#Hamon Holyfist

[mosthuggableffxiv]

Most Punchable Class Trainer (levels 1-30)

Admittedly calling K'rhid Tia and Silvarre trainers is a bit of a stretch, but I had the space so I thought I'd give y'all the chance to punch them anyway.

[diadoesart]

There goes the Wol of all Cosmos again!

Looks like she rolled up the fighting guilds of Ul'Dah! What will she roll next?

[autumnslance]

FFXIV Write 2024: 26 Zip

C’oretta zipped up the loose Alexandrian-style jacket, then leaned down to put the shoes on her feet, delighting in the ripping sound of the velcro fastenings a few times before securing them and bouncing out into the hot, sunny streets of Ul’dah.

Hamon gave her a side-eye as he took in her latest eye-searing outfit—the Alexandrians knew how to get a fantastically bright neon pink—and then shook his head before handing her a hefty basket. “We’ve got just enough time before the matches start, so run your little butt up to the top box and make sure all the refreshments are set out for the VIPs.”

“Yessir!” C’oretta cheerfully replied. Violet did not follow as she used her dancer skills to zoom up the coliseum stairs to the fancy boxes where the wealthy gathered.

Coming to town at the same time as a major match meant she would get press ganged by Hamon, Mylla, or both, into helping ensure the stadium was ready for the crowds their fighters drew in. C’oretta truly didn’t mind, as it reminded her of times in her childhood when she had done the same, initially while her father was a contender.

She swiftly set out the ice crystal-chilled drinks and fire crystal-warmed pastries in the royal box. Her Majesty and some of her Royalist supporters on the Syndicate would be attending today’s sport, and several of Nanamo’s known favorites had been prepared. C’oretta also left a hastily scribbled note, letting the Sultana know she was present and promising to drop in close to the end so they could visit and Nanamo could get news of Tural.

Also fashion information. She and the Sultana, along with Tataru, were part of a particular club of specific color enjoyers, and just had to keep each other in the loop, after all. And Nanamo would share with her in return so when C’oretta did return to Tural and met with Aeryn and Dark again she could let them know…

The bells dinged and she cursed and sped back down the stairs, ignoring shouts of concern from various coliseum staff as she skid to a stop in front of Hamon again. “All finished!”

He sighed. “Gonna break your neck like that one of these days.”

“Nah I know what I’m doing oh hey is Aldis participating today or Mylla since there’s an exhibition before the actual blood sports?”

Hamon laughed. “Sure are. There’s even an open spot if a certain zippy lil’ miqo’te lass wanted to get in on the fun!”

C’oretta thought about that. “It has been awhile I suppose and it’s usually fun I can definitely run rings around anyone they set me against not too many know how to deal with a combo of the Fist of Rhalgr and the kriegstanz.”

“Indeed, indeed,” Hamon said, exaggeratedly stroking his chin. “We know what the professor will say, if he deigns to attend, but wonder what your dance instructor’d think of our games here. Say, I don’t suppose you could introduce me to—”

“Absolutely not she’d eat you alive and not in the fun way,” C’oretta cheerfully said, giggling as Hamon sighed again.

“Can’t blame a man for trying to get a meetup with a pretty lass like that!” he laughed. “Go on and get ready, Oretta.”

“Violet stay with Uncle Hamon and I’ll be back after I’ve kicked everyone’s arse in the exhibition okay!” And she took off again to prepare for the first match, a pink and blonde blur of excitement on an already exciting day.

[voidsentprinces]

Summer Time.

Hien in trunks. Aymeric in trunks and a light swimming jacket. Haurchefant unleashed in a speedo. Zenos fighting the kraken in the middle of the ocean. Hythlodaeus getting a tan neath a parasol with sunglasses. Emet-Selch grumpily administrating suntan lotion. Hermes teaching Meteion to swim in the ocean. Raubahn and Thancred grilling up a banquet.

Godbert sculpting a mighty sand sculpture in his image. Opposite of him Ysayle and Menphina work to make ice sculptures. While, Theliak, Kan-E-Senna, Leveva, and Urianger read their books in their chairs. Nophica, Merlwyb, Lyse, Fordola, and Ardbert getting into a watermelon crushing competition. Yotsuyu being fanned by Grynewaht and sipping from a cocktail glass. Hilda, Lyna, Joye, Wuk Lamat and Ameliance race through the sand. Alisaie with Alphinaud in a headlock dragging him towards the waves for the annual swimming practice. Fourchenault, Azeyma and Y'shtola are on lifeguard duty. Asahi drowned in the corner. Fandaniel mocking him by dead man floating next to him. Jannequinard also has drowned but is posing dramatically even while out of commission. Nald and Thal watch over them bemused.

