#yes she still has carbuncle

[xfand0mfr34kx]

working on some refs, starting with my Fantasy AU design of Arle. she usually has her wings hidden under her cloak to look less conspicuous.

[sleeplesssmoll]

Imagine if, somehow, Vertin got turned into pre-Breakaway Smoltin. Would chaos unfold in the Suitcase?

At first I was going to say "yes" but after really thinking about it...

Vertin's team is soooo protective of her. She'd be in safe hands. Also, Smoltin was a menace because she was forbidden from being true to herself. I think the team would be happy to show her new places, help her catch Critters, and tell her stories about their adventures. They'd give her the childhood she was robbed of. Even the little ones like Erik, Eagle, and the others would be happy to play the role of "Big Sister".

I'm sure she'd still get into shenanigans but everyone is in on it!

Also, maybe this could be an important time of healing for Sonetto. She gets to hug Smoltin. It's something she wish she did more of when they were younger instead of breaking her little heart. She'll be the one giving Smoltin toffees and sweets this time.

However, she is also unwilling to share Smoltin which means that the team is actively fighting over her. While Vertin was the black sheep at the Foundation, here she's the apple of everyone's eye 🍎

Regulus wants to show her all her favorite records.

Sotheby wants to show her potions and talk her ear-off about crazy ideas.

Druvis makes a swing out of tree branches in the Wilderness for Smoltin.

Blonney and Desert Flannel want to dress her up like a little doll.

Jessica introduces her Critter friends to Smoltin and the little one curls up between the fluffy Carbuncles.

Click is following her around and taking pictures of these precious moments.

Smoltin is in awe at how big Matilda and Sonetto are now! Matilda acts normal but admits to Sonetto in private that seeing Smoltin like this hurts. This is the life Vertin deserve; one full of happiness and belonging. She also remembers the day she thought Vertin was Reversed like the others which is something she never talks about, not even to Sonetto.

Smoltin befriends Pavia's dogs, who recognize her scent as the person who gives them treats. Pavia acts annoyed but makes no attempt to stop Smoltin from playing with his puppies. He even offers her some of his precious Gelato and is pleased by her excited reactions when she eats it. He tells her to smile like that more often because he's sick of her stoic face (referring to Vertin as the Timekeeper).

Oliver Fog wanted no part of this. He's only concerned about getting her back to normal, but X thinks the whole thing is hilarious. He is in no rush and takes his time showing her his inventions. He likes that Smoltin and Vertin are always curious and listen intently to his explanations, even if he can tell they don't quite get it.

Mesmer Jr. gave her exactly one head pat. She has a lot of baggage too, but in that moment seeing Vertin reminded her of their childhood before the Break-away event and the Parade. She and Smoltin were friends at one point. Part of her misses how things used to be and the other reminds her not to dwell on these things. Its easier to not care.

As fun as it is spoiling Smoltin, the team begins to miss their Timekeeper. Without Vertin leading them, there is a noticeable hole in their lives. She was a friend, leader, parent, and everything else they needed her to be. They develop a deeper appreciation toward her. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

There are so many fun possibilities with this idea I'm sure other people have many. Feel free to share!

[absolute-hooligan]

hi yes hello @void-dude's silly stan and square man adventures has me knawing on the walls, and i've written a silly (probably a little ooc) human(ish) tad fic in a fixation induced fuge state lmao. it's not beta'd, and only lightly edited (so far), so it's all a little subject to change, but hey! it's here! and it'll probably get more added to it tbh

i hope it brings y'all a little bit of joy :)

(ao3 link for anyone who wants to read it there: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59529469)

“T… tad… Tad! Grunkle Tad wake up!”

Wha… why’s everything sound like it’s underwater? Who was… wazat Mabel? Hehe, I like Mabel, real wildcard she is. Sounds kinda worried though…? Wait- MABEL?!

Tad shot upright, nearly bashing his head into Ford’s on the way. He looked around frantically for Mabel - who sounded pretty distraught while he was… why was he passed out? Not important- the kid he was looking for had just thrown herself into his arms.

“Mabes, sweetie, are you okay?” Tad asked, one hand coming to rest on her back, and the other reaching to cradle her face in a palm.

The poor girl was sniffling, eyes still watery from tearing up - her tears must’ve stopped before any could fall. “Grunkle Tad, we thought you died!”

Tad almost wants to laugh - death? Him? Don’t be ridiculous! - but the sincerity in her eyes stops him. Suddenly, Ford - who he’d forgotten was next to him the whole time - cleared his throat, gaining the attention of both him and Mabel.

“I’m glad to see you’re alright, Tad,” the man said, the genuine nature of it coming through his gaze more than tone. “And that you’re um… adjusting well.”

Tad quirked his brow at that- wait… wait that’s not right. That- two of them just moved. And wait a minute, his hands- holy carbuncle he has HUMAN HANDS-

Uh oh.

The last thing he heard before everything went fuzzy was Ford shouting his name.

By the second… okay, third time Tad had recovered from his fainting spell, he’d been relatively caught up with the situation:

Ford and Mabel - and himself, of course - went on a little mini adventure to collect some things in the secret bunker. Ford also apparently wanted to make sure that the shapeshifter was still frozen, and make sure that it wouldn’t ever be not frozen again. Mabel insisted she tag along - she’d defeated it before, after all - and with a wildly impressive “puppy dog eyes” maneuver, she got her way.

Tad, well, he came along for moral support - and backup, if things got real dire.

Long story very, very short, Tad found and touched something he shouldn’t have, and now he was stuck as a human for a few days. What was he going to do while he was trapped like this? Well, the only thing he ever found worth doing, messing with Stanley Pines.

As they were leaving the bunker, Tad made sure to clue Mabel in on the scheme - she was more than happy to help. Ford took little convincing - something about needing to be honest about the situation first and foremost - before Mabel’s eyes worked their magic a second time. It also probably helped that messing with one’s sibling was written into a brother's blood m, genius or no.

With the plan set, the three excitedly made their way back to the Shack, ready to prank the pants off of Grunkle Stan (Mabel’s words, not mine).

•••

It was a dry spell at the Shack, and everyone minus Soos was bored because of it. Dipper was frantically writing something in his own journal - a gift from Ford - and muttering to himself. Boring. Wendy was out today, her old man was taking her and her brothers camping again. Again, boring. And Soos? Eh, Soos was around somewhere, Soos-ing the place up as per usual. 

Boring.

“We’re back!” Mabel shouted, smiling wide as can be as she flung the door open.

Stan, Dipper, and Ford cringed as the door slammed against the wall. “Ya don’t say…”

“What did you guys get?” Dipper said, hopping down from the barrel he’d been sitting on. “And where’s Great Uncle Tad?”

“Nothing important, Dipper,” Ford said, closing the door behind himself after Mabel skipped in. “Just some notes I thought I’d lost long ago.”

“And Grunkle Tad’s taking a nature walk!” Mabel grinned, “Said the bunker was too cramped, so he needs some outside time!”

Stan chose to ignore the pang of hurt that explanation brought. Instead, he tossed out a half hearted, “Hah! Wuss.”

If any of the other Pines present heard, they ignored him. Mabel was already debriefing about their adventure to a diligently writing Dipper, and Ford was shuffling through his coat pockets to find whatever he’d gone out for in the first place.

Domestic? Yes. Boring… also a little bit, yes. 

Stan sighed, leaning an arm on the desk to prop up his chin, and his free hand coming up to drum against the well worn wood.

A few minutes - seconds? Who knows, he’s not countin! - pass before Stan hears the bell above the door chime. Snapping out of his staring spell, he quickly puts on the Mister Mystery act.

“Welcome, dear customer, to the Mystery Shack!” he’s all smiles and customer service before he even looks at who just walked in. “What can I do for you- Holy Moses…

If Stan had any brain function right now, he’d be embarrassed by how he’d whispered out the unplanned part of his spiel. But right now? Every neuron in his brain was either shut down or rapidly firing, because a beautiful man had just walked in. That’s beautiful with a capital B, folks!

The guy was tall - maybe a good three inches taller than him - broad shouldered, and judging by his face, was probably in his late fifties. His skin reminded Stan of the sand back in Jersey, with a squarish face and nose that he could tell fit the man without hearing him speak. And that hair- talk about a silver fox! The guy was rocking a relatively laid back pompadour, a couple of strands that refused to stay back dangling over his face. If Stan squinted, he could swear there were thin streaks of blue broken up into the gray, but maybe it was just the light? And call him crazy, but the dude hasn’t opened his left eye at all since he walked in.

Ah shit- how long has he been staring?

“Mystery Shack, eh? Seems like a scam, if ya ask me,” the man chuckled to himself - it sounded eerily familiar. “You run this joint?”

Stan - sensing a challenge - squared his shoulders back, hands now perched on his cane. “Maybe, who’s askin’?”

The guy smirked - and Stan was briefly distracted by how good it looked. “Just a curious tourist,” he drawled, leaning forward and placing his relatively large hands on the table. “Vagabond passing through, y’know?”

Stan swallowed, and prayed the guy didn’t see or hear it.

“Cat got your tongue, boss man?” the man tilted his head in question, but the amusement in his eye didn’t wane. 

Stan was quick to wave his hand dismissively - knowing damn well he’d been caught. “As if! You just uh… remind me of someone, that’s all.”

