Perhaps Rosenheim had been reading A Brief and Uncensored History of Ala Mhigo for too long. But no - the longer he stood in the Sandsea’s kitchen, flipping the pages of a cookbook he had found in one of the cupboards, the more he realized he could not possibly be mistaken.
It was all written in his best friend’s hand.
“Do you know whose this is?” he asked the bar’s nearest occupant, a Sea Wolf helping herself to her fourth glass of cider on tap.
“Hm.” She peered over his shoulder with ease to examine the book and frowned a little at its contents. “I think that one came from Izzi Drake. Dumped it here after spring cleaning, probably.”
But the handwriting was almost certainly Bernard’s - and there, in the subheading of instructions for a Gridanian almond pound cake, was a slight space in the kerning that indicated the start of a message in code.
He flipped back to the title page - Cakes for Every Occasion: A Hands-On Resource for Bakers of All Skill Levels by B.U. - and his mouth fell open. “Cakes,” he marveled.
“Right?” said the Sea Wolf. “It’s kind of a shame; I think most of the Riskbreakers are kind of sick of cake.”
Bernard Undertaker…
“Whenever there’s a big event - Starlight or the company’s anniversary or something - the Sandsea’ll just… get a whole bunch of cakes. And no one actually knows where they come from!”
…keeper of the Undercity…
“Usually there’s so much left over that Ashe gets pissed and ends up yelling at everyone to eat the godsdamned cake before it goes bad.”
…one of the most feared men below the Ala Mhigan capital…
“Part of me still suspects it’s Malev Tolous playing innocent, but he’s been out sailing for the past however long, so. I have no idea.”
Excerpts from coded messages left for Ashley Rosenheim within A Complete And Uncensored History of Ala Mhigo by Bernard Undertaker, given to Ashelia Riot for safekeeping.
Every day since Ala Mhigo had fallen, Bernard Undertaker had clung to a single, all-consuming hope. Through Garlean interrogation, through every apparent betrayal he committed, through every lie he told, every step he took, through his false marriage and all the degradation and humiliation and pacification the Garlean Empire heaped upon him, he remained in control. He remained, he knew, his own man. He remained loyal to his city above all else, because he knew what it would take to bring Ala Mhigo back: Ashley Riot.
It was an absurd thought, any observer might have noted – one man wasn't going to spring a revolution. One man wasn't going to turn the tides. And even if one man could, Bernard had sold hundreds to the Garleans – betrayed the people he claimed to act in service of time and time again to save his own skin. He would be considered, if his acts were reported, one of Ala Mhigo's greatest traitors. History would write him as compliant in the Garlean occupation, as a supporter of the mad king Theodoric, as an unquestioned and irredeemable villain. If given the opportunity, Ala Mhigo would see him executed for his crimes. He would be tossed in a mass grave with other Garlean sympathizers, and that would be his story closed.
He had accepted that when the first Garlean boots had crossed the city gates and he had recognized what had to be done. He had accepted that no matter what, his own survival would be necessary. He had accepted that he would need to do things that no one else could ever understand in order to maintain his position, because standing obstinate against an overwhelming force was suicide, and no matter how “noble” historians claimed a last stand to be, it would accomplish nothing.
Selling out individuals who played at being a resistance? Selling out teenagers with stolen grenades who would blow up a single magitek reaper and think they'd won the war? Selling out old men who'd rather die a hero than live on their knees? Wasn't he just giving them what they wanted? A good many of them had never wanted a free city, Bernard knew. They wanted everyone else to see them. They wanted the others to see that they were true Ala Mhigans. It was the false, overemotional, idiotic pride that Bernard had always seen in those around him and had exploited his entire life. All he did, then, when he sold out the locations of weapon caches, when he informed on people whose idea of a revolution consisted of half-baked assassination plans without the smallest chance of success, was give the fools what they really wanted. If they were remembered at all, they'd be remembered as heroes, and he a villain.
That was what made Ashley Riot so important.
The people couldn't unite behind a villain. When the revolution came, when the armies marched on the city and he saw their flag fly again, when the altars to Rhalgr were restored, when the Garlean army was crushed beneath a proud city's populace, they would never follow a villain.
Bernard couldn't be a hero and survive, but Ashley could. Former Kingsguard or no, Ashley Riot was a man whose tale could be spun into a legend that could save Ala Mhigo in its own right.
It had been crucial to internalize that truth for the past twenty years, rather than simply admit that Ashley was one of only two friends he had ever had. To sacrifice others for the sake of a hero was tragic justice; to sacrifice others for the sake of a friend was the act of a selfish man and a coward.
Ashelia had gone to see her father, and Bernard knew Ashley was under some kind of Garlean control. He suspected Ashley Riot would've chosen to die fighting rather than make the choice Bernard so readily had, and that meant the Garlean bastards had some sort of leverage on him. Perhaps Ashley thought his family were their hostages. Perhaps he thought they were dead, that he had nothing else to live for. Whatever it was, Bernard knew which path Ashley would take. He knew Ashley too well, and some things never changed. There was only one path to Ala Mhigo beyond Baelsar's Wall that was fast enough, secluded enough, and lightly-traveled enough for Ashley Riot. So Bernard stood and waited.
Eventually, he knew, Ashley would come.
It wasn't two bells before he was proven right – a man nowhere near as touched by age as Bernard was came through the woods at a full sprint. A vision from the past. He looked half dead from exhaustion. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. That may very well have been the case.
And Ashley saw him, too, and showed nothing. This wasn't Ashley the friend, this was Ashley the Riskbreaker. Ashley was working, just as when Marco had died, and Bernard recognized immediately this was going to be difficult. The spear, drawn and leveled at Bernard so quickly it looked almost as if Ashley had been carrying it the entire time, confirmed Bernard's suspicion.
Be that as it was, for the first time since Marco's death Bernard found himself unable to suppress an emotion: he actually, genuinely grinned at his friend.
“Hello, Ashley Riot.”
But Ashley didn't move, didn't blink, didn't twitch. Bernard considered his tone, and his words, carefully. Ashley must have recognized him, he realized – had he not, Bernard would have a spear through his chest. Somewhere, then, was the Ashley he knew.
Maintain courtesy. Don't give him a reason to attack. Keep him talking. He's not like to interrupt you. If you're an enemy, he'll want answers. He'll want something.
