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Post by Hiko on May 3, 2012 1:06:36 GMT -5
“Now, I'm just a common traitor.” “Let's go!” the silver-haired man urged. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Celes stirred in her sleep, shifting beneath the thin covers of the inn bed.
“This is General Celes!” a man shouted, “She's an Imperial spy!” “That ribbon suits you.” “Is she safe? Is she waiting?” Soft laughter, a waltz on the balcony with a man she didn't recognize. “If Celes becomes my wife, I'll accept.” A tall, thin strip of a man grinned down at her. Celes looked to the floor. “We haven't any choice.” “Celes, you deceived me?” Locke's features twisted into pain. “I wish I'd never been born.” Images flashed through the dreaming mind of the slumbering blonde, and as she twisted underneath the sheets, Celes was helpless to the whispers of the past.
“Maranda!” The man with the sword shouted. Falling. She was falling. There was a cliff. Had she fallen from it? The sun shone brightly as she fell, warming her skin. The scent of salted sea air burned in her nostrils as she plummeted. The ground rushed toward her at such a fast pace, she-
Celes woke up in a sweat, tears ready to fall from her reddened eyes. Immediately, she slammed her hands down onto the bed, eager to feel the rough fabric under her fingers, to know for certain that the mattress was real and actual, and that her dreams were just harmless figments of the mind. But they weren't, in the end, she realized. They were a part of her – her past, her failures, her losses. Locke – who was he, really? And that scarred, confident, smiling man that had claimed her for a wife – who had he been? The man on the balcony, dancing with her in joy? The faces never made any sense, in the end. Gingerly, Celes returned to laying in the bed, though she doubted there would be much more sleep waiting for her before dawn.
–
Parting from the party had been for the best, the blonde decided, taking her first steps into town. After those dreams, she couldn't bear to remain in Locke's company without constantly wondering what wrongs she might have done to him. As well, she couldn't keep Nyna at a constant state of concern, and it was better for Balthier if he had fewer to protect. No, traveling alone had been the best option for everyone involved - though she wondered if she should have left some sort of note by way of courtesy. There was no going back now, she decided. “Maranda,” she muttered softly to herself, fingers trailing along the signpost, “Why were you in my dreams?” If there was a place to rediscover herself, Maranda would be it, Celes had hoped. It had frequented her dreams often enough; surely there would be something there for the woman.
She entered a rather small tavern, hoping to learn of current local affairs and perhaps find a start to her personal investigations. As the door to the bar closed behind her, a bottle crashed inches from her head. “Murderer!” “Fiend!” “It's General Celes! What, come to burn us to the ground – again?”
Celes took a step back, hand groping in vain for the door's handle. Another bottle came flying at her, and she had the mind to duck rather than taking the glass to the face. “I'm sorry!” she cried out, “I don't know what you're talking about! I-” “Can't even remember all the people you've killed, bitch?” “Get her before she can escape!” “Let's see how she likes the fire!”
The mob descended.
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Post by Beebee on May 28, 2012 14:02:30 GMT -5
Edgar took a sip of the drink in front of him, closing his eyes in bliss. He had been traveling all over the new world, trying to find out where Figaro stood, making allies, taking stock of where the big super-powers were located. He would need to keep an eye on them. Figaro was still readjusting to this new place, updating its technology with the available upgrades. He would much rather be at home tinkering with his beloved castle than traveling, playing the diplomat.
He had just come from Cosmo Canyon. The technology there was virtually non-existent. The people seemed very...spiritual. It was very different from his own life, and he would be the first to admit that he understood nothing of what they said. He knew the planet had energy, but the Lifestream? That was new. Talk of planets living and dying baffled him. They changed, apparently, as their current situation proved that, but he wasn't aware of planetary death before.
Edgar left Cosmo Canyon with thoughts swirling around in his head. He had a lot to learn about this new world. But for now, he was content. He had found a town he was familiar with, Maranda. Even better? The tavern sold Figaran Ale. He hadn't had any since he had left on his rather large world-tour, and it reminded him of home. He turned in his bar stool to look at the room, and smiled as he saw mostly men drinking to their heart's content. His soldiers weren't there, but he knew that wouldn't last for long. He had only told one of them he was leaving, but he wanted some time to himself. Even a king got tired of being waited on all the time.
