#edalene

[edalene-slater-ffxiv]

DWC February 2025 - Day 4 - Salty

TW: Sexual Themes under the cut

Less than a day.

She’d been back on the in the city less than a day, less than a handful of hours - really - , and already there were shenanigans to witness at the bar. A little alcohol, a few knights, a few…were those cupcakes?? - what could possibly go wrong?

“Oye! Miss, few of the fellas have a question for you - trying to put it to rest and we’ve got a bit of a tie goin’.”

An exaggerated sigh left her as she turned on her bar stool, but not before making sure her order had been received. “I don’t even have a drink in hand and already you boys are making demands - honestly. I thought you’d be trained better than that.”

A majority of the lot managed to look ashamed - good, as they should - but one…Edalene’s eye narrowed for a moment as she looked him over. 

He must be new. The mystery man bore the brunt of her scan without flinching, which she didn’t mind in the least since it gave her an opportunity to really get a good look at him. Tall, brown hair that had been lightened by his time in the sun - maybe?, muscular, and - she paused, her head tilting ever so slightly - those green eyes.  

He seemed very new…and this could be very fun.

“So…what’s this question you boys have?”

“Salty or sweet? Need another opinion.”

Oh, his voice was just right too - or maybe it’d been too long. He met her gaze as he licked the icing off one of the cupcakes before breaking off a piece and popping it into his mouth. 

It had absolutely been too long…and two could play this game.

She smiled, waiting until she had her drink in hand, taking a sip before walking over. “That is quite the question…and the answer depends entirely on my mood.” She scooped up a handful of peanuts out of a nearby container, popping a few into her mouth and taking a moment to chew - and filling her free hand.

“But I could be convinced to go one way or the other,” she glanced up at the ‘new’ crew member with a lazy smile, “-mind getting me a bit of icing to try - I don’t bite, unless you’re into that sort of thing…” 

“I’m sure.” The comment earned her a quired brow, but he reached over and scooped a bit of icing onto a finger, holding it out for her. 

She could feel the eyes of the others on her - and it really didn’t matter, this was fun…and if it got her what she wanted, even better. “Good boy. You follow orders so well.” (The chuckle from the bartender really just added to the entertainment of the whole thing.)  She set the handful of peanuts aside - down on a napkin - before gently wrapping a hand around his wrist as she lapped at the icing, and then closed her mouth over the digit - eliciting gasps from the small crowd, and an amused grin from the man in front of her. 

A hum escaped her as she drew back, the digit now clean as she licked her lips. “Sweet is alright…” Her gaze cut up as she lifted her glass to her lips, taking a long sip. “But I think I might prefer salty…”

“I might have something in mind if you’ve a craving, miss.”

“Oh? I think I might.” Edalene reached out, taking the green-eyed man by the hand as she downed what was left of her drink. “You can tell me all about what you’ve in mind on the way to my inn room. Or better yet, show me once we get there.” 

“Aye, miss…”

Sometimes there were shenanigans to witness…Sometimes she was the shenanigans. 

It was hard to tell which was the better time. 

@daily-writing-challenge

[osric-giroux-ffxiv]

DWC February 2025 - Day 6 - Holiday/Annoy

He’d never been one to put much stock in holidays. 

To him they were just another day - ones that may have required a bit of extra effort while growing up (he actually had to put on a show of pretending to like his parents, and they had to act as though they tolerated him for a time, brief as though it may have been), but they were days just like any other. Once the show was over it was back to business as usual and things continued as they always had. 

He managed to remember the key days…like Starlight. Starlight seemed important enough to keep track of, especially now with the twins. 

And then there were days like the one everyone seemed to be fussing over the last few days…during the good years he found it mildly irritating. And during the more difficult years? He found it to be beyond obnoxious. 

This was one of those years.

And so he’d taken steps to simply stay away from the cities - keep away from the displays that irked him. He didn’t need to see them, didn’t need to interact with them. He could get his supplies and get out before any of the merchants saw him and tried to push any of their over perfumed anything towards him.

A foolproof plan - keep to his home, visit his children a day or two out of the week, keep to himself and his wolves and resist the urge to throw a spear through the next person who tried to talk to him about Valentione’s Day.

Or it would have been a foolproof plan if he’d accounted for his sister - he never did account for the things his sister was going to do…

The wolves alerted him to her arrival well before she announced herself, and he’d barely managed to close the file he’d been looking over before Edalene perched herself on the edge of his desk, setting a bottle on top of the file rather unceremoniously.

“...What’s this?”

“A present.”

“For?” Osric leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing in his sister’s direction with no small amount of suspicion. 

“Valentione’s Day. I figured you were going to be holed up here anyway, might as well bring you something nice.”

“Mmhm, and this isn’t a way to distract me from asking what kept you in the city for two days when you said you were going to be back after one? Or who, rather?”

 He should’ve known he was in trouble when she smirked…he should’ve known to change the subject…should’ve just said thank you for the bourbon and let the conversation go. 

But no - he couldn’t do that, he had to press. One day he would learn…he really would.

“Well, since you insisted on asking, dear brother, I couldn’t tell you his name - didn’t bother to ask and he didn’t ask for mine, but his  tongue was fantastic. The other bits were pretty good too.” 

He pushed up out of his chair, grabbing the bottle and turning to exit his office, the wolves trailing after him…as well as his sister’s laughter. (If he left quickly enough she wouldn’t see him blush.)

“Just because I ask doesn’t mean you have to tell me!” 

