Rough Edges

[111]

Evangeline rolls out of bed, her muscles and joints protesting, as they had often of late. Her body had been changing, though subtle over the last few weeks. The training and exercises adding a certain wiry strength to her slim limbs. She thought for a moment of those responsible.

 

Ser Orrin, the Dragoon, who had been teaching her methods of self control and inner strength she had mocked in the past.

 

Lady W'seckhi, mercenary soldier, who had been training her body, giving her the strength and endurance to continue.

 

However her original teacher had been suspiciously absent of late, not surprising, given his wandering lifestyle. Still, this morning, like most others, she strapped on her arms and armor, before heading out into the misty morning, hoping to meet Gharen once more.

[Gharen]

Gharen kneeled quietly in meditation near one of the campfires amid the refugee camps. He stood out amidst the Refugee's that were moving about beginning their day as he wore the white and blue armor of a free Paladin. He drew occasional inquisitive looks from them, and children dared each other to touch him and run away.

 

He meditated on recent events, an argument with Roen, his sister acted as if he did not know, or understand that which the refugee's within Ul'dah's borders suffered through. Her assumption had angered him and when the siblings parted, it had been less than amicable.

 

He quietly pondered what his sister had said that day, and the words of a student of his, this is until he heard someone approaching accompanied by the sound of chain mail.

[111]

Evangeline is at first confused by the strange figure, then quickens her pace as they become recognizable, face splitting into a grin.

 

"Master Wolfsong!" She attempts to give him a hug, if not resisted, "I have missed your lessons."

 

"I should have known though, that highlander on your arm at the ball. You would not be human if she had not caused your to wander for a time."

 

The Elezen steps back again, admiring his armor, "You will have to tell me how you acquired it, you almost seem civilized." There is humor in her tone, "I'm assuming you didn't bend the knee to the Sultanate in between the ball and now."

[Gharen]

He turns to look at the familiar voice and is surprised by the sudden show of affection and begins to turn a shade of red.

 

"M.. Miss Primrose! A.. Aye, I must apologize fer neglectin' yer lessons."

 

It had taken this long to for what Evangeline said regarding the ball to register. "W..what? Oh, no, t'was nothing like tha'! Miss Grimsong an' I are acquaintances, she asked me te attend with her regardin' a bit' o'.. ehm.. business."

 

When she releases him, he stands, adjusting one of his gauntlets as he does. "Nothin' o' th' sort, I crafted it myself over th' moons since my time in' tha' cavern in Coerthas, If'n one means te be a paladin o any sort they should look it as well."

[111]

Evangeline shakes her head, "There is no need to apologize, if anything I constantly impose upon your generosity. Though I'm a bit disappointed. You and the Lady Grimsong looked perfect together."

 

She studies his armor again as he speaks, "Crafted it yourself...? I suppose that makes sense. It is only armor, after all, the Sultanate does not have a monopoly on it." She nods, "You cut a rather dashing figure in it, be careful, or I might fall for you." Evangeline winks with the last statement and gives him a playful nudge.

 

"Forgive my jesting, but I am simply glad to see you again. I was worried that you might have wandered off permanently."

 

"What brings you back to Ul'dah this time, Master Wolfsong, and would you perhaps, have time for more instruction?"

[Gharen]

He blushes slightly at the compliments, "I.. I Thank ye Miss Primrose."

 

He pauses for a moment as he considers just how much to tell her. "I've been travelin' a bit regardin' a few things my sister has some involvement in. I came here te meditate an' reflect upon a disagreement we recently had, an' my time as a refugee myself in little Ala Mhigo."

 

"I think I'd enjoy a bit o' trainin', though, I hope ye don' mind my askin' Miss Primrose, ye expressed hopes o' helpin' th' refugee's out o' their situation when we first met. How do ye plan te bring those changes about?"

[111]

Evangeline smiles wryly, "Given my own circumstances, I know all about family disagreements. Hopefully yours was nothing like mine."

 

She brightens at the promise of a lesson, and then nods, "You might not like to hear it, but I've been working with some of the more sympathetic monetarists." Eva shrugs, "They recognize the problem of the refugees as much as anyone. Some have been donating money, food and medicine to help the situation."

 

She sighs, "I've given up on revolution, at least for the time. I've been more focused on building small schools, clinics... tangible things."

 

"Why do you ask?"

[Gharen]

He nods thoughtfully at her statements. "Those are all commendable things te do Miss Primrose, nae all monetarists wish te step upon th' backs o' th poor, ye've chosen a path te be proud o'. One tha' does nae make things worse or result in bloodshed. I imagine tha' ye an my sister would get along well."

