middaeg | April Showers Brings Naps [Open Catchall Log]

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ffxiv: mira chambers

April Showers Brings Naps [Open Catchall Log]

Who: Mira and OPEN
When: Throughout April
Where: Aefenglom, outside the city
What: Catchall log, quests for the month, Dream a Little Dream event
Warnings: Bar brawl, violence, Dark Knight 50 and 70 spoilers, some Shadowbringers Spoilers

Rule--Be Nice: The Sly Seadog

[A simple job and one Mira is a bit used to. An extent of it at least; the Slydog asked for extra bouncers around due to more sailors coming around and Mira having done her share of escorts and guarding could handle a few drunkards if they get too roudy. Some regulars knew her as the woman who threw a man out the door in the literal sense for annoying her while reading so imagine when she comes in on her shift after working at the potion shop with Shadowbringer on her back and all is well.

For a time.

From the corner of her eye, Mira catches two sailors, clearly four sheets to the wind and starting raising their voices at each other. Oh boy, this does not sound good.]

Daft sods.

[She rolls her eyes and stroll right over, tapping one of them on the shoulder.]

Ease up on the shouting, don't wanna do poorly on the owner's hospitality.

[That just earns a laugh out of him and his comrade. Just be nice, Mira.]

Oi oi, lookat this sweet lil thing thinking she can speak up!

I'm sorry but there are others patrons here wishing to enjoy their drinks in peace. 'Twould be disrespectful to shatter it.

[Spoken calmly but firm, which only gets the patron laughing more.]

Listen, sweetheart. Why don't you go trot your nice arse to the keep and bring us another round. I'll be sure to give you a great tip if you decide to come after I leave.

[Mira's about to retort until she feels a hard slap to her rear, both men laughing at her reaction. Apparently these two are so wasted that they forgot that she has a sword strapped to her back. Someone...should probably step in since her hand is going straight for the blade. Fuck being nice..]

Too Many Books: Streets of Aefenglom

[When she's not working, one of Mira's hobbies is reading anything she can get her hands on. While stories and fairytales are her favorites, she's not focused on that right now. Nor is she focused on her magical studies. Tucked under each arm are bags with several books from the library that she could carry and all each have a theme to them: sleep.

But she's not looking to try and sleep herself, she's looking for any mentions of any kind of sickness where sleep is a key factor. Sounds weird, doesn't it. She doesn't even realize that in her distracted mind, she almost runs into someone and manages to twirl away just to not hit them.]

Oh dammit, my apologies! You alright?

Storytime: Outside the City

Bloody hells, are any of these tales even good?

[The last time Mira was out here, she had to carry the Crystal Exarch back to the city because his dumb butt wasn't feeling so good. But now she's alone in this endeavor and she had an idea to try and work on something she brought up: finding some kind of purpose outside of her duties as a Warrior of Light. Mira's thought maybe trying her hand at something she enjoyed might point her in a proper direction. That is until she saw the books around for the storytime and reacted in the most calm and rational manner: making a strongly opposed face.]

Ok, I understand they might be children but honestly, they are much more intelligent than this. And I can't tell them all my adventuring stories!

[Shit, what is she going to do?]

Dream A Little Dream

[It pulls you in, a tug as you look through the mirrors within the house. And yet one in particular shows itself to be a bit decorative in its etchings. On each side of the mirror, three symbols will be carved in: a handgun on the left, a peculiar symbol on the right, and a sword from the top.

As for the bottom, a message woven, perhaps unknown to those who haven't walked the path.

"In your darkest hour, in the blackest night..."

Words that may mean something to the owner of this mirror. But as you peek in, the urge gets stronger and stronger until you find yourself sucked in and watching something come out. Question is...which memory of the woman are you seeing?]

((OOC: Dream Prompts will be listed in the comments below.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Where the viewer goes is a land of rocky mountains, beautiful amber colors mixed in with reds and browns but what brings them there is not for sightseeing. Oh no, not when they see Mira with her sword drawn and two people injured and panting off to the side: a man clad in black armor with what could be described as draconic features and a small elezen girl knocked out alongside him.

What the dream Mira looks at appears to be a young boy with long white hair and bright blue eyes but she's leery. He smiles as from the shadows comes figures long forgotten to the woman: a man dressed in blue, a woman clad in white armor including her face, and a man wearing green and red step out in front.]

So many broken by this world, and then by you. So, so many...

[The boy's tone is melacholic, looking away with his hands over his heart, as if he were in feeling such heartache.]

