#[ CONVOCATE. ; reply ]

[yxkushi]

boomermania replied to your post “"ah. i see that THEY are back." Unamused Aeon...”

lol no they are still in prison

"mm, that is all good, but should THEY escape once more...well, THEY shall find more opposition than THEY faced in THEIR prime."

[five-rivers]

Time Loop

Hi! I want to try something experimental for Day 24: Time Loop (now that I am no longer trapped house-sitting and can use the internet reliably, lol). This is an interactive fic! Read to end to find out how it works. :3

.

“So,” said Danny, waving his hand back and forth between the nearly identical almost-humans.  “Dan, Dani.  Dani, Dan.”

Dan, who had three inches on Danny already, looked down his nose.  “You’re the pipsqueak’s clone?”

Dani, who’d also had a growth spurt, mimicked the position, crossing her arms.  “You’re the pipsqueak’s evil future self?”

“I’m not that short.”

Dan grinned with teeth just slightly sharper than human normal.  “Yeah, you are.”

“I’m going to pass you, soon, cuz.”

Danny rolled his eyes and tried not to be jealous.  “Okay, whatever, you’re introduced.  The Convocation of the Dannies can begin.”  He waggled his fingers menacingly.  

“That’s a terrible name.”

Any reply was forestalled by the appearance of a swirling blue portal right in the middle of Vlad’s living room.  All three half ghosts leapt backwards, transforming, ready to fight.  

Clockwork flew out of the portal.  Danny relaxed.  Dan, huge, blue-skinned, and muscled in ghost form, tensed further.  Dani looked back and forth between the three of them, confused. 

“I don’t have much time to explain,” said Clockwork.  “Don’t interrupt.  I need your help–”

“You need our help?  You don’t ask anyone for help, you’re just here to meddle like–”  

Danny shoved his hand into Dan’s face.  “Hey, you owe him, don’t you?  For body snatching and breaking time?  We’ll help him.”

“Yeah!  But… You broke time?” asked Dani.  

“Later,” said Danny.  

Dan glared but turned to Clockwork.  “Fine.  But you’d better make it good.”

“I will be trapping you in a time loop,” said Clockwork.

“Wait, what–”

“There is no time.  Don’t try to escape.  You will be safe.”

Without warning, the three Dannies were grabbed from behind by Clockwork’s duplicates and something was phased into their chests.  The next thing Danny knew, they were alone in Vlad’s living room once again.  

.

To participate: send me an ask with an idea for a scene or time loop that can be written as a drabble (section of exactly 100 words) and the ⌚ emoji! I will put all the drabbles I can write together as a single fic tomorrow evening with credit to everyone who sent in an ask.

[autumnslance]

We can finally share our works for The Thancred Anthology, the free pdf fanzine.

Here's my short story, of Thancred checking on the specter of Pandaemonium in the Aitiascope, and having an unexpected but perhaps due conversation with Fourchenault.

On Ao3 and under the cut for those who prefer Tumblr.

--

Being one of the saviors of the star had its perks in certain places. No one questioned Thancred’s presence in Thaumazein, nor his use of the Aitiascope’s elevator to reach the research platforms built in the shallows of the Aetherial Sea.

Researchers measured and recorded the current unusual phenomenon: the presence of the ancient research facility and prison called Pandaemonium. The creation and responsibility of the Convocation’s Speaker.

Lahabrea.

Thancred could mostly touch on the topic when it rarely came up. So long as he did not linger, anyroad. There were still rare moments, however, when the thought of that red mask made him break out in a sudden sweat.

Much had happened since that day he had walked out of Raubahn’s office, dejected and self-remonstrating, and on his way to the Sapphire Exchange had been distracted by strangeness in an alley…

And then a looming blank period; only a few terrible, hazy scenes flashing through that darkness, until waking in an Adder tent with the Elder Seedseer leaning over him. Sometimes it seemed he was still waking from the nightmare, that he would blink and find Kan-E’s sad green eyes and calm voice explaining all he had done.

It was difficult to take that first step from the elevator.

On the Ragnarok, when they reached Ultima Thule’s crushing non-weight of uninhabitable despair, he had managed to trudge forward to protect the others. There was no avatar of despair holding him back now, but also no one to protect, no reason to force his feet closer to that inimical ancient visage.

Yet he kept moving, until he ran out of platform.

Thancred stood at the edge and watched the swinging cages and flickering torches. The reports—and a late-into-the-night discussion—of Lahabrea’s involvement had given him insights into his recurring nightmare that he had not expected.

A stubborn man dedicated to the burdens of his great responsibilities. Who loved his child but held him at arms��� length, keeping important secrets, telling himself it was for the child’s own good, unable to see the hurt he caused because he was so wrapped up in his own situation.

From his pocket, Thancred drew out a pink ribbon wrapped around a letter, Ryne’s handwriting covering the folded pages.

“Horrifying, isn’t it?” A familiar deep voice said from behind him.

Thancred nodded. “It doesn’t match other Ancient architecture, as if purposefully twisted to match the terrors it kept inside.”

“If the reports are accurate,” Fourchenault said as he joined Thancred at the rail.

“Given who wrote them,” Thancred replied, tucking the letter back into a pocket. “They are.”

They stood in silence for a long while. They had always been awkward; Fourchenault had graduated from the Studium and was entering politics when his father brought home a Limsan orphan. Between the constant trips to and from the Motherland, and Thancred’s intense training, he and his foster brother had seen little of one another before Emporium was abandoned and Thancred sent to Ul’dah. Their differences in political opinions had not helped their bonds.

Now here they were a lifetime later, knowing only slightly better what had led each of them upon their respective paths.

“I’ve a question—unrelated to the current view,” Thancred said. Unrelated so far as Fourchenault was concerned. Thancred continued before losing his nerve. “Did parenting that pair of rapscallions highlight…well…the ways in which Louisoix…”

“Failed?” Fourchenault finished quietly. His blue eyes turned to the researchers engrossed in their duties.

“I wouldn’t put it quite so harshly, but…Yes, about the mistakes he made, I suppose. As a parent, specifically.”

“This is about the girl on the first reflection of Etheirys?”

“Naught gets left out of Alphinaud’s letters,” Thancred said dryly. “Yes; I found myself unexpectedly guardian to an adolescent. It was…” He suddenly floundered on how to explain.

“Enlightening,” Fourchenault said. “Terrifying, horrible…and wonderful.”

Thancred nodded.

Fourchenault sighed. “Yes, raising my children did highlight the matters I wished my father had handled…better. That I tried to handle better. At the same time, it showed me goals hopelessly out of my reach, my own shortcomings as a parent. You’re rather familiar with some of my failings already.”

“At one point, while in the First, Alisaie bluntly said I reminded her of you; in that instance, she did not mean it as a compliment.”

Fourchenault laughed, brief and a tad bitter. “Was she wrong?”

Thancred had to laugh sheepishly as well. “Not at all.”

“We did have a singular model,” Fourchenault said. “Much as we perhaps tried to fight against that image.”

