[text]: Phanes aka WOL usually cursing or insulting in his Amaurotine language to avoid speaking vulgarities in front of children

"My beloved Aymeric,

While there wasn't much of an adventure, I'd wish for a day to bring you to the Rising Stones to meet Unu. Or Unukalhai is his name. He's a young child who accompanied the Scions after Master Urianger, Miss Krile, Miss Y'shtola, and us, Warriors of Twilight, defeated the Warring Triad. Unu can be shy with strangers and overly stiff like his teacher, but he has a noble heart. There's a lot more about Unu I loved to tell you, but I'll hold it in until we meet the next time.

Another life-threatening fight, as one put it, their eikons summoned similar to Primals happened during the Allagan Empire! Though, that's not what I planned to share as I'll leave that to Master Urianger to fill in the details of the tale. Many events occurred, such as when we fought their own gods, Sephirot, Sophia, and Zurvan…

But what transpired the most shocking of all was the Emperor Varis's very own right-hand man, Regula van Hydrus, assisting us in our last battle with Zurvan! Yes, as you find it unbelievable as I do…. It was a goal we shared of needing to destroy the Primals. By the time we arrived into Central Azys Lla…. Our alliance becomes more mutual at the sight of Zurvan's enthralling Regula van Hydrus's own men to bring them to a merciful death.

Including him, he died protecting young Unu from a mortal blow by Zurvan. Perhaps it was yet a journey and for us all, the Empire and Unu. In the end, we all shared the same desire to protect what we called home from all Primals. For Regula, it comes at the cost of painful sacrifice.

Before my duty calls me away at the Lotus Stand, I wanted you to know that you merely made the right choice to prevent Nidhogg's influence from returning to Estinien.

I should be the one to apologize to you and the Alliance Leaders for overlooking Elidibus's calculative resolve to bring in further chaos on the Source.

But this is words I know which bears no comfort or you yearn to hear, my love. It wasn't with anyone's expectation for the Emissary of Paragons has allies aiding him. That's why I promise you I'll track him down and Shinryu to reclaim both Nidhogg's eyes and stopping him.

Let us promise on the day to reclaim Ala Mhigo, we fight side by side together just like during Grand Melee and Master Hraveslgar's trial. When all is over, I will return home and by your side again, Aym.

Your one and only Light,
Phanes"

=0=

Inside The Solar, Xehde'ir seated at a table with three figures. A brown-haired pale blue highlights Dunesfolk Lalafellin on his right.

A white long-haired Xaela Au Ra and dark purple-haired Duskwight Elezen sat around the table in front of the bar with the white-hooded mask boy.

The Lalafell, Elezen, and Au Ra wore the same set of Scion Adventurer's Outfit, but….

For the Duskwight Elezen, Alpoix de Juraire, his waist adorned with Hemiskin Grimoire and wore a Currant Purple Thavnairian Gloves.

The brunette Lalafell, Herbes Cirbes, dressed with a Raisin Brown Replica Sky Pirate's Gauntlets of Maiming and Sky Pirate's Boots of Fending. For his weapon, his Heavy Metal Longsword and Kite Shield were placed beside his chair.

Finally, the white-haired Xaela, Yensunemur Qalli, worn a Hunter Green Ramie Halfgloves of Healing, with a Hemiskin Codex on his left.

Bright grins appeared on the Garlean Miqo'te and Wildwood Elezen woman, Ephemie Giphelmont.

The masked youth raised both hands, flustered at the compliments earned from everyone.

Beside the Elezen Summoner, Yensunemur ate the rice cake in silence while humming joyful noises from his chewing mouth.

Thankfully, by the sound of the door opening and familiar footsteps, an intruder arrived to devote their attention away from the poor boy.

As Unukalhai turned over after heaving a relief under his breath and greeted, "Good Morning, Master Azem—!"

"Phany, you're here—By the twelve… What happened?!" Herbes exclaimed at the sight Unukalhai saw.

