#then placed him in Estinien's lap

[humblemooncat]

To balance out the spice, I present to you some domestic fluff with the polycule now that they have a shared home besides the manor. <3

Raha's explaining to Ki'to what he's reading/studying about. Which Ki'to is pretending to understand, but he is dumb (affectionate). So he's playing with/braiding Raha's hair instead, their tails curled around each other.

And Estinien and Aymeric are lounging on the couch, as Aymeric has passed tf out. The man deserves a good rest.

Took an age to set up, but I think it came out really cute tbh. uwu

[yasuosexual]

Okay I'm sorry if this was already requested? but I want to know how they would seduce the wol? (thancred, urianger, aymeric, haurchefant and estinien once again sorry if this was already requested I have a hard time keeping up with things)

HOW TO SEDUCE ~~~ ZOO WEE MAMA !! no worries love, this hasn’t been done yet!

also i totally just realized that urianger is on my request list like i forgot he was ever there… oopsie :3

warnings: 18+, swearing

THANCRED:

- thancred is always trying to be on that type timing shit like this man comes up with the most creative ways to seduce you

- one time for your nameday he wrapped himself in satin ribbon… so you could unwrap him later. he was your birthday present (how romantic…)

- his favorite way to turn you on is to sneak up from behind and breathe gently on the back of your neck. if he’s feeling extra frisky, he may even give you a little nibble or a whisper in the ear.

- when he plans his surprise attacks, he always makes sure to be dressed in his tight small clothes and he never wears a shirt. gotta make sure you can see what you’re about to get ;)

AYMERIC:

- aymeric is not the best when it comes to trying to seduce you. his attempts typically elicit a long laughing session followed by rough sex.

- his favorite way to seduce you is by touching you. touching you so gently and in the right spots, making him absolutely impossible to resist.

- and the thing is, aymeric will do this anywhere. he definitely doesn’t understand how worked up you get. doesn’t matter if it’s in his office or at home, or somewhere in ishgard… he knows how to push your buttons.

- you try to show him your sexual frustration when he touches you this way, but it always ends up with you straddling his lap, begging him for more.

HAURCHEFANT:

- mr romantic here loves to give massages. massages to work out that knot that’s been bothering your neck, but also massages to get you riled up ;)

- will always try to play it off as “just want to help you feel better” but you both know that isn’t the case.

- it’s when he gets you shirtless and laying down on the bed that he really gets frisky. loves to work his hands up and down your body- not ignoring your sore neck… but there’s other places that need touched too.

- haurchefant never neglects your sore areas, in fact he makes sure that he’s massaged them greatly before moving on to the rest of you.

- he won’t let you massage him because it’s his job to make you feel better, but every time he does you both always end up fucking multiple times that night:)

ESTINIEN:

- seduction? not his strong suit… most people feel seduced just by looking estinien in the eyes so he’s never really had to try until you (he tries his best!!!)

- his favorite tactic, albeit simple, is to push you down onto the bed and kiss you slowly from your neck down to your lower abdomen.

- it’s simple, but it yields reward. he loves it when you beg for him to stop kissing around and just dive in!

- it always ends the same way— your face down in the pillows and ass up. no mercy will be shown tonight :)

URIANGER:

- mr romantic (again..) loves to set the scene before you’re even aware he’s wanting a piece of you. like prepare for the night of ur life !!

- it’s always when you least expect it too. you’ll come home to get in bed and of course he’s got a light incense burning and some candles in your room…

- he’ll usually come up from behind you, pulling you into his embrace. with a few kisses on your cheek and a few guiding steps later, he has you on the bed.

- you realize how turned on you are once he’s got you in bed— his fingers soaked with your lust created by such a small gesture from him:)

celly

wow i try to write the same for everyone but i went a little crazy on the haurchefant one…

thank u for this rq love this was fun! i hope u enjoy this awful wonderful monday and have a great week!

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Free Day #4: Bacon

-------

(Dawntrail)

(CW: Minor sexual content)

-------

He should have stayed as Gulool Ja Ja's guest longer. If not for the man's prowess at combat, then at least for his cooks. Estinien surveyed the uncovered plates before him, lips curling in a smile. Enfrijoladas stuffed with egg and chorizo, golden pancakes with honey and berry jam, and perfectly crispy bacon slices. A steaming pitcher of coffee and a carafe of orange juice finished the spread. Pulling out a chair, Estinien sat down and reached for a napkin. Shaking it free, he draped it over his lap and picked up the first perfect bacon piece...

"Ahem."

Estinien turned around. Riven was leaning against the doorframe. She was completely naked, and flushed pink from the bath she'd just had. A sultry look was on her face.

"Hello." She crooned. Estinien narrowed his eyes--and shifted in his chair. His gaze flicked between his options--the bacon in his fingers, or the naked woman with the come-hither gaze.

Bacon.

Riven.

Bacon.

Riven.

Crunch. Crunchcrunchcrunch.

"...Really?" Riven exclaimed. She straightened, an annoyed look appearing on her face.

"Succubus." Estinien declared, taking another bite. "Cunt is fleeting. Perfectly crisped bacon is forever." He ducked his head to the side as a gust of wind blew past his ear.

"Jerk!"

"Come and eat." Estinien reached over, pulling the covers off Riven's own tray of breakfast.

"You're going to need all your strength to handle the Alexandrians." A few moments passed and then Riven joined him, dressed in a silky kimono. She sat down, but instead of eating, watched the dragoon tackle his plate with a small smile on her features. Estinien paused in a bite of enfrijolada.

"What?"

"You're happy." Riven declared. She watched as Estinien blinked at her, then ducked his head. A flush rose on the Elezen's cheeks.

"...I am." He said quietly. "I didn't think I ever would be. I see why...you all like this. The travel, the new places. New experiences."

"New fights?" Riven quipped, taking a bite out of a forkful of scrambled eggs. "New foods?"

"I have to stay strict with my training, or I'll be too heavy to get off the ground." Estinien reached for the coffee, pouring himself a cup. "I haven't really needed to Prime much. When I did, it was fighting tural vidraal."

"You've run into some?" Riven asked.

"Two, and for both I had to semi-Prime. Then when that storm hit and I heard Valigarmunda--"

"You were in that storm?!" Riven exclaimed, nearly dropping her fork. Estinien nodded.

"I was over here..." He paused, calucating times and dates in his head. "I think maybe about a month and a half before you. Maybe two. I stayed down in Yok Tural and was tracking a third tural vidraal when it just up and vanished. In fact, any predator that was worth it's salt seemed to go into hiding."

"They must have sensed Valigarmuda stirring." The brunette breathed.

"Reckon you're right. I was in the city when the storm hit. There's wards around here created by the Head of Reason and his shaman that protect from the worst of the blows, but that night..." Estinien shook his head.

"I couldn't sleep. Felt like there was too much aether under my skin. Not even semi-Priming gave me relief. And if I listened hard enough, I could hear a voice screaming in unending rage on the winds."

"That fits with what happened on the ship." Riven mummured. She leaned back into her chair.

"You ran into it?" Estinien asked.

"A day and a half out. The shield generators just barely held off the worst of the lightning." Riven told Estinien what had happened during the final leg of the trip. Nidhogg's Dominant hummed, listening thoughtfully.

"...Now that I think about it, every so often I'd get a vague sense of unease. The best way I could describe was it felt like I was being watched--like I was an intruder in someone's territory. And it worsened after I'd semi-Primed." Estinien's eyes widened as a thought occurred to him.

"Wait--"

"The ice was failing from the moment it went up." Riven quickly said. She'd picked up on where Estinien's thoughts were going. "I doubt you semi-Priming provoked it further. We had the same experiences as well." Relief filled her as she saw her lover's shoulders sag, tension bleeding out of his muscles.

"That's good." He murmured. Getting up, Riven padded around the table and wrapped her arms around Estinien in a hug. A sigh escaped the dragoon, and he rested his head on a breast.

