01 - A Knight at the Beach -

[mostsplendid]

Who: Haurchefant Greystone and you
What: Ocean frolicking. Shell collecting. S'more snacking. Star gazing.
When: All week. Next week. Haurchefant is always on the beach.
Other information: I will tread ever so carefully when it comes to FFXIV spoilers. But maybe some. Be careful.

It's hot. Haurchefant has heard stories of the sweltering heats in the deserts of Ul'dah and he suspects that it must be something akin to this. For someone who has grown somewhat acclimated to the ice and snow and the often below freezing temperatures of Coerthas... this is a dramatic change of pace.

There is a positive to all of this however. The ocean! It is a most splendid wonder. A beautiful shimmering ever moving jewel. The ocean waters were both too far and much too cold for him to ever dream of stepping a toe in but this one? It's simply splendid!

When dusk hits and the air itself cools off a bit the ocean is delightfully chilly and that seems like the best time for someone like him.

You'll likely find Haucherfant there most nights. He hasn't been here long enough to be considered a staple there but he's well on his way.

Seashells by the Seashore

It's like an unspoken treasure hunt. Each wave brings all sorts of curiosities. Shells mostly, of course. And they are of all sorts but so many he simply isn't familiar with. He even finds some star shaped creatures that are so utterly sublime! Sea creatures, that are as far away from the sky as you can get, in the shape of stars.

That's beautiful.

But there are plenty that he does know. Like washed up oysters. Or perhaps clams? He can't tell the difference. Is there a difference? Either way both can be considered tasty. And perhaps they are full of those ever precious pearls. A fine gift for any number of people.

But on top of that he's found all sorts of things that don't belong in the ocean. Or at least he certainly doesn't think so. Like... This clock on a leather band. And these cracked glasses. And these bottles! He's got a whole little pile of discovered treasures... or... trash. It's actually just trash.

Do you want to build a campfire?

Too bad. It's already done. But that's less work for you and more enjoyable fireside time. Warm as he is the light is necessary and a fierce breeze on a cool night does offer a chill. So best to keep cozy. It's no hearth in his keep but it is a fine replacement.

But even better. He has been told of a most splendid treat. S'mores! A sugared cracker. A piece of chocolate and some white blob create a most decedent piece of food. It feels so sinful yet delightfully delicious. (Which is kind of his thing.)

But there is plenty to share if you're feeling that late night sweet tooth.

Star Light Star Bright

This is not a sky he recognizes. If he was an Astrologian he'd be having a most dreadful time. There is no dragon star to pinpoint the rest of the sky with or anything like that. It's as much mystery as the rest of this place is. And there is something fascinating but altogether sad about that.

He could not see the sky too often in Ishgard or Camp Dragonhead. It's always snowing or grey storm clouds are billowing in. To see the endless pool of stars was a rare and fine treat. And he worked hard in his studies as a boy to be able to name them all. But this? This he does not know.

Beautiful as it is...

Well. He hasn't allowed himself to dwell too much on the future and what it might entail. What he may and may not see again. Nor the fact that no one will remember anything that has taken place. All these heart felt and sincere words will not remain for those that need them the most. And that is truly whom he worries for. The ones that needed to hear from him. They will be returned with the same burdens of the heart.

It leave the knight quite melancholy on this starlit evening.

Comments

Seashells by the Seashore

[resetto]

Bolormaa Sagahl had not gotten used to the beach. Before she had come here, she had traveled far - but never to a beach. There was never time... studies were far more important.

So she had been spending time down there, gently resting her feet in the foam, mostly. But she was listening, and writing about what she saw. (She could remember. She could share her knowledge.)

However, she happened to reach for one that Haurchefant was going for - an oddly speckled large one - without even noticing.

[mostsplendid]

At the sight of another hand the Elezen is quick to pull his away.

"My apologies!" He's here all the time and has seen all manner of things. He's not trying to hoard all the shells! He's simply looking. "By all means, my lady."

