#warrior of light x alisaie x alphinaud

[zylphiacrowley]

Making Camp

<previous - next>

[amoebaforce]

How would you think the scions react to learning that after the final fight against Zenos in EW, the WoL had brought him back aswell for them to keep him alive, then when they also find out the reasoning behind it being that the WoL and Zenos are dating?

anon, this was a juicy one! i was immediately intrigued, then i thought... "what if they all found out at the SAME TIME?"

so that's what i wrote! enjoy! :D

characters featured: Thancred Waters, Urianger Augerelt, Y'shtola Rhul, Estinien Wyrmblood, G'raha Tia, Alphinaud & Alisaie Leveilleur, Zenos yae Galvus tags: angst, secret relationship, mention of violence/grievous injury, Endwalker spoilers!!!, gn!WoL word count: 1408

They’d really done it. Their unhinged plan — flying to the edge of the universe, bringing hope to the wellspring of despair — actually worked. When the starship landed, the sky was blue again, the sun shining bright and hot over the white-washed walls of Sharlayan. The Scions were heroes. And as such, they should have been celebrating their triumph. Or sleeping for a week. But, of course, they were doing neither.

Instead, they were crammed seven-deep into an infirmary waiting room, staring at walls and fidgeting as they waited for the Warrior of Light to emerge from one of the sick rooms. A fairly regular occurrence for them, with one exception. It was not the Warrior convalescing; it was the disgraced prince of Garlemald himself, Zenos viator Galvus. The fact that he swallowed the Mothercrystal’s power and hunted the Warrior to the edge of the universe was dramatic enough as it was, but the fact that the Warrior brought him back afterward? 

Bizarre. That was the unspoken consensus between the Scions. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, unwilling to assume but burning with curiosity all the same. As they pondered a day full of incomprehensible occurrences, the door to Room Two slid open, and the Warrior of Light emerged into the waiting room. Their comrade’s face was grimmer than befits a shard of Azem. The silence was a shell no one wished to break.

Finally, someone exhaled.

“Does he live?” Y’shtola asked, tone held taut. The Warrior merely nodded their head. “How severe are the injuries?”

“Fractured jaw,” the Warrior recited, eyes a little glazed. “One wrist and one leg are broken, and a few ribs, too. Internal bleeding. Bruises and cuts everywhere.”

“What happened out there?” Alphinaud exclaimed. He rose to his feet, and his sister followed, though her eyes were still cast to the floor. “I mean, we almost lost you, and then he teleported aboard, too, and–” 

“Zenos helped me,” the Warrior said suddenly. “We stopped the Song. Then we fought, and I… I couldn’t leave him there.”

Thancred and Urianger exchanged a look. The Warrior took another step into the room, not quite sure who to look at. A thousand emotions swirled through the Scions’ faces. 

“Listen,” Thancred said, “I trust your judgment. If you saw fit to bring him back, I can’t argue.”

“Neither can I,” G’raha interjected. He fidgeted slightly in his seat. “Though I admit I’m a little confused as to why.”

Alisaie crossed her arms. “Me, too,” she muttered. “He’s a real piece of work.”

“People can change,” the Warrior argued, tone verging on defensive. “Look at Yotsuyu. Look at Fordola.”

The Elezen girl twisted her lips, though she couldn’t argue the point. Her brother took a go at it, instead.

“But you just said he went up there to fight you again,” Alphinaud countered. “Clearly he has not grown out of his fascination with harming you.”

“He doesn’t want to harm me,” the Warrior said. “It… It wasn’t like that. He challenges me because I’m his only equal. The only person who could ever hope to be a match to him.”

“What are you saying, exactly?” G’raha asked, ears twitching. 

The Warrior hesitated. Cast their eyes around the room. A sea of faces stared back, all in various stages of bafflement. All faces the Warrior had come to know, love, and respect. They hung their head.

“I’m sorry,” they told the Scions. “I’ve been keeping a secret.” 

In an instant, the room went airless. 

“I beg your pardon?” Y’shtola demanded.

“What does that mean?” Alisaie shouted.

“Now, now,” Urianger said, stepping closer. “None of us have ever presumed to be privy to every facet of our comrade’s personal life. I am sure all of us have some intimate business we’d prefer not to air among ourselves. I cannot fault the Warrior for keeping their conversations with us work-related.”

“This is work-related,” Y’shtola shot back. “Zenos has been a thorn in our side for ages!”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” the Warrior said again. “But after that day in Garlemald, after Alisaie told him off, things changed. We talked. Came to understand each other.”

Thancred frowned. “Well, I guess if anyone could understand a guy like that, it might as well be you…” He trailed off, rubbing his chin.

“So you’ve been meeting with him in secret?” Alphinaud asked. The Warrior nodded.

“And what do you do on these rendezvous with the enemy?” Y’shtola pressed, even as Urianger lifted a brow at her tone.

The Warrior sighed. Memories flooded their mind. Soft nights in Ilsabard, splitting a loaf of rationed bread around the coals of a dying fire. Whispering into the crook of his neck as the sky turned pale.

“We just talked. Not about ‘work’ or anything like that — about life, and the past, and the future. He’s lonely. He wants to move on.”

“Tell that to the people left behind in the snow,” Alisaie snapped, and the Warrior winced, because she was right. 

His freedom wasn’t fair. For acts like his, there had to be consequences. They’d told Zenos as much the first time he showed up at their door. But he showed up again, and again, and the Warrior realized he had nowhere to go. No one to cling to. 

“He’ll atone,” the Warrior said, holding their chin high. “Just like the other architects of the war. I’ll make sure he does.”

“You speak as if you are his shepherd,” Y’shtola said.

When the Warrior did not deny it, the Scions went a little stiller. Another pause.

“Do you… care for him?” G’raha ventured. 

The Warrior’s composed facade cracked. 

“I do,” they confessed. Tears sprung to their eyes. “And I know Zenos has done a lot of bad, but so have I. I put down hordes of the tempered before there was treatment. They were innocent people. Victims. I held the dying in my arms as they told me their lives were less worthy than mine, like it was just that they died and I did not. And all of us who freed Doma and Ala Migho have Garlean blood on our hands. 

“Yes, our righteous cause prevailed, and we saved the star, but I find no peace in that knowledge. I find it only with him. Zenos was groomed for the purpose of destruction, just like I was. We merely served different masters. And now, we both find ourselves at the end of our tasks, with no instructions for our next move. Equally lost. Yes, he is impulsive, and aggressive, and arrogant, but the world isn’t ending anymore — there’s a tomorrow again. One where a man like him might grow and evolve. I have to give him the chance to see it.”

A stunned silence settled over the Scions. Alisaie’s brow knitted with astonishment; Y’shtola’s mouth fell into an ‘O’. The Warrior gritted their teeth, waiting for a wave of scolding, but it never came. Everyone’s faces softened, eyes glazed as if ruminating — everyone but Estinien. He hadn’t said a word in hours, but now the dragoon let out a low chuckle. A smirk graced his lips.

“Didn’t realize you had a thing for blondes,” Estinien said.

Thancred snorted, and with a series of eye rolls and giggles, the tension between the Scions loosened into something breathable. Somewhere deep in the Warrior’s chest, a knot came untied.

“Me, neither,” they replied, allowing themselves a half-smile.

Urianger stepped forward to lay a hand on their shoulder. “Tis plain to me that you have made up your mind,” he said gently. “And just as plain that you hold the prince dear to your heart.”

“Aye,” Y’shtola murmured. “I do not pretend to understand you, my friend, but… I can’t tell you who to love.”

The Warrior wiped their eyes with their sleeve, uttering a teary laugh. G’raha offered a handkerchief, then pulled them into an embrace.

“Whatever makes you happy,” he said, so honest that it made the Warrior cry harder.

Alphinaud smiled to himself, already making a mental checklist of all the ways he could coordinate the prince’s reparation efforts with the Ilsabard Contingent’s. If utilized correctly and led by the Warrior, he thought, Zenos might well be a boon to the reconstruction. In fairness, he didn’t have very many fans left in the area… but that was a bridge to cross later. Right now, all the Warrior should worry about was recovery. Theirs, and their love’s, too.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

FFXIV Write Day 1: Steer

It's that time of year again! :D Estinien watches Agi steer the ship that is taking them to Tural. SFW.

“You sure you can steer this thing?” Estinien whispered into Agnes’s ear. Esme was chasing the twins on deck, while Krile, Erenville, and Wuk Lamat were fawning over Hamignant.

Lad loves the attention.

His wife snorted. “Estinien, really! I grew up by the sea---of course I know how to steer!” She turned her head to place a gentle kiss on Marcelin’s head (this one’s napping and wrapped against me) and then focused ahead. “Docking is another story though.”

The captain of the ship shook his head and groaned. “Alright, Mistress Varlineau. You’ve had your fun.”

Estinien watched his wife giggle adorably as she relinquished control of the ship and thanked him profusely for indulging her.

Agi, you charm everyone you meet. Thought you knew that by now.

Then again…

“Oh, that was amazing!” She grinned, kissing first the sleeping infant’s head again and then ME!!! “Did I do a good job, love?”

Should I tease or—

Definitely tease.

As he gently rocked Marcelin, he answered with a wink. “We’ve not crashed upon the rocks, so aye, you did.”

There she is pretending to be mad, but I see that blush madam.

They were interrupted by a squealing Esme running into her mother’s leg, Alisaie and Alphinaud close behind.

Alisaie rolled her eyes. “Estinien, Agi would never lead us astray in any capacity!”

“Quite right!” Agnes laughed, lifting Esme and peppering her cute little face with kisses. “Mummy’s good enough to not sink the boat. Isn’t that wonderful, my little love?”

If only you weren’t dead to the world, Marc.

You’d see your mother as confident and happy as I’ve ever seen her.

Flowers in her hair. A smile on her face. A new adventure on the horizon with friends old and new.

I wonder what awaits us in Tural, my son…

[melodymeddler]

[valorkantora]

Y'shtola goes looking for Valor and the twins, only to find them napping mid morning. She can't stop the smile forming on her face as she takes a moment to watch them. Her heart swells at the love she has for these three. On impulse she decides to join them. It is a beautiful morning after all.

[kagy04]

Estinien x Reader - Hickey

Reader, aka you, are the younger sibling of the oh so great Warrior of Light. Who's also overprotective of you! You're kinda slow and oblivious in this one, sorry.

Not requested

Fluff, slight suggestive, I guess cause of the hickey

Words: 1417

Shadowbringers spoilers, I guess cause of the characters present. But it doesn't really take place at a specific time in the story. Idk.

○°○°○°○

The warm morning light filtered through the windows, while the Scions seated around the central table in the Rising Stones. It was a rare moment of relative peace, a time to discuss strategy without the immediate pressure of an existential threat looming over their heads.

Thancred leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes sweeping over the assembled company. Y'shtola was engrossed in a tome, Urianger was poring over ancient scrolls, and Alphinaud and Alisaie were in a heated discussion about the finer points of their latest mission. G'raha Tia, ever enthusiastic, was gesturing animatedly while recounting a recent adventure to Tataru, who listened with a warm smile.

The door to the meeting room creaked open, and you, the younger sibling of the Warrior of Light, stepped in with a bright, cheerful expression. "Good morning, everyone!" You greeted, plopping down in an empty chair.

"Good morning, Y/N," Alphinaud responded with a smile, though his expression shifted to one of mild concern as he noticed a dark mark on your neck. "Y/N, what happened to your neck?"

You blinked in surprise and raised a hand to your neck, fingers brushing over the small, round bruise. "Oh, this?" You said nonchalantly. "I think it's from a mosquito. Nasty little buggers, aren't they?"

Thancred's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a suspicious glint flickering in his gaze. "A mosquito, you say?" he murmured, nudging Urianger with his elbow.

Urianger looked up, his gaze following Thancred’s. His eyes widened momentarily before he quickly composed himself.

Y’shtola glanced up from her book, her sharp eyes narrowing as she observed you. She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “It appears you’ve been keeping busy, Y/N,” she said, her tone teasing, earning a confused look from you.

G’raha Tia, less adept at masking his reactions, blushed furiously, his ears twitching in embarrassment. “Y/N, do you…um…realise-"

Before G'raha could finish his sentence on the so-called mosquito bite, the door swung open again, and Estinien entered the room. The former Azure Dragoon, usually so composed and stoic, momentarily froze as he saw the gathered Scions. His eyes met yours, and for a fleeting second, something unspoken passed between you.

"And in comes the mosquito." Thancred murmers with a smirk. Alisaie and Tataru stifled a giggle, Alphinaud's eyes widened in shock at the realisation.

The Warrior of Light, who had been sitting quietly and observing the exchange, suddenly stood up, eyes narrowing as they pieced together the puzzle. Their gaze shifted from your neck to Estinien and the way you were looking at each other, their protective instincts flaring up. "Estinien," they began, their voice low and dangerous, "a word, if you please."

Estinien raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the Warrior of Light’s tone, but he nodded and followed them to a more private corner of the room. The other Scions watched with interest, sensing the tension in the air.

“What’s going on?” you asked, looking around the room with confusion.

“Just a bit of sibling bonding, Y/N,” Thancred replied with a chuckle. “Nothing to worry about.”

"Is something the matter?" Estinien asked, his tone carefully neutral.

"You," the Warrior of Light said, stepping closer to Estinien, "gave my sibling a hickey." It was not a question but a statement of fact, delivered with the weight of an older sibling's protective fury.

Your eyes widened in confusion, looking between your sibling and Estinien. "Wait, what? Hickey? I told you, it's just a mosquito bite!"

“I did,” he admitted, meeting the Warrior of Light’s gaze unflinchingly.

Thancred couldn't hold back a chuckle any longer. "Ah, young love," he said with a knowing smile. "Estinien, you might want to tread carefully here. Our dear Warrior of Light is rather protective of their family."

The Warrior of Light’s hand clenched into a fist at their side. “You dare touch Y/N?” they hissed, their voice trembling with barely suppressed anger.

Estinien, who had faced down dragons and fought countless battles, now found himself at the mercy of a very different kind of adversary: the wrath of an overprotective sibling. He raised his hands in a placating gesture. "It was not my intention to cause any harm," he said carefully. "Y/N and I… well, we have grown close. Not to mention your sibling is capable of making their own decisions,” he said quietly. “And I care for them deeply. I would never do anything to harm them.”

The Warrior of Light’s anger faltered at Estinien’s words, their fist unclenching. They took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within them. “If you ever hurt them, I will make you regret it.” They warned, their voice still firm but less hostile.

Estinien nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Understood,” he said simply.

Your face lit up with realisation, finally understanding what everyone was talking about. "Oh! That kind of hickey! I… didn't even notice."

The room erupted in laughter, the tension dissipating in an instant. Y'shtola closed her book with a snap, a rare smile gracing her lips. "Well, it seems we have nothing to worry about, then. Shall we return to the matter at hand?"

As the meeting continued, the mood lightened considerably. Laughter filled the room, the earlier tension forgotten. You, on the other hand, were now a blushing mess, stealing glances at Estinien constantly throughout the meeting.

Estinien stood by the window, a rare smile on his lips as he watched you interact with the other Scions. He felt a sense of contentment, knowing that despite the initial shock and tension, their relationship was accepted by those who mattered most.

As the meeting came to an end, you made your way over to Estinien, a pout adoring your face. You glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot before lowering your voice. "You left a hickey where everyone could see it!"

