#susuru suru

[carsinoska]

音楽が消えた街

Album: Ongaku ga Kieta Machi Artist: Yumeoi Kakeru

Seihitsu naru Distopia

an'nei wo negatte dore dake inori wo sasageyou to ikudomo kurikaesu sono mi subete horobosu made

tsukinai yokubou ga katachi kaeta sensou no hibana odei susuru you ni kokorone wo kusarasete iku

wazukana mayakashi no nagusame mo ikite iku tame no fantasia egaku kibou wo sono te ni miidasou to tsubasa wo hirogete

sugare kami no koe ni orokana riaru me wo sorashite sukui sae fiction da to iu nara kono te de tsukuri dasou

tozasareta mirai wo se ni arasoi ni iyage ga sashite yorube to naru wa gensou ni saku irotoridori no monogatari

uta ya e ya raibu de sakumotsu ga sodatsu wake demo naku shibire wo kiraseta kuni wa fui ni "sore" wo sadameta……

amaneku geijutsu no tagui wo kibishiku torishimaru houritsu aragau koe mo kaki keshite mimizawari na noise to minashita

fusage kami no koe wo shitagawanu nara omoki batsu wo 'ihansha' to haiseki sareru no nara gosenfu ni o-wakare wo

tozasareta ima wa doko ni ubawareta gakufu to kyanbasu moesakaru no wa sabishisa dake ka soretomo nanika betsu no honoo――

utsukushiku tatazumu jouheki no machi wa oto hitotsu mo shinakute sore ga an'nei to iu no nara kono ryoute de kowashite miseyou

sugare kami no koe ni orokana riaru mitsumeru tame hakugai to tatakau ki ga aru nara honno sukoshi dake ai wo

seihitsunaru distopia senritsu wa jokyoku wo kanadete don'na higeki mo mitodokeyou ka ima tsumugidasu monogatari

Sora ni Egaita Koufukuron

tabidatsu asa wo demukaeru tori-tachi no utagoe mimi ni shite nemuri ni tsuita machi wo se ni koko janai basho e to fumidasu no

taiyou ga nobori kiru sono mae ni mijitaku wo sumasete kyuukutsu na ori wo nukedashita jibun no ibasho sagasu tame

konna shizukana machi nanoni otona wa sewashi nakute daremo kare mo kidzukanai no hontou ni daijina koto

harewataru sora asahi ga terasu kawaii ko ni wa tabi wo sasero tte iushi? daisuki na melody kakure kiita no atarashii ippo wo fumidaseru ki ga shite

itsumo to kawaranai yuuhi ni o-wakare wo sumasete modoranai to kimeta kokyou ni sukoshi dake sabishiku natta

dare ni nani wo iwaretatte kono kimochi wa kiezu ni kirari hikari ochita namida dare ga koboshita'n daro?

akaneiro sora machi ga irodzuku kensou mo iyahon de kaki keshiteku no daisuki na melody mimamotte ite ne bouken wa madamada hajimatta bakari da!

ongaku dake ga yuiitsu no tanoshimi datta no ni ubawareta kuni ni kazoku sae sonna aru hi tokumei no meeru tenpu sareteta no wa kinjirareta hazu no……

kakikake no gakufu to nuigurumi naifu to pen wo motte nani wo sureba ii ka subete wakatta ki ga shita'nda

harukeki yozora tsuki ga miorosu tabi no michidzure nara kaban no naka ni daisuki na melody issho ni ikou owari wa aratanaru hajimari no yokan

meiro no you na dungeon wo nukete tobira mamoru teki wo karei ni kawashi tsui ni tadori tsuita watashi no sora e sukumu ashi furikiri tobitate mirai e to

Attention Note

ajikenai ganjigarame no hibi wo irodoru rojiura de no forbidden party night oni ni kakurete web de nagareru arumajiki illegal melody

tsubureta raibu hausu no chikashitsu kara kaidan niko tobashi de orite matsu no wa ore-tachi no Arcadia shuyaku wa touzen……

