#defender of eorzea

[adrayellinaeth]

NextGen

Adrayel and I'nah in their new Glam. New weapons are realy cool. Arcadion vibes.

Bonus: RIP B*tch

[iffylogic]

Guys I think choosing the conjurer class for my first playthrough of FFXIV was a bad idea

[nemesis-is-my-middle-name]

oh also i started playing ffxiv again. had 2 keep myself sane while i argued over email with these people. anyway they did NOT have to ramp up that hard in the last two expansions but i'm confusedly clapping i guess??

[justalittleraven]

LFRP/FFXIV Friends

Hi! I'm Nihil, or Raven to some, and I'm looking for more people to RP or just chat with about FFXIV ocs, lore, and RP. I have a fair few ocs at this point, and most are listed below.

Feel free to message me! Important to note: I don't do ingame RP, as I prefer writing multi-paragraph (usually 2 to 3 paragraphs) messages and replies.

Idun - Budding Blood Mage

Sideblog: @idun-monnawesfv - NonWOL - He/They - Gay - Shipped (It's complicated)

A young Veena only in his 20s, they fled their master after enduring vicious attacks due to not perceiving themself as being male. Since, he has taken up work as a dancer, traveling around Eorzea before meeting a certain unscrupulous doctor in Ishgard. They are affectionately described as a "temperamental little spitfire".

Domitien Ormesang - Cursed Marksman

NonWOL - He/Him - Pan - Heartbroken and Recovering

He was not always a wanderer, in fact he was a weaver of some renown from Gridania before deciding to set out for Ishgard with his companion and lover. They suffered a terrible fate on that journey, however, leading to his lover's soul being consumed by the cursed weapon that he now carries. Now he searches for a way to break the curse and put his lover's soul to rest, by any means necessary.

White Masque - Cursecrafter

NonWOL - Any pronouns - Questioning - Single but Be Prepared

A being so old he has forgotten his birthname, and all that remains of who he was is the mask he takes his name from. His soul carries a stain, one which he routinely excises into cursed items. Feeling no attachment to these, they have been left behind wherever he has traveled, leading to some unfortunate souls stumbling upon one without realizing the price they demand.

Elenwe Celebrindal - Elven Knight

NonWOL - She/Her - Sapphic - Single

Hailing from a line of elves which were blessed long ago by the Pixies, she defends her home from Sin Eaters wherever they appear. She has lost many to the Light, yet she remains as brilliant as a star herself, determined to save any she can from being devoured or transformed. Many who have found themselves alone, without family nor friend after the Flood of Light or attacks by Sin Eaters, have found themselves welcomed by her.

Erravi goe Corvus - Raven Run Astray

NonWOL - He/Him - Gay - Single and Stressed

A former Imperial assassin, titled Censor, Avi was loyal to the empire until he became too much of a threat to leave alive. Every assassin of his order has been executed in secret after a certain number of years in service, and this was his fate too. Though he does not believe in gods, he thought it a miracle when he was taken in by a nobleman who happened upon him on death's door. As fate would have it, the man was a relative of the Lady of Haukke Manor, and Erravi escaped with quite a few new scars after his experience.

Micans Lilius - Naturalborn Lightwarden

WOL - He/Him - Gay - Shipped (Soulmates Beyond Time)

Micans was born in Garlean territory, the youngest of four children. His mother passed away shortly after his birth, something his father blamed him for until his dying day. Before that though, it was 12 years after Micans' birth that his father almost killed him, leaving him with a scar from the gunshot. His siblings bid him to run, and so he did, eventually making his way to Eorzea and starting his journey as the Warrior of Light. At times he believes Hydaelyn made the right choice, as the very Crystal of Light She bestowed upon him was furthering his light poisoning.

[hazelkjt]

OC Introductory Post

Hello, and thank you for stopping by my blog! I'm Hazel and this is my main character for everything FFXIV related, from raiding to rp'ing. My pronouns are he/him, I'm an early 20's college student still trying to figure out what to do with my life, but I'm getting there!

I had mentioned this before but I'll reiterate it here: this blog was originally just for my main FFXIV OC, Hazel Kha, but because trying to manage multiple blogs was pushing me away from doing anything with these character I'm consolidating this one to have all of my OCs on it rather than just one. Those old blogs will remain up to keep the content from disappearing but I will not be utilizing them anymore. I'm sorry if you followed me here exclusively for the Hazel stuff, she will still be the main focus of most of my posts here but there will be others posted up here and there.

I'm situated on Zalera (Crystal) and spend most of my time either raiding or taking GPose shots, but regardless I look forward to seeing everyone's creativity here on the Tumbles.

Anyways, onto the intro bits to them all below the Read More

Hazel Kha

Age: 24

Race: Xaela Au Ra

Height: 6'4"/193cm

Nameday: 25th Sun of the First Umbral Moon (February 22nd)

Gender: Female (She/Her)

Sexuality: Bisexual

Carrd: Here!

A young hunter and warrior of the Kha tribe, Hazel is a proud daughter of the Azim Steppe who has always longed to see more, to do more. Through her mother's collection of foreign books and literature she came to daydream and wonder of the lands beyond the Steppe. Her desire for adventure high a fever pitch when coming into possession of a wandering samurai's soul crystal, and all the memories and knowledge it contained. She would hold on to the stone dearly for years, until one fateful day she had a chance encounter of a lifetime and through it found her way across the waters to Eorzea. After arriving she found herself under the employment of the Sharlayan scholar Nolanel Corbeaux, working as both research assistant and hired hand to help defend against threats. Not long after Hazel finds herself under the tutelage of Lia Amelune of Ishgard, retired Dragoon and head of her own noble house. Extremely curious and adventurous by nature, Hazel's love of the unknown is matched only by her competitiveness. Idealistic and prideful, Hazel takes to each new day with excitement and wonder in her eye.

