Scene 2.0: Eorzea, Ul'dah, Evening, Age: 22 Years Before The Seventh Umbral Calamity
Marcello guides Venase & Khadagan through the Steps of Thal and away from the inns located in the East of the Steps of Nald as he leads them through the Slums of Pearl Lane which infuriates Venase because she believes Marcello must have done something illegal to end up in the worse part of all of Ul'dah. Marcello stands in front of Jewelry Shop that is giving out a nice smell of home-cooking both Venase & Khadagan haven't smelled in ages that their stomachs started rumbling. They blush heavily and are ready to attack Marcello if he said something, but he didn't even turn towards them which they believe he is more of a Gentleman than they thought; only for Marcello quietly snickering and making sure he isn't found out. He knocks on the door and a beautiful young Hyur Woman with a bubbly personality opens the door, but her smile turns serious upon laying eyes on Marcello as she was expecting someone else.
Marcello:
(Nervous Smile)
Good Evening, Julyan-Sama. May we come in?
Julyan:
[Full Name: Julyan Manderville. Race: Hyur (Midlander). Age: Unknown. Job Class: CUL/WAR]
(Profiling Venase & Khadagan)
You said 1 Girl, why I see 2?
Marcello:
Well…
Venase:
My name is Venase Zenobia and I am Marcello's Childhood Friend. This is my friend, Khadagan Mol who is part of our team for the Mythril Cup.
Julyan:
You'll need a 4th. A Trio is allowed, but it is recommended to do a Light Party of 4 in order to compete in the Team Battle portion of the Mythril Cup.
Marcello:
I believe the 3 of us will do. Thanks to your help, I can take on any Tankbuster anyone can throw at me. Venase is a powerful Mage and Healer and Khadagan is a strong DPS.
Julyan:
Not going to lie, your Viera Friend does looks healthy enough to posses large amount of Mana and how muscular your Au Ra is, she can put up a fight even with the current Champion and Guildmaster of the Pugilist Guild, Hamon Holyfist.
Marcello:
Yeah, I fought Hamon a few years ago after Venase left for Limsa. That was the day Godbert-San asked me to come live here.
Venase:
So you started living here right after I left?
Julyan:
He has. I will be honest, I wanted to kick him out as soon as I saw him, but after Godbert vouched for him and after he help bring my Hildy to this star sometime after, I'm glad I did keep him around.
(Blushing)
Nevertheless…he reminds me of Godbert when he was young. A True Gentleman with A Reckless Streak to him. Before I became a housewife, I was an Adventurer myself that I was called "The Golden Turmoil". I have to put that Meathead of my Husband in his place for every bad decision he makes. Looking at your 2 friends here, they seem like strong and powerful women that will whip you into shape just like I have with Godbert. The question is – Which One Will Be Your Bride?
Venase:
(Terrified, Thinking)
THE GOLDEN TURMOIL!?!?!? MARCELLO IS LIVING WITH THE MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN IN ALL OF EORZEA!?!?!? WAIT!!! They did mentioned the name "Godbert" a couple of times…If this is the case, then we must be in the presence of—
Khadagan:
(Annoyed Scoff)
Me and this buffoon!? Never!
Marcello:
(Teasing Smile)
Careful! Hydaelyn will see that as a challenge.
Khadagan:
My Goddess is The Dusk Mother, Nhaama! I do NOT answer to Hydaelyn! But if I have to worship one of your Twelve Gods, I will side with The Fury, Helone!
Marcello:
What a coincidence. I worship Azeyma. You worship the Goddess located in a Cold Location, I worship one in a Hot Location.
??? (Gentlemanly Voice):
Well! It seems we arrived just in time.
??? (Baby's Voice):
(Excited)
Marco!
Marcello:
(Smiling)
Godbert-San. Hildy!
Godbert:
[Full Name: Godbert Manderville. Race: Hyur (Highlander). Age: Unknown. Job Class: Goldsmith]
Welcome back Marcello, my boy. Didn't you say you were getting your "One" Childhood Friend?