"Just when I finally found an accord with myself too." He muttered. His eyes closed as Riven started to gently stroke his head.

"We are technical invaders here." She said. "Valigarmuda was the lord of the tural vidraal. I would be surprised if it hadn't picked up on you, or any of us when we semi-Primed."

"Mmm." Estinien exhaled, letting Riven's scent and touch soothe away the blind fear that had overtaken him. Valefor's Dominant pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"Besides." She said, reaching down to entwine the fingers of their hands together. "You at least were an annoyance. I might have been possible kin." Estinien's eyes widened at that, and he looked up at Riven's face.

"What?" Now it was his turn to soothe, his free hand creeping to his lover's back to hold her gently. Riven's gaze became hooded, and she looked away.

"...As Valefor, I sensed a kinship with Valigarmuda." She whispered. "More than that, it's magics felt...old. Powerful. Purer. Like..."

Like I was looking at a concept creation back in Elpis.

"The Ancient World?" Riven started, she hadn't realized she'd spoken her thoughts aloud. Estinien was gazing at her steadily, his hand a comforting weight on her back. Riven nodded.

"Aye."

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Flowers

Estinien buys his wife a gift before they leave for Tural. SFW mostly. Minor spoilers for level 90 MSQ (but we saw it in the trailer lol).

“Hey, mind if I join you?”

Agnes smiled and tapped the seat. “Always, love.”

Estinien chuckled and sat next to her on the tree swing at their home-away-home (as Agi calls it) in Mist. “I picked something up for you. Saw it and thought of you.” He handed her a small box as she leaned slightly to give him the sweetest kiss on his unshaven cheek. Shave and then off to Sharlayan and then…Tural. Well, for Agi and the children. I’m heading there directly from Limsa and will rendezvous.

“You are quite possibly the most wonderful husband on the star.” I will admit I’m a damn good husband. Proud of it, in fact. Opening the box, she gasped when saw its contents. “Oh, this is lovely! Is it for my hair?”

“Aye. I thought it would look nice, but you don’t…Agi!” He smiled ruefully, watching her set the multicolored dahlia in her dark red hair. “You don’t have to—”

She wrinkled her nose and kissed him on the mouth this time for a very brief moment. “I want to. I think it’s going to look amazing.” Once it was in place, she hurried to one of the faerie fountains in the yard and glanced at her reflection among the lilies. “Oh my gods! I was right! I look so pretty!” Agnes grinned.

That she loves herself as much as she loves us is a joy. I will never tire of hearing you say you’re beautiful. His lips curled into a small smile. “Seems I made a good purchase then?”

His wife clapped and then quickly returned to sitting next to him on the swing. “The very best purchase, my grumpy dragon. Do you know why?” No, and I can’t wait for you to tell me because I have no idea. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m completely and utterly in love with you and will be for the rest of my life.” Oh thank fuck, me too. “And I finally feel like there’s…I don’t know, like a balance between being me and being the Warrior of Light. I think that with the start of this new adventure in Tural is the beginning of a new chapter in my life.” She turned her head to show off the flowers for Estinien. “What better way to signify this new chapter than something vibrant and alive…and makes me feel beautiful from the man I love?” In one mostly elegant movement, Agnes grabbed his face, kissing him soundly, while she tried very hard to swing her long legs over his lap. Estinien grabbed her ample waist and pulled her forward, and by that point, they were erupting into a fit of giggles. “I love you! I love you so much! How did you know that this was just what I needed?”

Estinien blinked, laughing nervously. “I dunno, but you’re welcome, my angel.” I’m happy you’re happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.

They shifted into more comfortable positions with her legs down (very sad about that) and a hand gripping a soft thigh. After a while, the expression in Agnes’s eyes shifted from content to one Estinien clearly read as lust. “You know, I hope we make it in time to see part of your little duel with the Dawnservant. I would hate to miss seeing the Azure Dragoon showing off all his tricks,” she bit her lip adorably. FUCK. “Handling that big lance of his…it would be such a shame, wouldn’t it, love?”

He nodded quickly, squeezing her thigh more. “Mhmm, so awful. I—”

My wife dragged me inside.

To our bedroom.

Who knew a dahlia hairpin would make her so happy?

No, you dolt. I make her happy.

If she’s happy, then I’m happy. That’s all there is to it.

[dragons-bones]

FFXIV Write Entry #30: Denouement

Prompt: amity || Master Post || On AO3

A/N: I'm a little sad I have to break my streak of "tear out my readers' hearts" with my last prompt fill of the challenge, but alas, the prompt just did not at all work with the idea seed I had on the backburner. Ah well, always next year! Instead, we come full circle. :)

--

Were he still a wet-behind-the-ears sixteen-year-old, Alphinaud imagined he would probably be crediting himself for the sight before him.

Synnove’s yard was crammed with tables and chairs dragged from her house or hurriedly purchased from the carpenters at Red Rooster Stead, arranged in such a way as to ensure the riot of color that was her garden remained relatively unscathed. The core of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn were all present—himself, Alisaie, Thancred, Y’shtola, Urianger, Estinien, Krile, Tataru, G’raha, and the four Warriors of Light—and not for the first time, he stifled a giggle at the sight of half their number all bearing white hair. Rereha had a point that they seemed to collect them, particularly after they practically bullied Estinien into joining.

(A pang throbbed in his heart; he missed the acerbic wit of Papalymo, and wondered how the thaumaturge would have gotten along with their newer members.)

There were Hoary Boulder and Coultenet, and Ochre Boulder and the Cockburne sisters, and Riol and F’lhaminn. There were former Scions, too—Lyse, of course, currently engaged in a three-way push-up competition with his sister and Dancing Heron, but also Arenvald and J’moldva and V’mah, cheering them on.

It was the ones who had never been Scions that were the most astounding guests.

Ser Aymeric was the least surprising, though at one point in time he might have been the most shocking one to see, considering Ishgard’s self-imposed isolation. He sat next to Synnove, the pair of them each with a carbunclet on their lap, the both of them deep in discussion with Thancred, Lucia (on a brief leave from the Ilsabard Contingent), Hilda, and Raubahn Aldynn. Nearby, Synnove’s aetherophysics advisor from her student days, Mhaslona, and Admiral Merlwyb presided over the large pit in which the food for the clam bake was cooking, the Admiral not hesitating to shove Ivar away with her foot whenever the ruby carbuncle came over to try to burrow into the coals.

At another table, Nanamo Ul Namo, Kan-E-Senna, and Rereha were introducing Lord Hien to Tonk; Alphinaud wasn’t sure who looked stranger to his eye in such casual dress, the Sultana or the Elder Seedseer. Perhaps the Seedseer; Kan-E wasn’t quite as focused on the cardgame, half her attention given over to a discussion with the Scion mages and Y’shtola keeping her wineglass topped off. And it looked like Nanamo and Rereha were using Kan-E’s distraction surreptitiously teaching Hien either how to count cards or how to quickly reshuffle the draw deck, with the Doman king’s shoulders shaking with laughter.

Alakhai, Estinien, and Yugiri in a knife-throwing competition was probably the least strange sight today.

From his place perched on the fence surrounding the yard, Alphinaud smiled and shook his head. Once, he had thought he had all the knowledge and answers to solve Eorzea’s problems; surely all the city-states needed was to be led in the right direction. His direction.

The arrogance of it.

“What’s got you so maudlin?”

He glanced over and smiled at his twin, who smiled back even as she easily hauled herself up onto the fence next to him.

“The arrogance of youth,” he drawled.

Alisaie snorted, and looked out over the yard. As always, he didn’t need to explain further for her to grasp what he meant; he dearly wished she would give herself more credit for her perceptiveness. “Well, it’s not like we played no part in the fate of the star,” she said.

“True,” Alphinaud said. Without thinking about it, he began tapping out a rhythm against the fence board with his heels. Alisaie joined in a moment later. “And it certainly it turned out far better than we ever dreamed.”

“I can’t believe the Sultana cheats at cards,” Alisaie muttered.