"Oh, I know what happened." The purple-haired who peered over smirked at the sight of the intruder's state. "It must've been quite a night brooding over missing a particular Lord Commander, old man."

Approached to their table, Phanes raised his free hand to push the black blazer hood of his Scion Adventurer's Jacket off*. This movement forced the shoebill perching on his head to fly upwards. His white-masked face showing with white bandage tape on his scarred cheek and forehead.

Two hours of running around, kneeling before his bird companion, the shoebill relented before allowing him to shower and leave. He glared at Hadey behind the white hallowed chestnut mask, who flew to rest on the table. Once setting down the sizeable brown sack and Shire Astrometer beside the chair, he faced to the group with a scowl.

"Why, thank you for your concern as always, Young Master. Besides…." The masked Amaurotine-Hyur beckoned the young white-hooded masked boy over to his side. Although his head tipped with curiosity, he came as Phanes ordered. Once Unukalhai was within the masked Amaurotine-Hyur's reach, the latter placed both his black-gloved hands to where Unukalhai's ears were under the hood to cover them.

The masked youth's body went rigid with confusion, while Phanes merely shifted to smirk at the Elezen Summoner. "Both Lord Commander and I appreciate the true meaning of alone time when needed… Unlike someone here who desired his arsehole fucked deeply in the entire night out loud. Then again, I could hardly fault you if he's decided to leave you for Doma."

"Pfft~!" Xehde'ir cupped a hand over his mouth to prevent his loud laughter from his Boss's counterattack. Ephemie let out an 'O' gasp from her lip. Her cheeks stained red at the roundabout remark and the Warrior of Light directing his gaze to.

While the Paladin Lalafell showed an uncomfortable grin with his own face burned red, implying their passionate night reached his ears.

Blood shot up to Alpoix's face and ears, not purely out of embarrassment… But anger as red as the particular welts on his not-so-well-hidden neck.

The Elezen Summoner slammed the table with both hands, ready to lunge at the smaller masked figure. "You dirty old man—!"

"Alpon, your food…" Not even glancing up, Yensunemur raised one of his hands to tug on his Elezen lover's sleeve.

It later moved to interlace with the dark-skinned hand, rubbing circles around the skin to pacify his irritation.

As Alpoix's rage quelled by his Scholar lover's warmth and sat down, Phanes removed his gloved hand then showed a sorry grin at the confusion he felt from Unukalhai. He sat down on his seat, turning his attention to the meal on the table. "Oh? It looks and smells good! Unu, did you make all this yourself?"

A bowl of aromatic-looking Miso Soup with Tofu, fluffy riceballs, colorful rice cakes….

Most of all, Phanes's orbs turned over by the waffling smell of buckwheat noodles to the main dish, Popoto Soba.

The masked Amaurotine-Hyur picked the chopsticks eagerly after muttering 'Time to dig in!'. Slurping noises slipped from Phanes while he swallowed and chew the soba.

A little sticky and softer than expected, mayhap overcooked slightly longer than required. Yet, the broth was a smooth and refreshing blend of nutty and light soy favor. After sipping the next soba noodle down the throat, Phanes exclaimed. "Delicious! Even if the noodles are slightly mushy, the broth makes up for it. Who was it that trained you, Unu?"

"It was the Doman refugees' children while they taught me about their Kamis when I enquired about their Gods revered back at their home. While on the topic, they discussed the foods they've missed." Unukalhai answered, his fingers fiddled behind his back. "So, I've asked Master Hozan and everybody to teach me what they could…"

"I see, I see!" A delighted grin curled with Phanes, lifting one hand to pat on the masked Hyur's hooded head happily. "I'm glad you're getting along with them, Unu!"

