#secrets of the sagolii

[newhorizonsxiv]

Visual Novel Meme

Getting to this very late but this is a dual answer to a couple of asks from @luck-and-larceny and @furys-mercy​ I didn’t forget either of you, just had some irl stuff going on that did a number on my creativity and productivity for a while. Hope this was worth the wait. It ended up rather long so the meme proper is under the cut.

Our story begins in the Jewel of the Sagolii, the bustling city of Ul’dah. You stand before the Ruby Road Exchange where a small crowd has gathered to watch the street performers. There are jugglers, fire eaters and the usual dancing girls though on this day one among them catches at your eye. Maybe it’s her fiery hair, maybe it’s her formidable height, towering as she does above the mostly miqo’te dancers around her, or perhaps it’s the way she moves, making no effort to seduce onlookers with her curves nor to play to the crowd for coin. She seems to be dancing for herself alone, for the sheer joy of movement. 

CORAFEL

It’s easy enough to grab Cora’s attention provided your ATTRACTIVENESS is high enough and once you have it all you need to do to keep it is to be kind to her. This route will largely consist of slice of life vignettes as you help to get the sheltered girl onto her feet properly in the big bad city and will have all the classic hallmarks of a First Love story with cute dates and lots of awkward fumbling. Gifts of jewelry, clothing and cosmetics will help to keep her interest, as will books about exciting adventures and exotic locales. Keeping her interest is far easier than keeping the woman herself, however, as several times throughout her route hired thugs will attempt to abduct her back to her father or to the man she was meant to marry before fleeing home so you’d best have the martial PROWESS to fend off a series of increasingly skilled assailants throughout the route before finally facing her reviled betrothed in a duel at the climax or else you will need the political SAVVY to outmaneuver the man and prove yourself a more advantageous partner for her family to join with. All in all this is a pretty standard romance novel sort of route. Sweet rather than spicy and with almost all of the challenge coming from external forces. 

Turning off of the Ruby Road you enter the bustling chaos of the Quicksand, it’s standing room only inside with a crowd or rowdy partiers between you and the bar but there in one dimly lit corner you spot a tiny oasis of calm, a lone elezen leaning against the wall, his attention focused on the book in his hand.

GHISLAIN

The only way to get yourself onto Ghislain’s route is to impress him with your INTELLECT. The only way to stay on it is not to try to push your burgeoning friendship into a romance until he suggests it himself. And even then, don’t expect this one to be spicy or frankly to include any sex at all as Ghislain is very ace. He is, however, open to romance and all of its assorted fluff so long as a strong emotional attachment has been formed beforehand. Paying attention to the things he does and says in unguarded moments when he lets his mask slip will be the key to developing that attachment. This would likely be the most challenging route if only because so much of what he presents in the beginning is a persona, and a persona he has nothing but contempt for, at that. Trying to win the heart of the man he’s pretending to be will only earn you that contempt in turn. Rather you should call out those early excesses and opinions as frivolous and vain while showing a strong inclination for scholarly pursuits and learning for its own sake. Gifts of books, historical artifacts and interesting natural specimens will gain you further favor. Eventually, inevitably, you’ll learn his secret and his true identity. At that point there will be a test of your political SAVVY to see if you can figure out a way to clear his name and save his family from ruin. Success in this endeavor will earn you the best ending and a lifelong place in Ghislain’s heart.

Leaving the Quicksand via the rear you find yourself in Pearl Lane, the shadier side of Ul’dah. On the corner ahead you see a highlander man baiting in drunken patrons stumbling from the bar with a shell game and across the alleyway from this game a miqo’te fellow leans against the wall watching the game with a wry smile on his face looking for all the world as though he were enjoying a bit of street theater.

ILTHUS

A pulse and the slightest hint of interest is all it takes to get yourself onto the trash cat route and it’s not a hard route to remain on either so long as you’re the forgiving sort. Expect to be dragged into some dirty dealings by this man and for him to have his own very specific definition of “helping” when it comes to any difficulties you might have that need a second pair of hands. Any gifts you choose to offer him will be happily accepted though practical things he can make some use of like weapons, dice, cards or tools of the rogue’s trade will be best received. Expect this route to be very spicy and to head right into the bedroom from as early on as you express the slightest interest in exploring that. Ilthus is even quite happy to be your piece on the side if you’re on another main route though he will make a nuisance of himself by being the polar opposite of subtle about the fact that you’re knocking boots on the regular. It’s almost impossible to fail or even to end this route once you’re on it. You have to be actively trying to shake him off and find the right words to really hurt him emotionally to get him to finally leave your character alone, however this isn’t an easy route to reach a good ending on either. Only two types of character really have a shot at it. You need to be either a street smart tough as nails type with enough WIT and martial PROWESS to survive in his world and even to beat him at his own game or a sheltered academic type whose piercing INTELLECT is matched only by their complete obliviousness to their own ATTRACTIVENESS. He’ll find either of these a challenge too alluring to pass up and may be willing to put in a little effort of his own for a change.

Passing from Pearl Lane you wander over onto the Sapphire Avenue Exchange. Various merchants stand hawking their wares. One stall in particular catches your eye owing to the eclectic mix of goods. It seems to be equal parts clothing vendor and food stand with an assortment of gaudy fabrics on display beside tempting little meat pies and skewers of roasted vegetables. Standing awkwardly alongside the stall is a dark haired Seeker male who seems to be trying to thread the needle between being imposing enough to deter any would-be thieves while being inviting enough not to deter would-be customers. He’s having a hard time finding the right balance and irritation is starting to show on the face of the lalafellin vendor who apparently owns the stall.

SHIHAN

Kindness and diligence are the most important qualities to have for this route. This poor guy desperately needs help but is far too proud to actually ask for it and almost too proud to accept it unless it’s tactfully offered. Once he accepts then successful completion of the arc will require a character with ample political/legal SAVVY to help worm him and his tribe out of a nasty contract and only once that step is done can a real romance begin. Shihan will not accept any gifts intended for him but will be deeply touched by gifts that he can give to the children of the tribe so toys, small animals that can be made into pets and age appropriate books will all be appreciated greatly. His undying friendship can be earned by helping with his tribe’s troubles but anyone wishing to woo the taciturn tia will need to have a very sharp WIT and enough martial PROWESS to prove a worthy hunting partner. He also highly values honesty and a willingness to pitch in and try to help whenever and wherever people are struggling. This one can get spicy once you’ve established yourself as his type and given him reason to trust you. A lifetime of selfless devotion can quite easily transfer to a deep and abiding desire to make sure you are completely satisfied both in the bedroom and outside of it.

Leaving Pearl Lane via the Gates of Thal you come across a spot of trouble. A small gang of rough looking men are menacing a young boy and his scraggly chocobo just outside the city gates. As you’re deciding whether or not to get involved yourself a small bag lands at the feet of the apparent leader of this gang and shortly explodes into a dizzying array of multicolored bangs and spinning pyrotechnics. The chocobo and its rider bolt past you and on into the city as several arrows begin whizzing through the smoke. The gang scatters in confusion leaving you alone as a lone miqo'te woman with an enormous feathered hat and a bow slung over one shoulder approaches through the clearing smoke.

LYNETH

Hope you’re ready for an adventure because this route will certainly give you one, or possibly a dozen. This woman never met a good cause she wouldn’t fight for even and especially when she’s outgunned and overmatched. You’ll need either a considerable amount of martial PROWESS or the devil’s own LUCK to get through her arc in one piece and a silver tongue and sharp WIT to keep up with her constant flirtatious banter. Gifts of fancy booze, smutty novels and exotic cooking ingredients will win you extra favor. This route will be a mix of sweetness and spice full of adrenaline-laced kisses and steamy nights under the stars. To reach her good ending you’ll need to prove you’re loyal, dependable and always down for a new adventure.

[relic-xiv]

Secrets of the Sagolii Pt. 2:

Far past civilization, in the furthest reaches of the Sagolii desert, there stood a pass. G’rha Nunh had assembled a team of friends and employees alike, in braving the Trial of the Priest, one of three trials, relating to three gems necessary to unlock the tomb of Viceregent Shoshotepo. The trial was comprised of two parts--first, the path to the gem’s hiding place itself, a pass known in records as the Path of Azeyma, through which only a narrow, winding strip was safe to traverse. As Rha demonstrated with a tossing of a stone, any errant step resulted in being swallowed by the sands themselves. After a brief survey of the ambient atmosphere, D’arca Ovraen managed to identify trails of aether suspended throughout the pass. With the cooperation of Eleanor Blackfeather, the two were able to supply a charge of magic through the environment. The resultant streaks of light which arced through the dim desert pass became the compass by which they traversed. One wonders if this was truly how the Priests of Qarn (or the Reliquarium’s competition) intended the trial to be overcome. Perhaps it didn’t matter. The Light of Azeyma lit the path forward, bringing them to the remnants of a shrine. 

