#yugiri x wol

[myreia]

Seasons Passing

—part iii: spring blossoms

Rating: Teen Characters: Y'mhitra Rhul, Aymeric de Borel, Yugiri Mistwalker, Erenville, Avi'li Sostomi (WoL) Pairings: Y'mhitra x Avi'li, Aymeric x Avi'li, Yugiri x Avi'li, Erenville x Avi'li Chapter Words: 1,836 Summary: For every season, a new love. Whether it is watching the soft fall of autumn leaves with Y’mhitra or the cold snows of winter with Aymeric, the spring blossoms with Yugiri or the summer rains with Erenville, these are the relationships Avi’li Sostomi holds in his heart. Chapters: one • two • three • four Read on AO3 Belated birthday gift for @lilas! Avi'li belongs to them. 💕

All is well in the Doman Enclave.

Well, not exactly well. There is one thing—

“Ouch!”

Avi’li sucks in air, his teeth pressed against his lower lip, his brow furrowed with concentration. Yugiri sits on her knees in front of him in meditative silence, eyes closed, chest rising and falling with even breaths as she waits. The problem? A stray lock of hair tangled tight around her horn.

Carefully, he drags his fingers through her silky black hair, painstakingly easing the tangle free. It is knotted than he thought possible. How did it even wrap itself around her horn like this? One moment they were sparring and the next she called for a time out, her face scrunched up with discomfort, her head held to the side.

It’s unlike her to get tangled up like this. Perhaps it’s the new hairstyle. It hasn’t escaped his notice that she has begun wearing it differently…

Yugiri clears her throat. “Are you all right?” she asks.

“Hm? Oh, me? Fine, fine—”

“You sounded as though you hurt yourself—”

“Are you all right? Did I pull too hard?”

“Avi’li, did you just say ouch on my behalf?”

Oh. Hesitant laughter bubbles up out of him. “Ah, well…” He shrugs, chuckling again, and continues gently detangling her hair from her horn. “You ever do that thing where you do somethin’���like uh… walkin’ on a plant or knockin’ a book off a shelf—and you say ouch. Not cause you’re hurt, but ’cause it feels like the right thing to say.”

She’s quiet for a moment, her back perfectly straight.

“No? Just me? Not you? Huh.” He unwinds the last of the tangled lock. “And here I thought it made sense.”

Her shoulders are shaking. Slight movements, carefully controlled, but shaking nonetheless. Finally, she can’t contain it any longer. It bursts out of her like a river released from a dam and she is laughing, laughing, laughing—light and free and full of joy. She hunches over, clutching her stomach, and twists about, shooting him a look over her shoulder. Her green brighten mischievously through the cascade of dark hair, as if she is proposing something.

“All right now?” he asks.

She smirks and rises to her feet, her hands moving with swift precising as she braids her hair back from her face. The entanglement won’t happen again. “I am quite well now,” she says, looking him up and down. Her gaze lingers on him brazenly for someone so reserved. Though, as he has begun to learn, Yugiri is far from reserved when they are alone. “Quite well, indeed. One could say a re-match is in order, though believe you have won this one.”

“Oi,” he interrupts, scrambling up and dusting dirt off his knees. It’s been a while since the last rainfall and the enclave has become quite dusty. Though judging from the grey clouds above, perhaps that is about to change. “That ain’t fair to you.”

“If my hair held me back in such a way on the true battlefield, it wouldn’t matter to our enemies if it was fair or not.”

“Aye, but this ain’t the battlefield, this is a sparring ring.”

She shrugs—still smiling that suspiciously mischievous smile—and takes off around the ring, following its little half-wall perimeter towards the entrance gate. He follows quickly, jogging to her side, and keeps up with her rigorous pace. “What is the sparring ring but another battlefield?" she answers, her voice echoing high above the sound of their footsteps crunching in the packed earth underfoot. “But no matter. There is wisdom, perhaps, in knowing when to press the attack and when to concede defeat. You taught me as much. And this, Avi’li Sostomi, is me conceding defeat.”

He cocks his head to the side, his tail whisking back and forth. Why does he feel like they are having two different conversations at the same time? “All right,” he says and leaps spryly onto the half-wall. He balances effortlessly on the narrow stone, arms spread wide, and puts one foot in front of the other reminiscent of a dancer’s footwork. Easy. Simple. Natural. After running across the ropes strung over Kugane’s market, no ledge is too narrow or too high. “If you don’t believe me when I say it’s not fair to you, then believe me when I say it’s not fair to me. Call it a draw if you must, but I didn’t win. Not properly. I haven’t trounced you yet.”