"Boss, try the rice cakes he makes! That's the one Hozan has been complimenting him non-stop." Xehde'ir's suggestion had Phanes directed his mind to colorful foods, his hand grasping one to take a small bite. The grin on the latter's lips curled in delight, and hands snatching every rice cake available to gobble, much to Alpoix's and Hadey's shared disgust.

"It's absolutely nothing, Lord Xehde'ir."

Unukalhai shook his head to object to the new overwhelming praise he received. "There's much improvement—!"

"And so there is. While criticisms are valuable, you ought to learn for once to accept compliments you have earned." The hooded, masked youth's body flinched at the Juraire's heir harsh words didn't go unseen.

Realized how severe it sounded, Alpoix cleared his throat to correct. "… What I mean was, even if it's your first work as you claim…. You have gained my compliment on behalf of the House of Juraire, child."

"Master Juraire is correct," Ephemie agreed with her own grin. She patted Unukalhai's back to add. "There's no need to be humble as our Warrior of Light! All of us can't wait for your next cooking. And we're always happy to try them when we're available."

"Am… Am I that easy to read?" Unukalhai wondered.

Xehde'ir gestured with his head to the Warrior of Light. The latter using both his hands, seeking to grab the last piece of rice cake from the Xaela Scholar's one hand. "Much easier than our Boss here."

"… But even with his mask on…." After finishing chewing the last of the rice cake Yensunemur won from Phanes, he added. "Phan's emotions are more transparent with us now. A feature within all Amaurotines, perhaps?"

"Remind me to ask Lord Riol on when his next gambling session. I'd like to train up my poker face for the next political meeting." Phanes pushed the empty bowl aside while grumbling. He turned back to Unukalhai and grinned. "Thank you for the meal, Unu. I look forward to your next few dishes to try!"

"Thank the Doman refugees' children, Master Azem. It was they who shows me—!"

CLANG!

"Boss?!" Xehde'ir was the first to rise among everyone when Phanes dropped his drink to clutch his head while sipping the green tea.

Heaving a few heavy breaths to ease away the sudden headache, Phanes turned to everyone with a slight reassuring grin. "My bad…! I'm fine. Really!"

Switched his gaze to the concerned masked youth, Phanes requested with guilt mixed in his voice. "Sorry, can you bring me a fresh cup here?"

"Of… Of course. I'll—!" Before Unukalhai turned to move at the Warrior of Light's request, the latter spoke again.

"Wait…! On second thought, I don't wish to keep you waiting with Yozan and the children, Unu." Once the pain subsided, the Amaurotine-Hyur retrieved the sack from the ground. He held out each item to explain. "Here, these cookies are for you guys today. I hear you're joining Master Hoary in his physical exercises with them. So, I fined tune everyone's weaponry last night."

Phanes gave Unukalhai a few head pats before the latter chided for wearing himself. He picked out each weapon briefly while the shoebill observed him and the masked youth. "Katana will be for Yozan. I have crafted based on what Master Hozan and Master Gosetsu explained to me of Hingashi's sword. So, I hoped it fits what Yozan has in mind.

"New boots are for Koharu, she complains the soles are ripped from her foot races. A repair wouldn't suffice at how worn it was. And a fine new set of arrows here for Shiun to further his archery skills. Those two things are Xehde crafted them, which remember to remind them to thank him.

"Also, a few books are taken from our adventure in the Great Gubal Library! Rokka was keen on training more spells from what I last heard by Miss Y'shtola. There's no due date to return, so she can borrow it for as long as she likes." Phanes grinned after showing the tomes to the masked youth.

Last, he carefully held out a staff designed with a ram-like skull and a blue orb attached beneath. "Finally! This is for you, Unu."

Behind Unukalhai's mask, the Amaurotine-Hyur perceived the astonishment as the masked youth cautiously picked up the new rod to examine closely.

Minutes of silence afterward, the latter spoke. "Master Azem, this is—!"

