#cloudstreaks

[herbalnature]

Sail into serenity with this expansive view of Chesapeake Bay's tranquil waters under a vast, cloud-streaked sky. Boats in the distance whisper stories of adventure just beyond the horizon.

[crossroadsdimension]

FFXIVWrite 2024 Day 1

Prompt -- Steer (link to blog that is running the event)

FFXIVWrite Masterpost

Cross carefully sat in her chocobo’s saddle and held the reins in both hands. The leather felt new with how stiff it was.

The red-haired miqo’te’s tail flicked and twitched as she tried not to squeeze the bird’s sides too tightly. It didn’t stop the bird’s shifting from one foot to another.

“Ever ride a chocobo before?” asked the chocobo handler politely.

They were in a corral behind the Twin Adders’ headquarters in Gridania, where they stored their company chocobos when soldiers were in town. It was also where they brought in new chocobos from Bentbranch meadows, when they were trained enough to be ready to be given to adventurers or new recruits.

The wide area of tamped earth, surrounded by the stables on all sides, also made for a good place to give new adventurers a chance to get used to how their new mounts moved.

“Not really.” Cross gave the chocobo-masked man a nervous look. “I’ve been around them, but my mother never let me learn how to ride.”

A faint memory came and went at the back of her mind, blotted with bright light around a figure within.

“I believe my father might have given me a ride on his, once, but I can barely remember that.”

“Too young?” the handler guessed. Then he saw the look on Cross’ face and winced. “Ah…my apologies.”

Cross shook her head. “You didn’t know.” She looked down at the reins in her hands, then back at the handler. “So, how do I direct Cloudstreak to go where I need him to?”

“Kweh?” The chocobo shook his head and looked back at her. He’d picked up on his new name fast.

“Well, kicking your heels into his sides will send him running, but if you want him to stop, you need to pull on the reins and lean back a little.” The handler mimed leaning back, holding up his hands like he was pulling on invisible reins himself. “You need to lean with him and pull the reins to steer him in the direction you want him to go, as well. But don’t push him too hard — a worn-out chocobo won’t get you where you need to go.”

“Right.” Cross nodded. She adjusted how she was sitting on the saddle, pulling her tail around her in a tight coil. Cloudstreak did his best to adjust as she moved, shifting his feet to keep them from falling over. “Let’s give this a try, then. Ready, Cloudstreak?”

“Kweh!” The chocobo gave a cheery chirp and looked ahead.

“All right. Let’s go!” Cross tapped Cloudstreak’s sides with her heels.

The tumble off his back as the chocobo took off running was not something she was prepared for.

“Ho!” The handler quickly got Cloudstreak’s attention as the bird tried to take off running. He moved to Cross’ side and held out a hand. “You all right?”

“Yes, that just startled me.” Cross accepted his open hand, and let the handler pull her to her feet. She used her other hand to rearrange her robes and make sure her thaumaturgy staff hadn’t been thrown off. “I didn’t think he would start quite that fast!”

“I think your tone of voice made him think you were ready to run,” the handler said. He turned his head to look at the chocobo as Cloudstreak came to a stop next to them. “Take it slow, now. She’s not an expert like the people you’re used to working with.”

“Kweh.”

Cross couldn’t tell if Cloudstreak was taking that to heart, or if he was planning on doing that again.  Either way, he was her bird now, and she needed to learn how to ride.

Cross marched up to the chocobo and pulled herself back into the saddle. That part was getting easy, at least.

Then she took up the reins in her hands again, and pulled herself forward a little more on the saddle. “Let’s try this again, shall we?”

“Kweh.” Cloudstreak shook out his feathers underneath her. He looked back at her, and Cross almost thought the bird looked…curious, perhaps?

She hoped she would be able to read him well soon.

“Slowly,” Cross said, giving him a little nod. Then she flicked the reins a little, and dug in her heels.

[lupinenight]

TIMBERCLAW — warrior of the Forest Order.

> a spotted brown and white tom with black ears and amber eyes.

A wonderful warrior, by many standards. Loyal and dutiful, as well as a stern, but conducive mentor– Timberclaw is very well-respected. He tends to be somewhat paternal towards younger generations, aided by his gruff demeanor and sage advice, which makes him even more liked to the parents of the Order. He’s definitely in favor of war; although he doesn’t enjoy violence for violence’s sake, he sees it as fully necessary to defend his home against a barbaric and unpredictable enemy.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Adopted son of Chestnutcatcher with no other known relatives.

