Breathless, aching, as if the weight of the world had fallen upon the young girls shoulders. It stung deep in the lungs as if she were drowning on land. The air was charged in more ways than one as bombs rained down in the near distance. One could have mistaken her for a young man had they not looked closer, but of course that was the intended effect. She had dawned a loose fitting shirt, trousers, and a newsboy's cap that held her hair tucked within. Her face was dirtied, covered in soot and minor burns. She'd race along the streets of the village as a high-pitched whistling grew ever closer overhead. The woman keeping pace as yet another bomb dropped nearby, destroying the buildings and surroundings close by. It hit the bakery, Ah... of course. It hit what used to be the bakery. It was nothing but bricks and fire now, and even the scent of the bread within had turned sickening.The air grew more dense the further she traveled into the village. It was the midsts of the Storm Surge. A war between kingdoms threatening to sunder the very lands they fought over, yet she had to press on- she must. For within her arms she carried the key that could turn the tides of war, or so she believed. Shouting arose from the smoke and charged atmosphere around her. She could barely hear it through the ringing in her ears but her focus kept her vaguely in the 'here and now'. Tatiana ducked into an alleyway, pressing herself up against the wall of a building as she held her breath. Her body was trembling and tears threatened to spill over her eyes but she had to remain quiet. There was no telling what would become of her if she were caught. She'd turn her attention down to the ground beside her as she noted a curious looking stone; Electrope. The very same mineral that the kingdoms were fighting over had been used in most of the village's buildings and inventions. The shouting of Lindblum soldiers grew louder, and louder. And with it so too did her breathing quicken. Tatiana would clutch the object in her arms tighter as she moved a leg outwards to stomp on the electrope, causing it's arcanima to crackle and come to life, putting upwards the illusion of a wall over the opening of the alleyway. She'd press her back against the building once more as she stood absolutely still, her lips pressed together so tightly that she held her breath as the Lindblum soldiers marched past her.Despite the heat from the ongoing battle, she felt nothing but a cold chill over her body. Her mind was racing and the moment the soldiers came and went from her view felt like an eternity. She would have stayed there for eternity too, if she could. Safe and hidden in her little corner of the warzone, but in a gasping breath she'd come back to the crashing reality, as if something-- or someone, had grabbed her hand and dragged her along. She'd leap from her spot on the wall and rush through the illusion, making her way back to the stronghold in which her and many others worked and sought refuge. Once she was safe within the confines of those stone walls, she'd collapse to her knees. The object she held so close now clattered on the floor below her as her hands sought to explore the floorboards. She was here. She was alive. The woman's adernaline was finally beginning to wear off and she could feel the full effects of the rush of war dawning on her.Taking the cap off her head, her hair would fall to length at her center back. How could something so delicate looking be so ingrained in war? She'd press her lips together once more as if centering herself, catching the breath that escaped her. It had become a bad habit of hers to do so as of late, often leaving her lips numb but that in itself gave her reason to stay grounded. She'd look to the wrapped parcel on the floor beside her, reaching out to take it in hand once more as she carefully unraveled it. The soft glow of a pendant illuminated her ash-covered face and tired emerald eyes. She'd set it aside to open the grimoire within, turning to the first page. It was no ordinary grimoire, rather one she had acquired through unsavory means; one of hands touching gods and why we should learn to not kneel to them. But rather consume them in whole. And thus, she would begin her studies as the bombs rained on and shook the foundation of her new 'home'.

