#uncle aymeric

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

FFXIV Write: Tempest

In the future, Estinien finds himself alone with the children when Agi needs to visit the First. SFW.

Estinien Varlineau took a deep breath.

Be calm.

Be a calm center in a tempest of chaos.

Be—

“BAPAAAAAAAAAAA!”

“Bapa! Bapa!”

“Where’s Mummy?!?!?!”

“Mummy’s on the First, Hami. She’ll be back in a few days.” Esme said matter-of-factly to Hamignant, who isn’t taking Agi being gone well.

At all.

His twin, however, was not at all bothered by his mother’s trip to the First and was currently shoving more egg-battered cinnamon toast in his mouth.

Good lad.

Pip and Laure are asleep after I fed them earlier.

Now, about your brother…

Estinien knelt next to the crying boy’s chair and smiled at Esme, who went back to her breakfast. A fiercely protective big sister, my Es is. “Hami, Mummy will be home in a few days. Do you know what she told me before she left?” He tucked a strand of dark red hair (they all have Agi’s hair) behind Hamignant’s leaf-shaped ear. The boy shook his head. “She said that she has a surprise for you, Es, Marc, Pip, and Laure.”

Oh fuck me, that’s Agi’s “what are you on about, Estinien” face. “Yeah?”

The elezen grinned. “Aye. In fact, your surprise should be here shortly…”

As the child raised his eyebrow just like Agi, their surprise strolled into Agnes’s house in Shirogane, where Estinien decided to bring the children to make it look like we’re on a trip too. That way, maybe…it’s not so bad without Agi.

“Why hello children!” Aymeric said far too loudly at half past seven bells.

Marcelin, Esme, and thank fuck there goes Hami squealed with glee as they ran to greet their godfather. Aymeric got on his knees and opened his arms for the little Varlineaus and then he pretended they were too much for him and toppled backwards. How is he so damn good at everything?!

“Uncle Aymeric, are you Mummy’s surprise?” Esme asked excitedly, her recently cut hair going in every direction like Agi’s. Fucking hells.

Sapphire eyes twinkling, Aymeric chuckled. “I am indeed. Your mother was most insistent that I leave Ishgard and come visit you.” I wonder if Agi gave him the “if you don’t do what I say then the Warrior of Darkness will make you” face. “And of course, I cannot refuse her.” You too, huh? “Besides, I’m always happy to spend time with my godchildren.” Aymeric gave the girl a kiss on the nose, and then she fucking giggles like Agi. I swear to the Fury, they’re all her little clones! But in different ways!!! “Now, how about you eat your breakfast, and see if your darling papa would be willing make me some?”

Sapphire eyes locked with pale blue ones.

Estinien rolled his eyes. “Aye, aye. Come on.”

The children raced to the table as Aymeric rose, wincing slightly. “Perhaps not the best idea…”

“Poor old man got bad knees now?” Estinien teased, clapping Aymeric on the back. “Egg-battered cinnamon toast? Could make eft steak and eggs if that’s not your fancy, Lord Speaker.”

“Whatever is easier.” He leaned towards Estinien’s ear, a smirk tugging on his lips. “Your wife can be utterly terrifying when she wants to be, you know.”

“She’s scares because she cares.” Estinien whispered back before laughing heartily and tapping the chair next to Marcelin. “Have a seat.”

He decided on the eft steak and eggs for Aymeric (because he’s going to need it, poor bloke). While cooking, he occasionally glanced at Aymeric and his children and smiled.

They’re so happy. The children. Aymeric. It’s rare when he has this time with them. You don’t know how much it means to Aymeric. Not that he’ll ever admit it, but it’s a lot.

Thanks, Agi.

Come home soon, my angel.

I miss you terribly.

But she always comes home.

Always.

[missazurerose]

FFXIV Write 2024 - Day 14

Telling

“You two are barely thirteen. Where do you suppose you’ll get the money to buy crystal like that?” When the two trouble makers looked up at him with wide, puppy dog eyes, he shook his head. “Oh no. That’s not going to work on me this time. Your mother was ready to kill me when she found out how much those books you asked me for were. You are not wrapping me up in this one. You are telling your parents the moment they walk in. And you’re going to tell them you tried to bribe your sister.” 

They lowered their heads. “Alright Uncle Estinien…” 

Haurchefant looked back up at him, almost in tears. “Will you adopt us if Mama and Papa disown us?”

“Oh by the Twelve, boy. Your parents would never do such a thing.” He ruffled the poor child’s hair. “I’ve known your father far longer than I care to admit. He will be angrier if you try to hide it. You might not get dessert for a week but they won’t disown you.”

[driftward]

Title: FFXIV Write 2024 - 11. Surrogate Characters: Zoissette Vauban, Y'shtola Rhul Rating: Teen Summary: An odd shaped family, but a family it is, despite missing pieces Notes: WoL|Sette timeline, sometime after Ultima Thule

There was peace, for a time, and in its joyful succor, new life.

