#dandelo and agi's dawntrail adventure

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Solution Nine

Dandelo, Agi, and the crew arrive at Solution Nine. There's drama, nasty food stuffs, awkward flirting, Dandelo suffering from terminal foot-in-mouth disease, and…a kiss? SFW.

“Um, so…would you like to explore with me?” Wuk Lamat asked Dandelo nervously soon after their arrival in Solution Nine. “Not that I’m afraid or anything.”

Ma’am, I will explore anything and everything with you, about you, in you, whatever you want.

Dandelo smiled. “Don’t worry, Wuk Lamat. We’ll keep each other safe.”

Because this place is creepy as fuck.

I’m not the smartest guy in the room, but even I know something is wrong here.

That, and Agi showed me her white mage soulstone, which is on FIRE?!?!?!

She nodded. “Yes, we will! I watch your back, and you watch mine.” She then gestured so damn adorably for him to join her. “Let’s go, Dandelo!”

He loved the way she said that.

It sounds almost like a song.

“You two have fun, okay! I’ll be over here doing whatever!” Agnes waved with the biggest shit-eating grin I’ve ever seen from her. AGI!!!

Heaving a sigh, Dandelo rolled his eyes and focused his attention back on Wuk Lamat. “Shall we?”

Fuck. Offer arm? Or not? I don’t think she’s that kind of lady, but she’s still a lady—

Fortunately for him, she is grabbing my hand. SHE IS GRABBING MY HAND AND DRAGGING ME IN SOME RANDOM DIRECTION.

THIS IS HAPPENING.

“So Dandelo,” she smiled. “What do you think of Solution Nine?”

Creepy as fuck.

“Uh, well it’s big.”

You idiot.

Of course it’s big!

It’s HUGE.

“It sure is! Ha, I’ve never seen anything like it. I—”

“Hello Lamaty’i!” Sphene’s annoying voice called to the pair. The hrothgars turned to see her running towards them.

Don’t call her that.

Don’t.

Keep it cool, Dandelo. Don’t cause an international incident based on bad vibes.

***

The selection of food on hand in Solution Nine was not at all appetizing to Dandelo.

At all.

And certainly not to Master Culinarian Agi. That is one disgusted woman.

The hyur leaned to Dandelo and whispered, “What the fuck do we do? Which one are you picking, because I get the feeling we have to pick something or else…” She trailed off, glancing nervously at Sphene. “There might be a war or some shit.”

Fuck.

“I don’t know!” He hissed. “Does it look like I know?!”

Grimacing, she shrugged. “At least the ‘steak’ is made from recognizable food stuffs.” She muttered, warily glancing between the piss poor selection. She then plastered on the fakest smile ever and pointed at the steak. “I do love…meat.”

Dandelo barely stifled a laugh as he also chose the steak.

I mean, it’s not bad.

Agi keeps chewing it and not swallowing.

Oh boy.

Is she gonna—

Agnes swallowed and hummed thoughtfully before declaring, “It’s all right!”

“All right” is Agi Code for “it’s edible and I’m hungry.”

Sphene, if that’s even her real name, is protesting a little too much here. Why is she so insistent that she can’t even have a bite of…whatever?

Dandelo was grateful when he saw Agnes’s brown eyes narrow at the young queen.

And that’s Agi Code for “Don’t like you. Don’t trust you. Never will.”

Same for me, if I’m being honest.

***

“What is that?!?!?” Dandelo practically screeched at the Mamool Ja child, who promptly hid behind a pillar. “Ugly, creepy little—"

Agnes elbowed him hard!!!! FUCK!! “Shut the fuck up! That’s a child, you dick.” She hissed.

Uh oh, Agi’s mad.

Wuk Lamat shook her head, a frown replacing the smile on her face. “Agi’s right. I’m…I’m disappointed in you, Dandelo. I expect more from someone I count as a dear friend.”

NO.

NOT THAT!

THAT’S SO MUCH WORSE!

With his heart beating out of his chest, Dandelo held up his hands. “I agree. That was uncalled for, and I’m sorry.” Don’t start rambling. Just leave it here and move on gracefully. “I mean, you gotta admit—” He stopped when both women were staring daggers at him and laughed nervously. “I, uh…”

Rolling her eyes, Agnes muttered, “Quit while you’re ahead, mate.” She glanced around and then gasped, “They’re taking off!” She pointed at the Mamool Ja child running up some stairs. “Let’s follow them!”

No, let’s not follow the creepy child, Agi.

Oh. Right.

Totally Not Creepy Child.

Wuk Lamat nodded. “Yes! Come on, Dandelo!” The Vow of Resolve ran ahead with Dandelo and Agnes bringing up the rear.

Under her breath, Agnes whispered to Dandelo, “I better not hear any other disgusting things out of your mouth about any Mamool Ja, or I will slap you next time. I won’t tolerate it from anyone but especially you.”

Dandelo Marx was not a stupid man.

Agi will slap the shit out of me without a second thought.

Those Limsa ladies are something else. Let me tell you.

“Yes, ma’am. Heard loud and clear.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Good. Now, be a sweetie to Wuk Lamat and get back in her good graces!” Godsdamnit she elbowed me again. “Just don’t be a shit!”

Don’t be a shit.

Got it.

***

Zoraal Ja is dead.

Sphene’s got a magic key and fucked off to another reflection.

Shit’s bad, everyone.

“Why don’t you and Wuk Lamat have a moment alone, Dandelo?” Agnes whispered to him. “She needs you. I’ll keep Gulool Ja company with Shale.” With a wink, she gave him a playful nudge and then motioned for the child to follow her and the elezen.

Agi really, no need to practically shove me towards the object of my most sincere and totally wholesome affection.

He approached an unusually quiet Wuk Lamat, who was standing on the other side of the room. “Hey, I—”

“Oh, I—”

They both chuckled.

Gesturing to her, Dandelo smiled. “Ladies first.”

There she is. There’s a very tiny smile.

She wrung her hands. “I, um, I know it’s been a difficult several days…weeks…but I’m truly grateful to have you by my side.”

Oh honey, it’s an honor and privilege to be by your side.

What did Agi tell me?

“Speak from the heart. You can never go wrong with that, my dear friend.”

Here. We. Go.

Dandelo swallowed thickly and reached to take her hands in his. “Lamaty’i…you, me, and Gulool Ja are going to get through this. We will. I promise. It’s going to be okay.” Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly. “We’ll be okay. And damnit, I’m proud to be by your side. I—”

He did not get to finish.

The reason being Wuk Lamat suddenly grabbing his face and kissing him in the Backroom.

Oh. My. Fucking. Gods.

It’s happening.

It’s really happening.

She broke the kiss and rested her forehead against his, sighing. “As I am proud to be by yours, amor. But first, we need to stop Sphene…and then we can talk about things over dinner? My treat.”

“Whatever you want, Lamaty’i.”

For you, my queen, anything and everything now and forever.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Contest

The second comm for Agi's in-game husband Dandelo in which Dandelo, Agi, Wuk Lamat, and the crew go through the Rite of Succession. SFW.

As always, thank you to Dandelo for trusting me with your blorbo. <3

Dandelo watched his friend with great interest.

Scrunching her nose.

Eyes narrowed.

Shaking her head.

Muttering White Mage stuff.

He approached the hyur and slapped her on the back. “What’re you thinking?”

“By all available evidence, there’s no reason why the plant and animal life seem lethargic. It’s something deeper but what?” Her previously serious mien shifted into a grin. “The answer is around here somewhere. Let’s find it!”

Dandelo raised an eyebrow. “By ‘let’s’ you mean you? This isn’t my area of expertise.”

She nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes, of course! I’ll work with the others on this, and you can…” Agnes rubbed her hands together and is grinning madly. Shit, what is she thinking?! “Talk to the locals. It’s important to learn more about the Hanu and their lives here…and also it gives you time to think of lines for chatting up the Third Promise.”

AGI, YOU CAN’T JUST SAY THAT AND WINK!!!!

With a wave, she turned and left the hrothgar flushed.

“Damn you, Agi.” He muttered before glancing around Ok’hanu and silently choosing a Hanu carrying a hammer.

