Chapter Text
Morning began with a soft knock at the door, polite at first but soon turning insistent. Avril groaned, sinking deeper into the bed, hoping the light rapping might stop if she just ignored it. But the knock grew firmer, accompanied by the familiar, chipper voice of Tataru.
“O’ Beloved Warrior of Light!” Tataru’s voice had a sing-song quality, bright and endlessly patient. “You’ll miss breakfast if you keep hiding under the blankets.”
Avril pulled the blankets up over her head, as if that would keep the world out a moment longer. “If you’re so committed to these wake-ups, you could at least pay me for them,” she mumbled.
There was a pause, and she could practically hear the smirk in Tataru’s voice. “I think you’ll find that’s what the coffee’s for,” she replied cheerfully, undeterred. “Now come on. The early adventurer gets the gil!”
With a resigned sigh, Avril finally tossed the blankets back, squinting at the light peeking through the slats on the window. Tataru slipped inside, a bundle of energy as she immediately busied herself with gathering up some of Avril’s belongings, moving about with practiced ease, knowing every inch of the room by heart.
Avril raised an eyebrow, watching Tataru flit around with the efficiency of a one-woman army. “You know, I’d almost think you enjoy this.”
“Of course I do,” Tataru replied without missing a beat, holding out Avril’s well-worn thigh-high boots. “It’s my sacred duty, after all. Making sure you don’t look like you just tumbled out of bed is the least I can do.”
Avril rolled her eyes but accepted the boots with a smirk, sitting up as she began to tug them on. “Imagine what people would think if our Warrior of Light didn’t meet The Great Tataru’s high standards.”
“They’d think we didn’t have any standards at all!” Tataru’s tone was all playful indignation, though there was a twinkle in her eye as she reached for a brush. She brought it over, giving Avril a pointed look as she held it out. “Now, don’t make me do it for you.”
Avril chuckled, taking the brush with a mock sigh. She ran it through her hair, trying to tame the mass of deep burgundy waves that cascaded around her shoulders. The ends were lightened from constant exposure to the elements, curling into loose rings that framed her face no matter what she did to smooth them out.
Tataru bustled over to the washbasin in the corner, grabbing a wet cloth and holding it out with a nudge. “And a clean face while you’re at it. The great and mighty Tataru, Secretary of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, requires it.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” Avril took the cloth, dabbing her face as Tataru watched with a critical eye. The coolness of the water helped ease her drowsiness, sharpening her focus just enough to realize that Tataru had already folded and packed away half of her gear in a matter of minutes. She gave her friend a look. “One day, you’re going to realize I can do these things myself.” she said
Tataru laughed, tossing her a set of light armor to add over her simple traveling clothes. “I know you can. But where would the fun be in that?”
Avril finally stood, crossing the room to the small mirror, brushing a few stray locks back into place and taking in her reflection. There was something satisfying about it, the sense of order that came with small acts of preparation, even if she usually found it tedious. The warm light of the room brought out the subtle golden color in her eyes, a shade she’d once heard likened to honey candy. Her ears twitched slightly, their fluffiness a reminder of her younger years. They were still unusually soft and thick for a Miqo'te, her tail long and bushy—a lingering reminder of her kit phase, one she had finally grown comfortable with.
The smaller woman handed her the vial of pink pigment she kept on the nightstand and she thanked her with a swish of her tail. The Marks of the Dawn, the two small ones that cover the tail of her clan marks must be reapplied if they're wiped away. They signal her journey after all, to let other Miqo'te know that she has been exiled from her home. The biggest downside though is that they also signal that shes on the market, which she assuredly is not.
Satisfied, she turned back to see Tataru eyeing her with an approving nod.
“You’ll do,” Tataru announced with a grin. “Now, what would you do without me?”
“Probably get up each afternoon in peace, knowing I'm free to sleep as long as I'd like,” Avril replied, but her smile softened. “But don’t let that stop you from dragging me out of bed each morning.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Tataru replied with a wink, picking up Avril’s packed satchel. “You’d miss me if I didn’t.”
As she moved to double-check Avril’s things, Tataru’s gaze fell to the bed, where Aurora, Avril’s carbuncle, was curled up in a sunbeam, her pale teal fur shimmering softly in the light. With her three delicate tails and the white stripe down her back, she was a striking sight—distinct from a typical carbuncle, but in a way that was uniquely hers. If one looked closely, her pale teal shade almost hinted at the hue of a diamond carbuncle, though the warmth in her tone was unmistakably a result of the sapphire stone Avril had used in her summoning.
