Finally, the ruckus was over . But the results of that contest was sure to cause excitement throughout the city .

Jupiter Merlo – one of the Mighty Ten – lost to a nameless outsider . Not only did it send a shock through the younger generation, it drew a lot of attention from many of the city’s forces .  

Most pleasantly surprised by the outcome was Noah Argyris . The hope had been merely to solidify a union . All Lance had to do was not cause too much trouble . What he never imagined was that this young man was so strong . With the right training he could grow to be a pillar of their great family .

Cloudhawk’s actions had all been calculated . He didn’t care about the kid, nor was he out to humiliate him so badly for so reason . What he wanted was to be part of this ‘Mighty Ten . ’ He figured it would help his mission if he were .

Noah and the other family leaders were getting on in years . It would be their priority to train Lance, cultivating him for eventual leaders.h.i.+p . What Cloudhawk lacked was an in with the military . He needed a way to convince them to send him to Sky Fortress .

The Argyris family was one of the biggest in Stormford . They had people in all levels of the army . With a word they would get him in . He wouldn’t even need to fight – just kick around for a little while to raise his profile .  

Another mark on his record, another step closer to Sky Fortress .

Idonea’s curiosity got the better of her . “You don’t seem all that strong . How were you able to beat Jupiter?”

“Which do you think is stronger, a wolf or a cow? Strength isn’t the only ingredient for victory . The only way it is, is if you are greatly superior in strength . Otherwise you could always change the outcome with skill . ”

She was absorbed in thought . Throughout her training, Idonea had focused on increasing her mental power . Seeing how Cloudhawk had defeated Jupiter was inspiring and had her questioning her tactics . Mental strength alone wasn’t enough . She also had to improve her skills and experience .

The Crusade was the perfect chance . She could search for her father while making herself a better warrior . It was obvious to her that if she wanted to protect herself from being pushed around, she had to be strong enough to stand up to people .

“You sure are an interesting one . ” She looked him over . “You’re not a weakling and definitely have what it takes to amount to something . Unfortunately it doesn’t seem you’ve done yourself any favors in the public eye . ”

It was nonsense of course . The real Lance probably would have cowered behind Idonea today if he were here . But Cloudhawk didn’t need to overly inflate himself . So he replied dismissively . “Our life belongs to us – you can only live for yourself . What does it matter what other people think? We draw breath for only a handful of years . After a few centuries we’re nothing but a speck of light, a mote of dust . Might as well enjoy it while it lasts, right?”

“I don’t agree with that at all!” Idonea’s face grew solemn and she spoke with earnest . “Our lives are our own, but we have family and loved ones to think about . There are plenty of people who rely on us . Even dust has worth . We can’t just cast aside all of that responsibility and live only for ourselves . Without them to live it with us, what’s the point?”

“Oh?”

Cloudhawk was mostly spouting bulls.h.i.+t . However, it seemed it’d struck a chord with this sixteen year old girl . Obviously there was more going on in her head than he had thought .

In the end there was no right answer . At the end of the day everyone made their own choices about how to live their lives . Spurning the losers and praising the idealists didn’t mean anything . Pursuing one’s goals unerringly was difficult, nor was it easy to completely free oneself from enticing pleasures . No more worth was given to one or the other – they were just differing att.i.tudes .

… but what bulls.h.i.+t, really . If Cloudhawk had a choice he sure as s.h.i.+t wouldn’t be here . He was strong enough to go wherever and do whatever he wanted . If he could really make that choice, no one would ever find him .

“Let’s drop it . ” Cloudhawk wasn’t in the mood to discuss philosophical issues with this kid . “The wedding is in two days . What do you plan to do with your final hours as a single woman?”

Her eyes widened . “Our wedding is fake, remember! The whole thing will be forgotten once I find my father . ”

“I know, I know . You don’t need to remind me every five minutes . Honestly I have no interest in you that way . ”

“You’re such a b.a.s.t.a.r.d! I’ll kick your a.s.s!”

