#D'zentsa

[halikyon]

I wrote more things:

O'tchakha and D'zentsa stood opposed, five yalms apart in the courtyard of the Temple of the Fist. They wore new, diatinctive Monk garb in white and black repectively, products of a recent visit to Tataru by Ryune. Gathered to one side were twenty-three initiates, kneeling, sitting, or standing as they so wished, whisper quiet. On the other side was Ryune, dressed in her full Monk garb, also provided by Tataru, with her hands behind her back. The sun was still low in the clear sky and the air had yet to heat fully from the morning cool. A light breeze carried the sounds of birds in the nearby trees.

Ryune regarded her students, a pleant look on her face, "Today begins the next step in your training." Her voice, clear and true, carried well through the courtyard, bouncing back to her off the nearby peaks. "You have all learned to control you aether to build the flow of Chakra within you, and then to release it in a powerful and devastating strike."

Her gaze passed over them, meeting the eyes of many, though she noticed some seemed to be gazing past her or elsewhere entirely. She gathered aether to herself as an example, opening her chakra and sending a powerful blast of air between the two standing opposed before her in one gluid move. They didn't so much as blink, their hair moving slightly from the breeze, trusting their mentor and friend wouldn't hurt them, at least not deliberately.

The students, though, were all brought to rapt attention. Ryune knew it took time for them to build up and release their energy, but she could do it, when focused, in seconds. Seeing done what they might one day be able to do themselves always seemed the best way to re-engage them. Ryune put her hand behind her again.

"Today we will be showing you the next step in this technique: the passive unlocking of Chakra in combat. This ability is key to your effectiveness in battle, as it gives you the means to deliver a powerful strike or perhaps finishing blow to you opponent without needing to concentrate beforehand to prepare it, allowing you to make effective use of your Chakra multiple times in the same engagement." She nodded to her two star pupils. "This technique will be demonstrated by D'zentsa and O'tchakha today for you all." Ryune raised her left arm up, her hand a knife in the air.

"May Rhalgr guide your hand." Ryune had added that phrase recently, feeling the need to add a bit of pomp and circumstance to structured sparring, especially since she wanted her students to take it more seriously. It also served as the cue for them to bow and take their combat stances. She let the silence linger a few more seconds before swiftly chopping with her raised hand, proclaiming, "Begin!"

They both darted foward, meeting in the middle, with a clap of displaced air and a momentum thud, trading blow after blow. As newly minted Fists, Ryune knew they could throttle their power as they liked, and she could see that even when contact was made the blow was always held back. Much like herself, their light frames and powerful legs led to a kick-heavy style that emphasized mobility, using the upper body mostly for defense and to create openings. Ryune took a moment to enjoy the exposition of skill, proud of how far her first students had come. To the untrained eye, though, it looked like an all-out brawl.

The students watched, completely absorbed in the display before them. "Sense their aether." Ryune advised them, "Feel how it flows around and within them." The thuds of contact between them reverberated off the cliffsides much as she and Lyse had once done while sparring back during the liberation of Ala Mhigo, but faster than they ever had done and faster now still.

Eyune could tell they were both quite close to being able to release their Chakra. Little did the students know she had sweetened the pot for whomever could do it first, offering the winner four of her home-cooked meals of their choosing and a trip of their choosing at Ryune's expense. They certainly seemed to be fighting with all they had from what Ryune could see, though from ghe second she made the offer she already knew the outcome.

The outcome was soon upon them all, as D'zentsa broke away and dashed in at the same time O'tchakha began to rear back. With a tremendous clash even more powerful than the first they came back together, blowing one another back a yalm. They skidded backward, keeping their feet under them, and then stood, breathing heavily, with smiles on their faces.

It was exactly as Ryune had predicted. Having told them just before they had come out here, they hadn't exchanged a word about it, but Ryune had seen a single glance exchanged between them and knew in that moment they had made this plan. Truly she was very impressed at their coordination, and felt they did both deserve something nice after so much training, the tests, and the responsibility of having first been senior students and now teachers themselves. Frankly she had initially been expecting the winner to insist on the other joining them, and Ryune had intended to let it happen. This, however, was even more a testament to their skill than she had had in mind.

After a moment they stood up straight and gave each other a formal bow, signifying the end of the exchange. Ryune brought her hands together with a clap in front of her, the sound adding a touch of finality. The entire exchange had lasted less than thirty seconds.

"Well done, both of you. An excellent performance." She nodded to the pair before regarding the gathered students, "As you could see, they were able to quicken their aether and unlock their Chakha in the midst of combat. I certainly don't expect you to do the same immediately. Instead I have an additional task for your training that I'll be adding to as needed. First, rather than meditating in a stagnant position, you shall instead be moving. Walking, jogging, jumping, or whatever else seems most comfortable to you will do just fine."

Her students seemed amicable enough to the change, nodding and murmering positively to themselves. D'zentsa and O'tchakha made their way to the aide, standing beside each other. Ryune continued, "Once you've got that down we'll move on to doing it during drills, then eventually sparring."

Ryune remembered her own experience trying to figure that technique out. "This will be a lot easier than trying to figure it out on the fly through a crystal, I assure you." They each had one of their own, the stones quite prevalent on the old ruins here, in The Fringes, and in The Peaks, but having an idea of how to perform a technique before it got thrust into your brain by a fancy rock was a lot less jarring. Plus, it meant that they could master and use these techniques much more effectively without having to put their lives on the line.

Stepping foward, Ryune directed the students' training for the day, "Use the courtyard and keep moving. Feel how the aether moves within you while you do and use it unlock your Chakras. I want you all to work together on this and figure out the path foward." She looked to the sky for a moment, "We shall reconvene just before noon to discuss your developments. You may proceed."

With a wave of her hand they proceeded to disperse around the courtyard, many in pairs and larger groups, and began to experiment. Ryune was pleased with the excitement the showed, and felt it would be a very productive day for them. As they finished dispersing, Ryune made her way to her former pupils.

They both had a bit of a sheepish grin on their faces, Ryune noticed, as if they had done something sneaky and had gotten away with it. She also happened to notice that they were holding hands. It wasn't her business to pry into personal relationships, and she didn't know if it was something they did from how close they had grown or if it had become more remontic in nature, but they were happy, and that was enough for her.

"So, I had planned to entertain the both of you, but that was even more proof that I was right to elevate the both of you." They looked a little confused, so Ryune continued, "controlling your Chakra to the point of simultaneous release was very impressive, and even more so since it built up at different rates between you two."

Understanding dawned upon them. D'zentsa spoke first, "Ah. Yes, you see that wasn't exactly part of the plan. It just kinda happened that way."

