#Thiji Higuri

[mythriteshah]

The Higuri Regalia is pleased to announce the return of: The Mythril Showcase!

As a refresher to those uninitiated: this fashion show was created during the twilight days of Menphina Madness to provide the frequenters of the sport an opportunity to show off their acumen in style outside of the Blitzsphere. Since then, Thiji Higuri - the merchant-lord and fashion nabob himself - has tested the skill and daring of haute couture hopefuls through various themes. This time, The Higuri Regalia, in collaboration with the Great Ishgardian Frostfaire and Anamnesis Eorzea, is providing this as a new avenue of competition for the glory of charity!

With three successful shows now under the Regalia’s belt, the deciding of the next theme was opened to the public via poll to give proper closure to this turn; now the results have finally arrived. The theme for the fourth Mythril Showcase will be: “Eternal Sphere.” This incredible theme will challenge fashion faithfuls and newcomers of couture alike as the arrival of the shard of Alexandria invokes designs never before seen on Etheirys, combining aesthetic with technology - be it Garlean, Allagan, Lopporit, and other high-tech civilizations - though vastly different from what we are used to - capable of interstellar travel and unique methods of item synthesis!

(TRANSLATION: this cosplay contest is based off the Star Ocean franchise)

Those who wish to participate are welcome, and will be handsomely rewarded with a glamour weapon of their choosing for their efforts. This time, however, there is a twist: as there were warring factions during ancient times, so, too, will there be specific glamour weapons tailored to them! They are detailed below:

 The top four winners will receive far more greater prizes:

4th Place Winner: An assortment of Eurekan weapons (Great Shin-Zantetsuken; Penthesilea's Spear; Shin-Zantetsuken)!

3rd Place Winner: An Air-Wheeler A9 Identification Key!

2nd Place Winner: A Qeziigural Horn!

1st Place Winner: A Voucher of the Higuri!

(Translation: a drawn commission of your character in the desired outfit from the Power in Beauty Catalogue will be made!)

As an additional incentive to honor the season: for every participant who signs up to compete, $10 will be donated to charity!

The event will take place on Saturday, December 14th at 2PM EST (Doors open an hour prior)! The location: The Birdcage in Empyreum, Ward 15, Plot 30 (Balmung World). Whether you wish to spectate, or show off your own Power in Beauty, all are welcome to attend!

Contestants will be judged based on a variety of categories on a 1-to-10 scale.  For the sake of fairness, these criteria will be made known to all.  They are as follows:

-Emulation: Cosplaying - as accurately as possible - a certain character from a particular source of media (game/show/movie, etc.)

-Adherence: Remaining within the scope of the theme.

-Embellishment: Complimenting your outfit with accessories and other small details.

-Stage Presence: Your ability to “strut your stuff” via actions or emotes.

-Reception: How well you command the audience’s excitement and attention.

*-Innovation: Any additional nuances to your entry (using minions, reciting lines, etc.) for extra points.

(You may request to sign-up to compete by utilizing this form: https://forms.gle/Xty9CFEdD3aVq3wWA. Sign-ups will conclude prior to the contest’s commencement - 30 minutes prior to showtime.)

[savothesewercat]

A Lalafellow’s and Sewercat’s musical revue in sunny Thanalan!

[rosettiarts]

lalaboys on tour, feat. @thijihiguri and @ohkobunny

[kaizure-blog]

Photos with @mythriteshah. Images taken by him!

Batch 1 of 2!

[zahra-kha]

Dear Diary 32

The weekend was a blast! Well, up until I nearly bled out in the middle of the forest.

I was late to Hanami so I missed out on the fortune-telling which was sad about, but I did manage to get a good luck charm. I’m not sure how well it’s working, but I didn’t die, so I guess it’s doing something. I was really hoping to get my fortune told, I enjoy that sort of thing, but I guess I’ll have to wait for another festival.

I ran into Tamala, Nivaar, Vivien, and Arashi while I was there, oh! Before that though, a strange person bumped into me and handed me off a letter from Lord Thiji Higuri from the Regalia sending his regards. I responded to her giving a formal greeting from house Kouris and infomed her that I’d try to visit the Regalia to give proper respect and greetings to the Mythrite Sultan at some point. It’s not exactly often or common for someone of his standing to reach out to someone of my position, so I should at least give him due respect.

Some of the folks from Ebonheart were there and I chatted with them for a bit before I gave them space to enjoy the festival. I didn’t want to crowd them.

So there was a ritual and a blessing sort of thing. I didn’t really understand it, but it involved lining up to drink sake. I wasn’t sure if that was a religious thing or not, but I didn’t feel very comfortable jumping into something like that when I have my own beliefs and I pray to my own gods. That’s not to say accepting blessings from another belief set is bad, it’s just that I’d like an understanding of what I’m accepting before I accept it. I’m probably overthinking it, I doubt the priests would have offered a blessing to all if it was harmful or insulting. I’m not sure why I felt so apprehensive about it.

After everyone went up to accept the blessing, it was time for the performances. Everyone was so amazing! There was such a variety of performers celebrating the beauty of spring and from different cultures too!

I was performing as well. I did two songs, one on the blossoming of a new love after heartbreak (Yes, it was a personal song, and I don’t often sing about my feelings, but I also feel my songs won’t reach anyone if I don’t try to reach out and touch their hearts with my own). The other was about the powerful bonds of an unshakable love, and I think that moved some people. I really tried my hardest with that song.

The Sword Princess Zenos one was inspiring, I wanted to go home and write some friend fiction featuring Trystan as the warrior of light and Vin as Sword Princess Zenos. I wonder how badly I can bastardize this? I won’t be satisfied until I’ve upset some people (in a good/bad/funny way!)

After the performances, someone named DJ CARVI came out. He had this amazing car thing and started playing this awesome music while playing on the guitar! We danced and danced until we nearly passed out! He looks so cool, and I love his personality! The music was unique and flowed well and just....

