Redbud-Tree
Unlike the Warrior of Light and their Western friends with duties toi home, Hien did not leave the Eorzean festivities immediately. In fact, the Domans were too happy to breathe and see long escaped loved ones to leave just yet... Butduring the celebrations, Hien had taken notice of something, and it didn't sit well wityh the ruler of Doma. In fact, he saw a way to further repay his debt -- Doma's debt - to the Scions, and during one cekebration, he stole away to approach the Waters siblings.
And on that night he was shadowed by the orphan his father had saved thanks to a kindly Confederate when they had seized a ship that refused the tithe. As children, neither knew freedom - Hien, the bitter taste of Garlean rule. This child, slavery. However, the Confederacy had almost kept her to raise, except for the fact the girl seemed particularlky odd by the sea - always looking for something -- and based upon how readily the original slavers had tried using her to pay their tithe (not wise, Hien heard his father tell him), it was clear they believed a curse followed her. So, she was gtifted to Kaien as company for the palace, but she had befriended Hien far more, and so the Lord of Doma came to claim the girl, Lifa, as a child of his house. She was never to rule -- but she was raised a daughter and lady of Doma. When the rebellion failed, Lifa had parted from Hien to try diverting Zenos' men, and returned hearing he had to fight. After Doma's liberation, Hien had told her the tale of the Nadaam, and of Bardam's Mettle, and she, like others, soonb tested themselves -- a feat Hien was sure the c;ans of the /steppe seemed to take pride in sharing, actually, as Nadaam has poassed, most wee let be... If but one or two joined the tribes. Hien didn't mind - the Xaela were good, loyal allies. Still, even he welled in pride when Lifa returned atop a Yoh mount -- proud and pleased she had grown as well as he. So when he planned to repay Doma's debts... He was glad Lifa joined him. It would otherwise be a lonelier trip. Still, though -- he saw the similarities with the Waters twins, and he had an urge to snoop.
Lifa followed Hien on idle footsteps, weapon stowed as she followed her adopted brother -- her lord. The woman was quite pleased battling off the Garlerans, feeling a sense of satisfaction, so during celebrations she'd been quick to tell stories with Ala Mhiugans, though when Hien bade follow, well.
He'd never been unkind, and she followed. He said it may link to her life before Doma -- a turbulent time when her mother was a slave to a pleasure barge and Lifa was being groomed by the owners for it - before the Lord of the Whorl and his children all but caused an upset, seizing her mother. The Sahagin might have seazed her, too-- if the pirates hadn't had guns. If tyhe Lord of the Whorl wasn't leaving to take her mother away. Still a barb remained -- the Sahagin run off, and Liufa? Theytried pawning her off, fearing another strike by the primal. As they approached the pair of twiuns, Lifa was far less pleased as Hien, nodding to the pale haired siblings quietly. Were they temopered, she wondered? Sorobo often told them of kami whom seized will andsoul. But Hien wouldn't risk that... Right?
Cherish blinked, watching Hien a[[rpach. With Ala Mhigo liberated, Thancred ewas on a much needed break -- both for him, and her. Nero was away once more seeing to Omega, and Cherish needed hands. For one -- her daughter needed comfoprt, and moreso... Her son, Clair's twin, often fought the Doman children over his father. Thancred may yet help quell it, but right now? Party time, aND Cherish tilted her head as Hien beamed at the pair, silvery maned girl in tow, and the lord spoke.
"Good evening, my friends. Might I have a moment of your time to ask you something? I think I may yet owe more on my debt."
