#what I can remember. I know the healer is a Roe! and the rest is a brain wash.

[candycryptids]

Glamtober Day 5 - TANK Full Glamtober Prompt List [Here]

"3-2-1 we’re going! TRY TO KEEP UP!"

Gemmini craves blood and violence and slaughter… Running a dungeon with her is pure cardio. Because she RUNS. And if the healer can’t keep her health up, then she’ll keep it up on her own with potions, adrenaline, and bloodlust. …. She is intimately familiar with the healer lasso.

Gemmini is wearing- Neo-Ishgardian Top of Fending - Colibri Pink No.2 Tybe B Gloves- Metallic Gold Makai Manhandler's Quartertights Crystarium Greaves- Cherry Pink

[televisionboy]

Your blog cracks me up, lol. You’re so funny! If you don’t mind, could I please request Eugene Roe tending to a fem!soldier from a foreign country/agency after she’s been wounded in battle? also, could it maybe be more fluffy/funny instead of angst? You can do either headcanon or drabble—whichever you feel is best! Thank you so much! 💓🥰

thank you so much! this was so much fun to write.

taglist: @my-haunting-romance @thatsonefishyboi @punkgeekcryptid @pierrespandas @jackswilder @prvtbullshit @liebegott @order-of-river-phoenix @himbowelsh @real-fans @snafus-peckuh @warrior-healer @sydney-m @starkiddasilva @neverendingstories00 @3milesup @sunnyshifty @meteora-fc @gutsandgloryhere @we-always-hit-our-ass @wexhappyxfew @band-of-bitches @murphyism @lovingunderratedcharacters @contrabandhothead @alrightnicelighter @georgeluzwarmhugs @sodapop182 @hoosiers-blanket @mrseasycompany @honeybisous @stressedinadress @opalsdaggers @vintagelavenderskies @mavysnavy @rayofshanshine @band-of-brothers-headcannons @trashgoddess600 @happyveday @saritanotserena

Oh wow Gene caring for his own soldiers is one thing but caring for a person he doesn't know? Hit or miss

I mean he's either acting like a worried mom whos kid came home 2 minutes past curfew, or he's a school nurse handing them an icepack and being like "alright go GO GO"

You were a French nurse stationed in Bastogne. A piece of shrapnel hit your leg and you were trying so hard to push through for the hurt soldiers

Gene didn't even know you and he was angry that such a beautiful person such as yourself was caught in between a war

He spoke to you in calm but quick sentences in French, reassuring you that there were other nurses and you needed to sit down so he could bandage you.

The shrapnel was really deep in your leg, Nixon happened to be in the makeshift church-hospital and offered you Vat 69 to calm down.

You see Gene the next couple of days and you try to teach yourself English so you can surprise him

You want to go with him to the pubs, understand what his friends are saying, laugh with him

he catches you having a breakdown over trying to learn English and his heart SHATTERS

trying to assure you your French is beyond gorgeous

that its refreshing to talk in another language with someone else

that you're both able to make fun of the scary or asshole like privates or even scary CO'S

one time you were both giggling in French over Joe Liebgott's hair

comment n'a-t-il pas assez de points pour rentrer à la maison mais il est capable de prendre soin de ses cheveux comme si c'était son bébé ? - how does he not have enough points to go home but he's able to care for his hair like it's his baby?

attend-il de gagner un concours de beauté ? - is he waiting to win a beauty pageant?

Joe LEARNS FRENCH TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING

petty bitch

The next time you see Gene, you're injured way beyond a piece of shrapnel

You had been shot in the shoulder and were in an emergency care unit

As soon as Gene realizes you're not on the front line with them anymore, he freaks himself out to the point of vomiting

As soon as he sees you, all you can do is smile and think of how much he reminds you of home

even if him acting like this reminds you of your mother

you had remembered all the English phrases you could before getting hit, you wanted to fulfill your dream and surprise him and his friends

maybe share a chocolate bar, relate to issues going on

you can't even recite a quote from the beloved book you shared with him

all you can remember is "i'm sorry"

and his heart fills and cracks all over again

he pulls you to his chest the best he can

tu es stupide, stupide fille - you stupid, stupid girl

tu ferais mieux d'être en sécurité, sinon nous ne pourrons pas aller dans des pubs avec le reste de mes amis connards - you better be safe, otherwise we won't be able to go to pubs with the rest of those asshole friends of mine.

he leaves with a cheeky grin

leaving you to question who this Eugene Roe was

[inviouswriting]

Critical Engagement Au - Feel

Warnings: Nothing extreme like the last one. But hints to an assault made on Kivera. This will mostly be women to women pairings. 

I’ll explore some other themes in a few days as I develop this. For now enjoy some development?

Kivera stands to the side of a room, she had fell another behemoth. Her stance was loose after she was certain the creature was dead. This was her third one for the day. She had been fighting all day, being tested all day in her endurance and strength alone. She retains her former valor where she was hardly defeated in battles. 

Such strengths Misija wonders how Kivera even fell to the beasts from the start if she possessed this much power. Perhaps her echo faltered, perhaps she slipped up, or a healer in the same instance did not aid her when she needed it. She heard that the engagement that Kivera was in, everyone had fallen to the behemoth. Unlucky for the rest of them, Misija did not take interest in them as she has Kivera.

The woman approaches Kivera with praise and encouragement. Kivera lowering her head to let her head be petted. She liked the feeling it gave her. Before she was suspended again in her enclosure, to rest and heal from the claws that marred her skin, they would heal soon thanks to powerful elixirs in the air for her. 

They had began to infuse other abilities to her, finding she has a natural inclination for fire, none would be surprised as she was a black mage as well as dancer. 

“Why in the seven hells do you treat her so gentle?” One of the soldiers asks Misija as they walked. Misija looks to them.

“Tell me, how do you keep a coeurl tame after it has grown? It has enough strength to turn on its owner, it can easily run away once it is powerful enough. So how does one keep it from attacking?” Misija looks into one of the other tanks further down from Kivera. An auri, she had a soft spot for this one in her stark white appearance compared to Kivera’s dark. She was bought from the black markets, her scales proving to be highly sought after for the way they shimmer, perhaps other properties could be found once she had matured enough for experimentations. 

“Most keep them fed and content. How does this relate to Kivera?” Misija raises her head.

“Precisely the reason I treat her nicely. Keeping her content. She has enough power to escape at any point. Specially after todays tests with the anti-matter. She can break the neurolinks any time, she has done so in the past when she wanted them off. So what keeps her from doing so? She could run freely in Bozjan, to be another threat to the forces against us.” A quick tap on the enclosure gains the auran girls attention, she merely regards them with a stare before ignoring them. Misija notes the inside is cold.

“Turn the heat up for her.”  This girl was different than Kivera, they had gotten her before Kivera, but with the miqo’te’s untimely collapse in battle they hadn’t gotten around to anything with her. Their attention on the project they were anticipating to be successful.

“Keeping Kivera content is vital for us. As with any creature in this facility. You keep yourself at bay while handing something that can kill you praise, yet keep their safety in mind. It would have been a different story if she had been more docile during the wing implantation. She could have accepted what could have happened. But the fact she fought against unwanted touch to the extent everyone in that room died. She needs one face and pair of hands she doesn’t find offensive in this whole place.”

“You in other words.” They turn to head back to Kivera’s enclosure, after seeing the auri relax more once heat was being poured into the enclosure. They had given this one more things to be comfortable, with a bed to lay on and things to entertain herself with. Easier to interact with compared to the other one. Stark contrasts. 

