#prince hien

[windup-dragoon]

Beach episode !!!!

[myrfing]

sb personal to gourd for the “how do I live up to everything” and the answer being you do and you don’t

[unmeiha-arc]

i'm barely starting this otome game and i'm already thinking about an au for it in which koharu is a formfolk. specifically a sword. specifically hien's sword.

[glynder]

ffxiv impulsive hot take of the night: I think Stormblood would be better if Hien was a woman. nothing else changes, hien is just a woman now.

[faragonart]

.:Hangups:.

Yugiri: "My lord..."

Yugiri: "We come with the scions who have given us aid and hospitality, amongst them, Nahkal, who's father served under the Emperor. He has been named a hero in Eorzea for his many deeds, and now stands with us once more in our quest to liberate Doma..."

Gosetsu: "Nahkal... you would be wise to bow to your lord..."

Hien: "Gosetsu, there is no need."

Hien: "Your family's contribution to Doma, your heroic exploits overseas, and your care over Yugiri and Goetsu are more than enough. I find myself humbled in your presence."

Hien: "...And as such, I am endebted to you."

A headcanon from my buddy @jolsondraws ' character, Nahkal, and his personal hangups with the prince of Doma after having been away from his home for so long, as well as losing his parents...

(Also Ft. Ridel, @pali-himbo 's Vatii, and @kathaynesart 's Valeia.)

[astrology-bf]

12 the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

🔥 choose violence ask game 🔥

Had to give this one a think, tbh! Barring characters where there's just a lot of bad faith discourse floating around (Minfilia, Lyse, Wuk Lamat, etc.), I tend to try and respect people's reasons for being indifferent towards or disliking characters - as in the case of the main example.

I happen to like Hien a great deal, and find him to be one of the more engaging faction leaders precisely because he's so imperfect. He was raised in no expectation of having any real political power, and reads to me as someone who - after losing everything - constructed a sense of self based on their responsibilities. Being "the prince who was promised" becomes so central to Hien's identity that it leads a clever and well-intentioned, if reckless, young man into making questionable choices based on what he perceives his people want of him.

There's a lot of interest for me in exploring why otherwise brave people have certain areas of cowardice, but that's a matter of personal taste. I get why a lot of people are sour on him, and tbh I respect their reasons for doing so! I just think he's pretty neat, flaws and all, and I say that as someone who is also a fan of Yotsuyu and think she absolutely deserved better.

Appreciate the ask @sarenraegalpaladin!

[karoiseka]

3) Tempest

((a little silly today, Shadowbringers after MSQ for 5.2 at some point. Implied early trio. ^_^))

The interesting thing about knowing–or at least hoping–that you’re about to leave somewhere along your journey is the ability to be able to pack what’s important, and give away those items that might be beneficial to those that were staying.  Which is how Karo found herself helping Thancred clean and organize the Pendents suite he had been sharing with Ryne whenever they were in the Crystarium.

He didn’t have much, but even when traveling light, stuff gathered.  There were small gifts scattered throughout the quarters–most of which he was leaving for Ryne since she was there when they were acquired.  There was a mostly full bookcase as well, tomes from all over the remaining parts of Norvarant carefully organized by region and subject.  Those he was leaving instructions with Ryne to talk to Moen about if there were any that weren’t already in the Cabinet of Curiosity.  Most of what they had collected was non-fiction due to wanting to learn as much about the world he found himself in as possible.

Karo had been instructed to go through his small closet of a private bedroom, going through clothes, figuring out what was torn or worn beyond repair, and what could be packed in her own bags for when she traveled between worlds.  The bedding would stay of course, as would the curtains and other bulkier items.  Backups of his chest armor Ryne wanted to keep–she said she was going to work with the original crafter to see about repurposing it to her own size.  Thancred hadn’t said anything, but his expression and body language had radiated pride and joy at the statement.

There was also a small shelf of books here above the headboard–mostly poetry and fables, tall tales and folklore that told almost as much about the people that the books in the other room did.  These, Karo stopped to read titles and thumb through a couple–smiling in fondness as she found a poem Thancred had recited to her bookmarked in a well read tome. Sitting on the edge of the bed, a straggler caught her eye, tucked off to the side on the nightstand, a bookmark placed carefully.  Eagerly, Karo reached for the book, curious about what he was currently reading.

The first thing she noticed was it was fragile.  The book binding was worn, and the original cover had been wrapped carefully in a thick paper to keep it together.  No name was written on it, which was odd, nor an author.  It was small in size, but a decent length, and she let the pages open where the bookmark lay.

“The Doman Prince strode across the room, fire in his eyes as a tempest raged in her bosom.  Karoiseka could scarce believe her own meekness as she allowed him to pin her against the wall, maddeningly close.  She may be the Warrior of Light, but he was the Warrior of her Heart, as forbidden as their love was–”

Karo stared at the passage, read it again, then flipped through the rest of the book carefully with an ever growing mix of emotions fighting for dominance.  Carefully peeking under the paper cover, she could see the bodice-ripped cover with a poor approximation of her own and Hien’s looks, staring into each other's eyes longingly–the title of the book almost blessedly worn off.

There was only one place this could have come from, and that thought was the only thing that had kept her from throwing the offensive–though hilarious–material across the tiny room.  Reaching up to her ear, she activated the whisperweed and beckoned G’raha down to Thancred’s quarters.

