#and frustration and anger because Ilberd is taking it too far

[osterby]

Ilberd is hands down my favourite villain in the game. He's exactly the kind of desperate nothing-to-lose do-bad-things-for-good-ends character I always go for (fun fact: he's the villain Ardbert tried to be), but I have to squint and peek around the corners and fill in the obvious glaring blanks.

And, yeah, the background that would really sell his motivation and overall story to the average player who isn't playing an Ala Mhigan WoL and doesn't laser in on any minor character with desperation as a key plot point isn't even in the game!

That's a complaint I have about SE's writing overall, especially in the early game. They think up all this good lore and then just... don't bother including it. But they really dropped the ball on Ala Mhigo in general and on Iilberd specifically.

Ilberd was so badly communicated in story I'm not even mad anymore. Just disappointed.

Like I hated this man with passion. Mere hearing his voice or seeing his face made my blood boil. At least the Japanese dub makes him more sympathetic, because he speaks calmly, albeit painfully, not just complaining like his English dub sounds like.

But I bought the book and did some digging and wow? He was paid with McChickenNuggets and a sword when he worked as an adventurer to support his family. Man was treated worse than a dog, and he had a family - possibly partner, possibly kid too, I mean, he was 40 years old. Or idk, very nice of him to take care of his elderly parents, I guess - and he lost them to the calamity. Mfs were barbecued by bahamut.

And yeah, Ilberd lost 100% everything, and had nothing to lose anymore. He wanted to take their ashes back home, and when enough people told him "no", he said "fuck it", and backflipped straight to god.

Also. He likes tea. Like he drinks tea. A LOT.

Like excuse me. How about telling this in-game? Sounds like the writing was a little... what's the word... slo---

[faelune-home]

FFXIV Write 2020 #10: Avail

(A/N: Based on the interpretation of the word “to be of use or value”, I took this opportunity to look at my miqo WoL’s willingness to help others and her own thoughts on being the soldier on command. Contrary to everyone saying she’s being used or treated as expendable - Fray included, since she’s dabbled in the darkness lol - she’s actually more than happy to help if she think she’s making someone happier or their time easier.

It’s something a lot of players tend to pick at and complain about, whenever the story makes us do small chores cos “we’re the warrior of light but the story just nudge nudges and jokes that we’re pushovers”, and it comes up in the DRK storyline as well. This isn’t a critique of the DRK line tho, I still really enjoyed the writing there. But I will say for miqo!Fufu, while maybe there’s some frustration or minor resentment, its waaay deep down, and she’s otherwise genuinely just happy to help.

Doesn’t stop the ever helpful Fray from bringing out an uncharacteristic anger in her anyway.

Set during early Heavensward after the Halatali rescue, no direct spoilers alluded to. I allude to two other fanfics I’ve done tho - only briefly, not necessary to read - the previous “Muster” prompt fic and a fic from June pre-ffxivwrite.

Word count: 1351

@ffxiv-writers)

To be free of Halatali’s claustrophobic halls, especially after the poisoned mists that had assailed them, felt like true relief. Even Raubahn, hobbling as he was and half leaning between Yugiri and Fufu for support, had an air of ease about him. Alphinaud prepped his grimoire all the same, ready to provide aid to the man. For the moment at least, before considering any further moves, they could be at peace.

They waited some time, with Yugiri dictating orders to her shinobi in pursuit of the Braves, until at last she returned to them, frustration plain on her face. “My apologies, Master Alphinaud. My shinobi can no longer find any trace of them.”

The elezen grit his teeth, biting back a curse. How he wished Ilberd could finally be caught and made to answer for his crimes. Instead, he let out a huff, saying, “As regrettable as that is to hear, I thank you and your men for their work. We owe you a debt for all you have done.”

Yugiri shook her head. “You owe us nothing. It is we that still owe you and your companions so much for granting us shelter and work. This is us continuing to repay you for your kindness.”  She bowed, then with a glance at the haggard hyur seated on the old coliseum steps, she added, “I shall take over the general’s care until we make to leave. You can rest.”

With the general being tended to, Alphinaud sought instead to join the Warrior of Light, who stood at the other entrance to the plaza, her hands unusually stiff on her hips and her tail swishing back and forth roughly.

“Might I lend an ear for whatever troubles you?” he asked. Her ear flicked before she turned to face him, her mouth set in a firm line.

“I take it there’s no sign of him?” she asked back, glancing behind him. Her shoulders drooped when he frowned and shook his head.

“Unfortunately not.” 

Her tail lashed again. “Dammit. I wish he’d just get caught and stay caught. We had him cornered and then he slipped out.”

