#chocobo writes

[mimble-sparklepudding]

10. Stable.

My chocobo got loose from her stable,

And to catch her I was quite unable,

For in spite of my labours,

She broke into the neighbours'

And ate all the fruit off their table.

[autumnslance]

FFXIV Write 2024: 23 On Cloud Nine

(730ish words of Shadowbringers and a Good Girl)

The stables in their stone home were very comfortable. The stablehands were friendly, there were plenty of adventurers and their mounts to meet—not always chocobos, but no accounting for taste. Great care was taken with the food and water, and there was no shortage of gysahl greens, krakka, or curiel roots. There were toys of all kinds, and a nice little meadow cleared out and reclaimed from the Gloomy Place’s blasted grounds for playtime.

Snowlight was at least content for the moment.

Some of the Scions would come to visit. The small ladies when they could, though they were Very Important And Busy. But the Bow Lady took Snowlight on rides around the lake, or up into the foothills leading toward the Frozen Place. She would let Snowlight gallop as fast as she could while the Bow Lady practiced firing from Snowlight’s back, and that was a lot of fun! They even tried flying a little when she did it, and Snowlight was very careful to not drop her person’s comrade.

Her person had asked Snowlight to wait patiently and be helpful to her friends. She had called Snowlight a good girl and kissed her beak and promised she wouldn’t be long, but wouldn’t be able to call to Snowlight where she had to go.

Snowlight had kweh’d and cuddled her person, who was worried about her friends, sleeping too still. Especially the Sneaky Man; her person liked him the most. And that was all right; he knew how to give proper scritches and what treats were best, and made her person happy. So Snowlight wanted him to wake up, along with the rest of the sleepers. They were all very nice and friends with Snowlight, too.

Her person had left some time ago, and the days turned to weeks turned to moons. Snowlight would have been more concerned, except for the pixie that visited her dreams, crooning about what a pretty bird she was and that her person was just fine.

It had been awhile since the pixie's last visit, though.

The day was like any other; gloomy aether filling the air and obscuring the sun. The stablehands stumbled in early regardless, yawning and joking, making sure everyone had breakfast and water. They took turns letting out some of the long term residents to muck out their stalls, a few adventurers coming to claim their companions. The small friend with the cat-ear hood came to visit Snowlight. She seemed very tired, and Snowlight wished she would get more rest. But she offered treats, and helped the stablehands lead Snowlight out with some others to the meadow to play. She had to leave after that, but that was fine, Snowlight was busy asserting her dominance at kickball against some sprout adventuring birds.

She had almost won when she stopped still on the field, the other chocobos cheering and fluttering as they scored. But the familiar pressure had suddenly returned, like one’s ears popping during a change in altitude.

She trembled, talons flexing into the dirt. Could it be…?

The whistle called to her, and she kweh’d joyously, using its signal and bit of crystal, joined to her own aether, to teleport.

Snowlight was hardly in the River at all when she popped back into the world, in the shadow of the Tower on the other side of the lake. Her person smiled brightly—and then oofed as Snowlight headbutt her in excitement, wings flapping wildly.

“I missed you, too!” her person laughed, burying her face in Snowlight’s feathery neck. There were strange scents and sensations from her person, indicating Things Had Happened. It was very odd that there was a whiff of the Sneaky Man among the new smells, when Snowlight was certain he still slept in the stone house, but she could figure that out later, what mattered now was that Snowlight’s person had returned!

Not like last time. This person had kept her promise.

“Let’s go, Snowlight. I’ve much to tell the others,” her person said, swinging up onto Snowlight’s back, even without a saddle or bridle. She scritched Snowlight’s neck in just the perfect way.

Snowlight kweh’d an agreement and took off—carefully!—for the stone home on the other shore. Her person hugged onto her back and it was the best thing ever, this was the best day ever.

Her person was home!

[koijikido]

🌀R U N (past)

Running. He had been running for so long. How long, he no longer knew. After he had left the mountains and stood on the hillside, Koiji had stared into the distance for a long time. Ignoring all his wounds, he had run as if pursued by the darkest shadow. And it wasn't even a lie. This dark shadow of horror, the smell of blood in the air, in the snow, burnt wood from afar, deep freezing silence and an icy biting cold wind. This deep red that had colored the white innocent sparkling snow in such a warm yet frightening color. Bodies, so cold and lifeless, faded and the breath of life that vanished.

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

Sobbing and crying, he shoveled away the snow. The young Viera was desperate, shocked, deeply frightened and broken. His trembling hands scraped over the cold, frozen ground that had been uncovered by the snow. Hard, too hard, he couldn't get through, he just couldn't get through! Uttering a loud, desperate scream, he hit the ground again and again, and cried, pressing his forehead against the cold ground. The deathly silence around him.

It was piercing and the noise in his ears sounded even louder. Sobbing, he stood up and looked around before going to one of the lifeless bodies. Carefully, he removed one of the shoulder plates and then rammed it into the ground with all his might. It made it through the icy resistance. So he began to work the soil with the help of the shoulder plate, dig by dig. Minutes turned into hours. No animal dared to come near him, everything stayed away from him. Scattered snowflakes mingled with the wind, which blew relentlessly, carrying the lamentation of the Viera through the forest.

With an exhausted movement, he dropped the shoulder plate and wiped his eyes with his forearm, his face now a mixture of tears, blood and dirt. The blue eyes that once were so bright and blue as the sky itself on a sunny day, now cold and dull, went to the two lifeless bodies that had been lying next to him the whole time. Koiji closed his eyes and gathered himself before he took Oruro's body and placed it as carefully as possible – almost as if he wanted to prevent hurting him even more and causing him pain – in one of the pits. He placed him very carefully and with the utmost effort. Slowly, he reached for the hairpin that had been in his hair and put it in his bag, before turning to the cold body of Arun. He placed him with the utmost gentleness, too. And yet there was so much pain in every move he made – physically and emotionally. He gently removed Arun's hairpin, too, and put the broken pearls and everything else safely into his bag.

He stood there, trembling. Looked at the two of them. Stared at them for what seemed like endless minutes. Night had long since fallen, but the moon was bright and clear that night, no clouds in sight. A sad blue glow fell over them, bathing their bodies in a ghostly white that was so cold and sad as the snow when melting and fading away. Koiji coughed. He looked at his hand and saw fresh blood splatters. But he ignored them. Instead, he sobbed again and began to fill the graves with the shoulder plate, slowly and shakily. It was not typical for Veena. They did not bury their dead in the mountains. If they died in battle, they were not moved. They were left in place to become one with nature again, in recognition of their achievement and their deed. But Koiji knew about the customs of others – he had heard about them, and he wanted to implement this custom. He did not want to leave them lying in the blood-soaked snow next to the disgusting invaders. It was not honorable. It was anything but respectable and honorable! It took a long time; the Veena, with his injuries, had neither the strength nor the speed he usually had. But he didn't care.

When the graves were covered, he placed a shoulder plate in each of them and tied a ribbon around them – one red and one yellow-ochre. Koiji looked around and found untouched yellow winter aconite blossoms growing near a tree. He plucked them and placed the flowers on each of the graves, carefully placing each one so that they would neither be blown away nor simply fall down.

His heart beat heavily, almost too slowly, he felt. He could hear every heartbeat, roaring loudly in his ears, feel the pulsation in his chest. Koiji reached for his chest and clawed into the fabric.

