Friends Gathered
And so, a decision was made. After deciphering the coordinates for you, the Lopporit petitioned the Forum to make the necessary changes to the ark that would deliver you to your destination. It was certainly not an easy choice but, in the end, they voted in favor of your proposal to take the fight to the enemy and the course was set. To what they dubbed 'Ultima Thule'.
At least in theory. These changes wouldn't just happen from one moment to the next, and now you and your companions find yourself with ample time on your hands. Knowing you, of course, you will have found something to keep you preoccupied, but might I make a suggestion nonetheless...?
Spend it with those dear to you. For they are what will give you the strength to face what is about to come.
A crunching sound pervaded the air as S'eni walked along the barren, white fields of Mare Lamentorum. Her eyes flickered briefly towards Etheirys, shimmering and blue, seemingly peaceful if not for her knowledge that the few dark spots she saw were not gathering storms, but the Final Days wreaking havoc instead. She returned her gaze forward to her current destination. The sole building standing tall in the distance, the Watcher's Palace.
When she arrived there, she climbed the steps and stepped through the huge doors. The Watcher was there, his back turned towards her as he looked upon a row of records. Argos was too, and the dog immediately stood up from his resting place to walk over to her, blue eyes twinkling with expectation.
Well, who was she to refuse?
"Hey there..." S'eni said, reaching out her hands to thoroughly pet him, something he clearly enjoyed. A smile formed on her face and she chuckled inwardly. If only he had been this friendly in Elpis. I suppose time travel makes for strange meetings, wouldn't you agree?
"I was wondering if you would come pay us a visit," the Watcher suddenly said and turned around to face her.
"You did?" she tilted her head a little.
"I felt it. The severance of the link between Etheirys and the moon. So...is it done then? Has Hydaelyn found peace at long last?"
S'eni gave Argos one final pat and fully faced the Watcher, locking eyes with darkness beyond his mask. She nodded. "She entrusted us with the future of the star."
The Watcher nodded as well and made his way over to his desk to sit down. "And what are your plans now? I have noticed the activities of the Lopporits in the past few days, but do not know the reason."
"We are going to travel where Meteion waits and put a stop to the Final Days. But for that, we need the Lopporits' 'hyperhopper'—" her fingers formed quotation marks and she was unable to stop the brief flash of amusement as she remembered Fourchenault saying that word. "—to get there. That's what they've been up to these days. I was lending the Ilsabard Contingent a hand in transporting the necessary parts to Sharlayan and now that I'm done I thought I'd come by to..."
"...To what?"
"Ask about Venat," she said and began to walk over to him. "From the way you spoke of her, you seem to have known her quite intimately in life. And while I met her in Elpis, I would like to learn more about her. Before she became Hydaelyn."
If he was surprised by this, he didn't show. "And why do you wish to know?"
"Because I made a promise to someone to remember that the Ancients once lived. And that includes Venat."
"I see." the Watcher leaned back a little and folded his hands in his lap. "I am but a construct of a soul that sacrificed himself to create Hydaelyn. My memories of the times before the sundering are muddled at best, and those I do possess are the ones She granted to me upon my creation. Still, I shall offer you what I know."
From behind her, she felt Argos push his nose into her back, before lowering himself to the ground. A silent offer upon which she took him up, sitting down next to him and leaning against his body. Once the Watcher was sure she was comfortable, he began to speak.
"Long before the Final Days, Venat was already a scholar of much merit. A well-spoken woman who managed to draw in admirers and opponents alike. It was during that time that she came to take up residence in Anamnesis Anyder. I 'recall' having worked as an archivist, and that I had been asked to assist her in her studies. That is how I came to meet her. Over the years, we would engage in lengthy discourse, the topics I cannot clearly recall I fear, but I know I always left these conversations quite tired but with a new perspective on my own theories. Then, one day, she made a discovery that turned her world upside down."
"That the conditions to bring forth life itself were a coincidence."
