#or join Pharos somehow

[k1w1fru1t]

What does the question mark in the title mean, Hollow

Hollow what does it mean

Spoilers for Arcane Academy utc

Does it mean mage ends up surviving??? And is saved by Fendal or someone/something else???

Does it mean they do die, but are saved by Fendal from having to spend eternity trapped in Honeywood with August?

I knew I was in for angst because this is Hollow_VA we're talking about but wHY IS IT LEFT SO AMBIGUOUS

PLEASE I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO MAGE AND FENDAL

[twilightknight17]

Yesterday on P3R, I genuinely wonder how anyone is learning anything at this high school. For fuck’s sake. XD

I did finally manage to get a readable picture of the warning screen that comes up when you boot the game.

Again, I think this is a good idea, considering… everything. I mean, going off the movie characterization, even Mina is mildly passively suicidal this whole game. It’s a lot.

So I joined the track team, because no one answered when I knocked on the swim team’s door. After attending one practice, I’ve learned that Minato can apparently run marathons with no problem. Going to Tartarus one time should not have done that, so like… what is this kid’s routine off-screen? XDDD

Also oh my god, guys, I didn’t “go out with” Yukari. Please.

I live with Mitsuru, too. Just go ahead and treat me like a god.

Went back to Tartarus to train a little and get some more personas. I’m fascinated by the fact that apparently you can’t go at all if Mitsuru is busy in the evenings. I wonder if that’ll change once we get a proper navi.

I’m also sharply and suddenly reminded that P3 has a different demon set. Like, not only did I get Forneus at level 8 instead of level 50-something, I also got… this thing???

Fucking baby-Azathoth looking son of a bitch. But I needed zio, so okay. X’’’D

Anyway, this school is absolute madness. I got asked before about some historical thing and managed to logic out the answer, but now we’re in math class and god help me.

In the words of Po, who I sent this screenshot to: “OH GOD NOT AGAIN”

The explanation doesn’t even help explain why I got it wrong! I picked C. But no, A is apparently a logarithmic spiral, and MA’AM? Did we actually learn this in class or did you just pop this question on everyone out of nowhere???

All the teachers in this school are nuts. The history teacher is glossing over everything at the speed of light so he can get to samurai, the literature teacher just wants to talk about haiku, and then there’s… this guy.

Who is also the school nurse, so like… oh no.

My education and my health feel in danger. X’D

Meanwhile, on the social link side of things… Ehhhhhhh. I don’t know how I feel about these people so far. Track guy (Kaz?) considers me a rival, which is cool and all, but my Magician, Kenji is… uh…

I am literally just a guy eating ramen.

I feel a less intense version of what I felt for Mishima, I think. Just a general, like, “I don’t think I actually want to be friends with you, but you have latched on for some reason.” He’s still on about asking out a teacher, which, again, godspeed my dude. Please don’t expect a shoulder to cry on when you get shot down. I'll be busy wishing my link was with Junpei.

...the ETHICS TEACHER? Oh man my dude. Forget shot down, you’re gonna get shot into the sun.

Moving on! A wild Shinji appears!

And then he is gone.

But now the internet at the dorm is fixed, so I can spend my birthday looking at… single-use computer software. Which is apparently a thing. Somehow. Whatever, time to try a virtual diet to make myself more charming!

...okay, I laughed.

And to round off my in-game birthday (mine, not Minato’s XDDD), a nice visit from Pharos, warning me that a terrible challenge is coming.

So, yay! Next time, I’ll probably make it to the first full moon, and maybe I can finally smack some sense into Junpei so he stops being passive-aggressive about not being the leader.

Bonus: God, I wonder who made this game. Baofu, are you out there?? This Side's Kozue??? Anyone?

[safeforwark]

The Sun Chases the Moon [SFW]

A romance fanfiction set in Final Fantasy XIV. When I saw these two interact in post-Stormblood I knew I had to write about them becoming a couple!

Magnai has long searched for his true love, his Nhaama. An encounter with Y'shtola Rhul leaves him certain (again) that the Sun has found his Moon. After a swift rejection however, he is left to think about what could have been, or perhaps what could be...

Contains spoilers for a post-Stormblood scene. I hope you enjoy kupo!

“Nhaama’s power is yours to wield!”  Sadu, Khatun of the Dotharl, spoke in euphoric glee after extended battle with the Warrior of Light.  “What does the Sun say to that?”

“Hmph. The Sun is not driven by base motives such as yours.”  Magnai’s breath was labored, having just crossed blades with Lord Hien and Y’shtola.

“But aye, they have been judged…and found worthy.”  Magnai stood and expressed his recognition of their strength.  “The Sun shall answer you call.”