Claire Ashe (Claire Bas Syndris)

Age: 29

Race: Garlean

Height: 6'2"/188cm

Nameday: 17th Sun of the Third Astral Moon (May 17th)

Gender: Female (She/Her)

Sexuality: Lesbian

A pureblooded Garlean who spent most of her childhood and teenage years living in Ala Mhigo under Garlean occupation. She grew up befriending many of the Ala Mhigan children there without her parents knowing. After her two closest friends were beaten to death in the streets, Claire revoked her family name and fled the city, no longer disillusioned by the Garlean propaganda she was fed her entire life. She traveled to Ul'dah and came into contact with the Lemures, where she was then trained by Drusilla as a Reaper. With her training and pact with the Voidsent Sidian, Claire aided in the revolution to liberate Ala Mhigo from Garlean control. She now works aboard the merchant ship The Enduring Deeds as a deckhand and the ship's main cook. She wears a bandana at all times to hide her third eye, paranoid over the general consensus most people have of Garleans. She puts up a cold and harsh exterior, which as of this point might not be as much of an act anymore, but underneath is a truly kind soul afraid of being hurt and hurting others just from existing.

Derrinall Evramont

Age: 33 (physically)

Race: Duskwight Elezen (also Ashkin/Undead)

Height: 6'7"/201cm

Nameday: 9th Sun of the First Astral Moon (January 9th)

Gender: Male (He/Him)

Sexuality: Pansexual

Derrinall Evramont originally lived during the final years of Gelmorra. His family were that of knights, dedicated to serving the people, though unfortunately his life was not lost in service of this oath. Sickness claimed him a few years before the total fall of Gelmorra, his soul adrift yet still holding strong to his memory and sense of self for centuries...that is, until he was brought back to the star for reasons he did not know. When he awoke again he wandered the ruins of the crypt he was buried in, eventually stumbling upon two he would learn to be kindred spirits, in a way. The two strangers helped him to recover even as he kept his personal information close to his chest, eventually pointing him to work and housing in Ishgard. He found work under Lia Amelune, both as house servant and a member of the House's ranks of knights. Derrinall's previous experience as a knight of Gelmorra saw him quickly rise through the ranks to become Captain, a title he holds with pride and only the occasional harassment of the Lady he serves.

E'venna Zekiel

Age: 22

Race: Seeker of the Sun Miqo'te

Height: 5'4"/162cm

Nameday: 3rd Sun of the Sixth Astral Moon (November 3rd)

Gender: Female (She/Her)

Sexuality: Straight

E'venna Zekiel is the eldest daughter of five children. After her father was tempered by Ifrit and subsequently killed, she took it upon herself to help her mother care for her younger siblings, specifically her triplet younger sisters. It wasn't an easy road to get where she and her family are now, especially in a place such as Ul'dah. E'venna began her "career" in back alley fights, as she had always been scrappy in a brawl. After getting into an impromptu fight outside the Pugilist's Guild she was offered membership, and upon joining took it upon herself to partake in Coliseum matches. The shine of her golden hair is matched only by her bright smile and optimistic personality. Combined with her unorthodox and playful fighting style in matches and soon E'venna had earned her the nickname "The Dancing Coeurl" from dedicated fans of her's. Her tournament winnings are a major boon to the family, with it they are able to put the three youngest through a formal education. Her family members almost all strongly disapprove of E'venna's line of work she can't imagine herself doing anything but. She's found her place, and that's in the ring.

Exploding Goldfish

Age: 36

Race: Hellsguard Roegadyn

Height: 7'2"/218cm

Nameday: 30th Sun of the Third Umbral Moon (June 28th)

Gender: Male (He/Him)

Sexuality: AroAce

Exploding Goldfish, simply known as "Fish" by most everyone, was born to a family of miners in Uldah. Throughout his life he was surrounded by heavy machinery, sparking a lifelong love of machines and inventing. His youth was spent learning everything he could about technology. His studies eventually paid off and he scored the job of his dreams working as part of Garlond Ironworks...for a while. An accident during a project cost Fish partial vision in his left eye and his position in the company. Scarred and humiliated, he drifted for months before finally finding secure work and pay at Wolves' Den Pier. Fish spent his time maintaining the machines used in "Rival Wings" competitions, and when he wasn't working on repairs he was drowning his self-pity in alcohol. It wasn't all for nothing, however. While at Wolves' Den, Fish chanced upon meeting a scrawny Viera living under the pier; Qara Wen. It took some coaxing but eventually Fish was able to befriend him, and over time that friendship evolved into brotherhood. And so when Fish was recruited to join the merchant ship The Enduring Deeds, his one request was that Qara be welcomed aboard as well.

Perseverance "Percy" Kha

Age: 9

Race: Hyur

Height: 4'7"/140cm

Nameday: 3rd Sun of the Second Astral Moon (March 3rd)

Gender: Female (She/Her)

A certain time, and a certain place...where a certain young spark was chosen to light the way. It is in this reality that a young girl lost everything. Her family was killed, and even her memory of them were taken from her. She was rescued from the same fate as her mother and father by the Warrior of Light, Hazel Kha. With no one else left alive to raise the child Hazel became Percy's guardian, and slowly accepted her place as the child's new mother figure. Hazel has been slowly acclimating the young girl to her new life, hoping to be able to deliver the childhood she deserves. Perseverance has grown to love reading, a pastime brought about by Hazel's own love of literature. Thanks to her favorite genre being heroic fantasy and also viewing her new mother as a larger than life hero, Percy has become fascinated with the idea of being a hero herself once she grows older. She is soft spoken, quiet, and quite blunt when she does speak, but Percy does have a good heart. What the future holds for her only time will tell, but thanks to the love of her new family, Perseverance's future is shining bright.

