#About K'ilhi

[catboysimulator]

Story Two - Daily Grind

In the early morning of the desert, the weather feels warm yet fresh against one’s skin. In the wee hours of dawn is when the Seekers of the Sankres begin to awaken, eager to begin their day while the Keepers continue to rest after having turned in only an hour or two prior. Fortunately, the Keepers are quite used to the Seekers’ morning routine of sound-offs, some hooting and others chirping, while the rest bellow and lazily roar.

 Coming out of their adobe homes after getting ready for the day, they are all prepared and eager to finish their workload. The inner machinations of the tribe work like the simplest, yet most efficient, well-oiled machine. Not one person works alone, every Sankre is integral to the pride for things to operate smoothly. Whether it is tending to the farm, taking care of the little ones, feeding the Gryphons, repairing, cleaning, cooking… The list goes on, and on.

 After his arrival, Azhi’li had no idea just where his place was. Everyone worked so easily, as though it was complete second nature. Azhi’li was itching to work, to do something, yet he was worried about trying to offer his help, afraid of making a mess of things.

 Of course, that was only after the first month or so of his arrival. He still feels a bit out of place, but he has gotten much more comfortable.

 “Good morning, Zizi!” a crowd of little voices chime eagerly, screaming and laughing ringing throughout the caverns as a pile of young miqo’te crowd and climb onto Azhi’li. The red Seeker laughs in amusement as the children cling onto him, lolling their heads back as they tug at their cousin.

 “Good mornin’, little ones! C’mon, y’all, get back down! Y’know very well I ain’t a tree!” he chastises them, yet his tone is purely amused. Still, the children listen, getting off Azhi’li and lining up, theatrically puffing up their chests and saluting the older Seeker by pounding their chests with their little fists. The older Seeker couldn’t help but bark out in laughter, rolling his eyes with a giant toothy grin while the young ones also laughed and lightly shoved at each other.

 “Alright, come on. Let’s all head on over to the trainin’ grounds, yeah?”

 Leading them along, the little miqo’te followed their cousin like little ducklings in a row, chattering amongst themselves.

 “What are we going to learn today?”

“I don’t know! Maybe he’ll show us how to split rocks with our BARE HANDS!”

“Or maybe show us how to split the EARTH!”

“Oh, oh! What about if he--?!”

 “Hey, hey! Come on, guys, cut me some slack! That’s all a bit too much ta be learnin’ right now, don’t ya think?” Azhi’li quipped in return while the children whined and asked, “So what are you going to show us today?”

“Mm… Well, before we start, how ‘bout we do some stretches, yeah? Come on! Early mornin’ stretches! Th’more relaxed ya are, th’better you’ll learn!”

 As soon as that was said, the young ones were quick to quit their questions and move on to do as told. Once their 10 minutes of stretching regiments were completed, Azhi'li let out a "whew!" before grinning towards the kids and pumping his fists. "Alright, li'l pugilists! Let's get started t'day, aye?"

"Aye!" they repeated before laughing excitedly.

It has been this way for a few sennights now, where Azhi'li would show the children what he knows, ever since his uncle G'sena told him of their history.

"We were built on the backs of monks, you know," Sena informed him with a gentle smile. "Our ancestors were refugees of Ala Mhigo during the time of King Theodric, when he razed the Temple of the Fist. What few miqo'te that had been under Rhalgr's teachings escaped to Thanalan, and made our home the way it is today. They carved the sides of the mountains with their hands to make our home, and gave us the Sun." He gestured up towards Azeyma's watch.

"Yet, the people here have long since forgotten our monkhood, and we have instead taken upon blades and shields, bows and axes, staves and chakrams. No one here has encountered a monk ever since your father, and even then he was not taught the way you were. We have soulstones, but no one uses them, nor has used them for many summers," he explained further, holding a box within his hands. "No one can open the box without the blessing of our matron. Yet... I believe with you here, Dhezi, you might manage to rekindle that fire within our people and the matron. And the best place to start with that, if you are interested, is with the younger generation."

"I could see that you are feeling a bit out of place still, so this might be a great opportunity for you to get in touch with your cousins... What do you think, Dhezi?"

Ever since that conversation with uncle Sena, Azhi'li had volunteered to take care of the little ones who were interested in pugilism. He wanted to take them through the steps he had first learned back in Ul'dah with the pugilist's guild, and fortunately they all seemed to be taking in the lessons quite well.

For the ones who didn't understand or seemed to struggle a bit more than the rest, Azhi'li was sure to be patient with and take his time teaching them. He knows he has plenty of time here, plenty of time to learn more of his family and to teach them what he knows, as well as learn about what they know.

