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gegenji · 7 years

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Going Going Kugane, Part 10

Tempers, Tensions, Troubles, Tairyo - Crossing the Ruby Sea

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[19:45](Chachanji Gegenji) > The day has arrived! It might have seemed a bit obnoxiously slow on the side of the boat adjustments - though, if one listened enough to Tairyo, it was apparently due to his lack of shipwright skills - but the fisherman's boat had been adapted to carry the whole of the group and their supplies across the Ruby Sea. All that was left was final affairs before they all bit a short adieu to the island city of Kugane.

[19:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara appears at the edge of the boat wearing the same coat as ever, somehow even worse for wear than usual, expression flat, eyes placid. She is traveling surprisingly light, with her usual thick rucksack barely loaded to full. [19:47](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was ready and had brought what supplies for the ship she could, though she never addressed Tairyo by name. She was ready for the trip, carrying their simple travel bags and also finding a heavy coat and boots that were big enough for their au ra 'retainer' for the trip. [19:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara was wearing a jacket over her croptop, her satchel with her stuff and some of Chachan's stuff strapped to her back, and was carrying Chance in her arms. She somehow managed to dress Chance in a green sweater. How she was able to come across a market stall with sweaters the size of bokos was beyond the group. She'd eye the boat and rub her chin. "Ooo... this is exciting!" [19:51](Denz De'bayle) *Denz had been quite the taskmaster in ensuring that the boat was properly adjusted to accomodate for all the passengers, losing all frivolous additions and telling the Au Ra he addressed as "Fisher" to sell them for gil for supplies. Looking once over the boat once the party arrived, his critical eyes swept over it once more, before nodding in approval.* "We appear to be ready." [19:52](Virara Wakuwa) Virara hurls her bag into the boat unceremoniously and crawls in. It's not enough that she eats the fisherman out of house and home, but she shows no respect to his personal property either. [19:54](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I -hope- so," the fisherman grumbled, looking forlornly at his one real possession - transformed into this from his quaint little fishing boat. "Otherwise we're getting an actual shipwright. Or another boat." He frowned. "Wait, no, not another boat... not after everything you made me do to mine." [19:56](Denz De'bayle) *Denz throws his own satchels in, before bearing a long wrapped object onto the boat.* "Mm." *He says to the man's complaining. The plated elezen made the boat rock for a brief moment, before he settled in and the boat got a -lot- heavier.* [19:56](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would carefully climb into the boat and sit next to Virara. Chance would lean over to Virara and sniff her curiously, recognizing her from the time they were rescuing Lehs. [19:56](Chachanji Gegenji) > "C-careful! Don't flip the boat before we're even out of the docks!" [19:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara gives the tanuki a forbodingly hungry look. [19:57](Y'zhara Zekial) Chance all of a sudden would transmogrify himself into what appeared to be a fruit of some kind, it looked like a mango. [19:58](Jancis Milburga) Jancis leaned over the boat, handing Denz one of the satchels in particular before climbing into the boat, holding Denz's shoulder as she looked back at Chachanji, offering her hand. "Do not want you to carry us this way again if we can avoid it." [19:58](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara gasped as she saw her pet change. [19:59](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan would be one of the last to arrive, having had to wrap up a final couple tasks at Kokajiya for the Smithing Guild. It did mean his business obligations for the trip were all but done now, but it also made him a little late. He came up just in time to hear the fisherman's wails about capsizing. He blinked at Jancis' words and blushed a little. "A-ah, yeah. I'd hope not... T-though I figger it'd be a shorter trip ev'n if'n I had ta. Not as far ta go..." An awkward chuckle. [20:00](Jancis Milburga) Lehsohmarrn was comfortable in the satchel, opting to not rest in Denz's shield this time should the knight have need of it, and being close to the fisherman the dragonet was pretty sure he would. He peeked out, head snaking out to look around the boat as if giving it a critical eye. [20:01](Virara Wakuwa) "Eh..?!" [20:02](Virara Wakuwa) Virara rubs her eye in disbelief. Apparently the transformation has the opposite effect as she shies away from the fruit, visibly certain no good can come of eating something that could change form mid bite. [20:02](Jancis Milburga) "That is quite true. And not as much to carry." She echoed the laugh. "And Nymeia willing the distance is all we will have on the trip. I heard about a toll, but it is a bit beyond me." [20:03](Denz De'bayle) *Denz gingerly takes the bag into his hands, wrapping them around his arms protectively as he nodded to Chachanji.* "All set to leave?" [20:03](Chachanji Gegenji) > The boat itself was nothing fantastic. A simple fishing boat that had - at one point - apparently contained a box for caught fish. Such accoutrements had been forcibly removed as per Denz's request. Making the Playing Koi - as was apparently the name, according to the shoddily etched in lettering on the side - seem rather empty and bog-standard indeed. [20:04](Y'zhara Zekial) Chance would change back, and stick his tongue out at Virara before resting his head on Zhara's leg. Zhara would give him a little pat pat as she looked at Jancis, Denz and Chachan. "I think Virara and I are ready when you guys are." [20:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, yeah, 'm all set..." Chachan responded with a nod. "Sorry 'bout tha'. Jus' had a couple more thin's ta work out at th' smithy 'ere. They're plannin' on doin' more stuff wit' th' Guilds in Limsa so... part'a th' whole givin' us a lift thin' was havin' me help out 'n set up stuff fer th' whole... um... workin'... t'gether... thin'." [20:10](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh, right, the toll..." Tairyo murmured, eyeing the group for a second. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but apparently thought better of it as he let out a huge sigh. "You... won't have to worry about it. I... have a deal with the Confederates so I'm pretty free to sail wherever in the Ruby Sea for fishing as long as they get first pick of my catch. Usually a sizeable pick. Hence the fishbox. That you had me take out." [20:10](Virara Wakuwa) "... Then you do have to concern yourself with their toll." [20:11](Virara Wakuwa) Virara motions with her head at him. "You catch fast. Right?" [20:11](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looks at Virara.* "For six people? That's not a realistic request." [20:11](Virara Wakuwa) She simply shrugs back at Denz quietly. It's uncertain whether she means for Tairyo to do it all himself or for the others to aid him. [20:12](Jancis Milburga) "Here," Jancis leaned over Denz to give Tairyo the clothing she'd gotten for him. Looking over what he had, part of the money she'd been earning from tips at covering sailor wounds and other odd jobs she'd spent on some used clothing. The legs might be a bit short, but the boots would hopefully make up for that. "Llymlaen knows it can get cold in the water and some of that is near threadbare. It would be best to keep for making patches than to patch it. How much is typically a catch?" [20:12](Chachanji Gegenji) > "No, no it isn't," the fisherman agreed, the Raen giving Virara a rather dirty look. When she wasn't looking, of course. He saw what she did to those Kojin. He was grumpy, not stupid. Well, not THAT stupid. Maybe. [20:12](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would look at the group. "We could also split the toll, it's no big deal." [20:14](Jancis Milburga) Jancis nods at Zhara's idea, sitting down against Denz's side, not minding the armor so much. [20:15](Virara Wakuwa) Virara raises an eyebrow at Zhara. With her ratty coat and poverty-stricken appearance, it's remarkable she was even able to pay to get to Kugane. Maybe she didn't. [20:15](Chachanji Gegenji) > He seems honestly surprised at the gift from Jancis, especially considering it hadn't been that many suns ago when she had sought to put one of his eyes out. Perhaps that was why he was a bit wary as he took the proffered articles of clothing. "It's... usually a percentage of my catch. Which usually wasn't TOO bad since it was just me - minus the whole 'not being able to sell the good catch' thing - but I don't know what they'd expect for me dragging along all of you with." [20:16](Denz De'bayle) *Also agrees with Y'zhara, glancing back towards the Au Ra.* "We can pay for our own passage." [20:16](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I'd -hope- so." [20:18](Jancis Milburga) “Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all.” Jancis quotes, looking up at Tairyo. Her bruises had faded by now, but her looks to him lately in the past days had been expecting. [20:19](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked at Virara, and then the group. "And I'll pay Virara's toll. It's the least I can do after she helped us take down those kojin." [20:20](Chachanji Gegenji) > "... Right," came his response to Jancis' quote. The Raen harrumphed as he settled by the mast of the little boat. "Well, let's get this over with. Maybe we'll get lucky and not bump into the Confederates at all. Or more Kojin of the Red." [20:21](Virara Wakuwa) She silently nods in thanks, a bit hesitantly. There's a hint of bashfulness in her naturally frowning face. [20:21](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan eeped at that and scrambled into the boat to join the rest, finding himself a seat as quickly as possible. [20:21](Virara Wakuwa) Virara leans back towards her edge of the boat, gazing out upon the waters in thought. [20:22](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled and wrapped an arm around Chachan as he got his seat in the boat. "Here we go.." [20:22](Denz De'bayle) *Denz pats the side of the boat.