Ashe had found herself yet again inside the Strahl’s cabin--- the airship which had been their companion during their travels and distant ventures. For her, the Strahl was more than a mere sky ship--- for it holds countless memories of their past adventures and struggles during the time of war.
Vaan: So, is this how it feels like?
Fran: To see your former allies…your comrades--- or should I say, your friends?
Ashe: If that’s what it is you wanted me to answer, then my say to it is that I am truly delighted to see you all once more.
Balthier: Ahh…the royal tongue. Just like the old times. You know, you don’t have to be that formal within our presence.
Ashe: My apologies…So, about my question earlier, how did you all happen to be reunited in the first place?
Vaan: Oh that? Well, it’s kinda like a coincidence if you’ll ask me. You see, a new bill has been posted in the Sandsea. *Shows the Bill*
Ashe: a hunt?
Vaan: yeah. Well, Penelo and I decided to talk to the petitioner and accept the hunt--- who is located within the Miner’s Ender as what’s written. We were supposedly on our way to Bhujerba but… my skyship Galbana was still under maintenance that’s why she couldn’t fly off just yet. And so, we asked Balthier and Fran if they could perhaps accompany us to Bhujerba, of course if they aren’t that busy with the whole Sky pirating business.
Balthier: but before they had even contacted us, we were already on our way to Rabanastre. Apparently, the captain Basch had sent me a letter.
Fran: He had asked us to escort the Lady Ashe safely to Bhujerba, with much of his sincere request. And who would reject this simple favor, for someone who hasn’t seen their dear comrade for such a long time?
Ashe: I see…
Vaan: How ‘bout cha? What’s your business in Bhujerba anyway?
Ashe: Well, this hunt is most likely the reason of my sudden departure.
Vaan: Wha-? You mean, you’re also planning to accept that hunt?
Ashe: *Chuckles* No, no, no… You see, the Captain Bach came to visit Rabanastre a couple of days earlier. He had an urgent report from my Uncle Halim, the Marquis, that there has been an unlikely incident which had happened quite unexpectedly within the mines.
Vaan: You don’t suppose, this is another yet of his lies do you?
Balthier: …
Fran: *sighs*
Vaan: ???
Ashe: *Clears throat* now, if I may continue?
Vaan: y-yeah..sure. -_-“
Ashe: It was said that a group of some threatening humes had broken inside the mines…and what’s so alarming about this matter is that some innocent people had been harmed.
Balthier: Quite alarming indeed.
Ashe: and what do they seek for within the mines? That is the foremost question which puzzles me.
While they were having an on-going conversation inside the Strahl regarding the incident, something else happened back at the Lhusu Mines…
Soldier: *groans* C-Cap-tain…
Basch:*hurries to its aid* What has happened to you? Speak!
Soldier: Th-ey want…t-to…k-kill---
Basch: Soldier--- do not falter. I beg you to tell me, who has done this to you?!
Soldier: *hands a crumpled note* To..L-lady Ashe…
Basch: What? ---ugh, Soldier!
The soldier lied unconscious on the ground, leaving the captain Basch with a small crumpled note the Soldier has given him. Without a hint of irony, Basch carefully opened the note; his eyes widened with anxiety and confusion as he read what’s written on it:
“YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO ME…”
[End of Chapter 2]
No comments:
Post a Comment