He turned back and gestured to the bartender for a second drink, nodding his thanks as he tossed a coin onto the counter. He had argued with the bartender before over paying for his first drink, and it reminded him of his own shopkeepers in the castle. It was always a hassle to purchase anything from them as a king, but he tended to get his way. The first sign that something was wrong was a bottle shattering behind him. It wasn't simply a drunken fumble and something falling to the floor, there was force behind it.
Turning back to see what had happened, his froze when he took in a familiar blonde figure standing in the doorway, as the shouting started. Another bottle was thrown, and Edgar shot to his feet, his drink forgotten on the counter. Celes? Skirting the edge of the room, he picked up his pace when the others in the room started to make their way towards her. Why hadn't she moved yet? Or done anything, really? Finally, he was close enough to reach her, and he stepped in between her and the citizens of Maranda.
"Wait!" he shouted as he fought to be heard over the mob of people before him. His hands raised, he had to admit he was a little startled when they did as he said. He turned his head over his shoulder a bit and whispered to Celes. "Find the handle, and get ready to go. Not until I tell you." At the very least, he had bought some time. "You all seem to have no problem remembering the horrors your town endured at the hands of the Empire. But have you forgotten so easily the more recent events?"
He had their attention now. He just had to keep it. "Celes fought with us to save our world. In fact, she was instrumental in bringing all of us back together." Smirking a little at the memory of playing 'Gerad', and her ire at his actions, he continued. "She led us in the fight against Kefka. She is the reason we are all still here. But all you can remember is something that happened well before that time. A tragedy, absolutely. There is no question that your anger is justified. But perhaps you might be acting a tad hasty in your judgement of one woman." The crowd in front of him was still. "Ready?" he whispered, hoping that she was prepared to move quickly.
"She killed my family." "We lost everything." "Death to the General!"
He needed to work on his speeches apparently. "Go!" he shouted as he turned and gave her a small push towards the door.
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Post by Hiko on Jun 19, 2012 14:23:46 GMT -5
The blonde man's push was enough to send her running through the newly-opened door. Celes had scurried out without even the courage of a doormouse, and while she was grateful for the assistance, she couldn't help but wonder why the man had aided her at all, when the sea of anger had been set to smite.
Outside the town's limits and within the minor safety of a wooded area, Celes plopped down onto an aged treestump. She couldn't see her savior at all, and the worst of fears came to mind. What if the tavern had turned on him? What if, in saving her, he had lost his own life? Who was he that he might have cared so much for her safety above his own?
What he had said to the mob, was it true? Was she truly not the monster her dreams implied? She had killed families, burned a village to rubble, if the mob was right. What else could she be but a monster? And with that thought, who would want to save a murderer? But, that hadn't been all, at least as far as her unnamed rescuer's memory recalled. Kefka. That name always struck a chord within her. The name brought a chill to her bones, but she couldn't recall why. She'd fought this Kefka, whoever or whatever it had been; had it been for the betterment of mankind, or just for herself and the gains of her allies? Celes wasn't certain.
Those that seemed best able to aid in the recovery of her memories – of her sense of self – had so far been little more than petty thieves and drinking men. If these were the best of her company, what did that say to her own moral credit?
Celes brought her knees up to her chest and sat, waiting on the stump of that long-gone tree. If there were answers to be had in Maranda, the questions had only multiplied greater.
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Post by Beebee on Jun 20, 2012 19:45:50 GMT -5
Edgar followed Celes for a short while, but something was bothering him. Why hadn't she stood up for herself? The Celes he knew wouldn't have taken that kind of treatment. Even now, she was simply following his guidance. Risking a glance over his shoulder, he saw a handful of the men had started to give chase. Coming to a decision, he split off to the side and cut through some trees. Maybe he could draw them away. He deliberately slowed his pace so that the villagers would see him, and sure enough, "There they are!" was heard not too long after. Fantastic.
Picking up his speed again, he tore through the trees at a sprint. He hadn't run this much since...well...ever. Now he remembered why. Edgar hissed as a tree branch bit into his cheek, but he ignored it after the initial sting. At least the dark blue would hide him a little better in the slowly darkening sky. He would need all the help he could get. Eventually he came to an area of the woods that was filled with trees. It would be hard to quickly follow him through there. Leaping over a fallen log, he climbed for a little while before ducking behind a large tree, trying to catch his breath. This is ridiculous.