* "Then let us make way." [20:23](Jancis Milburga) Jancis sways her shoulders enough on the boat to make the bell on her staff ring. ding ding♪ [20:33](Chachanji Gegenji) > The little fishing boat pulls away from Kugane and, in short order, finds its way out on the Ruby Sea. The wind is light and warm and the skies are clear. The seas themselves may not be that clear, but they seem clear enough at points that the passengers can get a glimpse into the depths below - and the various bits of coral that rise up towards the surface. [20:35](Virara Wakuwa) Virara rocks uneasily with the boat, swaying to and fro awkwardly, as if top-heavy. She's stonefaced as ever though. Either her infamous iron gut is as resistant to sea sickness as any true sickness, or she is hiding it well. [20:36](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo seems less enthused about the pleasant sailing conditions, his eyes always watchful for Confederate ships. Even despite the group's offer to pay their own way, he seems eager to avoid even interacting with the strongest faction in the Ruby Seas if he can avoid it. [20:37](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was enjoying the ride. She'd lean over the edge, hands on the rail and try to look into the water, or even lean and point at things like the lava, something she'd never seen before. "Is like Azeyma's skirts! Glows with the light of a thousand torches. Can we go towards it?" [20:38](Chachanji Gegenji) > "We -can-, doesn't mean we -should,-" the fisherman intones grumpily, not pausing for a moment in his hawk-like vigilance. [20:38](Denz De'bayle) *Denz shook his head quickly.* "Aaaah, not exactly. You've never seen lava before?" *He put a hand on his chin in thought.* "Then again, I suppose that's not a bad thing. 'Tis hot, too hot to touch." *His eyes look back into the distance.* "Though it is enthralling to watch." [20:39](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara eyed the lava on one of the distant islands. "It is pretty to watch from a distance, but the fisherman's right, we don't want to go near it, too dangerous." [20:40](Chachanji Gegenji) "'s... kinda like when we do smeltin'... jus' wit rock instead'a metals 'n stuff," Chachan chimes in, peering over the edge of the boat for a look himself. [20:40](Jancis Milburga) "Have you gotten close to it before? Is it always there?" She looked between Denz and their retainer before the others. "Chachanji you know how to handle such things. Does it not cool into glass?" [20:41](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara chuckled a little. "You can die or burn yourself badly. Chachan usually has to be very careful when he smiths because it can be dangerous." [20:42](Virara Wakuwa) The light from the highly viscous lava as it crept down the side of the mountain and sizzled to a cool black mass in the sea reflects off the glimmering surface of Virara's staring eye, flickering as she sways back and fourth, listening to the others converse. [20:43](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not called Hells' Lid for nothing," the fisherman grumbles. "Some Confederates even collect some of the magma from there for... whatever reason. Doesn't seem worth it... even before considering all the creatures that live there." [20:43](Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh, um... mebbe? I dun do much work wit glass... but ain't tha' usually jus' from heatin' sand 'n stuff?" [20:44](Denz De'bayle) *Denz tilted his head in thought.* "Not too close. I've been in the upper caverns of Mourn, and even far from the lava, the heat rose and made it difficult to breath, impossible to remain longer than a few minutes. Ishgardian metal is heat resistant too. As for how long it's been there, I know not." [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara's eyes widened as she noticed the huuuge tower up ahead. "Woah guys... look at that." she'd point up at it. [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) "... What is that?' [20:45](Jancis Milburga) That seemed to intrigue Jancis all the more. "Creatures live there." She sank on the side of the boat looking at it another moment, taking in the detail before returning her curious gaze to Denz. "Then Lehsoh-" She stopped at Zhara's words, following her gaze. "Oh. Byregot's Hand." [20:46](Virara Wakuwa) "..." Virara turns her head impassively. The scale of the tower is enough to make her nearly fall back in her seat, were she so inclined to try and see the top. Then again, it was tall by anyone's reckoning. "I have heard of Heaven on High. But I've not seen it before." [20:47](Chachanji Gegenji) > The fisherman gave Virara a wary look before nodding. "Heaven-on-High. We're not going over that way either. The Confederates have a whole town around it." [20:48](Chachanji Gegenji) > As if to prove his point, he tilted the rudder of the ship a bit, angling it away from the northern landmass. [20:49](Y'zhara Zekial) "Well, whatever you think will keep us safe." [20:52](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's less keeping -you- safe and more I don't want them thinking I've gotten into the ferrying business. I don't need that kind of attention and..." His grumpy-whining was cut off by a curse as another ship started heading their way. [20:52](Jancis Milburga) "Are these people of other lands that you have lost trust of as well?" Her voice wasn't vindictive, but honest as Jancis asked their guide. "They are not the beastmen. You should have more concern for us. Must needs be honest about this time." [20:53](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara eyed the boat coming toward them. "... What's the worse they could do?" [20:54](Virara Wakuwa) Virara sits up, leaning forward to watch the oncoming ship, with the body language of an agitated hound. "... I can imagine a few things." [20:54](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was silently observing the scenery, before eyes turned to the boat approaching them. He gently too the bag on his lap and laid it on the floor, unravelling the already loose tie further in case its occupant needed a quick escape.* [20:55](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not a -trust- thing, okay?" the fisherman hissed. "They don't -like- people just... bringing people across the Ruby Sea without their permission. And all I have permission for is fishing. So unless you can pretend to be fish..." he let that taper off as the other boat approached. Its occupants - a couple of long-haired Hyur in loose-fitting Othardian attire and bandannas, looked more bemused than angry. [20:56](Virara Wakuwa) "We can always give this craven to them as a hostage." [20:56](Virara Wakuwa) Virara motions loosely to Tairyo. [20:57](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Tairyo, Tairyo, Tairyo..." one of them chided, as if speaking to a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "You're pretty far out from your usual fishing spots. And with some very non-fish-looking cargo." [20:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara bristles at the man's casual tone, body going alarmingly tense. [20:59](Jancis Milburga) "Hostage? We made a covenant. Not part of it to be taken from us." Jancis replied to Virara's comment. "You know this man? He has a reputation in these Seas?" [21:00](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara remained silent for now as she tilted her head and eyed the men in the other boat. [21:02](Chachanji Gegenji) > The Confederate chuckled. "Oh, he hasn't even told you. How... like him." He shook his head and shrugged. "If he's known for anything, it's failing to follow the rules laid out for him. We let him fish for a cut of the catch, and he tries to hide the best fish under piles of ice. He fishes in areas outside where we tell him when he thinks we're not looking..." The man's cheerful demeanor fades frighteningly quickly. "And now he's trying to smuggle people across our waters." [21:06](Jancis Milburga) "I am not smuggled, Lord. Though there is a sense of fear in this man. Is it true only his largest fish are taken in toll, and not the smaller as well? This man is beholden to us and we found no other ship to bring us to Chachanji's homeland from the rainbow city." [21:09](Chachanji Gegenji) > "That's the deal, yes. He fishes out here - where he's not in conflict with any other fishermen around Kugane or the Price... and we get a cut of his catch. It's all fair business, no?" The Confederate smiles again. "I mean, the alternative is just sailing up and taking everything... like what we WERE thinking about doing with you all. I'm sure you all have plenty of things that could sell for quite a pretty koban in Kugane." [21:11](Y'zhara Zekial) "Or we could just give you koban and be on our way? Would that suffice?" [21:13](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Well, I mean we could... but what sort of standard would we be setting for our friend here?" He looks to Tairyo, who shrinks a bit under the hollowly cheerful look. "That he can just break the rules if he has someone just throw around some money for him?" [21:16](Denz De'bayle) *Denz stood up, moving forward to place a hard hand on the back of the Au Ra's neck.