“Or did not, at the time, understand what we had,” Thancred replied quietly.

“You were a stubborn little wharf rat,” Fourchenault said, with little of the sting of their youth. “That stubbornness at least has not changed, thank the Twelve.” Fourchenault smiled genuinely, reminiscent of Alphinaud—or perhaps the other way around. “But I do recall thinking you ungrateful for the opportunity Father had inexplicably granted you.”

“I had more than a few unkind thoughts of you myself. ‘Tis only recently that they have…adjusted. In some ways.”

“I find myself in a similar frame of mind,” Fourchenault said, a ghost of that smile still visible. He studied Pandaemonium. “Did you come to see what new trouble your colleague dredged onto our doorstep—or to face your specters?” he asked, voice soft and almost kind.

“I suppose the letters included that as well.” Thancred had the terrible urge to drink until just before that darkness swallowed him again. He bit it down.

“Not explicitly. In stories since, however, quite a few of the Scions’ adventures have been detailed.” Fourchenault paused. “The twins enjoy my discomfort almost as much as their mother does.”

Thancred couldn’t help huffing out another laugh. “Well, you do make quite the graceful picture when tripping out of a room lest you faint,” he noted. Some things blessedly never changed.

“Bah,” Fourchenault waved a dismissive hand. “Though the tales of your time under the Ascians’ thrall sounded particularly horrifying.”

“It was.” Thancred rubbed his eyes; he would have to speak to Alphinaud about what he shared, even with family. “Though from the reports now I wonder if Lahabrea influenced me more than I’d first thought. Or perhaps…sought a familiar resonance.” Hand in his pocket, he threaded the ribbon through his fingers.

“From what little I’ve heard, there seem to be some superficial similarities,” Fourchenault said. “But the same might be said for my own tale as a parent. Or even Father’s choices. We do what we think is best for our children, and don’t always realize when we’re truly making it easier on ourselves. One doesn’t need an Ascian’s influence to fall into that trap.”

“Hrmph. I know the twins told you what a hash I made of things.” Even now, recalling how close his girl had come to tragedy due to his own actions ran around his mind in darker hours, though she would hate to hear that; it was past.

“They also told me how you admitted your errors and strove to do better by the girl, your comrades, and yourself,” Fourchenault said. “Lessons I myself yet struggle with, after a lifetime of assurance that I knew best.” He smiled wryly. “Not the first time that you’ve outpaced me; nor I suspect the last.”

Thancred stared at Fourchenault. Louisoix’s actual son, born to privilege, beloved of the amazing Ameliance, national leader, brilliant sage…

“If you try to deny it, I shall tell your fellow Scions,” Fourchenault continued blithely.

“We’re disbanded,” Thancred reminded him.

Fourchenault did not quite roll his eyes. “I once asked Father why he was more…available for the twins than myself,” he continued. “Or even for you, off with your master for much of your time under our roof. I remember the…regret, I think, in Father’s smile, when he said he had learned better since our youths. He urged me not to make the same mistakes, and I swore I would not. Yet here we are.” He turned to Thancred. “I think Father would be proud of you. Not just for all you’ve done as a Scion, but for your girl, and the man you’ve become. I am, for as little as it counts from me.”

Thancred couldn’t manage to say that it meant more than he had imagined, so he settled for “Thank you. Though I feel there’s still much to learn about parenting.”

“There always is. Especially when they’re far away. But we’ve now the time. And if that ancient sorcerer could learn better, we certainly can,” Fourchenault gestured at the ghost facility.

Thancred laughed, squeezing Ryne’s letter. “We do have that singular example.”

Fourchenault nodded, then took a breath. “You should—I was thinking—Would you join us for dinner?” As Thancred raised a brow he hastily continued, “Ameliance would love to see you.”

“Of course,” Thancred replied. Learning how to be better fathers wasn’t the only thing he and Fourchenault needed to figure out. But as he had said, there was now time to make even a belated start.

[calico-heart]

30. Two Heads Are Better Than One

DT spoilers for the quest "A Father First"! Thanks @seasaltandcopper for letting me borrow A'mahl for this :D And thank you @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast for hosting such a wonderful challenge, this was my first year and I'm already excited for the next one :D

"Estinien did not exaggerate: you are a force to be reckoned with!" Gulool Ja Ja praised, settling into the weight of his throne with comfortable experience.

As the fae familiar, Lily, fussed over A'mahl's scrapes, Nahte'to stepped forward to offer the same to their dueling partner. But the old ruler lifted his hand and politely declined. "There is no need, I will enjoy basking in the aftermath of our bout a bit longer, and have my own healers see to them."

The Vow of Resolve grinned. "You know, it was more than your renown which piqued my curiosity. Though Estinien is not a man of letters, and lacked the knowledge to elaborate — he claimed something which I found quite interesting."

Nahte and A'mahl exchanged looks. What Estinien might have claimed about them to the Dawnservant, Nahte couldn't fathom to guess. Not that he had to wait very long.

"He told me that your… special cohesiveness — is in fact owed to a peculiarity of your souls. I wonder if you could elaborate on what he spoke of?"

Flicking an ear, A'mahl came to stand beside Nahte, who answered. "We share a soul. Our minds and bodies are our own, and yet, from an aetherial standpoint, it would be impossible to tell us apart."

"How very interesting." The Vow of Resolve replied, "And I gather this is not common for your kind, even across the salt?"

If only you knew the half of it. Nahte thought. Even Hythlodaeus could not differentiate them by colour alone, and in a time before time, the Convocation had found their previous incarnation so baffling it took days of debate to decide how they ought to be classified at all.

"As far as we know, we're unique." A'mahl answered.

"So aren't we all?" The Dawnservant answered cheekily, but nodded. "I do not find it so strange. You, A'mahl, are a fierce warrior. Your blood sings for battle, and you do not shy from conflict. Your impulsiveness gets you into trouble, I'd wager." He chuckled.

A'mahl's tail bristled faintly and he opened his mouth, but Gulool's palm spread invitingly, "You are a driving force. A head of resolve."

Looking to Nahte, he continued, "And you, Nahte'to, are a shrewd and well-studied peacemaker. You would solve wars with words. It is you who provides temperance and forethought. Your wisdom guides you along your path together. A head of reason."

Tilting his head, Nahte answered, "I — wouldn't consider it so sharply divided. A'mahl tempers me well and often."

"When you feel like listening, anyway." A'mahl nudged his mate with a shoulder. "I think you're the stubborn one, if we're picking winners."

Ears flicking, Nahte twisted his lip, "And who taught me to be?"

The Vow of Resolve inclined his head. "Ah, but this only drives home my suspicion that you are indeed a two-head, like myself. You do not share a body, it's true, but together you are stronger than apart, and together, you make each other more whole. It makes me proud of my Lamaty'i, to have recruited not only a powerful champion, but a cunning one, as well."