“Please,” Bernard continued. “I know I haven't aged as gracefully as you have, but surely you recognize me? Or is my assumption the Garleans did something to your head correct?” Friendly condescension. Connect emotionally. Present as a friend, present the idea he's being manipulated. Lay the groundwork. Don't frame as an accusation, frame as an option, as a possibility – you're not ordering him, you're offering an explanation to him.
“Don't.” Ashley said. His voice was raspy. Bernard suspected he hadn't used it much recently. Had Ashelia not found him after all? Ashley took a deep breath. Bernard recognized he was preparing to attack. Defuse this. He's not himself. You have to break him free.
“Are you going to put the spear away or not?” Get the weapon down. You can't beat him in a clean fight. It's been too long. You don't have surprise. You don't even have your weapons ready. He's got reach, drive, conditioning. Probably hasn't stopped fighting for twenty years. “I've looked too hard for you to fight you. I'm old. All my fighting is with words and information now. I certainly doubt I could fight you to a draw, let alone beat you.” Be ready to draw. Ashley will aim for the heart. Get the spear away, get inside his range, and I'll have a chance.
Best not to think of that.
Bernard's familiar, the ahriman his son had dubbed “Ahri”, manifested behind him, sensing the stress his master was under. Ashley didn't lower the spear, but his posture, the movements of his eyes shifted almost imperceptibly. Good. He's thinking. If he keeps thinking, he won't attack, and I won't have to take this further.
“What did you do to her. To both of them. To-” Ashley cut himself off. He was struggling. Fighting. Good.
“I tried and failed to save Alma. Tia I had no contact with until quite recently. To be honest, I wasn't even aware they'd made it out alive. The Garleans made sure of that.” Grab a fact, something easily proven, something he could find out from a commoner. “But when Gaius van Baelsar is killed by a Riot, the word spreads.” To Bernard's surprise, Ashley gritted his teeth.
He hasn't heard? They'd have locked him up until it was old news, then. Ah, but if he runs and asks someone, he'll get the answer and know I'm right, and I still win.
“That's what I'm to think, then? When you never cared one whit for them to begin with?”
And for the second time, Bernard's self-control slipped. Somewhere inside himself, he knew Ashley didn't know. Couldn't know. But the fact he had given so much and the man he gave it for dared to accuse him of this was too much. His temper flared and his voice grew much harsher, as an angry parent's. “You have no idea what I sacrificed so this day could come, Ashley. You have no idea how many are dead, died on your behalf. Died so I could find you. Died so I could make certain your daughter was safe, once I knew she'd survived at all. It doesn't matter if I liked Tia,” Which is good, because she's nothing close to what you deserve and frankly you should never have stuck with her to begin with, oh Rhalgr do I want to show you how right I was but now is not the time- “what matters is that you cared about them. That was enough to give all I could for them.”
And Ashley looked so angry at Tia's name, looked more poised to strike than Bernard could ever remember seeing him. Finally, his friend spoke, in a quiet tone that told Bernard just how dangerous Ashley was in this moment: “You murdered them.”
And there it was. That was the lie that turned Ashley Riot into a Garlean agent. That was what it took to make him betray his city, betray his people. It all made sense, now. But it was no less disappointing. Did he actually care that much about his damned wife? About a daughter he hadn't known but for a few years?
Either way, now Bernard had to talk. He knew Ashley wouldn't interrupt him, and that meant he had to say all he could before Ashley could stop him. Give him a reason to think. Give him information to digest. More, and more, and more. Drown him in it. Overwhelm the lies. “So that's what they've got you believing! There it is. That's what it would take, then. It does make sense. The only thing that would keep Ashley Riot from his family is the lie that they lie dead. No, Tia and Ashelia are both alive. Ashelia has her own free company. Has dreams about her father all the time. My best guess is there's some sort of connection, there. It seemed to run both ways.” Take advantage of that. It's something he can't deny. Hit him in the face with it, break the wall down. “Did you see me in a dream, recently? In a red room?”
And Ashley's eyes widened. Surprise. Disbelief. Perfect. Keep going.
“I told you to go to Camp Dragonhead,” Bernard continued, taking advantage of the hesitation. “I was so certain you'd be there. But of course you weren't. You were on a mission, weren't you? Nothing ever has deterred you when you're like that.”
Ashley didn't move. Didn't speak. Didn't react. But Bernard knew he was fighting with himself. Excellent. That meant Bernard was winning. Keep at it. Make yourself too valuable to kill.
“I'll take you to meet your daughter, if you like.” Whatever you do, don't mention Tia. Don't say what happened to her. Don't mention what she's become. How can you spin it, without lying? If he senses a single lie, he'll think it's all a lie. But mentioning her as a godsdamned addict and mistake of a mother could push him to violence. “I don't think it a good idea for me to go to Little Ala Mhigo. Where Tia is. I'm not a popular face there.” Excellent. Does Ashley know anything at all about Little Ala Mhigo? Elaborate. “I would have expected Gundobald, of all men, would understand my position. But here we are.” As if I'd be stupid enough to actually approach the man. Please. With his connections, he already knows what I've become in the eyes of the Resistance. But Ashley doesn't.
And Ashley still did not lower his lance, but he seemed to calm the barest bit. And yet the threat was still there. Ashley said nothing, and Bernard said nothing, and the sounds of the forest filled the air for several minutes. He had said his piece, and would wait for Ashley's response. He had grown used to waiting.
“They told me you were dead,” Ashley finally said.
“They told me you were dead. And I knew from the start it was a lie.”
“You – you had your agents come for them. There, while we were on- on the hill. Tia's throat was slit, Ashelia was-” Was Ashley going to cry? Seriously? “...Like-”
Like Marco, eh? Let's hit him with the best response. The most logical response. If he thinks me a liar, he won't believe a denial. So let's attack from the side.
“Why would I?”
“He would never have died, if not for me. He was in that bar that night on a favor for me. And then I sacked the temple of his faith. Named my daughter after him. Took in his... his stupid dog.”
That?! You think THAT is enough to kill you over?! As if I'd have let you live that long if I blamed you! As if I would've waited. Is that REALLY the best those three-eyed bastards could do? And you FELL for that? Gods, Ashley, this is ridiculous. They must've torn you apart to break you enough to believe this sort of nonsense. His control was slipping again. Ashley must have recognized how annoyed he was getting, how irritating this whole scenario was. How frustrating to have his friend back, only to have him so far away. Let's come from another tact. Let's point out why this whole event is ridiculous. He responded too quickly to question my motives, but he certainly knows my methods. They didn't erase who I am, just added a lie about what I did.
“Do you remember Gustav?” Bernard asked. Ashley took a moment to nod. Good. This'll be easy.
