Gil Vermeil

of the Silver Lining

Gil is an easygoing, smiley guy who tries to see the bright side of things. He generally wears his heart on his sleeve and is quite expressive in body language - Miqo'te ears and tails are hard to miss. It's a bit of a public front, though; being mute for much of his life due to an injury, he exaggerates to get his meaning across and, being a big public figure, hides his troubles with a smile.

He’s been the primary Warrior of Light in personal canon; several others around the world (his partner Weiss included) are plenty qualified to take up the mantle, but circumstances put him in the spotlight and while it’s absolutely a burden, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He used to be more of a bleeding heart but he’s grown more reserved and cautious over the years, and while still friendly, holds most people at a distance and is hesitant to get close to anyone.

A tank at heart, he's small but built very sturdy, and has a solid grasp of magic but generally sticks to swords. By trade he's primarily a blacksmith/goldsmith.

Backstory & personal lore

Dark Knight, Warrior, Red Mage | 32 | Warrior of Light

Pre-Realm Reborn

Gil Vermeil, originally named Gael, was born in Coerthas to Moon Keeper mother Giah and Sun Seeker father T’yanu. He has one younger, taller sister Gil’ea, who goes by Lea.

When he was young, maybe 13, both parents disappeared. Their maternal uncle - their only other family they knew of - told him and his sister that they’d left for a different life, and weren’t returning. Nearly two years passed before he learned that they were in fact taken by Garlean soldiers; their mom had managed to smuggle out a single letter by courier bird. Gael, now 15, found the letter among his uncle’s things and dropped everything to show his sister. They investigated, and all their leads pointed towards Castrum Centri in Mor Dhona.

They hatched a plan to infiltrate just far enough to find out if their parents were still there, or ever had been. Oh, the ignorant invincibility of teenagers. They made it close, but there were far more guards than they’d bargained for. One caught him unawares, and though Gael got in a few scratches and punches, the much larger soldier caught him round the neck and pinned him against a wall; the man seemed far less interested in capturing the boy than venting his own frustrations on Gael, flailing several feet off the ground and gasping for air. Several ribs gave and something crunched in his neck-- just as a length of pipe smashed into the side of the soldier’s head. Both dropped to the ground as Gil’ea stepped in to help her heaving, half-conscious brother up. As she mostly carried him back the way they’d snuck in, she heard shouts, but they weren’t for her, nor the guard she’d knocked out; these voices were raised in confusion and pure fear. She didn’t look - there was no time - and she took the opportunity of distraction to bolt. Taking shelter in the Tangle, it was eerily empty, and bright, and red. She looked up at last to the sky, and watched the moon burst apart. She alone remembers.

Gael recovered, in time. Lea managed to get him to Revenant’s Toll, where a healer tended to his injuries, among so many other victims pouring in from Silvertear. His voice, however, never quite returned. He could manage a hoarse whisper at best, before collapsing into a coughing fit. Once recovered enough to return home, his anger only grew: he had no way to express himself and his grief - for his lost family, for the calamity that had warped the whole world, let alone himself. He never forgave his uncle for lying to them, for hiding the last memory of their mother he might ever see. His uncle in turn held him responsible for the mess he’d made, and endangering Gil’ea at the same time. Their arguments never grew violent, but for how quiet they were, the hotter they burned. When their uncle packed up their home with plans to move to the Shroud, apparently Hyrstmill, Gael didn’t go with them.

The merchants, primarily Elezen, he caught a ride with to Bentbranch and eventually Quarrymill nicknamed him Gil when he’d tried to sound out his name and, frustrated, held up a coin instead; they thought it funny, and honestly… a fresh start didn’t sound so bad. They learned his signals and whistles, taught him some of their own, and together made up a sort of sign language with him. He was a capable hunter, and made for pleasant, friendly company. It was enough for a while to have a good rep with the locals, but he came down with a case of wanderlust, and being in and out of Gridania often, he took more and more to the idea of adventuring. By twenty, he didn’t need much encouragement to join the adventurer’s guild. You know the rest.

