READ HERE FIRST!

MAJOR SPOILERS FROM THE ENDWALKER MSQ!

Do not read if you are still playing through Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers or have plans to. I will be using my own character, Claire Faye, in the story to stand in as the Warrior of Light, but feel free to think of your own characters. Lately I had been doing an unnamed Warrior of Light, but in this story it was hard to do that so I will be simply using Claire's name.

Major Game Spoilers for Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, Heavenward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker

You have been warned.

I do not own any copyright, am doing this purely for entertainment…

Please enjoy.

"I wish to hear your words... Share your feelings... Know your thoughts. May we please be friends?"

-Meteion

Chapter 1: A Familiar Guest

Meteion could still recall the moment she first opened her eyes and looked about her with polite confusion. She had no memories before that moment, but her mind was filled with strange bits of knowledge and information she could not recall ever learning before. She blinked up towards the tall figure standing in front of her—her first true sight was that of the man's face—without his mask.

He smiled at her.

"Hello," he told her kindly and she could feel the warmth from him of an emotion she recognized at once as affection. "My name is Hermes. Your name is Meteion… and welcome to the world."

"H-Hermes…" she whispered back, her voice struggling to form words.

She was far from the only one that he created though, for before her he created many… those whom he called her sisters. She was just the youngest out of numerous. Not long after that day, whom he dubbed her nameday, was when he took her and her sisters out to a small island late at night. It was there that he gave them their orders and they all took off towards the heavens—leaving only her behind. It was hard to say goodbye to them all, but she could remember how he promised that they would be reunited once they completed their mission. It was a day that she looked forward to.

Since then, she had remained at Hermes side, helping him however much she could. The other researchers and observers were fascinated with her at first, asking a few questions as they got to know her; but as the years went by, they came to respect that she was Hermes 'pet project' and never brought up the reason she was here.

Hermes told her that it was called 'a secret' for they couldn't tell anyone what they were doing yet; but promised that once her sisters returned then he would share their findings with everyone. Until then, while they had an estimated time that their survey be completed, he wanted her by his side should her sisters' report come in sooner than they expected. She didn't mind, she loved being by his side. He treated her with so much kindness that she could not imagine ever wanting to be anywhere else other than with Hermes.

She still struggled with speech and he encouraged her to talk as often as possible—always saying that practice makes perfect. He had made sure to also impress upon her that while her ability to read a person's emotions was a special gift—something that she was designed for—she must not use it without consent for everyone has emotions that they wish to hide and keep private.

Meteion promised him that she would do just that. Which made him smile and pat her on her head fondly.

"That's my girl," he told her and her entire being seemed to hum with happiness when she felt how happy he was.

But there were still many things that she could not help but notice when it came to the feelings of others. While she promised Hermes that she would never look through one's mind or read their emotions without consent, it was hard when a particularly powerful emotion ended up seeping through. Especially when it came to Hermes. It seemed that the closer she was to someone, in the way that the more affection she held for them, the easier it was to pick up on their emotions and Hermes was always so loud and clear that it was sometimes hard to be around him. Especially when his sadder emotions came through.

Such as when he would hear about his researchers starting over with a failed creation, or when one of the creations had to be unmade? Hermes never said anything to anyone else about it, but she knew that the idea of letting one of the creations in their charge die because man was 'too impatient' for results—as he once said to her—was enough to want to make him scream out.

Which made her sad.

She wasn't entirely sure she understood that either, but she knew that Hermes felt sad and alone because of all this. It was for this reason he created her and her sisters—to answer his questions across the great expanse.

But until then, she wasn't sure how she could help ease his sorrows or to comfort his pain when he needed it most. While she could comprehend what a person felt, she had no clue how to help them with it… when one was happy then she felt happy… if one was sad then she felt their pain… how to change those feelings though… was something that she didn't know. In fact, her powers sometimes made it worse such as when Hermes was sad and then he would notice that she was upset when she felt his sorrow… which only made him feel worse.

