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“Merry Starlight!” The young girl handed a tightly-wrapped present over to the child next to her.
“Oh, wow! Thank you! And thank the Saint of Nymeia for me too!” The elezen boy answered, his face lighting up in joy. A slight cock of his head then appeared as he looked at the half-lalafell in front of him. “Wait…aren’t you about my age? How’d you end up as the Saint of Nymeia’s helper? I thought only grown-ups could help him…”
Lulusa was shocked for a moment. It was rare for a non-lalafell to recognize how young she actually was; most assumed her to be at least a teenager based on her height alone. Part of her half-roegadyn genes, most likely. She took a moment to adjust the red Little Helper’s uniform she wore, making sure her hat was on straight so she looked more official.
“Y-you don’t have to be a grown-up!” Lulu quickly shot back, “Amh Garanjy told me anyone can be a Helper if they really want! And she’s the biggest helper of the Saint of Nymeia ever!”
“Really…?” the boy’s eyes shone once more. “Then…next year I’m gonna ask Amh Garanjy if I can help too!”
The elder elezen woman besides him chuckled softly. “Then why don’t I and your father help as well? We can do it as a part of our family Starlight celebration!”
“Really?! That sounds great!” The boy turned to his mother, holding up his fists in excitement. “Let’s tell father as soon as we get him from the guild!” He gave Lulu one last wave, and then the two set off in direction of the newer part of Gridania.
Lulu waved back, grinning once more. Amh Garanjy would be happy; she’d done her job as a Helper and recruited more people for next year! Coming to the celebration had been a great idea!
The young girl of 8 summers had been in the past for almost a year now in her quest to save her Da from Hydaelyn, and she had somehow found herself as “Eorzea’s Champion”, even though all she had done was fight a few big monsters and defeat that metal man in the Praetorium who talked too much. Her Ma- er, “Tataru”, had told her the monsters had been things called primals, and the man an important person from Garlemald that wanted to hurt everyone, but it still didn’t seem too impressive. After all, primals could be put down by simple groups of Adventurers in her time, and Garlemald was just the place Uncle Cid was from.
Here in the past, though, it seemed primals were more of a big deal. People here had even started to call her the “Warrior of Light”, just like her Da! Even though she was nowhere near as amazing as her Dad had surely been. She’d never met him of course, but the stories about what he’d done were legendary tales told in all of the taverns and storybooks!
At least, the ones people could remember.
Just like how the adults here in the past couldn’t remember the heroes from the Calamity, no one back home could remember her Da. That’s why she had gone to save him; so he could finally come home, and be remembered, and live with her and Ma for the rest of forever, like how families were supposed to be.
Her current task accomplished, the young lala-roe began to stroll through the city. She’d come to the Gridania Starlight Celebration a few times before with her real Ma, but being here alone meant she got to explore as much as she wanted! And eat as many sweets as her little hands could hold! She didn’t even miss home!
Well…maybe she did a little.
The smile on her face faltered as her steps began to slow. Her feet had managed to lead her right in front of a family of snowmen, a common decoration for the event. There was one large and one small, both adorned in colorful hats and scarves. A mother and daughter snowman family, Lulu decided.
They were probably getting ready to go home and bake Starlight cookies together. The smells of ginger and cinnamon would waft through the warm kitchen, and the Ma would chide her child for sneaking a lick of the raw dough from the spoon. Then the tray would go atop the hearth and cook until the sweets were nice and golden brown, and they could enjoy the crunch of a fresh, hot bite.
Lulu’s fingers pulled against the fabric of her mittens, fidgeting slightly as she tried not to think too hard about how the ginger cookies she’d been given by Amh Garanjy tasted nowhere near as delicious as those cookies from last year…
Determined to stay positive, like the Warrior of Light ought to, she shook her head and moved onto the next snowman family. This one had two large creations and one small between them. Yes…this was clearly a family of a Da, a Ma, and a child. The stick arms of the young girl snowman reached out, grasping for her two parents, as her face sparkled in the colorful lights.
They were sitting by the fire at home, Lulu continued the story in her mind. Each had a cup of hot chocolate in hand as they exchanged Starlight gifts. The little girl snowman opened a present from her Ma, revealing a beautiful baby-blue bow to put in her hair. She babbled excitedly and thanked her Ma, giving her a big hug as the older one gently threaded it into the girl’s thick locks.
A matching bow to the one in Lulu’s story soon found its way between her fingers, a little messier than when her Ma had done up her hair with it, but still firmly in place where it belonged upon her head. If she were home, would her Ma have given her another this year…?
