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Skadi entered the Rising Stones with the rest of the Scions and Estinien. She was in that curious state between elation and exhaustion. Their victory at Paglth’an over Lunar Bahamut must have put a dent in the Telophoroi’s plans. And… it had been utterly amazing to have Estinien fight alongside them. Skadi allowed herself a small smile. “To see him leap from Tiamat’s back,” she thought to herself. “He was glorious. That is what a dragoon should be.” The draconic Presence in her mind agreed with her sentiment. “The first dragoons fought alongside dragons, and it’s good to see Estinien continuing that tradition. He has come so far – from slaying dragons to fighting alongside them.”
And yet, despite their victory, there was sorrow. After the battle was won, the Scions had learned that one of their own, Arenvald, had been mortally wounded during the investigation of the nearby Telophoroi tower. Alphinaud seemed to blame himself for their comrade’s injury and was taking it particularly hard. Skadi and Estinien shared a glance, both of them concerned for the young elezen. As the Scions caught sight of Krile coming to greet them, the two of them stood on either side of Alphinaud to silently offer their support.
Skadi only half listened to Krile as the lalafell informed the party of her intention to go to Sharlayan. She placed a hand on Alphinaud’s shoulder, saying softly, “Arenvald will be alright. He’s a fighter. Please, don’t blame yourself. Like all of us, he knew full well what he was getting into.” Alphinaud let out a sigh, apparently not convinced. Skadi frowned and turned her attention back to Krile.
“Resolved though I am to go, believe me when I say that I take no pleasure in the thought of leaving you a member short,” she was saying. “Especially not now of all times.” Krile looked up at significantly taller dragoon. “Estinien- we stand on the eve of a struggle that will decide the fate of this star. One in which the Scions may play a telling part. Yet we are few in number. And so, I must ask again. Will you join us?”
Estinien looked over at Alphinaud, who looked up at the older elezen with hope in his eyes. The dragoon’s brow furrowed, and he caught Skadi’s eye. Skadi met her lover’s gaze, and she saw determination and purpose in his slate blue eyes. She smiled at him, giving an almost imperceptible nod. Estinien’s lips twitched in a brief smile and Skadi tried to push back her excitement. “Gods, will he finally give in to the inevitable?” she thought.
The dragoon turned his attention back to Alphinaud, and Skadi could tell he was gathering his thoughts, searching for the right words so as not to give anyone the wrong impression. “You see the world the way you want it to be,” Estinien said slowly, addressing Alphinaud. “I see the world the way it is. You are idealistic to a fault.” Alphinaud looked down. Estinien met the eyes of each of the Scions in turn: Tataru, Thancred, Y’shtola, Alisae, Marik, and Urianger, ending with Skadi. He lingered on her face for a moment before continuing. “But I know you would never turn your back on those in need. Never close your eyes to their suffering. And somehow, your deeds lend truth to your words, giving the lie to my doubts in so doing.” He gave a half smile. “I have seen others draw strength from your belief. In Ishgard, in Ala Mhigo. You inspired them to stand up and fight. To win no less. And even when you lost those you held dear, you carried their spirit with you and made their memory your guiding light.” He paused for breath, and Skadi knew he was remembering Ysayle and her sacrifice. The au ra closed her eyes and bowed her head, remembering Moenbryda and Haurchefant and how she used their belief in her to spur her on to perform heroic deeds and not give into despair.
Estinien continued, “The burden of so many hopes and dreams would be too heavy for most to bear.” He smiled at Alphinaud, reaching out to place a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “But you bear it willingly.” Estinien’s gaze met Skadi’s and he seemed to be speaking directly to her. “As you have shown me, some dreams are too important to let go.” Skadi felt herself begin to smile. Estinien looked back at the gathered Scions. “If you have need of my strength, it’s yours. After all you’ve done, how could I refuse?”
