#ffxiv sb retelling

[jefarawol]

When that adventurer caught us falling upon the patrol, I had feared that the game was up. But thankfully, the other two were blind fools. All this time watching me, and they didn't see a thing. Hehehe...

We've only skimmed the tome, but it seems you were right. About what happened to Lord Vainchelon.

Was there ever any doubt? Once we return to Gridania and make this knowledge public, none shall harbor so much as a shred of sympathy for Ala Mhigo. That shall pave the way for us to propagate Lord Vainchelon's will...and advance our agenda.

At last we've uncovered Nourval's purpose, and the tome is right before our eyes, no less. Commander Heuloix spoke of a faction that vehemently opposes our aiding Ala Mhigo. I daresay we have found them. But how did Nourval come to lead such a crew? And what is this talk of Vainchelon?

What, the Gridanian general sung about in nigh a hundred songs, who led our forces against Gylbarde in the Autumn War?

Only to die of an illness before the fighting was over. Aye, the very same. Having lost his leadership, we would have lost the war entirely had the other nations not come to our aid.

Don't know about the rest of you, but it seems to me our damning little secret pertains to Vainchelon.

And Nourval seeks to use it to stoke the fires of anti-Ala Mhigan sentiment to some sinister end. This cannot be borne─we cannot let them have the journal! Are you with me?

Always.

[jefarawol]

As quickly as he had returned into my life, Estinien was gone again. After learning that the eyes had become a new primal he was determined to track it down, even if he couldn't face it himself locating it would be useful for those who could.

Eager to understand whatever had woken in me I tried as I could to repeat it. Even with help an aids from conjury and thaumaturgy tools I had barely more than a few linger wisps. It wasn't aether, what ever it was, and I struggled to try and form it again.

Sick of trying, I was ready to give up, and just in time. G'in, Alphinaud, Alisaie and Lyse had arrived from Gyr Abania. I was surprised of all people to see Lyse, considering the frontlines right now was her home land. I was happy to see them all, even though all they brought was sad news from the front.

At least they said, it was good to see me standing. Was that a blessing? I wasn't sure.

[jefarawol]

Upon hearing Meffrid was set to return to her home village, Lyse was buzzing with excitement and trepidation to get going again. I recalled Meffrid from our earlier adventures and was glad to see he had done well for himself. His quest today was to look for fresh recruits, and for us to do what we could to help.

At first light we set out to the place Lyse had once called her home.

Don't know you, traveler. You a merchant? You'll not find much custom here.

Greetings and well met, elder, and sincerest apologies that I did not send word ahead of our arrival. Too long have I been away from Ala Gannha, and I would know of your recent troubles.

Ah, you are comrades of Meffrid. I see, I see... Speak on, though I suspect I know your purpose.

The Griffin came with many men, and left with many more. Such is the rumor. Is it true?

He lit a fire in their hearts and then dangled a dream before their tired eyes. And now you come to steal away what few remain.

The Griffin was a traitor and a madman, and we had no part in his schemes. We have made an agreement with the Alliance─this time it will be different!

This time? This time!? Cold comfort to the dead and the ones they left behind! How much more must we give before you've had your fill?

But...but surely you hate the Empire as much as we do!?

They took our lands, our traditions, even our god. And they demand a fifth of what little we've got left. Aye, I hate the bastards. With every fiber of my being. But hate's not enough, Meffrid. I can't...we can't keep doing this. I'll not tell anyone you came, but you need to go. Now. Leave us be, and never return.

You've got no right to speak to us like that─

I've got a quarry that was producing barely enough to keep us fed, and that was before half our young men and women went off to die for your bloody cause! So yes, I've got every right to tell you to leave my village!

No. You don't. Because it's my village too. My home!

What in the hells are you on about─ Wait... I know those eyes. You're one of Curtis's girls!

Lyse. Lyse Hext. And I'm here...I'm here to take back my homeland.

By Rhalgr, the last time I saw you, you were... I didn't even know if you were still alive... And I never thought you would come─

I almost didn't. And my sister never will. Lots of others won't either...and that's why we've got to carry on the fight.

You even sound like him... As you say, I've got no right to tell you to leave. Ala Gannha is as much your home as it is mine. But I say to you again: we can give no more.

Yes, I heard you the first time. Let's go.

[jefarawol]

You'll forgive us our precautions, but we couldn't be sure who had crossed the barrier. We see you now for who you are, though─the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.

Now, I know you would not have come all this way unless you had something important to discuss, and I'm eager to hear what it is you have to say... But let's not do this on our doorstep, eh? Come with me.

