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character profile

Name: Cálei Daedala
Pronounced: Kay-lee. Yeah, I know. This one I am picky about.
Race/Clan: Half Miqo'te Seeker of the Sun, half Midlander Hyur
Gender & pronouns: Male, he/him
Sexuality: Bisexual
Birthplace: Owl's Nest, Coerthas Eastern Lowlands
Age: 28 (ARR), 32 (EW)
Height: 6'0"
Physical attributes: Orange hair, burgundy eyes, blue clan tattoos near eyes, tanned white skin, fluffy tail. Surprisingly tall for a Miqo'te and considerably more bulky thanks to his Hyuran side.
Primary jobs: RDM, DRK, WHM

I have written a lot of fic about Cálei; it's been my big writing project for the past few years. As that page notes, I haven't finished the Endwalker fic yet (and what I have needs revisions), but you can read a lot of Cálei's story already. In theory I'd love to revise some of the earlier fics, as parts of my lore for him has changed over time and the fics don't entirely reflect that. But we'll see how it goes.

This page does spoil those fics if you want to read them, and likewise spoils major plot points if you haven't played the game.

At points I mention Cálei's brother, Mel, who is played by shepherdtostars, my dear friend Brodie. You can read more about Mel on his carrd or on AO3.

Please note that some of the fics linked below are intended for adult audiences.

Personality

Burdened by purpose, but never turning away from it. Cálei did not ask for the mantle of Warrior of Light, but he never needed to: life would have taken him down the same path regardless. Painfully altruistic, he always has to help those in need, to the detriment of his own well-being. A black-and-white thinker who gives all of himself in everything he does. Can come across as grumpy and standoffish to those unfamiliar with him, but you'll never find anyone more devoted to those he loves. Has a very dry sense of humor, and loves to cook.

Origins

Cálei was born in the Coerthas Eastern Lowlands to an offshoot tribe of Seekers who considered him a burden. Naturally attuned to the Light and then named On'lei, he attracted elementals and voidsent alike. His parents contacted the Conjurer's Guild for aid, which resulted in his relocation to Gridania for training. On'lei spent a few years there, but never felt safe and eventually ran away, ending up in Limsa Lominsa's Arcanist Guild. Along the way, he chose to change his name and take a surname of his own, severing all connection with his family.

In Limsa, Cálei found the first true family he'd ever known at the Lighthouse, a local tavern run by a Miqo'te and Viera couple. There he also met Melos Orphne, a Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te near to him in age, who he would grow to consider a brother. However, Cálei's idealistic nature meant he was unable to turn a blind eye to the advances of the Garleans, and he eventually joined the Maelstrom as a soldier. He disappeared during the Battle of Carteneau.

Five years later, a Miqo'te with little memory of his past arrived in Gridania.

A Realm Reborn

Most of ARR goes as it does in canon for Cálei. He does not remember his past, nor does he realize he doesn't remember until around the time he meets Marques. His head and memories are foggy at best, and while he's a capable fighter, he's mostly been going through the motions. He dabbles in a few different disciplines, though his scholar fairy is unusual at best.

Cálei only has the time to stop and muddle through his feelings after Gaius van Baelsar is defeated. Even then, he has to squeeze it in between one task after another, whether it's doing odd jobs across Eorzea, serving at the Scions' beck and call, or assisting with the Crystal Tower investigation.

That last job introduces him to G'raha Tia, who catches his interest despite a rocky start. Cálei spends more and more time at Saint Coinach's Find, even when they don't particularly need him, just to get away from it all and give himself space. Despite his best efforts, nightmares of the Calamity plague him, and eventually Cid tells him that he needs to go sort himself out before he comes back. Cid suggests taking G'raha along, and while displeased at the idea of leaving the Crystal Tower, G'raha agrees.

The trip takes them across Coerthas; following Cálei's vague memories, they end up in his tiny hometown. It is clear at once that he is not welcome, but an Echo flashback gives Cálei the hint to head to Gridania. There, he learns about his time with the Conjurer's Guild, and that his scholar's fairy is in truth an elemental. From there, they head to the Arcanist's Guild in Limsa Lominsa and to the Lighthouse where he spent his teenage years, which continues to piece Cálei's past together.

