A Paladin's Promise

Chapter 5: Cecil's Redemption

Out on the open seas, at last, we head for Baron. Of course, our journey there will last several days, so I choose to spend the time writing and drawing, two of my favorite things to do. My beloved journal and my phone are the only things from home that I still have on me. I wander to the front of the ship, looking out across the deep blue water. I breathe in. Salty sea air meets my nose. I close my eyes and remember all the times my parents and I visited the beach.

I hope you are okay, Mom and Dad. I miss you.

After reflecting on those fond memories, I return to the main deck and sit down. Yang continues to train. Edward plays calm music on his harp. Rydia chats with the ship's crew, inspiring them with her magic. I smile at the sight of her.

And then there's Cecil.

He stands at the starboard side of the ship, gazing across the horizon. He has taken off his helmet again. Light from the sun creates a holy aura around him. I am so inspired by this scene that I decide to draw him on a blank page in my journal. Luckily, my colored pencils have also been stored away in my inventory. Hoping he won't move, I quickly sketch an outline of him in pencil. Once I finish the details, I grab my colored pencils from my inventory. I'm so absorbed in my art that I don't notice Rydia standing in front of me.

"Hello, Adrienne," she says. I look up at her. She smiles sweetly.

"Hi, Rydia." I can't help a blush blossoming on my cheeks.

"Are you drawing Cecil?"

"Yeah. Here, look," I say, holding out the open journal to her. Her eyes scan my artwork and light up after a moment.

"Wow, you're really good!"

"You think so?"

"I do! Your drawing is beautiful! You've captured him perfectly!"

"Ah, um, thank you," I say. Hearing such a genuine compliment from one of my favorite characters in the game causes my heart to flutter.

"Could you draw me, too?" she asks.

"Of course. Anything for you, Rydia," I say. I pose her, then sit down and start sketching. Her bright green hair waves in the wind.

You're so beautiful, Rydia...

Minutes pass. After adding splashes of color to the drawing, I reveal the completed project. Rydia's eyes widen.

"Adrienne, you're so talented! I love it!"

"I'm glad you like it. Here." I start to rip the paper out of the journal, but she stops me.

"Oh no, you keep it! I wouldn't want you to lose something so lovely."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Hold onto it for me," she says. Soon, I notice the others forming a circle, so I join them.

"What would you do after we arrive at Baron?" Yang asks.

"Let's find Cid, the master engineer. He's an expert on airships. He'll help us," Cecil says.

"Hope he's okay," Yang says. Edward looks at the floor.

"Are you cold? You're shivering," Rydia says.

"No. It's nothing," Edward says. Suddenly, I sense danger.

"Something's coming..." I say.

"What?" Cecil asks. No sooner have the words come out of his mouth than the ship begins to shake.

"What's going on, Adrienne?" Rydia asks.

"It can't be!" one of the sailors says.

"Is it true?" another asks.