Nahte's History

(0-1yo) Nahte's parents, C'ato Nunh and Adleh Vhia, had many kittens together, of which Nahte was the last. His name, Nahte'to Vhia, is an amalgamation of the two cultures naming conventions, as a form of compromise between his parents.
C'ato never integrated especially well with the Moon Keeper way of life and was ultimately spurned by Adleh while Nahte was still very small.

(1-15) Raised by his mother, aunts, and sisters in a traditional Moon Keeper clan. He was originally trained in basic healing, spearcraft, and bowmanship, but soon showed an aptitude for arcane arts. Nahte grew into a cunning and effective hunter.

He struggled, however, with insecurity over the identity of his father and missing second half of his cultural inheritance. Moon and Sun proved uneasy things to balance.

Gridanians were not overly kind to him or his people and village folk and Wood Wailers alike could be scornful. Though his family was careful not to overhunt and even amiable with the sylphs, their rejection of Gridania's authority and settlement's presence deep in the Shroud earned them the label "poachers."

(15-17) As he aged, Nahte began to wander in the way most Moon Keeper sons do, but his travels took him far beyond the Shroud. He took work where he could find adventure and help others, frequently as a monster hunter with the Guild and even joined a fishing boat out to sea once. Though raised in a polyamorous culture and with plenty of willing partners to be found, Nahte showed no interest in such brief trysts and instead succumbed to solitary wanderlust.

A few years into his wandering, he met A'mahl and the two began to travel together. A clumsy romance soon blossomed despite the sharp contrast of their personalities and beliefs, with the pair ultimately falling in love and ending up in Limsa Lominsa to allow Nahte to further his studies as an arcanist and work as a Customs Officer.

(17) From here, Hydaelyn and the Scions began to take notice, and, as the Echo manifested strongly in both him and A'mahl, their feet were set irrevocably toward a grand adventure and the heavy mantle, "Warriors of Light." 

Nahte took up study in Summoning and Scholarship, and even taught his Fairy familiar, Lily, sign language to better communicate.

His chocbo, Kweh, was killed protecting him during Adventurer work. Nahte was devastated, and would not take another steed for some time.

(18) Coming into possession of a Goobbue sproutling born out of the poached grape-laden one living at Bloodshore, Nahte took pains to raise it properly while traveling, even fashioning a basket to carry it around on his back.

Nahte nearly lost his life in the battle with Titan when the Primal's rage sent him tumbling off the plateau, hundreds of feet to the sulfurous ground below.
Lily managed to shield him before the force of impact, preventing the fall from being fatal, but still leaving him so severely injured that she was forced to dissipate. Y'shtola managed to stabilize him, and he then spent some time at Bronze Lake in too poor condition to travel or use his own magic to heal.

Returning to the Waking Sands later to find it ravaged in an Imperial raid was perhaps even more traumatic than the near-death at Titan's hand which unquestionably spared Mahl and Nahte from the same fate as the other Scions. He blamed himself for not being there to help nonetheless, and withdrew sharply for a time from all of his remaining relationships, Mahl included. Though on the surface this mended throughout the rest of their struggle against Gaius's legion, a deeper wound began to fester.

(19) He encountered a peculiar investigator and felt compelled to aid him, culminating in a battle with the notorious Gilgamesh. Nahte was later unsure if this had all been a fever dream.

Nahte helped Alisaie investigate her grandfather's traumatic fate, and, finding her much more tolerable than her brother, developed a close sibling-like bond. When she went her own way after, he missed her.

Working closely with the "Beast" tribes, Nahte managed to create inroads for cooperation and started to improve relations between them and Eorzean city-states. His adolescent Goobbue he released to live in the Shroud with the Sylphs, and it remained friendly toward him in future visits.

The NOAH expedition resulted in a close bond between Mahl, Nahte, and G'raha. Nahte's inabilty to tell the two apart from behind led to some unfortunate but comical accidental flirtations - but their association ended too soon for any serious consideration of more than friendship. It was nearly too brief to even consider an 'almost.'

(20yo) Following the battle for the Steps of Faith and the tragic banquet that framed the Scions for the murder of the Sultana, Nahte lost faith in most of his fellow people. Utterly betrayed and abandoned by the very people who had begged the risk of his life and Mahl's, over and over, the festering wound of Nahte's anger, doubt, and grief spread, and nearly consumed him - even moreso as he tried to pretend otherwise.

While refuging in Ishgard, Nahte underwent training as a Dragoon, and the discovery of a corpse in a frozen alleyway with a peculiar stone set him on the oath of a Dark Knight. There he faced his own inner darkness. Were it not for Haurchefant and A'mahl's support, Nahte may not have survived the ordeal.

