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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor - "Breaking Faith.

“Our focus was always to secure specific details related to the Company. To that end I think we succeeded remarkably well. It was our downwell domestic activities that proved vulnerable to overlapping blood feuds and vendettas we had no knowledge of.”

- Bondermir Exidines, “Seven Stars to the Horizon.”

Bandia Sulistian looked at the rickshaw with the degree of indignation a child presented a strange unappetizing meal. “And I am to do what with this?” she said incredulously to Tatania Umberbreaker who impassively returned the woman’s glare and replied. “It is our means of transportation and our business is not suited for speaking of in open crowds. Please be aboard and let us tend to matters.” she said, her eyes tensing as she gestured again to the three wheeled rickshaw, its driver, a cloaked Xeala waiting astride the cart. Awkwardly Bandia climbed into the seat with an effort and Tatania sat beside her and pulled the carts overhead cover forward, affording them a modicum of privacy. With a click of her heel on the carriage seats foot rest the driver stood on her pedals. With a creak of strained metal the rickshaw edged forward. The driver turned the wheel and narrowly avoided collision with the innumerable people as she started out for the inner merchants district.

“The junction crystals?” Tatania asked tersely as the rickshaw move forward. Annoyed, Bandia pulled a long black container, which given her disposition might have been easily mistaken for a box of chocolates and thrust it to Tatania who tucked it under her cloak. Striking a firm business tone she look at Bandia.

“My liege approves of the result of your effort.” she said.

“Thank you, I am glad he values my contribution” replied Bandia.

“Do not thank me. The result of your effort met with approval. You contributed nothing but willing betrayal of a rival, to your own gain, and compliance with instructions.” Tatania said in a dismissive tone.

“Why I never! Do you treat all of your partners thusly?”

“You are not a partner, you are a tool. This was made very clear when we met. Continue to comply and produce acceptable results and you will continue to be remunerated appropriately.”

“Humph.” Bandia snorted, turning her nose up and leering at Tatania out of the corner of her eye. Unmoved Tatania sarcastically shot back. “I am sorry Ms. Sulistian, do you find the Gil insufficient? Do you feel aggrieved?”

“No.” Bandia said, backing down. Shrinking some into her seat.

“I should think not.” Tatania said, taking a moment to adjust her hood. Bandia was left with no eyes to look into as she asked, “Who are you people?”

“Your future, in success or failure, make your peace with that.” Tatania said, leaning closer to Bandia and sharpened her tone. “Success brings you the justice you seek against those whom you hate.”

“What will it bring you?” Asked Bandia. “It will avenge our blood and deliver recompense for an age of injustice.” Tatania said.

“And what exactly would that be.”

Tatania looked at Bandia and said simply, “An empire.”

Bandia’s expression went blank and turned her eyes fixed ahead on the driver. The sudden chill she felt working up her back overrode her customary incredulity for the moment.

Aubreen stepped aside from the oncoming rickshaw, pressing Katryn out of it’s turning radius. For the briefest of moments the driver's eyes met Aubreen’s before she peddled on as her passengers. “Rickshaw drivers, more dangerous than pirates.” Katryn said.

“Frequently, yes, but second only to hair stylists and bar tenders for information if you know a good one. Where do you want to eat Meldanya?”

“A steakhouse this time.” Katryn said confidently.

“Continental or Higoshi?” Aubreen asked.

“Teppanyaki.”

“Table or grill?”

“Grill.”

“Sushi?” “Cocktails.” Katryn said a bit too eagerly.

“The Fire Bowl or Benny Lala?”

“Which one does the fire trick with onion?” “Any of them. However you seemed most impressed with Benny Lala’s chef.”

“We have a decision then!” Katryn declared and the pair continued afoot towards the heart of the merchants district.

A flash of lighting silhouetted the mountains beyond Kugane. It was a sight easy on the eyes. Both Aubreen and Katryn shared a fondness for watching storms at sea. The morning was now little more than a slate grey sky promising some sort of rain. Thunder rumbled down the foothills at last, suggesting a few hours of peace before rain arrived.

The flash was hardly noticeable near the Aetheryte crystal in Kugane. It did not enjoy the same sort of elaborate courtyard as did those in some other major cities. The rickshaw slowed to a stop near a modest flagstone path leading to the base of the crystal. Tatania paid the driver in Gil while Bandia fumbled out of the back of the rickshaw. The driver peddled away without awaiting another customer.

Recovering her whits from Tatania’s absurd belief of what her people would gain, Bandia stared up at the crystal and broke her silence. “Where are we going?” She asked.

“To meet my courier who will return with you to Ul’Dah tonight.” Tatania told her. “I’m going back to sea tonight? I had expected to be able to tour Kugane?” Bandia whined.

“You are taking the Aetheryte along with your next set of master crystals.”

“But I’m afraid of that sort of travel.”

“You are not being offered a choice. These crystals must be on-hand to be consumed when you receive the order for new devices.“ Tatania said, growing annoyed with the woman.

“How do you know when I am going to get another contract?”

“The same way I retained your effort.” Bandia’s resentful glare could not conceal a hint of hurt in her eyes. Tatania put aside her growing personal disdain for the women for a moment. Tool or not Bandia took time to find and efforts she would rather not repeat to secure as a resource.

“Do not be resentful, this is about business. For both of us. It is not personal. I’ll understand if that is cold comfort.” Bandia seemed unmoved. Tatania grasped her shoulder and put more sincerity into her effort. “Hear me. They are taking your business away. One contract at a time. Like they take everything. We know. We understand.”

Bandia nodded reluctantly, focused again on her reason for going along with all this trouble. The pair walked on to the base of the crystal’s pedestal.

“Where is this man of yours, I want to be done with this.” Bandia asked.

“He comes now.” Tatania said.

“Ms. Sulistian.” a voice said. Bandia turned and another cloaked figure thrust a thick box like that she had given to Tatania earlier.

“Your delivery for the next order.” the man said. She turned to speak to Tatania but she had vanished.

Before Bandia could turn around, she felt a firm push in the small of her back and arm reach over her shoulder towards the crystal. The world seemed to vanish in a light blue haze. All she heard was the fading voice of the man.

“We go home now.”

From the entrance to a nearby alley the rickshaw driver reflected on the coming storm and drew her own hood higher over her pitch black horns. She contemplated the intersection of people and places as she watched her fare slip around the garish clothed woman and into a crowd as the man they met shoved her toward the Aetheryte and reaching for it himself jaunted them both away. She set out across the court and followed the cloaked woman’s path towards an onsen overlooking the port.

The port district in Kugane featured one of the richest selections of street food and cuisine in Eorzea. Yatai carts in neat lines sat in squares and streets. From late afternoon until the early hours of the morning the sizzle from grills, exotic smells of spices and sauces scarcely conceivable to those not native to Higoshi filled the air. A favorite for visitors, especially those on a budget was the “Promenade of Plenty.” A long and wide but gated ally it required several Gil per person to enter, for which patrons were given tokens. These tokens could be exchanged for all manner of street food. Rice cakes, flavored mashed potatoes pressed into hand-pies, sushi, Small kabobs of spiced meat on a stick adorned the hands of many, often couples which enjoyed the promenade as a walking banquet of appetizers.

At the end of this promenade was a favorite of Katryn Vaunter.

“Benny Lala, Teppanyaki Steakhouse and Bakery” did not fit into any particular culinary orthodoxy. An old style silver nitrate image of the founding patriarch graced the wall above the maitre d station. A mustached Lalafell stared out holding a knife and onion like a scepter and orb. The back of the menus told the story of Philbers Doeburry, who in the sixth astral age established the first Teppanyaki style steakhouse and bakery. It could safely lay claim as the only restaurant to offer a sushi cupcake and Flaming Onion soju.

Aubreen offered Katryn the last of the kabob from the Promenade as they entered the restaurant. The restaurant was empty, having only just opened and the surge of mid-day diners had not yet arrived. The maitre’d, a young female Lalafell with a cheery smile stood on a set of wood boxes, at the station just inside the door. Philbers Doeburry looked down from the picture on the wall behind her. She smiled and thrust her hands into the air and cried out, “HAPPY FOOD GO!” At once the servers as well as the Itamae and teppanyaki chef’s all followed suite and the restaurant echoed with “HAPPY FOOD GO!” in response. Katryn was gleeful, even Aubreen’s ordinary self constrained nature allowed for a smile. “Welcome to Benny Lala’s! How many in your party?”

“Two.” Katryn replied.

“Table or Grill?”

“Grill.”

“A name for the reservation?”

“Vaunter.”

“Very well, if you like you may sit at the sushi bar. It should only be a few minutes!“

Off of the main floor there was a long bar with stool seating. The bar had a narrow ledge suitable for only small plates and drinks in front of a glass protected refrigerated area in which sushi was prepared. Aubreen and Katryn took seats and took a moment to review the small menu. A Namasu waddled along the elevated floor behind the bar, bowed and in a gurggly, slightly sullen voice. “Happy food go. Welcome to Benny Lala’s. Would you like a drink or appetizer while you wait? Our Flaming Onions are on special.” The chef sounded as excited as a fish drying out on a beach. “A Flaming Onion.” Vaunter said. “Maki rolls please, and a soju.” Aubreen added.

Aubreen settled onto her stool. She took a moment to shift her personal sword from her right to left hip as she perched on the stool. Long, slender and curved, it was of a style native to her people which she had carried for ages.

“I have noticed the light swords warriors in Higoshi carry have hilt guards. I have yet to see one like your own in our time here.” Katryn noted.

“There are none I expect. Though that is no reflection on the smiths here. The Elezen people produce weapons nearly worthy of my own Kin, however that should be expected.” Aubreen said.