"I hate balls...." The words came mumbled, disappointed. It was clear to see upon the girl's scowling face. Though despite her unapproachable expression, she was dressed to the teeth in a beautiful party dress. Arms crossed in a pout as she stood off in the corner of the room. The swell of music overtaking the crowd as the older guests took to dancing and laughing their hearts away.Tatiana was no more than eleven years of age. Her father stood at a table nearby discussing what seemed to be success over a new application of Electrope. She'd wander over to get his attention, spying all the strange drinks that lined the table. She easily shuffled through the group as she poked her head over the edge of the table to spy a treat; Strawberry custard wafers. Her favorite! She'd go to reach for the delight until her father spoke up. "Tatiana, not now. You mustn't interrupt a conversation by sneaking under tables." He'd scold her as it appeared she came to do what all children do, cause havoc.Tatiana gave a huff as she pouted deeper. "But Papa.. I was just-""No, you must wait. Go and find something to do, this is a dance. Enjoy yourself." He'd motion for her to move along and with a defeated grumble the girl would do as instructed. Everything was changing as of late. She couldn't quite understand it and it left her feeling more and more annoyed. Even father seemed to care less and less as days went on. She'd return to sulking in her corner, arms crossed in a tight display that said 'don't you dare touch me!'. Fierce, if it hadn't been dawned by the world's shortest little girl. A curtain rustled beside her, followed by a hissing whisper."Psst!"Tatiana blinked and gave a half curious gaze to the curtain. From behind it a familiar face would poke through, grinning ear to ear."Owen!" Tatiana beamed upon seeing the young boy. He'd laugh in kind before running back from behind the curtain and taking hold of her hand, dragging her along the border of the ballroom and out to the balcony, dodging the adults as they did. Owen seemed to be dressed in a lower ranking suit, modest yet not as adorned in ribbons or soft fabrics like Tatiana's attire. A separation of class that neither would recognize. Tatiana huffed as she looked out over the balcony, picking at the railing."It's not fair! Why do we get dragged to these stupid things.""I think they just don't trust us at home. They think we'll put mud in their stockings." Owen spoke as he shoveled a wafer of his own into his mouth. Tatiana rolled her eyes as she looked back to him."Because you would put mud in their stockings. You did.""Only the one time!" Owen threw his arms up in defense. As if it were his greatest work yet. "It's not so bad. Reminds me a bit o' home. What with all the dancing going on.""Well I'll never dance!" Tatiana turned to Owen as she watched the boy stand up on the railing and balance himself."Never say never. I could teach you one day, if you teach me a thing or two as well. Like how you get those fancy curls." He'd grin as he teased her, causing her nose to crinkle."They aren't fancy! My mother does them. If you're so set on curls like mine, might you ask your own mum!" She'd stick her tongue out in retaliation, though Owen shuffled a bit uncomfortably, speaking quietter."Ma doesn't quite like the idea of me wearing curls like that. And Pa would wring my neck if he found out. I want to join the Court of Roses some day.""The all girl knights?" Tatiana scrunched her nose as she looked over Owen. How could he join them? He was just a boy!"Yeah!" Owen perked up at the mention of the army. Throwing a few punches in the air and mocking a swordfight. "I'd love to be a proper knight. And under the Court of Roses, there's no better captain! Maybe one day even I can be the captain!"Tatiana slumped her shoulders some. Looking back out over the yard of the mansion. She did admire his dream, in truth.
Even if it seemed a little silly. "Yeah... you could, if you really wanted to."Owen nodded, sitting flat on the railing this time. "And if I have to be like you to do so, I'll do whatever it takes! You'll just have to teach me a thing or two. I promise I'll teach you to dance too if you'd like." He'd grin back to her, again teasing her on the ball that no one bothered asking them if they wanted to attend."I don't dance! And I never will!" She'd huff outwards once more. Raising a laugh from her friend in the process.

