#he has a mind of his own but not in a tataru's carbuncle way

[wildstar25]

Arsay will often send Couscous (her carbuncle) out on little quests around old Sharalayan and he is pretty well known around the markets, the neumenon, and the last stand. Especially considering most Shalayan residents would more often use mammots as little chore bots over anything else

The usual mission for couscous is tracking down either G'raha or Y'shtola, or its picking up small food order while she's otherwise busy, and on the rare occasion passing along a small note to someone on the other side of town.

[pinkanonwrites]

Seeing that you are familiar with FFXIV. Maybe we could have the Twst Housewardens react to a WOL-MC? Since this is a magic school maybe how would they react to some of the Caster classes if you can. If that's not possible then then ignore the classes react part

No problemo! I ended up going with Summoner because that's the caster class I know the most about (the most being literally any, I'm a filthy melee DPS main and doing other stuff is scary). This also ended up being not really shippy, I hope that's okay.

GN! Reader

You have to be, without a doubt, the most skilled mage Riddle has ever seen in his lifetime. And ooh does that drive him up the wall. You can cast magic willy-nilly, without even a second thought about blot as you summon your strange little creatures to do your bidding? And just what exactly is a "Mothercrystal?" Sometimes it feels to him like you're speaking a foreign language, with all your talk of primals and egi and things and places his well-read brain has never even heard of before. At the very least he can rest safe in the knowledge that you're rarely, if ever, using these tremendous powers to get into major trouble.

You kind of creep him out a bit to be honest. Not like you actually scare him or anything, he just thinks it's weird how gung-ho you are about solving everybody's little problems. Skipping all over campus with your freaky, floating little monsters in tow, with way too much energy for someone who's just been sucked into a new dimension from their own. For the most part he does his best to steer clear of you, as he learned from the first few times he asked you to run an errand for him instead of Ruggie that you'll soon come knocking on his door asking for some sort of favor in return. Leona isn't a favors kind of guy, so it's easier for him to just avoid you.

As per usual, the first thought to cross Azul's mind is "How can I monetize this?" But what Azul will soon discover is that it doesn't matter what sort of obstacle, fetch-quest, or impossible puzzle he can throw at you in a contractually obligated agreement to try and swipe your powers, because somehow, by the grace of a goddess from a literal other dimension, you're able to blast past them all with ease. You make him want to absolutely tear his hair out at every turn, and there's next to nothing he can do about it.

Finally, someone who appreciates what the Warrior of Light has to bring to the table. Kalim is like your own personal cheerleader, he's utterly amazed by everything you can do and are capable of. His favorite pastime is sitting cross-legged on the floor with you in the Scarabia lounge area, carbuncle sleeping in his lap, as he fires off question after question about all the things you've done and seen in your homeworld. When you tell him that this isn't even the first time you've dimension-hopped before, that's when he's certain you've got to be the coolest, most magical mage he's ever gotten to meet.

For the most part, Vil seems to be pretty indifferent to you. He acknowledges that you have some very spectacular skills in magic and summoning, even more so than the most adept students at the academy, but Vil isn't the type to grovel or lower himself to try and gain the friendship of people in power. So if you seem to have no interest in him, he will have little in you. If your glamours transfer over to Twisted Wonderland however? That is a completely different story. He can't help but be curious about your magicked-in fashion, your strange armors and elegant robes of fine design. Tataru would be flattered by all Vil has to say about her excellent craftsmanship.

Nope nope nope nope nope. Idia knows a protagonist when he sees one, and you are a cookie-cutter protagonist by every sense of the word. And the last thing he wants to do is end up as another lame background NPC in someone else's hero's journey. Try as he might though, he can't keep the complete distance he wants because Ortho thinks you're so damn cool. So friendly too! He keeps trying to meddle and get you to meet his older brother and it's starting to give Idia some serious anxiety-shakes. The only thing he's interested in is your carbuncle. A little glowing fox-kitty that you can summon to snuggle at any moment's notice? Sign him up for that!

