#ffxiv Brucemont

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

everything's fine. it's winter training. nothing can go wrong!

When you hear something has Gone Wrong™️ on the training grounds while you're reporting to your commanding officer.

Aymeric: Very Polite 'WTF?' Handelhoup: Done. Finished. The body is present but the soul has checked out for the day.

(Certified Young Dumbass Dragoon Fuckery™️: The Hamster Wheel Incident)

[blueberryaesthetics]

FFXIV Write 2024 #4: Reticent

He’s the only son of a baron and his first wife. It’s meant to mean something more than it does. What it really means, when anyone starts discussing it, only has anything to do with the inheritance. He will be Baron Brucemont, eventually, when Halone sees fit to grace him with the honor and recall his father to her halls.

For now he is simply Elizar, Lord Brucemont, and he is overlooked at a debutante ball.

A mama makes idle chatter beside him that's likely meant to encourage his attention toward her daughter, and he's not one to refuse the polite suggestion to dance, but...But there's so much more drawing his attention! His fingers itch to scribble it down so he goes back for another glass of the lemonade instead.

If he were to get caught scribbling away in public there's no end to what his own Mama and her wife would squawk about. So he sits. He dances. He stalls in a corner near two gentleman who cannot remember the names of either of the women they danced with, and are trying to think of a clever way to figure it out.

'Lady Niboix,' he recalls, but does not speak. The first is Lady Niboix, and he wrote of her accomplishments with fine, intricate beading so delicate that she can add beetle wing beading to a dress meant for the most elaborate dances and not lose a stitch. He wrote of it and her cunning, sharp tongue.

How could her dance partner have forgotten the lady's name?

The other's was 'Lady Bieuvet' and he has not written of her before and will not name her now, but the gentleman will have their fine names smeared beneath his quill for their taunts and their laughter, and he knows those who read such words will curse him for it. They will curse him, and heed him, and they will thank his words behind their fans.

So long as he holds his tongue.

[furymint]

2023 Creator Reflection

ffxiv.

1. dance me to the end of love

this one was fun! i always like merging a character's outfit with the bg so i liked doing that again. picking the colors for elliots outfit was also enjoyable. ive wanted to make smth w that cover for a while

2. shame was still the tyrant of his life

i only wrote two nol and eli things this year and neither of them are finished. the first was a continuation of a scene where nol kisses elliot against the blue stained glass in his room--i once posted it but then i deleted it bc it made me feel woozy for its allusions to sex. i wanted to rebuild it and take a shot at it now that im comfortable writing n reading sex, but i never got very far. theres actually lots of nice parts! i just like nols dumb angsting the best!

3. valentine

i really wanted to focus on nol's eye here, but also not make it too obvious lol. i used a ps filter like a schmuck but i wanted it to be darker without making it even more difficult to see, so i took away their bodies and limited the colors to make it what it is.

4. amateur cracksmen

the second nol n eli wip, which doesnt have many interesting lines rn, was a raffles-inspired story where eli drags nol as his valet to a rival artist's house and tries to steal back the brooch that he bought from an underground dealer feat. much babbling abt the state of societal responsibility that war is supposed to bring

ffxvi.

1. herz an herz dir

i wrote some reflections about this one already here. i honestly was very (distressed voice) cant believe im writing pure fanfic for the first time in over ten years and lacked a lot of direction when i started bc uhhhhh terence has 8 and a half mins of screen time. i tried to convince myself that it's not much different than me stealing brucemont for my own evil devices, but the unique perspective of seeing quite so much fan content def influenced my interpretation. i wanted their relationship to be much more imbalanced from the get-go initially--dion using his power unintentionally and terence barely passing a thought abt it until later bc he's just so accustomed to obeying--but i ended up giving terence a lot more sway & ammunition in their argument. the breakfast bed thing is also smth im rly fond of.

2. mund an mund

there's also additional meta for this one here. i made a silly doodle abt it also. dion kept picking fights here! it honestly turned out how i expected. when i first started this fic, i was gonna have dion start out right in oriflamme and meet ter and kihel there, but i booted them to northreach so i could have this stretch of conflict. i think it's like. Bad Pacing. technically. if i still believe the conflict introduced in the next chapter is the core one, that is. which i sorrrrta do. but i dont care bc i rly like the visual of kihel laying in dion's lap and getting to put a gun on the wall w ahmed.

