thescions

[thescions]

"MY ADORABLE SAPLING ASKED FOR NO PICKLES!"

[thescions]

"I heard Meiko is adopting a cat." (From G'raha to Alisaie, not sure if this is about himself or another of Meiko's Baby Miqo'te Brother Hoard but I thought it was funny sadjkfhaslk)

"Is she, now? Seems that's become a habit of hers," Alisaie commented, staring G'raha directly in the eyes.

Referencing @vierandancer

[thescions]

"Should we draw straws to see who has to tell Yda that this is a terrible idea?" / for papalymo from meya!

This Meme || Accepting!

Papalymo exhaled a long-held sigh, his shoulders weighed down by pure experience.

"If you're offering to do so in my stead, then I will gladly take you up on it," he replied, pinching at the bridge of his nose in a gesture of impatience. "But presuming she insists anyway, as she is wont to do, I will step in. Be my guest."

[thescions]

"Should we draw straws to see who has to tell Alphinaud that this is a terrible idea?" [Krile]

This Meme || Accepting!

Krile chuckled. "Now why wwould we ever do such a thing? The best life lessons are ones learned through personal experience. He'll be fine."

[thescions]

Talking About Other Muses Starters

fill in the prompts with names of other muses/characters

"I'm worried that [name] might be in trouble."

"[name]'s birthday is coming up. We should throw them a party."

"I'm going to murder [name]."

"Did something happen between you and [name]?"

"I heard [name] is adopting a cat."

"I think I just saw [name] and [name] making out."

"[name] gave me this. . .thank god there's a gift receipt."

"Should we draw straws to see who has to tell [name] that this is a terrible idea?"

"I can't believe [name] told you that. It was supposed to be a secret."

"How dare you show up here after what you did to [name]."

"If [name] asks, you didn't see me."

"[name] just called from jail."

"You don't deserve [name]."

"[name] just offered me $50 to drive them to the border."

"I can tell [name] made this because it tastes awful."

"[name] was looking through your phone."

"We can just make [name] pay for it."

"What do I have to do to get you and [name] to kiss and make up?"

"Why is [name] digging a hole in the backyard?"

"We need to arrange a little accident for [name]."

"This is all [name]'s fault. I had nothing to do with it."

"Have you heard from [name] today?"

"Do you think [name] will like this? I spent all night working on it."

"I don't think [name] likes me all that much."

"Next time [name] speaks to me I'm shoving them in the pool."

"Why is [name] cowering in the corner?"

"[name] is your problem now."

"You didn't tell me [name] was going to be here."

"Did you see what [name] is wearing?"

"Take [name] with you. They look bored."

[thescions]

While we will tag posts appropriately and place any major story spoilers under Read Mores, you are now free to send Dawntrail-related asks to our Muses!

[thescions]

"Nothing this pretty could be real." Eydis to Feo-Ul !

"Well, believe it, my wee cuisle! Il Mheg is as real as you and me!" Feo-Ul flitted around their adorable sapling, proud of the world that the pixies had come to call their own. "It didn't used to be ours always, but we pixies have made it so much more beautiful!"

[thescions]

"are you always this articulate?" [Alphinaud]

"Yes."

Alphinaud didn't look up from the book he was reading.

[thescions]

"you shouldn't let those things they said back there get to you." (Kijin to Alphinaud)

"I'm -- I'm not." Alphinaud started, but then he stopped. Shook his head. "I mean, I'm trying not to. I asked for their opinions on how the Crystal Braves had been run, and I received them."

Riol and the others had been very, very kind in their resolution to remain with the Scions. But still, they had (politely) pointed out the problems that had been there from the start, and the guilt in him still ran deep.

"It was a fair assessment," he concluded. "One that I plan to keep with me for the rest of my days."

[thescions]

"behave yourself." (Erenville to Wuk Lamat)

"What? I have been on my best behavior!" Wuk Lamat bristled, folding her arms. "Have you ever stopped to think that maybe it's you who could beneift from behaving a little more recklessly? As far as I know, I'm not breaking any of your Sharlayan laws by having a look around!"