You fascinate Malleus in a way that he didn't even know he could still be fascinated anymore. For the first time in his life he's meeting someone who might generally outrank him in every sense of power... and he kind of loves it? You're so odd, so overwhelmingly powerful yet so eager to lower yourself to help in even the smallest and most insignificant of circumstances. He's never met someone as humble as you are in his life before, and it's delightfully refreshing. He has plenty to ask about the world from which you hail, and is willing to offer plenty in return, fully safe in the belief that you are the type of person to never, ever try and turn it against him. You are far too virtuous for something like that.

[potassium-pilot]

Prompt 24: Illustrious

“Is it done, Alphinaud?” Dia pestered excitedly.

“No, it is not.”

She waited for approximately five seconds before asking again, “How about now?”

“Do you really want me to rush through this?”

“You’re the Artist Alphinaud, I am your assistant; what else can I do if not make sure you finish?”

“Will you ever let go of that?”

“Never.”

Alphinaud sighed defeatedly and continued his drawing. He was commissioned to create a current portrait of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to hang in the Solar. To their relief, he had everyone’s figures wrote to memory and therefore, did not require them to pose. That in mind, Dia couldn’t help but be a shadow to the boy, watching his artistry at work. The Warrior of Light was many things; an artist, she was not. It seemed the act of using a paintbrush did not come with the same ease as using a sewing needle, or a cooking utensil.

In the middle stood what he believed looked like himself holding a carbuncle while Alisaie stood on his right side at roughly the same height with her rapier held out in front of her. Dia towered behind him carrying Tataru on her shoulders (at her behest) with Thancred on her left with his arms crossed, Y’shtola on her right with a cane being wielded, Urianger on Thancred’s left with a book in hand, G’raha between Alphinaud and Alisaie with a big grin on his face, and Krile in front of Y’shtola to the left of Alphinaud leaning up against him.

“All right, I’m not done, but what do you think so far, Dia?” She scrambled from the Solar door to the desk to look it over with enthusiasm. “Ahh, I love it so far! Why’d you make yourself so short though?”

“What do you mean?”

“Alphinaud, you’re not that small. You almost made yourself into a lalafell compared to me.”

“It feels accurate to me…after all, ‘tis no secret I’m of a smaller stature in comparison to many of you.”

“Smaller stature, sure, but you’re not miniature. Give yourself more credit.” He shook his head before she inquired, “And where’s Estinien?”

“Oh…”

“What?”

“He…told me not to draw him…”

If her eyes could turn red in fury like Nidhogg, they would have in that very moment. “Give me but a moment, Alphinaud…” she told him quietly. She turned away from the smaller elezen and exited out the door in a seemingly calm manner, concealing her fury.

*********

Estinien, Thancred, and Urianger enjoyed a cup of coffee in the lobby.

“So you sort of just…wait for an assignment?” Estinien confirmed. The other two nodded. “Frankly, it’s been a bit more trouble to have the patience recently, particularly since our last assignment wasn’t exactly taken by choice”, Thancred stated.

“Indeed. Though we only aged some few moons in the Source, our souls hath lived on for years in the First, and kept us all plenty occupied, particularly when our friend finally arrived”, Urianger affirmed. Estinien made a hum. “What did you do while waiting before?”

“Oh”, Thancred began nervously, “Nothing too unusual. We just took our rest, did something leisurely, enjoyed ourselves whilst we waited.”

“Is that what thou calleth courting several maidens at once?”

Thancred scowled at Urianger while Estinien made a slight smile at the remark. Suddenly, Thancred and Urianger made horrified faces and scattered from their positions, abandoning Estinien to his fate: a furious Warrior of Light, wearing a look she wore when she killed gods.

“Do you want to explain your thought process here?” Dia confronted him.

“You’re under the assumption that I care to explain anything.”

“Look, I get you that you like to work alone; frankly, it’s understandable in a way. Twelve knows half the work I do needs to be done alone, lest anyone without the Echo be tempered, but I have news for you: you are not alone anymore!”

