#rak'tika

[amymja]

Y'shtola Rhul

[finalfantabee]

Magical world.

~

I grinded out the Rak'tika fates solely for this minion (and maybe the Lahee orchestrion roll).

Also, this haircut isn't forever, but I just fancied a change! Stunning mashup by Griff.

[kaidawrite-a]

Day 21 - Shade

Run along and fish, little light.

The one in Rak'tika. Half introspection, mild interaction with Emet-Selch.

SHB spoilers, no warnings.

[leejafythe]

Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 12

The Qitana Ravel - Originally posted here

Y’shtola read out yet another riddle and asked Leeja to find he correct statue to feed aether into. When she pointed out the owl statue, Y’shtola cast her aether into it and a shortly after, a click and a thunk was heard behind them. “You really do have a talent for these things.” Y’shtola smiled at Leeja, who just grinned before grimacing as her head began to throb painfully. “Leeja, are you alright?” She asked as the dancer squeezed her eyes shut and stumbled a little. “Easy, I’ve got you. What seems to be the problem?” “Migraine… It’s gotten worse after Il Mheg” Leeja murmured. Y’shtola pressed her fingers to her temples gently, easing the pain to help her focus. “The way should be clear now. Come, let us─” Almet began. Both she and Leeja looked up at someone approached. Leeja freed her chakrams from her waist and linked them to her hands. “Sister! Sister!” Cymet stopped and panted.  “Cymet? What are you doing here? What has happened?”  “Eulmoran soldiers. They have entered Yx'Maja!” Cymet told them. Both miqo’tes looked at each other.  “Eulmoran soldiers!? And what of the Blessed?” Y’shtola asked, worried.  “Nothing specific, but it seems the Eulmorans had little interest in Slitherbough or its people. According to our scouts, their general and his men made all haste for the gate to Yx'Maja upon finding it. Together with Thancred, Uimet and some few others have engaged them at the border.” Almet sent Cymet back to assist. “Well, out time crunch is running out. Let’s go” Leeja said quickly as she headed up toward where she heard a door open. 

Y’shtola and Almet joined Leeja who had found her way into a chamber. “I swear, if the Eulmorans harm so much as a hair on the heads of the Blessed…” Y’shtola hissed. Leeja looked at her. “Trust me, I’ll join you with burning them to the ground.” Leeja muttered.  “The switch should be through these doors, in the Confessional of Toupasa the Elder. But why is it not open?” Almet wondered, Y’shtola looked at the wall, as if following a path with her eyes. “What are you seeing, Shtola?” Leeja asked her.  “Magick appears to be flowing through the walls, but it's being obstructed as it approaches the door. ...Hmmm. Is it not strange that only one of these pedestals bears an owl statue?” She murmured. Almet and Leeja looked at each other. “Scavenger hunt for the owl then it seems!” They split up and began to look through the various chambers before meeting back up toward the back. Leeja found the statue and got ready to carry it through the hall.  “We need but return it to the other altar, no?” Almet said as Y’shtola looked at it. “One might assume so, but nothing about these ruins has ever been quite so simple. I sensed a strange energy emanating from the eyes of the statues in the corridors of this place. Should this figure be moved, it would not surprise me for them to suddenly stir to life.” “Sooo, it’s a trap then?” Leeja asked, sighing softly. “One day, something will go swimmingly and we won’t fall into anymore traps.” Leeja headed back to the main chamber, managing to avoid various traps and critters that had made it inside. She placed it down on the pedestal by the door and Y’shtola confirmed that the magick flowed from the statue to the door as it rumbled open.

Before they entered, Almet told them all about the dangers of the temple. When she finished with the explanation, she handed Leeja and Y’shtola whisperweeds, the linkpearls of the First, it seemed. They were able to be clipped to their ears and they began to make their way through quickly and carefully, trying to avoid traps, being attacked by giant golems that were distracted by copies and let them run through the chamber. They were chased by boulders going downhill, making them dip and dive into small areas that kept them alive. At te end, they jumped down. The landed in a channel of water that waited for them, and they heard the whisperweeds come to life. “ Sister! They have reached the temple! I fear they are too fast for us. ” “It is unheard of for anyone to outpace the Viis. What is this man who comes after you?” Almet asked. “Probably Ran’jit. We’re running out of time, especially if he’s here. We need to go” Leeja panted softly and they began to run once more. They were cut off by one more set of doors. “Another door. Wonderful... I can but imagine what awaits us inside.” Y’shtola grumbled. 

As the doors in front of them opened, the doors at the far end of the corridor opened as well. “There you are!” “Shite, time’s up!” Leeja growled. She grabbed her chakrams and tethered them to her hands. “Go, I’ve got him!” She began to throw her attacks, only for the rest of the viis and Y’shtola to help fight. Until they were told to go into the final chamber. Both Leeja and Y’shtola cast their aether before pushing the heavy stone doors open. At the far end of the chamber, they found their prize. Y’shtola distracted the two golems inside keeping guard and Leeja ran onto the end quickly. 

Ran’jit launched himself toward Leeja. Only to be stopped by Y’shtola and her barrier. The Eulmoran Adjutant ran into the chamber, stepping on a button that blended into the ground and began to glow orange. It was a trap, and the floor began to crumble away under them, leaving a giant gap between the back chamber and the door. “Well done, moron! Now we’re trapped” Leeja hissed, pressing a heavy boot onto his fingers and pressing down ever so slightly. She wouldn’t break his fingers, of course, but it was enough to get the message across. 

“How was I supposed to known that was going to happen!? It looked like any other part of the floor! …Might now be an opportune time to strike a bargain? We poisoned a number of villagers in Slitherbough with a toxin brewed for us by the Children. This is the antidote. I daresay you know how potent their concoctions are ─ and the futility of trying to counteract their effects. Now, now. Try anything here and we're all likely to fall. Eventually, someone will come to our rescue. Or yours. Promise us safe passage and we'll give you the antidote! Do we have a deal?” The man practically begged as he stood up slowly and carefully. Leeja wanted to kick him down the hole, make him suffer, but she was a lot nicer than that. Because Ran’jit did it in her stead. “We do not negotiate with the enemy. The villagers' lives are forfeit. As is yours…” As the Adjutant fell, the cure for the poison left his hands. Y’shtola left forward and grabbed it quickly, tossing it to Leeja. “Do not fail” was all she said, a smile on her face and a sudden gust of wind that came from nowhere. “Y’SHTOLA!” “How noble. And pointless.” Ran’jit muttered.

Leeja wanted to scream at him. Call him all the names under the sun but she (barely) kept her calm. “Is everyone alright?” Minfilia ran around the corner. “Stop! The floor has fallen away and its still crumbling!” Leeja shouted at her, watching the young woman stop. Behind her, Thancred and Urianger followed closely. “Urianger!” Thancred began to sprint as Urianger manifested a long, golden rope that wound itself around Ran’jit and pulled him backward into the pit. Thancred launched himself off the edge, cutting the tether. Ran’jit fell into the pit as Thancred dug his gunblade into the wall, leaving him hanging there. “Thancred!?”  “I’m alright!” Leeja peered over the gap as a wave of nausea hit her. She held out a hand that he barely managed to grab. As he pulled his weapon free, Leeja used all her strength to pull him up, stumbling backward and laying on the ground, panting hard. “Wait, where’s Y’shtola?” Minfilia asked suddenly. “Oh, we have a lot to discuss but first, this is the cure for the poison” Leeja said, holding the bottle up. “Hold onto it tight then. Now, how in the hells are we getting out of here?” 

