The endless black changed into swirling color. The omni-present hum of aether receded, replaced by the gradually increasing volume of people going about their lives in a busy city. The feeling of weightless free fall became solid ground underfoot.
Selah blinked rapidly, adjusting her eyes to the light of mid morning, and glanced about at the gray-white stone architecture of Revenant's Toll. To her side, Ginal's body manifested from the aether, and the hyur was ready to catch her beloved as she stumbled. The miqo'te was pale, clearly dizzy, and looked ready to vomit.
Damn, I hate seeing her like this. I've never known of anyone so sensitive to being reconstituted.
A long moment passed, a minute or more, and color returned to Ginal's cheeks. She offered a quick nuzzle before standing, arms outstretched for balance.
"Can we...can we never use that damn thing again?"
The hyur couldn't help but laugh a little, prompting the miqo'te to flick her tail in a playful slap.
"You think Din is still in the stable you left him at?"
Selah gritted her teeth as they walked, as pangs of regret and shame fluttered through her heart.
I'm sorry, Din... Please be okay.
After pushing their way through the crowds and dodging the advances of aggressive merchants, they came upon the small stable. The same attendant was on duty, sweeping a pile of dung and hay from the wooden shack, onto the grass behind.
"Um, hello." Selah called. "I left my bird here, about...a week ago?"
"Name n' 'scription." the stable hand automatically droned.
"Dinornis, male, sort of a cyan blue."
The stable hand finally stopped to look up, eyes sparkling in recognition. "Ah, yeah, that'n. Been fussin' 'fer a couple days now. Reckon the guy's anxious 'fer ya bein' gone so long."
Guilt loomed over Selah like a giant morbol's shadow. As it began to sink in, Ginal squeezed her hand and stood on her toes to whisper into the hyur's ear.
"You did what you had to. At least you left him in good care."
She's right, I could of just ditched him.
The stable hand emerged from the shack leading Dinornis, who began squawking as soon as he saw Selah. The warbird butted his head against Selah's, and again, his way of chastising his flock-mate for leaving him behind.
"I know, I know. I won't do it again." Selah swore.
Ginal dropped some coins into the stable hand's palm, offering her thanks. Seeing Ginal, Dinornis greeted the miqo'te with a gentle nuzzle. Ginal caressed the bird's hooked beak with a smile.
"I missed you, too, Din. Thanks for taking care of Selah."
Dinornis then squawked angrily, stamping his feet and butting his head into Ginal's.
"Okay, okay!" The miqo'te replied. "I'm not leaving again, I promise!"
Standing back to watch for a moment, relief washed over Selah, and tension melted away from her body. Their family was finally coming back together, and it was the best damn feeling.
Weighted boots on stone, and a slow and steady gait. Ginal's ears twitched at the walking rhythm she hadn't heard in months, and she spun about to look.
"A demon rages through the Shroud, taking the form of a miqo'te of wine-red hair and bathed in emerald fire. Rumors of two woman, a hyur and miqo'te couple, whose blue and green eyes are as radiant as the stars on a summer's night. And now, a monster of metal charges through Mor Dhona while screaming the name "Selah," and here I find the two of you."
A male hyur approached, heads taller than Selah and broad of build, and Ginal immediately recognized his scent, only adding to what the baritone voice confirmed. He was clad in the same midnight-black armor of spines and spikes as he had ever worn, helmet of a dragon's head closed around his face. A smile, however slight, formed on his lips as he looked from Selah to Ginal.
"I was never much for coincidence." Grezel stated. "Also, I must say, these new eyes are worthy of you both."
You just leave, without a word.... Duty calls, and all that, sure...but what about me?
Ginal balled her fists as her lips turned in a sorrowful frown.
You're my brother, Grez! You were the only one who looked out for me for so long...and you just left me!
Tears rolled down her cheeks, as she bared her teeth indignantly. Her breaths came rapid and heavy.
I almost lost myself, and...and where did you go?! Why were you away for so long?!
Her tail flicked sharply, and the fire in her eyes surged forth. Grezel was clearly taken aback, and Selah reached for Ginal's shoulder.
"Kitten, calm down..."
The miqo'te closed the gap quickly, growling and whimpering as she beat her fists against Grezel's armor. Selah looked on with heartache plain in her eyes, and Grezel seemed content to let her go on. After a long moment of her outburst, Ginal's arms grew too tired to continue.
She embraced the tears, and sobbed against his chest plate as he embraced her.
"Things have been...very heavy, recently." Selah offered. "You were missed, but it's good to see you."
"I...I'm sorry." Ginal stammered. "I've...been really emotional lately."
"Aren't you always?" Grezel replied with a smirk.
Selah kissed Ginal's ears and produced a small cloth to gently wipe at her tears.
"Ha, ha." Ginal sharply answered.
Grezel paused, his head atilt. "Hm. Your hair looks good long, Selah."
A frown formed on her lips, "Yeah, no... I just haven't had time to manage it."
"Suit yourself, but it looks good."
Selah glanced around their surroundings, "You know, we're probably giving these people a bit of a show."
"Indeed." Grezel agreed. He gestured over his shoulder, "Are you familiar with Rowena's House of Splendors? It's the tallest building on the north edge of the city."
"I remember seeing it, yes." Selah answered. "Unfortunately, we really have to be going. Those heavy things I mentioned are getting urgent."
Grezel nodded, "I imagine, and that's why I came back to find you. Meet me there, on the balcony of the top floor overlooking the city, in two hours."
Selah and Ginal looked to each other and shrugged.
Will this delay hurt anything? I mean, the only thing in the direction he headed is that Imperial outpost, right? Who cares if he kills some of those assholes.
"A demon rages through the Shroud, taking the form of a miqo'te of wine-red hair and bathed in emerald fire. Rumors of two woman, a hyur and miqo'te couple, whose blue and green eyes are as radiant as the stars on a summer's night. And now, a monster of metal charges through Mor Dhona while screaming the name "Selah," and here I find the two of you."
A male hyur approached, heads taller than Selah and broad of build, and Ginal immediately recognized his scent, only adding to what the baritone voice confirmed. He was clad in the same midnight-black armor of spines and spikes as he had ever worn, helmet of a dragon's head closed around his face. A smile, however slight, formed on his lips as he looked from Selah to Ginal.
"I was never much for coincidence." Grezel stated. "Also, I must say, these new eyes are worthy of you both."
You just leave, without a word.... Duty calls, and all that, sure...but what about me?
Ginal balled her fists as her lips turned in a sorrowful frown.
You're my brother, Grez! You were the only one who looked out for me for so long...and you just left me!
Tears rolled down her cheeks, as she bared her teeth indignantly. Her breaths came rapid and heavy.
I almost lost myself, and...and where did you go?! Why were you away for so long?!
Her tail flicked sharply, and the fire in her eyes surged forth. Grezel was clearly taken aback, and Selah reached for Ginal's shoulder.
"Kitten, calm down..."
The miqo'te closed the gap quickly, growling and whimpering as she beat her fists against Grezel's armor. Selah looked on with heartache plain in her eyes, and Grezel seemed content to let her go on. After a long moment of her outburst, Ginal's arms grew too tired to continue.
She embraced the tears, and sobbed against his chest plate as he embraced her.
"Things have been...very heavy, recently." Selah offered. "You were missed, but it's good to see you."
"I...I'm sorry." Ginal stammered. "I've...been really emotional lately."
"Aren't you always?" Grezel replied with a smirk.
Selah kissed Ginal's ears and produced a small cloth to gently wipe at her tears.
"Ha, ha." Ginal sharply answered.
Grezel paused, his head atilt. "Hm. Your hair looks good long, Selah."
A frown formed on her lips, "Yeah, no... I just haven't had time to manage it."
"Suit yourself, but it looks good."
Selah glanced around their surroundings, "You know, we're probably giving these people a bit of a show."
"Indeed." Grezel agreed. He gestured over his shoulder, "Are you familiar with Rowena's House of Splendors? It's the tallest building on the north edge of the city."
"I remember seeing it, yes." Selah answered. "Unfortunately, we really have to be going. Those heavy things I mentioned are getting urgent."
Grezel nodded, "I imagine, and that's why I came back to find you. Meet me there, on the balcony of the top floor overlooking the city, in two hours."
Selah and Ginal looked to each other and shrugged.
Will this delay hurt anything? I mean, the only thing in the direction he headed is that Imperial outpost, right? Who cares if he kills some of those assholes.
Gods be good, the view from up here is amazing.
Selah looked upon the city sprawled out before her, eyes wide at the view from the terrace. At the unmistakable sound of her beloved's purr, she looked over, and couldn't help but grin at the sight before her. As Ginal leaned over the stone-carved barrier that served as both protective railing and privacy wall, the breeze was dancing with her skirt, allowing a look under the garment.
How can she wear thongs without complaint, anyway? Aren't they uncomfortable with that anatomy? They're not even all that comfortable for me. Not a complaint, though. She looks damn sexy in them.
The hyur allowed herself a chuckle as she glanced about. The tables, chairs and potted plants on display would make an excellent cafe. Curiously, there was also a stack of crates of various lengths and sizes, all marked as having been sent by Grezel or Timothy.
How can she wear thongs without complaint, anyway? Aren't they uncomfortable with that anatomy? They're not even all that comfortable for me. Not a complaint, though. She looks damn sexy in them.
The hyur allowed herself a chuckle as she glanced about. The tables, chairs and potted plants on display would make an excellent cafe. Curiously, there was also a stack of crates of various lengths and sizes, all marked as having been sent by Grezel or Timothy.
What in the hells have you boys been up to?
As though summoned, Grezel appeared from the stairwell, and sauntered toward the two. Ginal stood up from her leaning and tugged her skirt down a bit, causing Selah to quirk a brow.
You did that on purpose, you little tease.
Grezel indicated the table nearest the couple as he assumed a casual lean.
"It's difficult to explain why, but Ywain, Miounne, Tim and myself have, since the moment we've met the two of you, been compelled to take a special interest in your lives."
His jaw was clenched as to suggest deep consideration, with arms folded over his chest.
"We have all come to agree, it's been as though...we were nudged by an unseen hand. Very possibly the will of the Twelve, even in Tim's skeptical mind."
With a heavy sigh, Selah rubbed at her temple.
So these...avatars of ours, they've been meddling in all sorts of ways?
"I'm glad we've been here to support you," Grezel continued. "You have been troubled souls worth saving. Your contributions to Eorzean peace have been significant, and the love that has blossomed between you is...heartwarming."
With a heavy sigh, Selah rubbed at her temple.
So these...avatars of ours, they've been meddling in all sorts of ways?
"I'm glad we've been here to support you," Grezel continued. "You have been troubled souls worth saving. Your contributions to Eorzean peace have been significant, and the love that has blossomed between you is...heartwarming."
Ginal smiled at this, reaching over to squeeze Selah's hand.
Grezel indicated the crates, "These were intended to be gifts for your bonding. Something to set you off on your new life with, but..."
"But?" Ginal's interest was clearly piqued.
"We've also kept in contact with Ely, and we've been comparing notes of everything we know."
Grezel turned his gaze to Selah, "Such as your inquiries about the Everheart Circlets in Ul'dah's royal vaults. Circlets forged as a pair with a sapphire and emerald motif. Maybe just a coincidence, maybe not."
With pursed lips, Selah's gaze narrowed on nothing in particular.
Coincidence... No, not after everything that's happened.
His attention turned to Ginal, "Let's not forget the way you've survived bleed outs, crushed bones and lethal aether exposure that should have, by rights, put you six feet under."
The lovers shared a glance, but could only shrug.
"I've...always been durable." Ginal offered.
A smirk was Grezel's response. Again, he crossed his arms, head bowed for a quiet moment.
"A husband saved from the brink of death, where all his comrades perished at the Calamity's hand. Attacks from friends and rivals empowered by mysterious means. Bizarre new abilities and an intense aetherial aura surrounding you both. Aside from taking a particular interest in you two, we four have come to agree: You two have a grand destiny ahead, if you choose to face it."
Destiny, divine intervention. Next you'll be quoting some stupid prophecy.
"I make my own destiny, thanks." Selah scoffed.
A knowing smile, wide and playful formed on the man's lips. "I would love to debate that with you sometime."
Selah chuckled. "When this is all over, it would be my pleasure."
Wait, Ginal's been awful quiet...
"Something on your mind, love?"
The miqo'te's ears had folded down, her gaze distant. She leaned back in her chair, staring up at the clouds.
"I just...wanted to be a dancer. I only took up lance lessons because I was tired of being afraid of the world. I didn't want any of this..." A slow, sorrowful sigh escaped her, "But, fuck, turns out I'm some reincarnated warrior who pissed off the gods, or some stupid shit."
The depressed reaction made Selah's heart hurt.
"Reincarnated?" Grezel inquired.
Selah shook her head. "Yeah, it's all still fuzzy. We'll explain later."
Ginal went back to the terrace wall to gaze out over the city, her tail beginning to flick in agitation. A low growl from her throat sent a prickling chill down Selah's spine.
Oh, shit.
The miqo'te slammed her fist into the terrace wall and turned back, her eyes ablaze.
"I've been at the mercy of bullies of some sort or another all my life, and I'm sick of it! I'm gonna see this shit through so I can claim the destiny I want. I'll rip apart this bastard ex of hers, and if I have to I'll find a way to even kill gods! I'm going to be bonded in the Sanctum of the Twelve, I'm going to wear a gorgeous, custom made dress, with Selah in one made to compliment, and I'm going to be adored and cheered on by my new friends."
Pride swelled in Selah's heart at the sight.
This is the Ginal I love. That passion is almost infectious. Never let the world win.
With pursed lips, Selah's gaze narrowed on nothing in particular.
Coincidence... No, not after everything that's happened.
His attention turned to Ginal, "Let's not forget the way you've survived bleed outs, crushed bones and lethal aether exposure that should have, by rights, put you six feet under."
The lovers shared a glance, but could only shrug.
"I've...always been durable." Ginal offered.
A smirk was Grezel's response. Again, he crossed his arms, head bowed for a quiet moment.
"A husband saved from the brink of death, where all his comrades perished at the Calamity's hand. Attacks from friends and rivals empowered by mysterious means. Bizarre new abilities and an intense aetherial aura surrounding you both. Aside from taking a particular interest in you two, we four have come to agree: You two have a grand destiny ahead, if you choose to face it."
Destiny, divine intervention. Next you'll be quoting some stupid prophecy.
"I make my own destiny, thanks." Selah scoffed.
A knowing smile, wide and playful formed on the man's lips. "I would love to debate that with you sometime."
Selah chuckled. "When this is all over, it would be my pleasure."
Wait, Ginal's been awful quiet...
"Something on your mind, love?"
The miqo'te's ears had folded down, her gaze distant. She leaned back in her chair, staring up at the clouds.
"I just...wanted to be a dancer. I only took up lance lessons because I was tired of being afraid of the world. I didn't want any of this..." A slow, sorrowful sigh escaped her, "But, fuck, turns out I'm some reincarnated warrior who pissed off the gods, or some stupid shit."
The depressed reaction made Selah's heart hurt.
"Reincarnated?" Grezel inquired.
Selah shook her head. "Yeah, it's all still fuzzy. We'll explain later."
Ginal went back to the terrace wall to gaze out over the city, her tail beginning to flick in agitation. A low growl from her throat sent a prickling chill down Selah's spine.
Oh, shit.
The miqo'te slammed her fist into the terrace wall and turned back, her eyes ablaze.
"I've been at the mercy of bullies of some sort or another all my life, and I'm sick of it! I'm gonna see this shit through so I can claim the destiny I want. I'll rip apart this bastard ex of hers, and if I have to I'll find a way to even kill gods! I'm going to be bonded in the Sanctum of the Twelve, I'm going to wear a gorgeous, custom made dress, with Selah in one made to compliment, and I'm going to be adored and cheered on by my new friends."
Pride swelled in Selah's heart at the sight.
This is the Ginal I love. That passion is almost infectious. Never let the world win.
A table-slapping guffaw came from Grezel, with a smile both proud and joyous. "Yes, that's my little sister! That's the fire I remember."
Grezel turned his attention to the crates stacked near the table. "As I was saying, these began as bonding gifts, but, as the four of us have put pieces together, and were spurred on by recent days, we believe you have a more immediate use for these."
He pried the top off one crate and hefted an object, long, with jagged points on the ends, radiating a bright blue glow.
What is it? A lance of some kind? Is it...made from ice?
"While I was in Coerthas, I aided the Warrior of Light in combat against a new primal, some queen of ice and death called Shiva."
Selah quirked a brow, "You met the Warrior of Light?"
"Yes. Fascinating person, but we'll talk about that later." He twirled the long object as a lance, its "blade" end whistling as it cut the air. "When the battle was won, there were patches of magiced ice that radiated this intense glow, like nothing I've ever seen. I sent some shards to Tim to study, and in turn, he conferred with Rowena and they decided it could be made into a weapon. Because of its appearance, Tim decided it would be an excellent lance for you."
Grezel handed the weapon over to Selah, who studied it with eyes wide in awe. She gently traced her fingers along the long, sharp cluster of icicles that comprised the forward blade, and down the shaft of blue-hued metal that connected to a smaller cluster of barbed ice. Ginal's ears twitched as she leaned close to examine it as well, an approving purr her response.
"It's...amazingly light. And cool, but not cold. Grezel, thank you."
Ice to pierce your frozen heart. Poetic, isn't it, Geoff?
"Oh, there's more." Grezel continued. "Now time was, I'm certain I remember you used to wield a lance as well, sister."
Ginal's ears folded in as she shrugged. "It's not like I abandoned the lance. It's just...somehow, this sword became my new weapon."
With a slight grunt of effort, Grezel opened another crate and lifted a sword, long and wide of blade.
"Tim had been working with the officers of the Twin Adder to have a weapon made for you, but had to scrap the original idea. This wasn't ready until yesterday. Try not to change your signature weapon on us anytime soon, hm?"
Ginal took the sword with a smirk, purring in appreciation as she hefted and swung it. She stood it on its point and looked upon it with pride.
"It looks like it was carved from a giant emerald."
"The blade is forged of alexandrite," Grezel explained, "a hard and sturdy gem. The hilt is cypress, the pommel and cross guard are mythrite."
Grezel turned his attention to the crates stacked near the table. "As I was saying, these began as bonding gifts, but, as the four of us have put pieces together, and were spurred on by recent days, we believe you have a more immediate use for these."
He pried the top off one crate and hefted an object, long, with jagged points on the ends, radiating a bright blue glow.
What is it? A lance of some kind? Is it...made from ice?
"While I was in Coerthas, I aided the Warrior of Light in combat against a new primal, some queen of ice and death called Shiva."
Selah quirked a brow, "You met the Warrior of Light?"
"Yes. Fascinating person, but we'll talk about that later." He twirled the long object as a lance, its "blade" end whistling as it cut the air. "When the battle was won, there were patches of magiced ice that radiated this intense glow, like nothing I've ever seen. I sent some shards to Tim to study, and in turn, he conferred with Rowena and they decided it could be made into a weapon. Because of its appearance, Tim decided it would be an excellent lance for you."
Grezel handed the weapon over to Selah, who studied it with eyes wide in awe. She gently traced her fingers along the long, sharp cluster of icicles that comprised the forward blade, and down the shaft of blue-hued metal that connected to a smaller cluster of barbed ice. Ginal's ears twitched as she leaned close to examine it as well, an approving purr her response.
"It's...amazingly light. And cool, but not cold. Grezel, thank you."
Ice to pierce your frozen heart. Poetic, isn't it, Geoff?
"Oh, there's more." Grezel continued. "Now time was, I'm certain I remember you used to wield a lance as well, sister."
Ginal's ears folded in as she shrugged. "It's not like I abandoned the lance. It's just...somehow, this sword became my new weapon."
With a slight grunt of effort, Grezel opened another crate and lifted a sword, long and wide of blade.
"Tim had been working with the officers of the Twin Adder to have a weapon made for you, but had to scrap the original idea. This wasn't ready until yesterday. Try not to change your signature weapon on us anytime soon, hm?"
Ginal took the sword with a smirk, purring in appreciation as she hefted and swung it. She stood it on its point and looked upon it with pride.
"It looks like it was carved from a giant emerald."
"The blade is forged of alexandrite," Grezel explained, "a hard and sturdy gem. The hilt is cypress, the pommel and cross guard are mythrite."
Ginal's ears twitched the way Selah knew meant an unfamiliar word.
"Mythrite?"
"A metal found in Coerthas." Selah explain. "Known to be as light as mythril, but twice as strong. Isn't that hard to get down here?"
"Not as difficult as it used to be." Grezel answered. "There's been new deposits unearthed of late. Anyway, it's been magiced by a conjuror's communion with the elementals...or is that blessed? I was never certain how these elemtals do what they do."
He paused briefly to shrug, "Either way, it's sturdier for it. The blade shouldn't break but under extreme duress."
It's like Starlight season in advance. Guess I've not been such a bad girl after all.
Ginal set the sword aside and threw her arms around Grezel, her tail lazily swishing.
"Thank you, Grez."
A warm laugh and gentle pat on her head were Grezel's answer. The miqo'te peered around her brother at the crates remaining, her ears twitching with curiosity.
"So...shall I assume you have even more wonderful gifts for us?"
Selah chuckled as she sipped at a glass of water.
"What? I want my presents!"
"Indeed I do, Sister."
Grezel returned to the crates and pried open another, and turned his gaze to Selah.
"Though it's traditional, even practical, for dragoons to wear armor, you seem to have always preferred something lighter."
Selah nodded, "Honestly, I've simply been trying to distance myself as much as I can from anything traditionally Ishgard. Though maybe with the things that loom ahead, I could stand to alter my wardrobe..."
Grezel hefted the crate and slowly made his way behind a screen that had been standing behind the table.
"Consider your wardrobe updated, my friend." Grezel replied. "The parts are all ready, it simply needs to be donned and buckled together."
Selah shifted in her seat, the corner of her lips pursed. She looked like she wanted to speak up about something, but was debating in her own mind about it.
Oh, don't be like that. It's a gift, with a practical purpose. What are you afraid of, that there's a skirt included?
Ginal leaned over to squeeze her hand and whisper to her, "Try it on before you protest it?"
I kind of hope there is a skirt. You know it drives wild when you girly up a bit...
Shit. Think about chocobo racing.
Selah silently nodded and made her way behind the screen.
Ginal grinned. "You know, you might need a hand. I'd be happy to undress you."
"And spoil the surprise?" Selah replied.
"You don't ever turn that off, do you?" Grezel asked.
What? I enjoy touching Selah, what's wrong with that?
The miqo'te only shrugged her response.
Sounds of clothing rustling and metal setting on stone flowed from behind the screen.
"Wow, this is...quite lovely." Selah remarked.
"Hurry up! I wanna see!" Ginal called.
A long moment passed, and at last Selah emerged. Ginal's eyes were wide, her jaw hanging slightly open.
Oh, gods...she looks so...regal.
A shining silver circlet, set with a trio of glimmering sapphires, and earrings of the same motif to match. A choker, a single gleaming sapphire set in silver and tied around the neck on a silky ribbon. Knee-length boots and elbow-length gloves of sturdy, navy blue leather. Armor that wrapped around her torso, shaped so as to display a noticeable, but moderate amount of cleavage, sat above a pair of simple black shorts. Small, rounded pauldrons covered her shoulders, and all the armor shared the same color theme, navy blue with silver accents. A cape of sky blue hung from the shoulders, flowing to her ankles.
I mean, she's always looked good in anything she wears, but..fuck, she looks amazing.
"You look amazing, Selah..." Ginal purred. "I want you."
With a smirk and wink, Selah struck a playful pose with her hand behind her head. She took a moment to look herself over, and rested her hands on her hips, standing tall.
"I do look pretty damn good, don't I?"
"I especially like the way you're showing off a little." Ginal remarked.
It's like Starlight season in advance. Guess I've not been such a bad girl after all.
Ginal set the sword aside and threw her arms around Grezel, her tail lazily swishing.
"Thank you, Grez."
A warm laugh and gentle pat on her head were Grezel's answer. The miqo'te peered around her brother at the crates remaining, her ears twitching with curiosity.
"So...shall I assume you have even more wonderful gifts for us?"
Selah chuckled as she sipped at a glass of water.
"What? I want my presents!"
"Indeed I do, Sister."
Grezel returned to the crates and pried open another, and turned his gaze to Selah.
"Though it's traditional, even practical, for dragoons to wear armor, you seem to have always preferred something lighter."
Selah nodded, "Honestly, I've simply been trying to distance myself as much as I can from anything traditionally Ishgard. Though maybe with the things that loom ahead, I could stand to alter my wardrobe..."
Grezel hefted the crate and slowly made his way behind a screen that had been standing behind the table.
"Consider your wardrobe updated, my friend." Grezel replied. "The parts are all ready, it simply needs to be donned and buckled together."
Selah shifted in her seat, the corner of her lips pursed. She looked like she wanted to speak up about something, but was debating in her own mind about it.
Oh, don't be like that. It's a gift, with a practical purpose. What are you afraid of, that there's a skirt included?
Ginal leaned over to squeeze her hand and whisper to her, "Try it on before you protest it?"
I kind of hope there is a skirt. You know it drives wild when you girly up a bit...
Shit. Think about chocobo racing.
Selah silently nodded and made her way behind the screen.
Ginal grinned. "You know, you might need a hand. I'd be happy to undress you."
"And spoil the surprise?" Selah replied.
"You don't ever turn that off, do you?" Grezel asked.
What? I enjoy touching Selah, what's wrong with that?
The miqo'te only shrugged her response.
Sounds of clothing rustling and metal setting on stone flowed from behind the screen.
"Wow, this is...quite lovely." Selah remarked.
"Hurry up! I wanna see!" Ginal called.
A long moment passed, and at last Selah emerged. Ginal's eyes were wide, her jaw hanging slightly open.
Oh, gods...she looks so...regal.
A shining silver circlet, set with a trio of glimmering sapphires, and earrings of the same motif to match. A choker, a single gleaming sapphire set in silver and tied around the neck on a silky ribbon. Knee-length boots and elbow-length gloves of sturdy, navy blue leather. Armor that wrapped around her torso, shaped so as to display a noticeable, but moderate amount of cleavage, sat above a pair of simple black shorts. Small, rounded pauldrons covered her shoulders, and all the armor shared the same color theme, navy blue with silver accents. A cape of sky blue hung from the shoulders, flowing to her ankles.
I mean, she's always looked good in anything she wears, but..fuck, she looks amazing.
"You look amazing, Selah..." Ginal purred. "I want you."
With a smirk and wink, Selah struck a playful pose with her hand behind her head. She took a moment to look herself over, and rested her hands on her hips, standing tall.
"I do look pretty damn good, don't I?"
"I especially like the way you're showing off a little." Ginal remarked.
Cleavage and a little thigh. Is it my birthday?
"No, but seriously, you look amazing. Noble and deadly."
"Indeed you do." Grezel added, nodding approvingly. "You look to be a genuine rival for even the Azure Dragoon. The mythrite it's forged from will save your life, but it's thinner than what would be made for a gladiator. Don't rely on it."
"I never do."
For a moment, whatever the two hyurs were bantering about was lost to Ginal's perceptions. As she looked upon her beloved in her new attire, her heart swelled with pride and adoration.
She really does look like the noble and strong princess I always dreamed would rescue me. And rescue me she has, in so many ways.
"Ginal? Ginal?"
Ginal blinked rapidly as she sat up, finally realizing she was being spoken to.
"Are you alright?" Selah inquired.
"Oh, heh, yeah. Just thinking."
'I thought I heard gears grinding." Selah smirked.
"I've moved your crate, whenever you're ready." Grezel informed her.
Giddyness fluttered through Ginal as she sprang for the impromptu changing room.
I wonder what it could be. A cute micro skirt with thigh-high boots and a studded leather cuirass? No, I'm still thinking like a lancer. Maybe a classy long skirt and a steel breastplate.
She peered into the crate as her ears twitched in anticipation. Polished gold and glimmering emerald rested within, and she purred as she rubbed the green cloth between her fingers.
Damn, this is soft. Silk?
"What's this material, Grez?"
"Thavnarian silk. Smoother and softer than normal silk, and twice as durable. The armor is forged of mythrite."
She pulled the objects from the crate and set them aside. Boots, gauntlets, a circlet, a bustier and some kind of skirt. Off came her skirt and top, and Ginal grinned eagerly as she began to work her way into the new clothes.
The boots that climbed past her knees and gauntlets that stretched to her elbows were smoothed and rounded plates of gleaming golden metal set atop comfortable leather. Silken ribbons flowed from the sides of the Golden circlet, while a single tear shaped emerald hung from a rounded cross on the forehead. A bustier of the same silk wrapped snugly around her bust, while a golden crest adorned with a large emerald connected directly to thin golden choker. The skirt flowed to nearly her ankles, adorned with intricately carved loops and tassels of glimmering gold and ornate feathers that match those that hung from the bustier, while wide slits revealed her legs up to the thighs
This is...absolutely perfect. This is so ME, it...gods, it's just amazing.
Ginal emerged from changing, her eyes shining with appreciation and joy at the gift. She struck a pose, a playful and risque bend that pushed her bust and backside out, and began twirling about in a simple dance in the open space.
"Gods be good, Grez, I think you've helped me fall in love all over again." Selah remarked, her grin mischievous as her eyes slowly climbed and descended the miqo'te's frame.
Ginal met her beloved's gaze with a wink, her tail swishing playfully.
Oh, you better believe I'm gonna tease the hells out of you with this. But, really...what do you think?
Ginal straightened to look upon herself, ears twitching curiously. The heat of embarrassment crept into her cheeks, and she looked to Selah with a hint of worry in her eyes.
I've never worn anything this revealing...Is it really me?
"Revealing in all the right places, Kitten, but the intimate parts are still well covered. Besides, those gauntlets and gloves are long enough to provide ample protection."
"As well," Grezel added, "the silk itself was magicked...somehow, to react like a harder material. I'm sorry for the lack of specifics, but I was never trained in the particulars of magic or weaving. I would say we have an outfit worthy of your beauty and sensibilities, sister. You can thank Ozalie for insights in designing this outfit for you."
The miqo'te beamed, pride and eagerness swelling in her heart.
I do look good, don't I? And yes, I think this will be protective where it counts. Besides, I did always enjoy showing off a little.
"Since we're all here together, perhaps a meal before you must be on your way?" Grezel inquired.
A dizzying disorientation overtook Ginal's senses, and the world around her became a swirl of noise and color. The pull of gravity and solidity of the ground under her slid away, and she felt like she was falling and soaring at the same time.
Am...am I in the aethernet? How is that possible?
Hear... Feel... Think...
That voice!
It was the same voice that awed and comforted she had heard in the Shroud, many days earlier. The same voice that came from without and within. The voice of a mother soothing a child.
My daughter...
The swirling world around her morphed into a vast, frozen valley. Snow blanketed every inch of the place, while the stinging wind pierced to Ginal's very bone. Trees, barren and dying swayed with the winds, icicles snapping from their perches and shattering on the soil below. Before she could react with the shivers her body was calling for, she was startled by tremors underfoot, and the boom that sounded like a giant's feet stomping.
Oh...oh gods, what are those?!
Monsters of metal as black as night marched toward her, dozens if her guess was right. Some were human shaped, with long arms that ended in sharp points. The others were hulking beasts that strode upon two legs, with maws that opened to spit flame.
Ginal ducked to evade the impending death, her heart thundering in her chest, when she realized she wasn't their target by how widely she was missed. She spun about to find half crumbled walls of gray stone, draped in snow and ice, with winged reptilian beasts perched atop. The bests roared defiantly and took the sky, their wingspan both fearsome and awesome.
Are those what dragons look like?
My daughter...you must go...to fight the shadow...
"...inal?! Ginal?!"
