#isghard

Arashi’s grip tightened on her lance. Bad enough that she was one of a handful of Au Ra in a city that had isolated itself from foreign influence for centuries, but she also had the audacity to claim the title of Azure Dragoon. A title she had claimed by besting the previous one after he almost lost himself to the influence of their mortal foe. Not that that particular tidbit was common knowledge among the populace, of course. She hated to imagine the reception she’d receive if they did know.

Dammit, man, where are you? Her escort was late, and the bitter chill of Ishgard was setting into her scales. Arashi was starting to believe the myth of Au Ra being cold-blooded might not have been quite a myth after all. She suppressed a shiver, trying to ignore the misty breath spewing out of her nose. Was it just her imagination, or were the stares all around her getting more open?

“You there!” An indignant voice snapped Arashi out of her thoughts. An older elezen man was approaching, disgust written plainly on his face. Arashi braced herself for the inevitable. “What do you think you’re doing, heretic? Lurking in the Jewelled Crozier, scaring the children! Don’t make me call on the Temple Kni-”

The man broke off with a sudden intake of breath as Arashi produced her soul crystal. The brilliant azure gleamed even with the overcast sky overhead. He quickly recovered, however, reaching out as if to snatch it away before Arashi pocketed it again. “I’m a ward of House Fortemps,” Arashi spoke before the man could gather his breath for yet another tirade. “And the Azure Dragoon. If you wish to question my presence, I encourage you to seek out the Archbishop. He expressly permitted me entry to your fair city, after all.”

The Ishgardian sputtered and spat, but no words were forthcoming. Vile though Thordan was, at least his name could quell any protests. For the time being, at least. Her interrogator’s face flashed through terror, shock and fury in the span of a few heartbeats before finally he turned his tail and fled, beaten for the time being. Still, best not to linger. Who knows what he’ll try now he’s been embarrassed.

“Ah, there you are!” A familiar voice belonging to a more familiar face once again cut through the hustle and bustle of the markets. Haurchefant, at last. The only decent man in Ishgard, once again coming to her rescue. Arashi couldn’t help but smile as the silver-haired elezen sprang through the crowds, carving a path through cheery stubbornness alone. “You had me worried, you know. Honestly, what were you thinking? Risking an open confrontation with a knight of Dzemael?”

Ah. That explained why the man was so eager to cause such a public display. Arashi merely shrugged, causing a sight to escape from her long-suffering friend. “At least I didn’t brandish my lance this time,” she added sheepishly. Tataru still wouldn’t let her live that escapade down. “Besides, it’s your fault for being late.”

“Late? I’ll have you know I’ve been waiting for you for the past half a bell!” Haurchefant looked genuinely indignant. “I thought you’d got lost, or worse!” The man was unfazed by Arashi’s sudden glare. “You may be the Warrior of Light, but you’re still only one woman. And you are far from invincible, my friend.” Well, he had a point there, especially considering recent events. Still. Wait, what did he mean he was waiting for her?

“I’ll have you know I’ve been waiting for YOU for the past half a bell, right were we agreed to meet!” It was hard to keep the edge from her voice, after all she’d had to endure. “The Jewelled Crozier, just after second bell. That’s what we agreed, wasn’t it?”

“Ah.” And there it was. At least Haurchefant had the dignity to look embarrassed. “Well, let’s not dwell too much on such things, yes? The important part is we’re all here now, and ready to go! Let’s you and I get you fitted in some proper Ishgardian fashion!” Typical. Though he did have a point. She was freezing her tail off here.