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The sound of clashing metal reverberated around the aether crystals as an Au Ra and his Miq'ote companion squared off against a trio of gigantic opponents. Gigas, weapon wielding menaces of the Crystalline area around Mor Dhona. They were red skinned, white haired and barrel chested brutes that stood at least twelve feet tall, if not taller. The axe-wielding Au Ra warrior just over half that height. The Miq'ote Bard... was a little more than half of the Raen's height as well. "Ever think we get in over our heads dear?" asked Faustus as he notched another arrow on his bowstring.

"After fighting Primals and Allagan horrors? Nah", answered Kraylan as he readied his axe and ran right in. he swung the double bladed magitech weapon over his head and brought it crashing down onto the ground. Fire erupted in a wide cone before him that scathed the gigas. They grunted and howled, their attention turned towards Kraylan forgetting entirely about the deadly archer.

A lethal arrow found its mark in one gigas bringing it down while the other two charged the Warrior. Kraylan dodged through the swing of one giant, its axe whistled passed the Au Ra's head missing by inches. The Raen swung hard into the Gigas's leg bringing it down to one knee. Then with a mighty heave brought the blade of his axe down against the giant's head splitting its skull like an over ripe melon. When Kraylan turned to face the other gigas he found it wobbling back and forth until it too fell its chest riddled with arrows.

Faustus shrugged "You were taking to long?" Kraylan smirked and rolled his eyes.

"lets get back to the Rising Stones, you look hungry."

It was a short ride on their Chocobo's back to the burgeoning city state. As they crossed the gate they turned over the birds to the stable and allowed themselves a breath as they walked on towards the tavern. They found their usual place near the bar and took a seat. The pair quickly settled into their meals warm soup, along with grilled fish caught from the lake. After a time and Kraylan was truly deep in his tankard of warming mulled wine he gazed up at the Miq'ote, coming to a decision. "Faustus, there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a good while now". The cat's ears twitched, and his eyes widened.

"Oh?" he said. He watched the Raen intently now, noticing that there was a slight blush to his cheeks, but whether or not it was from the wine or...

"it is important to me, and has been weighing on me for a long time now." the cat was poised on the edge of his seat, his bright green eyes positively beaming. Was this really happening? He had so much to consider! Where would they get the suits, what colors for the flowers, who should they invite, what music would they play. With all these thoughts going through the Miq'ote's mind his tail started to lash out behind him, flicking this way and that.

"I want to go back home, to Othard." Everything came to a sudden halt in the bard's mind, the beautiful music echoing within skipped a note then failed utterly while thoughts of cute Moggle musicians fluttered away.

"wait... what?" Kraylan repeated himself and in an instant the cat's ears drooped to the side, and his tail hung low to the floor. "why", he said narrowing his eyes at the Au Ra. Kraylan took a moment to drain the rest of his tankard. He'd expected Faustus to be a bit less upset than this, he hadn't even gotten to the worst part yet.

"There are more Domans and Auri that can come here to Mor Dhona, I simply want to make sure they know of the opportunity they have here. It would also be good to know just how the Garleans attacked." Faustus let out an exasperated sigh, he couldn't discount the usefulness of such a trip. Saving more refugees in a mission of mercy was good, even if it took them away from Eorzea.

"When will we leave then?", asked Faustus. Kray had been expecting this question and suddenly he wished he had more wine in his cup.

"Well... you see..."

Sunlight glared off of the dark stone floor of Minfilia's office. The Hyurian woman had just entered, with a little kettle of tea, and some cakes. She poured herself a cup, and held it to her nose taking in the delightful fragrance. Her lips parted just as the doors to her chamber burst open and as Kraylan was dragged inside by a very angry Faustus "Tell him antecedent! Tell him its foolish and reckless!" Minfilia blinked several times and calmly placed the warm cup of tea she was about to enjoy back on her table. She stood and placed a hand on her hip.

"What is the matter now? Tell him what?" her eyes glanced over to the tall horned Au Ra, and Faustus who bore a look of utter incredulity.

"You were going to rush off to Doma without telling Minfilia?", said the Miq'ote tilting his head and crossing his arms. The Au Ra finally tugged his horn free from Faustus's grip. He glared at the smaller male, Faustus had taken a liking to grabbing the Raen's horns to get his attention, but this was just embarrassing.