“Lazybones is still snoozing, I see,” Tataru murmured with an affectionate grin, reaching into her pocket and producing a small treat. She held it out, and Aurora’s nose twitched, one eye cracking open at the familiar scent.
“There we go,” Tataru said as Aurora blinked awake, sniffing the treat with an air of practiced dignity before nibbling it out of Tataru’s palm. “Now, I suppose we’re all ready?”
Avril watched Aurora, her heart warming as the carbuncle settled back into her sunbeam, watching them both with a lazy, satisfied look. There was something about her little companion that always brought a sense of comfort, a reminder of where she’d started. The day she ever considered glamoring Aurora away, or didn’t summon her as her steadfast ally, was the day she’d put away her summoner’s stone for good. Aurora was as much a part of her as her own shadow.
Tataru turned back to her with an arched eyebrow. “Well? We’re not going to linger here all day, are we?”
With a last fond glance at her carbuncle, Avril moved toward the door, trailing behind Tataru as they made their way out of the room and toward the common area. The morning sun filtered through the few windows, casting a warm glow over the stone floors, and the familiar, bustling sounds of the Rising Stones greeted them as they entered the open space. Tataru’s cheerful presence by her side made her feel at ease, ready to face the day with renewed purpose.
As they headed toward the main hall, Avril felt a quiet sense of belonging, of grounding, a reminder that—no matter where she roamed—these small, shared routines with Tataru made even the most chaotic of days feel a little bit like home.
The common area of the Rising Stones was already bustling, the scents of coffee and freshly baked bread mingling in the air. The early risers of Revenant’s Toll had gathered around the tables, a few adventurers exchanging stories, others murmuring over maps and half-finished cups of tea or coffee. Tataru led Avril to a seat near the center, setting a cup of coffee down in front of her with practiced efficiency.
“Just for you,” Tataru said, offering a small, playful smile as she poured a bit of cream into the coffee and gave it a quick stir. “Now, don’t say I never do anything nice.”
“Is this supposed to be a bribe to get me moving?” Avril raised an eyebrow as she took a tentative sip, relishing the warmth of the drink.
“Oh, absolutely. It’s easier to manage you when you’re caffeinated,” Tataru replied, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Keeps me from having to drag you out of bed twice.”
Avril chuckled, shaking her head as she took another sip, the comforting bitterness of the coffee grounding her. She hardly had time to settle in before Tataru set a small plate of breakfast down—a spread of warm bread, eggs, and a slice of something sweet-smelling that made her stomach grumble in appreciation. Beneath the table, Aurora’s ears twitched at the scent, the carbuncle watching Avril with an expectant, wide-eyed look.
“Sorry, Aurora,” Avril murmured, smiling down at her companion. “Nothing for you this time.”
Aurora gave her a pitiful, mournful look, her tails flicking in subtle protest before settling down with a huff, as if to say that surely one of them would come around eventually.
Tataru smirked, clearly amused as she took a seat across from Avril, folding her hands as she settled in with an air of authority that looked almost comical on her petite frame. “Now then,” she began, grinning as she leaned forward. “Shall we talk about today’s little opportunity?”
“Opportunity?” Avril raised an eyebrow, tearing off a piece of bread as she watched Tataru with growing interest.
“Oh, yes,” Tataru replied, clearly enjoying herself. “A chance to do something a bit more… adventurous.” She gestured with a flourish. “Something that might remind you of your early days, hmm?”
Avril couldn’t help but smirk. “You’ve piqued my interest. Go on.”
“Well,” Tataru began, her tone dropping to a playful whisper as though sharing a grand secret, “our good friend Rammbroes over at Saint Coinach’s Find has a new project in the works. He’s organizing an expedition into the Crystal Tower—wants to secure it, keep it stable. And he’s looking for materials. Special materials.”
Avril took a slow sip of her coffee, the warmth settling over her like an old cloak. “And he couldn’t just order these materials from Ul’dah?”
“Ah, well, not this time,” Tataru replied with a knowing smile. “These are rarer than usual. He’s looking for flawless aethersand and a few other top-quality components. The kind that doesn’t just pop up on the market every day.”
