#& Viera actually finds it so endearing

[ladyinthebluebox]

Viera - the Crow who they kiss: [barely keeps is together]

[fumikomiyasaki]

So recently I had more fun practising my sketches and just going wild with whatever ideas are in my head... and these boys are part of an establishment Yuzuha owns in FFXIV Au... I actually planned to make 26 hosts in total for this little project so let me share 8 of these for now and their roles.

Crystal- Previous Adventurer, now he is working mainly tending to the Hot springs of this place and keeping peace among the workers, he is much taller than the standard Vieras which surprises many who meet him

Blaze- An Charming Au Ra with a knack for Romance. Blaze keeps many of the guest entertained and appreciated... he may be a bit too passionate and often but heads with his other Au ra colleagues but he does work his butt off to impress

Raven- Was part of the same adventurer group, this miqo'te is often called a tsundere by others, he does often hang in deep thoughts and not many guests can handle him that well but those that do often get interesting information as well as someone loyal as company

Maverick- a Mysterious Elezen, acting as the bouncer of the Dreamscape, many assume he is vampiric but nothing is proven... he doesn't talk much about the past but the scars on his body tell stories enough, as well as regrets of someone he cared about. He does have a tough shell but is a secret softie who bakes with some of the others.

Prince- And old Elezen friend of Maverick, he acts innocent and the sweetheart but could wrap you around his fingers quite quickly, he is competitive with Mav as well as a bit smug about his sucesses... he was formerly a noble that was disowned by his family and made it on his own

Olive- Despite him trying hard to mimic Yuzuha in some of his strength, its an act for Olive to not show how much of a pushover and coward he was in the past... he is mainly in charge of cleaning up a lot of things after the Dreamscape closed and make sure all items are in its place... he hopes to one day replace the current vice leader of this place

Eden- Given the dreamscape has a bar, Eden is in charge of all of the entertainment games and stuff to do. Maybe it be simple card and drinking games to dart boards to anything like that... he is chill, the most chill and grounded among the Au ra that work here... but that doesn't mean he can't be bothered at all...

Silk- A small and alway tired Viera who often just naps on anyone or anything coming in... many find it endearing and cute... however others find him also lazy... its true he can not be motivated that much but he does try his best if its important...

Anyways on to 18 more of these... all to feed myself a little

[ffxivaltaholic]

Prompt #8: (You Pick!) Prickle

#FFxivWrite2024

"Ouch..." He tensed as another cactus spine was pulled from his hand, holding still as best one could in such a predicament, and visibly pouting. Normally the Gleaner was quite careful when working with hazardous flora and fauna, in fact Seedkins and dangerous flora were actually his specialty... The pout was met with a raised brow, the other man's expression focused behind his glasses. "Almost done, one more prickle." He cooed softly, returning his orchid eyes to the task at hand. "I'm surprised, you seemed to be avoiding them with ease earlier, are you tired? Perhaps the sun is getting to you? We could take a break and finish later." Kristoffer continued on as he worked to remove the last cactus spine, turning to collect a salve from his kit. It certainly was a boon to have a botanist and healer alongside on this journey. 'I was distracted watching your beautiful face brighten at the different flowers...'

Diarmune wanted to say the words, to praise his partner and dote upon him, but in the moment it would not be very romantic sitting there with a pitiful expression at being bested by a cactus, and so he merely shrugged, adding little to no clarity to his answer. The response got a small huff of annoyance from the auburn-haired Botanist as Kristoffer went about healing the small cuts on Dia's hand. "Well try to be more careful! If you were on your own this would have been a very unpleasant time. That was seven needles..." The scolding was expected and Diarmune's silvery-white ears would flick back against his head as he tried not to laugh softly while being given a slight berating for his carelessness. Something about Kris fussing over him was so endearing and adorable. "But... I haven't found the weird little guy... Some kind of Sabotender I've never seen before..." The Gleaner complained with a heavy Thavnarian accent, looking at his bandaged hand with slight annoyance. Stupid cactus. Bringing his gaze back up to the other Viera, they exchanged a soft smile as Kristoffer drew Dia's injured hand over, placing a gentle kiss along the linen-wrapped knuckles. "We can come back tomorrow you know... Plus it is getting rather hot out..." Considering it was mid-day the temperature was reaching a point of uncomfortable, even in the shade. Despite being rather suited to the warmth, Diarmune was somewhat in agreement that it was a bit toasty even for him, and it was true they could easily come back another time, even the next day, but he was determined to find the little cactus creature that had scurried away upon being discovered by the pair. It looked like a new Sabotender for sure, but it was small with a little pink flower on it's head. He wanted to study and document it, but the critter had fled into the cactuses with an easy he could not replicate. Thus they had spent the last two hours searching.