(FFxivWrite 2024 - Prompt 30)

[lagolepuri]

#6: Halcyon

“You could have made yourself easier to find, you know.” Hythlodaeus crested a grassy hill where he found Aletheia resting on a thick blanket, overlooking the water below. Her dark locks whipped fitfully around her in the wind.

“I thought my directions were specific enough,” she replied without lifting her eyes from the water.

“‘Meet me by the water where form itself forgets’ is specific enough in retrospect, but it’s unlike you to be so flowery and indirect.” Hyth surveyed their surroundings as he approached. “‘Come quickly,’ you also said, but we seem to be having a picnic. Are the sandwiches so near to spoiling?”

“Oh, come,” she spoke softly, “You’re beginning to sound like Emet-Selch.” She shifted herself to one side of the blanket and patted the ground next to her. “I’ve saved you a seat.” As Hythlodaeus took his place, Aletheia snickered darkly. “How did Hades bear to suffer the both of us when my mischief furrows the brow of even jolly Hythlodaeus?”

His friend’s demeanor gave Hythlodaeus pause. It was rare to see her so somber. “I fear my jesting has been misconstrued for scorn.” He gazed up at the Elpis sky, tumultuous with umbral wind. “Perhaps this foul weather infects us both,” he offered, then, when no reply came, he lifted his voice to ask, “On what adventure have you invited me today?”

“Bird watching,” said Aletheia, without a hint of mirth.

Hyth smiled with chagrin. “That was the urgent matter I rushed here for?” He was careful to make clear the hints of mirth in his own voice.

“At another lake, for another bird, it might have been a less urgent matter, but for this one you’ll never get another chance. You made it just in time, too. Look, it comes.”

Hyth craned his neck to see the lake of Lethe below them, its waters as rough and turbulent as the sky above them. A small, blue bird glided above the choppy waves and alighted on the crest of one. As it did, the wave itself dropped and rested. A ring of calm, clear surface surrounded the bird and grew, spreading stillness across the water until only in the distance could it still be seen trembling.

“Remarkable, isn’t it?” A light came into Aletheia’s ruby eyes that Hyth had not seen since arriving. “‘Alkyone,’ Hermes named it. It seems to project peace and stasis into the aether wherever it rests. I suspected some light-based manipulation, but that doesn’t seem to be correct. I can’t determine the method of its effect. But it’s enviable nonetheless, don’t you think?”

“Remarkable indeed. But why do we find it here? I would have been excited to see such a concept cross my desk under the name of good Hermes.” As they watched, the little creature closed its eyes and seemed to go to sleep. Its form relaxed and its beak touched the beak of its reflection in the perfect mirror of the lake. Two birds seemed to be suspended in a vast empty space between the raging umbral storm above and its illusory twin beneath the water.

“Whatever his intentions were for this creation, it seemed not to meet his desires. So here it has come to rest, the first and last of its kind, and forget that it ever existed.

Hythlodaeus’s sharp eyes could already see the weave of the little bird’s being start to fray in the magic of the lake. The surface of the water trembled. “Did you not inquire further? What intentions did Master Hermes have that such a marvelous creation failed to meet them?”

Aletheia shook her head. “I didn’t inquire at all. Just observed.” She glanced sideways at her friend. “Nobody else knows I’m here. Came in through a back door. Better not to worry anyone by announcing myself.” Hythlodaeus scowled with concern, but did not interject. “When I return to the star,” she began, “I hope I can return as such a creature. Bringing peace and serenity wherever I alight. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

At that her companion smiled. “Is that not already the creature you are, Azem, the hero, Fourteenth Seat of the Convocation?”

“So you see me, perhaps. So I hope to be remembered. But I fear I’m coming to be known as more of a storm crow.” Hyth frowned and raised his eyebrows inquiringly. Aletheia sighed and continued. “Suppose that unbeknown to you that tree over there began to fall towards you. I see this and shout to you. I run towards you, arms outstretched, but you are startled and bewildered. If I save you, you may piece together what happened and thank me, but that first impression, associating me with the danger never goes away.” She sighed again. “When I depart, yes, peace may be left in my wake, but when I arrive…people have begun to take me as a sign of coming danger and struggle and pain.” At the edge of the blanket, her sword gleamed silently in the sickly storm light. Below, the waters grew restless.

The two sat together in silence for a while as the Alkyone and its reflection unraveled on the water. Hythlodaeus, always so glib and full of cheer, wanted deeply to rally his dear friend from her gloom. He remembered the youthful Aletheia rapping on his window with a gangly Hades in tow and dragging them into the wilderness on fanciful adventures. The right words wouldn’t come. He could only put his arm around her and tell her that no matter what happened, her friends would continue to love her and carry her memory.

When the stormy sky vanished from the surface of the lake and dark waves took that place again, neither of them were there to see it.

[yzeltia]

FFXIVwrite2024 25. Perpetuity

Characters: Themis, Gelos(U'rahn Nuhn), Elidibus, Rhion(U'rahn Nuhn), U'rahn Nuhn Expansion: Endwalker Rating: T Summary: Themis and Gelos will meet again...they will. They will. Notes: Dialogue taken from Hope's Confluence

-The World Unsundered-

I’m too late. I’m too late. Gelos thought to himself, running as fast as his legs would take him. Screams echoed in his ears as the sky blazed above. Aetheric waves of light poured through the streets behind him, licking at his heels. Tears streamed down his face, knowing now Venat had succeeded in her opposition to the Convocation.

“THEMIS! THEMIS!” he screamed before tripping on his robes and falling into the ground. He hissed in pain, feeling himself scraped and bruised up as he skidded forth. He tore at his robes, discarding them to make movement easier before feeling a searing pain at his chest.

He raked at his shirt, falling on his knees before looking skyward as a great shadowed beast rose up above the city. Eyes trailing upward he screamed again, “THEMIS! STOP! IT’S VENAT! PLEASE DON’T DO THIS!”

He trembled, tears rolling down his face as his god manifested and looked down toward him. Shaking, he smiled, feeling Themis sensing him. “It’s Venat…,” he said weakly before letting his eyes widen as a beam of light struck through his chase.

“GELOS!” Themis’s voice called out.

Gelos looked, spotting a white robed figure in the distance. Relief washed over him as Themis’s face came into view. He reached out for him, then felt what was akin to heartbreak…then nothing.

-The Fifth- 

“I thought that this day might never come. It really is you…in some fashion.

Rhion stepped back, the white robed figure approaching to embrace him. “Elidibus? What has gotten into you,” he asked before finding himself kissed. His heart fluttered, something inside him. He clawed at the other’s robes, kissing him back in turn, feeling the man melt into him. Something warm fell on his cheek, then another. Pulling back, he found Elidibus crying and smiling weakly at him.

“How I’ve waited for you,” Elidibus breathed out, raking a hand up through the other’s hair.

“Waited? I’ve known you my whole life,” Rhion laughed, blinking as the other pulled away from him, mood seeming soured. 

“You said you gazed into the night sky and witnessed the meteor shower and something stirred within you, did you not?” Elidibus asked, moving to draw his hood back up.