That was what she hated most about her abilities.

Thankfully, on this particular day, Hermes was excited as he took a group of Ambystoma from their habitat so that he could examine them more closely. She was by his side as he gently let them leap out of his hands just above the water and watched how they swam joyfully around. She watched on with wide eyes and a smile as he told her about these cute little creations.

"You see, Meteion?" Hermes asked her kindly as his fingers danced on the water's surface and the Ambystoma swam around his hand with interest. "They are growing as they are supposed to. Once we can determine their average size once full grown then it shouldn't be much longer before they make it into the world."

"Oh, they are so cute…" she cooed. "I hope they make it."

He chuckled and nodded, perfectly contented which made her glad.

"Myself as well," he agreed. "And I see no reason why they shouldn't. They will make the perfect addition for just about any habitat with lakes and rivers. I look forward to that day."

He then told her more about the Ambystoma and how he believes that they will be a wonderful contribution to the star. She nodded excitedly as he talked… when suddenly she felt it. It was just a tiny little tingle as she felt a rush of something new… a series of complex emotions from near the entrance to Elpis. She looked up to the sky, wondering where these emotions were coming from and chirped up to Hermes that they had visitors here.

"Oh?" he asked as he looked up as well with curiosity. "Interesting. Well, if we do, I expect you to be on your best behavior for our guests, Meteion."

"Alright, Hermes, I will!" she promised happily as he smiled back and they returned to studying the Ambystomas. Meteion put the strange surge of emotions she felt out of her mind as she assisted in helping Hermes, occasionally asking questions—he liked it when she asked questions of the creations here—and he would eagerly answer. This went on for a time before a voice spoke up behind them.

"Excuse me?"

Both of them turned to look and as soon as Meteion saw her, she felt a rush of affection flow through her. Meteion had never seen this lady before but stared at her with fascination, feeling a mixture of joy and excitement that she could not recall ever feeling before.

The reason for it was that the moment she saw their guest she knew that she was different. Well, different… but the same also? While everyone around her was kind, especially Hermes, she never met another person that felt so similar to herself—save for her sisters. Their guest's aether was very thin… just like hers! Her soul… not as full as those around them…!

The emotions of the others sometimes felt dull and muted… but her…? Their guests emotions were vivid and bright like a field of flowers on a bright, sunny day! She recognized it at once and just her very presence captivated her in a way that she could not describe only that she was instantly drawn to this pretty lady.

Their guest was good. She was kind… that was what her emotions were telling her loud and clear.

Hermes stood up and asked the lady politely, "You are?"

But Meteion ran past him, she felt his surprise for a moment, before she stopped in front of their guest. Her eyes wide as she looked at her, leaning ever closer, until she almost ended up tumbling off the step in her eagerness to meet her.

"Different!" she said happily once she regained her balance. "You're different too! You and me. We're alike. Friends. I want to be—!"

She was struggling trying to voice what she was feeling, struggling with her words more than usual, as she so desperately wanted to tell the lady what she wanted. The lady just looked back in confusion though and Meteion could sense that as well as with a hint of alarm that the lady feared she may have done something wrong. Meteion took a few deep breaths and quickly calmed herself down.

"Wait… please… wait…" she begged before she quieted her mind, her hands over her heart, and reached out with her abilities. She greeted their guest, like how Hermes taught her to do, and calmly explained that she meant her no harm and that she simply wished to be friends. She suddenly sensed their guests worry fade away to amazement and she giggled at that as she asked with her normal voice, "May we please… be friends!"

Their guest wasn't able to answer at first when a few other guests arrived. One of whom was a man with lilac colored hair and a gentle smile; greeted by Hermes by name and Meteion felt the warmth of familiarity and knew that the two must be friends. As for the other…? He had long white hair and golden eyes… but there was a kind of… prickliness about him. While she felt that there was a kindness inside him as well it felt like it was behind a wall so she couldn't properly tell. Hermes, however, felt both a measure of respect and dread when the man introduced himself as Emet-Selch of the Convocation.

