The deepest betrayal within their soul. Both mentor and dear friends, doing the unthinkable. Azem stood alone, watching the world end around them.
They heard someone call for them...they turned to look…
Their few scant allies who remained, those they had met in their travels were rushing towards him, their faces stricken with worry and fear.
It was the last sight he saw. Just as they felt fingertips brush up against his cloak -
Something broke and all was drowned in light.
And thus, a soul fractured, broken across reflections fourteen. Eight times rejoined, with souls crying out each time.
One died in a fierce some storm. One fell from a great height.
One died when trying to stop a primal summoning, was struck down, killing former friends. One died desperately trying to build something to protect others.
One died in desperate thirst, having given the last of their water to a child. One died scorched to cinders by magic in a blazing inferno.
One died blood-soaked, betrayed by someone who used them for their own ends. Four friends died as a tower collapsed into the ground, failing to stop Xande.
Their deeds were not forgotten, as a royal aide who had the last of the blood of royalty within them, escaped and remembered.
One died to ice magic, failing just at the cusp of the end of their journey. One -
Escaped. Brought their people to another home.
One fell to the depths of the ocean deep, losing themselves to a watery grave. One stood with Twelve, and smiled one final smile at them as they parted ways, each to enact their plans to help the realm.
One faced nightmares upon nightmares alone for their sake. One-
-
“‘Lakata! ‘Lakata please! No!” Elly cried out. She couldn’t see. Couldn’t open her eyes any more. She just gave a smile, trying to hold onto her friend’s warmth as her mind-
Warmth...warmth...warmth…
-
One resolute soul gave her soul up to help defend the realm, dooming it in the process.
One failed his friends, his world, and unravelled not knowing why. One fought and fought and fought until they could fight no more, the air taken from their lungs.
In those desperate moments, they became one. In sorrow and loss, not knowing of the compounding tragedies. Echoing the loneliness that came before. Echoing the failures of heroes.
“If history must be unwritten, let it be unwritten” A declaration. A statement. In chasing for one, he brought hope to them all. That their suffering was not in vain. They were not alone.
Others will always stand with them. Give them the strength they need when they can. Love, and cherish them.
Ugh. Elly’s head hurt. Too much to drink the night before. She helped to save the world again and thus party. Thankfully, she felt no body next to hers. She said a quiet prayer of thanks for that one.
There was a note on her bedstand! She bolted straight up. Thal’s balls, maybe she did take a man to bed.
Elly
I wonder how much you remember of last night.
Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiite. This was sounding bad already.
You kinda had a breakdown after many drinks, saying that I was a bastard who was never around. Moaned about just when you managed to find me, well, I at least stopped you from mentioning that G’raha teleported us here.
...gods this was worse. There goes Elly’s reputation with the people of the Crystarium. And she was beginning to figure out who wrote this.
So I volunteered to take you to bed. And then had the glares of everyone in the Wandering Stairs for my poor wording. Just envision Y’sthola glaring at you and that might cheer you up. Anyway, the Washi sisters took you to your room and I just offered to leave you a note. Whenever you are ready for breakfast, come meet me.
- Thancred
Okay, only half as embarrassing as a night that Thancred evidently had. That was at least somewhat welcome. Time to ignore the splitting headache and to see if he’s actually sticking around somewhere.
–
“Oh hey, you’re finally up!” Mariko said, spotting Elly walking out of the Pendants.
“How bad was I last night?” Elly asked.
“Clingy to Thancred. Like holding his arm all night. I think there was moaning about not wanting him to slip out of your grasp again.”
“GODS!” She felt her face go beat red.
Mariko gave a sly grin. “And here I thought you were getting over him.”
“I thought I was! Balls!”
She heard him laughing at her swearing. Damn you! Quit enjoying this too much! “Anyway, he’s been waiting in the Wandering Stairs for you,” Mariko said, grinning, pointing over to the bar.
She gave him a dark look as she headed on up. Sure enough, there he was, sitting patiently. He gave a small smile at her and waved her over. Gods strike her down now. She sat down, her face still red. “I was horrid last night, wasn’t I? I should stop drinking like that. What in the gods did I say to you?”
“Well I was going to ask what did you remember from last night. I guess the answer is, not much.” Thancred said.
She moaned and slumped over on the table. “I don’t even have a real good excuse this time. Other than ‘Hey! It’s a festive time! Drink until you forget everything!’” She moaned again. She then heard the thunk of a glass being put on the table. She looked up to see a tall glass of water.