A defeated slight left him and Dia nodded, admitting defeat despite his stubborn nature. He simply could not say no to such a cute face. "Fiiiine... Lets go back and get some shaved ice." Something to beat the heat a bit. As Kristoffer nodded and packed up his items, the Gleaner simply watched and admired until a moment came when he could reach out and capture the other Viera's face with his hand, pushing off the rocky edge to stand and steal a kiss before Kristoffer could scold him further. Given the chance he might have pushed for a little more affection from the botanist but something caught his eye. A pink flower... Atop an odd looking sabotender of sorts...

[zylphiacrowley]

Old age/aging headcanon for Vahl? (Also bonus is he called Vahl often? Who calls him Vahl?)

I actually headcanon that the echo extends his lifespan. Not by a lot, but beyond that of an average miqo'te (he will not outlive oh, say.......... a viera who is already younger than he is). As of this moment, and MSQ-willing (please don't ruin this for me Yoship), he will eventually settle down with Erenville in a small house outside of a small town where people have heard of the warrior of light, but maybe wouldn't recognize him to see him. He'd listen to people tell stories of his adventures and find the inconsistencies and exaggerations endearing and he would go into town to play music for people. He'd stay in touch with the scions and be there to mourn the passing of those he outlives and still visit those he doesn't. I also think he'd revel in the idea of being the kindly old town grandpa who would tell the local kids stories, downplaying his own achievements in favor of bolstering his friends' (enough people tell his story, he wants to make sure people hear of the heroism of the others who helped him along the way).

Bonus: As for being called Vahl and who is actually allowed to call him that; Everyone usually uses his full name in public, regardless of whether or not they call him Vahl. As for who: all of the pre-EW (and still alive/with them) scions are allowed to use it, G'raha and Y'shtola are allowed to use it since he's close with both of them (even though he and Y'shtola act more like bickering siblings half the time) and JustSuncatThings. He also uses their actual names to refer to them when not in public. Tataru was the first of the scions to be allowed to do so. Urianger and Alphinaud are both allowed to call him Vahl but they usually still use his full name. Alisaie teases him and calls him dad a lot more than she calls him Vahl (joke's on you Alisaie, he finds it endearing). Krile and Thancred only recently started to use it, albeit Thancred not that often since he's not used to it and also since they were kind of on shaky grounds during most of ShB. Non-scion wise; the mother of his children used to be able to use it, but he wouldn't let her anymore if he ever saw her again. Also Levi'ra (his canon dnc instructor and old friend) does! Levi is actually probably the only person who almost exclusively uses "Vahl" to refer to him and only uses his full name when he's trying to get his attention.

Thank you for the ask and I'm sorry for the excessively long answer for this one lol I just.... have put some previous thought into it so I have a lot to say about the subjects ^^'

[thedarkrose17]

I've been trying to expand my wols somewhat but I've only managed to expand Solis and Ori currently

So first up Sol's profile:

Solis Oriole:

Age: in 20s range (25/10)

Height: 5ft8

Race: miqo’te (keeper of the moon/seeker of the sun mix)

Personality:

-Dumb of ass (himbo)

-flirts but proceeds to get flustered immediately after

-street smart

-introvert

-loyal

- kind

- witty

-impulsive/foolhardy

Solis can hold a conversation but he doesn’t always tend to be the person to start one unless he has too. He’s usually the guy who’ll be standing at the side waiting to step into or find a way out of a conversation.

The main reason he became an adventurer is because he has a thirst for adventure and wanted to gain more power so he could help others in need. Plus he wanted to see the world.

He tends to keep a lot to himself and deal with it solo but sometimes it can be hard to do so.

Solis grew up in a family of five in his tribe. It was a fairly happy and carefree childhood. His mother from the moon tribe and father from the sun tribe. He got to learn about both tribes and their cultures as he aged.

He’s the middle child and only son, having an older sister called Luna and younger sister called Stella. He grew up somewhat sheltered being only surrounded by miqos until he got older and decided to leave the tribe to adventure.