“You said... you said you'd always be with me, Arun. You wanted to see the world outside just as much as I did. Now you can't anymore.” His voice faltered. "I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't attentive enough. You put yourselves in danger and instead of saving yourself, you searched for me. How could it come to this...?" Koiji sobbed bitterly and looked to the left, where the bodies of the Garleans still lay in the distance. His eyes fell back on the graves. “I promised to be brave. I promised to leave. To see the world. I promised to do it for you. You were my family... my real family. We laughed by the fire, we looked at the stars, we talked about all our feelings and thoughts. We trusted each other. I'm so sorry...” he whispered the last words painfully and began to weep bitterly again, shouting and crying. How many tears could one have? How long would it take to cry until they no longer came? How often would one scream until the voice failed and no more sound left his throat?

More agonizing minutes passed before he somehow regained his composure and looked at the graves. He closed his eyes, breathed deeply and quickly, and looked at the graves again. His heart, which had been beating painfully slowly, quickened. “I will come back. I won't forget you. I will come back again and again. I will be brave for you. I will show you the world out there. You will see it, too!” His hand touched the bag with the two hairpins of his friends, which were carefully stored. “I will never forget you...” he whispered. Koiji turned. Suddenly he started running, at first slowly, painfully slowly and limping in pain, but soon the limping became less, the running faster and finally he was racing. He raced through the snow-covered forest, panting with burning pain in his body, glowing pain in his heart and soul and burning eyes. He ran to the end of the forest, as if pursued by the shadow itself and without stopping.

He had lost all sense of time, he felt nothing at all except the burning and the pain, the loss and the grief. How he had made it out of the mountains and on to the edge, he no longer knew.

Koiji was almost at the edge of the forest when his legs gave out and he collapsed near a pond. He lay on the ground, panting heavily, barely able to move. His body felt like a stone, no, like a rock that had rolled down the slope and came to a halt.

Koiji closed his eyes, panting, feeling the ground on his cheek, on his whole body, as if he would merge with it any moment. Horrible images flickered before his mind's eye, he couldn't banish them. Not from his mind, not from his thoughts, not from his heart.

Suddenly, a soft rustling sounded not far from the Viera. His eyes opened, but it was so difficult for him to move. So difficult to turn his head. He had hardly any strength. Was it other Garleans? Had they followed him? Was it one of the beasts of the forest that could devour him, hungry and following his scent of blood?

Koiji closed his eyes. Should it get him, no matter who or what it was. Should it just get him and finish it. Then he would be with Arun and Oruro. Then the pain and suffering would be over. But the words that Arun had told him and the words he had spoken at their graves shot through his mind. Koji heard footsteps approaching him. Opening his eyes again, he turned his head with difficulty. At first his view was blurry, then it slowly became clearer. But he saw neither a Garlear nor a wild beast in front of him... His eyes looked up along the legs in front of him. A deep, fiery red plumage was in front of him and a large beak was bending down towards him.

“Kweh!”

**********

Note:

Being one of the earliest Spring flowers, Winter Aconites symbolize hope, rebirth and new beginnings.

[thevikingwoman]

FFXIVWrite2024 - Prompt 10

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV | Words: 227

Meryta Khatin (wol) | ARR patches Rating: Gen. Just chocobo feelings

Stable

Meryta leads Lucida, her chocobo, into the stables in Mor Dhona. The yellow bird chirps, and shakes her head when Meryta untacks her. She finds some gysahl greens and feeds her, then Meryta cleans and hangs the tack.

She goes back to the stall, and rests her forehead against Lucida’s feathers. The bird gently touches her beak against her horn, making her smile. So much is happening. A Royal banquet, a new alliance with the reclusive nation of Ishgard. It’s very much over her head, but she hopes she doesn’t make a fool of herself and the Scions.

Lucida chirps and bonks her again.

“I got it, I got it.”

She finds an apple in her pouch, and a handful gysahl more. She remembers when they first were introduced in Bentbranch Meadows, what now feels so long ago. Meryta was unaccustomed to chocobo, used to the horses of the Steppe and deeply suspicious of the long legged birds. Lucida won her over, though, her demeanor sweet - as long as treats are on the horizon. Meryta checks her legs and claws. Everything looks fine.

“You be good here, while I’m in Ul’dah. We’re travelling by aetheryte.  No need to arrive dusty for the fancy banquet.”

Hopefully everything will go smoothly, and she won’t have to say much. Lucida will be fed and happy here in the meantime.

[we-ezer]

Chocobo Farmer Cloud

Someone has probably written a fic like this already but as with time travel mechanic!Cloud I don't see enough of it imo. It's just so fucking funny to imagine Cloud deciding he' s gonna live out his life how he wants (after being transported to the past) and deciding the best way to disguise himself (bc his younger self might/ still exists) is as a hick with a reallyyyy thick accent. He takes his Nibel accent and multiplies it by ten. You can barely understand what he's saying and that's how he likes it, then nobody will bother him and he won't slip up either. He also wears overalls, a kerchief, sunglasses, and a straw hat with a dried gysahl green between his teeth. This is his ultimate form, people. These boots were made for stepping on chocobo poo.

Of course, things don't go exactly to plan. Turns out he's the best chocobo breeder this side of anywhere (his chocobos always win first at the Gold Saucer) and Shinra needs reliable mounts for their SOLDIER Firsts to travel across less vehicle-friendly terrain. But Cloud absolutely does not want to help them in any way even if he's taking a back seat to the action this time. This ends up with the Turks coming around to threaten them. That being said, Cloud is in his retirement era, he's not here to play around and get bullied by Shinra. So he's waiting for them on his rocking chair with a shotgun across his lap. Reno goads him that he won't fire at them. A bullet whizzes past his cheek. Vincent's lessons weren't for nothing after all (plus shooting cans off the fence is a relaxing activity for him after the chores are done). Reno starts thinking this guy might be an ex-Turk and hightails it out of there.

Eventually, the Firsts end up in the area and desperately need a ride. Cloud has too much fun trolling the shit outta them cue shenanigans.

That's it for now! Just needed to get some of the idea down, so it can stop floating around in my head.

[briar-ffxiv]

FFXIV Write #18 - Hackneyed

FFXIV Write 2024 Master Post

Prompt #18 - Hackneyed

Note: How Briar got his first animal friend, his chocobo!

Trigger Warning: Mention of drunks, animal injury, and bullying. Mild, but present, so be aware.

Some years before ARR...

Briar kept his head down, shoulders tight as he tried to avoid being noticed. It was relatively safe at Buscarron's Druthers. Still, there were always those who saw a young, skinny half-Elezen with nervous eyes and wanted to cause trouble. Some of it was just simple mocking, but it wouldn't be the first time a drunk bandit or the like got physical with him. For a mercy, he seemed unnoticed today as he clutched the straps of his pack, full of little odds and ends for trade.

His ears worked back and forth, alert twitches as his gaze darted around, making sure he avoided bumping into anyone or being snuck up on. He should have ignored the voices since they weren't directed at him, but he paused midstep when a gruff, irritated voice caught his attention.

"Nophica's tits!" the man said, half-snarling under his breath. "Stupid bird. You nearly dumped the cart and me!"

The sad 'kweh' Briar heard in response had him turning his head. It was a shabby little cart, pulled by a ragged-feathered chocobo balancing awkwardly on one leg. The apparent owner was dressed in rough clothing and had the slight sway of one who drank often through the day. The drunk jerked the reins when the chocobo shifted, wincing away from a man squeezing and tugging at the bird's injured leg.

"Not broken," the man grunted, ignoring the bird's weak protests. "Don't think anyway. Nasty swelling though. He'll need lots of rest to--"

"Feh!" the drunk said, spitting to the side in disgust. "Like I'm going to waste good gil trying to tend some hackneyed old gelding." He scoffed and shook his head. "Put him down. There's always someone to buy the meat. Might be old, but make all right stew."