Hauchefant sits back a bit brushing the coarse wet sand from his hands. "I was so lost in what I was doing I didn't even notice another person had arrived." The roar of the ocean and the crashing of the waves does really cut out the rest of the world. Not to mention he's ever so focused in his task and that's when he looks up at the person whose joined him on the beach.

"Oh! Another face from home." Not familiar but they come from the same place. Technically speaking.

[resetto]

The small Au Ra gave a little shake of her head - it was fine. She was used to just observing-- but she'll look to it. A speckled shell - and the speckled bits seemed to glimmer, like her scales. It was nice - for a moment, she was distracted from the Elezen, until he spoke for the second time. "Yes-- yes, I'm from Eorzea..."

Though she was familiar with much her old self wasn't, she couldn't put a name to this Elezen. But wasn't that for the best? She wouldn't have any expectations to live up to, with her gentle smile. "My name is Bolormaa Waters-Sagahl - I'm a sch-- adventurer... and you are?" The way she said adventurer seemed to betray her true nature. (For Bolormaa wasn't sure of what she should put as her title - scholar, adventurer, or... goddess.)

Do you want to build a campfire?

[emet_selch]

Oh dear. Across the flames was a man who looked exactly like Haurchefant. Because it was another Haurchefant, playfully leaning over.

(He still wore his cloak, for it was comfortable. Even if he'd read and re-read the letter given to them when arriving, the Ascian Haurchefant didn't think it'd be this soon that he got to see what was an impossibility!) Giving the warmest of grins, the Ascian spoke so calmly to the man across from him. "And who might this handsome fellow be...?"

[mostsplendid]

At first it seems like it might be a trick of the light from the flickering campfire he's created on the beach. Because surely not... and yet...

That's a face he knows quite well because it's his own!

It's a confusing kind of excitement and he lights up all the same. Some other Warrior of Light's Haurchefant has come? That will make someone so happy. He's delighted, truly, and he's about to say so but... That excited flame flickers to something much dimmer upon some quick reevaluation.

The robes, upon first look, are not ones he knows. Ascians are not people he has met. But The Warrior of Light has told him plenty. He has been given vivid and colorful details of what these robes look like. And their decorations. And if he should ever come across one he must be ever so careful. They're capable of horrible things. They have hurt his dearest friend's friends and that will surely not stand.

And because he takes all the things that the Warrior of Light has told him to heart the Elezen tenses considerably. His sword is back in his new residence because this world has been so calm and peaceful there was little need for it. But that now seems like a possible and very grave mistake.

For what it's worth the person who has his face from ear to ear does not seem overly threatening... or any sort of threatening he supposes. But if his Warrior of Light says this sort is dangerous than it is best to walk on the side of caution.

"I am Haurchefant Greystone of House Fortemps and Commander of Camp Dragonstone in Coerthas..." Was Commander? That's a lot to ponder at present and there are more pressing matters. "Who are you?" Not him... Or he doesn't think so. It's some kind of trick is what he has to assume. This sort is not above great treachery or so he's told.

[emet_selch]

It was a reaction the other Haurchefant - well, Emet-selch - knew well. But more from how they saw the Warrior of Light stare at their brothers and sisters and all in-between, then to their own face. Distrust, even when one of their kind was honest.

(That was rare, to be honest to a mortal enemy like a Warrior of Light. Especially in this era. But even dear Elidibus had said Emet-selch was different.) As Haurchefant talked, however, the other Haurchefant placed a hand to their chest. To where they had faltered - where their shield had not been strong enough, and it meant they could no longer visit the Warrior of Light. Well, he could, but it would only cause heartbreak.

...Right. There was a question asked, and an answer that needed to be given. "I am also Haurchefant Greystone of House Fortemps. Though I may no longer be the Commander of Camp Dragonhead, it is still those principles - and those wondrous people - I stand for. Among... others I feel you may be familiar with?"

If there is trickery in this Ascians' tongue, it is very well disguised behind merriment and warmth.