“Flawless aethersand,” Avril echoed, her brows lifting as she considered it. “He must be serious if he’s asking for something that temperamental.”
“Oh, very,” Tataru confirmed, her smile widening. “But he wouldn’t ask just anyone for this. He needs someone experienced—someone who can handle the materials without… well, exploding them. The Sons of Saint Coinach wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfection.”
“Lucky for them, then, I've just perfected the refining process and will be infinitely free of Serenity and her inability to remember my name despite training directly underneath her,” Avril replied, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “ if he's that desperate as to request help from us, I suppose he’ll have to take whatever I find, creative as it may be.”
“That’s the spirit.” Tataru nodded approvingly, clearly pleased with Avril’s willingness. “And since I know you’re no fan of tedious mining, I thought I’d suggest a little… alternate method.”
Avril raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh?”
“Well,” Tataru continued, tapping her fingers on the table in a thoughtful rhythm, “you might have better luck with the beast tribes. They tend to have aether crystals stashed away, and Rammbroes doesn’t care where they come from, as long as they’re of good quality. It’d save you days of scouring, and honestly—” her grin turned impish “—it keeps those crystals out of hands that don’t exactly have Eorzea’s best interests in mind.”
“Now, that I can get behind,” Avril said, leaning back as she finished the last of her coffee. “A bit of scavenging, a bit of liberating from questionable sources, and I get to feel like myself again. Not a bad way to spend a morning.”
“Exactly!” Tataru’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, clearly relishing her role in setting this all up. “Besides, I thought it might give you a taste of adventure, like old times. And I hear the Scions’ rates are ever-increasing.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about,” Avril said, chuckling. “I should have known it wasn’t just a free mission for old times’ sake.”
Tataru grinned, folding her hands in a mock show of dignity. “I never said it was purely altruistic. But think of it this way—you get to go adventuring, the Scions get a bit of heft to our coffers, and you bring back some valuable supplies for a good cause. Everybody wins.”
Avril laughed, shaking her head. “You’ve certainly done your share of persuading. Fine, I’ll see what I can do for our dear Rammbroes.”
“Good!” Tataru clapped her hands, clearly delighted. “It’ll be nice to see you back in action. Besides, you know I’m here to handle the paperwork while you’re off gallivanting around.”
“And what would I do without you?” Avril replied with a wry grin.
“Oh, perish the thought!” Tataru gave her a look of mock horror. “The Rising Stones would become The Crumbling Cobbles without my organizational genius.”
Avril chuckled, taking one last glance down at Aurora, who was now curled comfortably at her feet, seemingly content to bask in the attention she’d already received. It was a comfort she’d grown accustomed to, having Aurora there, her pale teal fur shimmering gently in the morning light, her three tails curling lazily around her as she watched her companions with half-lidded, content eyes.
With her breakfast finished, Avril pushed her chair back, her spirits lifted by Tataru’s encouragement and the thought of a day spent adventuring—no grand destiny, no weight of prophecy hanging over her head. Just a simple, straightforward mission to help, to be useful, and to explore.
“Wish me luck?” she asked, grabbing her pack and giving Tataru a mock salute.
“Oh, luck?” Tataru waved a dismissive hand. “You don’t need luck, Avril. You’ve got me.”
Avril chuckled, her heart lighter than it had felt in weeks. With one last grin at Tataru, she turned toward the door, ready to face whatever the day held.
The entrance to U'Ghamora Mines loomed before Avril, a rough-hewn maw in the cliffside, lined with patches of moss and damp earth. She took a moment to adjust her pack, her fingers brushing the edges of her spellbook before she stepped inside, the dim light from the cavern mouth casting long shadows over her path. The scent of damp stone filled the air, tinged with the faint metallic smell of the ores that lay hidden deep within the Kobold territory.
Aurora padded along beside her, her pale teal fur almost luminous in the low light, like a shard of polished gemstone catching the last rays of dusk. With each step, her three tails flicked in rhythm, her alert gaze scanning their surroundings. The carbuncle was quiet, her usual playful demeanor tempered by the sense of purpose that settled over them both as they ventured further into the mine.
Avril moved cautiously, keeping to the edges of the tunnel and keeping an eye on the shadows that clung to the rocky walls. The Kobolds here were known to be territorial, their defenses scattered and well-hidden. Every so often, a faint shuffling sound echoed from deeper within, and Avril tensed, ready to cast if need be.
They had just reached a bend in the tunnel when a soft, unnatural light caught her eye. Peering around the corner, she spotted a faint glow spilling out from a small alcove further down the path. Her pulse quickened—she recognized that telltale shimmer of aether crystals, the concentrated, potent kind that Rammbroes had been looking for. A small cache was tucked behind a few stacked rocks, the crystals glistening with an enticing clarity.
She moved forward, keeping her steps light. Just a few more feet, and she’d have her hands on them.
But as she rounded the final corner, a frustrated sigh escaped her lips. The cache was empty. The crates and baskets that once held the crystals were overturned, leaving nothing but a trace of glittering dust on the stone floor. She frowned, a prickle of irritation setting in as she took in the sight. This wasn’t the kind of carelessness one would expect from Kobolds guarding something so valuable.
“Too slow, I see.”
The voice was smooth, laced with a mocking amusement that made Avril’s ears twitch in irritation. She spun around, her hand hovering near her spellbook as her eyes darted over the shadows, searching for the source. But whoever he was, he was hiding well.
“Who’s there?” she demanded, her voice steady, though her tail gave an involuntary flick.
“A bit late to the party, aren’t we?” The voice drifted down from somewhere above, light and teasing. He sounded as if he were thoroughly enjoying himself.
Avril narrowed her eyes, scanning the rocks overhead. There, in the dim light, she caught a glimpse—a shadowed figure perched on a ledge, partially obscured, his outline barely visible. She could just make out a flash of something—a bow, perhaps, held in a confident grip.
“Show yourself,” she said, her voice calm but challenging. “Or are you too cowardly for that?”
A chuckle echoed through the cavern, and she caught the faintest shift of movement from his direction. “Cowardly? Hardly. But where’s the fun in being obvious? A good game needs a bit of mystery.”
Avril gritted her teeth, the mocking lilt in his voice sparking her irritation even further. Part of her felt the tug of competition, though—an instinct she rarely indulged in these days, with everyone treating her either as a savior or a threat. But this stranger seemed unimpressed, his voice weaving through the shadows like he was speaking to an equal, a rival.
“Then consider this a challenge,” she shot back, her tone laced with determination. “We’ll see who’s quicker.”
“Oh, it’s a challenge now, is it?” he replied, amusement thick in his voice. “Well then, may the best hunter win.”
With that, he vanished into the darkness, the soft scrape of his boots against the rocks the only indication of his retreat. Avril clenched her jaw, her heart beating faster as the echoes of his steps faded. She wasn’t about to let him win that easily.
She moved deeper into the mines, her senses heightened as she kept an ear out for any sign of her rival. Every so often, she’d hear the faintest rustle of movement, or catch a glint of light reflecting off a distant rock, but he was always just out of reach, leading her further in. Each time she thought she’d finally cornered him, he’d slip away, his laughter trailing through the cavern like a shadow.
The Kobold defenses were heavier in this area, but she navigated through them with practiced ease, her attention split between the occasional patrol and the elusive thief. When she finally spotted another glow of aether crystals in the distance, she quickened her pace, determined not to let him slip away this time.
But as she approached, her heart sank. The crates she found were once again empty, their contents stripped away, leaving only a trace of faint aether. She clenched her fists, a prickle of frustration building.
“Too slow, again,” his voice drifted down from the shadows, and she looked up to see him perched atop a high ledge, his form barely visible in the dim light.
“Are you just going to keep running?” she called, her voice edged with annoyance. “Or do you actually intend to help?”
“Oh, I’d say I’m helping plenty,” he replied, the smile in his voice clear as day. “It’s just that my bow’s a bit quicker than your spells, don’t you think?”
She bit back a retort, her irritation growing as his silhouette disappeared once again, blending into the darkness. He was quicker than she’d anticipated, and his familiarity with the terrain was evident. But she wasn’t about to back down.
The trail led her to the outskirts of Amalj’aa territory, where the sands shifted beneath her boots and the dry air carried the scent of desert blooms and smoldering fire pits. She’d just spotted her next target—a cache half-hidden beneath an old cloth—when a thwip cut through the air.
An arrow zipped past her shoulder, landing with a dull thud in the throat of an Amalj’aa that had been creeping up behind her. Avril spun around, casting a quick glance at the fallen beastman before scanning the shadows for the thief.
