#laili

A Bride’s Story

Waking up one morning, Papaya was met with a curious letter from Laili. Strange, as they usually only use the moogle mail service to exchange crafting materials and the like when they are too busy to meet up. Nevertheless seeing something from her always brings a smile to her face.

Wear something nice? Laili must be planning a surprise date. It’s odd that she would want to meet up in Central Shroud however, Laili isn’t one for the forest and much prefers the city walls of her home, Ul’dah. Papaya found her go-to formal attire and set out to meet her girlfriend, excited to see what she has in store.

Riding with Pico amongst the trees, Papaya finally realized why this area was chosen - it was the spot where they ended their first date under the stars so many moons ago. Butterflies filled her stomach as she saw Laili waiting on the rock where they shared their first kiss and became a couple.

Laili heard the lavender chocobo approaching through the undergrowth and turned to face them. She looked a little nervous, but upon making eye contact with Papaya her face lit up. "Miss Papaya, have you any idea why I might have called you out here today?" "No, but I certainly do have fond memories of this spot!"

Laili chuckled “Hahaha...we sure did!" Laili takes Papaya's hand in hers, their fingers lacing together as she continues to speak. "This is where it all began for us. The end of our date, our first kiss...it seems like an age ago now. It makes me wonder though...would you perhaps want to make another lasting memory here?" Papaya was taken aback. What was she saying? Surely Laili wasn’t...

"Papaya, this past year we've spent together has been the happiest of my entire life. You light up my world and complete me in a way that the old cynical me would've never even thought possible. I want our time together to never end...I suppose what I'm saying is, Papaya, would you make the me the happiest woman in the world and agree to marry me?"

And then she revealed it. The most beautiful, hand crafted diamond ring Papaya had ever laid eyes on. Tears welling in her eyes, Papaya shrieked out an excited "YES!", extending her hand for Laili to place the ring upon her finger

“There is nothing is this life I would want more than to be at your side. From now until the time my life fades from this world I will be bound to you, and my love will only grow as it has been with each passing day. Your smile and touch will make my heart race even as we grow old together. Laili, I love you with all my heart.” There was no more need for words between the two, the intimate kiss they shared saying all that needed to be said.

Their path was set and their hearts destined to become one. The Ceremony would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives; one that would be written by the two lovers together for all eternity.

Okay so, the first rule of socializing with a Dunesfolk Lalafell: never drink their tea.

Or, if you do, have an antivenom chaser handy. Temporary loss of one’s motor skills due to various viper and scorpion venoms they lace their teas with isn’t a fun time.

Being a native of Ul’Dah, I find myself pretty jealous of the adaptation their eye’s have made to living in the desert. A Plainsfolk like myself lacks this natural advantage, my family having moved to Ul’Dah shortly after the Autumn War according to my father. Not only that, I find them to be absolutely…mesmerizing to lose oneself in during conversation. Some more than others…

Staring deep into the frying pan Papaya knew, it was time to make a grand poultry dinner for her closest friends. Laili couldn’t make the meal due to urgent business matters that needed to be taken care of, so Papaya took the task in her stead. Laili had the utmost faith in her even though she wasn’t an experienced cook. Papaya was going to give it her all and make sure it came out delicious.

It’s time.

Believe in her!

Unfortunately despite her best efforts, Papaya not only managed to burn the dodo, but make it shrink ten times it’s original size!

This wasn’t suitable to feed her friends, and wouldn’t even begin to fill their bellies. It was common knowledge that Papaya was weak in the art of cooking, but she started to believe she was on a whole other level of terrible.

The worst part of it was knowing how much she disappointed Laili. She was depending on her, and she had blown it. Not only that, but she ruined the very expensive dodo Laili had purchased with a fair bit of coin. Papaya became so distraught that eventually her thoughts spiraled downwards until visions of becoming the very feast itself appeared in her mind.

Upon coming home, Laili saw Papaya in such a state of distress and immediately came over to comfort her. Papaya explained what happened, nearly tearing up, but Laili assured her everything would be alright. She wasn’t disappointed in her at all and promised to fix everything in time for the dinner.

As they began to set up, Papaya asked why Laili came home in her culinarian attire. Laili then chuckled, saying that she had a feeling she would need to be assisting after all, and was able to come home early. She even secured another dodo just in case of a disaster like this.

Thank the twelve a REAL chef was on the case. If anyone could save this feast it was Laili!

Everything turned out delectable and with time to spare!

Now that the evening was secured, Laili took a look at Papaya’s tiny dodo. She was quite curious how Papaya managed to do such a thing and decided to take a taste. Yes the skin was a bit TOO crispy to say it kindly, but it wasn’t completely terrible. Papaya sighed at her creation, however Laili looked into her sad eyes and suggested that this small dodo would be theirs for later. A special dodo to share with the very special Lalafell she had fallen in love with. Papaya was beyond surprised, as she thought Laili would incinerate such a foul creation, but was overjoyed to hear her sweet words.

At the time of the feast, their close friends gathered around the grand dodo in awe. It looked absolutely delicious and they couldn’t wait to dig in! Though it seemed some friends just couldn’t wait to show their premature starlight celebration spirit, what was important was that they were all together and enjoying each other’s company.

The crew laughed and danced throughout the night, and Papaya even learned how to balance the small dodo on her head before she and Laili shared it back at home. She was relieved everyone had lots of fun. She’s thankful towards everyone there, and also thankful to all of you.

Happy Holidays Everyone!