He starts his adventure as a wide eyed, clueless and excited adventurer to a somewhat battle hardened hero who’s experienced a lot of death and trauma. He might unfortunately be used to death now.

He still keeps in touch with his family, sending letters when he can’t visit. He’s both excited and anxious, learning his siblings are either learning jobs to become adventurers eventually (Stella) or seasoned adventurers (Luna).

Hobbies:

-fishing

-cooking

-weaving

-gardening

Quirks:

-randomly flicks ears it happens when he’s happy or sometimes he does it without realising

-zoomies

-will randomly knock shit over

-always runs cold

-smokes when stressed

-snorts when he laughs

- eats fast and probably when food is a tad too hot

- bounces one leg when sitting

- makes up nicknames for everyone if he can

Relationships:

He’s friends with all the scions but he’s the closest to are G’raha, Estinien and the twins.

The twins he sees like family and is somewhat protective over them. He’s really dreading when they finally hit that growth spurt.

With Estinien he feels like he can relax the most around due to the fact he understands when Sol needs time to recharge and they can just hang out in silence if so desired. They feel a kinship with each other.

With Ori he at first thought was cold and that Ori didn’t like him but that couldn’t have been further from the truth, the viera was just trying to get a read on him.

With Raha he finds somewhat endearing and likes to jokingly tease him, reminding him how they first met. He’s made him promise not to sacrifice himself again.

Eventually over the course of the expansions their relationship changes from strangers to an eventual couple.

Sol catches feelings quicker than Ori does. He did think he was attractive when they first met but it’s during Stormblood when he falls for the Viera.

When Ori confessed during Endwalker, Sol might have actually cried a little, biting down on his bottom lip before telling him he loved him too.

Other facts:

-Sol likes to dance

-has depression

-is 100% a nerd. Has the power of God and anime on his side

- his love language is gifts and touch

-hates loud noises (sensitive ears)

-is somewhat childish

-complete disaster around pretty men

-goofs around with his powers whenever he’s got a moment to

-he’d put others before himself even if it was at his own detriment

Disabilities:

None

Enemies:

-Zeno

-Ascians

- twins dad (not anymore but man’s on thin ice)

Fears:

-Losing everyone

-corruption

-failure/not being good enough

-astraphobia (fear of thunder and lightning)

[starrysnowdrop]

My New OC and Ship Headcanons

Yup, I have been very inspired with a new OC and ship! The worst thing about it is that there’s not a lot of Artoirel content out there... and I mean hardly anything at all. But that’s also the best thing about it: I can let my mind take an idea and run with it!

First, you should probably read Psyche’s profile HERE and my first ship headcanons HERE.

Psyche Headcanons

Psyche is an only child raised in Dalmasca by her mother. In traditional Viera fashion, Psyche’s father lives alone and doesn’t raise her. In fact, she has never even met her father, nor does she know if he’s even alive still.

Unlike the majority of the Viera, Psyche and her family lived in the city of Rabanastre and did not follow the “Green Word”. It was Psyche’s mother who was the first to leave her tribe in order to see what the world was like beyond the forest.

When her mother left the tribe, she was banished forever and even her descendants can never return. As such, Psyche has never met her family’s original tribe.

Psyche was still in her mother’s womb when her mother left her tribe, so she was even born in Rabanastre. Soon after, her grandmother and several of her aunts and cousins leave the tribe as well, due to a differing in opinion about helping outsiders.

Psyche’s surname is Somnambula, which directly translates to “sleepwalker”, but the meaning behind the surname is closer to “Dreamwalker”.

Everyone in her family has a love for astrology and divination, and specifically her mother and grandmother both have visions of the past, the future, and can even see into someone else’s dreams, though they rarely can control this power.

Yes, the visions of the past are attributed to the Echo, but no one is certain why she and her family can see the future or others’ dreams as well.

It is one such vision of hers that led Psyche to Eorzea, which was a series of flashes of her future battles as the Warrior of Light.

Not too long after arriving in Eorzea, Psyche had a reoccurring dream of a unicorn running through snow. She has no idea what to make of it until she arrived in Coerthas with Alphinaud and Cid. She then saw the sigil of House Fortemps and knew that her fate would be entwined with this High House of Ishgard.

