#Marcelloix

[crimsonfluidessence]

Prompt 30: Two Heads Are Better Than One

Esredes' heart dropped when he approached the remains of the village. The blizzard and hail combination last night had left more damage than he anticipated- roofs were caved in or full of holes, the very foundations were blown to the side or partially collapsed, and while it looked like no one had died, they were all huddled around fires shivering. Everything looked absolutely and utterly miserable.

"We're going to have to put aside the week to repair this," Esredes said to the little group he'd brought along. He'd thought it would be enough just to have a trusted circle of Mythirel, Marcelloix, Heilyn, Vette, Fiachna- whose sister Niamh had also decided to come, to which Esredes only reclutantly allowed- and Marchand was there too, he supposed. The man had technically joined them, and he might make himself useful on this task. But even despite these two uneasy allowances, as Esredes surveyed the extent of the damage done to the village their movement was taking shelter in, it was not near enough to make quick progress. Oh, they would all be suffering the entire week.

"Maybe I can convince a couple more people to come out here," Esredes said with a sigh as he tapped his linkpearl. Elouan was not a member of the movement proper, but he trusted him with this affair at the least. He explained the situation over the pearl to him and luckily, just as Esredes anticipated, he agreed to come right over and help.

"Let's get to work in the meantime," Esredes said. "I'll call over as many of the movement as available as the week goes on. With luck, we'll have this all functional by the end of the week." For now, he sent Fiachna off on that messenger task and got to work with the rest of the crew. Marchand made himself useful hauling the supplies and materials they did manage to bring along as well as those too injured to move around properly, while Heilyn got to work repairing the damage, even though it quickly became apparent it wouldn't be enough. Vette kept the campfires roaring and otherwise provided heat to the villagers who weren't lucky enough to be blooded with fire, melting away ice and snow that was in the way of them making any progress. Esredes tag-teamed with Marcelloix to haul and assist with the basic repairing he could do, transforming frequently to help hold things into place for others to nail down or get people and materials onto the roof.

The little group worked away for a couple hours, and had barely made a dent in the work. A couple little houses looked in better shape now, but far from finished, the debris from the storm to clear out seemed endless, and they didn't have nearly enough materials to keep at this forever. That's when Esredes heard his name with a familiar cheerful voice, and when he turned around his heart rose and dropped in equal measure. Elouan had showed up, as promised, along with Fiachna making his return. But with him he'd brought an entire crowd of others. Andromeda, Mercer, Aloysia, Ryousei, Majalis, Leigh, Alvere, Fuyu, Kainen, Azarah, Alastor, and for some reason even Ross who Esredes barely remembered the name of were all there too- along with an apparent delivery of more supplies, with a note from Adel saying they were from an anonymous wealthy source. And to all of it, Esredes blinked several times in a row. This village was confidential. It was private. The last thing these people needed was for their peace and solitude away from Ishgard to be disturbed by outsiders who could come back and mean them harm- No, no. Esredes, for once, quieted the thought as it came. These were not loyalists or outsiders, these were his trusted friends and associates that had come to help. A smile came to his face, and with it, the work continued.

Andromeda was familiar with handling housing in the cold- Shiva bless her country Garlean origins- and immediately helped lead and assist the rest in where to repair and bolster the damage done to the buildings, as well as having come with more materials of her own, and putting that magitek of hers to heal the injured with Fuyu. Mercer was good with lifting the heavier things and hammering, but he also got to work fixing broken metal. Meanwhile, Ryousei was on watch duty, surveying ahead to be sure the area was clear of any actually unwanted visitors who could try and bring the entire place down. You never knew even in this post-war world. Majalis and Leigh were focused on distributing supplies to ensure everyone remained warm and fed, Leigh coming with jarred foods and spare blankets, and once that was done Majalis moved on to assist Fiachna and Niamh with repairs. Kainen used his Dragoon jumping to more easily move materials around. Azarah and Vette both assisted Aloysia and Rossignol with getting a pot of soup going for everyone, a combination Esredes couldn't voice his protest to until it was too late. Aloysia insisted the vague, mushy concoction they had made tasted good, but Esredes wasn't about to trust it for a moment. Fortunately, Vette, Alvere, and Leigh came to the rescue, adding in the right ingredients to make it palatable.