"Indeed. And it was that discovery that made her leave. She would return. Sporadically, sometimes months or even years apart, but always with stories of discovery that drew in not only me, but many others as well. Over time, she was granted many honors, but those were of little consequence to her. Her eyes were always looking towards the horizon like a true traveler, and never forgetting her friends." He paused briefly. "Then...the Final Days began, and the place where she had come to study became the headquarters of those that had gathered around Venat. And soon after, Hydaelyn was born from our sacrifice. You know the rest, and I am afraid that is all I can tell you right now. I feel that there is more, but it escapes me at the moment."
S'eni frowned, but understood nonetheless. Hydaelyn most likely had a reason for not giving the Watcher his full memories, and those he did possess She might have granted him by pure accident similar to what happened with Hythlodaeus's shade in Amaurot. Which meant that whoever he once had been, Venat must have truly treasured him. The corners of her lips then rose, as an idea formed in her mind.
"Then why don't I tell you a little about my time in Elpis?" she offered.
He regarded her for a moment but eventually inclined his head. "I would like that."
So that is what she did, beginning with how she even got there in the first place. The Watcher listened intently, not uttering a single word to interrupt her tale. In a way, it might even be the first time that the being he was now ever had Elpis described to him in such a fashion, so she left not even the smallest detail out. "—there was even a shoebill there, can you believe that? I swear that bird stalks me the same way that boy stalks Nashu..."
Time passed easily as she regaled him on some of the more memorable encounters she had, and she probably could have continued all day, if not for the fact that Tataru had called her earlier. Something about wanting to show her something. And she would rather not keep her waiting for too long. So she ended her tale for now.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go now." S'eni rose to her feet.
"I understand. You have an important task to fulfill, and I would not keep you from it," the Watcher said. "Perhaps...another time?"
She smiled. "Yeah. Perhaps next time, I'll tell you about my meeting with Venat."
With one final pat for Argos, S'eni turned around and left. The Watcher remained seated, looking at the closing doors, before rising back to his feet. Silently, he walked back over to the records he had looked upon earlier. As his hand reached out to one of them, a feeling stirred up deep within him. One he could not truly explain. But through the fog that was the majority of his memories, he could see it.
A cheerful smile, free of the constraints of mask and hood. Aimed at him in greeting.
By the time S'eni was done with what Tataru had in mind for her, the day had given way to evening. Thankfully, there was no work involved and most of the time was actually spent having pleasant conversations. When she finally did return to the Annex, holding a sizable box in her hands, she ran into Krile, who was just stepping out.
"S'eni, you're back," Krile said and, eyes going to the box, smiled. "And I see you received your gift, too."
"Yeah. Did you know about it?"
Krile nodded. "It was a surprise long in the making, with many, many long hours of fretting to get everything just right. I'm glad to see that it's finished."
"Sure wasn't expecting this—" she raised the box slightly. "—when she called. Heading out?"
"Yes, I have a few matters to attend to. If you're looking for the others, they should be somewhere about. I recall Y'shtola, Urianger, and Thancred mentioning getting something to eat. So if you're hungry, perhaps you could go join them?"
S'eni's stomach answered before she herself could and Krile giggled.
"Well, that's that, I suppose. If you need anything, I'm at Noumenon." Giving her a little wave, Krile turned around and walked away.
Heading into the building, she went to her room to drop the box, then followed her friend's suggestion and made her way to the Last Stand. And just like Krile said, she found the three of them seated at one of the larger tables facing the pier, enjoying the assortment of delicacies placed on top of it. The sight made her mouth water and her stomach growl again.
Loud enough for her lover to pick up on, ears perking up slightly, and look towards her. "I see Tataru could not keep you from a good meal. Don't worry, we saved some for you."
"Yes, come sit down, and we'll see about getting you a drink," Thancred said and waved over an Au Ra waitress.
