<strong>Name:</strong>Malluri<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Florencia City to Hawks HQ<br/><strong>Mentioned:</strong>All Adventurers<br/><strong>Additional NPCs:</strong>Cid, Piers, Pietr<br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Mood Music:  Hawks Theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXyA3FU5T4s)</span><br/><hr/><br/>Cid smiled weakly in relief as he looked over his shoulder at the battlefield. It was filled with people who were now free from their dark bonds. The twenty one dark soldiers that had attacked them had been returned to their normal selves. These men and women were now enemies of their former comrades still enslaved by dark forces. It showed in his face that he was running solely on willpower at this point for the benefit of the Hawks gathered here who called him their leader. They descended upon the field and helped up all twenty one of those who had been unwilling enemies just moments ago. They were taking all of them to safety at Hawks HQ. These people would want to strike back at that which had taken control of their wills.<br/><br/>Malluri also glanced over her shoulder but she was more focused on Cid's five new companions with concentrated scrutiny. She turned her attention to Cid and whispered. “Kupo, Cid trusts new companions?” Cid responded with hand motions that the group could not understand, and the Moogle's eyes went wide as her tone sounded hopeful. Ah... Cid thinks so? We take new friends to Rishiae then. Rishiae will know.”<br/><br/>Now that Cid was out of sight of the rest of the Hawks save for his most trusted friends, and five new companions, his careful facade of strength cracked and disappeared. He could keep up appearances no longer. He struggled with every step and panted with the effort of moving. Worry was painted across the faces of the twins and Malluri.<br/><br/>“Oi, there Chief! Hang on there, you've made it through worse!” The concern in Piers's voice made it tremble a bit. Gentle Pietr's voice was softer. He depended on logic for his version of encouragement.  “Viticella will have the newest batch of your Tincture when we return. She believes it will last longer. Just a little further and you can rest.”<br/><br/>Malluri's pace, as well as that of the twins, quickened urgently. The group weaved in and out of alleyways and side streets for a short while and then paused at a nondescript stone wall tucked between some run down buildings. The Moogle knocked on three stones and pressed in a fourth. A hiss of steam sounded and the grind of cogs and a part of the cobble walkway became stairs downwards. Malluri grasped a lantern from just inside and lit it. She turned back to address the five heroes who had followed them. “Step close to Malluri. Kupo. Ancient catacombs like a maze below.”<br/><br/>She then proceeded down into the dark tunnel. Once everyone was inside, she pulled a lever and the steam hissed once more and the opening sealed itself behind them. The dim light of the Moogle's lantern bobbed as she held it high for the group. In the darkness, it would be difficult for those new to the path to remember the way back. It wasn't long at all however until they came to a wall made of skulls. A dead end it seemed. But then Piers whistled a tune and a panel slid open, revealing the surprisingly bright and welcoming Hawks Base. Piers and Pietr immediately disappeared with Cid into the base and down a quiet side corridor so he wouldn't be seen in such a weak state.<br/><br/>That left Malluri with the five guests. She led them down a different corridor and into a room with a large table and many chairs. “Hawks do welcome new friends, kupo. Friends are pleased to sit and speak with Malluri?” The Moogle offered. “Malluri can have Hawks to bring refreshment for while answering friends questions? Yes, Kupo, fine idea!”<br/><br/>She didn't wait for an answer and instead left the room briefly. She returning a half a moment later to take a seat herself. “Food and Drink on the way. Hawks and Malluri are thanking friends, kupo, for being aid to Cid.” She frowned and sighed. “Aid is much needed for Hawks. Cid trusts friends so soon. Malluri will tell what Malluri can...”  She paused to collect her thoughts. “Such a bad thing comes soon. Moogles know. But Moogles know which is secret and which is to be told. The sacriscript... Darkness sealed by Goddess that created world with tears. Paladin surely knows this tale even better than Malluri.” She turned a regretful glance to those who seemed to be mere visitors to Gilaud. “ Friends come to Florencia at unlucky time. Once Gilaud was beauty and peace. No longer since Queen enslaved in dark sorcery. Hawks strive to save Queen. Hawks believe Darkness tries rising again...” She fell silent. Perhaps the Paladin would recount the sacred text to them, but surely they would have other questions for her. She awaited them patiently.