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Memories	By : Asirainis Category: +A through F > Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior Views: 1615 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Memories
Chapter Twenty: Argonia and the Charmless
Marcello came in with six men, all bearing resemblance to the ones from the Abbey. They were dressed as Templars were normally dressed. It left her feeling the hair on her neck stand on end at the eeriest feeling of déjà vu. She gazed at her father who gave her a reassuring smile. "Everything will be fine Airlia, have faith in the Goddess."
She nodded with a smile on her face as she whispered. "I do father, but the man they chase is on par with a demonic creature. He seeks me to be his otherworldly bride."
Francisco nodded, recalling his words that day. "Your friends will deal with that wretched sinner."
Airlia nodded, "I truly believe they will deal with him efficiently." He nodded as they turned back to Calchas and Marcello.
Airlia felt the darkness thicken as she gazed out towards where the Isle was. The darkness seemed to grow. She gazed out towards the isle as she sent out a prayer, "Dearest Goddess, please protect my friends, help them win!"
Calchas nodded as he said to her, "Airlia, would you like to meet your friends somewhere? Especially since the guards cannot allow them up here as they are..."
She turned to Calchas and nodded, "Yes, we agreed that I would go to either Argonia or Ascantha. I've thought about it and would like to go to Argonia after all and wait for them there. That they know to look for me there."
He smiled to her. "Very well. I'm safe enough for right now, Marcello and his group of guards can escort you back to Argonia. Save your energy my dear. Your father told me of your abilities, and I'm grateful you have them. I just don't want you needlessly exerting yourself. I also worry that if you use your abilities, then the wretched sinner will indeed know where to find you."
Francisco nodded, "My friend, I'm glad I was able to see you here. I would like to go with her to Argonia, to meet the king that feels a kinship with my daughter."
Calchas nodded, "I think that would be a very nice idea indeed."
He smiled at her as he extended his hand with a cloak. "This is a cloak of evasion my dear. Please accept it as a belated birthday gift. I had it made for you, but hadn't had a chance to locate you yet to give it to you my dear."
Airlia smiled at him as she accepted the forest green cloak with a deep hood. "Thank you Calchas."
She brought it around her and pulled the hood up covering her face entirely, "It's perfect!"
He smiled, "I had hoped it would fit like that. May it protect you in these dark times my dear."
They turned to Marcello as Calchas continued to speak, "I would like you all to escort them to Argonia, it's far to the south and west from Neos."
Marcello nodded as he took the familiar stance of obedience to the Lord High Priest, legs drawn together tightly; right hand fisted over his heart with his arm parallel to the ground, his other hand against his side. "Of course Lord High Priest." Airlia groaned internally as she found herself leaving the room as the Lord High Priest gave her one last small smile. She went down the stairs as Marcello instructed his men, "I want two of you with me escorting Airlia down, while the others stay with Francisco. He may not be an abbot anymore, but he still holds respect within these and any walls of the faith." Airlia bit back the groan of being in such close quarters with several men as she found herself leaving the confines of Calchas's home. The ride down was tense as Marcello held her hand tightly. She had to fight the urge to rip it away from him, knowing she could claim that she didn't want anyone to touch her. However, that would require another person putting his hands on her in order to not anger him.
He growled as the ride ended, but he knew he still had time with her, he had the boat ride after all. They waited for her father to descend with the other guards. Once the others had joined them, Marcello smiled as he said, "Well then, shall we be off to the boat? It's waiting for us down at the coast." Airlia nodded as she saw the darkness somewhat dispel, telling her that they were inside now, the sun mirror had worked! She gazed at her father with a small smile, "The sun mirror worked! They're going into the belly of the beast so to speak." He nodded as they proceeded down the stairs and around the huge cathedral. She looked up at it, "Hard to believe they could build something so big, huh father?" He nodded, "It's truly an amazing work of art."
