zoronadotatanado

[zoronadotatanado]

The Knight and the Maiden Fair

[zoronadotatanado]

NOW AND ALWAYS

[zoronadotatanado]

Crescendo in the Clouds Finale

Theme: SIGNALIS - Die Totensinsel (Emptiness)

Leleni and Zoronado didn't take their eyes off their surroundings after that ambush. They avoided flying too close to the bottom of the islands as well, lest they fly too close to another nest. Now it was just bright empty skies from here on out, circling back toward Camp Cloudtop to prevent getting lost out here. It wasn't until a bell or two later did Leleni realize her big hat was missing, lost during the evasive maneuvers Zoronado performed back there. Not that it mattered; the sun would set soon anyroad.

"What is that…?" Zoronado muttered out loud. Leleni shifted to the other side of the ship to see what he was looking at. Instead of some new and dangerous cloudkin swooping down to attack them again, she saw twinkling lights on the side of a floating island; she pulled out her binoculars to get a better look, and her heart fluttered in her throat!

"Wao…!" She yelped, tapping Zoronado on the shoulder excitedly. "That's it! The Amu Amu flower!!!" He didn't need to be told– he tapped the accelerator and steered the airship around, getting close enough to the island to scrape the paint off. Leleni pulled out her shears and snatched half a dozen flowers, dropping them onto the seat. "I get it now…" She whispered while they sped back to the safety of the open sky. "We couldn't find any yesterday because they only bloom at night… and way up here, no less!"

"Good thing I decided to surprise you with this ship then…!" Zoronado smiled, his chest swelling with pride. Leleni was elated, finding some seeds amongst her harvest that would prove handy with the special soil back at Heartwood. She placed her hands on his shoulder and leaned around him, planting a wet smooch on his perfectly round cheek.

"My hero…!" She beamed, watching him turn as red as Dalamud again. His heart pounded against his chest from his reward, and he couldn’t stop smiling. In just a summer and a half they went from respectable friends to inseparable partners, growing closer and closer to each other with every passing day. It was a far cry from when they first started exploring Eorzea together– just two foreigners with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Zoronado remembered those days well; he was polite, courteous and, most of all, he kept his distance and they respected each other’s personal space. They may be close together now, even considered lovers, but the truth is Zoronado has always felt this way.

From the first time he laid eyes upon her maiden face during his coronation into becoming a fully recognized Bulwark Knight, he knew she was all he would ever yearn for: her soft, plump, and reddening cheeks, with golden locks cascading down the sides of her round face, and eyes shimmering brighter than polished jade. He was smitten instantly– an infatuation of the woman he was being sworn in to protect that only grew stronger and harder to contain. Zoronado was torn between his duty as her champion knight and his love only a man could harbor for a woman. Acting as her shadow and being her sword and shield back on Kol’din was harder than he ever imagined, not because of the dangers beyond, but the struggles within. His heart would flutter every time she called his name, his knees would grow weak and weary whenever she gazed into his eyes, and when she would place his hand on his shoulder as they walked, he swore he would burst into flame.

Being hopelessly in love with Princess Leleni Nar Leni was agony. It was an acute misery that was difficult to describe, and even more difficult to ascertain. Deep in the depths of his soul he knew he couldn’t live without seeing her smile, without her relying on him for protection. It didn’t take long for him to decide to forgo retirement in forty summers– that would mean an arranged marriage with a woman he didn’t know and couldn’t possibly treat right, for his heart already belonged to someone else. Walking Leleni down the aisle to an arranged marriage of her own was a special solemn sadness, especially with the knowledge of what would happen next. When Zoronado was guarding the bed chambers as the princess and her new husband consummated their marriage, he was enduring a desperate and helpless loneliness he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemies. 

That was then, and this is now. If Leleni could contact her mother and get her father, King Fafasasho, to void her wedding vows, perhaps Zoronado would have a chance at true happiness. He wanted nothing more to be there for her in her every hour of need, with a devotion to her safety that transcended the bounds of his training. He was a swirl of emotions most of the time– from guilt to greed, lust to shame, love to repulsion. Every fiber of his being told him not to pursue Leleni, for he was trained to close his heart to her, lest he succumb to his desires and bring dishonor to his name and position. However that was when he was a Bulwark Knight; now he was just a man.