The halls echoed and moaned in the near empty cathedral. It was a sylvan tranquility, peaceful and mournful all the same; hushed, just enough, to hear even the most gentle of sighs. Faith had all but been lost in the previous months of the war. People were far too busy fearing for their next meal or the next attack to pay heed to a God. Lone in the far stretching halls of the cathedral, a girl adorned in white made her way to an altar, taking to her knees with clasped hands in prayer as she was instructed to do every day.She'd look up to the large crystal that suspended in the hallowed hall. Was someone truly listening? Were her prayers all for naught? She couldn't afford to waiver in her thinking as the distant whistle from outside ended in an abrupt boom that shook the cathedral, knocking stone and debris loose at dust fell to the lower floors of the cathedral. The girl gasped in shock from the vibration, dipping her head once more and clasping her hands tighter. How long had it been since she had left her tower? Secluded and left to her own research, instructed to pray for her own sanity along the way. She was sheltered. Safely locked away in her stone cage like the precious gem that loomed before her.She would end her prayer, pushing herself to her feet as she turned on her heel and made her way out of the chamber. The door creaking open in greeting to her approach and prompting her to stop with a solemn gaze. Before her stood a knight of the Court Of Roses. Adorned in a long metallic skirt, and an armored cuirass with rounded pauldrons. Their hair in a pixie cut with a long thinly braided tail."My lady.""The bombs have begun to drop again. Haven't they." Tatiana spoke with a solemn gaze. A hand taken to the cold shoulder edge of her garb. The knight looked aside for a moment, taking the time to think before ultimately deciding the truth was the proper course."Yes, they have. They are growing closer to the kingdom now, and there has been news of the King and Queen's death. The princess is being coronated as we speak."Tatiana gave a slight gasp. Not for shock or lack of air, but out of fear from the metaphorical dagger the knight had placed against her throat. "There must be something more we can do... something more than I tucked away in this tower to prayer to the gods." She'd scrunch her nose in anger, turning to the altar once more. "To this blasted... crystal...." She stopped, eyes gazing over the large glowing crystal. The knight furrowed a brow, stepping forward and placing a hand on the pommel of their blade."My lady...?""Dame Op-...." She'd press her lips together, a nervous habit as she turned back to the knight with a worried and desperate gaze. "Ser Owen. If I may."The knight blinked, taking aback for the moment before drawing in a breath and easing their shoulders. A warm smile overtaking them. "Of course, Tatiana.""Do you remember the story of the great library from when we were but children?""The library lost in the forgotten continent? A ghost story, at most.""No, anything but- many adventurers have made claim of visiting Dageurro. It is said to house esoteric tomes, demons, and-"Owen furrowed their brow, gripping their pommel tighter as the leather of their glove creaked. "You mean to seek this library out?"Tatiana shook her head, holding a warm and hopeful smile. "I already know where it is." Though just as soon as her smile appeared, it vanished. "I've spent time in here reading, praying, idling over how to help. If what the acolytes have said is true, then we have a way to help fend off the enemy soldiers. If at least for a short time.""And how would we achieve that?"Tatiana held a determined gaze as she pivoted back to Owen, the crystal looming in its ethereal glow behind her. "Alexander. If not- a portion of his power.""Alexander?""Yes-" She'd be quick to retort. "It was said many years ago that a grand crystal used to summon Alexander, our protector, had been divided into four pieces. Each one given to the seperate continents. While I may not know where this piece is-- within the castle, more than likely, we do have other means of summoning our Eidilons for aid. And this crystal may be the very key to doing so."Owen looked up to the crystal, a look of concern stretching over their face before the whistling and reverberation of another distant bomb fell. They'd close their eyes, taking a moment to think before nodding to Tatiana."Then we shall do what we can to get started. You will need...?""I will need passage to Dageurro. No easy feat.... but there should be a tome within that may help us. I'll bring the plan up to the board and the Queen. Surely they will see reason in coveting the aid of our tried and true protector once more... surely." She sounded almost desperate.Owen couldn't help but laugh to themselves at the show, rising a look of bewilderment from Tatiana. The two had grown well over the years. Owen had the graces of making it into the Court Of Roses, proud of their status and standing tall for others sake. Tatiana had left behind her rebellious habits, trading bratty attitude for prim and proper standing. Though through their development one thing remained the same;"You needn't sell me any more on the idea, Tatiana. I'll have your back... if'n you share a dance with me."Tatiana gave a quick blink in surprise, her smile turning to an amused scoff. "You taught me once, and now you ask whenever we meet, hm?""I just think you dance well is all. I shall prepare an airship in the meanwhile. Lots of work in preparing those generators against the Levin."Owen turned quickly to leave the cathedral, leaving Tatiana alone in the hall once more as she looked back to the crystal above. Her hands clasped in a pleading gaze. She would remain locked in her tower once more until the time had come."Can you hear my prayer...."