Briar sucked in a soft, shocked breath at the man's cold indifference to the chocobo. Especially considering that despite the rough treatment and clear pain the bird was in, it was still docile and obedient. The gelding was doing his best to please, giving a sad little chirrups as dark eyes watched the drunk closely. Yet the person the bird depended upon was going to callously end the gelding's life without even an effort.

"W-wait!" Briar said, surprising himself. For a moment, he almost wanted to take it back at the look the drunk gave him, but the chocobo's stumbling steps as the man started to jerk him toward the forest gave him courage. "Wait," he said again, stepping closer to the pair and the gelding. "I-I'll take him."

The gelding's owner sneered at him. "Take him? Why should I--"

"Buy him," Briar clarified, lifting his chin and clenching his hands around his pack to steady himself. "I'll b-buy the chocobo."

The drunk gave Briar a measuring look and the half-Elezen was used to the disdain. He knew he was small, skinny, dressed in homespun clothing that was too big, and looked 'half-wild' according to most. Being called a 'wildling' wasn't uncommon, even if it wasn't accurate. At the very least, he seemed to be treated as a pariah by most.

"I have coin," Briar confirmed, defiantly meeting the man's gaze.

"...How much?" the drunk sneered, but a look of greed showed in bloodshot eyes.

Briar froze for a moment. He'd never really had experience with bartering and was little judge on the worth of things in coin. He understood people used coins, but his mother had always bartered. He always found it a little strange that people put so much worth on coins since coin couldn't be eaten or used for much of anything. Buscarron had been trying to teach him in the last year, but it was still a baffling concept to him.

When he noticed the drunk's impatient shifting, Briar frantically recalled how much the Quarrymill butcher had given him for a deer he'd hunted. Biting his lip, Briar blurted out a number twice that. "S-surely that is more than his m-meat would bring."

The drunk grunted, but Briar watched his eyes dart back and forth, clearly considering. The half-Elezen tried not to shift nervously as the drunk stared at him for a long moment. He tried not to noticeably release a breath when the man finally spoke.

"Show me the coin."

Briar dug into a small bag at his waist, quickly counting the gil. It was most of what he had, but he didn't let that bother him. He flinched a bit as it was snatched away, examined closely, and then shoved into the drunk's pockets.

"Fine," the man sneered, throwing the reins at Briar hard enough he flinched at the sting of the leather. The drunk marched off. "Take the damn cart too. No use without the bird anyway." The other man followed him with a bored shrug, heading toward the tavern.

Then Briar realized he suddenly had a chocobo. A chocobo he had no real place to keep or idea on how to care for. An injured chocobo that gave a confused, sad chirp as his master walked off. The bird blinked at Briar, giving a questioning kweh as the gelding shifted back and forth, trying to favour the swollen leg.

Biting his lip, Briar moved closer, reaching up to slowly stroke the gelding's neck. The little flinch at the first touch made his heart ache for the poor chocobo. "Hello, friend," he said softly. "It's all right. I promise. You don't have to worry anymore and you're not going to be stew either."

The gelding canted his head to study Briar before giving a soft chirrup and leaning down to nuzzle Briar's arm.

And just like that, it was worth every coin and more.

[avirael]

FFxivWrite 2024

Day 10 - Stable

Rael’s morning had started pretty normal, or as normal as it had gotten since the four of them had moved to Ishgard. Apart from the servants Rael usually was the first person in the house to be awake, so when they went downstairs and passed the dining room to get to Lord Fortemps personal library, there were only a few other people around yet doing their daily works.

One of the maids, who by now seemed to have remembered Rael’s habit of getting up quite early, greeted them friendly.

“Good Morning, Master Rael! The cook should have your breakfast finished in a moment…”

After the bathing (and dressing) incident on their first day here, a few of them had tried to call them Mistress Rael for a few days but the Viera had quickly tried to stop them from doing so. After demanding to just call them Rael and a few exasperated questions of “What else should we call you then, my lady” (somehow that was even worse!), they had reluctantly decided to call them Master Rael instead and Rael had simply rolled their eyes and accepted their fate.

Apart from such difficulties everybody was extremely friendly and accommodating though. Rael had insisted they didn’t need any special treatment and could absolutely wait until everybody else was awake too to have their breakfast but nonetheless the servants had developed a habit of preparing it early for them anyway.

“Thank you very much.”, they replied with a nod. “I will get some books from the library and then come to the dining room.”

“As you wish.”, the woman answered with a short bow and hurried away. Rael would never get used to having servants around but had long stopped questioning why this seemed to be normal here in Ishgard.

As announced they went to the library and fetched two books that had caught their interest a few days ago before returning for breakfast.

The first few days here in Ishgard Rael had usually left the house very early, at least if the weather allowed it, and wandered the still silent city looking for a place that felt… familiar. A place to recharge, to rest, to meditate. But it had proven difficult, so they had simply stopped trying after a while.

Breakfast turned out not to be a horrible alternativ though. Of course the Ishgardians exaggerated even that immensely in amount and effort but this was fixable by speaking to the cook fortunately. So Rael didn’t get any fancy dishes with luxurious ingredients and heavy sauces unless they ate with everybody else for once.

A clear soup (against the cold the servants insisted), some fruits and a slice of bread were more than enough for such an early hour.

All of that was accompanied by a cup of tea, although here in Ishgard they had quite different habits of making tea it seemed. It was mostly milk, yak milk as Rael was told, in which some dried tea leaves simmered for a while. The first time Rael was served this it was quite unusual and also horribly sweet due to the maple sugar the servant added to it but without the insane amount of sugar it was drinkable. Still a little thin due to being mostly milk but nonetheless tasty.

They had barely started eating, while browsing through one of the books, when hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Confused Rael looked up as A’viloh appeared in the doorframe with a grin on his face.

“There you are! I was afraid you left already!”, he exclaimed.

Rael wrinkled their brow, looked to the clock and back to A’viloh. It was way to early for him to be awake already and especially so joyful about it.

“Don’t look at me as if you’ve seen a ghost! Yes I’m awake already! It’s a wonderful day, isn’t it?”, he beamed and sat down beside them stealing a rolanberry from their plate.

“Someone’s in a good mood, huh?”, Rael observed while still trying to focus on the text they were reading. Not that they disliked the fact but it was strange. Then their conversation from the last evening returned to their mind and their reading was instantly forgotten. Closely they squinted at A’viloh observing every little movement on his face…

“What?”, he asked, still grinning. Suspicious…

Dismissively Rael shook their head and returned their attention to the breakfast before casually saying, “I assume you had a nice evening?”

“I did, yes…”, he replied before he realised the tone in the Viera’s voice. “Wait! No!!”, he blurted out and blushed a little, “I mean it was a nice evening but not whatever you mean!”

Even the maid chuckled and Rael was pretty sure that A’viloh was the only one unaware about the rumours everyone kept repeating behind his back. For some reason Rael preferred these over people mistaking A’vi and them for a couple…

“Really? Why the sudden good mood then? Not that I’m objecting…”

“I have a plan! I got up extra early so I would catch you before you run of to the astrologian’s guild or elsewhere.”, the Miqo’te explained while stealing yet another piece of fruit from Rael’s plate. “But you will have to put your boring books down for a while…”

“A plan?”, Rael repeated unimpressed. “For what?”

“You will see soon enough!”, A’viloh grinned. “Alright, put that book away. You can eat the rest of your breakfast on the way!”

“On the way to where?”

But he ignored them and instead turned to the maid. “Is it possible I can get one of these sandwiches too?”

She was already halfway out of the door when he jumped up and yelled, “No, wait! Don’t worry, I’ll go myself! There’s something else I need!”

Just as fast as he had appeared he was gone again, only stopping at the door one last time to look back at Rael.

