❦ Chapter IV - Several Dilemmas [action]

[melodiesoflute]

[After the latest drama revolving a certain ill-tempered dragoon knight, Edward found himself lured towards the outdoors even more. It’s a shame when you literally have to sleep with one eye open because of fear of being killed in your sleep, but considering Kain’s actions so far no one would fault the poor bard for being paranoid

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[esper_flight]

[Terra passes through, deciding that she'd had enough of her mental checklist for the day. A peaceful walk is in order. Instead, a random glance in one direction allows her to catch sight of Edward. His downcast state doesn't escape her notice and she changes direction to catch up with him.]

...Edward? What's wrong?

[melodiesoflute]

[Spotting the kind girl once she approached, Edward let out a deep sigh. She reminded him vaguely of Rydia mainly because of her long green locks. However, there are things about Terra that certainly solidifies her as her own person, but Edward couldn't help but wish it was the summoner standing before him now.]

Something terrible has happened, a friend has gone missing...

[esper_flight]

[Terra bit her lip, concern deepening.]

I'm sorry, Edward. It's a kidnapping, right? They haven't been returned home?

[melodiesoflute]

[He shook his head.] No, they haven't returned at all...

Rydia, she's...she's missed by all. If it had it my way, I would rescue herself with the aid of my comrades, but we are powerless to save her.

[Sigh]

The Malnosso have her, and no one knows who these people are or where they're hiding.

[ledbythewind]

[It's not hard to tell that there's something bothering this man; even Richard, who has never met him before, is picking up on it. And he can't just ignore someone who might be in trouble, either. He'll approach quietly, a concerned expression on his face.]

Is something wrong?

[melodiesoflute]

[Practically blind to the fellow's concern gaze, Edward didn't notice anyone drawing near until he heard them speak.]

Ah? [Letting out a soft chuckle, Edward tried his best not to look as somber as before.] I suppose you could say so, well...

No, it would be logical to say so. [Unsure if he had met this man before, Edward decided that perhaps talking to a stranger would be better than speaking to one of his colleagues. Between the moody dragoon knight and the crotchety old sage, Edward rather converse with a stranger anyway.]

The Malnosso, our supposedly benevolent caretakers, have kidnapped someone dear to me and my companions.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard's expression darkens somewhat.]

I've heard that sort of thing is a common occurrence here, if the guide is to be believed. One of my own friends was just returned from a kidnapping the other day.

[melodiesoflute]

Your friend was kidnapped, sir?

[Oh, that news only makes him worry more for poor Rydia.]

I am so sorry. It would seem that such foul acts are truly common here in Luceti, but I wonder why. What purpose would our comrades have for the Malnosso in the first place? This I do not understand.

What qualifies one person to be taken over another? Rydia never done anything to deserve this...

[uspoonybard]

[If Galuf can be a ninja, then dammit, so can Tellah. As such, have a sage sitting a couple feet away on a bench.]

Back to your old self, bard?

[melodiesoflute]

[Staring at Tellah with wide eyes, Edward glanced around for a moment in an attempt to figure out just how the old coot ended up here so quickly. Surely, Tellah and the others didn't hear him take his leave from the house; so maybe the sage just happened to spot the bard randomly through the crowd.]

My old self...? Tellah, I am in no mood for jest.

[uspoonybard]

[Ninja skillz. He has them. Also, Warp spells, and a sort of spoondar. ...Mainly, he just got extremely lucky.]

Neither am I. From what I gather from the others these 'abductions' occur rather frequently. By all accounts they are scientists, albeit twisted. We are their experiment. It would stand to reason that if she was taken, Rydia will be returned as well.

[Why no, it doesn't sound like he's trying to convince himself at all.]

[melodiesoflute]

[Turning to face Tellah, Edward wondered if Rydia would actually be returned to them someday and if so, what could they have possibly done to her.]

You speak of her kidnapping far too casually...[Cue in the sulking.]

[love_me_venus]

**And then, a fangirl arrived!**

**Poke!** Hey Prince! Huh... why do you look so depressed? Thinking about Anna again?

[melodiesoflute]

[Oh! Well, if it isn't Minako. She certainly looks sprightly today.]

Ah, no! My thoughts do not linger upon the past today, but rather the present. I take it that all is well with you and your friends, Minako.

I do hope so.

[love_me_venus]

Well, for the most part anyway. It's about as good as it's going to get really, considering. **There's a bit of a frown or pout on her face as she says so, but, one must not be sad when beside such a hottie prince.**

But, we're working our way through that! Things should turn out fine for us! How are things on your end, Prince?

[melodiesoflute]

It's been pure havoc amongst my friends as of late. One of our dearest friends have been stolen from us...

The Malnosso claimed her, and now we are all riddled with endless worry.

[lists_to_port]

[And then there's Jack, pushing a large-ish wheelbarrow and whistling tunelessly. He's on his way someplace or other, but he stops when he sees Edward.]

Bard! You're looking tired. Let Jack give you a ride home.

[melodiesoflute]

[Spotting the pirate, Edward's brow arched once he saw what he was pushing along the street.]

Ah, captain. It seems you've found a new barrel to toy with. No, I am not weary just...tired of this god forsaken hell.

[lists_to_port]

Aye, well--yes, it is, isn't it? Hell. Knew I'd end up here someday. Bits of it are a laugh, but overall you'd like there to be some sort of exit. You look more hell-worn than usual, though. You can spill it to Jack, he doesn't mind.

[melodiesoflute]

If only such an exit existed, then perhaps I would give my farewells to the troubles that plague this land.

[A sigh.]

It's a long story, Jack, one that involves a kidnapped maiden, and her foul-tempered lover.