***

“Are you shitting me right now?” Dandelo groaned, running a hand over his face. “Catch an alpaca? That’s the feat?”

Agnes’s eyes narrowed. “These things are never as they seem. Catch an alpaca, yes…but what’s the catch?”

The catch, as we discovered, was having to trade to get a bottle of booze to get Wuk Lamat a saddle to catch a wild alpaca.

Since Agi did most of the stuff with the festival, I suppose I should take the lead on this one.

Remember Wuk Lamat.

She needs my…our…help.

Focus on that.

Don’t focus on the capitalist little shits.

***

Rage.

Unrelenting rage.

“Dandelo.” Agnes’s voice called to him. “We—”

The hrothgar clenched his fists. “Need to get her back.”

Her brown eyes narrowed. “Yes, and we will. However, we need to be cautious. Thancred—”

RAGE.

“THANCRED IS FULL OF SHIT! HE’S OUR EN—”

Dandelo did not expect his friend to stare daggers at him, arms crossed over her chest. Uh oh. Miss Agi is mad. “He is not our enemy. If anyone can track where they might have taken her, it’s him, so…” She is MAD. “Get your head out of your ass and let him do his thing.”

Rage…

Okay, maybe not full-on fire-and-brimstone rage anymore.

His shoulders slumped. “I-I can’t lose her.”

Because I’m in love with her.

His friend’s arms quickly wrapped around him, pulling him into a tight hug. “We won’t let that happen. Trust in Thancred. Trust in us.” She gave him a squeeze before releasing him, grinning. “And then we can punch whoever took her in the dick.”

He hummed. “Or perhaps a little dismemberment. As a treat.”

She laughed heartily. “You said it, not me!”

Suddenly their linkpearls rang.

Thancred.

Let’s fucking go.

***

Adorable.

Dandelo hummed to himself as Agnes and Krile prepared the xibruq pibil. Though he was a master culinarian, he ultimately and correctly deferred to Agnes and Krile because damnit, she’s great and deserves all the good things. I hope we can find answers for her.

“So, Agi’s a good cook huh?” Wuk Lamat whispered to Dandelo. “Alisaie said she often prepared meals for the Scions at their old headquarters. Is that true?”

Agi and Higiri making breakfast on snowy winter mornings.

Group dinners.

Man.

Those were good times in the Rising Stones.

He nodded. “She is! Estinien is a lucky bastard.”

How the fuck did Estinien “This Hair Tie Cost 9500 Gil” Varlineau manage to snag Agi? Oh wait, there was snagging from him and from her. “Dandelo, oh gods have you seen Estinien without his helm? He’s so handsome.” And she had those godsdamned heart eyes.

Still has the heart eyes.

Wuk Lamat laughed. “He is indeed! He doesn’t seem like the most…erm, talkative person, but if Agi’s married to him, then he must be a good man.”

Closing his eyes briefly, he remembered how Estinien let him know he was there for him after…after all that. I love Agi, but he knows what it’s like to lose everything. He was a kid and lost it all and came out the other side. He opened his eyes and smiled. “He is.”

And his wife is a kickass culinarian.

“My dear friend, the Warrior of Light doesn’t lose…especially to those shitheads.”

Wise words, Agi!

***

“W-what…is that a Mamool Ja too?” Dandelo gasped. A woman of Mamook asked the Third Promise and her retinue to follow her out of city.

What in the turtle without a shell hell is this?!?!?!

Agnes’s eyes widened as she smacked his arm. “Don’t be a dick! That woman is clearly very upset and in need of someone to listen.” Her brown eyes narrowed. “Out of the earshot of the Autarch at the very least.”

Out of earshot of the weirdo with the cone of shame?

Yeah, it turned out we needed to go to the other side of sick fucking forest.

Just…

Goddamn.

What a forest.

***

“STACK!” Agnes yelled as the others crowded around her.

Ow.

Ow.

Ow.

Why is my future father-in-law hitting us so hard?

Ow.

Thankfully the hitting from Gulool Ja Ja’s shade ended shortly.