Maple’s mentor.

Friends with Rosebriar and the late Locustmask, as well as a god-father to her kids Creekshadow and Shallowlily.

Was friends with Autumnfrost and Darkfinch, until it all fell apart…

Born outside of the Forest Order, though his circumstances are largely unknown. Chestnutcatcher, the Herbalist before Rosebriar, found and adopted him. He was still raised somewhat communally due to Chestnut being the only healer in a time of war, which greatly influenced his view of the world outside Forest. He was friends with everyone in the nursery alongside him, most notably Rosebriar. Chestnut’s more benevolent outlook failed to rub off on him due to his relative absence, but Brightbane and Cloudstreak’s more hostile stance certainly took root in all the kits of his generation.

Timber, Rose, Locust, Autumn, and Finch were a formidable group of apprentices, all ambitious and tight-knit. They grew into capable warriors when the time came, but Timberclaw and Rosebriar pulled ahead and fostered a friendly rivalry. At one point, Darkfinch began spending less and less time with the group, something part of Timberclaw would blame himself for never confronting him earlier. Instead, it took Darkfinch gathering all of them and admitting his treachery— his relationship with a River tom that he did not name— and none of them reacted well, especially not when Dafi also confessed his plan to elope. Timberclaw denounced their long-time friendship then and there, though he would always regret it somewhere deep down in his heart.

Perhaps it was Darkfinch’s influence that made Rosebriar second-guess herself, because she began training under Chestnutcatcher only a few moons later– abandoning her fostered dynamic with Timberclaw. He felt betrayed by this, albeit more mildly than with Darkfinch; it continued to unsettle him every battle that she wasn’t fighting by his side, but Locustmask grew to take that empty space and he similarly grew past it.

His experience allowed him to recognize the signs before Autumnfrost announced her departure, mere years after Darkfinch. She refused to disclose the reason and that almost made the interaction feel more bitter. Locustmask was the angriest this time, perhaps her brother’s abandonment was an even fresher wound on her mind, but Timberclaw couldn’t find the same energy inside of him to loudly depose her— especially when Rosebriar was still so silent. He made his opinion known when he refused to defend her, or even look her in the eyes as she said her final goodbye between Locustmask’s enraged berating. Timberclaw wonders where she is now, though he’s not sure she deserves him ever knowing.

As a result of his friendship with Locustmask, Timberclaw was involved in her kits’ lives as soon as they were born. Especially because they had no living relatives outside of their mother, Locust leaned on Timber and Rose quite a lot to offer them connection. He loved both like they were his own and would never admit that Creek was his personal favorite, reminding him much of himself when he was her age. He continued to help raise them into apprenticeship, something of a secondary mentor to Creek in particular. He loves to go on outings with them now that they’re warriors and can make a small patrol by themselves.

Was absolutely ecstatic to get an apprentice, though his enthusiasm only showed in his glinting eyes and smile as he touched noses to Maple. He wasn’t super familiar with him or even LichenOtter’s litter, considering them to be a bit too after Creekshadow and Shallowlily’s time. Dunechaser’s defection had stung on a personal level and was not something that Timberclaw easily forgave nor forgot, especially when she left a sick kit behind; his heart stung on Maple’s behalf as he became acquainted with the apprentice, resentment towards Dunechaser and all others who had abandoned their families only growing. They don’t always get along, but Maple does tend to allow Timberclaw closer than most in his life.

[roses-n-rads]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Riah (@ri.a.rose)

#sky #nature #photography #naturephotography #cloudstreaks #skyphotography #cloudporn #sunset #skyporn

[eddytankl]

What a morning cloud streak!