"Thanks, I'm starving." S'eni sat down and began to fill the empty plate with food.
"Hast thou perchance had the opportunity to partake of the rainbow pudding?" Urianger asked. "Owing to its striking flavor and somewhat garish appearance, 'tis quite popular. Indeed, so popular that the Last Stand's stock hath been entirely exhausted. I should hope, at the very least, Puddingway did sup upon this most delectable of desserts."
"With the way he acted upon his arrival, I'd be surprised if he hasn't bathed in it already." After saying that, she turned her attention to the approaching waitress and pointed at Y'shtola's wine glass. "I'd like to have the same as her."
"Of course." The waitress nodded and walked away.
"So, 'Eni, what was it Tataru wished to talk with you about?" Y'shtola asked and raised her glass.
"Just a present she hopes will aid me in the coming battle," she replied and took a bite of a tasty-looking chicken leg.
"That's so nice of her!" A smile formed on the other Miqo'te's face. "Our Tataru is simply the best, isn't she?"
"Sure is," Thancred agreed and his eyes took on a slightly faraway look. "Looking back, we've been through quite a lot. And accomplished just as much during it."
"Indeed. It feels like forever ago when fate brought us together with Louisoix and we journeyed to Eorzea." Y'shtola twirled her glass, looking at its contents. Her eyes then glanced over to S'eni. "...then came Carteneau and the formation of the Scions. One might say that was the actual first step on our journey. Yet, the more we experienced in our adventures, the more I came to realize just how little I truly understand of our world."
"Wise words...As I began mine studies here, I fancied true wisdom within reach. Alas, in truth, I hadst but opened the first page of a gargantuan encyclopedia." Urianger leaned forward to grasp his tankard of ale. "'Twas every new encounter that broadened our horizon, taught us things we didst not know even existed. Even from our greatest adversaries didst we learn."
"And now we are going to travel to the edge of our universe itself..." Y'shtola turned her eyes skyward.
"Hard to believe, isn't it?" S'eni asked. "That sure hadn't been on my list of things when I first left home. But then again, so weren't a couple of other things."
She sent Y'shtola a little wink, earning a chuckle in return. Thancred on the other hand grew serious instead and he reached out for his own ale.
"Ultima Thule and the Endsinger. I can't imagine what will await us there." He took a hearty sip. "But whatever happens, we can't lose. I made a promise to Minfilia."
S'eni smiled. "And I trust you to keep it, Thancred. Until my last breath."
His eyes widened in surprise.
"Is something amiss?" Urianger asked him.
"Ah, it's nothing. Just once again surprised by how much we've changed. How close we've grown from our shared experiences."
Y'shtola chewed on some of her salad and nodded. "We have come far, and we shall walk these last few yalms together as well. Life goes on. That's what we believe—what unites us," she said after swallowing. "And once we're back, we need to seriously think about what we should do with our hard-won future."
"True. The situation with the primals is under control, the threat of the Ascians is gone..." Thancred said. "It feels almost like a dream...but peace is finally within reach. For the first time, everyone is working together towards a common goal."
"Yes. We are close to realizing the Scions' goals.' Y'shtola glanced over her shoulder to peer at some members of the Ilsabard contingent working together with the gleaners. "And it's about time, too. We can't be the saviors forever. Especially now that we managed to bring everyone together."
"I actually never really thought about what comes after." Grabbing his tankard, Thancred took a hearty sip. "But even if my skills are no longer needed for the Scions, I very much doubt my life will change drastically. I'll continue with what I do best: travel the world and offer anyone in need my help. No more, no less."
"Pragmatic as always. Though I, too, believe that this star hath still much and more to offer. If thou permit, I wouldst like to accompany thee," Urianger said. "I must admit, I hath grown accustomed to our shared missions, with all their secrecy and investigations..."
"Sure, but try wearing something less conspicuous for a change. Someone can spot from malms away that you're up to something." Urianger frowned at that. With a chuckle, Thancred looked towards Y'shtola and S'eni "What about you two? Going to take some time for yourselves, perhaps?"
