~ Chapter 1: The Warriors' Sojourn
“Astra! I think you sent us in the wrong direction! We are lost!” Rayne, a humanoid raccoon known as a Tanuki, tosses her map on the soft grass next to her bedroll. Her short round ears twitch as her starry eyes anxiously analyze the hollow. “I wish you would be more attentive with your sense of direction…” Rayne sighs and plops down next to the lively campfire and angrily fluffs her striped tail in her lap. It has been three days since they departed from the Astral City of Goug. Their destination is the Royal City of Rabanastre, the capital of the Kingdom of Dalmasca, ruled by King Raminas. Rabanastre is geographically located in the middle of the Galtean Peninsula as the Dalmascan Kingdom serves as a political buffer between the tense relations of the northern Empire of Archadia and the southern Empire of Rozzaria. Rayne was tasked with delivering a message from the Gougian School of Astromancy directly to the King.
“Huh? Did you say something?” Astra, a humanoid feline known as a Tabaxi, sleepily looks up from his canvas, his fluffy mane billowing softly in the gentle breeze. The amethyst on his forehead glints brightly in the moonlight. He tilts his head at Rayne as if he finally processed the conversation. “Oh…we’re not lost, you paranoid tanuki. I know where we are. I just took us…on the scenic route!” Astra nervously rubs the back of his head and smiles at Rayne to reassure her. “The critters are more active at night, if that helps ease your anxiety. There’s no need to get your fur all ruffled.” He places his linen canvas and paints neatly on his bedroll and sits up legs folded.
“My fur isn’t ruffled! Why would you tell me that!? You know I don’t like squirrels…” She tosses away her tail and angrily folds her arms, “I have a right to worry! We were supposed to be there by nightfall tonight and now we’re a day behind, I’m stuck out here camping, I keep hearing spooky noises throughout the night and I miss my bed!” Rayne exasperatedly screams into her tail, muffling her angst. Astra chuckles and rolls his eyes, enjoying the comfort of his anxious company.
“Rabanastre isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You need to learn to relax; just enjoy the tranquility of the woods!” The gentle wind whispers a soft murmur of peace throughout the small hollow where Rayne and Astra have taken refuge for the night. Rayne begrudgingly pulls her head out of her tail fur and sighs, leaning back on her arms to stare up to stargaze into the lively cosmos. Shooting stars streak across the vast expanse of the night sky, much like a cat chasing a mouse. The playful breeze whispers a soft melody in her ear causing her breathing to slow as she is embraced by the starry night sky. Quietly, she falls into a trance-like state as her consciousness transcends to the Astral Plane, a plane of existence enveloped by the omniscient gaze of the Zodiacs, ancient champions of Ivalice. Rayne sleepily opens her eyes and lightly gasps, awestruck by the stellar beauty of the vast ocean of stars. She carefully brings herself to her feet, her knees shaking with anticipation. Hazy memories trickle into her mind as the sense of familiarity washes over her. It was as if she had returned home after a long adventure. Being present in the Astral Plane was more overwhelming than exciting, but exciting nonetheless. Rayne takes a cautious step, curiosity and wanderlust driving her body forward. She carefully steps her foot on the surface of the starry water causing small waves to ripple across the vast, cosmic ocean. Feelings of comfort and warmth pulse through Rayne as she ventures forward. The stars shift invitingly into her wake…