"I could feel her movements and aether much as I could my own, and it seemed so easy to coordinate in that state." O'tchakha added.

D'zentsa nodded in agreement, "It felt so natural. Even sparring so many times before I don't think something like that has happened in such a way between us." She looked at O'tchakha,  "At least..ah..." It sounded as if she caught herself before saying something she didn't think she should share.

"Yes, I know what you mean." O'tchakha's face had turned a slight red. "It's certainly not something I was expecting either."

It was so obvious to Ryune, but she kept it to herself. Anything they wanted to tell her could be done when they were ready. She stepped foward and reached out, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Well, I think its wonderful and that the two of you make a perfect team." She gave them both a reassuring smile, "You let me know when you want your meals and I'll get to cooking, alright?"

"Tonight?" O'tchakha asked, hopefull for something new and different. D'zentsa nodded in agreement.

"I don't see why not. The two of you can come over as soon as you're ready once today's lessons are over." Ryune was already mentally checking what she had in her stores at home, "It shouldn't be a problem."

Ryune reiterated her thanks and bid them farewell to observe the progress of her students now meandering around the courtyard with furrowed brows. It would take time, she knew, but this group was well on their way to becoming Fists all their own. She envisioned them, paragons of peace, problem solvers and protectors of the people. It was an idealized notion, she knew, but she couldn't help but hope for that brighter tomorrow.

----------

It was funny, Ryune thought as she stood crafting cuisine in her small kitchen, just how much this life had ended up suiting her. She had never though of herself as a teacher or mediator, and yet had taken to both rolls without a second thought. Unlike cooking, which she had taken up as a way to not hate meals when out adventuring in the wilds, she hadn't even had to try.

She looked over her shoulder to the pair she had invited, chatting with M'naago at their small table surrounded by mismatched chairs. She had also never thought of herself as a mentor, and yet...

The popping of oil snapped her back to the task at hand. The Gyr Abanian Chub she had caught was signaling its readiness to be flipped. She did so, directing her attention to the greens she had picked next as they simmered in a pot. The arid landscape may seem barren, but she knew it was as plentiful a place as any other.

It also helped that so many folks had come back. She had personally taken care of dozens of roadblocks, mostly metaphorical but a few literal, that had inhibited the rebuilding effort, and the result and been a boon in trade. She grabbed a shaker of Thavnarian spice she didn't know the name of and carefully applied a light coat on the done side of the Chub. Sometimes she couldn't remember the names of things, but she never forgot the smell or taste.

She overheard her name and a few more words, seemingly recounting the time when Ryune had met M'naago when first helping the resistance and how they had actually first met when they were little at the Peering Stones when taking shelter from the Garleans. Those had both been tough times, and she had gone from the  second youngest in a family of six to a lone orphan in those intervening years, losing all but her Father before fleeing to what would become Little Ala Mhigo.

Now wasn't the time for solemn remembrance, though, and Ryune put the thought out of her mind. The meal was almost done and she had guests after all. Ryine buckled down and soon was putting on the finishing touches, sliding her freshly cooked and well spiced fish onto a bed of soft greens. She placed a few slices of lemon along the edges before laddeling a white sauce into a pile on one side. She observed her work for a moment before deciding it was ready to eat, grabbing the serving plate and bringing it to the table, setting it down in the middle.

"I present to you a fresh Gyr Abanian Chub lightly fried with Thavnarian spices on a bed of local greens with an optional addition of creamy tartar sauce." She said in the moat regal voice she could manage, inspired from her time at The Bismark, "I call it: Oceans Apart and Together." It was a silly name she had made up on the spot, but they all acted impressed, making 'ooh's and 'ah's as she talked.

Ryune pulled up her chair and sat with them. "Also lemon." She added, causing a few giggles.

"It smells wonderful!" O'tchakha said, already cutting a piece for herself.

"What kind of spice is it, anyway?" D'zentsa asked, waiting her turn.

"I wish I could tell you something other than 'red' and 'fragrant' but I truly do not remember the name." Ryune answered, a bit embarrassed by her memory troubles. That particular problem had begun after her battle with Zenos, and no one she had spoken to anout it was certain if it would go away or not.

M'naago gave her portion a good sniff. "It reminds me a bit of paprika." She recalled the trip she had taken with Ryune there, "They make in Thavnair, right?"

"Yes, that's probably it." Ryine admitted, taking a bite. She didn't like fish all that much by itself, but had discovered a myriad of ways to use or cover the flavor to make it more tolerable to herself. This dish was no exception, as the combination of spice, the slight bitterness of the greens and lemon, and the sweetness of the sauce seemed to balance perfectly.

The others seemed to agree, as no one had time to talk between bites. Ryune knew it wouldn't have taken much to impress them, but always liked making the best she could for M'naago or any other guest to give them something worth remembering. By herself she would have charred it over a fire, covered it in the paprika, and not really thought about it.

As the meal concluded they began speaking once again as M'naago cleared the table of dirty dishes.

"There's something we feel we need to speak to you about, actually." D'zentsa said, leaning foward onto the table. O'tchakha seemed to become smaller on her seat, her face taking on a red hue.

"Anything and everything, I'm all ears." Ryune assured them, leaning foward herself.

"Tchakha and I have spent a long time together, as you know." D'zentsa began, "From that we got to know each other fairly well."

Ryune nodded, giving her her full attention.

"It's just that...well, we were never allowed to do anything before of our own choice. It was always for some purpose or another." D'zentsa explained, "Now we have freedom to do as we wish, and have chosen to stay with you and the Fists, but..."

"Go on, it's alright." Ryune reassured her, feeling a slight bit of anger spike once again at their old master before letting it melt away.

"We ah, we've had a lot of time to ourselves and now we aren't sure what to do." D'zentsa seemed at a loss for words.

"How so?" Ryune asked, already having some idea after their encounter earlier in the day, but not wanting to jump to any conclusions.

"We've gotten close, really close." O'tchakha spoke up, "To the point we wish not to seperate."

"Yes, but we also are unsure of what exactly that means for us." D'zentsa added.

Ryune pondered their words for a moment while M'naago cleaned up the kitchen behind her. "To me, it sounds like you love one another." Ryune put it plainly, "I won't tell you what kind, as that is for you to work out together, but its love all the same."

"What do you mean 'what kind'?" D'zentsa looked unsure.

"Yes, I am unfamiliar with such matter ls myself. What does that mean?" O'tchakha asked as well.

Ryune took another moment to collect her thoughts before explaining, "There's more than one way to love someone else. In the most basic way of saying it, sometimes it can be platonic, where you are the best of friends. Other times it's a bit deeper, where if feels like you found a missing piece of yourself you would be lost without. It could be also romantic, like M'naago and I, where you feel you make a whole greater than the sum of your parts, where the shared feelings in your heart draw you together time and again no matter the distance. Usually the former forms of love are part of the latter."