Leeja attuned to her gunbreaker stone quickly and checked her ammo. “Hm… Can I steal a cartridge? I’ve got an idea” she turned and looked at Thancred as he handed her one. She slotted it into the barrel and moved back against the wall. She took a deep breath, said a silent prayer to Althyk and lept across the whole, giving her an extra force as she triggered the single cartridge. As she landed, and barely at that, Urianger grabbed her quickly, pulling her back and helped her down to the ground. “Than…cred” she wheezed, squeezing her eyes closed as she heard the exact same sunt she pulled. Minfilia knelt down next to Leeja.  “Are you alright?” She asked, worrying slightly. “Give her some space, Minfilia.” Thancred pulled her away gently. “Heights and Leeja do not go well together. He knelt down in front of Leeja. “Deep breaths, darling. Squeeze my hand when you’re ready” he spoke calmly. When she was ready, she squeezed his hand and stood up slowly.  “Thanks” she whispered quietly and brushed herself down with very shaky hands. “Let’s get out of here…” She walked slowly until she got her bearings again and they met up with the viis outside, and she told them everything that happened in the chamber. 

“Why would she do such a thing?” Minfilia asked, stunned. Leeja groaned softly at the migraine that burst behind her eyes.  “She did it to save the Night’s Blessed. Had she not have done it, the antidote would be lost at the bottom of the cave.” Leeja murmured.  “What ails you, my friend?” Urianger noticed the pain Leeja was in. “Migraine. Started just after we left Il Mheg and it’s getting worse” Urianger hummed for a moment and did his best to settle the pain. “Thank you, Urianger. That feels better now” she gave him a tired smile. Thancred spoke with the viis to see if it was possible to survive the fall, but got nowhere. They were alerted to the fact that the Eulmorans and the Children had fled Yx'Maja and Slitherbough, but a lot were poisoned. “Then we must act quickly. If you've a spare vial, Minfilia and I can deliver it to the Blessed at Slitherbough.” Leeja threw it carefully to Thancred. “What about Y’shtola?” Minfilia asked, looking at all of them.  “I know it seems callous of us to leave, but she leapt into that hole for a reason.” “He’s right, Minfilia. Go, help the Blessed and meet us at Fanow when you’re done.” She hesitated before following Thancred as Leeja and Urianger made their way to Fanow.

As the pair ran toward where the stricken Blessed was, Leeja’s eyes widened. “Oh gods, Runar!” “'Twas he who forestalled the Eulmorans' procession. And in so doing, afforded thee time to lay low the Lightwarden. Quickly, the antidote.” Leeja nodded and carefully poured the antidote into his mouth and waited. Her hands trembled and she sat down on a bed next to Runar’s and waited. After a few tense moments, Runar groaned, making Leeja and Urianger breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank the twelve.” “It would appear the worst hath passed, though his wounds yet want for mending. I shall minister to him forthwith.”  “Do you need a hand? I’m happy to help” she offered. Urianger shook his head and gave her a soft smile. “Rest, Leeja, I prithee. I shall attend to Runar's ministrations.” She nodded and stayed sat on the bed, watching quietly. 

A short while later, Leeja heard Minfilia and Thancred approach. “Runar’s okay. What about those at Slitherbough?”

“We delivered the antidote to Slitherbough, and from what we could gather on the way here, the Eulmorans have had the good manners to withdraw. Thank the gods they did, or we would never have made it here in time. I'm told we have Runar and his comrades to thank for keeping the soldiers occupied prior to their retreat. They were preparing to come for you and Y'shtola, it seems, when Runar rallied the villagers and pursued them out of Slitherbough.” Thancred explained. When Runar opened his eyes, he sat up and looked around, confused. They explained what happened, and when Leeja told him of Y’shtola’s fate. Even if he didn’t accept it.  “We must begin the search immediately! I will come with you! She is alive. She is alive , damn you!” “Runar she–” they were interrupted by Almet who was followed by Emet-Selch.  “Oh look who it is” Thancred said sarcastically.  “Well...this is embarrassing. In my defence, they are surprisingly tenacious. So ─ what trouble have you gotten yourselves into this time?” Leeja gave him a brief overview of what had transpired. “My condolences, by the way. 'Tis never easy to lose the ones we love. Well, she is dead, isn't she? Wishing it were otherwise will not make it so.” Leeja’s hands balled into fists as Thancred snapped back a response. Minfilia looked at Leeja, who appeared lost in thought.

“You have something on your mind. What is it?” Everyone looked at Leeja. She looked at Thancred. “I’m beginning to wonder what really happened when she fell…”  “Pray recount to us again that which thou witnessed in the ruins, omitting not the slightest detail.” With a brief nod, she went through everything that happened.  “Flow…” Thancred said, realisation dawning on him at the wind from nowhere. “The teleportation magick she used to spirit us away from Ul'dah after the bloody banquet! I recall a similar gale in the tunnel before it took effect.” He explained. Emet explained that he felt a blip in the lifestream and even offered to bring her back. With hesitation, Leeja took the aetherial lamp he gave her and went to find a location that worked, being accompanied by Minfilia and Thancred. 

“Though I am loath to trust him, I suppose we have no choice. For now, at least.” Thancred said quietly.

“I know, but if he can indeed bring Y’shtola back, then that’s all that matters” Leeja held up the lamp up, watching it glow brighter and brighter. When it was blinding, Leeja whistled loudly, alerting everyone to their location. As Emet stepped forward, Leeja move back to give the space he oh so needed. As he peered into the lifestream, he found Y’shtola’s soul and with a snap of his fingers, pulled her free from it and back into the physical world once more. Another snap of his fingers and he returned her clothes to her once more. Thancred and Minfilia ran over to her quickly as Urianger followed behind them.. “Y’shtola? Are you alright?”

“Yes... Though I cannot imagine how. What happened?” She asked, looking around.  “Thou didst invoke the power of Flow, which thence did usher thy soul unto the Lifestream.” For a moment, there was no sound.  “I wanted to save the antidote, and after that…” she said, beginning to recall the memory, making her laugh. “I did something exceedingly reckless. For which you will just have to forgive me.” She looked back toward Leeja, who gave her a brief nod. Runar ran between them and picked up Y’shtola, surprising her as he span slowly. “Master Matoya! Thank Oh, thank the heavens you're all right! I had nearly given up hope.” “Please, Runar, dry your tears. What would the others think if they saw you like this? Come now ─ did you really think I would go gently into that dark night with so much left undone? So many mysteries left unsolved?” She gave the hrothgar a warm, smile as he put her down. The sound of Emet clearing his throat made them look at him. “Ahem. Is there aught you wish to say to me? A word of thanks , perhaps?” “Emet-Selch, the Ascian of whom I spoke. 'Twas he who plucked thee from the Lifestream.” Y’shtola thanked him. “I see. Thank you. Differences notwithstanding, you saved my life, and for that I am grateful. But let us turn our attention to more important matters, such as the Qitana Ravel. You had better not have explored its depths without me.” She grinned a Leeja who just shook her head. “Well. Almet and the others should be pleased to see you in such uncharacteristically high spirits. Let us return to Fanow, then, and discuss the coming expedition.” Thancred seemed much more relaxed, having Y’shtola back and they all made their way back.

