Character

"NO! THIS IS ABOUT 'ME'!!"

Tasha looked straight into the young Elezen woman's eyes; her own wet with tears. The woman noticed it, and immediately she turned around with her back towards Tasha.

"...I'm sorry."

A very loud horn blared throughout the port, signalling the scheduled departure of the huge transport ship, ready to set sail in just a few minutes. The bridge was slowly released onto the opposite platform, and people began rushing into the ship. Seagulls cheered in their flights, as the Sun has now fully revealed itself from beyond the horizon. Yet, the morning breeze was still cold enough to make Tasha shiver.

The woman noticed it. Immediately she took her jacket off her body and put it over Tasha's. The two saw each other eye-to-eye once again. The ache in the woman's heart as she considered Tasha's tears to be proof of her failure returned into her conscience. With a heavy heart, she slowly took a few steps backwards, restoring the distance between her and the Mi'qote girl. Only this time, the distance is final, in both their location and relationship.

"This isn't about you. This isn't about my mother. This isn't about your family either. It's about me."

Tasha held her grip on the woman's jacket tighter.

"We talked about this before. Now you just need to let this go."

"Jamaal Jackson! Calling Jamaal Jackson, cabin E-4!" The conductor at the bridge called out for one name which has not yet checked with the collected tickets. The woman looked at the direction of the platform, and was then set to make her move.

"...What's with that name? It's a man's name." Tears still welling in her eyes, Tasha let out a small laugh.

"I have my reasons. Besides, I never liked my real name."

Jamaal returned Tasha's smile with her own.

"OK, OK, fine, just go now."

Tasha wiped her eyes with her sleeves. She turned behind and stood still. Jamaal could no longer see her face, but imagining how it would look brought upon a huge sense of guilt. Regardless, she turned away and began slowly walking towards the platform.

"You are a lovely girl, Tasha. You will find someone who can make you happy." Jamaal clenched her fists and began to quicken her pace. "I'm sorry I hurt you."

Jamaal went into the ship and did not once look back. She decided that she will return only after she has reached her dreams and become someone strong and rich enough to protect those she care about. Deep in her heart, she realized that she was more likely to die trying, but it was certainly better for her than to remain in a town filled with so many painful memories.

Little did she know then, that her adventures in Eorzea would prove to be even more of an emotional rollercoaster for her.

(This character is played by a straight, grown man. lol)