Xydane Vale

[align=center][[ Following the timeline sequence as of Post #29; post can and will still be edited at Thread Author's request. ]][/align] Their greaves approached loudly under the sound of plate clashing with mail. Their black and crimson armor marked by agony and hate was showered with the recent spilling of gore from many things that used to breathe. Their greaves approached loudly, crushing the snow that blanketed the streets of cobble and stone. Oh, for now it has been a time since they had returned home and those who survived over the trying years of Ishgard welcomed them with open arms. In time; however, those who knew of their considerable reputation had also learned one disturbing difference. No one knew what happened to the knights whom once served the passed Inquisitor Maulcrioux during the initial Dravanian attack and though they were thought dead, the brothers had returned with a loathsome aurora that followed them wherever they tread. This hour marked the brothers back from a successful hunt for the decapitated head of a wyvern swung to and fro, clenched under the sharp metal fingers of Xydane Vale. Held with a deathly grip by the older brother was also a woolen sack of unknown contents that dripped many crimson drops onto the white snow, leaving a trail that distinct the Vale Brothers' return. As soon as they both entered the city, the brothers parted ways for reports of their hunt were to be made to certain imposing individuals somewhere in different parts of Ishgard. Time had shortly passed and Xydane had managed to find himself staring at some interest of a rather large crowd. Forcing his way pass unknowing adventurers, travelers, and citizens of Ishgard, the knight came to a halt within some 20 yards away from where the short and somewhat tensed scenario took place. The wyvern's head was dropped onto the ground, forcing a sound that mixed flesh, stone, snow, and bone to be heard by all. His dreadful helm, forged with revulsion, stared coldly at those that surrounded the area. The Merciless had seen everything.

[[ Post has been drafted via Thread Author's request and re-posted to fit in play according to timeline. ]]

I will try to get a hold of you all once I get online tomorrow. I don't know why I hadn't seen this LS's thread before.

I had actually *wanted* to start over on Balmung, but I could never catch the character creator open. I finally just caved and transferred my character, and didn't have any problems at all. I didn't even see a warning that suggested in the server was full, the transfer wouldn't go through. I definitely suggest giving that a shot. IMO, the monetary cost is well worth avoiding the headache of trying to slip in when the server is rarely open. Yep, I was able to transfer two days ago and the process was painless. I'd figured trying to get into Balmung would be different especially since it was already a pain in the arse to begin with when the game first came out two years back.

(( I approve of violent little Lalafell! :thumbsup: ))

[align=center]This takes place after 'In Search of Melodies in Ruin.' [/align] [align=center]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/align] [align=center]As we journeyed back to our home in the north, we left many behind. Their bodies rotted and their corpses burnt. The smell that filled the air was produced by the fires from the burning of their homes, their encampments, their existence. We rode on our beasts of burden and as they carried us through day and night, we slaughtered, maimed, scorched, devastated, and killed. Our coming brought screams but our leave left only silence. It was power unlike any other - the power to take lives and spread fear, for fear is the strongest weapon and we wielded it with ease. The dragons tested us, the ice molded us, and life forged us to be. Marcus was right; if we can kill dragons, we can kill anything. Everything else is but a roach in our steps. Nothing shall stand in our way. We will continue to ride. We will continue to do what the gods will not. We will bring glory to Ishgard. [/align] [align=center]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/align] "Marcus! We have a runner!" "H-yah! He's mine!" The poacher ran, panting and desperately hoping to escape. His encampment burned in the night sky and the bodies of those he once knew were piled up and scorched. Marcus' black chocobo shrieked as both man and beast chased down their prey. With one hand on the reigns and the other reaching for his halberd, Marcus leaned forward and speared the runner's thigh, forcing the man to tumble into a wreck. He cried and he moaned. He begged and he pleaded. Dismounting the chocobo, Marcus withdrew his sword and slowly approached the pathetic man who continued to grab his injury in tears. The weapon shined under the Black Shroud moonlight. Through his tears, the hyur watched as his own blood dripped from the steel that seemed to hunger for more. Small steps Marcus took until he was standing in front of the man and his sword held ready for execution. Grabbing onto Marcus' foot, the man still continued to beg for his life but the empty bloodshot eyes behind Marcus’ visor would grant no such pardon. The Nightmare brought the blade into the man's neck. As his life left him, the man’s body fell limp. The involuntarily twitching slowly subsided and then there was silence. Riding to his older brother, Xydane watched as Marcus yanked the halberd free and sheathed it onto his back. For the moment, both men watched as fire continued to eat the encampment. "How much longer until we reach Ishgard?" "Two days ride." "Hm... very well." "Shall we continue with our work?" "Yes but... Xydane?" "Hm?" "Do you wish to visit Clover in Gridania?" "No... not like this. Not now."