He growled, “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.” She placed her face in her palm, then explained annoyedly, “The portrait, Estinien.”

“By the Fury, you’re angry with me about that?”

“Yes, yes I am.”

“It’s a bleeding portrait. What does it matter?”

“It matters, Estinien! It matters a lot to me, to Alphinaud, to quite a few of us.”

His face betrayed his befuddlement. Not having been a Scion for very long, her irritation seemed misplaced.

“That portrait’s not my place”, he attempted to explain, “And quite frankly, I don’t understand why you all so desperately want this portrait in the first place.”

“We want to commemorate our little family.”

“This isn’t my family. It never was.”

“Never?” she repeated incredulously.

He raised an eyebrow at her tone.

“Estinien, Alphinaud fought for you after your possession by Nidhogg. I fought for you. When everyone seemed intent on killing you, even yourself, we did everything we could to keep you alive. We even entreated Hraesvelgr to help us save you when Aymeric seemed content with just stopping Nidhogg at any cost. Then you go and follow us through Gyr Abania, to the point where you even pushed back an Ascian in the body of Zenos yae Galvus, and pulled my comatose body out of a battlefield and back to the front. And on top of that, you helped take out Black Rose facilities for us while the rest of us were off in another world. You mean to tell me that meant nothing?!”

Estinien blinked.

“Guess what, dragon boy? You were a Scion before you even offered your lance!”

He looked away to the floor, pondering her words, irritated by the nickname.

“Don’t call me ‘dragon boy’…” he snapped.

“That’s what you’re taking from this?”

He remained silent, still thinking through. What in hells had he done? What did he get himself into? He let out a frustrated breath and walked away. She watched him get away from her in disbelief, and followed him as he aimed for the Solar.

Estinien opened the door and called, “Alphinaud?”

The young elezen looked up and away from his efforts. “Yes, Estinien?” The dragoon hesitated, then begrudgingly ordered, “…put me in your damn portrait.”

Dia flashed a huge grin, and Alphinaud’s eyes lit up in excitement. “I’ll do just that! Thankfully, I was still sketching, so I can find a way to add you.”

“Hm…good, I guess.” He closed the door behind him and glared at Dia, still chipper from his agreement. “You’re a pain in my side, Dia Sito.”

“You have to be to do what I do. Thank you, Estinien. He’s a great artist; he’ll do you justice.” He shook his head and stomped off while Dia hurried back inside the Solar.

*********

A bell had passed since Estinien agreed to be in the portrait. Making sure he wasn’t followed, he quietly slipped into the Solar where Alphinaud continued his work unabated. He sat down in front of the young artist and bade him, “How goes the portrait?”

“Quite well, all things considered. I did have to remake the idea a bit, but overall, I’m quite pleased with how it turned out.”

“I see.” The dragoon shuffled in his chair for a moment, unsure how to phrase his next question. “Alphinaud…you are doing this of your own free will, correct?” He brought his attention from his work to the question brought before him. “Of course I am”, he answered incredulously.

“You’re sure, Alphinaud?”

“I am. Why do you ask?”

“I want to make sure this is something that you truly wish to do. Dia has a tendency to be a bit dramatic as I’ve recently learned.”

“Fear not, Estinien. I’m under no influence but mine own.”

Estinien let out a long breath and asked, “I know her reasons, but what of yours? What does obsessing over a painting get you?”

Alphinaud smiled at him. “I get a chance to relax.”

“Really?”

“I do. The past few times I’ve drawn, ‘twas out of necessity in order to locate our missing comrades or to gain entry into forbidden cities. This isn’t like that at all. Despite our friend’s being a bit more enthusiastic than I’m used to, I feel no pressure.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself at the very least, Alphinaud. But is that the only reason why?”

Alphinaud brought his gaze back to the portrait. In particular, he focused on the outlines of two people; Dia and Estinien.