And that new life in the Scions' orbit just now consisted of three young children. Doenstymm and Melusine were Klynt's oldest and youngest, respectively. Of an age just between the other two was Adrian, Aymeric's child, who often served as the connecting bridge between the older Doenstymm, looking after the other two, and the younger Melusine, who looked up to them both in many ways. The Scions often after looked after Adrian, serving as a family of sorts to them, bonds strengthened by their time together, the latest in a long string of favors traded back and forth ever since their time in Ishgard.

While their parents did not force them together, they often found themselves together nevertheless, looking after one another, protecting one another, and, of course, antagonizing one another in the matter that siblings tended to.

And what an odd family they were a part of. Doenstymm and Melusine shared a mother, but had different fathers, and Adrian with a father, but no mother to speak of at all. And the Scions themselves were an odd group, serving as aunts and uncles and cousins, making sure the children always had an adult nearby they could rely upon.

Zoissette stood back with the other Scions, a faint smile on her face. She had just gotten done retelling the stories of the Doman Adventurer's Guild to the three young children, and now they were excited to have adventures of their own. Before they were allowed off, however, Y'shtola was not so much lecturing as she was teaching them. Lessons were interspersed with brief anecdotes they each found amusing, and she asked questions of them to keep them engaged. Once satisfied, she let them go, and the three ran off, arguing about whether to mimic those adventures or try to have some of their own.

"You two are awfully good with children," said Alisaie to Y'shtola and Zoissette.

"Tis no small matter to instruct them for their own safety, but I believe they now know enough to make their mistakes their own. Such shall allow me later to confidently tell them that I did indeed 'told them so'," said Y'shtola with false primness, coming to stand up on her tip toes and give Zoissette a kiss before standing at her side.

"What a group of adorable ragamuffins," said Alisaie fondly, watching as the three found Alphinaud in the markets and begin to swarm around him, pestering him with questions as he twisted around and laughed, trying gamely to answer them and keep an eye on all three of them.

"What is that I hear in your voice? Considering motherhood?" asked Krile mischievously, looking up at Alisaie with a grin.

Heavens, no," replied Alisaie. "I think I shall leave continuing the family name to Alphinaud. I think he has more the temperament for it."

"Does he?" replied Krile, watching as Doenstymm started scaling up Alphinaud like he was an ambulatory tree. "Perhaps if he learns to not let himself be bullied by children."

Alphinaud was still laughing, even as he tried to fend off the other two while wilting under Doenstymm's robust Roegadyn weight.

"I'm not quite certain he even knows he -is- being bullied," said Alisaie. She glanced over to see that the smile on Zoissette's face had not faded, only softened, as Y'shtola intwined their arms and leaned against her.

"And what of our Warrior of Light and her paramour?" asked Alisaie. "You two ever consider following Klynt's example?"

Zoissette looked over at Y'shtola, then down at the ground.

"I do not think I would make a very good mother," she said.

"Oh, come now, you're good at just about everything else."

"So was my mother," said Zoissette, her voice quiet.

Krile and Alisaie exchanged looks.

"Oh, I am sorry!" said Zoissette brightly, turning to Alisaie. "I did not mean to bring down the mood. It is just, that, well."

She stopped, and Y'shtola stepped in gamely. "As for mine own perspective, I would mislike to follow in Matoya's footsteps. I love her as my own mother, but, well, you have met her. I do not regret my childhood, but I am not sure I would wish to put another through that self-same experience. That I was well suited to the circumstances under which I was raised was fortuitous."

"Well, not that I wish to influence you one way or another," said Krile. "But while it is traditional for the student to follow in the footsteps of her master, I believe it is also celebrated when their path carries beyond that set for them. I think you would make a wonderful mother."

"Perhaps," said Y'shtola, looking up at Zoissette, who was now distracted, watching the children.

"And as for you, I should think you've got the chance to do a fair bit of good yourself," said Krile to Zoissette, her tone gentle. "I've seen the way you and Y'shtola take turns with the children. How you teach them, how you so obviously care for them. And you're both wise enough to lean on us as necessary. I don't know your history, but I feel you've got a good chance to do a fair sight better than most parents, if you took the chance."

"A chance is not worth the risk," replied Zoissette, so quietly as to almost unable to be heard.

It was many bells later, after the children had been put to bed. Zoissette lounged on her back on a couch where she could see the door to the children's room, Y'shtola laying on top of her, her head on her chest.

"Adrian is a good child," said Y'shtola. "They all are."

"And Aymeric an excellent father," said Zoissette, slowly and gently running a hand up and down Y'shtola's back.

"Mayhap we could be, as well."

"Aymeric is a good father, for good reasons," said Zoissette. "You remember what he said, when I asked him why he wanted to be a father."

"To raise a child in the new Ishgard, free of the fetters of the old. To watch as that child became, grew up, full of the potential of that newness. Whatever path the child chose, it would be of their own choosing, and Aymeric wished to witness that, and support that. Of course I well remember. It was very well spoken, as usual, but also... well. Sentimental, but inspirational. I full felt a joy at the idea."

Zoissette nodded.

"Good motives. Noble motives. He will do fine. If I were to step in to such a role, however... Shtola. I would just be trying to not be my mother. That is no way to raise a child. They deserve more than to be something to someone trying to ... make up for their own hurts."

"I have similar fears," murmured Y'shtola into Zoissette. "But Krile has the right of it. We have all the Scions with us, to share wisdom, to share effort. 'Twould not be a lonely endeavor, but a shared one, and how much richer we might all be for it."