Cid, Nero, Biggs, Wedge, and Jesse getting the water slide going. Alpha, Gigi, Sylphie, Gatty and Omega building their own sandcastle as Zero and Golbez enjoy their own beach size beverage. Estinien posing dramatically on top of Godbert's sand statue. Tataru, Chai-Nuzz and Papalymo going over the logistics of the beach visit's costs. As Krile paints the ocean view while being hyped up by Dulia-Chai. Jandelaine is doing face paintings.

Kai-Shirr Nashu and Brandihild burying Hildibrand up to his neck in sand. Stephanivien inventing a new watergonne for summer time joy. Fray and Sid brood in the corner trying their best not to join in the summer fun. While Rielle, Ryne, and Gaia sample tropical fruits. Lahabrea, Themis, and Erichothonis look on exasperated as Athena builds a giant moth mecha to attack the Beach Bash. And by build I mean she is super vising from a well shaded and high position while Hesperos and Agdistis do it for her. Hegemone serving as her butler. Yugiri and Gosetsu are judges for the watermelon crushing competition. Gaius is tiredly looking on as Rex, Alfonse, Milisandia, Allie, and Ricon play volleyball against Livia, Rhitahtyn, Varro, Lyon, Gabranth, and Misija. Varis and Hydrus wander across the sand judging the volley ball match. Baderon, Mother Miuonne, and Momodi referee the match. Wilred, Emmannellain, Artoriel, Honoriot, and Cyella run commentary.

F'lhaminn, Alianne Gilbrillont, and Buscarron serve up drinks to Thordan, G'raha and Edmont as they swap old man stories. Nymia and Althyk ease drop over their own drinks. While the Heavens Ward wait their turn to play volleyball against Mitron, Nabriales, Venat, Altima, Pashtarot, Deudalaphon, Igeyorhm, Halmarut, and Emmerololth.

Julyan Manderville and Halone are hunting down Hamon Holyfist for acting inappropriate. Wyrnzoen, Curious Gorge, Broken Mountain, Dorgono, Rurukuta, Chuchuto, Widgargelt, O'tchakha and D'zentsa hold a booth for punching a bag as hard as you can. While Byregot administrates Beatin, Brithael, H'naanza, Serendipity, Geva, Redolent Rose, Severian, Adalberta, and Fufucha working together to gather the materials and create more stands and bags since Eorzea is made up of martial gods who keep breaking the punching bag and the stand. Moenbryda has the highest record of breaking it.

Oschon, Cirina, Magnai, Luciane and Sadu aid Sisipu and Lyngsath in catching the food required to run this entire operation with Llymaelyn's express approval. While the Wheiskaet and his Company of Heroes guard the establishment. Ilberd, Laurentius, Yuyuhase, V'kebbe, Perimu and H'raha have a dart throwing competition. Ywain, Myella, Jacke, Karasu, Momozigo, and Drusilla are in the middle of a game of poker.

Jenlyns, Radovan, and Sanson swap tales, the Troupe Falsiam, Guydelot, and Jehantel aid the Songbirds for entertainment. Sophie and Erenville are handing out fashion show fliers. Runar, Y'mhitra, Tesleen, Cymet, Almet, and Uimet administrate parasols, seatings, and food to keep everyone comfortable from the heat of the sun. Seto along with Magnus and his gang work to ferry people to and from the beach. With K'lyhia, Surito, E-Sumi-Yan, and Cocobuki figuring out a schedule to keep everyone on task. X'rhun, Arya, and Martyn run a magic show with plenty of rapiers and surprises. Rhaglr watches over Arenvald and Hoary Boulder arm wrestling with Coultenant, Aenor, and Clemence cheering them on.

Midgardsormr, Nidhogg, Hraesvelgr, Azdaja, Tiamat and Bahamut watch this go on with amusement. As Vrtra is sending out reports and orders to Nidhana and her alchemists along with Ahewann and the Radiant Host aid in the security of the event.

And of course, there is the Warrior of Light. Enjoying their vacation...or they would if the REVELRY HADN'T SUMMONED SUSANOO TO JOIN IN!!!!!! NEVER A DAY OFF I TELL YOU! NOW THEY GOTTA DEAL WITH A PRIMAL PARTYING ALONG!