By the time everyone settled down with the soup, the progress had made leaps and bounds compared to where it was at before backup arrived. And with the promise of more people coming tomorrow thanks to Fiachna's messaging, it looked like they might have this village fully functional again by the end of the week indeed. People settled in, villager and helper talking to one another around bowls of soup, exchanging ideas and learning about each other, and with the multiple sources of fire the cold Coerthan night felt warmer than it would have all alone. Esredes closed his eyes. All of this reminded him of when they had worked on the Firmament together- but that had been everyone, and for the whole good of Ishgard. This? Coming out to help him and his so far away from the center of Coerthas? He couldn't help but smile, and something in his active mind slowed down. Perhaps he needed too many reminders that the people around him were to be loved and trusted, but moments like this kept his hope alive for the future. He didn't dare think that someday soon everything would end, and this could be the future he lived in. Yet ever since the end of the world came and went, he'd also felt like something had really changed, and this sight was yet more proof of it. The future, as always, remained cloudy, murky, and uncertain- but as the group settled in for the night to get back to work tomorrow, everything felt at ease in the world.

[vaadrage]

I can't stop grinning. For many moons, I've imagined this future with him, side by side facing all the facets of life, its hardships and joys, even the mundane days. We have persevered together for as long as we've known each other, and I have been nothing but happy with him, even in spite of all our struggles. But it's so deeply humbling—honouring!—to be asked proper for this forever. Until the end of our days, perhaps past if our souls persevere… What can I say? Beyond yes a thousand times. I so deeply love this man. I can wax poetic for ages—his endless intellect and curiosity, his playful nature, the depth of his voice. The way he holds himself, the skill he displays in a myriad of crafts, or his courage in striving for better, always. And more often, I'm so taken by his passion and tender heart, the love he gives in spades, that endless ocean within. That I could be the one he loves most is truly my brightest treasure. @marcelloix

[iseterre]

Previous

"Nollette." Marcel's eyes narrowed, his stare pinning her to the spot. "Please tell me you're not serious."

His fears were confirmed when she flinched, her eyes usually full of mischief and laughter lowered beneath thick lashes. "I am."

Fuck. One heartbeat was all it took, one deep breath to close the distance, his hand clasped around hers before the two vanished. Several moments later a soft thud was heard as Nollette fell face first into vibrant green grass. She cursed under her breath as she pushed herself up, the glare she shot him while dusting the dirt from her gown was met with an amused chuckle.

The air felt different here, tasted different. A salty brine assaulted the woman's senses and her eyes widened. Her head jerked, taking in the scenery and landscape.

A small Hingan style home sat several fulms away, nestled between two hills. An immediate recognition shattered the already tentative calm she had willed herself into. "No." She ground out, her hands gripping the grass until her knuckles were white.

"Yes." Marcel argued, his expression unreadable. Whether or not he regretted this was a question she was sure would never be answered.

"No."

"Yes."

"I told you I never wanted to see him again!" Her anger was palpable, causing the Viera to flinch.

"It's a little late for that, Nol." His tone had softened, "We're going to need his help. You two got along once. Do it again."

She started to speak, but his interruption stopped her, "You and I both know what could happen."

[nollette]

🖊️ BALLPOINT PEN — does your oc have any tattoos? do they want any (more) tattoos? - Miqojak

Yes! They both do. I was going to put a screenshot here but I couldn't get them to work after messing with it for three days. Marcel will get more eventually but Nol likely won't.

[roses-and-grimoires]

Prompt #10: Stable

Characters: Keldrin, Marcel ( @zoetic-tome )

"Oh, for fucks' sake!"

The words come out as an exasperated growl as Keldrin throws out a hand to steady himself against the wall as his balance lurches. Meanwhile with his other hand he reaches down, and gives his kneecap a light whack; the sound of metal rings out along with a faint electrical hum as the servos in the knee decide to actually do their job, allowing him to bend it as he should.

"Problems?" inquires a low voice behind him; when he turns his head, he finds Marcel lounging upon the bed, one hand propped up behind him, the other resting upon an open book.

"Yeah," he says as he takes a few steps back and goes to flop bonelessly upon the large bed, his blue eyes meeting Marcel's bright red (even if he was upside down from this angle). "It's been acting up like this lately. Little glitches, like something isn't firing right. And can I figure out why?" He flings his hands up in exaggerated exasperation.