“Gustav is the only man I ever recruited who was able to shadow you, and you put the fear of Rhalgr in that boy. He wouldn't have agreed to so much as follow you if I had a knife to his mother's throat. Who am I supposed to have sent to kill you and your family?”
“I turned my back only for a moment. I got soft.”
“What sort of idiot do you take me for that I would try to kill you in an open expanse where you could easily see assassins coming? If I were going to kill you it would've been just outside your door.”
That much was certainly true. It wasn't an exaggeration to say Bernard always kept a plan on hand for killing anyone he'd ever talked to, should he have to, and not even Ashley was excluded from that. “It would've been quick, because I know you, and I know it would have to be an instant death or you would kill absolutely everyone around you on the way down. And further, if I was going to kill you, I'd have done it myself. What sort of idiot sends men to kill your family first?” In all honesty, he was offended at how stupid Ashley clearly had to think he was. Garlean torture is thorough. It doesn't have to make sense to him with enough force. But this makes it all the easier to break it down.
“The sort who's more intent on teaching a lesson.”
Well, he had done that before. Can't say he wouldn't ever. How could he approach this? Wait, I've got it. “To whom? If I killed you, everyone in my organization would worry for their own lives. That sort of fear breeds revolt. There would be absolutely no gain.” He hesitated, considering if he should go this far, but it was time to. “Besides, I've already accepted whose fault Marco's death was. It wasn't yours.” It was mine. “Frankly I can't comprehend what sort of lapses in judgment it takes to look at what happened and blame you.” It was all mine, and it's your fault I have to think on it again. You'd better appreciate that.
Ashley took a single step forward, but didn't seem like he was going to strike. Indeed, it seemed almost as if he was going to run past. To run away. Easier than accepting the truth. You're not getting away. “Don't go back to Ala Mhigo,” Bernard said. “Not until the revolution comes. They'll find you, refit your mind with the lies they've clearly already implanted. I won't allow that to happen, Ashley.” Even if I have to kill you and die trying. You're better a corpse than a slave. Grey will be taken care of whether I'm here or not. “Everyone else has left or died. My organization is filled with Garlean footpads and cockroaches.” He won't care about them. Ah, but I've an ace. “Your family isn't there.” The thing you'd betray your city over should be enough to betray the Garleans. “Go and be with them. You can meet my son, too. It'd do him good to meet a proper man.”
Did I mean that as an insult to myself, or the Marbrand boy? Or both? Regardless, something changed in Ashley. He did not soften, but some part of him behind the eyes at last grew calm. Ah, of course. He just needed orders.
“That's what you've been doing these twenty years, then? They've kept you well-hidden.”
You have no idea. “I have done precisely what I had to do to stay alive, because there's no one else in this world who was going to save you.” The only ones left who even knew you are your family. “And when the revolution comes, someone has to be there to throw open the gates.” And accept what comes next.
Ashley clearly thought it over, then nodded. “Ashelia, she's...”
“An extremely capable commander in her own right, though far too trusting for my standards and more attached to her personnel than she ought be. She's also married. To the Marbrand boy. He's an idiot, but a kindhearted one. Were he a problem he'd already be dead.” But still, it seems picking people beneath your level is a family trait. An irritating one. Do I tell him I attended the wedding and it was by their standards a good one? No, that throws us off track. Threatens his stability by reminding him how much he's missed of her life. “She's adopted my son. It's a strange state of affairs. But it's what the both of them want, so it doesn't exactly bother me.”
“Your son.” Ashley seemed to think this absurd. And it was, to be fair. “Your son.”
Bernard sighed. Of course. He would dwell on that. The only good thing about Marco not being here is that I don't have to put up with this from him, too. “Yes. Get it out of your system. The Garleans assigned an agent to play my wife and made it clear my life depended on her having a child. That's what this one is for.” He jerked his thumb at Ahri. “The boy named himself Grey. Much better than 'William Noctine.'”
Ashley seemed to be thinking for a moment, then blurted out another question. “What of Tia?”
Gods, do we really have to do this? Can't you just go back to Ul'dah and be with your daughter and forget about that waste of flesh and bone? No. No, of course you can't. You idiot. How am I going to explain this? “...Tia is currently residing in Little Ala Mhigo.”
“Little Ala Mhigo? With the Resistance?”
No, Ashley, in a pit in the dirt with smoke in her lungs. And missing, now. Stupid woman. I told her he was coming back, and she goes off and gets lost.
Ashley must've picked up on what was going on, because he pressed the issue. “What is it?”
“She was ill for some time,” that's a nice way to phrase it. Sure, her illness was her own fault and her own doing and ruined your daughter's childhood, but this makes it sound so much nicer, doesn't it? She can explain it herself. It's on her, not me. It wasn't my decision to ruin her life, so she can take the responsibility herself. “And then she got better. And then she walked out and hasn't been back. It's been difficult to get reliable agents in the camp,” if only you knew, Ashley, that I have to rely on a Silverbrand even more useless than the rest of their kind “and I've been unable to learn where she went or why.”
Ashley was quiet for a moment. Bernard had nothing more to add – anything else would raise questions he didn't want to ask. When lying, too much information could bury one deeper. “Thank you,” Ashley finally said, and Bernard was relieved he hadn't asked anything further.
“If I had known she had planned to leave, I would have tried to impress upon her how important it is she stay. I'm sorry.” I should've had her tossed in a cell, somehow, with a crime I could easily free her from. And I would have, if this was Ala Mhigo, but Ul'dah doesn't work the same way, now does it? Maybe I could've bribed a mercenary to lock her up, or done something else. But then you'd hate me for it, wouldn't you, Ashley? And that sack of bile isn't worth that.
Ashley shook his head. “I suppose there's only one place left for me to go now.”
Where's that? If the answer is 'looking for Tia', I'm going to wait 'til you turn your back and hog tie you, you son of a bitch. If anyone can keep you out of harm's way, it's that daughter of yours.
“...I did meet her, deep in Dravania.” Ashley said. So she did succeed. “She saved my life."
...What? I must've misheard him. Or he misspoke.
“She saved your life?” The nod Ashley gave him was completely serious. She saved his life? That girl? The one with her fancy armor playing at military command, not invested enough in finding her father to commit to it until she'd finished playing war with the Ishgardians? The one too busy building airships to reunite her family and too soft to punish anyone adequately? The one that lets in strays like she's running a charity? That one, that child, that's who saved Ashley Riot, the greatest fighter Ala Mhigo ever produced? How did that happen?
