The Roads We Take, The People We Meet
Early morning runs were always so nice, they were one of Ren’s favorite things that didn’t involve his lovely mate. It was just him and the world around him waking up from its nightly slumber. He got to watch the sun rise and light the world up in color. Back in the Shroud, he’d always stop at this one spot in the forest that had a break in the trees where at a certain time of year, the rays of light would shine through, breaking through the morning haze and light the forest up in beautiful reds and oranges and warm his face. It was peaceful and calming and he loved it so much.
But he was no longer in the Shroud and only when he and Rose were at rest could he take these moments to exercise and clear his head from the lingering thoughts that had started to creep into his mind that took a great deal of effort to shove aside and hide so that Rose wouldn’t catch them across the bond they shared which was only growing stronger. If they did, he didn’t know how’d they react and if they’d prove those intrusive thoughts true.
Were they tired of him? Did they wish he’d give them more space? Was he doing enough for them? Was he good enough?
..Would they run from him again..?
He hated these thoughts so much, but they seemed to light up like a spark anytime he said something wrong and upset Rose or felt like he failed at a task. He was still struggling a bit to adjust to being away from the only place he’d known his whole life, but he was determined to adapt even if he felt like a naive child sometimes in the process. Rose had matured well past him a long time ago, and now he felt like he was running through mud trying to catch up.
Closing his eyes, Ren let out a puff and shook his head before running faster as if it might help him escape that line of thoughts. He was on the last part of his exercises and then he’d rest before heading back to their little home that they had built together, shower and snuggle up with his mate to remind himself that they loved each other and that was what mattered most.
Only this morning would end up a little different than he planned. Climbing the rockface easily, Ren pulled himself up only to stop and blink in surprise, finding himself face to face with an Au Ra who looked just as startled as he did, both eyes wide even as his head rested on the palm of a hand which was propped up on his leg.
The two men stared in silence for a moment before the Elezen cleared his throat and flashed a grin as he finished climbing up and then quickly moved to the side. “Sorry about that! I’ve never seen anyone up here this early, which is a surprise, it’s quite a view up here in the morning.”
Tail lashing, the man stared at the Elezen as he pulled himself up and then shifted to the side. Light blue eyes that seemed to shimmer glanced at the man as he plopped himself down and dangled his legs over the edge. Now, Tatsuo hadn’t traveled the world too much yet, but he knew well enough that Elezen most assuredly did not have scales or horns, yet this man had both and he couldn’t help but look him over a little, even as teal eyes that looked draconic to him turned and he grinned even wider. Blinking, he pulled his gaze away and looked back out over the waters of Thavnair. “It.. is a nice view.”
Ren smiled as the man seemed to look at him curiously for a moment, it wasn’t anything new at this point, he knew he was a bit of an oddity, but there was no malice in the other man's gaze, just curiosity. “You’re a.. Xaela, right?” Was he though? Or Ren’s eyes were playing tricks on him, he felt something was wrong with the way the man looked, there was almost a haze around him that he guessed most couldn’t see, but it was like it was shrouding his appearance.
Looking back at the scaled Elezen, he nodded and then looked away once more, finding it a little uncomfortable that this stranger had shown up out of nowhere and seemed content to just sit nearby and talk with him. He was likely just being friendly and it appeared this was somewhere he came often, so it was him that was intruding on the others' spot. Even if he didn’t seem to mind that he was here. What a weirdo.. “Would you like me to leave?”
“Oh no! You’re fine! I just haven’t met many Xaela’s in my life, so I’m always a little intrigued, is all.” Ren laughed as looked out over the ocean as well, smiling happily at the sight of the sun reflecting off the waters.
Tatsuo hesitated, glancing over once more, giving the scales on the man's arms and hands another glance. They weren’t Au Ra scales.. They looked different, but maybe it was just because he wasn’t a full one? But those horns.. Those were definitely not Au Ra horns, they belong to a dragon, not an Elezen.. That was something he was well aware of. Was he a heretic? Not that it bothered him at all even if he was, he seemed nice enough. “And you? Are you an Elezen?”
Blinking, Ren looked at the man and stared and then suddenly realized he was not only shirtless, but had no gloves or hat on and he laughed. “Me? Of course! Also have some Au Ra in me though I’ve been told, hence the scales and horns. Guess you could say I’m a bit complicated in my lineage.”
Humming softly, Tatsuo gave him another look and Ren smiled cheerfully. “If you say so, I won’t push the matter, though Au Ra horns are their ears so they’re down lower on our heads.. And our scales are different from the ones you have. You may wish to come up with a different story for the future and be cautious in places like Ishgard.” Tatsuo looked away from the man, but he felt those eyes turn sharply on him and he cracked a little smile.
