Final Fantasy XVI - Thunder's Torrents

Ch. 11 - Warden Of Wind

CN: A small remark of implied/referenced underage sex in this chapter

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She knocked on his door, which was not far from her own room, and was invited in with a "yes". Cid's room was much larger and more comfortable than Erie's small chamber. Erie immediately recognized the exit to the backyard that Benedikta had mentioned. Right next to Cid's desk, behind which he sat, was a double door that led outside, with a pleasant breeze blowing in. From a small balcony, two staircases on the left and right led into the small courtyard. There was a large wardrobe next to the front door.

Erie took a step into the room and spotted a huge bed on a gallery opposite the desk. Very briefly, Erie caught a glimpse of Benedikta, who was lying across it, covered only by a white sheet, turned on her side and looking at Erie. Erie's face immediately heated up and she averted her eyes. "Sorry, you really didn't have to invite me in if it's an inappropriate moment."

"It's not an inappropriate moment, Benna wanted to get dressed long ago."

"Indeed," Benedikta hummed.

Erie heard the rustling of sheets, then clothes. While Benedikta dressed, she tried to shake off her embarrassment and placed the tray on Cid's desk. This was not how she had wanted her suspicions about their relationship to be confirmed.

"Your dinner."

Nothing like this had ever happened to her in all the years she had been Elwin's maid. He had always made sure Anabella wasn't in the room or, if she was, that she was presentable. Erie knew she would have to remake the bed tomorrow. Then again, what had she been expecting? Maybe she'd better be thankful that she knew which woman was stretching out in the Lord Commander's bed and it wasn't another one all the time.

"Embarrassed?" asked Cid, "Cute. Don't worry, it won't happen frequently."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." Benedikta came, now fully dressed, and stood next to Cid. She ate one of the grapes, looking satisfied.

"I heard you two were going to train at dawn. That's a great idea, I even bet a little on it."

Benedikta gave Erie a quick wink.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Erie asked dutifully.

"That'll be all, thank you, Erie. I'll see you all bright and early tomorrow."

Erie bowed and left the room without another word. She took a quick breath standing outside the door. Until now, she had felt that Benedikta was determined to prove to her how well integrated she was at court and that she wasn't afraid of Erie. Yet fear or a similar emotion was completely out of place. Erie had no desire to force herself into a complicated relationship and was annoyed that she had now found herself in such an unfortunate situation. She would do her best to dispel Benedikta's suspicions as soon as possible. And she had a feeling that the best way to do that was with brute force.

Erie ate in the dining hall with the other courtiers, as Serena had suggested. At the very front, just like in Rosalith, there stood a table that was probably intended for the king. But he didn't show up for dinner.

As Erie finally sat on the bed in her room, recovering from the excitement of the day, she was overcome by the same sadness that she had been suppressing lately and that had been lurking inside her every day since the disaster at Phoenix Gate, waiting for a weak moment to take control of Erie's mind. And now Erie felt not only hopelessness, but also loneliness.

She had no feelings she could describe, other than the gratitude and debt she felt for Cid. Throughout the journey to Stonhyrr, she had focused on her unexpected savior to keep from going mad - and she had a feeling he had noticed.