Rhion stopped the other's hands, preventing him from hiding his face. “Aye. And I've been plagued with bad dreams ever since.”

“What do you dream of?” Elidibus asked cooly. 

Rhion grew quiet for a moment , averting his gaze. “Nightmares of places being torn apart by The Mad Queen’s army, mostly,” he replied, wary of answering. To say that they'd been somewhat prophetic was bad luck on the seas and invited bad tidings all around.

“Never of me then?” Elidibus asked, voice remaining calm.

“I've had my share of dreams about you, but not like the others. Those are much more fun and I wake in firm spirits,” Rhion teased, tilting the other's chin up to steal a second kiss.

Elidibus turned his head, suddenly disinterested in Rhion’s affection, making the poor Catter’s tail whip with frustration. “I don't have time for this. I've too much to do to be distracted with your games.”

“My games? This is my cabin, on my ship. You came to me from who knows where and are the one that kissed me. You keep looking at me like you're expecting something but I am what you see,” Rhion said, loosening his shirt and pulling it off. “I am and always have been Rhion Leviathan, Prince of the Five Seas and youngest heir to the Whitestones.”

Elidibus took a step back as the other loosened his trousers and let them fall to the floor. Rhion stood naked, arms outstretched and sternly looking upon him. He opened his mouth, starting to respond then sharply averted his gaze. “If you have a point, make it.”

“If you want me, I am here.”

Elidibus clenched his fists a moment then looked into Rhion’s golden eyes, seeing the familiar flick of soul, fragmented behind them. Sighing, he pulled the drawstring on his robes then walked into the other’s arms.

-The Source-

“Again and again you rise before me and fall. Never really seeing me,” Elidbus sighed, sitting on the edge of U’rahn’s bed as he snored.. “We are closer now than ever and yet I’ve never felt like you were further away. It does not matter. My duty will soon be fulfilled and a new dawn will rise for us…together this time.”

Elidibus pulled off his mask, leaning down to brush his lip’s over the other before retreating into the shadowed passages between shards.

-The First -

He looked so small, hunched over in his white robes. U’rahn wasn’t sure what pulled him forward, he found himself on his knees, emptying his pockets of the little stones he collected in Amarout. Violet and Jannie wandered up from behind, saying something but he didn’t hear, focused on Elidibus before him.

“This… Yes... I would become Him. I would save everyone. This I believed. Yet still they cried out, in rage and despair...Divided─over the fate of the star. A rare occurrence, always fleeting. But not this time. Not this time…” Eldibus said softly, picking up the stones and looking up toward the sky. “Reconciliation. Elidibus. I was needed. I withdraw myself from Zodiark. For them...My people. My brothers. ...My friends. My…”

U’rahn swallowed, finding Elidbus looking at him, feeling his heart beat hard within his chest. Seeing a tear, he reached out, letting it roll against his finger before it floated upward.

“Stay strong. Keep the faith. At duty's end, we will meet again. We will. We will,” Elidbus started to repeat.

He found himself moving forward, arms around the fleeting specter, holding him close in his arms as he felt him slip away. Tears burned down his own face, though he could not say from where or why. 

“The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it,” Elidbus lamented before erupting into ethereal light.

“But I’m right here…,” U’rahn found himself saying, looking at the stone of Azem in his hand before feeling something inside him break, falling forward and into a sleep as Jannie and Violet called out to him from behind.

[jarael]

bedroom - for the single-word fic prompt!

(Mildly suggestive)

In the days of eld and of paradise

Morning had broken over the star.  Emet-Selch awoke with the sun coming in, bright and warm, through the window in Azem's room.  How late had he slept?  Hopefully the Convocation had no urgent need of him.

He looked over to his side to gaze upon Azem, their gleaming black hair framing their pale face perfectly.  He never understood how it never turned into a mess overnight.  They'd be blessed with long, luscious locks–good for stroking, or pulling for that matter.  Their arm was still entwined with his, giving him the frustrating task of pulling away from his partner without disturbing them.

Slowly, Emet-Selch slid his arm away, back towards himself. But it was no good.  Azem stirred, letting out a grumble and pulling it back towards them.

“We need to get up,” he insisted gently.

“I don't want to,” whined the reply.

“Must you be so slothful?  You are well aware that we have responsibilities.”

Azem let out a huge huff, their deep purple eyes glinting.  “But last night was really fun…”

Emet-Selch remembered he was under the heat and power of two suns, including the one giving him a come hither look at this very moment.  They knew exactly what that look did to him.

They always got their way, eventually.  For him it was worth it.  Thus, he sighed and returned to their side, resigned to his fate.

–

Many, many, many years and one Sundering later

Because her time in the first hadn’t been enough to keep her blood pressure elevated, Sigrun raised her eyes to see Emet-Selch had “graced” her with his presence yet again.  She sighed.  “I think I told you, I don’t need your help.”

“Well, far be it from me to expect a hero to want my unholy assistance.”  Hero was spat out with a subtle venom, as if the very word burnt his tongue.  Something within him hated heroes–so why did he find himself returning to this hero’s side?  “But I admit, your progress in destroying the Lightwardens is fascinating and, dare I say, admirable.”

“Well thank you for the compliment, your most Excellency-ness,” Sigrun huffed.  “Now you can leave whenever you feel like it.”  She brushed away a green tipped lock out of her eye, only to see his face had oddly…softened.  “What do you want now?”

Emet-Selch hated how her eyes were like Azem’s, her hair as thick and soft as theirs–well, probably.  He knew better than to try to even ask to touch her hair.  But her heart, her kindness, her braver, her heroism–all just like Azem.   Soon, the Light would swallow her whole, the Shards rejoined–and Azem would be whole again.  He ached for the days where he could return to their bedroom and have them greet him with open arms.  This weak shard–no matter her beauty, her strong will, her selflessness–would never suffice in the interim.

“Waiting for your next move.”

Sigrun shook her head and rolled her eyes.  “Well, I have places to be.  And keep your eyes off my ass this time.”

“Like I would stoop so low.”  He turned to leave, giving the sarcastic wave he favored, and teleported away.

Sigrun put a hand to her chest.  What was this painful ache that came to it whenever that Ascian showed up?  What made her so mean, blunt, snappy and angry at Emet-Selch–but what also made her want to throw caution and logic to the wind, and do something that would make the other Scions sick to their stomach?

She chose not to think about it further, and headed to Malikah’s Well.

[forgingway]

Sophrosyne hurried after her fellow convocation member, eager to aid him in what needed to get done at Elpis. She enjoyed this place just as much as any other might, but the close proximity to Pandaemonium made her a little wary. It's been a while since she'd been there last, long enough to move on from what had happened, but still recent enough to sting. She could use aether to catch up to him if needs be, but warping around even just a few yalms might startle both the researchers and the creatures within the area. Still, it was nice to have her mask off for a bit.

"Biology at it's finest, hm?" She tries to play off his being inconsiderate and not slowing his pace with friendly banter.