"Stop, before you declare you don't deserve this, Unu." Phanes raised a hand to cut short the masked youth. "Not only me, all of us felt you deserve it. You worked hard in aiding the Scions and Eorzea, protecting people from the Primals. And it still calls for an upgrade by your growing powers."

Another few more patting onto his head by Phanes, Unukalhai turned to gaze at the rest. Warm smiles of encouragement, reassurance, and pride were worn on both Warriors of Twilight and the Scions. Everyone sharing the same thought to convey to the masked youth of his accepted presence to them.

Unukalhai nodded his head to acknowledge, before swinging back to the Warrior of Light. "T… Thank you… Master Az—I mean, Master Phan. I promise I won't let you down."

Another cheerful grin curled on Phanes's lip; he ruffled the masked youth's hooded head. "If I have known… Hermy's worrying nature influencing you would've misled me; you're both father and son. I'm alright, so just be careful for me, ok?"

One last nod from Unukalhai, he gave a respectful bow before leaving, "… Understood. If you'll excuse me, then…"

"I'll fetch you another cup, would you like anything?" Ephemie asked the Warrior of Light. They both watched Unukalhai picking up the large sack and spun to leave the Rising Stones.

"Something for a sober person, my apologies, Miss Giphelmont." Phanes bowed his head to the Elezen woman, watching her heading to the bar to fetch his drink. He shifted back to his Free Company members and announced, "Now then…. A rare sight for the Scholar to be talkative. Let's get down to business with Unu out for his day."

"Are you certain about this, Phany? It's his Master, Elidibus, we're talking about." Herbes's brows furrowed, the grip on his cup tightened with unease.

"Tempted to reveal how his Master and friends attempted to bring ruin again to the Source…," Phanes was about to continue further, but held back to correct his remarks. "But, Hermes and I both agreed to work what's best for him…

"If it means having him less involved with our dispute. No children like him are to carry the burden of saving the Source, Herb. I'd like him to lead his second chance in life like an ordinary child growing up with others after what went on to the Thirteenth Shard."

"I see. Though, you didn't stop Unukalhai when he requests to take care of the Primals by the tempered Beast Tribes with Arenvald." The Paladin Lalafell spared a knowing grin before downing his drink.

"Hermes taught him well for combat despite my own fears," Phanes returned with a wry grin, recalling how Unukalhai held himself in battle. "His Echo is stronger than Aren, and it supports both him and his unit for taking the Primals down. Now… You have something to add, Yensu?"

"Speaking of the Emissary… Have you found him, Phan?"

"Sadly, no," Phanes frowned at the expected blunt question from Yensunemur. "My Echo's limited powers weren't able to reveal me wherever Hermes is now. Survivors of Ilbred's group claimed the same thing when I personally hunted down and interrogate them."

His last words incurred wrath, as Alpoix slammed both palms on the table and growled. "Are you trying to give the House of Juraire more problems than necessary?!"

"They are very much alive with limbs remained intact if they yearned to survive, mind you." Phanes rebutted back, yet he blanched at Hadey's knowing gaze to remind him. Alright, maybe a few of them had fractured ribs, limbs, or even both…. They should recover with the House of Jurarie's treatment. "Besides…. No one died!"

"Oh? Could you explain that one dead body count among them?" Alpoix glared and folded his arms.

"… That dude was possibly suicidal and led himself into the Gravity's center pull of the stars." The Amaurotine-Hyur replied with his eyes averting away behind the mask. Before the Elezen Summoner yelled, he raised one finger to stop him. "It was self-defense, you spoilt brat! He was charging me with a polearm on the sole purpose of killing."

"Urgh! You owe that woman and I in covering your bloody trail from the Alliance, old man." Alpoix growled, snatching his cup to consume his tea in irritation.

"When have I not owe you a debt, Young Master?" The Warrior of Light grumbled. He cleared his throat to regain his composure. "Anyway…! They shared the same story where the Emissary appeared to hand the Eyes of Nidhogg to Ilbred and never seen afterward. How is it for you people?"