“When I lost command of the Crystal Braves…when I heard that everyone I knew had been lost to that bloody banquet, all I felt was hopelessness. I felt stuck in a dark abyss, where nothing could see me nor pull me from it’s shackles. That’s what I earned for dehumanizing those who would help me, for seeing them all as pawns in my game to unite Eorzea.

Then Dia pulled me out of it. So did Tataru and Haurchefant.

Despite everything I ever thought of her, despite the way I would send her out as though she were my trusty god-slayer from my toolbelt, she stood with me, and helped me find a new home. Had she not saved Haurchefant’s friend from the Inquisition, and slayed Shiva, and the dragon that threatened the gates of Ishgard, we would not have found refuge within it’s walls.

After everything that came of our tenure in Ishgard, the Scions became something different. Especially now that my blood family has forsaken me, the bonds I’ve formed with my comrades became a great source of comfort to me. Everyone has their reasons for why the Scions are their home. If we wish to commemorate that with a painting, I see no reason not to oblige.”

Estinien didn’t usually pry into this sort of business; that was Aymeric’s domain. Yet, he did find himself in a better understanding of Alphinaud after that. He met the boy when he was still so immature, inexperienced in many things that were obvious to him growing up with Ser Alberic. It was interesting to hear how he changed, and what he missed.

“So this truly is more than just Dia’s will being imposed on others, then.”

“Dia’s not wont to impose her will onto others. She merely expressed a wish that the rest of the Scions shared, myself included.” Alphinaud raised an eyebrow. “Now that I think of it…I’m not entirely sure what her will is on a normal day. What does she want?”

“I have no idea. Perhaps it’s best for that to remain her business, hm?”

“When this is all over, and the Final Days are halted, I mean to express my sincere gratitude to her in any way I can.”

“Heh. Good luck with that”, Estinien commented as he rose from his chair. “Well, I won’t pry from your work any longer. Keep at it, Alphinaud.”

“I will, Estinien, thank you.”

The dragoon turned away and left through the door to the Solar. Alphinaud returned his full focus to the portrait.

******

The days passed while Alphinaud took his time to focus on the painting. The Solar was nearly forbidden territory, with the exception of Dia, who nobody would dare try to stop. After nearly a week’s worth of effort, Dia finally opened the door, and approached her fellow Scions.

“If any of you would like to view the portrait and help us decide where to place it, that would be most welcome”, Dia announced to the group as they sat in the lobby. All but Estinien rose from their chairs and walked towards the Solar.

“That means you too, Estinien.”

“Your suggestion is noted.”

“Get in here, or I’m telling Alphinaud to put it on your bed.”

He stood up reluctantly and followed her into the Solar, where they beheld the group fawning over the portrait. Estinien and Dia looked to each other, Dia wearing a smile on her face, Estinien his usual stoic look. He slowly walked towards the portrait to join the group.

For the most part, the positions of everyone stayed the same with one notable exception; Estinien stood between Dia and Thancred with a smirk and with his hand placed on Alphinaud’s head.

“I’m glad he took my suggestion and made himself taller”, Dia mused. Estinien tore his eyes away from the painting and looked to Dia. “Didn’t he do a good job with you, Estinien?” He nodded, “Aye, he did.” He brought his attention back to his portrait self.

Is that how he sees me, he thought.

“All right, now the question remains: where do we place it?” Alphinaud asked the group.

Everyone took a moment to think. “What about up there?” Estinien suggested, pointing to a spot above the desk…the spot that once held Tupsimati. Most of the group shifted uncomfortably with the exception of G’raha and Dia.

“Well…” Alphinaud started.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Dia defended. The group made faces of disbelief towards her. “Look, I will never forget Louisoix, nor will I forget Moenbryda’s sacrifice. But that spot is perfect. Anytime we walk in, we’ll see us hanging there proudly. After all, Tupsimati’s not hung there in how many moons now. Why don’t we use that spot to honor a new legacy?”

