#faceless plot

It feels like weeks have passed, but I cannot be sure.

He’s spent my last few days tormenting me. Ridiculing me. My mind has never felt so broken. I’ve never felt so lost. I wish I could see someone, anyone else.

I’d nodded off in a room with my linkpearls laid before me. Hoping to hear from someone. From anyone. Instead they all played the same, crackling static. And any time he came near, the white noise got louder. His whispers seemed to have entered my head, and they simply kept repeating themselves. I resigned myself to this fate. To listening to his ridicule in this lonely version of Ishgard.

Any bit of hope, at this point, would be a mercy.

And so, a mercy did appear.

There was the sound of metal being stuck all night. The workshop of the Silver Grace Clinic was alive in the wee hours of the morning. Towards the back of the large facility there was a blacksmiths bench, a furnace roaring as hot metal within was tempered and ready to be shaped. It was a larger furnace than most, but then again it had been so long since she had made anything. Flames licked the Xaela’s cheeks and she would leave the metal inside, waiting for it to glow. In the meanwhile, something else had to be done. Sitting down upon a stool grabbing a whetstone and setting a bucket of water before her, Neheon began the slow and careful process of sharpening a rather large axe. It hadn’t been used in so long, it was much bigger than she remembered, but even while being short, it wasn’t common for most things to be taller than she was. Carefully she caressed the flat front of the H shaped axe design and then began to work on sharpening the axe between her legs. With a whistle towards the far end of the workshop, a display module hummed to life. “Start journal recording.” There was a beep that followed, and all the while as Neheon continued to sharpen the axe, she made her journal entry.

“Hey Journal I know it’s been a bit so uh, I’ll get you up to speed. I got sick because of those flower things. Doctor Lukel made a cure and distributed it so hey I didn’t die. But then I almost DID die. I trusted someone who I thought I could just talk with, you know? Share information with but he ended up kicking my ass and then pinning me to the front of my clinic, by my damned shoulder no less. I mean...talk about rude right?” There was subtle scratching, a moment to hesitate before the stone met the side of the axe again and Neheon continued.

“In learning this language, I started to associate people with things. Strength being one of them. There’s so many definitions for it you know? It can be the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure or uh... the influence or power possessed by a person, organization, or country. I’ve seen strength many times before but last night, I heard it break. He didn’t say much but I heard Revarik...and it hurt. I saw strength, in one form, become defeated... Enambris said she’s check on him but, I just worry.” A pause came, no sounds for a moment as Neheon stared down to her mother’s axe, looking at the various dents on it she bit her bottom lip and remembered the way she had to put her down, the creature that bastard made her into....a bitter memory.

“But...Strength is never defeated, is it? I saw my mother break like that before. I saw her loose all of her strength because of my father dying. I saw her look dead before she could even say a word but she got it back. When it came to protecting me and my brother, she got it back. Even if she hated so many people, hated this world, she got it back because she remembered him. She remembered how hard Enoji fought to see this world thrive. With her honor in mind, I will take up her axe and become strength.” Another pause as the recorder kept going but what came after was the sound of metal pounded against metal, the spark and crackle of items being welded together, for hours and hours this continued on, panting breath from the Xaela being the only sound otherwise. When all was said and done, Neheon’s voice came over the recording, stronger this time.

“Mother, don’t be angry. I’ve put a Lion on your axe. The two people who’ve taught me the most about strength will be my fighting force. The necklace I wear because of my sister, she will be my reason...and the name of a family I don’t deserve, will be my restraint. The Network, the people I’ve met, we are stronger than this damned force, than this damned voice. No matter what comes, I’ll throw out the bad apples and protect the good ones. We are going to save everyone. We will do our best. Nhamma...let others see this light, this conviction, and let us be a force for good.

Everyone has lost so much. The Doctor lost a part of the person he loves. Zath and Meli, I don’t know what to make of what will happen to them.Lily got herself hurt in trying to avenge me. I’m not worth it. I tried to tell her. This world has never been kind to me, but I don’t care. I’ll fight to make it a good world for the people I love and respect because if they are happy...I’m happy.” The recording cut out as the Xaela started to dress herself in heavy tassets, metal and leather, covered from neck to toe, she grabbed the newly sharpened and altered axe. A blood red stone set in a silver necklace dangled around her neck and leaning down, Neheon kissed the top of it before stuffing the necklace under her armor.