"I was indeed going to inform the Antecedent... I thought it better to tell you first. Now I see i-" Minfilia cut him off with a sharp glare.

"You're going where?" Kraylan stiffened and cleared his throat. A hand began to rub his neck.

"The Lady Yugiri's tale, and the Doman Refugees my lady... I would see that their offer of Succor and Sanctuary in Mor Dhona is known throughout the lands of Othard. I wish nothing more than to see them get the best chance of survival after this tragedy." Minfilia's glare relaxed her expression softened

"This seems a noble goal Warrior of Light, So why Faustus do you insist we do not go" At this point Kraylan turned away as Faustus' continued

"Because he wants to go alone!" Minfilia's eyes widened and she shook her head

"Kraylan... If all the ladyYugiri has said is true then the area is extremely dangerous, littered with Garleans and gods knows what else." the Raen nodded his head.

"I am aware of the risks, I am fully prepared to meet them for my people" Faustus' tail frizzed up at the notion

"You won't be able to benefit anyone if you're dead! What about Eorzea? What about the people here? They need us too Kray, we're warrior's of light, we don't just leave when it suits us!" the Au Ra closed his eyes, and clenched his fists his red limbal rings flashing.

"I understand my Duty, this is all about that duty", he paused and took a deep breath. "I did not come here to ask permission, I am going with or without your blessing antecedent." Minfilia folded her arms across her chest while Faustus scoffed and turned away from both of them.

"Very well Kraylan. You must do what you feel is right. However... I am giving you one week over there. Just one week." the Au Ra nodded. He turned to Faustus and reached out to him, placing both hands on the smaller male's shoulders

"I will be fine love" Faustus turned towards Kraylan and looked up into his eyes. He tugged at the warrior's armor and drew him into a hug. "I'll be back before you know it." Faustus let go, and the Raen knew it was time to leave. With a cleansing breath and new determination boiling inside him the Au Ra stepped out of the room.

Minfilia watched as the Miq'ote took a quick look at the ground and seemed to wipe something from his face. She moved to him and placed a comforting hand on his back. "Have faith Faustus, He is the strongest warrior I've ever met, no Garlean can face him." the Bard shook his head

"I'm not worried about them. More about what he's going to find."

A rush of air buffeted the grass of the coastal plane as an airship touched ground just long enough for its single tall passenger to leap onto solid ground. The pale skinned Au Ra looked up and waved to Master Garlond as he helmed the enterprise and brought her back up into the sky. "one week and I shall return Kraylan. I hope you find what you seek Warrior of light." The male smiled and turned, slinging his battle axe over his shoulder and moving along the coast. Othard, last time the Au Ra had been here Garlemald ruled with an iron grip. Since then during a war of succession within the empire; Doma, his homeland had risen in rebellion.

A rebellion that had ended poorly, or so the Raen had been led to believe. Lady Yugiri, of Doma said the city had been razed. But of the other Raen hidden way in the continent's mountains she had no knowledge of. Kraylan decided to take it upon himself, to see what had befallen his people. For even though the vast majority were solitary and peaceful; there were still many great fighters among their number. Though, not as many though as their cousins, the Xaela. It was about a days journey in when the Raen first spotted their outriders on horseback. He knew it wouldn't be long before a tribe showed up to greet, or challenge him.

Another day and finally the thundering of hooves came from the south behind him. Kraylan knew better than to run within moments he was surrounded by riders. All dark scaled and dark skinned Xaela. Their banner bore their tribal colors and their sigil, The Blood Scythes. Kraylan looked about the throng of forty or so men and women. All he knew were capable fighters trained from birth to ride and shoot a bow. The more experienced among them often trained in pole-arms, though thankfully no weapons were trained on the Raen.

"A lone Auri walking the steppe? You must either be very hardy or very stupid." the voice was deep, and mocking but carried a certain weight to it. Kraylan watched as several of the riders in front of him parted ways, revealing a large Xaela on a horse. The Raen was instantly able to recognize him as a Khan, and he bowed respectfully. "Oh? Perhaps he isn't stupid" he said earning a chorus of laughter.