The shrine door was remarkably well kept, and depicted two priests. One of which held a dagger into the air, a vicious snarl carved into his features. The other was bowed in deference. To either side, were a pair of statues in a twisted, corrupted visage of Azeyma. Instead of holding the sun as her fan, she held knives stained red. Professor Qico, along with the help of Rha, managed to identify hieroglyphs upon the mural--to open the way, a Priest must show both their will and deference to the Gods. Before the party had much time to contemplate, the statues stirred in response to the reading. A stone knife came down, slicing through Rha’s tricep, as well as knocking him down by the sheer weight of it. As the blood came into contact with the statue, one of its eyes began to glow! The other statue began its advance towards the rest of the party, with as much murderous intent behind its eyes as an inanimate object could have (which, for the record, is a surprisingly large amount). 

Enraged and panicked, Memma Rha released a blast of potent magic which quickly obliterated the advancing statue. Having shown it her will, the eyes of the statue began to glow just as it shattered. Half of the mural--the aggressing priest--upon the door began to give off a vibrant blue light. The other statue was promptly shattered as well, but in vain--the statue quickly reanimated itself! Operating off of the relationship between the eyes, the mural, and how the reanimating statue responded firstly to the presence of blood, and not the act of aggression, Emerald Sunrise then understood the devotion of a priest. Cutting her own hand, she placed it upon the statue, adding to the blood of the professor. The eyes lit once more, and the deferential priest began to glow in turn with the agressor. The door began to rise, sliding upwards to reveal a chysoprase dagger! They party had obtained their reward! Sunny treated Rha’s wounds, and they returned the gem to the vault. However, Nonoimo Totoimo likely will not be pleased, at The Professor’s decision to move forward without him--and the man is still in possession of The Sun gem. In response, our intrepid heroes will likely be finding themselves with an uninvited guest upon their doorstep, quite soon.

@diarcaexe , @bellanes-in-archeld , @kapreisun , @thynameistrouble   Ft. Professor Qico

[eorzean-tale]

FFXIV Writing Challenge - Prompt #13: Confluence

Part six of the stories about the Golden Vipers Seeker of the Sun tribe after most of them were tempered by a false depiction of their Goddess for many turns. Part One || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6 || Part 7 || Part 8 || Part 9

It would take many suns to travel on drakeback from their Ananta sister-tribe’s dwelling to the Shroud, and then even longer still to get to the territory of the Moon Wanderers. L’rkah of the Golden Vipers wasn’t entirely sure how to get there, which is why he was travelling with the old Sun Nunh L’khua instead of taking an aetheryte. It would be much faster that way, if draining, but he had only learned of their existence during his time living in the city-state of Ul’dah. Khua and the others had never used them, and so they were stuck travelling the traditional manner.

Something he would have reveled in normally. They used to travel all the way to the southern Sagolii desert where his tribe’s ancestral waters were in a large secret oasis from where their sister-tribe dwelled in Gyr Abania and back again. The road had been their home more than either destination had been, and he had never gotten used to staying in the same place for very long. But Nunh and Tia were travelling with just the two of them now. It allowed for a much faster pace, but it also made him feel exposed, lonely, and home-sick for the voices and laughter of his people. 

Khua was easily winded these suns, so he had focus his energy on directing his drake. There wasn’t any left for talk or song. At least they wouldn’t have to go around the Shroud now that the Hedge was weakened so much it might as well be gone, Rkah figured, though he wondered how much time that would really cut from their travels. The woods were still dense and wild in most of the Twelvewoods, unsuitable for travel on drakes that were used to the openness of desert and savanna, and neither man would know the way.

Not like he knew it here, and as the road merged with another, he took the left branch without thinking until Khua grabbed his reins and halted his mount with a low hiss. “Hm, we go south-wesst here,” Rkah remarked. Goddess, has he forgotten the way?

“No, we don’t. I do, but you go north, to the ssettlement. There’ss one of those big crystalss there, you can usse those to magic your way to the Sshroud, no?”

Rkah sat there, stunned. It took him a few tries before his split tongue decided to work again. “What do you mean, the aetheryte? What would be the point of that, I’d be there sennightss before you,” he protested. 

“Indeed,” the old man agreed, tossing him a small satchel which the Tia caught out of hunter reflex more than he was ready for it. “I’ve made a lisst of the thingsss we will need to greet our Moon brethren. Normally we’d keep our sstocks of them full while we travel, but ssome can only be found on the ssouthern partss of the woodss, or in Thanalan and the desert. You will go ahead, get uss what we need, and we will meet up in the Sshroud without adding yet more time to our journey. I know we are in a bit of a hurry here,” the older man said with a wry smile. “And you didn’t think we can just barge into their woods without any offerings, hm?” 

Rkah honestly hadn’t even given it a single heartbeat of thought, he realized as the inner parts of his large ears started to flush with mild embarrassment. Khua laughed and clasped his shoulder. “Will you be alright though, all by yoursself? You’re…” Not well, Rkah thought, but he didn’t find the heart to say it. He was rewarded with a playful shove that almost unseated him.

“I’m well capable, little cub. Plus I’ll have two fierce drakess at my side. Off you go.” 

The Tia didn’t dare hesitate, jumping down before the old Viper decided that he’d take the mount by force. “Be good to her, sshe getss grumpy if you don’t feed her on time.” 

“Don’t we all, cub. Don’t we all.” With that, the Nunh was off, not bothering with the long goodbyes he had given the others of his tribe. He didn’t look back even once after binding the second drake’s reins to his saddle, something Rkah chose to see as a good sign. One of trust. So much for travelling together, he thought, wondering why he was slightly disappointed. He’d been the one urging haste, after all. No time to dwell on things, the Tia concluded as he started heading north.

[mythriteshah]

Master becomes Student

The afternoon would soon come to an end; the sun had begun to make its descent once more into the eastern reaches of the heavens, providing most exquisite scenery of vermillion skies above the Bounty.  The Diamond Sultan had decided to enjoy a stroll outside of the Main Branch Headquarters. The bustle in the streets was beginning to die down as merchants began packing up their wares for the eve. Those who recognized Lord Thiji as he made his leisurely walk would smile and bow in respect as he passed by. His only response would be a curt nod and a dismissive wave of his hand, returning them to their own matters.

Eventually his trek would take him outside of the city, to the Wakeful Torana - the great bridge which connected the plateau on which stood the colorful commercial hub. Approaching the gates, the sight of another Angel would come into view.  She stood at attention, like a sentinel, a Thavnairian partisan clutched in her right hand.  Garbed in the uniform of the Aldenard Branch, she gave Thiji a salute as he came within six fulms, which he would return one in response.

“Salaam, and good evening, My Sultan,” greeted the Angel.  “Luluma Luma, Apsara of Diligence, reporting. May I escort you in your stroll?”

The Diamond Sultan silently nodded, accepting her offer before setting off into the mainland.  Theirs would be a quiet, uneventful walk down the bridge, which would afford them the ideal window for conversation.  Once they were outside of earshot from the Radiant Host, Luluma would heave a content sigh before she would speak…

“You’ve come far, My Sultan.  We all have. I still remember vividly our years in the Deep Sagolii, training in Cape Deadwind to combat the deadly predators that would undoubtedly harry us as we carved our own little piece of Radz-at-Han in the sea of sand.  I may have been harsh on you at times, but you were wise far beyond your years; you knew that such hardships would come naturally, what with being in the desert for so long.  Though I could do little to help you with matters of the heart… I did all I could to aid in the matters of the martial to compensate.  And I could not have been any prouder to have been your tutor.  The many battles you have witnessed and learned from began to shine through when Valide Sultan visited Gyr Abania…”

Luluma was referring to the Angels’ Gauntlet, a brief event of combat and cultivation which occurred in the sacred shrine of Hidden Tear, nestled in the Peaks.  It was during this series of duels that Thiji would discover the manifestation of his Echo: Cryokinesis.  The glory of combat catalyzed the latent aether within the Diamond Sultan which would set off a chain of events that would culminate with his ice-aspected ascension. 

“You were staring down primals and all sorts of deadly fiends in the face for so long that you’ve achieved martial perfection long before even I was at the threshold.  I wanted to try and keep up with you, for how could I call myself a master when I was being outclassed by malms?”

The two would then stop and turn back towards the city, beholding the twin matanga edifices that loomed over the entrance.  Luluma would then grin widely as a solitary tear of joy fell across her cheeks.

“But that was when it hit me: you were already advancing by leaps and bounds because of all we had faced together.  Seeing you dance around the battlefield with unparalleled grace and strength always left me speechless… I swore I was falling in love, hehe… and even long after you hung up the mantle of adventurer, you maintained your prowess through constant training; honing your abilities alone and with us in secret. That you still practice with your Angels – with me, especially – brings me no small amount of joy and honor, for there is so much for me to learn just from your combat acumen.  You’re a merchant-lord; a fashion guru; a philanthropist; an all-around good Samaritan… but you’re also a warrior.  That icy heart of yours beats as fiercely and valiantly as any other soldier or loyalist.  And from one warrior to another: I get a little jovial when I see that glow on your face – that glint in your eye – when you’re enjoying yourself in a battle…”

The Angel gave Thiji a confident smirk.  Normally this would be a gesture of acceptance between fighters, but the Diamond Sultan immediately noticed the visual cue, and his features tensed.  He had an instant flashback of a similar circumstance in the Sagolii Desert, when he was but a lordling just getting to swing his first lance.  Utilizing pugil sticks at the time, he would recall Luluma opening with a full counterclockwise spin to the young lord’s left, which he had barely managed to parry. She would then follow up with a graceful twirl to strike at his right hip, stunning him.  As he was reeling from the blow, Luluma would then backstep, sand kicking up from her maneuver, before dashing towards Thiji to deliver a fierce upward strike.  Thiji could but barely defend himself with his weapon before he found himself flying several yalms in the air, his pugil stick knocked clean from his hands and falling to his side.  This was Luluma’s trademark technique: The “Lesson Number One”.