“She is a woman grown, one who has carried far too many burdens.” Ashley said. Bernard barely registered it, still trying to figure out how she could possibly have saved Ashley, but nodded anyway out of politeness. Never mind, there'll be time to figure that out later. There was something else I should warn him about. Something more important, right?
Right. “By the way, there's something you may want to be aware of. It worries me, at least. Gerrith Gaffgarion is still around, and with Garlemald losing one of their prized agents, it's possible a man like him may be hired to bring you back. Age has not weakened him. There are others out there, but he's the only mercenary I'm aware of that might actually pose a threat to you.” He was definitely a threat to me, back then, and if what I've heard is true he's only gotten to be more of a bastard with age. “I regret not killing him when I had the chance.”
Ashley sighed, and Bernard felt the weight of his friend's exhaustion in that sigh. “Of all the people to survive these twenty years...”
“I'm going to be frank with you, Ashley. You're the only good man left.” And I'm why.
But Ashley shook his head, clearly not believing Bernard. “I've lived half my life as a lie, Bernard. No matter what they did to me, that will not change."
No you don't. Don't pull your self-sacrificing nonsense on me. “There's no blame in being a victim.” The answer was immediate, forceful. He wasn't going to accept an interpretation of the situation other than his own.
But infuriatingly, Ashley shook his head again. “It's as you said. Only a fool would think to put the pieces together as I did. I never did remember burying either of them. And Alma, she was... there were never any memories of what became of her.”
“Gods damnit Ashley,” Bernard said, barely suppressing how furious he was getting. “There's no man in this world could endure twenty years of Rhalgr only knows what they did to you."
“Isn't there? I would imagine Ashelia endured it with me.”
Who cares about her? She didn't want you freed enough anyway. "I didn't sacrifice what I have so you can feel guilty for something you've no fault in.” Hundreds dead. Two decades I spent with a collar and a leash, bending over backwards for those smug sons of bitches. I may as well have killed every last man who didn't leave with my own hands. I sacrificed my freedom, my name, my plans, my position, my power - my legacy - and I certainly didn't give it all up so Ashley Riot could be little more than a shell of a man. A walking corpse.
But what if he is? Something deep within Bernard asked, something he'd been silencing for twenty years. What if you did waste it all? What if this was all the path of a fool? If you hadn't been so obsessed with keeping him safe, you could've left the city before they marched in. You could've run your own Resistance from outside, revered as a patriot instead of reviled as a traitor. You could've put your hooks into the other cities, forced their hands a decade ago. Freed your city by now. Saved them all. Kept your name.
And maybe, if you'd done that, Ashley would've been saved anyway.
Bernard's limbs tensed, his heart raced. He suppressed his rising panic, but he couldn't quell the anger in his voice. “You need to live, not be some echo of a man engrossed in imagined losses and blaming himself for crimes he's innocent of.”
“I saw the signs. The holes in their patterns.” And their blades, surely. I'd bet my life you've far more scars now than you had twenty years ago. “I thought the worst of you.” So did I. “And I played along even when I had my doubts.” So you could survive. “Even when I saw my countrymen broken and beaten in the streets.”
Focus. Break his will. Get this stupid idea out of his head. Think. How do we do this? “In all your life have you met a man harsher than I am?” This'll work. Appeal to his knowledge of me. “If I tell you it's not your fault, then it isn't. Would it help to hear your daughter say it, too?”
“You misunderstand me," he snapped. He turned from where he stood overlooking the Shroud, his gaze sharp but steady on Bernard. "I will keep moving forward.”
You'd better, you bastard. “Good.”
“But in my own way. I cannot simply take from what my daughter has built through her own deeds. If my dreams were any indication... she and hers truly have a chance.”
Maybe. Better than the Resistance, at least. “...Perhaps.”
“Where will you go from here?”
...Where WILL I go? I want to go with him. I don't want to go back to the Garleans, to the cat and mouse game. To playing at being their dog. “...I'm not sure. I hadn't planned past this point.”
Ashley chuckled at that. Briefly. He WOULD think that funny. I suppose this is only the second time I didn't have a plan, isn't it? “Would you go to the Sandsea?” he asked.
And live with that lot again? With Ashelia's feigned pleasantries? Watching men and women who should be fighting sit around and drink tea and talk nice to each other? Throw away the chance to help my city? Look my son in the eyes and know he'll always see me as a demon? Deal with being a burden on him? Absolutely not. But I can't word it that way, now can I? “If I abandon Ala Mhigo, I discard my chance to be useful in liberating my home.” How sickeningly patriotic of me.
Ashley nodded. “I'll look after Grey for you.”
Maybe you'll be the father figure he needs. “See to it he doesn't end up like us. He deserves to cling to his dreams. I worry your daughter may try to push him along our path.” She likely wouldn't on purpose, but oh is he the type to use her as an excuse to fight. Little would-be hero. Would've joined the Resistance, eventually.
“I will.” Another moment of silence, which Bernard soaked up. Twenty years of waiting, and he was still savoring the moment. He knew it would soon come to an end. “How are we to communicate?” Ashley asked.
“Anything you say to this one I'll hear. He'll hang around my son from here on. It started as a way to make certain he didn't die. I also kept record of everything that has happened since the Garlean attack in a book in your daughter's study. You certainly still remember how to read between the lines, I am sure.”
Ashley cast a little glare at the voidsent. He didn't seem to like it, and Bernard found this more amusing than he should have.
“Keep in touch, then. I'll do the same.”
“Of course. Good seeing you again, Ashley.” How ridiculous, to put it that way. As if it had only been a day.
“...And you. I'll send Ashelia your regards.”
“Thank you.” Bernard watched Ashley set off again, presumably towards Ul'dah, but walking this time. He stood there, watching his friend disappear, and dwelt on how easy it would be to follow him. To abandon his city. He'd weathered two decades, he'd weathered an entire generation. Did he really need to stick around, still? And what if the Garleans executed him upon his return, after having been gone for so long?
But with Ashley at rest, I can't betray Marco. I still have a handful of cards to play.
He turned, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and walked for a home that hadn't been home in a long, long time.
Send me a 🎁 + an object for my muse’s reaction to being gifted that object.
Blaetlona Isilmynawyn:
“Wine! Are…are you sure you want to give this to me? I think Ashe could use it more than I could. But if you insist! Thank you!”
Grey Riot:
“Uh, no. Ashe’d kill me. Sorry.”