As soon as the affirmations of alliance were clear, Magnai wasted no time in turning the gaze of his brilliant yellow eyes to Y’shtola. Her face was new amongst the people not of the Steppe. Her skill was astounding, and her grace unlike anything he had ever seen. Her platinum hair framed a sharp, learned gaze from eyes of pale silver. He had not imagined such profound power from so scholarly and beautiful.

“You. By what are you called?”

Y’shtola hesitated to answer.  “Y’shtola. Why?”

“Are you…” Magnai mumbled to himself. Unable to break his gaze from the cultured conjurer. His mind swirled with revelation. He wondered if it were not possible that his destined meeting, the introduction to his Nhaama, could it not be here and now?

“You shine with the full moon’s light, your healing touch as gentle as Nhaama’s love…”  Magnai’s voice grew louder in excitement at his proclamation.

“Beholding you, I am all but certain! My Nhaama is no woman of the Steppe!”  Magnai stepped forward, his intention clear to all at this point. He stepped close to gaze into Y’shtola’s eyes.

“Now, look into my eyes. Could it be…? Could you be...?”  Magnai smiled, his stalwart confidence allowing him to be overjoyed in the moment of his union.

Y’sthola smiled sweetly at the Au Ra man.  “I am…” Her lips became straight and serious as before, her words plain and direct.  “…not interested little sun. Try again when you have become a man.”

Magnai was slow to react, his mouth falling open in shock. He had suffered countless insults from Sadu’s sharp tongue, and had admittedly been rebuffed by those who had turned out not to be his Nhaama many times. Yet somehow Y’shtola’s rejection cut him unfathomably deep.

“Little…?”

A burst of laughter followed from Sadu, who began to chide him relentlessly. Suffering such grievous insult after being rejected set Magnai’s blood to boiling, and he drew his axe without hesitation. Scarcely had the battle begun that Y’shtola elected to depart, scoffing at the asinine nature of the Xaela ‘diplomacy’, or lack thereof.

After extended battle, which did little to provide succor to his wounded pride, Magnai returned to the Dusk Throne and retired to his chambers. He wished to channel his anger into breaking something, to splitting a rock in two or crushing Dzo bones into dust. Yet something strange happened when he lifted his axe or clenched his fist. He felt blocked. The Miqo’te woman’s words rang as clear in his ears as when she spoke them.

He sat down on the edge of his bed, frustrated and defeated. Her smile was so beauteous, she had shown it to him just long enough for him to remember, yet it was gone just as swiftly, and replaced with her stern face as she rebuked him. As angry as it made him, the Oronir recognized the strong, and strength she had. How could he dismiss the admonishment of one such as her then? She had shown her wisdom to be beyond her years, there were no flaws with which to tarnish her image. And her image was indeed burned into his mind…

---

The sun was setting on another day in Mor Dhona, and the Rising Stones had grown quieter as the hustle and bustle of scions and adventurers died down. Save for Tataru’s work station…

“I’m not sure I understand…” Tataru looked wide eyed at the towering Au Ra before her.

Magnai shook his head, annoyed.  “What is not to understand. I am here to join the order, this is the fold that calls themselves the Scions of the Seventh Dawn is it not?”

“Well yes, but, you’re…” Tataru stammered, she had dealt with questionable applicants before, but dismissal based on a lack of experience or credential would probably only serve to stoke this one’s anger more.

Magnai clenched his hands into fists.  “I have journeyed far little one, do you mean to play games with the Sun?!”

“Eep!”  Tataru jumped out of her seat and shuffled towards the door to the back room.  “I-I must consult a senior member you see, er, we will get back to you, terribly sorry!”

As the Lalafell vanished into the back Magnai sat down with his arms folded. The pure ridiculousness of the lengths he must go to. For her though… it would all be worth it to win his Nhaama…

After several minutes Alphinaud emerged from the back with Tataru in tow.

Alphinaud approached and extended his hand in greeting.  “Magnai was it? It is an honor to speak with the khatun of the Oronir. I am given to understand you are quite the magnanimous leader on the steppe.”

Tataru eyed Magnai sideways, leaning shyly toward Alphinaud as she tried to whisper to him. “Alphinaud that’s not what I—"

“It is the duty of the Sun to shepherd his people.”  Magnai hesitated, but then grasped Alphinaud’s hand.  “This land is far from the steppe however, and I am come to learn of its ways, of you Eorzeans.”

Alphinaud tilted his head a little, but still wore a diplomatic smile.  “Full glad are we to have your interest, let alone your presence. Pray tell though, why do you wish to become a Scion? Certainly there are other ways to learn of this land and its people.”

Magnai’s stern face clearly became focused on something altogether in his mind. He tilted his head back and folded his arms.  “Because the moon herself is of your fold, and of your people.”

Alphinaud and Tataru stood with slightly confused expressions, unsure of how to respond.

Magnai returned his gaze downward to the extant world.  “If this is the way of fate, than it is the responsibility of the Sun to shine for all his people. I must act not for the people of my blood alone, but hers as well. I would honor the moon in this way.”