All except for Leeja and Emet-Selch. Leeja watched her friends disappear in the distance and she just folded her arms instead, sighing a little. “What a touching reunion that was. It fair brought a tear to the eye. But as we both know, such tender moments are nothing if not momentary . Before long, they will remember their many differences, and return to squabbling.” Emet spoke. Leeja didn’t answer, just letting him talk instead. “Well, you seem in a particularly dour mood.” “It doesn’t matter.” “Clearly. We mustn't keep your friends waiting. Of you go” he urged. Leeja nodded a little, making her way back to Fanow in silence. 

As she approached everyone, they were already in deep conversation about the next Lightwarden in the Qitana Ravel. “Ah, there you are. When you weren’t behind us, I nearly came looking for you” Thancred looked at her. She responded with a small smile and leaned against one of the posts, listening silently to the conversation. Y’shtola looked at Leeja, wanting to know what happened to the Eulmorans and Leeja pointed toward Thancred.  “Ask them” was all she said. She raised an eyebrow before conversation returned back to talking about the Qitana Ravel and their next move. Leeja remained quiet and just listened.  “Though you see it as but another obstacle to be navigated, the Qitana Ravel is the oldest and most sacred of our temples. The accumulated knowledge of the empire is said to reside within. Knowledge which is rightly yours as allies of Ronka. You are welcome to explore.” Almet smiled. She directed them to the location they need to go and the Scions left, wanting to get the job done.

As they walked, Thancred fell back to walk with Leeja. “Migraine?” She gave him a small, confirming hum. “Nothing helping?” “No. I don’t know why either” she sighed. “I’ll be fine. I’ll just have to try and sleep it off when I get the chance” she mumbled.  “That’s not the only thing on your mind though” he said quietly. “I’m fine. I promise. Just the migraine.” Thancred hooked his pinky finger with hers and looked at her. “We can talk later” she said quietly. He nodded and they separated when they reached the doors. Leeja cast her aether into the door and heard it unlock as it shuddered opened.  “Right then. Shall we?” Y’shtola looked at them as they each nodded and headed inside.

As they ran through the temple, they noticed the engravings and carvings on the walls. Leeja and Y’shtola couldn’t help but look around in awe. In the middle of each chamber, they came across a Dreamer. Leeja tethered herself and Minfilia together and began her standard steps, and joined in the fight, throwing her chakrams and hiding behind the wall as the Dreamer controlled the owls on the walls, making them shoot out beams of light. The Dreamers fell and they moved onto the next chamber - full of Ronkan Idols and Ronkan Vessels. They didn’t put up much of a challenge and fell quickly. 

In the distance, they saw a set of doors and something standing between them and their route out. “What the hells is that?” Leeja murmured as they approached the Lozatl. As usual, Leeja called out points that were dangerous and that every needed to avoid. Once Lozatle fell, they continued on. 

As they ran through a cave, they were greeted by bats, lizards and anything else that called the Ravel home. From bats, to bees to even crocodiles that lived in the water ways. In the next chamber a giant batsquach floated in the middle, but that didn’t draw Leeja’s eye. The paintings on the walls did. “Zodiark… and Hydaelyn? What?” She stopped walking and just stared. She vaguely heard someone saying her name to get her attention. “Uh huh…” was all she responded with. “Leeja, darling, we’re here for the Lightwarden” Thancred blocked her view as she blushed. “Sorry…” Leeja began her technical steps and, once everyone felt the effects, they began the fight all over again. It slammed itself into the ground repeatedly, making pieces of the rock ceiling above them fall to the ground. “Lookout!” Leeja cried out as a rock fell onto her back as she pulled Minfilia out the way. “Are you hurt?” “No, I’m okay” Minfilia said, voice shaky. “Are you?” “I’ll be fine” she grimaced. They were a lot more careful, managing to keep an eye on everything that fell until the Batsquatch was no more.

They followed the flowing water until the found the outside. “Well, I think we’ve found Rak’tika Falls” Leeja looked down and immediately felt nauseous. “Oh, that’s high…” Thancred chuckled.  “Hold on to me and close your eyes. I promise you’re getting down safe.” Leeja grumbled and did as asked. True to his word, Thancred jumped down and despite slipping on a wet rock, neither of them got hurt as the rest of their party jumped down. As they looked around, they noticed the creatures that once dwelled here had become sin eaters. They fough their way through, avoiding having things thrown at them.

When they reached the Lightwarden, the reports were indeed correct. Three heads and ferocious. Steps made, the burst of strength hit and the fight began. Eros didn’t hold back its attacks, lashing out at all of them, breathing in deep enough to drag them all forward and blow them away into the waiting poison pockets. Thankfully, they managed to avoid getting caught in them. With the final blows, Eros fell and Leeja stepped forward to absorb the remaining aether and as it vanished into her body to join what as there, Leeja shuddered and sank to the ground, panting softly. 

Thancred knelt down next to her quickly. “Hey, are you alright?” He sounded worried, and she gave him a small smile. “Just… Just tired… That all it is…” She lied. He didn’t push it, but he frowned at her.  “We should head back, let you get some rest” he murmured, gently scritching between her ears. Behind her, Leeja’s ears caught the sound of Urianger and Y’shtola talking about her condition as Thancred helped her to her feet. “Her condition yet troubleth thee?” “It does. Though she shows no immediate signs of corruption, the danger remains. She must be told.” Y’shtola sighed and walked over to her. “Well fought. Let us return home” she gave her a reassuring smile. 

They walked back through the caves, Emet-Selch telling them all about the murals on the walls and informing them that Zodiark and Hydaelyn were summoned. “The eldest and most powerful...of primals.” He said. It stunned them all into silence. They agreed to leave, to dwell on Emet’s words and really let them sink in. If they were truly primals, did that make all those with the Echo, Leeja included, tempered? Just to be thralls and do Hydaelyn’s will? Leeja shook her head and jogged on to catch up with everyone as they returned to Slitherbough. 

