Versoix La'louvre

Versoix La'louvre
Carefree Courier
Gender	Male
Race	Elezen
Clan	Duskwight
Citizenship	Ul'dah
Namesday	5th Sun of the 6th Astral Moon
Occupation	Courier and Accountant
Age	24
Residence	Ul'dah
Server	Balmung
Last Updated	13/10/14

Character

Versoix is a laid back, relaxed, verging on somewhat lazy Duskwight, who despite many stereotypes people have for his kin, is rather warmhearted and kind. He can sometimes be a little dense, and his outward friendliness often clouds his judgement of others when he meets them. Being a Courier, he knows his way around a map and the general lay of the land, although is quite new to the isle of Vylbrand. In short, he is cheerful, carefree, and is rarely seen without a smile on his face.

He's fairly booksmart and good with numbers, often helping his father out with the Goldsmithing buisiness he's ran for almost twenty cycles. More often than not, though, he doesn't tend to voice it. Not through shame or anything like, merely not seeing it as anything of great import. He's dabbled both with blades and aether, and found he vastly prefers the latter, being a damn sight more talented with it, at least to his knowledge.

Whilst born in Gridania, he's not custom, and honestly, not so fond of their ways, and is pretty thankful in some respects he was braught up in Ul'dah. Whilst completely aware of the more... Shady customs the city harbours, he's ever fond of it, and quite proud to say it's where he hails from. Even if it might not entirely be true.

Since a little while back, he joined the Kindred, working within the mercentile division, whilst still continuing his out of company work as a Courier. Meeting new friends, and seeing many new faces... And keeping a promise to a friend.

And he intends to do it with a smile on his face.

General

Full Name - Versoix La'louvre

Aliases

"Socks" - An amusing moniker mispronouncing his forename. He's not overfond of it, mostly because people laugh when he corrects them.

Pronunciation - Ver-Swah Lah-loo-vruh

Height - 6 Fulms 8 Ilms

Weight - 210 Ponz

Hair Colour - Vivid red

Eye Colour - Icy Blue

Skin Colour - Very, very pale. A faint hint of peach.

Religion - Nald'Thal, The Traders.

Laterality - Left Handed

Sexuality - Confused Bisexual.

Behaviour

Speech- Generally casual speech, softly spoken with a warm tone. Versoix doesn't have an especially deep voice for his race, and often uses slang in his wording. He tends to mumble if something causes him to be shy, and has a habit of calling most women he meets "Luv". He tries his hardest to keep his foul mouth from running amok when minors are present, and somehow in this mish-mash of nonsense, remembers his manners. Usually.

Mind- Generally doesn't open up about much of its contents, and most often remains level headed throughout challenging situations. He is deceptively intelligent, given his demeanor and speech, and often thinks and plans ahead for circumstances which might not be apparent until the last moment. He is generally quite mentally stable, and holds his composure well unless something has reason for him to withdraw.

Emotions- Outwardly happy and cheerful, most often seen with a smile on his face. He's carefree and often found laughing. This doesn't mean to say he's incapable of feeling sad. In fact, he's felt it more than he lets on. He's just more determined to stay upright with it all. He keeps his emotions in check pretty well, but that doesn't mean to say he'd berate those who didn't. When it comes to anger... Which would be a feat in itself, considering to what extremes he goes to to ensure this doesn't happen, he's quite loud, explosive, and nothing like you'd expect.

Appearance

Tall, deathly pale, with a mop of long red hair. He's not vastly tall for an Elezen, but he's certainly above average. A tall, lithe yet sturdy frame is the result of many cycles of hard labour, and as such, he's pretty well toned from it. A veritable mass of deep red hair falls down his face, rarely getting much attention aside from being brushed every now and then, seemingly to get longer and longer due to his reluctance to have it trimmed. Icy blue eyes seem to be forever wide with either curiosity or a hint of fear, and if reading a book, often behind a pair of glasses. A single, diagonal scar marrs his features, reaching from the top of his forehead, across his brow, the bridge of his nose and down his cheek.

Attire

Attire is something Versoix doesn't put a great deal of thought into. Generally, so long as it's loose, comfortable, and not stifling him in the heat of Thanalan, he's pretty content. Long thighboots generally aid him in walking the long distances his work demands, and fingerless gloves keep his hands in at least some decent condition. He very rarely wears jewelry, if at all. Most of his attire consists of reds and blacks, but recently, greys and blues have began to work their way in much thanks to Leanna. Being short sighted, like many of his Duskwight bretheren, he often has a pair of glasses at his disposal. If he finds himself to be in a more... Dangerous situation or contract he likely can't flee from, he does have armour to use if the need arises.

Combat

Not something Versoix is remarkably well versed in by any stretch, combat is not something he is too familliar with or at all comfortable with. He knows it to be necessary in some cases, but he's still trying to find his niche, if he must indulge in combat at all.

Sword

The first thing Versoix was ever taught to use and arm himself with, the blade is something he's always had mixed feelings with. He showed some talent with it, but evidently was overshadowed by his brother, thus discouraging him. Though his elder sibling and closest friend constantly dragged him along to training sessions still, he grew more and more reluctant to learn. This all came to a head when the accident happened, taking a sword to his face and critically injuring him. He hasn't picked one up since.

Aether

Something he knows from his mother that he's got a great potential for, but alas, is too frightened to use it. He has seen what have become of many Thaumaturges in training, but thanks to persuasions of many, he's still learning, albiet slowly. More of a talent he is nursing than an actual combat ability for the moment, he is able to conjure up flames to serve minor purposes such as setting something alight. He's trying as he can to stick to something, for a change.

Tendencies

Likes ■ Sunshine ■ Ul'dah ■ Family ■ Walking ■ Boats

Dislikes ■ Sour things ■ Seedkin ■ Gridania ■ Fighting ■ Discrimination

Hobbies/Talents ■ Walking ■ Running away from things quickly. ■ Aether ■ Piano ■ Goldsmithing ■ Navigation

Favorites ■ Favourite Food/Drink: Aldgoat Steak and Hellfire ■ Favourite Place: Ul'dah ■ Favorite Weather: Sunny. ■ Favorite Season: Spring ■ Favorite Color: Ice Blue. ■ Favorite Scents: Burning, Flowers. ■ Favorite Animal: Snurbles.

Relationships

♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing     ● Neutral Standing     ● Poor Standing    ● Wary    ★ Trusted    ♦ Feared    ‼ Recently Updated    

Family

♥●★ Arialle La'louvre : Versoix's beloved mother, who has done her utmost to care for her family. He is on good terms with her, as he is with all of his family. She's very fond of his decision to take up Thaumaturgy, and supportive of almost anything he does, as a mother should be. This doesn't mean, however, she's above kicking either of her two sons back into place should the need arise. Especially considering his language.

You'll meet few moms better than mine. Seriously, she's awesome. And y'didn't 'ear me or m'brother swearin' like troopers in th'Quicksand. At all. Nope. Please don't tell 'er.