Snapping back to the present, he braced himself for Luluma’s onslaught.  Like clockwork, Luluma would perform that same counterclockwise spin to strike at the Diamond Sultan’s left.  He would effortlessly raise a right hand, opposing the force of her attack to push her away.  Luluma used this change in momentum to her advantage, wheeling back around for a sweep at the right hip.  Thiji would respond in kind by balling his right hand into a fist, bringing it down to create another opposing force to block Luluma’s attack.  With two of her strikes now deflected, Luluma resorted to the backstep.  In the time between her retreat, Thiji – in a split-second flash of movement – readied his dupatta and threw it towards Luluma, the cloth wrapping itself around the partisan’s haft.  She could only gasp in awe before Thiji gave a hard tug, causing the weapon to slip from her grasp.  Luluma was able to regain her footing long enough to watch the partisan being flung back around and sprung into the air, as Thiji would attempt to sweep her off her feet.

Touching back down, Luluma would look up and notice that the partisan was already pointed against her neck. Thiji gave a smirk of his own, having passed Luluma’s test once more as he unraveled his icy fabric and returned the weapon to its rightful owner.  She gave a bow and could only smile brightly at how far her lord has come.  He was definitely no longer the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed lordling from the Sagolii.  He had become something malms greater, and her contribution towards this made her proud to serve.

“Though it has long passed, I want to say it: I’m no longer your tutor, My Sultan.  Your skill far surpasses mine own, but I will still uphold the honor of being your Quartermaster and combat specialist.  The next generation of Angels will need someone to teach them a few pointers, after all.”

Thiji nodded in approval, and having sensed the end of Luluma’s lecture, set back towards the city as twilight fell upon Thavnair.  She silently watched him and would shed another tear of joy for her Sultan…

“Etheirys will always have need of defenders, Lord Thiji… even Halone Herself would agree,” Luluma called out, heart swelling with pride.  She watched until Thiji would be out of view before she made her way southward, to the Shroud of the Samgha.

[autumnslance]

MiqoMarch 9 & 11: Favorite Zone + Desert

“There’s no place like home! So many people think ‘desert’ means an empty lifeless expanse of sand and that is super not true! Thanalan by itself is so diverse and has so many cool places and sure it’s mostly arid cuz that’s really what makes a desert you know is the lack of precipitation but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely without cool waterfalls and places of greenery and all sorts of animals and anyway I think it’s all really pretty if you know where to look!

“Even the seemingly endless dunes of the Sagolii has secret ruins and oases and all sorts of places if you know how to find them and speaking it’s hot and a dusty so stopping off at the Forgotten Springs--it’s such a funny name isn’t it cuz how they be forgotten if everyone knows where they are--anyroad it sounds like a great plan to call it a day here!“

[kellachfromthewoods]

Aberrant

"You can't do this! Do you realize what you're trying to do!?"

The days where Einrich had a snappy answer to that, without obscuring the sheer ignominy of the act, were long gone. The opportunity passed him by, and unless one of the few members of his renegade anti-Garlean unit decided to open their mouths, none would know.

Perhaps it was the distance from the war, but lately he found himself questioning on the moral intent of that question. How many were questioning his aberrant plan and trying to appeal to an ethical side that was burned in the fires of the bearded Woods' people?

He never questioned the Ala Mhigans who lost their homes - They had lost much. However, even if it was in a slum in Ul'dah or in an inhospitable part of the southern Sagolii, Ala Mhigans existed and would do so for some significant time. Their story survived.

Denizens of the Secret Island? They were no more.

Much like his brother, he never bothered visiting. The miasma of rotting corpses, at least for those who didn't die in the city's fire, was likely toxic, and the risk of voidsent was high. After all, they drowned in the flames of madness.

So when an Ala Mhigan sought to appeal to a sense of humanity that was long gone when it came to Garleans, he knew exactly what to answer to them. Simply put, he would show them what was necessary to ensure that their pain would never occur again.

To the last. That was their credo.

Yet these days, he was starting to doubt that they would have been able to succeed and then the others who asked that question echoed into his mind.

They were not asking about the ethics of the plan. They were questioning Einrich Woods' ability to execute it. Once he saw the sheer size of the Garlean operation, he figured out why.

His actions were neither ethical nor plausible. They would have to spray the strain of specifically aetheroengineered Black Rose across all of Eorzea, Ilsabard, Othard and Hingashi, to say nothing of the high seas.

Einrich had become an aberration the same as the Garleans who had accidentally eradicated his people. A driven man devoid of purpose. Even his copy of the Thavnaira Medica was no longer a tome fit for healing. It was a monument to torture and poisoning techniques. Even in the few moments he could function as a normal spoken being, by pushing all of the now unjustified atrocities down, he always had that black mark on him. He could not let anyone see.

The Elements had long abandoned his people. The Twelve were not his gods. Primals were false idols. There was no one he could turn to for forgiveness. Even the Void avoided him.

Many would say he deserved it. Einrich would agree.

[faelune-home]

FFXIV Write #7: Speculate

(a/n: Both me and a friend that I’ve been musing about ffxiv write stuffs with both agreed that this prompt felt like a Scion prompt XD very scholarly and thinky feeling for this prompt.

For this one, I went with a more npc focused fic, showing Alisaie doing her pre-Coils research. I know she’s less of the scholarly type nowadays to differentiate her more from her brother, but I still like to appreciate that she still went to the Studium and graduated highly as well. She’s still a very smart person that managed to sus out the Bahamut stuff on her own. It’d be nice to see it acknowledged again. ^-^

I worry this got a bit over wordy in some places, but I still feel confident in what I wrote. ^-^ I just very much like the twins and want to write them more, so I’m glad I managed to do a piece for Ali here at least.

Word count: 1106)

Alisaie was never fond of the aether reading goggles. Too big and unwieldy, but unfortunately, as every aetherology teacher at the Studium would insist and press upon her, they were the best tool for the job of viewing the surrounding aether levels. And loath as she was to admit it, they had a point, and Eorzea was a fine place to witness such changes, with the vast quantities that swarmed in the air and exuded from the earth.

She could almost imagine that the many sages and scholars of Old Sharlayan would be dying to study these lands, even more so after the Calamity struck five years prior, if they hadn’t long left it behind, too stubborn to return.

It was the Calamity itself she had decided to study, alone, wishing to avoid being associated with the Scions, at least officially. She kept in touch with Urianger for updates, and Minfilia was kind enough to call Alisaie a Scion all the same, allowing her access to whatever resources they would have if so needed. Although for her own pride, she had stuck to her own self thus far in her research, nothing more than some clunky goggles and her school teachings from home to guide her.

It was widely known that after the Calamity - the great moon Dalamud shattering into a million pieces during its descent, letting loose the mighty primal Bahamut, while the moon’s remnants tumbled to the land below - the already aether rich Eorzea became even more abundant with the clusters of corrupted crystals that rained upon the continent. Mayhap even Bahamut’s spirit upon his destruction added to the now plentiful aether that suffused the world.

Mayhap even her grandfather-

That would be the other reason Alisaie wanted to work alone. Five years ago, her grandfather had disappeared into the thick of the chaos, and not a single word was heard from him after. Barely anyone seemed to talk about him either, for all he must’ve been one of the key players in protecting Eorzea from Bahamut’s onslaught. What few reports she had heard from his Archons placed him on the frontlines at least. He must’ve been there, yet no other word of where he went.

Well, she could do that then. The mystery of his disappearance, of what occured during Bahamut’s fall. Alisaie wasn’t one to call herself a scholar, but she had plenty of knowledge and the desire to learn the truth, and she would use whatever scholarly puzzling she had at her disposal to do so. After all, she had graduated from the Studium as well, even if her brother liked to flaunt his oh so esteemed teachings more.

She would receive a breakthrough soon enough, not long after news began to spread across the land as a so-called Warrior of Light came to be lauded for stopping the 14th Legion alongside the Scions. Word from Urianger told her that it was the miqo’te woman she and Alphinaud had met at those showy memorial ceremonies hosted by the city states. An unassuming if cheery person, from what Alisaie could recall of her. And apparently a busy one since then, given the acclaim.

Initially, Alisaie didn’t give the woman much more thought, given that they hadn’t crossed paths yet and had no reason to do so. She continued on with her aetheric measurements, dull as it had grown with little changes across the land. Summonings and despawnings were noted, however only in small quantities, nothing that matched what few readings were taken of Bahamut’s awakening. The only suspicious measurement she had noticed was an odd surge in the aether sometime after the defeat of the Ultima Weapon, one that did come close to the readings taken that fateful day.

Then one day, while she was taking readings in the Sagolii Desert, beginning as another normal day with the same unchanging records, there was a spike. Fluctuations and variations that were so abnormal, compared to the monotony she’d seen thus far for days on end - with the exception of that one reading, which the new figures matched almost completely.