"I'm guessing that means the answer is no," Marcel intones. His book had been, for the moment, forgotten as he studies the younger vampire. "Weren't you going to ask that redhead you're always going on about? The one with the blood that 'tastes like rainbows'?"

"Yeah, yeah." A heavy sigh leaves Keldrin's lips. "I just would rather have actual proof it's being like this. It's fine for days, and then all of sudden, this. No warning, no signs that something's worn down, just a random fuck you out of the blue now and then when it's never done it before."

"All the more reason to ask then," Marcel counters, reaching out to lazily smooth back some of the hair from the younger vampire's face. "Before it becomes a larger problem."

"You're just worried that you'll have to go out and get your own food then," Keldrin protests, though there is a wry smirk on his lips, a sign that he was merely poking fun at the elder. Sure enough, it earns him a chuckle--but the pointed look that accompanies it causes him to sigh.

"All right, all right, I'll do it tomorrow; the sun's going to be up soon, and she won't be up much longer than we are."

[housedeaubemarle]

FFXIV Write 2024 #1: Steer

~~

Four turns ago:

‘Remy.’

Wind whistles in a pair of long Elezen ears, rushes through too-long chestnut hair. Too long for a place as wild as this; Ishgard wasn't entirely a halcyon paradise either, but its turbulence was the kind which allowed the indulgence of hair which surpassed the shoulders. He'll shear it all off afterwards. 

If he lives through this. The strident cries of Pin, his white-feathered Chocobo - and the wild yellow one he's trying to herd back towards the newly-established ranch - remind him of the possibility of a broken neck if he doesn't concentrate. Sweat stings his eye, which isn't good when one is trying to keep one's balance and aim for a specific destination. 

It's so close - he has to get a grip - the gate is right there, next to Mars who probably wears his most stoic expression as he watches his friend and employer from afar.

‘Find your direction, my son. It needn't be as Viscount.’

His shoulders and back burn; his fingers ache from gripping the reins too hard. Months later, he will learn how to hold them without killing his digits. He will learn control and balance; he will learn better ways to lean into his steed, to use thighs and knees to steer Pin better.

Right now though, he breathes too hard, adrenaline filling his veins as his bird whips across the grounds. Sharp claws rake up sprays of soil beneath as they veer left, swing right, back left.

Once the pen is within reach, he issues the new monosyllabic command he'd learned some months ago. In response, Pin stretches out and claps his beak at the wild one. The sharp snap seems to put the final cap on the entire affair - it sends the wild Chocobo straight on towards the waiting maw of the gate, squawking in indignation.

“INCOMING!” 

His hoarse, shouted warning is swiftly followed by the wild Chocobo bursting into the holding pen at last. As soon as it's past the fence, Mars moves like lightning and throws the gate closed, locking it securely. 

For his part, inertia drives himself and Pin to a halt several yalms away. In the middle of gasping for air, he lets loose with a triumphant shout, and punches the air. Pin shrieks along with him, spurred by his master's excitement. 

Nearer the pen, a Midlander smirks as he steps forward. He'd been watching from a further distance, assessing the process. 

“You'd think he tamed an entire flock, not just retrieved one runaway.”

The taller Elezen, Mars, gives him a sideways look. “Remont has always been excitable. Besides,” he looks back to the other chestnut-haired Elezen, who'd hopped off by now and was effusively bestowing Pin with pets and praises. “It was his first successful solo run.”

The Midlander nods in assent. “I won't say it's unsurprising; for someone so inexperienced, he's picking our ways up quickly.”

Mars smirks faintly. “If he puts his mind to something, he can usually make it work.”

“Hmm.” But the grunt is not doubtful; it's as good an acknowledgement as any.

Oblivious to this conversation, Remont closes his eyes and breathes in deep to catch his breath. The air here smells cleaner – of earth and forest – and feels fuller than the mountain air of Ishgard. And despite all the earlier exertion, he feels less weighed down on the ground here than up in those frozen, elevated heights.

‘But you must find your way - men cannot drift forever.’

When he opens his eyes again, the drumming of his heartbeat slowing to its more regular pace, there is bright blue sky, a little obscured by the ever-present foliage of towering caelumtrees. It's a beautiful sight.

“I think I could get used to this, Father,” he murmurs.

There is no reply, though a breeze ruffles his hair again. 

-

end.

