#mhach

Vintage Story 10x10x10 cube of firewood to become charcoal #mycube

Mhachi "Mhach" (ṽax) -> Belah'dian "Mwa" -> Ul'dahn "Kwa" Eorzean loans native name as "Mwak" (gen. "Mwaki" independent derivation, original "Mhaing" not attested) The genitive is regularized to "Mwani" in Belah'dian and "Kwani" in Ul'dahn.

Reconstructed Mhachi form "belɔhe dax" to Belah'dian "belaa dja" spelled belah'dia, genitive in early Belah'dian was beluenti, and did not regularize like other demonyms formed with the genitive case. the use of the <h> in the orthography is due to historical h in Mhachi lengthening vowels. In Ul'dahn it is often called "Bela'dah", but in Eorzean the original name was loaned back, hence "Beradia" and "Berwenti". However, note that "Belwenti" is used in the modern day (as is Eorzean "Berwenti") as a term for those of Ul'dah who are not Lalafell. As a funky creole/interlang thing, Eorzean's phonotactics is simple yet loosely defined. While most of the Ul'dahn vocabulary lacks sonority plateaus, clusters especially with the rhotic <r> are more common in words from other sources, such as Eorzea {iorsia} and Aldenard {ardenard}. A lot of words also preserve aspects of earlier spellings, such as the <l> and <r> being written separately in "Aldenard". "Ul" is a loan from Dunesfolk Lalafellin, which had begun to lose the rhythmic system of the classical Lalafellin language, largely retaining it in names and in some residual reduplication rules. "dah" (phonetically: daa) is the phonetic evolution of "dia", in fact, so is "dih" in Sil'dih. In Eorzean, the name is spelled Uldah and pronounced "urdaa".

The first few rays of the Warden’s light breaks through the Near Eastern sky.  Dawn has once again arrived in Radz-at-Han.  At the Higuri Regalia’s Main Branch dining hall, the Diamond Sultan had just begun to stir from his overindulged slumber, and the sensations he felt upon rising were nothing short of satisfying.  He was... content and well-rested.  His mind was clear.  All the stress had been lifted from his body.  And it was as good a time as ever to lift himself from his divan.

 Making his way back to his chambers, Thiji would commence with his normal hygienic routine of washing, grooming, perfuming, and application of makeup.  After a full bell’s time of pampering, he would don his wamoura attire from his morning wardrobe and make his rounds about the headquarters.   His previous conversations from his founding Angels – his six closest maidservants - echoed in his mind.  He was instructed by his mother to heed the counsel of his loyal entourage, and he did.

 With Sesena, the Aldenard Branch Head Secretary, he was reassured that, so long as she remained as the Archangel, she would lead her fellow maidservants with unwavering loyalty and faith, bearing true allegiance to the Regalia and to House Higuri.

 Sosona Sona, the Regalia’s Chief Analytics Officer, spoke highly of her lord’s work ethic, but reminded him that it is because he works so arduously that he must remember to relax and rest – even take a day off, if he so prefers.

 Susuna, his favorite and Chief Financial Officer, helped Thiji to embrace his need to enjoy what pleasures he could by spending his massive fortune on anything he desired; to satiate his greed lest he becomes overtaken by it.

 Lelena, Spoken Resources Coordinator, highlighted how humble the Diamond Sultan truly was admist all the praise and aplomb he had received throughout his time, and strove to emulate his example whilst she remained Apsara of Humility.

 Luluma, Quartermaster, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Thiji’s former combat mentor, had acknowledged the peerless abilities of her lord, now deeming herself the student.  Though being an Angel of no mingling amount of strength is required to protect the Diamond Sultan, he has proven that he is more than capable of fending for himself – though times will come where he will not be able to do so.  Without a pupil, Luluma vowed to continue training the next generation of Angels whom will undoubtedly serve House Higuri with pride.

 Finally, Lilina, his Special Events Coordinator, had her own memorable occasion in store for her lord.  After a lavish party filled with food, dance, and laughter, she showed the Diamond Sultan the joys of indulgence – to prove that a tiny exercise of his power to embrace his gluttony would be of little harm to him. 

 All of the reminiscing and reflection took far more time than he realized, for when Thiji returned to his chambers, the light of Azeyma had already reached its peak, signaling the afternoon.  The Diamond Sultan would sit upon his couch to rest his legs, leaning back and shutting his eyes to absorb the tranquil sounds: the curtains billowed by the wind; the flamingos’ cries as they soared into the blue yonder…

 After a few long moments of peace, he would hear three gentle taps upon the entrance.  Rising from his seat to address it, Thiji would open the doors to his bed chambers.  Awaiting him on the other side was the Desert Violet and Aldenard Branch Advisor – Shishira Shira – in her favorite nightgown.  She greeted Thiji with a sad smile and asked if she could enter.  There was no reason for him to refuse his Angel, and thus did he gladly welcome her into his room with a bow.  Thiji returned to his couch, offering her a seat beside her, to which she accepted, though with some trepidation.  Some moments of silence later, Shishira would finally speak her mind…

 “It is grand to see you in good health… My Sultan,” she said, her voice soft.  “We’ve never really had the opportunity to actually talk since I joined the Angels.  Though I know you can only listen during Angels’ Time, your actions speak for you.  And I am ever grateful that you still consider me your friend… You could have easily brushed me aside as would any other justified noble, Thiji.  I was the one responsible for setting you down the path you now walk.”

