Y'zel Tia's Happiest Starlight Day 10
Title: Sleigh Ride by The Ronnets
Characters: U'rahn Nuhn, @driftward's Nyx Blackmoon
Rating: T for Tia True Nuhn
Notes: Thanks to Driftward for helping me with dialogue and my frequent mechanical issues!
"I have arrived, Rahn."
The Nuhn's ears perked as he heard the monotone of his friend. Cheeks pink, he turned, mouth full of mint leaves, chomping on them to help ease his aether sickness from the port. Swallowing, he shuddered then blinked at his friend, Nyx seeming to be unphased as the cold winds of Dragonhead bustled around them.
"You came!"
"You requested to meet you at Camp Dragonhead at this hour."
U'rahn nodded then tilted his head before pulling off his backpack to root around inside, letting vials of potions and materia spill over until pulling out his favorite red varsity jacket. "Here, you can wear this to keep warm," he offered.
Nyx stared back blankly, "I can regulate my temperature."
The Nuhn's eyes widened a bit. "Really? That's so cool! I'm from the desert and radiate heat cause of all the aether spilling out of me or something...but the snow still gets to me...You could wear this though to keep the snow off you though."
Nyx stared some more, and then took the garment from the eager Miqo'te, adorning it swiftly as he started to cram the spilled items back into his bag. Once repacked, he waved Nyx forward and headed north of the camp, climbing up a steep hill where Carrots waited in Starlight barding.
"Alright, where did I put it...," the Nuhn sighed, crossing his arms before wandering around until he found a rather large shield with a scraped-up drake painted on it, handles unbolted on the inside, "Here we go! I'd wax this up and use this in the Sagoli to go sand sledding. Shouldn't be too much different doing it in the snow right?"
"The wax used to reduce friction on sand is unnecessary for snow."
U'rahn blinked, then nodded, pretending to understand as he sat the shield down atop the hill. "Sure, sure. Climb in front of me and we can go!"
"I will monitor our speed so that you may have an accurate measurement to compare your sand sledding to, Rahn."
U'rhan wiggled his ears as she sat stiffly in front of him. "Well, I'm not sure if I know my speed on the sand...aside from really fast."
With a nod, he looked back to Carrots. The bird trotted forward then pushed the two with its beak, and down they went in a flash. U'rahn's eyes watered as he howled with excitement, holding Nyx tight as they zoomed at breakneck speeds. Approaching the Witchdrop, his tail perked high, "No no no no no no."
Nyx shifted their weight, "Do not be alarmed. Our current velocity will not result in plummeting to your death. Please remain still; though, should you be injured I am proficient in the medical skills required to treat your injuries."
"BUT BUT BUT," he screamed before finding themselves flying over the crevasse.
Landing on the other side, he exhaled then let out a "YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Maintaining speed, they found themselves sliding through Camp Dragonhead's northern gate, whipping by soldiers who cocked their heads at the stoic woman and excited Miqo'te. Soon they whipped through the south entrance and flew down the part towards Dragonhead proper. Unable to slow, U'rahn began to panic, zooming through the gate before hitting a rock and being flung from the sleigh with Nyx. The latter landed on her feet with grace while the Nuhn found himself flying head-first into a mound of snow. Once the initial shock wore off, she shook out his head then looked back to his companion, giving her a thumbs up. "I think I'm okay, how about you?"
"I am operating within nominal parameters. Given your speed at 30 malms per hour, trajectory at 49°, and the softness of your destination, I do not believe it likely for you to have incurred any damage. I could examine you if you feel that that is not a sufficient diagnosis."
"I trust you," U'rahn answered, swallowing a little as he felt his cheeks warm up.
Slapping at his face with both palms, he let out a bit of a raspberry and shook his head rapidly, blissfully unaware his expressions were being carefully watched. Carrots catching up with them let out a little kweh and rubbed its beak on Nyx's cheek.
"I think that means Carrots thinks it's time to move on from sledding. There's actually a decorated trail from here to Griffin Crossing. Let's take a ride," the Nuhn suggested, approaching the bird only to get a few pecks on the head, "Ow, ow. Cut it out!"
Carrots defensively wandered around then lowered a wing for Nyx as U'rahn slicked back his hair, putting it in place once more. Approaching his friend, he held out his hand. "Can I help you up?"
"Only with my consent."
U'rahn blinked then tilted his head as she stared back at him. After a moment passed it dawned on him, "Oh, may I do that then?"
"Yes, you may, Rahn."
Nodding, U'rahn lifted Nyx up high and then sat her on Carrots. Once certain she was balanced, he hopped up behind her and took the reigns. "Right! Onward St. Helper Carrots!"
"...kweh," the bird responded, sounding almost bitter about the name as it left the east gate and headed onto the trail.
As promised, decorations lined the sign of the path, clumsily painted wooden signs made by the Fortemps and their soldiers that patrolled the land. Scenes telling the story of Starlight, then depictions of the Saint and their helpers, distributing packages. At the end of the trail, a large Yeti sat amid a small clearing.
