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Chapter Text

Just outside Saint Coinach’s Find, in the early hours before dawn, the Warrior of Light trained themself free of prying eyes. Kirtana ran through the drills of a lancer with ease. The movements second nature at this point, their lance an extension of their compact body. But that was not the point. Practice without intention led to sloppy movements and missed opportunities in combat. 

‘Remain aware of how your body moves, and you will know how to improve.’ That was what their first teacher on the Steppes had told them, and they took that to every combat style they learned in their travels.

“You truly are an impressive sight to behold like this.” A familiar voice rang out from nearby.

Kirtana scoffed lightly, “Finally done hiding in the crystal, Master G’raha?”

They could practically hear the smile in his voice, “I simply wished to observe you for a moment, something for the chronicles of history.”

“Observe someone else then.” Their voice was sharp, still refusing to look at the red haired Miqote.

G’raha was silent for a moment, his cheer no longer present when he spoke next, “You have been avoiding me.”

Their hands tightened around their lance, pausing their drills, and taking a deep breath to calm themself, “I do not like you presently, Master G’raha. I am not interested in becoming your friend after the stunt you pulled with the aethersand.”

“Might I-”

“No!” They spun to face him, lance still clenched tightly in hand, “I will not hear your excuses! It was foolish, and a waste of precious time and energy! I had thought you some ascian force toying with me, trying to undermine my efforts to further my friends’ research!” They marched up to G’raha jabbing his chest with their pointed finger and continued to rant, “And it turns out to be an arrogant man who thinks he will chronicle something worthy of history remembering! By the Twelve your cruel prank was foolish at best and downright hostile at worst! It is no wonder I have been steering clear of you!”

They whirled around back to him once again and made to jump away before G’raha grasped their wrist, not hard, but enough to give Kirtana pause.

“I am sorry.” He spoke carefully, “I, I did not intend-”

“But it happened.” They growled.

“I am sorry, I had, merely wished to see your might in action.”

They sighed, “I am not a pet nor a prize beast to observe, Master G’raha.”

G’raha hung his head low, “I am sorry. Please, how might I make it up to you?”

“Words are pretty things, but mean nothing with no action to back them up. Be better, do better.” They replied softly, “Your actions do not exist without consequence, Master G’raha.”

“I, yes, of course. I see that now.” G’raha let go of Kirtana’s wrist, “I, truly I am sorry for how things have happened between us.”

They sighed, rubbing their eyes in frustration, “So you have said. Consider your actions henceforth, and we shall see if there is anything to salvage between us.”

He nodded, “I will take my leave then, Warrior.”

Kirtana nodded, and listened as G’raha walked away from this spot in the crystalized fields before continuing their drills with the lance.

Chapter Text

A second Azure Dragoon. 

It was something unheard of, according to Ser Alberic. And yet, the statement felt true, and familiar. Like they had always known this was possible. Their second reaction to that feeling, was confusion. 

They were Au Ra, and many of their people had been lost to crusades that the Ishgardians had put forth against them. Ishgard was not known for its kindness to outsiders. Especially those believed to be Dravanian. If this ever came to light, what manner of bigotry and hatred would they receive? 

So when Ser Alberic asked to teach them to become a Dragoon, they hesitated. But he spoke true in that if Estinien had gone rogue from his brethren, only another Azure Dragoon could face him. So they accepted, hoping to keep quiet about their new title during their time in Coerthas.

And so Ser Alberic has taken them outside of the Observatorium, eager to teach them the Dragoon’s main form of attack, and movement, across the battlefield.

The Jump.

It was an aether fueled movement, and one that could easily injure the user should their control be even slightly off balance. But their time as a Bard had taught them precision, and their time as a Warrior had given them a brutal strength. 

The first jump was small, but still had them land in an unceremonious heap in the snow. The next few were about distance, practicing landing after hurling their body a great distance. And at last, Alberic bid them jump high, and land amidst the boughs of the nearby trees.

And oh the view left them speechless.

Seconds seemed to stretch into minutes, gazing at the rare clear skies of Coerthas. Sun beginning to set over the trees in a rich tapestry of orange and purple hues. 

A phrase, told to them by a Limsan sailor escaped their lips.

“Bring me the horizon.” Barely a whisper, but spoken aloud all the same.

They landed atop the boughs of the conifers, grasping at the trunk to stabilize their position, and stayed up there, charmed by the rapidly setting sun.

“By the Fury! You’re a bloody natural!” Ser Alberic called from below them.

Kirtana tore their gaze from the sunset and looked down at the former Dragoon, “It’s beautiful up here!”

He laughed, “Perching is common amongst Dragoons who’ve recently mastered their jumps!” He motioned for them to come down, “I certainly did, and many an angry noble told me to get off their roofs.”

Kirtana spared one last look at the sunset before jumping down to him, “You’re certain, about teaching me? I know Ishgard does not view outsiders, especially Au Ra with… much favor.”

He sighed and shook his head, his expression conflicted, “I know my nation’s stance on outsiders, and I know my peers might push back against my decision,” He looked down to them with a smile, “But seeing you leap into the sky like that, it was as if I was watching Es-” He stopped himself, “It brought me great joy to see you take to the skies like that.”

They nodded, “I am not without reservation, but seeing the horizon like that…” They trailed off, looking behind them once again.

Alberic reached out and placed a hand on their shoulder, “I am certain in my decision, and as long as you are willing to learn, I know we stand a chance against Estinien.”

They turned to look back at Ser Alberic, “Your faith in me is heartening, Ser.”

“I am glad of that.” He responded, “Now, the hour grows late, come, rest at the Observatorium, and mayhap you can practice more as the sun rises.”

Kirtana chuckled, “That certainly is of want to me.” 

The pair made their way back inside the walls of the Observatorium, and that night Kirtana dreamed of soaring through the air, chasing sunsets.

Chapter Text

“Cid- What exactly do you remember?” Alphinaud asks, a hopeful smile across his face.

“Alphinaud my boy- Sorry to have been such a burden.” He smiled fondly, before turning to the helm with a determined look on his features, “I remember everything… My name, my people, and my purpose. Everything.” He grinned, “Come, it would be rude to keep Garuda waiting!” He began guiding the airship down towards the storm.

“What are we doing, Cid?” Kirtana called to him, “Do we have lifelines?”

Cid nodded, “One box by the bow, one by the stern. Do you know how to lock them?”

“I know how on a seafaring ship.”

“This isn’t that different, all the same, let me double check your work when you’ve got yourself and Alphinaud strapped in.” Cid called back.

“Lifelines? What do you speak of?” Alphinaud asked as Kirtana pulled him to the stern.

Kirtana opened the metal box bolted to the deck and nodded approvingly at the neatly coiled tethers, “When rough weather hits a sailing ship, the sailors will tie themselves to the masts to keep themselves from being lost overboard.”

Alphinaud nodded, “A smart decision. Even if they get tossed into the waves, they can be pulled back aboard.”

“Arms up.” Kirtana instructed, and began putting on a sturdy harness over Alphinaud’s attire. 

They double checked every buckle and tightened every strap before sending him to be looked over by Cid. They began putting themself in a harness, double checking their own work and walked over to Cid with a third harness in hand.

“Don’t forget yourself, friend.” They handed over the harness to Cid, and took the helm as he buckled himself in.

“Thank you, Kirtana,” Cid motioned for them to step aside as he took the helm once again, “Now I suggest you hold onto something. The wind crystal should dampen most of the storm, but I can’t say for certain how much that will be.”

Kirtana nodded, brow set in determination.

“I have faith in your work, Cid,” Alphinaud started, “But nonetheless I shall heed your advice.”

Kirtana triple checked the group’s lifelines as the winds started picking up and then showed Alphinaud how to hold onto the railing. The pair huddled next to each other at the starboard quarter railing as they delved into the storm proper.

The wind howled at a deafening volume, and though Cid’s modifications prevented much of the buffeting and battering, this was a Primal’s storm. Cid had to fight to keep the ship on course, and dodge debris caught in the gales. Lightning and thunder crashed and boomed around them and a particularly strong gust slammed into the Enterprise on the port side. Kirtana and Cid managed to keep themselves in place, but Alphinaud lost his grip on the railing, and was sent flying into the maelstrom.

Kirtana reacted quickly, reaching out and grasping Alphinaud’s lifeline, straining to keep him from being pulled further out. Alphinaud was being buffeted from all directions, spinning wildly, at the edge of the ship’s protective bubble. 

Kirtana roared, their warrior’s spirit flaring to life within them. They braced themself against the railing, one arm over, one arm under, and began pulling Alphinaud back toward them. They fought the tempest’s hold on the young Elezen and the closer he got, the less the storm held him. Alphinaud managed to stop spinning, and held onto his tether for dear life, unfiltered fear across his features. 

Another strong gale hit the Enterprise, this time from the starboard side, and tossed Alphinaud back toward the deck. Kirtana grabbed him by the front of his harness before he landed face first on the floor. They set him back against the railing, and saw his pale hair and the front of his face was slick with blood. There wasn’t time to assess his condition, but Kirtana wasn’t about to take chances with him holding onto the railing by himself.

“Hold onto me!” Kirtana yelled over the wind.

Alphinaud nodded, wrapping his arms around their torso. Kirtana then wrapped their arms around the railing, sandwiching him between them and the railing. Holding him in place with the force of their Warrior’s Spirit until they reached the eye of the storm.

And once they did Kirtana let go of the railing slowly, breathing heavily.

Cid let out a shaky laugh, “We made it!” He looked toward the pair, “Are you two alright?”

Alphinaud looked up at Kirtana, eyes still wide, “A, A bit more exciting than I would have liked.”

Kirtana nodded, and switched to their White Mage’s attire, pulling their cane from their aetheric storage, “You’re bleeding.” They stated, shifting to a kneeling position in front of him.

He swallowed and nodded, “I believe I hit my head on the railing, just before I was tossed overboard.”

Kirtana began looking through his hair for the wound, “How do you feel?”

“It hurts, and my heart is positively racing, but I believe that might just be from the excitement.” He responded, flinching lightly when Kirtana found the gash just above his brow line.

“Dizziness? Brain fog?” They asked next, casting a cure over the gash, watching the wound knit itself shut cleanly.

Alphinaud sighed in relief, “A tad dizzy, but I feel wholly cognizant, if a bit shaky.”

They nodded, “You were holding onto me pretty tight, but just to cover my bases,” They held their hand out, two fingers extended, to Alphinaud, “Squeeze, tight as you can.”

Alphinaud reached out, his own hand shaking a bit, and squeezed Kirtana’s fingers tightly.

They nodded, sighing in relief, “You’re fine, but I would still recommend you rest when we can.”

The young Elezen nodded, “But of course, my friend. After Garuda is dealt with, I shall heed your counsel.”

They nodded, and then hugged Alphinaud tight, “I’m glad you’re alright.”

He nodded, taken aback by the sudden display of affection, and hugged them back, “Thank you, My Friend.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana sat beside Tataru outside The Waking Sands, a cup of freshly brewed tea in their hands, and a plate of confectionary snacks between them.

“So tell me about yourself.” Tataru spoke cheerily, “Minfillia and Yda are excited to work with you and you come well recommended, but I’d like to hear about you from yourself.”

Kirtana’s mind froze, dreading where this conversation could go, where it often ended up going, “I am an adventurer who was working in Gridania. I’m an Archer, and a Marauder. I like fashion and music and tea… I’m not sure what to say.”

Tataru nodded, smiling, “Where are you from? We don’t see many Au Ra out here.”

Kirtana paused, surely this was safe enough to talk about in smaller pieces, “I’m from the Azim Steppe, from tribe Qalli.”

“Oh tell me more about that!”

Small details, quirks, nothing serious, they thought to themself. Don’t tell her about the hole in your memory.

“There are, about fifty known tribes last I was there. They’re all fairly territorial, have unique customs, and most everyone can take care of themself and provide something for the tribe they’re from. Though it’s common for people to leave their tribes and join others for marriage and love.” They replied carefully.

Tataru sipped her tea, eyes wide with wonder, “Tell me more about your tribe?” She asked innocently.

Kirtana smiled in spite of her nerves, “The Qalli are a, shall we say, vibrant bunch of people, even amongst the Steppe. We value music, art, expression, and it leads to lots of loud personalities.” They chuckle, taking a drink of their tea, “We are taught to sing before we’re taught to speak. The first time I heard someone speak plainly I thought they had a speech impediment.”

Tataru laughed, “I would like to hear you sing sometime, if you like.”

Kirtana nodded, sipping more tea, “Find me in the common area later and I’ll probably already have the scions here singing drinking songs.”

“Oh Thancred is going to love you.” Tataru giggled.

They cringed a small bit, “I hardly know the man. I’m not interested in reciprocating his flirting.”

Tataru laughed again, turning the subject back to its previous course, “You sound as if you are still fond of your home?”

Kirtana tensed a small bit, unsure of where this conversation was going, praying she didn’t ask much further into this line of conversation, “I, yes, I still think of it fondly.”

Tataru tilted her head slightly, “Why did you leave?”

They paused, remembering holding Garlean soldiers at bowpoint at the edge of the Steppe, “I wanted to see the world. To grow my skills.”

Tataru nodded, “I’ll bet you’ve seen so much of it!”

Kirtana nodded, silently begging she would ask of something else, anything but the hole in their memories.

“When did you leave the Steppe?” Tataru asked, leaning her head against her hand.

Kirtana’s expression conflicted, “Six? Six years ago.”

“Oh! Were you at Cartenaux?”

They began to panic internally, voice wavering slightly, “No.” 

