt draped over them. Rimsy tied the half-skirt around her waist, letting it cover part of her legs and slipped on the boots. She then went to the vanity, sleek in its design, like everything else in Aidon’s quarters, and tamed her locks into a braid. “Can others come in?” Rimsy asked over her shoulder.

She already knew the answer, Aidon had said before no one would come in, but she had to be sure. “They cannot,” Feo Ul confirmed. “That Aidon is a powerful man, almost too powerful… I’m allowed in, but it’s only because he opened a pixie-sized window for me. I’m not sure whose side he’s on, but it’s clear he wants to help you.”

For now. “Is there any way you can… stretch that window? My friends, they’re somewhere in Eulmore, but I have no idea where. And I don’t have time to search for them, plus…” Rimsy trailed off thinking, Orion is out there, waiting. 

“Say no more, my dearest sapling!” Feo Ul sang. “I shall go forth now and bring your friends. Then, we take back the relic and leave this wretched city!”

“Almost,” Rimsy said. “There is something else I have to do, someone else I have to help.” Orion told her Kai-Shirr was to be thrown in front of Vauthry in three days, and that was two days ago. Rimsy owed it to him to save him. If it wasn’t for him, she would have never found the key to free Feo Ul… Yes, she owed him a great deal, and so did Feo Ul.

Feo Ul simply nodded and then disappeared in a sparkling light. Cerberus, who manifested while Rimsy slept, had been taking a nap of his own, but now awoke and jumped down to rub against Rimsy’s legs. He could sense her nerves, her racing heart, her shaky hands. She was about to be reunited with her friends, with Thancred. After this horrible hell, she was about to find her salvation and her freedom. She wanted to cry tears of relief, but she told herself to wait. To wait until Kai-Shirr was safe, until the relic was back in Feo Ul’s hands, until Orion was at the bottom of the sea. To wait until her feet were on blue crystal and not gilded marble.

She kept her eyes glued to her timepiece, each second going by a tiny cut to her heart and resolve. But not even a bell later, the door handle to Aidon’s suite turned, and the three Scions spilled through.

The twins hugged her first. Alisaie cried while Alphinaud smiled with trembling lips, no doubt fighting tears of his own. Rimsy’s knees gave out, and so did the twins’ as they collapsed on each other. They’re here, they’re real, they’re here.

“Rimsy, oh gods—” Alisaie sobbed, “we were so worried!”

“We made a mistake,” Alphinaud said quietly. “We weren’t aware that there was a planned attack on you. We tried to get to you but—”

Heavy boots stepped forward, stopping Alphinaud’s words. Thancred stood before her like the valiant knight she knew, but his face was dejected. She could see the regret weighing him down. She squeezed the twins’ hands gently before standing to meet Thancred’s pained gaze. “You had no way of knowing what was going to happen. I didn’t even know—”

Callused hands gripped Rimsy’s face. Thancred’s thumbs traced circles over her cheeks, and his forehead met hers. “Rimsy,” he whispered… Then, she tasted his lips, pressing against hers like a dying wish, a plea for forgiveness: For taking so long. For letting you get hurt. She didn’t even have time to be embarrassed in front of the twins or Feo Ul. Her arms clung to him, and she kissed him back as if to say, It’s all right, you’re here now. That’s all that matters.  

“Perhaps we should figure out our next move,” Alphinaud said, trying to hide his blush.

“Yeah, you can suck face later,” Alisaie added. 

“A–Alisaie!” Rimsy and Alphinaud said at the same time. 

Light laughter broke free from Rimsy and her companions, and for the first time in such a long time, she laughed, really laughed. “It’s good to see you didn’t lose your smile, or your light,” Thancred said while caressing her face. 

“I knew you were out there… it kept the hope alive when everything else failed.” Rimsy took in the sight of the twins, of Feo Ul, and Thancred. “I have so many questions. So much to tell you. But first, we need to save Kai-Shirr and stop Orion.”

Rimsy noted the clenched jaw Thancred now had, the vein pulsing in his temple. “No, we must leave—now,” he said.

“Thancred…” Rimsy placed a delicate hand on his chest. “No one wants to leave as much as I do, trust me. But I can’t leave Kai-Shirr. He will die. And, it’s my fault he’s about to face Vauthry.” She thought back to the day Orion had taken her to the parlor, where Chai-Nuzz was overseeing the construction of her stage. For a performance she pushed for. “I can’t have his blood on my hands,” Rimsy whispered.

“And it’s my fault he even made it into the city,” Alphinaud chimed in. “I in no good conscience can leave him to the wolves.”

“And I’m not one to turn down a fight.” Alisaie stretched her arms. “We save Kai-Shirr and then… stop who?”

“Lord Orion.” It didn’t go unnoticed, the change in Rimsy when she said his name. They didn’t know what he did, what he was capable of, and she wanted to tell them, but time was of the essence. She didn’t have the luxury to tell them everything right now. “The cane he uses, he stole, from Feo Ul.”

Feo Ul fluttered closer, ready to make their story brief. “We must get it back, leaving it in his hands is too risky. And he’s already tapped into its power. It’s only a matter of time before the door he’s cracked flies open. It will lead him to the other keys, other doors, and more power and—” They looked to Rimsy, desperate eyes beseeching her, “if he manages to open the final door…”

“Out with it,” Thancred demanded.

“Patience, daen tyr, the Exarch has requested me to keep this quiet, lest unwanted ears hear.” They reassured Rimsy, “Worry not, my dearest sapling, you and your comrades will know all once we get the scepter and return to the Crystal Tower.”

Rimsy nodded. “We should split up. I haven’t seen Orion in days. But I know he wants me dead. He’s the one behind the attack.” She touched her side, where her new scar rested. It tingled faintly, reminding her of what Aidon did. What he took. She bit her lip, trying not to think of it.

“What of your wound?” Alphinaud asked. “We… We saw what happened. But if my assessment is correct, you seem to be completely healed.”

Carefully Rimsy glanced at each of her companions. She didn’t want to tell them anything about Aidon. She had nothing to be ashamed of, but it felt like a secret that should be buried. “Lord Aidon, another advisor of Vauthry’s,” she slowly began, “his magicks were able to heal me.” They didn’t know about the poison, and perhaps she shouldn’t have kept that part quiet, but explaining it would then lead to her having to explain how she was healed. No, she’d wait and ask Feo Ul about it later, when they were alone.

“And this is his room? We heard rumors…” Alisaie’s voice was barely a whisper.

Become my consort and move into my chambers. Orion will stay away from you if he truly believes you’re mine.

“They are false,” Rimsy snapped. She could feel the flush in her cheeks. “It’s—it’s not really true; it was just a front. We thought if Orion believed it then I’d be safe… we were wrong.” 

Both twins breathed easier, giving Rimsy comforting smiles. But Thancred’s hazel eyes shadowed with doubt. “Is he an ally? Can he be trusted?” he asked. She studied his face, his questions. Did he touch you? Did he force you? He briefly glanced at the unmade bed, and Rimsy knew then he was thinking those questions.

“I don’t know,” she answered softly. “This place is a cruel hell and he is in power here, but he has helped me, several times.” She shook her head. “It does not matter, though. He’s left—I’m not sure where, but he said he’d be gone for a day, maybe two. By the time he gets back, we’ll be gone.”   

“Perhaps that’s for the best then, consort my arse,” Thancred muttered under his breath. “Bastard.”

Rimsy attempted to clear her throat. “I think we should split up, cover more ground.” Thancred’s back straightened, and the twins’ brows dipped, considering her words. “Orion will be looking for me,” Rimsy went on. “More so than you three.”

“What are you suggesting?” Thancred asked.

“Go with Feo Ul, let them guide you to him. Between you four, it should be enough to corner him and get back the scepter. Then… then run like hell.”

“And what about you Rimsy?!” Alisaie exclaimed.

“Kai-Shirr is locked away in the gaols below the city. It’s one of the most guarded parts of Eulmore.” She paused, steeling herself. “I want to do this the right way, the safe way. I want him properly freed, so he can walk out of the city’s gates a free man.”

“Rimsy…” Thancred had crossed his arms, and she knew that look. “It’s not safe.”

“It’s the only way that won’t cause a distraction and will save us from having needless casualties,” she said. “I can go to his patrons, to Chai-Nuzz and his wife, and beg them to free him. As it stands, I am still Vauthry’s bonded and Aidon’s consort. It will be hard for them to say no to me.”

“And pray tell, then what, Rimsy? Do you really think we would get this relic and then leave you?” Thancred’s voice was angry. “I’ve done this before, don’t go about this alone.” His hands gripped her shoulders, squeezing gently, insisting.

She touched his hands, not wanting to let go. “Of course not, Thancred, but I can’t be seen with you. Orion may be looking for me, but Eulmoran forces are looking for you.”

“Alisaie and I could go once the scepter is secured. Feo Ul could lead Thancred back to you, Rimsy, and from there we reconvene outside of the city, in Gatetown.”

Alisaie nodded and so did Rimsy, but Thancred still wasn’t convinced. “I don’t like it,” he confessed. “It could be a trap, on either side, and you’re going in alone.”

“I won’t be alone, I have Cerberus,” Rimsy argued. Thanks to Aidon’s gift of aether, she was close to feeling one hundred percent again. “We do this and then we’re done, I promise.”

The look Thancred gave Rimsy was pure anguish, and she knew how hard it was for them—for him—to let her go. They had just been reunited after being so close before and failing, forced to watch her get gutted like a fish. And now they were to part ways? “Here,” he said as he grabbed her hand and placed his linkpearl in it. “If anything happens, and I mean anything, Rimsy, one wrong look—”

“I’ll come calling,” she promised.

As she secured the linkpearl, Feo Ul buzzed around them, sprinkling them with pixie dust. “To keep you shrouded! But it won’t last forever, so we must be quick, quick, quick!”

Cerberus squeaked as he changed back into a mouse, and Rimsy let him make his home once again in her braid. 

Alphinaud put his hand forward, beckoning them all. “To liberating the innocent.”

Alisaie followed suit. “To kicking this lord’s arse!”

Then Thancred’s hand joined as he looked at Rimsy. “To getting Rimsy the hell out of here.”

Rimsy smiled at all of them. “To keep fighting, for those we have lost, for those we can yet save.”

