#well if denz count as one then sure i do

[othercrossee]

Why am I actually like, I wanna make a vtuber sona againn

[rainofaugustsith]

SWTOR: Galactic Seasons

I've been checking the PTS forum to see how it's going with Galactic Seasons. This is supposedly going to be SWTOR's new ongoing program which will allow you to earn companions, armor, vehicles, etc. as well as tokens for additional goodies. The token vendor appears to have most of the companions that were previously offered as subscription rewards, like Paxton Rall; the DvL companion Master Ranos, and some decorations that have been unavailable in the game for a long time, like the Makeb Gazebo and the huge Revan statue. The reward everyone is being offered as they go through the Seasons is another companion - a Kubaz fellow this time - as well as gifts and gear for him. I am sure there are those who will be hot and bothered that the subscription companions and decos are being offered again, just as there were people who never wanted HK-55 and Shroud of Memory to be offered again. I personally think it's really really good that they are offering people a way to get the rewards they missed. Not every player was able to get those things the first time around; many of us were not even playing yet.

On the other hand, I feel bad for those who are now going to have to work to get rewards I honestly just got for subscribing - the only criteria to get Paxton Rall, Shae Vizla and Nico Okarr was to be subscribed at the right time. Still, I paid for Arma Rasa and Shroud of Memory when others got it free for subscribing for a time, so it is what it is. Some of the personal objectives appear to be more rampage like stuff, but others seem to be PvP and Ops. It's ridiculous really; they keep trying to lead the players to content they've clearly indicated they don't want to do. I'm guessing that for a lot of us, those objectives will be ignored like everything else. I'd personally like to get Master Ranos because you can talk to her about the Force sensitive companions, and I'd like the Makeb Gazebo because it's pretty, but certainly not enough to be compelled into playing PvP, Ops, group flashpoints or world bosses. Having said that, I'm surprised that the big reward they are offering everyone is...another companion. Like, hey, cool, but I can't see myself working for that. Right now every PC has six companions in the class story, if we count the ship droid. They pick up between 6 and 15 in the story from KOTFE to the Nathema Conspiracy, depending on choices and class. They can get many others with the Alliance Alerts and Star Fortresses. Almost anyone who dies can be retrieved from the Odessen terminal, even if you chose to kill or exile them. You really can get out of the traitor arc with like 30 - 40 companions without trying too hard.

And that's not counting the companions that can be earned through quests, achievements, special events and such (Darth Hexid, Phojo Nuray, the Gamorrean Guard, HK-51, H2), the ones that can be purchased through the Cartel Market, etc. I'll put canon Viri's companion list behind the cut. She has 45 companions right now. And that is with taking three kill options in KOTFE/ET (Senya, Arcann, Quinn), not getting Elara (she sided Imperial on Iokath) and not even hitting Onslaught to pick up Jakarro, Kira and Scourge yet. She has not used the terminal to pull any of the dead companions back to life, either. So a new companion for Viri...well, more scrolling, I guess. Right now, thanks to subscriber rewards that are legacy, every one of my characters has access to four companions as soon as they step out into the world on their starter planets as level 1s. If I choose to unlock Treek or HK-51 for them - more. I have several unlocked cartel market droids and creatures - even more. They could actually have ten companions before they leave their starter planet. I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong here. I think having a variety of companions is great, especially if you would like to work with characters outside the class stories. My smuggler ran with Nico Okarr until she got to Bowdaar, Risha and Akaavi. My trooper ran her entire story with Paxton Rall. My Imperial Agents trust no one and ran with HK-51 and a nexu, respectively. My Jedi Knight and Veeroa Denz seem to make a good team so they get sent out togther. And so on. And I actually would love to see a few new companions that are wlw and mlm romances, like Anri, because we all know there aren't too many. It's just weird to me that the big reward for the Galactic Seasons would be another companion that has no seeming attachment to main story, because...if you have been playing the game for any length of time you have a lot of them. This reward might be great for newbies, but I can see a lot of players not putting effort into GS because in addition to not wanting to do the objectives offered, to work for Companion #46 on their list? Well, okay.

[the-melting-world]

Louder Than a Lion

~ In which a secretive barhand asks a raven-haired magician an important question...

Music: “Louder Than a Lion” by Eisley

For @arcanecadenza​

Follow up to this ficlet: 50 Kiss Prompts

~ 730 words

***

Khleo sat apart from her coworkers at the far end of the bar, waiting for Cadenza to arrive. Hefe was there, her enormous paw resting on Khleo’s thigh. Despite its weight and warmth, Khleo’s skin still prickled with goosebumps.

< You can do this, cub. >

Khleo bowed her shoulders and swung her ankles back and forth.

~ But Hefe, what if I lose my voice? ~

The lioness retracted her paw and gave Khleo’s elbow an encouraging nudge.

< Just take your time. You’ll find it again. You always do. >

Khleo could feel her coworkers watching her. They were doing a lousy job pretending to work. The three of them, Gabe, Basil and Samira were clustered too close together to be doing anything except gossiping. Their whispers spiked in energy when Cadenza entered the mostly empty tavern hall.

It wasn’t long after the raven-haired magician had taken her seat beside Khleo when the barhand pulled something small and round out of the pocket of her shorts. She called Cadenza’s attention to it. As soon as the magician’s gold-flecked eyes locked onto the small object between Khleo’s fingers, they tore their gaze away so they could concentrate on what they needed to say.

“This is for you.” 

They held up a ring. Wooden and carved in a simple, uninterrupted braid. 

“When I made you the ladder, there was a lot of wood left over and I got to thinking, what if I…” Khleo lost their train of thought as they reached for Cadenza’s left hand and smoothed the ring onto her second to last finger. 

Whatever reactions Cadenza was having in the moment went unnoticed by the barhand. She was too mesmerized by how perfectly the ring fit. How it hugged the magician’s long, graceful fingers. Khleo threaded her own through Cadenza’s, lingering on all the comfort and pleasure those fingers had brought her in the time that they had gotten to know each other. 

“Denz?” Khleo cleared her throat and blinked a few times before continuing. “Do you think you could hold onto this until I can save up for something… better? It might take me a while, but–”

The sudden sound of the stool grating against the floor overwhelmed Khleo’s senses. Before she knew it, Cadenza was on her feet, drawing herself between Khleo’s legs and gathering up her curly head between those graceful hands. Tears threatened to spill from Khleo’s eyes at the smoothness of the ring pressing into her cheek as her partner kissed her with everything she had.

After a long while, Cadenza whispered, “Yes, yes. Absolutely. Oh… Oh, Khleo.” Her freckled cheeks were shiny and wet. 

“Did you mean it, Denz?” Khleo didn’t know where she found the voice to ask more questions. “When you said you loved me that night?”

Cadenza drew back a little, the brown in her eyes magnified by all the water. She nodded with enough emphasis to make her wild midnight curls catch onto her slick cheeks.

“Yes. Of course I meant it. I meant it then and I mean it now. I love you, Khleo.” 

Relief flooded Khleo’s dark brown eyes. “I was... just making sure.” Her own constellation of freckles darkened into a red clay as she placed her hand over Cadenza’s and brought it to her lips. Kissing the braided ring, she whispered, “I love you too. And it’s my hope that one of these days... you’ll say yes to me again.”

***

Later, after Cadenza had left the bar and Khleo was back to petting Hefe, Basil came over to refill her beer. 

“So, where did the nickname ‘Denz’ come from?”

Khleo smiled mostly to herself as she continued to drag her thumb in circles at the top of Hefe’s creamy crown.

“I was making a delivery to the Palace one day when I saw her playing her violin in one of the empty rooms. I opened my mouth to speak and… Denz was the only thing that would come out.”

Basil fixed Khleo with an expectant look. “Well? Is that it?” He gently bonked the base of the pitcher against the side of their head. “That’s all that was going through your thick skull in the moment?”

Khleo finally looked up at him. 

Hefe purred against her leg.

“No, Baz.” She sighed. 

She lowered her gaze to the beer in her glass. The barhand studied and counted the little bubbles as they rose and evaporated at the surface. 

“That’s not all that was going through my mind.”

[jancisstuff]

Charms for the Future - Cactuar Flower

Jancis Milburga comes up curiously behind Tausen's shoulder, her voice a smile. "Is this seat taken?"

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn doesn't look up at first, leaning back on his stool. "Oh, aye, sorry. Was waitin' on some lass I know, friendly type. Figured she'd pop up iffin' I sat still long 'nough." The corner of his mouth ticks up in a smirk.

Jancis Milburga blinks and misses the cue, "Oh. Forgive me, Tausen, I did not know.  Surely she will come by soon. I can look for her. Maybe she is sitting elsewhere or looking about." She looks around herself then pauses. "Thaliak's Grace, you are joking back." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn startles for a moment as she seems ready to leave. "Oh Gods, no, I was..." Looking back to her, he can't help but laugh. "O' course I was! Take a seat, Jancis! It'd be a right privilege to spend an eve with ye like old times." He pats the smooth counter next to him with his way-too-big-hand. Jancis Milburga echoes the laugh and words, "Like old times," as she carefully sits down. Bringing out a pocketbelt, she counts out gil coins that have a mix of minting from Limsa and Ishgard. "Do you like stew or something to drink? It is nice to see you. How have you been faring?" She couples her question with a thoughtful lookover of the huge man. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn runs a hand over his hair, smoothing it back as best he can. One lock always seems to fall over his face, though. "Oh...iffin' I'm bein' honest, a drink would be preferred, lass. That's right kind o' ye. We're in my city, though, I should be the'un treatin' ye!" He grins wide, all teeth as she settles down. "Ah, I've been fine. S'a quiet stretch o' moons, which I can't complain 'bout. Mostly keepin' things runnin' an' that's 'bout it. How're ye, though!? What've ye been up to?" Jancis Milburga fumbles with the coin before waving over the bartender for a drink for Tausen and some food for herself. She pays for the drink. "I can picture in my mind what quiet means for you. It only means you did not break a large bone or get gouged deep enough for forced bedrest." Her eyes squint up happily, "I am healed and safe for now. I have been quite busy with a couple things." Jancis Milburga: "I was helping these miners excavate a town that was lost when the moon fell. They dug up something wonderful. I am not sure what it is yet, but it has a serenity about it. Some others of Denz's house, my house. Our house. They are helping." Jancis Milburga: "The other thing. You saw when we were playing with the ducks. I am due soon. Couple moons. That is part of the reason I came to find you. That and to see you."

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn gives a deep belly laugh at her jest, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Oi, I ain't been hit in the head with a rock in ages, I'd say that's takin' it easy!" Smiling along, he nods with her description, lips forming a surprised "Oh!" at the part about the miners. "Wasn't...buried treasure was it? I ain't found none o' that since I was a lad..." The wistful look in his eyes lasts for a brief moment before he snaps back to reality. "Gods, o' course! Yer lookin' well for the time left, lass." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: I knew a lass who got as big as a house when she was that far 'long. Yer takin' to it well. An' o' course, anythin' I can do to help. Jancis Milburga: "I think so! It is silver and a large disk. Wider than my arms! Nearly as tall as I!" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn gasps! Jancis Milburga tries to spread her arms enough, but fails. "When I figure out what it is, I will not keep it secret. Twelve knows it is something special. And. And me. Thank you. Am I? My robe is a bit large and loose. Is as if I have another satchel sometimes. I would like to ask some help. Another friend said I was cowering. But, Nymeia would want me to ask for help." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn 's expression grows stern. "Oi, who said that? It ain't easy bein' like that, it ain't a sign o' strength to be turnin' away help. It's askin' for it that takes guts." Jancis Milburga shakes her head, "Forgive me. I think it is more so because of what I was asking that she said so. But I feel it in my heart to ask. I know where I put myself. My thread or path or chart. My river. I want to be prepared should my river be shorter than I perceive. I cannot raise one alone as it is. I was thinking back in some of my deep memories. I owned something I had this bracelet it was mine. You might have seen it." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn reaches for his drink but stops, turning to face her more fully as she continues. His brow furrows deeper as he listens but makes no attempt to interrupt her. At the mention of her bracelet, he nods. "Aye, I believe I know the'un yer speakin' o'." His expression shifts, he clearly wants to console her but lets her say her piece. Jancis Milburga looks thoughtful, "Alveo. I gave it to him and he kept it. When I came here out of the Shroud I would look at it often. I was thinking I could get one and have charms on it for everyone I know who will help. That way the little one can look upon it and know there are people out there who can be turned to." Jancis Milburga: "Like you. You know the sea and animals. And how to dance. And laugh. You would be a great charm. I mean you are charming I mean like a symbol. If you wish to be." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn softens immediately, his jaw pushing forward a little as he searches her face. "...aye, I'd be honored to, lass. I admit, I ain't ev'r consid'red the role for meself aft'r all that's happened in me own life. But I'd take to that, I know." He holds up a single finger. "I'll help with the lil'un, an' I'll help ye with them, too. 'cause yer goin' to be fine." He gives a resolute nod, as if that makes it official. Your eyes grow wide with awe upon seeing Tausenadel Geispyrsyn. Jancis Milburga rubs her cheek, "Going to be fine." She concedes, being thoughtful as she eats some, the words going over in her head. "You are the first to agree. Carina did not and is more interested in building. But that is her strength, a good friend. Barengar is more focused on if it would be possible to retrieve my bracelet." She smiles in a mushy way, swaying in her seat and looking up at Tausen. "It means a great deal to me." Jancis Milburga: "My old wounds are making it more difficult and remind me each sun. Things will be go well, but I would be disgracing the Spinner if I did not prepare for darker suns." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn tilts his head to the side. "The first? Truly?" The big man smiles brightly, eyes shut from the force of it. There's the faintest of reflection of light at the corners of his eyes. "Seems fittin' I'm the'un then! Ye won't need to worry. Hells, ye shouldn't be now at all." Sniffing once, he takes a heavy drink before nodding slowly. "Well, aye. Always best to prepare. But I already said yer goin' to be fine, so that's that, then. Aye?" Looking back to her, he clunks his drink on the counter. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Iffin' ye leave this'un to me, ye know it's gonna spend its days surrounded by all mann'r o' beasts. Best ye stick 'round, aye?