But Meteion barely paid them attention, her entire focus upon their first guest. How she harbored an affection for her that she could not explain. How that aside from the fact that she shares common traits with her, their guest's thoughts were multifaceted with such different levels of depth and complexity like the facets of crystals. Her thoughts and feelings drew Meteion in and left with a desire to know more about her.

Meteion could not stop smiling either, something that their guest noticed, which left a warm smile on her lips as well as a hint of pleasant embarrassment at being observed such. Meteion only smiled wider at that and could sense that their guest liked her in return—which made her even happier.

"Well, you certainly have her attention," the one called Hythlodaeus said with a chuckle. "Is she one of yours, Hermes?"

She felt Hermes's pride shine through as he nodded and explained fondly, "Her name is Meteion. It means shooting star."

Meteion beamed up at Hermes as she felt Hythlodaeus examining her, which she was used to and didn't bother her at all as he said, "If I may make an observation, her aether is terribly thin, I fear she might dissipate at any moment. Nor do I believe you've made a submission to the bureau. I would remember such a concept if you had."

Hermes only smiled as he patted Meteion on the head and answered, "I haven't, as you say. I judged it too early. She's a pet project of mine—still undergoing preliminary testing. But rest assured that I will attend in person ere long."

Meteion couldn't say that she understood everything that was being said, but soon after they finished discussing about her and the one called Emet-Selch started talking… it seemed that everything grew tense? Suddenly, the warm humming in Hermes soul seemed to freeze and turn to dread. Meteion looked at him in confusion as he reassured the others that he had a feeling what they were here about and promised that he would be willing to listen once he returned the Ambystoma to their homes. But as he looked behind them to the little ones in the pool… his dread soon turned to fear.

"What's wrong, Hermes?" she chirped up politely.

"An Ambystoma is missing," he whispered anxiously.

She looked and quickly counted, realizing that he was right. Out of the five Ambystomas… there were only four left. She looked around, not seeing where the little one went.

Yet, once the nice Hythlodaeus, pointed out that it went off in the direction of a tree, Hermes went running off after it and she went running after Hermes, wanting to help out however she could. She made it to the tree just as Hermes began to climb it, clambering up the branches quickly though he struggled with his long robes catching on the lower boughs. She looked up to near the topmost branches and the little Ambystoma was sitting there amongst the green leaves and understood.

She cheered on from below as she watched Hermes make it to the right branch and reach out to grab it… only for it to jump on his head. She briefly felt his surprise… and then embarrassment as he slipped and almost ended up falling over as he was left hanging upside down in the tree when his robes caught on the branch.

"Meteion! Catch it!" he called before he tumbled over and the little Ambystoma leapt from his head. She quickly reached out with her hands and caught the creation fortunately.

"There! You're safe now," she said to the Ambystoma before she put it on the ground—just as their guest arrived.

At the sight of her, Meteion lighten up at once as she told her what happened. The pretty lady looked up to Hermes, now hanging upside down, and called out, "Do you need a hand?"

Hermes groaned out before noticing them there.

"No, no, I'm fine," he called. "If a little embarrassed. Now, for your own safety, please stand back…"

And he ended up rolling out of the tree and landed on the soft grass below him—but he still hit it hard enough that he moaned out in pain and rolled over onto his stomach. Meteion looked over at their guest, whom reflected the worry she felt.

"Hermes, are you all right?" Meteion asked, hoping he wasn't hurt. Thankfully, Hermes got back to his feet and cleared his throat.

"Quite all right, yes… my apologizes for making you worry Meteion. Both you and… er…?"

That was when he looked to their guest, whom they didn't even know her name yet. Or if she even had one? It wasn't uncommon around here for some to wait for a name after all? Was she a new creation whose master sent her here?

