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fistsoflightning · 4 years

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30: the better path

prompt: splinter || masterpost || other fills || ao3 mirror

word count: 1164

Who’s to say which path is better? Who’s to say that without them Zaya would be here today, standing tall with the eternal winds at their back?

5.3 spoilers, oh my god the image is a spoiler. Please remember to tag w/ spoiler tags if you’re reblobbing! This could also be titled “Elie dives fully into their ‘Everyone Lives’ bullshite and drags many WOLs into it in the process” tbh.

Herein I commit the chronicles of the travelers. Shepherds to the stars in the dark.

...

Atalanta was the worst student Emet-Selch had ever been assigned, truth be told.

He was loathe to admit it in passing—hells, not even Lahabrea knew just how bad they were—but now, in this moment, staring at the multifaceted crystals sitting innocently in the cup of his hands as his would-be student scampers out of the Bureau to Asteria’s calls…

Why did I let Elidibus sway me into this, he thinks, rolling the pile of crystals about in his palm. Not horrible; these were the perfect sort of crystal to hold a variety of concepts, and of different colors rather than the white and orange the Convocation apparently decided a long time ago was standard.

But he had asked for a proper concept of theirs, not some piddly crystals. Atalanta was always too jittery of a student—it was almost like they had too much soul in their body, only contented enough to remain still and listen when surrounded by others. Haik was always his first choice to tug along if Atalanta truly couldn’t sit still; he could have done without the sappiness that came with him, but at the very least he did not try to constantly insult him much like Hecate and Lelantos tried to.

If only he’d asked him to keep watch over Atalanta’s assignment.

He sighs—louder this time, and he can’t even be bothered to care if Hermes hears him from his desk—and carefully shifts the pile of shimmering stones about some more until a crystal of sunset gold shuffles its way to the top. Decently sized, but not large enough by any means to hold any concept much bigger than a desk, perhaps.

Sunset gold, he thinks. Like Asteria’s eyes, Melisseus’ bakery, Hemera’s aether in parts.

Emet-Selch finds himself with a smile, even frustrated as he is with his student’s chaotic attempt to please him once more. Perhaps he can at least get some use out of these.

...

Though the world be sundered and our souls set adrift…

…

He doesn’t remember how long it’s been since he worked on the crystals that now sit idly on a desk in his Amaurot. Whittled them down to shape, not knowing enough of Atalanta’s spontaneous creation habits to unweave the aether and expect them to come out the same crystal and color, and carved sigils into them by hand. Azem’s crystal, ever sunset gold, sits atop the pile, gleaming bright in the teal glow that manages to permeate even the sunless veil of the sea and into the building which he now stands.

Under it, he can see six other familiar sigils, eyes wandering to the one of sapphire blue he buried beneath the rest in his aching.

(Stay home, he remembers telling them. Stay home with Haik today. Just today.)

He quietly walks to the table, eyeing the pile with the crystals he was expected to hand over to Elidibus by the next turn of the sun, wherever he was. The damned moon, probably. Strange man.

(Why? Atalanta looks to him curiously, fluffy locks falling over their eyes, shimmering like the night from afar. There something I shouldn’t be around to hear?)

Something in him keeps him from pouring his aether into the memory crystals and erasing it—surely destroying the last reminders of those he cherished would make their memory fade. Surely he would no longer be haunted by their shades in his waking moments, scheming for their return even as they looked down upon him for it.

(The Convocation has a meeting today, he says calmly. A difficult one; that was not a lie.)

Instead, his hand grasps the seven crystals and tucks them neatly into the pocket lined into his little coat, securing them safely against his heart.

(I do not wish for you to hear how the world is ending, he does not say. Your lightning bright spirit would sputter out if you knew your days were numbered.

And as much as he tried not to get attached to his worst student, he couldn’t.)

...

...where you walk, my friends, fate shall surely follow.

...

Since Temulun Khatun had given them their name, Zaya had wondered how hard it was to escape fate if your name was ‘fate’ itself.

Perhaps it truly was impossible—fate wasn’t something Zaya could tear apart with their hands, after all. The world had always been known to be wicked in its ways, weaving new paths for every change rewritten into the stars; if Zaya did not almost die in Ul’dah’s banquet they would nearly fall to Shinryu’s claw, if they did not tell their feelings in full when they could have they would have come out eventually with the interference of one certain lovely branch.

But on the seafloor of the Tempest, in the walkways of a fading city with a sapphire blue crystal in hand that whispered the same things that Valor did, sometimes, Zaya couldn’t help but think of the times that fate was, perhaps, on their side.

Without Tehra’ir’s intuition and sharp thinking with his sister by his side, Zaya would surely have died to Ilberd’s scheming hands, filled with poison and malice as he threw them into a cart meant for the dead. Without Syhrwyda’s quick hand and taste for primal’s aether, there would have been no Demi-Shiva, no opening for Ysayle to be saved from her choice of death to lead them ever heavensward.

Without Duscha and A’dewah, maybe Papalymo would have disappeared for them just as Louisoix did for them at Carteneau; without Lumelle and Elwin, Ishgard surely would have shunned them for their scales, dark as night and as tough as Dravanians. Without Valdis, would they have even left the streets of Pearl Lane the same, not knowing just how many were out there like them, struggling in a jewel not made for them?

(Without any of them, would Zaya be standing here, in the streets of Emet-Selch’s grief, staring up through that sunless veil and wondering what tomorrow would bring?)

Of course you would, their shadow whispers next to their horn, crystal clear and sharp around the edges where they were once soft-spoken; an after-effect of Minfilia’s last gift to them, surely. Just not the same as you are now, perhaps.

“Zaya?” Tehra’ir calls to them, standing hardly a few yalms away with Lunya looking back by his feet, Hanami and Reese stopped a step or so ahead. “Ye alright there? Yer lookin’ a tad wistful now; don’t tell me yer—”

They immediately raise their hands to deny any sort of sentimentality for Emet-Selch’s city; the spires may be tall and beautiful, but it is a bygone place. A landmark of grief and naught else.

(And yet, and yet, their shadow lingers a moment more when they step in time with their trusted friends and most precious allies. Lingers, then fades, time slipping through their fingers as Zaya walks further and further away.)

#ffxiv #zaya qestir #azem #emet selch #g: balefire #my writing #tales from the blue #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2020 #elie's ffxivwrite2020 #5.3 spoilers #patch 5.3 spoilers #patch 5.3 #shadowbringers spoilers #ffxiv spoilers #HERE WE ARE AT THE END #I HAVE MADE IT.....#hoo boy this month sure was an Experience with remote learning and ffxivwrite but i made it! with like 10k words on last year's anthology #im terrified of myself

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faelune-home · 4 years

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FFXIV Write 2020 #25: Wish

(A/N: I miss Minfilia ;3; I wanted to properly feature her in one of these since its turned to a heavy focus on Fufu’s relationships with the Scions.

A bit of backstory for Fufu featured here. Set after Ifrit’s defeat in early ARR.

Word Count: 1785

@ffxiv-writers)

“All the way from Thavnair?” Minfilia gawped, intrigue shining in her eyes. Fufu nodded, taking a sip from the glass of water the highlander had brought for her.

“Yup. Just a small tribe waaay away from the city though.” The candle set on the table flickered, making the shadows dance on the walls of the Sands’ common room.

It was almost certainly a late hour, but sleep had eluded the keeper woman after the mission against Ifrit. Looking for a way to calm her racing mind, she’d left her assigned room, only to run into the Antecedent, also up late herself. ‘Catching up on neglected paperwork’, she’d said with a chagrined scowled, fallen to the wayside in the flurry after the primal summoning.

The little chat they were having was suggested by the hyur to take their minds off their troubles. To get to know each other better as comrades.

“Still, you’ve come from quite far. I do hope Eorzea has treated you well in your time here,” the woman smiled. Fufu’s ears flattened against her head and she shrugged.

“It’s been fine. I went to Gridania to focus on training my bow skills--”

“Ah, I can see why; their archer’s guild is one of the finest around,” Minfilia interrupted, though she had a sympathetic look on her face, adding, “But I can tell they haven’t been all too kind, have they? Old prejudices against Keeper kind.”

Fufu winced, but tried to shrug it off with a nonchalant, “Well, one of my guildmates is a bit stuffy and all ‘Only native Wildwoods can be any good at the bow, your art is a pale imitation’, but the guildmaster tries to keep him in line. Sometimes.” Another sip. “I could do without the Wood Wailers though. They’re awful.”

Minfilia couldn’t help but snicker at the miqo’te’s imitation and her brutal frankness. She sobered quickly though, offering a sincere smile as she said, “My condolences, friend. Would that we could be without such animosity. Especially during these times.” Her expression darkened and she sighed.

A tail brushed her arm, and her companion said, “It is what it is. I can handle it.” The hyruan nodded, then perked up, saying, “But let us not dwell on things out of our control. What of your family? What are they like?”

“Oh, well, it's just my aunt really,” Fufu hummed, looking a touch guilty as she continued, “I know you wanted to shift away from a sad topic, but my parents died years ago. But I was only a baby, I didn’t even know them, just what my aunt’s told me.” Minfilia flinched, but before she could apologise, Fufu swiftly went on, “It’s not something I feel bad about to be honest. It was so long ago and like I said, I didn't even get to know them. It’s hard to miss someone you don’t even recall.”

“I see...That is an understandable feeling to have. I’m still sorry to hear that.”

A brief pause hung in the air between them, until after another sip of water, Fufu kept talking. “Aunt always told me it was a wild animal attack that did it. That destroyed our home village in Ilsabard where I was born, and that killed them and so many others. And growing up with the tribe on Thavnair and spending a lot of time with the hunters, I could see the impact beasts could have. Made it easier to believe. It wasn’t till years later I learned from one of the elders that escaped with us that it was Garleans instead.”

Her ear flicked. “It’s funny. When I asked her about it after learning about it, she said she never wanted me to grow bitter, or seek revenge. And I guess she had a point, ‘cos even after that, I didn’t want to.” She smirked. “And yet here I am, in a land where the Empire is right on the doorstep, and I suppose there’s always the risk I’ll have to fight them, won’t I?”

“Possibly. But you won’t be alone, I promise you that,” Minfilia insisted, giving her friend’s shoulder a gentle squeeze with her hand. The miqo’te smiled at the gesture, then asked, “What about you and your family?”

The highlander stared deeper into her glass, as though contemplating it. “I suppose I’m much the same as yourself; my birth mother passed away many many years ago. So for a while it was just myself and my father.” A deep frown passed her features. “He...he perished in an accident in Ul’dah. It was awful. And for a while I feared it was a purposeful attack, retribution for double crossing the Empire and selling their secrets to others. Truthfully I still don’t know if that outcome would’ve reassured me over it just being a terrifying mistake.”

To her surprise, Fufu pulled the woman into a one armed hug, her arm snaking over her shoulder, and nudging their foreheads together. Minfilia blinked, caught off at the sudden moment, causing the other to wince and pull back, “Sorry. I just thought-”

“No, no, it’s fine,” the hyuran sniffed, not realising she’d been near to tears until she was wiping away at her wavering eyelids, “Pray, forgive me, I didn’t think I’d be so weepy at the memories.” She shifted into a sad smile, as she mumbled, “As much as I miss him, I had people with me then to pick me up and look after me after it all. Thancred and my adopted mother, Lhaminn. I will always be grateful to them.”

“I’m grateful to so many who have stood with me over the years,” the woman murmured into the dark, “Some of my oldest friends like Tataru and Krile” - she saw the miqo’te’s ear flick at the new name, but she didn’t press, letting Minfilia talk on - “and I’ll ever appreciate the support Louisoix gave me before the Calamity struck. And to his Archons, for staying with me into the Scions’ creation. Even if it has never been an easy job.”

She sniffed again, the only sound in the common room, broken only by the gentle tap of an empty glass on wood. Fufu hummed.

“You’ve done a lot of work it sounds like. And the Archons and all the other Scions here must have a lot of faith in you to keep at this.”

“Sometimes I wonder if I deserve it,” Minfilia wavered, “When all we can do is follow empty leads, be ever one step behind having to chase after our problems, ever unable to fully solve them. How long can people follow someone that can only promise that peace will come eventually from our efforts? That we strive for hope where there is hopelessness?”

Fufu didn’t answer immediately, but she flicked her tail at the woman’s knee, catching her attention, and asked, “What is your goal here? And not just the whole ‘preserving the dawn of a new era’ stuff.”

She hesitated, but only briefly. With a determined look, Minfilia declared, “I would strive for Eorzea’s stability. That her people would know peace, that we can free them from the shadow of the Empire, and that we can bring an end to the Ascians’ machinations, for their every move would undermine our work.”

Her mask slipped only slightly, allowing her apprehension to slip through as she continued, “I would hope that we can bridge the gaps between the people of the city states and the beast tribes, who have been cast out and in their anger and sorrow listen to the whispers of the dark and perpetuate a cycle that locks Eorzea in conflict. For every time the city states silence the beast tribes, they grow more frustrated. With their frustration, they summon their gods. And their gods draw the ire of the Empire, whom the city state leaders fear in turn.”