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Estinien's lips. "My apologies, Y/N. I didn't realise it would be so noticeable."

Your face flushed a deep shade of red as you crossed your arms over your chest. "It's not funny, Estinien! Everyone noticed it, and I had no idea what they were talking about. I thought it was just a mosquito bite!"

Estinien's smirk softened into a more genuine, albeit slightly amused, smile. "I truly am sorry, Y/N. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

You huffed, your frustration melting away under Estinien's sincere gaze. "Just... next time, be more careful, okay? I don't want to have to explain this to everyone again."

Estinien nodded, his expression serious. "Of course. I'll be more mindful in the future. Though I don't think we'll have to explain ourselves again." A smirk found itself on his face again.

Your blush deepened, causing Estinien to chuckle softly, a rare sound that made your heart skip a beat. He reached out, gently taking your hand in his.

As they stood there, hand in hand, the Warrior of Light watched from a distance, a small smile playing on their lips. They could see the genuine affection in Estinien's eyes and felt reassured that their sibling was in good hands.

The moment was interrupted by Thancred's voice, laced with amusement. "Are you two done whispering sweet nothings to each other? We've got work to do, you know."

Your face turned an even deeper shade of red as you quickly let go of Estinien's hand. "Uh, yes, Thancred. We're coming."

Estinien gave Thancred a bemused look before turning back to you. "Shall we?"

You nodded, your embarrassment slowly fading as you walked back to rejoin the group. The Scions continued to tease you two good-naturedly, but the atmosphere remained light and jovial.

You approached your sibling, a sheepish smile on your face. "Sorry about that," you said. "I didn't mean to cause a scene."

The Warrior of Light ruffled your hair affectionately, earning a pout from you. "It's fine. Just remember, I'm always here for you. And if Estinien ever steps out of line…"

You laughed, hugging your sibling tightly. "I know, I know. Thanks."

Estinien watched the exchange from a distance, a soft smile playing on his lips. He knew that earning the Warrior of Light's full trust would take time, but he was willing to put in the effort. For you, he would face any challenge, even the formidable protectiveness of your sibling.

○°○°○°○

Thank you for reading.

Reacting in any way keeps me motivated.

Also don't be afraid to request something!

[idalenn]

The Endwalker Scion visit scene but instead of a Scion, Lillian gets Lolorito (Not a fic. Just copious amounts of outline notes that have a 99.9% chance of being written into The Fic because I like it so much)

Context:

In her lore the downtime between Mare and the beginning of the Final Days is quite a bit longer; long enough for everyone to set about rebuilding, reconstruction, or homecoming; forces pull back to their homes to lay down swords and find new purpose, Alisaie/Alphinaud mark out their road to assist Garlemald, etc.

During this in-between the Scion night visit happens in tandem with the dinner scene, and all the Scions are together but Lillian is absent, having locked herself in her Andron quarters for "X" amount of time and the Scions are torn on if they want her present in the first.

Per events in Garlemald, Alisaie, Alphinaud, and Y'shtola are rightly disgusted with her actions - and themselves, guilty over believing the Scions' part played in cultivating her behaviors; the necessity of the Warrior of Light in combatting primals, Ascians, and other world-threatening foes. Relentless in action, vengeful against oppressors: qualities left unchecked and deep down, appreciated, have now reaped senseless death and destruction in the empire eating itself alive from lack of purpose - and would be happier with Lillian not being there. The rest think it not right to have not at least extended an invitation, with Thancred and G'raha being more... (Understanding?) what with Thancred having experienced his own tumult of emotions where Ryne was concerned, and G'raha having literal centuries of amassed wisdom about trauma and other such psychology shapers. They eventually try to retrieve her, but she's already gone.

But Lolorito, the Monetarist, who repaid the loss of G'raha back during the events of the Crystal Tower to Sharlayan (by extension teaching Lillian some major lessons in politics and power) and now kicks his feet up there, ostensibly present to observe the new Sharlayan aetheryte tech and how it might impact his earnings from that sector (and definitely not going full "2012" because his informers caught wind of the Ragnarok thereby allowing an opportunity to weasel his way into buying a seat in exchange for secretly funding their project, which was looking mighty promising, what with the apocalypse literally moments from being brought about via Fandaniel) is in the perfect position to settle an old agreement made between the events of Heavensward and Stormblood. So, he gets to her first.

When the world was quiet for the first time in an age, he would ask Lillian again as he did back then if she wanted to join his business as envoy, bodyguard, and whatever else he needed in his plans to expand into Meracydia and Tural.

She doesn't accept, of course, but he wonders how long it'll be until she comes to terms with the fact that their world may have no great need of her again, and so must find a new purpose. Until then, he'll keep the position open.

[meowww-ffxiv]

It did upset Alphinaud and Alisaie somewhat to learn, but they'd mostly accepted (or rather could do nothing about) Mordred's smouldering hatred for imperial Garlemald. So much that it disinterested him from assisting the survivors of that empire.

But Mordred being who he was, there was no amount of personal grudge and disgust that could justify his spurning an entire people to struggle and starve. So he handed Alphinaud a thick book with detailed records from the botanists of Idyllshire about cold-resistant crops. And when he'd bullied Cid and Nero into revamping the leftover magitek in Doma into improved irrigation systems for Namai, Mordred shared the blueprints with Maxima and Lucia.

Not that the Garleans didn't know he hated them, despite the Eorzeans' best effort. His general demeanor whenever he was in their land was enough, and even Jullus mentioned it to him during the 6.x patches when they were back around that part.

And what Mordred told him was, "I could wash the snowfields with all of your blood and your children's blood for three generations, and it will still not be enough to pay back what you've taken from us."

You could hear a pin drop in that station.

But what Mordred said next was, "We are resolved to live on, bearing the scars of what your occupation and depravity have done to us. So, too, will you live with the burden of what your forefathers have done. As their beneficiaries and their progeny...but as your own people too, we hope. We will not forsake you. For all that had been done to me and mine at the hands of your conquest, you too are a part of this star. There is a duty to each other as neighbors, and I will honor it."

And then he fucked off into the blue yonder and hadn't been back since then.

People in Garlemald still...asked Alphinaud and Alisaie about Mordred Surana, sometimes. Just to be reassured that he meant what he said and maybe he wasn't that important, because to some of them what he said was more humiliating than if he'd just called them all trash and want them to die. If he did, they could wish the same on him and dust their hands of this whole thing, after all.

Instead, because Mordred had said what he did, his resolve was one more charity being lavished on Garlemald. Worse, he used the extremely loaded words in their military culture -- duty, and honor. And that stung, because in choosing to display his, he'd cast theirs down. Some scoffed at it. What was the honor of a savage worth, they said. But everyone else around them remembered that Mordred had been one of the healers in the Eorzean brigade, and he'd gone and fetched lost family relics for more than one person from the ruins of their capital because they asked.

Jullus, for his part... He honestly had no idea how to feel. Mordred had minimal interaction with him, since it was Theodore who went with the twins to negotiate back during Endwalker. He just thought this was a guy who had an obvious chip on his shoulder, not that he was the "real" Warrior of Light.

He asked Alphinaud and Alisaie if what Mordred said was true of the provinces, since he never went there himself. And they said... Well. Yes.

He might want to talk to Mordred again, but the guy hadn't been back for months now. And by this point the twins had left, too, and Garlemald was kind of on their own. Perhaps they might never meet again. Would that not be a relief? Why did it not feel like that?

[xenodile]

A while back, I decided to do a proper write up of my Stormblood Fix AU where I address my issues with the story while trying to stay as close as I can to canon.  I’ve been working on it bit by bit for several months and I’ve got it to a point where I’m for the most part happy with it.

My basic thought boils down to the entire 61-70 section needs to be just Doma, and then Ala Mihgo is addressed in an extended post-game.  Like it doesn’t fit nicely in the usual x.5 patch cycle or even the standard number of dungeons/trials but sacrifices must be made.

So first off, I’m begrudgingly leaving the 3.5 patch and Baelsar’s Wall unchanged because I haven’t planned far enough ahead to account for Papalymo being alive.  Overall, the set up is the same.  Ilberd unleashes Shinryu and frames the Eorzean Alliance for attacking Baelsar’s Wall, the Alliance moves into Gyr Abania.

The biggest tonal shift is the Scions’ motives.  Though the Empire is the enemy of all Eorzeans, the Scions aren't soldiers.  Their goal is Shinryu, and the danger a primal on the level of Bahamut presents to the realm.  However, Shinryu and Omega’s abrupt disappearance into Garlean-held Ala Mhigo after their clash will make any kind of investigation extremely dangerous.  

Lyse is in favor of taking the fight to the Empire and assisting the Resistance in freeing Ala Mhigo, and by extension making it easier to search for Shinryu.

Alphinaud has sympathy for the Resistance and the people of Ala Mhigo, but fresh out of Ishgard and the Dragonsong War he cannot in good conscience support instigating a new war, regardless of Ilberd’s actions.

Alisaie tries to meet them in the middle, carve a path through the Garlean ranks and cut off the head of the snake.  It worked well enough against Ultima Weapon, Thordan, and Nidhogg, and the Warrior of Light already has two Legatuses under their belt, what’s a third?

The WoL has the chance to agree with any one of them, or say they’re unsure as a fourth option.

Y’shtola, Thancred, and Krile are all of the mind that it’s too early to make a judgement call.  Too many unknown factors in regards to the Garleans forces, Shinryu itself, and even the terrain of Gyr Abania.  Each of the three approaches has its merits and its dangers, and there is no pressing need to come to an immediate decision as Shinryu appears to have gone dormant following its battle with Omega.

Thancred offers to begin scouting Imperial territory, while Y’shtola and Krile will set about learning more about the land from those in Rhalgr’s Reach, leaving Lyse, WoL, and the twins to take to the field for the standard Fringes/Ala Ghanna starting quests.

Zenos’s introduction mostly goes the same, but a greater focus is on Grynewaht directly telling of how he failed and was the sole survivor of his squad, to which he is reprimanded by his superior, whom Zenos kills after his whole “The XIIth Legion is no place for cowards that hide in their castrums” bit.  The biggest change is Zenos must keep the helmet on the whole time, we do not see his face, just the scary horned skull helmet, and he takes note of Grynewaht mentioning that the WoL was among those that attack the Garlean patrol.  He has heard of this eikon slayer, the peerless hero of the savages, and wonders if perhaps he has finally found worthy prey.  Zenos promotes Grynewaht for his tenacity, transfers him to Doma, and urges him to hone his skills further. At this point, Zenos addresses the rest, and opens the floor to the assembled captains/commanders how they should respond to the presence of the Scions and Eorzean Alliance in Gyr Abania. Fordola speaks up, and that sequence goes the same.

The attack on Rhalgr’s Reach plays out the same, save for the WoL’s duel with Zenos.  The crown prince is surprised and intrigued that a single person is able to match him blow for blow, and yet he does not feel any intense drive to live, the furious hate that he’s come to expect from enemies of the Empire.  Also Zenos can just DO magic, that’s why he’s so insanely strong compared to everyone else, he’s the only Garlean that can actually manipulate aether.  Zenos and WoL fight to a standstill, culminating in Zenos’s blade snapping in half after the WoL blocks a particularly heavy hit.  Raubahn arrives with the Eorzean alliance forces, and Fordola begs Zenos to retreat, and he begrudgingly does so, irritated that his hunt has been interrupted.

With the Resistance crippled and Y’shtola critically wounded, the Scions have to reconsider their options.

Alphinaud moves to withdraw from Gyr Abania, as it was the Scions' presence, especially that of the famed Eikon Slayer, that brought the Empire’s wrath down on Rhalgr’s Reach.

Y’shtola’s injuries are too severe to safely move her, so Krile opts to remain and see to her treatment.  Thancred also elects to remain so he can continue scouting Gyr Abania, and hopefully locate Shinryu while the rest of the Scions figure out a course of action to actually reach it.

Back at the Rising Stones, WoL, Alphinaud, Alisaie, and Lyse consider what to do next.  Getting directly involved with the Resistance put more people in danger, just as Alphinaud feared, and defeating the Legatus seems less viable having seen Zenos’s monstrous strength firsthand.  A new approach is necessary.

It’s then that Tataru chimes in that perhaps going after Gosetsu and Yugiri might be the way to go.  She’s no tactician, but she's overhead a lot of chatter from the Domans about how there's only a token Garlean presence, and the Domans specialize in covert action in small group, better suited to how the Scions themselves operate. Alphinaud agrees that drawing Garlean attention away from Gyr Abania will do much to ease the hunt for Shinryu, but is wary of getting involved in another liberation movement after the disaster at Rhalgr's Reach. The gang discusses it, and then heads to Kugane like usual.

Events in Kugane play out the same, WoL, Lyse, Alisaie, and Gosetsu make for the Ruby Sea, Alphinaud remains in Kugane to gather information and build connections.

Things progress as usual til the group finds Yotsuyu in Isari, demanding tribute from the poor villagers and ordering they divulge any information they have on Hien's whereabouts and the Resistance, reminding them that withholding information is treason against the Empire. Rather than Gosetsu going in alone to buy time, Lyse is reminded of Fordola's troops beating a villager in Ala Ghanna, Gosetsu is perturbed by WHO the Viceroy is, and Alisaie can't stand to sit idle when she can do something. The group rushes in to defend the villagers, WoL and Grynewaht go another round, forcing him and Yotsuyu to retreat.

While the element of surprise is gone, it feels good to be able to save people. Before the party departs however, Alisaie proposes investigating the Ruby Sea further. With the Scions' cover blown already, they'll need allies and information, and it wouldn't do to leave Isari unprotected after they stuck their noses in things.  Of particular concern are the Kojin of the Red, who are openly allied with the Empire.  The gang agrees to disrupt the Red Kojin and organize the defense of the Ruby Sea before going further.  Things go pretty much the same as usual, Alisaie takes point and the gang goes between the Confederates, the Kojin, and Sui no Sato getting everyone on the same side and agreeing to look for one another while the Scions draw the Empire’s attention in Yanxia.

Violet Tides and Kurenai’s questline are mandatory because I said so, and also Kurenai takes up the role of healer for the dungeon in duty support.  With things taken care of in Sui no Sato, the gang goes back to Tamamizu, and then Soroban and Bunchin send them to hit the Isle of Zekki where we get the Susano fight.

Instead of all the faffing about, the party of WoL, Gosetsu, Lyse, and Alisaie just fight Susano, who challenges them to battle and doesn’t permit the Red Kojin to interfere.  The gang triumphs, and the Red Kojin begrudgingly allow them to leave having earned the kami’s favor.

Susano appearing just because of the treasures and not actually being summoned by anyone has Alisaie and Lyse spooked, because up to that point it was believed primals always needed a person to give them form.  With business wrapped up in the Ruby Sea and everyone on the same page, Alisaie breaks off from the group to go back to Kugane and inform Alphinaud of the new information while WoL, Lyse, and Gosetsu rendezvous with Yugiri in Yanxia.

Meanwhile, as the party splits up, Yotsuyu and Grynewaht arrive at the Isle of Zekki to reprimand the disobedient red Kojin.  Yotsuyu extracts information on the Scions from the Kojin, and confiscates a number of treasures, including an impressive katana and a lunar mirror.

