Traveler

When they made it back to Aleport, K’lyhia had been whisked away by their companions to a small building to rest. Azlyn made sure of their safety on the way over, her clothes dripping water on the ground as she walked. She wasn’t anticipating an evening dip in the ocean, but there was nothing that she could do about it now.

She also had some concerns about that Roegabyn male—there was something strange about him—and it gave her a wrong vibe about him. Sensing there was much to be learned from K’lyhia’s past, Azlyn decided to report their situation to the interim Guildmaster.

“That would be wise, please do so.” Aersthota calmly said, walking outside of the building she had carried the foreseer. Azlyn had been told to wait outside since she was soaked. Their conjurer Geissfryn had been taking care of K’lyhia inside.

“Would you like me to come back tonight afterward?” Azlyn asked, but the marauder shook her head.

“No need, we’ll rest here in Aleport and then head over when the foreseer wakes up. You should get changed into some dry clothes though.” She pointed out and frowned at her ripped coat. Azlyn also examined over her shoulder, to see a bit of blood drawn from his hand that dug into her shoulder.

She clicked her tongue. “I just bought this too.”

She bid Aersthota goodbye, teleporting back to Limsa Lominsa. The cold air didn’t change too much when she emerged, as the chill of the night set in. The lights from the sides illuminated the connected paved paths, but she wanted to quickly get the report over with, so she could get warmed up in a hot bath. She reached out to the crystal, feeling the aether pulse at her fingertips. The teleport spell from the crystal worked, as she felt the environment shift from an outside, chilly night—into a covered hallway building in front of Melvaan’s Gate.

Even beyond the closed door of the gate, she could hear individuals working diligently on the inside. Azlyn tried to wring out as much water as she could from herself and proceeded to walk inside. The warmth from the firelight felt nice as she found the interim Guildmaster Thurbygeim reading by one of the many bookshelves.

About a foot away, the interim guildmaster called to her. “Be careful of the bookshelves, you’re still dripping water.”

Azlyn nodded, a small grimace on her face. She began her report. “M’laya found me earlier this evening—I went to Aleport to help Foreseer K’lyhia, Aersthota, and Geissfryn. What should have been a routine inspection became a terrible misfortune. Foreseer K’lyhia fell unconscious.”

The Roegabyn Guildmaster with wavy maroon hair tied in a half ponytail grimaced. “I see—It is good to see you mostly well, Azlyn. Geissfryn sent word over the link pearl. An unfortunate turn of events, but considering the infamous blackheart you faced, you might have fared much worse.” Azlyn could feel the stares from the desk receptionists. “Have you heard of the pirate Doesmaga? He was exiled from Limsa Lominsa some years ago, but it appears he has chosen to defy the Admiral’s orders.”

Azlyn tapped her fist into her open palm. “Oh! ….Oh…” Azlyn immediately realized who this individual was, and paled. “That’s the pirate who kidnapped people and sold them into slavery…”

The interim Guildmaster nodded, equally as appalled. “And once more he dares lay a hand on Foreseer K’lyhia! The poor lass must have been terrified. If I had known Doesmaga was aboard that ship, I never would have assigned her that duty.”

It was that one statement that shed some light on K’lyhia’s past. “Will she be alright?”

“The assessor may require some time to recover—for K’lyhia, that man is a nightmare made flesh. Though her physical wounds will soon mend, there is little we can do to salve the hurt to her mind.” Azlyn clenched her fists tightly into balls by her side. Her complexion darkened as she thought of what horrors she must have borne witness to. The Interim Guildmaster adjusted her monocle over her right eye as she discerned her actions. “You are concerned? Angry, mayhap? Harness that energy, and channel it into your training. I predict we shall be needing your skills again before long.”

Before long a receptionist had walked over to them, she was holding two towels in her arms. “Uh—Good evening Azlyn, I brought you some towels to dry off—and to clean the floor with.” She gestured to the wet floorboards she stood on. Embarrassed, Azlyn accepted the towels and started to help clean up the water that dropped off her. Before long the floors were dry, and the towels were wet with moisture.

“Sorry for the trouble, and please let me know how the Foreseer is doing once she’s up and about.” She bowed to the Thurbyrgeim and made a hasty retreat before she could drip anymore water on their floors. She ran over to the crystal, opting for a quick jump over to the Aftcastle and then she started to run inside to the Drowned Wench. She was about to walk straight over to the Inn, but Baderon had noticed her coming in.

