#Vahalia Cress

[vahalia-cress]

My lovely Vahalia Cress by NuraBelmax! 💜 You can find their tumblr here and their twitter here.

[vahalia-cress]

Vahalia has always been called Lady which she does not seem to mind since she knows the ins and outs of formalities though she tends to not care for them when among friends. She's a Mage of the Red, Bound by Void as her social spaces have it, and being just that she is a Red Mage but also a Reaper (with a bit of a twist) such has earned her the monikers of Mage, Magus, Witch by several and those who know her well and the plight of her House, she's known as the Matriarch of House Cress.

The title of 'The Snake Charmer' is simply a title that has followed her from other RP communities and MMOs as the character has always had a love and affinity for snakes and dabbling with poisons and anti-venoms.

OC/WoL Question.

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

[nurabelmax]

Lady Vahalia Cress for cress_xiv

[castien-ffxiv]

Joie de Vivre

Mistake/Wild: Day 5 @daily-writing-challenge

It felt as if the past handful of weeks had been eons. She often wondered what Cyrus had been doing in their time apart. More often than not Castien had spent her time on ships when she wasn’t sailing the seas beneath sails and wading surfs she had taken up odd jobs at the Smoking Crow in Black Water Bay or upholding commissions that took full advantage of her skill set.

Crimson eyes traveled across the darkness to her companions whom she had been traveling the past few days with. The Lady Gray hadn’t been someone she was too accustomed to knowing but had been learning little by little during the journey they had been embarking upon within the wilds of Yak T’el malms from Tuliyoyall and the comforts of the seas that she had found peace within.

Wren she knew even less of aside from the fact she had been Ward to the Lady Gray and from what Castien could tell, the two were close but they kept the relationship professional – close friends more than the norm for what an employer and employee would be.

Then there was the Lady Cress, Vahalia. Still, quite the mystery as the woman often kept her private life under lock and key.

Smirking, Castien continued to carve at the curve of the piece in her hand, having worked at it for some hours now, “The lads back home must be quite jealous of our outing.” she mused with some mild jubilant snark while whittling away.

“Nary such for myself,” Wren replied and Cordelia simply remained quiet. The book within the Lady Gray's hand must have kept her attention far better than the conversation, or perhaps, it was simply a pleasant excuse.

“And you?” Castien gazed to Vahalia.

The Lady Cress only afforded Castien the slightest of smirks and a shake of her head, “I’m certain details will have to be shared though to their dismay it might not be as interesting as they play it up to be in their mind.”

“So there is someone within the darkened halls of yours?” Castien asked blowing the slivers of curled wood from the piece, listing forward she handed it off towards Vahalia.

Taking the wooden carving, Vahalia turned it over in her hand as the piece itself seemed to be very much a small gift for her. The slope and shape of the item depicted that of a tulip-shaped bell sans any true detailing but it was quality in and of itself. There was no mistaking that this had been carved with Vahalia in mind, “Yes. Though it matters little.” she finally responded to Castien, remembering something she had been privy to several months prior, “You and Cyrus though, I recall Cyrus asking me for wood of great calibur for you when you both had seized the most recent ship some moons ago.”

A small nod came and Castien pulled another piece from her bag, half-finished but it was easily starting to resemble that of a moth’s wing, “If that is your subtle way of asking if he and I are together, then yes.” the knife continued to work away at the soft wood and a few blows expelled from Castien again to rid the work of debris, “Quite the odd way we happened to meet though it makes for an interesting story. Caught him out hard on his luck and while he was in need for work I directed him to Ishgard. That is where he came upon Eivor, Carrera and eventually you.” she bobbed her head towards Vahalia, “Bit of a wild thing that man if you haven’t noticed.”

“I have but the said could be said of you, Bancroft.” Vahalia swiftly replied, “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the tell-tale signs.”

Castien paused and her red eyes pinned across to Vahalia before cutting to Cordeila and Wren nearby. Cordi was still enveloped in her book though Wren looked rather intrigued.

“Worry not.” Vahalia laughed, “To make you an enemy would mean to make one of myself. It seems we all are familiar with the same dark halls. Make no mistake, you’re well within your proper circle here.”

For a brief moment, Castien caught a looming sensation that lingered in the darkness behind Vahalia, the space before her between Wren and Cordelia illuminated well by the fire's light but still, she had felt less of a threat enclosing the space and more at peace with the notion of being somewhere she belonged; darkness included.

Outside of Cyrus – these were her people.

Mention(s): @cyrus-black - @promethea-silk - @vahalia-cress - @song-of-wren

[promethea-silk]

When the Bough Breaks

Even in the earlier hours of the day, the sun shone brightly and brought with it a warmth the native Ishgardian still found herself acclimating to. The heat was less of an issue than the harsh rays of sunlight that did little for her pale skin. With light fabrics covering as much of her while still offering relief, Cordelia readied herself for the morning in preparation to meet with Vahalia. There had been few, if any, leads in regards to learning the whereabouts of Ophelia and while the two were enjoying the respite in some form of a vacation in Tural, they had come here with purpose in mind. 

From her position within the city, Cordelia could still see the large mast and furled sails off in the distance, they knew she was still in Tuliyollal but where? The salty air filled her lungs as she took a deep breath, a hand idly waving the black laced fan in front of her face. With the sun fully over the horizon and lingering in the sky, it was time to start the day. She turned now to the lively city of Tural, allowing moments to pass as she watched passerbys while waiting for Vahalia to arrive as she was likely seeing the twins before setting off. 

Slow rolls of the waves kissed at the pier and the small collective of city-goers strolled through the streets as a long veil of sable hair was caught adrift in the masses. When Vahalia had reached Cordielia in their meeting spot, it was plain to see that she had brought company: the quiet blonde and half-Elezen woman known as Castien had been in tow not too far behind and the only company the Lady Cress looked to keep with her.

She adopted her usual airy and dark attire for well-fitted slacks and a wrap of silks around her torso which varied from midnight blacks and greys and majestic purples adorned in silver hoops, jewelry, and chains – something more appropriate for travel and being out in the sun for long periods, “Pleasant morning.” the silky voice sang out as Vahalia adjusted the snake coiled around her arm. It was likely something she found while out and about and simply happened to take with her.

“Any word from Wren?” she asked without looking to Cordelia, her attention pinned to the serpent that curiously periscoped at its surroundings, a gentle tick of Vahalia’s finger found the underside of its chin before it turned its scent-seeking tongue flicks in Cordelia’s direction, “Busy little bee, that one,” she added in an addendum to her question about Wren, light gold eyes pinning towards her kin.

Cordelia hummed quietly as she turned to face her sister, an idle glance offered to the serpent wrapped around Vahalia’s arm before she replied. “She should be arriving any moment. Her morning started rather early, I believe, scoping the city or perhaps the citizens.” Her gaze returned to Vahalia as she continued, her wrist flicking back and forth just slightly to continue the constant motion of waving the fan. “How are the twins? Are they acclimating to their new surroundings?” 

A sly smirk presented itself as Vahalia’s attention drifted back to Cordelia, “Well enough, they’ve taken a liking to their plush toys. They’ve gotten the hang of rolling around now and it won’t be much longer before they’re crawling. Idle babbling, using their mouth to explore the worl around them – often their toes or hands.” A touch of an uneasy smile seemed to streak briefly before she shifted and eventually beholding a rather neutral mien.

“Rather lucky to have been acclimating to the heat with my frequent visits to Thavnair. I suppose I am grateful for that.”

Cordelia released a breath, the flicker of discomfort flashing in her eyes as she reached for the delicate piece of fabric she had tucked into her belt to bring it to her temple in a soft dabbing motion down toward her neck. “Admittedly… I have spent very little time outside of Coerthas and therefore seem to be taking a bit longer to adapt to the climate.”

“The ship hasn’t moved.” Castien piped up glancing between the sisters as her eyes then eased to spy the ship in the distance – the very same that belonged to Ophelia Whitlock, “Reports from the Scorpion assume the ship itself is loosely manned by the looks of the thinned-out crew. She must have taken the majority of her crew or she never had much of one to begin with. I suspect the only reason one person would need so many to accompany her is that she’s traveling a little further from her ship than we might have anticipated. Some chatter on the piers is that the majority of Ophelia’s passengers were travelers and not of her crew or kin. Plenty to speculate.”

“Is it confirmed that her kin haven’t been with her?” Vahalia spoke carefully, mindful of her surroundings.

“From what I can tell by the gossip – yes. She was the only one spotted without an insignia.”

As the pair conversed, Cordelia adjusted her position to allow her gaze to wander back to the ship in harbor. “Mm, I was just taking note of the ship remaining.” She continued as her attention turned back to Castien and Vahalia. “I had asked Wren to scope the markets, see if anyone might have some familiar stock perhaps?” Her lids narrowed as she tilted to the side just slightly as the familiar Viera was on approach. “Speaking of…” 

The weighty sword along the back of the tall Viera woman sang out when it came in contact with various parts of her armored pieces, “She’s in Mamook.” the accent cut through the conversation at hand, the vibrant red eyes of Wren scouted along Cordeila to ensure she was well and then a follow-up sliver of attention was afforded to Castien and Vahalia, “Seems a few merchants here in town had a run in with her crew and then their extensions in Yak’T’el had spotted them. It seems they stole some provisions, which makes me curious as to why they never brought enough with them, unless a situation brought about the loss of supplies.”

“Perhaps on the leg here?” Castien asked curiously.

“It’s possible.” Wren confirmed, “There is more however, the merchant is willing to pay us to either bring the supplies back or her and her crew. Two birds with a single stone.”

Vahalia hummed, seemingly irritated, “They can have the crew and supplies and keep their coin, we just want Ophelia.” once more Vahalia gazed at Cordelia, “Are you up for a bit of a journey? We’ll be spending some time outside and I suspect it might take a few days at the very least to come across her but I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

The kerchief was tucked back into its place beneath Cordelia’s belt, she too having left behind much of her skirts and heavier attire for lighter fabrics and tighter formed trousers. “My skin may be a bit too fair to thoroughly enjoy the sun here, however it will hardly keep me from our goal for arriving on Tural’s shores to begin with.” She finished up with a curt yet reassuring nod in Vahalia’s direction but also addressing Wren as well. The woman was far from scared of a little reddening of her complexion. “Curious as to what you might have in mind.”

“Aether tracking.” Vahalia replied with a slow creeping smirk, “We’ve pin pointed an area and we can go from there. If it is one thing I have learned is that voidsent are rather unique in the way that they are able to track aether, even residual, much akin to a hound.” 

As Vahalia educated her kin on her plan of action, Cordelia met the smirk with one of her own. She tapped the side of her fan to the palm of the opposite hand, closing the item with a sharp snap. “Well, I do love a good hunt.” The comment came as she tucked her fan away in preparation to move on from her idle stance. 

“I’ll see to the supplies.” Castien offered, “While I’m in the area it couldn’t hurt to chart what we already know and are bound to find.”

Vahalia nodded towards the blonde woman, “Enough for us four. I don’t want attention brought to us while we’re tracking. Less people the better and I think we should be well equipped either way.”

Curiously, Wren looked to Cordelia with a taught brow, “And you my Lady, any requests before setting out?”

Cordelia afforded a short shake of her head to Wren. “Go with Castien, help her with the basic supplies we all may need.” With her attention returned to Vahalia, she piqued a brow as she inquired. “Think we should attempt to be on our way by early afternoon or perhaps plan for the first thing on the morrow? I anticipate acquiring means of travel may be a bit on the more difficult side considering the influx of travelers to the land, I have seen many in numbers arrive via the docks just this morning.” 

“That's the plan.” Vahalia nodded and her attention cut to Castien, “Pearl the Scorpion, have them transport the Chocobos to port and we’ll travel by mount. It will make up for time lost.”

“Works in our favor just to be another set of travelers to an undiscerning eye.” Wren pointed out and she put a foot forward, “We’ll see to the necessities. Tomorrow morning then.” the Viera confirmed and she nodded to the two noble women before setting off, Castien following in tow with a slight wave, the pair disappearing into the crowded market.

“Alas, we’ve gone from simple bird watching to bird hunting. Tural is proving to be quite promising.” the Cress woman spoke again, admiring her kin, “I’m quite eager to have the games begin.”

Cordelia moved up toward Vahalia with a smirk pulling at her lips as she offered her arm. “And what fun we will have being the hunters.” 

[Collab with @vahalia-cress]

[hex-xiv]

𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 █████████

the basics ––– –

NAME: Hex

AGE: Mid to late 20s

BIRTHDAY: 32nd of the sixth Umbral Moon

RACE: Elezen

GENDER: Male

SEXUALITY: Bisexual

MARITAL STATUS: Single

SERVER & DC: Crystal, Balmung

physical appearance ––– –

HAIR: Short, Greyish White

EYES: Crimson

HEIGHT: 6′10" (Elezen max height)

BUILD: Toned, slim

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: A faded scar on the right inner part of his eye, when undressed there are scars along his back sides and torso down to his legs.

COMMON ACCESSORIES: Hex could usually be seen wearing a red gem earring on one ear and on the other is a similar gem but attached to a chain connecting to the helix part of his ear. A choker around his neck and sometimes torso chains. Belts are usually strapped around his thigh and attached to holsters.

personal ––– –

PROFESSION: Current leader of one of the underground networks within Eorzea.

HOBBIES: Riding his motorcycle, drinking from his collection of wines and whiskeys, reading and gathering intel on opposing leaders of the underground network, auctions, art galleries, and exploring new areas

LANGUAGES: Multiple languages to conduct business with others

RESIDENCE: Currently in between multiple residences

BIRTHPLACE: The Kane estate in Ishgard

NATIONALITY: Ishgardian and Sharlayan

PATRON DEITY: None

FEARS: Losing everything

relationships ––– -

SPOUSE: None

Children: None that he's aware of

PARENTS: Silas Sr & Aliette Kane

SIBLINGS: Two older twin brothers that he's aware of and a younger brother and sister that he's not aware of

OTHER RELATIVES: [ Open to pre-established relationships ]

ACQUAINTANCES/FRIENDS: Chione Eirwen [ @chioneeirwen ], Umari Kisne [ @umari-xiv ], Sybil Kisne [ @sybil-xiv ], Vahalia Cress [ @vahalia-cress ]

"PETS": The Right and Left Hand

traits ––– -

extroverted / introverted / in between.

disorganized / organized / in between.

close minded / open-minded / in between.

calm / anxious / in between.

disagreeable / agreeable / in between.

cautious / reckless / in between.

patient / impatient / in between.

outspoken / reserved / in between.

leader / follower / in between.

empathetic / unemphatic / in between.

optimistic / pessimistic / in between.

traditional / modern / in between.

hard-working / lazy / in between.

cultured / un-cultured / in between.

loyal / disloyal / unknown / in between.

faithful / unfaithful / unknown / in between.

additional information ––– –

SMOKING HABIT: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess

[arbiterofthedead]

Screaming Abyss - Futures Untold

Change was cresting over the horizon, a darkened cloud that blotted out light that tried to pierce through the dark, he knew well that sitting idle was no longer an option.

The world was shifting swiftly and he recognized that even someone such as himself could not be left behind in such a way. A more direct hand was needed and he was more than willing to reach out and take a firm grasp upon his destiny.

There was much to do and very little time, contacts to strengthen and communities to dip his toes into, the foundations for an active future had to be set down and he would do whatever he could to pursue these ends.

With dark codex in hand and his blades strapped to his back he would venture from the place in which he continually lay his head to venture forth into this changing world. Much had to be done, but his first venture would take him to meet with an old contact of his.

One to whom he had gifted a minor codex for her own personal use, a codex of things that were not as dangerous as some of the darker secrets he kept, but more dangerous than minor traditional magics. A branch extended and a branch taken...now came time to collect.

@vahalia-cress-ffxiv (the super secret contact)

[chioneeirwen]

Mourning...

On a brief intermission in her search for men hired for her factory, Chione had arrived home after a long and stressful day when her parents had approached her with a missive addressed to them all, with Penelope standing at their mother’s side. The solemn looks on their faces, Pen’s cheeks tinged red, and her hazel eyes puffy and swollen. She hands the missive to Chione gingerly—a look of confusion displayed as she gently took the note from her sister. Opening the missive, the wax seal, the familiar hue of forest green, and a small snake in the center– this was from her cousin, Vahalia. 

“You might want to take a seat, Chione... This is a hard missive to read…” Her mother spoke softly, trying to coax her eldest daughter into sitting on the grand stairs in the center of the foyer. With a slight nod, the petite woman slowly walked to the stairs, removing her blades from her sides before planting herself on the stairs. A heavy sigh escaped her mouth as the rest of the Eirwen family huddled around her. With hesitancy, she slowly peeled the seal away, seeing the letter was already opened, and began to read the letter from her kin. As she read, her brows furrowed, and her hand met her mouth in shock. 

No… 

Chione turned to look at her sister, who had begun to cry again and pulled her into a tight embrace—knowing that the two were practically inseparable when they were together. Sobs racked both of their bodies as the realization that Valeria was deceased seeped into her brain. No… This can’t be happening… Not Valeria…

The tears burned her waterline as she held her baby sister close, Cora and Beau, in the embrace, as well as they held their daughters close, trying to ease at least an ounce of pain from them. Chione’s body shook with rage and heartbreak. She knew that Valeria had barely any chance to live the life that she deserved, and at the age of 29, it hardly seemed fair that her life was robbed of her.

After their parents left the two alone, Chione and Penelope both escaped the publicity of the main stairwell and took refuge in Chione’s quarters, where the two both sat and wrote to Vahalia that they would both be in attendance for her sister’s Last Rites and funeral. The last thing that Chione had expected was the death of her kin. She loved Valeria with everything she had and had always enjoyed the little knick knacks she would show her and tell her the stories of each piece. 

Little did the champagne-haired woman realize that all of those small and tedious stories would be the only thing she had left of her dear cousin. Memories would be the only thing she’d bring to light and perhaps one day tell her children that her cousin was a remarkable woman whose life was taken– robbed from her. Chione planned to see Vahalia soon, but not under these circumstances. With a sigh, Penelope looked up, and with a slight bow of her head, she left her sister with her thoughts as she clutched the sealed missive that was to be sent out at dawn the next sunrise. 

Mourning… was not something that Chione was ready for, especially with it hitting immensely close to home. Tapping the desk before her, she wrote to Vahalia for the first time in what felt like years, but not as the cute pen-pal they both been to each other before. But as a sympathetic and loving letter. Giving Vahalia the knowledge that she could call on Chione whenever needed. 

Sealing the letter, the blue wax still hot as it met paper, the sealer pressed to seal its contents inside, she left the letter on her desk and met her bed for the night. She hardly expected sleep to take her that night. 

Mentioned: @vahalia-cress

[osric-giroux-ffxiv]

Rouse

Perhaps it was the news, the events of the evening, or perhaps it was simply knowing that what waited for him was a cold empty house…whatever the cause, Osric chose to take the long route home from the city proper, ignoring the biting cold and the icy winds as his mind wandered.

Of all the individuals present within the Cress estate during the six months he had lived there, one of the few who he had never had a conflict with had been Valeria. 

He’d found her to be a kind and comforting presence - their few conversations and interactions had never felt forced or awkward…a rarity for him. 

And now she was gone. 

Gone before Idahlia and Evran would get the opportunity to know her, to spend time with her. 

Gone in an act of revenge that came as a result of an act of revenge. And the answer was to enact revenge on those who had perpetrated the act.

He wanted those responsible held accountable as much as everyone who had been present in that room - and he knew how anger and grief could cloud one’s judgment. 

How many times had he acted impulsively and the result was harm to those he loved, those he wanted to protect the most, because he was grieving, because he was angry, because he was hurt? 

What was needed now was surgical precision. Clear thinking. 

Answers. 

To grieve was not weakness - if anything it might be the most difficult thing any of them had to do.

There was howling in the distance, and Osric looked up - seeing three silhouettes approaching. Vidar first - as was often the case, followed by Tyr and Freyja. Each wolf took a moment to sniff his hand - which he outstretched towards them, before rubbing up against him gently and then began to walk with him. 

Vahalia had asked him at one point what he might have done, had it been Edalene…and truthfully, he would have responded in much the way she had. 

And would have hoped that someone - anyone - would have been present to keep his head above water so that the grief, the anger, the hatred might not drown him.

It might not have been his duty anymore - but Vahalia was the mother of his children, Valeria had been their aunt - they were family. 

And there was nothing he would not do for those that were important to him.

He reached his hands out, running his fingers through the fur of Tyr and Freyja, Vidar glancing back towards him briefly. “Rest up…we’ve work to do tomorrow. And this prey I’ve a vested interest in catching.”

[the-sycophant]

What aesthetic colour are you?

dusty rose My friend, you are hella aesthetic. Everything about you is thoughtful and intentional, from the way you present yourself to the way you've constructed your space. You'd probably make the most impressive cakes. You have a few close relationships that you've poured yourself into, and you both value the little every-day moments you have together. That said, sometimes you get a bit lost in the details and forget to take a holistic look at your life. Who have you left behind? Are you happy, or do you just look it? Remember to have an honest check-in with yourself sometimes. ----- (ominious) Prompt || [What Aesthetic Color Are You?] Tagged by (ty!!) || @vahalia-cress & @osric-giroux-ffxiv Tagging || You you and you! I thought I had done this before but...oh well

[stalwart-spirit]

art | biography | business | chick lit | children’s | classics | comics | contemporary | cookbooks | crime | fantasy | fiction | gay and lesbian | graphic novels | historical fiction | history | horror | humor and comedy | memoir | music | mystery | nonfiction | paranormal | philosophy | poetry | psychology | religion | romance | science | science fiction | self help | suspense | spirituality | sports | thriller | travel | young adult | warfare

BOLD genres your character reads. Italicize genres your character occasionally peruses.

art | biography | business | chick lit | children’s | classics | comics | contemporary | cookbooks | crime | fantasy | fiction | gay and lesbian | graphic novels | historical fiction | history | horror | humor and comedy | memoir | music | mystery | nonfiction | paranormal | philosophy | poetry | psychology | religion | romance | science | science fiction | self help | suspense | spirituality | sports | thriller | travel | young adult | warfare

BOLD genres your character reads. Italicize genres your character occasionally peruses.

art | biography | business | chick lit | children’s | classics | comics | contemporary | cookbooks | crime | fantasy | fiction | gay and lesbian | graphic novels | historical fiction | history | horror | humor and comedy | memoir | music | mystery | nonfiction | paranormal | philosophy | poetry | psychology | religion | romance | science | science fiction | self help | suspense | spirituality | sports | thriller | travel | young adult | warfare

BOLD genres your character reads. Italicize genres your character occasionally peruses.

art | biography | business | chick lit | children’s | classics | comics | contemporary | cookbooks | crime | fantasy | fiction | gay and lesbian | graphic novels | historical fiction | history | horror | humor and comedy | memoir | music | mystery | nonfiction | paranormal | philosophy | poetry | psychology | religion | romance | science | science fiction | self help | suspense | spirituality | sports | thriller | travel | young adult | warfare

BOLD genres your character reads. Italicize genres your character occasionally peruses.

Tagged by @sundered-souls, thank you hun! <3

Tagging: @mimble-sparklepudding, @abalathia, @vahalia-cress, @neriyon and @sjofn-lofnsdottr! I'm just tagging at random from my notifications don't look at me--

[vahalia-cress]

⸸ The Inevitable ⸸

Melee/Tournament: DAY 1 @daily-writing-challenge

The breeze in the cabin was cool, something more akin to what she was used to as Vahalia stood looking out over the deep water to observe the ships that could not make port. There were vibrant specks of lights that danced over the ripples and the moon hung above the waters stealing the blanket of night from pure and utter darkness. Not too far off The Red Queen remained, partially one of the few things Vahalia had traveled to Tural for but she would have to be patient.

There was a plan and it had been set in motion for weeks, however, she, Cordelia, Castien, and Wren would have to execute each with care and precision.

Just a year ago she had been in Ishgard partaking in events, jousting tournaments and soirees, a melee of political discussions and meetings that captured her attention. Now, she was leagues away from the comforts of the frigid city she called home.

Could she ever truly consider it a place of respite?

She was born there, grew up there, had family there and it was a place of familiarity but deep down the nagging sensation of more harkened to her. Ishgard was a placeholder, another hole to which her ancestors simply fled. 

Idalia stirred quietly in the bassenette at the other end of the room with Evran still indulging in his cozy slumber. And it was the roaming shadow in the room from the furthest recess that eventually traveled in Vahalia’s direction, the curling whisps of shadows spilled along the floor as Creature materialized behind her, the entity fully unexpurgated as it loomed high above her as Creature often did. His size was nearly immeasurable in some circumstances.

“We leave at dawn.” Vahalia finally spoke, her eyes drifting over the horizon of the hellish depths of the sea before them, her attention now pinning on the location of The Sea Scorpion and the small boats that peppered the roil of slow waves, lights growing ever closer as she knew it to be the mounts they were transporting swiftly from the vessel.

“𝔚𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔡𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔰𝔨 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔢?” the haunting voice chittered.

“Nothing short of a perfect performance.”

“ℌ𝔬𝔰𝔱 𝔪𝔢.” The reply from Creature came swiftly and eagerly, his large eyes turned towards Vahalia and a heavy chill rested on the mantle of her attire.

“In due course.” she offered, her hand diving into the pocket of her robe as she procured a silken cloth, fractures of sapphire resting in the slope of her palm as she unwrapped it and showed Creature to her left, “I need you to track the person this belonged to. This will be your current goal.”

The cacophony of sounds, voices, and hissing was expelled and soon died down as Creature boughed to sniff at the essence of the broken pieces nestled into the cloth, “𝔄𝔥…” he cooed seemingly pleased, “ℑ𝔱 𝔦𝔰 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔱 𝔟𝔲𝔱 𝔭𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯𝔣𝔲𝔩.”

“It’s of another Magi. I’ve never been acquainted with what they are capable of aside from deceit but we will find out just how much of a battle this might become. 

“𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔰𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔬𝔣 𝔞𝔢𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰.” he warned her as he dipped his head lower to inspect the pieces, tongue slicking out to rove over the sharp edges and an insatiable sound emitted, hunger striking his core.

“As much as I have suspected. This belonged to another though I cannot tell if it is a regular gem or a soulstone. In any event, much will be expected of you and you will be required to participate in the hunt.”

“𝔄𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔲𝔰, ℑ 𝔞𝔯𝔡𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔩𝔶 𝔞𝔴𝔞𝔦𝔱 𝔰𝔲𝔠𝔥 𝔞 𝔱𝔞𝔰𝔨. 𝔖𝔲𝔠𝔥 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔠𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔶 𝔯𝔢𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔡.” he warned.

A crimson smirk split Vahalia’s lips, a dimple pinned into her cheek as she regarded her familiar with a glint in her sharp eyes, “Since when have you known me not to give to those deserving of praise?” Silence lingered and Vahalia tucked the cloth-covered pieces back to where she had procured them from, “You’ll get your piece and you will be deserving of it should all go without fail.”

[luck-and-larceny]

The (Anti?)Hero's Aspect - Malika Bajihri

( BOLD always or almost always applies  | |   italics are situational or occasional )

accepting | adventurous | altruistic | amiable | benevolent | bold | brave | caring | charitable | cheerful | chivalrous | compassionate | courageous | courteous | courtly | daring | decent | disciplined | doughty | dutiful | dynamic | empathetic | energetic | enthusiastic | erudite | fair-minded | faithful | fearless | forthright | gallant | generous | genuine | gritty | graceful | gracious | gutsy | happy | honest | honourable | incorruptible | innocent | intelligent | intrepid | jovial | judicious | just | kind | knowledgeable | likable | lionhearted | loyal | loving | magnanimous | merciful | mighty | mild | moral | nice | noble | non-judgemental | obliging | open-minded | orderly | philanthropic | polite | principled | proper | quick-thinking | quick-witted | quixotic | rational | realistic | refined | reasonable | reconciliatory | reliable | sagacious | saintly | seemly | shrewd | self-reliant | self-sacrificing | sensitive | smart | sophisticated | spirited | stalwart | steadfast | stoic | strong | suave | sympathetic | teetotal | tenacious | thoughtful | tireless | tolerant | tough | trustworthy | unassuming | uncomplaining | understanding | unflappable | unyielding | useful | valiant | virtuous | vigilant | warm-hearted | whimsical | wise | witty | worthy | xenacious | xenophilic | yielding | zealful Sooooo, yeah. Not especially heroic. She's fun though? I know it doesn't say anything about striking through any words, but some of these just really need to be marked for how not her they are.

Tagged by @faustinebellamy (thank you! I'll do this for all my alts later too~)

Tagging: @dumb-hat, @zhauric, @tough-bit-of-fluff, @simplysoriya, @unabashedrebel, @rylen-ashworth, @fair-fae, @sasslett, @vahalia-cress-ffxiv, @archaiclumina, @its-the-val-pal, @musesofawolf, @amorthonblackwood, and yoooooou! I tried not to add people I've already seen tagged (besides dumb-hat who has to deal with it), but if you have already been tagged or have already done this I'm sorry!

[dreadful-tales-xiv]

The Bastard, Captain Voss

the basics ––– –

NAME: Voss

Full Name/ Alias: Vosseryn Baine Thorne / The Bastard Wolf

AGE: Adult

BIRTHDAY: 25th Sun of the third Umbral Moon

RACE: Viera/ Hyur

GENDER: Male

SEXUALITY: Straight

MARITAL STATUS: Single

SERVER & DC: Crystal, Balmung

physical appearance ––– –

HAIR: Dark brown with honey highlights

EYES: Hazel

HEIGHT: Slightly above max height Viera

BUILD: Built and slim

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: Blackout tattoos with splashes of colors.

COMMON ACCESSORIES: When dressed up usually is wearing a necklace with a vial of blood. On his more comfy days usually wearing various leather bracelets.

personal ––– –

PROFESSION: Captain of The Dreadful Howl, Professional fighter, Part time Assassin,

HOBBIES: Sparring to keep himself in good shape, drinking, being someone's pain in the ass, traveling, painting, playing the piano,

LANGUAGES: Multiple languages to conduct business with others

RESIDENCE: Nomadic

BIRTHPLACE: Skatay Range

NATIONALITY: Veena/ Midlander

PATRON DEITY: Llymlaen

FEARS: Failing those he considers family or friends, Losing his kitten

relationships ––– -

SPOUSE: In a situation-ship with V'shesre Bhisa

Children: None

PARENTS: Never knew anything about them.

SIBLINGS: None

OTHER RELATIVES: [ Open to pre-established relationships ]

ACQUAINTANCES/FRIENDS: Umari Kisne, Sybil Kisne, V'shesre Bhisa, Vyanli Bhisa, Oricila Blythe, @hex-xiv , @vahalia-cress , Valeria Cress.

"PETS": Vilkas (Wolf) Oni (Snake)

traits ––– -

extroverted / introverted / in between.

disorganized / organized / in between.

close minded / open-minded / in between.

calm / anxious / in between.

disagreeable / agreeable / in between.

cautious / reckless / in between.

patient / impatient / in between.

outspoken / reserved / in between.

leader / follower / in between.

empathetic / unemphatic / in between.

optimistic / pessimistic / in between.

traditional / modern / in between.

hard-working / lazy / in between.

cultured / un-cultured / in between.

loyal / disloyal / unknown / in between.

faithful / unfaithful / unknown / in between.

additional information ––– –

SMOKING HABIT: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess

[promethea-silk]

FFxivWrite2024

Prompt #2: Horizon

[ tw: mentions of blood]

The sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore was muffled and distant in her ears despite the ocean being within range of being able to reach out and touch. Long passed the carried out vengeance that Cordelia and Vahalia had journeyed to Tural for. The woman, their target, nothing but a few scattered bones on the rocks that overlooked the beach before them. Even still, the anger burned inside her, leaving a hollowed out piece that seemed to grow the longer she mused on the thought. No more was she burned by the loss of her trade goods and extensive reagents siphoned off by Ophelia and her crew, now was the lingering aggravation that she hadn't seen the man coming.

She had been thankful for the adrenaline that was already coursing through her when the blade pierced through her chest, the pain only came much later. Even more, she had been thankful for Vahalia. Her sister.

The day prior to the group leaving Tuliyolal, there had been a moment where Cordelia had reassured Ricard; blood protects blood. She had trusted Vahalia up to this point, she knew her family was integral to her but there had been that small bit of her mind that wandered if the Cress Matriarch had truly accepted Cordelia as her sister, even if bastardly and without name. There was no longer doubt and until Vahalia gave her reason to consider otherwise, there never would be.

Her mind was far away, thinking back to the moment she anticipated her demise, her failure, as she stood with her feet in the sand while the small waves kissed the tips of her boots. The deed had been done, Ophelia paid for her transgressions against House Cress, as a whole, directly and indirectly. The woman's blood now dried on Cordelia's hands and arms, though there were places that remained tacky. She honed her gaze on the horizon, the stars twinkling in the night sky.

Blood protects blood, and by blood that pact has been made. Their paths had been vastly differing but now they fully came together as sisters and Cordelia wholeheartedly was willing to accept that finally.

She looked down to her dirtied hands, eventually bending at the knees to kneel into the sand. She sat there, leaning forward slightly as she simply allowed the waves to wash over her arms, erasing as much of the remaining blood on her skin as possible. The others were waiting for her to finish the return to the city, she was in need of a healer and rest, they all deserved the rest.

[Mentions: @vahalia-cress]

[edalene-slater-ffxiv]

DWC Day 1 Party/Chill- November 2023

There’d been no celebration for the ‘official’ date marking the union of her brother to Vahalia Cress. 

The way it had been described to her - in passing by Wyland the day of, as she had been gathering her things in preparation to leave the Slater estate per her brother’s request - it had been a rather straightforward affair. Simply signing of papers and a confirmation of the agreement that both parties had settled on. 

There was no grand fanfare, no pomp and circumstance, it was nothing short of a business transaction. 

How very fitting. 

It had been, after all, her brother’s choice to pursue the union. He’d been given every opportunity to exit the arrangement and he had continued to follow the course. 

Edalene adjusted the eyepatch over her left eye socket self-consciously before quickly crossing her arms loosely over her chest, pressing her back to the nearest wall. She’d been hypervigilant prior to losing the eye - but since losing the eye the tendency to be aware of her surroundings had only been heightened - a habit that was both a blessing and curse, particularly when she had to visit the house that was the same place where she had lost the eye. 

The Cress Estate. 

And knowing this, knowing that she had walked into what was supposed to be a conversation, simply a meeting with two fully functioning eyes and had walked out with only one and an injury that went beyond the physical,  her brother had still made the choice to continue with his decided course. 

Because what could possibly be more important? 

He had signed the papers. 

Abolished their house. Signed over all their assets.

Married Vahalia Cress. 

She hadn’t spoken to him since prior to the ‘wedding’, if one could call it that - though she’d spoken to his new wife, hence why she stood in the front hall of the Cress Estate - waiting on the final set of shipping manifests before she could depart from Ishgard for Blackwater and the Sirensong. 

Edalene’s eye shifted at the sound of approaching footsteps as one of the attendants - Marion, moved towards her with a folder, which Edalene took with a small smile and a nod, eager to be out of the estate. She’d rather deal with the chill than remain in the building any longer than necessary. 

With shipping manifests in hand she had a transport to catch - it was time to be away from Ishgard for a while and leave her brother to his choices. She’d had enough of the cold for a while.

@daily-writing-challenge