Heavensward

Papalymo and Yda were the first to learn his sign language, closely followed by Tataru. Alphinaud really only learned during their time in Ishgard, and Alisaie later, on their jaunt through the Ruby Sea and Doma. The other Scions knew enough to communicate plans. He can hear fine, after all. Over the months leading up to the Ultima Weapon's demise, Gil traded bow for blade, fascinated by Musosai’s direct and unapologetic sense of justice.

In their travels across Dravania, he and Estinien grew to mutually respect each other and at one point fell into casual hookups. They knew where to find each other, typically, and Gil reached out when he needed a measure of solidity.

With Huarchefant and Musosai both lost within a week, Gil kept grinding out victory after bloody victory until they got Estinien back. They didn’t see each other for a while; the dragoon was never one for vulnerability, and Gil knew not to push it. Following the Griffon’s demise, Papalymo's sacrifice, and Shinryu’s ascension, the Scions raced to find Omega. Behind closed doors, they discussed the possibility of the same happening to Gil, how others’ faith in him could render him a primal...

The line was always blurry between hero and force of nature; thing is, he was their weapon. They counted on his goodwill, the fact he just wanted to keep helping. But he'd started losing people, friends, battles, etc. He kept going, anything to keep busy, throwing himself in harm's way because he knew, somehow, he'd make it. He was Hydaelyn's chosen, after all. But the Scions had seen enough of peoples' belief and faith and desperation by then to know a potential primal when they saw it. The fact that he was their friend... well... perhaps it was a mercy. If worse came to worst, they (couldn’t) would not kill him. They'd have to contain him.

Lord Firmalbert's reports from Whitebrim were concerning, to say the least. Backed by reports from others along his travels recently - a merchant here, a Storm officer there - all with tales of Gil acting so unlike himself. Exasperated, resentful, even outright aggressive. At first none believed it, laughing it off. "Gil? Mean? Gods, I've barely seen him frown. Not like he can raise his voice." But then, wasn't there a saying about watching the quiet ones?

No-one had really checked in with Gil. Not after Ultima; not after his being framed for assassination in Ul'dah; not after Haurchefant. Few even knew about Musosai, and even then... There was so much yet to do, and Gil himself rushed off to do it. Tataru said he never really sat still - it took a roomful of assistants to give him pause long enough to get his clothing measurements; she'd wanted to sew something nice for him for ages. He stayed at the Rising Stones just long enough to hear out discussions, offer suggestions, and accept orders before rushing back out the door. Now that the Scions really thought about it... did any of them really know the man?

They’d keep a close watch on him, anyroad.

Stormblood

The Scions went ahead with plans to aid the Resistance efforts at Rhalgr’s Reach; things looked good until Zenos and his forces stormed the place, nearly killing Y’shtola and Krile, and Gil - for perhaps the first time they’ve witnessed - was defeated. Zenos pinned their little hero to the ground with his own sword and a few more for good measure, and stalked off, shaking his head in disappointment. Gil was patched up and healed fine save some new scars, but refused to meet anyone’s eyes, deeply shaken… when he asked what he should do next, Raubahn refused any other claims to his time and ordered him to take some time to rest, recover - to take care of himself for once. Clearly Zenos thought their resistance stamped out at its core, and the general thought it unlikely they’d see any action for some time. Let them rebuild, go get some rest.

He left that very night. The Scions lost track of him for a time, but heard worrying reports from various corners of Eorzea: sightings of a ginger Miqo'te much like their friend wielding a greatsword, traveling erratically and marked by aggressive outbursts and muttering to himself before heading off somewhere else. Others spotted him sometimes accompanying a tall Au Ra man and young Elezen girl - apparently hunted, themselves, by Temple Knights. An alarming number of knights had been found dead all across Coerthas, though by all accounts they appeared the attackers, and no one could find records of their deployment.

