The Lost Flower (Fraeya)

[Fraeya Sky]

"Hey, watch it!" Came the aggravated complaint from the man I'd bumped into. I hadn't been paying attention to where I was going, and apparently there were alot of people here.

"Ah,I-I'm sorry!"

I apologized, bowing briefly before hurrying away from the man. I honestly couldn't tell if I was sorry or not, though. This place... was simply amazing! The buildings were tall and ornate and complex and- Ooohhhh!!! There's just so many exciting things!

I walked slowly now, careful to try to pay more attention, lest I bump into another man who might not be as forgiving as the previous one. I just couldn't keep myself from wandering at the place. How did they make it? It must've been terribly difficult to build such a beautiful city!

I almost tripped down a flight of stairs in my daze; stumbling down them clumsily. My kimono almost did me in! However, when my gaze returned to my surroundings, I was immediately entranced.

A beautiful fountain sat in the middle of what seemed like a plaza; water spouting from the top in three different directions and falling into the pool that surrounded the base of its spire. It looked like they'd used a precious stone to make it.

I approached it and stared into the pool, which wasa lovely clear blue. I could see my reflection clearly in it; and in doing so, I spotted a leaf stuck in my hair. I immediately fished it out, slightly embarressed. I'd walked all that way through this town with a leaf in my hair... so much for not sticking out.

Now though, my mind wandered back to what I had actually come here for. I had waken up in a field outside the city that ran along what seemed like a roadway; the reason I woke up there, I still had no clue of. However, I was driven here by a sense of purpose, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what that reason was.

"I know that it required me asking someone something... Ah! That's it! I was trying to discern where I was! Of course!" In my moment of elation with figuring out why I'd come here, a small realization made my heart fall.

"No, that couldn't have been it. Regardless of whether I knew where this is or not, I'd have no use for knowing it. Just why am I actually here?" I sat on the edge of the fountain, slightly depressed. "What drove me to come here in the first place?"

I let my hand dip into the fountain water. It was cool to the touch and felt good to just soak in. It was as if if I laid down in the fountain it would wash my frustration away...

Seeing that as a good idea, I closed my eyes and let myself fall back into the waters.

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

Any attention the bumbling girl drew to herself was soon claimed by Judge Magister Gabranth. The head of Archadia's 9th bureau calmly walked down the streets of Luca, his steps were more like a militaristic march then anything else. But what else would you except from a man who spent his entire life in the militarily? The full plate armor that the man wore clanked and creaked as he made his way through the city. The Archadian armor was a rare sight in the extravagant city of Luca, and was almost unseen. His armor seemed to attract more attention then anything else Gabranth had. The Judge didn't really care, he knew that if anyone tried anything his trust blades, that was strapped to his waist, would make short work of them.

For a brief moment he wondered were Fang was. He was traveling north with her after they met up in Zanarkand. The women, and even her metallic dragon, were close friends to Gabranth. Together they fought out of the horrid area known simply as the land of the dead. But they parted ways not to long ago. He actually worried for her, which was strange on it's own. The Judge knew she could take care of herself, that was one of the many reasons why he liked her so much, but the nagging feeling in the back of his head wouldn't go away.

That is until he came into contact with Fraeya. Memories came rushing back, refreshed from the wave of energy that encompassed him. He could see himself stabbing his blade into Drace's chest once again, he could sell his beloved Landis falling to the might of Archadia, and he could see the late Lord Vayne as some kind of twisted monster. His crystal blue eyes immediately snapped to the young girl in the fountain. His actuate senses told him that she was the epicenter of this magic energy. He was disgusted by what he saw in his mind, most of what he knew to be true. But he had to no more.