[digeethegenie]

Extra - About Yujo Palms

Note: The bikini top used in Yujo's atire is an in-game limitation, please render her with a full black vest as an undershirt, thank you.

Birth Name: Yuyujo Yujo Gender: Female - She / Her / Them (post Shadowbringers) Romantic Preference: Aromantic Ancestry: Lalafell (Dunesfolk) Age: 26 (post 6.0) DOB: 2 / 6u / 6AE 1556 (15 Years Before Meteor) Birthplace: The Spiran Archipelago (Off the coast of Limsa Lominsa) Ephitat: The Sweetest Dreamer Jobs: MNK / WAR / BRD-MCH / RDM / WHM

Orgionaly trained as a priestess, Yujo Palms sought fortune as an adventuerer at the age of 17 (7UA 0002) to help gain the funds nessasary to rebuild her home of Sprira which was devistated by the calamity.

Trained as a retainer under the Vieraian adventurer, Nu'aka Paharo, Yujo began her carrear proper in 7UA 0005 and started training as an Archer in Gridania but quickly grew to hate the practice and clashed frequently with Silverae over his attitudes to outsideers.

A chance encounter with Hamon Holyfist during an altercation in Ul'Dah forever set the lalafell down the path of the pugilist and eventualy to learn the Martial Artes of Rhalgar the Destroyer.

An all around good egg, Yujo is never the sort to leave well enough alone and will go to bat for just about anyone. She is also something of a mother hen to younger members of her party.

Particalry tall for a lalafell (3ft). Yujo has no paitence for people who make short jokes or other such statements. A good way to get a punch in the face or a swift kick-to-the-shin is to call her a kickable.

[estinyans]

Khilo O'ndanya — Warrior of Light

Age: 23 (Start of ARR), 31 (As of Endwalker 6.5)

Race: Miqo'te, Seeker/Keeper

Gender: Cis Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Orientation: Biromantic, Asexual

Height: 5'4" / 162cm

Birthday: 8th Sun of the 3rd Astral Moon (8th May)

Birthplace: Ala Mhigo; raised in Little Ala Mhigo, Southern Thanalan

Guardian: Rhalgr, The Destroyer

Classes: Monk, Samurai, Dragoon, Dark Knight, Sage, Paladin, Warrior

Born in Ala Mhigo to a small family consisting of her mother, father and sister, Khilo's first few years of life were peaceful until the Garlean invasion of the land. Her parents were both slaughtered in the attack, and her sister missing and presumed dead, Khilo was lucky enough to be found by another group of surviving Ala Mhigan's who took her with them as they journeyed to Gridania and through to Thanalan.

Knowing next to nothing about her birth family didn't truly bother her, growing up. Khilo was perfectly comfortable with the family that she'd found and grew to love in Little Ala Mhigo. As she got older, she showed an interest in pugilism and wanted to help out as best as she could. The older refugees were happy to share with her all they'd learnt as Monks. When they had taught her all they could, Khilo soon found tutelage under Hamon Holyfist, who became a good friend and mentor to her.

At 23 Summers old, Khilo chanced to meet Thancred Waters and was soon brought into the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. They quickly became family to her, and there's nothing she wouldn't do for them.

Khilo is an outgoing and optimistic individual who might be a bit clumsy at times, but don't underestimate her. Those who don't know her may call her childish, but Khilo is one of the first to take a situation seriously. She's fiercely loyal to those she considers family and friends, and if you've wronged her or someone she cares about, she is not quick to forgive or forget.

She's eager to befriend almost everyone she meets on her journey, collecting quite a catalogue of allies from all over the star and beyond. She's always first in line to help you with anything you might need- be it a simple grocery run, or saving your brother currently being attacked by monsters.

[eorziapple]

FFXIV Write 2023 Prompt #14: Clear

(Character: Pippena Pipp, Setting: WoL Pip, Expansion: Finale of ARR)

Pippena sunk to a knee, unable to stay standing after withstanding the onslaught of Ultima. Hydaelyn was with her, but equally drained, and with the monstrous machine still looming above her, she saw little hope of her coming out of this alive.

He thoughts turned back to her time as a thug, intimidating shopkeepers for protection money and laying the hurt on debtors. They turned back to her fighting her way out of that life, finding her way to the sands as a pugalist under Hamon Holyfist, who somehow managed to whip her into a powerful fighter despite being an absolute moron.