The pair seemed to contemplate this for a few minutes before exchanging a glance. O'tchakha spoke first, "We have been spending all our time together, even when sleeping."

"I'm sure you also noticed that we were holding hands earlier. We saw you do so with M'naago and wished to try ourselves." D'zentsa said.

"How does that make you feel?" Ryune felt like a full-on counselor talking like that.

"Happy," O'tchakha said, "Safe, perhaps?"

"Comforted." D'zentsa added. "Many times moreso at night. We sleep much easier next to one another."

"I agree. It's the opposite of when we were alone in those stuffy rooms." O'tchakha seemed a lot less reserved now that the ice had been broken. Ryune was quite pleased that they were both so forthcoming.

"So tell me, what exactly is it you wish to do, then? What love is it you feel has grown between you?" Ryune asked, looking to help them find their way forward.

The pair looked at each other, as if searching for the answer within one another's eyes. Seconds stretched into minutes as M'naago finished cleaning up an returned, standing behind Ryune with a hand on her shoulder. It was a moment that seemed much more intense than Ryune would have thought.

"I...don't know what I'm supposed to do." D'zentsa said, hesitantly. "All I want is to have you next to me. I want you to be close and for you to be happy." She took O'tchakha hands in her own. "I'm worried, though, that I may cross a line, act upon an urge you may not wish to partake in and end up pushing you away." That last part came out in a rush, as if a thought long held back had finally been let out.

O'tchakha smiled gently back at her, "Zen, I want you to know that I feel the same way. You don't need to worry about crossing some line, though. Sometimes I would like to do more than just hold your hand." Her face was still a bit red, but her voice was stead, reassuring.

"I think you may have found your answer, then." Ryune spoke gently, "Trust in one another and in yourselves. You are the masters of your own fates, now. Find your happiness, and love without fear."

M'naago gave her shoulder a squeeze, pleased with how the conversation had gone, adding, "When Ryune and I formed our relationship, we didn't really know what we were doing either. Though, as I learned, what you do is often a lot less important than who you do it with."

"Words oft repeated, yet no less true for it." O'tchakha replied, "You've certainly given us much to consider."

"Yes, though perhaps on our own time, rather than in the midst of a social gathering." D'zentsa commented, seeming to suddenly remember where they were.

"I hope that doesn't mean you'll be leaving so soon. I did make a dessert before you all got here." Ryune said, pointing a thumb back towards the kitchen.

Their eyes lit up in excitement. Ryune hoped that these would be the moments and the flavors that signified a new era of understanding and happiness for them both as she retrieved her sweet chocolate-filled pastries for them to enjoy.

[thealiensky]

I really liked the Heavensward monk job quests....

[voidsentprinces]

Summer Time.

Hien in trunks. Aymeric in trunks and a light swimming jacket. Haurchefant unleashed in a speedo. Zenos fighting the kraken in the middle of the ocean. Hythlodaeus getting a tan neath a parasol with sunglasses. Emet-Selch grumpily administrating suntan lotion. Hermes teaching Meteion to swim in the ocean. Raubahn and Thancred grilling up a banquet.

Godbert sculpting a mighty sand sculpture in his image. Opposite of him Ysayle and Menphina work to make ice sculptures. While, Theliak, Kan-E-Senna, Leveva, and Urianger read their books in their chairs. Nophica, Merlwyb, Lyse, Fordola, and Ardbert getting into a watermelon crushing competition. Yotsuyu being fanned by Grynewaht and sipping from a cocktail glass. Hilda, Lyna, Joye, Wuk Lamat and Ameliance race through the sand. Alisaie with Alphinaud in a headlock dragging him towards the waves for the annual swimming practice. Fourchenault, Azeyma and Y'shtola are on lifeguard duty. Asahi drowned in the corner. Fandaniel mocking him by dead man floating next to him. Jannequinard also has drowned but is posing dramatically even while out of commission. Nald and Thal watch over them bemused.

Cid, Nero, Biggs, Wedge, and Jesse getting the water slide going. Alpha, Gigi, Sylphie, Gatty and Omega building their own sandcastle as Zero and Golbez enjoy their own beach size beverage. Estinien posing dramatically on top of Godbert's sand statue. Tataru, Chai-Nuzz and Papalymo going over the logistics of the beach visit's costs. As Krile paints the ocean view while being hyped up by Dulia-Chai. Jandelaine is doing face paintings.

Kai-Shirr Nashu and Brandihild burying Hildibrand up to his neck in sand. Stephanivien inventing a new watergonne for summer time joy. Fray and Sid brood in the corner trying their best not to join in the summer fun. While Rielle, Ryne, and Gaia sample tropical fruits. Lahabrea, Themis, and Erichothonis look on exasperated as Athena builds a giant moth mecha to attack the Beach Bash. And by build I mean she is super vising from a well shaded and high position while Hesperos and Agdistis do it for her. Hegemone serving as her butler. Yugiri and Gosetsu are judges for the watermelon crushing competition. Gaius is tiredly looking on as Rex, Alfonse, Milisandia, Allie, and Ricon play volleyball against Livia, Rhitahtyn, Varro, Lyon, Gabranth, and Misija. Varis and Hydrus wander across the sand judging the volley ball match. Baderon, Mother Miuonne, and Momodi referee the match. Wilred, Emmannellain, Artoriel, Honoriot, and Cyella run commentary.

F'lhaminn, Alianne Gilbrillont, and Buscarron serve up drinks to Thordan, G'raha and Edmont as they swap old man stories. Nymia and Althyk ease drop over their own drinks. While the Heavens Ward wait their turn to play volleyball against Mitron, Nabriales, Venat, Altima, Pashtarot, Deudalaphon, Igeyorhm, Halmarut, and Emmerololth.

Julyan Manderville and Halone are hunting down Hamon Holyfist for acting inappropriate. Wyrnzoen, Curious Gorge, Broken Mountain, Dorgono, Rurukuta, Chuchuto, Widgargelt, O'tchakha and D'zentsa hold a booth for punching a bag as hard as you can. While Byregot administrates Beatin, Brithael, H'naanza, Serendipity, Geva, Redolent Rose, Severian, Adalberta, and Fufucha working together to gather the materials and create more stands and bags since Eorzea is made up of martial gods who keep breaking the punching bag and the stand. Moenbryda has the highest record of breaking it.

