#slight shadowbringers spoilers | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

elliewiltarwyn · 8 months

Text

FFXIV Write 2023 | Prompt #8: Shed

shed more like. ship. because. this is my main ship. yeah.

-1187 words -late Shadowbringers (lvl 78ish) spoilers

----

The process of removing her armor before sleep is so involved, and Ellie has never done so in front of someone else.

On any other night, she may have been able to turn it to her advantage and make it a thing for her chosen partner to witness as part of the foreplay. She might have chosen to unbuckle each strap and belt slowly and carefully, after running her fingertips along the lengths to draw attention to the way her body filled out the armor. She could have taken her sweet time extracting her limbs from her gauntlets and greaves, letting the shiny plates of each piece fall limp with the links of the chainmail as she withdrew the body parts giving them their structure. She could have unbuckled and gently lifted her breastplate away from her chest, as if she was truly exposing her heart to someone she loved.

But tonight was no such night; no matter how Ellie may have wished it, the atmosphere was not so charged, and her chosen partner merely her best friend who was equally armored, equally exhausted, and equally upset with…something.

Ellie wasn’t sure what that something was, because she had been in tears before Ellie had another one of those…episodes. The primordial Light pulsing within her, twisting her insides and burning her from within, making her double over in agonizing pain…and bleaching her hair whiter every time. And this time in particular… it had finally wiped out the last traces of Ellie’s natural deep red.

As Ellie places her breastplate on the dining table and then reaches over her head to pull off her undershirt, it brushes past that hair—her hair—with cracks and crumpling, not unlike dead leaves being stepped on in the downturn of autumn. It sends shivers down her spine; it’s the grossest thing she’s ever felt, and washing it has done nothing to return any sense of smoothness or life to them.

To her side, Mia drops her own gauntlets and greaves on the table, then begins to work on the clasps of her own cuirass; she had apparently gone in the opposite direction Ellie had, who currently bears armored limbs but a torso in a tank top. She now turns to the straps of her own gauntlets, unbuckling them and watching those straps pop over her arm. It slightly amuses her every time. As she slowly slides the gauntlet off her arm, her eyes drift back to Mia at her side; her eyes still run red with tears, but she’s pushing through it even as she lays her last armor piece before her.

“Huh.” Ellie smirks a little. “You shed that pretty quick.”

Mia’s eyes flick over to hers as she braces her fists on the table edge, and a small smile quirks at the corner of her lips. She’s now clad in nothing more than a white and strangely frilly slip that extends to just above her knees; as her eyes begin to process the amount of bare leg suddenly before her, Ellie’s breath hitches in her throat. “Gladiators’ guild secret,” Mia says matter-of-factly, blinking through the tears to display a little wistful longing even through her sadness. “Didn’t want to take bells getting ready for the bloodsands—or to jump in the baths afterwards.”

“Makes sense.” Ellie raises her newly-free arm and rolls her fingers into and out of a fist shape, stretching them. “Should teach me some of those tricks.”

Mia smirks in a way that stuns Ellie stupid, and she raises her own fist up and gives Ellie’s collarbone a slight nudge with it. “I don’t know; I find myself…enjoying the pace you’re taking it at.” Before Ellie can recover from that, she exhales, wipes her face with her other hand, and turns away from the table—from her own shed armor. “I’ll meet you in bed, then.”

“Yeah.” Ellie’s mouth is completely dry. “Yeah.”

When she had come to from her episode earlier, Y’shtola had insisted, in the tone that brooked no argument, that she retire to her room and rest until the Scions called on her, and not a moment sooner. She then made it clear the same words applied to the clearly-in-distress Mia, as well, who had begrudgingly acquiesced. It was only when they both stood at the top of the staircase in the Pendants that Ellie had scrounged up the courage to suddenly reach out and grab Mia’s hand—to pull her towards her own room. Over Mia’s slightly-confused protesting noises that weren’t even really words, she had smirked somewhat mischievously, somewhat earnestly back at her, and just said, “I really need to cuddle someone right now; I suspect you do too.”

And to her immense relief, Mia had looked back at her with something twinkling in her eyes and nodded.

Ellie has no idea what their relationship is at this point. They had gotten off to a rocky start when they first met, sure, but she now completely, utterly trusted Mia with her life—a trust that had been well-rewarded often in the many struggles they had challenged together as paladin and dark knight. She is also pretty certain they’re attracted to each other on some level, but they had been dancing around the subject for months, even before they were summoned to the First, which had promptly taken up everyone’s attention; thoughts of ever addressing that marid in the room had been pushed to the fringes of her mind.

…’Tis the Light worsening within me that’s pulled it front and center once more, Ellie realizes. …Not to mention whatever grief she is suffering at the moment…that she won’t tell me about. That’s the part that truly worries her; Mia wears her heart on her sleeve, is better at processing her emotions healthily than anyone she knows.

Watching her climb into her bed, shivering as she pulls blankets over herself and sniffling as she wipes her face, and not knowing why is killing Ellie almost as surely as the Light is.

She wonders, as she slides her foot out of her last remaining greave, if Mia is willing to shed that emotional armor she’s thrown up now.

“Hey,” she says softly as she gently lays herself down on the mattress next to her best friend. Said best friend lifts her head off the pillow, sniffs, smiles wryly—and then buries her head in Ellie’s chest as she throws her arms tightly around her torso.

“Hey,” Ellie repeats even softer, gently carding her thick fingers through her hair—silky smooth, immaculately cared for. The complete opposite of her own, currently. “It’s okay.”

Mia pulls back slightly and cranes her head up, resting her chin right on Ellie’s sternum, her green eyes wide and dewy…and sparkling with something she can't discern. Gods, they’re so pretty. Her hand tracks gently down the side of Mia’s head, scoops up some loose strands, tucks them behind her ear.

“It’s gonna be okay,” she whispers.

Mia swallows… and in the last split-second before she yanks herself upward and practically slams her lips against Ellie’s, Ellie swears she sees that last bit of armor being tossed to the ground.

#ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2023 #my fanfiction #ffxiv fanfiction #[yelling bird voice] AND THEN THEY MADE OUT ALL NIGHT #...the whole concept of ellie and mia's romance is pretty rooted in the rivals-to-lovers and slow burn tropes #so of course they're not going to kiss until shadowbringers >.>

5 notes · View notes

the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers · 1 year

Text

My Beloved (Minion)

Title: My Beloved (Minion) Word Count: 1,294 Warnings: Some very mild spoilers FFXIV Shadowbringers, some OOCness for the Minion (because I know they can't be this way in game), and EXTRA FLUFF!! Ship: Stories along the Stream (Thancred x Myself) Summary: After being separated for so long, Thancred and Rebecca have finally reunited! But rarely do such adventurers get a moment of respite, especially when they're on the run. But when a little follower tracks them down, it seems some unspoken feelings finally get aired out. Taglist: @disneymarina @floweringforgetfulness @hadesgoddess @canongf @jellyfish-ships @singingdeepinme @goldenworldsabound @nyandereneko @violetsandmilk

As the pounding of footsteps slowed to a stop, Rebecca could actually take note of her surroundings. Turning her head this way and that, her hickory gaze finally processed the faded blur of green amidst the ever-blinding sky of light. She was far out of the landscape of lavender and among towering trees and pastel green grass. The scene seemed out of one of the faerie tales which she had read so much as a child. Considering who she finally reunited with and the people who made up this little party, it almost seemed like one...