Misija approaches Kivera in her sphere where she had been suspended towards the top. Kivera uses her feet to propel herself down behind the roegadyn first then rounding around to her front, Misija offering an arm for her to hold onto. Kivera barely holds onto her, keeping in place.

“You came back early.” Kivera regards her with a simple stare, wider green eyes, Misija notes her in a good mood. She removes the neurolink off of her.

“I was visiting another. You are on the same floor, I had to visit you too, before I head off for a while. The results of your tests came back. You’re almost ready for deployment.” Misija knows not to lie to her, she can pick them out.  It amazed her the first time she caught her in a lie. So she made a mental note to never lie to her.

“Another? Who?” Kivera feels Misija run a hand through her hair ending on an ear. She tilts her head to the hand, allowing her to pet the soft fur on the ear. Misija had removed her gloves for this.

“You might be able to meet her. If you keep improving. For now, not important. No lasting effects from the behemoth venom?” Misija checks, she recalls her getting bit and clawed good on the one they paired her to fight against.

“None, one of the scientists gave me an antidote.” The soft glow of yellow eyes regard her, the aura around them seemed to shift to a mild purple hue, Misija understands this as her feeling very content in her presence. Her manipulation over energy is what they were so enthralled in pitting her against stronger monsters. Kivera is able to manipulate the very aether in the air at her will.

All the more to keep her content. Misija lets Kivera hover in front of her, she looks her over, for scarring, for anything that would need to be fixed. She inspects her waist, and Kivera moves closer. Letting Misija check the “tail” the chain had kinked together.

“We will replace this with a better one soon.  Even have one similar to your old one you lost.” Misija muses aloud, she had been jabbed with the metal point alot when Kivera thrashed it at her when she lies.

“Old one?” Kivera’s memories had slipped from how long she has spent in their confinement. Barely remembers her former life as an adventurer.

“You had a softer tail once. Like a Chimera’s lion tail.” Misija explains. She kneels down and lets Kivera sit down in front of her. She hardly even believes she was at war with this woman. How compliant she has become to their side. She hopes she can get her to remember the echo and help her own cause for unlocking more secrets. 

Misija had drifted in her thoughts to the extent she barely realizes Kivera had moved closer, till her face was right before hers. There was something unnerving about her eyes, when Misija realized her own eyes were being stared into, like her very soul was being looked at.

“Why so close?” Misija leans back seeing how she is hovering.

“You were staring at me.” She had been staring at her, her mind drifted to another thought. Misija had grown to like her alot more now, than when she was her former warrior of light self. She retained her wild self, she can see that well in how she half drapes herself onto her.

“What manner are you doing here? I haven’t seen you like this before.” Kivera ignores her for a moment as she focuses on pressing an ear to her chest. Listening to her heart beating. She flicks an ear and her tail.

“Curious.” Kivera finally answers. 

“Curious of what?” Misija rests a hand on top of the dark hair to tilt her head back away from her heart.

“Feeling is different.” Kivera moves away in favor of sitting across from Misija again. Knees tucked underneath herself. It is here Misija notices the fidgeting, very brief she sees her eyes dim to a purple color. The roe gets up after a few more notices of the fidgeting. Kivera moving to stand, with a sigh as she expects the neurolink to be placed again. Misija waves her hand.

“No neurolink today. You’ve been behaving, if you go without giving my staff trouble. I’ll let you keep it off for a few days.” Misija sees her eyes light up in regard to this. She had to check something about her, 

“I’ll return soon. With a meal like I always do.” Misija raises an arm for her, and Kivera takes it, she brings her alot closer and under a short show of affection brushes the side of her face to Kivera’s. She feels it returned, a simple touch, yet she feels Kivera push herself to her entire being.

Kivera soon lets go to return to the top of the enclosure, curling into a spot she likes. Misija after she leaves her and takes one of the staff members with her.

“When was the last cycle she had? I thought we had removed the ovaries” The woman looks up at her.

“We did remove them, but the last cycle she would have had, was before that. It is still possible for one even after. But she won’t be able to have children if you mean that. She was an adult miqo’te before she came here.” Misija sighs as this could delay a day of tests.

“What can be done to relieve her?” She glances back to the enclosure that houses Kivera.

“We either ride it out, or you could assist her. She’s less likely to maim you. She is repulsed by men, per the wing incident. So I don’t think we can toss a random male to her.” There is a silence in the air.

“Fine, I’ll take care of her. The cages can be blacked out?” There is a nod. Misija walks off to go attend other things.

“I’ll return in a while, make sure the wing is clear around her meal time.” 

“You intend to do that tonight?! What about the other projects?”

“They clearly are less important than the bigger matter in that sphere. Best to take care of her now. As you said, she will most likely kill anything that offends her by touch. So again, make sure no one else is around for it.” The tone came off for an order. She did wonder how receptive she would be to it.

[t-khalynn-random]

Transitions

A.N. - Not quite happy with this, but, up it goes.

It was another evening with the Tahl sisters. The three women were gathered around a table, in the warm, relaxing basement of the Brigade’s company house. Normally it was the perfect place for lounging - comfortable chairs, soft cushions, nearby food and drinks, and a decently-stocked bar with a fairly skilled mixologist.

But today, Horatio and the rest of the staff had been given leave to retire early. And despite the cozy setting, there was nothing amicable about the mood. Instead, the three sisters were in the midst of a heated discussion.

“I need ta know, Kori,” Tala insisted.

“No,” the eldest replied tersely, scowling at the younger two. “You really don’t.”

“But…”

“No, Tala. You asked once before, and my answer remains the same. No. No good can come of bringing up the past.”

“Ryn, it really is not your place to decide that,” protested M’yrissa, “As is it Tala’s past, it should be her decision.”

Korynna shook her head. “Something saw fit to take those memories from her, Rissa. Fate? The elementals? The very gods themselves? I don’t know who, or what, but something believed it best. Who are we to argue with the greater powers?”

“Since when do YOU believe in the ‘greater powers,’ Ryn?” scoffed the youngest, her tail lashing back and forth in agitation.

The taller woman shrugged. “I have my beliefs, Ryssa. I may have my doubts, but I still believe. Sometimes, things happen for a reason.”

“An’ I believe too, Kori,” the lala countered. “But even if is true what ya say, an’ th’ elements or somethin’ took th’ memories away. Is still my choice. Maybe ‘twas needful, fer a spell. Time fer healin, an’ recovery. But now, ‘m thinkin’ is time fer me ta take up th’ burden.”

“But why? You said yourself that you were fine if the memories never returned. You decided not to push, to let things pass as they would. Now suddenly you’ve changed your mind completely? Why?”

“Is different now!”

The Roe woman leaned forward. “Why is it ‘different’ now, Tala? What’s changed?”

“ ‘Cause it can’t happen again! So I need ta know, ta see if it is. An’ if is, then I have ta do everythin’ I can ta stop it!”

Golden eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“Tala’s friend found someone interesting, Ryn,” Ryssa explained, handing Tala a fresh cup of tea as she took up the explanation, giving her middle sister time to calm. “A young Dunesfolk lalafell, wandering the streets of Ul’dah. One who closely resembles our Tala in features, under the grime. Enough to catch attention, in any case.”

Korynna absorbed the news in silence.

“She seems to be mute, and illiterate. From her behavior, seems to be the victim of some ill-treatment as well.”

“Oh?”

“Talin said she tried ta take her in, at th’ Refuge. But she dinnae wanna go inside. Said she got all ‘ncomfortable an’ panicky. Likes ta be outside, even night-times. An’ she was eatin weird stuff.”

“What kind of ‘weird stuff,’ exactly?”

Tala nodded. “Like bug legs, an’ rat meat. Weird stuff. Not normal food stuff.”

