The best part of having Belias’ glyph, and a tiny firey Primal? The snow didn’t bother you, for you had two heaters. Lutia ran next to the caravan Alphinaud had brought. It was Sharlayan in design, made for two people. Cid seemed comfortable sleeping in a corner, however, and Minfilia found herself getting comfortable on the wooden floor as well. Alphinaud, at least, had given them blankets. When Minfilia got a caravan, she was going to make sure it could room multiple people. Perhaps bunk beds, she thought?

Fordola lay between her and Cid, warming them both up. “You don’t need to do this,” Fordola stated to the half-asleep Minfilia.

Minfilia sighed. “We’ve no better solution, Fordola. If this Primal isn’t sealed, it could simply be summoned again.” She wondered what would change next, though - and Fordola saw that doubt in her eyes.

Her tail swishing, Fordola sighed. “Why does it need to be you? There’s others with th’blessing. Sure, you’re the strongest, but— that doesn’t mean you can’t fuck yourself over.

What if you lose your voice?”

Or more, Fordola did not say. Minfilia sighed, stroking Fordola. “Then I shall curse the Gods without words.”

The conversation quietened, especially as the bumping of the caravan became more violent. After all, there weren’t as many adventurers hired to tend to the paths this close to Ishgardian territory. And many of those who came out here were busy making sure the Dravanian couldn’t strike down their paths. A crude solution, but one which worked. A little. Maybe.

They had to stop for the night, however. Ishgardians tended to inspect those who crossed into the Observatorium. Well, they inspected anybody who came close. Minfilia heard a grumble coming from the entrance, before Alphinaud opened the door. Carefully, he closed it again, and locked it for the night. Tomorrow, the caravan would likely be rooted though - finding goods that Alphinaud had packed, alongside goods that Minfilia had gotten from the Waking Sands. She had needed to check on Prastha, after all, and felt it fitting to also gather clothes for the upcoming journey. Though she was a little suspicious of the clothes Prishe had supplied, she had taken some of them - alongside some clothes which could cover her changes.

Soon, the young Elezen was asleep. Fordola soon drifted off, and Minfilia was the last to sleep. They were in line, and checks would begin again in the morning. Nightmares plagued Minfilias’ dreams, though - dreams of the crystal form she’d been stranded in, alongside towering gods. The Twelve, after all, were real. Would that mean Halone would come after them? Did the nation of Ishgard know this? And what could she do to get them to listen?

No, Minfilia did not trust Alphinaud to listen, to understand the Ishgardian way. Though it was minor, she had worked with them five years ago.

Hm.

Perhaps she could use some of that knowledge.

The inspection was a lot more violent then any of the group expected. Ishgardian squires checking every drawer and cupboard, and insisting everybody show anything they could be hiding. Alphinaud huffed, looking up at one of them. “What is the meaning of this—?”

One of the squire glared at him. “One of the most capable knights stationed nearby has vanished, and more and more heretics are coming by the day.” Every word was nearly spat, Alphinaud showing a little bit of fear. “You’re lucky we’re letting you in, boy. But he would have wanted it.”

He? Minfilia almost asked, before she was knocked aside by one of the squires, getting past her to examine Cid. Cid trembled a little as he was glared over, and Minfilia held his hand. She’d go seek information later. For now, she just tolerated it.

Finally, they were allowed in - including Lutia. Minfilia looked to Cid, and then gave a small smile. “This is my Chocobo. If you let Lutia know you’re friendly, she’ll be there for you.” She did not need to say more, as Cid began to stroke the birds’ feathers. Avoiding scars… he knew how to be kind. Confidence entered Minfilias’ eyes, and she looked to Alphinaud. “Pray tell me who may have these records.”

Alphinaud nodded. “I— well, adventurers I had hired spoke with a man known as Vortefaurt - a Serpent Commander. He directed me here. Since we have information on where it is, I felt it fitting to find Master Cid.” Pride swelled, and Alphinaud looked up at Minfilia. “It’s lucky that I found another ally to aid with this. Those other adventurers have been sent to gather materials to dispel the barrier.”