[There’s a series of hearts and little doodles of CARVI’s helmet along with little notes saying ‘I ♥ DJ CARVI’ written on the margins. Zahra is clearly a fan]

I tried to see if Tamala could get me an autograph but she already had one so I politely asked if he had signed autographs after his show. He did us one better and give us illegal copies of his album and signed them! I’m not supposed to listen to it but that’s okay! I’ll just try and check out another showing of his and see if I can find places where there’s orchestrion scrolls of his work. And maybe some posters. Or other merchandise.

He was really cool.

So anyway, the next day was Lucky Sparrow’s 4th anniversary! We had a wonderful turnout, so many showed up in green and gold. That was so nice to see, I loved the support, it just goes to show how much people love Lucky Sparrow and how much they’ve given to everyone. I’m proud and honored to be a part of them.

The performances were ama-zing! We practiced and practiced and everything turned out well! Suki and I got to do our solo acts, and I even saw some familiar faces in the crowds! I think I heard Kaito, Vel, Koh’a, and S’aeil out there! I think one of them was celebrating their own anniversary! Scorpius showed up too and wished me luck, that was kind of him.

We all got a bit sappy after, which made me happy. I love the environment with the troupe, it helps me feel a little less alone. It’s warm and comforting, which I think I needed after everything that’s been going on.

Speaking of...

After the show I went back to the encampment and found it empty. I thought it was going to be my best chance of investigating everyone so I tried to hurry.

I went through Sahrin’s things first. I admit I was still upset Cecilia even insinuated that Sahrin may have tried to kick her out. Even if we cleared the air on it, I wanted to prove his innocence. I didn’t find...much? A locked jewelry box and a bunch of really raunchy letters to Fitaan. Gross.

Fitaan’s tent was...strange. It was like going into a room felt like someone was trying too hard to show it’d been lived in. Things that looked normal upon first glance, but then didn’t make sense as you really thought about it. A bedroll but no pillow, sheets or blankets to be found. Cooking utensils but no traces that food had ever been in the room. Not even dried herbs or meat. Thrown away parchment in a trash bin, but no writing utensils to shown he’d been writing anything. Sure, he could have taken some of the items with him to track down Armand but...the room feels too neat, clean, and off for that. It’s like it has the appearance of a normal room but there’s enough bits and pieces once you look around to know otherwise.

Esila’s tent was normal. Smelled of metal and polish but that’s likely from all the blades she has laying about. She has a hobby of collecting axes and swords. I tried to be careful, but she really didn’t have anything that I could find.

Armand’s room had been cleaned out by Sahrin already, he took everything of relevance with him. I didn’t find much of anything outside of letters he’d saved from old lovers and a letter from Sahrin congratulating him on job well done on his first solo performance at a village he was at in Thavnair.

It was when I went to Sai’s room that everything went downhill. I’ve been to her tent countless times. She’s been training me with how to use daggers, she’s taught me how to be a better songwriter. Sai is...the calmest of the group. The quietest. But when she speaks she always has kind or profound things to say.

I’ll be honest, there was a part of me that didn’t believe Cecilia, either. She’d just come to the troupe and suddenly she disappears and then reappears and starts saying Sahrin kicked her out, then that Armand was behind it, and suddenly I’m just supposed to believe the people I’ve cared for since childhood are trying to hurt me?

I went to the encampment to...

I wanted to prove everyone wrong. Myself wrong. I didn’t want to believe my family would betray me. Sahrin. The troupe. And I was angry with myself for doubting them. Angry for not doubting them more. I was angry at my friends for doubting my family, and I was angry at myself for being unreasonable about it. I just wanted the truth. Mostly, I was angry that this was happening at all.

So when I heard something click after finding a letter in Sai’s drawer, I think my mind went completely blank. I stopped thinking, I didn’t move, everything just went white.

I don’t remember too much of what happened, only that instinct told me I had to go. I had to leave, I couldn’t be found. I don’t know if that was out of fear or just a sense of survival, but it started raining heavily so I lost my bearings quickly. It’s fuzzy, but I don’t even think I realized the trap had been a knife until I finally found a spot to sit down because I felt really tired suddenly.

I needed a healer, and I could only think to call Gail. She came and I don’t remember much of our conversation after she arrived, but I think she brought me to her apartment somehow and I got shoved into her bath. I told her as much as I could as I tried to warm up, I don’t remember how long I was out in the rain, and I didn’t feel much pain, just exhausted.

Oh, but after she healed me and got some food in me, godsdamn did the pain come in full force! I think the blade had been poisoned, because after I got back to my apartment I felt feverish and weak from the after effects. I’m still recovering, the fever is gone and I was able to take a look at the letter.

Gail got a good look at it too, seems like it was a letter from Sahrin to Sai, a really old letter too. I guess from the days before the troupe was formed. I know Sahrin is very anti-Imperial, but I guess Sai is too, looking over the letter’s contents. I’m not sure what this all means, but I guess when Sahrin was thinking of making the troupe, he had some grand designs and made some promises to Sai about it. I wasn’t able to find out much else since I triggered the trap, but the letter was well taken care of even after all these years. It must have been important to Sai.

Sai, was it you? Did you put Armand up to killing me? Deceiving Cecilia? How much of everything going on is you? You were like a sister to me, I don’t understand. I don’t understand.

[nonotome]

This is what I do to people that post screenshots, Thiji Higuri.

[mythriteshah]

Ladies, gentlemen, and those in between: the time has come once again! After yet another long winter’s time of gathering resources, the Higuri Regalia is proud to announce the return of the “Regalia Largesse” - marking its seventh occurrence!

For those unaware or uninitiated: The Regalia Largesse is an annual event spanning anywhere between 5-7 days that occurs around the late spring/early summer, and is considered the “pinnacle of Noblesse Oblige”!