“Trounced?” She arches an eyebrow. “How, pray, would you like to trounce me?”

He grins. “A few ideas come to mind.”

“Only a few?”

“Many, perhaps.”

“Many, I see. The number grows quickly.”

“I do enjoy going toe to toe with shinobi, but I fear defeating you on equal terms may require a different touch. Perhaps a different competition. A different kind of sparring.” He draws to a stop, crouching down on the half-wall, and extends a hand. “Would you care to dance, Yugiri?”

She meets his eyes, her green gaze sparkling like sunlight glinting on ocean waves. “No. I care to run.”

With a flick of her tail and a flash of a smile, Yugiri places both hands on the half-wall and leaps over it. She clears it with astonishing height and lands on the other side, rolling with expertise and launches into a rigorous sprint. Avi’li watches her go, delighted laughter rumbling in his chest, and hops off the wall after her.

Wind on his face, air in his lungs, earth beneath his feet—the rush of kinetic energy invigorates him as much as a strike of raiton. Yugiri’s laughter echoes in his ears, weaving around him like a blossom carried on the breeze. They run through the streets, feet pattering on stone, darting in and out of the passing crowd with skill and ease, leaping over railings and sliding down stairs. Though their paces are matched, she keeps her lead and charges for the outskirts of town.

“Yugiri!” he calls. “Where—?”

She throws a look over her shoulder, a challenge in her eyes, and increases her speed. Rushing up a set of steps, she slams into a wall and uses the force to propel herself upwards, gracefully arcing over the obstacle and dropping down. Grinning, he follows suit, clearing it in a single bound. On the other side, she rushes ahead, her slim figure slicing through the tall grass like a knife.

He chases her, darting through the fields and into the trees. The clouds darken above; he can taste oncoming rain on the tip of his tongue, but it matters little to him when Yugiri is here.

They stray far from the main road, the quiet countryside flying by as they climb up hills and dip into valleys. This is no leisurely stroll, no easy walk—they race, the spark of their companionship igniting in their speed and grace and the pure joy of competition. His pulse quickens, keeping time with the rhythm of his steps.

Their steps.

Her steps.

Ahead, Yugiri clambers over a rocky outcropping and drops into a small clearing beyond. The sound of a babbling brook ripples in the air, and the plum trees sway in the wind. At last she slows, drawing near the centre of the clearing, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. He laughs, spirited and free, and surges ahead in one last sprint.

He catches her and envelopes her in his arms, spinning her about. She beams, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright, breath panting—then she pulls him down into the grass, rolls on top of him and presses her mouth to his.

Yugiri’s kiss is as soft and strong as she is. She straddles him, her weight pressing comfortably into him even as she pins him to the ground. One hand twists in the fabric of his shirt, the other snaking behind his neck to tangle in his hair. He gives into the kiss, leaving himself open and loose and unrestricted… not unlike this relationship and what it has become. He and Yugiri… Friends? Lovers? Companions? Comrades? All of it? None of it?

He called Y’mhitra a girlfriend, but the word now feels superfluous. And Aymeric was… boyfriend does not sum up the depths of that relationship. And he has had other lovers too, casual and spontaneous, collecting moments of connection as he wanders the breadth of the world. But with Yugiri, there is no definition here, at least not one that slots into an easy, palatable description. Not one he can commit to.

There is simply them. This.

Us.  

“I suppose you win this one,” he murmurs at last, drawing back. He cups her face with his hand, brushing a thumb against the scaled ridge of her jaw. “I’ll consider myself trounced right and proper.”

She laughs. The tip of her tail seeks out his, nudging it gently. “The Warrior of Light cannot win every day,” she says, smoothing his hair back from his forehead. “The people would talk not about unfair advantage thanks to your skill, but that your opponents are yielding to you by virtue of your title and status.”  

He scoffs. “If people really ever think my sparring partners are givin’ me a free pass, they need to see me play a match of Triple Triad. I cheat at cards and I still can’t win.”

“…you cheat?”

“Yeah.”

“At cards?”

“Yeah.” He grins. “It’s one of my defining traits. Warrior of Light, Champion of Eorzea, Slayer of Gods, Saviour of Ishgard, Stealer of Pants… Cheater of Cards…”

“Stealer of Pants is no true title, I know very well that Hancock conceived of it—”

“Off a puzzling rumour that may or may not be true! I live to be a puzzle. Who knows what is and is not true about me, I aim to confuse and bemuse. That’s how I beat ’em.”