She shook her head, scowling. “If only we could but break the chain. But to do that, we must needs make progress in our search for the Ascians, and further still in ways to defeat them.” Minfilia slumped, the weight of her conviction heavy on her shoulders.

Fufu placed a hand on her arm, and the hyuran looked up into a warm smile. “I’d fight for that.”

The reassurement raised the woman’s spirits, allowing her a smile once more. “I thank you, friend. And my apologies as well. I suggested this talk so that we could forget about what ails us, and I brought it back to the fore myself.”

The miqo’te shook her head, giggling lightly, “I don’t mind. I knew it was gonna be a lot of work here in the Scions. But hearing you sound so certain about what we have to do makes me feel better about it. Even if I know it's not gonna be easy.”

Minfilia chuckled alongside the other. “It is a lot to handle. But I have faith we can do it.”

“Then have faith in yourself as well,” Fufu insisted, looking serious, only to break the illusion with a pouty, “Please” at the end. Minfilia sighed, yet she still smiled.

“Very well then.”

A comfortable silence fell between them both, neither fussed about breaking it. Breaking through the walls of the base, the waves lapped at the docks of Vesper Bay.

“To achieve one's hopes and dreams, it is not always enough to wish on the stars or pray to the gods,” Minfilia suddenly mumbled, making the other’s ear flick, curiosity on her face, “We must put in the effort as well, that we know that we truly earned that which we worked for.”

Fufu was uncertain of how to respond, though any attempt she could’ve made was broken by the creaking of the door to the room, a sleepy Tataru peeking in.

The Lalafell yawned, “Minfilia, I got an emergency linkshell call for you. Someone named Red Cedar or Geyser...I’m sorry. But they said it was something you asked about last week and they’ve finally picked up on what you were looking for.”

Minfilia nodded, getting to her feet and taking both empty glasses with her as she said, “My thanks Tataru. I will get in touch with him myself. You can return to bed.” As the door shuddered closed again, Minfilia turned to her companion and smiled. “Yourself as well, friend. Twelve knows how busy our days will be now, especially after your grand victory.”

Fufu giggled. “I’d be more surprised if nothing happened. Oh,” Minfilia stopped at the door at the girl’s gasp.

“Thank you for the chat. It helped.”

The bright beam on the miqo’te face was mirrored on Minfilia’s own. “Anytime, my friend. Truly, I mean it.”

#ffxivwrite2020 #ffxivwrite #a realm reborn #minfilia warde #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #tataru taru #my wol #my writing #keeper of the moon miqo'te #fufu faelune

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ffxiv-ariavitali · 4 years

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On the Topic of the First: “Restoring the Talos of Twine”

AO3 ver.

[As you continue reading the journal, you find a brief sketch of a structure similar to, but not quite the same, as the golems found the ruins of Thanalan (in particular, those within the Sunken Temple of Qarn), at the beginning of the entry. Curiosity prods you to read onward.]

Our quarry had led us to Nuvy's Leavings, a mine a little south of Twine. Thancred and I knew what we were in for when we had pleaded Guthjon's assistance, but little did I know that we would be searching for a tiny gold coin in the darkness!

Fortunately, Thancred was well-prepared, carrying vials of sundrops that were able to assist in the search. I have scan't knowledge to how instinct works, but it led me to the furthest tunnel, to the furthest crevice and it was there that I found it.

Upon my return, I had shown the item to my friend. He made jest, stating Lady Luck seemed never to be on his side, but mine. That he offered nothing more than poor company. So I told him, "Come now, Thancred. You were far more prepared for this task than I" for it was the truth! I would never have found it without his help, to which he answered that it was all a means to survive given his... condition following his escape from the Lifestream.

However, there was one thing that he said that captured my attention:

'So long as I have the means to protect those dear to me, and to see my duties through, that's all that matters.'

Perhaps this is the reason why I could never say no to him. No matter his pain, no matter his heartache, he does what he must. For if he falters, would not all of us? He was a source of motivation to me from the first, but I fear as if he is in much more turmoil than he lets on. I can only be a medium to vent through, as we both feel the same way.

But the choice does not belong to either of us. It belongs to the girl who bears her likened face. It is why we are journeying to Nabaath Araeng. There, she will decide. I can only do what I can in the fallout afterwards.

❅ ❅ ❅

I wonder how these knockers eat. While I do not wish to slay the poor things, 'tis a matter of progression. I have been switching between my lance and my greatsword nowadays, but whenever I bear my Soul of the Dragoon, I oft think back to my brother-in-arms. Of when we traveled across the Forelands with Ysayle and Alphinaud.

I remember the man's comment, that when he sought to master the dragoon's jump, it was not to implant fear on low-hanging fruit. His scowl was true, even under the drachen helm, and I could not withhold my subsequent laughter. The boy was fussing over me, but I knew better. He knew better. I beat him once before and he knew I could do it again.

❅ ❅ ❅

As we waited for Guthjon's inspection of our haul to complete, Thancred sought it fit to speak about Minfilia. Our Minfilia. I was surprised to learn that she herself was a miner, but after what I have learnt of F'lhaminn and her losses, 'tis to be expected. He smiled as he spoke of her and I could not help, but jest in kind. "Not your finest hour, to say the least," I told him.

"Far from it—and F'lhaminn has never let me live it down."

But suddenly his expression went serious, speaking of second chances, a chance to do things right, and that he will not squander the opportunity.

I wanted to tell him. Tell him that he never 'ruined' his chances, no matter what he may think, but then Guthjon called out to us. We found the leonine needed to power the Talos... one fine specimen being among them. That was not all, for there was an engraving on the piece, as well.

'To my beloved Magnus and Skuli.'

We had found Agna's piece, her momento, and I swear my heart was fit to burst at that exact moment.

'She must've spent her final hours carving this message into the stone, in the hope that he might see it one day.'

I felt the smallest breeze brush against my skin, leading me to gaze upon the mines once more. For some odd reason, I did not feel one presence, but two. Perhaps 'twas not only Agna that led us here, but Minfilia, as well.

Are you trying to tell us something, my dear friend...?

❅ ❅ ❅

We showed Magnus the leonine. His face changed; the first since we met him. He allowed us use of it and though we attempted to offer an alternative, he urged us to take it. For we needed it more than he.

He needs time. Time that we wish we had.

When I saw the Talos spring to life, something within my heart stirred. Indeed, while I bear not the Dark Knight's crystal, I still felt the 'me' within shout in joy, in reminiscence, in memory. When Magnus came and beheld the work, there was a yearning that I knew all too well.

Magnus, what your wife left behind... is her hope. Her hope that you will carry on her legacy and keep her close to your heart. I pray that, one day, you will learn this.

❅ ❅ ❅

'—I dare not dwell overlong on my many regrets, for the world is a tapestry of fates, interwoven and inseparable, and we who strive to better it cannot choose but make difficult decisions. For naught of worth was ever achieved without sacrifice. And thus must man ever struggle to weigh life against loss—

—Were she here, she would not suffer thee to languish in sorrow. She would tell thee to seek thine own path, thine own purpose. It is a truth which I myself was slow to learn. Yet a truth it remaineth.

Thou needst but have faith. Have faith and all will be well.'

As Urianger spoke to the girl, I asked if Thancred had words to give to her.

'Not today.'

If not today, then I will pray that you will one day. I will pray for both you and for the little girl that has been living in our friend's shadow her entire life. That you both will, one day, learn peace.

And feel the love she has for you in your hearts.

[You have reached the end of this section. Proceed?]

#ffxiv writing #thancred waters #Urianger Augurelt #minfilia warde #ffxiv ryne #ffxiv guthjon #ffxiv magnus #aria #aria vitali writes #Her Unending Journey #ffxiv shadowbringers #ffxiv spoilers

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illegiblewords · 5 years

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Snuff

Few utilize the private quarters of the Waking Sands. Although technically property of the Scions and thus equipped with their rooms and workspaces, in reality they are rarely all in use. The Ala Mhigan girl and her lalafell friend (Yda and Papalymo, Lahabrea is aware but such details are of little consequence outside the part he plays) prefer to spend their time in Gridania while the miqo’te woman… Y’shtola, favors Limsa Lominsa.

Of all the obnoxious things to keep track of.

Thancred’s most consistent company—and so, Lahabrea’s—includes the Antecedent, the elezen, and Tataru. The other lalafell.

Oh hells with it.

The Ascian, having taken over his host’s quarters along with his body, releases a loud and enduring exhale. The lamp is nearly finished, shadows long over the walls. A woman’s discarded smallclothes remain piled on the floor near the bed. They have, evidently, been there for some time. He’s already taken it upon himself to wash the man’s filthy sheets, to pick up quills and documents that had (so mysteriously) taken residence on the floor. In their wake the desk has a disturbingly hyur-sized gap, and this is something Lahabrea wants neither to think about nor interact with. So he sits on the floor with his books and his own notes.

Until his joints begin to ache from stagnation at least, which is absurdly soon considering the youth of his vessel.

Of course.

Hands held tight behind his back (posture Thancred would never willingly adopt, something Lahabrea understands instinctively even as he chews his lower lip in another habit peculiar to himself), he begins to pace.

For the time being he has access to all the resources of his enemy, all the information needed to reach a current understanding of “Beast Tribe” political finery. Exploit them to generate a power source for the Heart. He has, admittedly, permitted himself to fall behind on such matters in recent decades. With those sundered of their number otherwise occupied, the direct task of resource management and collecting fuel falls to him. As do negotiations with the Legate. As do keeping the mannerisms of his vessel straight along with the names and minute details of each colleague.

Minfilia possesses a fondness of pancakes and perfumes, has embarrassing difficulty riding chocobos. Urianger may in fact be faking his entire persona for private amusement but this has yet to be proven.

Tataru…

Tataru is insufferable. Involved in everything and everyone at all times. She’s knocked on his door no less than thrice today, voicing concern that he has not emerged for food or drink in a mere eighteen hours. Nor has he slept in longer, but that she need not know.

Thancred is accustomed to such work. Thancred engages similar activity on a regular basis. Thancred’s eyes feel ready to fall out of their sockets for Lahabrea’s dubious pleasure after memorizing the history of Sylphic relations with men, complete with small lettering and an occasional grammatical error on the author’s part. And as if that were not enough, Thancred’s head feels about ready to split open like an egg.

Hells.

They will never let him hear the end of this. “Can’t even manage a few beastfolk, Lahabrea? Really?” Meanwhile, Emet-Selch spends half his days sleeping when he could be contributing a moment or two to the Rejoining but no. No, staying awake too is a paltry task that Lahabrea ought be able to handle all by himself along with countless other insultingly easy responsibilities that alone would be nothing to speak of. Together though, with his vessel’s intolerable headache, he finds himself fumbling at details.

Damn them all.

Ask him about the history of the Ixali in Allag, he could recite it in a blink. Their present beliefs and customs have been, until recently, irrelevant. And their hostility toward Gridania overlaps in such ways with the dynamic held between Amal’ja and Ul’dah that he catches himself confusing details between the two more often than he likes.

Elements are clear. Eikons are clear. The rest? Superficial nonsense, but superficial nonsense he must be prepared to use at a moment’s notice.

He drops his hands. Without missing a beat, he strides out the door, into the hall, up the stairs.

“Thancred!” exclaims Tataru, evidently delighted by what she perceives as a victory. “Are you finally going to-“

“No.”

Out the door. Out of the Waking Sands.

It’s approaching dusk, apparently. The sun shines a darkening orange as the sky turns pink and purple and a deep, dark blue.

There is a dock nearby. This, Lahabrea approaches.

In a perfect world, a complete world, there would be no witnesses nearby and he could scream at the infernal sun to his hearts content. But there are witnesses enjoying what might be a beautiful evening, and so Lahabrea only presses Thancred’s palms into his aching, aching eyes and kneels on the ground.

Awful.

Truly awful.

When he began to feel so tired he can’t recall. The Source is too heavy and too bright and too dull and he despises it with every fiber of his being.

He finds himself speaking in circles, more often than not. And laughing at things which, objectively, shouldn’t be funny. When Bahamut, sealed behind enough barriers to endure several Calamities and hurled into the heavens, returned out of nowhere after some odd thousand years to wreak havoc on their behalf—it was bizarrely, surreally hilarious.

Of all things.

And his sundered assistant only stared at him like a man gone mad. From the glances he collected following their great success… the others had misgivings as well.

But he’d succeeded. They’d done it. And they’d done it with an extraterrestrial dragon exploding out of the moon.

Despite himself, Lahabrea can’t help but chuckle quietly.

***

The sky dims. Lahabrea, having allowed himself some minutes to breathe, begins to stand.

Wobbles.

Steadies.

Walks, far less briskly, back toward the disgusting room that awaits him.

A moth beats around the entrance lantern. It nearly hits him in the face, an experience he ducks to avoid. It is for this reason, really, that he is caught off-guard.