With the night sky returned, the Night’s Blessed threw a feast to celebrate. Whilst the Blessed and the Scions celebrated, Leeja snuck away, sitting herself up on a tree branch to watch over everyone celebrating. It was too loud for her, too much for her to cope with and, by removing herself from the area, it meant she couldn’t be dragged into anything. “And here I thought you’d be celebrating with everyone. Seems I’ve overestimated you, hero.” The dancer sighed and shook her head.” “What do you want, Emet?” “Well now, it seems that gunblade toting fellow you are rather keen on has an impact on your views. There’s no need to snap your teeth at me. I’m simply curious as to why you are brooding in a tree.”  “I’m not in the mood to party. I’m not feeling great and I just needed some alone time. Satisfied?” Leeja didn’t mean to get snippy with him, though in fairness he deserved it. “I’ve got a migraine that’s remained since Il Mheg and nothing I do gets rid of it or dulls it. And…”” “Aaand?” “And I’m certain it’s getting worse with every Light Warden I bring down. So if you–” With a snap of his fingers, her migraine faded. “Better?” She blinked rapidly and sighed happily. “Much. Thank you for that. And I genuinely mean it as well.” She smiled softly at him. “But, if you don’t mind me asking, why would you help me?” “As I’ve mentioned several times now, hero, my only interest is to see what you can do. I’ve no reason to interfere.” Emet sat down next to her. “Though I’ve noticed the mage in black refuses to look at you. Whatever have you done to earn her ire?”

She just shook her head and leaned back on the branch behind her. “Her name is Y’shtola, to start with, and a few things have made her stop looking at me directly, given that she’s using aether to see.” “Such as?” “When she first came to us when we entered the forest, just after you left us, she didn’t recognise me. Then I overheard her speaking with Urianger about the fact that I’m not dispersing th aether and I’m just absorbing it with nowhere to go and after defeating the Light Warden here she just refuses to look at me. I don’t feel welcome and she’s not the friend that left me behind on the Source. I get that three years here make a difference to a person but still…” Emet listened and waited for her to stop. “I take it talking to her has made little difference?” He sounded genuinely concerned, yet Leeja continued to tell him how she was feeling. She found it odd that she could be open around him.  “I’ve tried and she just changes the subject. I’ve hardly said a word since being here because I open my mouth and I constantly fear saying something to either upset Y’shtola or Thancred or both of them. It’s infuriating and I don’t know what to do anymore” she sighed and shook her head. “I suppose I’ll just keep my mouth shut from now on.” “Oh? Does this mean we’ll never hear your lovely voice ever again?” Both of them froze. It was too late for Emet to take it back. Leeja cleared her throat quickly.  “Uh… I-I guess you won’t…” She was quiet with her answer. “A shame. Truly.” He stood. “I’ll leave you to brood. Farewell, hero.” “Thank you for listening, Emet-Selch.” “...You’re welcome, Leeja.” He left through a portal and Leeja went back to watching the celebrations below with a small smile, slightly shocked he used her actual name instead of ‘hero.’

Leeja watched them all quietly. She didn’t want to take part, tiredness and aching all over her body meant she needed to rest, and up in the trees, she could watch everyone enjoying themselves. It made her smile, seeing how happy everyone was to behold the sunless sea. Every time they brought back the night, seeing everyone’s happiness made it worth it for her.  “So, this is were you’re hiding, is it?” She looked up at Thancred, giving him a sleepy smile as he sat down next to her. She immediately shifted to cuddle with him.  “Aye. A lot of noise and my migraine is bad.”  “Oh, my darling. Let’s get you to bed, everyone will understand.” He chuckled as Leeja purred softly, nuzzling under his chin gently. “I can’t carry you down from here, Leeja.” She huffed and climbed down a short distance before jumping the rest of the way. Thancred joined her soon after and they laced their fingers together, heading toward the sleeping quarters that had been organised for them. 

Leeja sat down on the bed and tugged off her boots, her scarf and jacket and slipped off her trousers, leaving her in her underclothes. She crawled into bed, sighing in relief as she no longer had to stand. “Have you got any pain, aside from the migraine?” Thancred asked.  “Just aches. My back is stiff from getting hit by that stone as well.” “Lay on your front, let me see. If it’s bad, I will be getting Urianger to come and take a look.” Leeja groaned as she rolled onto her front, lifting her vest up. Thancred knelt on the bed, looking at the ugly black bruise that had formed.  “I’m getting Urianger. I do not like the look of this.” Leeja turned her head to look at him tiredly. When he left, Leeja began dozing off, falling into some very much needed sleep.

When she woke up the following morning, her back hurt like hell. Thancred was sleeping next to her peacefully and she closed her eyes. What’s a couple more bells for sleep?

[nights-at-crystarium]

✧✦✧ "Fragments" - episode 37 ✧✦✧

O bringer o' shadow

New reader? episode list on tumblr | webtoon

[nerimaemae]

[bathuabajhiri]

Fishing in FFXIV is its own adventure. Especially the Greater Serpent of Ronka. Man... that triple-mooch 5 minute window is brutal. Glad I brought the Great Serpent of Ronka with me for emotional support.

[sirensongsea]

[verysmallcyborg]

extremely important update: i got the amaro hatchling minion today, a new little friend for fornax :D

[sinileijona]

the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but i have promises to keep, and miles to go before i sleep, and miles to go before i sleep.

[sezja]

If you jokingly suggest a story idea, it can and will make a home in your mind and refuse to leave until you do something with it

[ishgard]

dog - for the single word drabble prompt!

"A drabble is 100 words, a drabble is a hundred words" I chant to myself as I go over 500.

Thank you so much though!! As soon as I saw it I knew exactly what old scene to finally write that's been in my head since grinding Holminster Switch and getting the Black Hayate. 😂

"Can't imagine why you'd want to come back here already." Ardbert's voice emerged from the silence, a frown etched into his features as he surveyed the smoldering ruins of Holminster Switch. It was a town of ghosts now, naught but a few embers still glistening under the blanket of night. 

She can never quite know when her favorite ghost is going to chime in, but it is a surprise tonight. 

"I'm not sure, either." She replied, nudging over a broken piece of fence before continuing along the winding road. "There's so little civilization left here, I suppose I just..." Lips pursed, her brow furrowed as her gaze swept over the wreckage. "Wanted to get an idea of what it was like. Without all the fighting and screaming." 

Ardbert said nothing, but his silence was so heavy it could have been worth a thousand words. 

What broke the silence was not either of their voices but instead a tiny, distinct whimpering. Frowning, Ahru’s hand went for the hilt of her rapier, gaze scanning around her. 

“…Do sineaters typically make sounds like that?” She asked in a whisper. 

“Far be it from me to assume they couldn’t… But not any that I’m aware of.” 

The sound came again, this time accompanied by the shifting of shadows from beneath one of the half-toppled buildings. Her fingers gripped the handle as her eyes made out the form of-

Oh. A dog. A puppy, to be exact; black and white with the cutest ears and -less cute- a limp in its front paw. It gave a pathetic little wag of it’s tail, clearly exhausted but happy to see people. 

“Aww, you poor thing!” Ahru cooed, taking only a few steps forward before crouching down with her hands held out - she didn’t want to scare it. “Come here, sweetie.”

It’s tail wagged again and it limped forward, sniffing at her fingertips and licking them feebly. Grabbing some dried meat from her satchel she held it out to him and he ate it up eagerly, visibly perking up. 

“Can’t believe the little guy survived all that.” Ardbert mused, crouching down beside her. As calm and stoic as he acted, she was pretty sure from the smile on his face and the glint in his eye he very much wanted to scoop the creature up and give it a good thorough petting.