* "I can assure you this man is not, and -will- not be breaking any further rules. We can pay for our passage, and ensure that this Fisher will not trouble you further." *Denz's eyes harden on Taiyro.* "Fate does not see him fishing in these waters from this day forward." *He looked back to the Confederate man in charge.* "How much must we pay to cross?" [21:19](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo seemed less than thrilled at that prospect. "What are you doing!?" he hissed quietly to Denz. "Fishing is my LIVELIHOOD. If I can't fish, I'm going to STARVE." The Confederate man, however, seemed to be more amused by the statement considering the laughter he belted out. "Really? You're going to be keeping him on a tight leash, then?" [21:20](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara took out a decently heavy bag of koban and then pulled out what appeared to be a WYNG t-shirt and began signing it with a marker. "Yeah Denz, we don't want to completely screw over our guide here." [21:21](Jancis Milburga) "Nald'thal would not agree to the deal he has currently as it is. It will continue to lead him to ruin. I agree. Your life can be better. It has to become better." [21:22](Denz De'bayle) *Denz does not heed Y'zhara's words or flailing.* "Yours is not the only concord he has wronged, and has since been indentured into mine service as a retainer. He will find a path that will no longer cross yours, but he can provide this one last profit to you, if you allow us." [21:24](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara held out the koban and the t-shirt. "What do you think of this? This t-shirt here is a bonus, I know it doesn't look like much, but trust me, it will sell." [21:24]Virara Wakuwa fails to understand Y'zhara Zekial. [21:24](Virara Wakuwa) "... I don't think a single piece of clothes will sway them." [21:26](Chachanji Gegenji) > The Confederate's laughter quieted and then stilled. "You're serious, aren't you? Oh boy." He sighed and shook his head, pausing to take the proffered items from Zhara. He tossed the bag of coin up and down to judge the weight. "As amusing as the guy is, I wouldn't wish him on anyone. Still... taking away a continued problem plus paying the proper toll... hm..." [21:29](Jancis Milburga) "It pays for you to keep the water safe? And let the glass be made from the Hell's Lid? Kami's sake, what gives you pause Lord?" [21:30](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Glass...?" the Confederate repeated, looking at Jancis curiously. The fisherman was as well, the both of them apparently not getting what she meant at all. [21:32](Denz De'bayle) *Denz held up his hand, shaking his head swiftly.* "Nothing. A craftsmen tongue looking upon materials and believing what can be made." *He gestures to the nearby lava pool.* "We shall not suffer with this man's presence amongst us. -You- shall not suffer this man's presence longer." *Denz pulled out his own coin pouch, holding it out to the man.* "What say you?" [21:34](Jancis Milburga) Jancis found the word after Denz spoke, her voice quietier for its belatedness, "Obsidian. Where the lava touches the water." [21:35](Chachanji Gegenji) > He took the other pouch, bouncing it as he had the first in his other hand. He looked as if he belonged on the front of a board game involving buying property. Just needed a monocle and a nicer set of clothes. "Well. I suppose we can give him this one last chance, yes. But if we find him out where he shouldn't be again..." Again with that cold smile as he tucked both sacks away. "Well... let's just say it wouldn't be pleasant." [21:36](Virara Wakuwa) Virara turns to Tairyo, tilting her head slightly. That sidelong glance seems to almost say, "You heard the man." [21:36](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's face brightens.* "Then we are of one mind. I was going to request you watch for him leaving alone." *He lets go of Tairyo's neck, taking a step back.* "I thank you for your duty to this realm, my lord." [21:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh, he's never too difficult to find," the Confederate stated, motioning for his crew to pull their ship away and back towards Onokoro. "Just look where he shouldn't be." A final laugh as the Confederate ship pulled away, leaving Tairyo standing there looking completely defeated and aimless. He was apparently taking the idea that he couldn't fish in the Ruby Sea anymore pretty hard. [21:40](Denz De'bayle) *Denz moved back to his seat, sitting down slowly.* "Fisher. Get us to shore." [21:41](Virara Wakuwa) "... What will he do now?" [21:41](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara crossed her arms and glared up at Denz. "Now what is your retainer supposed to do after we leave Othard?" [21:41](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo didn't move. He seemed to be wondering the same thing Virara and Zhara were. [21:41](Y'zhara Zekial) "I get that he made a mistake but you're treating him like buffalo shit." [21:42](Denz De'bayle) *Denz let the miqo'te's words bounce off of his ears.* "We will speak more -when- we're ashore." *Arms crossed as his eyebrows furrowed, looking away from his companions to the coastline.* [21:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > "No." [21:44](Jancis Milburga) "Koban is just as bad as gil." Jancis commented, watching the colorful sails as the ship moved away. "What did you do to them to make them as sour? Was the toll fair at first? Even if he could fish here, it would bring little and only continue to spoil until it would be worse than not being welcome." She looks to the fisherman again at the refusal, "Pray continue." [21:44](Virara Wakuwa) "... What will he do now?" Virara questions with her quiet, silken tone. It hardly shows real concern for the man, just a deeply buried curiosity. [21:45](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Why? You've already ruined me. The only reason I was able to afford ANYTHING was because I managed to talk the Confederacy into letting me fish out here. And now I can't even do THAT." [21:46](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I'm already going to starve to death now thanks to you. So why should I bother taking you the rest of the way? Get out and swim for all I care." The Raen flopped into a sitting position in the middle of the boat. [21:46](Y'zhara Zekial) "Yeah... I mean you pretty much ruined his life." [21:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara moves to the boat's sails, examining them with naked unfamiliarity. [21:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would then look at Chachan. "... You must see how wrong this is... right?" [21:48](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's head turned back to the Au Ra, face twisting into rage as he stood up, grasping onto Tairyo's tunic harshly and pulling the man close to his ishgardian face.* "Does your loss of livelihood excuse your crimes?!" *He looked at everyone else.* "Need I remind you that this man put our -lives- in danger, stole the closest thing I have to a son?!" *He looked at Y'zhara dead in the eye.* "He does not deserve forgiveness. Were it not for the mercy we provided, he would already be dead." *He- [21:49](Denz De'bayle) -- looked back at the Au Ra he had wrenched to his feet.* "You will not starve. But you will not return to the life you had. You forfeit it when you thought to put six others in the balance." *He let go of the Au Ra, grasping onto the oar roughly and beginning, very slowly, to push the boat through the waves.* [21:50](Virara Wakuwa) Virara glances in silence between the others, head gliding back and forth, apparently cowed by the sudden display of anger. For someone so ready to kill, she is surprisingly easily intimidated by the display. Or perhaps she doesn't understand Denz's rage to begin with. [21:50](Virara Wakuwa) Her stare is more like a wary animal than Spoken. [21:51](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' face had echoed Denz's, his words all the more clear than the ones that were building up inside of her, again giving Tairyo that expectant stare. “This grove, that was now so peaceful, must then have rung with cries, I thought; and even with the thought I could believe I heard it ringing still.” She sat down, watching Denz use the oar for awhile. [21:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara stood up and despite being significantly shorter than him, stood up next to him and looked just as pissed off as he was. "Yeah and because of your rage and your grudge, we're stuck out here! You think taking this Au Ra's freedom away and making him your slave is the anwser? How fucking dare you!" [21:52](Chachanji Gegenji) > "-I- put your lives in danger? I didn't tell you to come interrupt my deal with the Kojin!" he snapped back. "And you already shortchanged me on my livelihood and threatened to marr what little name I have in Kugane in favor of THAT flea-bitten mongrel!" He motioned blindly towards Chance. "The few good fish I managed to bring back to town and THAT little rat eats all of them! And what did I get out of it? Fifty koban. FIFTY." [21:53](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's posture changes, and for a moment it almost seems like she's shrinking in place. Her hands knot themselves into small, hard fists, and it sudenly becomes clear that the boat isn't the only thing creaking around them. It almost sounds like groaning metal. [21:53](Virara Wakuwa) "You're noisy." [21:54](Y'zhara Zekial) "Well no matter what, we are stuck out here because we ruined our relations with our guide in a land we know next to nothing about." [21:54](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes continue to cut to the horizon, narrowed and focused on the unfamiliar motion that was moving the boat.* "He is no slave. He has a choice. Follow us, or return to the Sekiseigumi." *He speaks with a level tone towards Y'zhara.