[thescions]

We love writing ARR Alphinaud and will do so at every opportunity. Please never hesitate to request an expansion-specific muse for your questions/inboxes!

DT asks are accepted but only if they are not spoiler-related. Otherwise we will answer those privately.

[thescions]

That might be all fine and dandy but you still have a lot more to learn. — from Alisaie to Alphinaud

"Of course I do, Alisaie," Alphinaud suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, knowing that such a gesture would spark his sister's short temper yet again. "I've never claimed to be all-knowing, and I am aware that we are foreigners in Eorzea. However, I do not believe that providing a neutral party's opinion to the feuding city-state leaders would do any harm. If anything, I'm sure they'd love the opportunity for guidance. Or a person they can blame if all goes wrong."

[thescions]

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐘'𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 (𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕) 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒. - feel free to make any adjustments as necessary!

"what is the measure of a true hero?"

"will you listen to him?"

"lighten up, dude."

"i'll take it from here, darling."

"it was a nasty place."

"behave yourself."

"look how cute he is."

"he's strong. like his dad."

"keep those away from the baby."

"let the kid have a little fun."

"is this an audience or a mosaic?"

"there's the little sunspot."

"i regrettably have a full time gig."

"you'll work yourself to death."

"i know you know."

"did you cut your hair or something? you look fabulous."

"my fate is in your lovely hands."

"okay, fine, fine. i'm cool, i'm fine."

"how do you kill a god?"

"perhaps they've answered our prayers."

"that boy is a menace."

"he's too dangerous to be around normal people."

"he didn't mean any harm. he's just a kid."

"i'm warning you. keep that freak away from here."

"you shouldn't let those things they said back there get to you."

"i try to fit in, i just can't."

"i feel like i really don't belong here."

"i have often dreamed of a far-off place."

"this is where i'm meant to be."

"i know every mile will be worth my while."

"i would go almost anywhere to feel like i belong."

"it's the symbol of the gods."

"you're old enough now to know the truth."

"how do you become a true hero?"

"i will please the gods."

"you sure this is the right place?"

"haven't you ever had a dream?"

"come inside. i want to show you something."

"every single one of those bums let me down."

"dreams are for rookies."

"i'm different from those other guys."

"i'm too old to get mixed up in this stuff again."

"i'm down to one last hope."

"you're not exactly a dream come true."

"you'll have to do."

"now that's more like it!"

"you want a road test? saddle up, kid."

"not so fast, sweetheart."

"i'm a damsel, i'm in distress, i can handle this."

"what are you doing? get your sword."

"a hero's only as good as his weapon."

"is wonderboy here for real?"

"at least i beat him, didn't i?"

"did they give you a name along with all those rippling pectorals?"

"are you always this articulate?"

"who are you calling a rodent?"

"he comes on with his innocent farm boy routine, but i can see through that in a new york minute."

"people here are nuts because they live in a city of turmoil."

"it seems to me that what you folks need is a hero."

"i have this terrible fear of heights."

"try to be a little bit more careful next time."

"i don't think we covered this one in basic training."

"you gotta admit - that was pretty heroic."

"he was so hot steam looked cool."

"everybody's got a weakness."

"there is nothing you can't do."

"it's great to see you. i missed you."

"you sound like you could use a break."

"i didn't know playing hooky could be so much fun."

"wonderboy, you are perfect."

"when i was a kid i would've given anything to be exactly like everybody else."

"you're the most amazing person i've ever met."

"when i'm with you i don't feel so alone."

"i would never ever hurt you."

"let's both do ourselves a favour and stop this."

"that's it. next time, i drive."

"no man is worth the aggravation."

"get yourself another girl. i'm through."

"i can't believe you're getting so worked up about some guy."

"people are gonna get hurt, aren't they?"

"now you know how it feels to be just like everyone else."

"i know what i did was wrong, but this isn't about me."

