#goodbye eorzea

[bride-and-bride]

Saw a neat Fourcheanult post about the ways in which he sucks but tragically I cannot reblog without at least SOME analysis on how the loss of Louisoix would impact his choices and views on his children's actions

[animaxvi]

Celes' FF14 "going away but not really going away" Shenanigans Party Memory Album 💜✨🐺📷

[karoiseka]

8) Free Day 1

((Here we go!! 7.0 opening spoilers, and naught else except for some major lore drops on my end for my OCs! Eeeeeeee! [and despite the mentioning of, I didn't take the time to edit int he hair tassels... maybe later...]))

Sea salt tickled her nose as the bright sun shone down.  It was the perfect day for the start of a new adventure.  A tad bittersweet that she was leaving her loves behind–but Thancred was at least out on his own adventure with Urianger, and G’raha had been the perfect gentleman, offering his own spot to Krile.  She did have the most intriguing reason for going, and Karo couldn’t wait to dig more into that mystery with her.

She had packed light, like she usually did.  A few good changes of clothes, personal items, and writing implements.  A handful of linkshells–if they’d even work at that distance–a warm cloak, and two distinctive pieces of jewelry that she never took off except to wash.  The first was the one most had gotten to recognize ever since she returned from the first, crystal and silver hanging from the braids she had styled her hair into.  Precious pieces of the Crystal Tower, crafted by G’raha while still on the First, a symbol of his love, and something to remind her of the First wherever she went.

The second was much more recent, but equally as precious and even more meaningful somehow.  The braided chain necklace that kept slipping under her tunic; tri-colored metals woven together and holding yet another shard of the First’s Crystal Tower.  What it symbolized was still only known to three people on the Source–and four on the First.  They had decided to keep it that way for a while–-the three of them–until the time felt right to announce it.  Between all the Void nonsense and now the travel to Tural–they hadn’t been all together much.  Karo’s fingers brushed over the shard, thinking happily of her betrothed.  Yes, they would keep it a secret just a little longer.

She had said goodbye to Raha privately, knowing that she would be a mess at the docks otherwise, and he respected her wishes to join Ameliance, Fourchenault, and Tataru on the harbor shore instead of walking her to the dock.  Having her emotions sorted before she reached the ship turned out for the best, for as she reached the bottom of the long stairs down from the Annex, the wanderlust hit with a force it hadn’t in ages.  This was finally a trip for the sake of adventure–and sure, to help a girl be worthy of her father’s throne–but a new land to be explored all the same.

The harbor was bustling as it always seemed to be, full of boats small and large.  Some simple fishing boats, headed not far from the shore, or returning with an early morning’s catch already.  Mid-sized ships heading to the other local isles with supplies, ready to return with raw materials and research paraphernalia.  And then there were the large sea-faring ships like what she was headed for.  Those that could and would span the great expanse, creating paths where there were once none.  Some lead back to Eorzea and even further East to Othard and Doma, but the largest in the harbor was the ship to Tural; able to withstand whatever the sea should throw at them.

Erenville was waiting for her as she strode forth, smile dancing on her lips.  They fell into stride, heading to the ship.  Not much was said–both glad to take in the morning’s fair turn as they strode to reach their waiting companions.  Tural awaited.

As the ship to Tural slowly filled with new travelers, a pair still lingered from the voyage to Sharylan.  A bored looking hrothgar lass leaned against the deck, as her companion, a miqo’te bounced to each new group of people to board, asking the same question over and over.  Did they know a miqo’te–looked similar to himself, but with black hair and blue eyes? Most ignored his pleas, others gave curt negatives, and some few he was able to coax a small conversation from.  Each time, the answer was nearly the same; they had seen ladies of that complexion before, mostly on the mainland of Eorzea, and none they knew personally.

He had already asked the entire crew before they were even a day away from Tural, several commiserating on losing a family member at an early age.  The story was an odd one though from anyone’s account.  When the siblings had been young–too early to read even–their father had taken the younger girl away on a long journey.  The boy and his mother had been left behind, their lifestyle changed radically to provide funds for wherever it was the others were traveling.  Well over a year later, the father had returned, sister nowhere to be found, and no mention beyond some mutterings of fate, the name Khrrosaka was never spoken in the household from that day forth.

Tail and ears low, Rremeyo finally nodded to his companion, and the two wound their way down from the deck to the dock–gently going against the influx of new travelers boarding.  The voyage had been longer than he realized, and from the time Tural’s coast disappeared from view, he had been on edge.  Never had he been on a boat for so long–nor had been not able to see land.  The rocking reminded him of flying in the dirigibles, swaying gently–and sometimes not so gently in the wind.  Those were always shorter trips though, and land always easily in sight.

He knew that his curiosity had both amused and annoyed the crew in equal measures, figuring out early who was willing to indulge him in sea tales, and what each part of the grand ship did.  It settled his anxiety, writing in his journal all he had found so far–and realizing that he was going to need several more of the books before his journey was done.

As the cold air hit his face, Rremeyo finally looked up at the city they had arrived in.  To say it was the opposite of Tuliyollal was an understatement.  One of the only things in common was that the two cities were built of stone–-but what difference the type of stone made!

Instead of warm reds and yellows being the undertone, everything here radiated stark white trimmed with a blue that matched the clear harbor waters.  Rounded roofs were common, the gentle curves off-setting the pointed angles of the rest of the buildings.  They were both built up from their harbors, steps winding into the city.  Whereas Tuliyollal was a riot of color, Sharylan oozed stark elegance and aloofness in its austerity.  Rremeyo shivered slightly as the breeze blew in off the sea, playing with his hair and chilling his ear tips.

A gentle nudge from Xik’nal reminded him that he had stopped like the country bumpkin he was to stare while on the gangplank.  Flushing, he started moving again, boots hitting the stone dock finally.  Swaying momentarily–regaining his equilibrium on land–he glanced up at his traveling companion with a nod, and headed into the city, starting to chat about where to go first–and the possibility of booking another ship to Eorzea sooner rather than later.

Perhaps it was Nymeia’s lasting influence on the situation, or Hydaelyn having one last little chuckle in the lifestream, but mere fulms apart, the two siblings did pass, neither realizing–or even remembering–whom the other was.  A new journey was beginning for both, and where it would lead, not even the gods knew.  

[worldofquillquivers]

FFXIVWrite 2024 #2: Horizon

“Will I see you again?”

Tears filled Lenore’s eyes, making them sparkle like two sapphires in the moonlight. Blythe gently cupped her face with her hand. She tilted Lenore’s face up and ran a thumb across the girl’s cheek, wiping away the tear.

“Of course you will, Darling,” she said, a playful smile on her lips hiding the pain. She motioned towards the ocean. The moon hung heavy above the horizon, bathing them both in a celestial glow.

“Just keep an eye out there, where the sea meets the sky. One day, when you least expect it, you’ll see me there.” 

Blythe the Siren, one of the most fearful pirate captains sailing the seas of Eorzea, leaned down and pressed her lips against Lenore’s for the final time. For an instant, it felt like the rest of the world slipped away, even for Silk, watching the parting lovers from a short distance away. She found her own eyes drifting towards the horizon, thinking about a certain rogue who had managed to slip through the cracks in her walls and plant himself in her thoughts despite her best efforts. She wondered where he was now. Perhaps more importantly, she wondered if he still had the “Tears of Llymlaen”. Knowing the Roegadyn captain, Blythe would certainly be hot on his tail with a few curses once her lips were no longer occupied by Lenore’s. She only had to pray that he was slippery enough to avoid her until Silk had dropped off Lenore at her father’s house and was able to join the pursuit herself

Still, this was a concern for another time, another moment, when the moon wasn’t hanging heavy and white above the ocean, and a pair of beautiful women were not saying their tearful goodbyes a few feet away. At this moment, she was content to watch their personal tragedy, allowing a wistful ache in her heart, for them, and for herself.

[charlottedabookworm]

#1 - Steer

feat Nadir

wasn't sure what to do with this one until my new au'ra boy decided that actually he's part of a time travel au lol

“Why are you leaving?"