3. eines atems

its been two months since the last chapter and this chapter is humiliatingly not written. i have all my scrambled notes and scenes that i jotted down in between the first two chapters, so i have a full direction, but it's been really difficult to write lately. ive been devoting all my time to trying to recoup my mental health and work on my teredio secret santa. ill start next year with this wip as a priority, so for now i only have the photoshop edit for it. kihel is holding terence's hand--it's his pov turn.

overall i didnt like this year very much. i didn't read, create, research or do a lot even though i tried to. i became really disconnected from all of my friends bc im too tired to stay for rp or hold online conversations. at this point, i dont play ffxiv at all except the few times i managed to rp a little. i moved into nanny's house and have my own space, but don't have the presence of mind to do anything about my pc, books, and so on, although i did make a lot of progress rewrapping my books w fresh wraps and some other things. my plans for next year are to reach out to a couple of my friends, build my pc, relearn + rebuild + relaunch my queer lit blog on open source code, survive school, and rediscover the productivity ive lost the past few years.

teredio has helped me a LOT to find community, inspiration, and art in my loneliest year yet. im very proud of my fic and grateful every day to the ppl who have reached out to me about liking it. even if im sorry about my productivity rate in comparison to how many extraordinary writers there are in the ship's fandom, i know i have to be easy on myself to relearn how to write, create a writing schedule that works for me, and stop punishing myself when i cant get the words out.

past reflections:  2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

[lilbittymonster]

Chapters: 4/4 Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Warrior of Light & Estinien Wyrmblood, Warrior of Light & Alberic Bale Characters: Alberic Bale, Estinien Wyrmblood, Ywain Deepwell, Heustienne de Vimaroix, Brucemont de Vimaroix, Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV), Haurchefant Greystone Additional Tags: Named Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV), Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Dragoon Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV), Dragoon Questline (Final Fantasy XIV), Dragoon | DRG (Final Fantasy XIV), DRG spoilers, Au Ra Xaela Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV), Minor Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood and Gore Series: Part 1 of Of Blades and Blood Summary:

Sometimes, cursed ancient relics will choose a sellsword to be their new favorite.

Sometimes, disillusioned sellswords will say "fuck it, why not?" and run with it.

[mining-the-stars]

When she gives you bedroom eyes

Photos done by @sunflowers-n-sass

[thealtroster]

The cold Seems to grow in my soul, it's consuming me Confused And I'm losing myself in a storm Growing jaded Being pushed, being pulled, I'm unraveling Can't find myself when I'm constantly forced to conform

_____________________________________________________________

Never thought I would see the day where I find a song that matches both Alice and Alma. Alma being a ‘defective’ pureblood Garlean, placed into a series of situations she wished nothing of and seeing her own people for who and what they are rather than the words they hide behind. Alice being a ‘princess’ and saw as a sacrificial lamb by her own people in hopes to avoid being killed out. Built to believe she was something special and being openly lied to for the duration of her childhood and into her adult life. 

Also, Alma’s hair is like 10 times longer then it shows here.. just toooo lazy to edit it all the time. 

[chysgoda]

The Violence of Light

Prompt 19: Radiant

FFXIV Write 2019

Word Count: 1487

Rating: R (graphic violence and imagery) 

AU: The Last Dragoon, An Eighth Unbral Era story

Blade with whom I have lived, Blade with whom I now die, 

Serve right and justice one last time, Seek one last heart of evil, 

Still one last life of pain. Cut well, old friend, 

And then farewell.

— Sir Orrin Neville Smythe, Flight of Dragons 

“All Dragoon units report to forward post alpha! Garlean airships are incoming. Repeat all dragoon units report to forward post alpha!”

The orders coming over the linkshell crackled with static as they were shouted. Bel swallowed the half roll she’d had in her mouth with chewing and then slammed back the water in her mug to keep the bread from sticking in her throat. She grabbed her helm and lance from where the rested next to her in the mess tent and ran. Her Drachenmail was still bare metal, there had not been time to paint it before she and Bianca had been called to the front. Her sister in arms joined her as Bel approached the edge of the Alliance’s base camp. They pulled on their helms and jumped. 

Art’imis grimaced at the taste of the potion after she slammed it back. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a mass of Dragoons that were attacking the Garlean air force pushing towards the one ship that all others guarded. Silently she sent a prayer to Hydaelyn that her daughter at least would survive this night. There was no more time to do more than that, the wind had never been her element. 

