Chapter Text
Cid squinted as he made the finishing touches on the device resting on his work desk, tweaking and touching it up to ensure it would run smoothly. It was something so small and simple, but required the utmost precision to perfect. The Ironworks was renowned for its Magitek, and as this device was a commission at the behest of the Warrior of Light herself, Cid would allow nothing but absolute perfection. He heard a knock on the door to his workshop, raising his goggles and turning over his shoulder.
“Jessie,” Cid called, “Will you please get that for me?”
“Of course sir,” Jessie replied.
The midlander girl walked to the door, twisting the knob open to let their guest inside. In the doorway stood an absolute wall of a Roegadyn woman, her tall stature only made taller by her feathered, leather hat. A crystal musket was slung over her back, and her aquamarine blue eyes glinted as she looked down upon the petite Hyur.
“Oh Ceiglona!” Jessie beamed, “Welcome!”
“Ahoy Jessie!” she greeted, “Just wanted to see ‘ow everythin’ is comin’ along.”
“I’m putting the finishing touches on it right now,” Cid yelled, still focused on his work, “It should be done soon.”
“Is it alright if I come an’ shadow ye Cid?” Ceiglona asked, “Might ‘elp me think of ways to upgrade the ol’ Automaton Queen.”
“Of course,” Cid said, “This device was your idea after all. If anything I’d appreciate your input.”
“Bene, I’ll be right there.”
Jessie handed over a pair of work goggles and gloves to the Warrior of Light; a simple safety precaution that the Warrior of Light had grown accustomed to due to her experience as a Machinist. She slid on the protective gear, walking over to Cid’s work desk.
“Need me to hand ye any tools?” Ceiglona asked, “I’ll do anythin’ ye need of me.”
“Just pass me a precision screwdriver,” Cid instructed, “I only need to affix the alloy onto the auracite and we should be good to go.”
“Gotcha.”
Ceiglona passed the tool off to the master engineer, watching intently as he put the finishing touches on the device. Cid wiped his brow, setting the tools down and examining his handiwork.
“There we go,” Cid said, “That should do it.”
Ceiglona examined the finished product carefully, double-checking that the quality was up to snuff. The device appeared to be a linkpearl, small, sleek, and portable, and a piece of white auracite, small enough to fit in Cid’s palm, wrapped with a piece of metal alloy.
“The prototype of it seemed to work well enough, and I’ve delivered the ones you requested,” Cid said, “Do you want to test out the finished product before we distribute them?”
“I trust ye,” Ceiglona replied, placing the linkpearls and auracite in her bag, “Think it’s high time I delivered the goods then.”
“I hope everyone likes it.”
“I’m sure they will.”
Ceiglona stepped out of the workshop, heading across the way to the Rising Stones. She couldn’t wait to see the looks on her fellow Scions’ faces. The Warrior of Light had been mulling on this idea ever since their return to the Source, spending countless sleepless nights drafting blueprints for this invention. Ideally, she would have had it done by Starlight, but finalizing it took much trial and error. If it weren’t for Cid helping her expedite the development process, her invention may have never progressed past the planning stage. She opened the doors to the Rising Stones, heading back into the Scions’ headquarters. The Scions themselves seemed to be scattered, but their dependable receptionist Tataru was ready to greet the Warrior of Light.
“Oy, Tataru!” Ceiglona shouted, “Can ye gather ev’ryone? I’ve gotta surprise for ‘em!”
“Of course!” Tataru responded, curtseying daintily, “I’ll have everyone out in a jiffy.”
Tataru stood up from her desk, gathering the Scions for Ceiglona’s impromptu meeting. The Leveilleur twins were the first to arrive, having been taking tea within earshot of Ceiglona upon her entrance. Thancred and Urianger emerged from the Dawn’s Respite next, followed by Y’Shtola from the archives. G’Raha Tia was the last to join, the Miqo’te still taking in the sights of his new headquarters, but eager to come to the aid of his esteemed comrade.
“Glad ye could all make it,” Ceiglona beamed, “Hope I wasn’t interruptin’ nothin’.”
“Your timing couldn’t be more perfect,” Alisaie replied, “I had just finished my tea.”
“Krile was a little hesitant to let Urianger and I go,” Thancred sighed, “I never realized how hard cleaning duty was…”
“Bah, I’ll finish cleanin’ it for ye if ye want,” Ceiglona offered, “I’ve got a gift for ye all, and I’m pretty sure you’ll wanna make use of it as soon as possible.”
“Oh Ceiglona,” Y’Shtola cooed, “You didn’t have to, dear.”
“But I wanted to!” Ceiglona insisted, “Just wait ‘til ye see it. Yer gonna love it.”
With how much the Warrior of Light was hyping the gift up, the Scions couldn’t help but be curious. What could this present possibly be? Ceiglona reached into her satchel, pulling out a linkpearl and auracite shard.
“Tadaa!” she beamed, “Got some brand new linkpearls for ye all!”
“Oh,” Alphinaud mumbled, trying to hide his disappointment, “How… kind of you, Ceiglona… But is aught wrong with our current linkpearls?”
“Oh these are no ordinary linkpearls, Alphie,” Ceiglona chuckled, “Take a look at this.”
Ceiglona put one of the linkpearls in her ear, setting the piece of auracite down on the tea table. She lifted her hand to her ear, calling someone on the device.
“Got it all set up on my end,” she said, “You ready to go?... Bene, go on an’ activate yer auracite. I’ll set mine to speaker so ev’ryone can hear ye.”
Light rose from the small crystal, aether forming into a translucent, familiar shape. Thancred’s eyes widened. Even if it was just an aetherial projection, even if it was in black and white, he recognized that face anywhere.
“Ryne!” he gasped.
Thancred couldn’t believe it. Though it was merely a projection, it clearly looked just like Ryne. She looked like she was still setting the device up, trying to angle it so she was completely visible. As soon as she had her projector set up properly, she turned to Thancred, smiling and waving.
“Thancred!” she beamed, “I take it I’m coming in clear then?”
“As crystal,” Ceiglona responded, “Can ye see all of us?”
“Urianger’s head is cut off a bit,” she giggled, “But otherwise I can see you all just fine.”
Urianger crouched down to be better seen, taking a good look at the projection himself. After leaving the First, he and Thancred had come to terms that they would probably never see Ryne again. Of course they kept in contact with letters, but it wasn’t quite the same. Being able to see the smiling face of their little girl once more, it was the best gift they could ever ask for.
“Is mine form clear now, child?” Urianger asked.
“Yes,” she nodded, “You’re not headless anymore!”
He and Thancred chuckled. They were half tempted to push the Warrior of Light out of the way, to take advantage of all the time they had and catch up with their daughter, but Ceiglona claimed this was a gift for all of them.
“So, ‘ow has everythin’ been goin’ in the First, Ryne?” Ceiglona asked.
“We’ve been working on rebuilding,” she explained, “And Gaia and I just went to an amazing festival! I wish you all could have been there for it. It was wonderful!”
“Good to ‘ear, lass. ‘As everyone else got their linkpearls an’ auracite projectors?”
“Yes. I made sure to personally deliver them to everyone you requested.”
“Everyone you requested?” Alphinaud interjected.
“What if I told you lot that I had a bunch of these pearls an’ projectors manufactured?” Ceiglona said, “Enough to give one to all of our friends in the First!”
“You don’t mean…” G’Raha gasped.
“Lyna, Runar, the Chai’s,” Ryne explained, “Ceiglona was kind enough to make them for everyone.”
“I call ‘em ‘Cross-shard Linkpearls’,” Ceiglona beamed with pride, “They’re a collab effort b’tween me an’ our friends at the Ironworks. Now ye can talk to yer loved ones in the First whenever ye want!”
“Ceiglona, I…” Thancred choked.
He was never one to get emotional over things like this, but to be able to talk to Ryne whenever he wanted, to see her face and hear her voice; it was the kindest gift Thancred had ever received.
“I can’t thank you enough,” he said earnestly, “Thank you so much, Ceiglona.”
“Glad ye like it,” she chuckled.
“So these Cross-shard Linkpearls…” Alphinaud wondered, “How do they work?”
“The pearls work jus’ like the ones we use ‘ere,” Ceiglona explained, “But if ye wanna use the auracite projectors, all ye gotta do is switch on the little lever attached to the alloy. It’ll allow ye to project an image of yerself to whoev’r yer callin’. Turnin’ it off is as easy as flippin’ the lever again.”
“It’ll be nice to finally talk to Runar again,” Y’Shtola commented, “Especially since letters are rather difficult to deliver to Slitherbough.”