♥●★ Palleux La'louvre :

♥●★ Leonnaire La'louvre :

Close Friends

♥♥●★ Faelierre Artenne :

♥♥●★ Tobias Innis :

● Leanna Vist :

Friends

● Kakano Kano :

♥● Melisie Derinlore :

Those Met In Passing

((TBA))

Journals

10th Sun of the First Umbral Moon. Show text (The writing is elegant and sweeping for the title, and a good bit of the text. It becomes more illegible as the entry goes on) Ha. So. Got a book from Limsa. I figure seeing as i'm actually starting to do something in my life, i should probably write about it. Maybe. So.. Where to start... Well, yeah. I moved here, i guess. Leonnaire said that there was a permanent position here, and that it paid well. Which it does, so that i'm happy about. The weather here is pretty similar to Ul'dah, 'cept with better beaches and a little more rain. Can't have everything, i suppose. Fair bit more dangerous, too... Reminds me of that delivery i had to make to Bluefog... Heh. In any case... This island is lovely. And the people, moreso. Haven't really met anyone in Limsa itself, but there's a little resort some ways away i've been staying the night in from time to time. Camp Bronze Lake. Even managed to find myself a fair bit of work there, helping move some furniture into a new house and delivering a letter to Coerthas of all bloody places. The joys of being a courier, hah. Still.. Tempted to relocate there, having spent a good deal of time chatting to the staff and some of the regular patrons. I seem to get on well with Senna, at least. Cheerful lass that she is. Was the first i met there, too i think. She let me try this thing called a "Hellfire"... No clue what it actually is, only that i'm fond of em. And then her scary friend made her give me a massage and i certainly wasn't complaining at alllll~ And.. Another thing i feel i should probably mention. Miqo'te. Soo... So many miqo'te... I have never SEEN so many of them in one place, it's like a little tribe. Both Seekers and Keepers, too. Only a few who aren't, a redheaded Hyur woman and a couple other Elezen, and even a few Lalafell. But... Lots of Miqo'te. I've spoke with a few of them aside Senna, though i'm a but rough with names. I remember Shadow, though. Quiet little lass, that one, but the cute ones tend to be. It's just... Nice to go somewhere and not be scowled at for being a Duskwight, you know...? I feel a weird sense of belonging. Senna even asked if i might be able to join them and work there, but i don't know how my brother would feel about that. I suppose i could do both. Make more friends and more Gil, and take the time to enjoy myself while i'm at it, eh? Who knows. I'm happy wherever the road's gonna take me. Well, laters, i guess. I'll write more soon! Versoix 21st Sun of the First Umbral Moon. Show text Alright... Time to write again. Don't wanna get lazy now, eh...? Well, cutting to the chase... I went back home, to Ul'dah. Mom wanted me home. She worries a bit too much for me, i think, but at least she gives a damn. Leonnaire was home for a change, too. Says he might be visiting in the coming moons, provided his work lets him. Dad is as well as ever, and apparently business is booming. I'm glad they're all doing so well. Whilst i... Really enjoy my work, at least most of the time, i wish i'd do something a bit more... Bold than just delivering parcels to the residents of Eorzea. Mind... That said... I signed a contract. Officially, my soul belongs to i work for the Kindred. Don't know what they'd have me do at the moment, but i'll be ready when they ask me. Couldn't meet a nicer bunch of people. They really do feel like a family... One i hope to fit in a little better with soon. But, now my workload has decreased a fair bloody bit i might actually get some time to spend with them. I am... SO glad Valentiones is over. Always did hate that festival... Even if she didn't. I visited her, as i do every so often. But always this season... I miss you still. I brought your Azeyma Roses, as i know they are your favorite. Besides, i think you'd haunt my sorry ass if i didn't. Part of me wants to forget so you would. I promised i'd try and fit in as best i could, for you. And i'm trying. By the Twelve... I'm trying. I hope you're sleeping well, my friend. And whilst the sun in La Noscea is lovely, it's nothing compared to how much you used to brighten my days. I... Should probably stop writing now. Versoix 31st Sun of the Second Astral Moon Show text Wow. Been almost a moon since i wrote... Hells am i getting lazy. Lazier. Whatever. In any bloody case i should write something in case this book thinks i've died or something. Not that the book can think. I hope. Urgh, endless rambling aside... Turns out i won't be settling in one place after all. Miss Artenne... She's ill. She... She can't visit her as much as she'd like. Mom, being the kind soul she is, let her live with us. She's looking after her. Think i'll bring her something nice from La Noscea when i next visit. Still... Not sure when that will be. I'm visiting Faelierre in her stead. I don't mind, particularly. Thanalan has been kinda hot lately, way hotter than it usually is. Maybe i'm coming down with something? Dad mentioned i looked a bit paler than usual when i was working the stall with him. Been a long time since i did that, actually. Even saw some old faces i recognized. Seems the goldsmith business is still as profitable as ever, which is nice to know. And mom's teaching is really taking off. She keeps asking me to stay and help out, but... She knows i can't. It ain't my thing, and i have duties that lie elsewhere. Still... Really nice to see the lot of them. And that things are well, for the most part. My brother wasn't there this time. But i sent him a letter, so i'll know soon enough. So.. Uh... Yeah. I went to Gridania. For flowers. For her. I... Was dreading it, in all honesty. Place never has been kind much to me. But there was this girl, there. She looked a bit lonely, so i said hi. Umi was her name. Cute little thing, but she was painfully shy. She... Well. She was lovely, helped me pick some flowers. And she told me about Bronze Lake, and... Bloody Hells.. About Shadow. Apparently something happened to the poor little kit... Something... Something bad. I should haul ass to Bronze Lake soon. As soon as i've asked my dad about the other thing i should probably write about before i get lazy again and almost forget where i put this bloody book. The lovely Elezen lady of the Kindred... Reinette, i think? Yeah. She's looking for someone. Someone i've heard a bit about, but not.. Not much. Isembarde. My dad'll know him. I'll find out what i can for her about him. And about this Kekeryo fella, too. It's been a little while since i did work in Ul'dah properly, but without a doubt, my family will know something. I'll do that today. Then, i'll leave for Bronze Lake, for Shadow. I should pick her up something nice at the market whilst i'm at it, i think. Well, enough writing for now. I'm hungry, and i can't think straight when i am. Versoix 14th Sun of the Second Umbral Moon. Show text Well. Wow. How the Hells am i supposed to even start with this one? I don't even have words for this. In a good way, for the most of it. I'll try and go through it in a sort of order, i guess? Yeah. That works. Okay. Went to a meeting. It was nice, really. Kinda. Nice to see people, not so nice about what i had to discuss. Stuff about that Isembarde... Asshole. Turns out my dad had a run in with him which pretty much almost ended the business.... Course, it didn't. But still. He just told me to stay as far as Twelve damned possible from that guy and anything to do with him. He sounds like a nasty piece of work. Gods only know how a lovely lady like Reinette got mixed up with him. Also managed to see Shadow. She seems to be doing a lot better, all things considered in what i heard. It's good to hear, and nicer to see. That said, it's nice just seeing the Kindred in general. And... Speaking of which... They have a new house. Right outside of Ul'dah, in the Goblet. Means i don't have far to go