He stills. The rope is heavy in his hands and he focuses on the weave of it, terrified of what he’ll see if he looks up. “Nahbdeen…”

“I don’t understand, Nadir,” his cousin’s boots are heavy against the dock. “All you’ve - all we’ve ever wanted is to join the Host, to give thanks to our Satrap and serve our people. Less than a moon ago it was all you could talk about, what has changed?”

Everything.

Everything has changed, Nadir knows. He bites his tongue, swallows back iron, and closes eyes that burn. “I am sorry, but I cannot-” His words fail him - never has he lied to the other but the truth is something he can never say.

“Will you not even look at me, brother?”

He’s a coward.

He opens his eyes anyway, feet braced, and looks up to see his cousin and not the blasphemy he became. Nahbdeen stands there in his training armour, looking so painfully young and unburdened, even with the evidence of sleepless nights that sits on his face.

There is no terror in his eyes.

No toxic, malignant aether swirling around his form as he screams and his form shudders and changes and-

“I must do this, brother,” he says, low and steady. Nadir’s hands clench tightly around the rope still in his hands and he misses the man in front of him so much that it hurts to breathe. But he chose this.

When his Satrap had asked those remaining, he had volunteered. He had chosen to give up the armour of the Host, the armour that he had lived and died in, and sworn to this cause.

He chose this and Nadir is a coward but he loves his country, he loves his Satrap, and he loves his cousin. He will not sway from this course. Not even for the oaths he and his brother had sworn together as boys, as men, that mean so much to both of them.

Nahbdeen stares at him, heartbreak writ upon his face as he reads the conviction the he feels, and then his face changes. It closes off and, with a nod, his cousin turns away.

Nadir rocks back, absorbing the blow, and his hands shake. “You will be the very best of the Host,” he calls out. It is the truth and an apology and a goodbye at once.

His brother doesn’t glance back.

He doesn’t, cannot, offer to stay.

Swallowing back against the burning of his throat, he sets his shoulders and nods to himself. “It shall be worth it,” he whispers to himself. Even if Nahbdeen hates him now, it will still be worth it.

He is a member of the Radiant Host and he swore an oath to Master Vrtra that it would be worth it.

Their people will not die again.

Nadir casts sail to Eorzea, determined to steer towards a better future.

[feralkwe]

because @thefreelanceangel said i could.

i finally unlocked thaleia last night. there's a whole story about why it's taken me so long that involves me on a windy road through doing the msq as a sprout tank and the utterly terrible experiences i had doing raids, especially alliance raids, to the point where i, a tank main, have been (and in many ways still am) afraid to tank them. that's not what this post is about. it's about kit, and her journey to this point in her story. about the narrative given to her when the blessing of light was first given a name and how the events of her life as "hydaelyn's chosen" has shaped the one she understands now.

like i said, i unlocked thaleia--i have yet to do the actual fight--after winding through this story involving eorzea's twelve. by the end of the quest leading up to it, i realized kit's been making this face for some time now:

she's not amused. she finds nothing charming about these shenanigans, about being drawn into a fight for the amusement of these beings that, as far as she can tell so far, is an attempt to end themselves, or something akin to it. she's watched g'raha and krile and their companions gush and delight over meeting the twelve and their pursuit of knowledge to understand them, and all kit can think about this whole time as she's surrounded by these so-called gods disguised as adorable creatures is the utter injustice of it all.

she does not, and likely has not for some time, felt like hydaelyn's chosen or champion or anything other than a windup toy let loose in a cruel, fated time loop while being given drips of information about who she is and why she has to be the one to take it all on. time and again she's been pitted against the only people who have been honest with her--evil, but honest--and forced into situation after situation to have to kill them. she's been misled, abandoned, and at times essentially lied to by the person supposedly blessing her as she fights to save the star and everyone on it.

and i feel like this is a last straw. as these gods gave her their sage wisdom, something inside her broke.

she knows. she knows that the process to make a hydaelyn was the same process that made a zodiark. she knows that lives were sacrificed to give form and life to both of them. she also knows that one set of those souls have been all but forgotten by history, their world-saving sacrifice shadowed in a false narrative of a power-hungry and evil god bent on destruction, while these ones have spent eons being worshiped and prayed to as protectors of the world. she's angry. she's hurt. she's still grieving so many things from a life that was stolen from her to lost loves she's had to say goodbye to again and again (and in some cases again). the twelve have played a game with her while the unsundered fought for the forgotten, and she cannot look upon their faces without seeing hythlodaeus, or elidibus, or emet-selch, or even lahabrea. even as her partially rejoined traveler's soul craves adventure and the new, she's come to resent so much of it. she's come to resent venat, hydaelyn, and while kit can and does acknowledge this woman-turned-god's role in saving the world she loves, it carried a price kit sometimes lies awake seething over.

i figured out awhile ago that kit's greatest strength and greatest weakness is her capacity for love. it drives her. it's what prompted her to leave golmore, it's what carried her to the ends of existence. it made her take up her axe and fight wars and primals and ascians lightwardens and despair itself. it made the scions her family even when she initially felt used by them. it made her fight to save them. it made her drive herself to near annihilation again and again. it made her fall in love with urianger, and forgive him. it made her hate g'raha tia, and forgive him. it brought her an intense and confusing relationship she did not understand with emet-selch even as she put an axe through him. it made her trust hythlodaeus without question. see thancred in a different light. it made her weep for elidibus long before she traveled back in time and fell in love with him. every step of the way love has hurt as much as it has spurred her on, taken as much as it's given, and yet she overflows with it. and i think that's a call back to her life as azem. we see through the shadowbringers class quests that ardbert, too, brimmed with love he could barely contain that drove his every step forward, even when the world he gave himself to save turned against him. and now she carries that, too.

venat asked her, "has your journey been good? has it been worthwhile?" in many ways, she would say yes. it's given her so much. it has led to her being loved and cherished by many people in many ways across time and space. but it has taken just as much from her. maybe more. the love the twelve claim to have for her feels hollow, much like hydaelyn's has at many points in time. whether or not it was is subjective to every player and the way they see and interpret their wol and the writing the game presents us. but kit fails to see the love in this. she sees and feels more manipulation of the love she carries that makes up the fundamentals of her soul. even if they do not know the full of who she is--azeyma seems to have a sense of it at least--they know enough to know that she can serve their purpose. and at the time of their sacrifice to hydaelyn, venat very much knew. kit carries that. kit resents that. maybe that makes them victims, too, and maybe she'll find a way to make peace with all of this later, when she's done being furious at the double standard for the souls who volunteered to sacrifice themselves to create zodiark.

idk, i feel like this is the first time canon has given me something on the screen that feels entirely at odds with the character i've been playing, and it's a jarring experience. every smile she made at every god in myths of the realm has felt abrasively wrong for her.

i'm looking forward to the conclusion of this story, and i'm looking forward to where her journey takes her going into dawntrail. but for now, i have one very angry, hurt, and grieving bun on my hands, and i don't see the resolution of those feelings coming with the completion of this raid series.

[honeycombwolf]

Yugiri and the Warrior of Light fell in love in Eorzea. Their love made every day worth seeing, worth fighting for. Yet, today was their last together. It was time for Yugiri to return to Doma. Yugiri raised her hand and wiped a tear from her lover's cheek. "We may be separated by a thousand yalms... But my heart will always be yours." The Warrior nodded, holding back the rest of their tears. "And mine yours... Goodbye, Yugiri." Yugiri leaned forward for one last kiss before letting go of their face. "Goodbye, my love. I promise we will meet again."

[gentleerzulie]

I want to be light as a feather....

[yzeltia]

Closer to You

Chapter 7 Characters: Natsu Obinata, L'lolamo Lolomori(Hydaelyn), Fuyu'li cen Zwhan, Keith Summers, Carter Summers, @driftward 's Nyx Blackmoon, @mintibunny 's Minti Chocolate, X'ruhn Tia Rating: T for inTerogation Notes: Thank you @driftward for the mechanics pass

After climbing out of the waters of The Clutch, the party made the trek to Blackbrush Station, wet and sore from battle. X’ruhn said his goodbyes to Natsu before heading off with L’lolamo and Nyx to the Forgotten Springs to appraise the village on what had happened. This left the Summers brothers and Minti to watch over Fuyu’li, awaiting Natsu to interrogate him. As the Auri girl approached the inn where her friend was being held, she heard Carter’s voice from outside, “JUST TELL US WHERE THEY ARE!” Hurrying inside, Natsu found Minti and Keith quietly drinking tea outside the bedroom where Carter and Fuyu’li were, the latter still looking a bit shaken from falling off the train and into the waters. Worried that the Hyur might take his anger out on Fuyu’li, Natsu pushed into the bedroom, finding her friend bound to a chair with a dark specter firmly holding him down by shoulders while Carter leaned into his face while Jannie leaned up against the wall and watched quietly.