O.K. o-nozomi nara kiite ike yo neko mo shakushi mo shibireru myuujikku rikuesuto nara akai kooru no ato de hayari mo sutari mo omou ga mama ni maiku hitotsu de ayatsure

mabataki suru ma ni nobori tsumeta wakamono-tachi no top of star inu no gasa ire karei ni kawashi kane mo fan mo mote amashite

migaki ageta kao mo amai koe mo chuumoku atsumeru tame no dougu mujinzou ni waku shounin yokkyuu wa katsute no jibun ni hanamuke ka

kiku ningen ni yotte kotonaru senritsu doko to naku ayaui hibiki uta no imi mo mahou mo kyoumi nai to matsu fan no moto e……

O.K.

douse o-nozomi nara kiite ike yo donna yabasou na uta datte shouki no mama ore (/boku ) dake ga utaeru sa dakara mitekure yo fusaidekure yo mune ni aiteru kono ana wo

Saitei Saibanshou

jigoku ga moshi aru nara sore wa kono kyoushitsu no koto? sotodzura dake tsukurou koto ga kashikoi nante hedo ga deru wa

aru hi no gogo nagareta sore wa watashi no shikai e migoto na made utsushite kureta koko ni kakureta akuma-tachi wo

kyoushi mo seito mo aitsu no iinari ijime taibatsu inpei sekuhara doushite ima made mienai furi shiteta? yowai watashi ja irarenai

sabaku no da! saitei na yatsura ni batsu wo watashi koso yuiitsu muni no shinpansha kono senritsu ga sazukete kureta tenbin ni saa, zange no kotoba wo

tsukanoma demo heiwa wo kyouju shitakatta keredo kono yo wa imada akunin bakari kaerareru no wa watashi hitori

abakare sarasare kanshishi au no da kankei nakute mo fukai ni omoeba kyou asu choubatsu haritsuke ni subeki da nee minna mo sou omou desho?

tachiagare! kakumei no noroshi wo agero watashi no kankaku dake ga seijou da kono saiban ga tadashiku sekai wo michibiku ishizue to narou

senmei na jibun no sugata mi ni oboe no nai tsumi no shoukohin sono toki datta atama wo nagurareta ka no you ni subete wo omoidasu

wasureteta'nda ano toki kara watashi koso sabakareru-beki tsumibito da roku ni shingi mo nai mama kudasareru hanketsu watashi ga shita you ni saitei na owari wo tsugeyou

Aa Subarashiki Ongaku

unasarete sameru yoru wo kazoeta sono tabi omoidasu yume no koukei shiawase na hibi

'sukoshi demo seikatsu ga raku ni nareba ii' sou omotte seotta emblem

tobiorita Aria ga nokoshita mono tegakari ga shimesu dareka no konseki shi e no izanai

ima ijou no gisei wo kuitomeru koto ga ore ni nokoru saigo no shimei

mawashita unmei no haguruma ga tatoe kono mi wo kowashite mo

mokushita mama de kataru kotonaki Atropos kasukana kibou wo taguru ito-tachi ga tsunagatte onaji omoi wa mou sasenai to hitori furubita atorie ni tadoritsuku……

subarashiki ongaku wo! hito no fu no kanjou ayatsuri owari e to michibiku kono neiro ga kokoro furuwasu darou?

mukiau hibana ippo mo hiku koto wa naku hanatta dangan wa shiroi hitai wo tsuranuite mabataki mo sezu nanigoto mo nai you ni fusagaru kizuguchi akkenaku

chiisai koro kara daisuki datta nii-san ga homete kureta piano ga dakedo watashi ni wa sainou mo papa to mama wo uragiru koto mo dekinakute hitori naiteta

gomen ne ienakatta no nii-san ga kazoku no tame ni ganbatte kureta koto shitteru kara watashi ga kono ie ni iru koto ga rule ni hanshite iru no nara watashi no basho wo sagasou……

Paradox Asymmetry

mezameta shikai wa masshiro de mukishitsu na heya ugokenai karada jibun wo mioroshite

me wo akaku harashite ita sono kao wa mishitta ryoushin youyaku rikai shita boku wa mou kono yo ni wa inai'nda

fukan shita mama no ishiki wa sono ba kara kieru koto naku koko ni itaru made no keii wo subete omoidashite

nanika butsukaru shunkan ni tashika ni kanjita akui jiko de wa nai boku wa dareka ni korosarete konna sugata ni

akaku chi ni somaru shi no shunkan ukeire gatai riaru konna no mitomenai sou omotta totan hibiku melody ni ishiki ubaware――――

madoromu asa no seihitsu na kuuki yaketa toast no kaori nan'no hentetsu mo nai heya de boku dake ga ibitsuna mama de

karada ni shimitsuita kioku ga azayaka ni yomigaeru maboroshi to omoenu riaru-sa ni furueru mi wo dakiyose