Stars, in your multitudes ♪

[omnicrafter]

Try as she might, Irhya's inherently nocturnal nature often makes it difficult to adapt to everyone else who gets up in the morning like normal people. In the end, the compromise usually ends up being that she stays up into the most ridiculous hours of the morning, sleeps well into the daytime, and finds herself awake only during the last few breaths of daylight. Attempts to wake her earlier than high noon at absolute best are usually fraught with misery for both parties involved.

It is fortunate, then, that Haurchefant has chosen to wait until nightfall to move about, a practice just as common in the hottest regions of Thanalan as well. Granted, she's not expecting it, but who else would be lying on the sand in full Ishgardian gear?

A part of her wonders if maybe she should wait longer to do this. The rest of her concludes, very vehemently, that it doesn't make a damn bit of difference anymore anyway.

She doesn't really have any intelligent openers prepared or anything, something she realizes halfway across the sand. On the bright side, it dulls the sound of her footsteps, making it easy for her to soften the approach a bit so that he notices neither too early nor too late. She sets the parcel under her arm down and takes a seat next to him, spending the next few moments in comfortable silence.

"You know, given what keen interest you had in scanty little numbers like the cascadier uniforms, I used to think perhaps there would come a time I could conspire to spirit you away to a real beach for a change... but this is as good a compromise as any, I would say."

Scarce to be counted~ Filling the darkness ♪

[mostsplendid]

To the Elezen's credit... while it is an Ishgard uniform it at the very least lacks all the armor and chain mail that one would normally see on it. Is it still a heavy woolen garment being worn in the summer? Yes. Yes it is. But with the chill of the ocean breeze on a cool summer night it is not the most unbearable item to be wearing.

With the soft ocean waves rolling onto the darkened shore he notices the presence of someone else much too late. It's really only once they've taken a seat beside and start speaking does he give them the attention they deserve. And a great deal of attention is needed! He recognizes the voice from the video and with a delightful laugh at the mention of Cascadier uniforms Haurchefant quickly sits so to speak with her better ever dazzled by the Warrior of Light's presence.

"I do enjoy said uniform. It is nothing you could get away with in Ishgard." Or most places he assumes? That's a for the beach only type of wear sad to say. "It looked very... breezy. Quite suitable for a climate like this. Would that there was ever a moment of proper reprieve to go on a journey to Costa del Sol with you..." But there never was. "But perhaps we should have run off for a single day. Though I do think Corentiaux would not have been overly pleased by such decisions from the commander of Dragonhead" Disappointed? Probably not. Exasperated? Oh, absolutely.

And maybe that's somewhat for the best that they never went. For it would only be the sweltering heat that would likely have convinced him to leave. There would simply be far too much "sightseeing" for him to want to depart after only a day or two. Or several...

"But there are, at present, no trying times to be found. Making up for lost time and missed chances seems like the proper thing to do. So here we are at the beach... it's unfortunately lacking a gaggle of those promised uniforms but the current company quite makes up for it." For one Warrior of Light is worth many scantily clad men and women running around on a hot summer day.

[omnicrafter]

...Gods. Ever the honest, sincere man she remembers him to be. It is still a bit bittersweet, but once the dust settled, it became easier... just as accepting his death was the first time around.

"Give them time. I'm sure someone will get around to it eventually. Likely sooner rather than later." Irhya lifts her arms above her head and stretches, her tail curling around to one side. "Perhaps, then, we should've taken Corentiaux too... Ah, well. Things have calmed down enough now that I'm sure it's a huge burden off of him, too."

Speaking of which, there's still plenty to fill him in on, between Camp Dragonhead's new commander (and erstwhile assistant), the complete restructuring of Ishgard's government, and the hard-won peace with Hraesvelgr and his brood... It'll be a lot to take in at once. Better, then, to start with something lighter. She reaches for the item she'd been carrying, haphazardly wrapped in whatever paper she could find at the time, and offers it to Haurchefant.