In Yanxia, WoL, Lyse, and Gosetsu head to Namai and things play out the same, where the villagers are fearful and urge them to leave. They meet up with Yugiri at the House of the Fierce and discuss the situation. Yugiri delivers Hien's ultimatum, his sword or his head, whichever the people want, and set about determining the mood of the people.

It's bad. In the course of exploring Yanxia, the gang gets a history lesson on Doman culture, learning of the oppressive control of the nobility, the ideals of fealty and honor unto death, and how they choked the life out of the common folk even before the Empire invaded. Gosetsu also speaks from experience that there are a massive number of Doman conscripts abroad, and those in the mainland fear for their compatriots safety if Doma rebels again.

Meanwhile, in Kugane, Alisaie finishes sharing the findings on Susano when a message arrives at the Ruby Bazaar inviting a representative of the Scions to the Garlean embassy. Deciding it's better if Alphinaud keeps his cover, Alisaie elects to go, and there meets privately with Yotsuyu.

Yotsuyu is well spoken and courteous with Alisaie, but remains guarded. Yotsuyu tries to explain the futility of opposing the Empire, and requests the Scions cease assisting the Domans. When Alisaie refuses, Yotsuyu says that if Alisaie really wants to protect her brother and the WoL she'd be better off currying the Empire's favor. She goes on to say that she understands Alisaie's position, to feel powerless and second best compared to her "perfect" brother, and that serving as an Imperial spy would give Alisaie the leverage to make real change happen, as Yotsuyu herself can demonstrate.

Alisaie doesn't reject the offer outright, stating she needs to think on it first, mostly to hide how shaken she is by Yotsuyu knowing so much about her at their first meeting. She returns to the Ruby Bazaar and relates what little she learned to Alphinaud, omitting Yotsuyu's offer, speaking only of the Viceroy's uncanny knowledge of Alisaie's personal history and her request that the Scions stand down. Alisaie then departs for the Ruby Sea, to reunite with the others.

Back in Yanxia, the WoL, Lyse, and Yugiri have had little success in rallying the people's spirits. The mood is dour everywhere they go, either with resignation and acceptance of Imperial occupation and Yotsuyu's cruel whims, or fear of a return to the old ways, where landed nobles could use common folk like chattel. The people have simply given up.

Gosetsu in particular is much less boisterous than usual, especially whenever Yotsuyu is mentioned. Lyse is surprised to see his spirits dampened so, and prods at what is bothering him. After a bit of coaxing, he finally regales WoL, Lyse, and Yugiri with a tale from Doma's heyday, of a poor sickly peasant girl whose parents died of illness and poverty, only for her aunt and uncle to beat and abuse her while forcing her to work as her neighbors looked the other way. How the beautiful young girl caught the eye of a wealthy noble from Lord Kaien's court, and so he bought her from her "parents" to be his bride and paraded her about the court, all dressed in fine clothes to cover the marks he'd leave on her. After the nobleman died, his young bride simply disappeared, never to be seen again, until now, to exact her terrible revenge on the country that abandoned and tormented her.

The group is stunned, Lyse in particular taking the news hard. She had been grappling with how Fordola could betray Ala Mhigo and side with the Empire, so hearing of Yotsuyu's past, she begins to understand how someone could have no attachment or even resent their homeland.

Yugiri is still determined to fight and unwilling to let Hien sacrifice himself, and fortunately, the Empire makes a move on Namai and we get the sneaking mission with Yugiri. That plays out the same, and saving the people of Namai convinces them to open up at least that of COURSE they want to be rid of the Empire and live their own lives, but they just don't have the people, the weapons, the anything to make a rebellion possible. They can't risk their lives and the lives of their families on a hopeless cause.

That's enough for Yugiri to be satisfied that they can truthfully answer Hien that the will to fight remains in the hearts of Doma’s people.  The party reconvenes at the House of the Fierce and discuss their next move as Alisaie arrives.  She shares information she learned from Alphinaud and Yotsuyu, while Yugiri shares what they’ve learned of the situation in Yanxia.  Upon hearing Alisaie’s account, Lyse has an epiphany.  Recounting her own familiarity with the WoL and Minfilia’s experiences, Gosetsu’s testimony, and Alisaie’s account, Lyse suggests that Yotsuyu may possess the Echo, with her supposed poor health in childhood being her gift awakening, and explaining how she could learn so much about people so quickly.

While the revelation does give them more to consider, there’s little they can do about Yotsuyu herself at this juncture.  Yugiri suggests it’s time to find Lord Hien, now that they have an answer to his ultimatum.  Alisaie volunteers to remain at the House of the Fierce and help coordinate the Rebellion’s limited forces and correspond with Alphinaud about what resources they’ll need.  WoL, Lyse, Yugiri and Gosetsu set forth to the Azim Steppe, where Hien has been hiding.

MEANWHILE, at the Royal Palace of Ala Mhigo...

Zenos sits on the throne, regarding the katana he broke during his duel with the WoL at Rhalgr’s Reach.  Fordola attempts to discuss strategy with him, but fails to gain his attention.  A messenger arrives bearing word from the Acting Viceroy of Doma.  Rebel forces have taken action against the Imperial garrison, and Yotsuyu requests Zenos bring reinforcements, as Doma is still technically under his rule.  Not to make an offer without incentive, Yotsuyu adds in that she wishes to pay tribute to the Crown Prince that can only be delivered in person.

While initially unconvinced, the messenger continues, stating that the Eorzean insurgents known as the Scions of the Seventh Dawn have been sighted in Yanxia, the Warrior of Light among them.  This grabs Zenos’s attention and causes him to consider Yotsuyu’s offer.  Fordola is taken aback that Zenos would just leave when the Scions’ absence from Gyr Abania means the Alliance and Resistance forces are ripe for the crushing, and Fordola pleads with Zenos to seize the opportunity to stamp out the Empire’s remaining foes.

Zenos chides Fordola, stating that she is free to do as she wishes in his absence, but striking at the Resistance now will give her no satisfaction. Chasing the Resistance when they’re wounded will make her seem fearful and desperate, inciting further insurrection.  She would be far better served by waiting until they have gathered their strength and rallied their spirits, ready to throw themselves entirely upon her blade and destroying them utterly.  Only by laying low her foe when they are the peak of their rage and power will she get what she wants, or so he says.  Zenos makes ready to depart for Yanxia, eager to see what tribute Yotsuyu has prepared for him.

(It’s also critical that we the audience do not see Zenos’s face in this scene.  His helmet is off, but every angle is posed in such a way that Zenos is being seen from the back or his head is obscured.  More focus is placed on Fordola as she reacts to Zenos’s words.  At most we get a glimpse of Zenos’s eye reflected in the broken sword as he talks about facing a foe at their full strength.)

Lyse, WoL, and Gosetsu arrive in the Azim Steppe and rendezvous with Yugiri.  Events here mostly play out the same, the gang meets Cirina, get introduced to the Xaela, and finally find Hien.

Yugiri relays what they learned in Yanxia, that the people of Doma yearn for freedom from the Empire, but lack the strength to face the might of Garlemald.  It will fall on what limited forces still muster under Hien's banner to defeat the occupying forces. Hien is in agreement, assuming that to be case even before he spoke with Yugiri. As their leader, it falls to him to save the people of Doma, not demand they give their lives in his service. Before they can leave the Steppe however, Hien must repay his debt to Cirina and the Mohl by helping them win in the Nadaam.

Events in the Steppe play out mostly the same, Lyse hangs with the kids of Mol Iloh and grapples with the meaning of "a country" as she tries to process Yotsuyu's past, Fordola's actions, and her detachment from her own Ala Mhigan heritage due to living in Eorzea as a Scion.  Deals with a bit of internal bias as she initially thinks the xaela kids have a difficult upbringing out here on the Steppe, but sees them happy and content with their nomadic lifestyle, realizes her idea of what makes a nation and a culture are biased by her time in the Eorzean city-states.  Meanwhile WoL, Hien, and Gosetsu go hunting and help prepare dinner like usual.

After dinner, we get the scene of Hien and Gosetsu sparring, and Gosetsu calls Hien "Shun", his childhood name.

At this point, WoL has an Echo vision.  In it, they see a younger Gosetsu, his hair and beard still dark, supervising a younger Hien speaking with a girl in fine clothes that looks uncannily like a younger Yotsuyu.  She and "Shun" are chatting cheerfully, until a Doman noble walks in and calls Yotsuyu away, her expression darkening as she diligently obeys, and the noble, clearly drunk, grabs her by the arm and roughly leads her away.  The young Hien is frustrated at the sight of the Yotsuyu being taken away, and moves to speak up but Gosetsu stops him.

No matter how detestable he may seem, the noble is an honorable man that has served Lord Kaien for many years, and it would be ungracious to butt one's nose into the domestic affairs of such a prestigious house.  Hien grimaces in dissatisfaction as the WoL returns to the present.

WoL explains what they saw and asks if Hien knows Yotsuyu. Sheepishly, he confirms, he and Yotsuyu were of a similar age when she was brought into the court, and was her only friend in those days. It is why he first gave his ultimatum to Yugiri. Yotsuyu is as much one of his subjects as any other Doman, and the cruelty she faced at the hands of her family and the nobility weighs on his mind. He worries about how he will lead Doma should he return, refusing to become the kind of ruler that allows or fosters the treatment that Yotsuyu went through, wanting to build a better Doma but not really knowing how.

As the Nadaam draws closer, WoL, Lyse, Gosetsu, and Hien go through Bardam's Mettle and get their yols, and meeting Sadu and Magnai goes the same.

While Lyse and Hien are prisoner at the Dawn Throne, they discuss their respective concerns about their cultures. Hien fearing a return to the old ways, Lyse wondering what it means to be Ala Mhigan now that it's been an Imperial province for so long. They come to the conclusion that it falls upon individuals like them with the strength to fight for what they believe in to inspire others. Hien will personally shape Doma into a nation its people can be proud of, and tells Lyse that he believes she is capable of the same.

At the Dotharl camp, Gosetsu comes clean about his crimes in the Empire's service as a conscript, and his own desire to seek death to atone for not only failing Kaien and Hien, but all the people of Doma that looked to him for protection, including Yotsuyu.

Meanwhile, in Yanxia...

Alisaie sets out from the House of the Fierce to scout the the surrounding area. At least, that is what she claims. In truth she has arranged a clandestine meeting with Yotsuyu, to tell her that WoL and co. have gone after Hien in the Azim Steppe.

Thinking she's won, Yotsuyu applauds Alisaie making the right decision to side with the Empire. Alisaie corrects her, saying that she's telling Yotsuyu this to give her a chance to surrender.

She's thought on Yotsuyu's offer, and decided against. She knows she's weak, feels powerless and angry, but she has seen what people are capable of. She believes in her brother, the WoL, their friends, they WILL succeed. And knowing what she does of Yotsuyu's past, she tells her that things need not end in bloodshed. Alisaie knows what it's like to feel helpless and alone, at the mercy of fate as she lost everything that was good in her life. But rather than give up and wallow in anger and grief, she clung to the memories of the good and fought to change things for the better. She reminds Yotsuyu that as someone that was so hurt by the old system, she is the best qualified to change things, and it's not too late to seize a better future.

Yotsuyu lashes out at Alisaie, angry and humiliated that Alisaie called her out so hard, spitting venom about how Alisaie is a privileged brat that could never understand Yotsuyu's hate, and she will never let go of it. Alisaie leaves Yotsuyu, warning her that if she wants a fight she'll get one, and no amount of forewarning will save her when the Scions come knocking. Yotsuyu is left glowering as Alisaie departs before regaining her composure as a messenger informs her that the Crown Prince's airship has arrived.

Back in the Azim Steppe, it's time for the Nadaam. It starts with a brief solo duty that leads to the second trial, consisting of a three phase three way fight between players, Sadu, and Magnai. The battle culminates in WoL and Lyse holding off the khatuns while Cirina claims the ovoo for the Mol.

Cirina is declared Khagan and the other tribes defer to her and the Mol as the new authority of the Steppe. As Cirina humbly accepts and gives thanks to Hien and company for their assistance, Grynewaht and a massive regiment of Garlean troops and war machina arrive, demanding the immediate surrender of the Scions and the Domans.

Hien is preparing to surrender himself but Cirina steps forward and declares that she speaks for the xaela, and the ones Grynewaht seeks are her honored guests. When he persists, Cirina rallies the tribes, asking if warriors of the Steppe will allow invaders to intrude upon the sacred Nadaam and threaten the Khagan's allies.

The combined Xaela forces route Grynewaht's army, sending him fleeing back to Yanxia. From there, we get the regular send off. The gang says good bye to Cirina, and she promises to confer with the khatuns about sending aid to their new Doman allies. WoL, Lyse, Gosetsu, and Hien return to Yanxia to plan the attack on Doma Castle.

As the group enters Yanxia however, Yugiri arrives bearing urgent news.  The Crown Prince and the Viceroy have been seen outside Doma castle with only a token escort. The mood immediately turns grim as everyone present recalls how brutally Zenos put down the Ala Mhigan Resistance and previous Doman rebellion.

Hien is undeterred, reminding everyone that the House of the Fierce is still secure, and they need only be patient until Zenos leaves Yanxia again to make their move. Yugiri however, is of no mind to wait and believes it would be easier and safer to assassinate Zenos and Yotsuyu than go through with the plan. Hien advises against doing anything rash, but Yugiri won't listen and leaves. Lyse and Alisaie ask WoL to go after her and try and talk her out of it, because regardless of how they feel about the plan, they've seen what Zenos can do firsthand and know that Yugiri trying to face him alone is tantamount to suicide.

Upon catching up with Yugiri, she confesses that even if doing so goes against Hien's wishes, her honor as a shinobi will not let Hien risk his own life in the attack when she could defeat his enemy here and now, and her pride as a Doman demands justice for Yotsuyu's and the Empire's crimes against her people.

Rather than discouraging her, WoL can say they have their own reasons for facing Zenos again, that they too want payback for Rhalgr's Reach and Y'shtola, or that as a friend, they won't let her do this alone. Yugiri is surprised and relieved to know the WoL will have her back.

Night falls, and Yugiri and WoL get ready to ambush Zenos and his retinue. Yotsuyu is obviously tense and sticking close to Grynewaht while Zenos is out at the front, alone. One by one Yugiri silently dispatches the guards, before making her move on Zenos himself. Zenos blocks the attack effortlessly, commending Yugiri on her technique and the fire in her eyes, but laments she has not the strength to give it meaning. Zenos repels Yugiri, and Grynewaht springs into action to stop her from attacking Zenos again, as the WoL steps out to face the Crown Prince.

Zenos is pleased to see his quarry alive and well, musing if their travels in the fallen nation of Doma have stirred something in them. Hate? Or perhaps something more.

WoL has the option to respond with wanting revenge for hurting their friends, confronting Zenos for the sake of Ala Mhigo and Doma, or that they have their own reasons for wanting him dead, to which Zenos responds with amusement, disappointment, and intrigue, respectively.

During the solo duty it plays mostly the same as the initial duel in Rhalgr's Reach, but WoL clearly has the advantage. Zenos's health drops faster and he is taken aback by just how much stronger WoL has gotten since their last encounter. At around the 40% mark, Zenos stumbles and begins laughing. He unsheathes the Ame no Habikiri and the music changes. In phase 2, Zenos gains significant damage resistance and the frequency of his raidwide and AoEs increases to the point that it is not possible to avoid everything. The fight continues until the player is reduced to 1% health or Zenos is brought to 15%. The entire time Zenos is clearly enjoying himself, cackling and goading the WoL to fight harder.

