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

[mostsplendid]

He is. Falling Snows was a fine name and this one is pretty good too, if he does say so himself.

"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.