He really thought it would be this easy? Minfilia masked her disapproval. “We wish to meet with a person called Ludovoix.”

Minfilia nodded - patting the bag with Fordola in it slightly - and set off. Cid gave her a half-wave, as she began to explore the town.

It did not take her long to find Ludovoix. She, of course, was respectful as she approached. “Ser - you are Ser Ludovoix, correct?” Minfilia needed to be respectful. “I have come to offer my services to your High House.”

He turned. And that look was one of disgust. “Excuse me, can you repeat that? You wish to offer your services to House Durendaire? And what, pray tell, do you wish to receive in exchange?”

Minfilia looked to the side. “Star records for—”

“Hah, how absurd! As if we would permit an outsider to peruse the records of the Observatorium. Do not mistake our courtesy for friendliness.” Wait. All of this - the frisking, the coldness - was courtesy to them? “The Holy See of Ishgard may allow foreigners to travel freely within these lands, but we do not intend to offer succor to strangers.

Unless…”

Unless? Minfilia bowed her head. “Anything.”

“One of our knights has recently gone missing, in the wilds to the west. He wears the same uniform as me.

Rescue him, and I will consider your request.”

Minfilia nodded firmly. “I shall go anon. Pray, consider my request. We must needs find an airship that fell on the eve of Dalamuds’ crash.” Without another word, she turned and left. Fordola snorted in frustration, and Minfilia gave a sigh back. It was a rush to get back into the cold and yet not feel it. In fact, Minfilia was sweating a little. Would it be respectful to change out of the temple top, the monk top? She gave a little sigh. It’d be something to think about, as she passed Alphinaud and Cid.

Of course, she needed to let the guards know where she was going. And they would frisk her again before she returned. A stray thought came to mind - would they do the same for an Ishgardian? It didn’t matter.

Minfilia rushed out to the west, Fordola beginning to poke her head out. It was Fordola who spotted the knight, knocked into his caravan, his Chocobo broken and ripped apart by heretics. Gods… Minfilia rushed in, knocking the heretics out. Before she moved to healing the other. The knight, as soon as they could swing a sword, did not hesitate. The heretics’ blood stained the snow. The tip then was aimed at Minfilia for a moment, before stopping.

She was no heretic, and she was aiding, after all. The Chocobo was lost, the caravan was half-destroyed, but the knight lived. Letting out a sigh of relief, Minfilia lowered her own staff. “Pray, do not linger. There may be others nearby,” she admitted quietly, the knight bowing his head.

“…thank you,” the knight said, as he kept his sword ready. “Damn - I was so close!”

Minfilia looked outwards - they were near to the old Darkhold. It would have been a bit longer to their destination. “We may not be able to take all these supplies. But I shall help you carry what we can.”

The knight eyed her, cautiously. But then, they gestured to the destroyed caravan. “What’s most important is the herbs. They’re from the Sea of Clouds - we won’t get more in many moons.” Swiftly, Minfilia moved to pick up the large sturdy boxes - wow, they were heavy. She assumed, correctly, that these were used to soothe pains and aches brought by the eternal cold.

The knight moved to pick up a few boxes as well, more then Minfilia. Medicines and clothes and weapon repair supplies - it was a little sad they had to leave food and other supplies behind, and Minfilia paused for a moment. “…What we leave behind will be taken by heretics, will they not?”

“Aye.”

“…Stay here. I shall deliver these, and you can guard it. I will not be long, I promise.” It was a simple idea, and the knight gave a nod - before offering out a small piece of fabric.

“Present this to the guard. They’ll know what it means.”

Damn.

Minfilia was tired. She’d been able to leave supplies at the gates, true. And she had not been looked upon with as much suspicion. And when all was done, she had also helped the knight bury their dead Chocobo - for they did not wish to attract the wolves to approach the paths, to hungrily strike down any others who came nearby.

Minfilia did not know funeral rites for Ishgardians. But, with the knights permission, she left a mark of Halone in the snow, close to the steel marker which showed where the bird was buried.

