#there’s the ShB one of I will be the warrior you need

[impossible-rat-babies]

I really should compile dialogue options in game that are painfully eyrie

[crowdsourcedloner]

2. What was the first moment that they knew they were in love with their LI?

13. How do they react at being away from each other?

26. How important is the romance in your OC’s overall story?

these are going under a cut for length, but thank you!!!

2. What was the first moment that they knew they were in love with their LI?

There were a lot of little moments for Nailah, but if one had to be chosen as the moment... it'd be the one they shared before scaling Mount Gulg. She pieced together who the Exarch was shortly before then, and though she still didn't know why he was doing what he was, hearing someone she deeply trusted speak so warmly to her after some of the worst experiences in her life set her heart on fire for him.

It's a similar story for G'raha - several smaller moments rather than one big one - but the through-line of all of those bits was seeing Nailah let down her walls and just be herself. He fell in love with each glimpse of her gentle nature, each quiet chuckle he heard, each shy smile he caught... it was a slow, inevitable love for him.

13. How do they react at being away from each other?

If he's not kept busy, G'raha falls into wistful pining pretty quickly. His thoughts regularly drift to thinking about (or worrying over) Nailah, and he writes letters when his yearning becomes too much to bear. The letters rarely get sent - apparently postmoogles don't accept 'nondescript Eorzean wilderness' as a valid mailing address - so he stores them in Nailah's annex room for her to read when she returns.

While Nailah likes having time for herself, she doesn't like staying away from G'raha for too long - he's one of very few people she's comfortable being herself around, and going back into the public eye alone isn't something she enjoys. Tiring as it is, she retreats to her colder, distant professionalism, fighting off her yearning with her poetry in dark inn rooms or secluded camps while collecting stories and trinkets as gifts for her lover upon her return. The longer she's kept away, the colder she comes across to those around her - though admittedly, it's hard for strangers to notice the difference.

26. How important is the romance in your OC's overall story?

it's important, but it's not the be-all end-all if that makes sense? it's the culmination of lessons she learns through her journeys, but it's not the point of her story. the romance is supposed to represent Nailah finding her own self worth and choosing to pursue something for herself, even if that something is as small as loving someone else. she needs a space to figure herself out and just... be Nailah, and G'raha gives her that and more, while she gives him just as much support and encouragement in his own choices - choices that he also is starting to pursue for himself.

...i think that's as good an explanation as i can give without incoherently rambling tbh.

[tritoch]

i know a lot of people (very understandably) dislike the paladin job quests in ffxiv, particularly HW, but i do think it's fun that, now that the pre-ShB MSQ revamp is complete, paladins now have a very cool and thematic in-game storyline that happens without a word being spoken: the development of passage of arms.

none of the below is directly stated in the script, but imo it's a fairly obvious gloss on what the game presents, if you assume a paladin warrior of light. spoilers for all expansions through the end of 6.X.

in the new version of steps of faith, as vishap breaks through each ward protecting ishgard from attack, lucia mounts a final desperate effort to hold him back, with a very familiar looking animation:

but even lucia can't hold back vishap's flame alone, so the temple knights surge forward to assist her. their efforts make the shield visually more powerful and larger. the temple knights here band together in defense of ishgard, and their knightly resolve to protect their home is the difference between victory and defeat.

lucia and the knights do ultimately succeed in defending the last ward, as you have to defeat vishap before their shield falls or you lose.

later in heavensward, obviously, we will get ffxiv's most famous (failed) attempt at blocking something with a shield.

this moment can be read as fairly impactful on the warrior of light's development; as i've noted elsewhere, after the trauma of watching haurchefant bleed out in their arms at level 57, at level 58 paladins learn to channel their magic into healing (and it's called "clemency," or mercy. mercy for whom? who was guilty?), and as someone pointed out on that post, at level 58 dark knights used to get "sole survivor", letting them heal in response to a marked target's death.

for a time, you literally carry haurchefant's shield with you, and 3.3 very much literalizes in genre fashion the idea that even when you are standing alone, your fallen friends stand with you. you don't need to call any allies to stand at your side and raise their shields with you because they are already there, in spirit.

stormblood marks a pretty important turning point in the warrior of light as a combatant, in my opinion, and the text makes this clear in several ways. first, in pretty much all your jobs, you've now far exceeded your trainers and are pioneering new techniques. this is no less true of paladin, which for 60-70 abandons any trainers at all for you to show off your peerless skills in a tournament.

second, stormblood is straight up a story about you getting stronger. at level 61, zenos kicks your ass. at level 70, you kick his ass. why? because you fought and got stronger and developed incredible new techniques and became a one-man army.

for a lot of classes, this story lines up nicely with the big rotation changes or flashy new finishers on the way from 60 to 70. SMN is now busting out bahamut and casting akh morn; RDM gets verflare and verholy; DRG starts harnessing nidhogg's power directly through dragon sight and nastrond.

the tanks are divided in two: warriors and gunbreakers get huge damaging upgrades at 70 in the form of inner release and continuation, each of which lets them hit the same button many times for lots of damage and satisfying animations. paladin and dark knight get more protective abilities; dark knight gets the blackest night, and there's been plenty said about that already by pretty much everyone.

paladins get passage of arms. instead of a relentless new attack (and you get requiescat at 68, which is a way bigger deal for your dps rotation), your big reveal at 70 for zenos in your fight in ala mhigo is a superior way to protect your party, a shield that lets you stand for your allies so they never have to fall for you again. it's lucia's same shield, except you need no allies' shields to reinforce you, proof of your martial prowess and your ability to transcend limits, and perhaps in truth a reminder that you never really stand alone.

in many respects passage of arms should really feel like a paladin signature move to you now if you are playing it at this point, because you should be popping it in pretty much every fight (you are using your mits, right...?). basically every FFXIV fight has at least one big AOE with downtime that warrants passage of arms usage, usually after the mid-fight add phase with slowly filling bar. since that AOE usually drops during downtime, there's no reason not to pop passage of arms (which otherwise restricts your movement and actions), and even on normal, sometimes every little bit counts on a damage check even if it means dropping DPS (thinking here of harrowing hell P10N on release, which was...less consistent for a lot of roulette parties than you might hope).

so from 70 onward, passage of arms is in a sense a paladin warrior of light's signature move, and certainly the one a player gets to most actually enjoy (since if you're using it, you're by necessity not doing anything besides moving your camera and admiring your sick animation). it doesn't have any competition in terms of spectacle until confiteor, and those you're usually throwing out in the middle of movement.

it's such a signature, in fact, that the only other person shown using your one-person version of passage of arms is your greatest admirer, who studied your legend for over a century.

and it's when he fails (should've popped arm's length, bud) that the warrior of light decides they can't let their friends fall for them, and sends them away with the transporter beacon. this is all wrong: you were meant to die for them, not the other way around. yours is the shield that stands between your allies and defeat. it is you who will win this passage of arms and break your opponents lance. and you do.

and then later, when they need to quickly establish zero's domain as a place of fallen grandeur, the home of someone who once believed in heroes but is now a cool and cynical vampire hunter d, what do they use? a decayed statue of someone in the paladin endwalker gear doing the passage of arms animation, of course.

from a visible instantiation of knighthood as a joint effort to defend what is sacred, to a tribute to the fallen friends whose memories stand by you and animate you, to a symbol of the wol's power as emulated by their allies or darkly mirrored in other shards.

not bad for a mit button you hit once per fight and otherwise never think about!

[starrysnowdrop]

Shared Soul: Hali’s Shards

So I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot, and I really want to eventually have a list of all the shards of Hali’s soul… ahh well, it would be the shards of Urania’s soul technically speaking. I don’t have a full list yet, but I have some that I’ve decided on already, and I wanted to share those with you now.

Note: Because of Hali’s canon story having multiple Warriors of Light, my headcanons for Hali’s shards greatly differ from those in the MSQ with the default WoL. Also, due to the ongoing storyline, these might change in the future with new developments.

Unsundered: Urania, Seat of Azem

Urania was Hali’s past self at the time of the Sundering; therefore, Hali and all of the other shards are pieces of Urania’s sundered soul.

Source: Hali Aloke, Warrior of Light, 8 times rejoined

Hali being the sundered soul of the Source, is the one that most closely resembles Urania, though she differs from her in several fundamental ways, most notably she will not deny herself the happiness that she desires in her life for the sake of duty like Urania as Azem had done. Unlike Urania, Hali has found her happiness in adventuring, helping others, and building a life together with Aymeric.