Alphinaud finally found him in Ishgard. He looked better - tired, but whole again, somehow - and from there the Scions took turns watching him. Really all he did was meet and travel with Sid and Rielle, most often spotted at the Forgotten Knight. He ignored his watchers, and whatever it was this little found family did - it helped. Their troubles didn’t shake the earth or tear the sky down. Helping with something… important, but small for once, gave him hope again. Their shadows and frayed edges made their lights shine brighter, together.

Still, something about him put Alphinaud on edge, as though there were eyes behind the ones watching him calmly across the table, those of a hunter evaluating their prey. He explained their plans to travel to Doma in the coming months, and that having him with them would be a great comfort. Gil agreed, claiming the change of scenery would likely do him good, “now that things have calmed down here.” Alphinaud didn’t ask, and Gil didn’t elaborate.

Finally they confronted him. They explained the threat of him manifesting as a primal should he or the people who depend on him get fanatically desperate. However, their diplomacy veiled a threat: should you fail to keep things in check, we may not be able to stop you. They asked for his greatsword - as a promise or collateral, he’s still not certain which - and he, with a great sigh and no small amount of trepidation, obliged.

In the following weeks, he traveled, reminisced, and slowly reconnected with old friends and patrons. He offered aid where he could, one job at a time, all the while heeding the Scions’ warning to keep his dark arts in check. Passing through Ul’dah, he answered a cry for help and found himself at X'rhun Tia’s side; he couldn’t help being drawn once more to vigilantism. He knew swords, and though the magic was unfamiliar, he was a quick study like always. In his new mentor’s quest he found purpose.

He returned to Gyr Abania, reforged in red and black; more cautious and guarded than before, yet brimming with determination to set his course true. As the Resistance found its feet again, Gil got to know Yda-- no, Lyse, and Alisaie better - learned to trust them, or at the very least trust in their competence. Despite everything the Scions warned them of, they looked up to him, Alisae especially, and well... regaining a younger sister was a comfort. She wears her heart on her sleeve; if she were afraid of him, he’d know. Like Arya and Rielle, she was yet another catalyst of kindness, altruism, and renewed hope.

The Resistance made its move, and kept winning. Gil was right spooked by the experiments on Krile (it could so easily have been him), Fordola’s everything, and Zenos prodding for a taste of the power he wields… he wanted to fight a true hunter, and he got one. Victory, and a welcome rest. Fordola recognizing the hell he’d been through was grating, really - a reminder of pain he kept well under wraps. He didn’t want her sympathy. Tsuyu was certainly a puzzle, and her end certainly didn’t help assuage the Scion’s primal concerns; they were becoming almost trivial to summon.

The greater his achievements, the greater the distance people keep. He’s an icon now. Not to be touched, but admired from afar. He thinks it’s safer this way, as sad as he is to admit it.

The mess with Myste was frustrating, to say the least. He’d come so far, put so much into forgiving himself, but seeing the spectral faces of all who’d betrayed and hurt and proved him the beast he could be, all in the name of justice… it ached. Enough. He’s sick of the charade. He regrets that it comes to this, every single time. But it is what it is, and it weighs as it should. Sensing his resolve, the next time he returned to the Rising Stones, the Scions offered back his sword in a gesture of good faith.

The Scions’s souls disappearing one by one was horrifying; he kept up a brave face for Alisaie but god damn was Gil scared. They promised to survive together. No-one would say anything but he felt the weight of their eyes everywhere he went: when will he disappear? What will we do without him? There’s a bloody war on the horizon, and no one else to fall back on. None like him.

Alisaie being called away before his very eyes was the worst of all. Carrying on through sheer force of will, he saw her body home to the Rising Stones, and wept in private. The helplessness burned. Then he’s Called just as Zenos cuts him down… this bloody gatekeeper was going to pay. Waking in Ishgard, he really did rest, spending the night at least, but damn Estinien for leaving without a word again. Lord Edmont met him at the See, and he checked in with Sid & Rielle before heading back to Mor Dhona. Gods all bless them, happy to see him just for his company and not the fate of the world.