'nanika warui yume demo mita'n deshou?' ryoushin ni nadamerare dakishimeta ude no atatakasa ni kangaeru no wo yameta

sore kara no boku wa jinsei wo yarinaosu you ni kui no nai you ni gamushara ni sugoshita

umaretsuki yowai karada doushite ka choushi ga yokute izen no jibun yori ikiru koto ni maemuki ni nareta'nda

aa imi wo miida dasenai to fusagi kondeta hibi ni o-wakare wo tsugeru toki ga kita'nda!

mawari hajimeru toki no yume hitaishouna butai wa enja wo motome owari sae makimodoshi eigou kurikaesu mahou……

yagate toki wa nagare katsute mita akumu mo wasure kaketa koro ni fui ni mimi ni tobikonda shinjirarenai uwasa

imasara doushite kidzukanu ma ni chikadzuite kuru ano hi unmei tadoru you ni obotsukanu ashidori ano basho e to tatazumu no wa――――

aragaenu shoudou ga hito no kokoro ni sukuu mamono to kashite koto wo nashi sono ba kara oto mo naku tachisatta

mawari tsudzukeru toki no yume utsukushiki senritsu ga nagareru kagiri kurikaeshi mizukara wo eigou ayame tsudzukete……

Ushinawareshi Saishuu Gakushou

furui arubamu no peeji wo mekuru you ni fukai mori no okuchi e to

imada azayakana kioku wo tadoru you ni kinjirareta basho e to

umaretsuki hito yori ooku no oto ga kikoeru karada wo motta watashi wo

machi no oto kara toozakete oshiete kureta ongaku wo tsukuru tanoshisa wo

ameagari niji ga kakaru you na hibi wa sensei to issho ni sugoshita omoide dakedo shiawase wa akkenai hodo ni sora kumori azakeru

sayonara iwanaide kieta anata wo sagasu ate mo naku mama tomadou madobe oshiete morau hazu datta koto takusan mada atta hazu nanoni

kioku no katasumi kokoro nokori nakusu tame ni ima kusari sareta heya no oku e……

hokori mamire no nagai kaidan wo nuke usugurai kabe tesaguri de susunda

doushite watashi wo oite itta no? sore dake ga doushitemo shiritakute kakusareta tetsu no door omogurushii oto ga hibiita

furui kami to inku no kabita nioi nanika yomenai hyouki de kurikaeshi kakidasarete sono «gakufu» wo me ni shita toki ga ugokidasu you ni nagareru harmonia subete wo shiraseta

senritsu ga michibiku you ni fushigi to ayumu michi mayou koto naku kurutta haguruma wa mou unmei sura chouritsu shite shitagaeta

atorie ni chikadzuku goto ni tashika ni narihibiku enkon no koe senritsu ni okasareta mono no kanjou ga jika ni nagarekonde kite

nibuku itamu atama ga mou konai mirai wo yume ni misete

te maneita ibitsu de amaku kegarenaki oto wa fukai na hodo ni kokochi yoku hibiite ite mo egaita monogatari wa saiaku no owari ni michiteite

sono naka de hitotsu mada aragau Joshua no koe ga doushite ka natsukashikute ano hito no koe ni niteita kara te wo nobashi hiraku me tasukeyou to sou kimetanda

sayonara iwanai yo anata ga kureta mono ga watashi mada wasurerarenai kara tsutaetai'nda oto wo nakushita machi ni mo umidaseru phrase ga aru!

tsutanakute ii kanade tsudzuke you hito ga kono machi de ikitsudzukeru kagiri zetsubou yori mo tsuyoi hikari de tsutsunde ano niji ni todoku made!