Marcello:
As I explained to Julyan-Sama, this is Venase's Friend who she met before getting here, Khadagan Mol.
Godbert:
A Viera and an Au Ra…I see they posses a high degree of talent just like you, my boy.
[Baby] Hildibrand:
(Cooing Happily)
Godbert:
(Hearty Laugh)
Looks like Hildy likes you just like he likes Marcello. Of course he calls him Marco, but that's his way of accepting others. I wouldn't be surprised if he have names for you 2.
Venase:
(Out Loud, Smiling)
I would not mind being called Big Sister.
Khadagan:
(Nervous Smile)
I'm not good with children.
Julyan:
(Smiling)
Not right now, but I can assure you that you will before you notice. I used to be like you. Not good with little urchins either.
Venase:
(Thinking)
That is an understatement especially that you used to be known as The Golden Turmoil. The Beast of the Marauder's Guild whose Rage could never be quelled until she was tamed by a mild-mannered Goldsmith – Godbert Manderville. She was also known as the "Chef of Death" at the Culinarian's Guild as her cooking as been considered the worse of the entire continent of Eorzea that would give Hydaelyn food poisoning. You were feared by all if they crossed you – Both In The Battlefield & The Kitchen.
Khadagan:
(Amused Scoff)
Please…I'm not interested. I'll live life as a Dragoon and I'll die as a Dragoon.
Julyan:
(Laughing Out Loud)
Khadagan:
(Confused)
Huh?
Godbert:
(Chuckles)
You'll understand one day just as we have. Now let us go in. Dinner is getting cold and we shouldn't let it go to waste.
Julyan:
(Annoyed Smile)
Indeed. I will punish you all if it does goes to waste!
With that remark, Godbert holding baby Hildibrand, Marcello and surprisingly Venase rush to get into the house, leaving Khadagan confused of what is going on and why they looked so scared. Runa is in shock as she can't believe that her parents knew the Mandervilles; she was about to confront Luminescence on that fact only for the devil to shush the Au Ra in order to continue watching how everything goes. Runa sees this setting of everyone at the table and can't help but remember being in her parent's orphanage with the kids and her childhood friends eating at the table; having fun at the table eating dinner with everyone, laughing like a loving family that even Runa remembers how much she loved and looked up to both of her parents equally which includes her father, Marcello whom she back then was a Daddy's Girl loving her Doting Father unconditionally as she deep down wishes that time never ended. Luminescence notices this and decides not tease her as she is feeling nostalgic herself on the memories of her own past life with her friends. Venase is hesitant in eating Julyan's cooking after what she has heard in Limsa, but seeing how Marcello & Khadagan are enjoying themselves with glee, she takes a risk and takes a bite of Julyan's cooking. She is surprised that it's not what the stories she has heard from the Culinarian Guild, but aside of her fears of getting food poisoning, she enjoys seeing both Marcello & Khadagan eating their food in a similar manner as children: Putting The Food In Their Mouths, Moving It In There And Swallow It Without Chewing It Thoroughly. Funny enough, Venase also notices that both Godbert and his infant son, Hildibrand eat in the same manner that she wonders if powerful and talented people are also just as reckless when it comes to food as the Viera is eating her food in a very ladylike manner.
Julyan:
I know this is not the place to talk about this but since we did not expect a second guest, I'm afraid that for now Khadagan will be sharing the room and bed I set for Venase.
Venase:
(Blushing, Smiling)
I was planning on making the offer even if you did not bring it up.
(Thinking)
YES!!! Thank you for saying that! I can now see Khadagan's Naked Body…Small Clothes at best. Have a better look at her toned body, cope a feel or even hold her closely while we're in bed. I know it's a longshot but what are the chances she'll reciprocate my advances.
(Out Loud, Perverted Smile)
Fufufu.
Marcello:
(Thinking, Ashamed Sigh, Notices Venase's Soft Sly Laughter)
Venase…
(Out Loud, Smiling)
Khadagan can take my room until you have the other room ready. I'll sleep in the living room until then.
Khadagan:
I do not want to impose.
