Send ‘I can’I wait anymore…’ to grab my muse and kiss them OR send ‘What do you–?’ for my muse to kiss yours, instead. || Still accepting!
@scionmagius asked: I can’t wait anymore . . . (@ koya)
In all senses of the word, it had been a date.
Having made their way across the sea to Kugane, their adventure within the city had been exciting, even including a run in with Hancock, who had refused them to remain in their adventuring attire, lending them the traditional yukatas for the day to explore the city. The markets had been explored, finding little interesting knickknacks—and a very sharp samurai sword that G’raha had to pull Koya away from—and relished in the scenery. By the time the sun began to sweep downward, the two had partaken of the Eastern specialties for the evening. A dinner at the Shiokaze Hostelry, relishing in their famous junmaishu, and by the end of it, the two were rosy cheeked and filled with laughter.
Walking back to the Inn, hands were laced together, her head tilted upon his shoulder. The effects of the brew had worn off, but any question to it and her open affection would have been immediately struck down with nothing more than an influenced mind. Traveling the world with G’raha made her wish she never had to do anything else but that.
Once in their shared room, Koya’s attention turned towards the hot springs just beyond the window. “Hey, Raha, we could go soak in the springs before bed. They’re separated by guys and girls, but I’m sure it would still be fun, what do you—?”
She had turned, her ponytail flipping over her shoulder just as G’raha had come up on her. She hadn’t even notice his closeness until his fingers were pressed against her cheeks, lips lifted and beckoning to her, the soft sentiment nothing more than a whisper. Blue eyes were wide briefly, before falling to half-mast, her face tilting to brush her nose against his own.
“…G’raha…”
His name was murmured between the minute space left between them, arms coming to wrap around his shoulders, pulling the Miqo’te closer as lashed brushed against her cheek. His grip around her waist kept her stationary, an innocent press easily discarded in favor of gliding skin against lip, mouths opening, welcoming the other with small grazes of teeth and tongue in tender affection. Breath slipped out from the cracks, the collisions of warmth surging where the fight of sliding pink tongues was growing steadily to a head.
And G’raha Tia had managed to fell the Warrior of Light with the unbridled love poured into each and every motion.
It was Koya that broke it apart, her hands shifting from his shoulders to his face, chest heaving with a fluttering pulse, knees trembling for a sheer need for more of him. “…Ra-Ra…ha,” she managed out, thumb stroking his face as her eyes opened, gazing upon him. “Raha, that was…Y-you are…” Her tongue felt heavy, lips swollen with desire for more.
She never wanted to stop.
Leaning back in, her lips touched his own, a brief sweep before she pulled her chin back, resting her forehead against his own. “R-aha, I have to…I got to say somethin’ first.” She breathed, quivering in his grasp. “I…” Her sky hued optics searching his crimson, as if trying to find the courage within his gaze. Once she had found it, the whispered words were uttered, before diving in to another heartfelt press into his lips.
“I love you, Raha.”
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A Cultural and Sightseeing Tour of Kugane - FFXIV
Hingashi – 0:00-1:30
Hingashi: an isolationist, Far Eastern island nation and the Warrior of Light’s first introduction to Hydaelyn’s Far East.
Comprised of the islands of Shishu and Koshu, the archipelago Hingashi is situated to the east of Othard and the Ruby Sea, allowing foreigners, or “ijin,” only into the port city of Kugane, and the adventurer’s residential district, Shirogane. Both Kugane and Shirogane can be found on the smaller and westernmost island in the archipelago, Shishu. The larger island, Koshu, is home to Bukyo, the capital of Hingashi, and is the seat of the ruling government, bakufu.
Due to Hingashi’s isolationism, little to nothing is known about cities outside Kugane and Bukyo. Even the bakufu is somewhat mysterious, with outsiders lacking full knowledge of the manner of governmental organization. What we do know of the bakufu is that its soldiers are stationed in key strategic areas around Hingashi, including “the Ruby Price, the first line of defense for the port of Kugane…” 1 Kugane is also ruled by a lord bugyo, or governor, who resides in Kugane Castle as a representative of the bakufu.
