Work Text:
Still Single On The Sea?
Pyha Molkoh
This past Astralday saw the annual Operation Archon Anniversary (OAA) celebrations hosted in Limsa Lominsa, for which Admiral Bloefhiswyn spared no detail nor expense. A magnificent gala was hosted in Limsa Lominsa’s Gallant Yard, and is only the third event to be held there. Eorzean city-state leaders and guests of honour were treated to a red-carpet entrance, with every member of the former Scions of the Seventh Dawn present, their numbers bookending the parade.
Eidin Merlwyn, the realm’s saviour numerous times over, was a fitting capstone to the procession, and followed closely after the freshly crowned dual Dawnservants of Tuliyollal, Wuk Lamat and Koana, who - like all of the stars’ leaders - our vaunted Warrior of Light is well acquainted. For some of those leaders and guests of honour, media sources such as us here at GLAMOURPLATE have often reported that their acquaintance is much more intimate than those of mere advisors and politicians.
It’s no secret that Merlwyn is what some would call a womanizer, a ladykiller, a serial bedwarmer, along with other colloquialisms, and is not often seen without some pretty, happy belle hanging off of her elbow. She has never been one for subtlety in her conquests, though she’s never brought a date to events such as the annual OAA, and is rarely seen leaving without one.
This event was no different. Merlwyn settled on her target early in the night, who turned out to be none other than the aforementioned Wuk Lamat, Tuliyollal’s new Vow of Resolve.
Immediately following the procession’s conclusion - during which Merlwyn had a difficult time keeping her eyes to herself - and the initial pleasantries the guests of honour and city-state leaders exchanged to one another, Merlwyn presented a flute of bubbly wine to Lamat and clinked them, with Merlwyn never seen more than five yalms from Tuliyollal’s Vow of Resolve at any given time during rest the pre-meal festivities. The pair cozied up to each other during dinner, only mildly disrupting the speeches with fits of giggles and whispering, much to the obvious chagrin of the Vow of Reason. After some pointed glares from said Vow, the pair eventually ceased their conversation and paid proper respect to the speakers.
With the propriety out of the way, Merlwyn wasted no time in seating herself near Lamat - who had secluded herself at a futon away from the crowd, where this issue’s cover image was captured. Shortly after, Merlwyn moved herself to the chair opposite the futon, where she made her first obvious move of the night. Merlwyn interlaced their fingers and placed a kiss on the back of the Vow of Resolve’s hand, who seemed delighted and even calmed by the affection.
We knew Merlwyn was a skilled and suave fisher, but this swift catch still impressed us!
The two shared some brief words, and soon Merlwyn was tugging Lamat to the dance floor, where the pair spent the better part of a bell, moving with - and against - each other. The pair took no care to how their large combined statures affected those dancing nearby, and were soon given a wide berth, which they did not notice.
Once the pair seemed all danced out, they retreated back to the lounge area at the edge of the dance floor, where the Vow of Resolve easily seated herself upon the Warrior of Light’s lap with minimal invitation from the latter, who wasted no time in attaching her face to the former’s jawline. With the party in full swing, and with full knowledge of Merlwyn’s tendencies, few eyes paid them any attention, though some looks definitely lingered.
There was a brief moment where Merlwyn excused herself to the lavatory, and a former Scion briefly conversed with Lamat, but she herself left to the lavatory soon after. Close to half a bell passed before they were seen again, exiting the venue and heading arm-in-arm to Merlwyn’s personal vessel, The Refulgence, looking slightly disheveled without so much as a parting word to their comrades. Whispers spread, suggesting some intimate activities occurred near the lavatories, and while we are unable to confirm them, it would be inaccurate to say that we do not agree with the assessment.
Many who are familiar with Merlwyn will read this and scoff at the analysis of her actions, as she is known for her proclivities stated previously. Though it is no secret that she and Lamat were acquainted during the latter’s bid for the throne of her home country, like most major political events Merlwyn and her allies find themselves involved in, the pair appeared to cease most contact once the Rite was complete. Firsthand accounts from individuals within their former organization, as well as those of political leaders from around the star can attest to this pattern. This may not have been the case in this instance, however.
A single overlooked detail has convinced this reporter that Merlwyn’s latest high-profile tryst is not actually a tryst at all: as befits the Dawnservants of Tuliyollal, Wuk Lamat and Koana arrived with solar motifs peppered on their wardrobes (analysis on Page 10), and our Warrior of Light also sported a matching sun around her neck, settling beneath her breasts.
Has Merlwyn finally placed her betting chips on a single nation, the pendant signifying her allegiance to Tuliyollal and the interests of the Dawnservants? Or is it a subtle signal to others of her heart’s attachment to the Vow of Resolve?
Given Merlwyn’s history, it seems a far-fetched theory to believe that her heart has finally found a home, and even more so that it would be with the freshly crowned Dawnservant, not to mention the conflict of interest such a partnership would entail in regards to the worldly affairs that the Warrior of Light oft finds herself at the center of.
Regardless, the pair appear to find immense joy in the others’ company, and whether this is just a summer fling, or if Lamat’s unfortunate propensity for seasickness will eventually come between her and the famed former pirate, only time will tell.