“Love is the death of duty.” 

Truer words have never repeated in his head as many times as these. Yet even though he has been stripped of his titles and achievements, and Leleni stripped of her birthright and claim to the throne, he could not, would not, take her to bed. Every time his carnal urges came creeping up in the back of his mind, he felt only disgust and shame for it. He was a man with needs, that much is plain, but Leleni was more than that. She deserved better than that. He may no longer be a Bulwark Knight but he couldn’t shake all of his conditioning; he couldn’t allow himself to succumb to such weakness, not until they were married, not unless they were married. For now they would just… remain close– and that would be the end of it.

The ship was on its way back to Camp Cloudtop, taking the scenic route at the top of the world. The sun had vanished beneath the canopy of the clouds by now, plunging the sky into darkness until the moon revealed herself, with all of the stars to keep her company. “Zoronado…” Leleni finally spoke after they flew in silence for so long. Zoronado blinked when she lifted up his arm from the steering lever and crawled into his lap. He was stunned and speechless, watching her with wide eyes and a pounding heart.

“I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t chosen you as my champion.” Leleni settled into his lap and smiled warmly, staring deep into his eyes with a blushing face steeped in still moonlight. “Thank you for always being there for me… you really are my closest and best friend…” His heart split in half and he half-blinked a few times. In just a single day he went from being precious, to hero, back down to friend. Friend… that’s all he was to her, in the end. Perhaps that was for the best. “And I know I can be really difficult to be around, especially when I’m… well… angry and accusatory. But I wanted to let you know that… well… I’m really glad you got to see my face first, before Nonobira… with one word I could have had you executed for breaking one of our most sacred traditions but… I’m really, truly glad I didn’t. You’re a good man, Zoronado. The best man I could ever hope for.”

Zoronado couldn’t breathe. He could feel the heat radiating from his face at her words, and once again he was getting blindsided by a mixture of emotions. He opened his mouth to speak but the words snagged in his throat. Fear of offense or ruining the moment constricted his neck and forced him to just stare awkwardly at her, but neither dared look away. Leleni didn’t say anything else for what felt like ages, her face completely red from embarrassment, with her eyes occasionally dropping down to his lips. “Zoronado…” She whispered, gently cradling his cheeks in her hands. 

Then she closed her eyes, leaned forward, and pressed her warm lips against his own. Zoronado felt like he was suddenly engulfed in fire as time slowed to a standstill. He felt his stomach rising up into his chest, adrift in this moment he so desperately wanted to last forever. It wasn’t until the wind began to howl did both Leleni and Zoronado open their eyes to realize the airship was falling! 

“Ouuugh…!!!” She broke their tender kiss to cling to him helplessly, while he scrambled to grab the steering levers and pull them toward him, leveling out the airship once again. Both Lalafells exchanged shameful glances at each other amidst their laborious breathing, with Leleni eventually slipping from his lap to settle behind him once again. They didn’t say anything else for the rest of their journey home.

[zoronadotatanado]

Crescendo in the Clouds Pt II

Theme: Of Molten Stars

The airship was a perfect fit… for a single Highlander Hyur man. Zoronado had to stretch his arms all the way out just to hold onto the steering bars, with the three pedals needing extension just to reach his feet. There was no possible way he could rest his back against the rest either, forcing him to sit on the very edge of the seat if he wanted to remain in control of the airship; but the sheer size of the cockpit meant there was plenty of room for two Lalafell, allowing Leleni to sit behind him on the seat. Zoronado leaned forward and pulled the crank between his legs again as soon as Leleni placed her hands on his shoulders and got comfortable on the seat, causing the propellers to speed up. They broke away from the edge of the floating island with a shake and shutter, then they sped off into the sky.