But their guest smiled and told them, "Claire. My name is Claire Faye. But you can just call me Claire."

"Claire Faye, you are called?" Hermes asked and a smile was on his lips. "An intriguing name, somehow reminiscent of a new creation… thank you for coming after me."

Claire… it was such a pretty name! Meteion liked it at once as she tried to say it on her lips and found it surprisingly easy to do so.

Hermes, meanwhile, was speaking to her about the Ambystoma before he gasped out and she felt fear and alarm flood his senses as he cried out that he left the others on their own. Before he completely lost himself to panic, Claire quickly calmed him down by reassuring him that the other Ambystomas were safe because Hythlodaeus and Emet-Selch were looking after them for him until he came back.

At that, Hermes let out a sigh of relief before picking up their Ambystoma and returning it to the pool where their other guests were waiting. Meteion only stared at Claire in amazement. She had been able to help Hermes with his negative emotions so easily and quickly? Could she learn to do that as well?

She didn't ask though for Hermes led them back to the pool where the others were waiting. It was here that they informed Hermes that they needed to discuss with him right away about something important—which he agreed to once the Ambystoma were returned.

She accompanied Hermes to take the Ambystoma back to their habitat and watched as he let them go into the small pool. Though he added a stern warning to the wayward Ambystoma to be more careful from here on out because he didn't want him to get hurt.

Meteion couldn't read the minds or emotions of most creations that clearly, but she could have sworn she felt a tingle of appreciation from the Ambystoma as it leapt back into the water.

"Hermes? What did you need to talk to our visitors about?" she asked curiously as she followed after him back to the main building.

"Oh, something to do with the Convocation, most likely," he sighed and suddenly she felt the dread return and she frowned slightly.

"Is it something bad?" she asked worriedly.

"No, but it is neither cause for joy," he explained. "I fear that it's rather complicated."

Hermes just forced a smile he did not truly feel as he told her that they shouldn't keep their guests waiting. She followed after though as she did climb the stairs she could hear the one called Emet-Selch speaking with Claire, telling her that she was not to take part of this meeting.

To her surprise, she heard Claire retort that she had important things to discuss with Hermes as well, which Emet-Selch disregarded. He even threatened to remove her by force if she would not leave willingly. Meteion was just astonished though, for despite the fact that she was smaller than Emet-Selch, and a mere familiar, she didn't seem to be the least bit intimidated by him. Usually, familiars were to follow every order given to them… common enough for those ones without souls… but Claire clearly had one. So what did that mean?

Just then, Hermes interrupted them, walking in through the doors with her at his heels, reassuring them that he had no problems with Claire attending the meeting as well, which took Emet-Selch by surprise and tried to argue the case.

But Hermes countered and said that he believed that she could be trusted otherwise she, Meteion, would not have taken to her so easily. Meteion nodded, wondering if it was really only because of her own quick attachment to Claire that Hermes also felt it. However, Meteion could not feel even the slightest bit of malicious intentions from Claire… explaining it was difficult… but something about her presence seemed to… relax everyone in the room. It was like she created an aura of calm around her and everyone near it was swept up in it.

What really drew her attention the most was how calm that Hermes now seemed and he was looking at Claire with great captivation, much like how Meteion had done before. She wondered if that was her special gift like how Meteion could read people's emotions?

When he realized that he was outnumbered, Emet-Selch sighed in defeat before growling at Claire to behave herself.

Claire took a seat at the table like the others while Meteion stood back, right between her and where Hermes sat. Another thing about Claire's behavior that shocked her since familiars were often treated as less than people. Not in a bad way, just not up to the same high standards as the rest of mankind was and were often told to stand off to the side rather than seat with them at the table. Hermes was the acceptation to that rule and when they were alone—or even with the other researchers—he would insist that she take a seat at his side. But it seemed that this Emet-Selch was a very important person and so he was willing to have things go 'normally' for a change.

