#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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Twelve be praised! Full sure was I that I had come too late.

Urianger? Tell me you haven't come all this way just to see us off.

Nay, my lady. Ere you quit these shores for eastern climes, I wished to share some words of seeming import. “Look ye where the sun doth rise, see crimson embers, dark'ning skies... Look ye where the sun doth fall, see azure lost amidst the squall.”

Well that sounds suitably foreboding. Another one of your prophecies, I presume?

Of Far Eastern origin, aye. It is mine earnest hope that this ancient wisdom may serve to guide you on your journey, for what dangers lie in wait for you upon those distant shores are yet beyond my knowing.

A parting gift befitting your roundabout ways. Thank you.

I have more than words for you, my lady.

It's beautiful... Is it for me?

Though undeniably powerful, your aetherial blade taxeth you greatly in the wielding. Not so this rapier, which shall serve you just as well 'gainst all but the most formidable foe.

Impressive... It feels as though it's attuned to my aether. I shall treasure it.

Honored guests! Say your farewells, for the moment of our parting draws nigh! A fair wind blows, and I mean to follow it!

It would seem our ship is set to sail. Pray give my regards to Thancred and the others. And...take care.

[jefarawol]

“So,” Jefara looked out over the harbour. “How long have you know about your pirate friend?” “I don’t know what you mean?” Artoirel looked at her, his expression plain. The waited patiently for Stephanivien and Barham to finish purchasing some supplied the auri had requested. “Is that how you’re going to play it tesó?” she looked at him feigning distress. “How cruel of you to keep secrets from your sister.” “That’s not fair!” Artoirel spluttered looking down at her. “I-”

“What’s not fair?” Both Artoirel and Jefara startled and turned to the approaching voice. “Aymeric!?” She cried joyfully, her feet already taking her across the white wash stone to jump into his arms. “Hello mon étoile,” He held out his hands eagerly. He gripped her tightly as her feet left the ground, catching her easily as she threw her arms around his neck. “What are you doing here?!” she gasped looking at him before dropping a small kiss on his lips. “You think I would let you leave without saying goodbye?” Aymeric smiled and brushed a stray hair aside. “A little Lordling told me of your upcoming expedition so I came to see you off. He said it might be sometime before you return again.”

“Oh, Aymeric!” Stephanivien hollered as they re-joined them. “Fancy seeing you here.” “Unofficially” he winked at the machinist. “Lucia is covering for me, I’ll be here until the morning when you are scheduled back to Ishgard.” “Shame to go back, I was rather enjoying the sun.” Artoirel sighed softly. “Is it safe for you to be seen together? Aren’t you worried someone might recognise you.” “Such a bustling city no one seems to pay anyone mind.” Barham smiled. “No one here will stick their nose into others business for fear of making enemies with the wrong person.” “It doe seem to be the way of people here,” Stephanivien agreed. “You should go have dinner together! The Bismarck is wonderful”

“Dinner sounds like a wonderful idea.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

It was wonderful, to stroll across the walkways of Limsa together hand in hand. no-one looked at us, or paid us any notice at all. We sat and had dinner together both of us trying the local cuisine. It was heart warming to see Aymeric so carefree and a lot of the anxiety I had been feeling about the Crowned Prince and travelling to Doma dissipated like it never existed.

As the sun set over the horizon, the trepidation of leaving sunk back in again as we made our way back to the inn. I was torn between staying with Aymeric and returning back to my homeland, realization that even on my homecoming it would be short lived and I would leave again. My home, was with him. I could only hope that my tribe would understand. I loved them all dearly and missed them, but Aymeric was my life and now more than ever I just wanted to lose myself in his fierce blue eyes and let him carry me away back to the snowy plains of Coerthas.

[jefarawol]

Alisaie at first was unsure on the Captain Tataru had employed, being that he was indeed a pirate. Not that he would admit it, a 'Spice Trader' he was by trade. It took some gentle negotiation and some shady encouragement from Tataru to keep both ourselves and the Kraken's amicable.

It was then something she said that triggered an old memory in my mind. A familiarity with an acquaintance of my recent travels. I had no proof other than her honey laced words, not until later that night when I had some unexpected visitors.

With everything that had happened recently, I was shocked to find Artoirel and Stephanivien knocking on the door to mine and apa's room. the sun suited them both bringing life to them I'd never seen. They had been peacefully enjoying a delayed honeymoon, now that Ishgard was settled into her new routine.

They only had a few days left before their airship back to the Holy see and I was happy to see them. When we told them we would be sailing on the Misery they shared a look, that was when I knew. but neither of them breathed a word, knowing fully well who it was I was sailing with as i would find out much later.

[jefarawol]

"It's going to sound completely crazy but bare with us." Alphinaud stood before her. "I'm listening." She looked at him, as he took a breath. "The Reach is undermanned and wont withstand another attack. They need time and resources to help build it back up to what it was. But there is a risk that the Garlean Crown Prince might make another attack."

Jara hissed lightly at the mention of the beast who had maimed her. "Easy lánya," she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We've come up with a plan to distract the empire long enough so that the Alliance can send back up and get the Ala Mhigans back where they need to be." "Go on..." "What do you know of Prince Zenos?"

Again she bristled. She swallowed hard. "Only what I saw in battle," she spoke through her teeth. "Metal beast with blades that can cut through even the strongest steel." "What about his military role?" "He is a legatus is he not?" Barham chipped in behind them. "You're correct. He is also the Viceroy of Ala Mhigo and one other place." "Oh?" Jefara wondered where he was going with this, realizing now how very little she knew about the inner workings of the Garlean Empire.

All of the Scions present looked between Jefara and Barham, a nervous energy starting to build around them. “Doma...” Alisaie finally filled the brewing tension. “Doma...” Jefara repeated. Her thoughts instantly turned to Yugiri and Gosetsu, and to his parting gift. “You want to go to Doma?!” “Yes.” Alphinaud picked back up. “Turn the enemies gaze eastward, find our friends and offer ourselves to the Doman Liberation.” “Then afterwards,” Alisaie hummed excitedly. “We thought we could find your home.” Jefara turned to Barham who remained in his position leaning against the wall. his face was full of conflicting emotions, all of which Jefara could feel in herself. “Apa...?” She stood. “If we do this... We can...“ “Yes lánya,” He came forward to meet her, taking her hand softly. He cupped her face with his hand stroking her cheek with his thumb. “We can return home.” “We’ve already began to make arrangements,” Alphinaud beamed. “We are to meet Tataru in Limsa as soon as you are ready too.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

We were both floored by the anticipation of returning home, so without delay we packed what little we had and hurried to Limsa Lominsa. Tataru had already had the forethought to have our other things we might need brought from the Rising stones. I still had some unease, even as I smelt the salt air in my lungs. What would it be like to see my family again, to bring my apa home after all this time?

The journey was not going to be short, according the the Captain that Tataru had managed to secure helping us. He informed us that we would begin the journey in a few days, enough time for us all to finish preparing and make ready.