Skadi felt as if her heart would burst with happiness. Finally, Estinien had made the decision. She would have him at her side, be able to have his support during all the battles to come. The dragoon smiled at her and she was thrilled to see a sense of purpose in him, something she hadn’t seen since they set off to Dravania what seemed like a lifetime ago on their mission to stop the Horde’s attack on Ishgard. Marik caught her eye, smiling at her and mouthing “congratulations” before giving her a wink. Skadi took a breath to stop herself from smiling like an idiot. Y’shtola looked between Skadi and Estinien, raising a brow before murmuring something to Alisae. The elezen girl looked at Skadi, frowning slightly and shaking her head. Skadi grinned at her friend; she’d explain later.
Alphinaud smiled up at Estinien, “Thank you Estinien,” he said, his voice shaky with emotion, yet full of resolve. “Whatever challenges await us, I shall not falter. You have my word.”
Estinien smiled at Alphinaud and put a hand on his young friend’s shoulder, saying softly, “I never believed you would, my friend.”
Krile smiled, relieved. “And now I may bid you farewell, safe in the knowledge that all is as it should be – in this corner of the world at least.” With a wave, she turned, walking towards the exit of the Rising Stones.
As Krile exited, Thancred stretched with a groan. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I think a bath and a nap sound wonderful,” he said.
Y’shtola glanced at Thancred, wrinkling her nose. “I must agree, you could use a bath,” she drawled, eyes dancing with mirth. Thancred shrugged, grinning. The mi’qote looked at the rest of the Scions. “We should all take this opportunity to rest. After all, there will likely be a new crisis tomorrow.” She strode out, Thancred and Urianger on her heels.
Alisae gave Skadi a meaningful glance. The au ra strolled over to her friend, who was standing by Marik. The burly roegadyn had taken a seat at a nearby table. Alisae glanced over at Estinien, who was speaking with her brother. She turned to Skadi, hands on her hips, “Really Skadi, that oaf?” she said almost accusingly. “How long have the two of you been together?”
Skadi leaned against the table, arms crossed over her chest, smirking. Estinien had gotten on Alisae’s bad side when he mistook her for her twin. Skadi didn’t blame Alisae for her dislike of the dragoon, and it amused her that Estinien had to walk softly around the elezen girl. “Poor Estinien,” Skadi thought with amusement. “I’m beginning to see a pattern – such a tall, strapping man, and he is in fear of women who are significantly shorter than him. Well, Alisae and I do tend to overcompensate for our short stature by being tiny balls of fury. Still not sure why he’s so intimidated by Tataru and Krile though…” She grinned at Alisae. “Estinien and I have been together since Ghimlyt,” she answered.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” her friend exclaimed.
Skadi shrugged. “Well, at the time, you were unconscious, and then we all got involved in stopping Sin Eaters on the First,” she answered. “My romantic liaisons just never seemed important at that time.” She smirked. “And he’s not that bad. Sure, he’s blunt and can be a bit abrasive, but so can I. Estinien has a good heart, and he’s a damned good fighter. The man can keep up with me, which is more than I can say for a lot of my prospective suitors.”
Alisae sighed and glared daggers at Estinien’s back. “Fine. Just make sure he knows that if he breaks your heart, he will have to answer to me,” she growled.
Marik snickered. “I think if he breaks Skadi’s heart, she’ll break him,” he said.
Skadi rolled her eyes at both of them. “Don’t worry, Alisae,” she said, voice dry. “I think Estinien knows better than to anger you.”
“Hmph.” Alisae saw Alphinaud take his leave of Estinien and she went to catch up with her twin.
Marik smiled at Skadi. “You must be overjoyed,” he said.
Skadi sat down at the table next to him. “A little,” she said, trying to be nonchalant.
“I’m impressed you were able to talk him around,” Marik said. “Estinien’s at least as stubborn as you.”
Skadi raised a brow. “You think it was talking that convinced him?” she teased, grinning wickedly. Marik blushed. Skadi giggled. “In all seriousness, I did suggest that I would be very glad if he became a Scion but… Estinien is like a cat. If you try to get him to do something, he won’t. You have to let him approach new things on his own and come to his own conclusions.”
Marik laughed at Skadi’s comparison. “By the Twelve, he is like a cat!” He looked up, turning his laugh into a cough, as Estinien approached the table. “Is Alphinaud alright?” he asked the dragoon.
