Hydaelyn Role-Players

Not posted any of my stories here for a while, usually this are written as a follow up to RP. This one comes in 2 parts, the middle bit was RP.

Captain's Downfall

Saefinn sat perched near the Aftcastle looking out to Limsa's docks. The faint glow on the horizon, bringing a new dawn. A tear rolled down the side of his cheek, Saefinn felt cold, his spine tingled and he shuddered. His hands were shaking as he tried to ready himself, he tried to bring himself to do it, he knew he had to, yet it went against his very nature. Never give up. Yet he feared if he didn't then the worst would happen, with The Black, the knight, the death of his old crew – it was too much to bear. Not to mention his ship and all of his riches lying wasted at the bottom of the oceans, he would have to rebuild it all, at least he had made some progress. The progress wasn't enough to make up for a history of ruining lives and laying only death in his wake. What was he thinking? He would never be forgiven, he could never atone for all he had done. He could pretend he was a victim of circumstance, but he made his choices and what sickened him most was that there was a part of him that enjoyed it.

In truth he wasn't fit to keep it all together., it was miracle he remained composed for so long, he hoped so hard that if he did some good that maybe it'd lighten his shoulders. The crew had faith in him, Rose had showed him that much, it was a sweetness that warmed him. He knew Ace wouldn't hear the end of it, it was his disappearance that pushed Saefinn over the edge, but it wasn't Ace's fault. This time Saefinn wouldn't be there to heal his bruises, he was sure Rose would lay one on him, perhaps Poe could be there to pick up the pieces, but Saefinn remembered she wasn't confident in her abilities. She panicked when Daevien was injured, however, Saefinn showed calm and composure and brought stability to the whole situation. It made Saefinn smile, Daevien and Poe were an item – the fact Daevien was communicating with other people was in itself an achievement. Then there was the beach party, Saefinn thought he would never see Daevien sport a swimming costume, but there he was bare chested leaving little to the imagination. Saefinn smiled, reminded of Daevien's awkwardness. For Poe the crew would now require her to be confident in herself. And it would need Rose and Ace to put aside their differences to learn to work together.

It was no wonder Rose felt the crew needed their captain, when things got bad, he was always there to hold it together, kept his calm, kept his composure, yet it always added to his burden, the tightness in his chest. He was ready to explode, when he last saw Keldion, he was certain there was something wrong with him, but Saefinn just turned his back unprepared to deal with more drama. Which reminded him, what about the business between Bhen and Dhami? It was just more drama for him, he felt a certain soft spot for her and her situation and that was why he intervened. She reminded him of a girl he once killed, who was looking to just scrape by, forced to work for a Nunh, if you could call him that, he was a pimp by nature. She owed him money, she confided in Saefinn's old captain, but she was desperate and the captain knew that. He was always happy to help out his fellow man, but only for a premium and when they couldn't afford it? A darkened room, tied to a chair with Saefinn ready to share his talents. At least he made it clear to Dhami that there will always be a place with his crew, so that she may never have to resort to desperation, yet, he still worried for her.

But this deal with the knight, it was too much, Saefinn was no longer in control and it frightened him. Was he ever really in control? Sure, he got a crew together, but when times got tough, he turned to Steinn and Steinn always delivered. It was kind of strange, Steinn the broken man Saefinn helped only years ago, now a rich man operating in Ul'dahn high society and catering to Saefinn's wounds. Saefinn thought if he joined the Arcanists' Guild and if he trained hard with a lance he would better himself as a captain and get back onto his feet, go in with a strategy, have the ability to heal his allies and skewer his foes should he ever need to. Yet it changed nothing. His crew was in danger and if he wasn't careful, history would repeat itself. If the knight had only not referred to his crew as 'disposable', perhaps he would have obliged, sought a mutually beneficial agreement. But people like Crycreed were never interested in compromise, had he sought business then he would have not resorted to blackmail. This is why Saefinn had to turn himself in, it weakened the knight's position, it put Ace out of harm's way, it gave reason for the Admiral to call him and his lap dogs off and would buy the rest of his crew time to fulfil Steinn's plan.