In a linkpearl call to Urianger to inform him of the readings, she also learned that that same day, most likely around the same time even, the Warrior of Light had been sent to fight off a newly summoned Ifrit. Maybe it was a coincidence or perhaps…

Alisaie had a theory now. Some few days later, she made for Coerthas, hearing from Urianger that Garuda had been summoned as well. Briefly passing through the Shroud on her way, she made a note of a smaller summoning, no doubt the errant Moogle problem that had also come up. However the pompous King couldn’t compare to the flurry of aether currents brought forth after Garuda’s defeat. Another shift similar to the great roar from before.

The final re-summoning took her to La Noscea, and gave her stronger proof to her speculations, as well as opening up another avenue for her to explore. For the defeat of Titan once again brought about the same patterns in the aether, matching the previous primals, and the readings from that one day. And along with it, a revelation pointing toward an unassuming Castrum tucked away just near Wineport.

A check with Y’shtola via Urianger informed her that it was Castrum Occidens, a research facility commissioned by Van Baelsar. One connected to a series of caverns deep beneath the earth, opened up by a great shard of Dalamud embedded into the land. With that, she had it; her link to the Calamity.

Perhaps she finally had a lead that could explain what happened five years ago. It would be difficult to gain access to the base on her own, as accomplished in combat as she was, being the one thing she had over her brother. And even after the Empire’s guards, there would also be traversing the deep caverns and whatever roamed within them. As much as Alisaie wished to continue working alone, she wasn’t a fool to ignore when she would need an extra hand. 

But Urianger could employ someone for that task. Meanwhile Alisaie could begin getting in touch with any family aids she knew were based in Eorzea. A large-scale expedition would need many hands on deck, but preferably ones easily sworn to secrecy. The city states only needed to know the basics, and even then when all the information had been collected.

The most important thing that mattered was that she could finally begin her search in full. The secret of the Calamity and of Bahamut’s sudden appearance that day.

And the mystery of her grandfather’s disappearance.

[smallest-turtle]

Piety, Control, Perception for all 4 characters!

Sorry we had some TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES with getting this post out the door.

asks still open for this prompt list

PIETY : How does religion affect your character’s lifestyle? CONTROL : What is your character’s view of fate/destiny? PERCEPTION : Does your character think in the short-term/on impulse, or do they think about the long-term future?

Deidre Hunt

Piety: After becoming Hydaelyn’s chosen weapon Deidre pretty much lost her faith in the 12, and no longer does anything notable regarding the practice. However, due to being from the Twelveswood and being a White Mage, she still has regard for the Elementals. Before she joined the Scions and the reality of the situation set in her Patron was Oschon, the moon she was born under. As she grew up she got more desperate to escape home and travel, with adventuring not really her Ideal but more so the only option she could imagine. When she was 16 her father found the bag she had stashed away, and they had a fight. In the aftermath she tattooed Oschon’s symbol on each of her inner ankles, permanent prayers to broaden her horizons. 

 Control: Deidre believes in fate and destiny as constructs of Hydaelyn; as the Mothercrystal influencing the trajectory of her life and her major landing points. This is especially prominent after they go through Emet’s recreation of the Final Days, and Zenos points out they are going through it together, just as before. (They being him, Deidre, Haurchefant, Caelen, and Ryne.) The fact that the sundered versions of Cassandra and those who supported her in her search for another solution are all together again? Deidre refuses to believe it’s a coincidence.

Perception: Deidre has always had to think in the long term for the sake of others. Planning for the sake of others is how she tends to go. Even when she does make ‘selfish’ decisions, they either go into the long term or she makes sure not to leave things undone; for example planning to go to the conjurers guild before getting into any real adventuring, or waiting until Ultima was destroyed and Thancred had been saved to make her (unsuccessful) break away from the Scions. Even decisions that seem impulsive (remaining a cat in Il Mheg for a bit instead of Immediately seeking help) are actually thought out, though a few aren’t really (Hello DRK class). She thinks for the long term, and she plans for it, especially when the long term is going to go badly. 

Caelen Hunt

Piety: Like his sister he has a regard for the Elementals, but other than some sailor superstitions he’s picked up in Limsa he’s not exactly a faithfully religious person. He’s not one for prayer, but he is still culturally raised in the Eorzean faith. It’s unlikely that they had a church where they grew up, but I HC that there are a lot of folk songs depicting the Twelve and their stories that they were raised with, and that he could still play if asked.

Control: Caelen didn’t put much stock into fate or destiny until Deidre pointed out what I put into her paragraph for this question. He doesn’t really think of anything as what someone is Meant to do, you either do it or you don’t, and that’s that. They’re choices. He ran away to Limsa to become a sailor, but was turned away because he was 12, and joined the rogue’s guild for a time instead. He doesn’t think it’s fate or destiny that he decided to go back to Carvallain when he’d gotten older just because it ended up with him reconnecting with his sister, they could have easily remained oblivious to one another. He could have never been involved in any of her life after he ran away. He likes life better the way it is, but he thinks of things as one decision away from ending up totally different, and that’s not really fate.

Perception: Caelen is generally more impulsive. He is good for short term solutions, which is why he works well with Alphinaud, who thinks like Deidre. His impulsive (less planned out) decisions far outweigh his long term decisions. This is a boy who, due to a nightmare about Deidre being killed by a dragon, snuck into Ishgard to check on her. No thought to where he was going to stay after that, or what he’d do if he got caught. He also decides to part with the Krakens in Hingashi so that he can help the party come to an agreement with the Confederacy, when they need to. How? Well he’ll figure it out when it happens. His ability to long term plan is based specifically around the subject of farming, which helps the Crystarium a fair bit, but that’s kind of where it ends lol.

B’sahla Pahsh

Piety: B’sahla is a Seeker, dedicated to Azeyma. She prays at sunrise and looks to the goddess for guidance on her path, believing that Azeyma nudges her in the directions of people she can help bring justice to. She does not believe she doles out divine justice on behalf of the goddess however, mostly that she is guided to people she is capable of helping. A lot of opening level side quests in Thanalan are good examples of this sort of work.

Control: The idea of fate an destiny makes B’sahla particularly upset due to the circumstances that led to her being an adventurer and thus joining the Scions. The thought that the slow dying out of her tribe from territorial disputes with the U, Amaljan raids, and the plummeting amount of resources in the Sagolii due to Dalamud and the following Calamity, was all fate just to put her in the correct life position to become the Warrior of Light, is just too cruel for her to bear. 

Perception: B’sahla also thinks on the long term, but more emotionally than tactically. The decision that best showcases this is when she discovers her pregnancy after the attack on the waking sands. She keeps it a secret, which is a long term decision rather than a short term one, because with her health history she does not expect to remain so, and she wishes to avoid the extended grief that would come from the Scions also expecting and then loosing with her. When B’valia is not only born but also survives, she quickly plans the long term for that, by naming Haurchefant as B’valia’s Warden and second guardian, were anything to happen to her in battle. 

Philomena de Arboraux

Piety: Another Gridanian White Mage. Though Nophica and Halone are bitter rivals, Philomena and her brother would probably pay tribute to both goddesses, due to their split heritage between their Ishgardian mother and Gridanian father. Being a healer, Philomena would most likely favor Nophica, though as a member of the Warrior of Light’s regular party a prayer to the war goddess wouldn’t hurt. She also has faith in the Mothercrystal’s protection, but does not have a habit of praying to Hydaelyn until the scions start being called to the First.

Control: She doesn’t exactly believe in fate as much as she believes herself to be guided by Hydaelyn, which she does not perceive negatively. Following that guidance was her decision, not Hydaelyn’s. The Goddess may have put it into motion so that the members of the FC came to be in the correct places, or she may have chosen those with the Echo because they were in the correct places. Of course, none of them can be sure. Philomena thinks it best not to dwell on it too much. They’re all choosing to save people anyway, why make a fuss about how you got here?

Perception: Philomena isn’t a huge planner, something I’m realizing is a bit of a funny parallel between her and Caelen because they’re both OCs that I have end up in a relationship with Alphinaud (Different Universes, Philomena is B’sahla’s continuity alone). She tends to see what pieces she has at her disposal, and arrange them all as situations arise, rather than plan for situations ahead of time. Sort of like collecting materials and then making a project, rather than buying materials with a project in mind. 

I’m sorry this took four days to answer, Anon, I hope you see it.