"It's good to see you again, my friends." The warm, hearty voice of Thancred spoke as his steps paused and turned to his party once more.

His ever-so-slight accent sent Rebecca's heart fluttering up into her throat. Finally being able to see his hazy golden eyes gaze upon her once more broke Rebecca's lips into a signature beaming smile that she couldn't help. It was a tender smile that Thancred seemed to match as he continued to speak.

"I don't know about you, but it feels like years since last we met. Five of them in my case."

Now it seemed everyone was wearing a smile, a sight which warmed Rebecca's heart. It had been a rare sight to see the twins, her self-adopted younger siblings, smile so earnestly without it being cut away by misfortune shortly after. But before the conversation continued, the faint sound of pitter-pattering footsteps made their way down the beaten trail.

Before Thancred could even reach for the hilt of his gunblade, his sights, which fell to the ground, were met with a much smaller version of himself. Albeit, this miniature version resembled Thancred in his younger days rather than how he presented himself now. Curiously cocking a brow at the small thing, he continued to watch as this mini version of himself did his best to hug Rebecca's leather boot. A gesture that he had never seen the wind-up automaton do when it was brought to his attention and was first being sold. Even with the most beautiful of Eorzean women, the little guy remained behind them like a stoic but loyal puppy.

Rebecca couldn't help but study Thancred's features even as his gaze fell from hers. Yet, when Rebecca felt the small squeeze on her right leg, she also looked down.

Upon seeing the situation at hand, Rebecca could feel her cheeks beginning to burn. She honestly wouldn't be surprised if the grass nearby was set alight from the mere heat she exuded. That golden gaze of the fully-sized man she adored seemed to bore right into her. Rebecca couldn't bare to meet it, even though she knew she'd only be met with that heart-stopping smirk.

With an embarrassed giggle, Rebecca bent down and scooped up the little figure. "A-Alisaie, I'm surprised you brought your wind-up Thancred into the last battle...! The poor little guy must've been running for so much longer than we have!"

Alisaie practically whipped her head towards Rebecca, her snowy locks nearly smacking her twin, Alphinaud, in the face. Her sapphire sights narrowed as if Rebecca had accused her of something unspeakable.

The lilt of her voice almost was inaudible as she spoke, "My wind-up Thancred, have you gone mad? As if I'd ever get a minion of Thancred with my own gil!"

Thancred's eyes widened in surprise, and Alphinaud could only shrug apologetically in response.

"I don't know who you think you're fooling, especially when the thing clings to you nearly as much as the real Thancred..."

Now, it was Thancred's turn to have his features set alight in a brilliant blaze. Even the young girl who had been his traveling companion for so long took a step back in surprise with a revelation of Thancred having a doting side.

Rebecca let out another nervous laugh as the breeze swayed her. She put the little Thancred upon her shoulder, melting internally when it hugged her neck.

"Okay, it's mine... I'd normally try to sell the story that someone was selling it dirt cheap at the market or I only got him to have an advantage in Lord of Verminion--"

"A game which you've never touched." Alphinaud chimes in.

Rebecca turns and shoots him a look of betrayal before continuing. "Yeah, so not only would that be insulting to you Thancred, and to all of your intellects, it'd be a straight-up lie. Yet, how can I say that this little fella has eased my... for lack of a better term, homesickness? It sounds super weird I know, but between the invasions, the wars, my duties back in my own kingdom, and just so much more that I don't even want to think about... It was a nice reminder that you were still with me, even when you couldn't be..."

Rebecca's head remained hung low, her face had to be a deep crimson from how it burnt and her eyes blinked back tears. It was silly, she knew this. But still, this little minion brought her so much comfort even before all of this tragedy and before the couple ever even thought of confessing their feelings and becoming official. Now, she couldn't help but worry that confession may have made her seem like one of the crazed fans that her partner had compared to an ally, friend, or loved one.

Yet before the smooth little hands of Thancred could pat her cheek in an attempt to console her, large calloused ones caressed them instead. Gently forcing Rebecca to look at him, Thancred could only greet her with a smile while he did his best to contain the raging beat within his chest.

"Hey," He began, running his hand down her cheek and under her chin, "...I missed you as well. But, you needn't worry. I won't ever leave you so easily. ...I'm just surprised that a woman such as yourself would ever find solace with me." With that confession of his own, spilling into the gentle seas of the light winds, his lips gently pressed against the faded locks splayed against Rebecca's forehead.

Rebecca could only smile and wrap her arms around his torso as tightly as he usually did for her.

It was only after a few moments that Alisaie cleared her throat. "As touching as this reunion is between such clear lovers, we really are making ourselves prime targets for any fae or sin eaters that may be out this far."

It was in this instance that the couple untangled themselves from the crushing embrace. Sputtering out apologies and excuses for getting lost in the moment while sharing flustered smiles with one another. But when the two had adorned their adventuring facade once more, it was Rebecca who approached Thancred's young companion who looked on with cautious curiosity. Sharing a gentle smile, she plucked the minion off her shoulder to present it to the girl with glowing blue eyes.

"Thancred probably means as much to you as he does to me, right?"

The smaller girl only cautiously nodded.

"Then how about once we reach a sanctuary, I can show you the little guy! He's charming like the real thing, but is better at keeping his mouth quiet."

This earned a small giggle from the girl and an objection of mock annoyance from Thancred himself. One that was quickly quieted when Rebecca turned and smiled his way again.

"Oh, real quick," Rebecca spoke jubilantly as she turned to the twins. "Don't think I've forgotten about you two selling out precious sibling secrets! Just know, vengeance shall come! ...eventually... Now come on!"

This admission of revenge had the twins sharing their own nervous look as they watched Thancred grip his love's hand and walk on towards their destination...

#ship: stories along the stream #self inserts #self ship #selfshipdom #fo community #selfship community #self insert community #f/o community #f/o suggestions #oc x canon #f/o x s/i

9 notes · View notes

wildstar25 · 1 month

Text

Slight spoilers for Eureka Pyros (& wolgraha ramblings)

Literally been thinking about this bit of quest hand in dialogue from Krile since I got it last week. I didn't get the chance to do Eureka before heading into shadowbringers, so I missed the single G'raha mention pre exarch reveal 😭 kinda sad but probably for the best since I have a much better idea of Arsay and G'raha's situation now than I would have had in the stormblood patches.