EPILOGUE The next day, somewhere in Ishgard... Questions have become answered for Falorgeant as leaned against the wall crenulations, some of hundreds that protected Ishgard itself. The skies were clear of clouds and the distant stars marked the coming of nightfall. He crossed his arms and gazed into the sky quietly until his thoughts were interrupted by Clarielle's approaching footsteps. "So, what happens now?" "For now, we shall wait." "Do you think they'll return?" Falorgeant gestured in agreement. "They won't leave what they started. Ishgard is already at war, Clarielle. We had already opened our gates to outsiders for aid. When they return, we will seek them out. They are still much use to us." Clarielle exhaled deeply, wrapping her body with her own arms as she joins Falorgeant in star gazing. "Let's hope so." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a distant land, far away... The midday sun granted warmth to green fields under azure skies as a cool breeze brushed onto the land with grace and care. The leaves of an old oak tree gently moved as the wind fondled them delicately, shading two memorials. Kraven Vale Son, soldier and loving father. His time in Hydaelyn was nothing but service to his people and his family. Amelia Vale Daughter, botanist and affectionate mother. Her time in Hydaelyn spreaded noting but laughter and joy. Standing in front of the memorials was Marcus and Xydane, their expression weary and their hair aged much like the look in their steel colored eyes. Quietly looking at the memorials of their parents while the wind caressed their hair, Xydane finally spoke. His voice too, had aged in tone. "How... long has it been?" "Seven years." Marcus turned his gaze towards the ever expanding green fields of grass. Amazing how even when their home was destroyed, the land itself seemed unscathed throughout the years. That was the only thing that recovered but still, there was nothing left here. Nothing but memories of another life long forgotten. It was quiet; nothing more, and nothing less. "This will be our last time visiting them. Visiting this... place." "I know. Marcus?" "Yes?" "You know as well as I do that we do not deserve any of this. Our path to the seven hells had already been paved years ago." "That is exactly why we can never return." Both brothers knelt down, touching the marble memorials with metal claws black in color. Slowly, Xydane was the first to rise. "There is... one last place I would like to visit." "Of course." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Xydane, the pier and the lake seemed to be fantasies he would dream every night after he left. Now, the light reflecting off the lake tore deep inside his soul for it was still very beautiful. As were the roses and flowers that decorated the memorial of his love. Rose Leon The life of her people, loved and adored. A beauty that has left too soon. Quietly, Marcus stood a few feet behind his brother in respect. "Do you remember when we first met? I still do. It's... strange. There is... a girl I had met, Rose. She looks just like you and I would like to think it's still you. Her name is Clover." On one knee, Xydane leaned over the tombstone to tenderly kiss it. For a short moment, he rested his forehead on the memorial before rising back onto his feet. "Forgive me, Rose. Forgive me for everything. This... is our final goodbye." What was once real to the Vale brothers was now hollow as they walked away. When they first left, they had lost everything. When the brothers finally returned, they had gain something entirely. "This war... awaits us. We start with the dragons and then the gods themselves." The light reflected much more onto what the brothers wore. The land in which they once called home began to weep in horror at the two atrocities. Armor that was black as the deepest grave and red like the warmest gore. Where gloves should wrap around hands for comfort were claws that were cold, sharp, and cruel. Greaves were jagged and shoulder plates were forged in disturbing fashion. Continuing to tread down the dirt road, Marcus and Xydane placed on helms that were disquieting in nature - helms that screamed with hate and destruction. Into the darkness of the forest, they disappeared. "Come, brother. Let us water the fields with the crimson blood of our enemies. Together... we will destroy everything. Together... we shall tear the world asunder." [THE END]