Minutes later and she was out the door. There wasn’t time to spare anymore. She had her courage, she had her conviction. She had strength.

The ride back to Ishgard from the Coerthan Western Highlands was nearing an end. I decided to take an airship rather than walk, so that I could take a look through what little notes I had. Even after visiting and spending Suns with the tribe known as the Vath, I had little to show for it. However, there was something I needed to check within the libraries at Ishgard.

I retrieved the linkpearl from my bag in order to notify the others working with me. The other researchers would have something to add onto my own theories.

Scratch.

Yet, when I picked up the pearl, I immediately heard what sounded like the crackling of electricity on the other end. Static. A gentle white noise that didn’t get drowned out by the snow.

I could only shrug and set the linkpearl back into my knapsack. As I took a small sigh, I began to look at the one other passenger. A short, cloaked man sat across form me. I could not make out his features too well, but he seemed to be smiling.

I’m the keeper of secrets so it would seem. I don’t want to be, but I have to be. They know who they are, they know what they have to do or rather, what they feel they have to do. Nhamma I don’t want this responsibility, I don’t want to be the reason for things going to shit, but I know the more that these secrets are held from people, certain people, groups of people, the more nervous I become.

I can’t take my own advice and get some sleep, make food, eat said food, right now I’m living off of caffeine and nicotine. I won’t allow myself to drink till all of this is over, but gods...Lunae was so sweet to bring by a delicious selection and I know once this is all over, I’m going to be singing her praises before passing out in a drunken stupor.

Then we get onto what Vincents said, her ideas, I’m happy she’s back. I’m happy she’s trying to help and honestly, her brilliance hasn’t changed and I’m super grateful for that. The past is the past, I know there were issues before but she’s past them, and moving forward, I’m probably going to seek out her wisdom. Even so, I’m going to push forward, I have an idea now. I -will- see it play out.

I already have help from Ulfarr, now today is to make the pitch. I need to know what Kaisin did to ‘look’ at these bastards, even for a brief moment, I don’t want to see them, I just want to send a message. I want them to be afraid of what we know and what we are planning to do. Once the message is out, it’s go time. Anger is an issue I know I have, thanks mom for being a war mongering Dotharl, but I’m so sick of this. My friends and family are suffering because of these assholes. It’s time to bring the pain to them. Time to make THEM panic. Give me wisdom, father. Mother, give me your ruthless nature. Nhamma protect me, I’m afraid of making myself an enemy but it’s going to be worth it.

“Hello! Anyone?!”

I could hear my voice echo throughout the halls and chambers of Ishgard. No matter where I went, there was not a single soul in sight. Just me and my child-self. 

“What is going on?” I asked. “What have you done?”

My boyish self looked up at me, smirking.

“What have I done?” He asked mockingly. “What have we done, is the better question. I am you, after all. And we have brought Ishgard to ruin. And ultimately, the realm.” 

He was all too happy to proclaim such a thing, and with such confidence it made it difficult to not believe him, but still I shook my head.

“No, it can’t be. I’ve only just arrived here. We can’t have failed, yes?”