When they got to the door, the twins shuffled out first, with Feo Ul not far behind them. Thancred lingered for just a moment, stopping Rimsy at the door. “Be careful,” he murmured against her lips. And then he was gone.

It was hard watching them go, and she wondered if she made the right choice. But if they made a stand, there would be casualties. And not all of the Eulmoran people were wicked. Penella and Jezebel, and even Edger flashed through Rimsy’s mind. She couldn’t risk a bloodied battle, knowing full well Orion wouldn’t care who stained the floor. There was also Ran’jit, and if he joined the fight, the odds would be less in their favor. This was the right choice.

“Cerberus, lead the way,” Rimsy said to her mouse familiar.

He crawled out of her braid, sniffing for Chai-Nuzz’s scent. Once he had it, he dashed down the hallway, going the opposite direction of the Scions. Rimsy felt a tug pull in her chest, but she ignored it, following Cerberus. 

It wasn’t a far sprint, but considering Aidon’s quarters were on this side of the city, it made sense that Chai-Nuzz’s would be close. When they arrived in front of his grand doors Rimsy asked Cerberus, “Is he home?”

An affirmative squeak came from her familiar as Rimsy picked him up and let him return to her braid. Relief and anxiety danced together as she knocked on the door. The bonded that answered was someone she recognized—the older gentleman who had been polite to her on her second day after landing. “Good evening,” Rimsy said pleasantly. “Is Lord Chai-Nuzz available? I come on behalf of Lord Aidon.” A lie, but one that would guarantee her entry.

The old man nodded, opening the door fully. “Come in, I’ll let him know he has a guest.”

The bonded servant took Rimsy to a sitting room, colors reminiscent of the plums and purples Chai-Nuzz loved to always wear. Rimsy sat down on a plush clamshell couch, looking across to an empty chair that mirrored the same shape. There were paintings of him and his wife on every wall, sculptures in every corner, and tapestries for curtains. It seemed this space was a dedication to their love. But how many bonded have been damned over that one wrong stroke?

A click went off inside her ear, and then she heard Thancred’s voice, “No luck yet, Feo Ul says he may have concealed himself. How are things, Rimsy?”

“Meeting with Chai-Nuzz now, can’t talk,” she quickly whispered and silenced the linkpearl. Chai-Nuzz was a mystel, she knew his hearing would be strong like hers, and couldn’t risk him suspecting her of anything.

Rimsy turned over her wrist, studying her watch with worry for the second time today. The cuts felt deeper now with each second that passed, and beads of sweat started forming on her brow and neck.

Twenty minutes later, Chai-Nuzz appeared along with the bonded who let her in. “Rimsy, this is a surprise.” He took his seat and waited for elderly man to place a tray of tea and biscuits down on a small table between them. “I don’t have much prepared, forgive me. Dulia is out with our cook, you see,” he said as he waved to dismiss the bonded.

Rimsy picked up the tea cup and saucer. “Tea is perfect, thank you.” Tea was one of her favorite drinks; it reminded her of her home. It was piping hot as she brought it to her nose and smelled traces of lemon and berries. 

“I was told you were here on behalf of Lord Aidon?” He looked nervous at that question. But with how he reacted to Orion, of course Aidon would make him nervous.

She paused her sip. “Forgive me, my lord. No, I have come on my own, but I didn’t want to get turned away at your door. I’ve come here to plead before you, to spare Kai-Shirr. Don’t let him face judgement in front of Lord Vauthry. We both know it’s a death sentence.”

Chai-Nuzz ground his jaw and then swallowed thickly. “I realize he’s my bonded, Rimsy, but his sin was—is against Lord Orion. There’s nothing I can do.”

“You are one of Lord Vauthry’s advisors. You have just as much power as Lord Orion,” she pressed. “I’m not saying to not punish him, but can’t you just kick him out of the city? Let that be his sentence.”

He leaned forward, grabbing his own tea cup and bringing it to his lips. “I don’t get to make that call, and neither does Lord Orion. But if Lord Vauthry asks if he should show mercy, I will say I’m in favor of it, you have my word.”

Not good enough. She could feel her hands starting to shake, and she noted the glance the advisor made. Quickly, she took a sip, letting the hot tea calm her nerves. “He’s just a boy,” she said. “It was an accident. He was beaten and has been rotting in gaol for the past—”

Rimsy blinked, confused at the mess she had just made. The cup and saucer were gone from her hands, shattered on the marble floor by her feet. She went to stand, but the world turned upside down. Cerberus started squeaking frantically. “What—”

“I’m sorry.” It was Chai-Nuzz’s voice, though it sounded so far away. “He—he threatened my wife.”

It was the last thing she heard before her head hit the floor.

Chapter Text

Darkness. Cold and dank. Rimsy slit her eyes open, her head spinning. She couldn’t see anything. But her hands told her she was surrounded by stone. Her nose told her she was in a place forgotten, surrounded by sea. “Cerberus?” she called out.

Nothing.

Feo Ul?

Nothing.

She crawled on her hands and knees, feeling and searching for a wall, a window, a door—anything. Old gnarled wood greeted her hands, then a handle. She pulled and banged and yelled.

But nothing. The room, or cell, swallowed her voice.

Smothering feelings all too familiar tried to fill the cell, tried to drown her, but then she remembered the linkpearl in her ear. She searched for it, tears forming in her eyes. Click. Rimsy took a shaky breath. “T–Thancred?”

The silence was almost deafening, until her ears finally started working. Ticking came faintly from her wrist, and she could hear ocean waves and the screech of gulls. Gaols. I’m in the gaols below the city.

A buzz inside her head made her hiss, but Thancred’s voice came through, “Rimsy?! Where… are— You w… quiet—”

Blasted interference. “Gaols,” she rasped. “I’m in the gaols, please, hurry. Please.”

All that responded to her was static noise. She prayed as hard as she could to the Twelve that he heard her. 

Rimsy managed to finally stand, and slammed her fists against the rickety door. “Let me out!” She kept hitting the door over and over. She could feel her hands bruising, feel the aged wood trying to splinter against her skin, but it held steadfast. “Let me out!” she screamed. She called forth every spec of aether in her body to use Titan’s strength, but it was like she had nothing, no aether, no magick, no power. “Let me out, let me out, let me out!”

No answers from the outside world. Her knees buckled and hit the door, and she slid down to the ground. Still shrouded in complete darkness, she felt for her wrist, for her timepiece. 

Tick. 

Tick. 

Tick.  

She swallowed hard, thinking about her foolishness. She should have waited for Aidon to return, to see what his true and real intentions were with her and what this stupid bond meant. Her bond with Cerberus and Feo Ul felt severed in whatever prison this was. Was it the same for Aidon’s as well? She couldn’t tell. She could only feel the darkness and hear the ticking of her watch.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

She should have listened to Thancred. He was right—he had done this before, successfully. Who was she to think she had a better plan? A noble one, perhaps, but not the wisest, or right one. What if her voice didn’t carry through? What if she was really stuck here? Forever.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

She felt her chest constrict, when suddenly a loud bang echoed against her back, and a small window opened from her door. Rimsy stumbled forward, trying to see who it was, but the light blinded her.

“My, my, what a sad, pitiful scene,” Orion’s voice mocked. “But it suits you well, Rimsy.”

Her memory returned to her. “Chai-Nuzz…”

“Pathetic little man, isn’t he? I didn’t have to do much, just the name of his wench on my tongue was enough to bring him to his knees, begging.”

Rage moved Rimsy’s legs, she could feel Ifrit’s fire, Titan’s earth, and Garuda’s wind all trying to explode from her hands, but it died at her fingertips. “You despicable, piece of shite—”

Orion’s laugh cut her off. “And you, insolent bitch.” He pressed his face up to the bars, basking in Rimsy being caged. “Do you know what you’ve done? In your short time here you’ve tried to take everything from me… well, almost everything.” He tapped the butterfly cane, now a glowing red, against her bars. “But it’s no matter, the show will go on. And while I’m forced to wait for things to get back on track, I’ll make sure you’ll learn and remember that you should have bowed to me, not cross me.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Ah, you smell different. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, becoming Lord Aidon’s whore and all. Too bad you didn’t have those scents on you when you broke into my room, I might not have suspected you—or Lord Aidon. But that all confirmed it, you’re working for him.”

Rimsy’s eyes dilated, trying to focus on the twisted face of the man before her, the malice that leaked from the butterfly relic, and the magicks of hers that weren’t answering her pleas. “You’re insane.”

“No, Rimsy. I’m not the one worshipping a disgusting pig. The people of Eulmore idolize him. All because he controls the sin eaters. All because he is—” He shook his head, a knowing chuckle fell from his lips. “I’ll do what Lord Vauthry tried and failed to do. I will unite all of Norvrandt, and then, who knows, maybe I’ll pay your world a little visit.”

“And how do you plan to do that?” 

Orion’s eyes squinted at her, taunting her. “Oh? Did your little pixie not tell you? And they established a pact with you? Maybe they don’t trust you after all, or maybe they realize that it doesn’t matter, that you’re actually weak.”

“Let me out of here and I’ll show you how weak I am,” Rimsy said quietly.

Another roaring, mocking laugh. “Found yourself in a bind, did you? I wondered how long it would take for you to notice the rune. Fae magick never fails—except for when it didn’t kill you. Peculiar, that. Lord Aidon may be a bigger threat than I realized, but he’s a problem for another day. Once I saw your familiar it was obvious what you were.”

“Where is Cerberus?!” Rimsy rushed forward, grabbing the bars. “Where is he?” she repeated.

Orion eyed his cane, and gently pressed one of the wings against Rimsy’s face. “An impressive effort from such a small thing, I must say. It was almost boring absorbing his aether. Though his pained cries were music to my ears. I thought Chai-Nuzz might have gotten sick from it, seeing something twist and contort and break like that.”

Rimsy’s scream went feral. “You will burn,” she seethed. “You will burn and beg for mercy on your knees, Orion. You will beg and scream and I will deny you, this is I swear.”

“I’m quaking in my boots.” He feigned a shiver.

“Lord Vauthry will demand to know where I am. Lord Aidon will—”

“Lord Vauthry thinks you are dead, and Lord Aidon is gone,” Orion interrupted.

She stared at him, challenging him. It’s a bluff, it has to be.