The Scions considered her words. “Did I touch upon something sensitive?” Estinien whispered to Dia. “‘Tis a long story. You did nothing wrong”, she whispered back to him.

“All right. Perhaps it would be better for us all to let our own story be told. After all, we saved not just one world, but two. That should be worth a nice spot, don’t you think?” Thancred reasoned. The group nodded.

“Allow me”, offered G’raha. He took out his staff and levitated the portrait from it’s spot. Y’shtola took out her cane and prepared a nail for the painting to hang upon. The two combined their efforts, and in a matter of minutes, the portrait hanged proudly in the very same spot Louisoix’s legacy once stood, the legacy that Dia had unfortunately sacrificed along with Moenbryda in her attempt to destroy Nabriales.

“There. I like it there quite a bit”, Dia complimented. “Thank you, G’raha, Y’shtola.”

“Of course. Now would you care to explain to me why that spot seemed to cause discomfort?” G’raha questioned.

Dia smiled. “I owe you two an explanation, it would seem.”

[winterstorm032802]

Soulmate

Nora x Alphinaud

~Red String~

Everyone had red strings, no one but a single person of the soulmates can see it. Alphinaud saw his as did Alisaie, he knew his soulmate was far away but he didn’t truly care his focus was on his studies. He had no reason to be concerned in such small matters. Soon enough as he grew older he detested the vile string, it was basically a mockery of his work, no study enough was worth how many times he was asked on who his soulmate was. So he lied, the Elezen made sure no one knew, hells he even dated someone else just to convince everyone mayhaps himself too. It didn’t work as someone came along and took that ‘Lady’ of his. Alisaie very much loves to tease him about it.

It wasn’t until Louisoix Leveilleur left the two to other places. That’s when Alphinaud’s string almost seemed to grow stronger and when Alisaie and him were in a carriage with a merchant and a Miqo’te, that is when he saw the string end at her finger. He almost lost his mind upon seeing the string connect to her finger. No it just be a mistake is all. Yes a mistake nothing else.

He simply ignored it and acted as if nothing happened. As he and Alisaie walked past the Miqo'te he looked back once to see her and same as last time, the string was wrapped around her finger. When he joined the Scions it was clear enough that it was the Warrior of Light and yet he had no mind to mingle in the affairs of such. It wasn't until Ishgard and the issue at Ul'dah is when he began taking it to heart. Noticing more things about her and caring more than one probably should. Nora was distant around him at first but lately she has talked to him more. He enjoyed every moment with her as she did with him. Alphinaud doesn't have the mind to tell her the truth, not yet, but for now he shall remain by her side as long as he can.

~Writing on Yourself~

Alphinaud wasn’t one to write on himself which is why Alisaie and himself were utterly confused when some writing appeared on his arm. It stated:

Hello

Along with a little drawing of a Carbuncle, it seems whoever this is is slightly older from the way the penmanship is. He was confused but it would be rude to not say hello back so he grabbed a quill and scribbled back a greeting. It kept going like this for awhile now, he would write and she (after he learned it was a girl) would answer or vice versa. After Louisoix‘s death, he no longer wrote to his soulmate, he could feel a tingle on his arm whenever she wrote something but he ignored it. No use right?

It wasn’t until Alisaie left to venture for something else, that he began to write once more. He was alone and didn’t admit it as he wished he could so he wrote but there was no response. Mayhaps this is his own doing, after ignoring her who wouldn’t do the same. So he left it at that, he continued to do nothing and move ahead.

It wasn’t until he saw the Warrior of Light’s arm. The writing on her arm was his doing. His heart soared and he could scarcely believe it, Nora is is soulmate. Soon after getting the courage he wrote on himself:

I can’t believe I didn’t notice it was you, Nora

A mere second later, some writing appeared on his arm.

Who is this?

