Rise...and fall. Rise...and fall. Ginal had lost count of how many breaths Selah had taken since she had just lay there, watching the dragoon's chest rise...and fall.
Lying here with you...watching you while you sleep...
The miqo'te ever so gently caressed the sleeping hyur's cheek, trying to balance the need to touch with the care to not wake her.
Dawn is closing in with every breath you breath.
In this moment, after all the passions and emotional highs had settled, a peaceful sense of fulfillment had taken hold of her heart. For once, Ginal felt truly content with her life, and proud of herself. She was learning to trust, to let herself be vulnerable, to live as her true self, and she was trying to live for someone other than herself. Ginal found that being in love was the most wonderful, and terrifying thing she had ever experienced.
I can feel the change...the change you're stirred in me.
There was a lingering confusion, though, as to why Selah was even here. What did she see that was so worthwhile in Ginal? And would Ginal ever see it in herself? The miqo'te hardly considered herself a "prize catch."
But will I ever see all the things you see in me?
The redhead knew she wasn't perfect. She was, for one, highly aware of her emotional immaturity. Recent events had shown her just how stunted her growth truly had been, and she lamented it. She was also well aware that she was falling into a prevalent stereotype about oversexed miqo'te women. She wasn't much of a ground breaker, either.
When you say that I'm one of a kind, darling, I don't see it...
And yet, here she was, this amazing person who was only ever kind, patient and loving. This learned traveler, who had been there, done that and lived to tell the many tales. Selah was a mature, experienced, multifaceted, amazing person, who somehow saw things of great worth in this simple miqo'te.
But you believe that I'm so strong and true...
In this moment, watching her beloved dragoon resting, Ginal vowed to herself to always try to live up to whatever potential it was that was seen in her.
I promise you, I'll try to be that person. Because you love me like I am.
Another four days in Ul'dah passed, allowing Ginal and her beloved time to indulge in a sort of "honeymoon" period. It was time wonderfully well spent, but duty again came calling for Selah.
"How long will you be gone?" Ginal inquired.
Selah dropped the towel she was drying herself with and began locating her clothing, "I'm not sure, a couple days, maybe more. These Scion gatherings have a bothersome tendency to become more than just meetings."
The miqo'te wasn't particularly thrilled about the idea of being separated from her beloved for another multi-day period, but at least this time they were given some notice. She also couldn't help but enjoy herself a little this time, as she watched Selah prance around their room in just her underwear.
"Your top's over there," she pointed beyond the small dining table, and arched her brow as she watched the hyur bend to retrieve it.
"I hope you're enjoying the show," Selah teased.
Ginal blushed a bit, "Well, you do look good in a thong."
The dragoon smirked as she adjusted the leather and plate top onto herself, "I rather like the silk ones you wear."
With a playful grin and a deepening blush, the redhead stood and turned, flipping her short skirt up to give her hyur a momentary peek.
After pulling on and adjusting the subligar part of her outfit, Selah went to her miqo'te, kissed her and wrapped her in an embrace, "You are truly adorable, Kitten."
The two lingered in the embrace for a long moment as Ginal purred her contentment, breathing in that wonderful lavender scent, "I'll miss you."
The hyur smiled and kissed Ginal's forehead, "As I'll miss you. But you know I'll return the moment I can."
The redhead gave a slight frown, "I know...but I'm just getting used to this relationship business..."
Selah nodded as she softly laughed, "I know what you mean. It just means we'll have to pick up where we left off."
The dragoon released the embrace to continue readying her travel supplies, while Ginal picked up a letter from the dining table to reread what she had already memorized:
"My sister,
Of course I will meet you. Find me at the Canopy when you return to Gridania.
-Grezel"
She sighed and put the letter down as Selah lay her hand on the miqo'te's shoulder, "It takes a lot of courage to admit when you're wrong. I'm very proud of you, Kitten, for finding that courage."
Ginal looked back at her love, "But do you think he'll actually forgive me? I was...so horrible."
The hyur gave a genuine smile, "I'm certain he will. When we were fighting Ifrit, he talked a fair bit about you. He loves you, Kitten."
The miqo'te smiled absently, "He's a good brother."
"Still no answer from Thadthadius, though?" Selah asked.
Ginal shook her head as her ears drooped, "I'm afraid...Thad may hate me"
"He'll answer you," the dragoon stated, "just give him time." The hyur finished packing Dinornis' saddle bag, and again embraced her lancer. "This will work out. They will forgive you, as long as you're honest about your part."
Ginal smiled up at the hyur, "Thank you. You always help me find my strength."
"There's some gil on the table for the Aethernet fees," Selah reminded her. "I'll come to your room at the Canopy when I'm done."
Ginal grinned and leaned up to nip at Selah's nose, "Don't make me wait too long."
Their goodbyes lasted another three hours.
That nauseating feeling of flying and falling, of being bent, twisted and reshaped. That thundering hum in her ears as the world swirled around into a recognizable shape and her eyes gradually focused.
Ginal hated Aethernet travel. She was truly glad she didn't use it often, and even more glad that it had limits as to what and how much could travel through it. Still though, it brought her home within moments, and as the miqo'te stood on Gridania's raised aetheryte platform and took in the sights, sounds and smells of the city at sunset, she knew one thing.
