Minfilia
It's hard, to let go of someone that you care about. I know that, and I'm sure you know that as well. But eventually, the time comes to part and all we can do is to accept the pain and take solace in the memories we shared.
With each step you take on this dried-out soil, you get closer to a crossing. The question is, who will remain, and who will you have to part with?
She looked about the room, watching in silence as her fellows conversed amongst themselves, some smiling, some more serious, but nevertheless having a good time with one another. United by strange powers and visions, as well as a common goal, they were the walkers of the Path of the Twelve.
S'eni took a sip from the drink she had been nursing for a while, grimacing when she noticed that it had grown warm while she had done so.
It still felt strange to her. To be part of this organisation, to have these powers; this Echo.
This wasn't at all what she imagined when she left home. She thought she would travel around and have adventures, maybe go to distant lands that her father had once been to just to have seen them with her own eyes, and while adventures were pretty much her daily life now, she was also now part of something larger.
Yes, it was strange...but also nice she had to admit.
Lips quirking into a small smile, she began to lean back in her chair, and looked around the room. She wondered what the people of Ul'dah would say if they found out there was a secret organization trying to bring peace to Eorzea hiding away in the Merchant's Ward, posing as a regular business. But then again, this was Ul'dah.
For all I know there's another one just across the street, she thought with a chuckle and began to play with one of the braids in her hair. It had grown quite a bit, maybe she ought to cut it. Or maybe she should try a longer style for a change…
As she mused over the possibilities of a new hairstyle, she didn't notice a figure approaching her until she felt a tap on her shoulder that made her all but jump out of her seat. Spinning around, she saw none other than the Antecedent herself standing there. Minfilia Warde.
"Oh, it's you..."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," the other woman said. "I just saw that you were sitting all alone here and thought I would come over. Do you mind if I sit down?"
"No, go ahead," she replied, pointing to the chair opposite of her.
"Thank you." With a grateful smile, Minfilia sat down. A moment of silence passed before she continued. "So, have you managed to settle in yet?"
"Yeah, I suppose so."
"That's good to hear. And are you getting along with everyone?"
"I guess? I haven't really talked with a lot of them," she admitted. "But that's probably because of my work for the guild."
"Yes. I heard the Adventurers Guild has been receiving more and more requests as of late."
"It's good money." S'eni shrugged and took another sip, but furrowed her brows when she saw the Antecedent frowning. "Something the matter?"
"It's nothing." Minfilia shook her head. "Maybe I'm just being overly worried here."
"You think the increase in work also has to do with all the phenomena springing up all across Eorzea." it wasn't a question.
"Am I really that obvious?"
"Maybe a little."
Minfilia sighed. "Then yes, I do think it's because of that. Every day I receive more reports from our walkers all across the realm. But I can't figure out what could be the cause."
"Could be the Garleans," S'eni offered. "They're clearly planning something."
"Yes. They do…"
Silence followed once more and she watched as Minfilia turned towards the others in the room, observing them. When she had first met her, S'eni hadn't been sure what to think of her, but now she felt like she had a bit more of a grasp of her character.
Minfilia was idealistic, had her heart at the right place, and truly wanted to make Eorzea a better place, yet underneath that was a young woman who was still looking for her place in life.
Just like her.
"Hey, mind if I ask you something?" She broke the silence.
"No, not at all."
"Let's say we achieve our goal tomorrow, what would you do?"
The other woman's eyes widened in surprise and she tilted her head a little. "What would I...do?"
"Uh-huh."
"Hmm." Crossing her arms under her chest, Minfilia looked up at the ceiling, a look of deep contemplation on her face. A few minutes passed before she replied. "I think…I would like to travel...to see the world. Yes—"
Steel-blue eyes came to rest upon her and that bright smile from a few minutes ago returned once more. "—I'd like that."
Excitement hung in the air as she walked through the dusty street of Twine, the only remaining mining town on this side of Mt. Garik, its citizens moving about with a vigor that she was sure had been missing from it for years.