"Aymeric can also afford to be present for his child nearly all of the time. We are absent a lot, Y'shtola, you know that."

"Yet Klynt manages."

"Klynt... Klynt has an intuition for how these sort of things will go that I lack, a gregarious nature, several fathers who see each other kindly and help share the burdens of parentage, and a spirit that allows her to be and share a freedom I lack," said Zoissette. "I do not know how she manages it, to be honest. I am not sure I could."

Y'shtola sighed into Zoissette.

"A risk not worth the chance," she said. "But is that risk not already present? We could try, you know. You could step forward. I would be with you. You know this."

"I know," said Zoissette, wrapping her other arm around Y'shtola, and giving her a hug. "But I cannot bring myself to believe it would be the right thing. Not while I still harbor this anger against Elspeth. Against my own mother. Not while I... they deserve better."

Y'shtola nodded. "Well. The children are well loved, anyroad. Perhaps it does not matter. And perhaps you are right. I too am worried that in practice I would be little better than my own Matoya."

Zoissette relaxed under Y'shtola.

"We might sleep in our own bed," suggested Y'shtola.

"Maybe," said Zoissette.

Neither moved, both keeping on eye on the children's door, even as Zoissette reached and pulled a blanket over them both, even as they both fell asleep.

[misswarrioroflight]

This boy has 3 parents and a whole host of aunts and uncles Son of Aymeric, Xirtelt, and Estinien boys probably gonna be strong as hecc

[irisopranta]

FFXIVWrite2023 Prompt 1: Envoy

Julien de Haillenarte lived a normal but dull life as a noble lord. At such the tender age of 16 he found Ishgard to be no place for a youth who wants to see the world. His father, Stephanivien, loved his work as the Skysteel Manufactory with his tinkering. It suited his sister Lucille but he found it the manufactory to be too loud and smelly from the forges.

His mother, Iris, was a seamstress. Her business was a lot quieter than the manufactory. Though he found his hands lacking at being a tailor, very much different from his brother Noel who inherited that from his mother.

“Uncle Francel, I just don’t know what to do? Nothing seems to fit me here in Ishgard.” He bemoaned to his kind and gentle uncle. After hearing his nephew’s plight, the older Elezen thought for a second, trying to help him out.

“Well if you really want to see the world, why not ask your mother? She’s been everywhere. I’m certain that she would have the connections from her adventuring days.” Francel suggested. The young Elezen was quite confused as to why he is now hearing for the first time that his mother was an adventurer. If that was the case, maybe he could ask her to train him as a fighter and explore the world on his own. As his uncle takes a sip of tea that they two were enjoying, Julien bolted off. He was gone before his uncle could place his cup back into his saucer.

“Lady Haillenarte, please think it over. I’m certain that someone from your house can do the task.” The Lord Speaker spoke to the shopkeeper.

“Aye, I will. Once I find someone willing to do it, I’ll send them your way.” Lord Aymeric made his leave. As he did, he nodded to the young lord that just entered the shop. Iris hummed as her son entered “Oh now this is a surprised, what brings you here Julien.”

“Mother, I heard that you were adventurer. I want you to teach how to fight.” He said enthusiastically.

She was confused. Most of those who she interacted with knew she left that life and had no intentions to fight anymore. “Now who told…” She trailed off. She realized that there was an opportunity here. “Well actually, Lord Aymeric was looking towards me for an envoy for Ishgard to Gridania. I don’t care to fight anymore but if you are willing to take up the task you can stay there for a while to train with Uncle Ephault.”

The young Elezen’s face beamed. “I will do it.”

“Very well, go talk to Lord Aymeric, I’ll write a note to my brother then. Come back to grab it from me before you head out.” She shouted as he left the shop in such excitement.

[emevergreen]

OC lore time (weird boygirl edition)

thank you sm for the tag @zoroarkthief!! I'm always happy to share about my wol :'))

Khed'a Dakwhil

—B A S I C S

Name: Khed'a Dakwhil

Nicknames: His adoptive mother called him cicada :> The scions will sometimes call him khedy (tataru started it and then everyone else followed). Aymeric calls him angel as a term of endearment.

Age: 28 at the beginning of ARR

Nameday: Second Astral Moon, 16th Sun

Race: Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te

Gender: Nonbinary, Genderfluid

Orientation: Bisexual with a slight lean towards guys

Profession: He's held every odd job you can think of but predominantly considers himself a white mage.

—P H Y S I C A L     A S P E C  T S

Hair: Dark brown bob

Eyes: Orange-Brown

Skin: light skin tone

Tattoos/scars: He has a scar of hardened skin in the center of his chest. He also has crystalline streaks going up his forearms. Both are a result of prolonged exposure to earth attuned aether.

—F A M I L Y

Parents: His birth mom is [redacted], and he doesn't know who his father is. His adoptive mother, Aria-A-Yan, was his conjury mentor when he was taken in as an orphan to the conjurer's guild. She was really supportive of him and helped him open up.

Siblings: None!

Grandparents: He heard stories of his grandmother but never knew her.