“Famine fare,” the Roe muttered under her breath, eyes hooded. “When you’re hungered enough, desperate enough, any food is better than none.”

“An’ she had a book, Talin said. Said it had a drawin’ innit, that looked like... well, like th’ mark. On me.”

“The brand. You’re sure?”

The lala nodded solemnly. “I… I showed her, ta check. Is the same, Talin said. Was ‘xactly th’ same.”

It wasn’t something Tala was comfortable discussing - the marks of the past she couldn’t remember. Few outside of family knew the extent of the scarring, and the enchanted brand seared into the lala’s left shoulder.

And yet again, always the miqot’e she finds to trust, the eldest Tahl thought wryly. Enough to drag into this mess.

It was always a miqo'te, somehow. It was a miqot’e who helped the fevered lala escape the burning mansion in the first place. And that same miqot’e renegade tribe that had tried to nursed her back to health. And when the sick, fevered lala had wandered off in the middle of the night, it had been yet another young miqot’e - their own M’yrissa, in fact - who had found her collapsed near the road, and brought her into their family.

And, of course, it was yet another miqot’e who had helped Tala rebalance her aether flows, after the troubles a few years ago.

Miqot’e lasses seem to be good luck for her. Maybe this time will be the same.

“What do you know about this lala?” Ryn asked. “How old is she?”

“She seems younger than Tala, apparently,” added M’yrissa. “How old, exactly, we do not yet know.”

“Is why I need ta know more. What was done ta me, an’ when. ‘Cause if Meilee was hurt recently, then could be somethin new. Somethin’ happenin again. An’ I can’t - no, I won’t. Won’t let it happen again, Kory.” Blue eyes glittered, awash with swirling emotion. Fear and anger, yes - but also determination.

Korynna sat back, studying her sister thoughtfully. Not yet a year since she had taken up the sword - and yet, she had changed so much already. This was not the face of the conjurer, the healer dedicated to soothing hurts and healing wounds. No, this was instead the stoic gaze of a protector. A defender. A champion.

The amnesia was a blessing - she still believed that. Better that Tala not remember the events leading to those marks. Having knowledge of what must have happened was not the same as living with memories every day, every night. She knew the pain of that reality, firsthand. If she could, she would spare her smallest sister that.

But, as M’yrissa had insisted, in truth it was not Ryn’s decision to make.

Defeated, she shook her head. “Alright, Tala,” Korynna conceded, before going to the bar for a drink.  “You win. I’ll share with you what I know. But keep in mind, its not much. I did find out a few things, here and there, but most of it is second-hand.”

She returned to the center table, a heavy bottle of whiskey in her hand, as well as a couple of tumblers. Pouring the amber liquid, she set one glass in front of Tala, ignoring her sister’s faint look of distaste, before taking the other herself.

“You’re sure?” she asked, one last time.

The lalafell nodded intently, visibly steeling herself.

The Roe took a good swallow of the whiskey, and started her tale.

[erstwhile25]

Skin of the Teeth Part 3: Danger Lurks

“I’ll tell you this Gerrad…” said the minute Lalafel called Laloquer “...wherever you go, you have the distinct habit of picking up strays.  Mangy ones at that.”

“I seem t’remember a rather mangy bunch haulin themselves from the sea once, they didn't do too bad fer themselves.” Kail gently laid the last of the wounded in the hold. A small girl no heavier than a sack of potatoes, her blonde hair tinged a dirty scarlet by a head wound, and the remnant of someone’s shirt bound tightly about her left eye and the back of her skull.  By some small mercy she was unconscious and elicited only the occasional whimper, but that seemed to be where the world’s mercy ended.  If Kail was any judge, she'd lose the eye before the day was out.

Laloquer gave a disdainful sniff as he walked among the other wounded, scribbling down notes for triage in chalk on a piece of slate. “I don't remember much of them to be honest, I find it best to look ever towards the future, leave the past where it belongs...in the past.”

“How very practical of ye.” Said Kail, dry as the Thanland sands “While yer peeking at the future, think ye could make sure this lot has one?”

Kail hadn't met many folks that could twirl their mustache and not look like utter fools, but Lalo was among their number.  The Lalafel’s pomp was rivaled only by the care that he lavished upon his immaculately waxed and trimmed facial hair. “Put your worries at ease, under my care their survival is all but assured.”

Norah nudged the small doctor aside none too gently as she bustled past with a bucket of sea water and a rag. “A little less talk perhaps and a little more action then?  They will applaud for you when they are standing upright I'm sure.”

If Norah noticed Lalo’s scathing look of reproach, she didn't let onto it, rather she knelt by the girl to begin the business of cleaning and redressing her wounds.  Kail watched Lalo stalk off to begin his work, then crouched next to Norah, remaining tactfully silent as she mopped dried blood from the child’s forehead.

“I'm not apologizing to him, these people need help.”  She uttered under her breath.  Kail gave a small smile, slipping a folded sack under the girl’s head for support,  

“He likes Gridania rosés, I'll introduce ye t’my supplier...ye don't have t’apologize, jest pour.”  

Norah nodded, her face a stony mask of a duty unfinished, Kail could see she was forcing herself to keep looking at the girl.  He laid his hand on hers, despite the blood and filthy water, giving it a slight squeeze.  She looked up and though there was no smile on her face she seemed to come out of whatever torturous spiral she had been putting herself through.  “We’re getting them out of here.” She said horsely, it was a deceleration of fact, and there was no moving her on the matter.

“Aye.” Said Kail, he took a breath preparing himself for the argument coming. “Ye sure ye want t’go with Baroth and the others?  No one would call ye a coward iffin ye stayed.”

Norah frowned at him, and yanked her hand from his, flinging the rag forcefully in the bucket.  “They wouldn't have to, I would damn myself as a coward if I didn't.  They are my countrymen, and I won't abandon them.”

“We wouldn't be abandoning them, we’re coming back fer them.”

“Would you trust Baroth to get them to those islands?”

He threw his hands wide, and his voice took on a sharper edge “Funny ye should mention that, I don't trust him, not with their lives, nor yers fer that matter.”

“I can handle him, so trust me.”  She gently reached out and brought his hands together and between them  “Please.”

He didn't answer right away, he didn't particularly care to, some part of him rankled that these weak, dirty, frightened people had more of a hold on her than he did.  It told him it would be easier to simply slit the throats of Baroth and company then leave without a glance behind them. They would still be saving the wounded, those on the beach could take care of themselves.  They would be finishing the job within their contractual obligation.  Who was to judge them for not being able to stretch further?

“Kail?” Norah’s voice dragged him out of that small corner of his mind.  He was made aware of a pain in his cheek, where he had bitten the inside.  The iron taste of blood was on his tongue.  Norah’s face was knit both in concern and discernment. “You...went somewhere else on me.”

“I'm fine, I'll see how they’re doing on gettin the boats ready fer the trip back.”

He released her hands, and made for the stairs to the deck before he could change his mind on the matter.  All the way up he could feel her eyes on him.  

A few of Baroth’s men were huffing away in a fireman’s line to get goods from the hold onto the first of the boats.  They were struggling to keep up with Noyra, who tossed barrels and packages from below with the steady and inevitable chug of a steam engine.  Baroth leaned against the railing off to the side, his eyes were fixed upon those back on the shores.  Kail perched himself off to the side of the man, producing his flask, and finally giving in to the yearning of his guts for a drink.  

The sweet burn was a welcome one, and while it didn't drown out all the noise within and without, it dulled them to a low buzz he could manage.