First: Lamitt, rejoined during ShB 5.0

Unlike the default WoL’s shard of the First being Ardbert, Hali’s shard is Lamitt, the healer of Ardbert’s group. Lamitt and Hali actually have a lot in common, with both being outsiders from their homelands, having a desire to help others through the healing arts, and they both are in love with men who have no idea what their true feelings are, well until Hali confesses to Aymeric that is. Lamitt never gets the chance to tell Ardbert. She does get to live on through rejoining with Hali at the end of 5.0, and Lamitt is thrilled that Hali gets to have her happiness with her lover.

Seventh: Aerith Gainsborough, rejoined in 7th Umbral Calamity (Bahamut)

Though Hali herself is unaware of any of her other shards that rejoined with her during each calamity, the most recent shard to rejoin with her before Lamitt was a young woman named Aerith who had lived on the Seventh and was rejoined during the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Aerith was a healer who brought joy to all who knew her. She was kind, caring, and sweet, yet feisty, passionate, brave, and strong-willed, all traits that her Source counterpart shares.

Tenth: Tidus, rejoined in 6th Umbral Calamity (Water)

The shard that rejoined back during the Sixth Umbral Calamity, centuries before Hali would be born, held the soul of a young man named Tidus who had lived on the Tenth. He was a famous Blitzball star, but most notably he was a guardian to Summoner Yuna who he had fallen in love with and was willing to give his life for. Same as his Source counterpart, he was kind, brave, outspoken, outgoing, and a bright ray of sunshine in a world in desperate need of joy and laughter.

Thirteenth: Durante, AKA: Golbez, alive

Durante is the shard of Urania’s soul on the Thirteenth who took on the name and armor of his dear friend Golbez after the original Golbez was corrupted by the darkness. Durante was a knight from Baron who tried to save the world during the Contramemoria along with Golbez, but he brought ruin to the world he tried to save instead. His unflinching resolve to save his world no matter the cost, but doubting himself that he could never be the hero that his friend was, are traits that Hali shares, and Durante is a reflection of what Hali could become if she went down a dark path.

That’s all I have for now! I’ll add to this list in the future when I decide to add more! Subject to change if we get more information on the other shards.

Published: 11/30/2023

[nights-at-crystarium]

Fragments - episodes 15-18 author notes

Shall we sit back and go over the recent episodes together? C:

You can find similar breakdown posts on older episodes in my pinned!

Obligatory ShB spoiler warning.

Any theme song enjoyers? I associate this song with this moment, and generally with Exarch’s longing and excitement that can’t be shown. “And in my usual voice, I say, there you are”.

Go away grandpa, you crashed an otherwise perfect party :’>

Had this followed the msq more closely, i.e. had Feo Ul not been the first to find Vivi, or had it happened in an environment more familiar to him, he might've asked Exarch if he's shy, or just ugly. Kinda like if you’re a bully in your school, you might still wanna keep a low profile in a new school.

Vivi treads lightly in a new world, at least tries to. He doesn't yet know how thick or thin is the ice under his feet.

Exarch doesn’t know about the tree since he was busy waiting for Vivi in the Ocular, having just finished the summoning spell, tense and giddy, hood up and all. Minutes passed, nothing happened, then Exarch started getting antsy and finally turned on his tv to find Vivi in Lakeland.

“Hey it could’ve been your spine” I hope is clear: as in Vivi could’ve landed on Lyna instead of the aforementioned tree, not a threat to snap her spine in a fight. He knows better than taunting random people.. Moreover, people stronger than him x’D

Artist achievement unlocked: managed to make a hooded person look expressive. IN THE BACK VIEW.

SPROUT?!

He’s more cute than he deserves to be here and you’ll perceive him.

Being at the end of the episode, “we’re friends, yes” is the first and only line almost nonchalantly tossed to Vivi! Exarch wanted to buy time and observe him, how he’s changed, how’s best to approach him now.

..And Vivi needs rest and new clothes, he spent AN ENTIRE DAY in one outfit. We've seen him around several people so far, and, while he's always genuine, he's the most himself with Exarch, even at this early stage.

But yeah, he’s jaded, regrets many choices in his life and wants his money back.

Vivi's tailored for this ship. Before I even knew that I wanted to write a comic of this size, I asked myself, what condition does he need to be in at the beginning of ShB for the chemistry to happen? The answer was, well, "terrible". I’ve got the juicy deets, but you’d have to be patient and keep an eye out for more flashbacks sprinkled in throughout the story.

What matters now is that, finally, both of them are sufficiently tired to start noticing something else than gremlins in each other.

Have fun living with the knowledge that there’s no face where it’s supposed to be :>

Exarch has a way with the fae: don't flinch, offer them something nice. He offers rest to Vivi without hesitation, as soon as he sees his emotionally battered state. And, oh, he’s still an archer, landing that perfect shot first try. This here is a genuine spark of interest, surprise and gratitude in Vivi’s eyes.

I went balls deep with the visual subtext here. Despite being shown up close, Vivi’s broody face takes on a secondary role as his mind literally closes in on Exarch in that moment, on the mystery man that’s suddenly so unlike the rest. Even if he’s yet another quest-giver, even if shit’s on fire, he allows Vivi to go? Rest? Have some time for himself???? Exarch is, or is about to become, his only light in the darkness :3c

Exarch’s stiff posture is also intended here. He must’ve rehearsed this scene sooooooooo many times, he was prepared for hostility, interrogation, tantrums, but this Warrior’s indifferent and just wants to leave?

Magical boy de-transformation! Headcanon time, two of them even.

Firstly, the Tower can register living presence in its vicinity, a passive ability which Exarch can casually tap into. Being aware of an entire city’s population is, mildly put, overwhelming, thus he’s learned to shrink the “radar” area down to his Ocular, or wherever he’s at the moment and whenever he actually needs it. He feels that Vivi’s indeed left, therefore he can safely remove the hood.

Secondly, the hood shadow’s magicked. The panel above demonstrates how it’d look naturally, if it were a normal shadow. But he casts a pitch black glamour that also extends to his hair.

Just a cool crystal flare that I feel like showing off :>

None of you would believe me now if I said this isn't a horny scene? Although this looks lewd, for someone who’d spent a century clinging to memories and tales the lingering scent is just another confirmation that all of this's real. He can't even touch the WoL (or so he thinks), the scent could be the most he ever gets. Bearing in mind the stress of the day, I genuinely don’t think that he’s in the mood here. But no worries, he’ll get plenty of horny opportunities later on :>

The subtle characterization in the way he opens a door to a supposedly empty, still unknown room.

An unironically normal reaction to the Light, and shadowbringing \o/

This. This goes into my personal collection of the best vivifaces I’ve drawn.

He’s quick to react to a threat (?) popping out of nowhere in a supposedly safe room.

GOMU GOMU NOOOOOOO-

I know the arm’s too long, but I like to incorporate some animation princliples :>

The Champion of Eorzea uses a stick to cure a 100 years old depression, ca. 2023, colorized.

Vivi didn't mean to pierce him, actually. While the space's more than enough for living, it's still cramped for fighting as a dragoon, and he simply misjudged the distance while spinning around and lunging at the source of that eerie voice. There’s also an ooc explanation: I couldn’t quite align all of this in one frame, and thought hey, Ardbert’s a ghost, it’s okay to pierce him!

Both are quick to handwave the fact, and let’s be honest, self-defense of that sort must be a mundane thing for a WoL.There’s more important stuff to discuss. Both are desperate to vent to someone they could trust. They may disagree on things, but generally they vibe pretty well with Ardbert.

A lil shoutout to @agent-jaselin​ for commenting this under the respective episode. I almost forgot to point it out while making this post. Vivi tries to see if he can relate to another WoL, if his struggles are valid, or if he’s overreacting to a typical hero life. Ardbert had a whole friend group adventuring alongside him, the Scions don’t measure up unfortunately, on top of that Vivi (emotionally) stays the fuck away from anyone post-ARR for their own protection (and his own if he ends up losing someone else), so it’s not quite the same experience for him.

One of the few redeeming qualities: Vivi keeps his word. This's gonna be relevant in like 2025 :'>

He baby, THAT’S his problem.

From pointing his spear at him to comfortably undressing and falling asleep in his vicinity. Ardbert's possibly the first man to be asked to stay and not get laid by Vivi :’>

While the Crystarium and its people seem nice, it’s still Vivi’s first day (one loooooong day since the beginning of chapter 2) in a brand new world, and Ardbert’s the only somewhat familiar person here. A ghost? Even better. The supernatural’s easier to deal with and is less likely to backstab you.

The sweet-voiced hooded guy says that it’s okay, that he’s safe here.... Yeah that on itself is a flag for our mr doubter. He’s grown reasonably paranoid since ARR, (almost) everything he does has a nice cynical-flavored logic to it.