"if you don't help him now, he'll die."

"people always do crazy things when they're in love."

[thescions]

TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR

feel free to edit pronouns, etc. as needed

If we're going to be friends, there really is something I should tell you.

I can tell you one thing about them founding fathers of America; they sure had fabulous wigs.

Your approval is not needed.

I've waited my whole life to hear those words. And I'm very, very, very happy that you're the one to say them.

Nothin' this pretty could be real.

What in gay hell?

Looks like it's the age-old dilemma: style, or substance?

I think of you as an angel.

I think that's healthy!

Do you ever, like, not cry in this room?

Baby, you can have him.

I got a million dream lovers, alright?

I've got a broken heart for every light on Broadway. And when one of them goes out, I just screw in another one, okay, hello good-bye.

I'm the Latina Marilyn Monroe. I've got more legs than a bucket of chicken!

I didn't ask to come on this trip, did I? No, I don't think so!

As soon as we get to the next town I am jumping on the first man and riding him all the way to New York City and away from you 'cause this trip sucks! It sucks!

How do I look?

I don't know who he is, but if there's a snowstorm tonight, he's going on my tires.

Since you have obviously learned nothing, I am hereby stripping you of all your princess points.

I don't need a dream. I have a plan.

That might be all fine and dandy but you still have a lot more to learn.

Does everything have to be a joke with you?

This is not a masquerade! This is real life!

Oh, my God, I'm like a compass near north.

You have the potential of a lifetime and you are squandering it.

I want you to turn your swayback little self around on those Robert Clergerie Knockoffs and get back in this car.

Larger than life is just the right size.

No one is so rich as to throw away a friend.

I'll bet you were the brightest in your class, weren't you?

I feel like Miss Jayne Mansfield in this car.

You gotta take chances, because you never know, you know what I mean?

I'm not gonna worry about if people accept me or not.

I'm gonna make Hollywood wherever I am at.

I want you to believe in yourself, imagine good things and moisturize, I cannot stress this enough.

There are times when you help people, and then there are times when if you help people, you end up being killed.

Go on and talk to him, you speak honky!

This America does not respond kindly to our sort of person.

No one say anything frivolous for the next few moments.

I am having a significant experience.

Try to describe her and not use the word "statuesque".

I've had enough of this conversation, I'm hungry.

Let's just relax. It's gonna be alright.

A car? Mary Alice Louise, no. This is a land yacht.

How you gonna hitchhike if there are no cars, stupid?

I'm not rich, my parents are.

It's like living in a Tex Avery cartoon.

Live life before it lives you.

If you want them to know there is steak for dinner, you got to let them hear it sizzle! Understand?

You ruin my language and I still love you.

I think I'm gonna black out.

Why is he on the ground?

I am not going upstairs with you.

If you were my girl, you'd never cry for anything, except maybe for happiness.

I think tomorrow is a "Say Something" hat day.

Lets throw you a pity party.

You're gonna be second class and you're gonna be second rate your whole life.

Don't quote me but I think this one is decease-ed.

Actin' real proud of yourself just like a New York City girl.

I tell you where I'm going, I ain't going nowhere.

If I was your bread, would you be my butter?

[thescions]

LIGHT THE WAY.

It was likely due to how high emotions ran throughout Ultima Thule, but nearly all of them had completely forgotten about the teleportation devices. The Warrior of Light, however, had not.

"What -- what happened?" G'raha Tia's voice was bewildered and groggy. One moment, they had all been lifted off their feet and hurled into the abyss -- the next, they were on the bridge of Ragnarok, surrounded by all manner of equally bewildered Lopporits.

"The teleportation devices!" Livingway exclaimed. "I can't believe you really had to use them! Although, where is --?"

"They threw it away!" Alisaie sobbed. She had only just managed to push herself up into a sitting position, her eyes red. "I saw them -- they hit the button and, and --!! "

"And made sure we were safe," Alphinaud finished. His tone was bittersweet: shame at being unable to stay with the Warrior of Light to the end, but acceptance of their gesture. After all, hadn't they all made similar sacrifices while in Ultima Thule?

