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starhuevalley2018-07-20 02:30 am
01 - A Knight at the Beach -
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.
no subject
"Y-- Yes? I had to work with what little I could get, but... I guess it bears mentioning I do a lot of crafty stuff like that. It's," and Irhya hesitates, thinking twice on her word choice, "a hobby."
Slowly, though, she can't help but smile a little herself, satisfied enough that it didn't go to waste. It has been a while since she'd done much of anything, thinking back, because she'd been so preoccupied with this other-worlds thing that it just fell to the back of her mind. And with all the accompanying stress, maybe it was a good thing to get her hands moving again.
"Without launching into too much detail, I can tell you that everyone else is doing well, yes. In retrospect, your brothers came to understand they both took for granted what they had until it was gone, and the extent of what you were to them. But then they resolved to work harder for it, in their own ways." Even Artoirel, the more stoic of the two, had expressed as much, to say nothing of Emmanellain... "I see less of Artoirel than Emmanellain these days, but they both seem to be doing well." She turns her gaze out towards the ocean again.
"And your father... well... he took it hard, at first."
That statement lingers for a while as she searches for a better explanation. The sounds of him sobbing, chest-deep and barely able to maintain composure, still manage to pull her stomach down every time she remembers.
"What little he was able to give in the name of change, though, he offered up gladly. I think he had the clearest view of everything between all of us, and so ended up doing his part accordingly... once a father, always a father, I suppose." It's not the right time to mention the specifics of what they'd done with passing the shield along, she thinks; instead, she grapples for something else to say. "I still see him from time to time. It is clear he aches, but it's far less fresh than before. I almost feel bad, the way he lights up every time he spots me on the street, or if I come into the manor and he's just sitting there like he was waiting..."
no subject
He holds the shirts close truly grateful and happy to have received something so thoughtful. A present from the Warrior of Light themselves. He feels like the luckiest Elezen alive.
His grip tightens on the soft clothing as he listens to her speak lightly of Ishgard and his family. His half brothers and dearest father... He had assumed that Artoriel and Emmanellain would be just fine. They never wanted him around much in their youths. And many a heated argument has been had usually with him leaving to go have an adventure with Francel. But his father... His father who gave him everything when there was little need to. Never did he feel like the burden he knew he was to his family in the light of his father.
"Ever glad I am that they did not push you away after I was gone. I had feared that they might blame you... for death makes one irrational and angry at all the wrong people. Many often think that if you were there you could have done something. An unfair accusation to be tossed at those most undeserving and grieving as well." It's common with soldiers that have fallen. Wives and parents always assume you could do more. He had feared, to some extent, that his father's grief might be too much and that he would rescind his offer to keep the few scions remaining as wards. It's a sigh of relief to know that is not so. That he offers kindness and the ever warm fatherly presence to his dearest friend.
Haurchefant takes a moment pressing his mouth and nose into the clothing he still clutches tightly to himself as he takes a moment to find center. Never should he waver in front of the Warrior of Light who is burdened with so much. A knight should ever be a pillar of strength to those that need it.
"Would that I could pass along words of comfort in their trying times. Would that I could give you all that needs to be said but you will not remember and be able to pass along. Perhaps I'll write something... Perhaps I'll write lengthy letters and give them to you before you make leave of this place. Maybe that is something that can be passed over."
The thought of his father waiting for a son that is never returning home...
"Thank you... for looking after my family and being kind to them. You are far too gracious and my thanks will never be enough. So I hesitate to ask anymore of you and burden you with one more grieving person. But dearest Francel... His troubles are the reason we were able to spend so much time together during our first meeting if one were to look on the bright side of unfortunate happenings. I would also hope a visit to him on the occasion would serve his spirits well. I could not bear to have him sitting in grief. But do not think you must. It is not your responsibility to see to all the people that I have left behind. Know that you have done more than any one person ever should in several lifetimes."
The Elezen sits up a bit straighter offering a smile because that is what he does. "But I am most curious about you and how you fair. We've spoken of all others and even briefly the current state of things. But I know little of your own heart. For you are not immune to grief and sorrows... Of this I am quite certain."
no subject
Irhya shrugs, but it's a strange topic to treat so flippantly. Granted, there are never any shortage of people who want to maim or kill the Warrior of Light -- sometimes both, sometimes not even in that order. Plenty in Ishgard who still quietly rue their changing society... and that one very interesting case as of recently with that spoiled little boy who simply couldn't handle that everything he believed entitled to him was, in fact, not.
(And good fucking riddance to him. It's the one thing she will unconditionally let Yotsuyu have a pass on.)
"Francel... I think it's safe to say he also took it quite hard. But recently, Stephannot told me in a whisper that he smiles more often now, so things have gradually begun to look up all around."
To say that it isn't her responsibility, though -- she can't help the frown that appears. It is, though. It is, and if it isn't to start out with, someone will make it so. Better, then, to just do it willingly anyway, in the hopes she doesn't grow as bitter or lose touch with what it felt like to not be on a pedestal all the time.