Give her the keystone, asshole, or there’s gonna be a problem.

Wait a second!

Who is that man?!?!?

That’s a damn handsome roe, if I do say so.

“Ketenramm, I presume?” Alphinaud asked, smiling at the older man.

What Dandelo saw next nearly made him laugh out loud.

“You good, Agi?”

The highlander nodded wordlessly, staring with her fucking mouth hanging open like a dead fish. “Oh…my…gods…IT’S YOU!!!!” She screamed and did her happy dance. Oh dear. Oh boy. Here we go. “I’m so sorry. I’m Agnes Currai Varlineau, and I…I grew up on stories about you! There’s not a child from Limsa who doesn’t know its greatest son. You inspired me to become an adventurer.” That was a hell of a high-pitched scream there, Agi. “IT’S REALLY YOU!!!!! CAN I GIVE YOU A HUG? IS THAT OKAY? OH MY GODS!!!!”

“Sure, sure. Come ‘ere.”

This is so fucking wholesome. A huge, devilishly handsome apparently famous guy hugging my buddy.

Awwwwwwwwwww.

***

“I want you to stay in Tuliyollal with me.” Wuk Lamat said to Dandelo. OH MY FUCKING GODS. YES, MA’AM. “I won’t force the issue, but you’re always welcome here.” YES. PERFECT.

After more goodbyes and promises to meet again in several weeks, Dandelo and Agnes were left standing in the Vollok Shoonsa. The highlander crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a knowing look. “Soooooo…does that mean you’re going to stay? For good?”

Do I want to stay? Yes.

Am I in love with Wuk Lamat? Also yes.

“Friends forever!”

Did I get friend zoned?!

He waved a dismissive hand. “Maybe. I need a change of scenery, and this might be it.”

Let’s be real---this is it.

“Uh huh. Well, you don’t have to figure it out now. After all, adventure awaits!” She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “And maybe we’ll run into my grumpy dragon.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Is that where he wandered off to?”

Agnes nodded. “Yes, that’s where he told he was headed. ‘Don’t worry, my angel. I won’t go too far.’ He’s a sweetie.”

Heart eyes again.

Dandelo rolled his eyes and gave her a playful smack on her back. “Come on, lover girl. Let’s go with Erenville to Xak Tural.”

And I can think about how…if…HOW���how I will tell Wuk Lamat how I feel…

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Adventure

I've been comm'd by Agi's FFXIV in-game husband Dandelo to write a series of fics as he goes through Dawntrail.

In this first fic, Dandelo reemerges from his self-imposed exile post-Endwalker after the loss of his family and discovers a new adventure is precisely what he needs. SFW.

Dandelo Marx blinked.

That’s Agi’s home away from home.

But this isn’t Mist?????

WHERE AM I?!?!?!?!

“Oh fuck me, it’s Dandelo! Hello!” Agnes Currai Varlineau shouted from the now-open front door and rushed to hug the hrothgar. “It’s so good to see you! How are you?”

He embraced his friend and sighed. Still smells like cookies. She must keep whoever makes that shampoo in business. He then released her and took in Agnes’s features. Still the same Agi. “Alright. Been doing a little bit of this, a little bit of that.”

The hyur nodded, smiling warmly. “Well, why don’t you come in? Estinien and the children will be so happy to see you.” As she led him inside, several thoughts went through Dandelo’s mind.

CHILDREN!?!?!?

I thought there was Esme?????

Esme…and one more?

Damn, Agi.

There were, in fact, two more.

***

“So, you want to get back into things, eh?” Estinien asked as he poured Dandelo some coffee. With the boys napping and Esme playing with multicolored blocks (Agi said they’re a gift from Master Beatin and Fufucha), the three adults were able to catch up mostly unimpeded.

Dandelo nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I think there’s been enough time for reflection and wallowing in horrific grief…I’m ready to have an adventure.” And live again.