Leleni’s voracious appetite for knowledge compelled her to ignore the beautiful view of the floating islands they sailed past to instead focus her attention on her champion. She watched his wrists slightly twist the steering grips to bend the dorsal sail to their right, causing the ship to gently turn in that direction. Every now and then his feet would push against the pedals, or he’d let go of a steering stick with one hand to crank a lever or push a few buttons. Zoronado– understanding as he is– remained silent, letting her figure it all out on her own without his input unless asked. He couldn’t feel her breath against his neck thanks to the cool breeze rushing over them, but he could feel her warmth all the same. Her hand gently gripped his shoulder for balance, occasionally tightening when he had to change course faster than she expected. There was a lot he wanted to tell her; but instead he kept his mouth closed, and made sure to use all of the levers, pulleys, cranks, and pedals until she would lose interest.

“Zoronado…” She muttered, turning around to press their backs together. “... maybe we should go exploring again soon… you know, like we used to.”

“We should!” He replied, now able to relax a bit with his talkative backrest. “We’re just about out of gil… and it will be good to get out of the estate.” Furtively he rubbed at his stomach, which has gotten noticeably softer and rounder; even without the ability to taste food, Coco’s cooking was rich, and plentiful… and most of all, free! “But…” He started, turning his head slightly. “... you’ve been really busy with Heartwood. I don’t want you to forsake your duties on my account.”

“Once Rising is found we can all rest easy…” Leleni closed her eyes and tilted her head back against his. The sun was glaring overhead but the breeze made the temperature perfect for snoozing, and already she could feel herself getting sleepy again despite the extra rest she received from his absence. “Until then… I need to get stronger and make myself useful to Heartwood.”

“You’ve been pushing yourself really hard to become a Thaumaturge…” Zoronado gently pushed forward on the controls, causing the nose of the ship to drop as they descended between two floating islands. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Her eyes flicked open and her brow furrowed; being doubted by Augusta and Ziv were par for the course, but by her most loyal companion? “What do you mean by that? You don’t think I can do it?!”

“I didn’t say that.” He quickly answered after hearing the indignance in her voice. “I know you’ve had a love for knowledge ever since Kol’din. Exploring this unknown and foreign place was all you wanted to do when I came back with my report from the ‘Land of Giants’. And I’ve seen you practice and practice and practice… already you can cast such powerful spells. To be honest I’m quite jealous… I can’t cast any magick at all.” Leleni settled down to hear him out– she was still skeptical of his answer but that would have to wait until he was finished. “I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished in such a short time… but I just… I don’t know if you’ll… still want me around, once you’re proficient with magick…” Zoronado furtively glanced over at her, his cheeks reddening. “W-what I mean to say is… well… you’re… you’re precious to me, is all…”

“I’m not going to leave you behind.” Was all Leleni could muster. She closed her eyes once she heard his subtle sigh of relief, and just like that, her anger was once again extinguished. The idea of abandoning her champion once she no longer needed him to protect her put a rock in her stomach– she would never do something so callous and terrible! She took a deep breath and turned around to place her hands on his shoulders, causing him to stiffen and sit up straight. “... and you’re precious to me too…” 

Leleni then sat there and watched his ears turn red. Despite her angry outbursts, her mood swings, and her overall sassy demeanor, this man has never once even suggested he might one day leave. It was nice to know he would always be there for her, for better or for worse. She was a married woman, but her arranged husband was thousands of malms away; if Zoronado offered to take her hand in marriage she would accept it without question.

He suddenly pushed down on both steering handles, and the ship took a sharp nosedive. "Whaaa-!" Leleni squeaked, tightly wrapping her arms around him! Something large swept over their heads and left behind a cloud of feathers! Both Lalafell looked back to see a giant griffin turning around to make another pass! "Zoronado! It's gaining on us!"

"Hang on!" He leaned forward and pulled a side lever, causing the propellers to spin even faster! She felt her stomach rise up into her throat as they dove through the sky, winding and weaving beneath and between the jagged rocks and crystals jutting out from the bottom of an island! Black curved talons raked through the air above their heads, causing Leleni to squeak again! Zoronado put the pedal to the floor, causing the engine to roar with the ship lunging forward into open sky again. Miraculously the winged beast gave up the chase after that, swooping back down to the nearby cliffs and landing on an outstretched nest.