Tataru tugged on Alphinaud’s sleeve, attempting again to deliver her words in a hushed tone. “This seems rather suspicious, I don’t think—"

“Very well!” Alphinaud smile as he boldly raised his voice.  “I would normally think to cross examine you more, but your passion as a defender of the people is plain. Your willingness to incorporate a larger body of people not your own is truly altruistic, and will serve you well.”

Tataru’s jaw slowly dropped open, she looked at Magnai, and then back at Alphinaud, and back at Magnai.

Alphinaud continued, “You see I am also not of Eorzea, in fact a great deal of the senior scions hail from the shores of Sharlayan, including the likes of myself, Urianger, and Y’shtola.”

Magnai’s expression changed upon hearing Y’shtola’s name. The change was ever so slight, but Tataru raised an eyebrow, noticing his widened eyes and retraction of his scowl.

Magnai nodded, slightly more enthusiastic for dealing with him.  “I am… grateful… for your acceptance. I would be happy to stand beside these… senior members.”

Alphinaud put a hand to his chin.  “Well, I certainly needn’t question your strength. I received a first hand account of your prowess during the Naadam from the Warrior of Light themselves. If you are truly willing to put yourself into potential danger for us, mayhap you could greatly aid some of our senior members…”

Tataru folder her arms and narrowed her eyes as she sat down, watching as Alphinaud chattered away with Magnai.

“It sounds as though stealth does not suit your skillset, and Urangier would not have much use for your axe… One of the members I mentioned, she is a healer. She is powerful in her own right, but having a warrior such as yourself would ward her from danger, and her skills would no doubt bolster your own battle capability.”

As they begin to walk away, Tataru silently shook her head. This could not possibly end well…

---

The sun was shining brilliantly over Vyllbrand.

“My… companion and I require passage across.”  Y’shtola passed a purse of gil to the ferrymen. She glanced back at Magnai. He was staring at her again, a small smile on his face. Rather he was almost always staring at her, which incidentally seemed to be the only time he saw reason to smile about anything. In her opinion the entire situation was as unwelcome as it was unnecessary. She sighed as the pair stepped into the small dingy.

Alphinaud had foisted it upon her without much choice. She remembered the conversation between them, how Alphinaud had seen ‘great potential for an ally’ and ‘a chance to diversify the scion’s staff’. While the order had decided on a loose structure, he was being awfully presumptuous to make such a decision without consulting anyone. Then he had brought him all the way to her with no warning! Y’shtola furrowed her brow. She had nowhere else to send him, he hadn’t the first clue about Eorzea, and Alphinaud had quickly managed to wash his hands of all responsibility.

“What troubles you, my… ah… Y’shtola.”  Magnai caught himself, she had put a swift end to being called the endearing title of Nhaama.

Y’shtola swept a hand through her hair.  “Nothing of consequence…”

She gestured to the approaching isle of Umbra, and the grand lighthouse skewered with corrupted crystal. “The Pharos Sirius, it was once the grandest single structure on Vyllbrand.”  Y’shtola had already quickly adopted the habit of explaining visible points of interest as if a common tour guide. This was often the only thing that would break his gaze away from her for a time.

Magnai took in the structure, thinking that from the very top it must be much taller than even the Dawn Throne.  “It is impressive to reach to the heavens so. Yet now it is…”

“Derelict, aye…” Y’shtola stared at the enormous shard that pierced the tower, clearly seeing it’s outline because of the corrupted aether within.  “This but one of many things destroyed in the calamity, and it is not the worst of it.”

Y’shtola looked toward the mainland coastline.  “For one who knew the lay of this land, it is a constant reminder. Where you now see barren bramble once stood verdant grains. Where you now see cliffs and peaks once lay fields and streams. Where you see rubble stood homes, and the families that built them…”

As Y’shtola’s voice faded from a hush to silence, the boat rocked gently with the waves, its small splashes in the water the only noise to break the silence. Magnai crossed his arms and looked at all he could see around him, noting every uneven break in the terrain, every set of decayed foliage, and finally the giant crystal shard that pierced the pharos.

“…To have the very heavens fall around you. The people of this land have suffered greatly.” Magnai’s tone was heavy.

The distinctly emotional response surprised Y’shtola. He seemed to truly take the gravity of her explanation to heart. She found herself staring at him for a change, watching his stern expression as he seemed to reflect upon the perspective she had presented him. They had only been traveling together a few days, mayhap she needn’t be so quick to judgement, her lack of patience with people these days was reminding her too much of her old mentor…

Magnai stood as the dingy approached the shores of Umbra, rocking the small boat with his size. His grip tightened on his axe.  “This place is abandoned then? Will there be aught to fight?”

Y’shtola gripped the sides of the rocking boat and flattened her ears, thinking that on the other hand she shouldn’t forget all she had witnessed on the steppe.

