Ryeh was trying his best not to bounce on his toes as he walked. It was normal for his particular leg structure to be a little more 'springy' than most, but excitement made him want to skip a bit. It was only pride and the fact that he was an adult that kept his paws mostly on the ground, even if his tail flicked back and forth with delight.
Beside Ryeh, Bramble chuckled, honey-warm eyes full of gentle amusement at the Miqo'te's evident delight. The smiling, but somewhat more sedate Viera held Ryeh's hand in his own, leading the way through Kugane toward their destination. Ryeh smiled back at Bramble with boyish delight, squeezing his fingers back.
"What?" Ryeh asked when Bramble giggled. "What's funny?"
"You," the Viera chuckled softly. "You're so excited over a little fish pond."
Ryeh huffed. "It's not just a fish pond. It's a koi pond and I ain't never seen one! I keep hearin' how big and pretty these koi are and I wanna see!"
Bramble laughed. "Well, you will in a minute. We're here."
Ryeh's ears shot up, and he swayed on his feline toes. "We are?!" He turned his attention back to the path they were on. It curved around a stone wall into a good-sized garden of elegant stone paths, soft grass, and various lovely flowers that Ryeh had no names for. In the centre of the garden was a large, shallow pond, shaped to resemble a semi-natural place with a small waterfall, water lilies, and even soft sand at the bottom.
The Miqo'te let out a noise of delight, his raised tail curling back and forth with excitement. He let go of Bramble's hand to trot to the pond, immediately squatting at the edge, his claws flexing to grip the stones around the shore. Ryeh looked into the water, eyes wide and darting, looking for the fabled koi he had been promised.
For a few moments, he was disappointed, ears and tail drooping with a sigh. At least until there was a flash of gleaming copper under the shadows of the lilies. Ryeh made a soft noise, scooting on his toes to get a little closer. His slit pupils flared wider as a sleek shape with trailing fins emerged, gliding toward the surface to peer back at him. Ryeh leaned a little closer, lips parting before he gave a wonder-filled smile.
"Look!" he chirped quietly as if he was worried he might spook the fish. "Bramble, look! A koi!"
The Viera had joined him, smiling indulgently as Ryeh crouched low, nearly quivering with delight. "Yes. These are what they call dragon koi. See the long fins like wings and the trailing tendrils on the face? They look like dragons."
Ryeh hummed thoughtfully, tilting his head to look. "Oh! They kinda do! A little like those pictures ya showed me and-- Oh, another one!" He scooted again as a few more koi fish appeared.
Seemingly as curious about the Miqo'te leaning over the pond as Ryeh was of them, the koi came closer. The golden one was joined by one that had silvery scales edged in black along its body, and another that was red with splotches of white and black. Ryeh watched them glide gracefully through the water, getting closer and closer to him.
He was admiring the play of sunlight on the scales of the silvery koi so he missed the original big golden one edging closer, poking its head out of the water. Ryeh only noticed when it nibbled curiously at his toe. He gave a startled yelp, scrambling back in surprise, causing the fish to scatter back under the lilies.
"Oh! Ahhh," he said a moment later, after he recovered. His tail was still floofed up in surprise, but he moved closer again. "Do ya think they'll come back?"
Bramble was covering his mouth over snorts of laughter, amber eyes dancing as he nodded. "I think so. They're probably hoping you'll feed them."
"Oh!" Ryeh said, laughing. "That makes sense. Are we allowed to feed them?"
Bramble gave a cheeky little shrug and reached into a pocket to produce some berries. "I don't think it will hurt them to have a little treat. Would you like to feed them with me?"
"Yes!" Ryeh said immediately, flashing a grin. He opened a hand for a share of the berries, bumping his shoulder gently against Bramble's. "Thank ya by the way. For bringin' me here."
Bramble smiled, blushing when Ryeh leaned to give his cheek a quick kiss. "You're welcome," Bramble said softly as he moved to sit by the pond with Ryeh. "Now, let's see if we can coax them back out of hiding."
Ryeh nodded, joining Bramble in sitting in the soft grass, spending a few hours tossing the koi a few berries at a time, watching the beautiful fish dart and swirl in the pond.
Ryeh sighed as he looked at the ceiling, stretched out on the couch. Arlo nestled into his neck with little dog snores close to Ryeh's ear. Sharkbait was tucked under his arm while the heavy weight of Billy Bones pinned his legs. Dango and Kuro were nestled happily between Ryeh and the sofa's back, curled up with the occasional happy little whine in their dreams.
Despite being half-smothered by five dogs, Ryeh wasn't uncomfortable. He was just awake. Awake as memories swirled in his head. Memories that swirled in his head during quiet moments. Ones that made his chest ache and his eyes sting in the dark. He groaned softly and closed his eyes, one hand petting Arlo's soft fur.
I'd keep you.
"Would ya?" he whispered to the voice in his head, to a man that wasn't there. "Would ya really?" He wished for an answer, or better for the man to be there so he could be held.
Ryeh grimaced, squeezing his eyes shut tighter to try and stop the sting. He wanted to be kept. He wanted desperately to be held, to feel like he was not just one of many. It wasn't that he needed to be the 'only', but often, it felt like his presence was…welcomed, but not needed. That if he were gone, there would simply be someone else there. That he would be moved on from with barely more than a shrug…
The Miqo'te sighed and turned carefully, ignoring the little grumbles of the dogs. The pack settled easily again when he didn't get up, just turned on his side so he could look out the windows at the moon and the stars. He knew it was selfish on some level to feel that way, and it ate at him. Guilt for the feelings twisted in his stomach so he curled a bit, hugging Arlo against his chest. Ryeh knew he should be grateful, that he shouldn't want more.
That he should be content and happy with what he had, but…
Ryeh blinked, turning his head to look at Irynstyr, ears twitching as he made a bemused sound. "What?"
The tall, rangy Roegadyn was clutching the neck of a bottle of rum. His blue-grey cheeks were flushed, and iron-grey eyes turned to look at the Miqo'te beside him. Irynstyr shrugged, clearing his throat and rubbing the back of his neck. His gaze stayed on Ryeh though without wavering.
The setting sun cast glints of gold into messy blond curls as they ruffled around the Miqo'te's features. His skin was a warm, freckled brown over lean muscle as Ryeh leaned back against the warm stone of the beach, watching the sea. Blue eyes, the shade of the ocean on a summer day, turned to Irynstyr as full lips curved in an amused grin. He extended a hand for the rum.
"How drunk are ya, Iryn?" he asked, taking the offered bottle, tilting his head back to take a few swallows. Ryeh rumbled a laugh, shaking his head with amusement.
"I ain't drunk!" Irynstyr protested, huffing as he took the bottle back.
Ryeh raised an eyebrow at the Roegadyn, short tail flicking against the sand. The Miqo'te chuckled again, giving the other an amused look.
"I ain't!" Irynstyr frowned, blushing as Ryeh snickered yet again. "…Okay, I ain't that drunk."
"Drunk 'nough to be callin' me pretty," Ryeh said with a shake of his head, reaching so he could take another swig of rum. "Which I reckon is pretty drunk, Iryn…"
Irynstyr just stared at Ryeh before sighing and finishing up the bottle. "Sometimes, Freefoot, ya real stubborn…"
Ryeh laughed again. "So I'm told. I think ya Uncle mentioned that."
"He did. A lot," Irynstyr sighed. "And he was right about it."
Ryeh yawned, rubbing his eyes and setting down the book he was reading. Beside him was a pad of paper, full of little scribbled thoughts and notes. Scattered around were several mugs, set in various places, some half-full that he'd forgotten about. Not to mention the half-eaten sandwich set to the side, although a glance would show that some clever canine had pulled the meat and cheese out, leaving only the soggy bread behind.
The Miqo'te squinted at the window, a little surprised to see the sun had risen. With a sigh, he rose, stretching and moving to gather the mugs and the sandwich, putting them into the sink. Still yawning, he took a few minutes to wash them and leave them to dry on the rack. After that, he flopped on the couch again, eyeing his book.
"…Maybe just one more chapter," Ryeh muttered to himself. "I mean, I ain't got work tonight so I can just stay up, can't I?"
Grabbing the book, he rolled to his stomach, opening it again. His eyes scanned the words, but the sunbeam coming through the window was warm on his back. The cushions were inviting, and Ryeh found himself blinking sleepily as he read the pages. The words were blurring a bit, and he gave a frustrated grumble. Rubbing his eyes, Ryeh let his head drop down to the sofa with a sigh.
"Just a few minutes," he grumbled quietly. "Just rest my eyes…"
The sun felt soothing on his back, and the couch was welcoming under him. Ryeh found himself relaxing more and more. A purr rose out of his chest as his muscles eased and, after a few minutes, he drifted off. He didn't even notice when his book slid to the floor quietly as he turned over, curling up comfortably in his sunbeam.
The whimper turned into a whine, which rose into a groan, and finally became a howl. A howl of despair and suffering that rang through the room and echoed off the walls.
Right into Ryeh's poor, sensitive ears.
The Miqo'te rolled his eyes, sighing and wincing as Arlo's howling stirred up the other dogs. While Billy Bones and Sharkbait seemed baffled by all the fussing, the two Shiba brothers took up the plaintive cries for rescue. Of course, being shibas, their howls were more screams. Loud, grating screams were sung in unison, mixing with the distressed yelling of Ryeh's fluffy little dog.
"Oh, for the sake o' the Twelve!" Ryeh groaned as he reached for the shampoo. "It's a bath, Arlo," he huffed with annoyance, hands scrubbing Arlo's thick fur, building suds. "Ya ain't be tortured! Quite actin' like ya a prisoner o' war. All o' ya fools."
He looked over his shoulder at Dango and Kuro, who were still harmonising their screaming howls enough that Ryeh's head was ringing. He groaned, shaking his head as he continued washing Arlo. "This ain't my fault, ya know," he grumbled as he quickly had to snatch the dog out of midair as he tried to jump out of the tub. "Ya the one who went rollin in dead fish! I told ya not to!"
Arlo slanted Ryeh a look of indignation and betrayal as he howled again, paddling in the air as he was held up. The Miqo'te winced as Arlo screamed as if he were being dunked in burning lava instead of just warm water to rinse his black-and-tan fluff out. Arlo yowled loudly as all of his protesting was firmly ignored, so he could be rinsed, gently squeezed free of excess water, and set on a towel.
Arlo sneezed, snorted, and shook hard enough to send a spray of water across the washroom. He immediately flopped on the towel, rolling and rubbing to try to get himself drier. He complained the entire time with grumbles, huffs, and moans as he thrashed about on the oversized towel.
"Gah!" Ryeh shook his head, grumbling at the splatter of water hitting his face and ears. "Brat," he huffed as he cleaned out the tub before refilling it. He turned his gaze toward Dango, who froze and then gave an ear-splitting wail as he ran to the door, scrambling at it. "Oh, gods' teeth, would ya fools quit it?" he grumbled as he lifted the shrieking shiba into his arms. "It's just a bath!"
With a loud sigh, Ryeh gently set the struggling, toasty-furred shiba into the warm water. He kept one hand firmly gripping so Dango couldn't jump out, despite getting howls right in his face. He looked down as Kuro pawed at his side and wailed loudly as well. "Would ya calm down?" he grumbled gently at Kuro. "Your bath is next. No, I dun need both o' ya in there! Make it twice as hard!"
The sweaty, damp Miqo'te sighed, reaching over to gently pat the nervous Kuro. He ruffled the shiba's head, glancing at Sharkbait and Billy Bones. Both of them looked a little anxious about the chaos, but at least they weren't screaming with the rest. "Ya two are my favourites," Ryeh deadpanned, lips twitching in a smile. "Dun tell the others." Arlo gave an offended yip, glaring at Ryeh, who laughed. "Yeah, even over ya, Prince Arlo."
Despite his teasing, he scratched Arlo's ears and made a calming noise. The little dog looked like a drenched rat at the moment, with his long fur damp and tangled. Ryeh felt just a little guilty, even if it was for Arlo's own good. "Dun worry, my little prince," he said as he turned back to Kuro. "We'll get ya all brushed out and pretty. After I finish this."
Ryeh hummed to himself, hips swaying slightly with the music pumping through the venue. It was quieter up here since the dancing was downstairs, although the Miqo'te was busy enough making drinks and keeping an eye on things. Between making drinks, he wiped the counters, did the occasional washing, and otherwise just kept things neat and prepped.