Psyche became really good friends with Haurchefant, even thinking of him as a brother, but her feelings for him were always platonic. Obviously she took his death extremely hard.

She is a friendly person and always wants to help others. She gets Artoirel to open up to her very quickly despite his distrust of her and the Scions at first. Others remark that they find her easy to talk to and that she gives great advice.

Psyche becomes good friends with Emmanellain and his nickname for her “old girl” actually has a double meaning, as Psyche is actually “old” to him (she is 55). She is almost Count Edmont’s age, but she is still considered very young for a Viera.

One of her favorite hobbies is reading, and she usually has a book in her hand during her down time. She prefers to read about history, other cultures, and magical theory. She was fascinated with Ishgard since she was a young child, and was very excited when she finally got to see it with her own eyes.

Because she grew up in a desert environment, she is not used to the cold climate of Coerthas. However, that doesn’t stop her from wearing clothing which exposes some skin.

Artoirel de Fortemps Headcanons

After rewatching a bunch of cutscenes and reading his dialogue throughout HW, Artoirel seems to not be a soft as Haurchefant or Aymeric, but not as gruff and edgy as Estinien.

He also isn’t afraid to speak his mind, as evidenced by his clear disapproval of having the WoL helping out with his duties when he first meets the Scions.

Artoirel sometimes has to check himself and refrain from outbursts and speaking aloud what his true thoughts on a subject when it may not be proper or polite to around others. His mouth has gotten himself into trouble growing up and sometimes now.

Artoirel also is not afraid to admit when he is wrong, as evidenced by his quick apology to WoL after the events in Falcon’s Nest. He is not so proud that he won’t apologize and to make amends for his wrongdoings.

As he is the eldest son and destined to take over for his father as Count of House Fortemps, Artoirel has a strict upbringing and his parents were hardest on him as they had very high expectations for him.

As he explains after the events of Falcon’s Nest, he always had a strained relationship with Haurchefant, and never accepted him out of his love for his mother. He judges the Scions based on the fact that he always thought Haurchefant was the favorite son and his father always gave in to him.

Also due to the fact that Artoirel hated how his mother was betrayed by his father, who had an affair with Haurchefant’s mother, Artoirel vowed he would never do that to his future wife. He has certainly been flirted with and pursued by a fair share of maids and noble women alike, he never gave in to temptation. He truly wants to be loyal only to one woman.

Psyche x Artoirel Headcanons

For Psyche, she was not prepared when she met Haurchefant’s family, as she never thought Haurchefant’s half brother Artoirel would be so gorgeous. She was immediately attracted to him and hel feeling for him only deepened over time.

When Artoirel first saw Psyche, he thought she was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, but he didn’t trust her or her fellow Scions. He even overtly protested when Psyche was asked to help him with his duties. She always thought he hated her at first, and had no idea he was so conflicted.

Artoirel’s feelings changed from just physical attraction to a full blown crush when Psyche proved herself by standing up to the heretics and successfully tracking them down. He realized that all of Haurchefant’s stories were absolutely true, and his heart couldn’t handle it.

As the Scions stayed in his home at Fortemps Manor, Psyche frequently dined with Artoirel and his family, read tomes together, trained together, and held long lasting, deep conversations well into the night. They spent a lot of time together and their feelings grew with each passing day.

Artoirel offended Psyche at first when he called her “the bunny”, as that is usually an insult to Viera. Over time, he would call her “bunny” to tease her and he laughed at her reactions, as he knew it would annoy her. Soon, it actually became his pet name for her, and he used it as a term of endearment. Now, he lovingly calls her “my bunny”.

Psyche soon called Artoirel “Artie”, and Emmanellain cringed at first, as usually Artoirel hates that nickname. This is due to the fact that it was their mother’s nickname for him. Much to Emmanellain’s shock, however, Artoirel oddly didn’t reprimand Psyche for calling him that. When asked about it, Artoirel didn’t know why it didn’t bother him when she said it. This was the first clue that Artoirel was in love with her.

They both thought that a relationship would never happen, as it is traditional that marriages are arranged, and Artoirel would never be able to marry a low born, let alone an outsider like Psyche.

It is the fact that he never thought he would be able to be with her that led him to asking Psyche if she would be a sister to him as she was to Haurchefant. Psyche agreed but she ended up running away in tears.

