Work Text:
Between her index finger and thumb was an envelope. A long overdue reply that was owed. However, there was an issue. Nyx knew naught where to send the letter. She also didn’t want to run the risk of sending it to his old address and somehow never reaching him, Cyr Blyme.
He was an old long-distance friend, though she never actually met him in person. Both his and her parents were friends which prompted the letter exchanges in the first place. He was her first friend, the one she would share everything with as he’d do the same.
There were 87 letters in total, they were more frequently exchanged when Cyr and Nyx first started writing to each other. However, as time passed, there would be fewer and fewer letters.
Nyx didn’t take it personally, the last she heard from him he was studying vigorously. Nyx happened to become rather occupied with preparing for her new adventurous lifestyle.
The half-Elezen, half-Hyur woman continued to stare at the envelope. Hoping it would fly on its own and find its way into Cyr’s hands.
It had been years since they last wrote to each other and Nyx felt a pang of guilt for not getting back to him. So, to make up for it, she would deliver the letter to him in person. The 88th letter.
The problem was locating him. She didn’t have a picture of him or know what he looked like. All she had was his name.
With a heavy sigh, Nyx’s shoulders drooped as she shoved the letter back into the pocket of her coat. There she decided to make her rounds in the Jeweled Cozier asking those who didn’t seem occupied if they knew Cyr Blyme.
Of course, everyone’s answer was some variation of no. She’d be lucky if anyone simply thought the name sounded familiar.
Just as she was about to give up her search in this area and move on to the next suddenly an eccentric miqo’te was caught in her vision. One she knew all too well.
Nashu Mhakaracca would make eye contact with Nyx, her eyes widening as her face practically began to brighten.
“Well, I’ll be! Nyx Tinuviel, in the flesh! A pleasure to see you again!” The Miqo’te spoke.
Nyx gave a questionable look, noticing the lack of a certain investigator. Which made her anticipate what she was going to ask next. There she would part her lips to say something, but of course, she was unable to say things due to the other woman cutting her off.
“Wait—is this what they call a serendipity? It is, isn’t it? That settles it—you’ve got to help me find the inspector!” Nashu spoke.
The brunette woman was a bit taken aback by her words. “I’d love to—”
“Cor, I was hoping you would agree!” Nashu interrupted again with a nod of her head. “So, I’ve been trying to calculate the trajectory the inspector took when he was catapulted into the sky again. I’ve triple-checked my figure, and concluded he must have landed somewhere here in Ishgard!”
Soon a sad expression formed as she crossed her arms, “Unfortunately, the investigation hasn’t been proceeding as smoothly as I had hoped…but now that you’re here, we’re sure to make some progress! Come, let’s speak with the merchants and see if anyone hasn’t had dealings with a gentlemanly Highlander!”
Soon Nashu strutted off down the Jeweled Crozier.
Nyx let out a sigh as she shook her head, following the Miqo’te. Looking down at her letter with a frown.
“I’ve waited this long, what’s a little longer?” She murmured to herself.
***
After making her inquiries around Ishgard, once again, they managed to find a lead for their inspector. Which led the pair over to the Fortemps manor.
Approaching the home, Nyx and Nashu would stop in front of the knight that stood outside. He did not hesitate to greet the Warrior of Light. “Well met, Mistress Tinuviel. Do you require assistance?”
Nyx nodded her head, “I was informed Lord Edmont was with a guest. One who is a Highlander.”
The knight nodded his head, “You have the right of it. The Lord is entertaining a guest of that stature.”
Nashu did not hesitate to chime in excitedly. “Huzzah! We’ve found the inspector!”
“If I’m not mistaken, their meeting shall be ending shortly. If you wish, you may retire to the gazebo and wait for our guest to depart.” The knight spoke.
With that, the women nodded their heads and approached the architect that resided next to the manor. As they walked, Nashu would speak excitedly about reuniting with their dear inspector friend.
Nyx had hoped this person who matched Hildibrand’s description was him. The sooner they can find him, the sooner the half-Hyur woman can continue to search for her person.
A heavy sigh escaped, pondering how she even allowed herself to get roped into Inspector Hildibrand’s antics once more—perhaps if she wasn’t looking for Cyr. She’d be more interested in finding their friend.
That thought then made Nyx feel bad. She did consider Hildibrand and Nashu her friends, why wouldn’t she be more than happy to help search for the Highlander?
The sound of a door opening interrupted her thoughts. Along with the sound of Nashu springing up on her feet. “That must be Inspector Hildibrand!”
Nashu ran back to the main entrance of the Fortemps manor. Nyx walked behind her to their destination, praying that this was their man.
“There you are, Inspector! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Nyx heard Nashu speak up ahead.
Hearing those words made Nyx perk up, a smile forming that Hildibrand was found…alas, seeing the taller and older man turn around. It is revealed to be Godbert, Hildibrand’s father.
