A/n: Just to clarify since this chapter does cover part of the Northreach storyline, Torgal is NOT with Clive and Lyra. He is with Jill and Cid in case people wonder where he is. Hope you all enjoy this next chapter! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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Leaving Lyra's room, the couple decided to check with Charon before leaving for the holy capital. The old woman glanced between the two. "So what gods-forsaken corner of the realm is Cid dragging you both off to this time?"

"Oriflamme," Clive answered.

"The Holy Capital!" Charon gaped in shock. "And what business would you lot have in—On second thoughts, I don't want to know."

"It probably is best to not know," Lyra said. She noticed the old woman's eyes drift down to her necklace and covered it. "Charon..."

"I know," Charon sighed. "The necklace's not for sale. Now get out of here."

Lyra laughed. "All right, all right."

As the couple walked away from the old woman, Clive glanced at Lyra. "What is this about the necklace?"

"Ever since I came to the hideaway and met Charon, she's been trying to buy the necklace you gave me. She would even raise the price of her offer whenever I was low on gil," she explained. "But I have refused every offer she has thrown my way."

"You could have sold it to help you these past thirteen years, but you didn't."

"Of course not. I cherish this necklace," she confessed. "Even if someone offered me a palace, I would not relinquish this necklace."

"Does it not remind you of that night?" Clive asked.

"It does, but..." She looked over at him with a smile. "To me, it represents our bond more than anything. It's because of this necklace that I was able to cling to the hope that you were still alive."

"Hearing you say that makes me overjoyed," he said, smiling. "Perhaps I will search for a matching pair of earrings."

She laughed. "I can't believe you remember me saying that. I truly thought you were going to pull more jewelry out of your pocket. But to speak from the heart, I prefer you remain at my side than be gifted all the finest jewelry Valisthea has to offer."

"I promise," he replied. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Good, because I'll haunt you if you disappear on me." Lyra grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the Fat Chocobo. "Now, to speak with Otto."

Clive and Lyra enter the Fat Chocobo. She released his hand as they approached the man. He had been expecting them.

"So you two are really going through with it?" Otto asked. "Cid's been talking about bringing down a Mothercrystal since I've known him...but that's all it's ever been—talk."

"Wow," Lyra crossed her arms. "Word travels fast."

"Only when it comes to Cid's crazy schemes."

"He's convinced it's the right thing to do. We'll be leaving for the capital shortly," Clive said.

"Well, you couldn't have picked a better moment. Seems the hiding the royalists gave him wasn't enough to dampen old Sylvestre's spirits. His legions are on the march again—this time due south."

"Another war?" Clive inquired.

"All as the great Greagor wills it. Bloodthirsty little miss, that one...but that's gods for you, innit?"

Lyra looked away at the mention of the gods. She didn't dare try to bring down a god that didn't exist when an entire nation of people worshipped her. Distancing herself a little, Clive was quick to notice and understood why.

Otto put his hands on his sides. "Still, might work to our advantage on this occasion. Wars breed chaos.
On the front lines and at home. With a fair wind behind them, a handful of like-minded ne'er-do-wells could melt into the back alleys of Oriflamme no trouble. It's making it to the capital that's the problem."

"The checkpoint," Clive said.

"That's right. Anyone traveling in or out of Oriflamme has to go through Northreach. And since Lady Edelweiss is wanted by order of His Radiance, you'll need all the help you can acquire. Lucky for you, I might just know of a way..." Otto pulled out a pouch and handed it to Clive.

Lyra knew what was in the pouch when she smelled the gentle scent emitting from it. She was able to understand who they would be searching for. "Ah, so we shall be seeking the aid of the Dame."

"Yes," Otto replied. "It's the Dame who'll see you both safely through Northreach. I'll send a stolas in the morning. Let her know you're coming. We go way back, and she's a true friend of the cause. I'm sure you'll get on like a house on fire."

"Quite an analogy," Lyra commented.

"She'll recognize you, my lady," he said. "And from what I've heard, she's tried to recruit you as one of her own."

"Heavens..." she groaned. "Please, don't remind me..."

"Who is this "Dame," to be more precise?" Clive asked.

