Just a cute little idea that I had and wished to share. I hope you guys enjoy! :)
All in a Nameday
A breeze wafted in through the window, carrying with it the morning chill from the mountains of Coerthas. But despite the frosty surroundings of the area, the Empyreum -and Ishgard in general- managed to stave off most of the cold. In no small part thanks to the Garlond Ironworks' collaboration with the Machinist's Guild in creating a state of the art heating system that offered warmth to all citizens of the city.
The room was silent, save for the telltale sound of breakfast from the two Miqo'te that were seated at the table in one of the corners. Resting her face on one of her hands, S'eni glanced outside. Looks like it's going to be a nice day.
She turned her eyes back forward, watching Y'shtola drink her tea while also scanning the page of a book, and began to smile to herself. She really had come to enjoy these quiet mornings. They held a simplicity that neither of them had been afforded in the past, what with always travelling the realm one way or another in their duty as Scions. But now that their organization had returned to the shadows from which it had once emerged, they both had all the time in the world to just do as they pleased.
S'eni was just mulling over what exactly it was that she would be doing today when her ears perked up at a sound coming from the front yard, but remained seated when she heard a quick "Kupo!", followed by the flapping of wings growing distant again. Y'shtola, who had now looked up from her book, raised a questioning brow. None of them were expecting mail.
"I'll go get it," she said and rose to her feet. Once outside, she walked over to the mailbox and pulled out a letter that was addressed to her. Curiosity piqued, she began reading it, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"What does it say?" S'eni heard from behind and glanced over her shoulder to see her lover standing in the doorway.
"It's from Widargelt," she replied. "He's asking if I could come to Rhalgr's Reach and help teach some of the new students. Apparently, they could use an 'important lesson'."
"Sounds like one regarding humility," Y'shtola said in a dry tone that did little to hide her amusement and joined her. "Are you going today?"
She shrugged. "I don't see why not."
A hint of...something flashed across Y'shtola's face, but was gone just as quick. "When do you think you'll be back?"
"It shouldn't take long. I'll be back by evening."
"Ah, the advantages of being able to teleport as often as one likes," the other Miqo'te said and turned around once more to head back inside.
"Do I hear a note of envy?" S'eni grinned.
"Perish the thought."
After finishing their breakfast, she went and changed into her himation and boots, gave Y'shtola a quick kiss goodbye, and teleported to her destination. Upon arriving at the Aetheryte, S'eni looked around for a moment. Rhalgr's Reach was bustling with activity, the time when this place had seen a devastating defeat having become but an echo of past struggles. Yet, it would never be forgotten so long as the people gathered here would protect their country. Her eyes stopped when they landed upon the imposing statue of the Destroyer Himself, travelling up until they found His face before turning and making her way over to where the entrance to the Temple of the Fist was located, softly humming the notes of The Measure of His Reach.
"Apologies, but entrance is only permitted to the disciples of Master—" the Resistance soldier standing guard at the entrance began, but stopped when he saw who he was actually addressing and immediately saluted her. "Ah, the Liberator!"
S'eni raised her hand in a small wave. "At ease."
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"Master Widargelt asked me to come by to help him with something," she replied, then motioned for the entrance. "I take it things aren't exactly safe inside yet?"
When she had first ventured inside, shortly after the liberation of Ala Mhigo, the place had been infested with monsters and, much to her surprise, the spirit of the old grandmaster. But even without those obstacles, time had not been kind to the temple and much of it was in a ruinous state in serious need of repairs. And those had only started in earnest when Widargelt had agreed to Lyse's proposal to train the next generation of Monks.
He nodded and said, "You could even argue it became more dangerous since training began. Some of the disciples can be a little...eager, to say the least. To keep people from getting harmed, Commander Hext ordered that only known students of Master Widargelt or those with special permission from her were to enter the temple grounds. Of course, since you are a Master of the Fist in your own right, you are permitted to enter whenever you please."
"I see. Thank you, and keep up the good work," S'eni said, forcing herself not to sigh when he once again saluted, and then stepped inside. Following the carved-out path, she soon arrived upon the temple grounds that had seen countless young disciples and masters of the fist alike hone their skills. Until King Theodoric, in his madness and lust for power, branded them all heretics and had them put to the sword, leaving only a few survivors to flee all across the realm. But now, thanks to Widargelt's efforts, the Fist of Rhalgr would surely return to its old glory.