from my home, so i can still see my folks and them as much as i like. Leonnaire said he'd come take the time out to visit, too, which is nice. I think. I just hope he takes my advice i left him about Senna. So... Moving onto thing that has me so.. Damned lost for words. Came to the Kindred house. Kinda late, really. There was a housewarming, that i missed. Work and all that. Was kind of a little tense in the air after Senna left, leaving just me, Lucaniel and Khuja. Seems they don't exactly get on, so Lucaniel left. And so, we got talking. For a damned long time. About everything. And.. I told him everything. Almost. Khuja'to. Well... Long story short, the guy needs a hug. I thought -i- had had some shit happen to me, and well... I have. But that time in my life is over, and i've moved on from it. He... Poor bugger... He's still going through it. And he doesn't seem to have as many friendly faces as i did to help me through. I couldn't help but sympathize, really. He's got a big heart. I'd say a bit too big, but.. I don't think there's such a thing. He told me about someone he cares for, that he just wants them to be loved, and safe, and that he was afraid of the guy getting hurt, which is why he's a little more than... Defensive when others he's not so trusting of are around. We spoke about loads of things, really... Some of it important. Some of it not so much. It was nice. We.... Spoke about aether. Turns out, he's pretty proficient with it, so... I told him. He says i should develop it further, lest it get out of control, and honestly, i think he might be right. It... Can't be that bad, right? There's plenty of kind thaumaturges around, all which aren't mindlessly blowing things up and the like. So... I think i will. Maybe. Turns out the guy isn't so fond of Elezen. Considering what he told me, i can hardly blame him. But still... That said, we talked. He was nicer than most to me, even considering his dislike for my race... That speaks volumes, as i told him. He... Even gave me a hug. And i might have ended up shirtless and redder in the face than normal and apparently i'm interesting and handsome and a billion other fucking words i've been called yet don't really agree with and ohmygods i'm forgetting how to write in a coherent manner. Aaaack. I'm just not used to people being nice to me. That's what it is. And the guy needs a friend, and i'm more than happy to be one to him. Besides... We shared a bed, as well as words, so that was nice. Just not having to sleep alone, that is. It's been some cycles. Woke up, and he'd even made me toast for breakfast. Heh... He's a good guy. So now that i've pretty much poured my brain onto the page, i don't even really know what to expect. I'm just gonna take every day as it comes with a smile on my face. Versoix 23rd Sun of the Second Umbral Moon. Show text So... Yeah. Writing again. It helps with being able to sleep, i guess. Stops the thoughts from running around so much. Saw my folks yesterday, which was nice. Managed to help out dad with a whole bunch of paperwork, but... Kinda irritatingly lost my glasses on the way there. Still... Did it. I said to Khuja i'd come see him more often, so i headed there and... Ugh. My head felt like it did after one too many Hellfires, so i laid down for a bit. Curse my shitty eyesight. So... I was laying down for a couple of bells... And Khuja pops in. Obviously that cheers me up, but doesn't stop my head feeling like it's gonna fall off or something. So... He heals it. With aether. I mean... I knew he could use it, but i wasn't sure if he could like that. In any case, i'm damned grateful he can. So... Yeah. I was thinking, after i left last time. Khuja... Can't go out. That must be pretty frustrating, with that guy lingering around. At least... He can't go out looking like he normally does. So i might have come up with a plan. I went to some of the stalls not long after i last saw him. Baught one of those.. Robey... Hood... Things. I figure if i'm gonna cheer the guy up, i'm gonna take him on a walk. And if he's going out, he needs to not be recognized. Plus walking around with a tall red haired Elezen is hardly gonna draw attention to him, all things considered i'm the last person the asshole would expect him to be with. So... Yeah. We went on a walk. Long story short, was nice. We stopped by Ul'dah. Ended up at the Goldsmith's place, which was kinda... Strange, all things considered. I used to go there with dad a lot. Looking around... Braught back a lot of memories. He had a couple orders placed in my name, for obvious reasons. And... Got me some more glasses. I'm quite... Flattered by his kindness if i'm honest. There's not a lot of folk like him about. Saddens me, that something so horrible could happen to him... Which is why i wish i knew more. So i'm going to do what i can to find out. I know he's an Elezen who is pretty good with Aether, and he has blonde hair. And that's about all i know. Khuja... The poor little bugger is terrified of him. Explains why he froze up around my brother. He was afraid we'd bump into him during the walk. I mean... I didn't tell him this, but aside from Reinette's words and Khuja's advice... When i learned what was going on, it's why i went to learn about Aether and how to use it. I haven't told mom yet. I'm not gonna. Not for a little while. I need the energy to deal with her response, even though i know it's gonna be a good one. I promised Khuja i'd do what i can to help him. I mean... I can't fight for shit. I know that. At least... Not with a sword. Working on it with Aether, but all things considered if this guy is good with it i don't have a hope in hells chance. So i'll stick to what i know. That guy shows up when he's present? I'll pick Khuja up, and run as fast as i bloody can to get him away from there. It's all i can do, for now. I just wish i was more... Useful. And i'm looking to change it. I... Ended up passing through Drybone. I needed to visit her anyhow, but with Khuja...? Well. I told him he didn't have to, but yet he came with anyways. It was... Comforting. Nice not to visit her alone. And again... Nicer still with someone so understanding. She'd smile, if she could. I know it. I'm... Finally fitting in. And i'm happy for that. Bah, i don't know what's going on with me. People being nice... Khuja... Just... Khuja. For the moment, he's a damned good friend. And i'm gonna do what i can to help him. So much for writing things down, hoping that it would help. I'm even more confused than when i started. Still... Glad i wrote. I should stop before i continue to write on, lest i run out of ink. Versoix 30th Sun of the Second Umbral Moon. Show text ...Fuck. Okay. Calm down. Calm the Hells down, Versoix. Fuck. Okay. Khuja's gone. That.. Elezen. He... Took him. Took Khuja. I don't remember when, i only know i wasn't there. I don't know what to write. I'm just emptying my thoughts so i can concentrate. It's taken a few Suns to settle into my head. I need to stay calm. Okay. La Noscea. We know he's in there. Somewhere. We'll find him. Hells... I wish i wasn't so Twelve damned useless. I should have started learning something more practical cycles ago when she first told me to. Maybe i could have.... Prevented this. No...No there were others. Far more capable than me. If they couldn't do anything, i probably couldn't either. I need.... Need to stay calm. Think. Where could he be. Somewhere in La Noscea. Somewhere... He... Won't be heard. Khuja... Please. Be strong. Hold on for all of us. We'll come to get you. It seems that whenever i get close to anyone, they disappear. But not this time. Not like her. I'll catch the first airship to Limsa tomorrow. I'll see what i can find out there... Hopefully something. Twelve damn i know i took enough notes. Not like her. Versoix

History

((TBA))

Timeline

0 Cycles - Versoix was born to Palleux and Aurielle La'louvre, in a quiet part of the Shroud.

2 Cycles - His family, eventually due to stresses, racial stigma and other such things move away to Ul'dah in search of a better life.

8 Cycles - After an incident with a Cactuar, he discovers his potential for Thaumaturgy. He doesn't tell anyone immediately.

10 Cycles - Begins training at the Gladiators Guild along with Leonnaire and Faelierre.

12 Cycles - Recieved the scar across his face from a sparring accident with his brother. Never picks up a blade again. Proceeds to become somewhat of a recluse.

13 Cycles - After many long moons, he finally ventures outside in an aid to help his Father with work. Begins work as a Courier.

19 Cycles - Leonnaire and Faelierre, now being part of the Flames, leave to serve in Carteneau. The Calamity ensues. Only his brother returns.

24 Cycles - Joins the Kindred, and begins his study on Thaumaturgy. Current.

Stories

A Ruby In The Desert

A look into Versoix's upbringing, and his early life. Also the story behind how he acquired his scar.

Show text

The sun glared down onto the dry, cracked floor of Thanalan. The young, flame haired figure makes his way into the gates of Ul’dah, the bustle of the crowd breathing life into the city. Curious, yet fearful eyes scan the many faces of the masses, before making his way through the twisting streets and towering buildings before finally arriving at a door. He exhales nervously over his shoulder, closing his eyes in relief as he enters. A different kind of warmth engulfs him as he sets foot inside. The house is silent, save for a strange cracking that sounds from behind a partisan wall. Curiously, he approaches it before the figure tending to it greets him.

“Versoix! How are you, my dear?” The kindly woman questioned. Her long crimson hair tumbled down her shoulders, held in a neat plait towards her back. She cants her head to him.

“I’m... Alright, i guess, mom.” He smiled falsely. His eyes told what his words lied for. The woman furrows her brow and tuts. Her perceptive eyes scanned what he had poorly tried to hide. Dusted boots, from running. Scuffed hands, from tripping. Reddened eyes, from crying. “Again, Versoix?” She sighs, a hint of annoyance under her breath as she does. She turns to the stove once more. He sighs back, knowing it useless to hide it.

“I’m sorry, mom. They just... They don’t leave me alone. I mean, i try and make friends and... They... Just...” His silence was met by a sympathetic pout from his mother. She nods quietly in knowing.

“I know, love. I know. Don’t give up. Tomorrow will be a sunnier day, no?” She smiles, chuckling at the end of her sentence. “Always bloody is in Ul’dah...” He grumbles, his eyes half lidded with a semblance of annoyance. “Language!” The woman fumes. She glances over her shoulder as her icy blue eyes pierce his. “S-sorry mother...” He utters, grimacing. A brief period of silence ensues, save for the scraping of a chair across the floor as he seats himself.

Eventually, the woman ceases her fretting about the contents of the pot, turning to rest her gaze on her son before her. She taps at her chin in thought.

“Hm... I appear to be missing something rather... Crucial. I will venture to the stalls before they close. I shan’t be long, worry not” He nods quietly, lost in his thoughts as she takes a small leather knapsack and leaves the room. The door closes, but does not lock, as a new voice is heard from the other side of the wood. The young Duskwight widens his eyes, his impeccable hearing allowing him to listen in on the conversation from the other side. He draw his breath, and listens.

“Oh, Faelierre! I was just heading out. How are you, dear?” The older woman asks upon seeing the younger.

“Ah, miss La’louvre! I was just coming to... Ah... Well.. Is Versoix home?” The girl smiled. Her long, blonde hair tied loosely as she brushed it from her shoulders. “He is. Please, go inside. I’ll be back home soon” She continued. She hadn’t made three paces forwards before the girl called out once again. “Um, Miss...? Leonnaire said he’d be with his dad after training. He said for me to tell you when i came here, so...” “Ah, i see, Fae. Thankyou. He’s just inside, dear.” With that, she left again, heading briskly towards the markets. The door creaks open, the same worried expression on Versoix’s features as he tries to get a look at the entering figure. A sigh of relief leaves him as a pretty Wildwood girl enters, around fourteen summers old, two years his elder. She wastes no time before pulling up a chair, sitting herself down, and pouting at him, hiding a smirk.

“Fae... You didn’t have to—OW!”

She chuckles at him, smirking, having just playfully flicked him on the nose. Puzzled blue eyes look over his hands as he clutches his face. “Gods, it didn’t hurt that much, Versoix. Honestly... Ya think just letting the rest of those whelps push you around is going to help? Because it ain’t” She shakes her head as to emphasise her point, and sighs as his gaze drifts back to his grazed hands. “Versoix...” She pines, tilting her head lower, her turquoise eyes looking up to his. “Mhnn?” He mumbles lazily. “Come on. Up ya get. Now” She commands, rising to her feet and beckoning him with a finger. “I’m fine, Fae, I jus—“ “Off your arse, now!” She orders, trying not to laugh. He sighs, shaking his head with a smirk. “Alright, alright.. I’m standing. Sheesh...” He drags himself to his feet with a melodramatic sigh, and looks down to her, canting his head with a lack of curiosity. He knew what came next. The smaller Elezen wrapping her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. “You can’t let em beat you, Versoix. Not even a little. I know it’s kinda hard for us tallfolk to fit in sometimes. But you gotta trust me. Keep trying, and things will get better...” She pulls away for a brief second, smiling playfully as she brushes some of his stray red hair from his eyes. “So don’t bloody give up. Hells know i won’t let ya. You... Trust me, right?” She questions. He answers with a nod, pulling her closer again into the friendly hug. “Course i bloody do. I—“

The door bursts open, revealing a slightly older, blonde haired Duskwight male. Faelierre and Versoix quickly separate, both wearing the same expression of a dazed shock.

“I’m not interrupting am i?” He taunts. A grin graces his pale features that match those of his younger brother as he strides across the room, placing a satchel of things on the side. “Nah, Leon. You’re not.” She smiles, ruffling Versoix’s mop of red hair. “Just giving the crybaby a pep talk. He’ll come back with us tomorrow.” She narrows her eyes as they meet Versoix’s. “Won’t. You?” He nods hesitantly. He had evidently little choice, even though the art hardly suited him. The taller male approaches him, giving an approving nod. “Good, good. I wouldn’t want to leave my little brother at home, eh? You’re here enough when mom’s teaching you. You should get out more, you know? I’d be happy to go with you, you know that...” Versoix nods up at his brother, smiling. “I know Leon. I know. And i will”

A quiet knock sounds before the door opens again, the woman from before accompanied by another Duskwight man, older than the others before him.