“Holy Shite balls—ye look like a drown’d cat.” He beckoned her over with the wave of his hand. Reaching down into his counter, he pulled out several towels, and walked away from his bar. Azlyn met him halfway, as he dropped a towel on her head, and inspected her shoulder. “I ‘ope the other one looks worse than ye—we’re going t’need to clean that up.”

She followed him back to his bar, where a few of his local favorites were sitting at the counter. He opened the bar up for her to enter with him, and he gestured over his counter to his patron. “’ey pass me that chair there, would ye?”

The Roegabyn nodded, reaching over to the spare one with ease, and lifting it up and over. Baderon took it, and plopped it down. “Now sit, tell Ol’ Baderon what mischief ye’ve got yerself into now.” He was reaching up into his alcohol stash, grabbing a clear bottle of liquid.

Azlyn sat, facing her back to him. She was rubbing her hair dry once more as she felt whatever alcohol Baderon found to pour over her shoulder wound. She winced at the pain, biting back the yelp she wanted to let out.

“Inspection went poorly. Ran into a fellow by the name of Doesmaga—ring any bells?”

The counter went silent. Baderon seemed to have forgotten that he was still pouring alcohol on her exposed shoulder. “Ow—ow—ow Baderon that’s the bottle your pouring!”

The Roegabyn, a Yellowjacket officer off duty frowned. He called out to her. “Lass, ye sure it was him?”

Azlyn replied. “Positive. He’s pretty nasty with that giant axe of his.”

Baderon put a cap on the bottle he poured on her wounds, before inspecting her fully. She had several slash marks on her back, shallow, but would heal with faint scarring. “He’s been exiled from Limsa Lominsa fer a time now—s’pose he’s not ‘fraid of the Admiral. Hrmm…well, if he’s got his eye on ye, ye best be careful.”

Azlyn nodded.

“Where was he at?” A patron asked at the bar.

“Off the northern coasts of Aleport. Aboard a ship—Morningstar? But it didn’t look like they’d been able to dock at land. They seemed preoccupied.”

Baderon wrapped his fingers around his chin. He thought hard before shaking his head. “Was he talkin’ ‘bout Sastasha or deliverin’ goods over yonder?”

Azlyn shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I think they were stuck out on sea for a while.”

The patrons and Baderon went silent once more. Azlyn kicked her feet hoping that it would take her mind off the pain. It was then that she was reminded of Bartholomew’s request. “Oh! Baderon, you had an acquaintance in Ul’dah that said you wanted some help with something.”

The Roegabyn snorted his drink. “I s’pose there’s a reason she’s called the Bloody Princess—cares not fer the troubles of slavers. Hah!” He gave her a cheer, which had been followed up with several of his buddies at the counter. Baderon pulled out some wraps to help dress her wounds. “Lift yer arm lass.”

She did as was told, feeling the pain ebb and ache all over.

When she was all taken care of, he walked in front of her and crossed his arms. He gave her a long look. “Ye sure ye’d be willing to ‘elp? It might be dangerous.”

Azlyn smiled up from her chair. “I’ve been in dangerous places before.” As she gestured her arm up to him. He shook his head.

“Aight, then I’ll cut to the chase. Word ‘as it some suspicious-lookin’ buggers ‘ave been sneakin’ in an’ out o’ the Sastasha Seagrot, an’ I need a trustworthy sort to ‘ead up north of Aleport an’ find out who they are an’ what they’re up to.”

That was why he asked about Sastasha previously. She connected the dots. “Do you think Doesmaga might have a connection to what you’re looking into?”

Baderon frowned. “Mayhap—but somethin’ tells me it’s not ‘em. Don’t sound like much, I know…”

Azlyn crossed her arms and winced when her muscles flexed. She immediately relaxed the pose she was in.

“However, it weren’t too long ago as the fishbacks pet pirates paid us an unwelcome visit, an’ folk are feelin’ a bit nervous.” Baderon shook his head. “I’ll find ye someone who can best explain it tomorrow. Go get ye some rest, and we’ll tackle this dilemma in the morn. Oh—what happened to yer scholarly group? Did ye scare ‘em off?”

Azlyn chuckled. “They had some field observations that they needed to do—so they went to their respective sites. They should be coming back tomorrow morning.”

