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leejafythe · 10 months

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Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 8

Dohn Mheg and the Fuath - Originally posted here

Leeja and Thancred had begun to make their way to Lydha Lran, ready to meet up with the others after their “discussion”. Leeja still felt a little light headed but did not care as Thancred squeezed her hand gently. “Gil for your thoughts? “Ah, no, I was just lost in happy thoughts is all” she said, smiling warmly at him. As they made their way toward the village, Alisaie was the first to greet them. “Well, you certainly took your time” she scolded. “I’m sorry, that’s my fault. There was something I needed to talk to Thancred about and it took a little longer than I had planned” Leeja apologised. “Is everything alright?” Alphinaud questioned. Both nodded. “What about you both? Did the pixies behave?” They nodded. “Good.” Sul Uin floated over to her and pouted. “We weren’t expecting you all back so soon. We had scarcely begun playing with the twins…” Leeja smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. Did Urianger give you our gifts though? Do you like them?” Leeja felt bad for the pixies. “Your gifts are truly wonderful! Let me tell you, the milk and honey and biscuits won’t last a day, and the wings are the loveliest we’ve seen!” They said excitedly, other pixies joining in the excitement. “Wonderful. Finding the perfect wings took a little bit of time, but I made sure you have them” she grinned. She liked the pixies now they weren’t playing tricks on them, something about them made her feel happy. “You’ve done us a great kindness, and it’s fae custom to return the gesture. If you desire anything of us, you need but name it” they continued. Leeja hummed softly, the interaction reminding her of the ‘cracking of the coin purse’ with the Mord in Amh Araeng. “So what is it you desire? Rust old coins that you mortals are won’t to collect, perhaps?” Leeja chuckled and looked at Urianger, who went on to explain what they needed to do. They got called crazy, but Sul Uin went off to speak with the others.

While they waited, Urianger enlightened everyone on what he had been doing and why he had the gifts for the pixies. “Is there anything you can tell us of the Lightwarden?” Alisaie asked. Urianger nodded and began. “Aye, my lady. By circumstances most tragic, the Lightwarden of this land…” He began. “Is our king and ruler, Titania” Sul Uin finished. “It was not always so, of course. Our king fought the first Lightwarden that threatened our home, you see. Fought it, and won. But all that horrible Light that came out went and corrupted them, turning them into a new Lightwarden” they explained, sadness in their voice. “Now, they’re king only in name, Naught remains of the kind and just ruler that used to be. We had no choice but to seal them in the castle.”

“I can see why you’re hesitant to help. I’m sorry” Leeja said softly. Sul Uin sat on her shoulder, earning a surprised look from her companions. “Is there a way to break the magick to get into the castle?” “Aye. The magick used for breaking the seal, we divided into four and wove each into a different relic, to be kept apart until the time was right…” They handed over a dress. A relic that had part of the spell. By entrusting it to the Scions, it meant they had won their trust. “Thank you, I promise you that you’ve made the right choice.” “Though you’re certainly going to your deaths, we thought we should, at least, let you try. That way, we get to watch what happens” Sul Uin moved off of Leeja’s shoulder and floated next to her as they continued to talk about where the rest of the relics were and Urianger spoke up. “Let us hie to the lake, there to claim the shell crown from the Fuath. If we call to them before the Untouchable Gate, they will answer.” With a nod, they bid farewell to the pixies and began their walk to the gate.