B-but the snowman family has a Da too, she reminded herself. She had to decide what he was doing in the story. The Da…he was big and warm, like a Da ought to be, and he would pull the small child upon his lap and tell her stories about the Saint of Nymeia in a gentle voice. Eventually, the girl would fall asleep in his arms, feeling safe and incredibly loved. Then he’d carry her to bed and tuck her in, and the Ma would peck a kiss on her forehead, and their daughter would dream about the beautiful things that might end up underneath the tree while she slept.
That’s what a Starlight celebratiom was like…that’s what one _should_ be like…if only Lulu could…!
Hot tears began to gather in Lulu’s eyes, and she quickly rubbed them away on her sleeve, taking a deep breath. The Warrior of Light and Saint’s Helpers didn’t cry! They spread joy and happiness, and she was determined to do the same! Pressing her feet onward, she hurried to the next group of snowmen.
The final group had two big snowmen, and two little ones. Like Noah and Ada’s family , Lulu thought. Before she could begin to dream up a story that would definitely not upset her anymore, something caught her eye. Now forgotten, the final snow family were the only ones who saw the young girl slowly pad over to a final snowman across the road.
The snowman was small, and all by itself. While it had a cheerful scarf draped round its neck, it seemed this one was unfinished as it had no mouth on its face. Lulu slowed to a stop in front of it, wondering how it managed to look so sad despite its minimal facial features.
She knew exactly why.
The small snowman stared at the families across from it, longing to have what they did. This snowman was trying to celebrate Starlight but it felt so loney, a loneliness that crept through its breast like chilly ice. The more it watched the others go about their day together, the more their heart hurt. Eventually, it began to cry…
A fat tear rolled down Lulu’s cheek and softly fell to the ground.
The little snowman just wanted to be with its family on Starlight…why was it stuck all alone?
A few shaky breaths escaped Lulu’s lips and she slowly squatted down where she stood, wrapping her arms tightly around her legs.
Why didn’t this snowman get to celebrate Starlight too…? Why was it always stuck waiting for something, for some one , to feel complete? Why had it chosen to leave home…?!
Shoulders tensed and shuddered, and soon Lulu’s small frame was racked with sobs. She was tired of pretending everything was alright.
She missed home. She missed her Ma, her real Ma. She missed Starlight morning, and baking cookies, and playing in the snow with her friends, and getting goodnight kisses. All she’d wanted was to complete her family, but to do so she’d walked away from all the other good in her life…!
“My dear girl, whatever is the matter?” A deep voice cut through Lulu’s misery as a pair of shiny, black boots appeared in front of her. She followed them up along a pair of bare legs, to a red Starlight tunic, and into the face of a bearded and bespectacled man.
The Saint of Nymeia himself?!
Lulu quickly jumped to her feet, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her sleeve. “S-S-Saint of Nymeia?!” she shouted, amber eyes wide and mouth agape. “I-I’m sorry! I-I know I’m being a bad Helper, a-and that I shouldn’t be crying! I-I’ll smile, I promise! Did…did you come because you knew I wasn’t doing my job…?”
The Saint knelt down in front of her, his eyes gazing at her behind his dark glasses. “No, I think you’re doing a wonderful job! I am here because I spotted a child in need of some Starlight cheer.” His tone was bright, but gentle.
“O-oh, I can help them! I-I wanna be a good Helper-!” Lulu was cut off as the Saint lightly tapped a single finger to her chest.
“I speak of you, of course.” He continued softly. “You may be my Helper, and even the Warrior of Light, but you’re still a child, are you not?”
A gasp came from the girl. “Y-you even know I’m the Warrior of Light?!” She exclaimed, “Y-you really _do_ know everything!”
“Oh ho ho ho, of course I do! I am the Saint of Nymeia! I see what all children are doing and whether they are behaving or not!” The Saint stood momentarily so he could pose and flex his muscles, which was never mentioned in any of the stories but Lulu figured it would make sense if the Saint were a very buff man if he had to visit so many children everywhere by himself. Maybe he ran to them all on foot!
“So please, my dear,” the Saint knelt before her once more, “What has you so distraught on such a happy day…?”
Lulu felt tears prick her eyes once more. Now that she was less distracted by the Saint’s antics, she was beginning to feel lonely and miss home again. “I…” she mumbled quietly, “I…I miss my Ma. I wish I could celebrate Starlight with her…but she’s…really far away, so I can’t…I-I’m on a trip to find my Da, you see? Oh, but you probably already knew that…”
“Searching for your father?” The Saint echoed, putting a hand under his chin and tilting his head slightly, encouraging her to continue.
Lulu nodded, taking another deep breath and wiping her eyes once more. “My Da…I don’t remember him, but…but I miss him…Ma misses him a lot too…s-so I came here to find him and bring him home, but…it’s taking longer than I thought it would…” she hesitated a moment, then looked up into the face of the Saint, with eyes that could only belong to a lost child. “W-what I want for Starlight…my _real_ wish…is to be with my family…!”
The Saint was quiet, seemingly lost in thought. After what felt like an eternity, he slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry…” he murmured, “That’s a wish that even I can’t grant…but, perhaps I can still help you feel better.”
Lulu was confused by that, and even more confused when the man promptly pulled out a well-used goldsmith’s hammer and anvil. Turning to his side, he began to furiously hammer some sort of materials Lulu hadn’t even seen him take out, creating a small cloud of smoke as his hands moved at speeds invisible to the naked eye.
When the dust finally settled, a small stuffed bear sat upon the workbench, grey fur with a little purple scarf tied round its neck. Lulu cocked her head to the side in curiosity.
“A bear…?” She wondered aloud.
The Saint took it in his hands and gently handed it to her. “Yes, but this is no ordinary teddy bear. Using a secret Manderville family technique- er, I mean, a technique taught to me by Nymeia herself, I’ve created a mammet with a strong crystal at the heart. You may not be able to be with your parents, but every time you find yourself missing them, you can give this bear a hug. The crystal inside will store the love you wish to give to them, and then when you finally see them again you can give it to them so they can still receive your love and know how much you care for them.”
Gingerly holding the bear in two hands, Lulu’s eyes widened at the explanation. “Store my love for when I see them again…?” She murmured to herself, staring at the bear. Slowly, her arms guided the toy into a tight hug as her eyes squeezed shut and she tried to convey how much she loved and missed them.
The bear hugged back.
Lulu jumped and pulled away, almost dropping it.
“When it hugs back, it means it stored your love correctly.” The Saint explained, a smile on his lips.
“Wow…!” The girl’s eyes shone as she regarded the bear with amazement. Then her head snapped back to him. “Th-thank you, Saint of Nymeia! I-I’ll take really good care of it-! I promise!”
“I know you will,” the man chuckled, standing up once more. “Now, hurry back to where it is you’re staying. The festivities are wrapping up, and you deserve a celebration of your own after your hard work as one of my Helpers! Merry Starlight!” He took a runner’s stance, and in a flash he was off, sprinting through Gridania faster than any chocobo.
Lulu watched him go, a little proud that she had guessed correctly about him being good at running, then looked at the bear again with a small smile on her face. “Tataru” wasn’t her _real_ Ma, not yet anyways, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t celebrate together. She hurried to the aetheryte so she could return to the Rising Stones.
…
A steaming plate of ginger cookies and a half-decorated Starlight tree greeted Lulu upon her return. “Tataru” had baked while she was gone, and now wanted her to help her, the Doman refugee children, and a few other Scions around to finish up the tree. Lulu’s heart warmed, and taking a cookie, which still wasn’t quite as good as that batch she and her Ma had made last year, and hurried to join in the fun, bear still held tightly by the arm in one of her fists.
That evening, after the other kids had gone home and Lulu had set out a remaining few cookies as thanks for the Saint of Nymeia if he chose to stop by during the night, the young Warrior of Light retired to her room and crawled into her bed. Little arms wrapped tightly around her bear, and she smiled when it hugged her back again.
“I hope you save all of my love for Ma and Da…” Lulu whispered softly to her toy. “When I save Da from Hydaelyn, the first thing I’ll do is give you to him so he can know how much I love him…and then when I bring him home, I’ll make him share you with Ma too.” Feeling the bear’s arms wrap back around her, she knew her words had been heard, bringing a smile to her face.
Lulu burried herself under the covers and snuggled up to her bear. As she began to slowly drift off into blissful dreams, she swore she could feel someone gently stroking her head…
…
Skrall wasn’t sure how he had gotten here, or how this all started. The last thing he remembered was clutching his wedding ring as he lay on the floor, ragged breaths slowly decreasing as the blood poured from his wounds. He remembered the desperate thoughts, pleas to any possible god that may listen, to let him live. Tataru was waiting for him to come back, she was waiting… and she would be so distraught if he died…
And then there had been nothing.