She thought of the Scions finding out about her after her first big heroic moves, like decking Ifrit in the face without being mind controlled. How they kept finding her more tough things to fight, how much she enjoyed doing it, she even got paid a little by the cute-but-terrifying secretary!

Her thoughts then turned to Widargelt, despite being really, really weird and spouting off about inner eyes and chakras and stuff, he also taught her to like, shoot energy from her fists and like, really really hit hard. He said something about meditating to draw inner strength. Maybe she could do that! Just have to what, close your eyes, focus... stop thinking.

Pipp let herself pause for a moment, Gaius didn't seem to be shutting up with his evil Thancred boyfriend so she had some time. Then... she remembered.

"Right.... I'm awesome!" the epiphany was exactly what she needed. The young lalafell hopped up to her feat, her strength coming to her surprisingly quickly. Or maybe not, she was awesome and super powerful, after all. She drew all her power every part of her body into her right fist, and juuuust about when her two enemies were ending their little spat, she launched herself at the Ultima weapon, diving right through the carapace, snagging the Legatus and driving him through the other side.

Meditation, huh? Maybe that weirdo had a point....

[mirroralchemist]

Hi Hello! It’s been a bit, sorry. December was mad crazy with uni and work. So I didn’t have a chance to do a monthly writing update. I will start that back up in January.

That doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing though. I got plenty of links to stuff I’ve been uploading on Ao3. Since it’ll take forever to link them one by one I’ll just do a batch here.

Seek Joy is my current “long fic”. Basically abridged in-between moments of Uri/WoL/Than.

True Strike was my response to the Bookclub’s Novel Pairing challenge back in Aug. 2022. It’s a friendship fic between my WoL and Hamon Holyfist. Monk/Pugilist needs more love

Celestial Guidance was a Urianger & WoL friendship fic. I wanted to start writing more of the little moments between Urianger and Ami before they got together. Their path to being together is more subdued.

Pure Indulgence is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s Estinien/ WoL(feat.Emotional Support Gremlin Thancred) because I cannot control myself and I love the dynamics between Dragoons and Monks when we party up. This is a NSFW fic

The First Step is an attempt at an origins fic for Ami. It had been mulling in my mind for some time and I figured I’d put it out there finally.

The Moon Sinks, the Stars Dim  is another Urianger & Wol friendship piece. It was very short, and it came about during my yearly NG+ run of ARR and I had reached *that* moment.

Warm Affections is my response for the Bookclub’s Top Tropes Challenge for Jan. 2023. I just wanted to write some fluff between Ami and her Chocobo, that’s it, that’s the fic

[kassael]

Sparring is always fun with Hamon Holyfist around.

[kolak-magiya-a]

@dawnsung liked for a starter with Ryce!

Ryce Aldynn was known well around Ul'dah for many things: His work with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, being a Captain of an elite task force in the Immortal Flames, and pupil of Hamon Holyfist himself. Namely, he kept the streets of Ul'dah safe.

"Enough!" The roar turns heads all the way down the street, as the Xaela shoves a bulky roegadyn away from the other figure. "Turn 'round an' walk away before I knock ye teeth in!"

[mosthuggableffxiv]

Most Huggable Class Trainer (Levels 1-30)

Featuring a couple of bonus characters corresponding to the punchability bonuses

[edbydawn]

MNK/PGL are probably my favorite job quests in the game! Hamon and Widargelt are so wonderful, and I really recommend them to anyone who hasn’t picked up the quests already!

[yzeltia]

FFXIVWRITE Day 27: Hail

Characters: L'lolamo Lolomori, Violet Fisher, Jannie Eyradoux, Yda Hext, Papalymo Totolymo, U'rahn Nuhn, Gagaruna, Hamon Holyfist

Summary: Three of Hydayln's chosen are welcomed and wished well on the journey to come.

Rating: T, for Tears

Notes: None

- The Rhotano Sea: 5 Years After the Fall of Dalmund -

"What a beauty. Did you make this yourself?"

Violet opened an eye and looked up as a golden-eyed Seeker brandished her noulith. She quickly looked to her waist, wondering when the Miqo'te had time to snatch it. Already annoyed from a drunkard's earlier rambling, she'd taken a que from the nearby twins and feigned sleep. It seemed that was not a deterrent from being bothered. Reaching out, she snatched back her weapon.