He snapped his fingers. “Perfect—then we’ll have them join ye and ye can make an adventure of it with yer pals.” Baderon ushered her out from behind his counter since she was all done being treated and was semi-dry enough to head up to her room. Baderon kept the chair behind the counter since it was wet from her clothes.

She waved goodnight to the guys at the counter, “Have a good night you guys—get some sleep!”

They wished her the same, and she escaped back into the inn. Her room had been left as it had been, save for the clean linens and fresh smell of citrus. She stripped off her ripped top, throwing the piece on the ground. She was going to have to find a way to mend it—or burn a hole in her budget buying new clothes.

She slipped on a comfortable yellow cowl and put on some cotton leggings she found in the bargain bin in Ul’dah. The crimson leggings were stretchy and easily shaped around her with ease. She crawled into her bed, replaying all the events that happened in the last twenty-four hours—and felt the exhaustion wash over her.

Her Linkpearl was buzzing in her ear the following morning, tiredly she tapped her ear to open the channel. “Azlyn present.”

“You sound tired.” This time it was the familiar voice of Krile who stirred her from her sleep. She went to stretch, only to wince in pain. Her back was sore from last night.

“Ouch—yeah, It was a long night. Are you guys back in Limsa?”

Krile’s voice went silent, which didn’t pose well to the Au Ra. It wasn’t after a short pregnant pause did the Lalafel respond. “We were gone for one day Azlyn—one.” She could sense the frustration in her voice.

“Err—an inspection went wrong with the arcanist’s last night. I went to help them out.”

“And you got hurt?” She deduced.

“Just some cuts and bruises, nothing too bad. It’ll probably hurt a bit.” Azlyn decided it would be best practice to stay honest so that she didn’t worry her friends.

Krile sighed into her link pearl. “Are you coming down, or would you like us to come to you?”

Azlyn pulled herself out from bed, grabbing her satchel. “I’m on my way now. I’ll see you guys shortly.” They ended their conversation over the communication device and started to get ready.

She opted to wear her cowl and leggings for the day, since her other clothes had been thoroughly soaked. Before she left however, she did open her balcony to lay them out in the sun. She hoped by laying out the pieces, they’d dry by the time she got back.

Her boots were thoroughly soaked, so she had to pull out her lace up sandals instead. She laced them up to her ankles, and then walked down to the Drowned Wench. To her surprise, they were already sitting with Baderon and Commodore Reyner. The Commodore had continued to stand to their one side, engaging with G’raha in conversation. Krile had dealt out food to the remaining few at the counter. They had prepared hand-made meals, and Baderon seemed to be enjoying a sandwich given to him. Azlyn pulled up a chair on Krile’s side.

“Good morning everyone.”

Krile looked to her with an inquisitive eye.

“Shoulder if ye’re wonderin’.” Baderon called it out.

Azlyn had hoped with the cowl it would hide her injury, but not from Baderon’s mouth. Krile sighed once more. “Before we leave, we’re going to take a look at it.” The girl raised her eyebrow.

“It was treated last night.” Azlyn replied calmly and pointed to Baderon. “He even patched it and everything.”

Ejika was silent, eating his own meal in piece. He looked a bit haggard from his travels to Outer La Noscea. It seemed he may have walked the entire way.

“If that’s the case, then I don’t have to worry too much.” Krile replied with a smile. “But just in case.” She brought her book up and spoke a curing enchantment from her book. A wash of warmth went over her and the pain in her back ebbed. Feeling less stiff, Azlyn stretched.

“Thanks.”

Krile nodded, pulling out a small lunchbox for her to unpack. Inside the pack had been a sandwich with grapes, carrots, and crunchy lentils. Azlyn clapped her hands twice over the meal and bowed her head. “Thank you for this meal.” She replied and went to eat.

“Azlyn, I overheard from one of my officers that you had a run-in with an exile. Is that true?” The Commodore called out from the other side of the bar to her. She was mid-chew as the question came, so she tried her best to swallow what she had in her mouth. After several moments of chewing, she was finally able to answer without food in her mouth.

“It’s true—however I think Melvaan’s Gate will make the report. I was just helping out with the inspection last minute.” Azlyn explained, “but I think Baderon had a similar problem in that same region. Was that why you’re here this mid-day?”

The Commodore was pleased with the easy transition. He nodded. “I’d be happy to elaborate. I was informed from Baderon that an adventurer would assist in my investigation and I came to offer what information I could sift from the recent reports.”