Marcello:
(Wide Smile)
Nonsense! It is my Duty to do so as a Gentleman, especially as a Manderville Man.
Godbert:
Well Met, My Boy!
[Baby] Hildibrand:
(Happy Cooing)
Julyan:
(Smiling)
Alright, alright. I'll allow it.
Marcello:
My bed is pretty big and comfy that you'll have a good night's rest. You deserve it since you are wearing such light armor. I assume that you prioritize Dexterity over Defense.
Khadagan:
I do. All armors I have worn in Eorzea doesn't feel like Ishgardian Armors. The materials that Eorzean Armors are made feels like it prioritize Power and Defense, but lacks Flexibility to actually move around.
Godbert:
That is quite understandable, my dear. I have been studying the differences between Eorzea and Ishgard materials for their crafting. I even decided to look into Doma and Garlemald. I noticed that the Ishgardian armors and weapons are lighter that even a young boy can wield it, but sturdy enough to pierce the hide of a Dragon. I heard rumors that the Garleans had an order that wielded weapons that had the same properties as the Ishgard's Dragoons, but they were lost after this order attempted to assassinate the Emperor because he was prioritizing Magitek over them.
Khadagan:
Why? If this order was as powerful as the Dragoons of Ishgard, why the Emperor would want to prioritize Magitek over power like that?
Julyan:
Maybe it's because one of the standout reasons for that is that this order heavily relies on the power of the Voidsent and Emperor Solus saw that as dangerous, so he prioritized Magitek instead. The assassination attempt just accelerated the process, but this is me speculating as I would have done the same thing. Relying on Voidsent is not a long-term safe practice.
Khadagan:
(Shocked)
Using Voidsent!? I'll be honest that I have no love for the Garlean Empire, but I respect Emperor Solus for putting a stop to it.
Marcello:
This is going to sound controversial on my part, but I'm glad Solus is still alive. I heard his son, Titus is far more militaristic than his father. Not to mention his grandson, Varis is moving up the ranks just as fast as his grandfather and he's around my same age. If Solus actually did get assassinated, a Civil War could take place and comparing the level of Charisma between Titus & Varis, Varis have a higher chance to be the next emperor than Titus.
Godbert:
I agree with that assessment.
Julyan:
Same for me and that is a scary idea. Enough of this. Let's change the conversation before the food spoils with all of this talk about the empire.
Runa thinks of the conversation everyone just had about a Civil War within the Empire between Varis and Titus which surprisingly enough, they were not far off on that conjecture. Later that night in the living room after dinner and a bath, Venase confronts Marcello on him giving Khadagan his room, but Marcello states that if he allowed their new Au Ra friend be in the same room with Venase, she would take advantage of Khadagan and the chances of the Au Ra falling in love with him will all but assured; as he lays out all of the long term possibilities if the Viera goes through with sharing her room and since she's a woman of logic, she conceives with his reasoning. The next day, Marcello, out of habit heads to the bathroom with only just a towel on his person and enters it unknowingly that Khadagan is already there stark naked about to get dressed after bathing in there, as he is used to entering the bathroom at 6 AM since Godbert & Julyan are already working the shop and Venase always get up early for her meditation ritual which she usually takes 3 hours which ends at 7 AM in order to fortify her mind from her vices. As soon as Marcello & Khadagan make eye-contact, it was already too late as they are both naked in each other's presence. Instead of screaming in shame & fear, Khadagan grabs one of her gauntlets and punches Marcello out of the bathroom in a rush. Without his towel that he is forced to stay hidden until Khadagan gets out, so he gets in and continue his routine. After eating breakfast, Marcello invites Venase & Khadagan to show them around the Real Ul'dah that Venase never got to experience before she left to Limsa Lominsa. At first Venase didn't want to, but since Khadagan is the curious & adventurous type, the Au Ra agrees to Marcello being her tour guide, so Venase decides to accompany them in order not to allow Khadagan give Marcello any affection points along the way that can go to her instead.