While this’s a wolgraha comic, it’d be bland without support characters. Ardbert doesn’t play a massive role in this particular story, still you’ll keep seeing him here and there.

The next several episodes focus on the main two and Feo Ul, they’ll claw their way in even if they were left out x’D

[wine-dark-soup]

opinion on your ff14 woman you know the one

i think i can safely bet this is about kan-e-senna.🤡

so without furder ado:

listen to me. listen. i love her. all the criticism she and gridania get is warranted and was largely covered multiple times by people more eloquent than me so i'm not gonna talk about it here.

but. i feel like players are exaggeratedly mean about kan-e-senna sometimes

"she's a passive coward" she founded the eorzean alliance. and because i just did it again and have the screenshots on hand, here's her final decision concerning gaius' ultimatum before he invades eorzea:

she's the FIRST LEADER to (in a decisive moment where she gets up and grabs her staff, reassuming her role) admit surrendering to the empire is a bad idea. most of all, she interacted closely with the previous warriors of light; and after carteneau, SHE was entrusted with their legacy and louisoix's. she CAN'T surrender if only for that.

i don't think she's meant to be an *active agent* in the sense she will never be raubahn running through a battlefield (although from what i've heard she WILL throw herself in the melee in the EW master rolequests). but throughout the game she has a catalyst role. she creates the alliance. she invites the other leaders to continue the fight when faced with an ultimatum. she is the first character to somewhat read what's going on with thancred's soul which will launch the events of shb. it's her who welcomes fourchenault in gridania, which will launch the events of endwalker.

but she *wants* to be an active agent in the story, because she DOES want to act when needed. whether she actually can or not is another problem and the root of many of gridania's issues.

she wants to help the people, but is completely blind to their problems because she spends her days in the lotus stand. she wants to travel, but she can't, because she has to help her people, by... spending her days in the lotus stand. there's an irony here that i absolutely adore.

the EW tank rolequests really highlighted this contradiction in her character imo. she's supposedly a good orator and kind leader, with a voice clear as day, but it doesn't show. so the people and the forest suffer more than they should and so does she - because of the pressure she's under. the very stupidity of gridania's immobilism (caused in part by kan-e's inability to act) manifested in the form of her childhood best friend turned beast (who, btw, should have become the elder seedseer. sudden pressure put on her after his disappearance) and the illusion of a plague spreading through the forest. it doesn't get more straightforward as a metaphor.

[scionshtola]

i pray you won't stop looking at me like that

pairing: Corisande Ymir/Y'shtola Rhul summary: When the celebration at the Crystarium becomes too much for Corisande, they seek time alone at the rookery. Y'shtola finds them there, and has a better suggestion for how they might spend their time. word count: 3071 | rating: Explicit | read on ao3 notes: spoilers for ShB. also PLEASE note the rating!!

The stars are still shining bright against the dark night sky when Corisande slips away from the celebration. It is not an easy thing to get away—a few people call out to them as they pass, and though guilt tugs heavily at their conscience, imploring them to turn around, they feign ignorance and continue on their way. The past few hours have been a decidedly loud blur, music and shouting and people coming up to them to shake their hand and thank them effusively. More than one person burst into tears at their feet, and one couple declared they would name their first born child after them.

They only need a moment to themself. A moment for their blossoming headache to subside, to restore their worn down nerves, and then perhaps they can return to the festivities. A party full of people who simply want to thank Corisande for restoring to them the very night sky they celebrate under.

She sighs. The danger, the sleepless nights thinking only of the nigh impossible problems before her, the near deaths experienced by both herself and those closest to her, are far easier to grapple with than the acclaim that follows. She is not likely to ever be comfortable with the recognition that comes with being the Warrior of Light—or Darkness, as it were—particularly when it comes in the form of hours and hours of conversation with strangers.

The rookery is quiet though, and blessedly devoid of other people, just as they hoped. The chocobos and amaros are still roaming their pen, their Zun caretakers likely caught up in the celebration before stabling them for the night, but they do not seem to mind. Corisande forgoes the gate and seats herself on top of the fence, her legs dangling inside the pen. Most of the animals are asleep, though a few still mingle about, plucking at the piles of hay or dipping their beaks into the trough for a drink. A chocobo ambles toward them, poking its beak into the back of her hand.

“My apologies, but I did not come bearing treats,” Corisande says, lifting their hand and stroking the bird’s head. “You will simply have to make do with hay like everyone else.”

But he seems content enough with attention, and the stress of the past few hours begins to ebb away as she pets him. She is just beginning to wonder if she ought to check the stables for a grooming kit when the chocobo’s kweh alerts her to quietly approaching footsteps. Corisande straightens, steeling themself, plastering on their best smile and readying their excuses—I was just on my way back, the Crystarium is so large, I got lost searching for a bathroom, I thought I saw something but it was only an amaro.

“I thought I might find you here,” Y’shtola teases, coming up behind them. Corisande sighs in relief at the sound of her voice, letting their shoulders sag. They glance over their shoulder as she leans against the pen and tilts her head back to meet their eyes, her gaze warm.

The tender feeling between them is as familiar to Corisande as she and Y’shtola are to each other, a feeling shared between them almost as long as their friendship has existed. But it has only been a day since the first kiss they shared in the aftermath of the battle against Hades, and there is a new undercurrent of excitement with every familiar look and touch. One that makes their cheeks warm at the soft affection written in her expression and their heart beat faster as her lips curve into a smile.

“What gave me away?” Corisande jokes, already feeling better for having Y’shtola at their side. The chocobo, likely feeling ignored, butts his head against their arm.

Y’shtola shrugs. “After several hours of celebration, I had grown quite tired of the crowd. I desired more particular company, and suspected you might feel the same. I sought you out but once I realized you had already departed, the rookery was the next logical stop. If there is some kind of stable around, ‘tis usually where I can find you.”

“There were a lot of people,” Corisande murmurs, with considerably less irritation than she might have only moments ago. They turn back to the chocobo, hiding the smile that came with the rush of affection at being so well known, and scratch its chin, the motion soothing for both her and the bird. “And a lot more crying than I was prepared for.”

“Urianger mentioned as much when I came upon him during my search. I am sorry, Corisande. It sounds…overwhelming.” Y’shtola’s soft voice is a balm to the frayed edges of their nerves, as is the gentle touch of her hand to their elbow. She glances at the chocobo they are still petting. “I can leave you with your thoughts, if you prefer. You seem to have found more than acceptable company.”

“You know your presence is always welcome,” Corisande says with a smile. Indeed, perhaps the only thing more perfect than the solitude she sought was sharing that solitude with Y’shtola. She shifts, twisting her body until she faces her. “Please, stay.”

Y’shtola smiles and tips her head back, staring up at the stars that she cannot see, and Corisande’s gaze is drawn down the line of her neck. Across the latticework of laces over her chest, down to the swell of her breasts just above the furred neckline of her dress.

“’Tis a rather pleasant night, is it not?” Y’shtola says. Their gaze snaps to her, only to find her already watching them, the quirk of her lips telling her she knows exactly where their eyes lingered. She reaches for their hand, tangling their fingers together, tugging them back to the ground and reeling them into her space.

A tiny thrill courses through her at the realization that this is the first time they have been truly alone together since their kiss—the first time she can do anything about the pull she feels toward Y’shtola, the desire that has simmered so long beneath her skin. She puts a hand on her waist, thumb gliding over the black fabric that clings to her full curves, pulse racing at her proximity.

“If I may make a suggestion, however?” she continues, touching Corisande’s cheek and guiding them closer, until her words ghost across their lips. “Mayhap our time would be more pleasurably spent in my quarters at the Pendants.”

“I was going to return to the party,” they murmur, surprised they can even muster a thought for the celebration with Y’shtola’s hand on the back of their neck, with the perfect view they have of the hunger in her gaze, with the heat of her body pressed against theirs.

Y’shtola hums. Only a whisper of space between them. Her eyes drop to their lips as she says, “I prefer my idea.”

Corisande closes the gap, tilting her head to deepen the kiss, and Y’shtola rises on her toes, pressing herself closer, closer, her fingers twisted in the lace of their lapel. When they part, chests rising and falling rapidly, lips swollen, Corisande says, “I like your idea, too.”

Y’shtola’s soft laugh is sweet to their ears, a familiar sound they never grow tired of hearing. She kisses the back of their hand, and tugs them toward the Pendants. The chocobo kwehs after them and Corisande turns around to wave goodbye to their friend before hurrying after her.

They are hardly through the door of Y’shtola’s quarters before their lips find each other again. They kiss as they tug off boots and socks, pull at laces and buttons, hands slipping under hems and breastbands. In the silver light of the moon pouring through the open balcony doors, Y’shtola’s dress pools at her feet and Corisande pauses, gaze drawn by the expanse of bare skin, the last parts of Y’shtola she has neither seen nor touched before. An excited tremble rolls down her spine—after tonight, there will be no part of each other they do not know.