[wilanserulia]

#014 - Breath Between Hanuhanu fishermen constructed this landing in the plunge basin of Ku'uxage, driving the piles deep to stand against the fast-flowing current. The mighty falls bear witness to many a furious battle, the fixed fishing poles bending in place as anglers work to land their thrashing catches.

Not many know this about the Warrior of Light, the Sword of Eorzea, the Liberator of Imperial provinces, the Defender of the Star and Hydaelyn's chosen champion, but Wilan was once a humble fisherman, taken along by his father on the open sea to learn the trade. He didn't enjoy the fisher's lifestyle however, his traveller's heart aching to explore the world, but he still knows enough of how to do it that he was happy to show the basics to Delen, if nothing else as a vacation's diversion.

[nolanel-corbeaux]

Smash or Pass - Nolanel Corbeaux

Quick Facts

height: 6’11’’

age: 35

gender: cis male

pronouns: he/him

sexuality: pansexual

Pros

Super nerd who loves to read to you

Always looking to learn and to explore

An adventurer at heart!

A kindhearted soul always wanting to leave the world better than when he found it

Loves to cuddle and whisper affirmations

Has a pet skink named Bookmark c:

Cons

A bad habit of being arrogant in his field of study

Low tolerance for spicy foods

Likes Archon’s Loaf (it’s a fine food for studying, damn it)

Can overshare on a subject he likes

More heart than skill when it comes to fighting

Details

Grew up in Sharlayan which led to becoming an academic in the (then unknown/unnamed) field of Dynamis (emotional aether as he called it at the time). Defending his study on it earned him his Archon mark which he proudly displays on his right cheek.

He even forged his own Paladin stone based on his research of Dynamis and Light/Holy aether. This led to him leaving his home to explore Eorzea in search of free Paladins to learn from.

Nol can be extremely and unabashedly flirtatious to those he holds feelings for.

His skink, Bookmark, goes with Nol everywhere. This is non-negotiable.

Owing to an incident in which he accidentally absorbed too much light-aspected aether into his Paladin stone, his body is now a magnet for the same loose elements in the environment. This has given him the need to periodically burn off excess Light aether, generally through physical exertion.

Sexually: Switch depending on the preferences of his partner. Usually a dom, but is happy to sub, too. Top or bottom in deference to his partner(s).

Romantically: Loves wholly and completely. Has a lot of love to give, being polyamorous as well. He will only sleep with those he is committed to, however.

THERE YOU GO.

Nolanel is my boy and I love him very much. I hope others can see him as I do as well. :)

Thank you @hazelkjt, @this-is-ris, and @iron-sparrow for tagging me in this game! It was fun to write up :)

As for who I want to tag...YOU! I want to see ALL the Smash/Pass!

[greengamernoob]

Time for a bit of FFXIV speculation :

I realize that a bulk of FFXIV players have already completed the whole of the story arc ( probably more than one time ) so please don't hold it against this 🌱 while I think-out-loud about my feelings towards the story so far even if I'm still experiencing ARR.

( also pls no spoilers, but I appreciate encouragement and assurance my questions will get answered. Lol )

Somethings have been picking at my brain since I encountered them. One of which is when the Amal'Jaa are surprised we do not fall to tempering stating our "soul must belong to another" and then Ifrit himself says that while he can see we do not already serve a primal that the paragons warned the Primals about the godless-blessed one's aborrent existence. Does that mean that while we may or may not be tempered by a primal we are controlled/ guided by some 'other' thing outside the paragons or the 12. If we are being Guided/controlled by what we don't quite understand but is big enough or strong enough for the paragons & primals to worry about —- should we be worried about its overall motive & can it truly be benevolent and omniscient with that much power? Does it seek to follow through with its own agenda regardless of the plight of others.

The reason I say this is because of another encounter that seems to stick in my mind. A point in which Y'stola chastises Merlwyb for breaking the treaty with the Kolbolds. She basically says and has a solid point (that I had already thought of before this scene) when she tells Merlwyb that this constant war with the Kobolds was of her own doing in letting Lominsans break the treaty. The kolbolds are just defending themselves. Or course there is an a back and forth that ensues but the point being both Merlwyb and the Kobolds are doing what they believe to be right for justice sake and for the sake & safety of their people.

I extrapolated this further. What makes us, the scions, so sure that what WE are doing is right? Because a giant crystal says so? We kill gods/primals and move against another society that perhaps (outside of their military) could possibly be wanting freedom and peace like those of Eorzea do. What of the Garlemald society? They can't be all military. Its not hard to believe that there are some suffering at our hands because of what their military decided to do, not them. I guess essentially what I'm saying is, how are we so certain we are not falsely lead to believe what we do is just and right when what we do is kill gods/primals, murder tribes on sight because of who they are and pushing our agenda on them. There is point where there is a kobold says that those of their community at war with us do not represent the whole of their society. … and I hear that the crafting questline with the different tribes show us that not all of the their race want to fight. So is it hard to reason that perhaps not all Ishgardians hate dragons? That not all dragons hate the elezen. That not all Garleans follow their military and that perhaps what we perceive as right may only be a perspective of one cosmologic being with enough power to have us believe in what they want?

on top of the fact that the Ascians say ' if we knew more, that we wouldn't be fighting with them.... that we would basically understand’ ... leaves me feeling 🤯

What the hell is going on? I know mother crystal is our main guide... but tbh I'm feeling pretty sus about things and honestly the motives of Hydaelyn. I realize they are presenting her as a mothering ‘goddess’ but I’ve always been the type of kid to ask “why”

The answer of ‘just because’ … ‘because I said so’….. ‘because this is how it’s always been done’ ….. ‘because I’m the boss’…..

