It didn’t take long to arrive in the city of Gourta. Aether breeds galloped faster than their contemporary brethren; they were practically a different species.
Fortunately for the duo, there was no line. The evening was still hot and most who sought entry had already done so. Two guards sat lazily in a covered space just outside the city gates. Neither were surprised at the sight. Guard duty was a job no one in Artemia coveted and they doubted Gourta’s candidates were any different.
The two hopped off their white steeds and guided them to the city’s entrance.
“Garry? You’re a guard? What the hell happened to ‘they won’t catch me dead in that job’?” Hector jested to the guard.
The guard shot him a dirty look. “Hey man, I’m just trying to make an easy buck is all. Not my fault no one’ll hire me.”
Hector looked at him skeptically. “Not your fault that you’ve been a do-nothing for as long as I’ve known you?”
“Watch it. I’m the one with the clipboard. Not all of us have a smokin’ instructor to teach them to fight and stuff. Seriously man, you know what I’d do to join that group.” He snarked.
“First of all, that ‘smokin instructor’s’ son is right here.” Hector gestured toward Michael, prompting the guard to look like a deer spotting a tiger. “Second, even if they let you, your lazy ass wouldn’t do shit. You’d give up faster than that candy-haired bimbo.”
The guard chose to… smartly… avoid the first comment and focus on the other. “Tula? She’s a wild one, that girl. Give’er a few years and I wouldn’t mind taking that one home.”
“Excuse me?” Michael asked on instinct, not even processing the question.
“What? She your girl?” The guard asked casually.
“Buahaha!” Hector couldn’t help himself. He struggled to breathe. Garry’s question was so ludicrous he didn’t even know what to say. “Hehe~ I don’t think anyone looks down on her more than my buddy Mike here. Guy’s a stick in the mud.”
“Yeah, and? Isn’t she the niece of that rich merchant that owns this place? Marry her and you’re set for life. I could be a do-nothing guy for life.”
Michael uncomfortably looked at his friend. “He does know that Tula’s big on having the husband provide right? I mean, there’d be no ‘do-nothing’ from him if he nails her.”
“Excuse me?” Garry asked sharply. “She’s a what!? Oh, hell no! Not my type! No fucking way!”
Hector could only shake his head at the guard’s antics. He’d known him for years and the man was just as funny to talk to as he’d always been; time hadn’t dulled anything.
“Anyways, we’re here to see Bastilla. She around?”
“Yeah; she’s here. You caught’er at a good time. Her caravan ain’t scheduled to leave for another week or so. Some of the foreigners were complaining about her seeing a friend or something, so you may’ve made that trip for nothing.”
“No lying? Well damn, guess it’ll be a double date then.” He turned to his friend. “You good to play wingman?”
“What?” Michael uttered uncomprehendly.
“Don’t worry too much. Just follow my lead.”
Michael could only look at Hector like he was an alien. “Does she even know you’re coming?”
“Of course not, but that doesn’t matter does it? I’ve already broken the ice a few times and am an all-around charming guy. It’ll work out, really.”
Garry chuckled. “Of course you are. Good luck man. Don’t know who’s with’er but they got to be smok’in if she’s friends with Bastilla.”
“I… don’t think it works that way.” Michael quietly rebutted with a confused look.
“Don’t take him too seriously. He was interested in Tula, remember?”
“Good point.”
“I resent that!” he was ignored. “Whatever, get the hell out of my sight already. I don’t have to take this.”
“Hehe, thanks man!” Hector cheered. “Come on, Mike. Let’s drop these off at the stable so we can make it. I know just where to look.”
“Uh… sure man. Let’s go.” And just like that, Hector effectively dragged Michael across the city toward the city’s food district.
--- The Djinn of Atlantia ---
The Crawfish Carnival was one of this city’s centerpieces. Some patrons filled the wooden stools; many others crowded the dance floor, mingling amongst a magical symphony of music. With the place’s size, its bright ship-like theme, and the surround-sound system created by the latest Aethertech innovation that had no business being in a place this far outside of a capital city, the Crawfish Carnival was never hungry for business.
Two older women talked animatedly amongst themselves at their table, enjoying light drinks and soaking in the atmosphere.
A hand slammed heavily into it, jolting them to attention. “Hey little ladies~” He slurred with a pungent odor reeking of hard liquor. “-how’d you like to see what this whole-ass man can do for ya~?"
Both flinched backward, irritated by the man’s overwhelming breath.
Fury filled the brasher of the two as she saw her friend cower. “Ew~ get away you creep!”
She hoped shouting would do the trick, to spook him into backing away, but it didn’t. The scene was too loud with other noises, and he didn’t have the expected reaction.