Allow me to welcome you once more to Rhalgr's Reach, our humble headquarters. My name is Conrad Kemp, and I have the dubious honor of overseeing operations here.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Kemp. I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, as are my comrades.

Before I speak of our purpose here, pray allow me to thank you for sheltering Yda─forgive me─Lyse and Papalymo at great risk to yourselves and our other comrades.

Now, now, there's no need for that. They risked their necks for us enough times. 'Twas the least we could do.

I-I wanted to... I mean, about the mask and...

Ahhh, don't fret over that. You're not the first person to take up arms against the Empire under a false name. We'd do the same if we had any sense. ...My condolences for your loss, child.

Papalymo laid down his life to save us─to give us a chance to make a better future for ourselves.

[jefarawol]

They were all waiting for me when I returned to the Castrum that night, part of me felt a little bad for making them wait. But as I said to them 'I am the Warrior of Light, and I was left alone and unsupervised so naturally I had to go find an exciting adventure that was broiled in kidnapping to keep me entertained.'

It was nice to see my lost companions, all in one place. I couldn't have known then that in a few short weeks one of them would be gone forever and my own life would be hanging by a thread.

Would I have still made the same journey? Followed Lyse across the harsh wilderness I had yet had a chance to explore? Could I have done anything differently?

[jefarawol]

We found some ruins to spend the night, lighting a fire in relative safety. We slept in shifts, seemed unnecessary since nothing disturbed us but we couldn't be too careful out here.

In the morning, it didn't take long to make the final distance to where the entrance to the Reach lay. My friends went ahead, having their own work to return to, leaving us to follow when we were ready.

[jefarawol]

After a walk around to see the various work on going, seeing Inga hard at work in the infirmary, we met back up with Alphinaud and Alisaie checking out the trade and supplies. It would be good to know what was lacking in case we could help them source a new avenue while we were here.

After a short while M'naago came to find us again to deliver the outcome.

Thank you all for waiting. We have reached a consensus. I, Conrad Kemp, do hereby accept the Eorzean Alliance's proposal. You must understand, however, that our cooperation comes with certain caveats.

Those caveats being...?

I take no joy in this, just so you know. Were it within my power, I'd offer you more assistance. But the Resistance is far more fragmented than you realize. The men and women in my care belong to but one of many factions.

Simply put, I can only speak for the people of Rhalgr's Reach. Now, I have every intention of appealing to the others, and I expect many will agree─but it will take time, and I cannot guarantee universal support.

Understood. I shall see that the Alliance is under no misapprehensions as to your position.

Much obliged...but that's not the whole of it. As you can imagine, the loss of those who cast their lot with the Griffin left us short on numbers. Some of our most trusted veterans died at the Wall, and we've had to fill their posts with the young and inexperienced. Frankly, everything's in a right bloody mess.

Oh, we'd be more than happy to help you get back on your feet. If we're going to work together, we'll be doing ourselves a favor!

Well, there's no shortage of work to be done, that's for sure. We're in dire need of new blood too.

Y'shtola and I could lend a hand in the infirmary. From what I saw, they could do with a few more healers.

Very well. I, for my part, shall return to the Rising Stones. I am certain there are others among the Scions who would welcome the opportunity to fight for Ala Mhigan liberation.

Um... Is there anything else we can do to help?

I had something else in mind for you lot. M'naago and Meffrid will tell you more.

Understood. We won't let you down.

[jefarawol]

We've continued our surveillance of Nourval's activities. It's beyond a shadow of a doubt that he has an ulterior motive. In order to find the tome, it's past time we took our search to the field, but always he finds an excuse to stall.

Whenever I suggest investigating this ruin or that, he will inevitably claim we haven't enough information. 'Tis plain he doesn't want us out there.

Nay, bastard wants all that outside goodness for himself. But try as we might, we haven't been able to find out where he sneaks off to. Warier than a bird, that one. Meanwhile, the masked bandits continue ambushing Alliance patrols, and they always know exactly where and when to strike. It's as though they have insider knowledge of patrol routes. The only explanation being there's a mole in the garrison leaking them intelligence.

And who could that mole be save for Nourval? Every move of his marks him as the prime suspect. We know little and less of Nourval's plot, but it can only lead to ill. We must needs bring it to light, and swiftly, before he can do any more harm. To that end, Guydelot and I have been keeping Nourval close, allowing him no chance to act. By now he will be positively itching to rendezvous with his accomplices.

And this is where you come in, Jefara. We need you to feed Nourval some false information─that I am in an Alliance meeting, and Guydelot...a drunken stupor. Our man will not pass up the chance to sneak out, and he is like to do so with greater haste than usual. This will afford us an opening to shadow him to his destination.