Andante

oto wo nakushita machi ni ra ra utagoe ga hibiki wataru ikutsu mono monogatari wo tsunagu gosenfu ni nosete

ushinatta mono bakari wo kazoetaku naru sekai dakedo sore dake janai tte koto anata ni mo todoketakute

taezu tsukuri tsudzuke you itsuka kumo ga sora wo kakushite mo amayadoru kasa naraba koko ni aru kara yasunde mata aruki dasou

My Story chiisana hi demo hisshi ni ikita akashi sa

It's All Right nagashita namida kimi no egao ni rensa shite

kujikesou na toki ni itsumo te wo sashinobete kureteta no wa jibun to wa chigau hazu no monogatari no shujinkou

watashi ni mo dekiru no ka na jibun no jinsei teraseru ka na taisoreta gakufu de wa nai kamo dakedo aruku you na supiido de

My Story koudou no ue de ai wo utai tsudzuke you

It's All Right itsuka dareka no negau chikara ni yorisotte

kurikaesu da kaapo

My Story chiisana hi demo hisshi ni ikita akashi sa

It's All Right nagashita namida kimi no egao ni rensa shite

[chichiriwinds]

Prompt #4: Shifting Blame

For FFxivWrite2019

Susuru stepped through the gates of Gridania. How many years has it been? She looked around, glad that this city, like Ul’dah, was rebuilding well. She walked towards Carline Canopy, glad to see many people hustling about, going on their daily lives. Though it was almost five long years since the Calamity, she had no doubt that it was still fresh in their minds. Just like it was in hers.

“One room please.” She said to the innkeep once she arrived. She glanced to the side as she followed him to her room. There Miounne was, talking to a group of whom she presumed to be new adventurers, a small line behind them. Ul’dah too had seen an influx of them in the last few years. She smiled.

She left her room as soon as she unpacked her belongings. Though the room was spacious and comfortable, she nonetheless felt a little sad that she could not stay with her friend like she had done countless times before. By the gods, Yehsui, where are you? She feared the worst, a sinking feeling that she would never see her again.

“Now there’s a sight for sore eyes. Welcome back to Gridania, my friend.” Miounne’s gentle voice brought a smile to the Lalafell. “Miounne!” She waved. “How wonderful it is to see you hale and whole.”

The pair chatted animatedly about various topics, Gridania, Ul’dah, and the rebuilding taking up most of the conversation. Miounne had even teasingly asked if she had found someone, but the sad smile she got in return told her enough. “My apologies, Susuru.”

The Lalafell shook her head. “It’s quite alright, you didn’t know.” She smiled sadly. “That said, have you—or anyone—seen Yehsui lately? I know she left the Shroud years ago, but...”

Miounne shook her head sadly.

Susuru nodded. Though she had expected that, her heart ached nonetheless. Mayhaps...I should not have encouraged her to leave... Silence fell between the two.

“Would you like to accompany me to Stillglade Fane?” Miounne asked, seemingly out of the blue.

“O-of course!” Susuru forced a smile. Mayhaps...the guild would know more...

* * *

Susuru had never felt particularly comfortable in Stillglade Fane. The atmosphere was always rather stiff to her, though her friend was completely at ease. She felt even less comfortable going anywhere near it since her friend decided to leave the Shroud. After all, she was partially to blame. Yet here she was years later, waiting for the guildmaster in the meditation chamber with Miounne.

“Brother E-Sumi.” The pair greeted as he walked in.

“Welcome. How may I help you?” The padjal smiled gently. “The elementals spoke of your visit. Welcome back to Gridania, Susuru.”

“O-oh! Th-thank you, Brother E-Sumi.” Susuru was not sure what she had expected, but such a warm welcome was not. She bowed courteously. “I wished to ask if you have heard from—or better yet—seen Yehsui lately.” She asked, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Miounne smiled sadly. Brother E-Sumi’s expression was unreadable. “Please follow me. There is someone I would like you to meet.”

Despite her better judgement, Susuru felt her hopes rise a little. Could it? No...it can’t be...

The trio turned the corner into what looked like a study area. Susuru’s eyes widened. Though the tips were white, the lone Miqo’te in the room had a head of very familiar blue hair. “Ye-Yehsui...?” She whispered.

The Miqo’te’s ears twitched. She raised her head, her expression curious.

Susuru’s heart fell.

“Brother E-Sumi, Mother Miounne.” The young Miqo’te stood up and bowed in greeting. “How may I be of service?”