Luminescence & Runa walk closely alongside the trio as ghosts to see what they experienced that day, but as Runa walks besides them, something inside her fills her heart with sorrow & longing. As they walk around the entirety of Ul'dah, everyone from Hyur to Miqo'te to Roegadyn to Elezen to Lalafell greets Marcello as if he is a celebrity and just like baby Hildibrand, they all call him "Marco" which makes not only Khadagan & Venase laugh, but Runa as well. Marcello isn't bothered as he is already used to the name and somehow seeing the people of Ul'dah interacting with her father, makes her feel somewhat proud of him that she forgets the indifference she feels towards him as she smiles on how carefree he was in his youth. As they move around the city, the women there fawn over Marcello while the men are hitting on or proposing to both Khadagan & Venase only for them to cling tightly to Marcello's arms in order to scare all of them away and even scare the women flirting with Marcello, even though Khadagan is not attracted to the Highlander…Yet. But along the way, Runa notices that Marcello does have some enemies as he arrives with the girls at Adventurer's Guild and in there, his rivals brag that they have Pure Mythril Armor and Weapons they got from a talented Blacksmith/Armorer from Limsa that they will not lose to him this time around. However, Khadagan has a keen eye on armors & weapons that she notices that that there is a critical weakness to them, but doesn't tell them as she will use this knowledge beat them; nevertheless she does share this revelation with Venase and begrudgingly to Marcello as she is still angry with him for what happened that morning and after witnessing how many people look up & respect him, she decided not to shatter everyone's opinion of him if he loses to these distasteful adventurers.
Seeing this interaction between them makes Runa remind her of her own time with the Scions and everyone she has met throughout her life as they are planning on how they will win the Mythril Cup. Since Marcello has been in Ul'dah longer than Venase, he tells the girls of all the potential participants for the tournament. Hamon Holyfist, Guildmaster of the Pugilist's Guild; Master Swordsong, Guildmaster of the Gladiator's Guild; and Mumuepo, Guildmaster of the Thaumaturge's Guild. He tells them that Hamon Holyfist is an adaptive fighter, the longer the fight goes on, the stronger, faster & smarter he becomes as he uses this time to study the differences between himself and his opponent; this gives him an edge to win the fight. They need to finish the fight against him as soon as possible before he can adapt and not to worry about severely injuring him as his body is as tough as an Adamantoise. The First Sword, Master Swordsong was Marcello's Former Teacher; his Fortitude & Stamina makes him a a very tough opponent to face head-on. The only way to beat him is to resort using Guerrilla Tactics and attack his blind-spots, but beware of his "Total Eclipse" Attack as he uses that to repel enemies whether he is surrounded or anyone is trying to exploit his blind-spots. He have a "Tempered Will" Skill which immediately cures Bind & Heavy, while preventing most knockback and draw-in effects; A Secret technique he refuses to teach anyone as it is part of his Family Legacy. But the one they need to be careful fighting against is Mumuepo, for he is as powerful as the Black Mage Ququruka who is right now imprisoned within the Marasaja Pit. There are rumors that Mumuepo is into Necromancy and he has committed crimes against the Sultansworn, the young Sasabal Ul Sisibal who Marcello brags he works as his bodyguard from time to time which both Khadagan & Venase finds this bragging attitude of his infuriating. However, upon hearing Marcello speaking of Sasabal Ul Sisibal, a hooded Lalafell approaches the party…
??? [Male Lalafell]:
I knew I recognized that oafish laughter.
Marcello:
(Smiling)
Kilirio! How fare you today!?
Kilirio:
[Real Name: Sasabal Ul Sisibal. Race: Lalafell (Dunesfolk). Age: 20. Job Class: Red Mage]
(Teasing Yet Annoyed Smile)
Marcello, are you speaking ill of the Sultan again?
Marcello:
(Laughing)
As if! I love the little bugger. He is the reason I still want to live here in Ul'dah.
Kilirio:
(Raises Eyebrow In Doubt)
Ujum…So which of these fine young ladies is your childhood friend?
Marcello:
The Viera. I met Khadagan yesterday.