The Namasu delivered the bottles of soju and Aubreen’s sushi.

“Have you been able to spar much with it since the boardings trailed off last year?”

“Sparingly. Benjimir and I had occasion to renew our old lessons. However his preference tended to be the bow, but he still holds his on I have found.” Aubreen said.

She continued, “His technique is unrefined but you would be hard pressed to find somebody more challenging to best. He can stalemate you indefinitely.”

“I’ve never had a particular proclivity for the tactical arts. The operational arts, command, control, that was what I wanted to study. I was honored to become a protege of you and Benjimir.” Katryn said.

“Student dear. Protege speaks to something different.” Aubreen explained.

Katryn looked disappointed. “In what way do you mean?”

“A student and a protege are not one and the same. The former learns from you and what you teach. The latter is something more intimate, personal. It is someone you teach, surely. However a protege has a natural resonance with you, carries a bit of who you are with them, makes it part of themselves.”

“Vaunter, party of two!” The maitre’d announced. Aubreen and Katryn carried their soju bottles to the nearest grill. Taking time to place their orders with the Lalafell waitress, they resumed their conversation.

“So not I am not a protege, eh?” Katrwn said. Aubreen leaned toward Katrwn and lowered her tone for emphasis. “You are as fine a student as any Benjimir and I have ever taught. But Benjimir is a protege and the best of them. He always is.”

Katryn furled a brow.

“Always?” she said.

Aubreen nodded. “He comes by it honestly. I have guided and trained the Thursby line for nearly all of its generations. Benjimir is always my favorite protege.” she said. Katryn shook her head. “I mean rather how does one protege more than once?”

“Live long enough and you see everything once and again.” Aubreen said.

“You mean to say you have taught more than one Thursby named Benjimir?”

Aubreen paused and considered the question. “No. Rather I have taught many Thursbys named Benjimir, but only ever one.” she said.

Katryn smirked. “It is true what they say about asking questions of an El…..”

“Happy Food Go!” The Lalafell chef said loudly pausing their conversation for the moment. Visible by only the top of his toque as he approached the grill and climbed atop the wooden stand behind it. The waitress followed with a cart full of the chicken, shrimp, fish, rice and such to produce the orders. The chef began the classic typikaniki dinner by pour a goodly amount of oil on the already hot grill and setting it aflame. The patrons starting to be seated exclaimed their impressions even if most has frequently seen it. The chef continued to spin eggs and toss bits of shrimp and chicken around playfully as the meal cooked and assembled before Aubreen and Katryn. The meal complete and plated the chef retired to applause from Aubreen, Katryn and excited patrons seated nearby. With time to start their dishes Katryn revived the conversations along new lines.

“There was a considerable amount of talk in Tondera Hall about if the arrival of Benjimir and decline of opposition at sea were portents we may depart these shores and resume our journey. What do you see coming?” Katryn asked.

“I do not know more about tomorrow than the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. What foresight I had before we came to these shores has left me. And do not think I say that lightly.” Aubreen said. Katryn looked alarmed. “For how long?” She asked. “Since before the fall of the moon and ever since. Unnerving at first it did have some qualities I would not trade.” Aubreen said. Katryn tilted her head and asked. “Such as?”

Aubreen smiled warmly. “I would never have broken faith with my duty as I knew it and given into

your advances. Nor pondered experiencing this ages long life more freely.” Katryn returned the smile and raised it with a pair of flush cheeks.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions if Numenor - “Shotguns and Canned Goods.”

“There is no peace without a threat of war. There is no war without the promise of peace. All else is tyranny.”

- Aubreen T'Subaki, “Qalvanda”

In the pre-dawn hours the Andustar and her sister ships checked their speed and held station as the convoy proceeded on to the outer bay of Kugane. As the last vessel picked up a harbor pilot and made their way up the channel cut to the harbor they turned themselves for the Thursby Company shipyard.

Kugane featured a large port and anchorage. It was the gateway for trade and commerce on Higoshi. The city reflected the complexities of diplomatic and internal considerations of the time. The lords of the archipelago outwardly kept a policy of neutrality. Pirates, Grand Companies, the Alliance and the Garlean Empire surrounded Higoshi. Within Higoshi there was but one port officially open for trade, Kugane. This served several purposes. It contained foriegn trade to transiting a single destination. This normally kept diplomatic, commerce and forigene influence near to the city where it could be contained and more efficiently influenced or taxed. This aided in appeasing Garlean interests after the invasion of Othard. The situation was conducive to monitoring any rhetorical or material danger to their disputed sovereignty in the region.

Confederacy, pirates, local tribute demands made the flow of visiting ships sparse for years. This impacted the demand for shipwrights, refits and new builds. The two yards in Kugane had ceased operating for all but rare work. The arrival of the Thursby company six years prior went unnoticed to most for most of this time. As T’Subaki built her fleet elsewhere from the purchase of surplus tonnage and took to securing the sea lanes, it was presumed to be Malestrom which was, for whatever reason, asserting itself in the Ruby Sea.

Concurrently Bondermir effected orders from Benjimir to procure ownership of the dormant ship yards. Gil greased wheels, and kept transactions out of sight and mind especially since little transpired in the yards at first. Subsequent work at the yards were the assumed to be a function of Malestrom’s skirmishes and improving commerce.

By the time any might have concluded a pitched effort to open trade to Higoshi was under way, any means to challenge it was neither possible nor desirable. Tribute flowed was flowing from every direction to the lords of Hiboshi. Merchants through Kugane thrived more richly than in an age and were the envy of the islands. Even beyond the port city, Higoshi merchants found their wares in growing demand across Eorzea. Even then, Thursby company interests were obscured by the alliance with Malestrom and the flow of independent merchant vessels making port in Kugane.

The airships passed the western graving docks. They were mirrors of three newer ones built in an annex east of Kugane’s main piers. All were filled. The nearest dock in view held an unremarkable merchant airship nearing completion. The other two appeared unremarkable but to the experienced eye. Underway for over a year the lines of these ships prompted little reason to question vague descriptions of the projects as merchantmen of large size. Their owners were not known, save for rumors of rich Lalafells from Ul’Dah whose means to pay was unsecure and thus the lengthy construction process.

For its part, the Garlean gunships and tactical combatants were being widely engaged and remained scattered. Matters at sea were the interest of few in the Empire. The Imperial fleet was occupied supporting its forces ashore with smoldering conflicts across its territories. These conflicts fueled suffering which for some years the Scions of Numenor and Thursby Company had each, in their own way, been involving themselves in.

The convoy ships were debarking passengers into Kugane as the escort squadron tied-off. Longshoremen manhandled goods from ships to waiting wagons. The largest vessels boasted their own crains. From these pallets of goods were lowered off the ships onto wagons. Members of the Scions of Numenor sat at the reigns of some of the wagons. Others awaited on all manner of mounts. As the wagons filled they made their way to the service streets past the merchant district and onto their destinations.

Caravans under the Scions of Numenor banner or protection made their way deep into territory across the map. Goods or occasionally simply food and medicinal needs flowed into shop and stalls amidst the conflicts across the map. The Thursby Company fleet ensured those efforts were supplied and protected in ways that would not fit in the former’s altruistic and honorable reputation.

Increasingly in the past year caravans debarked company ships at Kugane and made for whereabouts unknown. More so than the convoys at sea, the array of dangers on land was more varied and commonly encountered. The sum and success of the caravans were closely monitored in Tondera Hall. Beast and people encountered by caravans were categorized assessed continuously. When beasts were at issue, the Scions would send teams to hut. When the danger was people posing more persistent dangers the Thursby Company would engage but rarely to the knowledge of any but the Scions captain general.

Flooding the piers between the wagons, the crews on shore leave and passengers pressed their way around the organized chaos into the district beyond. Merchants with carts and trinkets awaited passengers and crews as they made their way into the city. Shop keeps had posted placards welcoming all and enticing them with specials and deals. Street performers were strumming instruments and the smell of food wafted thick through the air. Spa workers sought to draw customers with the newest treatments. Other women and men solicited clients with more timeless offers. To the crews enjoying shore leave it was an exciting visit to a favorite place. To the uninitiated it was an overwhelming bombardment on the senses.

A woman, dimly lit but imposing in a hooded cloak stood in front of a rickshaw outside the central path from the Harbor masters tower. She locked her eyes on a confused looking woman whose pace was slowed as she seemed to stop every second step to occasionally ask a question to somebody which drew confused looks in response. Or at least it could have been her comments the cloaked woman thought. This person’s mode of dress bordered on the absurd. Garish colored couture cobbled together in an effort to assemble a coherent style, masking ill kept physical conditioning. Worthy she thought of the lesser districts in Garlemead where new money strove with more refined old money expressions of fashion, and usually lost. Just another lesser bastard of the Sulistian family she resolved.

Advancing on the woman Tatania Uberbreaker drew enough attention to lock eyes with the woman and extending an arm from under her cloak she gestured to the rickshaw.

“Mad’am Sulistian, welcome to Kugane.” she said.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor. “Catch and Release.”

“Maelstrom had obligations to the Alliance and Grand Companies. Such were taxing its means to support the stifling presence Commodore T’Subaki had established against the Confederacy. Indeed, the slowly escalating conflicts ashore were forcing the Company fleet to stretch thinner and revert to tactics more prevalent in our first years. The risks were not what we remembered.“ - Katryn Vaunter, Personal Log.

