Gulool Ja Ja's Legacy: A FFXIV DT Rewrite + Expansion Concepts [Fanfiction]

Ch3: The Feat of Reeds

Alisaie was momentarily speechless. She would hate being in such a role. She suddenly discovered that she very much understood Wuk Lamat's disinterest.

She turned to Alphinaud within the caravan. "That's his role."

Wuk Lamat could not resist laughing out loud. "My brothers suit the role in different ways as well!"

So it was that the caravan traveled towards Kozama'uka for the Feat of the Reeds.

During the journey, the Warrior of Light recalled the beginning ceremony of the succession rite. Wuk Lamat was like a chameleon, easily melding in with the various peoples of Tural. Not at all surprising, given the fact that the female hrothgar often visited the various villages of the New World with her caravan.

A rather common sentiment though, was that many saw Wuk Lamat as a friend to enjoy days of joy with, but not necessarily as someone capable and reliable for solving future issues.

Koana, with his Sharlayan education and understanding of the sciences, was much more favored, as well as Zoraal Ja, who had accomplished much to defend the New World with the landsguard.

It was then that the Warrior of Light also recalled the startling appearance of Estinien beside Zoraal Ja, as well as Thancred and Urianger beside Koana.

Alisaie was not at all pleased, and realized that the succession rite would be a challenge, that much was certain.

And Bakool Ja Ja... they all thought of him as nothing but a troublesome brute. Most curious, though, was why Gulool Ja Ja seemed content to allow this brute's participation.

Regardless, they soon arrived at Ok'hanu and proceeded with the Feat of Reeds.

They quickly discovered that aether stagnation was the cause of the lifeless reeds that the Hanu Hanu so relied heavily upon, the very source of their current suffering.

Wuk Lama visibly yawned. "The way I see it, there's no need for us to worry. Koana will know the exact method to resolve this issue."

"You...I received sharlayan education as well, you know," Alphinaud sputtered.

"Nono. Let us prepare the Harvest Festival!" Wuk Lamat gushed. "Koana can do the dirty work."

"Are... you not concerned for your caravan?" Krile wondered. Wuk Lamat was not taking this seriously at all.

"I just have to not fall behind on the journey, right?" Wuk Lamat shrugged.

"This..." Zanuhali noted down that Wuk Lamat was as they say. Unreliable.

"Worry not, friend!" Wuk Lamat cheerfully replied. "My brother Koana will resolve the aether stagnation, that is for sure. I have utmost confidence in him for this task, at the very least."

So it was that Wuk Lamat and her aides came upon the damaged float, Linuhali, and Wuk Evu, the hrothgar with knowledge on how to repair said festival float.

"Are you certain?" Erenville questioned Wuk Lamat.

"Old friend..." Wuk Lamat, for once, became serious as she gazed up at the clear blue sky. "Have you ever wondered why all these various peoples of Tural, host festivals unique to their own culture?"

"Festivals are a gathering of a people. To come together and align their hearts. In hard times, to raise hope within one another's breast. In good times, to celebrate life and remind one another of worthy values."

"It provides something... intangible to the heart. It is not to be understood by simply weighing visible and physical upsides and downsides."

In their journey thus far, the Warrior of Light and the accompanying scions had little respect for Wuk Lamat. Yet now, they began to see a glimmer of Wuk Lamat's soul.