Art’imis glanced behind at the lovers, friends, and allies that lay dead. Her soul raged and wept at the sight. She turned to look at Melisande, the only other survivor of their push deep into Garlean lines. They both looked at Elidibus who wore Zenos Yae Galvus’ body which had been adorned with the regalia of the Emperor of Garlemald. She dropped her shield and pressed her hand to her sternum, a moment of concentration and she held her crystal of light in her hand. When she saw a matching blue-white light in her wife’s hand she laughed. The sound was wild and hysterical, it spoke of a woman with nothing left to lose. This was the last option if the battle didn’t kill them the sudden surge of Aether would leave them burned out. 

“We might not be able to take Elidibus down with us.” the dragoon crushed her crystal in her armored fist. The light sank into her hand and Art’imis could see it glowing in the veins of her neck. “But we can drag the Emperor of Garlemald to hell.”

Art’imis crushed her own crystal and hissed as the aether burned up her veins. She blinked and the whites of her eyes glowed around her gold and silver irises. “I’ll be the snarly wolf, you be the bitey wolf, and make sure you bite his head off.” 

She reached down and took up Raubahn’s sword rather than her shield and nodded at her love. Art’imis adjusted her grip on her war hammer in her left hand. The warriors shared a last manic, feral smile and charged the Ascian. 

~~~

Bel followed the First Lance through the belly of the Garlean airship. Black Rose was here, nothing else mattered except ensuring that it was not released. 

So they ran. 

They ran and they killed any that stood in their way. 

They ran until reached the munitions bay. 

Bel’s echo screamed and she pulled Bianca against the wall. A bullet exploded through the First Lance’s head and continued through where Bianca had been standing. Bel screamed in rage and fear when the older dragoon dropped. Beyond him, a Garlean soldier holding a gun stood next to a control panel. 

“For the Glory of Garlemald!” The soldier shouted. Bel launched herself forward. Her lance found his heart the moment after he executed the command to open the bay doors. The canisters being dropped began to spew an oily black gas even before the bay doors finished opening. 

Bel felt dizzy before she realized she’d breathed in the gas. She staggered as she pulled her lance free. She reached up and gripped the blade until it cut through the leather palm of her gauntlet and into her flash. The electric feeling of pain focused her mind enough that she was able to turn to Bianca. Her sister held her own crystal of light in her hands and stumbled closer. Sluggish Bel tried to form words but before she could Bianca stabbed the crystal into her chest. Bel gasped when the air was forced from her lungs and Aether burned through her. 

“Live,” Bianca slurred as she collapsed. 

~~

Art’imis gripped the hilt of the katana buried in her gut and pulled Elidibus closer to her. The raw aether of her light crystal has numbed her nerves so she did not grimace in pain as the blade sliced through her back. She spit in his eye, the saliva mixed with blood.

Blue dragon fire burst from the emperor’s chest when Melisande’s spear found his heart. The body of Zenos collapsed forward as a cloud of black lifted from the back. Melisande grabbed Art’imis and pulled her away from the collapsing body. The AuRa had all but passed into the lifestream. The blue-white glow had faded from her eyes leaving the whites yellowed and bloodshot. They looked up as Elidibus coalesced on the far side of Zenos’ body. 

The Ascian smiled at the pair and motioned behind them. “It was not enough Heroes.” 

Melisande turned and her eyes went wide as a black fog rolled over them. 

~~

Feel

Bel coughed and rolled to her side so that she would not choke as she vomited. Everything ached from her skin and joints to the marrow of her bones and the center of her soul. 

Hear

It was several minutes before Bel was able to extend her senses beyond the astringent stench of her own vomit. She forced herself to sit up. The airship must have crashed because what she was laying on had once been a wall. Around her was a silence so deafening that it felt like a physical pressure. 

Think

There was not a single trace of living Aether around her. She climbed to unsteady feet and looked around. The bodies of Bianca, Brucemont the Forst Lance, and the soldier she had killed had all begun to contort. How long had she been unconscious? 

My last, beloved daughter, you must not waste your sister’s gift.

Even if the words were whispered directly to her soul, her head was too fogged to make sense of them. She stumbled and staggered as she went to her sister and commanding officer and collected their soul stones. She would have to get to camp and get help to bring their bodies back. For now, the soul stones and her lance were all she could carry. The munition bay doors were still open and she worked her way out of the crashed airship. 

Do not tarry here my child. There is nothing left and you must away. 