Y’shtola catches her hand, kisses her knuckles, and leads her to the bed. Corisande follows, pressing parted lips against any bit of Y’shtola’s skin they can reach. The back of her hand, the round of her shoulder, the top of her spine. They do not stop when Y’shtola pushes them firmly onto the bed and climbs into their lap, kissing a line down the side of her neck, across her chest. They wrap their arms around her waist and shift her higher, pressing their lips to the skin between her breasts.

Y’shtola tugs gently at the end of the ribbon holding back their hair, pulling it free and sliding her fingers into the newly loose strands. She tips Corisande’s head back and kisses her, mouth open, warm, inviting. Both of their hands roam, cupping, caressing, pulling each other closer. Each kiss, each touch, each soft gasp elicited only feeds the flame of their long-simmering desire, until it boils over into a desperate need for Y’shtola.

She is not alone in her desperation. Y’shtola pushes at her shoulders, guiding her onto her back, and her breath catches in the brief moment that she hovers above her. Limned in silver moonlight and gold from the low light of the bedside lamp—switched on for Corisande’s benefit, and full glad she is for that—she is so impossibly beautiful that for a moment she thinks she must be dreaming.

They are brought back to reality by Y’shtola lying between their parted legs and pressing searing kisses over their chest that set their skin aflame. Her hand glides over the inside of their thigh, presses against their center in a way that makes their hips jump, desperate for more. They slide a hand into Y’shtola’s hair and try to tug her mouth back to theirs but she resists, devoting her attention to their breasts instead.

They would laugh, were they not otherwise preoccupied. They know this side of Y’shtola well, devoted to the task at hand, unable to be swayed from her purpose until she found what she sought, and curious above all else. They give in to Y’shtola’s questing fingers, the testing touches and kisses as she seeks the spots that make their back arch, their hips chase, their fists curl in the sheets and her name escape their lips in a moan, until their whole body quivers with pleasure.

She trails kisses across Corisande’s belly, over the curve of her hip. She pauses between their thighs, her breath ghosting over them as she holds them apart. They push themself onto their elbow and glance down, thinking Y’shtola seeks permission they are only too happy to give. But the moment their gazes meet, she dips her chin, eyes never leaving theirs.

The firm swirl of her tongue over their clit elicits a low moan, the heat of her mouth almost too much on their already heated skin. Her hands, her tongue, her lips—Corisande cannot keep track of which touch causes which pleasure, her body taut and aching with need. It is not long until Y’shtola pushes her past the precipice, kissing her through the throes of her climax.

Like any competent academic, Y’shtola seeks to replicate her results, mouth still moving over them even as they still. But Corisande guides her away with a gentle hand in her hair, and this time she lets them. With a hand around her waist, they shift them both onto their sides, close enough that their warm breaths mingle.

Y’shtola’s fringe is matted to her forehead, her lips shiny, cheeks rosy and warm under their hand as they brush her hair away from her face. There is a fondness in her gaze—not new, exactly, but different, her feelings laid bare in a way Corisande has not been privy to before.

“I hoped for this for so long,” Y’shtola says between kisses, so softly Corisande is unsure if she is meant to hear. She tucks herself into them, her next words barely more than a whisper against their skin. “I ached for this—for you.”

“How long?” Corisande asks, without really meaning to ask, still caught up in the bliss of the night, of Y’shtola in her arms. They trail the tips of their fingers over her back, enchanted by the way she melts into their embrace.

Y’shtola hums against their neck, silent for so long they think she will not answer, but eventually she says, “Years.”

Her teeth graze their collar bone, and she follows the slight sting of the bite with a gentle kiss. Corisande’s hand stills, their heart skipping a beat. Just how long had they spent ignorant of Y’shtola’s affections?

She cups Y’shtola’s cheek in the palm of her hand, and Y’shtola covers her fingers with her own, soft and warm and gentle. “I am sorry for making you wait,” she whispers. How much longer could they have had, if only Corisande noticed?

“There is no need for apologies, love. There is no blame to be laid at anyone’s feet, except perhaps Fate’s, for it’s continuously horrible timing.” Y’shtola’s smile is gentle, almost wistful. She squeezes their fingers. “We are here now, no matter the arduous course we walked to arrive.”

Corisande kisses her, slow and deep, fingertips pressing into her skin to hold her close. They trail one hand over her chest, her side, cupping her rear and sliding their hand along the underside of her thigh, hitching her leg over their waist. “Are you certain you want no apologies?” she asks, her hand finding its way between Y’shtola’s legs, fingers stroking the small, pale patch of hair before dipping lower.

Her eyelids flutter closed when they brush their fingers featherlight across her sex, a soft gasp escaping her that they catch with a kiss. Her fingers scrabble at their shoulders, her tail flicks frantically over their calves, and her kisses grow desperate, sloppy and wanting, as their hand moves against her, inside her. She moans against their lips, and the new sound delights them equally as much as it quickens their own desire. She wants to hear it again, over and over, the same as her laugh.

Y’shtola breaks the kiss, dropping her forehead against their shoulder, her rapid breaths hot and tickling across their collarbone. Corisande kisses her hair and holds her flush against her, feeling her chest, her soft belly, move against her with the slow roll of her hips seeking their hand, nothing left to separate them but a thin sheen of sweat.

Y’shtola has wanted this for years, but how long has Corisande wanted this? Does she even really know? Can she pinpoint a moment in time when her feelings for Y’shtola had grown into a desperate yearning to know her in all ways, beyond the pale of dedicated friendship? It was not the first time that she had been blind to her own romantic feelings for another and with Y’shtola the lines between platonic and romantic had blurred so quickly, so early in their friendship, it was difficult to say exactly when the feelings had grown.

And how had she gone so long without it? Without Y’shtola’s lips on their skin, without her hands stoking the flames of their desire, without every inch of her body pressed to theirs atop silky sheets? Without knowing the taste of Y’shtola on her lips, without hearing her whimpers and curses as they touched her, without knowing the soft feel of her bare hips beneath their hands? The idea was inconceivable to her now. She wanted to know all of it, every spot that made her toes curl, every twist of her fingers that drew a moan from her lips, where she could kiss and touch that made her tremble and gasp.

They feel her climax roll through her, pressed together as they are, her hips jerking, her fingers digging into their waist. When she comes down, she slides her hand into Corisande’s hair and kisses her sloppily, so unlike the focused way she had drawn out their pleasure. She smiles into the kiss, pleased at the way Y’shtola has come undone under her touch.

“Apology accepted,” Y’shtola mutters against her lips, and Corisande laughs.

They move, straddling Y’shtola’s waist. She looks as gorgeous stretched beneath them as she did leaning over them: skin golden in the low lamplight; wet, parted lips; skin marked where their hands and mouth have touched her; silvered eyes watching them. She pushes herself up when they lean over her, meeting them with a kiss until they guide her gently back onto the bed with a firm but gentle push on her shoulders.

She trails her hands down her body, delighted by the shiver that runs through her at the whisper of a touch, and follows the path with her lips. Y’shtola tries to watch but her eyes fall closed when their tongue flicks across her nipple, their hand cupping and kneading her other breast. They press their smile into her skin as they kiss over her soft stomach, lower, lower.

“I am not quite done apologizing,” Corisande says, and seeks her forgiveness between her thighs.

The stars are fading, the dark night sky giving way to the purple beginnings of dawn, when they collapse into each other’s arms. Corisande folds herself into Y’shtola’s embrace, resting their head on her chest, their long ears laying comfortably flat as she trails her hand gently through their hair.

She has not known this kind of contentment in years, and she basks in the warmth of it, exhausted but satisfied. She tilts her head, resting her chin on Y’shtola’s chest so she can look into her eyes.

“Was it worth the wait?” she teases.

“I have always known you were worth waiting for,” Y’shtola answers, sincere, and they do not hide their smile that follows the love and warmth that tides through them. It seems to Corisande the sort of answer that she would normally be embarrassed to give, uncomfortable with emotional displays as she is. But what room is there for embarrassment between them now?

Corisande reaches over and switches off the lamp, and Y’shtola pulls the quilt over their shoulders. They close their eyes, warm and happy, and let the slow rise and fall of Y’shtola’s chest lull them to sleep.

[humblemooncat]

Ki'to is the one I know of yours the most so far and I like his polycule so..

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have five of them for whenever you feel the need! Ki'to or polycule related! I'll take any, I love songs.