Kilirio:
I assume you are all joining the Mythril Cup. I will be honest here, overheard you talking about Mumuepo. You do realize there is no evidence to incriminate him especially that he is the Guildmaster of the most powerful guild in all of Ul'dah.
Marcello:
Even if that is true, that doesn't mean he is not involved in something shady.
Kilirio:
(Sighs)
I tend to agree. Something about him is really off as he is trifling with forbidden knowledge that was abolished after the end of the War of the Sisters.
Marcello:
You mean "Trader's Spurn".
Kilirio:
(Panicking, Loud Shush, Whispering, Angry)
Are you trying to be arrested by the Brass Blades for terrorism against the Sultanate!?
Marcello:
(Nervous Chuckle, Whispering)
I keep forgetting that we are not allowed to speak about "That" publicly.
Kilirio:
(Annoyed Sigh, Out Loud)
So long as you understand.
Venase:
Excuse me Kilirio-San, but what you do for a living?
Kilirio:
(Bragging Attitude, Standing Proud)
I am but a Humble Merchant. I also dabble in Red Magic.
Venase:
Are you acquainted with the Crimson Duelists?
Kilirio:
I used to know one, but he was murdered by a traitor among their ranks during the Fall of Ala Mhigo and the rise of the Garlean Takeover of the land. Speaking of Ala Mhigo…Marcello. Beware of Raubahn Aldynn. For he is taking part in the tournament.
Marcello:
(Surprised, Worried, Out Loud)
The Bull of Ala Mhigo!? I heard he has made a name for himself in the Ala Mhigo Civil War and the War against the Empire as well as in the Coliseum. But to take part in the Mythril Cup? I'm actually curious of his strength. I heard that he was sentenced to be part of the Bloodsands. Why is he in this tournament?
Kilirio:
The Sultan has seen how powerful he is and wants to grant him his freedom if he wins the Tournament. Hopeful that he'll take a high position within either the Brass Blades or the Immortal Flames.
Marcello:
His Gyr Abania's Bladedancing techniques does make me curious if I can win. As talented as I am with my ability to anticipate enemy attacks and finding weaknesses, I do not think I can win against him if I cannot find a hole in him, technique or physical.
Venase:
What about Mental Weakness?
Marcello:
Mental Weakness…From what I have noticed, attacking him mentally is a big mistake. Raubahn is also a Berserker. The angrier he gets, the more powerful he becomes, making him a very dangerous opponent to deal with in a heated battle.
Khadagan:
Is that so? Then that means our Guerrilla Tactic Strategies will not work against him. The only way to win against him is to overpower him, is what you are saying.
Marcello:
Unfortunately that is the case. There is a reason he is called "The Bull of Ala Mhigo". That man has yet to lose a fight ever since he was thrown to the Bloodsands of the Coliseum. I have seen him fight and I still cannot figure a way to win against him.
Khadagan:
So we will be fighting a man with no weaknesses. It appears we will not be winning this tournament.
Venase:
If I face him early, I might be able to subdue him with my magic.
Kilirio:
Not possible.
Venase:
I beg your pardon?
Kilirio:
Many Casters and Healers faced off against Raubahn and they all failed to overpower him, even as a Full Party, Raubahn still came up top of it all.
Khadagan:
(Surprised)
8 People failed to subdue 1 Mere Man!?
Kilirio:
There is nothing mere on a man that is driven by his resolve, convictions and determination to liberate his homeland.
Khadagan:
(Amused Scoff, Remembering Her Friends & Family)
I sympathize with the man. I look forward to fighting him.
Kilirio:
But that is enough of this talk. Marcello! I came here for you to keep your promise to me and assist me in my endeavor.
Marcello:
(Smiling)
Oh, yeah! I did promise to help you with that! Sorry girls, but I promised Kilirio with his dilemma. I'll show you around more later. See ya around.