“Is all this necessary,” Natsu asked cautiously, only to have Carter whip his head angrily toward her.

“He’s kidnapped my fiance and at least two others. He’s lucky he has information I want, otherwise I’d have tossed a stone on him and left him in the reservoir to his fate.”

Fuyu’li audibly gulped at the passive threat before thrashing his tail and struggling. “I will not apologize for acting on my master’s orders! I would gladly bear the weight if it meant finding his sister!”

Natsu pinched the scales on the bridge of her nose, shaking her head as she let out a deep sigh then knelt down in front of the Miqo’te. “Fuyu, as I said on the train: What sense would it make for your master to have traveled all the way to Eorzea? Let alone kidnap strangers?”

Carter huffed, crossing his arms as he impatiently glowered down at Fuyu’li, making the Garlean cowered under his gaze. His tail flicked a bit as he opened his mouth to answer a few times but not finding the words before interrupted as Jannie let out an audible: “Hmm.”

“You got something you add,” Carter asked, turning toward Jannie.

“Perhaps,” the Elezen mused before pushing off the wall to search Fuyu’li’s face, “This master of yours. Is he an Auri boy with a pale complexion and crimson eyes?”

The Miqo’te perked up, eyes wide as he nodded, “You know my master then?”

“Varshahn? Of Radz-at-Han,” Jannie asked.

“Yes! You do know him! Please tell them that my master is kind and benevolent and would not dare hurt his captives! We just want to get back his dear sister!”

“He’s definitely been played the fool here,” Jannie said, not addressing the mewling miqo’te as he excitedly looked to have himself and master exonerated, only to have his head, tail, and ears hang limp.

“Yes, I suspected as much. His encounter fits the pattern of our experience with the imposter,” Natsu said, arms crossing.

“I know what the young master looks like! And how he talks! There is no one more important to me and you think I would not know his face and voice,” Fuyu’li protested.

“That’s exactly the caveat of dealing with the Imposter. They look and sound like the person you care for the most,” Natsu sighed.

“I take it that you separated from Varshahn some time before the events of the Final Days. Your young master has been recently reunited with his sister through the efforts of one of the very people you helped to abduct,” Jannie said softly.

Fuyu’li sat still a moment, looking straight ahead before down at his feet. “I don’t understand…I was on a mission…He said that I was helping him…How could that be true?”

“Someone manipulated you in the cruelest of ways and you believed them because it is hard to see what the heart shields you from,” Jannie said knowingly before tilting the other’s chin up with her finger, “Now, tell us what you did for who you thought was your master and what their intentions are, otherwise, this very angry young man is going to understandably lash out at you for robbing him of his most precious person.”

Natsu watched as Fuyu’li winced then looked up into Jannie’s eyes. For a moment he seemed to struggle again with his words before giving a relenting nod as he sat back. “My young master approached me when Natsu and I were in Ul’dah. He wished to use my knowledge of computers and Garlean resources to help him acquire a means to achieving his goal of finding his sister.”

Fuyu’li furrowed his brow then closed his eyes, ignoring the impatient huffing of Carter as he continued his story, “Looking back I could have volunteered some information about my master, but he seemed to know so much about me and my past…Anyroad, he asked me to help him seek out those who have the blessings of the Echo as before the fall of the Empire I was apart of the Resonance project. I studied those with the Echo deeply and did…unspeakable things to learn about them in the name of the Empire.”

“Enough of this. I don't care to hear some Garlean filth try for sympathy. I want to know where Hayzel is now or I'll,” Carter started, only to be silenced as Jannie reached over to press her finger against his lips.

“Continue,” Jannie said.

Fuyu'li flicked his tail, putting it into his lap to wring as he avoided everyone's gaze, “I wanted to…make up for that. My master saved me when I had been tossed into the sea for dead. I wanted to help people, and most importantly the one who showed me kindness when I didn't deserve it. So when he asked me to use my knowledge of the Echo to help, I jumped at the chance. It was mostly interviews, to see if there were those who had abilities beyond just peering into the past. I met Miss Jinba who could see the future and then Hayzel who could bring about the manifestation of dreams.

“When my master learned of them he took an interest, and brought them to me. He wanted their assistance in helping him find his sister. I promise they're being cared for in the most luxurious manner we could provide!”

Carter scoffed then grabbed the hilt of his sword. Fretting, Natsu moved between him and Fuyu’li, “And what about Leon? Did you do that Fuyu’li? At the Gage Acquisition Headquarters?”

Fuyu'li shook his head, “I don't know a Leon. I tried to hack into their database given their reputation of housing Echo users; however, the system was locked out during my attempts to access it and my master said that he would investigate there themselves.”

Natsu let out a sigh of relief, happy to hear he was ignorant of the murder. Moreso, she remembered that the others had been upset about Y’zel seemingly activating a fail safe due from tampering with the login information. She wondered if he somehow knew that they'd be targeted.

“And I suppose you took Violet for her ability to commune with the lifestream,” Jannie asked.

“Yes,” Fuyu'li answered.

“And where have you taken them,” the Elezen woman asked, shifting to stand beside Natsu, weary of Carter's vengeful intentions.

“Roaming. We made use of the rail systems left behind during the Garlean occupancy. They could be anywhere between the ruins of Carteneu and Gyr Abania,” Fuyu'li answered weakly.

“So nearly half of Eorzea. You better have something more than that,” Carter growled.

“Sadly I do not…,” Fuyu'li said before letting out a cry as the shadow sank sharp claws into his shoulders.

“Mr. Summers, while it is a crime to apprehend another against their will, it is not one punishable by death; however, in Thanlan, murdering someone is. As it stands Fuyu'li is the only one who has any insight into the whereabouts of our friends and loved ones. Maybe it'd be best if you moved on to scout Mor Dohna to see if you can find a lead on train sightings. I'm sure Miss Rowena will have had her people watching what has been coming and going.”

Carter stared then grunted, turning his attention to Natsu. “You're pursuing this right? If he gives you anything useful you better linkpearl my brother.”

Natsu simply nodded, letting Carter storm out to fetch his brother and Minti. Exhaling, she looked back to Fuyu'li, “You're going to make this right or I might very well let him do as he pleases. I can't believe you could fall for such a thing!”

“You just don't understand what my young master means to me,” Fuyu'li pouted.

Natsu frowned then hugged herself, unable to forgive her friend. Jannie sighed then gently collapsed her hand on the girl's shoulder. “I will see about getting us something to eat. Do not leave. I will find you.”

Fuyu'li gulped, having not had words land with such fear in his stomach since his mother scolded him as a boy. He turned to Natsu who refused to face him. “I'm…sorry.”

“You should be.”

“I know.”

“You abandoned me.”

“I know.”

“I've been…so lonely.”

Fuyu'li’s ears dropped as Natsu started to rub her eyes. He could do little more than apologetically stare up at her and wait for her to compose herself. Sniffling, Natsu looked at him then turned away again. 

“There was another that was kidnapped. Patient Heaven from Old Sharlayan. A Roegadayn woman.”

Fuyu'li tilted his head, “That name doesn't sound familiar. The only three we enlisted…er…are the three I disclosed.”

Natsu turned, “Are you certain? She was among the first to have been reported missing and did not turn up after.”

“No. I have a pretty good memory. I don't remember anyone like that. We never left the main continent.”

Natsu started a moment, her friend's genuinely confused face assuring her of his ignorance of the matter. Jannie soon returned with bowls of stew on a tray, raising her brow at the girl as she looked up. “Did you get something useful out of him?”

“I think so. We should make for Old Sharlayan and find out more about the first abduction.”

“Alright then. And him?”