Relief washed over them once they realized the griffin was only trying to protect her young. Nervously and awkwardly they both started chortling, even as they trembled with adrenaline. Getting attacked on solid ground was one thing– but getting ambushed this far above everything was something else entirely; they had nowhere to run or hide, which only made it infinitely more stressful.

But the fear was gone, and the two could finally coast the skies in peace.

[zoronadotatanado]

Crescendo in the Clouds Pt 1

Theme: Ivy’s Solemn Empire

This journey couldn't possibly get any worse! The elusive Amu Amu flower, said to help regulate the flow of aether and therefore make casting spells both easier and more potent has yet to be found! Leleni and Zoronado searched high and low, near and far for this plant only to give up empty handed. She didn't understand– she followed the directions of the locals perfectly! Did someone pluck them all before she could reach them? Are they extinct? Or did the Vanu Vanu lie to her as a joke?! The more the woman thought about it on their journey back to Camp Cloudtop, the angrier it made her; she will become one of the top magi of Heartwood and she will do anything to see her dream fulfilled! Yet… getting pranked by a big dumb cloudkin was absolutely demoralizing!

Clearly the Twelve weren’t satisfied with her suffering, as if Nald’thal himself made certain that her journey did, in fact, get worse. Leleni uses Zoronado as her own personal alarum clock, pulling him into a tight hug in the morning until his ticklish breath on her neck and ear stirred her from her deep sleep; but when she reached out to begin this ritual, he was nowhere to be found. Leleni eventually popped up to realize he was gone– he was not in their tent, nor was he anywhere around Camp Cloudtop! The only clue she had was a little note left beside her that read, “Going out for an errand! Please stay here Len-Len! XOXO” When she poked her head out of the tent, it was already past midday. The entire morning was gone and so was her faithful champion! Despite sleeping for half of the day she didn’t feel well rested at all, but at least the campsite was relatively peaceful aside from the occasional gaelicat swooping down to try and steal her breakfast. Leleni sat there in seething silence, angrily munching down her sandwich while rehearsing her tirade to Zoronado upon his return in her head. How could he leave her all alone out here? Where did he even go? What errand required him to sneak off in the morning?! Their tickets to the ship returning to Ishgard were still neatly folded in her pack, so he was still in the Sea of Clouds somewhere…

Her boiling anger suddenly turned to worry. These floating islands were dangerous to travel alone; what if he got attacked by some foul beast? What if he slipped and fell into the clouds below?! Leleni dropped what was left of her breakfast and shot up to her feet. There was no way to track him down if he was in trouble. The thought of him screaming and falling to his death or being crunched between the teeth of some monster made her stomach sink into her knees– the world is a dangerous place, especially for Lalafell. Now all she could do was worry, with eyes wide with fear and brimming with tears. Thwip thwip thwip thwip thwip thwip!

The unmistakable sound of propellers caused her pointy ears to perk up. A shadow swept across the grassy field before the Lalafell, tempting her to look skyward; a flying machine circled high overhead before it began its descent! Leleni’s heart skipped a beat at the prospect of getting robbed by sky pirates or worse– kidnapped! Her spellstaff was neatly tucked away in her things, too far to get before they were upon her! Instead she tucked her shears intended for the Amu Amu flower behind her back and held her breath, deciding it would be best to get close enough to neuter one of them with an upward stab between the legs before they managed to-

“Hey hey!” Zoronado waved down at Leleni before quickly regrabbing the steering stick as the airship wobbled! Slowly but surely he reached the edge of the island, stirring up the wind with the large propellers mounted on the back. He reached between his legs and pulled at some sort of crank, and the giant white dorsal sail folded down as the ship went into standby. “Sorry I took so long, Len-Len. But I wanted to surprise you!”

“W-what is the meaning of this?!” Leleni demanded, quickly wiping at her face to hide her tears. “Where did you get that?!”

“When we first came to Camp Cloudtop I saw someone offering airship flying licenses…” Zoronado started, rising to his feet and proudly putting his hands on his hips. “I know you’re frustrated with not finding your plant, so… I thought maybe we could take a break from searching and fly around for a bit?” Leleni blinked a few times in silence. The fear of him being hurt or dead was washed away by the breeze, with her anger returning to fill in the space left behind.