CHAPTER V A few days later... Lord Viarre stared outside his window as he has always done when he wanted to think. In a time long ago, he would gaze outside to admire the beauty that is of Coerthas and Ishgard despite the deadly nature of both weather and beast. He once thought of beauty but now, it was just a time for thinking. His old features forced a slight frown as an attendant made her way into his chambers. "Lord Viarre? The Dragoons from Ishgard requests council with you. They say it pertains to their search?" Lord Viarre's face quickly lightened up, his frown disappearing as he turned to walk down the steps from his desk while the afternoon sun shined in and dust particles floated gracefully. "Ah, yes. Let them in." With a quick bow, his attendant disappeared outside the chamber and into the hallway. Lord Viarre stood quietly with his fingers interlocked behind his back. The plated armor of the Dragoons sounded their approach as they came into view from the hallway. Falorgeant and Clarielle entered and bowed low; Lord Viarre gestured quickly for them to rise. "So... what news have you?" Falorgeant looked to Clarielle and nodded before he returned his attention back to the veteran knight. "We found proof, Lord Viarre, proof that the Vale Brothers are still alive." "And what did you find?" "Underneath the mountains that surround Ishgard to the west was the body of a dragon. The weapons that each brother was known to wield was buried deep into the dragon's flesh. It seemed that during the Dravanian attack, the brothers and the dragon fell down the cliff." Lord Viarre only nodded and continued to patiently listen. "In the middle of our search, a dragon ambushed us from the mists. The dragon itself was destroyed and only served as a nuisance to our investigation." "It wasn't until after the fight that we discovered tracks - dried blood, Lord Viarre - that seemed to lead west outside of the mountain gap and into the open canyons. From the looks of the footprints, one of the brothers was injured but we are certain they survived." Lord Viarre inhaled deeply and exhaled a breath of relief. "This is... good news indeed. I never believed their deaths. I prayed to Halone but I continued to worry. Your search; however, has finally granted me peace of mind." Falorgeant and Clarielle looked to Lord Viarre slightly puzzled. Clarielle crossed her arms to comprehend the older elezen as she readied the question that both Dragoons had been meaning to ask. "Lord Viarre? We knew that... you had known the Vale brothers for a time. May we ask what your relation was to them?" Hearing Clarielle's question made the Lord frown and his eyes slowly drifted to the ground. He turned his back to the Dragoons and slowly made his way toward the massive decorative window which had always been a place to gather his thoughts. Lord Viarre exhaled again but this time, his breath carried a hint of sorrow. "Many years ago, when Marcus Vale stumbled into Coerthas, he ran across a knight by the name of Ser Joellaut*. Joellaut had been wounded by a wyvern and using a broken spear, Marcus killed the beast and thus saved Joellaut's life. Ser Joellaut and another knight known as Sigmund the Red* served a young Inquisitor named Maulcrioux*. Out kindness for the lost young man, Maulcrioux offered Marcus another chance at life by swearing fealty to him as a knight. Two winters later, Marcus' younger brother Xydane would also be admitted to knighthood and service to Ishgard." As Falorgeant and Clarielle listened, their expression softened. "Maulcrioux saw potential and he was right. The brothers grew older and they became fine knights indeed, even earning quite a fierce reputation as well. You see... Maulcrioux was my son... and he was murdered almost two years ago. Ser Sigmund the Red and Ser Joellaut had also died in service to Ishgard. The Vale brothers are a living memory to my son." Falorgeant's mouth was slowly agape as he tried to find meaningful words to say. Nothing came out and he was astonished from the story. Instead, he closed his eyes and bowed. "I thank you for telling this story. It had always been a mystery to many of us as to the origins of the Vale brothers. I also grieve for your lost, Lord Viarre." "It seemed like a lifetime ago." "They all served Ishgard proudly. I... want to think that in the end, it's what all of us want." "Yes. In the end." And with the words said and done, Falorgeant and Clarielle turned to leave, their figure disappearing outside the room. Lord Viarre exhaled yet again for the news of the Vale brother's survival brought comfort into his aching soul. As the dusk particles continued to float in the room, so too did the light. On the other end of Lord Viarre's chambers was a single large painting hammered into the cobblestone wall. The painting was the group portrait of three young elezens - Maulcrioux, Sigmund, Joellaut, and two younger hyurs - Marcus and Xydane Vale. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * For those of you familiar with Xydane's stories from the past, you would remember Maulcrioux, Joellaut, and Sigmund from the RP and story events of 'The Faces of Mercy,' 'Day to Day' - the rescue of Erik Mynhier, and the RP event 'Thunder in the Heavens.'