“Suzu, I would like you to meet Susuru Suru,” The padjal introduced, “your mother’s friend.”

The Miqo’te nodded. Smiling gently, she bowed. “My name is Suzu, daughter of Yehsui Tayuun. Pleased to meet you, Lady Suru.”

Susuru felt as though the young Keeper knew how disappointed she was. “L-Likewise, Suzu.” She bowed in return, making sure to smile. It was no fault of the young Keeper’s that she was disappointed. “But please, call me Susuru. ‘Lady Suru’ sounds far too formal.”

“A-As you wish, Su-Susuru.” The young Keeper hesitated before adding, “Might...you be here to ask about my mother? I could tell you what I know...”

Susuru nodded. Miounne and Brother E-Sumi excused themselves, wishing to give them some privacy. Susuru had an inkling feeling that the young Keeper has had a fair few people inquire about her mother already. “Mine apologies, Suzu. You must have had many people ask about her already.” She offered a sad smile.

“It is quite alright, I understand.” Suzu smiled. Susuru could not shake the feeling that it was a practiced one, like those merchants like herself used regularly.

They took a seat nearby. “Mayhaps it’s best I begin with where I’m from.” Seeing Susuru’s confused expression, she added. “Unlike my parents, I’m not uh...what’s the word...Forest-born? I’m from Doma.”

“Doma? The Imperial province in Othard?” Susuru asked, surprised. She knew Yehsui had planned to travel to Othard, but she had hoped that she would have returned to Eorzea when Doma fell. Then again, knowing Yehsui, she would have stayed.

Suzu nodded. “I heard, my parents fought for Doma and after the surrender, they remained with the Liberation Front.”

“You heard?” Susuru’s braced herself. The fact that the young Keeper did not know could only mean one thing.

Suzu nodded sadly. “My mother passed shortly after I was born...My father was...captured...when I was around seven summers.”

Her heart sank. Gone. She’s gone.

“My deepest apologies...” The young Keeper bowed deeply. “You...lost your friend because...of me...”

That shook the Lalafell out of her shocked state. Oh gods no. She berated herself for not having a hold on her expressions better. Doubtless many had blamed her throughout her short life. So as mistaken as it was, of course she would blame herself. She shook her hands frantically. “No no, don’t ever blame yourself for something like that! I’m sure your parents were very happy that you were born.”

“Thank you.” Suzu smiled sadly, her head lowered. Though it was probably true, the feeling of guilt nonetheless remained.

Susuru smiled. She could imagine her friend and her husband playing happily with their kit had the gods permitted it. “Who is your father, by the way? You said they were both forestborn?”

Suzu nodded. “His name is Nhaja’to Jinjahl. I heard that he was a...bard?”

Susuru could not help but grin. She should have known. Though she was a spitting image of her mother, the white streaks in her hair and her blue eye were reminiscent of the bard’s. So his feelings finally got through to her. Good.

“My parents...were well-liked among the village I lived in and in the Liberation Front. My...family did not tell me much, but whenever they were mentioned, it was always in a good way.”

Susuru nodded, feeling slightly better. From what she could tell, neither Keeper regretted their paths. And neither should they blame themselves for their fates. She smiled, decided that though the young Keeper was no doubt in good hands, she would like to at least get to know her better. “Pray tell me more about yourself, Suzu.”

Her eyes widened. She was clearly not expecting that. “M-me?”

Susuru nodded. Mayhaps this visit was worth the trip after all.

[chichiriwinds]

Prompt #29: Determination, Support

For FFxivWrite2019

[Previous]

In the years Susuru has known the Keeper, she had always seemed content with her place in the Shroud. To hear her speak of leaving was shocking. “I-I see...” Susuru stammered, having failed in trying to keep her voice even. It must have taken her much courage to voice this thought of hers. She had the impression that the locals do not take kindly to those who leave. It was not forbidden, but it was still something that was probably looked down upon. The last thing she wanted was for her to seem like she too judges her nagatively for it, when it was anything but.

Yehsui frowned, unsure of what to make of that reaction. It was almost as if her friend was trying to keep her true opinion from her. “Do you...do you think it’s a bad idea?” She asked tentatively.

