[Action]

[dewdrop_pebbles]

[Mjrn is largely quiet for the journey from Lindblum to the tomb of Raithwall. Penelo's departure has predictably dampened her spirits, though she's doing her best to focus on the task ahead rather than simply mope. To that end, she's acquired as much as she could in the way of restoratives and made sure they were equally distributed. Given what

Comments

[futurefab]

[Brief introductions were exchanged to those who joined them on the airship, as Lilisette was certainly the odd woman out. But she was determined to see this through for Penelo, and she hoped to win what trust she lacked within the tomb. And well, she hoped an extra body--and a healer of sorts at that--wouldn't hurt.

All the same, she kept close to Mjrn, and still does after ascending the steps. It's certainly a much bigger tomb than she's ever seen, but she tries not to gape. He must have been quite a king.]

[mademyresolve]

[Blade at her side, for the princess was fully aware of the dangers occupying the tomb of her ancestor, Ashe departs the small craft with intent. While years have passed since she last set foot within its walls, Ashe finds herself looking upon the foreboding structure with renewed awe, and a sense of solemnity. It reminds her of her birthright, the country she would, in all likelihood, never see again.

With a steadying breath she makes a beeline for the staircase and way stone beyond, relieved to find her companions waiting. Mjrn was immediately recognisable, the other girl unfamiliar yet welcome. So perilous was the tomb, any extra aid wouldn't go amiss. As she approaches, the stone glows in reaction, permission to enter. For Ashe (and now, her son) are the only ones able to activate the way inside.]

[dewdrop_pebbles]

[As the stone glows, Mjrn glances back. She's eager to go ahead but her practical side knows that it was best to wait until the others catch up. Three is a good start...but from what she's been told of the tomb, they'll need everyone that agreed to this mission.]

[xredthespianx]

[ Blank knows he isn't as big or as strong as other fighters. His skill lies in stealth and speed. Even so, he is armed with his daggers and ready to aid Mjrn in any way possible. He'd gladly put his life on the line for her.

He checks his daggers are sharp enough and double-triple-checks his pack to make sure he's fully stocked up with potions and such. ]

[shatterhearted]

[ Arrows? Check. Bow? Check. Axe? Check. What few spells she can actually cast on Gaia? Check. One Viera ready for battle.

Fran is silent, stood a short distance away from the others as she observes their surroundings, listening, looking, smelling. All her senses are alert, and she focussed on the task at hand. ]

[strays_pride]

[Noah arrived only a few minutes after Ashe, sans his typical plate-mail. Instead, he has a lighter chain-mail shirt and his tough leather breeches; Chaos Blade and Highway Star sheathed in a simple leather baldric. He looks... less intimidating and less like the Judge Magister he was.

Even if it makes him feel somewhat naked to be without the armour, he decided it would be better to leave behind such a hated symbol to certain individuals on the excursion.

Also with him is Celeste, as he couldn't find anyone not busy to kitten-sit. (Frankly, she's a tough little tiger, and Noah is quite sure that she won't get in the way, seeing as she's quite content to rest in his small haversack.)]

[bearitproudly]

[It wasn't too much longer that Basch arrived. He was dressed very much like he would on Ivalice, before he took on his brother's armor. He was equipped simply, yet effectively. The only things he needed in this battle were his sword and his wits. Raithwall's Tomb presented a slight challenge the last time they had ventured to enter, and he had come prepared once again to face the dangers that awaited inside.]

[futurefab]

[More came than she had expected--so Mjrn knew many on this world--and as they filtered onto the landing outside of the Tomb she offered each a smile and a nod. She had been surprised and pleased to see another Viera, and made a mental note to ask Mjrn later if they were related

[mademyresolve]

[While she hadn't been prepared for Blank's company, like Lilisette she finds herself surprised as individuals continue to arrive. Fran is a welcome sight, her sharp eye and skill with a bow doubtlessly valuable given the frustrating number of aerial fiends inside. The nostalgia this place conjures does not distract her, rather it fuels her will to go deep within and achieve their goal.