There was no sound other than her own heartbeat. The battlefield was covered in bodies from both sides. There was not a hint of aether for malms around. It was now the land of the dead. 

Bel bent over and wretched again until there was nothing left in her stomach and then continued to dry heave.  

You must flee, my child. You must heal and grow stronger.

No, there had to be someone else left. There had to be someone else who had survived. She staggered as she walked around the corpses that all looked far too peaceful. There must be someone, her mothers, Aunt Serella, the Lord Commander, someone. She needed to find them, help them… 

You know there is no one left. You must leave, go to the brood of my ally.

Bel ground her teeth and her tail twitched in agitation. Not until she was sure there was no one left. She screamed as she felt pain explode behind her eyes and in her chest. 

You will go. You will survive. 

On the other side of the next ridge, Zenos scowled at the ruin of flesh that had been his body. Scowled at the corpses of the beasts which had been his best prey. Such a waste. He looked up and saw the pillar of white light that indicated the use of teleportation magics. So something yet lived. If they had survived this perhaps they would make decent enough prey to make up for the loss of him Beasts. 

~~

The dawn came with a radiant, bloody light to the Zenith. Aether condensed next to the tall old crystal. Unprepared Bel stumbled and fell to her knees. She looked up to the blood-stained sky the heralded the first dawn of the eighth umbral era. She ignored the blood trickling from her nose and the injuries from the battle. She ignored them and screamed at the rising sun. Without words, she screamed her grief, her terror, he denial. She screamed until her throat was a ruin that would make no more sound and then she sobbed until her body shut down and welcomed sleep.  

AN: Thanks to @stars-bleed-hearts-shine for letting me borrow Serella. I had intended to write a flashback/echo vision with her in it, but the battle kinda took over everything else. 

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

How to deal with Certified Young Dumbass Dragoon Fuckery™️

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Bad Blood: Trusted Individuals and Not-So-Very-Good-Ideas

Brucemont pushed himself up on his elbows, the sheets rustling around him.

“War from the New World?”  He asked.

“That’s what Wuk Lamat said told us.”  Sebastian finished tying the laces of his pants.  Spotting his slippers nearby, he wriggled his feet into them.  “None of us sensed that she was lying, especially Augustine.” 

“And she’s a princess of their people?”

“One of three siblings.  Don’t know if there are any others.”  Sebastian turned his head, watching Brucemont frown. 

“I imagine a scenario like this never came to mind?”

“The New World’s…come up as a possibility as a place where some of our ancestors may have fled to.”  The dragoon began, carefully choosing his words.  “But from what I’ve at least seen on the maps, it would be a difficult trip.  The dragon could fly without any problems.  Their knight on the other hand…would have to travel by boat.  And I have yet to hear back from Old Sharlayan regarding my request.”  Brucemont paused, thinking.  “And according to Clan Centro, the aetherical currents bring some of the New World’s creatures into Dravania during the summer.  Other than that…”  He shrugged.  “Church teachings, everything outside of Coerthas was nothing but godless heathenry.  An attitude that will have to be rectified if there is a threat.” 

“The hope is there won’t be one.”  Sebastian replied.  Brucemont sat up fully, crossing his legs under the bedsheets. 

“Do you plan on warning the Eorzean Alliance?”

“We’re…at loggerheads over that.”  Sebastian replied.  “A warning would probably be a good idea, but what if it turns out to be bluster?  Everyone’s getting along now, the city-states are still recovering from the Final Days…”  The gunbreaker shrugged helplessly.  “Pointing fingers, especially if it turns out to be nothing but tough talk, would make for an ugly political incident.” Brucemont hummed, feeling Bastion mull over the dilemma in the back of his mind.   

“You’re telling me, however.”  He pointed out.

 “The most we could agree to was letting Wuk’s warning be kept to what Scions are present and a few trusted individuals.”  Sebastian’s cheeks flamed red as Brucemont blinked in surprise.  Hurriedly, he pressed on.  “However, we figured the Alliance would find out anyway, and not from us.  The moment anyone from Eorzea spots us over in Tural…”

“Every adventurer and fortune-seeker will descend upon the area looking to make their own names.”  Brucemont finished.  “Is that the real reason you all agreed then?”  Sebastian flushed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“…Part of it.”  He began. “It’s also a new place to explore, and…”  Then he stopped as Brucemont pushed the covers to the side. The dragoon got out of the bed, padding over to him on bare feet.  Without hesitation he hooked two fingers in Sebastian’s pants, pulling the hyur over for a deep kiss.  After several moments, the dragoon pulled back, smiling as the gunbreaker blinked owlishly up at him.

“You don’t have to explain it to me.  We’re both wanderers in this relationship.”  A faint smile crossed Sebastian’s face.  He lifted a hand to rest it on Brucemont’s chest, spreading his fingers.

“We…won’t be leaving right away.”  He whispered.  “Wuk apparently came on the last ship before their storm-season hit.  And the contest itself doesn’t begin for some time.”  Brucemont reached up to cover Sebastian’s hand with his own, pressing a kiss to his fingers.

“Good news for us, then?”  He whispered back.  Sebastian smiled.

“If you want it to be.”  He invited; his voice warm.  A toothy smile was Brucemont’s response, and he squeezed Sebastian’s hand before letting go.  Turning back to the bed, he bent over to gather his clothing.

“Continuing on that cheerful note, you get time to prepare.”  He began, stepping into his pants and pulling up the fabric.  “But bad news…so do your opponents.  Especially if this princess had loose lips before her departure.”

“I don’t think so.”  Sebastian replied.  “I think—and Riven is of the same mind—that when Erenville told her about us, she made up her mind and left on that last ship.  But that could be wrong.”

“How are you planning on presenting yourselves over there?”  Brucemont turned around, tying off his own laces.

“We were just going to be the hired help.”  Sebastian blinked as the elezen stopped what he was doing to stare at him.  “What?”

“…The hired help.”  Brucemont repeated.

“Yes!  Just an average group of adventurers.”  Sebastian replied.  Brucemont kept staring at him with an incredulous expression on his face.  “What?  What’s wrong with that?”

<<You can pretend being an ‘average adventurer’ as well as I can pretend to be a mortal.>> Bastion was loud enough for Sebastian to hear. 

“Hey!” 

“That’s not a good idea.”  Brucemont was firmly on his dragon’s side.  “It’s not.  I cannot even begin to describe how you’re not going to be able to fool anyone into thinking you’re average.  And I’m only just discussing you!”

<<There is no way in your hells that Riven can pass herself off as that.  Or the Bishops.  Or Reinhardt.  You’re supposed to be smart, you’re Sharlayan, come up with a better plan than that!>>

“Bastion!!”

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

school crush

"Huh." Brucemont said, letting his finger drag over the tomestone's screen. "I didn't think one of these could be activated enough to gather information..."

"It doesn't hold power for long, so I use it sparingly. Hit the little map, it should bring up the aetherical lines from when we were out in Western Coerthas." Sebastian lifted a hand to activate his linkpearl.

"What am I looking for?" The dragoon asked.

"There's a aetherical current I marked in black--the possible culprit for those attacks on the merchant caravans there" Sebastian trailed off as the pearl connected. Brucemont frowned, squinting at the map. The layout looked like it was near Gorgagne Holding, if his memory from the maps he had in his office was correct.

However, not too far away from the duo...

"Holy shite, look at him! He looks so cool!"

"Leigh, not so loud!" Theomocent chided.

"Look at him!" Leigh continued. "They said Professor Astralyas looks like a different man in his armor--do you see him?!"

"Leigh..." Theomocent chuckled, abit weakly. He couldn't really blame his friend for the crush--nobody could. Ser Astralyas had offered to teach a thaumaturgy class in the Scholasticate for the winter term. He was extremely patient and kind to his students, and the subject had become the most popular offering over the past several weeks. Or rather one of them, Lady Fortemps was also teaching beginner's Arcanistry.

"Leigh, come on, they're going to notice!"

"Do you think if we asked, he could teach some basics of being a gunbreaker?" His friend asked, giddy with the idea.

"Leigh, first you wanted to be an Arcanist like the Lady Riven, then a mage like Ser Astralyas--and now you want to be a gunbreaker? Pick one!" Theomocent said, blowing out a (fond) exasperated breath at his friend. It was becoming clear that Leigh's strength lay more in the physical domain of things. Thankfully it didn't affect their plans to become the newest Trinity--if anything, his friend could become a warpriest, or a martialist. Or something, if he could make up his mind. The younger elezen glanced at the pair.

"Though I do wonder what is going on. Ser Brucemont and the dragoons have had their hands full of late."

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

it's not that serious -- quiet moment

"Darling."

"Mmmm?" Sebastian bit back a grin as a pair of arms snuck around him. Brucemont had at least a good several inches on him, so the elezen was forced to lean--or rather, loom.

"Might I suggest you pay attention to me for a change, and not all the maps you've been pouring over for the past two hours?"

"I paid attention to you last night and this morning! You shouldn't even be here!" The gunbreaker protested, though it was a token resistance. Brucemont rumbled, pulling Sebastian flush to his body.