"She's the proud proprietress of Northreach's foremost house of ill repute—the Veil," Otto answered. "And she's quite a woman, if you know what I mean. Lady Edelweiss knows who to look for."

Clive nodded. "Then I'll leave it to her."

Otto looked at Lyra. "I'll be expecting a full report when you get back."

"Understood. We shall see you when we return," she replied.

Having chatted with Charon and Otto, it was time to leave. They found Gav by the entrance to the hideaway and walked over to him.

The scout grinned at the two. "Well, well, well. You two are in a hurry."

"Just following orders," Clive replied.

"Funny, I never took you for the type."

"Can't all be as obedient as you, Gav."

Gav arched a brow. "...Eh?"

Both men started to laugh, which brought a smile to Lyra's face. It made her happy to see Clive becoming friends with many of the people who called the hideaway home.

Just then, Cid and Jill joined them.

"Fine day for a little mischief, wouldn't you say?" Cid asked with a mischievous smirk.

"Is this all of us?" Clive inquired.

"Actually, Gav won't be coming."

Jill glanced at the man. "Just the four of us, then?"

"Drake's Head is the keystone of the empire. Oriflamme's in chaos, yes, but that doesn't mean we can march an army through her gates. The fewer our numbers, the better our chances of going unnoticed. And should that plan fail, well, we have our Eikons and a real goddess to fall back on," Cid explained.

Clive lowered his head with a troubled expression. "Cid, I... I don't know if I can. Ifrit still seems to...come and go as he pleases."

Cid rubbed his chin. "Ordinarily, priming an Eikon comes naturally to a Dominant." He then cast a grin in Clive's direction. "But then you are no ordinary Dominant."

Gav crossed his arms with an admirable grin. "Well, he's still got the Blessing of the Phoenix, doesn't he?"

Cid patted the scout on the shoulder. "Not to mention what he sucked out of Garuda. And did I ever tell you about how he was once the greatest Shield in Rosaria? Y'know, I reckon he could probably cut us a path out of the capital on his own if need be."

Clive huffed out a chuckle. "Let's try not to find out."

"We're less likely to be spotted if we travel separately. Jill and I will meet you in Northreach in a few days." He then pointed at Clive and Lyra. "You two behave, now."

Clive was taken aback and glanced at Lyra.

On the other hand, Lyra asked, "Is there a "no touching" rule I should be worried about?"

This shocked Clive and caused Jill and Gav to laugh. Even Cid was amused by her question. He smirked at her. "You two are grown-ups. I trust you know what's appropriate when it's appropriate."

"Perhaps you have too much faith in us after all."

Cid laughed heartily and patted her on the shoulder. "Just try not to break him."

"Too late for that..." Gav muttered in amusement after seeing the perturbed look on Clive's face.

"I've got him. You two go on ahead," Lyra told Cid and Jill. She watched them leave with Torgal before placing a hand on Clive's arm, which drew his attention to her. "I was only poking a little fun. Let's go."

As Lyra exited the hideaway, Clive still remained where he stood due to shock.

Gav laughed and smacked him on the arm. "Looks like you've got your hands full with her, eh? You're a lucky man, Clive."

Snapping out of the shock, Clive smiled faintly. "She always makes any situation a worthwhile experience."

"Better not keep her waiting then."

Clive followed after the golden-haired woman. He found her waiting outside for him. "Are you ready?"

"I am. We should head straight for Northreach. I can take us directly there," Lyra said. "It'll be the quickest and safest way there."

Clive's interest was piqued. "More shapeshifting?"

She grinned. "Excellent guess. Are you all right with flying?"

"Yes."

Knowing this, she used her talismans to shapeshift into a griffin.

She shook her body and flexed her wings. Her long tail swished behind her as her emerald eyes focused on him. She was slightly taken aback when he placed a hand on her head and petted her. "My, why the sudden affection?"

"No reason in particular," Clive said. Then, he mounted her back and gripped the base of her neck. "Let's go."

The griffin dashed forward to get a running start. Once she was at a comfortable speed, she flapped her wings and took to the sky. Flying through the air across central Storm, she flew in the direction of Lostwing. She didn't land in the village and simply soared above to head further east. It wasn't until she flew into the Southern March did she swoop down to the ground and land.