“I share the sentiment, my friend, I truly do. Ilberd has been quite the thorn so far for both of us,” the younger boy said.

“I didn’t like what he said in there,” she stated, catching Alphinaud off guard for a spell.

“All that talk about me being used, like he knows a damn thing about me,” she scowled. The boy frowned, trying to ignore the guilty feeling gnawing at his gut. He wouldn’t speak over her now, even if he felt some truth to his former charge’s words. If only because he’d promised his friend that he wouldn’t continue to blame himself for the events of that night or his former actions.

Unaware of her company’s silence, Fufu continued, “I don’t like how he talks like we’re some kindred spirits, like I’m somehow shackled by my responsibilities and can’t go off doing anything else. I choose to follow orders ‘cos I know I’m helping people. Every little thing, every tedious act. Just ‘cos I’m the Warrior of Light doesn’t mean I’m suddenly above some menial work!” A growl had seeped into her words as she ranted, and what almost looked like a flash of red in her eye, startling Alphinaud such that he unwillingly stepped back from the woman. He didn’t know she was capable of such...fire.

As though suddenly conscious of her tone, Fufu winced, her ears flattening against her head as she said, “I mean, I said it to you, didn’t I? It’s not about being used, it's just ‘cos everyone else has better plans than me. It's better to follow them. I don’t mind.” She trailed off, brows knit together with worry.

He simply nodded, in response to her first question directed at him. A pregnant pause grew between them, neither ready to burst the bubble. A caw sounded in the distance, and closer was Raubahn’s hacking coughs.

She finally spoke again, still worried looking, but a lot calmer too; her tail no longer lashed violently and her shoulders were less tense. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get that worked up. I just...I don’t like when everyone else talks like I have no say in this. Like I’m being jerked around and toyed with. I know you tend to guilt trip a lot lately about how you treated me like a soldier always on call--”

Alphinaud winced, yet before he could say anything or do anything, she instantly flicked his forehead, prompting a hissed, “Ow!” from him before she leaned in, smirking in her usual playful manner, “And that’s not your cue to start again now.” Despite his irritation at the unprompted attack, he couldn’t help but give a small smile back.

“--Anyway, where was I? Just ‘cos I was at your beck and call or whatever doesn’t matter. I was happy to do it ‘cos I thought I was helping and making a difference, and if I really didn’t like what was happening or didn’t want to do something, I could’ve said so.” With a final huff and a firm nod, she finished, arms folded against her chest.

“I’ll ignore the unnecessary assault and simply say this; your candor is refreshing my friend. And although you didn’t wish me to mention it, I do have to say that your own willingness to follow orders doesn’t then forgive my attitude about it. I’m not saying this to have another ‘guilt trip’, as you would put it. Rather I would follow your example and simply acknowledge the facts.”

Fufu pouted, a flash of frustration in her wide purple eyes. “Fine, you can have that. But then also acknowledge that you know better now and are growing from it. Right now.”

Amused at her insistence, he nodded. “Very well. For all my esteemed education, there is still much and more for me to learn, and I can still improve.”

Her ear flicked, and her eyebrow raised, but rather than question his phrasing, she smiled and said, “That’s good. No amount of fancy learning means you know everything in the world. Even if you knew more than me.” 

She laughed, “The closest thing to any scholarly learning I’ve had is asking the other Scions to teach me fancy words I didn’t know. I almost panicked thinking I’d be letting people down if I didn’t know any big long words in mission briefings.”

Despite her levity, mention of their missing comrades brought a heavy air over the boy, smile falling and his gaze turning to the ground. Noticing his shift in mood, Fufu placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and murmured, “We’ll find them. We have so many people looking for them now, the Flames and Yugiri’s shinobi. We’ll look under every rock if we have to, literally.”

“I know you’re right,” he sighed, “There can only be so many places to look.” He stood straighter, trying to look more assured. Turning to see the Auri woman helping Raubahn to his feet, he said, “The general appears ready to move on. I would like to give him another look over myself before we make for Camp Drybone to procure transport to Vesper Bay.”

Fufu nodded. “Alrighty. I need a moment, but I’ll keep an eye out here until we head off.” Alphinaud tipped his head to the side, curious, however he didn’t pry. He made his way back to their companions, now joined by the shinobi scouts, yet couldn’t help but peek back over his shoulder.

The miqo’te stood, frowning deeply at her hand, gripped tightly around something he couldn’t see clearly. The late Thanalan sun, dipping lower in the sky, caught the item, a harsh orange glint shining back at him.

Curiosity truly piqued now, he almost considered returning to her side. But he shook his head and stayed firm, continuing as he was. As her friend, he should allow her her privacy. After all, with all the work to be done in Ul’dah, when will they have another moment of peace?