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Zachary Evans waves to you.
Zachary Evans: "Excuse me, pardon me..."
Jancis Milburga beams and lifts her heels waving.
Jancis Milburga: "Zachary! Is good to see you! Quite so."
Zachary Evans: "Good to see you as well Miss Milburga! It's been far too long."
Jancis Milburga nods vigorously in agreement. "Far too long, ah, Sir Evans."
Zachary Evans: "I'm glad I was able to come. Seems I've been spending too much time focusing on, well...'other things', that I haven't made time for friends."
Zachary Evans looks away from you, sulking.
Jancis Milburga pulls a hand bell from her robe. "those other things must needs be very important... Alas I cannot really talk at the moment. I shall speak to you more later?
Zachary Evans: "Of course! I didn't meant to steal you away from your duties! I'll talk to you again soon, Miss Milburga."
Zachary Evans looks around.
Jancis Milburga: raises a hand bell over her head. "Welcome Pilgrims! Thank you for coming all this way!"
Zachary Evans: "So many unfamiliar faces...."
Zachary Evans: "By and far, this was an exceptional event."
Zachary Evans: "I'm glad I got to meet all of you, and if you want, I can make those introductions for y'all."
Arcian Martell: "If you wouldn't mind."
Zachary Evans: "Who would y'all like to be introduced to first?"
Leggerless Hanzou: "...There's multiple people?"
Arcian Martell: "Your call."
Zachary Evans: "Well... lemme see here..."
Zachary Evans:Â "Erik's closer, and less crowded currently."
Zachary Evans: "Does that sound fair?"
Leggerless Hanzou: "Fair enough."
Arcian Martell: "Aye."
Zachary Evans: "Follow me!"
Cliodhna Eoghan Scrubs her eyes under her sunglasses, still leaving them on in a poor attempt to hide her now tearstained makeup.
Zachary Evans scratched the back of his head. "Sorry to bother you Captain, Clio. Am I interrupting something?"
Cliodhna Eoghan Gives him a blank look. "It's fine Zac...." Murmurs softly.
Zachary Evans: "These women wanted to speak to the pair of you for your part in arranging the festivities."
Zachary Evans: "May I introduce Arcian, Alice and Lynx."
Arcian Martell bows politely. "A pleasure. Heard you were to thank for the Royal Ball a few moons ago."
Erik Mynhier: I know Lynx from the Royal Ball I think.
Leggerless Hanzou: "Aye, that you may."
Alice Lancaster manages a slight wave as she tries to fight back a yawn, "I've no idea why we're being introduced. I'm just here because I went along with it. I'm Alice."
Leggerless Hanzou: "Never did properly thank you for the event."
Erik Mynhier: Not at all. How can I be of help?
Zachary Evans: "Erik is a good man, the Ball he helps put together are a little uptight, but fun none the less. A touch to high-class for my tastes, though."
Cliodhna Eoghan Stares at her boots.
Erik Mynhier: I take it you ladies want to set a booth up or some event during the festival?
Arcian Martell: "Me? No. Just thought I'd convey my thanks t'you for doing what you do."
Leggerless Hanzou glances over at the two on her right, then back at Erik. "No, Erik. It was a simple thanks for the last one. Makyn would likely do the same, were he here as well."
Zachary Evans: "Thank you for taking time for introductions, Captain."
Zachary Evans: "Please excuse me. If you'd like to be introduced to anyone else, come find me."
Zachary Evans: "Thank you for your time Captain. Clio."
Cliodhna Eoghan Nods again in Zac's direction.
Zachary Evans: "It's good to see you here, Sebastian."
Sebastian Sun'dai: "Same! Though it's weird seein' you without your armor!"
Zachary Evans: "It's traditional garb, and I'm proud of it, thought it's not always good for every event."
Sebastian Sun'dai: Huh?"
Zachary Evans: "OH! Miss Jana, right?"
Jana Ridah: Huh- Oh! You are... Sorry, I don't recognize you, sir.
Jana Ridah: Oh, that's how you- Thank you, I wasn't sure just how well it'd fit the theme, but it seems to have gone over well.
Zachary Evans: "It touched me, same with most of the things I've heard today. To be honest, I never felt much of a connection to Rhalgr-Oschon has always been the one to guide me feet-but I feel closer to Him now. I had honestly never thought of Destruction to be a catalyst for Change."
Zachary Evans glances at Reiner before sighing and returning his attention to Jana.
Jana Ridah: Oh, I've always kind of... Destroyed, I guess.
Jana Ridah: Rhalgr was a good fit.