As she left the hallway leading to the temple proper, she was pleasantly surprised that the repairs were further along than she expected. No need for her to navigate over collapsed pillars and bridges, making getting to her destination far easier than the first time around. It didn't take long for her ears to catch the first sounds of training echoing towards her, making her lips rise into a tiny smirk as she rounded the corner and saw a group of young disciples move through all too familiar forms at the command of the Miqo'te woman standing in front of them. A single glance was enough to see that these were fresh trainees.
"O'tchakha!" S'eni called out, drawing the other woman's attention away from the crowd.
O'tchakha's face, previously drawn in concentration, immediately brightened. "S'eni!"
"Showing the new blood how it's done, eh?" she asked as she stepped close. Whispers arose from the group, dropping their stances to instead stare at her. Much to O'tchakha's annoyance.
"Who said you could stop!?" the other Miqo'te glared at the trainees. "Another set, from the beginning!"
As if caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar, each and every one of them scrambled back into position and began moving through the forms once more. The two of them shared a look of quiet amusement before O'tchakha gestured for S'eni to follow her and they walked a couple of steps. When they were out of earshot, S'eni asked, "Not the ones Widargelt wrote about, I take it?"
"Hah, no," O'tchakha replied, amusement in her green eyes. "Though perhaps your lessons will serve as a cautionary tale for this lot."
"Is it that bad?" she frowned.
The other woman shook her head, making her blonde ponytail flick a little from side to side. "The Master will be better at explaining it. You'll find him further inside. He should be meditating right now."
And that is exactly how she found the man. Large in size and muscled as he was, one could almost confuse him for a common brute at first glance, but the sheer calmness that radiated from him while sitting in this quiet spot was proof of the deep, contemplative soul that belied his appearance. His eyes were closed, but she had no doubt he knew she was here. Without a word, S'eni took a seat opposite of him, closed her eyes as well, and breathed in and out. The minutes passed like hours, until Widargelt's voice broke the silence.
"I am glad you could make it this quickly. I assumed you would be otherwise engaged," he said.
"Not at all. I've been taking it a bit easy these days. After everything that happened, I felt it was high time for it."
"I see. If anyone has earned some time for herself, it is you. Which makes me all the more grateful that you came."
They both opened their eyes and exchanged a friendly smile.
"It's good to see you," S'eni said.
"It is good to see you, too." His expression then grew serious.
"So, where are the problem children?" she asked.
"I would not go that far yet, they are talented, but I am afraid their enthusiasm might lead them down the path to arrogance. So, I was hoping that training with the greatest among us might instill them with the proper respect to stray them from said path."
"Now you're flattering me."
"No. I simply speak the truth."
"And doing very little for my own humility." They both chuckled and S'eni rose back to her feet. "Alright. I'll beat some sense into them."
Widargelt then told her where to wait while he went and fetched the students, at one of the many training courts of the temple. She came to a stop at the far end of it, her eyes taking in the faded murals in the wall in front of her until her ears perked up at voices coming her way. A tiny smirk danced across her lips and she folded her hands behind her back.
This was going to be fun.
"And then I—" one of the students was saying as they entered the area, but was interrupted by the voice of another.
"Is that...the Liberator!?"
S'eni allowed herself to listen to the murmurs that went to the group, fighting down the grin that was threatening to split her face. When she finally managed to keep her face straight, she spoke up with a stern voice, "Many of you are wondering why it is, exactly, that I'm here, so I will keep it brief. Master Widargelt has asked me to impart an important lesson to each and every one of you. So…"
Slowly, she turned around and raised a hand. The look in her eyes had become one of the sharpest of steels.
"…let us begin."
"Thank you for the lesson!" a chorus of voices rang out, and she laughed at the group of beaten and bruised students bowing to her at the temple's entrance. Her eyes travelled over to O'tchakha and Widargelt, both very clearly satisfied with the round of humbling she had dished out.