He returned with two glasses, one already half empty, having poured and consumed some on the way back. 

Edalene shrugged - completely unphased. “Or, I could simply answer your question. Fuck around, find out big brother. If you don’t want to know, then don’t ask the question.  And - “ She grinned, plucking the second - full - glass from his hand, “-speaking of fucking around. Maybe that’s what you need to start doing. Not all the time mind you, but every once in a while. It certainly wouldn’t hurt. I bet you there are lots of women out there today especially who are looking for someone to fill that space.”

“Edalene!”

“I’m just saaaaaying.” 

The rest of his drink was quickly downed, and a refill provided as he sat down with a sigh. “...when do you go back to Black Water?”

“I don’t know, a day or so, depends on how I’m feeling. Why?”

“I was…just wondering.”

Valentione’s day was irritating enough all on it’s own - that was very true, of all the holidays it was one of the ones that in his mind carried the least weight…and somehow the combination of Valentione’s day plus his sister nagging him was one he had never considered…and a thing that nightmares were truly made of.

It was going to be a long damn day.

@daily-writing-challenge

[mari173b]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: TORY BURCH EDALENE LONG WOOL BLACK GRAY LEATHER TRIM PLAID COAT NWT $795 SZ 2.

[southerncharmretail]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Yellow Box Womans Sandals Edalene Multi Colored 6.

[robot-voice]

I’ve been watching The Owl House, and I gotta say I am SO horny for the animation, especially that last fight scene between Eda and Lilith, omg, so crisp

Also, I can’t be the only one who thinks Eda is hot AF 😍 she is simultaneously super adorable and super badass, I love this Owl Lady  

[wildmaiden]

A mixture of cold, corrupting darkness covering up smooth, warm golden light; each moment the shadows curl and snuff the light, smothering it like a blanket

10/10 description of her inner turmoil

[prompt]

[bisexualgodofchaoss]

thought’s on cloud over the horizon(the owl house)

-DONT KILL EDA DONT KILL EDA PLEASE DON”T KILL EDALEN CLAWTHRONE PLEASE PLEASE DON”T KILL HER SHE IS MY COMFORT CHARACTER PLEASE I NEED HER ALIVE AND HAPPY PLEASE PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU DON’T DO THIS TO ME PLEASE PLEASE DANA TERRACE I NEED EDALEN CLAWTHRON ALIVE OR IM GOING TO EXPLODE

-OMG THYE KISSED GOOD OMG GOOD FOR THEM IM SO HAPPY FOR THESE TWO IDITOS THYE FINALLY THANK GAD THIS IS SO GREAT FOR REPRESNTATION AND THE ANIMATION WAS SO SMOOTH

-FUCK YES I LOVE LUZ AND HUNTER BEING SIBILINGS THEY ARE PEAK AND I WOULD KILL FOR THESE KIDS TO HAVE A MENTALLY HEALTHY AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIORMENT PLEASE TITAN LET IT BE PLEASE PLEASE I NEED HUNTER AND THE OTHER SHAPESHIFTING GIRL TO BE ADOPTeD AND RAISED BY LUZS MOM AND FOR THEM TO ALL BE A BIG HAPPY FAMILIA PLEASE ON TITAN PLEASE

-bet you my whole wallet(empty) that odalia cheated on alador like a million times

and that concludes my thoughts on the owl house clouds over the horizon it was a great episode and i liked it very much!

[serararku]

Eyes of Amethyst Pt 1

It was that time of the moon again. All of his efforts to keep gil in his pocket and food on the table had fallen short once more, and he was forced to get off his ass and get to work. His buzz was fading and he hadn’t the bottles left to quench his thirst, which meant his crippling headaches and heartaches would get the better of him if he didn’t get a drink soon. Fortunately Thalen had the perfect plan for some easy gil.

He stepped out of the estate with his favorite revolver in his hands. “Ahhh, Ylda. My pride n’joy.” He thought to himself as he checked to make sure there was a ceruleum-charged bullet for every chamber. “The only woman I need in my life.” He was admiring how her solarite handle glimmered in the dazzling sunlight when something else sparkled in the corner of his vision. It was none other than Osric Slater, standing near the gazebo with his reforged lance in his grasp. “Well well well, if it ain’t the Moody Dragoony. You cleared with the docs, aye? You lookin’ for work?”

“I’m working with Khair on grip strength and flexibility, but yes - I’ve been cleared.” Osric glanced over at the Miqo’te man, turning the lance in his hands. “And I’m always open to work. It keeps me busy and the coin purse full. An ideal state.” He leaned back against the wall of the gazebo, continuing to slow turn the lance between his hands. “‘Moody Dragoony’? That something you came up with - or something you and Edalene worked up?”

Thalen couldn’t -- or didn’t -- bother hiding his smirk. “‘Twas a group effort, lad. But if your spendin’ money’s gettin’ sparse, I got just the thing to help line ya pockets… if’n you’d be interested in a little hunt.” He twirled Ylda around his trigger finger before sliding her back into the holster where she rightfully belongs. With his other hand he pulled a rolled scroll from his back pocket and flicked it open with his wrist. “Wanted: Alive. Kiban Tia, better known as the Bramble Patch Strangler. Killed twelve women by choking them to death with bramble vines. Thirty thousand gil reward for apprehension by the decree of the Order of the Twin Adder.” He stopped reading the poster to shoot Osric an inquisitive glance. “Whaddya think ‘bout that?”