[queen-of-wolves-34]

And here’s part 3 #MoreClouds #BlueSky #OverCast #Cloudy #CloudsOfInstagram #CloudStreak #Sunlight #SunRays ☁️🌥⛅️🌤☀️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CR8gko7h3_q/?utm_medium=tumblr

[marcell-travelplanoptional]

Ascent... . . . #escaleras #rayasdenubes #cloudstreaks #skypanorama #stairs #ascent #descent #elcalafate #tierradeglaciares #landofglaciers #elcalafateturismo #patagoniaargentina #patagoniansky #santacruz #argentina #experienceargentina #explorepatagonia #travelsolo #backpackerlife #urbanphoto #igers_argentina #telegraphtravel #bbctravel #natgeotravel #wanderlustxl #visitdestination (at El Calafate Tierra de Glaciares) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnHTmK8HApe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lrtrgmq3ar9u

[castleparv]

My first OC, curtosy of 10 year old me. Her name was Cloudstreak, and her only personality trait was "Rainbow Dash, but cooler"

Go back to your roots and draw what sparked your passion for art when you first started! (Even if that means a few edgy naruto ocs)

[octoberboy1031]

#Cloudstreak! #clouds #sky #evening #dusk #May #spring #summer #night #dandelionwine (at North Providence, Rhode Island)

[adventureaday]

I love waking up early to watch the sunrise, and watch the sun's rays slowly reveal all the glory that is Lake Powell. Also, it's the only time the boat is quiet. The noise level rises along with the sun😂. Love this place! . . . #lastday #sunrise #lakepowell #adventureaday #cloudstreaks (at Lake Powell) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnXcUNYDZJl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1in8s9xznezmi

[crossroadsdimension]

FFXIVWrite 2024 Day 10

Prompt 10 - Stable

(FFXIVWrite 2024 Masterpost)

Just like any established settlement in Eorzea, Revenant’s Toll had stables available for the chocobo of travelers, be they adventurers or merchants.

At least, chocobos were the mounts the stables were intended to hold.

“Where, exactly, did you say you find this again?” The hyur stablehand gave Cross the impression he was blinking rapidly under his chocobo mask.

“Another primal offering.”

The fiery, four-legged mount behind her snorted and nosed the back of Cross’ robe, looking for more treats. How a fire-aspected horse “blessed” in Ifrit’s name could be so sweet Cross had yet to discern, but much like her other recent acquisitions, she had a feeling she had plenty of time to find out.

“Where are the beast tribes getting these horses?” the stablehand groaned. “They sure as hells aren’t native. Must’ve been…brought in from the Far East or something.” He sighed heavily and shook his head. “Well, regardless, we only have so much room in the stables, Miss Sylvan, and I regret to inform you that we cannot reserve any more stables under your name.”

“The horse isn’t mine, it’s a former offering,” Cross said. “Can’t we just — can’t we keep it here until we find an adventurer who is more capable of caring for it? Or one of the other ones? Cloudstreak is more than enough for me at the moment, and I can’t pay for all of them on an adventurer’s salary!”

The wind horse in the back of the stables that started this whole mess whinnied loudly. It was immediately answered by its fiery-maned counterpart standing directly behind Cross. The call was taken up a moment later by the earth-maned, horse and the water-maned one that had appeared after the sahagins’ second attempt at calling Leviathan from the sea.

“I doubt that any adventurer would find them as tame as you currently find them,” the stablehand replied simply. “They are all ornery at best around us, and barely behave at all. It would be better if you—”

“I say, that is quite the collection of aspected equines!”

Cross turned her head at the new voice, blinking in surprise at the ginger-haired, goggle-wearing man standing at the entrance to the Toll’s stables.

“It reminds me of a legend or two I learned about some years back.” The man strode into the stables. The awe-filled grin didn’t leave his face as he walked right up to the fiery horse standing with Cross. He put his hand in the pouch at his side and pulled out two sugar cubes, which the stablehand immediately balked at. “I knew there was a good reason to follow my instincts about these today.”

“Minstrel, why do you—”

The fiery horse snorted and immediately snatched the cubes off the minstrel’s open palm with a snap of its teeth.

Cross blinked at the man as he started petting the fiery horse. “I’m sorry, but…who are you?”

“Oh! Beg pardons.” The red-haired man turned his head to look at Cross while still keeping an eye on the horse. “I am merely a wandering minstrel, but most know me as Yoshi-san. It’s not my full name, mind you, and while the last syllable is an honorific used in the Far East, it has stuck with me long enough that most consider it a part of my name more than anything else.” He chuckled. “And you would be the woman of the hour, the Warrior of Light and slayer of primals, Cross Sylvan, correct?”

That level of recognition made a faint blush settle on Cross’ cheeks out of embarrassment. “I am…still getting used to all the titles, but yes, that is who I am.”