Woe betide the man who stands opposed to the Weapon of Light, for death will be his reward. Death for him and his kin and all that he holds dear. Woe betide the man who stands with the Weapon of Light, for death will be his reward. Death for him and his kin and all that he holds dear. Like sand through the hourglass, everything we fight for so desperately to protect slips through our fingers...and what remains...what remains...

[Such sorrow in the boy's eyes, almost pleading.]

...is us. Only us, and the memory of our sin.

[Confusing isn't it. And the viewer is not alone in seeing this unfold. The actual Mira, the one who owns the mirror, looks downward with her fists clenched.]

...you really had to show me this now, didn't you?

[Do you ask?]

[ Unlike some of the others, Vanitas had actually been seeking Mira's mirror. It's not too difficult to find, if one knows her well enough. Thus Vanitas presses his hand against the shimmering glass with the intent to see some of her past. He wonders what sort of memory he'll see. Given what he already knows, Vanitas wonders if it will be a pleasant one or a battle out of the many that she has fought.

He's instead a little more than surprised by what he does witness. That the present-day Mira would be here too does not give him pause. Rather his focus is on the scene that is playing out before him. Granted, Van doesn't quite know the context of this memory. Who is this boy? What is his connection to Mira? He looks innocent, but the words that come out of his mouth? Anything but. It makes Vanitas frown, knowing that if pressed that he'd use similar words to hurt people if he is able.

So what is all of this? An attempt to tear Mira down? To discourage her? Or is there something more at work here? ]

Maybe it's been on your mind often?

[A jolt as she turns to face the boy, assuming she was alone. But of course not, the fates always seem to want to slap her into reality. Mayhap it's a reflection of her emotions right now.]

..deep down...possibly.

[It makes her heart swell in anger. The mere mention of the word 'weapon' brings up such a sense of hopelessness. But she knows how the memory plays out and yet despite this, Mira feels this powerful sensation. Looking at the boy, he doesn't move and the more he speaks, the more sorrowful his face appears. It terrifies him and in turn, terrifies Mira as well. Even if she doesn't show it.]

To walk this path is to suffer. To sacrifice...

[What has been drilled into her from the moment that she picked up her sword. What all has she sacrificed in the name of those who needed succor? Has she become less than herself? Even here in Aefenglom, has this become true? Has she done all of this and yet, her own needs have been ignored and by herself no less? The memory of Mira looks pained as she looks at the shades of the dead before her and then shuts her eyes. What happens next is...]

Listen to my voice. Listen to our heartbeat...

[The echos of the memory and the woman watching speak as one, the current Mira placing a hand over her heart. She knows what she says next.]

I tire of this charade.

[The memory's eyes open and three orbs of dark aether attack each shadow, blossoming into spikes as they fade away with the boy stepping back in horror. As if appearing out of thin air, someone donned in black armor from head to toe walks out.]

Serve...Save...Slave...Slay...I've sins aplenty, aye, but regrets? Not so much.

[ Vanitas himself doesn't say much in return. He never does when he is watching something fully play out. When there is something to be gleaned and perhaps analyzed. This is a habit that has been used and weaponized in the past. Who is to say that it may not be in the future? Right now, however, it is merely about understanding. It is trying to understand Mira and where she comes from - about her world and how it is shaped. The circumstances that have lead her to her beliefs.

This memory feels as though it may actually be more of an answer to Mira's current struggles than a reminder that they exist at all. For if she could stand up to such accusations then, why can't she now? Is it really because it is the Ascian that said those comments? Vanitas does so wonder...

Then this armored being appears from what seems to be out of nowhere. Once more Vanitas is confused. Who is this? How are they connected to everything that is taking place? ]

I hope you realize I will be asking questions over this. There is a lot that could be taken out of context.

You've always asked me questions before. [It's said with a tentative tiny smile.] Why would this be any different?

[The memory continues on as Mira's fellow knight looks on in shock. How the scene before him could even be happening even as the ghost of his past continues to walk along until they stop in front of Mira, who still has her sword drawn. This too confuses the boy.]

And if she wouldn't listen to me, the embodiment of good sense and pragmatism, then what hope could you possibly have? A house divided cannot stand, you know. This childish rebellion ends now.

[The auri dark knight tastefully exclaims, "What in the seven hells is this!?" Never change Sid.]

..a compromise, I suppose.[Says the other.] Our dear friend here refused to let me take the reins, but I wasn't about to stand idly by while that imbecile tries to do...whatever he was trying to do.

[Turning to the memory of Mira.]

No hard feelings about Whitebrim, eh? Promise not to stab you in the back. It'll be just like old times.

[In turn, the memory of the dark knight smiles as a large greatsword is thrown at the other's feet. Standing up, Sid addresses the masked one. "A dark knight needs a sword. Take mine." With sword taken, the boy cowers, frightened by what will come to pass.]