Osric narrowed his gaze in Thalen’s direction. “It sounds like an easy enough job.” He pushed away from the gazebo, shifting his weapon to his right hand as he took up the poster in his left, giving it a quick once over. “They wouldn’t be looking for outside assistance if it was an easy job though - what’s the catch?”

“The catch?” He repeated, almost excitedly. “If we kill’m, we don’t get paid. Plus he could be anywhere in the Black Shroud, aye? At least that’s what everyone’ll think when this bounty’s made public.” Thalen tapped his temple as he stared at the Dragoon. “But I’m the one who caught the bastard in the first place. I know where he’s goin’ and I know where to shoot to stop’m in his tracks. All we gotta do is camp outside the Quarrymill and wait for’m to pounce on some poor lass. I shoot his kneecaps off, you leap in and cuff’m. Easy fifteen thousand each, and it ain’t gonna take all day to get’m.”

“Nothing ever goes that smoothly, K’thalen - and we both know that. But sure. I’ll go along with it, for now.” He handed the poster back over to the Miqo’te. “So...when are you expecting him to be in Quarrymill?”

He stroked his chin as he stopped to think. “Well… he escaped prison early this mornin’... and on foot I reckon he’ll be there within a bell or two. So if we take the aetheryte we can get there before anyone gets hurt.”

“That seems like a key detail you probably could have led with. Unless you have any other pressing matters to tend to - if we’re taking this job, we’d best be off. I don’t know Quarrymill that well, and I’d like to get an idea of what the area’s like before I’m expected to jump in and...what was it? ‘cuff’m’?”

Thalen chuckled as he hit Osric on the shoulder. “Aye, haha! Good thinkin’, let’s get outta here before every Tom, Nook, n’Harry comes runnin’ in to ruin our good haul.” He turned to the large aetheryte crystal that quietly hummed and spun on its pedestal within the Ashen Wolves estate grounds. “Just a quick search and… and… huh? What the-?!”

Osric grunted, his eyes narrowing at the Miqo’te further after the jab to his shoulder. “What was what? Having issues with the aetheryte or is there something else to be concerned with before we’ve even left for this job?”

“Twin Adder’s blocked all access to the aetheryte…” He mused, clenching his jaw. “Must’ve locked the whole place down already, so people won’t flood in to get people killed. Smart.” Thalen crossed his arms as his smirk returned. “Good thing I still have my access codes when I was in the force, aye?”

“Only if they still work...so let’s make sure they do and be on our way. Otherwise we have a very long run ahead of us.”

Thalen placed one hand on the Dragoon’s shoulder, and the other on the aetheryte. Not a moment later the blue crystal began to glow and spin faster and faster. The two were slowly lifted out of the grass and suspended in the air, as raw aether flowed through their bodies to break them down and send them through the rift. “Heh…” He chuckled, as their bodies began to disappear. “You worry too much.”

In a flash they were gone, tossed across the aether currents to drift between dimensions. Their physical forms were sliced into an octillion pieces, spaghettified and stretched a distance too great to measure. How aetheryte teleportation worked was a secret reserved for the greatest minds of Eorzea and beyond -- and far above both Thalen’s and Osric’s paygrade, but fortunately they didn’t need to know; it worked, and that’s all that mattered. When the distance between each of their atoms shortened, and their bodies began to reform at the designated crystal, the Dragoon and the Gunslinger reemerged from the rift less than a blink’s time after they initially disappeared, landing them smack-dab in the heart of the Quarrymill.

It was chaos. Twin Adder guards were running amok trying to keep the peace, with many of them struggling to keep a gathering crowd at the edge of town. There were no signs of a fight or a fire, yet everyone was panicking like there was one; there could only be one reason why so many guards were in one spot. The Bramble Patch Strangler must be close.

“Well - this is certainly something. Give me a quick description of the man I’m aiming for so I can find a decent spot among all this chaos.” Osric’s gaze cut to the shorter man for a moment before refocusing on all the individuals moving around the settlement. “I think the sooner we get set the better off we’ll be.”

Thalen opened his mouth to speak but didn't get a single word out before a deep voice cut him off. "HEY!" a Twin Adder Officer shouted, causing Thalen to stiffen; a colossal Hellsguard Roegadyn was stomping right towards them. “That aetheryte was disabled for a reason! Who are… Thalen?! What are you doing here?! And who in the hells is this?!”

Thalen patted Osric’s chest with the back of his hand before muttering, “Keep ya mouth shut, aye. Lemme do the talkin’ so this big red bastard’ll stay outta our hair.” He leaned forward and cleared his throat once this beast of a Roegadyn stepped to him, nearly twice his height. “Deputy Grand Talon, it’s good to see ya movin’ up in the ranks.” He wisely chose to avoid explaining how he gained access to the aetheryte crystal. “Me and my esteemed Dragoon friend -- who shall remain anonymous -- are here for that bounty on Kiban.”

The Dragoon in question crossed his arms over his chest, eyes momentarily narrowing at the back of Thalen’s head - it seemed the man had no sense of personal space.

“Dragoon?” Grand Talon repeated, eyeing Osric with suspicion. “An Ishgardian? Hmn… this changes things...”

“Exactly. So...” Thalen started, watching the officer stroke his chin in silent contemplation. “Point us in the direction of the Strangler so we can collect that reward, aye? Surely you know where the bastard is?”

“Pteh…” He raised his giant arm and pointed behind him at the large cobblestone tower sticking up through the trees beside the river. “Quarrymill was set to demolish that old eyesore when Kiban arrived. He murdered two guards and dragged a woman up there to the top. If he catches us inside or spots us flying up there, he’ll detonate the explosives and take that poor girl with him.”

Thalen turned to look up at the tower before his gaze settled back on Osric. “But with a Dragoon we could leap up there and avoid detection…”

“Maybe.” Grand huffed, crossing his arms. “Here’s the deal. Kiban has a date with the gallows but the life of that civilian comes first. Save her if you can, and bring me the dastard -- alive.”

The Gunslinger waited for him to turn his back and return to keeping civilians out of the area before he spoke in a hushed whisper. “Alright… take me up to the second floor’n wait for my signal. I’ll get’m distracted n’talkin’, and once the girl is safe, you leap up and give him a proper concussion.” His gaze focused on the Dragoon for a moment. “Can’t have that tower pop while we’re in it, aye? Or someone’s gonna die… and it ain’t gonna be me, that’s for damn sure.”

Osric’s gaze shifted to the tower, quickly scanning for potential spots to land. “No - having the tower explode wouldn’t end well. I can carry two people out, but three is pushing it, and I do believe Khair would likely be unhappy if I were to try to carry someone with a hand that isn’t quite up to full strength.” He turned back to Thalen. “Enough of the vague ideas. What signal will I be looking for and where do you plan on trying to have him positioned? That tower looks about ready to fall as it is, and if I slam down too hard we’ll all be running, your murderer included.”

“You hear a gunshot n’that means it’s time to move.” Thalen explained, still admittedly keeping it a little vague. “Alright -- pick me up n’take me as close as ya can without him hearin’ us. And be warned… Miqo’te got some good hearin’.”

An exasperated sigh left the Dragoon as he gripped Thalen by his collar. “I’m beginning to understand why you and Edalene get along - neither one of you works in details. Hold on and keep your feet up - I can land quietly, but you may not be as fortunate.” He turned back to the tower once again, identifying an appropriate landing spot - jaw clenching for a moment as he took in the surroundings and without much warning to the other man, leapt. The Miqo’te lifted his legs and held onto his hat like his life depended on it, nearly slipping out from his jacket once Osric launched themselves high into the air.

A single bound was all it took to leap over the tower, the wind hissed and whistled against their ears on the way up and on the way down. Osric caught the ledge of a window with his good hand, planting his feet against the old stone wall; and once Thalen opened his eyes, he helped hoist them both inside. Sure enough dynamite was tied to the support columns within the tower. There were no telltale signs of the culprit nor the hostage below, but above them they could hear a woman sobbing and begging for her life.

“Alright…” Thalen whispered, pulling Ylda from her holster to tuck into the back of his pants. “Gonna try to goad him into revealin’ the detonator, yeah? If I can shoot that hand off then he’ll be helpless when you come jumpin’ in. Just make sure ya don’t knock the lass off the ledge, or you’ll have to skydive to grab’r. We good?”

“You focus on making sure we’re not all blown to bits by the end of this little adventure, and let me worry about the woman - if I need to dive after her, I can - and if that is the safer option - knocking her off and going after her - then I will. But let’s see if we can avoid any extraordinary acts of heroism, hm?”

Thalen gave him a confident smirk and a quick nod. "You worry too much. This job and that gil is as good as ours." The Miqo’te began his slow ascent up the spiraling flight of stairs, with one hand on the railing and the other tightened around the grip of his second -- and lesser revolver.

The Deputy was wrong. At least a dozen corpses were littered on the next floor, with blood streaking the walls and seeping through the rotting floorboards; it looked like Kiban had been busy with a knife instead of his usual method. Thalen pinched his nose closed from the stench and began making his way to the other end of the room, carefully weaving around and stepping over bodies and holes in the floor alike. How this madman freed himself from the darkest depths of prison in the first place, and why the Order of the Twin Adder didn’t execute him when Thalen brought him in the first time were questions he didn’t have time to answer. All he knew was there were frightened squeals just above him, and he needed to move fast before the Bramble Patch Strangler claimed one last victim.

“Shut up! You shut your MOUTH!” Kiban hollered, dragging a woman by her hair. All she could do was grasp at his hands and helplessly flail as she was blinded by her tears and disoriented by her terror. Thalen slowly emerged from the hatch at the other end, peeking out to spot Kiban and his captive before rising to his full height on the last floor. His back was turned and he had a clear shot, but he was standing far too close to the ledge -- shooting him now was an almost guarantee he would fall to his death and take that poor girl with him.

“Remember me, asshole?” He shouted, causing the startled Tia to spin on his heel.

“What?!” He gasped, pointing the bloodied piece of glass in his hand; he was squeezing it so tightly he was surely cutting open his own palm and fingers. “You…! How did you get past my traps?!”

Thalen slowly pulled his revolver from his jacket and pointed it at Kiban. In response the Strangler lifted the girl off the ground and held her in front of him. “Let the girl go. I just wanna talk.”

“Liar…!” Kiban held the shard of glass against the whimpering woman’s throat. “You’re here to kill me…! Well I’m not going down alone!”

He had to think fast. Kiban wasn’t exactly mentally stable when he chased him up and down the Black Shroud seven summers ago, and solitary confinement hasn’t made him any better. “There’s a bounty on your head! Alive! I can’t afford to shoot you!”

A cruel grin spread across Kiban’s face. He definitely believed that. “Then drop your gun and kick it to me…” Thalen scowled and sneered, but obeyed, slowly lowering his revolver onto the ground before giving it a good kick to send it across the room. Kiban whispered something in the woman’s ear, causing her to tremble before nodding, and slowly they both bent their knees until she was close enough to reach for the gun on the floor.