The Sekiseigumi Barracks – 1:31-2:53
While the bakufu acts as the military peacekeeper of Hingashi, within Kugane, the Sekiseigumi acts as the premier police force. The Sekiseigumi is primarily comprised of Hingan men and women born into families low in Hingashi’s caste system2. Members of the Sekiseigumi are able to improve their social standing by becoming samurai. Their uniforms include scarlet haori with white skirts, and their standard weapons include katanas and lances. The Sekiseigumi are quick to arrest or even execute troublemaking ijin, and have been known to deal with troublemakers within their own ranks via ritual suicide, or seppuku. The Sekiseigumi Barracks are the headquarters of this peacekeeping brotherhood, and while visitors are not allowed without official business, a viewing of the zen garden behind the main building is worth a quick and stealthy detour past the guards. Afterward, one may enjoy a cup of tea at the teahouse next door and visit Matsuba Square, named for one of the first lines of magistrates in Kugane. Matsuba Square is also famous for being the location of a skirmish between loyal and traitorous Sekiseigumi soldiers seeking to overthrow the bakufu of Hingashi to incite change to its rigid caste system3.
Cuisine – 2:54-4:16
Umineko Teahouse
Aside from the Sekiseigumi Barracks teahouse, the bulk of Kugane’s restaurant establishments may be found near Tenkonto, meaning Aetheryte, or more precisely translated as “spire of drifting souls.”4 The Umineko Teahouse serves excellent tea and sweets and is run by the lovely Ume. Directly across from the teahouse, one may view the towering Statue of Zuiko, depicting Zuiko of Clan Buhen atop his steed. Zuiko was a great Hingan warlord and founder of Suenokuni, the region in southern Shishu surrounding Kugane5.
Shiokaze Hostelry
Beside the Umineko Teahouse, and often sharing patrons with it, is The Shiokaze Hostelry. The Hostelry is housed within the tallest tower in Kugane and serves Far Eastern cuisine and junmaishu - a rice wine imported from Koshu, whose rice is purported to be superior in flavor to rice from Kugane’s home island of Shishu6. If one were to glace up within the Hostelry’s tower, once could catch a glimpse of the great golden bell that hangs from the ceiling. The tower is also popular for its climbability, with daredevils from all over attempting to reach its rooftop for a splendid view of Kugane.
Kugane Castle – 4:17-5:12
Leaving the Shiokaze Hostelry from the second floor puts one on Tasogare Bridge: a brilliant vermilion, wooden bridge, beneath which small ships pass into the heart of Kugane. From this bridge looking east is Kugane Castle, where visiting dignitaries are entertained. Kugane Castle once came under siege by a band of shinobi, who took foreign dignitaries and the lord bugyo of Kugane hostage in a display of opposition to the influence of foreign nations on Hingashi. The siege was ended when the warrior of light snuck into the castle via an entrance in the sewer and defeated the shinobi in the castle’s great performance hall7,8. Atop the castle one can view Hingashi’s emblem, the tomoe, which is also visible on many other structures throughout the port city9.
Kugane Ofunakura – 5:13-5:41
Continuing across the Tasogare Bridge brings one to the Kugane Ofunakura and the airship docks. The Ofunakura was founded by Kugane’s lord bugyo and employs shipwrights skilled in local and foreign shipbuilding and mending10. It is located in the lower portion of the Ofunakura tower, with the airship landing hosting foreign and bakufu vessels atop the tower.