“Slow down! I have short legs.”

small / tall starters

small

Lahabrea only looks to the side, just slightly before looking ahead unphased by those words as he continues at the pace he was in. Walking about the halls of his domain, the Speaker spots a set of doors ahead that will lead out to the outside domain that was Elpis. Here he was to find some people that can help him with what he needed. And maybe by then, the other will learn to simply pick up their pace.

[crossroadsdimension]

FFXIVWrite 2024 Day 6

Prompt - Halcyon

(FFXIVWrite 2024 Masterpost)

Spoilers for Shadowbringers

It was becoming harder to focus on the present day and his overall goals. That was to be expected, considering the age of his physical body and the constraints involved in living in one for this long.

But Solus Zos Galvus could have done without the memories of those long-past days sneaking up on him when he wasn’t prepared for them.

Perhaps it was the slowly-dying body that was messing with his own memory processes. Perhaps it was his actions that were causing him to remember those halcyon times, when Amaurot was still in on piece and the world was as it should be.

As it would become again, especially if he had anything to say about it.

“Your Radiance?”

Solus scowled at the group of men and women sitting around the table with him. His own personal convocation, as incomplete as it was. Although they couldn’t use that term here in Garlemald — the word was too old, and harkened back to the time that Solus was working to bring back.

The member who’d spoken up — one of the younger men, recently brought on to replace a predecessor — hesitantly raised a hand. “If…if we need to postpone this—”

“I am of sound mind in this moment,” Solus snapped. “We will continue this meeting until I say we have accomplished what is required.”

The young man quailed under Solus’ fiery glare. The other, more experienced members merely glanced at him with slight shakes of their head, or sympathetic flickers that lasted less than a blink.

“What do you intend for us to do concerning the western front?” asked one of the older members. “The recent campaign ended in disaster — too many casualties, a land almost destroyed because of one man’s crazed ambition—”

“Tell the legions to do what they need to while Eorzea licks its wounds,” Solus replied shortly.

“Sir?”

“As easy as it would be to bring them under our heel now, we suffered far too many casualties to properly bring them into the fold of the empire,” Solus said. “Have the legions recruit more from the provinces to bolster our numbers. Leave Eorzea be — for now.”

His comrades among the Ascians will prepare the continent for the eventual conquering. Of that much, Solus was certain. He wouldn’t be surprised if Elidibus was plotting something even now to maintain balance, or Lahabrea to incite more violent chaos.

As intelligent as Lahabrea was, the man had become far too attached to his ability to cause explosions on a grand scale. While it worked well enough for the unleashing of Calamities to merge the shards back with their source, it took a grand number of pawns off the board in the process.

A quiet part of him tried to complain about how Azem would want to find a different way to merge the shards back together, but he quickly silenced it. Azem was not of the Convocation. Azem’s opinion did not get to factor into their plans for the Ardor.

Another time, perhaps, but even then…

Solus shook the thoughts from his mind and refocused. “And make sure to keep Gaius van Baelsar busy. I would not lose another good man to another hair-brained scheme to take Eorzea.”

After all, the man might have his uses elsewhere, especially if Solus played his cards well….

[starrysnowdrop]

FFXIVWrite 2023 #26: Last

Idiom: at last; after a lengthy pause or delay.

In ancient times, before the Final Days and the Sundering; Hermes arrives in Amaurot in order to take over the Seat of Fandaniel, and is given a very warm welcome from Azem herself.

As Hermes admired the morning sunlight dancing on the windows, illuminating the towering heights and highlighting the sheer magnificence that was Amaurot’s capital building exterior, Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus held the doors to the building open for Hermes to walk through first. A moment later, the three men, who were now wearing their masks and full robes with the hoods over their heads, stood in the lobby with about a dozen Amaurotines going about their business, Hythlodaeus was the first to speak.

“Now that we have fully recovered from the incident with the Kairos, missing memories aside, allow me to show you around the Capital building, and you can see where the Convocation offices are. I shall be happy to introduce you to everyone along the way.” Hythlodaeus gestured with his hands in an open and welcoming manner, ready to play tour guide for the future Fandaniel.

Before Hermes could answer properly, Emet-Selch replied with a shake of his head and a touch of sleepiness in his voice, “If you both don’t mind, I shall take my leave. I need to speak with Fandaniel and inform him of Hermes’ arrival.”

Hythlodaeus nodded with a gentle smile. “Of course! We will be along in a little while.”

Hermes was prepared to follow Hythlodaeus when suddenly a rather loud yet feminine voice rang out, which caught the attention of everyone in the vicinity. “Hyth! Emet! Wait!”

With a chuckle, Hythlodaeus turned around and confirmed where the voice was coming from, a familiar figure who had just walked through the same doors that they had moments ago. “Ah! Right on time.”

“Huh?” Hermes also spun around towards the source of the voice, but his confusion soon melted away once he realized who it was that called out.

Hermes’ heart leapt out of his chest and his breath caught in his throat as he stared at the woman in front of him, the woman that had stolen his heart and that he could never forget, no matter how much he tried.

She was much shorter than average, more than a fulm shorter than himself, and she wore a distinctive black mask. Though he could not see her eyes, he instantly spotted strands of pink hair peaking out from underneath her hood, and she had the most stunningly beautiful smile he had ever seen.

He had let slip her personal nickname, but quickly caught himself. “Rani… I-I mean, Azem?”

With a squeal and a hop on the balls of her feet, she exclaimed in reply, “Hermes! You’re here at last!”

Hermes could not stop himself as he smiled brightly and opened his arms, anticipating that he would be met with a hug.

As he held his arms out, Azem ran forward at full speed, which surprised the curious onlookers.

Emet-Selch went back to stand at Hythlodaeus’ side, his finger wagging furiously as he reprimanded his friend and colleague in vain, “Azem! How many times have I told you to stop running in the lobby!”

Completely ignoring Emet-Selch’s scolding and everyone else around her, Azem leapt into Hermes’ arms and the two embraced each other, both filled with joy. Azem then reached up and planted her lips onto Hermes’, which surprised him, but he quickly melted into the kiss.

The onlookers gasped and began whispering to one another. Surely the news of Azem kissing the man who is to become Fandaniel would spread like wildfire, but Azem nor Hermes didn’t seem to worry about that fact now.

Emet-Selch sighed and held his head as Hythlodaeus laughed with glee.

“Now that’s a warm welcome,” Hythlodaeus said as he struggled to maintain composure from laughing much harder than he already was.

As he turned to make his retreat, Emet-Selch sighed even deeper. “I’m too tired for this…”

[yxkushi]

doloniaxdiegesis replied to your post “"a shame i was not around for the swarm disaster....”

Xipe : we could have shared -

"my dearest harmony, i appreciate the offer, dare not think that i don't, but truly, i could handle devouring THEM on my own."

boomermania replied to your post “"a shame i was not around for the swarm disaster....”

devona vc: do not

"...little emanator, do you think yourself above us for the power THEY have granted you? do not make presumptions and blaspheme against the very beings that keep you still alive, if only out of mercy."