Has NEVER sat well with me. As a kid or now. With my parents, with teachers, with management or upper level bosses. I need to know the why, the motives, the implications or consequences, the benefits. I need this information because the end does not always justify the means. Especially if on a core level I disagree with it and feel there is an alternate route.

That probably says more about me then I intended but yeah… lol

... anyhow.... thank you for letting me just babble on about the beginning of this ( I'm sure to be ) wild ride we all know and love called FFXIV.

:::: Newbie rant over ::::

[myreia]

15 Lines of Dialogue Rules: Share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture the character/personality/vibe of the OC. Bonus points for just using the dialogue without other details about the scene, but you’re free to include those as well!

thanks for the tag, @thevikingwoman and @bearlytolerant, ty frens!

tagging: @roguelioness @lilas @galadae @ellstersmash @fourteenthz

@tsunael @birues @ardberts @gatheredfates @anneapocalypse

@impossible-rat-babies @coldshrugs @gefiltefished @consulaaris

sorry if you've been tagged before, I have... lost track of who has done what. 😂 No pressure, ofc! 💖 tags also for anyone else who would like to share their writing! Feel free to tag me even if I didn't tag you or even if we're not mutuals, I'd love to see what you're working on!!

These are from published (and one unpublished) ffxiv fics. Because a lot of my favourite Aureia lines happen within the context of banter, I had a hard time deciding what to cut and where.

— 1: Far From Happenstance [ARR]

“What’s that thing on your arm?” “This? Ah… well… Perhaps this conversation is best saved for later, perhaps in a less conspicuous place?” “Or we could have it now. Your choice.”

— 2: Uncertainty [ARR]

“Tailing unsuspecting women about the city is nothing to be proud of.” “I have done nothing of the sort! Our meetings have been no more than happenstance, a quirk of nature drawing us to the same spot at the same time. I assure you, Aureia, I am not following you—” She stifles a snort, laughter tugging at the corners of her lips. “Oh…” He blows out a breath. “Oh, you’re joking? That was a joke. You have an unfair sense of humour…” “Don’t make yourself such an easy target next time.”

— 3: To Ash and Ember [ARR]

Lahabrea stares at her, startled out of his victory, mouth twisted with contempt. “How—” Aureia raises a hand, palm sheathed in blinding light. “Get the fuck out of him, you bastard.”

— 4: Sand and Stone [ARR]

“This is good for us,” she says quietly. “The Scions, I mean. We’re exposed here. Ascians, Garleans… it’s only a matter of time before they try again. Mor Dhona will afford us some means of protection we’ve lost.”

— 5: Bitter Frost [ARR/HW]

“You press on,” she says after a moment. She cups her palm between them, subconsciously pulling on the aether around her. A faint flame sizzles to life, warming her fingers. “Guilt can only carry you so far before it bleeds you dry. Just know that the next time… the next time will be different. Better.”

— 6: Divergence of the Heart, Chp 5 [HW]

“I don’t care what they say about me. I’m a hero to some, a villain to others. I can live with it.” “You should not have to. If there was a way—” “Please, Aymeric, I’m begging you not to draft a new statute on my behalf. You can’t decree change and expect centuries-old beliefs to shift overnight.”

— 7: Divergence of the Heart, Chp 7 [HW]

“Happiness? What makes you think I’m happy with this? With any of this?” “You’re the Warrior of Light. Defender of Eorzea and a beacon of hope. Blessed by Hydaelyn and beloved by all. What possible reason could you have not to be?”  “Oh, fuck you.”

— 8: Divergence of the Heart, Chp 8 [HW]

She blinks. It shouldn’t be more simple than that. Does he not comprehend why this is so profoundly embarrassing? “And..?” “And how would this fact be of such radical importance that it would be the sole cause of a change in my opinion of you? Do you believe it so crucial to your identity that I should judge you differently for it?” “No, I don’t think that at all. I suppose I feel I’m… a failure, somehow. As a person.”

— 9: For All the Truths Left Unspoken [HW]

“Oh? Because you seem a little haggard, Thancred. Why don’t you look me in the eye and tell me what time you went to bed last night. Or if you went to bed at all, for that matter.” “It is not your concern—” “No, but you could have at least done the decency of admitting what was going on before you started fucking my friend.”

— 10: A Question of Desire [HW]

She cuts him off with a kiss. [Aymeric] groans softly, leaning into it, and she laughs with delight. “Save it for later,” she murmurs against his mouth.

— 11: Bound by Faith, Chp 2 [ShB]

“Under pain of further admonishment, I told her what I could.” “Nothing unfavourable, I trust,” she says drolly. “Who do you take me for, Aur?” “An idiot, if I’m being honest. Next question?” “…stumbled right into that one, didn’t I?” “Yes.” Her eyes sparkle with fondness. “You did.”