As soon as they are out of ear's range, Kilirio kicks Marcello in the shin, annoyed that Marcello took everything as a joke as he always does and dared speak of things that has been outlawed by the Syndicate & Monetarists that controls Ul'dah instead of him, the Sultansworn. Marcello asks if the reason he wants to give Raubahn his freedom if he wins the Mythril Cup is to stick it to those who believe they stand above and have more power than the Sultansworn. No leader should tolerate such treason & insurrection coming from people, thinking they are above the Sultansworn because they have their pockets lined with gold & jewels they help with making laws and thinking they are above repercussions & accountability for their crimes. So the answer is yes, Kilirio who is in reality, Sasabal Ul Sisibal, The Sultan of Ul'dah wants to remove the Monetarists from the Syndicate and all positions of power within the Ul'dahn Government and prosecute them as traitors to the Sultansworn. Marcello laughs as he says he won't ruin Sasabal's plan to remove the chaff out of the Syndicate, but he also admits he won't hold back when he faces off against Raubahn and he knows he will face off against him as he has figured out how to defeat everyone else in the tournament with the only exception being Raubahn himself, as he has stated that he cannot think of any way on how to defeat him. Runa is once again staggered into shock: Not only her father is acquainted with the Mandervilles, but with Nanamo's Father, Hamon and Raubahn too. Luminescence can't help but to laugh hysterically seeing Runa shocked that her father isn't a "Deadbeat" as she thought he was, but in reality he was a unique man with a Charisma similar to the Mandervilles.
Marcello and Sasabal arrives in front of a shop, but before they enter it, Marcello notices that Sasabal is panicking while he fixing his hair, checking if he shaved well, not having a hair out of place or having marks that shouldn't be there that Marcello teases Sasabal by saying "Hi, Nanasha" that Sasabal screams in fear that Marcello can't help but laugh hysterically. Sasabal calls out and insults his friend only for the door of the shop to open, forcing Sasabal to hide behind the laughing Marcello. The one who opened the door is a beautiful Lalafell which Runa recognizes as Nanasha, Nanamo's Mother during the time they explored The Sil'dihn Subterrane. Nanasha is angry at Marcello for teasing Kilirio this hard, Marcello apologizes, but can't stop laughing that makes Nanasha pout at him. However someone calls Marcello to talk in private from around the corner, he said he'll talk with them later and to "Have Fun, Lovebirds" as they tell him off that it's not like that as they both blush profusely. Marcello meets up with the one calling him: Master Thaudour, Guildmaster of the Goldsmith's Guild.
Master Thaudour:
[Name: Thaudour. Race: Elezen (Wildwood). Age: 30. Job Class: Goldsmith]
Greetings, Marcello.
Marcello:
Master Thaudour? Is something wrong? Something happened to your sons?
Master Thaudour:
Not that. I heard you were taking part in the Mythril Cup and your opponents are not only the most prominent Guildmasters in all of Ul'dah, but also your rival adventurers, your childhood friend and the most dangerous of them all – The Bull of Ala Mhigo.
Marcello:
Yeah, I have my work cut out for me, don't I?
Master Thaudour:
I have some info on Mumuepo. He is in possession of the Heartstrike Artifact that can be used for necromancy.
Marcello:
(Angry)
I Freaking Knew It!!!
Master Thaudour:
Not only that. He has a deeper yet darker connection to everything that is happening to Ul'dah behind the shadows.
Marcello:
(Sarcastically)
Oh, I cannot wait to hear this.
Master Thaudour:
Mumuepo is working alongside the Monetarists in order to assert control over Ul'dah and undermine the Sultan.
Marcello:
(Furious)
Those Damned Whoresons!
Master Thaudour:
Please, Calm Down.
Marcello:
(Deep Sigh)
So…is there any good news?
Master Thaudour:
Unfortunately there is not. I came to warn you of Mumuepo's connection to the Monetarists. Most notably he's deeply connected to the young, Teledji Adeledji.
Marcello:
From what I heard he's around my age. The youngest member of the Syndicate not to mention one of the most wealthiest aside from Lord Lolorito Nanarito.
Master Thaudour:
You sound like you look up to Lord Lolorito.
Marcello:
I do and I deeply respect him. Did you know everyone calls Lady Julyan "The Worse Cook in Eorzea"?