[shieldbcund]

𝘓𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥

ft @syerraffxiv ‘s Marcelloix ♥

[primalruination]

Couples Questions: What's their most and least favorite thing about each other?

For Kaz:

Kaz absolutely adores Marcelloix's hair. She loves how soft it is and she really loves to ruffle it and make it messy so she can tease him. But she always makes sure to carefully style it back to how he likes after she's done goofing around.

There isn't much that Kaz dislikes about Marcelloix, but she does sometimes get frustrated with him worrying about her on the battlefield. It comes across as him not recognizing her abilities, though deep down she knows he just cares about her and wants her to be more careful.

For Marcelloix (answered by @marce-the-redeemed):

There’s so many things that Marcelloix loves about Kaz but if he had to pick one, it would be her smile. He would do anything to make her laugh even if it meant making a fool of himself just because her smile is so contagious.

After careful consideration, Marce has decided that there really isn’t anything about Kaz that he truly doesn’t like, but sometimes he can get a little frustrated with how stubborn she can be.

[gailiag]

A Comprehensive List of Character Ages from Encyclopaedia Eorzea III

Got my copy today and figured I'd compile a list of every character that has an age given in Encyclopaedia Eorzea III! Contains Shadowbringers and Endwalker spoilers. Text version below the cut (warning: it is LONG).

Shadowbringers Characters

Major Characters

Vauthry – 29

Beq Lugg – ~250

Lyna – 33

Feo Ul – "newly blossomed by fae reckoning"

Kai-Shirr Olkoh – 17

Ran'jit – 88

Chai-Nuzz Mewlah – 40

Dulia-Chai Mewlah – 40

Tesleen Stoneplowe – 18

Halric of the Gold House of Aldmere – 9

Seto – at least 140

Runar – 30

Ryne – 17

Gaia – 17

Role Quest Characters

Granson Ketchthane – 28

Lue-Reeq Chalah – 18

Cerigg Morpurse – 25

Taynor Lakplowe – 10

Giott – 22

Cyella Valthane – ~10,000

Crystalline Mean Characters

Katliss Horhand – 39

Facet of Forging

Iola Waldhand – 18

Eismon Valhand – 31

Colana of the Seventh House of Oakbridge – 27

Sue-Rend Maihov – 29

Facet of Crafting

Thiuna – 24

Walden of the Final House of Elmsby – 43

Owell Freehand – 27

Facet of Nourishing

Bethric of the Second house of Pinehome – 36

Facet of Gathering

Qeshi-Rae Kaapoh – 30

Yalana of the Grey House of Ashgrave – 25

Mao-Ladd Moshca – 23

Facet of Fishing

Frithrik – 26

Mervyl Stonehand – 52

Hurielle Stonehand – 22

Lakeland Characters

Callea Skyekirk – 27

Nielden of the First House of Oakbridge – 48

Mauwyl Mudkirk – 23

Tolas Valkirk – 23

Dwarf Quests Characters

Ronitt – 15

Ozogg – 20

Kholusia Characters

Kai-Shirr Olkoh – 17

Tristol Horpurse – 39

Eueliss Hylplowe – 22

Sai-Lewq Jinal – 56

Theva Valfyst – 37

Irvithe Ketchand – 26

Grithil Ketchpurse – 26

Xamott – 50

Korutt – 19

Glagg – 72

Eulmore Characters

Ran'jit – 88

Chai-Nuzz Mewlah – 40

Dulia-Chai Mewlah – 40

The Jongleurs – 18

Mowen Freepurse – 41

The Canary – 17

Hathenbet Ketchkirk – 67

Thoarich Skyeplowe – 73

Anfrigg Morhand – 21

Bosta-Zia Panpah – 19

Amh Araeng Characters

Ghen Gen – 39

Tesleen Stoneplowe – 18

Halric of the Gold House of Aldmere – 9

Thaffe Morhand – 24

Jeryk Motplowe – 23

Jamial Nabaath – 64

Guthjon – 34

Horthur – 53

Kee-Satt Lye – 20

Rhal Ral – 27

Darmal Morfyst – 45

The Fae

Aenc Thon – "as old as the flick of a disappearing tail"

