#zoissette vauban

[driftward]

Just some girl talk time. :) A wonderful piece of art by @hodinodi!

[lavenderarts]

A set of icons for @driftward :)

[yzeltia]

FFXIVwrite2024 24. Bar

Featuring: @driftward Zoissette Vauban & Nyx Blackmoon @erickgage 's Ryssthota Sundstyrwyn, @autumnslance 's C'oretta Khell and Aeryn Striker, @eorziapple 's Apple Silverberg Characters: Mother Miounne, Jannie Eyradoux Fortemps, Haurchefant Fortemps, Lamberteint, F'lhaminn Qesh, U'rahn Nuhn, Violet Fisher, Natsu Obinata, Drowning Thunder, Y'shtola Rhul, Thancred Waters, Chef Moogle, Apple Silverberg Expansion: Heavenward(Context) Dawntrail(Timeframe) Rating: T Summary: The Warriors of Light and their respective haunts. Notes: Thanks to my FC friends for letting me borrow them!

-Carline Canopy - Gridania-

“Let me see him!”

Miounne held out her arms for little Haurchefant as Jannie handed him over. She smiled as she drew him in, letting the boy coo and kick in her arms as she wiggled her finger toward his nose and gave it the smallest of pokes. “He’s so handsome and already a little kicker. An aspiring Dragoon no doubt. Lancer at the very least I’m sure.”

“Rather unlikely if his grandfather has anything to say about it. The manor is baby-proofed so much that I doubt the boy would not see so much as a butter knife until he was adventuring age if I did not take him out,” Jannie sighed, sliding over a loaf of walnut bread and slicing for the two of them.

“That will come before you know it and you’ll be wishing Lord Edmont had his way,” Miounne laughed, making the boy laugh too as he reached out for her. “I do hope when that day comes you’ll send him to me to start his journey.”

“How are you so certain that he will not find himself among the Temple Knights? He would be a legacy after all?” Jannie asked, a small smile on her face as she spread honey butter along the bread.

“Well, he’s your son,” Minounne said, giving Haurchefant little bounces in her arms. 

Jannie blinked, scraping the knife along the toast. “I think that would resign him to seeking a much quieter life than he’s been born into. The Fury knows how long it took me to get settled down…somewhat.”

“Settled down? As soon as you’re given a task you’re wholly dedicated to it. I sent you to help out a few people around the city and the next thing I know you’re crashing a castrum and taking down The Blackwolf. As much as you protest, you cannot resist the call to help. I can’t imagine anyone you raise growing up without a heart just as big as you. Especially given his namesake,” Miounne mused, stroking her hand through Haurchefant’s budding hair.

“Oh dear, I suppose you do have a point. Still, who knows what the future will hold for him. Only the Fury knows,” Jannie mused, breaking off a little piece of bread for Haurchefant to hold and chew at with his budding teeth. Delighted, the boy gave hero’s smile at his mother and her friend and cooed about.

-The Rising Stones - Mor Dona- 

Lamberteint thought it strange, though he’d never been brave enough to ask why he did it. Every year U’rahn Nuhn would come in, order two drinks, a hard cider and peach and lavender cocktail with whipped cream on top. And then he’d sit at a table with his drinks, pushing the cocktail to the opposite side and talk to the empty seat.

His ears would perk up as get hot and excited. His tail lowered when his voice got soft and sad. Lamberteint occasionally caught bits of the one sided conversation, U’rahn recounting his latest adventure to it or bragging about something his daughter had gotten up to. It was a one man show confined to a table, with no audience except those who cared to eavesdrop like himself. Not even the strange person who he’d seen often accompany or shadow him on many of his other visits seemed to come around for the strange show.

Lamberteint tilted his head, watching U’rahn rub his face with a napkin, clearing it of what he assumed was tears from overwhelming himself before he reached out and downed his missing companion’s drink and made his leave. Curiosity getting the better of him, he wandered over to F'lhaminn’s counter and leaned over it, watching U’rahn exit downstairs. “What is that all about?”

F'lhaminn looked up and gave Lamberteint a small smile. “It would have been the Antecedent’s name day today. That’s just his way of celebrating it with her.”

“The Antecedent…” Lamberteint trailied. “But she passed on.”

