Basteaux pulled at the tight collar of the crisp white shirt, the starched fabric stiff and itchy beneath the green suit jacket. He’d caught a glance of himself in the mirror when he’d been getting dressed and had to admit that he did clean up nicely, but that didn’t mean it was anything like comfortable to wear. He missed his own clothes rather fiercely already – but the worst part was the mask. He’d seen that in the mirror, too, and vehemently hated both the mask itself and the way it looked on him. For all its differences and decoration, it still reminded him too much of the Wood Wailers.
The kid who’d hired him didn’t seem to share the same sentiment. The boy couldn’t be more than twenty, full of energy and youthful enthusiasm. He’d quickly located the young lady he’d been hoping to meet with and left Basteaux to his own devices. The older Duskwight kept an eye on the younger from a distance, watching for any that might take exception to him. The overwhelming majority of Gridania’s Elezen citizens in particular had, in Basteaux’s eyes, never given him any reason to trust them.
So far Basteaux’s crossed arms and cold gaze had deterred most of the other attendees of the masquerade party from coming within less than a few fulms of him. It took him a few moments to register that the sweet female voice was speaking to him.
“I never thought I’d see you in something so fancy.”
He turned slightly to regard the woman who’d spoken. The first time they’d met she’d been masked as well, so it was actually easy to identify her with one now. “You thought right. It’s not something I would choose.” He offered the barest of smiles; it could almost be better described as his frown becoming less severe. “You look very nice.”
Destiney was beginning to think she was going to have a nice collection of new masks till she was done with attending these balls. Her dress had been simple yet elegant in it’s own fashion. The material soft against her skin. Lighting made it hard to tell if the dress was silver or silvery blue.
A smile curved her lips as she spotted his familiar form. From a distance she knew who it was almost immediately despite the mask and fancy clothes. There was only one person she knew that physically reminded her of Leon from this distance.
She moved to stand beside him as he answered her in return. Her hands loosely clasped together behind her back. Not exactly a very feminine way to stand while wearing a dress. But this was Basteaux and they were both hunters in their own ways. She wasn’t surprised he recognized her even with the mask. Even if it was a different mask then when they met. A mask was still a mask.
“Thank you.” She accepted his compliment with a warm smile. “I hope you don’t mind the company. I’m not exactly a fan of large gatherings like this myself. An you looked like you could use a companion who understands. That an we haven’t had a chance to discuss when we were going for drinks.”
There was no way she could have missed that falter with the way she had been regarding him. The slip of that smile was slight though and quickly recovered. Everyone had their demons. Or well mistakes. But his words did ring true to her. Not that he was the first to mention something to her about the past helping to shape the person she was now. Maybe she was just better at listening then she was back then.
“You remind me of someone I used to know.” The words were soft, her smile holding just a touch of melancholy. It was the usual longing for something long lost yet at the same time… It felt different this time. She didn’t truly feel sad at the thought. Not really. It was more like a warm reminder. “He too always tried to look at the bright side of life. He made the most of the fate he had been dealt. But you are right. So was he. My brush with death set me on this path. Without it I might have had an entirely different life. If a life at all.”
“I will assume you are feeling much better now since you are standing?” Her eyes look over him from head to toe. Yes she had changed topics. The healer in her wanted to know of his condition. Even though she hadn’t really wanted to make it seem like she was anxious. “I could lend you a hand with whatever job it was you were doing. Or at least walk you to wherever you need to go. As I said I have no work to tend to today.” She quickly holds up a hand before he could protest. “I know you said it is your preference to pay for services. However I’m not offering for payment. Not unless you are offering a chance at your friendship as payment. I would like to get to know you better if you’ll allow it.”
“Sounds like a good guy,” Riski said, but dropped the subject afterward. It was clear she wanted to change it, and he wasn’t going to push – even if he did have a handful of remarks he could add that he was fairly sure would make her smile. It wasn’t worth it.