She catches his eye, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She falls silent for a moment, her tail now twisted around his. Rough scales to soft fur. “There is something I must confess. I—”

The heavens open.

Yugiri raises her head, staring into the grey sky with marvel. The rain comes down, warm and soft like the spring showers of the southern isles, drenching them to the bone. She laughs and sits up, hands spread in wonder, her dark hair plastered to her face and droplets clinging to her skin and scales.

Avi’li nudges her off him and rises to his feet. Taking her hand, he pulls her up and sweeps her into a kiss. They cling to one another, lost in the moment, heedless of the rain and the breeze. A gust of wind blows across the clearing, pulling plum blossoms from their branches, and sends the blooms spiralling about them in a cascade of pink and purple.

Whatever she has to confess can wait for another moment.

It all can wait.

At least until the rain stops.

next part (tbd) →

[annieruthie]

FFXIV Write 2024 | Day 2 | Horizon

Spoilers: Stormblood Level 64

Characters: Annie Ruthie (Warrior of Light) Yugiri Mistwalker

See end of work for notes ^-^

⋆ ★ ⋆

“Giri,” Annie called.

The seated figure on the coastline turned in response, expression softening after catching glimpse of who was speaking. Her daggers were sprawled out onto the rock beside her. “Forgive me for making you search,” she called in response. Annie shook their head, “No matter.” They planted a kiss on Yugiri’s forehead as they took their seat.

Annie listened closely as Yugiri began to speak. They leaned their head against the Raen’s, fingers intertwining. “- That you even spoke with my mother and father,” she said, tears barely making it down her cheeks before Annie was wiping them away with their thumbs. The Raen chuckled in appreciation and self-deprecation. “My apologies, I don’t mean to-” she started, interrupted by Annie’s lips on hers. Yugiri smiled as Annie’s head found its way atop her chest. The pair remained in solemn silence for minutes on end, simply basking in the rare, quiet presence of the other. Annie watched as the sun slowly set into the horizon over yonder.

“You know I love you, right?” they asked to Yugiri.

Annie felt Yugiri let out an approving moan into the top of their head.

It was then that the pair noticed an imperial airship within the clouds.

⋆ ★ ⋆

A short one to start out with. I've been wanting to write this scene for ages; this was such a beautiful scene between Annie and Yugiri and I want to do it justice. I'm still not completely satisfied with it, but that's the point of this, isn't it?

@bananarose for gpose credits ♡ you handled them beautifully

[trashasaurusrex]

YUP!!!!!!!!! MHM!!!!!!!

[kamille-is-real]

And yes the giant dog is canon

[missazurerose]

Never let Nanamo and Tataru drink the Eorzean equivalent of Four Loko. Raubahn's got his work cut out of him. And Estinien's just mad at this rate he's never going to play pool at this damned bar.

Y'shtola never wanted to go out in the first place and she's just been waiting for someone else to leave so she can go. Seeing Riona leave with her new friend was the was the key to her saying well I guess people are heading out so I'm going now.

Thanks the @yumetakato and @draco-einhander for letting me steal their WoLs to hang out in a bar. Our FC bar. It's a big glow up from the time we had 34 stuffed Alphas running amok in the basement.

[windup-dragoon]

FFXIVwrite 2023

Prompt - Fish out of Water A person away from his or her usual environment or activities

Content Warning: Mention of Pregnancy, Endwalker MSQ

Word Count: 1549

Set during the months between finding a new route to the void, Kiri asks that Zero and Estinien accompany her to Doma to pay Hien a visit. Although out of place, Zero is never too far away from Kiri.

Zero was truly a fish out of water if there had ever been one. From Radz-at-han, Garlemald, and to the warm climate of Doma, all an exciting, if not exhausting new experience.

She could manage well enough with her fellows beside her, namely Kiri who could talk her way out of a paper bag with a laugh and a charming smile. Estinien too was never far behind, mindfully watching Kiri throughout the months they spent together. With them, Zero felt it a little easier to breathe. They never expected her to be anything else but herself.

This week, in-between talks of how best to reach the 13th again, they were given pardon to a little field trip of sorts. A short visit to Doma at Kiri’s request which no one seemed inclined to deny. Vrtra would stay at Radz-at-han in case news developed in the meantime, the trio sailing for Doma the next morning.

“You are attuned to the aetheryte in Doma, are you not?” Zero asked abruptly as they filed off one ship in Kugane only to greet another, smaller, boat to take them further. “Surely you could have gone ahead.”