* [21:54](Virara Wakuwa) At this, Virara glances to Chachanji, as if he is the new guide. [21:56](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh yes, SUCH a choice," the Raen echoes acidically. "Get gang-pressed into doing every little task you want of me as you destroy my livelihood while putting on your little show of superiority... or rot away in a Sekiseigumi prison. Such wonderful choices." [21:57](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan is just sitting there looking more and more awkward as this whole situation seems to be melting down in front of him. [21:57](Denz De'bayle) *Denz grins sardonically, but instead of inciting more arguements, remains quiet, or rather, grunts as he puts his whole body into pushing the boat forward with an oar.* [21:58](Jancis Milburga) "Your deal? With our Lehsohmarrn. My offer was freedom or the Matron would take you in Her embrace that night. To stay like this. Who else would you have killed. Other blood on your hands than that of cleaned fish. The name you have in that city is poison. Lies, a reputation of slander and mistrust. Those Kojin would have given you nothing but seen to use you as another tool. When did you start thinking so little of yourself? When were you so wronged?" [22:01](Y'zhara Zekial) "So because of that, that's the excuse to treating someone lower than dirt Jancis? I thought more of you, but I guess I was wrong." she'd then sit down and glare at Chachan. "And you... staying all silent and doing nothing about this... really makes me question you too Chachan. I can't believe all of you. And I thought my morality was the most questionable here." [22:01](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh yes, freedom to be banned from doing my job on threat of death thanks to that tattooed oni over there," the fisherman hissed. "All I know how to do is fish. Out here I could do that and survive. If barely. Now I can't. Not everyone has sacks of koban they can just fling at their problems and make them go away." [22:02](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan blinks. "W-what'm I 'sposta do?" [22:03](Y'zhara Zekial) "I don't know.. stand up for those being wronged here?" [22:03](Jancis Milburga) "Less than dirt? He would be in the dirt. How is giving him clothes and being around him and giving direction and finding a means to repay us making him a slave? That rather I kill someone who would not mind murder?" [22:03](Jancis Milburga) "Your living with clothes I can see your skin through so thin they are. That hut you hid in rotting without even fish oil to strengthen its walls to keep the draft out. Cannot use us as a scapegoat to the folly's of the past. You saw Lady Virara's wounds. Sir Denz's wounds, Lady Zhara's wounds and body. My wounds and body. Lehsohmarrn's wounds. Who made you hate so much?!" Jancis called at Tairyo. [22:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "'n-n what would I do, Zhara? W-we already used some of our coin ta help pay fer th' toll so we could cross!" The Lalafell frowns. "I-I mean, I dun think it was nice to tell th' guy he can't fish 'ere no more but... I-I mean, it sounds like those guys would be mean ta 'im anyway... s-so mebbe it's a good thin'? I dunno!" [22:06](Jancis Milburga) "That you would think less of me for wanting to with this man instead of crush him in stone is sadly childish of you, Zhara." She looked hurt, "He is no tool, but he is lost and I will not leave him in good conscious on the destruction of life to continue and repeat the same thing." She lifted her bang and showed the knife-carved scar on her cheek, "I know what a slave is and this man is no slave." [22:07](Virara Wakuwa) Virara simply watches them hurl words with a bemused expression. This conversation was clearly beyond her. If an enemy presented themselves before her, she destroyed them. She does not have an answer to give for keeping a man in servitude. Though she nods knowingly at Jancis, at some unspoken, perhaps shared, experience. [22:08](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes watch Jancis, the orbs holding... admiration? Oh yeah, he was totally enamoured with Jancis and her righteous tirade. Pride swelled within him, fueling his strokes through the water as they pressed onwards... Not particularly too far from where they started.* [22:08](Virara Wakuwa) "If it troubles you. Then to find another way for him can come after we make it there." [22:08](Chachanji Gegenji) > "What hate? It's simply survival," the Raen states flatly, still looking away from everyone. "I do what I have to so I can make it to the next morning. I didn't plan on having the Kojin rough you guys up. It just happened. You could've let them go. You decided to fight them and got hurt doing it." [22:09](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara sighed and looked over Tairyo, still incredibly angry. "Look... you get to decide what you want to do after this, but if you want, I could get you a job in Eorzea. My aunt lives in a port city and she has a lot of connections, I can help you out." [22:09](Virara Wakuwa) "I know the great enemy of an empty stomach." [22:11](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not like I have anything left here. My Koi has been all but stripped and I couldn't even use it for fishing now even if I wanted to." He shoots another glare at Denz. "Of course, we obviously will need the great Lord's permission first, I'm sure." [22:13](Jancis Milburga) "You say that as if that is not what Sir Denz and I are offering to provide, Zhara. You do not see it because that man has lost my trust. I have already taken him upon the ports to aid me in my work to pay that toll. That he did not do for free." She motioned to the clothes, "To the meals given, to words spoken, clearly upon deaf ears." [22:13](Y'zhara Zekial) "Yeah but after this venture he won't be your lord anymore, I believe that was the agreement. So please help us get to Yanxia, and then when we return to Eorzea I will get you a fishing job in Vesper Bay." [22:13](Jancis Milburga) Jancis looks disappointed at Zhara, "You will just ignore Denz and I then? Talk across us?" [22:13](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's face fell as he was addressed, shaking his head.* "I say again, urgh... 'Tis your decision. You, ngh... have a choice." *He tapped the long wrapped object he had taken aboard with his foot.* "You'll need, hnnngh!" *Sweat beaded on his forehead from rowing, fully armored.* "Need that, moving forward." [22:14](Virara Wakuwa) Virara narrows her eye at Denz. The expression seems almost pitying. "... Need help?" It doesn't look like she can even row capably with how tiny she is, but she's at least bigger than Chachanji by a wide margin. [22:15](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's boot stepped on the wrapped object, preventing it from being picked up by anyone.* [22:15](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked over at Jancis. "I'm sorry I wasn't trying to ignore you, and it seemed like you didn't have any plans for him after this trip." [22:15](Y'zhara Zekial) "It just felt like, you were going to toss him to the wayside after all this, leaving him to be a homeless beggar in Kugane. I don't want that." [22:16](Virara Wakuwa) Virara eyes the object in silence, then turns back to the waves, occupying herself as the others debate the miserable fisherman's fate. [22:16](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes looked towards Virara, lightening as he smiled.* "Nay... I've carried Jancis across lands, and this, HURGH! This is much worse!" *He let out a breathy chuckle, continuing on with a stupid grin.* [22:16]Denz De'bayle grins tauntingly at Virara Wakuwa. [22:16](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not like I don't appreciate the clothes, lady," the Au Ra stated. "But it'll only keep the chill of the night air away while I wither away from the inside from hunger." He looked to the wrapped item. "And unless that's a giant gold bar or something so that I can live comfortably without my lost livelihood, I doubt I'd need it." [22:16]Denz De'bayle does the Red Ranger pose. [22:16](Virara Wakuwa) "I see." Virara muses quietly, deep in thought. [22:17](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara just crosses her arms and shuts down for the most part, too pissed to say anything else. [22:17](Jancis Milburga) "Thaliak only knows how you came to that conclusion; did not think much of me before this it seems." The pain doesn't leave her eyes, but she quiets down, she had kept Tairyo in her sight as she always had after that day. [22:18](Chachanji Gegenji) > "You pinned me to the ground with your magic and tried to stab out my EYE." [22:19](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara pointed toward the back of the ship. "Tairyo can you help Denz work the ship please? Be our guide and I will help you." [22:19](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looked down at the miqo'te, speaking between gruints.