 

"She is much like ye, wish'n te help th' refugee's, though she see's my philosophy o' balance as doin' nothin' as bein' part o' th' problem. I believe tha' she wishes fer th' same, fer there te be no bloodshed, but.." He stops, opting not to get into details.

 

"She spoke te me as if I did nae understand th' harshness o' this life, as if I lived a privileged life in my time here. I don' know how best te reach her an' make her understand."

[111]

Evangeline shakes her head, then looks around, making sure no one is close enough to overhead. "Do not misunderstand me, Master Wolfsong." Her voice is low, "I have not ruled out more active means of improving the situation here. I simply could not discover a plan I was satisfied with."

 

She licks her lips, "I must admit I'm curious what plan this sister of yours had in mind."

 

Then she calms "However as you say, first one must ensure they will not make things worse. The conditions and situation here are no stranger to you." She shakes her head, "I fail to see how your sister could believe otherwise." Evangeline gestures to the squalor, "As bad as it is, a life living in the dirt, is better than resting six fulms under it. If you feel the risks of her plan outweigh the rewards, I trust your judgement."

 

Evangeline clears her throat, "I am still curious though."

[Gharen]

He gives Eva a look, "She is supporting th' actions o' a man tha' claims te want te bring change te Uldah, a noble goal, dependin' upon how one goes about it."

 

Unfortunately I believe th' methods bein' used may only help te push things te a tippin' point, incitin' more violence in a place where anger is jus' below th' surface."

 

"She swears there will be no bloodshed. But I cannae help but wonder if this man's actions will tear th' city apart."

 

He looks about the camp at the people going about their day, the children playing nearby. "These people would not survive if'n th' city turns upon itself."

[111]

"Gharen, if I'd heard this a few months ago, I'd already be rushing over and signing up." Evangeline chuckles, "I like to think I've learned a thing or two since then."

 

"There are some good among the monetarists, even the Blades, and some bad among the Royalists as well." She sighs, "Life is ever so complicated, despite what some of my texts would have be believe."

 

Evangeline reaches into a satchel and pulls out a weathered primer,

 

[align=center]A is for Aldgoat, and B is for Bomb

Children's Learning Series[/align]

 

"This I know, will bring no harm to the people here..." She laughs again, "Unless they take to it too readily, and turn out like myself."

 

Her mood becomes somber for a moment, "As you say though, this place is volatile, as much as I hate that idea. However, it also cannot subsist for eternity... at some point, some risk will be needed." Evangeline tilts her head, "You have been evasive, but would you speak on this plan? Even in generalities? Perhaps I could give you my own judgement."

[Gharen]

"Yer quite correct." he takes a deep breath,  But risk with a measured hand, lest this place become a mass grave for innocents."

 

His expression shifts, as he thinks, "This pirate uses an alias by th' name o' Redgrave, an bought up large shares in a trade route, as I understand it, he had th' monetarist family tha' owned it killed, men, women, an' children, an entire bloodline wiped out all in order te take control o' the route himself."

 

He goes quiet for a moment as he reflects on that point again, "I don' know this man's plan, an' I really don' need te, I know what he's willin' te step o'er th' bodies o' children do te accomplish it."

 

"I've been speakin' with contacts, trackin' down people with information, I'm gettin' a hold o' th' location o' those trade routes.. an' plannin' te find out what he wanted them so badly, an one way or another bring him te justice."

[111]

Evangeline blanches, "Those do not seem the deeds of a just man. Even in my most drastic plans, I'd never have wanted such a thing. Take the merchants, seize their wealth, perhaps even put the more egregious offenders to trial..."

 

She shakes her head, "Not like that though. What is the point of changing one set of tyrants for another." Evangeline grimaces almost growling, "Worse, such acts only make true change more difficult. What moderate merchants would side with our cause, thinking we only seek to butcher them like animals."

 

"No, Master Wolfsong, only evil comes from such actions." She meets his gaze, eyes full of anger, "And if what you say he has done is true, I do not appreciate the efforts of myself and others mentioned in the same breath."

 

She nods, "If I can assist you any any way, you have my blade, as inexpert as it may be."

[Gharen]

He gave her words some thought, he had been contemplating on how best to bring this to an end and doing so by not involving or endangering others. Every plan that came to mind would take time that he did not have, or had slim chances for success.

 

"I thank ye Miss Primrose. I'll acquire th trade route maps, unfortunately, I don' believe tha' we have an abundance o' time te finesse this quietly. I expect this te get messy, an' quickly. But I need te know what was so worth killin' fer."

