#Ninira is oblivious

[nuclearanomaly]

✨ Something Something Kiss the Girl ✨

[furymint]

😉or 👣for non-verbal starters

Send 😉 for my muse to wink at yours. / Send 👣 for our muses to go for a walk together.

wc: 509 | header

L'selle walked backwards through the sailor's quarter. Women with swaying baskets of fruit and flashing skirts dove around him; children clutching kites and flaring strings hurtled passed; a man barking commands around a tobacco pipe stepped clear. Upstream, oblivious to the parting waters, natural in the chaos and grinning pure mortal folly, L'selle walked backwards.

Ninira didn't care that he'd meant to bring her to the Salt Strand. The place was barren. Wind ripped through the weeds, bobbing ship lights sunk into the mist, the waves churned out empty shells. Life existed there, to be sure--but it was hidden in suggestions and remnants, not roiling in the shouts and raucous laughter around L'selle.

Fish slapped their tails against the sun-bleached deck, sailors crawled aloft to the screaming gulls, L'selle stamped his feet while describing last night's dream.

"You ever been in a thunderstorm like what ghosts'd tell about if they had tongues?"

Ninira nudged the rim of her hat up to glance pointedly at the sky. Cloudless, pure azure."Twice, mayhaps."

Nodding with unnecessary gravity, L'selle folded his hands behind his head, puckered his lips, and thought aloud, "Ghosts? You see 'em?"

"In a way," Ninira started, not intending to finish. She hustled closer to L'selle to avoid the raging path of a pirate group. The skirt of her coat bustled in her fists.

"I was thinking, in my dream, that it was like that. Wind going by so strong its voice'd gone hoarse, and lightning marking the clouds with its writing." L'selle swung a leg out, clapped his hands, and turned down a perpendicular dock. "And they might not got tongues, but they got other ways of communicating what they have."

Less bustled around him. The drone of people and shore bells faded behind a second curve and the shelter of an alley wall. As if he missed the noise, his pace increased towards the next thoroughfare. "I was just thinking, when people jab that they swim as fine as a pebble sinks, they forget we've boats. Sure, the boat gets zapped, wrecked--they drown, but so will I. We've lungs, not gills. The ocean does what she wants once you're in her hands. Ain't it the same in your sky? Not one of us is meant to fly. But folk go up there anyroad. In more boats."

He stepped back into the vortex of people, face tilted towards the sun's warmth. "Because it feels right to be there. By no means should it be that way but it does feel right."

Under the caws of distant merchants and a bickering set of siblings, Ninira thought to defend the Churning Mists. It was spectacle, wilderness, and a certain type of isolation--but a qiqirn shrieked by to chase a cat and the moment left with it.

L'selle winked, turning around to face forward, and said, "All this means is that I'll no sooner take you to my death trap if you leave me outta yours. I've a feeling the ghosts in the thunder upstairs don't care what tattoo I call protection."

[nuclearanomaly]

9 – Fair

wc. 1389 | Post Endwalker, pre 6.1 ​

Ninira Nira, Warrior of Light, hero and saviour of the world does everything within her power to keep the people she loves safe. Tataru Taru, fashion designer, coin keeper, and notorious blackmailer, keeps Ninira safe.

Tataru Taru sat patiently in the elaborate sitting room. It was impressive, she thought, that they had been able to find and furnish such a property in such a short period of time. Though, knowing Ul'dahn merchants it was probably more likely that they had simply maintained ownership of the property despite being out of the country for the better part of 30 summers, give or take. Tataru still hadn’t found exact documentation of the couple’s leaving. 

She had only begun to make her move once she had finished wrapping up her details with the disbandment of the Scions, and once she had established where exactly the merchant couple had settled. She was pleased, and if not grateful, they had chosen a return to Ul'dah. She had briefly considered involving Estinien; an intimidating presence would have only helped her cause. But involving him required explanation. While she may have been able to get him to keep the details of this excursion secret, prying him away from Radz-at-Han would surely have caught Ninira’s attention. And beyond anything Tataru knew Ninira could not be involved in any way. 

She had sent the letter requesting an audience a fortnight past. Fortunately, with a few extra string-pulls her request from Tataru Taru’s Boutique for the organization of a deal for a supplier of dye for her skyrocketing fashion business had been worded in such a way that was sure to catch their eye, and catch it it did. Approval of the meeting, and a time had been sent back to her, exactly as she expected. And though she had been waiting a while in the sitting room, that was also to be expected, it was part of the game. The game that Tataru Taru had fooled them into thinking she was playing, a game that she was going to turn on it’s head. 