“Now~ Now~, don’t be like that~” His hand moved to grab the fiery one’s wrist when it stopped.
All three were confused with him being the most stunned among them. He looked dumbly at his wrist for a second, trying to move it. It was no use. Then, his hand started trembling. A chilling, no, a freezing sensation crawled up his arm. He didn’t feel much at first, but the pain didn’t take long to rear its head.
His wretched scream echoed uselessly in the bar.
A few stopped to look, but most (all the regulars) kept about their business as if nothing was happening. The music didn’t stop, the dancing didn’t stop, and the screaming… that didn’t stop either.
A set of fingers crawled onto the man’s shoulder, jolting him to attention, especially with how frigid they were against his hairy skin.
“Ya know… my friend puts a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this place.” There was a smoothness in her tone that, if he wasn’t literally freezing, would be sending chills down his spine. “She’s a nice girl… too nice for her own good. But me… well, please go ahead and continue. Tonight’s been a little boring and I’d relish the symphony of your suffering~
Shakily, he turned his head to regard the terrifying woman, casually threatening his existence. Inebriated as he was, he was feeling real sober now. Too terrified to remember details, the man could only perceive her ghostly eyes that transitioned between blue and purple, contrasting her silvery white hair and fair skin. The girl was beautiful; he didn’t need to be sober to see that, but the onslaught of pain shooting through his now-purple hand crushed any lustful thoughts before they could root in his mind. A part of his brain remembered… something about someone like that who frequented this place, especially those eyes… he’d only ever heard of one person in this place with eyes like that… but he couldn’t summon the memory; he was too terrified to complete the thought.
“Thank my girl Bassy, will you. She asked me to spare your sorry ass.” He nodded so fast, the few observers (mostly foreign merchants) were scared he’d break his neck. “Good~, now scram… before you lose more than just your hand.” And he was gone, bolting out the minute he’d felt her grip loosen.
What terrified the onlookers were the chunks of frozen flesh that’d broken off on his way out.
She shook her head with amusement plain for all to see. “Hehe~ dumbass.”
Just as she was about to leave, her eyes caught sight of two boys around her age watching at the pub’s entrance with all those who’d entered during the scuffle. Most tended to wait by the door during scuffles like this, whether for fear or proper caution; these two didn’t quite look afraid, so it was likely the latter. Her eyes immediately singled out the one being dragged by his friend to a newly emptied table. He was well-built and, looking deeper, she could see signs of special qualities in him.
But that wasn’t what seized her attention; she didn’t care about any of that.
“And here he comes, my savior.” An expectant, greed-filled smirk blossomed on her face. “Fate works in mysterious ways hehe~”
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--- The Djinn of Atlantia ---
The two watched amusedly as the lecher was sent packing. Neither were surprised as Bastilla kept numerous hidden guards around the clock to keep her patrons safe. None knew if they were all employed or if she was just the darling of the city; it was probably both. Regardless, this place was never unprotected. Even if someone’s drink was spiked, they’d never need to fear being taken from the building; they’d just wake up in one of the basement’s beds the next morning, safe. As for the persecutor… well, this wasn’t the capital. Here, the law was… fluid. They didn’t get to see what happened, but context clues were telling.
“Don’t stick your dick in crazy. Dad wasn’t kidding…” Hector muttered, shaking his head. His eyes furrowed though, when he saw his friend staring at her with a strange look in his eyes… and the girl returning it with a disturbingly greedy smile on her face. It was like she’d just stumbled on a pot of gold.
“Hey man…” He nudged his dazed friend with furrowed brows. “Didn’t you hear what I said, ‘don’t stick your dick in crazy.’”
“Huh” Michael snapped out of it, turning to look at Hector with confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t ‘Huh’ me. You know damn well you were staring at that freaky chick. Your mom would have my ass if I didn’t pull you out of that fire. She may be hot as hell, but damn she freaks me out.”
“That’s a shame~” A familiar playful voice sounded from behind him, causing him to stumble away out of his chair. “I rather think myself a stunning catch. Don’t you think?”
Hector could only stare outraged as his long-time friend dumbly nodded.
“Good!” Whatever was there before was replaced by a bright smile that now looked at him with bright but calculating eyes. “You’re here for Bassy, right? You look enough like the weirdo she told me about?”
Hector hesitated, “…She mentioned me?” His caution warred against the call of opportunity that filled his mind.
A twinkle of understanding crossed her eye as her smile brightened, “She did. Said something about a guy going the extra mile for that first step, you know~.”
“I mean, a guy’s gotta shoot his shot, right? She’s beautiful and available.”