“Good girl…” Thalen whispered, watching her hand it over to the Strangler. He released his bleeding grip on the glass and snatched it from her hand.

“Hahahaha!” Kiban Tia couldn’t help himself. “You should have shot me when my back was turned! Now she gets to watch as I put a hole in your stomach!” Despite pointing it at Thalen, the Miqo’te didn’t move an ilm. “Filthy cops…! Forcing your morality on everyone else…! So what if I killed a few people?! They all had it coming…!”

“Let the lass go. You got my gun, aye… ain’t no sense in keepin’ her hostage.”

“No, I think I’ll keep her.” Kiban snarled, clenching his hand around her neck. “You have no idea what it’s like… how… good it feels to watch life slip from their eyes…” The woman began to gasp as he tightened his grip. “Goodbye, Thalen.”

Click!

Kiban blinked, and pulled the trigger again just to be sure. Click!

In a flash Thalen pulled Ylda from the back of his pants, whipped it around, and fired -- and his revolver was loaded. BLAM!

“AAUUGH-!” A blink and a heartbeat and his wrist was gone. Kiban released the woman in his shock and collapsed to his knees, gripping the bloodied stump with his last good hand. “You BASTARD! You’re going down with me!” Thalen was already halfway across the room, sprinting as hard as he could, when Kiban pressed his hand against his chest.

BOOOOOOOM!

---

Collab: @osric-slater-ffxiv

[kyanako5972]

Inktober Day 21: Mayabella Villanueva (A Courtesan of Rome)

Or, as the game calls her, Mayabella of the Villanueva tribe. The name is entirely unfitting, but at the time, my only other option was Edalene Horizon. I found Mayabella more appealing at the time.

So maybe I went too far back by a millennium or two. I don’t know when she lived in my canon, but it’s not that early.

[kthalentia]

K’thalen Tia - The Blackened Barrel

Age: 26 Sex: Male Height: 71 ilms Weight: 159 ponze Eyes: Yellow Hair: Black / Orange Birthplace: Whispering Woods, Black Shroud Family: K’rehr Nunh (Father, Deceased), K’sarim Zelu (Mother), K’nolas Tia (Brother, Deceased) Love Interest: Edalene Slater, S’era Rarku (Former), Ylda Khaat (Former, Deceased) Orientation: Heterosexual Jobs/Professions: Bard/Machinist Personality: Thalen holds a lot of hatred in his heart for cowards and lowlifes, and reserves a special place just for betrayers. His misfortunate upbringing skewered his view of the world, and although he often means well, he does more harm than good. Despite all of this, he remains a very easy-going and (mostly) carefree individual, as long as he has a drink in his hand. His crass attitude knows no limits, and he will often give his unsolicited advice if he thinks he can help someone. What Thalen truly needs is therapy, but being as stubborn as he is, it is unlikely he will ever receive it; if his friends and acquaintances don’t kill him, his liver probably will. He puts on a hard exterior to protect his aching heart, finding it easier to push people away than to risk getting hurt again. Thalen was sexually abused by the adults in his life when he was still just a boy, which has permanently crippled his ability to maintain long lasting intimate relationships. Mannerisms: Eorzean is his second language, but instead of learning from a competent teacher, he picked up on it by listening to the bandits he lived with. His accent comes from Thalanan highwaymen, but he can speak clearly and concisely when using Huntspeak. Strengths: Thalen’s aim is unrivaled. Even if he is awoken in a half-drunken stupor he can still outshoot half of the realm. Thousands upon thousands of bells have been spent mastering his quickdraw, and although he boasts loudly and often, he probably is one of the best shots in Hydaelyn. However he rarely uses a sniper rifle, instead preferring to use his trusty revolver for most of his battles. He can also sense aether, allowing him to detect hidden -- or even invisible -- foes and actively predict and outmaneuver them in close-quarters. Weaknesses: He is a slave to his vices. Sex, alcohol -- typically both at the same time, are used to help distract himself from his own grief. His addiction is so bad that his body goes through harsh withdrawals mere bells without a drink. Beyond that he suffers from Imposter Syndrome, and he is his own worst critic. His passionate fervor to undo his wrongs has led to some tragic outcomes, and he hates himself for it. Furthermore he thinks himself a coward, and has nearly taken his own life on several occasions whenever he reaches his lowest breaking point. Reason for Playing: Thalen is my boy, and for the longest time, my only male character. Easily my most broken and troubled character, he is loosely based on my World of Warcraft hunter Ijiro, as well as an exaggerated personification of myself; minus the vices. His anger comes from a place of familiarity, as does his views on intimate relationships. He’s a catboi because hyur can’t grow beards (though a catboi with a long grey beard sounds awesome). I play him whenever I’m in the mood for ERP, or in need of some depresso in my expresso. Other Notes: I don’t care much for Face Claims these days, so I use music instead. A lot of country goes into writing for Thalen, specifically Cowboy/Western Country. Main Theme: The Dead South - Spaghetti Sample Playlist: The Steeldrivers - Good Corn Liquor, Ghoultown - Drink with the Living Dead, Colter Wall - Sleeping on the Blacktop

[edalene-slater-ffxiv]

🌀

28. — hope

“To heal the wound you first have to stop touching it.”