“Mister and Missus La’louvre!” Faelierre exclaims. She smiles widely as she bows her head with respect. “Please, enough of the formalities, Fae.” The man chuckled. “You’re here often enough. You know our names. Palleux and Aurielle, and don’t be scared to use them” He beams. “Sorry mist—Uh... Palleux...” She grins, with a blush. She looks between the adults as they go about their business in their small, yet cosy home. “Don’t worry about it. You staying for dinner?” He questioned. The girl looks to the mother, Aurielle, who also smiles in return. “Please, we’d love to have you. We’re having Aldgoat steak.” Versoix immediately perks up, smiling warmly to his mother, as Faelierre beams. “If you’re offering. I do love your cooking after all!” She smiles in return. “Leonnaire, please. Lay the table for us, dear.” Aurielle asks. The older brother nods, giving a small stretch before heading to a cupboard. The evening passes pleasantly.

The three would-be Gladiators left the gates again, like they often did together. The sun hadn’t quite reached its usual heat, and a cool breeze brushed against the desert. Faelierre glances to the horizon, noting the small gathering of initiates seated on the rocks. Quietly, they approach, Versoix keeping his gaze firmly fixed on the floor. A peculiar, unusual silence takes the place of what would be usual taunting to the younger Duskwight. The girl examines them further, and her eyes widen. Slightly charred hair... And a distinct scent of burning seemed to surround them. She shakes her head with a smirk.

“Awfully quiet, aren’t they...?” Leonnaire asks the Wildwood. Faelierre replies with a wry nod. “Indeed. Your mothers doing. I’m sure of it.”

Versoix looks up at the mention of his mother, and cants his head. He had been fairly uninterested about what the events were going to hold for him this morning, even forgetting his sword the first time he left the house. “What about mother...?” He asks. Leonnaire just smirks and shakes his head. “Never you mind, brother. C’mon. Training.. Looks like we’re a little early, so best to get some practise, eh?” He teases, pulling Versoix to the side, facing him and drawing his sword. “Come on. Unless you can’t remember which way round to hold it?” He laughs. Versoix tuts and reluctantly draws his blade. “The pointy end goes in my hand, right?” He retorts. A wide grin starts to form on his lips as he straightens his posture, looking to accept the challenge from his elder sibling. “Hah, that’s more like it!” Leonnaire grins back. “C’mon then. Let’s see how good your sword arm is!” The pair take a few small steps between each other, closing the gap and clashing blades with some small force. Leonnaire grins at Versoix with a cocky, confident smile. “Oh come on, you can hit me harder than that.” Versoix grits his teeth, and makes for a half-decent swing at his brother’s side. It is easily parried away, and Leonnaire laughs mockingly. “I’ve seen Cactuar with a better sword arm than that! Come on!” Versoix purses his lips in annoyance as he aims for his opponent’s left shoulder. The familiar clatter of metal sounds as Leonnaire once again blocks it. “I AM trying!” He growls, feeling the eyes of the others watching him. “Okay, okay, fine. I’ll swing, and you block, okay? Okay.” The elder nods. Versoix grumbles as a half sort of agreement to the matter. “Fine. Go for it. Hmph.” With that. Leonnaire swings for his brother, a swipe to the chest. Versoix barely manages to parry it, but succeeds. “See, not so bad? You’re getting better, eh? Now, from above!” He laughs, sending a haphazard swing from above towards Versoix’s face.

The familiar sound of metal on metal sounds only briefly, before a pitched shattering and a “Thunk”. Silence.

Versoix blinks. He was unsure what happened. Something seemed to be obscuring his now blurred vision as he looked around. His ears were ringing, but he could make out children running away and screaming. His face feeling strangely warm and sticky, he turns to his brother again, whose expression had changed drastically. His eyes were wide with fear, and everything seemed to move in slow motion as he turned to Faelierre, and screamed.

He finally feels a crack of pain in his forehead, and moves to touch it. Something was in the way. Something cold and... Metal. The young Elezen looks down, his once white clothes now drenched in crimson, his blood clotting the sand on the floor as it landed. He opens his mouth to scream, but not a sound escapes. The sensation in his legs leaves him and he drops to the ground, staring up at the pale blue sky as he is unable to do anything else. The pain sears and burns him, sharp and biting. His vision slowly fades to black as the view of his dear friend comes into view, hunching over him as she bellows something over her shoulder, before looking to him. He sees a hand reach out, then black. He feels a warmth caressing his cheek as he slowly fades into numbness.

The next few suns are a blur. He remembers scarcely anything aside from the ceiling, strange lights, and unusual voices. He finally wakes long enough to think rationally.

“Versoix... Hells... I’m so sorry....”

“It’s okay, Leonnaire... It’s okay. I... I don’t blame you for this.” “I could have fucking killed you!” “I’m still breathing. I’m just... I...” He stands, shakily. His brother helps him to his feet. “She’s in the other room. Do you want to...?” Leonnaire begins. His eyes are still sore from crying. “If i don’t now... I won’t ever. Let’s just get this over with...”

The pair make their way through the doorway, into the kitchen. Their parents hold hands tighter, and the familiar Wildwood gasps in shock.

“By the Twelve... Ver...Versoix...? Are you...?” She trails off. Her eyes well almost immediately. “I’m fine...” He whispers. “I’m....” His voice wavers as his eyes close, hands making fists. “Not another word, Versoix...” She chokes through tears. She walks over to him, and pulls him into a tight hug. “I’m just glad you’re going to be okay....”

Moon after moon passes. The thought of even venturing out causes a rock weight to sink in his stomach. Vehemently refusing, he doesn’t leave for even a minute.

Until that Sun.

The older male Elezen paces side to side. He stops to sip a glass of water, before reclining against the table, looking outside to the darkening skies from the window. Upon hearing the footsteps for a good five minutes, he finally enters the room, sheepishly hiding behind the doorframe.

“D-dad...? Are you... Okay?” He starts. He moves further into the room. Palleux looks at his son, and sighs, shaking his head. “I...I’ll get things sorted. Don’t worry so much, Versoix.” He looks through his papers, and then at the satchel, sighing. “Is there anything i can help with...?” Versoix asks again quietly, looking to his dad. Hesitantly, he nods. “Well... There is... Something.” He informs him through pursed lips. “I have deliveries to make. Seven of them, but... This paperwork needs to be done by the morn. Do... You think you could...? I know it’s a lot to ask. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, son...” Versoix sighs to himself, plucking up every onze of courage he had. “I’ll do it, dad. Just tell me where.” His father nods, smiling. “Here’s a map. If you just follow this route...”

After a short explanation, he steps outside. The air feels cold against his skin. Not unpleasant... But refreshing. He looks to the map, and then again at his surroundings.