G’raha popped a grape into his mouth. When he was finished chewing, he leaned on the counter. “Is this something dealing with that guy Azlyn?”

Azlyn frowned, shaking her head. “I don’t know—it could be pirates.”

Commodore Reyner agreed. “Yes, from what I could gather, from over the course of the past moon, there have been several sightings of an unfamiliar vessel off the coast of Aleport, in the vicinity of the Isles of Umbra. This information came to my attention no more than a few weeks after a squad of my own soldiers had completed a routine patrol of the region, the Sastasha Seagrot included.”

Ejika reached forward for his glass of water. He sipped the contents slowly. “Sounds like pirates.”

Azlyn smiled to him, before bringing her attention back to Commodore Reyner. “What else did they find?”

He said, “Their search revealed little, save that a family of coeurls had taken up residence in the caves. Nothing to concern us, in short.”

G’raha perked at the mention of Coeurls. “I always wanted to see a coeurl pack.”

Ejika snorted. “And get blasted again? No thank you.”

“In light of recent developments, however, it would seem wise to search Sastasha again.” The Commodore interrupted, with a wry smile of his own. “But with the Sahagin testing our defenses daily, I am loath to assign the task to the limited forces at my disposal. Our line is stretched as it is. Thus I sought the services of a competent adventurer to conduct an investigation in our stead.”

Azlyn smiled. “And that’s you asking if I would do this?”

He nodded. “Any aid you can offer in this matter would be greatly appreciated.”

Krile tapped her fingers on the counter. “Well, I suppose we can assist in this as well. My father said we don’t need to be back for a couple more days.”

G’raha silently celebrated, while Ejika sighed.

Commodore Reyner nodded. “Then it’s settled. Sastasha is located in Western La Noscea. For more detailed instructions on how to reach the place, I suggest you consult V’mellpa. She can be found at the ferry docks on the lower decks.”

He took off hat, bowing to them with a smile. “Now I must be off, Baderon I hope your patrons don’t get too rowdy.”

Baderon stuffed the rest of his sandwich into his mouth. He gave his a shrug in response before waving to the Commodore’s retreat. As the four of them went back to eating their meals. About ten minutes later, with their stomachs full of good food, Baderon smiled. “I enjoy our nice little chats like these—but don’t ye have somewhere else to be getting to?”

Krile smiled, “Better now than later. You ready Azlyn?”

She nodded, “Thanks for letting us coop up on your counter Baderon. See you later!”

He smirked. “Oh, what happened to your clothes from last night?”

Azlyn quirked her head. “Oh, it’s laying out on the balcony of my room. They were still wet from last night, so I’ll go like this today.” She smirked, bringing up the cowl so that she could cover her head from view.

“Alright, I’ll take care of that ripped top for you. I know a guy.” He waved goodbye to her and their group, returning back to his work.

Azlyn led them out from the Drowned Wench over into the Aftcastle, she turned around walking backwards as she said, “How’d the field studies go?”

Ejika retorted, “It’d had been better if I hadn’t of been surrounded by reptilian monstrosities, hungry coeurls, and troublesome monkeys. I’ve had enough of this humidity by the sea.”

“That’s why you were against going into Sastasha!” G’raha called him out with his own smirk. “How lucky you got to see the local creatures. I had some bouncy light orbs and maybe a skeleton or two. Nothing I couldn’t handle.” He flexed showing off his bow arm.

“And your meeting?” Azlyn asked to Krile.

Krile smiled, her cowl hood was still up over her head. “Everything went as proceeded. Oh, I was told by Y’shtola to give you her regards.”

Azlyn nodded, “She disappeared right after I caught my fever, glad to hear she’s doing good.”

The Lalafell agreed. “Yes, she’s been busy looking into the aether disturbances from the beast tribes as of late. All of the scions are.”

Ejika sighed, “And what are we supposed to do now Azlyn? Who and where were we supposed to go?”

Azlyn turned her attention to the scholarly dressed Lalafell with glasses. “Commodore Reyner said we’d find V’mellpa at the Lower decks of the docks. We going to head over to that ramp leading into the lower decks in that building, then we’ll be going over yonder down by the boats there.” She stopped to point down the top of the path to their destination.

G’raha Tia hopped up onto what the building’s brick wall that prevented people from falling off from the upper decks. He scanned down the way, easily tracking the location. “Limsa has quite a few high spots, it makes me want to climb them.” He grinned with mischief.