As much as it pained him, Saefinn needed Steinn more than ever, Steinn knew everything about him, he knew his past, he knew his idealism, he knew his legacy. It was too early, too early for Saefinn to go down, he had so much more he wanted to do. But he took credence in that he had sowed the seas, in Steinn, in Ace, in Rose, Poe, Daevien, heck even in Bobo. Saefinn needed Steinn to keep the crew together, to remind them everything Saefinn stood for.

And Saefinn was to leave the crew in Ace's and Rose's hands, Rose acting captain. Rose was not convinced, not convinced she had what it took, she didn't think she had it in her and Ace, for all she was concerned he was a naïve idiot. “Two sides of a coin,” Saefinn muttered, what he had said to Rose, “forever facing against each other but valuable together” he smiled to himself. Their hearts were in the right place, they just needed to learn, he was certain they wouldn't let it fall to pieces, they had plenty of reason not to, Rose couldn't go back to a life of waiting at bars and Ace...he seemed to want to distance himself from his family. They wanted this life, now it was their time to earn it. He was throwing them in the deep end, but it was how he learned – both now knew of his past, they knew of his mistakes, they knew not to repeat them, at least he hoped.

Saefinn took a deep sigh. It pained him, it made his chest tighter than ever – it felt wrong to lay it on Rose like that. She was begging him, desperation in her eyes and the image brought a tear to his eye, “Rose,” he cried as he stared back out to the ocean, the sun showing its orange face, “Rose, I will make it right. Be strong, take care of Ace.” It was almost a prayer, funny, he never really thought much of the twelve – appropriate for a man in his position, yet he chose to meet Rose at the sanctum of the twelve the evening before. Deep down, all he ever wanted was salvation. He didn't want to leave her behind like that, it clenched his heart, but it was better to leave her distraught than with a sword through her chest. Saefinn couldn't bring himself to tell her his sentence, it would have broken her, he wasn't turning himself in for smuggling, no, he was tired of running from the past, full disclosure, tell the Admiral everything, only then could he atone for his crimes, perhaps it would do him good to confess. He gulped, it could only go one way, death.

He was ready. He stared death in the face before, but this time it would be one his own terms. As he turned he saw a familiar face. A Lalafell in white, the White Mage who saved him. Of all the people, it would be her. She smiled at him, “you've the face of a man about to do something stupid.”

Saefinn said nothing, she wasn't about to convince him. “Well?” she put her hands on her hips authoritatively, “I can see it in your eyes.” She kicked Saefinn in the shins and he bent over.

“What do you want?” He exclaimed, he didn't mean for it to sound aggressive.
“So, you are about to do something stupid. I saved your sorry behind, technically I own you.”

Saefinn attempted to walk away, but the Lalafell refused to leave him alone. “What are you hoping to achieve in whatever the seven hells it is you're doing?”

She wouldn't understand, she didn't even know who he was, they were still strangers. None of it was her business.

“Saefinn?” She asked softly, her short legs trying to keep up.

He stayed quiet as he marched towards the lift.

“Where are you going?” She asked.
“Please, I need to speak to the admiral.”
“I will wait for you here,” she smiled and Saefinn nodded. He was thankful for her ignorance.

Saefinn approached the guard, “Can I help you?” He grunted.
“I have business with the Admiral, I am Captain Saefinn of the Wayward Star.”
“Er, erm, yes! Saefinn, I know your name, go right ahead.”
Saefinn climbed into the lift and it ascended slowly, Saefinn's heart pounded. There was no turning back. At the top, waiting for him was the Admiral, the tall white haired Roegadyn female. Perhaps her piratical reputation would make this easier for him.