Clive slid off her back and stroked the side of her neck. "Thank you, Lyra."

"I am always happy to help." She changed forms and now took the shape of a cat. Hopping onto his shoulder, she got comfortable. "Northreach isn't far from here. Once outside the gate, we'll search for the Dame."

"Then let's keep going."

With Lyra on his shoulder, Clive continued to Northreach. Having avoided the enemies in the area, it wasn't long before he saw their destination.

|| Northreach ||
|| Northern Sanbreque ||

"We made it..." Lyra sighed as they arrived in the cramped area outside the gate. It was packed with various merchants who could not pass the checkpoint. Her emerald eyes scanned the various people walking around. "She should be around here somewhere."

As Clive walked around, Lyra continued to look for the Dame. To her relief, she spotted her by herself in an area far from the checkpoint. "Over there, Clive."

He saw the woman in the colorful dress and walked over to her. He tried to be discreet as he addressed her. "A moment, my lady."

"A moment? I doubt you could afford even that much of my time, Branded," the Dame remarked.

"Now, now, Isabelle," Lyra spoke up. She hopped off Clive's shoulder and landed on the table. "I am certain Otto sent word of our arrival."

"Ah," Isabelle gazed at the cat. "It is good to see you again, Lyra. Though, I prefer to see your other form. Such exquisite beauty..."

"Clive," Lyra called out to the man. "The pouch. Give it to Isabelle."

Clive did as the feline commanded.

The Dame took it and recognized the scent. "The flowers. Otto always did know how to please me. More than Cid ever did, anyway." She crossed her arms and gazed at the man in a sensual manner. "Do you think you could please me...Clive?"

"Lyra was correct," Clive said. "You're the Dame."

"Let us leave such...impersonal titles to my less preferred clientele." Isabelle picked up the cat and cradled her in her arms before walking up to Clive. "You can call me Isabelle. Otto assured me I could trust you. I can trust you...can't I?" She stroked the feline's fur as she turned her back to the man.

Clive followed behind the woman. "You can trust me, yes. But why would you—"

"Help you? Because that's what we do. Long ago, Cid did me a kindness when no one else would. I have never forgotten that. Without it, I would not be where I am today. And so, I make it a point to do the same whenever possible. Which brings us here." Isabelle turned to the checkpoint. "To the final obstacle between you...and whatever it is you seek in the Holy Capital. I fear the guards are not likely to let a masterless Bearer pass unmolested. Unless..."

"Unless?" Clive reiterated.

Isabelle smirked at the man as she continued to pet the cat. "Unless of course...his master deigned to appear. Our darling Lyra here cannot provide such a service as she is wanted by the Emperor."

"Which is why we seek your aid," Lyra said.

"My, aren't you a sly one," the Dame laughed. "I am happy we are on the same page, my dear." She stepped closer to Clive and smirked up at him. "Yes. That will do nicely. But...I shall expect a favor in return." She then handed Lyra to Clive, who took her in his arms, before walking away.

Confused, Clive stared at the woman's back. "Wait, what—?"

"Don't let her tone fool you," Lyra said, the man's gaze looking down at her. "Her job is to sway the hearts of men. She is rather skilled at it, but it is a simple facade. Allow her to do what she needs so you may pass through the checkpoint without incident."

Clive sighed and found himself petting her. "All right."

Lyra jumped to his shoulder as he approached Isabelle.

"We cannot have people thinking I tolerate disobedience from my Branded," she told him.

"The men who gave me this are no more my masters than you are." He sighed again, this time in defeat. "But it's not as if I can hide it..."

The Dame crossed her arms. "From the moment you acquired it, that brand has done naught but take. But today, it is going to give you exactly what you want. Just play along." Taking the lead, she approached the gatekeepers.

Clive glances at Lyra, who nods in approval. He then followed behind Isabelle.

The gatekeeper greeted the woman when he recognized her. "Madame. Back to the Veil already?"

The Dame smiled sweetly and used her sultry tone as she spoke. "But of course. We must make ready to welcome you, my dear."