Oschon, Cirina, Magnai, Luciane and Sadu aid Sisipu and Lyngsath in catching the food required to run this entire operation with Llymaelyn's express approval. While the Wheiskaet and his Company of Heroes guard the establishment. Ilberd, Laurentius, Yuyuhase, V'kebbe, Perimu and H'raha have a dart throwing competition. Ywain, Myella, Jacke, Karasu, Momozigo, and Drusilla are in the middle of a game of poker.

Jenlyns, Radovan, and Sanson swap tales, the Troupe Falsiam, Guydelot, and Jehantel aid the Songbirds for entertainment. Sophie and Erenville are handing out fashion show fliers. Runar, Y'mhitra, Tesleen, Cymet, Almet, and Uimet administrate parasols, seatings, and food to keep everyone comfortable from the heat of the sun. Seto along with Magnus and his gang work to ferry people to and from the beach. With K'lyhia, Surito, E-Sumi-Yan, and Cocobuki figuring out a schedule to keep everyone on task. X'rhun, Arya, and Martyn run a magic show with plenty of rapiers and surprises. Rhaglr watches over Arenvald and Hoary Boulder arm wrestling with Coultenant, Aenor, and Clemence cheering them on.

Midgardsormr, Nidhogg, Hraesvelgr, Azdaja, Tiamat and Bahamut watch this go on with amusement. As Vrtra is sending out reports and orders to Nidhana and her alchemists along with Ahewann and the Radiant Host aid in the security of the event.

And of course, there is the Warrior of Light. Enjoying their vacation...or they would if the REVELRY HADN'T SUMMONED SUSANOO TO JOIN IN!!!!!! NEVER A DAY OFF I TELL YOU! NOW THEY GOTTA DEAL WITH A PRIMAL PARTYING ALONG!

[rexstorm]

top 10 Miqo'te :3

rate the cats

Thanks for the ask! I really need to think about this haha.

G'raha Tia

Lue-Reeq

Kai-Shirr

Y'shtola

M'naago

Ranaa Mihgo

Leih Aliapoh

Y'mhitra

X'rhun Tia

D'zentsa

Gosh this was hard. Hard to pick an order lol. I usually have my faves on the same spot and not in order of who I like the most tbh. Anyway this was fun and I wouldn't mind listing more ffxiv top tens. Feel free to challenge me. :D

Also here's a special mention because I can't do this without mentioning my oc Koh'sae. He's very special to me.

@azemessence (tagging you so it's easier to see this)

[fromtheladiesoflight]

(In a general sense, all of the Ladies that are not Helena are known as the Ladies of Light--this is largely because rather than being a sole Warrior of Light, they are collectively known as a group of Warriors of Light, for reasons that will be touched on in Euphemia's solo profile.) (Expect Heavensward and forward spoilers after the line break.)

(As far as individual titles go:

Mirita is, if informally, called the "Godhand", a title awarded in part by her students O'tchakha and D'zentsa due to how thunderously her blows land when she fights. In terms of how she likes to be addressed, though, she has a strong dislike for titles in general, save for Master/Teacher in situations where that's appropriate.

Khorijin is formally recognized as the Azure Dragoon of Ishgard, but also the Azure Khagan of the Azim Steppe, having claimed the title during Stormblood by defying Hien and choosing to fight in the Naadam along her home clan rather than assist the Mol in winning. Even without her force of arms, the Borlaaq have continued to win the Naadams in the years after Stormblood, thus allowing her to retain the title by proxy as her mother Gorbeljin explicitly states that she only recognizes Khorijin as khagan. She also, if somewhat unintentionally, shares a title with Khoride, discussed below. She will only insist on being addressed by title when acting in official capacities thereof, and forgoes them otherwise.

Rija has a few self-styled titles that she doesn't share with anyone unless she's being cheeky--among them are "Gale-Force Shinobi", "Hurricane Bayonet", "Gusty Snakebite", and "Breezy Step". She doesn't particularly care about how she's addressed otherwise but generally prefers to forego formalities.

Khoride is the Void-Blue Dark Knight of Ishgard, as discussed in her own introductory post. She shares this title with Khorijin, if indirectly, because she was controlling Khorijin's body whenever Khorijin was asleep. Only a select few Brumelings have seen their shared face, and even back then Khoride's lipstick, slightly sharpened features, and slightly different [read: Ancient-patterned] eyes did not make them so identical as to make it easy to pick them apart. As also described in Khoride's introductory post, she has self-claimed the title of Devil Goddess, primarily because she declared herself as such to spite Vauthry before brutally destroying him atop Mount Gulg once she and the other Ladies defeated him. She does not insist upon being called Devil Goddess or Goddess in casual conversation, but those who happen to willingly submit to her, or simply ask for permission to address her as such if they are not interested in becoming one of her supplicants, are more than welcome to use it freely.

Ystride has been called the Icewolf of Ishgard by several close friends, particularly after they tried on a certain set of Warg-ish equipment as a Machinist. They don't mind being called by it but she does occasionally express a little bit of shy awkwardness about it, less so from trusted friends. Otherwise, they don't mind a "miss", "ma'am" or "madam" from time to time, even at their most generally apathetic to gendered titles.

Euphemia, once upon a time, was Azem. She isn't now, and rejects being called as such, but does not mind being called miss, ma'am, etc. That pretty much says it all. [How this works will be explained further in her own introductory post.]

Helena, by technicality, is the queen of her lineage, and thus will answer to "Her Majesty" or "Her Grace", but does not insist on it, as technically she does not have any stewards. [Hrothgar culture in the Ladies' worldline has a few foibles of its own which will also be explained in its own post.] More commonly, she has been called "Captain", which was her rank in the Bozjan resistance for the last part of her service with them, and will accept that, "Miss", or "ma'am".)

OC/WoL Question.

Does your OC have any specific titles or honorifics? How do they feel about these? If they don't have any specific titles, how do they respond to being called Lord or Lady (or things such as Sir, Madam or Mistress)?

[ink-dreams-ffxiv]

[autumnslance]

47. Crave - specifically for C'oretta if you're feeling it! Otherwise which ever muse strikes first.

The ramshackle magitek armor groaned, then popped and clattered to the ground, the pilot tumbling out of the seat with a colorful curse. He remained prone, grumbling, his right leg at an unnatural angle.

“That’s the last of them!” D'zentsa exclaimed, stretching. “Ala Ghanna’s safe.”

“You’d think these bandits would learn,” O'tchakha said, shaking debris out of her hair. “I hope that’s the last scavenged magitek we have to deal with.”

“We should get that one a healer. No one should be left for the beetles,” D’zentsa said. “What do you think, C’oretta?” She asked, turning to the third miqo’te monk.

“I want a Twilight Pretzel.”

The other two blinked at their pink-clad friend.

“That, uh…” D’zentsa started. 