“Aye,” Estinien, hauling a small bag of goods, climbed the boat first before offering a hand to the warrior of light.

Kiri accepted happily, a smile brightly painted on her face as she gave Estinien a pat on the cheek. “And miss this sorta attention? Never.”

Since having met her in person, away from the shadow of Zenos, Zero had noticed a change in the silver haired woman. Always smiling, always a hand close to her stomach. She had begun to wonder if the food at Radz-at-han was simply too rich for Kiri. Excessive eating of, albeit delicious, food would certainly have an effect.

But when Zero thought to bring it up, Kiri would simply smile and hum with her melodious laughter.

“Truthfully,” Kiri began once they had taken off from port, her hand gliding on the water's surface. “Using the crystal to travel upsets my stomach.” She gave a soft pat of her belly, looking dreamily out at the Ruby sea. “And the fresh air is nice, ain’t it?”

From the Ruby Sea to a small village named Namai, the trio traveled with light, idle banter. Estinien and Zero would clear the path of monsters or the ilk while Kiri diverted their attention to point out flora she liked or to show Zero tiger cubs watching them from the brush malms away. The scenery itself was colorful to Zero’s eyes, different from Radz-at-han certainly, but still appealing. Now only if they serve spicy curry…

At Namai they were greeted by a woman, Yugiri, who seemed well acquainted with Kiri. Small of stature but strong of presence. Politely she introduced herself and in typical Zero custom, a tilt of her hat was given in return.

“I apologize on behalf of Lord Hien,” Yugiri started once they were on their way again. “He is otherwise occupied in a meeting with G'raha Tia at the moment.”

“G'raha?” It was in unison that Kiri and Estinien replied, making Zero look them over curiously.

“It was at Lord Hien’s request that they meet.” Yugiri continued, a small smile on her lips. “He was eager to meet the famed G'raha Tia that you speak so fondly of.”

Kiri and Yugiri shared a light chuckle that had Zero feeling as though she missed some context. Partly she wondered what tales Kiri had told them of G'raha, and partly wondered if Kiri spoke of her as well.

Kiri had a way about her storytelling that always felt like a vivid dream. Zero found herself wanting to hear everything about Kiri; especially the stories where she could hardly speak without breaking into a rumbling fit of laughter. Did she weave stories about their time together as well? Nothing funny particularly stood out in Zero’s mind, but deep down, in some unknowable place in her heart, she hoped Kiri told extravagant stories of their shared experiences. For what purpose she did not yet understand, only that she hoped Kiri’s face lit up for her the way it did for everyone else.

Reaching Doma wasn’t particularly interesting for Zero. She silently took in the landscape, recognizing acts of war that had ravaged it with a heavy heart. But yet the villagers of Namai had been in high spirits, working toward a brighter future. And the enclave was no different. Children raced down the streets while adults went about their daily chores, turning to smile as they made their entrance from the pier.

There was hope to be seen in these faces. War wasn’t eternal to them, not like the conflict that made the void so dreadful. Would she one day know this feeling? Or hear children laughing while playing in patches of warm sunlight? Was there hope for the 13th?

“Kiri!” A voice intruded on Zero’s thoughts as two men emerged from the manor before them. G'raha tagged along behind the first, giving Zero and Estinien a brief wave.

“Oi, havin’ friends over without me, eh?” Kiri laughed. The man, while practicing an air of sophisticated calm, practically raced up to the group and indulged himself in lifting Kiri off the ground in an embrace.

Together they danced, laughing and teasing each other with small, fluttering kisses on the cheek. Zero, much like Estinien, turned away as if she were the one intruding on their personal time.

This was the man that Kiri spoke so frequently about, Hien. Zero recognized him from countless descriptions she had been told as she and Kiri ate bowls of curry in Radz-at-han. Seeing them together now only made it easier to see why Kiri enjoyed talking about him. Like watching sunlight on a summer afternoon. They felt bright and warm.

Hien put Kiri back on her feet before kneeling, his hands carefully placed on her rounded stomach. Zero cocked a brow, again feeling as though she shouldn’t be watching.

“Hello to you too, little one. I’ve missed you both.” He spoke so softly Zero thought perhaps she misheard him.

To Estinien, Yugiri, and G'raha, Zero turned, head tilted slightly. “She is with child?”

The group exchanged a wide eyed look, Yugiri being the first to smile before the men. “Yes she is.”