In-laws and Other: I really like him with Aymeric and considering the end of Heavensward, he's not on good terms with his father-in-law. Lol. As for other relatives, he's very close with the brother of his adopted mother, E-Sumi-Yan, and considers him like an uncle.

Pets: He has a little bird that follows him around named Thistle. He befriended it on the road to Ishgard.

—S K I L L S

Abilities: Khed'a has precise aetheric control as a highly skilled white mage. Due to the condition with his body, he has to keep a careful eye on his aether. During his time with the padjal, he learned how to properly manage and control the aether in his body. He is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to healing. He learned self-defense techniques while among the padjal that later served him when he moved on to pick up lancer/dragoon as a job.

Hobbies: He enjoys collecting and brewing different teas. He also really likes going on walks, especially when he is in a new place or just needs some time to think. Khed'a has a journal where he takes notes on the local flowers, plants, and insects of an area (and will sometimes press flora in it). He also likes to keep plants, though as a traveler he's found that difficult to maintain. He has a plant in a small pot that he's kept alive by propagating every so often. Khed'a also enjoys birdwatching.

—T R A I T S

Most Positive Trait: His resilience and commitment to making the best of things in any given situation. He doesn't get discouraged despite it all.

Most Negative Trait: He's sometimes too willing to help others, to the point of stretching himself thin. He has issues with being objectified/being treated as a tool for others. He still falls into that role and struggles to properly adovcate for himself since it's a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior he's unlearning.

—L I K E S

Colors: Deep green, earthy browns, red, deep blue, smoky gray.

Smells: Freshly fallen snow, bergamot, chamomile, freshly washed sheets, a warm fire, flowers in bloom.

Textures: soft fabrics like silk and satin, freshly polished wood, the steadiness of a lance, leather, smooth pieces of metal (like jewelry or trinkets).

Drinks: He likes tea most, especially bergamot. He will also drink juices and lemonade. He enjoys hot chocolate as well.

—O T H E R    D E T A I L S

Smokes: Nope.

Drinks: He doesn't drink alcohol but he will enjoy tea :3

Drugs: Nope.

Mount Issuance: Black Chocobo gifted from his friend Haurchefant. He will also use the unicorn he befriended as a conjurer, or the witch's broom mount.

Been Arrested: Yes (Post ARR :) Aside from that he hasn't run into too much more on that front.

I tag @freckledfemme @redgemwink @eirikaily @lululeighsworld @cogentsummoner @gnusnoteunuchs & anyone else who wants to talk about their wol/oc in general :3c

[jefarawol]

“Is the party too much for you?” Jefara jumped. She had not noticed anyone following her and was even more startled to see the Lord Speaker coming up the stairs behind her. “Aymeric?!” She gasped, “I- “ “These things can be a bit much.” He smiled warmly at her, giving her a moment to recover  “I loathe them sometimes myself.” “I didn't want to ruin the mood.” Her hand trailed over the edge of the piano, down towards the keys as she turned and stepped towards him. “I understand.” He settled himself on the sofa, sighing as he dropped onto the soft cushion. “The thought of a wedding fosters some bitter feelings in me.” She gripped her arms tightly, shrinking in on herself. Her voice when she spoke was so quiet Aymeric almost didn't hear it. “Is that-” she paused, “because of me?” He looked at her, her eyes sad. “Yes.” he replied honestly, “...and also no.”  She looked at him confused. “The thought of marriage has always been a strange one to me. Ever since I learnt of my true parents.” She looked like she wished to say something, but the words wouldn't form. “You are curious about my mother?” “I know only too well of your Father, but no one has ever mentioned your mother. It never felt right to ask.” She lowered herself to the sofa beside him, sitting as close as she deemed socially acceptable should anyone find them. “Would you like to talk about her? If it would make you feel better?”

She added the last part cautiously, she didn’t want Aymeric to feel pressure of speaking of something he was not ready to do so. He had been good enough to offer the same respect to her after all. “Perhaps.” He relaxed a little as she sat down. “But I would have to start at the beginning, if you wished to hear it.”  She nodded gently. “The people who raised me were actually my mothers brother and wife.” He clasped his hands together leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “My mother back then was a devoted servant of the church. She dedicated her life to service and to charity work. She was well loved and had many asking for her hand. She turned them all down saying she would only marry if she found a love greater than her love for Halone.” “Sounds like you take after her.” She smiled gently at him. “I’ve been told I very much look and act like her.” He returned with his own slight smile. “What happened to her?” “She found it,” he said, a hint of sadness falling into his tone, “Or thought she had. She got engaged and was ready to leave service to become a wife and start her own family.”

He sighed deeply. “Seems my Father didn't like that. He forced himself on her and ruined her once she discovered she was pregnant with me. She was abandoned by her fiancé and cast aside by those who called her friends.”  “That's awful.” Jefara raised her hand to her mouth in shock. “That's the society I was brought up in.” He grimaced back. “The one I've been working so hard to change. When I was born she gave me to my aunt and uncle to raise and fled the city, never to be heard of again.” “Is there no chance that she-?” She trailed off. “Might be alive?” Aymeric raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “It's been 34 years. Not a single trace of her has been seen. My uncle searched before he died. Nothing.” “I’m sorry, Aymeric.” “Don’t be. I accepted long ago that she had likely passed on.” Silence fell on them, Jefara longed to reach her hand out to comfort him. She didn't know what she could say that could make him feel better.