He didn't mind so much being in the corner at the bar. It let him people-watch, which was always interesting. In fact, Ryeh was doing it right now out of the corner of his eye. There was a couple at the table nearby, both with a drink in hand. The woman was a pretty Highlander with hazel eyes, who was currently giving the Midlander man across from her a patient smile. As Ryeh watched, the Midlander didn't fumble exactly, but it was clear he was nervous and trying too hard.
The Miqo'te swallowed a chuckle as the man came over with the glasses in hand, looking flustered and crestfallen. "Um, can I get--"
"If ya permit," Ryeh said smoothly, reaching for the dirty glasses to put in the sink. "I got somethin' in mind."
"You do?" The man blinked a little owlishly.
"Mmmhmm," Ryeh said, turning toward the shelves. He grabbed a sour mix, a bottle of agave tequila, pomegranate liqueur, and a fizzy bottle of blood orange soda. He poured out the proper amounts into a shaker, taking a moment to put ice in a pair of fresh, tall glasses. "And a word o' advice, if I may?"
"What's that?" The Midlander gave him a slightly wary look, probably expecting Ryeh to tell him he was out of his league or worse.
"Dun try so hard, darlin'," Ryeh said as he shook the shaker for several long seconds before pouring half in each glass, topping it with the orange soda. He grabbed a wedge of blood orange, putting one on the rim of each glass. "Ya got yaself wound tight. She seems to like ya. Dun overthink, huh?"
"Really?" The man gave Ryeh wide grey eyes now tinged with hope. "You think so?"
"Pretty sure," the Miqo'te smiled, sliding the glass over. "If she didn't, she'd probably have told ya off. So just relax. And here. Try these. They're called the Redemption." He winked at the Midlander, who blushed but smiled. "Now go on. Good luck, darlin'."
Ryeh watched with a smile as the Midlander headed back to the table. Maybe he imagined it, but it seemed like the man's shoulders were a little less tight and his back a little straighter. He was quite sure his smile was easier as he offered the lovely Highlander a drink and took up chatting again. Ryeh nodded to himself before turning away. Time to get back to work.
"Ya sure ya dun mind?" Ryeh asked, looking up at the tall Roegadyn beside him, ears perking.
Irynstyr shook his head, a small crate on each shoulder. "Nah. Doing me a favour, Freefoot," he said fondly. "Uncle had way too much stuff packed away that I got no use for. Stuff he got travelling and such."
Ryeh nodded, moving out of the way as Irynstyr eased the crates down. He'd done some glancing through and both of these had books at least, which he was interested in. He figured there was a good chance those books might have something to do with Usynahr's research into various treasures and hidden places. And even if not, Ryeh was enjoying adding books to his collection.
"Ya care to stay for lunch, Iryn?" Ryeh asked, although his claws itched to open the crates and look through them.
The Roegadyn shook his head, grey eyes amused. "No, no, I won't keep you. I got a few more errands today." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "Another week or so and I'll be heading back to the Sea Eagle," he said softly. "You sure you don't want to come, Ryeh?" He gave a small smile. "Strange seeing you on land so much. Used to watching you run the riggings."
Ryeh froze and blinked, looking up at Irynstyr for a long moment. His expression softened, but his smile was apologetic. "Not this voyage, Iryn," he said quietly, moving to hug the big man for a long moment. "I got things I still need to do here…and people I dun wanna leave."
Irynstyr hugged the short Miqo'te back, leaning down a bit to do so. "I can understand that. I'll see you before I go, but-- You'll keep in touch, right?" He gave Ryeh a serious look, ruffling his hair.
"I will," Ryeh said immediately. "I promise." He reached up a hand to rest on the other's arm. "I gotta tell you what I find in ya uncle's notes, dun I?"
Irynstyr chuckled and nodded. "I see you in a few days then. How about we get a drink and some dinner?"
"I'd like that. Be safe, Iryn." He gave a little wave, watching the other head out, the door closing quietly. Ryeh sighed, taking a minute to grab a drink from his icebox and moving to sit down by one of the crates. "All right," he said, smiling as the dogs came upstairs to see what he was up to. "Let's get to work."
Billy Bones, Arlo, Sharkbait, Dango, and Kuro scattered around the room, lying down, tails wagging to watch as Ryeh worked. Fortunately, Ryeh and Irynstyr had cleaned them up before bringing them out of storage. Pulling the first one toward him, undid the latches and opened it to rifle through what was packed inside.
The first crate contained a collection of rolled-up parchments, mostly maps of various places; some Ryeh knew and others he'd never heard of. There were a handful of others that seemed to be in different languages, but he wasn't sure what many of them were. Some he thought he recognised as possibly Hingan, but he wouldn't have put coin on it with his limited experience. The rest were carvings on bone, ivory, or driftwood in the shapes of various animals or sometimes with rune-like markings that Ryeh didn't understand. He could remember that Usynahr had enjoyed carving, so he suspected most were made by the old Roegadyn's hand. Probably not overly valuable in gil, but touching them brought Ryeh some comfort and a fond smile when he recognised a few pieces from years ago.
Ryeh put the lid back on the first crate and set it to the side. He made a soft noise of delight when he revealed the contents of the second crate. Inside were at least a dozen books, bound in leather and worn, but well-cared for. The Miqo'te lifted one, reading the title with a thoughtful hum. "The History o' the Southern Seas," he murmured. "Huh!" He set it down, looking through the others. "The Dragons o' Meracydia. Secrets o' the Five Seas." He looked through the books, reading several titles to himself as his head tilted thoughtfully. "What were ya lookin' for, Old Man?" Ryeh murmured as he sat back thoughtfully, looking at the same library. "Or did ya just like the lookin'?"
As intriguing as the books were, Ryeh set them aside. There were a few more things in the crate, and he wanted to see what they were as well. There were a few old knives: nothing too fancy, but sturdy. They needed a cleaning, but he could see no reason not to use them. Some folded leathers of various creatures, although Ryeh wasn't sure which one. Some were dark and velvet-smooth, while others came in various shades and had scales or dapples. "Huh," he muttered, looking them over, baffled by what creatures they might have come from.
The last thing was a small box, not even a fulm long. He picked it up, hearing something rolling around a bit inside. He opened it carefully, a bit worried that it might be some kind of vermin that had snuck in. However, all he found were some odd-looking onion-like things. Each was small enough to cradle in his palm with dried-looking leaves or flowers on top. The only really interesting thing was that each was a different colour. Ryeh set them up on the edge of the crate, one at a time to look them over. One was whitish with small, round leaves. One was exactly the yellow-brown of an old onion. There was a reddish one and one that was a dark purple. One was sort of greenish, and the last was white, but it was the only one with a dried, pink flower clinging to the top.
"What in the world are ya?" he asked the 'onions', short tail flicking back and forth thoughtfully. "And why did Usyn keep ya, huh?"
He left the strange dried plants out, but put the rest back into the crate. He considered throwing them out. Surely, after years, they couldn't still be good for anything. He scooped them up, but paused, grumbling as he looked them over, poking a bit. While very dry, there were no sharp odours of rot or squishy spots that normally meant a plant had gone bad. Still, it looked as if they'd been boxed for years!
"Ah, fuck it," Ryeh muttered, putting the odd plants into his pocket, shaking his head. "Guess I'm goin' shoppin'…"
A few hours later, Ryeh set down a long, rectangular plant 'trough' under a window where it would get a decent amount of sun. He filled it with planting soil, having been reassured by the vendor that it was the best choice. He dug six neat little holes, making sure to leave the leaves exposed. He'd asked about that and been told they were called 'bulbs'. He made sure the leaves or flowers were exposed, assuming that they would need to be able to reach the sun. Then he watered the soil, just enough to get it nice and damp.
"Ain't sure if this right for…whatever ya are," he said, addressing the plants with his hands on his hips. "But this is the best I know! So, I guess let's see how ya do, huh?"
Ryeh nodded and turned, content he'd done what he could and went back to sorting out the crates and organising everything. He worked into the night, getting someone distracted by reading parts of the books and making dinner.
When he came to the kitchen the next morning to make coffee, he made a sharp noise of surprise as he spotted the planter. Every single plant's leaves had perked up, still looking a little rough but patches of green were already showing. Even the single flower had flushed pink, although the edges were still dry and curled. Clearly, the bulbs were flourishing, and the Miqo'te couldn't have been more surprised.
"Oh," Ryeh said, realising the soil was dry and making sure to carefully water them. "I…think I'd better figure out what ya are," he muttered. "Last thing I want is some weird poisonous flower in my house or somethin'. Still, ah, good job, little ones." He gave the planter a gentle pat before shaking his head, heading toward the coffee-maker.
Ryeh crouched, brushing his fingers over the ground. He brushed aside a large leaf, studying the pawprint in the dirt. He frowned, spreading his fingers wide to measure the side. He tilted his head, studying it for several long moments. Something about it wasn't right, and the Miqo'te couldn't quite understand why. He stepped around it, crouching to look at another angle before he made a soft noise. "It's twisted," he muttered quietly. "The paw ain't formed right."
Ryeh sat back on his heels, rumbling quietly. He took a moment to look around, ears twitching and scanning the caelumtrees and the stony plateaus cautiously. The soft sounds of wild chocobo in the distance reassured him that he was safe enough for the moment. "That dun make no sense though," he murmured, looking at the twisted print again. "None o' the reports mentioned the beast limpin' or actin' off. Suppose it could be one just scavengin'. Hard to tell one set o' bandersnatch paws from another most o' the time… Somethin' ain't addin' right though." With a mildly frustrated growl, he rose, heading back toward his mount, Runje, to head back to Tailfeather to ask some more questions.
The next day found Ryeh in the Chocobo Forest again, armed with his short sword, a couple of knives, and his hunting bow. He moved carefully through the brush and over the stones, one ear tilted to follow the movements of the nearby caravan. If his guess was right, it was likely his quarry would make an appearance.
From what he'd been told, most of the attacks were focused on traders. Traders following the winding roads through Coerthas into Tailfeather and onward, eventually reaching Idyllshire before coming back. Well, they were meant to, but this bandersnatch was ambushing them. That alone was odd since normally bandersnatch preferred simply charging and overwhelming their prey instead of sneaking up on it. Not to mention, most of the time they didn't bother with hunting people as the felines were smart enough to know they were both small for a meal and normally armed with weapons.
"So what is goin' on?" Ryeh muttered to himself, slipping up a fallen tree and crouching on it, looking down over the steep side of one of the rugged paths that wound through the forest. "Nothin' about this beast is actin' right, but ain't no one mentioned it bein' sick or slow. So what-"
He stopped, stiffening as he heard the loud, distressed cries of a chocobo. He darted forward, sliding to a halt with his toe-claws gripping the wood as he reached the caravan. A bandersnatch was snarling, snapping at the wagon's chocobo. The bird was giving a valiant fight, shrieking and flapping, lashing out with beak and feet to try and defend itself.
Something didn't seem right in his head, but Ryeh had no time to puzzle it out. He grabbed his bow and took a broadhead arrow from his quiver. He steadied himself, pulling the arrow smoothly as he'd been taught. He breathed out, taking careful aim and let the arrow fly. It hit the bandersnatch with a meaty thud, burying deep in the animal's side. It gave a yowl, half-spinning and lashing before it stumbled and collapsed. The trader wasted no time in figuring out his good fortune, and the chocobo seemed to agree. At a shout from the driver, the bird sprinted off, wagon rumbling behind, heading for the safety of Tailfeather and leaving the bandersnatch behind.
Ryeh shook his head, but was relieved that neither driver nor chocobo seemed injured. He jumped nimbly down the stones in a few quick hops, landing quietly on the old cobblestone road. He moved toward the bandersnatch carefully, aware that sometimes animals might not be as dead as they seemed. There was no sign of movement: not even the slow draw of breath. Ryeh crouched and reached down carefully, checking the animal's breath and putting a hand on its chest for a moment. He gave a nod, feeling a touch of pride to see his arrow had hit the heart, resulting in a quick death for the animal.