Crackling wood of a roaring fire, three curious canine faces, and the sounds of the piano being played - those were the things that greeted Edalene as she stepped into her brother’s “home”, if one could call it that. 

Dwelling? 

That might have been the more appropriate term - he hadn’t done much to make it much of a home in the time since he’d moved into the building, or for spending as much time as he seemed to be spending there. Well - excluding what seemed to have been left there from the twins, there seemed to be some proof that the building was lived in beyond the bare minimum essentials. 

A huff brought her attention back to the moment right before a rather intrusive snout was gently nudged away with her hand as she turned, narrowing her good eye in the direction of the grey wolf - she never could keep their names straight. 

Was it Tyr? Freyja? Vidar? One of them. 

“Rather rude wasn’t it? Could get your sniff without sticking that nose of yours up my backside, just for future reference. Don’t suppose you could show me where my brother is, since - judging by the constant playing - he doesn’t seem inclined to grace us with his presence any time in the near future.” 

That earned her nothing but a set of tilted heads, and then the three turned and wandered further into the house - an action she assumed was an indication that she was supposed to follow. 

“As clear in their actions as you are, Osric. It’s fitting, honestly.”

And so she followed - the sound of the piano growing louder a good indication that she was moving in the right direction. Fortunately, the house wasn’t that large - and it was only after one wrong turn (and one wolf wandering back to find her because clearly she’d managed to get lost) that she managed to find her brother seated in front of his piano, seemingly entirely focused on playing.

Seemingly - as it didn’t stop him from having something to say, as soon as she walked into the room.

“Have you always talked to yourself, Edalene, or is that a new development?”

“It’s a new thing, particularly when my brother has locked himself away in his house in the middle of nowhere with his wolves and won’t come out to greet me and I’m left having to interpret the behavior of three canines, one of which tried to shove its nose up my backside, to figure out where he is.” 

“Hm.” It wasn’t much of a response - not that she was expecting one, as he continued to play, fingers gliding across the ivory keys. 

He’d always been like this - when he was overly stressed or upset he would throw himself into something. Training, planning, work, or in this case, the piano. 

It was just short of infuriating.

“Are you going to tell me what has you like this or am I going to have to pry it out of you?”

One shoulder barely lifted as he continued to play, not missing a note, “Are you going to tell me why you’re not out in the middle of the ocean on the Sirensong, or am I supposed to believe this is simply a ‘just because’ visit?” 

“You can’t avoid my question with a question, Osric.” 

“I can, if there’s nothing to “pry.” I’m within my home, sitting at my piano, playing because I enjoy it. I didn’t realize I needed to have a reason.” 

That earned him a huff, as she leaned against the instrument - turning her good eye towards him and crossing her arms over her chest. “I never said you couldn’t play an instrument you own within your own home, you stubborn ass. But since you want to act this way, fine. I was told you were in Black Water over the last few days.”

His gaze cut to her momentarily, fingers never slowing as he continued to play. “I was - to spend time with the twins.”

“And you didn’t bother to stop by, say hello, anything of the like - a bit rude, don’t you think.” 

“I…didn’t want to be present longer than necessary.”

“Care to share why, big brother?”

“The intent wasn’t to be rude, Edalene. I never know whether you're going to be in or not and I was there to visit  with Idalia and Evran.”

“But you were in a hurry to leave.” Looking entirely unconvinced she moved away, wandering over to grab a glass and pour herself a drink - not asking for permission and not bothering to ask if he wanted one. He was clearly busy. 

It was here that he stopped, turning on the bench towards his sister, gaze narrowed. “Whatever it is that you’d like to say, go ahead and say it, Edalene - you’ve never been one to mince words before.”

“Fine.” She took a long sip from her glass before setting it down on his desk and resting her hip against the edge of the piece. “This-,” she pointed towards him before vaguely making a circle in his general direction, “...cannot continue. You visit with your children, which is wonderful and I’m glad you spend time with them, and then you retreat here and no one will see or hear from you until you emerge from isolation to spend time with your children again and then it’s the same pattern again and again. I understand that you’re still bothered - don’t glare at me like that.” 

She rolled her eye, picking up the small green bottle that rested on his desk and turning it between her fingers as she ignored the gaze he threw over his shoulder at her. “And sitting here doing this isn’t going to get you over it. The wound doesn’t heal if you’re constantly ripping it open, Osric.”

“Speaking from personal experience, Edalene?”

She paused, shifting the bottle to one hand and pointing up at her eyepatch as she cleared her throat to get her brother’s attention. 

“And you’ve completely let go of that incident.”

“I lost my eye, Osric. It still lingers. And I’m still able to put it aside enough to do my job. I just choose not to talk about it. Ever.”

He hummed, turning his focus back to the keys beneath his fingers.

“So just don’t talk about it.”

“That’s not what I’m saying.” The green bottle was set down on his desk as she pushed away and crossed the room to stand next to the piano, crossing her arms over her chest as she narrowed her gaze down at her brother. “You said you wanted to be there for your children the way Kenward wasn’t for us, right?”

“...Yes.”

“Doing this isn’t going to make that happen, Osric. Just because this one person - one person - didn’t see your value, doesn’t mean that there won’t be someone who does. And if you’re locked in…whatever this is, it makes it pretty damn hard to move forward. Stop poking the damn wound and let it heal. As someone with a bit of experience in that…it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t fucking hurt some days, but at least those days are fewer and fewer as time goes by.” 

Osric’s fingers stilled on the keys as he swallowed roughly. 