“No!” Susuru exclaimed. Both of them jumped, surprised. She hung her head. “Sorry Yehsui, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m just surprised. I never thought I’d hear you say something like that.” Realising it could be taken the wrong way, she quickly added, her arms waiving frantically, “I-It’s not a bad thing—in fact, I think it’s a great idea!” She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “Well...I am biased...”

Yehsui smiled. Though she had guessed that her friend would approve of such an idea, it was nonetheless a relief to hear her say so.

Sisuru’s expression changed to one of concern. “If I may, Yehsui, what sparked this? Could it have been because of me or Nhaja’to? We meet up every time I’m in town and I’ve seen you with him a lot lately—Thal’s beard I can’t speak properly!” She sighed. Again, what she said could have easily been taken the wrong way. “What I mean is, are you sure? Living in the Shroud and being on the road are very different...and I can’t imagine your guild or fellow Gridanians would be happy about it either...”

Susuru’s concern for her filled her heart with warmth. She looked up at the canopy, her eyes dreamy. “I have thought long and hard about it. I would travel the world, and try to help as many people as I can on my journey. Like Master A-Towa! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I can be like him?” She turned to her friend. “I have no doubt it’ll be hard. I’ll have to adapt and survive, no longer protected by the Shroud I love. But the more I think about it, the more I feel in my heart it’s what I’m meant to do.” The determination in her eyes was strong, unwavering.

Susuru nodded. Since her friend was so determined, she would do all she can to help her. She gave her a thumbs up. “Alright! Regardless of who planted that idea in your head, you have my support!” Her eyes narrowed, though a teasing glint remained. “Just to be sure, it’s definitely not because of him, right?”

“N-no!” Yehsui’s face flushed a bright red. “Matron preserve, it’s not because of him!”

Susuru burst out laughing. “A jest, it’s a jest!”

She pouted, looking down. “Well...I have to admit, his stories paint the outside world so vividly that even if they are greatly embellished, I find myself wishing I could see it for myself.” She looked up. “But it doesn’t change the fact that I’ve thought long and hard about it.”

Susuru nodded with a grin. She was getting excited. How lovely it would be to show her Thanalan, her home, just as she had shown her around the Twelveswood when she first arrived? That said, a part of her was, however, disappointed that her teasing largely went over her friend’s head. She had chanced to see them both talking to each other and though she had wanted to join them, the look in Nhaja’to’s eyes as he listened and spoke with Yehsui dissuaded her. He was smitten with her. She was sure of it. But Yehsui, being Yehsui, was completely oblivious. She felt a little sorry for him. “Are you going to tell Nhaja’to?” She asked.

Yehsui tilted her head to one side, as if deep in thought. “I probably should, shouldn’t I?” She said, after a while.

Her heart went out to the poor bard.

[chichiriwinds]

Prompt #25: Trust

For FFxivWrite2019

[Previous] [Next]

Despite being a bard of a popular travelling ensemble, Yehsui had been seeing Nhaja'to in the Twelveswood more often than her friend Susuru. On inquiry, she found out that he had asked for and had been granted permission from the Elementals to stay. She found it strange—mayhaps not as strange as he is also Forestborn—but she did not question it. Most residents, both within and without Gridania, seemed to enjoy the spontaneous performances he gave. She was no exception. Whenever she chanced to see or hear the bard performing, she would always stop and listen, if only for a fleeting moment. When duties permitted, she would even stay until the end and talk to him afterwards.

What started as a simple congratulations quickly turned into a lengthy chat. Bells would fly by as they chatted, him talking about his travels and she about her work around the Twelveswood in return. Why he wanted to hear about something decidedly less interesting is beyond her, but if she got to hear more about the world outside the Shroud, she was more than happy to oblige.

* * *

“You're making that face again, Yehsui.” Susuru remarked one day as the pair was enjoying tea.

“Huh? Oh.” Yehsui looked down, pensive.

“Is everything quite well? You haven't been yourself lately.” Susuru asked, concerned. Her friend had a faraway look that she had never seen before. It was almost as if she was yearning for something, waiting for something.

Yehsui nodded. “I've…just had a lot on my mind…” She turned to her friend. “Would you…promise not to tell a soul what I'm about to tell you?”

“But of course.” Susuru smiled gently, glad that her friend trusted her enough to confide in her.