A large clack filled the air, the sound of steal hitting the stone slates that made up the walk ways of Luca. Gabranth now stood above Fraeya, carefully eyeing the girl, and the fountain she was in behind his intimidating steel helm. The fountain she was in was just as lustrous and extravagant as anything else in Luca, yet Gabranth was unimpressed by it. He preferred the more village feeling of Landis, the farming landscape of his fallen home always held a special place in his heart. Even if he now served the industrial Archadia. "It is not proper for a young girl such as yourself to play in a fountain," He roughly said snapping his thoughts back to the present. He had to know more about this girl, and the memories nagging him in the back of his head.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [words :: 485] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

A large slamming sound snapped me back into attention.

I sat up quickly, my now soaked kimono making it slightly difficult. There was a man standing above, me, fully clad in armor. Not just armor, like you'd think, like chainmail or leather; but flat out plate armor. And he was glaring at me?

"It is not proper for a young girl such as yourself to play in a fountain."

The voice rumbled like a beast's growl, and I felt the shiver crawl up my spine slowly, a rising anxiety following on its heels. I scurried to the side of the fountain and climbed out, the weight of the kimono almost made me fall out, but I managed. I sat on the edge of the fountain again, and averted my eyes away from the man.

Had he come solely to scold me, or was I in serious trouble? Did I break a city rule? Had he come to punish me for breaking it?

I laid my hands on my knees nervously, looking to the ground. What had I done wrong? In retrospect, what I'd done must have seemed VERY out of place to the people here. That realization set my face ablaze with a mild blush of sheer embarresment. "Oh! Why did I act like such a child?!" I berated myself silently and sat there, waiting for that deep voice's chastisement.

"I had acted like such child, and for what? A swim in a fountain? Ohhh!!!"

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

Perhaps I was to harsh on the girl The man thought to himself, as he watched Fraeya pick herself up from the fountain and sit on it's edge. The girl seemed to be brooding, was she punishing herself? The man shook his head, no it could't be that he was to harsh. He treated Lord Larsa much in the same way, and Larsa was an Emperor. Then again the Solidor child probably held himself to much higher standards. He was excepted to rule over an entire episode, and this girl clearly was not. She spent her days playing like a child.

A large hand clad in metal armor presented it's self to Fraeya. "Come, let us find a way to dry your clothing. You shall get sick if you remain in it." Gabranth offered, wanting to help the girl. Even though his tall visage was coated by a shell of menacing full plate armor, he truly wanted to help the girl. Fraeya reminded him of a young Larsa, so naturally the Judge couldn't help but be kind towards her. In his own way he was a good parent like figure, but a life in the military made him rather harsh.

The girl looked young, perhaps not even out of puberty yet. Far too young to be traveling on her on. Yet her clothes were clearly not native to such an area. Furthermore her clothes clearly marked her as an outsider, her silken kimono was far from the dull tans that the citizens of Luca wore. "Tell me, what brings you to Luca?" the man asked, slightly concerned that the little girl was running about with no protection.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [words :: 277] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

After a few moments, the sound of metal shifting signalled the man's movement. I looked over briefly to see his hand coming towards me, on which I shrunk back from it, clamping my eyes shut. "What's he gonna do? I didn't do something too bad did I?!"

"Come, let us find a way to dry your clothing. You shall get sick if you remain in it." I opened my eyes and found his hand extended, slightly open, welcoming. His voice... wasn't like it was before. It was almost soft...

It reminded me of something...

I placed my hand in the gauntlet, grasping it slightly. The metal was cool to the touch, but smooth, and almost immediately shifte to being warm. I let my eyes wander up to meet the man's, and his look was reassuring; comforting.

I nodded to him, standing up, with a little effort. It was true; I had not made the best decision in going swimming with my kimono on. It made me feel like a fool. The robe pulled heavily on my body, and if my shoulders had been just a little smaller, probably would have slid right off me as I stood up.

"Tell me, what brings you to Luca?" I stared at him for a few moments cautiously before answering. "I... I can't remember..." My voice was soft, almost inaudible to anyone else. The thought brought with it that feeling of sadness I'd felt earlier. My gaze averted from his shamefully. I couldn't think of anything else to say.