Well, aside perhaps from Thaffe and Jeryk, who seemed to be filled to the brim with it. Especially when it came to the trolley system.
Shortly after arriving in the hills that used to be the home of Amh Araeng's mines, they encountered these two young men with one of their fellows, trying to ambush them because they thought them a group of scavengers. After a few not-so-loving taps and explaining that they were, in fact, not out to steal whatever was left at the Mt. Biran Mines, they were eagerly invited over to further discuss their plans of getting the trolley back to work.
And now that the key component, a Talos, had been repaired, their excitement had quickly spread around.
Not much longer, she thought to herself as she passed two miners. They were mostly just waiting for a few minor repairs to the trolley and a final check of the controls. Then it was off to Nabaath Areng...and whatever was going to happen then.
Turning around, she let her eyes come to rest on the giant wall of crystallized light in the distance, marking where the Flood had been stopped one hundred years ago by Minfilia. Their Minfilia.
And now the girl that bore her name wished to call upon her soul residing deep within herself. To grow stronger, even if it meant to surrender her body and vanish forever.
S'eni didn't like it, but it wasn't her choice to make.
She tore her gaze away from the sight and turned it back towards the tracks leading away from Twine, before beginning to follow them where the others were waiting. Halfway there, though, she found herself stopping when she spotted the object of her thoughts standing at the center of the crossing that would, if all went well, would lead them to their destination.
Even now, after the words that Urianger had said to her, there was an air of doubt around the young girl as she looked out into the distance.
"I only want what's best for her. If only she could see that…" Thancred's words echoed in the back of her mind.
It's because you're not talking to her. She understood his reasoning of not wanting to influence her with his own wishes, but just like she couldn't see what he wanted for her, he couldn't see what it was she wished.
Gods, it was almost like they were made for each other with how similar they were. Truly like father and daughter.
With a huff, she started walking towards Minfilia. It may not be her place but she wanted to talk with her. This time at least, her steps echoed loudly enough off the wooden planks that the girl heard her approaching.
"Oh, S'eni," Minfilia said. "Everything should be ready soon. Then we can finally go to Nabaath Areng and I..."
She paused.
"How are you feeling?" S'eni asked and stepped a little closer.
"I'm fine..."
"...I see." Turning westward, she looked out towards the mountain range. "What do you think the others are doing right now?"
Minfilia blinked once, then followed her gaze. "Keeping Eulmore busy most likely. I hope they're alright."
"Oh, they are. Well, no guarantee that Shtola didn't fling herself into the Lifestream again." She gave the girl a playful wink, earning herself a little chuckle at least. Good.
"You have known each other for a long time. I could tell from the way Thancred spoke of you all."
"That's right. Well I guess it's been more for them. Believe it or not, but it hasn't been that long on the Source since they got transported here."
"Just like Carteneau," Minfilia said, making S'eni look at her. "You said that to Thancred in Il Mheg. What did you mean by that...if you don't mind me asking?"
"Guess Thancred didn't tell you about that." Minfilia shook her head. "Alright. Five years ago, five years on the Source that is, the Eorzean Alliance went to battle against the Garlean Empire at the Carteneau Flats, where what remained of the VIIth Legion had retreated to after their Legatus was killed."
"Were you there too?"
"Yes, with many of my fellows that received Hydaelyn's blessing. We had gone there to stop the artificial moon Dalamud from descending and destroying all of Eorzea. The VIIth Legion wanted to stop us in turn." She closed her eyes as she remembered that day, the heat of the flames, the pain from the bullet...and Bahamut. "Things took a turn for the worse and, in an attempt to save us, a good friend sacrificed himself to send us away. But something had gone wrong and when I woke up again, five years had passed. And on top of that, everyone had forgotten me. Everyone..."
She opened them again, letting them come to rest on those glowing sapphires.
"...except Minfilia. She remembered me even when I myself forgot what had happened."
"She must have been incredibly strong then..." the girl said, averting her gaze.