“You must be pretty clever, huh?” She asked to a response of eager yips. After a testing scratch behind his ears, she gingerly touched her hand to his injured leg, infusing it with healing magicks. Fortunately the wound wasn’t too bad, and within seconds he was bouncing around, yipping and wagging his tail like wild, licking at her hands. 

“Doesn’t look like he has a collar…”Ardbert murmured, clearly far more interested than she imagined he’d ever admit to. “He’ll need a name.”

Just as amusing was the fact they were, despite saying nothing of it, on the same page. Evidently being a Warrior of Light also indicated a habit of picking up strays, at least where they were concerned. Laughing she gave the dog ‘a good thorough petting’, before plucking him up into her arms. 

“I’ve got it. I’ll call you Ardbert!”

“What?”

The pup yipped and howled, wiggling in her arms as its tail practically spun in happy circles. 

“See? He likes it!”

[avampyone]

A night walk in the Rak'tika Greatwood-

[leejafythe]

Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 11

Among the trees with the Viis - originally posted here

It didn’t take long for Leeja and Minfilia to find the sin eaters. “There's no way we can search for the stone without dealing with them first.” “What do you propose we do?” Leeja asked her. Minfilia thought for a moment. “Fighting them together here would make a lot of noise, which might attract beasts or other eaters… But if we fought them separately and quietly, we might not have to worry about that. All right, then. I'll draw one away while you handle the other.” “Excellent plan, just be careful, alright?” Minfilia nodded. “Oh, hang on a sec” Leeja called her back for a moment. She linked her aether with Minfilia’s making her her dance partner. “A boost of strength, and I can keep track of you. Let’s go.” They split off and, as Leeja approached the one she would be taking, started her first set of steps to give Minfilia an extra boost. 

When the sin eater finally fell and dissipated into aether once more, Leeja went to find Minfilia. “Oh! There you are! Are you alright?” She jogged over to Minfilia and looked her up and down for a moment.  “It's done. Though, I fear I was a bit careless. I'll do better next time, I promise.”  “Alright, hold still for me” Leeja cast a healing spell to remove any injury she had taken and any ache that followed. “I... I'm fine. You needn't worry about me. More importantly, we have to find that heartstone.” Minfilia said shyly. “I’m going to worry about you, it’s my job to do so” Leeja smiled, When she had finished the spell, they began their search for the heartstone.

t took them roughly ten minutes to find the stone, and Leeja barely saw it between the branches of a bush. “Oh it’s here!” She pulled it free and rubbed the dirt and grime off of it.  “Oh, it’s beautiful” Minfilia observed. “You know, Thancred always said you were a woman of many talents, and I think I'm beginning to understand what he meant.” Leeja looked at her, slightly embarrassed. “We should hurry back to Slitherbough. Runar and the others are probably worried.” “Absolutely. And remember, if Thancred gets upset at you, come and find me. I’ll put him in his place” Leeja reassured her. They ran back to Slitherbough, keeping the heartstone tight in Leeja’s pouch.

As they entered the village, a very unhappy looking Thancred greeted them with a scowl on his face. “Stay with me, let’s speak with Runar and then we can go and confront grumpy” Leeja said quietly. They walked past Thancred to find Runar and Leeja could feel the glare following her. She shrugged it off, it wouldn’t be the first time. As they approached Runar, he looked relieved to see them alive and unharmed.

“Thank goodness you are safe. I had begun to fear the worst.” “I apologise, it took a little longer to find the stone” Leeja pulled the stone from her pouch and handed it to him for safe keeping. “By all that is dark, you found it! We can proceed with her service as planned. These blessed gems serve not only to protect us in life, but to guide our spirits unto the sunless sea in the hereafter. Even should we be felled by the sin eaters, so long as these gems are recovered, our souls are ensured peace in the dark” he explained.. “That sounds lovely. I’m glad we were able to find it” Leeja smiled.  “I must insist you and your friends attend Toddia's service as honored guests. There is still much we must do to prepare, but please go and inform the others it will be held in the Darker.” Runar smiled and headed off. Leeja squeezed Minfilia’s shoulder. “Come on, we can’t avoid him forever” Leeja sighed.

“Thancred, I can explain” Minfilia said to him nervously. Leeja stood next to her.  “Well? Out with it then” he frowned at her. “Leeja and I learned so much about the Night's Blessed while you were away. And we helped them recover a lost heirloom out in the woods. I know I wasn't supposed to leave, but they really needed our help! There were sin eaters, and─” Minfilia began to explain. Thancred sighed and shook his head.  “So long as Leeja accompanied you. But do try to be more careful next time? Your injuries could have been a lot worse.”  “She was fine. She did an excellent job and I healed any wounds she did have” Leeja squeezed her shoulder gently. “Runar has invited us all to attend the memorial service. We’re to proceed to the Darker” Leeja told them. 

Leeja made her way into the Darker to assist with the final preparations of the memorial and stood at the back as others filed in quietly. She looked up as Thancred stood next to her. “Between your earlier excursion and my patrol of the area for sin eaters, hopefully Y'shtola and Urianger will be able to finish their work in peace.” He said to her quietly. She hummed softly in response. “Are you upset with me?” “No. It’s fine. Just, we can talk later but this is not the place for it” she whispered in answer. As everyone gathered in the Darker, the atmosphere changed and Leeja found herself reaching for Thancred’s hand subconsciously for comfort. Instead he pulled her gently against him without saying a word as the memorial took place. Leeja said a silent prayer to whoever may have been listening and a short time after, the memorial came to a close as everyone left the Darker once more. 

Y’shtola explained to them what the tablet meant and what they had learned from it. “In their desperation, petitions for aid were sent out to their allies. This was one such petition.” “And you think this ancient petition will somehow help us get into Yx'Maja?” Minfilia looked at the tablet sitting on the table. “Indeed we do. For etched into this tablet is a method by which one may prove themself an ally of the Ronkan Empire. Provided we are able to decipher said instructions, we may entreat the ruin's protectors to grant us safe passage.” Urianger continued. “So it sounds like we need a cipher then?” “We have but one recourse: there exists a stone monument inscribed with ancient Ronkan text and translations into a more modern dialect which came into use after the fall of the empire. I am confident it will suit our purposes.” She looked at Leeja. “I am afraid I must ask you and Thancred to assist me.” “Happy to do so. Just point me in the direction you need me to go” Leeja said, a slight smile appearing on her face. Thancred looked at Minfilia. “And before you even ask, the answer is no. If we're to remain unseen, our group must be as small as possible.” She went to protest, only for Leeja to step in. “It’s alright, Minfilia. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Look after Urianger and the villagers for us?” She nodded reluctantly. 

“So, what should we expect? Aside from the hostile greeting?” Leeja asked as she looked at Y’shtola. “A guard has been posted at Cleric to keep watch over the Children. Perhaps he has aught to share of their recent activity. But we must tread carefully. There is a chance we may encounter them along the way. Stay close and stay alert. I would avoid a confrontation if possible.” They left quickly, making sure not to get separated. The walk was quiet, none of them saying a word to each other. Leeja hated it, they’re the two people she loves more than anyone and she couldn’t bring herself to say a word in casual conversation. Her ears folded back and her tail had fluffed up more than its usual fluffiness. Thancred had noticed but didn’t know what to say, though that was mostly from fear of upsetting her further.