"The Immortal Flames, along with other Grand Companies, were finishing up securing the Baelsar's Wall." Herbes showed a happy grin to the Amaurotine-Hyur, "We'll be able to hear news to venture of locating both Omega and Shinryu!"

"That's great…!" A relieved smile from Phanes's heart appeared on his lips. Later, switching to the Garlean-Miqo'te and Ephemie returned with his filled cup.

"What about you, Xehde, Miss Giphelmont?"

"We did our asking around among the entertainment troupes, Boss. All repeat the same thing."

The Elezen woman nodded in agreement at Xehde'ir's words and confirmed. "As an inspirational sight, it was to a few, Master Windstorm. While those who were near Hawthrone Hut declared saw where it fell…. Theories and rumors were floating around on falling near the Ala Mhigo Castle, where the Garleans occupied or vanished in thin air."

"It'd better be the latter, or we've bargained ourselves more problems right after we secure the border."

Alpoix grunted, as though things were gradually returning to normality after Ilbred's invasion.

"Don't we all?" Phanes sighed, and the last he desired to learn was the Empire in control of a captured Primal or an ancient weapon. He directed his gaze to the Xaela Scholar to interrogate, "How's your side with Miss Y'shtola?"

"The corrupted Aether density near Baelsar's Wall dissipated.

"Majority who lived near East Shroud recovered from the Aether Sickness, while a few were still recuperating.

"Also, the trail of Shinryu's corrupted aether were denser within deeper parts Ala Mhigo."

"I see…," Phanes nodded to himself. A stop to assist the Conjurer's guild would be next after his trip to the Lord Commander if there's nothing else for the day.

Deep within their thoughts, the group didn't pick up a pair of footsteps from a familiar Warrior Hrothgar and Black Mage Rava wearing similar matching Scion Adventurer's outfit entered the Rising Stones.

The orange-white fur Lost Hrothgar attired with Titanium Vambraces of Fending, Adamantite Sabatons of Fending, with Heavy Metal Axe equipped on his back.

The Hrothgar's childhood friend Viera attired with an Aurum Regis Circlet of Casting around her forehead, Astral Silk Dress Gloves of Casting, Serpentskin Bootlegs of Casting.

Her Aurum Regis Longpole was attached behind her back.

After searching around, the Hrothgar's pale yellow slitted orbs landed on Phanes and everyone. "Oh, there you guys are."

"Good morning, Thorbjorn, Rhin! Any luck on your side?" Herbes greeted with a weak smile as the pair approached them.

"Would the Twelve blessed us, but…" Thorbjorn shook his head in dismay. "Legions captured by the Grand Companies were tight-lipped on the sights of Shinryu and Omega. Moreso of the former and a few struggled to bite their tongue to shut themselves."

"Bite their tongue? Yours so much simpler than mine!" Rhin, also recognized as Rhinrav, glared with her brown eyes at her childhood friend.

Her right long Viera ear with Aurum Regis Earrings of Casting twitched angrily upon recalling. "Half of them I've interrogated thought it's charming to play mind games with me. I should just leave that bastard frozen to death alive, seeing his fingers snapped and bleed in suffering right in his eyes before Riol suggested otherwise."

"And 'you' call me ruthless, Young Master?" Phanes switched to the Summoner Elezen with a pointed frown which the latter rolled his eyes as the shoebill shook his head exasperatedly. He picked up his cup to chug his tea before making his own sigh. "Good to know our reconnaissance is fruitless. Which… Hey, where's Rael?"

"She went out at dawn with Lyse on sparring as usual," The Black mage Viera grabbed the nearest chair to pull and plopped beside Yensunemur. One hand hoisted onto the table with her head resting onto the palm. "They have plans in contacting the Resistance members on updates for the full bell."