Agnes shimmied happily as she sliced a piece of lemon cake with cream cheese frosting for him. “That’s so wonderful!!! Whenever you want to jump in, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m not sure how much of my letters you read…” Every word, Agi. Sorry I didn’t respond most of the time. “But I’ve been improving myself through taking a more active role in learning other classes so I can be a better mentor.” After handing him his cake slice, she sat back and laid a hand over her heart. “I’d like to think they’d be proud of me. You know? Their knowledge and experience were invaluable to me when I started. I hope I can do the same for others.”

Oh yes, Agi’s adventuring mentors.

The ones who died in the Calamity.

The ones who continue to inspire her even now.

Goddamn, Agi.

The highlander then giggled. “Oh dear, that’s quite enough of that. But yes, my dear friend, I’ll be there by your side whenever, wherever.” Her brown eyes widened. “How’s the cake?”

Dandelo smiled, taking a bite.

GODDAMN, AGI---THIS CAKE IS SO GOOD!!!

“The best fucking cake I’ve had in years.”

Estinien, can you not make fuck me eyes at your wife right now?!?!? I’m trying to eat this delicious cake!!!!

***

A few days later, in Sharlayan, Dandelo waited with Krile and G’raha outside whatever the hells this place is called. It’s a library. Nearby, Agnes leaned against a tree and gave the hrothgar a thumbs up. She had previously been contracted by whoever Wuk Lamat is to serve as one of her champions in whatever the hells it’s called. However, beginning the contest in her condition at the time was not possible.

Because Estinien would’ve killed them if they insisted on it.

Waiting until his dearest friend had her twins was quite literally the least this Wuk Lamat person could do.

And as luck would have it, she asked Wuk Lamat to meet with Dandelo to add him as another champion.

“Listen, mate---I told her you’re very dependable, very strong, very funny, great to be around. I think this is a slam dunk!”

“Sorry to keep you all waiting!”

Dandelo turned.

He saw a female hrothgar approach, waving at them.

Holy shit.

AGI, YOU DIDN’T SAY WUK LAMAT IS HOT!??!?!?!!?!?

AGI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen was, apparently, Wuk Lamat, and she needed his help in securing the throne of her nation.

Whatever you want me to do for you, ma’am. I’ll do it. I’ll do anything. Everything. Kill anyone you want me to take out. You just say the word.

Dandelo was trying not to pay attention to Agnes doubled over in laughter.

Come on. It’s not that obvious.

Right?

I’m an older guy. She’s a younger, extremely hot princess who needs my help.

Right.

***

“You should’ve seen his face!” Agnes cackled, sipping her snurlberry lemonade at The Last Stand. She was recounting her and Dandelo’s afternoon with her husband and children as they had dinner.

On Agi because she insisted, and you don’t say no to her.

Dandelo rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t that bad.”

Agnes shook her head and picked up a fry. “Mate, you practically had little hearts in your eyes. Honestly, it was really cute!”

I am not cute.

Estinien glanced down at Esme, who was eating a fry exactly like her mother. Wow. Just…wow. “Uncle Dandelo has the hots for a princess. Isn’t that something, Es?”

OH COME ON!!!!

The toddler nodded happily and then ate another fry.

“See, even Esme thinks so!” Agnes teased with a wink. “Truly though, you deserve to be happy again. I say---go for it!”

***

After dinner, Dandelo found himself on the bench swing outside, beer in hand. He smiled when he saw his friend join him. “Go for it, huh?” he teased as he sipped.

“Yes. I think you should.” She laughed nervously. “Obviously, it’s your choice. The loss you endured was terrible---all-encompassing and colored your spirit for so long.” Turning her head, her gaze met his. “However, you’ve come out the other side…” That grin!! “Mostly hale and whole.”

He rolled his eyes. “Mostly.”

She giggled and gave him a nudge with her elbow. “And remember, all the grandest adventures have a love story! Why not have it be yours, Dandelo?”

Why not me?

Why not…

She’s right.

You know she’s right.

But it’s like with coming back to adventuring…

One step at a time.

“You think this is going to be a grand adventure?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Agnes leaned back and looked forward towards the Ruby Sea. How the fuck did she get a beachfront Medium in Shirogane?!?!?! Chuckling softly, she smiled. “Of course. I’ve got a…good feeling.”

Agi’s feelings are usually right.

I hope she’s right.