Yehsui smiled, grateful. She looked down. “I'm…thinking of leaving the Shroud.”

[chichiriwinds]

Prompt #19: Radiant

For FFxivWrite2019

[Next]

“A concert. You want me to go to a concert.” Yehsui Tayuun looked at her friend in disbelief.

Her friend, Susuru Suru, a travelling merchant from Ul’dah, nodded enthusiastically. “Come on, Yehsui!” She encouraged, “How often do you hear the Elementals grant a group of performers permission to hold a public concert in Gridania, let alone one as famous as they?!”

Yehsui found herself at a loss for words. Her friend made a very good point.

“Oh come with me please?” She pleaded, seeing her friend still hesitant. “I'll bring you some of those Ul'dahn sweets you like so much the next time I'm back!”

“Alright, alright. I'll come.” Yehsui sighed in defeat, unable to refuse her friend. She must be a huge fan if she would go as far as to promise her sweets.

Susuru cheered. “You won't regret it, I promise!���

* * *

Yehsui was beginning to regret agreeing to her friend’s request. She had never seen Apkallu Falls so crowded. Menphina preserve, this is worse than the markets… Her eyes darted around the sea of people, hoping to spot her friend. A difficult task, given her friend’s small stature. She sighed. She was going to have to go through the sea of people to find her, wasn’t she?

A low, melodic voice sounded, capturing her attention. "Are you all right, my lady?"

She spun around, coming face-to-face with an unassuming Miqo'te in a cowl. One whom she would have missed were her ears not already tuned to his voice. He smiled gently.

For reasons she did not understand, she felt a little calmer. "Yes, I am…" She answered, finally finding her voice. "I came with my friend, but I seem to have lost sight of her. I'm not good with crowds, I'm afraid…" Why she felt compelled to tell him, a complete stranger, was beyond her. "What about you? Did you travel far?"

"You can say that." The Miqo'te rubbed the back of his head, slightly embarassed. "I uh…consider myself as something of a fan. I try my best to attend their concerts, wherever they may be."

Yehsui could not help but admire such dedication. "I am sure they appreciate your support--oh that's right!" She clapped her hands, "You should meet my friend! She's also a fan!"

In her excitement, she missed the panic that passed through his clear blue eyes.

"Yehsui! Thank the Twelve! I've been looking all over for you!" Relief was clear in the Lalafell's voice.

"Susuru! There's someone I want you to meet! He's also a fan--eh?" Yehsui looked around. The traveller was nowhere to be found.

* * *

Yehsui had heard that music could move the heart and soul, but it was not until that night that she felt it for herself. It was clear even to her that each performer poured their heart and soul into their song, their emotions laid bare. How brightly their souls shone. How radiant, dazzling they were. She could not help but be a little jealous of them.

"…by the Twelve, YEHSUI!!!"

Yehsui jumped, letting out a 'mrrp!' sound. She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not hear her friend. "M-my apologies, Susuru."

Before Susuru could retort, the pair heard a chuckle. They turned in the direction of the sound. A hooded Miqo'te walked out towards them. "You're--" Yehsui started, before realising that she did not know his name, "from before…" She did not notice Susuru's shocked expression.

He nodded, smiling. "Did you enjoy the concert?" He asked.

"I did." Yehsui answered, nodding. "Yourself?"

"Thal's Beard, Yehsui, that's Nhaja'to Jinjahl!" Susuru exclaimed. At her friend's confused look, she elaborated, "Singer and Flutist." No reaction. "Twelve, you just watched him perform! Remember? The song about a secret love?"

Yehsui's eyes widened as realisation dawned upon her. "That was you?!" She buried her face in her hands, embarassed. "My apologies, that was rude of me. That was a spectacular performance. Your song was very touching and uh…you have…a very different singing voice…"

"So I've been told." The Miqo'te chuckled. He pulled back his hood, revealing his snow-white hair and sparkling, clear blue eyes. "Nhaja'to Jinjahl, a bard." He bowed politely to both of them. "Pleased to make your acquaintence."

"Su-Susuru Suru." She stammered, starstruck. "I-I'm a merchant…from Ul'dah."

"Yehsui Tayuun…A conjurer…of Stillglade Fane…" She could not meet his eyes.