The next time his eyes had opened, he was dead.
Or…maybe he wasn’t. Skrall wasn’t actually sure if this was part of his death, or if his body still clung to life somewhere and his soul had just been transported elsewhere. After all, had he truly died, his soul should have returned to the Aetherial Sea, as Hydaelyn promised him it would. He only knew three things;
One; He was invisible to all others. No matter how much he yelled, no one heard or saw his form. He was unable to pick things up, his hands phasing through objects as if they were merely illusions in the air. Much like Ardbert had been back on the First, he didn’t exist to anyone else.
Two; For some reason, his soul had been connected to a young girl that could be nothing save his own daughter.
Three; The girl had somehow traveled back in time to when Skrall had first begun his adventure back in Ul’dah, all those years ago, and Skrall had gone with her.
Now he sat (or perhaps floated?) upon her bed, one large hand gently attempting to stroke Lulu’s head while she slept, hoping she might at least feel a small bit of comfort from it.
Today had been hard for her…thank the gods Godbert had popped up in his Saint of Nymeia guise and helped her, because no matter how much Skrall screamed and told her that she wasn’t alone on Starlight, that he, her father , was here and so, so deeply sorry he failed to return home to meet her…! But luckily, a few words from “the Saint” himself and a bear mammet that was crafted to hug back whomever hugged it first had calmed her where Skrall couldn’t. He had to admit, the mammet was rather clever, although if anyone could make something like this on the fly, it would be the legendary goldsmith Godbert Manderville.
Skrall had been smitten with Lulu from the moment he realized who she was. He’d picked up on a few bits of evidence as she started off, but by the time she met the Scions and he saw her reaction to seeing Tataru, and thanks to the habit of talking to herself that most children shared, he had a pretty good grasp on her history now. While no one back home could apparently remember him, Tataru had remembered that she was married to “the Warrior of Light”, which meant that if Lulu were Tataru’s child, then he had to be her father. He’d thought for a long time that he couldn’t have a child, but clearly that last night before he and the others left to save the world he had provided the seed needed to bear fruit.
And now she was here in the past, following in his exact footsteps, living through everything he had. Skrall had no idea where the him from this time currently was, and it was obvious Lulu had taken up the role of “Warrior of Light” this time. The last thing he’d ever want his daughter to be forced to go through. Those horrors, those scars, that trauma, it was Skrall’s load to bear, not her’s. And at such a young age…!
“…You’re doing such a great job, Lulu…” he softly whispered to the sleeping girl, even though he knew she would never hear him. “You’re already so strong…I don’t know if you can use or even feel my aether I try to give you during battle, but I’m trying to help protect you as much as I can…like I should’ve been doing all along…”
“There are so many terrible things in the future…and I’ll try my best to keep you safe like this, but…really, I’m so proud of you…I love you.” Skrall leaned down and tried to press a soft kiss to the child’s forehead, wishing she could feel it.
Lulu’s face curled into a smile in her sleep.
…
“I’m surprised you’re going through all of this.” A hyur with quite rugged and handsome features, as he himself would at least describe, leaned against the counter in the Rising Stones, watching his lalafellian friend arrange a few colorful boxes underneath the Starlight tree the children had decorated earlier that night. “You’re usually the first to insist you aren’t her mother, after all.”
“Because I’m not, Thancred.” The lala responded, rolling her eyes. “I’m much too young to be her mother, for starters, and she knows I’m not. I just must look like her real mother.” She set another present beneath pine limbs before she was interrupted with a smug laugh.
“Yet here you are, playing Saint of Nymeia for her. Admit it, Tataru, you’re fond of her too.” Tataru wanted to smack the smirk right off Thancred’s face, but in the spirit of Starlight she held back.
“I just think,” Tataru huffed, “That seeing as her actual mother isn’t here, I have to step up and make sure she has a happy Starlight morning.” She glanced down the hallway to where the sleeping chambers were, where she knew Lulu would currently be snug in bed and hopefully dreaming cookie-filled dreams. “She may be one of the strongest people in Eorzea, but she’s still a child , Thancred…she deserves to get to be a child sometimes.”
With a small and wistful smile upon her face, Tataru walked over and placed the last present into a box to be wrapped; a lovely little ribbon for Lulu’s hair, similar to the one she currently wore most days. Tataru hoped she would love it. After wrapping it in more bright paper, she neatly wrote on a tag attached to the top:
“Happy Starlight, Lulu.”