Guy’s voice is almost too close. But it’s not him, it can’t be. There’s literally no way it could be!

The guy lifted one hand up, taking one finger to tilt Stan’s chin up to coax their eyes to meet. He smiled slowly, “Do I sound like your husband?”

What? What?

The guy- no, fucking Tad’s hand dropped back to the counter, a well suppressed fit of laughter now freely flowing.

“Yes! Oh man, I got you, got you!” he turned on his heels to grin at Mabel, who was bouncing on her heels. “Nice plan, Mabes!”

She preened at the praise before settling her hands on her hips, and nodding to herself. “My work here is done.”

Stan - absolutely fucking dumbfounded - just looked between Tad, and every other person in the room, but mainly Ford.

“What the fuck did you do to him?” Stan asked, not quite angry, but definitely not calm.

Ford immediately held his hands up, “I didn’t do anything! He did this to himself!”

Stan’s gaze flicked back to Tad, who smiled sheepishly in response. He sighed, long and weary, before straightening up, and taking a steadying breath.

“I’m gonna need everyone-” Stan jabbed a finger towards Tad, “not you- to get out of this room in about five seconds. One…”

Ford quickly ushered the children away, Mabel throwing double thumbs up, and Dipper sputtering syllables that desperately wanted to be questions. Once Stan heard the door to the actual house shut, he sighed again.

“Turn the sign on the door, wouldja?” he asked. “Blinds too, if ya don’t mind.”

Tad - suddenly losing any and all upper hand he might’ve had in this situation - did just that. What was he supposed to do? He… he didn’t know. But holy dungarees was this human heart thing hammering-

“Oi, square eye,” Stan said, much softer than he had any right to. “C’mere, I wanna get a good look at ya.”

Tad silently obliged, making his way over and around the desk Stan stood behind. He stood there, waiting for his next order - Stan simply leant his cane against the wall, and set his fez down on the desk.

His eyes ran over Tad appraisingly, and sweet grilled cheese, did all human bodies feel like this when someone looked at them? His hands were trembling at his sides, and he almost cringed at how his breath hitched when Stan met his eyes.

“You come up with this yourself?”

“Huh?”

“The body,” Stan said, “Threads too.”

“Oh! I uh- yeah, yeah I did,” Tad chuckled nervously. “Not too shabby for a first timer, eh?”

Tad saw something flash in Stan’s eye at the phrasing, but the human laughed all the same. “It looks nice. You look nice.”

He was dying. Stanley Pines was going to kill him with compliments and Tad couldn’t be happier about it.

“I was hoping you’d like it,” Tad admitted. “Made sure I looked more your dating range.”

Stan snorted at that. “I’d call that a low blow if you weren’t right.”

The two fell silent again, Stan looking over Tad while the other squirmed from the attention.

Stan wasn’t lying when he said Tad looked nice - his internal dialogue earlier made that very clear - but gosh, knowing it was Tad made it so much better. It’s like he’d modeled himself off the guys Stan privately appreciated in passing when he was young. There were clearly parts inspired by Dean or Presley, but it was all buried under the fact that this body was so uniquely Tad.

“I like to think I got the clothes pretty spot on,” Tad said, more to break the silence than anything else. “Tried to get as close to “random sleazy schmuck” as I could.”

A slightly unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt, and some khakis? Yep, that’s about right… wait-

“Are you makin’ fun of me?” Stan asked, holding back a laugh at the scandalized sound Tad made.

“What? No- I would never!” Tad huffed, his tone sarcastic as all get. “I’d never copy an outfit you’ve worn before, call it slutty to your face, then deny I ever said it.”

“Ya just did, bud.”

Tad’s face took on a confused look, “Did what?”

The two stared at each other for about three seconds before cackling in chorus. Tad was - as he tended to be - less raucous than the human, letting him appreciate the genuine laughter he could bring out of Stan.

Sweet sarsaparilla, I’m so fucking gone for this man…

As their laughter peters out, Stan mimics the  chin move Tad did minutes ago, only now he’s gently coaxing him to lean down. Tad oblibliges, pointedly ignoring that damn human heart trying to escape his rib cage - it’s not his fault they were nearly nose to nose!

Stan’s eyes dart to Tad’s mouth for a split second before flicking back to the other’s eye. 

Suddenly, and without warning, Stanley Pines kisses Tad Strange’s cheek.

Tad feels his entire body lock up, and it’s suddenly too hot, but he also feels like if he looked at an ice cube it would melt instantly, but that has nothing to do with the fact he can’t move-

“Thought so,” Stan chuckles. “You blush blue like this.”

Tad just blinks, his jaw - metaphorically, of course - on the floor. He’s left bluescreening as Stan leaves the desk to rejoin the rest of his family. Tad follows the movement, still speechless.

The man stops in the doorway, turning his head to look over his shoulder. 

“Gonna get Greasy’s for dinner,” he said casually, “Wanna come with?”

“I uh… yeah- yeah! Yeah, sounds fun!”

As embarrassing as his inability to speak was, the snort Stan gave in response to it almost made it okay.

“Then get your ass over here, big guy.”

[eikonoklast]

Day 11 (Surrogate): The Mirage

   The emerald carbuncle chased its three tails around and around, little sparkling traces of aether in its wake. The arcane creature was vibrant and full of life as it rolled around on the ground, tussling with itself. Chiteni called his familiar Chesan, but Gosetsu had once misheard him, thinking he had said cheese. Of all things. The surly warrior had been annoyed by the misunderstanding more than Chesan's owner had - who was just as disgruntled - but the name had caught the interest of the twins, who decided a new name was in order. 

   So it was that Cheese the carbuncle trundled amicably from table to table, pawing at legs and begging for scraps and introducing itself with a cute little flourish. The Meyhane was fairly busy this afternoon, so there were plenty of victims to fall prey to the familiar's puissant charms. Chiteni watched his charge carefully in case the aetherial kit caused any trouble. The two certainly couldn't be further in disposition. 

   “Thank you for waiting.” Chiteni's ears pricked at the sound of a familiar voice. The miqo'te was a powerful mage, but fairly pedestrian when it came to controlling his vast reserves of aether with any sort of precision. And with the bustling crowd and vibrant colors of the Meyhane, he knew it would stimulate his vision overmuch. Everything too bright, too layered - the physical and aetherial. To amend this, he often wore a blindfold while using magicks, especially ones that required more focus. Thus did he see his companion's unique aether, bright as a warm sun underneath even the darkness of his covering. The luminous smaragdine hue swirling about the form of a young boy.

   “Varshahn,” he got up from his chair, offering a small bow. The colorful outlines of the people in the Meyhane shimmered out of the corner of his vision, but none burned so fiercely nor so beautifully as the great wyrm's. Even in his simulacrum - a vessel for his will - his aether was too unique to conceal perfectly. 

   “Please, sit. I hope I am not interrupting your meal.”

   Chiteni had been sitting alone at the table. He hadn't come to eat in the first place: his presence was simply requested by the satrap. But the friendly server Mihleel wasn't one to listen, especially not to those who had saved her beloved city. She had first come out from the back with water. Then again with some fragrant and warm reddish tsai. Upon her third visit she seemed disgruntled that Chiteni had not ordered anything - enough so that she had returned with some simple slices of the Meyhane's honeyed dragonfruit; the snow white flesh covered in a sweet, lemony coating. He had eaten a bit simply to satisfy her - and Cheese had as well though not necessarily for the same reason.

   “This? No, no; your people just have more hospitality than I can handle.” He smiled. “You had need of me?”

   “Yes, there has been some trouble of a more…arcane nature. My alchemists are perplexed - it is not a chemical reaction. Perhaps it is best I show you.” Varshahn's voice was commanding but still gentle at the same time. Chiteni couldn't see the finer details but he imagined those vibrant red eyes staring back into his own with a measured intensity. “There is no need for concern, I do not detect any problems arising. But we would have peace of mind if you would visit and give your opinion.”

   “Chesan,” the little creature turned from the table where it had been nibbling bits of food a dissatisfied child had generously donated. Quickly running up to him it pounced into the air, morphing into a blueish corvid and alighting on his shoulder. Chiteni followed the satrap out of the Meyhane, happy to be away from the heat and press of bodies - alongside the noise that accompanied them.

   “I was not aware you used familiars in your spellcasting,” the great wyrm said as they flew over the violet hills of Thavnair; the sun sinking below the waters of the coastline and setting the sky on fire with vibrant reds, lavenders, and turquoise. 

   “Not normally, no. But they help with focus. And you mentioned this wasn't a very dangerous situation, so I simply imagined explosions weren't necessary.” 

   “Indeed,” the great wyrm shook his head gently. “I have need of your sight.”

   The two flew over the Shroud of the Samgha, its tropical trees waving calmly in the faint ocean breeze. There was a hush over the dark forest below; the sound of Vrtra's great wingbeats pounding in gentle rhythm with the distant crash of the surf. As they approached their destination, Vrtra gently landed in an open stretch of grass, his wingbeats causing animals to scatter back into their trees and holes, their eyes lighting up the shadowy forest with myriad shining reflections as they watched curiously.