Confused and concerned about the summons, the Crystal Exarch must have teleported down to the Pendants with how quickly he arrived, poking his head into the open door still filled with clearing as Karo walked out of the bedroom, book behind her back.  Gesturing that he should take a seat, and suggesting that Thancred should join him, Ryne watched from the sideline, adolescent curiosity having her continue her own cleaning only half-heartedly as she watched Karo with her two paramours.

Karo was having a hard time keeping a straight face pretending to be upset, but her bardic background didn’t fail her as she held up the “offending” tome to her lovers.  Two very different responses met her; G’raha went white a sheet, as if his robes had stolen all his color, eyes wide.  Thancred, however, started laughing.  He was quickly doubled over, tears forming at the corners of his eyes as every time he tried to stop, he got another look at her face, and was set off once more.  Soon, Karo’s mask cracked, and she too joined in the laughter–G’raha finally chuckling as well, though more with a storied relief than anything.

The tale finally emerged, and it was as Karo suspected.  G’raha had found it among the plethora of tomes he had shoved into the Tower before his time-traveling journey from the Source.  It was from a time after the Eighth Umbral Calamity, where she had been gone, but tales had started to crop up around and about her.  Not all were very accurate. 

G’raha had re-found it recently during his own cleaning of the Tower, and shared it with Thancred who had been using it for a good laugh–knowing the true relationship between Hien and Karo made the sordid novel all the more amusing to him.  Stowing the book carefully back in the bedroom, Karo reminded Ryne that it was not under any circumstances to end up in Moen’s collection–and she would prefer it if the teen didn’t read it either.  Blushing, Ryne stammered her affirmatives as the others laughed, ending the day’s cleaning early to go share a meal.

[itsmeowlee]

Rating: General

Ship: Lito/Hien

Summary: Lito and Hien duel for Lito’s darkest secrets and a rematch for a botched hunting competition. Something starts to stir between them.

have a teeny tiny little ficlet I wrote for myself. 🤲🏽

The night air was cool as it breezed between the two poised duelists. Lito's hand gripped the hilt of his katana tightly, eyes focused and sharp on the Doman lord that stood in front of him, who held his own weapon out at the ready. Both were still as marble, their stares unflinching on each other, neither dared to spare a moment to blink. A karkul bleeted softly somewhere in the distance; the only sound to break the silence as if it were the signal to begin. Lito pivoted, his foot dug into the earth as he launched himself forward at incredible speed. It nearly startled the hyur with how quick the sword was thrust at him. He angled his katana expertly, which just barely managed to catch the advancing sword before it reached him. A bright spark and sharp clang rang out when he blocked it. It did not stop the miqo'te's onslaught, the angle of Lito’s blade already adjusted and swung anew in a silver arch that aimed for Hien's back, his neck, his side. The sharp sound of metal hitting metal pierced the quiet air as Hien kept up pace to block each relentless attack. Both their feet glided over the grass, the soil stirred as they spun in a sort of dance while Hien tried to keep his duelist from striking him.

Finally the blows ceased, the pair parted once again back to their starting positions in a standstill.

"You're quicker than I expected." Hien complimented, the hint of exertion on his breath. He hadn't even the chance to make a blow of his own while he focused on fending off Lito's attacks.

The miqo'te swirled his blade with a prideful flourish. "I'm full of surprises.~" he preened. The long feathers draped from his cap lent well to the peacocking he was doing. “I didn't expect you to be so good at blocking. But can you keep it up, I wonder...” His voice purred, the corners of his lips curled in a confident smirk.

Their weapons raised for another go. Lito made the initiative once again, quickly pouncing with focus to strike hard and with the same intense speed as before. By now Hien had a read on him and his tactics. Lito was dramatic in his movement, his strikes too wide and unbalanced for wielding a katana despite his speed. Lito’s first strike forward was blocked, and just as he started to pivot to Hien’s side, the prince stuck out his foot anticipating the attempt to get behind him, tripping the Miqo’te into a stumble.

Lito squawked as he attempted to rebalance, but Hien was ready, and used his sheathe to knock him completely over. Lito tried to slice at the air as he fell, but a quick flick of the hyur's sword fully dislodged the weapon from his hand and sent it flying, the blade sunk into the ground a few fulms out of reach. Lito landed hard on his back with a wheezing grunt as the hyur’s figure stepped to tower over him quickly, his feet on each side of Lito’s hips. Hien's blade swung out and stopped at Lito’s neck, the sharpened point rested gently under his chin.

Hien grinned warmly at the miqo'te below him. “I happen to be good at things besides blocking, it seems. I believe I take the victory.”

Lito tsk'ed through his fangs, ego plainly bruised. “Only because I'm not as experienced in this fighting style as you.” He pushed the blade away from his throat with the back of his hand.

Hien chuckled, and offered out his own to help him up to his feet. “Perhaps, but you did agree to the terms. A deal is still a deal.”

Lito dusted himself off with a growl when he stood. A clawed finger pointed accusingly at the prince. “I'm challenging you to a hunting competition. A proper one, this time.” he barked.

Hien scoffed, shaking his head disappointedly. “You still owe me a secret from this loss. I hope you're not trying to get out of promises?”

“No, I keep my word. I simply want to prove I'm not so easily outdone.” Lito huffed, his arms crossed over his chest. “I was…hindered by the other two.” His ears flattened remembering how Ral and Lilitt had wasted all the bait in a single spot in their contest. The horror! Making him look bad at hunting! He didn't think he'd let that grudge go for quite some time.

Hien chuckled. “Is that so? Alright then, I'll take you up on a rematch, but I'll have that promise of yours kept afterwards.”

“It’s a deal, Shun.”