Zachary Evans: "Well, as I said, your words touched me, and made me glad I came."
Jana Ridah: I'm glad my words touched someone, even if I didn't really expect them too. It was generous of Jancis to let someone like me perform, especially after I, um... Kinda said some blasphemous things in the Shroud.
Zachary Evans: "Jancis isn't the type to hold a grudge, and I feel she knows it takes various opinions to form something great."
Zachary Evans: "Ummm...Excuse me a moment, Miss Jana."
Jancis Milburga reaches out to touch Zachary's sleeve.
Zachary Evans: "This was a good gathering, Miss Milburga!"
Zachary Evans: "Once again, as always from what I hear, you've gone above and beyond."
Jancis Milburga lowers the hood. "Above what? The cavern is built this way. I am very glad you were able to come; did much of it speak to you? You know well the Destroyer's ways it seems."
Zachary Evans: "As I told Miss Jana earlier, I've never felt a strong connection to Rhalgr. Oschon has always guided me to new horizons, but after hearing everyone, I feel something. Not exactly a kindship... a resonance, maybe?"
Jancis Milburga repeats "resonance" quietly and nods. "Each is part of the whole, so it makes sense be He your guardian or not. I would think it was more your passion that is evoked in the same way."
Zachary Evans: "I feel that. Oschon may have brought me here, but the was through Destruction my journey came to be. As taboo as this may seem, I believe the Calamity made it possible for me to leave home. To come to Eorzea and meet so many good people."
Jancis Milburga widens her eyes at Zachary, her face growing guilty as she confesses, "As I do. Such pain and all... were it not for it I would be lost. A tool; I would gladly accept it back knowing the cost now, but that is not how things are."
Zachary Evans put hands on Jancis' shoulders, looking her in the eye. "You're no tool. A tool is something base, and commonplace. You're an instrument. An instrument of change for the better. Look at all these events you've held. All the people who've come. They've all learned something, grown as people and become much better for it. And that happened because of you."
Jancis Milburga gawks a bit as Zachary's words sink in, standing still. "That makes me useful still." She repeated the words quietly before looking back up. "Thank you."
Jancis Milburga: "Am still useful by my own choices."
Zachary Evans smiled as he did something surprising, pulling Jancis into a hug. "If being useful is what you call it, useful is what it is. I'd call it inspirational instead."
Zachary Evans: "I have to be going, but I want to see you again soon. Maybe, we could go to the Bismarck again?"
Jancis Milburga still looks quite a bit internal and insighted, blinking to refocus as she nods, "As you like. More popotos? Aldgoat?"
Zachary Evans: "I...could ask if they could make some Dodo and dumpling soup from a family recipe. You might enjoy it."
Jancis Milburga perks up instantly, "Yes. Yes I would like to try that. Very much so."
Jancis Milburga: "I will, ah, will find a recipe too. Something... I will think of something."
Zachary Evans: "Then I'll write home, see if I can't get Auntie to send me the recipe."
Zachary Evans: "I'll see you soon...Jancis."
Jancis Milburga beams, "Soon. Be well and travel safe, Zachary."
Zachary Evans: "Gods Bless you."
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Cliodhna Eoghan Reaches back and grabs Erik's hand.
Erik Mynhier pulls free of Clio's grip and wraps his arm instead around her shoulder, pulling her close.
Cliodhna Eoghan Murmurs softly. "I think I'm suppose to stand over there....."
Erik Mynhier: Alright, I'll be close.
Cliodhna Eoghan Looks back at Erik nodding.
Erik Mynhier: I will go and see the stone, then I will be ready Clio.
Cliodhna Eoghan "Alright dear, I'll be there shortly." Gives his hand a quick squeeze.
Cliodhna Eoghan Gaze drifts over to Berrod's direction a moment before going back to quietly watching the remainder as a whole.
Erik Mynhier: There you are.
Cliodhna Eoghan: Wanted to sit down for a bit...Still feeling a bit sore.
Erik Mynhier: Yes, I feel it too to be honest.... Listen, I had planned to give you a gift tonight, sort of a pre-wedding gift. But I am unsure if I should now.
Cliodhna Eoghan Lowers her sunglasses a little to look at him over the top of them. "You did? Well I won't tell you no if you still want to dear. I didn't intend to have these feelings afterwards; I had hoped for the opposite but you know how a painful memory can be." Smiles softly.
Erik Mynhier: I know.... it is just.... It took a bit of doing to get it for you. I am unsure how it will effect you. I was not aware you would take the night so hard.