"Maybe for a bit," S'eni replied. "But we actually do have something of a plan already."
"Indeed. My wish to uncover the truths of our world is as unbroken as ever," Y'shtola said and gently tapped her cheek with her knuckles like she always did when thinking. "I plan to research a way back to the First. Now that Hydaelyn is gone, I wish to see what impact it might have had on the Source's reflection."
The smile on the other Miqo'te's face became one of fondness. "And I did make a promise. Which I hope to keep together with my ever-dependable assistant here."
A chuckle escaped S'eni at the teasing look aimed at her. "Can I at least get some time off to go on adventures?"
"That, I'm afraid, remains to be seen." They both burst into giggles. The same look was then aimed at Thancred. "Of course, it would be remiss of me not to offer an invitation for you to come along when we visit. After all, Ryne might still be in need of some of your fatherly guidance..."
"Really now..." Thancred muttered, unable to keep the embarrassed smile off his face. And was that a stain of pink she was spying on his face? That was certainly not from his ale!
"It gladdens mine heart to know thou hast already decided on a course," Urianger said to S'eni. "Though given thine nature, 'tis but one of many."
Her lips parted to respond, but she was interrupted by glass placed in front of her by the returning waitress. "I'm sorry for the delay. Here's your ordered refreshment."
"Thank you."
"Well then, how about a toast?" Thancred smiled and grabbed his tankard once again. "To our victory!"
"To true companions," Urianger added.
Y'shtola nodded. "And to the star's future."
"Hear hear!" S'eni said and they all raised their drinks.
The rest of the meal was spent with pleasant conversation, jokes, and a few more drinks. Or more than a few in Urianger's case. It was nice to just sit together like this and enjoy everyone's company. But as the stories they shared began to go further back, way before she even met any of her friends, it felt a bit like she was intruding. So after swallowing her last bite and washing it down with the rest of her wine, S'eni rose back to her feet.
"Leaving so soon?" Y'shtola asked.
"Yeah. The weather is nice, so I think I'll take a little walk."
"Well, I suppose it's for the best...if you'd rather not explore the bottom of a bottle with Urianger." They looked over to the Elezen, who was trying, and failing, to articulate something to Thancred. "We'll keep an eye on him, don't worry. I'll see you later?"
"As if you had to ask," she replied and leaned down to plant a kiss on her lover's cheek, before walking off.
She wandered around aimlessly for a bit, just enjoying the pleasant evening. Eventually, her feet carried her up towards the Studium and, of course, Noumenon. As she made her way over to the latter, S'eni found herself coming to a stop when her eyes spotted something, or rather someone, at the nearby pavilion. It was G'raha and Alisaie, sitting there with a couple of books next to them.
Both fast asleep.
Feeling the corners of her lips twitch a little, she walked over to them and reached out a hand to gently shake Alisaie. But all she got in return was some muttered words and her hand being swatted away. She then looked over to a free spot next to G'raha and moved to sit down. Might as well enjoy the quiet for a bit.
So she closed her eyes and did exactly that, listening to the steady rhythm of her friend's breathing alongside the soft breeze. Minutes passed like this until a pair of small footsteps made her open her eyes once more. It was Krile, coming towards them with a smile on her face while raising her hand. Upon seeing the other two, she giggled.
"Those two were full of energy when they left earlier," Krile said in a low voice. "But I suppose I would be sitting right there with them had I gone searching for books with the same amount of eagerness."
"It doesn't help that they were probably egging each other on too," S'eni replied in amusement.
Krile grinned at that, but her face grew serious then. "I can't tell how many times I've watched you all run headlong into the next adventure. Always proud, sometimes a little envious, and, yes, worried as well. I always think about how much you and the others had to sacrifice for peace and the happiness of others. But what about your happiness?"
"Our happiness?"