“Hold it right there!” shouts Tataru as he slips back into her office.

The door shuts behind him. There are faint spots as his eyes adjust. The tiny receptionist is marching straight toward him, brows knit, mouth tight. An expression that might have been daunting on any other only looks absurd for her.

“Wha-“ he begins, only to find a surprisingly sharp finger jabbed into his stomach.

“No more excuses!” she says, no less forcefully. “You are going to sit down and have dinner and go to bed, and I swear if you so much as begin to argue with me I’ll- I’ll drag you there myself.”

Lahabrea finds himself staring, slack-jawed. Tataru takes one of his hands and, furiously, makes a valiant effort to pull him toward her desk.

There is a small curry there, steaming. A glass of orange juice beside it.

Abruptly, it occurs to him that if he doesn’t eat something immediately he really might die on the spot.

And that would be inconvenient.

***

“Slow down, you’re going to make yourself sick!”

Or choke, Lahabrea considers belatedly with a cough. He downs the juice in one go, which takes some moments and leaves Thancred’s eyes watering even as his lungs burn.

He doubles over after that, one hand still holding a spoon that trembles slightly. Waits for his body to catch up with him.

This was a mistake. It may not be beyond Tataru to drug her friends.

He feels, inexplicably, more miserable than he did before.

Another failed trial. Another weakness. Of body and mind both. Elidibus has been warning him for years, but there is work to do and he-

He can’t close his eyes.

***

Tataru does, in fact, drag him back to his room afterward. He thinks he almost managed to escape. The sink is in another part of the building. Once the dishes were dispensed with he could sneak back to his quarters and lock her out and do what he would.

“No. Do you really think I’ve forgotten last time? You’ve done enough and you’re going to bed and I’ll hear no more arguments about it,” says the lalafell. “March.”

Lahabrea does not march. If anything, he stumbles quietly in her wake and watches the back of her head and contemplates vague, unpleasant experiences he hopes will fall into her lap.

Down the stairs. Into the hall. Through the door.

“Eugh,” says Tataru, clutching her nose with her free hand. She glances about, pauses. Reddens. “How long have those been there?”

Lahabrea doesn’t look up. Doesn’t sigh. Doesn’t shrug. Doesn’t answer in any way whatsoever.

He refuses to be ashamed of a mess that is not his own.

“In the morning,” Tataru goes on, as if he will sleep until morning, “we are straightening this mess up. It’s unacceptable--why, it's a wonder you haven't caught something already!”

“One would think,” he says, and though the voice belongs to Thancred the words are his own, “you were my mother, with how you carry on.”

Tataru squints at him. Something between a glare and a deeply exasperated smile crosses her face. She points at the mattress. “Bed. Now.”

For a moment he only stares at it.

The bed does not, in fact, stare back. But if it could, he does not doubt that it would do so.

It is this thought which ultimately persuades him to comply.

***

She does not tuck him in, Zodiark be praised. That, he does himself.

“Don’t tell me,” says Lahabrea, as the Lalafell picks up his research, stacking one book on top of another, “that you mean to watch.”

Tataru’s smile is utterly terrifying and stripped of pity. “I don’t have to,” she informs him.

She snuffs the lamp out.

“Goodnight, Thancred,” she says. And then she leaves with his work.

***

He does not, in fact, sleep until morning.

He sleeps well into the next afternoon.

And with the mercy of a dreamless night, maybe that’s for the best.

#FFxivWrite2019 #lahabrea #ascians #tataru taru #final fantasy xiv

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ahk-mourn-my-dead-body · 5 years

Text

FFXIV: SHADOWBRINGERS - “Coming Clean” Instance Dialogue

Because I didn't actually notice this until I went back and watched my play-through, I figured I would type out the quotes and dialogue during the “Coming Clean” instance, where you fight as Thancred against Ran’jit. It’s got some cool interactions and lines, which only makes me sad that they weren’t all voice acted. Below the cut because it’s a lot.

Start of instance

Thancred engages Ran’jit.

Thancred: Whatever it takes, I swear I will end you.

Ran’jit: Hmph. You lie to yourself as you lied to her.

Thancred: Aye. I lied. Kept secrets. But no more. She deserves better.

Ran’jit: A life of pain? Of ceaseless conflict and despair?

Thancred fights Ran’jit for a period of time.

Thancred: This is going well...

Ran’jit: Vanity...

Thancred is knocked down and Ran’jit calls on Gukumatz, his red serpent dragon.

Ran’jit: Beast of my blood, answer my call!

Ran’jit and Gukumatz fuse, giving Ran’jit red-scaled armor and a scythe.

Ran’jit: Rend my foes and ward their blows.

Thancred and Ran’jit re-engage in combat.

Thancred: Hah, so you really are a monster.

Ran’jit: Better a monster than a deceiver. A spinner of foolish dreams and false hopes.

Thancred: There is no folly in hope!

Ran’jit: ...I said as much myself, once. I was wrong. Never again.

Thancred (to himself): Dammit! I need time to line up a clean shot.

Thancred (to himself): I suppose if there’s no other way...

Ran’jit: When will you learn?

Thancred: When you’re dead and buried!

Ran’jit: Yield now and I will grant you a quick death.

Ran’jit idles in the center of the arena and Thancred is targeted by four dragon heads.

Thancred: But we’ve only just begun.

Thancred utilizes Perfect Deception, severely restricting the flow of his life-sustaining aether. He is fading fast. However, Ran’jit can no longer see him.

Ran’jit: What is this foolishness?

Thancred (to himself): Not good...

Thancred stands.

Thancred (to himself): The strain is more than I remember... At least now I can get that shot.

Ran’jit: I tire of these games...

Thancred approaches Ran’jit and uses one of Minfilia’s cartridges to execute Shining Blade. Ran’jit is open to attack.

Ran’jit: You would court death for mere parlor tricks?

Ran’jit stands and throws Thancred back.

Thancred: <pant> <pant> ...My life would be but a small price to pay.

Ran’jit: Then pay it you shall!

Thancred and Ran’jit continue to fight.

Thancred: You never understood her.

Thancred: She is not a bird to be locked away in a gilded cage.

Ran’jit: And you presume to be her protector. Pathetic!

Ran’jit idles once again and the four dragon heads appear.

Thancred: Looks like I’ll have to use it again, then.

Thancred utilizes Perfect Deception again and falters. Ran’jit loses sight of Thancred.

Ran’jit: Again with these tricks!?

Thancred: Urgh... Hold still, damn you!

Thancred uses another of Minfilia’s cartridges and executes Shining Blade. Ran’jit is open to attack.

Ran’jit: You have played your hand far too early, boy.

Ran’jit knocks back Thancred and they fight for some time.

Thancred: This has carried on long enough, wouldn’t you agree?

Ran’jit: Why do you persist in this folly?

Ran’jit summons the four dragon heads again.

Thancred: Is that all?

Thancred uses Perfect Deception again. He is physically drained.

Thancred: Minfilia’s last cartridge... Have to... <pant> <pant> ...make it count...

Ran’jit: There you are!

Ran’jit lands a blow on Thancred and summons the dragon heads again.

Thancred: Gah! But how!?

Thancred uses Perfect Deception again.

Ran’jit: Fools to a man!

Ran’jit lands another blow on Thancred.

Thancred: I’d hoped you would fall for it a third time...

Thancred falters.

Thancred: Urgh... Though two times was... <pant> <pant> ...perhaps already too many...

Ran’jit: No more tricks? Then let us finish this.

Thancred is gradually losing energy. He endures Ran’jit’s onslaught.

Thancred: But you’ve not even seen the grand finale.

Thancred: One... last... disappearing act...

Ran’jit: Were you not struggling to stand I might think you serious.

Ran’jit summons the dragon heads.

Thancred: Oh, I am deadly serious.

Thancred executes Souldeep Invisibility, severing his life-sustaining aether completely. He vanishes from view.

Ran’jit: Fool! You think the shadows will save you?

Ran’jit strikes Thancred unknowingly.

Ran’jit: There is no escape! Do you hear me!?

Thancred approaches Ran’jit as the man continues to slash at the air.

Thancred: Thank you, Minfilia... for this precious gift...

Thancred executes Leap of Faith, harnessing the mysterious power of Minfilia’s experimental cartridge to deliver a powerful onslaught to Ran’jit.

Thancred: To hell with you!!

Ran’jit collapses.

#ffxiv #shadowbringers #5.0 spoilers #i just thought this was neat

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final-fantasy-mama · 5 years

Text

Reload and Release (Ch.2)

Emet Selch X Mature/Wol

Takes place during the Raktika Great Woods event, loosely follows cannon with some dialogue changes.

****************************

“Can we simply not take a moment to enjoy the view together? Or would you rather I spied from the shadows?” ~ Emet Selch.

“I for one would prefer you where I can see you.” The hero spoke up after everyone else went silent. Emet Selch was grinding on everyone’s nerves with his comings and goings as well as his snobbish attitude. It took all the will power Thancred had not to take a swing at the Ascian while they all made they’re way through the Great woods in search of Y’shtola. If the hero hadn’t stepped in to hold him back, he very well would have.

With a hand holding Thancred’s sword arm, she stepped forward to confront the ever-growing source of their discomfort. “I know we’re all on edge here, but can we please just try to get along for the remainder of the journey. I don’t want to waste precious bullets on either of you!” She scolded like a mother would a child as she was wont to do. She was a mother after all, it ran in her blood. "By the fury, my 8 year old has more sense and maturity than the lot of you put together!"

Emet shrugged his broad shoulders but submitted to her in the end. “Of course, hero, my apologies. But Perhaps you should keep your rabid dog on a leash.”

Thancred ground his teeth and took a threatening step forward. “Why you son of a…!”

“We’ve got children with us and that was a cheap shot Emet Selch!” The hero raised her voice to hush her companions and then marched up to the Ascian. “You are to stay in my sights and by my side at all times from here on out! No ifs ands or buts! And if you give me or them any lip, I’ll throw you over my knee and spank the Zodiark out of you!”

Emet gave a coy smile. “Oh, that is just too enticing a punishment to not attempt.”

She shot him a look that could kill and hissed. “I will make sure you don’t enjoy it!”

With a small bow and look of sly satisfaction he submitted and motioned for her to lead them on. So, she did just that as they walked deeper into the woods. Everyone finally silenced by her intervention and the zipped mouth of the Ascian.

Another hour had passed before Minfilia spoke up. “W…would it be possible to rest for a bit?”

“Are your feet bothering you?” Thancread asked looking down at his young ward.

She shook her head and hid her face. “It…its not that its just…” a loud rumble resounded from the pit of her stomach that made everyone stop and stare at her. She blushed furiously.

“It has been a while since we have had anything to eat. Maybe a rest is in order?” Alisaise suggested with a small laugh.

The hero nodded her agreement as everyone sought the shade of the nearby trees and sat down to rest. Alisaise dropped her shoulder bag and fished out some rations and then passed them around but hesitated when she glanced at Emet who stood by the hero’s side. “I don’t suppose someone like you would enjoy food like this….” She began and he waved a dismissive hand to her.

“You’re correct, I would not.” He said simply.

“No need to be arrogant about it.” She said under her breath and offered some to the hero who also refused.

“I’ll stand guard while you all eat.” The hero offered and walked a few yalms away to a better vantage point with Emet at her heel.

He nearly bumped into her when she suddenly stopped. “I said you had to stay by me not on me!”

“And miss a chance to receive a royal spanking?” He smirked.

“Oh gods, its that your kink?” She groaned and reached into her brassier to produce a small metal case. Inside was a few cigarillos that she put to her lips and lit via small lighter. She took a long drag and blew the smoke away from him.

“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”

“Tall Guys with pointy ears.” She shot back and offered him a cigarillo. He waved it away.

“How about tall guys with pointy noses?” He joked and pointed to his own rather large hooked Garlean nose.

Another drag of her smoke and she said with a straight face. “Never thought of it. You know I still haven’t forgiven you for invading my room the other night.”

“After the gift and wine and chocolates? I must be losing my touch as most women invite me back after the first time.”

She threw the cigarillo butt to the ground and stomped it out. “I’m not most women and you’re too optimistic for your own good.”

Something dark crossed his face as he stepped in closer trapping her against the trunk of a large tree. “A show of faith then? Shall we continue where we left off the other night?”

With his towering form and shadow hanging over her he leaned in so dangerously close it annoyed her. “Have you made it your mission to seduce me or something????”

“Seeing how it flusters you so can you blame a man for trying?” He purred against her ear.

Her lower eyelid twitched. “Flustered?” She growled as she grabbed him by the jacket collar “Listen here buster! I’m not some red-light hussy you can sway with a cheap smile and bit of gil! I don’t know how they breed women in Garlemald but you’re going to have to work for my favor if you ever hope to gain it!”

Emet’s eye seemed to light up with joy at her rant and he looked at her like a child eyeing a tempting piece of candy. “Oh my you are a fireball!”