The Lalafellin couple entered, dressed in elaborate clothing and fine silks they radiated exquisiteness, perfection. Though Tataru felt smug knowing she had seen them a little more frazzled in Old Sharlayan after their arrival amidst the other Thavnarian refugees. Understandable, after the ordeal they went through, though she knew they deserved none of her sympathies. 

They took seats in the elaborate chairs across from her, impassive and professional as they regarded her. “Tataru Taru, of Tataru Taru’s Boutique I presume?” The lady spoke her voice cool, her tone suggesting she had perhaps expected more of the owner of a fashion business. 

Tataru smiled pleasantly. “Yes, what a pleasure it is to finally make your acquaintance. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.”

The discussion began, amicably enough. Tataru laying out what she was looking for and what she expected for her business, while they responded in kind. What Tataru was waiting for, however, was the right question, the perfect opportunity to spring her trap and finally it came.

“If I may ask, how you happened to hear of us?” Tataru had learned quickly that the lady handled most of the talking. “We were not long back in Ul’dah when we received your letter, not many clients had heard fully of our move. It is impressive you knew where to find us.”

Tataru smiled. “While my business may be newly budding I have been keeping an eye on potential collaborators for a while now.” She admitted sweetly. “I happened to hear about you from… another under your employment at the time. Rurutsu Rutsu I believe her name was.”

This gave them pause, and though they remained mostly impassive Tataru clocked the brief look of shock on their face.

“I encountered her a while back now. Poking around in my business looking for answers regarding her clients missing daughter.”

The Lady’s eyes narrowed.

“If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard from her, fret not. While she came to no harm we came to a very quick understanding that should she continue to try and follow through on her clients request she would meet dire consequences. I compensated her for her work, as was deserved. Her contract with you is now void and she will not be speaking with you in the future.”

“You dare interfere with private–”

Tataru cut her off. “Hardly private. Apparently your contract contained no requests for privacy in the matter of your search for your daughter, so Rurutsu was very kind to disclose what details she knew of the request and you, to me.”

“The bitch.” The lady had gone so red faced with anger that her fake tan appeared splotchy, Tataru noticed, amused.

“She seems very capable, you hired a good hand so I suppose you don’t need me to tell you how foolish it would be to try and track her down. After that encounter, however, I started conducting some very thorough research. About you, your move from Ul'dah to Radz-at-Han, your attempts to exploit and control the import market on alchemical goods, your profits, your work ethic, your reputation and regard for your employees and clients, and of course your daughter. Incredible how she went missing so long ago and how unphased you seemed by that news of her disappearance, or even possibly her death.”

They both regarded her coolly. 

“The only puzzle I admit I have not yet figured out is why the sudden reinterest in her wellbeing.” Tataru shook her head. “Not that it matters. You’re not stupid and I suspect you have puzzled out a few new possible answers for her on your own. This is where I come in. I’m not here to talk about my business or yours. I’m here to strike a much different deal.”

“The Warrior of Light,” Tataru was not about to hand them Ninira’s name. True it would be easy enough to find if they wished it. Many people knew her identity, but Tataru was not about to let it be known from her. “Blessedly, remembers nothing about either of you. And I intend to keep it that way.” 

“As you may be aware from your brief stay over in Sharlayan—yes I was aware of you then as well—The Scions of the Seventh Dawn, saviors of the star, are a group of powerful individuals.” While the disbandment of the scions was official in the public eye she highly doubted either of these individuals had heard the news, or paid it any mind if they had. 

“Even more powerful are their connections. We have a well established repertoire with the city leaders, their soldiers, merchants, craftsmen, spanning the entire star. As official secretary to the scions I have dealt with many of these individuals personally and have their favour should I ever need to call upon it.”

Neither of the other Lalafell had so much as moved while she spoke, though Tataru suspected that should the lady narrow her eyes much further they would be reduced to slits. 

“I’ll cut to the chase. Consider this a cease and desist. If I catch so much as a hint that you have started to take action in the search for your daughter again. If I catch word that the Warrior of Light has become even marginally aware of your existence. I will not only end your business but I will crush your finances and scrape you for every last Gil of your worth.”

The lady’s hands had balled to fists in her lap, knuckles white. Even the man furrowed his brow at this remark.

“You may think my threats are hollow but I have it on good authority that the Saatrap of Radz-at-Han, the place you called home for so long, is willing to bring any and all documents of your time there to light. Whatever is needed to ensure the protection of the Warrior of Light.”

