#amarotine wol

[ainarosewood]

FFXIVWrite2020 Writing Challenge-Day 10

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast​ @ffxiv-writers​

Prompt-Avail

So this has been inspired by the seventh story in Tales from the Shadows.  So placed beneath the cut for 5.3 spoilers and spoilers for said story.  This is about my WoL Aina as an the Amarotine Elpis (Greek Spirit of Hope.  Fitting imo for the WoL)

Grapes

Elpis strode into the Bureau of the Architect heading strait for the secretary that took business for the chief.

As she approached the woman straightened and gave a welcome smile, "What brings you here today Azem?"

"Could I have a word with the Chief please." she responded hiding her annoyance at the woman using her title instead of her given name.  Elpis knew it came with taking the seat but it was tiring how many called her that despite of her insistence otherwise.

The woman got up and disappeared for a moment heading to where Elpis knew was Hythlodaeus's office.

It took but a span of a breath before the woman returned and led Elpis to him.

"Elpis, " he said cheerfully, "Which world shattering concept do you need this time?"

The woman gave him a huge smile, of course he'd remember her preference for address.  She then sobered and said, "Ifrita"

She knew behind his mask Hyth's eyes widened in surprise, "Lahabrea's masterwork....what...."

Elpis removed her mask letting him see her concerned features, "There is an isolated island that is having unusual aetheric activity and an eruption of its volcano is eminent.  I plan to use Ifrita to prevent it."

Hyth touched his chin for a moment contemplating before asking, "Can I ask why?  Incidents like that are a part of the nature of the star...."

"Because some of the islanders would rather it didn't happen and they lose their life’s work to the whims of nature.  There is but one crop on the island an unusual variety of grapes unlike any other and it is the only place they grow.  The villagers have literally cultivated them their entire life to obtain a very rare and tasty variety."  she explained.

He grinned, "Well then of course you can avail yourself to Ifrita.  After all the concepts within these walls are intended for the benefit of this star and its people."

She replaced her mask and gave him a grateful smile, "Thank you Hyth, I'll also need one of my own concepts....one strong enough to defeat Ifrita once it aborbs all of the excess aether."

Hyth nodded then snapped his fingers, "I know just the one, oh and your most current concept has been approved.  I dare say it should aid you in travel  though I still have my doubts on its flight capability."

She gave him an impish grin stating, "Oh it can fly despite its appearances."

Hyth shrugged then motioned for her to follow as the both of them entered the restricted section of the Bureau.  Moments later she exited the building with three of the concept containment crystals in hand.  Two much larger than the other and radiating their respective aethers.

Just before she left he called, "Do bring some of those grapes back with you upon your return. I'd like to give them a try and some for Hades too."

She gave him a laugh and nodded, "Aye, I will for otherwise he'd never let us hear the end of it right."

Elpis knew Hades would probably have some choice words with them anyway when this was all said and done.  Sometimes the man was too dour for his own good.

Once outside she focused on the smaller crystal calling forth the concept inscribed within.  In a burst of aether a avian shaped magic appeared.  

It was taller than her and stood on a pair of three toed feet at the end of long powerful legs.  Yellow feathers coated its entire body and set of stubby wings graced its flanks. The concept had a beak that took up most of its head.  Chocolate colored eyes stared at her and deep down she wished that it could be a living being instead of a simple spell if it was she imagined the eye would be warm and expressive.  On its back was a saddle that held multiple bags which she put each of the other crystals on opposite sides of its flanks.

As she swung astride it she heard, "Azem?"

Turning she saw Elidibus the boy looking at her and the new concept a curious look in his eyes, "Off on another journey I presume and with such an unusual mount....."

She gave the young man a smile and nodded, "Concept of my own design actually.  Just got final approval.  And yes, I am off to save that island from its destruction."

Elidibus's eyes widened in shock and he blurted without thinking, "How?"

"I plan on using Ifrita to syphon away the excess aether and disperse it harmlessly elsewhere sparing the island."

"Why?" the young man asked curious

"Because the grapes grown on that isle are particularly delicious." she responded distractedly her mind swirling with plans and estimations.  

Swinging into the saddle she added, "Now if you'll excuse me I'd best be off there isn't  much time."