The gatekeeper's gentle tone vanished as he saw Clive. "And who might this be?"

"Why, my new escort. The streets aren't safe for a girl, what with all the royalists about," Isabelle explained, not letting her sensual nature shake even a little.

"Heh. Don't work him too hard."

Isabelle continued her seductive talk. "Well, that rather depends on you now, doesn't it. I'lI see you all at sunset." She walked past the gatekeepers with no problem.

However, Clive wasn't so lucky. He was stopped when he attempted to follow her.

"Oi. Hold up," the gatekeeper harshly addressed him.

Clive didn't allow his emotions to show on his face as the gatekeeper rudely spoke to him.

"Another fucking Branded..." The gatekeeper spat. "You're lucky you're with the Dame."

"What's with the cat?" the other gatekeeper asked. "Since when do Branded keep pets? Or did ya steal it?" He reached out to grab the feline.

Lyra hissed and swiped her claws at his hand.

He retracted his hand to avoid her fury even though he was protected by his armor. "Fucking cats... I hate 'em."

"Leave it alone," the first gatekeeper remarked before shooing Clive away. "Get out of my sight, filth."

Clive entered Northreach and found Isabelle waiting for him.

The Dame crossed her arms. "That wasn't so bad."

Clive was not pleased. "Wasn't so bad? They might have recognized me or taken Lyra away."

"But they didn't. And even if they had, they wouldn't have done anything about it. The gentlemen of the garrison are some of my best customers. We have...an arrangement. As do you, Lyra, and I. Now, if you'd care to follow me... We can speak more at the Veil."

As Isabelle walked away, Clive sighed. He glanced at the cat. "Doesn't seem like we have much of a choice..."

Lyra sighed dejectedly. "I'm sorry, Clive. I wish I could have been more helpful to avoid all this."

He reached up and petted the soft fur of her chest. "Nonsense. It is not your fault the empire has made you a target."

She closed her eyes and was enjoying his touch. She almost purred but caught herself before she could.

After he finished petting her, he headed to the Veil and found Isabelle waiting for him and the feline. The Dame smiled at them. "Clive, Lyra. Welcome, my darlings, to the Veil."

"Thank you for seeing us through the gates, my lady. We are in your debt," Clive replied.

"Well, that was the whole point, wasn't it? And I told you, it's Isabelle. Whatever wound you so tight, I wonder. It's certainly not Cid's influence."

"You mentioned a favor. What is it you'd have us do?" Clive asked, a little hesitant at the beginning. "We don't want to keep our companions waiting."

"If you mean Cid and the girl, neither of you needn't worry—they have yet to reach the checkpoint," Isabelle said. "Yes, Otto asked me to help them, as well. But to answer your question: I need you both to find someone for me. One of my girls. Tatienne has been gone for several days now, having left no word of explanation, and I've begun to fear the worst."

"I feel as if I've spent my whole life searching for people...though I can't say I'm any good at it. But perhaps with Lyra's help, we will be able to find Tatienne."

"I trust you'll do your best. Oh, and take this." Isabella handed the seal of the Moon and Stars to Clive. "Proof of that trust. And hopefully enough to keep prying eyes from looking too closely at that handsome face of yours. Now, I have matters to attend to at the Iron Flagon. If you find anything, ask for me there. While there, I shall ensure the garrison knows their place so Lyra may walk freely around Northreach without the fear of being caught."

"Thank you, Isabelle," Lyra said.

"Of course, darling. If the garrison sees your beautiful face around Northreach, it will surely increase their visits to the Veil. Perhaps you will even change your mind and become one of my girls."

Isabelle waved before leaving.

Lyra hopped off Clive's shoulder. She looked around to ensure no one was watching before changing back. She sighed in relief to be back to normal and smiled at him. "Let's start our investigation by asking the courtesans. One of them must know something regarding Tatienne."

Clive was in agreement. "All right. We'll start with the courtesans here."

The first courtesan they approached was the one sweeping the dead leaves littered around the courtyard.

"Hello," Lyra greeted the courtesan with a smile. "I do hope we aren't interrupting."