“And you look like a perfect opportunity for her I’d say.” He stood a little straighter at that. “But she’s a little cautious, you know. She’s been burned before. But… a little hmm… encouragement from good ol’ Ellua may be just the ticket though. You know, to push you over the chaff.”
This time, it was Michael who was struck astonished as he watched his friend go through five different expressions in quick succession before turning to him with a ‘caring’ visage.
Hector cleared his throat. “Michael, buddy ol’ pal, I think I may have been a little hasty in my judgement. Why don’t you get to know this lovely lady here. A prude like you doesn’t get these chances often. This may be a once in a lifetime, you know.”
Michael’s mouth twitched at his friend’s shamelessness, “What happened to ‘Your mom would have my ass if I didn’t pull you out of that fire’?”
“Hey. Hey. Don’t put words in my mouth. Aren’t you exaggerating a bit? I was just… patient is all. I’m sure this beautiful little lady would be… inconvenienced if some stranger went up without a plan.”
Ellua looked down at him with knowing eyes. “Mmhmm~ Bassy’s in the back. Told’er you were coming.”
Neither were surprised. They’d just seen her freeze a man’s arm like it was nothing. Telepathy wasn’t common, but it wasn’t unheard of either for spell casters like her. They’d seen it many times from travelers that used this city as a checkpoint.
Michael could only look on with pure, unadulterated condescension as his friend rose from his seat and arrogantly saunter to the back under the view of half the pub. Seeing none stopped him on his way, many resumed their business, though their topics had definitely changed. Given Bastilla’s background, someone allowed to socialize with her directly was definitely someone to know.
Ellua sat down after his departure, taking his place without a blink.
“Won’t your friend be mad that you sold her out?” Michael had to ask.
“Worried about me already? How sweet~.”
“It’s just basic courtesy.” By now, his manner of speech had reverted back to a level state.
Whatever ‘magic’ that’d overtaken him had faded into the background, though he did notice a faint feeling of anticipation seemingly at the back of his mind. It was as if something inside of him was eager to see how the conversation would play out. It wasn’t concern per say, just awareness. Being real though, he wasn’t sure if it was some magical instinct or a carnal one; his little head may simply be directing his attention.
If she’d noticed any of these details, she didn’t show it.
“Well~, my friend’ll be fine. In fact, she wasn’t on the fence at all. That friend of yours is good, I’ll tell ya.”
Lifting an eyebrow, he asked, “Really? And here I thought he was just bluffing about his skills…”
“Oh no~ hehe~” She waved him off. “She wasn’t coerced by any skill of his. He was just the only one with enough balls to ask with her security detail watching and without eyes glued to her tits when he did it.”
“Probably because he got his eyeful beforehand…” He muttered, surprised when she happily nodded like nothing was wrong.
“Yep. She mentioned that too. She was just surprised he managed to nail the approach; said he had a lotta potential.”
“I mean… the way she usually dresses, I’m not surprised people’s eyes are a concern.” He awkwardly muttered while scratching his head.
“Meh~ what can you do? She likes to flaunt what she’s got. Says something about using her beauty to learn more about her patrons.”
He nodded and pondered aloud, “Makes sense. Probably uses it to create weaknesses in negotiations too… it’s got to be useful for business.”
“Bingo! Your friend’s got a lotta promise. You may not know this, but my girl’s a special kind of hot. It’s practically impossible to not stare unless your awesome like me or denser than the planet’s core.”
“I guess we know which one he is.”
She smiled mysteriously, “Not necessarily… now, enough about them, why don’t we talk about you.”
“Me?” Now that his brain had caught up with reality, her interest in him was… odd. Maybe he was thinking with his smaller head?
Her fingers tapped the table. “You saved me, you know.” His eyes shot open in shock.
He was so shocked that he didn’t notice everyone’s attention unnaturally turn away from their table, nor the shimmering translucent box that formed around them. It was there in an instant and became almost imperceptible to the naked eye.
“When did I do that!?” he asked with shock. It wasn’t quite a shout, but it was loud enough to draw some attention had the barrier not been present, not that she seemed to care.
“Last night. Don’t you remember?”
A scene came to mind, of two dueling titans battling for supremacy. He didn’t get the best look at them, but her white hair did resemble…
“You’re the witch with the trident!”
“Uhuh.” She nodded. “And you’re the boy who took Tareek’s Hammer. Thanks for that by the way. Finding a more suitable host snapped his connection to it. I would’ve been toast without that opportunity.”
“Tareek’s Hammer?” He dumbly asked as memories he believed were from a crazy dream flashed through his mind in a flurry.
“That’s right, a djinn weapon or in other words, you’ve just become someone very important.”