Gosetsu waited at the usual spot for the competitors to bring back their hauls. A head soon crested the hill, Hien the first to arrive, with Lito running in not long after.

“Seems I've beaten you for time, at least. And you might be disappointed to know I've brought seven marks back with me this time.” Hien said proudly.

“Oh, is that all? I suppose I just had a slightly harder time carrying back my twelve.” Lito boasted.

“Tw- by the Kami, you must be joking.”

“Twelve seems to be right. The boy certainly can hunt, my lord!” Gotsetsu guffawed as he counted up the carcasses piled in front of him. Lito puffed out his chest proudly.

“I told you I'm not so easily outdone.”

“I suppose I underestimated you once again.” Hien scoffed, the corner of his mouth pulled in an easy smile. He would give him one thing, he was deadly as a tiger and twice as persistent in whatever challenge he seemed to face. Something about the warmth of Hien’s gaze made Li'to's soften, his prideful stance loosened as they stared wordlessly at each other.

“Not to worry, I shall carry these back to the settlement.” spoke Gosetsu, who’s voice momentarily interrupted whatever air was forming between the young competitors. “After all, there are so called promises to be kept!” The older man beamed.

–

The night continued to stretch on, the vista of endless rolling plains interrupted only by the few large boulders that jutted out from the grass in tall pillars, the fluffy white silhouettes of sleeping karkuls peppered across the fields, and the two figures sat next to each other in an empty clearing. One sat with his head in his hands out of embarrassment as the one beside him laughed loudly.

“Oh, but that is such a cute nickname! Lili~ Lili~”

“You don't need to repeat it so much.” Lito growled, running his hands down the skin of his temples.

“Apologies, but it is only fair.” Hien hummed, which only earned another simmering grumble from Lito. “Or perhaps I could call you Tiger Lili, I think it fits you rather well.” He cooed, his head bobbed side to side playfully.

Lito's face blew up bright red, his own head swiveled in two curt shakes. “You will just call me by my correct name and nothing else.” he huffed in irritance, his hand swatting out at the air next to him when it earned another chuckle from the prince. He sighed and propped the crook of his arm on his knee, the back of his hand cradling his head. “It’s.. actually a very important name, to me.” He spoke quietly, his tone changed as he stared out at the sky. The grass was hued blue by how bright the sea of countless stars shined down on the pair.

Hien’s brow furrowed together in confusion, he leaned forward in an attempt to get a read on the miqo’te’s expression. He let the silence hang till Lito spoke again.

“It’s a poor bastardization of the name I was given by my tribe to be fair– I had to change it somewhat when I was on my own in Eorzea– but I still hold it's original close to me in my own way.”

“I see.. I apologize if I upset you.”

“No need to apologize, as you said, it’s only fair.” Lito grinned, the mischievous spark back in his voice. “I know I’ll struggle not to tease you on your own nickname.”

Hien chuckled. “Well I’d thank you to try and have restraint. I do have some sort of image to maintain.” He leaned back on his hands, a lengthy sigh left his nostrils. The anxious weight of where his thoughts lingered weighed heavy in his chest. “At least, I will if we manage to win the Naadam... I won’t lie and say I am not nervous to lead my people to a possible early grave once again. They’ve already had their spirits broken enough by my foolish mistakes.” His expression turned grim, the muscles in his neck tightened.

Lito made a sound of agreement. “Mm, yeah, that’s the sort of mistake only a stubborn idiot repeats. But I think you’re a smarter person than that. A kind person. I think you’re going to really build a greater future for your people, Hien.” He looked over to him with a wry smile, orange eyes glowing like bright fire in the dark.

Hien softened, the gentleness in Lito's firey eyes seemed to warm something in his chest from the inside out. “You know, you are actually kinder than you give yourself credit for as well.”

Lito's brows furrowed, and he stood to his feet quickly. “I think you’re seeing things that aren’t there.” He bristled, his hand reached reflexively to his chest, and held the cloth there loosely as he avoided the earthy green eyes that watched after him still. His voice lowered “I should probably head back to the camp, they’ll need all the help they can get preparing the meat I brought back before it goes bad.”

He left in a hurry, leaving Hien alone on the empty plain. A breathy chuckle escaped his lips as he stood to watch after the retreating figure. He didn’t understand why Lito took such effort to hide that softer self from the world, or what he’d need to do to expose it yet again. Or what suddenly made him so determined to do so in the first place. Whatever it was, it left him beaming as he began to follow slowly after the miqo'te, filled with a new spark of excitement to fight alongside him in the morning.

[storms-path]

FFXIV Write 2024: Day 16 - Third-Rate

[Arashi enters, stage left. From the tattered state of her clothing, it is clear that she has emerged from another death-defying battle and emerged victorious. She gasps, stumbles forward to the door]

Arashi: Though the battle was fierce and my strength is sapped, I will not be denied! No force on this star nor any other will stop me!

[Arashi slams a bare fist on the door. Once. Twice. The third attempt fails as her strength gives way. Nonetheless, her knock is answered.]

[The lights rise on stage right. The Ala Mhigan palace is littered with bodies, both Imperial and Resistance both. It is clear that the doors separating Arashi from the palace are very large, and very heavy. Lyse, Raubahn, and Alphinaud are present, speaking in hushed tones.]

Alphinaud: Only two knocks. Did she miscount? Or has she not the strength to muster more?

Raubahn: Or has our enemy bested her at last?

Lyse: No! I refuse to believe it! I refuse!

Alphinaud: I, too, refuse. Terrible our foe may be, but Arashi is every ilm his equal!

Raubahn: That, I do not deny. But rumour has it that Zenos has tamed a greater beast than any the Mad King dared break. A dragon.

[A shiver is shared between the trio.]

Alphinaud: A dragon? By the gods, if that is the case…

Lyse: Did you so easily forget, Alphinaud? Arashi was the one who toppled dread Nidhogg, not once but twice! ‘Twas she who defied the dread Ascians and the Empire combined! And it was she and her allies who did fell the Griffin at the great wall!

[Lyse is gesticulating wildly, clearly caught up in her own words. Alphinaud and Raubahn share a glance.]

Arashi: Do you not hear me, my allies? The crown prince is dead! I am victorious!

[It is clear that her strength is failing her, though her voice remains strong. She slumps against the doors.]

Arashi: They know not that this land is free. They gave so much of themselves to see it done, and yet they sit and whisper and pray for me. All because I lack the strength to announce it. Curse this frailty!

[On the other side of the door, a woman dressed all in black emerges from centre stage. It is unclear how long she has been there, or how much she has heard. Only her eyes are visible, unreadable and full of unspoken feelings. Her appearance goes unnoticed by the trio.]

Sanda: Sister, do you still breathe? Are you still the sister I once knew? Or has the mantle of saviour devoured her, leaving only an empty husk? No. I must hold onto hope that you still live on, though the weight of your role is so heavy. But to do so, I must wait. Until the time I can spirit you away from all of this.

[Sanda melts away again, as if she was never there. Fareena and Stalwart rush in from stage right. Both are likewise battered and bloody, but Fareena wears a fierce grin. Stalwart does not.]

Fareena: What a fight! A thousand dead Garleans and more running at the sight of me! Shame Arashi claimed the prince for herself. I’m certain I could have taken him!

[Stalwart’s expression makes it clear that this is far from the first time Fareena has proclaimed it.]

Lyse: Fareena! Stalwart! What news from the city?

Stalwart: The army has broken. We hold the streets for now. But were it not for Hien’s reinforcements, things could have gone very differently.

Raubahn: Our eastern ally will be well compensated for his efforts this day, of this I assure you.

Stalwart: What news of Arashi?

Lyse: We heard two knocks, but no more. I want nothing more than to wrench open the doors, but Alphinaud forbids it.

Alphinaud: For all we know, Zenos himself awaits us on the other side, blade aloft. We must wait. For all our sakes.

[Fareena has heard enough. She stalks towards the door, shoving Alphinaud nearly into the crowd when he tries to stop her. Her aim is the door, but Lyse is quicker.]

Lyse: Wait! If we are to open this door, then let it be me that does so.

[Arashi perks up as Lyse draws closer. She staggers to her feet.]

Alphinaud: But-!

Fareena: No buts, pipsqueak! Here we stand, ready to receive Ala Mhigo’s fate!

Stalwart: Be it liberation or damnation, we will face it together.

Raubahn: And may Rhalgr help us all if it’s the latter…

[The stage lights dim as spotlights focus on Arashi and Lyse, on either side of the door. The orchestra swells as Lyse groans and pulls…]

Lyse: FOR ALA MHIGO!

[The doors open and Arashi collapses through them, directly into Lyse’s arms.]

Lyse: Arashi!

Arashi: It’s done. The prince is dead. We have won.

[Fareena rushes forward, stumbling over bodies. A flash of light aether indicates the healing at work.]

Lyse: Don’t try to speak, Arashi. Your wounds are severe.

Arashi: Nothing I can’t… handle.

[Arashi tries to stand on her own. Fails. Lyse’s grip tightens around her.]

Lyse: Oh, my love.

Arashi: My… love?

[Lyse says nothing more as realisation dawns on the assembled party]

Lyse: That is, I… You are important to me… As a treasured ally and-

[Arashi silences Lyse, pulling her down into a kiss with the last of her strength. This lasts as long as the actors feel is appropriate.]

Lyse: ...Oh. Oh!

Arashi: I love you too. How wonderful, that my heart should find liberation too.

[Arashi goes limp, clearly unconscious]

[Pandaemonium erupts. Everyone shouts in panic and alarm as Arashi is carried off-stage by the assembled band. The spotlight follows them, but then returns to centre stage. A man dressed like the late emperor Solus Zos Galvus appears in a puff of smoke.]

Solus: Fascinating. Most fascinating.

[The spotlight dims.]

[END OF ACT 3.]

Arashi frowned as she pored over the pages. “It’s… it’s certainly embellished, I’ll give it that.” She didn’t know where to begin. The list of inaccuracies stretched as long as her arm. The wandering minstrel, unfortunately, took it as a compliment.

“Perfect! To capture your adventures in a larger-than-life fashion is the sole calling of this wondrous play!” It was abundantly clear that no words would dissuade him. Arashi sighed, handing back the manuscript. Kugane would surely appreciate it, if nothing else.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

desertwalkers-- strangers from distant lands

"Well?" One of the girls asked. Riven didn't answer, looking up at Sebastian. It was early evening at the Saltlick, and it had been shaping up to be a fairly quiet evening. Riven had just gotten permission to end her shift early, she'd been wanting to return home, bathe, and curl up with the newest book that had come with her order on the train...

Then three strangers had walked into the bar.

Three...foreign strangers. Extremely foreign. As in Far East foreign. A black-haired Hyuran man, a white-haired Roegadyn, and a black-haired Auri woman. She was garnering the most whispers from the Saltlick's regulars. All were clad in Far Eastern finery--with weapons to match. Katanas for the men, and two wicked-looking daggers for the woman.

