A Realm Reborn

[levelthreehooligan]

Far From Home

A rickety carriage ride, a pair of snow white siblings and a Moogle. Without knowing it, you all started the same way. This is the beginning of your story, all of you,during your first trip to the City State that would change your lives.

Whether it be under the lush canopies of the Shroud, through the busy thoroughfares of  Ul'Dah or amongst the whispering sea winds of Limsa Lominsa, each one welcomes you, feels like home.

With only the weapon you scampered away with, the clothes on your backs, and an inexplicable feeling of purpose - You have arrived. 

 

Comments

[dragoonrouge]

All Q'uila had wanted to do was briefly visit home, it was easy being attuned to the Limsan Aetheryte now that she had a reasonable income from hunting and adventuring, and Mum had mention that her Dad hadn't been feeling well in her last letter.

However, she had been waylaid on a street not far from her house by a group of men, pirates from the look and smell of them who had obviously thought her to be easy pickings for their lecherous behaviour.

"I said I'm not interested. Go and find some other shiney trinket to satisfy your tiny heads." She ears are pinned back and her tail swished dangerously.

"Don' be like that sweet'art. I'm sure me boys and me can show ye a good time." The Roegadyn reached forward, making to out to stroke one Q'uila's ears. At which point Q'uila let's out a loud, furious, hissing yowl.

[seasoflight]

Felih's ears swiveled about immediately when he heard the alarming exchange, and he quickly rounded the corner with his carbuncle at his heels, the giant topaz creature already bristling and growling protectively. He comes up from behind before standing at Q'uila's side, Maelstrom badges on his chest, and he asks, "Need any help?" He can see that she's not just an average passerby- she appears to be an adventurer too, but even so, it's never good to be outnumbered.

The topaz carbuncle is huge- nearly the size of a mount- and it stands before Felih and Q'uila, growling at the band of pirates.

And that makes Felih turn his head to address the lot- "Off you go, now. No need to trouble the lady and get into trouble, is there?" he says, folding his arms and pinning them with a look, nearly daring them to make a move. "Sobering up is probably a better idea, lest you do something you'll regret."

They're lucky Felih turned up, he saved them from some nasty stab wounds

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila had been reaching back for her lance as she hisses at the Roegadyn when Felih entered the alley. Amber eyes flick in his direction briefly, just long enough to spot his Maelstrom badge, keeping her focus mainly on the drunken fools who had tried to accost her.

She's thankful for the strange Miqo'te, his presence finally causing a look of caution to flit through the pirates drunken haze, and with a loud, threatening snarl from her, they finally decide she wasn't worth the trouble, stumbling and swaying their way out of the other side of the street.

Q'uila waits until they're completely out of sight before she straightens out of her threatening posture, ears perking back up , and her tail relaxing, turning to face Felih properly.

She dips her head slightly in thanks, ears flicking as she gives him and his carbuncle a curious once-over.

"Thank you for your assistance..." She trails off, prompting the Miqo'te for his name.

that's his job, aha, prevent the blood and chaos

[seasoflight]

Felih sees the way Q'uila had been reaching for her lance, and smiles a bit- ah, yes, a well-trained adventurer as well. She likely would've been fine, but even so, his job is to prevent unnecessary bloodshed and chaos in the city. The admiral does want to keep the city peaceful and calm, after all.

He watches the drunkards amble off, before turning to look at the woman beside him. "Ah, not a problem. It's why I'm meant to patrol, after all," he says with a laugh, ears wiggling. "I'm Felih. And you are?"

He curiously looks her over- a Seeker, that much he can tell, but not much else aside from the fact she must have trained in Gridania at some point, most likely. Skilled lancers would often go to hone their skills at the guild there, regardless of where in Eorzea they began their training.

The giant carbuncle beside him yips and purrs before happily leaning against Q'uila, apparently quite friendly, before it sits docilely at Felih's side, well-behaved and calm now that the immediate threat had passed. "Hah- and this is Coral," Felih introduces, reaching over to scratch the carbuncle behind an ear.