"That's a good way to lose a hand. If you're going to Limsa, you better remember what they say about cats and curiosity."

The Seeker smiled, then shrugged. "I'd welcome a scrap. It's been maybe...five years I think? It's rather hard to tell. That's no matter though! Tell me more about your weapon. I've not seen anything like it."

Violet scoffed then held it up. "It's a sage's weapon I grafted onto a machinist's. Even if my intention is to heal, I need my finger on the trigger."

"Ingenious! A wonder they let you leave Old Sharlayan!"

"Leave? They fucking kicked me out," Violet huffed, holstering her weapon as the sandy haired Seeker tilted her head. 

"Well, their loss. Back in my adventuring days a ranged versatile weapon would have been marvelous. Combat back then was just so boring," she sighed, tail twitching back and forth.

Violet gave the woman a once over, "Back then?"

"Now, now. If you ask, that would be just plain rude. I'm a lady after all. And a hero!"

"Oh yeah? What's your name?"

"L'lolamo Lolomori. Or if you'd prefurr: Lolamo of the Viper tribe, daughter of Lolomori Totomori the Fangless Garter, Hero of the Realm," she sang, posing with her hands on her hips.

Violet waved her hand. "Never heard of you or your...father?  The Lover had a bit too much ale that night, did she?"

The Seeker narrowed her eyes and flicked her tale. "Well, I'm not surprised you haven't heard of me...and I suppose my father is more of a localized hero."

"What did he do so great?"

"He was a pirate cast overboard who happened to wash up on the shores of our part of Thavnir. The Vipers, while cautious, weren't heartless. The huntresses made the Tia care for him and when he was well enough he pulled his weight and three times that. When the vile Rikki-Tikki-Tavi started to threaten our village, he alone went on the hunt and brought us back its pelt. Afterwards he was made a member of our tribe and the Huntresses demanded he be made Nuhn.  Despite that, he declined, save for asking if my mother fancied him enough to be his alone. And so I was born!"

Violet shrugged, not versed in the ways of Miqo'te rituals. 'And you, Miss 'Hero of the Realm'?"

"I made the ultimate sacrifice."

The Limsan blinked, L'lolamo's voice much more calm and mature. Their eyes locked before the Miqo'te gave a wide smile. "I gave up my adventuring days so that way young upstarts like you can take over. I wish you well, and may you walk in the light of the Crystal."

With that, she turned, leaving Violet almost as quick as she came through. Crossing her arms, Violet settled back into her seat. "Sorry to disappoint you lady, but all I'm heading off to do is find a man with a big ship, stiff mast, and barrels of ale," she thought before drifting back off.

- The Carline Canopy: 5 Years After the Fall of Dalmund - 

"Miss Jannie! Can you tell us another story! Please!"

The Elzen smiled and shook her head at the children surrounding her table. "The sun is falling. I imagine supper is waiting for you at home and my own is expected shortly. I'll tell you another tomorrow. Off you go. Pitter patter."

The children's chorus of disappointment echoed through the establishment as they made their exit, leaving Jannie to be served. As she started to cut into her antelope steal, a young Seeker sat down across from her, watching the group leave with a sigh.

"Isn't motherhood wonderful," she asked, looking on fondly.

"I beg your pardon? By the Fury you don't believe those were all mine? You are greatly mistaken."

The Miqo'te sat up a bit then rolled her neck, yellow eyes on the woman across from her. "Sorry, I was musing aloud. Though, the way they were fawning over you, I could see it."

"I was trained to be a governess in Ishgard. I'm merely good at my job."

The Seeker tilted her head. "Have you not loved your charges?"

Almost offended, Jannie recoiled. "Of course I have. Every single one!"

"Then it's not merely a job then is it? I do not understand much about Lord and Ladies, but are governesses there to rear children in a parents' absence? Give them love and knowledge. One does not need to have carried to hold that title. The Twelve know that many of my kind's young see their Tia as mothers more than the ones who bore them. Our patron here too, loves all the people if Gridania as her own and wears the moniker."

The Elzen listened, then rested her hands down on the table. "That is the truth of it. I do not think a parent would very much care for them calling me as such though. I've fancied being called Nana though when I have started to grey."

"I wouldn't mind my son seeing another that way. He was just a boy when I saw him last. Running around the beaches of the Rhotano, trying to get all his father and uncles to train him in combat. Pretending to be the 'great hero of the Bloodshore'.