Seto – at least 140

Rak’tika Characters

Runar – 30

Almet – 87

Uimet – 85

Cymet – 83

Lanille – 140

Myalna – 38

Qitari Quest Characters

Valan – 19

Quinfort – 18

Ciuna and Phyna – 48

Qitarl Natl – 14

The Tempest Characters

Tolshs Aath – 63

Paushs Ooan – 18

Grenoldt Freethane – 51

Teushs Ooan – 33

Zumshs Aath – 68

The Empty Characters

Ryne – 17

Gaia – 17

Werlyt Characters

Gaius Baelsar – 56

Valens van Varro – 56

Severa Souther – 23

Valdeaulin Ganathain – 48

Alfonse aan Baelsar – 21

Allie aan Baelsar – 16

Rex aan Baelsar – 18

Ricon aan Baelsar – 17

Milisandia aan Baelsar – 20

Bozja Characters

Bajsaljen Ulgasch – 54

Marsak Apella – 42

Misija Votyasch – 29

Stanik Alubov – 15

Noah van Gabranth – 48

Menenius sas Lanatus – 55

Lyon rem Helsos – near 70

Sadr rem Albeleo – 37

Firmament Characters

Augebert Brasher – 36

Maelie Greystone – 11

Peyraquile Bomptond – 13

Marcelloix Mourelz – 34

Neillemard Hanette – 31

Endwalker Characters

Major Characters

Ahewann bin Alzadaal – 22

Montichaigne Mongrignois – 74

Ameliance Leveilleur – 42

Erenville – 25

Kokkol Dankkol – 43

Wilfsunn Tragbharsyn – 56

Bloewyda Uwilsyngwyn – 54

Matsya – 22

Jullus pyr Norbanus – 21

Role Quest Characters

Shirabaht bin Ardati – 31

Ea-Sura-Supin – 28

Charlet Reed – 19

Minato Urabito – 24

Kisei Urabito – 51

Sharlayan Characters

Montichaigne Mongrignois – 74

Ojika Tsunjika – 21

Dickson Denman – 38

Barnier Clarke – 54

Ameliance Leveilleur – 42

Kytte Kirk – 26

Nenelymo Totolymo – 72

Studium Characters

Rurusha Rusha – 74

Boric Azora – 40

Namono Tayamono – 29

Jude Rose – 19

Jeromere Marette – 20

Debroye – 21

Galveroche Larille – 55

Flaugustert Friont – 73

Hinageshi Wright – 29

Tankin Banjo – 35

T'laqa Tia – 31

Nele Newton – 81

Qih Aliapoh – 26

Labyrinthos Characters

Vtorak Vetasch – "indeterminate age and inconclusive gender"

Erenville – 25

Kokkol Dankkol – 43

Wilfsunn Tragbharsyn – 56

Bloewyda Uwilsyngwyn – 54

Verpaulaine Fouillel – 12

Thavnair Characters

Mehryde bihn Shinan – 40

Ahewann bin Alzadaal – 22

Mehryde bihn Shinan – 40

Matsya – 22

Qerasaf bin Shirashir – 24

Racashir bin Fahleel – 9

Yezahn bin Qulhudi – 27

Sula – 24

Arkasodara Quest Characters

Trna (Arkasodara Quests) – 21

Ogul Khatayin – 18

Kancana – 50

Garlemald Characters

Sicard Spence – 26

Licinia bas Corculum – 18

Jullus pyr Norbanus – 21

Jareck aan Natasch – 43

Vergilia van Corculum – 42

Nerva yae Galvus – 44

Rimelnaud de Thelomaire – 27

Appius eir Callaecus – 30

Galla oen Longus – 33

Volsus bas Malicus – 13

Vipsania dus Malicus – 44

Frontinus fae Malicus – 43

Job-Related Characters

Gunbreaker

Radovan Slobasch – 45

Sophie – 20

Cato nan Mammula – 52

Vitus quo Messalla – 52

Dancer

Ranaa Mihgo – 17

Nashmeira – 37

Reaper

Drusilla Varus – 52

Arnegis Elder – 42

Hermin Hart – 19

Sage

Lalah Jinjahl – 22

Mahaud Stone – 21

Ancel Stone – 26

Guildivain Sailmet – 38

Blue Mage

Latool Ja – 22

Whastrach Ahldwaensyn – 37

Ceadda of the Whalaqee – 14

Zirnberk Fyrgeissyn – 26

Seasonal Event Characters

Valentione’s Day

Lisette de Valentione – "nearing thirty"