"Yes well, as long as it's Knight-Dragoon business, nobody's questioning me. Schedules get mixed up all the time."

"It's Gage Acquisitions. Somehow everyone knows everyone's business here. And I'd rather not our cover get blown." Sebastian wriggled free, moving over to the table.

"As for the maps, you're the one who asked for analysis of the aetherical currents in Coerthas."

"That was supposed to be a Riven and you project." Brucemont countered. "When she showed up, that was when you were supposed to be looking at the maps." He ducked as Sebastian chucked a pen at him.

"Out of my room! The others will be here shortly."

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

storm warning

Helgrim sniffled. Took out a hankerchief and pretended to blow his nose.

"I'm so proud!"

"Sweet merciful Halone. Leave my presence." Brucemont ordered, and then rolled his eyes as the highlander gestured at the training grounds.

"Look at him! One day he was just a little stripling! And now he's all big and grown up with his very own hatchling to roast!" Snickering could now be heard from the other members of the primary officer core. Helgrim sniffed again.

"They grow up so fast."

"I have to admit, Sauveterre sure knows how to find them." Therese, the House Hallienarte Knight- Dragoon captain admitted. "For her size and height, that Roegadyn can move quick when she wants to. Blew through the rooftop course without breaking a sweat! And she's been one of the top students in the endurance training too!"

"I think Sauveterre needling her is providing motivation." Helgrim cackled, putting away the hankerchief. "You should have seen them at Whitebrim! 'Push 'til I get tired, Squire Gohtawyn!' The look on her face!"

"On the more serious side, it wouldn't hurt to maybe set up some sort of training curriculum with Limsa." Brucemont mused thoughtfully. He crossed his arms. "She has a pirate background, but sailors working a ship's rigging and sails need to be fast and nimble. And some of the best of us stumble during certain points of the Eorzean Ninja Warrior course during Moonfire."

"You're thinking maybe more agility training then?" Therese asked. She tilted her head, putting a finger to her chin. "Wouldn't hurt, especially if we added it in as a pre-requirement to both the outsider hopefuls and our people. That way the ones who do pass and get admitted to the basic training pool have less to learn in that category." Her eyes widened as a thought occurred to her.

"That reminds me, how did the meeting with the Parliament go?" Brucemont sighed, shaking his head.

"Not good. But not bad, either."

"Is that man..." Helgrim started, then swore violently as Brucemont nodded.

"He's saying all the right things to keep the traditionalists stirred up, but there's enough voices to keep him from blocking the measures and money that we need." The elezen twisted his neck from side to side, trying to break the tension that was slowly tightening his muscles. The man in question was Ghislain Naegelen, a wealthy merchant in the House of Lords. He was the current darling of Ishgard's hardliner traditionalists.

He was also the younger brother of Yvan Naegelen, a dragoon that had not only turned traitor during the attempted coup by the Brothers of the True Faith, but had murdered his former student Louis Bernard for not siding with the Church. Yvan had not only been tried and found guilty, but Louis's lover had invoked the right of Saint Renette, an Ishgardian law which permitted one to avenge their beloved's death. Yvan had also been sentenced to damnation mémoire, which meant his knighthood had been stripped and all his deeds expunged from Ishgardian history.

Brucemont knew there were still people who thought he'd gone too far. That he should have allowed Aymeric to show mercy. But Louis's mother had died the day after her son had been buried--her cold corpse found atop the freshly-turned dirt of his grave. Heartbreak, plain and simple.

Brucemont had found he'd been bled dry of any mercy to give.

He's becoming more troublesome. Bastion whispered in the back of his mind. Vexing in the way that draws darker attentions.

If he steps out of line, he'll be put back in place. Brucemont thought. Besides. He can only do so much. The Knights-Dragoon were still a needed presence in not only Ishgard but Corethas on the whole. Forcing the thought of Ghislain out of his head, Brucemont turned to the other dragoons.

"What's this bullshite I heard about Friar Tucker getting called in to meditate the betting pool over Reinhardt and his hatchling?" He demanded, putting his hand on his hips. Immediately several pairs of fingers pointed at Therese, who swore.

"You are not pinning this on me! The lot of you are the ones who started adding in crazier outcomes!"

"We're not the ones who got the groun--I mean the Temple Knights involved." Helgrim added.

"That was Purehart, not me! And I think he's the only Temple Knight who threw in!"

"No, Lucia somehow fucking found out and told Ystrid Frostborne." Helgrim countered, naming a well-known Temple Knight commander. "And then Ser Aymeric apparently got in on it--" Brucemont facepalmed.

