The Zodiac Brave Story

Indeed they are not, causing Mortal to go back to her food.

"So, Zac, did you ever-- Oh wait, Iliad already told me about the guy who was pecked to death..." Sab said. Noct had to stop herself from chuckling.

"Yea, that whole ordeal was silly in hindsight," Zac admitted.

"You don't say?" Divum added.

Taiyo: "Well, um...if it's okay with you guys."

Azuma: "Go for it. Just don't do anything I wouldn't do. And if you do, name it after me."

Mimiru: "Shut up."

~Lesalia~

*Aroma & co. arrive on Main Street around lunch time. Aroma is feeling Taiyo's skirt between her fingers.*

<I like the outfit, but we should be able to get a newer one, in silk. And of course some jewelry.>
-------------------------------------------------
E"So...do you have something to do while you're in the city?"

L"As a matter of fact, I was the first to be invited to Lady Ovelia's engagement party. I'm sure you'll be getting your invitations soon enough, as well."

Taiyo: "Um...okay?"

Azuma: "All right, here you are. In one piece. Now how 'bout we conclude our business?"

Divum seemed shocked, "Lady Ovelia plans to marry?"

"Yes," Zac said nodding, "To Delita Heiral."

"Delita," Sab said, "Wasn't he the one who kidnapped her when I was posing as her double?"

"You posed as a body double for Lady Ovelia?" Noct asked.

~Lesalia~

*Euryale squints at Sab.*

E"I suppose you do kind of look like her, especially since not many people know exactly what the Princess looks like."

L"He's had this planned for that long?"
-----------------------------------------------
"Very well."

*Aroma crosses Taiyo's lance with the Lance of Longibunne & recites a spell. A bright flash of holy light transforms the Holy Lance into the Javelin II. Aroma then slumps into Taiyo, clinging to her & panting.*

"Spells...like that...always...take a lot...out of me...."

"I guess one can never question his dedication to his goals," Zac said.

Taiyo: "Are you okay?"

Azuma: "Well, shit. Let's find her somewhere to sit."

~Lesalia~

*Aroma straightens herself up.*

"I'll...I'll be fine...do you have somewhere to stay, Taiyo and friends?"
-----------------------------------
E"Well...I hope you'll all have fun."

Azuma: "Likely the inn. We'll probably be heading out once you two are done whatever it is you'll be doing."

Zac seemed a bit confused, "Why, are you not going?"

~Lesalia~

"Commoners aren't traditionally allowed in the palace. But I'll find some way to keep busy."
----------------------------------------------
"I can get you a better room, but I imagine the celebration won't be for a few days yet."

"You're a commoner?" Zac asked, "Well, I don't think it really matters. You're part of House Talea, so through relation you should have the status of a noble. Then again... I'm not exactly sure how it works in this case."

"To my knowledge," Divum said, "Women cannot be wed under law, and are therefore unable to receive the benefits of marrying up. Were that they could I would have four daughters in law, not merely feeling."

Azuma: "A room's a room. As for this couple of days thing...I guess we can keep busy until then."

Mimiru: "We might have to stay somewhere that isn't Sal Ghidos for more than two days."

Azuma: "Remember last time we were here? At least I think it was here. That rebellion nonsense or whatever and our employer died without paying us."

~Lesalia~

<I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that. Just let me know if you wish to take my offer. Come along, Taiyo.>

*She puts her arm behind Taiyo's back & starts to steer her towards the shopping district.*
----------------------------------------------
E"The sentiment alone moves me, Ser Talea. At any rate, I'm not bothered. All I hope for is that the rest of you enjoy yourselves."

L"While I'm sure I would love to watch the I-really-want-to-go-but-I'll-pretend-I-don't-care contest that I'm sure at least two of you are about to engage in, I was specifically told that the celebration would be open, and commoners would be allowed."

E"But that's unheard of!"

L"Yes, I know."

Taiyo: "See you later, I guess."

She waves as she gets dragged off to parts unknown.

Azuma: "Great, now what?"

Mimiru: "I don't know. See what's happening at the tavern?"

Azuma shrugs and the two head off for the tavern.

Sab looked up, "Oh, really? That is great news."

"Huh, I guess it really was two," Noct said, "Good call Lilith."

"Is there any reason given as to why something like this would be made so public?" Divum asked.

"What Delita is doing might become very controversial, so if he has a majority of Ivalice on his side, he may have a better chance at this whole thing going off without a hitch," Zac said.

~Lesalia~

*Euryale doesn't really know how to feel about what Noctis just said, so she just ignores it.*

L"That reason does not sit right with me."

E"Then why?"

L"I know not. But, ah, you will probably still be expected to wear shoes. I hope that won't be a deal breaker."
---------------------------------------------------
*True to her word, Aroma takes Taiyo to a clothing store. The sales lady glares down at her from past the bridge of her nose, but Aroma snaps her fingers, causing her to divert her attention towards the sorceress.*

Aroma<This lovely lady's name is Taiyo. I request a similar outfit for her, but made of fine silk. Do not question it.>

<I...think we can make arrangements for your servant.>

Aroma<She is not in my employee. I will appreciate you to follow my specifications. Speaking of, Taiyo, do you have any additional requests of this woman?>

Taiyo: "No..."

===================================

They're still heading for the tavern. Or somewhere.

Azuma: "Damn it, I hate this place and big cities in general."

Zac had been wondering what was up with the barefoot thing since they met, but didn't want to seem rude about it. He did however say, "I've seen women wear shoes that are not fully closed at the toes. Perhaps you might like those."

~Lesalia~

E"I guess they would be better than nothing. Or better than...being too much...you know what I mean."
--------------------------------------------
*They do find the inn, which has a fancy-looking scroll attached to the notice board, advertising the Royal Engagement Celebration in a few days. It says that the celebration is open to all who wish to attend, even commoners. Someone has scratched out "ers" & written "filth" below it.*
--------------------------------------------
*The woman returns a short while later with the outfit, & shoes.*

<Just one more stop, then we can go back to the inn.>

Azuma: "Well isn't that nice?"

They go inside.

===================================

Taiyo: "Um, okay..."

Zac chuckled a bit, "Yes, I understand what you mean."

"So," Divum started, "Why is the Marquis of Limberry wasting her time with my son?"

"Green is not a good color on you father," Zac said.

"I'm just honestly curious," He replied.

*Safian casts Bolt on the Chocobo, while Cassandra slashes at one of the panthers*

~Lesalia~

"It's actually Marquis de Limberry. After we met, he came with me on my missions, so I made him my aide when I was promoted. If you mean romantically, that happened later. He...has a way with words."
--------------------------------------------------
*They next enter the jewelry store from earlier, & Aroma waves the sales lady off.*

<I'll tell you what we want.>

*She turns to Taiyo.*

<Feel free to pick out anything you like. I think that either silver or gold would really work well with your outfit. Silver would add a nice, muted accent to the bright color, but gold would have a warmer appearance.>
------------------------------------------------
*They already are inside.*
=============================
~Mandalia~

*The Red Panther strikes back at her twice, while the Chocobo waltzes up to Safian & pecks at her.*