“I told you, Rimsy, I now have time on my hands. And I want to make sure I take my time with you. But you’re right, people would wonder where Lord Vauthry’s precious canary flew off to. So I may have paid a visit to Gatetown, and found a sweet little mystel with pink hair. Eyes didn’t match, but it didn’t matter. She thought she was being blessed by a god when I told her she was going to live in Eulmore. And she actually did look beautiful in your angel attire. It’s a pity those wings were never real, and also a pity she jumped from a balcony that housed only sharp rocks beneath it.”

The color in Rimsy’s face drained. “You… you murdered her…”

“No, you murdered her, Rimsy. You did. She would be alive right now if it wasn’t for your actions.” 

She gritted her teeth. “My friends—”

“Ah, yes, your friends,” Orion crooned. “To think you are involved with the kidnapper of the Oracle of Light. How many more secrets do you have, I wonder? Perhaps I should let Lord Ran’jit in on this, I’m sure he’d love to question you about what you know. Though his methods can be… well, you’ll see. As for your friends, I’d love to judge them myself, but Lord Vauthry has put a bounty on their heads, and no doubt has Lord Ran’jit already begun his search for them. Alas, we can’t have it all, can we?”

In the distance a bell rang. “Oh, it looks like judgement day is soon upon your mystel friend. Please excuse me, Rimsy. I’m off to enjoy this before I go and imprison every bonded you ever talked to, smiled at, hells, looked at. One of them surely knows something on why Lord Vauthry’s canary jumped. Or maybe, they even pushed her. Jealousy can be a nasty thing, and justice must be served. I think I’ll start with the old elf hag.”

“No!” Rimsy cried, shaking the bars, banging on the door again, doing everything she could to get him to stop. Her voice went hoarse from the screaming, but Orion just smiled at her, backing away slowly.

“I did forget one thing to tell you,” he began, “the rune does more than just bind your magicks. It makes you relive your biggest regret—endlessly. Do have fun while you wait for me to come back.”

He didn’t give her time to respond, just flicked his cane, and the tiny window on her door slammed shut. Darkness consumed her again, and Rimsy fell back, feeling a weight in her chest slam her to the ground.

It was hard to breathe; the room felt like it was shrinking against her. She shut her eyes tight, begging for her magicks to unleash from her hands, for Cerberus to appear and blast the door to her cell down, but just like before, nothing. Soon the still air shifted, and she felt a cold breeze. When she opened her eyes, she saw a thin layer of snow on its last breath, spring trying to wake up beneath it.

Rimsy clutched her chest, the weight still remaining on her heart, not letting her fully move. Flowers from a faerie tale sprouted around her. Enchanting, sparkling, familiar. No. Gods, no…

“Wait for me, my star! It’s not safe to go so far ahead.”

A voice she hadn’t heard in years, only now in her dreams, spoke clear as day, clear as she remembered. A voice full of love and warmth and adoration. Her mother.

Rimsy strained her head, still not being able to move her body. A flash of pink flew by her. A little girl. Her. Then, a miqo’te woman, elegant and graceful. Hair as white as the snow still on the ground. Crystal blue eyes. The same ones she had given to Rimsy, before her right one was changed.

“Hurry, Mama! We’re here, we’re here, do you see them?”

A giggle from her mother. “I do, my star, it looks like we came just as they’ve bloomed.”

“Wow, there’s so many! Let’s pick some for Papa!”

The two picked flowers, danced, and sang together under the midday sun. A memory that should have been beautiful. Tears ran down Rimsy’s face as she tried finding her voice to scream, to warn: It’s not safe.  

A shadow eclipsed the sun.  

Her mother saw it first. “Rimsy,” she called out, “come to me, quickly!”

The child looked to the sky, dropping the flowers in her hands. “A d–dragon?” her voice cracked with fear.

No. Not a dragon. A beast of shadow and darkness. A beast of feathers and scales. Something more. A primal.

“Rimsy! Run. Run, Rimsy!”

“M–Mama?”

A push, and now her mother was between her and the avian beast. A low screech came from its beak. “It’s not safe, Rimsy!” her mother cried. “You must run! Run as fast as you can!”

But just how Rimsy was bound by an invisible tether, so too was her younger counterpart. The little girl could only stare at the beast, shaking and frozen in place.  

“Rimsy!” her mother pleaded, grabbing her and holding her tightly.

And then, a piercing whistle came from the beast’s throat. It sliced through their sharp ears, and young Rimsy screamed in pain. When the sound finally stopped, she looked up to her mother, feeling her gentle hands turn cold and drop limply away from her. 

“Mama…?”

Her mother’s eyes just focused on the beast, unmoving, unblinking, waiting. Young Rimsy grabbed her hand, trying to pull her away. “Mama! Mama!”

Her mother was immovable, like the frozen mountains around them, and her ice cold hands slipped through the little girl’s. The primal moved forward, its talons reaching for young Rimsy and then—

Blood and fear painted the little girl’s face as a scream left her chest. A gift beyond her blessing of Light healed her wound, bestowing magicks from an ancient time. Her orange aether incinerated the beast, leaving its only proof of existence: her hollow mother. The little girl fainted, and the enchanted flowers cradled her, mourning for her.

It’s not safe.

Rimsy cried out to her mother, begging her to wake up, begging her to see the little girl lying down next to her. Maybe this time she’d change, maybe she’d listen—

Day shifted to night instantly. A cry in the distance. “Rimionne?!” Her father. He found the little girl still asleep, her mother, still standing, looking forward at nothing, eyes empty of life and love. The girl stirred. “Rimionne, what happened, it’s not safe out here—what happened to you? What happened to your mother?!”

It’s not safe. 

Time jumped forward like a snap of fingers. Rimsy was surrounded by stone, just like her cell. Though, not a cell. Her room in her manor inside Ishgard. There, a little girl pulled at her father’s tailcoat.

“Papa,” young Rimsy said, “can I see Mama now, Papa? Is she better yet?”

A tight inhale from her father. “No, Rimionne. It’s not safe… she’s still sick, and I’d hate for you to get sick as well.”

It’s not safe.

Time flew again, suns turned to moons, moons turned to winters.

“Can I go outside, Papa? I see other children playing!”

“It’s not safe, Rimionne. Perhaps next moon, all right?”

It’s not safe.

Then, time stopped. Rimsy was a young woman now, almost a spitting image of her mother. Cerberus danced at her heels as she walked to her father’s sitting room, bracing herself to ask a question she already knew the answer to.

“Father…” she greeted nervously. “I have come to ask you for your blessing and aid. I wish to go to Limsa Lominsa, there’s a guild there, you see, I could hone my magicks and get stronger with my summoning, with Cerberus—”

“It’s not safe.”

“I know, but Mother—”

“Look at your mother, Rimionne.” 

Look at what you have done.  

“I can’t risk losing you too,” he finally said after a moment.

“I can find a cure,” she said with her voice breaking. “It has to be out there, I know it in my heart, and in my soul. Father, please.”

A shake of the head. A denial. “You owe it to her to do your duty here,” he replied.  

It’s your fault. 

His face was that of a protective father, but under that mask there was hurt, anguish, and maybe even resentment. 

Orion’s words flooded into Rimsy’s head: No, you murdered her, Rimsy. You did. She would be alive right now if it wasn’t for your actions.

The castle stone of her home crumbled away, replaced by the worn and moldy stone of her suffocating cell. Rimsy tried to steady her breathing, but it was out of control, she was losing it. Losing herself.

Your mother would be awake, full of life and of love, if it wasn’t for you.

How many have suffered? How many have died? Because of you.

It’s not safe. You should have listened.

Rimsy… It’s not safe.

It’s not safe.

“It’s not safe,” Rimsy whispered through her panting. It’s all she could say as she rocked back and forth, as the darkness crept around her and squeezed her tight, as the cold wet snow came into focus once more, with those flowers, those beautiful and damning flowers—

“It’s not safe,” she repeated, her heart breaking, seeing her mother’s fate over and over again.

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not safe.”

“It’s not—”

A break in the glass of the illusion. The darkness vanished. The snow melted. The image of her tempered mother and broken father disappeared. Warm hands held Rimsy’s face gently. A kiss to her forehead, then the words followed, “Rimsy, you’re safe.”

It was hard to see anything in front of her. Light encompassed her, but it was warm, so warm, so safe. Her hands searched for the ones holding her face. “W–who’s there?”

She blinked continuously, cursing her eyes for still trying to focus, cursing her ears for not knowing the voice—everything felt so distorted. She was on the ground, but clung to the person holding her for balance. “I—I saw… I saw…”

“I know,” the calm voice said. “It’s over now. You’re safe. And it’s time to get up.” She felt lips barely caress her own, and then a surge of aether flowed into her, rekindling her strength. The strong hands let her go, and doing so her magicks released, destroying not just the door in her way, but the entire wall. 

Light from the outside filled the cell, and finally, finally she could see. But her savior was gone. A small twinge on her side made her think of Aidon, and she swore she saw glimpses of violet sparks fading into the dusty air around her.

While her heart and mind were confused, she had no time to think on it. “Cerberus,” she breathed. Orange light filled the broken room, and Cerberus dropped into her lap. Rimsy hugged him, crying into his fur, “My Cerberus, you’re all right… I’m so sorry.”

Purrs escaped her carbuncle as he returned her love, and Rimsy wiped at her eyes. As she went to stand she heard footsteps in the distance, getting closer and closer. She readied herself. 

“Rimsy?” Thancred’s voice called out over the rubble of her cell.

Rimsy dropped back to the ground, freeing the breath she held. “I’m in here,” she answered.

Thancred jumped over the ruined stone and splintered door. “Gods… what happened here?”

“I… I needed to get out.”

He stretched out his hand and helped Rimsy up. As she stood, Thancred pulled her into him, embracing her and not letting her go. “Forgive me, Rimsy…”

“No, ‘tis my fault,” she said into his chest. “I should have listened to you.”

Thancred shook his head. “I was only thinking of you,” he said. “But you were thinking of others, like the selfless hero you are. We all underestimated this bastard. But not again. This time, he’s dead.”

“The relic he wields,” Rimsy started, “it’s capable of the worst kinds of magicks I’ve seen… we must needs be careful, Thancred. Also, he said Ran’jit is looking for you.”

He gave her a playful smirk. “That old man is still skulking about? He’s the least of our worries, but if he tries anything, I’ll take care of him myself. We need to move.”

