Exchanging her nightgown for her normal attire, Lyra then sat down in the chair as per the request of Mid. The young woman had found her brush and began combing her hair for her.

"Have I ever told ya how much I love your hair?" Mid asked in the middle of combing the woman's golden locks. "Because I really do! I need to know how ya keep it so soft. Or is that just a god-thing?"

"I don't think soft hair is a simple trait for gods. Anybody can have soft hair with the correct treatment," Lyra explained.

"Maybe I need to change my hair care routine..." Mid mumbled. She continued to comb the woman's hair until it was neat. She made sure her curly tips were knot-free before beginning to style her hair. With small bands and a green ribbon decorated with golden accents, she created a braided crown that tied up into a ponytail. A couple of braided strands hung from the ponytail while her bangs framed her face. "Done! Hope ya like the ribbon. It's one of my spares."

Lyra felt the braided crown before her hand brushed against the ribbon. She smiled and stood up. "Thank you, Mid."

Mid smiled sweetly as she placed her hands on her hips. "Of course! I may be an engineer, but I'm still a girl. I enjoy doing hair from time to time. If ya need anything, come visit me in my workshop."

She nodded. "I will."

Lyra watched Mid leave the room before deciding that it was time for her to combine her spear with her talismans. But first, she needed to visit Charon. She headed to the main deck and saw Torgal lying by the old woman's counter. She smiled at the canine before speaking to the merchant. "Good day, my fair lady."

Charon huffed out a chuckle as she lowered her cigarette. "Don't start. What ya want?"

"You wouldn't happen I have any spare fabric on hand, would you? I'd be willing to pay a fine gil."

"Oh, please," the old woman groaned. She reached under her counter and revealed a strip of emerald fabric. "Don't give me a bloody coin. I was gonna toss it."

"This means I don't need to bother Hortense. Much appreciated, Charon."

"Yeah, yeah. Now get outta here."

Lyra took the strip of green fabric. She noticed Torgal following her as she waved at Blackthorne to pass through the Black Hammer. Back outside the airship, she looked around and found a spot where there was enough room and nobody was around. Manipulating her talismans, they emerged from her pocket and floated around her. She held the fabric strip with both hands and glanced at the canine. "Things are about to start glowing. Don't get too close, all right?"

Torgal barked in response and watched her intently. He started to become excited and jumped around as her eyes started glowing and green veins appeared across her body. The symbols on her talismans began to glow before being lifted off the paper. The strip of fabric floated upward as the symbols transferred over to it. They appeared in white and contrasted well against the emerald fabric.

The paper that was once her weapon crumbled to ash and was carried away by the breeze. All the power infused in the papers had been transferred to the fabric and she no longer needed the talismans. With the successful transfer, she was done. Her eyes returned to normal and the green veins vanished. The strip of fabric floated down and landed in her open palms.

"How magnificent!"

Lyra was startled by the voice. She saw Clive and his uncle standing behind the jumping Torgal. She blinked in shock when she saw the older man. "Lord Byron?"

Byron smiled in awe. "I have never seen such spectacular sorcery. What kind of magic did we just witness?"

"About that, Uncle," Clive spoke up. "Lyra is, well..."

As Clive explained to Byron who Lyra truly was, the woman summoned her spear and tied the fabric to the opposite end of the sharp tip.

"By the Flames..." Byron gasped, grabbing her attention.

Lyra dispelled her spear.

She was shocked when the lord suddenly approached her, grabbed her hands, and fell to his knees. He lowered his gaze to the ground. "I did not know I was in the presence of such divinity. Forgive me for my insolence, divine one."

Flabbergasted, she looked at Clive who was smiling in amusement at his uncle's actions. She then kneeled to join Byron on the ground. "Please, my lord. There is no need for any formalities. Treat me as you have before you knew the truth."

Byron lifted his head and met her gaze. "If that is what you desire, I shan't contravene."

Lyra smiled and stood up, pulling Byron with her. "Thank you, my lord."

The man then came to a realization. "Founder... My nephew is courting a goddess..."