“The Highborns wasted no time in reminding me what I was. A bast- illegitimate child with no prospects. Until I became Lord Commander I had no worth, no interest, and now they flock to my titles and my deeds.” She had seen first hand the way the ladies had surrounded him hoping for him to pay them a lick of attention. She felt the ache in her chest rising again. “I don’t want that. Not when my heart yearns so desperately for the one person I can't have.” His hand came to rest between them, his meaning needed no explanation. “I will fight Jara, to change the law.” he looked at her determined. “I will do everything in my power to call you my wife. I will not settle for anyone less.” “Even though I will be called away to fight here and there and everywhere?” “I will wait everyday for you to come home. No matter how far you go.” She slowly slid her hand to meet his, their fingertips touching so delicately at first.

“Since the day I met you, I’ve felt a longing I never understood. Only when I was with you did I feel any ease to the heaviness I felt when we were apart.” She laced her fingers further into his. “That feeling has never left, and now that Estinien has gone I feel it stronger every day.” “What do you feel?” He moved towards her slowly. “Something I never thought I would have, the one thing I always yearned for...” She felt herself move towards him. “...A mate.” She felt Aymeric hand release her and circle her waist pulling them ever closer together. “You are my one.” Her fingers traced his jaw as he came to rest his forehead against hers. “You always have been. Even If you turned me away now and never wanted to see me again, I will love you till my dying breath and even then I would not stop.”

“I won’t ever make that mistake again.” He held onto her as he moved his mouth to meet hers, she responded instantly melting into him as he kissed her fiercely. She could feel tears threaten at her eyes as he pulled her in tighter.

“Jara…” he moaned between kisses. “I’m yours,” she keened softly back. “All yours…”

[katalinhunter]

Grave

"So..."

"Looking like you're doing well here. Made a bit of gil fleecing off the reconstruction?"

"You would be surprised how much of it is actually legal and known about. Of course that was after we managed to work our way into the system. Things just get easier once you have a bit of money to work with."

"Imagine that puts new eyes on you though."

"It does but that's where some of the others come in. I manage down here, keep the unseemly going while they take care of the nobler side of business."

"Hells, looks great. Was, what, two years ago you just had a street gang with a couple of thugs?"

"It was more than that but not too much more. Honestly, Aymeric's Restoration has been good for all kinds of people. I just help things go smoothly for everyone and take a bit of a cut in the meanwhile."

"Mmhmm. And that letter, why you reached out. Figuring that's tied into the business here and 'helping things'?"

"No? Marin's uncle shouldn't affect us one way or the other and he wasn't part of any of our operations, just some dignitary or something. I wouldn't even be worried about it except it's got our coin-counter in a fit; apparently they were close."

"You know he probably just found himself an early grave, right? Was found in the wrong bedroom or stumbled off the ramparts one night and they'll find him whenever things decide to properly thaw."

"Pffft, probably. Even so, if we can find that grave it'd give my man closure. I know you're not properly an investigator but you get things done and won't care about awkward legalities."

"Let's talk and figure a price. He didn't happen to be an envoy of some type, did he?"

[humblemooncat]

🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

Oh man, that's a lot of pens you dropped there. xD

Hmmmmm, let's go with some sweet, domestic Ki'to headcanons. I got one I wanna share. :3c

After returning and recovering from their journey to the edge of the universe, I mentioned that the boys adopted a sweet little Moon Keeper girl, Mocchi. However, I forgot to mention her older brother.

His name is Elliott, and he's a half-elezen/half-auri boy left alone after the Dragonsong War. Born to those accused of heresy, but really just an Ishgardian woman and an auri man who were in love in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I had originally planned for him to be the only adopted child, but it was so far back in my discord channel that I forgot until I went back recently!

Originally, Ki'to and Aymeric would have adopted him post-HW, where he would have stayed in Borel Manor from then on. He was also one of the reasons why Ki'to's Return is eternally in Ishgard.

Elliott tends to call Sidurgu "Uncle Sid" (Much to his dismay), and gets along well with Rielle, so when he's not at the manor or with one of his fathers, he's hanging out with them.

I'll have to make him his own post at some point like I did with Mocchi. <3

[eidechsejaspis]

Junelezen Day 17. Smile by Uncle Kracker. It is impossiple task to talk Aymeric to put on a hat. So Eide has to warm his ears sometimes. But maybe her husband's doing this on purpose?