“That...is the look of a man who’s been fighting with the wife.” Kail took another sip to try and drown out the smug undertones in Baroth’s voice.  He kept his eyes to the shore, and let a hefty silence roll though before he trusted himself enough to answer the man.

“Yer half right, which is about yer speed.”

“...Fuck you.”

Kail found himself smirking, clearing the air tended to have that effect.  He didn't have to look at the gruff highlander to feel the man’s pale blue eyes on him, scrutinizing him like a rider would a bought horse.  “Why are you here Limsan?”

First paramour, then pirate, then Limsan, Kail was starting to wonder if the man actually knew his damned name.  Finally glancing over to eye Baroth in return, Kail said “Came out t’make sure ye left my ship like ye got on it, quickly, painlessly, and quietly.”

Baroth shook his head, waving a hand towards the shore. “No.  I mean why are you here, helping us?  I've given it some thought...and Taltov wasn't paying you much, at least not enough to warrant all this trouble.  Clearly you’re not a supporter of the cause.”

“Ye’ve a roundabout way of asking why I ent twisted the knife in yer guts yet.”

Baroth winced as if he had been slapped, and in the instant of his embarrassment Kail could see he wasn't as old or as experienced as he made out to others.  His scowling bearded face was a front, a sham, a glamour he enacted so that those who followed him wouldn't be let on to the inconvenient fact that he wasn't cut out for command.  Kail accidentally found himself respecting the man a little for it, and wondered if he would have done anything different in the Mhigan’s position.

“ That was spoken in haste...and unfair of me.” Baroth finally said.  

Reminding himself that it had also been an attempt to steal the Rook, Kail offered the man his flask nonetheless.  Everyone had their turn playing the fool after all.  Baroth frowned for a moment, looking like the flask might bite him, then after consideration finally took the old and dented vessel.  As he sipped from it, Kail finally spoke up.

“This ent a ship oh fools, and we know how t’read more than the tides.  Varis is fresh to the throne, and it don't matter iffin yer a captain or emperor, first thing ye do is make sure those under ye know who’s in charge.  Fer Varis?  That means puttin down the rebellions in Ala Mhigo and Doma, an returnin the Empire t’the expansion days.  It suits me fine t’help ye stick pins in his royal Nibs’ arse, cause I don't like our prospects in a Garlean controlled Eorzea.”

“So that’s all this is…” said a very stony faced Baroth, as he took another sip from the flask. “Looking after your prospects.”

“No…” Said Kail as he reached over and snatched his flask back “But that’s all yer gettin.”

He capped the flask and stowed it back into his vest, ignoring the souring look from Baroth.  The first boat was almost finished loading, Noyra was climbing her way up the hold netting with the last barrel on her shoulder.  Kail made his way over, and while the Roe towered over him and outweighed him by well over a two hundred stone, he leaned over and made the mummery of helping her back onto the deck.  Noyra gave him a wide grin once she was back on her feet, then gave him a thump on the shoulder that would have brought him to his knees if he wasn't ready for it.  

It was during this exchange, with the eyes of the deck upon them, that they talked.  They spoke without voice.

It had started after Noyra’s throat injury, by some twisted blessing, a stroke meant to end her life had only taken her voice.  She had recovered well enough, she had always been a strong healer, but never again would Noyra be able to utter another word.  It was Laloquer who had come up with the solution.  Working together he and Noyra came up with a system of speech that used the entire body, not just the mouth and tongue.  After all, he had argued, the mouth and the tounge were the most superfical parts of language anyhow.  The most profound signals came from the eyes, the set of your feet, and the cant of your head.

It wasn't perfect, the more complex the word or concept, the more movements it needed, and there were still yet more words that Lalo and Noyra needed to assign.  Still, it was quick, efficient, and it allowed the survivors of the Howling Sin to do something few knew how to do.  To have a private conversation while the rest of the world looked on.

What's your measure of his men? Said Kail with a flick of his fingers, his eyes cautiously flicking towards the handful of armed fellows they had allowed Baroth.

They are strong, hardy, and tested. She replied with a sweep of her hand down the front of her clothes, that to anyone else, looked like she was dusting herself off.  But they don't respect him, and hardly know one another.

He nodded, and hooked his thumbs into his belt. I think they’ll leave peacefully, but be ready for the worst.

With a slight nod of her head she brushed past him to the long boat.  

He joined Baroth again at the railing, offering the man a brief smile.  “That’s the last of what we can offer ye lot.  Wish it could be more but…”

“Wish in one hand..” muttered Baroth.

“That's the long and short oh it aye…”  Kail reached over, offering the man his tattooed hand.  For a moment it looked like Baroth would shake it, but then everything went to hell.  

There was a sudden pop that echoed out over the bay from the beach, for a moment Kail was worried someone had been shot, but when he looked back to the forest line he saw what it was.  In the beginning grey of the dawn horizon, a lone red flare was arcing into the sky.  The kind of flare used to signal airships.  Kail flicked his eyes towards Baroth, and there must have been some sort of accusation burning there, because the highlander quickly rose both his hands in the air.

“That...that’s not us, none of my boys brought flares….why would they?”

Kail gave it a moment’s thought before nodding and placing a hand on Baroth’s shoulder.  “I believe ye.”

Then, quick as blinking, Kail sank a fist right into the middle of the man.  Baroth sank to his knees with a wheezing hiss, the air driven from his lungs as surely as if sucked away by a bellows.  Kail didn't give him a chance to recover, hooking an arm under the man chest and twisting, he hurled him neatly over his hip, and into the waiting waters below.

To their credit, the two of Baroth’s men nearest to the scuffle already had their swords out by the time he hit the water, but it took less time than that for Noyra to walk right up behind them and smash their skulls together.  As she deposited their unconscious forms into the loaded longboat, what remained of the Resistance on the Rook looked at each other, unsure as to their next course of action.  When the rest of the Rook’s crew simultaneously drew their weapons and pointed the mass of blades and barrels towards the Resistance members, their confusion dried up.

“Get off my ship.” Said Kail plainly and without malice.  “Get yer people t’safety best ye can.  We’ll take care oh our end.”

One of the Resistance apparently hadn't made the line the day they were handing out smarts, he sputtered as a cutlass nudged him towards the long boat  “What about the other boats?  There’s only one ready to launch.”

“Best ye get on it then, cause it ain’t stayin long.”  Said Kail as he drew one of his long curved daggers and began sawing at one of the securing lines.  Those on the long boat grasped his meaning and scrambled to grab for purchase.  With a whip crack snap the securing line parted and the long boat, cargo and all, plunged for the waters below.  There was a terrific splash as it hit the water, and miraculously didn't shatter upon impact, a testament to Limsan ship building.

Two of the Resistance members hadn't been quick enough and were thrown into the waters during the landing, when they surfaced coughing and sputtering, they had Baroth in between them.  As soon as Baroth had enough air in his lungs, he began hurling curses about treacherous pirates and the woman slattern enough to bare them.  Kail was only half listening however, there was a sudden dull whine in the air, distorted by the sea water and the echoing qualities of the bay.  

Shoving aside confused crew he forced his way across the deck to the bowsprit, where he began scanning the horizon with his spy glass.  It didn't take long to spot it, nothing had an outline quite like a Garlean gunship.  From the sound of her cerulean engines she was still a ways off, but she was faster than any sea bound ship to be sure, and now she had the scent of the Rook.  Kail spat a curse as he snapped his spyglass shut, glancing behind him to see the entirety of the crew looking at him.

Isral spoke up from among their number “R’haji?  What do we do?”

Kail looked about at the expectant multitude of faces, among their number was Norah, and he wondered how much of that exchange she had seen.  He supposed he should have been glad she hadn't dove over the side after the Resistance, yet there was something in her expression of shock...was it blame?  Resentment?  He didn't have time to discern, the others were still waiting for an answer.  So he gave it.