Lyra laughed while Clive groaned. She petted Torgal when he walked over to her and leaned against her legs. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"

"I was hoping you would join us," Clive confessed. "We've come to believe Kupka was taken across the Velkroy by royalists to Drake's Fang."

"Seeing as I have my own goals and do not know where to begin, I will accompany you," she replied. Then, Torgal barked and she corrected herself. "All right, all right. We. We will accompany you."

"Excellent! This will give me the opportune moment to get to know more about my future niece-in-law. To bring a goddess into the Rosfield bloodline..." Byron said, catching the couple off guard.

"We are not engaged, Uncle," Clive stated.

"Not yet." Byron turned to his nephew with a knowing smirk. "I know when I see a perfect match. Now then! To the Velkroy!"

As the lord walked off, Clive sighed in disbelief. He gazed apologetically at her. "I'm sorry for his behavior. I'm afraid we'll be hearing more during our travels."

"I don't mind," Lyra giggled. "Even when we were children, I enjoyed Lord Byron's company. He always knew how to make us laugh."

Clive grinned. "I won't deny that. Let's go before he causes too much trouble before we board the boat."

She glanced worriedly at him. "Are we Lord Byron's nannies during this trip?"

He chortled. "Indeed we are."

|| The Velkroy Desert ||
|| Northwestern Dhalmekia ||

Arriving in the blustering desert, Clive, Lyra, Byron, and Torgal walked through the sand. They came to a stop to take a look around at the sandy and blistering hot terrain.

"I was a young man when last I walked this path," Byron spoke up. Torgal walked up beside him and he stroked the top of his head. He looked in the distance and pointed to the large Fallen structure located in the middle of the desert. "There's an old trading post not far from here. The road to Drake's Fang leads through it."

"The trading post it is," Clive replied.

Lyra gazed at a small vortex caused by the swirling wind that swept across the desert. She followed behind Clive as he took the lead. She felt the sand blowing against her skin and into her hair. "Sand..." she groaned.

Clive heard her and started to smirk. "Not an enthusiast of the desert either?"

"No." She brushed off some sand that blew onto her shoulder. "Sand gets in the worst places possible..."

"And yet you still came."

"Would you have preferred I remained at the hideaway?"

"No," he answered honestly. "I rather have you at my side."

Continuing to trek across the Velkroy Desert, they could see the various monsters in the area alongside some wild chocobos. Sand continued to swirl around and create dust devils, causing little to no harm to the creatures who called the desert home.

Halfway to the Fallen structure known as the Watcher, Byron was struck by a fond memory. As he shared the story with Clive and Lyra, the woman became distracted when she heard a strange cry. Stopping at the top of a dune, she looked across the desert and couldn't believe what she saw.

A large deer stood tall, its green fur contrasting against the white sand. Its horns were made of white wood and were blooming with flowers. One name came to mind upon seeing the majestic creature. "Rhea..." She didn't notice Clive had stopped next to her until the deer vanished when a dust devil blew in front of it. Wondering if she was going crazy already because of the heat, she asked, "Did you see the beast as well?"

"I did," Clive replied.

She sighed in relief. "Rhea is here, but I do not know exactly where. Perhaps she and Crius have also been absorbed by a Mothercrystal." She looked over at him. "Apologies for becoming distracted. We should—"

Suddenly, Lyra felt the sand shift underneath her feet. She lost her balance and slid down the dune. Clive grabbed her hand and tried to pull her up, but he too slipped down the dune. They both slid down the sand until they came to a stop at the bottom, hands still conjoined.

Completely shocked at the sudden incident, Lyra started to laugh as she lay in the sand next to Clive. "Certainly a strange way to begin our desert trek. It hasn't even been an hour and I have sand in places it shouldn't be."

Clive was also amused by the situation. "There seems to never be a dull moment with you."

"The strange things do always seem to happen to me. At least I was able to take you along for the ride this time," she chuckled. With her free hand, she brushed some sand out of his hair.