"Yes." The Lalafel looked at the sleeping Alisaie. "I wish that you too could experience the simple joys of day-to-day life, or at least a single night of sleep, knowing that tomorrow will be just another day. That your hearts wouldn't race from the rush of battle, but from exploring exotic towns. That you will one day find a home where no battles have to be waged. Life has still so much more to offer, and you also have the right to experience this happiness with your friends."
"Krile..." she said.
"S'eni...promise me that you will never give up hope on your own happiness, no matter how rocky the road may be. Because it is that feeling, that wish, that we first forget in the face of battle." the smile returned to Krile's face. "But at the same time it is our greatest strength in our hour of need. So never ever lose hope."
S'eni stared at her friend, only now truly realizing how much they must have made her worry. Ever since she had joined them to help locate Minfilia and Thancred, Krile had always played more of a supporting role, and when they had all been whisked away to the First, all she could do was to keep the others from expiring. And never once had she asked for thanks, or a reward. No, all she was right now, was for her to never lose sight of happiness. Gods, she felt so incredibly stupid now.
But instead of words that would otherwise come far too late now, she nodded and mirrored her friend's expression.
Next to her, G'raha began to stir, slowly raising his head. As he opened his eyes, he blinked a few times as his gaze landed on her. "Huh? What are you doing here?"
"Rise and shine, Raha," she chuckled.
"Hm...good—" he stopped mid-stretch, and his eyes widened. "Wait, what—How long did I sleep!?"
His outburst caused Alisaie to wake up as well, looking about in confusion before she, too, realized what was going on.
"Well, apparently not long enough. You look like you read through all of Noumenon," Krile said.
"Ugh. Feels like it too," G'raha said and grabbed his head. Alisaie, all the while, rose to her feet and walked over to S'eni. Planting her hands firmly on her hips, the young woman glared at her.
"Not one word!" Alisaie growled. "You better not be telling anyone a single peep of this! Or else!"
S'eni backed away a little, blinking once, twice. Yes, clearly not enough sleep.
"Only if you sleep in your own bed next time," Krile said with a huge grin."Someone who wants to save the world should be well rested, after all."
Alisaie just groaned in embarrassment.
"Not to repeat myself, but what are you two doing here anyway?" G'raha asked.
"I was returning some books to Noumenon. Who knows when else I would have the time to?" Krile replied.
Red eyes landed on S'eni. "And you?"
"Just enjoying the quiet while taking a little evening stroll," she said and began rising back up. "Speaking of which, I should probably get back to that."
"A walk sounds pretty nice right about now. Or maybe a quick bout of training..." Alisaie said.
"And something to eat. I'm famished," G'raha added.
"Shtola, Thancred and Urianger are down at the Last Stand. There should still be some food left, so why don't you go there?" she suggested, before raising her hand while beginning to walk off. "See you tomorrow. And the only training you should be doing is getting some shut-eye."
Another groan from the young woman echoed after her and she giggled. Continuing on her stroll, she soon reached Journey's End and, since she was already there, decided to see what was happening at the Leveilleur estate. To little surprise, she found Alphinaud just outside of it, conversing with Estinien. What did surprise her, though, was the latter's state of dress.
"What in the hells are you wearing?" she found herself blurting out as she approached them, making both turn their attention towards her.
"What?" Estinien asked, sounding a bit annoyed. "You've seen me out of my armor before."
"Yeah, but not like...this." This being a nice pair of pants, boots and a very fine looking, blue falconer's shirt. She certainly had never seen him in such a presentable state before.
"I'm afraid I'm at fault for that. In my letter back home, I mentioned Estinien quite a few times. And now that the man himself is here, well...Mother wished to meet him," Alphinaud explained.
"Ugh...couldn't you have arrived sooner, partner?" the Dragoon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Dinners like these are not my thing..."
"Really? From where I am standing, you did rather well. Mother certainly couldn't have been happier."