A lie, maybe. They didn’t know if it was a lie, they didn’t remember that year at all. Had to piece what had happened in the world that year by word of mouth alone.

Tataru tilted her head, an uncertain expression across her features, “Are you alright?”

They set the tea down, only half finished, “Yes. I think, Minfilia mentioned she had a job for me earlier. I should see what she wants.”

A look of surprise crossed Tataru’s face, “Oh! But-”

“Thank you for the tea, Tataru.” They stood up, “I, I’m sorry, perhaps we could discuss other topics when I come back?”

She nodded slowly, watching as the Au Ra take the steps down into the Waking Sands proper.

“Strange…” She commented to herself, wondering why the mention of Carteneux had set them off in such a manner.

Chapter Text

After the shared Echo vision with Minfilia, one after another half the Scions present and Lady Yugiri pledged they would come to stop the Sahagin from summoning Leviathan.

Kirtana looked around the room, eyes wide in fear, breath quickening to an unstable rhythm.

“If you crave a more intimate understanding of the problems facing Eorzea, this experience is like to provide it.” Y’shtola spoke to Lady Yugiri, “Be sure to come well prepared.”

The cowled woman nodded, her body language grim.

“No!” Kirtana cried, stamping their foot down hard, “No! None of you are coming!”

Everyone in the room turned to look at them, various expressions of incredulousness and shock.

“Kirtana, pray, why do you protest?” Y’shtola asked, voice steady in contrast to Kirtana’s racing thoughts.

“Minfilia has the Echo, but is the Antecedent and not combat trained. Thancred is still susceptible to tempering. And Lady Yugiri is the leader of the Doman refugees!” They began, speaking far quicker than usual, “If any of you are hurt, or worse, tempered-” Their voice broke, hyperventilating too fast for words to keep coming out.

“Everyone out.” Y’shtola ordered, taking Kirtana’s gauntleted hand softly.

The Scions and Lady Yugiri filtered out quickly, many of them looking back over their shoulders at the emotionally volatile Warrior of Light.

Y’shtola brought them behind Minfilia’s desk and sat them down, kneeling before them, “Pray, talk to me my friend.”

Kirtana burst into tears, sobbing into their hands. 

Y’shtola’s expression of shock lasted less than a fraction of a second before she placed her hands on their knees, “Kirtana, breathe with me, please.”

Kirtana continued to sob, breathing stuttering and staggered, but slowing.

“What has happened to put you in such a state?” She asked gently.

They shook their head, “It, it’s my job-” They hiccuped, “Am I, am I the o-only one concerned for ev- for everyone’s safety?”

Y’shtola sighed softly, “Though much has happened in these last six months you have been with us, and you have been integral in overcoming our adversaries, we have been doing this for years, Kirtana.” She took their hands in hers, “You must have trust in us, as we do in you.”

“I am afraid.” They admitted, breathing stabilizing slightly.

“I would be most concerned if you were not. One does not face this many Primals in such a short time and come away unchanged.” Y’shtola squeezed their hands.

Their voice came out quiet, fragile, “I do not wish to lose anyone else, Y’shtola.”

“We are capable, Kirtana. I cannot promise our safety, but we are no stranger to danger either.”

They nodded, tears slowing, “I am sorry, you should not have to listen to me like this.”

They raised an eyebrow, voice deadpan, “I am a Conjurer, Dear. I listen and heal spirits in states like this.”

They laughed slightly, “I, should apologize to them, shouldn’t I?”

She stood, resuming her usual demeanor of practicality, “Apologize or not, it seems many people will be accompanying us to prevent Leviathan from being summoned. And I for one welcome their assistance.” She pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to Kirtana.

They nodded, and took the handkerchief, wiping their face with it as they spoke, “Thank you, Shtola.”

She smiled, barely, and helped Kirtana stand, “Come, we have preparations to discuss.”

“Of course.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana sat bleary eyed beside Thancred in the infirmary at Camp Bluefog. They fidgeted with their cane, turning it over in their hands, looking over the heavily bandaged torso of their fellow Scion. 

Guilt, and shame filled their thoughts, tightening their shoulders, twisting knots in their stomach. They didn't know if Thancred would remember his time being possessed, but they feared his reaction to what they had done to him. They feared his retribution, his fear, that he might leave the Scions and never return.

“Pray, how long hast thou sat at our companion's side?” A calm voice came from the door.

Kirtana jumped and turned to see Urianger, holding a tray with a small teapot and cup in his hands.

“All day, Urianger.” They responded, turning back to Thancred, watching him breath.

Urianger stepped into the room, placing the tray down on a dresser at the side of the room, “Hast thou rested at all?”

“A little, when the Baldesian Healers looked at him earlier.”

He made a small noise of concern, “Thy diligence is noted, but thou hast also participated in many a grueling combat the previous day. Thou art remarkable in thy ability, but the circles under thine eyes doth betray thine state of body.”

Kirtana paused, voice coming out small, “I wish I didn't hurt him…”

“Thy care and concern are admirable,” Urianger began, beginning to pour two cups of tea, “And though halcyon days are yet behind us, we may yet see a new era of peace restored to us ‘ere long.” 

“I fear he will be afraid of me.” Kirtana admitted as she accepted a cup of tea, “He was barely breathing after I broke Lahabrea's crystal.”

“And yet thou brought him back to us stable and whole.” Urianger placed a hand on their shoulder, “Know that we are all grateful, especially Lady Minfilia.”

Kirtana sipped the tea and paused, looking back up at the older Elezen, “This is Valerian, Urianger.”

“I bid thee, rest. I shall sit with Master Thancred in your stead.” He squeezed their shoulder gently.

Kirtana sighed, “Would you send for me once he wakes? Minfilia too?” They continued sipping the tea.

“But of course, my friend.” He bowed slightly to them, “Now I beseech thee, take thy rest.”

They nodded, standing from the uncomfortable chair and stretching slightly. Urianger took their seat and pulled out a book before nodding to them as they looked back. 

They walked out of the infirmary, cup of tea still in hand, and padded softly to quarters given to them for the time being. It was simply furnished, and functional. 

They sat on the edge of the bed, and finished their tea, turning Urianger’s words over in their mind as the herbal supplement relaxed them.

Though halcyon days are yet behind us, we may yet see a new era of peace restored to us.

 They held onto that statement, and let it fill them with renewed hope and determination before laying down, and drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Kirtana was not expecting to have a Chocobo. They had left the Steppe before attempting to tame their own Yol, and thus, they were at a loss for how to care for such a large creature. 

They stood outside Griania, one hand holding the reins, the other scratching lightly on the underside of their Chocobo’s jaw. He was leaning into the touch slightly, but kept his eyes open and on them.

They stopped scratching him gently, stroking the feathers down his neck, “I… I do not know how to care for you, Dear. I, I should go to Bentbranch. I don’t want you to be hurt in my ignorance.” They spoke softly, moving to stand at his side.

His neck twisted to look at them, large eyes blinking curiously.

They placed their foot in the stirrup, and pulled themself up onto the saddle. He shifted lightly, making a soft noise, and settled quickly under them. They held the reins gently, and then directed their mount deeper into the Central Shroud.

The Chocobo was fast, light on his feet, leaping over fallen logs, rocks, and shrubbery. Kirtana was surprised at how easily he listened to their commands, and how quickly they adjusted to being in the saddle. They wondered if they had done this before, if they had another companion like this in the past, in their forgotten year. They pushed that thought down, quickly refocusing their mind on guiding their mount to Bentbranch. 

They had someone they needed to see.

The Wood Wailers let them in easily enough, and they guided their Chocobo up to the stables atop the hill. They looked around, hoping to spot a particular Elezen without disturbing others at work.

“Do ye need help Ma’am?” A steady voice came from off to the side.

They looked over, seeing a young Hyur stablehand standing at their side, “Sere, if you please.” They corrected softly, feeling their stomach twist uncomfortably.

The Hyur nodded, a sheepish expression crossing his face, “Ah, sorry about that. Do ye need help, Sere?”

“I’m looking for Master Luquelot, if he’s not too busy to spare a few moments for me.” They responded, trying not to fidget with the reins lest they give an unwanted signal to their chocobo.

He tilted his head curiously, “Is your chocobo unwell? He looks right as rain.”

Their face shifted to an expression of uncertainty, “No, uhm, I have, owned him for, less than an hour, and find myself, a, a bit lost as to, how to, care for him…” Their voice trailed off, getting quieter with each word. 

The stablehand smiled in sympathy, “Well there’s no need to go troubling Master Luquelot just yet. I can walk ye’ through the basics if it pleases you, Sere.” He offered a hand out, “Name’s Ephraim, pleased to meetcha!”

Kirtana reached down and shook his hand, “Kirtana, a pleasure.”

Ephraim’s face lit up, “Oh! You’re the ‘venturer that recovered Leia’s egg!”

They smiled and dismounted, “Aye, that’s me!”

“And this beaut, what’s ‘is name?” He gestured to their Chocobo.

Kirtana smiled, “Aren.”

Aren called softly, and Ephraim nodded, “He looks healthy, a bit small though.”

“I’m fairly small, the ride here was comfortable enough.” They said, running their hand softly against Aren’s neck feathers.

“‘Ere, give ‘im these,” Ephraim put a small handful of loose grain and nuts into their hand, “Chocobos form strong bonds, but food ‘elps them open up.”

Kirtana nodded, and offered the handful of food up to Aren. He tilted his head curiously and began to peck gingerly at the food morsels. Kirtana smiled softly, and murmured wordlessly to him. 

Ephraim smiled, “There ya go, now, do you have feed for ‘im?”

Kirtana nodded, “The Twin Adders gave me a few bags, they’re in my aetheric chest.”

“Well that's one thing sorted. In the wilds they feed off plants, but running around all day, he’s gonna need the feed. Nuts, tubers, greens, that’s what’s best to feed ‘im if ye run out of feed on th’road.” He started, “Do ye have a preening brush?”

They shook their head, “Should I?”

“It helps with bondin’. Chocobo’s’ll preen their friends to bond and help keep each other clean. Just don’t preen the inside o’ their wings. Only mated pair’s’ll do that with each other.”

“Noted,” Kirtana chuckled as Aren finished pecking at the food in their hand, and then rubbed his face against their fingers.

“Aw look at that! He just needed a little incentive to open up!” Ephraim smiled, “Come with me, we’ll get ye a preening brush and I’ll walk ye through how t’use it.” He began to walk towards the stables proper.

“Thank you, Ephraim.” They smiled, gently guiding Aren to follow.

“Of course, Sere,” He looked over his shoulder and winked, “S’my pleasure!”

Chapter Text

Kirtana lay atop the roof of the Rising Stones, mindlessly singing in the dual overtones they were taught back on the Steppes. The droning musicality of it was soothing to them, something to help them unwind from shaking the hands of dignitaries and listening to Alphinaud work his diplomatic charms. 

“Blimey, I thought Gridanian wasps had been smuggled into our attic!” A cheerful voice called from a window to the side.

Kirtana stopped their singing and laughed, “Hello Yda, did Alphinaud send you to find me?”

The masked Hyur woman climbed onto the roof, “Papalymo did, said ‘I'd caused enough excitement during the dignitaries stay.’”

They snorted, sitting up and putting their hat on, “Cause more, make them leave faster.”

Yda laughed and sat next to the Auri Bard, “Y'know, I figured you'd enjoy the attention and talking and such with them. Being a Bard and performing at Seventh Heaven and all.”

Kirtana groaned and pulled the brim of their hat over their eyes, “Performing is very different from diplomacy, Yda.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head to the side, “Isn't it, all, charisma and charm?”

They shook their head, “Performing has a script. Sing this, dance that, wink here, make a fool of your hagglers there. There are clearly defined rules and rubrics, research you can do ahead of time to adjust and tailor your Set.”

Yda's mouth twisted in confusion, “Isn't that what Alphinaud does?”

“In a certain sense, maybe, but I only have to deal with The Audience.” Kirtana began, “Alphinaud must manage multiple personalities with their own agendas who want something from him. The Audience is a single collective that only wishes to be entertained, to feel their emotions in a cathartic or joyous way. The Audience is easily managed to me. Multiple individuals with separate agendas and personalities are not.”

Yda sat there in stunned silence for a moment, “Is that why you're usually so quiet when we're all in a group?” She asked concernedly.

Kirtana nodded, groaning softly, “I don't know what to do. I get so afraid, so caught up in my own thoughts.”

Yda leaned over and poked them gently with their elbow, “You know we wouldn't try to do anything to you, right?”

They nodded, wrapping their arms around their knees, “I know, I just… I became an adventurer to get away from attention, kinda.”

“How's that?”

“If I got too well praised or got bad attention, I could leave, move on. Fresh start somewhere else, where no one knew who I was.”

“And now you're the bloody Warrior of Light.” Yda chuckled sympathetically.

Kirtana let out a series of frustrated noises and buried their face in their knees.

Yda looked surprised at the reaction, but then placed a hand on Kirtana's back, “Well, we can stay up here until the dignitaries leave if y'like.”

“Yes please.” They responded quietly.

Yda tapped Kirtana’s back softly, “But, what was that noise you were making when I came up and found you?”

They turned their head to peak at her, “I was singing.”

“Singing?” She asked, a tad incredulous.

“It’s called Throat Singing, it’s common in the Azim Steppe.” They explained, “I’ve not heard it on Aldenard unless it's from other travelers.”

“The music from your home must be very different.” She mused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

Kirtana chuckled lightly, “It is, but I miss it. I could show you how to do it, if you like.”

“Really?” She turned to them attentively, “I’m not sure how good I’d be. I’m more, percussive, in my nature.”

Kirtana threw their head back in laughter, “That’s one way to look at it.”