“Are you alright? You’re quiet” Alphinaud asked Leeja, slightly worried. “Hm? I’m fine, just a little tired is all” she replied. She wasn’t wrong, the lack of being unable to rest properly since rescuing Minfilia began to weigh on her. She was tired, but she could cope. “If you’re sure” Alphinaud nodded a little. He knew better than to push it with her, else she get snappy. They stopped at the edge of the lake in front of ring of roots, vines on either side and purple on the bottom. “This must be the gate, I assume.” “Indeed” Urianger turned to the gate. “Hearken to me, O spirits of the water. We are come with an entreaty” he began. Silence. Not a single reply. “Not in a talkative mood, apparently” Thancred crossed his arms and looked at the gate. “But if the Fuath are water spirits, perhaps we should take the search into the lake” Alisaie said as both Urianger and Alphinaud paled a little at the meer mention of going into the water. Leeja couldn’t help but smirk a little. “Now, now, there’s no need to panic. It’s just a little water. It won’t kill you as long as you’re careful” she giggled. “We all know Thancred swims like an eel, but what about you, Minfilia?” Alisaie asked. “I can swim well enough. Thancred taught me” she answered. “Excellent. What about you, Urianger? I don’t think I’ve ever asked.” She looked at the elezen as Leeja answered for him. “Oh he can’t swim. Given his reaction when you mentioned going into the water” Leeja looked at Alisaie. Urianger suggested walking on the water’s surface. Alphinaud sounded relieved that he wasn’t alone in not being able to swim. Both Leeja and Alisaie found it highly amusing and when they heard Minfilia laughing with them, it made the laugh even more.

“Well, well, aren’t we a lively lot! And you have an entreaty for us, you say? An entreat from mortals - what a treat!” A voice came from the gate. They turned and faced it. There was no one there, but the voice was very clear as Urianger replied. “Aye. My comrades and I are on a quest to vanquish the Lightwarden. To that end, we would humbly beg the loan of the shell crown, which we are given to understand is in the safekeeping of your people” he said. “Oh? Is that all? Of course, of course! You may have it! You shall have it!” The voice was too cheery and it made Leeja frown a little. Thancred spoke her exact thoughts out loud. “Just like that? What do you want from us?” “Ohoho, no need to be so suspicious! The crown simply doesn’t mean that much to us, is all.” Leeja frowned and looked at Thancred. They were both in the same mindset, though it was a natural feeling to be incredibly suspicious. Especially in the land of the fae folk. The voice continued to tell them nothing meant anything to them - not the faerie king or the world. “Having said that… We do so seldom have mortal visitors, and it would seem a shame not to make the most of you. Touch the Untouchable Gate and come hither to our domain, Dohn Mheg. In your tongue, it means forbidden realm. Sounds foreboding, yes?” “Hm… Seems we have no choice but to indulge in their game. If anyone knows a thing or two about bringing thrilling sport, it would be you” Thancred said, looking at Leeja. She paled slightly at his words, knowing what he was referring to. “U-Uh, sure…” She spoke softly. “Let’s just get this done, aye?” She touched the gate and watched as it bloomed to life and a portal appeared in the form of a bubble.

When they stepped through, it took them to a vibrant land. Green bushes covered in brightly coloured flowers, green grass with blue flowers along the side. Pink and yellow plants floating about. There were butterflies everywhere, hanging out by the flowers and flying all over the place, a majority of them floating by a large patch of long blue flowers. Leeja and Minfilia both looked around in awe, enjoying the many brightly coloured flowers. Leeja used her magick to grant Minfilia her “dance partner.” Thancred took the lead and they began to make their way though. They came across a fuath who had been empowering walking flower baskets with strength, bringing various creatures around with it to slow down their progress, only to be left surprised when they cut down all them. They ran off and began to do the same thing over again, only to watch the group do the same thing. They ran through a tunnel that bloomed to life with flowers that came down and showered them with loose petals. “Oh my, did you see the flowers?” Minfila asked. “Focus, Minfilia.” Thancred answered quickly as they arrived at the next pack of mobs. “I saw them, they were so pretty” Leeja grinned at her as she began her dance steps anew.

A gate creaked open, allowing them through and they came across the fuath they met before. Only, this time they were bigger and ready to fight them. They ran in as Leeja performed her steps, boosting the strength of everyone as Thancred rushed in, ready to fight Aenc Thon. They didn’t make it easy on the Scions as they (barely) dodged the puddles of water that shot them into the air if they weren’t careful, interrupting the spell casting of Urianger, Alisaie and Alphinaud, by throwing them up into the air. Leeja and Minfilia just about avoided being tossed and Thancred managed to dodge every single puddle. Once they had beaten the fuath, they continued on their way to defeat everything in their path as had been told by the disembodied voice at the gate.