Drunken stupor? Really?

Would you rather I say youre between some maidens legs?

Excuse me you-!

Jefara please... Not so flattering, I know, but you cannot deny that it's believable. Now then, Jefara, pray go to Nourval and plant our misinformation. Once you have done so, come and meet us outside the castrum.

With our own trap set and Nourval falling for it so easily, this time we were ready to tail him out. We stalked him down to the ruins at Ger Kehim, There we found him meeting with the bandits. and low and behold they had found the tome we were looking for.

[jefarawol]

Together, we faced the siren, bringing her luring days to an end. With her demise the skies cleared and the once desolate and decaying place turned to calm seas. I couldn't imaging how many poor sailors had lost their lives to her shrill and captivating voice, lost souls who deserved a better fate. At least now the next to pass would not be lured to their deaths.

As we prepared to leave something caught my eye, a sword discarded on the floor no doubt from others who had tried to stop the voids spirit. Seeing the blade, reminded me of the one The Crown prince had wielded. A strange part of me wanted to take it and Carvallain applauded me on my 'plunder' claiming if I didn't take he would add it to its collection.

I took it for myself. Part of me curious to learn how to fight with it in place of my bow and gun. The other part? To know my enemy. If I could master the weapon he used, could I use that to defeat him?

Lyse arrived to check we were all fine, the ship being cleared of enemies in record time. Together we returned to the Misery to continue our journey.

[jefarawol]

When we got to the entrance to the Reach there were already wounded being rescued from the hideout. M'naago, Arenvald and Krile, all leading out wounded or wounded themselves.

When we heard that it was the Skulls attacking we hurried in, Alphinaud bidding Arenvald to start escorting towards the Castrum, Krile re-joined us to help more of the wounded inside.

At first we couldn't see our comrades as we began to fight our way through. There were already so many dead or wounded. If only we could have gotten their quicker, many good people, some we had only just met lost their lives that day.

As we found the others wounded and dying, Alphinaud and Krile took to them to begin healing, I saw Y'shtola lying there and I feared the worst. Who could have done that to her? I was about to find out.

[jefarawol]

There will never be a better time to drive the Garleans from our lands. But we have to take the lead on this─we can't leave it to fanatics like Ilberd.

More than a few of our people were taken in by his promises. Followed him all the way to the Wall. Good men and women who never came back. When M'naago told us what had happened─how the bastard had made sacrifices of them for his twisted ritual─by Rhalgr, it filled me with an unholy fury... But what's done is done. Best we can do now is see that it wasn't all in vain.

That is why we are here today, sir─to see that some good comes of this tragedy. On behalf of the Eorzean Alliance, we do hereby extend a formal offer of military assistance to the Ala Mhigan Resistance.

Do you, now? Well, go on then. I'm sure there's more to it than that. ...So that's the way of it, eh? The Alliance, hoping to avoid a direct confrontation with the superior forces of the Empire, wishes to engage them by proxy with our vastly inferior ones? My comrades and I must confer on your proposal. A moment, if you please...

Of course, Master Kemp. Take all the time you require. So...it would seem we find ourselves with a surfeit of free time─

Ah, forgive me. You are free to look around Rhalgr's Reach. In fact, I would encourage you to do so. It'll give you a better grasp of our current circumstances.

Thank you, Master Kemp. I believe we will do just that. Let us make the most of this opportunity and assess the Resistance's capabilities.

Free to poke our noses wheresoever we will, eh? I like the sound of that.

Well, I already know this place inside out. I can show you around if you like, Jefara?

[jefarawol]

Sanson’s words were lost as the elezen kissed him. His eyes growing wide with disbelief as he felt lips against his own. Was this really happening? Sanson couldn't think. His hand reached up and came to rest at the base of Guydelot's neck as he returned the kiss with enthusiasm.

Jefara, forgotten, chuckled lightly as they continued to kiss. Starting to walk back towards where Jehantel had gone. ~“Make sure you get that leg sorted!” She called back. Her shout barely registered, lost in each other as it were, until Guydelot gripped him tighter and he felt the pain in his leg again grimacing. “Forgive me.” The bard chuckled. Sanson noted that his ears were pink, his fingers trailed up to the base causing Guydelot to shudder. “Now now,” the elezen chided. “There will be time later for that…” “Later…” Sanson repeated back dazed. “If I had known kissing would render your tongue quiet I would have done it sooner.” “You're insufferable.” Sanson shook his head clearing some of the haze.  “You love it.” Guydelot began to head back, adjusting Sanson's weight again. “I do.” Sanson agreed, he could hear how silly it sounded and knew Guydelot would be storing it to tease him with later.