Estinien grimaced. "Maybe. I still prefer the quiet of a tavern in Kugane...but if our tightfisted mistress of coin saw me drinking a tankard of ale on her cost, I'd never hear the end of it. So I let myself get roped into this."
"My apologies. I did not realize how averse you were to the idea. I just thought it would be a nice gesture to fulfill my mother's wish before we head off," Alphinaud said with a slightly embarrassed smile. Realizing how what he said sounded, he waved his hand in a swift motion. "Not that I am saying we won't return from this mission. And yet...thinking about the Final Days and our mission, I at least wish to make use of the time still left. The end is nigh, and it involves us all. Why not spend our time with those we cherish?"
"And we did. It's not like I had anything else to do." Estinien smiled then. "You and your mother share a special warmth. I didn't expect that in a house of your standing, if I'm being honest. It felt...familiar. I'm grateful to have shared in it."
Alphinaud looked at him in surprise, and S'eni too couldn't help the little grin from forming on her face. Well well...someone sure has grown soft, she thought.
Clearing his throat, Estinien dropped the smile and immediately made to walk away. "In any case, enough talk. Shall we?"
"Alright," she said with a barely hidden chuckle and fell in step next to him. They had just made their way down the set of stairs leading to the estate when Alphinaud's voice called out to them. Stopping, they looked at him.
"Ever since I left this house, I have made many mistakes. Some of which can never be made up for. Once more I find myself embarking on a journey into the unknown. But this time, I have friends walking alongside me," Alphinaud said, his tone as heartfelt as his expression. "Thank you. Both of you. It means more to me than I could ever put into words."
A brief moment of silence followed before Estinien turned his head to glance at Alphinaud from over his shoulder. "No. It's I who should be thanking you. Without you, I wouldn't be alive today, and Nidhogg's powers would have ceased to exist without doing good in the world. So, thank you."
"And together we're going to keep doing more good," she said, receiving a smirk from her friend.
"Right you are. Let us show this Endsinger what an unbending will is!" he said.
After bidding Alphinaud a good night, Estinien and her headed down the path to the southern part of Journey's End to head back to the Annex. Light shined out from the windows as they passed the buildings and muffled conversations could be heard. Occasionally, they encountered other people, old and young, who had felt a similar urge to enjoy the pleasant evening air. It was almost hard to believe that tomorrow would be the day...
As they made their way past the Rostra and into the direction of their destination, S'eni stopped short when she spotted Y'shtola on the bridge ahead, resting her arms on the wall with her eyes closed while her hair danced in the wind. Estinien gave her a sideway glance, before excusing himself with a quiet "good night" and heading inside. Walking over to the other Miqo'te, she slipped in place next to her, brushing her head against Y'shtola's.
"Managed to get Urianger back in one piece?" she asked.
"Thancred and I had to lend a hand, but yes. Though come morning, I suspect he will regret not having read the ensuing headache in his card," Y'shtola replied and S'eni giggled.
"And now you're out here doing...?"
"Enjoying the breeze, mostly. But also thinking..."
"About what?"
Y'shtola smiled and opened her eyes to look at S'eni. "You," she said. "We talked about how much we experienced and how it shaped us, but the fact of the matter is that without you, none of it would have been possible. And it all started the day you first set foot onto Eorzea."
Her first instinct was to protest, and knowing her, Y'shtola immediately silenced her by gently pressing a finger against her lips.
"You are special, Eni, like it or not. The crystal in your bag stands testament to that. But even without it, all your deeds speak for themselves. You are the embodiment of all of Minfilia's hopes and dreams. I've said it in the past and I'll do it as many times as I must: you are the light of hope that chases away the darkness to deliver the dawn," her lover said, the tone in her voice brooking no argument. But it swiftly turned soft as her expression grew warmer. "But you also have a good heart, are reckless to a fault, and above all, will always give it your all when your friends need you."