The Scion Air Ships (SAS) Fairstar, Fairwind, Fairsea and Andustar (ex-Fairsky) comprised the four Saxton class airships in Company service. Andustar, Fairstar and Fairwind were escorting a long mixed convoy of surface and air ships toward Kugane. Ex-baggers, over several refits by the Company, the Saxtons had forsaken their lifting “air bags.” Replacing them were greatly enhanced Garlean style Corulium wheels amidships and lift plate along her conventional waterline. The class retained the masts support lines which added a grace while underway and utility in close action. But their profiles allowed them to pass for merchant vessels at a distance. Aesthetically the Saxtons resembled fat paddlewheel passenger boats in some respects. Only with gun casemates studding the sides rather than the passenger verandas.

The assorted gun mounts housed a mix of new and somewhat antiquated mid-caliber naval guns. Her main deck offered swivel guns and arms intended for boarding and repelling of boarders. Comfortable, well equipped and immaculately kept, the Saxton class were antique improvised compromises all the same. Leadership, tactics and the skill of crews made them into effective warships and Commodore T’Subaki had been at the root of that.

“Continuous bearing, decreasing range, time to track inception five minutes.” the ensign at the plot table said aboard Andustar. Her captain, Katryn Vaunter and Commodore Aubreen T'Subaki listened. "Azimuthal quad screw, wheels, no bags. Two gun decks." Vaunter reported as she used her hand scopes to view the contact.

Open piracy had not known a more miserable time at sea. Able to check the Confederacy and pirates on the open ocean for years, such had not prevented the would-be toll keepers and pirate lords from convincing privateers to challenge them. This was the third such challenge of the journey.

"Designate Privateer One.” Vaunter ordered.

T'Subaki glanced over the plot table. “I have him captain."

"Commodore has the con.” Vaunter said in turn.

“Signal Fairwind to proceed 15 points to port and advance to emergency ahead. Then bring us to a direct course abeam.” T'Subaki ordered, peering at the makeshift commerce raider hardly more than a small dark silhouette.

Andustar and Fairwind turned from their positions within the convoy. Free trade was not the wish of the ruling men of Hingashi, but it was powerless to enforce tribute or escorted vessels from making port in Kugane. The Confederacy had presented a barrier to most trade until Maelstrom pressed independent pirates into compliance with it and the Thursby Company Fleet pushed the rest aside.

“Pennant flying." Captain Vaunter said over her shoulder to the commodore whose attention was now on the opposite side of the convoy. "Aye, Sunrise and sword on a purple background. I saw it." T'Subaki said.

"Plot, report all contacts.” T'Subaki ordered, her gaze to the distance unbroken. The ensign glanced at his chart. “My only contacts are convoy and Privateer One.” he replied, looking up and seeing the direction of the commodore’s attention. As he did the sound phone buzzed. He picked the handset up and answered. “Plot…….right then” replacing the headset on its hook. He began to update his chart and announced “Con, new contact, starboard bow, unknown vessel type, range 18 kilometers. Bearing and speed undetermined.” the ensign reported. “Con aye. Designate Ghost One. Mister Vaunter the con is yours, Take us in." T'Subaki acknowledged.

"Those eyes.” Vaunter thought to herself as she snapped her hand scope toward a small dot just above the line of the horizon. “Signal Fairstar to increase angels to fifteen hundred and maintain speed. Helm, advance to flank. Signals, send all ships to stand to quarters. XO, rig for boarding action.” Vaunter ordered in a flurry that sent still more orders along their chains of command and duty. The increased altitude would make it clear to the new contact that the convoy was escorted if the new contact was hostile. The Andustar and Fairwind would still be obscured from it. But the privateer would know also. All the more reason to close the shrinking distance with it quickly.

The Andustar rumbled as her corilum powered furnaces surged and the power shunted to her thrusters. As her speed increated the inverted, or ramming bow created pressure which depressed it. Small thrusters in the bow and increased power to the Garlean designed lift wheels evened its pitch.

The Fairwind made her best speed away from the convoy. As Andustar closed within a kilometer T'Subaki retook the con.

“Signal Fairwind to begin her run and pull the hook in. Plot report changes, contact Ghost One?” T'Subaki asked.

The ensign replied, sound surprised, “Unchanged, holding at original position, now ten kilometers off starboard bow.”

T'Subaki nodded and leered at the dark shape in the distance. The faint look of misgiving did not escape Vaunters attention.

“Trouble?” she asked. T'Subaki shook her head and turned toward the contact abeam.

“No, the Garleans are not disposed to raid commerce.” she said.

Vaunter whose look of concern was followed by a quick look with her scopes.

“Garlean?”

"Yes, oversized, incoherent design. Gaudy, gilded details like a flying house of ill repute. “ T'Subaki said with a tone of derision.

"But lets be about the business at hand."

The matter of contact Ghost One was subordinated to after action discussion. The women both turned to the plot table. Seeing Fairwinds position, T'Subaki raised her voice.

"Signals, send Privateer One, issue hostile challenge and order them to stand away from the convoy or it will be fired upon. Helm, reduce speed to ahead dead slow, come to starboard and present port broadside. All mounts to global control. And raise my colors. Execute." T'Subaki ordered.

Twice already this cruise from Limsa to Kugane, a motley assortment of vessels, some bearing no weapon more threatening than the smell below decks had challenged the convoy. As before T'Subaki deployed her ships to ensure their lack of speed and numbers did not allow for their escape.

"Action on the decks." Vaunter observed as the privateer waivered in her course as its crew scurried about. "They are preparing to fight.” she added. T'Subaki nodded and shook her head.

“Their effort would be flattering were it not so ill advised and the methods amateur.” T'Subaki said. It was not the futility of this would be raider but the unseen parties that must be driving them to try. Consulting the plot, she nodded again. “Signal Fairwind to engage. Then signal Privateer One to strike colors and prepare to be boarded."

As in the previous two encounters Fairwinds course formed a hook shape on the plot chart. Like a fisher the company escort would effectively catch and release the raider after a short fight, boarding and dropping ordinance over the side.

"Fairwind engaging.” Vaunter said as from the ships forward most casemates flashes and delayed cracks announced a warning volley over the privateers bow. “Response from Privateer One?” T'Subaki asked.

“Negative, only latent coms noise on the link.” the signals bosun replied. T'Subaki furled a brow. “The new link pearls or upwell set?” she asked.

The bosun shook his head. “New.”

“Very well, log the issue after action. Signal, clear Fairwind to engage hostile, route ship-to-ship channel to the plot handset, link two.” T'Subaki said. Vaunter spared a look. “Not worried we might miss a reply?” she asked. T'Subaki shook her head.

Aboard the privateer the scattered efforts of its crew finally produced a deck of loaded cannons. Either a fire order or fearful gun captain led to one firing, which led then immediately to the decks entire division to discharge. The rounds largely failed to strike save a few shells which burst against the improvised armor plates. These plates were used for protection and emergency ballast aboard the Saxton class.

“Not worried at all. The new links have not failed yet, if the quality leaves much to be desired.” she T’Subaki told Vaunter as the vibration from the ad hoc barrage calmed. “Helm, ahead full." She ordered.

Picking up the handset at the plot table T'Subaki flipped a switch, "Control, Con, current track, Kill Gun, all mounts. Commence firing, fire continuous." T'Subaki flipped the channel selector to the next setting which connected it to the ship-to-ship Linkpearl box at the signals station. "Fairwind, Flag, weapons free, nav free, mind our solution and prevent Privateer One from egressing the engagement."

Within a moment, the full port side armement of Andustar fired. As quickly as each could reload the guns fired again. The vibration and noise merged into the engines surging to their full power thrusting the ship forward. Fairwind turned hard to starboard and released her own broadside.

Fairwind and Andustar circled the ship slowly. Their combined fire ripped through the air and into the privateer relentlessly. The engagement that followed was as lopsided as the contrast in combatants. In a matter of minutes the return fire had ceased, deck fires were prevalent and the ships propulsion and lift screws were destroyed.

Falling from the sky, the burning hulk shed crew into the water before drawling too much water the capsizing. Fairwind held station to recover survivors before rejoining the convoy. Andustar sprinted to resume her place near the front of the flock it escorted.

The convoy itself never stopped moving nor changed course. Fairstar resumed her cruising altitude and position within the convoy. Kugane was now a half days sail. "Fairsea, Orrostar and Cutlass put to sea this morning with the convoy to Limsa. Watch Tondera was advised of the downing and the Garlean contact. All ships are proceeding as before" Vaunter summed the watch notes in the officer galley.

The freshly offwatch officers were celebrating around them. No prize to be had, the privateer was not captured. All the same, after confronting and subduing two earlier assailants there was satisfaction in sounding hammering the third.

"Whatever the new Garlean ship was it never moved until the convoy passed. Then it drew east bearing toward Limsa.” Vaunter added. T'Subaki sipped at her glass of a wine from Ul'Dah. And thoughtfully looked at her friend, lover and protégé. “In your written after action report, note the performance issues with the Linkpearl gear." She said, catching Vaunters eyes long gaze for a deliberately long moment before a mutual knowing laugh broke punctuated the moment. "Early morning dear, convoy putting into port. Shall we retire?" T'Subaki asked rising from her seat beside Vaunter.

"Very well. We can….debrief more then I hope." Vaunter said with a smirk tucking and arm about T'Subaki’s waist as they walk to the exit.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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Prompt #10: Avail - “Weaving the Cloaks, Forging the Dagger.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

“I never expected that our work would evade notice, rather I hoped to effect some measure of control over how it was observed, assessed, judged.”

-Benjimir Thursby, “Seven Stars to the Horizon.”

(Revised 9/21 for additional content, details, grammar, and Feng Shui.)