Master Thaudour:
I heard snippets, but nothing concrete. Why are you involving Lord Lolorito with Manderville's Wife all of a sudden?
Marcello:
Did you know Lord Lolorito has another title than "Chairman of the East Aldenard Trading Company"?
Master Thaudour:
I was not aware of that. What is his other title?
Marcello:
"Chefsbane".
Master Thaudour:
(Shocked)
The Dreaded Food Critic In All of Eorzea!? That Chefsbane!?!?!?
Marcello:
(Laughing)
Bingo! He was the one who gave her the label as "The Worse Cook In Eorzea."
Master Thaudour:
I am afraid to ask…but how did Lord Lolorito survived her rampage?
Marcello:
Master Godbert was there to keep her at bay until Lord Lolorito got away to safety.
Master Thaudour:
Lucky him. Not so much for Godbert if he needed to calm her down.
Marcello:
You can say that again. Anyhoo…Lord Lolorito might be part of the Monetarists and he might be hated by many, but I refuse to believe he is working against the Sultansworn.
Master Thaudour:
I deep down hope your faith in Lord Lolorito is not a misplaced one, Marcello. Remember – Mumuepo is working with the Monetarists and it might not necessarily be Teledji Adeledji.
Marcello:
It is Teledji Adeledji. I have a very big hunch it is him leading the entourage against the Sultan.
Master Thaudour:
How can you be so sure without any evidence?
Marcello:
I know I am not the best judge of character, but…there is something about Teledji Adeledji that makes me not only distrust him greatly, but despise him with so much resentment towards him…
(Morbid & Ominous Stare)
…that I want to split him in half with my sword.
As Marcello reunites with Nanamo's Parents, Runa is disturbed to see her father hate someone so much that he wants to kill him, even if it's Teledji Adeledji who literally deserved his fate, but the way Marcello wanted to kill him gave her flashbacks on how Raubahn himself killed Teledji Adeledji when everyone thought that evil Lalafell poisoned Nanamo to death. Runa wonders that if all Highlanders become this furiously violent and resentful if they are pushed to the limit. This idea frightens her thinking her older sister, Nhaama going on a bloody rampage because someone crossed her that hard. After seeing her father like that, she also remembered something during Teledji Adeledji death: Raubahn was broken thinking Nanamo was dead as something in her subconscious is pushing its way out of her head that shook her to her very core…
***
Scene 2.1: Eorzea, Location: Unknown, Late Night, Age: A Few Months Before The Seventh Umbral Calamity
Runa remembers when she was 15 years old and it has been a few years since her mother, Khadagan Pendragon was murdered by a mysterious hooded figure resembling an Ascian, but with different colors & mask just like Elidibus, but different in so many ways as her father, Marcello was nowhere to be seen when Khadagan's murder is took place. Runa doesn't know what happened after the murder as the experience was so traumatic, she fainted before she learned on who saved her. It wasn't Nhaama since she was 10 years old while Runa was 5 years old during that tragic day and her big sister wasn't strong enough to defeat this person that somehow, even though he wasn't an Ascian, he was as powerful as one. As she is walking around her parent's orphanage late in the night to go to the bathroom and grab a glass of goat milk; suddenly she hears someone bawling their eyes out, since she is one of the managers of the orphanage and the only one awake at the moment, she decides to help whoever is in this much pain. Much to her shock, the sobbing is coming from her hated father's room. At first she wanted to walk away, but her curiosity got the better of her as she decides to sneak a peak through the crack of his door and make sure he doesn't notice her. If hearing her father crying his eyes out wasn't shocking enough, seeing bawling his eyes out in front of the painting of her mother, Khadagan holding Runa as a baby and Nhaama next to them smiling her kind & warm smile. Seeing him like this made Runa realize that her father faithfully and truly loves Khadagan & his daughters. If she already knew this, why is this very important memory hidden & suppressed deep down in the darkest corners of her subconsciousness all of these years? Suddenly, a familiar deep & monstrous laughter could be heard from deep within her core as she knows Luminescence cannot hear it, for it is the curse gaining sentience: Nidhogg Has Returned…
To Be Continued…