It's damn good to be home.
She stared out at the side view of the Carline Canopy, sitting just a short stroll away, and a nervousness began to stir in her stomach.
What if he hates me? I was so horrible. I should have never let myself lose it so badly.
A slow breath in, and out, and the fluttering in her stomach subsided. Ginal began her walk toward the Canopy, with each step fighting back down this anxiety that wouldn't go away.
No sooner had Ginal stepped into her favorite watering hole, and had barely begun to take in the rowdy conversations and clanging mugs of the patrons, than she was flagged down and waved over to the back corner bar by Mother Mioune. The redhead approached the unusually tall elezen woman as her tail swished happily, and the proprietress came out from behind her counter to embrace the miqo'te in a loving hug.
"Oh my dear child! It's been a month since you last set foot in here!" the older woman stated in a tone both friendly and chastising.
Ginal nodded with a smile, "Yes, I'm sorry if I worried you, Mother. It's been a busy few weeks."
The proprietress stood back a bit and began examining the lancer, "Well then, my child, let's have a look at you! Yes, I'd say you're looking quite well. Stronger, more confident. Your eyes show less facade than they used to, as well..."
The elezen woman paused and quirked a brow as she held Ginal's gaze, looking her over again, "You've got a near glow to you, child... Dare I say, you're a woman in love."
Nothing gets past Mother.
A light blush took the miqo'te's face as she gave a genuine smile, "You're correct, as always. I am rather blissfully off the market." Mioune clapped her hands as she returned the smile, "Wonderful! I'm so happy that you and Selah are off to a strong start!"
Ginal tilted her head in confusion, "How did you know it was Selah?"
The elezen woman laughed and shook her head as she led Ginal to an empty table, "My apologies, child. I was adding some things together and jumping ahead." She continued on as they seated themselves, "I recall seeing you two embrace one night. And there was one particularly lengthy conversation we had about you..."
What would they be talking about me for?
The redhead wasn't sure what to make of the statement, and her confusion must have been evident, as the elezen reached across the table to gently squeeze Ginal's hand, "Never you worry, child. I assure you, it's all ultimately good things."
The redhead smiled and nodded, feeling an immediate relief.
"I've known Selah for some several years now," Mioune began, "and while I've seen her around with her own share of temporary lovers, I've never seen or heard her so...invested in another person as she's been in you."
The miqo'te's ears and tail twitched as a pang of jealousy shot through her heart, "Others..."
Mioune gave Ginal a look of chastisement, "Ginal, child, Selah's a woman with needs, as are you and I. Don't be so quick to judgment or jealousy."
The redhead winced from the soft toned scolding, "You're right, of course...I just...really don't like the idea that anyone else has touched her."
Haven't I earned the right to claim her as mine?
The proprietress smiled knowingly and gave Ginal's hand another squeeze, "Trust when I say, that I have every confidence in Selah's capacity for loyalty. As well, I firmly believe that you two will be very, very good for each other."
The lancer nodded with a smile as Mioune rose from her seat, "Now then, my child, I believe you're looking for Grezel?" Ginal nodded as she followed Mioune's pointing finger to the other end of the tavern, "He's been waiting for you for about two hours."
Ginal slowly drew in a breath, and slowly let it out to calm her again racing heart. It was time to put herself at her adopted brother's mercy, and own up to her crime. She made her way through the tavern hall, stepping around the rowdy patrons, until she came upon the fully armored dragoon. He leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest in that still and expressionless pose of his.
The redhead felt his gaze through that dragon skull helmet, as it bore into her own. She knew, in her heart, that he was furious as he stood here. He hated her for how she attacked him so unjustly, and she didn't blame him. Ginal could sense his desire to be anywhere but in her presence, and could feel the disdain in his unseen eyes.
I know he hates me. He'll never want to be around me again.
Grezel stood silent, his mouth held pensively. The miqo'te opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come.
What am I supposed to say? "I'm sorry I tried to kill you?"
The armored hyur titled his head as he watched Ginal try again to speak. Her ears twitched and her tail flicked about anxiously. The redhead's mouth hung open as this nauseating feeling rose in her stomach. Her balled fists began to tremble as the noise of the Canopy faded away, replaced by her heart's thundering in her ears.
"I'm very proud of you, Kitten..." "They'll forgive you..."
Ginal blinked rapidly to restore her proper vision, and the sounds of the patrons behind her were suddenly very audible again. She locked her sorrowful gaze with her brother's unseen eyes as she forced her trembling to subside.
"I'm sorry, Grez. I'm sorry for..."
The lancer's words were immediately halted as her brother embraced her in a tight, affectionate hug.
"My sister...I am simply grateful that you have come back." the older man's voice was unsteady, laced with hints of a myriad of emotions. "For whatever I have done to you, Ginal, know that I am eternally regretful."
Ginal smiled softly as she shook her head, "That's just it, Grez. You didn't do anything to warrant my behavior. I..."
The miqo'te halted her own words as stared at the floor. Her mind and heart both raced as she fought against herself, with the things that needed to be explained clashing against her own learned defenses.
He can't be my brother if he doesn't accept what I am... He needs to know.
Ginal slowly exhaled as she looked back up at the armored man, "If you're my brother...then there's things you need to know."
She looked about the pub's large, open hall and shook her head, "Not here... Come up with me, Grez, and let me explain everything I can." Grezel nodded and followed after his sister up the stairwell.
The redhead sat on the edge of her wood framed bed and stared down at the floor, as Grez sat, arms folded over his chest, on the windowsill near her. She had told her story, more or less. She had explained what needed to be known about her physical being and the torment she had suffered at the hands of the cruel. They sat in silence, Ginal both relieved to have explained herself to the one man who tried to support and watch over her, yet still terrified that he may yet shun her as so many have before.
It wouldn't be so bad if he did, though. I've still got Selah.
The stretch of silence continued, as the last of the day's orange and red light shone through the large window behind the hyur. Ginal gripped the edge of the bed tight enough to turn her knuckles white as her tail began to flick about anxiously, her heart beginning to pound away in her chest.
Say something...anything!
The armored hyur stood from from his makeshift seat, his attention directed straight at the redhead. She looked to him apprehensively, her eyes darting across his form as she desperately tried to predict his body language. Grezel slowly removed his dragon skull helmet, and set it aside on the windowsill. The lancer saw the sadness in his eyes that matched his frown. The muscular man stepped up to the miqo'te on her bed, and sank to his knees as he wrapped her in an embrace.
"I'm sorry your life has had so much pain and sadness, Sister." his crestfallen voice was near to a whisper. "But, I feel grateful to know that you have begun to accept your true self, and that someone else has given you the love and acceptance you deserve."
Grezel met Ginal's gaze with a delighted and genuine smile, "And Lady Selah, no less? I do believe that she had best be good to my sister." The hyur let out a heartfelt laugh as he briefly tousled the redhead's hair. Ginal was immediately relieved at her adopted brother's acceptance, and amazed at the array of emotion he was displaying.
Where did all this come from?
Grezel rose and clasped his sister's shoulders, "Ginal, I forgive you. Not that I was ever angry with you."
The redhead rested her hand on her brother's, "Then...what was that pensive look on your face earlier? I could have sworn you were ready to tell me how terrible I am."
The hyur shook his long haired head as he took a seat next to her, "No, I was simply afraid to speak. I wondered if, perhaps, you had come to berate me again."
With a rueful frown and a brief mental chastisement, Ginal rested her head against her brother, her ears flattening a bit as she listened.
"However," Grezel continued, "now that I know what kind of turmoil was in your heart, I understand why you lashed out the way you did." He leaned his own head down to rest against the miqo'tes, "Just...try not to kill me next time you become angry with me, hm?"
Ginal laughed quietly as she nodded, "I promise not to try to kill, maim, or rend the next time I'm angry. But I can't guarantee I won't bite!"
The siblings shared a laugh and a mutual smirk, and sat, leaning against each other. Minutes passed, and they enjoyed a long, comfortable silence.
Ginal smiled fondly and let out a relieved sigh, "You've been looking out for me for a long time, Grez. Thank you, for being a good friend...and brother."
"You have been a better sister than you realize," Grezel replied, and I..."
The dragoon's words ceased at the sudden sound of a faint humming that the miqo'te could tell came from his ear. Grezel touched his finger to his inner ear, "Grezel. Yes, Timothy, what is it?" The dark haired man stared ahead absently as he listened to words only for him.
The redhead snickered to herself, as she always thought people looked slightly crazy when they spoke through linkpearls.
The hyur gave an irritated grunt and looked to his sister, "Free company business, Timothy wishes to see me." He smiled softly and gave Ginal a quick but affectionate hug, "It looks likes dinner will not be on me tonight."
Ginal dramatically threw he head to the side as she touched her forehead, "I'll have to get my own meal? Whatever shall I do?!" They shared a long and hearty laugh at the idea.
The dragoon rose and retrieved his helmet from the windowsill, pausing to watch the stars beginning to shine through the black canvass of the night sky. He pulled a pebble sized, white glowing jewel from his belt pouch, "This is a company linkpearl, you'll need one so we can contact you directly." Grezel handed the tiny stone over and Ginal set it aside by her travel pouch.
"Ywain must surely be awaiting your return," Grezel reminded her, "so you may wish to put yourself before his examination tomorrow. " Ginal nodded as she followed her brother to the door.
Grezel slid his helmet on and paused for a moment as he looked over the miqo'te, "I can already see a change in you. You seem stronger and... more complete. I am glad your life is taking shape. " They shared a smile, and the armored dragoon was on his way.
The redhead stepped up to the wide window of her room and looked out at the twinkling night time canvas. She took notice of a particularly bright cluster of stars and rested her hand on the glass as though trying to touch them. Somehow, in the very core of her being, she knew without knowing how, that Selah was looking at the same stars at the same time. It made her feel less incomplete, and helped to fill the ever present ache in her heart.
Don't make me wait too long, my lady.
After an hour of early morning form practice, a wheat and honey cereal, squirrel sausage, ladybug eggs, and assorted fruits from the Black Shroud's groves, accompanied of course, by her favorite coffee, was the best welcome home breakfast Ginal could have asked for.