Jancis Milburga smiles until the drink drops, face shifting a bit into a torn expression as if losing a debate. "You make that sound to be a terrible thing. But you adore it! I am not fooled. Husbandry is important and a worthwhile. Then no charm that represents you? It need not only be for death. The suns when I am a chore and frustrating. Or healing. Many situations to look for. Being brave and leaving on one's own and where to go. I know what little ones wish for sometimes." Jancis Milburga: "Did you ever wander off? Follow Oschon without telling anyone?" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn shakes his head quickly. "Oh no no, lass...iffin' ye ask it o' me, a charm I'll be. Happy to. I'll do me best to not taint 'em with wand'rlust an' me accent. Ye don't need some high-pitched "AYE AYE" strainin' yer ears." Looking up at the ceiling of the Wench, Tau pursed his lips in thought. "Did I ev'r wand'r off? Oh aye, repeatedly. S'how I got me name in the first place. Didn't stop me aft'r that, either, though ye'd think the scars would o' been a bett'r teacher." Jancis Milburga: "You were helping the ship if I remember well enough. Found an amazing creature when docked. And I do expect it to happen! One means or another. I am not being morbid!" She stressed the end. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn laughs at that one. "No, ye ain't, I und'rstand, lass." Jancis Milburga settles and smiles gratefully, reaching out to squeeze Tausen's arm for as much as her hand could, "What charm, then?" Jancis Milburga: "A little needled friend? A storybook? Something like Garuda?" You smile at Tausenadel Geispyrsyn. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn pats her tiny hand with his coarse palm when she reaches over. "Oh Gods uh...a cactuar would be most fittin' but I feel like it would bett'r serve to be what ye think best represents, aye? Not tryin' to pass off the decision on ye, I jus' want it to be yers still, aye?" His free hand scratches at a scar on his chin. "Maybe a lad flexin' real hard. Nah..." Jancis Milburga: "Flexing real hard? Like a disembodied arm?" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Oh Gods, I'm jus' havin' a laugh, lass, don't do that'un. Ev'n though...it wouldn't...be wrong! Tausenadel Geispyrsyn flexes mightily. Jancis Milburga claps at the display. "I will choose something that suits you as best as a small silver charm can. Something truly accurate would fill a whole bracelet!" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn gasps aloud. "We can't have that! I ain't tryin' to take all the space, would be rude o' me! But aye, lass, I'd love a place on the bracelet, iffin' ye'd have me." Jancis Milburga: "If? Is no question of if, Tausen. Not by me." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Aw...lass. Jancis Milburga smiles and eats a bit more, still smiling with her spoon. "Are you here long? Or do you head eastward soon?" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn smiles again. "I think I'm here for a spell. Knowin' how soon ye are is sure to keep me near, least til I hear a babe's cry!" He laughs before his brows rise. As if he just had a thought. "Ah, have ye squared 'way plans for the deliv'ry? Any'un helpin' ye with that?" Your eyes grow wide with awe upon seeing Tausenadel Geispyrsyn. Jancis Milburga: "Plans. Plans." Jancis Milburga ponders thoughtfully before admitting. "I. I have not made any. I have helped with others, and thought I would keep going until I could not anymore. But I might need more than that. My wounds make it complicated. Thaliak's Grace, if only such things could be simplier." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn points his thumb at his own chest. "Well, don't feel weird callin' on me iffin' ye need some'un. I'm a fair hand at bringin' things into the world. Wouldn't be a stress to ease ye 'long, iffin' the off'r ain't too awkward. Ye should be takin' it easy with yer hurts, aye?" Jancis Milburga perks up at the offer and nods. "I would like that." But she lifts her shoulders at the end a bit, apologizing after her gesture and leans over on the stool. "I think it will hurt anyway. My old wounds cause it. And there is so much still to be done."

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn smiles, nodding along. "Jus' ask, I'll do what I can. I don't mean to pry at all, but what kind o' wounds are ye speakin' o'? I can't imagine any foul'r blade than the'un that decided Jancis made a fine target."

Jancis Milburga tries to rub the color from her cheek, smiling up, her expression going a bit more into thought. "It was like a needle in a way. One very large needle." Jancis Milburga: "I was outside of the Mist with Alveo at the time. He was practicing jumping and we were unarmed. Taken by surprise by a curious arcane user. Something dark, something with the void and we fended him off eventually, but I was impaled by some stalagmite he had conjured. It was a wound beyond him and the others that came at the defense call, so I tended it as best I could. When I was conscious, at least. That was a very long night." Jancis Milburga smiles apologetically and gestures to her left lower torso, entry and exit points. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn frowns at that one, his eyes searching up and down her frame as if he were trying to piece the damage together visually. "Gods. I didn't realize it was so severe, lass. I'm truly sorry for that. I've got plenty o' scars but nothin' o' that nature." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Yer tough'r than me! Jancis Milburga: "That is not true!" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Psssh, says ye. Jancis Milburga: "I say no such thing! No pssshh... www. Hm. That is a silly sound. ppeevuussshhh..." Jancis Milburga continues to pssh at Tausen. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn keeps up a stream of "Psssssh", reaching forward for his drink. There's a brief, submerged "Pssssssblblblbl" as he tries to drink through it but fails.

Jancis Milburga breaks into laughter, both hands coming up to cover her mouth in vail, giggling for a solid minute after. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "So that's decided, then." Jancis Milburga nods, recollecting herself except for her eyes dancing.

Jancis Milburga: "It is. I think we could do with a walk then?"

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn clicks his wooden sandals down on the floor and pushes himself to standing. "Aye, lass! A walk! To work off the drink an' get ye some prop'r sea air." Jancis Milburga pushes herself up and thanks the bartender. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn gives a jaunty salute to the tender and gestures her towards the north exit of the Wench. "S'there anythin' ye'd like to see especially? Or jus' a stroll?" Jancis Milburga: "A stroll works well. Where I can see the ocean and the inlets." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Aye aye!

Jancis Milburga shifts her satchels and cane about.

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn leads them on a merry stroll!

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn plants his hands on his hips, looking out towards La Noscea. With a deeeeep breath, he exhales with content. "Aaaah. Ye know, it jus' smells diff'rent ov'r in Kugane." Jancis Milburga takes a slow deep breath, trying to make her chest expand half as much. "Does it? I was there a few suns and never thought to smell. Do you like the smell there more?" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn shakes his head vigorously as the fog breaks. "Oh gods, nay. It's nice ov'r there, no denyin'. But there's somethin' 'bout Limsa that won't ev'r be matched. I could jus' be nostalgic, o' course." Jancis Milburga: "That is a valid view. You would not know how fond you were of here if not for leaving it. Seeing other places. And bringing all that back with you. I feel that comfort here; put a lot of work into the land. The people who make it a home." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn nods with a broad smile locked in place. "I'm sure ye feel the same o' yer home out in the Shroud, aye? Somewhere special for ye." Jancis Milburga looks away from the water. "I. Yes. Yes I do. I do not have to observe there I am included. Part of it. And I bring shells and music back to it. Quite the collection. But where I am in it now is much different. It is far brighter than what I always perceived. The thicker parks are much darker the leaves keep the sunlight out." Jancis Milburga: "I might find that place again. It is hidden in the underwater tunnels. There are so many rivers there, Tausen. So many unseen." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn keeps his eyes on her face, the changes in expression. "I admit, I ain't seen much o' the Shroud. A bit here an' there, for findin' critt'rs or meetin' friends. I'd like to see those secret parts." Jancis Milburga widens her eyes, "See. I. I know some of them!" Her face was changing from a sad remembrance to something of duty and anxiousness, digging into her satchel to pull out a very worn, repaired map. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn scoots closer, leaning over her to look at the revealed parchment. "Ohohoh, ye know ye shouldn't show an' old map to a pirate, aye?" Jancis Milburga offers up the map. It's been folded  so many times that she's taped and sewn parts back together. There's pencil notes over an old trail map of the Shroud, making more tunnels and rivers written in, as well as many erased parts of dead ends. "Why not?"

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn lowers his voice to a fiendish octave. "They're liable to snatch it for themselves!" His attempt at reaching for it is entirely half-assed, he doesn't want to accidentally harm the clearly important piece. Though once he gets a good eye on it, he drops the act and makes a soft "Ooooh." Jancis Milburga gasps softly, though her grip doesn't tighten more watching his hands act out the snatching. "That would be a lost of many Turns of work."  She lets him look a minute, figure out the different of tree, trunks, tunnels, submerged, and a dozen other notes. "I use to try to find where I had been out there. But more people I meet here, the less important it became." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn hmmms at that one, running a rough finger along one of the rivers to trace it. "That seems fair, though it wouldn't be right iffin' it stopped bein' somethin' ye care 'bout. We all need somethin' jus' for ourselves." He's not looking at her as he speaks, his attention focused on the map. Jancis Milburga watches his gaze thoughtfully, her expression softening. "Verily." Her hand interrupts his vision as she points to one of the rivers that was already on the map. "Under the water there is a crate of wine. Many bottles in it. Just have to fight the current to get one." Jancis Milburga: "Only recovered a couple before. For special occassions." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn gasps, clearly pleased with this revelation. "Oi now! Ye didn't say this was a treasure map! Now we're gettin' somewhere! What else ye got stashed 'round the place? Gold? Priceless works o' art? A sword made o' crystal?" Jancis Milburga laughs, "None of that have I found. Some good spots for mushrooms?" She waits a moment to see the response. "Good mushrooms. There was a broken cart where I was. Some items in it. Plates I recall.  That is something of a treasure. I wanted to see them again to figure out where they were from." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Mushrooms are treasure, iffin' they're the right kind! Ye got all sorts o' goodies on this thing! Jancis Milburga: "The Shroud is full of abundance! I will take you there. Soon hopefully." Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: I'd like that a lot, lass. Jancis Milburga smiles up at him, folding up the map. "You did say you were here for a spell. Is that just here here?" Tausenadel Geispyrsyn looks around and sucks on his teeth for a second. "Sss...aye, this may need to be it for now, lass. I hate to part but I do have a crate o' zu I'm keepin' an eye on." He pauses for a moment and leans forward until he's almost eye level with her. "Are ye alright to get home on yer own? Do ye need any help?" Jancis Milburga smiles softly, "I am quite busy, too. Yes, yes I can." She digs out an airship pass with a Maelstrom seal. "I can enjoy the ocean view a bit longer, too, during it." She smiles warmly up. "Another time. You will be safe and well, too?"

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn nods, pleased with how this turned out. "O' course, Jancis. Ye let me know next time ye feel like takin' a walk. I'll make time to see ye! An' I'll be fine, no'un's goin' to mess with me in me own town!" Jancis Milburga looks pretty happy at that answer, reaching over to squeeze at Tausen's hand before hugging him. Tausenadel Geispyrsyn doesn't hesitate at the hug, putting his brawny arms about her and patting her gently on the back. "Take care and I'll see ye soon, aye?" Jancis Milburga: "Yes, yes soon. Good night, Tausen."

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn: Goodnight, Jancis.

Tausenadel Geispyrsyn Jancis Milburga

July 2 2018

[gegenji]

Will of The Weak

Chachanji frowned in thought as he put up the scroll he got from Neheon over the door to his smithy, fastening it as best he could there. He wasn't quite sure if this was the proper place for it – or even if he was doing this right – but, since it was to ward and keep out dangerous magicks and the like, hanging it over the entryway seemed like the right way to go about it. Though, he would probably have to double-check with her the next time he went out that way just to be certain. The Clinic...

It had been quite the chain of events that had even brought him out to the manor nestled out in the Lavender Beds and the Clinic being maintained within its walls. And it all started with those strange whispers that had startled him so during his smithing that one morning. Out of seemingly nowhere they had called to him, enticed him with protecting those he cared about from an oncoming storm he hadn't known was coming. And, given recent events and the other times he had come up short in doing such things himself, he had been tempted. Not wholly swayed – because even he wasn’t naïve enough to just listen to random whispers from nowhere, especial when already occasionally seeing wolves that were not there – but still tempted nonetheless. Perhaps to clear his mind and quell some of his doubts, he had gone to watch the Grindstone – after all, seeing and cheering on his friends and allies in (relatively) friendly matches seemed like a surefire way to reaffirm their own tenacity and strength. Not that he didn’t trust them to be able to but, with his mind clouded as it was, a little reassurance couldn’t hurt. Instead, as if to highlight and exacerbate his concerns, he arrived to find that none other than Gunnar himself had decided to make a surprise appearance in the lineup.

Gunnar.

The man who had threatened both Mr. Evening and Ms. Annunu, left Tiroro bedridden for nearly a moon after ripping her aether from her and detonating it in her face, and used a child as a shield to protect himself from Mr. Ominious’ attack. A picture-perfect example of a “bad guy” he had always said he would step up to defeat to protect people, right there in front of him. And he hadn’t known what to do; he remained frozen in place as the man left untouched from the event grounds as the little Lalafell’s white-knuckled grip found his smithing hammer.

He had wanted to step up, to do something, but he didn’t know what. And a niggling little voice in the back of his mind wondered if he could have even done anything, considering the greater forces that had already been amassed against the man who had already tried. And what would’ve happened if he used the audience like he had used the child, or escaped and sought to harm him through his loved ones like he seemingly sought to harm Mr. Evening through Ms. Annunu? Could he protect all of them too? What ifs, coulds, should, woulds, maybes and maybe nots; they all were a sudden storm in his mind already troubled with thoughts wrought of strange whispers and assumed failures. Ser Warren had let Gunnar go because of his self-restraint, because to cause a scene at the Grindstone would have done more harm than good. That was strong, that was noble, that was admirable. Chachanji had let him go because, in his mental paralysis, he hadn’t known what to do and – in the end – had simply done nothing. A crisis of indecision that, he could tell from the look Ms. Jancis had given him once he told her of it, was so very unlike her view of him.

Ms. Jancis...

The lady Conjurer had joined him in the audience not long after Gunnar had left, sensing his distress and seeking to aid him. When he had explained the situation to her, she claimed that his inaction had been the right choice – as she too had believed that causing a scene would’ve done more harm than good. She had lauded it as a sign of his valor and strength rather than a paralysis wrought of fear and concern. And when he admitted that reasoning to her, she had given him that look – a look that so very clearly showed that hearing such things from the little knight she saw him as seemed… wrong. And then there was Virara, who had also been there – searching for something she wouldn’t say. But what she would speak of cut to the quick of the matter, her quiet yet blunt words striking his core almost as viciously as her notoriously powerful punches. Of what she thought of him, of what he had become over the intervening moons. "You're weak,” She had said. “You lack the stomach to destroy the enemy."