Officially it had no formal title, but in communique and common speech it was referred to as Company Hall. Among the officers of the Thursby Company it was often named Tondera Hall, for reasons none would explain when asked. Among the Scions company it was called the White Tree after the first sub-level which had been arranged into a spa by the same name. The spa was open to the public and frequently served recuperating company members. The first level held a service desk at which members of all companies, guests, and customers of the spa conducted business. A crafting, engineering space, which Ossimira Miegs seemed to dwell in all hours the night and day was behind the service desk. Scattered through the hall, in sub-levels under the main building, were quarters and rooms. Most were in the hill abutting the hall, others in the sub-levels along the ridge overlooking the nearby streams and lake. This afforded many rooms windows. Collectively the design also made the hall seem deceptively small as seen from it’s courtyard.

Benjimir kept personal quarters in Company Hall. Also, there were offices for the newly appointed business management gurus the Twinkinryker twins. A few rooms served as backups to their Thursby Company counterparts in Ul’Dah. Benjimir was in conference with his younger brother Bondermir in one such room. A plaque on the door identified it as AUXFLTOPS. The Auxiliary Fleet Operations room. There was next to it a similar room whose focus was caravans and warehousing related.

In the far end of the room was a large map on the wall. On the map were color coded paper icons representing company ships, convoys, anchorages and port slips. Each was pinned to the map with a small slip of paper naming each. Ships were labelled by class, origin, destination, mission and commander. Strings from the icons led to each ships destination on the map.

Two clerks, “up wellers,” Sammie and Adler, sat at the Watch Desk next to the map. They had a small Linkpearl box in front of them. The box was of Eorzean craft, intended to channel many links to it. Those paired links were in boxes aboard each of the ships on the map. As updates were received, the maps, ledgers, schedules and other information were updated there. In Ul’Dah an identical room, larger and more elaborate, replicated the effort. Which room actively took responsibility for “the watch” rotated. Today “Tondera” had the watch. Another set of rooms nearby and in Ul’Dah were similarly appointed and focused on caravans.

“Watch, Baxter. Arriving, Kugane slip 3, FSB 1251.” a voice said over the link box. Adler marked a log and spoke into the box. “Baxter, Watch aye. Time in, Fleet Standard Bell 1251.” Adler walked to a short step ladder in front of the main map and updated the marker for the ship and moved it to Kugane.

Benjimir returned his eyes from the Watch desk to the map he and Bondermir were standing in front of. His attention was drawn repeatedly to the older map on the opposite wall. A few years prior it tracked Company and Maelstrom vessels and points where battles had been fought in the Dragonsong War. None involved Company ships at that point. In the years since the current map in front of him traced points of contact and combat, mostly with pirates and the initial engagements with the Confederacy to the present day. Points of contact with Garlean ships were highlighted. There had not been any fighting since the previous war and little even then. The Imperial fleet had been scattered and unable to mass during the conflict.

“The Alliance wants nothing to do with it, but the sentiment in the ranks isn’t solidly behind their leadership.” Bondermir said. He pointed up at several places on the map. “There are skirmishes all along these Imperial zones of control, Ala Mihgo, and such.” he added. Each zone had one or more ports and shipping lanes traveled by Company ships.

“And we have business interests, caravans and Scions all over those places.” Benjimir lamented. “If this escalates and the Alliance is drawn into a fight involving the Empire we may have a difficult time avoiding contact this time. Our footprint is bigger now.” he said rhetorically as Bondermir knew this as well as any in the Company.

“Aye. It is aligned with our intents and interests to oppose the Imperials. If this continues to track along its current path the Alliance will get drawn into it. If they are pulled into a shooting war I don’t foresee how we avoid it either.” Bondermir said. Benjimir nodded his head and pointed to the areas nearest to the Imperials. The conversation paused.

At the duty desk the clerk picked up a small card and reached to another device next to the Linkbox. It resembled a childs toy, a small keyboard with six keys and a small speaker, set in a wooden box with gold painted decorative details. The clerk pressed a button on the linkbox which locked the transmission open then began to tap the keys on the new device. She pressed two keys like playing a musical instrument, each resulted in a different tones playing. She repeated this six times with two different keys each then spoke into the Linkbox. “Watch testing with Forrostar, Andustar, Baxter, Fairstar, Fairsea, Entulesse. FSB 1300.”

“We need eyes and ears out there. And everywhere else really. This is happening weather we or the Alliance wants it or not and we’re still treating this like a research project writ large.” Benjimir said, turning to his brother.

“Business ledgers, passenger manifests, field reports from the Scions don’t tell us enough of what we need to know. We have more shipping agents than intelligence agents. We won’t avail ourselves anything by being passive here. With the Twinkinrykers onboard now I’m naming you our Director of Strategic Information. I need spies Bondermir, a lot of them.” Benjimir said.

At the Watch desk the Linkbox squawked with a long three tone signal, which was assigned to the Company Hall. A voiced followed up as Sammie and Adler began to mark entries into their logs and close them. “Tondera, Ul’Dah. Tondera we stand ready to relieve you.” the voice said. Sammie leaned forward and pressed the key to talk on the Linkbox. “Ul’Dah, Tondera, we stand relieved.” A moment later the voice from Ul’Dah spoke again. “Tondera aye. All players, all players, Ul’dah has the Watch, FSB 1305, good day!”

Bondermir cringed at the identical twin Lalafells taking up much of his work over the Thursby Company but it was something long planned. “For both companies?” He asked. Benjimir shook his head. “No, only the TC. Keep this clear of the Scions of Numenor. We need them to keep their hands clean. Variance from that is at my sole discretion, is that understood?” Benjimir said with a stern look.

“Understood sir. When should I begin?” Bondermir asked.

“At once and with haste. I already feel a draft on our backside. Like we are missing something. Right now, we are the fly on the web Bondermir. The Empire is a ruthless but professional organization. An unambiguous risk to already know we are here or to endanger our people. We need to know not only what is happening but to guard ourselves from those that maybe watching” Benjimir said.

“It will be done.” Bondermir said. He looked at the center of the room. There sat the wargaming table. A prized possession and training tool of commodore T’subaki. It was a map of Haydaelyn’s Ruby Sea with an overlapping grid. Along the side of the table, arranged in neat rows were small model ships of unique design, presented from the waterline up. It was used to model possible engagement scenarios, plan and test responses.

“I wish there was a game for planning this sort of thing out.” Bondermir thought to himself.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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Prompt #9: Lush - “Barstool Acolytes.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

“The logic of avoiding “up well” leverage proved valid enough. The doctrine of Three Degrees was Benjimir’s most basic tenant. You never, ever present in battle or prior to it a means which you do not already have the means to detect, defend against and defeat. Here, it was also to avoid tipping our hand to foes we had not identified or assessed as yet. That did not mean however we weren’t observed for other reasons which would cost us dearly later on.”

~Bondermir Exidines, “Seven Stars to the Horizon.”

(Revised 9/20 for clarity, spelling and low fat content.)

“So she pushes that antique cart all about the city serving drinks?” Benjimir asked Bondermir as they road the elevator down from the Dapper Mariner.

“Nightly, twice on Saturday’s and festival weeks. She may or may not own the bar, I honestly don’t know. But it is sure as Chocopoo her cart.” Bondermir said as they stepped off the elevator. As they did, a disheveled Miqo’te stumbled past nearly running into them. “Business must be good for that.” Benjimir said as the Miqo’te took a long swig from a bottle in a paper bag. “What a lush.” Bondermir remarked. As they passed the Quicksand bar, Benjimir paused for a moment. Looking at the large doors, Benjimir turned to his brother. “You heading to quarters?” he asked.

“Yes, an hour talking contract terms with the Twinkinrykers takes a lot out of you. You thinking of getting a night cap? Bondermir asked curiously. “An actual drink?” He probed. “Of, you know, liquor?” He ribbed.

Benjimir adjusted his glasses with his middle finger. “People watching, maybe something to wash that down. I’ll see you in the morning.” Benjimir told his brother. Bondermir smirked, clapped his brother on the shoulder and said “Good luck in there.”

As he approached the doors to the Quicksand they popped open. A Hyur exited with a auburn haired…..or furred, he was still unsure which term to use, Miqo'te woman draped on his side strolled out. Both were oblivious to everything but themselves. Benjimir side stepped them passed through the doors as they began to swing closed. Pausing inside he surveyed the bar.

The Quicksand was like theater in the round. The room was bordered by an elevated concourse along the outside edge of which was hosted the hotel and services desks, bar, and innumerable people perched along a marble railing. The concourse sloped down to the level of a seating area in the middle.

What Benjimir noticed first however was the smell. Pungent. Deeply perfumed from the assembled inebriating masses. The masses were made up of a self mocking mix of extremes vying for one another’s attention. There was a rich variety in modes of dress. Scantily clad females of several races, individuals and in groups. Entirely unsubtle males unconvincingly confidant clad in their leather or other machismo garb. Benjimir instantly recognized the patterns of people watching and being watched, the mating rituals, and the scattering of those present for none of it.

He made his way to the entry to the seating area, amused at the sights. The Lalafell woman with her drink cart, painted and inscribed like a childs toy chest with “Super Momo’s Cart!” passed him as she returned for her evenings drink run. Benjimir turned his mind to finding a place to sit.

Benjimir observed most of the other tables hosted more than one party. A couple of people appeared to be alone or apart from the group they sat near. He singled out a female of the Xaela race alone at a large round table, stirring a drink absent mindedly as she gazed around the room Benjimir approached and made a classic if dated gesture of touching his fingers to his chest, lips and forehead.

“May I trouble you to take one of these seat?” Benjimir asked. The Xaela looked up at him impassively but finally offered a polite smile and made a sweeping gesture with the drink mixer.

“They are free to be taken.”