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

A spark of magic energy ran up Gabranth's arm as the girl grabbed his hand, causing him to shudder slightly. The full power of Fraeya's mysterious powers was blunted by the magic armor that the Judge Magister wore almost twenty four-seven. Yet every scar on his right arm seemed to react, tingling with the magic. Every battle wound he ever received, healed or not, seemed to be fresh upon his arm along with the memory. Every stroke of his weapon, the chaos blade, seemed to be relived. And every gentle caress, and stroke of his lovers face followed suit.

The memories swirled across his mind like a torrent, yet he could not make sense of a single one. As his own magics reacted against hers the memories became nothing more then a blur, the tingling sensation began to dissipate. And Gabranth was left in amazement. What in the name of Loghrif is this? He thought to himself, weak as it was Fraeya's power of memories was coursing through his body.

The man's crystal blue eyes immediately darted to Fraeya who was at his side, he wondered how she fared. The man felt cautious, his intimidating physical posture resumed. He wasn't sure if Fraeya was a friend or foe. She could easily be some powerful mage that has been sent against the land of Archadia. He knew that it was best to be on his guard around her. Fraeya's words seemed to only increase Gabranth's weariness. Not knowing anything was a very convenientt excuse, one to get close to Gabranth. Of course that could just be his paranoia speaking. "Very well then, I believe there is a tavern near by where you can change." He stated. Even if she was an enemy he could not let a young girl like this in a helpless state, but if she was an enemy then it would be a perfect chance to scout out her abilities... And masters.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [words :: 324] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

"Very well then, I believe there is a tavern near by where you can change." I frowned up at the man, still cautious. His voice was tense again. He had seemed to tense up when she grapsed his hand, but she didn't know why.

The man was confusing... First he was stern, almost scornful, then he was warm, and now he was cautious. What was making the man so erratic? It was just plain confusing.

I stood there, holding his gauntleted hand, and just frowned up at him. He was being weird. It wasn't that I didn't think he was weird in the first place; the fact he had approached me and scorned me as such, then became warm was weird enough. What was confusing was that he went back to be cautious.

"U-um..." I tried to take the initiative to ask him something, but the question dissappeared from my mind as soon as it came. It left me feeling somewhat anxious... a more so wanting to change clothes.

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

Gabranth gave the girl arm a slight tug in an attempt to guide the pair to the nearest tavern. "Come," he simply said, sparing her no other words. He would not leave a child helpless, but the Judge Magister was still unsure of her intent. The man easily guided the two through the streets, people parting before the man clad in full plate armor. Sometimes being a Judge Magister in Archadia had it's boons.

The man occasionally glanced down at Fraeya, wondering how she was faring. She seemed to be frowning, upset about something. Gabranth wanted to ask her what was wrong, but he hesitated. Not sure how to ask. She was a rather ditsy sixteen year old girl. Maybe she was uncomfortable with the situation? Perhaps it would be in his best interests to leave her once they reached the tavern. The girl's uhh caught Gabranth's attention. She wanted to say something, now it was just a matter of getting her to talk. "Speak," Gabranth said, more of a demand then a full sentence. By now the pair was only a few feet away from the tavern.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

"Speak." Came the man's voice. It was very obviously a command, one that I was fearful of disobeying. "W-why did you approach me?" I asked softly and timidly. The man could have completely ignored me like the other people had, but he had chosen instead to approach her.

The tavern was just in front of them, and stood welcoming and menacing to me at the same time. It was a place where people gathered; people who I didn't know, people who might want to hurt me. It was also a place where travelers could go to rest as well, and enjoy themselves.

I frowned up at the building nervously, clutching the man's hand tighter. "What did you intend...?" He could have brought me here for a number of reasons, most of the not optimal ones for the situation. It was obvious that he could do just about anything he wanted and I couldn't fight back, if he was THAT type of person. However, part of me felt he wasn't intending any harm, yet the fearful side of me told me it was all a disguise for his true intentions.

