16. third-rate

Kaede was deep in concentration instructing to two of her students in the task of setting lapis lazuli in silver when a commotion at the entrance of Crown Gemworks’ particular corner of the Reach finally drew her attention away from her task. Giving Wido and Hal a quick instruction to begin crafting their own ring settings, she rose and strode over to where a lalafellin man was yelling, loudly and animatedly, at Emeloth.

With a touch to the deputy headmistress’s shoulder, she stepped in front of the small, angry man and crossed her arms. “Can I help you, ser?”

Bright, golden eyes fixed on hers, and Kaede read several details about him in an instant – he was Dunesfolk, dressed richly for warm weather, and had a pair of hyur manservants following in his wake.

He was, in a word, Ul’dahn. Kaede suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

#this is one of my favorite little bits of lore #kaede's mom has always looked for a place to belong too #and helping with the reconstruction of her husband's homeland by keeping her family's arts alive is very good for her #kaede knows that probably better than anyone #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite 2024 #kazarishi means jeweler btw #a thing I didn't know until after I decided kaede was a canon goldsmith #it was... serendipitous #(I am dragged off stage)#tales from the dawn