Shadowbringers

Waking on the First, it’s… bright.

While ready to throw down the gatekeeper - the Crystal Exarch, he calls himself - Gil wasn’t about to murder a bunch of innocent guards for a personal grudge, especially when told his family were there and alright. So Gil heard him out, warily, and chose to trust in his information at least until he tracked down the Scions. Why was his voice so familiar? He couldn't possibly have spent a hundred years in and around this tower and not found G’raha Tia… Regardless, his advice proved helpful and, reunited, the Scions began to drive back the Light, piece by piece.

Seeing Ardbert there - well, his ghost anyway - was an odd sort of closure. He'd never really bought that Warriors of Darkness bit when they'd first met. Knowing now that Ardbert and his dearest allies had been betrayed - goodwill twisted and taken advantage of, manipulated into causing the Flood, and only him left to watch as his world was all but destroyed and his name raked through the mud - Gil understood the weight of the legacy left to him. That he had to see this through.

These fey folk were something else. No-one’s told him off like that in... well, since Mom.

More secrets. Overhearing Y’shtola and Urianger debate the corrupted aether building within him was a lot to take in, but at the same time, was he really surprised? It had been weird this whole time. Ardbert noticed as much, and Esteem was helping keep it at bay; he could feel it. There were two more Wardens to fell… how long could he last?

He reveled in Vauthry's defeat for one blessed second before the light began to overtake him, Emet-Selch maimed and took the Exarch, and Gil collapsed. Thanks to Ryne, the light was quelled for a time, but like Ardbert said, it only delayed the inevitable.

Gil ran. Not away, but to say goodbye while he still could. While he’s still him. First is the Forgotten Knight. He’d grown good at faking a smile, but this one was genuine, seeing Sid and Rielle hale and whole. No longer chased. Welcoming him as always. Gods, it felt good to just pretend this is all there is. Sit by the fire and listen to their stories, to drunk mutterings at the bar, to the sound of the restoration effort beyond. If only Fray could’ve seen it: the Brume getting rebuilt, an air of hope - real hope - on the wind, in the twinkling stars and gently falling snow. If only he could, too… No. No wishing for more time. Make good on what is left. He got up, hugged his friends goodbye, much to Sid’s poorly-concealed dismay, and jaunted down the back stairs before he lost composure. He caught up with other dear friends along the way - House Fortemps were well; Arya diligently training in Mor Dhona; Tataru keeping house as always. It's a comfort, enough to give him the strength to return to the First.

Gods, he’s afraid. But in talking with Ardbert, there’s also resolve. We’ll… Well, we may not survive this, but whatever happens, we’ll see this through. And so they did.

Bozja & post-Shadowbringers

The Bozja situation

Full story (WIP) in fic here, or read on for the overview so far.
Strays a bit from the Save the Queen questline. Spoilers abound.

Gil has been traveling between the Bozjan Southern Front and mainland Eorzea for several months following the Scions' return to the Source, taking alternating shifts with Weiss.

When he escorts Misija and Mikoto to the aether-detector and Misija betrays them, there is an ambush waiting and both are taken hostage.

Nearly a week passes before preparation is ready for the official attack on Lacus Litore - to rescue him and other Resistance prisoners, and to gain a tactical stronghold. Weiss shows up demanding to know where Gil is, after having no contact nor trace of him well past the time he was due home. Bajsaljen tells him, and invites him to join the infiltration team on the condition that he must follow all orders once they get in there; no running off by himself, as everyone on board is critical. He agrees.

It’s too easy. They recover Gil, Mikoto, and a handful of other prisoners with only token resistance, but then Misija summons a distorted Queen Gunnhildr and tempers several of the Blades; Weiss and Gil together manage to shield the remaining forces from her magic, while Bajsaljen calls the retreat.