"Are you both all right?" Byron asked, peering down at the couple.

"We're fine, Uncle," Clive responded. Carefully, he got to his feet and pulled Lyra up. He took the lead up the dune they had just slid down, hands remaining connected. He helped her up to where Byron was waiting with Torgal.

"Apologies for the sudden venture through the sand," Lyra said, still amused at what happened. Her hand slipped out of Clive's. "Let us continue before even more sand gets everywhere."

Reaching the Watcher, they passed through to find a few merchants with their wares on display. The Fallen remnant created a perfect hovel for travelers and merchants to pass through to get away from the harsh sun and the blowing sand of the desert.

When they exited the Watcher, they could see the small town in the distance.

"Ah, there she is—the good old Dalimil Inn," Byron said. "Do you know, this heat has given me quite a thirst. Quick drink before we press on?"

"A visit to the local tavern could prove to be useful," Lyra stated.

"I knew you would agree, my lady!" Byron smiled. "What say you, my boy?"

"All right," Clive agreed.

Drawing closer to the Dalimil Inn, the party came to a stop when Torgal started to growl. The canine's fur stood on end as he was on full alert.

Clive followed Torgal's gaze to see two black chocobos in the stables outside of the town. "Look, there. Those are Ashen steeds, no doubt about it."

"And such a long ride from Stonhyrr..." Byron muttered. "Our Waloeder friends must be soothing their saddle sores in the inn. Shall we join them?"

"They could be a valuable source of information, but we will need to exceed caution," Lyra said.

Byron walked over to the dog. "Run along and play now, Torgal. Dogs aren't allowed inside."

Torgal understood and ran off.

Clive and Byron pulled up their hoods to conceal their faces. Unlike them, Lyra didn't have a hood but wasn't concerned with being recognized because they were in Dhalmekia. She also figured three hooded figures entering the tavern/inn would draw too much attention.

Following behind Clive, Lyra and Byron follow him into the Dalimil Inn and the Final Sting. They looked around for a place to sit and found an empty table by the bar. Clive removed his sword from its sheath and leaned it against the table before sitting down. Lyra sat down on the stool next to him while Byron sat across from them. Sitting at the table behind them were the Waloeder soldiers.

Byron glanced over his shoulder at the royalists before the serving girl arrived at their table.

"Good day to you. Eating?" The serving girl asked kindly.

Clive took the lead, knowing his uncle could be careless. "Sorry about my pal. He only talks when his mouth's full. And..." He glanced over at Lyra, who was sitting graciously with her legs crossed at the knees. He cleared his throat. "My wife is feeling a bit unwell. What do you recommend?"

Lyra's eyes nearly popped out of her head at hearing what Clive called her. She quickly turned her head to hide her shocked expression. Even Byron was surprised.

"Well, if you're after something light, we do a fine chocobo soup with lentils and honey."

"Three bowls of that, then. And ale."

"Right you are."

The serving girl left, being summoned by another patron.

Byron looked questioningly at his nephew. "I understand your wife, but your "pal"?"

"Would you rather be my squire?" Clive remarked.

Lyra was about to say something when she sensed a familiar presence. Her eyes widened in shock, but she quickly turned stoic. Wondering if who she was sensing was truly staying at the inn, she stood up and placed a hand on Clive's shoulder. "I'll be back shortly. Try to behave while I'm gone."

"All right," Clive replied.

She walked past the bar and up the stairs to the rooms. When she passed a woman who was rushing downstairs, she paused for a second before continuing. She followed the presence until she came to a door located near the end of the hall. She reached out for the handle but froze for a second when she felt a second presence. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped into the room. Her eyes landed on the man who sat on the bed. "It is you, Joshua..."

Joshua was staring at her in utter shock. "Lyra..."

She closed the door behind him, smiling when she heard he recognized her. "Eighteen long years... It is good to see you again."

"Ly—Gaia," Joshua corrected himself. "I must—" He suddenly started to cough and covered his mouth. When he pulled his hand away, blood splotched his glove.