"Great cousin, My name is Kraylan Silverscale, I do not mean to tread so carelessly upon your Land" began the warrior, taking a moment to rise before continuing. "I have been away from home for a long time, traveling the lands of Eorzea." this earned a few hushed whisperings and even laughter from the Khan

"turned tail on your people to be an adventurer then? And now you hear that Doma has been razed, so now you seek Vengeance?" the Raen shook his head at the accusation. "what then?"

"I seek only to help my kin. The Lady Yugiri has begun a new life for the Domans she has rescued in Mor Dhona, I would see that her offer is made known to all who remain in Othard." The Xaela hummed deeply and stroked the scales of his chin.

"Yes, that does seem to be the weak response I would expect from those with the blood of the dawn father so thick in their veins." the Raen's jaw tightened, and his red limbal rings flashed.

"Just as brutes whose' veins run thick with the blood of the Dusk Mother would assume that I was here for revenge." the tension became thick enough to cut with a knife. In the space of a few heartbeats all eyes were on the Khan, and hands were on weapons. When a loud bellowing laugh hit the air it felt as though a gust of wind had blown in, releasing everyone from a stifling heat.

"You have courage Raen, more courage than any other of your clan i've met.", said the Khan. Kraylan allowed a smile, "I am Husun, Khan of the Blood Scythes, I would know where you are going", Kraylan nodded, it was a fair question.

"I seek More Auri in the mountains, however, I would see the devastation of Doma first. I would know what the Raen fight against, and see if I might learn anything of the Garlean host." The Khan was quiet for a time. His gaze drawn to his horse's mane.

"Your plan bares cunning I would not expect from your people. And yet you let sentimentality distract you from a worthy mission", Said Husun. Kray looked at the warlord, confused.

"What do you mean?" The Khan raised a hand, the riders around them began to move out.

"Stay to thy task regarding the Garleans. Do not go to the mountains.", The khan turned his horse to join the rest of his tribe.

"What will I find!" called the Raen. Husun turned once again, looking over his shoulder at the other Au Ra

"Pain!" The Xaela and his clan set off immediately leaving Kraylan in a cloud of dust and many more questions.

The Au Ra pulled the scarf around his neck up to cover his mouth and nose. The air was choking with ash and smoke. His white and red eyes gazed over the ruins of the once powerful City state of Doma. A place that he had once known as home. All around Hyur and Elezen picked at the carcass of it, looting what the Garleans had not burned or blasted. Kraylan had no hope of finding any life within the city itself, he just needed to see it. The devastation was complete, the area was littered with craters. Remnants of the powerful and profane technology that the Garleans had stolen from ancient Allagan knowledge. Numerous corpses littered the battlefield around him, shockingly few of them were of the enemy. The Raen pulled his hood up and over his horned head, deciding to move on as more and more eyes began to flit in his direction.

He knew the city was razed, but surely the mountain villages wouldn't have been targeted? It was another days hike up into the mountains before he came upon the grim reality. A small hamlet, treated just as Doma had, burned and razed. He found the remains of a pyre. All the skeletons appeared Hyur however. Normal round skulls and nor much else. The Raen perked up, perhaps the village had been razed, but his people must have escaped. The Garleans were known for discarding their levee troops in such a manor.

On he trudged, searching for more villages. If he knew his people they were likely using the mountain terrain to fight, using hit and run tactics to strike critical points in the Garlean's war effort. Still, he expected to be challenged at some point.

He finally found out why when he came upon the next village. Garleans had made camp, they were laughing, drinking. Another pyre burned in the distance. The warrior slowly made his way to one of the burned out husk that had once been a home. He was close enough to hear what the soldiers were talking about

"Reckon I've sent home ten pairs myself!"

"aaaahhh but only little ones! They need to be big for the artisans to even do anything with them."

"nah they just make smaller bits of jewelry from them, the ladies much prefer em." Kraylan's brow furrowed, what could they mean? The villagers here had nothing to make jewelry from. These mountains weren't filled with anything precious.

"bah! The size of them do matter! The nobles especially love them. Now these though they will fetch a great price." Kraylan peered around the corner of the building. His eyes settling on two Garlean soldiers sitting round a camp fire facing towards him. He glanced to the speaking soldier and his heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened and in an instant cold fury gripped his heart. Gripped in the soldier's hands were a pair of horns, horns that could only have come from one thing.