“Not.. Not far...” He sighs quietly. After a short few minutes traversing the more complex sections of Ul’dah, he approaches a door. His heart in his throat, he raises his hand to knock. He had to be seen again some time, he thought. Now was as good a time as any. His knuckles rap against the door firmly, and he exhales nervously.

The door opens. A curious Lalafell peers from the side.

“H-hello...?” “Uh.... Hey there. I have a delivery from... Uh... Mister La’louvre...?” He starts, trying to smile down at the man.

After a few short moments of silence, the Lalafell beams widely.

“Oh! A delivery!” He cheers, hopping about excitedly from one foot to the other. “Is it finished? Can i see?” He asks. Versoix smiles for what feels like the first time in moons, and kneels to level with the customer. “Here, of course you can!” He takes out the appropriate parcel, and hands it to the man, who promptly unwraps it, revealing a beautiful ring. He smiles wider upon seeing the Lalafell’s expression of awe. “Gods... It’s beautiful! I.. I can finally tell her....!” He beams. “Thankyou. Thankyou so much, mister! Palleux promised me it would in my hands by the end of this Sun, and he delivered! Many, many thanks to you, young sir!” Versoix blushes to match his hair. He scratches the back of his neck, and gives another genuine smile. “Ah, just doing my job, i guess... Good luck with the missus, and all that...” He trailed off, bowing his head in return to the farewell of the client as the door was closed. He turned on his heel, and sighed. “Hm.. This... This isn’t so bad...” He smiled “I... I can do this. Six more to go.” He nods, hitching the sack of things more comfortably onto his back. “This... Is kinda... Nice...” He looks at his map again, and nods, walking off again towards his next customer.

A Cracked Diamond

How he first truly encountered loss, and how he dealt with it.

Show text

A quill makes elegant lines on parchment. It doesn’t seem to stop, except to draw more ink from the well. More and more writings about finances and expenses, and an endless wall of numbers on a neighbouring sheet. He rubs at his temples with his right, the left endlessly occupied with scripture. After scribing his signature, the quill rests, coupled with a relieved sigh. A pair of glasses join the quill on the table, as the crimson haired Duskwight reclines in his chair to stretch, before pulling himself to his feet. He gathers the papers and heads to the next room.

“Hey Dad. I’m all done now. Here’s the papers. Seems we’re making more of a profit than you thought, eh?” He beams. The older Elezen smiles, setting down his tools and bows his head upon taking the papers, narrowing his eyes to read them. After a few short minutes, he looks up, and nods approvingly, before rising to his feet.

“Hells... You’re getting good at this. Maybe you should run the stall?” He laughs. Versoix smirks and scratches the back of his neck, before sighing. “Nah... You’re better with people than me. Way better. Besides... I like my job, dad” He admits. His father merely looks him over, and nods in agreement. “It suits you. I just have some finishing touches to put on some of the finery, and then they’ll be good to go. Think you’ll be able to get them where they need to go tomorrow?” His father inquires. “Of course. When do i not?” He chuckles, taking his leather satchel from the hanging rack. “I’ll head home to mom. From one set of paperwork to the next, eh?” “Alright then. Tell your mother i’ll be home once i’m done. Later, son.” He smiles proudly, giving a dismissive wave as the younger leaves the building.

Versoix smiles as he breathes the air, setting foot out of his father’s workshop. The marketplace of Ul’dah. What some might say keeps the city so lively. Shifting his bag further under his arm, he makes his way through the masses, giving the occasional nod in greeting to his regular clients in passing. He was hardly one to blend into a crowd, all things considered. Taller than most others, and ghostly pale, aside from his vivid hair. The long, thin scar that stretched from his forehead to his cheek set him apart from the others, but he had long since stopped hiding it. He merely accepted it as the rest of him. After a short while, he offers a brief knock on the familiar wooden door, and enters. His mother gazes up at him with a smile, hovering over the stove as was usual.

“No schooling today...?” He asks. She merely smiles and shakes her head.

“No dear. Not today. Not... Not on your brother’s last day here.” She stuttered. Turning again to the stove, she wrinkles her nose, a tear rolling down her pale blue cheeks. Of course, she was worried. Her eldest son was to leave, on the morrow. Leave, and go to war, and the notion had barely had time to settle with her. Versoix frowns and looks to her, standing and giving her a tight hug. “Mom... It’s... It’s going to be okay, you know...? He’s going to go there, and make you proud. And he’s gonna come back, none the worse for wear, you hear?” He beams. She nods quietly, and brushes a hand across her forehead. “Of... Of course. Excuse me but a moment, dear. There’s something i have forgotten...” She bows her head, and leaves their home, rushed footsteps sounding leaving the door. Versoix sighs quietly to himself as he leans on the counter. The flame under the stove gutters out in the corner of his vision, and he tuts. Walking over to get a better look, he checks it over once or twice before standing again. He glances nonchalantly to his sides, and with a flick of his wrist, a small wisp of fire bursts from his fingers, igniting the stove once more. Satisfied, he smiles, seating himself at the table once more.

A fair few minutes pass, an a rhythmic knock sounds on the door and startles him. He looks around in shock, and the door bursts open to reveal two Elezen clad in armour. Versoix smiles widely at the duo.

“Greetings, brother!” The taller, paler one beams. “I didn’t know you’d be home so early! Hows about we head to the Quicksand for a drink, eh?” He smirks, reclining with an arm against the wall. The woman at his side looks to him, smirking. “A good idea, Leon. C’mon, Vers. You’re coming with us, like it or lump it!” She chuckles, grabbing him by the hand and dragging him to his feet, and towards the door. He yelps with shock. “Ack! Faeeee! Wait a minu—“ He is cut off by laughter from the pair, which he shortly joins, walking with them by his own will. Literally but two steps from the door, the three bow their heads politely to the approaching couple, who smile back. “Mom. Dad.” Leonnaire beams to them, receiving a smile in response. “Faelierre, Versoix, Leonnaire. Where might you three be going, mm?” The woman chuckled. “Ah, just to the Quicksand for a drink, mom. We’ll be back for dinner” Leonnaire nodded, gesturing to the other two. “I see, i see.” She began. “Well then dearies, have fun.” They’d made a few small steps in the direction of the Quicksand, before her voice called out to him again. “Oh Leonnaire...? A moment, love?” She smiles over her shoulder. He furrows his brow and heads to her, listening intently. “Yeah, mom? What is it?” She narrows her eyes, taking a long, green vegetable from her bag, and lightly tapping him on the nose with it. “Do not get him inebriated. I mean it.” Leonnaire averts his gaze, and nods hesitantly. “Alright, alright... Okay. We’ll only have one. Or two. We’ll be back soon, mom” He laughed, as he walked to join the others, his mother shaking her head with a smirk, sighing. The three continue down the street, making their way to the Quicksand.

“So, Versoix” She pines, placing an ale and two glasses of wine on the table, taking a seat between them. The Quicksand was unusually quiet. Likely because of the fact many would leave to serve not only their city-states, but Eorzea as a whole in the coming Moons.