Placing her right fist into the palm of her left, she bowed as well. "It was my pleasure. Now, make sure to remember it and listen to what Master Widargelt says."
Another round of "Yes, Master!" went through the group and she grinned. After exchanging goodbyes with Widargelt and the others, she left the temple and made her way back to Rhalgr's Reach. As she headed towards the Aetheryte, it dawned on S'eni just how late it was. Had she really spent the better part of the day beating overeager students?
It truly was as they say: time flies when you're having fun. But she'd really ought to get back home. As improved as Y'shtola's cooking had, she had that terrible habit of always putting things in the wrong places after she was done and S'eni liked things orderly in her kitchen.
She was just getting ready to teleport back when the call of "Eni!" made her stop and glance over her shoulder to see Lyse jogging towards her. With a bright smile, she turned around. "Well well, if it isn't Commander Hext," she greeted and strolled over to meet her in a hug. "I was wondering why you weren't at the temple. I'm sure Widargelt must've told you what he had planned."
"Of course. But you know how it is, duty always has the worst timing," Lyse replied and stepped back.
"Anything you need help with?" S'eni frowned, but her friend just grinned.
"No. Unless you want to take over my paperwork."
"I'll pass, thank you very much."
"The mighty Warrior of Light, afraid of stacks of paper."
They shared a little laugh.
"It's good to see you," S'eni said, earning a smile from Lyse.
"It's good to see you, too." She then pointed over her shoulder. "Would you like to join me for some tea? If you aren't in a hurry, that is."
S'eni's eyes flickered briefly over to the Aetheryte, but ultimately she shrugged. One cup of tea couldn't hurt. "Sure, why not. But will your paperwork approve?"
"You make it sound like I'm married to it…"
Not long after, they were sitting inside Lyse's tent, each holding a cup of tea and catching up on all that had happened since they had last seen each other in Old Sharlayan. Eventually, though, the topic switched to their friend. "Usual suspect aside, have you heard from the others?"
S'eni took a sip, enjoying the pleasant spiciness, before replying, "Mostly through letters. Alisaie and Alphinaud decided to help the people of Garlemald. Raha and Krile are working on rebuilding the Students of Baldesion, Thancred and Urianger were also in Old Sharlayan last I heard, and Estinien...well, who really knows where he's gone off to?"
Their other fellow Scions had also gone their separate ways, some returning to their adventuring ways, while others tried their hands on something different now that the world wasn't in immediate peril. "Hah!" escaped her suddenly, her lips curling upwards.
"Hah?" Lyse tilted her head.
"Ah, just remembered how Shtola and I ran into Ocher and Aenor the last time we visited Mhitra," she said.
"Huh. Figured those two would wind up traveling together again. Aenor must be happy to finally have him all for herself."
"Actually, she looked downright miserable and when I asked her privately what was wrong, she told me that she was having trouble sleeping because she longs for the embrace of both Boulder brothers."
A momentary silence passed between them, followed by roaring laughter.
"By the gods, that woman…" Lyse said after they both managed to calm themselves down again.
"I know, right?" S'eni grinned.
"Well, it's good to know that everyone seems to be doing fine—Oh!" Lyse stopped suddenly.
"Oh?" this time it was S'eni's turn to give her friend a questioning look.
"I almost forgot!" Eyes wide, Lyse placed her cup on the small table next to them and jumped to her feet. She hurried over to the chest at the other end of the tent, opened it and pulled something out. As she returned, she immediately offered her the item, a nice looking scarf, and smiled brightly. "Happy Nameday!"
S'eni's expression turned into one of surprise and she looked up at her friend. Quickly counting the days since Heavensturn in her mind, she realized that it was, indeed, her Nameday. By the gods, she had completely forgotten about it!
Trying to ignore the wave of embarrassment that was washing over her, she returned her friend's smile and took the offered present. "T-Thank you."
"I know it's not much, but I thought an adventurer like you could always use an additional protection from the elements," Lyse said and sat down again.
"It's great," she said honestly, running her fingers across the beautifully tailored fabric. Exhaling through her nose, she added, "Truth be told, I actually forgot what today was. Which probably sounds silly."