Artoirel is devastated that he made her cry, and Emmanellain told him the obvious fact that she loved him as much as he loved her. Artoirel says he knows there is something between them, but thinks he can never marry her.

Edmont soon tells his son that now that he is the head of their house, it is now Artoirel’s choice of who he marries. Edmont encourages Artoirel to marry for love, as he himself never had that opportunity. Along with the fact that Ishgard was rapidly changing, Psyche is in fact a ward of House Fortemps and the savior of Ishgard, so it would be a scandal to some, but not as scandalous as it could be.

Artoirel finds Psyche near Camp Cloudtop and comforts her, explains that he is now the head of House Fortemps and he has the freedom to choose who he wants to marry. He confesses that he only asked her to be a sister to him because he never thought he would be able to be with her.

Along with the love confession, he states that he has every intention of marrying her, if she would have him. She, of course, agrees.

He properly proposes after Doma and Ala Mhigo are liberated, but the wedding had to be postponed when word got out that the Empire was attacking Eorzea. Currently, they are hoping to be wed once the fighting has slowed down and Psyche returns from the First with the Scions’ souls returned to their bodies.

That is all for now! If you have gotten this far, thank you so much for reading! Hopefully I will have something written for them soon.

[casualcatte]

Journal Entry: Grindstone Night

I showed up at The Grindstone as I’d promised the Beaumonts I would. I’d hoped that Elizabeth Crowley (aka Robin Crawford) would have been there, but I’m sure she had better things to do than suffer Edgard’s clumsy advances again. I can’t really blame her. It was surprising that out of everyone it was Edmond Beaumont that put in an appearance, to fight in the lineup as promised. He gave a good fight, making it all the way to the Bridge final before a new fighter brought him low.

[ This one is a long one, folks!  Buckle up!] 

He didn’t seem himself when I spoke to him beforehand; he was cold, distant. I suppose my words to him before I left for Ul’dah wounded him deeper than I realized. It was never my intention to hurt him, but it was for the good of us both. He needs someone to follow, someone to shelter and I’m -- not that kind of person. I have my own battles ahead, battles I may not survive, and I won’t have someone getting attached when there’s a possibility that…

Nevermind. I can’t dwell on that.  I can only think of the Hunt ahead, I’m so close to some promising leads.  I’m hoping that by doing this Bounty Call in the Azim Steppe will at least do a fair bit to advance my reputation with the Veteran Centurio. I’m honestly looking forward to it. A good hunt will clear my head after all the craziness in Ul’dah. And it will give me a chance to see if Lorrendor Hauland is really all he claims to be. Not that I doubt his word, but the proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes.

While at the Grindstone, it was a delight to see Frey Underbridge. I hadn’t seen him since we liberated Ghost from her captors, so it was good to hear that she and he were both doing well. I told him about Rae-Hann putting koi in the Gold Court fountain. He promised to feed them when I’m not around, so that’s something of a comfort. I didn’t really have the heart to eat them after Rae went to all the trouble to put them there. I only hope they survive. I told Frey that he, Rae, and I should get together sometime, I find I’ve missed my catte-family and our antics.

I also had cause to chat with a viera by name of Ljara Miret-njer who got knocked out in her second round on the Bridge, but stayed on to watch the rest of the fights. As a warrior, she’s clearly skilled and a little bit frightening, but to talk to she’s also an excellent conversationalist with astute observations. She also very amusingly gave Edgard Beaumont as good as she got once he actually showed up.

When I told him I was leaving for Kugane again in the morning, that I’d just made the return trip for the Grindstone, he offered to take me for a drink so he could say a better goodbye than the last time. I didn’t see the harm in it and it would, as he said, save him from having to make the trip all the way out there again to re-do it.  Had it been anyone but Edgard, it might have been endearing.

Until we got to the Quicksand. Almost as soon as we got there, he started schmoozing an Au Ra woman then had the audacity with me sitting right there to say that he was /tired/ of me. As if I’d been the one flinging myself fruitlessly after him or that I now somehow bored him. The nerve! /This/ was the “better goodbye” he wanted to give me? Idiot.

Not long into his shenanigans, though, Edmond showed up clearly looking like he’d never even made it to bed. He mentioned something about making it to an alleyway before he collapsed in the dirt. I knew I should have stayed with him and ensured that he made it back to the inn. I’m not entirely sure what it was all about, but they began bickering, then arguing, into a full on yelling match. So concerned were they for each other that everything else was forgotten.