Krile shook her head. “Remember we’re guests under the Archon’s name—and representing our order.”

It was in that exact moment when a Maelstrom officer walked by. The tall Roegabyn officer looked at their group with a quick glance over, before laying eyes on G’raha. He pointed a beefy finger to the paved path. “Get down or you’ll spend time in the brig.”

G’raha hopped down, running over to Azlyn’s side. She shook her head before the officer continued his patrol back to the command center located nearby.

“What a dick.” G’raha said after he was out of earshot.

“They probably had problems with pirates doing things like that to find vantage points.” Ejika surmised, shaking his head. “Only goes to show how strict this place is. Krile, are you sure we can’t head back now?”

Krile sighed. “My father asked us to keep an eye on our friend until she’s deemed well enough. This task she’s been asked to do will be a perfect opportunity to gauge that.”

G’raha poked Azlyn’s cheek with his finger, and then reached back to her hood and plucked it off her head. “You know what the Archon said if you weren’t well enough?”

Azlyn frowned, ignoring that he took down her hood. “Uh—that’d you be staying for longer?”

Ejika smiled. “He said to take you back with us. Just as we need breaks from work, you need time to relax away from travel—is what he said.” He looked like he really wanted them to just pick up and go—it even looked like he might suggest taking her by force. Azlyn nervously laughed.

“Then I best show you I’m up to the task of traveling. Let’s be on our way.” She presented the best path to take once more, as an awkward silence shifted over their group. It wasn’t as if she didn’t want to go home, but she had things she still needed to complete here in Eorzea. It would leave a sour taste in her mouth if she just left without finishing what she started. Then there was Roll and Kida in Gridania. She didn’t want to disappoint them with her sudden disappearance. She sighed.

The day had been a nice one—where the seagulls flew up above and perched themselves on the peaks of the buildings. The clouds shifted slowly, not indicating any possible storms that day, and the sun basked out from one large, white puffy cloud. The overcast was a nice change from the direct light, but given time, the sun would come out once more.

By the time they reached the lower decks of the docks, the sun had emerged from it’s hiding spot. A young Miqo’te female officer had been attending to a set of ropes when they approached. Her sun-kissed skin glowed as she smiled to the newcomers. “Welcome, how can I help ye?”

Azlyn smiled, “Commodore Reyner directed us to a V’mellpa for more information about Sastasha.” She wasn’t sure if this was her, so she wanted to confirm it was before continuing. The girl in front of her smiled, tapped her chin with her finger.

“I’m V’mellpa, yes, the Commodore mentioned he asked an adventurer for help—didn’t think he’d ask the Bloody Princess herself.” She smiled brightly as Azlyn pulled her hood over her head once again.

“Don’t suppose you can drop the title?” Azlyn pleaded, feeling the stares from her friends as she sighed.

The young Miqo’te chuckled at her expense. “I love the tales I’ve heard from your journey so far—how you slew an Auroch with only your bare hands, your eyes as crimson as candied rubies—In fact there’s a little booklet that being written—”

Azlyn gaped in horror. “A what is being written?”

“Where can I buy this book?” G’raha popped into the conversation with a mirthful smile. Azlyn went to elbow him in his sternum. He easily dodged her elbow, slipping to her other side. “I want to read all about this bloody princess.” He teased.

Krile stepped forward between the three. She brought V’mellpa’s attention down to her. “Please ignore them, is this where we board the ferry to Aleport? And what else can you tell us about Sastasha?”

Azlyn silently thanked Krile for getting them back on track. With G’raha teasing her, and Ejika’s disbelief heavy on her, it was difficult for her to change the topic.

“You’ll need to secure tickets over there.” She pointed, and then smiled. “Once you arrive in western La Noscea, head north where you’ll come across the Sastasha Seagrot. We have a scout stationed by the entrance to the cave with orders to brief you on the situation.” V’mellpa chuckled to the duo inwardly fighting each other. “Whatever else he tells you, be ready for pirates. There’s never any shortage of the bastards—but you’re the Bloody Princess we’re talking about—can’t wait to hear what you’ll do over there! Best of luck!” She cheered her on, while Azlyn sighed in defeat.