He pulled the arrow out, shaking off the blood and wiping it on the leaves before sliding it back into his quiver. He picked up a paw, noticing that it was twisted and missing claws. That made sense with the tracks, but it didn't add up to the stories. "Maybe the stories were wrong," Ryeh muttered as he dropped the paw, sitting back on his heels. "They were talkin' 'bout some huge beast that killed with a single blow. Ya just a little one and ya couldn't even manage a chocobo! Where they just--"
Ryeh had only a heartbeat to catch the sound of a low growl and the rocks rolling down the small cliff. Without bothering to think, he threw himself to the side, which happened to save his life. A massive paw hit his left shoulder and arm, claws longer than his hand flexing. He shouted in pain as the paw jerked backwards, tearing four long wounds from his collarbone halfway down his back, sending him spinning into the dirt.
He lay there for a moment, gasping and stunned, air knocked out of his lungs from the brutal impact and the searing pain in his shoulder. Instinct had him pushing up, hissing in pain as his left arm gave way, scrambling to his feet and turning to face whatever attacked him.
It was another bandersnatch. It was an enormous beast with unusually dark fur. Instead of yellow, its body was a deep, dark red, and its mane was rich brown. Just like in the stories Ryeh had been told. He grimaced in pain, holding his left arm as he leaned against one of the caelumtrees, bracing himself. To his surprise, it didn't come at him again yet. Instead, the red beast snarled before lowering its head to sniff the dead bandersnatch. With a mournful moan, it nudged the fallen beast gently.
"…A mother," Ryeh whispered. "A mother with a cub. She was-- Shite!"
His soft words were spoken without thinking, but it seemed to remind the now vengeful mother bandersnatch of his presence. With one more nudge, she jerked her head up, black lips curling away from massive tusk-like teeth. Heavy muscles bunched under the bandersnatch's coat for a moment before she lunged at Ryeh.
The Miqo'te threw himself to the side, twisting to avoid a slashing paw. He jumped back to keep clear of snapping jaws, already rolling the moment his paws hit the ground again to avoid another pounce. He spun and jumped up, one foot catching a jutting rock on the cliffside. He used it as a boost to jump higher, grabbing an exposed root with his good right arm and swinging his legs up to avoid the bandersnatch's jaws yet again. A grunt of pain escaped him as he forced his bleeding left arm to work, grabbing the root and swinging up, hooking a leg over the wood. He crouched for a moment and then snarled a curse, jumping again as the bandersnatch leapt, smashing the root with her bulk.
Ryeh arched over her head, close enough to feel the beast's hot breath before his shoulder hit her back. He rolled and twisted, pointing his feet at the ground as he slid down the furious bandersnatch's back. The moment he felt dirt under his toes, he sprinted, trying to get himself some room to draw a weapon. Instead, he yelped in pain as the beast spun toward him, thick tail slamming into his side.
The Miqo'te found himself rolling in the dirt again, this time ending up on his back. "Fuck," he hissed, feeling something in his side move the wrong way. He started to try to get up, but the bandersnatch was on him a moment later. With a shout, he rolled onto his stomach, ignoring the pain in his left side and shoulder, digging fingers and toes into the soil to try and get away. The bandersnatch's jaws snapped frighteningly close to his ear, and he was shaken violently.
Ryeh realised that by luck, her jaws had grabbed his short cloak and armour, leaving him miraculously untouched by those huge teeth. He could hear leather tearing, and knew that in a moment the beast would adjust her jaws to break his spine or just gut him. He scrambled for a weapon despite being jerked viciously back and forth. His sword was across his back, lost in the beast's mouth. He couldn't manage to reach down far enough to grab the knife strapped to his thigh. His fingers curled around an arrow that had somehow managed to stay in the hip-quiver when the rest had spilt.
With a snarl of his own, Ryeh pulled the arrow out, gripping it hard and reaching up and behind him, stabbing the broadhead violently toward the huge head against his back. He heard something squelch and warm, thick goop splash across his hand and neck. The bandersnatch screamed as it let go. Dropped to the ground, Ryeh curled, trying to protect his head as the beast thrashed over him, gagging and howling. Then it froze, shuddered and dropped on him.
The Miqo'te gave a pained groan as the weight slammed into the dirt, crushing the air out of him yet again. He wheezed, struggling frantically, managing to get to his belly and digging his claws into the dirt and roots, dragging himself out from under the bandersnatch. He pulled free, spitting fur and dirt, staggering to his feet and pulling the slobber-covered short sword from his back as he whirled around, vision spotty.
Ryeh blinked rapidly, panting hard, waiting for the beast to rise and lunge, but it simply lay there, unmoving. He coughed and wiped dirt and mess from his face with his left arm, hissing a bit as it just smeared blood on his face. He circled slowly, every muscle tight as he watched the red beast. As he reached the head, Ryeh stared and slowly let the point of the sword waver toward the ground.
The bandersnatch was motionless with the arrow buried halfway into her eye. The black tongue lolled as it lay here with only a few faint quivers left in its limbs. Ryeh breathed out slowly, letting his back fall against a nearby tree as he stared at the huge predator. It had been sheer luck, no doubt, that he'd managed to hit the eye without even being able to see it. Still, he'd clearly driven it with enough force to be fatal, even if it had taken the beast a minute to die.
Ryeh breathed out and let his head fall against the tree, shuddering. "Damn, I-- Oh, ya gotta be kiddin' me!" He had looked up, and there was another damned bandersnatch crouched low, looking at him with murderous eyes, bearing broken tusks at him. "Dun ya fuckin' dare! Gods damn it!"
The bandersnatch threw itself at him. At this point, Ryeh was hurting too badly and too damned angry to think of running. Instead, he twisted out of the way as it slammed into the tree. He lashed out, quick as a snake, burying the sword in his hand in the side of the beast's neck. The bandersnatch gave a howl of pain, which turned into a bloody gag as Ryeh twisted the sword viciously before pulling it free. He stepped back as the bandersnatch collapsed, body jerking a few times as its blood ran into the grass.
"I swear to all the Twelve," Ryeh shouted, panting hard, tears of stress in his eyes. "If there is one more gods-be-damned bandersnatch near here, I will skin ya fuckin' arse alive! Ya hear me?!" His voice rose to a scream as he whirled, half-expecting the Spinner to take him up on that challenge.
Ryeh shook for a long minute, bloody sword in his head and turning, just waiting for something else to attack him. When nothing did, he groaned and his legs shook. He sat down hard in the churned-up, blood-splashed dirt and put his head on his knees, panting hard. "Fuck," he whispered, trying to breathe and stop his limbs from shaking with pain and the fading adrenaline.
He wasn't sure how long it was before Ryeh could force himself to stand, but thankfully, nothing bothered him. He wiped off the blade, putting it away and examining his bleeding shoulder and torn armour. Not sure what else to do, he gathered his scattered equipment, sent flying when he was shaken by the mother bandersnatch. Finding his bandages, he did what he could for his shoulder and turned his attention to his quarry.
Ryeh couldn't bring himself to leave the animals to rot, especially when he looked them over. As near as he could figure, the large red beast was the mother to the younger, smaller two. With one having a twisted paw and the other broken tusks, the Miqo'te could only assume she turned to easy, predictable food to hunt to feed them and teach them how to hunt for themselves. He felt a strange ache of guilt at killing a mother trying to protect her young, but he told himself there wasn't much else to do. Once such a beast learned to hunt folks, they didn't tend to stop…
It took a while with one good arm, but Ryeh skinned the three bandersnatches and collected the teeth and claws. A whistle called his brave chocobo, Runje, who shuffled nervously, but accepted the rolled-up skins across his saddle. Ryeh was glad the patient bird stood solid as he used a stone to help mount, feeling exhausted from blood loss and the attacks.
"C'mon, Runje," Ryeh whispered, patting the chocobo and nudging him into a jog for Tailfeather. "Let's go collect our pay and…give Ezra a call. I'm gonna need a healer for this."
Trigger Warning: mentions of injuries, blood, someone hurt, getting stitches, animal attacks/hunting. Nothing too graphically described, but definitely present.
Under a read-more due to mentions of blood, etc!
"You're bleeding!"
Ryeh paused in setting his bow down, spotted ears perking up toward Ezra. He blinked at the taller Miqo'te's expression for a moment before answering. "Yes."
"Ryeh!" The Keeper rushed over, hands out, but pausing, making small motions as if he wanted to grab the Seeker but was afraid to touch him.
"What?" Ryeh said, hanging up his satchel, raising an eyebrow. "I called ya? I said I was injured and needed ya to patch me. What's wrong?"
Ezra stared a moment, lips parted, before he groaned, pinching his nose. "Ryeh, you're bleeding. There's blood running down your arm!"
Ryeh blinked and looked down, seeing a line of red trickling down his sun-browned left arm to drop on the floor in crimson splashes. "Oh. I am. Sorry 'bout that, Moon-Eyes." He eased his heavy jacket off with a hiss. "It's not as bad as it looks."
Ezra made a choking noise in his throat. "Love, you're bleeding a puddle! You said it was a scratch." He moved around behind the Seeker to help ease the worn leather off, making a face as he noticed the lighter shirt underneath had red stains over Ryeh's left shoulder, upper back and arm. "Why didn't you bandage this before--"
"Couldn't reach," Ryeh explained, turning to face Ezra and putting a hand on his chest. "Easy now. Deep breath. I'm all right, Ez." He rose on his toes to kiss the man's cheek. "C'mon. Let's get started 'fore ya fret yaself grey."
Ezra made a vexed noise, narrowing his eyes at Ryeh for a moment. "I'm already grey!"
Ryeh laughed as he headed for the chair that he could see Ezra had already set up with a medical kit at hand. "Ya a charmin' silver. That's different, Ez-love." He winked at Ezra, trying to calm the other as he started to lift his shirt. A hiss left him and the veneer of calm cracked a bit as a flash of pain showed, forcing Ryeh to drop his left arm, grabbing it.
Ezra was there in a flash, touching his right shoulder. "Don't. Here. Let me do that, love." He lifted Ryeh's right arm to ease the sweaty, stained shirt over it and then over the Seeker's ears before carefully peeling it down his left shoulder without moving the limb too much. Ezra gave a sharp, worried hiss when he saw what was underneath.
Ryeh glanced at his shoulder as Ezra peeled off the folded cloth he pressed over the injury under his shirt to make do until he could get help. It was soaked red and made a faint tearing sound as it was pulled off. Ezra cursed under his breath when he finally saw the injury, bleeding more now that the makeshift pad was removed. The Seeker had four deep, ragged gashes: one near his neck, two over his shoulder, and one along his left bicep. The wounds ran over the curve of his shoulder and down almost to the middle of his back.
"Shite, Sunshine… What in the Seven Hells happened?" Ezra said, worry thick in his voice as he turned the smaller man, grimacing as he saw how far down the wounds went. He noticed they were deepest on Ryeh's shoulder and arm, getting more shallow as they went lower. "These look like-- Are these from claws?"
Ryeh turned his head to look, grimacing as the movement made pain shoot through his neck and back. "Yeah, they are." He reached up his right hand to poke and touch them a bit. "They aren't that deep. I pissed off a Bandersnatch."
Ezra stopped for a moment, ears tilting back and lips thinning. "Not that deep," he muttered, taking Ryeh's good arm and taking him to the chair. He nudged the Seeker to straddle it so he could lean against the back and give the Keeper plenty of room to tend the injuries. "I swear…" he grumbled as he reached for the basin and a cloth. Dipping it into the antiseptic wash, he pressed the now hot compress against Ryeh's shoulder.
The Seeker gave a little yelp of pain and a wince. Flattening his ears, he gave Ezra a look. "Easy, Moon-Eyes."
"I thought it wasn't that deep," Ezra deadpanned, although his touch eased up. He took a moment to rinse off the cloth and went back to pressing the wound, gentler now.
Ryeh blinked and stared a moment before his ears flopped back apologetically. "All right, all right. Point taken. Sorry, love. Honestly, it was my fault anyway. The-- This." He gestured with his good hand to the claw-marks.
"Oh?" Ezra took his time to thoroughly wash and flush the wounds, glancing at Ryeh to make sure the other didn't get too pale or pass out. The last thing he wanted was to add a concussion to the other's injuries. "Here. Drink this." He set a glass within Ryeh's reach.
Ryeh picked it up and slanted a glance at him. "It's not grapefruit, is it?"
Ezra made a choking noise, trying not to laugh as he flushed out the gashes. "No. I'm not that mad at you. So what happened?"