Including me.  Some goodbye, eh?

I left.  I went to the Gold Court to check on my koi that Rae-Hann had put into the fountain there, wanting to make sure they were amply fed before I left for Kugane.  Admittedly, I also seethed. I’d been surprised when Edgard had come out to Kugane, it was unexpected, even a bit touching that he would travel so far just for the sake of talking to me. Only for him to turn around and say that he was tired of me. It stung, probably more than I would ever admit to anyone. I was angry.

Lorrendor found me there and I confided in him how I felt about everything. The Beaumonts had not been good friends to me, that much was true. I listened to them and their problems far more than they listened to me and mine. To be used like that, then dismissed, and disregarded -- friends don’t do that to each other. Do they?  Lor said I deserved better and I do. 

So when Edmond tried to walk past with little more than a “Goodbye, forever, I’m leaving. Forget me.” My anger at the whole idiotic situation came to bear. I threw the loaf of bread I’d brought for the fish at him.  I told him I never wanted to see him or his brother again.  And I gave him back the stupid flower he’d given me, if he wanted me to forget him then I certainly wouldn’t be needing it!  He at least had the decency to cry then, to feel somewhat sorry for the bridge he was about to burn. It didn’t stop him from doing it though. 

Maybe he expected me to be some weepy maiden, to cling to him and plead with him to stay.  By every god in the Twelve, was he barking up the wrong damn tree if that was his expectation!  If he wanted to believe everyone had turned their back on him, who was I to gainsay him?  I’d only tried to give him a ridiculous lady’s favor at the Grindstone not a bell or two beforehand, but clearly that meant I didn’t want anything to do with him. That it was fine for him to just pull up stops and leave with no hope of ever seeing him again -- or so he claimed. Gods, he plays the sacrificial lamb card so often and so well.  It’s infuriating.  Maybe someone else will have better luck getting him to appreciate the life he has, instead of the life he feels duty-bound to.  Gods above know that it won’t be me.

It was a short-lived exchange, but by the time it was over Lorrendor had made himself scarce, not that I blame him. While it was no lover’s quarrel it was still infinitely personal and I’m sure he wanted to give us some semblance of privacy and space, in case we decided to talk things out. (We didn’t, because Edmond was too concerned about his own feelings and wallowing in them.)

I was so tired of Ul’dah after all this. I went straight to my inn room, packed my bags, left a note for Lorrendor on where I’d gone, and took myself to the Airship Landing. Surely there was a late-night airship going to Kugane. Thank every god that there was. I bought a ticket without a second thought and waited for them to call my ship to board.

Again, it was Edgard that came searching.  Edgard.  Despite the fact that it’s happened before, it still surprises me. And it enraged me. After all, he’d said he was tired of me, hadn’t he? So why was he even here? I told him as much and probably not in the most courteous tones either.

Edgard became distinctly NOT Edgard in the moments that followed. He was… vulnerable and sincere, heartfelt and genuine. There were tiny inklings of his conceited bluster, but for the majority it was… it almost felt like an entirely different person. 

He apologized, genuinely, for saying he was tired of me. He said he enjoyed my company, enjoyed ME as a person, that he respected me. He said I mattered to him. Edgard has always seemed like the kind of person who didn’t let people matter to him. He said he didn’t want me to leave Ul’dah thinking ill of him, that it would weigh on his heart.

He and his brother are both idiots with a lot of baggage that need to be dealt with and I told him as much, to which he agreed. I still couldn’t fathom what was happening; I felt certain that he and Edmond were both playing some cruel trick on me and that this was Edmond talking and not Edgard. He assured me, though, that it was an emotionally battered and tired Edgard. 

Having severed ties with his brother, he now found himself adrift and uncertain of his path forward. With nowhere to moor himself, he thought of when he came to Kugane to visit me and thought he might go there, even said I could teach him to hunt. He said it with such humility that I found that I could no longer be angry with him. Oschon only knows I’ve said stupid things in my time, as my godfather can always remind me and attest to. 

I told him he was more than welcome to come to Kugane, there was plenty of room at the Stars’ Rest Inn where I was staying anyway. They called for my ship to board, so I took my leave and we said a better goodbye than last time, as promised. He called me Little Blue, as he always does. I told him my name was Aultena.