As the boat moored itself against the sand beneath it Y’shtola hopped over the side with Magnai following close behind. The waves lapped at her boots as she walked ashore. As they approached Y’shtola’s senses could make out the worn stairway leading up the Pharos. The scene was quiet, which would be conducive to her work, had she not a curious and love-struck follower ilms away from her at all times.

“Alright, I need to examine the crystals. It is dangerous to linger about them for too long, so keep your distance for awhi—”

Both heard the soft skittering in the sand approaching. Magnai raised his axe as several mantises appeared from the rocky terrain.

“Seems my quiet was not meant to be…”  Y’shtola sighed.

---

Though their pairing was farcical to Y’shtola, she did not dismiss Magnai, assuming he would tire of his duties or of her before long and return to Othard of his own volition. Days turned to weeks however, and as their time together stretched into months Y’shtola started forgetting to wonder when he would leave. It started to become all too second nature to plan accordingly for having him travel with her.

Much of her time was devoted to research, trying to understand the changes in the aether around the world. Magnai was a useful protector if naught else during such times, clearing hostile beasts and saving Y’shtola the trouble. Any other time he was simply observing her or asking questions about the world around them. Familiarity made his gaze less and less bothersome, and she began to enjoy teaching him about Eorzea, wondering if the self-satisfaction of enlightening such a wild and uncouth individual was how Matoya had felt teaching her.

On a typical overcast day, Y’shtola and Magnai set out for Oakwood. She had been asked by Limsan officials to look into the local fauna behaving strangely, with no naturalist able to discern why. They walked in quiet along a gentle stream as Y’shtola tried to spot any unusual patterns in the aether. Suddenly the sound of splashing water and screams broke the silence.

“Please!! Help!!”  A child’s voice, panicked and sobbing.

They both spied the young girl immediately, running across the shallow stream ahead of them. A group of three coeurl’s darted about on her sides, making ready to pounce on the child. Both Y’shtola and Magnai sprinted forward without hesitation.

Y’shtola shouted, “Magnai, the right!”

As Y’shtola jumped directly in front of the child Magnai flew passed them, bringing his axe down as quick as lightning on one of the coeurls, cleaving it against the ground before it could react. The other coeurl leapt at him with fangs bared, but was met with the flat side of Magnai’s weapon as he absorbed the force of its leap, and then threw the beast to the side. By the time it pounced back onto its legs, Magnai was bearing down on it, one slash of his axe leaving it bereft of life.

The third coeurl sprinted directly at Y’shtola and the child. Y’shtola conjured a flurry of biting wind that assailed it from the front, causing the beast to flinch and redirect its course. Before it could make another attempt Y’shtola focused on her staff, and a strong line of white light sliced through the air. The beast took only a single step before falling to the ground, thereafter motionless.

With the threat removed they turned their attention to the whimpering girl.

Y’shtola kneeled down in front of her.  “You’re alright now little one. What were you doing out here?”

The girl sniffled as she spoke.  “I… I jus’ wanted t’ fish… My da’ never lets me…”

Y’shtola nodded. “Mayhap for good reason, this place is not safe for a child on her own.”

The child whimpered, “E’ says… the wolves tha’ take our livestock would get me… but I ‘ate stayin’ inside the fence all day…”

Y’shtola shook her head. “It is for your own safety little one...”

“Nonsense.”  Magnai stepped forward toward them. Y’shtola looked at him in surprise, confused as to why he would interject.

The intimidating Au Ra stood dauntingly high over the young hyur girl. The shaken child looked at him anxiously, fearful of his intimidating presence. Magnai pulled a hatchet from his robe, presenting it to the little girl.

“Take it in your hand.”

The girl nervously reached for and put her hand on the handle. As Magnai let go the heavy hatchet fell to the ground with her fingers still around it. The girl put her strength into lifting it back up, the tool clearly being unwieldly in her hands.

Magnai addressed her sternly.  “Do not dishonor your family by becoming food for the beasts. You must find the strength to protect your land and your people. Thus do we earn the right to take of its bounty. Do not venture forth again until you can split a stone as big as you with your swing.”

The girl stared at him wide eyed and nodded. After it became clear Magnai had nothing else to say to her, she pointed down the path.  “My ‘ome is there…”

Magnai crossed his arms. “You set out on this journey by your own will, you must be able to complete that which you begin. Go forth, we shall follow.”

The girl nodded nervously. She turned around and began walking down the path, stopping and turning her head to look back at them every few steps. Magnai’s piercing gaze would drive her to take another few steps forward before having to look back again to ensure they were still there. As she forged on Y’shtola stood up and walked with Magnai as they trailed behind her.