Benjimir sat and looked around a moment. “Is there table service here?” He asked.

“New here?” the Xaela said, ‘Usually you are better served going up to the bar, but wave at Momodi long enough, she’ll get you setup.” she finished.

“The one with the cart, I see.” Benjimir replied turning around and looking for the Lalafell who was returned to her stool at the bar. He began to wave but his attention was drawn back to the Xaela. “So are ya?” the woman said.

“Oh, yes, I am. Never been here before.” Benjimir said. The Xaela allowed for a shallow smile, taking stock of her tablemate seriously now.

“Not a drinker either, are ya?” she asked rhetorically. Benjimir considered for a moment the possibility that this truth might actually be written on his forehead. “No actually.” He offered.

“Yeah, drinkers here know to get a drink before sitting, otherwise you seat goes away. You got a name mister sobriety?” the woman said smirking a bit as she resumed stirring her drink with the mixing stick.

Benjimir was unsure if he was entertainment to his tablemate or being preemptively setup to be shot down. The thought restored his focus as he realized the woman was a Xaela, few here in Ul’Dah and he knew very little of their race.

“I apologize, I’m Benjimir Thursby.” He said.

“Orbei.” Benjimir’s tablemate replied mater of factly and continued on without pause. “So where you from Benjimir originally, beyond ‘not here. What brings ya here?” Orbei asked.

At the table next to Benjimir and Orbei sat an auburn hued Miqo’te woman. Either from Orbei’s voice carrying or the momentary lull in chatter about the room she took notice of the conversation.

“Good to know you Orbei. I’m new to these shores, not really from anywhere really, I was….” he paused a fraction of a second, “born at sea.” Momodi passed and came to the table. She took a drink order from Benjimir for what essentially was a mineral water with fruit punch mixed in, Orbei ordered “her usual.”

“I am the chief of a trade and mercantile company. Business brings me to Eorzea. Curiosity to the Quicksand. I feared I’d miss something if I didn’t come here at least once.” He said.

Orbei nodded. “I see. So tell me Benjimir,” she leaned forward, “do ya fear death?” She said. Benjimir paused but responded. “Death is but a new lifes dawn.” Orbei smiled and nodded approvingly.

“Touche, very nice. Usually that scares people, but they normally have a few drinks in them. Not gonna pull that off with you I think.” Orbei said, amused and pleased she was not in the company of another dreg seeking what she was not offering. Benjimir, feeling the banter being on an even basis now took a discreet look over Orbei. Black horns, dark blue skin. She was a follower of the Dusk Mother, which was maybe as much as he knew with certainty. They could be found only sparingly, along with the kindred race, the Raen. The passenger manifests had shown him few were traveling by way of air or sail ship either with Maelstrom or the company fleet.

Orbei was quick to pounce on the minor pause and Benjimir’s look, more inquisitive than salacious she noted. “I’ma Thaumaturge, we do stuff and things, worship Thal. They have Thaumaturges at sea?” she asked.

“Maybe by another name. Do all of you people worship Thal?” Benjimir asked. The red Miqo’te at the adjacent table perked her ears as he spoke. Now she edged her chair about some to see the man she was eavesdropping on.

“Oh, pity. I study at the Arrzaneth Ossuary. Everybody there honors Thal. So you were born at sea, that make you a Hy-sea or something?”

“I don’t know really, just a man, of the race of men. Your one of those Xaela, are all your people hued as you are? I’ve not met one before.” Benjimir said.

The Miqo’te’s ears twitched.

“Not a lot of us here so far. I knew a few when I first came. Some of us are this color, others not. Lots of different people at the Ossuary though.” Orbei answered and continued. “Thal is the god of death and darkness. Ya didn’t really answer my question though, do ya fear it?”

“I don’t see reason to fear it. Regret it maybe. Every people have their myths and faiths about life, death, gods. People are entitled to what they choose to believe.” Benjimir said. The Miqo’te rose from her seat and as she walked toward the table. Orbei chuckled at her approach. The female whipped the chair between Benjimir and Orbei around and saddle rode it she put her drink on the table. With a stern glare she spoke to Benjimir.

“You people, those people, all you people. What makes you ‘ayfaluten’ Hyur-at-sea-or-whatever types blow into Ul’Dah and start riding down anybody with a tale or whose under the table tall?” the Miqo’te laid into Benjimir. Orbei suppressed a snicker.

Benjimir smiled politely if with a slight of sarcasm and with slightly portion of it asked the Miqo’te, “I’m anything but rich, thank you, I have never met any of Orbei here’s race, or your own, whom I’m honoring by acknowledging as a people. And whom in whatever your own people call hell are you by name to presume it is your affair?” The nearby tables and people lounging on the concourse rails above discreetly took notice and gave ear to exchange.

The Miqo’te was taken aback for a moment. Orbei took the opportunity to introduce her friend. “This is Smathlyn. She’s a Miqo’te……no horns.” she said and pointed to her own black horns.

Benjimir nodded in acknowledgement. Smanthlyn continued, if with a hair more restraint. “We get enough Hyurs coming into Ul’Dah, all rich from cashing in on the calamity, taking over farms, selling stuffs and things for a months pay. They come about here, treating Lalas, Miqo’te, all of us that aren’t all cute skinned and super-boobed like bad waiters. Poke’n fun at our gods.” She finished and took a sip of her drink. Orbei leaned forward and spoke.

“Smathlyn’s sorta our mother hen here. She doesn’t suffer fools in nice cloths.” she said. Orbei looked at Smathlyn “He wasn’t offending just asking. And his cloths aren’t that nice.” Smathlyn listened but continued to cast a skeptical eye on Benjimir.

Benjimir looked down at his clothes. “Thanks. And I’ve spent my life at sea and far from this place. I wouldn’t know a Miqo’te from a Xaela until it was pointed out to me. As for your god, I honor it. Never get between a person and their faith, nothing good can come of it. And I’ve my own spirituality. Orbei and I were just talking and she was being nice enough to teach me a thing or two. Learning about other ways adds to my appreciation of my own” Smathlyn looked over to Orbei who nodded and stared back at her friend.

“Well alright then. If Orbei says so. If you are wanting to learn something then you should visit the Ossuary, it is a place of peace and meditation.” Smathlyn said. “You going tonight Orbei?” she asked her friend.

“Figuring’n too. You want to come Benjimir the non-aflu’nt?” Orbei said and asked, turning to Benjimir.

“Ladies. It would be my honor, pleasure and education.” Benjimir said.

*******

Authors note. This was a fictionalized but inspired entry based on my very first night RP’ing in FFXIV, when Benjimir went to Quicksand, struck up a conversation and a bystander actually misstook what I said and launched into me. For a month people there remembered the discussion. It actually proved an amazing night of RP. Names have been changed because, well, I can’t remember who it was. But hey, good times.

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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“Entre Act” The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

“For the peace and beauty of Haydaelyn there was a persistent cycle of conflict. The figures in each cycle varied but at some point and to varying degrees the Garlean Empire was usually involved.”

-Aubree T’subaki, “Personal Journal and Notes.” The Thursby Company was largely a faceless entity. Benign, as far as most knew. Good for aid in times of need, usually arriving in wagons bearing the badge or members of the Scions of Numenor. But to keen eyed observers the House of Thursby’s crest, an anchor with flukes made of swans wings, a stem resembling a white tree adorned with seven stars, could be seen from time to time.

Bondermir was his elder brothers agent for five years now past. He negotiated in Benjimir’s name in the recruiting of the Scion’s charter members. As an ordered rule of thumb he allowed and encouraged the group. It had thrived. The well appointed but humble company hall not only served as a refuge and conclave center for the Thursby Company, the barracks for the Scions and even a spa and offices for several entrepreneurs. This mix met with Benjimir’s approval. One could in his words, “win the war and lose the peace.”

Tending to it’s own business, Aubreen T’subaki led the early negotiations with the Maelstrom grand company which provided for obtaining ships. Her success in combat for and alongside the Maelstrom made it possible to sail and then escort through waters and air to Hingashi and open trade with the reclusive island.

By the time of his arrival in Ul’Dah Benjimir recognized it to be best to assimilate and whatever the sum of the House of Thursby’s work across Haydaelyn may prove. To which he avoided any advantages he might have had at his disposal “up well.” He also sought to employ native talent and resources to every extent possible. From tailors and bar keeps to eccentric Lalafell accountants with dubious connections.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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“Soup and Blades.” - The Appendices of the Book of Thursby [SB]

Though the Scions and Thursby companies were formally their own entities, as often as not Benjimir drew from the formers ranks for tasks and quests. As the Scions had need for Gil, grain or spirits, a supply unfailingly was forthcoming from the Thursby Company.

Through the Scions of Numenor, Benjimir expressed an ancient traditional mandate the Thursby Company held tightly too. The Scions embodied what Benjimir described as winning the “hearts and minds” of Eorzea. It was the happy, warm, fuzzy Moogle face people trusted. The Scions secured trade, doing the work of a good and humane people when aid or service could be rendered. The members were drawn to the Scions by its reputation and captain, Tessariel. By sword and soup Tessariel carved a deep reputation for respect and trust. Scions were not lightly challenged on the roads and welcomed in town and country.

The Thursby Company was a different sort of creature. It was what Benjimir, the “Benefactor” as he was called within the Scions’, attributed his ability to fund efforts which the Scions undertook. It was a silent partner. In the fog of memory and scorched records following the Calamity, none wished nor sought to know more of the well provisioned family. The Thursby Company freely, if shrewdly leveraged its seemingly limitless Gil and in uncertain times that was ample. It also freed and secured the Scions name from the sort of knife work and clandestine tasks Benjimir saw too.

