A blue haired raen staring off into the sky as he holds a pickaxe. The diadem central crystal is behind him, as is a pot of harvested crystals, and the sky is an ominous levin purple.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 13: Crystal #KaeGP
Kaede volunteered a lot of his time helping out in the Ishgardian restoration. He took the opportunity to gather in the Diadem a few times, but often found himself spending all his time staring at the scenery.
Kaede looking up contemplatively with a hand over his heart as he walks past the Milvaneth Sacrarium in Ul'dah.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 12: Idol #KaeGP
Kaede's family never engaged in outright worship of Nald'thal, but prayers and tithes were both good practice and a reassurance. Kaede found comfort in thoughts of his parents in Nald's golden halls after losing both of them to the Calamity.
Two au ra in Dravania on a road with their chocobos in the rain. The au ra are not covered for the weather. One has a red chocobo without tack, the other has a pale blue chocobo with a yellow raincoat.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 11: Rain #KaeGP
"It always helps to be prepared."
"Is that why you made your chocobo a raincoat but we're out here getting soaking wet?"
Four au ra reuniting with each other on the outskirts of Sil'dah. Kaede is giving Kai a warm, friendly hug and Pike is taking a flying leap at Hex. They're in their Heavensward-era garb.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 10: Heavensward #KaeGP #HexGP
After so long apart on their divergent journeys, the friends finally reunite. So much has changed, but their bond is still strong.
A blue haired raen man sits atop some wooden storage in a La Noscean overlook, looking contemplative and morose. In front of him is a set of gladiator's arms, a sword and shield. The blade is closer to him, but still on the ground. The shield is propped against a post. In the back a xaela (his partner Pike) looks over the tall railing. His expression is mostly hidden, but it's one of quiet rage.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 9: Melancholy #KaeGP
When he went from gladiator to soldier, Kaede knew that might involve taking another's life. Even still, the weight of that action was a difficult one to bear. How could the others live with it?
Pike and Kaede sitting on the balcony of the Levilleur estate, staring up at a vibrant dawning sky and a bright starry light in the distance. Pike is pointing at it. Kaede, dressed in a white recovery gown, is seated on the small ledge and leans against Pike for support and comfort. Pike had his hand on Kaede’s back. The two could not journey to Ultima Thule: Kaede for his injuries he suffered in Garlemald and Pike for wanting to stay with Kaede.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 8: Stars #KaeGP
Though they go where we cannot follow, we know our friends will triumph.
Blue-haired male raen in a yellow flower field and in front of some stone steps in Yangxia. He is holding out a glowing blue sword toward the upper-left frame and grasps a similar shield in his off-hand. The weapons are surrounded with a magical aura of scales and bubbles. He looks delighted to have them.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 7: Blade #KaeGP
Kaede is a humble sort of guy who had used his same, plain gladiator's arms for years. When they inevitably showed wear, his companions worked together to get him something functional, beautiful, and a little uncharacteristically dramatic.
Kaede posing for a photo in a Thanalan oasis. Small waterfalls are coming from above, and his hand is outstretched to mimic having one in the background falling on his hand.
Kaede being splashed by an offscreen Pike
#AuRaApril2026 Day 6: Free Day (Oasis) #KaeGP
Kaede can be pretty serious and in his own head, so it helps to have a partner that can be a total goofball.
Three au ra conversing in the wilds of mor dhona. Hex and Kai are dressed as adventurers, Pike and Kaede are dressed in the Crystal Braves uniform. Pike has on eyewear to protect him from the flashing colors of the sky.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 5: A Realm Reborn #KaeGP #HexGP
Kaede and Pike joined the story later, seeking a new beginning as Crystal Braves. They would become lifelong friends with the Warriors of Light, Kai and Hex.
Blue haired raen au ra cupping the bottom of a large hibiscus flower and bending down to smell it
#AuRaApril2026 Day 4: Blossom #KaeGP
Kaede loves to (literally) stop and smell the flowers.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 3: Portrait #KaeGP
Kaede didn't enjoy the spotlight much, and so he found cameras intimidating. Fortunately, a little encouragement from the scions helped him realize he can be pretty photogenic!
Two auri men stand next to each other. The taller, white haired xaela, Hex, has his hand on the other - Kaede's - back. His stance is casual with a hand on his hip, and he's turned toward the other man in conversation. Hex's expression seems like he's apologetic. Kaede has a hand up to his fin-shaped left horn and an expression of light embarrassment. His other hand is at his side. They are on a beach.
#AuRaApril2026 Day 2: Horns #KaeGP #HexGP
On first meeting, Hex accidentally misgendered Kaede due to his horn shape. Au Ra were few and far between in Ul'dah, so he'd never considered they were shaped in an effeminate way. His horns were seldom bound as a child, so they mostly shaped themselves.
Blue-haired raen looks on with a gently anxious expression. He's in an Ul'dahn gladiator arena and dressed in a coliseum outfit, carrying a sword and shield.
The same raen now in a lush forest and smiling with confidence. He wears a cropped jacket and carries the same sword and shield.
I haven't gposed in actual ages so I'm gonna try #AuRaApril2026 with my side boy, Kaede! #KaeGP
Day 1: Introduction
A child of Doman refugees, Kaede grew up in Ul'dah before becoming a scion. He's a former gladiator, but his heart has always been in crafting.