And so I stood there, grasping the man's hand, my heart pounding in anxiety, supressing the urge to cry. This is why I wasn't' a people person.

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

"I am a Judge Magister of Archadia, it is my duty to enforce the law." Gabranth simply replied. He thought his armor and the insignia on his back made that clear. Perhaps she was really innocent. Blissfully unaware of the world around her, or she was just playing stupid. The man allowed himself to simply think for the next few moments. Wondering if she was truly a foe or not. Perhaps it would be best to leave her. Yes... If he set her on the right path then she would be fine if she was simply an innocent girl. But if she is another person attempting to use him, then she would be left behind. Unable to bring any harm to him or Archades.

The man pulled his hand away from Fraeya as they entered the small tavern despite her vice grip on his hand. His now free hand roamed to his waist were he retrieved a small stone along with a handful of gil. Gabranth held out his hand, offering the items to the girl. "Take it," he said. "Go to the man and purchase a room. This gil will cover the costs, along with enough for a meal." He was being generous. He owed the girl nothing yet he was still paying for her own living expenses. "The stone, is a sun stone. Use it to dry yourself and your clothing. Now I must take leave," he finished after making sure Fraeya took the items. The stone was warm to the touch, just warm enough to dry oneself. Yet cool enough not to burn the flesh.

Then the man turned and left. Slowly pushing his way through the crowd. He had an empire to return to. Larsa needed him, to be his hand in the shadows. To protect him. Already someone was assassinated in the Imperial Palace. So he had to leave Fraeya, although if she truly wished she could catch up to Gabranth. Yet the man's mind was already focusing on returning to his home. The one place were he was still able to hold his head high.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

"I am a Judge Magister of Archadia, it is my duty to enforce the law." So... I had done something wrong. A slight escalation of anxiety rose in me as I turned my gaze up at him. So what was he going to do with me now? I hadn't done something too bad had I? I felt his hand slide from my grasp and my confusion grew. What was he...?

The fear in me spiked when I saw his hand slide to his waist and then come towards me. I flinsched back from his hand slightly, my arms coming up instinctively, waiting for a blow. "Take it," came the man's voice, not changed from before. "Go to the man and purchase a room. This gil will cover the costs, along with enough for a meal."

"E-eh?" I opened my eyes and peered at his open hand, which held some coins and a small stone. I looked up at him in confusion, lowering my arms. This man, wasn't meaning to punish me? I stared at the contents of his hand for a moment before reaching out and taking it cautiously from him. The stone was warm to the touch, and the heat it exuded made me remember the warm comforts of my bed.

"The stone, is a sun stone. Use it to dry yourself and your clothing. Now I must take leave." I watched wordlessly as the man left the tavern. Why had he helped me? The man had had no obligation to do anything really, yet he brought me to this tavern and gave me money to stay, as well as this stone...

I stared down at the warm globe in my hand, still confusedly. Why would he give me something like this? I had never even heard of such a thing, and it didn't seem to be something you could come by commonly. Was it something extremely valuable?

"I didn't thank him..." I jerked to the realization. The man had been so generous in helping me, yet I had never thanked him once! I took off out through the door of the tavern after him, almost falling flat on my face as soon as got outside. "He couldn't have gotten far!"

I searched around quickly, and soon found his unique figure walking away. It was certainly true to say that he was unique in comparison to other people here. "Hey, mister!" I called out to him, stumbling my way through the crowd towards him. The need to thank him spurred me along.

If I had taken time to think about it, then I would've asked "why?".

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

The Judge walked down the roads of Luca, his pace far faster then usual. He was planning on catching the first boat departing for Archades, or any city near his home land. From there he could simply rent a chocobo. He had a feeling that Larsa needed him, that Archades needed him. His pride was on the line. Especially with his own recent kidnapping. It made him feel like he had all the more to prove. Yet the girl, the one whose name he never learned, left heavy feeling of woe in his heart. He was getting the feeling that she wasn't a spy, she was far to helpless.