Throughout it all, however, anxiety roils through him. Cálei can feel that the things he's learning about his past are true, but he still doesn't remember them himself. He's not sure if he's the man he claims he is, or something Hydaelyn made to serve Her will. Duty has been foremost in his mind since he arrived in Gridania. What use does She have for the man beneath the Warrior of Light?

These conflicting feelings are paired with his growing attraction for G'raha, who has been patient with him throughout this entire journey. And while G'raha makes it clear he returns Cálei's feelings, Cálei is too overwhelmed by his own, and instead chooses to run away and busy himself with other work.

Of course, before long he must return Mor Dhona for the expedition into Syrcus Tower. While things in the tower are dicey at best, afterwards Cálei can no longer run from how he feels, and he eventually starts a relationship with G'raha.

For a time, it's perfect. He still attends to tasks as the Warrior of Light, but whenever he has a free moment, he returns to Saint Coinach's Find, and to G'raha. Yet the more Cálei loses himself in ardor, the more G'raha's attention turns towards the Crystal Tower. What Cálei fails to realize is that while G'raha returns his feelings, they do not have the same depth, and G'raha will not turn his back on the path history has laid for him.

So it comes that G'raha locks himself in the Crystal Tower, even as Cálei begs him to stay by his side. Heartbroken, Cálei searches in vain for a way to open those doors. As things with the Scions begin to go awry, Cálei shuts off his heart.

All they want is the Warrior of Light. So that's what they'll get.

Heavensward

Note: This is the story I am most likely to revise, if I revise anything. Heavensward has atrocious pacing and I had such a hard time writing this fic as a result. Some of this summary describes how I would like it to go in revisions, rather than how it's reflected in the fic. You can also read equinox, a companion fic about Cálei's brother Mel that covers the same period.

The icy climate of the Coerthas Central Highlands suits Cálei's mood. He spends a little time studying the lance, but he's no dragoon, and doesn't wish to be; Ishgard has two Azure Dragoons already. The first, Estinien, balks at seeing Cálei in borrowed drachen mail, and promptly challenges him to a fight. Though quickly decided — Cálei is no match for someone with Estinien's experience — the encounter makes Cálei realize there's a commonality between the two of them. Estinien bears almost as much self-hatred as Cálei does.

Once they arrive in Ishgard, Cálei finds a corpse bearing a soul crystal. The crystal seems to talk to him and offers the power of a dark knight, which Cálei accepts in lieu of his own shoddy lancework. Easier to hide himself in a suit of plate armor and a greatsword as big as he is.

Cálei spends the first half of Heavensward dissociating. Sure, he goes through the motions. He does what he's told. Hydaelyn wants him here, fighting this war, so here he is. But he doesn't care. He encounters his adoptive brother, Melos, and offers him little recognition. He slays whatever is put in his way, not particularly caring what happens. Even when he starts sleeping with Estinien, there's little emotion behind it on Cálei's side. Estinien is a means to an end, a way to sate physical needs and nothing more.

What finally makes him wake up is the Vault. Haurchefant's words break through the haze. Cálei takes a long look at himself and realizes that he's been a self-absorbed asshole to most everyone. And he's not going to get very far on his own. He goes first to Midgardsormr, who's been following Mel, and asks for a way to regain his Crystals of Light; Midgardsormr instead leads him to encounter the mysterious Warriors of Darkness. It only furthers Cálei's resolve to better himself.

For that, though, he'll need a better way of fighting. The greatsword rests uneasily on his back; it's tied too closely to his self-hatred to rely on. A chance encounter with X'rhun Tia leads Cálei to take up red magic, which he throws himself into practicing. It's a struggle to adapt to the new skills, but by the time it comes to face Thordan, he's starting to get the hang of it. Even so, it's not enough to keep Estinien from being consumed by Nidhogg.

With things in Ishgard uneasy, Cálei does his best to hold the line. Between the Warriors of Darkness making trouble, the reappearance of Nidhogg, and a brief journey to see the Mothercrystal, he's kept occupied. Eventually, the situation comes to a head, and Cálei must fight to free Estinien from the dragon that's consumed him. In the end, they prevail, and Ishgard is left to find a brighter future.