Cliodhna Eoghan Holds her hand out, still resting on her leg but wanting his touch. "I'm sure it's wonderful whatever it is...Please don't doubt giving it because of tonight, I had been a bit nervous about sharing earlier and that combined with the story....It just affected me more than I had planned. I'm sure I'll be fine in a little while."
Erik Mynhier sighed, still unsure as he draws out the package, "When I my fath... when Ulrich and I last spoke, I had asked him to get something for me. He had a way of finding things lost. Of seeking out the past.... I asked him to find this and he did."
Cliodhna Eoghan Looks at the package curiously, not quite understanding what Erik had meant. "....What did he find?"
Erik Mynhier: I know you have not earned it in the old way, it was your mother's after all.... and at the risk of offending Rhalgr or his followers.... I never followed that path so I do not know the rules... But it was hers and I feel should be yours. It would be right I think in the hands of the Daughter of Swiftstrike.
Erik Mynhier: Shows what I know... I always thought they came in yellow. I understand that after they left the Order they could and often would dye them?
Cliodhna Eoghan Hands trembling at Erik's words, she gingerly took the package and slowly tore off the paper the long lost sight of her mother's temple clothes greeting her. Dyed black as she had done so many years ago, the feather of the circlet frayed but it was hers without a doubt, the lingering smell of honeysuckle greeted her senses. "S-she did....She dyed it black once she left." Voice barely above a whisper as it shook.
Erik Mynhier: I had some closure with my father there I think. I thought maybe you would like some such for your mother.
Cliodhna Eoghan Nods quietly, the material held close to her face. "Thank you..."
Erik Mynhier: As I said I do not know the rules, if it is sacrilege or not, but maybe you should try it on?
Cliodhna Eoghan "Maybe....I don't think it would be. She had intended me to follow in her footsteps; it just didn't happen that way...." Looks around, intent to duck into the tent behind her if allowed. "I don't know if it will fit, she seemed so much taller than I am but I was a lot smaller in those memories."
Erik Mynhier: Seems to fit you well.
Cliodhna Eoghan Nods. "The tops a little long...." Takes a slow breath.
Erik Mynhier: Funny is it no?
Cliodhna Eoghan: Why is it funny?
Erik Mynhier: No matter how far we go and what we fight..... We are always children, watching the heroes that made us do the impossible. No matter how far I pass him I always see my father on the field of battle and see him as so much greater then myself.
Erik Mynhier: He found something else.
Cliodhna Eoghan Smiles softly, fingers brushing over the decorative cord on the cyclase. "I guess so....Always trying to keep up with and chase their shadows..." Hugs her arms across her torso gently. "I was surprised you were able to find this....The way she had been carried off; I didn't think father had kept it..." Head jerks up. "What else did you find?"
Erik Mynhier: It is at home, it was much to large to bring here. It was a large bound book, thousands of pages. I think it came from the Temple Library. There was a letter stashed under the cover addressed to you. I did not read it.
Cliodhna Eoghan Places a hand over her mouth. She knew, she must have planned in case something happened to her before.... "Thank you Erik, I'll...I'll look at it once we're home...."
Erik Mynhier: Of course, honestly I was saving it all as a wedding gift but the event here and what happed to us these last few weeks.... I felt it could not wait.
Cliodhna Eoghan Nods, closing the distance between them. "Of course...I-Thank you...." Arms slipping around his waist under his jacket
Erik Mynhier wrapped her in his arms and smile as she lay against his chest.
Cliodhna Eoghan Grips the back of his shirt tightly, mindful to keep from pushing her forehead on his chest too hard. "I never thought I'd see these again...Thank you Erik..."
Erik Mynhier: Let us go home Love.
Cliodhna Eoghan: I'm going to change back first....I don't want to wear these long term just yet....
Cliodhna Eoghan Gently folds the garments, holding them close to breath in her mother's lingering scent once more; squeezing her eyes against the tears threatening to spill again. Takes a slow breath and comes back out, clothing held close to her chest.
Erik Mynhier: Let us go and visit before going.
Cliodhna Eoghan Nods. "I like to give her time to see everyone else first anyway....So many line up after theses..." Looks down at the garments in her arms again. "Thank you, I had wondered where you went off to earlier; you had these in Fury's bag, didn't you?"
Erik Mynhier: Yes, I took great pleasure knowing they were right there and you did not know. Not often I can sneak something past you.
Cliodhna Eoghan Shakes her head, light smile on her lips. "I was a bit preoccupied today."
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Gareth Evershield 's gaze falls on the Captain, before stumbles forward towards him, reaching into his pouch to pull out a piece of parchment, breathing out. "There... we go... Captain...." He holds out the piece of paper, standing up as straight as he can with his rising and falling chest.
