#emmerwrites

[aethernoise]

1. Envoy

•

Alyx fidgeted with the sash on her robes as she watched the dense, emerald waves of the Twelveswood roll beneath. When the airship finally dipped beneath the surface of the canopy and into the lush, cool depths of the forest, she watched Gridania appear like an unexpectedly colorful rendition of a dark, faded dream.

It had been nearly five years since she left.

The yellow banners depicting the Order of the Twin Adder made her stomach drop. She was going to have to talk to them, at least one of them. She wondered if they would recognize her now.

No, she thought, that's stupid. It was years ago. Those same soldiers might not even be here anymore. If they were, they likely wouldn't see her - the esteemed adventurer envoy from Ul'dah! - as the half-hysterical girl in braids who had to be physically removed from the Adder's Nest.

"Your brother's dead, kid," the officer was exhausted, and trying to speak kindly, for all it was worth, "He served bravely, and he fell. I'm sorry."

"Then where is he?" She demanded. "I don't believe you. He's still out there. Did you even look? Did you even try?" she was loud enough to have attracted the attention of other yellow-clad soldiers. Her throat felt dry to remember her voice breaking as they dragged her away.

"If he's dead, then show me the body!"

They had nothing to show her.

Alyx's fingers closed into a fist, crumpling layers of linen in her lap.

There was nothing they could show her now. Nothing even the Elder Seedeer herself could show her.

When the airship docked, she hesitated. How could she walk back into the home she abandoned, the home she had spent years trying to burn from her memory?

She wasn't sure how, but she stepped out onto the landing regardless.

[eva-cybele]

🥑🥤🧃🥐

🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help?

bitch, YOU, lmao. and @cassandra-allegra for help making it look like a medical accident.

🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love

time to go spelunking through my ao3 bookmarks

so, first and foremost, from ffxiv: i damn well mean to try, like literally THE wolmeric fic imo, by the talented and amazing @emmerwrites

Blood+: unvollendete, which is a bajillion chapters of absolutely delicious haji/saya angst. lullabyes has tons of other very good haji/saya fic but that was the first one I read and I still adore it.

Persona 3: no ghosts, no mistletoe, a lovely femc and junpei friendship piece, but honestly stealth_noodle's entire catalog is in my bookmarks lmao. (please also see give, for some excellent shinji/femc porn)

Dragon Age/Mass Effect: the collected works of w0rdinista, who does some crazy good work in the shakarian, hawke/fenris, and inquistor/cullen pairings.

uhhh there's more but that's what I could find easily lmao

🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before

I got charges pressed against me once for accidentally walking out of a kroger without paying, because I was jamming to music in my headphones and didn't hear the manager calling for me. I knew someone was following me down the alleyway between the store and my house, but I didn't look back because uhhhh am girl being followed in scary area, but then the cops showed up. so that was fun.

🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh

does this count. it's so stupid but I love it so much

[usagi-mitsu]

The most cozy spot, is right next to the hearth. And what better to do on a stormy night, than read a great story.

[nipuni]

I was having an instense loving Hades and Adra moment yesterday and I sketched like 20 things in a span of 40 minutes, I have so much content to work on now, I’ll treat myself!!! today will be fun!!!

Also since it is sort of related I was asked for fic recs some days ago and here are some that come to mind:

Story about a Joker and the Thief by ForcedRedacted / I’ve been reading this one slowly and loving every moment of it!! it is super long and has everything you could ever want and even has a continuation, I am blessed

The Immortal Wound / Stillborn by Illegible / that is a super talented sweetheart and writes the most tender, satisfying and heart wrenching things I can’t stress this enough

Saudade / Yuán | 缘 by did_you_reboot / this story has made me cry so..so many times, almost as many times as Hades does in it, I love pain and redemption arcs and characters in extremely bad mental health conditions apparently

Mortal Instants by emmerwrites / A lot of suffering of the beautiful kind, short bad end but so sad and loving and in character

Irresistible Force by Sky_kiss / short, poetic and with a gorgeous characterization and dialogue, very well written, may as well be canon

Consider: The cat by Darkforetold / so sweet and fun and then it just murders you. and Just another sinner that is as sinful as it sounds and the characterization is cheffkiss

I’ll throw more of these your way once I recall them!! I’ve read so many and keep finding amazing ones!! also mind the tags since the ratings are all over the place!! also please throw recs my way too I need more food!!!

[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.

[aethernoise]

6. ring

In a small brass tray beside the sink lay a small pile of Alyx’s jewelry. Upon closer inspection, it was a collection of rings running the gamut from plain to brilliantly ornate. A mixture of gold and silver, colorful gems and intricate carvings, each carefully chosen, restored or graciously gifted.