Bee hives were dropped down and broke upon contact with the ground. No matter how quickly they tried to dispatch the bees, they still got stung horrible. “Urgh! Blasted things!” “I’m so itchy and sore now!” Alisaie growled in annoyance. Both Urianger and Alphinaud were quick to heal the damages caused by the bees and, with great delicacy, made their way up a path of leaves. At the top, they were faced with another treant, and another fuath feeding it magick to make it stronger. Once they had dispatched it, they ran on ahead to find a creature made up of twisted branches and leaves on its head. Leeja’s eyes flicked about as she looked for a strategy. “Follow my lead, get ready.” She began her steps and as soon as the effects were felt by the party, Thancred rushed on in, followed by Minfilia and then the rest of the party.

As Graule made it’s attacks and made an attempt to cause attempted damage to various members of the party, Leeja called out the position of it, her echo aiding her in the battles. Saplings appeared around the area, ready to made Graule bigger. “Stand in front of them! Don’t let them feed the big one!” She called out. They stood in front of them, absorbing the magick that made them slightly bigger. Vines appeared around each of the Scions, pinning them in place and forcing them to cut themselves free. A mild distraction but it didn’t last long as they were easy to cut down. It’s attacks repeated several times and Leeja continued to call it out when she saw it. When Graule was defeated, a path appeared across the lake with a castle at the end of it. “There’s our goal, I think.” “Do we have to swim?” Alphinaud asked, his voice a little shaky at the thought of it. Leeja braced herself to fall through but to her surprise, she didn’t. “There’s a path here. Walk in a straight line and you’ll be fine” she said, walking along the path slowly, just in case. “A castle of water… It’s just like a faerie tale” Minfilia said, looking up at the castle. “Except we’re the ones in the tale. Stay on your guard.” Thancred followed up with. “He’s right. We don’t know what to expect when we get in there” Leeja said gently.

They pushed the doors open and stepped inside, a voice called out to them “Welcome! Welcome to our humble abode!” Up ahead was the shell crown. It was clearly a trap, yet Leeja went up and touched it regardless. Someone had to regardless of it being a trap or not! “Stop! I smell a trap!” Thancred yelled. “We have to touch it regardless!” Leeja countered. As she put her hand on it, it vanished and three mobs sat in front of her. Thancred grabbed their attention quickly and it wasn’t long before they were finished. A ramp led up to the next part of the castle and they followed it. Inside, there were roaming kelpies and several packs of mobs needing to be gotten rid of. They did so and one final ramp appeared, leading into a large room.

The floor of the room was a round platform, water surrounding it. The crown sat at the top of a small set of stairs and standing there, in their true form, was Aenc Thon, dressed as a conductor. “This time we’ll really have the crown!” Minfilia looked at Leeja who nodded. “Focus on the fight, Minfilia - not the prize” Thancred said. Leeja began her steps once more and, as usual, once they all felt the effects Thancred went straight into the fight. Leeja once again called out when attacks were going to affect the rest of the party. The only attack she didn’t expect was when they threw the party back toward the door. The floor below vanished and an extremely thin zig-zag bridge that covered from the side the party was on to the side that Aenc Thon was standing, playing their music. The Scions made their way across the bridge, Thancred first, Urianger second and followed up by Leeja and Minfilia. They breached the barrier around Aenc Thon and quickly broke it down. After a short while, Aenc Thon moved to the middle of the room, casting a spell which transformed them into a shade of fear. It was an ugly looking thing - green flesh with four tentacles that looked purple. The spells that came from it spewed corrosive bile on the ground from the large jagged rows of teeth, everyone just about avoiding getting hit by it. It raised its tentacles and slammed them down on the ground hard, clipping Leeja and left with her a mild concussion. Alphinaud did his best to help deal with it and she thanked him, feeling a little breathless from having the wind knocked out of her. The shade vanished and again became Aenc Thon. The continued to fight until they called mercy and vanished in a bubble of water. “Is it… Is it over?” Leeja asked, slightly breathless still. “It seems so. Is everyone alright?” Thancred asked, fixing his gunblade to his back. Everyone nodded.