Ginal blinked rapidly, the world and its weight suddenly a part of her existence again. Her heart still pounded in her chest as she trembled from adrenaline.
"Thank the gods!" Grezel exclaimed. "You and Selah both--"
"Did you see it, too?!" Selah interrupted. "You saw them marching?"
"Yeah, but where was that palce?"
"Coerthas, he's marching on Coerthas." Selah's eyes burned with urgency as she grabbed Ginal's hand. "He must have moved through the mountains, maybe, who knows."
Selah glanced at Grezel, "Thank you for the gifts, Grezel. I'm sure we'll put them to good use very soon."
As the lovers hurried for the stairwell down, they looked back at Grezel.
"Don't follow us!" Selah demanded.
"This isn't your fight!" Ginal added.
They took each other's hand, sharing a gaze that spoke volumes where words were unnecessary.
It was time to put an end to the shadow looming over their lives.
This is...absolutely perfect. This is so ME, it...gods, it's just amazing.
Ginal emerged from changing, her eyes shining with appreciation and joy at the gift. She struck a pose, a playful and risque bend that pushed her bust and backside out, and began twirling about in a simple dance in the open space.
"Gods be good, Grez, I think you've helped me fall in love all over again." Selah remarked, her grin mischievous as her eyes slowly climbed and descended the miqo'te's frame.
Ginal met her beloved's gaze with a wink, her tail swishing playfully.
Oh, you better believe I'm gonna tease the hells out of you with this. But, really...what do you think?
Ginal straightened to look upon herself, ears twitching curiously. The heat of embarrassment crept into her cheeks, and she looked to Selah with a hint of worry in her eyes.
I've never worn anything this revealing...Is it really me?
"Revealing in all the right places, Kitten, but the intimate parts are still well covered. Besides, those gauntlets and gloves are long enough to provide ample protection."
"As well," Grezel added, "the silk itself was magicked...somehow, to react like a harder material. I'm sorry for the lack of specifics, but I was never trained in the particulars of magic or weaving. I would say we have an outfit worthy of your beauty and sensibilities, sister. You can thank Ozalie for insights in designing this outfit for you."
The miqo'te beamed, pride and eagerness swelling in her heart.
I do look good, don't I? And yes, I think this will be protective where it counts. Besides, I did always enjoy showing off a little.
"Since we're all here together, perhaps a meal before you must be on your way?" Grezel inquired.
A dizzying disorientation overtook Ginal's senses, and the world around her became a swirl of noise and color. The pull of gravity and solidity of the ground under her slid away, and she felt like she was falling and soaring at the same time.
Am...am I in the aethernet? How is that possible?
Hear... Feel... Think...
That voice!
It was the same voice that awed and comforted she had heard in the Shroud, many days earlier. The same voice that came from without and within. The voice of a mother soothing a child.
My daughter...
The swirling world around her morphed into a vast, frozen valley. Snow blanketed every inch of the place, while the stinging wind pierced to Ginal's very bone. Trees, barren and dying swayed with the winds, icicles snapping from their perches and shattering on the soil below. Before she could react with the shivers her body was calling for, she was startled by tremors underfoot, and the boom that sounded like a giant's feet stomping.
Oh...oh gods, what are those?!
Monsters of metal as black as night marched toward her, dozens if her guess was right. Some were human shaped, with long arms that ended in sharp points. The others were hulking beasts that strode upon two legs, with maws that opened to spit flame.
Ginal ducked to evade the impending death, her heart thundering in her chest, when she realized she wasn't their target by how widely she was missed. She spun about to find half crumbled walls of gray stone, draped in snow and ice, with winged reptilian beasts perched atop. The bests roared defiantly and took the sky, their wingspan both fearsome and awesome.
Are those what dragons look like?
My daughter...you must go...to fight the shadow...
"...inal?! Ginal?!"
Ginal blinked rapidly, the world and its weight suddenly a part of her existence again. Her heart still pounded in her chest as she trembled from adrenaline.
"Thank the gods!" Grezel exclaimed. "You and Selah both--"
"Did you see it, too?!" Selah interrupted. "You saw them marching?"
"Yeah, but where was that palce?"
"Coerthas, he's marching on Coerthas." Selah's eyes burned with urgency as she grabbed Ginal's hand. "He must have moved through the mountains, maybe, who knows."
Selah glanced at Grezel, "Thank you for the gifts, Grezel. I'm sure we'll put them to good use very soon."
As the lovers hurried for the stairwell down, they looked back at Grezel.
"Don't follow us!" Selah demanded.
"This isn't your fight!" Ginal added.
They took each other's hand, sharing a gaze that spoke volumes where words were unnecessary.
It was time to put an end to the shadow looming over their lives.
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