Alphinaud stifled a giggle. “I can,” he said. “She’s always had a bit of a devious streak.”

“And Rereha and the Admiral carefully cultivated it like an orchid in a hothouse.”

There was no stopping his laughter at that.

It wasn’t correct to say that everyone here was the dearest of friends, but the ease with which they all let down their barriers spoke of their mutual respect, that this time was an opportunity to rest and enjoy the fruits of all their labors. It had taken work to get here: Eorzea united, truly united, for the first time in their history, Ala Mhigo and Doma freed from the Garlean yoke, the Ascians gone with Zodiark and Hydaelyn and the Final Days.

And what better way to celebrate than with an old Scion tradition of gathering for food and drink and good company? The Final Days were averted and, most importantly, all four of the Warriors of Light were now declared fully hale and whole, no longer under the baleful eyes of the Sharlayan healer corps.

They were the true lynchpin to this wondrous gathering, the Warriors of Light. Everyone here had played some role in where they all were today, but without the four women around whom they orbited, would they have done it at all? Would they have defeated Gaius van Baelsar, or ended the Dragonsong War, or freed Doma and Ala Mhigo, saved the First, saved all of existence from the grief and loneliness of the Ancients echoing through time?

Alphinaud didn’t think so. It was their tenacity, their compassion, their utter ridiculousness, that truly brought all these people together and gave their star hope for a better future. Not that he’d be able to convince the four of them of that.

Well. Maybe one of them, though even she was more likely to merely play it up for humor rather than actually believe it.

“Oi, Alisaie! Bunny!”

Speak of the devil.

“Not that name,” Alphinaud groaned. It had been years since that accursed nickname had been leveled on him.

Rereha cackled as she bounded over to them. “Baby bunny,” she said, sing-song, “your hair is the same color as the loporrits’ fur. Your favorite color scheme for clothing is the same as theirs. You are ‘bunny’ forever!”

Alisaie threw back her head and laughed as he dropped his face into his hands. He took it all back, at least about Rereha Reha. She was a menace to society and it was a miracle she hadn’t incited an international incident by sleeping with the wrong person.

The pink-haired lalafell reached out with both hands, grinning. Alisaie took her right hand with a matching grin, and Alphinaud let out a put upon sigh—feigned, of course—but took Rereha’s left. Rereha tugged gently, and the twins hopped off the fence, letting her drag them across the yard as she skipped backwards.

“We’re putting a handicap on Heron for the push-up contest,” she said, “and we need both of you for it!”

“Why not just use Tyr?” Alphinaud said.

“Heron still has some limits right now, and Healingway will kill her if she exceeds them.”

Alisaie snorted a laugh, though Alphinaud was certain Rereha wasn’t exaggerating.

As they traversed the length of the yard to the corner where Heron and Lyse were, a flash of iridescent blue caught Alphinaud’s eye. He turned his head to follow it.

A small flock of bluebirds, each with a pair of long, graceful tailfeathers, were flitting above the yard, one with a sunflower bloom in its beak, and if he didn’t know better, he would have assumed they were playing a game of keep-away. The birds twirled and danced through the air before winging their way to perch on the lowest hanging branch of the oak tree in Synnove’s yard, from which hung a swing that currently played host to a napping Galette. The bluebird with the sunflower was in the middle of the flock, and even from here, Alphinaud could see her sharing the seeds with her sisters, as birdsong joined the chorus of chatter and laughter in the yard.

Alphinaud grinned as he followed his sister and their friend, and wondered what new adventures—and new friends—awaited them all on the morrow.

PREVIOUS || FIN!

[eluvixnsarchived]

okay red said yes so have my rusty writing and a v short drabble of haylin and leon in the rising stones born of a single thought i had while eating a doughnut

no warnings!! or ffxiv spoilers!! just tiny conversation :D

and it is a terribly soft thing how they realise within the same second, how rare it is to see smiles upon their faces. how the space between casual conversations and laughter is so unfortunately wide, how the scions were in the business of fighting first and being old friends not even second. haylin couldn't remember the last time she'd seen alphinaud descend into quiet laughter as alisaie berated estinien for another comment he spent no time considering, or when thancred smiled with a gentle and genuine ease. she brings her whiskey glass to rest against her lower lip, thoughtful as she observes the way her friends mingle in each other's company across the room of the rising stones as she and leon contemplate the future in a much dimmer light.

"this won't last, will it," she murmurs.

"no," leon answers simply. "no, it won't."

"and where is the victory in that."

"they're still alive, aren't they?" leon shrugs and pops a cookie quarter into his mouth, leaning back in his seat with hands clasped behind his head. it's easy for her to fall into the depths of despair, he notes. easy for her to see the dark before the light, even if it blinded her. "we're all here to see another day."

"and before long, another call will come, and i'll be sent to answer like a good little pup who does as they're told." haylin's jaw twitches with a tension she does not need carry, the whiskey in the glass daring to brush the skin of her lip with every word that departs over it. "it never ends."

"you'd be bored if it did," leon chuckles. "bored and insufferable."

"true, but i'd have freewill and some semblance of peace."

"you wouldn't recognise peace if it came up and bit you on the ass."

a smirk answers that of leon's cheeky yet shit eating grin, and haylin downs the whiskey in one. it burns, and pleasantly so, as her gaze flicks between the faces of the people she'd come to call home. "is there anything left in the world more dangerous than the gods themselves at this point?" she asks, allowing her head to lazily loll in his direction. "i've killed plenty of them by now."

"oh, sure," leon nods. "there's politics, vengeful minions, the void and-"

"y'shtola," they both say in unison, and it is with deft movement the pair shield their mouths to hide the laughter that follows at the thought. haylin swears y'shtola's ears quirk at the sound of her name, sure she's been listening to the sulking from across the room and, if she looks at the siblings with playful warning, neither dare look her way to see it.

"lucky then, that she's on our side," haylin giggles, shuffling her chair closer to leon's with the want to rest against him, to be able to place her feet upon the table until tataru cared enough to notice and scold.

"yes, but for how long? your brooding is never a good sign." leon throws an arm around her shoulders, arm bending at the elbow as his hand sits at the top of her head. "usually means you're plotting something diabolical."

"i would never."

"bullshit," leon chuckles. "you're itchin' for something to hit."

"maybe, but... i'll be patient. i want them to have this. even if it's just for tonight." haylin watches as g'raha pauses in motion at the bar, sees how he looks down in anguish as half of his burger slips from the bun and falls into his lap. a small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth when urianger offers him a napkin, and f'lhaminn reminds him that she told him so, that she warned him it would fall to pieces if he wasn't more careful. she hears the fond laughter rumble in leon's chest when alisaie pats g'raha on the shoulder, how it leaves through an exhale as alphinaud offers the old exarch another burger from the buffet of goods tataru prepared for them.

"it's not going to last," leon reminds her gently.

"no," haylin whispers, "but for now, i suppose, lets believe that it could."

[headcanons-n-shit]

*hope i did this right*… so about the husbandos of XIV’s nighttime routines (I.E, what they do before bed, what they do in their sleep, etc) (bonus is Magnai)

Thancred

is a paranoid little bastard, in time of war and in times of peace. Don't bother waiting for him to come to bed, he's going to take 15-30 minutes checking and rechecking that all the doors are locked, all the windows are secured, all your traps and wards are in place, whether you're camping in the wilds or staying in an inn room or relaxing in your house. Just indulge him, please, he's not going to sleep well otherwise.

Urianger

also takes a little bit to get into bed, but at least this time you get a show while he does his work. All of those fiddly bits of jewelry have to come off at some point. The chains of his belt, first, carefully unclasped and laid out on the nightstand. All of his bracelets and bracers next, alongside his dozen rings. He fiddles with his gorget for the longest time, where the clasp has bent and he hasn't bothered to see a goldsmith about fixing it.