Ryeh obediently took a few long swallows, finding it to be orange juice. He sighed, setting down the juice and folding his good arm across the back of the chair. He rested his chin on it and tried to relax, knowing that twitching and moving would only make Ezra's job harder. "There were a bunch o' attacks on the caravans headin' in and outta Tailfeather. People said it was a Bandersnatch. The Guild put a bounty on the beast, so off I went. There was just one problem. Well, three problems actually."
Ezra finished cleaning and disinfecting, pausing to wash his hands. "Do you want something for the pain? And what were the problems? Not a Bandersnatch? Was it a dragon or something?"
Ryeh shook his head. "No, I'm all right. Go ahead." To prove the point and avoid more scolding, he reached for the juice and drained several swallows before putting it down and breathing out to steady himself. "It was a Bandersnatch," he said. "It was just that it was three- Ow, fuck." He hissed softly as the needle poked into his skin as Ezra started to suture one of the gashes shut.
The Keeper paused, worry showing. "You sure 'bout the pain, love? It won't put you out, Sunshine. It'll just make you a little woozy and--"
Ryeh shook his head. "No, no. That stuff always makes me feel sick after. I can handle it. I promise I won't pass out or throw up." He reached his good hand back to squeeze Ezra's arm before settling again. "Anyway, it was a big, smart female and her two almost-grown cubs. I guess she was teachin' them huntin'. The problem is that can't be allowed." Ryeh gave a slightly troubled sigh, grimacing briefly as Ezra started stitching again. "So I killed one and realised it was kind o' small and young. I was tryin' to figure it out when Big Mama jumped me. I got enough out o' the way to avoid teeth, but she grabbed me and…" He gestured at his shoulder.
"Oh," Ezra said, frowning as he worked, single eye focused on the task. "Did she get away?"
"No, she chased me," Ryeh said quietly. "Ended up tossin' me around a bit before I got a lucky knife in. Got the last young one when it came to help her…" He sighed, resting his forehead on his arm.
"You don't sound happy, love," Ezra said quietly. "I'm happy. You could have died!"
Ryeh twitched his short tail, feeling it bump against Ezra's leg briefly. "I know," he said quietly. "I just feel kind o'…bad 'bout killin' a female just tryin' to feed her babies. I mean, I know it was bad what they were doin'! But…I dun know. Feel a little guilty."
Ezra frowned, hands moving swift and sure. Plenty of years of practice as a medic made stitches almost second nature. With Ryeh quiet and still, other than the occasional slight twitch, it didn't take him long to put a dozen or so stitches in each gash. Afterwards, he carefully smoothed his preferred salve. "I'd tell you not to use the arm too much, Sunshine," he murmured as he ran his fingers through the Seeker's blond curls. "But I doubt you'd listen."
"I'll do my best, Moon-Eyes," Ryeh said softly, turning in the chair to look up at the other. "Thank ya for fixin' me up." He reached for the Keeper, using his good arm to pull him closer for a one-armed hug.
Ezra sighed, hugging Ryeh back carefully, leaning down to kiss the top of Ryeh's head. "I don't suppose I could convince you to take some bed rest?"
Ryeh laughed. "Maybe. Will ya help me take a bath first?"
Ezra laughed quietly this time. "You read my mind. That's why I left the bandages off. Come on, my stubborn, sweet Sunshine," he said, leaning down and stepping sideways so he could sweep a startled Ryeh into his arms. "Let's go get you cleaned up."
Ryeh grumbled playfully, pride slightly wounded by not being allowed to walk, but the wave of weariness had him putting his head on Ezra's shoulders. "Sounds good, love."
Ezra gave a hum of approval, kissing between Ryeh's ears as he carried the other off to the waiting tub.
Ezra Abraam belongs to a friend who does not have a tumblr, but is used with permission!
Ryeh had accepted the offer to meet Astridr at a venue simply because he couldn't really bring himself to refuse the lovely man something so simple. He wasn't much of a mind to go out, but the temptation of the part-Viera's charming company was enough to put aside his current urge to brood. So he'd promised to be there within a bell and gone to clean himself up.
Thus, he'd arrived at an elegant club with dim lighting, dressed in a black silk shirt, well-fitted slacks, and his hair neatly brushed. It wasn't hard to find Astridr, even with the low lighting and constant movement. The part-Viera was tall, elegant, and striking in anything. Tonight, he was wearing sleek black leather that left more than half his dark silver skin bare so Ryeh caught flashes of the other's starry markings on his hands, arms, and shoulders. Moon-pale hair flowed with his movements, touched with sapphire highlights. Even in a crowd, Astridr stood out.
"Dawnslight," Astridr called, his lovely, dual-toned voice warm and with a hint of happy trill. "There you are."
"Hello, Starlight," Ryeh said softly, moving into the offered hug and squeezing. The other always smelled good to him: honey, spice, a warm foresty musk, and the salty-hint of sea. He rumbled a low purr before easing back. "Ya look gorgeous."
"You are most handsome," Astridr said, brushing a gentle hand with long, gleaming claws over Ryeh's shirt. "Elegant."
"I feel a little borin' beside ya," he admitted with a laugh. "But this is 'bout as nice as I have, ya know?"
The tall, part-Viera man clicked his tongue, putting an arm around Ryeh to nudge him toward the bar Astridr was standing at. "Really? We shall have to do somethin' about that. But first, would you like a drink? How are you?"
Ryeh joined Astridr, picking something light and refreshing from the menu. They chatted for a while about nothing too serious since they were in public with many strange ears around. Ryeh found himself relaxing as he always did in Astridr's presence. He was gesturing a bit with his hand, expressive as he chatted about a new book he found when motion close to Astridr caught his attention.
Ryeh watched, eyes narrowed as some tall, narrow-faced Elezen sauntered up to the bar. The Elezen ran a gaze over Astridr that made his skin crawl, and he felt the fur on his tail bristle. He was doing his best to ignore it as he supposed Astridr had to deal with people staring at him like that plenty of times. That didn't mean Ryeh enjoyed seeing a stranger look at his dear friend as if he were nothing more than a piece of meat, or a treat they could have at their pleasure.
The Miqo'te's attempt to ignore the Elezen ended when he saw the man reach for Astridr, running his palm directly over the part-Viera's backside without even a greeting. Astridr stiffened sharply, ears starting to go back as he turned his head. Ryeh found himself darting forward without thinking, grabbing the Elezen's wrist hard.
"Ouch!" the Elezen yelped, jerking against the calloused fingers that squeezed his thin wrist hard. "What are you-- Release me at once!"
Ryeh hissed as he moved closer, hovering protectively at Astridr's side. It might have been comical given he didn't top six fulms and the part-Viera loomed at almost half again his height. Not to mention beside Astridr's elegant curves and strong muscles, Ryeh looked like nothing more than long legs and a fluff of blond hair. However, Ryeh's bared fangs and low growl held an undeniable threat. "The fuck ya think ya doin'?" he snarled quietly, fingers flexing against the Elezen's wrist. "Ain't ya got any manners?"
"How dare you touch me!" the Elezen hissed, turning flustered and red as others looked at him. "I'll have you--" His whining turned into a cry of pain.
With a growl, Ryeh's grip tightened, claws flexing hard, red blood welling under the tips. "Ain't very nice when someone puts their hands on ya without askin', is it?" the Miqo'te hissed, pupils flaring with anger. "So why the Hells do ya think ya can get away with doin' it to someone else?"
"Unhand me, you dirty little mutt!" the Elezen shrilled, jerking against Ryeh's grip, which only made the Miqo'te's claws tear his skin more. "I'm bleedin'! You--" He jerked again and then froze, cowering away from Ryeh.
Ryeh's ears turned as he heard a low, dangerous snarl rise out of Astridr. The other had been tolerating the disrespect better than Ryeh had, but the insult had the part-Viera turning, blue eyes glittering dangerously. The Elezen cringed, starting to shake as Astridr gave his own low hiss, the heavy weight of magic starting to fill the air.
"You are being terribly rude to a dear friend of mine," Astridr said, his voice like music but somehow terrifying, mixed with dual tones. "Not to mention violating my person." His head tilted slightly, like a predator debating if it was worth killing whatever was in front of it. "I suggest you apologise."
The Elezen gaped, sputtering for a moment. "I-- I'm sorry. I'm sorry!"
Ryeh growled, jerking on the injured wrist, blood hitting the floor in slow drops. "For what?"
"F-for insulting--"
"No," Ryeh said, ears folding back into his hair. "Apologise to Astridr for touchin' him." His lips curled to show fangs again. "And I suggest ya mean it, ya milquetoast bastard!"
The Elezen's gaze darted between the snarling Miqo'te and the part-Viera looking at him with dangerous eyes and an aura like ice, and whimpered. "I'm sorry! I apologise for my rudeness! Please--"
Ryeh let go suddenly with a sneer, watching the Elezen tumble onto his backside. He scrambled away, pushing through the crowd and was gone. Ryeh could only hope to the door and far away. He snorted and turned to Astridr, running a gentle hand over his arm. "Ya all right, darlin'?"
Astridr watched the Elezen's fleeing shape for another long moment before blinking, eyes warming again. "Milquetoast?" he queried with a hint of amusement.
"What?" Ryeh said with a blush, grabbing a napkin to wipe his bloody claws off. "I told ya! I've been readin'!"
"So I see, Dawnslight," Astridr laughed, moving to put an arm around him. "And what else have you been doing?"
Ryeh huffed, ignoring his pinkening ears and cheeks. "Well, buy me another drink and maybe I'll tell ya all 'bout it, Starlight."
The lovely Astridr Ahonen belongs to a friend who does not have a tumble, but is used with their permission.
Part 1 here.
Part 2 here.
Part 3 here.
Part 4 here.
After a morning out with the dogs on the beach, tasting wind and sea instead of grief, Ryeh had brought them in, panting and sandy. A quick pause by the little faucet outside had rinsed them off, and a half-bell in the sun had dried them. He'd rinsed salt and sand off himself, too, drying with his shirt off in the grass and just breathing for a while.
Then he'd taken Billy Bones, Arlo, Sharkbait, Dango, and Kuro inside, making sure each of them had a meaty, raw bone to chew on as a snack. The pack had flopped on their favourite beds, gnawing contentedly and dozing. He hesitated for a moment before moving to make lunch, grilling himself a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. It was a warm, comforting meal, and Ryeh made some tea to go with it.
After a bit of hesitation, he grabbed his notebook and Usynahr's journal, curling up in a chair with them. Taking a sip of the tea, he opened the journal to begin reading again. Crossing his legs to tuck his paws under him, the Miqo'te hummed as he took a few bites of his food, reaching over his former captain's slanting handwriting.
For the next bell, Ryeh took frequent notes. As expected, it wasn't as if the journal was neatly organised like a chapter book. While Usynahr had clearly tried to keep related knowledge together, as the pages filled, the old Roegadyn had added notes where he could fit. At least he often referred back to other notes so Ryeh could connect the various entries. Still, the Miqo'te wanted to study so he could see what Usynahr had and, hopefully, make the same connections.
The knock at his door startled him, prompting Ryeh's ears to perk up sharply, dark tips twitching. Frowning, he took a bite of his sandwich and set it down, dusting his hands off as he went to answer. He wasn't expecting anyone, but it wasn't that uncommon for a friend to stop by. With a little rush of guilt, he realised he hadn't talked to anyone for at least three days, not since the letter telling him about Usynahr's passing had arrived…
"Fuck," he muttered, ears drooping with shame. He reached to open the door, expecting to see someone he knew who was probably worried about him.
Instead, he saw a ghost. Or at least what felt like a ghost in that moment.
Ryeh froze, blue eyes wide as his pupils flared with shock. His lips parted as he stared at the tall, broad Roegadyn in front of him. The noonday sun hit pale blue skin and fought indigo highlights in dark, near-black hair. In rugged, calm features, grey eyes studied the Miqo'te curiously. A short beard framed a strong jaw, but the scar on the side of the face was missing…
Ryeh took a step back, tail fluffing up and claws digging into the door by reflex to keep his legs from giving out. "I-- Wh--"
"Ryeh?" The voice was familiar, but it wasn't quite Usynahr's.
It tickled Ryeh's memory, and he made a noise as understanding ran through him: a mixture of relief, sadness, and surprise. "…Iryn? Irynstyr?"
