The morning came - as did the time that Alphinaud dreaded. He remained indoors, near the entrance of the Waking Sands, as he watched Minfilia stride out with all the confidence he had lost. Zale remained near him - it was odd, a little, that the Hrothgar had become protective of him. They had been strangers… and yet, it was a little comforting.

Minfilia, however, was filled with doubt. She stood firm, in front of the first people to disembark. It was but the second time she had to do this. And once again, the woman Noctis was afraid of, Stella, was leading the group. This time, however, Minfilia had somebody else. Fordola was by her side, to keep her confident. Her body was twitching, her tail curling around Minfilias’ own tail. Smiling as politely as she could.

“As I have told you in La Noscea, caravans have come to bring you to Mor Dhona,” Minfilia said softly. Chocobo and porters both were chatting to each other. “While it is not as well-constructed as Sharlayan, you shall be as safe as you can be.

Pray, do not cause conflict, however.” Looking from Stella to the group, Minfilia had a slightly stressed look on her face. “The land I take you to is ruled not by Hyur or Elezen, but by Gigas and Tonberry. They… have had Men who have hurt them, and live with Ala Mhigans who lost their home many years ago.” Her voice grew stronger. She took a step forward. “I know that those of Sharlayan can remain calm, but pray do not be afraid. Please.”

Stella listened. The crowd listened, but let her talk for them. “This world is filled with mysterious things, Emissary.” Her voice had such a strange accent - perhaps from the other world… but her placid smile and painted-on expression was creepy to Minfilia. Not that she’d admit it, of course! This was a diplomatic mission, to aid those who required it. And yet… was this why Noctis was afraid of her?

Minfilia could not say. Stella continued. “We will be thankful to you and your people, no matter what has happened.” Every word was laced with a second meaning that Minfilia could not figure out! Or so she felt. “Thank you.”

The two played politics, with simple platitudes and dancing around meanings. And Alphinaud couldn’t help but peek out slightly - before Zale put a hand to him. “She’s not of this star,” Zale mumbled - and suddenly, Alphinaud snapped to look at the Hrothgar. “Why, then, place her in charge of this operation…?”

“Sharlayan doesn’t— you know, I hadn’t— she’s like Alisaie, probably.” Alphinaud replied, trying to find his voice. It barely worked - a whisper, hoarse and filled with more hatred then the boy had ever thought he had. “Using the chaos of something happening to slip in, un-noticed.” Like a monster, Alphinaud dare not say.

Zales’ eyes closed. He sighed, quietly. He gave the gentlest frown. “Perhaps. Perhaps not - even if she was ascended to a position due to chaos, she would not be the one to lead such an exodus. Where I came from, at least, that would never happen.”

Where he came from… Alphinaud looked to the ground a little. “We’ve both lost our homes.” And as he said that, Zale almost wanted to yell at the child. That yes, they may have both lost their homes, but nothing here was a fraction of what he had lost. But he had to remain hidden - he could not out himself as an Ascian, nor out his disdain for these people. A disdain that burned bright, or so Zale told himself. But there was something about this child. Perhaps it was his accent, or the way he carried himself.

Zale thought for a moment. No, it couldn’t be. Could it?

…He’d have to track down Igeyorhm. But that could wait. For now, he watched as the first caravan was loaded up - Chocobo letting out loud sounds, Sharlayan refugees getting ready to cross the deserts. Minfilia relaxing, leaning against the statue. The way she leaned reminded Zale, once again, of what once was. “…Alphinaud?” Zale then asked, looking to the boy again. Alphinaud slightly nodded. “I may not be able to be of aid to you in your future plan. I do agree that these nations have no desire to work together without a major threat - but…

…I do wish to aid you, in the way I can.” Was it because Alphinaud reminded him of those who were lost? Of those he had lost even before the Sundering? Or was it his way of manipulating these Scions, to prove that he should truly get his Ascian body and abilities back? Zale was not sure. “My travels have taught me much. Let me… let me teach you, when I am not under the watchful eye of Thancred and other Scions.”

Alphinaud prickled. “You’re not my father, you know.”