This made the man pale slightly and the lady sucked in a sharp breath. “You would do no such thing.” She hissed.

“I would. You have my word.” Tataru smiled sweetly. “My demands are simple. You will never talk to, try to talk to, reach out to, or attempt to communicate with the Warrior of Light. Aside from that I have little care for what you do. Grow your wealth and bask in whatever comfort it brings you. But do so knowing that I will personally take every last bit from you should you ever break my terms. A fair deal is it not?”

[nuclearanomaly]

PROMPT 29 – PATERNAL

wc. 700  | Ninira Nira & Estinien Wyrmblood | Some vague near future AU where Ninira reunites with her parents. 

“Estinien.”

Her voice was raw, and though she spoke barely above a whisper her words ripped through the silence of their inn room. Prior to speaking she had become so still that Estinien had thought, hoped, that she had exhausted herself to the point of sleep. Evidently that was not the case.

“Hmm.” He acknowledged as she pressed her face closer against his chest. 

“Can I ask you a favour.” Somehow she spoke even softer than before and despite the situation, and all that had happened that day his mouth quirked into a small smile. Ninira’s favours were ever mundane, rub my back, scratch my head, were the first that came to mind in this moment, neither warranting a favour.

“Of course.” He replied quietly, his hand already moving to her back anticipating her request. 

Ninira’s grip on his shirt tightened. “Can you tell me about your parents… please…”

Estinien froze. The all too familiar ache blossoming in his chest. He had not anticipated that. Though, perhaps he should have, considering…

Ninira obviously felt the way his whole body had tensed at the request as she quietly added, “you don’t have to, I understand.”

The old and familiar ache when he thought of his family was just that, old and familiar. It never truly left, thought there were days, especially in the recent years, when he barely felt the ache at all. It has dulled, healed, scabbed over. 

By comparison, Ninira lay bleeding raw on the bed beside him. Her wound, still fresh. Her hurt, far beyond his own. 

He exhaled slowly, releasing some of the tension in his chest. “What do you want to know.” 

“Anything…” Her grip on his shirt slackened though she kept her face pressed close. “What were they like?”

How did one properly describe…

“They were… nice.” It was a poor answer and he knew it. “Friendly. Caring. They were well known within the village and always willing to lend a hand.” He added. He could visualize his father helping a neighbour with an unruly chocobo; or his mother listening with a calm patience as a friend sat in their kitchen describing their woes. 

Ninira lay still for a moment before shifting and bringing a hand up to wipe roughly at her bloodshot eyes. “What were they like… as parents.” She asked.

He shrugged. “They were… parents. And I was a brat of a child.” He’d hoped to earn at least the hit of a laugh at that comment but Ninira didn’t react. “I’m unsure how else to describe it. I of course thought them annoying and demanding. Especially as I got older. Yet I know now that they were not. They were guiding and caring. They worked hard to give my brother and I a foundation to build our lives on, and a safe home to return to.”

He fought back the image of said home caved in and burning.

“And… they loved you?” 

Estinien’s brow furrowed slightly. “Yes, Ninira. They did. Unconditionally.”

He could still picture his father guiding his hand as he learned to use the axe to chop wood for the first time. Or watching with a quiet pride as he helped an ewe birth her first lamb. The warm drink his mother would have waiting for him when he returned from a cold day with the sheep in the hills. Or the way she would tousle his hair when he complained about Hamignant. 

“And with their whole hearts.”

The memory of his parents were a stark contrast to the two he’d met earlier that day. There had been no joy at the prospect of reuniting with their long lost daughter. No hint of affection behind their disapproving gaze. Only Ninira’s quiet request for him to remain calm, even as she nursed her hurt ear, had saved them. Ninira who was too good and too kind, especially in that moment. Ninira who deserved the world but who had been given them in return. 

“They would have loved you as well.” He added, running his hand gently through Ninira’s hair as she shook with a fresh sob. “How could they not. You would have been a welcome addition to our family.”

[nuclearanomaly]

4/9 >:3c

4. Who would be more likely to get matching scarves for themselves and their partner?

Well when you’re dealing with this

There’s only one real answer...

9. Who accidentally drinks too much caffeine and who has to deal with their partner bouncing off the walls?

I don’t think either of them would ever “bounce off the walls” Ninira however is prone to a cafinated drink or two to stay awake for studying reasons. Estinien considers it a victory if he can at least convince her to do so in bed.

[nuclearanomaly]

Things you want to write...