One of Gabranth's own men approached him. "Sir, we have acquired passage upon a boat heading for Archades in an hour." The Soldier said with a salute. Gabranth gave the man a nod. He was one of the troops that accompanied him from the Royal City of Rabanastre. "Very well, load our equipment onto the ship. I shall be there shortly." The Judge Magister responded, in truth he would head straight to the ship if he could. That was until a small weak voice spoke up behind him. The man twirled around, his steel armor clanking loudly against the rough stone pavement of Luca.

It was the girl once again. Maybe she was a spy, to follow him so far out. Yet his mind was once again wary. She seemed to helpless, perhaps there was another motive to follow him so far out from the tavern that offered her both food and warmth. Without so much as a wave to greet the girl, Gabranth simply said; "Greetings." His voice was as harsh as before, but that was only typical of the Judge. Very few knew of Gabranth's soft side, and even fewer have seen it first hand.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

"Greetings." I stumbled to a stop a short ways from the man. His voice still had a harsh tone to it; a stone authority. Had I done something that he disapproved of?

"U-um... I..." I shifted slightly on my feet, nervous. He seemed to be preoccupied with something, so maybe I had interrupted him? Maybe I was being a nuiscance? Did he even want me to thank him? After all, he did just give me the items without me requesting anything of him; of his own accord.

He was a kind-hearted man.

I gathered myself mentally and, folding my hands in front of me, bowed. "Th-thank you!" I was embaressed, but I couldn't think of any other way to thank him. I was still dripping wet too, so it felt like the kimono would drag me forward onto my face if I didn't concentrate.

Would he take it well?

[Gabranth]

have you any dreams you like to sell
dreams of loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad
in the stillness of remembering
what you had, oh what you lost

The girl seemed uneasy. Gabranth wondered what was wrong. His tone of voice was natural to him, as it always had a harsh tone to it. It was the way he was used to speaking, and rarely he was aware of it. So he simply looked down upon the girl. His hazel eyes like swords behind the metal veil that covered his face. He calmly waited for her to speak, slightly curious as to what she had to say.

The words were a simple thanks, one that seemed it wouldn't be much trouble for one to spit out. "Think nothing of it, it is my civil duty as a Judge Magister." Gabranth replied, the words echoed his own thoughts. He was a Judge Magister, he may be as harsh as his the Empire that he served. Yet he still had a soft spot. A sense of honor drove him to help those in need, specially the young or helpless. Fraeya was one of these people. She seemed young, helpless. It was only right for Gabranth to set her on the right path. Both the money and the sunstone were nothing to the Judge. The money was replaceable as was the Sunstone. The magicite, that seemed to contain the embers of a fire pit, were native to Gabranth's area furthermore it was not uncommon for soldiers of his ilk to carry such stones. They were rather useful in most situations.

Only seconds after he relied to Fraeya the man spun around, and began to walk away. He was leaving Fraeya behind. He did not care for her thanks, although it did help put his mind at ease. He doubt a trained professional would have such trouble thanking him. Her stutter, it was natural too. Yet he could not linger on her. He had a ship to catch, and the Judge had to return to Archades. He had little time to waste.

[lyrics :: dreams - fleetwood mac] [tags :: Fraeya/Open]

[Fraeya Sky]

I expected him to sound sincere, and I was even prepared to be scolded, but the voice that replied held neither sentiment."Think nothing of it, it is my civil duty as a Judge Magister." It was his duty? He had done it, just because he thought he was required to? No, there had to be more to it than that; someone couldn't just help another person and act like it was an everyday occurance; that it didn't effect them.

I watched him walk away, and felt fear rising up in me. Even if he did help me this much, if he just left now, I'd be alone. I... was supposed to be looking for someone, right? Who was it again...? "No." It was enough. He had helped me enough. If I didn't stand on my own, then I wouldn't grow, and I probably wouldn't find what I was seeking. So I turned and started walking back to the tavern, clutching the warm stone in my hands.

I still felt afraid.