“Nothing beats a hangover more than a drink and a good meal,” Cyella said. Elly just turned her head to the side and stared at her. She was undeterred. “An order of sausages and eggs?”
“Sure.” Elly said, half-mumbling, moving her face back to rest against the table. Thankfully Cyella said nothing more as she headed back over to the bar.
Thancred chuckled at Elly’s antics. “Oh come now, it wasn’t that bad. I’ve heard worse professions and declarations before.”
Declarations?! She sat straight up at that. “Wait, did I say that I...well...liked you?”
“Well, not like that. You were acting a lot more like uh...many women who’s hearts I’ve broken before,” He said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
“Great.” Elly said, this time slumping against the chair. “The perfect image for people to have of a hero.”
Thancred tilted his head. “I thought you weren’t too terribly concerned about that?”
“No it’s more that...I thought I was over you. You have different things going on than I do. You’ve got Ryne to look after and I have to well, find myself I guess?” She shrugged. “I still can’t even think of where I want to even be after...well, there’s the thing. I still can’t think of any after being the hero.”
“There might not ever be an ‘after’ Elly,” Thancred said with all seriousness. She stared at him with shock, and he smiled at that. “Life tends to keep continuing on and on and we just have to take what we can get.”
A steaming plate of eggs and sausages was suddenly placed in front of Elly. “Anything else?” Cyella asked, cheerfully.
“No thank you,” Elly replied, wondering if the former adventurer was listening in. She cut into her sausage first.
“You know, if I had actually drank last night...I might have joined you last night.”
Elly quickly put up her hand to her mouth, making sure she didn’t accidentally cough her sausage out. Well, it wouldn’t have been the first time the two took a tumble together but she just had a sudden thought with that statement. “What about Ryne?”
He looked confused at that. “What do you mean?”
“One, aren’t you like, sort of a father to her now? You need to be more responsible and like focus on her! Hells! Why aren’t you with her right now?!”
“She wanted to keep an eye on Syngigeim. Besides which, she wants me to at least work on things with you.”
“Did you tell her what I said to you before? That...I thought we were going in different paths and that while I cared, I didn’t know about any relationship?”
He nodded. “Yes, but remember, you were kinda...despondent last night. Scared that I was going to vanish on you again, I think was about what you said.”
She quickly shoved more pieces of egg white in her face. So those thoughts were what she said while drunk. It was less sadness and more anger. Anger that she could never find him after the Liberation of Ala Mhigo, right when she was done. Right when she could have talked and actually maybe started something stronger with him. The most she got was one night together before he ran off to be a spy in Garlemald. And refused her help, because she was a bloody famous Warrior of Light in the Source.
Elly poked at the yolk of the egg. Did she say anything about Minfilia? That...wait. The man was right in front of her. And wanting to sort things out. She gulped and steeled her nerves. “Did I say anything bad about Ryne? Or Minfilia?” she said softly. Elly was scared of this answer.
Thancred sighed softly at that. “You might have mentioned something about how you were never anyone’s most important person. That no one looked out for you and you alone.”
Crap, shit and fuck. “I am sorry of saying that. Really. And gods, I’ll need to find Ryne and-” She said bolting from the table but Thancred managed to grab her arm, stopping her.
“You didn’t say anything about Ryne or Minfilia.”
“But it’s what I meant. I’m jealous. And I know I shouldn’t be. They’re important to you and I always secretly felt jealous that you seemed to care more about them than anyone else.”
He held tighter onto her arm. “A lot more of your ranting was about how you didn’t feel like you deserved to be celebrating. That your contribution was nothing compared to the Warrior of Darkness. And let me tell you that that’s wrong.”
She gave a short huff and tried wriggling out of his grasp. “We all know that Syngigeim is the real hero here. I just, we all in Wanderer’s League tend to tag along. Hells, I only fought two Wardens! And I could only watch as her soul fractured and break! I couldn’t even fight Emet-Selch and that’s what we’re supposed to be good at! What purpose do I have here?!” she yelled, slipping out of his grasp...and into the table right next to her. Her arm slid across the top, as the side of the table jammed into her side. Worse, her feet slid out from underneath her and she had to cling onto the tabletop in order to attempt to stay up.
Elly felt Thancred help pick her up and onto her feet. “No. You weren’t useless here.”
“Ha. I’m one of many people who can fight.”