“Saefinn, what brings you here?” She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
“We need to talk,” Saefinn sighed, “I am turning myself in. Before I confess, I want some assurances.”
“Confess? What is this?”
“Please...I am doing this to protect people I care about. People who have done no wrong. Promise me you'll get your Knight, Arisran Crycreed to stand down, keep him away from my crew.”
“Why is he after your crew?” She looked even more confused. “I can get him to stand down if you tell me what this is about. You've done good work for the Maelstrom, why does he even need to go after your crew?”
“Blackmail. He would have us all arrested for piracy.”
“Nonsense!” The Admiral exclaimed, “This city was founded on piracy, I was raised by it, it is my very being. I would have nothing of it!”
“It warms me to hear you say that Admiral and it's why I trust that you'd honour my crew.” Saefinn broke eye contact, “My crimes, my crew needn't pay for them. Do you remember the name Captain Blavier Greave?”
The Admiral staggered back, “That name. We were never able to catch the damn bastard!”
“That's because he's dead,” Saefinn paused, “He was my captain. I...I did terrible things for him – know his reputation and think the worst Admiral. Since the day I stuck my blade through his heart I've been trying to atone for what...what I've done. That's why you don't need to worry about my crew, they're an honourable lot and have had nothing to do with that bastard Greave. Assure me their safety and I will confess to everything.”
The Admiral sighed, “You know what this means don't you?”
Saefinn nodded, “Perhaps I can finally pay for what I've done. My crew don't deserve this. Their crimes are but a speck compared to mine.”
“Very well,” The Admiral nodded, “I am disappointed, but I am thankful that you came to your senses. Unfortunately, it doesn't change things. You know your sentence?”
“I understand.”

The Admiral signalled two guards over who tied Saefinn's hands together and led him back to the lift and they descended. Upon walking out Saefinn noticed the Lalafell White Mage, but refused to look at her.
“Saef?” She muttered, “Saef! What have you done?”
He said nothing. It was better she didn't know.

The Scholar Captain

Saefinn woke with an aching sensation around his neck from sleeping on a couple of sacks atop Wolves' Den. His crew were nowhere to be seen, it gave him time to reflect upon the events prior. He walked over to one of the tables, grabbed the nearest bottle he could find, sniffed it, rum, he knocked it back, letting the warm alcohol trickle down his throat. He smiled, which at first felt strange, but it was right. His crew had too much faith in their good captain, in truth he let them down, by turning himself, really, what the seven hells was he thinking? He's just gone and fucked things up, the crew was no safer with Saefinn hanging by the noose, that Crycreed was a persistent bastard, could the admiral really call somebody like him off? It was apparent he didn't bow to the Maelstrom, he had his own motives, the truth was, his crew would have been worse off without their captain, no wonder Ace was so pissed at him. Saefinn rubbed his nose instinctively, although he had healed it the night before after Rose head-butted him. Really, he deserved it.
Saefinn's linkpearl rang and he put his finger to it, “Saefinn, it's Steinn.” His Roegadyn friend said over the shell, “Good to have ya back.”

Saefinn wasn't quite sure what to say, should he apologise? Right, like Steinn would accept an apology? The bastard doesn't like all that soppy shite. “Aye, cheers Steinn . I hear you were a big help, hope I didn't fuck things up royally?”
“Gwahaha, well, look at it this way, I no longer owe you. But nah, we recovered all right. Those Ala Mhigans are a bunch of crazy bastards. I'm so glad you hooked me up wi'them. I think you fucked it up royally with your crew. I take it that Rose slugged ya?”

Rubbing his nose again, “Yeah, the old Mhigan kiss.”
“Gwahaha, she's one of a kind, you don't wanna lose crew-mates like her. Anyway, all the Ala Mhigans are safely back home. Had to make a formal apology to some Storm Commander, pay a ransom just to free the bastards.”
“Ha ha,” Saefinn laughed, “well, good you got my back, eh?”
“Just don't do anything stupid again, ya hear?”
“Right,” Saefinn nodded, “I'm sure the crew'd hang me up by my balls should I pull any shit like that again.”
“Aye, an' me supplying the rope.” Steinn chuckled, “But that's not why I'm bugging ya. I got some information for you.”
“I'm listening,” Saefinn's ears perked up.
“Remember Alka Zolka?”
“Of course, how could I forget? He helped me become the healer I am.”
“Aye, well. He met some of my Ala Mhigans – before the big commotion to break you. He wanted some muscle to get a grimoire from Wanderers' Palace. Something about the ancient Scholars of Nym. He says he's been meaning to do an archaeological survey of the place or something, but it being too dangerous. I've sent a couple of guys to meet Zolka by the ferry to the palace, think you can lead the exhibition? Zolka's paying good money and maybe that damn faerie o'yours will remember something useful about the Nymians.”