She wanted to yell at him. She wanted to stomp her feet and berate him for abandoning her out here, unguarded, vulnerable, and unaware. She wanted to yank him off that stupid machina and give him a good slap across the face, but… she couldn’t. Seeing that big dimpled grin across his oblivious face melted her heart like heated butter, and those big blue eyes of his were deep enough to drown her fury in no time flat. She let out a defeated sigh, unable to keep up with this staring contest. “Oh-...” Her voice cracked, causing her to quickly clear her throat and stand up straight. “Okay…”

Zoronado offered his hand once she waddled over, and with a strong pull, he lifted her off the ground and into the vacation she so sorely needed.

[zoronadotatanado]

The Legend of Leleni Leni Pt 1

Theme

The distance between Kabu-kabu Keep and the main city of Kol’din was admittedly a short one, or at least it would have been if Her Elegance hadn't insisted on taking a detour. Leleni Nar Leni was a fickle woman to be sure, and a painfully stubborn one to boot-- very few people in her life had the authority or audacity to question her decisions, turning simple errands into dangerous journeys like this one.

She gazed at the shimmering southern sea stretching onward for malms across the blue horizon, her eyes filled with wonder and yearning for the mystical mainland. In truth she was tired of the idle and pointless conversations of those too eager to kiss the ground she walked on. She was on her way to another party, another feast, another bombardment of the same exhausting questions. She would sooner throw herself from a tower before willingly entertaining those fools again. The island of Kol’din more than just her home… it was her prison; cage made of saltwater instead of steel. She has never been beyond its golden shores, forced to watch as the commonfolk come and go to the docks as they pleased– were they truly more liberated than a woman of royal blood? Leleni thought marrying her betrothed would lift her father’s thumb from her back and allow her to explore the outside world at last, but she had never before been so wrong. Even her husband wants her to stay here, perhaps forever. What a tragic waste of her coveted maidenhood.

Then her eyes flickered once she noticed she was staring at Sir Zoronado. He was in full regalia with his helmet on and visor closed, but she knew it was him; he waddled with a recognizable gait, his arms swinging side to side, his tiny feet crunching the grass with every step. Zoronado Tatanado had been to Eorzea by her request and he was her lifeline to satiate her wanderlust. "But does he want to explore the mainland?" Leleni suddenly thought to herself, swallowing dryly. "Or is he simply following orders?" The notion of him suffering ferocious beasts and towering tallfolk just for her desires put a knot in her stomach. She read his file, of course-- she knew his fear of the open water. Suddenly she felt more selfish now than ever before, and yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that they shared her desire to know the unknown. "He looked upon my face while I was still betrothed… an act punishable by death." If she had told her husband of this transgression, Zoronado would be buried beneath the dungeons, never to see the light of day again; perhaps he feels obligated to carry out her wishes as some sort of blackmail? "If he's willing to risk his life so recklessly for my own curiosity… surely he harbors the same passion for the foreign and exotic? Surely?"

"We are here, milady." He announced, causing her carriage to slow to a halt. The door handle turned before she even had a chance to touch it, with her champion reliably quick to swing the door open and offer his hand to help her out. She had to bow her head when exiting her carriage, lest her tiara strike the roof to humiliate her in the presence of her faithful Bulwark. Even in her rose quartz heels she could feel the warmth of the grass, and the gentle beating of the island's heart. She stepped forward with one foot before the other, slowly ascending the slight incline to reach the opened gate; her limbs felt numb being here again, struck with yet another painful reminder of what once was and what will never be again.

The final resting place of Kokola Nar Kola sat in a tranquil silence unknown and unheard of to the rest of Kol’din. Amidst a sea of colorful flowers sat her statue of stone, carved meticulously in her likeness. It didn't do her grandmother justice, or so Leleni was once thoroughly convinced; so many summers spent gazing upon the cold lifeless visage had robbed her of the memory of her tender smile, even if the nostalgic warmth still remained. It was one of Her Elegance's greatest fears-- she had mostly forgotten what she looked like, soon her soothing voice shaped into countless midnight lullabies would fade as well, and then it would not be long before Kokola Nar Kola was forgotten entirely. Would her children suffer the same, when they gazed upon the grave of her own one day? Was this the fate of everyone who didn't make a big enough splash to burn their deeds into legend? Would only the greatest heroes and atrocious villains withstand the test of time? The thought was terrifying to be sure, a nihilistic truth too uncomfortable to face alone.

