Ahlis was once again preparing herself for some more delving into dangerous places on her own. Not that she couldn’t handle it…she just didn’t bother burdening others when it came to her little ‘forays’ into what she considered a personal hobby.
“I’ll expect you to keep up if you’re wanting to follow along, sound fair?”
Destiney tried not to laugh and roll her eyes at the mention of keeping up. Keeping up was the easy part. Keeping people from getting themselves hurt? Well that was something else entirely. Especially with the types that made it a hobby to do dangerous things. She’d met more then her fair share of those during her time as a freelance healer.
“Sounds more then fair. Though I wouldn’t worry too much about me keeping up.” Destiney offered Ahlis a warm smile before giving the other woman a polite bow. “Destiney Delvanguard. Since it will not do to simple call one another ‘hey you’ of course.”
Ahlis acknowledged the other woman with a nod of her own; she had a point of course and it was never too late to exchange pleasantries.
“Ahlis Ildilayan, well met.”
With a final look-over of her staff she strapped it into the harness on her back, adjusting the belt and placed a hand briefly upon the grimoire at her hip. All seemed to be ready to go.
“Shall we? Unless you need anything before we leave…”
Destiney shook her head in response as a small fairy poked her head out of the pocket of her jacket. The tiny hand patting Destiney’s side to get her attention. Destiney laughed softly before giving the fairy an apologetic look. “Sorry. This is Daisy. I have all I need for the time being, Ahlis. I’ve learned to travel with the necessities because of the people I usually work with. They are always getting into trouble.
Daisy popped the rest of the way out of the coat pocket before fluttering over to Ahlis. Head tilted in curiosity as the small fairy looked Ahlis over. Finally satisfied, Daisy flew back to Destiney and sat down on her shoulder.
Staring was, in all honesty, expected.
Bast knows that scar is even more distracting and horrible than the one
on his face; the few who have seen it and lived to remember have all had
something to say about it. It seems Destiney is no different. Basteaux
sighs in a sort of uncomfortable resignation and crosses his arms over
his bare chest.
“Normally I prefer to take care of such things in entirely out of the
way places, or at times when I’m unlikely to be disturbed. But when one
has had dealings with morbols, suddenly the need for a bath becomes
paramount.” He catches her eye and shrugs slightly. “At least it’s only
you.”
For most anyone else, ‘it’s only you’ would be an insult. Coming from
Basteaux, however, it’s more like a gift of praise. It’s an indication
of his lowered guard and a blatant mark of… well, trust.
Dest wanted to comment on that ‘it’s only you’ but she had a feeling he didn’t mean it badly. Basteaux was prickly most times and it had taken her time to earn even a little of his trust. There was no way she was going to set things back now by asking about the scar. Even if curiosity was killing her.
“I promise not to turn around if you want to get dressed. Before I do something stupid or ask a stupid question.” She tugs her boots off and sits down at the edge of the water, putting her feet in. She didn’t really care if her tights got wet, they would dry quicker then the rest of her gear anyways. “A friend once told me that scars are the tale of something that tried to kill us and failed. That we proved we were stronger then whatever wanted us dead. That they aren’t something to be ashamed of.”
(Destiney thinks a lot. It varies though between daydreams, worries, and memories. It really depends on her mood to where her mind wanders. She does have a pretty good imagination though. Which helps with tossing around theories with Quarcy. So if she’s having a good moment her mind will wander more towards daydreams. If there is something going on that is stressful it’s more towards worries. If she is feeling low then it’s more of memories of the past.)
(Thanks for asking, @ffxivaltaholic – Sorry I took so long answering this. XD)
“Well it is a pleasure to meet you, Nozomi.” Destiney smiles warmly at the introduction and explanation. She wouldn’t pry for further details on the attack if the woman said she was safe. Still she would remain cautious for any further attacks. That was one thing almost always necessary in the Twelveswood depending what section one traveled through.
Destiney puts a hand to her chin and tilts her head slightly, thinking. “I can take you in the right direction if you wish. I grew up in Gridania so I know the Twelveswood pretty well.” She reaches a hand up to brush a strand of hair from her eyes. “I’m still a pretty good shot with a bow if anyone decides to come troubling us on the way. If you prefer to travel alone while hurt though… I guess I can point you in the right direction. Though I wouldn’t recommend going alone with your arm in it’s current condition.”