"Wow...look at that," U'rahn pointed out, eyes all aglow.
"That is a Yeti, Rahn."
Carrots stopped shirt and let out a Kweh.
"A really cool-looking one! They went all out to close out the trail. Do you want to get a picture with it?"
"I do not think that would be appropriate given the circumstances."
U'rahn's ears drooped a bit. "Oh. Okay...well, would you take a picture of me with it?"
"If you feel that is the best course of action."
U'rahn nodded then handed over his tomestone before hurrying over the decoration. Propping up his leg on a rock, he posted, flexing his arms under his coat while beaming at Nyx who held up the device and clicked away. Carrots soon covered his eyes with his feathers as the creature stirred then raised its fist high.
"You are in danger of injury, Rahn."
"Haha? Yeah? Should I try a funny pose," he asked before pretending to shield himself from the creature. "Ah...was it posed like that before..."
His eyes widened as his tail and ears perked, the fist coming down upon him, quickly pounding him into the snow in several swift beats. Collapsed spread eagle, he let out a groan then watched as fire bolts flew overhead, warding off the creature. Soon the earth shook as the beast fled, allowing U'rahn to pop up and brush off the snow, mostly unharmed. Head spinning, he stood up then found Carrots and Nyx staring at him.
"That was a Yeti."
"Yes, Rahn. I gave you that information."
U'rahn blinked then beamed at Nyx, ears fluttering as he laughed at himself.
"Well, lessons learned, yeah? I guess I should listen better, my pops always says that. Anyroad, let's get back on our way," he suggested.
"May I help you on Carrots?"
U'rahn blinked then nodded, "You can try."
The Nuhn grinned then let his ears and tail fall limp as he was suddenly lifted with ease up and onto Carrots as the bird lowered to accommodate them. "Burning Warden! You're strong!"
"I was designed to be."
With that, Nyx hopped up, facing U'rhan.
"Ah, wrong way?"
"I was unable to face you during our initial ride. I wish to do so on our return back. Your attention span is short enough that the Hawthorne Effect will not significantly affect my observations."
"Alright then. I suppose that would be okay," he answered, tilting his head, unsure how to take the comment.
U'rahn scooted back a bit, then squeezed his thighs to send Carrots into a trot, Nyx keeping perfect balance as they were sent forward. At first, the Miqo'te made small nervous expressions, aware of the eyes that were upon him, but that soon passed, eyes alight as he noticed that the opposite sides of the strung-up decorations had different depictions of Starlight around Eorzea, among them a Saint Helper pouring warm tea out to little Miqo'te, the Drake painted on them. U'rahn was especially in awe over it, Nyx flitted her eyes over for a moment to capture his line of sight before returning to watch him.
Noting the sun's early fall, U'rahn looked down to his friend as they trotted back into Dragonhead, "Ah. I had more planned, but there's something I want to do at a certain time. We should return to Gage Acquisitions."
"Understood."
With that Nyx flitted out into the aether, sending U'rahn over the back of Carrots. The bird looked back then clicked in amusement.
"Quiet you," he huffed before pulling mint out of his pocket and stuffing it into his mouth. Chomping away, he closed his eyes then concentrated as hard as he could on his destination. Pulled through, he arrived beside Nyx, face green. He gnashed away quickly, still hurrying to the edge of the overlook, prepared for the worst. As he braced himself, he felt a couple of very deliberate rubs at his back.
Turning, he found Nyx mechanically rotating her arm. "I am told this is soothing."
U'rahn swallowed, stomach settling, now occupied with the sting of the intense leaves. "Ah. It did the trick. Thanks."
"Are we to resume your Starlight activities meant for Vauban?"
The Nuhn stared a moment then shuffled his feet while rubbing the back of his head, "Ah. I kinda forgot that's what this was all for already. I'm having such an exciting time with you," he mumbled, pushing the thought back and away from his mind again.
"I'm having a good time with you Nyx," he reiterated, "And I could be wrong, but I think this wouldn't have been as fun with anyone else."
Giving her an ear wiggle, he chuckled then hurried to the yard and over to the stove. Fumbling around the supplies, he pulled out some milk and began to boil it over the fire while dropping scoops of sweet chocolate powder into two cups. As she watched, he smiled then handed her two rolls of cinnamon bark. "Could you, er, would you grind this into powder for me?"
"Yes," she answered, putting the spice into a mortar then rapidly spun the pestle in her hand.
"Woah. I should bring U'khuba over so you could show him how to do that!"
"U-Khuba, a Miqo'te, does not have that biological capability."
U’rahn grinned wide, chuckling to himself, “Yeah? I think I might want him around to hear that anyway.”
“Why?”
“Hmm?”
“Why would you want for U-Khuba to hear that he lacks the biological capability to ground bark into seasoning?”
“It’s…It’s a Seeker thing.”