Regardless of how the battle ends, in the scene that follows Zenos clearly overpowers the WoL and sends them reeling. Even bloodied and his helmet broken, Zenos is the unambiguous victor of the duel. Yugiri breaks away from fighting Grynewaht and his guards to come to the WoL's aid.

Zenos is panting and tears off his broken helm, throwing it to the ground. This is the first time the player sees his face. He speaks in glowing terms of how ferocious WoL has become, and how he was right to put faith in them, before giving his "Live, hero." speech, and turning to leave. Yotsuyu orders the remaining guards to finish the WoL and Yugiri off, but Zenos countermands her, stating that their business here is done, and all troops are to return to Doma Castle. Before Yotsuyu can protest, Alisaie, Alphinaud, and Lyse arrive with reinforcements from the House of the Fierce, and Zenos mockingly warns that the Viceroy seems to have overstayed her welcome. Yotsuyu bitterly warns Alisaie that she now has proof of how her hero will fail her, and that it's not too late to surrender, before she too takes her leave.

Alphinaud is almost in tears as he heals the WoL, and scolds them for being so reckless because he wasn't there. Alisaie teases him for worrying so much, and he shoots back that she was practically frantic when he arrived.

The party returns to the House of the Fierce, and Yugiri apologizes for disobeying Hien, to which he replies that he is just happy she's unharmed. Now that everyone is settled in again, Lyse calls attention to Alphinaud's unannounced arrival, and asks what brings him to Yanxia. He explains that he heard of Zenos's arrival ahead of time via his connections in Kugane, and realized things in Doma must be coming to a climax, so he began making preparations. We get a brief flashback montage of Alphinaud in various parts of the Ruby Sea as he explains that by working with Hancock, he was able to strengthen the foundation that Alisaie laid and secure the Confederates, Kojin, and Sui no Sato as allies to the Doman Liberation Front.

With the addition of a fleet and the Kojin, the chances of actually cracking Doma Castle seem greatly improved, and spirits rise at the House of the Fierce. Hien's return is met with great celebration, and some small amount of worry, as Hien is surprised to find that a significant portion of the Liberation Front are former nobility, and many expect to return to their previous authority once the Empire is ousted.

Hien needs time to think, so he leaves the House of the Fierce to visit Monzen. Lyse goes after him, worried about him being alone so close to enemy territory. Hien contemplates his history, that of his people, their culture, and what it means to be Doman. How so many fight to regain what was lost in the occupation, but he cannot in good conscience restore if they win. Lyse voices similar doubts, admitting that it was her Ala Mhigan heritage that motivated her to push the Scions into conflict with the Empire, but she doesn't really know what Ala Mhigan culture is, and that her father and sister, the residents of Little Ala Mhigo, those in the Fringes, and someone like Fordola that lives in the city proper, can all have very different versions of what being Ala Mhigan means. She regrets that trying to build a better future means doing so on the ruins of these other ideas.

"Ruins" gives Hien a flash of inspiration as he looks at Doma Castle, and he tells Lyse that he's figured out how they will take it. The two return to the House of the Fierce.  Hien gathers the Liberation Front to make an announcement.  They’re going to destroy Doma Castle.

The castle is too well guarded to facilitate infiltration, and they don’t have the resources to outlast the entrenched Garleans in a siege.  Trying to preserve the artifice of the past will cost lives in the present, and that’s not a sacrifice Hien will make.  If Doma is to have a brighter, better future they must let go of the past, and the greatest symbol of Doma’s inequality must go with it.  There’s a lot of rumbling of discontent from the older members of the Liberation Front, but even Gosetsu speaks in favor, saying that it is long past time for the nobility to repay the debt they owe to the commonfolk they failed so long ago.

As if to vouch for the young Lord of Doma, the screeching of yols heralds the arrival of Cirina, Sadu, and Magnai. Cirina says that having discussed with the khatuns of many tribes, they have agreed that it is in the best interest of all people of the Steppe if the belligerent Garleans are expelled from their neighboring nation, and so the Dotharl and Oronir have pledged a number of fighters to assist the Domans.

The House of the Fierce is abuzz with activity as everyone prepares for the coming attack. WoL heads back to Kugane to meet up with Tataru and get Cid's manual so that Alphinaud can assist with deactivating the magitek gate, Hancock is coordinating with Rasho and Soroban as to how the Confederates and Kojin will blockade the Castle and secure the Enclave, Hien and Lyse talk with the xaela leaders about shutting down the Imperials' air support.

Meanwhile, at Doma Castle...

Zenos stands on the balcony overlooking Monzen, contemplating his now broken helmet. Behind him, Yotsuyu is prostrated, apologizing for her failures to curb the rebellion sooner, swearing she will crush the insurgents, and so on, but Zenos interrupts her, saying she played her part well. He believed she had, in her hatred, completely snuffed out the will to fight in Doma, and is pleased to see otherwise. Yotsuyu hopes this means he will stay and help, call for reinforcements, reward her loyalty with protection...but he does not. Zenos states plainly that he and the troops he brought will be returning to Ala Mhigo, and it falls upon the Viceroy to see to her own fate. Fight, kill, and survive, or die and whet his prey's bloodlust. He cares not which. Yotsuyu breaks and asks him as a friend to save her, which he does not dignify with an answer. Grynewaht attempts to comfort her as Zenos departs, but she lashes out at him, tears in her eyes, saying that the Prince's orders were clear. They are to fight, unto the death, and she will not be a flower waiting to be plucked, as she clutches the lunar mirror in her hand.

We go back to the House of the Fierce where final preparations are made. Hien and Gosetsu raise a glass to victory or death come tomorrow, Gosetsu thanking his master and the Scions for their beliefs in him and a chance to make things right.

The next morning, the siege begins. Alphinaud leads the Shinobi to capture the moon gate so the Confederates can secure the Enclave, the Xaela take to the skies and bring down the Empire's airships, and WoL, Alisaie, Lyse, Hien, Yugiri, and Gosetsu enter the flooded Doma Castle. Yotsuyu watches from the balcony and waits, eyes cold.

The party defeats Hypertuned Grynewaht, shocked at what the Empire has done to one of its own, and proceed up to the balcony chamber at the top of the castle where Yotsuyu has taken refuge.

Hien confronts Yotsuyu, demanding her surrender and an end to the conflict. She refuses, disinterested. If she fights, she'll die, if she surrenders, she'll be executed, even if she escapes, she'll be branded a failure by Zenos and disposed of. At least if she fights to the last, her death will be on her own terms.

She fires on Hien, but he deflects the bullet and closes the distance. As she fires again, he cuts the shot and disarms her. She hisses at him to do his country proud and finish her, but he sheathes his sword.

Hien kneels down to eye level with Yotsuyu tells her that honor would demand her death, but that is not his way. The old ways fall with Doma Castle itself, and he would give her the chance to live that she was denied all her life as a daughter of a new Doma, a better Doma than the one that destroyed her. The party each steps up in turn to ask Yotsuyu to listen to Hien, that there is always time to change things and be better, that no matter what mistakes and wrongs we commit, culminating in Alisaie asking her if this is really how she wants things to end, or if she's willing to have faith.

Yotsuyu falters, speechless and reeling. Finally, Hien and Gosetsu apologize. They admit they saw her pain and looked the other way in the name of honor and "propriety", and they were wrong to do so, asking if she will forgive them, and accept the chance they offer.

Yotsuyu doesn't immediately answer, looking away and trembling. Then, her voice seething with anger, she asks if they really think they can fix everything with just a few kind words while she's powerless and at their mercy. She asks if they were so repentant, why they never bothered to look for her in the years after she was sold to cover her husband's debts? Why did it take destroying everything they ever worked for to get them to suddenly grow a conscious and admit their failures?

It was by her action, her will that she clawed her way out of the hell that Doma trapped her in, and be it her parents, her husband, her owner, or Hien, she will not suffer to live by another's "kindness" ever again. Her fate is hers and hers alone. She pulls out a magitek remote and hits a button, detonating charges throughout the castle, and it begins to collapse.

Hien gives the order to retreat but is stopped in his tracks when a naginata of ephemeral light thrusts towards him, narrowly missing his heart. Yotsuyu rises from the floor, clutching the lunar mirror with conviction in her eyes as the skies darken. She is shrouded in radiant light as she manifests Tsukuyomi, and declares that no one shall escape the castle alive.

The Tsukuyomi trial plays out identically, only with memories of Hien and Gosetsu coming to her aid to defend her from the shade of Zenos instead of just Gosetsu.

After the WoL defeats Tsukuyomi, Yotsuyu collapses, her hair turned white. The battle against the moon kami has cost the party precious time to escape, and the roof finally gives out. Gosetsu catches the collapsing ceiling and tells Hien to get Yotsuyu out. Hien protests, refusing to leave his old friend behind but Gosetsu insists that Hien must not give in to anger and grief. If he is to build a new nation, it must start with saving Yotsuyu. The party has some rushed good byes and escape, as Doma Castle collapses on Gosetsu.

Hien is grief stricken as he comes to terms with Gosetsu's death, and his wish that Yotsuyu be given a chance to live in a new Doma. The mood is melancholy as the Scions reconvene with their allies and explain what transpired in Doma Castle. From there, things play out the same, Hien puts on a brave face to address the people of Doman Enclave, telling them the new nation they build will not be one of nobles and kings, that he would be their protector rather than their master, meanwhile Yugiri and the Shinobi discreetly get Yotsuyu to a secure room within Hien's new estate. Celebrations are had and credits roll, then post credit stinger has Zenos looking up at Shinryu, contained by Omega in the Royal Menagerie, talking to himself of how he eager he is for his and the WoL's next meeting. Alphinaud goes back to Kugane to do what he does best, Alisaie and Lyse remain at the Doman Enclave to help people adjust to life without Imperial occupation.

Now we move into the post-game, or rather, part 2 because as I said before, Stormblood dearly needed more time to let everything going on in it cook, similar to how Heavensward and Shadowbringer's post-games up to patch x.3 was really just a continuation and finale of the plot started in the x.0 MSQ.

So, Yotsuyu finally awakens after the battle with Tsukuyomi in Doma Castle, and everyone is taken aback when she remembers nothing, her memory a blank slate. There's a discussion about what to do with her because yes it was Gosetsu's last wish that she be shown mercy, but it doesn't change what she did as Viceroy and seeing her may cause unrest among the populace, but they can't exactly keep her locked up forever. The matter of her amnesia is also a worry, since it wouldn't be right to hold the innocent "Tsuyu" responsible for what the Viceroy of Doma did. Before any kind of decision can be reached, Alisaie gets a linkpearl call from Alphinaud saying that an Imperial airship arrived in Kugane and an ambassador has requested an audience with the Scions at the Garlean embassy.

Lyse, WoL, and Alisaie are all a bit weary of speaking with a Garlean politician after assisting in Doma's revolution, but head to Kugane all the same. Once there, the party goes over what to say, make sure they don't do anything to incriminate themselves, basically let Alphinaud do the talking.

At the Embassy, the Scions are introduced to Maxima, of the Populares. After a bit of initial tension, Maxima explains he is here to negotiate peace between the Empire and Doma in the wake of the rebellion, but he wished to consult with the Scions as a third party given their history of conflict with Imperial forces despite their shared interest in destroying primals. Everyone gives their most level headed take on the Empire and its foreign policies and why the Scions have been opposed to them, which Maxima takes in stride. He shares his own history of touring the provinces and being appalled by the treatment Imperial citizens face just for not being Garlean, citing Doma as proof that the current Imperial model is unsustainable. Maxima goes on to share the goals of the Populares as a political group, seeking to empower the citizens and establish peaceful connections with other nations. Maxima then says that Gaius van Baelsar was one of their more prominent supporters, and his reign in Ala Mhigo was a huge step in the right direction for the rights of provincial citizens.

This takes everyone off guard, Lyse in particular, who speaks up about the awful treatment that the people of Gyr Abania face, and their opposition to the Garlean occupation.

Maxima takes a moment to consider, surprised himself by the news of tension in Ala Mhigo. He then divulges a bit of history on the relations between the two nations prior to the Imperial occupation. How Garlemald had quietly assisted the Resistance in the form of funds and materiel, and aid to civilians all while His Radiance Emperor Solus maintained a cordial relationship with the Mad King, enabling the Empire to maintain a presence in the capital in spite of the Ala Mhigan king's rampant paranoia. When the Resistance overthrew the king and began infighting over leadership, Garlean forces stepped in to establish order. To the more radical elements, it was seen for the foreign takeover it was, but many welcomed beneficent Garlean rule after suffering under the Mad King. From there, van Baelsar and van Darnus made their moves on the rest of Eorzea, and the outer reaches of Ala Mhigo got less attention due to their proximity to the Black Shroud.

Lyse pieces together how this lead to the difference in perspective between Ala Mhigans in the capital that grew up with an Imperial education and security like Fordola, vs those on the outskirts like her that only saw the Empire as tyrants.

Alphinaud is grateful that Maxima is willing to share so much, but questions what he hopes to gain by divulging such secrets to enemies of the Empire. Maxima reasons that such information is commonly taught to Garlean children in school, and is not something to hide. If anything, His Radiance encourages the study of history so all can understand the necessity of the campaign and the good that Imperial rule can bring to others, and the danger that outsiders pose, such as the sabotage of the Ultima Weapon.

The WoL's interest is drawn when Maxima's account of the Praetorium neglects all mentions of Lahabrea, saying it was Ascian influence that caused the devastation that broke the XIVth Legion.

Maxima is shocked, having never heard of any such beings as Ascians. This triggers a discussion over glaring discrepancies in the Scions' accounts and the official military reports, as the group piece together that the existence of the Ascians had been carefully expunged from Imperial records and their actions attributed to the "barbarous nature of magic-tainted savages".

The group realize it is highly likely that the Empire's foreign policy may have been influenced by the Ascians specifically to sow chaos that lends to the summoning of primals. Maxima is shaken to his core, and announces he must return to Garlemald with all haste to investigate the Scions' claims. However, his mission is unchanged, and he leaves the Scions with a proposal to deliver to Hien. A prisoner exchange between the Empire and Doma, to calm the waters after the revolution, and recognize Doma's independence and sovereignty.

As the Scions return to the Ruby Bazaar to mull over what they've learned, a missive arrives for Tataru from Eorzea. As she reads through it, she reveals it is a coded message from Thancred, saying he's located Shinryu and requesting the gang return to Gyr Abania. The course is clear.

The Scions go to the Doman Enclave and give Maxima's message to Hien, as well as the startling revelation that the Empire may be under Ascian influence. Hien is wary of trusting the Empire, but for the sake of returning the many Doman conscripts home, will consider the offer and discuss with his advisors. Yugiri speaks up, and asks if Hien would permit her to go with the Scions. Having left when Gosetsu arrived and been unable to assist in the hunt for Shinryu, she feels she owes it to her friends to see their mission through now that hers is finished. Hien agrees, and sends her off with his blessing. The Scions say goodbye to their Doman friends, then go back to Kugane to make the journey back to Eorzea, sans Tataru, who elects to stay in Kugane and work her mercantile magic.

(Tataru here offers the quest to unlock Hell's Lid, with the trigger for her financial venture being recovering all that was spent to set up the Doman Liberation.)

The Scions reconvene in Rhalgr's Reach, where Y'shtola has recovered from her injury and is back on her feet, and even Urianger has stepped in to lend what aid he can in the hunt for Shinryu. Everyone shares what they've learned from their time in Doma, and Thancred explains he's confirmed Shinryu is in Ala Mhigo proper, contained in a magitek field. Knowing first hand from the Meteor Project and Warring Triad that the Empire and sealed Primals is a recipe for disaster, the Scions are resolved that they'll have to help the Resistance if there's to be any hope of stopping the Primal.

The Scions confer with Raubahn and Conrad if there's been any progress in Gyr Abania and how they can help. They go on to explain that things have been quiet and Imperial patrols are few and far between, almost like the Empire assumes the Resistance was broken by Zenos's initial attack. As a result they've had plenty of time to regroup and rebuild, and rumors of the Doman Liberation have spurred many to action in other provinces, keeping Imperial forces distracted and divided.

From here, the Ala Mhigo story proceeds as normal, with a few changes. The Scions are witness to Fordola messing up and killing the Qalyana Matriarch's daughter after her forces are routed at Castellum Velodyna, and the subsequent summoning of Lakshmi. Fordola escapes during the panic as the WoL steps in to deal with the primal. As Lyse, WoL, and the twins recover at the Peering Stones with M'naago's family, they talk about why Fordola would take a Qalyana hostage when they've been model Imperial vassals, and they come up with it being a result of Fordola being cityborn and Garlean-educated, and thus out of touch with the non-hyur members of the Ala Mhigan community, confirming what they learned from Maxima.

When Lyse, WoL, and the twins return to Rhalgr's Reach, they get the news that a number of Imperial agents infiltrated Resistance headquarters while the bulk of their forces were occupied at the bridge and abducted Krile. All are shocked and their motivation to fight is reaffirmed. Alphinaud stops and wonders however, what the Empire could be planning, as trading such a vital strategic location for a single prisoner hardly makes sense from a tactical perspective. Urianger offers that it may have something to do with her Echo, given the interest Zenos had shown in both the WoL and Yotsuyu.

Meanwhile, Fordola reports her defeat to Zenos, preparing for the worst. Zenos chides her for failing, but says it ultimately is of no consequence, as her bumbling served another purpose, revealing that Krile has been captured by his personal guard. When Fordola questions how a single captive is going to help them secure Ala Mhigo's future, Zenos cryptically answers that stoking their foes hatred will make them vulnerable, but only if Fordola herself is willing to seize the opening at any cost.

The combined Resistance and Alliance forces move into the Peaks and set up in Ala Ghiri as usual, questioning why the Empire would leave the town unguarded, but not looking a gift in the mouth. Things proceed at Specula Imperatoris, culminating in Fordola bitterly carrying out Zenos's order to fire on Imperial forces to hit the Resistance, and as before, Estinien intervenes and damages the cannon before it can fire again.

The group reconvenes at Ala Ghiri to lick their wounds and take stock of their losses. Conrad names Lyse his successor before dying, much to her surprise, but she swears to do him proud.

Estinien arrives shortly after, to the Scions' surprise. He explains that he had been travelling in the Far East when he caught wind of a terrible wyrm that wrought havoc on Eorzea, and came to investigate. If the player has done the level 70 DRG quest, it will be referenced here. WoL and Alphinaud explain the deal with Shinryu being born of Nidhogg's eyes, and Estinien decides he's going to stick around and do his part to deal with the primal, as anything Nidhogg related is his responsibility.  (Alisaie is absent in this scene, preoccupied with something else, to preserve her and Estinien not meeting until post-ShB.)

The gang set their sights on Castrum Abania and taking out the giant cannon before it can be repaired, and the Scions set out.

Meanwhile, we cut back to Ala Mhigo where Fordola delivers her report of the battle at Specula Imperatoris to Zenos through gritted teeth.  Still hurting from the loss of her friends, she blames the Resistance for continuing to prolong the bloody war when she and other loyal Ala Mhigans have only been trying to preserve their future.  When she remarks as much though, Zenos descends upon her, demanding she drop the pretense and say what she really wants.  That’s when she snaps and admits that she wants to kill all the Resistance for ruining things.  That she’s angry and spiteful and wants to make the ingrates pay for looking down on her and other cityborns for being happy with their lots in life.

With her rage exposed, Zenos offers to grant her the power to capitalize on her fury, a taste of the power that even the Warrior of Light cannot match.  Fordola readily agrees and that’s where Aulus steps in and she undergoes the Resonant treatment.

Back in the Peaks, the gang moves in towards Castrum Abania.  Estinien and Yugiri run interference on the outside while Thancred, the twins, and WoL plan to take one route, and Urianger, Y’shtola, and Lyse take another.  Dungeon proceeds as usual, and both parties meet up at the cannon control room.

Fordola angrily tells the Scions that life in Ala Mhigo was perfectly good until the Resistance started making a mess of things.  How Ala Mhigans were respected and trusted Imperial citizens until the greedy rurals started refusing to pay their tithes, stealing from supply lines, and killing soldiers.  How she and the Skulls were trying to save Ala Mhigo and redeem their culture’s place in the Empire by being loyal and dutiful soldiers, and they were succeeding before the Scions stuck their noses in and destroyed everything they worked for.

The fight goes the same as before, Fordola’s Resonant powers let her go toe to toe with Lyse and Alisaie at the same time.  Fordola wounds Alisaie and escapes, and the Scions take Castrum Abania.

The Scions fall back to Rhalgr’s Reach to see to Alisaie’s injury, and discuss what the hell just happened.  Everyone comments that Fordola’s abrupt leap in skill and strength is unnatural, and Lyse in particular describes Fordola as somehow knowing what she was going to do ahead of time.  Urianger has the eureka moment and wonders if somehow Fordola has gained the power of the Echo, and if so, it may explain Zenos’s interest.  Alphinaud adds on that Krile was particularly gifted at “hearing” the emotions and intentions of others, and Fordola’s ability to “see” her opponents moves before they happen may be a manifestation of the same trait.  Y’shtola connects the dots and suggests that if Zenos has the ability to forcibly confer the Echo on others, it is likely he has undergone the same process, and may go some way to explain his inhuman strength.  Furthermore, if they can find where Zenos gave Fordola her “gift”, it may lead them to Krile.

The WoL takes a moment to check in on Alisaie, who is understandably frustrated that she lost and needed to be saved again.  Despite Alphinaud’s fussing, her wound is not so severe that she cannot fight again, but she will need some time to recuperate.  Urianger meanwhile, makes plans for how to deal with Fordola, and Estinien goes on ahead to try and pin down Shinryu’s location for himself.

Lyse and WoL have their moment on the Palm of the Destroyer, Lyse gets her new outfit, talks about how she still doesn’t feel like she’s ready to lead the Resistance, but for the sake of everyone that believes in her, she’s going to step up, and knows she has the WoL and the Scions to put her on the right track if she starts to slip up.  Good vibes all around.

The lead in to the battle for Ala Mhigo remains the same.  The Alliance forces mass in the Lochs to prepare for the siege, Urianger continues his experiments with a countermeasure for Fordola’s Resonance, Thancred and Estinien go ahead to scout the city, Alphinaud, WoL, Lyse, and Y’shtola investigate the settlements to gather intel.

Thancred finds a way in, Estinien confirms Shinryu’s location, Scions get the key, and Urianger produces his mystery device.  The plan is all set, and the Scions share their intel with the Alliance.  Scions infiltrate Ala Mhigo and open the door, Lyse and WoL confront Fordola, using Urianger’s funny doodad to overload her artificial Echo.

Rather than have Lyse call Fordola a traitor, the scene where Fordola is captured focuses more on Fordola’s crushing realization that despite everything she and her friends have sacrificed, they’ve lost.  The Ala Mhigo they believed in is going up in flames around them, and the Resistance has seized the city.  Even if the Scions are defeated by Zenos, he doesn’t care about them, and he never did.  Lyse is resolved but still sympathetic.  She understands that Fordola truly believed she was fighting for Ala Mhigo’s future, and the peace and prosperity that that the cityborn knew under Imperial occupation is as much a part of Ala Mhigo’s culture and history as the Mad King, the Autumn War, the Fist of Rhalgr, and the Resistance.  Lyse promises Fordola that the future will be brighter, and that those lost will be remembered.

With Krile rescued, and the Scions reunited, it’s time to take the fight to Zenos.  Instead of Hien swooping in with the Doman forces, Yugiri vouches for the Scions and de-escalates the situation with Hakuro and the lupin, and Estinien fills the role of decimating the Garlean air support while the Scions enter the palace on foot.

Ala Mhigo dungeon happens, we got all the Scions available for duty support since the plan for them is to ignore as much of the Imperial forces as they can and beeline to Shinryu in the Royal Menagerie.

At the end of the dungeon, Zenos gives his usual spiel and goes off, and WoL tells the Scions they’ll deal with Zenos and Shinryu alone.  Everyone objects saying Zenos is too strong.  WoL has a few options to explain themselves:  The risk of Tempering is too much, they need to face him alone for their own sake, asking the group to have faith in them.

Alisaie is the first to vouch for the WoL, followed by Alphinaud, and they convince the rest of the Scions to go back up the rest of the Eorzean alliance.  Everyone says their piece, wishes the WoL luck, and Alphinaud and the Scions depart.  Alisaie gets a parting moment where she makes the WoL promise that they’re coming back, before she too heads out.

Royal Menagerie sequence is unchanged.  Same Zenos speech, same options, same fight.

Zenos is beaten, Lyse hears him explain himself, how everything was solely so he could finally have a foe worth fighting, and he cuts his own throat.

Ala Mhigo is freed from the Empire, the Resistance raises the Ala Mhigo flag, credits roll as Lyse gives her “monsters are made, not born” speech as the camera shows Yotsuyu and Fordola. Post credits, we get the stinger of Gosetsu fishing on the island out at sea.

Now we move into the ShB lead in.  Lyse officially leaves the Scions to stay as Commander in Ala Mhigo, Alphinaud, Arenvald, and WoL have their silly Skalla adventure, Urianger heads back to the Waking Sands to further study a strange thinning of the land’s aether that he had observed prior to his arrival in Gyr Abania, and Estinien disappears into the night as per usual.

Alphinaud helps catalogue the Mad King’s hoard and assists with getting the Saltery trade set up with Nanamo and Lolorito, and we get the crowd calling for Fordola’s blood.  Lyse settles the crowd same as before, talking about how taking revenge won’t bring anyone back, and Fordola deserves a chance to be better.  Finally, Raubahn and Nanamo have their moment to say goodbye as Nanamo dismisses him as Flame General so he can stay in his home.

To finish things off, we get the Lakshmi duty with Raubahn and Lyse organizing the meeting of community leaders to decide the future of Ala Mhigo, including the Tempered Ananta.  However, rather than it being some clown shoes nonsense of “all the guards were tempered and crystals were hidden in the throne room” the Qalyana that summon Lakshmi sacrifice their own lives to power the summoning, and Lakshmi produces like, a wall or something to barricade everyone in, necessitating Arenvald tagging in Fordola.  She gets her moment, the day is saved, everyone’s grateful that you were present to pull them out of the fire.

With things just about wrapped up in Ala Mhigo, it’s time to return to Doma, as Yugiri receives a message from another shinobi that Hien has at last received word from Maxima regarding the prisoner exchange.  WoL, the twins, Yugiri, Y’shtola, and Hakuro depart for Doma.  Krile is still recuperating from her captivity and experimentation at Zenos’s hands, and Thancred stays in Gyr Abania to help Lyse keep on top of things and watch for any suspicious primal activity.

Upon arriving in the Doman Enclave, Hien welcomes the Scions and the returning lupin conscripts, then gets to business, recounting the letter he received from Maxima.  In it, Maxima explains that his proposal was met with some opposition in the Garlean senate.  While some are open to more diplomatic peace with the “independant provinces”, others are critical of peace being a show of weakness, especially in light of the recent Ala Mhigan insurrection.  In particular, a rival political group known as the Telophoroi have been pushing against peace at every turn, as they seek an end to conflict worldwide via total Garlean dominance.  However, the leader of the Telophoroi, one Asahi goe Brutus, has surprisingly agreed to meet with Hien and discuss terms instead of stonewalling the Populares further.

Upon hearing the name, Alisaie remarks that “Brutus” was Yotsuyu’s Garlean given name, and Hien confirms that Asahi is the same brother that manifested as a hateful shade when Yotsuyu manifested Tsukuyomi.  The group cannot help but be suspicious, but Hien is determined to see it through, as it is his responsibility to bring home the Doman conscripts in Garlean custody if he’s able.

But there is much to be done before Ambassador Brutus arrives.  Alisaie means to inquire after Yotsuyu and see how she’s doing after the whole Tsukuyomi thing, to which Hien talks about how she’s been well behaved, but laments his inability to actually let her out of his estate lest the sight of her cause unrest.  Already there are rumors of the late Viceroy’s ghost haunting the Enclave from citizens catching glimpses of her in the windows or when she occassionally wanders out after dark.

Yugiri vouches that “Tsuyu” truly has forgotten everything and is effectively not the same person she was as Viceroy, but remarks that it is cold comfort to those that suffered under her reign.  Hien too has to bite his tongue, recalling Gosetsu’s parting words that she deserves another chance and struggling with his own desire for revenge for his friend and mentor’s death.  Alphinaud offers some consolation that the right thing is rarely the easy thing.

Y’shtola speaks up, inquiring about the aether thinning phenomenon that Urianger spoke of and noting that she has noticed the same in Doma with her aetherial sight.  Hien mentions the Burn and its lack of aether, and Y’shtola asks to investigate it.  The Scions head out for the Burn and we get the dungeon.

It plays out as usual, we find the Allagan shield generator, and Y’shtola sees an aether current leading back to the Azim Steppe, so the party heads back that way, while the twins break off.  Alisaie returns to the Enclave to check on Tsuyu, while Alphinaud heads back to Kugane to see how things are going with Tataru and Hancock.

We get the same events in the Azim Steppe, WoL duels Sadu, Y’shtola emasculates Magnai, we find out the Burn is where Azys Lla came from and thus predates the rise of the Garlean Empire and Emperor Solus using it to justify his imperialism.

Before we can explore that historical inaccuracy further however, WoL gets a linkshell ring from Alisaie.  Tsuyu has gone missing.

Y’shtola opts to remain in the Steppe to continue studying the Allagan device in the House of the Crooked Coin. WoL and Hien return to the Enclave with all due haste and reconvene.  Yugiri explains that Alphinaud returned from Kugane with urgent news, having learned from his contacts of a giant Doman samurai resembling Gosetsu that was recently seen in the Ruby Sea.  Tsuyu reacted strongly to his name, but the twins and Yugiri were preoccupied with discussing what to do and their amnesiac charge escaped the Enclave.

Fearing what will happen if Tsuyu is seen out and about, the gang sets out for Namai to find her before it is too late.  WoL and Hien arrive in Namai shortly after Tsuyu, who has already drawn a crowd.

Tsuyu is frightened and confused, unsure why everyone is angry or afraid of her.  Some of the crowd call for her blood, demanding retribution, and she doesn’t understand what it is she’s done wrong.  Azami, the little girl from earlier in the Doma story, comes to her defense as Hien arrives and explains who she is.  The people are unmoved, beseeching Hien to punish Yotsuyu for her crimes and the sake of their lost.  Hien grits his teeth and considers it for a moment, before refusing.  He restates his belief that the old laws of honor would demand blood for Yotsuyu’s actions, regardless of circumstances, but that is not Hien’s way, and he will not execute an innocent, nor would doing so undo any of the pain of the past.

The crowd disperses, accepting Hien’s decision, and tragedy is averted.  Before the party returns to the Enclave, Jifuya, prominant member of the Doman Resistance, stops them and asks for a word with Hien.  WoL recognizes Jifuya as someone they interacted with during the Doman Liberation, as well as one of the voices that called for a return to the old ways when the Empire was removed.

Jifuya asks Hien if he can speak in private, or at least, away from Tsuyu.  Yugiri and the twins escort Tsuyu back to the Enclave while Hien, WoL, and Jifuya go to the outskirts of Namai to converse discreetly.  Jifuya opens up that he was Yotsuyu’s master, the one who bought and put her into bondage as a courtesan after her husband died, and requests Hien’s permission to leave Doma.  Hien is outraged that a slaver was among his ranks, but Jifuya retorts that he has ever been a loyal and true ally of Doma, as a noble and then as a soldier.  Honor dictates that his service earn him clemency, and if Hien will not respect the old ways, then this new way of mercy and forgiveness that compels Hien to forgive someone as wicked as Yotsuyu demands he let Jifuya go as well.  Or is the young lord of Doma a hypocrite?

Hien stumbles, but before he can say anything, a familiar voice rings out, asking Jifuya if seeking to escape the consequences for his crimes is truly the actions of an honorable man.

Gosetsu walks in, using his sword as a cane, limping as he goes.  Without missing a beat he approaches Jifuya and asks again, if he is so honorable, why was he among the first to incite the crowd to call for Yotsuyu’s blood, why would he flee if he had done no wrong.

Jifuya falters, looking for an escape, sheepishly saying that he only did what was common for the time, he cannot be blamed for what one stupid girl did in response.  Gosetsu sternly states that Doma’s fall was brought about by selfish old men like them that cared more about their pride and honor than the people they were meant to serve, and that same honor now demands they repent for their failings, in whatever way their victims see fit.

Jifuya attempts to run, stating he refuses to be at Yotsuyu’s mercy for what he did to her, but before he can escape, Gosetsu draws his blade and cuts him down.  Gosetsu himself falls to his knees after his strike, saying to Hien that he seems to have slipped, and hopes the Lord of Doma will forgive his retainer’s clumsiness.

Realizing that Gosetsu has spared Hien from having to publicly go back on his principles, he obliges and helps Gosetsu back to his feet.  The trio return to the Enclave and Gosetsu is welcomed home.  Yugiri and the twins are apprised of what transpired with Jifuya and Gosetsu regales the party with stories of his adventures following the collapse of Doma Castle.  All the while, Tsuyu dotes on him, fussing over his injuries and making sure he’s comfortable, which he finds unsettling.

Yugiri explains to him what became of Yotsuyu, and her new life as Tsuyu.  Gosetsu dryly suggests the mercy fate has shown them both must be the work of the kami, to be forced to live on in spite of their crimes, to atone by bearing the weight of a guilty conscious.  Gosetsu’s injuries combined with his age are too much for him to fight as a samurai again, and he needs assistance in his day to day, and Tsuyu has no memories of her old life, only that she committed a terrible crime she cannot remember or even who she hurt.

MEANWHILE, IN GARLEMALD, we get the conversation between Varis and Elidibus, with the stinger that Elidibus is up to something.

When we next pick up in the Enclave, Hien has received word from Maxima that Ambassador Brutus’s ship is en route and should be arriving soon to carry out the prisoner exchange, and potentially a proper ceasefire between the Empire and Doma.  Last minute preparations are made, including keeping Tsuyu hidden, given the bad blood between her and Asahi.  The only other concern is a strange increase in activity from the Red kojin of late, given they had settled down since the Empire left Doma and Susano was defeated.

Asahi and his retinue arrive alongside Maxima, he is welcomed to Hien’s estate as an honored guest.

Contrasting with Maxima’s prior letter, Asahi seems positively thrilled with the idea of the prisoner exchange and peace between the Empire and Doma as equals.  When questioned about the politics of his party, the Telophoroi, he says that the militaristic stance is born of precaution, not hostility, and so long as Doma does not seek further conflict he has no reason to pick a fight.  But that does entail the return of all Imperial prisoners...including the missing viceroy, his “dear” sister Yotsuyu.

The group is shocked that Asahi is aware of Tsuyu’s survival, and Yugiri tentatively explains that she lost her memory after the battle of Doma Castle, and was given a new identity for her own protection.  Hien states that Tsuyu would likely not wish to leave Doma to go with a stranger to a strange place, and Asahi, surprisingly, agrees.  She is a Doman citizen now, through and through, though he would like to see her for himself, if time permits.

Back to business, Asahi says that in addition to ceding prisoners and pursuing no further restitutions from the Empire, Doma and its people must never again summon eikons.  Alisaie speaks up, saying the people of Doma never summoned to begin with, which prompts Asahi to mention Susano and Tsukuyomi, TWO summonings by Doman citizens in less than a year.  WoL disputes this, as Susano manifested without being summoned by anyone, and Tsukuyomi was called by Yotsuyu, the Imperial Viceroy.

Asahi insists that these are semantics, and it was ultimately Doman religious practices that gave rise to the primals.  The Empire will not demand an end to all worship, only that such “incidents” be prevented.

At this point, Asahi suggests going around and touring Doma a bit, estranged as he is from his homeland by his time in Garlemald.  Hien, Yugiri, WoL, and the twins escort him around Yanxia, from the Enclave to Monzen, Namai, and Castrum Fluminis.  It’s there that we get the encounter with the Red Kojin attacking Isse and Azami, and the gang rushes to the rescue, Asahi included.

With enough excitement for one day, the group returns to the Enclave, and Asahi retires for the evening.  Afterwards, the group plus Maxima discuss how odd the whole situation is, Asahi knowing of Yotsuyu’s fate and her summoning Tsukuyomi at Doma Castle, the unusual actions of the Red Kojin to travel so far inland, especially on the same day Asahi arrives, the bizarre change of heart compared to Maxima‘s initial report.  Something is obviously strange, but no one can quite pinpoint it, and Maxima hopes it is simply nerves.

The next day, Asahi sets about preparations for the prisoner exchange at Castrum Fluminis, but as before, requests he be allowed a chance to meet with his sister.  Hien tentatively agrees, not wanting to jeopardize the safety of the Doman conscripts by refusing, and the group travels to Castrum Fluminis with Tsuyu in tow.

From here, things play out more or less the same, Asahi surprises Tsuyu by bringing out their parents, and Yugiri notices a number of suspicious crates that Asahi’s retinue seems to have brought with them.  Asahi and his forces fall back to the fortress, leaving the WoL with his parting vitriol and the Echo vision of his first meeting with Zenos, and Tsuyu is very agitated following the unexpected reunion with her parents.  At this point, all involved are aware the prisoner exchange is a trap, but for the sake of bringing home the Doman conscripts, they’ll have to follow through for now and just be ready to react to whatever scheme Asahi tries to pull.

The next morning, Hien’s estate is throw into a tizzy as Tsuyu has disappeared overnight.  Yugiri takes responsibility, saying that she had grown lax in her observance as she became more accustomed to Tsuyu’s every day routine.  With the airship bearing the conscripts on its way, there’s no time to dispatch a full search party, and Hien asks the WoL and the twins to investigate while he travels to Castrum Fluminis.

WoL and the twins split up and search for Tsuyu, WoL goes to Monzen and finds the bodies of Asahi’s parents and gets the Echo vision.  Tsuyu, having regained her memory, cannot live with the guilt of being shown such kindness and mercy after what she’s done, and plans to kill herself when her parents arrive and begin harassing her.  She turns on them and murders them both, then Asahi arrives on the scene and congratulates her on the miraculous recovery.  He tells Yotsuyu the plan to regain her place in the Empire by summoning Tsukuyomi again at the prisoner exchange.

WoL meets up with the twins and they rush to the Castrum proper to warn Hien.  They arrive just as the Doman conscripts are being brought through, and Alphinaud calls out that it’s a trap.  Asahi seems shocked at their arrival, but carries on, giving the signal for Yotsuyu to show herself.  The crates Yugiri identified are opened, showing off a number of crystals, and Yotsuyu uses them to once again turn into Tsukuyomi.

Asahi cackles madly, laughing that a Doman citizen has summoned an eikon in direct violation of the peace agreement in what can only be called an act of war.  His victory is short lived however, when Tsukuyomi runs him through with her lunar swords, voice seething as she recounts that he more than any other she hated, her own brother that beat her and used her, never protecting her from their parents, leaving her to suffer as he reaped the benefits of her abuse and enslavement.  As Asahi chokes on his blood and curses her for being the one Zenos chose over him, the transformation fades, and Yotsuyu collapses, the lunar blades holding Asahi aloft disappearing as he plummets to the ground.  Yugiri and the twins run to Yotsuyu’s side as Hien and Wol look over Asahi, with his last breath saying that Zenos will come for them and avenge him.

WoL gets the Echo vision of a somehow still living Zenos giving Asahi his mission to sabotage the prisoner exchange, and shares what they learn with everyone present.

Alphinaud is bewildered, asking how Zenos could have given the order when Zenos died at the Royal Menagerie, to which Maxima reacts with shock, saying that the crown prince is alive and well at the Imperial capital, already recovering from the wounds he sustained at the Ala Mhigan insurrection.  The contradiction presents only one possibility.  An Ascian has taken possession of Zenos’s body.

In spite of everything that has occurred, Hien asks Maxima if they intend to go through with the prisoner exchange.  Maxima agrees, as the ambassador’s plan was as much of a shock to the Populares as the Scions, and he still believes in the mission. 

Yotsuyu then awakens, her hair evenly split between black and white, much like Tsukuyomi.  She is unharmed, if exhausted by the summoning, and bitterly asks what the Scions intend to do with her now that she’s finally had her fill of revenge.  Hien states that her amnesia was her only defense against the peoples’ ire, and he may not be able to protect her if she remains in Doma, to which Yotsuyu replies she has no desire to remain anyway.

Alisaie offers Yotsuyu join the Scions, as they’re always looking for people with the Echo, and it’s a politically neutral group far from Doma.  Yotsuyu wonders aloud how long Alisaie has been waiting to turn Yotsuyu’s initial offer on its head, to which Alisaie only smirks.

Yotsuyu makes no commitments, as she will need time to decide what she wants now that her life is actually in her own hands for the first time.  Yugiri escorts her back to the Doman Enclave.

Alphinaud then addresses Maxima, asking what he intends to do now.  With the news that Zenos may be an Ascian, he must return to Garlemald forthwith and resume his investigation, and regrettably, it might not be wise to bring the Imperial prisoners back to the capital in such circumstances.  Hien volunteers to help see the prisoners back to their homes with the help of Doma’s shinobi, as most of them are foreign conscripts anyway, and with the Ambassador dead on Doman soil, the prospects of peace are well and truly off the table.

Alphinaud volunteers to join Maxima in the journey back to the capital, believing he would do more good helping the Populares fight the Ascians politically and potentially prevent further conflict at the source.  The WoL has the option to encourage him, stay neutral and advise caution, or disagree with Alphinaud’s decision as too dangerous.

Regardless, Alphinaud and Maxima depart, and the WoL, Hien, and Alisaie return to the Enclave.  When they arrive, Yotsuyu and Gosetsu are waiting for them, both in new outfits.  “Tsuyu” states it’s better if she let go of her old name for good, and Gosetsu declares that the two of them are going on a pilgrimage of atonement, to understand where they belong in the world as a pair of sinners who were denied honorable death.  Tsuyu comments she’ll keep Alisaie’s offer in mind, and the two depart.

At the same time, a yol arrives dropping off Y’shtola, who explains that her research in the Steppe has reached a satisfactory conclusion.  WoL and Alisaie tell her about all that has transpired in her absence, and she grimly wonders if Alphinaud has not made a rash decision.  On a happier note, she says that she has undone the stifling of aether caused by the Allagan device, and it is possible the Burn may recover in time.

Hien thanks the Scions for their assistance, and swears he will pray for Alphinaud’s safety in the coming days.  He then asks if they can deliver a letter of introduction to the Eorzean Alliance, pledging Doma’s friendship.  The Scions graciously thank Hien for his friendship and hospitality, and depart for Eorzea. 

From here, things proceed pretty much as they do in the original story.

Thancred, Krile, Lyse, and Urianger are updated on the Zenos situation, and his grave is confirmed to be empty, as we get the shot of the unknown Elezen soldier watching in the distance.  Thancred departs for Garlemald to find out what’s going on.

WoL and Alisaie deliver Hien’s message to the Eorzean Alliance, pledging Doma’s support against the Empire, Maxima and his unit arrive in Ala Mhigo, and the WoL and Alisaie learn of the attack on their ship and how Alphinaud went off with the mysterious Shadow Hunter.  We get the introduction of Emperor Solus and the big reveal of Garlemald’s founding.

Thancred returns, bringing grim tidings of imminent conflict with Eorzea and retribution for the Ala Mhigan and Doman rebellions.  As Thancred delivers his report, the mysterious voice happens and he goes comatose.  Alisaie and WoL return to the Rising Stones to tell Urianger and Y’shtola, who soon follow suit.

WoL and Alisaie travel to Doma together one last time to let Hien know what’s coming, he informs them that he has been in contact with Cid and the four of them head out to burn to get the Allagan shield up and running to protect Doma while the army travels to Eorzea to assist the Alliance, Gaius delivers Alphinaud’s comatose body to the Scions and warns of Black Rose.  WoL and Alisaie return with the Doman forces then take some time to check on the Scions, visit with Matoya and Krile to diagnosis what’s wrong, visit Ga Bu in Limsa, then attend the big meeting with Varis and the Alliance leaders prior to the battle of Ghimlyt Dark, and the 4.5 story plays out unchanged.

And so that’s my edit of Stormblood, how I would modify events to keep things mostly the same, but tie the narrative together a bit more smoothly and keep things consistent.  The big points I want to focus on are developing both Yotsuyu and Fordola, giving them more screentime to actually understand and sympathize with them before the game tells you you’re just supposed to, giving Zenos more build up as a character, making Lyse’s growth as an individual more pronounced, and removing or reording some events I felt were particularly unsavory or jarring with the rest of the story.  And of course, Yotsuyu lives so she can do stuff in the future.  If you’ve made it this far, thank you very much for reading, I hope you enjoyed my ideas for how Stormblood could be improved as a story.

[jakey-beefed-it]

Garlemald obviously owes a lot to the Empire from FF6 in terms of inspiration and aesthetics, but until this point really only the magitk armor has been a direct one to one comparison (with the Yoshitaka Amano art, rather than the in-game model). The Othard uniform on the other hand really does look like a modern update of the old Imperial Soldier sprite but with better helmets

Anyhow I’m always a slut for FF6 references so this pleases me, even though lots of other aspects of Stormblood are kinda falling a bit flat. Minor spoilers for Stormblood and Heavensward both, so, below a cut.