Kogane Dori – 5:42-6:25
To the east of the Kugane Ofunakura is Kogane Dori, a heavily populated market street where merchants sell wares and auctions are held. The auction house of Kogane Dori auctions rare items such as art pieces and weaponry, and has even been known to auction off beastmen, such as Qiqirn, for use in traditional medicine11. Also found on Kogane Dori is the Mujikoza kabuki theater, which provides entertainment that is highly popular with both locals and foreign visitors. The nature of kabuki is such that many roles are played by men, including portrayals of women, which has sometimes confused foreign visitors12.
Rakuza District – 6:26-8:56
Market Stalls
Aside from Kogane Dori, Kugane also hosts a second commercial area: the Rakuza District. The Rakuza District is subject to relaxed trade restrictions and is host to market stalls filled with wares from all over Hydaelyn13. One such stall, Daitenya, takes its name from the largest peak in Hingashi, Daitenzan. Daitenya is a good stop for foreigners seeking fine silks and garments to better blend in with local fashion. One may be surprised to find children working in and around the Rakuza District, whether helping to sell wares or passing out advertisements. Hingan culture is such that children are often encouraged to work from a young age to help their families – a fact that may surprise some visitors14.
Sanjo Hanamachi
The Rakuza District is also home to Sanjo Hanamachi – Kugane’s geiko district. The geiko reside within the district’s okiya, or geiko house. Geiko are women trained in Hingan entertainment arts, including conversation, dance, and song. They are invited to play hostess to meetings and parties for wealthy Hingans, and have even been invited by the lord bugyo “to perform at the inaugural Kaiko-odori, a festival celebrating the opening of Kugane’s port to the world.”15 The geiko are not to be confused with employees of pleasure houses, which can also be found in the Rakuza District.
Bokairo Inn and Bokaisen Hot Springs
In addition to being a center of commerce and entertainment, the Rakuza District is also home to the Bokairo Inn and Bokaisen Hot Springs. The Bokairo Inn offers accommodations for merchants, dignitaries, and visitors to Kugane, with rooms decorated in a Far Eastern fashion, featuring a windowed view of the inn’s zen garden. Attached to the inn are the Bokaisen Hot Springs, famous for their rejuvenating hot sake baths, made with fine Hingan rice wine poured into the natural spring16,17. Although hot spring baths are normally enjoyed by locals in the nude, in Kugane, they are enjoyed in bathing suits out of sensitivity for foreign cultures16. For the more modest visitors, local peddlers also deliver hot water from the Bokaisen Hot Springs to be enjoyed in privacy18.
Ijin District – 8:57-9:41
The port city of Kugane is open equally to all foreign nations, and important foreigners are allowed residency in the Ijin District, or Ijin-gai. Within the Ijin District, one can find a number of consulates representing the nations of Hydaelyn, each with unique architectural aspects representative of their homelands. Violence is strictly forbidden within Kugane, allowing nations currently at war to coexist peacefully within yalms of each other in the Ijin District. Within the Ijin District are the Rakusui Gardens, offering a peaceful respite away from the main streets of the bustling city.
Shirogane – 9:42-10:57
Foreign individuals are also allowed residency in a district of Kugane called Shirogane. Strictly meant to house foreigners, Hingan locals are unable to reside in Shirogane unless married to a foreigner19. Shirogane is located on a small island off the shore of Kugane and may be reached by ferry from Pier #2. This residential district is home to its own market, the Akanezaka Markets, selling wares useful for adventuring, resource gathering, crafting, and homemaking. The Kobun Gardens, located outside the Kobai Goten Apartments, offer a relaxing environment complete with vermillion bridges over koi ponds and benches surrounding the area. In northwestern Shirogane, one may visit the Shirakumo Hot Springs, featuring a secluded, natural spring on a cliffside with a view of the ocean. In southeastern Shirogane are the Hidden Shores: a secluded, white-sand beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Off the western shore of Shirogane one may also visit the lighthouse, which is open for all to climb and glimpse a magnificent view of the residential district.
