"Rosary- a string of beads for keeping count in a rosary or in the devotions of some other religions."
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Personal headcanon time, but as we know in Ishgard, people are known to exchange Halonic rosaries as a promise to return to someone they love. In my little headcanon, if a Heavensward gives their rosary to someone, they become their "favored." It's basically their way of saying,"I pledge my entire being to you." It's so serious that even the Ishgardian Orthodox Church recognizes these bonds.
Unfortunately for Luces, he's a bit confused and thought that Janlenoux gave him a friendship bracelet...
funfact; shes based off an old ass mlp oc i made when i was like, 7 i think? her name used to be leafy green but thats a dumb ass name so her new name is lotus dancer
Bard is now maxed out at 90. And to celebrate/give a little more lore about Luces: his Bard & Paladin stones were gifted to him by Janlenoux. However, Luces didn't know this until a little bit after Endwalker. Noor, his Living Shadow & Janlenoux's former "favored," noticed that the halonic rosaries that Luces wears as chaplets(as seen in the gposes here and in other ones), contained both his and Janlenoux's jobstones. More about this under the read more⬇️⬇️⬇️
Upon further investigation, Luces and Noor find that the box that the pair was gifted in contained an unsent letter from the man. Stating the following:
"Luces & Noor,
(Yes I know you're reading this too)
If you are reading this, I've more than likely met my untimely demise. As I write this, I can't help but feel like I should confess this: the chaplets I gave you contain my soul stone as well as one of Noor's. It is a bit silly, but I can't shake the feeling that you are going to need it more than me and him. I wish I had the courage to tell you this before my end. But, I never knew how...
Silly to think about it in retrospect, as I am writing this. However, I never regretted meeting you or Noor. Even if our time together was brief, I will forever cherish it. I love you both, and yes, Noor, I knew you were there the entire time. Though you two act similarly, it's not hard to tell.
I only ask that you two dry your tears and keep moving forward. Even when the world becomes a scary place, you two are proof that there are people who truly care. Who loves and protects, even if the world turns their backs. You both keep fighting to save it, and that is what I love about you.
I love you, my precious pearl, my brilliant little moon. One day, we'll walk a path of petals together. Until then, I leave these gifts to you.
--Janlenoux
p.s. Noor, watch over him. He may not be vocal about his needs, but his heart is as delicate as the flowers you grew."
Luces keeps the rosary-chaplets on his person at all times. As his way of honoring both Janlenoux's & Noor's memories. Both he and Noor find it sweet that Janlenoux thought ahead but also find it incredibly upsetting. Eventually, Luces trains as a Paladin to honor Janlenoux's memory. And under Noor's guidance, picks up Bard fully to ensure that their stories are told for generations of Lotus Dancers to come.
Recently, I got the new tomestone weapons for dancer and my gods they're gorgeous. Also going with a whole ballroom dancer vibe here until I find something I like.
Part 1 | Part 2 (You are here) | Part 3 | Bonus
A Little Sugar Part 2
Ever wonder what happens when the Heavensward gets scolded? Well you get this, Luther is very protective of his charges and sees Luces as his own kid. He fully supports the two, but has to remind Janlenoux that the young Lotus Dancer is truly unfamiliar with Ishgardian courting customs.
The Overall Structure & Reputation of the Lotus Dancers
Overall Structure:
The Lotus Dancers are a large scattered tribe of skilled artisans, performers, and warriors. Made up of three main branches: Liánhuā (Azim Steppe), Kamal (Thavnair), and Nelumbo (Ala Mhigo). Luces' family is of the Liánhuā branch, originating from the Steppe but having spread out to Yanxia. This branch is considered the main branch and holds the most influence. The tribe as a whole is matriarchal, and female elders often make the decisions. Typically, grandmothers are heads of households followed by mothers, eldest granddaughters, and so on. Men are typically last in line. However, due to Luces being the only son in his family, he is basically like a prince.
It also is not uncommon for people in the tribe to have more than one partner, typically partners give each other courting jewelry. The tribe itself is made up of refugees, adopted into the tribe as they fled from Othard to Eorzea. Leading to a very diverse population and a mix of cultures within the tribe itself. Most of the tribe is from the Steppe and Yanxia, then followed by a good amount from Bozja, and the rest from other stops along their journey.
In order of most to least populous the tribe is mainly: Keeper of the Moon Miqo, Duskwight Elezen, Rava Viera, The Lost (Hrothgar), Hellion (Hrothgar), Xaela Au’ra, Dunesfolk (Lalafell), Hellsguard (Roe), and Highlander Hyur.
Reputation:
Highly skilled in arcane and martial arts, the Lotus Dancers have a bit of a reputation:
The Garleans fear them due to the high number of high-ranking officials being taken out by Lotus Dancers trying to protect those they’ve sworn to protect.
Eorzea sees them as a myth, like whispers in the wind. They haven't heard or seen them in years, they're like phantoms. There's always rumblings and rumors that they still exist with reports of sightings deep in the shroud. (Think the Assassin Order from Assassin's Creed)
Ishgard has a branch that merged with the remainder of the Corvorsi branch. They are known, but they're constantly butting heads with the clergy and nobles of Ishgard. However, they do have people on the inside, helping them take out certain targets.
Thavnair openly acknowledges them, Ala Mhigo is highly aware of them, and the Steppe is more or less in shock that they didn’t die out.
Granny Yue's Reputation:
Long story short, Granny Yue is INFAMOUS. Her feats on the battlefield as well as striking fear into her enemies (especially a certain ascian who she called bad in bed), have ended up with the following responses when people learn she's still alive and kicking:
