@blessedbycrystal / blessedbycrystal.tumblr.com
@blessedbycrystal
“Ye lost, or jus’ thinkin’?” He leans on the grip of his upturned axe, grinning something bright and toothy.
"Not lost, not thinking,“ he answered, violet gaze now landing on the warrior. “Looking! For trouble, that is. Uh, not to start it, to stop it! Thieves or monsters or really anything.”
“My friend Moana has sung it for me, and often hums it to herself when she is busy working, though I don’t think she realizes it. Perhaps she knows where it is from? In any case, I think you captured the melody just right! Though, truth be told, it is soothing just to hear the song of a lyre again… I can’t remember the last I heard so sweet a lyre’s melody. Perhaps it was at the hands of a wandering minstrel. Ah–do you ever play before a crowd, my dear? I am sure you would yield a fair amount of coin from the endeavor.”
"Wow, I wanna meet her! Do ya think she'd like to sing while I play my harp? I bet that'd lift your spirits, alright. Maybe you could even sing with us if you know it, and I'd finally get to hear how the words are s'posed to go. I hope you can introduce me sometime."
"As for performances, I don't really play in front of people much, and my usual audience is kids younger than me. Every now and then I play and sing for the li'l ones at my Grandpapa's orphanage, they seem to like it a whole lot. I haven't tried to make money from music, but maybe I should give it a shot at the town inn!"
“Ah, I see then. Yes, if that is what you meant, then I can indeed say that my magic is similar to that of the Hyums, yet not the same.” Not all their spells needed incantations, and some were fueled by different influences, but he’d spare the boy the specifics. Rather, he seems keen to speak of the city he studied: “Well, Daguerreo is no all that big, but it certainly makes up for that in beauty. Canals of water flow through all parts of it, and there are even lifts fueled by their currents - it’s truly fascinating, and a great testiment to the knowledge assembled there. You see, not only mages live there - engineers and architects, historians and theologicans, truly, all kinds of people call it their home.”
"That's amazing! I've seen towns with canals, but never something that lifts you up! Does everyone travel by water, then, like in little boats? Or just lots and lots of bridges?" This place sounded much grander than any city the boy had ever seen, and his imagination was flooding with speculations of what it looked like. The mention of a certain kind of scholar was even more interesting, however. "Engineers? The kind of people that build airships? That kinda skill is so rare I've only met one engineer in my whole life, and you've been to a city full of them! I want to go, can I go? Or are there rules? Do you have to be a mage or an engineer to go?"
— ☩ “If it is not both, then it is either. My answer will not change.” Ingus let his eyes chance upon the letter again, which looked like it had grown marginally in size. He narrowed his eyes just to make sure that he hadn’t been imagining things, but it was truly bloating, waiting for Luneth to open it. “I had a tree in mind, but a mountain paints the picture almost as well. The latter rarely yields to the winds, yes? Whereas the former can still be swayed—I would like to think that I am not that too immovable.”
The letter’s pasted edges were starting to tear, a few little pops crackling from it. Ingus threw a worried look onto it, and raised his hand, gesturing to the message. He could see a sliver of brown from the holes—had it been…wood? “I think it would be best if you opened it now. The gift does not look too patient, do you not think?”
Luneth was silent, shocking for him, he knew. The youth had nothing more to add to that, and his chest was beginning to feel tight. He decided to drop the conversation rather than further argue about the moral implications that came with acting on his whims. Luckily a distraction was making its presence known right in his hands, the seal on the letter broke loose and its contents spilled out in front of him. "Is this s'posed to happen?"
From the envelope unfolded a polished wood square that unfurled in layers until it formed the shape of a canoe, longer than Luneth was tall, with two oars tucked neatly beneath its benches. The boy crouched down and ran a hand along its edge, eyes widened in disbelief. "This is a folding canoe, right? The magical kind? I thought that these only took shape when you put them in water."