"She was, yeah. But not in the way you think," S'eni said, placing her hands on Minfilia's shoulders. "She was strong here."
She gently tapped Minfilia's temple—
"And here."
—and the spot above her heart.
"You miss her, don't you?"
"I do." S'eni nodded. "We all do. But that isn't what this is about. When we go to Nabaath Areng, I want you to decide for yourself what is right. And whatever it is you choose, I'll support you."
Minfilia's eyes widened at her words and her lips parted to reply, but were silenced when S'eni placed a finger on top of them.
"Just promise me that, nothing more." Minfilia nodded, making her smile. Giving her a final headpat, S'eni stepped back again.
"Let's go. I'm sure everything will be finished by now." And she was right, as when they arrived at the Mt. Biran Mines, S'eni saw the trolley and Talos just waiting for them together with Thancred and the others.
"There you are," Magnus greeted them. Years ago, he had come to Twine together with his wife trying to get the trolley system back to work in remembrance of their dead son. At first, it seemed to look good, but then his wife died in a mining accident, causing him to abandon his work and instead spend his days drowning his sorrows. But now that the thing his wife had given her life to uncover was beating inside the Talos' chest, he too had regained his purpose. "So what do you think? A little primitive-looking, I'll admit, but Daedalus Stonework has always favored a simple, intuitive design, and that philosophy has served us well enough."
"Looks good to me," she replied. Not that she was really an expert at this whole thing. That was more Cid, Biggs, and Wedge's forte. "So the Talos is just gonna push us all the way?"
The Ronso nodded. "Much of the trolley network used single tracks, making it easy for the Talos to navigate them as needed. He'll get you there in no time. Speaking of which, are you ready to board?"
S'eni looked at Minfilia, then nodded. "We are."
"Alright, then. Watch your step."
One by one, Thancred, Minfilia, and she came onboard the trolley. Only Urianger remained where he was.
"Thou must needs carry on without me," he told them. "The path to Nabaath Areng lieth open. Whilst thou travelest thither to the south, I would apprise Mistress Alisaie and the others of our progress."
Turning his head, Thancred addressed Magnus. "Will the gate close immediately after the trolley passes through?"
"No, it will stay open until someone closes it manually. Built that way to prevent any untimely accidents."
"Then you can and the others can meet us thereafter giving the Eulmorans the skip," he told Urianger.
"Urianger, I…" the Elezen turned to look at Minfilia. "Thank you...for everything you've done for me."
"Remember," was all Urianger said, smiling.
"If you've finished your good-byes, I suggest you grab hold of something. Be a shame if you took a tumble," Magnus said. "The trolley should take you as far as Amh Malik, but the tracks beyond the gate aren't in the best of shape. Should something happen you'll need go the rest on foot...well then, godsspeed!"
And the Talos began to push.
Starting off slow, it soon began to grow faster than she had thought a hulk made of stone like this would be able to, and it wasn't long until the mines had vanished in the distance and the gate was growing closer and closer.
"Head's up!" Thancred called out. "There's the gate."
For a moment it looked like nothing was happening, that they would drive smack dab into it, when all of a sudden, the aether inside the Talos began to glow and the gate began to open.
"Well so far so good…" he said, smiling over his shoulder at them as they were heading down the slope and S'eni mirrored his expression, only to turn into a look of confusion as they reached the bottom. Raising an eyebrow, Thancred followed her look. A person stood in the middle of the track; a man dressed in long robes. "Wait isn't that—"
Ran'jit!
Before any of them had time to react, the Eulmoran general spun around and kicked the trolley with such a force that it was torn from the rails, flinging them high into the air. Using her tail, S'eni twisted midair and managed to land on her feet, immediately rushing towards the old man and exchanging a series of furious blows with him.
Why aren't you dead!? She thought, bringing her arms up to block the kick aimed at her head that still made her slide backwards to where Thancred and Minfilia lay.
"And here I thought we were finally rid of you!" Thancred growled as he managed to rise to his knee. "You're a stubborn swine, I'll give you that."