Destiney couldn’t help but laugh. Not that his words of him being blinding without a shirt were funny. Merely because she was sure she knew someone who could top him in that. “I bet I have seen someone more blinding then you without a shirt. We do a different beach at the end of each week. Imagine getting to see that once a week. I’m surprised I have any sight left.”
Her easy demeanor faded a bit the closer they got to Wineport. Eyes drifting towards the northeast more then once. Yet she managed to hold onto a smile even if it was not nearly as bright anymore. “Hard to believe it’s been a little over three years since I left here an became who I am today. Though for the better I will admit.”
There’s a deep peace in the snow-covered forest at early dawn. The sun is trying to show its face, fighting through the clouds to sparkle where it strikes the crisp coating of snow and ice.
The first notes hang in the air, shivery and cold just like everything else. They are tentative, unsure. The sound fades, the artist pausing to adjust the tension of the strings to account for the chill before he draws out another piece of the melody.
Even in the stillness and cold of the early morning, he knows the vulnerability presented by this one act. But it’s more than a desire – it’s almost a calling, a need pressed on him by an outside force stronger than himself. He’s purposely far from home, deep in the trees of the Twelveswood where no one in their right mind would be at an hour such as this. Even so, his bow is strung and ready beside him where he can reach it in an instant.
Basteaux draws a bow of another kind over the strings of his violin, his fingers moving with deceptive ease to coax notes from the instrument. It sings under his touch, a soaring tribute to the brilliance of the shining world around him.
As the final strains ring through the stillness, he opens his eyes. She’s the first thing he sees, and he immediately drops one bow in order to reach for the other. But there’s recognition after that initial jolt, and he bends to retrieve the abandoned object from the crust of the snow at his feet.
Destiney didn’t mind that he was out of practice. He certainly didn’t play like he was. Though the difference in the two pieces was clear. As was the tension in his form. Either way it was still a pleasing piece. This piece was still less… Free then the last. It lacked the same heart and soul. Not that this piece didn’t have a heart of it’s own. It was just less. Too structured.
“I’m sorry, Basteaux.” She hadn’t missed that look on his face when he finished. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked him to play for her specifically. But there was something about it that she couldn’t resist. Now she felt guilty for ruining his mood. Never had it been her intention to disrupt his morning in this way. “I did not mean to ruin your morning.”
Ishgard was always more peaceful at night. Even during the war. The moon shone brightly, lighting up the Pillars. Em was looking towards the sky and the stars as she walked her usual path. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. Her hands were clasped behind her and she listened to the wind blow around her. Nothing too stressful.
Guards came and went on their patrols. Always straightening up when they saw her. House Durendaire guards giving a salute. It was always a different experience when she was in the Shroud. Her titles, accomplishments, and lineage meant nothing. At least, nothing good.
She was lost in her own thoughts when she noticed a familiar figure in the distance. No doubt having met the man at one of the countless noble events are get togethers. Em pulled the heavy jacket around her a bit more and made her way over to him.
Speaking softly, she slowed her approach. “Excuse me, Ser… are you alright?”
It had been a rough day. Another argument with his family. Always over the direction of his life as he stopped home briefly. Yet his father never mentioned the other job they had him doing in front of his mother. Never would.
Yet he wouldn’t dare go bother Tara or Destiney this late. They had had enough problems of their own lately. So instead he had chosen to take a walk. Avoid the house. Maybe wait till everyone else was asleep to go home.
However that walk hadn’t lasted very long. Instead he found himself standing near a railing, overlooking another part of the city. Just staring up at the stars above. His breath coming out in white puffs in the cold night air.
He heard the foot steps before the voice. Even lost in thought he made himself keep an ear on his surroundings. He recognized the voice from one of the parties but he had never gotten a name to put with the face. Not that wearing masks made things any easier.
Her words caught him off guard. A look of surprise crossing his features for just a moment. Quickly he slipped a smile over it to hide it away. He gave her a polite bow before straightening once more.
“Ah. Ser Lancefer Aurifore.“ He introduces himself to her. “I merely found the night good for thought an escape. I am just fine otherwise though I thank you for your concern. I’m afraid I did not catch your name the last we met, my lady.”
Spirit of the Warlock 