Jaraku Drake:
“Why thank you, I’ll see to it this is imbibed responsibly.”
(By giving it to Issabel Drake.)
Resh Viqqoh:
“Oooh! I could invite Ashe to drink this with me on Starlight! That’s a great idea! Thanks so much!”
Zwynmaga Doesmagasyn:
“A thousan’ years? Really? Yer sure, now? ‘Ow in th’ ‘ells did it last this long? Well. I’ll measure out enough fer each o’ th’crew t’get an equal share an’ we’ll welcome in th’ new year right proper when Heavensturn comes. Thank ye kindly.”
Rydia Misuto:
“Wine? I don’t want wine. I don’t even get why people want to drink it. That’s stupid. I don’t need your dumb drink. I wanna know what I’m doing and not try to blame my actions on some dumb drink.”
Natalya Nibiru:
“A treasured gift. I’ll keep ahold of this, thank you, to share with my girlfriend.”
Gaelle Troyes:
“Why, what a coincidence! I’ve got a jar of honey dating back to the Fourth Umbral Era you can have. Just don’t open it - it’s veeery fragile.”
Hyltbryda Eyrieynwyn:
“Ha! Wait, yer SERIOUS? An’…an’ yer givin’ it t’/me/? Well. I’d share wiff th’capn’ but ‘e’d make us share wiff th’ ‘ole crew, so I’ll jes grab Swyg an’ we’ll have a /’istoric/ night, aye. Thank ye, friend!”
???:
“I don’t drink. Give it to a friend of yours. One who would appreciate it.”
??????h ?????????n:
“…You don’t expect me to take this as payment for a job, do you?”
Gui Charlemalde:
“A thousand years old? A thousand? As in one followed by three zeroes? As in dating back to the start of the Dragonsong war?
And you’re giving it to me?
I… I don’t know if I can accept so grand a gift! Are you absolutely certain?
Well. Thank you, friend!”
Eloise Boucher:
“Thank you. I’ll see to it this is used well.”
????? ???:
“Thanks. I’ll open this after the next business venture turns profit.”
Thanks so much for sending this in! So sorry it took so long to get to!
11. What is something that would make your character fly into a rage?
Blaetlona Isilmynawyn: Insulting her (dead) family, or aggressively treating her like an idiot.
Grey Riot: Threatening Enea. Oddly enough, threatening Ashe wouldn’t make him fly into a rage (he isn’t worried about her - she can more than take care of herself.)
Jaraku Drake: Speaking ill of Issabel, or especially of Geoff or Brodd. Bullying Nathaniel Rhys.
Resh Viqqoh: Threatening or disrespecting Ashelia Riot.
Zwynmaga Doesmagasyn: Unwarranted (in his opinion) hatred of Limsa Lominsa.
Rydia Misuto: Threatening anyone she cares about, speaking ill of the dead people she cared about, arguing in defense of Garleans, directly and overtly trying to stop her from getting vengeance, calling her a child, disrespecting her, belittling her or people she cares about, violence towards anyone she cares about, laughing at the weak/bragging about exploiting them.
Natalya Nibiru: Killing Gaelle Troyes. Anything less and she’d remain composed.
Gaelle Troyes: Killing Natalya Nibiru. Anything less and she’d remain composed.
Hyltbryda Eyrieynwyn: Drawing steel on the captain.
???: Nothing.
??????h ?????????n: Being a legitimate, actual, undeniable threat.
Gui Charlemalde: Harming the innocent without even a pretense of good intent.
????? ???: Disrespecting their sibling/favored deity.
16. Is your character the athletic type or more of a couch potato? What are some sports/games that they like?
(I don’t actually know of any in-setting sports or games so I’m gonna go light on answering the second one for most characters!)
Blaetlona Isilmynawyn: Blae works out out of habit more than anything, but much prefers reading and writing or goldsmithing.
Grey Riot: Grey likes to feel like a ninja and to him that means following a fairly rigorous exercise regimen mostly designed to increase his flexibility and endurance.
Jaraku Drake: Jaraku lives a very active life with Issabel. Prodigiously active, you might say. Outside of that, he likes to use archery as a method of exercising - he has killer back muscles for a reason.
He likes sparring matches, though he prefers making a spectacle to actually winning.
Resh Viqqoh: Resh works almost constantly, always seeking ways to improve the Riskbreakers’ airship fleet. She used to work out every single day, but after six months with no significant gain in muscle mass she gave up. (She’s actually cursed; her health is so awful as a result she’s incapable of building up any significant amount of strength.)
Resh isn’t very competitive.
Zwynmaga Doesmagasyn: Zwyn rarely stops moving. He works alongside his crew to maintain his ship, he helps out the people of Limsa Lominsa however possible, he hauls crates, he fistfights for money now and then.
He enjoys bareknuckle boxing and arm wrestling matches, both watching and participating in them.
Bernard Undertaker: Bernard Undertaker hasn’t truly taken any time off to himself since Marco died. He’s always working.
He has no time or care for sports.
Rydia Misuto: Rydia rarely ever stops moving if she’s awake. She fidgets when she’s sitting down. She trains hard every single day and powers through the accompanying aches and pains.
She loves, loves LOVES Triple Triad and has taken it upon herself to be the best Triple Triad player there ever was.
Natalya Nibiru: Natalya tries to be less active than she used to be, trying to mimic who she originally was. It’s extremely difficult for her.
She doesn’t see the appeal of competition, though she’s been known to decide upon helping others win if the person in question is someone she cares about and the competition matters to them.
Gaelle Troyes: Gaelle walks enough traveling around that she doesn’t feel the need to keep up the level of training she once engaged in, particularly as she has no interest in fighting.
She loves any sport or game she’s able to figure out a way to rig. Beware her shell games.
Hyltbryda Eyrieynwyn: Hyltbryda’s in fantastic shape, in part because she’s got a sharp competitive edge and never stops trying to win. She takes every strong person she meets as a challenge; they’re either someone to beat in a feat of strength or someone to train towards beating. Her favorite fields are those of swimming and arm wrestling, though she’s been known to tape her hands up and box.
???: Discipline is paramount. Exercise is to sharpen both body and mind. Sports are a needless distraction.
??????h ?????????n: He’s quite active. He used to lie to himself and say that it was to bank enough that he could retire someday, but he’s given up that lie - he loves his work too much to retire.
The only good sports are those with a betting pool.
Gui Charlemalde: Gui is EXTREMELY active, constantly going around and helping people, fighting beasts, ferrying groceries, doing anything necessary to help others.