“Nice timing,” she muttered, still searching the surrounding terrain, though her tone held a hint of reluctant gratitude.
His voice drifted toward her, smooth and cocky as ever. “No need to thank me. Though, I must say, you’re quite graceful on your feet—for a caster.”
“If you’re so good, why don’t you actually help instead of swiping everything in sight?” she retorted, her patience starting to fray.
He laughed, a low, amused sound that only stoked her irritation further. “Help, hmm? And deprive you of a challenge?”
While she’d been speaking, her focus had shifted, her gaze momentarily diverted from the cache. When she turned back, she found the crate overturned, its contents nowhere to be seen.
Her jaw tightened. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”
“Guilty as charged,” he replied from somewhere unseen. She could practically hear the smirk in his voice, and it took all her self-control not to fire a spell in his general direction just to see if she could hit him.
The Sahagin stronghold was a maze of winding paths and jagged stone corridors, slick with algae and dimly lit by bioluminescent coral. Avril picked her way through carefully, her breath coming in short bursts as she maneuvered around Sahagin patrols, her steps as light as possible to avoid the shallow pools that littered the ground.
After narrowly avoiding a Sahagin guard, she finally spotted her target—a large cache of aether crystals stashed behind a natural barrier of rock. Relief and determination surged in equal measure, and she moved forward, ready to seize her prize at last.
But just as she reached the cache, a guttural roar echoed through the cavern as a swarm of Sahagin launched toward her, tridents glinting in the dim light. She cursed under her breath, pulling her spellbook close as she prepared a series of defensive casts, the air around her crackling with aether.
One by one, she struck them down, her spells flaring as she wove through the mob, dodging their attacks with a mixture of precision and brute strength. She moved quickly, dancing around their weapons, her footwork keeping her just out of reach, but the onslaught was relentless. Sweat beaded on her brow, her muscles aching from the repeated casting, but she refused to let up, determined to claim this haul without interference.
With one final burst of energy, she cast a finishing spell, watching as the last Sahagin crumpled to the ground in a heap. She let out a breath, her body tense, her gaze darting to the cache with a fierce resolve.
But just as she stepped forward, ready to claim her reward, a quick flash of movement caught her eye. An arrow zipped through the air, striking down the last Sahagin she’d been about to dispatch. She barely had time to register what had happened before her heart sank—her stomach twisting in frustration as she realized she’d been outmaneuvered yet again.
When she spun back to the crate, her suspicions were confirmed. The lid lay ajar, and the crystals were gone.
Her fists clenched, the last shred of her patience snapping as she let out a furious growl, her voice echoing through the chamber. “You arrogant, sneaky little thief!” she shouted, her words a mix of rage and raw frustration. “Show yourself, you gods-damned coward!”
A low chuckle echoed through the darkness, infuriatingly calm. “Temper, temper. I didn’t realize I’d gotten under your skin quite this much.”
“Under my skin?” Avril’s voice was sharp with anger, her tail lashing in irritation. “You’ve been nothing but a nuisance, stealing every damned crystal I’ve fought for. Do you have any idea how many times you’ve robbed me today?”
“Now, now,” he replied smoothly, still hidden in the shadows, his voice infuriatingly calm. “I only meant to keep things… interesting.”
“Oh, you mean you thought it would be funny to mess with me?” she shot back, her fists clenched tight. “Well, I hope you’re getting your laughs in now, because if I catch you, I’ll—”
Another laugh, this one softer, almost amused. “You’ll what? Curse me into submission?”
“Try throwing you into the nearest rift and let the local Voidsent take care of you,” she retorted, her eyes narrowed as she scanned the shadows, daring him to reveal himself.
For a moment, there was silence. Then his voice came again, lower and tinged with something more sincere. “I didn’t mean to cause you genuine anger, Warrior of Light. Only… to test your mettle. And I must say, you’ve proven yourself far more capable than I’d expected.”
Avril huffed, still too agitated to fully accept the compliment. “Flattery’s not going to fix the fact that you’ve been a thorn in my side this entire day.”
“I understand,” he replied, his tone softer now, his usual arrogance fading. “But watching you move, the way you handled those Sahagin… It’s rare to see such grace from a caster. Your footwork, your spellwork—like a dance, a dangerous tango.”