C’oretta waved a hand. “Yeah, sure, we should get the guy help, I mean we did kinda kick him and his friends to the Seventh Hell and back, but after all the fighting, I just really, really want a Twilight Pretzel now.” She sighed. “Papashan–the old stationmaster in Thanalan, he used to be a Sultansworn captain, y’know–he makes the best Twilight Pretzels.”

“We are a long way from Thanalan,” O’tchakha said as she picked up the remaining bandit. “But I’m pretty sure we can find someone in the village who can make pretzels to satisfy your post-beatdown craving.”

C’oretta nodded in agreement, helping O’tchakha with their prisoner so the trio could report to Master Widargelt that the bandits were dealt with.

And find pretzels to celebrate their victory.

[eemamminy-art]

#femslashfebruary day 8 - O'tchakha x D'zentsa

There's too many crass captions I can think of when it comes to monks, so we'll just say they are perfectly balanced and in tune with each other's bodies 💪🥰 

[sshoujo-ais]

late but uhhh 7, 9, 11, 16 for whichever ffxiv s/i you're feeling ^^

i know you sent this like a day ago but my body said go to sleep before i got a chance to answer this sowwyyyyy

anyway sorako time let's go

7. would any other characters (besides your f/o) have a crush on your self insert?

i already have so many f/os for sorako to kiss that this is mostly for funni but i can totally see d'zentsa and o'tchakha crushing on her lmao.

9. who are your self insert’s closest friends?

definitely the scions! also aymeric and estinien (i know estinien becomes a scions but i'm not there yet), plus vidofnir. and obviously etien, miqodae and probably several iterations of toto. also widargelt. and hildibrand and nashu

11. what kind of outfit(s) does your self insert wear?

there are three facts about every sorako outfit in existence:

sleeveless

those pants with the thigh window

yellow enough to make pikachu jealous

16. freebie! name a fact about your self insert you want everyone to know.

there is a tree somewhere in gyr abania that has a huge chunk taken out of its trunk because sorako trained her punching on it as a kid every day

[miqo-tales]

MNK 60-70

The amount of prep necessary before a pull for a MNK is hilarious. 

SQEX, why didn’t you just remove Fists of Wind?

Tanks that do not move bosses so that I can get to the rear and sides make me sad.

Somehow I like this job more than I did in 3.x. Not really sure why though. It’s not like they changed much about it.

This game never lets me smack around NPCs that need it. I couldn’t slap Alphinaud after 2.55, Thancred beat me to the literal punch with Emmanellain, and now I didn’t get to smack Widargelt out of his “woe is me” BS. It’s not fair.

I’m genuinely annoyed the MNKs vs PUGs fight didn’t happen.

I liked the lvl 68 quest since it actually made me feel like a badass. You get to beat up like 30 guys! It’s great.

Widargelt, O'tchakha, and D'zentsa get cool glowy auras in a cutscene and I don’t? Not fair.

[halikyon]

Got another long one for ya! I should really organize these better.

The strikes of Fordola's curved blade cut right through the numerous apparitions before her, disrupting their cohesion and drawing their ire while M'naago launched a barrage of arrows into their ranks again and again. Between them stood O'tchakha and D'zentsa, blasting away any that dared stray too close to Fordola's flanks. Behind them all stood Ryune, steeped in the powers of the Astrologian, making sure their wounds were treated and sending blasts of malefic power whenever able.

When she had asked her partner and protégés to accompany her to investigate a disturbance at a local temple ruin, she had hoped it would be valuable experience for the young pair. What Ryune had certainly not expected was a veritable army of spirits, and certainly not Fordola, by herself, already hacking away at them while a group of children scurried away.

They had barely needed to trade a glance before jumping in to help, and, after some coordinated effort, had managed to push the flow of undead back into the darker interior rooms of the old temple. It seemed that whenever they struck one down it would simply remanifest deeper within, but at least they went down easy.

Before long, Ryune spotted a low archway in the dim light and came upon an idea. As soon as Fordola had pushed to it, Ryune stepped foward and projected a barrier that sealed the way, at least temporarily, and gave them a moment to plan.

They had to act quick. "What's happened?" Ryune's voice was strained while she maintained her focus on the barrier.

"Kids messed around where they shouldn't, pissed off the whole lot." Fordola responded quickly while trying to catch her breath. "Those runts told me one was still inside."

"Probably at the source if they're this mad." M'naago said, referring to the spirits, their undead appendages creating ripples in the barrier where they struck.

"Extract kid, appease spirits. Easy enough." Ryune had never been all that great at projection like this, and time was running out. She warned them, "Five seconds."

They made ready, Fordola taking point with O'tchakha and D'zentsa on her flanks once more. "We push through." Commanded M'naago as she moved into the protective pocket the others had formed around Ryune, "No stopping."

The others understood. Taking the spirits down wasn't doing much other than tiring themselves out. They had to get through before they got overwhelmed.

The barrier dropped. Before the ghosts could surge foward, though, a brilliant slash from Fordola carved a path foward. The duo of Monks let loose their charged Chakra on the flanks, widening the gap further.

"Forward!" M'naago cried out, impelling them to move with upmost swiftness before the gap could close, her arrows shattering into sprays of shrapnel into the banks of undead.

They surged as a unit, not stopping to fight, rather punching through the mass of spirits, shoving them aside like vines in a jungle. Through the gloom soon came a glow of light, like a lighthouse on the shore. It was right ahead, obscured by the incorproreal forms, but undeniable.

Yalm after yalm it became brighter, more distinct, and then in a rush they were upon it, a void in the swirling mass of apparitions. In the middle stood a single Elezen boy, a bright shard of something Ryune couldn't identify held high above his head.

He turned to then, eye wide with fear. "I'll drop it!" He proclaimed as the spirits seemed to get more agitated. It took a moment for him to realize they weren't here to harm him as they gathered themselves. "Wait, who are you?"

"Your rescue party." Fordola said bluntly l. "What is that?" She pointed to the bright object in his raised hands.

He hesitated, unsure, before Ryune spoke up. "If I were to guess, I'd say it was some sort of focus. Crystalline, bright, suffused with aether, and likely viewed as sacred by those resting here."

"That sounds like a recipe for a primal." M'naago pointed out.

O'tchakha and D'zentsa stood close together, regarding the dome of spirits that seemed to have grown thicker around then. It was clear they were uncomfortable here, perhaps even scared as their tacit spell continued in spite of their typical conversational nature.

Fordola turned to Ryune, "What's the plan now?"

Ryune regarded the boy for a moment before approaching slowly. "We are here to help you." She began, "My name is Ryune. Can you tell me your name?"