Now that he realised who it was, he could suddenly see the small differences. Irynstyr and Usynahr had looked similar; not unexpected since Usynahr was Irynstyr's uncle. He was a little taller, a little leaner, with a hint of green in his eyes and his skin a bit paler and bluer than Usynahr's. Still, the hawk-like nose, square face, and deep-set eyes were the spitting image of his uncle. Especially since the last time Ryeh had seen the man had been well over a year ago, and Irynstyr had been clean-shaven.
"Fuck!" Ryeh spat out, leaning a moment against the nearby counter. "Ya scared the fur off me, Iryn!"
"Good to see ya too," the Roegadyn drawled, raising a brow. "Ya gonna let me in or--" He took a step and then stopped, taking a hasty step back as Billy Bones appeared. "What in the--"
"Huh? Oh, that's just Billy Bones. Billy, sit. Ya too, Arlo!" Ryeh said, waving the other in so he could shut the door. "Dun mind them. They're just checkin' ya out."
Irynstyr eyed Billy Bones, the largest of the pack, warily and blinked as the three shibas sniffed his boots and eyed him suspiciously. They only backed off when Ryeh whistled and made a little gesture to send them back to their beds. "Go lie down, dogs," he said firmly but quietly. "Everythin's all right."
Blowing out a breath to calm himself, Ryeh scrubbed a hand over his face. "When did ya grow a beard?" he asked as he stepped into the kitchen. "Gave me a fright! Ya want coffee?"
Irynstyr nodded and then snorted. "Why? Ladies like it!" He rubbed the short, dark beard with just the faintest thread of silver here and there.
"Ya dun even like ladies," Ryeh drawled, relaxing more as the adrenaline faded. "I mean, at least not when I met ya…" Ryeh considered that a minute. He'd been about sixteen at the time, during his last year on the Sea Eagle. Irynstyr had been a year or two older when he arrived to apprentice under Usynahr. Being the only two near each other in age, they had ended up getting along well. They had also done some experimenting, as most young folks did during that age.
Irynstyr blushed purple and snorted, rolling his eyes as he sat carefully on a stool. Fortunately, Ryeh's home being in the Mists meant that furniture was made with Roegadyn in mind and it held just fine. "Oh, shut up, Freefoot," he chuckled. "That's not the point." He rubbed the beard again and cleared his throat. "It was kinda 'cause o' Uncle Usyn," he admitted softly.
Ryeh paused for a moment before reaching for coffee mugs. "Yeah, it makes ya look a lot like him. Not that that's bad! Just…Since I got the letter, he's been in my thoughts a lot, so seein' ya when I didn't expect it just--"
Irynstyr made an apologetic noise. "I should have reached out, but by the time a letter came, I would have been here anyway. I just--"
Ryeh shook his head. "Sugar or cream? No, no, I ain't unhappy to see ya, Iryn. Just didn't expect it." When the other shook his head, he brought over the black coffee, tilting his head. "I do gotta ask, why are ya here? Is it 'bout what Captain Usyn left me 'cause--"
Irynstyr blinked and raised his hands. "No, no, no! I mean, a little, but not--" He sighed and ran a hand through his short hair. "Ryeh, ya were always his favourite. And that's fine. I know he was real fond o' me too, but the two o' ya were peas-in-a-pod and that's all right. I ain't begrudin' ya nothin'. He already left me a damned ship and made sure my mother is cared for." A quick grin showed across the Roegadyn's features. "I might be a pirate, but I ain't that greedy. I am curious though, so I wouldn't say no if ya wanted to show me?"
Ryeh relaxed a bit, feeling a touch of guilt. He didn't really think Irynstyr would act like that, but he couldn't help the little surge of fear and resentment that he might be denied what he was given fairly. "I mean, sure, if ya like, but then why…"
Irynstyr's expression softened a bit, reminding Ryeh suddenly of his uncle again. "I-- I mean, I know we ain't kept in touch, but with…with your mother gone and Uncle was 'bout the closest thing you had left as family, I mean, from when you were young at least… I thought I'd check on you that's all."
Ryeh blinked, and the ache in his chest that had started at Usynahr's death flared up again. He felt that strange mix of gratitude and guilt. After his mother's death and his foolish choice to join the Crimson Plunder, he'd…well, not forgotten them, but had not reached out from a mixture of grief and shame. He didn't want to tell Usynahr what had happened and he felt horrible about how unkind he'd been when they'd both been mourning. And despite all that, Usynahr had clearly thought about him, worried for him even. And here was Irynstyr, who Ryeh hadn't been any better to, checking on him since Usynahr couldn't now.
Irynstyr was watching him and starting to look a little alarmed when Ryeh's face crumbled a bit. He stood up to take a step closer. It was true they hadn't been nearly as close since Ryeh had left the Sea Eagle at seventeen, almost eighteen, but he'd always carried a fondness in his heart for the Miqo'te. Even so, he was a little surprised to find the short Miqo'te giving him a tight hug.
"Sorry, sorry," Ryeh whispered, giving a little sniffle. "I'm all right, just… Thanks, Iryn. I appreciate it." He gave a shaky sigh, leaning his head on the other's chest, feeling the Roegadyn's arms ease around him. "I'm not-- I mean, I got people these days, but…ya my people too, and so was Usyn. I'm sorry I ain't been a good friend to ya…and that I wasn't there for him when--"
Iryn shook his head, patting the other's back gently. "No, no, Freefoot, it's all right. I--" He hesitated and cleared his throat. "Uncle heard a rumour you joined Bloodhand's crew." He grimaced as he felt Ryeh stiffen against him uneasily. "And, well, there's…talk about that man. And then what happened with your mother… I get that sometimes time just gets away from you and-- Hells, I thought Uncle would live to be a hundred at least. He always seemed like nothing could slow him down, right?"
Ryeh nodded, giving a quiet hiccup and moving a hand to wipe his eyes. "Yeah. I just-- So much happened and it didn't feel like years, but it…was. And I'm sorry. I hope Captain Usyn knew how…how much he meant to me, how grateful I was, and how important he was to me. 'Cause he was, Iryn. He was."
Iryn nodded, ruffling Ryeh's hair gently. "Yeah, me too. I won't say I was the best either with sailing and such. So I wasn't the best about keeping touch either…" His own voice cracked and fell silent.
Ryeh nodded and, for a few minutes, they just hugged each other and stayed quiet. Eventually, though, Ryeh cleared his throat and wiped his face, giving Irynstyr a smile. "C'mon. Why dun I pour us somethin' a bit stronger than coffee, and we can catch up? What do ya think, Iryn?"
The Roegadyn chuckled, taking a quick minute to wipe his own eyes. "Sounds good, Freefoot. Ya still like that honey whiskey?"
"I do," Ryeh laughed, a little surprised the other still remembered. "I'll grab a bottle and let's sit down." He patted Irynstyr's arm before going to raid his liquor cabinet.
"What exactly are you looking for, sir?" The calm, direct voice cut through Ryeh's racing thoughts.
He paused in his searching of the shelves, glancing at the curious bookshop owner. The Lalafell was squinting at him from her stool behind the counter, not quite suspicious but a little wary. He supposed he couldn't blame her. He doubted she frequently got clients that weren't visitors to the city, well-bred merchants, or Arcanists from the nearby guild. Many in Limsa Lominsa were illiterate, or nearly so. Even the average merchant often used simple tallying and basic symbols as opposed to numbers and letters. So someone like Ryeh, sun-browned and dressed like a sailor, didn't really belong.
He couldn't help flashing her a cheeky, fanged grin. "Dun worry, ma'am. I ain't here to rob. Be a lousy thief anyway. Stealin' books 'round here ain't profitable."
The Lalafell blinked and blushed a little, but lifted her chin. "Well, you don't look like--" She paused, looking slightly flustered.
"Like I can read?" Ryeh drawled. "Yeah, I know. But I can. Look, I'll show ya." He scanned for a random book and spoke out clearly and carefully, focusing on pronouncing correctly. "Constellations o' the Northern Skies. By Ludovraint Portelaine." He looked at her, pretending he didn't notice the surprised blink. "Sounds Ishgardian? Bet he was one o' those Astrologians, right?" He looked around and pointed to another book. "Study o' the Flora and Fauna of the Azim Steppes. By Frederyk Langdale. Sharlayan fellow, maybe? I know they been allowin' more knowledge out… What's flora and fauna though?"
"Plants and animals," the bookseller said, looking mildly impressed. "So you really are just here for books? Which ones? Or kinds?"
Ryeh gave her a quick smile, ears perking. "Oh! Thank ya. Learned somethin' new then! And…um…I'm not sure." He turned his eyes back to the shelves, short tail swaying back and forth, black tip curling. "Sometimes I just see somethin' that looks interestin'. Or sometimes it's somethin' I'm already learnin' but wanna know more… So I ain't come in here for a specific book. Just for…books."
"Ahhh," she hummed with a hint of pleasure. "You're after the pursuit of knowledge then."
"The pursuit o' knowledge?" Ryeh echoed. "What's that exactly?"
The Lalafell smiled, chuckling a little. "The pursuit of knowledge refers to the natural inclination of the Spoken races to seek out and understand things. To learn because that's simply what intelligent beings do. To try to understand the world around them better." She waved her hand a little. "Or something like that. There are several schools and various studies and even different academics that focus on it in different ways and varying degrees."
Ryeh gave her an owlish blink and a snicker. "Ma'am, ya wouldn't happen to be Sharlayan, would ya?"
The Lalafell chuckled with a wink. "I studied there for several years after working with the Arcanist's guild. I'd learned most of what they deemed necessary, and wanted more, so I acquired a scholarship. Eventually, though, as I got older, I wanted to settle down, so here I am. Married eight years, two children, and running a bookstore." She offered Ryeh a small hand. "I'm Sasahe by the way."
Ryeh left the books to take her hand, giving it a light squeeze as he half-bowed with a wink. "I'm Ryeh. It's a pleasure, Miss Sasahe."
Sasahe smiled as she hopped down from her stool, moving to Ryeh's side and putting a hand on his arm to gently guide him toward the shelves again. "Now that we've been properly introduced and I'm not worried about calling the guards, let's see if I can get you to leave with a few books, hmm?"
Ryeh gave a low laugh, blue eyes twinkling merrily. "I expect ya can. And ya know, I was interested in Tural… Do ya happen to have any books 'bout there?"
Sasahe nodded happily, pointing him in the proper direction. "As a matter of fact, I do. This way, Master Ryeh."
A cool nose bumped Ryeh's hand where it hung over the edge of the bed. The Miqo'te grumbled softly, fingers spreading by reflex, short claws gently scratching the wolfy head that nudged under his hand.
"Billy," Ryeh mumbled without opening his eyes, just squirming further under the blankets. "I'm so tired. Can't ya just wait a bell?" The wolf-dog whined, licking his fingers. "Half-a-bell?"
A groan escaped the Miqo'te as he felt a small body hop up on the bed. A minute later, a narrow muzzle with a wet nose poked under the blankets at his face. He gave a grumpy hiss, leaning away. "Ugh, Arlo! Ya breath is terrible! Just-- ouch!" His black-spotted ear was bitten lightly and then tugged. "Gah! Arlo! C'mon! Ughhhh…"
Ryeh winced as the little dog gave another tug, finally sitting up to save his ear. Fortunately, Arlo had been gentle. His ear was merely pinched, not harmed. He still rubbed it, blinking bleary eyes and glaring at Arlo. The small black-and-tan dog just sat, fluffy tail waving and dark eyes remorseless. Ryeh scowled at the dog for a moment and then sighed, looking away as Arlo was unmoved.
He glanced across his bed, blinking in confusion at the mess for a moment before he remembered. He'd spend hours poring over the journal he'd inherited from Captain Usynahr. It had actually ended up with him sitting in the centre of his bed with a dictionary, several reference books, and a notebook of his own to write things down in. Unravelling what was likely Usynahr's life's work was a lot more complicated than he imagined at first glance, but Ryeh was undeniably determined.
Usynahr had left him a legacy and a dream that had stirred a passion he hadn't thought about much in the last few years. His experience on the Crimson Plunder with Captain Gellier had dimmed that in him, but he found himself dreaming again. He wanted to rise to the occasion and make the closest thing he'd had to a father proud…
Of course, at the moment, he had to rise because his pack of demanding dogs wanted their breakfast and morning run. A peek over the bed showed his trio of shiba dogs staring at him expectantly. "All o' ya? Really?" Ryeh sighed. "Okay, okay. I give." He yawned, scratching around his ears where his tangled hair itched as he slid out of the bed. "Just gimme a minute, hounds."