It's so hard to write Q'uila like she doesn't know Felih XD

[dragoonrouge]

No clan marker...Curious but she wasn't going to be rude to the person who had just helped her by pointing it out. "Well I thank you for being on patrol nearby then Felih."

She tips her head at him, "I am Q'uila Sunrise." She starts a little as the warm, buzzing aether of the unusually large carbuncle buts up against her leg. "Well met Coral. You're certainly the friendliest carbuncle I've seen."

She sighs, "Evidently I've been away for too long if those idiots think they can try that round the corner from my own home."

pffft

[seasoflight]

Felih smiles. "Q'uila, then. Ah, and if you think Coral is friendly, you should see my Ruby. Carbuncle is obnoxious about getting attention," he laughs, with an amused shake of his head, before reaching out to scratch Coral behind the ears. "Coral is much calmer than Ro," he says, and Coral chirps and relaxes, happy for all the attention.

The giant Topaz's height at the shoulder reaches easily up to their waists.

"Oh? You're from around these parts, then? Hah- I was right not to worry too much. You clearly know how to handle yourself... Though still, the pirates are ever a pain we must monitor. Were you on your way somewhere? I'd be glad to escort you, if you'd like. The idiots can be rather persistent, especially when drunk."

Don't laugh at my struggle

[dragoonrouge]

She raises a disbelieving eyebrow at Felih, "Is your Ruby just as large as Coral here?"

"I am Lominsan yes." She confirms, "Although I've been in Gridania as of late." She glares once more in the direction the degenerates had stumbled off in, "Pirates are wankers and tend not to have much of a brain between them." She sighs, "Although it was certainly worse before the Admiral took over, they could only do too much."

"I'm actually heading home, but I would appreciate your company."

[seasoflight]

Felih laughs, "No, no. Coral is among the largest- Ruby is a bit smaller. Certainly much larger than Aqua still, but not the size Coral is." He reaches over and pets Coral, scratching the happy carbuncle behind the ears before tilting his head curiously at her.

"I would agree with you there. The admiral has done a fine job keeping things in order here- an iron fist when it comes to troublemakers." He tilts his head curiously then, before nodding. "Right then- I'd be happy to ensure you got there safely. Besides, it is part of my job to wander about and handle situations as they arise- 'tis not as if I have a post I am to be stationed at."

"Lead the way." Coral, meanwhile, is being very well-behaved and sitting at Felih's side, waiting for him to start walking.

[dragoonrouge]

"You're superiors must like you then if they decided not to give you post, Dad always says it's one of the most boring jobs in the Maelstrom."

Q'uila starts to make her way towards the exit of the alleyway before she pauses, ears twitching. "One moment, I'm going to have to make a quick detour." She rummages into her satchel and pulls out a pencil and a very dusty, small leather notebook. Making sure what she's writing is obscured from Felih, she scribbles out a quick note before tearing the page from the book and folding it up.

"It shan't take too long, the place I need to go is just past the Fishing Guild."

[seasoflight]

Felih grins then, tail wiggling in that proud way of his. "They do," he chirps proudly, "They figured that if I'm traveling about so much anyway, getting my nose into things- well, may as well make use of it."

He follows along, curious as ever, Coral trotting along obediently like a very friendly but dutiful guard hound. They're content to keep her company as she moves- he may as well ensure she's safe, if she's truly an envoy.

"The Fishing Guild? I know the folk there. What do you need?" he asks, intrigued, ears perked up.

Well that was weird

[dragoonrouge]

"Well it certainly seems to be paying off. Do you mostly Adventure within La Noscea?"

Q'uila takes a couple of turns through some more smaller side alleys, the route bending and winding in a way that was deliberately meant to confuse and turn around those who didn't know where they were going, before they emerge right beside the Fishing Guild.

"It's not the Fishing Guild I need, it's there that I need to go." She points across the pontoons to the large double-doors set into the white rock with a large Roegadyn standing beside them.

?

[seasoflight]

Felih smiles and nods. "Yes- the sea is where I fare the best, although I've been sent off to the other city-states quite often these days. Mostly just as a messenger or envoy, but I'm slowly getting to know people in high places in each one," he chirps, following Q'uila curiously, ears twitching as he realizes their oddly winding path.

