When the Dust Settles

After arriving at Azys Lla we made contact with Tiamat, who told us how she had been coerced into summoning her beloved to wreak havoc upon those who had taken him from her and how, even to this day, she still remained enthralled to him. We succeeded in freeing her soul from the effects of the tempering, an endeavour much more daunting than freeing a man. And not a minute too soon, as shortly after we learned that Lunar Bahamut had been sighted and was bound for Paglth'an not only with an army of Telophoroi, but also a horde of dragons as well.

Though the battle was anything but easy, we managed to succeed with Tiamat's aid, saving the defending Amalj'aa and defeating the twisted form of this ancient primal.

And yet...victory was not without cost...

Nothing was said as they walked along the Scholar's Walk, their steps reverberating off the corridor's stone walls. In front of her, Alphinaud held his head low, reminding S'eni all too much of the time shortly after the Crystal Brave's betrayal had made them all fugitives, while next to her, Estinien was watching the young man like a hawk. His face brooked no emotion, but she could see the concern reflected in his eyes.

She glanced over her shoulder towards the Phrontistery, where right now, Arenvald was still fighting for his life. They had barely returned from the plains of Paglth'an, when the Sultana herself had come to them with news of his injuries. Alphinaud, of course, had wasted no time heading to the infirmary to see him but ultimately was told that the chirurgeons had done what they could and that everything was up to Arenvald now.

As they stepped out onto the Royal Promenade, the young Elezen stepped forward to lean against the balustrade and look down to the Gold Court, watching silently as the people walked by to go about their business. After a moment of doing so, he raised his head and spoke for the first time since Fordola had marched off after her angry rant. "I know... there is nothing more I can do right now and..." he paused. "...and I know that worrying won't accomplish anything either. But could I ask for a moment alone?"

S'eni's lips parted, but Estinien cut her off. "Let's give him some space."

Turning towards the Dragoon, he exchanged a quiet look with her and nodded. Exhaling deeply, she returned it. "Alright," she said and placed a comforting hand on Alphinaud's arm. "But if you need to talk, just call me on my linkpearl."

"I will." He gave her a weak smile. "Thank you."

She just gave his arm a pat, then turned around to leave. Her feet carried her down the stairs towards Hustings Strip and from there to the Steps of Nald. As she emerged, S'eni stretched herself a little and moved to sit down on a bench, closing her eyes as she leaned back against the building behind her, the sun-warmed stone making her body relax if only a little.

"You can't save everyone! No one can! Not even the godsdamned Warrior of Light!" she heard Fordola's words echo in her mind. She was right, of course, they couldn't. But as scathing as her words had been to Alphinaud, S'eni couldn't help but feel that a lot of it had been aimed at Fordola herself, fueled by her own guilt. Had she been reminded of it, while she dragged the wounded Arenvald away from that accursed tower? That day she had sent her own comrades to their deaths?

We all have our burdens to bear, she thought while images of all the people that had smiled at her in their last moments flashed through her mind. And we all have to make amends in our own way.

Opening her eyes again, S'eni turned them to the bright blue sky, watching the tiny white clouds as they idly passed by for a moment, before letting the corners of her lips rise into a smile. Alphinaud would be alright. She was sure of that.

He was Louisoix's grandson, after all.

After staying a little longer to watch three Miqo'te dancers perform, and giving them a small donation of Gil, she made her way to the Emerald Avenue, stopping for a minute to ponder what she should do now. An idea then sprung up in her mind and she turned left, her destination set. It had been a while after all.

A few minutes later, she stood in front of the building that housed Ul'dah's most prestigious of all casinos: the Platinum Mirage. Yet, while the place was truly a sight to behold, it was the entrance nestled underneath that she had set her sight on. Stopping in front of the door, S'eni raised her eyes to the words carved above it.

A CLOSED FIST DROPS NO GIL.