[dat-assize]

A sudden pair of warm, delicate hands grasp at Lily's bust from behind, the fingers lightly pressing in on the soft mounds. The miqo'te behind her made a confused sound before finally speaking. "Lily...how do you find a bra big enough for these?! I have trouble finding ones for my own, and these are bigger!" ((Sorry not sorry I'm always a sucker for surprise mom gropes ok lissen))

The screams were probably something Tola was used to by now--there’s literally three people in the world that do this to her, and only one that she really expects it from by now! The Au Ra practically jumped several fulm into the air from the squeeze, breasts bouncing heavily in the Miqo’te’s hands when she remembered to come back down from her tiptoes.“I--warn me next time!” the flustered woman swatted away the other’s hands, to turn around and motion to her midsection. “Though, since you asked--corsets are your best friend! I’m just wearing an underbust one today because I needed a little breathing room. Do you realize just how squished I have to be to get into one normally?”@sagolii-snowflake

[xmimiteh]

LIGHT SOURCES

At first I was unsure on how to mark these things. But then I just went along with: Does this “somehow” apply to X’mimiteh - in one way or another. Figuratively and literally. So this is how I went along in case if you are wondering and why some things seem to contradict each other a bit. Especially when it comes to hair, because ... well, Mimi changes her hairstyle a lot.

sun rays.

effervescent smiles, dandelion puffs, bare feet, beach waves, flowers pressed into books, champagne glasses, rose-gold eye shadow, boho skirts, wire-rimmed glasses, hair in loose waves, kaleidoscope eyes, sunshine in your hair, fire in your soul.

incandescent bulbs.

crop tops, floral print, dancing in the rain, quiet defiance, hand-knit beanies, rosé, painted bookmarks, marble floors, cirrus clouds against a blue sky, polaroid pictures, hands held, fingers intertwined, flower crowns, baby bluebirds.

stardust.

lace bralettes, brisk breezes, jasmine-scented perfume, books with yellowed pages, tracking constellations, sterling silver, violin music, chess games, iced coffee, glittery dresses, high heels, secret grins, midnight meetings, wishing upon a star.

candle flames.

denim jackets, gladiator sandals, braided hair, messenger bags, movies at the cinema, stolen kisses, wax-sealed envelopes, haiku poetry, cherry wood, succulents, fountain pens, jigsaw puzzles, soft tired eyes, hidden smiles, cuddling with someone you trust.

moonbeams.

newspapers, over-sized sweaters, dancing shadows, fleece throws, cutoff shorts, piano chords, red wine, messy buns, embossed journals, a hint of blush dusted across your cheeks, freshly fallen snow, tranquil solitude, burning incense, light hair and dark skin.

auroras.

combat boots, burgundy lips, infectious laughter, spiral-bound notebooks, pencils used down to the stub, ripped jeans, painted nails, cloud-watching, summer thunderstorms, hiking trails, vinyl records, film cameras, skating on a frozen lake, hot chocolate by the fire.

fireworks.

dancing until the break of dawn, Heelys, being wheeled around in a shopping cart by your best friend, the euphoria of soaring through the air, being excited for what the future holds, group hugs, colorful tattoos, bronzer-highlighted cheeks, hugging a stuffed animal, lifting a child onto your shoulders, space buns, bright streaks in your hair.

Tagged by: @ysandrethedreamer​ @kitty-candlestick​ - Thank you so much for tagging me! Tagging: @nightmaze​ @geisterfuchs​ @mischiefandmystics​ @luli-xiv​ @moonlifter​ @fair-fae​ @utameiday​ @jancisstuff​ @bearcattes​ @avwalya​ @mirkemenagerie​ @sagolii-sandcat​ @strayed-from-the-sun​ @kitanitayuun​ @lizard-wanderer​ @panaceaxiv​ @chocoboinspectorbalduin​ @yshai-tia​, @kich-rp​, @catnipescapades​​ @amahrigold​ @handofcards​ @siyoh-mari​ @mai-takeda​ @ivyffxiv​ @captainkurosolaire​ @zhauric​ @vylette-elakha​ @ahumblewoodcarver​ @wondereverlasting​ and everyone who wants to do it, but has not been tagged. If so feel tagged and tag me in return, so I can read your text.

[gregoshorner]

Prompt 10: Avail

Southern Thanalan was a brutal place to live, even within the small settlement of Little Ala Mhigo. Gregos' parents tried to get into the gates of Ul'dah to be spit back out. With little gil to their name and a child to take care for, they did what most other refugees did and traveled to Broken Water.

Gregos' father, distraught over his beloved homeland's fall, made it his mission to mold Gregos into the finest axeman he could - whether the child wanted to or not. Instead of attending class with the others his age, Gregos would be out practicing how to defend himself and his home. Any toy or game that others played his father would rip from his hands. Afterall if the boy had time to play, he had time to train.

And he hated it - every moment of it. Though his father said he was natural, any mistake would be met with punishment no matter how small it would be. As Gregos grew from a boy to a young man, the worst was when he would be forced into the Sagolii desert with just a waterskin, and his weapon at best. "Come back with food or don't come back at all." was all his father say.  A twisted way of showing Gregos that he could stand on his own and a way to "toughen him up."

Those days were long for him. The monsters roaming the desert alone could quickly kill him. He would keep his eyes out for more manageable prey - but they were faster than he would like. Even worse were the tribes roaming around - Gregos would even try to befriend some to a cold shoulder.

Each night he would set up camp by himself, attempting to start a small fire. As the sun settled past the dunes, the temperatures would plummet. He would fall asleep with or without the warmth of a fire only to start the day again, searching again for a mark suitable to bring back to his family.

Though sometimes, he would wake up to find a small pouch filled with fruit and dried meat nestled into his arms. Someone has been keeping watchful eyes on him. It wasn't his father, but the highlander never found out who. Occasionally, he would try to stay awake to try to catch a glimpse of who it was. Only once did he see someone move in the shadows - they had a fluffy white tail and amber eyes.

Years later, Gregos would meet the miqo'te, who helped him survive his father's trials. A chance encounter during a mission with Diego and the Warden's Vane. Though Gregos' black hair was blue and he wore his headwrap, the Keeper named U'odh quickly recognized him. It was the closure that Gregos needed; if it weren't for a stranger's kindness, the highlander most likely would have perished in the sands. At last, Gregos could thank his secret guardian.

[relic-xiv]

Secrets of the Sagolii pt. 1: Rising Suns

Nonoimo leaned back across a chaise longue, taking up far less space than the length of the furnishing but letting no-one else near. Across the hall, the surprisingly lanky, spindly looking lalafell watched as women danced for him on a stage which he had made specifically for that purpose. He spun a comically villainous mustache before stroking along its length. If this were a film, which this absolutely wasn’t, because not only do films not exist and what are we even talking about but this is absolutely real life, there would be some ominous score in the background or something. 

If all had gone to plan, it would be at about this time that The Professor and his...well, whatever she was, would be staging their attempt to obtain the armillary sphere from his competition at Velena Imports. When he had caught wind that they were trying to unlock Shoshotepo’s tomb, he had sensed an opportunity. He had heard of the man. In The Field, it wasn’t hard. Every archaeology enthusiast had at least passing knowledge of the man, and those with...criminal leanings, were keenly aware of how much trouble him and his ilk had once been, many years ago. True, perhaps the man was on the straight and narrow now--or as narrow as someone like him could ever be, but at one time, he and his were nothing bout pain and quite a few financial losses. At least one exploding train. Yet, where others see trouble, Nonoimo saw only opportunity.  A threat can be counted as an asset, if only you are mindful of three things:

Everyone has a price. Everyone has something dear to them. Everyone will try and double-cross you.

If one keeps all of that accounted for, anyone can be considered to be in service to you. Every act of treachery just as valuable as your most loyal hounds. Suffice to say, it didn’t take long before he reached out: if they help him, he would give them one of the three gemstones they needed to open the tomb. At least, this is what he had told them. His show was interrupted, as were his thoughts, by the creak of a door followed by the soft chimes of the attached bell to his chambers. His head jerked sharply, and he stared with a shrewd expression towards the intruder. It was a thin, elegant looking hyuran woman which they settled on. One with calm eyes, and a subdued demeanor.

“Father,” she began. Her eyes cast down to the floor, as though ashamed of her intrusion. “I am sorry to interrupt your...show.” The women departed, just as she pardoned herself--they hid behind curtains, or left out another door. Nonoimo’s brow furrowed in disappointment. “We’ve lost another caravan, in the Sagolii.”

“The Amal’jaa?” Nonoimo straightened himself up. He allowed himself a long drag from his pipe before blowing out smoke rings in the direction of the now empty stage.

“No, Father. Not the Amal’jaa. It is...the sands. It swallowed them up, as though it hungered. At the mouth of Azeyma’s Path.” She hesitated, for a moment, “.. Where Azeyma’s path once was.” An important distinction--the ruins they sought were long gone, buried beneath the sands.

Nonoimo couldn’t help but scowl at the--at the incompetence of his men! Never mind that it wasn’t in any meaningful capacity their fault. Villainous madmen don’t exactly think along those lines, you see. “Useless little worms! They’re not worth the alms I throw them. Not the scraps of the scraps of the hounds!” He shoved himself off of his seat and approached the girl. He noticed how she shrank from him, in fear of his anger. He noticeably calmed, the lines fading from his face and his eyes losing their indignation in favor of a calm, placid acceptance. He climbed upon a dresser, confident none could see him in such an embarrassing act, to place his hand upon her cheek. “It is of no matter, Mualla. And this was never your fault. Soon, I shall have Ferun Terun’s Armillary. From there, no path shall ever be unlit by Oschon’s wisdom. All will be well. We just…” a sigh, “need to be patient.”

“And ensure our ‘friend’s’ success?” the girl--Mualla--intoned questioningly.

“Yes, dear.” Another pat to her cheek. “As a matter of fact! If you would be so inclined, perhaps it is time that you proved your value. Go to them. Aid them. Ensure that their efforts come to fruition. A new day comes! Let not the fresh sapling of an organization find itself burned, under the rising sun.”

Mualla couldn’t help but smile, at the notion of--of a chance to prove herself. To be Mualla Katirci no longer. She parted from Nonoimo, mouthing a brief ‘thank you,’ before parting and making her way to meet the band of intrepid scholars and adventurers, at the time they would all inevitably convene for their first expedition.

[vylette-takeda]

Personality, D&D Class: Vylette

bold what definitely applies to your muse. italicize what somewhat applies to your muse.

𝙱𝙰𝚁𝙱𝙰𝚁𝙸𝙰𝙽   »   toothy  grins,  stories  around  the  campfire,  clothes  covered  in  pet  hair,  hot  temper,  old  jeans, heartbeat  in  head,  potatoes  and  steak,  beaded  jewelry, bruises  like  galaxies,  mementos, backpack  stuffed  full,  craigslist  furniture, spontaneous  road  trips, air  ripped  from  lungs

𝙱𝙰𝚁𝙳   »   homemade  bread, white  lies, easily  excited,  trying  on  hats,  band  geek, pep  talks,  no impulse  control,  sunsets,  vintage  fashion,  long  showers,  selfies, following  dreams, rosy  cheeks,  song  mash-ups,  pink  lemonade  with  tequila,  loves  easily, animated  storyteller,  full  of  comebacks

𝙲𝙻𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙲   »   list  of  wishes,  biting  their  tongue, band-aids  and  neosporin, shoulder  to  cry  on,  morning  sun,  necklaces,  trial  and  error,  homemade  quilts, formal  clothing,  astrology  fan,  messages  in  bottles,  pleated  braids, speaking  up  for  friends, feathers, motivational  quotes, vivid  dreams

𝙳𝚁𝚄𝙸𝙳   »   bird  watching, shy  kid,  wind  chimes, trying  to  whistle,  summer  camp, apple  orchards, lost  in  their  head,  glow-in-the-dark  stars  on  the  ceiling,  hoodies, thrift  shopping,  saving  worms  off  the  sidewalk, pig  latin, bare  feet, thunderstorms, numb  fingers,  braided  hair,  naming  potted  plants

𝙵𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃𝙴𝚁   »   goosebumps, leather  jackets,  adventure,  chewing  nails,  cares  deeply  but  can’t  show  it,  bronze  locks,  no  sleep,  taste  of  iron,  netflix  binges,  never  forgets, combat  boots (spurs included),  stories  behind  scars,  table  for  one,  official  soundtracks,  sore  calves, trusts  themselves  the  most

𝙼𝙾𝙽𝙺   »   always  trying  to  be  better, wanderlust,  meditation,  sweat  pants, old   photographs,  yoga, sleeping  in  hammocks, nostalgia, minimalist  design,  a breath  of  fresh  air, baby  animals,  volunteering,  perfectionist,  doesn’t  care  about  fashion,  healthy  snacks,  noticing  the  little  things

𝙿𝙰𝙻𝙰𝙳𝙸𝙽   »   school  uniforms, thick  jackets, sleeping  with  the  windows open, logical  advice,  scrapbooking,  compasses, i  fight  for  my  friends,  sculpture  gardens, cold  morning  air,  big  soul, likes  routine, secret  romantic, last  to  get jokes, sunflowers,  practical  presents,  misty  weather

𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙴𝚁   »   herbal  tea, smell  of  rain,  blinking  away  tears, camping  trips, collecting  bones,  swiss  army  knives,  first  impressions,  anxious  thoughts,  bobby  pins,  burnt  marshmallows,  too  competitive,  clothes  lines,  messenger  bags, holding  grudges,  gets  along  better  with  animals  than  people

𝚁𝙾𝙶𝚄𝙴   »   flirtatious  sarcasm,  candid  photos, lost  phone chargers, adrenaline  rush, picking  dirt  out  from  beneath  their  nails,  social  chameleon,  clashing  clothes,  self-deprecating  jokes,  claw  machines,  sits  in  chairs  wrong,  smudged  eyeliner,  has  too  many  sunglasses (this is a trick, there is no such thing as too many sunglasses),  eats  nothing  or  everything

𝚂𝙾𝚁𝙲𝙴𝚁𝙴𝚁   »   infectious  laugh,  family  trees,  shivers  down  their  spine,  lipstick  and  roses,  mood  swings,  clumsy,  believing  in  destiny,  high  expectations, sleeping  in  darkness,  collection  of  nail  polish, passionate,  good  grades  but  never  studies,  poetry  books,  blowing  kisses,  not  knowing  their  own  strength

𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙻𝙾𝙲𝙺   »   knowing  everyone’s  secrets,  backpack  covered  in  pins,  envy,  being  in  walmart  late  at  night,  earl  grey,  selective  memory,  conspiracy  theories  and  cryptids, key smashing, need  to  know  basis,  can’t  cook,  bags  under  eyes,  experimental  art,  flickering  bulbs,  black  clothing  all  year  long

𝚆𝙸𝚉𝙰𝚁𝙳   »   piles  of  textbooks,  cat  in  lap,  keeping  a  diary, indecision, scented  candles, studying  alone  in  a  café, lingering  touches,  museum  dates, unanswered  questions, taking  on  too  much  responsibility,  collections , chalk  dust,  comfy  robes,  unnecessary  apologies,  coming  home  after  a  long  day  

Tagged by: @zhauric, @the-shoosh, @resistance-ranger, @mai-takeda Thank you all ♥!

Tagging: @lareine-kira, @sharkycatsifoh, @roxinova @niomemizune @bombshell-gunners @rythasbrenelle @astralyehga @novaeagle @eligos-venator @handofcards @catnipescapades @avwalya @kyrie-silverwings @lizard-wanderer @thorstyrh @sagolii-sandcat @jenpants @miqojak @echoingsteel (you can do Aero if you prefer!) @ivyffxiv AND YOU!

[chrysalispen]

a very rough bit of sappiness from a WIP i have on the back burner, just so y’all know i’m not dead LMAO

====

Standing frozen before her bedchamber door all but vibrating with anxiety, trying not to grab handfuls of the Doman dressing robe that had been a nameday gift to herself last year, Aurelia found herself wondering what in all the seven hells she was thinking.

While still a student at the Valetudinarium she had attended a bridal shower for a young woman whose mother had been a friend of her aunt's. The majority of the gifts bestowed upon the bride had been of the practical variety, but she recalled in particular one carefully wrapped box passed amidst the flurry of gifts and foods and the nigh-unending flow of Dalmascan merlot. It had come with a knowing wink and a "to be shared with your husband." 

That message had been as cryptic to her as an Allagan hieroglyphic, until the moment the box’s lid had been removed and a chorus of piercing shrieks had erupted in scandalized delight at its contents: a sheer lacy black corset and a matching scrap of fabric that barely qualified as smallclothes.

A maid of seventeen winters not long in the capitol, she had never seen its like before. Her shocked reaction had prompted a fresh wave of laughter and not a few mutters about "rustic sensibilities" as the giggling bride placed the box on the hearth along with the piles of other gifts. She still recalled her own wide-eyed stare and the embarrassed heat in her cheeks, as she'd caught sight of both in the reflection of the mantelpiece mirror.

Over ten years later, peering into a hallway mirror to view the results of painstaking preparation, she felt the same distressing sense of acute self-consciousness. This set covered far more skin than that remembered bridal gift, but the delicate-looking straps of the garter belt supporting her thigh-high silk stockings somehow seemed every bit as salacious as that bare scrap of cloth. They peeked slyly beneath the hem of her robe like a half-revealed secret, no matter how snugly she wrapped it about herself for some semblance of modesty.

She was, if she were entirely honest, about two seconds away from hiding in her closet for the rest of the night.

Oh, for the gods' swiving sake, Laskaris, you can face a bleeding legatus on the battlefield but you can't be seen in some frivolous Thavnarian frippery? Gird your loins - with that ridiculous robe if it please you - and get on with it.

Unclenching her fists, Aurelia quickly opened the door- and paused, lingering small and shy and hesitant at the threshold. Nero still sat in her chair at the writing desk where she kept her journals, awaiting her return. His normally straight and exacting posture was a relaxed forward slouch, the laces of his fine shirt loose and open, chin braced upon his knuckles and his elbow upon the desk's well-worn surface. 

She could follow that characteristically hawkish gaze of his through the gap in the gauzy curtains of her bedroom window to their idle contemplation of the night sky beyond, if she cared to do so. She might have done in truth, were she not so charmed by the look of him in the moonlight, strangely serene and for once quite untroubled by the workings of the world.

A peasant's face, her aunt would have sniffed: its features were what the aristocratic sensibilities of the capitol would call ‘coarse.’ Broad and strong and quite often haggard- although as he sat lost in whatever thoughts held his attention in that moment, the angles and lines of his face were nearly smooth, and the watery light lent an almost dreamlike cast to high cheekbones and strong nose and square jaw. Even his ever-present shadow of a beard seemed lovely to her eyes. It gleamed in soft shades of aurum and auburn upon alabaster, deliberate suggestions of a painter's sponge upon a canvas. 