He enjoys simulated dueling matches, they’re one of the few pleasures he allows himself. He carries a blunted sword and dagger with him for this very reason.
22. What kind of tattoos, piercings, birthmarks, freckles, and other such unique physical features do they have?
I am so sorry, but while I am going to do my best the sheer quantity of data involved in answering this is going to make missing something inevitable - I am terribly sorry about that. I will do my best!
(note: all my characters except Bernard Undertaker, ??????h ?????????n and the au ra have pierced ears.)
Blaetlona Isilmynawyn:
Blae has scars over her eyes from play-fighting with dull swords as a kid - her parents thought it was adorable right until their youngest daughter was bleeding from the face and yelling at her brother for “cheating”. She has markings on her face relating to her family.
Grey Riot:
Grey’s face has several scars, as does much of his body - he’s gotten in a lot of fights. He snuck out and got a tattoo as an act of “rebellion” and was disappointed Ashe never noticed.
Jaraku Drake:
Jaraku has several scars, with two particularly nasty ones on his face - he once spent outrageous sums to treat scars, but when he woke up a hyur all his scars were back. He doesn’t talk about it but the facial scars were earned the night of the Calamity while running through the Shroud trying to escape Garleans.
He was distraught that they were back until Brodd told him that some women like scars. Then Jaraku married one of them. Go figure.
Resh Viqqoh:
Resh took a serious shock to her system when she broke her connection to the Void, and the shock left her with one eye slightly darker than the other as well as a massive, horrible scar on her forearm that looks like it was shot with a huge gun (it stems from a dagger and a magical blast.)
Zwynmaga Doesmagasyn:
Zwyn’s got some scarring and facial marks, including a small tattoo he got when he first got his ship.
Rydia Misuto:
Rydia has extensive burn scarring across her entire body, most noticeably on her back and her upper arms. Her facial markings are warpaint she applies every day.
Natalya Nibiru:
Natalya’s body is pristine and unmarked.
Gaelle Troyes:
Gaelle has some scarring on her left hand from accidentally drawing a sword against it when she was young. She also has a small mole on her face. That aside she has some scarring here and there.
Hyltbryda Eyrieynwyn:
Hyltbryda’s scarred up from countless fistfights and scraps. She has multiple tattoos she’s proud of - she aims to have her entire body covered eventually.
???:
Significant scarring on one leg, through a hand and on their face. None of it is ever visible.
??????h ?????????n:
Every time an armor set gets pierced a scar’s left behind and he throws it out and gets a new one. He has three scars from this.
Gui Charlemalde:
Gui got a tattoo on his face of a dragon the day he left home to remind himself to be proud of his family and where he came from. Also because dragons are cool.
Eloise Boucher:
No significant visible markings that are actually permanent.
????? ???:
Small scar on the face, a result of extremely grueling training. Had they reacted slower they’d have lost most of their head.
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual(demi) || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
A - Izzi to Rydia (barring the innapropriate stuff), Grey, Jara, and Gui
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SENDING THIS IN!!
Send me Ⓐ and my muse will rate yours:
Rydia @ Izzi:
Attractiveness:
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
Grey @ Izzi:
Attractiveness:
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
Jaraku @ Izzi:
Attractiveness:
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words (but he’ll write them anyway)
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
Gui Charlemalde @ Izzi
Attractiveness:
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that (if both were single) || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends (if both were single) || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
repulsive || hideous || ugly || not attractive || unappealing || not unattractive || meh || no preference || ok || mildly attractive || nice looking || cute || adorable || attractive || pleasant on the eyes || good looking || hot || sexy || beautiful || gorgeous || hot damn || would tap that || perfect || godlike || holy fuck there are no words
Personality:
grating || irritating || frustrating || boring || confusing at best || awkward || unreasonable || psychotic || disturbing || interesting || engaging || affectionate || aggressive (but in a good way) || ambitious (more with regards to vengeance than anything)|| anxious || artistic || bad tempered || bossy || charismatic || appealing || unappealing || creative || courageous || dependable || unreliable || unpredictable || predictable || devious || dim || extroverted || introverted || egotistical || gregarious || fabulous || impulsive || intelligent || sympathetic || talkative || up beat || peaceful || calming || badass || flexible
How likely they would have sex with them:
not if they were the last person on earth and the world was ending || fuck no! || never || no way || not likely || not sure || indifferent || I’m asexual || maybe || probably || it depends || fairly likely || likely || yeah sure || yes || would tap that || hell yes || fuck yes! || wishing that could happen right now || as many times as possible || we are already having sex
Level of Friendship:
never in a million years || worst of enemies || enemies || rivals || indifferent || neutral || acquaintance || friendly toward each other || casual friends || friends || good friends || best friends || fuck buddies || bosom buddies || practically the same person || would die for them || true friends || my only friend ||
First impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
Current impression of them:
I hate them so much || I don’t like them || I don’t trust them || they annoy me || they’re weird || I’m indifferent || meh || they seem alright || they’re growing on me || truce || I think I like them || I like them || I’m not sure if I trust them || I trust them || they’re cool || they’re genuine || I think we’re going to get along || I really like them || I think I’m in love || oh fuck they’re hot || I love them
How good of a kisser:
worst kisser ever || terrible || bad || awkward || just okay || alright || pretty good || good || makes me moan || excellent || exciting || oh god they’re good || I dream about it || fucking amazing || absolute perfection || we haven’t kissed
Jaraku Drake: “I remember when I was quite young I read in a storybook a fable about a boy who became a king after drawing a sword that had seemed impossibly stuck inside a rock. Where others struggled and struggled, unable to even budge it, the boy drew it out as easily as if the rock were putty. The stone and sword were in the middle of a deep and aged forest, you understand, and the act of withdrawing the sword revitalized the world around it. Color returned to the branches, new leaves sprouted, flowers arose from the earth. Life sprang forth in all directions.
And that’s what Ivaan is. He’s a fine forest waiting for the right woman to give the sword a yank and let the life back in.”
Resh Viqqoh: “Why are you asking me? I mean. The reports said he’s a good fighter. A dragoon, right? I don’t really know much else.”
Bernard Undertaker: “I know full well the use for such a man. You point them in the direction you want them to go, feed them a story about honor and justice, and watch them fight to the death for the ideals you gave them.
There are many such men in Ala Mhigo. It’s obvious what Ashelia sees in him to keep him around.”