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Chamomile.Perhaps an insignificant flower, Small, and hardly noticeable should one pass by it in nature. For this reason it's often trampled on when walking along the wild routes of the Shroud.Heiri sat in a dressing room in the back of Mehryde's Meyhane, the hyur leaning close to a mirror as she ran two of her fingers gently along her cheek to fix one of her trademark curls. She'd sit tall once more after she was satisfied with the positioning as she returned to brushing her hair out. A Viera walking behind her, adorned in a similar two-piece Hannish ensemble, stopped and leaned over to look into the mirror. His cheek a little too close to hers as she leaned the opposite direction."You fuss any more on your hair and you'll miss the show in its entirety." He'd offer a smile as he teased the woman, his tone almost as if singing a the sentence to her. She'd sigh, pouting as she gave a single brush of her hair afterwards, setting the brush aside. "Not that you've been to most of the shows as of late... It's tiring trying to appease the crowd here to see Eorzea's blossom."Heiri rose her left shoulder, her back angled to the man as she leaned his direction some, her gaze fixed on the reflection in the mirror. She looked better than she had the days prior. Her color had returned and her eyes were more vibrant. a deeper an brighter hue than the year past. "I've been busy...""Yes, yes, with your adventures and.... what was it? You make cakes too correct? And yet you've never brought in any for the rest of us!" The man's ears would flick as he stood up. Heiri couldn't help but laugh."And here I thought you preferred spice to sweets." She'd offer a smile before the man reached for a nearby veil that matched the Hyur's attire, draping it gently over her head and flicking one of the gemstone ornaments on it for good measure."I have to balance it somehow. Now then, I believe the stage awaits." The man would move to walk on to the stage, leaving Heiri to stare at her reflection. It had been some time since her last official performance. And the nerves were certainly hitting her. She'd adjust her veil, fixing the gentle glowing bloom that rested in her hair underneath it as she drew in a deep breath. "Ready..."Mehryde's Meyhane was bright and bustling, busier than usual when word of the dancing witch having made her return arrived. The scent of spices and wines filled the air, mixed with strange and exotic aromas from patrons who had taken up smoking in the back tables. No matter where you looked your eyes were drawn somewhere new, but when the curtains rose, previous wandering eyes were locked onto the stage. Two dancers took to it with a quickened grace, stepping in time to one another and the music that was provided by the bards nearby. There would be no time to check in on the crowd. The people were waiting, and the hyur could not hesitate now.Heiri stepped onto the stage, her right foot leading and her arms crossed at the wrist above her head as she parted between the two dancers who had begun the act. She'd pivot on her toe, the long skirt she was adorned in flaring outwards as moved to outstretch a hand to the crowd. An offer to join her symbolically. And the crowd was starstruck. She'd give a look of wonder for a moment, having forgotten what it was like to be cheered on after she was inhibited for a time due to her condition. She'd near stumble, the other dancers shifting their gaze to her without skipping a beat. Heiri gave a silent gasp to herself before taking a knee, using it to support herself as she twisted and swept her lying leg across the floor, picking herself back up and raising one of her fans to shield half of her face. An improvised move- but one the guests of Mehryde's were captivated by. Her look of wonder shifted behind the fan as she gained a smile, beaming outwardly to them. The show was just getting started.Heiri moved gracefully, her steps light and calculated as she fell into the rhythm of dance once more. It didn't take long for her partners to follow in time, preparing the hyur for the 'finishing act' as they moved to create a story on the stage. To the untrained eye it seemed to be little more than a performance, but the dancers were readying themselves on the stage. It was a special night, after all. And there was a reason they had called for the 'dancing witch' on stage once more.Heiri counted her steps as she glided across the stage, stepping on key points that- to her at the very least, appeared to be guidelines. Blueprints that had paved the way for her aether as she weaved it about the area. The gemstones on her dress began to alight with gentle tones as the bangles clashed together to the beat of the music. The ambient display of aether itself was captivating even without her movements. As if staring into the light show would decisively whisk one away without a second thought.It approached.The crowd beamed with delight and awe as they watched the show.Five. Nine. Twenty-seven. Thirty-one.The Hyur calculated in her mind as