During this event, individuals from the Higuri Regalia’s hierarchy will make appearances within the various city-states to offer wares to the adventuring public - FOR FREE (Tips and donations are always greatly appreciated, but never mandatory)!

On Sunday, June 16th, at around 7PM EDT, look for a Party Finder ad from any one of the Regalia members; they will provide you information on where they are, and what items will be offered, with a detailed list of what’s available while supplies last.  Due to the ever-increasing quantity of wares, their post duration has been extended to three hours. All locations take place on the Balmung World in the Crystal Data Center.

Also, throughout the week, starting at the commencement of the Largesse, those who are willing to partake in a special contest will receive a number.  On last day of that week (i.e. the end of  the Largesse), a raffle will take place where a series of numbers will be drawn, and those who win will be offered prizes!

RULES:

*To enter the raffle, simply ask the representative currently posted during that day; a tracker is kept throughout the course of the event, and is shared amongst the Regalia members.

You MUST attend the final day of the Largesse in order to qualify for a chance to win.

In the event you are unable to attend the raffle for any reason, you are allowed 1 proxy to vouch for you, so long as they state whom they are  replacing.

If your number happens to be drawn, you are offered a chance to decline a particular prize if you have eyes on another, but a winner will be decided for the sake of fairness.

Notes: Sprouts (New Players/Adventurers) will receive Flying Beds and/or attire Coffers as a consolation gift. 

The prize list includes the following, and are subject to change:

1st Place Winners: A Chrysomallos Horn/Magitek Avenger G1 Identification Key/Gilded Mikoshi Horn/Golden Ronkan Flute! (4 winners)

2nd Place Winners: An Island Adenium Whistle/Quaqua Horn/Sabotender De La Luna Whistle! (x2 each; 6 winners)

3rd Place Winners: A full set of Free Spirit's Attire!  (5 winners)  

4th Place Winners: An Uolosapa! (10 winners)

Look for these beautiful individuals throughout the week for the item(s) of the day.  Note: stock may (and will) expand between now and the commencement of the Largesse, so everything listed herein is not final.

Sunday, June 16th: Isja "Coldgaze" Kaltablik (Ul’dah, Steps of Nald; Arrzaneth Ossuary) 

Items:

Fashion Accessories (Archangel Wings; Pixie Wings; Statice's Wings; False Classic Spectacles; Rose Colored Spectacles)

Summer Attire (Moonfire Halter/Vest; Ti Leaf Lei/Coronal Summer Halter; South Seas/Coeurl Talisman; Sea Breeze Summer Halter & Pareo; Coeurl Beach Halter & Pareo; Blue/Red/Coeurl Beach Summer Maro)

Parasols (Black; Sky Blue; Vermillion Paper; Pleasant Dot; Prim Dot; Pastoral Dot; White Lace; Plum Paper; Calming Checkered; Cheerful Checkered; Classic Checkered; Giant Leaf; Tsukumogami; Sabotender; Blue Blossom; Raindrop Defense System)

Monday, June 17th: Treasurer Susuna Suna (Ul’dah, Steps of Thal; The Gold Court)

Items:

Modern Aesthetics (A Close Shave; Gyr Abanian Plait; Samsonian Locks; Both Ways; Scanning for Style; Battle-ready Bobs; Wind Caller; Controlled Chaos; Early to Rise; Form and Function; Modern Legend; Saintly Style; Ambitious Ends; The Bold and the Braid)

Ballroom Etiquette (/Lean; /Shiver; /Wow; /Eatapple; /Eatriceball; /Bread; /Malevolence; /Guard; /Confirm; /Insist; /Scheme; /Wringhands; /Read; /Paint; /Broom; /Highfive; /Fistpump; /Wow; /Reference; /Humbletriumph)

Tuesday, June 18th: Yuanji Yuji (Shirogane; Ward 16, Plot 60)

Items:

Chocobo Barding (Tidal; Levin; Ice; Highland; Orthodox; Hive; Expanse; Sephirotic; Sophic; Zurvanite; Horde; Abigail; Reveler's; Blissful; Shinryu; Byakko; Suzaku; Seiryu; Samurai; Titania; Innocence; Hades; Ruby; Machinist; True Barding of Light; Emerald; Queen's Guard; Bozjan; Diamond; Eternal Darkness; Divine Light; Bluefeather; Windswept; Flamecloaked; Allagan; Voidcast; Abyssal)

Wednesday, June 19th: Umimi Umi (Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks; The Aftcastle)

Items:

Rare Minions (Fat Cat; Calamari; Assassin Fry; White Whittret; Dwarf Rabbit; Gold Whisker; Capybara Pup; Conditional Virtue; Clionid Larva; Chameleon; Domakin; Ephemeral Necromancer; Armadillo Bowler; Optimus Omicron; Calca; Brave New Urianger; Hippo Calf; Prince Lunatender; Adventure Basket; Teacup Kapikulu; Bacon Bits; Little Leannan; Miniature White Knight; Mandragora Queen; Sungold Talos; Silver Dasher; Petit Pteranadon; Drippy; Magitek Predator F1; Paissa Threadpuller; Paissa Patissier; Cerberpup; Fenrir Pup; Magitek Helldiver F1; Flag; Sponge Silkie; Sewer Skink; Suzusaurus; Bantam Train; Mikra Lyssa; Puffin; Plush Cushion; Royal Lunatender; Morpho; Google-Eyed Dogu; Crabe de la Crabe; Forgiven Hate; Benben Stone; Okuri Chochin; Shiromaru; Kuromaru; Repulu; Save the Princess; Exciting Dynamite)

Wind-Ups/Dress-Ups (Lakshmi; Susano; Thancred; Alisaie; Omega M/F; Magus Sisters; Anima; Kangaroo; Fuath; Grebuloff; Scarmiglione; Cagnazzo; Barbariccia; Golbez)