Basically, after G'raha seals himself away in the tower, Arsay never really stopped thinking about him? They only knew each other for a little over a month but it was a full month of seeing each other almost every day, hanging out, talking, sharing, ect. They were fast friends and he gave Arsay hope that she /could/ make friends (she just needed to do a little more than silently nod and take orders really well. she needed to be little more herself!). Arsay really did feel indebted to him for that. Of course it stung when his last words to her were about how he'll always think of her heroics, but at least he said he would think of her! So she thought of him in turn. it was hard not to, in fact. His presence loomed over her whenever she'd return home to the Rising Stones. Off in the distance, up in that tower, he was there. Completely unreachable to her.

anyways what the hell does this have to do with Eureka?? Well, this is the first time Krile brings Raha up at all by name, and with a mention of crystal tower??? I just think Arsay would be a little stunned is all. I'm sure she'd ask: "You mean, G'raha, right? G'raha Tia?" She'd need to confirm, arsay still has no clue about Seeker naming and how it works.

Krile would ask Arsay if they had met before, and it would give arsay the chance to tell krile about the crystal tower raid series in the most condensed way possible. Krile would give the same response she does when you talk to her after shb. "that Raha has always been a reckless young fool, ready to throw his life at any noble cause without a second thought." or something like that. Perhaps it was foolish, to take on the burden of the crystal tower alone like he did, but always couldn't help but disagree with that sentiment. She understood his reasoning quite well and thought his sacrifice quite heroic indeed. Arsay held her tongue, she thought it best not argue with Krile's assessment.

"I'm... I'm sorry I couldn't stop him, Krile." "Don't be. He had made up his mind already, as you said. Now, if you'd excuse me."

with that Krile takes her leave to think. Arsay wished she could bother krile more, ask her about g'raha and what he was like before arsay knew him. but there were much more important things to deal with. Arsay wanders back out into the frigid terrain of eureka pyros, hoping that soe monster slaying would take her mind off of him.

#WOL posting #Arsay nun #arsay nun lore #graharsay

2 notes · View notes

therisingphoenixden · 2 years

Text

Prompt #3: Blessings and Banes

Prompt: Temper

Characters: Y’shtola, Emet-Selch

Content Warnings: Major Shadowbringers spoilers ahead!

The gift of aethersight could be a blessing or a bane, as far as Y’shtola was concerned. Each individual had a…uniqueness to their aether not unlike fingerprints, which she thus justified her concern regarding her friends being accompanied by a being so suffused with Light-aspected aether that it was nigh blinding. All was forgiven, of course, once she heard her dear friend’s voice but the concern still lingered.

It was too similar to the goblins tempered by Alexander in the Dravanian Hinterlands. Their aether was awash in steel gray and white feathers - an indelible mark of their master that stained their very souls.

Which led her to their new companion, the Ascian who had pulled her from the Lifestream after she performed yet another reckless teleport using Flow. His aether was vast, deep and unknowable. It carried ancient pains, ancient longings, ancient loves, and would flare to life and reach toward the Warrior when she spoke. Yet she saw what the others did not. Dark, oily chains that bound him to another’s will.

At least she could find some relief that similar chains did not bind her nor her companions, if the Ascian’s tale in the Qitana Ravel was to be believed.

“She’s fraying, you know.” The smooth, all too calm observation from the Ascian made her ears twitch.

“If you know more, I would hear it.” Y’shtola turned, seeing the vast unknowable depths of his aether standing behind her.

Emet-Selch hummed in boredom. “A pity your sight does not extend to soul sight. Even sundered as you are, you can still see what this crusade of yours does to her.”

She huffed in exasperation. “Either speak plainly or go back to your lurking, Ascian,” she muttered brusquely. “We’ve much to do before departing for Ahm Arang.” She didn’t miss the slight flare of anger, nor the sorrowful glances he stole when the Warrior was too busy to notice. An Ascian showing concern and actually worried for the famed Ascian Slayer? Perhaps there were still things that could surprise her.

“Her soul is buckling under the immense strain the Light has placed upon her.” While his expression was impassive, his voice betrayed his worry. It seemed far too genuine to be his God pulling the chains, urging him to convince them to give up their crusade to save the First. “Even now, the hairline cracks in her soul are spreading, growing worse as time passes.” A sigh, perhaps one of longing. Then his aether roiled in agony as the dark chains pulled taut.

Without another word, Emet-Selch vanished into a void portal and left Y’shtola worried and wondering. Just how much longer did her dear friend have before the Light overtook her completely?

What was the Ascian’s game in all of this?

And why did it feel like his actions weren't entirely his own, but of his Master’s oppressive will?

#ffxivwrite2022 #ffxivwrite #ffixiv #y'shtola rhul #emet-selch

9 notes · View notes

warlordfelwinter · 2 years

Note

2 and 7 for fiver!

[uncommon oc asks]

2. How easy is it for your character to laugh?

It didn't used to be easy for him at all. Being a wood warder he was very serious and quiet, then coming to Eorzea he stayed quiet and kinda stoic because he didn't feel comfortable like Ever, he started getting comfortable around the Scions and I think they probably got a few smiles if anything (G'raha probably got a few laughs during the Crystal Tower expedition, but they would have been quiet huffy laughs), but before he could really get comfortable enough to be himself around his new friends All of the Everything started happening.

Post Shadowbringers and particularly post Endwalker, he's laughing a lot more. I think the first time he legitimately laughed, like, loud around the Scions probably startled them and then they all had the realization of "oh. we've.. never heard him laugh before, that's not good" and there may be some slight effort put in to make him laugh more now lmao. It's still kinda hard for him though, and most of the time when he laughs, it's quiet and breathy.

7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?

Being in Thavnair triggers it quite a bit just because of being a similar biome to his home. There are certain foods, the smells of certain flowers or of a rain storm. Being in Rak'tika was very nostalgic for him as well. He doesn't necessarily enjoy it, no. Thinking about home reminds him of a part of his life he left behind and can't return to.

Big shb/ew spoilers below the cut

He's started getting nostalgia bursts for Nysos as well, now, after getting another piece of soul back and learning as much as he did about Azem and the ancients. He hasn't exactly started getting memories, but he'll occasionally get a feeling of wistfulness or nostalgia for something he definitely never experienced in this life. Eventually he figured out what was probably going on and he'll sometimes indulge those feelings as a way of remembering Nysos.

#ask games #replies #xivu-arath #oc: fiver #ffxiv

6 notes · View notes

nedsseveredhead · 1 year

Note

1, 9, 13, 14, 22 for hyzenthlay? or 4, 5, 15, 16 for luci?