Natsu sighed, “If I don’t keep an eye on him I’m afraid he’ll just find a way to get into trouble.”

“What? I am perfectly capable of-” “Do I need to remind you who helped you out on our visit to Costa De Sol,” Natsu snapped, not turning back as he cowered.

“Ah…but I should return to my master-”

“Not until we clean up the mess you made!”

Jannie sighed, putting the tray aside and helping herself to her bowl of soup while watching the two, unable to avoid thinking that the two fighting reminded her a bit of Violet and U’rahn. 

[armordosdelar]

VIERAPRIL DAY #30 GOODBYE Goodbye Eorzea! Hello Tural!

[heavy-swing]

A Star Hidden in the Clouds

I've been thinking a lot about my hrothgal and her relationship with Yugiri and how it might've developed over the course of the story, so naturally I spent every free second not working on my big international move jotting a few sentences down on my phone. Here's a bit of a late night back and forth they have, sometime around late ARR when the Domans have moved to Mor Dhona and both of these idiots are still firmly in the "pining" stage of their relationship.

You can check it out on AO3, or read it below!

Starlight seen for the last time. Yugiri could practically hear Aelita’s voice uttering those fateful words, even though the moment was but a memory now. They’d sat on a rooftop in Revenant’s Toll, bathed in the light of the moon, talking back and forth.

Your name, does it have a meaning in your native tongue? She’d watched as Aelita’s wonderment at the night sky took on a tinge of melancholy, realizing too late that she might’ve stumbled onto something that wasn’t meant to be known by anyone. And yet, for what reason Yugiri did not know, Aelita had answered. And those words had echoed in her head long after hearing them.

Starlight seen for the last time. They’d reverberated as the hrothgar woman used the defined arms that usually held an axe to push herself back up to her feet. Yugiri remembered catching her gaze as she stood, Aelita’s piercing blue eyes shining through the night like distant twin stars before she blinked and they’d disappeared. Before she’d mumbled something resembling a goodbye and turned to go.

It was then, with Aelita having faded into the night surrounding her, that Yugiri had begun to understand what it meant. 

Starlight seen for the last time.

A part of her wished she'd said something. Wished she'd called out to Aelita, summoned her back from the darkness. Wished she'd seen the light of her eyes just once more.

But she knew it didn't become her to chase what was, by all accounts, a fantastical daydream. Setting aside the matter of Aelita being Eorzea’s champion, it wouldn't do to have the leader of the shinobi and one of the few representatives of Doma seen pursuing… whatever this feeling was. She needed to focus on keeping everyone safe; how could her compatriots trust her if she shirked her duties to chase after a fleeting feeling? 

Attempting to put it out of her mind, Yugiri stood and resumed the patrol she'd been walking before she'd been struck by the memory. She spent the rest of the night wishing for daylight to come quickly; every glance up to the stars just reminded her of the view she'd let slip through her fingers. 

–––

Aelita couldn't sleep again. Visions of fearsome primals and the devastation caused by the Ultima Weapon haunted her dreams, warped beyond comprehension by anxiety and others’ expectations.

Fortunately, she'd had something more concrete to put her efforts towards as of late: assisting the Doman refugees. Aelita had insisted to anyone who would listen that they helped the Domans, and it came as little surprise given that she too was a refugee from Othard fleeing the Empire.

She'd begun to grow fond of the leader of their group, a shinobi named Yugiri who was rarely seen without a mask covering her face. Despite her mysterious appearance, Aelita had always found her presence calming. Yugiri was very focused and very practical, and it helped keep at least one of Aelita's feet on the ground as more and more patently absurd things kept happening around her.

It was why, on her last night in Revenant's Toll before her duties called her back to the chaos of the Scions, Aelita found herself wandering around the settlement instead of trying and failing to sleep. She'd subconsciously followed the path she'd seen Yugiri patrolling on a previous night, and before long, found the shinobi crouched atop a roof that overlooked the aetheryte. Her obsidian hair flowed freely around her cream-colored horns and over a half facemask; a rare sight given how often she hid her face entirely. Aelita had a few moments to admire how the moonlight played off of her scales before her unsubtle approach caught Yugiri's attention. Aelita noticed her tense and reach for her daggers before realizing who it was.

“Sorry, Yugiri. Just me.”

“What are you doing up here at this time of night?” Her tone was lightly accusatory, but Aelita knew it was well-meaning.

“Thought I'd give you a little test, see if you were still sharp.” Aelita weakly flashed her trademark wry grin, hoping it would sell the joke. Yugiri's glare of suspicion softened to one of concern, seeing straight through the sarcasm. “You got me.” She crossed the remaining space between them and sat down, propping herself up with her arms. “Couldn't sleep, and… I thought you might be up, I guess.”

“Oh,” Yugiri replied, leaning back from a crouch into a more relaxed posture. “Was there… something you wished to speak about?”

“You know, I… I don't know. Been a lot on my mind lately. By all accounts I've got it good: food and drink, coin in my purse, roof overhead, a purpose to work towards, but… everything's just been so gods-damned crazy lately. Auri tells me I'm plenty strong to deal with whatever comes knockin’, but more and more it feels like I barely even know what it is I'm looking at.” She paused for a moment to fuss with her hair, a nervous habit. “It's been nice, though. Just being here.” With you, she thought, but didn't say. “Having an impact, in a way I can see and believe with my own eyes, that doesn't involve…” she trailed off, sitting up and pantomiming an overhead axe swing as she did.

“That help certainly does not go unnoticed or unappreciated, diplomatic or… otherwise,” Yugiri remarked, lightly mimicking Aelita's axe-swinging motion as she spoke. “It is because of you and Master Alphinaud that we've gotten this far.”

“Don't let him hear you say that, we don't need his head getting any bigger than it already is!” Aelita let out a laugh that got a small smile from Yugiri beneath her mask. “I just remember how lonely it felt, landing on distant shores, just beggin’ for a chance. Someone took a chance on my family and me, and here I am, so it only felt right to pass it on, y'know?”

A beat of silence fell between them as they sat, captivated by the beauty of the night sky. 

Yugiri was first to break it, which caught Aelita slightly off guard. “What was it like? For you, coming across the sea, I mean.”

“I wish I remembered it more, I can hardly picture any part of the voyage except arriving in La Noscea. I do remember that apparently I called it “La Nose-ya” when I was little. That's if my ma is to be believed, anyroad.” That got another smile from Yugiri, which Aelita caught out of the corner of her eye. “I'm sure it was hard for them, though. They had a lot more to lose than a child of only a couple summers did. Ma had her forge back in Bozja, and Dad had a position in the royal guard. If there was any way they could've stayed, they would've. Probably why they went back the first chance they could without leaving me completely helpless.” Aelita paused to reorient the conversation, not wanting to center herself too much. “I'm sure it's very difficult to make that journey as an adult, knowing exactly what it is you're leaving behind.”

“You speak true, it felt… like a dereliction of duty. Like I was telling our people I'd given up.”

“–Even though it's the other way around. Escaping to live to fight another day,” Aelita interjected.

“Precisely. My goal has been to locate my lord, Hien, that we might reform a resistance force to oppose the Empire, but I could only begin the search once my people had been settled somewhere more permanent than the harbor of Vesper Bay.”

“If all goes well, you might get your chance sooner rather than later.”

“It has heartened me to see our people welcomed here, especially after what transpired in Ul’dah. I had begun to fear I'd made a mistake.”

A scowl crossed Aelita's face. “Those money-grubbing bastards. They act all high and mighty but they're just common thieves in fancy clothes.” She looked to Yugiri. “In spite of their best efforts, you made it, though.”

“That we did.”

Another beat of silence. This time it was Aelita's turn to break it.

“How about where you're from? Can you tell me about it?”

Yugiri took a moment to think. “I don't see why I couldn't. My home is a place called Sui-no-Sato, a village at the bottom of the Ruby Sea.” Aelita's eyebrows flew up in astonishment. 

“The bottom of the sea? Really? What– How does that even work?”

“Our ancestors long ago fled there from the Steppe. They tired of war, so they sought the aid of the Kojin to create a bubble of air on the seafloor large enough to contain a settlement. I suppose I take it for granted, but it is quite a sight to behold.”

