#Krile just wants to relax

[kaidawrite-a]

I am on time don't judge me. 30 - Amity

Between saving more worlds, fighting gods, and running around helping anyone who needed it, Krile's summons for coffee felt like a reprieve. Post-EW, some actual spoilers.

Thank you as always to @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast for hosting this!! It's fun every year :)

[selnyam]

refuse — for the single-word drive!

I was already working on a story in my head, so I used this to put it down and also made some poses to go with it. SPOILERS FOR DAWNTRAIL takes place after the MSQ

 A light evening rain was falling upon Tuliyollal.  It was a pleasant evening, the city going about it’s day to day.  Many were still reeling from the attacks, but the city had been defended thanks to the Dawnservants, so citizens were returning to life as usual.   One of the heroes who had helped the Vow of Resolve was sitting in her room at the For’ard Cabins.  The Viera woman had changed into some comfortable clothes, her armour and axe set aside until needed again.  A simple draped top and a pair of shorts, Flidais Oakclamber sat on the patio watching the rain.

Her mind was a whirl of emotions and thoughts.   This trip had started simple enough, be bodyguard to her adopted children the Leveilleur twins, and her best friend Krile.  Also to be advice and backup to the Third Promise Wuk Lamat on her Rite of Succession.  She’d almost refused the offer, not wanting to get involved in a foreign lands politics.  Some convincing from her wife and her wife’s boyfriend G’raha had changed her mind.  When else would she get this opportunity?  She wouldn’t be taking the lead, simply following and defending if needed.  One boat ride later and here she was.  The Rite of Succession had gone well, surprisingly.  For the most part Wuk Lamat, or Lamaty’i as she’d asked to be called, had done the work.  The Viera Warrior just nodding and helping when needed, only a few times needing to bring her axe and combat skills to bear.  In return she’d gotten to spend time with the twins and Krile.  Time they’d not had together in this relaxed way ever!   Then the rite was over and things changed. Another Shard had been fused to the Source, bringing with it an invading army led by Lamaty’i’s brother.  They’d travelled to that lightning scarred land and that’s where things took a downturn.  Flidais was honestly grateful Lamaty’i was still calling the shots.  She wouldn’t have been as open and accepting, giving in to the darker parts of herself and storming the King, Hells save whoever got in her way.  Now that it was all over and the threat stopped however.  Duty and need were done, and she was left alone with her thoughts.   Which is why she was watching the rain and fighting back tears. A soft knock at the door, and the familiar voice of Wuk Lamat called from the other side. “Flidais?  Are you in here?”  the Veira’s long floppy ears detected the sound of nervous shuffling outside then a second knock game “I am coming in to check, Nobody has seen you in a day and we are worried.”  The door creaked open and Flidais turned her head, forcing a smile.  Wuk Lamat, the Vow of Resolve stepped into the room.  Instead of her usual clothing, she was wearing an orange floral patterned button up shirt and a coeurl patterned tanga around her waist.  Flidais blinked a few times, and waved her hand at the attire with a curious expression.  Lamaty’i looked down and smiled nervously

“This? Oh, Alisaie got them for me.  Said they would look good and that you would approve.”  She rubbed at the back of her head, long tail swishing anxiously.  Flidais chuckled and raised her hands to sign. [She was right.  You look good.]  the Viera’s smile slowly faded as she turned to look back out the storm as faint thunder rumbled.  Lamaty’i moved closer to the couch where Flidais was sitting.  “Are you alright?  Nobody has seen you and we are all worried.  Alphinaud and Shtola said I should give you space, but… i…”  She trailed off and looked out at the rain, then back to the door.  “I can go if you need space.”  She turned to leave but Flidais reached up and caught her arm.  The Viera slowly shook her head, then gently tugged her hand until the Hrothgar sat next to her.  The pink haired woman held her hand for a moment longer, collecting herself.  It was reminiscent of a dirigible flight they had taken during the Rite.  Carefully and slowly Flidais let go, raising her hands to start to sign.  She went slowly, as Lamaty’i was still learning how the mute warrior communicated, and it was hard to express the turmoil of thoughts in her mind. [I have told I lost my memories?]  She started, thinking of the boat ride here from Sharlyan and getting to know each other.  Talking about some of her past adventures. Her wife Metrina, Krile, and the twins helping teach Wuk Lamat basic finger spelling, many notebooks being filled when writing to speak was easier.  Lamaty’i nodded, gaze focused on the Viera’s scarred and calloused hands.  She continued [I lost them years ago.  Never returned.  Taking memories…]  She hesitated and her hands shook.  

Lamaty’i reached behind them to a nearby desk, where a notebook and pen sat.  She handed it to Flidais, a soft expression on her face.  Flidais signed her thanks, her hands shaking too much to fingers spell accurately.  Slowly she wrote onto the paper, with her friend waiting patiently.  “It horrified and terrified me.  To be so accepting of having memories removed.  Especially those of loved ones!”  she took a deep breath then wrote some more “that wasn’t the hardest part though.  I feel awful for this, but I could scarcely watch you all.  Seeing you with Namikaa, Krile getting to meet her parents, Cahcuia.”  a few tears fell on to the paper, and Lamaty’i placed her hand on the Viera’s shoulder.  “There is no family for me.  I’ll never meet my parents, never learn who they were. And K'shai, Ysayle... I'll never get to say…”  she started crying, unable to continue writing.  The Vow of Resolve gently took the notebook and read it.  Then she reached over, arms wrapping around Flidais in a tight hug.  As the rain splattered and fell on to the deck nearby the two women simply held each other.  Flidais cried and cried, shoulders shaking as she vented her fears, frustration, and loss. After what felt like long moments the Viera took a deep breath and pulled back, wiping at her eyes.  Wuk Lamat softly smiled and spoke.

“Thank you for sharing with me.  I wish we had known in the moment, we could have supported you then.  It would not have taken away from our moments.  You are very important to us! We… I love you.”  The lionesses' ears dropped a little, and she shyly looked away. “I mean that you know.  Not just as family.  Over our time together I developed feelings for you.  It is why I asked you to stay.”  She suddenly waved her arms, trying to play it off.  Flidais wiped a tear away, looking to the woman in front of her as she stammered and continued. “I know you can’t stay, that you have other partners.  I  don’t want to get in the way of that or.. or… “  her words were cut off as Flidais hugged her again, squeezing her in her muscular warrior’s arms.  Then to the Dawnservants surprise, The Warrior of Light kissed her.  A soft lingering kiss, which Lamaty’i returned once her surprise wore off.  Flidais pulled back, her hands moving forward to sign [Please.  I can’t promise anything. Please.  I can’t sleep alone tonight.  Stay?]  Gently Lamaty’i pressed her forehead to the Viera’s, smiling from ear to ear. “How can I refuse?”

[yzeltia]

FFXIVwrite2024 21. Shade

Characters: Keith Summers, G'raha Tia Expansion: Dawntrail Rating: E for Lewd Summary: G'raha asks Keith to try something new with him Notes: It's lewd.

Keith yawned as he relaxed, arms behind his head, lounging as he enjoyed the cool shadows cast by the trees above. It was another rare day where he got to relax, G’khenna out with Khloe checking out treasure maps and Kirian off with Krile visiting Gulool Ja in Solution 9. To get away, he and G’raha had found themselves on a secluded picnic in one of the parks around Solution 9, enjoying the strange ambiance of the electric city, though his husband had run off somewhere for a moment.

Just as he started to feel himself drifting off to sleep, he felt the bottom of his shoe get a gentle kick. “Hey. Keith. Wake up,” G’raha cooed.

Stretching, Keith sat up, finding his husband blushing and carrying a small black bag. He tilted his head confused, “Whatcha got there? More food?” 

G’raha shook his head. “I’ll show you in a minute. Follow me.”

Keith blinked then stood, following G’raha toward a large building and upstairs into one of the apartments. He whistled, looking around the place before turning as G’raha pushed the bag into his arms. “Ah. A present too? What did I do to deserve this?”

G’raha lowered his ears, fumbling with the end of his scarf for a moment as he blushed and looked away. “I want you to put that on. Only that…and then come over to the bedroom and…well. Pretend you’re a ruffian from the Arcadium and I’m your biggest fan,” he said before running off around the corner.

Keith stared into the distance a moment before looking down into the bag, finding only a mask inside. He chuckled lightly then set it down, taking a moment to strip as he was told before putting on the mask. Wandering into the room, he grinned under his mask, finding G’raha naked and sitting back on his knees looking up at him, length already sprung up between his legs.

“What do I have here? An adoring fan? Come for my autograph,” he asked, putting his foot on the edge of the bed as he leaned over. “Though by uh, the looks of you…you’re lookin’ for a little more to take back with you.”

G’raha nodded, leaning back to show just how excited he was to Keith as the other leaned over him. “I’m your biggest fan. You looked like you really fought hard out there. I thought I might come back and soothe any aches you might have. Take care of your…needs.”

Keith chuckled under the mask, finding the other’s bashfulness rather cute. Leaning back, he put his hand on the back of the other’s head then brought him into his groin, rubbing his hardening cock against the other’s face while dragging his balls slowly up his mouth. “Well, I wouldn’t mind getting cleaned up a little. Do you think you can serve your daring hero, Shade?”

G’raha’s ears perked a little as he was trapped against his husband’s length. He let out a pant, inhaling Keith’s strong scent before timidly starting to lick against his set, earning loud groans of pleasure through the mask. Closing his eyes, he pulled Keith’s cock down toward him and started to bob his head down it, tongue rolling along the underside as he lowered his hand to stroke himself. Pulling back, he lifted his leg and put his foot square on Keith’s chest. “Was that good enough Shade? Did I earn your trophy?”

Keith grit his teeth, trying not to laugh at how hammy they were being. “Not quiet,” he said, brushing the other’s foot aside before crawling over the other. He went to kiss him, but found the mask uncooperative. Huffing he rolled the other back then carefully guided him up by the base of his tail. His hand snaked down, grabbing G’raha’s cock before roughly stroking down it, letting him leak out all over his hand as he erupted into a flurry of moans. A chuckle escaped him, G’raha seeming a bit more excited than normal. Unable to help himself, he took hold of his own length and stroked it in time with his husband’s.

Once Keith’s palm was well slicked by G’raha’s length, he let go then shifted behind him, taking his wet fingers and pressing two inside before spreading them. G’raha let out a high pitched whine, tail wrapping around Keith’s wrist as he was roughly fingered by him. He rubbed his head into the bed, turning it briefly to peak up at his masked husband.

Keith caught the glance then gave G’raha’s ass a small little slap, letting his pale cheek turn red and getting a squeak out of him. Shifting behind the other, he withdrew his fingers then leaned inward, flexing his cock against his husband’s eager hole before angling it down to dip inside. “Let me show you my pile drive,” he teased before thrusting forward, hilting himself as G’raha writhed under him. 

Keith bent over, reaching around to grab G’raha’s cock again to stroke it as he rolled his hips, letting them roughly collide until the room was filled with the slaps of their union. “Oh gods! Shade!” G’raha cried out as he was buried from behind, meeting Keith’s thrusts with his own as he felt his sweet spot grazed. 

Grunting, Keith nuzzled into G’raha’s ear as he felt the other start to squeeze his cock inside. “I’m going to cum,” he moaned out, thrusting harder as he started to chase the feeling, clumsily working his hand down his husband’s cock.

“Do it,” G’raha begged, purring loudly before flattening his ears back and crying out as he started to let loose himself, spraying thick strands of seed across the blanket under him.

Keith nodded, thrusting harder as G’raha’s walls started to milk him. His balls tightening, he roared through his mask then began to unload inside his husband. He shuddered as it poured out of him, finding his climax rather intense. Slowly, he pulled out then rolled over onto his back, flinging the mask aside as G’raha came up to purr against his chest. “That was, uh, kind of new and exciting. If not just the tiniest bit corny.”

“Perrrhaps just a little,” G’raha mused, nuzzling into Keith’s neck before giving him a few kisses. “Thank you for indulging me though. Maybe next time I can teach you how to use rrrope.”

“Rope? I know how to use rope,” Keith said before thinking on it for a moment. “Oh…you mean…”

“Yes, Shade,” G’raha laughed.

Keith flushed. “Hey, I was on the spot!”

G’raha chuckled, pulling Keith down into an affectionate kiss before they both started to chuckle and cuddle up together.

[storms-path]

FFXIV Write 2024: Day 20 - Duel

“You’re certain about this?” Arashi asked once more. Alisaie simply rolled her eyes, stalking over to a relatively flat patch of land. After a moment, Arashi shrugged and followed her. Sanda didn’t miss the bounce in her step, however. Nor did she miss Alisaie’s near-feral grin. Two peas in a violent pod. Sanda shared a glance with Alphinaud. Truly, there was no choosing one’s siblings. To Sanda’s left, Wuk Lamat looked more concerned.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked, head bouncing between the duellists and spectators. “I’d really like to avoid anyone getting hurt while the contest is still underway!” The hrothgar woman really did wear her emotions on her sleeve. Her eyes looked ready to well up with tears. Krile put a steadying hand on her arm.

“Don’t worry, they’ve done this before. They know how to hold back enough so they don’t seriously harm one another.” Krile gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile, before muttering under her breath, “Most of the time, anyway.” This did not help Wuk Lamat one bit. Thankfully she had enough sense not to get in between the two women, but she also couldn’t stop making nervous noises at a volume she thought was quiet enough for nobody else to hear. It was, Sanda had to admit, almost adorable to see her worry so. Not everyone knows your reputation, sister.

Arashi and Alisaie settled on their location, using their blades to draw a rough circle in the ground. “Usual rules, I take it?” asked Arashi as she traced her half of the arena.

“Of course,” replied Alisaie. Her eyes practically burned with excitement. This would be the first time she faced Arashi without her massive armour. She was looking forward to seeing just how much the au ra’s defences had lessened.

Arashi took her customary place at the far end of the duelling circle. “We fight to point of submission or surrender,” she declared to the assembled crowd. “If one of us steps outside of the circle, that person is the loser. If one of us is too injured to continue, they forfeit. If one of us,” she looked pointedly at Alisaie, “decides to blast the circle to smithereens instead of respecting the boundaries of the arena, that person is disqualified.” Alisaie didn’t have the grace to look embarrassed. “Otherwise, anything goes.”

Alphinaud had his nouliths readied, Sanda noticed. He was prepared for the inevitable scrapes, bruises and burns to come, at least. Wuk Lamat was practically vibrating. Krile looked like she’d rather they just drop the formalities and get on with it. Sanda… focused. She had seen Arashi in action before, but she’d been too busy with her own techniques to truly appreciate it. Now she had a perfect opportunity to properly analyse her sister’s abilities. Her strengths… and her flaws. Can’t watch your back without knowing your blind spots.

“Still time to bow out gracefully,” Arashi offered with a grin. Her blades were held in a loose grip, her posture relaxed. It was entirely put-on, of course. She simply wanted to rile up Alisaie. Judging by the elezen’s scowl, it was working.

[VERTHUNDER]

Arashi yelped as a bolt of lightning arced through her, grin thoroughly wiped off her face. Now it was Alisaie’s turn to grin. “Still time to bow out gracefully!” she called out in the most mocking tone she could muster. Still twitching slightly, Arashi shook her head. Only Sanda heard her mutter under her breath. But everyone saw the change in posture.

“Fine then, Leveilleur. If that’s how it’s going to be.”

[REAWAKEN]

[FIRST GENERATION]

To the untrained eye, Arashi appeared to vanish entirely in a rush of blue. Sanda barely managed to catch her sister sprinting towards Alisaie with blades held high. Even still she was a blur of motion, frantic and nigh-uncontrollable. And grinning like a woman possessed. Alisaie barely had time to raise her blade in defence as Arashi came crashing down, only to vanish again and swipe at her side. She was gone again too quickly to react, only to appear once again at Alisaie’s other side with an upward cut. Alisaie found a number of inventive curses as she swung wildly at where Arashi used to be. Another slash forced her back another step.

Sanda realised what Arashi had planned as Alisaie backed up again. She just needed to force Alisaie back a few steps more and she would find herself out of bounds. A quick, easy win with little injuries to either combatant. Unfortunately, Alisaie realised this as well.

[VERAERO III]

A fierce blast of wind whirled around Alisaie, catching Arashi out of the air and sending her flying. She hit the ground with a breath-taking thud, rolling across the grass before righting herself with a stumbling leap. Sanda vaguely heard Wuk Lamat’s gasp, just as she noticed Alphinaud tense and Krile wince. But Arashi still stood, bruised but far from finished.

Which was lucky for her, because Alisaie shot towards her like a bullet, sword-first. Arashi almost managed to get her swords up in time to deflect it. Almost. Alisaie grinned triumphantly as blade touched chest, just barely enough to pierce the topmost layer of leather, before leaping at Arashi’s chest, planting her feet where the blade had touched, and vaulting precisely to the edge of the arena.

“You aren’t the only one capable of showing off,” she declared, before she was forced to dodge as Arashi hurled her twinned blades at her in a whirling dervish of cutting edges.

Sanda sighed as the two crashed back into each other. This was not going to be a quick, easy win after all.

[alicesadventuresinffxiv]

FFxivWrite2024 Prompt #14

Title: A Telling Emotion

Wordcount: 1042

Spoilers through: Stormblood

Alternate Universe: To Catch a Falling Star

Relationships & Characters: Fordola/Lyse (finally, some actual kissing in this one haha)

Summary: Lyse is jealous, though not in the way Fordola expects.

(TCaFS timeline has a lot of changes, but the important part is, this fic takes place shortly after Fordola gets her gunblade from Zenos.)

.

“I’m sorry.”  Lyse said, still feeling terrible about the petty, thoughtless comment she’d made. Enough Garleans had repeated similar insinuations that she’d started to wonder. What was the imperial commander’s relationship with the crown prince?

And when she’d seen the glow of Fordola’s eager smile as she’d shown off the gunblade he’d presented her, something inside Lyse had just… snapped. 

“If you love his gifts so much, why don’t you sleep with him?”

In the moment, she’d told herself she was angry with Fordola for falling for more imperial promises. That she was worried Fordola was loyal to Zenos rather than her. 

It was beginning to dawn on her that “loyal” wasn’t quite the correct word in that sentence.

“I was just… jealous,” she admitted aloud. 

“Hmph. You and every other bastard who wants my position.” Fordola ran her fingers over the gunblade still sheathed at her hip. Even here, even sitting side by side at the secret overlook only Fordola and Lyse knew about, that awful thing still came between them. “If you want one for your own, you can damn well put in the work yourself.”

“I… what?” Lyse blinked and sat up straighter. “Gods, no, I’m not jealous of the stupid gunblade. What would I even do with it?” She couldn’t help but laugh at the idea. “I’d just poke my own eye out!”

Fordola frowned and clenched her hands in the grass. “Then what in the hells is your problem?”

“I think… it’s Zenos I’m jealous of,” Lyse said quietly. “All he gave you was something you should have had in the first place, and you were so happy.” She hugged her arms defensively to her chest. “I wish I could make you smile like that, but I’m not a viceroy or a prince. There’s naught I have you would want.”

Lyse felt a rough, callused hand on her hair. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

“Really?” She raised her head to find herself staring directly into those sharp green eyes. “What do you - mmph?!”

Of the many things Lyse had braced herself for, Fordola suddenly pressing her into the tree with a kiss had not been one of them.

“Huh,” was the only dreamy syllable her scattered mind could produce when Fordola drew away.

“Was that not -” The young woman cringed with guilt, likely taking Lyse’s hesitation for rejection. “Seven hells, now I’ve mucked this right up, haven’t I?”  She sat back and gritted her teeth. “I just thought, maybe you thought of me the same way I - no, nevermind. Forget that ever happened.”

“But…” Lyse was still trying to make sense of it all. Was this what Krile had meant when she said Lyse already had Fordola wrapped around her finger? Had it been completely obvious to everyone but her? How long had she been - 

“If you’re not interested, that’s that.” Fordola looked away, her features schooled back into that cold, Butcher mask.  “It can just be - you know, like with Yda,” she continued, not quite able to hide the hitch in her voice.

Now that wasn’t right. Lyse made a disapproving growl in the back of her throat. “I am not my sister,” she said, and yanked Fordola into another kiss.

They could figure out the details later. Right now, Lyse knew one thing: she wanted to make Fordola hers.

For a brief moment, Lyse felt Fordola tense, as though she wasn’t sure if she should fight back. Then, as she realized what was happening, Fordola relaxed, closed her eyes, and leaned in on her own.

It was still a very clumsy kiss. Lyse hardly considered herself an expert - she’d dated a few pushy boys back in Sharlayan before she’d learned to say no, and there had been those chaotic weeks with Naago - but Fordola definitely had less experience than even that. Or maybe she just treated everything like a battle to be won.

Well, two could play at that game. And Lyse had spent the past several weeks desperately imagining what it would feel like to wrestle Fordola to the ground.

This probably couldn’t be considered a kiss any more, but on the other hand, finally getting to test her own strength against the swordswoman’s muscles felt amazing. Of course, while Fordola put up an impressive fight, Lyse could pass as a prodigy of unarmed combat for a reason. 

And so, what started with Fordola shoving Lyse into the tree ended with Fordola splayed out on the grass, Lyse pressing light kisses into her tattoo until she slowly stopped thrashing and instead arched her head imploringly into the touch.

“You don’t like losing, do you?” she eventually murmured. 

Lyse grinned.“Did you want me to go easy on you?”

“Absolutely not.” Fordola reached up to wrap her arms around her captor. “I’ll put you on your back next time, though.”

“You can try.” Lyse snuggled down into Fordola’s shoulder, contentment blooming warm in her chest as she felt the soft rise and fall of Fordola’s breathing.

This was good. More than good. If Fordola was in love with her, it would be all the easier to pry her away from Zenos and the Empire. 

And that’s the real goal, Lyse thought to herself. Cuddling with Fordola was nice (and kissing Fordola was nicer), but it didn’t soothe the part of Lyse’s heart that ached to steal her away from masters who praised her one day only to punch her down the next.

Skulls and Resistance alike, none of Lyse’s friends would be safe until Ala Mhigo was free.

In the short term, she’d still have to work out how to keep Krile safe now that the imperials had her in their custody. And then there was the message that the Scions had returned, and that Resistance forces would soon move on Velodyna. But those were minor concerns in comparison to what Lyse was going to count as a major victory today.

Lyse winced as the hilt of the gunblade dug into her hip.

“Zenos is giving me a chance in battle at Velodyna, and you’re giving me a chance with this.” Fordola sighed lazily and stroked her fingers through Lyse’s hair. “For once in my life… it feels like everything’s going my way.”

[trans-peridot]

FFxivWrite Day 10: Stable

Spoilers for 4.5! Tayfun says some things she's been meaning to say to Y'shtola. I figured I may as well round out the Scions and make something about Tayfun's relationship with each of them.

“She’s not conscious, and nothing I can do seems sufficient to wake her, but she’s stable.” Krile channeled some aether into Y’shtola’s unresponsive form. “There, now she’s fed, too.”

Tayfun stood in the dark room where Thancred had already been kept since his sudden long sleep. Now suddenly Y’shtola and Urianger shared his fate. Their faces were pale, but not pallid as death. Their hands were cold, but not icy as death. She couldn't see their chests falling and rising, but if she held her ear right up to Y’shtola’s mouth she could hear the shallowest breaths. They were alive, just... not.

“Krile, how strict is their feeding?”

“I should channel some aether to the boys sooner rather than later, but something tells me you'd like to be alone for a while.”

“Please, Krile. Thank you.”

Krile left the room and Tayfun was struck by how quiet it was. She almost felt the need to hold her breath for fear of waking the dead. Although, waking them was the goal, wasn't it. Y'shtola's face was expressionless. Not even the relaxed nothing-face of sleep, more akin to the slack discomposure of a face knocked out cold. Still, better than the stiffness of a corpse.

“You can't keep doing this to us, you know. This is, what, the third time you've tried to die in front of us? First with your idiotic Flow spell, when I thought I would never see any of you again, right after I had finally made friends. And then with the raid on Rhalgr's reach. So many dead and you incapacitated for, I believe, the remainder of that revolution? Could you stop with this already? It can't be good for my health.”

No response. Tayfun sat down at the foot of Y'shtola's bed, taking in the silence. If she held her breath, she could pretend she was hearing Y'shtola's heartbeat; but she knew it was only her own.

“You know, they've finally approved Saffron's pardon. She'll be free in a month at most. I was really looking forward to introducing you to her. My fiancé and my situationship while she was in prison? That could only have gone well.”

Silence.

“I mean that, actually. She knew about you and I think you have a lot in common. Alchemy and conjury? Best case you'd start making out, worst case you'd have a little catfight over me, and either way I'd get to watch.”

Silence as Tayfun pictured it.

“I... Really want you to be alright. I missed you dearly when you disappeared into the lifestream, and I wish you hadn't been bedridden for my ‘vacation’ to Doma. Wake up soon and maybe we'll have one last adventure before I retire, yeah?”

Saffron placed her ear on Y'shtola's chest and held her breath again. This time she really could hear just the faintest, weakest, heartbeat. Then Tayfun sat bolt upright; it would not be a good look to be pressing her face into a coma patient's breasts, no matter how medically she was doing it.

“I'll find out what happened. Who did this to you, if it was a ‘who.’ And then, when I find them, I'll kick their ass.” Tayfun had to get out now, before she started crying. “And then you and my wife will have a sexy shirtless pillowfight, okay?”

That was what finally brought the tears.

[a-pink-beau]

FFXIV Write 2024 #10 - Stable

Summary: The gang go on a balloon ride. Lehon'a has an opportunity land in her lap to help Beau out.

Content Warning: None.

Spoilers: Set during first half of Dawntrail.

______________________________________________________________

“Oh, who am I kidding…my knees won’t stop shaking. Hey, will you hold my hand? J-Just until I’ve settled my nerves,” Lamat asks the two Warriors of Light.

There is a pause of silence between Wuk Lamat, Ar’beunti, and Lehon’a. A slow smile grew on Lehon’a’s face.

“Of course Beau will!” Lehon’a cheers, laying a hand on her friend’s shoulder. Beau’s blush makes a very rare appearance as she looks to Lehon’a in betrayal. She is not a fan of Lehon’a playing matchmaker right now. 

“You’re the nicest person I’ve ever met, Ar’beunti. I’ll try not to crush your hand.” Beau throws on a meek smile.

_ _ _

The dirigible expands as though taking in a deep breath and the entire platform rumbles as it lifts from the dock. Alisaie, Alphinaud, Krile, and Lehon’a were all smiles and steady as the large aircraft took flight, making idle chatter and taking in the new experience. Erenville is there too.

Wuk Lamat however, is not off to a good start...

Quickly she wraps her hands around one of a series of taught ropes at the centre of the dirigible that surround the main burner. Her legs are jelly under her, leading her to sit on the floor. Her stability is gone. 

Beau stands close, ready to provide support. Her blush becoming a main-stay on her face. Lehon’a watches the two from a distance with her periphery, making idle chatter with the twins. It is going to be a long journey to Yak T’el. 

“Uh, Ar’beunti?” Wuk Lamat asked, extending a hand out to Beau. Beau’s blush grew brighter. “Oh, do you get airsick too?” Lamat is oblivious to Beau’s situation, Lehon’a on the other hand is lapping up the display. Beau, unable to think of a lie to explain why her face is betraying her, she timidly put her hand into Lamat’s, hoping that would stop her asking questions. 

The grip was tight around Beau’s hand, she would not be escaping this situation anytime soon. The tension in Lamat’s shoulders dissipates almost immediately, her mind relaxing. But Beau’s mind is a mess. In theory, this is what she wanted, but every fibre of her being is telling her to run and hide. She likes Wuk Lamat, so why is she wanting to leap from the dirigible to get away from her? She only felt like this one other time, but that was years ago, and nothing ever came of it. And it especially never got as far as… hand holding. Beau is swimming in all these new emotions she didn’t know she had. All the while, Lehon’a was smiling like an idiot.

“What’s got you all full of cheer today?” Alphinaud asks, looking off the side of the dirigible where he thinks Lehon’a is looking. Lehon’a places a hand on her cheek.

“Ohhh nothing. I can just tell this adventure is going to be a fun one.”

[mahko-writes]

Day 10: Stable

Mahko sat on the edge of one of Tuliyollal’s piers, idly watching the waves move across the endless blue ocean. Once again, she was trapped alone with her thoughts, not even Esteem wanted to chime in, if they were even real. She rolled her shoulders, finding them stiff from holding her position, but still she sat, pondering. Time slipped by, time that she gave herself a light admonishment over wasting on her thoughts rather than using one of the few truly peaceful days she had on a goal.

She shook her head, ignoring the nagging voice she had made. This is what she needed after everything, though some company would not hurt. The scions were busy with their own interests in Tural, or with helping a certain Vow learn her duties. Mahko smiled as she stretched, the image of Alphinaud trying to tutor Wuk Lamat on matters of statecraft causing her to chuckle.

A soft voice interrupted her moment of levity, “So this is where you've ended up? Laughing and staring at the sea all day?”

Mahko turned, looking over her shoulder at the speaker, “Krile? I thought you’d be helping with the lessons or researching the Alexandrians.”

The Lalafellian woman laughed, smiling and shaking her head, “Oh heavens no, I'm sure Alphinaud and Kona are more than enough to give Lamatyi some semblance of etiquette. As for the Alexandrians…” She paused, a small flicker of sorrow crossing her face, “I thought it best I took a small break.” Krile looked up at her au ra friend, “How about you? I assumed you would be exploring the land you just saved.”

Mahko sighed, turning back to face the sea, she heard Krile step towards her and slid over a little to make room. “Normally, I would,” she began, “I admit I feel the call even now. I'm finding myself questioning the point of following it...” She picked at a scale on her leg, fidgeting with the hard tissue as the tides rose.

Krile tilted her head, “What do you mean? Are you saying that our champion is getting cold feet?”

“No, nothing like that. Just a question of why my adventures always lead to saving realms or existence itself.” Mahko shrugged, squeezing her knees in her hands, “I mean, look at our time here in Tural. A simple contest of succession became a fight for the life of every being in the nation.” She stretched her legs out, gesturing towards the sea, “If we hadn't been involved, what would've happened? Would we be facing a new invasion back home? Would the Alexandrians be here or still within their own dimension? What about you, Krile?”

Krile put a hand to her chin, going over each question. “Well, I suppose it would have come down to a confrontation between Zoraal Ja and Bakool Ja Ja. Needless to say, the siblings would have lost outright. Then I assume Zoraal Ja would have gone through the gate and we'd be faced with an invasion of undying soldiers,” she looked over to her friend and placed a hand on her arm, “It's fortunate that we prevented that.”

Mahko looked down at the lalafell, studying her expression, “Did we need to go about it the way we did? We ended an entire people, Krile. You gave up your parents, and I struck the final blow to the queen.” She rubbed her arms, shivering as the last bit of sunlight dropped below the horizon. Taking a long look at her hands, she continued, “I know you wanted to take a more active role, but this is what it's like around me. Everywhere I go, instability and upheaval follows.”

“I understand that,” Krile began, “look at what comes after. Freedom, order, peace. All of these were impossible until you took down what prevented them from flourishing.” She gave Mahko a reassuring grin, “Do not worry about me, I know what I am getting myself into. I was helping the Scions long before you came around, after all.”

Mahko nodded and turned her head back to the sea, “I only wish it didn't come at such costs. Why can't I have a relaxing adventure for once?”

[pr1ncesspopstar]

How Big is 'Too Big?' - FFXIV Write 2024 - Day 10: Stable

Ao3

-

“Is there a limit to how big you can make a stable before it’s considered a barn?”

G’raha perked his ears up at Halditar’s question, lowering the kettle he was using to pour hot water over the coffee grounds awaiting in the pot. The roe in question had already been downstairs when he awoke that morning, hunched over several papers on the kitchen table. Most prominently, blueprints.

“I’m not sure…” his hand came to his, as it always did when pondering even the most simple of questions. “That’s not a question I’ve had to consider before. I suppose it depends on if the building is surrounded by walls. Why?”

To answer for Halditar, a series of sharp barks resounded from the sitting room. The sound of claws and paws falling on wood skittered from one room to the next, and eventually into the kitchen. G’raha’s tail puffed on instinct as he had to hop and perch himself on the kitchen counter else his legs were swept out from under him by the racing wolves.

The Reveling Kamuy, named Ichiko, held in her mouth one of the many soft blankets thrown over the back of their sofa. It dragged beneath her as she practically skipped through delight. Dragged upon the blanket was Thistle, yapping with delight as he was taken on this ride. Less enthused were his two pursuers, the Auspicious Kamuy and the Lunar Kamuy, Ryoshi and Yuri respectively. The nipped and barked angrily at the joyous wolf, chasing her around the kitchen a few before she tried to escape upstairs. Halditar rose from her seat, brow furrowed in anger and confusion.

“Hey, hey! Who let you three in?!” she shouted and ran to chase after the quartet, voice muffled as she tried to command them to stay off the furniture. G’raha sighed, both to bid his tail to release the tension suddenly built, and because fondness was quick to warm his heart. To think after all that happened in the first, after the trial in the Final Days, he would get to know such bliss… It was hard not to feel like he didn’t deserve such luck sometimes.

The miqo’te finished the brewing of his coffee, intending to just relax a few hours alone before making his way to Sharlayan and continue with the rebuilding efforts of the Students of Baldesion. It didn’t feel like much progress was being made, but Krile assured him beneath the hood, their efforts would make for a strong foundation. It was humorous, almost. To feel so out of depth helping the organization that had been the only home he knew, after managing some of the last remnants life in another shard. Oh, how so many people would get on him over these thoughts.

Though, those thoughts paused as he stepped into the living area. Taking a few moments to process the massive wolf that sat in front of him, staring with an expression unreadable. “Hello there…” It came out on instinct and shock. The Legendary Kamuy, Jona, just continued to stare. G’raha started to feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and the taste of metal in his mouth. With no other option, he sidestepped the staring auspice… And found a much bigger surprise in the living room.

“Ah! It was you!” Halditar announced her presence with an accusation.

Probably a very accurate one as the Kamuy of Nine Tails huffed and turned her head away, her thick fur practically enveloping the couch she was curled around. The remaining Kamuy were also scattered in the living room in different ways, most notably the Euphonious Kamuy Hayami was making herself very comfortable in the fireplace, rolling on her back and smearing soot and charcoal everywhere. The redhead set down the Ichiko, who instantly began to dance and try to play with Jona. The tamer of all these divine beasts marched up to the most divine of them all and crouched, face stern with anger.

“Just because you can take a form that gives you hands doesn’t mean you're allowed to use them to go wherever you and your little posse want to!” It was a sight to see the Warrior of Light scold what was basically a god for breaking and entering. Even more so to see said god just whine in denial and flop her head down like, ears pinned back flat to appear pathetic. Something Halditar simply wasn’t having.

“Oh, don’t give me that shite, I know you have a domain and a nice little castle to retreat to whenever you want! Go there if you want to be inside on human furniture until your space in the stable is done, I’m not stopping you! Now get! Shoo, all of you!”

In defiance the Kamuy of Nine Tails did not use any of her mythical powers. She used the tool provided to her by nature. Opening her mouth and releasing an iconic, loud fox-like scream G’raha swore he could hear the ‘no!’ within. The scream resonated so deeply with the other Kamuy they all reared their heads back and howled in turn, creating a chorus of the divine. Though some might be moved by such melodious prowess, their owner just huffed and collapsed on the couch, accepting that this was a losing battle for the time being.

“Fuckin’ pricks…” G’raha bit back a laugh as he observed Halditar’s pouting profile, even as she reached back and tangled her fingers within the fur of the auspice that started this. He settled next to her, careful of his coffee as the Lunar Kamuy Mochi came sniffing curiously, a hand placed over top to protect his vaunted drink.

“Perhaps it might be wise to hire a few extra hands to speed up the addition to the stable… barn.” He suggested with a slight correction. Halditar nodded, sighing as her fingers tapped at seemingly random. A habit he knew was from she was going mental math.

“Aye, I’ll make a trip to Gridanian’s carpenter guild,” her expression softened, and she looked to him, blue eyes so warm behind her glasses. “Would you like to come with me? We can make a little trip of it, try that new bakery I mentioned popped up and visit a few places.”

G’raha’s tail began to flick in excitement, ears perking up, before falling back into place. His excited smile twisted into something more apologetic. He really wished to say yes, even admitting as much, “But I won’t be home until much later. I wouldn't want your plans to be held up on my account.”

Before anymore excuses could fall from his lips, two large, familiar hands held on to the side of his face and forced him to look her right in the eyes. Her smile radiant, hair like a fiery halo, surrounding her in a glow like the way saints were painted in Ishgard. “Silly boy, I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn’t fine with waiting! You’d never hold me up. So won’t you come?”

G’raha knew Halditar could feel how warm his face got. He certainly did, burning and likely pinker than he would ever want to be seen. But with such kind assurances she didn’t mind, he beamed and nodded that she would come. Small though the trip would be, time spent with his hero was always an adventure he could cherish.

[ecosystem-administrator]

Contravention

Timeline: 6.3, Myths of the Realm spoilers Pairing: Aymeric/WoL/G'raha

Mayhem and G'raha have been fighting gods, and Aymeric finds out.

Aymeric had once thought himself reasonably well-versed in Miqo’te body language thanks to having Mayhem as a lover; but since they had invited G’raha into their relationship as well, he’d learned much more than he would have guessed there was to know. The two of them stayed in constant contact while they were relaxing, and seemed to communicate as much with gestures of ears and tail as they did with words.

Case in point, G’raha was currently resting on his stomach on Aymeric’s couch while Mayhem rubbed tension out of his back, and he could see how Mayhem responded to guidance from G’raha’s tail nudging them this way and that without needing to explain verbally what he wanted. That’s really very convenient, actually. “I thought all the strenuous work was behind you,” he said with some amusement, looking over the top of his book. “Has Krile really had you doing so much heavy lifting of books?”

Mayhem’s tail flicked in what seemed like almost an anxious gesture, but G’raha, perhaps less alert under the circumstances, answered easily. “Oh, no, it’s that blasted recording device. It’s an honor to be able to follow along, but carting that thing from Omphalos all the way through the Hea-” He was cut off by the tip of Mayhem’s tail flicking over his mouth, and the way his ears stood up and then drooped said that he’d realized the problem. “Oh…er…”

Unfortunately for them, Aymeric wasn’t a fool, and he’d spoken with them of the beginning of this adventure already. “Omphalos…wasn’t that the location you had visited before, that was tied to the Twelve in some way?”

“Yes, well…” G’raha had sat up and turned enough to meet Mayhem’s eyes, both of their ears wiggling back and forth nervously. “We, ah, did end up going back there, with a Sharlayan recording device…”

“A big heavy one the size of a backpack,” Mayhem agreed, turning their gaze to Aymeric instead. “For recording aetheric readings of…of…”

“In the Fury’s name, you two, I’m not a child,” Aymeric sighed, observing how both of them flinched at his invocation of the goddess. “Let me guess: you found something there about the Twelve that you didn’t expect, and now you’re afraid that whatever you learned would upset me, as one of Halone’s faithful.”

“Well… I mean, more or less,” Mayhem acknowledged, ears drooping in shame. “I know your faith is important to you. And even though I’m a follower of the Wanderer, I’ve never been especially devout myself, certainly not on the same level as the average Ishgardian.”

“We just didn’t quite know how you would take hearing…some of the things we saw,” G’raha agreed earnestly. “But if you’re sure you want to hear it…”

Aymeric paused, looking at the two of them contemplatively. He could understand the reticence, but it was a little dismaying to be so underestimated. “I doubt anything you can tell me will shake my faith more than the treachery of the Archbishop,” he answered after a moment. “What in the world did you encounter?”

“…After our first arrival, and forgive us for not bringing this up sooner, we did actually meet with four beings who claimed to be, respectively, Byregot, Rhalgr, Azeyma, and Nald’thal,” G’raha explained cautiously. “They claimed that they intended to take the world back from mankind, but this was apparently simply a ruse meant to draw us to challenge them in battle.”

“Which, naturally, I had no choice but to accept,” Mayhem agreed. “Afterward they apologized for lying to us and seemed overall quite reasonable about the whole business, except for the part where they refused to explain who they are or why it’s so important that we fight them. So we came back with that recorder G’raha mentioned, intending to explore the realms we’d been guided through.”

Both of them fell silent after that, waiting for Aymeric’s response, and he could see the anxiety lingering in the twitches of their ears and tails. There was something else they hadn’t told him, and from the shape of this story he was beginning to guess what it was. Drawing this out a little more should be an apt penance for hiding things from me. “And when you did return… might I hazard a guess that more of these entities greeted you?” Two sheepish nods. He kept his expression blank and neutral, and let the silence draw out a little longer before continuing, “Did you, in fact, meet the Fury and defeat her in combat?”

“I mean, she asked me to,” Mayhem answered hastily.

“And afterward she was quite well enough to converse and even travel,” G’raha agreed. “None of them appear to have taken any harm from these challenges.”

It’s actually so charming that they’re worried that would upset me. What greater show of respect could you offer a warrior goddess than sparring with Her? He let them linger for just a little longer in their nerves before slowly smiling. “I don’t suppose any of them have yet challenged you more than once?” he asked. “…It is rather a shame that I wasn’t able to join you.”

That had confused them, he saw with satisfaction, watching first Mayhem and then G’raha go from nonplussed to amused. Mayhem was the first to recover enough to speak, “Okay, okay, you got me. I never would have expected you to be that okay with it.”

“Quite a relief,” G’raha agreed. “But we really should have known you’d be sensible about the matter. I apologize for trying to conceal all this from you.”

Aymeric shrugged and shook his head. “Given the history of Ishgard as a whole, I can hardly fault your caution. Still, if there is any more you can tell me of this encounter, I should quite like to hear it.” He still wasn’t quite sure if he believed it was actually The Fury herself they had met, but then again, given what both of them had already done, it was hard to disbelieve any story they might bring him.

“Actually, yes,” Mayhem said. “After we’d answered their challenge, they asked us to travel to the marks of the Twelve across the realm, and accompanied us as…sort of miniature avatars. I was with the party that came to Coerthas, and I do think you’ll be interested to hear what we spoke of…”

[sasslett]

Find the Words

tagged by @tiredassmage, thank you, this is super cool!

The gist seems to be search your work for the words and post the context of what you find! My given words were stay, hand, only and once!

Stay - Chapter 91: Ambush At Rhalgr's Reach

It was like something out of his worst nightmare… yet it was no dream, nor was the pain and guilt and fear he felt, threatening to overcome him. 

He was doing his best to clean the residual blood and dirt off her face when he felt someone tugging at his arm, and whipped around to see Krile, accompanied by two Adders conjurers. 

"Step back and let them work," the Lalafell ordered him, her voice stern. And though he was loath to leave her side… he did as the woman commanded. Somewhat. Moving only as much as the healers needed, but still staying within arms reach. Just in case… In case she needed him. Like he desperately needed her. 

He felt a hand wrap around his finger, as he glanced down to see Krile giving him a reassuring smile. 

"She is in good hands, Varrus," the smaller woman assured him. "She's strong, I just know she will pull through."

He gave a small nod, willing his heart to believe the woman's words… But how could he? 

Hand - Chapter 84: It Took 84 Chapters To Get Here

He took another cautious step towards her, and she, ever-so-hesitantly, rested a hand on his chest, her heart racing as she touched his warm, smooth skin. Gently, he reached down and placed a hand on her cheek, his touch impossibly soft as he lightly ran his thumb along her lower lip.

It was as if all time stopped, as he ever-so-slowly tilted her chin up, closing the space between them as he pressed his lips to hers. She felt her heart pounding in her throat - his kiss was so soft, so sweet, so gentle, light as a feather, yet all-too-brief, as he pulled back moments later, just enough to meet her eyes, his expression a mixture of worry and joy, his gaze searching her face. An unspoken question - was that ok? Did he do something wrong?

She chose to answer by throwing her arms around his neck, pulling his lips down to meet hers once more. At which point, she physically and mentally froze, realizing she had no idea what to do next.

Only - Chapter 108: A Home for a Hero

"Then we'll just have to start our own family," he chuckled - only for the woman to whip her head around, eyes wider than the moon above, regarding him with what looked like something akin to fear. 

"What? Did I… say something wrong?"

"No," she shook her head, still staring at him, "just that… How I respond changes whether or not I lose you, and I… I can't stand to think that."

"Lose me?" He tightened his grip around her, pulling her as close as he could. "Nonsense. Only when my soul returns to the Lifestream will you ever actually lose me. I don't care if you want twenty little Elezen babies running around, or none; all I want is to make you happy, to give you whatever it is you desire."

The woman visibly relaxed in his hold, her gaze softening as a single tear escaped her eyes, rolling softly down her cheek, only to be stopped by his lips meeting her skin.

Once - Chapter 103: The Children of the Sun

Varrus heard a yelp; alarmed, he turned to see Jess sinking down into the water beside him. 

"It's cold!" she hissed, wrapping her arms around her torso as she scanned the depths. It seemed she eventually found what she was looking for, as she pointed beneath them, before swimming down towards the lake's floor. 

And Varrus couldn't help but sit back and watch her, the moonlight glinting off her pale skin, her hair gently wisping around her in the water, her eyes shining as she turned to look up at him, every bit as gorgeous as the first time he set eyes on her. 

"Are you coming?" she asked, somewhat impatiently. 

"Sorry," he offered, swimming after her and wrapping an arm around her waist once he got near, pulling her close. "I couldn't help but admire your beauty." He gently leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers - an odd feeling, underwater, but certainly not a bad one, as she kissed him right back. He felt a smile grow upon her lips, as she pulled back with a snort a moment later.

"What was that for?" 

"Because I felt like it," he replied with a shrug and a grin, giving her one last, quick peck before releasing her from his hold and finishing the swim down to the ground. Behind him, she scoffed, following him down into the depths. 

Alright, let's tag... @ainyan, @starrysnowdrop, @dragonsongmakhali, @otherworldseekers, @e-dragoons, @pumpkinmagekupo and anyone else who frequently writes because hot damn can I not remember names all of a sudden (nothing personal I promise) and I absolutely KNOW there are writers on here I fucking read that I cannot remember.

Your words are... weapon, star, skin and smirk!

[ishgard]

g'raha tia and/or krile for the character asks? alternately, your WoL?

Oooh fun!! thank you so much!

G'raha Tia:

Sexuality Headcanon: Bisexual

Gender Headcanon: Male (but tbh I could see him being fluid about it)

A ship I have with said character: I love all of the WoLG'raha ships, it's so good, so delicious. Recently I've been a little 👀 about Thancred x G'raha also, that's got me Intrigued.

A BROTP I have with said character: I really love seeing bits and pieces of his friendships with each of the Scions tbh, esp now that he's free of the Exarch's yolk. Him and Urianger or Y'shtola nerding out, or gosh his relationship with Alisaie feeling more like siblings is so much fun and delightful. (I also really wanna see him interact with Thancred more just in general oops.)

A NOTP I have with said character: I don't think one exists 🤔 If anything I'd probably just be more ambivalent towards such a thing.

A random headcanon: It's nothing flashy or unique but (and apologies) I subject him to my usual miqo'te HCs of purring, biting, both keepers and seekers having fangs and eyes that adjust to light/dark, and yeah, the less sfw things (not pokey penis, that's where I draw the line).

General Opinion over said character: I love him so much??? I can understand why some people have their grievances with him, especially in regards to how he might 'come on strong' sometimes, but I never really got why people hold long-lasting grudges against him for the whole lying thing. (Though that's probably largely because Ahru isn't bothered by people lying to her if the ends justify the means.)

Krile Baldesion:

Sexuality Headcanon: Bisexual (female-leaning)

Gender Headcanon: Female

A ship I have with said character: Is it too obvious to say Tataru? I wanna say she had hearteyes for Minfilia, too. (Thinking about it though, a crackship with Estinien is forming in my head, oh no.)

A BROTP I have with said character: Even if not from a shippy point, Tataru for sure. Also I didn't mention this on his, but G'raha.

A NOTP I have with said character: I do NOT ship her with being forgotten and abandoned by the narrative.

A random headcanon: Listen, definitely had a crush on G'raha at some point, (and yeah Minfilia). I'm not sure if teaching Alphinaud how to paint is a headcanon or was actual canon now that I think about it (am I imagining there was something said about him asking her for advice?)

General Opinion over said character: Less of an opinion but I really can't wait to see more of her in Dawntrail, hopefully she gets a chance to really flourish. I enjoy her a lot but I feel like she's been sidelined so much (and I barely did anything with Eureka admittedly) so I just don't always feel like I know her as well as I wish I did. (Maybe I just need to replay MSQ tho.)

Ahru Hiraeth :D

Sexuality Headcanon: Bisexual

Gender Headcanon: Female, has a sort of loose concept of gender in her head though in regards to herself

A ship I have with said character: ...there are a few, but the big one at the moment is Deryk x Ahru, they've got me in a chokehold.

A BROTP I have with said character: Estinien! The minute he called her "aibou" I was sold. She's also always in close cahoots with Thancred no matter what.

A NOTP I have with said character: This is going to seem so out of nowhere but as a lover of enemies-to-lovers I have TRIED to imagine it just for shits and giggles but no, no, she hates him so so much.

A random headcanon: She loves mint (in food, drink, smoke) and though it's very slight it has a soothing quality that helps her relax. (catnip being in the mint family, yada yada) [She doesn't actually smoke a lot anymore though.]

General Opinion over said character: She is so powerful. Like. To me. Over me. I am so weak and I love her so much and she has been such a delight to explore over the years. Seeing her Go Through Some Shit and Get Worse and also Get Better has been beautiful and I want to cry I love my cat so much.

[saffyxiv]

Why Not? (A Marriage Proposal)

(set after 5.4 and before 5.5. wol/uri, indulgent & not proofread)

Momo loved the early mornings. The quiet stillness that greeted her as she opened her eyes, the soft breathing from Urianger by her side. She rolled over to face him, curling her legs underneath her as she smiled.  He always looked so peaceful when he slept, and she never wanted to wake him when he looked so relaxed.  Well, except once in a while when he looked too comfortable, and her purring got the best of her.

She folded her hands underneath her head, still resting against the pillow as her eyes drank in the sight. “Uri?” she said quietly, testing to see if he was awake.  When he didn’t so much as stir, she sighed contently. Still asleep.

“I really love you,” she began.  Her voice was quiet, and she wasn’t sure where this surge of bravery came from.  Life had grown quiet lately, as they awaited word from Krile.  In many ways, she relished it.  Days spent with her loved ones where she could spend time with them without the fear of their safety.  She could cook for them, work on her crafts, and tend to her flowers.  Life felt perfect… almost. 

“I know we have big things on the horizon to face, but just spending these quiet days with you brings me such joy. I never want them to end, and it makes me feel selfish.”  Her eyes closed for a moment as she sighed, guilt pulling at her heart as she wished that all this business with the Telophoroi would evaporate.  They needed to take care of things, to see that better tomorrow that they had been fighting for for so long. “And feeling that way makes me realize that I don’t know what I want for myself.  We keep wanting to save Eorzea, but I don’t really know what I want.”

Momo opened her eyes again, shifting herself just a bit closer to Urianger’s face.  She could just feel the edge of his breath tickling her hair, and her guilt chipping away at her heart evaporated. She loved him.  There was no guilt to be had with that, only happiness.  “I think what I want… is to build a life with you. To have plans for us after this is over, ones that we decide on together.” An idea crossed her mind, and even though he was asleep she still felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “Not that I know what it entails, but maybe even...m-marriage…?” Ohhh, get a hold of yourself, Momo.

So wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn’t notice that Urianger had awoken until she felt his hand gently touch her cheek. Momo felt herself nearly jump out of her skin, and the short squeal that escaped her throat made him chuckle.

“W-when did you wake up?!”

“Long enough ago that thou wouldst bloom as red as thine roses so skillfully grown by thee.”

“Oh… oh.” She felt her face flush red, the heat spreading quickly to her ears and her chest as she buried her face in her hands.  Urianger reached over to pull her into a hug, his arms folded tightly against her. Momo’s hand bumped against his chest as she whined, horrified and unable to speak. She had only said something because she thought he had been asleep! 

“I love thee, and wish that thou wouldst speak unshackled by thy fears.” He planted a kiss on top of her head, hoping she would look up at him. “I believe I heard thy speak of marriage…?”

Momo groaned again, keeping her face buried in his chest. She slowed her breathing to calm her heart before peeking upwards at him, his eyes shining with mirth and a bit of mischief.  “Wait, marriage?”  Had he been thinking about it too?

“I believe thou were the one asking.”

“Unfair.” She pouted now, furrowing her brows as she shifted her hand to poke at his cheek.  “You were supposed to be sleeping and not listening to me!”

“I shall always listen to thee and thine beautiful voice,” he said as he lowered his face closer to her’s.  She felt her heart stutter for a moment, knowing that she was slowly losing control of the situation.  

“I don’t even know what being married means,” she said quietly, her hand resting on the side of his face now. Urianger smiled gently, pulling her in for a tender kiss.

“Mine dearest Momo, let us discover the meaning of it together.”

[zorkaya-moved]

Fuyumi slips into the infirmary where many of the downed Scions rest, their bodies recovering from the ordeal of coming back from the First. With her spending most of her days lately hiding in the Rising Stones, her face was a welcomed sight. She was always here paying the others a visit, assisting them, delivering news of anything that is going on the outside world. Mercifully, it's been as peaceful as it can be lately.

She greets everybody with her usual smile, waving towards them as she makes her way towards the person who was getting her attention this time. Very carefully, she sits down on the edge of Zarina's bed. Before she could say anything to her however, she hands her a slip of paper. As soon as Zarina takes it she covers her face, suddenly very giddy. Oh dear.

' Alphinaud kissed me while we were out yesterday for his physical therapy. Don't make a scene. '

@galaxiasus

Return from the First remains as one of the hardest ordeals she has ever gone through. Unlike other Scions, she was separated from her body for a couple of years within the world of light. How grateful she is to have such a close companionship with Fuyumi. Zarina, even since her return, has been recovering just a bit longer than the others. It's a pathetic feeling, really. She knows herself to recover at a fast pace, but Krile almost beat her into submission when she tried to get out of the infirmary. Damn scholar and her scholarly behaviors. She and Y'shtola can go and—

Oh, Fuyumi walks in. Immediately, golden eyes watch the Warrior of Light as she strides forward. It seems like there is lightness to the girl's step, it's obvious from her behavior, her speed, and the way she walks. The boy language tells more than any word or expression can. How curious. What got the Au'Ra into such a good mood?

The answer to the Juggernaut's question comes with a slip of paper. Zarina raises her eyebrow as she takes it, but not taking her eyes away from the other. This girl is akin to daughter to her, a younger sister for sure. Fuyumi is family and returning to the Source means that there is something else that made the girl happy. It becomes even more obvious when Fuyumi covers her with a blanket, giddy behavior not escaping the watchful eye of the older woman.

What's gotten into her? But the answer comes to her in a second as the paper slip is given to her and then Fuyumi hides herself under the blanket. Her giggles make the Elezen raise her eyebrow in curiosity, but she immediately takes the paper slip and looks at what's been written there.

Her sweet little daughter (or sister) has been underestimated by those around her when it came to her determination and her patience. It's something Sokolova knew since the beginning, especially when one infamous kazanova and one childhood companion have both spoken against her speaking those tender feelings out.

Zarina can feel her pride for Fuyumi swell in her chest, but her face remains relaxed and calm as if she's reading off a list that Fuyumi brought for groceries to give her knowledge about what she'll be fed today. Oh, but inside she is clapping at Fuyumi's message. Oh, she knew the young Warrior of Light will win and will remain victorious.

I'm going to get so fucking rich, is what Sokolova thinks when she folds the paper again and puts it under her pillow. It seems the ongoing for years of bets will finally be resolved the next time Thancred gets up and Estinien comes back. She cannot wait to see the faces of those two men and rub it in their faces that women must never be underestimated. Oh, her pockets are going to be even heavier. I need to buy Fuyumi whatever she wants with that money.

[unmeinoniwa]

@minarcana​​​ || closed starter (ffxiv verse.)

     HONESTLY, he couldn’t recall the last time he’s had the opportunity to simply spend time with Urianger like this. With his busy work at the Students of Baldesion as well aiding the Scions -- it felt as if their days back at Studium together was when they had all the time in the world to themselves but here they were at long last.

     Up until now, he couldn’t imagine just how much inner turmoil his dearest friend had gone through when news of the Isle of Val had reached his ears. Perhaps it was by the Crystal’s blessing that he managed to survive alongside Krile but even then, it took some time for both of them to regain consciousness -- in fact, Theodore had taken even longer due to unknown factors. So here he was, back at the Waking Sands and at Urianger’s side. It had been a couple of weeks since his recovery but Theodore had only recently made the decision to remain with Urianger after having heard all the events that transpired so far ( he felt as if it would be cruel to leave him alone after all he’s been through and besides, Theodore's use was far more suited to studying as opposed to being out there on the field so it was only natural he would stay with Urianger ). 

     It was long past dusk but the night was still young. Theodore took the initiative to inivte Urianger to his room for the two to have some respite after all that’s happened. “ ... Come to think of it, I feel as if I haven’t had the chance to properly talk to you ever since I recovered. But with all that’s happened ... with Moenbryda and even your fellow Scions  ... ” He softly tightened his grip around his mug and cast his gaze downwards as he felt the melancholy set in. This was supposed to be a relaxing occasion but yet ... Theodore could never truly conceal his heart from his dear friend.  “ ... Though it’s not any fault of mine, I wish I could’ve come to you sooner. I know there’s no use in dwelling in what could’ve been but it felt like I ended up abandoning you. Can you ever forgive me ... ? I ... want to do everything I can to be here for you. So please, if there’s anything ... please, let me be the shoulder for you to lean upon. ” 

[starsandauras]

Prompt 30: Sojourn

FFXIV 30 Day Writing Challenge Prompt 30: Sojourn

It had become tradition in recent years, that after the big climatic battle, once everyone’s injuries had mostly healed, the little family that the O’Donnells had collected would take a trip back to La Noscea. A short stay at the sea side, a moon or two at most, that would let them all relax and finish healing. The warmth and humidity were especially good for Brigid’s lungs, and the speed she healed at once they arrived was always telling.

She was propped up on one of the little folding couches they’d once conned out of Gegeruju, a mound of pillows at her back to keep her upright and comfortable as she sipped her drink and watched her family enjoy the beach. The girls and Cred were already out in the ocean, Ryne in a light blue swim dress and Gaia in a black one that covered most of her body. Cred was wearing a pair of bright red swim shorts and was splashing about, excited to be with his sister and her friend. William stood nearby, also in swim shorts, keeping an eye on them and ready to act at the first sign of anything going wrong… or going “wrong,” if the wild grin that crossed his face just before he darted out into the water was any indication. In a swift and smooth motion he scooped up his giggling nephew and tossed him into the surf, Cred continuing to laugh delightedly as he splashed into it, quickly bobbing back to the surface.

Connor and G’raha were animatedly discussing something, their hands frantically moving as they spoke. It was unlikely they’d go in the water unless Cred wanted his uncles with him, so they contented themselves with drinks and sunlight and companionship. It warmed Brigid’s heart to see Connor happy again, laughing like the young man he was. Before G’raha he’d desperately needed friends, and afterwards he’d desperately needed that friend back, and there he was.

Y’shtola, Llewellyn, and Sammy were all sharing a beach towel, Sammy pointing something out in a book as Llewellyn narrated it for Y’shtola. She thought they had taken up shell collecting, and the book was a little guide they sold the tourists. A simple hobby, but it made Sammy smile, and Llewellyn would do anything to make Sammy smile. It was also an easy one for Y’shtola to get into, with all the different textures making shells simple to identify.

Alisaie would normally have been out in the water already, but she was instead chattering away with Alphinaud, probably trying to cajole him into yet another swimming lesson. He was getting better, Brigid had to admit, but she half suspected his reticence was digging his heels in under his sister’s admittedly mostly well meaning pestering. Estinien was hovering nearby, looking incredibly out of place, a Coerthan on a beach. Aymeric would soon be visiting for a sennight, and might even get F’eli to join them, and Brigid was looking forward to what antics the three of them might get up to.

Araki and Matsu were at the fire pit, fondly debating what they would cook for dinner that night, Arthur sitting in a corner of the flat-stone paved area, reading and humming to himself. His carbuncles slept in a small pile at his side, Líle at the bottom, probably to keep her from running off. He was no great fan of sand, and disliked the ocean about as much. Though to be fair, he more disliked the sensation of sea water evaporating and leaving a layer of salt behind. He was pushing past it though, and everyone appreciated the effort it took. Krile sat nearby, also reading, and under a parasol. The sun disagreed with her, but she still wanted to participate, as this was her first year joining them. She’d found herself more than welcome.

Hilda suddenly dropped down next to Brigid, a drink in hand and a smile on her face. Another Coerthan, but she didn’t look a bit out of place in her dark red bikini top and matching tied on skirt. She leaned in to kiss Brigid sweetly, tasting just as sweetly of tropical fruits, and settled in with a grin. “Quite the crowd, pretty thing,” she said with a laugh, gesturing at the group spread out along the beach.

“‘Tis just provin’ I’m still havin’ them all with me,” Brigid said, smiling tiredly. “We were savin’ the world, riskin’ all. We should be relaxin’ and remindin’ ourselves we’re bein’ ‘live.”

Hilda hummed and took another long pull of her drink. “Shame that lot back home can’t do without me for longer than a sennight, I could get used to this.”

“Aye, but the Watch is bein’ important, you’d be hatin’ yourself if somethin’ was happenin’ while you were bein’ gone so long.”

The other woman huffed but nuzzled Brigid’s temple. “Hate when you make sense,” she playfully grumbled.

“Auntie Hee!” Cred called, waving his hand to get her attention. “Play in the water with us!”

“Knowing the lad his whole life,” Hilda said fondly as she downed the last of her drink, “never going to get used to that.” Brigid laughed, and laughed more into the kiss Hilda gave her before the other woman stood and darted into the water. It was an image that Brigid made certain to enjoy fully.

Only a few minutes after that she was joined by Thancred and Urianger, the two of them instantly taking her hands without a word. Brigid interlaced her fingers with theirs, and the three of them relaxed, shoulders falling in unison, souls soothed by each other’s presence. Wordlessly she rested her head on Urianger’s shoulder, and he pressed a kiss to her temple. Thancred dropped his own kiss on her shoulder.

They sat like that, watching as the sun slowly began to sink, turning the skies brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Watching as William and Hilda somehow managed to corral the O’Donnell-Waters-Augerlet herd back onto shore. Watching as the few campfires started to be lit, in preparation for full sunset and night. They were silent throughout, needing only each other in that moment.

“I’m bein’ so thankful,” Brigid eventually whispered, making the eyes of both men dart over, giving her their undivided attention. “Bein’ so thankful to be havin’ all of you here, standin’ ‘side me, in front of me, knowin’ you’re all here and safe. Even if ‘tis only bein’ for a short time.”

“Of course, Spitfire,” Thancred whispered in return, nuzzling her shoulder. “Always.”

“Forever, my desert rose,” agreed Urianger, settling so that Brigid’s head was tucked under his chin. “I refuse to be parted from thee.”

Brigid sighed, closing her eyes and relaxing further. “Me loves, all of you. Me perfect, wonderful loves.”

The stars began to appear, the diamonds scattered on black velvet, and under the watchful eyes of the heavens, what once claimed to be the Scions of the Seventh Dawn declared themselves to be nothing greater than a family, nothing lesser than a chosen family.