Marcello was unable to say anything as a comfortable silence fell about them. They descended the many steps to the main gates of Savella as two of the Templars among them opened the doors to allow the group passage. Marcello smiled as he turned to the guards who had opened the doors, "Keep the Lord High Priest safe at all costs. Trust no one for now save that of those now present before your eyes. Be subtle, taste the food to ensure it's not poisoned. But not in front of him. I want to keep him safe and unharmed. Go, now." The two men bowed and left, leaving them with Marcello and four others. They proceeded down the path that Airlia had come up, as she followed Marcello to the boat. It was a simple but long boat like that of Golding's vessel that she had seen at the Dark Ruins coast, but it had an actual cabin on board.
Marcello looked at the two of them. "There are two beds inside, you both may take them." Airlia nodded as she went inside the cabin to set down her belongings down. Marcello followed her inside as he gently shut the door. "So my dear…" He began before sighing softly, and then decided to be truthful to her for once about her appearance in his eyes, "Oh Airlia you truly look like a goddess among commoners."
She rolled her eyes with her back still to him. "Marcello, you will never truly learn, will you?"
He growled as he said, "Airlia, I merely want to be your husband. Won't you at least consider it?"
She shook her head. "No, Marcello, simply because you still view me as an object to be possessed, not as an actual person. Please leave."
He came over to her and grabbed her hand gently. "We've been together ever since we were children. I just want your love… Because I love you so much that it hurts Air…"
She shook her head as she threw back the hood. "Marcello, you don't love me, at least right now you don't… You merely lust for my body. That's not love. Love is so much deeper than that, so much more enduring. Soon as age claims my form, you will no longer feel the same emotions for me and you may even feel hatred for me showing age. Now, leave me be."
He growled as he said, "This isn't the end Airlia. I will make you see that I do love you! I will earn your love in return, I swear that!"
She shook her head, "You cannot force love. It simply is for no rhythm or reason."
He left as her father knocked on the door. "Thank you for the moment alone Francisco." He nodded as her father came into the cabin, giving Marcello no other recourse but to leave.
Francisco shut the door after Marcello left, leaving the father and daughter pair together in silence. "I'm so sorry my daughter. I couldn't help but overhear everything."
She nodded as a tear slipped down her cheek. "I've had nightmares lately that I've tried to hide, but I know the others have seen it. Judging by their reactions, I haven't called out anyone's name. So I've been able to mask the dreams as old nightmares. They know from his behavior that things aren't beautiful between him and me."
He nodded as he turned to her, "When we're in Argonia, we'll be safe for a while. They won't be needed to stay with us."
Airlia nodded, "King Clavius will protect us from his piggish son, Prince Charmles."
He looked at her, "I've heard rumors of Prince Charmles. Is he truly that bad?"
Airlia nodded, "A log was kept of his foolhardy ways in order to deal with him when the time is right. He has been cruel to a horse for not allowing his heavy weight on her back."
He looked at her, appalled that he should beat a horse for something like that. "Was it the poor Princess?"
She nodded as she turned to her father, "Apparently King Trode offered to bear the whipping that he was going to give her for bucking him off of her, and then the giant Argon lizard showed up, drawing everyone's attention thankfully. I'd rather not think of it for now, shall we go out on deck and take in the sea air?"
He nodded with a small smile. "I would like that my dear." The pair left the cabin to go to the edge of the ship as they took in the salty air. She let her braid down, turning it into flowing hair that went down her back. He looked at her, and how she had grown and merely smiled at her. "I'm so proud of how much you have grown since you've begun your traveling." He indicated the braid as one of many examples.
She giggled as she explained, "We've been traveling for a while; a friend suggested a braid as a way to keep it out of my way."
He smiled in agreement, "I want you to be whatever makes you happiest my daughter. Regardless of whom it is with, or whatever you choose to do once your quest has ended."
She nodded as Marcello came up to them, the wind tossing his dark locks about while his blue eyes were shining with emotion as he gazed at the dark haired woman. "We shall be reaching the shore by the morning. Night will soon fall. If you both wish to rest, feel free to do so." Airlia tried to resist the urge to shiver as his fingers caressed her arm in passing.
She didn't want to give him the wrong signal as she turned to her father. "Shall we go father? It is starting to turn chilly. I don't want you to get sick."
He smiled at her, "I want to enjoy the stars a little longer, but you should get some rest my dear." She nodded as she bade him good night as Marcello joined her on her path to the cabin.