“Get this ship turned about ye scabrous currs! We’re runnin!”

[makwabear]

A gift would be delivered of a wicker basket with a lid tied down to hold what was within contained. The lid tied with a orange color ribbon with a bow at the top. Also attached to the basket, held down by the ribbon was a envelope. The envelope having written words of, to Makwa upon it. Within the basket would be oodles of goodies, things collected that was edible. Assortments of fruits from a batch of berries, a vine of green grapes, banana’s, oranges, green and red apples, peaches and plums. To a few wrapped and selected hand sized blocks of cheeses, several breads such as honey croissants, soft banana bread, high mountain fry bread. To a few variety of cookies of chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and ginger bread. The basket was neatly packed with the sort of snacks that can last a while, with one more thing. A few jars of honey. Within the envelope would the letter be found with the written words.

Dear Makwa,

I’m sorry that it took me a while to write you back. I been busy gathering some goodies for you, something to help and hopefully get your mind off of things. I do not know if they know what is your favorite or not. But I got some things that we eaten during our travels. Majani had grown some of the fruits, others I got from the city of Dalaran and the rest I searched for while traveling around on the Broken Isles. Such as the berries I had those growing in my little garden of the grove. They are really good, the red ones are called dream berries. Don’t worry, they won’t put you to sleep or nothing. They taste very sweet, the purple kind are called fox berries. I guess fox’s like to eat those berries, they have a slight sour and sweet taste. I’m sure your already trying out what I stored in the basket. Do try not to eat it all in one day. Haha, that was a joke. But really it’s to perk up your day and just some things to snack on when you want to. The cheeses and one of the breads come from the high mountain tauren, try out the fry bread. It’s really good, crispy and soft on the inside. The cookies and other breads come from Dalaran. And your most favorite of all, the honey I traveled around Grizzly Hills to collect enough honey. Those bees were not too happy about it but I managed to get you some, the furbolgs were to busy warring against each other that they had no idea I was there.

So do enjoy and I’ll try to send you things to help pass the time and I hope that they will send me a letter or something to let me know that I can visit. I don’t mind collecting, it helped me get my mind off of a few things and to put together something I know that you would like put an ease to me. I’m glad to hear that you gained your balance of speech back! I really hope they contact me soon, it sounds like maybe they can allow me to visit you very soon! Being stuck in bear or any animal form can suck, I remember when I was first learning how to shift to bear. It’s a bit of a long story but I was stuck as a bear for a while and not being use to the form lead to me wandering off to find what I am smelling, nor was I able to talk at all either. It took some time but eventually I was able to change back, so I am confident that soon you will be able to change back too.

As for the friends I met, once again most of them have disappeared, I do not know what had happened. After visiting my family for some time since none were around as often as before, that is when I decided to visit family. By the time I came back, they are gone. I only just returned so maybe I just haven’t bumped into them yet. Speaking of family, that went well. I helped out and learned a few things on how to properly fix up a hut. Being with my family was refreshing. So I’m gonna work on gathering some resources to fix up my parents hut for some work later on when I got the time and focus on it. With my return I ran into Ishi, she is doing well. I think she’s working on balancing herself out? I’m not sure but I do know that she has been training to learn the primal ways. She’s just about the only familiar face I have run into so far and guess what. I learned to find out she’s also pregnant. She’s in the early stages so her training is at a pause for now. Maybe with her having a child it will help even more balance her out? Who knows, I just hope she and her mate name Gul are not only happy but will be even happier parents that are raising their first child. I wonder what the baby is, a boy or a girl. To early to know right now. I also bumped into Ama..or she bumped into me actually. She’s doing well and got herself a mate too, she said she was sick but she is well. She wants to talk to me to show me the things she has found.

As for anything else, I been resuming to help the nightfallen elves. A progress to get them further into the city, all sorts of elves are coming from different places to help them. There are the Sindorei, the Kaldorei and I’m not sure of the name but I do know they call themselves High Elves. So all these elves that are somewhat different from each other and yet the same are gathering in large numbers to prepare for a war against the elves that sided with the demons in Suramar. There is also the human mage name Khadgar that is leading all of this, I know you don’t like these elves that much. The nightfallen ones with their demands and stuff, but once they found a entry point to put focus to infiltrate there. Maybe we will finally be done with this, the nightfallen can have their city back and all the demons are gone from the city. Not sure what to expect entirely but still work needs to be done and the druids have me focusing on how to use my nature spells to defend myself. I got the healing part down but since I’m not ready to fight in my feral forms, I been learning the ways of the balanced druid.

I gotten strong enough that you know those feral worgens that roam around Val'sharah in random places? Well, I was panicked when one spotted me and was barreling at me. So I wrapped him in vines to buy me time so I can run but the large beast broke out of the vines alot more quickly then I had planned. He was nicking at my heels, I can feel his breath and his drool at my feet. Quick spells I would cast to inflict damage but it just made him more mad. That when I felt weight drop from behind me, I had the scythe of elune carried on my back and before I knew it there was this rush of bright light. I heard the beast howling and I couldn’t see either. When the light cleared the howling was no more and there standing and looking lost was a night elf. To my surprise he was a druid! And a druid that suddenly started to thank me for freeing his mind! It was nuts! I wasn’t harmed but just shaken from all of that, so I went to the Dream Grove to ask an Arch Druid of what happened when I explained and they said it’s the power of Elune from the staff. And they taught me how to harness the power so should I run into a feral worgen again I would cleanse faster then they can attack. They said I was lucky that the worgen touched the staff and that’s what caused the chain reaction. I read the history of the Scythe of Elune, the history on it is nuts too. Now I know where worgens came from and I will have to be very careful with wielding it. This staff has been forged by the fang of Goldrinn, a large white wolf that is one of the ancients. And empowered by the moon goddess Elune. Not sure someone as me should be using this but they said I am ready for it since I got a knack with nature magic. And should I show signs in my training that I can’t handle it, than I can focus on something else. It is something new to learn, was getting bored with healing. Even if I am not a grand healer I at least know enough to heal even the gruesome of wounds. Guess they want to be sure that I can also fight, they know I been wanting to learn how to fight with my feral forms. But I don’t mind to learn balance, I plan on learning as much as I can and we all got to start somewhere.

Anyway, enjoy the goody basket. I look forward to reading your letters. I still miss training with you, it’s not the same without you. Maybe when your back you can teach me about the feral, maybe by then I’ll be ready. Shall see. There is just so much to get done and I’ll be wrapped up busy with all this stuff going on. But of course I will find time to write to you.

From, Spots.

P.S. Tell Miss Roe that I thank her for helping you to write to me! Loa watch over you.

The letter was in the previously done hand writing loopy letters, and hearts dotting the I’s, a perfume scent on the parchment. It was obvious that Makwa did not write the letter, but most of the words seemed to be his. There was small braid of hair inside the envelope clinging to the parchment, with what one might think was resin from a tree, but in fact it was honey, who knew if it was an accident or droplet off of Mak’s ursine mug.

Hey Sassy Cat,

 Sorry about the last letter, it was the best one out of many. I think we worked out all the kinks, or most of them when it comes to Roe writing for me.... Roe, says you’re welcome, she’s delighted to write for me to you. If things seem weird it’s because Roe only writes down what I say, and not what she says in reply. Beggars can’t be choosers, I’m happy for all the help.