"No, I understand. With all you've been through, I can see how something like your Nameday might escape your mind."
"Yeah…" Her eyebrows furrowed then. "Wait, when have I even told you about my Nameday?"
Lyse had taken her cup once more, stopping it halfway to her lips as the question. With a shrug, she replied, "Y'shtola mentioned it in a letter."
Huh, did she now? She wondered. But before she could go further down that line of thought, the tent's flap was suddenly pulled aside, and she looked up to see M'naago peeking inside.
"Lyse, there you are. The captain of the patrols wishes to speak with you," the other Miqo'te said before offering S'eni a friendly wave.
Lyse released a loud sigh, getting back up with her cup in hand. "Of course. I'm sorry, Eni, but duty calls."
"It's alright. I should probably head back now anyway. Thanks for the tea, and the lovely present," she said and, after giving her friend one last hug, left towards the Aetheryte. So, Shtola was the one who told her, hm?
She had once mentioned her Nameday in passing to her, not really having given it much thought back then. But clearly, Y'shtola had deigned to not only commit it to memory, but also share it. A brief image of her lover's expression from earlier flashed through her mind, and it all made a little more sense now.
Curious, she thought in amusement, wrapping the scarf around her neck. Curious, indeed.
When she arrived back home, S'eni was greeted with nothing out of the ordinary. It was all quiet, and a quick glance showed that everything was where it should be in the kitchen. "I'm home!" she called out, taking off her shoes.
"Welcome back," Y'shtola's voice echoed from downstairs, shortly followed by footsteps coming up. As she entered the room, S'eni met her with a hug and a quick kiss. "I assume training went well, then?"
S'eni hummed. "A lesson well imparted."
"I see." Y'shtola giggled into her fist.
"I met Lyse, too," she said nonchalantly, heading into the kitchen to pour herself some water.
"Oh? I hope she is well," Y'shtola replied.
"A lot of papers that need signing, but otherwise doing well." She took a sip. "She did mention something interesting, though. Something I, to my own embarrassment, had entirely forgotten about."
She watched in silent amusement as a frown formed on the other Miqo'te's face. Silvery white eyes slowly traveled down her neck to land on the scarf adorning it, before narrowing ever so slightly. A sigh made its way past her lover's lips and the next words spoken came out as an annoyed mutter. "...I shouldn't have written to her."
A huge grin formed on S'eni's face and she placed the glass away to swiftly make her way over to Y'shtola. "Aww, you wanted to surprise me. That's so sweet!" she said, immediately taking hold of her hands.
Y'shtola looked less amused at the whole thing. "It's hardly a surprise now."
"That doesn't change the intent." with a giggle of her own, she placed a kiss on the other woman's cheek, causing some of the annoyance to ebb away. "So, what have you planned?"
Another sigh followed and Y'shtola's shoulders slumped a little in resignation. "I made a reservation for two at the Bismarck."
Ah, that certainly explained her earlier question. If her venture to Rhalgr's Reach had taken longer than just today, then that plan would have certainly fallen through. Still, the fact that Y'shtola had not only remembered her Nameday, but also had made plans for the two of them, made her incredibly happy right now. With a warm smile, she brought their hands up.
"Then we should be getting ready," she said, seeking the other Miqo'te's eyes. "Right?"
Slowly, Y'shtola mirrored her expression and nodded.
They parted, and S'eni went to freshen herself up. By the time she was done, Y'shtola was sitting on their sofa, already changed into a nice-looking evening attire. Nothing overly fancy, and just right for the climate of La Noscea this time of the year. Since Lyse had already presented her with something Ala Mhigan, she decided to put on the white top and patterned light jacket she had gotten shortly after the city's liberation. A pair of cutoffs, comfortable boots and, of course, matching earrings, rounded out the outfit.
"Ready for our night out," she announced in a singsong voice, leaning over the backrest and draping her arms around Y'shtola's shoulders.
"Shall we be off, then?" Y'shtola asked with a little laugh.
She certainly didn't need to be asked that twice!
The sight that greeted them was a familiar one. There always seemed to be a sizable crowd around Limsa Lominsa's Aetheryte plaza. If it was due to the close proximity of the market or not, she didn't know. Not like it really mattered, as the two of them were largely ignored on their way to the Upper Decks, and from there, to the city's foremost restaurant.