You're better than the best I'm lucky just to linger in your light Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right Completely unaware Nothing can compare to where you send me Lets me know that it's okay, yeah, it's okay And the moments when my good times start to fade You make me smile like the sun Fall out of bed, sing like a bird Dizzy in my head, spin like a record Crazy on a Sunday night You make me dance like a fool Forget how to breathe Shine like gold, buzz like a bee Just the thought of you can drive me wild Oh, you make me smile Even when you're gone Somehow you come along Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack And just like that You steal away the rain And just like that You make me smile like the sun Fall out of bed, sing like a bird Dizzy in my head, spin like a record Crazy on a Sunday night You make me dance like a fool Forget how to breathe Shine like gold, buzz like a bee Just the thought of you can drive me wild Oh, you make me smile Don't know how I lived without you 'Cause every time that I get around you I see the best of me inside your eyes You make me smile You make me dance like a fool Forget how to breathe Shine like gold, buzz like a bee Just the thought of you can drive me wild You make me smile like the sun Fall out of bed, sing like a bird Dizzy in my head, spin like a record Crazy on a Sunday night You make me dance like a fool Forget how to breathe Shine like gold, buzz like a bee Just the thought of you can drive me wild Oh, you make me smile (Oh, you make me smile) Oh, you make me smile (Oh, you make me smile) Oh, you make me smile

[motheatenscarf]

Man, Urianger continues to win the trophy for "Most Improved" of the main trio of Scions.

I like Thancred and Y'shtola, but idk, man, Urianger is the one between the three of them that actually makes me distraught over "Oh no, I love this character!" the way that like, the twins or Aymeric or Emet Selch do

Idk if it's just a.) a combination of endearing character traits (autistic nerd + good with kids), b.) he reminds me of my GOOlock D&D character that I played for 3 years straight, or c.) his voice actor, who's so good he will make you care about Uncle fucking Gamlen in DA2, but I really do love Urianger 🥺

He got some nice moments FINALLY addressing some of his grief and regrets and the existential horror of the "brutal algebra" of trying to decide how we can save as many people as we can from the absolute devastation of an entire world.

They're having him address "Oh, hey, we've known each other for years and been through Some Shit together, but I've never actually... opened up, have I?" which is nice, and also BIG MOOD that all it took was the world literally ending to get Urianger to open up.

Urianger's a great character with that very gentle, non-toxic stoicism (Estinien take notes), but yeah, I would not say he and Talia were especially close prior to this.

There's a good Trek quote where like, the best way to say "I love you" to the people in your life is not those words verbatim, but just saying "Let me help," and that's an adage I abide by. My favorite characters are the ones I just want to help, and there is a lovely synchronicity between player and character when it actually lets me.

To date, one of my favorite quests was going on a shopping errand for Lyse back when she was still Yda, right after Moenbryda died. It was something that was emotionally hard for her and she was asking for help, because Rowena always criticized her mask and tried to sell her a new one when she went, and she couldn't deal with that in her grief. It was a quiet, simple thing you could do to ease some of her burden and she opened up about it. And it became all the more tragically poignant when you later learned that her mask came from her dead sister, and that Moenbryda was a surrogate to that dead sister.

I'm glad Urianger, who was in theory Moenbryda's BEST FRIEND from childhood, possibly lover, is now finally, FOUR. EXPANSIONS. LATER. getting to open up about this shit.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Godfather

Before their Little Ladies' Day date, Estinien goes to Esme's godfather---a certain Lord Commander---and asks him to babysit. SFW.

Aymeric de Borel sat at his desk with his mouth hanging open. “I-I beg your pardon?”

His oldest, dearest, and sometimes most annoying friend told him, under no uncertain terms, that Aymeric was to babysit his goddaughter (whom I positively adore) for a night during the Little Ladies’ Day festivities with Agnes (my very dear and not at all annoying friend) because…

“Normally we’d ask Luci, but it’s Little Ladies’ Day. What way to better way to honor that particular little lady by babysitting for her?” Estinien winked, clearly very pleased with himself. Halone preserve me. “And of course Agi, for giving her some alone time with yours truly.” Far, far too pleased with himself.

Groaning, Aymeric called for his secretary (imposed on me by Lucia and Artoirel---I can manage my own schedule, thank you very much) to ensure he did not already have plans. Though in all honesty, I’d rather be with Esme than at a ball or fancy dinner. She’s marvelous company and only wishes to be snuggled.

Like both her parents.

“My lord, the night in question is free. Shall I write it in that you’re unavailable?” The young hyur woman asked politely.

“Exceeding unavailable. Make that clear if anyone is particularly insistent about an invitation.” Aymeric thanked her (Estelle Greenbank---her husband, a knight of House Fortemps, died during the war and Artoirel himself passed along her information after he and Lucia’s “intervention”) and stood once the door was closed. “You’re very lucky that nothing was already scheduled, Estinien.”

“Hmph, your duty to Esme as her godfather is just as important as your duty to the bloody nation.” That’s one way of looking at things. Estinien crossed his arms over his chest. “And you’re still a fucking person damnit. You still get to have your life, whether they think it or not.”

Oh dear, this again. Aymeric shook his head and laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m as much at fault as the House of Lords and Temple Knights. And you shouldn’t be worrying about me, not when your wife—”

They were interrupted by the lady in question, smiling warmly as she closed the office door. “Sorry! The boys are constantly on my bladder these days. Did you ask Aymeric about our date night, love?”

Aymeric grinned. “My dear, of course he did! How could I say no to an evening with Miss Esme Varlineau?” He watched as Estinien held one of Agnes’s hands in his own while his other arm snaked around her thick waist. “Tis about the time when she’ll just want to be in bed and cuddle constantly. One last big date night before the boys arrive.” That’s what Estinien told me. How I can say no that? I love them as a couple as I do them as individuals.