“There’s no one way to process one’s grief. Minfilia was likened to a big sister to him, or so he says. He comes and orders the drink he’d had me help him craft for her name day and tells her what’s happening with his life, and the people she cared about. It’s just a means to heal the heart and make him feel connected to her,” F'lhaminn explained before lowering her head. “It is a shame. We spent all that time fashioning the drink for her and I do not believe she had a chance to try it.”

“I see,”  Lambereint said, frowning a little. “Does that not bother you?”

“Not at all. I love that she lives in his heart. It keeps just a little bit of her for us,” she hummed, starting to mix a drink together. After a moment, she slid the pink and violet drink over to Lamerteint. “Here. Try it. I think it would have suited her tastes quite well.”

– The Final Pillar - Gage Acquisitions Headquarters - Lavender Beds 6-6 -

Violet tossed her hair, tying it back into a neat ribbon before starting on polishing the marble counters then moving on toward the spigots, humming a little shanty to herself as she busied herself with opening the bar. A bell rang and she poked her head up, Natsu wandering in with Drowning Thunder close behind. She turned and pulled down her best vodka and filled two chilled martini glasses halfway before adding in apple juice to both. After adding a Doman apple wedge to each rim, offered them to the couple in time for Zoissette and Y'shtola to enter. 

Putting a kettle on was easy to remember; however, not trusting herself she slid a small navy hook out from under the register, touching the golden L.O. etched into the cover before flipping it to tab V.

Z.V. will drink tea on hand; however, if accompanied by Ys.R.: chamomile and lavender. If Zel has made any meat pies, serve a slice with an additional glass of water. 

Violet dropped to a squat, reading through the fine labels of tea tins before finding the correct blend. Throwing it into a diffuser, she careful plucked it into the whimpering kettle then checked the back, greetted by a moogle in a chef hat. “Ishgardian Meat pie,” she ordered, getting a panicked kupo in response.

Returning to the front, she brought Zoissette and Y'shtola the warm kettle and two faucets with cups before looking up as Ryssthota entered and headed to the bar. As she rounded back around she consulted the little blue book under R.S.

R.S. enjoys a whiskey sour. If Co.K is present, leave cherries on the side. If there has been a recent incident in the lab, make it a double.

Violet shuddered then pulled out a bottle of bourbon and lemon juice adding it to her shaker before cracking an egg into her hand, whining audibly as the slimy yolk shifted in her palm as the white drooled through her fingers before dropping the yolk into a ramekin. She immediately washed her hands free of the yolk then went to shaking before pouring the drink into a glass along with bitters. As she finished, C’oretta popped up on a stool beside her beaming at her before starting a conversation with Rysthota. As instructed, she laid out the bowl of cherries in front of C’oretta before making her a quick rum bucket filled with fresh fruits and juices remembering L.O.’s Enjoys a variety of fruity drinks. Rum buckets with juices available for unique experience every time. Leave fruit available for snacks.

Turning around, she found Nyx behind her, staring intently at her before Rahn came stumbling into the bar. Sighing, she filled a glass of cider ale for Rahn then looked around and handed the yolk ramekin to Nyx for them to drink knowing well most anything would be ingested by them. N.B. will drink anything. Literally anything. A good way to avoid waste. Will ask if they want something else.

Spotting Aeryn and Thancred entering, she returned to the back end finding her little chef finishing up the meat pie. She cut out three slices and plated them before grabbing one of the finer bottles of spiced wine. Wandering out, she picked up two wine glasses then delivered Zoissette her slice of pie before serving the other two to Thancred and Aeryn along with the bottle. T.W. Likes to show off. Bring him something that looks expensive. A.S. Will mostly enjoy whatever is being served that day. The room full, Violet sighed then returned behind the counter to pour herself a tall stout, downing it before looking up as Apple wandered in. She waved her over then pulled out another glass then wetted the rim, dipping it into a box of brown sugar. She excitedly told her about Riol’s latest mishap while mixing the rum, orange liquor, lemon juice, simple syrup, and chickpea water together before sliding the drink over on a napkin. A.S. Bestie. Cable Car, sweet rimmed sugar. Orange liquor and Limsan rum. Egg white. Chickpea water.