“One day, brother, one day someone is going to manage to convince you that you deserve more than table scraps.” Edalene moved over and pressed a kiss to the top of her brother’s head before ruffling his hair, ignoring his irritated huff at the action. “Until then, you’ll have to deal with my nagging, and since I’ve made this trip, I’m raiding your kitchen.”

She turned and left the room without another word, the wolves standing and following her out…leaving her brother to his thoughts once again. 

It wasn’t long before the gentle sounds of the piano filled the house once more…Osric had always needed something to throw himself into when his thoughts were scrambled…and yet this time the notes didn’t seem quite as heavy. 

Perhaps he could pull himself out of this mess yet - there was still hope.

[osric-giroux-ffxiv]

🖤 BLACK HEART — what would you say is the darkest thought you've ever experienced? what do you think caused you to have that thought? have you ever planned on or fantasized about acting on it?

"The darkest thought, hm? Isn't that quite the question." A small, humorless chuckle was given as he turned over the item in his hand - a chess piece...a pawn.

"I don't know that it was one thought, so much that it was one thought that led into another that led into another. Questions about whether or not it would be better for those I cared for it I were simply...not here. The children are young enough that they wouldn't remember me. Edalene has her own life - and she wouldn't be constantly concerned about what I was doing with mine."

He set the piece down with a bit more force than was needed. "It was a thought that was set aside as soon as I had it - even if the feelings lingered a bit longer than I would have liked. I swore, the day I found out about the twins, that I would be present in a way my father never was - and I can't do that if I'm not here."

One shoulder shrugged, "Do I know what led to the thought or what 'caused' the thought, sure. Is it something I'm going to discuss, no. It's over and done with, and it doesn't matter at this point."

Thanks @mimble-sparklepudding

OOC expansion under the cut

Osric has always struggled with feeling like a burden - mostly because he has always been told that he was a burden (surprise, messages that one is told over and over again sink in eventually).

What he wants - more than anything - is for his children to be happy and to be able to have the life and childhood that he didn't have the opportunity to have and to be able to be a part of that.

(I mean, he also wants to be happy, but he figures that's a bit of a far-fetched dream at this point due to reasons.)

There are times when he wonders if he's doing his children a disservice because he hears about how great things are going without him, and there's a concern that all he's doing is complicating things for them in the future, and that's the last thing he wants to do.

(Is he creating a problem where one doesn't exist - yes, he absolutely is.)

Would he ever do anything to cause harm to himself? No - he said he would be there for his children and he will be - and he will sort through whatever feelings he has to along to way to continue to be able to do that.

[mari173b]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: TORY BURCH EDALENE LONG WOOL BLACK GRAY LEATHER TRIM PLAID COAT NWT $795 SZ 2.

[howdoyoudothedew]

Not sure if anyone has done this yet but I was looking at a few names I had written down and realized Amity was one of them, which means ‘friendship’. So I figured I’d look at the others.

Amity: Friendship

Luz: Light (I think this is especially clever)

Willow: From the willow grove

Augustus: Great

Lilith: Of the night

Edalyn I couldn’t really find but Edeline, Edaline, and Edalene are all close enough and all share a meaning so I went with them: Noble

King: Ruler (it just felt wrong to leave him out)

[laura-birdie]

Inktober. Day 9: Swing.

That moment when your wife doesn’t ever get out of the house because she spends all of her tieme writing in a black room so you make her take swing dance lessons with you.

My OC’s Katherine and Edalene, in the story they are a part of they never take swing classes, I just wanted to draw them

[a-memory-of]

"You can ask Ruran to attest to the mending of bones. Aether can do miraculous things, but I would still advise excessive use... or throttling men who may deserve it," Ellere Valahan reached over to pat Ruran's arm as if to prove her point before looking to the area Hime instructed, working more aether into it.

Ruran Vas gave Ellere a soft look at the pat, and he nodded, turning his gaze to Hime. "Soon you shall be back on your feet, but you...must give yourself time to heal." ...a little hypocritical, coming from him.

"I trust you. I kind of have to, considering you are the one who will keep me alive." Hime Yozora gives Ellere a sheepish smile before she reluctantly shifts the subject after a brief internal debate on if it was a good idea. In all fairness, the topic was probably a bad choice either way. "...Ruran, may I...discuss something with you?"

Ellere settled back in the chair, looking between them, "Would you rather I leave? I suppose I can make myself scarce should you need privacy."

Ruran blinked, and he straightened a bit. "O-of course." He looked between Ellere and Hime, unsure what the topic was about, and if it would require privacy.

Hime quickly shakes her head and frowns. "Y-you can probably stay for this. You can...probably give some personal insight, albeit it might be a...tough subject for you." She pauses to take a shaky breath. "I-it involves Ume, and I...know she...held you captive, Ellere."

Ellere visibly stiffened at her words.

Ruran froze, though a flash of confusion crossed his gaze. "H-has she done...something else..?"

With @weepingknight & @voidtranced, mention of @io-saar

Hime seems reluctant to elaborate before she slowly nods, frowning deeply. "N-nothing to such an extent, but she has been...talking to me. Or trying to. I do know communication with her is not something to indulge in; quite frankly, the only reason I do not challenge her is because I am scared of the consequences, given the way she has lashed out previously. She is playing as if she did nothing wrong, and I frankly do not believe such actions. I do believe she is trying to gain my trust, but...I do not understand why. Honeyed words do little when I can undo lies. She told me she did it all 'for love', and for a 'dear friend'. Out of...desperation." 