Meteion saw how some of the others were mildly surprised by Claire's boldness but no one spoke up as she watched on with interest. Was she truly just a familiar?

But then they started talking and Meteion found herself quickly becoming lost as they talked about this 'Fandaniel' and how he wanted Hermes to become the next 'Fandaniel'? She knew of the Convocation, of course, but it seemed that they now wanted Hermes to join them, which Hermes was very reluctant to do. She could feel the pleasant tingle of pride inside him at the honor of being selected… but there was also that dread and anger there as well at the thought. For it meant that if he took up the seat of Fandaniel then the current Fandaniel would, as they put it, 'return to the star'.

"Return to the star?" she questioned, her curiosity growing at the term. "Does that mean… die?"

Hythlodaeus looked at her with amazement and said, "Well now, that's not a word I hear often… is that what you say here in Elpis?"

She nodded, fearing that she spoke out of line, but Hythlodaeus just smiled back and she felt relief to see that she wasn't in trouble for interrupting them.

"Mankind is the life of Etheirys," he explained to her. "Each of us a drop of blood flowing through its veins, bearing sustenance. In our finite time upon it, 'tis our duty to make it a better place, that all who call it home now and in the future may abide in happiness. To that end, we have dedicated ourselves to the pursuit of enlightened creation. And by our efforts did we transform this once-untamed wilderness into the peaceful paradise you enjoy today. To return to the star whence we came is a privilege afforded to we who have so loved and nurtured it. A choice embraced by those who have lived their lives to the fullest, in service to our world. And when they depart upon this journey, it is beautiful. Always."

Beautiful? Meteion never thought of it that way before. But then… why did Hermes get so upset whenever someone mentioned death? She could feel his anger and sorrow when they discussed this 'Fandaniel' and how he would soon be ready to return to the Star and wanted Hermes to take over his role. She felt his pain and suddenly she felt sad as well, lowering her head as the feathers on the sides of her head drooped as his sorrow felt choking. It was as if there was a heavy weight inside her chest that she could not release and she struggled to breathe. She wanted to make it stop, to help him feel better… but again, she knew not how to do so.

Without her realizing it, Claire was looking at her, noticing her low head and how she was rubbing her hands together anxiously. It seemed that this caught Hermes attention and he followed her gaze to see what she was looking at.

"Oh no," he groaned when he realized it was happening again. "I've made her upset…" He then looked back to Claire and asked her, "Forgive me—I know I requested your presence. Might I trouble you to take Meteion outside? A change of scenery would do her good."

Claire nodded, not saying a single word or showing any signs of being upset. But Meteion could feel it just as loudly as she could feel Hermes pain—that shred of disappointment as well as worry as she got up. She wanted to reassure them, but Claire had already come to her.

"Are you alright?" Claire asked her kindly.

"I'm sorry, Claire… I didn't want—don't mean—" she tried to explain before sighing. "A walk. Perhaps we can go for a walk?"

She felt terrible for she knew that Claire came here wanting to speak with Hermes and she was taking that chance away. But Claire just nodded in understanding as she led her to the door. As soon as they were outside, she felt Hermes sadness fade and she let out another sigh she didn't realize she was holding when it did. But still, she felt terrible for causing trouble to them.

Meteion then felt Claire's confusion to what happened in there and turned around to face her.

"Hermes gets sad. When he thinks about death," she explained to Claire. "When others are sad, I'm sad too. That's how I am. How he made me." She didn't want to talk anymore about that and instead asked her, "So… why did you come here?"

Claire hesitated and she could sense something deeper that she could not see. A turmoil of emotions she could not truly place was suddenly tumbling around inside her as she seemed to struggle to voice what she wanted as well.

Meteion was fascinated by all that until Claire finally decided upon telling her, "I wish to learn more about both Hermes and Elpis."