He flexed for her, his clothes covering the majority of the muscles on his wiry frame and making the gesture a complete joke. “Much better! Not quite good as new, but I have no problem with being comfortably broken-in.” Riski reached out to take the hand Destiney had used to forestall him, fingers clasping loosely around hers. “I was heading back to the ferry docks to get back across to Costa, but I think I might just take the monetary hit and visit Wineport’s aetheryte instead. You’re welcome to join me for as far as you like, but you must have come out here for some reason yourself?”
There was no way to resist laughing merrily as Riski flexed for her. If nothing else he was definitely amusing to spend time around. Though a blush did creep onto her cheeks when he loosely took her hand in his. His question though quickly made her forget about the fact he was holding her hand.
“I do have reasons but not the kind that you would think. I was out here to think. To remember.” She decided not to let herself feel sad. Not this time. There was a chance to make new memories out here. Something she knew Leon would have approved of. Replace the bad with good. So her smile didn’t waver this time as she closed her fingers around his. “Leon would never forgive me if I didn’t take a chance to make new memories when they present themselves. So let us head to Wineport. But do watch those Toads. I’d rather not be a victim of a tongue lashing.” A grin at her own attempt at a joke.
“Did you really think hiding your cheek bones was going to fool anyone?” “Do I…know you?” “Have we met before?” “Are you sure I don’t know you?” “Your eyes are absolutely captivating.” “I don’t think we’ve met yet.” “May I have this dance?” “You look positively enchanting this evening.” “I’d know those dazzling eyes anywhere.” “These skirts make it so hard to move.” “Some of these costumes are so extravagant. They must have cost a fortune.” “You look quite ravishing in that dress.” “You look quite handsome in that suit.” “Can I see your face?” “I don’t think you want to see my face.” “My God, you could fit an entire circus under her pannier. How’d she even fit through the door?” “Champagne?” “My feet are killing me.” “I never thought I’d see you in something so fancy.” “I feel like I’m rubbing elbows with the queen right now.” “Care to sneak away with me? I doubt we will be missed.” “Can you guess who I am under here?” “I’d compliment your beauty, but I can’t see it under there. You’ll have to accept my compliments to your mask instead, it’s quite lovely.” “I can’t hear you through that mask. Did you really have to choose one that covers your mouth?” “Do you know who I am?” “Do you know who she is?” “Do you know who he is?” “You’re very light on your feet.” “Ow! It’s like you have two left feet.” “I’m a terrible dancer.” “Who cares if you’re a good dancer? Have fun! No one will know it’s you anyway!” “No one’s asked me to dance all night…” “I feel like I’m in a dream!” “Can we please go home? This is torture.” “How did I ever let you talk me into coming here?” “I prefer watching from the sidelines to participating.” “You’ve spent the entire evening at the snack table.” “Can I cut in?” “I have to go.” “I’m not supposed to be here. If they catch me I’m in trouble!” “Please. What is your name? I want to see you again.”
(Okay reblogging again cause I want to. An cause I wanna see if I can get some more of these to do. Maybe for Lance even. Or Karigan. Dest got three last time. They were quite fun to do.)
There was no way she could have missed that falter with the way she had been regarding him. The slip of that smile was slight though and quickly recovered. Everyone had their demons. Or well mistakes. But his words did ring true to her. Not that he was the first to mention something to her about the past helping to shape the person she was now. Maybe she was just better at listening then she was back then.
“You remind me of someone I used to know.” The words were soft, her smile holding just a touch of melancholy. It was the usual longing for something long lost yet at the same time… It felt different this time. She didn’t truly feel sad at the thought. Not really. It was more like a warm reminder. “He too always tried to look at the bright side of life. He made the most of the fate he had been dealt. But you are right. So was he. My brush with death set me on this path. Without it I might have had an entirely different life. If a life at all.”
“I will assume you are feeling much better now since you are standing?” Her eyes look over him from head to toe. Yes she had changed topics. The healer in her wanted to know of his condition. Even though she hadn’t really wanted to make it seem like she was anxious. “I could lend you a hand with whatever job it was you were doing. Or at least walk you to wherever you need to go. As I said I have no work to tend to today.” She quickly holds up a hand before he could protest. “I know you said it is your preference to pay for services. However I’m not offering for payment. Not unless you are offering a chance at your friendship as payment. I would like to get to know you better if you’ll allow it.”