Astrid de Valentione – 16

Little Ladies’ Day

Ulala Ula – 16

Narumi Kakeya – 21

Masha Mhakaracca – 19

Aldiytha Thorne – 22

Hatching–Tide

Jihli Aliapoh – 22

Pawlin Morning – 38

Make It Rain Campaign

Nanaphon Sasaphon – 23

Roland Redsteele – 48

Moonfire Faire

Haermaga Bleibornsyn – 39

Beaudefoin Dupaitre – 33

Hildelana Quick – 28

R'fhul Tia – 18

The Rising

Wandering Minstrel – "undisclosed age"

J'bhen Tia – 22

Nhagi'a Jakkkya – 16

All Saints’ Wake

Impresario – "gives his age as 'six hundred and sixty-six'"

Starlight

Amh Garanjy - 27

[keicordelle]

The Daily Inconveniences of an Au Ra: Mixed Race Housing

Living in the Scion's dorms was... hard. Keshet had never felt his otherness quite as much as when he moved in with his comrades. They were all understanding, and they certainly did their best, but Keshet could never quite shake the knowledge that he was different. Both in terms of upbringing, and of anatomy.

Most people, when they bunked with roommates or in communal lodging, had to worry about things like their housemates snoring or eating their food. Keshet... well, the accommodations to his living space were a little bit more drastic than those of your average hyur.

The low ceilings he had learned to live with, for the most part. He still sometimes smacked his head when entering a doorway, but most buildings across Eorzea were not built for someone of his height, and he'd grown more or less accustomed to ducking. He shared plenty of long-suffering looks with the Boulder brothers, but ultimately, there was relatively little he could do to keep from whacking his head besides just remembering to stoop. Though the brain cells he lost every time he forgot made it harder and harder with each passing day, or so he liked to claim.

And he did like being able to help out the others. Sometimes, when Tataru was baking, he'd sit in the kitchen with her and fetch whatever she needed from the upper cupboards, because the only person who struggled more with the geography of the Rising Stones was her. She'd feed him all the best of her creations in exchange, and he always got first dibs at mealtime - though by then he was often so stuffed full of stolen mouthfuls that he could barely eat the meal he'd helped prepare.

The biggest issue, though, came when it was time to bed down. The snoring he could live with - he was used to sleeping in a camp full of people, with only thin fabric walls to divide them (if that). And he’d grown sufficiently used to sleeping indoors that the inability to see the sky didn't bother him as much as it used to, though he still preferred to sleep outside whenever he could get away with it. The problem was that he slept with a bunch of people from frigid Sharlayan, and that meant he froze his damned tail off every time he lay down to sleep.

Back on the Steppe, he was used to dozing in the blazing sun, sprawled out on a hot rock and basking in the heat, just like a real lizard. Trying to sleep here, with only the blankets of his self-made nest to warm him, was like trying to sleep half-submerged in a river: not bloody comfortable. But it was a shared space and he was keenly aware that he was the odd man out in that regard, so he kept his complaints to himself and tried to soak up as much sun as he could during the day.

He should have known his friends better than that.

"What's this?" The glowing red lamp towering beside his nest of blankets commanded Keshet's attention as soon as he stepped foot into the dorm, scattering all thoughts of the day's training exercises to the wind. Tataru beamed at him from across the room, hands on her hips and that cunning glint in her eyes that always made him just a little bit nervous. It seemed that this time, though, it had been turned in his favor.

Thancred bumped him jovially with his shoulder, urging him forwards. "You don't think we didn't notice how uncomfortable you are sleeping here, did you? Friends pay attention to that sort of thing."

The heat that radiated from the lamp became obvious as Keshet stepped towards it, nervousness turning to incredulity as he drew near. "Is this..."

"A heat lamp," Urianger supplied for him, scratching bashfully at his head. "We thought it might provide thee some comfort."

"He means that we asked around in the Firmament to find out what the dragons use to keep warm, and Marcelloix suggested this," Alisaie said. "A lizard's a lizard, no matter its scales, right?"

Keshet was too distracted by the warmth that radiated from the lamp to offer more than a half-hearted, "Right," in response. Nhaama, it was so warm. The heat soaked into his scales and eased the tension in his muscles. Gods, he just wanted to... well, that was the point, wasn't it?