But then she lifts her head, and the princess' expression contorts into one of pained disbelief. He was here. Yes, she may have spoken of tolerance to the man's brother and Balthier, yet seeing the true kingslayer in person tries Ashelia's emotions, taunts her - did he truly believe she would allow him within the Tomb? A sound akin to a hiss passes through her teeth, even if he now looks far from the armoured monster of her memory

[strays_pride]

[Noah notices Ashe's response to his presence, but he ignores both her expression and her hiss as if he had not registered them at all, though his jaw clenches slightly and his fingers curl tightly before he mentally forces himself to loosen his fists.

He's half-tempted to just turn around and avoid the inevitable confrontation just a little bit longer, but he needs to learn more about these Myrrh trees and how they could factor into Garland's plan. Regardless of his personal inclinations, the possibility of Garland completing what he's started far outweighs this unpleasant discomfort.

He'd dealt with Archades for eighteen years; he could handle one woman's resentment. He would still strive to have as little contact as possible, however.

Noah is mildly surprised at Basch's presence as he'd figured that his brother would have gone with his 'lady love', but he is glad of his presence regardless. He makes as if checking his blades, instead using the time to release some of the tension he feels.]

[dewdrop_pebbles]

[Mjrn smiles at Blank and Fran, grateful for their presence. As dangerous as this mission is likely to be, she won't ever take them for granted. As the twins join them, the young Viera noticed the rising tension but does her best to ignore them. This is not the time or place to air grievances; such can wait until after the myrrh has been collected.

Scanning the area one last time, Mjrn is slightly disappointed as she shakes her head at Lilisette.]

I believe this to be all. Let us continue.

[Once inside the tomb, Mjrn peers around, her eyes adjusting quickly to the dim lighting. She does her best to ignore the mustiness that reaches her nose, more interested in another scent. Surely Fran would pick up on it as well.]

The tree...it is not far ahead.

[Wasting no time, she strides forward.]

[futurefab]

[Lili offers Mjrn a sympathetic look, but nods when she suggests they move on. For her drop of myrrh it'd only been herself, Rishfee, and Vincent against three beasts, so she believes it to be sufficient, even if it's not optimal. She does not immediately follow Mjrn inside, though. If the tension is the group is not put aside--if they cannot find a way to work together--it could spell disaster. Especially in a Tomb of undead and demon walls.

But it's not her right to say anything to a queen, so she draws closer to the twin, offering a small smile. It's also not her place to step in the middle of their feud, but she can at least offer a hand to him.]

You've a companion with you? [She nods toward his sack where the kitten sleeps.]

[xredthespianx]

[ Blank feels a little out of his depth. He knows Fran sort of, and he recognises some of the others from the network, but they are not people he kows properly.

It warms his heart to see people come to Mjrn's aid when she asks. She's such a special girl.

He jogs to catch up to Mjrn. Darn long Vieran legs! He gives her a reassuring smile as he falls into step with her. ] Let's do it. For Pen.

[shatterhearted]

We should proceed with caution.

[ Swiftly, but cautiously. Being eaten by fiends is hardly a picnic in the park and Fran refuses to lose Mjrn again. No matter how cold she may outwardly seem, her love for her sister is greater than almost any other love she's known.

Hopefully Ashe and Noah would refrain from killing each other, otherwise their battle numbers would dwindle rather rapidly. ]

[bearitproudly]

[Staying between Ashe and Noah would be his job. He would preform double duties on their trip into the tomb. He had promised to always protect Ashe, even if it meant protecting her from his own brother.

Walking past Noah, he laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. It was a small signal to relax, to accept what comes their way and to persevere.

He nods his head at Mjrn's words.] If the tree is up ahead, let us hurry.

[mademyresolve]

[Having waited until Basch completed his approach before moving forward, the princess turns toward the way stone, the ancient device stirring at her presence. The tomb is no easy traverse, Ashe realising that only the Captain and Fran would know exactly what to expect. Undoubtedly the others would realise soon enough.

Mjrn sensing the tree reminds her of the way she herself could hear the Dawn Shard's call, and this heartens the young royal. With one hand, Ashe reaches out, hovering her palm over the radiating stone and glancing around to the others, sparing a pointed look for Gabranth as she waited for all to gather around.]

Very well. Then we enter.