"H-Hauchiere." He responded, his voice shaky.

"Okay. Hauchiere, where did you find that crystal?" Ryune stopped an arm's length away and got down on a knee before him.

"Over there." He nodded to the back of the room, though it was impossible to see what exactly through the spectres. "It was in a c-cubby on a stand."

"Alright, so why haven't these guys tried to take it back?" Fordola asked.

"I told them if they touched me that I'd break it." Hauchiere admitted, "They've been circling like this ever since."

"So why not put it back?" Ryune asked gently, hoping to keep the kid calm.

"I was scared." He said, "I thought if I didn't have this thing they would come for me."

"I see, quick thinking, but only good for a stalemate." Fordola said while also approaching. "Which was exactly what you needed to buy time for help to arrive."

Ryune nodded, "Commendable, but it's our turn now." She held a hand out to him, "We will keep you safe. I'll take the artifact and placate the spirits."

The boy stared at them all for a few moments more before acquiescing, carefully lowering the focus and handing it over to Ryune. Immediately the spirits began to close in, but Ryune quickly held the item up like Hauchiere had.

"Hold it!" Her voice and actions seemed to freeze them all in their ghostly tracks. "We mean you no harm, but we will do what we must to defend ourselves." She hadn't discussed this with the others, but it seemed the best way to get them to safety. "Let them all leave and we can talk."

M'naago protested immediately, "I am not leaving you in a dark hole with a bunch of angry dead people!" She came foward, finger pointed at Ryune. "I told you you're not allowed to play hero by yourself anymore."

"It's not that." Ryune explained, "It that you are completely right. This is a recipe for a primal, and if things go wrong I'd rather not have to fight you, even if we do have the ability to cure tempering now."

"She's right, which is why I'll be staying." Fordola assured M'naago, "I can deal with it. She won't be alone in this."

"Then it would seem I am in your debt." M'naago said, already looking to gather the others to leave.

"Hardly." Fordola answered, "Just another dent in what I owe you two."

D'zentsa spoke at last, "Does this mean we're leaving?" He voice betrayed the anxiety, though Ryune was quite proud of how well they were holding it together in an environment they clearly were not fond of.

"Yes, take the boy and go, I'll deal with these spirits. When you see an opening, take it." Ryune nodded to M'naago, "I'll see you on the other side, I promise."

"I'll hold you to it." M'naago took the boy's hand and gathered the Monk girls as close to the exit as they dared. She turned back to Ryune once more, a small smirk on her face, "Not that they stand a ghost of a chance."

Ryune smiled in spite of how much it really wasn't funny at all, somehow feeling more love for her well up from within. She knew the others would be doing their best to ignore it, but Ryune couldn't help but appreciate the attempt at humor.

"So, how about it, then. Will you let them go?" Ryune asked the roiling mass around them all.

They shifted and writhed around, dark shapes obscuring most everything, before an odd chorus of voices spoke, filling the room. "You have defiled this place. The only recompense is your death. Rhalgr demands it."

"I can assure you he doesn't." Ryune said, having actually met the man. "But something tells me you don't intend to talk it out with us."

"You dare speak of Him so?" They quickened, crowding towards Ryune more and more. "You could not hope to know His will."

Fordola made ready, knowing what was likely to come, "And you do?" Her voice was condescending, meant to draw their ire as much as possible.

"We shall not stand for this!" The mass of spirits was almost completely around them alone now. "We beseech thee, Rhalgr, send us your champion to purge our tomb!"

They braced themselves as the others made a break for it, the spirits hardly paying them any mind, now. Ryune changed her focus, grabbing for her Monk stone in her pouch, attuning herself to it quickly. Bright beacons of light lit other receptacles in the walls, signifying the locations of yet more focuses like the one Ryune held.

It's weight, the lights, and the apparitions disappeared all at once, replaced by a single form in the sparce, dim light. Now that they could see where they were, they found themselves towards the back of a large, tall chamber with the figure in the middle, blocking their way out. The figure stepped foward and Ryune recognized him immediately.

"Ivon Courlfist walks among us once more I see." Ryune remarked, remembering her fight with his special self in the Temple of the Fist. This time, though, he was smaller, much more Hyur-sized, but absolutely packed with aetherial energy.

As he got closer, though, they noticed strange wisps almost trying to detach from his body, with some looking a bit like faces.

"Well, that explains where they all went." Fordola said, moving herself around into a flanking position.

"It's a miniature Zodiark." Ryune couldn't help but be in awe of what had occurred. "But who exactly is the once calling the shots in there?"

"Doesn't matter. Let's take them out, Ryune." Fordola's voice was commanding and sure, helping to refocus Ryune.

Ryune nodded, dropping down into her combat stance, and not a moment too late. The primal Courlfist dashed foward with a clap, striking at Ryune repeatedly with hand and foot. She caught and dodged his strikes, attempting to send a few back his way, but was rebuffed by hands that seemed too quick to be able to get there in time.

Fordola rushed foward to assist, sending a clear strike that should have opened any mortal from shoulder to hip, but was instead batted aside as multiple strikes connected against her armor without him even turning to engage her.

She jumped back, confused and angry to have been cast aside, before seeing what was truly occurring as her eyes finally adjusted.

"He has too many hands, Ryune!" She didn't know how else to convey what she was seeing. "He also has a face on the back of his head? I can't take him by surprise."

Her arms and legs stung from where they had absorbed the incoming strikes, but Ryune was holding her own. Now, knowing what was going on, she understood what might tip the scales.

"We go faster, overload him." Ryune said between strikes. "It's all we've got!" To suit actions to words, Ryune quickened her aether, triggering Chakra to speed her strikes like the wind.

Fordola understood. Her methods were slower and consisted of mighty strikes, so the only way for her to go faster would be to have a smaller weapon or to forgo her shield in order to bring both arms to bare on her blade. She chose the latter, tossing her shield aside, preferring to keep her blade intact.

She jumped back in to help, and the difference was immediate. Her strikes were faster and more true, undeterred by the blows against the blade by the spectral fists under the primal's control.

Ryune was connecting too, her strikes finding cracks in his defenses, blasting aetherial holes that quickly filled back up. She knew it was working, though. Every time either of them hit they took aether away, scattering it back into the environment with the force of the impacts.

It was going well until a well-aimed kick, blocked by Ryune, sent her flying back with the force of the impact. She was sent all the way into the wall many yalms behind her, but she was mindful enough to not let her head snap back when she hit. Ryune braced as she hit the floor in a crouch, expecting a rush, but instead witnessed Fordola, somehow having gotten around him, blocking his way forward.