G'raha cleared his throat, attempting his best effort not to laugh. “Her stomach wasn’t nearly so round when she first met you, was it?”

Zero shuffled in place, crossing her arms as she gave it some thought. “…The food at Radz-at-han is very amenable… And she is never far from a plate of fruits…”

At this Estinien howled and G'raha choked on laughter.

“What? It isn’t too abstract to believe, is it?”

Yugiri gently placed a hand on Zero’s shoulder, smiling in a similar manner as Kiri would have. “You’re absolutely right about that. If there is one thing Kirishimi loves, it’s good food.”

“What’s this ‘bout food?” Practically deserting Hien where he stood, Kiri eagerly stepped closer to her fellows. She wore the look of a cat who had heard the dinner bell. 

A light flutter of laughter echoed amongst the party while Zero steadied her attention to Kiri. She truly was a fish out of water. When you exist in a world without reason to celebrate such things as new life, a world that had no use for newborn children, what then did one do in such circumstances? 

In any other situation, Zero would approach Kiri about it, asking for clarification of customs. One should be happy to hear the news of a child, right? Perhaps say something pleasant, like … good job? You did well? None seemed to suffice, at least not in her mind. 

Briefly she wondered about her own mother, and all the other mothers and newborn children that existed in her world before it was torn apart. Before darkness swallowed any sort of happiness or joy. A heaviness filled her chest as the thought expanded. How warm had her mothers embrace been? Was this what it meant to trust and love someone? The trust one held for their mother, the very reason for her existence. 

“Zero?” Kiri’s voice chimed like a bell beside her, drawing her away from the bitterness that tightened her throat. The Warrior of Light had moved closer, her head tilted in her typical curious fashion. “Everythin’ alright?” 

Everyone else had started a new conversation, a discussion of a planned dinner, of course. But for once, Kiri hadn’t been a part of it. Zero looked away, crossing her arms again. “..What does one say when you are happy for them?” 

Kiri blinked in response. “What’cha mean?” 

“To you. I want to say I am happy for you but I don’t know how to express it. Certainly there is a custom for this, right?” Zero never met Kiri’s eyes as she spoke, but the gentle hum of a laugh was more than enough for her. 

“Ohhh.” Her laughter grew, bright and contagious as always. “Oh Zero, you can say ‘Congratulations!’ Or just sayin’ yer happy for me is more than enough.” 

Before Zero could repeat the chosen word, a pair of arms wrapped around her. She stammered a hushed ‘congratulations’ before pulling at the brim of her hat. 

“Thank you, Zero.”

[ladyofvoss]

"Your move, khagan" "Shush, I'm thinking"

The Prince of Doma challenges the Warrior of Light to a 'friendly' game, which she happily accepts.

She soon regrets that decision.

[oguribep]

A quick pic I took to accompany a little short story I wrote that you can read here

edit: I forgot about tags again oop

[moonbnnuy-ffxiv-edition]

Nugiri!

[ivorystand]

Super late, but!

Made two little Valentine's/Valentione's Day cards! One with Estinien and Yuhki (Estinien didn't want to do the little heart thing 😂😂) and the other with Carbon (with his hair down, it's super cute) and Yugiri!

[ivorystand]

First official answer on this blog!

Yuhki admittedly first fell in love with Estinien when they were both just kids. She had the cutest little crush on him and it was so obvious 🥺

Of course when they reunited 20 years later, that crush she had grown into basically full on longing for him. She was head over heels at that point, and Estinien knew it. He just didn't know how to go about making his move. So they just never became a couple until post-Shadowbringers.

As for Carbon, the moment he saw Yugiri without her mask he just melted. He was relatively close with her at that point, both of them being from the Far East and all so they had similar experiences, but when he finally got to see her face, hoo boy, one look at his face when he was around her and you could just tell. His resting bitch face was replaced with the dopiest little lovesick smile. He was also the first out of my wol trio to shoot his shot, with him making the first move with Yugiri at the end of Stormblood.

And Alwin? I admit I haven't come up with someone to ship him with yet so I don't know quite yet 😅

8/4/23

When did your wol(oc) first fall in love? How did they feel about it?