But haven’t yet because you never write shit and never flesh out your ideas beyond self indulgent day dreams for some reason

Tagged by @stars-bleed-hearts-shine which is... thank you. Bold of you to think I write at all :P

I want to re-write? Re-approach? Just re-do, a mini-fic / thought dump I did years ago of Ninira and Estinien in the Aery. Just refine my ideas, headcannons about the Mana Cutters, and just their general relationship at that point in time; since I initially wrote it way back when I was only JUST starting to ship them. And while I haven’t changed much since then in terms of their timeline it would be good to come back to it with fresh eyes maybe... I think Nini’s grown as a character a bit since then...

On the topic of Mana Cutters I want to write another post Final Steps sick room snippet where Ninira gives her Mana Cutter key to Estinien after she’s had it adjusted for him to use, because she doesn’t need it. I was also going to include some Krile & Alphinaud just so she can read the room like a HAWK oh-ho >:)c While Alphinaud sits there oblivious.

4.56 stuff because did I write like a mad man after 4.56 dropped. Youuuu know it! Did I ever FINISH it? Youuuuu know I didn’t! Has it been so long now that it probably needs a full re-write? Youuuuuu bet!

Speaking of important points of cannon interaction and relationship development... 5.1... there is so much there I want to sort out and unpack and instead I just walk aggressively away from the word document because I’m really... really not sure I can do it justice.

In the department of AU garbage: BOOKSHOP AU!! I think about it so much!!! Because I am weak beans for Modern AU bullshit and like wow wouldn’t it be great to actually get something down. I am currently wallowing neck deep in thoughts about Estinien being the bassist of a small post hard core band and god do I ever want to get something out about it before I self combust.

Other AU that I sometimes affectionately refer to as the endless long doc of doom, that has Estinien and Ninira travelling to the Far East in search of answers to a quest given to them by Aymeric. It also has every possible fanfic trope I can pack into it including: slow burn, unrequited but not love, YEARNING, bed sharing, hurt-comfort, huddling together for warmth, getting hurt / knocked out and coming to to find the other fretting... you name it. It’s been a good 2? Years since I touched it and it probably could use a whole re-write at this point. I think about it still... so much It’s just daunting...

Carmela slid a VERY cute reference to Nini in one of her ffxiv write entries this year, and I’ve been thinking about what would be that verse’s cute little cottage home that Nini and Estinien live in ever since. Where Nini teaches magic and sets off explosions in their yard. And Estinien is seen more on the roof with a more mature Orn Khai than on the ground. And they’re both fascinating and terrifying to the local kids.

The your muse my muse suggestions still sitting in my inbox... I will, I WANT, to come up with good replies to these... I have some ideas they’re just so vague right now solidifying them is hard...

Oh the angst AU? thing where Nini meets her parents, but again that requires doing stuff like giving them names that for whatever reason I am avoiding like crazy. I had a modern AU thing involving her parents and a “fake dating trope” scenario with Estinien that I am still tempted by, but again... naming them.

[nuclearanomaly]

13 - 16 please!

13. What is something that makes them uncomfortable?

Another thing that makes Ninira uncomfortable is people touching her hair and head. There are obvious exceptions for people she is close with, and no one surely appreciates strangers touching your hair / head. But she would prefer a passing touch to her arm or shoulder. Just because her head is the highest point and easiest to touch doesn’t give it a free pass.

14. What is something that never fails to make them excited?

Avoiding the obvious answer of dessert. The potential of new knowledge. Shocking no one Nini is a nerd. The opportunity to learn new things and expand her mind is is always going to peak her interest... to the point where she might even opt to read a book over eat a dessert :P

15. Have they ever had their hair washed by another person?

No. Not that she can remember anyway. Based off the reasoning above she’s not inclined to let someone touch her head anyway. Again though, an exception could and would be made if someone she was comfortable and close to offered ;)

16. What is the most romantic thing someone has done for them?

For someone who likes to indulge in romantic literature Ninira is horrendously oblivious to romantic gestures.

Is being gifted a chocobo carefully and loving raised from hatchling romantic? Or do you miss any implication completely and stable it because the gesture was nice but you don’t really know how to care for a chocobo...

Is a very private dinner romantic? Maybe if it was with anyone else but her... as Warrior of Light it is obviously just political and at most friendly (but perhaps even that is too big of an ask)....

Is being saved from the clutches of death at the greater risk of ones own life romantic? Or is it just lucky timing....

Maybe in the future someone will do something that is much more obviously romantic... or maybe I’ll decided on some 5.1 stuff more concretely... some of which might have romantic implications...

OC Ask Meme