Y’da laughed with them, “I’ll try it though, might come in handy.”

They nodded, “Alright, so…”

Chapter Text

Kirtana stood outside the Waking Sands, a small box of loose leaf tea in their hands. Their thoughts were racing, stomach twisting in knots, rehearsing what they would say internally. 

They sighed, “Just, go inside, and apologize. No big deal, just don’t, screw up…” They swallowed nervously, tail winding slowly behind them.

They took a step, hesitant, and continued walking up the steps to the open doorway of the building. They stood there for a moment, took a deep breath, and crossed the threshold. They spotted Tataru cheerfully sorting through paperwork and humming to herself, not quite having noticed them yet.

“Tataru?” They called softly.

The lalafel woman looked up at them, smiling after a brief moment of confusion, “Kirtana! Hello, please come in.”

They stepped closer, and placed the tin of tea on the table next to Tataru, “I um, I wanted to apologize.”

Tataru picked up the tin of tea and looked at the label, eyes widening once she read it, “Kirtana this is… How much did you spend on this?”

They shook their head, “Please don't worry about that.”

“I know the merchants in Uldah, this couldn't have been cheap.” She stated, “Why?” She looked back up at the sheepish Au Ra.

“I'm not… I, it's,” They stumbled over their words, fiddling with the closures on their vambraces, “I'm not good, at talking about my past. There's stuff, that I don't understand, that I'm scared of. And I was very rude to you and it's been eating me up and I'm sorry.” 

Tataru set the tea tin down and placed her hands on her hips, “While I will agree that the last time we spoke ended strangely. I must ask, what about Carteneau set you off in such a manner?”

They flinched, tail curling then going still, looking down at their feet, “I don't, really know…”

Tataru looked incredulous, “What do you mean?”

“Tataru I beg of you, I have not spoken of this to anyone. I do not wish it to be known to anyone else.” They pleaded quietly.

“If it puts the Scions in danger I will have to tell Minfilia.” She stated, concern now evident in her voice.

They nodded slowly, speaking quietly, “I… I don't remember, most of that year… The year that Carteneau happened…”

Tataru stared for a moment, eyes widening in realization, “Are you-”

“I don't know. I don't want to know.” They spoke quickly, “I am afraid of the public eye and I don't want the attention that would come with it.”

Tataru nodded after a moment, “What do you remember?”

“The boat ride to Alenard, small jobs, moments of quiet, struggling with culture, but also loving to learn about it. But, there's gaps, large gaps, months between memories that I can't recall.” They shuffled their feet quietly, “I'm afraid, seeing the wake of the calamity, the devastation. What if I contributed to it?”

Tataru hopped down off her chair and walked to Kirtana's side, placing a hand on her leg in comfort, “Despite everything, I do know how to keep a secret, Dear. One does not get to be in my position without learning that.”

Kirtana looked down at her, “Promise?”

“By the Twelve I won't tell anyone, not unless you wish me to.”

“Can I hug you?” They asked after a moment.

Tataru nodded, grinning widely, and opened her arms. Kirtana knelt and hugged her tightly, feeling Tataru return the embrace in kind.

“If you wish, I would be happy to lend an ear to anything else you wish to talk of.” Tataru spoke after being released.

Kirtana smiled, “I don't have ears, but I would extend the same courtesy to you.”

Tataru laughed, and climbed back into her chair, “How do Au Ra hear? Or are you just a skilled lip reader?”

Kirtana chuckled, “Our horns are hollow, they act as resonating chambers. I have an excellent sense of space and sound because of them.” 

Tataru grinned eagerly, “Oh that's fascinating! Maybe we could make some of the tea you brought, and chat some?”

Kirtana smiled, “I'd love that Tataru.”

“Would you be a dear  and get some hot water then?” She asked sweetly.

They laughed lightly, “Of course, I'll be right back.”

Chapter Text

“I have located another beacon- One far below the mountain.” Y’shtola nodded to them, “I can only speculate as to what you will find there, so stint not in your preparation.”

“Thank you.” They spoke quietly, “Dont- Don’t get caught.”

She smiled confidently, “I am most confident in my ability to remain unseen. Worry about your own task to slay the Lord of Crags.”

They plucked at their bowstring, the resonance echoing with power, “I’ve got this.” They placed their hand on the large crystal, “Send me.”

Y’shtola nodded, manipulating her own aether and lighting up the crystal in front of them. 

The Kobold’s aetherite sent them malms below the surface, and they stood in the caverns listening to the chatter of the beastmen. Kobolds fleeing at the sight of them as they walked slowly, purposefully, strumming their bowstring and letting their voice echo in the dual tones of their homeland.

They listened to the Kobolds cry out in vengeance, their heart breaking at their words, at the oaths broken by their fellow men. They watched as the Kobolds prayed fervently, as the rock twisted and crashed together, as the Primal, Titan, came alive before them.

“Overdweller...art thou deaf to their weeping?” His voice boomed, echoed like a landslide all around them, “Thy vile kind coveteth ever the blessing of the land and murdereth my children by the score─all in service to greed. Such sins are beyond pardon.” He laughed, “Ah...but I am not the first to suffer thy defiance. Thou didst bring Ifrit low. Godless overdweller! Thy myriad heresies shall not go unpunished! Upon thee shall I wreak a terrible vengeance!”

They smiled sadly, and spoke, voice echoing with balladic might.

“Earth, of stability, of ground beneath my feet

“Under better circumstances, I wish that I did greet

“I know I have wronged you, but know this cannot stand

“And tonight thou shalt crumble, like castles built of sand.”

They drew their arrow back and loosed. It impacted Titan between his eyes and he roared in response. They charged, already drawing another arrow, ducking under a spear of rock hurled at them. They kept leaping around the cavern firing arrows, reciting verse to empower their strikes. 

Titan responded in kind, shifting the earth under their feet, opening crevices in their wake and hurling rock and stone in their direction. He began chasing them down, footsteps shaking the entire cavern as the distance between them grew shorter.

“Thy rage is known, it will be heeded

“But thy aether is stolen, it must be seeded

“By mine hand, and mine alone

“I shall reduce thee to pebble and stone.”

They switched to their warriors armor, feeling their verse strengthen their form, and let out their own roar in challenge to Titan’s. They leapt forward, running swiftly across the cavern, sliding under Titan’s fists as they came crashing into the ground behind them. They swung their axe deep into the ankles of Titan, carving large swathes of earth away from his form, and feeling their warrior’s spirit ignite within them. They laughed while Titan roared, continuing to carve into him, all the while doing their best to dodge his heavy fists and feet. And while most of the damage taken had been superficial but that was about to change.

Kirtana swung their axe at Titan’s fist after it had slammed into the ground next to them, and it got stuck. They yanked at it and yelped as he lifted his fist, taking them up with it and their axe. He flung his fist in a large arc, the force flinging both Kirtana and their axe across the cavern.

They crashed into a stalagmite, feeling a few of their ribs crack against the stone. They groaned, sitting up slowly, looking at Titan as he began to stride towards them. They pulled out a potion, chugging it quickly, feeling their injuries repair slightly, and stood up. They spotted their axe a few yalms away and ran towards it. They pulled tomahawks from their aether, throwing them with a brutal rage at the rapidly approaching Titan.

He stomped, a gorge opening between them and their weapon.

They leapt, reaching with everything they had, and slamming into the other side of the rapidly widening gorge. They scrambled up onto the other side and made their way the rest of the distance to their axe. They picked it up and looked back at Titan, who was already upon them once again. They rolled aside, narrowly dodging being stepped on, and swung their ax higher, into Titan’s calf this time.

They could see the aether bleeding from the wounds they’d inflicted on him. They felt the ache in their ribs, the blood smeared in their hair, the fatigue in their arms. They knew that this combat was going to end one way or another, and it was going to end soon. 

They roared again, hurling another tomahawk at the Primal and leapt upward. They ran up the Primal’s body, and Titan began to swat at them like a pest. They jumped up off his shoulder, axe raised, and began falling. They spun around, gaining as much momentum as they could. 

Titan’s expression shifted, from rage, to confusion, to fear.

Their axe cleaved into the Primal’s face, splitting it in twain.

He staggered, falling to his knees, his body splitting, falling apart. The aether returning to the land, leaving nothing left of the Primal’s physical form.

The Kobolds at the edge of the cavern fled as Kirtana stood from where they’d been tossed. 

They picked up their axe, sending it to their aetheric storage and turned back towards the Kobolds’ aetherite. They stood there, breathing heavily, knowing they could not stay.

“I feared I might arrive too late, but I see you had the matter well in hand.” Y’shtola spoke stepping out from behind a stalagmite, “I have taken measures to ensure that we are not pursued, yet I cannot say how long they will hold.”

“Y’shtola-”

She raised her hand, interrupting them, “Take your leave while the kobolds are still in disarray. I will follow anon. There is something I must investigate before I depart. I will teleport you to the aetheryte in Zelma's Run, and we will rendezvous at Camp Bronze Lake. Agreed?”

They nodded and smiled tiredly, “Don’t make me come back down here to get you.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana loosed another arrow at one of the giant gnats that was harassing Yda a few yalms ahead of them. Papalymo beside them finished casting and rained down shards of Ice on the group of bugs that held Yda's focus. 

“So Papalymo, I was wondering,” They began, raising their aim as they loosed, watching the arrow split into a hail of thorns.

“Is now quite the best time, Kirtana?” He responded, focusing on another spell, lightning starting to crackle at the head of his staff.

They smiled, watching Yda kill another monster in the group that was focused on her, “When do I get to book an appointment for that tattoo you all have?”

“What?” He sounded incredulous as lightning shot forth from him, felling another of the creatures focused on Yda. 

Kirtana stepped in front of him as one of the monster tore away from Yda And began charging at them, “The ones on your neck!” She explained, firing a heavier shot at the fast approaching ziz.

Papalymo stepped to the side, unleashing a cone of fire on the approaching ziz, charring it heavily as it fell to the forest floor, dead.

He looked up at them as the creature fell, an incredulous look on his face, “The Mark of the Archon?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?” They switched to their white mage’s gear, casting a higher level cure on a flagging Yda and then causing the earth to erupt around a monster behind Yda, “Yeah when can I get one?”

He stomped the ground in frustration, firing another bolt of lightning, letting it arc from creature to creature around Yda, “One does not simply get the Mark of the Archon! One must earn it!”

They twirled their cane, giving Yda a substantial amount of regeneration, “Is there, something I’m missing about it? Is it not just a Scion tattoo?”

“Quite not!” He jabbed his staff forward, freezing a ziz solid and nodded as Yda shattered it, “It is a mark bestowed by Sharlayan to those who have contributed greatly to their respective fields of study!”

Kirtana was quiet for a moment, “What in the seven hells did Thancred provide to Sharlayan?”

Papalymo laughed, “His thesis on intelligence gathering is taught to all Sharlayan scholars who become field agents.”

Kirtana’s face became a mask of confusion before quickly curing Yda of paralysis from the last ziz’s breath, “And Yda?”

“Yda struggled with her studies,” He shot a spray of firebolts, “But I helped guide and oversee her thesis on monster anatomy personally.” He nodded as most of the bolts impacted and felled several of the giant gnats.

“Almost got it!” Yda called back to them, decking the final ziz in its center mass.

Kirtana swiped their cane in front of them, causing the air around the ziz to twist and cut into it, “You and Yda are close, huh?”

Papalymo nodded, a brief moment of softness crossed his face, “I suppose I do consider myself a surrogate family member to her.”

Kirtana watched as Yda felled the last monster, “It’s good that she has you, you’re her rock.”

He smiled, “She’s been through alot, but she’s-”

Yda cheered and turned back to the pair, “That’s how it’s done!”

“That it is!” Kirtana called back, and began making their way to the young Hyur, Papalymo at their heels.

The trio came back together, Kirtana checking Yda over quickly for lingering damage, and then continued onward to Little Solace.

Chapter Text

The Tribunus’ magitek armor was damaged beyond repair, and yet Livia sas Junius still walked. Kirtana chased their quarry further into the compound, coming into another courtyard. They saw her standing there, waiting, and they saw red.

They knocked an arrow, pulling it back, and loosed it at the Tribunus. 

She turned, and caught the arrow mid flight, “My lord was quite taken with you and the power you possess─the ‘Echo.’ Naturally, I could not help but wonder whom this princess among women…” She scoffed as Kirtana winced, “Only to discover that you are but another adventurer. No better than the multitude. Yet in spite of this, the masses hold you their champion, and shower honors upon your head. It defies all reason.”

Kirtana loosed another arrow, only for it to bounce off her armor, “Stop talking!” 

“How is it that you could be such a thorn in our side? Wherever you appear, you leave havoc in your wake. You even slew Rhitahtyn, one of our very finest.” She shook her head, “Well...I will not speculate. Truth be told, I couldn't care less how you have done these things. What matters to me is the fact that you have done them. If you are allowed to continue, you will eventually deprive me of all that I have toiled for—all that is mine by right!”

Kirtana began walking forward, pulling out an arrow laced with poison.

Livia sas Junius raised her arms, entering a combat stance, “My minions, my comrades...even my lord Gaius! Well, you cannot have him!” She spat, “His dreams and ambitions, his body and soul—they are mine, do you hear me!? All mine! I lost everything once before! I will not suffer it to happen again!

”I will kill you, adventurer! Only your death can bring me peace!” She charged the Auri adventurer, screaming in frustration. 

Kirtana stood their ground, loosing the poisoned arrow and grinned when it slipped through a chink in her armor. Livia threw a quick punch, and they dodged to the side. Their eyes widening as the gun in her gauntlet fired. Felt the round graze their torso and immediately leapt several yalms backward.