He wanted to stand. He wanted to return to his friend's side, but there was an unspoken truth that all of them knew: the path to the Endsinger's nest was likely no longer accessible. Even if they did make it all the way back there, it would need to be done at a full, constant sprint. None of them were in condition to do any of that.

"Well," Livingway said after a moment, noticing the heavy atmosphere. "It's good to know that the devices worked at all. And... well, our friend is known for felling gods of all kinds already, aren't they? There's not quite any reason to assume the worst. Yet." She glanced at the monitors as if to double-check. Nope. No catasrophe just yet!

Although, as if on cue, the Ragnarok and all of Ultima Thule seemed to tremble and shake. The monitors blared red and alarms went off -- but only for a moment. Still, something had changed, and the Lopporits were suddenly very preoccupied with the ship's systems.

Alisaie bit back a sob, a balled fist slamming into the floor in frustration. Thancred was silent, calculating just how pointless it might be to try and make their way back towards the nest. Estinien was forcing himself to stand, driven by the discomfort of feeling so helpless. G'raha Tia was torn between his faith in the Warrior of Light and his own dreadful anxieties. Urianger was alarmed but trying to place his focus elsewhere, glancing at the others to see if they needed healing themselves. And when Alphinaud looked to Y'shtola, he found the sorceress' brow furrowed in thought, as if trying to rapidly solve yet another riddle of the universe.

Suddenly, she turned to Thancred and Urianger.

"This domain is ruled by dynamis, is it not?" she confirmed.

Thancred perked up, his own mental wheels spinning. Urianger affirmed, "That is correct."

"Louisiox." Thancred leapt ahead in logic, catching up to Y'shtola's conclusion.

"What?" Alisaie looked up. Estinien waited, because he was equally confused. "What about grandfather?"

"Of course!" G'raha Tia leapt in, ready to fill in the gaps for the others. "In a place so where reality is dictated by emotions, our prayers could help them! Like the prayers that helped deliver Eorzea from Bahamut!"

"Well, why didn't you just say that?!" Alisaie demanded. Shaking her head, she sat upright and clapsed her hands together. "If this is all we can do...!"

"Aye," Alphinaud curled his fist and closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his ears as his comrades did the same. "We'll do everything in our power."

LIGHT THE WAY!

-- After what felt like an agonizing couple of minutes, the silence so tense one could slice through it, there was a shift in the world around them. And then, a voice:

"They felt your words. And so did I."

Thancred reacted first, gunblade drawn despite how he stood on somewhat shaky legs. Meteion, looking apologetic and lighter and brighter in hues of sky blue, did not flinch.

"There is nothing I can do or say to make up for the horrors that my sisters and I have brought upon the world, nor any of you. But take heart in knowing that the Warrior of Light has won, and our song has ended. I have walked a path for them to follow back to you."

Before anyone else could react, she was gone, fading with a soft gigle and wave goodbye.

G'raha Tia reacted first, relief rushing through him as he just barely caught himself from collapsing onto the floor.

"They're safe," he sighed, arms trembling. "Oh thank the Twelve."

"Yes...if Meteion is to be trusted," Y'shtola commented, although she, too, was smiling.

"My thoughts exactly." Estinien had pushed himself up to lean against the wall. "That girl appeared out of thin air. I see no path upon which our friend could walk."

"But they won," Alisaie insisted, relief also drowning her features. "They won -- I can feel it. Can't you?" She looked to Alphinaud, who nodded slowly.

"I do feel a certain weight off my chest has been lifted," he agreed. "For now, let's operate under the information given to us until we have reason to prove otherwise."

Urianger rose.

"If that be the case, then our friend will like want for healing," he stated. "I shall head to the Lopporits' infirmary to retrieve any additional medical supplies that may be needed."

"I'll help," Thancred offered, finally putting his gunblade away. A quick glance exchanged with Estinien communicated his faith in the Dragoon to assist if Meteion suddenly decided to have a change of heart while he was gone.