"I doubt he'd know my face now.... I've come to find it's apparently very forgettable," the Miqo'te sighed, trailing her finger around the rim of her glass, "Though I am sure he was raised well by his raised father and our friends."

"What has kept you away, if I may ask?"

"Duty," the Seeker answered, yellow eyes flicking up to Jannie, "What brings a governess to The Black Shroud?"

Jannie looked away from the gaze, flushing lightly, "I did not wish to scandalize my last employer, so I left to take residence here in my mother's home city until I find work elsewhere."

"I see...," the Miqo'te answered, not pressing the issue, "With how taken those children were by you, I'm sure you'll have no trouble digging up work. I'm sure in the future you'll have your hands quite full," she mused, "I know my boy would be lucky to be under your care."

Jannie nodded. "Tell me more about your boy. What's his name?"

"Oh. It's-"

"Look at that steak Papalymo! I bet I could eat two! No, three even after today," a young woman's voice called out.

Jannie turned as the source's voice wandered over, masked face looking down at her plate.

"I am terribly sorry miss! She's apparently taken one too many blows to the head today and forgot her manners," her partner apologized, grabbing the woman's hand to cart her away, "Come along now Yda. Let's not bother her any longer."

"It is no bother at all and it is rather full this evening. If you'd care to join us, it will be no bother. Right Miss...Miss...," Jannie started before turning to find her dining companion gone.

"Papalymo, are you sure she's all there," the girl whispered, poorly.

"Yda! Don't be rude," the man whispered back, "We'd be delighted to join you Miss. We'll go see Mother Minoue about our meals and join you shortly."

Left alone, Jannie looked about for the young woman, shivering as she faintly heard "May you walk in the light of the Crystal."

- The Platinum Mirage: 5 Years After the Fall of Dalmund -

"That's U'rahn...U'rahn Nuhn!"

Huffing, the young Seeker raised his fist in the air, two fellow guildmates knocked out on the floor next to him as a few spectators cheered, the red nosed guildmaster even raising a cup towards him in toast. "Well fought! U'rahn Nuhn it is! Get him registered, Gagaruna! Clean up in the back boy! You're looking a bit puffy," the old man laughed.

U'rahn perked his ears in excitement, wincing soon after from the stinging in his bruised cheek. He looked to the skeptical guild receptionist then beamed as he crossed his arms. "That's N U H N."

The white haired Lalafell swore under his breath then began to aggressively scribble away at his desk.

With a proud spring in his step, the Seeker made his way to wash up in the room behind the guild. As he ran water over his hands, a young Seeker approached him from behind and sat on the sink by the basin. 

"Two versus one. Rather risky for a lad that's just taken up with the Adventurer's Guild. If you get mad every time someone expresses doubt you're going to be rather bloodied."

U'rahn looked up and then grinned. Perhaps it was being punched one too many times, but that charm he usually felt around a pretty lady didn't build within him for once. "Ah. Well. I'm a Nuhn! I gotta earn it sometimes "

"Oh my! You bested U'loohna Nuhn in combat?"

"Huh? My old man beat him back some five years ago. After the fall."

The woman paused a moment, pursing her lips. "U'odh Nuhn...I can't say that pleases me all too much."

"You've got a beef with my old man," the young man asked, looking her up and down, "You're definitely not a daughter of the Drake clan. You look familiar though...I can't put my tail on it though."

"Oh. No, sorry. I ran into him during his Company of Heroes days when he was no more than an impulsive young Tia. He had no son when we met."

U'rahn perked up at that, "Really? You knew my dad way back then? You don't look like you could be that old though...."

The Seeker woman huffed, then pinched the Nuhn's ear, "It seems Odh's manners didn't pass down to you."

"Oi! That hurts! Letgoletgoletgo," U'rahn begged.

Smirking, she released him then turned to touch her cheek. "I do look good though," she mused. As the shoulder of her shirt slipped, black etchings along her back reflected in the mirror.

"Woah. Sick ink! Did it hurt? What is it," the young man asked while his companion quickly fixed herself.

"You are...quite insatiable," she mused, "I wouldn't say it hurt, exactly. It's sort of a promise made to me... As a hero from before the fall...I wished to be looked upon and hail those who'd walk after..."