She was taking a beating, but was giving one back just as much, slicing through hands and spectral aether attempting to block her blade. Ryune took a moment to steady herself and take stock. She could clearly see the aether of the primal starting to wane, but she couldn't be sure they had the tenacity to see it through with the beating they had already taken.

Tlshe decided it would be best to end it as quickly as possible, and she had just the technique to do it, though it was one that would drain her greatly. With the time Fordola was buying her, she took a breath, igniting a flame within, and gathered the energy she had accumulated thus far, concentrating it down into a white hot point.

Fordola couldn't hold out any longer, her body too exhausted and pained by a fight she hadn't trained for, but still she tried to hold on, her arms screaming with the continued effort. It was then that a blur rushed past.

It was hard to see when moving faster than most eyes could track, harder still in the dim tomb they found themselves in, but it was hard to miss such an imposing target even when it was only slightly larger than the average Hyur.

Ryune's first strike was head on, strong enough stop his momentum. The second came from behind, having bounced from the opposite wall, and hit him directly in the head. A third, fourth, fifth, and sixth came quickly behind, Ryune bouncing from wall to wall in quick succession. She was simply too fast to block, and too powerful to brace against. Each impact sent a painful shock through Ryune, but she continued on.

The next series used the floors and ceilings as well, keeping the primal Monk off balance and reeling. She reached the twelfth strike quickly, the one she would stop on in most any other circumstance, but her target still stood and the only two people who could stop it were already at their limits, so she continued on.

Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, the strikes hurt more in each limb every time, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen... Her fist passed right through, slamming hard into the stone floor. The pain was the worst yet, causing her to cry out, but it had been enough.

The primal had lost too much aether, no longer able to keep its form coherent under the barrage. As it faded, wisps of itself rising into the air, the collective of voices spoke once more.

"Perhaps our way let lives on, the Mad King's will left undone..." It looked somehow satisfied as it spoke.

Ryune couldn't hope to respond, her breath coming in hurried gasps while her heart beat beyond rapidly. It was all she could do to look up at it as the primal finally dispersed, all that it was returning back to the lifestream once more.

She collapsed to her knees, the effort of continuing Phantom Rush like that having taken a massive toll. She felt Fordola with her, keeping her steady with a hand on her shoulder, her voice making it through the rush of blood in her ears.

"I've got you." Fordola said, her own pain evident in her voice. "You're not going to fall on my watch."

Ryune was grateful. It wasn't like before when she could depend on Hydaelyn's aether to help bolster her. Now it all had to come from within, and she hadn't had to dig this deep in a while. Fordola kept steady watch while Ryune recovered, finally gaining control of her breathing enough to settle her body back down from its frantic state.

A few minutes later, Ryune placed her hand atop Fordola's on her shoulder. "Thank you." She said, finding her voice, "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you."

Fordola smirked, "Sure you could have. It would have just been a lot more dramatic and ended with your girlfriend carrying you to the nearest healer."

Ryune let out a small chuckle and gave her hand a squeeze before letting go. "Perhaps so, but I greatly prefer the company of capable friends and allies."

Fordola's hand slid off her shoulder as she stood. "Before I met you I would have said something about 'former enemies', but I know that's not how you work."

"Certainly not." Ryune confirmed, "You are a survivor. And I, for one, would consider you among my list of capable friends."

Fordola gave one of her rare genuine smiles, "Thanks. I think the same of you." She located her discarded shield and picked it back up. "Though we should probably head out. The others are going to be worried."

"True." Ryune made sure she was steady before making her way out with Fordola. "Do you know what it was that was angering the spirits here in the first place? We were here because we got word of a disturbance."

"Yes. It was those same kids you probably saw on the way in." Fordoal explained as they walked, the light gradually growing brighter as they neared the exit. "They had been messing around as would be 'adventurers' looking for treasure."

Ryune sighed, "That's scavenging, not adventuring. I know most people don't see or care about the difference, though."

"Either way, they took some small artifacts, basically kicking the hornets' nest as it were, before attempting this latest venture."

"You certainly are well informed." Ryune remarked.

"I was sent by a concerned mother who sent me while I was stopped in Ala Ghiri." They were almost out now, the path seeming much longer now that they were walking it rather than dashing through. "She told me all she knew. Got here just in time."

They reached the exit at last, the light momentarily blinding them as the came out. They were met immediately by the rest of the party they had sent away. Ryune could see a few adults she recognized clustered with the kids she had seen earlier not far away in the shade of a large rock. M'naago immediately rushed over and embraced Ryune, almost knocking her over.

"Easy there, I'm alright." Ryune assured her. "Much to the efforts of Fordola."

"I knew you were worth the trouble!" M'naago said half-jokingly to Fordola.

"So? What happened?" O'tchakha asked, jogging over with D'zentsa. Ryune recounted the tale, mentioning how well they had worked together and that the spirits seemed to have been put to rest as well.

"In the end they seemed to actually approve of Ryune, too." Added Fordola.

"Yes, well, I suppose showing a bunch of dead monks that their ways weren't as lost as they had feared would do that." Ryune said, still unsure about how she felt about it. On one hand she was proud to have gained such acknowledgment, but on the other was annoyed it meant so much to her after all she had been through and helped to rebuild.

"Sounds pretty amazing if you ask me." D'zentsa added. "Though we don't need dead folks to tell us you know what you're doing."

"I appreciate that, truly." Ryune said, smiling at her student. The parents and children came over last, offering their thanks as well as some Gil. Ryune tried to talk them out of it, but by the time they left for home, each membwr of the group was a few thousand Gil richer.

"Hey, Fordola, before we all head off, I wanted to tell you something." Ryune said, ready for some rest but feeling this was important.

"Alright, shoot." Fordola said.

"The way you fought in there, and they way you are as a person, both make me believe you might make for a fairly effective Dark Knight." Ryune explained. "They weild a large, two-handed sword and are considered taboo by many, but I find it a worthwhile path."

Fordola considered it for a moment before asking, "Where does this path begin?"

"Courthas, Ishhard specifically, at the local tavern. Look for a Au'Ra man named Sidurgu and his young Elezen charge, Rielle." She remembered how grumpy Sidurgu could be, adding. "If Sid gives you trouble, you can just tell him I sent you, though you may have more fun trying to crack that one."

Fordola nodded, taking it all in. "Perhaps I will, in time. I don't believe you would lead me astray, but there is much to do."

Ryune understood, though she wished Fordola would make more time for herself and her own development. "If you do, also be aware that you may meet someone along the way. I knew them as Fray. It...is not my place to speak more." Ryune didn't want to give away that aspect should it arise. It would likely be a very important part of confronting and healing from her past, and was something Ryune hoped would be very much to Fordola's benefit. "Just know they mean you no harm."