She had not expected someone who had shown such disregard for simple diplomacy to have such a way with children. She felt remiss in calling him uncultured, even if she had found the Xaela practices oafish and savage. Now as she looked at Magnai she saw the aura of his aether differently, in a way she somehow never noticed before. His aura always looked so fiery and intense, she thought his ill-tempered and capricious nature to be the cause. Though as intense as it could be, she now observed how gently it glowed, so bright yet… a warm, welcoming incandescence.

“I am surprised at how well you handled the child. A bit blunt, but you gave her direction while warning her of the danger.”  Y’shtola’s tone belied her curiosity.

Magnai kept his gaze fixed on the young girl walking ahead of them.  “Children are not beasts to be tamed. They should be guided to reach their own heights, with their own actions, that is how we Oronir teach the value of strength.”

Magnai smiled to himself. “I can tell you were not brought up on so different of lessons, your will is like that of the steppe. I imagine they who raised you knew well the value of strength.”

Y’shtola’s ears perked up, her lips parting without sound as Matoya flashed through her mind. To think that he of all people could have such insight. She chuckled quietly to herself and smiled.

“Perhaps…”

---

The sun was already sinking below the horizon as Y’shtola and Magnai stepped onto the docks in Kugane.

Magnai looked around at the Hingan city.  “It has been a long time since I set out from this land to find you.”

Y’shtola scoffed at him. “Perhaps had you thought to investigate my identity rather than blindly asking everyone my name you would have found me much sooner.”

Magnai furled his brow. “Hmph.”

“Come.”  Y’shtola began walking along the pier.  “The Ruby Sea will be easier to cross by day, we’ll resume our journey to Othard tomorrow.”

As they crossed the city Magnai looked to the sky. The paper lanterns were hardly needed this evening, their soft glow outcompeted by the brilliant light of the full moon. He took a deep breath, gazing at its luster.

“Are you coming? Or do you intend to take in the night life?”  Y’shtola’s voice called out to him.

He looked back down from the heavens to see her standing in front of the inn. A sweet smile on her face. The same smile he had seen so long ago, on the day he first met her. He smiled himself, and then followed her inside.

---

“It has been too long since we were able to bathe and have a proper night’s rest.”  Y’shtola mused as she closed the door, returning from the baths. Y’shtola had donned a pure white yukata, beautifully complimenting her fair skin, much of which could be seen as the garment barely draped around her thighs. Magnai’s red skin conveniently masked the flushing of his face.

Y’shtola sat on the edge of the cot, looking over at Magnai, who sat at the window looking out over the inn’s moonlit garden. Tataru’s frugality was beginning to become extreme, one of her demands being that those afield together share lodgings. By now Y’shtola had become far too used to the company to complain.

“How does it look?”

Magnai turned to look back at her.  “It is lovely. The moon shines in great splendor tonight. It is… a shame you cannot behold it.”

Y’shtola shook her head. “I am still blessed to see a great deal. In ways I might never have imagined.”

Magnai stood and faced her, dramatically holding out his hands.  “Just as well, the sight still pales in comparison to your own radiance.”

Y’shtola tilted her head, letting her smile show as she did.  “Now on that I will simply have to take your word.”

Magnai walked over and kneeled down in front of Y’shtola.  “Tell me, long have I feared asking one who truly sees all as it is. What do you see, when you look at me?”

“I see…”  the strange mixture of emotion in his voice struck a chord with Y’shtola. She reached out to put a hand on his shoulder.  “A brilliant glow, it is bright and passionate enough to stand out among many, almost overbearingly so. Yet it shines softly, with purpose on all it touches. It is warm and welcoming, like the daybreak after a long night.”

Magnai nodded slowly, then reached to take up one of Y’shtola’s hands.  “Your words are succor to my heart. Though all my time with you has been a blessing. To be the Sun, yet see so little beyond thine own radiance is folly. You have been as my moon, showing me that the Sun’s brilliance is naught without aught to shine on.”

Y’shtola was taken aback by Magnai’s uncharacteristically eloquent speech. Squeezing the hand that held hers.  “I am moved that you would credit me with such. The… Sun, should be proud of his own accomplishments. Though I cannot help but wonder If he’s been listening to Thancred spin words for passing beauties.”

Magnai shook his head. “The Sun shines for all, but chases only after his moon.”

His free hand gingerly touched Y’shtola’s cheek as he leaned in toward her. Y’shtola looked at him softly, without speaking a word in response. As his face neared hers, he pulled her in until their lips met. His gentle demeanor didn’t surprise Y’shtola so much anymore. As their lips held together, she wondered if she just hadn’t been able to see it at first, or if their time together had brought out a different side of him.

The side of her yukata slipped down over her right shoulder as they kissed once more, and again, and again…

Outside their window in the garden it was quiet, with only the glowing moon as witness until it sank from the sky to give way to the dawn.

---

Y’shtola woke first, her unconscious stretching waking Magnai as she moved in his arms. They wearily opened their eyes and met each other’s gaze. They smiled at each other as thoughts of the many months leading to previous night drifted through their mind. Unusual for him, Magnai felt himself at a loss for words. Holding Y’shtola in his arms, feeling affection and warmth from her embrace, he finally felt… content.

Y’shtola sighed softly, speaking in a hushed tone, her normally strong words hinting at embarrassment. “I suppose this makes me… your Nhaama...”

They hugged each other a little tighter…

---

Magnai walked down the trail ahead of Y’shtola, his axe sitting on his shoulder as he took long, energetic steps. He reached the crest of a hill overlooking the valley path towards the Azim Steppe.

“Ah, we are so close to the Steppe! I can smell it’s familiar air on the breeze!”

Y’shtola chuckled as she walked up beside him.  “I’ve not seen you so giddy since we found that Wind-up Sun in the markets.”

Magnai nodded.  “It is momentous for the Sun to finally return to the Steppe, and when I tell them I now have my Moo—OOMPH.”

A stiff arm to the stomach cut Magnai short, as Y’shtola stared sternly.

“and I told you not to call me such til we are behind closed doors.”  Y’shtola gave him a coy smile.  “My dearest Sun.”

[furymint]

FFXIV: 5 Years I wouldn’t say very much has changed in my chara’s designs since I made them (except for fantasia’ing my personal chara into Elliot and Y’lantaa into C’lov) so I’ll talk more about how I made them under the cut!

L'selle is and has always been a wreck, I think. My earliest concept began with “male miqo'te is scorned for being a lancer, which is usually an elezen’s weapon bc of arm length.” I had him foiled with a pink bard named Maria, who later developed into an echo-endowed Ala Mhigan opera singer with a love for Gridania. They had joined the Scions too, and that was back in early July 2014. I had him in the Fraternity as a friend of Thancred, but I got impatient, formed Orbit, rewrote everything, and got rid of Maria. His last name, Ran, was a total accident: I saw “tia” or “nunh,” figured eh, three characters will do, and bam. Now, he has the most solid personality, wit, and voice of any of my characters. I love how stable in my mind he’s become.

Elliot was a joy and pain from the start. I made sure Nol wouldn’t have any npc connections– then I blinked and there was Elliot sitting at the church piano with this immutable personality and the worst crush on poor Nolanel. I refused to write him for over a month, but I cracked during NaNoWriMo July 2015. His first name came with him, but his last name i googled for. I fantasia’d my original chara, Brianna Baskerville, who I had since the 4th beta, into him on new years eve 2015/2016. I owe a LOT of my creative development to Elliot, from refinding poetry, reading again, learning more abt aesthetics and history and myself and just. i would not be in a good place w/o him. thank u elliot

Y’lantaa was actually my attempt to make miqo'te version of Emilyn to try and fill the holes in L'selle. I got distracted by the lavender hair and decided that it wasn’t gonna work. A siren went off a few days later and I made her a new chara, which I’ve had more than agony trying to express. I fantasia’d her into C’lov on 8/15/17 after a story abt a soldier i’d been juggling finally took root in my head and I fleshed it out into him. I’d wanted an OC connected to Pharos forever so he feels like I’ve always meant to have him. There’s two vers of him: the ffxiv ver and an irish wwi pilot but I think I like both equally.

Allen hasn’t changed very much other than how I’ve developed him. I think a very core part of his character initially was his lack of connection; he only liked L’selle, really, and they split after 5 years for Allen to lose many jobs, many more relationships, and then come out on top to be one of the most stable but vulnerable characters I have. His gang gives me a little trouble with how misfit-like they all are, but I think I’ve been smoothing out the wrinkles more. I look forward to seeing where else I can take him bc puppetmaster is coming someday over the rainbow

Nolanel showed up once I said I wanted a drg and within a week I had his backstory etc. I was wary abt making another male character, so I toyed w the idea of making him a girl, but i couldn’t make a design i liked in the HW benchmark (…and heck, now i like the girl design). Originally he was going to start flat out at age 24 like L’selle, but I shoved him back to 19 for a lot of extra development. I made him 5/10/15 I think; in-game was 5/21/15.  I was bleary in testing season and somehow “Feran” sounded elezen to me asdfghj and the only ways he’s rly changed are noted here.

[tyrantdk]

Sparkling Diamonds

Part 1 of the Moulin Rouge Au I've been teasing the past few days. Idk how many parts there'll be, but they'll all be named after songs from the movie. This differes from the movie plot. Yugi is a vicount, heir to the Moutu clan, a powerful French/Japanese family. Atem is a popular entertainer/prostitute in the Shadow Realm. Also, not really a spoiler, but Atem lives!

I have enough sad things that have happened in my life, so I really love happy endings. However, happy endings aren't all sunshiine and rainbows. This Au is in two main parts: the part of the events of the Moulin Rouge and Atem settling into life as the spouse of nobility. At least, that's the plan. But enough of me rattling on! If you enjoy it, give it a reblog, like it, leave a comment!

I remember, very clearly, the first time I saw Atem Pharos. It was also my first visit to the Shadow Realm. The club was a night club and high end brothel. Mai Valentine ran the club with a tight hand. She wouldn’t hesitate to have any patron thrown out for any reason. She never made her employees work the brothel, unless they were willing and did not have a lover.

I remember the bright colors of the costumes. The air held the aura of joy and the scent revelry, if it had one. It felt like a party without end. The dancers were weaving through each other. They pulled patrons into the dancing throng with them at random. Above them sat three thrones. All three were empty at the time.

My new friends-also my new neighbors-shuffled me along to a booth sat inside an alcove. There were several dotted about the hall. They had brought me to cheer me up. This was the first time I had been away from my home completely on my own.

I had been forced into hiding. I was using a fake last name at the time, going by Yugi Sennen instead of Yugi Moutu. Somehow, I had gotten caught up in a scandal I had never participated in. It was the perfect excuse to explore life outside of my family’s wealth and privilege. I had always held a great dislike of the world I was born in.

My companions and I settled into our booth. We fit into the alcove snugly. Scantily clad servers, both male and female, passed by us. I remember blushing severely at seeing so much skin exposed on a person. Many of them winked at my blushing face.

The lights dimmed as the dancers raced away from the floor. A spot light hit the polished wood before lifting into the air. It illuminated a lithe male figure. This was my first time watching Atem preform. He was as beautiful then as he is now. He was dressed in fitted, pressed, black slacks, a white shirt, a rhinestone studded vest, and top hat.

“The French are glad to die for love.” He sang out into the silence. His deep voice flowed over my skin. I had moaned softly to myself. I had not realized at that exact moment, but I had lost my heart to Atem Pharos.

A dusky tanned hand plucked Yugi’s pen out of his fingers. An arm slid around his shoulder to trail into the opening of his robe. Warm breath curled around the opposite ear as the person behind him tapped the pen against his cheek. He turned, greeted by his beloved’s smile. Atem returned the gesture before relinquishing the pen.

“Our sun and moon are tucked away in bed. …I thought we agreed long ago about there being no work brought into the bedroom?” He trailed his nails up Yugi’s chest lightly, showing he wasn’t mad. His husband sighed blissfully.

“It’s not work.” He replied. “I’m writing a memoir about how we met and our first year or so together. I thought the children might like to read it when they’re older. How much trouble did they give you?” Yugi tilted his head to the side, allowing Atem to trail kisses there.

“Not too much.” He said softly into his ear. “Khonsu wanted to know why you weren’t helping me. I told him Papa was very tired tonight. You’re not too tired for me to make love to you, are you, Habibi?” He nibbled on the ear lobe before him. A little moan left his lover this time. He smiled as he kissed the bite.

“Never, but you might have to do most of the work yourself, Koibito. Let me finish this part first?”

“Go ahead. I’m going to take a shower first. Come join me if you finish before I get out.” Atem kissed him softly, one of those that lingered. He drew away slowly, winking as he turned. Yugi watched him enter their en suite bathroom. He loved watching him. Atem had this way of walking when it was just them, a certain sway to his hips. He tore his eyes away to return to his notebook.

I was saddened to see Atem leave the room, more so after his fall. I applauded his performance enthusiastically. I had enjoyed it. I couldn’t help hoping it was I he had locked eyes with. I had shaken my head to loosen that foolish hope.

I rose from my seat. When asked, I made an excuse of being thirsty. I wanted to get up, walk around. My eyes wondered about the hall. A hand grabbed my wrist. I was pulled behind a dark curtain. My surprised yelp was muffled by another mouth meeting mine.

I was pushed up against the wall hidden behind the thick cloth. Hips ground into mine pleasurably. After releasing a moan, I pushed the person away to see who was kissing me. Atem watched me with desperate, needy eyes. His hands tightened on my sides.

“Please.” He pleaded softly.

“I’m not-“

“It’s alright. I’ll take care of you, Handsome. Just let me be yours tonight.”

“O.K, but shouldn’t we go somewhere more private?” He pulled a pyramid pendant from beneath his shirt. He placed it around my neck.

“Come to the pyramid at midnight. Show this to the twins by the door. They’ll let you in. You should go back to your friends. I have to work the floor.”

“Wait!” I held to his forearm. “I didn’t catch your name. I’m Yugi Sennen.”

“I am Atem Pharos.” We gravitated back toward each other. I reached for his other arm. His lips glided over mine like he had been kissing me for years. The kiss wasn’t long, and trailed off into a string of quick pecks. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“Then don’t.” I said between more pecks. It was like we couldn’t get enough kisses. “We could sneak away to your pyramid. A private dinner for two sounds lovely, doesn’t it?”