Have Both!!

Hyzenthlay (art by @lavenderarts !)

What is their color palette? Depending on the timeline- pre shadow bringers its a lot of natural colors, greens and browns! Post shadowbringers is white, gold, and other neutrals!

9. If your OC were to imagine their idyllic life (realistically or otherwise) what would it be like? Adventuring with her husband and her friends with no more high stakes beyond maybe friendly competition. Being a healer during several end of the world events is exhausting!

13. Is your character bilingual or multilingual? Which language are they most comfortable in or prefer using? How did they come to learn them? Admittedly I'm not sure how final fantasy handles language. In theory, she is. She was raised by Sylphs, and they theoretically would have their own language. They at least have their own way of speaking, if not something entirely separate. She learned "common" later in life when brought to Gridania.

14. Do they have an accent? How do they or others think of it? Yes! Its very slight but its there. She also sometimes slips back into speaking the way Sylphs do, referring to herself as "this one" and so on! I think its such a slight difference that most people don't notice it. Aymeric thinks its cute though lmao

22. What is some advice or guidance they received that had a big impact on their lives or outlook? Was it a positive or negative impact? Being referred to as a Beast by multiple people is a through line of her character. She basically grew up 'feral,' to Gridanian standards. But she doesnt think she did. She grew up defending the sylphs from wood warders and others that encroached on their lands. Sometimes that meant fighting tooth and claw! She was given the moniker 'Beast of the Black Shroud' but she never seriously hurt anyone. She became a healer but to some the reputation still stuck... and eventually when fighting Zenos, his calling to her 'his beast' and so forth didn't help. EW spoilers for those playing but me and my friend changed the final duty, she doesnt kill Zenos. Her best friend, the companion shes closest to Miko does. And he tells her after everything she doesn't have to kill. That he'll carry that burden for her. And that meant everything to her.

Luci (Art by @caelanod !)

4. If your OC likes art, talk about which piece they would love best. I don't know if I'd really consider Luci a patron of the arts! He does however like to watch his husband build machinery but I think thats more so like... watching that man's arms. Art, you know?

5. What character from myth or fairytale best represents them? God I pondered this for like ten minutes I know theres gotta be something but I can't think of it right now,, If I think of one later I'll come back and edit asdf

15. What is a common misconception about your OC? (Alternatively, what do people assume about them which is either incorrect or misconstrued?) Many people in Ul'Dah think (or maybe thought, now) that Luci was cold, mean, unpersonable. He is a very private person, he doesn't like people touching him, and he has a mean resting face. But anyone who knows him knows hes fiercely loyal, open to his friends, very loving. You just have to approach him like a cat, you know? Respect his boundaries.

16. What trait do they find most attractive/appealing about others? Hmmm... Sincereity, I think. The one who really opened him up to making friends was Emoni Rhun (my friends WoL). And that happened because she was so sincerely... good. All that kindness and expecting nothing in return. He had been used and manipulated so much in his youth he'd forgotten people could be like that.

{Romanticism: Original Character Ask Game}

{ Characters }

#thank you for the ask!!#ask game #lucifer crowe #hyzenthlay wildborne

3 notes · View notes

altaniadventures · 10 months

Text

Prompt #1 Home - Au Ra August 2023

Set after the events of Shadowbringers. If you haven't played up to then, there may be spoilers. It is a little angsty and G'raha centric. The prompt is "home" from Au Ra August 2023!

------

"Will you go home after this?" G'raha asked.

Altani looked over at him laying on the bed next to hers. After the fight with Elidibus, everyone had decided that she needed rest. She had not agreed to this. However, Y'shtola was not above using sorcery to chain her to the bed.

The only good part about it was that G'raha was stuck here too. The memories and the Exarch's soul had been placed into the old him for the most part. The new him? This body was younger. Altani wasn't quite sure how it all worked. Was this her Exarch from the source in his past body, or was this her G'raha with all the memories of the Exarch? She didn't know if she should pick up where they left off in the First, or if it was better to let him go. He could start his life fresh without all the weight. Maybe he didn't even remember their nights in his bedroom, of the fight they'd had. He hadn't said a word, and she wasn't about to beg him to-

"Altani?" he asked again, his ears flicking back as his features slipped into worry.

"No," she replied, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm not going back to the Steppe."

Other than her sister Bayarma, what reason was there to go home? She could do without seeing her mother, and she wasn't never very close to Sarnei and Chimeg. Baya had written a few months ago that even she was thinking of leaving home. The food and the familar places she missed sometimes, but it would never be the same. Things were too different now. She was changed by Eorzea. As much as she loved her homeland, it was no longer her home.

What was home, anyways? Was it the various places she camped across the realm? Was it in the strange towns she'd slept in while waiting to fight some horror? Was it the empty Limsan house where she stored the furniture she never used? The most at home she'd ever felt was in his arms in the Crystarium, but that was a lie. He'd been the Exarch and not G'raha then. He tried to die and take away the little bit of happiness she'd had. They hadn't talked about the fight. It was as if it never happened at all. Most of the time it was easy to pretend that they were just good friends. After all, if they were just good friends, he had a better chance of living. Everyone she loved died.

G'raha watched her intently, a slight frown on his face. He thought for a long moment before rephrasing his original question. "Where will you stay? Y'shtola said that I could stay here until I can get back to Sharlayan. Although I have no hope that my things are still at the annex," he murmured. "She told me you never stay at the rising stones, you're always on the road. I was curious to know if I'd have your company for a time longer."

He didn't have a home. He'd been presumed dead, his body trapped in the Crystal tower. His memories were all jumbled from a hundred years of waiting in a world he wasn't truly a part of. They were the same in that way. Belonging no where and everywhere all at once. There was no other home for them.

"I have a cottage in Limsa," she said suddenly, turning towards him. "Which is probably incredibly dusty by now. It's near the city, just a little boat ride from the docks. It's carved out of one of those tall stones that rise from the water. It's small."

G'raha smiled. "I'm relieved. I-" he hesitated. "Well. Perhaps we'll go on that adventure soon, after you rest and-"

"Come home with me," she interrupted.

"What?" His eyes flicked forward, his eyes wide.

"Come home with me." She reached over, offering her hand out for his. "Don't think about it. Don't say no. Just leave with me. We won't tell anyone where we've gone, and it can just be you and me."

She pleaded with her eyes. We don't have to talk about our problems. We don't have to save the world right now. Come home with me, and let's forget about how you tried to die for me, and let's forget about how angry I am about that.

"Please," she said.

G'raha slowly reached for her hand. "Altani. We can't go without letting people know where we've gone."

Altani snatched her hand back, her expression going cool. "Of course. You're right. We'll talk more later." She rolled over, her back facing him. "I'm tired now. We'll go on an adventure, it'll just be a little more time."