Y'shtola, in the meantime, was looking around -- trying to seek out what path Meteion may have conjured up for their friend to take. She couldn't see anything, but the world outside of the ship did seem to feel less oppressive...

--

A few minutes passed. Thancred and Urianger returned with the supplies. Livingway and a few other Lopporits excused themselves to check on the rest of the ship, as they presumed they would be returning to Eitheryis regardless. Alphinaud lingered by the windows, trying to discern a difference between Ultima Thule now and how it had been an hour ago.

Nobody spoke for a long time, until finally, Alisaie burst:

"Where are they? Didn't Meteion say they'd be right behind her?" She stood up, hands clenching and unclenching as anxiety wracked her petite form.

"Alisaie..." Alphinaud frowned, trying to reach for her. She shrugged him off.

"I don't want to hear it, Alphinaud! We're all worried! And we're allowed to be!" she snapped. Her anger quickly gave way to tears, which she rubbed away in frustration. "After everything -- after all we did, after all they've done -- why aren't they here?!"

Urianger spoke up. "Mayhap the journey requires one to traverse the length of Ultima Thule," he suggested, although his doubts were clear in his tone. "If that be the case, it may yet be awhile…"

He looked to Y'shtola, as if she could confirm. She merely shook her head. Out of all of them, she appeared to be the most content to wait. Estinien, too, remained quiet and withdrawn. Although, that was more due to his feeling the least included in the Scions, who had been together for far longer than he.

"It won't do any of us good to get worked up," Thancred said in agreement after a moment, placing a comforting hand on Urianger's shoulder briefly. As if he wasn't contemplating grabbing Meteion if she returned once more. As if he wasn't also contemplating heading out into Ultima Thule again himself. "We'll wait. And see."

G'raha Tia, in the meantime, swayed on his feet. He could feel Y'shtola's gaze on his back, watching him -- or perhaps warning him against suddenly collapsing. He wasn't going to, although he did feel clammy and lightheaded. He couldn't possibly make this moment about him when they were all waiting for the Warrior of Light's return.

Still -- They had won. They had won the day, just as they had in the First, so why...?

Where were they?

"Um, Meteion?" he called out suddenly into the nothingness, drawing everyone's attention. "If you're still there, somewhere -- could you possibly tell us how far our friend is away right now?"

He was met with silence, of course. Meteion wasn't there anymore. She wasn't anywhere.

Alisaie let out a scream of frustration, "I can't take this anymore! I'm going out to look for them!"

Alphinaud winced. Part of him wanted to stop her, but then he wondered why. Why wouldn't they go searching? What would be so bad if they tried?

"I'll go with you," he started.

But then there was a flash -- a brief burst of light, and the sound of a body settling against the floor. The Warrior of Light had returned: bruised, bloody, and still. The next few moments erupted into emotional and physical chaos.

But they were back.

[thescions]

What did your muse want to be when they were a child? Would their child self be happy with what they are now? [Minfillia]

The passing of Minfillia's father happened when she was so young. All she could really remember were her happy times spent with him, followed by her being taken in by F'lhaminn. Back then, all she wanted to be was happy and safe, and later, all she wanted to do was be useful in the Circle of Knowing and then leading the Scions. Minfillia gave herself fully over to her duty, and her child self would likely be proud of that. She would be even more proud to know that the Scions later freed Ala Mhigo, as her father had been loyal to them.

[thescions]

What is a promise someone made to your muse and broken it that your muse never forgot about? [Feo Ul]

"Contrary to what mortals may believe, pixies rarely hold onto grudges so long! We live forever, so it would be miserable to hold onto such terrible feelings. It would be far more productive just to get one's revenge! Why else do you think there are so many leafmen around Lydha Lran?" Titania giggled mischeviously. "Although I must admit, I do keep track of every time my adorable sapling visits and does not call upon me. But no matter! I have plenty of ways of punishing them in their dreams!~"