[111]

Evangeline nods, "This concerns me greatly as well. If the world is to change, the last thing it needs is another false prophet." She fingers her heretic brand instinctively as she does so. "Nothing is worse than those who do evil, cloaked in the language of good. Though, I think the reason might be more transparent that you think. Greed, selfishness, and arrogance, are likely to be the root. Anything that makes one man think his own life and ambitions are worth more than another's. You should tread carefully, if he was willing to treat innocents and children so cruelly, there is no doubt you will be in danger the instant you press further into this matter."

 

She looks at Gharen's plate, and her own light shirt of mail. "Perhaps I should consider acquiring my own set of plate. Though truth be told, I have little experience in arms and armor." The Elezen plucks lightly at her chain shirt, "I am not sure how much protection this would be in a genuine fight."

 

"Perhaps you could recommend me some styles of armor? As impressive as yours is, I'm not sure that I am ready for anything quite so heavy."

[Gharen]

He nods quietly at her mention of retaliation, "I fully expect reprisal o' some sort which is why I'm want'n te minimize the number o' those involved. I'd make it look like a bandit attack, but I'd also nae want te go stoopin' down te' their level an' go killin' th' guards."

 

He gives Eva a look for a moment as he sizes up the woman's frame. "There are some other kinds o' armor tha' may suit yet better, scale is a step down in protection, but increases mobility. Alternatively, there are some types o' plate tha' use lighter metals, or thinner plates in general te reduce weight, tis somethin' te consider. Jus' remember, gainin' in one area o' protection, almost always sacrifices in another."

[111]

Evangeline tugs at her mail shirt, "I'll see what else I can find. As for the Guards, I agree. They are more likely than not simply earning a wage. Killing men because they chose the wrong caravan to guard... the idea sits uneasy with me."

 

"If I am to be involved though..." Evangeline grins, "We shouldn't let this meeting go to waste." She begins going through some quick stretches, "I've been training with others since we've spoken."

 

"Perhaps we can move onto something more advanced? Or you can teach me that conjuration you always speak of."

[Gharen]

He nods, "We shall start simple then." He begins to remove his right gauntlet setting it down on the ground various old scars and burns now readily visible, Reaching to his belt with his left he removes a short dagger, and runs it quickly across the back of his arm, the bright crimson begins to flow freely down his arm as he sits upon the ground.

 

"Have a seat, tis nae deep nor life threatening. Ye said before ye lacked focus, let us see how ye do then."

[111]

She frowns as he reveals his scars, and then grimaces as he opens his skin. What must a man go through, to take a knife, and harm himself so readily. There was no more reaction or ceremony to the slash, then there was to the removal of his gauntlet.

 

Evangeline moves to join him, sitting cross legged and removing her own leather gloves, "We could have gone over the theory first or something. I've done some basic conjury before, making the wind blow a little harder, rolling a pebble across a table. Never been good at wounds, what if I hurt you? If it is done improperly, it could grow worse, or tumorous, or infected..." Her words come quickly and nervously, as watching the blood drip off his arm and onto the sands, "I know not if I am up to this."

[Gharen]

He watches her nervous rambling for a moment, and attempts cut her off and get her attention focused.

 

"...making the wind blow a little harder..."

 

"Miss Primrose."

 

"...what if I hurt you?"

 

"Miss Primrose?"

 

"...tumorous, or infected..."

 

"Miss Primrose!"

 

"...if I am up to this."

 

He lets out an exasperated sigh and then draws in a quick breath and lets out a curt ear splitting whistle that rings out through the camp and echoes off the heavy stone wall of Ul'dah behind them drawing looks from the refugees around them. "Miss Primrose!"

 

He then waits to see if he has her full and undivided attention.

 

Once he does, he motions to his arm, "Inaction could lose someone their arm, or their life Miss Primrose, I find practical experience te be th' best teacher. I'd expected ye'd have figured tha' out by now. If'n ye like I'll teach ye a technique tha' will help ye."

[111]

Evangeline winces and covers her ears, as half the refugee camp turns to see what the commotion was about. Upon finding it was neither food, or a fight, they quickly return to their every day drudgery.

 

Slowly she uncovers her ears. Thankfully, in this case, she's never had the keener sense some of her kind were prized for. "I..." She clears her throat, "Sorry."

 

"I'll do my best." Taking a deep breath she closes her eyes, and focuses on the aether. She could feel it, barely, and takes stock of what she has to work with. Earth and Fire were strongest here. Earth pulsed upwards, the dusty sands of Thanalan lacking the living topsoil of other areas and did not impede it. Fire too, beamed down from the sun, a steady stream of aether suffusing the land with warmth and energy.