"My life won't end at the bottom of some pit, not so long as Gukumatz and I are bound," Ran'jit said. "Your deeds in the east did not go unnoticed. I have been waiting here for quite some time, and sure enough, you did not disappoint."
His cold eyes roamed over them.
"Had you only sworn fealty to Lord Vauthry, you would have no cause to skulk about like frightened animals." Minfilia groaned, slowly pushing herself off the ground. "Minfilia, you will remain where you are, while I dispatch these villains."
"No! I won't...! I won't let you!" she cried out.
"You forget to whom you speak! Who armed you? Trained you? Fought and killed a thousand Sin Eaters with you!? And when you were inevitably cut down and lay lifeless in my arms, who sought out your successor to carry on the futile struggle again and again!?" Ran'jit turned his glare to Thancred and S'eni. "And now these mad fools seek to draw you into their senseless battle to destroy the order of this world! Do not let them deceive you, only one can over you and this world a sliver of salvation: Lord Vauthry."
"I don't know about the world...but I never asked to be saved," Minfilia replied, lowering her gaze. "However much it hurts, and however hard it gets, it's my life, and I want to live it on my own terms! And those "mad fools" you want me to abandon? The ones I've traveled with, fought with, and may one day die with, feel the same."
Minfilia... S'eni watched as she slowly managed to get back on her feet.
"So no, I will not be deceived! No matter what you say, I refuse to believe it's all for nothing! They're everything to me. All I have and all I need..." A soft smile formed on her lips. "...and I would gladly do anything for them."
Standing up straight, Minfilia dropped her smile once more as her eyes glared back at their enemy. "I don't need you anymore, so let us through or kill me. Either way, I'm not leaving without them!"
With every word she had spoken, Ran'jit's eyes had grown harder, the uncaring coldness of a man that had seen too many battles turning into anger, and his scarred face twisted into a snarl.
"How dare you! Very well, if you would cast your lot with villains, then you shall share their fate!" he shouted and exploded forward.
"Watch out!" S'eni dashed towards Minfilia, trying to shield her from Ran'jit's coming attack, but knew that she wouldn't make it in time.
Just as his strike was about to land, Thancred jumped in and sent the general flying back with a strike of his Gunblade.
"I've heard what you said. And I'm sorry for all the things I've left unspoken. Now go! I'll take care of this one!"
"Thancred, no—"
"Do what you came here to do." He glanced over his shoulder at them. "I'll not have you waste that newfound resolve on me. S'eni, I'll leave her in your hands."
She nodded, placing a hand on Minfilia's shoulder. "Come, let's go."
The girl looked at Thancred for a moment longer, then gave S'eni a resolute nod, and they both began to run, not stopping once even as the sounds of battle had grown quiet in the distance.
Nabaath Areng. Once a great city, now it was nothing more than a few ruins half-swallowed by sand and crystallized Light. A silent testament of the destruction that the Flood had wrought and an unmarked grave for those poor souls that had fallen victim to it.
"This is the place, S'eni. Where she stopped the Flood," Minfilia said, looking at the derelict brick walls. "The last time I was here, when I felt her presence overwhelming me...I tried to pretend it wasn't happening, to just...turn away. But I can't turn away now. Not this time. For Thancred, you and the others, I have to face her."
"Alright," S'eni breathed out. "So where should we go?"
Minfilia looked around, clearly searching for something, then pointed up ahead towards the former city's main entrance. "That way, I can sense her presence, albeit faintly."
Stepping through the gate, they found themselves on what S'eni assumed must have once been a beautiful plaza, of which only a singular large building and a set of stairs leading up to it remained.
"She was here. On top of that building," the girl said and she followed her gaze up to the very top, having to raise her hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the Light to get a good look at it. A sudden pain shot through her head, causing her vision to blur…
"Is this—"was all she heard before her consciousness was sent adrift.
People were screaming, running, and scrambling to get away from the giant wave of pure Light, drowning all in its path and leaving only a scrubbed away, white nothing in its wake.