she stepped, ending in a similar pose to that of when she started, facing the crowd at the front of the stage. Her head dipped low. The lights of the tavern had dimmed for a moment, leaving the spotlights to illuminate the edges of the stage as the supporting dancers rose their chakrams to the sky. between the three of them, in the center stage, a shadowy manifestation began to rise from the floor. As if Heiri's steps had created a magicked circle that trapped the ambient energy she was- admittedly, siphoning from the crowd. The Dynamis crystal at her side illuminated a steady brown.It was here.The beast stood tall, draped in black. It's body was reminiscent to a dragon, it's head covered in shaggy, feather-like hairs and it's teeth large and bared for all to see. A single bite could decapitate the hyur in a moment. the beast breathed out a rumbling sigh as it spotted the crowd and its prey before it. A manifestation of the negative emotions present among the people, poised and ready to swiftly end it's creator.Heiri swiftly turned on her heel, the second part of the act beginning. That's all it was... right? An act. The people loved it, not knowing the inherent danger that was presented. She'd focus her aether to her fans as she flicked them outwardly towards the beast, slicing into its shoulders as it gave a deep bellow. The other dancers began as well, taking their time to distract both the crowd and the beast from striking head on as Heiri stole it's attention. It took a certain amount of discipline to both deliver a performance and combat a beast in the same breath. Heiri released a short exhale as she thought to herself. It reminded her of the Carnivale. And she wondered if perhaps they were in the same line of work. The thought faded however as the beast extended a jagged claw towards her, the woman bending a knee as she leaned backwards, allowing the claw to swipe over her and just barely miss her nose. She'd turn her gaze back to the people as they cheered. Though her vision of them would be upside down as she pulled forwards and swooped back to a standing position, twirling to her side to catch her fans as they made their return to her. In the same motion she would give another slicing attack to the beast.It was dwindling.The tainted creature brought forth by the people's emotions was giving a decent fight. And with three people to apprehend it- it was almost a sorry sight to see. The beast was reaching its limit, and had enough of the abuse brought on by the performers. It would thud it's large clawed hands into the stage, settling in as its back began to glow a vibrant blue light. A gas was building within it. Flame swirling through the cracks that began to bubble up like the plague. Heiri squinted as she watched on, it was planning to erupt.Most beasts she had faced had some sort of attack unique to their birth. She couldn't help but wonder just who's emotion created this one. That was always the trouble with large crowds like this. It was difficult to tell just who you were treating without getting close. But it seemed most people liked the anonymity of not being blamed should one of the dancers fall to injury, or worse.Heiri began to focus her aether and count once more. The ambient lights condensed into light pink particles that crystalized around the stage. various gasps were heard as this was the moment many were waiting for. The crystallized aether formed together in small shards at first, building up and booming outwards in the shape of blossoming Sakura petals. She'd take a moment to prepare herself for a jump, leaping to one of the flowers and using it as a platform to lift herself higher, tossing the fans separately to the others as it began to ricochet off of the aetherical blooms and rebound against the beast to deliver devestating blows to its body. The beast would give a loud bellow as it fell, the ignition within it's back dying in the same breath as it dissipated in a shadowy mist. The hyur caught her fans quickly after as the blooms shattered into smaller pink petals that rained down over the stage and crowd. The people cheered, clapping and hollering to the stage performers but to Heiri it was as if the world had slowed.She'd give another gentle breath outwards as she watched the beast vanish. The petals gently raining by before she finally made contact with the stage below once more. These shows always left people with a light-hearted mood. Like a weight was lifted from their shoulders. She'd stop and turn to the people as she gave a bow with her fellow dancers. Various flowers were thrown to the stage, but only one caught her eye. A small bundle of Chamomile. She'd offer a smile to it before standing to return to the dressing rooms. mumbling to herself."Keep your hearts like Chamomile."Chamomile, you see- grows best when trodden on. The more hardships it faces, the better it will grow. Rather than simply succumb when trampled on, it learns and it grows stronger than it had before. Out of the blooms that littered the stage, the chamomile was perhaps the most important.