“Hurry up! We’ll meet in a quarter bell in front of the house!”

Confused the Viera kept staring at the now empty doorframe before turning their still quizzical gaze to the housemaid, who just shrugged too.

***

Rael had only quickly finished their breakfast and went to their room to fetch their bag and grimoire, before heading outside as they were told to. Just as they opened the front door A’viloh hurried out of the corridor that led to the kitchen, throwing a bag over his shoulder and stuffing a sandwich into his mouth.

“Good, you’re ready! Follow me!”, he commanded between bites and began to walk without giving any clue where they were going.

For a while they just walked in silence. About one thing so far A’viloh had been right. By Ishgardian standards the weather was really nice. The sun had just risen and now shone from a cloudless blue sky, the morning air was still crisp but maybe it would be a little warmer today than usually. Their path led down the roads and staircases to the lower parts of the city where they crossed Saint Reinette’s Forum and finally passed the Skysteel Manufactury.

By then Rael realised they could only be headed for the Chocobo stables, or the Holy Stables as the Ishgardians called it. Rael had never understood why they needed to add the word holy to all and everything. Well, they had understood but found it completely ridiculous! It was just a normal stable like any other, maybe the birds there were a little more special but there still wasn’t anything divine about it!

“The stables?”, Rael asked, wondering if this was everything A’viloh had been so secretive about.

“Yes! You need to see the Chocobo!”, he answered excitedly. “But that’s not everything… First things first, though! Come on!”

Impatiently he waved for Rael to follow as he showed one of the caretaker a piece of paper he pulled from his jacket. With a short bow he let the two pass and left to get the chocobo.

A moment they waited before the man returned followed by a tall dark-feathered bird in Ishgardian barding. He handed the reigns to A’viloh and left again, going back to his work, while A’viloh happily greeted the bird who chirped at him in return.

“Isn’t she pretty?”, he asked proudly. “I still can’t believe Haurchefant gifted me a chocobo! He said her name is Chloé but that I might change it if I want to. But I kinda like it…”

Admittedly Rael didn’t understand much about chocobo breeding but to them it looked like an especially beautiful bird, with shining black feathers and attentively sparkling eyes.

“Indeed a very pretty bird.”

“Did you hear that, Chloé?”, A’viloh addressed the bird cheerfully and ruffled the feathers at the side of her neck. “Rael thinks you’re pretty too!”

As if she understood, the bird fluttered excitedly and turned her head towards the Miqo’te so he could pet it some more. Then the Chocobo kwehed and turned her curious eyes to Rael who in return stepped closer and scratched her beak.

“Haurchefant said she can fly too.”, A’viloh said. “I haven’t tried yet… Would you like to?”

“Me?”, Rael asked, although the idea of a chocobo that could fly seemed interesting. “It’s your chocobo.”

“That doesn’t seem fair. She could be our chocobo!”, A’viloh offered. “I’m not sure if she could carry both of us at once though…”

“She is quite tall, so maybe she could…”, Rael mused. “But this was your gift A’vi. It is a kind offer but I am not sure if it would be alright to accept it.”

A’viloh shook his head.

“Haurchefant surely doesn’t mind. He gave me the idea for this trip after all!”

“Trip?”, Rael asked confused.

“Oh yes! And we should go or we will miss the airship!”, A’viloh explained. “We will spent the day at Camp Cloudtop. I mean, if you want to, of course. But I thought it would cheer you up since you liked that place…”

“I do…”, Rael was a little speechless about the fact that A’viloh seriously seemed to have put thought into a plan to cheer them up.

A’viloh beamed and held up his bag. “I even brought food! We can have lunch at a nice spot like the one we found last time. You can collect some more flowers or herbs or whatever and we can see if Chloé can really fly!”

As happily as not in a long time Rael smiled and was grateful for having such a kind friend.

“Thank you A’vi, that sounds like a wonderful idea…”

[dainesanddaffodils]

I think ysayle would be a horse girl. but like. one of the Weird horse girls. I don’t know how to phrase it but like, you know the ones I’m talking about right? Like, definitely understands horses more than people. on like. a spiritual level. you know?

[bananarose]

FFXIV Write - Day 10 "Stable"

Characters: Banana Rose (WoL) Length: 428

~~

Banana walked towards the stables, a slip of parchment held tightly in her hand. Seeing the stable hand and a group of chocobos in the distance, she picked up her pace excitedly. She had ridden a chocobo a few times since she’d started this adventuring thing, and of course ridden in carriages pulled by them. She had never had a mount of her own though. But she was encouraged to acquire one during her work with the adders, and had earned her license. Now all that was left was to meet the creature.

There were several chocobo roaming outside the stable; some pecking the grass, some cleaning their feathers, and several others were curled up napping, beaks tucked into their feathery chests. She approached the stablehand, clearing her throat awkwardly in an attempt to gain their attention, hand outstretched holding the slip out.

“I’m here to pick up my chocobo.” They took the slip from her as she spoke, nodding politely before walking towards the stable, gesturing for Banana to follow. She did so, carefully stepping her way across the patches of dirt and grass. 

“Now you’ll have to be gentle with him, and extra patient at first. He’s still learning.” They spoke as they walked, stopping at the back corner of the stable. “Here he is! And good timing, it seems he’s just waking up from a nap.” 

Sitting in a pile of straw, tucked into the corner of the stable, was possibly the cutest chocobo Banana had ever seen. He was small, by normal standards, but would be the perfect height for her to ride. His feathers were a soft, pale yellow, fluffed up in awkward angles in some places from how he had been sleeping. The chocobo lifted his head, blinking his eyes to focus them. He lazily opened his beak, emitting the sleepiest “kweh” sound that Banana had ever heard.

She loved him. Instantly. No doubt about it. She got all the paperwork settled, took a lesson in how to ride properly just to make sure she had it down, and so she could get acquainted with her new chocobo. They asked her if she’d like to give him a name, and she stared at him intensely as she thought. It was a lot of pressure, she realized, choosing a name for a creature. Eventually, it came to her. She named him Cheesecurds, after the color of his plumage. After all was settled, she walked away from the stables with her very own chocobo and (despite not knowing it yet) a new life-long friend.

[sartelainargret]

FFXIV 30 Day Writing Challenge 2024 (Prompt #1)

Prompt: #1 (Steer) Point of View: Sartelain Argret Spoilers: No, unless some visual details about an early Dawntrail area are spoilers to you Timing: Sometime after Dawntrail’s Main Scenario Quests Word Count: 777 --

You and I have been together a long time now. Long enough that I know by the rock of your gait that you are tired.

It is still a long way to our destination, but now I look for a quiet place to rest for the night. Near a stream, perhaps, or at a little town with a warm stable, or at least a clearing sheltered from the dust of the road where I might build a fire for the evening. I pull back gently on your reins, and we slow to a walk—rider and chocobo synced by years of adventures together. I feel your relieved sigh reverberate through my whole body.

“We’ll stop soon, Thaddic,” I encourage you aloud.

“Kweh.” You agree it is almost time. I think that even if I did not have the Echo, I would know what you meant.

This is an old dance to us both. The road that stretches before us is not the dustiest one we have trod, nor the cruelest, nor the longest. Thankfully, it is also not the most urgent. You have ferried me to battles from which I was uncertain I’d return. Yet you were always sure that we would see each other again. So far, you have always been right.

The crisp air takes on an uneasy chill, and the jagged mountains bleed purple and peach out of the retreating daylight. I see a barren outcropping at the top of a slope nearby; it overlooks much of the Urqopacha valley. Worqor Zormor looms, stern and imposing in the distance. This is a good place for a campsite and a view of the mountain both.