[autumnslance]

(@driftward) SURPRISE! Downtime funtime! Intimacy prompts, 11. Sharing secrets with Iyna, 29. Kisses when they're mad with C'oretta, 49. Caring for them when they're ill with Dark, 15. Talking with Aeryn... and maybe one you wish someone would've asked for but didn't.

More of these from earlier this summer. In case we need a reminder that @driftward is a menace here are several prompts below the cut, and I maybe shamelessly borrowed her Zoissette Vauban, and @erickgage's Erick Gage, for 2 of them.

--

11. Sharing secrets with Iyna

“You know the worst thing?” Valdeaulin said, staring up at the shadowed ceiling. “I don’t want to kill him anymore.”

Iyna paused in her search for her clothes. Not the strangest post-coital conversation she had ever had, picking up where they had left off in their pre-bedroom argument. She went back to fishing for her stockings. “Could you, though, if you had to?”

She sensed his frown behind her. “Yes,” he finally replied, certain. “But I don’t think the bastard’s going to give me a reason to anymore. I don’t…want there to be a reason anymore.”

Iyna considered that, nodding once. “And that feels wrong, somehow?”

“Isn’t it?” He turned to his side, head propped on his hand, watching her collect her clothes.

“You’re telling me this because part of you hopes I’ll agree,” Iyna said gently. “You know I don’t like him, and still harbor hate for…everything. And you want your guilty feelings validated.”

Valdeaulin scowled in response.

“I can’t give you what you’re asking, Val. Because you’re making better progress than I am, concerning the changes in our world. The empire’s fall. The Black Wolf’s change of coat.”

He sighed and flopped onto his back again. “Perhaps I just needed to hear it.”

“Perhaps,” she agreed. It wouldn’t be the first time he had asked for her blunt opinion. She balled the bundle of her clothes under an arm, her boots hanging from her fingers, and headed for the wash while he continued contemplating.

--

29. Kisses when they're mad with C'oretta

When Zosisette’s lips went very thin and her frame stiffened, C’oretta knew she was in big trouble. Zoissette’s demeanor had shifted in a way that made the lab feel like midwinter on the highest peak of Abalathia’s Spine.

Which was far too cold for Ul’dahn Sun Seekers.

“Do you have any idea what could have happened if the calculations were slightly off?”

“Yes of course that would be bad but they weren’t because I—”

“Never! Show! Your! Work!” She didn’t yell and that was actually the worst part, the way the elezen sharply emphasized each word despite being so very quiet.

“No I know I don’t and I know it’s a problem we’ve talked about it before and I mean to fix it honest but I get distracted and anyway it’s all so obvious I really don’t know how anyone could mix up the levels the balance is—”

“C’oretta,” Zoissette sighed.

Oh this was so bad. Even Violet was hiding, peeking from behind the bench, snout snuffling as she looked from one to the other. If C’oretta got barred from the lab—again—that would suck for however long it lasted thanks to no work to do but also Violet would be sad because of lack of treats so there was really only one thing for it.

C’oretta sighed too. “OK I will sit down right now and write everything down even though it’s already too late I know that but I should have done it to begin with and we can avoid this in the future.”

“There’s also the matter of cleaning up this mess.”

“Of course I’ll do that first and then write it all down and you will hold me to it because you’re the best and really what else are we going to do today thanks to my carelessness!”

Zoissette’s brows drew in briefly, noting the shift but not sure what to make of it as she nodded, some of the ice thawing. “Right, well, glad that you’ve acknowledged—”

And now for the cherry. It didn’t matter that the other woman was over two fulms taller. “Of course and you’re the best Zoissette thanks so much for being a friend and teacher!” and C’oretta bounced up, managed a kiss on each of Zoissette’s cheeks, before bounding toward the closet for the safety and cleaning gear while her comrade stood and blinked in stunned confusion.

C’oretta was in the clear for another bell at least.

She really did need to start writing things down though cuz maybe some of this wasn’t so obvious to everyone else…

--

49. Caring for them when they're ill with Dark

It had been a long time since she had to clean up after Erick like this. Before, it would have been due to overdrinking and a hangover. Today, however…

“I’m not hungry,” he grumped, a bit of whine to his voice.