They aimed for the Tribunus’ feet and legs, heavy arrow after arrow in quick succession as she began closing the distance again. A few arrows only left scratches on the armor, but several left heavy dents, and a few breaking through. She gave little outward sign that the arrows in her legs hurt, but the blood trailing her footsteps and staggered pace was enough to give Kirtan the upper hand.

Junius raised her arm, aiming the gun in her gauntlet, as Kirtana continued to run around the courtyard. Quick mental calculations about their movement and fired three shots in quick succession. One went wide, one grazed their tail, and one impacted their upper arm.

Kirtana screamed, skidding as they landed, and quickly switched to their white mage’s gear. The pain sharpened their focus, but they could not risk having an injured arm, not against this foe. They twirled their cane, healing their wounds, and ducked out of the way of another shot. They pointed their cane at Junius, calling upon the wrath of the elementals to hinder her.

Junius began closing the distance once more, and let out a low curse as the air around them buffeted and sliced under her armor, making it difficult to breathe.

“Hmph, you're tough, I grant you that. But I will break you soon enough!” She got out, reaching for Kirtana as she closed the distance, “You will not defeat me! You will not!”

Kirtana leaned back, not far enough as Junius grasped the front of their robes and threw them onto the ground. They coughed, head spinning and jerked to the side, as Junius’s fist slammed into the ground next to their head sending a small amount of rubble flying.

They reached their aether into the ground, and it erupted around them, chunks of courtyard ground slamming into the Tribunus, sending her flying a short distance away. 

They stood quickly,  raising their cane, calling upon the power within them and watched as light erupted from Junius as they finished their cast of Holy. They smiled at her scream, and changed gearsets once again, this time to Dragoon. They leapt into the air roaring out in vengeance as they drove their spear into Junias’s shoulder as she was getting to her feet. 

Junias screamed as Kirtana tore their spear from her shoulder and kicked her to the ground, “No... It's happening...all over again…” She sobbed, as Kirtana placed a foot on her chest, “Please... I cannot bear it... Don't take him...away from me... My lord Gaius!!!”

“For Noraxia.” They growled, and drove their spear into her neck, taking a great amount of satisfaction in the shattering of bone and burst of blood.

Chapter Text

Kirtana sat in the coach with the first group of Doman refugees, talking with Yozan and Koharu animatedly as they made their way across Thanalan.

“What is the scariest thing you’ve fought?” Yozan asked, eyes wide and curious.

Kirtana chuckled, taking some time to consider, “I think I may have been the most afraid fighting Ifrit.” They began, “A god-like being aspected with fire, summoned by the Amaljaa to bring destruction to the men, women, and others of Thanalan.”

Koharu looked away from the landscape behind the coach and frowned for a moment, “Others? Isn’t it just men and women?”

Kirtana paused, looking quickly at Hozan for a moment. He only looked at them curiously with a head tilt.

“No, there are not just men and women.” They began softly, looking out at the passing buttes and bluffs, “I have met many a person who was not man or woman, as well as a few who were both, and some who shifted between genders fluidly. I myself am neither man nor woman. I am something else entirely, something that is just me.”

“… Is that why you looked like you ate bad rice when we called you Miss earlier?” Koharu asked quietly, looking quite concerned.

“A bit, but you did not know, and I am not upset with you.” They comforted the young girl, “You can just call me Kirtana, if you wish.”

“But you’re an adult! Yozan protested, “What do we call you to give you respect!”

Kirtana smiled softly, “I do prefer Sere, if you must call me with some title.”

“Sere Kirtana?” The children said at the same time.

They nodded, “Yeah, like that.”

The children smiled, Koharu giggling slightly.

“What’s it like?” Yozan asked enthusiastically.

“Being me?” They asked, “As an adventurer, or my gender?”

“Both!” He replied, leaning forward.

They chuckled, “My people are very varied. They value self expression, individuality, and supporting the community. I started questioning who I was very early, maybe around your age.” She gestured to Koharu, “I knew I wasn’t a woman, but it took many years of trial and error before finding me.”

Hozan looked thoughtful across the back of the coach, “Do, many people think of this?”

They looked at him, “Many young folk in my tribe did, but we knew about other genders from a young age. I’ve talked with other folks who didn’t know until they were much older. Who were very unhappy with themselves but didn’t know why.”

He looked pensive, but didn’t say anything.

“I think I’m still a girl.” Koharu stated, “I like it!”

Kirtana chuckled, “And that’s the most important part.”

“Do you like being an adventurer?” Yozan asked, smiling widely.

They nodded, “I do, I like traveling, wandering, and helping folks where I can.”

“What did you do before you were an adventurer?” Koharu asked sweetly.

“I was a hunter, and I sang with my people sometimes.” They began, playing with a loose lock of their hair, “My tribe frequently interacted with Garleans trying to build a Castrum near their territory. I left to study martial disciplines abroad. I’ll go back, someday soon maybe, start teaching my people the disciplines I’ve learned.”

“Where are you from?” Koharu asked next.

“The Azim Steppe.”

Both children, and Hozan’s eyes widened slightly.

“That’s right next to Doma, right dad?” Yozan turned in his seat to face his father.

Hozan nodded, “You should know, the Garleans started pulling out of the Steppe a few years ago.”

Kirtana nodded, mind filled with conflicting emotions of relief and confusion at the news.

He continued, “I wouldn’t hold my breath, they are relentless, and they will be back when they’ve…” He stopped, glancing at his children, “They will be back when it suits them.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana raced through the camp, dress skirts fluttering in their rush. They got to the front of Thancred’s tent and halted abruptly, second guessing their own intention and feeling their dread build up in their throat. They heard laughter within the tent. Minfillia’s, and Thancred’s, though his was quieter. 

The pair sounded happy, and that drove them deeper into their own hesitance and dread.

They took a step back, not wishing to eavesdrop on their conversation. They sat down nearby, and pulled out a set of panpipes. They looked down at the small instrument in their hands, debating whether to ask to see Thancred, or to leave, maybe to come back another day. Or maybe not at all, maybe to just, disappear again. Like they had so many times before…

Before all of this.

They sighed, glancing back over to Thancred's tent, and their stomach twisted in guilt. They couldn't leave, not yet. They needed to apologize for putting Thancred in the infirmary in such a state. And if he never wanted to see them again after that, they'd respect his wishes.

They put the panpipes to their lips, and began playing softly. Something slow and mysterious. 

The tune gathered some small attention. Passing soldiers glancing at them, some sitting nearby to listen. They weren't playing for an audience, they let themself wander through the melody without paying close attention to it. And the next song and the next. They stumbled through some parts, ran out of breath at others, paused between pieces to figure out what song would be next.

Soldiers and noncombatants wandered around, a rotating audience of people going about their morning. Some only paused to listen a few moments, most stayed for a bit longer, but they were content to play just for the sake of playing.

They looked up at Thancred's tent between songs, and saw Minfilia walk out of it, a tired look of relief across her face. They stood quickly, tail thrashing nervously and they approached her before she could walk away.

“Min?” They called softly.

Minfilia turned to Kirtana and smiled, “My Friend! How do you fare after all the excitement of the past few days?”

They paused, “Better, after Urianger bade me sleep yesterday.”

“We missed you at last night's celebrations.” She placed a hand on their arm gently.

Kirtana placed a hand over hers and sighed, “You know I’m not good at parties.”

“Still, you were missed.” Minfilia smiled at them, “Are you here to see Thancred?”

“...Could you ask if he’d want to see me?” They asked quietly.

“I’m sure he’d-”

“Please.” They couldn’t make eye contact.

Minfilia paused, and squeezed their arm gently, “I’ll be right back.”

They watched her go back into the tent. Their heart pounding wildly in their chest and hands shaking as they ran scenario after scenario of Thancred refusing to see them or cursing their name in their mind.

“Kirtana?” Minfilia’s voice broke through their racing thoughts, and the looked to see her smiling, “He wants to see you.”

They froze a moment, thrashing tail stilling. They clasped their hands and nodded, taking a deep breath. They tried to smile at Minfilia as they walked up to the tent, and she squeezed their hands softly as she stepped aside to let them in. The tent flap closed behind them, and they stood near the entrance, trying to find their voice.

Thancred was propped up by a few pillows, bandages covering his torso. He grinned widely as he saw them standing there.

“Well, come on in, no use standing over there!” Thancred called cheerily from his cot motioning them to come sit in the chair next to him.

They sat down, fidgeting with their rings, “How are you…?” Their voice faltered.

“I’m well enough, considering what I went through.” He chuckled.

They stilled, “Do you, remember, anything?”

“I remember you yelling ‘Get out of him you Ghosty Fuck!’” He snickered.

Kirtana snorted, in spite of their nerves, “Not, not my best verse.”

He laughed loudly, stopping and groaning in pain, “Oh, not well enough for that yet!”

They reached out, eyes wide, “Thancred-”

Thancred waved them off, “Don’t, don’t start that, Kir. I don’t want you to worry about me more right now.”

“Thancred I almost killed you.” Their voice came out fragile and emotional, “You were broken. If I wasn’t a White Mage-”

Thancred reached out and grasped their hand, “But you are! The fact that I am breathing and laughing with you is telling enough!”

“You’re not,” They swallowed, squeezing his hand, “You’re not afraid of me?”

“Kirtana I am in awe of you.” He smiled, “You fought Lahabrea after you were drained from hours of constant combat against the Garlean forces. And after that you managed to heal me enough to bring me back here safely.” He laughed, “Gods, you’re a marvel.”

They burst into tears, letting themself fall apart in the presence of their friend. 

“Hey now,” He leaned forward, slowly sitting up and placed a hand on their shoulder, “Tears for me, Beautiful?”

“Shut, shut up,” Their voice came out small, and held his hands tightly, voice wobbling through their sobs, “I was so scared for you.”

“I’ll be fine, our Baldesian friends are monitoring me closely.” He reassured them, “Soon enough I’ll be back to wooing maidens and helping you slay primals in style.”

“Idiot.” They managed to get out through their tears, smiling faintly.

He just laughed.

Chapter Text

Kirtana walked slowly out to the fields east of Mor Dhona, the afternoon sun filtering through the dazzling crystals in the distance. They stopped to see Hoary Boulder, Coultenet, the children, Yda, and Thancred gathered as expected. They smiled, greeting all of the children before turning to Hoary Boulder.

“You ready big guy?” They asked playfully.

He laughed, a large uproarious sound, “'Twas good of you to agree to this, Kirtana. I trust you are ready to begin?”

They nodded, “Switched my arrows to blunted ones. They’ll leave nasty bruises, but shouldn’t do anything too bad.”

He nodded, “Very well. Let us not keep the younglings waiting any longer!”

Coultenet cleared his throat, “Ahem. Hoary? Are you certain you wish to fight them alone? That is Kirtana you face.”

“What better way to test my mettle? Pray allow me to attempt the first round unaided.” His face lit up with a mix of wonder and excitement, “After all, 'twas this hero's legend that led me to join the Scions to begin with. Without Kirtana to inspire my efforts, I would not be half the warrior I am today.”

Kirtana’s stomach twisted uncomfortably, but put forth a convincing smile.

“Your point is well made. But remember: this is for the children's sake as well as your own. Should it appear the contest will end too swiftly, I shall add my spells to your bladework.” Coultenet pulled out his staff and spun it around his hand dramatically.

“Hello! You haven't begun yet, have you?” A man leading a small group of frontiersmen asked.

Kirtana stilled, feeling dread build up as the people gathered ‘round, looking pointedly at Thancred and Yda, who were also walking up.

“Yda!? What─ Who are all these people!?” Coultenet asked a bit incredulously.

Yda gestured joyfully, “When I heard about your sparring match, I told everyone I could find. Thought you could use a crowd to cheer you on!”

“Yes, and there are still more to come. When I mentioned Kirtana's name, the reaction was quite enthusiastic.” Thancred began, shaking his head while smiling, “Why, my own popularity seems but a sickly shade in comparison! You'd best claim victory, Bringer of Light─your burgeoning reputation is at stake!”

Kirtana felt the blood drain from their face.

“Well, our teacher won't be beaten so easily! He's a master swordsman!” Yozan spoke in defense of the roegadyn.

“You can win, Mister Boulder!” Koharu cheered.

“We shall soon see. On your guard!” Hoary Boulder turned to Kirtana, drawing his sword and shield.

Kirtana drew their bow and grinned, desperately pushing aside their anxiety for the moment, “Let’s give them something to remember!”

Hoary Boulder was a good combatant, excellent even. His strikes were powerful, with a precision gained only through experience. And with Coultenet's magic added to the fray after he fell to his knees the first time, they were certainly a formidable pair. 

But the past seven months had honed their martial skills to a prowess they were proud to have achieved.

They dodged sword strikes and elemental bursts, firing blunted arrows quickly between running and deflecting blows. They laughed, lightly ribbing the pair with playful insults. They ran circles around the pair, and soon enough they were both sat on the ground in defeat.

A chorus of resounding cheers startled them, and they dropped their bow in surprise. They looked at the crowd that had gathered, far larger than it was when the match had started.

They looked over at Thancred and Yda, panic clear on their facial features.

Thancred merely gave them a thumbs up and a grin.

Yda waved and mouthed, ‘The Audience’ at them.

They wrangled their emotions for control of their facial features, leaning down to pick up their bow. They stowed it, and placed their performer’s mask on as they stood. They beamed at what seemed like the entire outpost that had gathered.

They helped the pair stand, shaking both of their hands, and turned to the Audience, “Thank you for coming to support our match!” More cheering, “Please don’t make me do this often, I'd hate to put all our able handed defenders in the infirmary!” 