The companies were as two sides of the same Gil. You could never see both sides at once. As Benjimir liked it. More ill acts were subverted before their conspirators could undertake them than could be accomplished in charitable donations and caravan escorts alone. Good deeds could not defend or protect the interests of the common good as well as with a sharp blade.

~Xyncalla Dus’karie, “Dossimir’s Razor.”

09.220.99D

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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“Footloose and fancy free.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor [SB]

“There are many bits of profound wisdom common to the world. The first bit is never to get into a land war in Garlemead. But only slightly less well known is to never wager death when a Twinkinryker is involved! Let us help you find security for you and your family!”

~From a leaflet found in Ul’Dah “Calamity Insurance and You, Being Financially Prepared for the Next Umbral Calamity!”

“Footloose and Fancy Free.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

[SB]

Benjimir invested several weeks into perfecting his jaunting skills between locations. Despite not expecting too, he setup quarters in the company hall of Scions of Numenor. The company had been chartered by Benjimir though his aid de camp and half-brother, Bondermir. Bondermir had sought out Tessariel Aerlinn at Benjimir’s explicit orders following the discovery of her name by Tinifalas in several books and records. These books were written in a language known seemingly only to House Thursby and it’s own Free Company’s members. Tessariel’s name held a place of high esteem in the history of Benjimir’s company.

As Tessariel’s reputation became known to Benjimir she and some of her associates wished to form a free company with an aim to assist local merchants and others in profitable by altruistic spirit. Such was an ancient and deeply rooted practice of House Thursby’s which led it to naturally form it’s own company some years before. Thus the Thursby Company, in the name of Benjimir, became the benefactor to these Scions of Numenor.

Benjimir had spent years communicating by written word but had only now come to know each other in person as they took counsel frequently in the company hall. Always within the proprieties of business and duty. Despite Aubreen’s oft repeated advice, Benjimir had constrained his social activities to formal events, usually with keen value to the companies.

Business however was for a change distant from Benjimir’s mind as he sat In the common room of the Free Company’s hall. Ben sipped his morning tea, licking the tip of a finder and sliding a page of the local journal across as he reads.

Bondermir entered from the rooms downstairs. “Morning.” he says as he sits down to pour his own tea.

“Where away?” Ben asks, looking over the top of his glasses.

“A soak and sup. Mornings here are good for that.” he replies, munching on a scone.

“The local journal is amusing. A mix of news of note and amusing color stories. The sketchings are funny. I especially like the one about the bald Lala boy with the ziggy zig hauberk being tormented by the bitter girl with dark hair.” Ben smiles sliding to another page. Bondermir nods and smiles at the reference.

“Kupo Nuts,’ I really like that one. Did the Captain see you since last week? She wanted me to relay a message." Bondermir said.

"What do I need to know?” Ben asked.

“Tessariel would like to introduce you to some leaders from a few Free Companies that are sympathetic to our work here. I’ve met them in my time. She feels it would advance relations to meet them personally.” Bondermir explained.

“Where and when?” Ben folded the paper down and asked.

“The club you have been frequenting the last few weeks. The Drunken Moogle.”

“Oh…..joy. Tell me it is not another gala or formal affair. If I have to starch another collar on my dress whites it may snap." lamented Ben, not relishing another night of stiff introductions to strangers.

"Very much the opposite sir, if I know the Captains mind. More a chance to meet these people more personally without presenting credentials, her presence will take care of that. And if I might say so sir, you could do with less starch in the collar and opportunities to put rank and title aside among folks." Bondermir pressed delicately which his lifelong friendship allowed despite his rank.

Ben paused and glanced aside for a moment. His mouth pinched back some, his instinct to avoid purely social affairs and reluctance to allow a breech in the shield his practiced formality provided was legend among the Thursbys and fast becoming the assumed norm among the Scions. This, not without purpose either.

"You know I hate these kinds of things.” Ben replied, drawing out the word hate a fraction of a second longer for emphasis.

“Because you have not mastered them.” Bondermir immediately responded but as quickly raised his hands up and out in response to what he knew would be Ben’s response.

“The Gala’s, business affairs, yes, they are your element, you control the room, have presence without needing to even speak. You are actually more relaxed despite disliking the events and acting formal because it is a game you are so good at. But that won’t hold here.” Bondermir said as he lowered his hand and leaned forward toward Benjimir who was now deeper into thought than before.

“Formality and decorum have their place.” Ben asked, leaning back on the couch, looking at the ceiling.”

“Yes sir,” Bondermir answered.

“But these are not relations between nations, armies or city states.” Ben asked to the air.

“No sir,” Bondermir replied, tipping his head as he recognized Ben’s working to a conclusion.

“We are talking about, individual relationships and trust, not entities and treaties.” Ben surmised rhetorically.

“Precisely sir,” Bondermir said, his head nodding downward a hair more punctuating Ben’s progression through the logic.

“And Tessarial intends to conduct me through this, she’s adapt at such…gatherings?” asked Ben.

“This is my understanding sir, and yes she is, though most would agree she does not take time enough to attend for herself.” Bondermir nodded and spoke. “She did not strike me as the type last week, I stand so advised though. If I see her I’ll talk to her about going, meanwhile cover the backside and make sure word gets to her promptly that I’ll attend with her.” Ben resolved.

“Very well sir, I’ll see to it presently.” Bondermir said and rose.

Benjimir sat back and contemplated the coming weeks end and was stirred by a chilling thought.

“What in gods name am I going to wear?”

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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"Before and Again." - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor [SB]

*Revised from Prompt 8 of FFXIV Write “Clamor.” See end-notes.

“By the reckoning of years on home shores the fleet had been in flight thousands of years. There were as many years ahead of the fleet before reaching the intended galaxy. From the beginning, if there is such a thing, it was resolved not to compromise the mission in vain hope of finding a way to shorten or speed the journey. Few temptations to break faith with their mandate were greater than that in Arda 922."

- Tinifalas Thursby, "Seven Stars in the Horizon.”

The jaunt to the Company Hall was a different process than that to Limsa the day before. Aubreen provided Benjimir with a tiny crystal which he palmed before she departed ahead of him. As instructed, he gripped the crystal and internally focused his thoughts on where it was he wanted to go, void of images as he had not been there. He augmented his focus with, as his friend instructed, “happy thoughts” and as the memory of the laughter from the previously nights night cap filled his mind, sure as enough he felt himself able to fly. Again his vision filled with soft light and flares, faded to black and returned.

Benjimir’s vision resumed from the black interlude with the vivid light of a small, man-sized crystal, then a pathway, which he noticed was blockaded by an assembly of people. As he felt himself “slide off the bed” to the ground he emerged into the clamor of the mass of people clapping and making assorted cat calls. The culprits for the welcoming committee were Bondermir and Aubree who gestured to the crowd which Benjimir took stock of. Captains Riehnheart, Hayes, Vaunter, his brother Tinifalas, Osmira Miegs the master of keepers, alchemy and craft as well as assorted officers previously from “up well assignments. Friends all, if usually through Benjimir’s usual formality. Never the less he laughed and smiled and approached his friends.

Captain Hayes kicked off the friendly ribbing. “Did he heave too?” she said. “No I most certainly did not.” Benjimir said in mock indignation.

Hayes passed a few gil to Rienheart. “Did he drink?” Vaunter asked skeptically.

“No. He most certainly didn’t.” Aubreen announced, to which most assembled including the commodore began tossing gil at Vaunter.

Benjimir laughed and pointed at his protege, “I expect a cut out of that Captain, after all, it was my sacrifice.”

Tinifalas cupped a hand over his mouth and cried “Cough, Chocopoo, cough cough.”

Benjimir whipped a finger at his brother, “Your out of the will. Now lets be about this show to tell of Miegs’ and have a look around this place.” All filed into the Hall and up the stairs. Bondermir paused to speak to a ginger headed young woman with a stroller and taking a box from her tipped his head and gave a pouch of gil to her.

Benjimir asked his brother as they walked up the stairs. “Something I ought to know?” gesturing with his head back down the stairs where the woman was leaving and Bondermir turning to join them. Tiniffalas looked back and quickly shook his head. “Oh, no. That is miss Yvaine, she is a local baker and shop-keep. She’s just started offering services here by Captain Tessariel’s leave.”

“I see,” Benjimir said. “What’s she bake?” he asked as he entered the second floor’s open space of tables, a bar and small stage.

“Find out.” Bondermir said, walking around Benjimir’s left side and pressing the small box into his chest. “Finest to be had courtesy of the White Tree.” he finished with a smile. “Not near my demonstration however.” Miegs said approaching. “This way sir.” She led them to the small stage where a long table was setup. The table had two seemingly identical setups. The first had a sliver of crystal in a setting. Behind the setting was a small miners lamp burning brightly. The light shown through the crystal and cast a glimmer onto a small board which stood between it and another crystal in an identical setting. This crystal also gleamed and illuminated the other side of this board.

“This is a simplified version of the experiment sir, but it will suffice to demonstrate what we have found.” Miegs said in her usual precise, measured pace. “Note the second crystal here, “ she pointed to the crystal without a lamp. “No obvious source of light.”

Benjimir nodded. It was an experiment most early academy students were taught in their youngest years. Gifts were made of sets to replicate it in home quarters for birthdays. “Photon Dossimir Translocation.” He said. Miegs nodded affirmatively. Benjimir smiled. “I did learn something of it while I was a student of….”

“History.” most all those present said as one.

Benjimir took liberty to glare around himself a moment. “I feel judged.” he mocked. “Continue please.”