(Helping him doesn't actually make his routine go any faster-- you two are very good at distracting each other)

G'raha

doesn't so much have a "nightly" routine as he has a "remembers that bodily functions are a thing and passes out" routine. Spending a hundred years being sustained by a tower of crystal aether does funny things to someone's head. You very much become his routine, gently coaxing him away from his work with the promise of food and good company. Keep it up for long enough and he will eventually start seeking you out before you have to carry his sleeping form out of the library.

Estinien

tends to slip in well after you and the world have already fallen asleep. A soldier for so long, he's too used to keeping the oddest hours, the grueling second-watch while his fellow Knights slept, the long stretches alone in the snow with no one by his side to watch the skies for him. You tend to wake to the sound of him doffing his Drachen mail, usually sometime after the armet but before the breastplate, though unless you're determined you tend to fall back to sleep before he has finished combing out his hair.

Aymeric

probably has the most luxurious nighttime routine. Lucia bullies him out of his office at a certain time of night with threats of violence if she catches him working again before morning, so he has learned to fill the time taking care of himself. Let him coax you into a warm bath, a cup of tea in front of the fire, watching him unmake his walls brick by brick for you until you're laying together in bed, giggling like schoolgirls.

Haurchefant

can't help but walk the walls one last time before bed. is he in his nightclothes? yes. Is it well below freezing outside? yes, darling, stay in bed, he'll be back soon. Just one quick lap of Camp Dragonhead, with the promise of a warm room, a warm bed-- the thoughts of you to keep him company, if you are not there with him.

Sidurgu

How many times has Fray have you caught him sleeping standing up? leaning against the wall, against the door, against a tree? the tension, the stress, lingering in every line of his face, until you wake him by smoothing them away with the gentle passing of your thumbs.

It's better, now that you two have Rielle. He takes the time to tuck her in, always. Reads to her, sometimes, although other times you can catch him telling her stories in the language of the Steppe. Rielle is always happy when you join them-- and Sidurgu is too, once he's done being embarrassed about it.

BONUS

Magnai

does not sleep easily. For all he is the Most Radiant Sun, he is also very much a night person. He will sit awake for hours, sleep slipping from his grasp as he watches the moon make her lazy arc across the sky. The new moon is the loneliest night of the month, without the light of N'haama to keep him company.

(It doesn't take much for you to lure him into the furs, however-- what other moon does he need, when you are right there?)

[jefarawol]

Barham stayed with her that night, but she could not sleep. Speaking finally of the events that had occurred and to be so open about the mistakes she made caused sleep to elude her. Knowing that lying idly would do nothing for her she left the room, making for her place of comfort: The music room.

Due to the late hour she had expected everyone to be in bed, she was surprised to see the room already occupied.

“Lord Edmont, forgive me I didn't mean to intrude. I’ll leave-” She turned to leave again, the last she had spoken to him he had been so disappointed in her and her recent admission she knew would only deepen that.

“No.” His voice carried across the room. “Stay.”

She crossed the room towards him, anxiety creeping into her chest.

“Are you angry with me?”

Edmont looked at her, hearing the emptiness in her voice.

“No.” he sighed. “I'm not angry.”

He motioned for her to sit, she carefully perched herself on top of a pile of tomes, curling her arms into her chest..

“It's difficult to explain how I feel about it all.”

There was a pregnant pause in the air between them both. She sucked in a breath.

“I'm sorry about what you saw. It was foolish and irresponsible.” She knew an apology wouldn’t erase her actions, or the sight no doubt burned into Edmont’s mind.

“Irresponsible I agree.” Edmont tapped the desk in front of him “Foolish? Love is love. Assuming you feel the same way about him as he does you.”

She looked at him surprised, had Aymeric said something to the Count about his feelings?

“What did he say?” 

“That's a discussion you should be having with him is it not?” He raised his eyebrow at her.

She nodded and looked down at her lap. Her feelings began eating away at her again. So much had happened in such a short time, no matter how hard she had tried to walk away from it, here she was again caught in the eye of a raging storm.

“How can you love someone when you know there is no future?” She fought down the tears she knew would threaten. She was tired of crying, she wanted, needed, to be strong. She knew Edmont deserved the truth, he had taken her in and cared for her, and she had trespassed on his hospitality with cardinal sins. 

“I’ve loved Aymeric from the start, since before I knew who he was.” She admitted to him. “And even after I knew- I never stopped.”

He listened carefully as she spoke.

“We knew it was doomed but still.. We both fell hard.”

“And what of Ser Estinien?” Edmont asked. “Do you not care for him still?”

She considered his question for a moment. 

“My feelings for him linger, but I’m scared, Lord Edmont. When he called for me, it felt cold and wrong.” 

She thought about Estinien, she knew it was Nidhogg who had called for her but she felt something beneath it, the familiar feeling Estinien had brought to her. Now her feelings felt cold, the more she thought of him, the more twisted they became in her heart.

“I had always been sure about his feelings, he couldn’t hide them from me,” she continued. “But something didn’t feel right this time. I don't know how I feel about him anymore.”

“I know the pain of a lost love.” Edmont looked at her sympathetically. “To lose your entire reason for being in the blink of an eye.” “You speak of Haurchefants mother?” It was the first she had heard anyone speak of Edmont’s past, aside from Artoirel telling her that Haurchefant was not born of the same woman.

“No…” Edmont sighed. “Before I was married to Elise I was engaged to another. We were forced apart by someone else's wrong doings.” Jefara gasped. “Where is she now?”

“Dead no doubt.” Edmont lowered his head with a pained look on his face. “There was no word after she left the City. But then my father married me off to a woman of his choosing, traditions had to be upheld to save our family from scandal.” She could hear the bitterness of regret in his voice. “What happened?” She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“A story for another time perhaps…”

She remained silent as he dismissed the question. He looked up at her, seeing her regret at pushing the subject.

 Come here…” He held his hand out towards her. She jumped down from her makeshift chair and took his hand cautiously. He gripped it tightly, reassuringly.

“It may take time, but the people would come around to a union between you and the Lord Commander.” She gasped, eyes going wide for a moment. She had not expected the blunt acceptance from him. As much as the thought of being publicly seen to be with Aymeric but Estinien still gnawed at the back of her mind. “I don't think that would happen.” She said softly. “We agreed to never let ourselves entertain the idea that it could be possible. And with Estinien in the mix too-”

“Things change.” He cut over her. “People change.”

He gripped her hand tighter. “You deserve to find happiness, Jefara and I would do anything to spare you both the same heartache I did.” 

“Lord Edmont…” She fought again against the tears biting in the corner of her eyes.

“I would hope after all this time you would call me Edmont.” He smiled at her gently, his voice softening as he rubbed small soothing circles to the back of her hand. “You are as much a child of mine as Artoirel and Emmanellain are now.”

She took in a shaky breath as he continued.

“I know your own father is here and I am not going to compete for your affections from him. But know this, I consider you a part of this family and would be proud to be able to call you my daughter.”

She leant in and rested her forehead against his.

“I’m sure I have room in my heart for you both. You’ve done so much for me I could never repay you.”

“Repay you? My dear girl, you have done so much already and more.” He brought his other hand to her shoulder keeping her steady as he spoke. “You have brought out many changes in both my sons, Artoirel more than I could ever imagine was possible for him.”

He felt her small hand cover his, returning his gesture.

“You have freed my home from a thousand year war and you brought Halone’s Fury down on those that wronged this house. I could not ask for more.”

“Thank you Ed- Apa.” She smiled at him tenderly.

“You are welcome, Jara.”

[paintedscales]

a07 :: "You Could Say I'm Fond of You"

Recalling a discussion she had with Emmanellain at one point, Nomin finds herself riddled with worry at a bad time. Though she attempts to put on a steeled facade, it is hard to deny what this distraction could do. Especially when she hardly reciprocates the feelings being expressed toward her.

Word Count: 2,015

"Nomin, old girl, you're quite sure that you weren't being swooned? Were you not swept off your feet by the lord commander?" Emmanellain prodded. "'Tis not often one is invited for a private dinner. Why, you even dressed in fine Ishgardian cloth before you left! I'm honestly quite offended you dared not ask for my opinion!"