She jabbed a finger into his chest. “And you are……..” Her voice trailed off as she gazed over his shoulder and suddenly lashed out, grabbed his collar again and threw him to the side as a arrow buzzed past and planted itself in the tree where his head had been. “AMBUSH!!!!!” She screamed as she pulled out her Musketoon and dragged the Ascian away as they both ran back the way they came.

Arrows pelted the ground and trees around them as the Warrior whipped her gun around, spraying bullets and knocking arrows our of midair with each bang. One hand was firmly on the Ascian’s fur lined collar pulling him along the way one might drag an old dog, only this old dog had a bemused smile on his face the entire way.

The other adventurers were on their feet and ready to go by the time the Hero and Ascian reached them when a group of black clad hunters flanked them and had them effectively trapped.

A large Hrothgar at the lead pointed a finger at them and shouted. “Now surround them!” following a brigade of well-trained bowman had bows at the ready and arrows pointing down at them from all directions.

Everyone slowly put up their hands with the exception of the Hero who only put up one hand and kept the other firmly gripping her companion’s jacket, preventing him from escaping into the shadow’s as was his won’t at times like these.

The lion like face of the Hrothgar looked them over. “These sin eaters…they are not like the others!”

Thancred spoke up in everyone’s defense. “There’s a reason for that. Lower your weapons, please. We mean you no harm.”

“How is it they can speak?” One bowman gasped in confusion.

“It’s a sin eater’s trick! They mean to kill us all!” Exclaimed a nervous female in their group.

There was a moment of silence as both parties sized each other up and tried to mentally decide what to do next. Emet Selch, of course, could not keep his mouth shut to save his or anyone’s lives.

“Oh for the love of…” He drawled in an uninterested tone. “I had hoped that by accompanying you we might come to understand one another. But all I have come to understand is that you have a knack for inflaming the natives. You’ve committed the cardinal sin of boring me. And so I retire to the shade.” When he made to escape in his usually flourish of dark Aether the hero’s hand around his collar kept him in place as she yanked him down to her level and looked him square in the eye.

“No Ifs Ands or Buts, Ascian. Don’t make me regret not shooting you in my room when I had the chance.” She said sternly.

“Then what do you plan to do about all this?” he jutted his head in the direction of everyone else.

A cunning sparkle filled her eye as she let go of his collar to free her hand, grabbed a cylinder off her utility belt, threw it up into the air and shot it quickly with her Musketoon. The whole area bursted with green mist so foul everyone had to raise their hands to block their mouths and nostrils.

While some of their captors did just that others let their arrows loose but the Machinist already anticipated that. She reloaded her gun with special ammo and let off another shot that enveloped her allies in a sphere of blue light and ricochet bullets around them, blocking and knocking any projectiles aimed at them.

With all the coughing and sputtering going on around them from the noxious fumes, she used the opportunity to quick load her gun with gas rounds and shot them off rapid fire, moving her arm in a steady sweeping motion. One after another, the bowman fell to the ground, completely knocked out by whatever gas she managed to pack into her bullets until there was not left but a few spearman (who were shaking in their sandals) and the Hrothgar who’s eyes were wider than dinner plates.

She had managed to take out the entire brigade in less than a few seconds using only her guns and her keen eyes. She spun the Musketoon in her hand and holstered it on her back as she turned to Emet Selch and said in a cocky tone, “There. Oh Emperor of eternal boredom. Are you not entertained?”

Yellow eyes that quivered with excitement refused to tear themselves from her spry leathered form as a faint blush colored his usually pale cheeks. "Zodiarks Mercy, that was so incredibly and undeniably titillating." He said in a breathy voice that made the hair on her neck stand on end.

#emet selch #shadowbringers #finalfantasyxiv #shadowbringers fanfic #worrior of light #thancred waters

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lightsmercy · 5 years

Note

⭐

send in ⭐ to touch my muse’s hair. // ACCEPTING.

The wind is not kind.

Minfilia finds that hair of sunlight, is torn from its home of braids, that she has so carefully arranged. Sacred is the hymn that escapes her lips, as she wades into the sea. Vesper Bay is radiant, once one is free from the shadow of burdens.

The sea is beautiful. It shimmers and shines ‘neath the burning sun, and if she were a child—she would believe it to be jewels.

The water clings to her after she dives in.

Lips part in quiet surprise when she comes up for air and unknown hands tug wet locks from her face; oh, how comical, she must have looked.

She peers at Rahela.

❝ You truly did not have to—...❞

#【 queue: 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 】#【 in character: 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞. 】#【 ask: 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬. 】#rahelauillces

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starcunning · 5 years

Text

Praxis inordinata

Happy Friday! Today I will be speedrunning the Eighth Umbral Calamity*. Stay tuned for part two.

*Eighth Umbral Calamity not guaranteed but strongly indicated.

[M/F] [WOL* (Kallisti)/Nabriales][The plot actually arrived? There’s no porn in this; there’s just plot.][Blood CW][Mild gore][Just a spectacularly bad idea all around][*technically Lensha Hathaar is the WOL; Kallie is one of her Echo-blessed companions][ARR 2.56][Erebidae][3.4k words]

Riol was a cheater. It had taken her some time to notice, but he won too often. The stakes were low enough that she had to assume it was merely ingrained habit—he had no obvious tells, which only cemented this perception. Kallisti resolved to mention it to Moenbryda only if it continued to agitate her—there was no sense in risking her tearing her stitches over what was meant to be a friendly game.

It had been a poor distraction up until that revelation; even afterward part of Kallisti seethed with resentment that her presence had not been requested at the Sultana’s banquet. Lensha Ravenfeller was a more palatable morsel, and had looked so in her gown of ivory when she had left with the others on wings of aether.

Kallisti thought of Ul’dah and she was there, in the Fragrant Chamber, though the scent of spice and the sound of gentle music she had anticipated were absent. The place was an abattoir, stinking of blood, and she heard steel strike steel and screams of fright. She felt the fear welling in her own throat, the terrible surety that the Sultana was dead and the Bull’s retribution was merciless—one of his fellow members of the Syndicate had paid a blood price for his grief already. Her gaze fixed at last upon the Highlander and she saw, impossibly, that his foe was Ilberd Feare.

The realization jerked Kallisti out of her Echo-blessed vision. She had fallen from her perch to land on the stone floor, and gazed up at Moenbryda’s ceiling. A figure loomed over her—Daye, she recalled after a moment—but rather than offer her a hand up, he pointed his spear at her throat.

Kallisti lifted her head to glance around the room. In the instant before the butt of his lance struck her forehead, knocking her skull against the stone, she noted the presence of two other Crystal Braves. One was doing his best to menace Moenbryda, though she had a yalm of height on him and a hellacious tongue undulled by her injuries. The other was patting Riol down for weapons; a half-dozen blades already dropped to the stones.

Kallisti closed her eyes, bitter annoyance prickling at the nape of her neck. Some help that vision was, to have left her in this position. “I know you’re awake,” said Laurentius Daye. She had seen the way Lensha’s eyelids twitched when she was in the throes of the Echo, and briefly tried to imitate it while also casting her aether back toward its anchor point, thereby to escape. Heat seared her shoulder, bright and blooming, and she smelled blood again, real this time; hers; his lance had pierced her shoulder, disrupting her focus on both tasks. She gasped. “Don’t try that again,” Laurentius cautioned.

She was going to die on the floor of Moenbryda’s bedroom, which was not at all what she had imagined for her ending. Oh, she’d imagined this locale once or twice, but the circumstances were vastly different. Kallisti tried not to panic. She had a great deal of practice wrangling her fear of death, but usually she at least had her staff. “Well?” said a voice. “Go and retrieve it, then.” “Nabriales,” she said, eyes snapping open. At the same time, Moenbryda said, “What is he doing here?”

Nabriales turned to face the scholar. Laurentius brought his spear up. Almost casually, Nabriales swiped his claws over the lancer’s throat. Crimson stained his blue uniform, beaded on the black leather of the Ascian’s robes, and spattered upon the stone floor. A moment later, Laurentius fell, too, dropping his weapon to clutch at his neck.

In the fracas, Riol had slipped a knife from his boot and pinned his Braves minder in the corner of the room. Nabriales pulled Kallisti to her feet and toward the door. She yelped at the tug on her injured shoulder, then planted her feet. “Them too,” she demanded. “Really?” the Ascian groused, and the shadows of the room seemed to coalesce into sprites of pitch, the umbral energy sparking from them quickly subduing the Crystal Braves. Moenbryda did not move from her perch. “I said, what is he doing here?” she repeated. “Saving your miserable lives,” he drawled. “Who are you talking to?” Riol asked. “Don’t worry about it,” Kallisti insisted. “An Ascian,” Moenbryda said anyway. “A what?” “Don’t worry about it!” Kallie said, still more forcefully. She clasped a hand to her shoulder, trying to staunch the bleeding.

Nabriales flicked a claw, and his shadow sprites darted out in front of the group, floating down the hall like ball lightning in negative. “I do hope you have a plan, Kallisti,” he muttered. “To the armory first,” she declared, “and we fight our way out.” “I will hold them here,” he said, and she could feel the aether gathering around him even as the Crystal Braves at the end of the hall turned to charge. Kallisti turned away, sprinting ahead, the other Scions running after. Riol hustled to the fore, ducking into the next stairway and clearing the first landings before waving Kallisti and Moenbryda after him.

“Do I want to know?” Moenbryda asked. “I don’t think I could explain it if you did,” Kallisti admitted. “Are you that intent on dissecting a gift?” “Yes. How did he know to come here?” “Put it down to opportunism if you like,” she hedged. “Something’s going on in Ul’dah,” Kallisti continued. “That’s what I saw.” “You think it’s related?” “Raubahn and Ilberd were swordfighting, so I have to assume—” Riol hushed them both, stepping out into the hall. Kallie heard the sounds of feet scuffling on the floor and peered out of the doorway to find the Hyur with his arm wrapped around the neck of another Crystal Brave. The other man made a series of choking, gurgling sounds that were only half-muffled by Riol’s fingers. He dragged the limp body into the stairwell and stripped the blue jacket from his compatriot, shrugging into it. “If the Braves are trying to hold the Rising Stones,” he said, “my best bet is to pass among them. I’m willing to bet this has to do with Wilred’s disappearance …” “What?” Riol looked at her, brow twisted in pained confusion. “Wilred,” he said. “One of ours. The best of us. You didn’t hear?” “I was off dealing with the Isle of Val,” Kallisti said. Riol shook his head, ushering the pair out into the hallway, pretending to hustle them before him. Kallisti didn’t bother to meet the gaze of any of the Braves they passed. She could feel the blood trickling down her arm, droplets falling from her fingertips, spattering on the stone. Her trail of crimson wound from the dormitories to the armory, and as they ducked inside, Kallisti took a deep breath. She repented of it as her shoulders rose, coughing it back out in a sigh a moment later.

She found her staff, and took it in her bloodied hands, feeling her aether flow into it, into once-living bone and wood as though it were her own body. It was a strange sensation—and a new one, having come to her only since Sharlayan, since she had slipped the moors of her mortal flesh for the briefest moment. Kallisti let out another breath, more measured, and turned back toward Riol and Moenbryda.

“Can you get out of here?” she said. “Even if you can only teleport outside, Slafborn should be able to help—” “It would send me back to Sharlayan!” “And I’d end up back in La Noscea.” Kallisti’s tail lashed behind her. She wanted to shrug, but her shoulder stung. “I’m not actually hearing a negative. If you stay here, you die.” “What makes you so sure?” Moenbryda pressed her. “The Sultana’s dead,” Kallisti said. “Gods, they’re trying to pin it on us,” Riol replied a moment later. “That’s the best I can figure,” she agreed. “So go back west or stay here and hang for a traitor.” “What about you?” Moenbryda asked. “What about the Ascian?” “I’ll deal with him,” Kallisti said. “Why did he save you?” “I don’t know,” she admitted. Oh, she had ideas—hopes, perhaps—but she had expected nothing to come of that little tug on the thread of aether that wound between them across whatever distance she could conceive of. “I’ll deal with him.” Moenbryda put the white auracite prism into her hands. “You’ll need this. And the staff.” “I have the staff,” she said, forcing the white stone into a pouch at her belt, marring it with blood. “Minfilia left it with me when she and Lensha went to Ul’dah.”

“Minfilia,” the Roegadyn woman repeated. “Is she alright?” “I didn’t see her,” Kallie said. “Almost everybody … almost everyone went.” “Urianger stayed behind,” Moenbryda supplied. “I have no idea what’s going on at the Waking Sands,” she said. “Is Arenvald with him?” “I think so,” said Riol. “Start with him,” Kallisti said. “Moenbryda, get out of here.” “But—” “You’re injured,” Riol reminded her. “Go.” “I’ll watch the door,” Kallisti said, adopting a ready stance. She clutched her staff with both hands, trying to ignore the pain radiating from her shoulder. The old wood had grown slick and swollen with her blood, drinking it in. “Riol, you go too.” “No,” he said, posting up beside her. “When she’s gone I’ll go find the others. They have no idea what’s happening here.” “Good luck,” said Moenbryda. Kallisti did not look back, but she felt the void in the aether, the rush of currents to fill the empty space, a moment later.