[lilas]

loosely chronological art summary 2024

This was a good year for art I think :> links beneath cut

WoL Symbolism

Portrait of Ves

Unpublished WIP*

Erenville is Unhoppy

Avi’li x Averic, Bed of Roses

Whatever this is

Unpublished WIP*

Stained glass illustration commission

Ten -> Chi

Unpublished WIP*

Unpublished WIP*

Wayfarer Anniversary stained glass illustration

Avi’li x Erenville, Shaalaoni Roads

Unpublished WIP*

Unpublished WIP*

Unpublished holiday card

Yugiri in water

Amasar, prize for FFXIVWrite2024

*”Unpublished” is a lie, all WIPs exist in some way on my blog (you can search #lilas wips) I just didn’t wanna find what to link to <3

[annieruthie]

FFXIV Write | Day 9 | Lend an Ear

Characters: Annie Ruthie (Warrior of Light) Yugiri Mistwalker

⋆ ★ ⋆

Annie sunk into the pillowy mattress, the pains of the day instantly seeping away. A familiar chirp rang out from behind them, and a cup of coffee was brought into their lap. A nod and mumble of thanks was offered.

Annie brought the cold lip of the mug to their lips, allowing the steaming coffee to greet their fatigued mind. Burnt, some would describe it. Perfect, Annie would say. They let out a sigh of relief, turning the head of the Au Ra to their left. Setting the cup down, Annie nuzzled their face into the shoulder of Yugiri.

“Long day, love?” Yugiri asked. Annie let out a long sigh in response. The Raen pressed a light kiss to Annie’s forehead. She settled her head atop the Xaela’s. “I’m always here to lend an ear.”

⋆ ★ ⋆

[myreia]

Seasons Passing

—part i: autumn leaves

Rating: Teen Characters: Y'mhitra Rhul, Aymeric de Borel, Yugiri Mistwalker, Erenville, Avi'li Sostomi (WoL) Pairings: Y'mhitra x Avi'li, Aymeric x Avi'li, Yugiri x Avi'li, Erenville x Avi'li Chapter Words: 1,860 Summary: For every season, a new love. Whether it is watching the soft fall of autumn leaves with Y’mhitra or the cold snows of winter with Aymeric, the spring blossoms with Yugiri or the summer rains with Erenville, these are the relationships Avi’li Sostomi holds in his heart. Chapters: one • two • three • four Read on AO3 Belated birthday gift for @lilas! Avi'li belongs to them. 💕

Geometric lines stand stark against white pages, a blur of equations and calculations and patterns that are beautiful as they are dangerous. Or could be dangerous. He isn’t really sure what this set does yet—he’s malms away from figuring it out, why must experts be so bloody dense?—but considering arcanima’s combat applications, dangerous is a good guess.

It’s always dangerous.

His ears wiggle with excitement. His tail would wiggle too if not for the fact he is lying down.

“Discovered something of interest, Avi’li?”

“Hm?”

Avi’li lowers the book, peeking out from over the top. Y’mhitra sits cross-legged on the blanket, her own book open in her lap, the tip of her finger idly toying with the corner of a page. She’s done away with her usual practical garb, replacing it with a pale green dress embroidered with leaves. Her hair is down for once, the loose white waves just brushing her shoulders. The front parts are pulled back in small braids twisted into a little rosette at the back of her head and pinned with a pink flower. Did she mean to match the flower in his ear? Likely not, but if she did…   

He smiles, warmth flushing his cheeks. Does she know how adorable she is? He could stare at her all afternoon. All day. All night.

Her brow furrows. “Avi’li?” she prompts again, and for a moment she looks exactly like her sister.

Avi’li pushes himself up. “Er, uh… well, yes and no.” He leans over and sets the book between them, holding the splayed pages open with his hand. “This here don’t make much sense to me no matter how long I stare at it, there ain’t no logic to it. No matter which way you follow it, the energy is lost. The equation’s unbalanced, see? If aetheric energies are sourced here and here, then directed here, then poof. Nothin’. Where did it go? And why? How—” 

Y’mhitra places a hand over his. Her fingers are warm and soft and gentle. “Avi’li.”

Third time she’s said his name.

He blows out of a puff of air. “Sorry, Mhitra,” he says wistfully, rubbing the back of his neck. The muscles are sore from all that reading. Chewing his lower lip, he glances to the side and takes in their surroundings. The great Gridanian trees arching overhead. The little babbling brook. The red and yellow autumnal wildflowers in the last days of their bloom. Their shared blanket and piles of cushions. The picnic basket and bottle of wine that have gone untouched, and the pile of books that most certainly have been. Perfectly picturesque and romantic, and yet, in his excitement, he allowed himself to get distracted. “Suppose when I asked you here you were expecting date date and not some study date.”