That was nothing new, of course. He had always wanted to avoid hurting people – killing people – due to the finality of it, and of the ripples it caused in the lives of their loved ones. She had actually come to accept that fact, even if she didn’t seem to understand or believe it herself. It had been part of what had made him… him, and she had even gone as far to aid him in developing a pacifistic fighting style that was so different from her own to allow him to express that. So while this view of hers was the norm, there seemed to be an extra bite to it with the Whispers and Gunnar’s appearance still fresh in his mind. Had he fallen so far from where he had used to be when he first came to Eorzea seeking to protect people, when he had first met the likes of Ms. Jancis and Virara? He had certainly learned quickly that he detested fighting, desiring to avoid conflict where he could, and that he lacked that “killer instinct” that seemed to be needed to excel on the battlefield. There seemed to be so many better suited to such a position – like Virara or Mr. Berrod or that mountain of gristle that was Hammersmith – that he had taken a step back and sought to help from the sidelines. Protecting people with his craft, with something he had some degree of confidence in, rather than to risk making things worse due to his inherently gentle nature being so out of place in the middle of combat. And every outing just seemed to reinforce that; making him seem more and more out of place, causing him to spend more and more time on the sidelines… and, like the skilled fighter she was, Virara was quick to attack that weak point as well.

"I have never heard of a hero who saved others by hiding in his smithy."

It was another powerful blow to him and his already crumbling feelings of self-worth in light of current events. Was he really just hiding away in his smithy, not even managing to protect people using one of the few things he was actually good at? Tiroro had been bedridden for a month even with the armor he made for her, but she had said herself that it could've been worse without it. That counted for something, right? Still, he had found himself wondering if it would be better to take the Whispers up on their offer, in case even that wasn't going to be good enough.

But Jancis had words about all this – many, many words shared between them even after they had long since left the Grindstone grounds. She spoke of the things he had done that had protected people, of the times he had stood up to the challenge despite his pacifistic nature. He had confronted his own brother when he sought to cast Eorzea deeper into the flames of war, he had shielded his friends and allies from a powerful blast so they could complete the ritual to pry free from the attacker the enraged spirit that controlled him, he had saved Jancis herself from a group of arcane rogues, and stood strong against the Kojin of the Red in order to return to her beloved Denz what was his. She was quick to make mention, too, of how many of his creations had saved others: the enraged spirit had been contained in a rod of his making, a suit of his armor had saved a Sultansword from the point-blank burst of a grenade, and even reaffirmed his earlier thoughts about how Tiroro's injures could've been far more fatal had he not crafted the leathers she had worn into battle.

He had done good things. He had helped. He had protected people.

Yet even she had said that he could do even more good by coming out of his smithy. That his kindheartedness itself was a strength on the battlefield, not the weakness he had convinced himself it was. That the care and desire to preserve the life given to all things was just as important on the front lines as the ability to take it. And that he should leave his smithy for a time and step out to help protect those he cared about more actively, like he once did. To do what, deep down beneath the uncertainty and the concern and the worry, he knew he wanted to do. To be there. To help. To protect everyone he could.

And so he had gone to seek Tiroro at the Duskbreak, to tell the one he wanted to protect the most that he wanted to be at her side should they encounter Gunnar again. That he wanted to be an active force once more, rather than just being a passive supporter, and to speak to her of the Whispers and their “oncoming storm.” He had wanted to speak to her of them anyway once he had gathered himself, before the surprise Gunnar appearance – to share his thoughts and concerns with her, and to decide with her what to do. Together. She had not been there, for she had - unbeknownst to him - in fact been out at the gathering of the many others who had heard the Whispers. Yet he still provided the path that led him somewhat in her wake - a flyer left behind that spoke of there being kindred spirits, yet more who had been approached and perhaps even tempted as he had by their warnings and their promises. Perhaps they could help as well, letting him know the possible nature of these Whispers and how trustworthy they were. And so he had gone to the Clinic, and he had learned of the offers and the promises and the lies of the Whispers - and how he could have doomed those he cared about to far more horrible fates under the guise of "protecting" them. It was a sobering thought that just by playing to his worries and concerns, and his desire to protect others, he had almost heeded these otherworldly things and aided in whatever scheme they had. But instead he had learned the truth - or as much of the truth as Ms. Neheon and the others had learned - and the rallying thought that, even if someone had succumbed to the temptation, they could still be potentially be brought back. So when they asked for those who would confront these things, these creatures from beyond, he had stood with the rest of themm. All the worry and doubt that the Whispers had instilled in him - and that he still felt crawling about in his gut - he wanted to protect others who might be similarly swayed by it. He wanted to save those that had already succumbed to it, to bring them back and let them know they had friends they could turn to. He wanted to be there, rather than just wait again in the wings and just hope things would work out. His armor certainly wouldn't do enough here - but rather than simply bemoan that fact, he instead needed to step up and act.

And that was where he was now, he mused as he stepped back to admire his handiwork. His smithy would be another safe space for those who sought it, and he would also help however else he can. Whether it just be an ear to bend, a friend to support, or one of the many who were to stand up and let this storm break itself upon their will. "The weak have two choices," Virara has told him that day at the Grindstone. "Gain strength, or find someone who has it." Meanwhile, Jancis had assured him despite all that, even despite all that had happened: "You have always been strong." Strength. He had resolved to gather that strength. The strength those that cared for him saw in him, the strength that those that cared for him lent unto him just by believing in him and wanting to see him succeed. That strength of will, that strength of heart. And then he could be that strength for those that needed it. Who needed that shelter from the oncoming storm.

@the-faceless-ffxiv

[progeny-of-the-fury]

To the Eastern Flare | Part II

Log date: 11/5/17

OOC Note: The text in these logs are strictly for the reader’s enjoyment. Anyone using the knowledge displayed within this text without the participant’s knowledge risks the potential of blacklisting from future communication and roleplay. Please do not meta-game!

Tags: @jancisstuff @darkknightsbread

The events in Shirogane brought a mixture of uncertainty, melancholy, and perhaps even an onze of regret. I had gotten myself mixed up in substances that muddied my mind, and in the process brought up old wounds that angered those close to me... and him. While I certainly do not think he does not deserve their ire, it was not right. Not then, not there. I awoke to a letter delivered to Lord Gascogne and I’s room. It did not take a genius to know its sender...

Adelise De'bayle raises a slip of paper up within her hands, waving it briefly. "A Moogle came to find me this morning, much to my own surprise. Seems someone wishes to speak to us both in Rakuza district."

Siovant Gascogne inclines his head in affirmation, lofting an ebon brow. "Oh? Did it happen to mention who it was? Or are we merely to wander into the district on the grace of our naivety?"

Adelise De'bayle: "Oh no, it says who it is," she remarks plainly, her fingers flicking back along with wrist to hand the small sheet over toward her lover. "The only person who might either speak to me or run away," she adds, the note clearly reading  'Denz's name.

After some... revelating discussions last night between Denz and Jancis, the elezen had since decided to send a letter to Adelise, requesting her presence in the Rakuza District that the two might speak. Waiting in the square, the afternoon crowds bustled nearby, the pair sectioned off enough that they might have elbow space to wait for the other couple to arrive.

Siovant Gascogne: "Ah. Good." Siovant could not help but allow that well-honed edge to creep into his voice, and into his eyes.  "Saves us the trouble of hunting him down, I suppose." He states, "Shall we, then?"

Adelise De'bayle heaves out a sigh, not particularly looking forward to seeing the man herself. Still, crunching the paper tightly into her fingers, she patted her hand to Siovant to lead them both forward toward their destination.

The duo eventually find their way to where they were directed to meet the two, stop some fulms away from them. "Afternoon," Adelise remarks curtly, arms crossed over her bosom.

Through the crowd once Jancis saw the pair, she perks up, though surely it was after Denz spotted them. "Good Sun! How are you feeling? Able to rest through the night and morn?"

Siovant clasped his hands lightly behind the small of his back, levelling an edged look towards the duo. "I trust that the De'bayle successfully retrieved his lost ring?" The Elezen states in greeting.

Slowly moving her crimson irises onto Jancis, Adelise offered her a small dip of her head. "I was. Lord Gascogne was very kind in his caring for my well-being."

Denz nods his head to the pair, eyes looking towards Siovant."With another's aid, yes." He tilted his head, looking to Adelise for a moment, before they turned back on the man. "I would give you that reminder, Lord Gascogne, but sadly Kugane's guards do not tolerate violence of any kind in the city. I've heard of bar brawls ending in executions. Keeps the more combative people from doing as they please here." He gestures to a stall behind the pair. "That woman's shop was where we had purchased these rings from."

Face curling into some manner of disgust, Adelise could only scoff. "Is that so? Congratulations. Is this why you invited us here," she asks unamusingly.

Siovant's lips tilt upwards in some modest amusement, low notes of humor rising coarsely from his throat.  "I was made aware of some similar sentiments when I was speaking to some natives." He affirms.  "I suppose that's why you decided to do this out in the open.  You will not be able to run from me forever, though."

"He shows easily from him. He did not leave your side the rest of the night save for that winning ticket. Menphina's arms." She looks over at the cart. "Denz had to ask specifically. It is most curious they do not show all the rings. You have to ask if it is for something special. And they are all in these little boxes each to their own. Yes, it is. You sounded much the same the past eve."

Denz closes his eyes for a moment, sucking a breath. "I assure you, Siovant, I am not running. I deserve whatever punishment you dole out, for my words were..." Denz's eyes open, struggling to find the right term. "... they were wrong. And no apology or words will ever take them back." He gestures to the bridge. "We can take a walk outside the city, if you wish."

Adelise De'bayle shoots a sidelong stare toward Siovant, her mouth shutting into a thin line. Huffing out a breath toward Jancis' words, Adelise raised a lax hand, "he has never left my side since coming here, and for that he holds my complete and utter trust. Not many can say the same," her eyes close into sharp slits as she shifted on her feet, resting her weight onto a single hip. Watching Denz, Adelise held no pity in her expression toward his surrender; her visage held hard, cold.

Siovant gently breaks the clasping of his hands behind his back. "Ah, that is a kind enough offer. I had plenty of time to cool down as the evening progressed, and I was given to the comforts of our futon." He explains, moving to brush a pair of knuckles along Adelise's back in momentary distraction.  "That being said, I believe a lengthy apology will be necessary. And you should explain why you said those words to your Count and Countess. Before I tell them."

"Count Armont was already made aware of my words. If he has told the Countess, I do not know. They deserve to know, regardless. 'Tis not a secret in need of hiding. Rather a crime in need of reparations,” Denz adds.

Lips scrunching into some frustration, Adelise could only huff out a sigh, her eyes directing off toward the side. Lowering his head from his perch on her shoulder, Nogelle pressed his scaled muzzle to the young woman's head, poking at it a few times. "Well. Considering they never said anything to me about it, perhaps they agree."

"Denz, another crime is losing your intentions behind them. We spoke at great length about it. And by far it is true that this mistake has lived far too long. And we are here together if you wish it as a start to amending that. It will not happen in a few words or showing you where this ring was that sparked such pain. It is not, never has been, to not include those we feel close to."

"If such was the case, then why even summon Adelise here?  So that you can look doe-eyed and apologetic, hoping to curry favour from us by looking pathetic?  You succeed on one part, at least." Siovant sneers, perching a hand upon his hip and the other around Adelise's waist.  "If you intend to amend your relationship, I would suggest you begin with some heavy legwork of your own."

Adelise raises her gaze toward Denz, her brow furrowed. "I refuse to accept an apology, if it is only a means to improve the image you casted upon yourself. You truly believed the words you said to me, or you would not have said them. Is that how all within this family feel? That after all this time away I am simply..." she shakes her head, "a ghost of what once was? A stranger? You were one of the first I confided in Denz, your blade upon my back was by far the most painful."

Denz nods slightly at Jancis’ words. "I did not forget, Jancis. Wrong words, with intention behind." He looked back at Adelise. "You know that is not true. When I told Armont, there was a pain and disappointment in him I had not seen before towards me. He kept composure but I know my brother loathed hearing my words. He wishes nothing to ensure you felt welcome and I destroyed that hope. Whatever anger and rage he felt would be magnified in his wife... and even that pales in comparison to your own feelings." He looked to the side, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "My intention was to remind you of your place as a woman barely breaching the surface of this world, acting with a knowledge she was never imparted upon. Worsened by anger at defending... dead men and their honor, yet that isn't nearly important enough to justify my venom." He ran a hand across his hair, looking to Siovant. "Heavy legwork must start somewhere. I care not for how I appear before you. Anything less would be false."

Jancis closes her eyes a minute before looking back up. "I understand some. I do not think we look pathetic. And you came; that means a great deal. Do you want to be angry?" She thinks a moment and quotes, “Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” "We do want to change that to, not easily. Nothing important is easy. Can get to know you, Adelise," Jancis said her name carefully, "And can get to know me. And Denz. Without this burden of feeling that should already be. Thaliak's knowledge is not for pain."

"I am not angry anymore," she remarks in a flat tone, "simply, crestfallen. I can say that, after all those turns of waiting and recovering... practicing and learning. I never expected to leave behind my home only to return to such a cold house. It made my effort feel for naught, made me question why I even came back," Adelise teeters her head to the side some, it brushing against Siovant’s arm, "but I am reminded that I did not return solely for this family. There were many other fond memories that brought me here," lowering her gaze onto Jancis, Adelise's eyes grew softer. "Jancis. As much as I wish I could be the same girl to you that you cared for, I fear I simply cannot be," Adelise eventually smiles, it surprising and almost uncharacteristic, although small. "However, it might surprise you how little of Hestia is gone from me. The time to learn, and speak to one another. I may be older, but I am not dead. I have learned this. Hestia is not dead."

"Amusing enough that you held off on your apologies until Adelise began to recount your very words to the rest of us.  It seems as though the honesty of your pain is a bit gelded by your lax attempts." Siovant notes, looking unconvinced.  "However, Adelise may be easier to convince than myself when it comes to a betrayal as cutting as you turned upon her."

"Not so, my Lord. I am not quite so forgiving. Though I am diplomatic,” Adelise adds quickly.

Denz had to keep himself from rolling his eyes at the man, tilting his head away to compose himself and think before speaking. "I did not expect her to come here. I was biding my time until I returned, found the right words, the right course of action to take." He looked at Adelise. "I still keep to heart that which you wished from this land. Though a piece of metal does not fix anything, I wanted it to be a stepping stone, a way to show that I do want to fix this."