Man, that was really thoughtful that you went to all that trouble in getting me those snacks. They were great and didn’t really last as long as I thought they would. Seriously, Majani grew the fruits?! He must be sixty feet tall by how long it feels like I’ve been gone. How’s the growing coming with him? I bet your trainers are freaking proud of you. Ooops, too late on eating it all... Roe am I going to get the sh---- Okaaay... I won’t worry. I’m HAPPY, I gobbled it all up before Roe started reading to me. Live and learn.  Mmmmm going to have to say the honey was the best, it had a gold clover taste, much better then the stuff-- Never mind, Roe, I mean your stuff is good. It’s just, this stuff was from the Grizzly Hills, and tasted different, don’t stop bringing me your stuff either, please.

About shifting well there has been progress, and a little regressions. I was able to get my whole arm back, wiggled my fingers. I was so proud, I was going to write you a letter, showed the druid in charge of me that session. Well then I suddenly B-slapped him.... Not booty smacked him Roe, I meant another word which I’m Not saying to you...  but anyway it was a hit in the face when my arm spasmed shifting to bear. I bet you can guess how well that went over. It’s not like I’m not trying, or anything, I am... but then once I got it, and I’m thinking ‘ Hey, I’m doing good.’ One stupid thought, comes out of left field and knocks out my concentration. I told the boss, maybe if you were here I would have an easier time, someone to talk to, to work things out with. They ain’t hearing it, they keep telling me that’s what they are here for, to help me. But man, it don’t feel like help, it feels like pressure. I asked for a different helper because the fellow I smacked, he don’t like me very much, and when I can’t remember something he does this thing where he forces me to remember, and it pisses me - Sorry Roe. off.  I’m telling you he has a chip on his shoulder, I know that doesn’t justify my swearing, I’ll try to keep it check Roe. I just get worked up when working with this guy... I guess he’s being punished with helping me. I guess I did something bad to a friend of his, and he likes to remind me of it even though it’s foggy. I talked to another druid and they said the Arch druid that’s in charge of him is trying to help him learn how to forgive me, to show him I’m not a bad guy by working with me. My problem is, his punishment is becoming mine, and I don’t think it’s helping. I talked about it during one my progress sessions and I was told I needed to learn patience to take it easy and see if we could make amends. I told the guy a million times I was sorry, even though I can’t remember it, nothing helps. I’m so sick of being stuck here and monitored, when I eat, when I go out for walks, I think this is how a prisoner feels, and that’s wrong, because I never felt this way before with the only family I have man. It sucks. I know they are doing the best they can by me... but it just feels like something big is missing when you’re not around. At least they’re letting me write you, or Roe write you for me.

Sorry about your friends, maybe they’re working, or maybe they got like lives family and all that, or maybe they’re all stuck like me in bear form because of a mass wave of a savagekin infection from some unknown cause. Orrrrrr.... they took a wrong portal and are stuck in the twisted nether like half the stuff I mail out. No, not really, Roe, I‘m joking. No kidding, ha! I mean you know what, about the pregnancy thing. What.... Did... I.... say? Maaaan, if you don’t know a lot about a knocked up woman. I can give you a few pointers.... Keep a distance, and only steal their food if you can out run them. When their milk comes in, put cotton in your ears. I can’t tell you how many ear infections I got from the females shooting their milk at my head. It don’t seem like it has range when they have a baby on their teat all the time, but it does, especially if they take the kid off them. I swear a stream of fifty feet, and more of an arch and sharp aim then the largest pi-ee you’ve ever taken. Just keep a safe distance, females are as unbalanced as they are ever when they are with cubs. I’m glad she has a mate to handle all that, could you imagine if it was just me and you trying to deal with all that? So what you do if her eagle eye focus falls on you, is just point out all the wrongs of her mate. Like if she says get her some food, just say, have your mate do that for you.  I’m not mean Roe, I’m trying to protect Jai, I’m not around, I don’t know how far along she is, the name seems new that she’s mated to I don’t know the chap. Ayup, could be a good guy, but serving a pregnant woman is the mate’s responsibility not everyone elses. I’m not trying to be mean, I’m just saying when it gets thick, like the demands and whatever, it ain’t Jai’s duty to serve her, he didn’t sign up for that, her mate did, okay? Okay... As far as telling the gender, this is what you do, get their tusk rings, or a finger ring, don’t matter as long as it’s a ring of bonding, take a strand of the mother’s hair and tie it to the ring.   If the ring moves in a back-and-forth pendulum-style motion, the test indicates that the baby is a boy.  If the ring moves in a circular motion, the test indicates that the baby is a girl. Easy as that...  Spots, I’m glad everything is working out the way she wanted it to, she wanted a mate, she wanted a kid, and she wanted to be a primal. I really do wish her the best, and give her a kiss on the cheek from me, if you would? Loa’s blessings be on her and the peanut, alright?

They got you working for those pompous, arrogant, jerk faces again without ME?! Why the nerve! I’m heading up there right now and giving them a piece of my mind... Strike that. Who they got you working with? Who are they sending you out there with? I want a name, so I know who my replacement is... I’ll fix this as soon as I’m able to. I’m working hard to get better man, I can’t believe they would do that. I don’t say this much, but I’m feeling a bit low in the collar. It’s bad enough I’m stuck here, and I’m not saying you’re not capable, but man... Knowing you’re going out there alone, or with someone that don’t know you like I do, it makes my stomach all fluttery like that time I ate those six barrel of sardines. Demons and sh--ooot ton of elves, I don’t like it. Fudge, peanut brittle, son of a bucket.... 

.......

.......

........

Glad you’re strong with healing, and getting stronger every day, Spots... Be careful out there. Be safe, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Be knowing that if you ever get in trouble, reach out to me with your dreams, or send words with a certain bird lady we know. Please write soon, I miss you. I can’t get you out of my mind being stuck like this, all I can think of is getting out and getting to you. I’ve even tried to leave a couple of times but of course I failed. Take care... Here’s a little something so I can be there in spirit, even if I can’t be there in body.

Bear

[t-khalynn-tales]

Transitions

It was another evening with the Tahl sisters. The three women were gathered around a table, in the warm, relaxing basement of the Brigade’s company house. Normally it was the perfect place for lounging - comfortable chairs, soft cushions, nearby food and drinks, and a decently-stocked bar with a fairly skilled mixologist.

But today, Horatio and the rest of the staff had been given leave to retire early. And despite the cozy setting, there was nothing amicable about the mood. Instead, the three sisters were in the midst of a heated discussion.

“I need ta know, Kori,” Tala insisted.

“No,” the eldest replied tersely, scowling at the younger two. “You really don’t.”

“But…”

“No, Tala. You asked once before, and my answer remains the same. No. No good can come of bringing up the past.”

“Ryn, it really is not your place to decide that,” protested M’yrissa, “As is it Tala’s past, it should be her decision.”

Korynna shook her head. “Something saw fit to take those memories from her, Rissa. Fate? The elementals? The very gods themselves? I don’t know who, or what, but something believed it best. Who are we to argue with the greater powers?”

“Since when do YOU believe in the ‘greater powers,’ Ryn?” scoffed the youngest, her tail lashing back and forth in agitation.

The taller woman shrugged. “I have my beliefs, Ryssa. I may have my doubts, but I still believe. Sometimes, things happen for a reason.”

“An’ I believe too, Kori,” the lala countered. “But even if is true what ya say, an’ th’ elements or somethin’ took th’ memories away. Is still my choice. Maybe ‘twas needful, fer a spell. Time fer healin, an’ recovery. But now, ‘m thinkin’ is time fer me ta take up th’ burden.”

“But why? You said yourself that you were fine if the memories never returned. You decided not to push, to let things pass as they would. Now suddenly you’ve changed your mind completely? Why?”