Ejika walked over to the boarding desk, preparing for four seats on the next vessel out to Aleport. He seemed to have done this previously as the receptionist recognized him. With their passage secured, they were told the ship would leave then since it was a good opportunity to head over. The officers helped assist bring several of the merchants and the four aboard.

The trip wasn’t as rocky as when she first sailed to Limsa Lominsa—and there were definitely no pirates that crashed their short sailing trip to western La Noscea. The trip didn’t take long, as the ocean mist wrapped around them and comforted them in the basking sun. Aleport could be seen in the distance, with the overarching landmass into the mountains beyond. 

As Azlyn looked into the distance, she could see that the ship they had boarded yesterday night had disappeared. It must have sailed off for fear the Lominsan Militia would begin their assault. She also noted the heavy influence of Maelstrom ships sailing in the neighboring waters. 

Perhaps Melvaan’s Gate turned in a report and the Admiral acted upon it with great haste. It would explain the situation. 

When they arrived in Aleport, they were asked for their reasons of travel, and what they intended to do. The thorough search of all of their belongings ate a bit of their mid-morning away, but before long they were in the bustling port of Aleport. Azlyn directed them to the northern exit, already well acquainted with these parts of western La Noscea. She had done several favors and jobs for the people out in this port, which curried her some favorability in the process. 

She remembered the overarching path leading north, and recalled a path veering off the the left into a cavern of sorts. Perhaps that was Sastasha Seagrot? They walked in sync, amicably talking about the changes in atmosphere and environment compared to the city state. Along the way, a young midlander hyur lass bumped into Azlyn from behind. Azlyn had to catch herself from tripping, while the younger girl in her tanned robes, and medium length brown hair stopped to apologize profusely. She looked to be holding a bag of items protectively in her arms. 

“S-Sorry! Are you alright?” The stranger said. She clutched onto her bag once more. 

Azlyn smiled. “Yes, I’m alright. Are you alright? Oh, your bag is dripping liquid.” She pointed to the growing stain in the bag. Seeing this, the girl began to panic, dropping to her knees as she looked inside. 

“O-oh no! One of the potions I bought is broken! Avere is going to be so mad!” The girl looked on the verge of tears. 

Azlyn knelt down to her, pulling out her own satchel. “Here, take one of mine. Let’s get your bag cleaned up.” The girl looked taken back by the assistance—especially when G’raha and Krile both helped organize her bag, and used a bit of magicks to spot clean the area. It wasn’t long before the girl was back on her feet with two new potions and a dry satchel. 

“Be careful wherever it is you’re going.” Krile warned, giving her a subtle reminder to watch where she was running. 

Azlyn patted the girl on her shoulder with a warm smile. “Safe travels.” 

The girl nodded enthusiastically, her eyes brightened from the saddened gaze from before. It wasn’t long before she was running up the path once more—and turning into the path Azlyn assumed was the entrance. 

“Huh—she must be going into Sastasha with her group then.” G’raha assumed, bringing both of his hands behind his head. He was stretching his back out from hunching down to clean. 

Azlyn smiled. “Well let’s wish them all safe travels if we do come across them again. Travelers have to stick together in these pressing times.” She tapped her chest, just over her heart two times. She was indicating to her friends that caring for others is an obligation she liked to abide by. 

Ejika sighed. “You’re just going to be taken advantage of—you’re too nice Azlyn.” 

G’raha pointed to Ejika. “He makes a fair point.” 

“Doesn’t matter—if it helps someone out I’ll do what I can.” Azlyn simply rebutted. 

Krile pushed them along, keeping the group on its intended course. They went down the path that turned abruptly left—if one wasn’t paying attention they could easily miss it. Along the path they could already see the girl with her group. The group consisted of four people, the loudest of them happened to be their axe-wielding companion. 

He was yelling at the girl who had run into Azlyn before. 

“What took ye so bloody long, Edda?“

The girl was gasping for air from her run. “I-I’m sorry Avere! I came as fast as I could! I tried haggling with the merchant, but two potions as the best I could get with the money you gave me. I had no idea how expensive they were!”

This man must have been Avere, as he snapped. “If me purse was too light, ye might’ve considered usin’ some of yer own bleedin’ coin to get us what we need!” 

The Elezen Archer in their group was laughing at the one known as Edda. “Edda, you’re too slow, you’d lose a foot race to a tree slug!”