* "My lady... Mine house takes on new people every day... and the question of how they will live falls... falls on our shoulders. I would never toss aside... someone's place in this world." [22:20](Jancis Milburga) "Have you been hungry in the past sennight? I did. I could not trust you. Still cannot. You could have aided the kojin. Put my child in more danger, stolen him away again. Stabbed one of us in the back when I was not being flung around by red arms." [22:21](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara frowned up at Denz. "I don't want to talk about it any longer. I'm too upset." [22:23](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Wouldn't toss aside someone's place in the world, except where you did exactly that, great Lord," Tairyo seethed. "And what would I have done? My arm was already killing me from the fall through the trapdoor and they tossed me face-first down a set of stairs. Even if I could have 'helped,' what would I have done? I'm not a fighter like you people. Like I said, I'm a fisherman." [22:23](Jancis Milburga) “But the thought of being a lunatic did not greatly trouble him; the horror was that he might also be wrong. ” [22:24](Virara Wakuwa) "The weak do often cling to the strong. That man is as good as any." [22:24]Virara Wakuwa points at Denz De'bayle. [22:25](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would lay down on her side and rest her head on Chachan's lap. She'd pet Chance as he slept on the floor of the ship. [22:25](Jancis Milburga) "You are a thief." Jancis corrected, "And associate to attempted murder. You are a very poor fisherman." [22:26](Y'zhara Zekial) "People do crazy and bad things when they're under a lot of pressure to survive." [22:27](Jancis Milburga) "But even with that I see something better in you and I have hope for you. And perilious as it may seem, as grueling the unknown is, you do not have to just survive." [22:27](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Yes. Let me just pledge myself to the man who had me ruin my ship for his wishes and then sell away my livelihood for passage across the Ruby Sea." He shook his head. "And your little rat there is a thief too. And he's getting treated like a king compared to me." [22:27](Denz De'bayle) *Denz tilts his head, skirting off both ignores and praises, giving Chachanji an apologetic look for the situation they were in, but continued wordlessly as his rowing drum was the continuing words of fierce judgement Jancis doled out.* [22:27](Virara Wakuwa) "Steal from the wrong person, and things can change." [22:28](Virara Wakuwa) Virara muses, perhaps from experience. [22:28](Chachanji Gegenji) Little Chachan scritched quietly at Zhara's ears in an attempt to help calm down at least one person on the boat. He meets Denz's gaze with a small worried pout, but this whole conversation was heated to the point that he didn't know where he could get a word in. Or if there was anything he could say to help the situation. [22:30](Jancis Milburga) "He aided you in such schemes to enter the bathes and force payment of goods. Under your care he suffered." Jancis still believed the boko his cohort. "Your conscience was stolen from you by someone. How hard is life in that city? Why would you wish to return and continue the same path under those colorful banners and only hide the shadows you have to deal with?" [22:30](Y'zhara Zekial) "Tairyo, I know you're angry, but you'll get your chance to live a good life in Thanalan." Zhara smiled weakly as she tried to lighten the mood. "And then maybe one day... you'll be able to afford a sweater, just like the one Chance is wearing." [22:32](Virara Wakuwa) "I do not think it would fit him." [22:32]Virara Wakuwa shrugs at Y'zhara Zekial. [22:32](Chachanji Gegenji) > "My sch--" He finally turned to look at Jancis. "My scheme to enter the baths? What demented spirits flit about in your head, woman? That little RAT ate the best part of my catch - fish that I had hidden from the Confederacy so I could make a couple extra koban so I could afford something FILLING for once." [22:32](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara nuzzled into Chachan's hand, letting out a chuckle at Virara. "I mean one his size of course." [22:32](Chachanji Gegenji) > "So I chase him to get the one good fish he HADN'T eaten yet and all I got out of it was the misfortune of meeting YOU people and fifty koban." [22:33](Jancis Milburga) "Not too upset to speak to him, Zhara. As you put it earlier, that he fucking dare steal a hatchling of a few moons, but he is good enough to not gain your ire where Denz is?" [22:34](Jancis Milburga) "Confuse me so where Denz is scolded for bartering and ensuring the safety of him as well as us upon this Sea." [22:34](Denz De'bayle) *Denz cleared his throat.* "Jancis, my lo-" *His words caught in his throat as she used some... uncommon language.* [22:35](Jancis Milburga) "We did not take your fish and still paid you for your trouble. There was no fish and when we pursued to gather Lehsohmarrn that is where I found Little Chance." [22:36](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara seemed to be cooling off. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you and Denz. And you are right, he had no right to steal Lehs. No one should steal anything or have to steal anything, it's wrong but it's good to walk in the shoes of everyone here. Some people will do anything they can to survive... you've seen the people in Pearl Lane for example... I know it seems like this man isn't anything close to that, but think about the political climate in Othard right now... it's a hard place to live, [22:37](Chachanji Gegenji) "Yes, because fifty koban is how much that fish had been worth." The Au Ra spat into the ocean. "And are you really trying to imply that this rat is somehow different from the one that ate my catch?" [22:37](Y'zhara Zekial) for anyone. And maybe I was wrong for thinking you would just toss him to the side without a job after we left Othard." [22:37](Y'zhara Zekial) "And for that, I'm sorry. I understand that you want to help him just as much as I do." [22:40](Jancis Milburga) "You just stated the fish was worth more. And no, I believe Little Chance always stuck close to you had you only seen it. Go on," She encouraged Tairyo, "Yell it out. Yell out all the lies you believe. All the pains caused to you." She finally sat down at that, while not looking directly at anyone, much of the pained look in her face had eased. [22:43](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara turned to lay on her back and look up at Chachan. She'd do a small push up to give him a little kiss and a smile. "... What do you think about all this? I mean, going back to your childhood home?" [22:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > That got the Raen to look at Zhara. "Oh yes, they sure do want to help me. Destroying my livelihood and telling me all the hardship I've suffered is a lie. Such helpful people." He harrumphed and, getting up, all but shoulderchecked Denz out of the way from the rudder. Or tried to, anyway. He wasn't going to move a soldier like Denz unless the Ishgardian wanted to move. "Let's just get you all out of my life so I can go starve in peace." [22:46](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan jumped a little at the question, apparently surprised he was being addressed again given the heated conversation. "W-well... I-I mean... I wish it'd happened under... happier circumstances..." He glanced glumly to the Raen and then to Denz and Jancis. [22:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara stares absently off across the water, in that curious direction she always did, like she knew something was beyond the horizon and was looking towards it. [22:47](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was already showing signs of struggling at the oar, easily removing his hands from the stick and moving past the group to sit beside Jancis.* "Circumstances... can always be worsened, my friend. At the least, we are not sailing into... phew, a war, anymore." [22:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara squeezed Chachan's hand. "I know... I wish we had better circumstances too." she'd look over at Denz. "I know... I'm glad that encounter with the Garleans is long over." [22:48](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' gaze moved to meet Chachanji's, "It will get better. Destroyer willing this will herald better suns for us all." Though most of her words were for Tairyo. [22:49](Chachanji Gegenji) > "That sounds suspiciously like you're trying to make my life even worse. Which, to be fair, seems pretty par for the course so far. So just... don't. Don't," the fisherman urged. "And don't call me 'friend.' I've not had many, but I certainly know you do not count among their number." [22:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked over at Tairyo. "Like I said, I know you're angry, but it's going to be fine. The types of fishing jobs in Eorzea are... pretty decent. You may have to start out working with a crew, but eventually once you get your own ship you'll be able to work independantly again if you wanted to. I personally like working with people though." [22:51](Denz De'bayle) *Denz narrowed his eyes.* "I was talking to Chachanji, Fisher. You are no friend of mine." *His metal gauntlet clenched at the unattentive man's assumption, sucking in a breath.* "Let us leave our 'guide' in peaceful quiet. Doma still awaits us." [22:52](Jancis Milburga) Jancis reached her hand up to Denz's face, touching at his cheeks before her own face finally eased. It wasn't a smile, but it was a start. [22:54](Virara Wakuwa) Virara lets loose a quiet sigh. Was she relieved? [22:55](Chachanji Gegenji) > "So you're going to fund my trip across the planet to start a new life?" the Au Ra seemed skeptical, looking back to Denz. "Oh. Good. For a second I thought you might have actually had some degree of regret for what you did to me. Good to know." He seemed content enough to agree to lapsing into silence, however, and the trip to the Othardian coastline continued in awkward, awkward silence. [22:57](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara rubbed her chin... that was a good question. "I was thinking of some sort of aether travel, but you may need to be attuned to the aetherytes over there, so I'll look into getting you a place on a boat, yes." [22:58](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara then closed her eyes and rested until they reached land. [23:03](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara was still napping, using Chachan's lap as a pillow when they finally docked the boat.