Her tail curls and uncurls, whisking against the blanket. “You would be correct,” she murmurs, glancing at him coyly from beneath her lashes. There’s a faint blush on her cheeks, rosy and soft. Her hand does not move away from his. “I do not think the two must be mutually exclusive, but I was hoping for a little more…”

“More?” His heart flip-flops. By the Twelve, must she be so cute when she’s looking at him like that?

“More of you.” She brushes her thumb against the back of his hand. “I know Avi’li the Warrior of Light very well. But I’d like to know the other one. The Avi’li who sends me letters detailing all his adventures, the Avi’li who can’t wait to recount all the misadventures of his siblings, the Avi’li who teases me mercilessly when the mood strikes, the Avi’li who drops in unannounced and spirits me away on a romantic outing. I’m happy to sit side by side and read until the sun sets, but there comes a time when even a scholar need set their books aside.”

He stiffens, her words unexpectedly hitting something buried deep within him. Something sore, something that aches, like an old injury he has forgotten is there.

She blinks. “I apologize,” she says quickly, removing her hand. “I meant no offense. If you wish to spend this afternoon at study, I am more than happy—”

“No, no, it’s fine, it’s good. It’s me.” He stares at the book and its beautiful geometry that has left him stumped, stunned, still thinking things through. “Ha! Ha!”  

Laughter bubbles out of him, strong and true, and he finds himself doubled over, hands on his knees, and grinning from ear to ear. Y’mhitra stares at him with curiosity and concern, fingers pressed to her mouth. She watches as he laughs himself silly, his voice ringing clear and bright through the clearing. The bushes tremble and a few spooked squirrels dart out and race up a tree.

Y’mhitra pushes her book out of her lap. “Dare I ask what is so funny?” she says, reaching for the basket and bottle of wine.

“Oh, me,” Avi’li says, still full of laughter. He watches as she rummages around in the basket, stealthily stuffing a few crackers into her mouth as she withdraws two glasses and opens the wine. The lush scent of a rich red fills his nostrils as she pours. A Wineport vintage. He recognizes it immediately. “If there comes a time when even a scholar needs to set their books aside, but I’m ahead of you. Too much time spent gallivantin’ around with Jacke and V’kebbe and their lot, or botherin’ Oboro about training. Arcanima may be what brought me to Limsa Lominsa, but…”

He trails off and takes the proffered glass. No matter his interest in arcanima, there is something about magical disciplines that he cannot fully grasp, something within it that slips right off his mind like rainwater rolling off a roof. What is good in theory is not always good in practice. But can he admit this to her when they’ve come so far? Oh hells, who is he fooling, she probably already knows. It doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines, and Y’mhitra is a certified genius.

She has the Studium credits to prove it.

“Somethin’ else grabbed my attention entirely. Well, not entirely, but… y’know, y’know? Changin’ interests and the like. Lovin’ something dearly but not feelin’ like it fits.” He raises his head and closes his eyes, basking in the warmth of the autumn sun. “Sometimes I wonder if I studied harder, if I had the tenacity of a Sharlayan scholar or the diligence of a Studium graduate, if I honed my mind as easily as I honed my blades, then maybe I’d discover some moment of grand enlightenment and the clouds would part and the sun would shine and it would all make sense. It would all be all right.”

He opens his eyes and turns to her with a smile. “I suppose that’s the struggle, ain’t it? Of being a person. No matter how much you yearn for one thing, growing up is a bit about realizing what you want isn’t always what you need.”

Y’mhitra’s expression softens. “Is that what these are for?” she asks, sipping on her wine as she gestures at the piles of books. “You wanted to impress me on our date?”

His lips twitch and he downs half his glass. “No,” he lies. Well, a partial one. “They are as much for you as they are for me. Sharin’ in like interests and all that, gettin’ to know you better—”

She grins.

“Oh.” He scrunches his nose. “Got me on that one.”

She laughs. “Well, perhaps there is some truth to it,” she says warmly, the blanket bunching as she scoots closer to him. “For I will admit that sometimes I worry that you push yourself too far to live up to expectations set by the Archons of your organization. But you need not impress me because of my sister, or my Sharlayan roots. Being a graduate of the Studium does not mark the wise anymore than a captain’s badge marks a good officer within a Grand Company.”

He pauses. “I know that, but…” He rubs the back of his neck again, tentatively searching for the right words. As much as he hates to admit it, he does worry sometimes what Y’shtola thinks of his relationship with her sister. If she deems his worthy enough. “It’s not Sharlayan or the Archons. Not really.”