He let his hand slowly fall. "Yes. Just a little more time." He closed his eyes, unsure. He should rest as well. "You and I," he said quietly. He was incredibly tired. Maybe after getting the clear from Y'shtola and Krile, they could both go home together.

When he woke up, she had already left. She wasn't answering any linkshell calls except for Allisae's, who reported she had gone to Ishgard, and not to bother her. G'raha gave a rueful smile. Home would have to wait a while longer yet.

#altani wol #altani writing #ffxiv oc #ffxiv #g'raha tia #auraaugust2023

1 note · View note

sironawildrose · 1 year

Text

Promise Of A Wish

Summary: With the first light warden slayed and the night skies returned to Lakeland, the Crystal Exarch has a lot on his mind about the fate of everything. But just for tonight, he wanted to enjoy seeing the starry sky that he longed to see. However, he notices the Warrior Of Darkness is also stargazing and she wishes to speak with him.

Pairing: Implied ExarchxFemale!Viera!WOL(Fluff/slight angst)

Warnings: Spoilers for Shadowbringers 5.0

A03 link

I've been waiting...

Waiting so many years for this moment, those words echo in my mind as I kneeled in front of this woman, a viera with royal blue hair. The one who is blessed by the light of the crystal. Sirona Iratus, The Warrior of Light. When Sirona defeated the lightwarden and returned the night to everyone at Lakeland, I knew she was the right woman for this task. A task that I would pray she would agree to. She will be the one who will save The First. So I kneel in front of her on the cold stone ground where we fought on the battlefield together and I begged her. Like asking the twelve themselves to bring life back to this land. Begging her to save this star by becoming The Warrior Of Darkness and bring back the night sky. A hero who will end this flood of light and destroy the remaining light wardens who still plague other parts of this world. By using their sin eaters to feast on every inch of aether they can find. She will put an end to all of it. Sirona will be the one to give this despair filled star, hope at long last!

I know I am not the right person to ask this of her. I took her friends away from her when I tried to summon her here. She must have felt angry when she saw me the first time. I know she doesn't trust me after all I did. But I am willing to give my life to save this dying world. And by saving this world also means saving her's as well from a future filled with death. The only thing I could do was plead to her at this moment. I know I am at fault for summoning her here against her will. And I do promise her to atone for my wrongs, but for right now I want to save both worlds and I can finally save my-

"I will become the warrior you need."

To hear those words from Sirona, it was reassuring to me. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart. Then one of the twins, Alisaie, spoke up and asked me a question that almost took me by surprise. Why was going through so much to save this star? Why risk so much of my aether to summon Sirona here? I won't lie, I have another reason besides wanting to save every single life in Norvrandt, but there was another reason. One that I can't risk to lose and I must do anything I can to play my role in all of this, like it was fate who's pulling my strings. I laugh as I must have seemed so strange to the young red mage, listening to an old man's rambling. I then spoke using the power of the crystal tower, used much of my aether for this battle and we decided to return to the crystarium for the day. Even the warriors of darkness deserve a good rest.

=============

Once we had returned, everyone turned in for the evening, well not everyone, it seems Musica Universalis and the pub is still a bit more lively since the night has returned to Lakeland. It's been a long time since I heard laughter and music playing about. As long as they believe the warriors of darkness are out there, fighting for them. It will give my people the hope they need to go forward. But I thought it was best for Sirona and the others to keep their new found title to themselves for now. I fear our friends(or foes one day)in Eulmore won't be too happy to know that a slayer of lightwardens and sin eaters has appeared and is here, in the Crystarium.

All I can do for now is shield their identities and plan the next movement. For now, we will have peace for the night and enjoy the stars. How long has it been since I gaze upon such a beautiful sight? I think I will step out for a bit and enjoy the view, I thought to myself before stepping out of the tower. The guard that is always there wasn't at their post as normally, mayhap they were off to enjoy the celebrations as well? Not that the crystal tower needed to be protected at this time, so there was no harm in it, I thought before reaching the bottom of the stairs outside of the tower. Speaking of unusual sights, I noticed a certain viera was at the walkway above the aetheryte plaza. Stargazing, how long has it been since I have done that myself? As I thought of this, I walked towards the plaza and then up the metal stairs to see a very distracted Sirona, she was staring at the night starry skies. She doesn't seem to notice my presence as I reach the top of the stairs. She must have so many thoughts and burdens running through her mind. So much for one woman to bear, if only I can help her as...

No.

Everyone has a part they must play.

Even in this hero's tale...

"Lovely sight, isn't it?"

"...!?"

My voice must have pulled her away from her thoughts before she looked over her shoulder, finally noticing me there. She stared at me in surprise to see me out and about. After today's battle with the first lightwarden, I know I should be resting or planning the next move on what to do about the other lightwardens. But with a moment of peace, I didn't think it would hurt to take a small walk in my own city. The same could be said however for our warrior of darkness here. Instead of resting, she is stargazing. I offered her a friendly smile from under my cowl as I spoke again.

"Might I join you? That is unless my presence is unwanted here...?"

"No...! I mean...Um, please join me. I-I did wish to speak with you."

"Oh? Hmmm...I know of another place where we can see the stars much clearer and we can talk while everyone else is enjoying their night. Come." I replied before turning back down the stairs and she followed after me.

We walked across the area where the amarokeep is and up to a platform that was about three levels of stairs. Yes, it was a bit of a walk, but Sirona seemed rather excited judging by a few glances I caught a glimpse over my shoulder as we climbed the stairs together. If I had to be honest, it was nice to see her smile a little. I haven't seen her smile since...since she arrived here. Seeing the horrors unleash from the flood of light, she must have seen what I too had to witness. Death, fear and hopelessness. Compared to Sirona's other adventures and heroics, this is maybe the toughest trials of all. It’s not that I am doubtful of her abilities. Of course not! I know she’s strong enough to defeat them all. But it won’t be achieved without pain. I just hope she can bear it till the time comes. Until then, I can only watch over her and guide her and the other members of the scions to their goals. I know I have a promise to keep to the scythe wielder of getting everyone home. But if this works, they would have to-

“Ah, we finally reached the top.” I said as we reached a large platform that was closer to the city’s entrance gate and it was almost taller than the walkway by aetheryte plaza. And it was the perfect place to see the starry night sky and all its glory. As if the stars were made of diamonds, floating up high in the sky. I look over to see Sirona staring at the sky in awe. Her gold amber eyes were wide as they could be. I could even hear a small voice saying ‘wow’ escaping her lips, “Lovely, isn’t it?”

“It really is. I forgot how beautiful nights like this can be. But it means a lot more to everyone else here than I. I’m-I’m happy I was able to do that for them.”