#ffxiv logs #going going kugane #chachanji #y'zhara zekial #jancis milburga #denz #virara

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progeny-of-the-fury · 7 years

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To the Eastern Flare | Part II

Log date: 11/5/17

OOC Note: The text in these logs are strictly for the reader’s enjoyment. Anyone using the knowledge displayed within this text without the participant’s knowledge risks the potential of blacklisting from future communication and roleplay. Please do not meta-game!

Tags: @jancisstuff @darkknightsbread

The events in Shirogane brought a mixture of uncertainty, melancholy, and perhaps even an onze of regret. I had gotten myself mixed up in substances that muddied my mind, and in the process brought up old wounds that angered those close to me... and him. While I certainly do not think he does not deserve their ire, it was not right. Not then, not there. I awoke to a letter delivered to Lord Gascogne and I’s room. It did not take a genius to know its sender...

Adelise De'bayle raises a slip of paper up within her hands, waving it briefly. "A Moogle came to find me this morning, much to my own surprise. Seems someone wishes to speak to us both in Rakuza district."

Siovant Gascogne inclines his head in affirmation, lofting an ebon brow. "Oh? Did it happen to mention who it was? Or are we merely to wander into the district on the grace of our naivety?"

Adelise De'bayle: "Oh no, it says who it is," she remarks plainly, her fingers flicking back along with wrist to hand the small sheet over toward her lover. "The only person who might either speak to me or run away," she adds, the note clearly reading 'Denz's name.

After some... revelating discussions last night between Denz and Jancis, the elezen had since decided to send a letter to Adelise, requesting her presence in the Rakuza District that the two might speak. Waiting in the square, the afternoon crowds bustled nearby, the pair sectioned off enough that they might have elbow space to wait for the other couple to arrive.

Siovant Gascogne: "Ah. Good." Siovant could not help but allow that well-honed edge to creep into his voice, and into his eyes. "Saves us the trouble of hunting him down, I suppose." He states, "Shall we, then?"

Adelise De'bayle heaves out a sigh, not particularly looking forward to seeing the man herself. Still, crunching the paper tightly into her fingers, she patted her hand to Siovant to lead them both forward toward their destination.

The duo eventually find their way to where they were directed to meet the two, stop some fulms away from them. "Afternoon," Adelise remarks curtly, arms crossed over her bosom.

Through the crowd once Jancis saw the pair, she perks up, though surely it was after Denz spotted them. "Good Sun! How are you feeling? Able to rest through the night and morn?"

Siovant clasped his hands lightly behind the small of his back, levelling an edged look towards the duo. "I trust that the De'bayle successfully retrieved his lost ring?" The Elezen states in greeting.

Slowly moving her crimson irises onto Jancis, Adelise offered her a small dip of her head. "I was. Lord Gascogne was very kind in his caring for my well-being."

Denz nods his head to the pair, eyes looking towards Siovant."With another's aid, yes." He tilted his head, looking to Adelise for a moment, before they turned back on the man. "I would give you that reminder, Lord Gascogne, but sadly Kugane's guards do not tolerate violence of any kind in the city. I've heard of bar brawls ending in executions. Keeps the more combative people from doing as they please here." He gestures to a stall behind the pair. "That woman's shop was where we had purchased these rings from."

Face curling into some manner of disgust, Adelise could only scoff. "Is that so? Congratulations. Is this why you invited us here," she asks unamusingly.

Siovant's lips tilt upwards in some modest amusement, low notes of humor rising coarsely from his throat. "I was made aware of some similar sentiments when I was speaking to some natives." He affirms. "I suppose that's why you decided to do this out in the open. You will not be able to run from me forever, though."

"He shows easily from him. He did not leave your side the rest of the night save for that winning ticket. Menphina's arms." She looks over at the cart. "Denz had to ask specifically. It is most curious they do not show all the rings. You have to ask if it is for something special. And they are all in these little boxes each to their own. Yes, it is. You sounded much the same the past eve."

Denz closes his eyes for a moment, sucking a breath. "I assure you, Siovant, I am not running. I deserve whatever punishment you dole out, for my words were..." Denz's eyes open, struggling to find the right term. "... they were wrong. And no apology or words will ever take them back." He gestures to the bridge. "We can take a walk outside the city, if you wish."

Adelise De'bayle shoots a sidelong stare toward Siovant, her mouth shutting into a thin line. Huffing out a breath toward Jancis' words, Adelise raised a lax hand, "he has never left my side since coming here, and for that he holds my complete and utter trust. Not many can say the same," her eyes close into sharp slits as she shifted on her feet, resting her weight onto a single hip. Watching Denz, Adelise held no pity in her expression toward his surrender; her visage held hard, cold.

Siovant gently breaks the clasping of his hands behind his back. "Ah, that is a kind enough offer. I had plenty of time to cool down as the evening progressed, and I was given to the comforts of our futon." He explains, moving to brush a pair of knuckles along Adelise's back in momentary distraction. "That being said, I believe a lengthy apology will be necessary. And you should explain why you said those words to your Count and Countess. Before I tell them."

"Count Armont was already made aware of my words. If he has told the Countess, I do not know. They deserve to know, regardless. 'Tis not a secret in need of hiding. Rather a crime in need of reparations,” Denz adds.

Lips scrunching into some frustration, Adelise could only huff out a sigh, her eyes directing off toward the side. Lowering his head from his perch on her shoulder, Nogelle pressed his scaled muzzle to the young woman's head, poking at it a few times. "Well. Considering they never said anything to me about it, perhaps they agree."

"Denz, another crime is losing your intentions behind them. We spoke at great length about it. And by far it is true that this mistake has lived far too long. And we are here together if you wish it as a start to amending that. It will not happen in a few words or showing you where this ring was that sparked such pain. It is not, never has been, to not include those we feel close to."

"If such was the case, then why even summon Adelise here? So that you can look doe-eyed and apologetic, hoping to curry favour from us by looking pathetic? You succeed on one part, at least." Siovant sneers, perching a hand upon his hip and the other around Adelise's waist. "If you intend to amend your relationship, I would suggest you begin with some heavy legwork of your own."

Adelise raises her gaze toward Denz, her brow furrowed. "I refuse to accept an apology, if it is only a means to improve the image you casted upon yourself. You truly believed the words you said to me, or you would not have said them. Is that how all within this family feel? That after all this time away I am simply..." she shakes her head, "a ghost of what once was? A stranger? You were one of the first I confided in Denz, your blade upon my back was by far the most painful."