She had not been able to heal them, but she had done her best. That’s what she told herself, as she returned to Ludovoix. The sun had set, and he was looking out one of the narrow windows to the stars. The sky was clear.

It took a bit for him to notice Minfilia, and he looked to her with a frown. “You not only saved him, but aided with his deliveries.

I shall instruct the astrologians to entertain your request. However, understand that it is ultimately their decision whether or not you may peruse their records. Pray proceed to the Observatorium and introduce yourself to Edmelle.”

Her expression dropped, though thankfully Minfilia swiftly moved to hide it. Her footsteps were swift as she entered the tall building, staring upwards at the large interior. Snow lined the bottom - were there holes up the top? Alas, Minfilia continued to move, unable to pause to ponder why it’d not been repaired.

There was a person to speak to. After listening for a little, Minfilia approached Edmelle, voice slightly faded. “Excuse me - you are Edmelle, are you not?”

Edmelle turned, and nodded. Minfilia smiled. “I suppose ‘tis common knowledge - I have come to seek records of an airship which was last seen in this land.”

Tapping her face a little, Edmelle gave a frown. “What ever could Ser Ludovoix be thinking…?” she pondered, before putting on a brave face. “It is true that we maintain meticulous records which stretch back generations. However, because this information is used to chart Dravanian activity, access is strictly controlled.

One can never be too careful with heretics and their sympathizers lurking about.” Especially with them attacking closer and closer to home, she did not add. “If you would persist with your inquiries, pray seek an audience with Chief Astrologian Forlemort up above.”

Minfilia nodded, quietly thanking the other. Fordola looked up at the tired Minfilia, and could see what others couldn’t. The way her eyes twitched, the way her lips parted ever so slightly. And the way that, under her heavy hood, her cheeks and hidden whiskers twitched. Frustration.

Still, Minfilia went to the one who Edmelle spoke of. But before she could speak to him, she noticed there was already another Elezen there. A tall one, in Ishgardian holy robes. They turned to Minfilia, and stepped forward. “Inquisitor Guillaime—?” Forlemort sputtered, before Guillaime stood right in front of Minfilia. His dull grey eyes focused on her.

“Ah. The one who rescued who rescued House Durendaire’s knight from those heretics. Doubtless they feel indebted to you,” he began, a sneer in his voice. “I am told you seek an airship last seen in Coerthas five years ago, yes?”

“…Yes. Pray pardon me, but I was going to—”

He interrupted her, his voice growing a little quieter. “You come to us at an inconvenient time, I fear. Much has changed in the intervening years, and little for the better.” That much was clear - Minfilia felt herself shivering a little, her skin still far too warm. “While I wish you the best of luck in your search, I would also strongly advise caution.”

His voice dropped to a hiss. “The snows can come quickly in Coerthas. One moment you may feel as though you have a firm grasp on your surroundings, safe and secure in your knowledge, and the next you may find yourself in a wholly unfamiliar situation, blind to the dangers hidden by the blizzard.” Every word was said with a power Minfilia had felt before, but from where? From whom? “It would be wise for you to focus on a single landmark whilst traveling. Do not give in to temptation and deviate from your course. Ishgardian matters are Ishgardian matters, my friend.”

With that, Guillaime adjusted his blue robes and walked away, Minfilia feeling gross. A few moments passed, and she looked over to the other - to Forlemort.

He was quietly pondering his options. “I was not aware you aided House Durendaire in that fashion. Thank you, madam. However - I cannot simply give you our records. Were our records to fall into the wrong hands, it could change the course of a war which has raged for generations!

I will not put our great nation at risk.”

That was his reply, and he had his right for it. Minfilia bowed her head, and turned to leave. As soon as they were out of earshot, Fordola popped up. “What now?”

“I’ve an idea, Fordola. But it’s a little dangerous.”

Fordola nodded gently. “Nah, nothing’s dangerous with us two. Just tell me what we’re gonna do.”

Minfilia stretched, with a deep yawn. Damned Ishgardians… “Once I’ve slept my headache off.”