Jancis does brighten at those words, "Barely moons ago you felt differently. You are and you have become more. You are both; you can be both and now there is all the better at being gifted to seeing those changes instead of them being so very far away." She blinks hard again, "He has been talking about finding a smith of great experience to craft a katana to take back with him. Did not know the purpose to it until the last eve. He has even had some training in it with Sir Gegenji here."

The larger Elezen lightly folds his arms across his bared chest, affirmed enough in his spoken piece to defer to the victim's will. Leaning lightly upon his heels, Siovant would observe the back and forth with vested interest.

"Your words cut me deeply, Uncle," she finally states out, their being in foreign territories making it easier for the term to leave her lips. "However, I am not one to burn bridges so easily. Especially with those I consider to have potential," tilting her head back, Adelise motions up a hand. "There is strength within you that even you do not see, it is why you fall to envy and sadness. I understood this, to be why you struck out toward me.  Even if I might still believe them to be true. That is fine, if they are true. If you believe what you told me that evening. My words were true as well, I will show you just how Eorzean I am. That the blood that runs through me, is the same as yours, no matter how far away I have been. I did not fight for this life for naught.” Straightening, Adelise nods toward Jancis, “his gesture is kind. The reason for my wanting of the katana is that…” She pauses, frowning, "my instructor, Hitokiri held one. It is difficult to admit, but- I miss him dearly. His home was gone. I thought, perhaps if I were to visit the East myself, or if you were to return a weapon similar to his... that it might make me feel better."

"Hitokiri," Jancis repeats quietly to herself before looking up at Denz. "It is something I have been privy to, as well. Something about the Foundation walls and ages of war that made being alike and of blood so very important when life was so easily lost. So ingrained, yes? Mayhaps once long before even Denz breathed it had a good intention behind it. Like the animals in the darkest boughs of the Shroud, trust was a luxury to not squander life on. You are no feral animal, Denz."

Denz's head lowers at her words, nodding in acknowledgement and understanding. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion at her words of his 'potential', but he does not bother addressing those at the moment. "And that task is still upon my shoulders. You will have that weapon, and if you still wish it, my kinship." *He looked sidelong at Jancis, shaking his head.* "Ishgardian hatred aside, she is my family. Words said should be for guidance, help, improvement... love. But I cannot wholly say any of those were present when I spoke. Simply anger."

Siovant looked at least momentarily satisfied with the resolution that was taking place, although it merely became visible in the relaxation of his fists.  A gentle rock to one side would brush his weight just slightly against Adelise's form, his shoulders lowering as tension became slowly smoothed-over.

"If you wish for kinship, I am certainly able to oblige. Though, as I have said before, no apology will take away the wound you left, however," Adelise’s words stop short as she presses into her Elezen's figure as well, "I will not have you force yourself to find an ally in me. I will show you, my prowess and ability and in time you will come to respect me for that alone. Words are but air, action is everything. I will show that to you Denz, as I do for all. Action," her head tucks toward her chest eyes narrowed with determination. "So long as such is clear, I hope we are able to remain on amicable terms. I would like to be closer to at least one in my family. The rest, they will come in time."

“Angry people are not always wise.” Jancis says in an apologetic tone but looking more heartful at Adelise's words. "I would like that, too."

Denz nods his head. "So it should be. Words are never enough." He shakes his head, gesturing at Adelise. "They will. I shall see to it, if need be, yet I have my own issues to resolve first before worrying about another's."

"I'm glad to see that you've all come to a satisfying resolution." Siovant notes lightly, "One should at least maintain some manner of relationship, I would think."

"Don't we all," Adelise grumbles, raising a hand to rub at her head some, eyes glancing over toward the Elezen on her right. "Indeed. Now that the air is somewhat clearer, was there purpose behind this location?" she asks with a quirk of her brow, "forgive my, assumption but... if you bought your rings here, I am to take this as... you two eloped?" she questions out curiously.

Denz's eyes widen slightly, placing a hand on his chin. "Sounds odd when said aloud but..." He looked over at Jancis as if needing further confirmation. "Yes. Yes, that is what happened."

Grinning somewhat goofily, Adelise slips a hand up to cover her lips as her brows upturn awkwardly. "Dear... seems this place has that sort of effect..."

"It was not planned. It simply felt right,” Jancis perks up curiously, "With that coin you found?"

Siovant laughs in mild amusement at the turn of events, "It seems we were not so unique in our plans, after all."

"Oh goodness no..." she snorts some, her face growing somewhat bashful as she rubbed at the back of her neck. "Lord Gascogne and I had... come to a similar conclusion. Not as though the event would not find itself to us in time but, I suppose we were feeling impatient."

Denz blinked. "Oh. Well... C-congratulations. You saved quite a bit of gil, avoiding a ceremony. Have you both, er... rings? Or something of the sort?"

"That is wonderful news. Must needs follow what your heart tells you is true and sure. I am so happy." Her hands hug across herself, the tired look of worry and concern becoming overcome by more and more smiles.

"I was going to procure them upon our return to Gridania." Siovant explains, "I have something in mind, though." He'd offer Adelise a crooked look as she glanced in his direction.

"W-what?" she stammers, glancing up to the man with smushed expression. "Yes, I mean... no we do not have anything yet. Well, obviously you know that as he just said that... ah, mm," Adelise was swift to bring a hand to her lips, clearing her throat. For one so typically eloquent, she fell rather easily at the topic. "Though I mean... I am sure we might have a ceremony some day. The Count and Countess would be rather disappointed otherwise, I would think."

"Eventually. Likely when it is far too late for them to voice any objections." The powerful man lifted a hand to mask a note of unbecoming laughter. "I do prefer to have things moving along quickly, though. As opposed to allowing them to grow stagnant."

"Siovant," Adelise chided some, poking an elbow to him, "that is not very nice. And as though anything would become stagnant. If that is your belief, then what of after we are wed, hm? What will be your course of action then?" she waves about a dramatic hand, her other resting to her hip.

Siovant would gesture vaguely with his hand, calloused digits cutting the air with some unplaceable purpose. "I'll think of that when we arrive there.  For now, I would put the thought out of your mind."

Jancis smiles, shining on the pair taking it as a very good sign to being privy to the banter until she agreed, "Keeper would agree that the now is to be lingered in and cherished. Mayhaps we can find time to share in that more. But later. Yes. Later? So you two can cherish your time."

Denz made his way to respond, before watching the two interact. Indeed, it was odd to see Adelise this way, a woman showing true feelings and being with someone she cared about. He looked down at Jancis silently with a smile, before looking back out to the pair. "Plans and ceremony have a way of deconstructing in the face of now." He nods his head. "I know not how long you two will be remaining here, but do enjoy your time here while you can. Eorzea's problems seem... so far away, it is tempting to think I could simply not return. But that would be running away." He grinned for a moment, before taking up Jancis' hand. "Come, we still have to make ready for the mainland." He looked back at the two. "Stay safe, you two."

Offering him only a flat stare, the young woman huffed out through her nostrils, "that is not very assuring you know," she grumbles before looking back toward the pair. "I would imagine you both will be taking the longer route home. My Lord and I were to make for an airship tonight to return west, though this time here has been... relaxing" Adelise nods toward Jancis, "indeed My-" she stops herself, "Jancis. You both take care. Thank you, for speaking with us."

"Thank you, for being willing to listen." Denz eyes looked to the man."Lord Gascogne."

"De'bayle." Siovant returns, "I wish you both a safe trip home. I can't imagine that we will be much longer behind you or before you." He states in a conversational tone.

Jancis looks up at Denz before looking back at Adelise, still looking happy and hopeful. "Travel safe and well. And Happy. You and Siovant. There is a honey cake that the Canopy keeps if you ask for it. It is a what they call a secret, but everyone orders it regardless. They keep them ready to bake in the back room."

Adelise huffs out a small chuckle, her face maintaining an otherwise neutral expression. "I will have to see about that," she says, "safe travels."

"We've much more time to spend here. Doma awaits, and we will be travelling across the lands a bit while longer." With that, he tugged Jancis lightly down the street back towards their inn room.

"Goodbye!" Jancis' hand vanishes into the crowd, short as she was, waving.

As the pair departs, Siovant would lightly pop the knuckles on his right hand as some manner of disappointment slips across his features. "I'm sure I'll get another opportunity, but I was still sorely tempted." He huffs, primly. "Alas."

"Well, he offered my Lord. You could have accepted," she added in some amusement," crossing her arms over her chest. "Thank you though, for... defending me."

"Tch. It wouldn't have been the same if he'd known it was coming.  It has to be a surprise." Siovant managed to look as absurdly offended as he could. "You have nothing to thank me for, lovely.  I am your husband, and it is my duty to protect you.  Whether that might be through words, or actions, or both."

Adelise could only laugh at the absurdity of that statement, two hands raising to cover over her lips instinctively. "Oh Siovant," she continues to laugh, "my sweet kitten, how good to me you are. You never fail to leave me feeling assured," she hums out melodically.

Siovant looked chuffed by her assertions, tipping his head back in some arrogance. "Now, and forever.  Until I am grey and displeasing, and you can push me out a window." He gestures vaguely, "Or something."

"Oh hush up you, as if I would ever do something as barbaric as throw you out of a window," she scoffs, "Tossing you into the sea is far more poetic," she grins impishly, leaning into him to scrunch her nose at him playfully.

He would scoff, "I'd likely come back if you did, all brined and as surly as a bilge-rat." He laughs, lightly, and leans in to brush a kiss against her lips.  "I love you.  Shall we go for a turn about the city before we start packing?"

"Wow, they might need send me to a sanatorium as I would find myself loving a newly found bilge-rat," she grinned cheekily at his response, her smile only waning as he captured those lips in a quick peck. "I love you as well, always," she breathes out, "I would not be against it in the slightest. Was there a sight you wished to see beforehand? Without the party at our tails, we are in no hurry technically, though I am sure there is plenty work that awaits us back in Aldenard," Hestia slips a hand to tap at her lip a small smile spreading over her, as she seemingly schemed something silently.

Siovant would give his head a sort of lofty shake, indicating that he didn't have any plans in the slightest.  "I merely wanted to spend a few more errant moments here with you before we returned to the hustle-bustle of our everyday lives.  Although, things are never ordinary with you around." He states, quite cheerfully.

Pressing her fingers together as the rested aloft against her lips, a wide smile spread from just behind them. "I hope that is a positive thing... I have been meaning to pester you at a game I wished to play with you, though here is probably not the... best of places," chortling to herself, Hestia eyed him carefully. "I wish for us to find another pet to return home with us!"

Siovant lofted his brows in surprise.  "Oh?"  A harried sort of look crossed his features, "You may not have to look far..." He clears his throat, looking a bit anxious.  "During my explorations around the City, I disturbed a... concerning array of impaled vermin.  Much to the fury of it's local owner, who has taken to swooping at me every time I walk around the Airship Tower."

"Impaled vermin?" Hestia asks out curiously, ruby eyes wide with interest. "What could cause that? Swooping? Is it a bat?" her lips tug into a frown, "I am not sure if a bat would be a very suitable companion..."

"It's some kind of a bird, actually.  From what I can glean from the blurred images of brown feathers that flash towards me from distant rafters." He doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about it.  "A very pointy bird, with a long memory, it seems." He huffs and puffs, "So I don't think it would be alien to think it might be an unfortunate passenger on our airship."

Bringing a hand to rub at her chin, Hestia side-glances toward Nogelle, her brows immediately dipping. "Absolutely not Nogelle," she scoffs before turning back to Siovant and pointing a finger in his direction. "It would only be the right thing then, that we find this poor frazzled bird and bringing it somewhere safe," she commands out triumphantly. "Where did you last spot it?"

"It was around the airship landing last I saw it.  Although 'saw' isn't really a fair recollection.  It chased me around the airship landing for the better part of an hour before I gave up and left." His pride appears to have been somewhat compromised.

Lips scrunching humorously, Hestia couldn't help the giggle snorts that left her. "Siovant! You poor thing, well I shall see that I retrieve it for you, my Lord. It must have been a large thing to chase you about."

He shifts from heel to heel before lifting up his hands. "It's a bit closer to... uhm." He makes an approximation closer to a pastry than a magnificent bird of prey. "If you would be so kind, I would feel much safer knowing that I would not have to contend with those talons again."

Hestia watches his hand with some grand anticipation, her amusement only seeming to raise as he gestured toward the size of his assailant. "Ah, of course, kitten. Anything for you. Though I am surprised you are so taken back, you deal with my talons nearly daily," she winked toward him, slipping a hand up to wiggle her fingers. Seemed she was feeling particularly playful.

"You are much easier to get ahold of." He notes in a tone tilted with warm amusement. She was likely the only one on the planet who could get away with applying such a tone with him, and he seemed to enjoy it. "Very well.  I shall meet you back at the room, then?  After you've accosted my assailant, I mean."

"Oh, not coming to bear witness? Very well," pressing her fingers to her lips, Adelise bent them back in a blowing gesture, "try not to worry too much for my safety, we will bring you justice."

Siovant would alight another kiss upon the young woman's lips, "Do not tarry long.  I will not hesitate to tear this city apart to find you." He notes with some soft affection.

I did end up catching the little menace. It did not make it easy either, but... I was sure it would please my Lord. Things were changing, and here... I was hoping it was for the better.

[gegenji]

Going Going Kugane, Part 4

We've Arrived! - The First Taste of Kugane

It had been an arduous, yet short and altogether strange journey for the quartet of travelers... but they  had finally reached the threshold of Kugane - though, not at the port of entry they had expected. Or even at the expected time; with their estimated date of arrival not being for at least another month. And yet here they were, stepping into the doorway to Othard that was the island nation of Hingashi. A bit tired and roughed up from their endeavors, but otherwise hale and whole.

The knight Denz had remained silent, eyes scanning the rolling hills of Hingashi's after they had maneuvered away from the beach cliffs to find an entrance to the city and he was surprised by its likeness to Coerthas before the snow. Entering through the gate, his eyes set upon the distance towers, estates, and the castle in the morning sun. The colors were so vibrant compared to his stony city, and the sounds of activity and bustling could be heard even before they pasted the guard and portcullis. His widened eyes gazed upon the city in wonder quietly, shock and awe removing any tension from his body from the previous dealings. It seemed the month of travel's hardships had washed away quickly as well, having finally arrived to all of this.

"Halone..."

Zhara immediately noticed the change in architecture as well; they certainly were not in Ul'dah anymore. "Woooah!" she gasped with a little chuckle before looking up and admiring the giant buildings and the palace that dominated the scene before them."... This place is amazing..."