I steer you off the dirt-packed road and up the cliffside. We take it slow in case there are loose rocks underfoot. When we are on even ground again, I signal for you to stop. I pat the glossy feathers of your neck.

“Thank you, my friend,” I say.

“Kweh!” You tell me it is nothing, in your cheery way.

I dismount, remove your saddle and bridle, and unpack your saddle bags. Then I offer you some Gysahl Greens from our provisions; you inhale them with reckless abandon. While you nibble curiously on the native grasses that are poking out of the dirt, I look for kindling suitable to sustain a fire. There are few trees here, and I’ve learned that cacti make for a poor campfire. Nonetheless, I find some dead, shrubby thing that will suffice.

The sky is a gradient of greys and dark blues by the time I return. You are already curled up with your beak laid over your talons in preparation to sleep. You open an eye when I approach.

“Kweeeh…” You are glad I am back.

I light a fire, pull out some dried provisions from my pack, and sit down near the fire’s warmth to eat and watch the stars twinkle into existence for the night. You make a contented noise; I think you might be asleep already.

How many more of these journeys do we have left in us? You tire more easily these days. I do not want to think of the day on which they become too much for you.

Today’s ride was long and rough. My body aches from it, and I wonder if I am not becoming a bit tired of this kind of thing, myself. The dried meat is bland and unappetizing after so many days of it, too.

To raise my spirits, I think of the hot meal and warm bed that await me once this job is done. I imagine myself having my fill of it, of gladly choosing to head out again—of my curiosity getting the better of me, as it often does.

Still, I find it easier and easier to imagine a day where I no longer choose this kind of life. I hope—if that day comes—that I find something else that fills me with as much awe as the cloudy, nighttime vista that dances, dreamily, before me tonight. If only it was not so hard to reach these sorts of places, the ones so rarely trodden but so full of wonder.

The moon reveals itself, half alight, from behind a cloud. My heart dances at the sight. Inspiration takes me; I pull out a quill, an inkpot, and a well-worn journal from my pocket and jot down the inklings of a new poem.

It is so very quiet here. I can hear each gentle breath that you take as you sleep. I wonder, absently, if you are dreaming. If so, I hope that your dream is a pleasant one. --

[missazurerose]

FFXIV Write 2024 - Day 15

Extra credit - Tundra

(very minor DT spoilers for the tank role quest)

While the chocobos settled into a corner of the stall, Aymeric found some livestock blankets tucked away for them. Riona smiled as their birds happily cuddled up to each other while he covered them. “If the storm lasts too long, we might end up just like those two.”

He took her hand as they went downstairs, his thumb brushing against the opal ring on her finger. “Regardless of the circumstances, I can think of no better way to spend the night.”

Once they had a fire going, Aymeric shed his armor in favor of a heavy blanket. He settled onto the fur rug in front of the mantle and she settled into his lap. She rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. 

“You're always so warm. Feels like home.”

[autumnslance]

FFXIV Write 2023 Day 1: Envoy

“Have you given thought to your answer for the Grand Company envoys?” Minfilia asked.

Aeryn nodded as they walked up the hall together.

“Excellent,” the Antecedent said, then sighed. “Truth be told, I could do without them squabbling in my solar at various hours.”

Aeryn smiled sympathetically. Ever since defeating Ifrit, life had been more than a little tumultuous—more than it had already been since arriving in Eorzea but a few short moons ago. Now even the Grand Companies courted her attention. She had just wanted to be a simple adventurer, and find her brother. This was all rather much.

The trio of officers stood at attention and greeted the Antecedent enthusiastically. “Thank you, gentlemen,” she said, keeping her tone warm and friendly, though Aeryn knew there was a weariness underneath. “Our champion has come to her decision.”

“We are most eager to hear your selection, milady!” said the Serpent.

“We are certain you will make the right choice,” said the Storm.

“Do not leave us in suspense!” said the Flame.

Aeryn took a breath. “I will not be joining a Grand Company,” she said.

Minfilia raised a brow. The three officers looked stunned. “But, my lady—” the Flame began.

Aeryn shook her head. “I’ve worked with all three of your organizations, spoken to each of your leaders, heard their words at the ceremonies, and you all have your merits.” She paused. “I could have joined the Radiant Host in Thavnair, but military life did not appeal to me then, nor does it now. And I think remaining a neutral party, with the Scions, shall be for the best.”

“Well! There you have it,” Minfilia said. “We thank you, gentlemen, for your consideration, and your patience, and we are sorry. But Aeryn has given this much thought over the last several days and her journeys across the realm and back.” She smiled her dazzling diplomatic smile and began to herd the disappointed officers out of her solar.

The Serpent paused, taking a note from his jacket. “The choice is yours of course, and ever shall we be glad for you to change your mind at any point,” he said. “While you were gone, a note came from the stablemasters at Bentbranch Meadows; they wish to give you their own reward for your services to the realm. While you have disappointed my comrades and I, I do pray you will heed this call.” He smiled kindly, saluted one last time, and left with the others.

Aeryn took the note. She had spent a few weeks helping at the stable in Bentbranch, between adventuring. That skittish white chocobo was there; Aeryn hoped she was doing well. The note made for a good excuse to go visit, now that this headache was dealt with.

[starres-stuff]

Day 10: Stable FFXIV Write 2024

Stable:  a building in which domestic animals are sheltered and fed.

“It is good to see everything has been kept in tip-top condition since my last visit. You have never given me a reason not to trust you, even when I am malms away.” 

It had been several Moons since Viviane had taken a trip to the Jienuex Chocobo Ranch, near Tailfeather in Dravania usually leaving Qih'a to the visits so that he could visit with those who took care of him while he had amnesia. Currently, Vi was chatting with T'halia Lihzeh, the Matriarch of the Lihzeh clan that lived on the ranch and the woman who ran it in her absence. 

“We've had good weather!” The white-haired Miqo’te grinned, there was always a sense of pride in her smiles that gave away just how confident she was in herself and her abilities. 

“Qih'a and the other boys got the roof on that there stable ship-shape when he was out here last Moon. That boy is damn good with a hammer, but then he did learn from me and I'm the best there is.” T’halia pointed her thumbs towards her work overalls and then sneezed; causing her eyes to cross. This brought a musical giggle from Vi’s lips as the Miqote's eyes crossed. 

“It looks wonderful from here, nice and sturdy. Have there been any more leaks since then?” The concern was noticeable in Vi's voice and she worried at her lip slightly. The ranch was the sole generator of House Jienuex Assets now. There used to be other ways that Vi's Mother supported the continuation of the family generational home in Ishgard but when Vi stepped up to Baroness she shut down the often shadier businesses that her Mother had run, in hopes of making an example to others that gil could be made without brothels and criminal activity. 

“Not a single leak, no more cranky Bobo’s; haven't lost a strand of hay we didn't already expect we would. C'mon, let's have a gander. I know a certain red-feathered Chocobo who would love to see you, Baroness.” Thalia, who was much shorter than Vi, crooked her arm and offered it to her to hold, which Vi did without thought. It would not be the first time nor the last. 

“Heard you got married last spring. Two husbands knew you would take after me. When should I expect you to bring them by? Any chances we will see some little ones running about soon?” T'halia turned her head, her one remaining eye winking at Vi. The other had been lost in the same fire that cost Qih’a his as he fought through a burning building to rescue T'halia from within. 

“I am not certain, on either account, honestly. We all have such busy schedules. Clement is a businessman himself, has a focus on growing fruits and vegetables in the cold of Corethas using Greenhouses, he spends a great deal of time opening trade routes through the snows.” Vi's features warmed as she spoke of the Elezen and her eyes twinkled. She admired his dedication to his work immensely. 