As she stepped inside, the first things to greet her were grunts and the cracking sounds of fists connecting with skin, accompanied by the almost ceaseless noise of wood straining under the barrage of blows. There was also the scent of sweat in the air, which she tried her best to ignore as she walked deeper into the place that had used the foundation she had once provided into true skill and from there had set her unto the path she walked now; the Pugilists' guild.

A grin danced across her lips as her eyes fell upon a young Lalafel woman standing outside the ring and shouting instructions to a group of fresh disciples.

"You're standing wide open! Raise your arms like this otherwise even a Nutkin could take you off guard. Yes, good! Now proceed." S'eni watched her shoulders stiffen ever so slightly and turn her head a little. "Well well, look who's returned. The Warrior of Light herself."

"Chuchuto." S'eni inclined her head.

Turning around, Chuchuto gave her a wide smile. "It's been a while. You look well."

"So do you," she said and knelt down to give the Lalafel a hug. "Master Hamon busy coming up with new techniques?"

"Busy being upstairs and chasing skirts more like," Chuchuto replied with an exasperated sigh that made S'eni chuckle. Despite having returned very much to his old form, there were clearly some habits that were hard to get rid of. But at least that meant the old man was doing well. "How have you been? Interesting outfit..."

Taking a step back again, S'eni looked down at herself. "It was a present by a friend."

"And here I was wondering about the gold," Chuchuto commented while pointing at one of the chains adorning her outfit.

"Believe it or not, but it makes for good practice trying to not make them clink while moving. As for how I've been—" she released a little sigh. "My companions and I just returned from Paglth'an."

The Pugilist's face grew serious. "I've heard about the Flames being dispatched there, but I didn't know the Scions were involved as well. Come—" she motioned for the bench at the nearby wall. "—let's sit."

One corner of her lips quirked up. "Sure you can leave the new blood out of your care?"

"They'll survive for a couple of minutes, don't you worry." They walked over to the bench and sat down. Lowering her voice, Chuchuto then asked, "Is it true? About the towers having shown up all over Eorzea?"

"Yeah. All over the world actually," S'eni replied after debating how much she should tell her.

"And...Bahamut?"

She shook her head. "It wasn't really Bahamut, more like a twisted reflection," she explained. "But we managed to defeat him, so you can rest easy."

"I see..." Chuchuto's face darkened and she fell silent for a moment, eyes moving over to the ring. Like so many others, she was left orphaned in the wake of the Calamity, so news of Bahamut's sighting must have triggered some bad memories. Slowly, the smile returned. "Of course you did. Just like you will also take care of the towers."

S'eni's eyebrows rose at those words. "You sound awfully confident of that."

"And why shouldn't I be?" the Pugilist asked, facing her once again. "You saved Eorzea from the Empire, ended the war between Ishgard and the Dragons and liberated both Ala Mhigo and Doma. You're a hero, S'eni. Our hero."

Before S'eni could respond, Chuchuto nodded over to the ring. "See them? They didn't just come here to learn from the Holyfist, they came because they heard of your exploits. The others that are out in the field right now have, too. I'm actually surprised they haven't noticed you yet!"

A look of astonishment forming on her face, she looked towards the ring where the new disciples were still eagerly training. She had been told multiple times in the past how she was an inspiration or, as G'raha and Y'shtola would be remiss not to mention, a beacon of hope. But hearing it here, in the place where it had all begun in a way, felt quite different.

Chuchuto jumped off the bench and turned towards S'eni, hands planted on her hips and a wide grin on her face. "So what do you say we go over and you show them a little of your skill? For old time's sake?"

She smiled and rose to her feet, punching her palm. "Don't blame me if they end up with bruises though."

"They will probably see them as badges of honor." Chuchuto laughed and began walking over to the ring. "Alright everyone, gather up. Today is your lucky day!"

By the time she was done, the new Pugilists had all been lying on the floor, beaten and out of breath, but grinning from ear to ear. After giving them a few pointers, she had left the guild once again with the promise to make time for another lesson and almost immediately ran into a herald of the Flames, who bade her to join the Sultana and the others to discuss the findings of Arenvald's mission. And what they found was quite substantial indeed.