I have been given a blessing this day, for I too love songs

In no specific order, have all 5 under the cut. <3

Famous by Skillet

This song was shoved into Ki'to's playlist specifically for his relationship with G'raha from the beginning of EW.

I testify, this is not a secret meant to keep Your love, like fire, spreading from my heart straight to my feet

And when I was dead, you gave me new life I'm lifting you up with all of my might I don't care who's to the left, to the right You're all that's on my mind Don't really care what they say, what they think I feel so alive

Listen, Ki'to was SO giddy when he pulled Raha out of that tower. After thinking he was lost to him, the excitement he felt was probably more than it should have been. But it was what he felt, and it was expressed as such. For the first week or so after, he would not leave Raha's side. The PDA got to the point where Alisaie dragged him away by the collar and told him to tone it down. They're way better with it now but hoo boy. This song just gives me that feeling in my chest I know he was feeling at that point.

Hollywood's Bleeding by Post Malone

This is THE Post-banquet song for Ki'to. For that whole flashback, you can read it here. But I'll go over these in chunks here as well.

Everyone's gone, but no one's leavin' Nobody left but us

As Ki'to lingers outside the ruins, Alphinaud begging him to hurry, all he can think of is everyone who stayed behind.

Outside, the winter sky turnin' grey City up in smoke, it's only ash when it rains

This is more the transition to Coerthas. The banquet felt like fire and smoke encircling and threatening to consume him. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, his mind was spinning. He could barely discern snow from ash.

It seem like dying young is an honor But who'd be at my funeral? I wonder

It really did seem like the whole world was against him at that point. All of his friends gone save for a lone few. Who would mourn the Warrior of Light if he died then?

I go out, and all they eyes on me I show out, do you like what you see? And now they closin' in on me Let 'em sharpen all they teeth

Never before had Ki'to been so ready to fight anyone who even looked at him the wrong way. Every unknown face was an enemy. It took a WHILE for his hackles to finally relax.

Resurrection by TeZATalks

This is one of the songs I chose to encapsulate ShB for Ki'to.

I'm made from the root of a God's mind Holy darkness follows me close behind

Knowing what we know of Venat now, the first line here speaks to me. As for the second, Holy darkness makes a lot of sense with our mission on the First.

I'm rude but I'll give 'till my last dime Real love stays even for the fight All eyes on me, is that right? Well, let me show you why we all cry Sometimes, sometimes, yeah

Ki'to was willing to give his all to bring back the night. With every Lightwarden the light became heavier to bear, but even if it pushed him to tears he was going to press on. He had to. His loved ones were counting on him to save them.

When your heart's on fire and bleeding In a world of faceless demons, fight to see them Hell will come for the one whose soul reveals it But don’t break, back down; don't move, rise now, the real truth This is only the beginning of my true resurrection

At first glance you might think "Oh, faceless demons? Sin eaters?" Nah. This cluster of lyrics is about Amaurot. About the shades, the illusions of those he loves, Emet-Selch...

"This is only the beginning of my true resurrection" alluding to his own rejoining with another shard of his soul. Hades recognizing Azem at last.

Light by Nathan Wagner

This song I dedicate to the Ataiascope & Mothercrystal section of EW. Specifically the relationship between Ki'to and Hydaelyn.

I know you feel that it's too late That all these chains have you enslaved Just hang on Gonna see the truth

I feel this as him telling her all this was not a futile effort. That they will prevail and every effort she made to forestall the end of days was not in vain.

See I was falling into gray I lost my friend I couldn't save her

Post-Mothercrystal vibes, especially when reuniting with Krile.

Body ached my body bruised was crying out I need a savior And you came and healed my bones you picked me up and walked me home Said; you'll never be alone just lift your eyes I'll make you whole So darling please keep hanging on we're on our way to break the dawn Just a minute hold your ground father send your spirit down

His thanks to Hydaelyn for being there when he needed her (when she could), and a promise that he will be there for her as well.

Come, shine, shine, shine Shine your light Light, light, light Oh shine, shine, shine Shine your light, light, light Let there be Let there be Let there be Let there be Let there be light

This just gives me the mental image of him before her form after they prove themselves, just... begging for her to be okay. But knowing full well her light was spent.

Ki'to loved Hydaelyn/Venat like his own mother. To say he was heartbroken when she was gone would be an understatement. But in the back of his mind he was happy she'd finally be able to rest.

Home by Jacob Lee

And we'll end off with Ki'to's dedication to his husbands. <3

Each verse is dedicated to one of them:

Aymeric

I found love in a moment I watched your breath as it touched the wind As it painted the open air And it came to rest on my skin I don't know if you noticed But I found my heart in that moment

G'raha

I've found home There we lay by the water Almost asleep as I heard you say "I don't know if we're meant to be Though this certainly feels like fate" I don't know if you noticed But I fell in love in that moment

Estinien

As we stood by the ocean You reached for my hand and you said my name Every word I heard poetry I saw laughter upon your face I don't know if you noticed But I left my heart in that moment

And the bridge is dedicated to all three of them. <3

I've found home In my arms as you wake up (Home) In each direction this takes us (Home) In every breath that I make I'll know I've found home, I've found home Whether we lie in or stay up late I feel like we could just talk for days Through every hour I lay awake, all I know Is I've found home (Ohh, ohh) I've found home

[teawithaphd]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love❤

(you have anon turned off, surprise, it's me :p )

frien!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh geez, five of my favorite fics 👀👀 alrighty, let’s do this then:

(This’ll be out of order btw cuz I’m very indecisive)

Under the Blood Moon - my wolgraha vampire au fic; we’ve got vampires, hunters, shenanigans, and soon smut!!

A Tale of Two Warriors - my 2 wol au fic and a very big boy that I uhh…..probably need to get back to lol. Lots of plot twists and divergences planned for that one, but for now, enjoy the Crystal Tower arc and one young and spry version of our very favorite red cat boy!

To Save the Queen - stars my beloved Tortilla (T’orr Tia, but I call him the former cause I think it’s funny) and Mikoto during the events of the Save the Queen quests; a smut fic to leave you questioning just what kind of relationship those two have…

A Day in the Life of Eorzea University - a wolgraha university/coffee shop/volleyball au based off of the Eorzea high school manga! This one is just really silly, and there for if you want to have a few giggles (also need to get back to writing this one but not to fret—I shall get there…..eventually 👀)

Kuporella - my wol has a fever dream during the events of SHB and dreams herself in the story of Cinderella! I don’t know what I was on while writing this one, but it’s fun lol. If you ever wanted to see Ardbert as a tiny rat, this is the fic for you!

[akirakirxaa]

FFXIVWrite Prompt 30: Amity

Rating: T

Word Count: 803

Warnings: Sexually suggestive conversation

Summary: Ideally, Akira's "enemies with benefits" situation with Emet-Selch would remain strictly between themselves. However, her friend Ami proves more observant than expected. [Discussion of EmetWoL, ShB timeline, canon verse.]

Master Post

“We need to talk.”

Akira jumped at the sudden voice, her hand still on the handle of the door to her room in the Pendants. It was still early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, but time waits for no Warrior of Light, and normally at this time there would be no one clamoring for her attentions and pulling her away from her own endeavors.

And normally, her dear friend Ami would still be sleeping in her own quarters and would have to be dragged out of bed if needed before the average citizen’s breakfast time. But there the hyur stood, her arms crossed and blue eyes stern.

“Ami! Is everything okay?”

“Oh, I’m peachy.” The irritation in her voice said otherwise as she took a couple of steps forward, reaching out to pluck something off of Akira’s shoulder. The auri woman shrank, just a little, as Ami pointedly held out her find; a single, straight strand of black hair.

Fuck.

“Really, Akira?”

“Look, that could belong to anyone—“

“How many people do we know with black hair?”

“You?”

“My hair is brown, thank you.” As if to prove her point, Ami reached up and plucked a single short strand from her head and held it up to the one from Akira’s clothes, and it was noticeably lighter. Akira could swear she could feel the amusement from her…houseguest before the feeling in the air changed, and she was reasonably certain her room was now entirely unoccupied.

“Can we please not talk about this out here?” Akira asked anxiously, glancing around. Ami nodded and Akira led her into the almost too-neat room that she knew was a mess just a few minutes ago. Ami took a seat at the dining table while Akira busied her hands with heating up some water for tea.

“I honestly cannot believe you—“

“Just let me explain—“

“Explain what, exactly?” Ami snapped. “You couldn’t find a single better prospect than an Ascian? One that has made no secret that it wouldn’t bother him to just kill all of us?”

“That’s not…” Akira frowned at herself as the kettle started whistling, glaring at the tea leaves as she added them to the water. “It’s not that simple.”

“That already isn’t very simple, so please enlighten me.”