“Really Elly? Are we really doing this? No. Not everyone can fight as well or as skillfully as you. And I’m sick of you tearing yourself down like that!”
Elly stared at him. She wanted so badly to say No! I’m within a group of people who are all skilled as I! But he would ignore that. Instead she sat back down in front of her breakfast, stabbing her fork into a piece of sausage a bit more forcefully.
Thancred sat down across from her, his expression serious. “You know, you said you and I were going on different paths, but you never allowed me to speak. I, for one, have always loved the light and life you are. Your energy, your determination. And for the longest time, I tried not to get too attached because yes, as it turns out, I too, have a bad habit of pushing away those who care for me. Focusing on the next duty and what I needed to do, pushing feelings aside. Well, now let me say this. I will respect your feelings if they are different than mine but I for one, love you.”
“Now you say that?! Now after I gave up? Cut my losses?!” She said, slamming her hands on the table. Which hurt more than she was going to let on.
“You have every right to be mad at me for that. And trust me, it took me a long while to realize what exactly I felt towards you. And if your passions have cooled and you now can’t stand me, that’s fair.”
She sat back down in her chair. “Again...I ask, aren’t you now a father?”
“I-”
“No,” she said, raising her hand. “Listen to me. You trying to do right by Ryne. That, is the big difference between us. You are ready to take care of someone and guide her. And if there is anything I have thought of, it’s that I’m not ready for anything like that. Not yet. Maybe not ever. My answer is the same as it was on the sands. I care for you. Would like to spend nights with you. But...you will always have another obligation. Another duty. I think we both will.”
Thancred inhaled a deep breath. “I can accept that. I won’t press further.”
Elly nodded. “Thank you.” And quickly ate up the rest of her food and waved down Cyella to pay the bill.
“I’ll handle that. I asked for you anyway.”
She would have fought but any anger she had was long dissipated.
Slightly outside the Wandering Stairs, on the steps around it, was Ryne and Mariko. Ryne looked disappointed and sad after hearing Elly and Thancred’s agruement. “Sometimes things don’t work out like you hope they would,” Mariko said. “She was evidently angrier at Thancred than I thought.”
“I might have figured...but I kinda held onto that foolish hope I guess, that everything could work out,” Ryne said glumly.
“Love’s kinda hard to control and fickle like that. Trust me on that regard. Take absolute care of yourself and your heart.” Mariko said, grabbing her shoulder and squeezing it. She at least nodded at that. But there a familiar look in her eyes, one of stubbornness. This wasn’t over yet, but he sure hoped that Ryne would not hurt herself too much in the process. He’d seen enough of that.
Not Ul’dan, not a street rat, not Ala Mhigan, not much of anything. Not a Warrior of Light, not really. She might have that crystal, she might be gifted, but what did that meant when she always ran?
Was she still running? Sure she was stepping into more of the duties within Wanderer’s League now, but the pain still lingered. The need to always do, to never stay still, else the grief catch up with her. And now here she was, in sands she did not know. Or did she? Everything was hauntingly familiar here, in strange ways. Many seemed like specters in these sands, the work with little purpose. Couldn’t mine like they used to. And too many losses.
It was familiar, hauntingly so.
To see those who had not lost hope, to see the Talos run again by hers and their efforts, to see a girl who felt as lost as she was find purchase and hope and strength in others…
...her heart was so broken but maybe, maybe, she could finally see what it was all along that made home.
The people who loved her, with whom she would give anything for. Who truly would always help guide her through the sands.
Elly was pacing back and forth in front of the door. God, the clerics said he was clear to have visitors, what was the hold up now? And Minfilia got to talk to him! Frustrated, she put her ear up against the door, hoping to hear anything from Thancred. There was hardly and noise. Maybe the ruffle of sheets or some such. Alright! That’s it!
“Thancred!” she said, knocking on the door. “Thancred, I’m coming in!”
“Wait just a momen-” He said, a bit too late as she was already opening the door.
...he was naked. Did he just sleep naked? Elly immediately looked up to the ceiling as she slammed the door shut behind her.
“Really now? Can’t a man get a little privacy for just a few moments to make himself decent?” Thancred said a bit jokingly.
“Didn’t the nurses say something like ‘oh this annoying girl is asking after you. A lot. Dress your best!’” Elly retorted.
“They might have mentioned that a Warrior of Light was asking after me, though I don’t know about this annoying girl business,”
“Oh gods. Please tell me they aren’t still going to call me that.”
