🐈 Permanent Catch-All 🐈

[orangebrained]

WHO: E'kayan Tia & Others
WHAT: Permanent catch-all log for closed threads/overflow
WHEN: Any time
WHERE: Anywhere
WARNINGS: To be posted in headers/where required

Comments

Hope this works! Probably later in April c:

[gleaner]

[While the dessert slimes were as weak as they come and quite easy to take their essence, they left quite a mess upon his clothes as well. Erenville had figured they didn't need subduing, not much anyway. And he had been correct in his observations for the most part, but there were a few who were fiesty despite their weakness and got their saccharine essence all over his clothes and somehow his hair!

So, after making sure there were no monsters or other untoward beings close enough to try and harm him, Erenville disrobed at the nearest river. He rinsed his garments out in the water until the sweet scent was gone and then laid them out on the rocks warming in the sun to dry. Next was himself. He stepped into the cool waters and, it was only about waist deep at its center. After dunking himself and scrubbing at his hair, he stood up and ran his fingers through his hair to squeeze the water out, tilting his head every so often to get any lingering water out of his ears. It was likely due to this that he had been unaware of his friend nearby.]

[orangebrained]

[It's more curiosity than anything else that has him wandering towards the sound of splashing in the river. What he finds there is...]

Oh, by the--

[Erenville.

More of Erenville than he ever expected to see. The tips of his ears heat and he quickly turns himself half away, covering his face with one hand... and peeking a moment later.

Then looking away again because oh, gods!]

Ah! Sorry!

[gleaner]

[Erenville wasn't generally a shy person. And he knew the risks when bathing out in the open like this, but it came with the territory when traveling at times. So, while he did feel a little bad that E'kayan was seeing more than he intended to, Erenville was actually a little more amused than anything else.

Still, he sank down lower into the waters to protect the younger man's innocent eyes ]

There is no need to be sorry. I should be the one apologizing, it seems. Unfortunately, my clothes are not dry yet.

[orangebrained]

Ah-- hah, you don't need to apologise.

[Ahhhhh??? He still doesn't know if he should look or not, but ultimately decides that standing here with his hand over his face like this isn't going to work in the long term. E'kayan drops his arm back down to his side and turns towards the other man with a faint warmth burning across his cheeks.

Well... well, then. Hm.]

What--... [Ehem.] ... Why are you in the river?

time to argue about who gets to do dramatic (???) sacrifices

[sandwichbasket]

You are- entirely certain about this?

[ Well, step 1 is successful enough. That's a scorpion right there, and as best he can identify it, it's the kind they need. One would think that step 2 would be the perfectly lovely task of 'get stung'.

But no. Step 2 is squabble over who gets to do the stupid thing. ]

The poison will affect a smaller body more quickly. I think that I ought to take it.

[ G'raha you're EXACTLY THE SAME HEIGHT. ]

oh god here we go

[orangebrained]

[There's a scorpion right there, and E'kayan has been looking at it as if it's... well, exactly as if it's a scorpion for the last couple of minutes. It's a pertinent question - which of them should be the one to take the hit - but G'raha's assertion has him immediately shaking his head.

To begin with, they're the same height--]

I'm certain! You're the smart one, if something happens to me you have the best chance of figuring out what to do next, and doing it right.

[The ginger Miqo'te is not proud about admitting that other people are more intelligent. G'raha certainly is, and he doesn't know a single person who would speak against that (except, perhaps, G'raha... if he was in a flattering mood).]

It makes the most sense for it to be me.

[sandwichbasket]

I am a historian, not a chirurgeon. [ Is he going to deny that he is the smart one? No. He's allowed a little bit of vanity, okay? ] You are a talented mage, are you not? Surely your skills would be better suited to attending to an emergency.

[ The scorpion is going to die of old age at this rate. ]

The journey back to receive treatment is not a short one, and time will not be on our side. T'would be best that you be ready to keep any threats at bay lest they slow us down.

[orangebrained]

I'm no healer.