He curled up in front of it, uncaring for the half-hidden smirks of his audience as he curled his tail over his thigh and turned his face towards the glow. Less than a minute later, the quiet sound of snoring drifted from the contented Au Ra. Tataru grinned, waving the others away. "Looks like it was worth the effort."

(By the time she returned to head to bed herself, she found G'raha and Y'shtola curled up in front of the heater as well, the three of them cuddled into a comfortable pile before it. Maybe they'd have to get a few more heaters to go around.)

-

Read the rest of the series on Ao3!

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[crimsonfluidessence]

Prompt 12: Quarry

Esredes sat at his desk, and with a heavy breath, reached his hand behind the desk and into the hidden compartment, pulling out a long sheet of parchment. At first, it simply seemed like a blank sheet, but as he looked at it the invisible ink slowly began to reveal the list of names. With a pen, he ran it slowly down the list of names, re-reading each one in his mind over and over, until he finally shut his eyes and sighed, making a dot next to a few. Once someone was marked, the week went something like this:

"Report. What have we found now?" "Follow him after work."

And then, of course, it got to this: "It's time for an identity," he'd be telling Mythirel or Marcellox, his two most trusted and stalwart infiltrators in the movement. Sometimes he gave suggestions, but often he didn't have to. They were experienced enough they would simply come up with it immediately based on his words about the target. Within minutes, they changed their name and entire life story to suit whoever they needed to be, and went off to prepare for the long week ahead just like that. Each and every time, they transformed, and he remained the same. Each day when a target was in progress, Esredes went to work as normal. People saw him in his usual places and said hello to him as Esredes. During the war, people were calling him Bloodstain, and demonic, and an evil bastard dragonspawn, or something like that- but back here in the city, his name and identity were back. He was Esredes. When Mythirel or Marcelloix returned to him, he called them by those names. They weren't their real names. He continued to get up and go to work. Everything was normal while they risked their lives, and when they returned to him and said it was done, his responses were the same each time. "Thank you. I appreciate it." "You are a lifesaver." "Did you make it hurt?" "Oh, good. Now we can breathe easier and have more time."

But the next moment a threat came up too harshly, it started all over again. "Report. What have we found now?" "Follow him after work." "You're going to need to retreat to the shadows."

And they always did, without any hesitation. They shapeshifted in that darkness, and came out yet another person, time and time again. Esredes watched them go off each time, and stepped back into the light the next day, still Esredes. His days of that kind of shapeshifting were over. The See kept too close of an eye on him for him to ever shapeshift again. So Esredes went to work, and shopped around the markets, and met friends at a bar, and went to sleep alone in his house, still Esredes Rosemond, with the shapeshifting shadows around him perpetually ready to do anything it took to protect him, no matter how they twisted and shifted. Perhaps some of his sacrifices for the movement were over. Perhaps there were ways the harrier could rest. But for those who guarded his wings, sometimes nothing was truly over. The next morning, he stepped out into the light in his coat as Esredes Rosemond. And if nothing else, that was still who he would be at the end of the day, and his hand would remain free of the color red.

[vaadrage]

All Saint's Wake! A time for safe fright and an excuse for costumes... And my giant hat. For a man who enjoys bringing out the violet in my face, Marce does exceptionally well at always looking as if he belongs somewhere beyond our mortal realm, too radiant to compare. Or perhaps that's just the spell he has on me.

@marcelloix

[iseterre]

Next

He hated this. The pretending to be something he was not, this slow torturous evening he was being subjected to. And for what? Returning a favor?

As he leaned against the wall, the sharp stone digging into his skin he tossed a glance about the room and set his sights on a pair of familiar striking blue eyes framed with crimson curls. While his expression seemed bland and bored he nodded to her, a watchful gaze flitting across another elezen man in the corner. She shook her head before closing the distance between them, extending a hand as though they’d never met before.

He took her hand in his, “Nol. You know I don’t work well like this.”

“Like what?” She asked and dipped her head slightly, keeping the façade upheld.

“As a guard? I should be out there,” His head tilted towards the throng of people, “talking. Or at least listening from the shadows if you’d have me do this.”

“Asking questions will tip them off, and lurking will only be a detriment to continuing to keep up your appearances.”

Exasperated and annoyed he shook his head as his fists clenched, “You’re lucky you’re my friend or I would have refused this outright, I have much more effective methods.”