Nomin attempted to hold back the half-grimace that tugged at her lips after Emannellain’s questioning. However, she closed her eyes and let out a low, silent sigh. She then looked up at him and thought over her response. There was much she could say and more about the situation.

“... He was just being nice,” Nomin started, her tone carrying a flatness to it. “I’m actually just surprised that it sounds like Tataru didn’t consult you. She was the one who was rather excited to take off into the markets in order to find me something to dress up in for the dinner with Aymeric. Were it up to me, I would have simply dressed warm. Alternatively, not shown at all.”

Nomin leaned over and propped her elbow on the arm of the couch she was seated on, her attention going toward the fireplace. Her tail curled and twitched shallowly with her continued vexation.

This was far from the discussion she wanted to have. It was bad enough she was urged to go to that damned dinner at all. Especially with feeling as if she were manipulated and controlled into serving Ishgard at Aymeric’s beck and call all for the safety of Alphinaud and Tataru in the first place.

… And then there was Estinien who still lay in his sickbed. Recovering.

To hells with him, Nomin typically thought. Though with all the hardship she went through alongside Alphinaud, she was glad he still yet drew breath. The boy suffered enough loss. Nomin hated the idea of him losing someone else. So the fact that Estinien was still alive brought her some comfort as long as it meant Alphinaud did not suffer another gaping wound of loss.

Emmanellain sat across from Nomin an incredulous look upon his face, and Honoroit ever present at his side now that he had healed up better. It seemed that Emmanellain seemed oblivious to the fact that Nomin cared not for Aymeric and his political agenda.

A defeated sigh left the younger Fortemps' lips as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"By the Fury, Nomin… Can you really not tell when you're being courted?"

"'Courted'...? I'm not sure I follow…" Nomin replied, looking over with an expression of annoyed surprise. "Yes, he invited me for a private dinner, but we spoke of the ventures across Coerthas and Dravania I had with Estinien, Ysayle, and Alphinaud."

"Because he wanted only to spend time with you, old girl! Oh, were I ever so lucky to have such an opportunity with my dearest Lady Laniaitte…" Emmanellain lamented, slumping back into the cushions of the couch with a small pout. He placed his hand over his face, exasperated with the discussion he was party to. "If ever she finds herself free of her duties…"

"If you say so," Nomin replied, ignoring his ever present pining for the Haillenarte noblewoman. She then drew her hands together in her lap. Peering over at Honoroit, she asked, "Do you think so, too? That Ser Aymeric planned for romance or to court me?"

Honoroit sputtered slightly, glancing between both Nomin and Emmanellain, wondering how he had gotten dragged into this. However, he pursed his lips and folded his arms over his chest, a thoughtful look befalling his face. A hum of consideration came from him before he finally replied, “in some novels I’ve read, someone inviting someone else out to a private dinner is considered an act of courtship. Not to mention that all the times his Lordship has attempted to invite Lady Lania--”

“That’s quite enough out of you!” Emmanellain retorted with a semblance of flustered annoyance, picking up one of the decorative cushions on the couch and flinging it at Honoroit. Though it struck the younger elezen, Honoroit only met Emmanellain’s response with his own look of exasperation before he shrugged and looked back at Nomin.

Withdrawing into her own mind, Nomin furrowed her brow in thought to the discussion overall. She thought about the dinner a little longer before she idly pouted in general response.

It was hard to feel any kind of pull toward Aymeric. Platonic, romantic… If anything, Nomin felt animosity. 

To her own credit, Nomin could see why people respected him and liked him. However, she herself was not a fan of being used as a pawn for much of anything. Her time with the Jhungid back on the Steppe made her dig her heels in at anything that made her yet another tool of war, or to fight others’ battles when she had no stake in it.

"Though, in all honesty…" Honoroit continued, his voice pulling Nomin from her thoughts. He unfolded his arms and looked at Nomin with excitement in his eyes. All the while, Emmanellain wallowed in his own failure of romantic endeavors. Turning to face Nomin properly, Honoroit said, "I was hoping to hear of your recent ventures at Xelphatol now that you have returned to us!"

"Of course!" Nomin chirped in response, a smile growing on her face. Relief welled in her chest, for discussing the events of Xelphatol was a welcome distraction from Emmanellain's curiosity over what she and Aymeric had been up to. Not to mention a welcome distraction from anything that related to Aymeric in the slightest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Seeing the salt deposits of this land, one would think all of it snow at this distance were they not plagued by the sun’s accursed heat during the daylight bells," Aymeric spoke, a gentleness to his tone as he and Nomin stood atop the stairs at Porta Praetoria. The two of them found themselves there after speaking with some of the other city-state leaders.

Nomin stayed silent for a time, her arms folded over her chest. She kept her gaze pointed away from Aymeric, only seeing him in her peripheral view. If only her horns could have blocked him out as well.

"I admit that the sight is a little disappointing. Being surrounded by such stark white coldness in Ishgard leaves the desire to see something less harsh upon the eyes,” Aymeric continued.

There was nothing wrong with his aether. There was nothing off about his presence. Nomin’s Echo did not react to Aymeric like it reacted to Ilberd or Lolorito. He was, at his core, a good person. Nomin knew this. Yet she kept her closed off stance, and her jaw was set.

Nomin still could not forgive him. Not after the Dragonsong War. With nary an apology upon his lips ever after the events, she often attempted giving him the cold shoulder.

She would have rather been anywhere but there.

Nomin longed for a distraction, having so many political and military figureheads around her served as a reminder to all that had yet to be done. It was all so mentally exhausting. Especially for one such as she; she who did not relish the politicking and democratic speeches.

"Well…we're not here for leisure, I suppose…" Nomin idly commented, scanning the whitened deposits amidst the sand and rocks. She was bored. Bored and annoyed.

A soft scoff of amusement left Aymeric before Nomin heard the clinking of his armor as he neared. Glancing over at him, she watched him, only mildly curious before looking back out to the landscape. It was almost as if he were oblivious to how she was not wont to be around him.

"Indeed… And if you would entertain me this one question: where would you go if you had the opportunity?" Aymeric asked, leaning with his arms on the railing next to Nomin. There was a genuine cadence in his tone, and that only served to annoy Nomin more as she kept her expression as placid as possible.

“Somewhere peaceful. Bereft of those that would resolve to use me as a sharpened blade against their enemies,” Nomin replied. Perhaps that would give him enough of a hint to piss off.

Silence fell between the two of them. When Nomin failed to expand upon her wants and desires in terms of travel, Aymeric lightly tapped his thumbs against his forearms. He was at a loss of how to pick back up on pursuing this conversation.

"You know, my friend…" Aymeric started after a time, offering Nomin a gentle smile. "I'm here to ever lend a listening ear if you ever desire it. I've grown rather fond of you since the events of the Dragonsong War, and wish to ever lend you the support you find yourself in need of."

Nomin remained silent, but the statement made her tail jerk a couple ilms to the left before settling back to its original position. Especially hearing Aymeric call her his ‘friend.’ Though it was not an obvious flick, she felt it as if someone gripped her spine and tugged her.

Memories of that discussion between Emmanellain and herself resurfaced, and Nomin could only grimace inwardly. She hated the idea that Emmanellain, of all people, seemed to have had some idea that Aymeric started to fancy Nomin after everything. Even if she scorned him.

A thread of worry developed, its string spinning itself and pulling itself taut in Nomin’s mind.

"... I appreciate that, Ser Aymeric," Nomin reluctatnly replied. She looked down to her hands in her lap before she coaxed a practiced smile upon her lips. She looked in Aymeric’s direction.

Worry.

Nomin worried for what his 'fondness' entailed. For Aymeric was a true and stalwart ally. Even if she did not appreciate his company nor his methods. He was still an ally to Eorzea and an ally to the Scions. 

Worry.