— 12: Bound by Faith, Chp 2 [ShB]

“There. That’s it. Aureia was a name I took by chance. Not because I wanted it, but because I needed it. An alias intended for Ul’dah alone, one I intended to relinquish the moment I could escape the city. But then you called me Aur and it… stuck.” She hesitates, her voice breaking. “I don’t know why it felt right, but it did. You gave me a name, Thancred, without even realizing that that was what you were doing.”

— 13: Bound by Faith, Chp 4 [ShB]

“They don’t hurt. At least, not like this. Sometimes, with astral fire…” She closes her eyes and swallows hard. “He did something to me, Thancred. Whether it was his intention or not, he left a mark that is more than skin deep. Like a part of his aether was seared onto mine. It makes me powerful, yes, but… my magic is not always controlled. It’s never been the same since then.”

— 14: Untitled Post-5.3. Fic, Chp 2

She glances at him and finds him glaring at her. It’s not a real glare—behind the dark look and mock exasperation is a knowing smile. “She’s taken full reign of the apartment. Mess everywhere. Looks like a tempest went through the place.” “Far too easy to imagine that.” “I don’t know where she gets it from.” “Oh, I know for certain. That’s the influence of your bad habits, not mine—” “I—listen here, you ass—” “Oh, an ass, am I? Bit early to deteriorate to name calling, no?”

— 15: Untitled Post-5.3. Fic, Chp 4

“Aur… that suite I mentioned earlier… I was quite serious about it.” “The suite or the sex you want to have with me in it?” “The whole matter.” She pauses, holding the soup out to him. “You should finish it,” she says quietly.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Knight-Dragoon timeline (as pulled from Encyclopedia Eorzea)

Hee :D

So it occurred to me today that the possible Knight-Dragoon timeline (condensed) isn't really like...established anywhere so you know what? LORE BE UPON YE

------

360: Elezen settlers move into the Sea of Clouds, and start building what will later become Saint Thordan's Basilica on a mountainside. Small villages to support this endeavor spring up nearby, laying the groundwork for what will eventually become the city-state of Ishgard.

350: As part of the overall migration waves, hyuran tribes--along with a band of displaced elezen from Central Aldenard--come to settle in Coerthas.

370: Hraesveglr and Shiva commit consensual vore and entwine their souls together. This triggers an era of peace between man and dragon. (This is probably when a proto-Knight Dragoon order formed or at the very least, the beginnings of one)

550: King Thordan and his knights twelve launch an unprovoked attack on Ratotoskr, killing her and consuming her eyes to gain power. Nidhogg kills the king and half his knights, but is defeated and summarily robbed of his eyes by Haldrath, Thordan's son. Haldrath renounces his rights as king to become a dragon hunter. Nidhogg gains an eye from Hraesveglr and swears vengeance. He invokes the power of the First Brood to blood-curse the remaining knights twelve and their future progeny. (If there was a proto-Knight Dragoon order, this event would have KO'd it)

565: Exhausted from hunting dragons and fighting Nidhogg's influence, Haldrath passes on his mantle to Berteline Cordillelot. Subsequently he is then given a mercy kill by Berteline and her father as Nidhogg threatens to overwhelm his will. (At this point the Church is possibly brought into the loop regarding Nidhogg's eyes. Haldrath's Eye-embedded corpse is interred and probably magically sealed away, while Nidhogg's other eye is used by Berteline.)

interlude: This is probably the point where the foundation is laid for what becomes the Knight-Dragoon order we see and encounter in ARR/HW.

761: The Azure Dragoon Valeonyant repels an attack by Nidhogg, who has been asleep for several decades.

787: The Azure Dragoon Valeonyant leaves Ishgard to defend a small village from the Dravanian Horde, but is killed in battle protecting a group of shepherds (personal note: I fucked up on this one a while back in a previous post, I listed Valenoyant's death year as 763. ^^;)

817: 30 years after his death, Valeoryant is canonized by the Holy See.

1058: An unnamed Azure subdues a massive dragon in the western highlands of Coerthas, laying the groundwork for the dragon's corpse to become the floating isle known as the Dreaming Dragon.

1146: The Lady Dragoon Reinette avenges her lover by slaying the dragons that killed him. She then gives up her Gae Bolg and takes holy orders, becoming a nun for the rest of her life.

1189: Lady Reinette, former Azure Dragoon, dies in a nunnery at age 66.

1289: In an attempt to distract the public from corruption in the Church, the Holy See canonizes Lady Reinette as a saint. It fails as a distraction.

1380: Ursulie the Meek creates the Dragonlancer's Armor and Brionac. Following the rejection of her creations and smithing techniques by the Holy See, she leaves Ishgard.

1557: Azure Dragoon Alberic Bale forces Nidhogg to flee after his destruction of Ferndale. He then resigns as Azure, seeing to raise the only survivor of the attack--Estinien Varlienau.

-----

(more personal musings on the dates to come later)

[aethernoise]

2. bark

This prompt reminded me to return to a very old WIP idea that I will likely never finish. It may simply be the fic equivalent of writing an angry letter and never sending it - self-care, if anything, in face of grave injustices.

Set in 5.2, inspired by the opening quests of the Sorrows of Werlyt. CW for mild violence.

•

She wanted to spit in his face, but her mouth was dry from anger.

"I don't give a shit about your regrets," she hissed, "They mean nothing to me. They mean nothing to the millions of innocent lives you've taken and the millions more you have ruined forever."

Gaius' face remained stony in the dim light.

"You needn’t list my sins, I know them all full well," he said. "I would never attempt to request your forgiveness, only cooperation--”

"Here is my cooperation, Baelsar," she cut him off. "You are alive at this moment because I will it.”

The corner of his mouth twisted ruefully.