Lyra rushed over, worried about him. She sat on her knees in front of him. She was about to ask him what was wrong when she noticed the spot on his chest. It was the second presence she sensed—Ultima. "You truly have absorbed a portion of him..."

Joshua nodded. "Yes, but he is still a threat."

"He is trying to claw his way out of you." She placed her hands over his. "Allow me to provide you some temporary ease."

"Please, divine one," Joshua tried to pull away from her. "I am not worthy of your healing."

"Nonsense," she responded before providing him with healing. It was enough to ease his pain and suppress the being imprisoned within him for the time being. "Such a dangerous being resides within you..."

"I will keep him at bay for as long as I can," he said. "I am most gratified by your healing, Gaia."

"Please, call me Lyra. I am still the girl you grew up with all those years ago," she said. "How long have you known?"

"Eighteen years. The day before our departure for Phoenix Gate, I was graced with the images of the heavens and your magnificent creations when you aided me."

"Ah..." She smiled. "You knew who I was before myself."

"If you are here, then..."

"Yes," she nodded. "Clive is downstairs."

"I—"

Just then, the door flew open and the woman Lyra passed earlier entered. She stopped when she saw the blonde, but immediately went to draw her dagger.

"Wait!" Joshua shouted at seeing her about to unsheath the weapon. "Stand down, Jote."

Lyra looked over her shoulder at Jote before standing up. She stepped away from Joshua to convey she wasn't a threat.

"Who is this woman, Your Grace?" Jote asked, releasing her dagger.

"She is Lyra, the woman I have spoken about before," Joshua answered.

Jote recognized the name and immediately regretted her action. "The goddess Gaia..." She lowered herself to the floor and apologized. "Forgive me, divine one. I was not aware—"

"Please," Lyra interrupted the woman. She walked over and gently pulled her off the floor. "Formalities are unnecessary."

Jote was more than happy for the kindness shown to her. "Of course. Thank you."

Lyra could see the panic in her eyes. "What has you troubled, Jote?"

"I fear trouble may be brewing downstairs."

The blonde sighed in disbelief. "By the heavens... I shall see to it. Jote, take Joshua and leave."

The woman nodded. "Right away. The window shall suffice. Come, Your Grace."

Joshua stood up and followed Jote to the open window. Before he followed her, he turned to his childhood friend. "Thank you, Lyra."

She smiled at him. "Be careful, Joshua. I do hope to see you again soon."

"Yes," he smiled back at her. "Farewell for now, my friend."

When Joshua and Jote were gone, Lyra left the room and rushed back to the tavern. She peered through the windows to see the Waloeders facing off against Clive and Byron. Moving to descend the stairs, she saw Byron scarfing down food before standing with his mug to walk over to the other side of the table. She was amused at the surprised look on the royalists' faces after they saw what the lord had done.

Lyra stood by the bar as people started to run away out of fear. In seconds, the tavern was cleared out. The serving girl was hiding behind the counter while everyone else ran out the entrance or upstairs.

"I'm afraid we don't have a moment to lose," she heard Clive say before he kicked the table into the royalists. "Friend!"

She sighed as Clive pulled down his hood and turned to Byron. "Stay back, Uncle."

"Gladly!" Byron, with the bread and mug he grabbed, took cover behind the bar.

As the Waloeders drew their blades, Lyra summoned her spear. When no one was looking, she used her magic to hurl her spear at high speeds. The sharp tip broke the steel of the royalists' swords before lodging into the wall. The men were shocked to see their weapons were destroyed. They looked over at her just as Clive did.

Lyra stoically walked between Clive and the royalists to retrieve her spear. She yanked it out of the stone and turned to the Waloeders with a cold glare. "Away with you."

With no weapons and frightened by her glare, the royalists screamed as they scrambled out of the tavern.

Lyra dispelled her spear and turned to Clive. "I was gone for a few minutes and come back to you kicking a table at Waloeders. What happened?"

Clive glanced over at his uncle, who was handing over a hefty sum of gil to the serving girl.