“I’m glad. Even if they don’t know it was you who did it, they are indeed grateful to the warrior of darkness nonetheless.” Now it was time to ask my viera friend what she had to say. I have a feeling she had a few words for me. When she first arrived here, she walked up to me and asked where her family was. I could see the anger in her eyes, but she didn’t attack me or threaten me like I thought she would when we were alone. All she did was glare and her words were full of distrust towards me. I understand why she wouldn't believe me at first. Honestly she had every right to hate me as well. But I can’t lie and say they don’t hurt. Still I wish to hear her thoughts, harsh or not. “Now, you said you wanted to speak with me?” She at first didn’t speak when I asked her. She looked to the side with her eyes cast down. She was hesitating.

“...Yes, I do. I wanted to apologize to you.”

I think it was hard to see from under my cowl, but I was indeed shocked to hear those words from her. I had a slight frown on my face. Why would she apologize? She has done absolutely nothing wrong. “Apologize? For what, may I ask?” If anything, it should be me who should apologize to her and the rest of the scions, whether they accept it or not.

“I was wrong for the way I acted towards you when I first got here. After what happen to not only what Alphinaud, Alisaie, and the rest of the missing Scions had to go through for years, but seeing people like Tesleen who died to save a little boy from a fate worse than death and Kai-Shirr who was almost killed for wanting to be part of some twisted paradise. Even the people of Eulmore are all victims! It’s all because of The Flood of Light. I just couldn’t leave this be. You were wanting someone to save them. You were only doing what was right for your people. And…if I were to leave things as they were and take my family home, everyone back at the source would die with The First. So that’s why I want to say I was sorry that I thought you were lying to me. I’m sorry for thinking you were an enemy instead of a friend.”

“Sirona…Please, don’t apologize. I understand why you distrust me or think of me as an enemy, however, I would very much welcome the thought of you wanting to trust me after knowing what my intentions are. And mayhap we can be friends or allies even if you prefer.”

It sounds nice either way.

“Yes, I would like that very much. But I…I didn’t mean to ruin the night with this kind of talk. You should be happy that we defeated the first lightwarden and the night has returned. Do you…still wish to enjoy stargazing with me?”

A smile forms on my lips at the last question she asked me. A feeling that feels all too familiar, when I was a boy who once dreamed. Someone who also asked me to watch the stars with them after the first night we met. I remember it all too well. We shared stories, and it mostly was about her adventures. We shared laughs as well. We even trained together at one point. She was amazing with a bow and was gifted with songs. What an amazing bard she was. So of course I gave my answer tomy new-old friend .

“I would still be delighted and would love to hear some about your adventures if I can.”

The royal blue haired Viera gave me a soft smile and shared her tale of one of her many adventures. It was such a nice expression on her face. Honestly that suits her more than what I witness on the battlefield. When we were facing off against the first sin eater we encountered before facing the lightwarden, she and the twins were in danger while Lyna and I were holding back the other pack of sin eaters that the angel(or I should say a demon) sent us after. Alphinaud was running out of energy quickly from healing Sirona after she was sent flying from the Angels attack and her bow broke. Alisaie was doing what she could by using her red magic to put up a shield to protect all three of them. But when Sirona opened her eyes and saw that the shield was breaking and realized they were all three in danger, she let out a scream that still chills me to the very bone even now. It wasn’t a scream for help nor of fear. It was anger, one who has finally reached their limit.

Seeing the two people who she considered to be her younger siblings in mortal danger must have finally pushed her after witnessing so much death. Then a void sent appeared and grabbed a hold of the angel’s neck, slowly piercing its skin as if it was hell bent on crushing their neck with their own sharp claws. Everything was happening fast before I could understand it all right away. Sirona was no longer a bard, she was what they call a reaper. She changed her job stone and summoned that void sent to stop the sin eater’s attack. Then she used her new weapon, a scythe, to cut the angel’s arm that was holding the sword.

The Void Sent then batted the angel away with its dark energy of some kind and it was knocked down to the ground. I watched as the sin eater was struggling to get up to fly away, but Sirona was faster with her bladed weapon pressed against the back of the angel’s neck. I never seen a sin eater show an expression of fear before, but that one did. Sirona’s golden amber eyes back then were almost empty. As if she was a hunter finally ready to kill their prey without a second thought.

In a swift motion with the handle of her scythe, the blade cut across clean and the angel like sin eater was beheaded. The rest of the sin eaters were defeated by then, but all of us couldn't stop staring at what we all had witnessed at that end. I only wished I knew what she was thinking of before she defeated that sin eater. The twins were the first one to call out to her and Sirona just apologized to them. I think Alphinaud wanted to say something back then, but Alisaie told us we had to keep moving, which she was right of course. I even agreed and we pressed onward.

To now see her smile, I think I understood what that scream really meant back then. It wasn’t anger like I thought of at first. No, she was in pain. Not physically but emotionally. To witness so much death not just from here, but from her time during The Dragonsong War and The liberation of Ala Mhigo. While I don’t know the details in full, I think she was thinking of all of the allies she lost during that time. The people she couldn’t save.

My poor friend…

“So then that’s when Alpha took Nero’s glasses and then…Hey, look at that!” She points upward to the sky. Two small lights move across the sky leaving a trail of white light.

“Ah, two shooter stars.”

“Let’s make a wish! Oh…um, sorry that might seem a little out of character for me and yes, it was a bit childish. But I haven’t seen a shooting star in so long…”

“Oh?” I chuckled, do I dare say she was adorable like this? Getting excited over seeing shooting stars and then blushing out of embarrassment like a child would. In a way it reminded me so much of the past when I was a boy. “Well there’s two stars for one wish each, so let us both make a wish together.”

“Mmhm!” She nodded happily.

We both bow our heads and pray to those stars for our own wishes. The air was filled with our silence, none of us muttered a single word nor sound as we prayed. The quietness was rather calming if I had to be honest. And while I wasn’t alone, it was nice to enjoy the silence with company in a way. I know that doesn’t make sense, but being in her presence was just nice. Like visiting a long lost friend you haven’t seen in years. We stayed in silence for a while till finally Sirona was the first one to speak. “Well Exarch, what did you wish for?”

“Haha, you do know you’re not supposed to share your wishes, unless you don’t want yours to come true, Sirona?”

“.Of course not!...Fine.” She sighs in defeat but gives me a small but mischievous smirk before replying with, “How about we make a promise then? When our wishes DO come true, we’ll then tell each other what we wished for. Promise?”

“Hmm, very well then. When both of our wishes do come true, I’ll be happy to tell you what I wished for.”

“Good, I try to never break a promise with anyone. But…well, I guess it’s not really true now…”

“Hm? In what way, my friend?” A frown formed upon my lips when I asked. She was so cheerful for a while, why did she sound so sad at the end?

“Before I came here, I used to write letters to someone. Do you remember when I asked you if you knew anyone by the name G’raha Tia?”