[pumpkinmagekupo]

Worthy

“Off duty, hero?” one knight asked, noticing her lack of robes today. She had opted for a more Ishgardian approach, wearing a dress which Edmont had gifted her. 

Mizuki laughed nervously “Father- Count Edmont, that is -  was kind enough to gift me this ..Does it look strange?”

“Don't be rude to her!” one of the female knights scolded. “You look very pretty, Miss Mizuki.”

“Is the Lord Commander around?” Mizuki asked, desperate to change the subject.

“He’s in his office,” a knight replied.  “You can head on up.”

Mizuki opened the heavy wooden door and walked up the stairs towards Aymeric’s office. A few steps from the door she slowed to a halt because she could hear the conversation  inside, Aymeric and another man’s voice she didn’t recognize.

“Ser Aymeric, I know you have a lot to manage with the Dragonsong War and this might seem trivial, but-” The man paused. Mizuki didn’t mean to eavesdrop and had turned to leave, but her feet froze to the spot as the man continued.

“My daughter Elvinne, she overstepped her station in sending you a letter of a compromising  nature-” Mizuki inhaled deeply. That woman! I wonder if Aymeric replied to the letter?

“At first I scolded her but she was very passionate about her feelings for you and as a father I cannot ignore my daughter’s feelings.” 

“Yes, I recall the young lady.” It was hard to read Aymeric’s tone.

“You have a fine eye, my lord,” the man chuckled.  “I come with a proposition. Why not join our households? Elvinne is an accomplished young woman, and she would make an excellent wife to carry on our house's legacy.”

Mizuki stood rooted to the spot.  The man was right, his daughter would make a perfect wife for Aymeric.  How could she be good enough for him? She tried to shake the negativity from her mind. He said he loved me… But their relationship was still early and with everything still going on, only a few people knew.  She felt stupid in her dress. I shouldn’t have worn it..people will gossip.  And unsavoury gossip was the last thing they needed right now. 

“I’m afraid-” Aymeric was quickly interrupted.

“You must join us for dinner one evening and meet her properly.  She’s a sweet girl, well tutored and well mannered.  A proper lady suitable for an upstanding gentleman as yourself.” The man kept talking.  “Just one evening,” he insisted, almost pleading.

There was a pause before Aymeric responded. “I will consider it, when my schedule permits.”

Mizuki felt her chest crumbling into pieces as the man exclaimed, “Oh, wonderful. Elvinne will be overjoyed.”

Mizuki turned and hurried quietly down the stairs. “Did you see the Lord Commander?” the knight asked, as she made a bee-line for the door. 

Mizuki stopped, smiling over her shoulder. “No, he was busy. I shall-” She paused.  “Could you hand this to the Lord Commander? It is not that important.” She handed the knight the letter and escaped the Convocation.  She kept her composure, though the lump in her throat threatened to make her cry.

Mizuki headed back to the Fortemps Manor with great haste.

She had to compose herself before she entered the manor. She didn't want anyone to see her crying over something like this. Mizuki had to accept that she wasn't worthy of Aymeric.

Why did I let myself believe I could be loved?

Snippet from The Tales of a Hero: Chapter 12 (a bunch of oneshots)

[kootiepatra]

#FFxivWrite2024 - Day 16: Third-rate

Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus were taking a quick break, the former nursing a growing headache, and the latter lost in thought. Hermes required time alone to gather himself. And much to Emet-Selch’s relief, Azem’s vexing familiar was off somewhere with Hermes’ latest pet project. Hopefully they were keeping each other out of trouble—or at least entertained. It left the two envoys from Amaurot some time to take a breather and consider what all they had seen.

Interviewing and assessing the potential new Fandaniel was never going to be the easiest of errands, Emet-Selch thought, but it was certainly never supposed to be this frustrating .

That Emet-Selch’s patience was being stretched thin was evidenced by his increasing irritation at the creatures meandering Elpis’s fields. He stopped in his tracks, agog, as one especially peculiar creation tottered by—it looked like a ball of moss, but with a beak, and a small puddle of water balanced precariously on a leaf above its head.

“What is that? ” he asked.

“Charming, isn’t it?” Hythlodaeus smiled.

“Do not tell me you approved this concept.”

Hythlodaeus chuckled. “‘Tis the only way it would appear on this isle, my dear friend. Unless you suppose it has spontaneously popped into being. Now, wouldn’t that be exciting?”

“You know what I mean,” Emet-Selch scowled. “First the ambystoma, and now this? What even is the point of it?”

“... ‘Point?’” Hythlodaeus asked innocently.

“Yes, point . Purpose. Reason for existence. Need I elaborate further?” Emet-Selch folded his arms and frowned. “I cannot fathom why, when we have geniuses on our star of the caliber of Lahabrea, turning out concepts as awe-inspiring as Ifrita, you are also simultaneously approving things like… like… a sentient marimo on tiptoe.”

“Oh, come now. The creature is harmless.”

Emet-Selch sighed loudly. “Harmless it may be, but what good does it do? Why bother with it at all?”

“A strange question,” Hythlodaeus mused. “Should it not be sufficient that ‘the point’ is that it is pleasing? It is proving a real conversation-starter, at the very least.”

Emet-Selch’s eyes flashed slightly. “I swear, it seems like you will just let absolutely anyone with delusions of competence submit a concept to your desk.”

“That is more or less the shape of things, yes.”

“And evidently you never fail to approve their applications.”

“Oh, you are mistaken ,” Hythlodaues laughed. “I do. Do I ever . The rejection file is… quite substantial. And entertaining.”

“Based on WHAT?” Emet-Selch demanded, gesturing accusingly at the leafy creature once more.

Hythlodaeus lit up at the subject and began counting the reasons off on his fingers. “Being too near to a duplication of a previously approved concept, for one. Or if it has gaping holes in the idea—crucial details that have been left too vague to bring into realization. For sentient beings, we reject anything that has a design flaw fundamentally incompatible with life. Or if it poses an obvious and insurmountable threat to other established beings of the star. That sort of thing.”

“Honestly. Have you never considered how much more streamlined things could be at your office if you employed a roster of people who actually proved that they knew what they’re doing? Those with a history of work that shows they grasp the fundamentals of both aesthetics and practicality?”

Hythlodaeus grinned. “My, that is an idea. Such wisdom simply proves why it was only right that you should be elevated to the Convocation, and I should maintain my humble post at the Bureau.”

“As you will, then,” Emet-Selch said begrudgingly. “Just don’t come crying to me when your submissions file is overflowing with inane nonsense.”

“Duly noted,” Hythlodaeus replied.

[charmingbrute]

ffxiv modern au.

hi! this is just for a compedium sign up since i want to make a google doc compiling people with modern aus that other people can look at or even make reference to in their threads. if you have ideas for locations (convocation talent agency, moraby drydocks wet market as examples), throw me some suggestions.

i think we can retain that the world is called etheirys and the countries within are the same we can find in game, just modernized.

if you'd like to be in this compendium, please reply to this post with your character name(s), what they do (they don't have to be employed, even just a brief description would work and where they live etc. if we're not mutuals, feel free to also send me an ask. also this isn't mandatory or anything. it's just... consenting to it being a shared verse that others can bother you with also. it's fine if you don't want to!