Ryeh quickly gathered up the various reference books: some were myths, some were local stories about areas, and some were geographical. Since he'd discovered how much books could hold and that libraries existed, Ryeh had been collecting quite a few. Several books were borrowed from kind friends as well. He'd even made notes to ask them what they knew about the stories or areas he was trying to learn more about. And if they knew places to find more books to help.
He stacked them neatly and carefully, putting them on a nearby table so they would be at hand for studying later. The leatherbound journal he checked over and closed, snapping the locking clasp. He smoothed a fond hand over it, tracing the blue gem set in the book's cover. That made the bracelet that came with Usynahar's journal catch the light, making the six large beads gleam, each a different colour. Ryeh frowned suddenly, brushing his fingers over each, admiring them: fiery red, amber-gold, light green, pale blue, rich purple, and deep indigo. It was almost a rainbow, but something about the particular colours tickled his memory.
Frowning, Ryeh reached for his notebook, pencil scratching in his slightly clumsy, child-like handwriting. He'd only been consistently practising writing anything other than his name for a few moons at best so he ended up biting the tip of his tongue to make sure it was legible.
Research the stones in the bracelet. Most bracelets match or have a pattern, but not this one? Why? Do the colours mean something?
He added the note to various other ones he'd jotted down in his studying of Usynahr's work, rereading it a moment. He felt like he could almost remember something important, but jumped as Arlo gave a sharp bark that broke his concentration.
"Yes, yes, all right, Arlo, all right," he sighed, closing his pocket-sized notebook. "Breakfast. Got it."
Tucking both his notebook and the journal under his arm, he headed for his kitchen, giving a soft whistle to call his little pack with him. Nonetheless, he rubbed the bracelet and touched the pendant around his throat. "Usynahr said these were important," Ryeh murmured, reaching down to pat Billy as the largest of his dogs leaned on his hip. "That they'd help me… So first things first, maybe I should figure these out before plannin' to find lost islands or somethin'. Whatcha think, Billy?"
The Miqo'te chuckled as the wolfdog barked. "Yeah, I thought so. All right, hounds. Let's get some breakfast and go for a run, huh?" He glanced out the window with a sigh. "I think maybe I should get out of the house…"
All five dogs lifted their ears and gave excited yips. They didn't understand every word, but they definitely knew 'out'. Wagging tails and eager eyes fixed on Ryeh, who chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I know. All o' ya told me that…and yes, ya comin' with." He leaned over to pet his head. "My good pups."
Trigger Warnings: mentions of death, funerals, and parental loss.
Notes: This is a long one, so I put most of it under a read-more. Also, references at the bottom for some items mentioned in the story!
Part 1 here.
Part 2 here.
Part 3 of ???
Ryeh had allowed himself a few days to grieve. He'd thought about calling someone, someone he trusted to be there, but he stopped himself. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Besides, he wasn't being dangerous to himself or drowning his sadness in booze as he had occasionally done in the past. The Miqo'te just curled up with his little pack of rescued dogs on his bed or sofa, letting himself be sad. Or at least letting the pain numb…
He hadn't expected Usynahr's death to hit him so hard, or more Ryeh just hadn't really ever expected the old Roegadyn to die. His former captain had always been a powerful man, even when he retired; a force of nature that commanded respect. Even heavy with grief at Ryeh's mother's funeral, Usynahr had been strong and stoic, roughly kind even when Ryeh had been a broken mess. The thought that Nald'thal would call for Usynahr was not one the Miqo'te had ever pondered.
Ryeh sighed as he pushed himself to sit up, carefully so he didn't accidentally knock any of the dogs off the sofa. Sharkbait whined quietly and Arlo huffed, hopping down to the floor. Dango and Kuro stretched and bounced up to follow Arlo, all of them heading toward the door, tails wagging. "Aye, aye, all right. Go out and play for a bit," Ryeh said softly, moving to the door and opening it so the dogs could race into the small, fenced-in yard. Billy Bones and Sharkbait gave him worried looks, tails wagging slowly. "It's okay," he soothed, nodding toward the door. "I'm all right. Go stretch."
Once the last two dogs had headed out into the grass for a bit of fresh air and sun, Ryeh closed the door. He made sure he could see them out the window as he headed into the kitchen, turning on the coffee-maker. He slid his gaze to the box again. The box that Usynahr had left him with a letter inside that he couldn't bring himself to touch again. At least not until today. Ryeh rubbed a hand over his face with a sigh, raking his fingers through his messy curls.
"Can't put it off forever," he whispered to himself, pushing down the urge to simply hide the box. As if ignoring it would make the truth go away. Ryeh frowned suddenly, shaking his head in anger. "No. No. That ain't right…" He sighed again, moving to rest his hand on the smooth wood, lightly warmed from the sun coming in the window. "I shouldn't be treatin' it like this. It's a gift. It's memories. It's somethin' Usyn wanted me to have, to share with me. Ain't right o' me to treat it like it's somethin' bad. It's…good," his voice cracked a bit in the quiet room. "even if it's sad too."
Ryeh sighed, wiping his eyes to ease the sting and going to the coffee-maker as it beeped. A glance at the dogs and Ryeh poured himself a mug, adding his normal cream and sugar, before moving to sit down in front of the box. Taking a deep breath, he opened it to read the short, simple letter Usynahr had left once more. The tears gathered in the corners of his eyes again, hearing the words read in his old captain's gruff but warm voice.
"Things ya held in ya heart," he repeated as he read the line again. "Ya'll go lookin' for 'em, same as I did…" Ryeh's brow furrowed in a hint of confusion. "What did ya mean, old man? I--"
Ryeh paused and blinked, setting the letter down. He had sailed with Usynahr for four years, until he was seventeen. In his older age, and knowing he planned to retire soon, the old Roegadyn had played it rather 'safe', at least by pirate standards. He'd gone for easy targets, planned with intelligence and experience, and amassed quite a bit of coin before he finally gave the Sea Eagle over to his nephew Irynstyr. Ryeh was sure Usynahr's 'playing it safe' was a reason his mother, Myka, had asked Usynahr to allow Ryeh to join his crew. As far as an introduction to life at sea, the Sea Eagle had been near idyllic.
Even so, the older crew often talked of grand adventures and tall tales. Many of them mentioned how exceptional and fearless a captain Usynahr had been and the treasures he'd sought out, finding them in places no one else dared look. While Usynahr might not have quite reached the status of the legendary Mistbeard, he still had quite a few stories told about him. Stories that Ryeh had thought exaggerated at best and half-lies at worst. It wasn't uncommon for pirates to do that sort of thing, after all.
Looking back now, Ryeh remembered Usynahr's quarters, filled with trinkets, books, and papers. When he was thirteen, the Miqo'te had been fascinated by some of the shinier trinkets, but hadn't really thought of what they were or where they were from. He'd been awed by the wealth and things he'd never seen in his life, but he hadn't really had the knowledge to understand what it was. And as the moons and years passed, he was so used to it and so delighted with the new freedom of sailing and having his own pay that Ryeh had scarcely given it much thought.
Now though…
Now Ryeh remembered stories of the crew telling a story of Usynahr heading deep into an unnamed island, facing down a powerful beast and keeping its horn as a trophy even as he returned with a massive treasure. And he remembered seeing a strange, jagged horn on the captain's wall. He remembered once the ship's medic had mentioned that Usynahr had nearly lost an eye to a giant cat-like monster but managed to win, taking from its cave a sword of incredible value. Now the scars on the old Roegadyn's face and shoulder, along with the large claw he wore on a chain, suddenly seemed less a quirk and more another trophy…
Ryeh looked back down at the letter, drawing in a deep breath as he read again. "Old Man, were those stories true?" he whispered. "Did ya really do all those things? Even the ones ya told me as a kitten?"
As a child, Usynahr had visited his mother as often as he was in Limsa Lominsa. It was a surprise to Ryeh back then that he'd often bought him a treat or a toy as well, along with stories. The Roegadyn had always been a quiet, but kind man in his eyes. Ryeh dimly remembered the first time he'd met him properly and looked into Usynahr's iron-grey eyes set in a rough, scarred face with a thick dark beard and silver-sprinkled hair. He could remember that he had asked the man something, although he couldn't remember what now. He did remember the Roegadyn giving a quiet laugh and patting his head gently before passing him a chunk of jerky. "Smart lad," Usynahr had said. "Ya got ya mother's eyes."
Ryeh sat for a while, mulling over memories and matching them together, pairing a story heard with a treasure or trophy he'd seen. Not every tale, of course, but enough that he suddenly realised that Usynahr had once been someone always seeking the horizon, always wanting to know more. Someone rather like him. Someone who had kept up and encouraged him in reading and learning, even at sea, as best he could. Someone who had always treated Ryeh with affection. A man he realised had been as much of a father as he'd ever had, even if neither of them had ever said the words out loud.
"Damn it," Ryeh sighed as he finished his coffee, standing to let the dogs in. "I wish I'd been less o' a fool last time we spoke, Usyn. I should have told ya, I should..said thank ya for everythin'. I should have heard ya out." The Roegadyn had tried to talk to him at Myka's funeral, but Ryeh had been full of anger and grief, refusing to listen or be comforted. He had left the day after, getting on the first ship that allowed him a spot on the crew, determined to leave the pain behind.
Ryeh grimaced as he fed the dogs, shaking his head. All his running had done was drive him into the worst place he'd ever been in his life. The Crimson Plunder and Captain Gellier Bloodhand were a nightmare he refused to think about at the moment. He wasn't going to taint his memories of Usynahr with that…
"All right," Ryeh said, signalling to the dogs to eat but also speaking to himself. "Enough puttin' it off. Just look in the fuckin' box. Dun be a coward."
Another cup of coffee in hand to steady his nerves, Ryeh sat down again with the five dogs scattered around the kitchen, enjoying their breakfast. Taking a long swallow of the coffee to fortify himself, the Miqo'te took a minute to neatly fold the letter and put it back safely in the envelope again. Setting it to the side, he pulled the box over and just looked at it for the first time without tears clouding his eyes.
It wasn't really a particularly big box. It was solid, but not too difficult to carry for him. It was a rectangle, perhaps two fulms long and one fulm wide. It was a bit more than half-a-fulm deep, so it was of good size but easy enough to store under a bunk or the like. By the looks of the old, smooth wood and slightly battered brass corners, Usynahr had had it for years but had cared for it well. When Ryeh picked up the small key, the lock clicked smoothly and opened.
Once again, the scent of cedar and lavender filled his nose as the box was well stuffed with both to keep what was inside safe from both rough treatment and hungry pests. The various items were wrapped in oilcloth, adding another layer of protection and secrecy. Snugly packed within, the items were of varying sizes as well, giving little clue to what was within. Ryeh looked for a long moment, sighing a bit. "Too bad ya letter didn't tell me what was in here, Old Man."
The Miqo'te huffed suddenly, tail snapping back and forth as his ears lay back. "Oh, fuck it," he muttered, picking the first thing his hand touched. It was something wrapped in dark cloth, a rectangle about as wide as his hand and half-again as long. When he picked it up, it was a few ilms thick and he could immediately tell it was a book of some kind. Intrigued, he unwrapped the protective cloth to see a leather-bound book: dark brown, embossed with patterns of scales and set with a flat blue gem in the centre. The edges of the leather folded to keep it safe and were held shut by a brass lock-clasp. "It's a journal," Ryeh said after a moment. "At least I think it is…?"
After a moment, Ryeh slid the clasp open, careful of the aged, slightly ragged pages within. He had expected it to be perhaps a captain's log of sorts, or maybe even Usynahr's personal thoughts. However, while the writing was the Roegadyn's sharp, slanting letters, there were also simple drawings, various notes, and even loose pages folded within. Ryeh's lips moved as he read a line here, a line there, and frowned over it. "They say it's west o' the whirlpool, east of the dragonstone…," he mumbled, flipping a few more pages. "The locals say that there is a guardian found deep within the ruins, a great beast with eyes that see through stone…" Another few pages. "It must be under the sea, but where? The legends say that even the waves guarded the sacred treasure…"
Ryeh leafed through more and more before closing it suddenly enough that the dogs jumped slightly, looking up at him. For a long minute, the Miqo'te just stared ahead at nothing. "…It's about treasures," he finally said with wonder, looking down as Billy Bones dropped his wolfy head on Ryeh's leg. "These are stories and things to help lead him to treasures, Billy!" He lifted the journal, feeling its weight. "There are so many… Usyn must have been writing this almost his whole life!" He felt a sudden pang that the Roegadyn wasn't here to talk to him about. And perhaps that he hadn't known the man when he was younger and going on such adventures. Ryeh gave a small, slightly sad laugh. "That old sea dog… I never knew him fer a scholar!"