Rydia Misuto: “I like Ivaan. He’s nice to me. His armor is dorky, but he’s alright. I don’t know why he’s mad at me. Is he mad at me? I don’t even remember saying whatever it was he was so upset about. Weird.”
Natalya Nibiru: “Reliable. Dependable. Bleeding from wounds he won’t show.”
A’sato Clueless/Tia: “I don’t know why he exaggerates so much about these overgrown drakes he’s so afraid of.”
Gaelle Troyes: “Oh, poor Ivaan, according to the Gods Themselves a terrible fate awaits him in his future. A catastrophe of immense proportions. Something unparalleled…”
??????h ?????????n: “Ha.”
Gui Charlemalde: “Ivaan is a good man, with a strong sense of justice. He’s a capable fighter and I’m glad to call him my friend. Also, have you seen how high he and Jenesis can jump? It’s incredible!”
Eloise Boucher: “Funny, I thought all Dragoons were Ishgardian. I’m dying to find out how he managed…”
♦ The Floating City of Nym. The enchanted scenery of the ruins of Nym is something Enea finds calming .Whenever she feels sad or troubled a trip to this destination is inevitable. Her trips have been scarce lately.
TWO VILLAINS
♦ Dread Pirate Captain Slaf: A slaver pirate that left her tribe in ruins twenty years past, an event that including her kidnaping and slaving. To the good of the world his head was separated from his shoulder and he stopped presenting a physical threat to the world. Enea is still haunted by his memory, and maybe more.
♦ The Garlean Empire. Enea has very strong feelings against anyone who would trample someone’s home and then use its people. The Garleans exemplify everything she hates and how they use it on the guise of progress is more salt to the wound.
THREE RELATIONSHIPS
♦ Grey Riot. It might be downplayed a bit but Grey and his relationship with Enea has been one of the greatest boons in her life. Enea has trouble getting to trust people, especially men. She was taught during her slavery that her purpose was to please and that happy endings were just a ting of books. Then this dork shows up and somehow won her trust
♦ Ashelia Riot. One of the best friends she made in a while. What started with a delivery of a fireplace for a very empty Sandsea evolved into her employment as a bartender in time of parties. Later she was asked to help when it was time for the then small group to storm Castrum and fight Gaius. Quite some time has passed since but Enea remembers with fondness the simpler times when the Grand Steward could be pulled off her desk to have a ladies night out.
♦ A’zaela Linh. Their interactions have been rather few and far between. Regardless, Enea has a lot of fondness for the seeker and their shared experiences. It was her who introduced Enea to the Aesthetician and went with her for her first professional haircut. Enea wishes she had more courage to approach her more often. She wishes to be her friend but is afraid of being brash and pushing her away.
FOUR ITEMS
♦ The letters to her father. When her adoptive father, Chartevoix D’Lai, passed away he left a will asking Enea to go adventure and travel the world. Since then she has been writing letters addressing him and telling of her adventures and thoughts.
♦ A book on Primal behavior written by her. She made her own compendium about the known primals and their behaviors. The book details descriptions of attacks and ways of fighting back. This book will soon be updated with the new knowledge provided by the Riskbreakers.
♦ A book on botany. A gift from Grey after their first date.
♦ The giant cutlass. Longsword length for a Roegadyn, this sword belonged to Captain Slaf and is rumored to trap the souls of its victims within.
FIVE CHARACTERS
♦ Jaraku Drake. The eccentric bard has somehow become a friend to her and she is happy they can talk without intermediary bs.
♦ Issabel Drake. The source of all her mixed feelings. Most time she thinks of her as a good friend and reliable ally. She enjoyed working with her on shared assignments. Some of her personality rub Enea the wrong way but for the most part she manages.
♦ Cardelica Tachinaba. A rather new friend and a younger sister figure. Their circumstances differ a lot but theres a great deal of camaraderie with the two who once used the last name D’Lai.
♦ Ceres Mohnesh. Enea’s mother. They have been apart for twenty years and have finally reunited. They have a lot to catch up about.
♦ Ahkutai Sagahl. A kindred spirit in the dark arts. The only other dark knight he knows so far and the reason she even knows it is called that way.
SIX MOMENTS
♦ Walking into the Sandsea for the first time, unknowingly changing her life for the better.
♦ A night when, in between drinks, had a heartfelt conversation with Grey Riot. The first time she verbally tells someone about her sad and unjust past. Also the night of her frst kiss.
♦ A week long impromptu adventure to find Ceres after learning of her location.
♦ Organizing a raid to Captain Slaf’s hideout. It involved getting help from a few Riskbreakers and The Maelstorm. She lost a few ranks in the Malestorm for stealing sensitive information. She gained more ranks than she lost after her bust was a success and they put down one of the most infamous slavers.
♦ Beheading Captain Slaf with his own sword.
♦ Celebrating holidays with Grey.
SEVEN QUOTES
♦ “For them I was damaged goods, a broken doll to be sold at a bargain.”
♦ “Let’s make a deal.”
♦ “Your father could had been the White Raven. That has nothing to do with who you are or what you have done. You are still the Riskbreaker Grey. The nervous Grey. The grinning Grey. The supportive Grey… The kind Grey… My Grey.”
♦ “I’ve had quite a few sleepless nights trying to make it so… and will continue to do so. I must do this, but I don’t want to endanger my new family for what is mostly a selfish reason.”
♦ “This…this is where they kept us… He needs to pay.”
♦ “Ashe is going to ground me. Let’s go.”
♦ *Silently eats rolanberries as Ashelia grounds Grey.
COME AT ME (Resh for Gogo, Jaraku and Grey for Edge, Blae for Azi and Edge)
Gogonegi: “Resh is a brilliant engineer! I’m really glad Ashe let me work alongside her because I feel like I’m learning so much about building airships. Sometimes I’m not sure if she likes me, though, and Cogflox likes to make comments behind her back, even when I tell her to stop! I’m afraid those two might end up fighting someday.”
Azionne: “Blaetlona is, and always will be, one of my dearest friends - if not my most important of all. She is the first one to guide me toward the light, toward the warmth that all the Riskbreakers share for each other. If she so desires it, I would still be willing to become the first mate on her ship. I always did tell her I would consider becoming a sea witch instead of a flame sorceress…”
Edge: “Blaetlona is tons of fun to be around, when I do see her! She’s as loyal and hardworking as any other, and I love surrounding myself with happy people like her. She’s one of the people that makes it easy to keep on fighting, in her own way. I really hope she realizes how valuable she is to the Riskbreakers, in more ways than one.