“Is different now!”

The Roe woman leaned forward. “Why is it ‘different’ now, Tala? What’s changed?”

“ ‘Cause it can’t happen again! So I need ta know, ta see if it is. An’ if is, then I have ta do everythin’ I can ta stop it!”

Golden eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“Tala’s friend found someone interesting, Ryn,” Ryssa explained, handing Tala a fresh cup of tea as she took up the explanation, giving her middle sister time to calm. “A young Dunesfolk lalafell, wandering the streets of Ul’dah. One who closely resembles our Tala in features, under the grime. Enough to catch attention, in any case.”

Korynna absorbed the news in silence.

“She seems to be mute, and illiterate. From her behavior, seems to be the victim of some ill-treatment as well.”

“Oh?”

“Talin said she tried ta take her in, at th’ Refuge. But she dinnae wanna go inside. Said she got all ‘ncomfortable an’ panicky. Likes ta be outside, even night-times. An’ she was eatin weird stuff.”

“What kind of ‘weird stuff,’ exactly?”

Tala nodded. “Like bug legs, an’ rat meat. Weird stuff. Not normal food stuff.”

“Famine fare,” the Roe muttered under her breath, eyes hooded. “When you’re hungered enough, desperate enough, any food is better than none.”

“An’ she had a book, Talin said. Said it had a drawin’ innit, that looked like… well, like th’ mark. On me.”

“The brand. You’re sure?”

The lala nodded solemnly. “I… I showed her, ta check. Is the same, Talin said. Was ‘xactly th’ same.”

It wasn’t something Tala was comfortable discussing - the marks of the past she couldn’t remember. Few outside of family knew the extent of the scarring, and the enchanted brand seared into the lala’s left shoulder.

And yet again, always the miqot’e she finds to trust, the eldest Tahl thought wryly. Enough to drag into this mess.

It was always a miqo'te, somehow. It was a miqot’e who helped the fevered lala escape the burning mansion in the first place. And that same miqot’e renegade tribe that had tried to nursed her back to health. And when the sick, fevered lala had wandered off in the middle of the night, it had been yet another young miqot’e - their own M’yrissa, in fact - who had found her collapsed near the road, and brought her into their family.

And, of course, it was yet another miqot’e who had helped Tala rebalance her aether flows, after the troubles a few years ago.

Miqot’e lasses seem to be good luck for her. Maybe this time will be the same.

“What do you know about this lala?” Ryn asked. “How old is she?”

“She seems younger than Tala, apparently,” added M’yrissa. “How old, exactly, we do not yet know.”

“Is why I need ta know more. What was done ta me, an’ when. ‘Cause if Meilee was hurt recently, then could be somethin new. Somethin’ happenin again. An’ I can’t - no, I won’t. Won’t let it happen again, Kory.” Blue eyes glittered, awash with swirling emotion. Fear and anger, yes - but also determination.

Korynna sat back, studying her sister thoughtfully. Not yet a year since she had taken up the sword - and yet, she had changed so much already. This was not the face of the conjurer, the healer dedicated to soothing hurts and healing wounds. No, this was instead the stoic gaze of a protector. A defender. A champion.

The amnesia was a blessing - she still believed that. Better that Tala not remember the events leading to those marks. Having knowledge of what must have happened was not the same as living with memories every day, every night. She knew the pain of that reality, firsthand. If she could, she would spare her smallest sister that.

But, as M’yrissa had insisted, in truth it was not Ryn’s decision to make.

Defeated, she shook her head. “Alright, Tala,” Korynna conceded, before going to the bar for a drink.  “You win. I’ll share with you what I know. But keep in mind, its not much. I did find out a few things, here and there, but most of it is second-hand.”

She returned to the center table, a heavy bottle of whiskey in her hand, as well as a couple of tumblers. Pouring the amber liquid, she set one glass in front of Tala, ignoring her sister’s faint look of distaste, before taking the other herself.

“You’re sure?” she asked, one last time.

The lalafell nodded intently, visibly steeling herself.

The Roe took a good swallow of the whiskey, and started her tale.

[kamimuse]

The Ala Mhigan girl

It had been a few weeks since he'd returned from the mountains in Yanxia. Mei-Yen had instructed the Raen to come back to her for further training, yet the Raen had to break that promise this time. There was something at the House Fierce for him to discover this time. He knew they had been lying the first time he went there almost a year ago. He was going to find Tai, even if it killed him.

He had just returned home from a business trip with his shop in Eorzea, and he'd started packing for the next trip as soon as he'd returned. Kersch had distracted him with dinner and convinced him to leave in the morning after he'd rested. That was just like the Xaela though. Orin couldn't put his finger on it, but ever since he'd told Kersch about his younger brother in the days they had lived together in Thanalan, Kersch had always been a bit wary about Orin going off to search. At first Orin thought it had to do with the investigations they had done on Duros Vorai and his organization, and how messing with the Monetarists and syndicate in Ul'dah was dangerous. Yet even after everything, every time Orin brought it up around his partner, Kersch always seemed so... distant. Supportive sure, but it seemed reluctant in a way. Was it really out of safety?

Orin had packed his things and left the next morning. It was a short trip, and he only intended to be gone for a few days, only packing a few necessities. He passed through the Ruby Sea, Isari and rented a Hawk ride from the fisher village to Namai. There he traveled south west on foot, and made it to the docks which would take him to the enclave. He had every intention of stopping there first, and since it was evening by the time he got to the enclave, the Raen had settled in with the locals and had himself a dinner. Catching up with the other workers from the 10 Thousand stalls, they eagerly explained how far the enclaves construction was progressing, which only brought joy to the Doman Au Ra.

Doma had come so far since it's liberation and in such a short time span too. The enclave was almost finished, save for a few districts in the north. Orin was proud of the work others and himself had done to restore their home to it's former glory. True, Doma Castle would take more time before it was restored, but everything else was coming along. The notion of being able to show his younger brother what efforts were taken to restore their home? That thought excited Orin more than anything. Tai never believed Doma would ever be free of Garlean control, and look where they were now? Tai had been born well after the occupation began twenty five years ago, so it was unlikely the younger raen would ever have been able to imagine a life not in servitude of the empire. Orin wanted Tai to live his life knowing what real freedom was like in his home land. Perhaps it was why Orin was so desperate to find him now.

A quick boat ride and a walk later, and Orin was being guided into the underground cavern of the House Fierce, by a local Shinobi. He'd been here before and he knew a few of the Doman resistance members from years prior, and that was the only saving grace he had from having his head chopped off for being mistaken as a Garlean or an imperial spy. It had changed a little since he'd last been here, but not by much.  He was lead town a tunnel that opened up into a small but spacious room, lit by the bio-luminescent stones that littered the region of Yanxia. There was a table and a few chairs in the room.

The shinobi motioned for Orin to have a seat. "Someone will be with you in a moment, Orin."

"Thank you." the raen replied, moving across the room to have a seat, sliding the satchel he carried with him off his shoulder and hooking it onto the back of the chair in a lazy fashion as he made himself comfortable.

The shinobi left and soon Orin found himself sitting in silence, waiting with a sense of anticipation. Perhaps it was anxiety building in the pit of his stomach, but somehow he felt a sense of dread. It was hard to tell the difference between paranoia and intuition sometimes. Even then, back when Mei-Yen had warned Orin that his brother was in poor company, he'd felt a bit panicked then too. He should have left the mountains back then and come straight here and not waited, but he'd been convinced that to do so would have been a poor decision. Orin's mind was reeling with all kinds of scenarios and thoughts, that he barely noticed when a Roegadyn man had stepped into the room. Not until the man was sitting across from him with a gentle but curious expression that Orin looked up, jumping a bit in surprise.