The sound of a voice rang clearly from the water. “Hah hah! Well fought, well fought!” The Scions got a little closer to the ege and noticed the eyes that had suddenly appeared. Then the sounds of various voices giving congratulations to them. The water around the edge of the platform had risen and alarm bells suddenly grew loudly in Leeja’s ears. “We need to get the crown and run, we’re in a lot of danger hanging around here” she warned. “Ohh. You do not hold back!” Aenc Thon appeared behind them, back in his smaller size. “But I would have it no other way! Seldom have I enjoyed such sport!” “We have satisfied thy demands. Wilt thou now satisfy ours?” Urianger asked. “Of course! Of course…” Aenc Thon started. Yet when he trailed off, Leeja’s hands became fists. “Something’s wrong…” She murmured. Minfilia and Alisaie looked at her with worry. Aenc Thon hadn’t heard her as he pointed toward the crown. “There it is. The relic you seek! Yours for the taking. Have care you do not break it, though, yes?” Alphinaud and Alisaie began making their way to the crown when Aenc Thon directed their attention at Leeja. “Ah, but you, my friend… You are mighty, indeed. And pleasing to the eye besides!” That filled Leeja with ice cold dread. It reminded her of Zenos and she felt nauseous. When the unseen fuath began to call out about wanting to see more of her in action, she backed up toward Thancred and Urianger. Then one of them suggested turning her into a fuath and she looked at Thancred. “A splendid idea! Why did I not think of that?! You may have the crown, but in exchange, we have you .” Aenc Thon pointed his cane toward Leeja. Water erupted from around the platform and began to cover the Scions. Leeja barely saw anything after the water hit and knocked her unconscious.

“Wake up! Wake up damn you!” A voice yelled at her. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in the lake and silently thanked Soroban for the ability to breathe underwater. Ardbert floated in front of her, looking relieved. “Oh, you’re alive! Thank the gods. I don’t know where you learned to breathe underwater, but its lucky that you can” he said. Leeja hummed softly in response. She felt awful. Her entire body ached, but the water too a majority of the edge off of it.

“Mm… What happened?”

“Well, I’m sure you had your reasons, but the first rule of dealing with the fuath… Is not to deal with the fuath. It’s said they’re born from the souls of the drowned. Were it not for your little trick, you would have joined them.”

“Wha- My friends! Where are my friends!?” Leeja panicked.

“Relax, they made it to land and they’re all alive” Ardbert reassured her. Leeja sighed out in relief. “They’ll be searching for you, I bet.”

“It’s fine, Alisaie will no doubt tell them I can breathe underwater and will be fine” Leeja said. She looked around at the sunken buildings. Ardbert went on to explain about the fallen kingdom of Voebert.

“Everything we did… Everything we gave … What was it for?” It was a rhetorical question and Leeja would have hugged him if she was able to.

“Hey, it’ll be fine. Aye, most the star has been wiped out, but there are still people alive, living their lives regardless of the circumstances.” She told him gently. “As you saw in Lakeland, we’re taking back the night.” Ardbert nodded.

“That you are” he agreed. “Can I ask you something? It’s about that hume in the white coat.” “Thancred? Sure thing, what do you want to know?” “He cares for you, a lot, doesn’t he?” Leeja nodded. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, you know. All the little things he does that you don’t see.” “What do you mean?” She asked. “Just the way he looks at you, like you’re the only person in the room. He moves to stand near you like he wants to protect you from the dangers of the world despite the fact you’re able to stand your own.” He noticed the way Leeja blushed, a pink tinge on her cheeks. “I’d say he’s madly in love with you. Have you said it to each other yet?” Leeja thought for a moment. She’d wanted to say it for a while, yet she didn’t know how or when the time was right. She just shook her head. Ardbert smiled a little. “It must be nice. Having someone who is willing to fight the world to keep you safe but just wants to be with you all the time.” “I… I never noticed” Leeja said softly. She felt all shy, but her heart skipped a beat and sped up a little as she heard what Ardbert had said. It made her smile. “Oh, aye. I’ve been watching. His gaze is always on you when you move. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more infatuated with someone before. You’re lucky you’ve got someone who will have your back.” He chuckled, noticing the gentle flick of her ears and the beaming smile on her face. “You should probably surface, they’ll be panicking and such if they don’t find you soon.” “Oh, that’s a good point! Thank you, by the way.” Leeja giggled softly and swam toward the surface.