She hesitates for a moment. "...And wanted me to deliver an apology to you, Ruran. As if that would help anything. I am looking for the holes that I am missing here, regarding her story."

Ellere bit down on her lip hard, fisting her hands in her lap, "That vile..."

Ruran did not realize it, but his hands had clenched at his sides. His head shook. "An apology is not enough for what she did--f-for what I believe she would do again at the next opportunity. I pleaded for her to change her mind and release Ellere, to work together to save Rha. She refused... She said it was time I 'played by her rules'. As if this was all...just a game to her."

Hime blinked, frowning deeply. "...And that is why I am apprehensive to ignore her. She acts like a maternal figure towards me, yet she has hurt my colleagues in this manner. Some of which being dear friends to me. She confuses me, and that terrifies me. Are you two alright with answering if I inquire for the full story, rather than the watered down version that she has attempted to give me in an attempt to gain my trust?"

Ellere had remained quiet for some time, before finally speaking, "That woman deserves no sympathy. She has been shown enough and it was spat back in our faces. If telling what happened would prove that to you, then I shall. But in return I would ask why she knows to seek you out at all? It takes two to meet clandestinely, and you speak as if this is not the first."

He glanced to Ellere, a look of concern behind the shadows of his mask. The stone flickered. He remained quiet, looking between the two. Ellere's question was a curious one.

The miqo’te nods. "That is fair. From what I could tell? She sought me out because of the voidsent within me. I was...desperate for an alternative solution to being stabbed by Ruran, admittedly, so I listened with little hesitancy. She danced around the subject of Metaphysick itself aside from speaking of the company's dislike, and I assumed it was due to her void tainted nature. If I had known what she had done in the past..." 

She frowns slightly. "She had me convinced enough that the voidsent had to wrestle control and bring me to Ruran herself. She spoke to Ruran regarding Ume. In all of that, I went back out of...bitter curiosity, I suppose. I wanted to tell her that I was fine, and eventually asked for her tale on why Metaphysick was so wary of her. Something I should have done in the beginning." Her gaze darkened. "...I am quite upset at myself for hitting such a point of desperation. I am lucky she was not hostile."

Hime finally purses her lips. "She has mentioned her 'beady friend' watches over us."

Ellere looked to Ruran almost for confirmation as Hime explained. Her gaze falling again at the mention of being watched, a worrying fear that had never really left her mind since. "Ruran told you of what happened... and you still sought her out? How foolish can you truly be? We were just speaking of trust and yet you chose to doubt him, of all people?" She sighed, hanging her head and rubbing at her brow.

Hime shakes her head. "I trust Ruran...probably the most out of anyone within this company. I did not doubt his words. Ume had attempted to set me up with a contact that could rid me of Edalene safely. Forgive me for how foolish it sounds, but I had sought her out to apologize for not making use of the contact. That conversation steered towards Metaphysick." She frowns again. "I never claimed that hindsight was a strong suit of mine."

Ruran met Ellere's gaze and nodded, confirming Hime's story. His shoulders fell; he would never admit he was disappointed that Hime was so readily return to Ume and entertain her justifications. "Ume has not spoken or visited Rha since we rescued him. If she did this for love, she has a strange way of showing it. She...has gained nothing from this, save for the entertainment as she taunted me over the pearl, with Ellere's life in her hands. It was pure madness."

"...I see." The frown on her features in between speaking was becoming seemingly permanent. "I apologize Ruran, truly - I should have left good enough alone. I suppose part of me wished that she was not as bad as claimed because of...similarities, but that was wishful thinking. I find myself falling prey to sympathy more than I care admit in some cases. Though...it is bothersome that she can...so easily contact me through my dreams."

Ellere kept her head down, resting it on her hand. "I do not know what Ruran told you of everything, but I know he has not told you what happened while I was in her... care, as I've never told him." She paused again before sitting up. "She ambushed me on my way home. Home, from purchasing medicines and droughts to help the man she would later claim to love above all else. She forced a spell over me, and I woke in her home."

"If she speak to you in dreams, it does not surprise me. Because the... because what I witnessed while there planted a seed of fear that I shall live with for as long as I know she remains in this realm."

Ruran's eyes narrowed. He glanced toward the nearest window, as if expecting he would find a fluttering, singular eye peering through the panes. He was quick to look back to Ellere, worry filling his gaze--he indeed had not heard this part.

Hime tenses at the mention. Trauma through void affiliated persons was something she could certainly relate to after the last affair. She turns her gaze to Ellere, gaze softening. "I...I am sorry. I do not think I need to declare this, but given my track record...I swear that I will not willingly engage with Ume again. She...went as far as to give me a linkpearl last time we spoke, but that was well lost when...I was kidnapped. The voidsent stripped me of all my linkpearls."

"It is best you do not seek her out again," Ellere simply said. "I do not think she would take well to someone turning from her. She tried to play cards with me, of all the things while there. All the while she denied me begging to return to help the others. And I struck her across the cheek, tired of her game."

Ellere hesitated again, not willing to look at either of them. "Whatever lurks in her shook the foundations of that house. Left marks upon the walls and took hold of me. I believe she wanted me dead in that moment. And I still have visions of her tearing me apart."

Ruran's stone offered several flits at his chest, and his jaw clenched. "I am sorry," he murmured to Ellere, a frown hinted by his voice. A moment's pause, and he regained himself. "--I also...think it wise that you do not pursue her again. That, however, means little if she has access to your dreams and keeps a spy outside the house..."