No matter the time of day, it was a face she privately loved to look upon, especially when he seemed to be happy- or, at the very least, content. She wasn’t all that certain she had ever seen him genuinely happy, and the thought was both saddening and sobering. 

But, she thought, it was accurate. Nero was possessed of a quick mind, a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue. He was also an intensely private man - as secretive about his true self as he was his personal junkets - and so unguarded instances like this one were so few and far between that she had learned to appreciate them. He’d notice her silent perusal quickly enough, of course; he would let fly some witticism or other and she would respond in kind. This soft window would fall shut before her eyes like all the others and perhaps it might resurface at some later date and perhaps it would not. 

It was all very predictable- and probably, Aurelia thought, also for the best. She feared these moments as much as she cherished them, for she was always afforded the briefest glimpses of a man she knew it would be possible to love were he ever to allow it.

And were you ever possessed of sufficient courage to wish for it.

--but tonight was not the night for such somber considerations. She had made a promise, one she intended to keep.

The sound of the falling latch at her back wrested his attention away from the window, and the moon's spell was broken. 

Even so, he nearly returned to his quiet contemplation for all of a brace of seconds before her sigh caused him to snap sharply upright in his seat, startling at her presence in a double take that might have been comical were the entire situation not so nerve-wracking.

She offered an uncertain smile, arms still folded over her chest. "Did I interrupt?"

"Not at all. You were on that call for quite some time." She didn't have to see his smirk to know it was there; she heard it in the teasing note of his voice. He was humoring her, knew she was dancing around some subject or other, simply wasn't sure what or why. "I was half-minded to send a search party."

She was very aware of the thin silk of her robe's hem whispering against flesh, perhaps an ilm or two higher than the lacy tops of the hosiery. The straps on her thighs and the metal clasps that braced her stockings would be visible the moment she stepped into the golden corona of light cast upon the floor by her lamp.

Anxiety nearly overwhelmed her again and she froze in place, uncertain how to proceed.

"I-..." Her mouth felt as dry as the dunes of the Sagolii. "Yes, I suppose I was. I..."

She made her slow approach on near-silent feet, hands clutching at her silk: staring at the floor, at the window, at the wall, anywhere but his face. Above all, she was afraid to see the sardonic amusement that must surely be writ large in his eyes. She knew she could not possibly be the least bit enticing, stammering and sweating mess that she was. She didn't need the reminder.

She drew up short when her shin struck the lip of the chair.

He'd shifted his knees, spreading them apart to allow her space. One of his hands settled over one of her white-knuckled fists where it grasped a handful of silk and curled so tightly into the weave that her fingernails had distended the fabric (a distant part of her mind fretted over it; she'd probably ruined the godsdamned thing).

"....I had something to give you," she began. With a deft touch his fingers wound into the curl of her grip as if it were a piece of malfunctioning machinery and gently divested it of the silk she'd clutched. "It's... it's a surprise, so..."

"Not the robe, I assume."

There it was again, that smile in his voice, the one that put her in mind of a cat playing with a mouse it had caught. She paused, an idea blossoming to life in the back of her mind.

"No, not the robe. It's- actually, can I borrow your hands for a moment-... oh hells." She'd caught the unintentional innuendo a moment too late to take it back, and as if on cue, she saw the white flash of that toothy grin in the heartbeat before Nero began to cackle. "Damn it, no! I meant-"

He was openly laughing now. His hands had dropped to brace her hips, squeezing affectionately through thin silk.

Aurelia was so annoyed at her own clumsiness that she quite forgot her anxiety, and released a loud and irritable sigh, her posture drooping with disappointment like a wilting flower. "This was not my intention, I shall have you know."

"I am quite aware. Were you attempting to seduce me? Gods know I'm flattered, I'm just trying to figure out why the deuce you're acting like a bride on her wedding night." Playfully he tugged at the now quite rumbled panel over one of her breasts. "Are you naked under there or are you hiding contraband? Is that it? Diamonds? The imperial crown? A very small basket of coeurl kittens?"

Hells below, now she was laughing, hard enough to make her legs wobble. The whole mishap was too bloody ridiculous not to find humor in it.

"I'll keep guessing if you don't tell me," he warned. She swatted at his fingers, tried to scowl, ruined the effect by shrieking with laughter when he began to tickle her sides. "Is this some sort of extremely specific roleplay? Am I meant to be punishing you for a smuggling infraction-"

"Smuggling infraction," she chortled, gasping with laughter, "Scaeva, you pillock-"

"Oh, Tribunus, I've been a very naughty girl," he trilled, "perhaps if you would let me go I might show you the kitten in my pocket-"

She took the opportunity to attack his sides, cackled when he yelped and tried to grab her wrists. They mock-wrestled for a handful of moments, until her legs gave out beneath the force of her own mirth. Nero caught her as she pitched forward and buried her face against his chest, howling with the absurdity of it all.

It felt good, cathartic even, and all her low-level terror vanished.

Mutual accord came about when each abandoned their efforts in turn. Aurelia sat upright to see the other Garlean smiling at her, his hair already tousled, still chuckling.

"Contraband," she scoffed aloud. "Honestly, this robe barely covers my arse let alone aught of substance."

Put at her ease and amused by the night's misadventure despite herself, Aurelia paid little heed to the fact of her modest weight seated astride his long legs- until the friction of warm, rough palms skimming over the tops of her stockings served as a sudden reminder. The lower hem of her robe had slipped out of place during their tussle; the Doman silk sat bunched nearly at her waist, leaving her thighs exposed to his perusal.

Deft fingers continued their lazy exploration, pausing just long enough to catch in the garter belt's suspenders and give each ribbon a cheeky little tug, until their owner was bestowed with two generous handfuls of backside, neatly wrapped in soft lace and satin.

He gave a slow and experimental squeeze, and any retort she might have made died upon her lips before it could form.

"Contraband," the one-word observation was delivered with such a deadpan blandness that it would have been simplicity itself to miss the avaricious gleam in his eyes. His smile had turned from playful to wickedly speculative.

A soft laugh, this one ever so slightly tremulous, spilled forth from her throat - not nervousness, but anticipation.

His hands gave her rear another squeeze before retreating: calloused fingers tracing patterns in the lace and dragging against plush smoothness, coming to rest upon the tops of her thighs. She could hear her heart hammering in her ears. His eyes were the color of a clear Coerthan sky, wintry and bright.

"May I?" He leaned forward until he was close enough to rest his head against hers, the soft heat of his breath whispering against her cheekbone. She could feel the slight indent in her skin: his third eye pressed carefully against the smooth ridge of her brow. It was a gesture as intimate as any kiss. At length, she was able to whisper: “I was rather hoping you would.”

[silvernsteel]

                           Combat Mode // Silf Silverwood

–Overview– Silf dabbled in many arts during her time in the Wood, firstly attempting to follow in her sister, Ysera’s, footsteps as a salve maker. With this skill she honed her ability creating various mixtures, and in doing so put her on a path to becoming a promising healer for the tribe. Overtime, though, Silf found a lack of interest in this art…her heart was not in it and she couldn’t sit still long enough to truly commit to the practice. 

Instead Silf found herself taking more of an interest in her mother’s skills as a Blade Dancer. It didn’t take long for Silf to find she had a knack for the unique style and over the course of many years became quite proficient in it. She had tried to train in the more common martial styles of the tribe, but she never quite got the handle on other weapons and trap making. Archery became a hobby for Silf but nothing she ever felt comfortable using in a combat situation. Silf will always prefer the close combat style with the sword. In one hand using the light, thin blade to make swift attacks and dance around incoming blows. In the other, a focus imbued with aether to help propel herself and minor magical forces towards her foes. Silf was never very strong, but the Blade Dancer training helped teach her that speed and movement was more important. Move swift, stay on your feet, and let the opponent stumble to keep up. Keeping the pressure on in a fight is what gives the Blade Dancer its edge, but even that edge can dull over time – the burst of a Blade Dancer is strong, but if the fight doesn’t end fast, it can also be its downfall when ones stamina runs out.

 –Any lasting combat injuries?– Visibly there are no real noticeable scars or injuries on Silf, though on closer inspection one would catch sight of some faint scars – quite a few strategically covered by garments. 

What does stand out to anyone that is trained in sword fighting, especially the Blade Dancer style, is how Silf does not hold her weapon quite right. Sometime after Silf fled her home with Leona, they found themselves aiding the resistance. Silf wound up in the middle of a Garlean ambush while trying to help refugees flee to safety. The battle might not have gone so sideways had the Garleans not brought in a Magitek Reaper, and in a well-placed cannon shot, clipped Silf. The blast, coupled with the landing, caused a lifelong injury to her shoulder and elbow. Silf recovered and was able to retrain herself to wield her sword and focus, but the injury would never allow her to do so the same way as before. Even with the slightly altered stance, pain still throbs in those areas and has left a lasting reminder to the sheer force and mindless destruction of the Garlean Empire.