“I…” She brought two cups and the teapot to the table, setting one cup in front of Ami, as she waited for it to finish steeping. “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like I know him. Or did at some point. And there were already feelings before I ever had a say in it.”

“Do you think maybe before you lost your memories…?”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t…it doesn’t feel like anything I’ve ever experienced before,” Akira poured the tea thoughtfully. “And then it kinda just…happened.”

“Akira, that doesn’t just happen,” Ami took the cup, raising an eyebrow at Akira as she averted her eyes. “How long?” Akira fidgeted with her cup.

“A few days after we got back from Qitana Ravel,” she mumbled, and Ami sighed.

“That’s just like you,” she mumbled. Akira bristled.

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“You want to help everyone, even people that want to kill you. Don’t look at me like that, you cried over Yotsuyu for days, and she committed actual literal war crimes that you witnessed.” Akira flushed pink, turning her attentions to her tea as she took a deep drink to spare her from replying. “So you heard his sob story and folded like a paper crane.”

“That’s not—“

“I’m honestly surprised your little shadow in your head hasn’t complained,” Ami sipped her tea.

“…Fray’s left me five pages, front and back, in my journal about how bad of an idea this is.”

“Oh good, she and I agree then,” Ami placed her half-empty cup back on the table, taking Akira’s face between her hands. “Look, you’re an adult and more capable than just about everyone, including me. I’m not going to tell you what you can and can’t do. Or who, for that matter.” Akira’s face reddened further as she glared indignantly. “Just please, be careful?”

“I will.”

“And I may be no warrior of light, but the moment he causes you harm, all bets are off,” Ami’s eyes hardened, and Akira knew she meant it. “You know it’s a when and not an if, right?”

“Yeah…” Akira’s gaze fell to what was left of her tea, watching little specks of leaves floating in the liquid. Ami stood and pulled Akira into a tight hug.

“For your sake, I hope he proves me wrong,” she said softly, then backed away and started for the door. “Anyways, just wanted to say my piece, I’m off to find some real breakfast. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

[lem-argentum]

hi hi here’z a post of me rambling about some of the things in shadow.bringers, because i predicted i would be abnormal about it and i was right. 💛💛 <)

1. FIRST OF ALL. character writing. early into the game i remember reading someone say that shb improves a lot in giving you a lot of character moments. and i remember not entirely believing it because this game is usually so plot-driven that characters’ feelings are not the spotlight? and you especially don’t talk to them one-on-one in depth about emotions or anything. BUT AS IT TURNS OUT. THEY *WERE* TELLING THE TRUTH

from very early in..!! when you reunite with ali.saie and you have that talk with her on the tower overlooking the flood. VERY GOOD moment. just the two of you, her expanding on feelings that were introduced to you post-stb and prior, further establishing the relationship you have with her in a meaningful way. it sets up the fact that.!!! moments like this continue happening through the whole story forward…!!! lots of them…!!!! and it was so unanticipated on my side that when th.ancred just started talking to us about his struggles & insecurities in nuvy’s leavings i was like HUH!!!!!!??? AMND IT KEEPS HAPPENING. HELPS YOU CARE PROPERLY FOR THE CHARACTERS AND LETS YOU FEEL CLOSE WITH THEM. EMOTIONS FEEL LIKE THEY’RE GIVEN THE ATTENTION THAT THEY NEED, ITS GOOD. <3

2. tge setting. awesome. the premise is compelling all in itself. “world plagued by eternal light + essentially a zombie apocalypse with angelical beings” is a strong base especially in juxtaposition to earlier plots where the main threats are nothing like it. and the story leads you through different areas in such a smooth way, each introducing to you the effects of the flood on the people and auaug it’s got cool worldbuilding in it. <3 it’s not at all without its flaws (kholusia is super interesting in idea i’m a huge fan of “location has something deeply wrong with it but its residents are unaware” concepts, but, ya know. vau.thry’s whole deal could have been much better, hm……..!) but i’m in love with lots of it….. leadinf into:

3. emet-s.elch. making him a section is kind of funny HEKFK I THOUGHT HE WAS A GOOD VILLAIN. have not thought about him enough to super elaborate but the themes around him + amaurot are so oouuuououg. good. amaurot was such a change in atmosphere from places we’ve seen before and the ENERGY. was SO. AUGH. (its theme, the ticking clock, the the the….!!.!) having its destruction be a dungeon was also a great idea. having us go through the calamity ourselves to experience what it was like & the loss he’s been dealing with for eons. it’s cool. OH AND TALKING SPECIFIC CHARACTERS:

4. ARDBERTTTTTTTTTTT. MY FRIEND. MY BESTIE. I HAVENT MENTIONED HIM BEFORE. BUT HE’S EVERYTHING. you could argue he has one of the best narratives out of any character here ever. the scenes you share with him are so so special i understand why people like him so much. warriors of darkness my beloved your writing gives me So Much Feeling.

5. The Themes. in general. okay SO. you could really write an essay on how shb feels like it was written for suicidal people. truly. at the very beginning you are introduced to the premise of “your friends have figured out that you are destined to die. and they have spent their past years trying to stop it.” and that’s not the entire deal, you all still have a world to save, the focus is on that, but that theme is still there, in the background, and whenever it shows itself it is so potent. to me.

this game has a core of hope and survival and it’s a central point constantly. but in shb…. it feels most directed at you. the exarch tells you to survive at all costs, that it’s the one request he must impose on you. to “burn bright again, and live.” ali.saie has you promise against self-sacrifice (several times, actually!). and with the way everything is worded, it’s hard not to feel like the message is from real people, urging you to stay.

when the warrior of light is, well. consumed by the light. when emet tells you, in front of everyone, how much of a danger you will be, how you will inevitably hurt and ruin everyone around you — the only thing on their minds is curing you. not getting rid of you, even with all the world’s corruption inside of you. you wake up in a soft bed and are told of how busy everyone has been, desperately searching for any other route for you. (and, of course, that’s the obvious course of action for people who care about you, but to players who struggle to see that as at all reasonable, it means something…!!)

you see the light in the sky above you and KNOW it’s because of you that it’s there. that if you were gone the first would be free. and then you are told that there is hope, that you and everyone else will find another ending to this, and if they can’t, they will forge one. and everyone insists on being by your side even when who you are could bring about their doom at any moment. and ITS GOOD………!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all this to say: i understand why this is most players’ favorite expansion. um. game good, meant a lot to me. :’) THE END <3.

(AND TAKING A MOMENT TO PUT MY FAVORITE SHB TRACKS HERE, OK? OK <3. special shoutouts to to fire and sword (HELL YES.), sands of blood and the quick way (the night themes being so intentionally calm & elegant compared to their daytime counterparts really makes you think doesn’t it.), mortal instants (yeaahhhhhhhg. <3), who brings shadow (THE CROWD ERUPTS IN CHEER). OKAY THE END <333)

[bossa-61240]

So I'm a little insane right now (propped up in bed drinking mountain dew at 12:25) and I need to talk about my FFXIV characters or else I'm going to explode. I'm page breaking so it's easier to scroll past for the people who don't care.

1. Mallo Ashtark - Viera Dark Knight/Warrior

Mallosius Regulus was a Garlean soldier until Ultima got fired off. After which he fled to Coerthas, ditched his Garlean gear for a great sword, and worked there for a while under the name "Mallo". Right before heavensward gets into swing he joins up with Alphi and Seth (my irl BF's WoL). Heavensward and Stormblood playout normal, aside from Zenos causing a lot of Mallo's trauma to be dredged up. This is also when Seth and Mallo canonically get married. Shadowbringers gets a little funky since he is pulled to the first before Seth but after the rest of the scions, he runs into Kaephal (Mallo's equivalency to Ardbert). Otherwise standard ShB things happen. Endwalker is also mostly the same, with the minor difference that Mallo willfully sends Seth and the Scions back to the Ragnarok so he can face Zenos alone. After which he manages the narrow escape, only to be comatose for a solid few weeks while he's being berated by Fray. Once he's awake, he hangs up the greatsword since he nearly lost his life. Unfortunately for him retirement just ain't his style and he struggles to get back into dark knighting, this doesn't really work out so he has an internal conflict with Fray. This is where a cool fight scene would happen if I were a good writer. This cool fight scene results in the Dark Knight job stone being physically lodged in Mallo's hand, in addition to him picking up Warrior as his job going forward. He even forced Fray back into himself, turning that inner esteem and rage into his inner beast.