“Kovalt on the other hand is what the Gridania's call a Hearer, they can hear the Shroud speak in even the tiniest of plants. He spends alot of time at the Conjurer's Guild and out on duty. Then you have me with my performance career and the bakery. We are three very busy people but we make it work.” The happiness in her voice made T'halia grin again, and her free hand lifted to pat Viviane's thoughtfully. 

“Well don't let being busy stop you from kids, lass. It's my job to remind you, that you need an heir or two to take the mantle from you when it's time and there will be a time.” It was a serious conversation that Vi knew she had to have, but she was nowhere near ready to speak about even with T'halia who she knew most of her life.

Silence enveloped the two women as they walked through the soft grass towards the reconstructed stables, the closer they got the easier it was to see the red feathers amongst the sea of yellow the others created. 

“There she be Baroness.” T'halia of course meant the stable but Vi was already lost to her, a sense of joy appearing in her face. 

“Pandora!” She cried out, the bird swiftly turning her head at the sound of Vi's voice, and a loud “KWEH” erupted from her beak, this caused Vi to let go of T'halia's arm and rush toward the Stable and right inside without even looking at the roof or anything else, even T'halia for that matter. 

“That's right Lady Vi, you already have a daughter don't you.” The Miqo'te chuckled to herself as she moved forward again just in time to see the two hug, Pandora's excited Kwehs and Vi's squeals bringing a smile to her face as she disappeared into the stable to join them. 

[gridanian-red-mage]

At the Bottom of a Mug

Summary

While the newly named Warrior of Light Arielle Solinar is running errands, her chocobo Mina catches wind of something that she thinks is worth investigating. Which leads them to a certain bard who doesn't quite have all of his wits about him.

_______

[Aaaand here's the first Arielle fic of several more that are to come in the future! (This one's a little long.😅) I actually have quite a few things written containing Arielle in my Word docs, so I'll be posting more of those here as time goes on and as I get further into the expansions. But anyway, this generally takes place before the move to Revenant's Toll, so roughly about 2.1-ish. I hope you enjoy!😊]

(AO3 version)

_______

“All right, so we’ve delivered that odd letter, took down some pests in the area, wrapped up that small squabble from earlier, and helped with another delivery for that nice elder,” Arielle listed. “Have I missed anything?”

Mina shook her head.

“Good. I would hate to have missed something.” Arielle sighed. “Having dealt with three primals in near succession and helped Alisaie with Bahamut for the time being, on top of the tasks we’ve just completed I think we’ve had quite the busy handful of days.”

A tired kweh.

“But we’ll probably have something needing our attention at the Waking Sands, so we can’t rest just yet today.”

Mina sighed.

“I know. I’m tired, too. But the faster we get there the faster you’ll be able to have some of those fruits I bought earlier.”

“Kweh!” The bird reared up excitedly to take off only to stop abruptly, cocking her head as she listened. She then made the chocobo’s equivalent of a confused expression.

“Something wrong?”

Mina chirped to confirm before gesturing not too far ahead of them.

“The Coffer and Coffin?”

“Kweh!”

“Lead the way, then.” As Mina headed off, Arielle began to ponder. She combed through her recollections of everyone they had helped just recently, carefully going over what she had been asked to do and where she had needed to go. She even retraced her steps from a few days ago. But as far as she knew they had done everything that was asked of them. “Are you sure we haven’t forgotten anything?”

“Kweh!”

Arielle hummed. “All right. If you say so.”

A few minutes later they had arrived, and she dismounted before leading Mina to a spot off to the side. Glancing around, she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, nor did anyone seem distressed. But Mina usually had a good sense of her surroundings, so she didn’t really have much of a reason to wave Mina off.

Upon heading inside, Arielle could see that business was just about as typical as could be. Patrons were behaving as . . . they usually did in a place like this, and—

Wait. Almost immediately she recognized one of the men at the bar. “Thancred?”

Surrounded by at least four women and enough mugs for her to know it was far too many (even if they probably weren’t all his), was the man himself—getting very tipsy giggles out of the women with a slurred quip.

“Arielle!” Thancred practically beamed. “Wond’ful t’see you, as always!”

“How long have you been here?”

“No’ long at all. In’t that righ’, ladies?” At least three of the women burst into giggles.

“An’ jus’ who’re you s’posed t’be?” the fourth woman, an Elezen, questioned.

“Someone who is taking him home,” Arielle replied. Thancred reached for another mug only for her to take it out of his reach. “I think that’s enough for now, Thancred.”

“Ever th’stern one,” he joked, right before hiccupping. That pulled a sigh out of her.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“We were here first!” one of the women whined. “Especially me!”

“He’s, um . . . a very busy man and has many things left to do,” Arielle explained.

“He’ll be too busy to leave once I get him alone!” another woman replied, giggling afterwards.

“Well . . . he’s. . . .” Think, Arielle. Think of something to ward them off. She straightened up. “He’s been especially busy with me recently.”

All four women made an assortment of disappointed noises loud enough to turn some heads, making Arielle wince.

“I knew he was too good to be true!” a Miqo’te woman sobbed.

“Ladies, please,” Thancred tried to assure. “Thr’s plenny o’ me t’go’round.” Another hiccup.

Arielle tried not to cringe. “Of course there is.” Three of the women in the group pouted in various ways while the Miqo’te continued to sob. “I suggest the four of you find other suitors elsewhere.” But before the women could protest, the bartender stepped in.

“Go on, ye heard the lass. I won’t be havin’ any fights ‘round here, especially a cat-fight.”

“Ahh ’Shtola—as pow’ful asshe isss rad’nt,” Thancred declared as the women shuffled off.

“Yes I completely agree,” Arielle said. She turned to the bartender. “You have my thanks, Roger.”

“Don’t mention it,” Roger said before sighing. “Sod’s been ‘ere for bells. At first he was mutterin’ into his mug all serious-like—”

“I w’s not muttering,” Thancred argued. Another hiccup.

“But seein’ as how it was his business I let ‘im be. An’ before long, one mug led to countless others, an’ now he’s in a right mess. I suggest ye take ‘em to the closest inn ‘round here.” He leaned in. “Between you an’ me, I think he needs someone to talk to.”

“Thank you,” Arielle said.

“Y’really should res’ ev’ry now ‘n then,” Thancred said.

“So says the man who overworks himself.” She began to help him up. “Come on. You’ve been alone long enough.”

“I c’n walk jussf’ne, Arielle Solinar.” Another hiccup, making Arielle frown.

“How much did he spend?”

“Don’t ye worry ‘bout that,” Roger replied.

“Roger—”

“Yer friend’s more important than the coin.”

“At least let me pay for half.”

The man sighed. “Fine. Half, an’ that’s it.”

Arielle handed over the amount before taking her leave, and she could feel a few pairs of eyes on her. Once they were outside, Thancred squinted at the change in lighting, and Mina kweh’d cheerfully only to cut herself off. Upon noticing his current state, she gave a curt but concerned look.

“Ih seems Mina’s unhappy t’see me thi’ time,” he said. “I s’posed I must’ve u’set ‘er.”

“She’s just worried about you. We both are.”

“I’ma grown man, Ar’elle. I c’n handle m’self.” Mina made a noise of concern before lowering herself down. “Riding u’ fron’ fer once, I see.”

“Mmhmm.” Arielle positioned Thancred before mounting herself, making sure she had her arms around him just securely enough.

“Care t’tell me where we’re goin’?” He tipped to the side a bit, and Arielle readjusted him.

“The Quicksand. Or at least the Hourglass. I’ll not be letting you go back to the Waking Sands like this.”

“ ‘T’will be good t’see M’modi again.”