Several people laughed amongst the cheering, and as the crowd began talking amongst themselves they caught Yda’s eye.

She grinned, giving them two thumbs up and laughing.

Kirtana wore a pained expression and shook their head.

Yda paused, tilting her head to the side with a concerned expression.

They spotted Alphinaud approaching them and mouthed ‘Later’ at her.

Yda nodded, spotting Alphinaud as well, and waved gingerly before walking with the crowd.

Chapter Text

Krtana sat outside in Camp Dragonhead, mulling over the past week. Dead end after dead end trying to find the Enterprise, that damn Inquisitor sowing discontent about the Ishgardian’s attitude towards them. They clenched their hands tightly, trying to calm their own dark thoughts about the people of this cold-hearted country.

“My friend you shall catch a chill if you sit there much longer.” A concerned lilting voice called off to the side, “Pray, come inside and let me fix you a warm drink.”

They looked towards the voice and saw Haurchefant standing in the doorway to his office, “I… I wouldn’t wish to trouble you, Commander.”

“I insist,” He motioned them to come inside, “And please, to you, it’s Haurchefant.”

They felt their heart flutter and quickly squashed that feeling down, “Well, if you insist.” They stood, brushing the snow that had gathered on their armor and walked up to the kind Elezen.

He smiled down at them, “This way. Tell me, have you ever had hot cocoa?”

They smiled back and shook their head as they followed him, “I’ve made chocolate confectionery before but I’ve not had hot cocoa. I’m usually a tea drinker when I wish for hot beverages.”

“Would you allow me to prepare you some cocoa? It is something of a specialty of mine.” He asked as they walked deeper into the building.

They nodded, “Consider me interested, might I be with you while preparing it?”

“Of course!” He laughed, opening the door to the kitchen and walking in.

Kirtana leaned against the tall counters and watched Haurchefant gather ingredients from a few cabinets, “Is it, expensive, to import chocolate right now?” They asked quietly.

He paused, “Yes, but I deem it necessary for morale. The people under my command are grateful when they have it.”

“... Maybe I could bring some, next time I’m in the vicinity?” They offered quietly.

He placed a full pot on the stove and lit the burner with a fire shard, “You don’t have to, but I would be happy to reimburse you with extra if you did.”

They shook their head, “Haurchefant I couldn’t accept that.”

He stopped, looking over his shoulder, an unreadable expression on his face, “Kirtana, I would-”

“You were the first person to be kind to me here.” They interrupted him, “You have given us a safe harbour and succor, and have given us information in our search for the Enterprise. And you have barely asked for anything in return.” Their voice caught in their throat.

Haurchefant stirred the warming pot, adding a heaping amount of cocoa powder, “I know, it is not easy for outsiders here. Especially, you…” He paused, “My house’s stance on adventurers and outsiders is the minority, I know this. But you are such an admirable person, with valuable skills and I, I find myself glad of your company.”

They spoke softly, “You do not think me some third-rate sellsword who lacks honour?”

He stilled, his voice came out cold and measured, “Who said this about you?”

They stilled themself, panicking at his tone “Haurchefant, please don’t-”

He turned to them, usually kind face stern and dark, “Kirtana, I would not tolerate anyone speaking of you in such a manner. I would have words with whoever-”

“One of the guards, at the Gates of Judgement.” They started, “I did work for him. Please, do not put yourself in danger for me. I beg of you, please do not.”

He stopped, his expression falling, “You deserve better than that, Kirtana.”

“You are too kind, Haurchefant.” They spoke softly, tears welling up in their eyes, “I want to repay your kindness towards us, towards me.”

He turned back to the simmering pot on the stove, adding a few more ingredients, “You are more than deserving of it.” 

He turned the stovetop down, and pulled down two thick mugs from a cabinet, ladeling the now ready cocoa into it. He turned to them, and looked at them, placing the mug in front of them.

“Thank you.” They picked up the mug, staring into the contents of their mug.

He stood beside them, leaning against the counter, towering over them, “I meant it, I am glad of our company, and I would not suffer insults against you.”

“I am glad of your company as well.” Their voice was quiet, tail twitching nervously, “I am fond of you.”

He paused, “I am fond of you as well.”

Kirtana sipped their cocoa, feeling blood rush to their neck and face.

Haurchefant looked at them. They were tiny compared to him, barely coming up to his rib cage, but they were strong. Their scales covered much of their body, and tightly corded muscle under that. They were beautiful.

“Haurchefant?” They asked quietly, putting the mug down.

“Yes?”

“This cocoa is really good.”

He threw his head back in laughter, and Kirtana smiled as they continued drinking their cocoa.

Chapter Text

Kirtana stood in the yurt they shared with their family, shoving clothes and necessities into a large pack. They rummaged through old containers, carefully considering items to take or leave, and tossing aside what they deemed unnecessary.

“What are you doing?” A slow mournful melody broke their concentration.

Their brother.

They didn't turn to look at him, “I'm leaving, Xan.” They sang swiftly.

Footsteps, swift, and large hands on their shoulders, “You can't be serious!” His melody was swift, his words staccato, “Kirtana it is not safe for you out there! Your fits will put you in danger!”

“And the Garleans at our doorstep won’t?!” They shrugged their brother's hands off of them turning to face him, “Our clan has few warriors! How long can simple hunters be counted on to keep them away! We need help!”

“Then we petition the Khans!” He pleaded with them, “You do not have to leave! We are not Kha!”

“The Khans are too disparate. Concerned with their own clan's affairs.” They lowered their voice, melody soft and emotional, “I’m not leaving forever, Xanadu.”

“Let me come with you.” He pleaded.

They shook their head, taking their brother’s hands in theirs, “You have a wife, you have a child-”

“They love you, they will miss you.” He continued to plead.

“They do, and they will, just as I know you do and will as well.” They sang softly, “But I know my nickname here.”

“It does not define you. You are valued, you are beloved.” 

“I will always be Cursed Kirtana here, Xan.” They sighed, the musicality leaving her voice.

Xanadu stilled, eyes downcast, “You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”

They nodded, and leaned upward. Xanadu leaned down and they rubbed their horns together briefly.

“Do you have a plan? You can’t just, sally forth into the unknown.” He asked quietly, gesturing vaguely as he did so.

“I go to Kugane, from there my options for where I can go open up dramatically.” They began, “I’m going to study different ways of being a warrior. I’ll come home when I have help, I’ll teach everyone who’s willing to learn.”

His brow creased, “And what of money? Boat rides are not cheap.”

“I am Qalli.” They laughed, “I will busk, I will hunt, I will work where I can to get the coin needed.”

“I will worry.” He stated.

“I know. I will be careful.”

He wrapped them in a tight embrace, and Kirtana hugged him back.

“You are certain there is nothing I could say to make you stay?”

They smiled and shook their head, “I want to go. I want to see what’s out there.”

He released them, placing his hands on their shoulders, “You are growing up before my very eyes.”

They grinned, “I will make you proud.”

“You already have.”

Chapter Text

“Alphinaud are you certain my presence is necessary?” They asked, tail twitching nervously.

He grinned at them, “If my many ‘adventures’ in diplomacy have taught me anything, it is the importance of humoring those who have something one wants. Not every victory is won on a battlefield, my friend.” His smile shifted to a sympathetic one, “‘Tis the lot of legendary heroes to be paraded about from time to time.”

“Kill a few primals and everyone thinks you’re legendary…” They grumbled, sighed, and smiled tiredly, “For you, I will ask Minfilia if I am able to go.”

“Thank you my friend!” He placed a hand on their shoulder, “I promise you will not have to make any political decisions."

They chuckled, in spite of themself, “I think the world would be in significant trouble if I had to make ‘political decisions’.”

He chuckled with them, “While I think it wouldn’t be as disastrous as you fear, I am inclined to agree.”

They pushed him playfully, “I’m telling Alisaie you have no faith in me next time I see her.”

He gasped in mock shock, “My friend! That you would stoop to such a level disappoints me greatly.”

“Your disappointment holds no power over me, Commander Leveilleur.” They responded playfully, crossing their arms and grinning.

He let out a short laugh and shook his head, “Go ask the Antecedent already, Kirtana. We should be ready to leave within the next few bells.”

“Very well, Commander,” They bowed with a flourish. 

They turned and began walking towards the Solar. They pushed the door open and saw Minfilia with a stack of papers, a map, and a book open.

She looked up and smiled, “Kirtana, what brings you to my office today?”

They walked in, “I am here to request a brief leave to help Alphinaud with diplomatic affairs.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head, “With whom if I might ask?”

“An Ishgardian ambassador. He apparently requested my presence at this meeting.” They explained.

Minfilia considered the information for a moment, “A meeting with an Ishgardian ambassador? By all means, I think it a wonderful idea.” She looked through some of the paperwork on her desk and nodded, “We have received no reports of aetheric disturbances or unusual beast tribe activity of late. If Alphinaud believes your presence may help him to secure more favorable terms, I see no reason to deny him.”

They sighed, smiling fondly, “I’m going to need to pick up a small shipment of cocoa powder.”

Minfilia giggled, a knowing expression across her face.

They fought to keep their expression neutral in the meeting. It felt hackneyed, like speaking to a brick wall with Ser Aymeric’s statements on Ishgardian’s isolationist policies. He even admitted that the Holy See knew the Garleans would resume their campaign, and he still wouldn’t advise alliance.

They looked at Haurchefant, noting his terse expression as he looked at the pair of diplomats. They started to reach for his hand when the door burst open, a knight running in with a frantic expression across their face.

“What is the meaning of this!?” Haurchefant stood quickly, turning to the knight.

“The caravan, my lord! It's been attacked!” Their voice was tight, “It was Iceheart, my lord!”

Kirtana felt their stomach twist, and stood as well, pulling their cane from their aetheric storage.

“What!? By the Fury! All our precautions were for naught!?” Haurchefant cried.

Kirtana placed a hand on his upper arm, “We must respond. Quickly, Haurchefant.”

He nodded, “To the War Room, we shall begin preparing our response immediately.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana sat with Tataru at the Rising Stones, another pot of tea and a plate of swiftly dwindling cookies between them. The pair laughed together, discussing Kirtana's latest foray into the Highlands of Coerthas. 

“-And I went back up to her, with the three crystal beads, wishing I could have been there to clear her husband's name…” They sighed, sipping their tea, “It was quite a melancholy job.”

Tataru listened with rapt attention, wiping a tear from her eye, “Oh that poor woman!”

“If only I could mend hearts the way I can mend wounds.” They lamented, looking down into their cup, “It, hurt to see her grieving like that.”

“Time will heal her, and you gave her some measure of closure.” Tataru comforted, “But tell me, did Haurchefant thank you for the cocoa powder you brought him?”

Kirtana smiled faintly, “He wished to pay me, saying I brought too much to repay me in simple thanks.”

She grinned suggestively, “And did you let him take you into his arms for a night of ‘payment?’”

Kirtana's face grew flushed, and they spluttered in surprise, “Tataru!”

She giggled, “I jest! Though your reaction was quite telling.”

Kirtana grumbled a bit, sipping her tea.

“But the way you speak of him, and the way you describe how he speaks to you.” Tataru spoke dreamily, “He has to be quite taken with you.”

“I- maybe? I wouldn't- I don't know.” They stumbled over their words, flush intensifying.

Tataru smiled, “He must be! And you with him given your reactions.”

They paused, fumbling internally, “I… I do find myself, quite, fond of him.” Their voice got quieter with each word.

Tataru squealed with glee, “Tell me everything! Tell me everything right now!”

They smiled softly, swirling their tea absentmindedly, and spoke quietly, “I, he was kind to us, when we first came to Coerthas. He asked after me when I completed work for him. We talked. He, he's quite sweet.” 

She grinned, “And how do you plan on telling him?”

They let out a short splattering noise, “I mean- I've, we’ve, it's not really-”

“Oh gods did you already tell him?!” She squealed.

They quickly gestured for her to be quiet, “I, don't know?”

Tataru stared, “What do you mean you ‘don't know?’”

They shrugged, gesturing vaguely, “I just, kinda, told him, I was fond of him…”

“And!?” She slammed her hands down on the table, leaning forward intensely.

Kirtana looked down, speaking quickly, “He said he was fond of me as well.”

“Did you kiss him and not tell me?!” She asked incredulously.

“No! I didn't, we didn't, we haven't really, talked about it since.” Their voice raised in pitch at the end of their sentence.

“Kirtana Qalli, you need to go back there immediately and kiss him!” She wagged her finger at them.

“Tataru, no!” They pleaded, “I, with my work, and the traveling, and the near constant danger I'm in… I don't know if we'd have enough time for each other. I don't want him to worry about me too, with everything that’s been happening in Ishgard.”

Tataru blinked, looking taken aback, “He's the commander of a military outpost, right? I'm sure he'd understand.”

“... He deserves someone more stable than I, Tataru.” Kirtana lamented. 

Tataru frowned, pointing at them, “Do you want to court him?”

They paused, thinking, really thinking, “I, I want to know him more, before deciding anything.” They held up their hand to stop Tataru from speaking, “He has been nothing but kind and attentive to me, and I am ever so grateful to have him in my life. But the timing. With everything I am needed for here, I don't wish to put strain on him with this.”

Tataru's brow creased as she considered this, “Well, I still think you are much too hesitant about this. I think you should at least tell him.” 

Kirtana's shoulders sagged, “I don't know Tataru. There's, alot going on right now.”

She gave them a pointed look.

“Maybe, when it all settles down, I will.”