2. Kaephal Norigen - Vii PLD/DRK/GNB

Kaephal's story starts with him abandoned on the step of a church in some area of the first now consumed by light. Upon the discovery of this infant, the Mystel family that runs the church took him in. Growing up around faith molded his mind, leading to his decision to become a paladin. A true warrior of light, in both name and deeds. But much like any paragon of virtue, it can be corrupted. Kaephal and his party fell for Elidibus' lies, and attacked the source. He took the title Warrior of Darkness a little too literally, changing his job to dark knight to reflect the task at hand. As usual, the warriors of darkness are rebuffed, sending them back to the first where things worsen by the day. One by one the party falls apart, leaving only the specters tied to Seth and Mallo. The events of Shadowbringers involving the player's reflection play out as normal, which minor dialogue changes here and there to reflect the different characters present. Kaephal's story ends with a simple question, "If I had the means to keep you fighting, would you take that chance?"

[nights-at-crystarium]

Fragments - episodes 1-3 author notes

A sort of an analysis post, rambling about the stuff I’m trying to imply in my comic. Read and see how much you’ve noticed or missed :>

Starting with the obvious parallels.

Raha’s expectations vs reality.

Our Warrior is, indeed, unfortunately, not what he seems.

^ In this scene Vivi’s genuinely enjoying himself, getting that sweet revenge on the owner of that disembodied voice.

In this scene, however, he’s not only amused, but also overplaying a bit out of sheer pettiness. “Oh it’s THAT guy again, let’s show him his place”.

It’s not too important to point out in the comic, but the laughter scene does stretch on for long enough to consider that Vivi may not be 100% genuine here.

It goes unnoticed by both parties, but Vivi’s less-than-valiant behavior effectively shatters whatever wall could’ve initially been between them. Now they’re equal.

And not only Raha doesn’t feel any reverent tremble before the hero of Eorzea anymore, he all but hisses at Vivi, scared that he’d go around telling everyone about his shame.

Which never happens!

Everyone around them is confused by Vivi’s sudden outburst and their cryptic exchange of? Threats? Promises? Whatever that was?

Again, they don’t notice that yet but you’re allowed to know that they’re kinda on the same wavelength, sharing one braincell. By “don’t you-” Raha means “don’t you fucking tell them about me landing in the river”, and “shh, we’re good, I’d never” from Vivi is a reassurance that he didn’t, and won’t. A shared secret’s still a bonding material, even if it’s this ridiculous.

Their exchanges overall are rather short during the entire ARR arc because, take it or leave it, they don’t have much in common yet. Not much to talk about. However their sass and mischief are colliding in explosions.

A bit of a break from the lyrical mood, look at these defeated ixal. I’ve looked up their refs, rolled up my sleeves and then decided to just not x’D

I’m incredibly proud of this frame.

Like seriously it turned out so good composition-wise. Also the lance! You won’t find it ingame, not in this game at least - it’s a guild wars sunspear. A bit of an easter egg and a cheeky reference to the sun, Azem, yadda. Vivi doesn’t keep this spear for too long, I’m not even sure if I’ll draw it again. Next time he carries a weapon on-screen it’s a new one, completely original because I don’t like any ingame lance :’>

Also a random semi-related fact: Vivi’s gridanian! So Raha unknowingly chooses the worst possible matchup. Pretending an elemental or whatever he thought he sounded like, should I even mention hiding in the GREEN TREES as a REDHEAD.

The first scene takes place on a summer night.

Not sure if I could convey “summer” somehow but it’s not that important. I just wanted to go all in on the ShB foreshadowing. And I personally associate Vivi with a summer night. Midsummer. Fae. Wait, it’s way too early for that-

Thank you for reading the comic, I’ve been working on it for over a month now, with maybe one day off per week, that’s how excited I am. This workload could be unhealthy in the long run, so I’ll try to keep the updates within 5-6 pages/10-12 frames from now on. Still quite an amount to dish out in one week, but otherwise I wouldn’t reach their “endgame” even in 5 years. Well, I’m just starting out and seeing what works best for me. I took this month off work to fully dedicate to the comic and see where it lands me money-wise, but I’ll have to go back to adoptable-making in September. My monthly needs are ~$1400, comic currently makes ~200 ;w; But again it’s too early to judge, I’m hoping that more people join patreon or kofi.

[halonicheart]

Calysi I fucking LOVE your post about G'raha. I often have similar questions when it comes to him, to be honest. ESPECIALLY because he's been Exarch for far longer than he was G'raha.

Do you think he even had moments where he briefly FORGOT what his birth name was, during his time on the First? What went through his mind when he heard it for the first time in over a century...? When we kept calling him by a name he technically no longer used? Sure it was nostalgic, but it also probably filled him with sadness because that's no longer who he was. At least, it wasn't until he made the conscious choice to reclaim his old identity.

OH 1,000% YES HE PROBABLY HAS HAD LAPSES OF MEMORY WHERE HE GENUINELY DID NOT REMEMBER WHO HE ONCE WAS!! When you pretend for so long the lines between the truth get so blurry. He’s essentially been masking for hundreds of years that the mask has practically become who he is as of SHB.

I imagine it felt like a sucker punch for him, mostly muscle memory making him even respond to his own name. I’d kill to see how he properly reacted to it in private, when there was no one around he had pretend or put on an act for. Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing but it can be just as suffocating and sad all the same. As if seeing the WoL again wasn’t enough of a reminder of all the things that was lost, hearing that name solidifies a time he feels he can’t go back to ever again.

That isn’t his world/timeline to save its G’raha’s.

That isn’t his friend, the warrior of light, that’s G’raha’s.

He’s forced to acknowledge the feelings he kinda isn’t super great at hiding but that’s okay it’s a charm point about him. It was probably a super uncomfortable feelings but it’s an uncomfortable motion he needed to go through to open his eyes, to truly be awake.

The warrior of light would call his name a thousand and over if that’s what it would take to make him see that even worn by time and tragedy he is still G’raha Tia.

[dalmascan-requiem]

Lente's Hymn: Reunion

(Vierapril Day 15 - Sacrifice)

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This fic is outdated now! Instead, check out the Resistance fic, which includes this prompt as part of chapter 2.

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When Kris heads to Gangos to aid in the effort to free Bozja from the Garleans, it's not long before he has to deal with fragments of his past.

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Read on AO3 or keep reading after the jump

content warnings: none

Check out the main Vierapril 2023 post here

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I feel like the WoL has to sacrifice a lot in the name of heroism, and this explores what that sacrifice was for him. It makes me sad, my poor blorbos.

Also, this fic arc takes place during the Ivalice/Bozja storyline (the latter of which is moved up from post-ShB to post-Stormblood as it just... makes more sense there), and it's been about four years since the start of ARR. Just to get a feel for the timeline at play here.

"Kris."

The Rava's chest tightens. The voice that said his name was familiar--far too familiar. While he hadn't heard it for years now, it was a voice he'd never be able to forget. But to hear it now was quite the shock. It can't be…

He slowly turns to face another Viera. His long, brown hair was bound back in a ponytail, though the setting sun still caught hints of his natural red highlights. As Kris finished turning around, he noticed fuchsia eyes fighting through a wide range of emotions, though it wasn't long before they settled on one--anger.

"Laurent…"

The Viera lets out a frustrated huff. "Well, it seems as though you don't have amnesia." Laurent crosses his arms, saying nothing more--clearly waiting to hear whatever explanation Kris has for disappearing over four years ago.

Kris knew that coming to Gangos to help the Bozjans fight Garlemald was a risk, but he also knew that not coming was a bigger one. If the Warrior of Light refused to help the Resistance out after working to liberate Ala Mhigo and Doma, questions would be asked, and not the type he was thrilled to answer.

He did figure he would run into Laurent at some point, and he would need to explain why he never tried to contact the other Viera… but Kris also thought he had more time. He didn't expect to see his partner again within days of landing on Gangos' shores. For once, he wasn't sure what to say.

"So you're the one Lethe's Tears sent." 

"Yes, I am." Laurent is silent for another moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And you are the vaunted Warrior of Light, savior of the realm, the one person to turn the tides of the decades-long war." The bitterness is more than clear in his voice. "I thought I'd have to deal with some arrogant child trying to give orders, but little did I expect to find you here."

Kris looks away from the other Viera, not saying anything in response. I cannot blame him for being angry. Had the roles been reversed, I'd feel much the same. But--

"Really? Nothing to say?" Laurent takes a step forward, hesitantly. "It's been four godsdamned years, Gale! What, too busy gallivanting around as the Warrior of Light to let me know you were even alive?"

"It's not that--"

"Then what is it, Gale? Tired of being a soldier? Got a little stronger and decided you didn't need me arou--"

"It's not that." Kris could feel his own frustration bubbling over, and it was his turn to take a deep breath before continuing. "It was to keep you safe."

