[Mostly action, some voice]

[lunarborn]

[The routine was becoming normal: fall asleep in a huge bed next to his gorgeous wife, wake up, tend to the kingdom that was so new it still didn't feel like his. Except this morning, he found himself awaking in a strange land, wearing strange clothes, and lacking his usual means of defense. Also, lacking his wife.]

Where..?

[As he rose from the

Comments

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

Cecil!

[Immensely relieved.]

I've been so worried about you.

Re: [Voice]

[lunarborn]

[Rydia too? What kind of sorcery was this book?!]

There's been no need. I'm fine.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

You're sure? But you've been missing. Did you get kidnapped again?

Re: [Voice]

[lunarborn]

I don't believe I've experienced a kidnapping firsthand, aside from the puzzling setting in which I'm presently finding myself.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

...so you don't recall the last time you were here. What's the last thing you do remember?

Re: [Voice]

[lunarborn]

Rosa and I had just finished bidding farewell to our wedding guests.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

That's...about what happened here, oddly enough. Though I'm assuming you meant the wedding in Baron. I remember that one, also.

You're in Luceti. I'm not sure how we got here, but I do know that we're captives, meant for experimentation. The people who caught us are the Malnosso, but they never show themselves.

Re: [Voice]

[lunarborn]

How is it possible for you to have been both there and here? The wedding in Baron was just recently, but you speak as though you've been here for much longer than that.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

I've been here for about four months, now. Perhaps a little more. The Malnosso seem to have a magic that allows them to snag people from different points in time. They also seem to have the ability to erase memories of previous visits...like yours.

Rosa will find you soon, right? I would like to see you also, whenever you have the chance. Golbez, Edge, Kain and...Valvalis are here, also.

[Voice]

[lunarborn]

When you mention different points in time... From which points were Valvalis and my broGolbez taken?

I'm sorry you've been trapped here for so long. I promise you, Rydia, I'll see to it that you arrive home safely.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

Golbez is no longer under anyone's control, so I would think at our point in time. I don't know for certain about Valvalis, but I haven't asked--as though I would want to have a conversation with her. Golbez keeps her in line, though.

We'll all find a way, somehow! I haven't given up, don't worry. The barrier presents a problem, but that doesn't mean we can't keep searching.

Re: [Voice]

[lunarborn]

"We" nothing. Kain and I will assemble the best swordsmen and warriors and fetch you once we've uncovered a way out. You've been hurt enough.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

What? That doesn't mean I can't or won't help! Just because I don't use a sword doesn't mean I'm useless. You know me better than that! I can't sit on the sidelines anyway, that would drive me mad.

[Voice]

[lunarborn]

I won't have you throwing yourself into danger again. As valuable as your talents are, I owe it to you to fulfill my vow to keep you safe from harm.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

Really, Cecil. I thought you realized since the Lunar Whale that you can't shelter me like that. I appreciate the sentiment, but I'll be in danger no matter what. At least I can use my time to help you, help all of us.

[Voice]

[lunarborn]

It appears that even the experts aren't exactly sure what that danger might be. It isn't that I don't trust you, Rydia. I don't trust them, particularly if they are capable of the villainy that keeps being hinted about.

Just this once, please do as I say. [Said with a soft resignation that conveys how aware he is that she will do no such thing.]