One of the waitresses on duty had gotten Riven. Everyone who wasn't on shift or could make up some excuse to pile up in the kitchen and peer out at the floor was doing so. Riven had taken one look at the trio and requested that somebody get Sebastian. He'd been the one to come up with their original plan of heading to the Far...far East, and had done some initial research. Sebastian pulled back from the doorway.

"I'm fairly certain that's Hien Rijiin." He said, looking down at Riven and the general cluster. "The prince of Doma--the only one, matter of fact."

"A prince?!" A waitress exclaimed. "From the Far East?!"

"Are you certain?" Riven asked.

"I've only seen photos, and while this could be a scam..." Sebastian peered out onto the main floor again.

"I honestly think otherwise." He finished.

"What is a prince doing all the way here across the salt?!" One of the cook exclaimed. They paused, thinking. "Two salts? How many oceans is that?"

"Where's K'ayala or Klynt?" Sebastian asked.

"K'ayala's visiting a friend and Klynt said she had business elsewhere tonight." Riven answered.

"Well, we all can't keep hiding and gawking around here. Not to mention the local stupidity might be keen to try something." The gunbreaker answered. He put a hand to Riven's back and shoved her out the door.

"Ack!"

"Go serve them--and see if they're taking lodgings in the town for the night." Riven shot Sebastian a glare, but smoothed down her dress and grabbed a nearby tray.

"Should one of us go let the Dustwatch know?" Another girl asked Sebastian.

"They probably already do, but go get Augustine or Kemakka." Sebastian watched as Riven approached the armored trio. "And somebody else go run up by the Chais. Tell them there's political company here."

[faelune-home]

FFXIVWrite 2024 #21: Shade

(A/n: Another sort of interaction piece for the role quest series, this time G'raha and Hien. Both my ranged quests so far have had this allusion to G'raha's long life and former duties and the weight that would leave on him...idk why, I think it just pairs well with Hien's troubles in the quest series, despite being a young man only new to the position of responsibility.

Having a duty of care to people as a leader, but also having to cope with the losses even if they're out of your control, but people also feeling like you shoudl've known how to prevent it.

Keeping this one short due to the time left to write but also, as I said last time, I already make these so long I should embrace the shorter writings as well.

Word count: 966)

It was a night not dissimilar to the night before the siege and recapture of Doma Castle - Hien sat by candlelight nursing a cup of sake, ruminating. The only difference was that there was no war on the horizon, no buzz of anticipation, just a heavy dread and uncertainty over a foe they couldn’t find.

And he was alone. No companions to join him and share in his musings. Yugiri was on patrol duty with her shinobi and Gosetsu…well.

He had a lot to think about - the fears of his people, the conflict in those that lost their loved ones to the Garleans, loved ones that never came home after conscription. Haunted by shades, and surely Minato had to count herself - the only reason she became their blasphemy was because he couldn’t ensure her beloved could return home.

In some way, he wanted to argue back, call out the unfairness of it all - he was only one man, and he couldn’t do everything. For all his training, he couldn’t face down the Empire on his own, lest he be cut down like his father before him. He couldn’t storm the camps and save the people all on his own.

But he couldn’t do that. A prince can’t argue back. As the figurehead of the people, he had to hold his head up and atone for the losses under his name.

A creak of the wood outside his room startled him from his thoughts. His door was still closed but he could hazard a guess at who it was - the servants and the shinobi knew where the weak spots were.

Indeed when he strode across the room and opened the door, G’raha jumped back at his arrival, looking sheepish to have been caught.

“My apologies, my lord, I didn’t mean to wake you,” he started.

“Not at all, I wasn’t even sleeping. Too much on my mind. Why are you awake?”

“I just…to be honest, sleep eludes me as well. I feel as though there’s more I should be able to do, more names to search through, and I can’t find rest until I do,” G’raha sighed, tail lashing behind him. “I got up for a drink. I didn’t want to bother your people at this late hour.”

Thinking it over, Hien dared to step aside, inviting access to his quarters, and asked, “Would sake do? Perhaps we can share our burdens together. Though if you’d prefer water instead, I can get you some.” G’raha’s ears perked up, surprised at the offer, but he nodded.

“Nay, I’ll manage with the sake. Thank you, my lord.”

Even once they’d settled down, chat was idle at first, Hien trying to find out how his guest had settled during his time at the Enclave before broaching the subject properly.

“If I may,” he said, finally making the move, “I obviously do not know you truly beyond what little Fhara told me, but I get an impression off of you.”

“Oh?”

“Like you’re much more experienced than one of your years would suggest. The way you take on the burden of the lost prisoners, the transformed peoples, as though it is something already familiar to you in some way. Am I wrong?”

G’raha sipped from his cup, then placed it down, letting Hien refill it again, giving him time to think of a response.

“You’re not wrong. Though forgive me if it isn’t something I would like to go into detail on. But yes, I’ve certainly lived a life experiencing loss, and feeling the burdens of one responsible for many peoples. Much like yourself.”

Hien downed his own cup in one go, but forewent a refill.

“I wouldn’t pry into your personal matters. But knowing we are of similar experiences, I would ask some advice of you. Though maybe it is less advice I ask for, and more just solace, given our current times.”

A flick of the ear.

“Whatever it is, I’ll provide what aid I can.”

“As it stands now, we know our quarry - a woman turned through the loss of her husband through conscription. He never came home, while many others are reunited with their loved ones. Those that turn are of similar despair to Lady Minato. Especially those that would’ve suffered personally at the hands of Yotsuyu, who they got to see roam free, even if in a highly compromised state. It was my decision that she lived, and the people would’ve known that. They resent me, as they should, and I know not how to appease them now.”

His hand tightened into a fist, frustrations brewing.

“This isn’t about appeasement though, is it?” G’raha asked, seeing this.

“Nay.Though I may vent to you, I wouldn’t ask you to solve my problem for me. It is my duty to bridge the gap between me and my people, especially after I burnt it in the first place. I suppose the problem I seek your help with is more a personal one.”

He was stalling. How unlike him. Hien knew if Gosetsu was here, he would’ve pried it out of him before any of the rambling could even begin. He sighed, trying to push aside the memory of his absent friend to focus on his guest in front of him, still aware he was making him wait.

“How does one cope with having shades to haunt your every hour, reminding you of your failures? How do you ignore them so that you may focus on the people in front of you, on moving into the future?”

G’raha didn’t respond for a long while, red piercing eyes seeming looking right through Hien a million miles away. And when he finally did respond, it was only two words, but they carried the weight of a lifetime upon them.

“You don’t.”

[windup-dragoon]

Even the wol gets hungry

[likemosaic]

headcanon ; chiyo kanshi and her children, across the universes.

MAIN VERSE / TIMELINE. can be verse dependent.

hypatia kanshi-galvus. @windcovet. chiyo and zenos.

conceived after the events of endwalker, when her parents were traveling the world together. chiyo didn’t know she could get pregnant/thought she was infertile and they were having unprotected sex. hypatia was a shock, but after some processing, a happy one. chiyo named hypatia for zenos' grandmother.

zenos didn’t give a lick about his last name but chiyo, aware hypatia was the last of the line (and by extension, the last of emet selch’s line) insisted.

very tall, takes after her father in her height, demeanor, general appearance. mixed race garlean/au'ra, and has a garlean third eye as a result.

hypatia is unfortunately a magnet for those wishing to continue the garlean empire through her. though she has no interest in becoming an empress, her and her family continually fend off rabid supporters.

in verses in which she exists in garlemald, hypatia is seen as a perversion of the galvus line and not acknowledged as anything but a bastard, at best.

reaper/dark knight.

ventuswill "venti" kanshi-waters. windcovet. chiyo and thancred. picrew tba.

placeholder name that may be changed in the future.

chiyo's second born. less of an accidental and more intentional, as her parents had wanted children since stormblood era. inherited his parents pretty features, but has black hair from thancred and chiyo's recessive genes.

bard/dancer/astrologian. chooses to live in the cramped tower of his mother's home to study the stars. mixed race hyur/au'ra, and looks like an au'ra because of it.

chidori / “chili pepper” kanshi-njaro. picrew tba.

chiyo's youngest daughter, born to her and j'khilim njaro (windcovet). also accidental, but a pleasant, welcome surprise. inherited her father's ala mhigan coloring and her mother's stubborn, rebellious personality. mixed race miqo au'ra with mainly au'ra traits.

has a difficult relationship with her mother as she ages. chidori is deeply proud of her ala mhigan heritage and struggles to accept that her mother is doman and thus, so is she. also struggles to accept that her mother married an oppressor of ala mhigo.

monk, like her father.

AU-BASED.

tsuyumi and kaien rijin. chiyo and hien.

lady chiyo au. princess and prince of doma, respectively. inherited their father's black, untamed hair.

kaien was named for his grandsire.

tsuyumi was meant to be named tsuyu. but hien worried it was too on the nose and would upset the doman populace, so negotiated a labor-addled chiyo into tsuyumi, instead.

when the twins were infants, an assassin broke in and tried to murder the prince and princess. the maid looking over them fought them off until chiyo and hien arrived, but tsuyumi had been wounded with a scar across her eye. thankfully, they were otherwise unhurt, but tsuyu feels (as she ages) that this scar has made her ugly, despite her parents' reassurances.

nicolette de fortemps. chiyo and haurchefant.

hershey font lives au. the first girl born to the fortemps family in a long time, she's the joy of edmont's world. since edmont legalized haurchefant after his death scare, nicolette is born legitimate.

[yzeltia]

The Lost Year

Chapter 11: How Big How Blue How Beautiful Characters: Hien Rijin, Y'zel Tia, Cirina Mol Rating: T for Tia Notes: N/A

Humming echoed from the Hak Khaal as a crimson flow graced its waters. The cooler months were setting in on the Steppe and Y'zel sought to make himself useful to the Mol beyond hunting game. Weaving and dyeing coming naturally to him, he'd set himself up in the waters near The Wound to prepare the winter fabric for the tribe, carving the Spinner's symbol into the raised earth near the falls after ensuring it would be okay to do with Cirina.

Though a bit early, Y'zel sang a Starlight carol to himself, dressed only in a white yukata. A hint of homesickness, but any lingering thought was quickly shaken off. Even his intense feelings for Hien could not quite dull the pangs of loss. Not completely. "U'noloh…"

The Miqo'te's ears flicked as he closed his eyes, letting his departed love's name linger in his ears for the first time in a long time. 

"What's all that sighing about?"

Y'zel swallowed, dropping to his knees in the cool waters, unsure if it were a memory or Echo coming over him.

"No need to pray, no need to speak…"

The Miqo'te touched his throat, shuddering as he felt a specter of a kiss.

"Your heart is the only place I call home."

