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The sun beat down over Rhalgr’s Reach hanging high in the sky. The oppressive heat had made itself known to every Resistance member through stripped clothing, large fans and a general sense of lethargy that had spread through the camp.
With the liberation of Ala Mhigo, Rhalgr’s Reach was being converted to a base camp and rest stop for members of the newly formed Ala Mhigan Military. With the Resistance no longer being required most of the willing members were snapped up by General Raubahn and put to work as full members of the fighting force. However, it wasn’t an easy transition.
The bulk of the fighting force had operated out of the Reach for as long as they could remember, the hallowed halls and temple grounds providing shelter and space to accommodate all the supplies and extremities that came with running a rag-tag resistance. Food stores and bedding plus the addition of countless medical supplies and weapons. All of it took more space that was strictly available, but out of necessity the Resistance had made it work. All it took were some squashed sleeping arrangements and a couple of elbows to the face whilst resting. But with the liberation of the capital city, they no longer had to use the area as anything than another operation base. As such transfer had begun with equipment and supplies being divided up and assigned to different location. It was dull work involving many different forms and a lot of back breaking labour.
Former leader of the Resistance. Lyse Hext let out a wide yawn. The heat had continued to be unbearable, and progress had slowed to a crawl. Often, she would find various resistance members lazing about lying over boxes or splashing their face with bowls of lukewarm water in a hopeful attempt to stave off the heat. These people had fought alongside her and pushed through the bleakest of situations to provide a victory, and here they were defeated by the sun. A half-hearted reproach fell from her lips but much like the water droplets on the sand, fizzled away into the air. It was too bloody hot and she and everyone else in the camp knew it.
Resolving that today was likely a wasted day she instead took to wandering around the camp and reminiscing. Lazy salutes followed her from people sprawled out on makeshift beds and half-dressed guards.
‘This place is so different now’
Was it so recently that the oppressive feeling had permeated the entire camp. Whilst nearly every Ala Mhigan had talked about the day, they would be free, it had come as a shock when it actually happened. Even she’d had her doubts. That feeling had been an ever present feeling, even when they’d returned victorious from whatever mission the Resistance required she’d never felt safe in Rhalgr’s. A feeling only worsened by the attack by Zenos. Quick glances over the shoulder and tense bodies were a constant. So, to see this relaxation and carefree attitude spread throughout camp. As an efficient leader it should have frustrated her that no work was being done but honestly, she was just ecstatic. It felt like she could sing, dance and go forty rounds with the Warrior of Light, and win!
The easy smile spread across her face. Her homeland was free, her people were free and with the military leadership of General Raubahn she wasn’t alone in directing the future. For the first time in ages, she actually felt light. Most importantly, the dream of her father, of Yda was finally realised. Was this how they felt after they Mad King fell. No wonder Yda had told her so many stories!
She tensed slightly waiting for the spike of pain that normally accompanied thoughts of her family like a needle hanging above a record. To her surprise it was still there but dulled. It felt less sharp, less like a constant shard of glass running through her veins and more like an ache. An ache that they would never see what she did, that she would never hear their words again. But a manageable ache nonetheless.
‘I wonder, would you both be proud of me? Dad, Yda… Papalymo.’
Her rise had been frankly insane. Going from a member of the Scions wearing her sister’s face. To liaison between the Eorzean Alliance and the Resistance. Then forced to the position of Resistance leader. A position she had felt, both then and now, frankly unqualified for. Commander Kemp… Conrad had named her the successor, but she’d no idea how to lead or how to inspire a people. She was fortunate she had charismatic friends and allies. Hells, the Warrior of Light inspired people without saying a word. If some of that dusted off onto her then she wouldn’t complain. Now with a liberated Ala Mhigo, she shared co-leadership with Raubahn, he focused more on the military side but was a fair hand at politics as well. She supposed he would be after working with the Sultana for so long.
At the end of it all, he was helping her and that was all that mattered. Leaving her thoughts for a moment she found herself turning to the statue of Rhalgr. The majestic, stone visage stood at vigil over the camp. She had found herself looking up at the statue many times, on good days strengthen by the feeling of her god. On bad days feeling the judgemental stone gaze with all of its weight.
Now however, the statue carried another meaning for her. One written in traded blows and bursts of Aether. She blushed a little as memories of her fight with her friend sprang up.
‘Twelve, what was I thinking?! Put on a new dress and invite them to a private spot? How embarrassing.’
Thankfully her friend had understood her intentions. Bought of them had been feeling the stress of everything and a warmup on the statue had been exactly what they needed. Her to practice fighting in Yda’s dress, them to blow off some of the steam building in their chest. They had fought hard, with the Warrior of Light lending themselves to the old techniques of the Fist of Rhalgr well.
‘I still need to ask where they learned that’
She had picked up small bits from books and practice, but they wore the role like a second skin, moving with speed and strength all at once. By the end of it bought of them were flat on their backs, bruised and battered but with beaming smiles and laughter floating in the air.
Truly her friends had been the rock she needed, keeping her sane and grounded through the entire time. The entire Resistance would be nothing without the Warrior of Light and she felt confident in saying that. After all she didn’t fancy her chances against a giant dragon. But now she would be forced to leave them. Her duties to Ala Mhigo required full attention and there was no way she could be a Scion at the same time.
But it hurt, in a way that only something truly important could. It wasn’t like she wouldn’t see them again but no more would she wake up to Y’shtola’s dry wit, Thancred’s playfully roguish attitude, Urianger’s flowery language, or the twins’ constant liveliness. She wouldn’t be able to see the Warrior’s stoicism a wall against those they didn’t like, but to those that they knew their eyes told the whole story. Twinkling with amusement or creased with laughter.
Her own eyes misted, and she wiped an arm across them hurriedly. Wouldn’t do to have people see one of their leaders burst into tears. She would just have to keep in touch as much as she could. Papalymo had constantly reminded her that she should appreciate all the time she had with her loved ones, she hadn’t been able to with him, so she would make sure to do it now.
She turned her head to the sun. Gods it wasn’t getting any better. A call sounded for her and she turned to see a group of people floating in the pools in front of the statue. Maybe a little blasphemous, she turned to look at the statue it’s eyes shining, but she was sure Rhalgr wouldn’t mind. Taking a running jump, she landed in the water with a mighty splash.
‘The water’s warm’