He's about to just ask why they're doing this- until she points out their destination.

"Ah," Felih says with a little hum. "The Dutiful Sisters, then," he chirps, tilting his head. "Though, I'm surprised. What business do you have seeing them? I didn't take you for... a woman of faith."

It's code, as things often go with the "Sisters." He knows full well who and what they are- one doesn't get to his rank in the Maelstrom without being let in on some secrets. The Admiral's dogs, as some unruly pirates like to call them- but Felih thinks of them more as clever vipers. He does so adore them.

It only originally posted like one sentence. was weird.

[dragoonrouge]

"I miss the sea in Gridania. The rivers and lakes are beautiful but the sound and the smell just doesn't compare." She hums thoughtfully. "I find myself in a somewhat similar situation in that regard. It wasn't something I expected would happen when I set out for the Shroud but I can't complain over much."

Q'uila snorts, tail twitching and smirks at Felih. "I've been acquainted with the Head Sister from a young age. If I see a new pirate crew around I make sure to let them know. So the Sisters can stay safe when they're out and about."

oooh ok

[seasoflight]

"I imagine I too would miss the sea if away from it for too long." Felih hums curiously, "I see- a kit well known," he says in mild amusement. "I can't help but imagine a kit wandering about among the Sisters as they try to go through their duties, 'tis quite an amusing thought," he chirps, following along, ears up and wiggling in his friendly manner as they approach the door guard.

The Roe at the door nods at Felih, and Felih looks to Q'uila to see what she plans on doing. "Would you rather I wait out here, Miss Sunrise?"

[dragoonrouge]

"You can take a La Noscean from the sea but you can't take the sea from a La Noscean. Although trying to explain that to the Shroud folks is an exercise in futility. They keep asking if I would join the Twin Adders." Her laughter is incredulous.

"You aren't too far from the mark alls told but alas, I was never so religiously inclined as my friend."

"I won't be going in today, I'll catch-up with my friend next time I visit." She smiles at the Roe, "Well met Lonwoerd, I've a missive to pass on to the Sister's." She hands over the paper. "Could you also let everyone know that I will drop in for a proper chat soon?"

Bidding the Roe farewell, Q'uila turned and started strolling back across the pontoons. "Thank you for your patience Felih, I promise I shall make no more detours."

[seasoflight]

"Agreed," Felih says with a smile, eyes bright at the mention of it. The sea was comfort, a connection to home, even despite all that had happened. He purrs and shakes his head. "They should know better, but hey- mayhaps it wouldn't be so bad to join a Grand Company. There are quite the number of benefits," he says with a little laugh.

He watches as Q'uila passes along the missive, calm and relaxed. He has nothing to fear from the rogues- though many of the folk around Limsa can be wary of them, he knows full well they are a group that doles out justice and protects those who cannot protect themselves. They keep the city in line- and so, he oft looks the other way when they do things beyond... legal limitations.

"It's no burden on my time- after all, my job is meant for me to wander about. Besides, I did offer to accompany you," he chirps. "Onwards, then- I'll ensure you arrive safely." Though he knows she likely needs no protection.

[dragoonrouge]

"I think I shall decline any Grand Company invitation. I have no interest in the Adders and the Flames, and too much of my family work within the Maelstrom for me to go there." She shrugs, "I am quite happy with the independence."

Q'uila continues the somewhat leisurely stroll through the Lominsan streets, surprised by how much she was enjoying the calm company of the other Miqo'te. It made a nice break from the chaotic energy caused by Pinya and Connor existing within the same nautical malm of each other.

More stairs, through the white, winding streets and Q'uila takes a sudden left through an arch into a small, open cobbled courtyard, a large La Noscean Orange tree branching out from the centre, creating areas of dappled shade. Past the tree is a traditional Lominsan townhouse, narrow and tall, about three floors high and built with thick white stone. The front door is plain, in-ornate oak with a heavy brass knocker at eye level and the centre of the door.