“I'll make my way there, thanks for tip.” Saefinn made his way downstairs, passing a few empty bottles, wondering how many were S'ahnu's, concerned he may have overdone it. The poor lad, it seemed he wasn't used to the idea of killing, Saefinn felt sorry for him, he should never have been pushed into it – yes, it is sometimes inevitable in their line of work, but he didn't want to force his crew into something they didn't want to do, like his old captain did with him, pistol to his head. Yet, he forced Rose into acting captain, put his crew into a difficult and dangerous position. But he promised he wouldn't dwell on it, it was dwelling on the past that made him turn himself in the first place.
Arriving at the ferry in Upper La Noscea, Saefinn met with Alka Zolka, a short ginger Lalafell Marauder with his hair tied in bun, beside him were two gruff Ala Mhigans, complete with mighty beards and braided hair. One of the Ala Mhigans gripped firmly to his lance and the other carried a pair of hora. “Saefinn, glad you could join us.” The Lalafell smiled, “Suppose good to have a Scholar to help.”

“I suppose so.” Saefinn nodded as he lowered himself onto the ferry.
The ferryman took the party across to a large crumbling ruins in the lake, the Wanderers' Palace, as they pulled up the noticed a Tonberry stood waiting, blade in hand. “Be careful”, Zolka warned, holding onto his axe. The Tonberry did nothing, it just stood there looking at Saefinn. “Sssss,” the Tonberry before making its approach.
“Stay back” Zolka shouted as he raised his axe and launched himself at the Tonberry, killing it one fell swing. Saefinn's heart jumped. From the Tonberry a small flame raised, it's rancor. Saefinn was reminded of his first encounter with a Tonberry, only just prior to his imprisonment. It was just like any other fiend, he was ready to cast ruin with his faerie, Asaros, by his side. He started powering the spell. “Ppp...please,” the Tonberry spoke, Saefinn dropped his energy, interrupting himself.
“What?” Saefinn jolted, the Tonberry dropped its knife.

“Fff...” the Tonborry pointed to Asarosa, who was hovering above Saefinn's right shoulder, “Nnnnym.”
“She's from Nym, that's right,” Saefinn almost felt like he was talking to a child. He could see that the Tonberry meant him no harm, he walked over to it and it...or rather she, only wanted to talk. She explained who she was and shared with Saefinn the unfortunate downfall of the ancient city of Nym. The Tonberry explained she once trained with the Scholars of Nym, she gave her name, Falfa. She was wrought with woe, she knew her brothers and sisters, but they surely did not speak as she did, it was as though all the other Tonberries were tied down by a burning anger, like an affliction but carrying an ancient grudge. She seemed to be the only one with her mind in tact and for her it was a curse. She could not bear seeing adventurers cut down her brothers and sisters, yet she knew there was no other way. They should have died a long time ago. She was thankful of Saefinn, that he would surely listen.

“Why don't you join me on my crew?” Saefinn suggested.
Falfa shook her head, “mmmy place is...here. Besides, lllllook at me. To your people, I am a mmmmmonster.”
“Falfa,” Asarosa spoke, for her it was a rarity. Like Falfa she was a remnant of a former civilization, for her, there was no normality to the world, she prefered to take everything in learn what she could as she accompanied Saefinn on his journey. The tone in her voice, it was as though she spoke to an old friend, “We will come visit you. Please, I want to see my home again.”
Saefinn nodded and Falfa retreated. He felt pity, he turned to Asarosa, “So, you've finally spoke up.” She did not respond, she didn't appreciate the manner in which he spoke, yet grateful for his kindness to Falfa. Her gut wrenched seeing Falfa walk away, her head facing the ground. It was true, she was cursed, yet, there was no amount of Nymian magic that could save her. But Falfa returned to Saefinn, holding an item, “a..a..a gift,” she stuttered as she held out an ancient gown to the captain, “Please, you've earned your nnnname as Scholar.”

