The Shadows of Sharlayan | On Properties of Life IV | FFXIV Write 2022 #4: Free Pick
A year passed since I came in Sharlayan in hope their knowledge would help me. I have studied their ways and while I expected a payment in any sort, Emilia told me it was already sorted, which should have been concerning from the start. However, my arrival there was not that quiet to begin with, mainly because of that Imperial who was in my boat, Alexian. He left his homeland to seek the wisdom of Sharlayan in diplomacy, but he later told me that his interest was more around primals and tempering… A little voice told me that I should be wary of him, but Garleans can not use Aether, I should be safe. I did not expected Sharlayan to be less than open to invite a Garlean on their land and my guts told me to defend his own quest for knowledge. This is where Emilia took care of my own paperwork, and someone else was charged of Alexian.
When Emilia woke me up at the middle of the night, I knew it was not because she found a breakthrough in our research. Not only we did not progressed much as my headache did not manifested themselves, but she was not alone that day. An Elezen was with her, and judging by her outfit, she was part of the Forum, one of the ninety-nine that rule the island. I quickly learned they were those who took most, if not all decisions regarding the future of Sharlayan, and their importance was more than simply make sure everyone could study at peace. By looking at that Elezen, I could clearly sense her stern gaze on me, as she was judging me. I secretly wished I would have sorted the many piles of books I left here and there in the dorm… And it seems the others were too deeply asleep to notice her presence.
With a few whispers, Emilia invited me to follow them. I never sleep without a blade under my pillow by pure habit, so I was ready to take a little walk outside, but the mysterious Elezen guided us toward her house. Not that it was far, but neither her or Emilia spoke during the way to what I supposed to be her own house, and the air was heavy with questions and concerns. The silence finally broke when we reached her balcony, as she looked to Emilia with a single eye, the other hidden by a piece of slightly transparent white cloth.
- Emilia, you can return to your duties… or your sleep, in our case.
- Yes, mother.
I could not hide my surprise. Several points did not worked, the first being Emilia is a Midlander. Of course, the Elezen saw it and offered me a gentle smile.
- Emilia is my adoptive daughter. Her parents went missing during their own research… But this is not the object of my presence. It is time for you to pay your debt to Sharlayan, Fiana.
- I knew Emilia’s kindness was hiding other plans…
She walked to the edge of the balcony and slightly leaned on the stone. The stars gave Sharlayan a different tone during the night, and I never really noticed it before. The island seemed more peaceful.
- Yes I did asked Emilia to take care of your inscription because I noticed your power as soon as you set foot on our island. The lessons your learned and the problems you caused only added to my will to talk to you personally, Fiana.
- What do you mean?
- You are particularly brillant for an outsider of Sharlayan. Your age, of course, is one of the reasons, but you are a natural with magic according to your professors. I heard you wanted to study somanoutics?
I will remember that one, Emilia… Sticking me with a member of the Forum which happen to be your adoptive mother on top of that.
- It was Emilia’s idea, madam. After I did my own research on the matter I simply agreed with it.
- Keep working towards you goal, Fiana… While repaying your debt to Sharlayan. Our knowledge is not free, and knowing your background, we both know you do not have the means to continue on your own.
I can not deny that, though I would have imagined working for the Gleaners, not the Forum itself. Gathering components and fighting off some monsters is at least a trade I know.
- Your assignment is simple, Fiana. It happens that people in Sharlayan doesn’t approve our safekeeping of this world’s knowledge. Some have the guts to steal our creations…
- Let me guess, you want me to get them back.
- Exactly.
She handed me an emblem of Sharlayan, except the colors were different. Usually, that emblem is green and blue, a symbol of the ever-flowing knowledge I suppose, but that one was red and black. Colors that were more aggressive and I already had the slight idea of what she wanted with the thieves.
- Your assignments will have to return the stolen knowledge. We know your aversion to murder, and we will not ask you to eliminate the thieves. Though, if they are hostile…
- I know. I know those chains too well, and you perfectly know I will do it.
- Indeed, and this is why you have all the keys in hand to complete your assignments. Your methods are ours as long as you reclaim what was stolen. This is far from chains… But since I have your agreement, your first assignment will be given tomorrow. Be as swift as the winds you call, Fiana, and know we watch over you.
She knew I was about to leave by jumping over the balcony. I hate this. I did not choose to be another tool in the hand of someone else, again, and while this could be a noble cause, it is not. Knowledge should be shared, not kept inside a library for ages and forgotten, unless it is too dangerous to reveal to the world.
I hate it, but I will do it.
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