"I see…," The Warrior of Light nodded, after noticing her pink lipsticked lips pouted at their lack of time spending together. No thanks to Ilbred. He shifted back to the front, one hand lifted to stroke Hadey's back and concluded, "Guess, that just leaves waiting for Alphinaud and—!"

"The Leveilleur twins? They were standing opposite there when Rhin and I came in. Alphinaud is in his own world again. Only his sister acknowledged us." Thorbjorn raised one hand and nodded behind him, where the familiar Elezen twins standing at the Solar's entrance.

"… What?" Phanes looked over, realizing neither Alphinaud nor Alisaie noticed their presence. It garnered both curiosity and concerns to Phanes, Alpoix, Herbes, and Xehde'ir. The quartet stared at each other before getting off from their seat to approach the twins.

"Good morning, Master Alphinaud, Miss Alisaie. We're here." Phanes greeted with a polite smile which the female Elezen youth responded with her own smile to acknowledge.

However, the other Leveilleur twin muttered something incomprehensible to anyone's ear.

As multiple pairs of eyes gazed at her, Alisaie raised both hands and shook her head exasperatedly at her brother in his own monologue again. Nodded in understanding, Phanes raised his hand to wave before him with a louder voice. "Master Alphinaud?"

"… W-Woah!" Raising his head, at last, Alphinaud nearly jumped back in shock at the group's sudden presence, which Xehde'ir stifled his snicker. The young Elezen regained his composure and apologized, "Oh, I didn't see you there. Forgive me. Word from Baelsar's Wall is proving long in the coming, and my mind cannot help but stray to grim places."

"None of us blame you. It'd be alarming to receive the news of the Empire capturing a Primal for its uses." Phanes assured him with a knowing expression.

"What can you say? No news is better than bad news, Boss." Xehde'ir added, which the Amaurotine-Hyur agreed.

"That's correct. How does your investigation fare, everyone?" Alphinaud's blue orbs made a quick gaze at the quartet.

"Wild guesses from gossipmongers to induce unnecessary fear to themselves." Alpoix shook his head with an annoyed sigh as if the scandal magazine weren't absurd in their news. "However, from what Thoquza and Cirbes mentioned of their own fight—!"

BAM!

Sound of a door opening accompanied by footsteps running towards them as rapidly as their legs could carry. A familiar Lalafell with maroon and pink shirt ran while holding a scroll in her right hand.

Upon noticing them, the Lalafell stopped before the six and raised the scroll high. "Alphinaud! A message from the Alliance!"

Quick glances at each other, Alphinaud, the first to break away, swung towards the Scions bookkeeper Lalafell. "It's about time! Pray summon the others at once, Tataru!"

"Yes, sir!" Tataru answered, spinning around and dashed to the exit after passing the scroll to the Scholar Leveilleur twin.

As Alisaie and her brother entered with Alpoix, Yensunemur, and Herbes following behind, Xehde'ir was about to follow but thought something was awry. The footstep behind him stopped moving. He shifted to see his masked Amaurotine-Hyur Boss, his hood pulled back on his head, half crouching with raising one hand to clutch his forehead.

"Boss?!" Xehde'ir spun his heels and approached the Warrior of Light, heterochromia blue and gold eyes furrowed with worry if his Echo affected him worse than before.

"I'm fine… Worst timing as ever for recollection…," Phanes reassured as both Thorbjorn and Rhinrav came over to them from the commotion. A brief scan to the three who wore anxious faces. He offered a faint grin. "Nothing of major, I'm afraid. Let's not keep everyone waiting, you guys."

"Understood, Boss…," Xehde'ir's blue and gold eyes followed the Warrior of Light as he went in the Solar with Thorbjorn and Rhinrav, escorting the three from behind.

END

*: A blazer mixed with hoodie by the clickable hyperlink sentence. A special customization for my Ascian WOL, Phanes, who wished to retained in his comfort on wearing similar attire to his Amaurotine self (https (:) (/) (/) (i.) imgur.com (/) (4JcVxAE) (.jpg)