The blonde sighed heavily at understanding the silent gesture. "I see..."

Byron vaulted over the counter to join Clive and Lyra.

Suddenly, Clive felt a familiar warmth. He pulled out the feather of the Phoenix and saw it glowing. He then quickly ran to the stairs.

"Clive?" Byron called out to his nephew in confusion. He looked at Lyra before chasing after him.

The woman knew why Clive ran off. He knew Joshua was here, but now he was gone. Not pursuing him, she stepped out of the tavern and waited for the men. While wondering whether to tell him she spoke to him or not, Torgal ran over to her. She stroked the top of his head and waited for Clive and Byron.

"Ah! There's our leading lady," Byron smiled as he exited the tavern with Clive behind him.

"What did you learn in my absence?" Lyra asked to lighten the heaviness surrounding Clive.

"Our information was correct. Drake's Fang is where Kupka was taken," Clive answered.

"Then we keep going."

Lyra walked behind Clive and Byron with Torgal at her side. She followed them deeper into the small town, only to stop when Clive did. She saw him staring at the open window of the room Joshua and Jote escaped out of.

"Where are you?" Clive mumbled.

She decided to tell him. "Joshua will be fine."

Appalled, he turned to her. "You knew?"

"It is why I left," she spoke honestly. "We talked for a few minutes, but I did not learn much. I'm sorry, Clive."

"No," he replied. "As long as he is all right."

Lyra couldn't speak for Joshua's condition or possibly mention the piece of Ultima he had entrapped in his body. It would only cause Clive to worry and become unfocused. "He has the support he needs," she said, speaking of Jote.

Byron, none the wiser to the couple's conversation, came to a stop and turned around. "Well, if we didn't know where to find Kupka before, we do now."

"The royalists said it themselves—their guest is in the Fang," Clive responded. "We should press on before any more of their friends turn up."

"I doubt they will anytime soon," Byron began chuckling as he looked at the blonde. "They were quaking in their boots! Nothing frightens men more than the fury of a woman."

Lyra crossed her arms. "I only de-escalated the situation to keep Clive from destroying more tables. The poor table never stood a chance..."

Byron laughed heartily. "It would truly have been more of a mess if you hadn't intervened."

The group continued to the southern gate of the Dalimil. However, their plan of leaving the town was put to a halt when they saw Republican soldiers guarding it.

"Ah. They've closed the road. And it's the only way from here to the Fang," Byron said. "It would seem Lord Kupka is not accepting visitors at present."

Lyra was about to offer to fly them over when Clive put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him to see he was silently telling her 'no.' Glancing away, she knew they would have to do it the old way—talking.

"We have to get through that gate," Clive stated.

Byron crossed his arms. "Not by force, I trust? We've attracted quite enough unwanted attention already."

"By guile, then. Perhaps the Desert Hare can offer us her aid."

The lord dropped his arms by his side. "Ruzena Dalimil, woman of mystery... But how will we find her? We know naught of her but her name."

"And that she was working with Cid." Clive cast his gaze over to Lyra. "You have been acquainted with many of Cid's contacts. What of Ruzena?"

She shook her head. "I'm afraid she was one of Cid's contacts I never met. I heard her name from time to time, but that was all. Our best chance of locating her is by asking the locals."

"Yes," he agreed. "Cid's other collaborators have all been people of means. The wealthiest and most successful members of their communities. I'll wager this "Ruzena Dalimil" is the same."

"That would certainly help to narrow the search.
We need only inquire as to who is in charge of the town," Byron said.

"And that's exactly what we mean to do."

"As they say, divide and conquer," Lyra commented. "I'll see what I can learn from the marketplace. Torgal will be my accomplice."

Torgal barked in response, his tail wagging. He walked over and stood next to her.

"All right. Be careful," Clive told her.

"I'm more worried about you, gentlemen. It wasn't I who started the brawl at the tavern. I only ended it," Lyra said. "Behave, both of you."

Turning to leave with Torgal by her, she missed the amused looks on Clive and Byron's faces.