“Now you,” Kallie said, and Riol slipped back out into the hallway, striding stiffly onward, as though he was simply on patrol. She waited until he was out of sight, and thought of a crimson sigil—an insectoid pyramid. The aether around her rippled again, and she felt warmth and darkness at her shoulder. “Are you ready to go?” Nabriales asked. “Yes, but we’re going the long way,” she said. He scoffed. “Why ever so? I could take you to the Chrysalis now.” “Because Riol will need the distraction,” she said, “and I didn’t come for my weapon so that I could not fight.” “Meddlesome little fool,” he scolded her. “Then abandon me to my follies,” she said, already pushing open the door to the hall. “I will not,” said the Ascian, sounding genuinely affronted.

Kallie sprinted down the hall, rounding to find a party of Crystal Braves flanking the doorway. She laughed as she ran, and they hurried after her. So easy to lead them into a narrower passage, where she could round on them and gout them with flame. Nabriales caught them from behind, muttering in his dark tongue about the coming of the end, and crackling black energy speared down the hallway. They fell and he rose, an unhallowed being, his cloak rippling like dark wings, and then she was off again. Her shoulder ached. She let it drive her.

The pain seared still more brightly as she rounded a corner and was faced with a sword in her face. She brought her staff up to block, catching the weapon on the wootz plating. Steel rung against steel, and she shoved upward before the blade could slide far enough to catch her fingers. She could see stars on the edges of her vision, and channeled her pain into astral flame—not a hungry gout as she had done moments before, but an unassuming ember, notable only for where she called it.

She burned the air from the soldier’s lungs, and he died breathing ashes. Nabriales smiled, stepping over him, and led. To the right, the solar, and he turned that way before she shouted for him to follow, and went left, back toward the antechambers where her fellows often gathered.

She mounted the stairs and saw dozens of cobalt uniforms, turning to regard her sudden advance. She backpedaled, stumbling into Nabriales, who put her behind him. “Run,” she urged him, and dove back into the labyrinthine halls of the Rising Stones. She did not hear his footsteps behind her—but she heard the advance of booted feet a moment later, soldiers of the Crystal Braves in hot pursuit.

The earth trembled underfoot. She staggered, stumbled, went down hard—on her injured shoulder, barely keeping hold of her blood-slick staff. Kallisti scrabbled to her feet, passing her staff into her right hand, clutching it with numb fingers so that she could press her left palm to her oozing wound.

She never thought she could miss Lensha so much.

Kallisti looked back as she ran, and saw Nabriales moving through the rising crowd of soldiers, as unconcerned with them as they were with him. His face was masked in the crimson glow of his sigil, but for all the darkness that seethed from him they were still outnumbered. She ran, dimly aware of how difficult it was to climb stairs.

Her hands were cold, so it was ice next, freezing in place the soldiers in blue she saw awaiting her up ahead. The hall stretched onward, no other set of stairs that she could see, so she shouldered open the last door on the left, because she could lean on it with her good side.

It was a dormitory—disused and dusty. Its window overlooked Revenant’s Toll. She was several stories up. “Jump,” Nabriales said, his voice at her ear. She glanced back at him. He was bowed over her, a hand outstretched behind him, as though he could—without even looking—cover the doorway. He reached past her, throwing open the sash of the window. “What?” “Either you jump or we fight our way back out, the way we came, and there are still more of them on the way.” “I’ll die.” “Do you think I would allow that now?” he asked, sounding genuinely annoyed by the possibility. She could hear the approach of boots, the raised voices of the Crystal Braves as they cleared each of the rooms in turn.

Kallisti slung her staff over her back, pulled herself up onto the windowsill with a cry of pain, and tried not to look down. The heights were dizzying. Her fingers were blood-sticky against the leaded casings of the window, and a fierce wind moaned through the canyon. She closed her eyes, let go of her perch, and leapt, pushing off with her legs.

It was cold, a night wind rushing over her face, through her hair, tearing away her hat. Then it was warm, and she got the sense that even with her eyes open she could not see through the complete blackness that surrounded her. All sense of gravity failed her. She knew her head from her feet only by orienting herself around her pain—that must be her right shoulder, she told herself, which meant she must know which way her head was facing. She did not breathe, and she was sure she must be dying. She thought of an ocean she had never seen.

Then she thought of the salt marshes of her home, of the sea crashing over the breakwaters and flooding the estuaries. She could smell them, she thought—although perhaps the salt that filled her lungs was merely the scent of her own blood. Then she felt rain upon her cheeks.

Kallisti opened her eyes, and found herself in Nabriales’s arms, her legs dangling freely as he clutched her, chest to chest. “I told you I could float,” he reminded her, and set her down among the sedges. “I had other things on my mind,” she said. She leaned on him, no longer feeling strong enough to stand. “This is Yafaem,” she said after a moment. Even in the dim night, it seemed obvious to her. She knew these trees, the reeds and grasses that tickled at her calves, the scent of peat. “It seemed best to allow you to decide,” Nabriales said. “What is this place?” “It’s home,” she said, sagging with relief. He reached out to catch her by the shoulder, and she hissed in pain. “Careful,” she said. “That still troubles you?” “Of course it does,” she snapped. “It’s a wound.” “Hm,” he said, pulling her in, clamping his hand over her shoulder. She yelped in pain, looking up at his face in agony as though she might find there some reason for this torture.

He was not smiling sadistically, as she could not help but to have imagined. Instead, his mouth was set in a grim line of focus, and she imagined the frown that bent his brow behind the mask. The searing pain of contact ebbed after a moment, and she could feel the blood trickling from her wound reverse direction, flowing upward, back into her body. Her agonized flesh knitted, slowly, pulsing with pain for several minutes. She fought past it to watch as the damage she had done to herself in her desperate flight was mended, leaving no scar, even the skin around the wound free of blood—though it still clung to her fingers. When he lifted his hand, the cloth, too, was mended. It was like nothing had ever happened. “Oh,” she said. Her head swam. “There,” he said. “How fragile your mortal body.” “I still lost a lot of blood,” she said, lifting her hand to regard it. He curled his palm around her own, pressing her fingers to his lips. It stained them crimson, darker than his mask. “Little I can do for that now that we’ve left it in Mor Dhona,” he said, tone sardonic. “I need a place to rest. There’s … I think there’s a cave near here, we would use it when we were hunting in this area …”

She listened to the falling rain—pattering on leaves, splashing into the waters of the marsh. The wind blew through the grasses, and she could hear the call of frogs. “We’re safe,” she said. “No one … no one comes here but my clan, and … they’ll know me. If they find us.” Still it seemed an impossible task to reach the foothills, and she staggered through the mire until they found its mouth. It was cool and dry inside. She fell to her knees immediately, putting her back to the stone walls and sliding down. Nabriales crouched beside her. His hood had gone, sometime since their arrival here. His mask, too. He looked at her. “Are you staying? It isn’t much, but it should be safe. Or are you going … wherever Ascians go?” He shook his head. “There are things that require my attention, but these are eventualities. My window of opportunity has not yet closed.” She hummed out some acquiescence, letting her eyes close. The outer layers of her clothing were damp with rain, but the cloth against her skin was dry, and it seemed too much effort to undress now. It took most of her concentration to focus long enough to ask a single question.

“Why did you know to come for me?” “You asked,” he said. “Nnnn…no, I didn’t, I never said your name until you were already there.” He laughed, the bombastic sound of it filling the cave, redoubled and echoing around them. “Is that how you think this works, little fool?” he mused. “That you can speak my name and summon me, like a bound voidsent?” “When you think about it,” Kallisti said, “I am Mhachi.” “Even the ancient sorcerers of Mhach could not command our kind,” Nabriales said, bristling with pride. “No. You cannot compel me.” “Then why did you come?” “I felt your distress,” he said. She felt aether prickle along the nape of her neck—distantly, as though through a haze of black felt. Kallisti realized then how drawn she was. “I thought you understood this.” “I didn’t realize …” “I could be banished to the most distant star and I would still feel you,” he said. “It was not my intent when I branded you, but in what came afterward …” “In Sharlayan?” she supplied. “We are entangled now,” he said. “A change in your aether is a change in my aether,” he said. “I can sense your soul as though you had laid it bare before me.” “Spooky,” she said. Then, “Isn’t that a weakness?” “Perhaps,” he admitted. “So that’s how you knew,” she said, “but I couldn’t compel you to act. That means … it was your decision.” “Yes,” Nabriales said.

“Isn’t that unusual?” she asked. “Yes.” Then the rising darkness swarmed up around her, and she let it claim her. Her struggle had wearied her. It was so much easier simply to let go.

#wol/nabriales #kallisti #original content #starcunning writes #fanservice friday #nabriales #hydaelyn trusts only the most idiotic cats with Her blessing #Erebidae #everybody knows shit's FUCKED

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haillenarte · 7 years

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rescuing raubahn;

By request, here are translations from the main story quests “In Search of Raubahn” and “Keeping the Flame Alive” — or, in more familiar terms, the patch 3.0 Raubahn rescue mission.

I’m sorry this took quite a while! This was requested sometime around Christmas, but between the holidays, Final Fantasy XV, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and obligations from work and school, I kept putting it off. I feel doubly bad because this particular requester actually donated to my tip jar, but that... didn’t expedite the translation process... because I’m an idiot...

As usual, I’ve provided the Japanese text, my own translation below, and the official English localization in blockquotes. However, I’m missing a lot of the English lines from this particular part of 3.0 — mostly from the rescue instance itself.

I was not sure what the requester was looking for, or what they expected to see from the Japanese text of this questline, so for this particular translation I have prioritized loyalty to the Japanese above most else. It tends towards being overly literal at times, but I hope not to a distracting degree.

IN SEARCH OF RAUBAHN “in search of raubahn”

ドウワレ : ……そろったようだな。こうし��「暁」のお二方とともに、「士道」に背きし、裏切り者に立ち向かえること、心の底より喜んでいる次第だ。ドウワレ : 肝心の「ユユハセ」らの行方だが…… 奴らは、南の「ハラタリ修練所」に向かったようだ。ドウワレ : かの地は「コロセウム財団」の施設だが、例の一件以後は、砂蠍衆のロロリト殿が管理していたらしい。そんな場所に武装兵が向かったとなると、いよいよ怪しい。ドウワレ : 「ハラタリ修練所」の様子は、我が同志「ホウザン」が見張っている。彼の下に急ごう。 DOWARE: ...It seems we have all arrived. I confess, I am delighted by this opportunity to confront the traitors alongside your members of the Scions. It is ever my duty to punish those that have forsaken their codes of honor. DOWARE: Yuyuhase and his men are headed toward Halatali, to the south. DOWARE: Halatali is a training ground for Ul’dahn gladiators, but we believe it has fallen under Lord Lolorito’s management. It is unusual for armed soldiers to be guarding the place. DOWARE: Hozan is presently keeping watch over the entrance. Let us make haste and join him.

LOCALIZATION Doware: I have been expecting you. Time is of the essence, so I shall be direct. Doware: Yuyuhase and his men are bound for Halatali. Doware: We believe that this is where they intend to carry out the execution. Doware: My colleague, Hozan, is presently keeping watch over the entrance. Let us make haste and join him.

ホウザン : 良いところに来てくださいました。先ほど、クリスタルブレイブ総隊長、イルベルドがやって来て、修練所に入ったところです。ホウザン : これはもう「アタリ」ですな。ラウバーン殿は、「ハラタリ修練所」に収監されていると見て、まず間違いないでしょう……。ホウザン : 相手の出方次第ではありますが、突入するとなれば、荒事になりましょう。ホウザン : あの御方も来てくださる手はずですが、戦の備えだけは、ぬかりなくお願いします。それでは、準備が整いましたら、お声がけください。 HOZAN: You come at a good time. Just now, Crystal Brave Commander Ilberd arrived and entered the training grounds. HOZAN: Now is our time to strike. We are now certain that General Raubahn is being held somewhere within Halatali. HOZAN: Once we have secured the movements of our enemies, we will storm the gates and show them the full force of our fury. HOZAN: We will need your assistance as well, friend. Please prepare for battle, and proceed with caution. Tell me when you are ready.

LOCALIZATION Hozan: You come at a good time, my friends. But moments ago, the traitor Ilberd arrived and entered Halatali. Hozan: From this, we may be certain that General Raubahn is being held within. Hozan: There is no time to lose─General Aldynn may be executed at any moment. You must enter Halatali and free him from his captors. Hozan: Please see to your preparations, and tell me when you are ready to proceed. One of our own will accompany you inside.

アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長の「コロセウム財団」が保有する場所を、処刑場所に選ぶとは……イルベルドめ、何と趣味が悪い。 ALPHINAUD: The very idea that Ilberd would use one of Raubahn’s own territories as an execution ground... Truly, he is a man of repulsive taste.