Rimsy agreed, but noticed that Thancred was alone. “Where are the twins?”

“Making their way to Vauthry’s audience chamber. We couldn’t find Orion or you, but Kai-Shirr was moved this morning. They went after him, while I looked for you.”

“And Feo Ul?” Rimsy asked.

Sparkles rained from above them, and the pixie appeared. “I’m here, dear! I tried searching for you when we lost contact, but our pact… it was as if it was frozen.”

“It was,” Rimsy confirmed, looking away. “The cell… he cast a rune upon it.”

“He dared to use that kind of Fae magick?” Feo Ul hissed. 

It wasn’t the only time. But Rimsy pushed the nightmare out from her mind, she had to focus now.

Thancred’s hands traced down her arms, and he squeezed her palms. “He will pay,” he muttered as he could easily read the suffering on her face. 

“Yes, he will.” Rimsy’s face of misery and sorrow now had been replaced with her mantle of Warrior of Light. “He said he was going to watch Kai-Shirr’s judgement.”

Another bell rang in the distance, telling them that Kai-Shirr’s fate was about to be written in blood. 

“Well then,” Thancred said, stepping on top of the remnants of her cell and offering his hand to Rimsy. “Shall we go save the day?”

Rimsy nodded and took his hand, her eyes lit with Ifrit’s fire, Cerberus’s tails akin to his flames. 

He will burn. He will beg. And I will show no mercy.

Chapter Text

“Shouldn’t we be worried about guards?” Rimsy asked as they sprinted up spiral staircases out of the prisons.

“Not for this side of the city,” Thancred said. “Once you told me where you were I created a distraction near the buttress. It’s why I took so long.” The smile he had then faded. “What did the rune do to you?”

Rimsy swallowed hard, not wanting to relive the horrors she saw, but Thancred needed to understand what they were up against. “It first bound my magicks, I was powerless. Perhaps if I was a fighter—like you—I could have done something, but I remained useless. Then—”

Rimsy cursed. Her voice cracked. She absolutely hated being vulnerable in front of her companions, her friends. And she especially hated it when Thancred witnessed it. 

They had stopped, and Thancred pulled her into a small alcove. They didn’t have the time to stop, they needed to move—

“Rimsy, it’s all right,” Thancred said soothingly. “Catch your breath, love. We can talk about this later.”

“No, you need to know, in case he tries it again…” Rimsy found the courage to look into his eyes. “It made me see my biggest regret over and over. Voices talked to me, telling me it was my fault, that I’m to blame for—”

Her words were cut short as Thancred grabbed her and pulled her into his chest. It was hard not to breathe him in; his warm amber scent now mixed with gunpowder. It was… comforting. “Gods… Rimsy…” He held her tight. “That was not your fault, do you understand?” 

The dam she had built as Warrior of Light always felt it would break loose with moments like these. But she held herself together, nodding silently, hugging him back, and doing as he told her to—trying to catch her breath.

“My poor sapling,” Feo Ul said. “I should very much like to hand him over to the pixies! But there is good news…”

Thancred and Rimsy looked up to the flying pixie. “What is it?”

“Orion is an ordinary man. He has no magicks of his own, nor is he a warrior. His power comes solely from the relic—the relic in which he’s already greatly used. To cast a rune of that kind of power, it would deplete it significantly. He won’t be able to stand up to you now. His arrogance will lead to his doom.”

Relief lifted Rimsy’s chest. It was now just a matter of finding Orion. Though she did wish she had her weapon. If she had her grimoire, she’d be easily three times more powerful than now. 

“That reminds me, did they take your grimoire from you?” Thancred said, as if he was reading her mind. Rimsy followed his eyes to her hip, where her book usually rested. “I noticed you didn’t have it before, either.”

“No, I lost it when falling through… space, or whatever it was.”

“Oh!” Feo Ul exclaimed. “How could I have forgotten!” They zipped around Rimsy and held out their hands. A book covered with blue crystals formed from their magicks. It looked like it could have been carved from the Crystal Tower itself. “A gift from the Exarch.”

Rimsy took the book and immediately felt its power surge through her veins. 

“A gift or a peace offering?” Thancred asked sarcastically.  

“Perhaps a bit of both!” Feo Ul said. “He does feel horrible for what happened to you, Rimsy.”

Rimsy’s feelings towards the Exarch were just like him—shrouded in mystery and unknown. That was something she’d have to process later. Right now, she only had one thing on her mind: justice.

She opened her book and simply said, “Cerberus.” Her familiar jumped forward and a blast of aether encircled him, channeling her powerful magicks from her and her grimoire into him. “This ends now.”

“I’d say,” Thancred said with a smirk. “We best hurry, love, as that might have drawn some attention.”

Rimsy returned his smile, and the pair dashed away from the alcove and up more spirals. Balconies had come into view, and several stories up, Rimsy spotted Orion’s golden locks glittering in the Light. A cursed beacon of Light. “He’s up there.”

“We will have several more staircases to climb,” Thancred said, noting where they were currently.

“No, we won’t,” Rimsy replied. “Cerberus, get us up there.” Cerberus screeched and jumped into the air. Wind blew around them, and his screeches turned into the banshee cries of Garuda. Her carbuncle now was the primal herself. Cerberus extended his long talon arms, grabbing Rimsy and Thancred, and shot into the sky.

“Well that’s one way to make an entrance!” Thancred yelled, not being able to contain his excitement.

Cerberus landed on the balcony, his gusts of wind knocking Orion flat on his ass. Thancred jumped and landed heroically, while Rimsy gracefully stepped out of Cerberus’s arms. The wind from Cerberus began to turn to hungry flames, and fire danced down Rimsy’s fingers.

Orion jerked his head up, looking shocked and angry and confused all at once. “You—”

Rimsy flicked her wrist, and the flames circled Cerberus, who was no longer the Queen of Storms. Instead, the Lord of the Inferno slowly stood, fire and magma leaking from his mouth. Ifrit’s heat singed Orion’s clothes, and he brought up his arms to hide his face.

“You don’t get to speak anymore,” Rimsy said.

Orion attempted to lift his butterfly cane, to use any magicks left inside it, but a shot from Thancred’s gunblade caused the cane to fly out of his hands and into the air, over the balcony. “NO!” Orion screamed.

In moments the relic was in Feo Ul’s hands. The malice it cried before dried up, and its beautiful blue hue returned once more. “Go!” Thancred ordered Feo Ul. “We will see you at the Crystarium.”

Feo Ul nodded and looked at Rimsy. “Be careful, my darling sapling, and thank you.”

Orion continued to scream and curse as Feo Ul disappeared. “Do you know what you have done? You godsdamned bitch! I will end your miserable existence! I will make everyone you love watch as I tear you apart and then I will slay them all!”

“No,” Rimsy said. “You will burn.”

Rimsy outstretched her arm towards Orion, and Cerberus moved forward, his steps charring the wood of the balcony beneath him. 

True fear then reflected in Orion’s eyes, as he witnessed Ifrit in front of him, as he witnessed Rimsy’s power, as he witnessed his life about to end. “Rimsy!” he finally cried, “Rimsy! W–would you really stoop so low as to murder? This—this isn’t you.”

Fire blazed from Rimsy’s hand and she clenched her fist. Cerberus mimicked her movements; his claws now grasping for Orion. His massive claws wrapped around Orion’s chest, throat, and face. Ear piercing screams bubbled from Orion as Cerberus burned and melted his clothing and flesh.

“You will beg,” Rimsy whispered.

“I am… the most p–powerful man… in Eulmore—” 

Orion’s wails now filled the city.  

“I—I could… help you,” he gagged. 

“You could… become a god alongside me… and s–show all these f–fools… please.” 

Please have mercy, his eyes wept.

Rimsy held her hand steady. Cerberus stilled. Orion writhed beneath his grip, but it proved futile. She closed her eyes, thinking of everything he’d done in just the fortnight she’d been here: the beatings and condemning of bonded, the threats and intimidation, the imprisonment of Feo Ul, the torture he inflicted on her and Cerberus, and the innocent life he’d taken of that mystel. When her eyes opened, they flickered with retribution.  

“And I,” she screamed back at him, “will show no mercy!”

She cast her hand away from her, and Cerberus roared so fiercely that it shook the entire balcony. Fire and light and sparks flew from his claws as he hurled Orion over the edge. Rimsy watched Orion’s burned and almost unrecognizable face as he fell. Terror mixed with hate had melted his expression. But it was a face she’d remember. It was a face that would haunt her forever.

When he was no longer in view, she dropped to her knees, panting. Ifrit’s form disappeared and Cerberus bounced to her side. Thancred swooped in, pulling one of her arms around his shoulder. “Holy shite, Rimsy, that was hot.”

Rimsy scoffed as she leaned into him. “R–really, Thancred, cracking wisecracks now?”

“What?” he said playfully. “I’m being serious. But now we really need to get moving. I’m pretty sure that was easily one hundred times bigger than the distraction I caused.”

Rimsy hoped that this wouldn’t cost them; but after having to bite her tongue and sit on her hands for so long, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She was ready to bring Eulmore to the ground. No, to the sea.

With the help of Thancred, they rushed inside the backside of the canopy. They stuck close to the walls and shadows, as yelling and screaming came from free citizens and guards alike, trying to find the exact location of the fallout with Orion. 

“Lord Orion fell from the balcony!” one woman shouted.

“Someone attacked him! He looked like he was on fire!” another added.

“Where are the guards? What is going on?!” a frazzled man cried.

Rimsy counted herself lucky that no one seemed to notice the skirmish, though that seemed impossible. The gust of wind alone from Garuda would have been enough to attract attention. Then her scar tingled, and she knew. Why is he helping?

It didn’t matter. She kept close to Thancred, following his lead as they made their way to Vauthry’s chambers. Any guards who were guarding his front doors had joined the fray on the opposite side of the canopy. This was their chance, but then Rimsy saw Jezebel and Penella in a corner conversing, both wearing concern on their faces. She realized something: They must think I’m dead.

“Thancred,” Rimsy whispered, “I need a moment.”

“What?” he said back to her. “We don’t have time for a moment.”

“I’ll be quick.”

She didn’t give him a chance to stop her. She darted to her bonded friends and pulled them behind a giant potted plant. Rimsy covered their mouths as they both attempted to shriek, but the would-be shrieks turned to hushed squeaks and gasps.