“Mhm?” He smiles, looking to her after taking a sip of his wine. “Still nagging me to join you, Fae?” “Hah, not at all” She laughs “If you went with us, i’d rather not have to take home what was left of ya in a tinderbox!” Shrugging, she looks to him, raising a shoulder in indifference. “No offence or anything. But you’re not the best with a sword. Have you ever tried anything else?” Versoix glances down hesitantly. He sighs. “Not... Anything seriously. I’m alright with just delivering things to people, and what have you...” She gives him a frown, and sips her wine. “So you can’t defend yourself with anything...? Don’t you think you should learn?” Versoix shakes his head in disagreement. “I have long legs. A blessing of being an Elezen. I can run faster than most things that want to eat me...” Fae tsks and gives him a look. “Only –most- things, Versoix. I’d rather not have to come back to have to pick you out of the teeth of a coeurl or raptor or something...” She sighs, as he takes a long sip of his wine, in an effort to ignore her point. Leonnaire chips in. “Well, you know. You always have... That” He demonstrates, waving his fingers in a fashion near the candle on the table. Versoix gives him a stern look, one uncharacteristic for the smile that usually lies on his face. “No. I’d... I’d prefer not to. I’d sooner take up the blade or something. Besides... Uh... When do you two go?” He grins falsely, in a bid to change the subject. Faelierre and Leonnaire merely glance to eachother, and shake their heads. “Tomorrow, brother. We’re... Not sure for how long. But we’ll be back when we’ve served our duties” Leonnaire nods, and takes a long drink of his ale. The three look at one another, and smile. They talk for almost an hour, before finally finishing a third drink.

“Well, that’s me done for now” The older male smiles. “I’m going to head back to mom. I’ll see you for dinner, eh Versoix?” He smiles, giving a nod before he departs the Quicksand.

“Of course, Leon. I shouldn’t be long.” He beams, gesturing to his now dwindling glass of wine. Faelierre gazes to him hesitantly, sighing and glancing to her feet. “Versoix...?” She begins. She catches his attention, and he cants his head. “Mhm...?” “Before you go back home... This is the last time i’ll see you before i go. Care for a walk or something?” She smiles, albeit a little sadly. Versoix nods in agreement, polishing off his glass and rising to his feet. “Of course, Fae. You know i like walks. Right now?” He asks. “Now works.” She leaves with him, and she barely speaks a word to him as they leave the Quicksand, and head through the gates to the desert beyond, Thanalan.

Her expression calm, gaze lowered, they finally reach a tree; the one they met at. The one they often used to play together at in their childhood.

“Fae.... Are you alright?” He asks, as they both sit beneath it. She glances to him, and smiles falsely, seating herself beside him.

“I’m fine. All things considered... I thought i’d be more afraid.” She admits. “More nervous if anything.” “I’m... Going to miss you, Fae.” He sighs. He shifts about, getting more comfortable, and averting his gaze from her. “You’re my best friend.” She offers him a small smile. “And you, mine. Since we were little. But that said...” She hardens her gaze at him, tilting her head slightly. “There’s nothing stopping you from finding more friends whilst we’re gone, y’know?” He sighs, shaking his head. “You say that.. Look at me. I’m an eyesore. I’m not exactly... Approachable.” Pursing her lips, she crosses her arms. Something she never did often, and it immediately garners his full attention. “Versoix La’louvre. Just you bloody listen to me, you great red mop!” She fumes “I couldn’t give a Gods bloody damn what you look like!” She adjusts her position to look at him more fully. Whilst the rest of her tells anger, her eyes lie. “You think i’m always going to look like this? Ya think my hair will always be this long, or i’ll always be young and pretty?” Versoix goes to answer, but is cut off again by her. “No. I ain’t. So... You just listen to me. Use those bloody ears the Twelve gave ya and just... Listen for a bleedin’ minute...” Her eyes begin to well a little, and she lowers her gaze from him. “I had thoughts, Versoix. I almost didn’t go.” “What?! Why? You’ve trained your whole life, pretty much, to go serve! Why would you do that!?” He asks, in utter shock. “Because of you. I didn’t want to leave you alone. I know how you get and... I don’t want to see you sad.” She states, firmly. “Before i met you.. You barely spoke to anyone. You were afraid of everyone, and everything. Now look at you... And you’ve changed. And i’m proud of you for doing that.” He nods solemnly, and accompanies it with a soft smile. “But you helped me. You know that. I’ve told you a thousand times.” “But i shouldn’t be the only reason!” Faelierre exclaims. “Versoix... You might have a scar. And pale skin. And funny hair.” He tightens his lips, and nods. “And i might come back with a few scars of my own. I might look a lot different. D’ya think you’d like me any less?” He shakes his head. “Of course not! You’re still my friend! You’re still Fae!” She chuckles weakly, and smiles. “Exactly. And no matter what happens to you, you’re still Versoix. So no matter what... You look like. You’ll always be...” She trails off, and glances to him. “You’ll always be kind. So i don’t give a damned Twelve what you look like.” Her eyes begin to tear up, and they soon fall. “You’ll always be my friend. And i’m going to miss you when i go.” He says nothing, merely nodding and pulling her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you too.” Her tears don’t last long, and she regains her composure, her eyes meeting his. “Make more friends, Versoix. Because when i get back... I want to meet them.” She beams, still close to him. He scratches the back of his head, uncertain. “But... Fae...” “Nope, no buts! I’m going to go, come back, and you’re going to have more friends. Like it or lump it. And if i have to drag your sorry ass around Eorzea to find you them, i bloody will.” She gives him a look, with a mischievous grin. “You know i will.” He laughs, and pulls her closer. “I don’t doubt it for a second.” “Good.” She rises to her feet, dragging him with her by his hand. She hesitates and looks at him. “Is... Something the matter, Fae...?” He asks. She shakes her head. “No. Not really. I have to go home to mom, soon. Dinner. You should too.” He nods quietly. “The last time for a while, huh?” He whispers. “For a while, yes.” She replies. The two stare at eachother for a few moments. Without warning, she leans to him and kisses him on the lips. His eyes widen in shock as she does, and he blushes wildly. “Wh--?” “Shhh.” She smiles softly. “I... Will explain more when i return.” “But...!” He stutters as she pulls away. She gives him a playful wave. “I told you, no buts! You’d better wait for me when i get back!” She laughs, as she leaves. “I...” He smiles, warmly. “I’ll wait for you, Fae. Promise.” She smiles over her shoulder and nods, heading back to the gate, fading from his view. He sits back against the tree, unable to speak or do much else. He just smiles.

The following moons passed fleetingly. The Calamity ensured that. Amidst the chaos, life still went on, in a sense. People still needed to eat and sleep. To eat, one had to work. His family struggled, but saw it through to the other side. After many, many long moons... It was finally over. It was time for those who had left to return.