Estinien shrugged. “He will be,” he answered Marik. “The boy is far tougher than he looks.” The dragoon smiled at Skadi. “I will see you later?”
Skadi nodded, grinning. “Yes, you will.” Estinien gave Marik a courteous nod before heading towards the room he had taken at the Rising Stones.
Marik looked at Skadi. “You are head over heels for each other,” he said with a grin. “And neither of you are subtle. Everyone else will figure out the two of you are together soon enough.”
Skadi shrugged. “So be it. My relationship with Estinien will not keep me from carrying out my duties as a Scion or the Warrior of Light.”
Marik nodded. “Well, I’m happy for you.” He grinned. “Go on, I know you want to follow him. And I have a book I haven’t gotten a chance to finish yet…”
She chuckled. “Actually, I’m more of Thancred’s mind. I could use a bath.” She waved farewell and headed to her own quarters. After cleaning herself up and dressing in casual clothing, she went in search of Estinien. He wasn’t in the common area, or his room. She asked around and was told he’d headed outside. Skadi shrugged and went outside the Rising Stones. She stood at the entrance, hands on her hips as she surveyed Mor Dhona. “Where could he be?” she thought to herself. A bird chirped and took off, flying towards the roof of the Rising Stones. Skadi glanced up and saw a flash of white hair on the roof. “Dragoons,” she murmured with a smile. “Always have to perch up high.” She tensed, gathering her strength and leapt upwards, executing a dragoon leap of her own. She landed, but her left foot hit a loose patch of rock. Her tail lashed as she flailed, trying to regain her balance.
“Looks like someone is out of practice,” Estinien drawled as he casually reached out a hand, pulling her towards him.
Skadi scoffed. “More like I’m tired and you had to choose a perch that was hard to get to,” she snapped, a bit unnerved by her own clumsiness.
The dragoon wisely chose not to respond. He simply sat down, making space for her to sit next to him. “You know I prefer solitude, with a few exceptions,” he said mildly, wrapping an arm around Skadi as she sat next to him.
She took in his casual clothing and the small bundle containing what looked like lunch or dinner and a book. “Looks like you are planning on hiding up here for a bit,” she teased. “You sure you want company?”
Estinien smiled at her. “I always welcome your company, milady,” he said, kissing her.
She smiled, holding his hand. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying the other’s company, before Skadi said softly, “You made me very happy today.”
“Oh?” he threaded his hand through her hair, causing her to sigh happily.
“Accepting Krile’s offer and joining the Scions,” she continued, shifting to look at his face. “It’s nice, knowing I will have you at my back more frequently now. And hopefully I won’t have to track you across Eorzea to spend time with you.”
He chuckled. “It felt right,” he said softly. “I have been at a loss since the end of the Dragonsong War. All those years spent hunting Nidhogg, and then, no purpose. As you know, I drifted for a time. Hraesvelgr found me in Sor Khai and gifted me this armor, reminding me that my lance was still needed. I learned of the recovery of the Eyes and made destroying them once and for all my mission.” He smiled at Skadi. “And once that was done, again I drifted. When you returned from the First, I was able to join you and Alphinaud on another adventure. I realized then as we freed Tiamat and helped her get revenge upon the Ascian forces for what they did to her brood that I truly was meant to serve both man and dragon.” He turned his gaze to the horizon. “And what better way to do that than to join the Scions, who work for the good of all who dwell on this Star? Every word I said in the Rising Stones came from my heart. The Scions, especially you and Alphinaud, opened my eyes to a new purpose.” He kissed her tenderly.
Skadi smiled, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come,” she said softly. “And I’m glad you are with me.” She kissed him again, shifting so she had her back against the stone outcropping they were near.
“Always,” Estinien whispered. He leaned against her, resting his head on her shoulder. She smiled, running a hand through his silky hair, causing him to close his eyes, almost purring in contentment. She bit back a giggle, kissing his forehead.
Skadi sighed contentedly. “Yes,” she thought with a smile as she stroked her lover’s hair, seeing him begin to doze off as she held him. “All is right in this little corner of the world.”