The Rain From Doma
Yasu Hasimoto came from a people who have lost just as much as the Ala Mhigans. Kiht knew this, and it meant a unique opportunity. As the Garleans made many enemies, and those enemies continued to gather in Eorzea, the Empire was unwittingly building up an army of refugees that had little to lose, and much to gain from war.
Ala Mhigans were known for their martial prowess, but the Domans did not lack it. Yasu was one of the best Raen Archers Kiht had ever met. The middle-aged, veteran soldier was exactly what the resistance needed. However, in order for KIht to ask for Yasu to break from her new life to fight the Garleans again, she would have to remind the Raen of old scars and unforgettable loss.
Kiht Jakkya makes her way under the shade of a small tree near Apkallu falls in Old Gridania. Her gaze finds the fair Raen who sits on one of the provided benches. "Greetings, enjoying yourself?"
Yasu sat there with her eyes closed, meditating to the sound of the gentle springs. At the sound of her friend's voice, she regards Kiht with a smile. "Yes, for now. Will you sit?"
"I see sitting is a custom for you as well. Everyone likes sitting." She mutters, but smiles lightly. "You seem relaxed, or mayhaps it is that clothing."
The Raen did indeed look quite comfortable, wearing looser clothing and her hair casually wrapped in a bun. "I take some time to rest here with other people. There is a festival. Lots of life and lots of smiles, it is always good to see." She pauses. "How are you since the battle?"
The Keeper shrugs. "I know not what to think. We defeated his men, but he got away. I am not discouraged by that even if many seem to be. Those people we fought were not just hired bandits. They were his comrades. He is without them now, and he will eventually come back for me. I suppose the next thing I must do is see if I can catch him before he is ready to do that."
The Doman nods. "I will help you, like always." She reaches over slowly, placing a gentle hand on Kiht's arm. "You are strong but you have many friends that can help you too. These battles are not yours alone."
"Gratitude, Yasu. I suppose I will see how many of them are willing to chase a stone." She cants her head a bit. "When this is over, I am taking the fight to them. They have caused too much, and ruined too much. I had nearly forgotten as I tried to return to the past."
"If only my people were strong as Eorzeans, we would have been free. But we lost." She says softly. "I am happy enough to be fighting for another home. Maybe, one sun, I will return to mine."
"If Eorzea can be free, so can Othard one sun."
The huntress reaches to grab Yasu's arm that had extended to her shoulder - the gesture meant to awaken her from her memories. "Yasu... Do not lose pride in your people. The Garleans are no jest, and I tell you many are very afraid of them. We did not win, we fought them to a stalemate, and this war is not over. They wish for us to think that, so we will let down our guard. Mayhaps we can not travel across the sea to save your home yet. But we have to kick them out of our home first. The fight starts here… The Shroud, Gyr Albania, Ala Mhigo, Doma and Othard - they are all linked by this one enemy. We will use the chain they have made, and follow it to the source."
Yasu offers Kiht a warm smile, closing her eyes as she looks forwards. "My husband's last wish was for me to find a new life and a new home, when we lost everything. But even his spirit must know, the fire of a warrior's heart only fades with their life." She moves onto a stand. "For each dream taken away from my children, hundreds of their lives will be taken."
Kiht rests her hands in her lap. "I will always be a Huntress; you will always be a Warrior. Old ways do not fade easily, not for my kin, and mayhaps not for yours. But for what it is worth to your husband, this new home can not be safe until the Garleans are gone."
"I know... That is why I must continue to fight." She turns away and inhales deeply then exhales a heavy sigh. "I will ready everything for the suns to come. You know you may call me anytime you need help, yes?"
"Indeed. Moonlight guide your path, Yasu." The Keeper speaks, sincerely.
Yasu bows courteously to Kiht in Doman fashion. "Thank you. Sleep well, Kiht-o."
As Yasu walked away, Kiht wondered if Yasu had even left the war in the first place. Behind the calm and kind demeanor, Yasu did not hesitate to take up the coming battles. However, who could ever truly move on when one’s children were taken from them?
The Ala Mhigans gained another ally.
