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bloodsworn-marshal · 2 years

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YOTP February Prompt: Established Relationship/Long Distance

“I must away for a few days time… potentially longer depending on how tempers currently fare.” An abrupt declaration over linkpearl as the flame marshal was on the way back home to pack a bag for his leave. A swift one it would be at that—the moment he had his belongings ready, he would be out the gates in a flash. Headed straight for his destination without pause or opportunity to turn back.

This mission was urgent.

So sudden was the news did Pipin catch his beloved unawares as she had stepped away from her workspace, finding a quiet corner in the back of her storefront and closing the door behind herself for privacy. Worry exuding as she wondered the need for the rushing off and so quickly.

“What happened, if I may…?” Adede tapped the linkpearl close to her ear, listening intently before she allowed herself to think of it any further. “How far will you be?”

“In deepest depths of Thanalan’s desert… tensions have risen as rival Amalj’aan clans clash between one another. For a multitude of reasons I imagine. And none so easily quelled without my presence.” Pipin sighed into the linkpearl, clearly exasperated already with the situation without giving too much detail. “The southern front Flames have done their best, but tis time for me to step in. For however long necessary.”

Twas a sudden escalation that came from a particular Amalj’aan tribe out in the furthest wilds of Thanalan. Now that Ul’dah and her countrymen were open to peacemaking with the outer tribes such as those of Paglth'an and the Brotherhood of Ash, others who had yet to fully agree to negotiations were slowly festering ill intent.

Accusations that other tribes were favored more than another. Why was this tribe included and not theirs? Or even further, some still yet refused to accept an olive branch back into association with Ul’dah as a whole. Calling their kin betrayers that would turn on their own neighbors, while relations between local tribes was already blood for blood as is.

So little peace between their lots. Their acceptance was not so easily garnered. Not unless the Flame General himself strode up to the field to batter up. For most negotiations went through chieftains around here. Such was his presence necessary…

“I know not exactly when I shall return, but I would apprise you of any updates at every free moment I have.”

And so he would be gone. Not for a long time when compared to the days of war in Ala Mhigan lands or Ghimlyt Dark. But still the longest they’ve had to deal with in awhile after entering so fresh and new an era of peace.

“I shall await your call at any time.” Adede swore with no qualms. Pipin could not ignore his duty after all. As cold and lonely as one’s abode and bed might be for a time. “You need not worry about happenings at home. May your trip be safe and well…”

“I shall let you know once I’ve arrived. Or at worse, call you at moment’s reprieve.” A pause followed… shortly adding in a quiet “I love you. Tell me should anything happen in my absence.

A soft smile graced Adede’s face as she answered with kindest “I love you too.”

The linkpearl clicked off. And so they would part for days to come. Ringing back familiar memories of olden times in the summers they first met. How this wouldn’t be the last of disturbances in their lives, for how oft duty called.

…

The first call came in late at night right before what would normally be bedtime for the pair.

“I hope I have not disturbed.”

“Never would a call of yours disturb me.”

Pipin explained from the get go the circumstances in further detail. He arrived around sundset upon their station in the Sagolii Desert to a disturbance just outside of the small village. Two different clans of Amalj’aa were face to face, bearing weapons in their hands with threats and swears thrown in the air for all to hear. Just as he feared from reports, they may as well have been at each others throats and were raring to go—the only thing holding them back being the Flame allies keeping things at peace as best they could.

He had jumped in at the right time and managed to part the tribes for the time being. With much convincing and promise for negotiations on his part (as well as a show of strength to force a cease), they would wait on the morrow for further talks.

“They did not wish to back off, but they are prone to accept defeat by my hands and wait a little longer.” As tired as Pipin sounded, he couldn’t help but huff a laugh. Between the rough tribes, so many disputes were solved with shows of strength with a bout of muscle—and the Flame General was always ever pleased to oblige

“You are unhurt then?” Adede sounded relieved, though prayed that Pipin would speak up should anything serious have truly happened.

“Aye. There is peace. For now… I fear my days shall be busy lessening all associated tempers.”