As it turned out, those held captive inside the towers were made to summon primals, as the one that wounded Arenvald was Ifrit, or rather Lunar Ifrit. Since the towers tempered anyone who came close to them into loyal servants of Garlemald, so too were those held captured, and the summoned primal reflected that alteration with a twisted form. And now, almost at the same time as Ifrit's appearance, further primals emerged from other towers.

One silver lining in this was that they lacked the ability to temper people and seemed to be far weaker than Lunar Bahamut or even their 'regular' counterparts. The other, that talks with the Amalj'aa had swiftly resumed and they had pledged their full support to the cause, having been no doubt convinced by the aid Ul'dah had given them in their time of need. This would hopefully urge the other tribes all over Eorzea to join hands with them.

And with that mixture of good and bad news, they returned to the Rising Stones, who were already eagerly awaited by Krile. "Welcome back! I know you all must be exhausted and looking forward to a well-earned rest. But...could I borrow some of your time before that?"

Furrowing her brows, S'eni looked at the others before nodding. "Of course. What did you want to talk about?"

"Thanks to Arenvald and Fordola, we now know how the towers function. Yet there still remain many mysteries about them, the purpose of those summoned primals being one of them, as well as how these towers are connected to the structure in Garlemald," Krile said. "Until these questions are answered, we will struggle to find a way to stop the Telophoroi's plans. That's why I decided to petition the aid of Sharlayan."

"'Tis possible the ancient knowledge preserved in their archives may hide a clue to our enemy's methods," Urianger said. "But given Sharlayan's established policy of non-intervention, our former colleagues are not like to aid us in its discovery."

"Oh, I very much remember what they're like. The Forum's barefaced refusal to assist you in the days prior to the Calamity ranks as Sharlayan's most shameful act since the exodus." The Lalafel could barely keep the scorn out of her voice. "But the towers and their twisted primals are appearing all over the world. If the Final Days were to be reenacted, it would spell doom for us all. Not even they can turn a blind eye to that."

Krile let her gaze wander over the group. "I have already been granted permission to serve as the Alliance emissary. And if we're all in agreement, I would head out at once."

G'raha frowned. "Are you going to petition them in the name of the Students of Baldesion?" he asked.

"I do...even if our organization is nothing more than a shadow of its former self since the disappearance of the Isle of Val. It should still give my words a measure of weight with the Forum," Krile replied. "There is also one other matter I wish to look into."

She then focused her attention on S'eni. "Your tales from the First have made me question the nature of Hydaelyn and her blessing. I've already talked with Y'shtola about it at great length."

"Eni, can you remember the last time She has spoken to you directly?" Y'shtola then asked, pale eyes looking into hers.

The last time Hydaelyn had spoken to her...that had been... "Near the end of the Dragonsong War."

"Yes." The other Miqo'te nodded "In Azys Lla, when you regained Her blessing. Yet during all your time on the First, She remained silent, even as you fought the unsundered."

"We know Hydaelyn is able to awaken the Echo within her chosen. We also know that sometimes, She conveys Her will directly and grants the blessing of Light," Krile said. "To our knowledge, however, She has chosen not to intervene directly for quite some time."

"Might not that the explanation for that lie with Her choice of champion?" Urianger asked. "Mayhap She is content to trust in her judgement."

"It might be. After our initial discussion, Krile and I made some inquiries, but we could find no one that She had made Her will known to," Y'shtola replied.

"And on the First, the Oracle of Light spoke through Ryne." Thancred uncrossed his arms. "But that wasn't Hydaelyn either, but Minfilia herself."

"Indeed. Minfilia assuredly had a connection to Hydaelyn and thus knew of Her will, but in the end she was nothing more than a messenger who spoke with her own voice."

"I wonder, what is the reason She hasn't spoken to you?" Krile asked, making S'eni look back towards her. "Is it a sign of Her fading powers? While I share Urianger's high opinion of your conduct, I can see no reason why She would deny you her guidance altogether. The fact is, we simply don't know. So that is why I wish to search the Sharlayan archives for records on their research of the aetherial sea."