They separated to find the scout when they hadn’t met in the designated meeting space. Leeja heard the sounds of commotion and rushed toward it, finding the scout in question surrounded by, who she assumed, Children. After fighting them off, she healed the scout as Thancred and Y’shtola ran up to them. “Thank goodness you are unharmed.” “We would have arrived sooner, but we too had a rather unwelcome visit from the Children.” “I got here just in time. Are you alright?” The scout nodded.  “You are an acquaintance of Master Matoya, then. My apologies. The Children have been acting strange of late, so I thought to take a closer look. I was careless…” They all looked at each other. He went on to explain the strange preparations and the strange behaviour with the venomous spiders. The thought alone made Leeja feel nauseous, her arachnophia not sitting well with potentially having to face spiders. She hated them at home and absolutely despised their existence.  “If we were to introduce a threat to the nests where they keep them, the Children would be compelled to save them. Bees, for example, are a natural predator of spiders. Set them loose on the nests and we would have our opportunity to sneak into their encampment.” Y’shtola took a lot of glee in that though, if the smile on her face was anything to go by. “What a mischievous plan. I like it. With a bit of smoke we should be able to subdue a few colonies long enough to secure their hives.” Thancred, Y’shtola and Leeja were pointed in the direction of the storehouse and each grabbed some smoke bombs and sacks before separating off to capture the bees.

Thancred took the sacks with the bees in and, with expert aim that made even Leeja jealous, threw them into Woven Oath. A minute passed. And then another. And then the sounds of chaos inside drew a grin from each of them. “Sounds like it’s going well for them in there.” “Indeed. We should hurry though, they won’t be distracted forever.” “If you should come to blows with the Children, I'll see to it any signs of struggle are concealed. Failing that, I'll create a distraction to buy Y'shtola more time. Should anyone get past me, it falls to you to guard her.” “Are you kidding? She’ll protect me before I can even get a hit off” Leeja shrugged a little. “But I’ve got her back, don’t worry.”  “Your concern is appreciated, but I sincerely doubt it will come to that” Y’shtola shrugged.  “Why do I get the feeling you enjoy the idea of my loafing about bored in the shadows?” Leeja giggled quietly and cleared her throat, trying to disguise it. “Come now, Thancred. The shadows are a fitting place for a Warrior of Darkness . Now, if you both are ready?” They nodded and hurriedly made their way inside.

True to Thancred’s word, anyone they fought he took care of quickly and quietly while Y’shtola and Leeja hurried through to find the stone. As Y’shtola read over the stone, comparing it with the tablet, Leeja looked about at the various paintings on the wall. “These paintings… They seem familiar. Depictions of heroes throughout history. The age of gods, the Ronkan empire and this…” Ardbert began to explain to her. She couldn’t answer, not without Y’shtola thinking she was speaking with her. “There was a man. A researcher who pored over these pieces. He offered us work when we needed it. Slaying beasts, delivering provisions… A funny old bugger, but he had a good heart.” He smiled fondly at the memory. He took Leeja through each painting and what he knew of them. From the long lost ages, to the most recent of Ronka. He even told her how the researcher offered to paint him and his friends. “...he actually went ahead and did it. Before or after the Flood, I wonder.” He stared at the paintings a little longer. “Do you suppose that your deeds will warrant an addition to this collection? Or some other kind of monument?” Ardbert asked curiously. Just as Leeja went to answer, Y’shtola walked over to her.  “There you are. I have everything we need, let us quit this place.” “Please, the longer we’re here the more overrun we might find ourselves.” 

Back in Slighterbough, Y’shtola made her way toward her quarters immediately whilst Thancred found Minfilia and Urianger, leaving Leeja on her own as she quietly by the fire, watching it as Runar focused on making supper for everyone. They spoke briefly, mostly Leeja being curious about their culinary arts, local ingredients that they couldn’t grow and wrote everything down in her notebook. “What is that you have there?” He asked. “Oh, this? I love cooking, so I like taking notes on various places I’ve been so I can always remember where I’ve been and if I ever have guests then I can try to make local dishes” she smiled at him. It made Runar smile as he continued to enlighten her more about the Greatwood and beasts for meats and skins and such.  “You should ask around the village, if you enjoy making things, we have various artisans who would be more than happy to talk to you about them.” “I would love that, thank you” She tucked the notebook back in the front pocket of her bag. She went back to sitting quietly, leaning her head back against the log behind her as she took a moment to let go and focus on nothing but the sounds of the Greatwood, of the village. It helped calm her anxieties as she focused on each part of her body to relax down.

“The others on patrol should be back by now. Our food will be overcooked if we wait any longer” Runar’s voice entered the quiet bubble Leeja had put herself in. “We will have to start without them. Would you call Master Matoya and the others?” He asked. Leeja nodded and stood up, brushing herself down. She made her way over to the doors in the back, and she froze when she heard Y’shtola talking. “I tire of these games, Urianger. Why do you pretend you cannot see it? The blessing may spare her the fate of becoming a Lightwarden,” she stated, “but you cannot be blind to the nascent corruption. She is not as she was in the Source.” Urianger was silent, not saying a word. Leeja’s heart began to race. “Though I have no proof, I fear that the light the poured forth from the Wardens has not been negated at all.” Leeja lost her appetite, the more she listened the worse she felt. “I fear it has been absorbed – the has been infused with their light.” Her hand dropped to her side as her head bowed slightly. Then she heard Urianger. “Though I have given thought to this possibility, I dare not speak until more is known.”  “By the time you deign to enlighten us it may be too late, if it is not already.” Y’shtola scolded. She could hear the worry in Y’shtola’s voice, and while it was nice someone cared, it was too late to not feel stung by them talking about her behind her own back. “Urianger – I know after all these years you only have the best of intentions. But that does not make it any easier to put my faith in a man so infatuated with secrecy.” Leeja tuned out the rest of the conversation. She felt numb. She felt sick and she felt used and lied to, and Gods only–

“Help! Somebody help! The Eulmorans are coming! We’re under attack!” A scout ran into the village making Leeja rush away from the door.  “Where are they?” She asked, hearing Y’shtola and Urianger walking over. “Outside the village. They want to speak to a representative of the Blessed.” “Allow me. Leeja, Thancred, Minfilia keep yourselves out of sight.” They nodded, and while they didn’t hide on the opposite side, they chose to hide in the shadows toward the entrance in silence. Leeja’s hand closed into a fist upon seeing Ran’jit once more. She wanted– no, needed – to punch something or someone, especially after hearing the ridiculous demands that the Greatwood now fell under Eulmoran rule. It took everything in her power to stop herself from laughing a bitter laugh. The Eulmorans left, leaving Runar and Y’shtola to take care of the poisoned scout. The others ran back into the village to prepare to begin treatment for the man. 