Ryeh fastened the clasp again, setting the journal to the side. He could have lost himself in it, but now he wished to see what else was hidden in Usynahr's box. Pushing around the dried herbs and cedar shavings, he realised there was far more than he thought as things were layered on top of each other. At the very bottom was a fairly large tube, long as the box, but narrower. Ryeh eased that out and found at least a dozen thin lambskins tightly rolled within, each with a drawing of a different place. "Maps," Ryeh said with a small laugh. "Places he wanted to go? Or had been maybe?"
Putting the maps back in the protective case, he found a small bag that jingled a bit, carefully pouring what was within out on the counter. There were gold and silver coins, each emblazoned with different symbols, and polished stones and sea-shells, most of which were also marked in various ways. A closer look showed that few of the symbols matched, and most didn't even seem to be from the same place. Most had the sheen of age, some even lightly chipped from time. Ryeh looked over several of the trinkets for several minutes before putting them back into the bag.
As he dug through, he found more and more items, most quite small, but fascinating in their unfamiliarity. There were precious stones he couldn't name carved into the shapes of fantastic beasts. There was a large tooth, big enough to be a whale's, but serrated and flattened strangely. A claw almost as long as his hand, wickedly curved and gleaming like metal. Several feathers of brilliant shades that looked almost unnatural, but he could tell that they were not dyed at all, for nothing had faded or rubbed off. There was a strange bone whistle, the black-green scale of a massive beast, and ribbons with tiny, neat letters in no language he knew. Ryeh couldn't tell if they were keepsakes or clues, but he handled each with care and put them back as he finished examining them.
At the bottom, he found an old dagger, curved like a claw in a way that he hadn't seen before. The brown sheath was simple, but high-quality, smelling of linseed oil. When Ryeh drew the dagger, the metal had a strange, beautiful sheen. The handle was wrapped with a rough leather that reminded him of sharkskin. At the end of the pommel was a smooth gem that gleamed like fire, seeming to swirl when he looked at it in the sunlight. When Ryeh tested the edge on a sliver of cedar, it slid through with no resistance, still razor-sharp. On impulse, he left that out. It was clearly an exceptional dagger, and he saw no reason not to make use of it.
Realising that it was nearing noon, Ryeh started to tuck the various bags and wrapped items back into the box for safekeeping. He could sort them more fully later, but kept the dagger and the journal out. He lifted the oilcloth to fold it and heard something shift. Blinking, Ryeh spread it out, having left it in a heap in his excitement over Usynahr's journal.
Hidden in a simple pocket sewn into the oilcloth was a small scroll, a bracelet, and a necklace. Ryeh opened the scroll first, once more finding his old captain's neat script.
Wear these. Keep them with you and safe. Protect the journal. They'll help you on your travels.
Ryeh frowned and looked at the necklace. It was a woven cord, fairly thick, smooth, and sturdy. Ryeh thought it might be horsehair, but wasn't sure. There was a pendant in the centre, which was roughly shaped like an arrowhead with smooth gold set in the centre, but with a hole through it. The stone itself was pale but gleaming, catching shimmers of colour from the light. On either side of the pendant were large oval beads, clasped with gold in the middle; the beads gleamed the same iridescent white. Smooth and slightly warm to the touch, they made him think of pearls, but the weight and texture were wrong. As he peered closely at the necklace, he realised the gold set into the pendant and the beads had minute symbols carved into them. "Strange," Ryeh murmured, swearing he could feel something in his fingertips as he touched the stones, almost like they were humming yet not moving.
It took a minute to figure out that the clasps were set with the pendant and it took a bit of effort to open the necklace. Ryeh slipped it on, fastening it again with the pendant nestled against the hollow in his throat. It tingled for a moment but then quieted and, after a few moments, Ryeh convinced himself he was just imagining that. Shaking his head, he ran his thumb over the pendant with a smile. He had been missing his Llymlaen pendant, but having a gift from Usynahr was comforting, making him feel strangely safer again.
He picked up the bracelet, humming curiously. The cord was the same black woven cord, strong but smooth. There were six large beads on it, held in place by slim gold spacers that were also carved with tiny markings. Unlike the necklace, the stones were not the pearlescent white. Each was a different colour, but shone softly in the sunlight. There was a bead the deep golden-brown of amber, one swirled with orange and red like fire, one that gleamed a deep purple with flecks of light within, and another that was a light, swirling green shot through with silver. The last two were blue, but one was a pale, glittering blue while the other was the rich indigo blue of the deep sea. Once again, as Ryeh ran his fingers over them, he could feel faint little tingles.
"Wish ya had bothered to put a bit more in that note, Old Man," Ryeh murmured as he fiddled with the hidden clasps in the gold spacers so he could slide the bracelet on his left wrist and make sure it sat snug but comfortable. "Maybe there's more in this book o' yours, huh?"
Ryeh folded and put the oilcloth in the wooden box, closing it and locking it. After a moment's thought, he slipped the key into a pocket and lifted the box with a small grunt. "Let's put this somewhere safe for now," he said to himself and the dogs. "And then I think I need to do some readin'." The Miqo'te gave the journal a gentle pat, then paused and gave himself a sniff. "Ugh. Maybe a shower first… I must look a mess." He ran a hand through his messy curls and scratched at his scruffy chin.
Arlo tilted his head at Ryeh's words, giving a bark as he trotted after his master as the Miqo'te carried the box into his bedroom. "Yes, Arlo, I know. I stink. I'm takin' a shower, I promise." The small black-and-tan dog woofed again. "All right, all right. Shower and lunch. Then I can read. I understand. Good boy." With a sigh as he was 'scolded' by his pet, Ryeh slid the box under his bed and headed for the washroom.
References:
Usynahr's Journal.
The necklace is inspired by G'raha Tia's Scion one, just different materials (I love the design!).
Trigger Warnings: mention of death of a parent, death of a friend, and sex work. Nothing graphic, but mentioned!
Ryeh frowned as he read carefully over the letter in his hand. He was on his third cup of strong-brewed coffee as he puzzled through the multiple pages. The Miqo'te had gotten up at some point to get a dictionary lent to him by a friend so he could figure out the confusing words in front of him. "Startin' to think these solictors out o' Mealvaan's Gate get paid by the word. Extra for them long fancy ones…"
He sighed, reaching down to stroke Sharkbait's back, smiling a little as the shiba-mix wagged her fluffy tail and blinked up at him happily. She and the other dogs were, of course, blissfully unaware of Ryeh's current concerns. However, they sensed his tension enough to cuddle up and comfort him. And Ryeh appreciated it.
He sipped his coffee, feeling a sharp ache in his chest. He wished someone were here who could help him with this. He wanted to pass the letters to someone else who was smart enough to understand them. And maybe make it easier for him to understand that his friend was gone. Ryeh couldn't quite make himself even think that Captain Usynahr was dead. The old Roegadyn had been in his life as long as he could remember. When he was barely thirteen, his mother, Myka, had trusted Usynahr as Ryeh's first captain. For four years, Usynahr was almost a father to him.
The Miqo'te realised he was clenching the already wrinkled, slightly torn letter and eased his hands again. Usynahr had retired when Ryeh was seventeen, passing his ship on to his nephew, a fine sailor by the name of Irynstyr. Ryeh had honestly been happy with that. He and Irynstyr had gotten along well for the two years the other had been on Usynahr's ship, the Sea Eagle. Irynstyr had been more than happy to offer Ryeh a place on the ship, but Ryeh had decided to wander a bit, to see if he could manage on his own…
A pang of guilt went through him when he realised he hadn't seen Usynahr or Irynstyr since, save when he'd sent them a message telling them he was putting his mother, Myka, and the other ladies of the brothel to rest after the tragedies of the Final Days. Even then, it had only been for a few bells because the memories the two Roegadyn had stirred up had been too much for Ryeh on top of everything else.
The long, rambling letter was written about legalities, circumstances, and who was given what and if anything was owed to the solicitors. Ryeh was skipping over the parts that had to deal with people who were unknown to him, although he was happy to see that Irynstyr and his mother apparently were given the bulk of Usynahr's goods. They were his only living family to the best of Ryeh's knowledge, and it was rightly theirs. There were a few other names he didn't know, but finally, he got to the part where he was mentioned.
Ryeh frowned, ears twitching as he glanced over his shoulder, hearing the rumble of thunder. It seemed a storm was brewing, which felt strangely fitting, given the situation. Arlo jerked his head up, giving a nervous whine as he wiggled himself between Ryeh's legs. It was his favourite hiding spot when he was nervous, which was surprisingly not often for such a small dog. The Miqo'te made a soothing noise, leaning down to give Arlo's thick ruff a scratch. "S'all right, Arlo," he soothed. "Just some rain."
Ryeh sat back up, sagging against the sofa and frowning at the letter. He almost didn't want to read it. It made everything seem so final. He glanced at the package he'd been given, still sitting unopened on his counter. For a silly moment, he wanted to throw it all away or maybe hide it under his bed. If the letter and the package went away, he could pretend that his friend wasn't dead and gone. He could lie to himself and imagine that Usynahr was still peacefully retired in his little seaside cottage…
A sudden frustrated growl from the Miqo'te had all the dogs looking up. Ryeh glared at the ceiling, scowling. "I'm bein' silly," he declared to the room at large. "This is stupid. Mama would be disappointed with me. Hells, I bet Usyn would be too. They didn't teach me to hide behind silly lies!" His lips suddenly trembled, and he pressed them together tightly, rubbing his eyes. "They ain't here so I have to do my best to make 'em proud."
Ryeh sat up with a sniffle, wiping his eyes on his sleeve and breathing out before he looked at the letter again. He set his jaw and tilted his ears back in determination, slowly reading over the few paragraphs that were mostly focused on him. He occasionally had to mouth out a word, wondering why these solicitors had to use such long, complicated phrasing instead of just keeping it simple. His brow creased as he studied the paragraphs, wanting to make sure he understood properly.
"Well, at least I dun owe these folks money," he mumbled, reaching down to pet the still shivering Arlo. He lifted the small dog carefully to sit on his lap, letting Arlo 'hide' by shoving his head under Ryeh's arm. "Looks like they took their fee for filin' the paperwork and shippin' it to me outta my 'inheritance'. S'fair 'nough, I guess."
Ryeh frowned, tail flicking back and forth before his eyes widening a bit at the sum of gil listed. It wasn't a vast fortune, but, even with the solicitors taking a hefty fee, it was a respectable amount of coin. It was enough to buy a little house or even a small ship, although probably not much more. Still, it was enough that the Miqo'te read over it a few more times, lips parted. He felt a strange ache in his throat and lowered the letter, tears stinging his eyes. The money was unexpected and a blessing, but he'd rather have had Usynahr here to spend it.
Wiping his eyes, he found the information for a proper account in a bank in Limsa Lominsa listed where he could go to retrieve it, or leave it safely as he pleased. The Miqo'te looked over the next few paragraphs, finding there were some restrictions on taking it out and spending it all at once. His lips twitched, recognising the hand of Usynahr in that.
"Old man thought o' everythin', didn't he?" Ryeh whispered. "He always told me not to waste money as soon as I had it in hand. Not that I was as good 'bout listenin' when I was that young, huh?" He ran a hand over Sharkbait's ears and tucked Arlo against his side more snugly. "So what's this box 'bout then?" he muttered, glancing at the package before focusing on the letter again. "…Oh. It's mentioned here."
His brow furrowed as he read out loud. "Included in the inheritance given to the Miqo'te named Ryeh Freefoot is a wooden box, entrusted to our firm's care, already sealed. As our client made clear, the box was left properly sealed and thus our firm takes no responsibility if anything is damaged or-- Blah, blah, blah," Ryeh huffed, already bored with the long, rambling legally protective writing. "So basically, Captain Usynahr was the only one who knew what was in it…but how do I get into it? Am I supposed to-- Oh." He blushed a bit, realising his impatience was showing as he muttered to the dogs. "Included with this letter is the key entrusted to us that we were given to understand would unlock Mister Ryeh Freefoot's non-monetary inheritance."