I'm going to have to go with beating the original Titan as well. I forgot the name of the guild I was hanging out with during the time (sorry guys, it's been a hot minute!) but after an entire weekend of trying to finish him off, we finally succeeded. I was also able to obtain the main quest weapon. I was so close to grabbing a handgun and shooting my laptop. #RageQuit

Bah, I apologize for adding another post to an old thread but it seems my luck is very thin. Again, I am paying the price for starting everything all over and I was forced to create Xydane on Gilgamesh before I can transfer him over to Balmung. Now, is a paid transfer guaranteed? They have me on that free 30 day trial so I will need to wait until the character is active after 3 days.

CHAPTER IV The dragon raged fire from it's mouth and lunged at the Dragoons. Falorgeant and Clarielle took to the air, dodging the dragon's initial attack. Both elezen roared furiously as they hurled themselves onto the dragon's back to connect flesh with steel. The attacks failed as the Dragoons are swiped away in opposite directions from the wyrm's wings. Slamming his back against the wall of the mountain, Falorgeant fell face first as momentum took over. Clarielle, however, was lucky enough to catch herself on the ground after flying mid-air. Falorgeant spat, stood up, and swung his weapon as he leaped into the sky once more. His cool demeanor helped his attack to become more focused and he brought his spear down like a comet. The bladed tip sunk deep into the dragon's back and the beast bellowed in pain and fury. It shook, stomping from side to side as it attempted to dislodge the Dragoon from it's back. Clarielle sprinted forward and using the beast's distraction to her advantage, she slid beneath the dragon and sunk her own weapon into it's soft under belly. The dragon buckled, spitting fire from it's mouth while it swayed from side to side. One spear into the back and the other into the belly. Though skilled they were against dragons, the unpredictability of a beast entangled in pain and anger still managed to prolong their victory. Falorgeant ripped his weapon free just as the dragon succeeded in bucking him off; the creature surrounding itself in flames as Calarielle rolled out from beneath it. The wounds it suffered had weakened it immensely, leaving it little choice between fleeing and fighting. As the two Dragoons approached the wounded beast, they easily dodged the sloppy flames that poured from its mouth. Clarielle rushed it, calling its attention as she swung at the talons slamming down towards her. With the distraction in play, Falorgeant closed the distance between him and the dragon, making one last leap towards their victory. Aiming his spear onto the beast's head, he descended with such speed that once the weapon punctured into the dragon's skull, it sunk through and came out from underneath the dragon's lower jaw. The ground shook on the impact of the dragon’s demise and as the blood gushed from it’s lifeless body, Falorgeant yanked his weapon free. The Dragoons are a living demonstration of those skilled in the slaying of wyrms. This was truly the might of Ishgard's arsenal and a spear point against the Dravanian Horde. The fight only lasted a matter of minutes and already the beast's body began to stiffen in the freezing temperature. The Dragoons had turned their backs to what they deemed as a mere nuisance. Grabbing both of their cloaks from the ground, Falorgeant handed Clarielle hers before placing on his own to cover himself from the snow. The fabric also hid the dripping blood that had splattered over his armor during the fight. Falorgeant returned his concentration back to the brother's kill, walking towards the corpse once more as he inspected the area in which it laid. "There has to be more indicators. There are no bodies here at all." Clarielle was now kneeling over, examining the head. "Not that I care, Falorgeant, but this one did not claim clean strikes. It must had been quite the battle." Falorgeant couldn't help but slightly grin at the woman's statement. "Tell me, do you see anything else?" "Only pieces of scattered armor. It must have been theirs as well." "So are these tracks." "Tracks? Where?" Falorgeant pointed to footprints where the snow hardly covered, underneath a towering rock formation. What made them stand out wasn't the tracks sunk into the snow but the dried color of maroon. "So they were injured. Noticed how one pair of prints have no other indication of a footprint but rather, more droppings of blood? Whoever this belonged to, I can say for certain, was dragging his feet." For a period, both elezen continued to follow the tracks until it finally disappeared into the white snow. They stopped and stared west as to where the trail leads into an open canyon. "Western Coerthas? Why would they..." Clarielle paused and turned to Falorgeant with a slightly confused look on her face. "If they were injured, they could've made their way back to Ishgard for aid. Why west?" For a long moment, Falorgeant said nothing as he took the woman's words into his own cycling thoughts. His eyes widen and his tone was softer than usual. "Because that's where they came from. Perhaps..." The male Dragoon gazed quietly into the distant opening of the canyon where the hills and snow were less harsh and the skies were clearer. "... they may have gone home."