Staring wide eyed at the man, Ren looked shocked and baffled and then just full on amused as he cracked up and tipped his head to the side, running a hand through his hair and ruffling it a bit. “Yeah? Well, I’ll keep that in mind. No one’s ever really questioned it before you, you must have a good eye.” Pausing, he smiled and looked back at ‘Xaela’ and held his hand out towards him. “My name’s Renard, but you can just call me Ren.”
Feeling the movement, he tipped his head and looked at the hand being held out to him and then cautiously held out his own to shake hands with the very much not just an Elezen. “I’m.. Davaa.. My name’s Davaa.”
“Nice to meet you Davaa!” Shaking his hand enthusiastically, Ren looked thrilled as the not quite a Xaela seemed to relax from their introductions. “So what brings you all the way out here? I haven’t seen many Xaela’s here, lots of uh.. Raen though.” Raen, that was right, right? They were the lighter scaled ones.
Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement at receiving the welcome, Tatsuo watched Ren for a bit, trying to think of what he reminded him of. “Oh, I just arrived yesterday, I was.. Working as a mercenary for a merchant, protecting him, his goods and all that while he delivered them. That job is over now, so I was just trying to figure out what to do next. I thought it might be nice to sit up here so I could think of something, but ended up getting a bit lost in thought and didn’t realize how much time had passed.” An entire night of getting lost in thoughts actually.
Ren nodded in understanding, knowing that feeling all too well, especially when he was up here and looking down over the beautiful land he’d fallen in love with. “Yeah, this spot has a tendency to do that. I like to come up here in the mornings that we’re here after my exercises and just watch the waves as the sun comes up over the horizon as the world wakes up. It’s relaxing and a great place to either forget your worries or figure out your next stop. Did you at least figure out your next step? You could always go home and just relax a bit?”
Tatsuo listened to Ren, this tail twitching before slowly coiling around him at that last part as he looked away and stared out over the horizon. “It is a very nice spot to sit and just take in the land and its sights, but no.. I haven’t figured out my next step yet and.. Home isn’t an option.”
“Well, I understand that last part too. Though my concept of home has shifted a great deal, now it’s just wherever my partner is, that’s home to me.” Smiling fondly, Ren kept his eyes out on the water, a pleased little rumble slipping out as he sent a little thrum of love to Rose to let them know how much he adored them. “Sooo.. maybe there’s someone you could consider to be home too?”
Tatsuo said nothing, feeling a tightness in his chest as he slowly shook his head. “No.. there’s no one like that. Not anymore.” Shifting, Tatsuo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs as he avoided looking at the Elezen who was now peeking at him curiously.
Well that was something and now Ren felt bad. Rubbing the back of his neck, he looked away as well. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude about that. Well, you could always pick up some work around here if you plan to stick around for a while, lots of fishermen who could always use extra hands and lots of other little tasks to be done. The people are really kind, even to outsiders, so there’s plenty of work. I’d maybe avoid the Great Works though, the people are nice, but well.. A little crazy.” How many times had he been accosted by the alchemists trying to get just a sample of his blood! Scary!
Appreciating the apology and the change of subject, Tatsuo relaxed as he let out a little sigh. “It’s fine, you didn’t know. And I’ll look into that if I decide to stay, thank you for the suggestion.” He wouldn’t mind sticking around the area, it wasn’t like anyone knew him here and it might be a nice break to clear his head while he decided on where to go.
Perking up in realization that he hadn’t offended Davaa, Ren looked visibly relieved and Tatsuo watched him, realizing now what the man reminded him of. A puppy. Which was honestly amusing considering how big and intimidating he looked by appearance alone, but he seemed to be the farthest from intimidating as one could get. “Great! Make sure you try all the food, but be wary of the really spicy curry, it has a bite to it, trust me.”
Letting out a small laugh, Tatsuo nodded, his tail thumping against the ground. “So I was warned when I got here. Thank you though, Ren.” It felt strangely nice to have such a relaxing conversation and not feel on edge that he was going to be judged or have his skills tested because other mercenaries are intimidated by other mercenaries and had to have pissing contests to see who was the strongest.
“Quite welcome! I learned the hard way, my hubris was my downfall that night.” Laughing himself, Ren leaned back, propping himself up with his arms as he sighed contently and bathed in the slowly warming morning light. “It really is a nice place here, if you stick around, we’ll probably see each other again, I’ll introduce you to my mate and maybe we can buy you a meal?”