Nomin worried over how her lack of mutual fondness would affect that alliance. Surely, Aymeric would not have allowed such feelings to cause a rift between Ishgard and Eorzea once more. Then again…Nomin remembered that the Oronir and the Dotharl were at odds because of Magnai’s ridiculous invitation of ‘fair maidens’ across the Steppe to evaluate for a potential wife.

A long moment of silence passed before Nomin looked back out to the salted lands, molten gold glinting off the water’s surface as the sun dipped past the horizon. As she looked at the shimmering oranges, yellows, and reds as they played with the water’s gentle waves, Nomin considered how best to word her thoughts. How best to utilize those unwanted political discussions that centered around democracy to keep that wall between herself and Aymeric.

"Ishgard looks to you now. Asking me of my troubles and burdens seems trivial compared to that of the nation, wouldn’t you agree?” Nomin started. She then looked back at Aymeric, sliding off the railing as she did so. Her eyes were blank as she looked at him. “Not to mention that the Eorzean Alliance relies upon you and the people of Ishgard as well… Especially in times like this.”

Nomin turned to walk toward where she had laid claim to a tent and cot at the Porta Praetoria outpost. She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Estinien said you were the nation’s best hope. Don’t allow yourself to get carried away with troubles that are beyond your power that will distract you.”

“...Estinien said that, did he?” Aymeric slowly said, bringing a hand to his chin. Though his expression fell to pensiveness, the furrow of his brow and the twitch of his mouth were unmistakable. As was the insightful tug of her Echo that flickered just then. Nomin’s words stung him.

“We have a storm brewing before us, that much is certain,” Aymeric continued after a moment. He lifted his head to look at Nomin, a steeled look on his face.

“... And I expect to be in the eye of it. Like I was for you and Ishgard,” Nomin finished, turning away from Aymeric to finally distance herself and walk away.

[keicordelle]

Wounded, Ch. 3

Fandom: FFXIV Rating: E Pairing: Estimeric Word Count: 6k Tags: Established Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood and Injury, Injury Recovery, Caretaking, Bathing/Washing, Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Consent, Oral Sex, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Porn with Feelings, POV First Person, POV Estinien Wyrmblood

Summary: What was supposed to be a standard patrol turns deadly when dravanians descend, leaving Aymeric and Estinien to fight seemingly endless waves of the beasts as they search for a means to overcome the odds and escape with their lives. They succeed, but not before a devastating blow sends Estinien flying, leaving him wounded and unconscious in the snow. Free from the threat of their foes but not out of danger yet, Aymeric has no choice but to carry his injured lover to safety and watch over him as he heals - all while trying to fend off Estinien's amorous designs. But when has Aymeric ever been able to hold out against his lover's desires?

-

I awoke with the solid weight of his arm across my stomach and his leg thrown over my hips, the soft snoring in my ear revealing just how exhausted he'd been after carrying me and worrying over me for an entire day. His breath tickled the hair on my neck, and the house's lack of amenities was apparent in the sour scent it carried, but I could not have cared less as I pulled him tighter against me. We'd lain together after a four day march in the dead of summer without a pond or river to be found; I could certainly handle a little morning breath to keep him at my side.

He rolled into me, and my ribs ached as his arm rose to band my chest, but it wasn't the overwhelming pain of a fresh injury and I easily ignored it in favor of curling an arm around him. That I hadn't been miraculously cured overnight was disappointing and relieving in equal measure: disappointing, because it meant I was still injured, but relieving because it meant I was yet the master of my own body. Perhaps the rush of power I'd felt before the dragon's impact had served to shield me from the worst of the blow.

Aymeric groaned in his sleep, shifting against me until I had a mouthful of hair and a lapful of my beloved. Unfortunately, the strain against my ribs was too much, and I let out a pained hiss before I could catch myself. He jerked awake instantly, momentarily worsening the situation as he tried to rise and get his bearings, and I had to roll him off me and gulp down a half dozen lungfuls of air until the discomfort receded. "I'm fine," I gasped out before he could say anything. "Don't get up. Go back to sleep."

"It was not my intention to fall asleep in the first place. Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, propping himself up on an elbow and looking me over worriedly.

"I'm sure. It barely even hurts anymore," I lied. His skepticism was obvious, but he allowed me to maintain the pretense, settling back against me and tugging the blanket back up from where it had slid down.

"Is there aught I can do for you?" he asked, tucking me in next to him.

"Kiss me?" I suggested.

"Gladly."

-

Read the rest on Ao3!

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[littlelordalphinaud]

☆ { grinding } down against their lap Obviously you know I'm going to suggest Estinaud for this.

☆ Smut [-ing] Prompts ☆ - Come get your own!

---

It was cold. That was the excuse Alphinaud had use to gain entrance into Estiniens tent. He'd been rather surprised it had worked, given Estiniens seeming dislike of being around any of them. If anything, Alphinaud had expected to be told to go bother Meteor. But Estinien had motioned in him inside.

In all honesty, Alphinaud wasn't that cold. There was a chill in the air to be sure, but nothing that he couldn't power through alone. The reality was that he simply wanted the chance to be close to Estinien. To see him out of his armour, to see the handsome face he knew resided beneath. To gain more fuel for his fantasies.

What Alphinaud certainly hadn't expected was to enter Estiniens tent and be pulled onto the older man's lap.

"If you're cold," Estinien said gruffly, "I will help you get warm." Alphinaud knew his face was red, so was quick to press forward, hiding himself away against Estiniens chest. "It is not uncommon for younger recruits to struggle with the temperature during their first time out of the city. Sharing body heat is easier than constantly keeping fires burning." Alphinaud felt his ears burn more at the explanation. Estinien was doing what he wanted people to do. He was treating him like any other adventurer. And yet still, Alphinaud couldn't help but wish Estinien would treat him differently.

"Thank you," Alphinaud said, closing his eyes, still resting against Estiniens chest. He felt Estiniens arms wrap around him, and a shiver ran through him.

"You are colder than I expected," Estiniens words rumbled through his chest, and Alphinaud couldn't help the way his body reacted. His stomach clenched, and his hips rolled forwards. The second he realised what he'd done, Alphinaud froze in place, waiting to see if he'd get a response. Any response. "I see." Estiniens hands moved from Alphinaud's back, down to his hips. His hands spanned over Alphinaud's sides, and for a brief moment, Alphinaud wondered what it would feel like to surrender control of his entire body to those hands.

"There are other ways to share heat," Estinien said, and Alphinaud let out a surprised squeak as Estiniens grip tightened and his body was moved to grind down again, "if you're truly that cold. Alphinaud." The way Estinien said his name set Alphinaud alight, and he attempted to rock forward again, despite the controlling grip that held him in place.

His point seeming to be made, Estinien used his grip to move Alphinaud again, pressing them together. He set a rhythm that felt too slow to Alphinaud, who'd always been greedy in chasing his own pleasure. But every point of contact, every time they pressed together, Alphinaud let out a whine or a whimper. He could feel Estiniens breathing picking up too, and wished there was something he could do except let Estinien control him, use him for both of their pleasure.

"S-Ser..." Alphinaud whined, as a particularly harsh movement pressed the seam of his trousers right against his clit. At that, he felt Estiniens breathing hitch. Screwing his eyes shut, and silently praying that no others were awake. That they wouldn't be heard. "Please, Ser, I need-"

"I know what you need, little lordling," Estinien growled, earning a whimper from Alphinaud, "but you'll have to wait until I'm ready to give it to you. It's going to be a long night, and I've promised to keep you warm."

[daysofazure]

Aymeric wanted a play date with the toddlers. Thancred offered to come help, but Estinien can handle them on his own. Right? Thancred/Lehna/Estinien ot3 (they are a triad)

pure, self-indulgent fluff. the children are twins and biologically half-siblings because. well. cringe is dead.

“Aurelia!”