Haurchefant succeeded in winning the hearts of both A'mahl and Nahte'to during their stay with the Fortemps, forming a polycule between the three.

As a courting gift, Nahte was given a beautiful Black Chocobo he named Soquili.

When Thordan's knights mortally wounded Haurchefant, Nahte refused to accept that his lover was too far gone - at yet another severe risk to his own life.

Pouring so much of his own life force into the effort to save Haurche, and finding it still not enough, in desperation Nahte also siphoned aether from his surroundings off those gathered around - much to their alarm. Though not enough to permanently harm them, Nahte channeled far more into himself than could be remotely considered safe.

Haurchefant did not survive. The intense effort sent Nahte into a coma, and for several days it was unclear whether he would recover (much to A'mahl's dismay.)

Nahte eventually awoke to learn of his failure. Consumed by rampant grief, the fury of a Dark Knight quickened inside him once more. 

(21yo) In the aftermath of the Dragonsong War, A'mahl and Nahte agreed that Ishgard had become Home, a concept they hadn't believed could reside for them in a specific place. They involved themselves in the Restoration efforts and Nahte helped to establish trade relations with Moonkeeper clans, a menagerie in the Cathedral, and protected natural reserves in Coerthas.

Nahte also helped the Vath establish an Adventuring guild, teaching them survivalist and combat skills and helping them build diplomatic relations.

When Alisaie returned to them wounded, Nahte worked closely with the chirurgeons to tend her. Here, at least, was someone he could save.

Discovering Urianger's duplicitous involvement in Minfilia's fate, and that she had been essentially tempered by Hydaelyn to serve as a mouthpiece, Nahte's faith in the goddess broke down completely. He would accept her as a tentative ally, but learning she had lied about the Ascians, forcing conflict, and fears she might sacrifice him or another loved one rooted deep, and he never again took for granted that they had the same end goals. He resented the title of Warrior of Light that so many now knew him by. He no longer considered Urianger a friend, and continued to treat him with distance and suspicion. 

(22yo) Ilberd's summoning on Shinryu at the cost of loyal freedom fighters horrified Nahte, even moreso when it cost the Scion's Papalymo. Though the two had never been particularly close, it was yet another sacrifice Nahte felt would have been unnecessary had man held onto more compassion for one another to begin with.

After Zenos's assault on Rhalgar's Reach, Nahte again drove himself to the brink attempting to mend the injured, refusing to take time to rest until he'd saved as many lives as he could (ultimately a counterproductive and panic-driven impulse, as lack of rest following injury depleted his reserves of mana.)

Even Mahl could not persuade Nahte to rest, leaving Mahl unable to sleep himself for fear of leaving Nahte unattended in such a state. But on hearing of the attack, Aymeric rushed to Castrum Oriens to offer much-needed organizational support, additional chirurgeons, and a force of will that Nahte should rest which he finally relented to.

Aymeric initially struggled between his attraction, inexperience, and upbringing, but over the course of the Ala Mhigan campaign, a delicate and uncertain courtship finally became reality.

While Mahl's boldness had taken the lead where Haurche was concerned, Aymeric found his feet first with Nahte, who's more traditionally romantic inclinations helped bridge the four into a much closer bond.

Nahte and A'mahl became close friends with Alisaie during their Doman journey, reconnecting swimmingly after years apart almost as if no time has passed.

In the collapse of Doma Castle, Nahte was badly wounded and rendered unconscious, thus unable to summon Titan-egi to help with rescue efforts.

(23yo) In the lull following liberation from Garlemald, Nahte poured himself heavily into rebuilding efforts both in Ala Mhigo, working with M'naago and Alpa, and later Doma, working with kozakura and Hien. 

He and Naago grew quite close in the months that followed, and eventually became more than just "friends." Her dedication to her people, love for family, and empathy for all who had suffered under Garlean occupation, including once-enemies like Fordola, were common threads that wove into a strong bond. Naago was the first romantic partner Nahte took who was not also involved with A'mahl.

With financial assistance from Borel house, and contributions out of a large personal fortune built from adventuring and political gifts, Nahte proved a major force behind rebuilding the Doman Enclave while visiting to help assist with peace talks. He asked for nothing in return. 

While assisting Gyorin, Nahte was asked to hunt water serpents, that the Namazu might use their meat for bait. Upon reaching the rice-planted riverside, however, Nahte came across a colony of nesting hornbills being attacked relentlessly by raiding Bi Fang. Moved to help the Hornbills protect their eggs, Nahte set his hunt aside and joined alongside them in what could only be described as all-out battle to fend off the larger, more aggressive cloudkin.

Roused by the commotion, Nu Wa, bane of Gensui Chain, left the deep river eager to feast on eggs. He ambushed the exhausted Nahte as the remaining Bi Fang fled. After a challenging battle between well-matched predators, the death of this serpent finally ensured the safety of the nests, and also provided Nahte the bait he'd come in search of, if unconventionally. 

The tento-okuri lantern ceremony offered the many people he'd lost along the way a gentle goodbye, providing much needed peace of mind. He participates every year after it's brought back, even if he's not always able to be in Doma proper. 

Ghimlyt was Nahte's first experience with war in a formal sense, and trenches of fire and blood, smoke blotting out the sky, men screaming, airships crashing... was a horror altogether new. Losing Alisaie to a mysterious force at the end was a knife to the gut.

Nahte was intensely wary of the Exarch at first. He believed him to be related in some way to G'raha Tia, if not G'raha Tia himself, but though Nahte recognized secrecy might be important for some reason, it undermined a lot of potential trust. He was tired of being used by strangers. 

When the Exarch's plan at Holminster came to fruition, Nahte was furious - he and A'mahl had been put at risk without being made fully aware of what they were undertaking. If the Exarch had been wrong, it would have been disastrous. Trust further degraded.

Slowly, relations mended as the Exarch worked consistently for the common good, but secrecy remained a barrier to true trust, especially as Nahte's suspicions of the Exarch's identity solidified. 

Nahte was intensely protective of the young Minfilia (later Ryne), and livid at Hydaelyn for sacrificing so many children in pursuit of a 'greater good,' as well as Minfilia for burdening Thancred with stewardship of her last life. This resulted in several heated arguments with Thancred, as Nahte was quick to intervene when he felt young Minfilia was being treated too harshly. Even if it wasn't his 'place' to. Though sympathetic to Thancred's suffering, Nahte's priority was Ryne, who's very life was at stake, and who, perhaps, Nahte saw a younger version of himself in.

Emet-Selch's revelation that Hydaelyn was a Primal did not entirely surprise Nahte, who'd had suspicions for a while. He was not shaken like the other Scions, instead - he felt vindicated. Nahte didn't trust Emet to be an unbiased narrator, but everything he said lined up with what Nahte had seen and experienced.

Nahte was nearly killed by Supay in Raktika, only to be saved by Emet-Selch. A scar over Nahte's heart still remains from the morbid wound.

(24yo) Emet's frequent presence and the enchanted Amaurot he wove beneath the sea began stirring memories for Mahl and Nahte alike. Or less than memories, for they could recall no faces, or words, or living days as Amaurotines... but something in their twin souls ached, and something in Emet's ached back.

His death felt more tragedy than victory, in the end, and Nahte was plagued with an indescribable sense of loss.

Nahte's work with the animals at the Crystarium and as a healer led him to become close friends with the talking Amaro, Skip.

He helped Ryne in her efforts to restore life to the First, his experience as a Summoner providing valuable insights.

Following their journeys in the First, Mahl and Nahte did not initially look for more than friendship from the Exarch, despite their closeness and his affection for them.

When his true identity came to light, further distance was put to the idea, as all present needed time to readjust and reacquaint themselves. Nahte in particular was hesitant to commit to further romance with no confidence in a future for it between Worlds.

As they sought a way to return their companions home, Alisaie, too, having grown over the years since their start as Scions into a comrade of surpassing fire and faith, seemed suddenly altogether different. Her reciprocal feelings were not so easy to hide, try as she might. 

It wasn't more yet, though it could be. This also seemed to Nahte a confession that should wait until other concerns were swept aside. Mahl adamantly disagreed - if they loved each other, if they wanted more, it ought to be said sooner rather than later, precisely for having no guarantee of tomorrow. 

Admissions were posed to Alisaie and the Exarch both, and, thus reciprocated, resolve to find a way back to the Source was thus bolstered even stronger. Nahte experienced considerable anxiety about G'raha's health as he pushed himself relentlessly toward a solution - he'd tried to sacrifice himself before, and Nahte couldn't forget it. 

Alphinaud was initially kept in the dark about his sister and best friends' new relationship, and stumbled into the realization by accident some weeks later when he caught them kissing. It was an awkward, though amusing, altercation. 

Fourchenault was hostile and suspicious towards Nahte and A'mahl, especially regarding their relationship with his daughter. It seemed unlikely his approval would be earned. Taking note of the man's temper, Nahte had no real interest in it anyway, aside from seeing how heavily the rejection hurt Alisaie. Ameliance, on the other hand, welcomed her "son in laws" with open arms, and they quickly struck up a rapport.