Avril blinked, caught off guard by the sudden earnestness in his voice. The anger that had flared so hotly within her began to cool, replaced by a cautious curiosity. She crossed her arms, still cautious but less guarded now. “A compliment from a thief. Guess there’s a first time for everything.”
“Consider it a mark of respect,” he replied, his voice laced with a gentle warmth. “And as an apology of sorts. I… hadn’t intended to stir up genuine anger. Just to see what you were made of.”
She sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “Fine. If you’re done ‘testing’ me, at least tell me where you’ve hidden the rest of those crystals.”
A soft chuckle sounded, though this time it lacked the usual cockiness. “Of course. You’ll find the lot stashed near the southern alcove. I suppose you’ve earned them, after all.”
With that, he slipped back into the shadows, his presence fading into silence, leaving her alone in the empty chamber. For a moment, she stood there, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth as she replayed his words in her mind. She couldn’t deny the satisfaction that his genuine praise had sparked, despite the day’s irritation.
“Well, at least he knows when to concede,” she muttered, turning toward the location he’d given. “Next time, though, I’ll be ready for him.”
With renewed resolve, she made her way to the stash, her mind already piecing together plans for their inevitable rematch.
The golden evening light cast long shadows over Saint Coinach’s Find as Avril arrived, her pace steady but her jaw clenched with lingering irritation. Each step reminded her of the day’s chase through beast tribe territories, her victory soured by the memory of that smug, taunting thief. His laughter still echoed in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the sting of his mockery, nor the surprising respect he’d shown her in the end.
The bustling energy of the camp was a welcome distraction. Researchers moved about, prepping for the next day’s work, oblivious to her day of thwarted efforts. Spotting Rammbroes nearby, Avril headed over, presenting the aether crystals she’d managed to secure. His rare smile of approval softened her frustration, and he nodded as he inspected her haul.
“Well done, Avril. You’ve saved us days of work with these,” he said, looking up to offer her a respectful nod.
“Just had a bit of luck,” she replied, keeping her tone casual. “Although I had… competition.”
Rammbroes raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask, Cid ambled over, a broad grin on his face as he saw her.
“Ah, look who’s back in one piece!” Cid chuckled. “So, who got the brunt of it? Kobolds? Sahagin?”
“Only the ones who got in my way,” Avril replied with a smirk. “The rest, unfortunately, were claimed by a rather… persistent nuisance.”
Cid’s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with interest. “A ‘nuisance,’ eh? Sounds like there’s a story there.”
“Let’s just say I’m half-considering throwing him into the nearest lake if I ever get my hands on him.,” Avril muttered, eyes narrowed as she cast a glance around, half-expecting the thief to suddenly reappear with another mocking smirk.
Rammbroes shook his head, though there was a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. “Ah, yes, sounds exactly like a familiar acquaintance. I expected him to be here by now. Typical Sharlayan.”
Before Avril could ask, a familiar voice echoed above them, smooth and undeniably arrogant.
“My apologies for the delay! I trust I haven’t kept you waiting too long?”
Her gaze snapped up, and there he was, perched dramatically atop a ruined archway, silhouetted against the evening sky. He looked down at her with a gleeful smirk, his crimson and teal eyes glinting with mischief. A Seeker, like her, of red hair hair and fur.
“Beautiful evening, isn’t it?” he called, his voice carrying with practiced ease. “Nothing like a little rivalry to make the heart race, wouldn’t you agree, Avril Mattix?”
Avril’s eyes narrowed, her arms crossing tightly over her chest as she fought the urge to throttle him from afar. The irritation she’d felt earlier simmered, renewed by his smug demeanor. Cid stifled a laugh beside her, and Rammbroes gave her a wry look, clearly amused. But Avril only had eyes for the thief—this insufferable figure of cocky self-assurance.
“Are you here to join us,” she called up, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “or just to gloat about your ‘triumph over the Warrior of Light’?”
He chuckled, his tone casual and insufferably calm. “Ah, but the spoils of your fight weren’t stolen. Just borrowed, with every intention of returning them.” He tilted his head, smirk widening. “After all, what’s a little harmless test between comrades-to-be?”
The smile tugging at his lips made her want to wipe it clean. “You thought ‘testing’ the Warrior of Light involved stealing her hard-earned crystals?”