“And I’m sure she will be happy to see you as well.” Arielle could already picture the woman chiding him should she manage to spot them. “Easy now, Mina.” She shook the reins, and Mina went off at a steady pace.

“I’ve had many a w’mn witheir arms ‘round me, m’ny ‘o them not quite as fair as you.”

Arielle held back a grimace. “Yes I’m . . . very much aware of the women you’ve charmed.”

“I do r’m’ber a Miqo’te th’was very frisky, whish remns me of an’ther exceptionally fair lady ov’at. . . .”

She half listened to him while occasionally keeping him upright, making sure to give short replies every now and then to appease him. She knew she had made sure to check on him during his recovery from his possession alongside the others, and every time he would assure them that he was fine and merely needed some rest. Then he was finally returning to his duties, and she had gently reminded him to take it slow.

He takes so much responsibility for so many things. . . .

“. . . an’ oh th’r’ther tall woman fr’m Limsa—v’ry fr’ward in’er adv’nces.” Another hiccup.

I really hope he doesn’t do this again. . . .

~ ~ ~ ~

Finally, after several subject changes and mood swings that thankfully did not include anything too extreme, they had crossed the Gate of Nald and arrived at Ul’dah. Thancred had eventually fallen silent only minutes beforehand, and Arielle wondered if he had either exhausted himself or was stewing. In fact she wasn’t exactly sure which was worse.

The sun had already started its descent, so it was likely that the Quicksand and the Hourglass would be busy. Assuming he didn’t decide to talk to every person inside, they could just slip right in and find a room.

I really hope there are some rooms available.

“I’r’mber f’nding you here,” Thancred mentioned. “St’ndin’ up fer tha’ woman. . . .”

“It was the right thing to do,” Arielle replied. “I couldn’t let her be treated like that.”

“. . . You’ve a good hear’ Ar’elle.”

“And so do you.” The trio arrived at the Chocobo Station, and Mina lowered herself to let Arielle help Thancred off.

“Good evening. Rough day, eh?” the Chocobokeep inquired.

“Somewhat.” Mina gave a greeting to the Keep.

“And a good evening to you, too.”

She sighed at Thancred hiccupping again.

“Thancred!” two women cooed as they waved.

“Ladies!” Thancred practically beamed into Arielle’s ear as the women came up to them. “How l’ng’s it been?” But before the women could say anything else, Mina loudly and testily kweh’d at them, making them jump. “Mina, be nice to—”

She repeated the noise, successfully scaring the intruding duo—or at least to her they were intruding. And when they looked over their shoulders, she ruffled her feathers with a curt noise as if in warning.

Thancred sighed. “Som’t’mes I wonder if Mina wans me all t’herself.”

The Chocobokeep blinked a few times while Arielle laughed awkwardly, and he cleared his throat. “J-just for the night, miss?”

“Two nights, actually—in case we need the extra rest,” Arielle replied, and Mina gently nuzzled her and Thancred as if she had not just scared off two passersby. “Good night, girl. Be good for me, all right?”

With a quiet kweh Mina nudged the pack on her saddle with the fruit inside.

“All right, hold on.” Arielle glanced between Thancred and Mina in thought before having him lean on the bird.

“I’c’n stan’ b’m’self, you know,” Thancred argued.

“Frankly not,” the Chocobokeep muttered, but was quickly silenced by Mina’s hard look. She adjusted herself accordingly to properly support Thancred as Arielle fed her a couple fruits. Afterwards she nudged the pack again with a chirp.

“I’ll give you some extra ones in the morning, but right now Thancred needs to be looked after,” Arielle promised. Mina seemed to contemplate for a few moments before giving an agreeable kweh, and Arielle scratched the bird’s chin. Once things were settled, she continued their journey on foot. “We’re almost there, Thancred.”

“You h’ve m’c’mplete trus’,” he replied, hiccupping mid-sentence.“An’ you b’sure to let Mina know th’same.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

It wasn’t long before they entered the Quicksand, and Arielle readjusted Thancred to make him seem as normal as possible. As she expected, Momodi was already occupied with quite a few patrons and then some. A few adventurers Arielle had helped out once or twice waved to her, and she waved back, although she winced once Thancred decided to again yell into her ear unintentionally.

“Momodi! Rad’nt an’ fair as always!” he announced, every pair of eyes in the room now on them, including Momodi’s.

Nophica help me, here it comes. A nervous grin worked its way through as Arielle appeased his apparent desire to speak to Momodi. And hoped she didn’t regret her decision.

The Lalafell placed her hands on her hips. “And hello to you too, Thancred.” She let out a sigh. “All right, where’d you find him?”

“Central Thanalan,” Arielle said.

“Coffer an’ Coffin, I wager?”

“Yes. If it weren’t for Mina I would’ve likely passed right by him.”

“Good bird, she is. But anyroad, I’ll leave you to keep an eye on this one, then. Should be a couple o’ rooms available over at the Hourglass.”

“Thank you. And, um, if . . . anyone asks for Thancred or me, please don’t say anything. I know he’ll send a few people into worry with how he is now.”

“Mum’s the word. Now go on an’ get him some rest.” Arielle nodded.

“C’m now shurely we could spare a mom’nt to—”

“I’m doin’ you a favor, Thancred. Can’t have you embarrassin’ yourself any further.” The duo then made their way over to the innkeeper (or rather Arielle tugged Thancred along before he could say anything else).

“Good evening,” she greeted. “I was told you had some rooms available.”

“Indeed we do,” the innkeeper replied. He glanced between the two of them. “How long will you be staying?” The arrangements were made for at least a couple of nights, and the two were finally able to step away from any more curious eyes.

Arielle closed the doors to their room with a brief sigh. “Are you all right? Do you feel ill?”

“‘M fine, Ar’elle,” Thancred said, leading her to frown. Upon being led to the bed, he unceremoniously plopped onto it.

“Try not to move, all right?”

“O’course, Miss S’l’nar.”

Moving aside the book and quill on the table, she began to place her smaller weapons onto it, keenly aware of Thancred’s gaze. She let out a breath as she removed her very well-used gloves, flexing her fingers for a bit. She supposed she was due for a new pair, but that was a problem for another time. Her current ones could last her a bit longer until then. After all, they have lasted her a pretty long time.

“Y’should be th’one to claim th’bed. I’ss only proper.”

“I’ll be just fine.” Her mind drifted to what she had asked of Momodi. Tataru’s probably worried. It is getting late. . . . “I’m stepping out for a bit, so don’t move.”

“Aye!”

Arielle left the room, leaving the doors open a crack as she made use of her linkpearl. And it barely took a minute before her call was received.

“Arielle?” Tataru asked.

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Oh, thank the Twelve! I was beginning to think something had happened to you! Is Thancred with you? He said he had ‘another matter’ to see to before he continued with his work, but I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Yes, but he’s . . . in an odd state, to say. He’s not hurt, but we won’t be returning to the Waking Sands until tomorrow, the day after at the most.”

“. . . He overdid it, didn’t he?”

“. . . Somewhat. Mina and I found him in Central Thanalan. With company.”

Tataru sighed. “And here I was thinking he was in trouble. . . .”

Arielle peeked through the crack, and Thancred was now more or less laying properly on the bed save for one leg hanging off the edge entirely. I think I prefer this kind of trouble over the other kind. “I’d rather the others not begin to worry, especially Minfilia, so. . . .”

“Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you.” Once the two disconnected, Arielle entered the room.

“I’ma right messs, ar’nt I?” Thancred said after a couple moments.

“As of right now, somewhat.”

He sighed a bit loudly. “T’think I could cont’nue to b’in such a state. . . .”