Once they were inside and the door shut, he turned to her. "My dear, if you need anything, we're just outside. Please, rest well." Airlia nodded as she waited for him to leave before getting in bed. When she saw he wasn't moving, she climbed into bed fully garbed. She turned on her side as she closed her eyes to try and get some sleep. She heard him whisper, "Sweet dreams Air." She heard the door open and close as she drifted to sleep. It felt odd to have him so close, but the pain in her from his possessiveness was ruining it. She slept through the night as her father came in to see her sleeping form. He couldn't help but wish the circumstances were different. Perhaps if they hadn't grown up like they had, but it may have ended up with him hating her rather than obsessing over her. Why had Fate been so cruel to the both of them? He mused as he fell asleep in the other bed.

She recognized the feeling… it was another dream… She looked around and saw she was at Calchas's home. Looking around, she saw Calchas was either wounded or dead, and her friends were in shackles. She tried to free one, only for someone to grab her and restrain her. She saw Calchas's crimson blood on the scepter that was held by a now dead dog… She blinked, that's not Dhoulmagus! The dog had been large, black and mean. She saw Marcello walk over to grab the scepter before he turned to face her.
"Lock her in that side room." He pointed to a room nearby, within Calchas's study.
He then turned to Rolo, Draco and the others… "He," And with a wave of his hand, indicated Rolo before Marcello continued, "sent these assassins after the Lord High Priest. I order them to be thrown into the prison over at Purgatory Island." The Templars nodded as they went about their duties, with Airlia being dragged kicking and screaming from the group as she broke free. She tried to run to the others, only for Marcello to seize her about the waist, drawing angered cries from the others as Marcello whispered something to her, making her fall asleep.
She awoke in some sort of chamber that held a bed. Looking around, it was clear she wasn't with the group as it hit her of what had happened. She sobbed as she saw a white dress in the corner. She went to the dress, and found a knife in the seams and began to shred it, buying her time. However, Marcello came in with that damned scepter, claiming she would be his wife, either clothed or unclothed, that it didn't matter to him which way she chose…
He approached her as her dreams faded…

Day came over the ship as Airlia awoke. She stretched silently as she got up and straightened out her dress. Seeing her father still asleep, she smiled gently. She had saved him, just as she saved Alistair. She was doing some good, even though she couldn't save everyone much to her regret. She went out onto the ship, enjoying the air as she saw the men sleeping around her. She walked silently as she shook her hair to remove some of the tangles as she saw the coast of Argonia fast approaching. She smiled as she felt that familiar pull once more. She reached the edge as she enjoyed the feeling of knowing somehow, she was and would always be at home in Argonia. A hand whirled her around into a strong chest. She restrained her blush as she looked up at the sapphire eyes of Marcello. She frowned as he spoke, "Good morning Airlia. I hope you slept well."
She nodded, "well enough." She didn't want to admit to him she had more nightmares, of him…
He looked at her as he said, "I don't know why you're lying to me my dear, but it's poor form. You really shouldn't lie to your future husband."
She glared at him as she said, "I won't be your wife Marcello."
He looked at her smugly, "We shall see my dear… we shall see when I finish proving myself to you."
He walked away as her father joined her at the rails once more. "I know you had another nightmare. Would you like to talk about it?"
She shook her head as she whispered, "Not here father. Once we get to Argonia and are safely within its walls." He nodded, understanding the hidden message that lay within it.
All too soon, they landed on the shore as Airlia smiled. "I'll lead the way from here everyone. Follow me." She pulled her cloak up to cover her head as they walked the familiar path to the kingdom.
As they progressed, Airlia's smile only grew more once she saw the familiar gates of Argonia. She turned to Marcello, as she smiled, "Well Marcello, we'll be just fine from here. The gates are right over there."
He looked at her as he said, "I would be remiss in my duties if I failed to deliver you safely to the king of Argonia."
She shrugged as she turned to her father. "You will love King Clavius, father. Very stern, but very fair king."
He nodded, "It sounds as if I will like him very much indeed my dear. Come; let us go tell him that you have returned." Airlia nodded in agreement as they went to the gates.
