Journey for Espers - Chapter 1

Story by Celestial Arrow on SoFurry

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#3 of Espers


Let me start out by saying this is my first story every here (or anywhere really), so any feedback in much appreciated. That being said, I should note this story is set in the Final Fantasy World of Ivalice with the terrian being that of Final Fantasy XII before the game itsself. Several other things are picked from various other Final Fantasy's as well.

Also, I do not own anything related to Square or Final Fantasy and make no money from it and this is purely a fantasy work. This chapter contains no yiff but some minor violence. The chapters are kinda shortish, but are easier to write that way. Please enjoy, chapter 2 will be ready soon.

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Chapter One - The Wood

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"I thought you did not travel outside the wood?" A soft voice said, reaching out a pure white furred hand and gently grasping the goblet of wine. It was brought to a pair of gentle lips, which smiled as it drunk softly. "Visionz Hare Wine? Why so special?"

The elder viera looked sternly at her guest, eyes glimmering with annoyance. Her body language was stiff, yet a small aura of anger emanated from her. She shook her white locks. "You think this a joke?"

"No," the voice said standing, white robes billowing as they did and slowly slipping from the figure's frame. The white fox's face was stern and unblinking with metallic purple bangs obscuring the piercing emerald eyes. The hair continued flowing along the back unrestrained to middle of the back where a ribbon laid tied, and another few inches extended beyond that.

"No?" The viera questioned taken aback by seeing the sudden movement from the fox, her hand instinctively reaching for a weapon she didn't have on her. Her dark stare traced over her similarly unarmed guest, taking in the high black stiletto boots, not so different from the heels worn by her own people, and up the brown pants, slits cut in the side revealing more white fur, but cover with a delicate double X pattern. Up the lean revealed stomach that looked soft but not quiet squishy to the white sleeveless tunic top, buttoned up the front, but low enough to reveal another patch of bushy purple through the plunging neckline.

"No," he said, his voice no longer holding it's polite tone. He took the flowing white robe marked with red triangle around the hems of the sleeves, coat and hood marking him as a White Mage. "I might not be able to hear the Green Word, but I am not as ignorant as you think. Visionz Wine is only granted to a non-Viera when they have need of that persons help, and now you tell me you wish me to escort one of your kind outside the Wood? This is most peculiar and I would like answers."

To his surprise, the elder gave a cocky half smile. "Clever. Tis knowledge of our customs quiet uncommon you know. Very well, I asked your help so myself I shall explain. But all the details, I cannot reveal."

"Very well," the male said softly, sitting back down in the chair and crossing his legs, paws resting gently in his lap. "I do not understand why you wish I to do it. Surely a knight or fighter would be better suited, or your own archers perhaps?"

She smiled in a defeated sort of way as she sat down heavily at her chair. "Yes. Our Wood Warders are quiet capable in their own right. But as of late pack of Marboro Lords prowls our walks. The stench is much for us to take, even at a distance. To make matters worse a Vorpal Bunny has been wreaking chaos, taking advantage of our weakness to the smell."

"I see. I did wonder myself what that stench was. So you want me to accompany this Viera to the nearest tavern, so she can post a bill for it's slaughter I assume?" He said leaning back, taking a sip from his wine.

"Yes," the village elder said quiet surprised. "You catch on quiet quick. I cannot expose our Warders to the stench, but a single person to post a bill shall suffice. However, I worry should they encounter the Malboro or Bunny, or worse yet both together. The Putrid Breath and stink would overwhelm them. Though you..."

"I, being a White Mage, could remove the ill effects of the Breath and bring your page to her sense's should the need arise. Though what about my own protection?" He said quiet bluntly, his tail giving a twitch.

"And what of it?" This time she smiled genuinely. "You think my senses so dull that I cannot hear the mist swirl around you. Evoker?"

The fox smiled back happily. "No. I just wondered when you would mention it." He stood up slowly and made a kind bow. "Alright. I will accept your request. I appreciate your generosity and allowance of my presence in your wood."

The viera nodded softly. "Your aide is appreciated. I do not need to tell you keep this Village's location to yourself or the day may come when an enemy on our doorstep you be." She stood and walked to a large trunk, and rummaged through it. She returned with small glyph stone, and a bow and quiver of arrows. "The stone will allow you to find the path again and mark you as a village ally. You and anyone you bring with you will be allowed entrance, but do not abuse it. This bow is a token of thanks for your service."

He bowed again before taking it gently and placed it on the table, before walking over to the door and grabbing his pack. He added them to it and smiled as he pulled his coat around him. "Yote, let's meet under friendlier circumstances next time."

Yote looked surprised, but her gaze quickly softened. "How do you know my name?"

The fox walked over to the door leading out to the village, paw on the handle. "I know a viera or two who have shared knowledge with me while I tended their wounds. They said you are very strict, but care deeply for your people, and I must agree."

Yote waved him off, but a small blush grazed her face. "You can pick up your weapons at the gate and Mjter will be waiting for you as well. Equip yourself well, our weapons are top quality. Take care of her, Kelly."

"I will. Until next time." He gave another small bow before turning on his heel and striding out the door and into the fresh air. Even this deep in the forest, behind the protective enchantments of the viera, the tainted smell of the Malboro gently wafted on the air. The other viera still distrusted him, but seemed to have a mild curiosity about him.

He tread along the tree strewn paths, ignoring the sidelong glances as he passed by. He was prepared mostly, but decided a stop by the apothecary wouldn't hurt. He passed through the curtain and into the tree trunk that served as a store. The Salver Maker behind the counter kept a calm face as he entered, standing slowly and addressing him. "What do you need, sir?"

Kelly laughed softly, raising his paw and waving it softly. "Please, don't call me sir. Just Kelly. Do you have any spare Echo Herbs and maybe some Ether?"

She managed a small smile and fetched a few bunches of herbs and three bottles of Ether and set them on the counter. "Ten bunches of herbs and three bottles. Is that satisfactory?"

Kelly pulled out a leather pouch full of coin, and pulled out a proper amount and laying it on the counter. "That is fine. If I am right...1200 gil correct?"

The viera looked a little surprise, but nodded. "Yes. Quiet correct. Thank you for your business," she said, wrapping the vials and herbs in to parcels of parchment. "Have a safe journey."

He nodded softly and turned to exit, putting the items in the bag over his shoulder. It wasn't too far of a walk to the entrance of the village. A tall Salve Maker sat on a stump nearby, her silver hair up in a large ponytail, clawed hands folded in her lap. Unsurprisingly she still wore her lacy garb of the Salve Maker instead of more protective armor.

She stood as he approached, using a staff to help herself up and holding a sheathed sword in her other hand. She presented both to him. "Your equipment. I polished them while I waited."

Kelly took the sheathed Silver Rapier and tied it at his waist before taking the Serpent Rod into his hand, admiring it's fine finish. "Thank you, Mjter. You did a lovely job. You could be an arms smith."

The viera relaxed noticeably, and actually smiled. "Thank you. I am quiet content with my position as a Salve Maker though. Shall we take our leave?"

The fox nodded and started walking, the gate opening to let them pass without a sound. "Mjter. I am not your leader, nor do I have any control over you. However, I am responsible for you on this journey. In battle, if I issue an order, it is imperative you listen. Otherwise you may find yourself in danger. Do you understand?"

Mjter turned at looked at him with angry eyes, but nodded. "Though I do not like to do so, I shall for the sake of the village. Let us be off." She strode in front of him, knowing her way through the woods better then her company, though her knowledge ended at woods edge.