Avere grimaced. “Ye’ve only been as useful as the contents o’ yer pockets—the gods know ye can barely ‘eal a scratch! We took up the ‘venturin’ life to take on the big jobs an’ claim the big rewards! How’re we supposed to do that if ye can’t even get our supplies in order?” 

Even if Azlyn and her friends accompanying her hadn’t meant to eavesdrop—their booming voices could be heard from within that pathway. Azlyn clenched her fists into tight balls at the mental abuse they were giving to the girl. Krile reached up to tap her fists with her own hand. 

“Somethings’ are best left unsaid. Let us press on.” Krile walked past the bickering the other group was making. Ejika followed shortly behind her. Azlyn and G’raha went to pass them. The badgering the group had been giving to Edda had stopped as they watched the four of the walk past to the sentry in front of the cave. 

Avere wasn’t keeping his voice down. “Hm? It’s ‘er! The one Baderon was talkin’ to! The Bloody Princess!” 

Edda stammered. “She’s really nice Avere—they helped me out earlier.” 

He snorted through his nose. “Well, we’ll see who gets the glory! This job should’ve been ours in the first place!”

Their Lalafell of the group finally perked. “This is the perfect opportunity for our inaugural outing as a party—wandering around in the caves, turning over a few rocks. How difficult could it possible be? I never expected our first visit to the Adventurer’s Guild would yield such a straightforward way to win fame and fortune.” 

Azlyn visibly relaxed as they approached the entry. A Yellowjacket officer was standing by with his arms crossed. He was eyeing the group behind her as they finally arrived at his outpost. 

“Please tell me you’re here on Yellowjacket duty, and not some daft sod out for a stroll. I can’t take any more of this blasted waiting.” 

Krile nodded her head, “Commodore Reyner sent us.” 

The Yellowjacket was pleased. He relaxed. “You are? Thank the gods.  I assume you already know about the ship seen slipping around the Isles of Umbra?” 

Azlyn nodded. “Yes, and it keeps coming and going.” 

He said, “We’ve been on the lookout for pirate activity ever since that vessel the other night was sighted, thinking a crew of cutthroats might have a den nearby. So when we received word that men of questionable quality had even seen passing in and out of Sastasha here, we weren’t entirely surprised.” 

G’raha crossed his arms. “Have you seen anyone coming and going from this entrance?” 

The sentry shook their head. “I’ve yet to see them for myself, but if this lot belongs to those fishback-fancying Serpent Reavers. Well you can imagine the panic it’ll cause. The kidnappings are still fresh in people’s minds.” 

Krile seemed to connect the dots from previous incidents. “From recent events, it would seem this is something that we cannot turn a blind eye to.” 

Azlyn agreed. “The sooner we determine what’s happening within, it’ll shed some light to the officers who have seen pirate activity.” 

“Yes, your task is to poke around in the caves, and find out exactly who we’re dealing with. While you do that, I’ll be keeping watch out here—praying you don’t spot any blue-face tattoos.” The Yellowjacket reported, standing at attention. “The fishbacks and their Serpent Reaver lackeys cannot be allowed to establish a permanent basis in these lands. You must uncover the truth behind who or what is lurking in these caves. The peace of western La Noscea may depend on it.” 

G’raha cracked the air out from his knuckles, drawing forth his bow and arrows from his back. Ejika readied his staff, and Krile her conjuring staff. Azlyn brought forth her axe, and the four were allowed entry into Sastasha. 

Dim-light cavern paths, with illuminated wildlife. The corals that grew from the ground and the walls were brightened with bright luminescent glow. It felt like walking on the bed of the ocean floor, with marina life strangely living without water. The seagrot continued it’s linear path, where strange creatures grew hostile when the four of them approached. 

The battles were quickly dealt with, from G’raha’s arrows and Ejika’s magical explosions of black magic—Azlyn took most of the aggressive monsters, keeping them distracted so the other members of the party could deal with them. It wasn’t long before the linear path that curved above the water below lead into an empty room. They stopped in the space, checking the aetherial energies. 

Azlyn happened to be checking near one of the corals growing in the back when she found a bloodied note. “Hey, I think I found something!” She called over her friends. 

Krile took the note from her hand, reading, “The Capten lykes his wyne Redd.” 

G’raha scrunched his face. “Is he a merlot kind of guy?” 

Ejika chuckled, while Azlyn crossed her arms. They had yet to see any pirates in Sastasha—save for this strange note. 

“Let’s continue to comb through. I think there was a spot leading further north that we hadn’t seen yet. Maybe the note will make more sense.” 