Kraylan had moved before he'd even thought about it. Battle-axe in hand he charged and swung, taking the Man's head off with one great heave. His companion shrieked before he too fell to the Raen's blade. The whole camp now alerted. Garleans started to mass. The male whipped his axe over his head and readied himself to face them. Now out in the open, he was able to see the pyre. Beside it, were bodies, more Au Ra, just like him. And beside it, another much smaller pile of ivory horns stained red with blood. The Raen's mouth dropped as realization struck. His axe falling from one hand into the dirt.

All of the villages. All of the pyres he thought full of Hyur... Horror rushed through him, his stomach turned. The Garleans advanced on him, taking advantage of his dropped guard. They made it within one pace, another Hyur with a sword raised high. He swung but the Raen caught his wrist. He raised his limb, taking the man with him up into the air kicking and struggling. Kraylan's eyes burned bright red like two coals simmering in the ashes of a fire. He let out a bestial roar and threw the man at his comrades. The Warrior's charged into their ranks his axe rending armor, flesh and bone as he lashed out like a wild animal. His axe and the air around him began to burn with his fury. Taking every blow and turning it back on the enemy before striking them down. Before long he blacked out, succumbing entirely to bloodlust and rage.

When the dust began to settle, the Raen returned to his mind to find himself standing over a cowering Hyur begging for his life, pleading. Kraylan looked himself over, his armor was stained crimson and split in many places. Then he surveyed the village. The dead were numerous, he had killed them all. The Raen released a long steady breath as he placed his axe on his back once more. "Go, tell them what happened here" said the warrior. Still the Garlean wouldn't move, stuck on his knees as if unbelieving he was still alive. "GO!", shouted Kraylan before giving the man a swift kick. Kraylan watched as he fell over, then quickly picked himself up before sprinting down the road as fast as his legs would carry him.

The Raen slowly turned his head towards the pyre. His gaze lingering on the stripped bodies of his people. The Warrior walked to them, fell to his knees and wept shamelessly guilt and sorrow overriding all other emotions within him. It was some time before he was able to stand and aid his brethren one final time. Dragging their bodies onto the pyre. It took hours for him to complete his task. And after the fight the Raen was exhausted. Still, he knew it wouldn't be long before the soldier he'd let live would spread the tale, and then the Garleans would come.

Airships howled all throughout the night, whenever one would leave another was right there to replace it. The Raen hardly had time to move, between foot patrols and their mechanical creations it was a miracle he wasn't spotted the first night. Unfortunately he didn't remain so lucky. After a third day of slowly sneaking his way out of the mountains he was spotted. The fight had been short, but brutal, leaving the already exhausted Au Ra in worse shape. Yet he pressed on for he knew moving was the only option he had to survive.

It was well passed the week Minfilia had given him when the Auri was out on the steppe, and yet he found himself still pursued. The Garlean airships were out of range from their bases, but now the foot pursuit had begun. In the flat terrain, the lights of the magi tech equipment were easy to see, and he knew he was just as easy to spot. It was only a matter of hours then when the first massive bolts from the magitech walkers began to rain down around him. Lighting up the evening sky and searing his armor and hair with the fiery explosions that erupted around him.

One lucky hit just behind sent Kraylan up into the air, before he crashed down, broken and spent. The distant ringing in his head quieted all other noise. He didn't hear when the stomping monstrosities ridden by the empire's troops closed in, and stopped. An officer dismounted along with a handful of other soldiers. "get him up." he grunted. The raen could barely feel himself as his arms were lifted and he was raised to a sitting position.

"I figured you people would have at least -one- capable warrior, seems I was right." the garlean smiled, Kraylan's vision faded in and out, but his eyes did focus on the tell tale third eye of the man. "You were a great hunt, and every hunt deserves a trophy, wouldn't you all agree?" The Raen started to come back to his senses. He started to pull at his captors "Hold him!" barked the officer.