And yet... it has been a long time since anyone asked about her personally, either. It's the very thing that got thrown so rudely in her face at Whitebrim, all out of love and frustration and desire to protect that truly, only she could create for herself. The sensation of feeling more like a demigod in an unfortunate contract than a person has grown less frequent, but never abated entirely. It's something Edmont does, occasionally, and her answers are usually vague. He never asks for elaboration, just smiles and nods and offers her tea and sympathy whenever she wanders in.
"I... I'm not entirely sure what you mean," she says, evasive. "Perhaps that is true, but time marches on whether I agree to follow it or not. For the most part, these things end up filed away collecting dust. Though..."
Fordola's reaction, of all things, was what made her realize for the very first time just how much of a lie that is. The way she had the breath physically knocked out of her at the unexpected vision, only to turn her gaze upon Irhya and stare at her like she might have stared at the face of death herself.
"Mmm. For the time being, though, I have no intention of going back."
no subject
At the mention of Francel he nods just a bit. That he is glad to hear as well. In their youth he took to the younger as a source of comfort in ever turbulent times and truth be told he may have needed his friend more than Francel ever needed him. But as the years went by there came to be a desire to protect more fiercely than ever and wanting to get him out of every troublesome situation that seemed to spring up more commonly as they got older. To know that he is moving along well and with a smile to match makes him glad.
Ah, but her words cause a bit of a frown as she evasively dodges his question. Not uncommon in his experience. The weight of the world is upon their shoulders and complaining about such a task doesn't suit them. They simply bear it. That is part of the reason why he tries so hard to be accommodating to them. Anything to help lessen it for while he cannot carry it for them, would that he could, he can maybe help ease it some.
He doesn't pry or press into her near brush off. Simply letting out a soft hum in understanding and moving along.
"I suppose it is selfish to say that I am glad to hear that you don't intend to return at least for a little while. It's a well deserved break, I do not doubt. A new temporary base of operations..." Waking Sands. Rising Stones. Falling Snows... "We can call it... The Dreaming Gardens."
no subject
After that, she spends a while in silence. In theory, she knows there is the ever-present option never to go back, even if push comes to shove. Her Eorzea will just remain in indefinite limbo, stuck right where she left it and forgotten by time in the process -- at least, according to all the hearsay. But it's a problem that will inevitably tear friends apart, given enough time. There are likely those who would still sacrifice the things they gained here in order to return, even if those they love have decided to remain...
Maybe she's just thinking too hard about it again. There are times where she wishes she could just lay her head on someone's shoulder and cry it all out, even if they didn't fully understand why. She remembers distancing herself from those people who didn't remember her the first few times, only to realize it was a mistake... or perhaps that it was just inevitable they would seek her out anyway, and try to treat her as if... as if...
It's really not fucking fair at all. It's all just been suddenly thrust upon them, and it isn't the Warriors who suffer for it, but their "friends" -- those who feel obligated to treat them the same, even though it's really not at all, or try to rebuild from the ground up, even though it's really only one person trying to match the other again.
Finally, Irhya shifts, scooting around behind him in order to press her cheek against his back. It seems unusually affectionate all of a sudden when her body language has been mostly closed this whole time, even though the fact he can't look at her in the process seems deliberate.
"Gods... I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with even one stranger having all this unresolved baggage, let alone multiple. I never..." she sucks in a breath, "It never occurred to me it was possible for someone to love me so much as to feel their life was expendable over mine."
no subject
"I'm certain if there is a way to keep one's memories there will be someone who finds a way. And I don't even know for certain if they can be taken or simply sealed away. The mechanics are most mysterious but if you intend to stay until this problem is solved that I won't deny that I would be ever so happy for your company."
At her movement he suspects she might be taking her leave. But that is not the case at all. Even with a glance behind he can't see her, so carefully centered against him to avoid such a peek in a moment of weakness. Ah, but he remains steady all the same. If she needs something solid to rest against than that is what he will be.
Though as she speaks he very much wishes she wasn't behind him so he can offer comforting gestures with the words. "There are consequences for all the actions we take. There are repercussions to certain paths walked. I chose mine. Without hesitation or fear. Granted... I did not think that beam of light would pierce my shield and it was not my intention to fall. But that said I would jump in front of a dozen more spears if it meant keeping you safe. Even if it meant that I could not be able to take another. That is my choice and I have seen the utter sorrow it has wrought. I have bared witness to many tears and there are undoubtedly many more to come. It is my duty as the one that caused this grief to see it through. It is no burden or baggage. In the end it somewhat feels like that spear hit you anyway... with the way some of you are so distraught at my presence. But I am here. And you are here too. By some strange gift and miracle perhaps healing can be done and you can continue on your journey a little better off. A little stronger and more healed of heart and body."
If he can undo any damage that he caused he will do it. And he will bear the weight of each and every Warrior of Light's grief to the best of his ability. Whatever it takes for them to find the very peace they deserve.
"I will help anyway I can. Because I'm your knight. Until the bitter end that is what I will always be for you.