Miegs placed another board between the crystal next to the lamp and waved it between the light and setting several times, interrupting the light, then extinguishing the lamp. The gleam from the first crystal ended with a flicker. Immediately all eyes were fixed on the second crystal. Luminous as before.

Miegs continued. “These shards were taken from the hull of the SNS Aundustar,” she carefully noted it as the Sons of Numenorl Ship which differentiated it from the more recently commissioned Scions Air Ship of the same name. “Each was half a hull length from the other and were lodged by impacts following the fall of Dalamud.”

“Could the second crystal be in resonance with another?” Bondermir asked. As he did, the second crystal flickered and went dark, mirroring Miegs’ steps moments before.

“No.” Miegs said plainly. The first crystal then flared to life again, flashing before taking on a steady gleam.

“We’ve long been unable to determine the cause of a growing number of discontinuities these past five years. Chrono sync issues, delayed Dossi coms, inconsistent system and hull fatigues, and so forth. We think this may pose a partial explanation and suggest new questions.” Miegs concluded.

Miegs then moved the lamp from the first crystal and placed it next to the second and relit the flame and waved her hand in front of the flame, duplicating the flicker in the first crystal perfectly. The light from the first crystal went dark again.

“We are continuing to consult with lore keepers down well and are exploring the full meaning and possible applications. However we cannot offer any conclusions at this time.” Miegs then extinguished the lamp once more.

“We’re going to need more crystals.” Benjimir said quietly.

*******

*Note: I’ve decided to cease posting for FFXIV Write within the timing of the official “entries.” Work and hypothetical needs becoming very real on Wednesday with a seriously ill family member make the turn-around time untenable. I will continue participating though, it is always a great exercise that pushes me to sharpen skills and focus. But I will not be entering posts in competition for a prize. Since I’m not trying to win something, I’m also going to edit my posts moving forward such as this one since it was a bloody mess looking back. I can’t include it in my larger work in its original form. But I’ll leave the first posting up for comparison.

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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Prompt #8 Clamor: "Before and Again." - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor [SB]

~From a leaflet found in Ul’Dah “Calamity Insurance and You, Being Financially Prepared for the Next Umbral Calamity!”

Benjimir’s vision resumed from the black interlude with the vivid light of a small, man-sized crystal, then a pathway, which he noticed was blockaded by an assembly of people. As he felt himself “slide off the bed” to the ground he emerged into the clamor of the mass of people clapping and making assorted cat calls. The culprits for the welcoming committee were Bondermir and Aubree who gestured to the crowd which Benjimir took stock of. Captains Riehnheart, Hayes, Vaunter, his brother Tinifalas, Osimira Miegs the master of keepers, alchemy and craft as well as assorted officers previously from “up well assignments. Friends all, if usually through Benjimir’s usual formality. Never the less he laughed and smiled and approached his friends.

Captain Hayes kicked off the friendly ribbing. “Did he heave too?” she said. “No I most certainly did not.” Benjimir said in mock indignation.

Hayes passed a few gil to Rienheart. “Did he drink?” Vaunter asked skeptically.

“No. He most certainly didn’t.” Aubreen announced, to which most assembled including the commodore began tossing gil at Vaunter.

Benjimir laughed and pointed at his protege, “I expect a cut out of that Captain, after all, it was my sacrifice.”

Tinifalas cupped a hand over his mouth and cried “Cough, Chocopoo, cough cough.”

“I see,” Benjimir said. “What’s she bake?” he asked as he entered the second floor’s open space of tables, a bar and small stage.

Benjimir took liberty to glare around himself a moment. “I feel judged.” he mocked. “Continue please.”

“We’ve long been unable to determine the cause of a growing number of discontinuities these past five years. We think this may pose a partial explanation and suggest new questions.” Miegs concluded.

“Could the second crystal be in resonance with another?” Bondermir asked. As he did, the second crystal flickered and went dark, mirroring Miegs’ steps moments before.

“No.” Miegs said plainly. “We are continuing to consult with lore keepers down well and are exploring the full meaning and possible applications. However we cannot offer any conclusions at this time.”

“We’re going to need more crystals.” Benjimir said quietly.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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Prompt #5 - Matter of fact. | “Over the lips and past the gums.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor.

“One of my instructors held that your focus determines your reality. Of course she was a philosophy professor not a Keeper of Dossimir mechanics and physics. In Jaunting from place to place using Aetheryte crystals however it was literal reality. To initiate a jaunt required a moment of concentration and usually visualization. While there were methods and short-cuts to aid those need to travel to a place never visited, the best practice was to travel to a place first. The thought was if you somehow dropped out of the Aether somehow, it would be to a place along the route you took in real space.”

-Benjimir Thursby, “The Analects.”

Looking squarely at the meters tall Aetheryte crystal in the plaza of Limsa Lominsa, Benjimir shifted his thoughts to the counterpart in Ul’Dah. He then augmented his minds eye to include the form of Aubreen T’subaki before him under the crystal. As a few hours before, the plaza about him appeared to grow dim, the crystal before him more vivid and across his field of vision a rapidly rising haze of soft light rose, punctuated by streaks of bright streams and glints of sparks. The haze seemed to peak as a soft white cloud across his vision before fading to black in an instant. For a moment, how long he could not tell as there was no since of time, his vision perceived only blackness, he thought, before the process reversed itself and revealed the plaza in Ul’Dah ending in the sense he was sliding off his bed in the morning onto the group.

Benjimir let his eyes sweep back and forth before reminding himself to hear, feel and think again. Freeing himself to move the rest of his body he looked about and did not see Aubreen in the plaza. Before he could crane his neck to look up the hallway leading to the outer promenade, a sparkling glow manifested near him and into it the image of Aubreen took on reality and remained as the Aetherial light show ended. She had jaunted away fully minutes before him yet arrived after him. Some sort of lag he noticed before. This method of travel would have limitations for anything tactical or requiring keen precision. Perhaps that was by design.

“Getting slow or does drinking impact jaunting about like this?” Benjimir asked as Aubreen turned and smiled. She shook her head. “I’ve no idea, nor any I have asked.” Aubreen said. They started the walk from the plaza back to quarters on the floor of the Quicksand Inn which the Thursby Company had let out for considerable Gil years prior.

Passing out of the plaza Benjimir made passing note of a leather clad Chocobo being fed small green vegetables by a cloaked rider. His attention not aroused not did he observe the riders interest peaked as he and Aubreen walked past. The cloaked head watched Aubreen pass and took note of her companion. Once the two had passed he recovered the reigns of his mount and walked apace to the city gate and departed in haste.

Benjimir was in high spirits if near exhausted from the evenings revelry in Limsa. Captains and commodores from a healthy portion of Maelstrom’s fleet and several of the Thursby Company’s growing squadrons as well. Benjimir felt like extending the night some and enjoying a quiet end to the night. “Join me for a night cap in the Dapper Mariner?” He asked Aubreen as they entered the lift to the upper floors of the Inn.

“Certainly.” Aubreen peered at him closely, curiosity aroused. Keen eyes, minty breath, not a hint of flush in his cheeks and a growing, smug smile. “Did you actually manage to spend hours in a swarray, a pirate’s conclave no less, and NOT drink?” She asked incredulously. “Even for you that surely is not possible.” she said, one eye wide and eyebrow flared high.

Benjimir’s smug smile escalated to a wanton smirk. “Matter of fact, yes.” The lift doors opened and they walked into the small bar where the barkeep was wiping and hanging glasses. The lounge had a few late diners, a well-to-do couple sitting at the table near the bay window looking out over the city lights. Aubreen order a drink as Benjimir leaned on the side the bar and ordered a Fizbin effervescent fruit drink.

“Not one?” Aubreen asked. “What of the flagon Captain Vanderyker thrust in your hand when we arrived?” Benjimir sipped his Fizbin. “I poured it into your empty stine when you joined me a few minutes later and made a point of showing off mine being empty.” he replied.

“And the bottles of ale from the Doma brewer?” She asked? “Traded up with empties as the servers passed by for about an hour.” Benjimir said matter of factly and sipped his drink.

“What of all the sparkling wine at the high-top with Captain Rienheart and Commodore Hayes? I saw you with empty glasses?” Aubreen said, mystified. Benjimir raised his brows to add a bit of mocking arrogance to his face as he replied. “I traded my full glasses for their near empty ones. By that point both had consumed enough drink to embalm an Oliphant’s liver.”

Aubreen shook her head, amused but resigned. “So thusly is defeated another attempt to breach the legendary reserve of Benjimir.” Benjimir’s smirk reached a crescendo for the night and he held his hands out in a mock gesture of a prophet. “My uptightness is mighty. Harken unto it. Accept it and know peace, defy it and wander eternally!” Benjimir said breaking into a hardly laugh as he did and which he shared with his friend.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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“Read Receipt.” - The Appendices of the Book of Thursby [SB]

“Ser Benjimir Thursby, I have received your letter and will make proper arrangements for a meeting at a time to suits both of our schedules. As you may have assumed being a leader has been a full time job where my attention is needed in many places at once be it with contracts sent in from those needing some form of aid or running the respective businesses to fund some efforts beyond the scope of our mandate. I can recommend meeting with allies/friends and those who are within the company as even if they do not wear the symbol they are an extension of our company. Yvaine is one of our healers and field scouts that happens to run a shop not far from Ul’dah called White Tree Beauty. Both may be of some help navigating the areas you will be traveling in or wish to see. Ul’dah is where Renias hails from and his insights may be helpful. Yvaine is a native of Gridania and can help with knowledge of the Shroud. Both are young and still learning so forgive them if they have any awkward moments where they seem puzzled. If there is anything you need they will be able to help in my stead until we are able to meet. May the light of the Crystal guide your path. Tessariel Aerlinn” ~Excerpts from Captain Aerlinn to CAG shortly after his arrival in Ul’Dah.