Denz nods slightly at Jancis’ words. "I did not forget, Jancis. Wrong words, with intention behind." He looked back at Adelise. "You know that is not true. When I told Armont, there was a pain and disappointment in him I had not seen before towards me. He kept composure but I know my brother loathed hearing my words. He wishes nothing to ensure you felt welcome and I destroyed that hope. Whatever anger and rage he felt would be magnified in his wife... and even that pales in comparison to your own feelings." He looked to the side, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "My intention was to remind you of your place as a woman barely breaching the surface of this world, acting with a knowledge she was never imparted upon. Worsened by anger at defending... dead men and their honor, yet that isn't nearly important enough to justify my venom." He ran a hand across his hair, looking to Siovant. "Heavy legwork must start somewhere. I care not for how I appear before you. Anything less would be false."

Jancis closes her eyes a minute before looking back up. "I understand some. I do not think we look pathetic. And you came; that means a great deal. Do you want to be angry?" She thinks a moment and quotes, “Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” "We do want to change that to, not easily. Nothing important is easy. Can get to know you, Adelise," Jancis said her name carefully, "And can get to know me. And Denz. Without this burden of feeling that should already be. Thaliak's knowledge is not for pain."

"I am not angry anymore," she remarks in a flat tone, "simply, crestfallen. I can say that, after all those turns of waiting and recovering... practicing and learning. I never expected to leave behind my home only to return to such a cold house. It made my effort feel for naught, made me question why I even came back," Adelise teeters her head to the side some, it brushing against Siovant’s arm, "but I am reminded that I did not return solely for this family. There were many other fond memories that brought me here," lowering her gaze onto Jancis, Adelise's eyes grew softer. "Jancis. As much as I wish I could be the same girl to you that you cared for, I fear I simply cannot be," Adelise eventually smiles, it surprising and almost uncharacteristic, although small. "However, it might surprise you how little of Hestia is gone from me. The time to learn, and speak to one another. I may be older, but I am not dead. I have learned this. Hestia is not dead."

"Amusing enough that you held off on your apologies until Adelise began to recount your very words to the rest of us. It seems as though the honesty of your pain is a bit gelded by your lax attempts." Siovant notes, looking unconvinced. "However, Adelise may be easier to convince than myself when it comes to a betrayal as cutting as you turned upon her."

"Not so, my Lord. I am not quite so forgiving. Though I am diplomatic,” Adelise adds quickly.

Denz had to keep himself from rolling his eyes at the man, tilting his head away to compose himself and think before speaking. "I did not expect her to come here. I was biding my time until I returned, found the right words, the right course of action to take." He looked at Adelise. "I still keep to heart that which you wished from this land. Though a piece of metal does not fix anything, I wanted it to be a stepping stone, a way to show that I do want to fix this."

Jancis does brighten at those words, "Barely moons ago you felt differently. You are and you have become more. You are both; you can be both and now there is all the better at being gifted to seeing those changes instead of them being so very far away." She blinks hard again, "He has been talking about finding a smith of great experience to craft a katana to take back with him. Did not know the purpose to it until the last eve. He has even had some training in it with Sir Gegenji here."

The larger Elezen lightly folds his arms across his bared chest, affirmed enough in his spoken piece to defer to the victim's will. Leaning lightly upon his heels, Siovant would observe the back and forth with vested interest.

"Your words cut me deeply, Uncle," she finally states out, their being in foreign territories making it easier for the term to leave her lips. "However, I am not one to burn bridges so easily. Especially with those I consider to have potential," tilting her head back, Adelise motions up a hand. "There is strength within you that even you do not see, it is why you fall to envy and sadness. I understood this, to be why you struck out toward me. Even if I might still believe them to be true. That is fine, if they are true. If you believe what you told me that evening. My words were true as well, I will show you just how Eorzean I am. That the blood that runs through me, is the same as yours, no matter how far away I have been. I did not fight for this life for naught.” Straightening, Adelise nods toward Jancis, “his gesture is kind. The reason for my wanting of the katana is that…” She pauses, frowning, "my instructor, Hitokiri held one. It is difficult to admit, but- I miss him dearly. His home was gone. I thought, perhaps if I were to visit the East myself, or if you were to return a weapon similar to his... that it might make me feel better."

"Hitokiri," Jancis repeats quietly to herself before looking up at Denz. "It is something I have been privy to, as well. Something about the Foundation walls and ages of war that made being alike and of blood so very important when life was so easily lost. So ingrained, yes? Mayhaps once long before even Denz breathed it had a good intention behind it. Like the animals in the darkest boughs of the Shroud, trust was a luxury to not squander life on. You are no feral animal, Denz."

Denz's head lowers at her words, nodding in acknowledgement and understanding. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion at her words of his 'potential', but he does not bother addressing those at the moment. "And that task is still upon my shoulders. You will have that weapon, and if you still wish it, my kinship." *He looked sidelong at Jancis, shaking his head.* "Ishgardian hatred aside, she is my family. Words said should be for guidance, help, improvement... love. But I cannot wholly say any of those were present when I spoke. Simply anger."

Siovant looked at least momentarily satisfied with the resolution that was taking place, although it merely became visible in the relaxation of his fists. A gentle rock to one side would brush his weight just slightly against Adelise's form, his shoulders lowering as tension became slowly smoothed-over.

"If you wish for kinship, I am certainly able to oblige. Though, as I have said before, no apology will take away the wound you left, however," Adelise’s words stop short as she presses into her Elezen's figure as well, "I will not have you force yourself to find an ally in me. I will show you, my prowess and ability and in time you will come to respect me for that alone. Words are but air, action is everything. I will show that to you Denz, as I do for all. Action," her head tucks toward her chest eyes narrowed with determination. "So long as such is clear, I hope we are able to remain on amicable terms. I would like to be closer to at least one in my family. The rest, they will come in time."

“Angry people are not always wise.” Jancis says in an apologetic tone but looking more heartful at Adelise's words. "I would like that, too."

Denz nods his head. "So it should be. Words are never enough." He shakes his head, gesturing at Adelise. "They will. I shall see to it, if need be, yet I have my own issues to resolve first before worrying about another's."

"I'm glad to see that you've all come to a satisfying resolution." Siovant notes lightly, "One should at least maintain some manner of relationship, I would think."

"Don't we all," Adelise grumbles, raising a hand to rub at her head some, eyes glancing over toward the Elezen on her right. "Indeed. Now that the air is somewhat clearer, was there purpose behind this location?" she asks with a quirk of her brow, "forgive my, assumption but... if you bought your rings here, I am to take this as... you two eloped?" she questions out curiously.

Denz's eyes widen slightly, placing a hand on his chin. "Sounds odd when said aloud but..." He looked over at Jancis as if needing further confirmation. "Yes. Yes, that is what happened."

Grinning somewhat goofily, Adelise slips a hand up to cover her lips as her brows upturn awkwardly. "Dear... seems this place has that sort of effect..."

"It was not planned. It simply felt right,” Jancis perks up curiously, "With that coin you found?"

Siovant laughs in mild amusement at the turn of events, "It seems we were not so unique in our plans, after all."

"Oh goodness no..." she snorts some, her face growing somewhat bashful as she rubbed at the back of her neck. "Lord Gascogne and I had... come to a similar conclusion. Not as though the event would not find itself to us in time but, I suppose we were feeling impatient."

Denz blinked. "Oh. Well... C-congratulations. You saved quite a bit of gil, avoiding a ceremony. Have you both, er... rings? Or something of the sort?"

"That is wonderful news. Must needs follow what your heart tells you is true and sure. I am so happy." Her hands hug across herself, the tired look of worry and concern becoming overcome by more and more smiles.

"I was going to procure them upon our return to Gridania." Siovant explains, "I have something in mind, though." He'd offer Adelise a crooked look as she glanced in his direction.

"W-what?" she stammers, glancing up to the man with smushed expression. "Yes, I mean... no we do not have anything yet. Well, obviously you know that as he just said that... ah, mm," Adelise was swift to bring a hand to her lips, clearing her throat. For one so typically eloquent, she fell rather easily at the topic. "Though I mean... I am sure we might have a ceremony some day. The Count and Countess would be rather disappointed otherwise, I would think."