Chapter Text

“Are you certain about this, My Dear?” Thancred asked, lacing his fingers together and looking at them carefully.

Kirtana nodded, twirling a throwing knife around their fingers with surprising dexterity, “Just something to help me test my skills.”

He raised his eyebrow, “You want to duel me, to test your skills?”

“Just to first blood!” They stated.

He narrowed his eyes, considering the offer carefully, “Is this, fulfilling my want for fame as Hoary Boulder dueled you last week?”

A pained expression crossed their face, “I don’t- Not with that big an audience.” They started, “I have, quite literally, been using daggers for three days, Thancred.”

His eyebrows raised, and he laughed, “You’ve been delving into the rogueish arts for three days and you want to duel me already?”

Their face shifted to a sheepish expression, “Well when you put it like that…”

He continued laughing and grinned widely, “Planning on showing me up at my own game?”

They put a hand on their hip, smirking playfully, “You gonna keep laughing at me or are you gonna be able to proudly boast that you have a scar from when you dueled me?”

“You-!” He spluttered, standing up, “Oh now you've done it!”

They laughed, “You got a preference for where your new scar will be?”

“Training room! Right now!” He grinned, beginning to walk over to the training space in the Rising Stones, “Let's see if your skill transfers over to your new daggers!”

They smiled and followed him, tail waving excitedly as they put their dagger back in its sheathe. Thancred walked to the middle of the room, and motioned them forward.

“Ground rules.” He started, “No going for the eyes, we both need those. You can throw knives. But! We’re allowed to pick up each other's thrown ammunition! No changing disciplines!” He gave them a pointed look.

They nodded, laughing quickly.

“And! First blood, as soon as one of our blades is whetted we disengage immediately.” He finished seriously.

They nodded, “Grappling alright?”

He scoffed, “Of course! That’s half of knife fighting, My Dear!”

They cracked their knuckles, “Good.”

Thancred shook his head, and pulled his daggers out, extending one toward them, “May the best Rogue win!”

They pulled their own knives out, and extended one to Thancred's. They crossed blades in salute before both parties readied themselves.

“On your mark.” Kirtana gestured to him.

“Ready?” He started, watching as Kirtana nodded, “Begin!”

Kirtana charged, bringing one knife out in a wide arc. Thancred stepped back and parried Kirtana’s second dagger that came forth in a quick thrust. He stepped inward, bringing his second dagger forth to thrust as Kirtana’s arms were wide.

They angled their body, quickly taking a step to the side, tail swinging widely to compensate for their balance. They swiftly swung their first blade low, aiming for Thancred’s center mass. He jumped backward, disengaging from their reach quickly and threw a knife in their direction.

They dodged to the side, feeling the dagger graze their sleeve but not draw blood. Their focus narrowed and they closed the distance quickly. Thancred leaned back, throwing his leg up in a kick that connected Kirtana solidly in the chest. 

The impact knocked the wind out of them and sent them a half step back. Which gave Thancred a quick opening to go on the offensive. His free hand waved in front of their face, snapping his fingers loudly and drawing Kirtana’s attention away from his blade for a fraction of a second before stabbing at their upper arm.

They refocused quickly and smacked his arm away as they stomped on his inner foot. Thancred let out a quick curse and dodged as Kirtana thrusted for him again. He grabbed their wrist with his free hand, digging into the meat of their thumb and twisted swiftly. Kirtana yelped as they were pulled to the side, losing grip on that dagger and watching it clatter to the floor.

Thancred quickly bright his blade up and lunged at their face, drawing a line of blood across their cheekbone. 

And feeling the sting of steel across his ribs at the same time.

They both stood there, breathing heavily for a moment before Kirtana started laughing.

“A draw?!” They laughed, a touch incredulous.

Thancred started laughing as well, letting go of their hand and standing up straight, “Very well done, My Dear! I’m one of the best in the business, and you had me on my toes!”

They stood up as well, touching the cut across their cheek lightly, “Sorry about your foot.” They apologized.

“Ah you didn’t break anything it’s fine.” He lifted his arm and looked at the grazing cut across his ribs, “Didn’t even see you move to deliver this! Fine work indeed!”

Kirtana wiped their dagger and began walking to pick up their other one, "Would you like me to heal it?”

“Don’t you dare rob me of this scar, Kir.” He chastised them.

They laughed, “Let me at least bandage it, Thancred!”

“Oh very well, if you insist.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana stood at the precipice of Amdapor, fidgeting with their cane, listening to both the elementals and the small party of adventurers behind them.

“What do they say?” A hyur lancer, Jezebel, asked.

 They paused, pushing their senses further into the ruins and frowned, “This entire place is twisted, dead or dying. They’re calling for vengeance, for death, or release.”

“What’s the plan, Qalli.” Nuso’a, a miqo’te gladiator, twirled his sword looking out at the strange growths growing across the ruins.

They twirled their cane, feeling their aether swirl inside them, “Delve carefully, don’t breathe whatever those growths are spewing, fight whatever is thrown at us, and see what lies at the heart of this snarl of decay.”

“Straightforward enough.” Juneau, an elezen thaumaturge, smiled and pulled his staff into his hands.

“Don’t wander too far,” They started, “My influence over the elementals here is low. I wouldn’t wish for anyone to get hurt beyond my ability to heal.”

Nuso’a nodded, “Stay close, got it.”

“Let’s go.” Kirtana nodded, and the party began their delve into the ruins.

The descent was foul, mold and rot covering every aspect of the ruins, the creatures within no exception. Kirtana had to work harder to heal their comrades, and to keep the mold from taking root within them.

And after encounter after encounter, they stood in a chamber deep under the ruins, glowing walkways and open floors at varying levels.

“What in the seven hells!” Jezebel cursed, “This is-”

“It’s down here.” Kirtana interrupted, gripping their cane tightly, as the elementals screeched in the aether around them, “Whatever turned the city into this is down here.”

Nuso’a gripped his sword and shield tightly, “Everyone on guard, stay within sight.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Juneau muttered, waving his staff in front of him, summoning a few lights around him. 

They clustered together, walking down the ramps slowly, ready to burst forth into combat at any second. Each squeak of a bat set them on edge, every now and then looking back at Kirtana for guidance. They remained quiet, silently pushing the party deeper down into this vault of darkness.

The bats started to swarm as they approached the final area, twisting and writhing into the shape of some shade.

“On guard!” Kirtana called, seeing the aether twist and corrupt in front of them and they quickly cast forth a regeneration on their companions.

A bead of darkness sprouted, the bats coalescing into a solid orb of blackness. It swelled, and burst, a wave of liquid shadow pouring down from it, revealing a massive horned and winged creature. It roared, shaking the foundations of this massive underground space and charged them.

“Voidsent! Scatter!” Kirtana called, immediately throwing their arms wide as they called forth a burning Holy at the voidsent.

Nuso’a charged, shield up and slammed it into the large creature, hard, drawing its ire away from the rest of them. Jezebel began throwing javelins as she closed the distance, and Juneau ran to the right, beginning to throw fire, ice, and lightning as he spun his staff around.

The creature roared again, raising one clawed hand slowly, pulling forth mysterious doors from the floor, and Kirtana noted the sets of matching symbols across them.

The four worked in tandem, bringing the creature injury beyond its capability to heal, aether leaking from its various wounds. It roared again, raising its arms, a symbol matching one set of doors in the swirling aether above it.

Kirtana looked to the doors, noting the corrupted aether gathering around the voidsent, and spotted the doors with the matching symbol.

“Everyone this way!” They shouted, running to the door, “It’s gonna let something destructive loose! We gotta get in here!”

Juneau nodded, “They’re right! The aether, it’ll kill us or get us close to death!”

Jezebel disengaged quickly, throwing javelins at it as she quickly made her way to Kirtana, Juneau close behind her.

“Nuso’a!” Kirtana called, watching the miqo’te keep slashing at the voidsent.

He turned, and began to run, too slow, he wasn’t going to make it.

Kirtana reached out a lash of aether, wrapping it around him, pulling him close quickly with a rescue and they both fell into the door just before the creature unleashed a nightmarish flood of corruption.

The party walked through this aetheric hall, immune to the corruption around them, and burst forth from the other side, ready to continue the battle. Their attacks and spelled flowed together, the voidsent’s aether continuing to leak from the wounds given to it. 

Kirtana worked tirelessly, keeping everyone healed, everyone with regeneration. All the while still sending their own magical attacks to slice, crush, and light up the voidsent where possible.

And soon, Nuso’a jumped up, carving one final slice across the voidsent’s body, sending flying up and away from them. It let out one final roar, convulsing as it came crashing down to the floor, exploding into shadow and few stray bats as it collided with the platform.

Chapter Text

Kirtana walked up to the Solar in the Waking Sands, tray of tea fixings in hand, punching the door open slightly.

“Min? May I come in?” They asked carefully.

“Of course, my friend!” Came her response, a touch to cheerful, “What might I do for you today?”

Kirtana pushed the door open, tea cups clinking softly as they walked further in, “It’s what I can do for you, today.” They spoke, setting the tray down on her desk.

Minfilia’s face dropped slightly, “To what do I owe this?”

Kirtana began pouring the tea, “How do you take tea?”

“Kirtana, I…” She paused, seeing the Au Ra’s insistent expression and relented, “One sugar.”

Kirtana dropped the sugar in her tea cup and placed it before her, “You’ve hardly rested since we rescued you from the castrum.”

Minfilia held the tea, sighing, “There is much work to be done, and I don’t wish for Tataru to be overwhelmed with it all after, everything.”

Kirtana leaned against the desk, their own cup of tea in their hands, “Minfilia, myself, and the rest of the scions are worried for you.”

Minfilia froze, “I, I assure you, I am fine.” She spoke quietly.

“Minfilia you are hardly sleeping,” They spoke softly, concern etched on their face, “You are always at your desk or talking on your linkpearl. We are worried.”

“There is just much to be done,” Minfilia insisted, “I will rest when the work eases.”

Kirtana sipped their tea and then set it aside, “Minfilia, please, talk to me.”

Minfilia looked down into her tea, speaking quietly, “It’s Thancred…”

Kirtana looked downward, heart twisting painfully at the recent memory, “We’ll get him back.”

“I keep trying to think back, to see if I remember anything about when it might have happened…” Minfilia spoke, her throat tight with emotion.

Kirtana stepped forward, placing and arm around Minfilia’s shoulders and holding her close, “We can’t know right now. We need to find a way to get Lahabrea out of him first.”

“I have been trying to find, anything, that could help us.” She voice trembled slightly, “Anything at all. I can’t bear to think of, of-”

“We won’t kill him.”

Tears began to roll down Minfilia’s face, gripping her own tea tightly, “But if we can’t find-”

“We will.” Kirtana knelt in front of her and wiped tears away gently, “But we need you to rest. You will not be able to help Thancred while you are exhausted like this.”

She shook her head, “I can’t, the nightmares…”

Kirtana’s face fell, “I, I know what happened to you…” They whispered, “The Echo, I saw.”

She dropped the tea, the cup breaking at her feet, tea spilling over her boots and Kirtana’s pants.

Kirtana took her hands in theirs, “Min, please, I will stay with you all night if you need it.”

“I don’t, know.” She responded, voice thick with emotion.

“I’m here,” They promised, “I’m here.”

She started crying softly, hanging her head low as her shoulders shook.

Kirtana stood, and wrapped Minfilia into a tight hug, “We’ll figure this out. We’ll help you, we’re all here for you.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana walked into the Waking Sands, scratching at the scales on their cheeks, managing to pull away a long strip of shed. They sighed, relieved it was off, but still feeling the irritation of the rest of the shed still clinging to them.

“Kirtana!” Tataru called from her table near the stairs, and paused looking at the state of their friend, “Are you alright.”

“I started shedding, two days ago, in the field.” They explained, voice tight and body stiff, “And I need a bath right now.”

Tataru waved them to the stairs, “Oh don’t let me keep you then!”

Kirtana started walking down the stairs and then paused, “Tataru can you help me?” They asked quietly.

“Me?” She asked, looking confused, “What do you need help with?”

“The scales on my back.” They replied, still quiet, scratching on the outside of their glove.

Tataru’s face softened, “Go send Urianger to relieve me, I’ll meet you down in the bathing chambers soon.”

They rushed the rest of the way down the stairs, and after explaining to Urianger what was happening they rushed to the smaller bathing chambers. They waited for Tataru, switching to casual clothes, and finally scratching at the scales on their hands and forearms, managing to peel even more shed off of them. They held the shed in their hands, trying to locate a nearby wastebin when Tataru rounded the corner.

Her eyes widened seeing the discoloration and peeling of the visible scales, “Oh my, that looks…” She trailed off.

“It’s itchy and irritated and it needs to come off now.” They spoke quickly, tone urgent and desperate.

“How does this work?” She asked, suddenly all business at Kirtana’s tone.

“Warm water to help loosen the shed, peel off as much as you can with your hands, and follow up with a brush to get stubborn bits.” They explained, pulling a shed brush from their aetheric storage.

Tataru nodded, taking off her hat, ponytail tumbling down, “Then let’s get the water warm for you.”

Kirtana pushed the door open to one of the smaller bathing chambers, and closed it after Tataru followed them in. They found a wastebasket, tossing the shed into it, and sat down, beginning to unbuckle their shoes as Tataru placed a fire crystal into a small water heater. 

Steam began to pour out of the water heater as Kirtana finished stripping down to their smalls. They sighed and looked over to Tataru, who had removed her gloves and shoes at this point.

“Thank you. I uh, know this is, kind of, a big jump from tea and gossip.” They spoke, tail twitching nervously

Tataru looked up at them, “You are my friend!” She said earnestly, “I am more than willing to do this for you. Now come here, let’s get some water poured for you.” 