“Rimsy?! You’re alive?” Jezebel squealed as she hugged her tightly. “They said… they said you jumped. That you…” 

“It was all lies by Orion,” Rimsy said, wiping the tears from Jezebel’s face. “Don’t cry, you’ll ruin your pretty makeup. I’m okay.”

“I’m more than relieved to see you safe and unharmed,” Penella said. Her face then shifted, looking solemn. “But people did see you jump… if that wasn’t you…”

“It was an innocent life,” Rimsy answered. “A mystel Orion picked and used from Gatetown.”

Pain twisted Rimsy’s heart, knowing that nothing could be done for that poor mystel girl. While it was by Orion’s hands that she perished, if Rimsy hadn’t landed in Eulmore—if she hadn’t done everything she did, that girl would be alive. 

“Then… what people are shouting about right now… Lord Orion is really…?”

“Yes,” Rimsy confirmed. “He’s dead, by my hand.”

“Gods, Rimsy, I didn’t know you could fight!” 

It was then that Cerberus emerged from the shadows that Thancred was still hiding in. He tilted his head up at both bonded and yipped playfully, as if he was saying thank you to them for everything they had done for Rimsy. 

“Is that a familiar?” Penella asked while eyeing Cerberus. “That explains the orange butterfly.”

“I’m sorry I never told you. At first, I didn’t know who I could trust. But then it became about your safety. Orion was going to go after you and I—” Rimsy shook her head, not wanting to think about if she would have failed. “I didn’t want to put you in any danger.” 

“We’re just glad you’re okay,” Jezebel said while holding Rimsy’s hands. “I cried so much when I thought you were dead!”

A whistle came from the shadows, letting Rimsy know that they needed to press on. “I have to go,” she began. “There’s so much I want to explain and tell you, but I can’t stay here. I’m sure we’ll meet again, but until then, stay safe and…” Rimsy’s face turned serious as she looked into their eyes. “Stop eating the meol.”

“Why?” they both echoed.

“Just trust me,” Rimsy replied. “Thank you, again, for everything.” She gave them both hugs, regretting that she couldn’t do more for them right now. But the fight with Eulmore would not end here with just an escape. She took care of Orion, but there was still a much bigger threat and disease infecting this city. And some day, Rimsy would purge it.

She dashed back to Thancred who was trying his best not to show his frustration. “Friends of yours?” he asked.

“Yes, I needed to let them know I was all right and to stop eating the meol.”

“What’s wrong with the meol?”

“I’ll tell you later,” Rimsy mumbled, fighting the shiver when she thought about what it truly was. 

When they arrived at the grandiose doors Thancred pulled the handle. “Locked. Give me a moment.”

“We don’t have time for a moment,” Rimsy teased.

Thancred flashed his white teeth at her while a chuckle escaped from his lips. Rimsy blushed. It’d been too long since she last heard his laugh. It’d been too long since… Well, a lot of things. But why was she thinking of such things now?

“It’s open, let’s go.” 

They slipped through the doors, funneling into Vauthry’s chambers. It was full of people eagerly awaiting Kai-Shirr’s judgement. It seemed no one had been alerted to what happened to Orion just outside yet. Rimsy wasn’t sure if this was thanks to Aidon yet again, or if it was because Vauthry was very strict on not being disturbed while condemning people to their deaths. 

Thancred nodded forward, “I see the twins, they’re closer in front, but we should stay back until ready. If he sees you…”

“It would stop the execution,” Rimsy countered. 

Thancred grabbed Rimsy’s hand, squeezing it firmly and pulling her closer to him. “We need a plan, love. There’s already a crowd forming outside, we could use that disorder to our benefit, but if things get too crazy here…” She watched his eyes glance up to the advisor tribune. The only one present was Chai-Nuzz. Rimsy could account for Orion, and while she didn’t exactly know where Aidon was, she knew was helping her. But where was Ran’jit? “No doubt he’s on our trail,” Thancred murmured.

“What should we do?”

A cry broke free from Kai-Shirr, causing everyone to gasp and awe as Rimsy and Thancred did their best weave through the crowd to get a better view. They were getting closer to the twins, but as Rimsy went for them, Thancred pulled her once again, shaking his head as if to say, Not yet.  

But Rimsy couldn’t ignore the mystel’s cries. And nor could Alphinaud.

He had stepped forward shaking off his sister’s death grip. Rimsy did the same to Thancred’s, and followed suit, ignoring Thancred’s curse.

“Who are you?!” Vauthry bellowed at Alphinaud. “No one is to interrupt my judgement. Begone, impudent lout.”

“This is not judgement, this is slaughter!” Alphinaud yelled. 

Rimsy finally pushed through the remainder of the crowd, and saw a horrid sight. Kai-Shirr was on the floor, bleeding profusely from his arm with a bloody knife next to him. Never had Vauthry made someone cut themselves. She gritted her teeth as her fists clenched, aether spilling out of them. 

“Slaughter?!” Vauthry hissed. “I am a man of mercy. I gave this poor fraud a choice. And he chose to paint for me with his blood. A perfect offering for my sin eaters.”

“What…?” Alphinaud asked.

“My sin eaters must be fed, just like all living things. However, they can only feed on aether. Living aether. Now…” Vauthry beat his swollen fist against the sin eater lion. “Step aside, you foolish child, or be prepared to join this miserable wretch.”

“You’re despicable, this whole place—despicable! How could anyone call this place a paradise, when it is nothing but an outlandish, horrible nightmare…” 

Anger made veins pop from Vauthry’s head, and he beat down so hard on the stone lion its surface cracked. “HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME! INSULT EULMORE!”

Rimsy ran forward, squeezing Alphinaud’s shoulder and staring down Vauthry. “Enough!” she shouted.

Vauthry’s brows went from slashed to raised. His mouth agape, shocked. “Rimsy? You’re alive? How is this possible? Lord Orion said you took your own life.”

“Orion is a whoreson and a liar,” she said. 

“What did you just say?” Vauthry asked, taken aback by her manner and words.

“And he’s the one who’s dead. No longer will he inflict suffering upon innocent bonded and free citizens.”

Perhaps she shouldn’t have said that, as the color of wrath now flooded back into Vauthry’s face. But being before the Lord of Eulmore, Rimsy stood tall. She was the Warrior of Light, she was Hydaelyn’s chosen, but more than that, she was a powerful mage who had sat still and quiet for far too long. And she was no longer alone. She released the aether from her hands, and Garuda’s wind filled the entire chamber, birthing storms of chaos. 

“What are you saying, canary?! Did you—did you murder him?!”

“I delivered justice! A life for a life, though how many he has taken, I suppose only you know!” Rimsy spat back at him. “You are all guilty by association! You do nothing—nothing—to help your fellow man! You choose to live in ignorance and indulge in these vile, sinful pleasures.” She cast her eyes away from Vauthry, and locked on to Chai-Nuzz, who now looked to be trembling in his seat. “I implore you, I beg of you, open your eyes! This is not the way to live.”

“MURDERER! YOU TRAITOROUS WENCH!” Vauthry roared. “ALL ALONG! YOU WERE A TRAITOR ALL ALONG! I SHOWED YOU MERCY, I SPARED YOU! I GAVE YOU A PURPOSE, A BOON, A DREAM, AND YOU COMMIT THE MOST HEINOUS OF CRIMES! YOU WILL PAY! YOU WILL ALL PAY!”

“Alphinaud, quickly heal Kai-Shirr!” Rimsy shouted behind her.

Vauthry attempted to stand, but it was impossible for the enormous man. He fell to the floor, beating it just like he beat his own sin eater. “KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL! CUT THEIR TONGUES AND RIP OUT THEIR HEARTS! SINNERS! ALL OF THEM, SINNERS!”

All of Vauthry’s sin eaters took flight and rushed for them. A quick slice of a blade ran against one that got too close to Alphinaud and Kai-Shirr. “Be careful, brother!” Alisaie warned. “It looks like we will have to make our stand here.”

Alphinaud helped Kai-Shirr up, draping one of his arms around his shoulder. “There’s too many!” he said. 

“Which is exactly why I said to wait!” Thancred’s voice called out to them, then fired a shot that pierced everyone’s hearing. Screams ricocheted alongside the bullets of his gun, which exploded in clouds of black, inky smoke. 

Alisaie quickly went to the other side of Kai-Shirr, steadying and helping him up alongside Alphinaud. “Go!” Rimsy heard Alphinaud exclaim to Kai-Shirr.

The smoke was encompassing her now, and she watched the twins and Kai-Shirr disappeared from the way they had entered. Rimsy turned, feeling a heavy presence upon her that wasn’t Vauthry. His majestic stone lion sin eater emerged from the shadowy smoke, like a predator about to pounce its prey. Its solid black eyes—akin to bottomless holes—bore into her. It struck a different kind of fear in her she’d never felt before. Predators had looks about them; they killed to survive. They killed because it was in their nature. But this creature wasn’t natural, and she wasn’t sure it was even sentient. It was empty. Hollow. Numb. It wouldn’t kill her for sustenance, nor would it kill her for sport. It just simply would. And that notion caused Rimsy to freeze. How could something like that exist? Something so beautiful and yet so wrong? So very, very wrong . This, this was the real face of Eulmore. A haunted mask that poses as something of wonder, of hope and dreams, but behind it was nothing but a consuming Light feeding on people endlessly, until their light went out.  

Slowly the beast opened its mouth, a blinding light illuminating the wall of smoke like an angry storm of lightning. Move, a voice told Rimsy. Move!

A blur of white rushed to her side. “Rimsy!” Thancred shouted as he snaked a hand around her waist and fired his gun towards the sin eater. More black smoke filled the air, and Thancred pulled Rimsy against him. “Are you all right?” he breathed into her ear.

“Y–yes,” she said. “Sorry—I—”

“Then mind helping me with the distraction?” he interrupted her. “Show them a real tremor.”

The quakes from Vauthry’s hands were still making the ground shake. Rimsy smiled and nodded down Cerberus. “Let them see the Lord of Crags.”

Cerberus jumped forward fearlessly, before Vauthry and all of his sin eaters, and a deep roar and rumble came from his form as it shifted into something so massive it rivaled Vauthry himself. Titan shook the very foundation of the spire, causing fissures to crack along the floors and ceilings, and now terror was the new ruler of Eulmore.