Aelita's wonderment at the idea of an undersea town was tempered by the sense of melancholy she detected in Yugiri's words.

“I… left long ago, and have yet to return since. I chose a path that involved me standing in opposition to the Empire, and I would not wish to bring that to my family's doorstep.”

Aelita nodded in understanding. “At least they're safe for now, in all likelihood.” She hesitated before continuing. “Do… do they know that you're alright?”

“I'm unsure. My hope is that some of the tales of the shinobi might've made their way back, but even so… I don't know what they'd think of me for leaving. Our village was very devoted to remaining hidden and out of conflict at all costs, and my decision doesn't exactly reflect those values.”

“I see.”

“What of your parents? You spoke of their return to Bozja.”

“There's not much to tell. They left when I was 15 or 16 summers, not long after news of the Garleans weapons malfunction that leveled the city reached Eorzea. I held out hope that they'd write for the first year or so, but…” Aelita reached up to unclip an earring from her ear and gripped it tightly in her hand. “I think at this point it’s probably safe to assume that they… didn't make it.”

“My condolences, I…” Yugiri trailed off. “Can you tell me more of them?”

Aelita relaxed her grip, revealing the earring once more. “My mother's name was Lunya. She was a blacksmith, and a good one, if the word around Limsa is to be believed. I think I mentioned her forge back home, but she gave it up for a while after I came into the picture. As soon as I was old enough to start swinging farm tools, she had a hammer in her hand again. If I had to guess, you probably haven't heard of them, but she did a lot of work for Naldiq & Vymelli’s, forging parts for ships and the like. Made lots of tools for local folks too.” Aelita moved her hand slightly, letting the moonlight play off the light blue-green crystal and smooth steel of her earring. “And she forged the metal in this. Had a jeweler in Ul’dah work it into something small that I could keep with me all the time.”

“A fitting way to honor her,” Yugiri remarked.

“Jaromir was my father. He was part of the guard for our tribe's queen. Loyal almost to a fault. Queen Tira had to beg him to leave when they had me, according to ma. Even growing up, I could tell he regretted it. Survivor’s guilt, and all that. He cleared out monsters and did some work for the adventurer’s guild in the city; never became a full on marauder like I did, but that didn't mean he ever hesitated to jump into the fray. If you ever see me do something stupid and reckless in battle, you can blame him for that.” 

“I've noticed you have a very… headstrong approach to combat at times. Good to know where it comes from.” Aelita feigned annoyance for dramatic effect. “I never said it was a bad thing. Sometimes drawing attention can catch your enemy off guard just as much as a strike from the shadows.”

“Maybe that's why I like fightin’ with you so much. I know I can keep the heat off you so you can work best, and it means I've got an extra weapon I can rely on when I'm in over my head.”

“I suppose you might be right about that. You do make an excellent distraction.”

“Hey!” Aelita went to playfully bump Yugiri's shoulder with her own, and to her surprise, Yugiri took the hit instead of moving out of the way. “Oh shit, sorry!” Aelita instinctively reached out to grab Yugiri's shoulders to steady her. 

“Think nothing of it,” Yugiri replied with a laugh. 

“See, this is the acting first, thinking second thing I was talking about.” Aelita grinned, sincerely this time.

They both basked in the moment, leaning back and gazing up at the stars. Though neither of them would admit it, they both stole the occasional glance at each other. 

This silence lasted a good while longer than any of the previous ones, though not out of discomfort or awkwardness. It was just two people enjoying each other's company.

Eventually, Yugiri spoke, realizing how much time had passed. “I know the hour is late already, but I have one more question to ask you. I've never heard a name quite like yours, and not knowing much of Bozja, I have to ask: Your name, does it have a meaning in your native tongue?” It's so beautiful and each time I hear it it sounds almost like a melody, was the thought she couldn't say.

Aelita's expression fell noticeably as she appeared to think on how to reply. After a moment, she said simply, “Starlight seen for the last time.” She felt her emotions starting to bubble up from a long dormant part of herself, something she didn't want Yugiri to have to see. Before Yugiri could inquire further or even get a good look at her, Aelita pushed herself up with her arms and turned to go. “Thanks for talkin’. Should probably get some sleep,” she muttered, unable to put her usual gusto behind her words. She took one more look at Yugiri before walking back into the night that had surrounded them, trying not to let her emotions spill over. In thirty summers, no one had asked about her name, save for when she'd asked her parents about what it meant right before they'd left. 

As she walked back the rest of the way to her quarters, Aelita silently prayed that she and Yugiri might meet again soon. Aurienne had trained her well, and Chrysocolla had been her oldest friend, but no one seemed to care quite like Yugiri, and Aelita hoped the day would never come where she would have to see her for the last time.

(Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to yap at me about parts you liked or any thoughts you had :3)

[moonmoon-ren]

Sequoia and Dawn - Growing up as brothers

Keywords: FFXIV OC lore, brothers, abuse by father, protection, care, living in a Viera tribe, friendship matters

While both Dawn and Sequoia are separate characters, they both share a part of their lore till the Garlean invasion of Dalmasca and by extend the Skatay Range. At that point their stories and lore split up into separate stories.

Character chart: Dawn

Tribe: Greenleaf Tribe (ex!), Treehouse Club

Colorscheme: white, pastels, and greys. Soft earthy tones

Older brother of Sequoia

Quiet and very reserved character, very shy nature and will not actively approach anyone out of his own.

Trained as Woodwarder, weapon speciality: sword and shield

Defensive protector

Will go beyond his own limits to protect his brother Sequoia safe

Exiled after family incident

He was and is very confused about love

Character chart: Sequoia

Tribe: Greenleaf Tribe, Treehouse Club

Colorscheme: Gold and yellows, sometimes green

Younger brother of Dawn

Reserved but more open to others then his brother Dawn. Especially other Viera males who somehow got separated from the tribe or don't really feel like belonging

Trained as Woodwarder, lancer

Offensive protector

Will protect his loved ones no matter what

Left the tribe and Skatay Range after Garlean invasion

Always had a crush on his best friend Ren, but never told him that untill he found him again in Eorzea. In relationship with Ren now.

Dawn and Sequoia were both born into the Greenleaf tribe. Dawn being the eldest brother and Sequoia the youngest.

Their father, Vanirr Greenleaf, who has been the chief of the Greenleaf tribe for many years before their birth, set out on a travel to meet other chiefs of the surrounding tribes. On one of those meetings Vanirr met the beautiful Nimwé. A female Viera of the Lake Warders. It was love at first sight. Her tribe agreed to letting her leave the tribe and move with Vanirr back to the Greenleaf tribe. In the years to follow they had a wonderful relationship. Vanirr proved himself to be a very succesfull chief and husband. After a year their first son, Dawn was born. Dawn was everything his father could ask for, and he felt his legacy was secured. Sadly Vanirr had not the luck to see his eldest son grow up as there were small conflicts between a few tribes. He was needed at the borders of their territory. Those conflicts were of minor importance and after two years Vanirr returned home. He changed a little, the fact that he had to wage war against his own people was troubling him. He sought comfort in alcoholic beverages, dissappointing Nimwé. She barely recognised her husband anymore and cursed the day he decided to intervene in the tribal conflicts. Yet there was still love between them. On one of his more sober days she announced to him that she was pregant again.

Vanirr was very happy, and hoping for another strong son, like Dawn. Fate was cruel, their second son was born, but Nimwé died shortly after giving birth to Sequoia. Vanirr was furious and wanted to kill the baby, blaming the little Sequoia for the death of his mother. It was one of the tribe healers, Lily (Ren's mother) who intervened, preventing Vanirr from doing something as stupid as killing his own son. The tribe said goodbye to Nimwé. Dark days for the tribe were ahead. Vanirr sought more and more refuge in drinking, and living a derailed life.

Sequoia proved himself to be a quite resilient Viera. Often found comfort in the company of his brother Dawn who stood up many time for his little brother. Both boys enjoyed the "respect" from other boys in the tribe by being the sons of the chief. Sequoia himself turned out to be quite a caring Viera and developped a rare quality of sensing lonely vieras in the tribe. This is how he met his friends: Koori, Kaen. Twin brothers and orphans. They often hung around the village causing some amok or just being "them". At first they found it funny to tease and pester Sequoia a little bit, but when they found themselves in a really dire situation, it was Sequoia who jumped in their defense. Since that day they have been unseparatedly friends.