I thought there was already a Theme Song thread? Anywho, Xydane's theme: Joe Hisaishi - Legend of Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke) [align=center][video=youtube]https://youtu.be/8XOV2L-eM38 [/align]

Yes, it is. You're just taking a template (you can make your own or use someone else's if they allow it, which is usually at the bottom of their Wiki page), and mashing up a lot of codes together. You'll be constantly previewing your Wiki page in order to edit and format it to your choosing. It's not difficult really but just time consuming because you're editing a page to your style. I spent an day working on mine because I was editing colors, sections, and all that good stuff. To start, simply go on the FFXIV Wiki page and on the top right portion is a "Log In" section. Simply log in using your Username and PW that you use to access the FFXIV HRC. I would suggest looking at other people's Wiki page for ideas and like I stated before, if they post that their template can be used.

You didn't just clear the wiki so you could revert it? But the rumors! I know, I know. Like I said, I am sooo paying the price for it! :frustrated:

You all think updating is bad? My dumb arse decided to delete everything when I left so now I have to start Xydane's Wiki page all over. /facedesk This is going to be a long weekend. I am definitely paying the price for my idiocy. /sobs

CHAPTER III "This wind is finally clearing!" Pulling off his hood, Falorgeant exhaled a short breath of relief. They were off the mountain but the danger was far from over. While Falorgeant moved ahead to scout the misty gap of the mountain, Clarielle slowly followed behind. Gently brushing her fingers against the stone, Clarielle lifted her head to admire the impressive height in which they descended. How careless she was, she would think to herself. Shaking the small thought away, Clarielle turned to resume Falorgeant's trail until a small breeze forced her to turn around once more. 'A breeze... at the foot of the mountain?' She stopped and stared into the mists, her eyes searching thoroughly. "Clarielle? Over here!" Again, she was brought back to reality by the distant shouting of Falorgeant. She turned and walked, her senses heightened while she moved to Falorgeant. Clarielle blinked, her eyes going wide at what she saw. Next to where Falorgeant was standing was the massive corpse of a dead dragon, it's body crushed into the bottom of the mountain itself. The corpse was covered in cuts and bruises while it's crowned head laid broken and a wing was sliced in half. Plunged into the scaled hide of the wyrm... ... was an axe and a halberd. Both weapons were rusted, chipped, and battered by time for they had seen better glorious days. They were now monuments to a forgotten battle at the bottom of a mountain. Falorgeant slowly stepped forward, his tone quiet while he gradually reached for the hilt of the axe. Falorgeant grabbed tightly but instead of pulling the weapon free, he simply held on to it and quietly chuckled. "These were theirs, Clarielle. These were the weapons of the Vale Brothers." Clarielle too stepped forward to see the weapons imbedded into the beast. Her eyes shifted from the broken steel to the man before her, and the gleam of nostalgia that rested on the slight curve of his lips confirmed the fact… "So... it is true. They both survi-" In the small moment where fate met reality, Clarielle's words were cut short by the distant approach of a monstrous bellow. The hunters turned and gazed as the mists behind them blended into shadow and shape. The mists swirled in the air and danced like water until a pair of wings spread outward. The dragon's head eerily came into view and the beast's bloodshot golden eyes stared into the elezen with an unforgiving lust of hunger. "A dragon!? Of course!" The dragon reared it's head and roared. Falorgeant grinned and turned to Clarielle, slowly nodding as he tore the cloak off his armor. Clarielle followed suit. In a brilliant display of cerulean, Falorgeant and Clarielle waved their weapons gracefully in the air as the wyrm slowly advanced. "Come, Clarielle! In the name of the Fury, we shall add another Dravanian corpse at the foot of Ishgard! Let this beast taste the might of the Dragoons!"