Once inside, Marcello escorted them past the bazaar as he looked around before saying, "So many people come here, how can you be safe?"
Airlia smiled, "He will have us stay inside the castle. There's merely a bazaar that's going on, it happens once a year." Marcello merely nodded as he eyed everyone suspiciously, knowing that Airlia was far too naïve and too trusting to see the world for the dangerous place it really was.
The guard smiled at her, "Welcome back Airlia. King Clavius will be happy that you're back."
Airlia smiled at him, "Thank you Victor. I will be glad to see him too." He opened the castle door for her as they went inside. Airlia directed them up the stairs, and following the carpet to the throne room. She didn't see him sitting on the throne, but a quick glance to her right told her he was at the spot where he liked to think.
She smiled as she went to his side. "Well, hello King Clavius. I've returned with my father so that you might meet him."
He turned to her, his frown turning to a smile as he said, "Welcome back Airlia. I'm glad to see you as well."
She nodded as Marcello came up to King Clavius. "I'm Commander Marcello, here to escort them back to the castle. Now that I know they are safe, I must return to my post. Hopefully, I will see you soon Airlia."
She nodded politely as she merely said, "Farewell Marcello."
He frowned as he bowed and left while her father came up to King Clavius. "King Clavius, this is my father, the former Abbot of Maella Abbey, Francisco. Francisco, this is the King of Argonia, King Clavius."
The pair exchanged smiles and handshakes. "I'm so glad you're okay Francisco. I had heard that you were murdered."
Francisco nodded as he turned a genuine smile to his daughter, "Yes, but my daughter brought me back to life. For that, I will always be grateful to her."
King Clavius smiled as Airlia interjected, "It's been a long ride back, would it be alright if I go rest?"
He nodded, "The same room that you rested in before. I've given the castle some remodeling within to accommodate you, your father and Elsie."
Airlia smiled as she said to her father, "If you go up the stairs in the main section of the castle, you'll arrive on the third floor. My room is along the back wall."
Francisco smiled, seeing the exhaustion there before nodding to her, "Have a good rest my daughter."
She left to go upstairs to rest in her room. Once secured, she fell asleep instantly the moment her head hit the pillow. She could only pray her friends would return soon, victorious of beating Dhoulmagus. When she awoke, she had no sense of what time it was as she got out of bed and straightened out her dress. She saw a bag on the corner her bed and investigated it. Inside she saw more of the tiny medals with a note from King Clavius…

I heard rumors that you were looking for these medals. I hope they can be of help. They are from the kind people of this kingdom.
King Clavius

She put them amongst her items before seeing a note on her dresser from Elsie…

My lady, I've made a few other garments for you, some for more… formal occasions, and some better suited for traveling. They should all fit well, but if any adjustments need to be made, you'll be able to find me in the left wing of the fourth floor. The back room that used to be for studies was moved to the main floor so I could have it as my quarters complete with changing room.
Elsie

Airlia smiled and giggled as she opened the wardrobe door to see several new garments indeed. Elsie had made a simple leather tunic and pants for traveling that would go under regular armor if the need arose. However, she also made another special gown in green, a figure hugging emerald green dress with a white bustier that covered her entire chest just below her collarbone and white shoulder sleeves. A bit of fabric, emerald green crept down, just covering her upper arms as white fabric blossomed out of it, covering her birthmark fully. She recalled that Elsie hadn't known about the birthmark, but likely figured something there needed to be hidden if she kept her band in that spot only. Airlia suspected the gown went down to either her ankles or the floor and smiled as she touched the fabric and found that while as soft as it looked, it was incredibly durable. She looked as she saw matching green bangles for her wrists that had a detachable golden colored fabric that went along the back of the dress linking the two. Around the waist was a simple gold chain with a cross and a gold rosary laid along the chest. She whistled, "Wow Elsie, you sure were busy. I can't wait to see how that one looks on me."