“‘fraid so. You saved Eorzea from the XIV Legion and for that, you are now a hero! You can turn around now,” he said. Elly sighed. Now he was wearing as simple white tunic and pants. Gods, she wanted to just hug him and cry and she was just so glad he was back but-
She coughed. “How are you holding up? After you know...” After being possessed by an Ascian to reveal all of the Scion’s secrets and betray your friends against your will and nearly destroy the world. Yes that.
His face grew dark at that. “Well, as well as I can be, all things considered.” He then flexed his fingers of his right hand towards this palm. “Must say that it’s nice having control of your body again.”
“I-” Ugh. Elly didn’t know what she was supposed to say and do to that. But she know what she wanted to do. She sat right next to him on his bed, placing her hand in his open palm. “I’m glad you’re okay. I’m just really so glad about that.”
He didn’t know if he felt the same way she did when holding her hand. That warmth from his touch that stirred something wild within her. Gods, it was getting hard not to throw herself upon him. She had to focus on willing her legs to keep still, as to not give away her desire. It wasn’t the damn time!
But just as soon as she thought that, Thancred suddenly reached across for her right shoulder with his other arm and pulled her towards him, letting her head rest on his shoulder, while he brought her back against his chest. “What? What are you-?” Elly said.
“You’re so warm. And it was so cold before.” He said simply. I wasn’t able to feel anything. Only watch. For now, I just want to feel. This warmth. This light.”
“Thancred...” Elly closed her eyes and simply rested her head against his shoulder. The fabric was scratchy and coarse. Again, she needed to not think about the skin underneath and how it would feel against hers. Her left hand was still in his right so she wanted to savor that contact. That warmth.
She felt some tears fall against her cheek and shoulder, where he was. Wait, he was crying? Elly suddenly pulled back and quickly cupped her hands along his face before he could move away. Oh, there were some dried tear stains on his face. Was that what he was doing before she barged in? Elly ran her thumbs alongside the edge between his nose and his cheeks, trying her best to wordlessly reassure him. It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay. It isn’t your fault.
I still love you. I was more scared of losing you rather than anything else.
She wanted to kiss him. To show him. But she didn’t want to scare him. He had spent so much of his time without the choice to do anything. Please. Please look at me and see how I feel.
His eyes were still that lovely golden color. She saw so much sorrow and pain there. She wanted so desperately to help, somehow. She wasn’t a stranger to making mistakes. She knew. Please…
He closed his eyes and brought his forehead down to hers, his arms now both wrapped around her back. She let one hand trail back down to his shoulder. His forehead was a bit cold to the touch but to her, she could still feel that warmth bubbling. A slower one. And yet, her heart still ached. Oh gods now she was going to cry. A pathetic laugh that was sorta mixed with a sob escaped from her lips as she began sniffling a bit.
Thancred pulled her back a bit, looking a bit saddened and worried. “Elly...”
She sniffled and sobbed. “What...are we going to do? We’re both sort of massive screw ups now, aren’t we?” she said, pathetically laughing.
“You are not!” he said, clasping her shoulders. “You saved me. If anything, I’m the one who caused all of this to happen. That is on-”
“It isn’t!”
“It is and you know it!”
“Agh! How do I get it into your thick skull that we all, that I still care for you?! We don’t hate you, even if you hate yourself!”
Thancred looked at her in shock at that. He then looked away and muttered, “I don’t deserve that.”
Elly sighed. “I know you think you don’t. Do you not think that out of everyone, I would be able to understand the feeling of wondering why the hell you are still alive when more deserving people aren’t? Do you not think that your pain can’t be understood? You idiot.”
Thancred chuckled. “Well I did forget about you and what you did. I deeply apologize for that.”
Elly shrugged at that one. “Not mad at that. Not mad at you. Can’t be,” she smiled and said and reached out to stroke his cheek. “You are too handsome for me to hate.”
He actually gave a small laugh at that, and reached up for her hand. There. He was smiling. And a good genuine smile. She could feel her heart melt at the sight of it.
She sighed though. “I think I have probably taken enough of your time,” she sighed and stood up from the bed, though leaving her hand in his. “Though, when you are well enough...you are welcome enjoy in my ‘warmth’ some more.” Ew, that sounded bad after she said it.
He did chuckle and shake his head a little bit at her horrible pick-up line. “I think I’ll look forward to that,” he said, giving her hand a quick kiss. “Until then, my dearest Elly.”