Kraylan began to try and stand, more men jumped him holding his legs as the commander produced a wickedly serrated knife. "Yes, a nice curvature, very symmetrical, You'll make a fine mantlepiece!" the Au Ra roared as he strained and kicked. It was all for naught, he watched eyes wide as the blade tapped one of his ivory white horns. He could feel the saw tooth serrations rasp across the hard surface of his curved horns. Toying with him letting the Auri warrior feel the sharpness as they flaked away bits of the material. Kraylan felt pressure, he began to hyperventilate, his heart thumping in his chest as terror welled up inside of him. It was at that moment he felt the blade slide down, out of the grasp of the Garlean officer. It thudded harmlessly to the earth, as the man fell back, an arrow lodged in the third eye of his forehead.

The men holding Kraylan dropped him just as the Garlean struck the ground. The Au Ra looked up, his hazy eyes beholding a lone silhouette against the setting sun. The bowman advanced just as the sun finally fell bellow the horizon. The Warrior was able to make out his face, "Faustus..." he breathed. The Miq'ote's green eyes flashed, his pupils wide with anger, and bowstring taught

"The next one who lays a hand on him dies!" Cried the Miq'ote. All around the Garleans raised their weapons. They were prepared to attack, but not necessarily to be the first man to be downed by the bard's next arrow. The hesitation was just enough time for Kraylan to look up, above them all was Master Garlond's Enterprise.

The Garleans began to back step back then began to break into a full retreat Faustus blinked and tilted his head. "well... it was hardly that savage of a threat I-" he was cut off by the thunder of hooves fast approaching the bard turned and stared agape as hundreds of cavalry came barreling towards them. In a large formation. At the head of it Kraylan was able to make out the Dark scaled Xaela Husun. He raised his lance over his head and swung it round. The horsemen divided evenly, flowing around the trio like a river dividing across a boulder before reforming into a single unit once more. In only a moment they crashed into the Garlean force washing over them in wave after wave of lancers

their formation broken the Garleans began to scatter from the riders, only to be picked off by the bowman riding on the flanks until the very last of them fell. Kraylan started to rise, he still wasn't entirely sure of what had just happened, and for all he knew the Garleans were going to return. The Auri was able to sit up and reach around for his axe. He used it as a make shift cane, almost allowing him to stand before Faustus instead brought him back to the ground, only for the Auri to try and rise again "Kray... Kray you're hurt you need help." said Faustus still keeping a hold on his partner. But the male didn't seem to hear, so, Faustus did what he had always done to get Kraylan's attention.

He felt a hand enclose around his left horn, and a shiver rattled his spine, panic and anger quickly boiled over as the flash of a pile of bloodied horns flitted through his mind. Kraylan could smell the tang of iron blood and the rancid oily smoke from burning flesh. When he snapped back to himself he was on his feet, shaking as if he were naked in a Coerthas blizzard. Faustus lay just beyond thrown back by the Au Ra, Cid stood between them arms up towards Kraylan. He was speaking, but the only thing Kray could hear was a dull throbbing in his head. His eyes focused on Faustus, his ears were pinned back and his eyes wide with worry and fear. Fear of him. Slowly. The Au Ra sank to his knees, and buried his face in his large hands, turning away from both of them in shame.

He's lashed out at the only person he loved, without even realizing he'd done it. Was this to be how he was from now on? So week and fearful that those he cared for most would be in danger of him just for touching a part of his body? The emotional strain and the fatigue finally caught up with the Au Ra. He slumped over, and passed out just as the Khan and his Horde approached.

Through fitful dreams and nightmares the Au Ra slept he felt thousands of hands reach out to him, grabbing, tearing scratching their faces ephemeral and dark. Just when they threatened to pull him apart he was brought back with a soft lulling tune. Gentle plucks of a harp's lilting song brought peace, and eventually a soft hum of a familiar voice joined the melody. Kraylan's eyes fluttered open, he was staring at a tent made of leather, his body wrapped in furs and bandages. He was stiff and ached all over. He turned his head to the side, eyes settling on Faustus as he sang the Raen's favorite song.

Kray decided to simply live in that moment. He closed his eyes and focused on the tune, letting the soothing music drive away all else. When it was done, he opened his eyes as Faustus moved over to him and helped him sit up. "drink", said the Miq'ote as he placed a potion flask to the other's lips. Kraylan did as he was bade draining the bitter tasting concoction. But before long, he was beginning to feel better.