"Where'd they go?" Edgar stilled and carefully turned to peek out from behind the tree. He was on an incline, so he could see the villagers standing below them. There were only four of them. It had seemed like there had been more. The men stood and conversed for a while, trying to figure out what to do, and all the while Edgar watched on curiously. Locke would be proud he thought, grinning at the memory of his thieving friend. "Ah forget it. She won't come back." one of the men said, and Edgar nearly fell over in relief. He gave them a head start before he picked his way back down the short hill. Now he had to find Celes...and find out what was happening.
It was pure chance that he stumbled upon her (again!) and he paused at the edge of the treeline studying her. She looked so...lost. Almost like a scared child. That wasn't Celes. He stepped out in front of her, deliberately causing noise so she wouldn't panic and attack, although with the way she was behaving it was more likely she would run. He wasn't going to take any chances though. "Well that was...different." he commented with a smile before flipping his ponytail over his shoulder.
He knelt before her almost reverently and drew her hand gently, pressing his lips to the back of it. "Beautiful Celes, it has been far too long. I have to admit, I am more than a little surprised to see you alone. I had thought you would have been whisked away by a man of adventure. Unless...perhaps you have been waiting all along for me to return to you!" he teased with a grin before releasing her hand and rising to his feet. He brushed a hand over his head and frowned when he found a twig snagged in his hair. "Although, I don't suppose I look all that regal at the moment." He would need to find a way to freshen up before he returned to his entourage, or he would never be allowed on his own again.
Turning his attention back to Celes, he tilted his head as he continued studying her. "What have you been up to? I had hoped to run into some familiar faces at some point, but that - " he gestured towards the general direction of the city, "was not what I had in mind. Why did you return to Maranda?"
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Post by Hiko on Jun 28, 2012 16:57:37 GMT -5
If Celes hadn't already been in a state of bruised disorientation from the scene in Maranda, the blonde man's approach and following reactions to her would have sent her spiraling into full-on embarrassment. This man - he was so over-the-top, it stirred a small laugh out of the woman. She couldn't help but smile back at the stranger, despite her concerns.
But, regal? He was royalty? What could a royal want with her? And more to the point, would she have been waiting for him? No, he wasn't the silver-haired man in her dreams, nor was he the owner of that maniacal laugh that haunted her nightmares. So, what did that leave?
“I. Uhm. I dreamed about it. I kept dreaming about this – this man. Tall. Mustache. He, he keeps shouting “Maranda” whenever I sleep. There are other things, but they...” Celes trailed in her answer, shivering despite the warmth of the locale. “Everything's jumbled. I was with this man and these two girls. We crashed, and... I don't know anything before that, really.” Celes brought her hands to her lap, eventually crossing her arms so that they hugged close to her chest. She gave the man a curious look of her own, much like a child trying to figure out a difficult piece of homework.
“Why did you help me? You knew my name – defended me. But why? Why risk yourself for me?”
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Post by Beebee on Jun 29, 2012 0:18:37 GMT -5
Edgar's smile widened at the laugh that escaped the blonde woman before him. The smile quickly fell as she started to explain her actions. He saw her shiver, and frowned at the sight. Celes was the 'Ice Queen'. It was her magic. She shouldn't be cold, especially not in this warmth. Regardless, he undid the clasp at his throat and caught the heavy cape before it fell to the ground behind him. She's lost her memory? It explained a lot, but he still couldn't help the dumbfounded look that came over his face as he draped his cape over her shoulders.
"Why wouldn't I help?" he asked in return, before shaking his head and stepping back to give her some space. If she was this confused, crowding her would only make things worse. "We have a history, you and I." he started, a little unsure about how much he should say and how much she should remember on her own. He realized how that sounded and shook his head again, though this time it was accompanied by a smile. "Not a romantic history, not that I'd mind, " He shot her a playful wink as he shook his finger at her. "But we are friends. We saved the world together."
It hurt that she had no idea who he was, but it probably hurt her more. "I am Edgar Roni Figaro." he introduced with a sweeping bow. "What I said before was true. You were the one to lead us to victory some time ago. Though...many things have changed since then." His tone turned slightly wistful, but the focus was on Celes now. "Even were we not friends, there is no acceptable reason for me to ignore a beautiful woman in distress!" He thrust his arms out to the sides to indicate himself. "What kind of a king would I be? To simply leave you at the hands of those...mongrels?" He had stopped himself from using a term that would be offensive around the ladies, though normally Celes was above all that. Now, though...