“Time to go!” Thancred said as he pulled Rimsy along. He led her out of the smoked filled chamber and down a servant’s hallway. “Cerberus can catch up later, right?” 

Rimsy gasped a winded yes as she tried her best to keep up with Thancred. She had used up so much aether in her summoning. She wasn’t used to calling on three of the five primals at her disposal consecutively and within such a short time period. “Where are we going?” she finally managed to ask.

“These are servant tunnels—they lead straight to the Glory Gate, from there we can disappear into Gatetown until things settle down.”

“What about Ran’jit?”

“I’m sure he’s already made his way to Vauthry’s chambers after Cerberus’s final performance,” Thancred said. “It will buy us time. Though that old fool is thirsty for revenge, and will be even more so now. We will need to be careful while in Gatetown.”

Rimsy worried her lip beneath her teeth. “We sort of stick out.”

Thancred looked back at her, smiling his roguish smile. Up ahead the twins were waiting, attaching cloaks around themselves and Kai-Shirr. Alisaie beamed when she saw Rimsy and Thancred. “Thank the gods! I was only slightly worried, but still.” She shook off a laugh and handed a worn brown cloak to Rimsy. “Here, this will make it easier to get out without being spotted.”

She should have known that they—that Thancred—would have all grounds covered. Rimsy secured her own cloak around herself as she felt Cerberus’s aether return to her. Rest, she told him in her mind. “Cerberus has come back to me, we should keep moving.”

“O–once we get to Gatetown, you all can stay with me,” Kai-Shirr began, “I live on the lower edge of Gatetown, east side of the Whale’s Breach. It’s not very busy in that part of town, being further out from the city and closer to the coast. Ghost stories of Ondo keep people up at night… though I’ve never had any problems.”

With her hand entwined with Thancred’s, Rimsy and her comrades fled the grand city, the blinding Light welcoming them with bright open arms. They didn’t linger at the Glory Gate, as guards were already running around frantically, trying to understand what all transpired, trying to find them and Orion, hoping he was still somehow alive. May they never find his broken and burned body, Rimsy thought. May he burn in the seven hells… forever.

***

Rimsy never before had a proper chance to see this… town. To call it such would be a stretch, however, as it was worse than anything she’d ever seen in the Brume. Shacks and hovels meant to be homes lined the cliffs for malms. She surmised that five whole Brume districts could fit within this town limit and that made the anger inside her ignite all over again. So many in need of help, of shelter, of rescue. I will not stand for this, no, this will change. Eulmore will change… one way or another…

As they followed Kai-Shirr people reached and clawed out to her and her companions, pulling on their cloaks and begging—pleading—for anything; food, water, clothes, salvation. Rimsy wanted to help them, she wanted to stop and offer everything she had, but she knew getting caught now would be a death sentence for her and all those around her. She pulled her hood around her face tighter, and shrugged her shoulders away, the guilt making her cloak and mantle all the more heavy.

“It’s that one on the end there, with the red door…” Kai-Shirr said.

Kai-Shirr’s shack was on the lowest cliff of what she came to understand was the Whale’s Breach. The “homes” here were cramped together, but they were either abandoned, or the residents hidden inside were asleep, trying to forget their reality. They were so close to the sea now. In fact, it felt like one big storm would be enough to turn the tide on them, and Rimsy wondered how much of Gatetown the sea could swallow if it grew as greedy and gluttonous as Eulmore. But I haven’t seen it rain here, either. Perhaps the Light has taken that too?

The Light crept in the holes of the shack, slicing through the still air like taunting blades forged from the sun. Kai-Shirr removed his cloak and hung it up on one wall, attempting to add more cover and comfort. The thought touched Rimsy as she looked at his bloodied arm. He’d been through so much. Because of her. “Thank you, Kai-Shirr,” she said softly. “Thank you for helping us.”

He shook his head. “No, I should be thanking you, I… I was going to die…”

Alphinaud stepped towards him, offering a healing hand. “Allow me to continue to heal your wound.”

“Don’t overdo it, Alphinaud, you, too, need rest,” his sister scolded.

“We all need rest.” Thancred adjusted his cloak, getting ready to scout around the perimeter.

“Let me take the first watch,” Rimsy said. 

“What?” Thancred asked. “Rimsy, you’ve been through enough. It’s fine, love. Rest.”

“Did you sleep last night? Did any of you?” She looked away, fidgeting with her fingers. “I have been through a lot, ‘tis true. I have used a great deal of my magicks, but I did get to sleep, even if it wasn’t a choice…” She would never be able to look at tea the same way again. “I’ll be fine, Thancred. I won’t scout ahead, I’ll just keep my eyes open around us. I’d like to breathe the sea air… as a free woman.”

Thancred sighed, but the tired circles under his eyes rejoiced. “Two bells,” he said. “I only need two bells.” 

“Two bells,” Rimsy confirmed.

She secured her hood back over her head and glanced back at her companions. Alphinaud was wrapping Kai-Shirr’s arm while Alisaie was getting a makeshift pallet ready to sleep on. Thancred had removed his cloak and bundled it up to act like a pillow on the opposite side of the shack. 

A part of Rimsy wanted to turn around and burrow next to Thancred, to fall asleep in his strong arms. But a twinge in her side started to prick and tingle. Come to me, it said.

And she listened.

Chapter Text

The sea air was misty as Rimsy slipped through alleyways on the cliffside just above her and her companions’ safe haven. It tasted like freedom and new beginnings, but dread was a horrible aftertaste, and she couldn’t get the taste out of her mouth as she followed the pull of her bond to… to him.

She didn’t think she’d see him again, nor did she want to. At least, that’s what she told herself. She couldn’t deny the curiosity was still there, a longing she didn’t want to recognize buried so deep within herself… But what did he want now? Would this be where he revealed his entire hand finally? Would the debt she owed be her life? Would he simply take her back to Eulmore?

Rimsy would not be able to fight him off in the current state she was in. She shouldn’t have left the safety of her comrades. What was she doing?

Before she could change her mind, she found herself standing in front of a beaten up shack that looked like it never had glory days. The wood was rotten and falling apart; a cough could have knocked the whole thing down. But a voice inside her soul whispered, Come in.

The old door creaked open to a single room completely empty of things and memory. Though standing in the center of the shadowed shack was Aidon. Still wearing his mask, though his clothes were much humbler than she’d seen. His way of blending in, she guessed. Her breath caught in her lungs when they locked eyes.

“Lord Aidon…”

“I wasn’t sure you’d come, little bird.”

“I didn’t really have a choice,” Rimsy said as she removed her hood.

Aidon tilted his head. “The bond is merely a… suggestion. I cannot force you to do anything you don’t want to do. Nor would I want to. It was your choice to come here.”

She felt her face fill with heat and color. He was right. But why did she want to see him again? Why did she listen? 

“I’m not going back,” she stated. “If—if that’s what you’re here for.”

“‘Tis not the reason.”

“Then what do you want?”

Aidon brought one of his hands up to his face, as if he was chewing on her words. “Is that worry in your voice I hear? Would it be so hard to believe that I only came here to congratulate you?”

“Yes,” she replied.

The genuine laugh she heard once before left his lips. “Your time in Eulmore has taught you well. Very well. I am here to collect the final part of your debt.”

She took a small step back, her hand feeling the worn handle to the ruined door behind her. It felt like a broken plank before. Now it was more like a fortified wall. Aidon’s magicks. There would be no running now. 

“How is what you’ve already taken not enough?” Rimsy asked. “With this… you will always know where I am, won’t you? What else will you be able to do? To manipulate?”

“The bond was collateral. But ‘tis not enough.”

Rimsy scoffed. “Not enough? You took a piece of me.”

Aidon moved forward, and Rimsy went to twist the handle to the door. Except now it really was a fortified wall. In just a couple steps he was over her, his hand caressing her face in such a way that could have been mistaken as affection. “I desire cooperation,” he said softly.

“Cooperation? In regards to what?”

“I cannot say. Not yet. But in the future. Perhaps even in the near future, depending on what you do.”

“What does that even mean? There is no cooperating with Eulmore—”

“I don’t mean with Eulmore. I mean with me,” Aidon said.

“What? You don’t care what happened? What I did to your city?”

“That is not my city,” Aidon snapped. “And no, I don’t. It was growing quite boring before you came along. Perhaps you were—are—the change that city needs. But again, that is your choice, little bird. You could burn it all to the ground if you wanted. I would not stop you.”

It’s not his city? He cares not for it? Then… where does he come from?

“I still don’t understand,” Rimsy admitted. “Can’t you be more specific?”

“No,” he said with a charming smile. 

“Can’t or won’t?”

He only responded with his charming smile. Rimsy really wanted to smack it off him. “I agree to ‘cooperate’ with you when the time comes and then… that’s it? That’s the debt paid?”

“A more than fair exchange, if you ask me. I lost count on the amount of times I helped you. Saved you. Is wanting to be amiable so bad?”

“I don’t believe you,” Rimsy said. “You are a powerful sorcerer, why would you need my help for anything?”

“You downplay yourself. I saw your magicks, your power… your soul. And you might just be able to help me.”

“ With?” Rimsy pressed.

“Ah, ah, little bird.” He traced the line of her jaw and then her lower lip. “Not yet,” he murmured.

Rimsy cursed herself for licking her lip where his finger had brushed. It’s the bond, it’s messing with your mind, your judgement, she tried telling herself. “And if I refuse to pay this ‘debt’ of yours, what then?”

Aidon’s eyes darkened. “That path would lead to a lot of bloodshed, I’d imagine.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Not at all. Just a glimpse into a very possible real future.”

Broken homes. Broken worlds. Broken history. History always repeats. It always brings us back here.

Why did those words enter Rimsy’s mind? Why did she suddenly see a flash of chaos and carnage? What was she remembering—or trying to?

“Well?” Aidon said.

“A–all right. I’ll… cooperate, when the time comes, you have my word.” She had no reason to believe that Aidon was on the side of evil. He may have been cunning, secretive, and mysterious, but he was not like Orion or Vauthry.

Aidon extended his hand forward, seemingly waiting for Rimsy’s. She looked at him confused. “Would you rather seal the agreement with a kiss?” he asked. 

She quickly grabbed his hand. “You’re insufferable!” 

“You seemed to rather enjoy it before.” 