Alphinaud

Alphinaud! It’s you! Oh Twelve! I need a moment

The boy simply chuckled at her response but was startled as a knock rang out. He opened the door to see Nora, smiling like a child. “I’m happy it’s you”

~Sensing a Feeling~

Alphinaud at the Studium walking alongside Krile and it wasn’t until she pointed out that he was crying. He had no clue why, he feels perfectly fine so why does he feel so sad suddenly. That’s when Krile told him about soulmates and how their feelings can be shared, strong feelings may make you react the same way while weak ones are just a tiny thing in the back of your head. Whoever it is, was in deep sadness. He felt bad for them, especially when some fear and panic had settled in his stomach along with the tears.

It happened every now and then when a strong feeling struck at him because of his soulmate, sometimes it was rather distracting, others it was curious. Alphinaud would make up a small scenario to try and identify what they were going through.

Only when he had made it to Ishgard with Tataru and Nora. That’s when he no longer felt his soulmate’s feelings it was if they disconnected their selves. Why would they do that? No imagined scenario could tell him what could be going on.

Then it was known that Lord Haurchefant died and this time he felt a rush of sadness overwhelm him, he was almost knocked over by it as he soon say Nora walking out without a word. She looked utterly destroyed, her spirit was down and Alphinaud went to comfort her. Ever since his apology to her, she had reconnected with him and oddly enough his connection to his soulmate’s emotions seemed to open a bit. As he comforted Nora she began to cry and that’s when his tears flowed down, he was sad but he hadn’t felt like crying that’s when he looked at Nora and smiled and upon doing so she hugged him and let out a pained yet joyous laugh.

When the Light she absorbed was becoming too much, Alphinaud felt empty, her feelings were no longer in his reach and he feared that. When Emet-Selch had shown and took G’raha Tia that’s when the feelings rushed back, he felt pain, he doubled over from the rush and looked at Nora in concern. The Miqo’te was coughing out some Light and she had less and less control over it all, he cried out to her but soon the pain stopped. It was fuzzy, he felt nothing but as if static was in his head. It grew louder and louder until he couldn’t stand it, Alisaie had kneeled down to him as he yelled out. Ryne had ran over to Nora and began to help her sustain the Light. Alphinaud couldn’t breath, everything was blank and it felt wrong. He wanted to help so badly he wanted to relieve Nora of her pain, but it’s beyond him and he knows that.

[ainarosewood]

30 Day WoL Challenge-Day 6-Masquerade

@seaswolchallenge​

Sallee felt her lips twitch in amusement as Emallian read the invitation aloud to them.

"A masquerade ball?" Alphinaud asked incredulously

"Indeed dear boy," Emallenain responded beaming, "It is held once a year hosted by one of the High Houses.  This years event is being held by House Durendarie"

The young Elezen looked aghast stammering, "But surely with the threat of war they would postpone it?"

"Nay Alphinaud they wouldn't," Sallee said quietly causing the boy to turn toward her, "This war has dragged on for a thousand years.  This is the sort of thing the High Houses do to distract themselves from the memories and fears of the war."

Understanding then dawned in the young Elezen's eyes though it was clear he didn't agree with the thought.

"Sometimes people need to forget their troubles," she murmured.

Alphinaud then thought about that for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment of her statement

"Father they have to attend with us," Emallenain stated excitedly looking over at his father who was observing the entire exchange with an amused expression.

"Emallenain!" the older Elezen admonished frowning, "Our esteemed guests are to decide for themselves not have it foist upon them."

"I take no offense Count," Sallee said gently catching the older mans eyes, "While I normally would say you are correct, this is an opportunity for us,"

"What sort of opportunity pray tell?" Alphinaud asked clearly not understanding how this could possibly benefit them.

She gave him a tight smile, "To gain an understanding of the way the game works Alphinaud.  The 'rivalry' as Antorniel so eloquently put it.  Such events show exactly how the posturing goes between the High Houses."

"Meaning Alphinaud," Tataru stated, "We can better learn how to avoid things like that nastiness that lead to our trial."

Sallee nodded, "Exactly, I do believe it would be in our best interests to attend."

Alphinuad sighed, "With your permission of course Count Edmont."