[hopeandduty]

Day 15: Free Day [AU day!]

The night felt a livelier thing than they recall it once being. 

They know the moment that changed, of course. It has been five decades to the night since Euryphaessa parted from the sun and accepted the darker hours for their own. They have grown used to the gentle chill of the evening breeze and the way it toys with the violet tips of their hair. They have learned which places come alive and which fall asleep with the rising of the moon and can weave through the shadows as easily as a tailor threads their loom. 

They know, consequently, that the balcony they perched upon is attached to a vacant room and have taken to this particular vantage of the markets in recent months. The metal rail they lean upon is cold but their skin is colder still and they do not mind it so much. Eury watches the street below with an idle interest; people come and go from the various stalls, bringing gil and rumours for the merchants to take their fill of. Curfew no longer seemed so strict a concept as it had been in their youth, and there was almost some semblance of a crowd on the usually sparse street at this hour. 

Each night continues seamlessly from the last, each ends anticipating the next. Time slips by them unknowingly, months bleeding into years before they’ve even realized it. So rarely do they consider how many seasons they have witnessed, how many festivals have passed, until, on occasion, something stops them short and forces them to see. 

It has been half a century.

It does not feel so. Perhaps it is a factor of how much time they now possess, or perhaps their sense of it has changed for the creature they have become. To their mind it feels as five years not fifty. Each night has been so full, brimming with all the experiences they’ve had, the horizons they may chase, people now so impossibly dear to them. They have lived nearly an entire human lifetime and Eury has not even begun to scratch at its surface– how could so much time have passed when there was still so much they yearned to see, to learn, to experience?

Or perhaps they were getting old, sitting here and mulling as they were. 

“I did not expect to see you here.” 

The familiar voice brings a whisper of silver into their periphery and Eury makes no attempt to check the manner a grin curls at the corner of their lips. Themis is making pleasantries, of course; with his power he could like as not sense Eury from halfway across the city if he so chose to. Perhaps that was the other reason they did not so keenly feel the passing of the years. They are still the youngest among their peers and against such vast and ancient power as much of the Convocation possessed, they feel as fresh to this life as the day they were turned. 

“I might say the same.” They answer without turning. “It is not often I see you coming to the markets.” 

“It is as necessary for me as it is anyone,” Themis replies, pausing by their side and letting his own gaze follow the direction Eury’s has been fixed. “Something has caught your eye?” 

“Nothing of remarkable importance,” Eury shakes their head and it takes saying it aloud to break the hold it held over them. They know this answer will not satisfy Themis; they can feel him puzzling it out without looking. “That man, down there,” they nod towards an older gentleman, brown hair streaked grey, engaged in conversation with a younger woman who shares his nose and the colour of his eyes. 

“Someone you know?” 

“He used to give me work with the guard.” Eury’s answer is filled with nostalgia. “We were alike in age, which I always suspected was why he took pity on me. Last I recalled of him, he was working extra so that he might afford a ring.” The woman below laughs and turns just enough that the curve of her belly is visible. “He is to be a grandfather soon, it would seem.” 

Themis is quiet for several seconds, his mind calculating and sorting through the emotions Eury has laid out in front of him. He has always been one to favour logic and Eury has given him little to work with. 

“Does it bother you that you are not among them?” He finally asks. 

“Not at all.” Eury shakes their head and speaks it true. “It is just… a strange feeling, to see the manner time passes around us. It has been fifty years as of tonight, but I am still not used to it.” 

“Tonight? As yes, it would be, wouldn’t it?” Themis recalls it belatedly; his impromptu visit to Mnemosyne’s manor had been about this time of year. “In that case I am all the more surprised to see you here of all places. I should think you would want to spend it with your sire.” 

“Oh, I intend to, but I thought I ought to have a gift for her, which is why I came out while she tending to a few matters of her own.” Eury assures with a chuckle. They turn just enough to draw Themis’ attention to the parcels at their side. Both are wrapped in brown paper, the small box innocuous next to the bundle with red and white petals peeking out from its seams and gleaming silver in the moonlight. “But it would seem I’ve gotten a bit distracted on the way back. One would think after half a century I would have exhausted new things to learn…”

“I doubt you will ever exhaust yourself of them.” Themis shakes his head, but a fond smile curls at his lips. “Such has always been the strength of the Azem Clan.”

“Our strength?” Eury’s curiosity is ensnared by such a comment, and they finally turn from the street below. 

“You who are charged with those beyond the city walls are ever making new discoveries, ever searching for new horizons beyond our knowledge. Your minds remain open and willing to accept change unlike many of our more… deep rooted members.” 

Eury has to stifle their laughter. 

“Make no mistake, their perspective, close-minded though it may seem at times, has value as well. We would be nowhere without our traditions or the legacies of our forebearers. All must be held to balance; tradition with innovation, status quo with desire to change. Only in such a way will we be able to continue to evolve and grow even beyond the flow of time. Humans have little choice but to be swept along with it, we must make a conscious effort to keep pace with the turning of this world.”

There is wisdom in that which even Eury can recognize. How easy it would be to stagnate without the pressures of time, of limited life, to drive one forward. 

“Well then.” Eury grins. “In that case I shall be certain to apply my weight upon your scales most heavily for the next half century as well.” 

“I would expect no less, after all the trouble you have managed to stir up in your time so far. In fact, some might struggle to believe it has only been fifty years.” Themis raises a brow.

“Have I caused you a few too many headaches?” Eury’s head tilts, but there is no remorse in it. It was their wont to be incorrigible, to embrace the freedom that Mnemosyne had taught them and to live as fully as they capable. Themis lets their question hang for a few long seconds before letting out a sigh. 

“You could have done worse.” Themis provides, then after a moment considers what he has said. “And lest you take it as such, that was not an invitation.” 

Eury makes no attempt to hide their laughter this time. “I shall see that I do not disappoint.” 

“I doubt you will,” Themis’ words are coloured with his own amusement. He turns towards the street below, towards the man and daughter Eury had been watching.

“Has it truly only been fifty years…?” Themis echoes their thoughts, a fond light in the depths of his eyes. “It feels as though you have always been with us.” 

It is a simple observation, but it hitches Eury’s thoughts and steals from them what words they would have spoken. They have not questioned where they belong since the day that they were turned, Mnemosyne brought them home and has never given them reason to doubt. Yet to hear Themis say they felt as such a natural part of the whole it… 

It only affirms what Euryphaessa wishes to believe.

  Even apart from the humans they once counted themselves among, even with time slipping away around them, they have a world in which they belong, in which they are wanted. They have a home they shall return to.

“I should not keep you longer,” Themis steps back away from the rail. “Lest I make you late for your evening.” 