Three Elezen sat in the room. Silence. Nothing could be heard aside from Versoix occasionally shuffling, and his mother sobbing quietly into her husband’s arms. Any minute now. He’d be back.

Versoix sighs quietly, fidgeting with the quill on the table. They had been sat like this for half an hour. Not a word said, just listening. Faint footsteps sounded, and silence took the room once more. They grew louder, and paused. The family looks at one another with worry. Three heavy knocks sound, and the door bursts open.

“LEONNAIRE!” His mother screams, running to him and throwing her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. The new arrival smiles. He seems mostly uninjured, aside from a few cuts and scrapes, his armour caked with dirt and grime, amongst other things.

“Mom...” He sighs, relieved. “Dad... Versoix...” His mother pulls away from him, her eyes streaming with tears. “You came back to us... We were so worried...” She begins, taking a handkerchief and wiping her eyes. “Of course i did. I.... I said i would.” He nods. His gaze drops to the floor as Versoix approaches. “Leon.... Hells... I missed you so much.” He smiles, a little tearful, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. He glances over his shoulder to his father, who merely nods. “It’s good to have you back, son. I’m proud of you.” Their father beams. Leonnaire nods again to him, and sighs, smiling only briefly. “How about a drink, Brother? I’m paying! C’mon, let’s go grab Fae, and we’ll---“ Versoix is cut off abruptly as his brother gives him a look. The world stands still for the younger of the two.

Not a word was said. No words needed to be. Versoix takes a shaken step back as he looks on in disbelief.

“N...No...” He barely manages to utter, his eyes now streaming. “Please... Leon... Don’t... Don’t joke about things like that...” Leonnaire stares at the floor. A silence passes before he answers, with a deep, shaky breath. “She.... Served her country. She was... Was...” He is unable to continue as he reaches to his eyes to suppress tears, as Versoix shakes his head again. He makes a run for the door. “FAE!” He screams, agony present in his voice. He shouts again as he rushes through the marketplace, and the entire way to the guild, stopping to look for anyone that might be her. “Please... No..” He sobs, entering the Gladiator’s guild. It wasn’t like it usually was. Every wall and corner a mournful face, and many drenched with tears and sorrow for the fallen. Versoix makes his way to the large wall. What seemed to be endless names were inscribed upon it. The names of the fallen. Of those whom either the Garleans, or the Calamity, had claimed. His hand shakily makes its way to the letter A. He draws a long, deep breath, and glances down the list. His heart jumps to his throat as he reads the name. Artenne. “N...No..” He almost whispers, reading the name aside it. Damascet Artenne. “Even... Her...” He trails off as his eyes read the name underneath. His eyes widen. Faelierre Artenne.

He whimpers, backing away a few steps before just staring blankly ahead, eyes glazed over.

“N..No... Fae...” He slumps against the wall, and slides down, his head dizzying between his knees as the world seemed to spin. “Fae...” He whispers again, his eyes streaming. “You... Said... You’d come back...” He sobs fitfully, head in his arms, knees drawn up. “I... Promised i would wait for you...” He cries alone to himself for a few moments, before feeling a warm hand on his shoulder. “Versoix... I’m... So sorry...” His brother begins. His eyes, too, are full with tears. Versoix looks up mournfully, and quietly rises to his feet. “She was my rock... She was...” He began. “I...” Leonnaire nods quietly, and holds his brother close. “I know, Vers. I know.” Head resting on his elder sibling’s shoulder, he looks ahead. His mother doing the very same for a woman around the same age as herself. Versoix sighs, his breath quivering as he does. “Her... Dad too....?” He asks as he pulls away. Leonnaire merely nods. “Seems.... Seems so. C’mon... No... Use just sticking around here...” Versoix nods, reluctantly returning to his home. He casts another long glance at the wall, and follows, his mother and the woman in tow.

Five cycles pass. He weeps for what seems like Moons. His last memories of her... Under the tree, smiling, laughing. They burn their way into his mind. He waited moons to finally understand what that night meant, and now he’d never be able to know. It broke him.

Eventually, like the scar on his face, he came to accept it. Two scars. One on the inside, one on the outside. He’d always ask himself which one hurt the most, but he’d never answer. Deep down, he knew.

A familiar, yet somewhat older, flame haired figure approaches a pair of metal gates. He opens them. The churchyard was often quiet, and he preferred it this way. He raises the bouquet, giving it a long look, before finally arriving at the grave which was so familiar to him, and placing it down.

“Azeyma roses. Your favourite.” He smiles with a nod, before taking a seat next to it, back against a tree. It offered little shade, but he didn’t mind. He just exhales quietly as he puts his arms behind his head. Calmly, although in a hushed whisper, he proceeds to speak. He visited every moon or so, and fresh flowers every time he did. He had moved on, yes. But he wouldn’t forget. Not ever. Many minutes passed, as he seemingly had a conversation with someone who had so few responses.

“So... I’m finally going out to see the world. To La Noscea.” He sighs, looking to the sky. His eyes trail across the horizon to the strange, twisted orange Aether in the distance. “Leonnaire got me a job over there. He says it’s nice.” He pauses a few, before standing, and bowing his head in respect. “I know you wanted to visit. But... I’ll do it. For both of us.” He smiles, his eyes drifting across the headstone as his vision blurs.

“To meet more friends, eh?” He chuckles softly, with a nod. “We’ll see.” He takes up his bag, and slings it over his shoulder. “We’ll see.”

He takes a few steps from the grave, and turns over his shoulder.

“Sleep well, Faelierre.”

Commonly Heard Rumours

"Ah, the La'louvre lad? Yeah, he's a good one. Always lookin' out for his folks. More kids should respect their parents like that..." - Smiling Shopkeep

"Versoix? Th' one with th' scar? Yeah.. Always tryin' t'keep outta th' way o' folk. Y'd think he thought th'world were out t'get him." - Boisterous Blade

Lesser Heard Rumours

"Hah, y'shoulda seen em! a'first i thought 'e were runnin' cause 'e were on fire, but turns out th' daft bugger'd leant near a cactuar, and the blasted thin' jumped 'im. Daft sod." - Amused Mercenary

"The man just can't take a compliment... I mean, i only told him i liked his hair, and he'd finished his drink, and his cheeks turned to match those lovely locks of his. Why must the shy ones be so... Skittish?" - Blushing Barman

Rarely Heard Rumours

"I swear he used to live near here, with his folks. Not often y'see a Dusky so pale with hair so... Bright. Only ever stops for flowers, though. And only ever roses, at that." - Watchful Wildwood

"He's here a lot, yeah. Always talkin' to himself near that tree. Never usually with anyone, though. What a sap. You'd have thought everyone would've moved on by now." - Grimy Gravedigger

PC Rumours

(Feel free to add!)

Artwork

None yet!

Music

((WIP))

Other Notes

Odd bits and bobs of templates taken from many people and places. I can't possibly list everyone, but thankyou for letting me use what i could! <3