“You would kill an unarmed man in cold blood? It seems we are both a far cry from our former selves.”

“Shut up.” 

"Do it, then, if you must. Say the words, Defender of Eorzea. Prove you're not all bark and no bite. Even if you paint the Royal Palace red with my blood, it will do nothing to stop what is coming."

There was a loud crack and a flash. Gaius grunted and slumped onto the floor. The aether was so loud in Alyx’s ears, she didn’t hear Raubahn’s voice booming down the hall.

“Alyx!”

There was a small singe on the front of Gaius’ coat, leaking a faint smell of burned leather. She remained transfixed on the mark while his chest slowly rose and fell.

“Alyx! Seven hells, what have you done?”

“He’s fine,” she said flatly.

“I cannot say he didn’t have it coming,” Raubahn said with the hint of a chuckle, and Alyx almost gave herself neck strain with the speed she turned to look up at him.

“Nothing compared to what he deserves. He doesn’t even deserve to be here, walking free in our home--” Her fingers clenched, shoulders squared against trembling with anger. “Raubahn, how could you?”

“Do you think I want him here?” His voice was hushed, his enormous shadow tense, black eyes flashing with ferocity. “Do you truly think I welcomed him as a friend with open arms?!”

Alyx had the dim awareness that anyone sane would be completely terrified to be rounded upon by General Aldynn in such a manner, but another awareness reminded her that she could knock him on his arse too if she had to.  

“How am I supposed to know? You certainly looked chummy enough,” she spat, “Standing there next to him like a gods damned diplomat, like he wasn’t the one responsible fo--”

His giant, calloused hand seized her arm. The hold was not ungentle, but the sheer weight of him rooted her to the spot. 

“And what would you have me do?” His voice had lowered to a rumbling growl like an earthquake. “Execute him on sight? Drag him through the streets? He came to us in peace, and with information vital to our survival--”

“And you trusted him!” 

“We have no reason not to.”

“My gods, do you even hear yourself?!”

“We have no choice. I have no choice.” Alyx opened her mouth to disagree, but he continued: “I will not put our borders at further risk out of pride. I cannot afford to refuse help, even from the most hated of sources. If Ala Mhigo is to survive--if Eorzea is to survive--it cannot depend only on you forever, Alyx.”

Her heart hammered in her ears, but she had no rebuttal. The General went on:

"Someday, Rhalgr forbid, you might not be here. What if something were to happen to you? What would become of us? I know full well what you're capable of, but I know you cannot be everywhere at once."

A soft groan from below - Gaius was waking up. As soon as Raubahn's grip slackened enough, Alyx pulled her arm free. 

"Fine. Do what you will." Her voice was low, robbed of much of its former power. "But please, do not ask me to work with him."

Alyx didn't wait for confirmation. Instead she turned to leave before she could regret anything more.

[adrayellinaeth]

Landscapes - 1/7

Until we get to Dawntrail... Some Landscapes all over the world. Gridania - Ul'dah

[meatball-headache]

I'm in the final zone. (MSQ spoilers like you wouldn't believe)

I mean... on the one hand, this is exactly what we expected. The city of gold.

On the other hand... I mean, the circumstances are just. No one had this on their bingo card. The city of gold, a city of utopian immortals? Okay, they kind of said that from the gecko. The city of gold, another shard? Well, shards are a major part of the overarching story, so, yeah, it's a possibility, and honestly I'm ashamed I didn't think of it myself. Both, and, it's ruled by a kindly FF9 reference who has to slaughter our entire planet to use our souls to fuel her people's, who teamed up with Wuk Lamat's brother, who also tried to slaughter our entire planet, and his own, so he could eat everyone's souls and get strong enough to outdo his dad? I guessed Ketenramm! Ketenramm!

Man, I don't know what else to say. I'll give a more thorough review when I'm done, but, Dawntrail has really impressed me. How can they make us care about these new characters, this new world, after we've spent so long in Eorzea with the Scions? Oh, right, because Ishikawa is in charge and she's got a knack for characters. Every character I liked right away—not as a person, but as a character. From Gulool Ja Ja's beneficence, to Bakool Ja Ja's arrogance, Zoraal Ja's stoicism, Koana's practicality, and Wuk Lamat.

Oh my god. Wuk Lamat might be the best character in the game. She'll ferociously defend her people and thoughtfully consider other options. She's got a heart of gold, a will of iron, and a stomach of watery pudding where you did the recipe wrong and it didn't set right. She loves her family, she strives to understand her enemy, she eats anything and for some reason her stomach does somersaults whenever she's within sight of a vehicle of any kind. She's the most human and most believable character in the game, and it's a game that has been full of excellent characters.

[bisquicklite]

For the comfort prompts!!!

16. Gentle kiss

- @littlelordalphinaud

Thank you for the ask and I'm sorry it took me so long to answer hahahah

Count Edmont de Fortemps was not the sort of man who made a habit of eavesdropping on his children.

Well, not intentionally, anyway.

But the week thus far had seen Ishgard proper attacked, following a concerning uptick in activity in the ongoing war,and the few remaining Scions of the Seventh Dawn fleeing accusations of regicide. The latter all but necessitating Edmont to take them in under his protection- even if there was no small risk in doing so. They were foreigners, outside of the faith, and perhaps most importantly currently fugitives from Eorzean Justice.

However, they had also proven themselves as staunch allies in a short period of time. First, as reported by Haurchefant some months ago, their aid to Lord Francel. It also hadn’t escaped his notice that they also managed to sniff out a heretical plot in the Highlands. Then there was the business with the Primal Shiva and even defending Ishgard herself.