She smiled, then caressed the young man's cheek in her palm. U'rahn was surprised to find it didn't hurt, and even more so that he'd begun to tear up. "Ah. Er...um...it stings," he finally balked, pulling away to wipe his eyes, the actions resulting in a pained hiss. Outside Hamon called for him.

The woman smiled then motioned to the entryway. "Go on then; U'rahn Nuhn. I'll be watching, so become a great hero.

U'rahn straightened up then offered a joyfully ear wiggle to the stranger before running off. "Yeah! Just you wait lady! The bards will sing my name all across Eorzea," he called out.

L'lolamo dropped off the sink then turned to look at herself in the mirror. She raised her shirt then lightly fingered over the stretch marks along her stomach. Ears lowered, she smiled then let her tears fall. "By Hydayln's blessing...bound and romp ever through the light of the Crystal, my sweet little lion..."

"Ah! Hey, I didn't catch your name," U'rahn's voice called out. Returning to the room, he looked around confused before a glint of light caught his eye on the floor. Bending down, he found a necklace with two mongoose fangs and a Thavnarian Cat's Eye jewel strung between them. Picking it up, he swallowed. "Oh crap. I don't remember taking mom's necklace...dad's gonna kill me...," he breathed out to himself before perking his ears as he was yelled for again. "I'm coming. Master Holyfist," he called out.

Hurried, he pulled the trinket over his head then tucked it into his shirt, letting it rest over his heart.

[niraff14]

First Meeting Hamon Holyfist

Hamon: Heh heh...Past time you got your arse back here. Well? What did the dancer have to say about my... proposition? Me: “Ugh....this guy is gonna just be a freaking perverted old man stereotype.”

Reaching the End of the Pugilist Story.

Me

[autumnslance]

MiqoMarch 23: Love

(This is not the usual happy-go-lucky PunchyCat story. Sorry not sorry. Discussion of mental health/disability below. Also on Ao3 in “Slices of Light.”)

Hamon watched the girl next to him chew her bottom lip and shift her weight on her feet like she was getting ready for a round in the ring, not about to walk into her childhood home. It was overall uncharacteristic for her, but he fully understood why. Before he could say anything, C’oretta spoke up.

“Are we really sure this is the right thing to do I mean she already gets so confused.”

“That confusion is part of the trouble,” Hamon reminded her. “She near set fire to the place.”

C’oretta sagged. Her cloudy demeanor didn’t fit the cherry highlights in her gold hair, or the blindingly bright pink dress she wore. Her usual smile was missing from her sweet face. If he looked, he could pick out exactly which traits she’d inherited from each parent, his friends almost since they had been her age now. It only made her conflicted expression harder for him to see.

She squared her shoulders and skipped up the steps to enter the house, Hamon following at a more reasonable pace.

The sitting room was low lit, some furnishings and items on one side tossed about as if someone had been in a frenzied search. C’leiha sat at a small table, primly sipping her tea. She wore one of her old dancer outfits with shaky cosmetics on her face and her grey-streaked auburn hair loosely styled, a favorite pin--one of Khell’s first gifts to her--threaded into a sidebraid.

The young midlander nurse wrung her hands. “I’m sorry, Miss C’oretta, I haven’t been able to clean since her...episode earlier. But we had a nice time dressing up this afternoon, didn’t we, Miss C’leiha?”

“It’s all right I know it’s a lot hello Mama how are you doing today?” C’oretta knelt by her mother’s chair.

C’leiha’s distant look focused, then brightened, and she touched her daughter's hair. “Oretta! Did you leave school early again, kitten? You can wait for Papa with me, but no sweet ice for you!”

“Just go along with it,” the nurse urged quietly. “Trying to make her remember aught else will only cause distress.”

Which was what had happened earlier. Some well-meaning fool of an old friend had become frustrated and tried to remind C’leiha that her beloved husband was dead for years now.

When the Calamity had happened, C’leiha and C’oretta had watched Khell fall in the rioting crowds, trampled by terrified and angry mobs. Something in the older woman’s mind had snapped during those tumultuous events and she had never recovered, her despair turning to full on delusion. Something about the Calamity and the aetheric shifts it had caused across the realm had prematurely brought on a condition she would have been susceptible to in her old age, according to the chirugeons and conjurers examining her over the years since. They had no other explanations, aside from her grief and the trauma of that day.

Whatever it was, Hamon thought it wasn’t fair to see in a woman decades his junior who ought to still be enjoying her life. But Khell had been her everything, and without him C’leiha was lost.