Naturally, the boor had to rub it in that I’d finally given him my name of my own accord and feigned not to hear it.  So I marched up, pulled him down by his ear and yelled it so that he would remember.  I hope his ear hurts for days as a reminder.  Idiot.

But I guess he’s an idiot I’ll see in Kugane soon.

[starwroughtchild]

“While lady under golden bower sleep Raven song awaken and weep For springs to savor, winters to keep In quiet heart where shadows creep Know ye son of snow and sleet Summer she comes, Summer she comes."

The box was old and bloodstained, and it sat quietly and dark against his pale hands.

He had pulled it from where he had hidden it in the dark reccesses of his wardrobe behind heavy fur coats and woolen shirts that belonged to the colder, crueler world of the North, and like the coats had been waiting expectantly for when it was needed.

Setsuna was not in- doubtless he was with his troupe or out and about with his sometimes-lover which that was all for the best. There were certain secrets the Doman did not yet need to know and certain lies it was best he still believed of the Ishgardian. He would hear them in time or perhaps he already knew and was keeping them to himself as he waited for Silene to speak on them. Setsuna waited on Silene and Silene waited on...

The Lady..it was best not to think on that. On Her. It brought up too many complicated emotions and doubts he had worked very hard to push down and quiet. She slept, Lanceloux had told him, protected by the woods as the very aether in them healed her of her injuries. Unable to travel too far from him his carbuncle had seen less than would have satisfied him and this too left him anxious, quiet, and waiting. Maybe that and a letter from his sister in Ishgard were what pushed him to take out the box that now sat in his lap. It too was anxious, and quiet, and waiting.

Inside the black velvet had aged without grace. Like the woodgrain old stains that were never washed out matted the once elegant lining and bespoke of early days in the art of clusmy kils and shaking hands that wished nothing more than to drop the twin blades that sat wrapped upon it. He knew them without looking at them as a man would know the shape of his lover even as they lay naked under sheets upon a bed. Long, thin, black; pommels shaped like an owls head and set with ruby eyes. Handles carved with wings folded down and engraved with loving detail, hooked talons that grabbed the blade and dug into the fuller that ran from hilt and barely touched the tip. In the right hands they were as dull as a hammer blow or as sharp as a needle, made for the silent and merciful kill that he had not always been a master of.

His first had been a man that had noisily bled out. It wasn't easy to puncture through so many layers of clothing and skin and through the right spot in the ribs to the lungs. The man had a rattle in his breathing and a wheezing scream that had been silenced by a blade across his throat. Bloody work. There had been no way to hide the blood pooling on the stone floor but no one had been surprised, really, when the body was found laying in it. Richoulle Dzmael, reportedly the bastard son from some cousin of the Great House. No one would miss him, he ran his mouth far too much.

He picked the wrappings up and slowly pulled them away to reveal twin sheathed blades. They were beautiful, truly, a masterwork of metal, a tribute to the blacksmith that had made them. He was still alive in the jeweled crozier and had hopefully made more- no. He was dead too. He had been a much cleaner, faster, and silent kill than Richoulle Dzmael. That was one Silene had actually regreted having to do as the Skysteel Manufactury never had quite the same quality as when they were alive. The kill had been necessary though..hadn't it?

One of the daggers was strangely warm to the touch as he pulled it from the box and let it sit on the very tips of his fingers. They had perfect balance- they could be thrown, hidden, parried with, almost sang as the blade moved through the right wind and double edged so that every thrust and cut mattered. Every thrust and cut did matter of course. He tilted his hand back and let the dagger roll to rest in his palm and oh how the grip felt different on a bare hand than in a gloved one. He'd never noticed before or maybe he had just forgotten. He had tried to forget a lot of things from those years before the end of the War. 'That would be the trauma, my darling brother.'

Heliaux's voice came to mind, sarcastic, endearing and concerned all at the same time. There had been no perfectly balanced daggers for her come her eighteenth name day. There had been no scars on her back, no stomach torn apart by poisons and no blood on her hands. For his beloved twin there had been no swoop in her stomach at a kill, and no sickening enjoyment from a job well done and a fathers thin praise. She had escaped that life and left the family. Left him, her own blood, to deal with it. No. that wasn't fair. It wasn't fair.