Prompto blushed a little at the word knight. For him, a knight was supposed to be strong, impressive… and well, he wasn’t like that at all. But he understood what the other had meant. A knight was supposed to protect the members of the royalty, right ? “Well, I guess you can see it that way, yeah.” He chuckled a little as the other asked him for a demonstration. “Well, I’m not an expert. I’m not an old timer. But I can show you.” He said before he summoned his gun. “Well, here’s my firearm!”
"What's that?" Luneth exclaimed with a gasp, stepping forward to examine the newly discovered weapon. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. He was certainly tempted to touch the device, but was afraid that somehow he would activate it. One question remained, still, how fire was involved with the contraption. "You made it appear out of nowhere, that's amazing! There's nothing like this where I come from. How do you use it, though? The fire, part."
❇{ℒ𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽}Nodding in reply and to his thanks. Was nice to give people some advice and take it into thought. May have been simple advice, but at least to this person it was good enough. The small smile continued to show and if the person didn’t take that advice then that smile will go away. Of course an apology will come along as well. Sometimes Naiko would think that what she speaks about its nothing that someone may want to hear, but there was some who were interested in listening on the subject. “I’m glad I was able to help out,” the Xeala Au Ra girl replied with the smile smile still on her face. This feeling was pretty nice and will always be; depends on the moment though.
“Thank you,” Naiko replied back with Luneth said about good fortune will come along. She was known to be a Au Ra who had luck on her side when something ever came up that was needed. Not believing in such a thing, but hey.. the realm works in mysterious ways. Sometimes you can’t explain the unexplained when it ever occurs. “There are some pretty impressive Dragoons in Ishgard. I’m friends with one of them or at least we think of each other as family,” Naiko spoke again while rubbing the back of her neck. It was still amazing that the two actually thought each other as brother sister.. Wonder where he now?…
Shaking her head at what Luneth said and then spoke that there was hardships during her travels. To the point that Naiko almost died in the process, but lucky her was able to make it out alive. It’s only because she would go to places that were not the best to travel unless you were with a group or something. But of course the Xeala Au Ra girl will go off on her own and get into some issues here and there, but make it out alive. Although.. a good friend did tell Naiko to be more careful during her travels. Still taking that to heart and was now more careful of where traveling was gonna take her. Nikki her baby chocobo friend thought the same thing, Nero as well, and her father as well.
There was soon a blush on Naiko’s face when hearing that comment. “W-Well thank you. Many have said that my smile was nice,” saying a shy tone.
"I'll let you know how it goes, is that alright? Because to do that I'd have to see you again. And I'll see you around again sometime soon, won't I?" Luneth asked with a smile, his signature smile, lips curved just so to make the corners of violet eyes crinkle. He was hoping that she would agree, they'd shared a very interesting first meeting. The youth had been pleasantly surprised to meet someone with such a unique life and wanted to hear more of her stories in the future. "Maybe I can even see how your little Chocobo grows up to be. I bet it'd help me a lot with mine!"
"Wow, so you're really close with one! Do they ever train with you? Do ya think they would train with me? It'd be so great to learn under a Dragoon from Ishgard. Even if you say there are better Dragoons elsewhere." He wasn't completely convinced of that claim yet, anyway. Luneth smiled bashfully and shook his head before saying, "Well, I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself. How did you meet them? What are they like?"
"I think it shows real strength when someone can smile even after they've had hardships," Luneth continued, silver fringe bouncing around his face as he nodded. He hoped that she would still enjoy traveling and exploring the world. Hearing about that kind of adventurous, somewhat reckless lifestyle reminded him of someone... Himself? "I think it's definitely a good idea to travel in a party! Even a small party, sometimes four is a good number. But if you ever need a hand fighting monsters, just let me know. It's my job to help out citizens of Gridania, ya know! And besides that, I just like it."
“Wanna see something neat? I’m a Dragoon, I can Jump so high ya won’t even be able to see me in the sky. That is ‘til I come down, landing perfect.”