Then, a look of embarrassment crept onto Y'shtola's features and she pulled her finger away to rub her forehead. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to overwhelm you. I suppose I had..."
"A lot on your mind?" S'eni offered.
"Indeed. I blame too much wine. Perhaps..." Y'shtola locked eyes with her. "...it's time to head to bed."
What she found reflected in that silvery-white gaze, though, told her that the other woman had something else in mind than to simply sleep. Of course, she had no reason to object and countless more to say yes. So she simply nodded and, taking Y'shtola's hand, led them back to her room.
It was slow and sensual, their bodies moving in passionate unison and their moans the only thing echoing through the darkness as they made love. Waves upon waves of pleasure that made S'eni forget about the trials awaiting them and instead trapped her in the blissful here and now. By the time it was over, and neither of them had any energy left to keep going, they collapsed on her pillows in a happy pile of sweat and limbs.
Just as she was about to give in and let herself drift off, the other Miqo'te's broke through the silence. "...Eni?"
"Hmm?"
"I...need you to promise me something." At those words, S'eni opened her eyes to look at Y'shtola, a silent question forming on her face. A hand rose up to cup her cheek. "Whatever happens...you must not give up."
Her tiredness pushed away momentarily, she could only stare at Y'shtola, who returned it with piercing pale eyes. There was little mistake in what she meant by that. Danger was nothing new to either of them. They had thrown themselves into it countless times only to somehow still defy death in the end. But...this time there was no telling what awaited them at the edge of the universe. At this...Ultima Thule.
She raised her own hand without looking away and gently took hold of her lover's, guiding it to her lips to plant a kiss on it. "Only...if you promise me the same," she said.
Y'shtola's eyes widened and she exhaled sharply. After a brief moment, her lips curled into a strained smile, and she nodded. Without another word, they both leaned in and sealed their promise with a deep kiss.
It was a quiet night in Ala Mhigo. Not a single soul was on the street bar a few guards on patrol, their watchful eyes on the lookout for any signs of trouble, be they man or apocalyptic beast alike. But their attention was so focused on the streets and alleys, that they missed the shadowy form jumping across the roofs, making its way towards the palace. There, too, it encountered very little that could possibly stop it from reaching its destination.
The Royal Menagerie.
With a huge jump, the shadow landed on the edge of this pleasure garden that had once housed some of the most exotic creatures that could be bought with money. But for all their ferocious appearance, they had provided only the smallest hint of a challenge. Not that it mattered now.
Jumping off the wall, the figure draped in crimson darkness moved to the very center, and came to a stop. It still looked like it had on that day. The day of that first bitter, yet so so sweet defeat. With a barely audible exhale, the shadow vanished, leaving only Zenos.
This was where she had defeated him, and where he had taken his life. Yet, he had not died and instead found himself inhabiting another body. What followed was a journey to reclaim what was rightfully his. It had been a rather trivial matter, and in the end, he had slain his father with his own hands and used his corpse in Fandaniel's scheme. All to draw her in. To relive that one moment on an even grander stage.
But, it was not meant to be. And afterwards he was left wandering, looking for challenges to sharpen his claws on until she was ready for their rematch. Until...that girl had asked that one question that ultimately led him here.
"...Why should you even entertain this battle of ours?" he asked out loud, kneeling down to run his hand over the flowers that had once been soaked in his blood. "What did you hope to find when you first fought me?"
Plucking a flower, he looked it over for a few seconds, then let the wind carry it off into the night. He turned his gaze towards the stars, each of them twinkling in defiance of the darkness surrounding them. Just like her.
"What...was it that drove you so...?"
Anyone else was sightly annoyed we didn't get to visit the Watcher after Hydaelyn's passing? I know we have a conversation with him in the Alpha and Omega quest that came after 6.0, but I sorta felt it was appropiate to have a conversation with him beforehand. So consider this a sort of prologue to the quest in question.
Also sorry, no graphic sexy times this time around.