“That is insufficient information to explain your meaning.”
U’rahn rubbed the back of his head, “I just want to tease him that he can’t do something. The way you phrase it is sort of funny to a Tia and Nuhn.”
Nyx stared at U’rahn quietly while he fumbled around with the boiling pot of milk.
“Ah, maybe it’s not as funny as I thought. The milk is ready though,” he pointed out before pouring it into the prepared cups of cocoa.
As it diffused, he dropped some marshmallows on top of the browning liquid before taking the mortar and shaking it gently over the top. Finishing, he handed over both saucer and cup to Nyx before taking his own over to sit, the latter joining him.
“My mom and dad would make this for me every Starlight. It was special ‘cause it was made with the Limsan Cocoa beans from where my dad lived at the time…and cinnamon from Thavnair where my mom is from. A little bit of both of them…just like me. They’d call it Hero Chocolate, cause I was really into adventure stories and stuff…but it’s really just normal hot chocolate with some spice in it…”
U’rahn lowered his ears a bit as he watched the marshmallows melt away. Catching Nyx lift the cup out of the corner of his eye, he jumped, “Hey! That’s going to be really hot,” he warned, watching her take it down with ease.
“It has distinct flavors.”
Smiling softly at Nyx, watching her closely before he closed his eyes and went to take his own sip, sputtering as his tongue was scalded. Whining, he stuck out the muscle before scooping up some snow to rest on it, remembering what was said about regulating temperature. Dropping a glob of snow in the drink, he huffed and then blew into it before taking a sip. Finding it much more temperate, he happily drank it down, ears perking as he caught Nyx mimicking out of the corner of her eye.
“There is little change in flavour.”
“No, not really. The snow just cooled it down for me,” he explained, catching on to her meaning surprisingly quickly.
“Stirring will assist in releasing heat and is the truest and most efficient method of cooling a beverage. I observe that most blow air over the surface, which is inefficient. Your method seems the most direct and overrides previous data; however, it is dependent on the proximity to snow.”
U’rahn tilted his head again, ear flicking curiously.
“Hero Chocolate is palatable hot or cooled.”
The Nuhn swallowed, suddenly finding himself out of breath. Touching his chest, he stared at the ground for a moment, trying to get his heart to calm down. His face burned, ears starting to tingle as he was overcome by the unfamiliar sensation. Nyx looked upon him quietly.
Standing, he checked his tombstone then quickly reached out for her hand, letting the cup and saucer fall into the snow. “Ah! We’re almost late. Come with me,” he panicked, feeling her remain still until he let out the request.
Hurrying inside, he paused at the entrance to the estate hall, mind flipping through the bowls in the corner of his room, smalls spread out on his floor, and the messy bottom bunk filled with laundry. He hesitated, hand rubbing the wood of the door, suddenly embarrassed by the state he’d left it in even though she’d probably seen it like that a million times. “Ah, actually…let’s go downstairs.”
“Yes, Rahn.”
U’rahn swallowed again, letting go of Nyx’s hand. He’d asked her to call him as such, hadn’t he. He let out a nervous breath, staring at her as she looked back blankly. Shaking it off, he led them downstairs then around the corner to the orchestration player.
“W-Wait here,” he asked, leaving her in the little hall for a moment.
Heading over to the small lounge, he gathered all the blankets and pillows he could fit into his arms then returned and dumped them out onto the floor before Nyx and then got down to spread a blanket out before setting up pillows against the wall for them to lean on.
“Go ahead and sit down,” he offered, letting her take a seat while he adjusted the large radio, letting it play static before it started to play.
“Live from Ul’Dah, The Sultana presents “The Night Before Starlight,” read by Redolent Rose of the Weaver’s Guild,” Momodi’s voice sounded out before a small orchestra began to play an intro.
Smiling, he sat down next to Nyx, pulling a blanket up over himself, and offering it to Nyx to share. “Another family thing…even in Forgotten Springs, dad gathers us up in his hut and he turns this on for us. Even the sandworms calm down just for the night…some even are seen resting near the gate while it plays. It’s the magic of Starlight.”
“The lack of adversaries allows them to seasonally take respite near your dwellings as you are not providing a threat.”
“Mmm…I think it’s the magic of Starlight.”
“There is no school of magic for Starlight.”
U’rahn let out a little, feeling that strange tingle come back across his cheeks and ears. “I…I uh…,” he started, pulling at his coat a bit before turning his head as the story began.
“Twas’ the night before Starlight, and all the Brume, orphans shivered in the snow and the gloom. Huddled and gathered they cried, unaware that by the Saint they’d been spied.”
~~The story continued, but U’rahn did not hear, falling asleep before the story could be filled with Starlight cheer. Slumped over from the exciting day he shared, blissfully ignorant of how much for the Garlean experiment he cared. And so there he lay and snored, the Nuhn’s cheek up against the head of the one he didn’t know he adored.~~
Bonus unused shot: