#will i keep up with miqomarch? no idea

[fate-bound-in-crystal]

Miqo'March Day 1: Introduction

W'eleneill Bernd, sky pirate and magiteck specialist for hire. Bonded to Dellingr, Auspice of Thunderstorms, and touched by Ramuh. She's known for her oversized ears, large fluffy tail, and being able to snipe from 3 malms away. She's also partial to fresh salmon and doing some -really- stupid things with her manacutter.

[ae-fond-seeker]

*blows air out slowly* so... irl has been taking up a lot of my brain space and I have just not been able to get into a creative headspace, but I'm hoping things will even out a bit more again soon...

I don't know if trying to get caught up on missed miqomarch days is a good idea (potential overwhelm), so here's to just doing what I can/want from the list as the opportunity arises.

I did get some truly lovely asks, though, and I do want to get to them (they are simmering in my brain case, even if it's on the back burner), it's just going to take a little bit longer than I'd planned 🙏💖

Thank you all for being so patient and keeping my spirits afloat with such lovely content to perceive on the daily✨

[nhaneh]

gradually putting together a list of ideas for the various days of miqomarch and thinking maybe if I get some of them done ahead of time, I could also get some time in playing Phantom Brigade because I quite liked what I played of the demo of that.

Also if I can manage to find the motivation to keep the pace up, maybe I can get back to actually getting some other gpose stuff done as well.

though I also want to find out why this IKEA light bar thing is so ridiculously dim

[miqojak]

The closer we get to May, the more I think about this! I find that 6-7 prompts a week tends to make me anxious, and gposing can take hours to set up! It gets hard to keep up with too many prompts, so I like the idea of 3 a week (and maybe a 'free day' type thing over the weekend if you want another to do?).

If you have prompt ideas (that differ from MiqoMarch's) do please leave them in a comment (ideas are easy to lose in the reblog tags)! Or if you're shy, in an anon!

Hey there! I've been considering whipping up something for 'MiqoMay', considering that MiqoMarch not only falls during a bad time for me (seasonal depression, ugh), but I couldn't come up with anything new for the same prompts as last year, with my creativity at an all time low (my physical health was in the dumps too)... and I miss being to engage with it! I miss writing and photography prompts!

Would people be interested in another round of Miqo-love? I was even debating keeping it to 3-5x a week, so there's less pressure to do something every... single...day. Unless every day is more appealing to others? Prompt ideas also welcome, else I'll otherwise just hit a random word generator and go from there to make it work with XIV.

[faelune-home]

Faded Spark - miqomarch 2022 day 3 ‘love’

(a/n: I was looking forward to MiqoMarch as a fun gpose thing for the month, but honestly, the first few prompts haven’t inspired much in me. I’d like something with a bit more to dig into :’D But the day 3 prompt for “love” did give me ideas, albeit more of the written kind. So I wrote a lil ficlet.

More on the bittersweet side of love - love that fades and the spark no longer being there after so much time passes and you feel like a different person after your experiences. Too different to be with the other person, despite how things might’ve felt at the start.

Fhara may have had puppy love crush feelings for Aymeric, and they may have been mutual, but the feelings faded with all she ended up doing, going so far and focusing on so many other problems that when she finally had a moment to think on it, she found she didn’t feel the same as she did before. The realisation can hurt...

I’m well aware I haven’t done any other wolshipping writings before :’’D I did Ache as part of ffxivwrite back in 2020 (which is referenced in this piece here), but even that one wasn’t so much a shipping fic and more just lamenting having to pause their possible relationship and hope for a chance in the future...which this fic kinda squashes completely :’) But that’s still only two fics without any real shipping content.

I might backfill eventually, but right now, my mind wants to do Endwalker focused pieces, and often those are wrap ups and finales kinda, even tho I haven’t set up those endings. I’ll backfill the feelings someday ;-;)

A hearty meal, friendly chatter and a roaring fire - twas almost an identical picture to their last dinner spent together. Almost, were it not for the smaller differences - Fhara’s attire more suitable for a fine dinner with a lord rather than quickly thrown together from whatever she could find from the Fortemps’ stores, as well as an ease upon her person as she ate, comfortable in the knowledge that one of her companions wasn’t laying dying in the infirmary.

No, in the aftermath of every Ascian being cast permanently into the lifestream, temperings and summonings coming to a gradual halt across the land, and the Final Days averted, she had every reason to relax and enjoy the newfound peace. Or even a meal with a companion, one that had been cut short before.

Indeed, the conversation had flowed as freely as the wine in Ser Aymeric’s cup, although he remained eloquent as ever as he plied her with more questions of her adventures and heroic deeds, ever numerous had they grown since their last dinner. Fhara had no need of alcohol to ease any nerves or to let her words come out easily - she’d never had a taste for the drink anyway.

Grand descriptions of Yanxia’s mist swirled mountains and the colourful Hannish bazaars from their own world, or the all the more extraordinary sights of the First such as Lakeland’s purple forests, Il Mheg’s pixie flowered valleys and the towering canopies of the Greatwood. Every tale further enraptured Aymeric, till his face was a picture of stunned childlike glee at the first mention of the moon and the very stars beyond.

“By the Fury’s Grace,” he whispered, still astounded at the many tales Fhara had to offer him. He took a sip of wine before he could continue, “You have travelled so far across this world and even many others, beyond our own star even, and yet you still have more to see. The sights you’ve seen could fill many a bard’s song list till well into the night in any tavern and still have songs unsung by night’s end. It’s incredible…would you forgive me if I said I was a touch envious?” Fhara flushed at the overwhelming praise, taking a sip of her water to cool herself.

“I wouldn’t want to sound as though I’m bragging, since your responsibilities keep you here in Ishgard minding the city. Much of the transition is still ongoing of course, and that needs your full attention,” she said quickly.

“Nay, not at all. I did ask after all. I simply didn’t expect your adventures to have been quite so numerous since we last met, nor so fantastical either. But a fantastic tale is all the more fitting for one of your incredible talents.” He gave her a light smile across the table, which she returned. Yet as Aymeric turned to request a fresh glass from the servant, and a maid collected their finished plates to prepare for dessert, Fhara’s mind turned over his words.

Since they had last met…how long ago was that now? Traversing through snowy Coerthas and up into the very heavens themselves, conversing and battling with dragons…it all felt like it had been years ago. Reasonably it had maybe been one year at most…a few months at least, given how skewed her sense of time had become since everything had started upon her setting foot in Eorzea. Everything was such a rush nowadays, from one crisis to the next.

But regardless of how much time had passed, she couldn’t help but feel different. Not so much changed that she would call herself a vastly different person. But compared to the Fhara that had sat at that very same table before, enjoying a pleasant meal before they were interrupted…Fhara could safely say that that girl was a different person. At least with regards to her dinner companion.

Back when she’d first met the Lord Commander, it’d been like a strike to the heart, instantly smitten by his handsome features and silken hair and his finely decorated armour to accentuate his stature. She found herself a jittery blushing mess in his presence; full glad was she then that Alphinaud or Haurchefant often did the talking in those meetings, she just had to stand there and let her title speak for her, and then later let her actions speak for her title. 

His dedication, steady command, fiery determination for justice and the moral right – he was a good man, and Fhara had fallen easily. She considered it a blessing from the Twelve above when it seemed the feeling may have been mutual, a spark of joy in the midst of their struggles and losses at that time. Even at that original dinner, she’d been a flustered mess, trying so hard to remain calm and follow dining etiquette she barely knew, sitting in a dress she wasn’t comfortable with–

She still remembered her own internal chiding as she welcomed him to join her on an adventure, despite knowing how busy he was. Although that gleeful smile almost made it worth it, even as he clearly reined himself in and downplayed his excitement. Of course, any chance for response was cut off by the emergency with Alisaie at that time, but that lingering hope…the possibility was there, perhaps?

They had a second chance at another dinner, after Ala Mhigo had been reclaimed. After that terrifying close encounter with Lakshmi. Many of the Scions had insisted upon her taking a well deserved break, after all Fhara had been through and done with aiding in the freedoms of two nations. A relaxing break by the beach, a chance to explore without her linkshell buzzing away in her ear…another dinner, in a snowy city.

At that time, despite having travelled halfway across the world and fought on the frontlines yet again, she bit her tongue on her own tales, insisted on hearing of his own work in the city. It was a pleasant night. Despite so much time apart with their own duties, the sparks were still there. Yet Fhara knew how people talked - about her as a grand hero, and him as a noble leader, and how busy they both were. At the time, it left her with a nervous stirring, wondering just how they could be together with their various responsibilities, and her own work putting her in ever more dangerous scrapes. 

She knew…and it was enough to make her step back. Clinging to hope that someday once the dust had settled, she could sit across from him at a table again and feel that same spark, and maybe finally let her feelings take over and have some happiness with another person.

And yet here she was, and she wasn’t the blushing little kitten she was before. Any heat upon her face was either from the fire in the room or at idle praise he would give her throughout her storytelling. There was no stirring in her chest as he cast looks toward her from over the rim of his glass, no sweaty palms or twitching tails. He was still a very handsome man, she could acknowledge that much but after so long–

Going to another world entirely, caught up in the worry of almost losing her closest and dearest friends, sharing idle chatter with a figment in her room who seemed to give her the same churning sensation in her breast as Aymeric did before, the rush to defeat the Lightwardens and then return the Scions’ souls to their bodies safely– 

The heightened fear and tension in facing Zenos reborn, the sheer gravitas of travelling across time and the entirety of space, the end of the entire world and every one of its shards hanging in the balance, relying on her to survive and succeed lest everything she held dear crumble and perish, and not once did he cross her mind while she was many millions of malms away at the other end of the stars…

“Is aught amiss?” She jumped in her seat, ears pricked with surprise at Aymeric’s sudden question.

“Huh?”

“My apologies. Dessert was delivered a few minutes ago, yet you seem to be elsewhere,” he frowned, concern in his eyes. “Is it something you would care to talk about? Or would you rather not?” She stared back long and hard, her tongue like stone in her mouth. She took up her spoon and scooped a piece of soft cream tart into her mouth. Despite her lack of response, Aymeric didn’t move to continue his own food. He waited, until she swallowed, and after a sip of water, finally found her voice.

“Nothing’s wrong, but…I think I’ll leave now. I’m sorry.”

“Not at all,” he insisted, rushing to his feet quicker than Fhara herself seemed to move. He already sent off a servant to fetch her coat, leading her to the door of his manor. The speed at which he guided her had them arrive before the servant, leaving them waiting. Silent other than the ticking of the clock in the foyer. Elsewhere in another room, the muffled chiding of a maid passed through the walls, something about a “furry feline thinking she has run of the house”.

Fhara couldn’t help a wistful smile at the sound of the comment - mayhap at another time, if she’d been more confidant…or in another life entirely, without the stress and strains of her life as it was, she would’ve been some “furry tailed missy” giving the staff grief. But then, given what she’d been through and who she’d met and come to love as friends and family, she didn’t know if she’d want that other life. She wouldn’t trade her life as it was for the world. Even if at that moment, she was keenly aware of an aching loss in her chest.

Not the loss of love, but more the feeling that she didn’t realise it sooner, and perhaps she could’ve prevented this moment, standing in a hallway leaving a man unrequited after so long of waiting.

“I’m sorry,” she said again, however Aymeric jumped in quickly, responding, “You have nothing to apologise for. I am sorry if I perhaps made you feel put out during our discussions.”

“No, you didn’t,” Fhara said firmly, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

“I think…it's been too long for me,” she admitted. The implication was immediately understood; his face shifted into a quiet resignation. He nodded.

“I see. Perhaps if we had tried sooner, would it have changed anything?” he asked. Fhara’s ears flattened against her head. She’d already thought of that several times.

“Perhaps…but I’m the one that insisted we try again in the future, once all was said and done. That’s why I’m sorry. I made you wait, and yet now, I can’t give you anything.”

He gently took her hand and squeezed her fingers.

“You have no need to give me anything. Myself or anyone else in the world, not after all you have achieved for the sake of our safety and peace.” The kind word brought a flicker of her tail and a small smile. The servant finally arrived with her coat in hand, breaking the pair apart. The door was opened, the Coerthan chill wind rushing through immediately. Fhara tightened the coat around her and stepped out.

In a final rush, Aymeric followed after her and grabbed her hand once more.

“Could we,” he started, evidently blustered by both the cold of the night and their imminent parting, “perhaps…could we do dinner again someday?” Fhara looked back, her eyes shiny with unshed tears.

And quietly, that only he might hear, she said, “Perhaps not for the two of us.” Her hand slipped from his grip and she walked on into the city. The lord watched her leave, disappearing into the dark, till even her footprints had been covered by falling snow, removing the final trace of Fhara from the night.

[autumnslance]

MiqoMarch 13: Magic

“Talking to Aeryn about magic theory is great cuz she’s been studying it her whole life even if she could barely cast a spell until after the Calamity and coming to Eorzea--isn’t that so weird but neat I wonder how that worked--but anyhow she’s great to bounce ideas off of and always acts so surprised by what I come up with which is great practice for assuring Mistress Thubrygeim that my new equations and experiments will totally work I mean it’s not like this is hard or anything it’s just really fun math!”

(Note: C’oretta has yet to realize Aeryn is not “acting”. And isn’t sure how this catte has figured out formulas that have left experienced Arcanists stumped for years. Also still puzzled on how C’oretta keeps scoring higher on Urianger’s practical exams that Aeryn studies like a fiend for when she’s almost certain C’oretta hasn’t studied a day in her life.)

[faelune-home]

(Day 14 - Food

I wanted to try writing for a few entries of MiqoMarch and this one felt like a write-up ^-^ Although having said that, it took a few hours of staring at a blank document to get a start on an idea.

Very very mild 5.3 spoilers, more implications than anything, but ultimately safe for all.

Ao3 Link)

---

“Hey, can I ask a favour?” Alisaie looked up from the book she’d been reading, happy for the distraction as the words had long started the blur in her head. Fufu stood at her table shuffling sheepishly with her hands behind her back, the sound of ruffling paper evident.

“Of course, I could do with the break right now,” she replied, closing the book, “I’m not making much traction in my work unfortunately.” Fufu’s ears perked up.

“Then maybe this can double as brain food for you,” she said excitedly, one of her hands emerging to reveal a small misshapen cookie sitting in her gloved palm; the other hand quickly deposited the paper bag that most likely held the little snack’s brethren within onto the table before returning behind her.

“I think, I don’t actually know if this sort of thing is good for studying. Maybe not by Sharlayan scholar standards,” Fufu chucked.

“True,” the younger girl smiled, taking the proffered treat, “But even if it did, I doubt they’d be willing to give up their precious Archon Loaf in return.” As her friend beamed expectantly, Alisaie took a bite. Her lips pursed as she chewed, and her eyebrows crossed, causing Fufu’s face to fall, ears pressed flat against her head.

“Oh no, is it bad?”

“Well,” Alisaie coughed, suddenly desiring a drink, “it's edible, but if I were to be frank, I wouldn’t want to finish it. It’s awfully dry and tasteless. What is it meant to be?”

A faint blush came to the other’s cheeks as she pouted, “It’s meant to be a ginger cookie. But I didn’t want to make the flavour too strong so I didn’t put a lot in.” Fufu took another little biscuit from the bag and bit into it; her face took on a similar appearance as Alisaie’s taste test.

“I think I got a flour pocket there,” she mumbled, bagging her half eaten treat and offering the same to her friend. “Back to practise then.”

“Perhaps you could ask Tataru for help, or the Bismark? If they’re not too busy of course. Although you do study there, did you not say. Chef Lyngsath would be happy to help a student I’d think.”

“I appreciate the suggestion, but I know I can do this, I just...haven’t done this for a while. And I wanted it to be a special treat.”

Curiosity now seized, the girl couldn’t help but ask, her eyebrow arched, “A special treat? What’s this for then?”

“Look it wasn’t meant to be a surprise or a big secret, or I wouldn’t have come here for a taste opinion in the first place,” Fufu quickly responded, wearing an exaggerated pout that earned her a light chuckle from her friend. 

She then switched to a warm, if nervous smile and said, “I just wanted to celebrate everyone being back home and nothing bad happening in the transition. And I mean, it's been a few weeks and all the physical therapy is done, Krile and Master Matoya gave everyone a clean bill of health so...yeah.”

“I see,” the other girl hummed, resting her elbows on the table and regarding the bag of now rejected cookies carefully. 

“Well, I can’t speak for everyone else, but I will say that the thought is appreciated. But surely it’d feel all the more…’special’ as you put it if you did it with others to help? Doing it on your own as a gift is nice of course, but if the recipient of any particular gifts were there to help or offer any specifics, then surely that would be all the better to make it more special?”

Fufu’s ears seemed to prick up, a look of realisation shining in her eyes before she shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to take up others’ time for something like this, they’re all so busy. Better I just handle it myself.”

“Nonsense,” Alisaie insisted, getting to her feet, “You already do more than enough for others, and you take the time for anyone that needs it. Anyone within the Scions at least would gladly return the favour. In fact, I shall join you now.”

“Really?”

“Well, my studies weren’t going anywhere,” Alisaie shrugged, picking up the book to return it, “And I’d much rather help you for the rest of the afternoon. I’ll confess I’m not much of a cook or a baker, but I have put in the practise with a certain ginger cookie recipe, they come out lovely every time. I’m a touch fond of them, but then you knew that, didn’t you?”

Fufu’s tail noticeably twitched, and she didn’t even try to hide her smile as she responded, “Not at all.”

Alisaie’s own smile was obvious as well, “Of course not. Not that it’s a secret I wanted to keep, but I would like to ask my brother or Urianger about how you found out once we’re done. Shall we?”

[miqojak]

Hey there! I've been considering whipping up something for 'MiqoMay', considering that MiqoMarch not only falls during a bad time for me (seasonal depression, ugh), but I couldn't come up with anything new for the same prompts as last year, with my creativity at an all time low (my physical health was in the dumps too)... and I miss being to engage with it! I miss writing and photography prompts!

Would people be interested in another round of Miqo-love? I was even debating keeping it to 3-5x a week, so there's less pressure to do something every... single...day. Unless every day is more appealing to others? Prompt ideas also welcome, else I'll otherwise just hit a random word generator and go from there to make it work with XIV.