Growing up, Xydane and his older brother Marcus lived under the heroic shadow of their father and his comrades. Since childhood, both boys were raised "on the edge of the sword", learning how to fight and become soldiers like their father before them. With time came change - a lot of change. Their destined path took them elsewhere after the brothers lost their home, family, and friends. When the Vale brothers discovered Ishgard, a new path was forged. Ultimately, both men lost their sense of heroism and became cynical. Though their deeds are just, their way of accomplishing them may like the complete opposite. You could say that Xydane still believes himself to be a hero for the people but that's just a fantasy. In reality, he has become something darker entirely.

Tier 1 Operator (Special Operations soldier). Fun times.

CHAPTER II Deeper into the cold wastes of the mountains they descended. Into the maws of the mountain they went. Falorgeant bared his teeth at the biting wind that picked up not moments ago. Looking up, Clarielle was only a few feet above him and she too, disliked the weather as the clouds began to weep thick snow once more. As the two elezen continued to climb down, small chunks of rock continued to break away from the flesh of the mountain and drop into the unknown descent. Clarielle looked down and sighed. If she had to choose whether she hated heights or the freezing wind, it would have to be heights. "I don't know how they managed to survive the fall!" "That is why we're climbing down! If anything, we'll be looking for signs of their last known struggle!" Falorgeant shouted. "Perhaps there are corpses? Even so, the dragons would have mo- AH!" The rock beneath Clarielle crumbled and the ground gave way. Her desperate attempt to reach for a grip in the mountain only proved futile as she fell. She closed her eyes and screamed, knowing that she would drop into her own frozen grave. Before she could realize the reality of what happened next, Falorgeant had already grabbed her arm and postponed her death. Clarielle blinked, staring surprisingly at Falorgeant with a hint of relief. "Careful now!" said Falorgeant as he heaved Clarielle to his position. "Today is not yours." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clarielle's scream echoed through the mountain. Even in the agile wind, the outcry brought itself into the acute hearing of a slumbering spawn of the Dravanian Horde. Golden eyes slowly opened... golden and heartless eyes.

CHAPTER I --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gates of Judgement. The Steps of Faith. The snow was gentle yet thick, slowly descending onto the destroyed rubble that surrounded Farlorgeant and Clarielle. This was the place of a great battle, one which took the lives of both the Dravanian Horde and the knights of Ishgard. Everything here was once scorched and torn asunder but now, only the wind and snow accompanied the once glorious steps into Ishgard. Everlasting, the snow continued to descend, melting onto the hooded robes that layered over the armor of the hunters. "Was this not where they were last seen?" ask Clarielle as she warily watched the skies. Falorgeant was kneeling a few feet away, brushing the snow aside as he continued to inspect the damage on the steps. "I thought you were in the battle as well?" "I was, but not at the steps. I was with others defending the bridge." Clarielle squinted as her eyes continued to scan the gray clouds, her voice hesitant. "Falorgeant, we must hurry. You know the dragons still patrol the skies." Falorgeant said nothing as he stood up and looked to and fro. His eyes scoured the debris but only for a mere moment longer until something caught his attention. "Clarielle?" "Yes?" "Over there." The duo walked to where mountain met concrete and on the western edge was the destroyed face of the cliff. The snow had yet to fully cover the precipice and Falorgeant leaned over, surveying it. "Something fell here and took most of the rock with it," said Falorgeant as he pointed towards the cliff. "A wyrm most likely." Turning to his left, Clarielle was already knelt over and sweeping the white beneath her. "You found something?" asked Falorgeant as he approached her. Clarielle looked up and slightly frowned. In her hand was the remains of a destroyed pendant, ruby in color. The pendant's other half was most likely lost in the wind and snow. "Do you think this was one of theirs?" asked Clarielle as she handed the rosary to Falorgeant. Falorgeant contemplated, inspected the pendant, and then looked back to the precipice. His eyes squinted and he approached the edge of the cliff once more. "Falorgeant? Is something wrong?" Falorgeant shook his head as he quickly tucked the pendant away. "They fell." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the valley below, the skies trembled with the distant beating of wings all while the snow continued to cascade... ... unceasing... ... unrelenting.