Ryeh shifted through the pages, muttering under his breath. "Key? Key? Where's the key?" He set the papers down and picked up the envelope, shaking it and feeling a small weight he hadn't noticed before. Pulling it further open, nestled in a fold of the thick paper, was a small brass key. He took it out, turning it over a few times. There were no marks on it. Just a simple brass key that gleamed softly in the mage-light.
The Miqo'te curled his fingers around it as he glanced at the paper-wrapped box, brow furrowing a bit. He sighed and closed his eyes. "Stop it," Ryeh said softly to himself. "Just do it. Waitin' won't help nothin'." He scooted the dogs out of his way, stepping carefully over the wolf-dog stretched out at his feet, heading into the kitchen.
He looked down at the package for a moment before sighing, using a claw to tear the paper a bit so he could unwrap it. It was just a simple wooden box, sturdy but not too heavy and fitted perfectly, so it was sealed tight. Ryeh ran his hand over the wood, warm and smooth, until he touched the brass hinges and the caps at the corners before tracing the small lock. Ryeh stared at it a moment before slipping the key into the lock and turning. There were a few soft, smooth clicks, and then the lock popped open.
Ryeh lifted the lid, bracing for dust or a musty smell as old boxes sometimes had. He was a bit surprised to just smell the faint aroma of cedar and lavender. When he opened it all the way, he realised that Usynahr had packed the items inside with dried herbs and cedar shavings to keep what was within safe from dampness or insects. "Ya always thought o' everythin', Captain," Ryeh whispered, touching a few of the dried herbs.
The items themselves were a mystery at the moment; each of them was wrapped in simple, sturdy, waterproof oilcloth. They were varying sizes, all snugly packed with the shavings and herbs so they didn't move too much. Ryeh looked them over, but it was the letter resting on top in a waxed paper envelope. He picked it up and turned it over to find Usynahr's sharp, slanting script. Little Free-Foot.
Ryeh drew in a shaky breath, feeling tears threaten again. Usyn had always called him that. Ever since they'd first met when Ryeh was no more than a toddler, already climbing anything he could touch and causing trouble to the entire brothel. For a moment, he could hear Usynahr's rough, kind voice again. 'Are you just a little free-foot there?'
The Miqo'te felt a little tremor in his hands as he broke the wax seal, marked with a simple eagle with its wings spread. It was the same symbol that Usynahr had always used for himself and his ship. He sank to a stool, pulling out a single thick sheet of rough paper, unfolding it to see the same slanting writing again.
Little Free-Foot,
If this is in your hands, Ryeh, I guess I've gone to Llymlaen's embrace. Don't be sad. I've lived a long life and was lucky enough to have things I could leave folks. That's better than most.
I left the ship to Irynstyr and his mother long ago and most of what I had since they're my blood. You were always the son of my heart though. From the day I met you and your mother. So I couldn't leave you without anything.
Iryn's always been a stern boy like his name. Solid, but not much is curious about this boy. Not like you. So while I left him the proper things to leave my blood, I'm leaving you the things that held my heart. I know in your hands, you'll go looking for them same I did.
I'm proud of you, Ryeh. And when I see Myka I'll tell her you love her and what a fine boy she raised.
Usynahr Swarwilfsyn
Ryeh made a soft choked noise, setting the letter down carefully on the counter. His chest ached, and his eyes burned, tears feeling molten as they slid down his cheeks. Ryeh wiped at them by reflex, shuddering under the weight of memory and emotion. Usynahr had always been kind to him, protective even, and a steady presence when he was younger. As he'd gotten older and wiser, Ryeh had realised that Usynahr had been in love with his mother. He thought that his mother, Myka, had loved him too…
Ryeh had never managed to figure out why they weren't together, especially when Usynahr had retired from sailing and his mother had gotten old enough that she didn't really have clients anymore. He didn't really quite know why she'd stayed when she'd done so much for so long. Surely none of the workers there would have begrudged her spending her older years in peace. He could even remember it occasionally being brought up, only for his mother to dismiss it with a laugh.
Ryeh gave a sudden hitching sound, covering his eyes with one hand. "Fuck," he whispered. His mother had been gone for over a year, and that was the last time he'd seen Usynahr. He'd been too emotional, too raw for a proper goodbye, and now he'd never have one. He'd never see him again.
He'd never see the closest thing he'd had to a father in his life again.
"I can't do this," Ryeh whispered to the room. "I can't do this right now, I'm sorry." He wasn't sure who he was apologising to. Perhaps to the spirit of Usynahr. He fumbled for the letter, putting it carefully back in the envelope and replacing it in the wooden box. After a moment, he locked it again and squeezed the key in his hand. "Soon, but I need time. I'm sorry…"
Ryeh put the key down and went to the sofa, feeling numb and exhausted and aching as tears kept dripping down his cheeks. Without thinking, he twisted to lie down on his side, curling up with his back tight against the corner of the cushions so he felt shielded. Sharkbait scrambled up and wiggled into his arms, nestling into his chest. Arlo took a few moments to lick his cheeks before snuggling up under his chin. Dango and Kuro lay on each side of him, heads resting on his legs. And finally, Billy Bones climbed up carefully to curl over his paws, keeping them warm.
"Good pups," Ryeh whispered to his little pack, uncurling one arm to gently touch each furry head in gratitude. With a deep, aching sigh, he closed his eyes and curled up, heart still aching but at least safe and warm with his dogs.
Ryeh grunted, jerking away as the sound of banging came from his small kitchen. His ears perking, he frowned as he pushed up to sit, trying to figure out the noise. It wasn't the stealthy skittering of Arlo and Billy trying to plunder the trash can. It wasn't the excited yipping and speeding of his pack racing around to play. No, it was growls and a few sharp barks, mixing with an unfamiliar noise. After a moment, the Miqo'te's eyes widened as the frantic sounds gave way to a voice.
"Let go, kupo!" A high-pitched voice protested, making little grunts of effort. "You…are…impeding…a Mail-Moogle's duty!"
"Mail-Moogle?" Ryeh mumbled, shoving his curls out of his face and pulling on pants as he headed toward the kitchen.
He was a bit surprised to see a floating, fluffy, white, cat-like creature with tiny bat wings and a long antenna topped with a round pompom huddling in the corner. Billy Bones was hovering nearby, hackles up and a growl given as he glared at the intruder. Arlo had his tiny paws spread, thick black-and-tan fur on end, as he dug his teeth into a satchel that he was tugging hard, trying to get it away from the floating creature. Ryeh's trio of shibas were fanned out behind the other dogs, giving the occasional bark and growl, fur bristling as they glared at the poor thing.
"What in the Seven Hells?" Ryeh said, blinking at the small white creature. "…Ya a moogle! A real moogle?"
"Of course I'm real, kupo!" the creature squeaked, flinching as Billy Bones gave a rough woof in its direction. "Please call off your dogs!"
"What are ya doin' in my house?" Ryeh asked instead, folding his arms and tilting his head as his ears perked up. "And the Hells is a moogle doin' in Limsa Lominsa?"
The moogle gave a distressed sound as Arlo managed to drag it a few fulms out of the corner. "Oh! Oh! Please, kupo! Please, call them off! I can explain! Ohhh, don't eat my pom! Nice doggies!"
Ryeh considered a moment, but decided one small, fluffy little creature couldn't be that dangerous. He gave a short whistle and clicked his tongue, which had all the dogs turning their eyes to him. "Go lie down. Go on."
Billy Bones huffed, dark ears coming up as he turned and trotted off to his bed. Sharkbait trotted behind, quickly followed by Dango and Kuro. All four dogs settled on their various beds, still keeping an eye on the moogle. Arlo gave another growl, narrowing his eyes. His fur bristled up as he shook his head a bit, still gripping the satchel.
"Arlo! Release." Ryeh's voice was firm as he gave the small dog a hard stare. "Release. Go lie down."
Arlo growled again, but practically spat out the satchel. It was sudden enough that the moogle shot backwards with a distressed squeak, sailing backwards into Ryeh's bread box hard enough that the lid slammed down, trapping the poor thing. The Miqo'te blinked and sighed, heading over to open the lid, which had a small catch designed to keep the too-clever dogs from stealing his baked goods.
"Oh, dear," the panting moogle said, lying in a heap. "I believe I squished your muffins."
"Ya kinda did," Ryeh said, reaching in without thinking to carefully pick up the moogle and lift him out of the wooden box. He was a little startled by how light it was, despite being a little bigger than Arlo. It was carrying a good-sized satchel, so he assumed it was some kind of moogle-specific magic. That made sense. He wasn't sure how else such tiny wings could lift the creature. "Ya all right?"
"Yes, of course!" the moogle said, floating free of his hands and straightening a tiny blue hat emblazoned with a gold symbol Ryeh assumed had to do with the mail. "No mere dogs can stop your dedicated Post-Moogle!"
"Oh," Ryeh said, not sure what else to offer. "And…why is the Post-Moogle in my kitchen durin' the wee hours o' the mornin' stirrin' up my dogs?"
The moogle blinked and flailed a moment. "Oh, ah…the mail delivers at all hours! I most definitely did not get lost on a ship and turned around and forget the ward number for a while!"
"…Right," Ryeh said, clearing his throat. "So…why are ya here? Ya said ya would explain?"
The Post-Moogle stared at Ryeh for long enough that the Miqo'te was growing concerned. Then the moogle flailed again, shaking its satchel. "Oh, yes! You have a delivery, kupo!"
Ryeh blinked, ears twitching up again. "…Why didn't ya just leave it in the post-box?"
"It wouldn't fit, kupo!" The moogle said, digging into the satchel and pulling out a paper-wrapped box that seemed a bit too big to fit in there or be held up. A fact that was enforced by the moment it popped free, the moogle dipped so low it nearly hit the floor. "Here! Take it!"
Ryeh instinctively reached out to grab the package, which was solid but not terribly heavy to him. The moogle squeaked in relief, floating back up to eye-level with the Miqo'te. Ryeh frowned, finding no markings on the package. "How do ya know this is for me? I can't imagine who would be sendin' me anythin'."
"Oh! Here!" The moogle pulled out a letter, which did, indeed, have Ryeh's name on it. "This goes with your package! See, kupo!" The moogle gave a spin and a happy sound. "And now my job is done! Fare you well!"
Ryeh studied the letter for a moment before giving a confused noise. It was definitely his name and address, but he didn't recognise the name of the sender. He looked up sharply, a question on his tongue, but the moogle was already squirming out a window and just…gone. The Miqo'te blinked and sighed, frowning down at the letter.
"Okay then…" He went to shut the window, locking it securely. Then he hit the mage-light as he headed for the kitchen. He picked up a few things knocked over by the struggle of the moogle and dogs, and then turned on the coffee-maker. "Ain't no point in goin' back to sleep now, I guess…"
Ryeh turned the package over a few times, feeling the weight and hearing some things shift a bit inside. He eyed the letter as well, frowning and trying hard to remember if he knew the name. Nothing came to mind, and that made his shoulders tense. It was just a letter, but the fact he had been sought out in such a way made him vaguely uneasy.
The Miqo'te startled slightly when the coffee-maker whistled to let him know it was ready. He poured a mug, adding some cream and a touch of sugar. Grabbing it, Ryeh headed to the sofa, sitting down to stare at the letter. His dark-tipped ears wiggled as he heard shifting and glanced to see five pairs of canine eyes on him, gleaming hopefully.
Ryeh sighed loudly. "Yeah, yeah. All right. Come." There was a burst of motion as every dog jumped up, scrambling toward him. Billy Bones flopped across his paws, tail thumping happily. Arlo actually bounced up to lie down on top of the wolf, giving contented sounds. Sharkbait leapt up on the couch, rushing to cuddle up against Ryeh's right. Dango and Kuro went to Ryeh's left, lying side-by-side with their chins on the Miqo'te's thighs. Ryeh patted everyone's head before he took a sip of coffee, deciding not to put it off any longer.
Using a claw, he carefully tore the envelope open, pulling out several pages of fine parchment. His lips moved a little as he sounded out the harder words, brow furrowing in confusion. "What is-- Oh." He finally reached a sentence he clearly understood.
Ryeh's hands dropped to his lap, hands clenching the letter hard enough that his claws tore it a little. "Captain Usynahr is dead," he whispered, turning his gaze toward the package still sitting in the kitchen.