   Chiteni recognized the stone structure that lay before them. A large rectangular pool stretched out for several yalms, its waters emerald yet clear. In the fading light he could make out the bottom as well as the surrounding gaja statues that lined the sides, their tops covered with soft green moss, the stones weathered and smooth. The statue of a gaja-headed deity Chiteni did not know adorned the far side of the pool; its six arms both raised and lowered, stern visage watching over. The Font of Maya, the people called it. A place of illusions. 

   Vrtra bade Chiteni go to the water with a gesture. The miqo'te approached calmly, his familiar still perched upon his shoulder and bobbing its head curiously to and fro. 

   “What doest thou see? In the pool?” Vrtra's voice was…unknowable. His intention difficult to ascertain.

   Chiteni looked down into the water. With his blindfold on, all other things fell away into an inky darkness. But the surface of the water was as it had ever been: tranquil.

   “Nothing, at present.” 

   “Soon, then. Let us wait a moment.” 

   Vrtra beckoned Chiteni to come sit beside him for a time while the sun continued to dip beneath the waves. The stars began to appear in the sky, twinkling through the descending darkness like pinholes in its dark mantle. Out of his peripheral vision, Chiteni noticed something around the water. A strange aura began to emanate from it, the air above awash in soft shades of mauve and cobalt. It was hard to see in his mask while looking directly at it, so he kept turning his eyes away while he sat, cocking his head to the side. 

   “You see it, yes?”

   “Yes…I guess I do. One moment.” Chiteni got up, approaching the water as the air shimmered above it, dancing with all the colors of a rainbow. The light rippled as though it were water in the sun; streaks of white interlacing greens, reds, yellows, blues, purples…It shimmered in an intangible way. As if the colors themselves were liquid. Looking down into the water below, Chiteni saw no such activity. Nothing arcane of any sort, nor any living thing that might be causing the strange phenomenon. 

   “I can't say I understand what is causing this,” he admitted, perplexed. “I see no lingering enchantment - nor any evidence of an object of arcane origin nearby.”

   “What would you see if you removed your blindfold?” Vrtra asked simply. “I do not mean to pry, if it is of a personal nature. I have heard that you have need of it to dampen your senses. What if you did not do so?”

   “No that's…a reasonable observation,” Chiteni reassured him. “Generally everything is too bright. I cannot channel my aether properly when it comes to many things - my sight included. When I am using magicks everything becomes overlayed with energy. Like…staring at the sun.”

   “What if you used your energy to see through my eyes?” Vrtra asked. 

   “I don't understand.”

   “Channel your energies and I will do the same. We will act as one. I will show thee.” Vrtra walked over to the waterside, the air above still shimmering beautifully. He lowered his head. “Place thy hands.”

   Chiteni placed a palm on Vrtra's horned snout gently. He could feel the hum of the wyrm's incredible power beneath his fingertips - like a wave barely suppressed before breaking onto the shore. 

   “Now. Feel me. Reach for my mind with your own. I shall help thee.” 

   Chiteni considered this carefully, and he opened his mind to the possibility. He felt Vrtra's massive, powerful wings, his senses guiding him down the length of his body. His mighty tail swished with calm restraint that belied a formidable power, and his strong legs led down to wicked talons. Chiteni felt their grip on the ground as if the grass was under his own bare feet. Vrtra's chest rumbled with each breath and Chiteni could feel his own breaths syncing - the two in time with one another. As if they both breathed through these great bones. He could feel the spark of the fire deep within as they exhaled, and Chiteni opened his eyes.

   They were many feet off the ground, head pressed into a small human hand. They lifted their neck with some effort, gently swinging their mighty head towards the waterside. Through the great wyrm's eyes - their eyes - with the arcane abilities of his human form: they saw. The light was no longer blinding. The colors were visible even without the contrast of darkness. The lights swam and spiraled through the air, forming into shapes for the briefest of moments before fading away; too quick to grasp their true meaning. 

   Shocked by the strange sensation, Chiteni fell back into himself with a rush, tumbling onto the ground and panting like he'd been running for his life. “What- how did you do that?” he gasped.

   Vrtra turned his head towards the man at his feet. His eyes shone with amusement. “What did you see?” asked the great wyrm, ignoring the question.

   Chiteni slowly sat up, thinking deeply. “I saw-”

Author's Note: As much as I'd like to ACTUALLY put something here, that's gotta be it for the night. I'm tired and there's sleep to be had! The prompt is pretty obvious in this one, so I'll just leave it up to your imagination for now :)

[ffxiv-swarm]

prompt 21: shade

The land under the dome—what was once Yyasulani—is twisted and unnatural in so many ways. Tiber’s only been in Tural for a week, but he knows that this land should be much the same as the sun-soaked Shaaloani mountains in terms of climate and geography. He expected to see scrubby cacti, towering bluffs, roaming herds of rroneek he’d likely have to stop Miss Gan from taking home. He expected sunlight, even if it was weak by the time it fought its way through the levin.

Instead, the Scions and Vow Wuk Lamat walk through dust and scattered stone under a darkened sky. A sky so dark, in fact, that several members of their party, himself and Alan among them, can barely see where they’re going. Miss Rita summons a glowing aqua carbuncle to light their way so nobody breaks an ankle. It should boost his mood—it’s very hard to feel nervous when there’s a carbuncle snuffling around you, silky-soft and fluffy and sparkly—but it doesn’t help as much as he’d have liked.

The place feels like a corpse. No, like a tomb. Corpses, after all, were once alive. This is a shell over something dead. Every unexpected sound makes him twitch, expecting a ghost or a monster to coalesce out of the shadows.

“’S just a little lightning-y,” Gan says, clearly trying to be encouraging if the elbow to his plate-clad ribs is any indication. But her tail is switching back and forth, and she keeps looking at the sky.

G’raha Tia says nothing. Since leaving the dome, his tail has been lashing behind him like a whip, ears swiveling this way and that as though trying to catch distant sounds. It makes the whole thing worse; if G’raha Tia, the eldest of them all, who has—to hear Miss Ritanelle and Master Mordeterre tell it—crossed time and space in order to save two worlds...if that man is nervous, Tiber thinks the rest of them are right to be afraid.

To the southwest, a monstrous wall—twice or three times the height of Baelsar’s—stretches into the distance. Ahead of them lie the twisted remains of elevated train tracks. If they follow them, they should reach Yyasulani Station and answers.

Tiber forges forward to keep pace with Wuk Lamat. Between his shield and her axe, they’ll be more than equipped for anything this land might throw at them. She glances at him and throws him a smile that he’s almost certain doesn’t reach her eyes. “It’s not so bad, right...? Nice, even ground. The road’s not too bad. We should reach the station in a few hours!”

He exhales heavily and wishes he still had cigarettes. They’re not as popular in Tural, where most people prefer pipes or cigars, and he smoked all of his by the time they made it through that fortress and fought a man who’d refused to die the first time. “Your optimism gives me hope, my lady.”

“Lamaty’i,” she huffs.

“...Lamaty’i,” he mutters, feeling himself flush. He’s trying to be polite. Such familiarity sits uneasily with him.

But ruminating on his own embarrassment only keeps his mind off the oppressive gloom for so long. When they start to see signs of civilization in the distance, it’s a relief.

Yes, the lights are out at Yyasulani Station, but the aetheryte continues to turn slowly. Surely that means something. Surely that means there is life in this tomb yet.

He tries not to think about the sort of life one usually finds in tombs.

[eorzean-tale]

FFxivWrite2024 - Prompt #9: Lend an ear

“Who the flat purse is Milo..?”

The second the question left Vivira’s lips, her brain caught up. Milo. M. Obviously! She hadn’t even opened the letter yet, had only taken a peek at the sender, and she already needed a moment to collect herself. Shame and embarrassment, two emotions that were as foreign to her as Turali tacos, coursed through her. Was this the Fog again, or had she just been a careless twat, forgetting about the charge she was sponsoring through an education in Limsa Lominsa with the same carelessness that her adoptive stepdaughter used to forget her pet rocks with?

She groaned to give voice to her discomfort as she stroked the enormous amethyst adorning a ring on her hand. The magic stored there released, and her carbuncle Chubby appeared in a flash of white-blue light. Vivira has summoned them so often she didn’t even need her grimoire, keeping the formula in her mind combined with the attunement of the ring was enough. 

Or it should have been. Chubby didn’t come out right, not even for their doing. They were always a little wonky, as Vivira has never managed to correct the mistakes she made when she had first summoned the carbuncle as a little girl. Not because she couldn’t, but because the Lalafell had gotten attached to the oversized cat-like creature. Changing them seemed wrong. Like forcing a glamour onto an unwilling party. 

That made it extra painful to see Chubby looking so misty. Like they were made of vapour instead of Aether. Of Fog, she found herself thinking, feeling it again. The shadow. The colour was off, too. Desaturated. More grey than blue.

“Look Chubby, we have a letter from Milo,” she told the Carbuncle, who jumped on the sofa to sniff at the parchment. The behaviour was as expected then, at least. Vivira told herself she’d dismiss and resummon them later, this time with her Grimoire for reference. For now, she had correspondence from her charge to share with her oldest friend. And current problems she didn't want to think about.

The Carbuncle settled on her lap, their girth blocking her legs from view. It was a good thing their Aether didn’t weigh much, or Vivira would have struggled. They peeked as she opened it, as if Chubby could read it by themselves. She read it out loud anyway, just in case.

To Vivira,

I hope you have been in good health and Chubby has kept you company according to your needs. I have been well.

“Yes, yes, good health,” she muttered bitterly. “We’re glad he’s been well though, aren’t we Chubbers?” Vivira planted a small kiss on the Buncle’s head for emphasis. “Whatever the gil that means.” 

I’ve continued studying at the Arcanists’ Guild. I still haven’t mastered the technique for summoning a carbuncle, but otherwise, it seems like I am doing adequately according to my grades. 

“Pauper's grave, of course you are. What else would you be doing there,” she muttered. “Oh, no little Carbuncle for you to teach the ropes to yet, Chubby,” Vivira told her companion as they chimed in response. It was just noise, but the Lalafell nodded like they had just conveyed something profound. “I’m sure he’ll get it soon enough. Took me forever, as well.”

I have also found three friends at the lessons: C’leyne, a male miqo’te, Loetbluom, a female Roegadyn, and Joku, a male Lalafell. I’m not yet fully sure why they like to spend time with me, but they seem like interesting people.

She just chuckled at that, endlessly bemused by the thought of someone with even less social grace as herself. 

As per your request, I haven’t been actively seeking work. I encountered some people at the docks who would have been eager to recruit me, however, despite the fact that I obviously did not meet their requirements. Maybe locals of Limsa Lominsa have a different definition for ‘sister’.

Vivira repeated that last sentence three times, and still couldn’t make much sense of it. She eyed Chubby, but the Carbuncle had no chimes of wisdom to offer either, so she eventually shrugged it off and continued reading. 

I’ve spent my free time doing additional reading and getting familiar with my surroundings, instead. I have also visited the Bismarck twice since our last meeting. Their finger sandwiches taste very good.

“They are.” Her lemon cakes suddenly didn’t seem all that appetising anymore. Kukusito had hired the best chef gil could afford, of course, but there was something special about the Bismarck. Probably the sauce of reputation and the seasoning of status involved with going there, and being seen there. A part of her still cared about those things. A small part, she would argue. But then again, she was small all around. Did that circle back and make it big again?

I understand that your duties and familial ties keep you busy, but if you find yourself having the time, I would appreciate it if you can visit Limsa Lominsa at some point. I am grateful for how you have taken care of me so far, and my offer for assistance still stands. Even if my skills don’t meet your needs right, it would be pleasant to have a conversation with you again.

“My duties as the world’s most bored and apparently useless levescribe, you mean,” the woman scoffed as she offered Chubby some scritches underneath their washed-out chin. “Do you think he’s in trouble? That’s why he wants me there? To help him out?” 

Chubby chimed, and Vivira could swear that the mana sparkles flying from them were scolding her. “You’re right, it’s me that’s been too busy feeling sorry for myself to check in with him, not the other way around. This is why I never wanted children.” 

I’m leaving this letter to the white furry creature with clear instructions to deliver it to you as swiftly as possible. Hopefully, it complies, and perhaps I will hear from you as well in the near future.

She reached for a little golden bell, ringing it once to summon her Heckler. “Please prepare for travel arrangements,” she ordered, ignoring the worried glance he hid behind a polite bow. “What destination, my lady?” 

“Limsa Lominsa. And reserve a table for me and a guest at the Bismarck, will you?”  Part One Part Two Part Three

[duckapus]

Had a story idea.

It's Halloween in Primp Town, and Schezo does not give a shit, but everyone else does. So, instead of staying in his cave and failing to fall asleep with all the noise from town, he's off chasing rumors of a magical artifact inside some nearby ruins that only appear on nights when the veil between life and death is thinner than usual. He finds the artifact, which I haven't decided what exactly it is...and it of course turns out to be sentient and cursed, and with a Halloween-themed curse at that because why the hell wouldn't it?

It turns him into the Headless Horseman for obvious reasons, pushes his spirit into the pumpkin head, hijacks the rest of his body, then rides out of the ruins and uses its full strength, summoning a small army of spirits and causing chaos by making the costumes of everyone in town real. Just how real, and whether or not it affects their mind along with their body, depends on the quality of the costume.

The ones I've figured out include:

Arle and Carbuncle as a Pokemon Trainer and a Pikachu. She still has her memories because her costume's just made up of normal clothes she got in Suzuran.

Klug as Strange Klug. So now there's two Ayashis and it is very awkward for both of them.

Accord and Popoi as each-other. There is no change, but a process has occurred.

Lidelle as Satan. This is of course incredibly awkward for Arle.

Amitie as a pirate. She actually ends up as a secondary villain because she's convinced she's a real pirate and considers the artifact Treasure so she wants it for herself.

Sig in his vampire alt. He's decided to do Pirate Amitie's bidding and it's clear from how dramatic and stereotypical he's being that he's also not in his right mind.

Raffina as Vivian from Paper Mario.

Ringo as a ghost. She thought the classic bedsheet look would be funny, and yes she is absolutely terrified of herself.

Maguro as Meta Knight, because why not.

Risukuma as a mad scientist. The curse ends up not even affecting him.

Draco as a genie. Specifically Witch's genie, for some reason. (you know why...)

The only way to get things back to normal is to destroy the artifact.

[diamondangelkitten]

Alinea Skylark

Basics-

A.K.A: Linea, Ali 

Age: Somewhere in her early 30’s after the whole of Endwalker 

Nameday: 18th Sun of the 1st Astral Moon

Race: Wildwood Elezen

Gender: Female

Orientation: Tall men who deal out witty, sarcastic remarks like their life depends on it

Profession: Adventurer, (Wannabe Retired) Warrior of Light 

Physical Aspects-

Hair: Medium long brown hair with purple tips that’s pulled back into a high ponytail to avoid getting in her way during fights. She rarely leaves it down and only does so when she’s completely relaxed.

Eyes: A rich purple color, than have an otherworldly glow to them

Skin: She’s fair skinned, but is able to get a nice tan without burning too much. 

Tattoos/Scars: She doesn’t have any major scars after her battle at Ultima Thule and being covered in starlight across her body, which she essentially counts as a tattoo and would never cover up. Before that, she did have an array of faded cuts and scars across her body from her fights, but none that she deemed particularly worthy of attention.

Family-

Parents: She unfortunately has no memory of her parents, or any family. 

Siblings: None that she is aware of. The twins are essentially her surrogate siblings and she is fiercely protective of them. 

Grandparents: Unfortunately, still no memory, and no one has ever tried to claim relation to her, which she is grateful for. 

In-Laws/Other: Unfortunately Estinien’s family has also passed away, but there is Alberic that they’re both close with. 

Alinea does share a very close relationship with the de Fortemps family, and views Edmont as a father figure. He’s delighted to finally have a girl in the family and loves the fact that she can keep all his boys in line. 

Alinea is in a romantic relationship with Estinien. They spend a lot of time between Radz at Han, Alinea’s home in the Mist ward, and her island. They normally go the latter when they want to be alone and undisturbed by anyone. Alphinaud and Alisae have full access to Alinea’s home in Mist, so they often stop by.

Pets:

Yes (just yes haha)

Notable mentions however:

Lumen her Chocobo and faithful companion. He’s extremely well trained, but Alinea is still terrified he’ll get hurt in battle, so she tries to make him mainly heal from a safe distance away.  

She has many animals in her care that she absolutely loves. She tries to not choose favorites, but she has a very special place in her heart for her fox. 

She has two carbuncles that are summoned at all times. The pink one is called Sephy while the purple one is called Demetri. They are very protective of both each other and Alinea. Estinien knows to never be on their bad side and has been seen giving them extra treats to butter them up. 

Skills-

Hand and Land: She’s a pretty deft hand at most of the jobs she sets her mind to, but she enjoys weaving and cooking the most. She finds them both extremely therapeutic and she also likes that she can make gifts for those closest to her. She’s fascinated by alchemy, but she has to really focus to not mix-up ingredients when she has to make concoctions. She also enjoys being out in the land, but finds more joy in botany, though she doesn’t have the greenest thumb around. She knows how to cultivate the land though and how to set things up to thrive on her own. 

Combat: She is a Paladin first and foremost and will always love protecting others. She’s more in tune with the teachings of a Dark Knight though, so she’ll often switch between the two. She turned to being a summoner after coming back from the First with high anxiety, but she also finds dancing to be enjoyable. After striking up a deal with an Amaro back on the first, she sets herself the goal of mastering every fighting job she hears about, and aims to get the highest she can. She can do some healing, but prefers to either be in the front lines as a tank, or be in a ranged position, to call out mechanics to those in front and be able to help out with shields and resing. 

Hobbies: She loves swimming and with the Kojin’s blessing enjoys it even more now. She loves long baths and pampering herself after her travels. She collects tea blends and dried flowers from the places she’s gone. She’s trying to get into drawing and painting from Alphinaud, but she’s still got a long way to go. She enjoys braiding and playing with people’s hair. 

Traits-

Most Positive: She has a strong sense of right and wrong and once she’s set her mind on something being the best course of action, she will continue through with it until completion. (Or someone physically stops her from achieving it).

Most Negative: She cannot control her facial expressions. She has to work so hard on keeping a neutral face in important meetings that half the time she misses what was discussed. She also is very passionate, so has to be careful to not speak her mind. 

Likes-

Colors: Purple, Silver, Black, and White

Smells: Fresh Bread, Jasmine, Ocean, Moss/Damp Forest 

Textures: Silk and satin dresses/sheets, Pumice stone, Animal Fur, Hair 

Drinks: Hot tea, Cocoa, Milk

Foods: Bread, Pastries (scones of her own making are her favorite), Breakfast Foods, Fresh Fruit 

Other-

Vices: None, except sometimes being a bit stingy on money when it comes to teleportation. 

Mount Issuance: Lumen was her Mount from the Maelstrom when she joined and who she loves dearly. 

Been Arrested: None that she can at least remember. She’s amazed she was never arrested in Ishgard just for being in association with Alphinaud and Tataru, but she’s glad things worked out that way. She’s sure she would have been arrested if she actually did punch Fourchenault, but she wouldn’t have cared a bit.  

Tagged by @halikyon

Not going to tag anyone, but if you see this and want to do it, please do so!!! It's a lot of fun!

[shummashum]

Klaus Goldstein Ch9 [1~5]

Previously on Ch8! As the teacup theft case came to an end, Liz received some experienced advice on love from Luci. Well I don't think anything will happen! At least now.

but well… let's attach significance to the fact that a minor twig was cut off

ehe that too is definitely a crime

by the way, how should the case be resolved in a situation like this they can't wait for the criminal to make another move there must be a clue…

I have a question though isn't the Ministry supposed to cooperate with them? what are those bunch of incompetent idiots doing now they're not planning on leaving everything to the students and chilling behind, right? …right? oi Klaus there's no support or anything? for real?

At that time, Remb called Liz.

oh…… at least she had a shred of conscience

heh there really was a symbolic punishment yes! at least there has to be something like this I'm pretty satisfied with this

so Klaus suggested it, huh well I really don't think this is a matter of sympathy though… still he used his head a little more flexibly than usual

but please I don't know why they keep trying to glorify her actions~? okay, Fanda reflected. good empathize with emotions. good but just because her feelings are relatable doesn't mean her actions aren't wrong I'd like them to please separate these or maybe I'm just acting picky,,,

oh… right Liz has to give the lecture too eh… but she hadn't even decided on a class topic yet this is quite an emergency ! !

huh those words make me feel a little repulsed shouldn't she at least be better at conducting classes than him if she cannot do better than him, it's a huge shame

But she was unable to argue with him, finding herself not having any confidence.

but you should do this I guess you still aren't fully aware of the meaning of the clothes you're wearing, but you're not wearing them for nothing if you're not going to do this, take off your clothes and go back to being a normal student!

nod nod let's prepare thoroughly and create a decent class well it's true that she's not ready, but she can't use the newbie excuse forever we have to get out of the newbie zone someday!

look look look look this guy is relatively easy to please unlike that you-know-who blue-haired nocturnal idiot, his difficulty level is just fucking hard, but it doesn't require anything unusual or exhilarating

So Liz declared to Remb that she would give a try. But…

let's decide on the topic first is there a curriculum that can be used as a reference?

"I hope he gets fucked up for using his mouth wrong" blabla but well I'm serious the people around him are too kind and good for him…

why are you talking like that if you're going to say something like that, don't help her and just get some extra manpower from the Ministry tch!!

yeah he does,,, Mr. Stickuphisass

he was scratched he was scratched he was scratched

if that's what Al said, then that's it. period!

but you know seeing him smiling brightly like this makes me more and more afraid how depressed and pitiful will this guy appear a story where you feel like you're going to explode from the frustration…

Anyway, Cae and Al were happy to give her their hand.

you get out your very existence is a minus

And well, Hiro also jumped into this in the name of keeping an eye on Zeus.

S6 comrades became together again not trustworthy at all…… I hope the brake named Hiro work well,,,

well it's right to choose magical creatures carbuncle wing rabbit unicorn Eress let's go

Hiro!!!!! shut that guy's mouth

erm… maybe a secret meeting with the Headmaster? or did he really go to the Ministry to request additional manpower

there he was well share some information then

Then he pulled out a pen and drew a line through two of the entries, which were stolen.

[gren-arlio]

Finally, Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 1 of Arle's Route.

(Ah, Kikimora. Oddly sweet in this game and manga. Why did you tell me your sizes in your bio?)

Heya, Gren here, and after so long (aka a week), we get a new part. Wasn't done last week so that's why I made that special Witch episode (which has become one of my most viewed posts, ironically,) and now we can finally finish...Episode 1. Trust me, these take a while.

Before I put timestamps, I want to say this: I will not be translating shop menus... this time. Thought it'd be better to make that into a single Extras post sometime so it's easy to get for people rather than just telling people to come to Part 2 of Episode 1 of Route 2 of a Niche Video Game. (Is that too many unnecessary labels? Yeah.)

Anywho, The video:

Timestamps:

No Way. A Store is a Store: (10:45)

Schezo Gives a Death Threat: (11:25)

Skeleton-T Boss: (13:55, defeat is on 16:21)

Ticket/Door Stuff: (17:05)

Mysterious Voice Moments: (18:19)

Shopping: (19:19)

Rulue 1: (22:45)

Schezo Vs The Allegations: (23:27)

We can finally go onto episode TWO...After the next Extras Episode. Maybe. Perhaps. Perchance.

With that, hope you enjoy.

----

No Way. A Shop is a Shop: (10:45)

Arle:

Oh, so this is a shop! (Yes Arle. A shop is a shop.

Momomo:

Momomo, welcome to the shop.

Arle:

Ah, hello there.

Momomo:

There's a lot of danger inside of the attractions.

If you buy a lot of items, you'll be safer, so be sure to do so.

Arle:

Aren't you some merchant...

(Menu pop up saying:

Buy

Sell <-

Back)

Momomo:

What do you want to sell?

(Nothing. Arle leaves.)

Hope to see you again.

-----

Schezo Gives a Death Threat: (11:25)

Arle:

Oh, it's Schezo!

Schezo:

Ah, Arle...are you here for the attraction too?

Arle:

Well, yeah.

Schezo:

Well...that's fine. Just don't get in my way.

If you interfere with me, I'll make you disappear for good!

Arle:

??? Schezo...

Why are you so wokred up? I thought you were here to have fun?

-----

Skeleton-T Boss: (13:55)

Skeleton-T:

Hello? Are you a visitor?

Arle;

Yeah, hello! What're you doing here?

Skeleton-T:

I'm having a cup of tea. You want a cup?

(Menu that says Yes or No appears. Arle says no)

What! You won't drink my tea!

I won't you forgive you for taking advantage over my goodwill!

Arle:

Um...I don't think this is needed.

I don't even think you're human...

Skeleton-T:

Gah! Ochaaaaa! Why would you even care!

Arle;

I knew it...you're not human...

Skeleton-T:

Ochaaa! Come on then!

(His defeat is him saying "Ochooo..." with Arle saying "It's my victory! Yay!")

----

Tickets/Door stuff: (17:05)

Arle:

Eh? What's written here...

(He who has 3 orbs, raise them.)

...Do I really have the orbs to proceed?

Carbuncle:

Gu?

[Fast forward a bit and she goes to a chest with tickets.]

Arle:

Oh, there's tickets here! Huh...

(Arle got tickets to Fire Mountain, Water Paradise, and Starlight Stage.)

...This means I can enter more attractions! Yay!

Carbuncle:

Gugu!

[Text prompt to leave]

-----

Mysterious Voice Moments: (18:19)

(For this I'll be calling them MV.)

MV:

So, you cleared the first attraction.

Arle:

Eh? What?

MV:

Well, let's say you did complete it.

...Let's just call it the "Exciting Course".

...Hm, yes! A perfect name!

Arle:

I feel like I've heard this voice before...

MV:

Collect 3 orbs and a new path will open up.

Yes...a door to the new attractions await you...

Arle:

Oh? ...I don't even know you!

MV:

Fufufu, we'll meet sooner or later...

Carbuncle:

Gugu!

MV:

Wow! Carbuncle!

Arle:

... ... ...Are you by any chance?

MV:

Uh oh! And so, farewell!

Arle:

Oh dear...I don't know about you, but I think I'll collect these orbs...

-----

Shopping: (19:19)

Momomo:

Welcome to the shop.

Arle:

Smells good in here.

Momomo:

Oh, we do food service also.

The attractions get really hard without food, so be sure to bring a lot.

Arle:

Still a salesman, I see...

Carbuncle:

Gu!

[I'm...gonna skip all the shop menus for an Extras episodes. When? Maybe 2 or so Extra episodes later, I got one planned already.

Anyways, Arle plans to leave the shop.]

Momomo:

There's no reason to not know how to identify items.

Arle:

Identifying items...it would be useful to have that ability.

...Actually, how do I do that?

Momomo:

I can teach you.

Arle:

Wait...really!?

[Arle gained the ability to identify items!

You can now identify items you find in the dungeon.]

Arle:

Wow, thanks! ...By the way-

If I can identify stuff on my own, I don't need to be here anymore, right?

Momomo:

People who aren't good at identifying won't get any better.

Momomo never fails to identify, so keep up the good work.

Arle:

Aha, I see...well, I look forward to working with you!

-----

Rulue 1: (22:45)

Rulue:

Arle!?

That Said Arle:

Oh, hi Rulue! Have you done this attracrion yet?

Rulue:

...I don't care about that.

Arle:

I see...Least not yet...

Rulue:

No one said anything about a "Not Yet."

Arle:

So you did do it?

Rulue:

Oh-hohoho! Of course!

Arle:

Oh, right! I completed it also!

Rulue:

Well, I'm in a hurry, so please excuse me.

Arle:

That's weird, Rulue...Why is she in a hurry?

Carbuncle:

Gugu?

-----

Schezo VS The Allegations: (23:27)

Schezo:

Arle...

That Said Arle Again:

Hey, what's Schezo doing here?

Schezo:

Hmpf. None of your business.

Arle:

Are you here to get women again?

Schezo:

Eh?

Arle:

I mean, you always chase women around saying "I want you."

Schezo:

Wha...I don't do that!

Arle;

You can say that again...I mean, "The Dark Mage" is a boy...

Schezo:

You know what! I'm...

I'm tired. I'm going on ahead.

Arle:

Assuming you're not here to get just girls...

No way, Schezo...you're here to get men too...

-----

FINALLY. DONE WITH EPISODE 1.

I'm glad. Next Extras Episode might be revolving around Kikimora, IDK fully.

Episode 2 might be a lot smaller, or at least I hope. Thank you for standing by with me, and hope you enjoyed.

[aerialsquid]

FFXIVWrite Day 6: Ring

And yes it's the same set as the last 5 days minus the Ran'jit one. I do what I want.

If anything, Charlemend seemed a bit miffed that the glory of death in bloody combat had been denied to him after all that build-up.He sat with his back against the mast, sulking, refusing to let Edmont tend to any of his cuts. Edmont wanted to both comfort and smack him for it. 

Anyone of a mindset to try climbing the rigging to come get them took one look at the Sahagin casually dangling his legs over the crosstree and immediately scuttled back down again, almost apologetic about it. It was strange to be so close to the battle and yet so utterly safe.

The frantic ringing of a ship's bell barely carried over the fray. It was followed by the captain's rough, desperate voice screaming, "Yield! Yield!"

Reluctantly the pirates turned to listen, scowling and backing away into a wary knot at the front end of the ship.

Peering over the side, Edmont could see the tattooed man with a blade to the captain's throat. His back was to Edmont but his mask had been torn away during the fight. He leaned in to say something to the captain, who nearly spat in his face before calling out, "We're surrenderin', aye! Vessel and cargo both yours, y'blueblood scalliwag, and I hope you shove it–"

The exact location was blotted out by a roar of victory from the half-naked assailants, a chaotic cheer that soon turned to an uneven chant of "Hold 'em fast, drag 'em under!". Keeping with the kraken theme, Edmont supposed. 

Novv stood and stretched, the fin on his back leisurely rising. One arm was given to each lord and he took them both down to the deck with a single leap, landing as light as a feather before allowing them their feet. 

Gerald trickled by them, rotating out his books to replace his carbuncle with a pale yellow fairy. 

"Thought you'd be stayin' out of the fight, Novv," he said, still just as jovial as before, though his shirt was stained in blood. "Not that we ain't grateful for your presence!" The summon flitted around him to inspect the other Krakens, a healing glow following in its wake.

"Pssh? Fight? Was this a fight?" Novv tilted his head in overexaggerated confusion, scratching one of his crests. "So new am I to your strange finless ways, I thought this was some form of festival and came to visit my good friends Duraindaire and Fortempts. I would not dare raise my weapon at such a delicate time with your people, especially to intervene in some petty conflict between shorewalkers that has nothing to do with Novv and his sons." He proudly held up both claws, empty. "And as you can see, I carry no blade and I have spilled no blood."

"Rightly so, Master Novv, rightly so!" Gerald chirped. "And come to think of it, I've been at festivals that ended more bloody than this."

"Gerald, would you bloody tell me what's going on?" Charlemend cut in. "I've had enough of bloody pirate dealings and you're the closest thing to civilized I've laid eyes on today."

"Of course, of course, your lordship!" Gerald offered a bow that only seemed slightly ironic, as Novv moved off into the crowd. Edmont strained to keep sight of him, but it was hard with this many broad-backed Roegedayn milling about. "Y'see, back in the old days before Admiral Merlwyb and the Galadion Accords brought us disassociated rabble to heel, it weren't uncommon to pluck up your rival's business partners and hold them to some sort of ransom to gain an edge on 'em. We've all moved on from such practices and it's practically unheard of these days, but the Shark's Teeth here are a bit hung up on tradition."

"Which is why we made sure to hit 'em enough that no one else'll try this kind of shite for another century or two," Blutwyn said as she passed by, gore-streaked oar over her shoulder. 

"You're telling me two of Ishgard's high house lords were drugged, bound, abused, and threatened with mutilation over a matter of business?" The irate purple in Charlemend's skin was showing under the edges of his sunburn. "This is an international incident! An insult tantamount to a declaration of war!"

Gerald smiled with the sort of sweetness that made you want to deck him. "Didn't say we pirates were smart, your lordship. But the Kraken's Arms is happy to reimburse you for your lost time, don't you worry, and we'll do so out of the coffers of the men what caused you the trouble. You can even take a few licks with the cat at the captain if it pleases you to do so. "

"Reimburse--" Charlemend's voice stopped in his throat. His lips moved silently, his head shaking side to side ever so slightly, as if what he saw defied all reason. Edmont's eyes followed his, to where the crowd had parted just right to allow a clear line of sight across the length of the ship. 

To where the man with the kraken tattoo was taking Novv and the Sharks' leader into the captain's quarters, ax hanging loose in his hand, and his scowling face finally bared to the sun. Another of his crew was settling a red coat across his bare shoulders.

Jumbles of words seemed to struggle for priority in Charlemend's throat. A haggard breath escaped him, then a muttered "It can't…how… but he…", and then a growing cry of "Wait. Wait! Come back!" 

"Put him down," Blutwyn hissed. Gerald's fingers skittered frantically over the pages of his tome, tracing the lines of arcane geometry.

"Car–!" The Repose spell struck Charlemend mid-shout, deadening his muscles. He struggled for breath, struggled to move his foot just one more step, hand reaching out before him in desperation as his treacherous body slowly dragged him down. Edmont caught him around the shoulders as he fell with a helpless sob, his bad leg screaming as he lowered his friend gently to the deck. 

If anyone else noticed the commotion, they'd turned their faces away and deliberately ignored it.

"I'll be good," Edmont said, raising one surrendering hand in the face of Gerald's glaring fairy. Edmont swallowed down the rage that came up in his throat at yet another pirate playing havoc with Charlemend. "And you don't need two dead weights to carry around. The stress must have just…gotten to him."

"Supposing you're right, your lordship. I'm sure a brief rest'll do him a world of good regardless, and in the meantime we'll see about getting you back to Costa del Sol before the dancing girls go on." The sweet smile was back on Gerald's face just as it was before. Edmont stayed kneeling on the deck, Charlemend's limp body in his arms, and closed his eyes against the piercing sunlight above.

All the pieces were here. It was child's play to put them together. The question was what to do about them.

[wildstar25]

I am ask about your warrior of light.

I will ask for no other information as I know nothing else and will assume the rest from your answers.

Favorite color?

If estinien and alphinaud were hanging off a cliff above tautaru infested waters, which would they save from their unrulely demise?

What is their Scion head pat priority (least needed to pat to most needed)

One aetherite is free, which?

What flavor of sauce would they put on chicken wings (any flavor)

Would they keep bees?

What reason would they most likely bite someone?

How long would they survive on a deserted island (assuming there is proper materials to survive you just need the survival skills)

Is this a cool cat?

Answer wisely my friend

These are.... fantastic questions!! o(*°▽°*)o

Favorite color? Dalamud Red! She's always got a bit of red in her outfits!

If estinien and alphinaud were hanging off a cliff above tautaru infested waters, which would they save from their unrulely demise? Arsay would run to Alphinaud without a second thought. She might poke fun at him for whatever he did to earn Tataru's wrath, but his safety is the number one priority. Plus bullying Estinien is very fun. She trusts he can manage to get himself out of any mess he put himself in at this point.

What is their Scion head pat priority (least needed to pat to most needed) In order: C/B tier scions (Hoary and the like), Tataru, Krile, Estinien, Thancred, Urianger (he'd be higher on the list but she couldn't reach him), Lyse, Y'shtola, G'raha, Arsay (yes she put herself on the list. please give her head pats), Ryne (Arsay still considers her a scion family member), Alphinaud, Alisaie

One aetherite is free, which? Limsa! It has been my return point since I started the game and never changed it. In terms of in character reasons: It's the closest place in Eorzea to Arsay's home, its where her guild buddies are, it's where her grand company is, who her free company is set up with, and it's a port town with ships, ferries, and airships to anywhere she'd feasibly need to go to! Arsay is really not a big fan of teleporting directly to an aetherite if she doesn't have to; she much prefers taking the scenic (and cheaper) route!

What flavor of sauce would they put on chicken wings (any flavor) HMMM Arsay would probably eat any flavour, especially if its something she's never had before..... but if she could choose herself.... maybe something like a hot honey mustard? Something tangy, spicy, and sweet!

Would they keep bees? Arsay would not keep bees. Not because she wouldn't like to, but because she'd worry that her adventuring lifestyle would directly impact the level of care the bees receive.