(25yo) Stabilizing Garlemald was a strenuous test of Nahte's newfound internal balance. Repeated threats to his loved ones and attempts to leverage his affection against him challenged Nahte's ability to rely on others.

Being body-snatched by Zenos was intensely traumatic for Nahte, leaving him with a feeling of being tainted and sick, dirty in his own body in a way he couldn't scrub out. He recoiled from intimacy with his partners for a time, until Alisaie reached out to offer him support and comfort, grounding him. 

Though his time on the Moon mended some long-wounded trust with Urianger, further revelations about Hydaelyn's secrets and second plans, and her continued silence, degraded Nahte's state of mind further. He wondered if all their efforts would be for naught, and if she would discard him, as she'd apparently discarded so many others. 

Estinien and A'mahl became romantically entangled. While not opposed to the possibility of it, Nahte himself did not actively pursue anything beyond platonic friendship with Estinien. Nevertheless, this development later opened the door for long-denied feelings between Estinien and Aymeric to come to fruition. 

Meeting Hades and Hythlodaeus and learning about Azem reaffirmed a sense of intense sorrow and longing in Nahte as they explored Elpis. This was not his world, but he found himself homesick for it nonetheless. 

A treasurer of the natural world, Nahte sympathized greatly with Hermes. Nahte did his best to offer comfort and encouragement. But when Hermes failed to give the Lykaon a quick, clean death in favor of wallowing in grief-stricken guilt as it lay bleeding, Nahte interrupted to spare the animal and admonished Hermes, causing some tension. 

He could not find it in himself to hate Venat, though his history with Hydaelyn left Nahte in a state of unease. It would have been easier if he couldn't sympathize, if she wasn't so easy to see as a friend here in her corporeal life. When she asked him if it had all been worth it, what he'd survived... he didn't know how to answer.

Nearly dying at Ultima Thule forced Nahte to spend several weeks recuperating at Borel house. He spent time reaffirming his bonds with his mates, and for the first time in several years, resting properly. G'raha toured Ishgard, and Estinien and Aymeric explored the new potential boundaries of their relationship.

While he recognized disbanding the Scions was necessary, watching them scatter to the winds, and not being sure if this would mark the end of their fellowship for good, forced Nahte into grief again. The Scions had become his family, and for several years this cause had been Nahte's entire life. Despite knowing he should be grateful for a well-earned vacation and the ability to wander freely, Nahte felt a part of his identity slipping away. This was further complicated by feeling some resentment that in truth, he couldn't put it behind him. The Warrior of Light was too well known across the Three Great Continents and the First, and he could never be a nameless adventurer here again.

Meeting the Twelve - and especially Menphina - helped mend some of Nahte's lingering pain. Menphina was all he could ever have hoped her to be, and seeing their unabashed affection for the people of Eitherys was a balm to still-healing wounds long festered. 

As the dust settled following the end of the Ancient's saga, Nahte could breathe long enough to reflect fully on his life and all the people who had shaped it. He came to terms with old wounds, forgave the ones who caused them, and pondered the nature of humanity and mortality alike. He found himself softening in ways he'd thought he might never be able to again - but this time with a decade of hard-won wisdom behind his hope. Nahte came to understand that a great deal of conflict and cruelty ultimately spurred from love and a desire to connect - or from a fear of losing such connections.

During efforts to save Azdaja and protect the Source from a merging with the Thirteenth, Nahte and Alisaie reunited in Garlemald. Only for him, A'mahl, and Y'shtola's keen Miqo'te senses reveal that Alisaie was in the early stages of pregnancy. Y'shtola ushered the others away for the Warriors of Light to have a much needed conversation with their beloved. 

Believing A'mahl to be the father, Alisaie berated him for putting her in this state (affectionately-ish) - and though all involved were anxious, excitement won out. This child would be born into a new world, free of gods and Ancient wars, the proof of new beginnings and sealed bonds. 

Returning to Sharlayan brought about the inevitable meeting with Alisaie's parents, to share the good news with them. While Ameliance was overjoyed, Fourchenault was... conflicted. He urged his daughter to remain in Sharlayan until the babe was born, and was distressed to learn she had no intention of letting pregnancy slow her down in the slightest.

(26yo) After freeing Azdaya, Nahte had some time between adventures until the letter from Sharlayan brought him to meet Wuk Lamut.

(??) Louisoix was born to Alisaie, his Moonkeeper features marking him unquestionably Nahte's progeny. To be raised collectively among the polycule, Aymeric even adopted Louis as heir to Borel house, on the condition that should Louis grow to find the responsibility not to his liking, he would not be required to take up the mantle of Lord Borel.