He thanked her. Once again, the Tonberry retreated. The title ringed in his ear, Scholar, he never thought he'd even become one. All his time spent reading at sea, his studies with the Arcanist guild, when the Lalafell who saved him gave him hope that it was a goal he could one day achieve, he thought she was being facetious, giving him some false sense of optimism to stop him from wallowing in self-pity. He was by that point a broken man, it seemed she wasn't only humouring him to get him to snap out of it. Who'd have thought it would have had weight? “The Scholar Captain.” He muttered to himself, he could get used to the idea.
It pained Saefinn to enter the Palace with the knowledge he had, but he was not the only one. Zolka knew, it was his job to know. The Tonberries were fiends just as many Sylvan were, no other hope than an early grave, perhaps that why Zolka felt no guilt.
Zolka led the way into the palace, the flame followed. He scouted around the ruins, looking for a sign, a hint, some record to help tell the story of these ancient Nymians.
“Ahah!” He exclaimed reading some carvings on a tablet, “Looks like if we just carry down this corridor we should find an ancient library, we're bound to find grimoires there.”
Saefinn nodded, remaining quiet as he followed Zolka, as they reached the corner they stopped. A giant Tonberry stood holding a dagger. It caught sight of the flame that followed them and it enraged, swiping at Zolka. Zolka deflected the blows and one of the Ala Mhigans charged at the Tonberry and Saefinn erected a barrier around his party. The Tonberry stood mesmerised, just as Zolka was about to strike Saefinn pushed him out of the way, “don't!” he screamed. The Tonberry returned its focus and went to strike Saefinn and there was a sudden burst of energy, blinding the Tonberry, it staggered back. A faerie with an orange colour aura and pink wings appeared, it met with Asarosa and they greeted one and another.
“Asaviola!” Asarosa cried.

From behind the Tonberry came a familiar face, Falfa, as the other Tonberry writhed Falfa placed her hands on it, “stay calm,” she uttered. She looked to the two faeries talking in unison “I aaam glad they have reunited.” Underneath her arm she held a grimoire.
“The Grimoire!” Zolka shouted, “Right there.”
Falfa spoke again, “This is wwwwhat you came for?”
Saefinn nodded and she held out the grimoire, “I am sorry,” she sighed, “I cannot lllllet you have it.”
“But...” Zolka protested, Saefinn raised his hand, “Right...then at least let me stay. I want to learn everything I can about the Nymians.”
Falfa nodded and she looked to Saefinn, “Good to see you again. Now, Lalafell, cccccome.” She turned her back away as she led Zolka with her into the library.
“We must go,” Asarosa danced, “please...take my sister with you. She can help you. I haven't seen her for so long.”
The Ala Mhigans grumbled to themselves, but Saefinn couldn't quite make it out, but he was certain it was a his expense.
“All right. If anybody asks, you're my wenches.” He laughed, again, Asarosa didn't appreciate the captain's manner, but she followed him regardless. She longed for a part of herself that died with her civilization, the captain was the embodiment of it and it gave her purpose, though she didn't quite approve of the captain, but she took comfort in what was familiar to her and at least now she had her sister, perhaps she would stop her from going insane.
“I fancy a drink,” Saefinn uttered, “you lads up for it?” he turned to the Ala Mhigans. They shrugged, “sorry, Steinn would have our nutsacks for drinking on the job. Zolka might need us sober.”
“Suit yourselves,” he laughed as he made his way back to the ferry. He was fortunate in that he did not have to go far to find a tavern.