“Excellent. If anyone could tame these beautiful steeds, it would be you.” Yoshi-san gave the horse one last pet, then turned his attention to the stablehand. “I have a solution for this equine problem, if I may — and a curiosity of my own, to be completely frank. Tis said that these elementally-aspected horses come in a set, you see, and can summon another powerful steed that has taken to hiding here, rather than roam the Far East where another turned the locals away from strong, long-lived beasts with a similar appearance.”

“There’s more?” the stablehand asked, alarmed.

Cross blinked, then sighed and tilted her head back to look at the rocky ceiling of the stables. “I am being tasked with another quest, am I?”

“Not so much ‘tasked’ as being asked to complete that which you unknowingly started,” Yoshi-san replied. “I believe there are more horses such as these being given to primals as offerings. If you were to find them and bring them together with their brethren, I believe we will be able to summon the auspice I have spoken of.”

“I should hope you don’t intend to let them all stay here until then!” the stablehand yelped. “We have barely enough room as it is!”

“Not to worry, not to worry! I know a place that can house Cross’ growing equine collection with no difficulty.” Yoshi-san pet the fiery horse again. “It has been some time since we have spoken, but I am certain that Godbert Manderville would be able to find space for them in the Golden Saucer.”

The stress that had been starting to leave Cross’ shoulders came back almost immediately. “Manderville?”

“Why yes, they—ah.” Yoshi-san blinked, then pulled his goggles up off his eyes. “Ah, you have met them?”

“I met his son.” Cross groaned and pinched her nose. “I’m not certain if leaving the horses with them is a wise idea….”

“No, it will be fine, Miss Sylvan!” Yoshi-san quickly waved his hands in reassurance. “The Mandervilles can pay for their care, and while it would mean they might end up on display as part of the Gold Saucer’s attractions, at the very least, they would be kept out of harm’s way and out of your budget, would it not?”

“That may be, but I’m still not certain if it’s a good idea. These horses are blessed by primals to a certain degree.”

“I do not have many other options, unless you wish to set them free across the countryside?”

The stablehand yelped. “L-let’s not do that, please!”

The way Cross’ jaw set at the idea said she didn’t like the sound of it, either. “And you are certain that the Gold Saucer can handle these horses?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Yoshi-san nodded. “Godbert Manderville is a very responsible man, I assure you.”

“When he is not running in naught but his smallclothes and a goldsmith’s hammer?”

“He is responsible whether or not he is wearing clothing, Miss Sylvan!”

Something about the minstrel’s words didn’t give Cross that much confidence in the idea, but she didn’t exactly have much choice. It was either follow Yoshi-san’s suggestion, or let the horses run free and cause who knew what kinds of havoc. She sighed heavily. “Very well. I just hope you do not make me come to regret this.”

“I assure you that you will not,” Yoshi-san said. He turned to the stablehand. “Will you at least give them another day or two in the stables here while I make the arrangements?”

The stablehand gave the impression of blinking behind his mask again. After a moment, he nodded slowly.

“Excellent. In that case, I shall leave you to it.” Yoshi-san gave them both a wave, then walked out of the stables with confidence.

Cross stared after him, then turned to look at the stablehand. “Has he always been like this?”

“So far as I am aware,” the stablehand replied with a helpless shrug. “The man has always been eccentric, but looking for groups of aetherially-aspected mounts is a first. I simply hope you both know what you are doing.”

“You and me both,” Cross sighed in agreement.

[pyroshailiac-blog]

#sunset #northattleboro #sun #clouds #instaclouds #instasky #cloud #cloudstreaks #horizon #sundown #dusk #wintersunset #trees #treesilhouettes #skies

[mardalemedia]

#cloudstreaks

[perspectionist]

First sunset at UML :) #uml #sunset #sundown #dusk #instasky #sky #clouds #cloudstreaks #instacloud #cloud #instasun #evening #treesilhouettes #trees

[chrishinde]

Udden #sun #sol #endagisolen #cloud #clouds #cloudstreaks #ôna #kållandsö #udden #lisch #lidköping #vänern #vatten #summer #water #bestcamera #reflection

[deedahlucian]

Hello Warwick. #Warwick #WaterTower #CloudStreaks #InstagramPhotographer