Unwillingly, an annoyed huff escaped as Nyx’s shoulders dropped.
Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.
“I say, who do I see before me? Not one, but two of my beloved son’s faithful companions!” Godbert spoke cheerfully.
Nashu also seemed rather disappointed but for other reasons. “Lord Godbert!? But…but I thought…”
Godbert took notice of the obvious disappointment from both Nyx and Nashu, giving a questioning look at the two women.
Nyx then spoke up. “We’re looking for Investigator Hildibrand, Nashu said he must have landed somewhere in Ishgard.”
The Highlander man thought for a moment, this information was news to him. “Hildy? In Ishgard? This is the first I’ve heard of it…”
Soon an unknown voice yelled amongst the group. “Aha! I’ve found you at last, heretic!”
Everyone present had turned over to the young man shouting. Puzzled by this accusation he was throwing around.
Great, another nuisance.
The blond Midlander continued to speak, specifically towards Godbert. “Yes, you! The hulking brute with a mad gleam in his eye! You’re brazen—“
At this point, Nyx zoned out. Completely uninterested in what was happening in front of her. All the voices became muffled, hearing the tone change as the conversation bounced between Godbert, Count Edmont, and the annoying stranger.
Maybe if she was able to sneak away now, nobody would notice?
However, before she got more engrossed in her thoughts or decided to sneak away. Something the blond man said brought her back. “A thousand apologies, good sir. I spoke out of turn. I am Cyr and, as you may have guessed, I am an inquisitor who has been charged with investigating reports of a rather suspicious, possibly heretical individual…”
No way, that’s her nuisance!
If her jaw was able to dislocate and drop to the floor, it would have. Her eyes also widen at this discovery. Nyx was still completely stunned, rather than finding him, he unknowingly found her….well, assuming this was him. Was Cyr a common name?
Perhaps not considering nobody found the name familiar during her first search.
However, she continued to listen as he spoke. His speech did match Cyr’s writing, not to mention he did say he was an inquisitor. Which was something Cyr mentioned in his letters.
So, maybe it really was him.
Nyx found herself unable to say or do anything. All she could do was watch as he had a back-and-forth conversation with the others. Still attempting to wrap her head around the situation she found herself in.
Eventually, the sound of her heart pounding became louder than the conversation. She was unable to take her eyes off of Cyr.
Nyx watches Cyr turn his head towards her, making eye contact while flashing her a smile. “It would seem that our investigations may be connected. So, I put to you a proposal: The first reported sighting of the heretic I’m tracking came from Falcon’s Nest. Mayhap we should journey there together?”
“It is, after all, possible that we are seeking the selfsame individual. If so—and if he is innocent—it would be for the best if you were present when I apprehend him, that we might resolve this matter without incident.” Cyr added, keeping his eyes on Nyx.
Nashu turned to the half-Hyur. “I say we go with him, Nyx! This looks to be our best lead yet!”
After the Miqo’te finished speaking, Nyx looked back at Cyr and gave him a silent nod. Still unable to find the words to speak.
“Then it is settled. We shall leave for Falcon’s Nest at once.” Cyr spoke.
Eventually, one by one they began walking away. Heading towards Falcon’s Nest, but Nyx stood behind for a moment. Still trying to register everything that’s happened so far. Her eyes darted down towards the ground as a shocked expression remained on her face.
“Wow…” Nyx murmured as she scratched the back of her head. Finally looking back up and catching up with the others.
***
Shortly after arriving at Falcon’s Nest, they were immediately sent to Dusk Vigil l, thanks to the information given by Redwald. Who seemed rather unconcerned about this supposed heretic. He wouldn’t be in the wrong, especially if this was Hildibrand. He may have been incredibly stupid at times, but deep down he had a heart of gold and would not cause harm…intentionally.
The group then arrived at their new destination. Standing outside the frozen-over abandoned fortress, looking for any signs of the Investigator.
Nashu would be the one to break the silence of their search. “Over there, look! Someone’s coming from the Vigil!”
“Inspector! Inspector, is that you?!” She continued to shout, dashing off in the direction the figure was in.
Everyone then chased after her. Then halting in front of the disheveled Highlander, of course, it was not the one they were looking for. Rather it was the zombie Nashu and Nyx met when they first searched for Hildibrand back in Ul’dah.
“As I live and breathe! Of all the places to be reunited with Master Zombibrand’s compatriots! How are you all faring this fine morning?” The gentlemanly zombie questioned.
Before anyone could reply, Cyr would screech at the sight of the Highlander in front of them. “Hark! A heretic raised from the dead by his brothers’ unholy magicks!”
Hearing his words, Nyx let out an amused exhalation. Attempting to hold back laughter from his reaction.
Nashu was also amused by his response, letting out a laugh. “He’s not a heretic—he’s one of the Gentle Dead Men!”