To let allies like that go unaided in their time of need would have been dishonorable.

And if his son was in love with the prominent Warrior of Light? Well, he wasn’t going to admit to being swayed by such a fact. Not when the woman had as impressive of a resume as she did. And certainly not when Haurchefant had loudly and insistently confessed his feelings for her during his outpouring of emotion to convince Edmont to grant the remaining Scions protection.

It took a few days to sort out the details. But the Scions were brought to Isgard and settled in, each of them immediately went to work on behalf of the House Fortemps.

On a night not long after things had settled, Edmont found he could not sleep. The first bell chimed not long before he decided to leave his bed, his chambers, and walk his aching leg down to the kitchen for some tea. Perhaps it was common for him to be preparing his own midnight snack, but the idea of waking up a servant for such a reason didn’t sit well with him. He was not so crippled that he could not make himself a cup of tea- and perhaps a biscuit and a nip of brandy in the tea.

It was with this in mind that he crossed the darkened, quiet manor. He did his best to be quiet, ever mindful of the time and the fact that the rest of the house was asleep.

Or they should be, Edmont thought, as in walking the hall he crossed the door to the sitting room, which was cracked just enough to view the scene inside. The dying fire provided a warm dim light that illuminated Haurchefant and Osha in profile.

They were sitting on the sofa, far too close to be proper. Their voices were hushed enough to lose meaning by the time they drifted to the door. If he wasn't mistaken, and he wasn't, that was Osha was perched in Haurchefant's lap, her arms wrapped around his neck, their faces a breath apart.

Edmont was tempted to close the door and walk away.

But he found himself concerned. And in that concern, Edmont found himself justifying just a bit of eavesdropping. He hovered near the door long enough to catch a brief exchange between the two.

If he was being honest to himself, Edmont was more concerned with the exact nature of their relationship than anything else. Haurchefant may have been thoroughly smitten, but what about this mysterious woman he brought home?

Osha Qhantari had proved polite enough, if a little common, and she seemed a sweet woman. Certainly not what one might picture next to the words ‘Warrior of Light’, ‘Champion of Eorzea’.  In the few interactions he had witnessed she seemed fond of his son. She was always overly friendly, in a way that did nothing to discourage Haurchefant’s affections. But it was difficult to tell if she was simply being friendly, and nothing more.

Not to mention that she was a Keeper woman, from such a background that Edmont simply did not know what to expect. Keeper women weren’t known for keeping a single man for life, nor submitting to a domestic life and marriage and- 

Watching them now, at how Osha relaxed in Haurchefant’s hold, her fingers idly playing with strands of silver hair, Edmont held the impression that she had been wisely conservative in her displays of affection. The way they looked at each other, talking quietly, was enough to convince the Count that the pair was a genuine romance.

“Oh, you’re terrible!” Osha laughed loud enough for Edmont to hear, and in her next breath her voice had softened to something thoroughly affectionate as she went on, “I love you so.”

The latter he barely caught as she had spoken quietly. But as excited as Edmont was to hear the confession, he was just as surprised by Haurchefant’s reaction. Or lack thereof, as his son, didn’t react with an excited, over the top return that he would expect. No frenetic return of such a confession. Haurchefant’s response was to smile brightly, and duck close so that their noses were nearly touching where he whispered his own affectionate response.

Edmont didn’t catch his son’s exact words, but did catch what sounded like claims of love, him calling Osha darling, and what must have been soft claims and promises.

Then she was reaching to hold Haurchefant’s face, and she held his gaze before leading him into a thoroughly gentle kiss. They didn’t part after either, simply lingering in each other’s space.

Edmont was struck by how very calm and loving the scene was. How very comfortable they were to be in the other’s hold. He was fairly certain he had never seen his son so well at ease and clearly happy.

It occurred to Edmont then that whatever the two had together, it was a good deal more well established than he could have guessed. It wasn’t a scene of seduction he witnessed but one of two people who cared for each other very much. And they loved each other, such was clear, at how easy it was for them to speak the words and how it was no more a cause for celebration, but a simple, comforting fact.

He eased the door closed, wincing at the threat of the hinges squealing and giving him away, but managed to quietly secure it shut.

Feeling a sense of relief Edmont couldn’t help smiling to himself as he continued on his way to the kitchens. He made a mental note to have a friendly, but serious conversation about the possibilities of courtship with Osha.

Shoutout to @littlelordalphinaud for the ask! :3

[mpatrycjaarthorizon]

Working on my new vision:

Knight x her soft lady

Meet Mide and Varhaaba 🖤💜

Full kind/soft hearted lady (do not need defending, but she have sympathy to her knight) x cold-blooded knight (who has not known warm until now)

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Protecting her lady ✨

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

| Healing touch |

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

| Sign of love |

Let us not forget that au'ra rub each other's horns as a symbol of love or affection

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

First time in Eorzea for these two

Varhaaba is excited about going to a new place when Mide tries to keep up with her

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

| Cozy Time |

[menphinaswhitemage]

Audrey Valentine

B A S I C S

Name Audrey Valentine

Nicknames Ladybug (mostly used by her mother. After hearing it her partner picked it up as one of her many nicknames she likes to call her).

Age Start of ARR - 24 (though I have her story start a year before ARR so, 23) Current age - 27

Nameday 25th Sun of the Fifth Astral Moon

Race Hyur (her mother is a Highlander, her father a Midlander)

Gender Cis Female

Orientation Bisexual

Profession White Mage/Member of the Conjurers Guild. In exchange for missions only in Eorzea/less dangerous missions she agreed to teach some of the new Conjurers that showed great potential. When she is not teaching them for work she usually tends to the injured, traveles to other parts of the Shroud to attend to the many settlements, or simply helps other with more mundane tasks. The job of a healer is not only to mend injuries but to help one's community, she thinks. She has recently started to learn non magical methods of healing, both for her own knowledge and for one of her students that wanted to learn.