Stormblood

I didn't write a Stormblood longfic! Oops. At the time, I didn't feel it was necessary, because this expansion is not really about the Warrior of Light and I didn't have much to say. Lately I've reconsidered this, though since I've already written a bit of fic for this period I may not write a full longfic. We'll see what shakes out.

In any case, Cálei's journey here doesn't deviate that much from canon. Following the Dragonsong War, he returns to Gridania and studies with the Padjals to complete the white mage training he abandoned in his childhood. With war looming on the horizon, Cálei swaps between white and red magic as he faces off with Garlemald. Zenos defeats Cálei easily in Rhalgr's Reach but spares his life, and Cálei resolves that their next encounter will not be so easily decided.

Meanwhile, his brother Mel, with whom he has reconnected despite still not remembering their shared childhood, departs for Eureka. The two exchange letters over the following months, as Cálei travels to Othard in hopes of fomenting resistance among the Domans. Though they have scarce opportunities to meet during this period, Cálei's bond with his brother only deepens.

After things are decided in Ala Mhigo, Cálei goes to visit Eureka and see Mel himself, only to find his brother unconscious, tended by a worried Midgardsormr. The following months find many of his other allies likewise inflicted, with no obvious cause. With Garlemald on their doorstep, Cálei is not inclined to listen to a mysterious hooded figure who insists he must abandon this path entirely — until said figure mentions the Crystal Tower.

Shadowbringers

I've also written an alternate version of Shadowbringers in which Cálei arrives much sooner, called heaven can wait.

The calm purples of Lakeland and the Light-drenched sky above make for an arresting first impression. Cálei soon finds his brother safe and sound, but a decade older, thanks to the Exarch's misaligned spell. Cálei suspects the Exarch's identity immediately, and is displeased when his attempts to reach out are firmly rebuffed.

Instead, Cálei throws himself into work. He's here to slay Lightwardens, so that's what he'll do. As he gets to know Norvrandt, he hears of the Warrior of Darkness, who miraculously brought the night sky back — if only for a moment. It becomes clear that it is none other than Mel, who reveals that he has been chosen by Zodiark just as Cálei was chosen by Hydaelyn.

They travel the land together, seeking out the Lightwardens. Titania weaves Cálei dreams of a happy life with G'raha, which only makes his heart ache all the more. Emet-Selch arrives upon the stage and makes it clear he'll be tagging along whenever he pleases.

With each Lightwarden slain, Cálei finds himself eroding. Neither red magic nor his dark knight's magic heed him; all that obeys is the blinding power of a Light-soaked white mage. As the Light becomes more overwhelming, Mel insists on a contingency: if Cálei becomes corrupted, he will see to it that no one else is hurt.

In Kholusia, the Exarch expresses his dearest wish to Cálei, even as he refuses to reveal himself. When the last Lightwarden falls, the Exarch makes to leave with the Light, only for Emet-Selch to steal the show (and the Exarch). Even half-consumed with Light, Cálei resolves to get him back.

In the depths of the Tempest, amongst Emet-Selch's recreations of the world unsundered, Cálei and Mel battle Hades together, combing their skills to finish the Ascian. And at long last, Cálei is properly reunited with G'raha Tia, who he has never quite stopped loving.

Endwalker

This fic isn't done yet. Oops. I wrote it for Nanowrimo 2023 and the first draft is about 80-85% complete, but in the time since I've been very displeased with it, so rewrites are ongoing. When it's ready, it'll be posted on AO3 alongside the other fics.

For the record, Cálei and G'raha get married shortly after EW.

Dawntrail

I have no current plans to write a DT fic, and likely won't change this until sometime post-8.0. I really need to see the larger scope of the story before I commit. I do think Cálei continues adventuring after EW; he has only seen a fraction of the world, and he took Emet-Selch's words to heart. But past that, I'm not sure. I'd like to see where the larger storylines are headed.

Azem

I like leaving a lot about Azem unsaid; it is more interesting to me to focus on the present day rather than a past that can't be changed. As such, I don't have a ton of lore about Cálei's Azem. Here are a few facts I do have:

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