Metal and minerals had aetherial properties, he knew. It was common for mages to adorn themselves in jewelry to enhance their abilities. Some jewelry was important enough to never come off - particularly the stone around her neck, often glamoured, yet never removed.

These rings, while important, were occasionally set aside for various reasons - gardening, in particular, led to the unfortunate chore of cleaning caked soil from beneath each band if not removed. She had used an alchemical solution to protect the metal from water damage, yet sometimes took them off when bathing to avoid snagging in her hair. 

He was not one usually prone to rummaging, but he couldn’t help but look closer. He idly examined a particularly small silver band with what appeared to be an oval of polished jade, and a carved band with a black gem reflecting violet when held up to the light. Her engagement ring - a Borel family heirloom in gold and sapphire - lay among the magical finery, entirely lacking in aetherial significance.

Aymeric smiled, placing the ring over the tip of his index finger, where it barely fell beyond the first knuckle. Alyx had meanwhile reappeared from her search for further adornment, stocking-clad feet padding quietly across the rug.

“How are your fingers so tiny?” He wondered aloud.

“My fingers aren’t tiny,” came her reply, “Your fingers are big.”

He reached for her hand - her left, specifically - and slipped the sapphire ring over her finger. Despite being already wed for some time, the gesture was apparently romantic enough to bring color to her cheeks.

“May I help you with the rest?” Aymeric offered.

Alyx chuckled. “Are you sure? There are a lot, and they all have specific places to go.”

He drew the dish of functional finery closer, choosing to begin with the impossibly small silver and jade. She humored him by offering her right little finger. 

“I welcome the opportunity,” he explained. After all, it was just the sort of seemingly inconsequential knowledge he loved to glean from her, even after all this time.

[aethernoise]

“Dance with your ears, not your feet.”

Sometimes she said the most ridiculous things.

(a refrain; natural)

[aethernoise]

8. Shed

°

The plate was held on by straps, concealed by heavy fabric. The buckles were built for easy-release, which was a mercy - though half a dozen more remained, hidden under arms and across the chest, around the backs of the legs. The heavy ornamentation went the same way as the rest of the plate, more complex but similarly secured within the heavy surcoat. Beneath the surcoat was the tunic, beneath that the layer of fine mail, but first the gloves had to give way to the rest of the sleeves. At the end of the road were well-worn leather boots, tight yet comfortably fitting trousers, a final shirt snug over the shoulders - beyond, simple skin and bone, no more than flesh. At the end of the journey - the ritual, the ordeal, the meaningless everyday routine - was just a man.

It was a road so well traveled, the process had become rote and inconsequential to complete on his own. He was so practiced that receiving help was technically a hindrance - certainly an extension of the time required for its completion. But he welcomed the help when offered, despite the unpracticed clumsiness, the questions, the distracting little touches.

It was a process she wished to learn, even if just for the sake of the gesture. She was curious, and she was selfless, and she was devoted. She smiled at the end, letting out a sigh of accomplishment.

"I'm sure it's easier with experience, but I can't imagine doing this all by yourself every day," she said.

"Remarkable what one can become accustomed to," he observed, and began to help the woman with the world on her shoulders unfasten her overcoat.

[aethernoise]

(schmaltz incoming)

6 years ago today I published the first chapter of I Damn Well Mean to Try. Over half a decade and approximately 96k words later I genuinely can’t imagine what life would be like if I hadn’t subjected my WoL to a silly rom-com trope and tripped her down the stairs into the arms of her love interest.

I know I’d love FFXIV without this ship, but having these two at the center of my creative life for over half a decade has made this game & world all the more important to me. I am extremely thankful to them for that, and for you folks. Ultimately we write for ourselves, but there’s no way I’d be where I am creatively without the encouragement, excitement and inspiration from friends & readers.

So...thank you!

If you’re new around here and have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s where you can start: I Damn Well Mean to Try | Beyond Word or Measure | Alyx & Aymeric tag

[aethernoise]

Beyond Word or Measure |Ch7: Theirs

“Is this truly happening?” Aymeric wondered aloud, only half-jokingly, "Are you truly here?"

Alyx’s response was said with a smile but tinged with a distant trepidation. “Feels a bit too good to be true, doesn’t it?”

1062 Words, Rated M. 🌟 Read it here! 🌟 

(art is by @/peachiqiqi)

[aethernoise]

Trying a new update linking format/strategy to please the ale gore rhythm gods. You can also use this link to go right to Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41086272/chapters/121512856

Happy reading!