PROLOGUE Nearly one year later... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clarielle exhaled deeply as Falorgeant was the first to set foot into Lord Viarre‘s chambers. The elder elezen had his back turned to the duo as his strong features stared quietly outside his window. “And what…" echoed the voice of Lord Viarre. “… brings two dragon hunters from the heart of Ishgard into my presence?” Falorgeant and Clarielle bowed, their cerulean armor shined before what little light bled through the massive decorative window. “You know who we are then, Lord Viarre. I assume you also already know as to why we are here.” Listening, the veteran knight continued to gaze into the emptiness of the snow covered valley before his eyes wandered to his own reflection. Clarielle stepped fourth while Falorgeant began to wander towards one of the many massive bookshelves that decorated the inside of the chamber. “Is it true then? That the brothers did not die? Is it what Ishgard believes or is it what you believe, Lord Viarre?” For a moment, Lord Viarre said nothing and only closed his eyes. “They are not of Ishgardian blood, you see. To this day, we do not know where they came from. When they came to us, they were young… lost… but their strength only proved that they earned a place amongst our own.” “You knew them very well?” asked Falorgeant as he plucked a book from the shelf and quietly skimmed through it. Lord Viarre nodded, his eyes still closed and deep in thought. “You then understand why we must find them. Time is of the essence, Lord Viarre.” said Falorgeant, returning his attention towards the veteran knight before placing the book away. Brushing her hair from her face, Clarielle‘s silver eyes shifted from Falorgeant and back to Lord Viarre. “Darkness descends onto the kingdom. Men of such caliber are needed if we are to win this Dragonso-” “To find them… you must forget the stories. Forget the rumors. Walking in their shoes is simply not enough for they are more than the sum of their actions.”

[align=center][video=youtube] [/align] They stared, the both of them. In what majesty that once echoed inside the halls of the kingdom of the north was now nothing but ruin. For the both of them, it has been... truly... ... a long time. Still, they stared beyond and for the longest moment as if the two had become frozen like the land in which they stood, they were both silent... ... until one of them spoke. His face was disguised by the battered and scarred helm in which he wore for many years with dignity, honor, and strength. Removing his iron mask, the individual allowed his now long hair to dance gracefully while the chill wind carried it so. "It's... colder than before."

Hello RPC, I honestly was not planning on making a thread to announce my permanent leave but I also thought it was foolish not to. So, for those of you who know what I do for a living, I shall be leaving due to RL circumstances. One of the things I... tend to do before "leaving" for work is that I always "lock up" the things I have created, wrote, typed, played - anything at all - with me when I leave. These things include RPing in MMOs or even fan base community forums for example. So thus, this is my final goodbye to the players and their characters of FFXIV. It has been an interesting adventure. As for the Vale Brothers? Well, Marcus and Xydane would have fallen when the Dravanian Horde invaded Ishgard. Behind the story of the the Vale Brothers, Ishgard had given them a last purpose in life when the rest of the world had rejected them. Simply put, Ishgard had given them the will to fight for there is no greater feat than to slay than a dragon. It was their calling. To defend. Marcus "The Unceasing" Vale and Xydane "The Unrelenting" Vale would have slain many of the scaled beasts before falling. They would have stood their ground and fought to their last dying breath. Thank you all for the wonderful RP and adventures and I wish you all the best luck in-game and IRL. - Xydane's Player

I noticed this is in Coerthas. Need a guard?

Somewhere in The Black Shroud... Another well mannered Elezen dressed in traveling attire approaches The Crier with an earnest disposition. He gently bows - a slow and graceful sort, before reaching inside an average sized woolen bag and handing The Crier what seems to be a small folded letter. "Ah, I do believe things happen for good reason. I have been told to deliver this letter to your employer when word had reached Coerthas. I think he will find the proposition quite... interesting. You have yourself a peaceful evening." With that said, the mysterious Elezen bows once more and turns to disappear into the quiet woods as unexpected as he appeared. The contents of the letter: "To whom it may concern, "The Unceasing" has heard word of your offer and is greatly interested in your work. Marcus Vale invites you to the lands of Coerthas and the territories of Ishgard to spend a day with "The Vale Brothers." Lodging and cuisine will be provided the start and end of the day. You will not be disappointed. - Marcus V." ((Hoping to RP the scene via forum as I will not be back in FFXIV until Feb. Many thanks!))