“...Yes, I remember when you asked me that.”

“Well, I remember the night before that my friend wanted to come with me on my adventures. But his fate was changed and he had to go away. So he went to sleep inside of that tower. However, just before he went to sleep, G’raha told me he couldn’t wait to hear all of my adventures and hero’s tales in the future when he woke up. So I started writing to him every time I went on an adventure. And I put them inside of any glass bottles I could find. And a lot of them were potion bottles, yes, but it was the best I could do at the time. And I write about all the places I went to. Earoza, Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, The Far East and so much more. And I would put them all inside of the tower in front of the door. So when he wakes up, those will be the first thing he sees. And I hope he reads them all! But maybe not the last one I wrote.” She then pulled out a small glass bottle with a piece of yellow parchment paper folded over inside of it, “I didn’t have time to put this one with the others. It was a message about me going away for a while and I wanted to apologize to him for not being able to write as much. And when I get back, I would tell him all about it in a new letter. I…just feel guilty for not getting it to him before I came here.” I didn’t say a word. I just listened to her story about a boy who dreams to travel. Just like the heroes of old. Every time she said his name, I felt a tug at my own heart. I can feel my ears twitch inside of my cowl. I felt something I haven’t in years. Was it my memories at the time when I was foolish and carefree? A young student who wanted to investigate the crystal tower itself for its secrets and then sleeps for eons till mankind has caught up with allagan technology. He did accept his fate, but he did have one regret. One that was left unsaid for thousands of years to the girl that soon became…I may not behim anymore, but I refuse to have another regret added to my list of them!

“Sirona, you don’t have to feel guilty. You can still keep your promise to him. I…” I started to rub my arm as I was a bit nervous to ask, “I can send that to him, with the help of Feo UI and the crystal tower. We can send it to his dreams if he is still indeed connected to the crystal tower from your star in some way.”

“You can do that!?” Her eyes were wide as she was shocked at my proposal.

“Yes, if you give it to me, I’ll be sure he hears this letter even while he’s in your star and afterwards, I’ll give this back to you. Is that fine with you, my friend?”

“If It’s possible then of course!” Sirona willingly handed over the bottled letter to me. As I was reaching for it with my crystal cover hand I carefully took it from her hand. “Please, make sure it goes to him! And..please be careful with it…”

“I assure you, that it will be handled with the utmost care.” I placed the bottle inside of my robe pocket, carefully making sure it couldn’t fall out of it, “Now then I do believe it’s getting a little bit for us. Even the warrior of darkness herself should get some rest before the morrow.”

“Haha, you’re right.” The viera walked past me towards the stairs. I then followed behind her as we made our leave, “I think Alisaie would scold me if I were to sleep in-…!!!” She then let out a gasp as her legs were about to give out on her. Without thinking, I quickly grab hold of her. My right hand on her waist and my left hand holding hers. I feared she would have fallen down the stairs if I didn’t grab her in time! “Are you alright!?”

“…I got a little dizzy. I think it was the ale I had earlier. I didn’t think it was so strong. O-oh…!” She then noticed that I was holding her the best I could. With her being so much taller than me, I didn’t know how else to grab her.

“D-do forgive me!” I said as I let go of her once I knew she had regained her balance. I don’t think she could see it on my face, but I was indeed blushing madly and my voice did sound a bit panicky compared to my normal way of speaking. “I-I know that was out of line, more so for a man like me! But I was worried about your safety!! Please don’t think ill of me otherwise!!”

“No, um-please don’t worry!! I was just surprised. But thank you for catching me.” It honestly didn’t help that she was blushing a bit as well. By the twelve, why does this kind gesture suddenly take an awkward turn!? So I quickly changed the subject by letting out a cough to clear up my voice and spoke to her formally as I did before.

“Um, mayhap I should escot you back to The Pendants. Just in case of another misstep or worse you pass out on your way back. You did speak of the ale that was pretty strong, did you not?”

“Okay…” Sirona nodded as she agreed with me. And together we slowly walked down the long flight of stairs(we both agreed to take the aetheryte shard for a faster trip back). At first we didn’t speak to each other till we were safely on the ground. I then told her what I had planned for in the morning. With the twins, they should come to the tower so we can discuss our next move. As promised, I escorted her to her room and we bid each other a good night. But before I could walk away from her, she called back to me.

“Exarch?”

“Yes?”

“Um, is it okay if we can talk more next time? Just when we have a moment of rest I mean! Like tonight…? We’ll invite Alphinaud, Alisaie and even Lyna as well to watch the stars with us next time too!”

“Of course. I would enjoy that very much so. I bid you a good night, Sirona.” I then took my leave just as she was waving goodbye. I hope tonight she will have a peaceful sleep. She has indeed earned it after everything today. Now it was time for me to return to the tower and plan my next move.

======

I return to the ocular and then I enter my private study that I have locked behind a door. Only Lyna and I are the only ones with the key to this place. This was the same room where I spoke with Urianger about the truth. Who I really am, what my goal is and why. Who am I? I used to be the boy who was asleep inside of this tower. The one who used to dream. The name G’raha Tia has long since been gone from the moment I became the Crystal Exarch. I removed my cowl once I knew I was alone and then let out a sigh. What is my goal? To save both star’s futures from a deadly weapon called black rose and the flood of light. Urianger is also part of this plan as he will tell everyone that he saw this vision in his echo. It’s the only way they will believe this story instead of a man, who was from a future timeline after black rose turned the world into a land of death. I took a seat in front of my desk and pulled out the bottle that Sirona let me borrow. And on my desk were filled with empty bottles and a stack of letters in the middle of my desk next to a book titled ‘Heavensward’. Why am I doing all this? Why go to such lengths? Saving mankind and both stars was indeed part of my plan, but….

I pulled the cork to open the bottle and took the letter out of it. Carefully I unfolded it and read the contents inside. I have read all of her letters ever since I woke up from the other timeline. To know that she was dead and this was all that was left of her hero’s tale…It broke my heart. Having all the memories and emotions from the past coming up all at once as I read each and every one of those letters, it was almost too much for me. But I had to read this one since this was the last one I know I will ever read.

G’raha, my family’s souls have left this world. Someone took them away and I have to find them, bring them back home! My answer seems to be at the crystal tower from what that man said. Crystal Tower might be key to finding them. I wish you were here since you know more about it then I do. I might not be back for a while to tell you more about my adventures. They have to wait, I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me for breaking our promise this time. But I swear to come back and tell you about my adventures from the far east, about omega and so much more I want to tell you. I hope you wake up soon so we go on an adventure too. At least before I get gray hairs anyway. It might be wishful thinking, but I want to still hope. It would be better for you to see it in person then reading about it in a letter.