Erik Mynhier: May have beaten the record there Gareth.
Gareth Evershield lets out a breathy chuckle, placing his hands on his knees once more. "Not... fast enough... to make it here... on time..."
Cliodhna Eoghan Shifts back onto the barrel she had been sitting on; giving Erik a moment with Gareth.
Erik Mynhier: How was the run?
Erik Mynhier takes the paper.
Gareth Evershield holds up a thumb. "A challenge much like the Fifty Laps of Ul'dah..." He coughs before standing up straight. "I ran to the house, then told you were here."
Erik Mynhier: Glad you made it. I will file it away and start the next step.... tomorrow. You look exhausted.
Gareth Evershield waves a hand dismissively. "Walk in the... park, Captain..." He breathes out. "Give me but an hour and.... I will be ready for the next trial..."He takes in a deep breath. "If naught else, I'd like to begin training with Tellah, sir."
Erik Mynhier: Tellah has gone to Ishgard for a few days, I plan to join him tonight and travel back with him tomorrow.
Gareth Evershield sets his jaw in thought, but nods slowly. "I will make well use of the time I am given then, Captain." His eyes shift to the left, before he looks back at him. "Permission to.... be excused, sir?"
Erik Mynhier: Of course, enjoy the night.
Gareth Evershield grits his teeth, turning and dropping his bag as he moves slowly towards Jancis. "Ms. Milburga."
Jancis Milburga looks up at Gareth and his fatigued state instinctively holds out her hands, "Sir Gareth."
Gareth Evershield 's face falls, slowly taking to his knees, bowing his head. "I must apologize for my late arrival. I spoke with much earnest to be present, yet dishonored that by being the last one to appear." He narrows his eyes, sweat beading from forehead. "I'm sorry."
Ashmira Honzen tilts her head, studying the man curiously.
Jancis Milburga: "Forgive me. I am not sure what you are apologizing for. Did even get to say it to another, 'It is never too late to be what you might have been."
Jancis Milburga pulls a handkerchief from her robe and offers it. "I can get some water. It is good to see you. For me you are right on time."
Gareth Evershield 's eyes shift to the side, a small grin on his face. "And what might that be?" He runs a hand through his face. "Regardless, this was something I wished to be present for. I suppose this is my way of lamenting." He takes the handkerchief with a nod. "Thank you."
Jancis Milburga: "I am not sure how to make it up to you. Ah! Can visit Sir Armstrong sometime! He would gladly share his words again."
Gareth Evershield wipes his face slowly, pushing himself back to his feet, though he didn't look solid in his footing. "Who is this Sir Armstrong?" His eyes turn, eyeing the stone for a moment, before looking back at Jancis, then the Au Ra before him, nodding his head to her respectfully. "Ma'am."
Jancis Milburga: "Oh. Forgive me this is Lady Ashmira. She is quite versed in the heavens and bodies above. Sir Armstrong is a fist. Does lead the Agents; has overseen the Grindstone before. Is like one of Rhalgr's hands."
Gareth Evershield: I see. I will have to seek him out, when time permits...
Gareth Evershield turns to Ashmira. "A pleasure, my lady. Corporal Gareth Evershield of the Red Wings, at your service." He sets his jaw. "Aaaaaand resident groveler, apparently." He grins slightly.
Ashmira Honzen laughs quietly. "A pleasure meeting you, I've no doubt."
Ashmira Honzen: " 'twas an impressive entrance, all the same."
Cliodhna Eoghan Steps off the box, hoping Jancis sees her wave before climbing behind Erik on Fury.
Jancis Milburga manages to see some and waves!
Gareth Evershield lets out a soft chuckle. "A trait I hear I possess well." He tilts his head at Jancis. "She met me after watching me get carried into the med bay with courel and voidsent claw marks all over my body."
Jancis Milburga: "It is true! Luckily that smile of his was not harmed in his training."
Ashmira Honzen: "Ah, bitterly determined to the last, hm?"
Ashmira Honzen chuckles.
Jancis Milburga: "He is like Rhalgr, nothing will hold him back."
Gareth Evershield laughs, nodding. "So I've been told." He grins at the both of them, before his eyes turned to the stone. "Hm... A bit more stretched in that comparison..." He looks back at Jancis. "No paintings or philosophical chips for the pilgrims, this eve?"
Jancis Milburga: "Afraid not. Alas, this time was more suitable to have blessings and words given personally. Sir Armstrong and Lady Adalhaid took out many bells with people personally."