The other big thing I noticed is that I got a nice scene where I got to have a bit of a heart-to-heart with Yugiri about her past, about her hopes for Doma and her home both, and I found myself thinking the whole time- “This is nice, but can I get something similar for Lyse? Who is ostensibly the focus character for the expansion? Maybe?”

Don’t get me wrong, she’s great, I am enjoying everything they do give her to do, but I can’t help but feel that Lyse’s emotions and goals and things get kinda brushed over and rushed through in contrast. Yugiri and Gosetsu are great, I love them, too, but like, they’re not Scions. And even among the Scions, let’s be real, only my precious children Alphinaud and Alisaie (and now Lyse) are written to be close with the Warrior of Light, all of the other adults are written to be Colleagues at best, they’re not written to be Your Pal the way that Lyse is. The way that Haurchefant was. 

The narrative might not be doing her justice, but I get it, Lyse is a character with lots of unused potential. I hope they don’t waste it, but if they do, I have a long history of dusting off characters who got done dirty by their narratives and carrying them with me as my emotional support character. 

Anyhow yeah changing topics since Lyse is the best-realized of your female friends, that immediately bumps her to the top of the list for shipping with Varian. Ordinarily his type is a lot more ‘quiet determination’ and ‘sharp intelligence’ but there’s a definite charm to two disaster jocks plunging into dipshit ideas together, friends or romantic partners. We’ll see how things shake out but as of now, yeah, top candidate for OC x canon ship which, as anyone who’s been following this blog since the early days when I was still working my way through the Mass Effect trilogy, is always at least on the table.

[sezja]

Hello o/

For your free time. Remember to always rest <3

Excuse me but more doubts about Sanaii:

Favorite hairstyles?

Most hated job?

Places she dislikes?

Any friends or other relationships? Who she trusts more? Anyone she goes to if she needs it?

What does she feels and thinks about her dads?

Cold weather or warm weather?

Is she too burdened by the Warrior of Light title?

Does she enjoys helping people?

Questline that most suits her (I’m thinking about class/job ones but you can choose another)?

Does she has favorite npc? Any type of thoughts or feelings about this canon character from admiration, respect, love of any kind, anything.

Favorite glamour set?

Any item she always has with herself?

Religious or not?

I will come back but enough for now :D

Favorite hairstyles: She likes to keep her hair long, but ties it back out of her face so it doesn't get in the way - she likes ponytails, buns, and other up-dos. It's a real shame the hairbuns... do what they do on miqo'te, because otherwise I think she'd love them.

Most hated job: She's tried and failed to get a handle on DoM jobs - for role quest purposes she's going to pick up RDM and SGE, neither of which she's particularly fond of. She likes X'rhun and Arya (she and Arya are great friends and maintain a steady correspondence), though, so she keeps making her best effort at RDM... even if the magical aspects baffle her and she'd rather just practice her swordsmanship.

Places she dislikes: Nowhere, really! She finds something to love everywhere she goes. It's part of why she decided to follow in Zephyr's footsteps and become an adventurer. If anything, Garlemald is grim and depressing so she hates going there - but she's very fond of Jullus, and she hopes to see something beautiful grow where the Empire fell.

Friends or other relationships: There's Arya, as mentioned above; they're pen pals. She also bonds with Alphinaud and Alisaie, finding it far easier to talk to them than anyone else in the Scions - especially Alisaie, who understands her frustration with politics and keeping up appearances. Sanaii tends to talk to Alisaie if she just needs to vent about something. They'll go talk it out over sweets, and if that doesn't work, they'll go fight something until the frustration's gone.

How does she feel about her dads: She loves them all dearly. She doesn't talk about them much, keeping them well away from the public eye and associating them with her as little as possible - she knows she has enemies, and those who would use her family against her if they could. She tries not to tell them too much about what she's up to after the events of ARR and 2.x, not wanting them to worry. They try, then, to follow her story as best they can by following gossip and news.

She knows, of course, that they aren't her blood family, but her first clear memory is of R'azit hauling her out from beneath the burning remains of a house, and R'enze cutting a path to safety. They will always be her fathers, as far as she's concerned.

She's particularly soft on Zephyr, who can't fight much on his own (he's an archer, but his skills lie more in hunting than on the battlefield; as an adventurer he has always relied more on his skills outside of combat). It's from Zephyr she's learned how to navigate social situations - and frankly, he's the only reason she can negotiate with the leaders of nations without embarrassing herself.

Cold weather or warm weather: She'd rather be warm than cold, but she'd rather be cold than hot.

The Warrior of Light title: At first, she thinks it's kind of fun, being a Warrior of Light like in the stories - she's proud of it, and likes to hear herself referred to in such a lofty way... but in time, as the weight of the title really starts to sink in, she finds herself quietly hating it as it consumes the rest of her identity. It is a burden, and one she can't set aside; it starts to feel like a leash, and the whole world has a grip on it. She alternates between being angry at Hydaelyn for choosing her, and anger at herself for not wanting that burden, which someone has to carry. She learns to carry the title - and its weight - with a little more grace over time.

Does she enjoy helping people: Yes! Very much so. It was what appealed to her about Zephyr's particular style of adventuring - stopping to help anyone who had need of an adventurer's aid, whatever it might be. No matter how big or small the task. No matter how grand or how meager the reward. He taught her that the purpose of an adventurer isn't just to see the world, but to leave it a better place than you found it, even if it's just improving one person's day in some small way. She doesn't always seem like the type, but she does love helping out, and feeling helpful.

Questline that most suits her: I can't remember the names of any of the NPCs involved off the top of my head, but the questline in Shadowbringers, in Lakeland, where you're sort of helping a hume girl follow in the footsteps of her father, a healer? That one.

Favorite NPC: Oh man, it's hard to say if she has a favorite. I don't presently romantically ship her with anyone, so the possibilities are endless here - she can find something to love in most people.

I feel like she's very partial to Jehantel, seeing something in his gentle melancholy that pulls at her. I'm not sure she'd have agreed to go along with Sanson and Guydelot after their bickering at the start, if Jehantel hadn't asked it of her. (She warms to them, of course, but neither of them really put their best foot forward, and she's very grumpy about being asked to go along with them - and they're not thrilled at the prospect of a sullen teenager attending their quest, either.)

Favorite glamour sets: I don't know yet! She likes comfy, pretty things. I still need to get a feel for her sense of style.

Items she carries with herself: She secretly still carries the fox plush she carried with her when her dads rescued her; it's buried deep in her pack. She only pulls it out when she needs extra comforting.

Religious or not: Mildly. Agnostic, mostly. As R'azit puts it, "I only speak to the gods when I'm angry at them." She believes there's a force that controls the world and its fate, but she's not sure it's the Twelve. She's quiet about that, though.

Obviously, she knows Hydaelyn exists, but sees Her as more of a partner than a god.

[cryoriku]

the body of a slug

Ao3 link: [x] Relationship: Warrior of Light / Alphinaud Leveilleur Tags: fluff, drabble, warrior of light is a system and also alphinaud's age

Drabble of Alphinaud and Arkao managing to squeeze a beach day in Thavnair into their tight schedules.

Arkao nears closer, a cat, making inconspicuous, calculated movements across the sand to stretch the length of himself and reach the space where Alphinaud's elbow, supporting the book he holds, meets his slender waist, and nose at it.

"Hm?"

Alphinaud is still looking at his book. Arkao snakes his hands around Alphinaud, and finally he glances down.

"Gils...?" Alphinaud asks—uncertain which alter was fronting at this moment.

"Arkao."

Indeed, it was his boyfriend.

Alphinaud passes the book to his opposite hand for a moment, to crane his neck down and kiss the top of Arkao's head. “Something weighing on your thoughts?”

Arkao lets out a sigh. “A dream... that's almost what this feels like.”

“Don't let on to Alisaie. She won't hesitate at the chance to pinch someone.”

“I might need to be pinched. —Ouch!”

“Hm? What, you didn't think I just took my sister's abuses idly, did you? Hey—!”

As soon as Arkao releases his grip, Alphinaud's hand clamps over his pained ear. "Heheh. Now we both know this is real.”

Alphinaud's head tilts. “What about it is so hard to believe?”

Arkao's hand slides underneath Alphinaud's shirt, smoothing over his skin and settling at the center, the warmth of his stomach on his palm.

Then he retracts himself, and turns over onto his back, staring up at the sky. The sea here in Thavnair is no different than it is back home—home, Arkao repeats, it almost startles him how quickly he has come to view it as such—in Sharlayan. Yet, somehow, it feels different.

“That day, when we saved the baby... what were you thinking?”

“Huh? Hmm…" Alphinaud takes a moment to think. "Well, I had to maintain my composure. Not only because of... the situation at hand, but for the others, and the baby, whose fears would be reinforced by my own if I panicked," explains Alphinaud. "But a repressed part of myself that didn't surface until, now I suppose, was—is—deeply disturbed. All were punished for their most human instincts, and that even an infant could have gone unspared twists my stomach in a knot. Kids know not their sins.

"I admit I don't exactly have a way with children, but they're important to me. I suppose I am like my father in that way. Hahah…”

Something Alphinaud said strikes Arkao with a memory. Gods, it feels like forever ago now. In the Crystarium, during the struggle with Elidibus, helping the children there. He calls to mind vividly Alphinaud kneeling down to Riqi Tio like a knight in shining armor and encouraging her small acts of heroism.

It was when Arkao knew for certain that he was in love with him.

“Liar. You have a way with everyone... for better or worse.”

A cocky grin flickers across Alphinaud's face. “I would not be a very good diplomat without a certain astuteness," he says.

“The body of a slug is soft and structureless. They have no obvious protection from predators piercing through the skin to their vitals. But they discharge a viscous mucus that is highly parasitic and lethal for predators to ingest.”

Arkao says it without so much as a pause, as though it had already been at the tip of his tongue. Alphinaud, on the other hand, hesitates at what to say. “And it would seem my instincts are entirely lost on you, Ark,” he admits.

"You're like a slug."

Arkao's eyes fly up at the sound of Alphinaud's book slamming shut. Alphinaud is staring down at him, mouth speechlessly agape. Arkao covers his mouth as he burst out laughing.

“Honestly! You should consider taking up a seat in the Forum. Nobody could best you in an argument when they cannot possibly predict what might come out of your mouth next! Good gods…” says Alphinaud exasperatedly, “Would you mind elaborating?”

“Hehehe... now I'm all embarrassed…” Arkao rolls onto his side, to avoid the dilemma of eye contact as he explains it. “You're sensitive and soft. Yet still strong. In spirit and wits. It doesn't feel real that I am able to... have you.”

There's a pause. And then, Arkao gasps at the sensation of his body being enveloped by Alphinaud's own.

“I've said it before and I'll say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it,” Alphinaud tells him, “There is no one I would rather be dragged around the worlds and back by than you.”

Arkao sinks into this feeling, the warmth of the sun and the weight of the person he loved most. He wriggles his arm free just enough to tangle his fingers in the hair at Alphinaud's nape. Pull him in so that their mouths meet, gentle and plush.

It was a bold move for him that had even Alphinaud wide-eyed, though his face was red from his cheeks to the tips of his ears and his smile wouldn't leave his face. "I love you," Alphinaud breathes.

Even now, and as Arkao suspected it would after the hundredth time hearing it, his heart still speeds up. "I love you too."

[dragoon-mid-jump]

I've no screens to offer rn, but I will give one fact each of my main MSQ OCs:

In 6.3, Jullus nearly had a heart attack when he saw U'reksh and Alisaie return to Tertium battered and bruised and laughing after their "reunion spar", thinking that someone or something got the jump on them while they were out, and Zero was fully ready to go after whoever it was. The other Scions in attendance had to calm them down and explain that that's just how they are. With an exasperated Alphinaud healing their wounds and scolding them for going as hard as they did.

Y'dehlya is the second-most inclined of the Scions to diplomacy and politics after Alphinaud, able to hold the floor as well as he, if not better due to being more worldly in some respects. It's just that she's also a Warrior of Light, so her presence is more often needed out on the field than the table. But in his absence, she's the one the Scions defer to in political manners. She was taught by her paternal grandmother and a family friend or two.

For Shadowbringers, Kouh'to was the only non-Sharlayan to get Called to the First. So, when the WoLs brought over freshly-baked Archon Loaf in the 5.X Patches, the rest of the Sharlayan Scions made a whole scene out of Kouh'to trying it for the very first time. He did not enjoy eating it, to the amusement of some and the understanding of others.

Well that revelation just made my mood fucking tank

Do any of ya'll have any favorite screens you want to share? Or just wanna say some facts about your characters?

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Breeze

The morning after defeating the Endsinger and Zenos, Agi wakes to feel a cool breeze. SFW.

When Agnes awoke, she felt a cool breeze. Where am I? Laying on her side, she opened her eyes, blinked, and vaguely saw her glasses on a bedside table. And next to that…

“Love?” She whispered softly.

Estinien’s eyes opened suddenly and darted around for a second before he caught his wife’s gaze. A small smile appeared on his tired face. “Hey,” he moved his chair up to the bed and took her hand. “How are you feeling, sweet girl?”

“Sore.” One of her hands caressed her belly. “Where are we?”

“The Leveilleur Estate. They insisted on having you rest here, away from all the hubbub.” Upon seeing her confused expression, Estinien chuckled. “The world is celebrating, my love. The Final Days are over. The star and all creation saved. Krile offered the Annex, but I agreed with the lord and lady of the house…and Luci…that this would be better. You need to rest. Both of you.”

Are those…tears in his eyes? Agnes squeezed his hand. “It’s okay, love. We’re okay.”

Tears streaked down his cheeks. “Promise me, Agi. Promise me, no more adventures or danger until after she’s born. I cannot…I thought you were…” Estinien choked back a sob. “Please.”

Agnes, very slowly, sat up and flung her arms around her husband. “I’m not fucking planning on it, love!” She giggled. “After all,” she kissed his tear-stained cheeks. “We must have our extended honeymoon in Radz-at-Han, remember? And I personally don’t want any more surprises or world-ending events happening during this pregnancy. We’ll finally have time for each other—no Scion business, no revolutions, no primals to kill, nothing of that sort. I wasn’t kidding when I told Thancred that I’m relieved to finally have help on that front.” For the next few minutes, the couple sat in silence as Agnes comforted her husband—rubbing his back and kissing his tears.

“Forgive me,” he murmured. “I worry about both of you.” Their foreheads now touched, Estinien nudged his nose against hers. “We’ll need a name for her.”

“Luci Varlineau?” Agnes suggested with a grin.

Estinien grunted. “No thank you. I was thinking…Esme. Twas my mother’s name, and Esme Varlineau has a nice ring to it.”

Esme Varlineau does sound a lot better than Luci Varlineau. Sorry Mum! “I agree, love. Her name will be Esme.”

“We love you already, Esme.” One of his hands touched her belly. Was that?! Estinien’s eyes widened in awe. “Was…was that her?”

“It was, love! That was a strong little kick from her. Hello, my little love.”

Estinien still looked awe-struck. “She’s…kicking again. Does she know it’s me? That I’m her father?”

This is too cute! He looks positively softer than a pile of goo right now. Agnes giggled. “Maybe? You should talk to her. Get right up close. Here,” she adjusted herself on the bed, sitting upright. “Come on, love. Talk to her.”