The dagger clunked noisly as he all but threw it back into the box and slammed the lid shut. The wardrobe was battered as he tossed the box back behind the heavy fur coats and woolen scarves and then slammed the door shut. Like trying to keep a monster in he leaned against the door with hands tightly curled around the raised face of the wood, pressing all his weight against it. How long he stayed there he couldn't say. Time passed in strange ways when he looked inward, turned himself and his thoughts inward and pressed them all back down. They would claw themselves back to the surface eventually. They always, always did.

After that he moved in a daze. A bath was drawn and taken, clothes were discarded and changed. Candles lit the surface of the table in front of the couch where he was sitting when Suna returned. The vieras eyes moved from the two empty wine bottles on the table and the turned over glass on the floor to the elezen that sat, said nothing, and watched him like a wary animal. "Oh, *cher*..here I was half expected to find a masked phantom and an organ playing."

"Happy to disappoint you."

The flat tone of Silenes voice drew Suna to his side, a frown now settling on snow white brows as he looked the elezen over. He did not ask what was the matter or push but sat close as the elezen would allow. "Is this about the Lady?"

Of course Suna knew. He had been told. Not everything but he had been told. "No."

"Do you want to talk about it."

'Yes.' "No."

Suna moved in closer at the lack of a rebuff from Silene and lay his cheek upon the mans shoulder. Two hands, dark brown and smaller than his own, cupped the Ishgardians pale right one and simply held it. Suna...knew. About monsters. About nightmares. About decisions that kept one awake in the dark. He understood the loud and heavy silences that settled on the elezens shoulders and helped to hush them with his voice, his humor and laughter.

"But I will. One day."

"I know.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be.

Far away in the woods a Lady slept in living death. Far away in the North Ishgard lay covered in snow and masked the spilt blood of the previous day with a pure layer of innocent white. Both played in a loop in his mind as Silene slipped an arm around the vieras waist and drew him still closer, longing to feel something in his hands other than the phantom touch of wings engraved on a dagger.

"...is there any wine left?"

"...no..."

"Silene. Really?" Sunas exasperated look almost, almost, drew a smile to the elezens face.

"You knew this about me when you moved in."

"Lush."

[ethereal-jule]

📝

Their first impression:

"hmm, first impression?" honestly, he was just confused and concerned why this man was lying half dead in the snow- his very first impression was perhaps skeptical, wondering if he was about to get himself involved in something he shouldn't. but his impression after actually being able to speak with him was far better~ "You certainly made quite an impression- waking up from deaths door and getting right out the gates with the jokes and flirting.." Julian chuckles "it was a good one, however. rather endearing, and you put up with mine own attitude quite well~"

Their current impression:

"oh, i should think this one a bit more obvious, don't you agree~?" The viera smirks, brow raised. "I'm quite fond of you~ you make a rather lovely bed warmer and even better company. you are quite the bright light in the darkness~" his voice is playful, teasing obvious despite the truth in words- he enjoyed having him around~ though if pressed, perhaps it went further then that- given the nature of their dynamic though, he'd be hesitant to say as much unprompted.

What they like the most about your muse:

"Your humor. though during more serious times i may not always respond to it well.. you have a lovely spirit about you~ you do a wonderful job of amusing those around you." He means it, too- few amused him as much as Griever.

What they dislike the most about your muse:

Julian sighs quietly, ears flattening. "you aught to be less reckless... the heroism is all very well and good, but i'd rather not see you dead. if it helps, remember that you can't help anyone if you're dead..." He doubted it helped. didn't help him, either..

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.):

"i- well, thats-" an excellent question. what exactly were they-? Friends, most certainly, but- they'd slept together, more then once, and perhaps at least Julian had some feelings that went beyond friendship- but they weren't together or anything of that sort. Lovers, then? no- He clears his throat, looking awkward. "..We're friends- and then some. friends with benefits-? ...lovers? er.. something along that.. sort."

A general opinion of their relationship:

"...Complicated, perhaps, but pleasant~" It felt... hard to explain, hard to grasp.. for someone so usually eloquent to be at such a loss was a touch frustrating. yet he hardly found reason to complain- things were good how they were, yes? even if he lacked a label for it..

If applicable, something they wish to reveal:

"oh, no- i think you'll find i won't be revealing anything like this~ ask me another time, perhaps when drunk." He snorts, amused. he's not likely to knowingly reveal secrets..

(( @primalvessel ))