Maybe a night to call your gunbreaker? Bastion teased.

Shut up.

-----

(@saesama 's Klynt)

Also I pull from a event that happened in my HW dragoon fanfic, Unorthodox. Chapters 26-28.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

...more dragoon bits >.>

*slides back in on her bullshit*

Meet Ser Brucemont de Vimaroix of Dragoon questline and technical Unorthodox fame. (It seems as if he possibly shares a last name with Heustienne, and I need to do some confirmation with the EE when I get home)

In my headcanon, the Knights Dragoon underwent a massive reform shortly after the death of Nidhogg and during the events of Stormblood. With Heustienne MIA in HW Brucemont stepped into her greaves assisting Estinien, and became the de-facto leader once the dust had settled from the Dragonsong War. As the title of Azure was now being repurposed and the dragoons technically weren't too keen (read: lazy) on thinking up a new one, the rank of First Lance became the overall head of the Order. Like many, Brucemont also has an active curse, naming his dragon Bastion.

His epithet is Brucemont the Black, so named for his temper. Normally even tempered, when Brucemont is pushed past his breaking point--he will hold a grudge. He will hunt down his foe and will show absolutely no mercy.

The only distinguishing feature Brucemont permits himself to wear is jet-black drachen armor with gold trim--a nod to Estinien's own gear. Otherwise when not dealing with paperwork he himself is out on patrols and hunts.

Like the Azure, the First Lance is considered to be the most superior fighter in the Knight-Dragoon order. Brucemont holds up that reputation rather well, even being able to beat Reinhardt in single combat (however, the fights are starting to get closer and closer to call).

He is good friends with Mathye, having helped pull the other man out of the spiral he fell in after his medical discharge from the Order. And more recently he and Sebastian have become lovers, though the two keep the relationship a secret--and pass it off as friends with benefits.

(naturally Riven found out. Mathye and Reinhardt have no idea).

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

This might be a weird ask, but would be willing to tell us a bit about how Brucemont and Sebastian ended up hooking up? I feel like there is A Story there and I love reading about your OCs and the walnuttery they get up to XDDD

Aaah, thank you!

As for Seb and Brucemont... (honestly this is the second time I've written mlm before so please forgive me if this doesn't read smooth >_<)

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The gunbreaker was...cute. Very cute. Brucemont snagged a glass of wine from a tray that passed by him. The Fortemps' Heavensturn party was in full swing around him, one of the few social gatherings Brucemont actually felt comfortable at. House Fortemps was known to host a good event, and given that they were the foster-house of the Warrior of Light, he could find actual conversation other than the latest highborn scandals.

<And apparently cute gunbreakers.>

"Hush, you." Brucemont chided. Besides I'm only looking.

<Sebastian Astralyas, the final Warrior of Light amongst the Scions, battle brother to Riven, Augustine, Reinhardt and Mathye.> Bastion rattled off. <And he's single.> Brucemont's eyes widened in surprise.

How did you--

<The gossip columns do provide useful information if you know where to look.> Bastion said smugly. <Now if you're going to see if you can nibble on him, I'm going to take a nap.> Brucemont didn't respond to the gibe, scrutinizing Sebastian again with a newfound respect. To be named a Warrior of Light and stand on par with Riven and her fellows meant that the man had to be a peerless warrior. Martial skill was an attractive quality to many Ishgardians, Brucemont included. As another tray passed by him, the dragoon snatched up another wineglass. Then he stride purposefully over to where the gunbreaker was.

"You look like you might enjoy this." He offered by way of introduction. The hyuran man blinked in surprise, glancing first at the wineglass and then him. His eyes were a dark blue, brown hair neatly trimmed at the back of his head and arranged into a rakish fringe at the front.

"Thank you, but no thank you. It'd be lost on me." Brucemont found himself the recipient of a rather quick survey from those eyes, he knew that gaze all too well. One warrior sizing up another warrior.

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Sebastian felt his throat dry as the blue-haired elezen set down the spare wineglass. He'd spotted the other man across the room, who wouldn't? He wasn't as beautiful as Lacelle was, but he was physically striking to look at. And then all of a sudden he was coming over and offering a drink...

And he'd just had to open his mouth and say that the wine was lost on him. Never mind that it technically wasn't, it was the fact that he never accepted drinks from strangers he didn't know--but he could have come up with a better excuse!

"Fruit cordial." The elezen blinked, looking over.

"Beg pardon?"