LOCALIZATION Alphinaud: Raubahn's ties to Halatali are well known. That Ilberd should choose this of all places to stage his execution is no coincidence. The fiend... Are there no depths to which he will not stoop?

ユウギリ : ……待たせたな。アルフィノ : ユウギリ殿！ユウギリ : フフッ……。少し見ぬ間に、アルフィノ殿の眼にも、武人の輝きが戻ってきた様子……。アルフィノ : あの時は、情けない姿を見せてしまった。しかし、いつまでも落ち込んではいられないからね。 ……それに、今の私には仲間がいる。ユウギリ : 一連の騒動の後、我らドマの忍びは、行方知れずとなった「暁」の者らを探すため、クリスタルブレイブの動向を監視していたのだ。ユウギリ : 未だ、ミンフィリア殿や賢人の皆については、有力な情報が得られてはおらぬのだが……。アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長を救出することは、ウルダハにとっても、「暁」にとっても、大きな収穫さ。ユウギリ : ホウザン、お主はドウワレやヒギリとともに、入口の警備を引きつけよ。ラウバーン殿の救出は、我ら3人で行う！ユウギリ : ……参るぞ！ YUGIRI: Forgive me my lateness. ALPHINAUD: Lady Yugiri! YUGIRI: <giggle>... Master Alphinaud, I am pleased to see that the warrior’s spirit shines in your eyes once more. ALPHINAUD: How pitiful I must have looked when last we met! But I could not wallow in my misery forever. ...Moreover, I now have comrades to stand by my side. YUGIRI: After the events at the Ul’dahn banquet, my fellow shinobi and I have shadowed the Crystal Braves’ every step in hopes of locating the missing Scions. YUGIRI: Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to learn anything about Minfilia or the Sharlayans... ALPHINAUD: It is enough that we can rescue Raubahn now. Believe me, you have done us all a great service. YUGIRI: Hozan. You, Doware, and Higiri will draw the attention of the guards at the entrance. The three of us will rescue Raubahn. YUGIRI: ...With me!

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: Pray forgive me my lateness. Alphinaud: Lady Yugiri! Yugiri: Master Alphinaud. I am pleased to see that the light of resolve shines in your eyes once more. Alphinaud: Ah, yes... How pathetic I must have seemed to you when we last met. I am ashamed to recall it. For a time I was well and truly lost. But with the aid of my comrades, I have since refound my purpose, and I shall take care not to misplace it again. Yugiri: Since your escape from Ul'dah, my fellow shinobi and I have shadowed the Crystal Braves' every step in hopes of learning the Scions' whereabouts. Yugiri: Regrettably, our investigation has yet to yield any useful information. Pray forgive us. Alphinaud: You need not apologize, my lady─we are grateful for all that you have done on our behalf. Besides, Raubahn is no less a friend, and we cannot well abandon him to his fate. Yugiri: Hozan─the three of us shall attend to the Flame General's rescue. Pray draw away the guards by the entrance. Take Doware and Higiri with you. Yugiri: With me!

アルフィノ : やはり、コロセウム財団の職員の姿はなしか……。気をつけろ……イルベルド配下の兵が潜んでいるはずだ。霧隠のユウギリ : <Player>殿、先導を任せる。 ALPHINAUD: The Coliseum staff is conspicuously absent... Be on your guard. Ilberd’s men must be lurking nearby. YUGIRI MISTWALKER: <Player>, the lead is yours. We shall follow.

霧隠のユウギリ : いたぞ、ラウバーン殿だ！しかし妙だな……警備が手薄すぎる……。アルフィノ : ご無事ですか、ラウバーン局長！ラウバーン : ぐっ……お、お前たち……。来てくれた……のか……。 YUGIRI MISTWALKER: General Raubahn is here! And yet, how strange... the security here is much too thin... ALPHINAUD: Are you unharmed, General? RAUBAHN: <cough>... Y-You all... You came... for me...?

ユウギリ : 魔導装置で拘束されておられるようだ。無理矢理に破壊すれば、何が起きるか……。アルフィノ : 拘束を解くための認証鍵を、クリスタルブレイブの隊員が持っているはず。手分けして、奴らを探そう！ YUGIRI: He is bound by some manner of magitek device. But if we force it open, who knows what might happen...? ALPHINAUD: The Crystal Braves should have the device’s authentication key. Let us split up and search for them.

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: He is bound by some manner of magitek device. Yet I dare not force it open─it may well be booby-trapped. Alphinaud: I have heard of such devices. The Crystal Braves will possess the key. Let us split up and look for it.

ユユハセ : その必要は、ありませんよ。ユユハセ : 個人的な怨みはありませんが、これも仕事でしてね。私たち家族が、貧困から這い上がり生き残るためには、汚れ仕事であっても、貴重なんです。ユユハセ : 大丈夫……苦しみはしません。錬金術師ギルド特製の「毒霧」で、安らかにザル神の御許に旅立ってください……。 YUYUHASE: That will not be necessary. YUYUHASE: I have no ill will towards any of you, but this, too, is simply work. You see, I was born into a family constrained by the fetters of poverty. I’m afraid I learned from a very early age that even foul jobs have value. YUYUHASE: Fret not — you shall not suffer for long. This poisonous mist was specially made by the Alchemist’s Guild. May it deliver you safely to Thal’s realm.

LOCALIZATION ???: That will not be necessary. Yuyuhase: Pray do not take it personally, my friends. You are the victims of harsh economic conditions. Yuyuhase: Happily, you will not suffer for long. This poison will convey you swiftly unto the bosom of Thal, where I hope to join you, after the passing of many prosperous years.

霧隠のユウギリ : くっ、東方水薬の効果が薄い……！毒霧の効用だというのか！？金眼のユユハセ : あまり、見苦しい真似はなさらぬことです……。それではご機嫌よう……。 YUGIRI MISTWALKER: A poisonous mist?! My Doman antidotes were not made to counteract anything like this... YUYUHASE OF THE GOLDEN EYE: Pray do not struggle in too unsightly a manner. And with that, I wish you all the best...

ラウバーン : ゲホッ……ゲホッ……。き、貴様らだけでも……逃げるのだ……。アルフィノ : <Player>！鉄柵を破壊して、奴を追うぞ！アルフィノ : くそっ、毒素を好む魔物が！？ RAUBAHN: <cough><cough>... Run... while you still can... ALPHINAUD: <Player>! Let us destroy this gate and give chase! ALPHINAUD: That fiend! He certainly has a taste for poisons!

アルフィノ : よし、鉄柵を破壊したぞ！霧隠のユウギリ : だが、まだ毒霧の発生が続いている。根源を破壊し、止めなければ！霧隠のユウギリ : 私がラウバーン殿の応急手当をしよう。毒霧の根源の排除と、認証鍵の入手を頼む！ラウバーン : クリスタルブレイブの隊員が…… この装置を解く鍵を……持っているはずだ……。 ALPHINAUD: We’ve done it! We’ve destroyed the gate! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: But this poisonous air is still being generated. We must needs destroy it at its source! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: I will administer medicines to General Raubahn. You must eliminate the source of this fog, and then acquire the key to this device! RAUBAHN: The Braves... The Braves have the key...

アルフィノ : 毒霧噴霧器は破壊した！　いい調子だぞ！霧隠のユウギリ : よし、毒霧が晴れたぞ！アルフィノ : 次は、ラウバーン局長を捕らえている、「魔導装置の認証鍵」を探すんだ！ ALPHINAUD: Excellent! The generator is destroyed! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: The poisonous mist is clearing up! ALPHINAUD: Now we must free Raubahn. Let us search for this magitek authorization key!

クリスタルブレイブの槍術士 : あの毒霧を切り抜けたというのか！クリスタルブレイブの弓術士 : 仕方あるまい、我らの手で！ CRYSTAL BRAVE LANCER: They survived the poison?! CRYSTAL BRAVE ARCHER: Then they die by our hands!

アルフィノ : それが「魔導装置の認証鍵」！？さあ、ラウバーン局長の下へ急ごう！ ALPHINAUD: Is that the key? Then let us return to the Flame General's cell!

ラウバーン : すまない……助かった……。ゴホッ……ゴホッ……。アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長、無理をなさらずに……。ユウギリ : よし、脱出するぞ！ RAUBAHN: I am sorry... and I thank... <cough> <cough> ALPHINAUD: Do not push yourself, General. YUGIRI: Let us be rid of this place.

LOCALIZATION Raubahn: My...thanks... <cough> Alphinaud: Slowly, General. You are yet weak from your ordeal. Yugiri: Nevertheless, we must quit this place.

イルベルド : さすがは英雄殿……。小細工では始末できぬか……。アルフィノ : イルベルド！　貴様ッ……！イルベルド : 我が道を征かんとするなら、やはり自らの手で、障害を打ち払わねばならんか……。仕方あるまい……。イルベルド : 来い、暁の残滓ども！今、ここで！　その灯火を消し去ってくれる！ ILBERD: As expected of the Warrior of Light... I suppose one cannot expect to dispose of a hero with clever artifice. ALPHINAUD: Ilberd! ILBERD: Must I remove all things in my path with my own two hands? Very well, if there are no alternatives... ILBERD: Come at me, vestigial Scions! Here and now, I will erase your feeble light!

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: I should have known. What are clever contrivances to the Warrior of Light? ...Well done, hero. Alphinaud: Ilberd... Ilberd: You mean to struggle on, then? Very well. If you would stand in my way, I will cut you down like all the rest. Ilberd: Come, Scions─let's get this over with.

壊剣のイルベルド : 女王暗殺犯を始末する！総員、かかれ！金眼のユユハセ : 生き残るため、やられはしませんよ！左党のローレンティス : はははっ！やっぱり、僕は英雄になんてなれないんだ……だからッ！ラウバーン : ええい……身体が……。獄中生活で、萎えたとでもいうのか……。 ILBERD THE DULLBLADE: With me, Crystal Braves! We strike down the sultana’s assassin! YUYUHASE OF THE GOLDEN EYE: I will not fail!

I have no idea what Yuyuhase says in English here, but I think “For coin and country!” would be a good alternative.

LEGLESS LAURENTIUS: Hahaha! I knew, I knew I could be no hero... I...! RAUBAHN: Ugh... my body... isn’t what it used to be...

イルベルド : ここまできて、悪あがきを……！アルフィノ : そこまでだ、イルベルド！剣を捨て、投降しろ！イルベルド : 投降だと……？女王陛下暗殺に関与した罪人がよく言う！投降すべきは、そちらの方ではないか！アルフィノ : さて、そもそもナナモ陛下は「暗殺」されたのか…… そちらも、一枚岩ではなさそうにお見受けするが？イルベルド : ……さかしいガキが。 ILBERD: Tch! Your resistance is futile! ALPHINAUD: It is over, Ilberd! Drop your sword and surrender! ILBERD: Surrender...? Hah! Fitting words from those who assassinated the sultana! Aren’t you the ones who should surrender?! ALPHINAUD: You speak of the sultana’s assassination, but I wonder... did an assassination even take place at all? ILBERD: ...Clever little brat.

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: This changes nothing! Alphinaud: It is over, Ilberd! Lay down your arms and surrender yourself to justice! Ilberd: Justice!? Justice for what exactly? 'Twas not I who assassinated the sultana, boy! Alphinaud: Ere we debate who is responsible for the assassination, I would ask whether an assassination took place at all. Ilberd: Clever little shite...

イルベルド : 貴様も、気付いているのだろう！「暁」やエオルゼア各国は、貴様の「特異な力」を利用した！クリスタルブレイブに至っては、知名度までもな！イルベルド : 故郷を奪還したいと願う、俺たちの想いも、貴様の力も、結局は誰かの思惑に組み込まれ、利用され…… 自由に戦うことすら許されないッ！イルベルド : それでは救えない！　俺たちの祖国を救えんのだッ！俺は必ずアラミゴを取り戻してみせる…… どんな手を使ってもな！ ILBERD: Listen here, adventurer! You’re only being used by the Scions — nay, by all of Eorzea! Think on it! Were not the Crystal Braves built on your name? ILBERD: All I ever wanted was to liberate my homeland. But what I want, and what you have — these things, they’re always being taken advantage of by someone else... to the point where I can’t even fight for my own freedom! ILBERD: That’s why! That’s why I haven’t been able to save my motherland! But I will take back Ala Mhigo with my own hands... no matter the cost!

I think Ilberd’s overall point is that he and the Warrior of Light are the same, in that they are both constantly being used, and that the reason he hasn’t been able to save Ala Mhigo is because he’s always been someone else’s pawn. However, it’s rather difficult to convey that without writing a totally new and original speech, and I’m trying to stick to the Japanese text here. The English sounds fine to me.