This is his home.

---------------------------

After training, he takes the little ones to have lunch. Moving into the kitchens, he cooks them up some aldgoat stew, the same way Mama Azhi used to make it for him. He wears a bittersweet smile on his lips the entire time he cooks, soft hums escaping him as his tail sways slowly behind him. 

The children wait outside at the tables for their food, while Azhi'li is joined by some older miqo'te. Sunkissed, sunworn; the crinkles on their face creasing as they smile towards Azhi'li. "Dhezi, dear, that smells wonderful. Is there any way we can help?" 

"Ah! No, y'don't have ta--," he stammers out, before one of them chuckles and places a gentle hand upon his arm. "We would like to."

That makes the red Seeker pause before smiling a bit sweeter, nodding. "Alright. Let's make enough fer everyone, yeah?"

And so they cooked together, making steaming pots of aldgoat stew. The smell wafted out from the kitchens out into the caverns, bringing in many Sankres from each corner. A feast was not really planned out, but, here they are, passing out bowls to everyone so they can all eat together.

Sharing a warm, hearty meal like this, surrounded by so many people who are considered his family... It feels so strange, honestly, with how many there are-- yet, it is not an unwelcome feeling. These strangers are warm, kind, considerate, and caring to someone who they were meant to know all their lives, yet only just met. It helps Azhi'li relax, helps him realize that these people are indeed meant to be his family.

The caverns are full of laughing, smiling faces. Warmed by Azeyma's rays, as well as embraced by Menphina's light. This is not the type of tribe people have always warned him about back in Ul'dah, ever since he was a kid. Truly, what farfetched lies and stereotypes he was fed.

---------------------------

"What're ya making, Zizi?"

Approached by a young miqo'te, G’luna, Azhi'li looks up from his craft before offering a gentle grin. "Wanna see?"

"Yeah!" The little one's too-large-for-their-head's ears perk up and his giant, round eyes widen considerably as he steps closer and peers down at what Azhi'li was doing.

Weaving beads together, Azhi'li held onto the string carefully before lifting it to show the curious one.

"Oh! You're making a necklace?"

"Well, makin' that 'nd more. There's a lot of tagua that tio Sena told me about, 'nd the abuelitos showed me how to make jewelry out of them, so..."

"Why are you making so many, though? Do you like to wear them?"

"I do! But these are not for me. They are for m'friends 'nd family."

"... But we are right here? And we already have enough?"

Azhi'li couldn't help but to laugh lightly, nodding. "Ya are, 'nd ya do! But, I'm talkin' 'bout m'other friends 'nd family outside of the Sankres. I have more brothers 'nd mamas that aren't here, y'know!"

"More brothers? Why aren't they here, then?"

"Mm, b'cause they have their own family."

"... I don't get it."

"Haha, that's okay. So, y'know how y'have yer friends, right?" Azhi'li inquires while smiling, continuing to polish some more tagua before weaving them with string. Luna nods. 

"Well, I have many friends. People who are not related to me, yet that I know and that I enjoy th'company of. Some a'those people I consider very close, closer than anyone else that I know... so they're like family to me, too. Yer family doesn't only have ta consist of th'people y'were born with, but they can be yer friends, too."

"-- Oh. Okay, I think I understand, now. So, my best friend can be family, too?"

"Well, why not?"

"I dunno."

"So then what would stop ya from callin' 'em such?"

"... Nothing?"

Azhi'li would give them a toothy grin at that, nodding. The young one released a small 'ooh' of revelation, before shifting to sit beside the older Seeker. "... Can I help you make these? How many are you making?"

"Aw, hey, a'course y'can. I'm makin' lots! I gotta make some fer Toadie, Miss Rei, K'ilhi, Mama Azhi, Zi'a, Zi'to... Miss Nana, Ryska, Si'ra, Livia, Latika'a, Yato... ... Poki," he murmurs towards the end, his voice growing smaller the more names he listed. The names he missed more and more as the days went by. 

The little one canted their head to the side, looking up at Azhi'li with brows pinched upwards. "Zizi?"

He hadn't realized it, but globs of tears were pouring down his face. He takes in a sharp breath, lifting a paw to wipe at his eyes while muttering, "Sorry, 'm sorry."

Wordlessly, G'luna shifted onto their knees, shuffling closer to Azhi'li and embracing him warmly. "Papa always told me to never apologize for tears, he says they are blessings of one's love."

With a nod, the red Seeker shifted to return the embrace, taking a few moments of deep breaths before pulling away and stroking Luna's head. "Thank you, prime. ... Well, let's make the prettiest collares y pulseras for everyone, hm?"