What reason would they most likely bite someone? Got too excited while messing around and had to chomp U.U'' unfortunate since her fangs are quite sharp.

How long would they survive on a deserted island (assuming there is proper materials to survive you just need the survival skills) Arsay grew up on an island and spent a lot of time as a kid going off on her own, so she could probably survive indefinitely. She knows exactly one healing spell so as long as she doesn't completely fuck herself up, she wouldnt have to worry about cuts or infections. Though Arsay's not the best at crafting... but could probably get away with what skills she has now and get better as time goes on! She's very resilient and will not give up!! The only thing that would really get to her is being alone for a long period of time. She could manage for a week or so by herself but the loneliness would catch up to her. Her carbuncle could keep her company, but she'd miss talking to her friends.

Is this a cool cat? Yes. Absolutely. 100%. 1000/10.

Thank you for asking all those question!! It was so fun to answer!

[elissaria-ffxiv]

Sneaking for Information

“Right this way sir.”

The maitre d’ led me through the entryway to the rooms of the club proper. Gentlemen of various ages lounged about the room. None paid me or the maitre d’ any mind.

Such was the way of the nobles with the “help”. Never paying attention to us or our movements around us, but expecting us to be there no matter what.

My father had instilled in me long ago that such was the lot of the Muldoon’s. I could trace my lineage all the way back to the founding of Ishgard. At least one male in each generation had served. It was an honorable calling. Even my own son was now well established with a notable family.

“This is the secure room, do you know how much space your master wants?”

His question drew me from my thoughts. I made a great show of looking about the room as I answered his question. Testing locks by pulling draws and in turn questioning him about break ins.

“Oh no, sir. We’re quite secure here. Why in all my time here we’ve only had one bit of trouble and that has been seen to with our new wards. No trickster will be able to pull off such a scheme again.”

At my questioning look, he went on to describe how someone had conjured nixies and carbuncles filling the entire place with the magical creatures.

I pushed for more information, showing my disdain for the magical interference. All in the guise of securing a lock box for my lord. That had been my idea. The viera had wanted me to pretend to be a noble. One does not pretend to be a noble and just meander into an establishment like this. I’d rolled my eyes at her preposterous idea.

Instead, I’d explained how I would get the information she sought. She’d agreed though a bit skeptically. But I would show her. This is how one gathered information without trouble. We servants worked behind the scenes and none would be the wiser or suspicious of the questions I asked in this ruse.

“And I promise you sir, after the ruckus Brother Drausair and his friends raised about our security, the owners were not about to let such an occurrence happen twice.”

Drausair, that was the name she told me to listen for. I asked if they were still using the club’s services since the theft.

“Oh yes sir. That box right behind you that you tested a moment ago, that one is Brother Drausair’s. As you can see, its locked up tight. And if it were to be opened without the wards being lowered, this whole place locks up tight until the guards arrive.” the man scratched at his cheek, “Though I’ve not seen the man in some time, must be out of the city on business. He was a right regular visitor up until a few weeks ago.” he paused, “Begging your pardon, didn’t mean to ramble off, as I was saying security here is top notch.”

I let him finish the tour and promised my “lord” would be by within the month to secure his membership. With that I left the establishment, none the wiser to my ruse.

As I resumed my post within the house, I sent one of the maids to find Miss Elissaria to notify her of my successful return. My employers were not of the nobility and a rather rough lot that still had much to learn on owning such a prestigious estate. But none of them would ever be able to say that I, Claude-Henri Muldoon - third of that name, shirked an assigned task.

Part 1 | Part 2

@thegraveyardcompany​

[stargazer-brynne]

Missing Cargo

“Miss Thorush?”

Brynne turned from her massive folders of incoming cargo and ship ledgers to face the young miqo'te girl. The small member of the Arcanist Guild shifted her weight back and forth, stroking a strand of her light pink hair.

“Yes, Mi’haila, what can I help you with?” Brynne responded, putting down her notes.

“Th-There’s an invoice from one-one of the ships that came in… They’re missing a lot of crates fro-from their ledger- I don’t know what happened!” Mi’haila answered, fingers quaking as she handed over the slip of paper.

Brynne took it and started reading each item, line by line. Imports consisted of basic materials; blacksmithing metals and tools for the most part, sent over by the various artisans of Ul’dah. However, circled in red were the more useful and expensive materials: iron, steel, mythrill, and other precious metals needed for weapon smithing. Not surprisingly, those materials were missing.

Brynne narrowed her eyes and looked over at Mi’haila, who jumped at the sudden attention. “Are they still in port? Have there been any reports of pirate activity or the like nearby?” She asked.

The miqo'te nodded.

“They’re still in port, Miss. As far as we know, there has been limited pirate activity in the normal places. The Rhotano Sea has been mostly quiet, with minor activity in the Strait of Merthor. But-but that’s been happening for the past few months!”

Brynne leaned back in her chair, playing with a brown to blue curl along the side of her face. 

Merthor had been a hot spot for some minor, harmless pirating activity. It was mostly to scare off potential threats to their territories. A small monetary fee here, a warning shot from cannons there. But if they were starting to plunder cargo ships and affect their ledgers, then they'd have stepped out of bounds.

Brynne stood up,  long ears slicked back in annoyance. She grabbed her pen and started writing down the report for the Guild’s records. Once satisfied with it, she stood up and beckoned for Mi’haila to follow. Brynne grabbed her coat and strapped her grimoire to her side. A small, Emerald Carbuncle followed along, sniffing her master’s coattails. Brynne paused, patting her on the head.

“Who else knows of this incident?” She asked.

“Just you for now. Should I report to the Guildmaster?” Mi’haila replied.

“Not yet, I have some sway, so I’ll reach out first before getting her involved.”

The two traveled over to the docks and down the way, reaching where the ship who reported the missing cargo was moored.. It wasn’t the largest ship she’s ever seen, little more than a rowboat compared to Merlwyb’s impressive vessel, but it was a decent size for transport nonetheless. 

She waved down one of the crewmembers, asking for the captain. The deckhand rushed to what Brynne assumed was the captain’s quarters, and soon a small Lalafell man walked out on deck.

The man had a big bushy mustache and a hat that looked like it could completely hide him should he be so inclined. The hat was then removed and placed against his chest as he bowed. 

“What can I do for you, Miss?” He asked in a particularly high voice.

Mi’haila hid behind Brynne, who rolled her eyes. “Captain Kalale, I presume?”

“The one and only. What can I do for you two lovely ladies?” He smiled, replacing his hat.

“I understand there was an incident with missing cargo, and as a member of the Arcanist’s Guild, I came to investigate. Do you have a moment for a few questions?” Brynne said, taking out a pen and notebook.

“Anything for the Arcanist’s Guild, my lady. This opportunity to get in good graces with you lot is a good business practice. I make your life easier, you make mine easier.” Captain Kalale explained, rubbing his hands together.

“Were all items accounted for before leaving the ports in Ul’dah?”

“All were present and accounted for," he said, his hands searching for something in his breast pocket.

“Around what area did you discover the goods were missing?”

“After we finished getting through the Strait of Merthor. We were approached by a vessel after stopping for a time. They demanded compensation for safe passage, or there’d be dire consequences. I’ve lived long enough to know when I’m up against someone who’ll actually carry out those threats, so I gave them the metals they wanted. They left our ship, and we went on our way with our lives,” Captain Kalale explained, lighting a cigar. He offered one to the ladies who shook their heads no.

“Were there any identifying features of the ship? Noticeable crew members?” Mi’haila asked.

“Now that you mention it, one was a big Roegadyn. Two full yalms taller than yourself, green skin, and a big ol’ scar that ran from his right eye all the way down his collar. Nasty lookin’ thing!” He leapt into the air, flailing his arms to show just how big. Though, it really didn’t help his case-- the two were already much taller than him.

“Any flags of note or crests?” Brynne asked.

“I think it was a dark red flag with yellow symbols… Like a dragon eating a moon?”

Brynne groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Alright, thank you, Captain. As you were…” She turned on her heel and stormed off the deck, Mi’haila running after her.

There was only one ship with that flag and one captain with those features. And Brynne knew them all too well. In fact, they’d just landed in port not too long ago. She stormed past the guild’s crystal and through the marketplace, where it was jam packed with merchants and buyers from all over the country. Mi’haila tried to keep pace, having to hurry a few steps every so often to stay beside her.

“M-Miss, where are we going?” She asked, clutching her notes to her chest and fixing her glasses.

“To the lower decks, where most underground dealings are made. I have a bone to pick with a certain pirate…” Brynne replied, bringing a hand to her ear. 

She barked a few orders into her linkpearl before hanging up. Her Emerald Carbuncle bounded after her, staring up in confusion before nodding and vanishing, her ruby counterpart replacing her with a scowl on her face and her tails twitching in anticipation. 

Hopefully it wouldn’t come to using her, but Brynne didn’t hold her breath. These guys were notorious for being unpredictable.

They reached the docks by the fishermen’s guild, sun beginning to set for the day. On a good day, this would mark the end of her work and she’d have a lovely dinner prepared with her father. And she was looking forward to the new recipe that came in from the Bismark too. Her father wasn’t going to like the next report she sends to the Marauders Guild.