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: If you think you fight for justice, lad, you'd best wake up. The truth is, you fight for whoever bloody well tells you to. Can you not see you're being used!? By the Scions, the city-states, even the Crystal Braves. They none of 'em care a whit what you want─only what you can do for them. Ilberd: And how do I know this? Because I'm the same─a pawn to be used as my masters see fit. All I ever wanted was to liberate my homeland, and I ate dirt to make it happen. But what have I achieved after all these years in servitude? Nothing! Not a bloody thing. Ilberd: If we ourselves are not free─free to think and to act─how are we ever to reclaim our homeland? Know this: there is nothing I would not give to take back Ala Mhigo! NOTHING!

アルフィノ : クッ……！逃がすものか！ユウギリ : アルフィノ殿、深追いは禁物だ。それより、ラウバーン殿を……。ラウバーン : 恩に着るぞ……。アルフィノ : 何をおっしゃいますか。たとえ地に伏し、泥に濡れようとも、立ち上がればいい。 ……その事を、私も学んだのです。ラウバーン : 元より、陛下の怨敵を討つまで、屍をさらすつもりはないが…… 貴様にそう言われれば、より一層、奮い立つというものだ。 ALPHINAUD: No! You’ll not escape! YUGIRI: Do not pursue him, Master Alphinaud. We have General Raubahn to consider. RAUBAHN: I owe you all a great debt... ALPHINAUD: No, General. You owe us nothing. And do not despair — though you may have suffered defeat, you, too, shall rise again. ...I learned that but recently. RAUBAHN: Rest assured, I was not planning to die until I’d avenged the sultana. But it is... uplifting to hear you say that.

LOCALIZATION Alphinaud: You'll not get away! Yugiri: No, Master Alphinaud. Now is not the time. Raubahn: I'm but a cripple and a fool, and still you came for me... I'm in your debt. Alphinaud: We are all of us fools of fate, General. But even fools have a part to play. Raubahn: Rest assured, I was not planning to die till I'd avenged the sultana... Still, your words are welcome, lad.

ラウバーン : それにしても、イルベルドめ…… この残った腕を、七獄の魔王に捧げてでも、奴だけは血祭りにあげてくれる……。アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長……。ロロリトは、未だにナナモ陛下の死を公表していません。この意味がわかりますか？ラウバーン : ……なんだと？奴ならば、すぐにでも公表し、王政を廃止しそうなものだが……。 RAUBAHN: Ilberd... even if I must consign it to the seven hells, I swear upon this remaining arm that I will make it rain your blood... ALPHINAUD: But, General... Lord Lolorito has not yet announced the death of the sultana. Do you understand what this means? RAUBAHN: ...What? That can’t be right. Lolorito would have announced her death immediately, and claimed the government for the Monetarists...

アルフィノ : 確証はありませんが、もしや……。ラウバーン : ……生きておられるというのか？ユウギリ : 積もる話もあろうが、今は脱出が先決…… さあ、参ろう。 ALPHINAUD: I have not yet confirmed my suspicions, but... RAUBAHN: ...You think the sultana yet lives? YUGIRI: We will have time to talk later. For now, let us quit this place.

ユウギリ : 見てのとおり、救出は成功した。 ……ドウワレ、外の状況を教えてくれ。ドウワレ : ハッ、警備に立っていたクリスタルブレイブの兵たちは、我ら3人の手で始末しました……。ドウワレ : ……ですが、その後となると、人っ子一人、現れてはおりませぬ。ユウギリ : ふむ……別の抜け道でも使ったか……。イルベルドを始め、幹部級の何名かが逃げている。お主はホウザンらと、修練所内外を捜索せよ。ドウワレ : ……承知！ YUGIRI: As you can see, the rescue was successful. Doware, appraise me of the current situation. DOWARE: Yes, my lady. We three shinobi dealt with the Crystal Braves standing guard without trouble. DOWARE: However, after that... we saw no one else enter or exit the premises. YUGIRI: Hmm... they must have fled by some other means. Ilberd and several other ranked members of the Braves managed to escape. Take Hozan and search the surrounding area for signs of their passing. DOWARE: Yes, my lady.

謎の使者 : ……「暁の血盟」とドマの方々、そして、ラウバーン・アルディン局長とお見受けします。アルフィノ : 何者だ……！？謎の使者 : どうか武器をお収めください。私は、さる御方に仕える者……。我が主は、貴方様方の敵ではございません。謎の使者 : すでに「暁」のウリエンジェ殿と連絡もとっております。ラウバーン局長の身の安全のためにも、まずは「砂の家」へ……。謎の使者 : 決して罠ではございません故、ご安心を……。ラウバーン局長はこちらに…… 人目を避けるため、チョコボキャリッジを用意してございます。アルフィノ : ……ウリエンジェに連絡を取ってみたが、どうやら信じて良さそうだ。アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長の移送は彼らに任せ、我々も「砂の家」に向かうとしよう。 MESSENGER: Scions of the Seventh Dawn, people of Doma, and General Raubahn Aldynn. I come with a message. ALPHINAUD: Who are you? MESSENGER: I beg you, lower your weapons. I am but a humble servant, and my mistress is not your enemy. MESSENGER: I have already spoken with Lord Urianger, of the Scions. For the sake of General Aldynn’s safety, let us reconvene at the Waking Sands. MESSENGER: Be at ease — this is not a trap. General Aldynn — if you will come with me, you may have use of this carriage, that you may travel safe from prying eyes. ALPHINAUD: ...I contacted Urianger. I believe we may trust this messenger’s mistress. ALPHINAUD: Let us leave Raubahn in their capable hands, and head for the Waking Sands.

LOCALIZATION Messenger: General Aldynn, I presume, and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Alphinaud: Who are you!? Identify yourself! Messenger: Pray do not be alarmed. My mistress is a friend, and I come bearing a message of goodwill. Messenger: For your own safety, she bade me direct your steps to the Waking Sands. Know that Master Urianger awaits you there, along with others sympathetic to your cause. Messenger: This is no ruse, I assure you. General Aldynn─if you will come with me, I have prepared a carriage, that you may travel in comfort, safe from prying eyes. Alphinaud: I have spoken with Urianger via linkpearl. He confirms the man's story. Alphinaud: Raubahn is in safe hands. Let us make our own way to Vesper Bay.

ウリエンジェ : この再会をどれほど心待ち、神々に願ったことか……。ピピン : 義父上……！ラウバーン : おぉ、ピピンか！それに、パパシャン殿もよくぞ……。ピピン : しかし、義父上…… 陛下を……ナナモ様を守りきれず……うぅ……。 URIANGER: Praise be to the Twelve for uniting us at last... PIPIN: Father! RAUBAHN: Pipin! And even Master Papashan... PIPIN: Oh, Father, forgive me... I could not protect the sultana...

LOCALIZATION Urianger: My dearest friends! Praise be unto the Twelve for delivering you from the clutches of treachery. Pipin: Father! Raubahn: Pipin, my son... And Master Papashan besides... Pipin: Forgive me, Father... I should have been at Her Grace's side...

？？？？ : ……ナナモ陛下は生きておいでですわ。ラウバーン : 貴様は……。？？？？ : 皆さまを、ここにお呼びさせていただいたのは、このワタクシですの……。デュララ : お初にお目に掛かる方もいらっしゃいますわね。ワタクシは、ナル・ザル教団の大司教にして、砂蠍衆のひとり、デュララですわ。ラウバーン : ナナモ様が生きておられる……誠であろうな？ DEWLALA: ...But the sultana yet lives. RAUBAHN: You... DEWLALA: It was I who called all of you here. DEWLALA: And as I believe I am meeting a handful of you for the first time, I am Dewlala — head of the Order of Nald’thal and member of the Syndicate. RAUBAHN: Is it true? Is Her Grace still alive?

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Save your tears. The sultana yet lives. Raubahn: You... Dewlala: It was I who arranged this gathering. Dewlala: And judging by your perplexed expressions, it would seem introductions are in order. I am Dewlala, head of the Order of Nald'thal, and member of the Syndicate. Raubahn: What you said about the sultana ─ is it true? Is she alive?

デュララ : そちらの冒険者殿。貴方は陛下が倒れられたとき、現場にいたそうですが…… 死を確かめた訳ではありませんね？ラウバーン : しかし、イルベルドの奴は、確かに殺したと！デュララ : 落ち着きなさいな、ラウバーン殿。それこそが、巧妙な罠だったのですよ。 ……テレジ・アデレジを排除するためのね。 DEWLALA: Adventurer. I believe you were present when the sultana collapsed. While you were there, did you confirm her death? RAUBAHN: But — but Ilberd would have surely killed her if he had the chance! DEWLALA: Calm yourself, General Raubahn. The sultana’s poisoning was merely a clever ruse... one engineered to eliminate Teledji Adeledji.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Young man ─ I understand you were with the sultana when she drank from the poisoned goblet and collapsed. Would I be correct in assuming that you did not personally verify Her Grace's vital signs? Raubahn: Why ask, when 'tis plain you know the answer! Dewlala: Calm yourself, General, and let me finish. The truth is not as you imagine it. You are all victims of a most ingenious ruse ─ a ruse conceived to eliminate the threat posed by Teledji Adeledji.

デュララ : 陛下の暗殺計画自体は、テレジ・アデレジの独断なのでしょう。ですが、それを察知したロロリト殿は、計画を利用した……。デュララ : 貴方を激高させ、テレジ・アデレジを処断するよう仕向けると、その罪を問うて陛下から遠ざける。つまり、己の手を汚さずに、政敵をふたり同時に排したのです。ラウバーン : ロロリトめ……。 ……では、それでは……ナナモ様は……。デュララ : 少々手法に問題はあれど、ロロリト殿は、政商は政治によって栄えることを、一番理解している方です。 ……おそらくは、侍女を買収し、毒をすり替えた。 DEWLALA: The plan to assassinate the sultana was likely Teledji’s to begin with. But Lolorito caught wind of the plot, and took advantage of it. DEWLALA: He provoked you into killing Teledji for him, and then used your sins as a means of keeping you from the sultana. Essentially, he eliminated both of his political rivals without staining his hands. RAUBAHN: Lolorito, that rat... but then, the sultana... DEWLALA: Lolorito is a simple merchant who prospers from the rise and fall of politics. It is easy enough to guess at his methods. Like as not killing her would have presented too many problems, so he bought her lady-in-waiting and switched the poisons.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: 'Tis my belief that Teledji plotted the sultana's assassination alone, but that Lolorito caught wind of his plot, and exploited it to his own ends. Dewlala: He sought to manipulate you into eliminating Teledji for him, and you duly obliged. At one fell swoop, he removed his two foremost rivals, all the while remaining above suspicion. Raubahn: Gods strike me down for a fool... But the sultana ─ how can it be that she lives? Dewlala: She lives because Lolorito willed it. Her own lady-in-waiting is but one of his many little birds; by her sleight of hand, the poison was switched for a less deadly draft before it could reach her mistress's lips.

ウリエンジェ : なるほど、致死毒から昏睡毒に……。デューンフォーク族特有の、ある種の毒への抗体を利用したのですね……。デュララ : ナナモ陛下は、いずこかに幽閉されておられるのでしょう。 ……もっとも、未だ昏睡状態ではありましょうが。ラウバーン : おおお、ナナモ様……。ラウバーン : ……だからと言って、ロロリトを許すことはできんぞ。 URIANGER: Ah, from a lethal poison to a sedative... and Dunesfolk Lalafell are naturally resistant to certain poisons... DEWLALA: Her Grace is most likely being held in confinement... and probably still asleep. RAUBAHN: Oh, Nanamo... RAUBAHN: ...But even so, I cannot forgive Lolorito for his hand in this.

LOCALIZATION Urianger: Some manner of sedative, perchance...of a potency sufficient to induce a slumber like unto death. Dewlala: Were I to guess, I would say Her Grace is being held somewhere, dreaming dreams of a brighter Ul'dah, even as we speak. Raubahn: Oh, Nanamo... Raubahn: I will never forgive Lolorito for his part in this.

デュララ : ロロリト殿に、まったく罪がないとは言いませんが、陛下の命を救ったのは、紛れもない事実……。デュララ : 彼は権力志向の強い男ではありますが、王政の転覆など狙ってはおりません。デュララ : ワタクシは、王党派でも共和派でもない中立の立場。だからこそ、東方からいらした方に情報を流し、貴方が救出されるのを待っていた……。デュララ : この混乱を収束させるのが先決、そういうことですわ。ウルダハの宝は民……。よもや、陛下のお言葉を忘れたわけではございませんでしょ？デュララ : ロロリト殿には、テレジ・アデレジが遺した権益でも、くれてやれば良いのです。デュララ : ラウバーン殿は、ナナモ陛下をお救いし、再び砂蠍衆として、支えて差し上げる……。それが、民のため、陛下のためなのですから。 DEWLALA: I do not mean to suggest that Lolorito is in any way innocent, but he did undeniably spare Her Grace. DEWLALA: He desires power, to be sure, but he has no intention to overthrow the crown. DEWLALA: I was always careful to remain neutral between the Royalists and Monetarists. Nevertheless, I offered information to your Far Eastern friends because I wanted to see you rescued from your imprisonment. DEWLALA: Restoring stability should now be our first priority. You have not forgotten Her Grace’s words, have you? “Ul’dah’s most valuable treasure is her people...” DEWLALA: As for what Teledji Adeledji left behind, I think it best to let Lolorito take it. DEWLALA: Do save Her Majesty, Flame General. As a member of the Syndicate, you have my support. For the sake of the people, and for the sake of the sultana...