“I’m a Dragoon! Best in the land, I tell ya. Nobody is better with a lance than me. Well, alright, nobody on the Floating Continent, anyway.”
When you get this, please respond with five things that make you happy~! Then, send to the last ten people in your notifications anonymously. You never know who might benefit from spreading positivity~! 🌼 Have a really nice day/night ~!
ooc;
1. Napping
2. My bestest friend
3. The rush of using a good coupon
4. Warm blankets
5. Video games
❇{ℒ𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽}Naiko shook her head in reply. True that she has been studying the way of the Summoner as well, but was more of the Bard. Though that is not to say that the way of the Summoner was abandoned. Also fun fact.. the Xeala Au Ra girl has also been studying the way of the Dragoon and that was a bit more tricky then the other two. Maybe the reason being is that she was not that well with up-close combat. “It just takes time. Soon you and the chocobo or chocobos’ will have a good connection,” Naiko replied with a small smile. Nikki kwehed soft and she petted him in return with still a small smile on her face.
“I wish the best for you. Take care of yourself and all will be well,” Naiko said. She knew that was for the best and that he’ll go places with the process of taking care of himself. Hearing the part that the Dragoons here were the best in the whole realm was kind of funny and made her chuckle a little. But not in a mean way of course. “I wouldn’t say the best in the whole realm, but they are pretty skilled,” speaking again with the small smile still on her face. Putting a little bit more on the subject and speaking that they are kin folks and yet also a little rough at times.
Naiko spoke that yes she did like here in the Shroud. As it was pretty peaceful and not much trouble accorded. She spoke that the Au Ra were driven out, both clans as well. But as time passed by they soon began to resurface and in good terms it may seem. No one has brought harm to herself and her father; which was something they hoped that will continue. “Me and my father are doing well, thank you,” the Xeala Au Ra girl replied. Naiko also spoke that they used to live in Ishgard, but there was some problems. Issues that she rather not speak of. “I’m glad you are doing well. Where did you used to live before if I may ask?” asked curiously.
Nikki kwehed softly. Being a little softly and soon fell asleep.
"Is that all it takes? Well, thanks for the advice, it's a huge relief that there might be hope for us yet. He's not really a bad bird, just not trained fully and he's as stubborn as I am. I guess we just gotta get to know each other the way you two do," Luneth said, quite impressed by how close she and the tiny bird appeared appeared to be. "How long have you had this little guy? Will he be in races or battles? I bet you'd have good luck with either!"
"That's real kind of you. I hope the same good future comes to you, and I'm sure it will." Luneth gasped softly at her words regarding the Dragoons, brows raised in disbelief. The young man was not upset, more shocked or incredulous at such a statement. He had not heard of any other lancers as seemingly grand as those of the highlands. "Where else are there really amazing Dragoons? You've seen a whole lot of this land, are there any other places with lancers as good as them? Oh, um! And it's good that you didn't find too much trouble while you were living up there."
"You've really seen and survived a lot, then. You don't seem like you've had much hardships at first glance, though, I think maybe that's a good thing. I like that you still smile," he admitted, one hand finding the back of his neck. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, unsure of how exactly to answer her question. His instinctual reaction was to be completely honest, but perhaps his story was too much for a first meeting. "Well, I don't really remember living anywhere permanently before arriving here. I feel like it's always been in me to travel and explore. But something about this city is nice enough to make me want to stay, or at least keep coming back."
It was a happy tune, gentle yet daring, like the ocean breeze that propelled the sails of a ship. Yet, the stirring rhythm brought to her mind the beauty of flowing gold, like silk or sunshine, and she let out a contented sigh for it. In her heart echoed the memory of a thunderous laugh, booming to life as though it had waited for her to return to it.
“That was very lovely,” she said softly when the song was over. “Where did you hear it? A friend of mine is particularly fond of it.”