The toddler cackled as she smashed another dish on the floor, giggling harder as the plate exploded across Aymeric’s stone tiles. Estinien nearly tripped over himself trying to pick her up, careful to keep her away from the shards of broken glass. He was glad that Aymeric had the good humor to laugh while a small child destroyed his expensive dishware, because Estinien was panicked as he examined her small body for any sign that she had cut herself on the glass shards.

Bringing the children to the Borel Manor at Aymeric’s insistence had been a huge mistake. 

He should have at least taken Thancred’s offer to accompany him. But in his arrogance and stupidity, he had said, “They’re two toddlers, how hard could it be?” 

Extremely, apparently. Now he knew why Thancred had chuckled and insisted he would be around all afternoon if he was needed. But Estinien refused to admit defeat.

He sat Aurelia down on the couch and handed her the chocobo plush she had thrown earlier. It was with a start that he realized Theo was nowhere to be found and he began to panic, but then Aymeric placed a hand on his shoulder and held the boy out for him to take.

Relieved, Estinien collapsed on the couch with Theo in his lap, not even minding as the child poked and prodded at his ears.

Aurelia whined in protest, climbing onto Estinien’s lap and reaching up with her little hands, tugging gently on a strand of his hair and then lifting it to drop behind his ear. His heart swelled with the realization that she was copying what Lehna did. Aymeric sat down on the couch next to him and Estinien tried to ignore his smug grin.

“I see you are adjusting nicely to fatherhood,” Aymeric said lightly. “They love you.”

“I still worry I may fu–” he hesitated, glancing down as Theo blinked up at him with his large purple eyes. “--I may mess them up.”

Aymeric laughed, holding his arm out as Aurelia tried to crawl over to Aymeric, flopping to sit on his lap as she busied herself with playing with her chocobo plush. “My friend, all you can do is try to give them better than what we had. You will make mistakes, I am sure–but I am sure they will understand.” He paused, smiling as Aurelia offered the plush to him. “Is this for me? Thank you, Lady Aurelia.” She beamed at him before leaning into Aymeric’s abdomen and pressing her eyes closed. 

Theo, seeing his sister settle down, climbed back down Estinien’s torso and settled himself, mimicking her position. Relieved that they were going for their nap willingly, Estinien did not mind that the two of them would be stuck here for an hour or so. He, too, was exhausted.

“Is it strange?” Aymeric asked suddenly, his voice quiet.

Estinien glanced over to see Aymeric’s gaze sweeping back and forth between the babes. “Is what strange?”

Aymeric seemed to hesitate. 

“Speak plainly.”

With a sigh, Aymeric said. “Forgive my curiosity, I do not wish to offend. I have just always wondered if there is a difference for you–when one of them is of your own blood and the other is not.”

Coming from anyone else, Estinien would have bristled at the question. But Aymeric–Aymeric, who had been adopted by a loving family as their last resort, whose own father had pretended he did not exist?

“Nay,” Estinien said, staring at Aurelia. They hardly spoke of it at home, outside of when it was absolutely necessary, but Aurelia had softer features, her hair more of a pure silver than Estinien’s–closer to Thancred’s. She’d gotten the miqo’te ears, though Lehna said they were on the small side for a miqo’te. Her eyes also matched Thancred’s, more yellow than gray. This was in contrast to Theo, who had been born with the pointed ears of an elezen. They had known immediately, even if no one had spoken of it. “They are both equally mine, as they are both equally his.”

Aymeric slouched a bit, some tension in his shoulders gone, but not all of it. 

“Blood is only part of the story,” Estinien said. He thought for a moment before adding, “You and I do not share a bloodline, but you are my brother all the same.”

Aymeric looked over at him, face surprised for a moment before he smiled. “I never thought I’d see the day you would share such feelings aloud. Fatherhood really does suit you.” Aurelia yawned in his lap, and Aymeric placed a hand on her back. “You should leave them here sometime. I’m sure Lehna and Thancred would appreciate the night off as well.” He paused. “And I would love to spend some more time with my niece and nephew.”

[dawnslight-aegis]

wolstinien week day 1: first kiss

(for the full context Marz POV version, please see sedated)

A strange, wordless need for companionship drove Estinien’s feet past the Congregation and his bunk, and towards the warmth of the Forgotten Knight. To sleep would be to have to rewatch the images that were etched on the inside of his eyelids – Aymeric, covered in blood in that cell; the lance of light that he had seen too late; the brilliant hollow cut through Hauchefant’s chest.

Whose companionship he sought, however, he wasn’t entirely sure of. Those he could call friends were few and far between, and of them, Aymeric was injured and no doubt drowning himself in guilt, Kaede was sitting in anguished vigil with House Fortemps, and Marzanna…

His feet had brought her to the thick wooden door of the inn room she usually stayed in, and he hesitated only a moment before letting his fist thump against the wood. Perhaps she would simply throw him out on his arse as soon as she opened the door, but she should not be alone tonight any more than he should.

To his surprise, she had (begrudgingly) allowed him inside. The small xaela sat slumped over the table, misery writ clear on her features, that whiskey and manufactured outrage at his intrusion could not conceal. The mostly-empty bottle of whiskey next to her not wholly unexpected, and Estinien could not deny its allure in the face of tragedy, either.

It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself more than ale, with the danger of the Eye everpresent in the back of his mind, but for the first time in a decade, he had no such concerns. With Nidhogg slain, leaving only the aftertaste of the wyrm’s rage and rancor behind, he was simply… Estinien. Free to do as he wished, including drown his thoughts in a comforting haze of strong spirits, or seek the company of the only other person on Hydaelyn who might understand the absolutely undecipherable morass of emotion that he was making every attempt to bury.

The truth-or-drink game she had proposed seemed harmless enough at first, but quickly it swerved into territory far too murky for him to navigate, especially with alcohol swiftly burning its way through his veins. And so when she had asked him if he had missed her, when she had left after the Aery, ostensibly for good – he had no good response, neither for her, nor for himself.

Marz had apparently divined some answer of her own from the long drink of whiskey he took in place of words, as she rose from her chair and made her only slightly unsteady way around the table to stand before him. Brilliantly green eyes caught the firelight as it burned low in the hearth, glinting in the gloom. The rest of her was shadow – dark skin and inky scales and unrestrained black curls – so he could not help but be caught and pinned by her gaze as surely as if she’d run him through with her lance.

Distracted as he was by the strangeness of having to look up at her for the first time, Estinien did not realize her intent until he felt his helm loosen. Before he could breathe a word in protest, his battered, stained armet was on the floor, and small hands were ghosting along skin that hadn’t been seen, let alone touched, by another person in longer than he cared to remember.

‘Twas all he could to do to force a quiet, “what are you doing?” out of a throat that had suddenly gone dry, despite the amount of liquor he had consumed. He was met with an almost savage command for silence, and it was a relief to simply release any notions he had of protest and be swept along in her tide.

When her lips crashed against his, ungentle and out of practice, a long shuddering breath escaped him and he felt himself pull her closer, one hand wrapped tight around a densely muscled thigh that soon straddled his lap. Beneath the oaken bite of the whiskey, she tasted like salt water and ozone, like a storm at sea, like something that might slake his thirst for a moment, but leave him more parched than before he’d had the first taste.

But gods, it had been a long damned time since he’d had a drink.

When her hands went immediately to the buckles of his armor, there was no room left in his mind for anything but the desperate need for more.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Wolstinien Week Day 3: AU

In which Estinien is Viscount of House Varlineau and Agi is a cook in his household. SFW.

Estinien de Varlineau, Viscount of House Varlineau, paced in his study, half midnight approaching quickly.

And so is she.

What is it about her that makes me feel like an untried schoolboy? Oh, be honest with yourself---it’s love.

He heard a few quiet knocks on the door and crossed the room in a few long strides, ushering in Agnes. Taking her by the hand, he led her to a chair, not letting go until she was comfortable. Then he sat opposite her and rested his chin on steepled hands.

“Forgive me, I know the hour is late…but there is something I must say.” Courage, Varlineau. “Were we simply two people then this would be so much easier.” Estinien chuckled nervously, his gaze meeting hers. Despite the hour, her bespectacled eyes were focused on him. And she’s clearly nervous. Shit. SHIT.

