Work Text:
"You flatter me overmuch, Commander. If ever I was without equal, I am no longer, as my fellow Azure Dragoon can attest," Estinien said, interrupting Aymeric's praises.
"Fellow Azure Dragoon? I confess, I know very little of the order of dragoons, but I thought that title only went to one individual during any given time," Alphinaud said.
"Normally you would be correct, Commander Leveilleur, but it is not so this time. The Eye-" Estinien's explanation was cut short by a deafening roar outside, and a panicked knight burst into the meeting chambers.
"Forgive me, my lords! A behemoth has materialized inside Dragonhead!" the panicked knight cried out.
"A behemoth?!" Rhea quickly drew her staff and raced outside.
Aymeric stood up. "We shall continue this discussion after the beast has been dealt with. With me!" The remainder of the group followed him out the door.
It was not hard to spot the behemoth. A towering purple monstrosity was rampaging in the middle of the camp, the knights scrambling to attack while the merchants and other civilians ran for shelter. Alphinaud felt a slight quake in his boots at the sight. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to join the fray.
Rhea had already struck the beast with her magic and was hurling fireballs at it. Her fellow adventurers were following her lead, while the Ishgardian knights flanked it. By the looks of things, the behemoth had already landed a blow or two on Rhea, as Alphinaud could see her robes being torn along her shoulder and there was fresh bruising on her face. He quickly cast a healing spell on her, and the bruises began to fade.
Unfortunately, this attracted the attention of the behemoth. It turned its gaze towards him and began charging. Alphinaud scrambled to get out of the way, but stumbled and fell onto the icy ground as it raised its paws to swipe at him. With no time to dodge it, he conjured up the strongest shield spell he knew and braced for impact.
Then, without warning, he found himself being grabbed and lifted into the air. A warrior in deep purple armor similar to Estinien's had hoisted him into their arms and had leapt out of harm's way. He found himself being deposited away from the behemoth.
"Stay back and concentrate your healing magics on the knights," the warrior said, their voice muffled through the helmet. Alphinaud, too dazed to speak, nodded.
The battle was soon over, with the adventurers working successfully with the knights to lay the beast low. As it dissipated into aether, the camp burst into cheers of relief. Alphinaud went to find Aymeric and Haurchefant, who were receiving a report about the total casualties from the attack.
"Several wounded, but no fatalities, Halone be praised," the knight giving the report said. "Those adventurers really know their monster slaying. I can't for the life of me figure out how such a beast manifested itself here, we'd be in deep trouble if it weren't for the Warrior of Light and her adventuring companions."
"I shall be bringing word of their deeds back to the Holy See, as evidence that we should be open to accepting the aid of adventurers against the Dravanians," Aymeric said. Upon seeing Alphinaud, he smiled. "I am glad to see you are unharmed, Commander Leveilleur. Please, join us back in the meeting room and we will continue our talks."
Alphinaud nodded and went back. As soon as he was inside, he was greeted by an enthusiastic hug from Rhea.
"Alphinaud! I'm so glad you are alright! I was worried when the behemoth looked like it was going to swipe at you, and you'd been knocked down. Are you hurt anywhere? I'm not a skilled healer, but I have some potions on me if you need them."
Alphinaud awkwardly returned the hug and then extracted himself from her embrace. "Naught but my dignity is harmed, I assure you. We have my mysterious rescuer to thank. I don't suppose you know who they are?"
Rhea was about to answer when the door swung back open and in walked Aymeric, Haurchefant, and Estinien…along with the aforementioned rescuer. Upon entering, they removed their helmet and Alphinaud found himself once again speechless.
His benefactor apparently was an Au Ra girl his age, with bright eyes and violet hair with soft pink ends. Creamy-white scales adorned her pinkish skin and there was a hint of lavender coloring her lips…and Alphinaud attempted to direct his gaze elsewhere. She gave a small smile and spoke.
"I apologize for the less-than-dignified way in which I grabbed you, Commander. My only thought was to get you out of the danger as quickly as possible, pray forgive me if I have caused you any embarrassment for my handling of your person." She gave an odd bow as she spoke.
Alphinaud still didn't speak. There was a grace about her every movement, and he found himself unable to look away from her tail, which had curled itself around the spear she was wielding. He felt a sharp nudge in his side and heard Rhea clearing her throat. He blinked and finally replied.
"*ahem* That's quite alright, I assure you. Might I have your name, miss-?"
Estinien spoke up. "This is Kiyoko Akagane, my fellow Azure Dragoon that I mentioned before the attack. She may not hail from our lands, but the Eye chose her regardless." Alphinaud chose to ignore the hint of amusement in his voice.
"You have my thanks for saving me, Miss Akagane," he gave her a bow in return. She gave him another smile and he felt a fluttering in his heart.
Oh dear, I am in trouble, he privately thought.