"Thanks! Oh, you've heard it before?" He asked, mouth forming a circle in surprise. The young bard had not expected to hear that, but it made him happy to know that she was familiar with the song. "It isn't mine, nope. I'd imagine it comes from somewhere very far away, and I only have the pieces of it that sound right on a harp. The wind sings this when I sail sometimes, it makes me feel like I can go anywhere. I hope it's a decent version of your friend's song!"
“Well a Crownsguard’s there to protect the King and his citizens.” Prompto explained softly. However, everytime he talked about himself as a Crownsguard, it felt weird. He wasn’t that strong, and he had been admitted in it right before Insomnia’s fall. But he needed to be a part of it to join Noctis and the others for their journey. So he did. “Oh I see! Well, as weapons, I mainly use firearms and machinery!”
"Wow, it's like some kinda knight? That's so cool!" Luneth chirped, excited to meet a knight of this kingdom and one so young. As for what firearms were, he could only imagine that this man summoned fire from his hands, another amazing feat. He was altogether starstruck. "I bet you're an expert at that, then! Can ya demonstrate what that looks like, exactly? I've never seen that before, I know swords and lances, mostly."
“Oho, well then, let’s see…” That was quite the number of questions, this boy held a healthy appetite for knowledge it seemed, something that Sceada certainly empathized with and appreciated. “I studied magic at an academy in the scholarly city of Daguerreo, where I was the first and to date only Burmecian to attend. As far as I know there are no other mages out there, but the world is vast and you never know for certain. As for my hat, it has always been that way. I guess it just suits me, but there is no real reason behind it. And lastly… my apologies, but I am not certain what you mean with Hyum spells? Could you elaborate?”
"Wow, a city full of mages! I've never been somewhere like that, just bards or dark knights or geomancers. What's it like there?" Luneth suddenly paused, scratching the back of his head with one hand as he struggled to come up with a brief explanation. "Well... Hyums memorize really long spells and say them to cast magic. But Gnomes cast white magic using food! Or maybe cooking, more like. I've never seen it actually happen, but I've eaten the end result! So, I just wondered if it's a kind of magic I've never seen before. I can't really cast any magic at all, so I love meeting people who can."
She wondered if it is much like the greenword, “I am a pirate, I go where there is treasure.”
"A pirate... So then you wanna steal treasure?" Luneth asked, silver fringe falling to one side as his head tilted. He grinned, accented by a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Not if I get it first!"
— ☩ “No, no! It isn’t so much that I was uncompelled, but rather, my duty has me bound here. I cannot simply abandon my post and cease my contracts because I feel that the wind would have me do so. Furthermore, I feel that the land here beckons me to stay—that and my obligations are the reasons why I do not follow the wind freely.” He gave a small smile, shoulders shrugging. “I would say that it must be nicer for you. You’ve so much freedom on your hands, it must certainly be a wonderful thing to possess!”
“A true vagabond. But a part of your heart still belongs to Ur, right? One cannot entirely forsake their hometown.” Ingus slipped a letter out from his uniform, approaching Luneth and handing it over to him. It was a bit heavy, despite its thin and sleek presentation. “A letter from His Majesty. I do not exactly know how urgent the content will be, but parsing his tone and use of words, I do not think it so. It feels more like a gift.”
"I didn't say to break any promises or quit working. I only asked why you didn't go when you do have days off." Luneth tucked stray bangs behind an ear, as he did when thinking. After a moment he nodded, reluctantly agreeing with the knight's assessment. "So is that how it is? Well... Outta the four of us, I always figured Wind called to me most. And so the Earth calls to you, is that right? Firmly rooted where you are. Some kinda mountain that won't be swayed by the breeze."
"Well yeah, 'f course. That'll always be home to me, I wouldn't forget where I grew up," he answered. Silver brows knitted with confusion as the letter was taken in a gloved hand, and he turned over the envelope between his fingers. One digit traced the fine wax in which the royal crest had been pressed, a symbol Luneth had only seen on tapestries adorning Castle Sasune. It was his first personal correspondence from the king, the gravity of the event was almost nerve wracking. "You don't know what it is, either?"