The bard never left his side, staying close as he was given to a healer and checked over. His leg had been broken, Sanson recalled how his assailants had kicked and stamped on him as they took him captive to incapacitate him. Guydelot took his hand and scooted onto the bed as the healers and Commander Heuloix had left. Together they surrendered the tome, with the condition of revealing it when the time was right. Vorsaile pledged his support and convinced Sanson to continue rising the ranks to lend his own voice to the fight, once that was, when Sanson was recovered. He would have a few weeks of rest and recuperation before he could return to active service.

“He's right you know,” Guydelot smiled leaning into him. “You may have been injured but you completed the mission.” “You think I have what it takes?” Sanson looked at him.  “I do, and I'll be at your side the whole time,” Guydelot pressed a small kiss to his ears causing Sanson's face to flush again. “If that's what you want...” Sanson sighed, the doubts he had rising to the surface, now was a good time to say them before things developed further.  “I have to ask you something, to know that you're sure… About me…” Sanson looked away shyly. “Ask away.” 

“What about the bar maidens? And your other lovers?” Sanson felt his face heating up. “Am I just another notch in your bed post?” “You think I have other lovers?” He chuckled. “Oh Sanson, you are adorable!” “Stop it!” Sanson flicked him. “I've seen you with women!” “Have you ever seen me kiss one? Or take one to bed?” Guydelot grinned at him, Sanson stared as he thought back. Had he ever seen it? “...No…” “Would it shock you to learn that I have no interest in the opposite sex?” “You don't..?”  Only men, and only one in particular for what it's worth.” “Only me..?” Sanson shivered at the implication of Guydelot's words. “Only you.” He placed a gentle kiss on Sanson's neck. “Since the day we met my bed has been cold, hoping for the day where you would be the one to warm it.” “I think it's my bed you're warming right now...”

“Gods you two are sickening,” a voice cut over them.

They both looked up, eyes meeting with their small companion. “Jefara!” The Warrior of Light stepped through the door and towards Sanson's sick bed. “You look like you are getting along finally?” “Oh I am sure I'll continue to vex Sanson in the coming days.” Guydelot smiled smugly. “He is so fun to tease being all lovey-dovey for me.” “So I shouldn't tell him how panicked you were when he was taken?” “Don't you dare-” “Oh Jefara I can't lose him!” She mocked flailing her arms dramatically. Sanson chuckled. “Was he really?” Guydelot huffed and chuckled.  “She's got me there,” he nuzzled into the hyur. “Did you speak to the Elderseer?” “I did. Needless to say some Brass Hats are going to have some stern words spoken to them.” Jefara smiled. “She was deeply upset to learn that personal friends of the Warrior of Light had been left for dead.”

She held out her hands to them, each one taking hold, their larger hands dwarfing hers completely. “You both don't know, just how much you changed my life. When I met you both in Dravania…” she squeezed their hands. “I was ready to give up everything. You both pulled me back from the darkest part of my life.” They both looked at her surprised by her words. The raw honesty humbling to them both from such a powerful woman. “It's an honour to have been able to fight at your side.” “That should be our line!” Sanson returned. “It is us who are privileged to fight with you!” She smiled at him. “I look forward to seeing what you both become together.” She paused for a moment with a sad look to her face. “I have to return to the Wall. I fear my absence will be noticed now. As loathed as I am to leave you, I can see you will be well cared for.” “I'll take good care of him, rest assured! And should you ever need us, we will answer your call.” Guydelot nodded at her.

“Until we meet again my friends.” “May the Matron guide you.” “May your voice sing true.”

[jefarawol]

Hmph, perhaps you are not such blind fools after all. Very well, take your journal. Aye, take it! Read it! Know the vile crime the Ala Mhigans committed against Lord Vainchelon─against my own blood! And see the folly of aiding such honorless people!

Wh-What do you mean, your own blood?Sanson: Did I mishear? Did he just say that Vainchelon was his ancestor?

Aye, that's what it sounded like. Vainchelon, the folk hero loved by all, celebrated in countless songs...and that pain in the rear's his descendant. Never would've guessed. Anyroad, we've got bigger concerns. Let's see what this musty old tome's hiding.

“To Vainchelon I extended an invitation to negotiate peace. The meeting must be in secret, I explained, for not all of my officers share my view. My opponent accepted and arrived at the appointed hour.”

Peace? Everybody knows there weren't no peace on offer. The hells' this about?

Wait, it continues: “Without suspicion, he took his seat. And without suspicion, he drank the poisoned wine. The effect was swift and sure, and within moments the man lay dead at my feet.”