They left the empty room, heading north. She led them down to a large, open area filled with water and a large number of sea life milling around. Even from up on the path she could see large clams and floating fire orbs in the distance. 

The wild life count had been averaging about the same as in the earlier seagrot. Inside the large room, they found three large corals growing up from the ground. Each coral was a different color. There was a red one on the western wall. A blue coral further north, and then a green one on the far eastern wall. Other than these three corals there seemed to be no other wildlife present. 

Azlyn balanced her bloodied axe on her shoulder. “A dead end?” 

Ejika sighed. “More scouring I guess.” 

G’raha went over to the far eastern side, checking the green coral. “Well—well.” He suddenly called out. “I found a switch.” 

Azlyn widened her eyes. “A what?” 

Krile pulled out the bloodied note they found before. “Hurry, check the other two corals. See they they have a switch or not. But don’t press any yet.” 

Azlyn went over to the Red coral, and Ejika to the Blue. “There’s a switch here too.” 

Ejika nodded. “And another hidden by the blue one.” 

G’raha repeated what the note had said previously. “The Capten lykes his wyne Redd. I think that’s signifying what switch to hit.” 

Azlyn looked back to the group. “Then we should hit the red coral’s switch.” She prepped her friends before reaching down to press the button. A strange shifting could be heard on the north wall, as it slowly shifted opened. The group celebrated, cheering together as they seemed to discover a hidden wall—only to have that celebration be short lived. A growling could be heard, as a large white and beige stripped Coeurl emerged from the open door, it’s whiskers whipping in the air as it took in the four standing in the center of the room. 

It’s loud, booming screech echoed into the room, as Ejika started to panic. “Co-Co-Coeurl!” He was running away, only for the cat-like monstrosity to pounce toward him. Azlyn sprinted to catch the monster before it could pounce, swinging her axe in a wide arc as she went. The flat of her blade smacked hard into the side of it’s face, sending it veering off to the side. It crashed into the eastern wall as Krile went to snap Ejika out from his panic. 

G’raha started to sling his arrows, starting to bind the creatures pawed feet to the ground. Due it it’s large size, it easily broke free of them. It started to lean on it’s front haunches, it’s whiskers stark high as it began casting it’s own magic. 

Azlyn felt a pull of magic draw her back just as a spark of energy exploded all around the coeurl. Azlyn was stopped to Krile’s side, as she simply replied. “Don’t get too close when it’s casting it’s Blaster. It’ll paralyze you or kill you instantly.” 

“Understood.” Azlyn shook the nerves away, bringing forth her axe once more. “I’m going to draw it to the doorway. While I have it turned away, you three start hitting it with all you got.” 

She leapt to action, bringing the large cat to her side. She took several good swings at the Coeurl, getting some solid hits into it’s fur. As she was attacking, she could see her friends doing what they could behind her. The spells and arrows hitting the back of this creature. Even as it was getting hit from all side, the Coeurl was still as vicious. It’s claws swiped Azlyn in several spots, nicking her on her arm and leg. She pushed through the pain, even as her legging started to bleed a darker red. 

“It’s almost done!” Krile called out, releasing a healing spell to wash over Azlyn. SHe could feel her wounds mending slowly even as she was fighting back. 

Ejika started a major cast, his eyes clouded as the arcane flowed through his staff. A large ball of energy surged as he shouted. “Take this you overgrown cat!” 

G’raha shot several arrows, and then watched as the room became engulfed in a large ball of arcane fire. It surrounded the creature, and Azlyn as it’s energy was spent. Azlyn felt the heat singing her bangs as she raised her axe high. 

“I’m going to need you to sleep—forever.” She shouted, and slammed the axe right into the skull of the Coeurl. 

It’s movements stopped, as the blood sprayed up and out from the wound in it’s head. Azlyn tried to cover her face as it finally dropped to the ground. Everyone ran over to her side as she shook the blood droplets from her sleeves. Even then her yellow cowl would stain into a maroon mess later on. 

G’raha kicked the body, noting that it stopped breathing. He then checked the creature for anything that might be useful. It wasn’t until he got to the neck of the creature to pull a collar hidden by it’s matted fur. He lifted it up to read the tag. “Chopper. That’s cute.” He dropped the collar. 

Azlyn turned to face the new area ahead. “And look, we have a new area to explore.”