Writing Prompt: Horizon Word Count: 1061 ---> masterlist
Following the aftermath of Garlemald’s fall and their castrum’s surrender, it was up to each residing nation to clean up the pieces that were left behind in their conquering. Ul’dah the worst afflicted of Eorzea with multiple former holdings all across the land, with one of the castrum’s having been built on their very doorstep next to Vesper Bay. But a stone’s throw away from encroaching!
As the war drew to a close proper and the military returned home to face this aftermath, it was high time for the Immortal Flames and Brass Blades to coordinate in this juncture by the will of the Syndicate. With many a task on his shoulders since returning to Ul’dah, this missive became yet another burden on Pipin Tarupin’s shoulders to ensure all was coordinated with proper care.
As much as it pained him to make nice with Lord Lolorito of all persons and the other monetarists still residing in the Sultanate, it was of import that he was a part of the plan in all governmental measures that were being put in place. Regardless of what little fondness he had for them behind closed doors, it bade him well to work together and keep things in line.
Whether that be with managing the Immortal Flames, securing their borders, negotiating with the Amal’jaa, weeding out remnants of corruption, attending many a meeting pointless or no, not to mention the piles and piles of reports—
Anyroad.
Today’s particular dealings brought the Flame General over to Horizon to speak with the captain of the Brass Blades of the Rose… Fufulupa. He who is acting captain and in charge of the western parts of Thanalan.
“I presume you have looked over the missive plans and already have your men in place?”
“Well in order, Flame General Tarupin sir!” Fufulupa answered in an earnest, almost exaggerated salute. “All men are in position and ready at a moment’s call!”
Pipin quite liked Fufulupa. One of few men he could call honorable amongst those of the Brass Blades whom actually kept their word and acted their part dutifully. He may be one of Lord Lolorito’s men… but he’d heard well the tale that Fufulupa had acted against his own captain back in the day on account of corruption and working with local bandits. Anyone willing to stand up to that kind of authority and improve the state of their impoverished area was well worth their salt in Pipin’s books.
“Then we can proceed apace and demolish that hunk of scrap for all its worth!” Pipin smashed his fist into the palm of his other hand. “We shall reclaim the land rightfully ours and be rid of our scars once and for all.”
Fufulupa absolutely brimmed with pride and excitement, echoing Pipin’s sentiments and mimicking his exact motion. The shine in his eyes showing true—this man was an open book and wore his emotions true. Much like himself. It took all of his will for Pipin not to chuckle at his earnesty… were he not a Brass Blade, equally important in their role of protecting Ul’dah, he would have offered for Fufulupa to consider changing occupations.
All the better to have good people in more than one place. Ones he could count on in times of need.
While orders were given to the Blades already positioned at the castrum via linkpearl, the pair would still make their way over to survey the operations. In that time of silence as they rolled out from Horizon, Pipin couldn’t help but break the silence at some point during their venture.
“You seem tense. Yet I’ve heard great word of your deeds. Is aught amiss?”
Fufulupa nearly about recoiled in fear! Shoulders tense and face sweating bullets in mere seconds! Nervous was an understatement.
“W-W-What makes you think that, sir? Heavens, no! Naught amiss at all! Splendid even!” The man fumbled with his chainmail and acted as though he were looking over his armors for any specks of dust or denting.
…Pipin had a clue as to what the captain was thinking. As did most think in his presence. Likely intimidated and worried of the slightest misstep. One may even wager…
“Don’t count yourself unworthy yet, Captain Fufulupa.” Pipin offered a genuine smile in response. “I’m not here to inspect your character. You needn’t worry.”
Tale of Fufulupa’s past also told that he’d passed up the opportunity of promotion consistently until there were no better options than he himself. And at the behest of another region’s captain vouching for him no less! In that, he and Fufulupa were cut of the same cloth. Ever worrying if they were worthy of the shoes they filled. Though Pipin had well ceased those doubts of himself over time, he could see such similar doubts in the man before him.
Still. Fufulupa shook his head and waved his arms as they strode on, as if he couldn’t quite believe the words he was hearing from whom he considered superior.
“I dare not fall short of your expectations still—I’m only acting captain of the Roses—”
“And yet they’ve yet to replace you.” Pipin nudged his elbow into Fufulupa’s arm. “Which means your Lord has seen it fit to keep you permanently on board. Replacement of positions of import as yours is difficult—you are no less than mine own Captains in trust.”
Fufulupa looked about right ready to die on the spot. Praise? From the Flame General himself? If this were any other person of varying position, he would have shot down such platitudes as unbefitting of himself. As mere nonsense that, somehow, he’d truly earned this position that had been thrust upon him! But if Pipin Tarupin of all people, who’d been entrusted with so similar a situation said as much, then…
The Brass Blade clapped his hands over his cheeks as though ensuring he were awake and not dreaming of this interaction. When faced with the truth of the matter, he simply saluted once more in that excited but nervous, “Sir, yes, sir! Tis gladdening to know you find me qualified! A-And… And I’ll make sure not to let you down, sir!”
A simper of a smile formed on Pipin’s lips. Mayhaps when all was over with this missive, he’d invite the Brass Blade out for a few drinks. And over time, loosen Fufulupa’s uptightness while he was at it.