"Yeah!"

[kilhikili]

For the Jumbo ask! 🍑💛🥝💧

🍑 Where is your OC’s favourite place to relax or calm down? Recount a story of their time spent in this place! What makes it so special to them? Is there anywhere your OC hates to go to? Anywhere that stresses them out or have negative memories of?

Hands down, The Siren’s Call. After long days, his first thoughts are of the tavern and the friendly faces there. Even the bartender whom he flirts shamelessly to get free drinks out of every now and then (he’ll still slide Ender some coins, though!).

It’s special to him because he feels comfortable there and considers it home now. Those who’ve had the opportunity to hear him seem to have enjoyed his singing and storytelling.

Ul’dah is one such place that tends to stress him out, if only because he knows the creditors that ruthlessly took everything from him and his family are still there lurking, whether they’ve forgotten about him or not. He’s always on high alert there.

💛 In general, how in control of their emotions is your OC? Do they have a good hold on them or do their emotions control them, not the other way around? What do you think is the reason behind this and is your OC ever concerned about their lack of or good control? 

K’ilhi can get excitable at times when everything seems to be going right in a high-stress situation. This can be a detriment because he’ll get ahead of himself and get a little overconfident about what he’s doing. It’s an easy way for him to make mistakes by taking shortcuts, moving too quickly, or being overconfident in being able to overcome an obstacle without strategizing first to be sure the plan works. (Yolo Leeroy Jenkins!) While he doesn’t realize that this can be dangerous, it’s a lesson he’s going to have to learn the hard way.

Negative emotions tend to slow him down and lead him to the bottle. This is a behavior that he IS concerned about but hasn’t reached out for help with. Although it seems to slowly be getting better (there have been times where he’ll get a drink and only sip a little without downing the whole thing recently), he wishes he had better ways of coping. It hasn’t occurred to him that he should maybe actually STOP running from his problems.

🥝 What does a bad mental health day look like for your OC? Walk us through it with them. What kind of things can help them out of this slump and what kinds of things comfort them when they start to feel like this? 

A bad mental health day begins under the fog of depression, self-loathing, and loneliness. It’ll be difficult for K’ilhi to drag himself out of bed and do a whole lot of anything if he gives in to those feelings. He’ll distance himself from people and will drink alone if he doesn’t have something else to busy himself with.

When he starts to feel like this, a distraction helps. Whether it’s hearing and therefore planning for a delivery or a bounty. If he’s aware that he’s about to slide into a depressive slump, he’ll go for a run by himself to try and clear his head.

What helps him cope the most, however, is music. He loves hearing songs and tales about others’ latest adventures. It gets him out of his own head and let’s him imagine something else. Being invited to sing along is also a great mood lifter. K’ilhi loves to sing and tell stories, and when he can captivate at least one person with his music, it makes him happy. He even likes to dance! But it’s not something he does that often.

💧 What is the earliest memory your OC can recall? Do they know what their first words were or remember where they took their first steps? Do they have any mementos of their childhood they’ve kept such as a stuffed toy or tiny baby clothes? 

K’ilhi’s earliest memory is looking up and reaching a chubby little hand for the beads in his father’s hair. He remembers the way they clicked against each other, and glimmered in the sun. He was likely four or so at the time. Those same beads are now in his own hair, as well as additional beads from his mother given to him not long before their disappearance. They’re the only things he’s kept that date back to his childhood.

He knows his first word was a profanity, but doesn’t remember saying it. He knows because his parents would recall it with both fondness and chagrin as their little bundle of mischief blurted out “SHIT” quite happily. He also doesn’t remember taking his first steps but it was aboard his father’s ship.

[kilhikili]

For the jumbo ask game: ❌, 🍊, ⭐, 🍐, 🌠, 🔮!!

❌ What kind of things would end any relationship for them? Is there a history behind why these things bother them? Could they ever take someone back despite this? If so or if not, why?

Malicious lying and manipulation tend to be deal breakers. If he feels like he’s being used, gaslighted, or manipulated into doing things that violently harm innocent people, then he’ll break ties. While he’s had to do things he wasn’t particularly proud of to survive, there were times he ran with the wrong crowd and was put in situations that made him feel conflicted and ashamed of going against his better judgement. He has never been in a romantic relationship before, but the same would apply, if he ever actually DID get into one.

Mending broken relationships wouldn’t be impossible, but they’d be difficult because his trust is difficult to earn. Once that trust is broken, it’d be MUCH harder to earn back. The offending party would have to show real remorse and not only a genuine desire to change, but they would have to demonstrate steps already taken to rectify that.