[That's a lie, one of the few he tells by rote, and one he tells with such conviction that only those who have witnessed the truth would know otherwise. He shakes his head as he says it then looks at his companion with a frown.]

And you always do this, G'raha. It's my turn to take one for the team. [How many times now has he seen G'raha put himself in the firing line, make a sacrifice... the idea of sitting back and letting him do it right now...

He doesn't even think about the number of times he's done exactly the same kind of thing himself.

E'kayan reaches for the scorpion.]

I'll be fine.

for Themis (@emissarium)

[orangebrained]

So, uh-- Themis. It's still fine if I call you Themis, right?

[Of all the people he thought he'd be sitting in a bar with, this was definitely not one of them. He and Elidibus have a complicated history to be sure, but much like Emet-Selch the man had eventually done the Right Thing, at least as far as E'kayan was concerned...

It's strange, just like it is with most of the Ancients. Having multiple mental images of the same people from different points in their lives, all of which he was somehow present for by increasingly strange twists of fate.

But! Back to the matter at hand. He gestures towards the shot glasses, salt and lemon on the table in front of them after he sets the tray and bottle down and drops himself back into his seat.]

I asked up at the bar. You're supposed to put a bit of the salt on your hand, lick it off, take the shot, then bite the lemon. Sounds kinda weird to me, but I've done weirder things...

[Eaten weirder things, too, definitely. Though, admittedly, everything put together is making this one of the stranger situations he's ever been in.]

You're not gonna back out on me now, are you?

SLAMS INTO THIS

[emissarium]

Of course. I believe I would prefer it from you.

( After all, even if his memory is still fuzzy on just which familiar he ran into, he still knows that he rather likes remaining Themis to them. Which isn't to say that he doesn't keep his duty as Elidibus in mind all the time, but he's gotten used to the companionship they offer.

E'kayan explains the directions of the drink -- something that he is absolutely certain did not exist on their star -- and nods. Perhaps over seriously, for he is memorizing the instructions with an attention to detail the task at hand does not really require. He does flick his gaze back to the other man, standing resolute in his promise to go for drinks and enjoy himself. Or at least try to, but of that Elidibus has no doubts when it comes to E'kayan. )

No, certainly not. If it is a common enough practice there must be some reason as to why-- and the only way to discover that is by trying it ourselves.

( So: Themis puts the salt on his hand, licks it, and goes for the shot in quick order. He does not get as far as the lemon, however, because the burn of the drink is enough to have him coughing and spluttering, taken utterly aback by it. )

What-- is this supposed to taste like this?

woooo

[orangebrained]

[It is strange to hang around Elidibus and Emet-Selch as if they're friends. Not entirely or he certainly wouldn't do it, but E'kayan does sometimes catch himself musing on the events that led them to where they are now and considering how it would look to anyone who did not know the whole story.

(Now, Lahabrea would be a whole different matter...)

While Themis is following the instructions, E'kayan does the same. Salt, shot-- and he does manage to grab hold of the lemon, shoving it between his teeth as he sputters out a laugh at the other man's reaction to the strong alcohol.]

Yeah! Try not to breathe in right after you swallow.

[RIP, Themis.]

Come on, come on-- let's do another.

[emissarium]

How are you-- ( Themis shakes his head, amusement clear on his face and in his tone. Of course his remarkable friend would find some way not to be as affected by this as he is. ) Very well, I shall attempt your way.

( He takes another one of the small glasses of alcohol, and this time he manages to do the whole set -- though he isn't quite as smooth as perhaps one with practice would achieve. Still, he manages to do it all without spluttering. )

And you are certain it is supposed to... burn?

( That's perhaps not the right word for what he's experiencing, but. One does the best with what one has. )

for Skylark (@inspiteful)

[orangebrained]

[The entire place is big enough that E'kayan could spend a while yet exploring it, but there are a couple of places that he finds himself returning to again and again. The beach in Solarpeak is one of them. It's not quite like anywhere else he's ever seen and the novelty of so large a manmade pool does make him wonder just how such a thing could have been achieved (and maintained).