Thursday, June 20th: Sesena Sena (Old Gridania; Mih Khetto’s Amphitheatre)

Items:

Vanity clothing (New World Jacket & Headdress; Spring Dress; High House Justacorps/Bustle; Taoist's Shirt; Cashmere Poncho; Raincoat; Hooded Fireglass Leather Vest/Adventurer's Hooded Vest; Summer Indigo Shirt; Urban/Rebel Coat; Craftsman's Singlet/Coverall Top/Apron; Dalmascan Draped Shirt; Calfskin Rider's Jacket; Frontier Jacket/Dress; Peacelover's Shirt; Cape of Happiness; Varsity Jacket/Buttoned Varsity Jacket; Ao Dai; Thavnairian/Hannish Wool Autumn Shirt; Thavnairian Wool Autumn Dress; Southern Seas Shirt; Adventuring Sweater; Boulevardier's Ruffled Shirt; Quaintrelle's Ruffled Dress; Whisperfine Woolen Coat; Salon Server's Vest/Dress Vest; Casual Jacket; Noir Longcoat; Lawless Enforcer's Jacket; Free Spirit's Jacket; Shishu Bujin Hitatare/Gozen Kochiki; Martial Artist's Vest/Sleeveless Vest)

Pajamas (Plain; Cactuar; Chocobo)

Friday, June 21st: Thiji Higuri (The Birdcage; Empyreum, Ward 15, Plot 30)

Raffle & Additional Surprises

We look forward to serving you all, and thank you for choosing the Higuri Regalia, Where There is Power in Beauty.

[seabreezebazaar-blog]

Name: Thiji Higuri

Free Company: N/A

Other Affliations:The Spear & Spire Co.

What I Shall Potentially Be Selling:

*Fashion outfits

*Glamour prisms

*Expensive wares (high-end crafting/gathering foods, minions, or potions of high quality)

What I Will Accept As Payment:

Both IC and OOC transactions are encouraged.  Wares will be sold at either free or reduced prices; tips are greatly appreciated, but not mandatory

Are Trades or Payment Plans Acceptable?: Yes

Misc. Information About Myself and My Wares:

Within a region south of the Sagolii Desert lies a well-known goldsmithing clan known as the Higuri.  Their business is the “Higuri Regalia,” and Thiji lords over it as the Mythrite Sultan.

The Higuri Regalia is a well-renowned Goldsmithing/Weaving empire run by Thiji Higuri, an eccentric Dunesfolk noble.  Recently his company joined with the Spear & Spire Co., led by his wife, Nanago Nago.  They specialize primarily in accessories and fashion, as is wont for any goldsmithing firm.  During his adventures in Eorzea, however, Thiji had grown in experience, expanding his family’s business into many new avenues of commerce, from furniture to precious artifacts and even cute (and incredibly expensive) pets!

Their Aldenard Branch Headquarters is stationed in The Goblet, Ward 7, Plot 43, and they usually see clients via reservation (signing up outside the mansion).  On occasion they will advertise an event that occurs every few weeks to use their profits to give away helpful items and adorable pets for the public to enjoy and the seasoned adventurers to make good use of. After a hiatus of three moons, the Regalia has reopened its doors as of the 15th Sun of the 1st Astral Moon, and are prepared to serve the people of Eorzea with their generosiy and goodwill.

[thijihiguri]

The Emperor’s Ascension, Pt. 3 (& Denouement)

Two times now has the world of Elementa been trapped in stasis.  The first was at the very beginning of this battle, when the Snow Flower herself, Koyuki Kazahana, High Empress of Hyoga, emerged from on high to face her beloved husband in battle.  Of the many obstacles he had overcome up until now, Thiji battling his own wife would be his greatest.  Still, he pressed on, goaded by Koyuki to face her with all he had.

The second occurrence is the current sight everyone struggled to behold: a blade pierced Koyuki’s body by Thiji’s hand.  Though it was expected to happen eventually, the sight was too much for many to stomach. The Handmaidens of Peace, the Royal Family’s most loyal sect of warrior-priests, had practically fainted on the spot, save for Sylla, Shijima, and Celuwen, who watched on with mouths agape.  Seraphina slowly moved her hands from her eyes to behold the scene, gasping loudly once she did.  

“Princess Seraphina, with me!” Umi spoke as she rose from her seat.  “We go now to attend your mother.”

“Y-Yes, Auntie Umi!” Seraphina said reluctantly.  Shiro silently nodded and followed them down.

As they left the stands, Koyuki let out a soft exhale as she lost the strength to stand, slowly falling backwards.  Thiji quickly caught his wife and pulled his blade from her body, leaving behind a wound that had frozen over.  The Diamond Emperor dropped a knee, cradling Koyuki in his arms.  Though there was little expression on his face, he still felt sorrow for what he had done.

“All right – mic me, boys!” Nora said with a snap of her fingers.  The cameramen took out a pair of lavalier mics from his pocket and tossed them over to the Teal Quaintrelle, who then chucked them straight down into the stadium, landing beside Thiji and Koyuki.  As if on cue, Thiji took them in hand and attached one to his robe, and the other to Koyuki’s qipao.  “And now, the big reveal!”

“That was tough to watch, even for me…” Homura sighed.

“It was tough for all of Elementa, sister,” Sakuya replied, “but the plan has been carried out flawless so far.  The time has come to commence the summoning.  I already sense Mizore is channeling her energies to complete this process; let’s not keep her waiting too long.”

Raiko and Homura nodded and left their luxury room to teleport to Nora’s dirigible.  Meanwhile, Koyuki gazed upon her beautiful husband, who had laid a hand upon his cheek.

“Koyuki…” was all he could get out before she interrupted him with a finger to his lips.

“Be still, my lord…” Koyuki said, her voice weak.  The microphones attached to their clothing amplified their voices so that everyone within the stadium could hear them clearly, along with everyone else watching throughout the world.

“But, my flower…” he tried to speak again, only to be shushed.

“Still, my love… hear me,” she repeated, smiling.  “Ever since you were born, you were destined… for greatness.  Ever faithfully has the Higuri Clan served my Pure Branch, but you were meant to do more than serve… All your life, you have served me and my family, but the truth is… we’ve held you back.  Your strength and potential, limited… because the love you had for us softened your heart. We curtailed the Diamond Prophecy, though we did not know it at the time… the Trials of Winter was to help reshape you into who you were; what you were meant to be.  You had to let go of me in order to become the Diamond Emperor… It was difficult at first… but I accepted it with time.  To ascend, you had to strike down your flower… Love is a powerful force, and I always uphold its values… but it can make us complacent… it can bring our guard down… it can even end us.  But not you, Thiji.  You’re meant to become a force far greater, and after bringing our Hyoga into the golden age of prosperity it now has, you have fulfilled your duties as a mortal…”

Seraphina, Umi, and Shiro hurried to the field, but Shiro pointed out that flowers were beginning to blossom through the snow-covered ground.

“What… What’s this…?” Seraphina asked.

“Her power is being spread throughout the land,” Shiro explained.  “She is returning to nature.”

“Is… Is my mother dying…?”

“No, she is not, thankfully,” Umi replied, “but she has suffered too much damage to maintain her form; she is one with nature, and therefore cannot perish easily.”

“You Kazahana sure did luck out in the superpower lottery…” Shiro grumbled, a hint of jealousy in her voice.  She then spotted a familiar flower materializing right above Koyuki.  “No way… is that -?”

A delicate snow-white flower with purple stamens appeared above Koyuki’s body, and around the stamens were tiny blue snowflakes dancing about.  The flower slowly descended to her right hand, which she then presented to Thiji.

“Do you know what this is, my lord…?” she asked him.  He looked upon it and gasped.  He wanted to reach out and touch it, but was too focused on holding his weakening wife.

“It’s… It’s the first Snow Lily that marked your birth!” Thiji answered.  Koyuki grinned at his response.

“The very first Snow Lily – yes,” she confirmed.  “I kept and safeguarded it all my life, for the right moment to show it to you.”

Something else had begun to emerge from the flower: a tiny, coin-shaped object – no bigger than a poker chip – materialized and levitated in front of Thiji’s head, expecting him to grab it.

“Koyuki… what is this?” Thiji asked.

“The Proof of the Snow Flower…” she replied.  “This was the final battle in your Trials.  I was the only other Lady of Winter standing in your way in Elementa, and I was determined to harden your heart for the task.  If you failed this day… The gods would have been displeased. But they knew you were stronger than that; I knew you were stronger than that. And now that it’s all over, I can gaze upon you… one last time, as a mortal.  I’m so proud of you, Thiji…”

As their conversation continued, Seraphina began feeling another reaction coming.  This one, however, was more familiar to her.

“It’s been a long time, my beloved child,” spoke a female voice to her telepathically.

“Mother Moon..!!” she gasped.  “How may Your humble daughter serve you?”

“I have need of you for a moment; mind if I use you as a vessel?”

“Whatever your desire, O Luminious One!”

The clouds parted once more as a beam of lunar energy shot down from the heavens, enveloping the Alabaster Rose.  Shiro and Umi jumped out of the way, watching in awe.

“That’s the sign, sisters!” Sakuya spoke.  They channeled the powers of Izanami, Izanagi, and Amaterasu – the gods who chose them to be Eternals – into the pillar, causing an elemental reaction which created a rainbow bridge.  Everyone shielded their eyes from the light as it washed over the stadium and the entire Borealis Tundra.

Moments later, the light faded, and everyone scanned their surroundings – the sky was once again cast into night, with the silvery moon illuminating Hyoga.  Turning center stage, everyone noticed that Seraphina had transformed into a taller, yet equally slender woman of blue-violet hair and a silver-white-and-blue floral dress.  On the right side of her head was a silvery-blue flower in full bloom, and in her hands was a pristine harp.  She plucked the strings and the moon’s light filled the stadium.

“Iss thiss… the powerss of a God?” Z’hira asked.  “To witnesss one appear before uss…”

“The Divinity of Night; the Lady of the Moon…” Hiro spoke under his breath.  The other Eternals jumped down from the blimp and landed behind Thiji, sticking the landing in a kneeling position.

“It has been far too long since I’ve taken a stroll in the mortal realm,” the Goddess said as she stretched.  The Handmaidens of Peace watched in awe as the Goddess of the Moon descended to grace them.  “You’ve come a long way, Thiji Higuri.  All that has happened up to this point shaped you into who you are now.  Thy wisdom; thy strength; thy intellect; your heart of diamond – these are the tenets that deem you more than qualified to become an Eternal – should you accept.  Just as I have chosen thy mother, Mizore, I have found thee more than worthy to ascend.”

She then turned to Koyuki, who met her gaze with a grin.

“High Empress Koyuki… your mother would be so proud.  But it pained all of us to put you through this.  You truly are worthy of the name ‘Kazahana’, and the Snow Flower from which sparked your birth.”

“I did what I must, Lady Tsukuyomi…” whispered Koyuki, her voice very weak at this point, “for him… I only hope that Thiji can forgive his flower…”

“I already forgive you, Koyuki… I do,” Thiji spoke, now holding her close.  He deliberated for a moment before looking up towards Tsukuyomi.

“Speak thy mind, Diamond Emperor,” the Moon Goddess urged.

“I accept this charge, Lady Tsukuyomi,” he began, “however… I wish to begin anew.”

“Pray explain thyself.”

“I know that Eternals are reborn after death as they can never be truly killed, and with each rebirth they are stronger… but I wish to be reborn as an infant.  This way, my power will be exponentially more immense, and I may better serve towards Elementa’s safekeeping.”

“WHAAAAT?!” Homura shrieked, fire spewing from her maw.  “That clever bastard’s gonna deny me a sparring partner?!”

“Dial it down, Homura; the mics are still on…” Raiko grunted whilst covering her ears.

“I’m sure Mizore’s going to be ecstatic over this,” chuckled Sakuya.  “She’d want nothing more than to hold her little Thiji again.”

“Very well, and very astute of thee,” Tsukuyomi stated.  “I shall make it so, but you’ve many friends gathered here; I will allow thee one final chance for any parting words with them.”

The Diamond Emperor nodded and turned to everyone present.  Shiro approached and gave Thiji a kiss on the cheek.

“It’s been a hell of a ride, Thiji,” Shiro began.  “You’ve helped me save a lot of people, and the missions we’ve been on together have been the most memorable ones ever.  It’s going to hurt me seeing you go, but there’s a secret I’ve been keeping from you for quite some time now.”

She turned their attention towards the stands.  A cloaked figure in white sat alone.  Lifting the hood revealed a young girl with hair like Shiro’s, only slightly bluer, with Thiji’s eyes.  She wore a white-and-blue gown and her face was filled with tears.  “You see that young woman there?  That’s Soyo – my daughter.  Your daughter.”

“The Princess has a stepsister…” Umi said under her breath.

“WOW!  That’s unexpected!” Nora commented.  “I knew Thiji got around, but…!”

“Because of you, my Clan survives.  And I’ve discovered that some of us survived the purge.  The Lands of Kiri have a princess, and I’ve discovered that some of my kin have survived the purge.  We would not have survived without you, Thiji, and to this, I owe you so much.”

Da Ji hurried over to Thiji, teary-eyed as ever.

“My Emperor,” she began, “I will wait for your rebirth, and when you return, I will do my utmost for you! I… I only ever wish to serve you – as a mortal, and as a Goddess.  I will forever be yours…”

“And I am grateful to have your love and support, Da Ji,” Thiji replied.  He then turned over towards his brother, his gazing firmly upon him.  “It will fall upon you and Seraphina to lead Hyoga in our absence.  Though the Snow Flower will return, I must answer a higher call.  But Hyoga’s sanctity will always be my prime concern.  Horu. You’ve the entirety of the Tundra Force and the Handmaidens of Peace backing you; you’ve numerous allies and advisors.  Reach out to them; lean on them if you must…”

“We won’t fail you, Brother,” Horu acknowledged.  “I’ll watch over Empress Seraphina as well.  Your shoes will be difficult to fill, but I’ve learned much from you.”

A large flower began to blossom in the center of the stadium.  It opened one of its petals as the last of Koyuki’s power seeped into and nurtured the now verdant area.  She gazed upon her beloved husband once more, a smile on her face as she gave her final words:

“Thiji… you were, are, and always will be… my light… my lord… my love.”

Her strength all but spent, Koyuki’s arm slowly fell to the ground, her eyes shutting into a peaceful sleep.  Though they knew she was not gone from this world, the scene was no less heartbreaking to watch.  Thiji lifted her body and carried it into the flower, placing her comfortably inside of its petals.  As it closed, a violet pulse emanated from the plant, thereby “sealing” it.  With the Snow Flower laid to rest, it was finally time.  Thiji turned towards Tsukuyomi, but another voice would make itself known beforehand:

“Thiji!” cried a tearful Nora.  “Don’t you dare think this marks the end of your career!  There’s gonna be A LOT of ideas I’ll be throwin’ at you when you’re reborn!”

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh – even Tsukuyomi.  But with all said and done, the Goddess called upon Her divine powers, showering the Diamond Emperor in lunar energy.  The light could be seen from as far as the Frozen Sea, and after a long moment of bathing in its luminescence… all went quiet.  The moonlight had faded, the skies returned to normal, and Thiji and Tsukuyomi had vanished.  Seraphina levitated back down to earth, laying a hand upon her mother’s resting place. It was warm, as if her mother’s presence was still evident, responding to her daughter’s touch.

“Rest well, Mother. I promise that Hyoga will be better off than when you left it,” she said with a smile.

With his brother’s ascension now complete, and Koyuki’s own rebirth underway, Horu’s first order as Emperor was to consecrate the Borealis Stadium to allow her sister-in-law the blissful sleep she deserved.  In a year’s time, she would reemerge, ready to rule Hyoga once more as the Great Empress, just like her mother.  Masao was given the charge to protect the holy site in place of the Virgin Snow Courtyard, to which she was more than honored to accept.  Though Hyoga was definitely still well into its golden age, there would still be disreputable types who would aim to take advantage of this succession.  However, their powerful new allies in the Glacierfin extended their reach to beyond the Frozen Shore, and the Kirishinobi would serve as Horu’s personal honor guard.

Sometime later, Thiji began his new immortal life as an infant, per his request.  Mizore happily carried and walked him around the Antarctic Glade, showing him the domain was far vaster than when he originally visited. All who inhabited it witnessed their new lord, and pledged their fealty to him.  While he rested and grew within this new realm, he practiced his newfound abilities through his avatar, which was a simulacrum of what he would look like as a child.  Da Ji had also frequented the Antarctic Glade, accompanying the new Eternal of Ice through her own avatars.  The love she showed for him was adored by Mizore, who was more than happy to allow her passage to and from their realm.  Soon after, he would take his avatar to the mortal world, making his return known to all of Hyoga.  When Koyuki was reborn, she grew another pair of wings, becoming a Seraphim.  After serving her all his mortal life, the time had come for her to serve him – as his beloved Snow Flower Seraphim.  She would gain more specialized powers that complimented her mastery over Floramancy, cementing her place among the Kazahana Pure Branch.

The time had come for the greatest age of Hyoga’s time: The Eternal Age of Iceflowers.

[kaizure-blog]

‘Batch’ 2 of 2 screenshot with @mythriteshah! Again, screenshot was made by him! Give credit, yes yes!

Kitten and Thiji ♥

[tsubi-uru]

“Blissful Trance” 

Finished commission for @mythriteshah ! Thank you again for commissioning me, I love this concept for your character.

Commission Info

[mythriteshah]

The Higuri Regalia - proud allies of Abbiocco Fine Dining - is pleased to announce the return of: The Mythril Showcase!

As a refresher to those uninitiated: this fashion show was created during the twilight days of Menphina Madness to provide the frequenters of the Etheirys Blitzball League an opportunity to show off their acumen in style outside of the Blitzsphere. Since then, Thiji Higuri - the merchant-lord and fashion nabob himself - has tested the skill and daring of haute couture hopefuls through various themes.

This time, The Regalia will be teaming up with Abbiocco Fine Dining ( https://abbiocco.carrd.co/ ) to provide an exclusive venue that will open with a sneak-peek of the upcoming clothing line! Select outfits from this arcane collection will be showcased only during this night, and will not be seen or sold anywhere else until the official release of the line. So don't miss out!

(Additional information will be provided closer to the event date!)

With two successful shows now under the Regalia's belt, the deciding of the next theme was opened to the public via poll to give proper closure to this turn; now the results have finally arrived. The theme for the third Mythril Showcase will be: "Kingdoms of the Far East." This inspiration takes from the popularized culture and history of Othard, namely during its warring periods in Hydaelyn's timeline. (TRANSLATION: this cosplay contest is based off the Dynasty Warriors/Samurai Warriors/Warriors Orochi series)

Those who wish to participate are welcome, and will be handsomely rewarded with a glamour weapon of their choosing for their efforts. This time, however, there is a twist: as there were warring factions during ancient times, so, too, will there be specific glamour weapons tailored to them! They are detailed below:

Wei: Knights of the Round/Susano

Wu: Rubellux/Tsukuyomi

Shu: Smaragdine/Shinryu

Jin: Fae's Crown

Other: Warring Triad (Sephirot/Sophia/Zurvan)

Samurai: Four Lords (Seiryu/Suzaku/Byakko)

Orochi: Hades/Seeing Horde

(NOTE: If the faction of the character you are portraying as does not contain your desired glamour weapon, you are allowed to choose from another category. It is advised you do your research beforehand to prevent confusion.)

 The top four winners will receive far more greater prizes:

4th Place Winner: An assortment of Pixie, Archangel, and Statice's Wings!

3rd Place Winner: An Island Adenium Whistle!

2nd Place Winner: A Shishioji Flute!

1st Place Winner: A Voucher of the Higuri!

(Translation: a commission of your character in the desired outfit will be made!)

(Note: Additional prizes may also be given depending on the quantity of participants!)

The event will take place on Friday, December 22nd at 7PM EST (Doors open an hour prior) - the day of the Winter Solstice! The location: Abbiocco Fine Dining in the Goblet, Ward 14, Plot 35 (Diabolos World). Whether you wish to spectate, or show off your own Power in Beauty, all are welcome to attend!

Contestants will be judged based on a variety of categories on a 1-to-10 scale.  For the sake of fairness, these criteria will be made known to all.  They are as follows:

-Emulation: Cosplaying - as accurately as possible - a certain character from a particular source of media (game/show/movie, etc.)

-Adherence: Remaining within the scope of the theme.

-Embellishment: Complimenting your outfit with accessories and other small details.

-Stage Presence: Your ability to “strut your stuff” via actions or emotes.

-Reception: How well you command the audience’s excitement and attention.

*-Innovation: Any additional nuances to your entry (using minions, reciting lines, etc.) for extra points.

(You may request to sign-up to compete by utilizing this form: https://forms.gle/Xty9CFEdD3aVq3wWA. Sign-ups will conclude prior to the contest’s commencement - 30 minutes prior to showtime.)

[mythriteshah]

The Higuri Regalia is pleased to announce the return of: The Mythril Showcase!

As a refresher to those uninitiated: this fashion show was created during the twilight days of Menphina Madness to provide the frequenters of the sport an opportunity to show off their acumen in style outside of the Blitzsphere. Since then, Thiji Higuri - the merchant-lord and fashion nabob himself - has tested the skill and daring of haute couture hopefuls through various themes. This time, The Regalia, now official League Sponsors of the EBL, is providing this as a new avenue of competition for spectators, fans, and players alike!

With two successful shows now under the Regalia's belt, the deciding of the next theme was opened to the public via poll to give proper closure to this turn; now the results have finally arrived. The theme for the third Mythril Showcase will be: "Kingdoms of the Far East." This inspiration takes from the popularized culture and history of Othard, Hingashi, and the surrounding regions, namely during its warring periods in Hydaelyn's timeline. (TRANSLATION: this cosplay contest is based off the Dynasty Warriors/Samurai Warriors/Warriors Orochi series)

Those who wish to participate are welcome, and will be handsomely rewarded with a glamour weapon of their choosing for their efforts. This time, however, there is a twist: as there were warring factions during ancient times, so, too, will there be specific glamour weapons tailored to them! They are detailed below:

Wei: Knights of the Round/Susano

Wu: Rubellux/Tsukuyomi

Shu: Smaragdine/Shinryu

Jin: Fae's Crown

Other: Warring Triad (Sephirot/Sophia/Zurvan)

Samurai: Four Lords (Seiryu/Suzaku/Byakko)

Orochi: Hades/Seeing Horde

(NOTE: If the faction of the character you are portraying as does not contain your desired glamour weapon, you are allowed to choose from another category. It is advised you do your research beforehand to prevent confusion.)

 The top four winners will receive far more greater prizes:

4th Place Winner: An assortment of Pixie, Archangel, and Statice's Wings, as well as a Tsukumogami Parasol!

3rd Place Winner: A Quaqua Horn & Uolosapa!

2nd Place Winner: A Shishioji Flute & Kuromaru!

1st Place Winner: A Voucher of the Higuri!

(Translation: a commission of your character in the desired outfit will be made!)

(Note: Additional prizes may also be given depending on the quantity of participants!)

The event will take place on Friday, March 29th at 7PM EST (Doors open an hour prior)! The location: Higuri Regalia Aldenard Branch HQ in the Goblet, Ward 7, Plot 43 (Balmung World). Whether you wish to spectate, or show off your own Power in Beauty, all are welcome to attend!

Contestants will be judged based on a variety of categories on a 1-to-10 scale.  For the sake of fairness, these criteria will be made known to all.  They are as follows:

-Emulation: Cosplaying - as accurately as possible - a certain character from a particular source of media (game/show/movie, etc.)

-Adherence: Remaining within the scope of the theme.

-Embellishment: Complimenting your outfit with accessories and other small details.

-Stage Presence: Your ability to “strut your stuff” via actions or emotes.

-Reception: How well you command the audience’s excitement and attention.

*-Innovation: Any additional nuances to your entry (using minions, reciting lines, etc.) for extra points.

(You may request to sign-up to compete by utilizing this form: https://forms.gle/Xty9CFEdD3aVq3wWA. Sign-ups will conclude prior to the contest’s commencement - 30 minutes prior to showtime.)

[mythriteshah]

Igaku no Mizu Attire

(MODEL: Hinata Reiki)

"Hinata Reiki of the Crimson Ravens Hunting Guild leaves her mark on the fashion realm. Inspired by a mischief-making Kitsune spirit from a distant star, this Far Eastern garb is becoming a fast favorite for those adept in the art of healing - especially those who blend their prowess with water-based magicks.

Loose and flowing fabrics invoke the image of a water dancer - light of foot with no wasted movement - with numerous enchanted orbs to aid in the conduction of water-aspected aether. Deep blue hues, wave-like designs, and kamon-style motifs help bring this attire together. Culminating with the addition of a bakeneko mask and other catlike accessories, you are sure to bring good fortune and succor to your next outing!"

[Attire sanctioned by the Crimson Ravens Hunting Guild.]

[mythriteshah]

Pg. 33: Himskhalan Surrealist's Effects

The Himvat Gallery has been amended to include a set of attire based around the archaic Sharlayan school of Pictomancy. With the flexibility of Himvat Cloth ever at the Regalia's disposal, aspiring artists can now adorn themselves in the Himskhalan Surrealist's Effects!

Weaving elements from both Sharlayan and Thavnairian aesthetics, this cool take on the Pictomancer's panoply has proven to be an ideal set for those aetherial artistes who mean to paint a wintry picture upon the battlefield. Behold a display of tiny comets as you cast your Starry Muse, and do your whimsical dance of the Fantasia within a field of snow and ice blossoms!

The Glacier Brush is the focus and weapon of choice that comes with this "Pictomantic" ensemble. While it is capable of painting aether of all shades and hues, Blizzard and all associated magicks receive a boost in efficacy, and it has been tested to add a dazzling effect to your motifs. You can even wield a hammer made of pure ice to really bring the pain upon your foes!

Be you an up-and-coming painter of the aetheric variety or a learned student of the brush and palette, the Himskhalan Surrealist's Effects will provide you the proper means to create a wonderful winter canvas in style, as you can practically feel the aether coursing along the fabric with ease, allowing for easier casting. Prepare an iridescent Rainbow Drip, and let your imagination run wild, with the power of winter at your back!

Notable Owners:

Princess Kikki Ornhjelm

[mythriteshah]

Pg. 32: Himlamb Sidewinder's Venom

With the new age of adventure in full effect, the great western voyage to the New World constituted the arrival of new combat disciplines for adventurers and citizenry alike to adopt and master! By popular demand, the Higuri Regalia has amended their most prized clothing line to include these new jobs, with Viper taking the helm!

Adequately dubbing the set as "Himlamb Sidewinder's Venom", this frigid take on the traditional Viper habiliments is sleek and light in design, providing ample protection in vital areas without hindering the movement of the agile beast-hunting job. The large overcoat is secured by bands made from an alloy of silver and mythril, and splits into two wide tails bearing the appearance of fangs dripping with poison. Snakeskin-patterned boots are further protected by icicle-like protrusions which form shinguards, and the white leather vest is adorned with blue lines resembling veins.

The ensemble is further augment by teardrop-shaped studs trailing down the sleeves and decorating the pauldrons, giving off an image of venomous proportions

Resonating with the wearer's aether, this armor set provides the Viper with additional enhancements when weaving through the battlefield with their serpentine movements. Slithering to a target leaves behind a frozen afterimage as though molting from an old body, and Reawakening gives the user a periwinkle-and-lavender aura, bringing the powers of frost and poison together in a sinister embrace.

The twinfangs have been dubbed "Shenyue Dao" - which is Doman for "Icemoon Fangs". The design of these blades was directed by the Valide Sultan, who took inspiration from Far Eastern polearm users and decided to put a spin on the Nagxian weapon known as the Ngao. Made of pure Himvat Mythril, these curved twinfangs are bound to leave a statement whether in the dual-wielding stance of the same name, or in Viper stance, which forms the two blades into a double voulge. The blades' irradiance intensifies as the wielder gains Serpent's Coils, and when utilizing Uncoiled Wrath, the Shenyue Dao give off the dazzling spectacle of a massive snowflake-like blade shredding through the Viper's foes.

Hunting the tural vidraal can now be done in arctic style, as the Himlamb Sidewinder's Venom takes to the field, leaving a wake of gelid poison amidst an unrelenting dance of blades. Don this gear set and bring glory and pride to your hunter forebears while showing them the next generation of Power and Beauty!