For Jancis, the last bits of going over were exciting enough to see the lights of the major city state and sounds that would come. The ground getting some attention as she watched the grassy hills. By the time Jancis set foot in the city itself, she nodded along with Zhara, "Place is amazing." Fatigued and sore, salt encrusted, she still soaked in the vision of the elaborate rooftops and decorations, as if it was a reward well earned.

Chachan gave a weary nod. In fact, everything about him seemed pretty worn out - the slight stagger to his walk, the bags under his eyes, the little noises of exhaustion made here and there. A full night of swimming followed by a not terribly short walk from the inlet to here had certainly taken its toll on the little Lalafell. And yet he still trucked on, though, trying to hide it as best he could. Not that it escaped the otherwise excited Miqo'te's attentions.

"We should get you to the inn," she noted as she looked down at Chachanji and frowned. "I heard they have baths too... and we might need to give you some cold medicine as well."  It was difficult to say whether she said the latter bit out of concern or a playful jab at the Lalafell's somewhat childish distaste for medicine, but the sly grin that crossed her features certainly learned towards the second. Whatever the reason, it certainly got a tired while out of the little Doman.

"'d rather..." His statement was interrupted by a sneeze. "Rather jus' rest up a bit if'n it's all th' same ta ya, Zhara..."

Zhara clicked her tongue and shook her head. "I don't know Chachan... you look very bad. Jancis might have to take out her med pack and take serious measures. But we can see when we get to the inn."

Another whine followed, causing the hyur's brows to furrow emphatically. "Some food and rest sounds ideal. Being exhausted does not help in knowing how bad off you are."

"Yeah... I'm pretty exhausted myself, and my head still hurts." she'd continue admiring the buildings as they walked further into town.

"Sounds good ta me..." Chachanji relented and began looking about blearily, hoping some manner of directions to an inn would present itself. As the little Lalafell teetered past, Denz turned his attentions to him and voiced a thought of his own - albeit one of curiosity: "You grew up -here-, Chachanji?"

"H-huh?" Chachan answered in half-awake surprise, looking up at the Elezen before slowly parsing the question posed. "Oh, no... 'm from Doma. 'cross th' Ruby Sea. In Yanxia."

"Ah, this isn't Doma?"

"Nope... 's Kugane. Part'a Hingashi."

"Was Doma a lot like here?" Y'zhara piped up, adding her own questions to the pile. "Or different?"

"Th' buildin' designs're 'bout th' same."

"You grew up in a very beautiful place then. I grew up in a sand hut." she laughed at that. "Horizon isn't nearly as colorful as here."

Jancis watched the buildings as they passed, mostly keeping Denz's head in her view to know where to go as she didn't look where they were going. "It looks prosperous. Unspoiled."

As they made their way to the square, Denz's eyes only grew wider at the amount of people that they saw and passed. Commerce, conversation, duty; Adventurers, sailors, nobles, commoners, here they all melded together. Denz had had a lingering worry that they would encounter their ship's crew shortly after arriving. Now he wasn't sure if they would even see them at all.  "By the Twelve... I've never seen so many people before."

"Mmn... inn, inn..." Chachanji murmured as he returned to the task at hand, looking about as much as he could from his meager height advantage of the slightly raised dais. He did spare a brief, if tired, glance back Denz's way at his quiet exclamation. "'s a big trade city... a few customers would come ta our smithy from 'ere 'cuz they heard word'a us. Or tried ta, anyroad."

"Unfortunately I think all we can do is keep walking or try to find a map," Zhara mused thoughtfully, pausing to look up at the tall tower of the Shiokaze Hostelry that loomed over the center of the city.  "Wow... I can't get over the buildings here."

"It does not sound like your father brought you here often if at all," Jancis added. Her eyes glanced about as well, though she was just looking for locals instead before leaning in towards Denz briefly. "Is what Gridania felt like at first sight."

"Nah... we us'lly jus' kept ta our smithy in th' foothills'a Doma..." Chachan affirmed with a nod, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Papa was famous 'nuff tha' 'e really didn't need ta GO anywheres. Folks came ta us."

"A mass held by the Archbishop in the Vault barely comes close to this..." Denz continued in his wonder as his hand wavered next to Jancis, unsure if he would be able to keep track of her in the crowd. Au Ra taller than he and lalafell shorter than Chachanji mingled and weaved around each other, almost with no distinguishable pattern. Ishgard had instituted sides of the walkway for people and chocobos, but this was some form of organized chaos that made his head hurt.

Speaking of the stout little Lalafell, he had chosen just then to hop down from their little perch and approach a merchant stall - though, more accurately, it was little more than a hand-drawn cart that was had been wheeled up and stools set in front of it. A few moments later, he returned with a bowl of ramen. "I... uh... found out th' way ta th' inn. Had ta get this first, though..." He holds up the bowl as evidence. "Not... tha' I mind, a'course."

Zhara jumped down herself upon his return and curiously eyed the bowl of ramen. Her pupils dilated a bit upon smelling the delicious food. Jancis' tired hand fit securely with Denz's, squeezing through the armor. "That solves two problems."

The Elezen, however, blinked at the bowl and the Lalafell's demeanor in confusion. "Were you just... solicited to buy goods to earn directions?" he queried before furrowing his eyebrows and putting a hand to his chin. "No, wait... I've definitely seen that happen back home. And Ul'dah. And Limsa... and everywhere else."

Chachanji was less thoughtful on the business practices being utilized by the noodle cart. Instead, he took a chopstick-full of his purchase and rather hungrily shoved it into his mouth, most of it still dangling back down into the bowl. "'s nt bd!" he stated, mouth full of ramen. "Ffn y'wnt sm."

Not wanting to steal Chachan's food, Zhara was quick to make her own trip over to the cart and would shelve out some gil for a bowl of ramen, coming back rather satisfied as she slurped a noodle for taste. "Mmf.... warmth..."

“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.” Looking over at the cart, Jancis squeezed Denz's hand once before letting it go. "Is like bread in broth." Digging through her pocketbelt, she didn't really think that most of her money she gave to Denz anyway, counting out what she had - which was more than enough - to buy two bowls.

Denz looked at the amount of gil she had handed him, wondering if it was the gil for their room, before turning to the cart. Nodding, he went up to the cart and was asked what he wanted. Dumbfounded, Denz simply pointed at Chachanji as if he did not speak the common tongue. Chachan merely blinked when indicated, obviously not following what the Elezen was doing - likely because he was still too worn out or engrossed in his own meal. Still, ge punctuated the action nevertheless with a noisy slurp of ramen.

"Good sun, Lord. Do you have more bowls like that? And water?" Jancis added, not even bothering to try and bridge the language gap, speaking in the language she knew. It was Common, after all... to her. "It is enough?" She then asks Denz, clearly awful with money.

"... I think so? Oh, oops..." Zhara murmured, looking up at the pricing chart before she switched to speaking in broken Doman. "<Two noodle? Two noodle please?>" She then grinned and winked at Jancis and Denz. "I know a little bit to get around."

"Thaliak's Grace, Zhara." She glances over at Chachanji, then decides not to ask his noodle slurping form. She hadn't thought of speaking in Doman until after hearing Zhara speak it so well. "Where did you learn such?"

"Oh before our trip I read a book on the language, plus Chachan teaches me too."

"That was most wise. Language book." Be it from exhaustion, but Jancis looked far more guilty and embarrassed about herself than she probably should have for not preparing.

Inside the cart was a pair of Hyur, likely a married couple given their ages. The wife tended to the miniature kitchen while the husband took orders. The latter blinked at Denz's motions and Zhara's broken Doman before speaking in the common Hyuran tongue at Jancis' questions. "Ah. Tourists! It's okay! Not many speak Doman around here. What can I get for you?"

"Not that it wasn't nice to hear that one try!" the wife added with a smile, exaggerating the crow's feet along her eyes. Chachan - mouth still quite full of food - just glanced between all of them as he ate like a Lalafell possessed. Denz cleared his throat awkwardly at this revelation, deigning to hand over the appropriate amount of gil over silently.

"E-er... Aye,  pray two of what you hath given our companion." *He folded his hands over one another in front of him modestly, horribly out of place in this foreign city. Meanwhile, Lehsohmarrn - their surprise fifth traveler - was still sleeping against Denz's back, making use of the arm straps from the shield to latch and curl about. The tiny two-month old had done little else but sleep and ignore hunger as they made the trek to Kugane. Now with the aroma of soup and Denz's own appetite, the beast stirred.

"Of course! Two more pork ramen!" the vendor stated with a nod, turning to aid his wife as Lehs stirred from his rest. Zhara, noting just how quickly her little Lalafellin companion was inhaling his own ramen, knelt down next to him and offered her bowl to him. She had already eaten a decent bit but there was still some left in there.

"Want more Chachan?"

"A-are ya sure?" was his response, giving a tired smile to Zhara as he held his now bone-dry bowl. "I mean... if'n yer still hungry I can jus' get 'nother bowl..."

Zhara shook her head. "Nah baby, I had plenty to eat. I just want to take care of you."

"I think it is so nice to sell soup in the city so readily," Jancis stated as she watched the couple work their culinary magic. Her praise was clear. "Limsa would do well to have the same. Around the docks. Or around the Vigil and Foundation. All the people who come and go there."

"Oh yeah, I would love for Limsa to just sell clam chowder everywhere," Zhara agreed as Chachan tentatively took the offered bowl from her hands. Despite the quickness that the couple were preparing the ramen, Lehs had decided that Denz was taking far too long in obtaining sustenance for the two of them. His head peeked out and snaked over the man's shoulder before resting on it. Maybe he could just be fed right there. Denz's newfound energy and excitement to this new place only went so far with their mental bond.

"Is it that surprising? With so many travelers, we make many rounds here and in Kogane Dori just across the bridge..." the noodle merchant explained with an easy smile as he turned to hand over the bowls... and almost dropping them when he saw little Lehs. "... Honey. Honey! Look!"

"Yeah we don't have many food carts," Zhara admitted, giggling at the woman's reaction to the little dragon before tilting her head in thought. "Perhaps just a food truck or soup kitchen?"

"I dare think it is a wondrous idea, nonetheless, Lord. Nald must-" She pauses then, unsure how to continue; Nald wasn't the right term here. The couple didn't seem to mind, however, obviously beside themselves at the little dragon head poking out over Denz's shoulder. The wife quickly produced a much smaller bowl of ramen, adding it to the other two before pushing all three towards the Elezen and his Hyur companion. Denz took up one of the larger bowls, blinking in confusion as he looked over his shoulder and remembered he brought a dragon into the city.

"A-ah, forgive me! I can put him away if need be!" He holds his one hand out carefully, the other hand holding up the bowl conveniently next to the dragonling.

"No no no! This is for the little one, for blessing our cart with his presence. The kami have truly smiled on this day for us..." the wife insisted, pushing the offering bowl of ramen towards Denz and Lehs. Chachan was partaking of his own offering - the rest of Zhara's bowl. After a moment of hesitation, of course. And it was quickly inhaled like his own.

"Blessed?" Denz repeated, his face twisting into further confusion at their reactions. As the Elezen fretted over this strange turn of events, a silver nose prodded at the bowl held in the knight's hand, wisps of the steam disappearing into the tiny nostrils. Somehow the small beast managed to look a bit regal and hold off moments, eyes regarding the cart couple one after the other before dipping in and eating every bit of the broth, noodles, and meat. A tongue snaked out and licked the bowl clean before the muzzle, a small warble coming before tucking back away into the shield.

"That's sweet of you, thanks!" Zhara chirped with a smile, before giggling once more - this time at how little Lehs had partaken of Denz's meal. "Your dragon is so proper and regal looking when he eats."

The couple actually seemed a bit sad at the little dragon's sudden departure. "Ah. Have we displeased the little one?"

"No, not at all!" Denz interjected quickly, looking down at the little bowl that had been meant for Lehs, taking it carefully and looking down at it. "I suppose he is used to remaining out of the sight of others, back where we are from. If it's... any consolation, he would, ah... taste this no matter whether he or I..." Denz trails off, bringing the bowl up to his lips to drink the broth within carefully.

"Ah, no no. A dragon is a rare, auspicious thing! It means fortune and good tidings," the wife explained, noting the dragon's consumption of Denz's bowl instead of the little offering one. "Ah. I should have prepared a full bowl of him. I did not know he hungered so. Let's get you a full bowl as well, dragon-bearer."

She was quick to turn back to her pot, pouring out another proper-sized serving of ramen so the Elezen wasn't shorted on his meal. She was already setting it back on the counter-top for him as Jancis was halfway in offering to trade with Denz, her hand out for the tiny bowl. "That sounds quite accurate, Lady. For Sir Denz here is always brought everyone about him the same luck."

The Ishgardian could only gawk at such a conception."Truly? W-we..." He decided -not- to mention his people slaughtered dragons by the hundreds, thousands. And instead focus on the fresh bowl of ramen set out before him. "We thank you."

"Strah narr whei nesh wan nesk." The rumble of a deep voice came from behind. How did such a creature bear such a mature sound? "Rhei." The couple remained obviously enamored at the statement from the satiated dragonling. "What tidings does he speak to us?"

Denz answered their question with action. Putting forth both his and Lehs' gratitude as he carefully took the bowl from them, he handed the appropriate amount of gil over to them - with some extra. Moving to sit down against the nearby wall, he looked in confusion to the sticks in his bowl, holding them up with close observation. "Are these... skewers?"

The couple seemed sad to see the little dragon and his keeper go, but they remained smiling nonetheless. They moved quickly to serve the next customer with all the more gusto having been blessed by the presence of a dragon to their stall. Back with the group, Zhara stood up and walked over to Denz to check out what he was talking about. "Oh no... I think those are chopsticks. I had to practice eating with them too. It's kind of hard."

"Yuh. 's chopsticks," Chachanji added as he neatly polished off Zhara's bowl. "Nev'r eaten wit 'em a'fore?"

"Surely Carina showed you those." Again Jancis thanked the couple before stepping away. "Is like a sea of white stones."

Denz paused thoughtfully to think back, before recognizing them. "Ah, yes! The insuff-" He blinked, remembering where he was. "Ahem, -difficult- utensils to use for eating." He attempts several times to try and capture the ramen noodles between the sticks, before sighing. "Seven hells, will I be bereft of a fork and spoon this entire trip?"