Shortly after, Sequoia met Ren. A young viera who was often bullied because of his "strange name". Ren was not a "pure viera". Despite looking as Viera as a Viera can look. Ren was the son of Lily and Naoko Kimura. Naoko was a Hingan merchant, and a viera of an old family that once left the Range and explored the world.

If there was one thing that Sequoia hated, then it was bullies. He had his reasons for that. Ren was first reluctant, having trust issues with people and thinking Sequoia had maybe other motives. It took a while before Ren got along with Sequoia. But more and more they hung out, Ren got introduced to Koori and Kaen, and also Sequoia's brother Dawn. This was the beginning of a very special friendship. More and more, the two boys enjoyed the company of each other and they develloped a very close friendship, a friendship that even turned into love unbeknownst to each other.

Behind the closed doors of their home Sequoia's life was anything but happy. Hated by his father Sequoia was often the victim of his father's aggresive behavior and more then once he got beaten or abused. Vanirr often was drunk and did not even saw or listened to reason. In this matter Sequoia stood often alone because for long time Dawn was not there, because of his training as Woodwarder. The Council of Elders were all friends of Vanirr and they did not listen to the young Sequoia. Sequoia often had to endure the abuse by his father. He sometimes shared the burdens of that with his close friends but often kept it just quiet and made up excuses for injuries.

Ren, Koori and Kaen wanted to do something about it, but being seen as outcasts in the tribe they could not reach out to the Elders. Koori and Kaen were orphans and had "weird colored fur" and Ren was the "stranger". Not many Vieras in the Greenleaf tribe were fond of helping them. Ren's mother Lily, was the village healer and often helped Sequoia with his bruises and injuries. One day however Sequoia was not seen for a few days. Thats when Ren, and KK decided to reach out to Dawn at the Training Grounds and inform Dawn of what was going on. Dawn rushed home and found Sequoia on the floor, bleeding and beat up.

Dawn who was otherwise a calm and very composed Viera lashed out at their father with the intention of killing the drunk Chief. Sequoia intervened because he understood the consequences. Dawn would not only be accused of patricide, but also of murdering the chief. Even if it would have been justified. He managed to calm his older brother. But Vanirr was enraged and shocked by Dawn's reaction.

Not wanting to lash out to Dawn, because Dawn was his favorite son, he just yelled that this day, this decision to attack his father was his biggest mistake. Normally the Tribal Law dictates that any attempt on the chief's life is punishable by death. Vanirr however had lack of certain traditions and kept this quiet. Instead he banished Dawn from the Greenleaf tribe. Dawn had a hard time accepting this fate. Because it would mean having to leave his brother behind.

He made a promise and threat to his father however. If Vanirr were to ever touch or lay a finger on Sequoia again, he would return and kill him. Vanirr laughed it away. Sequoia felt lost. Dawn took Sequoia outside to a quiet place and promised that he would do everything he could to keep his little brother safe.

During his training as Woodwarder, Dawn had met a few curious male Vieras who went by the name of Akane and Ash. Akane was a mage and oversaw the training parcours with some illusions to confuse the trainees, training their perception and intelligence. Ash was the battle master and trained the boys in the martial arts. Dawn became good friends with Ash. Dawn reached out to Ash this time to tell him of what Vanirr decided. Ash promised to Dawn to keep an eye over Sequoia and his friends. Ash and Akane, being exiled from their own tribe themselves moved in with the Greenleaf tribe and found their way to Sequoia, Ren Koori and Kaen. Akane and Ash also were couple, and were a few years older. They came up with the idea of founding a "secret gathering". They found a nice spot in the woods, secluded and built a treehouse there. For Ash and Akane it was a home, but also a refuge for Sequoia and his friends, and a place were Dawn could visit his little brother.

Thus the Treehouse Club was founded. In the years that followed Sequoia somehow found himself in better situation and his father did not seem to care about his whereabouts. Sequoia and Ren's friendship further developped more. And the Threehouse Club even expanded a little bit with two more members over time. Faunus a very shy and younger Viera who often spent time on his own in the woods or with the healers taking care of the plants and flowers. And Dorian, a wandering Rava Viera who had to leave the Golmoran Jungle in search for a new home because a forest fire destroyed his home. Dorian wandered a little bit in a wrong direction and found himself in the Range. Yet all found friendship and acceptance within this mini tribe called the "Threehouse Tribe".

Then misfortune struck again. His best friend Ren, had some ill news. Ren's father Naoko had to undertake a long travel to Hingashi. He had some trade business there and also wanted Ren to meet his grandfather. It was bad news, it struck hard. Especially since Vanirr also made it clear that he expected Sequoia to find a partner to marry after he completed his Woodwarder training (which was soon about to start as well).

But, Sequoia understood the situation, be it with a little bit of heartache. It was an important journey for Ren. The Kimura family as Ren had told him had some influence at the Bakufu (similar to the Japanese Shogunate) in Kugane due to being skilled samurais or merchants. The two boys said their goodbyes and reminded each other that they will see one another very soon again. And when they do they would have more stories to share.

Little did they know that, this day was a day that they both learn that life doesnt always go the way they think it goes, and for both boys tragedy awaited, lurking in the shadows.

(What happened to Ren is for another story)

Sequoia shortly after Ren's departure started his training as Wood Warder, under personal supervision of Ash who became his training buddy. The training was hard and cruel, mainly because Vanirr found it occasionaly fun to meddle in the course and make it exceptionally difficult for Sequoia, all in a drunk whim.

Sequoia however was even more resilient then he ever was, and grow as a Viera. Displaying quite impressive physical strength and intelligence. He finished his trained with brio and got accepted in the company of the other Wood Warders.

At that time his father was more often distracted with outside rumors. There was mentions and rumors of a threat. The Garlean Empire had invaded Dalmasca and progressed far through the land, coming close to the borders of the Range. Vanirr was suddenly concerned. The Greenleaf tribe lived close to the borders in the north, close to Dalmasca. What shortly followed was a catastrophe.

The war indeed reached the forests of the Skatay Range and many tribes found themselves in sudden need of taking up arms and uniting in defending the homeland. Even the Greenleaf tribe.

Dawn rushed as fast as he could back to his former tribe and searched for Sequoia, but it was already late. The fires of war had reached their territory. It was chaos.

Vanirr tried to lead the tribe into battle but because of his constant drunk nature one can take "tried" very literal. He abandoned his tribe and fled. It was Dawn and Sequoia who both took up the arms and tried to get as much as possible Vieras into safety trying to fend of the Garleans so that women and children could flee.

When they saw that they were on the losing hand and no match for the magitek weapons of the Garleans Dawn and Sequoia had to take a hard decision. Die or survive. Both brothers chose the latter. And made it their top priority to find , Ren's remaining family (Lily and Ren's sisters Natsumi and Yumi) and their friends (Treehouse club). This was no easy task. In between the fires, the bullets, the bombings, the war machina, they searched, and searched, and searched.

Dawn found Ren's family, alive and well. Sequoia found the other boys.

But their home was destroyed, the forest was crying, the flames raging. What mattered now was survival. But they all suddenly realised that with one fateful event a life can be over, just like that. And not one of them ever did anything in their lives that they actually dreamed of doing. All they had known was duty.

Dorian who knew a bit of the world proposed to take his lover Faunus with him to Thavnair, where they wanted to study alchemy and the art of dancing.

Akane expressed that he always wanted to see Hingashi. Ash only nodded and agreed to following his husband.

Koori and Kaen were a bit lost, being young still they had seen horrors, but they also fought very fiercely in the defense of their homes. they somehow worked best as duo and were exceptionally skilled with blades. Yet there they stood, defeated and looking at how the fire consumed the forest.

It was in that moment that they looked to Sequoia and reminded him of Ren. You have a promise to keep, Sequoia. Why not leave this pile of firewood now and set out to seek Ren? They asked. Sequoia seemed to find courage in those words and looked at his brother.