He kept an ear to where C’oretta made non-committal responses to her mother’s jabbering as he spoke to the nurse. “We’ve made arrangements to get her in Saint Popoli’s. If you like, they’ve agreed to let you keep working with her, since you’re familiar. At least until you find something else, while their staff learns her quirks.”

The nurse nodded. “Thank you, Master Hamon; I’d hate to just leave her. As long as Miss C’oretta’s fine with everything.”

“She ain’t, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s about what’s best for C’leiha.” He looked at the pair of miqo’te. C’oretta was convincing her mother in a careful, roundabout way to go on a walk with her--a walk that would end at the hospital they would leave the woman in. “I’m having some of the boys come by to help pack up her things for her room there; the fella in charge says for her condition that’ll help keep her calm and from trying to find her way out.” He chuckled. “My back won’t let me help with none of the heavy lifting!”

The nurse smiled in response. “I understand, and I do think that’d be best.”

He briefly thought of suggesting the young lady could nurse him later, but this wasn’t the time or place. Perhaps once they had C’leiha settled.

“All right I think we’re ready,” C’oretta said. She was standing next to her mother, arms and hands linked. C’leiha was just an ilm or two taller, but seemed smaller and thinner than Hamon remembered; his recollection of C’leiha in her dancing days was a lusciously curvy woman who seemed to fill a room with her sparkling laughter and quick speech, her bright garments teasing the eyes with what they hid and revealed.

This dolled up shadow clinging to her daughter’s arm made his old heart ache.

C’leiha looked up, noticing him for the first time. “Master Hamon! How lovely to see you, are you coming with us to meet Khell too?”

His smile felt tight. “Aye, lass, we’ll all go together. You know I’m always happy to spend time in the presence of such lovely ladies, hehe!”

“Oh Hamon, you’re always such a flirt,” C’leiha teased. She kept up the conversation as they left the house and made their way through the streets. Nevermind her talk about a show she was performing in was well over a decade out of date. They listened and nodded and responded politely. Hells, Hamon thought he vaguely recalled having this exact conversation with her before, but it was like a hundred others lost in the fog of his own memories.

Funny how C’leiha could remember it so clearly, but nothing in the years since.

They reached Saint Popoli’s, and he feared there would be another scene, but the nurse--godsdammit, what was her name? His own mind really was going too, he’d have to ask Chuchuto later as she always remembered these details--stepped in smoothly. “Let’s wait inside Miss C’leiha, while Master Hamon sees to Miss C’oretta.”

“Oh yes, Melly, that’ll be nice, it’s so hot out here,” C’leiha replied, walking with the young woman.

Hamon was certain the nurse’s name was not Melly; that had been one of C’leiha’s friends in her old dance troupe.

C’oretta sighed heavily as her mother was escorted inside. “I hope I did the right thing.”

“I think so,” Hamon said, patting her shoulder. “It’s what’s best for her, and you’re a good girl for doing what she needs, even if it’s hard.”

“She doesn’t even see me anymore like for awhile I thought she was doing better and she seemed so excited for all the dances I was learning and the adventures I was having--I never told her about all the really dangerous things of course--but now she doesn’t even remember and acts like I’m still a child and waits for Papa all the time like he’s still here.”

“Maybe your Scion friends can think of something, given all the other outlandish stuff they pull. Rumor says they’ve even found a cure for tempering. If they can do that, then who knows. Not this old man, hehe.”

She only nodded absently. “I suppose I can ask and see if there’s a way to adjust the process that could make for an interesting study at least but it’s not like she’s been tempered either unless you consider a love like my parents had to be similar to it with the way she’s been.” C’oretta frowned--a wholly alien expression on her face, as she looked up at the building once more. “I hope I never love someone so much.”

Something in his own heart broke. “C’oretta, you know that ain’t how it works—”

“Thanks for the help Master Hamon I really appreciate the support but I gotta go now before Iyna makes bacon outta Violet and strings me up by my tail for being later than I said I’d be I’ll stop by the guild later for some sparring practice all right?” She smiled brightly, fakely, as she waved and dashed off before he could respond again.

Hamon let out a frustrated breath and stretched his aching back. He was really too old for all of this. He spared no further look to the building behind him, his watery eyes instead tracking the bright pink blur weaving through the street until she vanished around a corner.

Too many others just weren’t old enough.

[jarael]

Nothing like being told you need to defend your whole guild after absolutely kicking your teacher’s ass three times.