Estinien quickly scrambled onto the bed and lay his head gently on Agnes’s belly. “Hello Esme. It’s your father. You be a good girl for Mummy, alright? She needs her rest. You just be a good baby and keep growing…There she goes again!” Right in the ribs! “Heh, good baby. You’re such a good little baby. Me and Mummy love you so much. We can’t wait to meet you, but you must stay in here for a while. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you and Mummy.” OOF! “Ah! She did it again! What a good baby! You’re such a good baby, Esme,” he cooed. OH MY GODS, LOVE! How is he so adorable?! “Are you hungry, Agi? Maybe Esme wants some food.”

Agnes giggled and played with a strand of his long, silky hair. “I don’t know about her, but yes, I’m famished. Could you ask Mum—LOVE!”

Within seconds, Estinien leapt out the window into the cool breeze leaving Agnes laughing hysterically. Estinien returned with a veritable feast from The Last Stand, much to Agnes’s chagrin. Burgers, fries, waffles, pancakes, milkshakes, decaf coffee, fried cheese, sausages, bacon, fruit, crepes, ham, and a very large ice cream sundae. I insisted on sharing with the staff…and Mum…and the twins and their parents…good gods, does he think I’m eating for a dozen?! “You know, love, I was going to ask if you could have Mum make me some Eggs Benedict. You didn’t have to do this!” She laughed, patting him on the arm as he popped a fry into his mouth.

Alisaie rolled her eyes. “Seriously, we could’ve had some food made here! This must’ve cost a fortune!”

“Hmph, I’m more than willing to pay any price for Agi and our babe.”

“Estinien, sweetie…there’s a difference between that and…” Luci gestured to the feast in front of them. “Whatever the fuck this is.”

“Agi likes sharing, so I got a lot. And Esme needs food!” He shoved another fry into his mouth. “She’s a growing baby!”

“Esme is a lovely name!” Alphinaud exclaimed. “Isn’t it, Mother?”

“Yes, indeed. A beautiful name for a beautiful child. Is there ought else you require, Agnes?”

“Nothing at the moment, thank you.” Agnes looked fondly at everyone in her room and felt the cool breeze again.

I have all I could ever want or need right here.

[alvaar-aldaviir]

Close Call

Anon requested the following:

Fog - hearing stay awake as they are carried to safety.

Repair - being confined to bed due to injury or illness and hating every second of it.

Misfit - getting out of bed too soon, insisting they feel much better, and collapsing / passing out.

All three: In which both twins are sidelined and Alvaar has to care for them?

Time Frame: Post Canon. No Spoilers

Notes: Established Alvaar/Alphinaud/Alisaie. Prompt fill for the Rest Prompts.

Cross posted to Ao3.

-

Alisaie wasn’t entirely certain what happened. She remembers rushing ahead, trying to reach one of the Brass Blades further away from them. A young hyur, newly recruited and eager to prove himself on the field. Undoubtedly the sort to find themselves into the most trouble. From there it’s... hazy.

Fire. A very loud noise that felt like it was still echoing in her skull. And what seemed like far, far too much blood but from where she wasn’t...

She wasn’t...

Gods she was exhausted. Exhausted and cold and sorely wishing whatever she was curled up on would just stop with the bouncing about already.

Distantly she hears something familiar. Something important. Something demanding she pay attention.

There’s a flicker of red and white robes in her blurred vision. A gentle touch to her head that reminds her of years long past. Of the Ruby Sea and one of those rare times she finally felt like someone had approved of and been genuinely proud of her. Alvaar’s hand settling into her still damp hair after she’d successfully distracted and escaped the Red Kojin, and the warm and approving smile he’d given her that had soothed the ache of past failures even for just a moment...

It’s not Alvaar she sees. This hyur woman is too short, a long and wild mane of russet hair framing a stubborn but gentle face.

“Stay awake,” the woman murmurs, voice low but calm even as she issues the order with the maternal confidence of a seasoned healer.

“What?” Alisaie asks, or tries to at least, as the word catches in her throat and wheezes out instead.

“It’s not time for you yet,” she explains simply, hand still settled against her hair and ruffling pale strands with a familiar motion. “You need to-”

“-STAY AWAKE!”

It jars her from her thoughts, some of the fog lifting to look up at the Bard currently carrying her. The grim set of his determined expression as he drags in air with deep and almost bestial breaths while the battlefield blurs past them.

Distantly she can hear music. Feel the warm breeze that usually follows him when he’s worked his Bardic abilities to full swing.

“Stay with me you hear? Keep listening to my voice and don’t drift off. I mean it!” Alvaar demands, voice louder than normal and rough from the sprint he’s making.

She wants to listen to him. This is probably the most demanding he’s ever been in her presence. The last thought she has before she slips under is that he and that White Mage seem very alike.

-

Alisaie wakes up to a steady and deep ache in almost everything, but especially focused on her right side. Propped up slightly against pillows and a modestly comfortable bed in a darkened room. When she tries to feel out the damage, she comes to the puzzled realization her right arm is in a sling and her left hand is tangled up with someone else’s. Before she can even try and push herself up to sort things out there’s a warm palm settling to her collarbone and pressing her back down.

“Don’t,” Alvaar murmurs from somewhere in the dark before the bed she’s laying on dips a bit as he perches beside her. Pulling away he fussed with something nearby before the strike and hiss of a match sounds as he lights the bedside lamp.

It throws a warm light about the rustic room they’re in, setting shadows to dancing across wooden supports and plastered stone. Some small study converted into a makeshift private medical ward.

“You look terrible,” she remarks without thought after meeting Alvaar’s pale gaze, the Bard still a bit bleary eyed and the shadows emphasizing the fatigue on his face.

“Yea? Well you don’t look like roses and kittens either,” he remarks flatly before a weak grin tugs at his mouth in spite of himself, brushing her short hair back with a careful touch. “But I’m glad to see you awake. You gave us all a scare.”

“Did I? Where’s Alphinaud?” she asks, glancing around. “He should be here any minute to harp on me about staying in bed and recovering...”

“Next to you.”

That makes her blink, finally looking down and noticing the second lump under the thin blanket beside her. Settled as close as he could get without disturbing her, fingers threaded tight with her own even as he slept.

“You’re very lucky. You only got hit with shrapnel. Barely missed your lung, but you were bleeding so badly... Alphinaud drained every drop of aether he had getting you stabilized before I could get you back to the chirurgeons,” Alvaar whispered.

“What happened?” she asked, still not looking away from the face of her twin and the worried set of his brow even as he slept.

“Stray magitek shot hit one of the ceruleam tanks on a broken reaper,” Alvaar murmured. “Sent metal shards everywhere.” The toughened fingers that soothe over her hair draws her attention back to him, studying the tight look of concern on his face. Cupping her jaw gently, he strokes the rough edge of his thumb along her cheek, a tender gesture she shifts into without thought. Shutting her eyes as he leans in closer, she stays quiet as he presses a kiss to the top of her head and nuzzles into her hair before going still and savoring the closeness. It speaks more of his concern than any amount of chastising or flowery words. Evoking a quiet and soft sort of warmth in her heart that almost always gentled the sharper edges of her words and personality.

“M’ okay,” she mumbles. “You don’t need to fuss. I wanted to sleep anyway.”

“Good... Could you humor me? Just a moment longer,” he whispers, words soft and airy as they’re breathed so close against her skin and it makes her heart thump despite herself. Giving an answering hum before he’s cradling her face in both hands and pressing another kiss to her nose. Her brow. A few more feather-soft presses of lips against her cheeks as his fingers brush along her ears before his forehead and nose nudge against hers and stay. Warm and tender and filled with the all-consuming love the Bard just seemed to give as naturally as breathing.

“I love you,” she murmurs without thought, wishing she could wrap her arms around him even as she thinks it doesn’t matter when they still feel that close anyway.

“Love you too, my dearest chevalier. Please, for just a bit, no brave heroics? I know that’s your default, but you probably shaved a year or three off my life today and this world needs you,” Alvaar returned quietly.

It ruffles her ire just a little, as being sick or injured always does. But she’s tired and sore and the warmth and patient intimacy of the moment win her over in the end.

“Alright... But I expect fresh tarts and tea tomorrow,” she breathes, smirking faintly at the huff of amusement that leaves him.

“I’ll do my best with what I’ve got. Get some rest, I’ll be here if you need anything.”

-

“You know I hate being bedridden,” Alisaie huffs the next morning, even as her injuries throb faintly as she remains leaned into Alvaar’s side with her cheek resting against his shoulder. She heaves a slow breath and waits for him to turn the page of his book given her reading speed is faster than his own. There’s a temptation to tease him for only having romance novels and sheet music on him, but the opening chapter had been enjoyable enough to still her tongue.

“I do. What page do you think the smut scene happens on?” he asked lightly.

“How long is it?”

He paused to flip to the back. “... 432.”

“Mmm I bet 120,” she answered frowning a bit at his following snort.

“Amateur,” he remarked lightly, smirking with amusement.

“Oh? Pray tell what’s your guess?”

Holding the page with a finger he flipped the book closed to study the thickness a moment before checking the page number of a seemingly random section. “They’ll do a cocktease at around 250 to build tension but won’t do the actual act for at least another 50 pages. It’s too slow burn even for a one off to happen a quarter in. Too much focus on a plot and world setting.”

It earned a faint chuckle from her. “I’d place a bet on that but somehow I’m inclined to believe you’ve read enough of these sordid tales to know.”

“It’s something to do and the novels are cheap,” he answered before they both perked up at the third occupant of the bed as he stirred with a soft noise of protest.

Pushing himself up to sitting, Alphinaud groaned faintly as he rubbed at his face sleepily, long hair ruffled and sticking up from where he slept on it. It made Alisaie unconsciously reach over to pet it smooth with her good arm given Alvaar was too far away to beat her to it.

“Good morning Alphinaud,” she announced simply, studying him blankly when he gave a start and looked back at her with wide eyes.

“Alisaie,” he whispered, staring at her in disbelief a moment before he reached up to grip her hand in his and give a brave if slightly teary-eyed smile. “I am glad to see you awake and well dear sister. I... we both were concerned for you.”

“I’ll be a sight better when Alvaar lets me out of this bed,” she huffed but gave her twin a faint smile anyway even as he frowned faintly.

“You had best stay put until the chirurgeons give you leave of it,” he chided flatly.

“Or what? You’ll park a carbuncle on me?” she challenged wryly.

“I very well may.” Casting his gaze over to Alvaar, his expression softened further. “I see you are up and about as well my friend. I’m sorry to have left everything to you by falling asleep. It was not my intention.”

A shrug rolled off a broad shoulder flippantly as the Bard tossed a hand in nonchalance. “Don’t worry about it. I just had to assist your spell with Bardsong, not dump my everything into it. You needed the rest more than I did.”

“But neither was I the one that returned to the fray to lead a decisive charge,” the Scholar shot back frankly.

Meeting the scrutinizing stare, Alvaar offered another faint shrug. “And here I am, resting. I would suggest you do likewise. I brought you breakfast. I would have done your hair too, but you were quite content where you were. Hold still and let me fix it for you.” Snapping the book shut once he’d tossed a bookmark in place, he set the paperback aside and eased away from Alisaie’s side.

Squinting out the open window and the daylight blazing outside Alphinaud shook his head. “No, it seems to be well past noon as is. I should gather the reports and the recent status of our positions,” he countered, already slipping out from the covers and sweeping his hair back into some rough sense of order.

“Hold up a second would you? At least take a moment to eat something,” Alvaar chided, slipping to his feet and starting to round the bed.

“Knowing you? It’s likely something I can eat on the way,” he returned with dry amusement. “I’ll be alright, but undoubtedly Raubahn will be interested in my insight and I shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

The Bard paused at the corner of the bed, frowning faintly at the Scholar who now stood an easy two inches above him.

“If it makes you feel better, I can bring them back here to review?” Alphinaud offered, smoothing the wrinkles out of his shirt before moving for his longcoat draped over the back of a nearby chair. He’d made it all of three steps before his knee buckled, Alvaar swooping in abruptly and catching him before his head could meet the floor.

Studying him with a flat look, Alvaar tsked under his breath. Shifting his grip so he can release a hand and press the back of it to the Scholar’s brow. “You’re running cold. Aether deprivation... Come on, Raubahn and the Alliance will make do without us. Let’s get you back in bed where you’re going to eat something alright? I’ve got a potion or three in my bag.”

“I’m fine... just... slipped,” Alphinaud huffed.

“You almost smashed your skull on the floor Alphinaud, I would do as Alvaar says,” Alisaie remarked flatly from the bed, now parked towards the center of it where she’d yanked herself on reflex in fright.

“Come on love, don’t be stubborn,” Alvaar murmured, scooping him up in his arms and lifting him easily. A slight amused grin tugged at his face as the Scholar glowered at him.

“I’m fine,” he insisted again.

“Sure. Humor me anyway? I don’t need any more scares today. My heart can’t take it,” Alvaar argued lightly, getting the man situated back on the bed and fussing the blankets back over him.

Alphinaud was less than happy about it, even as a small plate of cinnamon rolls was held out to him and accepted.

“This is far too sweet for breakfast,” he snipped softly.

“It will help give you a boost. If I’d known when you’d be waking up, I would have had a drink ready for you. But cold tea or coffee is the worst, so what do you want me to fetch you?” Alvaar asked lightly, ignoring the Scholar’s sour mood.

“Coffee. ... thank you.”

“Tea for me please,” Alisaie chirped, mostly because she knew Alvaar was about to ask anyway.

“Alright. Stay in bed the both of you. I come back and you’re gone, I’ll tell Y’shtola,” Alvaar threatened as he collected a few empty glasses and plates before excusing himself.

“... Pest,” Alphinaud remarked after the Bard’s steps had faded.

“Definitely,” Alisaie agreed as she leaned into him, plucking a cinnamon roll off his plate and taking a delicate bite. “But I suppose we both have to suffer being bedridden together,” she murmured after swallowing and taking another bite.

He made a noncommittal noise, but even then he leaned back into her shoulder gently. The pair sharing a silent reassurance that the other was fine.

“Y’shtola’s not even here,” Alisaie commented lightly.

“I’m not taking chances,” Alphinaud returned promptly.

“Me neither.”

-

Curled back up in bed with the pair a few hours later, Alphinaud on his third ether with his hair freshly brushed and braided, and Alisaie having just had her wound checked and another wash of restorative magic on her deeper wounds, Alvaar casually flipped the page of his book. Alisaie was slouched down enough to rest warm and cozy against his right shoulder and Alphinaud mirrored on his left. It was almost, if he ignored the circumstances entirely, like a weekend morning when things were relatively peaceful. Those rare times they could all lounge in bed late into the day and be comfortable together. Something so innocuously domestic he could still scarcely believe it possible for him.

It was a thought that left his heart soft and warm, and given the fright of the last day the Bard hoarded it close as he often did with these quiet moments.

“So, when do you think the smut scene happens?” he asked lightly on reflex.

“I still think it’s sooner,” Alisaie pointed out. “There’s no way it doesn’t happen before page 200.”

“No, there’s too much world building, it will take longer than that,” Alphinaud commented, puzzled at Alvaar’s soft chuckle and his sisters look of betrayed disbelief.

[raenysart]

estinien, sure hope you’re kidding

the tweet that caused this