"I-I shouldn't think so..." Chachan murmured, setting Zhara's now-empty bowl to rest atop his own. "Food carts jus' tend to... not have utensils like tha', y'know? If'n ya dun mind bringin' it wit, 'm sure th' inn'll have some..."

The chopsticks for Jancis weren't much of a problem, however she wasn't using them in the proper Eastern fashion. The were basically only shovels or a damn to keep the broth from sloshing. She did it was an innate familiarity though to make it obvious she wasn't guessing on their use, she just had a different idea. Still with bowl mostly full and despite the great hunger, she stops and waits for Denz to figure it out.

"They did say many travelers come this way. I will find one." She set down her bowl next to Denz and wanders off. "Islands in the stone."

Her progress was slow. There were so many people that she was caught up in her habit of stepping out of the way and excusing herself that it took more time to get a few fulms than it should have. It didn't help that none of the other food stalls seemed to have the more common Eorzean-style utensils, all utilizing chopsticks for their customers. Detouring from that, she saw bright lanterns and headed for them. That would be like Ul'dah at least; markets loved lanterns. And her guess was well rewarded - the lanterns highlighted the door of a ceramics shop, one that sold bowls, pots, vases, plates, and cutlery.

"Do ya want me ta try'n help show ya how ta use th' chopsticks while we wait, though?" Chachan offered as Jancis delved into the shop, pepped up a bit by having gotten some food in his belly. Though he still looked pretty worn out. Zhara smiled and offered her own bit of positive spin on the situation: "I'm sure Jancis will find some silverware for you. Hopefully.."

Denz continued to struggle for a few more moments, before settling with just gulping down as much of the hot liquid as he could bare to atleast sate some of his hunger. Looking at Chachanji, he bowed his head. "I...I suppose I should learn if we are to be here for a while, aye?"

"It's... not too bad," the Miqo'te offered again. "It was a bit of a learning curve for me. I'm still not very good at it."

"Well, 's I said..." Chachan repeated shortly thereafter, pausing just long enough for a short sneeze sent away from the group before rubbing at his nose. "There's forks'n spoons too... ya jus' don't get 'em at th' carts. Chopstickses is cheaper."

"Ah. Well, I wouldn't wish to be insulting by not accommodating to the tradition here."

"Well, um... then le's see 'ere..." The Lalafell shuffled over and settled down next to Denz - placing his pair of empty bowls in his lap and holding up the chopsticks. "Ya gotta hold 'em like this... see? Ya kinda let this one rest on yer finger..."

Zhara curiously watched Denz's lesson on chopsticks while they waited for Jancis to return. It took some doing but, by observing his little Doman instructor, Denz managed to mimic the positioning with the chopsticks. "Okay, but... How do I eat things with this? It seems like it would take longer to eat, with these."

"Nah, ya can eat jus' fine once ya get th' hang'a it..." He clacks his chopsticks together for emphasis, plucking an errant fragment of a noodle from the dregs of what was once Zhara's bowl. "See?"

Denz blinked in confusion, before poorly tapping his chopsticks "together", clacking them against and past one another. He then dipped the sticks in the bowl, fishing for several tries before removing three noodles... until they fell and he was left with one noodle to put into his mouth. Chachan offered a smile for the Elezen's attempt, though the bags under his eyes made it look more weary than he probably intended.

"'m sure ya'll get better wit practice."

Back in the ceramics shop, and perhaps in an ironic twist of fate, Jancis noted that a lot of the merchandise on sale had some manner of dragon motif. Serpentine dragons of a rainbow of colors flowing around the rims of the plates, up and down the pots and vases, and ensnaring the grips of the utensils. Regardless of the designs, Jancis was quite elated simply to have found such a shop,  her tired eyes locking on the merchant and going into more detail than she should about their trip and nearly sinking and "Sir Denz has come all this way because of me I must needs make him smile again." She held each utensil, picking the longest ones (or at least seemed the longest) and getting a whole set.

And a big spoon.

And a bowl that was wide and shallow.

The conjurer didn't try to haggle at all once told the price, excited as she took her new found fortune in her arms and started the long polite walk back. However, such polite 'getting out of the way' had Jancis go over a different bridge, pursing her lips as she caught sight of it and followed the river canal back until she saw it once more. She had found it, the red bridge!

Looking across was the beautiful stone sea. Hugging the bowl and other dragonesque tools to her chest, she was a bit less polite in her scurry to return. Moving from 'island' to 'island', she returned just as Denz attempted his three-noodle-nab, beaming all the while at the Elezen before seeing his awkward success. The fork still hidden in the bowl she hugged, she laughs lightly. "Nymeia would have surely never seen the path had I not gone on another."

Denz blinked, standing up as Jancis returned, once more resorting to drinking both food and broth from the bowl as he expedited their meal time enormously. Gulping it down, he tilted his head to the hyur. "Where... where did you go?" His mixture of poor sleep, intense engagement with the bowl, and frustration with the chopsticks made him forget where she went. Zhara, too, turned her attentions to Jancis upon her arrival and - in particular - the merchandise she had purchased. "Ooo... those are really pretty... I guess people from Kugane really like dragons."

"Oh. Byregot's Blessing they are. Though in truth I have never seen them so whimsical. The shop was full of them. And these. Fork, Spooon. Ah this one is a pick." Jancis held them out for Zhara and Denz to see. "I went to find you a fork. Is my bowl still there?"

"Well, th' folks at th' cart weren't lyin'..." Chachan chirped helpfully, setting his chopsticks down again and turning his tired eyes to the Miqo'te. "Dragons are kind of a sign'a good fortune 'round Othard. It... kinda took me a while ta believe there was a war all 'bout fightin' them when I came ta Eorzea."

Denz shook his head in disbelief as he looked about, finding Jancis' bowl and taking it back to the hyur carefully. He tilted his head at the items in her arms, holding out a free hand to trade with her. "I would never have thought anywhere beyond the heretical caves of Coerthas would anyone -worship- dragons. 'Tis good the war ended. Else there would be a much different outlook between the two nations."

"Oh yeah... the Dragonsong War," Zhara murmured with a nod before frowning at the bags under Chachan's eyes, sitting down next to him and attempting to scoop him into her lap. The Lalafell gave no resistance to being pulled into Zhara's lap, resting against her quietly and even shutting his eyes a little bit. She began to brush Chachan's floof out with her fingers as she continued, pausing only to let out a large yawn. "We should probably find an inn soon."

"I got directions..." Chachan murmured, half-opening his eyes again. "Th'... th' inn is... in th' northwestern part'a Kugane... ya can't miss it. They have it up high next ta'n onsen..."

"Best we finish eating and then find rest," Denz quickly suggested to Jancis. "Lest we carry these two to a bed."

"Okay," Zhara said in agreement, lips curling into a soft smile. "We'll let Jancis finish eating and then we'll head over there."

Jancis nodded, having traded and going back to the same thoughtful shoveling of food. She was now behind everyone else, and her pauses were short as she swallowed audibly, lips rubbing together to force enjoying the taste instead of inhaling it. Another thank you once the Hyur was done and the bowls were returned to the cart in a fairly neat stack, the chopsticks lucky enough to keep for another... meal. Rubbing her cheek, Jancis picked up her bags again, smiling at Zhara. "Lead on, then."

Chachan nodded at Jancis' statement, kind of wobbly as he unwillingly pulled himself up out of Zhara's lap and started heading in the direction he had been told. Zhara slowly stood once he was out of her lap and began to follow him, while Denz adjusted the goods in his hands and watched Jancis complete her own preparations. It was only once she was done that he'd follow behind the more acclimated pair.

Waving one more time to the cart couple, Jancis was the last to follow along, helpfully getting out of larger groups ways. Denz was easy enough to see... mostly. She'd catch up. Probably.

"Please, after you." "Good sun. Excuse me." "Pardon me." "Thank you." "Pray go on, Little One."

Denz's gaze kept going back to Jancis as she attempted to make her way through the crowd, halting until she caught up and wrapping her arm around his own, fortifying her presence in the sea of people to push their way through. He may not have had dealt with this many people recently, but he still knew how to muscle through a crowd, even if this one was slightly less combative.

And the hustle and bustle definitely made the journey a bit... problematic, but little Chachan wearily pressed on through the throngs. He had gotten this far, and with the energy of the ramen, he was pretty set on making it that last distance. He mostly assumed the others were following him, rather ungracefully bumbling his way along to the bridge into the northern part of Kugane. There were points where Zhara thought she had lost Chachan in the crowd, but luckily she was able to pin point where he was in short order and press on. She had been surprised she hadn't gotten separated from her group and lost yet, the thought alone seeming to be enough to jinx them.

Denz halted as they made their way to the bridge, unable to see Chachanji or Zhara anymore, having focused solely on keeping track of Jancis. The Hyur in question kept weaving through the crowd until she caught up, squeezing his arm and walking in the wake of his not-handicapping manner. He turned to her, raising his voice over the din of moderately loud chatter: "Uh... Where are they?"

"I only had eyes for you." Her tone was apologetic. "This bridge went to the market. There is another one down following the river..." Her cartography ran out there. "Mayhaps we can see atop the bridge?"

Over at the other bridge, Chachan was having the same concern. "A-ah, um... w-where'r Mr. Denz 'n Ms. Jancis? I thought they was right behind us..." The Lalafell moved a little further back towards the center of Kugane and the bustle of crowds there. From the corner of the tea shop, he stood on his tippy-toes and tried to see if those extra couple ilms would somehow help his quite low vantage point in scanning the crowds. "Ms. Jancis? Mr. Denz?"

"... I did too," Zhara agreed before trying to raise her voice over the crowd. "Denz?! Jancis!!"

The pair was unfortunately too far away for Denz to pick up on them, but he nodded at Jancis as he directed her to the top of the bridge to scout around for their fellow Eorzeans. Leaning on the bridge, the conjurer failed to see the beautiful river canal for what it was, instead keeping her eyes open for colorful friends. "By the small bridge. Under the stall." Tugging on Denz's arm with what excitement any of them could muster, she tried to keep crossing the bridge so they could head off the couple at the pass.

Oblivious to the fact that the other pair had located them, Chachan let out a little whine. "Mmn. I-I guess we should jus' keep goin' 'n hope ta meet 'em there?"

"...Maybe contact them by linkpearl?" Zhara offered meekly. "Our linkpearls still work right?"

"... Did we bring any tha' we can reach 'em on...?"

That caused the Miqo'te to pause, thinking for a moment. "Crap... I don't know, I don't think so. I never had any shared linkshells with Denz to begin with. I might have Jancis's personal pearl but I'm not sure."

The little Lalafell just let out another weary little whine. "I dun think I did either... I didn't think we'd need 'em..."

"I didn't think much about it either. Well... Denz and Jancis are smart, I think they'll figure out the way to the inn."

"Yeah... I was told it wasn't too hard ta miss if'n we kept goin' north 'n west..." he murmured worriedly, trudging his way across the bridge. Though his attentions were split on both heading that way and trying ineffectually to catch sight of the other pair. Which meant a lot of bumping and jostling and apologies.

Denz's eyes strained, unable to see well given his skewed perception, a detriment making itself more keenly known in the roaming squalls. Among the dimmed crowd, he saw where Jancis pointed out, seeing them disappear once more into the sea of people. "We'll have to meet them at whatever inn Chachanji directed us to... Which is.... where?" He looked hopelessly at his companion, wondering if he had missed that detail too.

"The inn, my love," Jancis responded. "You can shed that armor once more. Come, come! He will be worried."

Zhara kept looking behind for the other pair as they continued on through the crowd, looking all around. As Denz and Jancis tried to catch up, the latter waving - an action made a bit less effective since it was at the same height as Denz's head anyway - she finally managed to spot them as they reached the stairs leading up to the inn. "Oh Chachan! There they are!"

Chachan stopped pretty sharply at the announcement, almost causing a Roe to trip over him! He timidly mumbled out yet another apology as the stocky fellow grumbled, adjusted his yukata, and continued on his way - occasionally sending a few less than friendly glances back the Lalafell's way. Denz, meanwhile, adjusted once more the goods in his arms to lift his plated forearm above most of the heads in the crowd as they approached the apologetic Doman and his Miqo'te companion.

"Halone save me," he sighed as they crossed the distance and people to the pair. "Do we need bells around our necks to find each other?"

"I might be able to find a shop with some bells," Jancis added helpfully though she failed to leave Denz's side this time, hand hooked on his arm with good purpose. "But another sun! Pray let us continue. I will not fall behind a second time."

Denz bows his head in agreement, gesturing forward. "It's not too far, aye?"

"I don't think so," Zhara answered, looking to Chachanji for confirmation. The little Lalafell gave a little nod, and turned to continue... though he made many more glances back to ensure they were all still in sight. Which just meant him bumping into more things. At least once they reached the top of the stairs, the entrance to the onsen was fairly obvious.

Jancis, on the other hand, was using Denz's arm far to much as she looked about to see if any of the stalls had bells. And a couple of them indeed were, though they were... quite a bit larger than one expected. Many of them set into wide collars that would take quite the broad neck indeed to wear them properly. Though, that seemed fitting for the couple of stout catfish-looking individuals manning one of the stalls. As she took this all in, Denz gladly pulled the Hyur along.

They were in no particular rush, after all, and simply needed to settle in for where they would be remaining in the city. As they passed under the unlit lanterns in the afternoon sun, Denz took note of the lowering amount of people in this area of town. Fewer traders and more specific individuals lining the market. Older people lingering at the doors and speaking with one another. His eyes turned towards the large building at the top of the stairs curiously, wondering what it's purposed served. He watched a pair of Au Ra leave, noting the wetness of their hair and a towel in their hands. He gulped, as if he saw something he shouldn't have and turned upwards towards the inn.

"Great," Zhara sighed with a smile as the entrance of the inn came into view. "We can finally get some rest... that was a long trip from the coastline to here in the city."

"'n tha's not countin' th' swimmin'," Chachan appended wearily to Zhara's statement. He tarried for but a moment longer to look longingly over at the entrance to the onsen before heading for the stairs. "Mebbe... after a nap'r somethin'... I'd prolly fall asleep in it otherwise..." he commented with a tired chuckle, interrupted by yet another sneeze. "Ack."

"Yeah we could take a bath after a nap for sure. I bet it's a really nice spring."

"Verily," Jancis agreed, not bringing up the large belt-sized bells and missing Denz's discomfort. Her hand squeezed his arm nonetheless, another achievement seeing the inn and how high it was, "Mayhaps we can get a room up high to see the city. Like climbing a tree."