She gave him a grin as she headed out the door. Well, that was a gamut of emotions that she was...well partially expecting? She smiled and rubbed her kissed hand as she strode away.
Aubinaux opened his eyes. This was not his first time under the Minstral’s magic words. However, he couldn’t help but give just a slight smile. This felt like the first time he properly seemed to use it outside of a passing diversion for himself, his friends, and whatever adventurer felt strong enough to test their mettle.
This time, he, Syngigeim, and Elly were helping someone else as well.
“Where has he sent us!?” Clive asked in confusion.
“You stand in the Bowl of Embers,” The Wandering Minstrel’s voice rang out over the imagined arena, though not appearing himself. “The site where the Amalj’aa summoned their patron deity...and the stage upon which the Warriors of Light became a slayer of gods.”
That held true for all of them. Even if Aubinaux was not there to take down Ifrit this time around, he did way back 5 years ago.
“’Tis but a convincing illusion – the body ofa recounted tale given breath by fanciful verse,” The Minstral continued. “Come forth, Lord of the Inferno!”
Within an eclipsed sun, a ball of fire formed, and within, a devil made flesh. Lord of the Inferno, Ifrit. He spun up into the sky, exploded, and leapt back down, a sight familiar to the Warriors called to prevent his summoning again and again.
“An accurate facimile, yet not quite the Ifrit you know,” The Minstrel said to Clive.
“No...not quite the same,” he agreed. It was then that flames overtook Ifrit and suddenly, what emerged was a much larger, bulkier monster. One who stood on his hindlegs rather than crawl like a lizard. And was gigantic. Ifrit roared and stepped forward.
“Seven hells!” Elly shouted, using her arms to block the heat. Syngigeim took a step forward, defiantly staring at him. Aubinaux just folded his arms, and stared at the monster...who was staring right at Clive.
Clive screamed in pain, holding his head as if he’s suffering a headache. An echo vision? Or...something else. “It’s time to uncover the truth!” Syngigeim said. Aubinaux both nodded in agreement.
“We’re with you!” Elly chimed in.
Aubinaux smirked. “Whenever you want to take this bastard down, I’ll be right there.”
Clive shook his head. “Alright. Time to find out who I am.” He stared at the monster. “Ifrit…” And then took out his sword pointing it at the monster. “That’s the thing which killed Joshua! Yes...I’ve been on its trail, seeking vengeance for my brother!” He swung his sword down at his side, readying for battle. “That thing muast pay. Fight with me, everyone!”
No other words were needed. Aubinaux readied his axe, Elly her fists, and Syngigeim, her...tome, at least summoning that creature that always followed her. Ifrit roared out. And Aubinaux rushed forward, yelling in pure defiance. “Come at me you fiend!” He said, tearing into the beast as he could.
“With me, Elly, Syngigeim!” Clive shouted towards the other two. Elly two also rushed forward, fists flying in fury. Syngigeim however, did not need to, and hanged back, slinging spells, while her carbuncle joined them, ready to heal to soothe Aubinaux’s aches.
This Ifrit wasted no time. He gathered the fury of an explosion beneath their feet...enough so much that there would be nowhere safe around them! But then, the Minstrel said Clive was sharing some of his power. He already saw Elly move up her arm, like it was a cloak, and instead feathers, as if come from the Phoenix. There was a...sense. A countdown in his head. 3...2...1...go! Aubinaux dashed forward, and so did Syngigeim, and somehow, the flames that erupted beneath them felt like a waft of hot air. Elly, however, swore as she was blasted with flames in her face.
“Almost, almost! Keep going!” Clive encouraged.
With this dodge, Aubinaux felt something. An aetherial sword formed in his head and he striked! Syngigeim too, but in her case, it zipped her forward towards Ifrit as well, rushing up and towards Ifirt’s side the strike! She tumbled and took a few steps back, startled but calucating. And there were other things she had to worry about, Aubinaux knew. She immediately turned her attention to Elly, as Aubinaux focused his on Ifrit.
The deepest betrayal within their soul. Both mentor and dear friends, doing the unthinkable. Azem stood alone, watching the world end around them.
They heard someone call for them...they turned to look…
Their few scant allies who remained, those they had met in their travels were rushing towards him, their faces stricken with worry and fear.
It was the last sight he saw. Just as they felt fingertips brush up against his cloak -
Something broke and all was drowned in light.