“Is it so wrong to ensure the tales are true?” he replied smoothly. “To witness the famed hero’s skill up close?”
Her teeth clenched, and her tail flicked with irritation. “Well, I’ve heard cats are supposed to land on their feet. So, tell me—are you as nimble when thrown into the nearest lake?”
A few chuckles drifted from the researchers nearby, and for the briefest moment, his smirk faltered. He straightened, meeting her challenge with a glint of amusement. “A bold suggestion,” he said, voice rich with humor, “but somehow, I think I’d manage to land just fine.”
She glared at him, sizing him up. Her gaze hardened, even as she caught something subtle in his body language—a flick of his tail, the dip of his ears, signaling something softer, less arrogant. It was unmistakable, a Miqo'te gesture she recognized as one of respect, a rare moment of genuine admiration beneath the cocky veneer.
Her irritation softened, curiosity flickering to life despite herself. He wasn’t just some thrill-seeker; there was intent in his words, sincerity that spoke to her instincts. Her arms relaxed slightly, dropping to her side, but her gaze stayed sharp.
“If you have a point to make,” she said, voice laced with impatience, “then now’s the time.”
Without missing a beat, he leapt from the crystalized archway, landing gracefully on the ground below with a theatrical flourish. He straightened, offering her a deep, exaggerated bow.
“G’raha Tia, at your service,” he said, straightening with a smirk that was somehow softer, his eyes gleaming with genuine interest. “I’d heard so much of the Warrior of Light and wished to see her skills firsthand. And… I am not disappointed.”
Her glare lingered, but there was a flicker of something else as she studied him—the faintest spark of curiosity. “I don’t need an audience, especially one that spends the day getting in my way.”
He chuckled, though this time, there was a warmth to it, a hint of honesty that hadn’t been there before. “Perhaps not. And for that, I apologize. But I meant what I said earlier.” His gaze held hers, the smirk fading as his tone softened, tinged with genuine admiration. “Your control over aether… it’s remarkable. Especially for a mere arcanist.”
“Summoner,” she corrected, eyes narrowing as she held his gaze. “I choose to summon Aurora.”
He gave a slight nod, his expression thoughtful, though his eyes lingered on her. “Have you ever considered a quicker weapon?” he asked, his voice quiet yet earnest, his gaze catching hers with a hint of reverence. “Something that would let you move even more freely?”
She stared at him, her irritation cooling into something sharper, firmer. “We don’t cross that line.”
His eyes widened, and he dipped his head, genuine regret flickering across his features. “Forgive me. That was… presumptuous of me.”
He straightened, his tone softening as he continued, “I meant no insult. You wield your craft masterfully, and I’ve rarely seen anyone control aether with such finesse.”
His sincerity caught her off guard. Praise wasn’t new, but this felt… different. It wasn’t hollow flattery but rather the respectful acknowledgment of an equal. Her irritation eased, though she kept her expression guarded, unwilling to let him see the full extent of her surprise.
“Thank you… I think,” she replied, her tone wary but softened by a hint of dry humor. “Though I’d have preferred you’d gotten your ‘test’ out of the way without running me in circles all day.”
He gave a small, apologetic smile, his tail flicking in a gesture of concession. “Fair enough. Next time, I’ll be more… considerate.” His smirk returned, though it was tempered with a softness she hadn’t seen before. “But I make no promises about keeping up with you.”
Avril rolled her eyes dramatically, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “If you’re going to keep up, try doing it without stealing my spoils.”
He inclined his head in mock respect, his grin widening. “As you wish. And I would never dream of depriving the Warrior of Light.”
Rammbroes sighed, shaking his head, though there was an approving gleam in his eyes. “Just see that you don’t cause as much trouble in the future, G’raha.”
G’raha gave an exaggeratedly serious nod. “Ah, trouble? I wouldn’t dream of it, Rammbroes. I’m far too refined for that.”
Avril rolled her eyes, yet a glimmer of amusement remained. Beneath the theatrics and smirks, he had shown her something real—a glimpse of genuine admiration and respect, an acknowledgment of her skill that few others offered without reservation. As she turned to join the others, she cast a final look back at him, noting the way he held her gaze with an unspoken promise.
This expedition, she realized, was going to be interesting. And maybe, just maybe, she was looking forward to seeing what else G’raha Tia had to offer.