Today, though, he's not quite in the best of moods. A few things have happened lately that have left him troubled, his mind wandering to places it hasn't been in some time, and so he finds himself a quiet spot on the sandy waterline and skims stones from the pile of small, white pebbles that he has held in one hand.

As someone who grew up by the water, his ability to bounce stones is top-notch and chain bounces of eight, nine, ten or even more aren't unusual to see. Each time he skims a stone out across the water his tail whips around in a loose curl and his ears dip back, and he's so focused on the task that he barely notices Skylark approaching at all.

Though, his carbuncle does... and seems to be staring at the boy as he moves closer.]

[inspiteful]

[ As much as Skylark was disappointed that this wasn't actually the sea, he still visits regularly to take in the sights. It's the only way to do it without taking a riskier trek into the Segments. As he approaches his usual spot, he sees someone else is already there, and the little creature apparently watching him. ]

Oh, hey there...

[ He's speaking to the carbuncle, that...what is this, anyway? ]

[orangebrained]

Ah?

[The voice pulls his attention around, ears perked up, and the glowing carbuncle makes sure to keep itself between the man and the newly approaching stranger. It's only a moment before he's stepping forwards, moving closer, smiling a little at the unexpected company.]

Don't worry about it. It's a summon - a carbuncle. It's just trying to look out for me.

let me know if this works <3

[unveilingtruths]

[Ellipsis had proven to be a world endlessly fascinating and endlessly confusing. Ysayle still had some reservations over being in this place and she's not about to make any claims in regards to knowing how time works, but with so many Warriors of Light here from seemingly different times she can only hope that everything will progress smoothly back home.

But really. They couldn't have picked a worse moment, could they?

Whatever the case may be as much as she wishes to return home she also can't turn her back on people in need. It seems like there is always some work to be done but she'd found herself a moment of peace in which she's using her hard earned money to purchase herself some new clothing. Nothing special, just enough so she wouldn't be cycling through the same couple of outfits and risk wearing them thin.

She's just heading out the sliding doors and as they open right in front of her is a Miqo'te that she nearly bumps into.]

Oh! Pardon me.

perfect!

[orangebrained]

[As short as he is, it's hardly ever surprising when someone tall enough to completely miss that he's there walks right into him. When it happens this time he just lets out a confused little squeak and jumps slightly in place, only to--

That voice!

--his ears shoot up and his tail stiffens straight, the tip flicking as he stares, wide-eyed and slightly open-mouthed, at the elezen in front of him.]

Y...

[Oh, there might be Ancients here drawn from parts of their history where they should have been allowed to rest, but he had barely even thought that a similar thing could happen when it came to the dear friends he had met and lost along his journeys through Eorzea and beyond.]

Ysayle!

[The last time he saw her she'd been--

She was--

The small Miqo'te flings his arms around her middle and hugs her tightly.]

It's you!

[unveilingtruths]

[This is not the first instance of someone recognizing her so even before the Echo triggers Ysayle is quickly able to gather that this Miqo'te must be a Warrior of Light.

But trigger it does and she's met with an all familiar flood of memories of the man before her that cause her to wince as they are poured into her mind. She has to blink to clear her vision, swaying just a tiny bit on her feet and when she comes back to its to an incredibly unfamiliar sensation.

She looks down, surprise evident in her eyes to see that he--E'Kayan is...hugging her?

It's shocking for more than one reason. The E'Kayan she had known had come off as a reserved and quiet person, troubled by the many slings life had thrown his way. It was also shocking because try as she might she couldn't recall a time in her life she had been hugged this way. Had her parents even done so before their passing? Ishgardian society was so clipped that even among family such things were rare.

She instinctively tenses at the newness and strangeness of it, but then almost immediately finds herself relaxing, then feels awkward again at the fact she is relaxing, then chastises herself for making such a big deal about it.

It...feels nice. There aren't many people she would accept such affection from, but she would always have some to spare for those who had shown her a better way.]

Tis good to see you as well, E'Kayan.

[A little hesitantly she returns to hug. Being so much taller than him her arms just settle around his shoulders, but it's clear what the intent is.]