Dawn looked back and smiled. Ren is your destiny, little brother. Its up to you now "chief". Sequoia was visibly blushing. He asked Dawn what he would do? Thats where Dawn told Sequoia he would say his goodbyes and take Ren's family to safety, the true duty of a Woodwarder is to protect. And that was what he would do.

One day they would all be reunited again. But not today, today it was time to set out and survive.

Sequoia left the Range with Koori and Kaen with the goal to find Ren.

Dawn left with Ren's mother and sisters to keep them safe and find a place to live in peace till they can be reunited once again.

"Till we meet again little brother"

[karoiseka]

2) Horizon

((MAJOR spoilers for the end of Myths of the Realm (the 24 Man EndWalker Raids). Please read accordingly!! ^_^ <3 This is a sequel of sorts to a different prompt that I answered after the first set of these raids came out!))

Karo watched as Deryk’s form slowly wound down the path away from the bridge that was named after him, and into the horizon.  Despite giving him her best impressions on the Twelve and what they meant to her–she hadn’t told him the entire truth.  What she felt now.was complex and spun in her heart like Oschon’s own wind.

Leaning against the stone rail, the sound of the bridge construction created a low background noise against the booming surf below.  The murmur of the workmen, the creak of the wagons making their way to and from the dry docks–all faded into the background as she watched the spot on the path where her own God in mortal form had walked out of her sight.

It was there, several bells later that she finally came out of her reverie with a start as the evening bells rang out, heralding another day done.  Resisting the urge to walk after Deryk, she turned, nearly jumping out of her skin as familiar red hair shone in the evening light.

“Raha!” they met in the space that had been between them, Karo holding him tight, glad for the comfort.

“I thought you went with Krile on the boat to Sharylan!” she hadn’t let him go an ilm, nuzzling her face into his neck.

“I had a feeling you’d be brooding after saying your goodbyes, so I decided to follow you at a distance and watch over for a bit.  I promised Krile I’d teleport in at or before the time her ship is due into harbor, so we have a couple of days together if you need it,” he nuzzled the top of her head in turn, kissing the back of her ear gently as he held her close.

“I definitely needed this,” Karo’s voice was soft as she continued the embrace.  Sheepishly she realized they were in the middle of the road, and keeping as much contact as possible, pulled G’raha over to the benches that she had vacated several bells prior with Deryk.

“I’m torn,” she finally said into the silence that had been growing as the workers went home, and caravans slowed for the night.  “I believed–oh how I believed my entire childhood in the Twelve, and in their mercy and kindness, their strictness and justice.  I followed Da an Pa to Nald’thal’s temples every year, giving thanks for our bounty, and to continue as successfully as we were.  I read the stories of Oschon and his wanderings and fell in love with his tales across all of Eorzea and beyond.  I was taught not to judge someone by whom they worshiped, and what the basic tenets of all the Twelve were so I could have a connection with people,” Karo sighed.  

“And they have been all that and more to me this entire time.  Despite all the primals, despite all the Gods of Domans, the Xaela of the Steppe, the Kojin, and the Thavnarians.  They were my childhood and stable rock.  If Louisoux was willing to reach out to them, who was I to deny that and agree with Gaius that they were just like those Gods I had fallen?”  A tear ran down her cheek as she continued to stare at the path South that Deryk had gone down.

“Yet when I finally meet him–them.  Finally see them face to face, I must fight them.  Defeat them.  And finally send them to the Aetherial Sea by my own hand while they smile and thank me. ME!” Her voice was horse as she nearly shouted through her tears, collapsing back onto G’raha’s shoulder as she sobbed.

“I just wanted to follow him.  I just wanted to explore and wander this world,” her sniffles almost drowned out the reply she wouldn’t have heard if he wasn’t speaking directly into her ear.

“You–we–still can,” her head jerked back to look into his ruby eyes, her own bloodshot from the crying.

“The whole world is out there, My Star.  All you have to do is ask, and we will head off on our next adventure.  Whether you go alone, or it’s just the three of us, or companions new or old, I don’t doubt Oschon’s love of adventure and exploration has left you,” G’raha cupped her cheek, attempting to wipe the messy tears away, before leaning forward to kiss her gently.

“They wanted the same as Hydaelyn.  To give back and return.  They left something in return to allow prayers to still be answered, just–” he cut off his words, averting his eyes as he flushed.  

“Oh no you don’t, what were you going to say?” curiosity overcame her grief, anxious to know what would have made him stop in the middle of his mini-lecture.

“I–really shouldn’t.  I’m not sure you would appreciate it,” his younger side claimed his emotions as he stammered his own embarrassment.  A slight growl escaped from Karo’s throat in frustration.  Her mood was certainly dragging her along for the ride, not content to keep one feeling for more than a few moments before jumping to the next.  Perhaps that was part of her problem with attempting to grieve the Twelve, was the imbalance and the fact that they were so willing and happy to go in the first place.

“Raha.  Please,” Karo forced the words out as she concentrated on the thought that had caused him to stop his thought process.

“It’s just–” he started rubbing his arms like he did when he was unsure of himself, “it just reminds me of you,” the Bard could feel her mouth hang open at that statement as she stared at her love.  Even has her mind started to spin, he plowed on.

“It reminds me of the aftermath of the Eighth Umbral Calamity,” Karo continued to stare, as if starting with that sentence made anything better.  She had wanted to hear more of that time and the people there and his time there, but, perhaps not quite like this.

“You had been slain–centuries earlier–” G’raha winced at the way that sounded, but continued gamely on.  “But your stories, your tales, the songs you sang–the Legend and legacy you carried on continued throughout the ages,” the pieces he was laying down started to work their way together to her as well.

“It’s the same as the Twelve.  The legend and legacy they leave will continue on for ages, continuing to guide the people, even as you guided me all those years ago,” the wistful expression crossed his face as it always did when he thought back on his time there in the other time–and his early time on the First.

Shaking his head, he smiled, finally looking her in the eye again.  “I think the people will be fine,” he said confidently.  “The idea and ideals of the Twelve have been around for ages now, it will take more than them unknowingly allowing the last fragment of their original souls to return to the Aetherial Sea to break the people’s trust in them,”  

Karo had to concede that last point.  She knew that she wouldn’t be able to break herself of saying “By the Twelve” anytime soon, and doubted that Alphinaud would stop saying “Thaliak protect me” after she told him about what happened either.  That was to say nothing of the ceremonies that took place daily at the Sanctum of the Twelve–bringing light and love with happy blessings to those that pledged their Eternal Bond to each other.  Karo’s fingers brushed the necklace around her throat as she smiled.

“I will grant you that one concession,” she smiled, adjusting the way she sat–laying her legs across his lap as she leaned into his side.  “Now, tell me everything I missed up there!” G’raha laughed, knowing her Echo would allow her to go back and revisit everything that had happened, but preened under the attention, and started to talk as the sun began to set.

[storms-path]

FFXIV Write 2024: Day 30 - Two Heads Are Better Than One

Arashi couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt quite so whole. For so long she’d been forced to mantle one title or role or another, forcing herself to be a better, grander version of who she truly was. Watching her sister grow to worry more and more with every passing day. Wondering just who or what she truly was. Even without the all-encompassing title of Warrior of Light she had struggled to keep her mind unburdened, fallen into old habits. But something had changed. She had mended the rift between herself and Sanda, learned to let others lead the way, begun to understand how and when she could best put her incredible strength to use.

Still, the fact that one Lyse Hext was curled up in her lap, resting her head quite comfortably against Arashi’s chest certainly didn’t hurt. I missed you, she thought. She’d said it often enough over the course of the day. In words. In touch. In kisses. She couldn’t say it enough. Certainly she had the ability to visit Lyse whenever she wanted, but it wasn’t the same as knowing she was there, within walking distance rather than by teleporting the many malms. It wasn’t the same as travelling with her, sharing in the beautiful sights of Tural, having her wife at her side in and out of a fight. Arashi knew why it couldn’t last, knew that they both had their separate responsibilities, but she hadn’t realised quite how much it hurt until now.

“Everything alright?” asked Lyse, planting a gentle kiss on Arashi’s bare scales.

“I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“Well, you’d better stop then. I’ve done quite enough thinking for one day, thank you very much.”