Oh, she was surely pink now. “That— that was not —it was only because of—”

She was a blabbering mess, and the jerk was reveling in it. Rimsy tried yanking her hand out from his, but Aidon pulled her close into him, his free hand traveling down her back with a possessive squeeze. “I enjoyed it,” he whispered against her lips. 

Chills, everywhere. Aidon’s aether danced across her skin. Enchanting her, tempting her, calling to her. All Rimsy had to do was lean forward by a breath. She made sure to hold hers, lest she break and fall into his arms. Into his kiss. She could not afford to get tangled in whatever this was. 

Finally she pulled her head away. “Then… this is goodbye.”

“For now,” Aidon said. 

Rimsy nodded and turned, the rickety door had been restored. But as she went to turn the handle Aidon’s hand was upon her arm, tugging her slightly, his voice whispering in the shell of her ear, “Be careful, little bird. Ran’jit hasn’t been this angry since your rogue friend stole his locked away prodigy. He is amassing half of Eulmore’s forces to sweep over Gatetown and beyond. ‘Tis best you do not linger.”

A lump formed in her throat. That would mean they’d need to move now . But everyone was exhausted. And it wasn’t as if they could use nightfall to help them disappear. It didn’t exist here. “Thank you…” she said without looking back, and pushed the door open.

The anxiety twisting inside Rimsy made her think she’d run into Ran’jit himself when she exited the rundown shack, but it was quiet and the roads were empty. Almost too quiet, almost too empty, as if Gatetown knew the general was about to commit a purge. A quick look towards the city showed nothing out of sorts. But she knew Aidon wouldn’t lie to her. He might have withheld truths, but he hadn’t lied to her… had he?

Her feet moved before her mind could think more on it. She gracefully jumped down to the lower cliff of Kai-Shirr’s home. Sensitive eyes adjusted once inside, though Rimsy cursed the common headaches she was dealing with because of the constant shift of light to dark. Kai-Shirr was the only one awake, peeling popotoes he managed to get his hands on. 

“I think I have some salt around here somewhere,” he began. “It’s… it’s not much, but I wanted to thank you and your companions for what you did for me.”

Rimsy smiled at him. “Without you, Kai-Shirr, I’m afraid I’d still be stuck there. We should be thanking you, truly.”

He looked at her surprised, not quite following what she was saying. But it was true. If he hadn’t soiled Orion’s clothes with his paints, Rimsy would have never found the key to Feo Ul’s prison. And that one crucial moment dictated their outcome. Though it was a lot to explain, and she no longer had the convenience of time. “Kai-Shirr… we can’t stay here. Is there anywhere else we can go where we won’t be so easily found?”

Kai-Shirr put down his popoto and peeler. “What are you saying? Are they following us?”

Rimsy nodded. “Half of Eulmore’s forces will be on Gatetown shortly,” she said softly. “I will wake my companions in a moment, but I need to know if there is a safer place.”

His brows wove together. “I guess it depends on your definition of ‘safe.’ There are a few wrecked ships beyond the coast… Most people stay clear because the tide comes in and out, and it’s very unforgiving. And when it’s calm, you have the Ondo to worry about. I don’t think they would think to look there, it would be your best bet.” 

“Aren’t you coming with us?” Rimsy asked. 

Kai-Shirr shook his head. “I can’t abandon my friends. They are still in that hell. And after what you said… what you did . I mean, you stood up to Lord Vauthry! You had no fear.” His voice started to quiver, and he sighed, trying to keep his composure. “This world is full of such sorrow, but I saw it, I saw what Eulmore could be when you held your ground. When you saved me… I saw hope. And I want to be a part of that hope.”

“But if they find you…”

“I don’t think I’m really that much of a concern to them right now,” Kai-Shirr said while scratching his head. “They’ll forget someone like me in a second. But I can use that to my advantage… to your advantage. I could stay here, be your eyes and ears here in Gatetown. And if I can get in touch with my friends, maybe even keep tabs on Eulmore too…”

Kai-Shirr was on to something. She had friends in Eulmore, but not in Gatetown. And there would need to be a bridge built at some point. “If you can, seek out Penella and Jezebel. They’re bonded… and my friends. They will help.”

His face lit up. He actually looked like the young man he was. “I’ll pack some popotoes for you then while you wake your companions.”

Rimsy thanked him and turned towards the sleeping Scions. She hated to wake them—checking her watch told her it had just been about a full bell. And while Thancred did ask for two, that final bell might prove to be the final nail in their coffins if they were to stay. 

“Thancred,” she whispered, gently nudging him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry to wake you, but we must go.”

He let out a tired groan. “Mmm, what’s that, love? You wish to join me?” 

“Thancred!” Rimsy pulled away as his hands tried bringing her into an embrace. “You have to get up!” she yelled.

“All right, all right, I’m up,” he said.

Rimsy sighed as she went to wake the twins, who luckily didn’t try to sneak in some long overdue cuddles. She’d love nothing more, but she’d also love not being chased by a furious general out for old and new blood. 

“What’s wrong, Rimsy?” Alisaie asked while yawning.

“Ran’jit is coming with half of Eulmore’s forces.”

Alphinaud’s eyes went wide. “How do you know that? Did someone tell you?”

Shite. Rimsy didn’t think about them asking how she got the information. They didn’t know about Aidon, not really. And she wanted to keep it that way. She saw the way Thancred looked at Aidon’s bed and her when she said what she agreed to become, even if it was just a front. “I sent out Cerberus,” she found herself blurting, “to just scout from afar… as a shoebill, like before…”

“Rimsy, you have used much of your aether and you were injured. To send him out, even just for scouting… it’s dangerous.” Thancred’s playful tone disappeared, and the voice of the protective knight returned. 

“I know,” Rimsy said. “But I had a… feeling, and it was right. You can chide me later, but now we need to move.”

“It’s a lot of people to move so quickly and covertly,” Thancred said. 

“Kai-Shirr is staying here. We’ll need someone to keep tabs on the city. And they aren’t looking for him—they’re looking for us.” Rimsy looked over to the twins, who still looked so exhausted from the lack of sleep and skirmish they had to endure. If only they had a way of using an aetheryte.

Wait.

An aetheryte. There was a giant crystal in the canopy that did look like it could have been one. Rimsy wasn’t sure at the time, because it was covered in drapery and gold and jewels. It looked more like a gaudy centerpiece, a statement of Eulmore’s wealth. But if that was an aetheryte, then that would mean there would be more.

“Is there an aetheryte at the Crystarium?”

The twins’ faces fell when they caught on to what Rimsy was suggesting. “Rimsy, you aren’t attuned,” Alphinaud said. “That would mean leaving you behind…”

“And we’re not doing that!” Alisaie shouted. 

“No, but you two will return,” Thancred said.

“What?!”

“We can’t afford for anyone to get caught, not after everything that has happened. There will be no trial, only death.” Thancred adjusted his coat and retrieved his gunblade that rested against the wall. “You two return, inform the Exarch what is going on, and send an amaro to Stilltide. I’ll stay with Rimsy and we’ll see you in two days.”

“After all that we are just to—to return?!” Alisaie fumed. 

“Alisaie,” Alphinaud began quietly, “this is the best course. Two people are easier to hide than four.”

Alisaie threw her hands up in the air, letting an aggravated huff leave her chest. “Ugh! You’re right, but I don’t have to like it!” She marched up to Rimsy, pulling her into a big hug. “Don’t you dare do anything reckless, you got it? Two days. Forty-eight bells. Stilltide. Don’t be late.”

“I swear I won’t,” Rimsy said while squeezing Alisaie back. She didn’t want to let go. But the worst was over, and thanks to Kai-Shirr, they had a new hiding place. They just had to get to it. 

Rimsy gave one final hug to Alphinaud, and the twins nodded at her as crystal-blue aether circled around them, taking back to the promised land that was the Crystarium.

“Most sunken ships are below Eulmore, but there are a few alongside the Cracked Shell Beach,” Kai-Shirr said. “But… to gain entry, you’ll have to swim and hold your breath for who knows how long.”

“Hiding in a sunken ship? Not a bad idea,” Thancred said with an approving smile. “You don’t have to worry about our breath, boy. Rimsy can’t drown—magicks, y’see, and well, I can go for a whole ten minutes.”

Rimsy smirked at Thancred’s brag. But she was thankful that it was also true. Kai-Shirr handed them a pack he had made for them full of what meager supplies he could offer, while an amazed expression stayed on his face. If Rimsy didn’t know better, she’d think Thancred might have a new fan. A gallant rogue who saves the day, who’s fearless and can hold his breath for ten minutes? It made her want to blush, too. 

“Stay safe,” Rimsy said as she took the pack from Kai-Shirr. “Once things have died down, we’ll be in touch. I promise you, Kai-Shirr, we will change Eulmore.”

It was Kai-Shirr’s turn to smile. “You already have… but yes, I will be here, to help with the continued change.”

Thancred held the door for Rimsy and she nodded to Kai-Shirr one last time. It felt good knowing that she was able to save someone. She’d remember his face alongside Jezebel’s and Penella’s anytime she’d need a reminder of what was at stake. Thancred’s hand in hers was also a reminder. Her heart fluttered.

“There’s still much of Gatetown to get through,” Thancred said while he used his other free hand to pull the hood of his cloak over his head. “But the coast isn’t too far off; we can look from the edge of town to see if there are any ships sticking up from the water. Though we won’t know what will be best until we get closer.” He glanced back at her, his eyes serious. “How much time do we have? What did Cerberus see?”

Rimsy echoed Thancred by pulling her hood up. “They’re forming now, they might already be in parts of the town. Luckily we’re pretty far out but we shouldn’t—”

A quick tug yanked Rimsy into a rundown alleyway. Thancred pushed up against her, covering her, one hand over her mouth with his other against his lips mouthing, Shhh.

A war horn blew in the distance, and normally, that would signal an army beginning to sweep through a city or storm a castle. But it was delayed. Purposefully? A hissing sound sliced through the air, and Rimsy knew what it was without seeing it. Orion had called Ran’jit’s familiar Gukumatz. And here it was, scouting ahead, looking for them.

“Shite,” Thancred cursed. The alleyway they were in was barely covered and the “buildings” were just boarded up walls with no doors or windows. Forcing an opening would attract too much attention. They were as good as dead here. 