“You have not continued to be a mess. You’ve been strong and supportive.”

“It’s ne’er enough,” he retorted instantly. “I’m never enough to acc’mplsh what needs to be acc’mplishh.”

“Yes, you are, and I’ll not have you thinking this way.”

Thancred snorted. “I’m supposed to be f’ster than the enemy. T’keep Minfilia an’ th’others safe. An’ I’ve left you to burn before Ifrit more than once.”

Arielle furrowed her eyebrows. “More than—” She stopped herself as she remembered talking to him at the Waking Sands. She knew she had seen a trace of remorse in his eyes after he had told her about Ifrit’s return. “We’re all safe, and you did not leave me to burn. You—”

“Arielle can’t you understand that had you not held the Echo you would have been put to death with the others?! A kind woman whom I’ve dragged into nothing but countless trials and near death!”

Her fingers curled, and she found herself avoiding his unfocused but tormented eyes. He was right, and she knew it. Without the Echo, she would’ve been tempered like the rest of the people with her and put to death. “. . . Neither of us could have predicted what would’ve happened. But I would not have put someone I felt was a good person at fault, regardless of only having known you for a short time then. So . . . I do understand.”

“Frankly I don’t think you do.”

“And frankly, I think I do, Thancred Waters.”

“Really? And what of all the suffering I caused—”

“While you were not yourself. No one faults you for anything you did. It was Lahabrea who did all of those things. And I most certainly do not blame you for supposedly ‘leaving me to burn’ and any other troubles you think you yourself have caused.”

He let his head hang, and she leaned forward a bit to keep within his line of sight.

“You are a good man, Thancred, and you strive so hard to protect those around you. Sometimes too hard. But I would not have any other person for a friend.”

He chuckled to himself, albeit bordering on a slurred snort. “‘F’I didn’t know any better I’d say you were a bard, putting m’el’quent words t’shame.”

“I meant every word.”

“You always do.” He tilted toward her, and she caught him before sitting him upright. “’M a mess. . . .”

Arielle resisted a frown. “Try to get some rest.”

Thancred sluggishly situated himself as she rose. Undoing her hair, she ran her fingers through it before settling onto the floor. And when she glanced to him, he was already asleep.

I wonder if I’ll be able to find some tea for him in the morning. I think the brew I have in mind should help with any lingering grogginess he should have.

She fingered the pendant of her necklace, wondering if he would remember anything that had happened within the past small handful of bells. At best he would likely have foggy bits here and there—or so she assumed. I suppose only time will tell.

~ ~ ~ ~

Thancred had still been asleep even after she had gotten ready for the day and requested the tea for him. She had expected the knocking to rouse him, but it would seem his sleep was deep this time—which probably should’ve been expected. And he hadn’t shifted positions at all, so she deemed it safe to assume he wasn’t going to remember much of the previous night.

As she prepared the tea, she briefly glanced to him. Assuming he didn’t feel sick to his stomach, he would likely need something in it, obviously. Of course, she knew he was probably going to want to throw himself back into his work, but not if she had any say in that. Besides, she had given him another day to rest, so he’ll probably at least accept that.

Fruit should be fine for him for now. And for Mina. I did promise her extra. . . .

Once she was finished, a groan brought her attention back to him, and it was followed by a louder groan and him massaging his temples.

“Where. . . ?” Thancred rolled onto his back and draped his arm over his eyes, attempting to clear his mind and block the sunlight flooding in from the window for a few moments before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Registering the bed he was on, he sat up as quickly as he could, ignoring the wave of dizziness that hit him. He looked around the room for a bit in confusion before his eyes finally landed on Arielle, and immediately dread flashed across his face. “Oh gods—!”

“No no no no, you’re fine!” Arielle quickly assured.

“Agh, not so loud, please!”

She winced. “I’m sorry.” She watched him miserably swing his legs over the edge with a groan.

“Please tell me I did not do what I think I did.”

“You didn’t. I brought you here after Mina and I found you.”

He sighed in relief. “Thank the Twelve. . . .”

She studied him for a bit. “How are you feeling?”

“Well, my head is pounding, but I seem to be well enough.” He sighed again. “You’ll have to excuse my . . . less-than-gentlemanly behavior. I’m sure I was an absolute fool.”

“Well . . . um . . . I’m sure it could have been worse.”

“That does not give me any sort of comfort.”

Arielle frowned. “Well you were certainly very talkative. And moody. And . . . surrounded by women. But I managed to shoo them off.”

“Ah. I think I remember some displeased voices, although the memory is a bit muddled.”

Arielle briefly glanced down. “Why did you go off on your own like this?”

He hunched over, resting his elbows on his knees and trying not to squint. “To be honest, it was never my intention. But, when one’s mind wanders to less than cheery thoughts, it’s almost all too easy to drown it all away.”

She frowned again. “. . . You still feel at fault. . . .”

He didn’t answer her for a few moments, barely recalling himself lashing out and kicking himself. “. . . If you were in my place, wouldn’t you?”

Arielle briefly closed her eyes. “. . . I think I would. And I know you would tell me the same things that I’ve said to you. The others would likely agree with me. But I know that I cannot imagine the torment you must have endured while Lahabrea had your sense of self in his grasp.” She frowned. “I wish we had found out sooner. . . .”

“Then, I suppose you would expect hearing your own words coming from me, Arielle Solinar.”

“I think I would, Thancred Waters.”

He gave her his usual smile, and his eyes caught the tray of tea behind her. “I suppose that’s rather cold by now.”

“Oh!”

“Agh!”

“Sorry.” Arielle went to give him his cup. “I thought it would help clear your head of any remaining drowsiness. It should still be warm, I think.”

Thancred took a small sip. “And you are correct. You have my thanks.”

“It’s not too strong, is it?”

“Actually, no. It’s perfect.”

“Good.” The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Thancred trying not to wince at the clinking of the cup and saucer as well as the sunlight coming in from the window (and why it did not have any godsforsaken curtains was beyond him).

“This has an odd taste to it.”

“It’s good for you.”

“Is it supposed to be musty?”

“Yes, now drink while it’s still warm.”

Thancred refrained from grumbling as he did as told. She’s like a mother hen.

A few more minutes of silence went by, and he was beginning to taste another odd flavor in the tea. But he decided to keep his mouth shut.

“Thancred.”

He looked to her.

“If there is anything you need from me, or if there is something bothering you, call upon me. It doesn’t matter what I may be doing or what time it may be or if you think you would be a bother. I want you to lean on me, or if not me, then one of the others. We’re friends.”

“The same goes for you. But, I will try to remember that.”

Arielle smiled at him. “But we won’t be setting a single foot outside this room until you are absolutely well.”

“Arielle—”

“Thancred.”

“There are things that—”

“And I’m aware of them and have also let Tataru know that we won’t be back until today or tomorrow. Everything’s taken care of.”

Thancred frowned. He hated to admit it, but powering through his blasting headache and his temporary oversensitivity to light and sound wasn’t the best idea. He wouldn’t want to worry everyone any further, especially Arielle given what she had already done for him yesterday. “There is no arguing with you, is there?”

“No, there is not.”

He sighed in defeat. “All right. I’ll be staying put, but that includes you as well. It’s only fair since you are in such high demand nowadays.”

“. . . Fair enough.”

“And, some curtains would be lovely.”

Arielle glanced to him partially squinting and then the window. Ah, right. He’s a bit sensitive to light now. “Well I’m no weaver, but I’ll see what I can do.”

[rosafulmen]

UGHUGHUGH. I don't really want to move Light to my multi, but I am really struggling to maintain this blog as its own entity. For now, I'm going to put her on @abyssine until my mental health / attention span sorts itself out.