"Well here we are." She removes a brass deadbolt key from her bag and opens the door, the scent of warm pastry and orange floating out through the opening. No sooner had the door creaked open did an older Miqo'te woman, fur and hair a dark, almost navy blue starting to streak with grey, clad in a sundress and a stained apron come bustling out into the hallway, letting out a pleased chirp as she spots Q'uila and rushes over, pulling Q'uila's head down to kiss her on the forehead and pull her into a tight hug.

"Uila! You came early!" Q'uila's mother's voice booms, boisterous and energetic in the small space of the house's opening corridor. Glancing over Q'uila's shoulders she spots Felih with the same burnt orange eyes as Q'uila. "Well well, I see you've brought a guest without telling me Little Sparrow." She chastises Q'uila as she releases her, bustling round her daughter and pulling Felih into the house, headless of any protests. "Come! Come! Never let it be said I am not hospitable despite my daughter's rudeness."

[seasoflight]

Felih smiles at the sight of the lovely little townhouse, ears perking up specifically at the sight of the orange tree. He's a little envious, admittedly- he doesn't have a home of his own, but a nice little place like this seems cozy, a place to aspire to one day.

And then he realizes- oh! This is Q'uila's family home, because the scent of oranges and pastry immediately hits his nose as the door opens. He feels another pang of envy strike his heart all over again- a doting, loving mother, fawning over her kit. Family- home.

He shouldn't intrude- and he immediately flusters when the woman invites him in. "Oh, no no- I'm merely- that is, I was just escorting her safely, is all. Maelstrom duties, you know- don't worry about me. I shouldn't intrude," he says with a little laugh, trying to make an easy exit. "I've only just met Miss Q'uila today, so-" he tries to explain, even more flustered when the woman actually pulls him into the house. "A-Ah-!"

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila's ears bolt upwards and she flushes, as her Mum drags Felih into the house, "Mother! Please he clearly-" She is cut off by the chastising glare of her mother who is currently pulling Felih past Q'uila in the tightness of the hallway and into the lounge, pressing his shoulders down with surprising strength to get him to sit in one of the armchairs, tutting as she does so.

"I shan't hear no protest dear, if you helped my daughter then consider this a reward yes?" She smiled at Felih, crow's feet and laughter lines deepening as she does so, but it looks to be an expression that is frequently worn on this woman's tanned face. "Uila!" She hollars back into hallway as she sits down on the sofa on the opposite side of the coffee table to Felih. "Offer our guest a drink!"

Q'uila shuffles into the lounge, ears folded back slightly, tail tucked in close to her leg and her face aflame, a picture of an embarrassed kit. "What would you like to drink Felih, we have water, ale, orange juice, or lemonade?"

Once Felih states his preference, Q'uila makes a quick jog to the kitchen as her mother focuses on the young man before her. "So Felih, how long have you been working with the Maelstrom? Do you have any other jobs?" Her amber eyes unblinking as she catches every twitch of his ears and tail.

[seasoflight]

Felih is very startled to find himself dragged into the house by Q'uila's mother, ears up in mild alarm as he finds himself in someone else's home- a near stranger's home! And just as quickly, the woman handles him down into a chair and leaves him blinking, stunned, because it all happened far too quickly for the Maelstrom officer to handle.

"I- er, well, I wasn't much help, really, your daughter seems more than capable of handling herself. I just prevented anything from starting to begin with, I suppose," he explains, still looking mildly lost, unsure of what to do here.

He can see how flustered Q'uila herself is, though, so he just decides to humor her mother and not tease the poor young woman he's only just met. "Ah... lemonade is fine, thank you," he says, before he finds himself alone with Q'uila's mother. Suddenly, there's rapid-fire questions, and he does his best to answer.

"Ah, well- only a year, but I've worked my way up the ranks well enough," Felih explains. "I sort of bounce from job to job, but I've a variety of trades I can make use of. Goldsmithing, weaving, cooking... I've skills in botany, hunting, and fishing as well," he explains. "I suppose magic is my primary means of battle, and any work requiring such skills.

[dragoonrouge]

The older woman's Amber eyes gleam at the mention of cooking, and she leans forward, gaze assessing. From the kitchen comes the sound of skin slapping together, Q'uila face palming in kitchen.

