#Tataru supports Wol

[toadeyes-miqote]

Prompt #30: Amity

Note – Closing off the Dreamless Sleep series. It went this far with only a few key scenes descriptions and general plot and one relative ending.

By now there was a rhythm to it. There would always be one Scion healer by her side to ease her pain. Even though there capable Sharlayan healers around for her usual care. Quirky as they are, this one duty both Thancred and G'raha had agree that it was better to have a Scion at hand. Mainly to give G'raha the chance to rest and put his mind at ease.

Urianger though being a healer of sorts had wisely stayed by Y'shtola's side to aid her the entire time. The others were wary that his strained relationship with the comatose Miqo'te might have the opposite effect instead. 

Nor does he wish to earn the enmity of Alisaie and Estinien were he to speculate on the silence of the fae allies and absence of friendly spirits or otherwise of the Aitiascope.

And thus they had made arrangement for Clemence and the young healer jumped at the chance to visit the city of knowledge.

There was a rhythm to it. As soon as her duties would allow, Tataru would visit daily to sit by Hylnyan's bedside to work on blood pearl charms. This time in the form of various pieces of jewellery to be dedicated to all if not whichever one of the gods that were watching over Hylnyan. Even to the Big One of the Namazu.

The thought had occurred that it was better not to leave out anyone however obscure or antagonistic their encounter with the godslayer. Hylnyan’s journal had been most useful for that. Clearly, she had favourites - The Lord of the Revels, Shiva and oddly her long standing rivalry with Garuda.

Of course, even the unforgettable Feo Ul was counted as a being of power. Their silence over summoning them for aid or not. But most of all to Nophica and Menphina who Hylnyan claim simple worship and to Halone who was thought to hate Hylnyan's guts for wreaking havoc upon her house of worship and traumatising a great number of her followers.

Even Hydaelyn and Zodiark were included. The irony of petitioning the gods to safeguard the wellbeing of a godslayer was not lost on them. 

There was a rhythm to it. Tataru talking to Hylnyan about this and that as she worked. Even Thancred and Alisaie does the same to keep her updated daily, even the reticent Estinien and friendly Clemence joined in with a quip or two.

“So you see. I know we’re not supposed to read your journal and stuff… so thanks for having a content page of sorts and bookmarking stuff for easy finding. So we only look through the section about the gods…. And I guess you’re okay with Thancred doing the reading since he’s the most discreet one of us all.” Realization hit Tataru for however weird that it might have sounded. There was a section marked about Ryne and he had enough control not go into that. “Wait no!!! Don’t think of it as we’re sacrificing Thancred to take brunt of your ire!!! That we thought it was safer for the rest of us as he’s not as likely to earn your anger….. I mean you both get along so well. And at one point we all thought you and he were… you know. But then… you know… And then all that happened and you know.” The rhythmic drone of her voice lulling even Clemence into a mediative state.

“You should have seen G’raha at the thought of holding himself back against asking anything more than beyond your encounters with the gods and kami of the Far East. There were bits that was sewn shut and we left those alone… Like we did most of your journal!!! We only looked under what you wrote for the gods!!! Do Ascians even count as Gods? That bit about Eden…”  

“Estinien ended up leaving the room when we got to Shiva… and he chose not come back in until we’re done with finding any and all beings of power that you might have encountered. You might want to have a talk with him to make him feel better.”

“But seriously…. The Big One? What jewelry does a fish even wear? Bismark I can understand. But can they even wear a bell like the Namazu does? I’m not expected to make a fish hook am I?” Tataru laughed absent mindedly.

“Don’t know…. You still owe me…. Blood pearl charm…earrings….” A raspy voice answered her. “You’ll have to wait, the last set I sew into your clothes were crushed--!!!  Hylnyan!!!”

“Ohh!!! Oh!!! Oh!!” Tataru was in a panic, Clemence woke in a start. “Thancred yes!!! Clemence keep an eye on her!!” Tataru ran off as quick as she could.

“Thancred!!!!” She called as loudly as she could when she reached outside. The trio of musicians and Estinein were at her side instantly instead. “It’s Hylnyan!!! Estinein get the twins and G’raha!!!! Get Ameliance!! Get Y’shtola and the chirugeons Quickly!!!!!!” Without asking more they rushed off to their tasks.

“Tataru!” His voice calmed her down a bit, she waved and turn back towards the room with him close at her heels.

Within, Clemence had helped Hylnyan into a sitting position and gave her some much needed water. The duo flew to her side, embracing her as tightly as they would dare. The worried call of Alisaie turn into joy as Estinien arrived, carrying each twin under his arms and G’raha slung over his shoulders. Soon others began to join them.

There was a rhythm to it. The blood pearl charms had brought Hylnyan safely home.

[anneapocalypse]

On the Former Scions and Leadership

Something that's kind of interesting to me about the Warrior of Light, which has always been there but which Dawntrail has me thinking about in a new way, is that the WoL really isn't a leader.

(Disclaimer: Obviously everyone has their own version of the Warrior of Light and is free to headcanon over and rewrite parts of the story to suit their character, and so what I'm saying here may not apply to everyone's character! For our purposes here, I'm just talking about The Warrior of Light as written.)

(Further note: I understand that there are a variety of feelings out there about the new characters and everyone is entitled to their own opinions about that; however this post is not an invitation to trash those characters in the notes so please refrain from that here; thank you.)

The Warrior of Light is a hero, but not a leader. Thanks to the linear nature of FFXIV's storyline, the game can't really offer us the conceit of making real choices, and so pretty much everything the WoL does is a result of someone else asking them to do it. So many of our major relationships with NPCs are with leaders: Minfilia, Nanamo, Kan-E-Senna, Merlwyb, Aymeric, Raubahn, Hien, the Exarch, Vrtra, Fourchenault, Wuk Lamat and Koana, every guild leader in our job quests. The WoL is someone called upon by leaders rather than being a leader themselves.

The Scions themselves have an interesting relationship to leadership in general. I've written before about how much the Scions feel like they're living in the shadow of Louisoix, especially in ARR, and how this affects their actions. As the leader of the former Circle of Knowing, Minfilia steps into the leadership position in his absence. I love Minfilia dearly; I think she has a true gift for bringing people together, making people feel welcomed and not alone, and helping them find purpose. I think all those skills probably availed her well as the leader of her Echo support group. It's when the Scions suddenly find themselves in the spotlight on an international scale following the defeat of the Ultima Weapon that I think the cracks start to show. I think that, very understandably, Minfilia is not prepared for the weight of that situation, and that's part of the reason she allows Alphinaud to step into such a leadership role himself (and also, and I say this with all the love in the world for both Alphinaud and Minfilia, why she even kind of lets him push her around at times). For Alphinaud himself, his experience of leadership with the Scions is disastrous, for which I think some responsibility also has to be laid upon the adults around him, who might have seen the red flags but didn't stop that train.

When Minfilia disappears, I think it's so telling that no one else steps up to fill the role of the Antecedent. Alphinaud is no longer so eager to take on that burden, and no one else is jumping at it either. Certainly the Warrior of Light isn't going to do it. (They're the boots on the ground, and the Antecedent is largely an administrative job.) The Scions instead just kind of agree to keep carrying on doing what they each do best, without an official leader. If anything, the glue holding the Scions together at this point is Tataru, who keeps the books and manages the budget and does her damnedest to keep certain people from putting overpriced purchases on the company card.

And that's not to say that none of the others have leadership skills! But it's interesting how, for those who do take on leadership positions, it's generally away from the Scions. After years of hiding under her sister's identity and "Papalymo's little shadow," Lyse takes an active role in the Ala Mhigan resistance, and helps to lead her people to freedom--a journey which ultimately takes her out of the Scions as she decides to stay in Ala Mhigo.

I'm counting G'raha as a Scion here since he does become one eventually, though not until after his hundred-year stint as the Exarch. It's clear both from the community that has grown up around the Crystal Tower, and from some really great G'raha moments in Endwalker, that he has real skills both at bringing people together for a common cause, and at taking charge in a crisis to protect the vulnerable. For the most part, though, he seems quite happy to take on a sidekick role after he returns to the Source. After a hundred years, I imagine anyone might be ready for a break from being in charge.

Y'shtola is harder to analyze because she's gotten less direct character development than most of the surviving Scions, and has remained largely in a supporting role thus far (though she remains a very interesting character to me, and I am hoping for a bit more of her in the Dawntrail patches given the setup for a cross-rift-travel solution). Y'shtola has always seemed reserved and a bit of a loner, and never seemed particularly interested in leadership until she threw in her lot with the Night's Blessed in the First. By the time we meet her again, she's become a trusted figure among the Blessed and the others clearly look to her for guidance and leadership. (It's also kind of interesting to me how both of the characters who wind up in leadership positions in the First are Seeker Miqo'te, and it probably was just a coincidence, but it'd be interesting to analyze how Seeker culture might prime a capable person to be willing to rise to the occasion where they see a group of people need.) Yet Y'shtola too seems perfectly content to settle back into a support role when she returns to the Source.

Endwalker is all about standing together, working together, the necessity of hope to overcome despair not merely individually but as a collective effort. The Scions all rally, each bringing what they have to offer, and they do so without ever appointing a new leader. They go where they see a need, like Urianger choosing to stay on the moon, or Thancred watching over the Warrior of Light and the twins when things go south on the relief mission to Garlemald, or the twins later taking a personal interest in the rebuilding efforts there. They also defer to leaders within the Eorzean Alliance where appropriate, happy at this point to work alongside the nations' armies rather than attempting to command one.

And the more I look at the Scions' history this way, the more their disbanding at the end of Endwalker seems inevitable and the logical end to the organization. In a very real sense they have completed the work that Louisoix and Minfilia set out to do. They've been leaderless for some time now already and it has not stopped them from doing good where needed. They are not leaders. Their goal was never to steer the course of world events indefinitely. They've all learned a lot about applying their individual talents for the greater good and having faith in one another to do the same, without having to be directed by one charismatic leader every step of the way--a major point of growth from where they were in ARR.

And all of this makes our role in Dawntrail really interesting to me, because it's all about leadership! And the Warrior of Light and their companions are, as characters, perfectly primed to take a supporting role and take initiative in that role where needed (see: Thancred and Urianger doing what needs to be done behind the scenes during the second act crisis). What the former Scions aren't, as a whole, at this point in their story, is people inclined to step up and take over. And this is a good thing for this story. Both Wuk Lamat and Koana need to learn and grow on their own, and in the context of their own cultures. The former Scions can help, they can support, and they do, but they aren't going to take over. Sure, they have opinions! At various points, we see characters on both teams (including the Warrior of Light) make some pointed faces at one another indicating that they have some doubts about the direction in which their candidates are taking things. But they withhold direct judgment or criticism for the most part and I think that makes sense both for their characters, and for the nature of the story.

I also think it was probably intentional that the former Scion with the most extensive leadership experience, G'raha, is not one of the characters hired by the claimants and doesn't come back to the plot until later. While I love G'raha and I did miss him, I understand story-wise why he couldn't be here; his unique circumstances mean that he has had more leadership experience than most people could ever have in a single lifetime, and it's probably for the best that that doesn't overpower the experiences of our young claimants who need to learn their own lessons on their own terms.

The support role of the former Scions also makes sense in other ways, I think, in terms of allowing the Turali characters and especially Wuk Lamat, as the main character, to shine in their own right and to avoid what could otherwise have been some problematic tropes. But I also think it works pretty well as a natural outgrowth of who these characters are and have grown into over multiple expansions, the Warrior of Light included.

[greystone-appreciation]

Well, if this sounds interesting to you, might I give this prompt?

Haurchefant witnesses the WoL (Anyone really. This is focused more on jobs. But if you need it: she/her xaela around his age) trounce Ser Grinnaux and Ser Paulecrain in trial by combat as a black mage.

Not just normally beating the knights - outright bombarding them in fire, lightning, and ice without a single word spoken.

And he's only known them as a white mage from all the time they've spent with him. A rather soft-hearted, stubborn one at that.

Wol x Haurchefant is encouraged but not necessary.

Writing Prompt Request | Main Timeline - Haurchefant x WOL (Xaela, she/her) Shipping Requested

The crackle of lightning and the tinge of flame hung in the air like the breath of a dragon, the battle room’s atmosphere palpable as the Warrior of Light and young Alphinaud stood fast in their trial against Ser Grinnaux and Ser Paulecrain.

Though Haurchefant told himself that he simply need not worry, the threat of danger to the Warrior of Light made him grip the bars of separation between them with white knuckles. Externally, he appeared determined yet supportive, not taking his eyes off the altercation.

Never had he known her to have other magics in her spell book, yet in the smothering torch light and among the scrutinizing sea of eyes, aether drenched the area around them with power.

“Amazing..” Haurchefant whispered to himself, knowing full well the consequences of perceived intervention of the trial.

All of their journeys thus far, his lover was a healer strictly. Pondering on this, the night that Haurchefant was healed by her for the first time came to mind between clashes of steel and spells.

“Ngh!” Haurchefant winced while sucking in a breath, the two hidden in a cave in the tundra of the Coerthas Highlands, a caravan of wandering Garlean soldiers plaguing the area near them and shambling by.

Hunkering down and positioning himself between the cave’s opening and their position behind a large boulder, Haurchefant kept his ears focused for enemies while pressing a gloved hand to his sliced thigh.

“Are you injured?” He questioned to the Xaela, his brow knitted in concern.

“No,” she replied, the glow of her lumbal rings illuminating her skin in the dark. “But you are.”

The balance of aether in the air shifted as energy was plucked from their surroundings, and the Xaela placed a hand encapsulated by light atop his own, the wound beginning to mend.

Looking up from their hands, Haurchefant met her gaze, their features illuminated by the ethereal greens of the healing spell.

Suddenly, the two were in their own world. No cold or conflict, and the knight felt a flutter in his chest as he remained in the warmth of her presence.

Another lightning strike pulled him from his thoughts, and Haurchefant covered his face slightly as a gust of hot wind and smoke pushed his hair back, a deafening silence filling the room before the clang of armor falling to ground broke the tension.

Ser Paulecrain fell to one knee as bits of his white armor cracked and clattered to the ground. Ser Grinnaux fared no better, ragged breaths escaping his grimaced mouth.

Alphinaud stood behind the Warrior of Light, his tome clenched tight and a hand extended before him at the ready.

And in the center of history’s attention, the Warrior of Light stood boldly, her staff held high and her aspirations higher so.

“The victor: the Warrior of Light and her companions, Ser Alphinaud and Mistress Tataru. By Halone’s might, you are hereby relieved of your charges.”

Haurchefant could hardly wait for those iron-wrought gates to open as he hurried over to the Warrior of Light. Noticing her wobble, he hurriedly caught her and supported her weight with ease. Upon her was the distinct marks of mana depletion, and he quickly fetched a potion from her side pack and opened the bottle with his teeth.

“Stubborn.” He playfully judged, bringing the bottle to her lips and watching the color return to her skin while the potion took effect.

“Me?” She replied back.

“You didn’t didn’t even tell me you were a Thaumaturge!”

“Black Mage.”

“Even more exciting!” He exclaimed, the two laughing. “Now you‘ll have to tell me that story.”

[driftward]

Title: FFXIV Write 2024 - Free Day 3 - 22. Caretaker Characters: Zoissette Vauban, Y'shtola Rhul Rating: Explicit Summary: Zoissette has many needs right now, and Y'shtola will take care of all of them. Notes: WoL|Sette timeline. CW: Frank sexual discussion, sexual activity

Zoissette was tired, but the good kind of tired. The tired of muscles that had been worked. The tired that came from accomplishment, from success. The tired that came from stretching one's limits. The tired that came from heat pumping through the heart.

The tired that came from physical therapy.

She was well on the way to recovery. Not quite yet ready to fully leave her rooms, not quite fully ready to tend to herself fully. She could, of course, she could. She wanted to, even. But she needed to rest, frequently, and she needed to sleep quite a lot, and the Scions were eager to see after her.

After she had scared them so badly coming back barely alive from beyond the edge of everything, she felt it best to indulge them.

Besides, though she did not want to admit it, it was kind of nice being taken care of.

Y'shtola helped her back towards her bed, ready to support Zoissette should she need it, and she almost might have. A small warm smile played on her face, eyes lazy, feeling languid after the day's work. Her mind played from thought to thought, free like clouds drifting through the sky. Y'shtola carefully got her into her bed, and made sure she was settled in, water and books within reach.

"Is there ought else you might desire from me, before I take my leave?"

"Hmn. Not right now," said Zoissette lazily, already feeling foggy sleepiness starting to drift in to her thoughts. She looked Y'shtola up and down, admiring her form, settling almost a touch too long on her breasts, but finding her way up to her eyes.

Y'shtola just smiled back and raised an eyebrow.

Zoissette laid down, and rolled over. "Maybe you could wear a maid outfit for me," she said, dreamily, already well on her way to sleep.

Y'shtola's ears went back.

"Not one of the traditional ones of course, all dowdy and duty," continued an oblivious Zoissette, "but one of those fancy ones that they call the Isghardian style, which is of course ridiculous, our maids look the same as anyone else's and don't have such interesting bustiers..."

"I beg your pardon," said Y'shtola, sharply.

Zoissette was suddenly very awake. She blinked and turned to see an annoyed Y'shtola.

"Oh! Oh. Uhm. Ahm. Sorry! Sorry. I forgot myself."

Y'shtola closed her eyes, and took a deep breath in.

"No. Nevermind. Forget I said anything," said Zoissette hurriedly, turning over and burying her head under her blankets. "I - I was just - after everything - very tired. Sorry. Please. Thank you for everything. I - I am going to sleep now."

Zoissette curled up under the blankets, and made a pained noise.

Y'shtola grimaced, reaching a hand out, wanting to help, wanting to do something to ease her friend.

But she held back, and considered.

"I shall see you on the morrow, then," she said gently. "Good night, Sette."

"...good night, Shtola."

Satisfied for the time being, Y'shtola headed out the door, and slipped quietly into the evening.

It was good, then, that Zoissette went to sleep early and woke up late these days. It gave Y'shtola a little bit of time to work. Not much, but enough. Tataru was willing to help, and able to keep a secret. F'lhaminn's twinkling eyes above her smile showed she knew more than she had been told, but was also an able accomplice. And so it was, that the next day, that F'lhaminn made sure the general word had been put out that this was a day Zoissette was absolutely under no circumstances to be bothered, that she needed a true rest day to herself, and would survive a day without being mothered and smothered by well meaning friends.

F'lhaminn herself saw to Zoissette's breakfast, as was expected, and Zoissette was yet none the wiser. Y'shtola had to see to some last minute things, last minute adjustments, but she managed to make it to Zoissette's door just before morning passed into noon. Putting her hand on the latch, she leaned in to listen, and then knocked.

"Come in, please."

Y'shtola teased the door open a bit, looking in to see Zoissette in bed, a book in her hand, looking towards the door. She opened the door the rest of the way, and let herself in, being sure to latch the door behind her.

She felt a thrill of delight at the way Zoissette's eyes went wide, the way she slowly looked Y'shtola up and down, taking her all in. The way the tips of her ears began to turn red, and her cheeks began to blush. Zoissette grabbed the edge of her sheet, and pulled it up to her chin, as though she suddenly had to cover herself.

Y'shtola was dressed, head to toe, in a lascivious maid outfit. The bustier pressing up at her breasts, covering them and yet also putting them well on display, the white fabric that covered them standing out against the black that followed under the contour of the swell of her chest. Puffy shoulders that ended quickly, revealing bare arms that ended in little ribboned cuffs. A skirt that was ended halfway down the leg, with the appearance of an apron sewn onto its front. White opaque stockings that accentuated the exact shape of her legs, and little black shoes with a single strap to keep them on, and a smart button to keep the strap in place.

She relaxed her usual sense of self control, and let her tail have a mind of its own, swaying back and forth, high as it was, playing with the many ruffles the outfit had. Y'shtola smiled, and gave Zoissette a deep curtsy, making sure to emphasize the movement of her bust as she did so, before coming back up to stand, one hand on her outwardly cocked him, and smiling coquettishly all the while.

"How may I serve the master?" she crooned, strolling over to the side of the bed to climb up on it. Zoissette stared at her, hands still clutching the sheets to her chest.

"You do not have to do this for me," said Zoissette.

"And yet I have," said Y'shtola, throwing a leg over Zoissette's body, coming to straddle the woman, knees on either side of her hips. She curled a finger under Zoissette's chin, trying to look her in the eyes.

Zoissette averted her gaze, staring off to the side.

"You have well heeded my no, but will you accept my yes?" prodded Y'shtola.

"You don't have to do this for me," repeated Zoissette.

"Perhaps I wish to. Though if this is your no, I shall accept it; and we needs not explore this further if you do not wish. But if you think only of my prior rejection, then set that aside. My wishes must be taken into account if this is to work, and I must needs be free to change my mind, if not yours."

Zoissette's eyes fell, and she was quiet for a moment, before looking back to Y'shtola.

"I like this," she said, her voice small.

Y'shtola made a thoughtful hum noise deep in the back of her throat.

"Then tell me what you want."

Zoissette swallowed, and then tentatively reached up, and pulled Y'shtola into a kiss. Their lips met, warm and wet, and Zoissette pulled, really pulled Y'shtola in. Y'shtola marred appreciatively as fingers wound through her hair, firm against her scalp.

It would be so easy to melt against her, to melt into her.

But instead Y'shtola placed a gently on Zoissette's chest, and gently pushed herself away. Zoissette immediately broke contact, letting her hand fall away from where it had been.

"No. I find I must insist. Tell me, Sette. Tell me. What you. Want."

She sat back, leaning back a little on her hands. She watched as Zoissette's lips thinned. As her eyes began to water a bit. As she bit her lower lip nervously. As her eyes darted to and fro, searching Y'shtola.

For her part, she tried to be as an open book. She let her tail wander free, still curious, still swishing behind her. Ears remaining forward, open. She was serious, but not angry.

She wanted to know. She had to hear it from Zoissette's mouth, in Zoissette's way.

"I want you," said Zoissette at last.

Y'shtola gave her a look.

"How delightfully detailed."

"Please, let me finish," pleaded Zoissette. "I want... I want you, Shtola. I - I want you. You're - you are - you're beautiful to me. I love you, and I want you, and I feel ridiculous. It's not like I can't, cannot, talk about sex. I have had sex! We've had sex!"

Y'shtola reached forward, and took Zoissette's hands as words began spilling out of her.

"I have talked about sex before! With others, true, but still. I mean, I remember the first man I took to bed. He - he wanted oral, and we talked about it. I remembered anticipating that talk coming, I remember reading, I remember getting advice..."

Y'shtola bit her lip so as not to laugh at the mental image of a young and studious Zoissette Vauban looking at whatever passed for what would have had to have been Ishgardian books about sex.

"And after we were done, he seemed to like it at the time. Later on he complained, though. He said - the way I spoke about it. That I was like a whore. He meant it to insult. He was trying to hurt me, and that - that did hurt. The way he said it. Not what he said, though. I was... proud of that later, to be honest. I mean, he had compared me to a professional. You know? I was rather pleased with myself. Me! A professional at sex! And I have explored such things before! I've - another one. He, uhm, he wanted to tie me up. That took a lot of talking really, a lot of work. I... I think he liked the idea of me being helpless."

Y'shtola felt a tiny bit of a warm squirm at the idea of being helpless, a tiny distant twitch. She squashed it for now.

"We learned rope work together, and that was... enjoyable enough. And I remember one, someone wanted me to use a strap-on on his ass. I had to ask him a few times to be sure, and we had to be very careful, but he certainly enjoyed it very much. And I must confess, that experience did have a certain degree of delight to it."

Zoissette was babbling, and Y'shtola interrupted her, as gently as she could manage.

"I am fair certain that I do not wish to hear about your entire tumbling history, Sette."

"Sorry! Sorry. I'm, I am, I am rambling, it's just... I didn't want them. I liked them well enough, you know. I was being accommodating, it made them happy, I was curious, it was nice. It was nice! But."

Zoissette's hands clenched around Y'shtola's, squeezing tight.

"I want you. And I can feel that. It's overwhelming. I feel it, swelling up in my chest. Pressing against my ribs. Like I am going to burst."

She was breathing hard, and Y'shtola reached up behind Zoissette's head, and pulled closer once more, touching their foreheads together, looking up at her through her bangs, sharpening her aethersight until real colour, the true deep browns in Zoissette's eyes, could be seen.

"I am more than willing to explore such things with you, Sette. But you have to tell me what they are."

"I do not want to screw this up, Y'shtola."

"Our relationship is not so fragile as to not survive a few very frank discussions."

"I do not want to upset you."

Y'shtola sighed. She had thought about this, and had ready a response.

"And I find I must needs apologize for my earlier reaction," she said. "It 'twas because I am Miqo'te. My people, fair or not, have a reputation, and as such I have received far too many propositions from those who view me as just an object for their pleasure. Little more than a thing, free for the taking. You are not the cause for my poor reception, and should not have been the recipient of my ire."

"Uhm. Wait. I'm thinking. Uhm. What if... what if I wanted to treat you like that?"

Y'shtola smirked. "Then perhaps I would acquiesce to be owned by a kindly master for a short time, if you wish to speak of such further. 'Tis different between us, as you might well guess."

Zoissette frowned, thinking. "What if I wanted to be treated like an object?"

"That's the spirit," said Y'shtola encouragingly. "There is that curious mind which I so adore."

Zoissette shifted a bit under Y'shtola, then gently pushed against her. "Please move. I think... I think I want to lay down."

Y'shtoal acquiesced, moving off of her, letting Zoissette lower herself on the bed, until she was laying on her side, facing away from Y'shtola. After a moment's thought, Y'shtola followed her.

It was a little ridiculous that she was in bed wearing her shoes. And they were not very comfortable. She would need to speak to her haberdasher if this was to be a common thing. At least the stockings were rather comfortable. It was a little ridiculous to be thinking of this just now. She pressed up against Zoissette's back, and Zoissette leaned back into her.

"I do not even mind that you got upset," said Zoissette, her breathing now slow once more. "Not really. You have a temper, but it is rarely mean. You can be blunt. Honest. I love that about you." She twisted, shifting, trying to look over her shoulder back at Y'shtola. "I do not want that to change. But I think I might be scared. You are just... I do not know."

Y'shtola gave her space, as she rolled the rest of the way over.

"I like that you're blunt. That you are blunt. Frank. But you are not always blunt. Sometimes you tease, I can tell. When you are honest, you get that stern voice. When you tease, you are charming instead. Threatening to put me over your knee."

"Remember that, do we?"

"Calling Magnai little sun."

Y'shtola allowed herself a wicked smile at that.

"And most of the time it's fine. It is fine! But it was different when I proposed the maid outfit. You were mad, and I got scared, and... maybe I shouldn't have. Maybe I should be braver."

Zoissette sighed heavily. "I usually am ... better. You've been mad at me before. That has never scared me. You always have a reason."

"Usually."

"You usually have a reason."

Zoissette reached out a hand, to play her fingers through Y'shtola's hair, even as she looked elsewhere.

"I would like to propose an accord," said Y'shtola.

Zoissette looked up. Met her eyes.

"You must ask for that which you desire, and ever so long as you heed my no, I promise you need not fear my ire on the matter, as I shall not allow it to turn into a true anger. I shall return to you the same courtesy. But this also means you must needs allow me my yes. You may change your mind as well, if you wish, but you must allow me space to say my own yes. Do you understand?"

Zoissette nodded, slowly, and Y'shtola reached up a hand to touch her face.

"Very well. Then tell me, what do you want?"

Zoissette's eyes searched Y'shtola's face, and she reached up to touch Y'shtola's hand in turn. She was close enough that Y'shtola could feel her tense.

"Maybe I want to ruin you," she said. "Maybe I want to take that strap on and lift your tail and find your asshole and pound until you cry. Maybe I want to see what it looks like when Y'shtola Rhul loses her composure and breaks and loses herself in the moment."

Y'shtola drew in a sharp breath, surprised, and almost drew back.

Almost.

Instead she turned to that squirming that had lit up inside of her, and seized her own fears and feelings, and sunk herself into them, claws and teeth and wickedness.

Her nails bit lightly into Zoissette's cheek. Anger turned to heat. She turned it to her own ends. Was she not Y'shtola Rhul?

"Maybe I will let you," she returned. "Or maybe I want you to force me to, oh warrior. Embrace your darkness, and let my shadow swallow you."

Zoissette's breath hitched, and the tips of her ears turned red once more, and her breath became rapid. She pulled back, sitting up suddenly, and began waving her hands in the air.

Y'shtola, feeling the tiniest bit of a smug sense of self-satisfaction at seeing Zoissette's control slip in this tiniest fraction, propped herself up one one arm to watch with a wry smile.

"Too much," said Zoissette. "Oh Fury, that was too much. But..." she turned, and her words began to spill out in a flood. "Really? Are you sure you want to try? You are willing to try? Should we try? Oh, gods. I want that. I want you. I want your everything, Shtola. Right now I have never felt more that I want everything I want to explore everything oh my gods I want to bury my fingers deep in your quim I want to hear you scream I want. Oh, I want. What is happening right now? What am I even doing? What are we doing?"

"Shh shh shh shh shh," said Y'shtola, following up after Zoissette, wrapping her arms around her and pulling close to her, holding her, rocking with her gently while her lover edged towards having a meltdown. "Take a moment. Collect yourself. Breathe. Think."

Zoissette trembled in Y'shtola's arms.

"Think past maybe," said Y'shtola. "You are curious, you are exploring, you are asking questions, but I still wish to have your answer true. Forget yourself. Let go. Be with me, in this moment. Tell me, Zoissette. Right now, what, more than anything, do you truly want?"

Zoissette looked over at Y'shtola, shaking. And in the smallest voice, she said, "Hold me."

And Y'shtola held her. As she buried her head in Y'shtola's chest, and began to cry. Her body began to shake with the force of overwhelming emotion, and Y'shtola could feel it. Could feel how her core quaked, how her shoulders shuddered.

She felt hands clutching to her as though she were a lifeline.

"I'm sorry," sobbed Zoissette.

"It's alright," said Y'shtola, gently. "I've got you."

And that set off a torrent anew. Zoissette's face scrunched, jaw tight, tried to get ahold of herself. Curling tighter. Holding tighter.

Several long minutes passed in the room, just like that. Y'shtola just watched over Zoissette. Held her. Just held her, as she processed whatever this was. Grief? Fear? Y'shtola did not know.

She just knew it was real, and that right now, there was nothing more she wanted than to be here, to help Zoissette through it.

A perverse thought passed her mind. That she may have been privileged to be here for this. To be trusted so, despite, well.

Despite being a blunt and honest and sharp-tongued kind of woman.

But Zoissette saw her as a safe haven, and she knew, in that moment, she would rather die than ever betray that.

Y'shtola swallowed, thickly. Matters for later. After the storm had passed.

And pass it did. Zoissette's tears slowed, and stopped. She got her breathing under control, first in big gasps, then in shallows, then gradually, calm, slow breaths. Her shaking became trembles became a stillness.

"Remind me," she said, her voice quiet, resting against Y'shtola.

"Sette?" asked Y'shtola, gently.

"I am tired of being tired of being this. I am exhausted. Kiss me. Feel me. Touch me. Eat me. Remind me that I'm alive. Remind me that... I am wanted."

She sniffed. "I want you to take care of me." She rubbed her face. "Fury, I'm snotty and gross."

Fortunately, Y'shtola had made sure the maid outfit had come with some accoutrements. Zoissette, after all, did still need a proper caretaker to check on her throughout the day. She reached into a pocket, pulling out a handkerchief, and handed it to Zoissette, who took it gratefully and wiped her face down before blowing her nose.

"Sorry."

"And for what are you apologizing? For having feelings? Needs? The high crime of being human, perhaps?"

Zoissette snorted a laugh, not a derisive thing, just a noise she could not help. She further made a most unladylike noise, cleared her nose the rest of the way, and then gave a warmer, clearer laugh.

Y'shtola smiled. It was a little gross.

And that was surprisingly okay.

"Feeling better?"

Zoissette nodded, setting the handkerchief aside.

"Then lay down," said Y'shtola, sitting on the side of the bed to take off her shoes. She heard Zoissette shuffle in the bed behind her.

She considered her approach, unbuckling her shoes and setting them aside neatly, one by one. She stood up, and looked over her shoulder, to see Zoissette laying down. And to see that she had Zoissette's full attention. The woman was quiet, now. The storm had well and truly passed, and she was just... attentive. Y'shtola swished her tail, and was gratified to see Zoissette's focus and attention shift. She slowly reached down, under her skirt, and hooked her thumbs into her smalls, and slowly, swaying her hips, pulled them off.

She looked again. The mood of the room had shifted. She certainly had Zoissette's full, complete, and judging from the glassiness of her eyes, lusty attention. She turned, and winked, pressing her smalls into Zoissette's hand.

"Hold these for me, master," she said, placing emphasis on the last word. And she laughed at the choking noise Zoissette made.

This was silly. She -was- silly. And perhaps silliness is what was needed, in the wake of what had come before.

"I think I shall enjoy continuing our conversation," she purred, as she put one knee on the bed, and leaned over far enough to kiss Zoissette. A soft, gentle, teasing thing that she slowly leaned into, just enough to really get the feel of Zoissette's lips, before pulling back. She pulled the blanket back, and began to reach for Zoissette's smalls.

"No," said Zoissette. "Let me."

Y'shtola nodded, and sat back, and watched. Zoissette looked down at herself, and reached down, and arched her back to lift her butt as she shimmied her smalls down her legs. Y'shtola appreciated the scene on view. Zoissette was still in recovery, technically. She still had some trouble getting around. She was having a bit of trouble now, but Y'shtola recognized the impulse for what it was, the desire to do things for oneself. And so she content to just watch.

And despite all that, Zoissette was still everything to Y'shtola. She admired the scene, as cotton slid over soft brown skin and powerful muscular thighs. As Zoissette curled, making the quietest pained whimpering noise at the effort, at having to flex so far, to get them around her kneecaps. And her heart soared as at last Zoissette had them down her calves, then around an ankle, then kicked off unceremoniously off to one side of the bed.

Zoissette laid down, throwing her head back, and sucked in a sharp breath, and Y'shtola laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you well to continue?"

Zoissette nodded. "...just not as flexible as I should be yet. Aches. I'm alright."

"Very well," said Y'shtola. She sat back and allowed herself a moment more. Her love, bottomless. Even in this state, she was beautiful to Y'shtola.

She would always be beautiful, for she was Zoissette, and precious.

And also, her quim was right there.

"You may want to prop yourself up with a pillow," said Y'shtola, and Zoissette did so. Once she was resettled, Y'shtola crawled up next to her, and threw a leg over her, straddling her once more.

Just the other way around this time. She laid down on Zoissette, finding a position to be reasonably comfortable in, and once she was satisfied, she reached down, and hiked her skirt up, exposing her lower half, to offer Zoissette something to look at. And grumbled a bit as her tail interfered with the motion, before she just sat up and pulled it to a more cooperative position. Hands on her hips, she nodded her head, and then lowered herself once more, hiking her skirts up again.

She could not see Zoissette's face anymore. But situated as she was, she could feel her, feel the way her breath was shifting, feel her stomach tightening, feel that control asserting itself.

Y'shtola was going to find each and every way past that one day.

But for now, she was at last, satisfied with the setup, and finally lowered her head, rubbing her nose in Zoissette's pubic hair, appreciating the feel of it against her cheek as she nuzzled it, and gave one of Zoissette's thighs the gentlest of kisses.

"May I touch?" asked Zoissette.

"You may."

Zoissette was still far taller than her. While she had her face in Zoissette's crotch, there was no reasonable way for Zoissette to return the favor in kind, not exactly. She did not mind. And she did not mind when she felt Zoissette's hands on her ass, and tracing the outsides of her thighs. She let her tail have its way, swishing and swaying, the ruffles of her skirt playing around her butt, bumping into Zoissette's hands and arms, and she wiggled her hips, attempting to entice, showing off.

She fancied herself a gift for Zoissette and Zoissette alone.

And she was giving a show for Zoissette alone to enjoy while Y'shtola herself built up to the main event. She continued to pepper Zoissette's thigh with kisses, finishing with just the tiniest nip, just the lightest touch of teeth to skin. Behind her, she heard Zoissette's breath hitch, while under her, she felt it, felt the twitch of her chest as she gasped. She hummed, deeply and lovingly, and she ran her hands down toned thighs, digging her fingers in just enough to find the texture of muscles. Powerful, almost like thick corded braids, and she took her time to appreciate them.

And Zoissette appreciated the attention in turn, making the most delightful soft noises, her legs slowly spreading apart as she warmed to Y'shtola's touch. As Y'shtola in turn returned to kisses, now on the other thigh. As her hands continued to explore. Pressing against the outside of a buttcheek. Playing along the upper leg. Lightly, experimentally, from time to time, touching Zoissette's outer lips. Feeling Zoissette's breathing grow deep, hear it become throaty. Buring her face deep in the woman's crotch and breathing in deep, noticing and delighting in the change in scent.

At last, however, Y'shtola grew tired of where she was. She simply could not get a good angle like this, not with the way Zoissette was sitting. She pulled away, and Zoissette made a disappointed noise as her hands left her ass. Y'shtola simply looked at her primly as she held her skirts around her waist, climbing off Zoissette and sitting to one side on her knees.

"Sit up and spread your legs if you will, master," she said. Zoissette's face flushed, and she hurried to shift position. "Knees up," she commanded, and Zoissette nodded, bending her knees. Y'shtola moved around to be between them, and rested her hands on Zoissette's knees for a moment, enjoying the sight.

And then she shifted around and made herself comfortable. She was in no rush. The only thing she wished was maybe an opportunity to pull off the maid outfit. She would need to be asking Tataru later about a setup which perhaps featured a blouse and skirt, instead, if she were to make a habit of this.

But that was a problem for later. For now, she had momentum, and she intended to capitalize on it.

But first.

"Is this still alright?" she asked.

Zoissette swallowed, and then nodded. "Yes. Please. Please keep going. I need this. I need you."

Oh, too easy.

"You need me? To what end..." and she paused, waited, luxuriated.

"...master?" said Y'shtola, voice low, dark.

"If you do not eat my quim I will explode," said Zoissette desperately.

Y'shtola laughed, and she kept laughing as she lowered herself slowly, and let her laugh trail off as she got close, and locked her eyes onto Zoissette's as she almost made contact.

Zoissette was tense, still. The anticipation was present in every ilm of her being. Her body was almost iron.

Y'shtola winked, closed her eyes, and her lips met Zoissette's, wetness of tongue meeting the wetness of Zoissette's body, and she heard Zoissette gasp with the release of the breath she had been holding.

She hummed appreciatively, and pushed her tongue between Zoissette's folds. She wanted to take it slow. To take her time. To really appreciate the moment and show her appreciation in turn. But the teasing, the conversation, the openness, the everything was upon her, and she was suddenly aware of a hunger she did not even fully realize she had.

She wanted to hear Zoissette scream, and she wanted it to be her name, and she wanted to push Zoissette over the edge, and she wanted. Oh, she understood what Zoissette meant, she wanted. And so she abandoned herself. Her tongue was in Zoissette as far as it could go, eager, hungry, licking, first one side, then the other. She arched her back and scooted forward, one hand holding her steady against Zoissette's thigh, the other finding its way in, fingers reaching deep into Zoissette's quim. She struggled to control herself, shaking slightly. She had to control herself. Her lips needed to find Zoissette's clit first. She needed to, and there. She puckered, and kissed the clit deeply, her lips around it, her tongue pressing against it, as she made space for her fingers, and pressed.

The suddenness and speed of her attack rocketed up Zoissette's body, and the hand she had on the thigh had to move to push down against Zoissette's stomach, to remind the other woman to stay in place. She felt Zoissette's body tense, felt her lock, her breathing having gone rapid.

"Oh gods oh fury oh gods," panted Zoissette. "Too much too much too much," and Y'shtola, though reluctant, relented, eased off, backed away.

"No no no more more more," said Zoissette immediately. "Don't stop don't stop please don't AH!" she screamed, as Y'shtola needed no further encouragement.

Her lips held suction tight. Her tongue pressed hard. Her fingers, curled, and she jerked her hand inside of Zoissette until, at last, Zoissette boiled over, screaming her name, hands on either side of her head and fingers clenching and clenching against her scalp, Zoissette still controlling herself. Resisting actually grabbing, resisting actually forcing Y'shtola's head to stay in place.

Not that she would have minded. Conversation for late. As it was, she was holding herself in place perfectly find, even though she well had to use her whole body to do so.

Zoissette caught her breath once more, gasping. "More," she said, hoarsely, and Y'shtola was but too happy to oblige. She pressed in again, tongue and lips and hands and face and pressure built up to release, and Zoissette's legs wrapped around her, and she surprised, near crushed by the force.

Zoissette curled tight, and Y'shtola freed herself enough to look up, to see her face, scrunched in focus and concentration as she bore down. She almost needed not do anything, as she just kept her fingers inside Zoissette, moving them rhythmically, and let another wave crash through Zoissette.

This time, Zoissette went limp, practically throwing herself back down on the bed. When she spoke, it was between gasps.

"Okay. No more. I'm done. That's it. Oh, gods, Shtola. I think I'm dead. Oh, gods, it hurts like I'm dead."

Y'shtola became aware of her own breathing, heavy, almost panting. She reached a hand up, to gently stroke Zoissette's side. Zoissette twitched, but did not pull away from the gesture, instead reaching down her own hand to touch Y'shtola's, encouraging it to stay.

"Are you quite alright?" said Y'shtola, truly concerned. That had been rather more than she had planned for for the day. And, in retrospect, possibly more than Zoissette could handle.

"My legs are killing me. My stomach is killing me. I have never been better. Let me die here like this. It's a good death."

"No such thing," chided Y'shtola, but her tone was light, teasing. Relieved, she extricated herself from between Zoissette's legs, and moved up to hold her in her arms. Zoissette, gratefully, rolled to collapse against her.

"Thank you," said Zoissette at last.

Y'shtola played with her hair, and nuzzled the top of her head.

"Have you been sufficiently reminded, my love?" she murmured into Zoissette's ear.

Zoissette looked confused for a moment, but then her face lit up, and she smiled, contented, and sighed happily.

"I am alive," she said.

"And desired," said Y'shtola, and kissed her once more.

[cinnabun-faerie-achieve]

FFXIV Headcanons M.List (2023-2024)

2023

Accidental Kiss (Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger)

How the Scions react to Zenos possessing the WoL (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

Their s/o fell and sprained their ankles on the way home (Artoirel, Aymeric, Emet-Selch, Estinien, Thancred, Urianger, Zenos)

Your child calls them "Papa" (Emet-Selch, G'raha Tia, Fandaniel, Jullus)

With a WoL that turns into a blanket burrito when it gets cold outside (Alphinaud, Aymeric, Emet-Selch, G'raha Tia, Hermes, Jullus, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola, Zenos)

WoL is still recovering from the battle at the end of Endwalker, showing up and saying how they just wanted to come home (Cid, Edmont)

Reaper/Dark Knight!WoL going into a bloodlust fueled rage against a large group of foes (Alphinaud, Erenville, G'raha Tia, Haurchefant, Thancred, Y'shtola, Zenos, Zero)

You discover they're Ghostface (Aymeric, Crystal Exarch, Estinien, Urianger)

Listening to their heartbeat while cuddling (Emet-Selch, G'raha Tia, Urianger)

With a S/O that is normally soft spoken until someone insults their S/O (Emet-Selch, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Urianger, Y'shtola)

With a short!healer!WoL who deadlifts them to carry them out of danger (Aymeric, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Haurchefant, Thancred, Urianger)

Snowball fight with the Scions (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

2024

FFXIV Scions ♬New Rules ♬ (Thancred, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Urianger)

Taking a bubble bath with them | (Part 1) {Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola}

Dancer!WoL surprises them with a dance made just for them (Alphinaud, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

With a reader who suffers from really bad chronic pain (Fandaniel, Haurchefant, Thancred, Urianger, Zenos)

Using a Lalafell!WoL like an emotional support plush (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

"Hide & Seek" With the spirit board in Phasmophobia (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Krile, Tataru, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

Your child dresses up as them for All Saint's Wake (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola, Emet-Selch)

They're asked to dress up as santa to visit the Firmament's Orphanage (Aymeric, Estinien, Haurchefant, Zephirin)

Starlight Celebration with the Scions

Secret Santa with the Scions (Alisaie, Alphinaud, Estinien, G'raha Tia, Krile, Tataru, Thancred, Urianger, Y'shtola)

[battlecrazed-axe-mage]

How do you think your WOL feels about the other Scions?

Under a readmore because it got kind of long!

Thancred: I had an Ul'dah start, so he was her first connection with the Scions! Very proud of how he's grown as a person in the time she's known him. Teases him mercilessly in the most affectionate of ways. Probably hooked up with him at some point early on; they don't talk about it these days, but mostly because that's not where their relationship landed

Y'shtola: Absolute greatest respect and a little bit of fear. She trusts Y'shtola's words and plans pretty much more than almost anyone else she knows--UNLESS Flow is involved. Please stop solving problems with Flow we're running out of ways to pull you back out. Fully supports all of her high level mage nonsense and wants to help with her dimension-crossing thing any way she can.

Urianger: At this point, if Urianger starts doing something that superficially looks like plotting against the group, she takes it on faith that he knows what he's doing and has a good reason. When he eventually confesses his duplicity and cries for forgiveness, she wraps him in the tightest hug and goes "it's fine, look, don't worry about it. I know you." Will listen to him endlessly even if she only grasps a fraction of what he's talking about

Alphinaud: Baby brother. Incandescently proud of him and the capable young man he's become in the time she's known him. When he called her his family in Eulmore she got a little misty-eyed; considers him and Alisaie basically actual family. The only person whose plans she trusts above Y'shtola's. He's going to be a great leader someday, and she hopes she can be helpful when that day comes.

Alisaie: Baby sister. If Alphinaud is the twin she loves but doesn't understand, Alisaie is the one she understands in every mote of her being; Alisaie is basically her but younger. Do NOT leave the two of them alone to carry out some part of a plan, they enable each other's most reckless and ill-advised impulses and will yes-and each other until only fire lives here now. (Probably my favorite of the scions)

G'raha: Her spouse's boyfriend. Not her type as a lover; something closer than a friend; ranks just below the twins on the list of "people I would kill and/or die for". Raha is an absolutely essential pillar of her life at this point so please stop trying to martyr yourself godsdammit. If ever she has a dilemma she can't see a way out of, or if she wants a second opinion of something, he's her first thought

Estinien: Understands him as a brother-in-arms and lets him dictate the terms of their friendship (so they're not super close, but warm enough when their paths cross). Keeps tabs on him for Aymeric's peace of mind as best she can. There's few people she trusts more to have her back in a fight. Makes a point to treat him to a meal anytime they see each other because she still fully does not trust him with money and wants to be sure he's eating

Krile: Worked closely with her for an extended period of time on the displaced Isle of Val and got to know her in that time. Krile is probably the scion that knows the most of her secret fears and uncertainties; my character feels it's only fair after Krile trusted her with her own survivor's guilt over being the only one to escape the isle. Despite Krile being younger than her, considers her a bit of a "responsible adult" and can be reined in by her

Tataru: Bestie!! Eternally indebted to her as the beating heart of the Scions. Would move mountains for her. Probably relies on her quite a bit as someone who's also started selling her crafts (mostly soup lately) and sells out of her storefronts. Every aimless adventurer needs a pragmatic tether to the real world, and Tataru is hers. They get together every so often to gossip and catch up, when my character makes it back to town

[sjofn-lofnsdottr]

☮ - friendship headcanon

Hmmm.

I've been thinking a lot lately about Dusk and his friendships with the Scions as of 6.55. He considers himself at least friends with all of them, of course, but how close they are varies pretty widely.

I'm going to try not to be TOO wordy, but I'll do a cut anyway. Also if there's anyone who doesn't want to know who all the Scions are by 6.55, um ... don't click.

He trusts them all with his life, to be clear, but ... he feels like Y'shtola and Thancred in particular hold him at arm's length. And he finds himself feeling conflicted about G'raha semi-regularly. He likes the guy, but every time he has a little bout of hero worship, Dusk can't help but pull back a bit.

Krile isn't one of the close Scions either, but I expect that'll change significantly in Dawntrail. Their distance is more a matter of not having much time to get closer, shunted off to the side as Krile's been in the MSQ. The one really significant thing Dusk's done with Krile is Eureka and uhhhh ... I never actually finished Eureka, so it's not quite canon for him anyway.

Dusk feels protective of Tataru, but at the same time, I don't think she's someone who springs to mind for him when he is full of feelings and needs to unload them somewhere. So a friend! But not a close one, even after all this time. Great business partner though, he'll do capitalism with her anytime.

The twins (sorry for lumping you two together, guys) are in their own category too. He's close to them, but it's the sort of close a much older person has with a young adult that looks up to them. He's about as old as their dad, you see. So while they could absolutely come to him with anything, and he would do his best to support them in whatever way they need ... it's one-way, by his choice. They're still so young and have already been through so much, he'd rather eat glass than have them hear about some of the heavy shit he thinks and worries about.

Urianger, I have realized, has somehow become one of Dusk's closer friends in the Scions, and I'm not even sure how it happened. All I know is, during Endwalker, Urianger kept confiding in Dusk, and Dusk found that he felt extremely comfortable with the idea of confiding in him right back, so I guess they're close now? I can't explain it well, yet it ... really works for me, so I'm keepin' it!

Dusk and Estinien think they're subtle and still come across as Just Bros. They are incorrect, they have been incorrect about this for years. Even so, they are bros. You know how Estinien is all Ishgard Intense about how he is ride or die for the WoL, how he's always pledging his spear, or saying he will absolutely ruin anyone you send him at (I'm pretty sure that's his version of a marriage proposal, btw)? Dusk feels exactly as intense about him.

Thank you for the ask! This was fun to think about. <3

[swoleas]

I think the trickiest thing for me in terms of my canon worldstate for FFXIV is thinking about what Nayzak is doing as a non-WoL OC

so anyway here's the lore I have under the cut--writing it all down so I have it somewhere. since I'm so bad at writing stuff down like this, and this is meant to not just be a whole retelling of ffxiv's plot (but it does have spoilers up until the beginning of Shadowbringers, where I last stopped in the expansion)

She was born Jude Xalus in the Garlean empire, to Ala Mhigan parents. Her father, Ovidius, is a military engineer in the IVth legion, and her mother, Sirine, is a civilian with too much to prove. They expected Jude to become an engineer like her father and serve in the IVth as well. Jude was a brilliant engineer with a promising future, but she never felt at ease in her life in the empire. She eventually defected and made her way to Thanalan, blending in with the refugees in Little Ala Mhigo. She also began to go by Nayzak Sarhan, leaving her previous identity in her past.

She formed a mentor/mentee relationship with Ilberd Feare as she began to hone her skills as a pugilist. Ilberd would recommend her for work among the Immortal Flames, where she'd begin to see Raubahn as a father figure, one who would support her far more than her biological father ever did. During her time in Thanalan she also grows close with Minfilia, Thancred, and Tataru.

After completing a few odd jobs for the Path of the Twelve, she begins to manifest the ability to use the Echo, after which she begins to support the group in a more official capacity. She meets and becomes fast friends with the Warrior of Light (Hanan) and is assigned by Minfilia to support the WoL as a companion and partner. They only part ways after the calamity, when the Warrior of Light vanishes.

Nayzak aligns with the Scions when the organization is formed, and is assigned to field work in Coerthas, where she forms a romantic relationship with Haurchefant. She also grows familiar with the Fortemps knights and acts as a liaison between Ishgard and the Scions.

Following the WoL's return, they meet again when Hanan's travels take her to Coerthas, and though she cannot resume her role as the WoL's partner, she continues to help as much as she can. This is also around the time when she meets Cid and hesitantly begins to offer her support using her engineering prowess. By the end of the main campaign of ARR, she is even offered to join Garlond Ironworks, but favors her work with the Scions. She still will pop up to help Cid whenever he needs it. (Think, any sidequest storyline involving Cid and/or the Ironworks, and she is either there as support or handling it in lieu of the WoL)

The end of ARR/beginning of Heavensward is a big time for Nayzak. Her years long relationship with Haurchefant culminates in him asking for her hand in marriage, knowing that Aymeric intends to push for Ishgard to join the Eorzean alliance, which makes the future of their relationship less uncertain. And right after that happened, the whole banquet thing goes down, which is hard blow considering that she considered Ilberd to be family. When the Crystal Braves betray the Scions, she is one of the people who are able to make it out, alongside the WoL, Tataru, and Alphinaud. She takes it quite hard because her father's fate is unknown and Nanamo, who she'd also grown close to, appears to have died. This is also when she begins to take on a more major role in the WoL's adventures.

She is briefly allowed to experience happiness when Haurchefant accompanies her to meet Raubahn after he is rescued from prison. And then the Vault happens because she can't be too happy.

Post-Vault is Nayzak's edgy era. She feels like everything in her life has fallen apart and her own self image grows incredibly shaky. Her self image is really a projection of her closest relationships, and with people like, Minfilia, Thancred, and Haurchefant all being lost in such a short period of time--plus the stress of having thought she'd lost Raubahn and Nanamo-- she grows cold and distant from others.

Even after Thancred and Y'shtola are found, she cannot interact with them with the same warmth and familiarity as before. However, there is no time to dwell on that because Ilberd's back and trying to summon a primal because shit wasn't fucked enough. Although he has completely gone off the deep end in his extremism, his death sinks her further into despair.

This also marks a new era for her: the 'Guilt over being raised in Garlemald while her people suffered under occupation' era. She is laser focused on liberating Ala Mhigo to alleviate the icky feeling of being more colonizer than indigenous Ala Mhigan. She would be her father's most dutiful daughter. In her role as Flame Captain, she would direct troops and always keep herself busy with something to further the cause.

Her unease is also compounded by the fact that she has not told most people in her life that she was raised in Garlemald, and though nobody would see her differently if she told them, she continues to withhold this from everyone and it eats at her. At this point, only the WoL, Thancred, and Raubahn know of this, and they do not betray her secret

(The Monk Job quests also fit somewhere in here but god I do not know where to start -- only that in supporting Widargelt and helping out the settlements in Gyr Abania, she begins to connect with her indigenous heritage as an Ala Mhigan and begin to resolve the conflict she feels over her past in Garlemald)

She continues to support the WoL in the far east, but is way less involved--but she DOES spark a fun little fling with Tansui that teaches her the important lesson of "good god, woman, take a fucking breather"

Post-Stormblood main campaign, she and Cid join Hanan on some Ivalice related adventures, and post adventure is when Nayzak hears word of the IVth legion looking into magicite farmed from Ivalician ruins as a source of energy. The endeavor seems very reminiscent of the work her father would do for the legion, so she sets out to investigate on her own. She tries to sabotage the operation and in doing so, sets off technical malfunctions that seal her and some of the IVth legion in the ruins together.

She's only saved because the WoL's sister resides in the Golmore Jungle where she was able to spy on all of this occurring. And through contact with the Dalmascan resistance, was able to send word to Doma and thus Hanan.

She's taught a harsh lesson on relying on your friends when you need help instead of insisting on doing everything alone. As a result, she rekindles the friendships which have grown distant and realizes how one-sided the distance was. She was the only one who felt that distance, but her loved ones never faltered in their affection for her.

She realizes that she'd been burning herself out and that it might be a good idea to stay in Ala Mhigo with her father for a short time to recuperate, leaving the Scion shenanigans to the other Scions for the time being.

But fate has other plans for her because a mysterious voice begins calling out to the WoL and the Scions. Soon she also loses consciousness just before the battle with the Garleans.

Where we're at now, is she has been living in the First for about 2 years? She settles in the Crystarium as an engineer, helping them bolster their defenses against the sin eaters, and is one of the first and easiest people to reunite with when Hanan arrives to the First.

(if you read this far, wow, ok thank u actually)

[bloomlaurel]

OC lore time (weird boygirl edition)

thank you sm for the tag @zoroarkthief!! I'm always happy to share about my wol :'))

Khed'a Dakwhil

—B A S I C S

Name: Khed'a Dakwhil

Nicknames: His adoptive mother called him cicada :> The scions will sometimes call him khedy (tataru started it and then everyone else followed). Aymeric calls him angel as a term of endearment.

Age: 28 at the beginning of ARR

Nameday: Second Astral Moon, 16th Sun

Race: Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te

Gender: Nonbinary, Genderfluid

Orientation: Bisexual with a slight lean towards guys

Profession: He's held every odd job you can think of but predominantly considers himself a white mage.

—P H Y S I C A L     A S P E C  T S

Hair: Dark brown bob

Eyes: Orange-Brown

Skin: light skin tone

Tattoos/scars: He has a scar of hardened skin in the center of his chest. He also has crystalline streaks going up his forearms. Both are a result of prolonged exposure to earth attuned aether.

—F A M I L Y

Parents: His birth mom is [redacted], and he doesn't know who his father is. His adoptive mother, Aria-A-Yan, was his conjury mentor when he was taken in as an orphan to the conjurer's guild. She was really supportive of him and helped him open up.

Siblings: None!

Grandparents: He heard stories of his grandmother but never knew her.

In-laws and Other: I really like him with Aymeric and considering the end of Heavensward, he's not on good terms with his father-in-law. Lol. As for other relatives, he's very close with the brother of his adopted mother, E-Sumi-Yan, and considers him like an uncle.

Pets: He has a little bird that follows him around named Thistle. He befriended it on the road to Ishgard.

—S K I L L S

Abilities: Khed'a has precise aetheric control as a highly skilled white mage. Due to the condition with his body, he has to keep a careful eye on his aether. During his time with the padjal, he learned how to properly manage and control the aether in his body. He is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to healing. He learned self-defense techniques while among the padjal that later served him when he moved on to pick up lancer/dragoon as a job.

Hobbies: He enjoys collecting and brewing different teas. He also really likes going on walks, especially when he is in a new place or just needs some time to think. Khed'a has a journal where he takes notes on the local flowers, plants, and insects of an area (and will sometimes press flora in it). He also likes to keep plants, though as a traveler he's found that difficult to maintain. He has a plant in a small pot that he's kept alive by propagating every so often. Khed'a also enjoys birdwatching.

—T R A I T S

Most Positive Trait: His resilience and commitment to making the best of things in any given situation. He doesn't get discouraged despite it all.

Most Negative Trait: He's sometimes too willing to help others, to the point of stretching himself thin. He has issues with being objectified/being treated as a tool for others. He still falls into that role and struggles to properly adovcate for himself since it's a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior he's unlearning.

—L I K E S

Colors: Deep green, earthy browns, red, deep blue, smoky gray.

Smells: Freshly fallen snow, bergamot, chamomile, freshly washed sheets, a warm fire, flowers in bloom.

Textures: soft fabrics like silk and satin, freshly polished wood, the steadiness of a lance, leather, smooth pieces of metal (like jewelry or trinkets).

Drinks: He likes tea most, especially bergamot. He will also drink juices and lemonade. He enjoys hot chocolate as well.

—O T H E R    D E T A I L S

Smokes: Nope.

Drinks: He doesn't drink alcohol but he will enjoy tea :3

Drugs: Nope.

Mount Issuance: Black Chocobo gifted from his friend Haurchefant. He will also use the unicorn he befriended as a conjurer, or the witch's broom mount.

Been Arrested: Yes (Post ARR :) Aside from that he hasn't run into too much more on that front.

I tag @freckledfemme @redgemwink @eirikaily @lululeighsworld @cogentsummoner @gnusnoteunuchs & anyone else who wants to talk about their wol/oc in general :3c

[7marichan714]

🐲Wolstinien Week Day 6 - Reunion🌟 [5.1]

After returning temporarily from the First to the Source to see how things were going at Mor Dhona, Estinien rushed there to check on the WoLs and reunite with Stellaris.

Stellaris completely lost track of the chat with Krile, Tataru and her warrior of light companions the moment she sensed another inner dragon. Her hands went directly to her mouth, bursting in tears of awe and relief to see Estinien at the other side of the room, directly looking at her with a warm smile.

She didn't hesitate to run into his arms and embracing him like she never did before. He reciprocated the gesture, holding his beloved quietly. The only sounds were their breathing and the others chuckling at them of joy.

-Welcome home, Stella. -Estinien whispered. -Are you real? This is so beautiful to be true. -Stellaris' tone was emotive yet fearful, expecting this dreamy and wished moment to vanish at any moment. -I am. -he nodded. -There is so much I want to tell you, yet we shall make haste and focus on the matters at hand. -It's okay, Esti. -Stellaris calmed down. -We are close to the end, the last push so we can be at ease at last.

MY COMMISSIONS INFO

[vierandancer]

Top 10 favourite characters?

FINAL FANTASY MUNDAY MEME! || Accepting

Hmmm. It's hard to rank them but I will try.

Fray & Sidurgu (FF14): I'm cheating immediately and lumping together my Dark Knight class husbands because I can. Also heavily influenced by @aethericsea's interpretations, but whatever. For Fray, I love a slight-obsessed-with-you dark side vaugely self-cesty ghost that scolds you when you don't take care of yourself. The Dark Knight quests are so healing for the WoL. It is the closest thing you get to actual therapy. Leading into my adoration for Sidurgu -- he is just a good guy. Does he fuck up? Yes. I love me some guys who fuck up and try to do better. He also has such faith in the WoL and such empathy for them. Like when you go back post-EW and check in, he's like "wow that sounds unbelievable but it's you so I understand." I'll tag Rielle in here as well, because I just love her story as well, and how she changes from a quiet, traumatized child into a sassy apple-eating healer who calls Sidurgu a chocobo's arse. I have so many feelings about the DRK fam you guys.

Garnet (FF9): Garnet/Dagger, my girl! Was I biased because she was the closest FF protag lass who looked like me? Yes. Am I still biased for that reason? Yes. But also, again (as I'll say 100x below), I adored her journey. I loved her dedication to her people, I loved her Mulan moment, I enjoyed her learning to be more formal through Zidane. I loved that she fucking drugged everyone's food and jumped from a tower and enjoyed the hell out of it. She's just so much fun even though I don't believe she would have worn a bodysuit THAT TIGHT. Praying every day for a FF9 remake announcement.

Zidane (FF9): Sorry Thancred, you were knocked out of the Top 3 by the original flirty blond rogue. FF7 was my first Final Fantasy, but 9 was the one I fell in love with. I appreciated Zidane's more upbeat and scrappy attitude, and of course, he was far from perfect (i.e flirting with the girl in the bar and then fucking up and mentioning it to Garnet) and had his whole questioning his existing thing. He's just really fun, damn it.

Thancred (FF14): Thancred is a fucking mess. I am partially biased towards him because of @aethericsea's interpretation, but a lot of it pulls from canon anyway. Again, I adore his growth and the journey he takes, his relationship with Minfilia, his struggles with what's obviously depression with a hint of alcoholism, and the fact that despite getting the cool animations, he still gets clowned on.

Alphinaud (FF14): Alphinaud barely has the step above Alisaie in this ranking, and only because of his shift from ARR into Heavensward. Alphinaud changes from a bratty snoot who sends WoL around like a living weapon to truly loving them like family. He is so mature and respectful and I love it when he sees his earlier mistakes in others.

Alisaie (FF14): Alisaie's growth is more subtle than Alphinaud's, but I love the balance she brings. She feels like a genuine teenager more than Alphinaud does sometimes and I adore her vulnerability. I also love her calling the villains out, even if it makes me panic from time to time for her safety.

Tataru (FF14): Tataru is such a supportive friend to the WoL and just an excellent 'run the house while you adventure' NPC. I am SO glad they play into her boss babe entrepreneur mentality as the story proceeds.

Cloud (FF7/7R): I respect the impact FFVII had on gaming. The original 7 was the first Final Fantasy I ever played and what inspired me to want to be a game designer! Plus, like Noctis, I appreciate Cloud being 100% done with everyone. Sadly, never beat 7. I beat 7R though!

Rikku (FFX/X-2): Again, didn't play a lot of X and it has been like 20 years since I played X-2, but I adore her. What a girl's girl.

Noctis (FFXV): The only reason Noctis is down at #10 is because I haven't played FFXV personally, but I've seen clips with him via @starrymused and I appreciate his attitude. Someone just let the man fish and not be a protagonist.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

SHE'S TECHNICALLY NOT FINAL FANTASY BUT GODDAMIT, JUSTICE FOR EDEA LEE OF BRAVELY DEFAULT. SHE DESERVED MORE RESPECT AND CLOSURE FUCK YOU RINGABEL AND ALL OF ETERNIA

And @starrymused's Tidus because we will be interacting soon as well, and he's good lad who is also a himbo jock like Meiko.

[bananarose]

FFXIV Write - Day 12 "Quarry"

Characters: Banana (WoL) Lhili Haurchefant, Alphinaud, Tataru mention Length: 343

~~

Shit had thoroughly and utterly hit the fan, and now the once well-respected warrior of light and the other scions of the seventh dawn were on the run. The ones that weren’t missing, that is. Banana, Alphinaud, Tataru, and Lhili were able to make their way to Coerthas, and now sat around a warm fire, gracefully accepted as guests by Haurchefant.

Banana appreciated the man’s friendship, it came in handy for her in her adventures and she did genuinely enjoy speaking with him. She also enjoyed his reaction to meeting her friend Lhili, and watching him fall for her each time they crossed paths. Lhili trained at the conjurer’s guild with Banana, and the two had spent a lot of time together learning to wield magic and connect with the elementals. They had grown very close, to the point that Banana insisted on bringing Lhili into her work with the scions when they had approached her. After everything they’d been through, Lhili was a dear friend, and so Banana couldn’t help but be excited for her each time Haurchefant’s eyes landed on her, lighting up like a sunrise in spring. The man was clearly smitten. 

Lhili was more than a bit smitten herself, unable to hide the smile on her face when Haurchefant reached out his hand to cover hers, subtly moving closer to him across the sofa where they sat. She had thought he was handsome the first time they met, immediately dazzled by his bright smile and the charm he exuded. If she volunteered to go with Banana every other time she had business in Coerthas… Well, that was just between them.

While this visit was hardly routine, Lhili was glad to be here anyway, and took advantage of the time with Haurchefant, despite the fear hanging over their heads. Being the quarry of law enforcement wasn’t something she could say she was used to, wasn’t something any of them could, and Haurchefant’s support was something they all appreciated. Lhili just might appreciate it a little bit more than the others.

[thescions]

you guys were lovely to ask all of us some wol questions so have a scions/mun question! : what are both of yours top three favorite scions? ✨

Aw, thank you so much for this!

For Grey ---

This is SUCH a difficult question. I'll attempt to keep my reasoning brief. In reality, I love all of the Scions for reasons that relate solely to them. How they function as a narrative vehicle, how they've been characterized by their VAs, etc. If I pinch myself enough, I would narrow my top three to Estinien, Minfilia, and Papalymo.

Estinien, because I relate to him so immensely, because his is a perspective I continue to explore in my own writing. I look at his experiences with Nidhogg as a mirror manifest of Complex PTSD, literally and expositionally. The insidious nature of having been trapped in an abusive relationship. Except, your abuser lives in your head as much your world and there is No. Escape.

How must it feel to have a being not unlike a god consistently pumping your heart with venom and vitriol, targeted or otherwise? How must it feel to know that you, likely alone amidst even the others of your role, may have a meaningful impact on the influence driving a centuries long war? The weight of it. The responsibility, self-imposed and otherwise.

As the player progresses through the game, we are deadened to the enormity of having fought hyper-terrestrial beings, just as the characters would be. The other Scions may also share in our experiences, but it is only Estinien who knows what it is to have power to genuinely match ours. At least, for a while. Even Minfilia and Krile only borrow a finite glimpse of the like.

With that said, my affection for Minfilia knows no bounds. Not only do I resonate with her as someone raised femme who also enjoys the feminine on a deeper level than aesthetic, I also deeply vibe with the proposed mentality of someone who would sacrifice their all for the greater good, whether you have faces to assign to it or not.

She may not be lobbing axes at folks with us -- but perhaps that is for the best. Because the moment she has the power to fight, she fights to the point of near annihilation, using every ounce of that strength to achieve her desired outcome. Her restraint to hold out, to do as much as she possibly, possibly could, and then some...

I too, and many of you, I am sure, have burned that proverbial candle. Or perhaps I am dramatic. ;)

As for Papalymo: oh, I just love a nerdy older man who is exasperated by his promising, younger colleagues, of whom he will tend to fullness. Are any of our followers big Buffy fans?

As for Lanna --

Tough, tough question! But I am choosing Tataru, Thancred, and Ryne. (The twins are on the same level as Ryne -- but I couldn't pick one over the other!) My reasoning for all three comes down to growth.

From Tataru the secretary, to Tataru the boss bitch entrepreneur, who even for a time tried to learn how to fight to help protect us! Tataru represents the home of the Scions. Her "welcome home" at the end of EW and anytime she starts crying out of worry for us makes me sob. She isn't a warrior but she is so strong. She took over Minfilia's role of being the Scions' core emotional support while also evolving past that to really become a vibrant individual.

For Thancred --I'll admit, a lot of my reason for him being one of my favorites is because of the headcanons and development Grey and I've put together for him. But those are all based off of his canon interactions and, again, the story he goes through throughout the series. The man is clearly so godsdamned depressed, and (if the story would let him) we can see so much potential conflict with him letting that get the better of him. And of course, allllll the development for him throughout Shadowbringers with Minfilia and Ryne. He has healed so much. I'm a little confused as to where his story/development goes now in DT -- I feel like it is done, and he should be allowed to go retire happily with Ryne on the First. But if there's more for him to do, I'm happy to see it! As long as he's not just the 'flirty naked guy' again. Then I'd be disappointed.

Ryne is such an amazing character because we really only knew her for one expansion. She didn't have the same amount of time to develop as say, either of the twins, and yet immediately her story, her conflict with her self-esteem and sense of identity captured my heart. Her history was like Puella Magi Madoka Magica in Final Fantasy for me, so that totally hit all my vibes. But more than anything, she remains generally innocent even throughout the Eden raids. Innocent and kind, but not weak. And that is so rare to find these days. Ryne is a treasure -- a blessing ufufufu -- and I can't wait for her to rejoin the MSQ. WITH. GAIA. MAKE EDEN RAIDS REQUIRED, YOSHI-P!

[tallbluelady]

Tataru for the NPC ask meme

I actually don't think Rowan fears Tataru for her mercantile abilities like the game tends to frame the WoL. Her mother was a merchant, and while not as cutthroat or anything, Rowan kind of got used to that sort of behavior. After all, if Alfinne didn't wheel and deal there wouldn't be as much food on their plates!

Otherwise, Rowan is fairly protective of Tataru and is grateful for her support. They have vastly different skill sets and it's good that they cover the other.

Thanks for the ask!

[klopford]

Lore dump! Because I just thought of this!

The reason Katina cut her hair so short during Heavensward was because, since they were fugitives, she figured she should change her appearance a bit to hide better.

Tataru helped her cut it. Haurchefant provided moral support and plenty of compliments. (He actually really liked how this very short crop looked on Katina!)

Katina and Tataru did also jokingly suggest Alphinaud do the same to hide his identity, but of course he adamantly refused.

She kept it this way for a while even afterwards, partially because of how Haurchefant had liked it, and partially she was too lazy to style her hair in the mornings and liked how low maintenance it was to just keep it this short. It wasn't until post-Endwalker that she decided to grow it back out to her ARR length (which was already very short) when she wanted to change things up a bit.

(OOC: I reached Heavensward around the time 6.3 came out, and with it this "close shave" hairstyle was also released. I've always liked the idea of Katina rocking a buzz cut for a while, so I went for it, coincidentally around the same time that I fantasia'd from Midlander to Highlander. The highlights didn't become a thing until later, since I didn't like how spotty they were on that hairstyle, but after reading several fics and headcanons about light corruption changing hair colors on some WoLs I retconned that as the reason why she has them from Shadowbringers onwards, as I was already post-Shadowbringers when I had the idea. I thought it would be a nice lore-related excuse for why it looked spotty. Which of course doesn't matter much when I'm using a different hairstyle now lol.)

[paintedscales]

Who or what could cheer up your OC/WoL after a rough week?

Hi, pinxli! Thank you so much for the ask! I feel like you know one of the obvious answers to this one. Hehe. > w < ♥

WoL Questions

If we started from an earlier point, Nomin's go-tos for someone to help cheer her up, or make her feel better would default to Bayarmaa. Esenaij was usually too busy to actually talk to often (and she actually did start to get frustrated with him, because he never really cracked all that often from his stoic demeanor!). Within the Sagahl tribe, she has Jajiradai and Odchigen at first, but then there's also Chotan -- just as peers who were / are closer around her age.

Within the Jhungid, Turakina became Nomin's overall stand-in for Bayarmaa. Someone who offered a gentle touch, kind words, and the support she needed in order to press on as well as slow down and plan more efficiently her method of revolt against their captors. Alongside Turakina, the others that Nomin had were Chotan and Checheyigen as fellow Jhungid peers that were her age that allowed her to have friends in a shitty situation.

When it comes to items, Nomin just likes having a good handful of hours in a nice scenic place with a canvas and some paints -- usually oil-based. She'll lose herself in the tranquillity and beauty of being able to commit something to canvas, capturing it for an eternity. Painting is such a soothing release for her that she savors any and all times she can sit down and indulge.

Some expansion specifics below the cut, though! :D

ARR, Nomin actually liked talking to Minfilia. She liked knowing she wasn't alone with this Echo business, and getting to spend time with someone who surely had more of an understanding of it. Likewise, she also really liked spending time with Tataru, as she was really upbeat and fun to talk to. A good bit of fun before going out to take care of whatever it was Minfilia wanted her to lend a hand with.

HW, it was really only Tataru that allowed her to cheer up and have a moment to reassess the situation she and everyone else were in. Alphinaud as well, but Nomin felt more like a shoulder for him rather than vice versa. Tataru seemed to have her wits more about her whenever they spoke, and the hope she had was infectious.

StB... Hm. You know. Nomin turned to even less people because she felt she had a lot to think about going back to the Far East. Especially returning to the Azim Steppe, feeling uncertain about her presence there. She was reunited with many of her Xaela friends and family there. Getting to celebrate with them before the Naadam was good for her. Cathartic even. She likes that she has reconnected with Bayarmaa and her newly formed family (she's an aunt!? That was surprising!).

ShB Nomin actually found some solace in being able to speak with Ardbert more amicably. Maybe not about some of the things that were plaguing her mind (she felt those emotions were irrelevant and thus kept them to herself). But yeah, her time at the Pendants, getting to rest and have a breather from how insane some things just get was always appreciated.

EW Nomin had way too much going on to really pay too much attention to the things that brought her joy. Though...a good cup of chai, moments to breathe and see everyone around her -- all the people who support her because she supported them... It's overwhelming in a good way. And then...there's the bedroom scene, and she finally voices her feelings, and Estinien becomes her more firm go-to in order to feel love, solace, comfort, and warmth.