“Thank you so much, Aymeric! I’ll bake some brownies for you—” She grimaced and closed her eyes. Oh no. It can’t be time. She’s not due for another moon!!! How does one deliver a baby? “Forgive me, I…can we go home, love? I think I want to lie down for a while.” Opening her eyes, she smiled weakly at Aymeric. “I’m sorry…”

Aymeric shook his head. “Dearest lady, you needn’t ever apologize to me about anything. The date is reserved for Miss Esme, and I’m looking forward to it greatly. Now, go rest.” He glanced at Estinien. “And you, ser---see that she rests.”

“Aymeric, I do rest—”

“Woman, that means lying down for as long as you need and not traipsing around Radz-at-Han to help every person you see after a short nap.” He’s not wrong, Agi. Her husband mumbled with an eyeroll. “Thanks again, Aymeric.”

With goodbyes uttered, Aymeric ushered the couple out of his office and watched them teleport back to Thavnair, his sapphire eyes filled with sadness.

How I wish you settled here instead. But alas, Ishgard cannot compete with Thavnair in terms of climate or how much further along they are in certain ways. Estinien himself said the biggest reason he and Agnes decided against Ishgard is because of fear over how their children would be treated. They’ve not forgotten about Hilda nor about other hyur-elezen children who are treated with disdain. In Thavnair, that’s not a problem.

It simply means I must work harder to make it a place they’d be proud of.

Until then, I shall continue to live and serve.

And be Miss Esme’s most beloved babysitter---a role I cherish with all my heart.

[ladyofvoss]