Farewell,

Sirona

I read the letter so many times. If only she knew. But she can’t. If she knew what my true plans were, she would stop me. So it was better to be someone else. I can’t be him anymore since I gave up my dream. I’m the Exarch, the one who will take the light from her and vanish with it. Besides, I rather she would hate me as the Exarch then the sleeping youth she writes to. It would be better this way. If my wish does come true, then I would be happy. I guess I would be the one who would break their promise then. Not her. My wish is to let her live a long and happy life, with a bright future full of happiness waiting for her.

Sirona Iratus.

The warrior of light.

She is the other reason why I am doing this.

She is my friend

My hero ,

My inspiration , and…

My first crush

#ffxiv fanfiction #crystal exarch #wolexarch #shadowbrings spoilers #FFXIV 5.0 spoilers

0 notes

theimperialnuisance · 3 years

Text

FFXIV Write 2021 Day 3

// FFXIV Write Info // Prompts // Master post //

Day 3 Scale

(Set in early Shadowbringers. Slight spoilers for ShB so please do not read unless you’re past 5.0 just to be safe.)

The sound of music drifted to the Exarch’s ears as he stepped out into the quiet Rookery. He had been on his usual evening walk, taking note of how gray the sky was becoming with the storm slowly rolling in. He didn’t mind it however, as after the busy morning he had with all the Scions finally reunited and recently returned from the Rak’tika Greatwood, a moment of respite in the cool weather was much needed. As usual, he made way to the watchtower with the intent to end his walk gazing upon the Crystarium, not surprised to see he once again would have company; the music seemed to be coming from the silhouette perched on the platform and he instantly knew the music was coming from Kien.

It sounded as if Kien was tuning a lute, strumming the strings in ascending and descending scales; something the Exarch knew was part of his routine while tuning any instrument he played. He paused to listen before beginning to climb the stairs, unsure if the Miqo’te would be open to an audience as he had been pretty shy the first time he had been discovered by him playing all those years ago.

Thunder rumbled in the distance as the Exarch made his ascent to the platform but he paused mid-way as Kien finished the last scale and began to play a song, one that made his heart leap to his throat.

He knew this song.

It had been at least a few hundred years since he last heard it, but each note was unmistakable and he found himself entranced by the old familiar song. He resisted the urge to hum along to it once he reached the top, knowing that small action could easily give himself away. He instead closed his eyes and smiled, allowing the music to take his thoughts back to that sunny afternoon again.

Kien had been playing this same tune under the shade of a tree back in Mor Dhona during a short afternoon respite. G’raha had been reading in one of the branches above when he recognized the tune and accidentally startled the other with his excitement.

“That’s an old Allag lullaby!” He had been surprised to find he wasn’t the only one to know that song but even more so at how embarrassed Kien was to have an audience. “Oh, don’t stop playing on my account!”

Kien could only stare at him, a little too flustered to speak at first. “Ah, no, it’s not that,” he replied sheepishly. “Just not used to playing in front of anyone. I didn’t realize you were up in the branches.”

“Ah!” He grinned. “I often go to this spot to read. Don’t tell Rammbores, but this is my favorite reading spot because he has a harder time finding me when I’m slacking off.” He winked, causing Kien to chuckle. He jumped down from the branch and settled himself on the ground across from the other. “I didn’t want to interrupt you when you began to tune your instrument but the moment you began to play that song, I couldn’t help myself.” He paused as his ears flickered in curiosity. “How do you know that song?”

“My sister used to sing it to me when I was younger,” Kien said as he relaxed a little and began to strum a descending scale. “She told me my mother used to sing it to her when she was young but I’m afraid I don’t know how it ends…” He trailed off and began to play an ascending scale. “I didn’t think anyone outside my tribe knew that song.”

“That lullaby has been in my family for generations,” He smiled. “My father often sang it to me whenever he told me stories about our ancestors. I suppose it only makes sense you know it too given where you’re from.” Kien shrugged in agreement. “If you continue to where you know it, I could sing the rest for you?”

Kien nodded and began to play the tune again, ducking his head to hide his face as he muttered, “You sing beautifully, by the way.”

“Ah,” his cheeks began to heat in a blush. “‘tis nothing to write home about, but thank you my friend.”

The memory began to fade as the music suddenly stopped. The Exarch opened his eyes to see Kien staring at him curiously and he felt his cheeks heat up. “Oh, forgive me. I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” He was grateful to have the hood concealing his face but his voice gave way to his nerves. Thankfully, Kien didn’t seem to notice.

“The uh, song was over anyways.” Kien shrugged his shoulders in an attempt to seem unfazed but the Exarch could tell he was a little embarrassed to have someone listening to him while he played; that small fact hadn’t changed it seemed.

“That was quite a lovely tune,” The Exarch closed the gap and sat down next to the other, not asking for an invitation to do so as their unplanned meetings on the lookout were starting to become a comfortable habit between the two of them ever since the night the first Lightwarden was defeated. “I wasn’t aware you played the lute,” A lie. “What was that song, if I may ask?” Another lie. He knew exactly what song it was.

“An old Allagan lullaby,” Kien replied wistfully as he leaned back against the pillar. “A dear friend of mine taught it to me.” He began to gently strum the strings again, descending the scale this time. “Well, I knew it from my childhood but G’raha knew it too, and he helped teach me the rest of it. I hadn’t played it in a while but I suddenly got the urge to play it again.”

The Exarch felt his heart ache. He never thought Kien would remember something so small and from so long ago; he wanted nothing more but to throw off the hood and sing the lullaby with him but he knew it wasn’t the right time. He bit the inside of his lip to prevent giving away too much emotion and exhaled a breath, meeting his gaze with Kien’s. “Well, my friend, I think you play wonderfully and I’d be happy to hear you play anytime.” The corner of his lips tugged into a smile. “If you feel so inclined, that is.”

Kien turned his gaze away but the Exarch caught sight of his blushing face as he muttered his thanks. The thunder rumbled again closer than before, causing the two of them to look up to the gloomy sky. “We should head back inside before it starts to downpour on us. I’d hate to get the lute wet since I borrowed it from Moren.”

“Ah yes, of course.” The Exarch stood, leaning on his staff for support as Kien hopped up. They descended the stairs together, Kien still strumming along on the lute until it was time to part ways. The Exarch turned to face Kien with a smile. “There may have been some old sheet music I stumbled upon in the Ocular when I first pulled the Tower from the Source, feel free to stop in anytime you would like to take a look at it.”

“I’ll take you up on that,” Kien smiled. “Goodnight Exarch.” He raised his hand in a wave and turned to leave. The Exarch watched his retreating form long enough to see him disappear out of ear shot and turned on his heel to return to the Ocular, humming the song quietly to himself. His heart filled with warmth in knowing something so long ago still meant so much to his friend.

He hoped there would be a day he could freely sing it with him again.

9 notes · View notes