🍊 What is your OC’s favourite meal? Snack? Dessert? Drink? Any reasons behind this besides liking how it tastes? What is your OC’s most hated food? Stuff they can’t stand to eat or drink?

K’ilhi LOVES noodles of all kinds! He also really loves rice bowls with eggs and sausage. While he believes he has simple tastes, simply because he doesn’t know better, he does tend to prefer meals that are compact and easy. His favorite snack is probably cheese. Dessert-wise, he loves sweets. Fruit tarts, cake, cookies, flaky pastries with fruit fillings, you name it! As far as favorite drinks go, he really loves lemonade and all sorts of teas, but you wouldn’t know it with how often he’s nursing liquor. (It’s a bit of a quiet problem right now.)

His most hated foods are brussel sprouts, artichokes, and undercooked meat. For K’ilhi, there is a special place in the seven hells for licorice, too. He’s also got a disdain for lumpy textures, like cottage cheese. In regards to drinks, he doesn’t like the taste of plain black coffee.

⭐ What is your OC afraid of? Any crippling phobias or some such? How do they act when scared and what helps them calm down? Does anyone ever find your OC scary? Why?

K’ilhi has a fear of being trapped that ties to childhood trauma. He doesn’t have claustrophobia, but the idea of being cornered without an escape TERRIFIES him. Whenever he goes places, he almost always knows exactly where the exit is, and has at least two ways of getting the hell out, should he need to.

Shortly before learning of the disappearance of his parents, he was violently snatched from his bed in the cover of night in La Noscea and clapped in irons. Creditors had come to stake their claim on his parents’ assets, and they intended to illegally sell him off, too.

When he’s woken up from night terrors, he’ll usually rush to open a window and get fresh air. After that, he’ll likely a bottle and start drinking to numb his senses a little. He does his best to forget about it, and never brings it up in conversation.

The only person he’s really opened up to about that has been welcoming and supportive, thankfully!

K’ilhi is also secretly afraid of scorpions.

🍐 What is your OC’s mentality? Are they overall positive? Negative? A bit of both? Describe their thought patterns and reasoning behind their choice making! 

K’ilhi does his best to be positive. Negativity will come in heavy doses at times, especially when he’s feeling unsure of himself or any insecurities rear their heads. While he can be a bit of both, he tries his best to be more positive than negative. Life has a lot to offer, and things have begun to turn around for him. In fact, after a recent tarot reading, he’s felt quite optimistic about his future. Now if he could only put that bottle down!

His thought patterns... really depend on the situation! If he’s in a high-stress situation like combat or urgent deliveries, it’s that John Fucking Madden meme, and it can cause him to make mistakes. He’s working on it, though! When it comes to other things, like comforting people or making tough decisions, he tries to be thoughtful.

🌠 Who was your OC’s first friend? Do they remember them or are they still friends now? Talk about some of the people your OC has lost contact with over the years. Do they have any regrets about losing these people and would they revist them if they could?

K’ilhi’s first friend was a hyur cabin boy a couple of years older than he was. He was the only kid aboard his father’s merchant ship quite often, and K’ilhi was his little shadow. Despite the older boy acting annoyed to have a little blue shadow, they were nigh inseparable. At some point, the boy and his father left the company, but he remembers him fondly.

Over the years, he’s lost contact with a LOT of people. A baker in Limsa Lominsa who first offered him a real job doing bread deliveries, a fisherman who gave him work swabbing the decks of his fishing trolley, and an innkeeper who employed him for a few days to simply sing songs and tell stories in order to draw in patrons. He lost touch with several would-be lovers, too, but those were by design. Ever afraid of losing people, he’s had a tendency to draw away and cut ties before things get too serious. It’s something he regrets, finding that it’s more difficult to make friends, and even harder still to connect with people on an emotional level the older he gets.

People have never seemed to be a permanent fixture, and it makes it difficult to form any deep, meaningful or lasting relationships, and is starting to realize that no man is an island. He definitely regrets having lost contact with people who showed him genuine kindness, as he’s discovered those types of people come few and far between, and would revisit them if he had the opportunity.

🔮 Star gazing or cloud watching? Hand-holding or snuggles? Early mornings or late nights?

While he likes all of these very much, he does have preferences. He is up late at night quite often (it’s rare for him to be up early and if he is, he’s grumbling about it!), so he loves to go star gazing. There are some constellations he remembers, although he doesn’t know them all by any stretch of the imagination. Maybe someday!

As far as physical affection goes, he’s never actually held hands with anyone! He has, however, snuggled people he’s slept with. It’s never been for long, as he has a tendency to slip away from one night stands and not linger around. Despite that, he doesn’t realize just how touch-starved he is. Oops!