No...No...This is wrong...This is all wrong.

[He sounds frantic, his words hitting sharper this time.]

I offer you peace! Restitution! A chance to make amends! Do not think you are above it! Do not think that a reckoning can be postponed indefinitely!

[And from the boy comes more shadows, knights dressed in blue and white, another clad in silver and black, and a small woman dressed in robes of black clutching a staff. The nameless dark knight and Mira look at themselves, surrounded as the other speaks.]

When it comes, I shall welcome it with open arms...But today will not be that day, and you will not be the judge!

[There's no other choice as the memory of Mira nods in reply. They must fight...and it reveals itself to the spectators within. The owner gestures quietly.]

I had quite the turmoil then too. It makes me ponder how well I could hold it before it became too much.

[ There's a twitch of Van's own lips. ]

Likely won't ever stop since you seem to answer them.

[ A shame that Vanitas hasn't quite warned Mira just yet about how possessive he can be of things that he perceives are his. He's aware of this enough to know that others can see it in a poor light. Honestly he doesn't care. What is his is his and that's all there is too it. Vanitas isn't about to allow anything to be taken from him so he might as well learn all that he can so nothing will.

Enough of that though. Vanitas hopes that things will become more clear after the memory plays out and he is free to pester Mira. He gets that this mysterious Dark Knight must be a friend... Though he speaks of Mira ignoring him and not allowing him to take the reigns? Is this the other part of her that she's spoken of at least one other time? If so, then how does this all relate to the boy?

Then the fighting begins and well. Obviously Mira is going to win because she's still here. Thus he turns to her as she speaks. ]

You may want to explain some of that. How does all of this actually relate to your inner turmoil back then? The brat seems to know you well, considering all of those biting words that he turned on you.

I try to. It wouldn't be right of me to keep some matters hidden.

[Especially as they play right before them, the battle waging as the dream Mira and the unknown dark knight each engage with their opponents.]

That boy's name is Myste. And he knows me well enough because...he is me. A part at least.

[Let it sink in for a second and she'll continue on.]

A part of me seeking forgiveness, my emotional pain.

[It's still a life taken. Mira sighs as she pulls out a small stone from her shirt, holding it in her palm as the symbol of the dark knight is clearly seen.]

But let me go back further before I learned about who he was. I was in Ishgard when this crystal broke in half, Myste coming to me saying that he was the one responsible. Claiming that he had a power to help people, he thought to be able to use resources around the area, he unknowingly took half of the aether in this stone. Pleading for forgiveness even then, he asked me to let him use some to help someone in need and then he would return it to me.

[ Part of her? Now Vanitas can't really begin to understand how Soul Crystals work, but it sounds pretty out there even to him. Well, a Crystal breaking in half and all of the sudden this boy shows up claiming that he is responsible and he can help. How could someone like that even be given a chance? How is that not suspicious? ]

And that didn't raise some red flags at all?

[ What he isn't really surprised to hear is that her inner turmoil and strife would create this situation to begin with. Of course Mira is conflicted about the things that she does. About the lives around her that are harmed in the process of her journey. Of course they weigh heavy on her mind and on her heart.

Because she cares too much. ]

Really I'm beginning to see a pattern about how you deal with your emotions.

It wasn't like I could force it out of him. Even Sid agreed that we couldn't simply take it out and only following him to do what he needed was the only way to go.

[Gesturing to that auri man in armor.]

Now knowing who Myste is...I suppose you can understand who fights beside me.

[ Could have found a way to stab it, Vanitas is sure. Found a way to suck it back into oneself, much like he had been able to do with the Unversed. ]

I assume this is another piece of you? One that wants to actually deal with your problems?

[And lose her aether? Uh, that might cause more things to fuck up.]

The part of me who I kept deep down when I had felt uneasy. My disquiet when I took on too much, believed that I had to do what was asked of me otherwise I would be seen as not a good person.

I fought them too but that was before this particular battle. Not the most healthy way but...it happened.

[ Or the aether could just flow right back to her! No one can say for certain! ]

Mira... I hope you realize how messed up that is on some level. You deny your real feelings about everything to the point where they manifest and try to kill you. Really?

[With a shrug and a sigh. It's absolutely horrible but honestly, what else is there to do? Not like she could talk to people about it since what is therapy in their world?]

Someone needs to be the protector. Someone needs to be strong for those who cannot stand for themselves. Someone needs to carry the burden so others can live in peace. Everyone tries to but in the end, it usually falls to me.