“I’ll finally be able to see Lyna again,” G’Raha said, “She’ll be so relieved to see I’m still alive and well.”
“I know ‘ow ‘ard it is leaving friends an’ loved ones behind,” Ceiglona reminisced, “These projections ain’t quite the same as seein’ ‘em in person, but I figured at least bein’ able to talk face to face again would ‘elp.”
“It certainly doth,” Urianger praised, “Thank thee, Ceiglona.”
“Wish I coulda gotten ‘em to ye sooner,” she sighed, “But Valentione’s Day is comin’ up. Guess it’s my Valetione’s gift to ye all.”
“Well it certainly beats chocolates and roses, that’s for sure,” Alisaie said.
Ryne rubbed her chin in thought, “I’m sorry. Valentione’s Day?”
“Do ye not celebrate it on the First?” Ceiglona wondered.
“I’ve never heard of it until you mentioned it,” Ryne informed, “If I may ask, what is it? Is it some sort of festival?”
“I’s more like a holiday,” Ceiglona explained, “I’s a whole day celebratin’ love. Ye see all sorts o’ lovestruck couples out on dates an’ exchangin’ gifts. Tradition’ly lasses make homemade chocolates an’ lads buy flower bouquets an’ they give it to their partners to express their love.”
“Flowers and chocolates?” Ryne asked.
“Well, those be the most common choices, aye,” Ceiglona digressed, “But nothin’s really set in stone. Lads can make chocolates and lasses can give flowers if they want. So long as there’s love behind it, anythin’ can be a Valentione’s gift.”
“That certainly does sound like fun,” Ryne giggled, “Do you all have any plans for it?”
“Well, me ‘usband Goro an’ I are goin’ on a double date with another couple in the Free Company,” Ceiglona said, turning over to the other Scions, “Not sure about you lot though.”
“Thancred, Urianger,” Ryne interjected, “How about you? Are you doing anything special?’
The two men glanced at each other, eyes widened and hearts thumping. Sure Thancred had plans with Urianger, but he desperately wanted to keep it a secret, to surprise his lover with an unforgettable time. Besides, some of his other plans with the Elezen for that evening would be best kept hidden from his teenage daughter.
“We’re probably going to play it by ear,” Thancred replied, “But I’m sure we’ll think of something nice to do.”
“Quite,” Urianger nodded.
“Thanks again Ryne fer helpin’ me with this linkpearl demonstration,” Ceiglona said, “I really appreciate it.”
“Thank you for distributing them,” Ryne beamed, “It was so nice to see everyone again.”
“Thinkin’ about jus’ handin’ ye off to yer dads now,” Ceiglona commented, “I’m sure the three o’ ye ‘ave a whole lotta catchin’ up to you.”
“Art thou certain?” Urianger asked.
“Course I am!” Ceiglona chuckled, fishing a pair of linkpearls and an additional auracite projector from her bag, “Ye can use these fer one on one use. Enjoy!”
She placed the devices in the palms of their hands, their fingers curling around them. To think that something so small could hold so much meaning for their family. At long last, Thancred and Urianger could see Ryne’s face, hear her voice, continue to watch her grow up. They would definitely make frequent use of these linkpearls and projectors in the future.
“Thank you Ceiglona,” Thancred accepted.
“Don’t mention it! If ye ever have trouble operatin’ it, just make sure to give me or Cid a shout,” she said, “We’ll fix it up for ye.”
Ceiglona passed around the remaining linkpearls and projectors to the rest of the Scions before giving a heartfelt salute and leaving the Rising Stones. As soon as she left, G’Raha Tia immediately began fiddling with his projector, trying to call his surrogate granddaughter and let her know he was well. Alisaie went to assist him, opting to call her friends at a later date, one which was more convenient for the both of them.
“The Exarch seems to be doing well,” Ryne giggled, “He certainly seems more energetic than he was on the First.”
“To be fair, I would too if I found myself suddenly young again,” Thancred reminisced.
“Thancred, thou speakest as if thou art an old crone thyself,” Urianger chuckled, “A man of thy health at thirty-two summers is hardly considered elderly.”
“Exactly Thancred,” Ryne assured, “You’re not that old.”
“The way you said that wasn’t particularly comforting,” Thancred sighed.
