Westward
Far off in the horizon, the radiant aetheryte of Limsa glimmered like a constellation of stars, however, the enchanting brilliance was destined to be dimmed as ominous rainclouds began to gather. Throughout the day, she possessed the extraordinary ability to anticipate the arrival of rain merely by its scent. Whether she found herself in the grandeur of the estate's ballroom or the tranquility of the garden, the fragrance of rain would permeate the air. The weather's deceptive façade of a clear, cloudless sky painted in hues of pale blue did not deter her keen intuition, for she knew that the rain was on its way, carried by the gentle breeze that passed promise of the impending storm. The tempestuous allure of thunder and lightning called to her in strange ways. The way the dark clouds rolled in, heralding the impending chaos, filled her with a sense of comfort. She found solace in the symphony of raindrops against her window, coupled with the fierce winds whispering secrets only she could decipher. Storms were not just weather phenomena to her; they were living, breathing entities that spoke to her soul in a language only she could understand. Presently, she discovered herself traversing the extensive stone pathway which stretched for a mile and a half, enveloped by an abundance of tended foliage. This route guided her towards the waterfront of the Cress Estate, and it was this very location where the inception of all Cress Ships took place, harmoniously intertwined with the looming presence of the Cress Bell tower. However, the resplendence of this architectural marvel was momentarily subdued as a somber blanket of grey clouds descended around it, as if it reached so high it pierced the firmament. With each stride, her drenched boot graced the stone steps that guided her towards the grand entrance of the bell tower. As the supple leather made contact with the first droplet of water, a symphony of nature's tears began to unfold. One by one, the raindrops danced upon her boot, creating a mesmerizing rhythm that echoed through the air. Soon, a deluge of rain enveloped her, its weighty presence accompanied by the resounding chorus of raindrops.
Ondrea made not to hasten herself toward the grand oak door, with its intricate iron details catching the dim light in a mesmerizing dance. Amongst the ornate filigree, a bell-shaped impression stood out at the center. Her fingers, adorned in leather, grasped the bell heirloom around her neck and pulled it free. No sooner did it fit perfectly within the shape adorning the barricade. As she entered, she was reminded of the interiors vertical structure and the sense of timeless luxury it houses. Every detail was meticulously crafted to perfection. The rain outside continued to beat its perpetual symphony as it cascaded down upon the iron dome ceiling. The stone walls were adorned with meticulously crafted iron wrought sconces, each radiating a mesmerizing glow that seemed to have been carefully nurtured. The way they illuminated the surroundings was nothing short of haunting, as if an invisible hand had already bestowed upon them the gift of life.
The bell, once a symbol of admittance, adorned her neck once more as she traversed the cold, unyielding stone beneath her feet. The rhythmic click-clack of her heels reverberated through the air till it reached its crescendo at the foot of a large spiral staircase. With a gaze fixed upon the ascending steps, she marveled at their seemingly infinite ascent "This tower always did call to you." Argrin's mellifluous voice reverberated through the air, gently urging her to cast a fleeting glance in his direction. As she obliged, a peculiar sensation washed over Argrin, for it appeared as though the golden hue of her eyes had been adorned with specks of emerald. "It's more than the tower that calls to me, brother." Ondrea pivoted on her heels, her gaze fixated on her brother with an air of reverence as she humbly inclined her head. "Pray tell, what brings about this dreadful afternoon?"
"The sea." he remarked casually as he approached her. He exuded an aura of authority, a man of imposing presence and grandeur. Some referred to him as 'The Bulwark of La Noscea' due to his towering height and impressive breadth.
With a gentle yet firm touch, he placed his sizable hand on Ondrea's shoulder and gracefully guided her towards one of the magnificent circular windows. Among the few that boasted intricate stained glass designs, this particular window offered a breathtaking view of the sea, its azure waters muted by the raging storm. The frothy whitecaps adorned the vast expanse of the ocean's surface. Despite appearing as mere specks from their vantage point, the pair of kin understood the immense power of the waves that were churning in the distance. "Several of our ships have failed to send message back of their findings." Argrin spoke low, his mismatched hues narrowing as he inspected the raging waters. "Shall we host a service?" "We'll give it another week. If our fears come to fruition, then we will need to instill the aide of our supporters in search of them. We cannot have our own lost in uncharted territory." "--and if our efforts should yield success?" Argrin paused. "Then perhaps your penchants will come in handy, should we need to venture within other seas." The implication was palpable. The aetherial mists. "As you say." Ondrea's reply was delivered with an air of anticipation, as if such a request had been foreseen. "In the interim, we will continue to forge our fleets?" "-And supply our supporters with food, security, and the prospect of travel. We must seek to source what lies beyond the West." "Allow me to make the necessary arrangements for the preparation of Baetylus. However, I must inquire on having Ingram and Cormac attend with me." The mere mention of their names seemed to have an intriguing effect on Argrin, causing his jaw to shift in contemplation. "-After you've completed your rituals, dear sister, then you may petition them to attend with you." Ondrea shifted her gaze towards the vast expanse of the churning sea. As the waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic melody, she took a moment to absorb the magnitude of the journey that lay ahead. With a subtle yet powerful nod, she silently acknowledged the challenges that awaited her family in the West for it, like many other lands of the past, would be privy to the tolling of their bells.