{Bold as applicable, Italicize for situational}

–Fighing Style– commander /  duelist / honorable / dishonorable / would have others do their fighting /  stealthy  / long-ranged / melee / technological / sorcery / superhuman abilities /  has fought in an illegal tourney / a lover of fighting / a hater of fighting  / cowardly / reckless / strategic / uses underhanded tricks  / renowned for their skill / trained /  untrained  / keeps skills secret / won a battle / lost a battle / ruthless / merciful

–Traits– ╳   flaws

moody | short-tempered | emotionally unstable | whiny | controlling | conceited | possessive | paranoid | liar | impatient | cowardly | bitter | selfish | power-hungry | greedy | lazy | judgmental | forgetful | impulsive | spiteful | stubborn | sadistic | petty | unlucky

♔   strengths

honest | trustworthy | thoughtful | caring | brave | patient | selfless | ambitious | tolerant | lucky | intelligent | confident | focused | humble | generous | merciful | observant | wise | clever | charming | cheerful | optimistic | decisive | adaptive | calm | loyal

Tagged By: @yshai-tia , @vysaldhe , and @menphinasbow !! Thank you three so much!! This was a lot of fun to do, even if it took me an age to get around to it! <3 <3 <3  Tagging: Oh lordy I’m sure most have done it by now, but here is some ping love if you have! If not go and do it!  @nheirexo | @lukelxiv | @yuriveisffxiv | @kazexvoss | @shadiyah-ffxiv | @vexredain | @sola-ffxiv | @strayed-from-the-sun | @knightingale-xiv | @theceruleandream | @vylette-elakha | @arabeka-ffxiv  | @feralfm | @kazukane--ffxiv | @morneshade | @fairwindsandblueskies | @clearsundays | @cigarettes-n-daisies | @anika-ffxiv | @ahlis-xiv | @reiyah-ffxiv | @jump-n-dive | @thorcatte | @shofie-ffxiv | @iona-xiv | @nenet-ffxiv | @whisperingdawn |  @under-the-blood-moonlight  | @aethernoise  | @finalvalor | @theshroudwolf | @manaforged | @syerraffxiv | @avwalya | @sokaffxiv | @journeybetweenworlds | @windupzenos | @fletchlingfletcher | @mai-takeda | @kich-rp | @sinuntosea | @arcanakiller | @sagolii-snowflake | @nemophilisty | @wondereverlasting | @captainkurosolaire | @keeperofthelilacs | @manabuns | @dyri-lionroar | @alun-ura | @ishgard | @wayward-whelpling | @zhauric | @yuki-yukichan | @marius-ffxiv | @slate-rose | @evangeline-cross

[corpse-weaver-ffxiv]

𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 - 𝕃'𝕫𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕒 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕦𝕖

► Name ➔  “Just call me Liz… Or come up with another epithet. People seem to like those.”

► Are you single ➔ “What kind of question is that..? I dont like this interview… Who are you again?”

► Are you happy ➔   “…Why do I feel like you just want to take that away from me? … Sorry if Im wrong, but, this? …This is a weird way to start an interview.”

► Are you angry? ➔   “No. Again, sorry, if I come out like that. What’s the point in being angry anyway? It wont change the outcome… More often, it just makes it worse...”

► Are your parents still married ➔  “No, my mom cut her ties to the bastard when she found out he’s been cheating on her. And poor thing couldn’t even take it like a man… Then again… In my experience, men tend to take the easy card out. Or torment those they know cant fight back… Disgusting.”

NINE FACTS

► Birth Place ➔ “A traveling caravan in Thanalan, on its way to Shroud, or so I was told.”

► Hair Color ➔ “Used to be black, like my mother’s, but I colored it… Now its purple.”

► Eye Color ➔ “… Metallic red. The only good thing I got from my dad… And even with that, he only gave me one… The other one is foggy and blind. Been since I was born. No heroic tale behind it.”

► Birthday ➔  “ 31st Sun of the 2nd Astral Moon”

► Mood ➔   “… Lonely. My customers are… not too talkative, really. Great listeners they are tough. And longing, maybe? I miss someone very dear to me… We will see again soon though.. We are going East.”

► Gender ➔  “Female. How does this matter to you anyway?”

► Summer or winter ➔ “I like summer. But then again, winter graves are very much calming. And I would love to see the towers of Ishgard one day… They say its always cold in Coerthas.”

► Morning or afternoon ➔ “I’ll say evening… We good?”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love ➔ “… Excuse me? S… Seriously, w.. what games are you playing. Me? In love? Uhhh… L.. Love is a strong word.. M.. Maybe? …What? Is it so hard to believe?”

► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ “Sounds like a fairytale, but it may occur once in a blue moon… B.. But basically no. I do not.”

► Who ended your last relationship ➔ “I have only had one. So I could say Death did. But death is… a temporary thing..”

► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔  “Not to my knowing. You see… I have never been the first choise for people, when it comes for romantic interest. Except for my dear Zole, I guess. For her… I was the first choise.. Its one thing that made her special.”

► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ “Like… Overall, or are we still talking about lovey-dovey things? Yes! No? …Maybe.”

► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ “Yes. …What? N..Need a picture for a proof or something?”

► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ “Hard to believe, but who knows? Its as… unlikely as a snowstorm in Sagolii though…”

► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “Yes. Does this even require further explanation? I just told you about my late wife’s passing..”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ “Love. Without love, we are lost. Without love, the lust is empty. Too often people… seem to mistake lust for love though… And that… It never ends well.”

► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ “Iced tea, I guess. I like warm drinks more though… Can I say coffee? Black… Bit of vanilla sugar.”

► Cats or Dogs ➔ “Cats. Im not a dog person. Im little bit afraid of dogs. Got bitten by one when I was young. He was just playing, but still. … Also, I have a pet cat… He’s very dear to me. And only man I ever need in my life.”

► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ “Well, either is better than no friends, right? Few best friends, I guess… Im not… I dont enjoy crowded places, thats all.”

► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ “I prefer romantic night in. Some good food… beautiful music, candles.. A bath.. maybe rose petals floating in the tub.. Just hanging around, wearing a bathrobe.. or nothing. Maybe chocolate and strawberries! Like.. for eating. Not to wear them… Then again.. why not? … One can dream, though? Yes? I.. dont know how that would work in reality though… I guess it would just be awkward..”

► Day or night ➔ “Even though I am a Seeker, I prefer night. The air feels fresh and everything is quiet.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ “Had a habit to sneak out when I still traveled with the caravan.. My… My mom kept telling me nights are for sleeping… But I dont know. I.. I really enjoy going out at night. Sometimes I got caught… But I learned to be more careful..”

► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “… From what reality are you coming from, if falling up the stairs is a thing for you? When you fall, you go down. There is no such a thing as an uplifting fall. You just fall down.. And land miserably on your face. … So have I? Yes. Got pushed down the stairs though, so… Its not kinda my fault. Or is it? …I guess it may just be.”

► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “…Yes. … And yeah, thats all you gonna get.”

► Wanted to disappear ➔ “… Countless times, when I was in my teens… Oh, how I did wish I could just turn invisible… Or just disappear completely.. Can.. Can we talk about something else? This is making me uncomfortable.. …Or wait. Was that your plan all along..?”

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ “… You know you can smile with your eyes? … Eyes. Eyes will show you all the emotions. In some eyes, you see nothing though… Stay away from people with such eyes.”

► Shorter or Taller ➔ “Im not… very tall myself… I think I like taller.. My Zole was a roegadyn.. She… She could just carry me around on her shoulder.. Up until… Yeah. My Xue is also a little bit taller than me.. I mean! … I mean, Xue. She’s not.. mine… I mean… Can we go on?”

► Intelligence or Attraction ➔  “… I… I think you basically need bit of both for it to work… On like… relationship level..”

► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ “… I have no experience of hook-ups… So I guess its relationship... Even though, I hardly have experience of those either... But the whole idea of hook-up… just sounds unnerving. How can you just put your trust on a person like that?”

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔  “Yes. Me and mom do. I visit her time to time. …Its been a while though… Maybe I should pay her a visit.. Maybe with…”, she covers her mouth with a palm, a rosy blush rising on her cheeks.

► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “Yes. Its not my fault though. People just seem to love to mess with me… If it was for me, I would just like to… live.”

► Have you ever ran away from home ➔ “Yes. I did when I was in my teens. Did not get far though. My… heart started to act up, as I ran, and I almost died… Mom was so mad at me.”

► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ “From home? No… I got kicked out from a band of hunters though… I used to work for them as a medic… Until.. Well, things happened… For some reason, they still see it right to torment me though.”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “… One… of my friends? Y.. You know.. If I did hate her, I would basically hate all my friends.”

► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ “Okai, now.. Now you are just trying to make me feel miserable. Are we done with this? B..Because I am.”

► Who is your best friend ➔ “… You know… I think I was right about this from the beginning… You just try to dig some information out of me, so you can take away the few things I still care for. Well, t…thats not gonna happen. L…Leave me alone…”

► Who knows everything about you ➔ “…Well, you dont… You dont know anything about me…”

Stolen from beautiful @unatobajhiri​! Thanks, dear! 🖤 

Tagging @xue-ffxiv​ @hangedemperor​ (Darkie) @kyrie-silverwings​ (Erebus) @finishing-touch​ @lydha-lran​ @resistance-ranger​ @isuke-ejinn​ @thefreelanceangel​ @craftramsay​ @yokasaris​ @captainkurosolaire​ @fox-den-xiv​ & YOU! Yes, You.