 Shishira slowly rose from her seat, approaching the balcony to let the wind caress her face and hair.  Thiji looked on as he sensed the beginning of a large speech – but for the first love interest, this was to be expected.  She was the Lady of Rubies, and owner of the business known as “Shira’s Astralday Best” that was once based in the Sagolii Desert.  Hers was one of several competitors with whom the Higuri Regalia had encountered as they carved out their own corner of luxury within the ocean of sand.  What was less known, however, was the higher power she had served…

Chichibi Chibi, the beautiful and deadly aristocrat of the Sagolii Desert, who established herself as Queen, was of several important figures who created a name for herself in the Thanalan outskirts.  She had become a close friend to Lord Thiji, their friendship evolving from a former rivalry when they had set off on the path of the adventurer.  Said to be a descendant of Lady Shatotto, her prowess as a Mhachi Voidmage was beyond reproach – and she had quite a proclivity for incineration…

“I had noticed too late when I was summoned by Her Grace,” Shishira began, a slight hesitation in her voice as the words were somewhat difficult to find.  “Though I have served Queen Chichibi faithfully, she had expressed deep displeasure for my actions against you, stating that such an affront to her dear friend would be met with grave punishment…”

Shishira would bring her arms together in a hug, her gaze lowered to the floor with a frightened countenance.  The sound of roaring flames rushed into her mind as she would flash back to a scene where she found herself surrounded by a column of fire, sparks dancing about her, threatening to consume her very being.  Out from the flaming pillar stepped the Queen herself, bearing a calm look upon her features.  Though beneath that tranquil exterior lied the raging inferno of a noblewoman irked.

“I had nearly met my end at the hands of Her Grace,” Shishira stated, finding some difficulty bringing out the words.  Thiji stood from his seat as his old friend continued.  “The fear of the Twelve struck my soul as I awaited her judgment, frozen amidst her fiery cage.  But when I had but embraced my demise... she abstained.  Her Grace said that she saw potential in me, and that my penance would be to embrace the Mhachi art of Black Magic.  Though I am not wholly at fault for hurting you - as much as I believe the contrary - I wanted to set things right.  I served under Queen Chichibi as her apprentice, and was then commanded to serve the Regalia once my training was complete... And though we have long repaired that bridge, Thiji... It is still not enough, for I have my own words to say.”

Thiji would approach Shishira until she was ilms from her, standing at the threshold of the balcony.  The violet-haired Dunesfolk turned to Thiji, eyes brimming with tears, ready to fall from her limpid orbs at any given moment...

“I hurt you, Thiji... And while I cannot apologize enough for my transgression, I can still do better than just that.  Your Sultana is out there somewhere, and though you may have given up on the search... she hasn’t.  You’ve become the man you are because it all started with me, and even amidst all that has happened, you still found it in your icy heart to forgive me... Not only that, but you even gave me back Memejora... You gave us back our love... long after I denied you mine.  I have spoken with the other Angels, and they have all agreed.  You are deserving of a Sultana, no matter how much you wallow in solitude.”

The tears from her eyes had begun to fall at this point, with light sniffling as she wept quietly.  Thiji, though moved, still gave her his undivided attention.

“I have studied long enough under Queen Chichibi to know your heart... I know that - deep down inside - there is a voice that speaks to you.  It dissuades you; it shields you from the foreseeable pain; shuts you out from others’ affection... turns you into a recluse.  And I will accept any punishment you deem just for saying such things, but I will not have true closure unless it is said... The Diamond Sultan should not live his life in the icy seclusion that he has created within his heart!”

Her tone was raised as more tears began rolling down her cheeks, teeth clenched as she stared down her old friend, fighting back the sobs to continue speaking her piece...

“I know you’ve every reason and right to feel the way you do... But I would be struck down by Rhalgr’s own levinbolt if I did not believe for a moment that somewhere in this vast realm called Etheirys, a maiden just as heartbroken as you is still continuing her journey to find her Sultan, led on by the faint strands of hope that she has refused to loose from her grip!  Her heart yet beats for the one she knows is out there, and the fire in her soul is what keeps her moving!  She hasn’t given up, Thiji... She’s not ready to let it end...”

The teary Advisor, though breaking down from her sorrow, found her resolve in this very moment.  The sadness she displayed was a testament to all that she had been waiting to say to Thiji for many summers, and with tear-stained determination, she grabbed Thiji’s hands and stared into his eyes...

“I speak to you now as a friend and confidant - as your Advisor: should that someone come into your life; should her flame be hot and bright enough to melt the frost of your heart... you let it melt.  Don’t shelter yourself away from what could blossom into a beautiful relationship.  Take your chance; fall in love; welcome her into your heart!  The most beautiful romances are born from souls tempered by solitude...  And when that happens, you’d better hold onto her with every fiber of your being - even should your arms, hands, and fingers bleed - you keep holding onto her; find strength and inspiration in her... Don’t you let go.  And should that voice begin to whisper in your head again... shut it out.  Ignore it.  Don’t let the solitude take hold!  Embrace the love that I could not give you, and spread your wings like the proud swan that you are!  Do you hear me, Thiji sor Higuri?!”

Thiji nodded immediately, fighting back the urge to acknowledge Shishira verbally with a “Yes, ma’am.”  Afterwards, she would bury her face into her robe as she continued sobbing, not even minding her tears soaking his fine clothing.  His friend needed comfort, and he would provide it to her, silently holding Shishira as her weeping resumed.

“We want to see the Diamond Sultan’s heirs entering this world...” Shishira murmured into his robes.  “The Angels want to help grow and nurture those beautiful progeny we know you’ll bring... But above all: we wish to see our lord smile.  If you are beautiful now, just think how much more stunning you’ll be with a warm grin on your face...”

Mhach, Mhach, beware the dark,

keep away or lose your heart.

If you find it, it may be too late,