With that she urged the bird into a leap its small wings flapping swiftly to keep herself and it airborne.  Once in the air she activated  a teleportation spell and brought herself to said island landing at the base of the smoking volcano.

Reaching into the saddle bag she pulled forth one of the crystals the one containing Ifrita and intoned, "Mighty Ifrita, spirit of fire and destruction come forth."

A gout of flame burst from the crystal and turned into a vortex before her that coalesced into a large shape.  Goat horns swept back gracefully from the brow of the creature.  It was sinewy and scaled resembling an upright salamander in appearance.  Embers glowed in place of its eyes as it turned toward her.

Immense heat radiated off the the spirit and it almost took Elpis's breath away as she commanded it to absorb the surrounding aether.  Her focus was solely on controlling the creature for it was apparent to her that the slightest lapse in concentration would allow it to run rampant.

Once its task was done the mountain ceased to smoke.  It was a struggle but she managed to call the creature back into the crystal.  That  was overtly straining under the pressure of the spirit.  Swiftly she remounted her avian concept and teleported herself and it far out to see in a remote area with a single small island.

Once there she threw Ifrita's crystal down as it was begning to crack under the immense inferno within it.  Once again the spirit rose roaring in defiance as it manifested.  With out hesitation she pulled the other crystal from the bag grateful that Hyth had chosen her most powerful concept.  It was definitely going to be needed given what she currently faced.

"Child of the sea and stream.  Spirit of water, Kelpie come forth."  she called holding the crystal in her palm.

Moments later the sea surrounding the island appeared to take the shape of a colossal scaled horse.  She then willed it to deal with Ifrita.  The two titans clashed on the tiny island at first her concept seeming to not be enough.  She kept channeling aether to her creation in hopes of turning the tide.  Then just when all seemed lost Kelpie surrounded Ifrita in a vortex of water dragging the spirit to the depths snuffing it out.

All was calm for a moment then the island seemed to begin to shake.  Swiftly Elpis urged her mount higher and away just in time as the island split open and magma began spewing forth.  

Holding out her crystal once more and called upon the aether of her Kelpie concept drawing back within containment.  

Once Kelpie was safely stored away Elpis sensed out to see if aught of Ifrita remained.  From what she could sense it was not the case.  Its battle with Kelpie and the birth of the new volcano seemed to have dispersed its aether back into the River of the Underworld.

A good thing too, she thought grimly, Lahabrea needs to temper his creations a bit. That was by far to wild.

Elpis knew it had been a near thing once Ifrita had absorbed all of that aether.  Its power amplified it had sought to escape its containment sooner than she had anticipated fortunately she was always swift to act so it had not ended in disaster as it could have.

Now to return to the village of Baccus and inform them of the good news, and to get the grapes. she said to herself teleporting yet again.

************************************************

"Join us Hades," Hyth called cheerfully waving him over to where he sat along with Elpis who was leaning against a very odd concept.  In front of them was a basket piled high with grapes.

Shaking his head he strode over and flopped down next to the pair stating sarcastically, "I take it then your plan was a success?"

Elpis nodded, "Worked exactly like I'd hoped, though Lalabrea should learn to put some restraint in his concepts...it was no easy task putting it down.  My concept of a water spirit was almost not enough."

Hades snorted, "This coming from the woman who saved an entire island because the grapes tasted good."  At her confused look he continued, "Least that is what you told Elidibus."

"That was it...." she began, "Hmm I was in a bit of a hurry so I might not have fully explained."

Hyth let out a laugh at that and popped one of said grapes in his mouth, "I for one say if that had been reason alone it would have been enough."

Hades shook his head, "Honestly I swear the two of you don't take your positions nearly as serious as you should."

"Your wrong Hades," Elpis stated looking him square in the eye green catching gold, "I take my seat very serious.  What I had left out was the people of the island had spent their entire lives cultivating these grapes.  It is the only place where you can find them.  And they asked me to save their life’s work from certain doom."

Hades blinked a moment then said, "Forgive me then, my friend.  Though had you explained it like that to Elidibus I never would have said what I said."

She gave a sheepish grin, "I was mentally going over all I needed to do and trying to estimate how much time I had when he asked me that and I must have forgotten to give him the full explanation,"

Hades sighed in exasperation, sometimes the woman was as flightly as her favorite feathered friends.

"Hyth," he stated, "Hand me some of those and let me see if they are actually worth all of the aggravation its going to cause listen to Lahabrea whine about losing his 'masterwork."

As the man obliged him handing him large stem filled with the grapes he turned to Elpis stating, "And I won't be listening to it alone.  You will explain to him the full of why you needed Ifrita."

As he popped one of the grapes in his mouth she sighed and nodded.  He felt a grim sense of sastifaction at that and he did have to admit these were tasty.

[thebratcat]

POST MSQ Endwalker flailings under the cut

SPOILERS

SPOILERS 

SPOILERS

so.

That was certainly an Expansion huh?

I knew everything would be fine, I knew they wouldn’t let this world they created be destroyed. It seemed so outside of their design scope to do so. But at the same time, every now and then I remembered that hey, they did it once... what if?

By the same token I felt fairly secure throughout the journey that our friends would be OK. Ishikawa doesn’t dole out cruelty for cruelty's sake with character death.

Once reaching endgame and suddenly without fanfare loosing Thancred I thought, nah, no way we’d loose him forever just like that. and I kept telling myself this as they left us one by one.

Queue Y’shtola being an absolute badass. Misto loves his Miqo’te family in the Scions

I think it was my old fear of loosing G’raha in Shadowbringers that started me crying. That what if, what if...?

Then he goes and gets me right in one of my weaknesses by empathising with a machine and I just lost it.

I knew the twins were going to leave then too. I knew it was coming and I was dreading it and having to keep telling myself we’re obviously going to get them back, there’s nothing to worry about. But man I love those kids and the writers know I love those kids.

and then this man comes in

This man comes in and freaking ruins me with his god damn face journeys of love for WoL and god damnit you sad Xemnas looking mfer how dare you make me love you so damn much??? I was a sobbing mess throughout.

I am weak for a story about love. So bloody weak when it is love that defeats the threat in the end. The trope of “Kill everyone to spare them from suffering” is the thing that has existed before, I don’t care, it’s pulled off with love and with grace. No one can tell me we didn’t pull Meteion into a hug and tell her it’s going to be ok, that she can exist outside of suffering and loss and despair.

In the end I’m still juggling ideas about how to make Misto fit as a WoL. There were many times throughout the story that I was thinking about other peoples WoLs and how things happening fit their themes and their characters in an affectionate way.

I do know that I am very into my Blue boy and how his colouring has worked thematically. How the game keeps coming back to water and oceans which he is interconnected with. I’m still tempted to have Omega be part of his team which is fun to think about with their creators showing up.

Of coarse I can’t end without mentioning Hyth-of-the-gender-goals being so pretty and an absolute delight. Yes. Very much in the Amarotine Power Trio love pile.

And I can’t leave out Venat, who won me over despite my cynicism going in. Speaking of making me cry I love that this series allows for a second time for you to call out to someone you care about by their name, possibly for the first time in hundreds of years of them being referred to only as a title, as a role they have put themselves into for the greater good, that you can call out to them as the person they have always been and they give you this look and it breaks my heart every damn time.

Boy was this an expansion.

[higharollakockamamie]

It occurs to me that either Emet-Selch was lying when he said he expected the WoL to have transformed into a Sin Eater before making it to Amaurot, or he was prepared for: 

Warrior of Light, transformed into a mindless slavering beast: “SKRAAAAAWWWW!”

Amarotine clerk: “Yes, you’re number 47. Have a seat over there, please.”

Warrior of Light, perched on chair with back issue of Golf Digest held delicately in claws: “Skraw.”

[ainarosewood]

Prompt # 30 Darkness Preserving Life

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast

This is another one of my Character Aylis as the Amourtine Persephone its a continuation of fury-solutions .  It also explains my headcanon about the echo and how it is tied to Hydaelyn.(for I have always held that it and the blessing of light are two separate powers tied but separate)  Shb Spoilers beneath the cut.

Persephone took a breath and focused if she had done it correctly the concept of the Echo correctly it should enact right away.  It did in an instant she found herself one with the current of the Underworld.  

She could hear its song which should have been harmonious screaming in discordant notes crying out for help.  She could feel the aetherial flow warped and twisted beyond recognition.  Tied in thousands of gnarled tangles that writhed to be loosed to follow their destine path once more.

As she sensed all of this she thought about what could be the root cause and in a flash it all became clear.  The creation magics, the magics her people prided themselves upon these were what was leading their world to destruction.  In their hubris and carelessness they had unwound the very aetheric laws that made their world….and there was no fixing this.  

Her attunement was so complete that she saw it clear as day.  The Convocation’s solution, the summoning of their god Zodiark and the subsequent call of those who apposed it to Hydaelyn had been the death knell for their star.  The sheer amount of aether used to construct those beings tore what little of the firmament of aetherial law that remained.  Now two aetheric powers attempted to via for dominion over all of the star.  Darkness and Light alone, umbral and astral power.  The other elements were ceasing to exist due to the over inundation of these two titanic beings.

Persephone began to weep as she realized this, she had been right these deific beings were not the solution they were their doom.  Something had to be done, she had to find a way to save the star.

Child of Amarout, gifted creator, heed me for all is not lost….. a voice drifted toward her on the aetherial flow.

She sensed toward the voice and found herself near Hydaelyn.  Wary of what it could do she kept her distance.  

Fear not child, I am Hydaelyn all made one.  The souls of thy comrades freely given to save themselves from the dark one

Persephone boldly stated, “I sense what you are Hydaelyn and I will not be bound to some beings whim”

I will not bind thee to me child, I wish to beseech thee for aid.

Persephone’s eyes widened in surprise and she got the sense that even if the being tried it could not bind her to it.  That was an interesting side effect that she hadn’t thought would happen with the Echo.  It was intended to solely be a means to better attune with the aether.  “How could I aid you?”

The dark ones power and my own are destroying thy star.  If it is allowed to continue it will bring about a cessation of all life.  Action must be taken.

“And you need me to do this in your stead for if you were to do it on your own the balance that is already skewed will simply shift to light destroying all life.  And if you were to fail it would shift to darkness and also destroy all life.”

Just so creator, in order to restore the balance of life both the dark one and I must be destroyed.

“But that would hasten the fall of the star you both are now inexorably tied to it due to the foolish actions of those who wanted a quick solution instead of understanding the consequence of their action.”  the Amourtine countered.

The star may fall but life will continue child, in this destruction new life will be born and the flow start anew untainted completely by the dark one’s and my power.

"Though both of your powers will still be there,” Persephone argued her newfound awareness with the Echo giving insights she never dreamed possible.  But this concept attuned her to the aether so completely that she was beginning to fully understand its workings.

That is true child, but our power shalt ever be with in the flow of life now for we are tied to it as art thou and thy kindred.

Persephone closed her eyes contemplating the entities words.  If naught were to be done the star would die for eventually one or the other of these beings would be in sole control.  Causing either a void of light or darkness depending on who prevailed.  Were she to do this however her star, her people would be destroyed but in doing so life would be preserved.  

She opened her eyes staring at the sky fractured and fragmented tendrils of light and dark warring with one another and she made her choice, “I will aid you Hydaelyn, for to do nothing will bring about the cessation of all life and someone must answer for our hubris.  I only hope that those that come after do not follow our foolish path.”

Accept my power then child bring it to the dark one and unleash it fully in his presence.

With that the light around began flowing to her filling her being the darkness swelled around as the light left thinking it had triumphed.  Hydaelyn surrendered herself completetly into Persephone’s being until the Amroutine was a single beacon glowing in the stifling gloom.  Her feet moved of their own accord guiding her to the heart of where the darkness spread.  There Zodiark floated the Convocation all of them suffused with Zodiarks power.  They surrounded the being standing between her and it.

“Persephone what are you doing?” Hades snapped alarm filling him as he could see she glowed with the unatural power.

She looked at him suffused with Hydaelyn’s light stating, “What must be done to preserve life.”

With that she unleashed the full of the power onto the entity that they stood before Hades, Lahabrehea and Eledibus were thrown back from the strength of the aether and it slammed directly into Zodiark.  He screamed in rage as then light erupted all around them in a massive explosion which engufled all present.  

The last thing Persephone saw before she and the star fragmented was Hades, and the other two fleeing from the destruction in a portal of writhing shadow. Life must prevail she thought as her soul shatter scattering itself through out the river of aether.

[ainarosewood]

Prompt # 8 Fury Solutions

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast

Shb Spoilers below cut

*note* this is an original story I was inspired to do after finishing Akadaemia Aynder.  It is my WOL as an Amarotine.

She strode into the Capitol Building her mask barely hiding the rage seething in her blood.  One of the many minor bureaucrat’s motioned for her to stop an started to ask her purpose when she interrupted, “Where is Emet-Selch?”

Taken aback at her harsh tone he replied, “He and the rest of the Conclave are quite busy at the moment...”

“He can spare a single moment to speak.” she snarled, “Inform him Persephone is here and wishes to speak with him!”

The bureaucrat swallowed nervously then said, “I..will try madam but I wouldn't..”

She glared at him from beneath her mask and he stiffened then scuttled off as fast as his feet could carry him.

While she waited she seethed, this cannot be the answer, she thought to herself fiercely.  She knew so many put their hope in the Conclave’s plan but if the cost was truly what she had witnessed earlier it really couldn't be the right solution to the problem.

“Persphone my dear,” a voice languidly drawled though tinged with slight annoyance, “What could be so urgent that you had to scare the wits out of a gentlemen to insure he informed me of your presence.”

She turned seeing Hades striding up and said flatly, “You’ll want us to discuss this in private.”

He paused his surprise evident even beneath his mask as he then relplied, “Very well,” motioning her to follow him to his office.  As he closed the door he added, “I’m afraid I don't have much time there is much the Conclave need to do to prepare...”

“Did you receive any reports on what happened in the Akadaemia Aynder this morning?” she interrupted

“Aye...” he said slowly, “You and your fellows handled it admirably from what I saw it was all but glowing with praise for your efforts.”

She began shaking as she growled, “Did the reports mention what one of the researches did?”

“I recall a mention of an attempt to bring forth a version of the concept that the Conclaves been...”

“He sacrificed his life to call forth an entity do deal with the situation!” she snapped.

Hades swiftly removed his mask to look at her his golden eyes intense as he asked in an excited tone, “Did he succeed”

Persephone ripped her own mask off her green eyes filled with rage and she growled softly, “Aye he called forth his Quetzalcoatl! And it was just as wild and untamed as the other concepts that had already broke containment!” she was fully shaking now as she continued, “He summoned it forth to contain the madness that had consumed the halls but all it did was violently attack us till we destroyed it!”

“So it is possible....” he muttered his eyes lost in thought his tone eager.

“At what cost Hades?!” she shouted

Hades jerked in surprise at that and was shocked to see naught but fury and grief in her eyes.  “Do you not see...” he began, “The cost must be whatever it takes to save our people.” he was absolutely perplexed, “I figured you of all people...” 

She just stared at him her anger giving way to shock, “How may lives do you intend to sacrifice for this so called solution?”

“As many as it takes,” he snapped, “Sacrifices must be made, damn it this is a matter of survival!”

Sadness filled her eyes as she then asked, “And what happens when those sacrifices take away the very lives your are trying to save.”

He stared at her confused as if he didn't really even know her stating, “Persephone you of all people should understand. You risk yourself time and again to protect...”

Her eyes widened not exactly believing what she was hearing. “That's...entirely different I willingly choose to risk my life to ensure others are safe.  What your suggesting...this solution you all are purposing is expecting people to sacrifice themselves for something that might not even work.”

Anger clouded his face and he returned his mask stating coldly, “The decision has been made.  All that is left is to determine what preparations are necessary to accomplish the summoning.”

She then returned her own mask to her face and choked out, “There’s no dissuading you is there?”

He shook his head, “We are doing what me must to save our star.”

She then turned and made her way to the door saying, “Then I have nothing more to say to you.”

Pain filled his breast at her tone and more than a little fear, “What?”

“You’ve made your position clear on the matter.” she stated icily, “You clearly do not care for my concerns in this matter so were done.”

“Persphone….” he started

She just opened the door and walked out not even looking at him her mind whirling trying to find out another way that could save their people. She heard him calling her but she ignored it he had chosen his path and now she was choosing hers.

First we must understand the cause.  Only then can we find an appropriate solution She thought as she made her way to her home her heart heavy.

That evening she left Amarout behind seeking out the last city to have fallen hoping by seeing its destruction it could give her insight into what was causing their star to fall.