"Never in my day would I have thought I would be able to sneak up on an Au Ra, what with those horns of yours!" The Roegadyn laughed.

Sheepishly Orin smiled in response, relaxing a little as he reached up to push his bangs back out of his gold eyes, tucking the blond hair behind a pale horn.

"Ah well you caught me lost in thought I'm afraid."

"It seems so, Mr.Kai. It seems so..." the Roegadyn still smiling, rested an elbow on the table as he made himself comfortable as well. "My name is Silent Stone. What can I do for you?"

Oddly a fitting name for a Shinobi Roegadyn, Orin took a moment to steel himself. He'd been waiting all this time to ask these questions, but yet he found himself hesitating again. What if Tai was dead? Did he want to know? No, he'd waited too long as it was. Nodding slowly the raen shifted where he sat, leaning a bit closer as he gave Stone a rather firm look.

"I came here a year ago asking about my younger brother. Nobody had seen him then, but I have a source that says some of your people might have seen him recently. " he said, careful not to accuse the members of the House Fierce of lying to him, because that would have only just added some friction between him and whoever could give him any information. "...Please, I've been searching for a few years now and I need to know. I have to find him, it's important."

Stone scratched at his chin and he quirked a brow, curious. "Your brother you say? What's his name? What does he look like?"

Orin went on to describe Tai's physical appearance, how old he would be, anything that would help define the younger raen, even giving the redhead's name to the other man. Silent Stone was quiet for a moment, trying to recall. His expression changed and he gave a firm nod, looking back to Orin to give the other man the confirmation he needed, though the expression the shinobi wore gave Orin little hope as to what he'd hear next.

"Yes, I do believe we've seen him. He was traveling with a Gyr Abanian woman, yeah?"

"Y-yes! Yes he was." Orin exclaimed, perhaps a bit too eager as he leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees now as his tail began to twitch, his heart racing.

"Mm... We have the Gyr Abanian woman in custody. She tried to kill him you know. He took a knife to the gut and he was in pretty bad condition. We didn't have the healers or resources at the enclave, so he was escorted from Namai to Kugane. That was a few days ago." Stone explained, gesturing as he looked to Orin who wore a horrified expression. "Don't worry too much, his wound wasn't life threatening, but it could have been if not treated. He should be recovering in Kugane as we speak." he said reassuringly.

Orin nervously choked back a cry mingled laugh, a hand over his mouth as the other pushed his haid back out of his eyes which were starting to mist. Taking his glasses off, he rubbed his eyes and his forehead trying to compose himself as he laughed again.

"I'm glad he's alright, then. Damn, if I'd known he was in Kugane I wouldn't have left Hingashi and come here. "  Tai was alive. That was more reassuring than he'd originally thought, and perhaps the 'bad company' that Mei-Yen spoke of, was indeed Tai's highlander girlfriend. The one he'd run away with years ago. It was her the whole time. Everything made sense now, the magical training, the hints... Orin closed his eyes leaning back in the chair, soaking in all the information.

"Yeah I bet you're relived. He seemed agitated but he passed out pretty soon after we got him in our care. I didn't get to talk to him or anything, but the girl... She was pretty vocal about wanting him dead. I guess they were lovers?" The Roe asked curiously.

"Yeah." Orin said with a sigh, sitting up a little straighter now, nodding. "When we first got to Eorzea, we were set up in the refugee camps outside Ul'dah in Thanalan. There are a lot of Alamhigans there in the camps, and he met one around his age and it was love at first sight. He went to stay in her camp for awhile and foolishly, I let him. I figured he was old enough to take care of himself. Then they disappeared, saying they were going to find work in the city. I've been trying to find him since then."

"That's rough. Something must have happened- maybe she found him having a trist with a local girl or something. " He chuckled a bit, moving to stand now. "You're welcome to talk to her about it if you want. Might as well before you head off to Kugane."

Him? Talk to her? He'd likely lash out in rage if confronted with her presence, and the very notion made him shake his head. No he couldn't afford to attack someone who'd brought harm to Tai. Though he had to wonder- He remembered Tai as being a little bit of a smart ass but he was otherwise a very kind boy. Why would anyone attack him? Orin considered the offer for a moment, and while he'd been debating on turning the offer down and heading straight to Kugane, part of him wanted to know just what the hell Tai had been up to since he'd left Thanalan years ago.

He already knew about his brother's visit to Sui No Sato in the Ruby Sea. Tai had met his real biological brother, and while finding out their parents weren't alive anymore, Tai's real brother had turned Tai away. Orin found the man to be quite the let down, so he could only imagine how Tai must have felt. Maybe that had changed the younger man? Maybe Tai had gotten into a huge fight with his girlfriend because of the rejection he'd felt from his own kin? There were a lot of possibilities as to what could have happened.

Looking back to Silent Stone, Orin nodded.

"Actually, yeah. I'd like to ask her a few questions."

 -----

A young Ala Mhigan woman sat quietly in a cell deeper inside the House Feirce's underground cavern. There were a few other cells lined up beisde her own, all having multiple inmates, but she was the only woman locked behind bars. She was probably around seventeen or eighteen years of age, about the same as Tai now. Long dark red hair pulled back into a ponytail, with dark brown eyes. She was pretty and soft on the eyes, with a rugged natural beauty that only an Ala Mhigan could muster.

When she saw Orin walk through the hall and appear in front of her Cell, she seemed a bit surprised to see the older man standing there. Moving closer to the bars, she didn't wear a hostile expression, but one of relief to see a familiar face.

"Orin-" she quickly gripped the bars, leaning in between them just a tad as if she couldn't believe her eyes. "What are you doing here?!"

Orin seemed a bit taken back to seeing the young woman, his mind racing with questions. Why would she look happy to see him? Steeling himself from the burst of emotions he smiled a bit dryly as he stepped a little closer to the bars, peering down at the hyur.

“It’s been awhile, Amarra.” Orin said softly.

She started misting at the eyes and smiled up at him, half laughing half sobbing as she wiped at her eyes. Here was a woman who was not a criminal, but just a teenage girl who was scared and alone. Orin could see that now. She was in a foreign land locked in a cell, no family nearby, nothing. Seeing her now he felt nothing but pity and a sting of remorse for having jumped to conclusions. Still, he needed to know what happened. He looked to the guard and motioned with his hand that he’d like some privacy, and the man nodded and left at least temporarily.

“How did you find me? You’re the last person I’d expect to see here.” She sniffled, wiping at her face as not to let her emotions overwhelm her.

“I’d have a mind to ask you the same thing, though I think I know why, or rather -who-.” He replied simply, tilting his head as he watched her through the cell bars. “I’ve been looking for Tai and you for a few years now. Ever since you both vanished from Thanalan.”

She looked surprised to hear that, but soon that surprise began to wash away as her face contorted. She broke down into louder sobs now as she sunk down to the floor, crying into her hands. Guilt was written all over her now as she tried to reign in the wave of emotion overcoming her senses. She was sniffling, sobbing, dripping everywhere- Orin could do nothing but watch her break down behind those bars.

“We should never have left.” She hiccuped. “I should never have left my family.”

“Tell me Amarra… what happened? Where did you and Tai go?”

She looked up at the older au ra now and sniffled, her expression down trodden and her eyes full of grief. This would be a long story, as she had a few years worth of events to account for. Orin was not prepared for the amount of information he was about to learn, but most importantly the next words to fall from her lips were the ones he would remember the most in this moment.

“…It all started when this man named Vorai came to New Hope and offered us, and other refugees some work…”