--- The Djinn of Atlantia---
Hector sauntered proudly into the back with big steps. His eyes twinkled with excitement as the world seemed to open up before him. His mind buzzed through a menagerie of scenarios this coming ‘hunt’ could go, trying to parse through the most likely and the most effective responses.
Was he overthinking it? Maybe, but none could blame him; the size of his quarry was far above his weight class, metaphorically speaking of course. Bastilla was the proprietor of the most frequented establishment in this part of Atlantia. She may only be a year older than him, but her achievements and subsequent status dwarfed his by miles. He didn’t understand the details, but this was a very popular stop for any merchant, so much so that many charted this city as a midpoint in their travels, specifically to enjoy an afternoon here.
His father had explained it to him one time, something about her background attracting many bigshots and them mingling or… something. He wasn’t paying all that much attention.
All that mattered to him was that she was loaded, hot, and was a congregation of competition.
Rounding the corner, he came to a heavily decorated set of purple double doors accented with intricate golden moldings.
“The Owner’s Lounge…” He whispered, gulping at the unique atmosphere that enraptured him.
The lighting was still dark, but gently lit with a faint pink light that. Combined with the sweet fragrant aroma he could smell as coming from within the room, and he could see why those bigshots always called this place indescribable.
He took a deep breath, centering himself and silently reviewing the details of his confident façade one final time. He exhaled and his body language shifted to radiate a towering confidence. Truthfully, he felt like a sandcastle, but that’s all he needed.
Tap. Tap. “Hey Bastilla! It’s Hector. You free?”
“Come in.” A calm voice answered.
And he did. The doors were heavier than he predicted. He was only opening one, but doing so had his arm flexed just to do so steadily. He didn’t make a sound though, using the results of years of training to finish opening without a pep.
He was the man; that’s the story he was sticking to, and he couldn’t show weakness.
As the door opened, he walked on through, finding that closing it was much easier; it was almost as if-”
Bastilla’s amused voice commented from inside the room. “You know, that door’s automatic. You could’ve just pressed the button on the side.”
He froze. “Like a shirt button?” The second the words left his lips though, a wave of panic shot through him, realizing he’d just messed up. While he didn’t know the details, it didn’t take a genius to realize that’s not what she meant and he didn’t know what she was talking about.
He didn’t break his façade though.
“Hehe~” She stifled a giggle. “Sometimes I forget how limited Artemia can be. Reliable mercenaries or not, your exposure to aethertech is limited, despite Azeem’s Bloodhound’s teachings.”
Bastilla sat in the room with her legs casually splayed across her premium, plush fur couch. As was her preference, she wore a variation of a black dancer’s dress with detached sleeves, an exposed midsection, and an open slit that allowed her bare leg to freely rest against the couch. Her ebony hair hung loose against her tan skin.
“Sit.” She gestured to the nearby couches.
And he did so. “So, how’ve you been Bastilla? Saw your freaky friend out there, the one with the ice. Oh…” He caught himself. “I uhh… hope that doesn’t set you off or nothing.”
“Hmph~ please. I know the feeling. People like her aren’t meant to be easy to deal with.”
“How’d ya meet her though? She seemed offly interested in Mike; you remember right? My friend from home I told you about.”
“The boring one?”
“Yeah, always stuck working with his dad on that alchemy stuff.”
“It’s certainly profitable. Sounds like he’s got a good head on his shoulders.” She pondered aloud before leaning in with interest. “But did you say Ellua was interested in him? That girl?”
“Oh yeah, had this freaky grin plastered on her face. Cute, but man. Dad would have my ass if I messed with her.”
Her brows furrowed at that. “That’s odd… she’s not that type to…” She mumbled to herself.
Hector gave a broad shrug. “I got no clue either.”
“Wait… is he the Bloodhound’s son?”
Confused, he slowly replied, “Yeah…? Mike’s teach’s son. What does that have to do with it?”
Any confusion she may have had vanished. “Oh, nothing. It’s just… I just realized how good my luck is. Your friend will be pretty important in the future.”
“Should I be worried?” He surprised himself with how little insecurity he let out there.
“Not at all. Like you implied, albeit without knowing just how true your words are, even if I was interested, the field is and will be very dangerous. I’m satisfied with my connection to him through you.”
“Hehe” He laughed with mock depreciation. “Don’t I feel like a used sponge.”
Without a lick of shame, she casually and smilingly waived him off. “You’re still new. You got a few years in you yet. You’re barely broken in.”
He wasn’t sure if it was the hit to his pride or the opportunity pushing him forward, but a rush of boldness hit him as he stood up from his seat, prompting a knowing smirk to rise to her face.
“Maybe we should change that.” He eagerly suggested with a fire burning in his eyes.
“I was wondering when you’d man up.”