And within a few days time, three to be exact, the group headed off for Barius. Griff and Frederick made good on their word, getting the group Chocobos to use on the trip to Kholingen, although Jaeko ended up having to share a chocobo with Griff after catching Hell for giving Fred's prized chocobo Hanger away to a guardswoman. They arrived in Kholingen in another three days, where they took a single day of rest, then boarded a ship Inverse had chartered,
The Second Star, to take them to Epech Cliff and wait for them to return.
Now, standing on the deck of
The Second Star, the group looked up to see the landmark cliffs rocky face. It would be a bit of a climb, expecially with some of the stuff that was brought along, including weapons, bedrolls, a tent, and other various survival supplies, but fortunately, Kelnes flying carpet was made available and put to use carrying cargo and passengers to the top. Once there, Frederick got everything in order and looked over a sheet of paper he pulled from a pocket of his blue trenchcoat. He then turned to the others to address them-
"From now, we have two days before the tournament and festivities begin. The opening cerimony will be held in a recently constructed arena within the City of Storms, directly south of here. For now, we split up. Keep in small groups if you want, just be sure not to get yourselves caught, and make sure you're there for the opening cerimony. If you want to sign up for the thing, which may be a good idea if we're to serve as a good distraction to get attention away from Jaeko, do so at the arena. It shouldn't be hard to find once you enter the city itself. If you need money, I'm sure if you look around the city you'll find someone to convert your Gil or what-have-you into Kurlens. If that's all, gentlemen, We'll be seeing you in the Blitz arena in a couple of days."
And with that, Frederick spun on his heel and began off to the south, Griff following behind a moment or two later. Jaeko then stepped forward, giving a few maps that had been made up with important locations- Blizzardia to the west of the groups current position, the City of Storms to the south, Windor to the east, and Hailon to the south-east. The City of Storms was circled, as was Epech Cliff, Barius' northmost point. It was clear that travel to the City of Storms would take about a day, as where every other major city would take at least a day in a half. It was probably for the best that everyone headed for the City of Storms ASAP, so as not to miss the opening cerimony.
(Right, drawing up a map to use as I post. Have it ready soon.)
Edited by: Shinigori V2 at: 9/15/03 1:19 am