While they waited for news from Urianger and Y’shtola, Leeja sat quietly on the log. “Leeja?” Minfilia looked at her. “Hm?”  “Are you okay?” She sat down next to Leeja as she nodded. “You?” “I guess. I hope that he makes a full recovery.” Leeja rubbed her back gently and looked at the ground.  “That Eulmore has gained a foothold here in these woods bodes ill for the Night's Blessed.” Thancred grumbled, pacing a little. The door opened and the three of them walked over. “Well?” “How fareth the young guard?” “The poison spread throughout his system long before he was brought here. At present, there is naught we can do but try to ease his pain.” The sound of something hitting stone drew their attention to the upset and frustrated miqo’te who had put a crack in the wall and breaking her fingers. She hissed over and over in Hannish as she healed her hand. “Leeja?” “I’m fine.” She flexed her fingers and sat down in silence. She tuned out the conversation without realising as she stared down at the ground. The sound of her name pulled her from her thoughts.  “...Leeja's arrival, I am minded to take the offensive. The Eulmorans' presence here plainly stems from a desire to protect the Lightwarden. I say we seek it out and slay the creature before they return. Were darkness to fall over Rak'tika, they would have no cause to remain.” Y’shtola said. “...All of which is rather easier said than done. Unless, of course, you've finally deciphered that tablet?” Thancred asked, She nodded. “I have, as a matter of fact. And with it we can prepare everything we need to enter Yx'Maja. What say you all? We will need to act quickly, but I believe it can be done.” “We cannot deny our fate. But one course lieth before us.” Urianger agreed with Y’shtola as they nodded. “Well, we are villains, are we not?” Leeja leaned back in the chair.  “Good. I leave the Blessed in your capable hands, Runar.” Y’shtola smiled warmly at him. “Very well… I see there is no changing your mind. By all that is dark, I swear to keep the Blessed safe.” Runar answered. 

Leeja and Y’shtola gathered everything they needed to before getting ready to leave the village, while Minfilia and Thancred worked on defences. Urianger had stayed behind to help with the poisoned man. As Leeja and Y’shtola walked toward the location Y’shtola had pointed on her map, it was a little quiet. “Are you alright?” Y’shtola asked. “Just… A little tired is all. Nothing serious” she spoke quietly. She knew Y’shtola could sense her lying, but she didn’t push it.  “Well, you know you can always speak with me if anything is bothering you, anything at all.” Leeja gave her a small nod.  “Is this the lake?”  “It is. Now, listen closely as there is a riddle that must be solved” Y’shtola said as she read it a couple of times for Leeja to think about it as she removed her boots, the scarf and jacket of her gear.  “I’ll be back” she murmured before diving into the lake.

Y’shtola waited. And waited. And waited a little longer until Leeja reemerged from the water, holding up a gold disc as she wiped her face. “Got it!” She swam to shore and handed it to the other miqo’te.  “Excellent. Are you alright? You were down there for a while.” She asked. “All good. Got lost a couple of times but I got it.” Leeja grabbed a small towel she had begun to carry on her as a just in case and dried herself off quickly and got dressed once more. “You carry a towel?” Y’shtola raised an eyebrow and grinned a little. “Listen, you have no idea how many times I either have to go diving or someone tries – and fails – to drown me. I didn’t take it with me to Il Mheg and I’ll let Thancred or Urianger explain what happened there” she smiled. She wrung the towel out and zipped it back up in the bag she had with her.  “On the subject of Thancred,” Y’shtola began, “is aught amiss with you both?” Leeja chewed her lip. “Kind of. It’s regarding Minfilia and I think he’s angry at me.” Leeja crossed her arms as they walked. “How so?” “Minfilia just wants to help. She wants to pull her own weight and Thancred isn’t allowing it to happen. So, much like I did here, I let Minfilia come with me to deal with the sin eaters and find Toddia’s heartstone and in Il Mheg I let her come with me on a task. She will never learn to hold her own if he keeps refusing to let her discover herself. She’s safe with me, probably safer than she is with Thancred, but she feels like she’s ruining everything and to hear her speak like that–” “Reminds you of you and Lahabrea?” Leeja tensed before nodding. “...Aye. Like it was my fault that he got possessed because I got hurt and kidnapped and he worked twice as hard” she said quietly.  “Would you like me to speak with him?” She offered. Leeja shook her head. “No, but could you speak with Minfilia? Just to reassure her she’s done nothing wrong?” Y’shtola nodded. “Thank you, Shtola.” “‘Tis quite alright.” 

“I'm so glad to see you're safe. Everyone is ready to go if you are.” Minfilia greeted Leeja. “Aye, is everything okay here?” “We've done what we can to prepare them for the worst. Still, we should hurry, before the Children return with Eulmoran reinforcements.” “Y’shtola and I succeeded with our task so we’re ready to go.” They gathered their belongings and made their way through a gate that Runar had opened for them as they bid their farewells. Leeja worried, and it was evident by her folded back ears and her tail drooped. She felt someone grab her hand gently and she looked up. “They’re as safe as they can be” Thancred said gently. She nodded a little and -to his surprise, kept hold of his hand. 

They found and followed a path of blue flowers. “Wait! Not a step further, we’re being watched” she hissed to the quickly. Just as she looked up, arrows had been loosed upon them.  “Twould seem we have found them” Y’shtola looked up at the tree where they being watched by three viis.  “You trespass upon sacred ground. Begone!” One of them yelled. “Not very polite it seems” Leeja muttered. When they didn’t leave, more arrows were shot their way. Thancred managed to deflect some whilst Leeja split some of the arrows with her chakrams. The one wielding a spear dropped from the tree and began to attack Y’shtola, despite her protesting. Urianger and Leeja threw their chakrams and cards toward her, making her back away from Y’shtola and giving her a moment to grab the medallion with the owl on. She barely stopped in time when she saw it.  “We are allies of empire of Ronka. As is customary, we come bearing the seal of the emperor.” The spear-wielding viis examined the seal and smiled widely. “It appears to be genuine!” “Then perhaps there is yet hope!” The viis with staff said happily. “We acknowledge your seal, but we must be certain of its authenticity. Follow the azure flowers to our village. There we will judge if you are friend of foe” the viis with the bow told them. And with that, they disappeared.

They found the village among the trees and met the three viis once more. Y’shtola handed over the seal. When it was determined it was genuine, they apologised for the hostel greeting. “For three thousand years we have waited for this moment, and now you are finally here. I bid you welcome, allies of Ronka.” They introduced themselves as Cymet, Almet and Uimet.  “We were beginning to lose hope that you would come.” Cymet said. “I beg your pardon?” They looked at Almet. “These are troubled times for my people. Though I can but imagine what has compelled you to venture into our woods. You must be tired after your journey. Come, take your ease.” Almet gave them a tour of the village, warning them to be careful where they stepped, not wanting them to fall. 