P H Y S I C A L A S P E C T S

Hair Red like her fathers. It's usually kept in her preferred half braid and rarely does she let her hair fully down (she feels naked if it is. its hard to explain). She used to have long hair but cut it after the birth of her child. While up it appears to only go to her chin, her hair is a bit longer when down though not by much.

Eyes Growing up she only had dark brown eyes. After the Calamity when she awoke 4 years late she discovered that her right eye was now red. She can only speculate that perhaps while staring up at Dalamud something happened to it. Her earring kept her alive during the Calamity is always worn on the left ear, the side that was unchanged.

Skin Pale, somewhere in between her mother and fathers complexion but they're so similar you can hardly tell. She has very light freckles on her face like her mother

Tattoos/Scars The most prominent scar is a burn scar on her back. Pinned underneath a burning tree during the Calamity even if it was treated properly it would have left a scar either way. Covering most of her upper and middle back she keeps it covered at all costs. She got an additional scar from when she was stabbed clean through. Though the mark is not very prominent on her sternum and more or less blends in with her burn mark on the back.

F A M I L Y

Parents Alexandra Valentine A simple woman from a long line of hunters. Her family lived in the West Shroud for many years until it was destroyed. Afterwards she spent some years in Shriogane and Yanxia with a friend until being reunited with Audrey.

Cecil Valentine One of the few to be chosen to revive the once forbidden art of White Magic before the Calamity. Audrey or her mother know little to nothing of his fathers side of the family, save for the fact that both his father and mother both came from families known for magic. He was called to defend Gridania at the Battle of Carteneau, and his wife followed. Only one of them would survive.

Children Estel Valentine Her son from her first marriage. Half Hyur, Half Elezen, he's barely two years old.

In-laws and Other One of her close friends and somewhat room, a viera named Velvet, is her sons godmother. Besides that she does (or rather will) have a mother-in-law whenever she marries her current partner.

Pets A fluffy black cat gifted to her by Velvet as a house warming gift when she moved into her current home. It can be rather fickle with people, especially when strangers try and approach Estel.

S K I L L S

Abilities Magic As stated before, she adept at White Magic. She knows other unaspected magic but only has one job stone.

Swordplay After her husband was murdered, one of her friends forced her to learn how to wield a sword. The reason itself is complicated, with June believing that getting revenge and killing the person responsible like she did would make Audrey feel better. It did not.

Hobbies Gathering/Spending time in nature While it may not seem like a hobby to others, Audrey enjoys going out into the woods and gathering food or herbs needed either by herself or others. She enjoys going for regular walks in nature, taking in the sights, fresh air, and quiet the wilderness provides.

Reading While she has no particular favorite genre, in her free time she has read fantasy, romance, historical fiction, history books, and basic aetherology. She doesn't understand this "sci-fi" thing one of the shopkeeps tried to recommend to her once.

Weaving While she rarely ever creates clothes, Audrey likes simple needle work projects and mending.

Dancing (rarely) Learning how to "properly" dance in Ishgards many balls and social events was a neccessity while she stayed at a noble house. While not much a "hobby" Audrey enjoys the feeling of a simple slow dance.

June's wife taught her the basics of harp playing while she lived in Ishgard…Not that she's very good at it. After leaving she's not played since.

T R A I T S

Most Positive Trait: She tries her best to always believe in her friends, no matter their past. She believes that most people are capable of change, but never is so foolish in that belief to blindly trust other.

Most Negative Trait: She very prone to overthinking. At its worse it can lead to nightmares, paranoia, and a need to keep others close to her no matter what, while distrusting anyone else greatly. She often finds it hard to untangle all the thoughts in her head, making it harder to express her thoughts.

L I K E S

Colors: Earthy tones like dark green and even browns is something she likes to wear, reminding her of home. If not those colors she, abit cliche, likes white and reds. In recent times she's found dark blue looks good on her as well.

Smells: Simple, natural smells like a warm summers rain she finds the most pleasent. That and the smell of food. If she does wear perfume it is very light and compliments those smells, usually foral (and perhaps a preference of rose thanks to her partner.)

Textures: I don't believe she ever thinks about a favorite texture. Perhaps the feeling of well made fabrics or a soft bed.

Drinks: Dandelion tea. It was something she had a lot growing up and strangly one of the memories that stuck with her memories were lost. While not the only type of tea she likes, she always carries some on her.

O T H E R D E T A I L S

Smokes: Not at all, she can't stand the smell.

Drinks: Hardly ever. She's very much a lightweight and feels the affects after a glass of wine. Only one or twice in her life she did get completely drunk. It's hard to tell if she's a sad drunk due to her only drinking when she was dealing with things (tm). However both times she was able to be cheered up quickly and was a rather cheery drunk.

Drugs: Also no.

Mount Issuance: A white Ishgaridan Chocobo she named Tiramisu. It was an engagement gift from her first marriage- her husband raised it from a young age just for her.

Been Arrested: No, and it would be a rather embarassing affair if it ever did happen give her parential status and current job.

Thank you so much for the tag @viiioca! This was a lot of fun to put together, I kinda wanna do it for my other OCs sometime...Though I don't think about them on the same level as Audrey

I'll tag @elypiphoros, @wisteriaphyte, and @archaiclumina!