Wait, Vainchelon was murdered? By poison!?

To this day, Lord Vainchelon remains an object of worship among many Gridanians. Were they to learn of this, the present grumblings against Ala Mhigan liberation are liable to grow into large-scale protests. 

There's no denying that some Ala Mhigans did some terrible things in the past, but what Nourval's trying to do ain't no better. Might be as he's after the truth, but nothing good'll come of this, and certainly not any decent songs.

[jefarawol]

Gentlemen! I am told you were most unreceptive to my associate's requests. I realize you do not look kindly on the Confederacy and her ways. But if you refuse to pay the Ruby Tithe, your safety in these waters cannot be assured.

Spare me your concern, pirate. Your feeble attempts at extortion will not work on us. You remain at large because we allow it─because you are such insignificant little pests that we see no need to swat you.

But if you wish to risk the ire of the viceroy, by all means, fire upon an imperial vessel. Give us a reason to bring the full might of the Garlean Empire to bear against your pathetic fleet.

Bastards!

Gentlemen. Surely the fact that you have such limitless resources at your disposal gives you all the more reason to spare some few coins for the less fortunate?

All talk, just as I thought. Come─let us away. I have no time for this rubbish.

We're all the same to them, aren't we? Savages to be ruled or slaughtered.

They've always balked at paying the Ruby Tithe. But they were never so eager to pick a fight... The problem, you see, is that many of my comrades in the Confederacy are of Doman descent─and the acting viceroy...well, she's none too fond of Domans, to say the least.

If we take any action to hinder the safe passage of an imperial vessel, she'll accuse us of attempting to foment rebellion and brand us enemies of the Empire─which we can ill afford to be. Like the man said, we're all talk.

And where do the Kojin stand in all this?

With the winning side, of course. They are mercenaries to a fault, eager to offer their services without coercion. The shellback could tell you more...though something tells me he would rather not.

I don't understand. If the Garleans are causing the Confederacy this much trouble─and if so many of you are Doman to begin with─why aren't you willing to fight back?

Hahaha! Spoken like a true friend of the Doman Liberation Front. If you're planning to rouse us with noble words and grand promises─don't bother. We all know what the imperial army can do. Compared to them, we're boys with boats. Besides, what ties a man may once have held to his home are forsaken upon joining the Confederacy. We look out for none but our own.

Be that as it may, our livelihood is under threat, and the captain will need to decide soon whether we are to go down in a blaze of glory or bow and scrape for crumbs from the Emperor's table. ...All while our friend the viceroy continues her purge of Doma's “radical elements.” I believe she's holding court in one of the fishing villages even as we speak.

That she-devil! Her perfidy knows no bounds! She must be stopped. Come, let us find Soroban and put to sea at once!

Tell the others that these ones have paid. We all have places to be.

[jefarawol]

Have at you! AAAHHH!

Was that...? That was Gosetsu! I'm sure of it! He's in trouble!

Lyse, wai─ <sigh> ...I suppose we should follow her, then.

Victory to the samurai!

Hah hah hah hah hah! How many is that, now? Ten in a row?

Gosetsu!

Oho! This is a surprise! What in blue blazes are you three doing here?

I could ask you the same thing! We've been looking all over for you─and then I suddenly heard you screaming!

Hmm... It would seem there has been a misunderstanding. Allow me to explain...

...So, in summary: you started a brawl with some off-duty imperial soldiers and were subsequently arrested by the Sekiseigumi, whom you somehow befriended and convinced to set you free if you could defeat a given number of them in single combat?

Ten bouts for my freedom, aye! 'Tis but a pity you came too late to witness the last one. And with that, I am free to go, yes?

Our word, once given, may not be broken─but we pray you make every effort to avoid future altercations.S Circumstances notwithstanding, my lord, we are honored and grateful to have witnessed firsthand the skill of a Doman samurai.

Ah. And we had just concluded negotiations. I gather my assistance was not required?

[jefarawol]

With the coast clear we managed to make it back to the Ruby Bazaar where Hancock awaited out return. He was joyed to see us safe, having hear the alarms and the foot traffic outside when the Sekiseigumi had come by. He was surprised by our new friend, Soroban as he introduced himself.

The kojin was eager to make in with the East Aldenald Trading Company, he had seen an opportunity and took it. aiding us to help him get his foot in the door. Hancock admired his tenacity, agreeing to hear his proposals. We thanked him for our service and became excited to learn that the kojin himself had a ship set to return to the Ruby Sea. Happy to wait for our business to conclude, he elected to remain to make the journey back with all of us together.