Final Fantasy XIV- A Dream Untold: Hitocillia's Story.

The Walk.

She passed by the training grounds once more, but her thoughts were too muddled to notice. She continued to recollect what had just transpired, playing it back over and over in her head. Hitocillia wasn't new to the "punishments" posed by her father so casually; all she knew was that the last thing you wanted to do was disappoint him.

Her attention turned back to the dream she had just last night. If she could at least make out the words, make out something tangible, she'd feel more comfortable. Regardless of what she does, she forgets what she saw the morning after. All that was left was an uncomfortable message and a migraine. Hear, something, something. Question was, what does that even mean?

Perhaps she'd been pondering that thought too hard, though, as she didn't realize herself bump into somebody. Another Commander, no less.
"Oy', lass. Ye' better watch y'ur step."

 She'd recognized that distinct distaste for proper pronunciations anywhere. It'd been Fordwin Benulus, a brutish oaf easily twice her size and at least years more battleworn than her. In all other scenarios, she'd have to respect his position, had it not been for his precarious upbringings. Unlike the rest of the soldiers in this platoon, Fordwin hadn't a lick of Garlean blood. In fact, he was just a mere child reigning from Southern Thanalan brought under the generous protection of the Empire. His treacherous blood of his own brought him beratement from other soldiers, but his battle prowess spoke for itself. What he lacked in actual heritage he made up for with his overwhelming ferocity in battle. He earned Lord Dignitas' respect once he returned to cut down his entire village in one fell swoop. That earned him the nickname "Feral Fordwin" among the recruits. Not that Hitocillia cared, however.

"Wait; inn'it you the daughter of Lord Dignitas?" He hollered, arousing the attention of nearby soldiers. Figures. Potential spoiled by the sheer need of publicity. "Bet'cha old pa really scolded you 'dis time!"

"I don't have time to amuse your childish antics, Fordwin." Hitocillia attempted to continue moving, but he refused to budge. He really wasn't going to let this go.

"Not su'prised he keep turnin' a blind eye to y'er failed missions. Remember 'dat botch'd mission t'uh retrieve those Resistance documents?" He laughed more. That loud, ear-grating laugh you could only attribute to one of such brutish descents.

"Final time I'll say it, Fordwin; get out of my way."

"Or 'wut?"

"Or I'll make you get out of my way." The last portion really had him reeling. Was that a challenge he heard? This'll be a riot. He leaned over, stopping his head a mere fulm from Hitocillia's. It was there she got a good look at his big, toothy grin. He relished a challenge, no less one from the esteemed daughter of their ruler.

"Oi' might need t'uh take 'ya up on 'dat." He snapped his fingers twice, then pointed at one of the eavesdropping recruits. "Bring me y'ur sword." He was flustered for a moment, but didn't want to go against the wishes of a Commander. He eventually brought him the weapon, to which he gracefully accepted.

" 'Ere 'ya go. A weap'n for 'da lady." He attempted to pass the sword, blade facing down, to Hitocillia. She snatched it from his boorish paws, solidifying her grip upon its handle."You don't expect to fight me bare handed, do you?"

This of course, was met with more laughter. He distanced himself from her, revealing his own weapon. It'd been a blade with a much greater weight, requiring two hands to manage for a normal person. But, Fordwin wasn't some ordinary person, now was he? He wielded the oversized blade with incredible finesse with merely his right hand. Realizing a crowd had practically formed around the two, he showed off the custom inscriptions upon the blade. Rather than use default equipment like Hitocillia was forced to, he opted to use the personal blade he received from Lord Dignitas for his years of servitude. "I 'on go anyw'ere without ol' Reliable." There it was; his toothy grin again. "Ya' aren't goin' t'uh back out now, are ye', lass?"

Hitocillia ignored his comment, instead preparing her own self for combat. She wasn't going to resort to small quips like he did. If the Feral beast wanted to fight, she'll gladly put it down.

"Whenever you're ready."

"D'ats more like it!"