“Pray, let us not dwell upon this, my sun and stars,” Urianger cooed, “For ne’er wouldst I have thought we wouldst endeavor such a joyous occasion. Ryne, dear child, we wouldst love to hear about how thou hast fared. Thy letters are appreciated, but tis good to hear thy voice again.”
“It’s nice to hear from you as well,” Ryne smiled.
“How was that festival you mentioned?” Thancred asked, “Did you and Gaia have fun?”
“We had a wonderful time!” Ryne beamed, “There was so much delicious food, cute clothing, and fun games. Gaia even helped me win a pet goldfish.”
“Glad am I to hear that the two of thee enjoyed thyselves,” Urianger said.
“I wish you both could have been there,” she recounted, “Seeing the two of you would have made the day perfect.”
“If we can figure out a way to come and visit you in the First, we would gladly do so,” Thancred smiled, “But in the mean time, I feel this fills the void rather well.”
“I’ll try to figure something out on my end too,” Ryne replied, “Gaia may very well be able to help me find a way to traverse the shards, her powers fully awakening and all.”
“Pray strain thyself not,” Urianger entreated, “We are not going anywhere, child, and we shall gladly welcome thee with open arms whence we can reunite in the flesh at long last.”
Ryne held her arms out, circling them as if giving the projection of her guardians a hug. Though it helped to hear their voices and see their faces once more, Ryne still missed the warmth of their hugs, the gentleness of their pats. Still, she found it hard to complain; she’d be looking a gift amaro in the mouth otherwise. She could finally see Thancred and Urianger again, and the time discrepancy between their shards had since balanced out, no doubt due to the return of night on the First. Ryne could call them whenever she wanted, and even if they hadn’t the time to use the projectors, the linkpearls alone would at least allow her the comfort of their voices. As much of a gift it was for the Scions, it was equally an amazing gift for her as well.
She wished she could talk to her guardians for hours; to explain the aftermath of Eden, the return of the elements and inception of a paradise found. It would also be nice to hear how they were doing and catch up on their recovery process. Ryne couldn’t imagine how disorienting it must have been for them to return to their original bodies, having spent several years as living masses of aether in the First. But sadly, she still had responsibilities of her own to attend to. No sooner was she about to ask Thancred and Urianger about how they have been did Gaia walk in.
“Ryne,” she said, “The amaros are ready for our flight to Eulmore. Are you ready to go? It would be rude to keep mayor Chai waiting.”
“Oh right, the trade agreement,” Ryne sighed, “I forgot about that.”
“Ryne, you scatterbrain…”
“I’m sorry Gaia.”
“Trade agreement?” Urianger asked, “Thou art litigating for the Crystarium now?”
“With the Exarch gone, someone had to step up,” Ryne explained, “But it’s not just me. Lyna and the others are helping too. I’m just one of the many representatives.”
“Our little Ryne is all grown up…” Thancred reminisced.
“Thancred,” Ryne blushed, “You’re embarrassing me!”
Gaia peered over her shoulder, looking at the projection of the two men in intrigue.
“So this is the bookworm and your knight in shining armor,” Gaia chuckled, “I was told we’ve met before, but I’m afraid I’ve lost quite a few of my memories. So, I suppose it’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
“Nice to see you Gaia,” Thancred said, “Thank you for looking after Ryne in our stead.”
“Twould be wonderful to reacquaint with thee, alas it seems the two of thee have pressing matters to attend to,” Urianger added.
“I’ll call you back after the meeting!” Ryne beamed, “And you can feel free to call me any time!”
“Best of luck to you Ryne,” Thancred cooed, “I’m so proud of you.”
“We love thee, child,” Urianger said, “Safe travels to Eulmore.”
“I love you both too,” Ryne replied, “I’ll talk to you later.”
Ryne hung up the linkpearl, the projection of her guardians shrinking until it retreated back into the port of white auracite. Gaia smiled at her, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Your fathers seem very nice,” Gaia said.
“It’s a shame you can’t remember much about them,” Ryne recalled, “But we’ll just have to make new memories instead. And who knows, maybe one day the two of us will see them face to face once more.”
“I’ll give it my all to make that happen for you, Ryne,” Gaia assured, “I’d do anything to make you happy, my Light.”
“Gaia,” Ryne blushed, “Come on now! Weren’t you just rushing me out the door?”
“Well, we really should be going…”
“Alright, alright. Let’s not keep Mayor Chai waiting then.”