“It’s soup,” Dark said flatly. “And I will pour it down your throat if I must.”

He narrowed his eyes from where he sat propped in bed. She knew he believed her. “I can’t keep anything down.”

“Nothing solid, but you need hydration and nutrients. It’s an old recipe, meant for upset stomachs.”

“I want Meya,” he flopped back against his pillows, eyes to the ceiling. “She has a much better bedside manner.”

“Among other things,” Dark replied dryly, satisfied by the little smile that played on his lips. “But she’s not here, so drink your soup.”

He sighed, long-suffering, but finally complied, making a face as she sat, arms crossed, ensuring he finished the mug of broth, slowly.

After a nap, she held his hair and cleaned him up when he heaved into a ready bucket again, and then bullied him into a cup of tea before helping him to the commode.

She stayed all night, leaning back in an armchair, ready to respond when he needed help through every messy function this particularly nasty bug put him through, until his fever broke in the pre-dawn hours.

It was closer to mid-afternoon before he woke, ate a bowl of vegetable soup with toast, and sighed, feeling mostly like a person again, if in need of a shower.

So did Dark for that matter, bleary-eyed herself, but satisfied he was well enough to manage that on his own, getting up to leave as he collected what he needed to clean himself.

“Thanks, Dark,” he said quietly, not quite looking.

“Any time,” she replied, just as quiet, before slipping out.

--

15. Talking with Aeryn…

“So it’s pretty serious then,” Rashae said casually as she joined her sister on the roof. Radz-at-Han’s colors gleamed and lights sparkled on as the sun fell behind the Giantsgall Mountains.

Aeryn sighed, fiddling with the bracelet on her left wrist as they sat on the wall, legs dangling like when they were girls. “Yes,” she admitted. “We’re not quite…ready, for…”

Rashae raised a brow. “No? You live together, share a bed—don’t try to play innocent with me—what else is there? It seems simple—”

“Easy for you to say,” Aeryn snapped, then sucked in a breath and shook her head. “I’m sorry, it’s just…it’s not that easy. For either of us. For many reasons.”

“Reasons you have neglected to mention in those letters?” Rashae asked, watching over the city, unaffected by Aeryn’s outburst.

“I told you everything in my letters,” Aeryn said, still contrite. “Just…not every detail.”

Rashae smiled. “I long ago figured that out. Especially as my children have gotten old enough for the same trick. I never wanted to push your privacy, and was happy to give what advice I could. I couldn’t even imagine some of what you described, and how you must have felt. Must still feel.”

“We’re working on it,” Aeryn said. “And we’ll get there. In our time, at our pace. We need to sort of…ease into it, I suppose.”

“My impetuous, impatient little sister, taking her time and consideration with something? It must be very important,” Rashae answered, not quite teasing. Her hand rested on Aeryn’s and squeezed. “And it will be worth it.”

“I like to think so.”

“Papa likes Thancred. So do Kai and Mirvah. Even the Grandmothers. And he of course won the children over quite easily.”

“He is a charmer,” Aeryn said, warmth filling her. She glanced at Rashae. “What about you?”

“Oh, I’ve liked him for years,” she answered blithely. “Your descriptions, your sketches, all brought him to life. It was obvious how he made you feel, even when—especially when—you were upset about things with him.”

Aeryn let out a breath she had been holding.

“My husband still thinks he’s a rake.”

Aeryn laughed. “Well. He’s not entirely wrong, though Thancred’s rakish days are behind him.” She leaned over, resting her head on Rashae’s shoulder. Rashae’s head tilted against hers. “Please don’t let the Grandmothers plan a giant wedding for me.”

“Heavens forfend,” Rashae answered, giving Aeryn’s hand another squeeze. “With everything you’ve done and everyone you know, the guest list would be obscene and frankly impossible. If anything, you should elope and we sort it out later.”

“Take after your example?” Aeryn grinned.

“For different reasons, of course, but as I still breathe, you can rest assured forgiveness works far better than permission. And you don’t have to deal with Nani Shaila, even.”

Aeryn shivered. “I’ll have to leave an offering for her memory, lest she haunt me anyway.”

“That would be safest,” Rashae agreed.