A protector. With an amazing blend of optimism, nurturing and goodwill,
you lend your strength and energy to those in need. Your seemingly
infinite goodwill and boundless supportive energy make you the one
people turn to when times are tough. Your greatest strength is, of
course, also one of your weaknesses, especially if you neglect to take
care of yourself. At times like these, it’s a good idea to take a step
back and focus some of that protective energy on yourself.
Fennel
You’re quiet, sometimes shy, with a tendency to be reserved. You have a
humble, kind nature and often find yourself taking care of others. You
can be known to hold things in, and you don’t always speak up for
yourself. This tendency to hold things in can lead to disturbances.
Nettle
Truly a nurturing and supportive friend, you’re the kind of person that
just isn’t for everyone. But those who take the time are rewarded with
your gentle disposition, and the kind of friendship that does a person
good no matter the difficulty they’re facing. When out of balance, you
can become more prickly than supportive or nurturing, though—a sign that
you need to shower yourself with the same kind of nurturing you so
freely give to others.
(Did the other two because I wanted to. Just dropping them behind a cut to reduce the scrolling pain. XD)
Dandelion
Scrappy and tough, you’re a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of
person. You don’t give up easily and you often thrive in situations that
others would find discouraging. You have an instinct to serve others
and see yourself as most useful in times or places of crisis, but you
may over rely on your toughness and forget how sensitive you really are.
Ginger
Spirited. A feisty and fiery companion, quick with an opinion, a laugh
or an idea. Warm, friendly and inviting, you never allow an awkward
moment to pass. In fact, even cold and distant people warm up to you
more quickly than others. Negative experiences or too much indulgence,
however, can send you into a bit of a tailspin, and when hurt you may
become quite cold and distant. Ginger people do best when their natural
warmth and affection is flowing freely, giving them easy access to their
love of life.
Nettle
Truly a nurturing and supportive friend, you’re the kind of person that
just isn’t for everyone. But those who take the time are rewarded with
your gentle disposition, and the kind of friendship that does a person
good no matter the difficulty they’re facing. When out of balance, you
can become more prickly than supportive or nurturing, though—a sign that
you need to shower yourself with the same kind of nurturing you so
freely give to others.
Dandelion
Scrappy and tough, you’re a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of
person. You don’t give up easily and you often thrive in situations that
others would find discouraging. You have an instinct to serve others
and see yourself as most useful in times or places of crisis, but you
may over rely on your toughness and forget how sensitive you really are.
Ginger
Spirited. A feisty and fiery companion, quick with an opinion, a laugh
or an idea. Warm, friendly and inviting, you never allow an awkward
moment to pass. In fact, even cold and distant people warm up to you
more quickly than others. Negative experiences or too much indulgence,
however, can send you into a bit of a tailspin, and when hurt you may
become quite cold and distant. Ginger people do best when their natural
warmth and affection is flowing freely, giving them easy access to their
love of life.
Slippery Elm
Let’s just say you’re a vocal person. Sure, that might mean you’re
chatty. But it also means you’re the one humming in the hallway, singing
in the shower, speaking your mind, standing up and shouting if need be
to get yourself heard. You’ve got a voice and you know how to use it.
Inclined to speak up for the voiceless, defend the defenseless or simply
bring joy to the joyless, you may have a tendency to overuse your
voice.
Another party. Another time dragged into one by a friend. She was not naturally a party kind of person. Not without a specific reason. Like this past All Saints’ Wake when she dressed up for the party at the company house. Not that she hated dressing pretty. She had grown quite fond of the cute clothes. Something she had ignored quite well growing up. It was one thing Leon had done in his short time of helping her. Gave her a love for clothes she never cared for before because they were rarely practical.
As usual she remained off to the side. Admiring all the others dressed up for the
Masquerade Ball. The different an elaborate masks. The clothes from silk to cotton. A sea of colors. Herself clad in shades of purple. Mostly lilac and lavender.