She blushed as she realized just how much of a shining the king had taken to her. However, she was crestfallen because it was simply because she reminded him of his lost brother. She kept her shimmering dress on, enjoying how beautiful it made her feel, simply because she knew that King Clavius would never allow anyone to hurt her while she was in his kingdom. She tucked her cloak into the wardrobe as she went outside of her room to find it was just before dawn. Sighing, she went to the terrace of the castle, and enjoyed the feel of the predawn air. Suddenly, something caught her eye amongst the sleepy town. A form was moving with something in its hand. She looked at the form and whispered, "Jessica…?" It meant her friends had been victorious, but it meant her other dream could still come to pass…
She rushed into the castle and down the four floors of steps to the main room. She went to the guards as they held the doors closed. "I am sorry Lady Airlia, but I cannot allow you to leave just yet. Once the morning has started, you may go outside."
She looked at them, "But my friend is in trouble, please!" She begged him, her eyes pleading. When he shook her head, she sighed and returned to her room to pack her belongings. She packed her leather under armor and the princess dress that had been designed for her. She took the cloak and tucked it away lovingly as she heard more of the castle stirring for breakfast. She noticed one last garment hung in the closet. It was a ruby red dress with billowing sleeves. Pulling it out, she saw a talisman sewn into the dress along the chest. In it, was a blue sapphire held into a copper design. Smiling, she pulled it out and tucked it away into her bag with her other clothing.
Her items packed, she left her room to go to the dining room, her pouch tied at her waist where her green sash laid against her, holding her sword. Her hair was still down as her father greeted her just before entering the room. "Good morning father. I hope you slept well."
She said as she embraced him. "Yes, it was a good rest. However, I see the look in your eyes. What bothers you my daughter?"
She looked down as she shook her head. "I had a nightmare the night before last, when we were on the boat. Marcello was possessed by the scepter even though they defeated Dhoulmagus. I awoke just before dawn and saw who I believe was Jessica walking out of town, holding that scepter. My nightmare may still come to pass if that's the case…"
He nodded as he looked at her. "Eat well, and then go find your friends. I will explain everything to King Clavius my daughter. You have to help your friends."
She nodded with a resigned look on her face. Wiping it away, she smiled at him. "Can this smile fool them?"
He looked at her, "If I didn't know you as well as I do, you could have fooled even me my daughter." She smiled genuinely at him before putting her mask on.
The pair entered the room as King Clavius looked at the pair, "Good morning Airlia, Francisco."
They returned the smile, "Good morning King Clavius, Prince Charmles."
The heavyset prince ignored them until his father turned to him, "Charmles, mind your manners."
He looked up from his dish, "Good morning. Father, I still don't…"
He never got to finish the statement as his father gave him a stern look. "They are our guests; they deserve to be treated as such."
Charmles gave her a glare, his small eyes darkening beneath his blonde hair. She ignored him pointedly as the meal finished. She smiled at Elsie, "Oh by the way Elsie, thank you for everything you've done for me! They're such amazing items!" Elsie smiled at her as she nodded before Airlia turned to King Clavius, "I hear my friends are back in town. I would like to find them and continue my travels with them Your Majesty."
He looked at her as he nodded, "While I would prefer you to remain here and safe, I am not your King. I can only request that you be careful on this dangerous journey of yours."
She nodded and smiled at him. "I promise that Your Majesty." She turned to her father and kissed his cheek. "Be careful if you go to travel back to Savella Cathedral to spend more time with Calchas."
He nodded to her, "I promise my daughter, but I think I will stay here for a time. King Clavius is quite the impressive ruler."
She nodded with a gentle smile, "That he is father. Good day King Clavius, father, Prince Charmles." They bid her farewell as she left the table.
She turned to Prince Charmles deciding to bring up his manners towards her friend King Trode, "Oh and Prince Charmles. I heard you were quite rude to a friend of mine who drives the wagon, going so far as to call him a freak. While he may not be the most fortunate looking person I've ever met. However, if you give him a chance to show you that behind the skin beats the heart of a very nice man, far nicer than you have been to me in our brief meetings. You may want to reflect on that and discover yourself before you become King of a fair kingdom like that of Argonia. Good day." She left as he sputtered at her.
King Clavius turned to Charmles with a dark expression as she only heard him say, "Charmles!"
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Memories