Kokajiya – 10:58-11:34
In addition to its food, mercantile, and entertainment industries, Kugane is also home to master blacksmiths and armorers, whose work is conducted in Kokajiya20. Headed by master swordsmith Shinto and master armorer Fugetsu, the craftsmen of Kokajiya follow the principles of maintaining a mind clear of all but their craft and crafting with the patron’s interests first and foremost in mind. Despite the heat of the forge, many visitors are attracted to Kokajiya, where they are welcome to watch the craftsmen at work.
The Piers – 11:35-12:28
No trip to Kugane would be complete without a tour of its piers, which are central to the city’s economy and newfound openness to the rest of the world. Foreign visitors will be well-acquainted with Pier #2, where all foreign vessels must be inspected by the customs officer Tenzan. The Short Pier is a dock for small skiffs sometimes used to enter the waterways deeper in the Hingan-restricted heart of Kugane. Finally, Pier #1 is where Hingan vessels such as the Kuroboro Maru are unloaded with goods from Koshu, and loaded again with goods from Shishu and foreign nations before returning to Hingashi’s capital, Bukyo. Pier #1 also houses several kuras, or storehouses, which store valuable goods until they are ready to be loaded on merchant ships by dock workers.
Finale – 12:29-12:56
I hope you’ve enjoyed this cultural and sightseeing tour of Kugane. The ability to enter this bustling port city is truly a privilege, allowing visitors to experience some of the rich, but well-hidden Hingan culture firsthand. May the rest of your visit be enjoyable, and until next time, I’m Artemis Mitten – your friendly ijin tourguide.
References
1. FFXIV Journal, Stormblood Main Scenario Quests, “Once More, to the Ruby Sea;” see https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Once_More,_to_the_Ruby_Sea
2. Makoto (NPC), Samurai Questline, “Trials of the Sekiseigumi;” see quest text: https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Loremonger:Trials_of_the_Sekiseigumi
3. Makoto (NPC), Samurai Questline, “Matsuba Mayhem” and “The Hunt for Ugetsu;” see https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Makoto
4. FFXIV Sightseeing Log, 055 Vista Record, “Tenkonto;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Tenkonto
5. FFXIV Sightseeing Log, 053 Vista Record, “The Statue of Zuiko;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/The_Statue_of_Zuiko
6. Karaku (NPC), “A Bleak Diagnosis;” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA67C9Ef6Sw
7. FFXIV Duty Finder, Dungeons (ARR, Heavensward, Stormblood), “Kugane Castle;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Kugane_Castle
8. FFXIV Journal, Hingan Sidequests, “King of the Castle;” see https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/King_of_the_Castle
9. Fandom - Final Fantasy Wiki, “Kugane,” Trivia; see https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Kugane
10. FFXIV Sightseeing Log, 056 Vista Record, “Kugane Ofunakura;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Kugane_Ofunakura
11. FFXIV Journal, Side Story Quests, Even Further Hildibrand Adventures, “Life Imitates Art Imitates Life;” see https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Life_Imitates_Art_Imitates_Life
12. FFXIV Sidequest, “The Perfect Woman;” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXRa0jUPTCg
13. FFXIV Sightseeing Log, 054 Vista Record, “Rakuza District;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Rakuza_District
14. FFXIV Sidequest, “Child Labor;” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUFwV5T2QRs
15. FFXIV Journal, Weaver Quest, “The Crane’s Caveat;” see https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/The_Crane%27s_Caveat
16. FFXIV Sightseeing Log, 023 Vista Record, “Bokairo Inn;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Bokaisen_Hot_Springs
17. FFXIV Sidequest, “A Drink in the Tub;” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4uvz8h8Bc
18. FFXIV Sidequest, “To Bathe a Garlean;” see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpS7EO0L48o
19. FFXIV Sidequest, “I Dream of Shirogane;” see https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/I_Dream_of_Shirogane
20. Gamer Escape, “Kokajiya;” see
https://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Kokajiya
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