Ryune left out the second part, where she may confront a different part of the same whole. She figured it best to come naturally if it came at all, and that to warn her of it may dilute its potential to heal. Having taken the path herself and confronted all that she was within, she was certain that by Fordola taking it that she would find much the same results.

"I'm not stranger to secrets," Fordola said, "but I'll trust there's a reason." With everything settled and the day stretching on, they all reckoned it was time to head home.

"Don't be a stranger." M'naago said to Fordola as they made to leave. "Whether our home in Ala Ghanna or at the Reach, you are most welcome."

"I'll see if I can't shake loose of being Lyse's errand girl long enough to visit." Fordoal said. She remembered that the last time she was at Rhalgr's Reach was as an enemy combatant, and that she had likely cut down friends and family of residents there herself. "Though I'd prefer to visit your home if at all possible."

Ryune understood. She knew it might still be hard to feel welcome in places like that. She could relate, having been vilified by Garleans even though she only meant to help them during the latest crisis. She often had to put that out of her mind when dealing with them, as there wasn't any use wondering how many families she had ripped apart. Sometimes you simply had to let go and do what you could, something she hoped Fordola would find a way to do as well.

"Our door is always open to you." Ryune assured her. "Ala Ghanna, upper level, last house to the right."

Fordola nodded, "For now, I have a report to file and a bed calling my name." She set off uppm her own way. "I'll see you around." She waved as she walked away a few yalms before stopping to concentrate.

"Bye, be safe!" Both O'tchakha and D'zentsa said almost in unison, giggling as a result. Ryune was glad to see them returning to their usual selves. They would certainly need to talk about what went on in there, but that could wait until another time. Moments later Fordola was gone, likely back in Ala Mhigo.

"Home it is, then." Ryune said. "You two get some rest, we will be heading home directly." She said to her students, "I'll check in with you tomorrow."

They said their goodbyes and concentrated, all four looking forward to a good night's sleep

[voidsentprinces]

X'rhun: You've been quiet for some time. Is it something I said? Fray: Let me tell you a tale. When I was but a wee babe. I went to the Cathedral in Ishgard. Got on my knees and said: "Fury, it is me. Baby Fray. I have asked nothing of you. But, I offer a trade. You may take my family, my freedom, my home, and my body. But in return, I only ask this of you...I want. A talking cat friend." And here I am...orphaned, imprisoned, homeless, and bodiless...BUT NOT TALKING CAT FRIENDLESS! X'rhun: We're friends!? Fray: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!! Curious Gorge: Oh there you two are. Fray: Wait how did you even get into the gaol!? THE GATE WAS LOCKED! Curious Gorge: No it isn't. The gate was unlocked. Also all the guards are dead. Good job killing the guards! Fray: ...I didn't do it. Why do you magically assume I always kill the guards? Curious Gorge: I dunno, did D'zentsas use a giant sword to kill her opponents? Fray: I mean...given D'zentsas' criminal recor-- Curious Gorge: Going off the rails here. Fray: Right. RED! SCOUT AHEAD! X'rhun: You got it BLACK! Fray: You get a pass! Curious Gorge: So where is Sylphie? Fray: In the other cell. Sylphie: Hello, Mister Fray! The door was open! Fray: Don't believe what your friend said. I didn't kill the guards--this time. Sylphie: I know it wasn't you. It was someone else. Someone I didn't know. But felt like I did! Fray: That's...fucking ominous. Sylphie: The worst part is when he whispered...follow the blood. Fray: Well that can't be good-- -Next Room covered in blood and corpses- X'rhun: Scouting report! ...Where...do I...BE-GIN!?

[halikyon]

As Ryune did almost every morning, she approached the old temple known as Emprise. Its crumbling walls and overgrown foliage a testament to the work yet to be done. It was the fastest way to the Temple where she, Widargelt, and the young D'zentsa and O'tchakha oversaw the revival of the Fists of Rhalgr. It seemed there had been a million setbacks between even getting the place up and running to the recent near End of Days, but now they had a good dozen students, food in their bellies, and places for them all to rest their heads at night.

Most of the Temple was still in shambles, but no area quite as bad as this place. The Mad King has done the place in well enough, but when the Garleans came, there was simply no hope of rebuilding. Now, with Lyse and Raubahn busy trying to keep Ala Mhigo from collapsing in upon itself, there was hardly the time or resources to spare for a place like this.

As she stood upon the altar in the courtyard of Emprise, she close her eyes, imagining what it must have been like all those years ago, the people who were once here, the sounds of their voices, the vibrant robes and tapestries. Times like this she wished the Echo would let her see the past at will. Maybe they would have something to help her, perhaps a wise word or bit of reassurance that she was on the right path. She sighed, placing her hand upon the large stone carving.

Ryune, feeling the weight of the future upon her, resolved to herself to keep going, in hopes that one day this place might again thrive.

[halikyon]

So I saw that WoL kids prompt and realized she likely wouldn't have any herself, so instead, here are Ryune's mentally adopted 'children':

Ryne and Gaia: Could not help but want to support them and their young love. Checks up on them often to ensure they don't lose themselves in their work to revitalize their world. Can't wait to see how happy they'll be once the whole inter-reflection transportation thing gets worked out.

Statice: Immediately upon discovery, Ryune understood what was going on and wanted to help her. Saw a fairy with a gun and said yes, please. Has her do tasks to help out around the Temple and at home. Takes her along when traveling.

O'tchakha and D'zentsa: Wishes to be a good teacher and roll model, and has ended up taking on a more active interpersonal role with them, providing both comfort and advice in addition to training. Invites them over for meals routinely.

Also, Zhloe, Khloe, and all those orphaned kids. She helps finance the orphanage, gives them gifts, and makes them new clothes sometimes. She doesn't feel she could actually adopt any of them due to just how much danger seems to be part of her life, but that won't stop her from trying to make their lives better.

[halikyon]

So with Ryune, Widargelt, O'tchakha and D'zentsa rebuilding the Fists of Rhalgr in my narrative, I've been very drawn to shaping it into something not too different from the new Jedi Order that Luke built in the old star wars books that are now non-cannon.

A force meant to be used in situations where the average person might not cut it, and where the Fists search for non-violent solutions whenever possible but aren't averse to jumping into the middle of trouble, usually as a means of bringing it to a screeching halt.

They act with the people of Ala Mhigo, and the citizenry of the star, first in mind, no matter if it goes against law or orders, even though they receive a good portion of their funding from that very Ala Mhigan government (both Lyse and Raubahn like it, though it may cause trouble once they're not around in the far future).

It feels right to me so far, though I'm not going to cling to the idea if it doesn't quite work out. Such is the way of writing within an established world.