The former prisoners rest and recover. Weiss is antsy until given tasks to do about camp, and is eventually assigned back to the Front once Gil is up and about. Mikoto has a prophetic Echo vison, in which she sees herself and Lilja surrounded by Ironworks equipment, Gil pacing angrily behind a force field of some kind, like a cage. The entire space looked of Allagan design, with more modern technology integrated into it. Baffled, she dives into research. The closest thing she can find among the Ironworks records is the lab where they found Omega.

Several days after his rescue, something triggers Gil into a fight-or-flight state in which he nearly kills Bajsaljen, but not without heavily wounding him in the process - Gil himself is barely hanging on, pulling from his own aether to keep them both alive, when Mikoto, merely passing by the commander’s tent, finds them. Gil, horrified, knows that he did this, but not why. She yells for help while stabilizing them with her own healing magic.

Mikoto tries to spin the story that there an assassin in their midst had targeted Bajsaljen, but Gil was there unexpectedly so they couldn’t finish the job, but Marsak sees through it. He can tell that Gil is genuinely blindsided by this, though, so rather than hold a compromised, dangerous soldier there in Gangos, he bids Mikoto take him elsewhere for safekeeping, with the promise that the Scions will fix this. She reaches Krile and Urianger first, who agree to meet them in the Doman Enclave. Gil asks them to restrain him before they go anywhere, lest he lose control again.

They go via boat - the least conspicuous and, well, less dangerous than an airship should its pilots be compromised. As he tells Mikoto what he remembers, he recalls a sound, and frantically demands she take his linkpearl. They arrive at the Enclave after dusk, Gil cloaked so as not to draw attention, and Yugiri hides them in an out of the way building far from Hien’s quarters, while Mikoto reports to the Scions. They’re on their way.

Weiss catches up later, furious with no one having told him til he returned from Zadnor the following morning. Following his Echo to Gil, painfully obvious to him at present, Yugiri finds him trying to sneak into the building. Despite Gil’s worries over hurting him, Weiss stays glued to his side thereafter.

Most of the other Scions show up over the course of the day, Thancred to arrive on the morrow with an airship, and they all together go over Mikoto’s reports: notes on her own treatment in Garlean custody, speculation on what happened to Gil, her observations since his recovery, and what he told her about attacking Bajsaljen after she found him. They do some preliminary tests on the linkpearl, but it doesn’t appear to be magically altered.

In the meantime, Gil is scared he’ll attack anyone around him and asks that he remain restrained. Weiss goes along with it, but only because Gil’s so freaked out over it.

The Scions decide to employ their old planned failsafes - a combination of binding spells and aetheric shields - to contain him in a secure location, while part of the team sorts out a means of reversing whatever was done to him, and the rest carry on in his absence and do their best to quell any rumours about him going missing or becoming a rogue agent.

Mikoto volunteers for the research team, and reaches out to Cid for his thoughts on a containment unit. He sends Lilja with some plans.

Gil makes Weiss promise to take up his mantle as WoL until he’s no longer a danger. He never wanted it, and Gil never wanted to burden anyone else with his responsibility and reputation, least of all Weiss, but the people need a hero and no one else can do it, so Weiss begrudgingly accepts.

While Weiss returns to the Bozjan resistance and further into Zadnor, the Scions ferry Gil discreetly away to Azys Lla, or so they tell Weiss. They actually take him to Carteneau, repurposing the lab they’d found Omega in, to contain him as a precaution and work on deprogramming him. Weiss is unaware of the exact location, just that Gil is safe in their care. The public story is that he’s recovering from injuries and attending to mainland business.

To be continued...

Relationships

Weiss Raynr - shared mantle of Warrior of Light, romantic partner and confidant
Gil'ea (Lea) Vermilion - dear prankster younger sister, Weiss' housemate & wingman
Estinien Wyrmblood - on-again-off-again FWB, mutually respected colleagues

Scions Gil is closest to: Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, Tataru

The Usual Suspects - raid team