#cause the light comes back after the wol consumes the last of it when they can't control it properly

[warlordfelwinter]

become what you must

[universal-kitty]

Hello! For the poetry prompts,' I may not believe in fate , but i believe in you ’ with G'raha Tia?

poetry starters

   “You could’ve warned me, you know.” G’raha sheepishly looked up from his studies, to the familiar face of an old friend. However pleased as punch he might’ve been to see them at any time previous, now was....perhaps not the time to be so excited about seeing his hero again. After all, things have gone in very topsy-turvy ways recently, and for Rhela to be upset at him is only natural.

   It’s what happens...when you conceal your identity from someone you not only care deeply about, but when the feelings are unexpectedly returned... Well. It causes far more issues than G’raha had originally hoped for.

   Perhaps not that “dying to save the person I cherish most” is much for “hoping for something” now, is it? A certain....healer Myst- Miqo’te would certainly remind him as much.

   With that glare they give him- the angriest he’s ever seen them- perhaps that assumption is accurate.

   “I am aware,” he says, as kindly and neutral as possible. “However, it would have not served either of us well, had you known my identity from the start. You must understand why I did what I-”

   “Don’t give me that crap,” they snap, tail and ears flicking in agitation. “I know you did those things thinking it would be for the better. So that you could....die like that. But don’t put my feelings aside here, G’raha.” His heart dared hope for meanings within those words, but he was quick to tamper them out.

   Another thing he desperately wanted, but could have nothing to do with: the feelings that had consumed him here in the First, pining away for a champion lost, but one that was still out there. That could yet assist him in saving the First without issue. In preventing the very calamity that happened upon this world!

   If only it had been so easy as his daydreams played them out to be...

   The sound of boots cuts off any further thought, watching Rhela stroll into the area with purpose, dark green eyes behind a pair of glasses trained on his pure, bright red. It made him want to fluster and avoid their gaze....as much as he wanted to meet their gaze head on, and never look away again.

   ....His resolve wavered in their light, and he glanced away but a moment before- unable to help himself- he looked back at them once more.

   Even while angry, they were still so cute... It’s simply not fair.

   “...I was worried about you,” they say after a lengthy pause, passionate gaze softening into such a worried, sorrowful expression that his heart broke into pieces on the spot. Hands raising unsurely, wanting to comfort, not knowing where to begin. “I don’t know....what I’m angry at, even. Am I mad at you for lying to me...? For you not being you or your stupid plan? For....getting one of my own friends in on it...!!”

   First contact in ages, and it’s Rhela pushing him harshly, G’raha stumbling in shock. Th-They’re so much stronger now! He could still distantly remember his youth... A small, playful push he well deserved for teasing them too much. It had been a strong wind, but this.... How much stronger did they get...?!

   “I-I.... You got me worried sick over so many things!” Ah, the anger was back. Though when they looked up at him again, ears laid back and.....tears...? In their eyes... “Worried about the people here, the lives being lost, where G’raha was, who you were......why I kept being so scared for you!!! It’s not fair that you led me on like that!!” Another push, though softer this time.

   A sob echoed in the room, G’raha’s heart- if not before- officially broken at their words. At the tears of a hero he’d come to treasure so much... How could he ever forget how emotional they were? The soundless cry as the doors closed shut...

   The red streaks in their hair, proof of their devotion to him. That his life had impacted someone- his own hero- so greatly, that the color of his own hair would live on theirs forevermore.

   “Say something, you-!!!!” On their next attempt to push him, G’raha indulged on a once passing thought. One that had toyed with his mind many times, distracting him from work and losing him in a world of daydreams that- all too often- Lyna had to snap him out of.

   He pulled them close, hugging them. A hopefully painless activity, as he was all too aware of the crystals and trinkets that decorated his outfit as the Crystal Exarch.

   “I am sorry,” he murmured, pain leaking into his voice. “My friend, it was never my intent to hurt you as I did. Were I able to, I would take your pain away... That being said, I fear I could not do things differently. I will not see to it that you save one life at the sacrifice of the many. If there is....another way, then I could, perhaps, consider that. As things are right now, however...” His voice wavered, feeling the small, yet strong arms of the Miqo’te in front of him embrace him in turn. His heart aching fiercely, wishing for nothing more but for this moment to last forever and-

   “I know.... I know, but it still hurts. It’s still not fair to me, G’raha...” Any concerns of pressing baubles seems to go right out the window when they’re nuzzling into him like this. (He can only hope those strong ears of theirs don’t pick up the racing of his heart...) “I want to do something for you. Anything. I just...” A shaky breath in. “I don’t want to lose you again...”

   “...I’m sorry, Rhela.” It feels like all he can do; apologize to them. Again and again, until momentary forgiveness can be achieved. Until they can accept that and, from there, find a way to progress without stopping him in his quest to save the First.

   This land who needs him as much as all and any lands need this beloved, treasured, Warrior of Light.

   “If it is any consolation,” he murmurs, a hand stroking their hair. Daring to hope, “if there is anyone out there who might find a way for things to end for the better, it would be you. You’ve always been incredibly determined like that.” Rhela’s head rises at his words, staring up at him with such a pleading look that- for a moment- G’raha forgets himself; a hand strokes their cheek, admiring the dark lines of their race. A naturally occurring feature for them, and one that suits Rhela all too well, he feels.

   “I may not believe in fate, but I believe in you.” He says it with such conviction, that for a moment, it feels....like truth. Like there is no possible way that they- together- could not ever fail in whatever they set their mind to. G’raha returning in full to the Source? Why not! Surely, anything could be possible. It’s simply a matter of-

    ......Of perhaps not cupping Rhela’s cheek like he has every intent of bowing down just a little bit lower to kiss them, how about that?

   He backs off in a rush, face flushing just as quickly as Rhela’s does, having realized at the same moment what the Exarch himself caught onto. It’s, perhaps, a great kindness that nobody happened to walk in on them, embracing like they were secret lovers....!! (The worst part is G’raha wondering how he could even respond to rumors like that...! How does one deny interest or feign lack of when all one has ever wanted was to be with that person?! It simply would never work out!!)

   “A-Ah...... Thank you, G’raha...”

   “It’s, ah....it’s no problem at all. You know I’m more than happy to support you and provide encouragement.” By the Twelve, he wishes to hide his visage away in his hood...!! This is killing him.

   Which is why it breaks his heart as much as it does make him relax a little when Rhela backs up for the door. “Well, I.... I better head out. There’s still so much to do, so much to see-”

   “O-Oh! Yes, of course...”

   “I’m sure.....Thancred or Alisaie is wondering where I am...”

   “Y-Yes. Do take care, Warrior.”

   “Mmmhm. You too.” And with all that awkwardness, they’re gone. As quickly as they came, but now leaving G’raha with a burning, aching hole of want in his heart. A hand coming up to absentmindedly clutch his robes- right over his heart- and stare where they had left.

   ....Once upon a time, he had woken up, virtually alone in a new world. One not his own, where the Warriors had long since died out. Not even Cid was there....nor anyone else who might have been a part of NOAH. A single Mystel- Miqo’te- and the star of the WoL, who- almost like a promise- indeed left a star behind in which to chart his desperate, hopeful course. But now faced with the realization that they would not so simply let him die.....and left G’raha with a hesitation of wanting to go in the first place...

   “...You make things so difficult,” he mused quietly, pulling up his hood and turning away from the door. “You say such things, not knowing that I, too, would like to........”

   He shook his head. Words were unimportant right now. More importantly.... He needed to do as Rhela bid him to do. They had not want him to go away a second time? Then gods willing, he could do something- anything- to make it happen.

[ainarosewood]

30 Day WoL Writing Challenge-Day 16 Meal

@seaswolchallenge @ffxiv-writers

*So works been a little crazy of late so I’m a bit behind on days but here is the second of this weeks entry(the rest soon to follow)

Tianne returned from the Sea of Clouds her body aching from the strain of the fight to save young Emmanellain from the Vanu Vanu.  As she entered Fortemps manor she saw Tataru.  The little Dunesfolk gave her a warm smile but Tianne could see that her heart wasn't in it.

Not far away was Alphinaud, the young Elezen lost in thought and overtly it was concerning all that had happened that led to their flight to Ishgard. 

The Lalafel frowned to herself, This won't do, now more than ever we need to be able to inspire hope.

Tianne retired to her rooms awkwardly asking one of the servants to draw he a bath.  It still felt odd to be speaking with staff.  In her family's home it had mostly been her mother and her.   Her father would often be away due to his duties as a Temple Knight.  The Dunesfolk had always enjoyed the few times he had been home.

A few moments later while bathing she realized how she could aid her friends.  Swiftly she finished then dressed and left the Manor heading toward the Foundation.

It didn't take her long to find the all too familiar door nestled amongst several similar.  Most of the Temple Knights that were not of the High Houses made their homes here.

Raising her hand she tapped on the door.  A few moments later it opened and her mother Antoinette unerringly looked down with a warm welcoming smile.  

"Tianne," she said joy and surprise, "What brings you home?  Your last letter said that you and your fellows were moving to Mor Dohna."

The Dunesfolk silently cursed, she had forgotten that she hadn't written since then.  How far away that seemed now.  "Yes....um a lot has happened since then."