The shame of what happened earlier still weighed heavily on the Raen's heart however. He stared down at the ground and cleared his throat just a bit. "I'm sorry." he said gaining the courage to look Faustus in the eye again. "I don't know what came over me, I-"

"Hush" Faustus gently wrapped an arm around Kraylan. The feeling of closeness was just what the Raen needed, he slowly melted into the embrace until the Miq'ote had him resting his head on his shoulder. "When you're ready, tell me what happened" and so he did, Kraylan did his best to avoid the more grim parts of his tale for his own sake as well as Faustus's. Yet, when it came around for him do disclose just what the Garleans had been doing to his people he found his mouth dry and his voice cracked. "we can do this another time..." Kraylan shook his head and calmed himself. Then told the rest of the horrifying tale.

"If you hadn't been there when the Commander had me..." the pair let the moment hang, Faustus shook his head

"we were searching for you when we saw the explosions. And when we got closer all I saw was you being taken by them. I jumped, and when I landed I just saw that mean looking one holding you with that knife in his hands. Now it makes sense." His ears perked suddenly and realization then shock swept through his features "a-and then afterward I grabbed your horn! That explains... oh love, I'm so so sorry!"

Kraylan offered a week smile and nodded his head "its not your fault, you didn't know." he rubbed the Miq'ote's back trying to keep him calm. It was a long time before either of them spoke, the only thing that broke the silence was Husun entering the tent. "ah, awake I see." said the Xaela. He was followed by an Auri woman, and Kraylan was shocked to see that she was a Raen just like himself. She drew a wand, and began to mutter incantations, healing the Auri warrior while Husun poured three cups of hot tea. When the healer had finished she bowed, and left the trio. "I told you not to go to the mountains." A cup of tea was thrust into the pairs' hands before either got a word out. "but I thank you for going", said the Khan.

The Au Ra smiled and sipped the restorative brew, just slightly less bitter than the potion Faustus had him drink earlier, but much more flavorful. The drink soothed his throat and calmed his mind. "I'm glad to see that at least one survived." Husun chuckled at this and smiled.

"One? Nay, While your clan is the weaker, you are still Au Ra. Many more of your brethren are safe with us in the plains." Kraylan blinked in surprise. He was about to ask how, but the Xaela anticipated the question. "as soon as the Garleans attacked many fled from the mountains. Most, were women children and the elderly, but, many more stayed to defend their homes, you saw the aftermath of this" Said the Khan gravely. Yet once again, he smiled "your antics however, caused the few remaining a chance to flee as well. Without knowing it, you saved them Kraylan." the Raen let out an audible sigh of relief as hope kindled anew within him. Husun grunted as he threw back the cup of tea in one go, then stood. "When you are ready, they're waiting to greet you outside."

It only took the pair a few minutes to get the Au Ra dressed and presentable. When finally he emerged from the tent he was greeted by a wonderful sight. The camp stretched out in front of him on the vast grass sea. And just before the tent, Thousands of white-scaled Raen just like him greeted their hero with a bow. Kraylan was speechless, his mouth opened and closed a few times Faustus gripped his arm, and their eyes met. The warrior found his words and turned to face his people

While the man was hardley a public speaker, with Faustus by his side, and his people in front of him he managed to inspire and console, speaking of the pain they all shared and showing that victory and peace are more than just a flicker of hope, but a certainty. When finished the Raen attempted to quietly slip back into his tent, but with the cheers of both the Raen and the Xaela ringing in his ears Husun grabbed him by the arm, and tossed him into the victory celebration.

It was late in the night when after much feasting and drinking the throng let the pair return to their tent. They would be leaving the next day. The Raen was sitting with Faustus in his lap. He was combing the lush purple hair, while the Miq'ote strummed on his harp. The Au Ra let out a little hum, as he rolled over some thoughts in his head. The keen eared Miq'ote picked it up. "what is it?"

The male smiled and paused before working out a tangle with the comb "was just wondering what color the flowers would be for our wedding, I'm fond of pink." Faustus's strumming suddenly turned into an awful twang as one of the strings on his harp snapped

"w-what!?"