“True, mon lion, but I have to go. Mai will have my hide, if I don’t. Until our midnight meal?”

“Until midnight.” I watched him leave, following after minutes later. My friends asked what had taken me, and I shared my lucky story. They all looked rather impressed, knowing Atem far better than I had at the time. He never invited just anyone back to his pyramid, much less gave them the ‘key to the pyramid’ as the pendant was called.

I sighed in the few remaining hours before my midnight rendezvous. My eyes watched Atem as he floated about, working the floor. I knew he was aware of my stare, often shooting glances to me over others’ backs. It seemed an eternity until I was before the twins.

[occultspirits-blog]

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still unexplained...

Hi all and welcome to Spirit's blog. Today was Thursday, I normally would do a throwback to a person, but today we are going to discuss the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These include: the Great Pyramid of Giza, The Colossus of Rhodes , The Light house of Alexandria, the Mausoleum, the Temple of Artemis, The Statue of Zeus and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the 3 pyramids in the Giza complex. From markings inside the Great Pyramid there is proof it was created around 2560 B.C. Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built as a tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. The pyramid was built by tens of thousands of skilled workers, that were placed into castes depending upon their skill. Scientists believe that the entire pyramid was built in 14 years. They are still unsure how it was built with the primitive tools they had. The rocks were either pushed, pulled or dragged from a nearby quarry.

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek God Helios (the Sun God). It was constructed roughly 280 B.C. It was built to commemorate Rhodes' victory over the King of Cyprus. This statue measured 108 feet high, it was the tallest statue of the Ancient world. It collapsed during an earthquake in 226 B.C., even though parts of it were preserved it was never rebuilt. This statue stood for 54 years before the earthquake, destroyed it. At that time Ptolemy III offered to pay to rebuild it, but was denied his assistance, due to belief that Rhodes had somehow angered the Helios.In 1653 Muslims lead by Muawiyah captured Rhodes, and had the remains of the once great statue melted to bronze. Archaeologists are still in debate over the exact location of the Colossus.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a lighthouse built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom, during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. It is believed that at it's original height is was 330 ft. tall. The lighthouse was severely damaged by earthquakes from 956 A.D. to 1323 A.D. The lighthouse by this point was in ruins. The Lighthouse was said to be made of limestone and a furnace at the top for the light. The purpose of the Lighthouse was because people of the island of Pharos were considered wreckers ( they would steal from any boat near shore). Therefore the lighthouse was built to guide ships into port at night.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built for Mausolus and his wife. Mausolus was a satrap (ancient governor). The Mausoleum was approximately 148 feet tall. The Mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes from the 12th to the 15th century. Due to it's structural quality, it coined the term Mausoleum to mean a magnificent tomb, and all Greek or Roman tombs built since then were called Mausoleums.

The Temple of Artemis, was a local temple to idolize the human form of the Goddess Artemis, the Goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, the Moon and chastity. It was located in Ephesus ( now Turkey), It was damaged by a flood and 300 years later by arson. Therefore it was rebuilt twice. By 401 A.D. it was completely destroyed with only small pieces left. The temple was closed by the Christians in the early to mid 5th century. After it's closing it is unknown how long the temple stayed in tact. Other architects began using stones an columns for other architecture. Today a single column stands at the original site of this temple, near the province of Selcuk, Turkey.

The Statue of Zeus was a 43 ft tall sitting figure of the God Zeus. It was built around 435 B.C. at the sanctuary of Olympia. The statue was lost or destroyed in roughly the 5th century AD. This statue was built in the 5th century BC and was commissioned to rival the Athenian's architecture. The Roman Emperor Caligula ordered that statues like that of Zeus be brought to him so the heads could be cut off and his put in their place.Caligula was assassinated in 41 AD, before any statues were moved or destroyed. In 391 AD the Roman Emperor Theodosius, banned participating in pagan cults and closed all the temples. There is theories of what occurred to the statue but the only one that is relatively plausible is the fire that broke out in the temple 425 AD.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was an architectural gem, with the many tiers of hanging flowers, trees and shrubs.It was claimed to be built inside the city walls of Babylon (modern day Iraq ). Legend has it that the gardens were built by Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife queen Amytis, because she missed the green gardens and hills of her homeland. The location of this garden is still unknown. To this day no archaeological evidence has been found in Babylon of this garden. There is a theory that it may lie beneath the Euphrates, but excavation is impossible at this time. Another theory is that the Hanging Gardens were actually built in Nineveh (outskirts of Mosul Iraq), and that the Assyrian King Sennacherib built it inside his palace.

To wrap this up, The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are still wonders. There is either no information salvaged about them, or they were destroyed beyond repair, or maybe in the case of the gardens were never there in the first place. The Ancient world has many tales and stories that to this day we cannot explain. Thank you for joining us in taking a quick look at the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Blessed be.