"Not at all, my lady," the courtesan replied as she ceased sweeping. "If I'm not mistaken, you are Lady Edelweiss. I've seen you speaking with the Dame during your previous visits."

"Indeed I am."

"And this man..." The courtesan looked toward Clive. "You wear the Dame's brooch. She must trust you as well."

"Enough to allow me to accompany my..." Clive cleared his throat, "mistress to look for one of your colleagues—a woman by the name of Tatienne."

The courtesan's expression turned melancholic. "She's still missing, then. Oh, if only I had comforted her..."

"You saw her before she disappeared?" Clive asked.

"The day before. She was in tears. She'd lost her comb. A gift from the Dame. It wasn't anything fancy, but you could tell it meant the world to her. You see, Tatienne was an orphan and she looked upon the Dame as a mother...as do we all."

"She must have been quite upset," Lyra said.

"You'd be correct, my lady," the courtesan responded. "And I didn't lend her my shoulder...but perhaps someone else did. Tatienne shared a room. Her chambermate may have seen something.
She's over there, sitting by the pond."

"Thank you," Clive said.

They walked away from the courtesan as she returned to sweeping.

"Let's see what her chambermate can tell us, then," Clive stated.

"Yes," Lyra replied. She looked toward the pond and found a single courtesan sitting on a bench. "That must be her. I hope she has a lead for us."

"As do I."

They walk up to the woman. She glanced at Clive. "So you're the new "escort" the girls have been talking about? And you've already been sent off on an errand, eh? Poor boy. You'll be knackered before the real work begins later on tonight." She then glanced at Lyra and recognized her. "Oh, Lady Edelweiss. I didn't know you returned to Northreach. Will you be joining the Veil as our new courtesan?"

"The offer the Dame has extended to me is kind, but I will not be accepting it," Lyra said. "We are here to ask you about Tatienne."

"We were told you share a bedchamber with Tatienne," Clive added. "Did she say anything to you before..."

"Before she went missing? Only that she needed to meet with someone. She didn't mention a name, but I know exactly who she meant," the courtesan said.

"You do?"

"A lad from the garrison. Annoying little shit. Spent every gil he earned on Tatienne, and picked fights with anyone else who tried to buy her time. Followed her around like a lost puppy. Tatienne was flattered at first, but it didn't take long for her to get scared. She thought about saying something, but the Dame was so proud of her for how much she was bringing in, and she didn't want to let her down."

"This man from the garrison—did you ever see him?" Clive inquired.

"'Course I did. He tried to sneak into our room enough times. Slimy sod's got a scar over one eye. Claims he got it in battle..."

"How unbecoming of a soldier," Lyra commented.

"You've been very helpful," Clive told the courtesan.

"Yes. Thank you for your cooperate, my lady."

The courtesan looked between the two. "Don't let him get away with this. Find him, and you'll find her."

Walking away from the pond, Lyra muttered, "A garrison soldier is our suspect..."

"Seems a trip to the barracks is in order," Clive said.

The couple made their way to the other side of Northreach where the garrison barracks was located. Just before they entered the training yard, Clive stopped Lyra. "I'll speak with the soldiers."

She eyed him curiously. "Worried they'll recognize me?"

"Yes," he replied. "I don't trust the garrison even a little."

"Well..." Lyra crossed her arms, her head tilted slightly. She has been to Northreach plenty of times, but she was only ever in human form inside the Veil. The garrison soldiers there were too focused on the courtesans to pay her any attention. "All right. I'll wait here."

Clive was relieved. "Thank you for understanding."

"I know you're simply looking out for me. I appreciate it, Clive."

Clive walked into the barracks, leaving Lyra behind.

Lyra stood on the side of the street, waiting for him to return. She watched multiple courtesans walk by. Many of them were accompanied by garrison soldiers. She wondered how difficult it was to be a courtesan since it was their job to please men. She knew it couldn't be easy since each client was unique.

Suddenly, Lyra's attention was drawn to boisterous laughter. She saw a garrison soldier stumbling down the street in her direction. She sighed, doing her best to ignore him. However, it was too late. He was making his way over to her. "Dammit all..."