“I’d know those dazzling eyes anywhere.”
Destiney blushed at the comment. Smiling warmly as she turned to face the smiling elezen man hidden behind his own mask. “An I would know that charming smile from a mile away. Good evening, Riski. It is lovely running into you here. Might you grace me with a dance?”
“A teacher could help,” Riski agreed. “And practice. But if they’re helping and you’re having good luck, and especially if you actually enjoy doing it, that sounds like something to look into for sure.” He watched her hands skim over the cards, drawn to the shine of the gold edging. While he admittedly didn’t set much stock in the practice, it was still fascinating as an art form and the cards themselves could be quite beautiful.
His gaze switched to the fairy in his hand as Destiney talked about her. She was sparkly, practically glowing even in the daylight, but beneath the glow she didn’t look anything like as old as she should be if she came from the fallen city. Clearly a creature of magic. He felt a little better about his carbuncle comparison. “She definitely seems very special. You can tell just by looking at her. “
“She is special to me. Though sometimes it’s like having a nagging mother always over my shoulder. She doesn’t approve of me worrying about others first over my own well being.” She smiles at Riski as she smooths down the creases in her doublet. Daisy’s smile bright an happy at Riski’s words. “She’s really friendly. Well to most people. There may have once been an incident where she was nearly a meal. Not quite sure she’s forgiven Oni yet for that.” At the mention of Oni, Daisy frowns an waves her arms frantically which just makes Destiney chuckle. “Nope. Apparently not.”
“A lot of what I know or attempt is fumbling in the dark. I learn by doing usually rather then a teacher. But… I think when it comes to those cards I am going to find a teacher. Or at least someone I can ask questions who has real answers. I’ve a fond love for research more then I do actually working up the nerve to bother strangers usually. This here…” She motions between them with a hand to indicate what she was talking about. The sitting down with a stranger in the wild and speaking with them. Caring about someone’s well being rather then moving on when they had insisted. “For me is a step in a good direction really. Though it helps you have a charming smile.” A slightly teasing smile as she looks away towards the river.
“So besides getting yourself zapped by couerls, what sort of things do you do? If you don’t mind me asking. Or if you feel up to answering. I feel like I must be talking you to death.”
“I’ve learned a little bit of everything through either trial and error or bugging people I’ve been stuck with on jobs. The best for that was the merc band I used to be in – different people with different specialties. It was invaluable on a couple of occasions to be able to pick up a battleaxe or a glaive and keep going even after running out of arrows.” Riski grins, giving Daisy a small nod of warning before lowering his hand to rest on his knees. She’s welcome to stay, of course, but he can’t keep his arm up like that any longer.
“As you’ve observed, I’m very charming.” Riski winks at her, tilting his head to the side briefly in order to toss his hair back out of his face. “But mostly I just do odd jobs. Fighting the local nuisance of the day, deliveries, running messages – whatever’s needed that they’ll pay me for. Within reason, of course. So again, knowing a little bit of everything comes in handy there, too.”
Daisy fluttered off his hand as his arm began to lower. Her new perch being the top of Destiney’s head once more. Destiney merely shot a glance upwards at her fairy companion as she listened to Riski speak.
“Ah so in other words you’re very versatile. Must be handy indeed. I am still a decent shot with a bow. It’s what I used to do before I chose to be a healer. I’ve never really tried my hand with other weapons. Not sure if I’m ready to even consider such.” She looks towards the northeast, knowing what lay in the distance over that way. She shakes her head briefly to cast away the thoughts. Daisy flutters down off her head to light smack her hands against Destiney’s cheeks. “Daisy!” She sighs before chuckling. Daisy merely crosses her arms an frowns. “Like I said. She is like a nagging mother.”
“I’m a terrible shot anymore,” Riski admitted cheerfully. “But it’s no big deal, because of those other skills I picked up. But not everyone is suited to all weapons, just like not everyone is suited to healing. There’s nothing at all wrong in finding what you’re good with and sticking with it.”