The Count gave Alphinaud a sympathetic smile, "If it is you desire of course Master Alphinaud."

The next few days were filled with preparations.  Gathering materials deciding on costume design and getting them assembled.

On the night of the ball the three of them made their way to Durendarie Manor.  Alphinaud shifted beneath his mask clearly uncomfortable, not from the costume that had been tailored to fit, but the situation.

Sallee gave his shoulder a gentle pat and presented the guard at the door their copies of the invitation.  

Once inside it was apparent that all of Ishgard's nobility was in attendance the quite buzz of conversation coming from all corners of the room barely  discernible above the gentle music that played.

"I’m going to mingle," Tataru stated her grin apparent in her voice.  She then bounded off the enormous tails of her carbuncle costume bouncing behind her.

"We should as well Alphinaud," Sallee stated looking down at the boy, "Fear not  etiquette dictates that you needn't identify yourself to anyone.  No one will be the wiser and you can learn a great deal."

The boy nodded and made his own way through the crowd.  A few conversations later it was overt he was relaxing and beginning to enjoy himself.

Sallee herself began to join the crowd speaking with others around her.  There was only one couple she chose to avoid.  

Just like my father, she thought looking at him and and her mother, Same old 'traditional' costume.

Her face soured beneath her mask he truly was so stuck with the past that he couldn’t even think to try something new. Inwardly she shook herself and continued on making sure that their paths did not cross.

The bard made her way over to the beverage table taking care to pour her own drink and keeping an eye on the serving staff.  She couldn't help it memories of the Sultana's fall were still too fresh in her mind.  

She also felt incredibly tense she hated these parties but she felt if she insisted the others go she should as well.

"Might I have this dance my lady," a warm voice interrupted her grim thoughts.

She turned to see a dark haired Elezen dressed in a costume that resembled an azure chocobo.  The beaked mask obscured his features they only thing visible being a pair of ice blue eyes.  The look within them spoke of complete understanding and she realized she had found a kindred spirit.

She inclined her head in agreeance and took the proffered hand.  The music stuck up in an unmistakable waltz and the mystery man deftly swept her into the sway.

It took her a few moments to remember the proper steps and fortunately he partner was patient with her.  After that though they both gracefully dominated the dance floor drawing all eyes.

Under normal circumstances such scrutiny would have put her on edge.  With him however it did nothing of the sort.  She felt an ease with him that she had never before in Isghardian high society.

When that dance drew to a close he cocked his head expectantly as another began and she nodded.  Once again she had to dredge up the memories of how it went and it didn’t take long to find the steps.

The rest of the evening she danced with him, or simply spent time in his company neither really speaking much.  And for once in her life she actually found herself enjoying one of the soirees.

When the last dance's notes wound to a close and they stopped dancing the mystery man bowed stating, "T’was a truly enjoyable evening my Lady, I hope to find you at another such event?"

She bowed in return murmuring, "T’would be my honor my Lord."

She swore she saw a smile beneath his chocobo mask and he bowed once more taking her hand.  With a free hand he adjusted the mask so that his lips were free and placed a kiss upon the back of her captured hand, "Till then,"

He then released her hand and gracefully turned heading into the throng of guests leaving the Manor.

"Well you certainly seemed to be enjoying yourself this evening," Alphinaud stated amused as he stepped next to her.

"Now then spill it.  Who was the blue chocobo?" Tataru asked excitedly as she stopped next to him.

Sallee gave a rueful smile behind her fox mask stating, "I haven't the slightest idea Tataru,"

The Lalafell’s eyes widened behind her mask, "You mean to tell me you spent the whole evening with the man and didn't even get the slightest hint."

"So it would seem," the Elezen responded her lips twitching beneath her mask, "All I know is he was not fond of this sort of event."

"He seemed popular in spite of that," Alphinaud pointed out, "I confess I was a bit surprised you did not seem to feel the envious eyes upon you."