The ship was massive in comparison to Captain Kalale’s vessel, but still not large enough to warrant more than two inspectors, minus her carbuncle.

Out of the corner of Brynne’s eye, she could’ve sworn she saw a head full of red braids, but when she turned to get a better look, there wasn’t anyone there. 

Damn rogues, always in the shadows, Brynne thought.

However they always did their job well, so she couldn’t complain too much.

The two ladies boarded the ship and were greeted by accordion and drums, followed by drunken laughter and shouts. Brynne thought she heard giggles mixed in there, but she wasn’t certain until she saw the Roegadyn in question drinking from what she could only assume was his sixth ale, given the five empty tankards beside him. Two young women, a Midlander and a Raen, clung to each arm as he poured his drink into their waiting mouths.

Brynne sighed and stomped her foot. The music and laughter stopped from all but the captain, who looked the Viera up and down before handing his drink to one of the girls. They greedily drank the rest on her own.

“Captain Fraedoen.” Brynne narrowed her eyes.

The captain grinned from ear to ear, standing tall in front of her. He was exactly as the Lalafell described, though he’d forgotten to mention the reek of alcohol. Some drops had missed his mouth and dribbled down his chin and onto his ripped red coat.

“That be I, lassie. Ye and yer friend here to join in the party? T’is a celebration!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms out. His crew cheered and resumed their laughter and playing, some calling for another round. “There be plenty o’ room fer ye lovely lassies to join us.”

“Actually no, we’ve come to collect the stolen cargo from one of our import vessels,” Brynne responded, puffing her chest out. The captain barked out a laugh and got right up in her face, coming close enough to touch. She could smell the salty sea and sweat mixed in with the strong alcohol.

“And what makes ye think we stole cargo? We’re just humble pirates, followin’ the same rules as anyone else! You can’t prove shite,” he said, his voice getting gruff and low.

Brynne stared this man straight in the eye, refusing to back down. 

He scoffed and threw up a hand. The rest of the crew put their drinks down and began drawing their swords. “So what are ye gonna do about it, eh?”

Brynne slowly reached for her grimoire, Mi’haila backing away slowly but was suddenly blocked from behind by two more pirates. She gripped onto Brynne’s coat, trying to hide.

One of the crew members froze, a glint of recognition in his eye. “C-Captain. We-we really sh-sho-”

“What is it, ye blubberin’ oaf! I’m gonna toss this bitch inte the sea fer tresspassin’ on my ship!” He shouted, turning to him. Brynne glanced over, seeing the recognition in his eye, and the quake in his knees. She grinned.

“You should listen to your crew, Captain,” she taunted, opening her book to a seemingly random page.

“Th-That’s no ordinary inspector, sir!” He stuttered, backing up and clutching his knife to his chest.

“Out with it, man! Spit it out or ye’ll be next!”

Another piped up “Th-That’s Brynne Thorush, sir!” He shouted. The captain froze on the  spot, slowly turning back towards the Viera. Brynne witnessed the color drain from his face and his jaw go slack.

“Th-Thorush? Ye-Ye mean THE Thorush?” He asked, voice suddenly quiet.

Brynne licked her fingers, flipping through the pages before slamming her grimoire shut. Every member of the crew jumped.

“The only daughter o’ the notorious Captain Nycolas of the Indigo Deep?” Captain Fraedoen asked, backing away as slow as he possibly could. There was more sweat beading down his face now, and his eyes were wide. “Th-The one who sa-sailed with the Knights of the Barracuda and is a General of the Maelstrom?”

“The one and only,” she replied, examining her nails. Slowly, she began to walk forward towards him, eyebrow raised and grinning from ear to ear. “Now, about that missing cargo.”

[ffxivbabey]

Deletorious

Veronyka is hiding something, and Louisa means to find out what it is.

Written for ffxivwrite for the prompt 'deletorious'.

Louisa finally felt like she could relax again now that her sister was safely inside of her apartment, having taken her directly to there from the ship from Vesper Bay that had just arrived in Limsa. Fortunately, the journey had been long enough that Veronyka hadn't demanded that they go shopping first, choosing instead to quietly poke around her sister's apartment and reach down and pet the carbuncle that Louisa favoured as a companion.

"So," said Louisa, and Veronyka looked up at her with a smile, her tail flicking behind her. Louisa's eyes narrowed. Oh, that was a suspicious quiet, was it? "Nyka, what are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing!" said Veronyka, a hair too quickly. "Er, I mean... what's there to hide? I told you everything important in the letters home, remember?"

"Hmm," Louisa hummed, her tail swishing back and forth. She wished for the ability to see aether that she had heard the Scions could have thanks to their devices. Were things different, perhaps she would have been one of them, bringing her sister into the fold or trying to keep her out of it like Yda had with Lyse. Only Louisa probably wouldn't have died defending Ala Mhigo. Well, not Ala Mhigo, if she had heard correctly. A child. But such thoughts could wait. Right now, she had to figure out what was different about her sister other than the fact that her hair was now pulled back from her face and a little frizzier than usual...

"Did you know that thaumaturgy can lead to black magic?" Veronyka said quickly, and made for the kitchen. Louisa gasped once the words' meaning hit her, running to keep up with her.

"Nyka, you didn't!" said Louisa.

"I'm fine, honestly!" said Veronyka, rummaging in the pantry for snacks, standing on her toes to reach the higher shelves where she knew Louisa kept the good snacks. Louisa snatched her wrist, though, turning her sister to face her. She studied her sister's face, trying to see if anything was different.

"Well, at least you haven't replaced your eye with materia, that's something," said Louisa. Veronyka gasped.

"I would never!" said Veronyka. "Anyway, I have this real nice teacher, he's called Jack- no, wait, Jarek, that's right- and he's been teaching me everything he knows but in the safe way!"

"I knew I shouldn't have let you go to Ul'dah," Louisa fretted. "I'd heard the rumours, of course, but I thought that surely, the worst that could happen is that you get bored and come home."

"In Ul'dah?" Veronyka asked, and laughed. "They like miqo'te though, really like them." She grit her teeth, lashing her tail.

"But you've been careful, right?" Louisa asked. Veronyka nodded.

"I barely give them a chance to look at me," said Veronyka. "But sis, black magic is fine-"

"It is most certainly not fine!" Louisa huffed. "Black magic can have a deletorious effect on your soul, have you noticed anything different lately? Any tiredness or sickness?"

"Only tiredness when I'm drained of mana," said Veronyka. "There is the lightning thing, but Shtola says that it's just my aether being more aspected towards thunder and there's nothing to worry about."

"What lightning thing?" Louisa asked.

"Well, it kinda tingles when I use it," said Veronyka. "And my lightning spells are stronger than any of my other spells, which is unusual."

"But does it hurt?" Louisa asked. Veronyka shook her head.

"No," said Veronyka. Louisa gave a sigh of relief.

"Well, that's good, then," said Louisa. "I still don't feel comfortable with you practicing such dark arts, but I suppose that I can't exactly stop you. Wait, you said that Y'shtola has examined your aether?"

"Yes," said Veronyka, nodding. Louisa remembered that miqo'te from the time before the calamity, when she had been involved in something with the adventurers. She was a lovely woman, quite trustworthy. "You didn't ask her to do that, did you?"

"No, though it would have been a good idea, had I known that you'd be seeing her again," said Louisa. "I don't know this Jarek fellow, but I do know Y'shtola, and if she says it's okay, then I trust her judgement."

"Well, at least you trust someone's judgement," said Veronyka bitterly, pulling her wrist out of her sister's hold and turning back to raiding the pantry. Louisa rolled her eyes, leaving her to it. She had a linkpearl call to make, to one Y'shtola Rhul. It seemed the two had a lot to catch up on.

[theherosreturn]

Athena: Very well. My dear beast will be no doubt thrilled at the feast it shall soon be having, no doubt.

Proto-Carbuncle(?): Hungry…food near…

Yes, the Proro-Carbuncle has the ability to talk. It’s…limited, but still, it can speak. With that, it starts clambering into position, as Athena just teleported to hers. Meanwhile, with the heroes…well…

Sena: This is almost feeling like she’s trying to stall…

Eunie: Alright…OI! YOU SNUFFIN’ EVIL WANABE QUEEN! STOP WASTIN’ OUT TIME AND COME THE SPARK OUT, YOU ARSEHOLE!

Emir: Giyas…

…yeah. Eunie lost her patience.

Salem, as her voice echoed through the entire castle: Haven't you ever heard of the term "You can't rush art"? I'm simply getting ready, I will be there in a minute! But to tide you impatient mortals for now, I shall give you a true challenge as I prepare~...*A group of three Hound Grimms had revealed themselves within the long corridor that reached the throne room* Who knows, maybe one of you will actually die-!

*She had been interrupted as the seer she was using to both speak and watch had been crushed by an absolutely massive object that also crushed the Hounds with its weight!...The object wasn't even tossed by the heroes, it had just suddenly broke through the castle ceiling....What it even was...A cat...?*

Pete, while trying to recover from the fall: Ugh...That Sally lady's gotta get better roofs...Wait...*He soon noticed that the main threats were right in front of him* Ah shoot! Gotta deal with you chumps already!!

Serial designation J: Excuse me what-?! *The cat had immediately thrown multiple bombs in rapid succession at the rebels* At least say hello a**hole!!