"You've got to be melting in that. Between what you came in with and nothing at all, I figured I might as well prepare you an alternative..."

There are a few shirts inside. All simple fare; light cotton and linen tunics like the type Ul'dahn men wear during the hottest seasons, but less fancy. And they are long-sleeved, of course -- that seems to be the rule of Ishgardian modesty, and besides, she's not sure she wants to roll with whatever implications giving him something that doesn't have sleeves might carry...

"They're probably a bit big," she appends, "but I wanted to err on the side of caution. It's not great, but it'll do."

Do you want to build a campfire?

[sirenvoice]

Angel likes the beach too. She's been to a few of them, on all kinds of different planets, but they're always slightly different depending on the place. It's hard for her to get out right now, because of her injuries, but once she'd found out about the ocean here she'd wanted to see it. So Angel makes it to the treeline next to the shore, leaning on her crutches with some effort but she's determined to walk on her own again so she's doing the best she can.

She has a little trouble with the sand being so uneven and everything, but when she smells the ocean air and feels the salt in her face, blowing through her hair... it's so nice. She smiles, happy she made it all the way on her own. That's when she notices the campfire and she's so glad... because, well, it's an opportunity to rest. She limps on over, giving Haucherfant a shy smile because she can't exactly wave right now.

"I hope you don't mind if I sit... It's just so nice out here."

She makes it the rest of the way there and wobbles in the sand a bit before sitting anyway, setting the crutches away from herself and stretching her legs out in front of her.

"Did you make the fire? It's really cool."

[mostsplendid]

"By all means, my lady. Your company would be most welcome!"

Is the sincere but quite chipper reply she's given. Haurchefant doesn't at all mind a companion for the evening. It's preferred in fact. Everyone is fast asleep at night which is a shame but it's the only time he finds the weather tolerable so for someone usually so social it gets quite lonely quite quickly.

"I did! Though if I could not make a fire I'd have frozen to death long ago back home." He offers a delighted laugh before continuing. "My home has become a tundra of ice and snow in recent years. Blizzards are common and the sun is rare. Which makes this place very nearly a paradise... It just takes some acclimating is all." By the time he's used to the summer weather it'll be autumn and then winter... that'll be a fun surprise for him.

And since he's sharing the fire it's best to share all the treats as well. For what good is a warm fire without warm food? Or... as warm as you can get food like this.

"Please. Help yourself. I insist." And he does by moving all the snacks over so she can reach them much easier. "And... if you don't mind, might I make a inquiry? You need not answer if you do not wish too, of course. I am simply curious."

[sirenvoice]

"Oh, thank you."

Wow, he's talkative. Angel likes it though. She takes the s'more when he offers, her smile brightening. She hasn't had one of these since... she was a kid? And dad made them in the microwave, anyway. She bites into the s'more while he talks, listening and nodding along. His life sounds interesting, at least.

She's charmed.

"Yeah, shoot."

As in... go ahead. She doesn't mind questions, it's probably about the tattoos that snake up her entire left side, she's used to that, or maybe the crutches... Well, it's not like she won't talk about it. She's just happy for the company.

Do you want to build a campfire?

[readypunch]

Well, Yda won't object to having one made for her! Yda approaches, shaking out her sleeves, and offers a smile. "What're you making there?"

[mostsplendid]

The sudden intrusion startles him but it is not at all unwelcoming. He brightens up at the visitor and holds out a freshly made treat for her to sample.

"S'more, so they call it back in town. Sugared crackers and chocolate and this puffy white blob that you heat up. It's quite splendid and I implore that you try it."

[readypunch]

Yda grins back at him, reaching out to take the treat. "Thank you!" She hadn't entirely expected to be offered one so readily, but she bites into it, making an affirmative noise as he explains it. "S'more, was it? It's an interesting name…. But it's delicious!" She licks some chocolate off her hand, and holds it out to him. "So, then- whose cooking do I have the honour of tasting?"