After saying that, the Lalafel glanced over to Alphinaud, whose eyes were practically glued to the ground. She frowned. "If I'm being honest I don't like leaving you a member short at a time like this. Estinien..." She looked at the Dragoon. "The future of this very star hangs in the balance and we will need every warrior for what is lying ahead. I know you already declined our offer the first time, but I beg you to reconsider. Please join us. The Scions need you. The world needs you!"

Estinien remained silent for a moment, choosing to look at Alphinaud first before speaking. "All of you follow high ideals, some of which I frankly don't agree with. But I know you would never turn your back on those in need. You have fought tirelessly to save Ishgard and to liberate Ala Mhigo. Yet battle demands sacrifice. You as well as your allies have suffered many losses. It's not easy to endure all that suffering and to carry that burden." The corners of his lips rose. "But you don't give up. You keep going, to save those who need saving; to save the world. So if you're in need of my lance, it's yours. Because you never turned your back on me as well."

"Thank you, Estinien..." Alphinaud said, a grateful look on his face that, while not fully reaching his eyes, marked a considerable improvement. It looked like the older Elezen's words had reached him. "Whatever challenges await, I shall not falter. You have my word."

A round of smiles went through their group and S'eni stepped towards Estinien. "Welcome aboard, partner," she said with a playful little punch to his arm. "Try not to get possessed this time around."

"Hmpf. I will do my best."

Krile exhaled in relief. "Then now I can bid you farewell with the knowledge that all is as it should be. Of course, I won't say no to a few kind words of farewell."

The teasing smile that followed was solely aimed at Alphinaud, who chuckled.

"You will be sorely missed. I very much doubt trouble will find you in Sharlayan, but treat carefully still. With the situation as it is, it is difficult to determine what might happen."

"I shall do my very best."

"And keep your eyes out on any strange books that might be out to kill you," S'eni added with a grin that was half amused and half pained as she relived an especially nasty memory from her venture into the Great Gubal Library. Sometimes she really wondered what in the seven hells was wrong with Sharlayans.

Krile laughed. "That is a much harder promise to keep. Farewell, my friends."

And with that, she left.

"Alright then," she said after the doors had closed behind her friend, looking at Estinien again. "Let's get you settled in, shall we?"

"Oh, of course! He will need a room," Tataru said.

"Don't worry, I'll show him. One became vacant recently after all. So why don't you make some tea for everyone in the meantime?"

"One round of Tataru's special coming up!" Tataru said with an eager grin before hurrying off.

"Well, come on. This way." S'eni gestured for him to follow her, sending Y'shtola a little wink at the quirked brow she was giving her as they passed by. While walking down the hallway, she watched Estinien look around in silence, obviously marking down the way in his mind. When they arrived in front of the room, she made a little show of opening the door and bowed. "Here we are, a room fit for the mighty Azure Dragoon."

"I'm no longer the Azure Dragoon and you know that," he said while stepping inside, looking about the room for a few seconds. "You mentioned this room was occupied not too long ago. Who did it belong to?"

"Oh, it was mine." He turned to look at her, eyebrows slightly raised. S'eni shrugged lightly. "I hardly have a need for it since I'm sleeping in Shtola's room all the time. She's got the comfier bed, you know?"

Estinien's brows lowered once more and he gave the room one last glance before nodding. "This will do nicely."

"Great! I'll let you get settled in. If you need anything, just say so."

"Hmm, since you're already offering, I have a question. The Scions are in close contact with the East Aldenard Trading Company of Kugane, right?"

"Yeah." She nodded. "That's right. Tataru spent a lot of time with them."

"Could she perhaps place an order for some sun-dried squid? I don't seem to be able to find it in these parts..."

"Sure. I'll talk to her and see what can be arranged." With a wave of her hand, she left the room to return to the others. It was only when she was about halfway there that she truly realized what he had asked for, and her face scrunched up in visible confusion. Sun-dried squid?

She was probably better off not asking about that.

Wonder when Monks will finally be able to unlock their Stands...