Ah. Zale shook his head. “Did I come off as trying to be such? No… I would wish to be a teacher and mentor.” Especially if his thoughts were correct, and Alphinaud had been left in such a serious situation. How dare such happen. With the gentlest of touches, Zale looked back at the group outside. Minfilia stepped away from the group, under the statue there. Letting out a tired sigh. From here, as she was in the shadows, Zale could see Azem. Exhausted after another job well done.

Nostalgia wasn’t the best thing to wear, and yet he couldn’t help but linger on it. That is, until Minfilia came walking towards them, back inside. She was whispering to Fordola, anger masked by muttering. Clawed feet digging slightly into the ground as she stopped, looking at the two of them. A smile came up. “Zale. Alphinaud. I… it worked. I managed to get them on their way.”

“But.” It was not said as a question - Zale knew that there’d be a catch.

Minfilia sighed. “I don’t think it’ll be that easy. The eyes of Ul’dah are on me.” A pause, as she looked between the two. Alphinaud might know what she meant, but this Hrothgar… “Sharlayan is full of smart people - they could easily be used to make more gil then even the gods would know what to do with.”

“That’s right,” a new voice said. Minfilia turned, to see a rather fancily dressed Lalafell. Her eyes narrowed.

“You’re from the Mirage Trust, aren’t you?”

They nodded. “Master Teledji Adeledji wishes to see you. He will not take no for an answer.”

Minfilia bit her lip, about to shout out in anger. Before she looked to Fordola in her arms. “Take me to him, then.”

For an important meeting, the fact that Minfilia was led to a darkened hidden room that almost felt like a prison cell was not a good sign. The only light that flickered were small candles, and Fordola in her lap. She was adorable in her smaller form, Minfilia had to admit. Her ears still hidden, her tail curled around her legs, Minfilia almost felt like she was a caged animal, with some form of inspector coming to see if she was fit.

Across from her, the Lalafell known as Teledji Adeleji sat. A jewel in a sandy prison, he stood out even more then even her. Minfilias’ weapons had been put to the side, and thus she seemed harmless. “Is this not something you want the entire Syndicate to be involved in?” Minfilia asked, breaking the silence.

His voice pointed, Minfilia knew that Teledji was already holding all the power. “The Syndicate does not need to know,” he said - in a tone that Minfilia knew meant that they would not believe whatever happened here, if she spoke out. “I have had people following you and your process. Emissary of Mor Dhona, was it not?”

Oh. Minfilia felt a chill. “Yes. Under Belias, the Gigas.”

“A figure that is not recognized as holding any power,” Teledji said, looking to the table. In one hand, he held papers. “But one that you… clearly respect.”

Minfilia was quiet. Listening, as Teledji placed the papers on the table. “While it is disgusting to negotiate with beastmen, I have come to you with a proposition.”

Already, Minfilia knew, she’d say no. Just for calling him a beast. Her lips curled into a frown. Listening more. “Currently, nobody recognizes your claim of Mor Dhona and the surrounding land. Why, if the Syndicate voted for it, it would only be your militia that could stop your territory from being claimed.”

“Is such a possibility?” Minfilia asked, her voice quiet. Controlled. “I do not believe any nation wishes to claim land that requires so much work to make livable,” she added. It was such, such hard work. She was so tired, but she dare not show it.

Teledji leaned back a little. “There are whispers, you know. Reclamation plans.” Teledji dare not mention the bill mentioned was his own plan. “But it does not need to be violent, if you simply joined with us.”

Minfilia was quiet for a long while. Before she let her Ala Mhigan accent take over. “…Tell me, Teledji. If I did such, then what? Would you destroy the culture of those who’ve come to try and build a new life? Would you force us to become Ul’dahn, to waste our lives on gil that never elavates us, or would you prickle when people leave to return to their homelands?

If you were hoping to bribe or convince me, Teledji, then you should have known who I was.” Standing - making sure to hold Fordola as she did - Minfilias’ expression turned dark. But a little playful. “‘tis a pity your memory does not seem to have returned with everybody elses.”

As she began to leave, Minfilia knew - her heart sped up, her fear set in - she had just made a powerful enemy. But she also knew she could not give up her morals for a sliver of safety. A shiver filled her entire soul… her steps were slow, but forceful.

Minfilia would just need to protect herself and her people better. She should visit Belias…