“Take care in remembering to rest here and there…” A statement that all too oft applied to them both. Concern for one another’s health while keeping busy on their own regardless. As was the life of these two workaholics. “I hope they’ll be feeding you plenty during your stay.

“As they did when the both of us were taking refuge here those summers past. Might have even improved since last I’ve been!”

Chuckles and laughter here and there as they situated into smaller talks. Such as how Adede’s day had gone, what she’d had for dinner, if the house felt too dark or open with one last person to occupy it. With promise to talk more as the days go by… for Pipin was exhausted after the rush there and needed for sleep.

“Tomorrow then.” They would swear before following up with ‘goodnights’ and ‘I love yous’.

Such as the days would go by in similar fashion. Pipin would call at convenient opportune times for himself. Typically in early morn or in late evening. Adede would readily answer his call, busy or no. If she happened to be caught at a bad time, she would shuffle away from whatever she was doing before settling into long conversation.

‘How were things going?’

‘Had anything happened?’

‘Any developments?’

‘I miss you…’

The same questions on either end. With not much happening on Adede’s side of the desert whereas Pipin had all the plenty to share given his circumstances.

But when all was said and done business wise, he spoke fondly to Adede as though they were sitting right next to one another. As though they were not malms upon malms apart. Speaking freely about what he wanted to do when he got home, what sort of meal he missed, a particular place he wanted to go, if Adede had plans on a certain day when he returned.

All that and so much more.

“Commander Swift calls in sometimes and while he wishes me well after giving a status report, he also warns me about the number of calls I might be making. Can you believe…”

Adede would laugh and listen intently to each and every word. Just as she had those many years ago when they were ever further apart. To the point that some days the connection could not be made at times, leaving one to wonder the other’s fate. To be able to sit here now, knowing all was well and not so far off should anything happen… lightened the load on her heart and then some.

“Come home soon.” She would say at conversation’s end. “And take care of yourself. I shall ever be waiting… and I miss you.”

“I miss you too. Just wait a little longer.”

…

At long last did negotiations come to an end. A relative peace to have as clans became allies and treaties were formed. For every contest thrown the general’s way, no matter how difficult or far-fetched, he met them head on. Succeeding in every task and leaving no room for foul play.

Times were different now and they knew that. No more summonings need be had. No more blood need be shed. Catch up now with the changing times, or risk having the full brunt of the Immortal Flames come down upon their heads now that they were no longer as much of a nuisance.

Begrudging or not, the chieftains agreed to all that transpired. For Pipin’s part, he was mighty tired after being tasked so greatly. In both mental and physical sense. The ride home was a rush, but not nearly so urgent. Taking in the quiet moments of him and nature, the trotting of his chocobo companion, and worries slowly sifting away to the back of his mind.

Another step towards a brighter future.

So fondly did the marshal look upon Ul’dah’s gates as he approached. What once was a cage, dark and binding… now resembling that of which he could call home. Welcoming him in kindly embrace, despite that many daggers that still hid beneath its cover. With each single one disappearing as time went on, one after the other, slowly but surely. Twas not a paradise that had changed overnight… Yet he saw to it to better it one day at a time.

Reports were to be made upon arrival. Catching the captains and commanders up on the ending resolutions that hadn’t already made its way there. Formal writing to make official their actions and all that transpired. As quill finished meeting paper, Pipin awayed for the remainder of the day. After all: He had already let a certain someone know he’d be back today.

“I’m home.” He called upon entering the familiar doorway to their abode, belongings slung over his shoulder in the one or two backpacks he allowed himself on the journey.

What answer there was to be had came in the form of a rushing motion. Arms wrapping swiftly and tightly around one’s frame, just about enough to knock the wind out of any normal person. There Adede was, a bright smile upon her face as she remained close. “Welcome home!”

Pipin couldn’t help but smile in turn, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close in warmest embrace.

Welcome home indeed…

#ffxiv #yotp #yotp 2023 #pipdede #long distance #established relationship #writing

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