"Run for your lives! It's the Flood! The Flood!"
"This is the end!"
"Look. Th-There's somebody up there!" a man pointed up towards a lone figure floating high in the air, facing the Flood.
Minfilia. Behind her, five spheres of aether hovered in a half-circle.
Calmly raising her arms, an aetherial glow, almost as bright as the Light she was facing, began to emit from her hands, slowing down the wave, if only a fraction.
One by one, each of the spheres transformed into their original forms. Branden, the former knight. Renda-Rae, the hunter. Nyelbert, the magus. Lamitt, the healer. And finally, Ardbert.
Each of them transferred all of their power to Minfilia, strengthening her. But just when Ardbert was about to do so as well, she stopped him.
"No, stand back," Minfilia told him. "We shall stop the Flood."
"But this is what I want! It's my sacrifice to make!"
"No...it's not your time yet…" she shook her head. "When all hangs in the balance, you must give them hope. Until the day this world truly can be saved."
"Minfilia!" Ardbert shouted.
And everything went white…
When S'eni opened her eyes again, she found Minfilia and herself standing in bright, golden light, gently drifting underneath their feet like the shallow waters of beaches back home.
The girl glanced about. "Where...are we?"
The soft noise of steps made them look towards a figure, a woman, dressed in all white and long flowing blonde hair. The Oracle of Light. Minfilia...
"You...You're the real…"
"You have finally found me. A meeting long overdue, and I'm happy to finally be able to speak with you." The Oracle smiled and turned to look towards S'eni.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" S'eni asked, mirroring her friend's expression.
"It has…" The Oracle nodded and turned her attention back towards the younger Minfilia. "Sweet child...I'm sorry that you had to bear such a heavy burden. You have endured so much pain and suffering, yet you still came. Thank you…"
Minfilia shook her head. "I've lost count of the times I've almost given up. If not for my friends helping me every step of the way, I never would have made it."
"And now you stand here, resolved. Now please...tell me what it is that your heart desires?"
"I…" she hesitated for a moment. "I want to help my friends destroy the Sin Eaters and save this world. The remaining Lightwardens have hidden themselves from us. I thought we might be able to find them with the power of the Oracle…"
"You could," the Oracle confirmed. "Their radiance would be unmistakable. But the power you seek will come at a price. We stand at a crossroads and a decision must be made."
A shadow of doubt cast itself over the young girl's face.
"It's only natural to be afraid. To hesitate. But you have grown stronger and wiser through your trials. And with the love and support of those you hold dear, you have grown to love yourself."
One deep exhale, and the doubt was gone once again, replaced by determination. Minfilia had made her choice. Taking a few steps towards the Oracle, Minfilia locked eyes with the woman she shared her name, her title, with.
"A hundred years ago, the Flood of Light washed away almost the entire world. So many people and places and possibilities—and all those heroes who fought to protect them. Then the Scions came, new heroes from a distant world, trying so hard to help those few of us who remain. And seeing how tirelessly they work, how completely committed they are to the cause...I can't help but believe. I'm still a child, and there are so many things I don't know, but I want to do more than just watch and cheer," Minfilia said, her face growing brighter with every word. "I want to make a difference. I want to help them, as they helped me, and maybe even inspire others to do the same. Coming together, providing for one another, that's the only way forward I can see. And since all our heroes are gone, we'll just have to make heroes of ourselves."
For but a moment, the Oracle looked taken aback, but her smile quickly returned and she placed a hand on top of the girl's shoulder. "That's a beautiful dream. The right dream, and one we share. Even though my power was all but spent stopping the Flood, I prayed that this final act would give hope to those who survived. That hope lives on in you. It comforts me to know that the future is in capable hands."
A bright glow began to wrap itself around the past and present Oracle.
"If you should ever falter, remember that no one, no matter how powerful, is immune to the whispers of doubt and despair. Don't give into them, sweet child, but don't deny them either. Look instead to the light within—"she placed her hand on top of Minfilia's heart. "—so you may continue to serve as a beacon to others."