As the Miqo’te woman turned to the undead gentleman. Continuing with her conversation with him, attempting to inquire about Investigator Hildibrand.
However, Nyx continued to look at Cyr with an amused expression. He took notice, “How are you all unaffected by this?”
“Well…” Nyx glanced off momentarily, scratching her cheek a bit awkwardly. “Spend enough time with Hildibrand, you’d be shocked how accustomed you’ll become to everything.”
Nyx wasn’t lying, but also being the Warrior of Light and seeing the things she had. Silly events as such really aren’t bothersome. If anything, sometimes it is a breath of fresh air. When it doesn’t annoy her, of course.
Cyr looked appalled by her answer. “So, you’re just used to it?!”
A laugh escaped at his answer and she looked back at Cyr. “Pretty much.”
Nyx turned her head upon hearing the footsteps caused by Nashu, Godbert, and the undead gentleman. Since it was just her and Cyr, she attempted to confront them. “Hey, so…”
Looking back at the blond Midlander, she paused what she was saying as she saw his face in that book of his.
“‘One must remain vigilant for heresy, for it can manifest in myriad ways. ‘Tis a vile, insidious sickness which much needs be burned out ere the infection takes hold.’” Cyr murmured as he read from his book.
“…Surely zombification would qualify, yes?” He added as he turned to face Nyx.
Nyx shrugged her shoulders at his question. Not quite since this was not her expertise. “Not a clue, but—"
Before she could say more, Cyr took notice of the others and began walking ahead. Cutting her off. “Confound it, they’ve left us behind!”
“We must chase after them! With me, Nyx!” With that, he rushed over to catch up with the group.
Nyx looked completely dumbfounded as he ran off. She had a really bad feeling this wouldn’t be the first time she got cut off.
***
Nyx would be correct. Multiple times the half-Hyur tried to bring up the letters and every single time, something always happens.
When they had a brief moment alone, Nyx would try to take the moment to discuss what she wanted, but Cyr’s ambitions of catching Hildibrand in a heretic act, Hildibrand being…Hildibrand or the bothersome villains always manage to cut her mid-sentence. Which was the annoying part of it all.
She had enough.
Thankfully, their time with the Inspector finally came to an end. Hildibrand got launched into the sky once more, thanks to his mother Julyan. Nashu then chased after him—which she had no doubt she’d run into the duo again.
The thought made her smile. Despite the frustration of things not going her way, though when did it around the Inspector, at least it was fun. Especially since she was able to do it with her childhood friend out of all people.
Nyx sat in Idyllshire, in front of Hildibrand and Nashu’s new home—or as they like to call it, their “gazebo”. Waiting for Cyr to come back out.
She started to grow anxious, now was the perfect opportunity to finally give him the letter. However, she started to second-guess herself. Wondering if maybe she should just leave the note after she left Idyllshire.
Nyx could always come back since this is where Cyr said he’d be living from now on, or at least since the Inspector returned.
Hearing the door open behind her, Nyx stood up. Turning her body to face Cyr and stomped over to him. His calm expression turned into a confused one once as he watched the half-Hyur aggressively approach him.
“You’re going to shut up for a minute and listen to me,” Nyx commanded as she got up into the taller man’s face.
Cyr’s eyes widened as he remained silent, bobbing his head up and down multiple times in response.
Even Nyx was surprised she was acting in such an odd manner.
Nyx inhaled heavily, as she slammed the letter into Cyr’s chest. Perhaps a bit too roughly as he lost his balance for a moment. “I’ve been trying to tell you something ever since we ran into each other in Ishgard, but something always came up that prevented it—so, now that it’s just the two of us and hopefully there won’t be any more interruptions.”
“I…” She struggled to get out, not quite sure how to say it. All this time she had to come up with something to say, she didn’t really think about it.
By this time, Cyr had opened the envelope. A smile formed, accompanied by a laugh. “I had begun to wonder when you were going to say something.”
Nyx tilted her head, now her turn being the confused one. “Excuse me?”
“Admittedly, it took me a while to remember. I didn’t think too much of your name, but when the others referred to you as Tinuviel. Then it clicked.” Cyr explained.
Nyx looked dumbfounded before she shouted. “You knew and you didn’t think to say anything?”
Cyr glanced away timidly, his hand rubbing against the nape of his neck. “I mean, look at you, you’re this hero. I have no idea what you’ve been through from our last letter till now. If anything, I assumed you might have forgotten me.”
The half-Hyur’s expression softened upon hearing his explanation, a scoff escaping her lips. “You’re kidding me? How could I?”
Nyx paused for a moment as a smile grew on her face. “You know, the moment I knew I was coming to Ishgard. I wanted to come looking for you.”
Cyr looked back at her, eyes widening once more as he resumed to beam at her. “Well, it looks like you found me.”