Memories Long Held

by Kiruvi

Summary:

The Warrior of Light has long been unwilling to open up to even her closest companions about the painful past she carries deep inside - however, will budding feelings on a new adventure be enough to finally open her heart? (yes, yes they will)

Notes:

This is a short story written to explore the backstory of my FF14 Warrior of Darkness (the title she prefers), Clove Chanterelle, as well as an excuse to get back into some long-neglected writing habits.
Please see tags for content warnings because there are some heavy themes at play.

 

Spoiler warnings - I've tried to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. That said, the story takes place immediately after the Ihuykatumu dungeon in Dawntrail, so there are some mention of zones and NPC names but no Dawntrail plot details discussed, and some plot elements through Endwalker are gestured at but not directly discussed.

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 1: Prelude

Renowned in her time as Warrior of Light and Darkness, a figure most central in the events of great nations, a Scion of the Seventh Dawn, and a hero upon multiple stars, Clove Chanterelle remaineth yet a mystery even unto her closest comrades.
Whilst by turns a witty smart-ass, a brazen and foul-mouthed flirt, and a font of thoughtful wisdom, she is frequently taciturn, and keepeth private to a fault. Not even those Scions to whom she is most dear knoweth aught of her life before destiny layeth their paths together.

Though fiercely protective of the young Leveilleur twins Alphinaud and Alisaie, even Alisaie’s prayer for tales of her mentor’s past was rewarded with a warm embrace and a gentle "That's a story for another time," before a challenge was levied to test the growth of her acumen in the arts of a Red Mage. 

Yet stories, like lost treasures, are loath to be kept hidden for too long, and soon or late needs must be shared.
–Urianger Augurelt, Chronicles of the Seventh Dawn