Star Light Star Bright

[stabbersinyerfambles]

The beach is not exactly part of his patrol route. The monsters are all up in the mountains beyond, if they wander this far out then something has gone horribly wrong somewhere. There are other reasons to visit, however. This time of night it's almost always empty, offering the miqo'te something close to peace.

Almost always. It turns out there's someone else here tonight. Tall, lanky, pale hair--that dragoon turned shepherd? No, the hair's too short...and he doesn't smell like sheep. Judging by the dying embers of a fire the man's been here for some time, currently staring up at the sky. Cehd'ra's tail twitches briefly as he resumes his steps, this time deliberately making them heavy so the sand shifts to announce his presence. This time of night and still in his black, armored uniform, he blends in very easily.

Still he chooses a spot on the opposite side of the fading campfire to crouch down, not wanting to crowd even as he announces his presence with a softly spoken: "It's a clear view tonight."

[mostsplendid]

Company is not uncommon. Plenty of people have been stopping by as of late during these evening campfires. He enjoys it honestly. For someone as socially dependent as he is lingering in the nighttime hours while everyone sleeps gets quite lonely.

"It's exceptionally lovely... but unfamiliar."

He lets out a soft sigh not wanting to burden strangers with melancholy thoughts.

"Have you seen the moon hanging over the ocean yet? It gets so big on the horizon. Back in Coerthas you don't get so clear a view at least not very often. Yet the Astrologian somehow make do." He lets out a soft chuckle before turning his attention onto the Miqo'te. Another fellow Eorzean... Splendid!

"Where do you hail from, my friend?"

tentatively dips toes back into this game hello

[astralera]

Era has been keeping to herself for the better part of a month now, hesitant to reach out to anyone or make connections. This is not the first other world she's been to, but it's been the first that wasn't Hydaelyn, and the first trip she cannot pin on Omega.

Rose is not here. Era doesn't know if the other Warrior of Light is safe - hopes that she is. It's been on her mind every day since her arrival. She can forget the weeks of torture at the hands of the Garleans (easier now that her scales have all grown back in), but she cannot forget how the aether erupted from beneath her skin and turned her into Seraph to save her friend. It haunts her. Every day, every night. The fact that she turned into what she was supposed to destroy. That despite it all Rose might still have died while saving her, or survived only to resent her for it.

The beach offers her some comfort. Reminds her of the afternoon she spent with her friend in Costa del Sol. Era digs her toes into the sand, letting the granules exfoliate the scales atop her feet. The waves are a relaxing melody. In and out, in and out. She times her breathing to match. Keeps herself calm.

It works well, right up until she spots a familiar face.

Era forgets how to breathe altogether. Curls up into herself, fingers tugging at the fabric of her breast, vainly hoping to ease the tightness in her chest. This is not the first time this has happened, and by now she has a vague idea of how to wrench her body back into her control. Hear. Era focuses on the sound of the waves. Feel. The sand rubbing between her toes and over her scales. Think. There is nothing dangerous around. This is another world. There are different universes. Haurchefant has to be alive in at least one.

Hear. Waves. Feel. Sand. Think. Friend.

Hello hello o/

[mostsplendid]

One would hope in all the universes and worlds out there there is one where the shield holds true. But it was not his. He knows his fate and at this point is well aware of the burden it has been on the Warriors of Light he's met thus far. Their sorrows are painful and he knows that for each Warrior he meets he risks that same sadness again.

There are consequences for all actions. Even the ones you deem good and selfless.

So it is not unsurprising, though slightly disheartening, to see someone completely frozen at the sight of him.

But he is not about to leave her there in fear and disarray. He brushes the sand from his hands and makes cautious steps towards her. "Well met, my friend." An Au Ra... with horns he'd know anywhere. How to begin? What to say? All of these people that know him but he doesn't in return. He wishes he did just to ease their hearts and minds. "I take it that you and I are familiar with one another. My apologies... But the fun thing about all of this is that we get to meet for the first time again. Not many are so lucky to have such a happenstance come upon them. We must look at the positives of these meetings..."