Unfortunately, while the meal was delicious and filling, and the brightly lit morning was accented by songbirds and a gentle, floral scented breeze, things felt almost hollow for Ginal. It wasn't just that Ginal missed her lover. Her heart ached with a longing and emptiness that felt as though it became greater the further she knew Selah was traveling. The miqo'te felt, simply, incomplete.
Just another couple days, tops. She'll be back soon. I'll be okay. Don't let the day go to waste.
With a deep breath in, and slowly out, the redhead strengthened her resolve to enjoy the day. She had never felt so grateful to be surrounded by trees, grass and streams after weeks of blandly colored carved stone and that near oppressive desert heat.
Give me the forest any day, you can keep your Jewel of the Desert.
She had been strolling along the path from the Ebony Stalls to the Wailing Barracks, when she stopped to lean over a stone at the top of the hill that overlooked the Westshore Pier. She watched a group of four Wailers walking up the hill, engaged in a lively conversation with each other. She gave them a smile as they walked by, "Good morning, Wailers."
A blonde elezen man, tall and athletically built, eyed the miqo'te over. He stopped mid step and dramatically bowed, "And how fare you, oh most beautiful of maidens?" The blonde man said with a playful grin.
Ginal giggled as she feigned flattery, "Oh most noble knight, I fare quite well."
She found something about the man familiar, and watched the Wailer intently as he walked away with his companions.
"Gods, Robimont," one of the soldiers addressed him, "stop flirting so much."
Ginal's heart skipped a beat as the name spoken stuck in her mind. She clenched her fists and narrowed her eyes as her heart began to race. A lifetime of anger began to boil on the surface as the soldiers faded from sight.
You... it's you... I hate you...
When the humming in her right ear pulled her back from her pending fit, she realized she was reaching to unharness her lance. She shook her head furiously and tried to exhale the anger away.
The pearl in her ear hummed again, and she touched her finger to her inner ear, "This is Ginal."
"Ah yes, my Lady Celah." came the educated and enunciated speech of her free company's leader. "It has been quite a while since we spoke. Grezel informed me you have returned to Gridania, are you currently free?"
"I will be in a short while," Ginal replied, "I have guild business I must tend to."
"Very well. When you are finished, I have work for you, if you would contact me."
"Of course, sir." she replied, and took her finger from her ear.
Ginal looked back down the path the Wood Wailers had walked down, and found herself astonished at her own temper.
That was...almost very bad.
Lancer Master Ywain silently circled Ginal as she stood in the center of the Wailing Barracks' training hall. His studious gaze continuously traveled up and down her form as he silently judged her.
"You stand with a calm confidence and a resolute strength," the hyur man stated with satisfaction. He stopped to lock his gaze with hers, and she felt his eyes burrowing well past the surface, "And your eyes no longer have that hidden conflict and pain. You have the look of a woman who knows exactly what to do when it needs to be done."
The miqo'te could feel the gaze of the other trainees upon her, all wondering the same thing she was: Would the Guildmaster deem her worthy of the title Lancer?
"I kept some correspondence with Selah," Ywain began to explain. "She told me of how you bravely faced a myriad of the Shroud's beasts for the first time. She told me that you learned from your mistakes. As well, she told me of how you faced the Amalj'aa as though you were a war veteran."
The Guildmaster narrowed his gaze upon the miqo'te, "There's one thing she didn't tell me..." Ywain stepped up to be almost touching his student, and his words were nearly a whisper, "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Ginal gave a genuine smile, her eyes bright with happiness and contentment, "I did."
And more than I thought I ever would.
Ywain stepped back, displaying the rarity that is his own smile, "Well then, I see that there's nothing left for me to teach you. Your form will continue to improve through your experiences, and life will test your courage in ways that my trials can't."
He clasped Ginal's shoulder and looked to the on looking trainees, "Today the Shroud will welcome Lancer Ginal Celah as one of its defenders!"
Some applauded and cheered, and some huffed in dissatisfaction, but all present knew that Ginal had earned her title. The miqo'te stood tall, radiating pride and strength.
Lancer Ginal Celah. I like the sound of it.
After the excitement of the moment had passed, Ginal found herself leaning over the same hilltop stone that looked upon the Westshore Pier, and felt very contemplative and self aware.
That anger inside me...
"You've accomplished in just a few months what takes my best students a minimum of a year," Ywain addressed the miqo'te as he walked up beside her. "So why, then, do I find you here as morose as can be, when anyone else would be skipping like a schoolgirl?"
Ginal frowned as she looked to the Guildmaster, "I've suddenly realized there's something I've been holding onto that I need to be free of, I'm just not certain how."
"What is it? Were you wronged?" Ywain inquired.
The miqo'te nodded absently, "Yes... and I've hated him for it my entire life. "
The Guildmaster pursed his lips in thought, "You're not the same person you used to be. Maybe he isn't either. Why not try forgiveness?"
The idea rolled through the redhead's mind for a long moment.
Forgive. I'll never be able to forget... but I can learn to move on.
"Looks like I may never be without use for your wisdom, Guildmaster," Ginal replied. She looked to the master lancer with a determined smile, "Can you help me find someone?"
As requested, Ginal contacted Timothy for a location, and strode into the Carline Canopy to meet him. Grezel was present as well, as was the black haired hyur woman named Ozalie, the white robed lalafell man named Lupe, and the miqo'te woman in the long black coat, Historia. The redhead found it comforting to be among the friends she hadn't yet had a chance to know. She approached their table and sat with them.
"Ah, if it isn't our little runaway," The elezen company leader jibed.
Ginal replied with a sheepish grin, "I'm sorry for the disappearance. Guildmaster Ywain arranged a special trial for me."
Timothy laughed, "No need to apologize, I was informed of the last minute journey. I trust all went well?"
Ginal sat back in her seat as she felt the gaze of her free company comrades upon her snd indulged in her memories of the last month: Selah's mentoring of new ways to fight creatures she had never fought. Racing with her from that river back to Buscaron's Druthers. The proper and formal date that her auburn haired hyur took her on, and that most wonderful kiss that flipped a switch inside her heart. The hours that came after the kiss, and the hours of days that followed that. Being told, again and again, that she was loved and cherished, and having the actions performed to prove the words.
It's been the greatest journey of my life.
Ginal smiled to herself, though fighting back a blush as she folded her arms on her lap to hide the reaction of some of her thoughts, "Yeah, all went very well."
"Very good!" Timothy replied. "So then, on to business. There is a band of miqo'te poachers in the South Shroud that the Wailers and the Godsbow are, as usual, woefully undermanned to properly tackle. That's where we've been hired, to bring down their leader, a man who calls himself the Coeurlclaw King." The elezen man gestured to the others sitting at the table, "I am sending Historia, Ozalie and Lupe. I want you to lead them on this job."
"The lancer's eyes went wide with surprise, "Lead?"
"I see no one better suited," Grezel stated. "You will be fine."
Ginal looked to each of her comrades and saw a confidence in their eyes. She looked to Grezel, and saw the corner of her lip turn up slightly in that almost-smile. She finally looked back to Timothy and nodded, "Alright. When do we go?"
"As soon as you're ready," the company leader answered.
Leading my own party...I think I can handle this.
"How about a pint for the road, then?" the blue eyed, black haired Historia cheerily called out with a whip of her tail. Lupe and Ozalie readily agreed, and soon one of the bartenders was bringing full mugs for everyone at the table.
Ginal had her mug to her lips when her dragoon brother set her hand on her shoulder, "Before you get too deep into your cup, I have something for you waiting outside your room."
The redhead eagerly made her way up the stairwell to her room, curiosity taking hold of her mind. She found a small crate waiting for her by the door, and dragged it inside. Upon opening the crate, she found boots, gauntlets, body armor, a tiara and a short skirt. There was a note as well, and she unfolded it to read:
"My sister,
I thought it might be time for an upgrade from the old leathers. This was a good chance to put my armoring skills to the test, and I hope you are as pleased with the results as I am."
He made this himself? It must have taken days.
She assembled her new outfit as she watched herself in a tall mirror. The green leather of the new armor was accented by iron crafted spikes on the heels, knees, knuckles and forearms, and iron scale covering the stomach, back, and above her bust. The dark silver tiara held a matching green gem in its center, and the new skirt sat as comfortably short as she liked. She grinned at her reflection as she took the image in.
It's wonderful. Gods damn, do I look good!
After another disorienting, much hated trip through the aethernet from Gridania to Quarrymill, Ginal and her companions had secured chocobos for their traveling. The lancer looked toward the midday sun as she climbed onto her bird. "We won't make it to the Taker's Rot before tomorrow. I'd say we'll make it to the lake near Goblin's Meet by nightfall," she informed her group.
"Goblins?" lalafell Lupe asked. "We're not gonna mess with those things, too, are we?"
Ginal shook her head as she steered her bird ahead in a deliberate stride, "No, if we leave them alone and stay away from their side of the lake, they won't bother us."
The redhead glanced down at the wide stream beneath the bridge her bird was crossing. For a moment, she could swear she saw a young miqo'te girl jumping in the mud and chasing water bugs. She smiled sadly and looked ahead.
I can put it behind me. I only need look forward.
It was, as Ginal thought, nearly nightfall by the time the party's birds reached the edge of the lake southeast of Quarrymill. They dismounted and unpacked bed rolls and built a small fire. Historia led them all in an old Ul'dahian campfire song she knew, and Ginal volunteered for the first watch while the others rested.
Ginal searched through the thick ceiling of branches and leaves as she took in the chorus of frogs from the lake, and crickets of the wood. Finally she found it, through a small opening in the trees above her, that same bright cluster of stars. She reached her hand up toward them, as she once again knew without knowing how, that Selah was looking to the same stars at the same time.
My Lady, my love. I'm trying to be strong without you. It's harder than I though it would be. This entire day without you has felt so...incomplete. Come back to your Kitten soon.
She calmed her aching heart with a deep breath in, and out, and busied herself for the next few hours by walking the camp's perimeter.
It was midday the following day before the party neared the poacher's grounds in the Taker's Rot. The woods were brightly lit with sunbeams pouring through small openings in the ceiling of branches, and the adventuring party had more than a few false scares at the movement of antelope or songbirds. Ginal loved the Shroud, but she understood how the tall grasses, thick bushes and darting animals could unnerve those who weren't native to the region.
The lancer took position behind a large tree with Ozalie, and the two spied on a pair of the female miqo'te poachers who were setting an antelope trap. Ozalie drew her bow back, the arrow aimed for one of the poacher's head.
Ginal held her hand out to signal a stop, "Don't shoot to kill, Oz."
The hyur looked up with a quirked brow, "What?"
The miqo'te shook her head, "They're criminals, yes, but I'd rather see them face the law than death. Shoot to disarm or wound, Oz."
The archer shrugged with a frown, "You just made this a lot harder, boss lady."
Ginal turned to look behind to address the other two who were hanging back, "Did you hear that, Histy? Don't kill any of them."
The coat wearing dragoon gave a thumbs up, followed by an extended middle finger.
I never thought asking to not kill someone was such an inconvenience.
The redhead smirked and readied her lance for a javelin throw.
"Go,"she ordered, and Ozalie loosed her arrow.
It struck through one poacher's knee, causing the woman to immediately fall back with a scream. Ginal quickly stepped from her cover as the other poacher drew back her own bow, and with a powerful jump up, the lancer hurled her weapon as hard as she could. The spear punctured the poacher's shoulder and pinned her to the ground.
The party approached the wounded poachers, who were both writing and moaning in pain as their wounds slowly bled onto the ground. Ozalie stuffed a rag into the mouth of the woman she shot, and pulled the arrow from her knee. The rag, thankfully, dulled the poacher's agonizing yelp. Ginal did the same, and used her own rag to wipe her lance blade clean. Lupe tended to both poachers, using the swirling aether around his hands to clot the bleeding of their wounds, but leaving the joint damage to stymie any escape attempts. The two poacher's arms and legs were bound, and they were pulled away and tucked behind some large stones.
Ginal turned to Historia and gave her a thumbs up, followed by an extended middle finger.
Hours had passed as the four of them slowly crept through the woods toward the poacher's formal outpost. Every here and there they encountered another two or three of poacher women, subduing them in roughly the same fashion each time. By the time they reached the Taker's Rot, they had beaten and bound a dozen of the miqo'te criminals.
As dusk was beginning to paint its red and orange across the sky, the group looked upon the crude wooden walls covered in vines and grass that the poachers were using as a makeshift camouflage for their trophy collecting.
Ginal spied a handful of the poacher women standing guard at the openings between the crude walls, her tail swishing about as she thought the situation over.
"What's the plan, Boss Lady?" Historia cheerfully asked as she idly twirled her lance overhead.
"Divide and conquer," the lancer answered. "I want you three to move around the base of the cliff to where they have the other walls built, and engage them there. I'll engage them here, and in the confusion we'll split their attention."
"Are you sure you want take that side alone?" the smallfolk white mage asked. "I mean, these Coeurlclaw folk have given veteran Wood Wailers a solid challenge. You might get hurt."
The redhead smiled and pat Lupe's head, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Now, get moving!"
The miqo'te waited about an hour to give her companions time to get into position. Finally, she looked herself over and clenched her iron plated fists with a determined grin.
I'll make you proud, my Lady.
Ginal leaned over a supply crate within the Coeurlclaw outposts, clutching her side as she gasped for breath.
Not my best idea.
She had, quite easily, engaged three of the poacher women in melee combat, and put them down without killing them. The two that followed were no greater a challenge, and seemed like one of the easiest battles she had ever been in. Then her breath was ripped from her lungs as two arrows planted themselves into her side. The archer that dared to fire on her took a blow to the head in payment, but that still left Ginal leaning over this crate. She had pulled the arrows from her side, but the healing salve she was carrying proved inadequate for a wound like this. She was bleeding out, and felt suddenly sluggish as her strength was fading.
I'm sorry, Selah... I thought...I could make you proud of me...
She slumped down against the crate and drew in a ragged breath as a figure approached her. Tall, muscular, with a confident stride. She forced her eyes to focus, and recognized the face of a male miqo'te. The Coeurlclaw King strode deliberately toward Ginal, and she knew he intended to finish her off.
Ginal thought of the things she planned to do with Selah, and was saddened that she'd no longer be able to them. Suddenly, a surge of adrenaline and anger began to wash over her.
Not this way! Not today! I have to much to do. I haven't even proposed yet!
With a grim and determined frown, the redhead pushed herself up with her lance, and dropped into her low ready stance. She refused to pay mind to the blood still dripping from her side, or the pain of movement. Her tail shot straight up as she hissed a warning to the King of poachers. She looked beyond him and saw her friends, finishing off a small group of the women poachers. If she could hold out for just a few moments against this man, she knew she'd make it back alive.
The King of the Coeurlclaws assumed his own ready stance and returned an angry, defiant hiss of his own. The two miqo'te locked gazes and dashed to meet each other. Ginal swung her lance just over his head to force him to duck, and when he did she flipped her lance around and struck the blunt end into his gut. The King snarled in pain and lashed out with a slash of his claws, stepping forward to follow with another slash, then another. The redhead shifted herself back quickly, wincing at the sharp pain in her side.
The Coeurlclaw King grinned wickedly as he eyed Ginal's wound. With a strong-legged jump, he landed up close to her, shifting his weight as he brought his leg up for a high-sweeping kick to her side. The pain shot through her body like electricity and she stumbled back, feeling again like the breath was ripped right out of her lungs. She tightened the grip on her lance and darted forward, aiming for his midsection but pulling back quickly in a feint. Ginal shifted her weight and spun around the Coeurlclaw King, returning his high-kick with one of her own, then dropping her lance low and hooking his ankle, pulling him off his feet. He landed hard on his stomach, exhaling sharply as the impact winded him, but managed to roll away and spring to his feet.
Ginal felt the adrenaline fading some, and that sluggishness creeping back upon her. She shook her head furiously and reached down into her soul, finding every last ounce of strength she had left.
I won't lose!
The lancer sprang forward and unleashed a flurry of quick thrusts, throwing the King off balance as he tried to sidestep and dodge each attack. Ginal pressed the attack and moved closer, forcing the man to fall back. She launched another flurry of attacks, still none of them connecting as she poacher King found the agility to dodge them, but as he again conceded ground to Ginal's advance, he tripped over a boot sized stone and fell onto his back. The second hard fall stunned him, and with a grunt of exertion Ginal brought her lance down through his ankle.
The Coeurlclaw King howled in pain, and the lancer knelt on top of him, pressing the iron spike over her knee to his throat. "Yield!" she commanded of him.
The King looked upon her with anger and humiliation. Just then, an arrow docked in a longbow pressed against his temple, and Ginal looked up to see her companions had joined her at last.
"I'll be fine," Lupe mocked her as he looked over the wound in her side. "Gods dammit, Ginal! How're you still standing? You should be dead with all this blood on the ground!"
"Just...shut up and heal me, you potato looking midget." The redhead slumped back as Historia and Ozalie bound the King poacher's arms and legs.
It took what felt like an hour of concentrated work from the lalafell to mend her wound, and even then he informed her that she'd be weak from blood loss, and sore as all the hells. Ginal had found, and crossed, the line between bravery and stupidity.
I can't impress my girlfriend if I"m dead. Don't do that again.
The party made a camp as night fell over the South Shroud, and that night, Ginal passed out from exhaustion before she could find her cluster of stars.
Two days later, Lancer Ginal Celah stood on the bridge before the Leatherworker's Guild, and watched the river below that ran through the city, dressed down in her imported miqo'te casual outfit. She closed her eyes and drank in the warmth of sun above, and the soft caress of the afternoon breeze. Lifting her head to the sky she took in the floral scent of the Shroud, as well as...
Lavender?
She smiled to herself, and her ears twitched at the sound of soft bootfall. She felt the warm embrace of Selah's arms around her, and a gentle kiss on her ear, "Hello, my Kitten."
"Hello, my Lady." the miqo'te answered as she leaned against Selah.
"I have something for you," Selah explained, "Keep your eyes closed."
Ginal felt something briefly cold against the base of her neck, followed by feeling Selah's fingers gently removing the copper earrings from Ginal's ears, and the sensation of them being replaced.
"Open your eyes, Kitten."
The redhead opened her eyes to see that her dragoon was holding a small mirror in front of her. Selah angled the mirror to show Ginal earrings with small emeralds dangling from the shining silver chain, and an emerald pendant necklace with a shining silver chain.
The lancer gasped in surprise as she took in the sight, "By the Gods, they're beautiful, Selah!"
The hyur smiled lovingly, "I've been working on this for a while now. I managed to finish before I came back this morning."
"I think you're too good to me," Ginal commented. Selah shook her head, "Not possible. You deserve the best. You deserve to be taken care of." The miqo'te gave Selah a long and passionate kiss that the couple refused to end.
Oh Matron knows I need to feel you...
They wrapped their arms around each other as they continued to kiss, pressing against each other and caressing each other. As they continued to kiss, Selah felt Ginal's arousal pressing against her, "Mm-We should stop. You're getting..."
"Don't care," the miqo'te answered. "I've missed you so much. I've longed for you. I need you, Selah."
The hyur pulled away from the kissing and smiled upon her Kitten, "We'd best move quickly, then, lest I keep my love waiting any longer..."
Dawn was barely beginning to break in the Central Shroud, and the citizens of Bentbranch Meadows were still relying of the villages torchlight. As the world slowly formed back into a coherent form, Ginal's body formed on the village's aetheryte platform, followed by Selah. After taking a moment to shake off the unsettling feeling of aethernet travel, Ginal looked about the village below and behind her. Her mind drifted to Thadthadius, and she frowned sorrowfully. It had been days, and no reply ever came.
I guess we don't always get to say "I'm sorry."
She shook away the thoughts and returned her attention to the moment. "You're sure you want to do this, Kitten?" Selah inquired.
The miqo'te nodded, "Yes. I need to put this behind me for good, and this is the best way to try."
The dragoon smiled as she embraced her lover, "You're a better woman than I, Ginal."
The redhead turned and smiled up at the taller woman, "Just tell me you love me." Selah laughed softly and kissed Ginal, "I love you, my Kitten."
"And I love you, my Lady." The affectionate exchange helped to calm the rising anxiety in Ginal's stomach.
After wandering the village for about an hour, the two approached the main gate to the village, and Ginal stopped mid step, her heart beginning the pound in her chest.
I've found you, Robi.
The miqo'te drew in a deep breath, and slowly let it go. Selah stepped up beside her and gently lay her hand on the miqo'te's shoulder, "He can't hurt you anymore, Ginal. You're stronger now than anyone I know. Besides, I'm right here with you."
Ginal nodded with a determined frown. "Here I go..."
The lancer stepped up toward the gate, eyeing the blond elezen Wood Wailer standing guard. "Excuse me," Ginal began, "are you Robimont?"
The blonde man blinked in confusion as he eyed over the woman before him, "Yes...can I help you?"
Ginal stood straight and tall before the Wailer, looking him directly in the eyes, "It's me, Robi, Ginal."
The Wailer's eyes momentarily went wide, and he smirked at the lancer, "Well, here's a surprise."
"I'm here to tell you something," the miqo'te stated.
"And...what is that?" the Wailer asked, looking her over suspiciously.
Ginal pursed her lips as the words formed in her mind, but momentarily refused to be spoken, "You made my life miserable, Robi." she explained. "You tormented me for three years. Beat be, belittled me, taunted me. You made me hate myself just for being born."
Robimont stood silent as he listened, his guarded expression revealing no reaction.
"And...I forgive you, Robi." Ginal managed. "I forgive you, for everything you ever did and said. And now, I'm moving on with my life, free of that." With the words spoken, Ginal turned and began to walk away.
"You...forgive me? You were always too weak for anything else, you stupid freak." the Wailer spoke with raw hostility. The redhead sighed and shook her head, continuing to walk away.
Just let it go. You can't expect everyone to accept you.
The blond elezen snarled angrily and stepped up behind Ginal, "Don't you walk away from me, you fuckin' freak!" He reached out and grabbed her tail, yanking it so hard that the pain caused a brief paralysis in her legs, not to mention a rather sharp scream.
Selah began to step forward, reaching for the relic lance on her back, "You son of a bitch!"
Ginal threw her hand up to signal a stop, and looked to her lover with a determination that burned like a fire in her eyes. The dragoon hesitated, but stepped back.
"Stop being stupid!" the blonde chastised as he gave an angry scowl. "You should have told me you're a boy!" he yelled angrily, shoving the redhead.
Ginal stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock. "I'm not a boy! Why are you being mean? I'm a girl!"
Ginal briefly clenched her fists, then turned sharply and leaped, striking the elezen in the jaw.
The boy silently judged her as he seemed to mull the words over in his mind, "I've seen other girls. They don't have that. That's what boys have, so...if you're not a boy, then...you're some kind of freak!" He ran up to her and shoved her again, this time hard enough that the miqo'te lost her footing on the slope and tumbled down to the small river bank below.
Robimont stumbled back, caught off guard by the strike. Ginal landed and jumped up again, loosing a quick flurry of punches against his torso, knocking the breath from him.
Ginal trembled from fear and pain as she slowly rose. She looked herself over with wet, blurry eyes to see her torn and muddy dress, and the scrape along her arms and legs. "Why are you so mean, Robi?" she desperately inquired. "I didn't do anything... I didn't know I'm different!"
She drew her lance upon landing again, and with a quick spin, she hook the Wailer's boot with her lance blade and pulled him off his feet, stunning him on the impact with the hard ground.
Robimont slid down the slope and was upon her with a wide, cruel grin, "Because you're a freak! And this is what you get!" He shoved the miqo'te back again, forcing her back into the shallow water. Ginal again slowly rose, her body shaking even more now from the cold of the river.
"I am Lancer Ginal Celah!" she shouted to man lying before her, as she began to twirl her lance overhead. "I"m not weak, I'm as strong as silk! I'm not defenseless, I'm as deadly as talons!" With an angry cry, the miqo'te brought the lance down hard.
Robimont looked to the lance blade beside his face, his lip trembling in fear as he realized the lance was in the ground, and not in his head. His breeches were wet with his own urine.
"And I'm not a freak!" Ginal stated. "I'm a woman, and I'm blessedly beautiful!"
The auburn haired hyur stepped up alongside her lover and looked upon the defeated Wailer, "And she is loved."
Ginal retrieved her weapon from the ground, and harnessed it on her back. Selah took Ginal's hand and smiled lovingly upon her, "I'm so proud of you, my Kitten."
The lancer embraced her lover, purring her contentment as the adrenaline of the moment faded. Selah tilted Ginal's head up by her chin, "Come on, Silk Talons, let's go home."
It was a beautiful evening in the city of Gridania. The sky was painted a beautiful myriad of reds, oranges and pinks as the sun was setting over the Black Shroud. In the Carline Canopy, the mercenaries of Doom had once again gathered to celebrate jobs well done, and coin well earned. Hot meals were eaten and cold ales were downed.
Ginal had just finished leading the women of the free company in a rousing session of table dancing, and now had herself comfortably seated in her lover's lap. She leaned against Selah as the hyur wrapped her arms around Ginal's frame, and the two shared a loving gaze.
"I love you, my Lady Selah."
"And I love you, my Kitten."
"You two are so cute together," Ozalie commented. "How do you do it?"
The lovers shrugged slightly as they looked to each other, "Sometimes," Selah began, "it just feels like..."
"Like we've loved before," Ginal finished. The lovers shared a smile at the thought.
Ginal Chelah. Lancer. Mercenary. Sister. Lover.
A woman, as strong as silk, and as deadly as talons.
Ginal Celah and Selah Phocina will return.