The Light is about connections. It's both as simple and as complicated as that. The church, the Virtues, everything we preach and teach all leads to this truth. The Light is about connections. Though I had seen him a few times over the past few weeks and knew of him, I did not personally know Talona Dal'shula. The colleagues and friends I'd worked alongside and connected with over these weeks knew him far better, however, and they deeply mourned his loss. They truly Respected and loved this man; it was for them that I went to the service where his body would be cremated and laid to rest. My connection to them brought me here to support and observe, and their connection to him brought us all here in the first place. It was a basic testament to how the Light worked: through our connections, we would be stronger, in the Light. The Light connects all living things. All things living in this world and others, throughout the universe. The Light binds us all, strengthened the more we reach out to others. Xanelen was having a difficult time of it, I could tell. On top of his blindness - which was still an issue even after the marks and powers were stripped from those they'd been granted to - he returned from his own battle bearing the grief and guilt of being forced to kill his friend. Lady Ravenmourn had been preoccupied by the welfare of a man who she seemed to love and Respect like a father and mentor, desperately seeking answers in the hope of freeing Talona of the influence of the Faceless. And Andi... she loved him too. She is the one he came to when he warned us of the bombing. Both women stood nearby now, tears streaming down their faces and pain stark in their eyes. I did not know Talona Dal'shula personally, but I could not help but be impressed by the deep love and unwavering loyalty he had inspired, even after he began to serve as the Collective's Tenor. Connections in the Light are strengthened through positive feelings. Joy, kindness, mercy, sympathy, tenderness, and thankfulness inspire greater connections with others. We establish a connecton with those we inspire with such emotions. And those emotions are all a kind of love we show to others. So the Light shines brighter; stronger. In the midst of mourning family and friends, I felt a bright presence draw closer to the broken body of Talona Dal'shula. While I did not know what it was, the feeling of reassuring warmth, abiding hope, and unquestioning love swelled within the chamber, filling the very air we breathed. Suddenly Xanelen stepped towards the body with eyes that shone luminous gold. He spoke words... he touched Talona's chest... And then he collapsed to the ground. Talona's body was reknit. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths. I looked from him to Xanelen laying nearby. And somehow, I knew. I just knew. When Xanelen woke and opened his eyes, I knew he'd be able to see. The grace of the Light had been extended from Talona to Xanelen. So many add unnecessary principles and values to their faith. Things they believe are the right way to worship in the Light. They miss the simple, basic truth of it. The Light is about connections. Connections are strengthened by love. "I just witnessed a miracle," I informed Iloam over the House mindlink as I moved to see to both Talona and Xanelen. The words seemed inadequate for what had just transpired. The Light had been manifested before my very eyes in a way that I had never before seen or felt. It was as if everything I believed, all my faith, was proven as scientific fact right in front of me. It was as if we all suddenly had a second chance. Iloam's brain wasn't there. His brain was on other things. He said something vague and supportive, because he always supported me. But really he would rather go back to talking about sex. Well, I can understand that. That strengthens connections too. Out loud, I spoke words inspired by faith and love and Light as everyone returned to the clinic, still floored by what had just happened. In the back of my mind, I was so thankful for what I had just seen. Talona had been a man who the Faceless chose and marked for their own purposes. They corrupted him and twisted his mind. Yet, the Light blessed him. Saved him. Through love, and those who connected themselves to him in love. In this world, and in whatever world lay beyond. It was faith reaffirmed. It was hope offered. It was a comfort. If salvation was possible for this man, maybe, through love, Iloam could be saved as well. The Light connects all living things. The Light is love. And by love, our road through life is illuminated in the Light. As long as there is love, we are never truly alone. This morning I wake up some time after dawn. Usually I am up earlier, getting ready to head to Silvermoon and work in the clinic. Today I linger in bed. After a moment of thought, I reach out for my blue-gemmed ring: the magical communication device the members of the Resistance were all given. Sliding the ring on my finger, I speak to everyone in the Resistance.

"Last night, a few of us were fortunate to witness a true miracle. Even though we've fought our battles and the marks have been severed, I feel as if we are not quite finished yet. We still have work to do, I know." "But last night was a reminder of how important it is to remember those we love and care for. They are the reason we fight." "I won't be coming in today. Today, I am going to spend time with the people I love, and with my children. And I encourage every one of us - all of you - to do the same. Drag the men and women you love back to bed, and spend a lazy day with each other. Play with your children and celebrate the holiday with your family. Have lunch and quality time with friends. Reconnect with an old companion. Reach out to someone lingering on your mind. Walk your dogs. Pet your cats. Sit in the park and watch the people you care about though they aren't aware. We are all connected. Love makes us stronger. Take a day, just today, my friends, to remind and strengthen your spirits." "I will see you tomorrow."

I just wanted to express my thanks to everyone involved in the Faceless Plot, mods and participants alike! I got involved a bit later than most, but have nonetheless been welcomed and been given wonderful opportunities for several of my characters to explore. :)

Special thanks to the mods and other storytellers at @we-the-faceless, @the-shieldedmind @chorusofcontention @the-handmaidens-collective, for this and all the opportunities yet to come as a result of this fun and intriguing story! Thank you as well to my group for last night’s event- @kharrisdawndancer @andaerosdawnflare , @centoristarstriker (and Kari!), @aesonissa, @quenthyl, @eternityinseconds, and @twilightrejects (apologies to those I can’t properly tag x3). And thank you to Andy for facilitating the evening for us as well!