"Safe? Have you forgotten that this is a warzone? It's not exactly safe here--"

"Don't you think I know that?" Kris looks away again. "So many people have been hurt or died just because they were near me. I didn't want the same to happen to you. Even here… you were safer."

"I…" Laurent stops for a moment, and Kris looks back at him. The dark-haired Rava's expression is unreadable… until it once again settles on anger. "My supposed safety is not your decision to make! I am not some pampered noble who can't even raise a blade." 

Laurent looks down at his hands, his bangs covering his face, but the hurt in his voice was evident. "I didn't even know if you were dead or not. You just disappeared. All these years and you were alive… making a name for yourself, even. Even if it was a different name, as if you just discarded the past like it was nothing."

Kris's chest tightens again. He wanted nothing more than to return to the past--to embrace him, tell him he's sorry. He wanted nothing more than to ask Laurent to be by his side… but he doesn't move. "Reyna--"

"Do not call me by that name, Kris." Laurent suddenly turns his back to the light-haired Viera. "Just hurry up and end this war, oh Warrior of Light, and you can go back to ignoring the past."

Kris watches the other Viera walk away for a moment, before turning back to the nearly-set sun. So this is how it will be… He wished it didn't hurt so much, for either of them. Just another price to pay. Another sacrifice to make. But at least when this is over, he can move on and be safe.

He sighs, idly spinning one of the rings on his finger as he makes his way back toward camp. I best get this over with quickly, then.

[laeorinel]

FFXIV Write 2023 - Day 19 - Weal

A teeny tiny bit of wolcred if you're looking for it. No real spoilers as such aside from the names of a few places. Set vaguely post-shb.

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Thancred tensed against the thick metal cable that bound him as the Centurion landed another blow. Gods, how long had they been at this? It had to be getting close to four hours by now. 

Spitting more blood on the floor beneath him, he could almost imagine the weals and welts forming from the Centurion's blows. It was hardly the worst beating he had ever received or the first time he was captured. Still, he imagined the moment a certain Au ra saw the state of him, she would go on the warpath, regardless of what he or anyone else said. 

"Scared Eorzean?" taunted the Centurion, bloodied fists by his side as he waited for a response or an order.

"Hardly. I've been hit harder by milkmaids in Ul'dah," muttered Thancred, doing his best to sound bored even if the beatings were starting to take their toll.

"Then perhaps a new approach is needed, " said a man behind the Centurion. Egnatius van Arvina, commander of this castrum and warden to all those imprisoned here. The man exuded confidence, but that was easy to do when the one person in the room who posed a threat was bound and shackled. The Garlean moved over to a console behind him, lights flickering to life over the few cramped cells tucked away in the back of the room. Thancred glared at the man as he saw the state of the prisoners. He had not been the first to be beaten black and blue by the Centurion. 

"You infiltrated our castrum looking for these rats, did you not? I'm curious how well they would hold up to punishments meant for you. Decimus has already corrected them once before. I am sure another lesson will only serve them well."

"I would advise against that," muttered Thancred as he tried to lean back as far as he could in the chair he was bound to, which was not much. 

"Why? Because you will kill me? Please, you and I know full well you cannot break free of those restraints. Your empty threats do not concern me." said Egnatius as he moved around the room, circling the chair Thancred was bound to. 

"Oh, no, no. You misunderstand. I am not the one you should be frightened of. You know who I am and who my allies are. Tis only a matter of time before they find me. Before she finds me." Thancred turned as far as he could in his chair to try and keep eye contact with Egnatius. 

Egnatius leaned over Thancred from behind, clawed gauntlets resting on his shoulders, the metal digging into exposed skin. As he spoke, every word was dripping with venom. "Ah, yes. The rabid bitch of Eorzea. Your precious Warrior of Light."

Thancred bit down on the inside of his cheek at the insult; he could not lose control, not now. He had to keep them distracted for just a little bit longer. "How charming. Well, that 'bitch', as you call her, is someone I know very well. She is known for having a bad temper, and I, for one, would not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath."

Releasing Thancred, Egnatius continued moving around the room. He seemed entirely confident he was in complete control here. "Is that so. I'm shaking in my boots. She will not be able to find us, you realise. Few know of this Castrum, and fewer still know how to breach its walls."

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but if you believe this is the first time she has had to break into a castrum, you are sorely mistaken. She has become a rather dab hand at it. Meridianum, Abania, Fluminis, Marinum, there may even be a few more I don't know about."

Just a little bit longer. All Thancred had to do was keep Egnatius talking and keep him distracted. "Not to mention, of course, she knows where this place is. I am here, after all. Do you truly believe I would have infiltrated somewhere without telling my allies first? Like you said, few know about this place, so we needed to get someone inside first."

"But that would...you mean you intended on being captured?"

Well, keeping him distracted did not mean he could not mess with the man, Thancred thought, his typical cocky grin on his face as he spoke. "Of course. Come now, you did not think capturing me would be that easy, did you? You lot have been trying for years and have never once got close. It was honestly rather pathetic. I practically had to hand myself over to you for you to even stand a chance, and even then, you nearly fumbled it somehow."

"Why?"

Thancred gestured with his head towards the prisoners. "It is simple. You had prisoners we wanted to rescue. This was the best way to do it, with as few lives lost as possible." 

"I could have had you killed on sight. You had no way of knowing I would take you captive."

"Of course I did. You Garleans are nothing if not predictable, especially you, Egnatius. You see value in people, but only after you have broken their wills and made them your puppets." 

Thancred could practically feel the man's glare, even if he could not see it behind the helmet, as the Garlean pulled a pistol from the holster on his belt. "And what is stopping me from killing you here and now?"

Thancred stared down the chamber, not even flinching. "Nothing, except if you surrender, things will go better for you, and you know it. The Warrior of Light is not above reason nor mercy. Harm me or the prisoners, and I cannot guarantee you will walk away alive...or in one piece. The same goes for the rest of you." If his research into Egnatius held any weight, he knew the man would cut and run before killing anyone. The man was a coward to his core. Someone who believed themselves in control at all times and struggled to know what to do when that control was clearly taken away. 

"Now, if my estimations of how long I have been with you lovely chaps is correct, she should be making an entrance any moment now. We did agree on four hours of no contact before she unleashed hell."

Before anyone could say anything further, the ground shook beneath as an explosion ripped through the complex. Egnatius's soldiers quickly pulled up feeds from various security drones around the Castrum, showing the breach in the outer walls. Egnatius stared at the monitors in disbelief. While there had indeed been an explosion, it was not of the ceruleum tanks as he expected. They were still intact. No, the explosion had been one of pure destructive magic, practically melting the Castrum's walls, and right in the centre of the breach, he saw one person standing there menacingly. The Warrior of Light in all her fury, ice and fire churning around her. 

Despite Egnatius believing he had an iron grip over his soldiers, he watched as they scattered to the winds, laying down their gunblades and practically surrendering on the spot. The Warrior walked on unimpeded, with a few resistance soldiers following her. More explosions followed as she blasted through the rest of the castrum's defences and inner walls. 

Thancred could not keep the smirk off his face nor stifle the feelings of pride, awe and relief. Not that he ever had any doubts. She had never failed him. Egnatius, meanwhile, at least had the common sense to know things were not going in his favour, calling a retreat before swiftly leaving the prison cells and castrum behind. He would be a problem for later. 

Thancred let out a sigh of relief as the soldiers retreated. Eventually, he heard the explosions stop, silence filling the prison cells. He could vaguely hear muffled voices in the distance getting closer, along with hurried footsteps. Soon enough, he heard the sound of metal creaking, and the temperature in the room rose dramatically, then lower just as quickly. The steel door to the cells shattered into large chunks at the dramatic shifts in temperature, not that Thancred was focused on that all too much. His attention was entirely focused on the Au ra who stepped through the door. 

Samara swiftly moved over to Thancred, her staff disappearing in a flash of aether and being replaced by his Gunblade, which she used to cut through his bindings. The resistance soldiers that followed her quickly went to work, rescuing the prisoners from their cells.

Thancred leaned forward heavily as he was freed, trying to loosen up the cramped muscles in his arms and back. He saw Samara crouch down next to him out of the corner of his eye before he felt her hand on the side of his face, ever so gently tilting his face towards her. The concern in her eyes was evident, as was the underlying anger. She had never liked this plan from the word go. No words were said as she gently traced her fingers over the various cuts and bruises on his face. He felt the faintest touch of healing magic before pulling his face away. 

She looked at him quizzically as he rose to his feet, taking his Gunblade from her. "My wounds will heal in time. Do not waste any more aether on me, not after that display at the wall. I know something that destructive drains you, and we are not out of danger yet. Now, let us be away before Egnatius returns with reinforcements."