Y’mhitra meets his eyes. “Let me tell you right now, Avi’li, in no uncertain terms: Y’shtola is brilliant, but brilliance is not always equivalent to cleverness. She is perfectly capable of making vastly unwise decisions and acting the fool. Do not let her outward façade intimate you.”

“I’m not—” He chuckles, shaking his head. Of course she found him out. “Thank you, Mhitra. For listenin’. Here I was not hopin’ to treat you to a nice afternoon and I’m spillin’ all my deep inner secrets.”

She moves closer, close enough to touch. Her shoulder bumps against his. “It’s charming to show a little vulnerability, you know,” she says quietly, leaning in. Her scent washes over him, like fresh-cut apples and wood berries. “And a little cute.”

Funny how she got to call him cute before he called her that. “Ahh, well, when you put it like that…” Shooting her a grin, Avi’li finishes off his wine and flops back into the soft, soft cushions, forearm resting against his brow, and stares at the blue, blue sky above. The sun peeks through the canopy, soft light streaming past red and gold-tinged leaves. It’s too warm to be autumn already, but it came for them anyway—this mark of seasons turning, of time marching forward. A bit in your face, come to think of it. Not the way it is in the south sea isles. Autumn doesn’t quite exist in his childhood home, nor even in his beloved Vylbrand. “So what is it like? Old Sharlayan?”

“Hm.” Y’mhitra hums thoughtfully, setting down her glass, and lies down beside him on her front. Propping herself up on an elbow, she cozies up next to him with a leg entangled in his and her tail resting lazily across his stomach. “Beautiful. The oceans are blue, the mountains verdant, the skies clear. There is such stunning intensity there its likeness is not one I can describe. But like their land, Sharlayans are filled with abundant and determined purpose. ‘Tis as much their flaw as it is their strength.”

“I would like to see it.”

“Would you?”

“I am ever curious.” He raises a hand and flicks her nose. “Perhaps one day we can visit together?”

She giggles and looks back at him, cheeks flushed, eyes shining. She is so very pretty, lying here beside him, her wine-stained lips bright in the autumn air. The vintage is truly remarkable. They should have more immediately. He rolls over and presses a hand to her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. One moment passes, and another. When he finally kisses her, she melts into it with joy and clings to him as if she will never let go.

The wine goes forgotten that afternoon.

next →

[kamille-is-real]

I love my stupid lizard and her girlfriend

This is based off a piece of Persona 5 fanart done by @ca3_crazyanime3 on twitter

https://twittervx.com/ca3_crazyanime3/status/1788932484555514017?t=YwbUGOALIPj01XrefXRfJQ&s=19

[eemamminy-art]

fanfic ask game! 14, 15, 44 😊🧡

14. Go on, who are your BroTPs?

I dooon't know if this is something I'd call a brotp in the sense of like bro kinda vibes, but I assume by that terminology it's just like, characters I like to imagine as good friends? And the first thing that comes to mind for me is this AU my friend and I have where Emet hides Ryne away from Hydaelyn and she ends up becoming a little sister to Zenos 🥺 When I'm thinking about platonic characters that's where my mind first goes!!

For something a little less deeply obscure and uncanon though haha I like the friendship between Vrtra and Estinien, or the potential friendship anyway, and I would like to one day write a fic of Estinien helping Vrtra get through the emotional rollercoaster of 6.X patches. In his awkward, very Estinien way.

I don't know if this counts either but I love to think about all the friendships my wol has. He has a brotherly sort of relationship with Thancred and with the thaumaturge guild masters, and a very complicated friendship with Haurchefant. Minfilia was his best friend and he's still very torn up over everything that happened to her. I want to think he was pretty close with Lyse and tries to mentor Emmanellain (even though he's just as immature himself lol) too. I pretty rarely ship oc/canon with my own OCs but I love to think of their friendships and found family!!

15. Is there an obscure ship which you love?

Like… any f/f ship in ffxiv… They're all obscure 😭 Notably I really really like Fordola/Lyse, Ysayle/Heustienne, and M'naago/Kurenai to name a few off the top of my head. I also really like Hien/Yugiri but like, if Hien was a butch.

44. What ship do you feel needs more attention?

This might sound weird but I feel like the more attention a ship gets the more people get weirdly hostile toward it (for being perceived as popular, or genuinely becoming popular), or otherwise start diluting the ship down to something generic. I used to really crave seeing more works from other people about ships I like but lately I'm just kind of like, let me keep them to myself and my trusted group of friends who can be normal about things 😂

Fanfiction questions