They nodded, and walked over to the heater, picking up the small bucket on the way. They pulled a switch and watched steaming water pour into the bucket. 

Tataru walked over with a couple of washcloths and handed one to Kirtana, “You just need help with your back?”

They took the washcloth and shut the water off, “And the base of my tail, if you’re ok with helping with that.” 

Tataru nodded, giving an enthusiastic thumbs up, “Let’s get started! You look so uncomfortable.”

Kirtana chuckled, and placed their head in their hand, “I really am.” They whined and sat down on the floor, “Okay, just, start soaking the scales.”

They dipped their washcloths into the hot water, and began soaking Kirtana’s scales. Kirtana began peeling the shed off the scales on their face, tossing the bits and pieces aside.

“It doesn’t hurt?” Tataru asked after a moment.

Kirtana shook their head looking over their shoulder, “It feels amazing to get rid of the shed. Even better brushing them afterwards.”

Tataru nodded, tapping her cheek, “You missed a spot.”

“I know, I can feel it.” They responded, scratching at the remaining pieces on their face, and turning to soak their throat and chest.

Tataru scratched gently at the loosened shed on Kirtana’s back, and stared as a large section sloughed off in her hands, “By the twelve…”

“By the Fury, do not stop.” Kirtana pleaded, beginning to peel the shed off their throat.

Tataru giggled, confident she wasn’t hurting their friend anymore and continued to peel the shed, tossing aside the sections to reveal new glossy scales along Kirtana’s spine. 

Tataru reached the base of Kirtana’s tail, wrapping it in the washcloth before speaking up, “I think I got most of your back, but there’s still some little bits along the edges of your scales.”

Kirtana reached for the shed brush and held it over their shoulder, “Use this, it gets the stuck bits, and it feels very nice.”

Tataru took the brush, and tested the bristles against her palm before brushing it gently along the edges of Kirtana’s scales. They in turn, let out a series of happy noises, pausing in their pulling the shed from their arms now.

Tataru laughed, “On cloud nine now, are you?”

Kirtana smiled, “Shut up, I love you, Dear.”

Tataru smiled in turn, continuing to brush along their scales, “Love you too, my friend.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana danced through the Seventh Heaven, singing while playing something lively on their fiddle. The entire establishment was smiling, many singing along to the classic Eorzian drinking song and stomping their feet in rhythm.

They jumped up on a table, spin sending their sash and skirts twirling about and the patrons seated there erupted in laughter and cheer. They laughed with them, before starting the final verse of the song. Their voice was clear, their smile bright, and the room went silent in anticipation as they held the final note strong and clear before finishing the song with one final, quick motif on their fiddle.

The room erupted in cheers, many raising their cups in celebration and laughter. They bowed, and hopped off the table, smiling at the various patrons who tipped their hats or raised their glasses to them.

They made their way to a table near a window, where Moenbryda, Thancred, and Yda sat cheering.

“Well I’ll be that sure was something!” Moenbryda smiled, raising her glass to them.

“That was one of your best ones yet!” Yda cheered.

“Thank you, thank you.” They waved with a flourish as they sat down, putting their fiddle into their aetheric storage and leaning back.

Thancred took a long drink, face already flushed deeply, “Can’t believe you don’t accept tips from this.” He managed to slur out.

They shook their head and smiled, “My adventuring work pays me plenty well, Thancred. I’d rather not take from the people here as it stands.”

“Tips or not, you still need a drink after a show like that!” Moenbryda exclaimed, waving over a waiter.

Kirtana cringed slightly, “Oh no, I don’t really-”

“Nonsense! One drink won’t kill ya!” She grinned, “Now what’ll you be having?”

Kirtana froze, “Um, I don’t, I’m not really…”

“Kirtana, have you not had alcohol before?” Yda asked innocently.

Kirtana shook their head, “I have had alcohol before! I just, don’t often really like it.”

Thancred let out a snort and Yda chuckled.

“Child’s palate eh?” Moenbryda shook her head smiling, before turning to the waiter, “Let’s get them some mead, yeah?”

The waiter nodded before walking away, writing it down on a notepad as he walked over to another nearby table.

“What do you usually get at bars then, ‘Tana?” Yda asked, picking up her drink and taking a swig.

“Food, milk, or tea.” They replied.

“Milk?” Thancred cried, “You go to a bar and get milk?”

“I’m not usually in bars, Thancred!” They replied back, gesturing wildly and voice raised a bit, “Usually it's taverns or food halls!”

Moenbryda and Yda started laughing. Thancred shook his head, knocking back the rest of his drink as Kirtana shrunk into their chair.

The waiter came by and placed a tankard before Kirtana and Moenbryda tossed over a handful of gil, winking at the young man.

Kirtana sat up again picking up the tankard and sniffing it, “It smells alright, I guess.”

“Try it.” Moenbryda encouraged.

Kirtana sipped, and tasted the thick sweetness with the bitter alcohol aftertaste, “It’s, ok?”

“C’mon, down it, Kir!” Thancred slurred, gesturing with his tankard.

They narrowed their eyes, “You trying to get me drunk, Thancred?”

He laughed, “I’ve never seen you drunk. Yes.”

They rolled their eyes and took a bigger drink this time, “I’m not gonna get drunk off of one drink, right?”

Moenbryda shrugged, “You’re smaller than Yda, and you said you don’t drink often.” She grinned over her own drink, “Better to just chug it and find out quickly.”

Kirtana frowned, “I’m not gonna chug-”

“Chug! Chug! Chug!” Yda and Thancred began chanting.

Kirtana panicked internally, looking at their friends, and then a laughing Moenbryda. Kirtana looked at the drink, and then began to chug it in time with their friends cheering. 

They slammed their empty tankard onto the table, and the rest of the table cheered wildly.

“Fuck you.” They grinned, already feeling their neck flush a bit.

Thancred leaned over and slapped them on the back heartily, “Let’s see if you join me under the table later, Kir!”

They rubbed their eyes tiredly, “Gods I hope not.”

Yda laughed, “We’ll see how drunk you get soon enough!”

Minfilia stood in the Seventh Heaven the next morning, hands on her hips as she looked at Thancred and Kirtana passed out under the table.

She shook her head and sighed, “Gods, Moenbryda is a bad influence on you two.”

Chapter Text

They stood at Ehcatl, looking down at the airship the Ixal had barely begun constructing. They picked out the starboard hull they had helped start to construct and fiddled with their carpenters file absentmindedly.

How long had the Ehcatl Nine been here, building this, they wondered. And how long could they keep it a secret from Gridania. They weren’t tempered. They did not deserve the mistrust that the Wood Wailers and Twin Adders would bring upon them. 

They looked to the side to see Tatramu and Sezul speaking animatedly over the plans before them and smiled. They hoped this would work, that they would be able to help the Ixal reach for the skies.

They shivered as their nail ran along the file and quickly put the tool in their belt. They walked up to the pair of engineers and caught their attention.

“I have to go, but, I’ll come back tomorrow?” They asked cautiously.

Sezul squawked in such a way that must have been laughter, “Work for you, there shall be! Do not be late!”

They laughed and nodded before walking off and exiting Ehcatl. 

They walked into the Waking Sands later that evening, and hurried into the small library tucked off to the side of the compound. They opened the directory, running their finger along the index.

“What might thou be searching for this afternoon?” Uriager walked around one of the shelves, deep melodious voice speaking calmly.

They looked up at him, pausing, unsure of what was safe to say, “I, uhm…”

He cocked his head to the side curiously, “I do not believe anything here should givest thou pause in asking. Art thou looking for something sordid in nature?”

“No! Urianger-!” They spluttered, “I just, I’m looking for information, on, Beastmen…”

He raised his eyebrow and nodded, “Dost thou have a specific inquiry?”

“...Anything, on, the Ixal?”

He tapped his chin thoughtfully, “Yes, I do believe we have a few tomes on the Ixal on hand. Follow me, my friend.”

Kirtana timidly followed the tall Elezen through the small library, fidgeting with their rings as he stopped at a section of shelf.

He gestured to a few rows of books, “This section of shelf contains information on the various Beast Tribes. Might I inquire as to why thou art seeking this information?”

They paused, a finger on one book spine, “I… found something.”

He raised an eyebrow.

They shrunk under his gaze, “I found, untempered, Ixal.” They spoke quietly, pulling the book from the shelf.

Urianger nodded, “Didst thou know, Minfilia sought to engage in peaceful relations with the Beast Tribes in the time before the Calamity?”

They shook their head, processing the statement.

“She hopes that the conflict betwixt our peoples will not continue in perpetuity.” He spoke calmly, “Tis a future I hope comes to pass.”

“I, I think I’m beginning to hope for it as well.” They admitted quietly.

He nodded, “I bid thee luck in thy ventures, Kirtana. Pray, seek me out if thou shalt needst more information.”

They smiled up at him, “I will, thank you.”

Chapter Text

Kirtana’s mind was a blur as Alphinaud introduced them to the Uldan dignitaries in the Rising Stones this day. They shook hands, tried to listen attentively, attempted to remember names to faces. And after a bell of mingling and watching the Dignitaries ask questions of Alphinaud and Minfilia they were exhausted.

They stood off to the side, leaning  back against the bar, watching Alphinaud zip around between the Dignitaries as they sat around talking with some of the other scions.

“You look weary.” F’laminn spoke gently, leaning forward on the other side of the bar.

They sighed, “I don’t, know what has been said about me to you, Miss F’laminn.”

She smiled softly, “Hoary Boulder talks about your legend mostly.”

They groaned, looking up at the ceiling in defeat.

She chuckled softly, “Yda talks about the small moments between missions, of her admiration and your mysteriousness, and Thancred talks of your skill and determination in learning your disciplines.”

They looked over at the older Miqote woman, curiosity on their face.

She was smiling knowingly, “Y’shtola also speaks of your discipline, of your stubbornness in the face of danger. Papalymo speaks in awe of what you have done, trying to figure out how he and Yda can apply themselves to do more.”

They processed what was being said, both embarrassed and flattered at what their friends had been saying about them when they weren’t around.

“Alphinaud also speaks of your legend, but more often of how it inspires the people he interacts with to do better.” She continued, “Tataru speaks of the stories you tell her, of the tea you bring her from faraway places.”

They chuckled softly, shaking their head at the image of Tataru relaying their stories.

“I have not spoken to Urianger often, but he has mentioned you work put into understanding the various peoples you interact with, the care you put into your friends wellbeing.” She paused, smiling softly, “And Ascilla, she speaks of your readiness to go into the fray, fearless and defiant. She worries she puts too much pressure on you with the state of the world.”

They watched as Alphinaud made a few of the dignitaries laugh, “I am one of the only ones able to do what I do. I can do it, whatever it is.”

“You are brave indeed.” F’laminn spoke softly, “But I am certain she would give you leave if you asked for it.”

They furrowed their brow and smiled, “I, I’m not sure I can ask for rest just yet. There’s still so much to be done.”

“And yet you hang back while important Dignitaries visit.” F’laminn observed, voice gentle.

They looked down, “I am no diplomat, I am not well suited to words. Speaking with people, makes me, nervous.”

F’laminn tilted her head curiously, but didn’t say anything.

“Action is easier, you show where you stand, do what you can. Help as many people as possible with what you know.” They spoke softly, “Words are, fickle, easy to say something and never follow through, to twist and change what you mean at the drop of a hat.”

“Maybe, but words can be used to inspire, to bring disparate peoples together, to forge new and better futures.” F’lammin pointed out.

“I know, and I see the work that Alphinaud does and I’m both afraid and in awe of it.” They sighed, “I just know I couldn’t do it. My throat closes up and my hands shake and my thoughts race anytime I have to talk to people I don’t know or I’m in a group.”

“Stage fright?” She asked.

“Something like that.” They chuckled.

She smiled gently, motioning to a hallway with her head, “Well, if you wanted to step out for more than a few moments, I won’t say I saw you go.”

They felt their throat tighten looking at Alphinaud zip his way between tables, “I think I will, thank you.”

Chapter Text

“Tell me about your family, Tataru?” Kirtana asked, picking up a small biscuit and placing it in their mouth. 

Tataru sipped her tea, “Well, my family used to be wealthy merchants in Uldah.” She grimaced, “But after a series of bad investments on my parents part, we lost everything.”

Kirtana stopped chewing, eyes widening slightly, “Oh.”

She smiled and shook her head, “No don't- Yes it was hard, losing everything so early in life, but I learned valuable lessons, and met Minfilia because of it.”

Kirtana swallowed their food, and took another sip of tea, “How did you meet Minfilia?” 

“I was apprenticed to a lapidary-”

“A what?”

She giggled, sipping her tea while smiling, “A gemcutter! I was apprenticed to them from a young age, and Minfilia would come in and sell gems she mined to us.”

“Oh? Did you guys, talk or something while she was selling?” They asked.

She nodded, “I must have left an impression, she asked me to join her when she formed the Path of the Twelve, and I’ve been here ever since.”

“Well I’m certainly glad you’re here.” Kirtana smiled at her, taking another sip of their tea.

Tataru laughed, smiling brightly, “I certainly am too! You bring a wonderful light to my days!”

“Tataru…” They placed a hand over their heart, smiling fondly at their friend.

She smiled back, “Tell me about your family now!” She reached for one of the tea biscuits and took a bite of one, “You’ve talked about your tribe a bit, but what about your family?”

Kirtana paused, “Well, I have an older brother, and he’s married and they have a child. Oh Erdene must be, eleven now.” They frowned, “I’ve been away for so long.”