Closing his eyes, Y'zel laid back in the shallow waters, trying to drown out the din of his departed lover's words. He let out a little gasp for air as he tried to catch his breath. Before he could calm himself, he found himself plucked from the waters, cradled in Hien's arms.

"Kami, please let it not be too late," the prince whispered to himself before shaking him, "Little Cat! Wake up! Where have you been wounded!?"

Y'zel pawed weakly at the other, fatigued from the Echo and feeding the prince's panic. Hien sloshed through the waters, stepping over the dyed fabrics that had stained his love. Collapsing on the bank, he laid the Miqo'te down and started to examine him for injury.

"Shun…," Y'zel hummed, reaching up to rest his palm on Hien's cheek, causing the man to freeze up, "it's dye."

The prince's face melted from worry, to anger, and finally into embarrassment. Quickly averting his gaze, he rolled off Y'zel. The Miqo'te rose, rolling off the sleeves of his wet yukata before leaning over to kiss Hien's cheek. "Thank you. Though unwounded, I was a victim of sorts to my gift," he said softly, wiggling his ears for emphasis.

"I see…It must be unpleasant to catch whispers of the past. There are many things I can think of off hand that would make my blood run cold should it grace my ears again."

"Not all is bad and there are those whose gifts are far more immersive than my own. It's not all bad though. There are wonderful things that can come to me. The voices of my parents. I never knew my mother, but I’ve been able to tune into things she said before I was born. It takes its toll though,” he sighed, leaning against the other.

“Clearly,” Hien said, arm draping over the Miqo’te’s shoulder, hesitating to continue, "Would it not be better to return home? There are people waiting for you. I imagine they need you more than I."

"So you admit you need me."

Hien flexed his arm, pinning Miqo'te in the crook of his elbow. "Of course that's your takeaway."

Y'zel squirmed, a weak smile on his face as he broke free. The attempt at light-heartedness only briefly prevented his quaking. He swallowed, trying and failing to prevent tears from forming. He shifted, pressing his hand against Hien's chestplate, as he hid his face against the man's scar. "There is naught left for me there but painful memories. What family I do have are all but strangers. I'd have nothing."

"But there's less for you here."

Hien flinched as Y'zel's claws scraped at the metal on his chest. The Miqo'te's face soon turned upward, tears streaming down it. "How could you say such a thing? You are here are you not? I know I am not Doman, among a myriad of other reasons that I am an unsuitable match…but, you pulled me back from the edge and have given me purpose again. Brought me back down to earth. The only thing I have now is you. For you to say less…to turn me away…When I…I…"

Hien silenced the growing panic with a soft kiss, large hand upon the Miqo'te's delicate cheek. He kissed him again and again until Y'zel ceased to shake. “To have me is also to have nothing. My Empire lives only in the hearts of its people. Should they wish to band once more I’d be their sword and shield. Doma is my first love. You deserve better than being second in someone’s heart. There’s so much more I wish I could give you, but I will fall far short…especially putting the impossible burden of making me your reason for being. You must live for yourself.”

Y’zel shook his head hard, leaning in as his ears folded back. “You are enough! As is. Head in the clouds, heart with Doma…me by your side. That is all I want…I would take up a bow or sword to fight for your dream. It is what I want for myself. Hien..I…I…”

“You love me,” Hien sighed, resting their foreheads together, brushing his hand over Y’zel’s ears, “Would it fall from my lips as easily.”

“And yet you’ve said it before,” the Miqo’te mumbled, not meeting the man’s gaze.

The prince pulled back, swallowing a bit as he let the faintest of red cross his cheek. He felt his denial sit at the tip of his tongue but his eyes fell on Y’zel’s ears. “That is not playing fair. If I intended you to hear…”

“You wouldn’t have said them aloud. The Echo is not omnipotence and when you’ve had a drink too many…and sometimes just coming into sleep, you stumble loudly and rouse me awake…You’ve long since confessed…”

Hien stiffened then went silent, looking at the stream as he gathered his thoughts. "I cannot give you what you want. Not entirely. Not what you deserve."

It beared repeating, as wounding as it seemed to be. The prince turned to Y'zel who hadn't seemed to falter with his look of conviction. Relenting to his feelings, he cupped the other's cheek in his palm and delivered a damning kiss. One that would consign Y'zel to a fate that he would all too happily bend to. Giving in, he pulled the other's robe loose and laid him out on the bank.

The Miqo'te flushed, almost closing his eyes as he looked up to Hien, face flushed and lower half long coaxed into his modest fullness. The prince lifted Y'zel's ankle, kissing the pale mound, hunter's eyes not leaving the nervous blue gaze. His lips ascended up his leg, his lover moaning out by the time he reached his inner thigh. “We will have to tell Cirina.”

Y'zel sat up on his elbows, panting hard as he looked to Hien between his legs. He swallowed, trying to guess at the other's meaning but came up short as to why this was pertinent to mention in this situation. “I think…there are things best left to her imagination.”

The prince rose, drawing his face in to steal a kiss. “If we are to be wed, I am sure there are some traditions that we'll need to observe. And- Y'zel! Ow! Please!”

The Miqo'te had suddenly grown tense in the wake of the revelation, but something else was amiss. Y'zel's ears were perked high and his nails dug into Hien's shoulder as his thighs viced around his waist leaving no room between them.

“That hurts! What has gotten into you,” Hien grunted, arching his back up as he tried to sit up on his knees.”

“Are you injured,” Cirina’s voice sounded from behind.

Hien jumped then held Y'zel firmly to his body, hand dropping to the base of the Miqo'te's tail so that the sleeve of his robe would cover his pale ass. A whine of embarrassment escaped his lover as the prince looked over his shoulder. “Just a bit of a scratch.”