55.1.15.780

*******

#crystal rp #FFXIV crystal #ffxiv crystal dc #ffxiv rp crystal #crystal dc #crystal-rp-ffxiv #FFXIV #ff14 FFXIV #ffxiv rp #Final Fantasy #finalfantasy #Final Fantasy XIV #Final Fantasy 14 #balmung #ffxiv rp balmung #tessariel-aerlinn #scionsofnumenor #scions of numenor

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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Prompt #4 Clinch - “Super Momo Cart.” - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor.

“The Quicksands is the only pub I’ve been too whose local city health wardens felt it wise to put signs suggesting the washing of hands outside the exits however.” -Cawnjin Trilberly, “Stuff I Saw Too.”

Momo read over the list from the bar keep and placed it in the wooden cart. It stood nearly her full height, which was not saying much for an adult Lalafel. The cart was painted off white with a flat light pink trim. Letters in a whimsical typeset spelled out ‘Momo’s Go Go!’ on one side. On the other side was painted “Drinky Lala!”

Momo pushed her rolling stool past the bar towards the bottles she needed. Two Hyurs were progressing through a round of Mahjong. The silver haired male made its move and grinned at his red furred partner. “That’s game,” Momo thought, “he has it clinched.” She checked off the bottles and drinks and set off with her cart.

First stop, she read her list. “The Dapper Mariner, four Crystal glasses, champagne. (Twinkinryker & Trwinkinryker tab.)” Up the service lift, down a hall and to the private dining room. A pair of dapper Lalafels were standing…..on chairs….before a pair of uniformed Hyurs as they signed papers. The Lalas counter signed and saw Momo. “And now, we toast it being made final!” Momo pushed her cart in the room and served the table. As she started back to the lift, Tinifalas Thursby turned to Benjimir, his elder brother. “Are you sure?” he asked. Benjimir looked at his brother and shrugged. “They’re good with numbers."

Second stop on her list. “Inn, Room 167, 2 Icy Ale Epic Suds Bucket-Savage. (E. Sauntering tab.)” Momo rolled her eyes. "Oh Chocopoo.” She muttered. She made her way down the lift, through another service entrance and down to the first floor hall. Momo made a gesture of warding across her chest, drew her Moogle charm out and kissed it, and proceeded with her cart. She mentally filtered out the gutteral sounds resounding louder as she approached. People sounded like they were preparing to vault a wall. She rapped her knuckles on the door to no avail. “Whooa! Watch with the clinch there damnit….” A female voice shouted. A vaguely male voice muffled a response. “No, not you, HIM!" Momo took a bottle of ale and beat it on the door. “Ale’s here, getoff a second.” somebody said. A series of grunts and the sound of a body hitting the floor ensued. The door unlatched and an arm reached out. Momo extended her arms out and handed the buckets to it and the buckets vanished inside, the door closed and latched. Momo made it back to the service lift before the hall resounded with sounds akin the operating room of unethical surgeon.

Third stop. “Promenade craps, 1 bottle, straight grain, 4th shelf. 1 bag. Carbuncle Eddie, (Gil on delivery.)” Momo pushed her cart over the bumpy stone path on her way down the Promenade. Near a nook up from the Golden Court she paused. She walked up the nook toward the sounds rattling an stones bouncing. She arrived at a clandestine game of Die and Lies. Lalas, Hyurs and a mangy Miqo'te were hunched over a box slam cups with dice onto it. They lifted the cups and one groaned in pain. "That seals it. I’d have’ta sell my shirt ta keep go’n. Ga'night boys.” he tossed his Gil on the box. Momo extended the bottle out along with an open hand. “Tough night Eddie. Git’em next time.” she said. He grunted, drop his Gil in her hand and took the bag wrapped bottle in the other as he passed.

Momo checked the last stop on her list and pushed on. “Golden Court fountain, 1 bottle (unopened), chilled champagne. 2 glasses. Pre-paid.” She reached the court as the moon peeked over the city towers and made the fountain and pool sparkle. She pushed her cart toward a couple standing together at the pools edge. The male, a Miqo'te saw her and said something to the young girl with him. He kneeled quickly and pulled a ring out of his pocket. The gem glinted in the moonlight and the girl squealed. Momo lifted the ice bucket and glasses off the cart and walked up to the male. He took them and thanked her.

Momo left the couple and pushed her cart back to the Quicksand. The Inns desk clerk waved as she entered. “How’s the night Momo?” she asked.

“Same old same old.” Momo said.

*******

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scionsofnumenor · 3 years

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FFXIV Write 2020 - Prompt #3 “An Introductory Reunion.” The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

“Patterns can be observed across many disparate things. Quiet and the later storm. Moments of pronounced calm and subsequent turmoil. Purists in academics may contend no possibility of commonality between them exists. A more expansive view less constrained by convention however would recognize portents in and between all things.” - Wang'Chunt Tun'nyht, “On the Operational Arts."

“An Introductory Reunion.” The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor

The sum of the meal with Bloehiswyn met the purpose Aubreen had for it. To connect the Admiral with Benjimir. She, as much as Bloehiswyn was unsure of his mind as to what lay ahead for the Thursby Company. The quickly concluding work at sea made her all the more aware of being unable to divine the future and it engendered an uncertainty she was not accustomed too.

Bloehiswyn took her leave after an hour brandy and cigars following dinner. Benjimir had managed to milk a sniffer of top shelf brandy for the full hour without taking a sip. A skill he was famous for. A good sign Aubreen judged. It meant the meeting, Benjimir and sustaining the alliance with the Thursby Company was seen of long term value to Maelstrom. For what use or purpose to be determined still. Also that Benjimir had not lost his ability to linger about liquor without imbibing. Rather than return to Limsa Limosa aboard Bloehiswyn’s ship, she would travel with Benjimir by Aetheryte, a first for him. Common enough for the rest of the Company officers but something Benjimir was fascinated with.

Benjimir exited the list on the main level of tower with his brothers. They departed for the Company quarters and he approached her, a warm smile building as he neared.

"Golodh.” Benjimir said in the old words.

“Ionneg.” the commodore said, returning the smile. The friends hugged and Benjimir stepped back, making a point to exaggerate an inspecting look over her. “THIS is an auspicious look for you.”

Aubreen smirked. “Do as is done when in a strange land. Besides, I rather enjoy change.” She gestured towards the promenade and they began to walk towards the Aetheryte plaza. “It has been good to be in open air, striving, and if I may allow myself, to taste victory after so much time.”

Benjimir nodded, “You’ve earned a reputation in the field. But never mind that, tell me. Katryn Vaunter? You fox. In an age I’d never thought it.” he said, to which Aubreen paused a moment. “Little stays private on fleet. Yes, maybe four years now. Tinifalas swooned, wouldn’t stop writing about it for a month. Nothing escapes that book of his.” she said and continued walking. “I’m aware it wouldn’t be above board were we up well, on fleet.” Aubreen added.

“But we aren’t nor is it my place to have say. I could not be happier for you, or her. After a lifetime taking after you as the template for formality, prim and properness, it’s exciting to see you now like this.” Benjimir said.

Aubreen smile and then took on a chastising tone. “I think it would be well to unstiffen your collar some yourself my boy.” Benjimir took it in stride and shaking his head.

He slipped into a rehearsed response he’d given before. “I’m not sure anything has been or remains further from my mind Aubreen. I’ve been buried in briefings, formalities, the trappings of my work for so long, I have gotten….”

“Uptight.” Aubreen interrupted, having heard the speech often enough. She pointed toward the end of the bazaar they reached at the end of the promenade and they continued walking.

“Uptight is a strong word, rather I think of it as being a fidelius adherent to austere personal interactions.” Benjimir mockingly retorted.

“Practicing an economy of words is a virtue. Your uptight.” Aubreen replied and turned to him as they reached the aetheryte plaza. “Take counsel from me on this Ben. As one whom is practicing what she is teaching you. These are new shores second only those those of home to me in the beauty they possess. There is work to be done here, I know not what, but this world is new. Allow for yourself here. You’ll feel reborn.” She said, patting him on the cheek maternally.

As they spoke, a woman walking towards the plaza paused, taking stock not of Benjimir but of Aubreen. The keen eyed observer would have noted her eyes taking stock of the Commodor’s rank insignia on her epaulet and the seal of House Thursby on her shoulder. Her dress was a clumsy attempt at appearing as one of standing but in effect struck those that knew her as garish. She stepped aside from the pathway to appear to tend her purse.

“I will do my best to unstiffen. But to the moment. I’ve seen these giant crystals at waypoints all the way to Ul’Dah. This is going to……” Benjimir paused as a Miqo’Te rose off the ground and seemed to fade from view amidst a swirl of blue light. “….that….to this muster in Limsa?” he finished. Aubreen smirked.

“Yes. I’ve done it my fair share. Perfectly safe as long as moons aren’t exploding in the sky.” She replied looking over the levitating crystal before them. “It is actually a rather peaceful experience, worse ways to go if it ever does go ill.”

Benjimir shook his head and shrugged in acceptance. “New shores. Is Maelstroms muster normal, for special purpose?” he asked Aubreen.

“Holdover from less ethically constrained times. A pirate tradition of sorts. Divvy the fleets prize swag, consume ale, make judgmental comments about their gender of choice. Might do well to work on that unstiffining before tomorrow.” She explained with a grin.

“What in the almighty are you getting me into. Let’s get about it though.” Benjimir lamented and gestured ahead to the inner chamber of the plaza.

The woman watched them proceed ahead before turning about and returning to her business’ office.

*******

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