"Thank you, Minfilia, for believing in us. For believing in me."
The Oracle leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead, the light growing ever brighter, before taking a step back and walking towards S'eni.
"S'eni...I'm so happy to be able to see you again after all this time."
"And now we have to say farewell. For real this time…" she averted gaze, trying to blink away the burning in her eyes. A warm hand cupped her cheek, guiding her back towards those sapphire eyes that slowly began to turn back into the steely blue she had met so long ago when she had first joined the Path of he Twelve.
"Do you remember when I said that it was my turn to head off on an adventure into the unknown?" her friend asked. S'eni nodded. "This is just the beginning of another, even greater adventure. One on which we all will one day embark. I just happen to be the one going on ahead."
The Oracle, no, Minfilia presented her with the same warm smile she had given her so many times whenever she had returned to the Waking Sands and pulled her into a tight hug. Unable to stop herself, S'eni buried her face into the other woman's shoulder.
"S'eni, you have always been the dawn that chased away the dark to me, but not even the most valiant heroes can stand alone. Only together may you change the fate of two worlds."
And as the world around them began to fade away, a final whisper sent her back to consciousness.
"Farewell, my friend."
S'eni jolted awake with a start, finding herself lying on sandy ground. With a groan, she pushed herself onto her back and stared up at the frozen remains of the Flood of Light towering above her menacingly. If, for some inexplicable reason, it would resume its onslaught once more, she would have no way of escaping it.
But it remained where it was even as she blinked once. Twice. Even after the third time.
All because of Minfilia.
...she was gone. Well and truly gone.
Just like Haurchefant, Ysayle, Papalymo and so many others that had given their lives.
And now Minfilia as well.
Raising a hand off the ground, she covered her eyes with it.
Farewell, Minfilia. A lone tear ran down her cheek. You've earned your rest.
A groan from next to her made her uncover her eyes and she slowly began to sit up, wiping at the corner of her eyes while she turned towards their other Minfilia as she began to push herself off the ground as well.
"What happened? I remember speaking with Minfilia...and then..." the girl stopped herself when she noticed the look of surprise on S'eni's face. "Is something wrong?"
"Your hair...and eyes." Golden blonde had turned into red and glowing sapphire given way to a pretty, pale blue. It suited her.
Minfilia took a strand of her hair and looked at it. "A parting gift, I think. Until now, I've walked the path she set before me. The path she set before all the Minfilias," she said. "But she's given me a new path, a new life, that I can call my own. And even though she's gone, I can still feel her...warm and calm and gentle."
Minfilia began to slowly rise back to her feet.
"I also feel the beating heart of the world, the Light that swells within it. And the Lightwardens. Let's hurry back." Minfilia held her hand out towards S'eni. "The others need to know."
S'eni looked from the hand towards the girl's face, then back again before taking it with a smile, letting her help her back onto her feet.
"Alright, but before we go..." she reached out to wipe away the sand sticking to Minfilia's cheek. "There. Can't have you look like you just took a nap in the sand."
"Thanks..." Minfilia then started to look worried. "You don't think Thancred will be angry with me, do you."
She shook her head. "It's what she wanted. He'll understand."
"I'd like to think so too, but—" the girl sighed and turned away. "Would you mind going on ahead? I'll be right behind you. I promise. I just need a moment to think."
Giving Minfilia's shoulder a gentle squeeze, S'eni nodded. "Of course."
She looked up at the spot where one hundred years ago, her friend had given this world a glimmer of hope.
For those we have lost, for those we can yet save.
With a final smile goodbye, she turned around and left in the direction where they had last seen Thancred.
And there she found him as well, together with the others, sitting at the bottom of the stairs of an abandoned mining building and looking like he had been through each of the seven hells. But he had a smile on his face as he talked with their friends, and for the first time since she had reunited with him on the First, the tenseness that had always surrounded him was gone.
Maybe he had finally found a measure of peace.
"Ah, there you are," he called out when he saw her approaching. "We were worried."