"The fact that we are friends simply solidified the desire to aid you. And aid you I shall!" Edgar placed his hands on his hips and grinned widely at the younger blonde in front of him. "I have managed to escape the clutches of my...overprotective guard for the evening. They will not be pleased when I return." The smile was still on his face as he knelt in front of Celes once more. "My lady Celes. Would you do me the honour of returning at my side? At the very least it will deflect the attention from my absence!" He held a hand over his breast and bowed his head. "I would enjoy traveling with you again, Celes. Though we need not return tonight if you wish to sleep under the stars once again." His tone was still light-hearted, but he was serious about the last part. He did miss her, very much. More so even than sleeping under the stars (which he desperately wanted to do, as they had before). "Please, save this poor King from another lonely night, surrounded by a dozen snoring men."
It had come out a little more dramatic than he had intended, but he was worried about his old friend. She seemed to have lost everything, except for a hint here and there. It would be dangerous for her to go off on her own, though he wouldn't likely be able to stop her if she wanted to leave. All he could do, for now, was hope that she would agree to stay with him, even if only for a little while.
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Post by Hiko on Aug 1, 2012 15:00:43 GMT -5
To say that Celes was uncertain would have been an insult to confusion. This man – whether a true gentleman or merely an acting rogue – had saved her from peoples that had wished her dead. He called her friend, offered her a place for the night (With him? In his bed?) and company in travel. But... Did she risk going with him? Balthier had been a man of charm, but the stress of keeping his companions safe had been etched into his features soon after. Locke, while supposedly a man of skill, had seemed little better than a drunk. Nyna had been a child, and Fran a stoic wall. Her choices in companions was obviously lacking.
Still, something nagged at the back of her mind. Was this man really who he said he was? What price would she need to pay for his aid? Did it matter, if it meant getting out of Maranda with her skin still attached?
“If – If I won't be too much trouble on you, I would appreciate the company. I hate being alone, the dreams – nightmares – they're too much. Everyday, I wake not knowing what's real and what's just my mind toying with me. You say you know me, and if that's true, then I've no one else to turn to.
“Balthier couldn't help, Fran and Nyna couldn't – They only knew me shortly before the crash, I suppose. Locke – he –” Celes stared at her feet. “I think his seeing me only made things worse for him. He claimed to know who I was, but...” She shook her head. “All he really did was drink. And these dreams, they keep showing me hurting him somehow. I don't...”
Celes glanced up to the king before her. “I need help. I need help, and I've no idea how to fix what's wrong with me. And...” she trailed, gathering her strength to continue, “And if that means keeping you company tonight, then I can hardly say no.”
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Post by Beebee on Aug 2, 2012 15:10:42 GMT -5
Edgar stared at Celes as she made her decision. She obviously didn’t know what to do, but he wasn’t going to pressure her. An easy smile played across his lips as he waited patiently for her response. She eventually gave a tentative agreement, and his smile widened before it fell briefly. He didn’t fully understand how she felt, having no real memories, but it sounded absolutely horrid. He made a silent vow to help her in whatever way he could. But when she mentioned Locke...
“You’ve seen Locke?!” he blurted out before he could help himself. Colouring slightly at his outburst, he cleared his throat and the smile flew back onto his lips. It was hard for him to hear about his friend in pain, but he often brought it upon himself when it came to women. Just like with Rachel. Edgar almost missed the rest of her short speech, but he definitely caught the last part of it. Keep me company tonight? “I certainly hope you will stay for more than one night.” he said with a light-hearted grin.
“You are more than welcome to stay as long as you like. Perhaps being in a more familiar place might help you regain some of your memories.” He wasn’t used to seeing Celes acting so tentative and hesitant, and it scared him a little. But he was determined now.
Glancing up at the stars above them, Edgar frowned as he realized it was much later than he thought it was. I am going to be in so much trouble. He had a good excuse with Celes, but he had a feeling his Chancellor would be less than pleased with his actions. “Well, my lady, I can assure you that your presence will be no trouble...or pain...at all. My only wish is to see you get better, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help you in your endeavour.”
Edgar gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile as he bowed again before her, before offering her his arm. “Shall we head back? I will obviously have to lead the way to our lovely little camp we have set up for ourselves, but I would love to enter with a lovely lady at my side.” he joked with a wink.
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