The heat of the day lingered, the humidity and their closeness causing a drop of perspiration to slide down Aeryn’s spine. But she didn’t want to move, didn’t want to lose this closeness, the familiarity of Rashae’s scent and touch filling a years-long craving Aeryn had pushed so far down she’d nearly forgotten it. Her elder step-sister had always been a comfort and shelter, one Aeryn had missed terribly. One she had needed so many times, but all she could do was write.

“I shouldn’t have stayed away so long.” Her vision blurred as a stinging heat that had nothing to do with Thavnair’s weather filled her face.

“You’re here now,” Rashae said, wrapping her arms around Aeryn. “And when you’ve finished this latest adventure, when you and your man finally define your future together…I’ll still be here, when you need me. But it would be nice to have more than letters a tad more frequently.”

Aeryn tried to laugh sheepishly, but it came out as a sob. Years of adventures, of triumph and hardship, crashed into her at once.

Her sister held her, stroking her hair, singing gently, as the crescent moon rose overhead.

--

and maybe one you wish someone would've asked for but didn't.

(None of the others really pinged for the FF14 crew, but just for you, how about something from the original story and prompt 59 “a height difference”…)

They continued to walk, some of the garden beds held by low, broad retaining walls of smooth stone, giving Mevan an idea. August blinked as she stepped away from him, lifting her skirts just enough to bound to the top of the low wall. “Be careful—”

“I am,” Mevan said, smiling. “I’m still not as tall as you while up here!”

The top of her head was even with his eyeline now. He chuckled, shaking his head. “I see. Certainly a new perspective.” He kept hold of her hand, more to keep her steady. She kept hold of her skirt with her other, carefully walking along the top of the stone.

“Sometimes that’s what’s needed,” she said, remembering the times teachers in Zenith had repeated the words.

“Any insights from your new perspective?” August asked dryly.

“The ground is very far away and normal sized things seem much smaller,” Mevan answered.

He huffed out an almost sheepish laugh, looking away in that shy manner she was starting to recognize. “It does not seem so to me, but I am used to my height.”

“Maybe you should walk on your knees for a while.”

“I hardly think that would be useful.”

She shrugged. “You’re so used to being large, when was the last time you felt small?”

He was quiet for a moment, enough to make her peer at him. “You might be surprised,” he finally replied. Then shook his head, looking off to the side—his embarrassed expression. “Nevermind”

“No, I won’t,” she said. “I want to know. Was someone cruel?”

“Why, would you curse them?” he asked.

Mevan tossed her hair. “Maybe!” she declared. As he peered at her, she shook her head. “That’s a superstition, told by the fearful. Though I’m afraid I must admit there are nasty moments where I almost wish I could curse someone.”

“I can scarce imagine you in such a state.”

“I have my moments. But you’re trying to deflect.”

He frowned. “I said nevermind.”

She stopped, making him pause too. “Neither of us want this,” she said. “But if we must go through with it, we ought to talk to one another. Even about difficult things.”

He glowered at her. She pulled her hand away so she could put both on her hips, lifting her chin and meeting his piercing amber gaze—even if his expression made her want to leap off the wall and flee. It wasn’t that he was trying to frighten her; more that was just his typical fierce scowl. But she was a Spark of Zenith, and had studied under those who could change reality at their whims. One soldier, even if he was a fearsome giant of a man, was not going to intimidate her.

Especially if she did end up married to him.

They spent a rather long time like that, before August ground his jaw, then sighed, shoulders shrugging downward. He looked away again. “You are a stubborn witch, aren’t you?”

“And your brother wasn’t wrong to call you a stubborn bear,” she countered. “So perhaps we are well matched in that regard.”

“Hrmph.” He held out his hand again. She considered for a moment, then took it as they resumed walking, Mevan still upon the retaining wall. “I try to keep my own counsel,” August said finally. “To avoid others noticing how…awkward I can be, in most situations.”

“You haven’t struck me as awkward,” she replied.

“It’s kind of you to say so. And I have…practiced, quite a bit. But often, my size and voice and ability to command covers much.”

“I see,” she said. “That’s why you dislike large groups of people, then? Afraid they might notice?”