When Leeja surfaced, she noticed Urianger sat on the bank with Alisaie next to him. “I’m going back in.” She panted, clearing having been searching for a while. “Nay, my lady. Exhausted as art, thou wouldst only endanger thyself. I prithee, rest a moment.” He tried to convince the stubborn red mage. “There was nothing where we looked” Thancred said, clearly looking panicked. He looked over and noticed the water-drenched miqo’te. “Leeja!” He rushed over and hugged her tightly. Leeja hugged him back just as tight. “It’s alright, I’m alive and that’s the important thing.” She tried to reassure him. “Dear gods... Were it not for Soroban's blessing... But I need not labour the point. I am glad to see you safe and well, my friend.” Alphinaud sat down on the grass next to Urianger. Leeja shivered a little and sat down as well. “Have you any idea how worried we were!? To wash up on the shore, only to find you weren't with us!?” Alisaie scolded. Leeja’s ears pinned back and she muttered an apology. “Oh, but I'm forgetting ─ here's your crown, Your Majesty! The Fuath kept that part of the bargain, at least!” She handed the crown over and Leeja took it with a quiet ‘thanks’. Leeja felt the warmth and scent of Thancred and his coat as he draped the coat around her, trying to keep her warm.

The sound of fluttering wings speeding toward them hurriedly drew everyone's attention. “Oh! Thank goodness you're still here!” Sul Uin sounded panicked, “What happened, Sul Uin?” Leeja asked, standing up quickly. She stumbled slightly from light-headedness and thankfully had Thancred catch her and held her close, feeling the way he was trembling. She looked up at him with worry. “A great big mob of mortals is marching to Il Mheg. Mortals with ugly weapons and uglier faces! They wouldn't happen to be your friends, would they?” It sounded like they wanted to play games with them. “Rather the reverse, I fear. The Eulmoran Army, at a guess.” Thancred answered. “Meaning...we can play with them?” Ah, there was the hopefulness they wanted. “As much as you like. But just to be sure, I will return with you to confirm their identities. If they are who we suspect, we will require your aid.” Alphinaud replied. Sul Uin looked a little excited. “If Alphinaud is coming, then Alisaie will be too, yes? Can't have one without the other, you know!” Alisaie sighed and looked at Sul Uin. “All right. Just remember, we're not your playmates this time.” “I'm afraid we must leave the rest of the relic hunt in your hands.” Alphinaud gave them a confident smile. “We’ll be as quick as we can. Hold off the Eulmorans as long as you can” Leeja told them. With a nod, Sul Uin and the twins ran off, leaving Leeja, Thancred, Urianger and Minfilia. “We shouldn’t delay. Our time crunch has become a sprint.” “If it is indeed the Eulmoran Army, we may soon have to contend with Ran'jit again...which may prove problematic, even for you.” Thancred said to Leeja. She nodded little and felt the pressure increase just a bit more.

When they had finished climbing the riverbank and finding the path once more, Leeja went to hand Thancred his coat back, only for him to deny it. “Keep it on you until you warm up. I’ll be fine without it.” “Are you sure? I’ll feel super guilty otherwise…” She looked up at him as he nodded, smiling at her. “It’s alright. But we shouldn’t dawdle.” He looked at Urianger. “So, do we know where the last two relics are? I assume you’ve got some idea?” He crossed his arms and waited for him to answer. Leeja and Minfilia shivered as they waited for Urianger to answer. “Of the two remaining bearers of the relics, the Nu Mou are the nearer. We shall seek them out next. Among the fae folk, they bear the distinction of having abided in these lands since before the Flood. They are also the friendliest to men, and have served me faithfully whensoever I have called upon them. Indeed, they are the source of much of the knowledge I have acquired in my time here.” Urianger said. “The path leadeth past my dwellings. Let us away.” “Okay. Hopefully the walk will warm us up” Leeja shivered as her teeth chattered. “We should make a stop so we change out of cold, wet gear” Thancred suggested. It was met with agreement and they made their toward the Bookman’s shelves.

#final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #my writing #leeja fythe #thancred waters #shadowbringers #fan fic #alisaie levelilleur #ffxiv ryne #alphinaud leveilleur #urianger augurelt #fae folk #dohn mheg

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