“Is that your niece?” Tataru asked.

“My nibling,” They corrected, “Though that may have changed in the time I’ve been gone.”

“Do you want to go home?” Tataru asked after a moment.

Kirtana chewed their lip, “I miss my brother and his family, but most of the tribe did not look on me favorably.”

Tataru tilted her head, “What do you mean? You seem like a perfectly respectable person.”

They chuckled, smiling sadly for a moment, “So first, you should know, Kirtana is a very common name amongst the Qalli. So we kind of make little titles for all the Kirtanas. Mine was Cursed Kirtana.”

Tataru’s face dropped, “What?”

“The Echo, it was, a problem when I was younger. I’d ‘faint’ in the middle of almost anything, and my visions didn’t,” They paused, uncertain of what to say, “I didn’t know what they were. I just knew things I shouldn’t because of them. The healers were stumped, and nothing seemed to rid me of my ‘curse’.” They explained, swirling their tea carefully before draining their cup.

“Oh gods that must have been hard, Kir.” Tataru reached for them.

Kirtana reached back and took Tataru’s hand in theirs, squeezing it gently, “I will not disagree. I barely convinced my brother to let me be a hunter. He was very protective of me, and his wife loved me too.”

“Well that’s good!” 

Kirtana nodded, “I miss them, and all I have of them is in my memory right now.”

“Do you want to go to them?” She asked again.

“One day, yeah, but, I think I’m much needed here for the moment.”

Tataru chuckled, “I am inclined to agree.”

Chapter Text

Urianger placed a hand on Kirtana’s shoulder, “Art thou certain of this?”

Kirtana looked up at the Elezan man, “What other choice do we have, my friend?”

“Surely between Moebryda and I, we can find a solution that wouldn’t have such a chance of deleterious consequences.” He pleaded.

“How long is that going to take, Urianger?” They asked gently, “We don’t have much time if Iceheart and her heretics are planning on summoning Saint Shiva. Primal or not, this could be disastrous for Coerthas.”

He paused, “I do not wish thou to die, Kirtana.”

They sighed, “I don’t either, Urianger. But Moenbryda is an archon, and both Papalymo and Y’shtola are certain her theory is sound. She believes this will work. I’m inclined to believe it will as well.”

Urianger squeezed their shoulder and his own shoulders sagged, “Thou art wise to remind me of this. Mine own concern hath clouded mine judgement.”

They placed a hand over his, “It’s ok Urianger, your concern warms my heart.”

He nodded, standing up straight again, “Very well, I shalt not halt thy preparations any longer.”

Kirtana hopped off their chocobo in front of Snowcloak, and after speaking with Alphinaud for a moment, they gathered Moenbryda, the scions, and a few of the Ishgardian Knights to delve into the tunnels once again.

The monsters had been cleared out, something to thank the knights for, but they kept their bow in their hands, plucking at the string occasionally. The trip was uneventful, and soon they stood in front of the aetheryte Icheart used to escape.

The group poured their aether into the white auracite in Moenbryda’s hand. The white crystal began to glow, and She guided the aether into the aetheryte before them. It lit up like a beacon.

“Hah! It worked...I think.” Moenbryda turned to them, “Try attuning to the aetheryte now. Feel for the current and try to locate the beacon.”

Kirtana walked up to the aetheryte, reaching out and feeling their aether connect with the large crystal, and felt the beacon Moenbryda just reignited.

“I think I've got it.” They grinned and turned to the scions and gave a thumbs up.

They walked into the center of the amphitheater, behind a kneeling Iceheart, “You don’t have to do this, Iceheart.”

“You should never have come here, Warrior of Light. I labor only to forge a lasting peace.” She stood and turned to them, “A peace you would deny us out of ignorance and blind faith. No matter. If it is our fate to be at odds, then it is mine to strike you down.” Iceheart began to glow, the aether around her suffused in ice.

Their head began to throb, the Echo singing in their veins, “Iceheart, stop this madness! You don’t understand what you do!”

“We whom gods and men have forsaken shall be the instruments of our own deliverance!” She raised her hands above her head, ice beginning to crystalize around her feet, “Partake of my flesh—fill this vessel with your light! Walk amongst your brothers and sisters once more! O Saint Shiva, still the hatred within our hearts and bless us with eternal grace!”

The ice encapsulated her, glowing brightly and then shattering. And in Iceheart’s place stood what could only be Shiva, clad in wispy garments of grey and blue.

“Gods damnit, Iceheart!” They knocked an arrow, “Very well, try to strike me down if you must, but I have made sport of slaying ‘gods’ like you!”

Chapter Text

Kirtans was breathing heavily, the aetheric construct of the great wyrm dissipating around them as they leaned on their spear.

“By Her gifts hast thou earned a moment's reprieve.” The supposed corpse of Midgardsormr spoke, “Speak, mortal, and I shall listen.”

 They looked up at the glowing eyes of the wyrm, “Ishgard bade me keep watch over the lake after their astrologists witnessed the Dragon Star flare. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

“Guided by a star...? Heh heh heh.” His voice rumbled their surroundings, “My people have heard the song. Ishgard shall burn. Sons must answer for their fathers' misdeeds. We do not forget. We do not forgive.”

Kirtana’s eyes narrowed, “What are you talking about?”

“Seven children did I sire. One now singeth of retribution.” He continued, “I rise to join in the chorus. Thou art powerless to silence us, mortal. Yet thou shalt not live to labor in vain. Thy reprieve is at an end.”

Kirtana felt a power surge through them and they began to glow. They looked down at their hards, suffused with a pale blue light.

“Hydaelyn?” They asked softly, confused, but also curious at her intervention.

“Hmph. Trickery is thy shield. This frail, ignoble creature is not gifted, but chosen…”

They looked back up at Midgardsormr.

“Hearken to me, Hydaelyn! I remember...and I consent.” His voice came out irritated at first, but shifted to something more devious as the glow around Kirtana faded, “Fear not, mortal... I shall not harm thee…”

 A mote, soft and golden, appeared in front of the wyrm. It grew in both size and intensity, and a narrow beam shot forth, piercing Kirtana’s chest. They gasped, dropping their spear and clutching at their chest, feeling dread wash over them as Midardsormr’s influence severed their connections to the crystals of light. Each severance felt like a blow to their soul, and they fell to their knees as Hydaelyn’s influence was cut off from them completely.

“What did you do?” Their voice was raw, thick with pain, tears streaming down their face as they looked up to the wyrm, “What have you done to me?!”

He laughed, a low rumbling sound, “Mayhap thou thinkest me an oathbreaker?” He scoffed, “Thou art mistaken. If thou comest to harm, it shall be by another's hand, not mine.”

Kirtana’s fingers curled into fists, gritting their teeth as they bit back every curse known to them.

“I did but strip thee of thy mistress's feeble blessing.” He explained, voice immeasurably stable in contrast to the volatile Au Ra beneath him, “Thou didst profit much by Her grace, but no more.”

Another ball of light began to emulate from the wyrm’s mouth, and the light glittered as it descended to Kirtana’s level. It dimmed, and a small wyrmling, no larger than a yalm emerged. 

“The covenant binds me to thee.” The wyrmling spoke in Migardsormr’s voice, “I shall watch...listen...and wait. Fight and struggle, if it be thy will. Man hath ever coveted that which lieth beyond his grasp.”

The eyes in the wyrm’s corpse grew dim.

“I drink of Her body, and thence doth mine own find new life.” The wyrmling circled Kirtana’s crumpled form, “When it hath grown whole, the loyal and penitent shall rejoice. The Dragonsong heraldeth a beginning...and an end.” The wyrmling gazed down upon them, and dissipated into aether.

Kirtana screamed, voice broken and raw in mourning. They felt violated, changed, as if a limb had been removed without their consent. They felt empty, and with Hydaelyn’s blessing gone, they feared more than ever what they could or could no longer do. 

They wept, trying desperately to force control over their own emotions and failing for some time. But eventually, they pulled their emotions back within them, and stood. They wiped the tears and snot from their face, and gazed upon the wyrm’s corpse with anger one last time.

They screamed, hurling a javelin at his face, and missing by yalms. They took a shuddering breath, and turned to leave before they could lose control of their emotions once more.

Chapter Text

Kirtana watched as Tataru strode up to the crates just outside the Zephyr Gate. And smiled as Tataru's carbuncle followed her with a pep in its step. Their expression quickly turned sour when the carbuncle wandered off and Tataru started to be ganged up on by the monsters of La Noscea.

They drew their spear just as Tataru ran, calling for her already faded carbuncle. Kirtana followed at a distance, and caught up with Tataru a short ways away.

“Tataru?” They asked, seeing the immense disappointment on her face.

“I should've known you'd come, Kirtana. You needn't say a word─your face says it all. I know you bore witness to my shame.” She looked down, sniffling quickly, “Betrayed by my own Carbuncle and left at the mercy of wild beasts…”

Kirtana’s brow furrowed, and they began to reach down to her.

“I...I must accept the truth. I'll never be a warrior like you or the others.” She sighed, and kicked the dirt idly, “I will inform Mistress Thubyrgeim of my intention to withdraw from the guild. Arcanima...like so much else...is beyond me.”

“Tataru-” Kirtana began, but she was already walking away.

Kirtana felt their throat tighten, but shook their head and followed the Lalafel woman silently back to Limsa and to the arcanists guild.

They watched as Tataru approached the guildmaster and the roegadyn woman spoke steadily, “Ah, back so soon? How fared our fledgling arcanist?”

 Tataru spoke on the verge of tears, “Abysmally, Mistress Thubyrgeim, abysmally—as Kirtana will testify. I was wrong to become an arcanist. Wrong as usual. I am completely and utterly unqualified, and I sincerely apologize for wasting your time.”

Kirtana’s heart twisted, unsure of what to say, if they should say anything at all.

Mistress Thubyrgeim paused before speaking, “Tataru. If that were true, I would not have permitted you to join in the first place. We must all come to accept our limitations, lest our ambitions lead us astray. However, we must not lose sight of our strengths in the process.” She smiled down at Tataru, “For example, your exceptional skill with numbers helped you to gain a solid grasp of the fundamentals of arcanima. Were it not so, you would have struggled even to summon Carbuncle to your side. In my opinion, the Scions are truly fortunate to have such a capable and good-natured receptionist in their service. Would you not agree?”

Tataru sniffled and curtsied with a small smile on her face, “You are too kind, Mistress Thubyrgeim. Though I could not overcome this challenge, I shall take your words to heart and try not to be discouraged.”

Mistress Thubyrgeim nodded, once to Tataru, and once to Kirtana before turning back to the bookshelf she was organizing.

Kirtana turned to Tataru, “Hey there.”

Tataru smiled and sighed, “As fetching as these garments are, I fear I shall never don them again… But I can't go back to the Rising Stones without something to show for my time away.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully then her face lit up, “Wait─I know what I can do! That is, if you don't mind accompanying me for a little longer?”

“Two heads are better than one, what do you need of me, my friend?” They smiled at Tataru’s energy.

“Wonderful! Then to Costa del Sol we will go! It's a bit of a gamble, but I'm confident it will pay off!” She rushed out of the guild, off towards the aetherite, leaving Kirtana in her dust.

Kirtana approached Tataru standing on the decks of Costa del Sol, their chocobo close on their heels, “Hey there Tataru, find something?”

“Yes, this is it! This is where the man at the Drowning Wench told me to look!” She looked up at them excitedly.

“Lok for what, Dear?” They questioned with a smile.

“There is a certain variety of clam which can be harvested this time of year in Bloodshore─one which produces the most marvelous pearls!” She looked sheepish for a moment, scuffing the deck idly, “However, these clams are also coveted by certain wild creatures─and since I fared rather poorly in battle last time... Ahem. Let us be off!” Tataru raced down some nearby stairs and off to nearby Bloodshore.

Kirtana looked up at Aren, and scratched under the chocobo’s beak, “Welp, let’s go make sure our friend is safe.” And they followed down the wooden steps, racing through the water after Tataru. 

They caught up to Tataru already searching the waters on the shelf for the clams they had mentioned.

“What fortune, I've already found one! Would you be so kind as to keep watch while I work? This should only take a moment…” She held up the clam in question before bending down to continue looking.

They nodded, and whistled for Aren to stand on guard with them, and sure enough a serpent creature came from the depths. It was dispatched swiftly enough between Aren’s claws and Kirtana’s spear, and soon they stood over the serpent’s corpse, triumphant.

“Well fought, Kirtana, well fought! I knew I was right to ask you to come.” Tataru called after Kirtana pulled their pear from the creature.

“Anything for you, Tataru!” They called back, turning and wading through the water to her.

She grinned widely, “As for me, I have my prize: a bounty of blood pearls! So named for their reddish hue, they were treasured as wards against dark magicks in ancient times.” She held up a handful of the pearls to show Kirtana, “I thought I might make charms for everyone...so that no matter where they go, they will always come home. It's sort of the power to defend myself and other people...in a way. Right, well, I mustn't keep F'lhaminn waiting! There's work to be done─and lots of it!”

They laughed and nodded, “No rest for us, eh?”

She giggled and nodded, “We're to secure provisions for the Scions in the Lominsan markets. She may have an eye for quality, but I have a nose for bargains!” She paused a moment, “Will you be heading back to the Rising Stones? If so, pray convey my apologies to the Antecedent, and tell her that she needn't worry about me.”

“Of course, Dear.”

“Farewell, Kirtana, and thank you for everything!” She tilted her head, “Hmmm, that sounded rather final, didn't it? How about...until we meet again!”

“The sooner the better!” Kirtana smiled, and knelt down to hug Tataru before they parted ways.