Arashi couldn’t help but giggle. It had been quite a day. From giving Lyse a whirlwind tour of Tuliyollal to meeting the Dawnservants (Lyse had, predictably, gotten on like a house on fire with Wuk Lamat), to understanding just what Lyse’s duties as ambassador for Eorzea entailed, to grand feasts to cultural exchanges to trawling through the markets to finally collapsing into Arashi’s cabin, quite exhausted as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. “I’ll do what I can to avoid it,” she responded, settling one hand comfortably on Lyse’s hip. “What do you think, though? Of Tuliyollal?”

“I can see why you couldn’t stop talking about it when you came to visit,” Lyse said with a wry smile. “And I can see Ala Mhigo still has a lot to learn about mutual co-operation. I’ve got to talk with Wuk Lamat about how her father managed it all. Koana too. Even if I’m completely out of my depth whenever he opens his mouth.”

“He can be a bit overwhelming, yes. But he’s a good man. Loves his sister more than anything, and his people just behind her. They’ll do good things together.”

“They will.” Lyse tucked her head against Arashi’s chest again. “As long as their trusted companion stays a while longer while they get their feet under them properly.”

“Oh, they don’t need me that badly,” Arashi began, but Lyse’s eyes fixed her own and she found herself quieting down.

“They do,” she said, voice full of quiet conviction. “More than you think and more than they know. Just like I did, and just like Hien did.” Arashi had nothing to say to that, so she kept her mouth shut. “Besides,” Lyse continued, “It’s quite obvious that Wuk Lamat’s fallen for you, and you’d better not break her heart by vanishing without saying goodbye.”

Arashi jerked upright, only avoiding jettisoning Lyse into the ocean by the fact that Lyse’s arms were neatly locked around her neck. “Excuse me?” That wasn’t right, surely! Wuk Lamat saw her as a friend, and certainly a strong one, but that was it! Whatever Lyse saw or thought she saw, it was but a trick of the light! Obviously!

Lyse was laughing, shifting so that she could lock her legs around Arashi’s waist. “It’s alright, darling! I’m not upset or anything. But it’s hardly the first time you’ve managed to charm everyone around you with your heroics.”

What. “What.”

Lyse raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed. I’m far from the only Scion who found their heart aflutter for you. Minfilia couldn’t stop herself glancing in your direction whenever you were present in the Stones, you know. ‘Shtola went on and on about your exploits against Titan when we were in hiding. And as for Alisaie…”

“What about Alisaie?” Dread strangled Arashi’s voice.

Lyse’s eyebrow rose higher still. “Is it truly not obvious?”

Arashi shook her head mutely.

“Alisaie’s been in love with you for the past year and a half. She told me herself. Don’t tell her I told you that, by the way, she’d never forgive me if she found out.”

A great deal of things suddenly clicked into place. Alisaie’s determination to outdo Arashi, her frustration whenever Arashi reached heights she couldn’t reach, her devastation as Arashi’s Light corruption took hold, all the times Alisaie had scolded her for risking her life when she didn’t have to, all the duels and strange looks and…

“Oh gods,” Arashi groaned. “I called her my little sister. To her face. In front of Gulool Ja and Otis. And my actual sister. Oh gods.”

Lyse’s smile, which had been twitching as Arashi came to the terrible realisation, split into an unrestrained laugh. She quickly devolved into an uncontrollable fit of mirth, only avoiding rolling off the deck chair through her limbs’ vice grip around Arashi. It took several minutes for Lyse’s laughter to finally die down, not helped by Arashi’s deeply unamused expression setting Lyse off a good several more times before she finally got a hold of herself.

“Oh, she’s never going to let you live that one down!” Lyse cried, another giggle rippling through her. “Oh Rhalgr, I’m about to make it worse, too.”

“Don’t tell me.”

“Alphinaud’s in love with you too!”

Arashi once again became Lyse’s anchor as another fit of giggling overtook her. Arashi wanted nothing more than to dive into the ocean and swim far, far away from Tural for a while, but instead she forced herself to endure it. Finally, finally, Lyse calmed down again.

“Anyone else I should know about?” Arashi asked icily.

“Well, there is one more, I suppose.” Lyse gave her a sly, knowing smile.

“Do I want to know?” If she says Estinien, I’m throwing her into the ocean.

“Me.” Lyse’s lips met Arashi’s. The agony of the earlier conversation slipped away.

Well, I suppose I can accept that one...

[crystal-verse]

Day 19 - Taken

[i'm sick(?) right now so this one is of lesser quality than normal, i feel. oh well. please enjoy]

The option is taken from you before you can consider it, really. Going to breakfast all alone.

Not that you mind -- the Exarch's nervousness betrays the fact that this meeting was unplanned, in the early early hours of the morning, but it's. . . charming, in a way. (He seems to think that you will be mad at him, for pulling you away from the battlefield. From Eorzea. For pulling away all the Scions, also. A part of you is, but most of you is just -- grateful. For this change of pace.)

He makes polite conversation, the Exarch, as you pick at your breakfast. (It's not that the food isn't good -- your appetite just. . is missing this morning.) You're hearing the words but they're pouring out of your head just as fast, and the patient little smile on their face suggests they know this.

"Is the food not to your liking?" He asks, tilting his head just slightly.

You shake your head -- it would be easy to simply explain, had you had the words, but you don't, so all you can do is gesture.

"Ah. . . are you ill, my friend?" At the look you give him, he clears his throat and clarifies. "Moreso than usual, I mean."

You. . . consider. 'Tis likely. But 'twould be annoying to be ill.

It feels as if he knows your thoughts as you think them, somehow. The little look he turns your way seems incredibly soft, and understanding. "Pray, let yourself rest." He reaches over the table, to gently hold your unoccupied right hand in his left. "You have returned the night to Lakeland -- that is a momentus feat, in itself. If any deserve rest after that ordeal, 'tis you. Please --" and here his voice is nearly vulnerable "-- allow yourself to rest. Allow yourself to simply be. And," he adds, voice returning to its normal smoothness, "even if you are not ill, surely the extra rest can do no harm?"

. . . why must a pretty man be so correct about these things? You sigh, but nod at them, and the Exarch smiles at you. "Shall I accompany you back to your room?" At your little nod, they stand, and come 'round the table so you can take one arm and lean on them as you walk. It's a bit difficult owing to your different heights, but it works easily enough.

(The Exarch is not so bold as to invite himself into your room, instead saying his goodbyes at the door. You wish. . . you wish he'd stayed. It would have been nice, you think.)

[satora-lhansi]

7U-0005-3U-16

Mother came to me today with two gifts. The first was this diary. She told me that as it’s my diary I can write whatever I want in it, but she would like me to use it. The other gift was a sack of gil that she had apparently been saving for years. Ever since shortly after the Calamity…

She told me that I can do whatever I would like with the money, it’s my 18th name day after all, but then she pulled out the tome I had been given on that day five years ago. All along, she knew about my desire to go out and learn the magicks that saved our lives. The hopes that I could protect my family. A desire that has grown ever stronger as I’ve seen the Twelveswood change around us, becoming ever more hostile. As Gridania has doubled down on their hatred of our kind, increasingly refusing trade with us.

If I could just be stronger, I could help my family hunt better, survive better. If I could find work, I could send money home to them.

Mother knew this. She wants me to pursue this dream. Now I am on board a chocobo carriage leading me to the western shores of Eorzea, where I will take a boat to Limsa Lominsa. There, I can take this old Arcanist’s tome and enroll in the guild there. I can learn magick. I can be strong for my family, find work, send them the money we need.

It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. They’re all more than capable of taking care of each other, but times have been hard enough as-is. I’ll miss them either way. Hawu and mother will take care of the home. Sami will lead Poki and Lho in their hunts. Sato’a hasn’t spoken to us in years, but Sato’li and Sato’sae check in occasionally. They bring news with them, and they help our family to trade without having to go through Gridania.

As sad as it is to be leaving them behind, I’m excited as well. I’ve never left the Twelveswood before. There’s so much to see. So much to learn. Who knows what I’ll get up to out there? What kinds of jobs I’ll find for myself? Just a couple of suns until I arrive in Limsa and can enroll in the Arcanist’s guild.

I’m going to try to write in this diary regularly. Maybe when I visit home, I can show my family and they can see everything I’ve done.