Rubbing his nose, Chachanji meandered his way into the inn and right up to the counter to book a room. A task made a bit more difficult that the counter was obviously not designed with Lalafell in mind so he had to again resort to standing on tippy-toes to get the coin onto the counter. All the while, Denz's eyes scanned the inn, failing to see how the entrance and lobby resembled anything close to the taverns and resting places of Ishgardian origin. "Where are their tables and chairs? I see refreshments. Are you supposed to take them back to your room?"

"I think you might just eat them on the tatami," Zhara offered, glancing between the trials of the wee Lalafell and the confused Elezen. The former looked back over his shoulder as the innkeep thankfully leaned forward to aid in collecting the gil. "Y-yeah. Ya can jus' sit on th' tatami." He settled back down once the coin had been successfully exchanged for a key. "Ya... uh... usually take off yer shoes on tatami too, by th' by... 'm jus' too worn out ta do it."

Denz blinked, looking at the floor beneath them. "The... tatami?" he echoed as he suddenly noticed how scuffed and dust-ridden his boots were from the travelling through Hingashi. And, looking about, it became all the more obvious that one was supposed to take their shoes off by the few pairs of shoes left sitting at the foot of the stairs leading up onto the tatami. All the patrons who were partaking of the snacks on the tatami were either barefoot or wearing socks as they ate and conversed. "Nothing but the best first impressions."

"Dare think that sounds like a welcome change. Unlike an unearned bed," Janics laughed with some fond humor. "Tatami. Will we be offensive for walking in them to our room?"

"It is fine, good patrons," the innkeeper interjected, smiling a smile that all but implied that it would be okay so long as they did indeed book themselves a room. Otherwise things might not be so fine. Zhara circumvented the whole situation for herself by walking over to where the shoes were laid out and flicked sandals off before walking back onto the tatami and giving a big yawn.

"Well I think I'm going to unload my backpack and check out the room."

"'m wit ya on tha' one," Chachan agreed, toddling after Zhara and leaving poor Denz and Jancis to deal with the rather strained-looking innkeeper. Jancis nodded, following Zhara's example and - slipping her arm from Denz's - knelt down to slip off her own boots, revealing gray tights stained from the perils of the past couple days. Stains that almost looked worse than the boots she now carried in her hands.

Denz was far less fortunate, unable to conveniently take off his sabatons while holding onto the goods Jancis no doubt spent more gil then necessary on. Blinking as he looked down through his supplies to those stubbornly affixed boots, he made his decision. "I shall take them off and leave them in my room, my good man," he assured the innkeeper, though - in the back of his mind - he wondered if he could pull Lehs out as a trump to the man's indirect disagreements. He quickly decided that, nay, he would not use his dragon for such pointless gain and flaunting. "When I get to my room."

Lehs slept without comment, but the man knew his dragon well. With that settled, the knight continued on. "Speaking of. What of our rooms?"

"You will have them as soon as you pay for them, sir," the innkeep stated through teeth clenched in that forced smile. Denz blinked in confusion before the weight of the man's words hit him. "Oh. Right. Forgive me, it has been a long journey. Jancis, if you would?"

"Oh! Forgive me!" Jancis pinched her boots between her arm and side as she once again dipped into the modest pocket-belt. Also standing up on her toes, she looks at Denz first and requests one room. The innkeep nodded and took the coin, seeming to be restraining himself from all but snatching the payment from her. What had the man in such a foul mood was anyone's guess, but it was obvious why he wasn't an actor. He retrieved a room key and pressed it into Jancis' hand.

"Do enjoy your stay. And do make sure to let us know when you are to check out as well, as this is merely the initial payment."

"Yes. Yes of course, Lord. Shall be back in the morn, then. Forgive me, the trip has been long and more perilous than first hoped. I mean not that we hoped for peril." Jancis sank back down onto her heels. "That we recover we can continue our journey."

"Yes yes, of course." A vaguely dismissive tone was entering his voice now. "Enjoy your stay," he repeated, garnering a frown from Denz at his demeanor as he sensed the fallacy of his own kindness. The blunt honesty and politeness of truthful Ishgardians was his more favored method, but he was earning a place to rest that was not a hammock, so he kept his tongue still. A couple of the other patrons cast apologetic glances towards the pair, as if sympathizing with them for this man's less than stellar treatment.

Jancis turned back to Denz, ignoring the innkeep's digressions, and held up the key. "One room." Her shuffled items almost tilted her one side to hold her boots and bag, freeing the key hand to hold that and Denz's. "Shall have to suffer me a bit longer."

"'Tis a suffering I will gladly bear," he responded with a chuckle, bowing his head and nodding as he followed her. His feet track the dried dirt upon the tatami as he moved past the innkeep, yet - despite the action - he was being neither petty nor apologetic. He was simply tired.

As for the innkeep himself, he simply nodded gruffly as the two shifted aside before turning to face the next in line. Which happened to be a couple with a kid that, almost upon seeing the man's less than pleasant expression, started crying and screaming in the sharpest of keys. The forced smile that he had quickly repainted to his features became all the more strained as he sought to get this next group handled and away as quickly as possible. It was going to be a long evening for him indeed.

[progeny-of-the-fury]

Encounter the Dark Divinity

Log date: 10/4/17

OOC Note: The text in these logs are strictly for the reader’s enjoyment. Anyone using the knowledge displayed within this text without the participant’s knowledge risks the potential of blacklisting from future communication and roleplay. Please do not meta-game!

Tags: @darkknightsbread @halone-from-the-otherside @lyriahkarnelle 

The House’s heads called upon all available personnel to gather in Camp Tranquil, mentioning an urgent request sent to them by the Twin Adders. Seemed per usual, Imperial maggots were up to no good within our lands. How I relished the idea of a night of justice...

Denz stood near the northern exit, arms crossed as he waited, Alleria standing beside him.

Adelise approached the duo as she too made way into Camp Tranquil. Glancing about, the young woman pressed a visibly muscular arm to her hip. "Evening you two."

Lyriah wandered closer upon seeing the familiar group as well as the face she was most well accustomed with. She was on time.

Siovant wasn't overly far behind the younger De'bayle, swathed in dark fabric and bearing his typical dour expression.  As opposed to his typical exaggerated, plate-clad presence, he was prepared in a more magical manner.  "A sizeable group."

Denz cleared his throat. "That is everyone? Then I shall be brief. An elite scouting party of Twin Adders was tailing behind an insurgence of Garleans who had maneuvered past the wall and have reported to be bearing significant firearms. The scouting party has not reported in some time, and the Serpents have assumed the worse. They've called upon us and our..." He looks warily at Adelise's attire. "... well-equipped knights." He gestures to Alleria. "Ser Surlaint shall be overseeing the operations for tonight. Her command is our own, as she has proven herself worthy of the position. The scouts last known position was not too far from Taker's Rot, which puts them dangerously close to Quarrymill." He clapped Alleria's shoulder plate. "Sink or swim, my lady."

"Ever inspiring, De'bayle," Adelise added dryly as she leered over to Denz. "I have the utmost faith in you, Surlaint. Especially after our last expedition."

Armont De'bayle looked to his youngest brother with a sly smirk and raised, playful brows. "Does jumping count, dear brother?"

One of Siovant's elegant brows lifts in momentary surprise, and a complaint was prepared for the shift in leadership. Alas, it dies there upon his scarred lips. Instead he merely tilts them upwards in some crooked amusement. "We should be moving, in any case."

Lyriah offers Alleria a silent smile of encouragement, waiting to see what she had to say.

"Not all of us can, dear brother." He gave him a humoured look, before turning back to the woman in charge.

Alleria's eyes widened at the ending of the explanation. "I... seem to be in charge quite a bit lately." she let out a small sigh as she turned around eyeing the path they'll take. "Thank you all for coming along for this. If you all have anything you wish to share for idea's along the way. Please speak up. For now let's get going." She turned around and waved for all to follow along. "No stopping for drinks either."

The forest yawned before the group of "knights", the evening air chilling with the fall season. Leaves cascaded down before the party, and the rustle of wildlife in the bushes could be heard. No one stopped them as they made their way through the Druther's and back down the path.

Adelise scanned her surroundings with some caution as they walked deeper into the woods. She was certain no one within their current squad was unfamiliar with the dangers of the Shroud.

The night sky assisted in keeping the House from being seen from great distances. However as the group moved into the Takers' Rot, the ground became muddied as dirt was kicked up, several Gridanian weapons strewn upon the ground. The moon reflected off dark liquid staining the earth. In the distance, voices could be heard, loud, prideful, aggressive in nature. A bonfire was lit between the ruins of what was an abandoned poacher's den. There were no other people in sight.

Siovant draws his amber gaze about in minor concern, "Every bandit from here to Gridania likely heard us clattering through the woods. I don't much relish the idea of adding some Redbelly mongrels to our list of assailants.

Lyriah frowned as they came to a halt. The forest was darkening around them as they had marched and now a dark veil made every shape look unfamiliar.

Scoffing, the young De'bayle slipped a hand behind her neck to brush at her long braid. "Bandits. I do not quite relish the idea either," Adelise grumbles in distaste.

Alleria stopped upon seeing the adder weapons. She sighed out listening closely and overlooking what was visible of the camp. "Well they don't seem to have noticed us approaching." she looked down at her attire. " I should really look into armor better suited for the night. Let us approach slowly and figure out where they have their weapons stashed so we can make this an easier task for us all. Any objections?" she asked looking back to the group with a raised brow awaiting a response.

It seemed like a solid plan. At a glance, there didn't seem to be much more of an alternative present that Lyriah could see. "Are we to split up or shall we all remain as a single unit?"

Denz bowed his head in thought, a hand on his hilt before stepping forward. "And should we find their weapons in their hands?"

"Kill them. Let some God or another sort them out,” Siovant added flatly.

Crossing her arms, Adelise frowned in her typical fashion. "I would prefer we avoid a slaughter, but if it comes to it and they do not back down, the only mercy that can be handed to them is a swift death."

"Take at least one alive... If they're in their hands Denz then we should find the best way to catch them off guard. I'm sure all of us can manage that with ease." she said with a slight smile. "Are we all ready then?"

"At your call, Surlaint.,” Adelise added.

Armont De'bayle looked to Alleria and nodded. "By your order, Surlaint."

"Stay within eyesight of one another. The night is good cover, but we're not invisible." she turns again to put on her helm. "De'bayle and company, move out!" she said in a commanding tone without being to loud as she stepped forward.

Stepping forward, the young Half-Elezen peered around Alleria's large figure to look ahead.

As the group stealthily approached as well as an assortment of plate and leather wearers could, the scene before them unfolded. Several bleeding and battered Twin Adder soldiers were on their knees, three of them lined up before a Garlean foot soldier wielding a gunblade. Six highly plated Garleans in total lined the campfire's radius, two of them in red legatus armor. A seventh Garlean operated a strange suit of magitek armor, menacing guns mounting to the sides pilot's seat, bladed spikes lining the machine and making it unapproachable. "Tell me, would you rather see your comrades die first, or shall we make them watch their proud leader die all for one harmless secret." The middle Adder spit blood before the Garlean, who responded by embedding his sword into the man's shoulder, blood and gore pushing out the back as he growled behind his helmet. "Where are the Vanguard remains?!" The six other Garleans watched, full of themselves and believing no one could possibly be foolish or close enough to attack them. All of them were still armed, only having recently fought the Serpent scouts.

Reaching back, Lyriah unclasped her lance from it's harness, now cradled in the woman's grip at the ready. Ready to spill blood.

Armont De'bayle's hands held his sabre tightly in a forward slanting position. At any moment he would be ready to leap forward, should those around him be attacked or initiate attack.

Sharpened polearm held tightly in her grasp, Adelise held an equally narrowed stare as she held a mostly defensive posture. For now.

Siovant brushes the tip of a Swan-pinioned quill across the pages of his Grimoire, ruinous portents gathering with crackling power upon the edge of that delicate fuller. Like a note held at the edge of it's pitch, that dull thrum of destruction only seemed to grow more insistent by the second.

Alleria grit her teeth behind her helm. She'd slowly take a step back looking to her group. "Anyone have a way to destroy a magitek armor?" She asked peering to everyone for a brief moment. "I want to save the Adders as well." she tightened the grip on her sword and shield  turning to look at the Garleans.

Denz held up a finger, as if he had some way to destroy machinery, before shaking his head.

Lyriah raised her arm "Perhaps I can serve as a distraction for the Magitek?"

"I cannot guarantee the destruction of the armour itself, but I can jump the rider and take them out that way?" Adelise added quietly, offering the only assistance she might have.

Armont De'bayle remained silent, listening to Alleria's question. He was curious to see if she had a plan in her own mind, or if there were those who held secrets up their sleeve for this construction.

"Present me with an opportunity, and I can use my magic to reduce it to dust.  I will be occupied, and vulnerable, though,” Siovant offered.

Alleria Surlaint nodded to each suggestion giving Lyriah a slight stare for a moment. "Alright I'll leave the magitek armor in your capable hands." She said nodding to Lyriah and Adelise. " If you take it outside the camp you can use trees for cover and vantage points. Sio I'd prefer you use your magic to help against the troops as we're out numbered. I can't safely say we'd be able to hold them back for you to destroy the armor."  She looked to Armont and Denzy. "Armont if you would be so kind as to jump one of them early on it would be appreciated. Denz we can show them why Ishgardian steel is far superior to any material they have on their side of the realm."

The Garlean pressed a boot against the Twin Adder, the other two cursing the foreigner as the legatus kicked the dying man off his blade. "It seems we'll need more time with this one to find our prize. Kill the other two." Two of the plated Garleans loomed forward, leveling their gunblades to the two subordinates.

Denz nods silently, eyes cutting across to the elite Garleans in the encampment.

"Hurry in, we'll take care of that walking piece of tin." Lyriah grabbed a rock, turning and moving away from the group to not give away their locations before hurling the stone long and hard to strike the magitek's operator.

Armont De'bayle nodded as his eye locked onto one of the men with their backs facing Armont. "Aye, one moment Surlaint. You will have your kill with haste." He said quickly before stepping back. Once settled into a better position, he would kick up from the dirt, hurling himself sabre forward at the Garlean.

The House would engage in battle against the Garleans, catching them off guard as they rushed the camp.