Almet explained to them about how long they had been waiting and why. She also explained who they were and their lifespan shocked both Leeja and Minfilia. Leeja began to wonder if it was the same for the viera of the Source. She’d have to find out when they went home. They were giving freedom to ask around the village to try and see if anyone had either seen or heard of the Lightwarden, yet they didn’t get very far. Only Leeja had gotten some information of it being seen near Rak’tika Falls. “I have never heard of this Rak'tika Falls. I can but assume it lies deep within the woods of Yx'Maja.” Y’shtola enquired. “Just so. But the tunnel which leads there collapsed after a rather bloody battle with the eaters, and has not been passable for many years. We made several attempts to clear away the rubble, yet each time we were driven back. In the end, we were forced to give it up as lost.” Cymet began. “...Thereby making it a suitable place for the Warden to take sanctuary. There is perhaps one way to enter. Though it would be at great peril to you and your companions. The Qitana Ravel, a temple to the northeast. It has been sealed for centuries, but within is a path that leads to the falls.” Almet finished. 

[ofdragonsdeep]

21: Shade

A place sheltered from the sun.

Ar'telan seeks a place away from the Light to think on the future

Not for the first time, Ar'telan was alone with his thoughts.

It was difficult to find space for that in Slitherbough. Out of necessity, most likely - anyone off on their own was easier prey for the Sin Eaters, and given the losses they had suffered recently, it was no suprise they had tightened things up. Ar'telan was not particularly at risk from the Sin Eaters, at least not in the numbers he'd seen so far, and so he had taken himself out of the village and into the wood.

Geographically, Rak'tika seemed equivalent to Gridania, but the forests could not be more different. The huge, soaring trees felt far more homey than Gridania ever had to him, those that grew around aetherically-charged stones giving him a moment of hope that something akin to his people's sacred trees could be found on the First. They had been meaningless, though. And the First's equivalent of Meracydia had long since been lost to the Flood of Light.

So far, people had dodged the question. Very few still living remembered anything of the time before the Flood, and those that did had not been well-travelled. It was gone, a void of cultural memory that would never be reclaimed, bleached white by the all-consuming Light.

He looked down at his hands, wondering if he might see the light beneath his skin.

Nobody had said anything. Nobody ever said anything. But Y'shtola had looked at him and seen a monster, and no amount of dancing around the subject could hide that from him.

His feet took him through the forest, past the living trees and haunted pots and bloodthirsty flytraps, towards the lake. At one point, it had been sacred to the empire that ruled the lands in days past. Now, it was a submerged bog choked with plantlife and belligerent fish. The latter, to Ar'telan, felt preferable.

He dove down into the water, taking a moment for his eyes to adjust to the murk, and swam between the roots of the gigantic tree in the lake's centre. He pressed his hands against the bark, just in case, but the tree didn't answer, just like he'd expected.

He could see ruins in the distance, buildings that had once stood tall above the water. Ronkan, he supposed. Just like their empire, its works had toppled to time eventually, and he had no desire to explore them. He let himself sink down to the mud, a few curious fish swimming up to him and nibbling at his hair, and considered things.

The Exarch's plan had been simple, on paper. Find someone with protection from the Light and a soul dense enough to handle it, and have them slay the Lightwardens. Impossible on the First, their souls being thinner than those from the Source, and so he had looked across the Rift to solve the problem. And what better to protect against the Light than the Blessing it gave?

Ar'telan was not stupid. The first Lightwarden hadn't hurt, but it had felt wrong. A chilling, stilling aether, creeping across his soul and settling in the cracks when it could not overwhelm. It had not gone anywhere, it was still there, inside him. And the second, horrible though it had been to fight someone so close to lucid and so very insane, had made the burden feel heavy. No change, of course. No change.

But there were three more.

He had set his teeth against the cold when Titania had died, and let it seep in. When whatever misbegotten wraith heralded the Light here fell, he would do the same thing again. But it would start to hurt, soon enough, like frostbite setting in to unprotected fingers. Three more. The odds were not favourable.

He wondered if it felt the same for everyone else. If the numbing cold was what had robbed Halric of his emotion. If the freezing stillness had sparkled Tesleen's thrashing and moaning at Holminster Switch, still enough of her left to protest, but not to persist. If Titania, after they had stood victorious for Il Mheg, had felt the cold set in, and had but a few moments left to realise what it meant.

He knew what it felt like to die. He had died in the fires of Lahabrea's ambition, and it had hurt so much his senses had stopped registering the signals. He had died to the Echo, again and again, in so many ways, but they were always violent. Always quick. The Echo could not save you from something long and drawn-out. Not his, at least.

He looked down at his hands again. They were the same as ever.

He was lucky, in a way. There would be a point, and he would know the point, he thought, where the next drop would be one too many. He would know how many Lightwardens were left, and he would have the power to make a decision.

One life for one world, Ardbert had said, almost a year hence. Stood across from him on the field of battle, desperate for something, anything, to save his world. One hero. What worth was one hero against an entire people?

He wrapped his fingers into a fist.

He did not particularly want to die. He had seen some horrible things, and lived through events that would haunt him until the day he did pass into the aetherial sea, but he did not want to. There were people who would miss him, people who would hurt the same way he had hurt when he had watched his friends die. And he would leave a heavy mantle for whoever came after. Someone else, still hopeful, still untouched by the fire that licked at the heels of everyone the star called hero.

One life for one world.

He had access to something that nobody else did. He could feel the tug of the Rift in the back of his head, that void between worlds he had swum through to reach the First. If push came to shove, he could cast himself into it without much difficulty. It would take the Light that threatened and neutralise it, and if it tore him apart, it would hurt no-one else.

He did not want to die.

But he was faced with a choice. This Lightwarden would not be over-taxing, most likely. The next would either hurt, or it would settle into that absence that somehow scared him more. If he was lucky, it would be stable, though likely uncomfortable. And if the last one overwhelmed him…

One life for one world.

It felt decidedly strange, to be sat at the bottom of a lake considering his own demise. There had been points in his life where he would not have minded dying. Points in his life where he had kept living only because it was the path of least resistance. He would not have hesitated to leap into the Rift back then, charging blindly forward, doing his duty. But he wasn't that man any more, and all of his friends knew it.

And not one of them had mentioned it.

He couldn't talk to them about it, of course. It ached to think about, to carry that burden to what might be a lonely grave, to have made that choice and to hold onto it in silence. But if they knew, they'd talk him out of it, or they'd try to. They'd offer solutions that wouldn't work, because if there had been a chance of it, the Exarch would have turned to that, rather than pull someone between worlds to save them.

There would be things he had to do. Arrangements to make, if he were afforded a moment. Letters to write, since he could not speak of it now. All kinds of-

His linkpearl chimed, tinny in the water surrounding him, and he shook his head and raised one finger to his ear.

"Ar'telan? It's Y'shtola. They've sighted Eulmorrans."

He made a single noise of confirmation, tapping twice on the linkpearl so she knew he'd heard. He could have teleported back to Slitherbough, but it would do no good to arrive in the town square covered in chickweed and dirty water. Carefully, aware for the possibility that the soldiers might be patrolling the lake, he swam to the surface, and pulled himself onto land.

Ruminating could wait. For how dour the future seemed, there was yet strength in his arms, and it would do him no good not to use them.

[nerimaemae]