He followed Destiney’s gaze, raising his eyebrows at Daisy’s reaction to her. “I take it she disapproves of something? Or is she just annoyed?” He didn’t know what was off in the distance, but it obviously meant something to Destiney and her fairy companion.
Destiney takes a long moment, gazing towards Daisy. Deciding how best to answer. A deep breath in an out. “Yes. A bit of both really. She remembers what happened that day. She was still my uncle’s companion at the time. It’s her way of trying to smack some sense into me.”
Her right hand goes to rest over a spot on her chest, just to the right of her heart. “She thinks I need the occasional reminder. Which sometimes I do. But right now…” A pause as she looks up at the sky an closes her eyes for a moment. “Right now I’m in a much better place then I was back then.” A genuine smile, though not nearly as warm as she tried to make it. “We all do stupid things when we’re younger an not as smart as we are further down the road. I made some extremely stupid choices. Daisy just likes to remind me when she thinks I’m in danger of dwelling too hard on those choices.”
“I have good company today despite being this close to that place.” There was the warmth now. The smile meeting her eyes an much warmer this time. “Even if said company is only because he got himself zapped.” A slight tease of course. Something she found she couldn’t resist.
“Hey, don’t limit it to just when we’re younger,” Riski jokes in return. “I still do stupid things all the time.” He shifts, moving close enough to reach out and pat Destiney’s arm. “But they always work out in the end. Like this time – it meant I got to met you.” He grins and sits back on his heels.
“There are some things I’ve done I’m not proud of or I sometimes wish I could forget, but when it comes down to it, those are the things that made me ‘me’ in the first place. So I kinda have a sort of weird, backwards gratitude that those awful things happened and let me get here to this point.” Riski rocks forward slightly and then back again, using the momentum to pop up to his feet. He reaches down, offering Destiney a hand up with a warm smile. “So I hope whatever happened out here doesn’t get you too down. You’ve got a really pretty smile, especially when it’s real.”
His words did have a point. Even a few years older she still made mistakes. No one was perfect. Her mistakes now just were not as life altering as they were that day. Mistakes were mistakes all the same. An each mistake did make them who they were. Well assuming one was smart enough to learn from those mistakes. The mistake she made that day had indeed help make her the person she was today.
His comment though made her blush slightly. It wasn’t often she got compliments like this one. Her smile was most definitely genuine as she put her hand into his offered one. The skin of her hand was not as smooth as one might assume for someone who had taken the profession of a healer. The signs of a lady who had pulled on a bow string for years was evident by her fingers. She allowed him to help her to her feet. Her eyes looking him up an down to assess his condition as she thought on how to respond to him. Distracting herself with being a healer first in that moment of silent thought.
“Well I am in no danger of repeating the mistake I made. Nor did I have any intentions of revisiting the site. So I think I should be okay. It’s hard to really be gloomy in your presence anyways. One could swear you are made of sunshine or something.”
These
Masquerade Balls were definitely not a thing she was used to. Lance had insisted she come along with him to this one in Ishgard. He had to come to mingle on his family’s orders. Even if he was not the one to inherit the family business he was still expected to put on a good front for the Aurifore. Somehow he had managed to convince her into joining him. If she had to guess it was to avoid the ladies if he was seen to have a date this evening.
Lance had even gone out of his way to see she had a dress and mask specifically for this evening. A shimmering silver dress. Her mask in shades of teal and silver. At least if nothing else her cousin had good taste. It definitely seemed to make a nice statement when she walked in on her cousin’s arm. Whispers seemed to be plenty from a few ladies. Why not? She was a mystery masked woman with one of Ishgard’s upper class family sons. A son who was yet unmarried.
“You look positively enchanting this evening.”
Destiney blinked as she was interrupted from her thoughts of the other women and her cousin. Her hand went to her chest as she gave a polite bow to the other woman. Not surprised it was beautifully dressed elezen lady. Eyes looked the woman up an down, assessing. But… This one seemed different. Not like those who seemed to give her hateful stares and whispers.
“Thank you. I must say you look equally as lovely this evening.”
Spirit of the Warlock 