UnShaekable (FFXII)

XLI) The Way to Giruvegan

The salty wind tugs at my hair and nips at my face, a crisp, cool embrace that envelops me in the scent of the sea. The sun is steadily reaching its peak in the sky, gently kissing my skin with its warm, golden glow. Behind me, Reddas sings out the same jolly tune he's belted all morning; even Vaan and Basch seem to be humming along at this point, tapping their toes to the invisible rhythm that dances through the lively afternoon air. Fran's ears are flat to her hair, tired of blowing about. Penelo stands at the viera's side, redoing her shining blonde pigtails and lacing tawny feathers into the ends. Ashe disappeared below deck hours ago and Balthier leans against the edge of the ship's deck, watching with bored intrigue as Reddas's powerful arms guide the vessel one way or another. The open sea is a wonder, but it's no match for the freedom of the sky.

"How much longer, do you think?" Vaan asks, sitting on the wooden deck at Basch's feet and peeling his steel vest off.

"Several hours yet," Reddas replies with a hearty laugh. "Had you refused my help, you'd be walking for days, my boy."

"Yeah," Penelo laughs sheepishly, tying the end of her pigtail with a small rubber band. "Thank you for the ride, Reddas."

"It's no problem at all, really," the pirate replies, flashing a bright white grin. "I owe a bit to Her Majesty."

"#$%^ yeah you do," I tease, turning back to raise an eyebrow at him. "Tell me, Reddas: who are you, really?"

"I was once a man dishonorable and driven by greed," he replies, keeping his expression steady. "Who I am now... Why, I'm a pirate!" He laughs, long and loud. "I've the glittering of the sea and the gracious beauty of princesses to keep me company now."

"What else could a man need?" Balthier mutters, crossing his arms and turning his gaze out toward the endless sea, a nook of salt water trapped between the inlands of Balfonheim and the shores along the very edge of the Golmore Jungle. "Of course, I do prefer the clouds over the water, but a boat ride is a nice change of pace."

"Ah, see? Once you get a taste of the current, you don't ever feel fulfilled," Reddas chuckles.

"I don't think fulfillment is something I'd prefer to lack," I retort, though I'm smiling as I turn back toward the waters we glide over. "Where are you leaving us off, anyway?"

"An inlet along the edge of the Golmore Jungle. That should be a good place to start your journey to the Feywood." Reddas's platinum eyebrows grow heavy on his dark eyes. "Though, I would make haste once on land. I don't know how patient Doctor Cid will be."

"It all depends on his plans," Balthier sighs, straightening and leaning his elbows back against the edge of the ship. "He was patient enough for Venat; I doubt he'll have trouble waiting for Ashe."

"Why does he want her to follow him there, anyway?" I frown, glancing at him over my shoulder. "It doesn't seem as though his plans involve his own son in any way."

"Likely something to do with that cursed spirit that looms over his shoulder day in and day out," Balthier spits bitterly, turning his sharp eyes away from me and onto the deck. "Ashe is not as weary of the Stones' power as she should be. If she's not careful she could wind up just—"

"Like your father," I finish, sighing. "And I suppose no one would want that, hm?"

"It could stop Vayne, though, right?" Vaan asks, leaning forward. "If she used the power?"

"Power does wonders to one's mind," I huff, hopping up onto the lipped edge behind me. "One moment, Vayne was a caring, story-reading friend, and the next, he was murdering his own brothers to make way for his walk to the throne." I shake my head. "It all starts with an innocent taste, and it doesn't matter who you are and how strong your resolve is. Power always wins."