"Hmm?" she queried looking confused at the young Elezen

Tataru laughed, "Just about every lady in the party was glaring daggers at you for monopolizing his time,"

She blinked in shock, had they really been.  She looked around and sure enough some of the remaining ladies were still casting looks at her their eyes dark with anger.

Strange, normally she was acutely aware of those around her.  Such gazes normally would have had her twitching and reaching for a weapon.  Yet, when she had been with him she had felt completely safe and if she was honest with herself oblivious to everything but him.

"I...do not know what to say." she stated softly, "I had not noticed them at all."

"Oh, his charms that good eh?" Tataru taunted, "Want me to do some digging to see if we can figure out who the mysterious Elezen was?"

Sallee vehemently shook her head, "Absolutely not Tataru, there are by far more important matters that need to be focused on."

The little Lalafell sighed, "While I don't deny that.  You should remember that not everything needs to be about the cause."

"I've not the time for such things Tataru, not to mention the dangers it would pose.  One need only look at recent events to see that."

"Sallee...." Alphinaud began

"We should be going or the staff will be forcing us to shortly," she dodged moving toward the door to join the others leaving.

The young Elezen sighed joined her hearing Tataru say softly, "You deserve happiness Sallee,"

The young Elezen agreed with her and he wondered giving what his duties for House Fortemps had been if he couldn't make some discreet inquires of his own.

[illegiblewords]

uh Tataru Taru? I don't know she's the first character that came to mind

THANK YOU AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT I LOVE TATARU.

First impression

As A Realm Reborn would have it, initially I was a little meh on her. She was cute definitely, but at that stage I had no idea who she was and the dialogue at that stage in the game wasn’t on the same level that it is now. I have very much changed my mind since.

Impression now

TATARU IS THE MOST POWERFUL CHARACTER IN FFXIV. ONLY REASON HER CARBUNCLE DIDN’T LISTEN TO HER WAS BECAUSE IT WAS UNGODLY POWERFUL AS A CREATURE BORNE OF HER OWN WILL. HER CHOICE TO PURSUE DISCIPLINE OF THE HAND WAS AN ACT OF MERCY ON HER PART. XD But for real I love her to pieces. I think I started getting attached during the sequence of her wanting to get a job to help the Scions in an extra way beyond being secretary. She worked really hard and was so persistent! I really adore it that even if she gets scared or discouraged, especially when it comes to protecting her friends she is stubborn beyond compare. Also being mischievous, a little manipulative, extremely caring, and ungodly savvy is a winning combo.

Tataru totally could have stopped the Sundering by scolding Hydaelyn and Zodiark into submission.

Favorite moment

When Tataru cried for the Warrior of Light after Elidibus-Zenos, I was completeley overwhelmed with love for her. Like I’d been wanting a moment like that for the longest time character-wise and getting it from her was perfect.

Idea for a story

I did one but I don’t want to recycle… I think either exploring her dynamic with Krile and Estinien a bit more while recruiting him for the Scions or showing her dealing with Nero or Hades probably? I still love the idea of her dealing with undercover Lahabrea and could probably come up with more situations there too. I think the idea of her asserting total dominance over people significantly taller and more serious than her is quality content.

Unpopular opinion

Actually I might have one! I don’t care about Tataru/Wedge much as a ship. I don’t feel like Wedge’s character has been developed enough and while there are pieces with potential (I get the sense that he might be native to Garlemald and defected with Cid?) imo it feels like in that context he becomes sort of generic I-love-Tataru-man. Also his English voice makes me die inside, though come to think I can probably fix that by language shopping now.

Favorite relationship

I think it has to be with the WoL tbh. Between ambushing them for fittings, rushing around trying to find a job for herself under their eye, actually yelling at them in tears not to get killed–I’m just

Favorite headcanon

Tataru bosses the hell out of her friends for their own benefit. Sometimes this is done in a subtle, gentle way. Sometimes it is the exact opposite of that. She can get more reserved when she’s afraid of someone but once she decides they’re on the same side it’s no-holds-barred.