[orangebrained]

[It does occur to him, just for a moment, that this could have gone quite badly if she didn't actually know who he was. Then he hears her say his name and the sound of it makes his chest clench so painfully that it robs him of breath for a moment. Feeling her arms settle around his shoulders only makes it worse and the next noise that he's able to sound out is little more than a choked off half-sob as he tightens his grip on her.

That's embarrassing and his ears pin back as he takes a few deep breaths to get himself back under control. When he loosens his hold enough to look up, he quickly wipes his cheek with the heel of his hand and smiles, warm and utterly disbelieving.]

It's so good to see you...

[He clasps his hands over her forearms.]

I'm sorry-- I just... It's been a long time. I didn't realise how much I'd missed you.

for Aymeric (@borelblue)

[orangebrained]

[ from here ]

---

[Ready to argue the point, he opens his mouth and then presses his lips together when he can see Aymeric is thinking about it. Still, his ears stay perked up and his tail upright and he's very ready to point out a myriad of reasons why Aymeric should just do what he says.

But as it happens, the Elezen sees his side of things without him having to utter another word.]

Agreed!

[And he grabs Aymeric's hand to shake it. No take-backs!]

I'll be sure to make that drink worth my while.

[borelblue]

[Aymeric shakes his hand in turn. No take-backs. He laughs a bit at E'kayan's comment.]

Please do, my friend. You've more than earned it. If you are in need of recommendations, I know a tavern in Frostreign. They serve excellent mead.

[orangebrained]

[ this is the actual backtrack comment ]

---

I haven't spent much time in Frostreign.

[He rubs the back of his neck with a thoughtful hum then glances out at the water. Though he doesn't shy away from the snowfields and ice of Ishgard and Coerthas when he's back home, something about it here just doesn't feel the same. It lacks the warmth of fond memories.]

But I haven't had mead in a while, either. If you recommend it, though, I'll give the place a try. Especially since you're paying.

for Aymeric (@borelblue)

[orangebrained]

[ from here]

---

[He shakes his head into Aymeric's shoulder, both surprised by and immensely grateful for the returned gesture. Had the Elezen gently prised him away he would not have been shocked or hurt by the distancing but they are friends, are they not..? Even if Aymeric doesn't know him the connection still feels present.]

I'm not worth the number of lives that have been sacrificed for my sake.

[Deep breath. E'kayan releases his grip on the man and rocks back onto his heels, his gaze slanted offside for a moment before he pushes himself up onto his feet and offers his hand to help Aymeric stand.

He never wanted to be the Warrior of Light. Never wanted the death left strewn in his wake. Oh, so many people have been helped and saved too and he would never forget that nor be ungrateful for it, but the weight of the loss still hangs heavy. Sometimes as a distant pressure. Sometimes so much that he can barely breathe.

The Miqo'te swallows and quickly forces a smile.]

I think that's the way out.

[borelblue]

[Aymeric takes the hand and stands, though his brows have furrowed a bit. He gives E'kayan the moment to collect himself; he nods before walking with the Miqo'te towards the portal.]

If I may, I should like to think that the people who care about you would disagree with that sentiment. But I digress - our hearts are heavy enough as it is at the moment.

[The portal zips closed behind them. Aymeric lets out a breath. It's done. He puts a hand on E'kayan's shoulder and offers him a smile, forced but with the glimmer of sincerity behind it.] I do believe I still owe you a drink, yes?

[orangebrained]

[ this is the actual backtrack comment ]

---

[The people who care about him likely would, yes, as well as the - what feels like - thousands of people who have never even met him but would certainly be dead without the efforts he had put in... but still, he can't help but feel that way. That so many people would still be alive had he never gone with Y'shtola to Vesper Bay right at the beginning of all of this.

Haurchefant might still be alive.

The Miqo'te seems to flinch slightly under Aymeric's hand, as if not expecting the contact, but quickly settles down again. That was... a lot. He's going to need at least a few minutes to process it.]

You do. [He lifts his own hand then, clasping it over the one on his shoulder.] I think I could use something strong, right now.