It wasn't a lie… but not the full truth either. But she could tell that her feelings were genuine in her desire to learn more of this place and that perked Meteion up instantly. She felt that Claire was here for a reason and was trying to find answers to a very hard problem and Meteion wanted to help her find those answers. But she also wanted to learn more of her and so she gave a suggestion, that she would take her around Elpis and help her answer her questions if she would tell her more of herself in exchange—which Claire agreed with.

And so began their little trek across the facility as she introduced her to some of the researchers and they began to tell her more of Elpis. Claire was interested in all of this, but Meteion could tell that there were still questions inside her as if she wasn't sure what it was that she was supposed to be looking for. But like she promised, she would answer Meteion's questions and she learned so far that Claire had come here from a far, far away place that was facing a great threat and she was looking for answers here that may help her save it.

Meteion was amazed. She had no idea that such a place would exist—didn't everyone always say that even in the most derelict places on this star were still full of plenty for the people? And that if there were any serious problems than those of the Convocation could handle any kind of threat?

"But this place is important to you," she pointed out, feeling how Claire was determined to do anything to help out her 'home'. "I can feel it. Oh, my power! I haven't told you about it!"

"Your powers?" Claire repeated wonderingly and Meteion nodded.

"A creation," she answered, looking around. "Let's find a creation. One not being watched. Then I'll explain my power!"

She didn't wish to interrupt someone observing a creation and so decided to find one with no one around to make sure that they weren't bothering them. Meteion smiled as she grabbed hold of Claire's hand and happily lead her across some of the research pools and looked around to find a creation. Soon enough, she spotted a large, rather mean-looking bird with grey feathers and big bill sitting upon a wall as it seemed content to gaze out at the fields and flowers as if fascinated by them.

"Oh! This creation is perfect!" Meteion chirped, though she was a bit lost now since she wasn't sure when this bird arrived. "But… I don't remember seeing it before. Perhaps it's new?"

"A shoebill," Claire muttered. "I've seen them before."

Shoebill? That's a funny sounding name. It made her giggle at the thought but she then proudly declared, "Anyway, I'll try reading its mind. That's my power."

Claire waited as Meteion shut her eyes and tried to think. So reached out with her abilities to try and discover what the Shoebill was thinking…? But… nothing. There was nothing going on inside its head. That was strange. The way that it was staring ahead like that couldn't help but trick one into thinking that it was deep in thought on something. But she honestly picked up nothing from the strange bird.

"Hmmm… I can't read it. Or maybe… there's nothing to read?" she asked before looking back to Claire, feeling disappointed in herself that she couldn't show her…?

"Wait… please, wait… I'll try again. With you this time," she gasped.

She picked up a trace of unease from Claire, but she nodded as Meteion closed her eyes and tried again to convey her feelings to her. Meteion wished that Hermes would let her speak more this way for she found it so much easier to convey what she wanted to say than how she normally speaks. Still, Meteion explained how this was her power to read the emotions of those around her and project her emotions onto others in return. That she wasn't actually speaking to her in her mind, rather she was converting her emotions into words and intentions. How she harbored an affection for her that she could not explain but that she sensed that she was a good person and how her complicated thoughts were like a beacon that Meteion could not ignore. She reassured Claire that out of respect for her privacy, she will refrain from using her powers when speaking with her. But finished by confirming that she wished so dearly to be her friend. She then cut it off there as she opened her eyes and asked, "Did you… hear me?"

Claire was smiling at her. She then felt Claire's pleasure shining through that felt like sunlight upon her skin and feathers. And she felt her emotions clearly say: "Of course I'd love to be your friend."

Meteion's eyes lit up as she gave a smile so wide that it hurt her face and giggled with delight.

"Good! Now it's my turn again! So… what are you good at?"