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Though Lolorito's hands are far from clean, they did pluck Her Grace from the jaws of death. That must count for something. Dewlala: And though one may call the man's methods into question, it cannot be denied that he knows the value of stability ─ to the very gil, like as not. He craves power, 'tis true, but he has no desire to depose the sultana. Dewlala: I had never taken sides in your feud with the Monetarists, but it was not for want of concern for our nation's welfare. Indeed, 'twas out of the desire to see order restored that I furnished your Far Eastern friends with information, and arranged this gathering. Dewlala: I hope you are ready to work, General, for there is much work to be done. Our first priority must be to bring matters back into balance. Lest you forget Her Grace's words, the true wealth of Ul'dah lies in the health, happiness, and hopes of her people. Dewlala: As for the more worldly kind of wealth, I am content to let Lolorito help himself to whatever Teledji Adeledji left behind. Dewlala: You, meanwhile, must do that which you alone can do: rescue Her Grace and take your place at her side once more. For her sake...and that of our nation.

ユウギリ : ひとまず、ラウバーン殿の救出には成功した。ウルダハの混乱を収束に向かわせる、第一歩になるだろう。 YUGIRI: For now, we have succeeded in Raubahn’s rescue. Our next step shall be to see stability restored to Ul’dah.

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: My fellow Domans and I are glad to have been of service in the Flame General's rescue. If there is aught else we can do, know that we are ever at your disposal.

パパシャン : よくぞ、ラウバーン殿を救い出してくださった。心より感謝しますぞ……。しかし、局長のあの姿……なんと痛ましい……。 PAPASHAN: Thank you, truly, for rescuing General Raubahn. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But the way he looks now... it is a tragedy...

LOCALIZATION Papashan: Thank you for rescuing General Raubahn. From the bottom of my heart. To behold him now, gaunt and unkempt... It pains me to think of all the hardship he has endured.

デュララ : ウルダハの混乱を収束に向かわせる…… そのためには、王党派も共和派もありませんわ。 DEWLALA: For the sake of restoring stability to Ul’dah... No more can there be Monetarists or Royalists.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: If we are to see stability restored to Ul'dah, we must needs set aside our differences. No more can there be Monetarists or Royalists.

ピピン : 義父上の闘志は、まだ燃え尽きてはいない。それでこそ孤児だったころから、私が憧れ続けてきた、コロセウムの英雄「アラミゴの猛牛」だ。 PIPIN: I assure you, my father’s spirit has not finished blazing. I admired him even when I was an orphan child, and he was the hero of the Coliseum, the Bull of Ala Mhigo...

LOCALIZATION Pipin: Father's spirit burns as fiercely as it ever has. I was proud of him when he ruled the bloodsands as the Bull of Ala Mhigo, and I am proud of him now.

ラウバーン : 失ったものは、元には戻らない……。だが、まだ失っていないものがあるのなら、この命に代えてでも……。 RAUBAHN: What we have lost will not return to us... but for what we have not yet lost, I would give even my life...

LOCALIZATION Raubahn: It avails us naught to dwell upon that which we have lost. Nay, we must focus on protecting that which we yet have.

#alphinaud #yugiri #raubahn #doware #hozan #ilberd #dewlala #urianger

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starcunning · 6 years

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Day Three, The Reveal

When your OTP confessed their feelings. Or were their feelings originally a secret until someone else intervened? From the 30-Day OTP Challenge.

I actually wrote this from X’shasi’s perspective a while ago. (That version is NSFW; this version ends before anyone takes their clothes off.)

He might have ignored the linkpearl in favor of continuing to pack, but the truth was he didn’t have all that much to bring. And its insistent chime could not be long endured. Thancred tried to welcome the distraction, fitting it to his ear.

“What can I do for you?” Thancred asked, the same way he had a thousand times before. “Hi,” Shpoki said, laughter in her voice. “Can you come up to the roof?” He considered it, casting his gaze around his room at the Waking Sands. “I think I can spare a moment,” he said. “What’s going on?” “I’ll explain later. Just go ahead and head up there now.” “As you like,” he said, bemused.

Little point in putting it off; he misliked the way his footsteps echoed on the stone anyway. It was a reminder of how empty this place had become. True, they were headquartered elsewhere—and they had operated from somewhere else before—but the hollow sound reminded him of all those people that the Waking Sands, that the Scions, had come to lack. Soon he would be gone, too.

The thought sped his steps until Thancred emerged onto the roof. Though he looked, there was no sign of Shpoki—but he was not alone; X’shasi was there, turned to gaze out over the sea. The moonlight put silver in her hair and glittered on the waves beyond. She turned, just as his gaze settled on her, and seemed just as surprised by his presence as he was by her. She laughed, startled.

“Sorry,” he said. “I was expecting someone else.” “I don’t think she’s coming,” Shasi told him. She shifted her weight, clasping a hand beneath her throat. He noticed, then, that the white cloth draped about her shoulders was not a cape but a blanket, gathered around her. The black pourpoint she wore stood in sharp contrast, but at least it wasn’t her armor, black and dreadful. “Ah, well,” he said. He smiled, realizing he’d been had. “Shall I leave you to it?” “No,” she said, and the simple word seemed to hearten him. “Stay, if you like. Unless you’re busy,” she said, making of it almost a question. It was an escape he was determined not to make. “When are you leaving?” “When the team leads to Coerthas,” he said, crossing the rooftop to lean with her against the lip of the stone. “I’ll leave with them.” “To look into that aetherial disturbance?” He might have liked to. It would have been easier than what he truly intended. “Presumably,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He lifted a hand to his forehead, brushing back his hair, but the sea breeze tugged at his white locks again a moment later. “It’s not really my area of expertise,” Thancred admitted. “But it’s the sort of thing I might oversee. I just want to be seen leaving with them, so that if anyone is looking for me ...” “They’ll think they know where to find you,” X’shasi said. He nodded, turning his head to look at her. “It won’t hold up to any serious scrutiny, but I don’t think anyone’s that keen on chasing us down in the Darkhold. And if it only buys me a day or two, well … that might be the difference between my making contact with Alphinaud or not.” Or dying in some Garlean gaol. She seemed to be thinking it, too, for she had little to say, only hummed out a gloomy sigh, shoulders hunching beneath her blanket. “And you?” he asked. “What will you do?” What have you been doing? That was the real question. He knew half the answer; she had been treating with the Empire on behalf of Lord Hien, and it had gone as well as he might have feared. But the moons prior to that were a mystery to him, as they were to the other Scions. “You know me,” she said. “I always find something.” “I do know you.” Thancred didn’t think it was anything so benign as caving, this time. She might at least have invited him for that. “I know that the moment the dust settled in Ala Mhigo, you were off to do something else, and you came back in black iron with some great guillotine over your shoulder.” “Maybe it was just time for a change,” she said, softly. “Maybe,” he said.

She was standing on his right; she always did. Never in his blind spot. It meant that Thancred always had a clear view of that silver scar upon her cheek. Her service to the Scions had marked her at last. He would have spared her that, if he could have, but how could he? He had dealt her a dozen unseen wounds long before. He spoke her name, unworthy though he was to do so, and lifted his hand to her cheek. She turned her face toward him, leaning into his hand for just a moment, her eyes closing.

It didn’t last. She turned back toward the bay, the moon carving shadows into her face. Her expression was closed, but in her eyes he could see some terrible weight.

“Take care of yourself,” he said, pressing his hand to the stone instead. “I am,” she said, shaking her head as though to clear the pall of sorrow that had settled about her. She looked upon him with gladder eyes when she said “You too.” “Don’t worry about me,” he said. Before he could charm her with a smile, she said, “I will, though.” “I’ll be fine,” he said, not a dismissal but a promise. “I know,” she said. “I just wish I could be sure of that.” She pursed her lips. “We don’t work together as closely as we used to. I … miss it, sometimes.” That was news to him. “I do, too,” he admitted. A sigh gusted out of him: “Gods, all our problems seemed so simple then, didn’t they? And then I ...” The litany of things he’d done seemed to long to recite. “And then Lahabrea,” she said, tone soft but insistent. It was another of her courtesies, like standing on his good side. She had insisted always on holding him blameless for all that had happened when they had collared him with that inky crystal. But he had been the one responsible for its arrival there, no matter how she protested his innocence. “And now,” she sighed, “Minfilia is gone, and Elidibus is bending the Emperor of Garlemald’s ear.” Her expression ached with it, or perhaps simply from her recollection of how she’d come by that knowledge.

“You’ll muddle through somehow,” he assured her, trying to find a smile. “I’ve never seen a challenge you couldn’t ruse to. You’re strong.” She shivered beneath her blanket. “Never strong enough,” she said, “though I try to be. For everyone. For you.” It wasn’t just the cold that made him want to hold her close then, though Thancred was less than sure she’d allow it. “Everyone has placed such trust in me, and I don’t want to disappoint them.” It was more than she’d ever said on the matter, but the words continued to tumble from her lips. “I don’t want you to regret bringing me here. Making me part of this.” “Never,” he protested, and though he meant it with all his being his voice barely rose to a whisper. “How could you think that?”

Didn’t she know? She had saved Eorzea half a hundred times already, and him specifically a dozen more. She had done the impossible when they asked it of her—and even when they didn’t. It had not been a secret that nobody expected Thancred to survive. Lahabrea had said as much, with his own voice, and Thancred had resolved to die at X’shasi’s hand, if that was what it took to save the world. Only he had not. Nor had Estinien, nor the Warriors of the First. Nor …

“Because there was a part of me that didn’t want you to come to the Lochs with me,” X’shasi said, sounding ashamed. “When we went to check the grave, I wished that I had gone alone. But I knew that wasn’t possible.” He considered it, for a moment. It was not exactly public knowledge, the relationship between the Warrior of Light and the Crown Prince of Garlemald. But everyone there when they had slid aside the stone and found the tomb empty … all of them had known that it was her lover missing from the grave. How hard had she fought to keep her composure before them all? “You think your actions with the Viceroy made us lose faith in you? We’ve all—“ “Don’t you dare call it a mistake,” she interrupted. She was vehement, and if the memory of Zenos had not seemed to haunt her at the graveside, she seemed wraith-ridden enough now to make up the difference. “No,” he agreed. “We’ve all made judgment calls. Some of them have worked out well,” he said, with the breath in his lungs she had allowed him to have, “and some less so. Do you doubt Alphinaud because of the actions of the Crystal Braves?” “No,” she echoed. “There you have it. Whether or not I believe Zenos yae Galvus deserved a second chance, you gave him one. He saved Lyse’s life, and showed us there was another option to deal with the primals. For that alone, it would be worth it, but ...”

But he also made you happy, Thancred could not bring himself to say. He had seen it, under sunlight and glass. He had seen, too, the way it wrenched her soul to have to kill him. At least he had spared her the sight of all Ala Mhigo witnessing her unhappiness.

Her hand brushed his shoulder, bringing him from his thoughts. “I could never regret meeting you,” Thancred said. “Do you regret my bringing you here?” “No,” she said, quickly. Then she took a deep breath, squeezing at his shoulder as she sighed. “I’m tired, Thancred,” she said. He turned to smile at her. “Don’t let me keep you,” he apologized. “That isn’t what I mean,” X’shasi said, shaking her head. She lifted her hand from his shoulder, slipping it back beneath the drape of her blanket as she turned to face him. “If I don’t say this now, then maybe I never will. Gods know I’ve failed to thus far.”

He was too aware then of the glittering of the stars, the call of insects in the night. Of the intensity of her gaze. The moment became too immediate, too pressing, and he struggled to hear her over the sound of his own thundering pulse.

“You’re leaving,” she said. “Who knows for how long? So … everyone looks to me, even when I’m not sure I want them to. It’s hard, and I’m too tired.” “X’shasi,” he said, her name coming out of him hoarse and reverent. “I’m too tired not to be with you anymore, if that’s an option. If it isn’t, then—“ He took her face in his hands and he kissed her, heated and impulsive. Just long enough to obliterate any doubt as to his preference. The chance to be with her having at last presented itself, Thancred could not bear for even the moment to hear that they might remain apart. “It is,” he whispered. “It is?” she asked, with such wonder in her tone that one might forget it was she who had asked in the first place. “Yes,” Thancred said, wrapping his arms around her.

With his good eye, he saw a flicker of movement on the city walls above, and as X’shasi lifted her chin to kiss him once more, Thancred said a prayer of gratitude for meddling friends.

#30 day challenge #wol/thancred #x'shasi #shasicred #original content #starcunning writes #shpoki attiqa #thancred waters

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