Blinking, Tatsuo looked at Ren once more as the man lounged back comfortably. “Oh uh..” Shit, he hadn’t expected that, most people weren’t so openly kind like this, what was he playing at? Or was he truly being sincere? Opening his mouth, he slowly closed it and frowned as he looked away. “Y-yeah, maybe.”
Tipping his head curiously at that response, Ren looked at him and then sat up before leaning forward to peek at Davaa. “Unless you’d rather not? It’s okay if you don’t want to either. I understand some people prefer their privacy.. And from the fact that you hide who you are, it seems that’s especially the case for you.”
Head snapping to Ren, a little snarl sounded as his tail swung up and rested at the Elezen’s neck, the sharper spines quivering. “What the hells did you just say?!”
Oops! Ren froze when he could have easily moved, but he hadn’t expected that reaction at all and he held his hands up, smiling sheepishly. “Ah! Easy now! It’s okay! I truly don’t know who you are and it’s not like I’m after you or anything, I swear, but I can.. see there’s something around you that almost seems to be disguising your looks, the uh.. Shit what were they called, glamour crystals, I think? It’s like that. It’s okay though, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
He could see through glamour crystals?! Yeah, this Elezen was definitely not just an Elezen and yet he believed him when he said he wasn’t after him. He definitely didn’t give off any Garlean vibes and no one knew he was here. Pursing his lips together, he slowly pulled his tail away and Ren sighed, offering a smile. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone.”
“What would I tell them? Don’t worry, not going to say anything to anyone, but.. If I might ask. Are you in trouble and that’s why you have to hide yourself?” Ren tilted his head, relaxing once more even as he got a questioning feeling across the bond with Rose, the man smiling to himself and letting them know he was okay.
Ugh, this was exactly what he wanted to avoid. “Yes, but also no.. it’s complicated.” Complicated was an understatement, the Garleans hunting them were one thing, but he also had to hide from those he cared about and he hated it and knew they were probably all pissed at him for disappearing the way he had. Now he wasn’t even sure he could ever be himself again or go back. Maybe he should just stay here and build a house off in the jungle area he could see.
It seemed complicated and Ren instantly wanted to help the poor guy, wondering if maybe him and Rose could hunt down whoever was after him and take care of them? Though that would require the new ‘friend’ to open up about what he was running from to him and that didn’t seem likely, at least not right now. “Well I understand that too. Don’t worry, won’t say anything to anyone other than my mate, but they’re trustworthy too and it’s not good to hide things from the one you love, right? But…” Reaching into the pocket of his shorts, Ren fished out a linkpearl that he kept on him to give out just in case, holding it out to Davaa on the palm of his hand with a smile. “If you ever need help, feel free to call me. Always happy to help out others.”
Was he being serious..? Who just.. But they barely knew each other! Tatsuo stared at the linkpearl dumbfounded before hesitating to reach out and slowly pick it up and stare at it before looking to Ren who once again looked like a puppy who had just been praised. “You’re an odd one, you know that, right?”
“All too well! But that’s part of my charm!” Laughing, Ren gave him a soft nudge as Tatsuo tucked the linkpearl away, unsure if he’d keep it or not, but the gesture was strangely kind and needed. “Okay, I’ll get out of your hair now, but I’m serious about if you need help, to just give me a ring. Or if you just want to go get a meal, that’s fine too!” Hopping to his feet, Tatsuo tipped his head back to watch him as he stretched and then turned back back to him and held his hand out. “It was nice to meet you, Davaa!”
Remaining where he was, he extended his hand and shook Ren’s once more before rubbing the back of his neck and sighing. “Tatsuo. My name is Tatsuo..”
Pausing, Ren grinned wide and plopped his hand on Tatsuo’s head in a manner that only those older than him had ever done, making Tatsuo sit there in shock. “Nice to meet you Tatsuo. Take care of yourself and enjoy Thavnair while you’re here, it really is a nice place.” Raising his hand, Ren hopped off the edge of the cliffside and Tatsuo blinked as he looked down to make sure he was okay, which he clearly was as he waved back at him before jogging off down the beach.
Slowly waving back, he stared dumbfounded at the Elezen before reaching up to ruffle his hair where the hand had landed on his head, the feeling a weirdly warm one before he huffed and shook his head. “What a weird guy..” And yet he smiled to himself as he folded his legs and stared back out over the horizon, the sun getting higher in the sky. Maybe.. He would stay here a bit longer.
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Rose belongs to @talesfromthegameff14