Chapter Text
The docks of Limsa Lominsa were usually crowded, with ships coming and going. But it was especially crowded today, with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn and their comrades gathered, awaiting for the ship that would take the Scions to Old Sharlayan; chatting away with each other about the city of scholars.
Shadowfeare Noire stood by himself nervously to the side, clutching his bag in his white knuckled fists against his chest. There was still so much to process; with everything that had happened in the past several weeks, the threat of the Final Days hanging on the air, the nerves of going to Old Sharlayan for the first time, and getting used to his own new transformation after drinking a potion called a Fantasia.
The Scions had been shocked when he entered the Rising Stones that morning, no longer a Seeker of the Sun Miqo’te; but a Veena Viera. But, to his amazement, after the shock died down; they all said that they rather liked this new look.
I guess what Raha said last night was true. I may have a new body, but I’m still Shadowfeare, the Warrior of Light.
“You ready?” A voice spoke beside him, making him look down to see G’raha Tia smiling up at him with ruby eyes bright with excitement. “You’ve been standing there all spaced out, looking like you’ve never been in Limsa before.” Alisaie Leveilleur said with an amused smirk, as the rest of the Scions walked over to grin at him. “This will be yours and Ser Estinien’s first time visiting Old Sharlayan, so this should be quite an interesting trip.” Y’shtola said, her eyes held a little glint in them.
“I can’t wait to show you everything!” G’raha said excitedly, his tail swaying about as he grinned up at his lover. It made Shadowfeare smile back despite his nerves. Old Sharlayan was where the Scions and Raha used to live, their home, I wonder how that must feel? The feeling of returning home after a long journey? A small pang of sadness rippled through him for a faint moment.
The sadness that he may never truly understand that feeling. There was nowhere he could return to; he was quite positive that both the rickety old shack where he lived with his father, as well as the hut he spent most of his childhood with Issac, were no longer standing.
Not that Shadowfeare would even try to seek out his biological parents.
“Does everyone have their things? We don’t want anything left behind that you’d forget!” Tataru was shouting, urging Shadowfeare out of his thoughts. “Shadow? Are you alright?” G’raha asked quietly, recognizing the expression that had fallen over the Viera’s face. The blonde nodded and smiled, “yeah, I’m alright. So you’ll give me the grand tour of your home, right Raha?” Shadowfeare was relieved that the subject change succeeded, as G’raha grinned again and nodded, launching into all the spots he wanted to show him.
Shadowfeare smiled at how ecstatic G’raha was. It makes sense though…since this is the first time he’s going home for the first time in…well for him 300 years. He thought, his chest feeling warm. He most certainly deserves it. And I’m glad I could be here with him.
“There’s the ship!” Thancred called out, getting everyone’s attention. Tataru wrung her hands a little, her eyes filled with worry. “Please have a safe journey, and come home!” She said in a shaky voice. Shadowfeare immediately walked over to her, feeling worried. “Tataru? Is something the matter?” The Viera asked, knowing full well the look on the Lalafell’s face. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m alright. I just feel a bit uneasy I suppose. I’m always left behind, waiting and worrying about you all, and with the Final Days…well…I just want you all to be safe and sound, and to come home in one piece when it’s over.” She said quietly. Shadowfeare smiled and knelt down in front of Tataru, leaned forward, and wrapped his arms around her in a hug.
“I promise, I’ll keep everyone safe. You have my word, Tataru.” He promised sincerely, as the Lalafell hugged him back, sniffling a little. “I have faith that you will, Shadow.” She said, letting him go and taking a few steps back, wiping her eyes, and giving him a smile. “I’ll be waiting ever so eagerly for your return! As well as your letters! Now, get going before you end up missing the ship. And please, please be careful.” She said, her spunkiness returning.
Shadowfeare grinned and got to his feet, hurrying over to where the rest of the Scions were boarding the ship. G’raha held out his hand for the Viera to take and they boarded the ship. They looked out at the docks, the rest of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn staying behind all waved, shouting good wishes and farewells.
“We’re finally on our way!” G’raha said excitedly, lowering his arm and turning to wrap his arms around the Viera’s waist, his head resting against the blonde’ s chest. Shadowfeare nodded, wrapping his arms around the redheaded Seeker, and turned his head to look in the direction the ship was moving. “Yes, we’re on our way.” He echoed softly.
A new journey had begun to unfold, a journey that, unbeknownst to any of them, would define the very fate of everything.
The past. The present. And the future.