 

Wind, too was present, and with it, lightning. The dry air swept across the camp, pushed by the currents of wind aether, eddies of lightning aether appearing as small pockets. Evangeline smiles softly to herself, finding a sizable reserve of lightning in her own messy hair.

 

Water was harder, but as the breeze shifted, she could feel it. The interaction of fire and water always threw water aether into the air, such as when the sun baked the small river and oasis nearby.

 

Ice was... no where to be found, and not surprisingly. This worried her slightly, in Ishgard she had used it primarily for wounds, slowing the blood, and stabilizing the wound long enough to heal.

 

She finally exhales, feeling the aether of her breath. "The Aether here is unfamiliar to me. You'll have to guide me."

 

Evangeline calls upon earth, "First let's stop the bleeding..." concentrating, she pushes it into the wound, the gentle force of earth pressing the two sides together, almost like a chasm closing. Pausing, she opens a single eye, nervously, "Does that hurt...?"

[Gharen]

Gharen quietly watches as she works, he'd figured some time ago that she was one to look at the little things and focus on those. Conjury had not come easy to him initially either, in Little Ala Mhigo under the "care" of his guardian he learned quickly how to tend and care to his wounds traditionally out of necessity. After leaving though he had to learn how not only care for his wounds, but how to foster the ability to heal them quickly lest he not be able to hunt, or travel effectively.

 

"It dinnae hurt, but close yer eyes, an picture in yer mind tha' you're sittin' in a cool an' gently flowin' river o' light, it's currents flow around ye an' react te yer movements much as a livin' thing might. Tis yer ally, an let tha' light flow through ye as make yer intention known tha' ye wish te borrow o' tha' light don' force it, an focus tha' borrowed light by picturin' what ye wish te accomplish."

[111]

"A river...?" Her eyes are still closed, and she tries to see what he says. She could feel the various types of aether, all swirling around them. Fire there, maybe she could use it to kill bacteria,water could increase blood flow. Lightning may increase cell healing but...

 

Evangeline shakes her head, trying for once, not to think too hard about the situation. Instead she just looks, trying to see the aggregate, instead of the individual. The aether began combining, and merging in her sight, and instead became something larger. A cloud. A lake...

 

But no, it moved. She could not tell why or how, but she felt it. The aether swirling and heading on it's endless path, rejuvenating the world, and giving life to all things.

 

Slowly, tentatively she touched it. Evangeline could not tell exactly what elements she touched, or how she called them, but she did. She held her breath, not wanting to ruin this moment, as she pulled at it, diverting just a bit, just a tributary of that endless stream to flow through Gharen's arm. She could feel it, casting it's light upon the wound, as it slowly, warmly began to heal the ravaged flesh, pressing the edges...

 

Edges...

 

She could feel, as if it was happening to a stranger, her body began to sway and fall, shutting down due to lack of air. However it did not matter, all that mattered was the light... and the river.

 

If she could just...

 

Just a moment more...

 

Evangeline's sight, aetherial as well as physical, went black.

[Gharen]

Gharen watched as Eva concentrated, she did so almost too much, that is until she relaxed. The weak glow from her hand over his arm all at once gained strength as she did, and the minor wound began to heal quickly. He could swear but for a moment, that he saw the corners of her mouth curl upward slightly into a smile, then she suddenly began to waver. When her form suddenly went limp and fell off to the side, he grabbed at her arm keeping her from hitting the ground.

 

He laid her gently down on the ground upon her back, he began to check to ensure that she was alright he'd heard of healers wearing themselves out extensive healing, and had even seen it a few times, but it had always been in the most grievous of cases.

 

He checked her pulse, and glanced to her chest, looking away and nearly turning red once he verified she was breathing, once he was satisfied that she was alright, he sat back down, glancing about for something comfortable to rest her head upon. He leaned over to his rucksack that laid nearby, and pulled out a bed roll, he adjusted it and laid her head upon it to make her as comfortable as he could.

 

He sad back down and inspected the wound upon the back of his arm. It was now little more than a scratch, he rubbed off the dried blood and reached for his gauntlet and began to put it back on.

[111]

Weightless... the river... we are all...

 

Evangeline floats upon an endless river, a sea of stars that is her bed. She waves her arms, each movement sending a small ripple, each ripple a tiny symphony.

 

It was all so clear to her now, the music of the universe, she only had to reach out and...

 

Evangeline's eyes flutter open. She yawns once, then twice, lips smacking contently. Extending her limbs languidly she stretches, then looks up to see an unexpected sight, the sky, blue as a sapphire. She presses her self upwards, looking around in some confusion, before she sees the concerned face of Gharen.

 

"Master Wolfsong... what.... where am I?"

 

She shakes her head, "What happened?"