Eury reaches down and claims the parcels at their feet. “Thank you, Themis, truly. I am glad for the chance to be a part of this, to be able to call you friend. Should I wish to be able to continue to do so, I had best not keep my lady waiting.” They wink mischievously and Themis all but rolls his eyes. 

“May the night keep you,” Themis offers, watching Eury hop up and balance upon the rail. “This and the many more to come.” 

“And you, my friend.” 

[lunarosewood23]

FFXIVWrite2024 Prompt 8: Confrontation (EXTRA CREDIT!!)

XVI -> XIV Crossover. Raven wants answers, and she’s hoping Hades will have them. Vague XVI spoilers ahead.

Note: Hades and Hythlodaeus came back with them from Ultima Thule, mind you with diminished powers and are living one more life together before they return to the star. Also I am HCing that the Bahamut from FFXVI is actually OG!Bahamut from FFXIV.

...Look in case it wasn’t obvious, I’m playing with Valisthea being a shard of Etheryis. Ascian BS and shenanigans  is fucky yo.

~~~

Raven sighed. The Valistheans were safe and settled in the Rising Stones, and Haurchefant had their kids, but there was one question that burned in her mind and wouldn’t leave her the hell alone.

How the fuck did Bahamut get to Valisthea?

And there was only one person who would know, or would point her in the right direction.

She took a breath before knocking on the door.

“Hades! Open up we need to talk!” She called. When she got no response she glared at the door. “Don't make me call your husband Hades!”

She heard a chuckle before the door opened and Hythlodaeus stood before her. “Welcome back Raven, come in. I heard you and your friends took a trip to another reflection after dealing with the business in the Void.” He greeted with a pleasant smile as he welcomed her into their home.

She smiled at Hythlodaeus and hugged him in greeting. “It’s good to be back, though I do admit the trip wasn’t entirely by choice. Where’s Hades?”

“Shower. I’ll tell him you’re here. Though I hope you’ll indulge me by telling me what you saw.” Hythlodaeus replied.

“I might as well tell you both together. Though it involves something he did while acting as Emet-Selch, or something I suspect he did as Emet-Selch, in case you need to mentally prepare yourself for this.”

Hythlodaeus’s eyes went wide. “Oh dear, alright I’ll go get him.”

With that he went upstairs. There was a bit of whispering before a muffled shout and a sigh before Hythlodaeus returned.

“Give him a moment.” He assured as he quickly went to make tea, and she noticed that the tea set used was one Mingxia had made for them as a housewarming gift.

She smiled, even if Hades bickered and was grumpy, it was clear he was putting effort into living as they did. Though Raven suspected that Hythlodaeus mitigated a good deal of it by his own curiosity and impish, playful nature.

Finally after a moment of idle chatter, Hades shuffled his way down the stairs.

“Now what was so important that you felt a need to interrupt my morning routine with your abrupt visit?”

Raven sighed. “Sit and I’ll tell you.”

“This had better be important Raven.” Hades grumbled as narrowed his eyes at her and sat down.

“I would say that the eldest of the First Brood being trapped on another reflection is rather important. We brought him home and he is attached to the Hyur who's soul he's inhabiting, but I wanna know how the hell he got there.” Raven snarked after taking a sip of tea.

"Why are you bothering me over this? I told you once before, my ideals were resolute. What makes you think I had anything to do with it?" Hades tried to deflect.

“You're the only one with soul sight and access to the Underworld.” Raven deadpanned. “Even if you didn't have a hand in it, you would have guided the Ascian who did.”

Hades was about to open his mouth but Hythlodaeus squeezed his hand in both of his, a look of disappointment in his lavender eyes. “Hades, my love...she seeks honest answers, the least you can do is tell her the truth of the matter.”

Hades sighed as he nearly slumped against the couch, the hand not held by his husband rubbing his temple.

“So you dealt with Altima then, or whatever they became?”

“Altima?”

"One of the Convocation. Not an Unsundered, but still one of us. Even I don't know what happened to cause their corruption. And perhaps, yes. I might have had something to do with the dragon ending up there. But it was not my idea alone. Lahabrea saw it as an experiment." Hades explained.

“Of course the son of a bitch did...” Raven grumbled. “We saw what kind of experiments he'd consider, if what he did to create the Phoenix is any indication.”

Hades sighed. "Yes, well. That's what happens when one of the company is into research and development. But yes. Due to my soul sight, I was the one who extracted the dragon and sent it over there. What Altima did with it, I don't know. Lahabrea was overseeing them."

"So you have no idea what they were planning for Valisthea, other than the plan was a Rejoining, but then when Altima was corrupted, that flew out the window, and you decided to deal with it later, like you did with the Void." Raven surmised with narrowed eyes.

"...Yes. And don't give me that look! I had a great deal of work to do, I can't be everywhere."

"Really?" Raven questioned with a teasing smirk. "With your "superior magicks" I would've thought you'd have figured it out by now."

Hades let out a noise of frustration. "Yes, I am aware of your battles with those who could make copies of themselves. But that's all they are, copies. Brainless automatons who can't think, only react. The soul may be splintered to fourteen individual pieces, but the mind may not.”

"I'm teasing Hades. Shall I tell you and Hythlodaeus of what Valisthea is now?"

Hythlodaeus jumped in at that point. "Please. I'm curious as to what happened."

So she shares with them the tale, or everything she had seen. "If you want my reflection's full story you can either ask him or Mingxia, as she saw more of it than I. I had my hands full with Sanbreque, which may as well have been Ishgard 2.0, and gods across the stars if I find another Thordan shard it’s on fucking sight..."

Hythlodaeus leaned forward. "You met your reflection? How did that work?"

“We didn't rejoin if that's what you're wondering. But it was like being with my brothers. A familiarity that I can only associate with them. Clive Rosfield is sweet and compassionate, and does what he can for others, sometimes even to his own detriment, and is fiercely protective of his own." She explained before sighing. "It was like looking into a mirror."

Hythlodaeus nodded. "I see. That does make sense." he thought for a moment. "Wait. You said “Ask your reflection”... Does that mean you brought him here?"

Hades almost staggers in his chair. "You did what?!"

"Not my fault! Not entirely anyway..." She exclaimed before looking away. "Valisthea punted out all with foreign aether after Clive beat Altima, and Mingxia...kinda spread her aether around..."

"I see." Hythlodaeus made an intrigued noise. "So how many came back with you?"

"A total of nine if you count Clive’s sweet hound. Ten if you count Cid Telamon coming back earlier than the others. They're all recovering in Mor Dhona now. The plan is that once they recover is to register them as citizens of Ishgard and make sure they have a handle on how aether works here and make sure those with...certain abilities won't be a problem."

She then got an impish grin on her face. "You know, Clive’s brother came back with us too, and you'll never guess which shard he is.”

"Oh? Who?"

"Mingxia’s. He was actually the biggest clue that we were even on a reflection. He has a mark like hers." Raven explained, taking in Hades's reaction of burying his face in his hands and groaning.

“By creation not another one...”

Raven giggled as Hythlodaeus leaned over and kissed his temple in comfort.