“And Y'zel?”

“I fished him out of the river. He fell.”

The Auri girl looked on quietly then let her attention turn to the sky and then away from the two. “I see. Well, when you two are finished love making, I've prepared lunch and a blanket for us just over the hill.”

With that, Cirina left the two to their embarrassment. Y'zel flopped down onto his robes, freeing Hien from his claws as he hid his face in his palms. “That was not a proposal.”

“I’m afraid it was Little Cat.”

—

Y'zel stared into the open sky. The Mol had once more thrown together a small feast together with their fellow fringe tribes to join them. All of it had been a blur. It had all been fated. Or the Khatun had made it seem so. 

“Y'zel…”

The Miqo'te blinked as he heard his name in Hien's voice. Having answered to Little Cat for so long, it was strange to hear his name so tenseeky spoken by his lover..now his husband.

“Sorry. I-”

Hien kissed him. He swallowed, leaning into the other, hand gripping lightly at the shoulder of his silk robes. Their friends hooted and cheered a moment until they parted. The prince beamed, hand raking over the other's ears before taking a shot of imported sake he'd gotten from Cirina. In the ebbing sunlight, Y'zel could not help but awe of his handsome profile. His strong fuzzy jaw. The scar upon his cheek. The thick muscle along his throat. All his to gaze upon for the rest of their days.

A purr escaped his throat as he wrapped his arms around Hien's elbow, face pressing into his shoulder. His ears folded as he felt the weightlessness of happiness spread through him. Then nostalgia. Sweet comfort from a time that was just beyond peripheral…and then…

“Starlight…”

Hien looked at him, brow raised before looking up into the sky. “Not for an hour, I think. Though the days have grown rather short.”

Y'zel shook his head, “No. Today…it must be Starlight. In Eorzea. A Holiday.”

“Oh. Then happy Starlight. Happy Starlight to all,” Hien drunkely yelled out, getting another cheer from the Xalea.

Y'zel laughed a little, scooting closer to his betrothed. Such mirth and warmth, from his love and new family. That he'd find such a thing malms and malms from Eorzea, he thought, was a true blessing from the Spinner.

[starrysnowdrop]

WIP Wednesday

So I actually have a different WIP to share! Yes, im writing a few of them at once, because my brain hates me. 😫

Tagging anyone who has a WIP that they want to share today! No pressure! 🥰💖 And with that, let’s get onto the snippet!

A Reel Catch

Sometime between 4.3 and 4.4; In order to take her mind off of things, Hali goes fishing in Doma’s One River, but fish is not what she happens to catch this day.

~**~

Standing on the riverbank with his arms folded, Lord Hien chuckled and smiled at the lalafellin woman who was now standing on the edge of the boat with her fishing rod dangling in the water. “Out here on the river, all alone? And without any of your friends by your side? ‘Tis a rare sight indeed.”

Hali huffed and shook her head. “Hey, even I need some time to myself, you know! And fishing is the best way to do so. It requires a calm mind and a steady hand, so it helps me to relax and not have my mind wander for too long… because well, that’s a dangerous thing.”

“Dangerous you say? And why is that?”

Before she could answer, something tugged hard on her pole, and Hali had to grip it tighter before it flew out of her hands.

“Oh gods, this one has a strong bite!”

“You got it?” The Doman prince asked as Hali pulled back and began reeling in her catch.

As she struggled to reel it in, Hali began to get excited, as this was the strongest catch she has had all day. “Please, oh please, let this be a barramundi!”

But as soon as she said it, the entire fishing rod had bent so far down that it looked as though it might break, and Hali wobbled on the boat’s edge, almost falling in the water.

“Hali, watch out!” Hien called out, but it was too late.

The lalafell was pulled off the boat and she plunged face first into the water, leaving only her flower adorned straw hat floating on the surface.

Moments later, a burst of pink popped out from the water, only her head surfacing as she pouted over at Hien, who had a smirk on his face, struggling to not laugh.

“You didn’t see anything… got it?”

The prince shook his head and sighed. “No, I surely did not see a thing, including the fish.”

If looks could kill, Hali would’ve shot Hien dead on the spot.

[symphcnii]

@vierandancer asked:

"Do you understand how crazy that sounds?" Meiko knew she couldn't stop her. Short of throwing Yugiri over her shoulder and dragging her back to the House of the Fierce, at least -- which she would not. Her heart sank into her stomach. How could she describe just how dangerous Zenos was? She didn't know that many words! And Yugiri was deadset on doing this. Ah, hell! She was going to end up going with her, wasn't she? Shite.

Yugiri should have known that Meiko would come after her, wouldn't let her go through with this plan, or at least not alone.

Of course she knew how crazy it sounded - to think that she could successfully assassinate the crown prince when even the combined forces of the Alliance, the Resistance and even the Scions had failed to defeat him - but she could not forsake the people of Doma, so broken that they no longer had the will to fight. Despite Lord Hien's words, she could not stand idly by and allow his life to become forfeit. Someone had to take this risk, to make the sacrifice, if it came to it.

"I know the odds. I know what he is capable of, and that in open confrontation, I will likely die." The Raen glances down for a moment, before her gaze returns to the other with a look of conviction. "But if I do not— if I succeed, then countless lives will be saved. Doma, Ala Mhigo— everything will change! One life for that world is a price I would pay a thousand times over!"

And now was the perfect chance to enact this plan. She would kill Zenos. She had to.