"I like fruit cordial." Scholar save him he was an idiot but maybe this was salvageable. Sebastian forced himself to smile and relax. The elezen looked at him, then at the small bottles of fruit cordial that were in a nearby table. A small grin appeared on his lips.

"Healthier and smarter for a body." He agreed. Sebastian watched as the elezen finished his wine and moved to the table, selecting two bottles of cordial from an ice bucket. He moved like a predator, had the smile to match, and for some damn reason Sebastian was finding it very attractive.

You were looking for a holiday fling, maybe this might be it. Sebastian kept the smile fixed on his face as the elezen returned, holding out one of the sealed bottles of cordial.

"Can I have a name to tender a proper thank-you?" He asked.

"Brucemont de Vimaroix. And you?"

"Sebastian Astralyas."

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

late-night excursion

"Scholar be good." Sebastian breathed. "I'd heard about the Rivenroad, but I didn't think that the damage had extended into the Spine itself!"

"It did." Brucemont answered darkly. "We're only just now finding out the full extent of the damages there, now that we have the manpower and can spare survey teams. Before that, we just knew that the Eastern Highlands and Lowlands were gone, period." The elezen blew out a breath.

"And now from what you're telling me, the aetherical currents there are gone as well."

"Not gone, shifted location." Sebastian corrected. "But yes. They've swung south into the Shroud. Depending on what they've picked up ever since the Calamity, the Twin Adders may or may not have their hands full."

"You also said there was a problem one pushing into this area?"

"May be a problem." Sebastian clarified. "Based on Clan Centrio's data and the reports from the Congregation, vilekin favor it heavily. If it comes fully into the Western Highlands, they'll follow. And based on the other currents coming off the Spine that lead into here..."

"The Western Highlands may end up playing host to some of the nastier creatures that live deep in the mountains." Brucemont finished.

"Not just here. Dravania and at least part of the Central Highlands." Sebastian shot Brucemont an apologetic look. "Not the news you wanted to hear..."

"No, but we'll work with it." The dragoon answered. "If anything, we won't have idle hands. And it'll give the High Houses something to send out their private armies against."

"Augustine was telling me the other night. He said the nobleborn were beginning to stir up trouble?" Sebastian asked.

"Stir up or get into." Brucemont replied. One of the current problems facing Ishgard--a happy problem to be sure, but nonetheless a problem--was the fact that there was now a influx of young men and women in the city.

Young men and women who would have died in the Dragonsong War--but instead found themselves alive, and searching for things to do now that the war with Garlemald was over. Brucemont knew that Aymeric had been debating what to do on the issue. There was only so much of Coerthas that could be resettled, the Sea of Clouds had to be jointly shared with the Vanu, and Dravania needed to be shared with the dragons.

"Can you determine if the shifting would do something to break the eternal winter?" He asked.

"For that, you'd need not only an aetherology team from Sharlayan, you'd need ones from Limsa and Thanalaan." Sebastian replied. "In fact, Sharlayan could be the best bet to get fresh eyes on the situation. It would take them a while to study everything though, and their hands are already full with the same thing you asked me and Riven to do. They've got requests from all over the star, Coerthas would be fairly low priority." Brucemont hummed, considering his lover's words.

"...Could we try anyway?" He asked.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask. I'm assuming this would have to go through Aymeric and then Parliament first?" Sebastian asked. Brucemont nodded.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

wip-- tural vacation

Brucemont lifted a hand, running a finger over Sebastian's back. It was a very nice back--always had been. But Sebastian seemingly had put on more muscle during his travels in Tural--along with a new scar or two. Brucemont let his fingers stop at one of the newest ones, a claw-mark stretching from the middle of his lover's right side towards his hip.

"The tural vidraal?" He asked.

"Which one?" Sebastian mumbled into his pillow, then blinked as he felt Brucemont's finger run over the scar again.

"Oh. That's from Valigarmunda." He rolled over, watching as Brucemont drew his hand back.

"I remember your letter about the battle." The dragoon mummured. He reached out again, gently putting a hand on Sebastian's cheek.

"I am glad you are alright."

"I am too." Sebastian replied. He lifted his own hand, resting it atop Brucemont's own.

"I debated telling you about the battles, I didn't want you to worry."

"No, be honest with me." Brucemont replied. "I would rather honesty than nice lies. And considering my profession, I should not say anything."

"You shouldn't." Sebastian answered. He smiled wryly at Brucemont, who returned it.