"I was attending a tournament. It was a drab and droll situation until Raubahn took the field," said Nanamo with a smile. "I thought it foolish that a lowly gladiator would swear to gain his freedom and earn a seat on the council in order to become my sword. As a child I dismissed it."
"But over time, he became one of the wealthiest men in Ul'dah, and a great gladiator. I accepted him, and he became my right hand."
Felih listens curiously, before smiling softly. "He must have seen hope and promise in you, if that is the case. I think he had good judgement- you have ever been a kind-hearted leader who truly wants the best for her people. In light of all that has happened, I think he put his faith in the right person," he hums.
"It will be strange, not to see him about Ul'dah as I used to. But he must be glad to be home..."
"Kind hearted, but too soft," sighed Nanamo. "But he kept me on the straight and narrow."
"In truth, you are right. He seems simultaneously saddened and relieved to join the Ala Mhigan Government once more. I am certain they will need his help."
Felih smiles weakly. "Tis better to be soft and naive, than stony and cynical, I think," he murmurs softly as comfort. "You will earn trust and loyalty more through kindness than through harshness- glad I am that you are still kind despite what you've been through."
"If it's any comfort, my lady, you've become much more pragmatic as of late."
"The old me wouldn't have deemed to take advice from Lolorito, and seeking the guidance of Master Manderville." admitted Nanamo. "I would have been too stubborn to do so."
Felih smiles with a little laugh. "Well, 'tis good that you're opening yourself up. Though Lolorito is certainly the questionable type, there is no denying his knowledge is useful. As for Godbert- well, though he and I oft run into each other in the oddest circumstances, I know him to be a good man to trust."
"There is no shame in reaching out to others." A lesson that Felih has yet to learn, ironically.
"It feels like the more I get to know him, the more about him seems truly impossible..." Felih muses with slight exasperation and disbelief. "The sheer skill and artisanry he possesses is... miraculous, at times. I do wonder if perhaps Byregot himself blessed the man."
But he shakes his head, letting that topic drop. "Speaking of Raubahn and his absence, Nanamo... well, if you'll forgive me my boldness, I am... concerned about your welfare, with him gone. Do you think you'll be alright? I do not doubt that Pipin will protect you fiercely, but there is no denying that he has not yet surpassed his father's experience and strength."
"Do you feel safe? If there is aught my companions and I can do..."
"A bird cannot soar across the meadow if it is held by it's mother," replied Nanamo, shaking her head. "To cut Raubahn free when he is in the position to do the most good, was the hardest decision I have made."
"However, if I am to soar as a child of man, I cannot do it when I am tethered to the ground. The world around me will not march on while I stagnate. Pipin will become a strong central leader in my government, not out of duty, but because he found the means to fly. I must do the same."
A small smile makes its way across Felih's lips then, a warmth in his eyes as he regards the sultana. "I truly am so glad your confidence and determination has only grown stronger. If there is aught we can do, let us know. Soaring and cutting through tumultuous winds is easier with a flock, after all."
Still, it's such talk that makes him pause and seem to remember something. "Speaking of the 'flock,' I should go and check on mine. I shouldn't leave them unattended long- without a voice of reason, one of them is bound to attempt something ridiculous..." he says with a sigh. He's no more immune to nonsensical ideas than his fellow Warriors of Light, but at the very least someone has to be somewhat responsible, and as the lone healer, the duty tends to fall to him.
Felih immediately lights up. "Of course! An adventure with friends is always memorable- and we'd be honored to have you with us. I only wish more of our friends had the leisure to come along, once in a while..." he says with a laugh, cheeks darkening slightly as he remembers a certain Ishgardian Lord Commander.
"Well, I should be off. You know we are ever at your call- do send me a message when the portrait is complete, and I'll get to work framing it!" he says, before beaming. "I'll take my leave, if there's nothing else?"
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valoirs
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"But over time, he became one of the wealthiest men in Ul'dah, and a great gladiator. I accepted him, and he became my right hand."
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"It will be strange, not to see him about Ul'dah as I used to. But he must be glad to be home..."
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"In truth, you are right. He seems simultaneously saddened and relieved to join the Ala Mhigan Government once more. I am certain they will need his help."
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"If it's any comfort, my lady, you've become much more pragmatic as of late."
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"There is no shame in reaching out to others." A lesson that Felih has yet to learn, ironically.
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"That's true..."
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But he shakes his head, letting that topic drop. "Speaking of Raubahn and his absence, Nanamo... well, if you'll forgive me my boldness, I am... concerned about your welfare, with him gone. Do you think you'll be alright? I do not doubt that Pipin will protect you fiercely, but there is no denying that he has not yet surpassed his father's experience and strength."
"Do you feel safe? If there is aught my companions and I can do..."
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"However, if I am to soar as a child of man, I cannot do it when I am tethered to the ground. The world around me will not march on while I stagnate. Pipin will become a strong central leader in my government, not out of duty, but because he found the means to fly. I must do the same."
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Still, it's such talk that makes him pause and seem to remember something. "Speaking of the 'flock,' I should go and check on mine. I shouldn't leave them unattended long- without a voice of reason, one of them is bound to attempt something ridiculous..." he says with a sigh. He's no more immune to nonsensical ideas than his fellow Warriors of Light, but at the very least someone has to be somewhat responsible, and as the lone healer, the duty tends to fall to him.
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"You should check on them now," said nanamo, nodding. "Go to them."
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"Well, I should be off. You know we are ever at your call- do send me a message when the portrait is complete, and I'll get to work framing it!" he says, before beaming. "I'll take my leave, if there's nothing else?"
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I love your Nanamo, thank you aaaaa <3