“Just find me later with what you’ve found, Marcel.” A saccharine smile parted her lips, painted a deep shade of red, before she glided across the dance floor with nothing but a wink back at him.

He watched as she gracefully found her way into several circles, greeting each man and woman alike, her hands lingering atop the ones who took an interest in her a few seconds too long.

This is going to be more difficult than I anticipated.

[nollette]

..::Blog Roll::..

Nollette Cahoix

An Elezen merchant with a complicated past and a penchant for shopping, beauty products and all things considered 'top quality.'

@nollette

Marcelloix

A Viera with a knack for finding things others don't want to be found, information, artifacts, or people, among other things. Often found in Ul'dah or out in the world.

@iseterre

Carrd

[roses-and-grimoires]

Prompt #28: Deleterious

Characters: Keldrin, Marcel ( @zoetic-tome )

The sound of the door opening, followed by the sound of someone flopping down hard onto the bed, are what alert Marcel that Keldrin has returned home.

"Something wrong?" he asks, a question that causes Keldrin to let out groan tinged with more than a little frustration.

"It's going to rain," he proclaims into the bedcovers, a statement that causes Marcel to arch a brow.

"And you know this...?"

"Because my leg won't stop complaining about it," Keldrin snaps as he rolls over to gaze up at the other man--and to make it more easy for him to knead his fingers into his thigh, as if that might help.

"Ah. I see," Marcel says. He studies him for a few moments--then there is a second soft thump as he goes to join him on the bed.

"What are you doing?" Keldrin asks, turning his head to eye him.

"I cannot change the weather, but I can at least keep you company," he says as he shifts, making it so he can tug Keldrin's head up into his lap.

"...yeah, I guess that's true," Keldrin concedes, his eyes drifting closed as Marcel's fingers brush through his hair.

[dawnslight-aegis]

22. fulsome

Aymeric forced himself to stop pacing as he heard his front door open, Marcelloix’s voice barely audible as he spoke to their guest. The past few days he had begun to doubt his sanity, both for inviting Kaede to dinner on such short notice, and for forcing himself to wait even a sennight – but now that she was here, calm settled over him, much like the anticipation before battle gave way to focus.

Whatever he had pictured, in the nights since her acceptance of his invitation – and were he honest with himself, the moons of idle fantasy before that – left him wholly unprepared for the reality. Out of her everpresent armor, having been divested even of her heavy wool cloak, he was caught by just how small she was. The mantle of Warrior of Light had been clearly set aside for the night, and before him was merely Kaede. Instead of mithril and adamantite, she was ivory and gold and blue velvet, standing in his foyer as if she had belonged there all along.

Words uncounted jumped into his throat and he swallowed them down, an old adage from his boyhood etiquette lessons ringing in his mind – a gentleman keeps his compliments brief, lest a lady think him fulsome and insincere – opting instead to bow slightly in her direction. “Thank you for coming, my friend. You look lovely – Ishgardian fashion suits you quite well.”

‘Twas the truth, her dress was modest and familiar in design, save a few unusual alterations. Though high-necked and long-sleeved against the cold, cutouts revealed the ivory skin of her shoulders and decolletage, and through both he caught glimpses of scales on upper arm and breastbone that he’d had no idea were there.

A small amount of tension melted out of her shoulders as she smoothed her hands over her skirt. “Thank you. I wasn’t really sure what to wear – can you believe Emmanellain tried to give me one of his coats? Tataru about had a conniption over it, and dragged me to a dress shop immediately.”

Aymeric chuckled at the idea of Kaede fair drowning in an alpine coat and shook his head. “I can believe it, in fact. Thank Halone for Mistress Tataru’s timely intervention.” He held out his hand, and smiled at the lack of hesitation when she placed hers in it, privately noting the contrast between the softness of back of her hand and the callouses on her palm as he escorted her towards the dining room.

“You don’t look half bad yourself, Lord Commander. It’s nice to see you out of your armor, for a change – I was beginning to doubt that you owned anything else.”

He raised an eyebrow as he glanced down at her, matching the teasing look on her face with his own. “Likewise. Fury willing, with the war ended, we may yet be afforded the time to explore other sartorial choices. Among other things.”

Her expression softened, smile fading from amused to thoughtful, but no less beautiful for it. “Like drinks with dear friends?”

Before he could resist the urge, he squeezed her hand in his own, and then released it. “Just so, my lady.”