To help ease into this he does the sweeping bow of Ishgard, flourish and all. Hopefully that will help for he sometimes knows not what else to do when it comes to potential Warriors of Light and those that know his fate. "As you are fairly aware... I am Haurchefant Greystone of House Fortemps and Commander of Camp Dragonhead." Former Commander... but that's not quite something he's gotten used to saying just yet.

Do You Want To Build a Campfire?

[dragoonrouge]

Whenever Q'uila was in Starhue, she took the opportunity to wander at night. Many who lived here were not out at this time and Q'uila enjoyed the piece and quiet, something increasingly hard to find back in Eorzea.

The crackle of the fire and the smell of melting chocolate easily pulled the Miqo'te from her peaceful introspection. Approaching the fire, the sight of the man tending it knocks the air from her lungs, and all she can do is stare wide-eyed at the man she had once hoped to call Brother-in-Law.

"Haurchefant..."

[mostsplendid]

He's quick to look up at the sound of his name. A new person uttering it has thus far always resulted in tear stained cheeks and shattered hearts. But such is the consequences of one's actions... He sees this clearer than ever now. His heart is not ready for another round of sorrow from Warriors that he has left behind but he will take each sad and defeated blow.

Haurchefant offers a smile and pats the sand beside him. "My friend... come sit by the fire with me. It can only do one well to have company on a night like this."

Star Light Star Bright, Ain't No Dragon Star Tonight

[holdmystabber]

It's as if she's seeing ghosts again. She should be growing accustomed to it, having traveled between the worlds numerous times and yet it's still shocking for her. Her mind flashes back to the Vault's rooftops and Yua rubs her head to try and get those thoughts out.

He's just a ghost...right? Besides, it would be awkward to try and poke him with a stick. Or just rude. So what Yua does instead is take a flashlight, turn it on, and starts to move it around on the ground close by the elezen. It's not the most classy but it is one where there is not screaming or potential signs of injury.

D:

[mostsplendid]

He's no ghost. And being poked with a stick is not something he'd mind too much even if it could be persevered as rude.

But a flashlight is good too.

He takes note of the light and even waves his hand in front of it creating a very real Elezen hand shadow and definitely not one of a ghost. Haurchefant then tracks the beam of light all the way to... A new face!

He leans back to look at her offering a kind smile. "Well met, my friend!"

[dragoonrouge]

Watching Haurchefant's smile get wider and brighter Q'uila cannot help but grin bigger in response. She had forgotten just how infectious the Elezen's good moods were to those around him.

She does roll her eyes at his words however, "Haurchefant you sell yourself short. The things you have done to help those of us who are lucky enough to know you are immeasurable. In my travels I have met few better souls than yours." Q'uila makes sure that she injects sincerety in every word she says. Things she didn't say to the Haurchefant of her Eorzea but she could say to him.

"I am indeed a Warrior of Light, I have been in places like this one long enough to know that I am very fortunate as on my version of Hydaelyn holds seven of our title. Some I have encountered come from a realm where only one person holds the position," Her ears fold down slightly,"That is a large burden to manage alone, I am in awe at those who manage it."

[mostsplendid]

Oh... That's a lot of kind words during a time he feels he naught deserves them. Never has he been praised so, only offering it to those in need and are worthy of such words.

He has always just been glad to be of service to those that could do far grater things than he. Offering warm hearths and homes and the loudest cheers he can muster. He was just one of many people in the Warrior of Light's life. He knew not how cherished he was to them.

And it does make one wonder if he'd have acted differently had he really known and realized.

"Ah... One of seven Warriors of Light?" Seven Warriors of Light... Can you imagine? "What a most splendid world you live in. There is but the one where I am from..."

Seven Warriors of Light, all coming to visit him when Francel was in trouble. All fighting primals together. All seeking asylum in Camp Dragonhead and running through his keep. That's... that sounds like a most perfect world.