"Your Elegance, someone approaches." Called out one of her Bulwark. She glanced over her shoulder with a scowl but the scowl didn't last. Her carriage quickly started down the road without neither her nor her guards, letting a larger and grander carriage grind to a halt in its place. The Bulwark of Leleni Nar Leni all dropped to a knee and bowed their heads, enduring they were in a satisfactory stance before the most powerful man stepped down his steps and into the warm sunlight.

King Fafasasho Nar Tutusasho didn't even acknowledge the presence of her Bulwark-- he had a Bulwark of his own to do that for him. His guards were older and far more threatening, with weathered arms and armor, tattered cloaks, and dented shields, yet were still more deadly than anything else on the island. His Majesty's gaze was fixed squarely on his oldest daughter, with a seething stare cold enough to bring winter back to the shores of Kol’din. His one saving grace was that he never beat around the bush and always got to the heart of the matter as quickly as he could. "I was a thousand malms away when I received word that you humiliated my brother and our family on your wedding day." He huffed, placing his hands on his hips as his beautiful red cloak flowed in the soothing breeze. “You defied my orders. And in doing so brought shame upon us all. What say you?”

Leleni gulped dryly and stood as tall as she could make herself look. “I s-say…” Her assertive voice cracked like a ceramic plate underfoot. “I-I say you should have been there!”

“I hoped marriage would temper your insatiable wanderlust! Has Nonobira not fulfilled his duty?"

Hearing her husband's name lit a fire in her gut that summoned enough courage to put some strength back in her voice. "I am a princess of Kol’din, not some broodmare!"

"YOU'RE MY DAUGHTER!!!" King Fafasasho's bellowing voice boomed down the cliffside like the crack of rolling thunder! Even his Bulwark scooted a few paces away from him, yet neither father nor daughter noticed; any color still fleeing Leleni's face had reappeared on her father’s, whose grimace was twisted with his unleashed fury. "You are a spiteful! Contemptuous! Insolent child! Did you enjoy that petty stunt?! Was making your uncle look like a fool satisfying?! And what's this I hear of you sending a Bulwark to the mainland?!" He rattled off question after question before she had time to answer, not that her father ever intended to hear her out. “They are not toys! Their purpose is to protect you and nothing else, do you hear me?!” He jabbed his finger behind him toward his personal carriage. “I am taking you back to the castle so we can further discuss your blatant disrespect!”

“But I…!” Leleni started, embarrassed by her father’s display in front of her Bulwark. She was a woman grown now, but she was still being treated like a child.

“NOW!” His second bellow lit a fire under her gown, forcing the Kol’dini princess to waddle around him as she hurried down to the carriage. "Where is he?" He asked, sweeping his gaze across the Bulwark Knights kneeling before him. "Where is the one named… Zoronado?"

"No-!" Leleni spun around at the mention of his name, but she was too late; the carriage door was slammed shut in her face and promptly locked, trapping her inside until her father was done reprimanding her champion. The glare of the sun made it difficult to see what was happening, not that she needed to see it to know what was happening. Even through the thick armored door her father’s bellowing was shockingly loud, and amidst the orange haze of the blinding sunlight she saw her father’s arms flailing around while Zoronado knelt in silence before him. "This isn't right…" The pit in her stomach threatened to drop her through the carriage floor. "Why should he be punished for following my commands?!" The princess sunk in her seat, her eyes shimmering with tears.