“As for Jaraku?” He laughs. “That man can be an arrogant prick sometimes, but whenever he’s around it’s always a good time. He’s the kind of person I wish I could be - confident, well-dressed, and with some damn good hair. He’d probably be surprised by how much I respect him.
“And Grey… In truth, I’m ashamed of myself. When we first met, he resisted getting to know me, and so I backed off… but that’s not what I should have done. Ashe is his mother, and Bernard Undertaker is no true father to him, so sometimes I think I should have stepped up to BE his father figure. But I don’t know how to do that. I haven’t had my own father in a very long time, and the prospect intimidates me. Where do I even start?”
Grey Riot:“Ashe kid. Seem for two second like he worth a number but nah, nah.” He waves his hands in the air, giving a mock impersonation of Grey’s voice, “Ah, ‘yer lucky yer from /little/ Ala Mhigo’, ah, is Grey, is a big fuck, bet I got a big cock, bet I fuck, yeah. Girls and shit. What about Grey, what about Grey.” He drops his hands, sneering. “What Grey know.”
Jaraku Drake:“In the path - fucking /on/ the path. Step off it, flaunt. So far he’s been fetching feel everything’s /he/ business. Should stick to, I don’t know. Fancy. Stick his fancy. Keep where it /safe/ to, yeah.”
Rydia:“She did won’t /listen/ to me! They horns, they catch up to be her eared, right!? They broke or somehow!? Somewhat!? She fucking go and break her head shit, head bones!? Girl coulded get /better/, but where she thought stick. Uh…potency. Potentialcy. That. Look, she /can/. But her doesn’t.”
Thanks for sending this in! (prompt: send me “come at me!” and I’ll describe what my character thinks of yours)
Grey Riot: “Oh that shite. ‘E’s awful. I don’ ‘ave any idea why Ashe puts up wiff ‘im. ‘E’s so godsdamned annoying an’ ‘e can’ even speak words what can be unnerstood. An’ ‘e’s such a bastard.”
Jaraku Drake: “I already didn’t like him and now that I’m pretty sure he’s threatening or bullying Nathan I definitely don’t like the malevolent little mongrel. I’ve half a mind to beat him until he gets the message to stay away from Nathan, but I haven’t seen the two of them together since that last conversation. Still, if he’s hurting Nathaniel…”
Resh Viqqoh: “I understand why Ashe keeps him around. That’s all I have to say.”
Bernard Undertaker: “Living proof that a Silverbrand will forever be a Silverbrand. It was never Ala Mhigo that made them the way they are. It’s in their blood.”
Rydia Misuto: “WHY DOESN’T HE SPEAK RIGHT? WHY DOES HE SPEAK WEIRD SENTENCES?! WHY IS HE SUCH A JERK?!”
Natalya Nibiru: “I question the logic in keeping a ticking time bomb around with no ready means of defusal.”
??????h ?????????n: “With that last name I’d bet I know all I need to already.”
Eloise Boucher: “A fantastic possible source of the information I’m looking for. Probably a liar, and yet…sometimes you can find the truth between the lines with that sort.”
♥ - family headcanon - for any/all that you'd like to answer it for!
Thanks for sending this in!!
Blaetlona Isilmynawyn: Though Blae will always miss her family, the wound has healed as much as it can.
Grey Riot: Grey’s mother and maternal grandfather are both characters I have fleshed out and (in the case of his mother) written for before.
Jaraku Drake: Jaraku considers Lynn Moore more family than all his blood relatives combined.
Resh Viqqoh: Resh doesn’t know it, but her entire family is dead. Her parents and most siblings died a year before she came to Eorzea and her sister died shortly after Resh left Garlemald.
Zwynmaga Doesmagasyn: Zwynmaga defines family as the people you choose, and considers blood association to be foolish.
Bernard Undertaker: The only time in his entire life Bernard has wavered in the face of a task he was fully committed to involved his newborn son.
Rydia Misuto: Rydia never knew her father, and her mother never dated/remarried. She knows absolutely nothing about him and likes it that way; she feels that if he was worth her attention he would’ve come back to them at some point.
Natalya Nibiru: Natalya has three living relatives; a set of three sisters.
A’sato Clueless/Tia: For A’sato, there is literally nothing in the world more important to him than his family.
Gaelle Troyes: Gaelle envies large, happy families, but goes out of her way to try to plot and scheme to help out good people in bad families.
Hyltbryda Eyrieynwyn: Hyltbryda comes from a large, happy family and is the toughest of her siblings because when people fucked with her older brothers she beat the living shit out of them.
???: Had a wife, daughter. Wife died while ??? was away, ??? came back to find ???’s father-in-law had taken custody of the child and refused to give her back.
??????h ?????????n: His family disowned him early in his life. He never cared for them.
Gui Charlemalde: Gui was adopted by a family of Duskwights, something he doesn’t bring up unless specifically asked because one of the few things that makes him mad is racism towards Duskwights.
Eloise Boucher: Eloise will tell you she has a sister back in Ishgard, an elderly mother she sends money home to and a father who died when a carriage ran out of control and he knocked a child out of the way, sacrificing himself in the process. She will tell this story through convincing tears and sobs. It’s entirely bullshit.
????? ???: ????? has one family member they value above anything else in the world - anything - but the rest of their surviving family is scum in their eyes and below notice.
Ashelia Riot: Have you ever thought about continuing your shinobi training?
Grey Riot: I ‘ave. Dunno how much use it’d be, though. I don’t much like fightin’.
Ashelia Riot: I’m glad.
Grey Riot: Yeah? Ye sure?
Ashelia Riot: I’m sure. I do think you should learn to fight. But I think it’s good to not like it very much.
Grey Riot: Maybe me mom was a pacifist.
Ashelia Riot: She… She could be.
Grey Riot: Izzat a fing? Garlean pacifists?
Ashelia Riot: I’m afraid I haven’t any idea.
Grey Riot gazes upon Ashelia Riot in deep reflection.
Grey Riot: D'ye fink she’s still alive somewhere?
Ashelia Riot: When Bernard mentioned her to me… he spoke of her in the present. So I assume she is alive. Somewhere.
Grey Riot: Is it bad I want t’ meet 'er?
Ashelia Riot: Not at all.
Ashelia Riot: Is it bad I…
Ashelia Riot breaks off and gives a bitter chuckle.
Grey Riot: What izzit?
Ashelia Riot: Is it bad that I don’t much care about meeting my father? Not… not in the way Bernard does, at least.
Keep reading
Rats Are Mere Objects @urchinassassin - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