Unless Rimsy could cause a distraction that would guarantee them a way out. The cost though, would be great. She had depleted much of her aether and mana with her previous summoning. But her ears could pick up on the general’s footsteps—yes, it seemed his familiar had caught onto their scent. And they both were getting closer. Cerberus , she said in her mind, you know what to do.

Carefully, her carbuncle formed, making sure he didn’t cause a spectacle when appearing. Thancred’s face went from shocked to indignant to concerned all at once. But he couldn’t say anything, he couldn’t even move , Gukumatz was beginning to turn into the alley. Rimsy felt his arm curl around her protectively, as he stared down the street, waiting.

But Cerberus dashed away from them, towards Gukumatz, only he wasn’t an amber carbuncle any longer, but a one for one copy of Thancred. He gave a quick look over his shoulder, winking at them before disappearing completely, and Rimsy let out a sigh of relief, staggering against Thancred. 

“Seven hells, Rimsy, I didn’t realize that you—that Cerberus—could do that!”

“I’ve never tried using anyone’s likeness besides myself,” she admitted. “It… takes a great deal of aether and concentration. But I knew your likeness would draw more… attention.” She could feel her knees buckling. Dammit. I won’t be able to move at this rate. “We have minutes, maybe less.”

Thancred had given her space, but immediately came back in close as she began to fall. “I’ve got you,” he murmured as he picked her up into his arms. “You’ve bought us precious time. I’ll get us out of here.”

Rimsy leaned into him as he dashed down the alleyway in the opposite direction of Ran’jit and his familiar. Even while carrying her, he was fast. Because of Kai-Shirr living more on the outskirts of town, it didn’t take long for them to disappear under the cliffside. 

Peace wouldn’t find them quite yet, however, as they could hear yelling and screams and fighting above them in the upper parts of Gatetown. Rimsy studied Thancred’s face as he studied the water. She was in no position to swim, but they couldn’t stay under these rocks either. “I’ll be okay,” she whispered. “I’m more worried for you.”

Thancred smirked. “Don’t worry about me, love. Do you see that one ship out a little ways? The hull is barely breaking through the water.”

Rimsy focused her gaze out to the sea. It was hard to see the hull Thancred was speaking of, but she could see a bowsprit that looked like a sword stuck in a rock, begging to be pulled out. No, she thought, more like a needle in a pushpin. “I think so,” she said.

“I’m hoping that will be our home for the night, assuming there are air pockets within.”

Rimsy sucked in a sharp breath. It was far. And while in the worst case scenario she could just pass out on the seafloor, Thancred had no such luxury. She looked at his cloak and then to hers. They would no doubt help them blend into the murky waters, but they would also cling onto them like the song of sirens—one wrong move and Thancred could get trapped and drown. She then looked at his coat underneath the cloak. “Why did you have to wear a white coat?” Rimsy lamented. 

He set her down gently while shedding his cloak and coat. “You’re right,” he said. “‘Tis best I lose it.” 

The strong toned arms that were just carrying Rimsy were exposed now. Thancred’s chest was covered with his under armor that previously peeked out from his coat. Solid black leather and metal plating. It was nothing new to her, but why could she feel herself fighting not to blush?

She decided to follow suit and rid herself of her cloak and the half-skirt that was tied around her waist, but folded and rolled her skirt, putting it into the knapsack Kai-Shirr had given them. “Roll up your coat and put it in here,” Rimsy said. “The cloaks could belong to anyone, but if they spot your coat…”

Thancred gave her a handsome grin. “I’d hate to lose it too, it’s become my favorite.”

A soft chuckle escaped Rimsy’s lips, easing her anxieties that could fill the entire sea before them. It’s far and I’m weak. If something goes wrong I won’t be able to—

“Rimsy, relax,” Thancred reassured her as he grabbed her hand. “I meant it when I said don’t worry about me. Are you ready?” 

She squeezed his hand and nodded. Their steps to the sea were swift, as the beach offered no trees or cliffs to hide under. Rimsy was winded by the time they hit the water, but she couldn’t think of needing air to breathe. The cold shock of the icy water overcame her. And the waves of the tide were vicious, throwing them to and fro, before they were sucked under. 

Though her grip loosened against Thancred’s, his never let hers go. After a moment, the waters calmed, allowing them to emerge from the darkness, and she heard him gasp for air. “Are you all right?” he shouted.

“Y–yes,” she stuttered.

“Can you swim?” 

Rimsy was a terrible swimmer before the Kojin’s blessing. In reality, she really was no better than Alphinaud. But even with the blessing, her body was so tired. It was taking everything in her to stay afloat. “You should press on,” she rasped against the water. “I’ll catch up.”

“Not happening,” Thancred gritted out as he pulled her into him. “Do you have the strength to hold on to me?”

“Yes,” Rimsy lied. Cerberus was still out there, distracting an army for them. But she called on Titan’s strength to help her cling to Thancred’s body and Garuda’s wind to help him swim along. 

Instinctually, Thancred did his best to ensure her head stayed above water, but she positioned herself lower so as not to impair his arms too much. It was awkward, especially with his weapon still secured to his back, but any slowing down that would have happened was countered by the force of Garuda. 

She wanted to ask how much further, though he’d not be able to hear or understand her being under water. It had only been a few minutes, but it felt like bells. Each pulse from Titan’s power and each gust of Garuda’s wind chipped away at Rimsy. And for every stroke Thancred made her grip loosened, her wind dwindled.

It was so far.

It was too far.

Take the stone, Rimsy.

Drowning darkness was all she could see, but she could hear the voice so clearly. 

You’re running out of time, take the stone!

Something warm, familiar, a light—an orange light—called for her. They would be saved if she could just reach it. If she could just remember—

Now, Rimsy!

Rimsy reached and clawed for the light, a sudden desperation—like the fear of drowning—sweeping over her. In her between of consciousness and unconsciousness, she forgot about Thancred, she forgot about the army coming for them, she forgot about the dark sea wanting to claim them. She could only think of the light—the stone .

Gasps, cries, and choking coughs echoed her name over and over.

“Rimsy?!”

Brightness—no longer the pitch black void she saw with the single amber light. The sound of the ocean lapping against rocks filled her ears, and then she realized she was on solid ground, or stone, as it were.

It was hard to spot from the cliffs they had been on, but some rock formations were now protruding from the waters. No doubt a plausible cause of the ship’s doom. But how much time they had on these rocks, she didn’t know. The tide could grow hungry again. 

“Thancred… what happened?”

“I was hoping you’d tell me,” he said, still wheezing and coughing up water. “You started to pull me under, I thought something was pulling you under.”

Metaphorically, perhaps there was something pulling her under. But still, the idea that she almost caused his death… “I’m so sorry, Thancred, I don’t know. I—”

Just then, she felt Cerberus’s form disappear from the town that looked so far away now. Buildings now looking more like pebbles and sticks. “Cerberus is gone,” she breathed. “They’ll soon catch on that it was a trick.”

“Well, good thing the ship is just right there.” Thancred pointed behind her, and now the ship that looked more like a wooden toy boat was massive and hearty, even for being sunk. It was the kind of ship one would read about in faerie tales. “Rest, I’ll dive under and see if I can find an opening.”

“But it’s dark,” Rimsy argued. “I could provide you light…”

“You are not to spend any more aether, do you understand? I’m worried about you, Rimsy.”

She chewed her lip. She didn’t know if what she just saw was a dream or a vision or a memory, but it only happened when she was about to be completely spent—and she was still on the edge of that precipice. She wanted to help him, but helping him might just hurt them more. “But it’s dark…” she repeated.

Thancred reached under his armor and pulled out a white crystal that was secured by a leather string around his neck. It was small, but the glow was as bright as the sky above them. “‘Tis a Light crystal carved from the frozen Light wave in Amh Araeng. It’ll light my way.”

“Frozen Light? Amh Araeng?” Rimsy asked.

“You’ll see it soon enough.” Thancred glowered. “I’ll be back, ten minutes at most.” He left her with a tired smile, and Rimsy let her body drape over the rock beneath her. She wanted to sleep, but feared it. And this wasn’t the time or place. Ten minutes at most. She looked down at her watch—still ticking thankfully—and started counting.

As she waited, her mind went back to the orange light she saw—the orange stone she saw. It was eerily similar to the one Aidon had. No, it was the one Aidon had. But why had such a vision come into her mind? She hadn’t seen the thing since he ripped it out of her hands, nor did she ever have the time to think of it since.

But now…

Sitting on the rocks alone, it was all she could think about. 

You’ll forget like you always do.

Someone had spoken those words to her. Someone who knew she’d forget something . She slammed her fists down hard on the rocks beneath her. “Forget what?!”

It will consume you…  

Rimsy cried out in frustration and curled in on herself. The sea breeze was cold against her soaked clothes and hair. She had escaped, Orion was dead, they had won against ridiculous odds. She survived. But all she could feel was this uneasy feeling that her demise was on the horizon. That something she couldn’t control would devour her. Like the ocean when it turned wrathful and devoured this old sunken ship.

How would she weather the storm? Would this stone she saw hold the answer? It has to. But how could she obtain it? Tormenting visions were not enough, and Aidon would never part with it, not willingly.

That’s when she reached down and felt her pocket. Something was there that had not been there before. Her eyes dilated as she pulled out the very stone that had seemingly been haunting her. Had Aidon slipped it into her pocket? No… he turned cold and distant when she held the stone. But how else could it have wound up in her hands? Unless it had a will of its own?

She didn’t know. But she held it close, its warm light thrumming against her palm, as if it was whispering to her. If only she could hear what it was trying to say. She couldn’t explain why, but to her, it was a beacon of promise, of hope. And hopefully, Aidon wouldn’t miss it…

Rimsy looked back to her watch. Eight minutes have passed. She was starting to get nervous and eyed the water. Before she could steel herself to dive in after Thancred, he emerged behind her, shaking the water off and catching his breath. 

“Found a way in, it’s safe, dry, and sturdy. How are you feeling? You can hold onto me again if you need to.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said as she subtly slipped the stone back into her pocket, keeping it from being seen by Thancred’s eyes. Her secrets were starting to add up. But it was to protect him… she didn’t know what any of it meant, and there was no need to make him worry over nothing.

Yes, she was protecting him, not herself. Him.

That’s what she told herself over and over as she delved into the dark waters once more.