[Maybe deep down, even before dealing with Emet-Selch, she can't stop seeing herself as tool. A weapon to be used even if she doesn't want to be one. It feels like she's pounding on the door to a cage and yet she cannot escape it.]

They need to learn a little self-sufficiency, Mira. You aren't really doing them any favors by constantly picking up the slack. What are they going to do when you're not around? You can't possibly be this protector for the rest of your days.

[ One day her body won't be able to keep up. What then? ]

[Guess she'll die? Even as they talk, the memory Mira is fighting some man with an axe. She'll be fine.]

I don't think anyone wants me to be, or at least emphasize that I cannot do everything alone. I can still recall how my comrades got on me when I tried to go down to the Tempest alone, how they very much were for coming with. But if was not there...who knows what would have happened.

[She's been having that ideal dream much more lately. When the world is at peace that the Warrior of Light and Darkness isn't needed to save the world. Is it just that? A dream when the cold feeling of reality sets in?]

They say you can't do everything alone but who is it in the end that gets thrown into the major life or death battles? Who is it that ends up deciding everyone's fate?

[ Sure, these people can say all of the things that they want. Doesn't change the fact they are not strong enough to take these matters into their own hands. Doesn't change the fact that it is always going to end up on Mira when it shouldn't. ]

...I do in the end.

[It's always her that makes the impacting blow, the one who finishes them off after beating on the enemy for a time. It's her who does it. It's Mira who usually stands up even when thrown down over and over again. Even when the Light very nearly took her, she stood up with help from Ardbert. But they were one and the same, weren't they?]

It's always me who does it.

[But why? Why always her? Does Hydaelyn only truly see her as her blade?]

Exactly.

[ Vanitas' interest in the battle is only mild at best. Again, Mira is going to win this so is there really even a point? The only benefit to watching is seeing the different abilities that she once had. She no longer processes them here. ]

But you won't stop, will you?

I can't stop. If I do, people will die. There is no one else with my same skillset...

[There are those with the Echo but her particular gift? In her version, it's just her.]

A skillset they'll never acquire if you continue to do everything for them, Mira.

[ People can't grow stronger if constantly coddled. ]

And how will they? Hydaelyn only seems to want to focus on me, not any others gifted with the Echo.

[Arenvald in Ala Mhigo, Krile taking medical duty in the Scions. Both have the Echo and aren't tasked with saving so many shards like her.]

So what makes me different compared to them? Why am I the one who ends up becoming her errand girl?! Pretty damn sure there would be others jumping at the chance to do some good! So why am I usually on the front lines being asked to give succor? I care about people without a doubt but must I be pulled in so many directions?!

[...how long has she kept that hidden?]

So why me?

[ Vanitas doesn't look shocked at her outburst. He's not alarmed or surprised. No, there's a bit of a feral grin that starts to spread across his features. Finally! Mira really needs to get all of that out of her system. It's a shame that Vanitas cannot provide some sort of answer or even comfort. He can't really commiserate either. ]

Maybe because you just stepped up when called? Because you've done so without thought or minimal complaint until just this moment?

So has everyone else!

[Her voice gets higher as she clenches her fists.]

There has been no one that I have known with the same power that has decided to squander it. Every person I know does something and yet out of everyone it's me that has to shoulder the lives of millions of people! To keep them safe and out of harm's way but what happens when the one who needs help IS the hero?!

She ends up saving everyone anyway! Because of some higher power decided that 'oh it will be fine!' but in reality, it's not! The last one who did something other than me gave her life to stop the Flood in the First from spreading along with four others! Is that all we're good for?! Do the task then discarded after we're done?!

[She can feel herself get lightheaded and falls to her knees.]

Sorry. None of that is directed at you. I'm just...tired.

Edited 2020-04-19 01:33 (UTC)

[ Nonsense, Mira. Vanitas is listening. He knows that none of this is aimed at him. This is all of the pent of frustration and irritation finally coming to the surface. Mira's discontentment and justified anger at her situation is being made known. There is no reason for him to be offended or put out.

Instead he kneels right in front of her. Van shakes his head. ]

Tired of being treated like a thing. Exhausted because you've released all of this crap you've just smiled and nodded at while secretly boiling inside. Don't ever apologize for this, Mira. You need it.

I...

[She takes a ragged breath and lifts her head up slightly at her son. He's still here after all her words? Even if not directed at him, she didn't think...]

I'm not just some tool to be discarded after everything is done. Don't I breathe and live like everyone else? Don't I deserve to know why it's me that has to go through all of this?

Our Compromise (Level 70 DRK Spoilers): Castmates and CR

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assume the ShB spoilers, kids

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