"Pay her no mind." She waves a hand dismissively at her daughter. "Cook you say? Tell me young man, are you a member of the Culinarian Guild?"

Q'uila comes back into the lounge, three ice-cold lemonades in hand and puts them down on the table, ears twitching and tail curling.

"Mum, Dad and the rest of the Maelstrom won't let you poach one of their men."

Q'uila's mum barks out a laugh, and smiles smugly at the two, "No-one in the Maelstrom knows their way around a kitchen well enough to stop me from poaching anything. My daughter may be able to defend herself but you were still conscientious enough to help. So," She claps, a smug grin on her face, "That attitude requires reward. Next time you drop by the Bismark, ask for T'ana Towa, you're going to be getting a Masterclass in deserts and pastry."

Q'uila at this point has gonna and come back from the kitchen with a tray of freshly baked orange tarts which she places on the table. She let's out an impressed whistle at her mum's offer.

"Twelve Felih you are lucky. Honestly though, thank you for you help and company today."

[seasoflight]

Felih blinks. "Ah, well- yes, I am," he says, startled but not bothered by the question. He was rather proud of his station in the guild- he was climbing the ranks rather quickly, he thinks. He did love creating delicious food, watching the way people lit up when they took a bite: it felt comforting, in a way. He was good for something- he could still bring people joy, somehow.

He's happy to accept the lemonade though, fond of citrus, and he sips it quietly while mother and daughter talk- and he nearly chokes when Q'uila's mother makes her offer.

"T'ana Towa- the T'ama Towa?!" he says, stunned, voice strained from mild inhalation of lemonade. He's flustered, trying to clear his lungs and composure, cheeks dark in embarrassment mixed with surprise. "You know her- she'll teach me?!" His tail is quivering and puffing up behind him, ears perking right up in hopeful delight. To learn patisserie from the famed master herself...!

"Twelve- I hardly did anything, I should be thanking you for such an offer...!"

[dragoonrouge]

Both women are shooting Felih identical grins at his obvious excitement, shooting each other a look.

"Well Mum," Q'uila begins faux innocently, "Looks like someone admires your cooking if he's that keen to be taught by you."

"I'll say," T'ana replied before handing Felih a tart. "Now try this and tell me what you think."

[seasoflight]

Felih chokes all over again. He spends a few moments wheezing and just trying to get the refreshing summer drink out of his airway- which unfortunately is not refreshing at all when inhaled. When he finally calms down, his tail is still bushy and triple its usual size, ears up and eyes wide.

"W-Wait- that- you're T'ana Towa!? I- I'd not even realized, I- I've never had rank or opportunity to see you myself, and Q'uila...?" he looks at Q'uila in confusion, before something clicks.

"Ah- you must be of two different tribes, then!" Felih says, gently striking a fist to his palm as he figures it out. But, ever weak to sweets, he delightedly takes the offered tart and takes a bite into it.

His tail quivers and he starts to purr as it melts on his tongue, ears drooping against his hair in blissful relaxation. This... is... amazing... His sweet tooth is in heaven. No, all of him is in heaven. Twelve, the pastries must be blessed.

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila pats his back lightly, as much fun as this man was turning out to be she really would rather not have him choke to death in their lounge.

"Yeah, Mum married into the clan-" "Worst decision I ever made." T'ana cuts in teasingly. "Now," She stood up, straightening her apron, "Uila shall see you out when you're done and I look forward to our cooking lessons Young Felih." With that she leaves the lounge and heads deeper into the house.

Q'uila waits until Felih has finished his tart and his lemonade before leading him to the door. "Thanks again for your help Felih, and sorry about Mum, she gets very intense about her cooking...Which reminds me, give me a moment." Q'uila dashes off into the kitchen and returns moment later with some extra tarts wrapped up in a tea towel. "Here, Mum's first challenge for you will be to try and figure out the ingredients and cooking methods she use to make these.

She hands the tea towel over to Felih and grins at him, "Hopefully I'll see you around but if I don't good luck alright?"