"Really?" Alisaie huffed, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "She wasn't the one that got herself nearly killed. It's a good thing Urianger called us when he did. You were at death's door when we found you!"
"But thanks to your timely ministrations, I wasn't obliged to walk through it." He gave a light shrug. "It's like they say: healers have many friends."
S'eni stepped next to Y'shtola and shared a look with her, the other Miqo'te rolling her eyes at his comment while she simply chuckled.
Slowly, he turned his head to look past them and her ears perked up at the sound of steps coming closer. The others, too, began to notice their new arrival and turned to look at her.
"Minfilia...?" Alphinaud asked, his eyes widening in surprise at her changed appearance.
Thancred stared at Minfilia for a moment, then smiled. "You saw her."
"I know I haven't exactly been pulling my weight up till now, but that's all going to change, starting today," Minfilia said, the way she stared at the ground belying the confidence with which she spoke. "I'll do whatever it takes─whatever it takes to make her dream a reality."
He got up from the stairs and walked over to her.
"I can track the Lightwardens now. Maybe even help you fight them—" she fell silent when one of Thancred's hands came to rest on her head and began to stroke her hair.
"I'm glad you're back," he told her, his voice warm.
"You don't have to say that, you know?" Minfilia countered.
"But I want to. We're family. How else would I feel?"
Minfilia inhaled sharply, and S'eni watched as whatever mask of confidence she had built up began to crack and the tears she had held back spilled out from her eyes.
Looking at the scene with warm fondness, she snuck a glance at her lover, whose face held a somber expression. Gently, she reached out and brushed her fingers against Y'shtola's, causing pale eyes to meet hers and the corners of her lips to rise.
"She will need a name," Y'shtola then said.
Alphinaud's eyebrows rose in question. "A name?"
"A name of her own. I won't have her walk in the shadow of another any longer. And I think it's a fitting tribute to our departed friend too. At the mention of Minfilia, I would remember the woman who preserved our fellowship when all seemed lost."
"I agree." S'eni nodded. "I don't know about you, but sometimes I had trouble telling apart which Minfilia we were even talking about."
Alisaie closed her eyes, clearly torn at the notion, but eventually nodded and looked at the young girl. "Do you remember what you were called before you were taken to Eulmore?"
"No. I wasn't very old when it happened," Minfilia replied, wiping the last few tears from her eyes.
"Then we must think of one. Suggestions?" Y'shtola asked.
Almost instantly, they all looked at Thancred.
"If the lady herself has no preference, I believe the honor should fall to Thancred then," Alphinaud said, an amused smile forming on his face while he crossed his arms. "After all they have been through together, he's practically her father."
"Well said, dear brother! I'm so glad you're here to explain things."
The young man looked at his sister. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing," Alisaie snickered.
With the onus having been quite literally forced upon him, Thancred took a moment to think before offering, "How about...Ryne?"
"Ah. 'Blessing' in Fae…" Urianger said. Then from one second to the next, his eyes widened, visibly taken aback. "Wait! Doth this mean thou were listening when I delivered my lectures of the pixies?"
"Not exactly." Thancred waved his hand dismissively. "But that one word made an impression. Of course, if it's not to your liking, I can think of something else."
"Ryne…Yes, I like the sound of it!" she beamed. "Thank you!"
"That settles it, then. Welcome aboard, Ryne!"
"I won't let you down," Ryne promised.
With an affectionate expression forming on her face, S'eni closed the distance between them, let her arm come to rest around Ryne's shoulders, and gave her a gentle squeeze.
Ryne...
A lovely name.
And with this we say goodbye to Minfilia. I know the fandom usually jokes about returning to the Waking Sands all the time and how she's more often than not in need of rescuing, but at the end of a day, she was a friend (for some actually going as far back as 1.0.) and it's always hard to friends go. I hope I managed to give this a slightly more personal touch over the vents of the game.
Also sorry for posting a few hours late. I actually fell asleep lol. Anyway, hope you guys have a great weekend!