“Well forgive me, my lord, but are we not two people already? You’re a person. I’m a person. We’re people.” She’s so sweet. Aymeric says I always cut to the heart of the issue, but no, my friend, it is her.

“Heh, yes. Of course. What I mean is I…what I would say is our current position complicates what I wish to say.”

A flash of understanding appeared in her beautiful brown eyes. “Oh. Well. If that’s the case, then just tell me like I’m just Agi Currai the person.” She grinned. “I’m awfully curious as to why you asked me here, my lord.”

Does she truly have no idea? By the Fury. He cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair, hands now fidgeting in his lap. “If I’m to speak plainly, I fear this would jeopardize—”

“My lord,” Agnes sighed. “Spit it out already.”

Shit.

Fuck.

“I am in love you.”

There I fucking said it, Aymeric.

The object of his declaration sat in stunned silence, her mouth hanging open slightly and her eyes wide.

“Please…say something.” Estinien begged softly. “Please.”

After what felt like several eternities to him, she breathed, “Oh.” She blinked a few times and then caught his gaze again. “I…I never thought anyone would ever love me.”

“Whyever not?” His voice was soft as he leaned forward once more.

“Because I’m not thin and pretty.” Agnes shook her head sadly. “I’m not what people want. I’m a friend---a really good friend but a friend. That’s all I’ll ever be…” In what Estinien would later call as one of the happiest moments of his life, she expression brightened so much that she smiled and she’s blushing. That blush. I want to kiss her. “But no. You’re in love with me, and fuck me, I’m in love with you too.”

By the Fury. She does love me. SHE LOVES ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Viscount of House Varlineau cried out in joy, practically leaping from his chair to kneel in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Oh my love…”

“You know,” Agnes said as she smiled down at him. “Every rational part of me has been saying ‘this is the worst idea ever do not fall in love with him’ but I trust my heart in this case.” She placed a kiss on his forehead. “I trust you. I love you. Yes, this is very complicated. Yes, you’re my employer. Yes, you’re a viscount, which I still don’t understand what the fuck that even is—”

They shared a laugh as he snorted. “Honestly, some days I barely know what it is myself.”

Removing her hands from his hold, she cupped his face and tilted his gaze upwards slightly. “The point is---I want to make this work.”

“So do I. More than anything. My parents were devoted to each other until the end. How I’ve craved that kind of love. How I thought I’d never find it.” He nuzzled one of her palms and pressed his lips to kiss it. “But I did. With you.” I could look into her eyes forever. She’s so beautiful.

Agnes shifted in the chair. “We have a lot to discuss, love. Maybe we should, erm…get you off the floor?” She giggled, kissing him briefly and then standing. Glancing around the candlelit room, she spotted a loveseat. “How about—”

Within seconds, Estinien was standing.

He had a giddy expression on his otherwise serious face as he gathered the woman whose heart is completely safe in my hands into his arms and passionately kissed her. He tucked a strand of dark red hair behind an ear and eagerly devoured every moan that escaped from her pretty, perfect lips. “I’m not on the floor anymore, Agi.” He teased, a hand traveling downwards to touch her behind.

Breathless, she nodded. “No, you’re not…” She swallowed, one of her hands brushing against his cheek. “Am I…should I…when we’re alone…” Agnes chuckled. “Should I call you Estinien?”

The man in question had only one proper, entirely proper response to his beloved saying his name.

His lips collided her hers.

And I may have pinched her ass. May have.

[healersadjust]

Huddling for warmth / for aki and g'raha!

Thank you so so much for the ask!!! I hope you enjoy! <3 Endwalker lvl 83 spoilers ahead!

Aki frowned as she looked out at camp broken glass. The whole group was shaken after the events that took place not even an hour before. The warrior of light’s body hosting Zenos of all people… What could have happened, had she not arrived in time…

She watched as her allies stood in a circle talking with each other. She didn’t miss the glances that were sent her way, though she chose to ignore it.

“They’re worried, you know.” Guydelot appeared beside her. “Chief’s been pacin’ since your return, too.”

“Sanson pacing isn’t anything new,” she said, glancing back at her friend.

“Pacing extra hard. At this point, he may as well be running laps around the camp.”

Aki chuckled softly. “Wouldn’t surprise me.”

Guydelot smiled at the scions all grouped in a circle. “Where’s yours?”

“Mine?” Aki asked, tilting her head.

“That elusive boyfriend of yours you still haven’t introduced Sanson and I to.” 

“Oh,” Aki folded her arms and looked at the snow below them. “Uh…”

“Oh, no, letting me guess, I see!” Guydelot grinned. “Hm… The tall one that wears a scarf over his mouth?”

“You know his name, Guydelot,” she huffed.

“I know, just testing you. Not that book boy. How about the short one with brown eyes next to him?”

Aki blinked. He… He wasn’t serious, was he?

“No, that’s-“

“Oh, that’s Tankred! My bad. The tall one with the white hair? Kinda a mixture of the other two?”

“A mixture…” Her eyes widened. She began laughing. “Guydelot, not funny!”

“You’re laughing, no?” He smiled, the skin around his eyes crinkling. “Oh, you dated that one before. Estinkien, if I remember correctly?”

“Estinien,” She corrected. “And yes, we dated before. Not anymore.”

“Ah, so that leaves the redhead who keeps making eyes at you. What was the name… Hm…”

“G’raha,” Aki announced before Guydelot came up with any names for him.

“G’raha! See, that wasn’t too hard.” He laughed once more. “Well. You should know, they’re all worried sick.”

“Yeah, I can tell.” Aki frowned. “Wish they wouldn’t worry.”

“Well, they care, so they’re going to.” He shrugged. “It’s what you do when you care for someone. You know I was worried sick over Sanson back in Gyr Albania.”

She cracks a smile, her star marks glowing softly once more. “Yeah. We both had to restrain each other from running off on our own to take care of things. Took everyone around us telling us to calm down before we could start thinking with our heads.”

“Luckily, these guys seem to think with their heads a lot. Too much thinking, even.” Guydelot snerked. “They might think hard enough to make up for your lack of thought.”

“Hey!” Aki pouted, though her marks grew brighter still. 

Guydelot grinned. “Well, how about this. You can make at least one of them stop thinking so hard for the time being. And maybe, the rest will relax.”

“How’s that?” Aki tilted her head.

“It’s awfully cold. How about you go get your boyfriend and huddle for warmth? Preferably somewhere alone. The rest of the camp will manage in your absence.” He smiled warmly at her. 

Aki looked at her feet as she considered it. Perhaps… Perhaps she was due some time with her partner. It felt hardly fair to pull him away and leave everyone else to work extra hard to make up for it, but perhaps she would allow herself to be selfish this once.

“Yeah. That… That sounds nice. Thank you, Guydelot-” She went to look at him, but saw him already walking away.

“Thank me later!” He waved as he continued walking.

Aki turned her attention to G’raha. He was watching her with a brow raised. She sent him a small smile before making her way over to him.

[abimee]

in my mind i think estinien doesnt find out what ruyan identifies as until midway into the adventure to zenith cause theres never been a good time to ask and hes heard conflicting information and i think he does this by silently following ruyan down behind some rubble and ruyan 100% sees him following and thinks ''oh god this is my end huh the azure dragoon is going to off me, i heard the stories of how ishgardians feel about au ra and hes going to up and fucking kill me while im trying to find a place to pee'' and so ruyan keeps walking and like making laps but estinien keeps following but at a distance and ruyan debates circling back to camp but she doesnt wanna make a scene out of it so she like goes and crouches in some bushes hoping estinien will maybe give her some dignity and not gut him when hes taking a leak and he spends like 20 minutes there (not peeing for the entire time just crouching there) before finally thinking the coast is clear and when she gets up and puts her pants back on the MOMENT her zipper is up estinien appears behind her and goes ''what do you identify as warrior of light''