Here be blurb

~~~~

Deep breath. She had practiced this dozens of times. With her sisters. With the twins. With Raubahn. Edmont had volunteered to lend an ear, on one of her many visits to Ishgard, as did Aymeric.

Now she was here. She had made her choice now. Perhaps, when she really thought about it, she had made her choice after the Ultima Weapon. Perhaps even before then.

Deep breath. It was only a few words.

“I, Thalia Eleni Voss" she began, voice clear and steady, "of House Voss, do hereby renounce my title as a Lady of Ul’dah, and relinquish all privileges, protections, and authority afforded to me"

She wasn't sure what to expect, but the silence that followed was near deafening. Though the way Loloritio's grey eyebrows disappeared into the hem of his cap was almost comical.

She didn't miss the way her mother flinched, breaking her perfect mask, when she mentioned relinquishing her protections.

Well, there was no going back now.

"From this day forth I will no longer be able to utilize the authority of my family name. I consent that any consequences, trials, and challenges are mine alone to bear"

"Is my request thus approved, Your Grace?"

Nanamo's expression was unreadable as all eyes turned to her. Had it not been for the near imperceptible tightening of her fingers in her lap, Thalia would have thought her impassive.

But she knew differently, for they (with Thalia's mother and uncle present) had spoken at length about her decision several nights prior, and Thalia had witnessed the full range of the Sultana's distress. It had taken bells to convince Nanamo that this was a something she was certain of.

(It had taken even longer to convince her mother)

".........It is. Go forth with my full blessing, Thalia Voss"

[chysgoda]

(@driftward) Ship meme, for Art’imis...

Aymeric. I am curious about how that dynamic would shake out.

Or Yugiri. What's that shape in the mirror.

Aymeric

Bel laid on her stomach reading the book uncle Artoriel had given her. Her mother sat on the bed next to her and stared at the wardrobe. Bel craned her head back to see how her mother’s lips pulled into a thin line and her eyebrows scrunched into the patch of ivory scales at the center of her forehead. Bel twitched her purple tail to the side to lay it alongside her mother’s sender ivory one. The young miqo’te girl placed the ribbon bookmark and closed her book. “He’s not like Ilberd.”

Art’imis expelled a breath somewhere between a huff and a laugh. “No, he’s not.”

Bel scowled when she noticed that her mom was picking at the scales on the back of her hands. She wriggled to get her knees under her and knelt up. She grasped one of her mom’s hands and pulled it towards her so that Art’imis couldn’t keep picking at herself. The paladin stared down at the hand Bel had claimed for a moment and then blew out a breath. She kissed the crown of Bel’s head and then rubbed the side of her horn against her daughter’s cheek.

They let the silence settle, soft and still between them. Eventually Art’imis sighed, “Well I know that you like him.”

“Mom!” Bel drew out the vowel into a whine, “I was ten!”

“Sorry darling,” Art’imis laughed and threw her arm around Bel’s shoulders, “seriously though, What do you think?”

Bel fussed with the end of her tail until her mother laid a hand over hers. “I think he’s kind. He never chuckles with the other nobles to keep face when someone makes a joke”- Bel raised her hands to make air quotes so aggressive she almost threw Art’imis’s arm off her shoulders - “about your scales or my ears. I know he can’t go with you when you have to be the Warrior Of Light, but he’d understand it and what it does to you.”

Art’imis hummed in thought and rested her chin on Bel’s head until the thirteen year old wriggled to get her to move. “Help me pick something out to wear?”

“Only if you never bring up that crush again.”

“Hmmmmmm, no promises.”

“Mom!!”

(The only person that doesn’t drag Bel about her school girl crush on Aymeric is Aymeric.)

Aymeric probably would have been who I shipped Art with ultimately except for one problem, I find Aymeric really really hard to write. Like to a stupid extent and I’m not sure why. On a character level though I think he would be patient and compassionate enough to wait for and help Art deal with her trauma (and Bel’s trauma) regarding the relationship with Ilberd. (Because I was evidently the only person who did NOT see that coming and I have inflicted that on Art’imis) Art was seriously messed up after the bloody banquet and it took her until 5.1 to get her feet back under her so she could trust a relationship again. With Aymeric I’d have to poke at it to get a feel for if that process would have sped up with him in a more romantically inclined role than a platonic one. As a couple I can see them working fairly well together. I can also see Edmont playing matchmaker just a bit because then he knows at least two of his kids are in a stable relationship. Also Aymeric as Bel’s adopted dad would be hilarious and adorable.

And now have some AU photos where Art’imis de Borel takes her husband to see the home of the twelve. (She’s pretty sure that there won’t be any trials while they’re there. Mostly sure. Well reasonably sure… okay she told him to bring the damn bow for a reason)

And here in particular she points out how you can see the tower that SOMEONE used to drag the scions to the first.

[vasheden]

~Playing with my characters like dolls, part 2~

This is Kaia’s adoptive brother, Kaishan, and his partners Nym and S’yrah. They’ve got a lovely little house in the Shroud that Kaia helped get for them, and three kids between them all. Kaishan is a carpenter, Nym is a botanist, and S’yrah is an alchemist. Their house isn’t home for Kaia, but it’s the closest thing she has prior to settling down post-EW. She kept them secret from everyone except Aymeric up until the world was ending in Endwalker, to try to keep them safe, but lobbied the Forum for a spot on the ark ship for them and the kids. Now that everyone knows about everyone else, the Scions are fantastic aunts and uncles.

Mod here, modified to make the hands fit and change some positioning and expressions.

[efrmellifer]

XXVII. Imbroglio (Sole)

heheh sole is a kind of fish. you know how siblings like to embarrass you?

There was a very comfortable quiet in the cavern. Quiet, save for water dripping, and the metallic clink of a pickaxe and a scythe from time to time.

“All right, the next one is…” Erenville looked up at the sound of footsteps. “Oh, M’ynstrel.”

“Not ready to fish yet, Etien?”

“I’m almost done,” she assured him, rising from where she was crouched. “What’s next, Erenville?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied, rolling up the order. “I’ll call Potentilla, and she’ll finish this up.”

“Oh. If you’re sure. I don’t want to just shirk my duty as your assistant.”

He laughed. “I won't keep you from making up the lost time with your brother. And it’s not like I’m averse to spending time with Potentilla—as much as I enjoy your company.”

M’ynstrel watched this interaction with knit brows. “Did I interrupt something?”

“No!” Etien tamed her outburst with a gathering of her tail into her hands, laid along the handle of her scythe. “No, let’s go fishing.”

Once they’d settled at the edge of the water, lines cast, M’ynstrel looked over at Etien. “So what was all that?”

“What was what?”

“Erenville tripping over trying not to insult you like that, you holding your tail still. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I…” she blushed again, ears going flat, “I think he’s quite attractive. But I’m not interested in acting on that,” she babbled. “Just an observation. And Potentilla is lovely and I’m married and—”

“You’re married?”

Something pulled on Etien’s line, and she exhaled hard, pulling the rod back and stepping back into the proper stance to start bringing in the line. “Yeah,” she near-grunted the word, with the effort put into reeling in the fish. “I’ve been married since the end of the Dragonsong War. Aymeric and I got—” She peered at the fish wriggling on her hook. “Oh, yes, tilapia.”

“Is it good?” M’ynstrel asked.

“Mm. Like sole, but softer.” She put the fish aside in their shared bucket to be processed later. “But yes. We, Aymeric and I, married—oh. We’ve been married for six years. Our anniversary is in a fortnight.” She smiled at the thought.

“Aw. So the papers were telling the truth?”

“The papers?”

M’ynstrel laughed at how wide her eyes were. “Oh yes, the papers. It was everywhere a few years go. ‘Warrior of Light seen nestled into the side of Ishgard’s Lord Commander. Did love bloom where flowers don’t?’ During that kerfuffle at Carteneau, people were chattering about seeing you leave with him and some lancer.”

“Dear gods,” Etien mumbled, side-stepping any explanation that that ‘some lancer’ was also essentially her (and Aymeric’s) husband. “They were speculating on us newly being in love? M’ynstrel, we had children already by then.”

“I’m an uncle?” he asked, ears and tail perking with excitement.

“Gods. Fuck. Mm-hmm. You have a niece, Betula, and a nephew, Landric. They’re twins.”

“Sweet. What are they like?”

“No no no, first you have to tell me how you went from zipping over to Limsa Lominsa like M’ertle told me to being a swiving Gleaner.”

“From M’ertle?” M’ynstrel cocked a hip, looking at her in mocking disbelief. “All right, all right, I’ll tell you. But then I want to hear about these niblings of mine.”

She groaned. “Fiiiiine. But you’re cooking the tilapia then.”