Instantly the elder Elezen sobered asking softly, "Come inside, tell me what has happened,"

Tianne followed her mother inside at first unable to speak as all of recent events came crashing back in a wave.  The Lalafel sat down on the old worn sofa her mother not far and a few moments later blurted everything her pent up tears bursting forth.

Through it all the Elezen held her diminutive daughter listening to every word, "I am so sorry dear, I wish there was more I could do...."

Wiping her eyes the Lalafel shook her head, "You've done more than you can know mama....I....needed that." she took several shuddering breaths before continuing, "But, that wasn't why I came here, I've a favor to ask...."

"Name it dear," her mother responded

"Could...could you make a meal for my friends and I.  I think a bit of home cooking and time away from our worries will do them good."

The elder woman beamed at her daughter saying, "Aye dear bring them by this evening, good news is your father will be home as well."

Tianne grinned back hugging her mother tightly, "Thank you, we will be by just before sunset."

"I look forward to seeing you dear," Antoinette stated

The Lalafel then jumped off the couch and rushed back to Fortemps manor seeking her comrades.

************************************************************************ As the sun began setting a light snow began falling lighting coating the trio as they made their way down to Foundation.

Tianne reassured them both that it they wouldn't be in the snow for long as she led them to her family's home.

Once there she raised her hand to knock only to have the door flung open and her father Ilex scoop her into a hug.  "Welcome home," he bellowed

Laughing she returned the hug and replied, "Thank you da,"

As he set her on her feet he motioned for the three of them to enter.  Delicious smells were wafting from the stove and he led them to the table motioning they all take a seat staying, "Dinner will be shortly my friends."

When her mother appeared Tianne introduced them both to Tataru and Alphinaud and various bits of small talk began.  Antionette occasionally returning to the stove to put the final touches on the food.

Not long after she brought forth a hearty stew and served to each of them.  Talk was minimal between bites of food and the little Lalafel could see that her idea was working.

Both Tataru and Alphinaud were looking happier than they had in weeks.  Though the boy still would from time to time withdraw into his thoughts and that would cause his features to darken.

Ilex noted this and once the meal was through he lit his pipe taking  a drag of it before stating. "Master Alphinaud, I've noted your thoughts seem to be distracting tonight."

The young Elezen jerked in surprise and stated softy, "Pray forgive me if any offense has been given.  We...the Scions have been through much of late and it has been, heavy on my mind."

The older Elezen nodded blowing out a puff of smoke before responding, "Aye, aye Tianne told her mother all she in turn told me.  And worry not no offense taken"

He then leaned forward catching the boys sapphire gaze stating, "But, I am going to tell you something I have always told this little lass since she was old enough to understand." he motioned to his daughter.

"And that would be sir," Alphinaud asked

"That no matter how gloomy the present, there is always a brighter morrow." Ilex said softly, "Don't just ignore the problems cause that isn’t going to make them go away.  But also don't let them consume you."

Alphinaud turned contemplative for a moment surprise clear in his eyes as he murmured quietly, "Dawn may banish even the darkest night...."  He then shook himself and gave the first genuine smile of the night stating, "I understand sir thank you,  I shall bear that in mind."

Tataru beamed stating, "Oi he's right Alphinaud,  Fore long well find the others and then the Scions will be doing what they do best, protecting the future of Eorzea."

The young Elezen looked down at her and smiled, "Aye your right, then he stood bowing to both Ilex and Antoinette, "Sir, madam this has been a pleasurable evening you have my deepest thanks for the food and the advice."

Ilex laughed, "Your welcome lad, honestly with how you and yours have treated our daughter we consider you family,"

Alphinaud nodded his smile widening, "We are honored sir, for she is family to us."

Tianne just smiled back stating, "We best be getting back to the Manor before the Count worries that something has happened to us."

"Aye, aye plus Alphi and I need to be up early for our assigned tasks," Tataru added.

Tianne nodded, "As do I Lord  Artoirel is heading to Falcon's Nest first thing in the morning,"

"Take care you three," Antoinette told them as they made their way to the door, "Don't be strangers, know that your always welcome in our home."

Alphinaud bowed and Tataru curtsied both thanking them once more before taking their leave.

Tianne stood and her father rested a hand on her shoulder kneeling down to look his daughter in the eye, "Storms are coming to Ishgard lass, and I don't mean the natural ones, take care,"

She smiled at him touched by his concern, "Worry not father, my friends and I have weathered such time and again. We will be alright."

She then hugged them both before joining her comrades outside.  Together the trio made their way back to the Pillars through the gentle snow fall.

"I hope your right daughter," Ilex stated softly watching their forms retreat before closing the door to the elements.