castien-ffxiv - Tumblr blog

castien-ffxiv · 11 days ago

Text

2 notes · View notes

castien-ffxiv · 11 days ago

Text

2 notes · View notes

castien-ffxiv · 11 days ago

Text

1 note · View note

castien-ffxiv · 11 days ago

Text

1 note · View note

castien-ffxiv · 12 days ago

Text

⸸ A Dove in Hand ⸸

The routine was simple enough, stand still and allow the stranger to feel over your limbs, calculating every measurement of her being to make a properly fitted dress. A dress Vahalia knew deep down, would not come to pass though there was a purpose to her always playing the necessary part.

The seamstress continued her work, hovering in circles around Vahalia with her tape in hand, going about her work as swiftly as Vahalia had allowed her to.

Watching herself in the mirror, Vahalia’s eyes flicked to Castien within the reflection who stood vigilant behind her, swathed in velvet and rich fabrics, a dapper woman in a well-tailored suit, and while Castien never complained about the role she had been there to serve, Vahalia could see it in the crimson stare that all the halfling wanted was to be out of that unusual cage of fabric she had not been accustomed to wearing.

“Black suits you Miss Bancroft.” Vahalia smirked into the mirror as she watched Castien’s eyes find hers.

“A favorite of yours. Funeral colors most say, and they’re right, however, I do enjoy the pop of reds here and there.”

A funeral?

Certainly, it was the season for grief. Vahalia knew all too well the grief that trailed her like a curse she had not evoked on her own, like an itchy pair of socks no one ever wanted but they served a purpose when necessary, “Reds, yes they would accentuate your eyes.” she hummed.

A fourth person had entered the room, donning soft whites and a gown embroidered with soft blue and lavender florals, a face Vahalia had not come to see before. Her arm lowered and she motioned for the seamstress to cease her work – a break was needed and the woman didn’t seem to shirk from the idea of taking a small break as she bowed and stepped back with her tools in hand, finding the large kit she had arrived with.

“And whom do we have here?” Vahalia turned to look toward the newcomer. Castien remained silent as the much shorter woman beside her smiled.

“Apologies my Lady, the Lord Whitlock has summoned me to place me into your meeting today to help oversee preparations. My name is Kaevia Sun’rael, I’m the Physician and Seer of House Whitlock. I will be the one to oversee your nuptials in the coming days and have been tasked in assisting with the preparations of the ceremony. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” the woman bowed gracefully at the waist.

“Certainly a proper little thing, aren’t you.” Vahalia mused as she stepped down from her place and walked closer to the woman clad in gentle tones. Her finger extended and curled under Kaevia’s chin as she rose from the bow, Vahalia’s delicate fingers curled where they did to gently raise the woman’s chin to have a proper look at her.

Kaevia was much shorter than Castien though easily four ilms below Vahalia herself. Vahalia’s golden hues scanned over the other woman’s face, finding soft pools of lavender for eyes, deep brown hair, and smooth, pale skin decorated with a freckle just under her right eye. Were a dove capable of shifting into a Hyur, Kaevia was certainly the epitome of just that made flesh.

“Sweet little dove.” Vahalia purred, “Where do you hail from?”

“Ishgard.” Kaevia answered without a pause.

“I see. A Physician and Seer? Quite the resume you have my dear of someone who looks so young, tell me, how does one become both?”

“An orphan of Ishgard. The Sister’s oversaw my education in healing arts and traditional practices and I had access to the Astrologicum in later years where I chose to follow the way of Nyemia over Halone.” Kaevia replied and she stood proper once more when Vahalia released her face, seemingly abated and appraised her.

The Witch-woman hummed, seemingly pleased – or curious though Kaevia found it hard to tell. The Priestess spoke once more, “House Whitlock took me in as a teen and I have been with them ever since as their Ward.”

“You are devoutly loyal to House Whitlock then I presume?”

“I am.” Kaevia confirmed.

“Then you are, by default to be loyal to me as well. Well met Kaevia. Tell me how old are you?”

The woman in white folded her hands proper along her midsection, lacing her fingers ever so delicately, “Twenty and three summers, My Lady.”

“Ah, that would explain your youthful face, my dear. Well, tis a place to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you better as I’m sure we’ll be spending moons together and more.”

A serene smile graced Kaevia as she looked between Castien and Vahalia, Castien simply raising a brow though she did not reply and simply exchanged looks between Kaevia and her eyes eventually pinning to Vahalia across from her.

“Come Kaevia, you must help me decide on a flower arrangement to go with my dress. I’m sure the seamstress can show you the fabric she intends to use and perhaps you can share your opinions with me?” Vahalia held her hand out to the Seer.

“Of course, my Lady. I would be delighted to assist you.” she reached for the offered hand. The pair turned to make their way back to the station to begin yet again with the fitting.

“There is much to prepare,” Vahalia spoke aloud but the swift and sharp gaze that lingered in the mirror to Castien, was enough to cause the Halfling woman to turn and excuse herself in silence from the room, leaving the women to their work while she had much of her own to see to.

There was much to prepare indeed.

w/ @castien-ffxiv & @kaevia-sunrael

11 notes · View notes

castien-ffxiv · 20 days ago

Text