"Eventually. Likely when it is far too late for them to voice any objections." The powerful man lifted a hand to mask a note of unbecoming laughter. "I do prefer to have things moving along quickly, though. As opposed to allowing them to grow stagnant."

"Siovant," Adelise chided some, poking an elbow to him, "that is not very nice. And as though anything would become stagnant. If that is your belief, then what of after we are wed, hm? What will be your course of action then?" she waves about a dramatic hand, her other resting to her hip.

Siovant would gesture vaguely with his hand, calloused digits cutting the air with some unplaceable purpose. "I'll think of that when we arrive there. For now, I would put the thought out of your mind."

Jancis smiles, shining on the pair taking it as a very good sign to being privy to the banter until she agreed, "Keeper would agree that the now is to be lingered in and cherished. Mayhaps we can find time to share in that more. But later. Yes. Later? So you two can cherish your time."

Denz made his way to respond, before watching the two interact. Indeed, it was odd to see Adelise this way, a woman showing true feelings and being with someone she cared about. He looked down at Jancis silently with a smile, before looking back out to the pair. "Plans and ceremony have a way of deconstructing in the face of now." He nods his head. "I know not how long you two will be remaining here, but do enjoy your time here while you can. Eorzea's problems seem... so far away, it is tempting to think I could simply not return. But that would be running away." He grinned for a moment, before taking up Jancis' hand. "Come, we still have to make ready for the mainland." He looked back at the two. "Stay safe, you two."

Offering him only a flat stare, the young woman huffed out through her nostrils, "that is not very assuring you know," she grumbles before looking back toward the pair. "I would imagine you both will be taking the longer route home. My Lord and I were to make for an airship tonight to return west, though this time here has been... relaxing" Adelise nods toward Jancis, "indeed My-" she stops herself, "Jancis. You both take care. Thank you, for speaking with us."

"Thank you, for being willing to listen." Denz eyes looked to the man."Lord Gascogne."

"De'bayle." Siovant returns, "I wish you both a safe trip home. I can't imagine that we will be much longer behind you or before you." He states in a conversational tone.

Jancis looks up at Denz before looking back at Adelise, still looking happy and hopeful. "Travel safe and well. And Happy. You and Siovant. There is a honey cake that the Canopy keeps if you ask for it. It is a what they call a secret, but everyone orders it regardless. They keep them ready to bake in the back room."

Adelise huffs out a small chuckle, her face maintaining an otherwise neutral expression. "I will have to see about that," she says, "safe travels."

"We've much more time to spend here. Doma awaits, and we will be travelling across the lands a bit while longer." With that, he tugged Jancis lightly down the street back towards their inn room.

"Goodbye!" Jancis' hand vanishes into the crowd, short as she was, waving.

As the pair departs, Siovant would lightly pop the knuckles on his right hand as some manner of disappointment slips across his features. "I'm sure I'll get another opportunity, but I was still sorely tempted." He huffs, primly. "Alas."

"Well, he offered my Lord. You could have accepted," she added in some amusement," crossing her arms over her chest. "Thank you though, for... defending me."

"Tch. It wouldn't have been the same if he'd known it was coming. It has to be a surprise." Siovant managed to look as absurdly offended as he could. "You have nothing to thank me for, lovely. I am your husband, and it is my duty to protect you. Whether that might be through words, or actions, or both."

Adelise could only laugh at the absurdity of that statement, two hands raising to cover over her lips instinctively. "Oh Siovant," she continues to laugh, "my sweet kitten, how good to me you are. You never fail to leave me feeling assured," she hums out melodically.

Siovant looked chuffed by her assertions, tipping his head back in some arrogance. "Now, and forever. Until I am grey and displeasing, and you can push me out a window." He gestures vaguely, "Or something."

"Oh hush up you, as if I would ever do something as barbaric as throw you out of a window," she scoffs, "Tossing you into the sea is far more poetic," she grins impishly, leaning into him to scrunch her nose at him playfully.

He would scoff, "I'd likely come back if you did, all brined and as surly as a bilge-rat." He laughs, lightly, and leans in to brush a kiss against her lips. "I love you. Shall we go for a turn about the city before we start packing?"

"Wow, they might need send me to a sanatorium as I would find myself loving a newly found bilge-rat," she grinned cheekily at his response, her smile only waning as he captured those lips in a quick peck. "I love you as well, always," she breathes out, "I would not be against it in the slightest. Was there a sight you wished to see beforehand? Without the party at our tails, we are in no hurry technically, though I am sure there is plenty work that awaits us back in Aldenard," Hestia slips a hand to tap at her lip a small smile spreading over her, as she seemingly schemed something silently.

Siovant would give his head a sort of lofty shake, indicating that he didn't have any plans in the slightest. "I merely wanted to spend a few more errant moments here with you before we returned to the hustle-bustle of our everyday lives. Although, things are never ordinary with you around." He states, quite cheerfully.

Pressing her fingers together as the rested aloft against her lips, a wide smile spread from just behind them. "I hope that is a positive thing... I have been meaning to pester you at a game I wished to play with you, though here is probably not the... best of places," chortling to herself, Hestia eyed him carefully. "I wish for us to find another pet to return home with us!"

Siovant lofted his brows in surprise. "Oh?" A harried sort of look crossed his features, "You may not have to look far..." He clears his throat, looking a bit anxious. "During my explorations around the City, I disturbed a... concerning array of impaled vermin. Much to the fury of it's local owner, who has taken to swooping at me every time I walk around the Airship Tower."

"Impaled vermin?" Hestia asks out curiously, ruby eyes wide with interest. "What could cause that? Swooping? Is it a bat?" her lips tug into a frown, "I am not sure if a bat would be a very suitable companion..."

"It's some kind of a bird, actually. From what I can glean from the blurred images of brown feathers that flash towards me from distant rafters." He doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about it. "A very pointy bird, with a long memory, it seems." He huffs and puffs, "So I don't think it would be alien to think it might be an unfortunate passenger on our airship."

Bringing a hand to rub at her chin, Hestia side-glances toward Nogelle, her brows immediately dipping. "Absolutely not Nogelle," she scoffs before turning back to Siovant and pointing a finger in his direction. "It would only be the right thing then, that we find this poor frazzled bird and bringing it somewhere safe," she commands out triumphantly. "Where did you last spot it?"

"It was around the airship landing last I saw it. Although 'saw' isn't really a fair recollection. It chased me around the airship landing for the better part of an hour before I gave up and left." His pride appears to have been somewhat compromised.

Lips scrunching humorously, Hestia couldn't help the giggle snorts that left her. "Siovant! You poor thing, well I shall see that I retrieve it for you, my Lord. It must have been a large thing to chase you about."

He shifts from heel to heel before lifting up his hands. "It's a bit closer to... uhm." He makes an approximation closer to a pastry than a magnificent bird of prey. "If you would be so kind, I would feel much safer knowing that I would not have to contend with those talons again."

Hestia watches his hand with some grand anticipation, her amusement only seeming to raise as he gestured toward the size of his assailant. "Ah, of course, kitten. Anything for you. Though I am surprised you are so taken back, you deal with my talons nearly daily," she winked toward him, slipping a hand up to wiggle her fingers. Seemed she was feeling particularly playful.

"You are much easier to get ahold of." He notes in a tone tilted with warm amusement. She was likely the only one on the planet who could get away with applying such a tone with him, and he seemed to enjoy it. "Very well. I shall meet you back at the room, then? After you've accosted my assailant, I mean."

"Oh, not coming to bear witness? Very well," pressing her fingers to her lips, Adelise bent them back in a blowing gesture, "try not to worry too much for my safety, we will bring you justice."

Siovant would alight another kiss upon the young woman's lips, "Do not tarry long. I will not hesitate to tear this city apart to find you." He notes with some soft affection.

I did end up catching the little menace. It did not make it easy either, but... I was sure it would please my Lord. Things were changing, and here... I was hoping it was for the better.

#Journal #Age of Fire and Gold #denz de'bayle #Jancis Milburga

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