And thus, a soul fractured, broken across reflections fourteen. Eight times rejoined, with souls crying out each time.
One died in a fierce some storm. One fell from a great height.
One died when trying to stop a primal summoning, was struck down, killing former friends. One died desperately trying to build something to protect others.
One died in desperate thirst, having given the last of their water to a child. One died scorched to cinders by magic in a blazing inferno.
One died blood-soaked, betrayed by someone who used them for their own ends. Four friends died as a tower collapsed into the ground, failing to stop Xande.
Their deeds were not forgotten, as a royal aide who had the last of the blood of royalty within them, escaped and remembered.
One died to ice magic, failing just at the cusp of the end of their journey. One -
Escaped. Brought their people to another home.
One fell to the depths of the ocean deep, losing themselves to a watery grave. One stood with Twelve, and smiled one final smile at them as they parted ways, each to enact their plans to help the realm.
One faced nightmares upon nightmares alone for their sake. One-
-
“‘Lakata! ‘Lakata please! No!” Elly cried out. She couldn’t see. Couldn’t open her eyes any more. She just gave a smile, trying to hold onto her friend’s warmth as her mind-
Warmth...warmth...warmth…
-
One resolute soul gave her soul up to help defend the realm, dooming it in the process.
One failed his friends, his world, and unravelled not knowing why. One fought and fought and fought until they could fight no more, the air taken from their lungs.
In those desperate moments, they became one. In sorrow and loss, not knowing of the compounding tragedies. Echoing the loneliness that came before. Echoing the failures of heroes.
“If history must be unwritten, let it be unwritten” A declaration. A statement. In chasing for one, he brought hope to them all. That their suffering was not in vain. They were not alone.
Others will always stand with them. Give them the strength they need when they can. Love, and cherish them.
Elly only gave a nod to the spectre of Ivon Coeurlfist, as the two came to blows once more. The first time she came to face him, it was with a band of her companions. Now she came in regularly. When she felt like she needed the training. When she yearned for a challenge.
But...even now, she could feel his strikes becoming more and more predictable. He was but a mere spectre, clinging to his last lingering will, ever training, never ceasing or stopping and-
Elly was broken out of her reverie by a sudden strike. She felt all of the wind go out of her and felt weak. Ah, she thought. It would be that technique. The Touch of Slaughter, the one that could drop any warrior to near-death. She took a breath and muttered, “Rhalgr, guide my hand. Rhalgr, guide my hand. Rhalgr, guide my hand.” She took a second breath and welled up aether around her, restoring a slight bit of vitality, enough to stand. She pondered the ground, so fragile, and yet from it, the source of all foundations of life. Enough to harden her heart, if just for a moment.
And then, she glanced at Ivon, with a certain glint in her eye, a smirk crawling across her face. It was time for him to pay in blood.
----
She sighed in relief as she stepped back out of the Temple. She was sore, she was tired, but it was a good tired. And her worries did feel at least a little lighter as she stepped out into the afternoon sun.
It was then that her linkpearl rang out. She answered. “Hey Elly!” It was Q’hara, “Aubinaux’s asking after you!”
“Aubinaux?” Well he was striving to check in more on the members of Wanderer’s League since that business in Limsa Lominsa but she was still surprised to see him actually do it. And also, he was asking about her. “What for?”
“You know the Rising is happening right?”
She took in a sharp intake of breath. The Rising! She near forgot. That explained the jubilant mood around her. Shite. “Completely slipped my mind. I need to take a trip somewhere.”
“Oh, okay but, Aubinaux hopes you and Mariko and him can hang out. Give him a call!”
“Across the ocean? ‘Hara, he’s going to have to call me at some point.”
“I mean, yeah, he should but he thought it’d be weird and- you know what I’m just going to tell him to call ya. And- I hope you’re doing well over there in Ala Mhigo.”
“I’m doing fine.” She’d been doing some odd jobs here and there, and helping the Resistance with whatever they needed help with and training! She was fine! Totally fine!
A silence stretched out over the line. She didn’t like that silence, but- “Okay. Talk to you another time, yeah?”
“Of course ‘Hara. Bye!” She ended the line. Right, time to do her Rising tradition. Take a trip down to the U’ tribe. And that crystal formation in Western Thanalan. She needed to pay her respects to someone dear. She touched her fang necklace, and tears welled up. Miss you, ‘Laka.