"As you wish, Surlaint," Adelise dips her head forward, taking a step. Setting herself into a crouching position, lips moving in silent chant as the grass and dirt around her form twirled and twisted, the wind at her feet picked up as she winded back into her legs. In one swift motion the young woman took off into the sky, her figure and braid twisting with practiced grace as she vaulted over the fencing onto the first set of armour. Landing onto the machinery with an audible thud, the young forced her lance forward, attempting to wrap its pole to the neck of the rider, also hoping to draw some attention off the rest of the group.

Denz charged in behind his brother, letting out a battlecry to earn all of their attention as the units clashed. He threw his sword against a soldier, hoping to pierce the armor and do some damage.

Siovant prudently kept his distance, that built-up power flashing from the pages of his Grimoire.  Sizzling bolts of aether flash distractingly out towards the Garleans.

Alleria ran in quickly as Armont took off keeping her sword high as she closed in to slash the back of one of the Garleans.

The rock would strike against the operator's helmet, a yelp emitting from behind the woman's helmet as she turned towards Lyriah. She glared down the hyur, before the half-blooded dragon landed next to her. The rider was prepared, however, and trained in hand to hand combat. Her armor halted the lance's path, hands gripping the shaft to tug Adelise towards her. The campfire Garleans turn on the armored Ishgardian’s as they rushed in, meeting them all with blades and parrying aside the De'bayle brother's weaponry easily. Only Alleria's blade would sink into the back of the Garlean taking aim to execute the Serpent's, back arching and gun firing upwards into the trees with a shout of pain. Siovant's aetherial magic seemed to ineffectively bounce of this juggernaut group's armor. They all turned their weapons on the Eorzeans, rushing forward to close the gaps on Siovant and Lyriah, Alleria's target turning about at her knees to fire a shot towards the knight.

As Denz's blade was knocked away, a gauntlet punched his faceplate in harshly. The young knight stumbled backwards onto a knee, crying out in pain as he tore off the face protection. "Arrrgh!"

Siovant snorts. "Ignorant proles." The Elezen's fingers crackle with fell power, laying out binding magic to prevent the Garlean approach by keeping them in place.

Armont De'bayle swiftly brought up the center mass of his sword to catch an incoming sword. It was fine Ishgardian steel versus Garlean alloy, and it was in-tense.

Adelise was not about to allow this Imperial to overpower her, even at such a close range. Allowing for them to at least tug at her lance, Adelise thrusted her head forward to bang against the riders head, her knee raising under the polearm in an attempt to hit their chin.

Alleria turned her shield keeping it to high as the bullet pierced through into  the armor imbedding itself into her leg. She cried out before taking a pained step forward planting her foot firmly and swinging her blade toward the Garlean before her.

Lyriah met her foe head on, clearly not unsettled by her most ungraceful attempt at hurling a stone. The Garlean she battled with didn't allow her a chance to react, rushing and slicing horizontally to hit her chest. She was able to move back enough for the blades tip to bite into her shoulder instead of lopping it off.

Now that the battle was in full swing, the Garleans assessed the situation and earned back their bearings. Breaking through their impressive Garlean armor would be no simple task.

Siovant would proceed to gather the power to attempt to vaporise the Garleans that he'd caught in his trap. Foreboding energies flickering between the pages of his Grimoire. Despite his efforts the power fizzles thin against their magic-defenses.

As Armont's sword and the Garleans locked against one another, the Garlean would press forward to Armont's demise, knocking him off balance before tearing the Garleans sword down them middle of his chest.

Lyriah’s arm was drenched in blood while her opponent smirked at his handy work, apparently not upset that he didn't completely kill her. Drawing it out seemed to bring his own form of amusement. She twisted her lance around to try and hit the man, or at the very least, afford her some space. He dodged her attack easily.

The chin strike failed to stagger the Garlean as intended, the pilot pushing Adelise roughly to get her off the magitek armor and begin piloting it. Even if she failed to remove the dragoon fully, her hands would find the switches to flick on the turrets of her magitek armor, flames spewing carelessly over the camp. The vaporizing power of Siovant's spell was once more nullified by the armor, the machinations of their suit appearing to absorb the destructive aether. Alleria's Fine Ishgardian Steel failed to penetrate the juggernaut armor, bouncing off with a shrieking cry. Lyriah's strikes produced much of the same sound. Armont's was much more full, solid with the strength of a dragoon behind his cut. Yet all it did was create a massive display of sparks to prelude the fire that began to swamp the area, washing over House member and Garlean alike.

Siovant promptly steps behind a bit of the wooden camo-walls to keep himself from being roasted alive!

As the fighting continued, the light of the campfire and flamethrower both seemed to die down and become more dull, yet the heat and intensity licking over the armor and leathers of the fighters proved that their sight was betraying them. The air, when not sucked away by fire, would grow heavier, the aether-sensitive Eorzeans feeling a strange dread creep upon their consciousness. The battle did not give them much time to contemplate the changing weather, however.

Adelise manages a clean flip from the armour as the rider pushed her off, landing on her feet with care as she quickly retreated back to avoid the flames herself.

Armont was suddenly kicked back and while he stumbled backwards, the gunblade would fire off, piercing the plate on his shoulder and soaring clean through. "Seven hells..."

Alleria luckily was wearing good ol Ishgardian armor so fire wouldn't be an issue in short bursts as she turned raising her shield towards the incoming attack as she couldn't prevent herself from taking a knee from her earlier wound.

The air grew thick, and not just from the smoke. Even as the flames scoured over them, she wasn't able to avoid them all. She cursed and swatted fabrics that smoldered, cursing and staggering back. The twelve were not favoring her steel this day, she only hoped she could live long enough to do better.

Denz throws his shield over his wounded face, trying to avoid the fires as they washed over him, but they burned him all the same. His shield grew too hot to hold, tossing it aside as the fire singed and dampened on his armor. The ishgardian-made equipment would protect him well, but not from the unaffected Garlean's advance to cut down into thigh where no armor lay. He regret not wearing chainmail pants, letting out another cry of pain.

The Garleans were washed over with flames, but their armor left them unaffected as they disengaged and regrouped next to the magitek armor. As the flames died down, the changing weather became more apparent, an unnatural darkness... illuminating the battlefield, as if the moon shined down upon them. It was impossible, as mists had begun forming around the group, tightening until all that remained was the camp, the shadows of trees the only reminder there was a world still out there.The juggernauts looked around in confusion, before pointing their weapons back at the De'bayles. "Damned savages! Your magics cannot pierce our armor!" Suddenly from beyond the mists echoed the disembodied whinny of a horse, a dark and shuddering cry that froze the foreigners in place.

Adelise watched the Garleans with some level of confusion, her gaze lingering about as the air suddenly became tense... nearly suffocating. "What... what is going on..." she asked out quietly, "is this another of their tactics?" her jaw tightened, fear suddenly tightening through her body.

Armont De'bayle slowly backed up to place himself over his brother protectively as he stated at the new foe that entered into the fray. "Seven hells is this?" he muttered to himself before looking back to his brother. "Are you able to stand or fight?"

Alleria was removing her helm as she coughed. She began to stand finally opening her eyes to the instant change that overtook the area. She'd drop her sword instantly and begin frantically looking around obviously afraid and panicking.

Siovant, rather prudently, takes a few quick steps that would carry him into the clearing of the camp. Preferring the company of Garleans to whatever remained out in the gloom.

Denz grasped onto his brother's arm roughly, pulling himself up to his feet as best he could, avoiding weight put onto his left leg that had been stabbed. "I-I don't know Armon-" He sucked in a breath, a dreading sense of deja vu washing over him. "We need t-" His words caught in his throat at the sound of the horse whinny.

Lyriah looked around and gasped "Gods above.." The stories that her father had told her when she was young gave her an idea of what was happening. "We've got to get out of here. This is not a place we want to be right now.." Her gaze caught Alleria's reactions, no longer standing tall, but cowering.

Glancing down to Alleria, Adelise shakily held her polearm in hand. Her visage, once proud and cold, was now tugged back. Crimson eyes filling with dread. "What... what is this," she choked out. The feeling was strangely familiar, yet she could not quite put her finger on where she had felt it once before. Forcing her legs forward, the young woman moved about to go toward the panicked Elezen woman. "Surlaint! Do you forget yourself?!"

Siovant drew the edge of his quill against the page, alighting with power as he prepared for whatever presence stirred dangerously at the edge of the light. Resolute in his power, and eager to face a real foe amidst this rabble.  Still, there was something strange and unfamiliar about the way the aether in the air felt. A tension that brought a sickening throb to the backs of his eyes.

The horse called out once more, yet instead of the shriek coming from all around the party, it was in front of them, where an impassable cliff and protected the Garleans to the north. Slow, heavy thudded footsteps padded towards the campsite, before the shadowy figure of a colossal mount broke through. The jostle of stirrups and heavy plated armor accompanied the massive head of a great black horse, red eyes piercing down from it's tall gaze towards those. More imposing was the plated figure riding the horse. In his right hand was a blade longer than any had ever seen before, the curved dark blade pulsing heavily with aether, a buckler in his left hand. The horned helmet's visage bore white eyes, staring at all before it. Then his head swiveled to the Garleans, their juggernaut armor and mech rivaling this mysterious rider.

Alleria quickly turned to Adelise her eyes still wide in a panic. She'd taken a limped step forward. "W....we...we need to go!" she yelled out loudly. She fell onto her damaged knee again looking up at the smaller woman with a hand on her shoulder. "Get everyone and go... NOW." she called out before turning around to see the imposing figure. "it's....." she fell silent her arm falling limp off of Adelise as her gaze fell onto the rider.

The Garleans were drawn to the new visitor, or.... as Lyriah knew, the primal. She took advantage of their distraction to slip over to Alleria as best as she could. They were no match, none of them were. A hero blessed by Hydaelyn was the only one that was told to defeat these things.

"Odin," Adelise remarked breathlessly, her mouth agape in some horror, "even... even here such a being exists," shaking her head, Adelise turned toward Alleria to take a hold of her. "Surlaint, you must try and walk!" she spoke out in an attempt to sound assuring, her words failing on her with sharpness and breakage. "We will die out here..." the dread seeped into her heart, the tension that permeated the air toying at them.

Something black twisted greedily behind Siovant's golden hues.  That pulse of aether, leaking power like a punctured vessel.  It was like the promise of one last draw of his favorite vice.  Power crackled from the tips of his fingers, stretching his will to it's straining edges.

The Garleans failed to fathom the knight's presence, who he was. They saw the figure and believed him another knight come to aid the House De'bayle. "Light him up, men!" The magitek armor stepped forward, opening its maw and gathering ceruleum to shoot at the horse. The footsoldiers brandished their gunblades to fire upon the figure, before a cacophony of shots and explosions resounded. Fire and flak crashed into the horse, a disgruntled snort the only response. Pinging of bullets on plate echoed out, before the smoke subsided and the man stood, unflinching. Power mounted around him, pebbles and rocks levitating as the impossibly long blade was raised. A single swipe over its head came out, before the magical edge cut through machine, armor, and flesh, the line of Garleans letting out cries of surprise and pain as a perfect line split their bodies in half, the magitek armor falling in on itself as it was cut with precision. Blood and oil spattered upon the ground silently as the figure remained there, staring at any who had yet to turn and flee.

During the lightshow of explosions and gunfire, Denz shook his brothers arm with what strength he had left. "B-brother... 'tis the like of Nidhogg... we must run!"

"For the time, aye, De'bayles! Retreat and make haste!" Armont shouted out towards those in front of him.

Siovant wasn't keen on making his escape, not while there was an opportunity at hand.  That nagging feeling, like an angler's hook driven through a lobe of his brain, bid him closer and closer.  In his present guise, he lacked the presence of the armored knights.  If he could just get a little... closer…

Alleria's breathes grew heavier with every moment she stared at Odin. Without turning away she reached back her hand shaking causing her armor to raddle. "R...run." Where the only words she managed to mutter in her panicked state.

"Hydaelyn's mercy..." Adelise gaped, tugging the hysteric Elezen back with her with some pained force. "What... what horror... we will not make it out of here alive. Surlaint..." Adelise found her words caught in her throat as vermillion eyes glanced toward the Elezen man approaching. "L-Lord Gascogne! You must run! You must!"

They weren't getting anywhere any time fast. Lyriah looked to Adelise "You should grab him, if we linger we will be cut down like those men." It took every ounce of effort to stop her body from shaking. She was prepared to do what it took to get them out of there but their chances of survival were slimming by the second.

"I..." His voice trails off into dismissal.  Each step drew Siovant a little nearer to his tempting demise, eyes locked upon the blade.  The very presence of the spectral rider was near-ignored in favor of that mouth-watering temptation.

Odin knew he would find no further challenges, and the the breach of his sanctuary had been quelled. The noiseless visage turned towards the elezen that moved forward. A challenger? The greatsword-scimitar amalgamation pointed towards Siovant menacingly.

Slipping a hand to her head, the woman's teeth grit painfully as a hand when to hold her branded forehead. Throbbing pain ached through her skull, as if it was... holding back. Fighting back. Nodding toward Lyriah, Adelise slipped her hands from Alleria. "Protect her, she needs to be taken. Free the fear from your heart to escape!" Twisting around, Adelise ran toward Siovant, her hands reaching into his robe to tug him back forcefully, "Siovant! Stop this! We must retreat!" she shrieked out.

Lyriah didn't wait long. The instant Adelise went for Siovant, Lyriah slipped in and grabbed Alleria's arm, supporting her weight to get her out of her. "Alleria, lets go now!"

Siovant was a willing combatant. Now and always. If not for the woman tugging his mind back into the present, he'd likely have attacked the Primal with his fledgling aether. He blinked once, twice, that iron-tinged fog clearing from his mind as the gravity of the situation began to set in.  Hard, tired lines drew deeply across his features. As though he'd just run a circuit of the Shroud in addition to their battle. "L-let's go." He stammers, his mouth drier than he would have liked.

Reaching for the Elezen's hand, Adelise held tightly to it as she continued to tug him back toward him, fearful that he might attempt to suddenly continue forward. "I will protect you, my Lord," she stammered out, offering the primal a dangerous stare. Glancing back, Adelise bellowed out, "we must warn others! Retreat to the city to alert the Adders!"

The blade remained unwavering before Siovant, before the party's calm retreat kept Odin from cutting them down as well. The horse turned around slowly, retreating into the mist and disappearing. The mist shortly followed, revealing the empty cliff face behind the campsite, though the House members never turned around to check, escaping from the primal.

It had been so long since I had felt that familiar tug of fear. I... cannot believe they are more similar than I had been to initially believe.There were some aspects I truly wished were not mirrored over.