As she felt the soft, salty sea breeze caress her cheek, S'eni closed her eyes with a smile. "It's been a while since we've been here, hasn't it?"
Y'shtola hummed. "It certainly has."
"So how's it feeling?" opening her eyes again, she turned her smile towards the other Miqo'te. "Being back at your old haunt?"
"'Old haunt' is certainly one way to call it, considering it was largely our duty that kept me around here," Y'shtola replied.
"And a certain patisserie," S'eni added teasingly.
Amusement entered silvery white eyes, followed by a nod. "It is the place that serves the best tea in the entire city."
"Ah, of course. How could I ever forget?"
"See that it does not happen again," Y'shtola giggled, then looked around. "But to get back to your question–"
She was interrupted by the door of a nearby tavern bursting open and a Lalafel stumbling outside with roaring laughter in his wake. Landing flat on his face, he struggled a few long seconds to push himself off the ground, his small, wobbly legs making him do a rather drunk impression of a Thavnairian dancer in his attempt to steady himself. When he at last had gotten back to his feet, the Lalafel looked at them, grinned broadly, and waved at them, before stumbling away with a hiccup.
"–I would say it hasn't changed overly much," Y'shtola finished dryly.
"No arguments there." But she supposed that wasn't a bad thing. Better for Limsa Lominsa to be its good old self over being destroyed alongside the star.
Yes, definitely better than the alternative.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the Bismarck and, after Y'shtola mentioned their reservation, were ushered to one of the free tables. After a quick glance at the menu, they placed their order and S'eni looked around the restaurant a bit. It was quite busy. Not really surprising, as it was a lovely evening, with Pharos Polaris glowing brightly against the clear sky.
All of a sudden, she realized something and couldn't help the little laugh that escaped her. At Y'shtola's questioning look, she said, "You know–"
She tapped a fingernail on the table.
"–this is the same spot we had dinner before. Shortly after I joined the Scions."
White eyebrows shot up, and the other Miqo'te took a look around as well, the corners of her lips slowly quirking upward. "Yes, it appears you are right."
"Funny coincidence, isn't it?"
"Indeed." Y'shtola nodded.
Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her legs and hummed a happy little tune while they waited. Soon enough, one of the waitresses came over to their table, bringing them a bottle of wine and two glasses. With a "Thank you", S'eni took the bottle, filled their glasses, then raised hers.
"A toast?" She asked.
"To your Nameday?" Y'shtola raised her glass.
"Hmm. How about…" S'eni tilted her head briefly in thought. Her eyes then met Y'shtola's and she grinned. "…happy coincidences instead?"
"Very well." Y'shtola giggled into her fist.
Their glasses met with a clink.
The food arrived soon after, and they both fell into easy conversation, with S'eni mostly talking about the day's events and Y'shtola offering a few amused comments. By the time she had finished, their meal was long since gone and the wine was also only a few sips away from following suit. And while it was tempting to order another, they rather took it as their cue to leave.
After Y'shtola had paid, the two of them headed over to the Aftcastle, simply enjoying the nice night. Upon their arrival there, S'eni stepped forth and closed her eyes, raising her arms above her head in a little stretch as the combination of the wine and warm food inside her belly filled her with a fledgling drowsiness. A sigh of contentment passed her lips as she felt herself being embraced from behind.
Neither of them said anything, the silence filled by the sound of the wind as well as the distant echoes of music coming from the Drowning Wench. They softly swayed to this nightly melody for a few long minutes until S'eni slowly turned around. Eyes finding the other woman's, she leaned forward and captured her lips in a soft kiss.
When they separated again, she slithered her arms around Y'shtola's neck and brought their foreheads together. She smiled and closed her eyes. "This was a beautiful idea," she murmured.
"Happy Nameday, Eni," her lover said warmly and pulled her close. Voice lowering just a tad, she added. "Though there is one more thing I had planned for tonight. But I believe that is a topic for when we are back home…"
S'eni laughed and brushed the tip of her nose against Y'shtola's.
"Take me home, then."