She grabbed the closest thing within reach – something hanging on the nearby wall – and flung it at him . Cloudhawk lazily knocked it away . It was a flute, one of many used the Stormford’s arts culture and so not valuable . It was a delicate instrument . Cloudhawk took a minute to look it over, admiring its construction .

“What are you doing?” Idonea glared at him . “You aren’t going to tell me you can play that thing . ”

“I learned a little to help me impress the ladies . ”

“You really are a pig . ”

Cloudhawk walked over to the window, put the flute to his lips and gave a gentle blow . A couple inelegant tones were released .

This boastful fool, Idonea thought to herself .  He thinks he can just pick it up and impress her? He’s just a playboy, what culture does he really know? But much to her surprise, after a few clumsy tries the music took on a pleasing flow .

A slow rhythm gradually formed . It was at once lonesome and vigorous, calling to mind a vast and empty landscape . Sad, solemn and stirring . Idonea listened in silence, looking at him with new eyes . A strange feeling came over her, one she couldn’t quite express . There was a lot more to this man than the stories told, but he still just looked like any other soft n.o.ble .

Cloudhawk finished the piece and glanced her way . “What do you think?”

“What was the name of that piece?” She asked . “I haven’t heard it before . ”

His response was quiet, thoughtful . “Sands of the Wasteland . I’d be surprised if you had heard it . ”

What Elysian would know or understand the culture of the wastes? Of course it wouldn’t be popular . Even if it somehow made its way all the way out here, the style and feel didn’t meld with theirs . How could Idonea know this song came from a distant no man’s land and the ruined G.o.dly realm at its border?

Cloudhawk looked out across the city, draped in moonlight . It’d already been several days since he left . He wondered how his friends were doing…

Idonea was right, in a way . There were limits in life . Cloudhawk had the power for freedom but companions to look after . With them came responsibilities that he couldn’t ignore .

The eagle was earthbound .

Two days later, Lance Nilam from Byzantium and Idonea Argyris from Fulmulta were married in the capital’s Temple . It was all rushed through for fear that the bride and groom might change their mind . The ceremony was efficient . Luckily for everyone involved, there was no trouble . Neither Lance nor Idonea caused a fuss . Before long it had come to the final reception .

Within the Temple’s beautiful and intricate halls were two people dressed in wedding garb . Several hundred guests hovered around them . A Master of Ceremonies called out over the festive din . “Let us all welcome the honorable Oracle to bless the new couple!”

Everyone rose and fell quiet . The Oracle was among the Temple’s highest authority, second only to the High Priest . Even the city’s Governor and Commander-General had to pay them respect . It was an honor, and a show of deep respect, for the Oracle to personally bless this union .

An elderly man in silvery-white robes like folds of moonlight stepped forward .  

“All praise to the G.o.ds . I am greatly heartened to see this pair of talented young people coming together in holy matrimony . Their capabilities and potential bode well for the future of our home . However, what really brings me joy is the decision they have made . ”

The Oracle paused for effect before continuing .

“The city’s newest bride and groom have chosen to pledge themselves to our Holy Crusade . When this ceremony has ended they will report for duty and take their places on the front lines, fighting for the glory of Mount Sumeru . Without question, their n.o.ble and glorious acts are a s.h.i.+ning example for all . May it guide more young people to take up arms against the evils of the world . ”

“May the realm grow in peace and prosperity!” The Oracle raised his arms . “May the G.o.ds bless this beautiful couple!”

Cheers answered . Idonea looked out at the sea of smiling faces and then at the many by her side . It was difficult to read what was in her eyes .

Cloudhawk, meanwhile, was getting tired . While his progress had been smooth it had not been progressing to his liking . The flames of war were growing and it felt like he was like trying to smother it in paper . What’s more, he wasn’t sure how long he could keep up this charade . The mission had to be completed as quickly as possible and by any means necessary . Skycloud’s days were numbered .

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