There is something satisfying about watching from the outside.
As an outsider, Bastille has seen many an event from a distinctly different point of view. In his youth, he learned from his Duskwight elders. Their views on society were largely separate from their Wildwood cousins. Civilization need not mean castles and kings. But, if there were going to be castles and kings, objectivity would be needed.
History, after all, is written by the victors.
Bastille had taken this lesson to heart as a young Elezen, but it would not be until his path crossed with that of a certain adventurer in Ishgard many years later.
Coerthas and Ishgard found themselves at the mercy of the dragons' unrest in the years following the Calamity. Bastille, after much thought, had sought access to the towering city of Ishgard under the guise of knight to House Haillenarte. If he wished to uncover true history, he would need a place within it.
It was during his time as a knight that the scion of House Haillenarte came of age and was made steward of the Machinist Manufactory. Stephanivien, holding some specific perspective as to how engineers and Machinists could service the nation, combed the ranks for volunteers to test the Manufactory's products. Sensing an opportunity, Bastille suggested himself to accompany Stephanivien.
It would be some time before his efforts would bear fruit. In the meantime, he diligently practiced with the firearms even as he kept his skills with sword and lance honed.
One day, an eager young Wildwood approached Stephanivien to join the Machinist's Guild and learn the art of the firearm. The newcomer was an outsider like himself, in Ishgard only under the protection of House Fortemps. He was young, barely more than a colt, it seemed, but apparently well-experienced in combat. The lad excelled in the skill quickly and even aided in proving the Machinists value to the other Houses and knights. Bastille took note.
Then Nidhogg came with a fury unlike anything Ishgard had seen recent times. Bastille was deployed with the other Hallainarte knights to protect the city, but it was quickly becoming apparent that they were only delaying the inevitable. It seemed that the hour of their destruction was at hand when who should appear but that young Wildwood adventurer. Bastille had been among those on the Steps, watching as their forces finally-finally-succeeded in driving back the Horde. In the time that followed, the Lord Commander relayed a message of hope: Nidhogg was no more, slain by the adventurer. Bastille took note.
As old truths came to light and it was learned that the dragons had in fact had the right of it-that Ishgard and her knights in millenia past had indeed betrayed the dragons and killed one of the First Brood for her Eye-the nation was restructured away from the old beliefs. Stephanivien requested all of the Manufactory pay their respects to House Fortemps in the wake of their loss. As an illegitimate son, Haurchefaunt had largely been ignored by the other Houses, but Stephanivien had ever been an outlier.
The Lord Commander was voted to take the seat of government and nearly assassinated. That same young adventurer served as close advisor to the Lord Commander throughout the process and aided in other troubles that arose during that time.
When the adventurer finally made to leave Ishgard - Bastille was still amazed an accused regicide had been allowed in the city - it was time to make a decision.
Bastille had vowed to see history objectively. What better way than to watch as it happened? And so it was that he requested release from the service of House Haillainarte. Stephanivien, after hearing his reasons, bid him go and to return one day with news of the world.
When the young Wildwood adventurer left Ishgard, Bastille followed. And watched. And occasionally joined in the efforts. He followed the Wildwood to Ala Mhigo and even to Doma for a time. He sent word of the events back to Stephanivien periodically. If the Wildwood ever wondered how his deeds spread across the star, he might have been amused at the amount of chronicling Bastille accomplished in their journeys. Especially since Bastille was fairly certain he had not been recognized as belonging to Ishgard.
He had been unable to follow the adventurer across the Rift to the First, but he immersed himself in the research and war that was happening all around on the Source. When the adventurer returned to make reports, Bastille made certain to always be nearby. The boy was certainly reckless, he had decided. But he could hardly argue with his results.
When the sky burned and his people's aether cried out in despair, Bastille relayed the message to Radz-at-Han personally. Once again, the lad had failed to recognize him, which amused him greatly. How many Duskwights did one come across in polite society, after all? They tended to keep to their own.
Once more the young Elezen adventurer, now matured in the years since Bastille had first laid eyes on him, had seemingly saved countless lives. Clearly, Bastille had made the correct decision those years ago when he had decided to follow the adventurer and note history as it was made.
He finally introduced himself to the Wildwood in Mor Dhona as the Scions made to each go their own way. The adventurer laughed and explained that he had thought there was something familiar about the Duskwight but had been too distracted and stressed to recall properly. Bastille candidly told him that he would likely see him again as he had decided that someone needed to chronicle the star properly. Cocking his head slightly, the lad made the comment, "I wonder which ancient you were," which Bastille assumed alluded to the story of the Sundering.
The adventurer formally introduced himself, though he knew Bastille was already aware. He invited him to use his given name as a gesture of camaraderie. Bastille assured him that should they meet again, he would greet him appropriately. In the meantime, he would continue to record the adventurer's exploits.
He still thought the boy was a reckless idiot, however.