A rather coy smile appeared before she answered 'playing'. Meteion wasn't sure what playing was but Claire described it as having fun and doing something silly with your friends. Meteion was still wondering what she meant before Claire decided to show her and grabbed her. At that, Meteion burst out laughing as she felt her sides being tickled and they ended up flopping into the grass as they rolled—now both of them laughing.

Meteion was eager to learn and begged for more for this 'playing' and Claire taught her a couple of games. One was called 'tag' where one of them was 'it' and she had to chase her around so that she would be 'it' and chase her. Meteion laughed as Claire quickly caught up with her and tickled her again as a punishment for being 'it' and told her that now she had to chase her. Meteion grinned as she ran after her, not as fast as her new friend was, but was able to jump and knocked them both to the ground as she tickled her. After that, she learned a game called hide-and-seek… where one would be 'it' again and count so that the other would have time to hide. After that, the goal was to find the other in their hiding place. They played that one for a long time since Meteion wasn't able to stay hidden for long because of her laughter giving her away each time.

She liked playing. It was fun and only wished that Hermes could join them! She was just wondering if they could ask Hermes to join them next time before she noticed the grey bird was looking at them as if it were annoyed and decided that now was a good time to go.

"I haven't had time to play like that in a long time," she sighed, still smiling as Meteion looked up at her with awe. "It was a welcomed distraction."

Still, there was much she wanted to show Claire and so Meteion took her new friend's hand as she led her up the stairs, deciding to show her what she liked the most. She brought Claire to Euanthe and asked for an apple.

"The kind Hermes likes," she clarified when she felt Euanthe's curiosity, "Covered in syrup. I want to share it with Claire!"

"Oh, candied apple?" Euanthe asked in understanding with a hint of laughter and disapproval. "Hermes is certainly partial to them, but you know you can't eat, Meteion. You weren't made to do so."

That was true. One time when she asked Hermes why she could not enjoy eating food like he could, he explained that it was because if she was to cross the Great Expanse then it would be more a hindrance than anything if she needed food. She muttered, "B-But I like it too."

"It may seem that way, but it's due to your ability to share others' feelings," Euanthe answered. "You've taken Hermes's likes for your own. In any case, I can't prepare an apple right now, but I'll bring one for Hermes soon. I promise."

Meteion knew better than to ask again and so nodded, but she still felt bad. She really wanted Claire to see those candied apples and told her, "I'm sorry, Claire… I wanted to shoe you my favorite thing. Then I could ask about yours. But I failed…"

"That's alright," Claire said. "I've had candied apples before and I know how sweet they are."

Meteion looked up and asked eagerly, "Oh, so you can eat food too?"

Claire nodded and began to tell her of some of the things she liked to do as they went back outside. The kind of foods that she liked to make and activities she enjoyed. How she enjoyed cooking delicious foods to snack on while she traveled… how she loved to craft with her own hands with a needle and thread… how simply going outside on a clear, cloudless day to see new sights… or simply laying down in the grass as she looked up at the stars while feeling the dew underneath her on a warm night… just to watch the sun rising the next morning…?

Meteion listened raptured as she felt the joy that radiated from her friend the more that she talked of her favorite things. Just the passions that rose up in her heart made Meteion love all these things as well.

"Ooh, that's what you like?" she asked eagerly. "Yes… yes, I can feel it! Your joy and happiness! And it makes me happy too! Thanks for sharing it with me, Claire!"

She was so enthralled by these joys that she suddenly wanted to experience them herself and she asked hopefully, "Will you show me some of those things someday?"

Claire just smiled and nodded once, which made Meteion jump about in elated joy.

(Awwww, so cute. I remember how I fell in love with Meteion when I first saw how sweet she was and so I decided to put her into a story this time. Will be a little bit longer than some of the other characters I've done, but I just can't help it! I honestly feel that Meteion, at least the one we met is more of a tragic figure than anything else. It was her own sense of self that was overshadowed by her sisters and she sort of became… suppressed for all that time until near the end. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and look forward to what's next!)