[aethernoise]

7. noisome

The smell was the worst part.

The sight was lovely - fire was always pleasant to watch. The flames danced with blue feet, and white, flailing arms fading into smoke. The shadows joined, curling about as the conflagration spread and grew. The fire climbed effortlessly over its fuel, blazing paths across every surface it could reach, until the entire mound - a small one, this time - was engulfed in roaring heat and light.

Fire lit with flint and tinder and sometimes fed with oils would serve its purpose well enough, but there was an advantage to magical fire. Fire lit with words and channeled aether burned hotter, and quicker, and required less encouragement and less supervision. It could burn in the wind and rain and even in the heavily falling snow - it could cut through a blizzard like a beacon until it had been extinguished.

Alyx was good at lighting fires. Her techniques changed over the years, as did the effort required to cast the spells. It was “convenient” and it was “like nothing” for her, to hear others tell it - for that’s what thaumaturgy was for, wasn't it? Starting fires? Why waste a match when you have with you a living, seemingly inexhaustible source of cleansing flame? She could burn things with a snap of her fingers or a flick of her wrist - even spells cast with a practiced wave of her staff were easy for her, after all.

Not always. Even after her elemental prowess grew to such lengths that lighting a hearth barely took a thought, this sort of blaze would still exhaust her. Each time she had to say the words and watch as the flames feasted voraciously upon their meal, her heart would turn to lead and lay uncomfortably in her chest.

It was no easier when the fire was quiet, as it sometimes was, for not everything screamed while it burned. When the fire was quiet and only spoke with its own voice rather than the voices of others, the sound was soft, like blood rushing in her ears. She likened it to the distant crashing of waves at times, all the while acknowledging the irony. 

With a deep breath, a feather touch, a sacred word, and her powers of destruction would create something new. She would break down the bonds of matter before her and turn it all to heat and light. The flames would dance and she would have fulfilled her duty once more, until the next time she was called upon for the sake of convenience.

It was lovely, in its way. But no matter how many times she lit the fires, Alyx could never get used to the smell of bodies burning.

[aethernoise]

3. chainmail (free prompt)

•

Alyx was nervous, but not for some of the more logical reasons she might be. She wasn't nervous to be taking part in the Grand Melee - not to be competing, performing, fighting - whatever it was she was doing, exactly. 

She was nervous because she was uncomfortable, and she was uncomfortable because she hated chainmail.

This particular suit wasn't even that  heavy or ill-fitting - in fact this had been custom-fit for her rather than scrounged up from the Camp Dragonhead barracks. The last time she had worn anything like this, it had only been because Haurchefant had practically begged her to - and she likely saved herself a considerable amount of injury in agreeing. 

(She hadn't worn a helmet, of course, and wondered about whether she'd have the scar on her face if she had.)

Today's chainmail was part of a complete ensemble rather than just a long shirt. Today she wore full House Fortemps regalia, and despite her slumped shoulders and rather unseemly kicking about in the slush, the sight her alone was enough to make Aymeric smile even bigger than he had when she agreed to help.

That made it all a bit more comfortable, at least, but she wasn't sure if it made her less nervous.

[aethernoise]

Beyond Word or Measure | Ch 9

Yet know the cost: For who shall mourn when light is quenched That another might burn brighter? Aymeric wants to understand.

A rewrite of an old piece, set at the end of 4.0. wc 789, rated T.

[aethernoise]

holy guacamole it’s a fic update!!

You could call this an Alyx and Aymeric version of "coming inside for a cup of coffee" after an early-relationship date, except the date was a social obligation and the coffee is actually gin.

3.2k words, NSFW 🔞

art is by @/peachiqiqi

[aethernoise]

4. Off the Hook

•

A conversation over the aether, somewhere between Ishgard and the Cieldalaes.

"You know that phrase 'there are plenty of fish in the sea'?"

"I have heard it, yes."

"It's not the worst advice, but it's extremely unhelpful when you're trying to catch one specific fish."

"Perhaps your standards are too high."

"My standards are very high, but I've already got that sort of fish, so my standards in this case are irrelevant."

"What sort of fish might this one be?"

"Which fish? The fish I'm trying to catch or the lovely handsome fish I've got waiting at home?"

"The one that inspired this linkpearl call."

"Wait, didn't you call me?"

"I admit the metaphor has me a bit turned around."

"Sorry. Fishing makes me crazy."

"Fortunately, I love you anyway."

"Hook, line, and sinker, as the saying goes."