All she wanted to do was explore the lands beyond her island home. Is the desire to live deliciously on foreign soil truly such a shameful thing? The yearning in her heart grew stronger by the day-- to trek across Eorzea and witness such strange and wonderful creatures for herself was too much to bear and far too strong to ignore. It was a burning ache in her chest, a rising heat in her stomach. It was an obsession now, a great and terrible lust to be free of this dreadful cage. And then it came to her-- step by step, one after the other, a plan to escape this prison. It finalized so quickly in her head her tears were still rolling down her cheeks as she grinned. Soon she would rid herself of this place… and finally be free at last.

[zoronadotatanado]

The Spudventures, Part 2

[zoronadotatanado]

The Spudventures, Part 1

[zoronadotatanado]

[zoronadotatanado]

Zoronado Tatanado - The Halfling Hero

Age: 17 Sex: Male Height: 37 ilms Weight: 48 ponze Eyes: Blue Hair: Brown Birthplace: Kabu-kabu Keep, South Sea Isles Parents: ??? Love Interest: None Orientation: Heterosexual Jobs/Professions: Paladin Personality: Zoronado has spent a lifetime training proper etiquette when addressing others. Well disciplined and mild-mannered, this particular spud is devoted to treating others with the utmost respect. But at the end of the day he is still a teenager, and his playful and joyful nature can burst out when he thinks no one is watching. He has a strict moral code: no drinking, no smoking, no drugs of any kind, and no intimacy. As a result he is in the best shape of his life, long before he even reaches his prime years. He is kind to his friends and even cordial with his foes, with the deep rooted belief that even his opponents deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. Honor is what he strives for every day of his life, and he will be deep in the cold ground before he breaks his holy creed. Mannerisms: He is hard-wired to give everyone he meets their proper titles. Milady is reserved only for his Queen, but he will still address the other women in his life with Ms. and Mrs.. As a knight, he will address his fellow men as Sir, even if they haven’t been anointed in the presence of the Twelve like he was. He speaks calmly and concisely, and will never raise his voice outside of combat. Strengths: Zoronado is a walking tank in his heavy Bulwark carapace, a near-invincible popoto titan that can shrug off injuries that would mortally wound lesser men. He is a master of many weapons: the claymore, the broadsword, the battle-axe, the scimitar, the mace, the flail, and the lance. But his favorite go-to weapons are his trusty shortsword and heavy shield. He is a glutton for punishment -- preferring to take the hits to protect everyone else. Not a masochist by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly willing to lay in a hospital bed if it means someone else didn’t have to. Furthermore, as a Lalafell, he can recover from wounds much faster than the other races, and willingly abuses his healing properties. Weaknesses: He is young and far too trusting. His kindness can be taken advantage of by those he considers his friends, and he can be manipulated rather easily by the women in his social circle; he has never faced a female opponent before, which will be one of the hardest challenges of his life. He is bound by his creed to never bring harm to a woman, to protect the innocent, to serve his queen. But what happens when a woman kills innocent people? What if his queen commands him to kill a woman? What if innocent people try harming his queen? These are all questions he’s struggled with in the late bells of the night, and he’s terrified of what he’ll be forced to do if such a terrible choice falls upon his head. He is strong and powerful in his armor, but painfully slow -- easily outmaneuvered by quick foes, who can tire him out long before he can reach them. He is also susceptible to magick; his armor can deflect physical blows with ease, but frost and lightning spells can whittle him down quickly. Reason for Playing: I wanted to make a spud that’s a little different than what I’ve normally seen. Most of his lore and backstory is pure headcanon, but I think it doesn’t take away from anything already established by Square Enix. He is loosely (and I mean very loosely) based on the Kingsguard in Game of Thrones, particularly a young Jaime Lannister. Minus the whole… incest part. I was turned off from the idea of playing Lalafell for the longest time, just as I was with Gnomes in World of Warcraft. It was hard to take them seriously from the get-go, and half of the people playing them seemed to just be exceptionally weird. But it was either try a Lalafell or try a Hrothgar. Hard pass. Other Notes: His music is more or less just instrumental, but he doesn’t really have a specific genre like my other characters. I’m sure I’ll develop it eventually. Main Theme: Vox Vulgaris - La Suite Meurtriere Sample Playlist: Ludovico Einaudi - Elements, Egor Grushin - Sparkle, Rúnfell - Visund, Guilhem Desq - Cicatrices