“I don’t fear them,” he said testily. “But I do not wish to embarrass my House by merely speaking incorrectly, according to arbitrary rules that constantly shift. And they are simply too much; too many smells, too many sounds. It’s grating.”

“Easy to feel trapped by it all,” she said, empathizing; it must be even worse when larger than anyone else, and easily seen.

[healerstail]

Our Knight in Shining Armor

Zoissette Vauban.

@driftward

[eorziapple]

14) library sex for those dark academia vibes

Apple had been at it for awhile. Gaining access to Sharlayan's archives has been a bit of a double-edged sword to the studious Hyur. It was an invaluable font of knowledge, a lot of the mysteries she has discovered on the field concerning the Allag ruins were becoming unraveled day after day, so much so that she had begun planning a new Thesis to present, even though she did find the Studium to be rather stuffy and pretentious for her tastes. But it was a lot of work, and she couldn't check out many of the tomes she needed. She found herself reading often to the end of her candle's wick, and more than once she had to be woken up by staff, which was a little embarrassing, to be sure, but probably common enough that it wasn't -too- unusual.

And so, when she felt a gentle hand on her should she slowly woke up, apologizing mumbles as she blinked the sleepiness out of her eyes. She looked up to the source of the arm, a familiar color to the skin, dark and lovely. A familiar face came into focus, smiling down at her, those glasses framing her face -just- so, dignified and beautiful, and such a lovely smile.

"Z-zoissette? What are you doing here?" she hadn't expected this, wasn't she halfway accross the world helping Y'shtola with her work. Even after all this time, a little twinge of sadness in her mind as 'with Y'shtola' entered her thoughts. Zoi shook her head, putting a finger to her lips and letting out a "shh". Before standing up, showing off her dress armor quite handsomely. "Zoi?" she queried, as the Elezen walked away, turning left at the nearest row of bookshelves, gripping the edge of it and leaning back to look at Apple. She lifted her left leg up, and with a soft clatter, her knee high boots cluttered to the ground, and Zoissette revealed her shapely leg, smirking back at Apple, as if she knew, as if she had known the whole time. That leg dissapeared around the corner, and as Zoi walked away from view, she reached her arm out towards the confused Hyur, and with a finger, curled it in a come hither motion, all the while wearing a mischievous grin.

As the Elezen left her view. Apple sat, stunned. What was this, this wasn't like Zoissette at all. Did she know about the crush? How did she find out, did someone talk to her? Did Y'shtola know, did she encourage this? That -was- flirting right? Was Apple helping her cheat, why here? Why hadn't she said anything? Apple got to her feet, all weariness aside as she hurried across the room, turning the corner to find... Zoissette was completely nude, sitting on a stool at the very end of the bookshelves, her back leaning against them. The only modesty covering the beautiful woman before her was an opened tome, sitting, resting over her crotch. "Zoi..." she spoke, drinking in that sight before her in disbelief. Again, the Elezen did not say a word, just smiled, and invited her in. Was this some sort of voidsent plot? A succubus meant to suck out her aether? Did she care right now? Apple's steps we hesitent, then hurried. As she arrived, she didn't know what to say, just muttering, "C-can I?" The nod of the head was all she needed, she settled down to her knees, pulled aside the book, and, with a shy look up, dove right in. Extreme weariness and confusion washed over her and she felt a tugging at her shoulder. "Ma'am. I think you should get back to the inn, you fell asleep again." Her vision was dark even as she awoke, and it took her a moment for her to register the weight resting on her face. It was a book, she'd probably fallen asleep and rested it there. Pulling it off, she blinked a bit, looking over at the Lalafell that had roused her. The poor thing looked a little guilty for doing so. "Oh, thank you, sorry." she nodded, getting up to her feet, prompting the young man to smile and walk away to tend to his duties. As she sat the book down on the table... she noticed it. Bits of smeared ink along the page, and it was wet to the touch... and then she tasted it on her tongue. She lookedzaround in horror as she realized what she had been doing in her sleep. she did her best to dab the pages with her handkerchief, and then put the book away sheepishly. It was mostly still legible.... mostly.

[niraff14]

Zoissette found herself resting against a tree in front of the Company House. She couldn't say when, but at some point she felt like someone else was around. Looking down and to the right, sure enough Yesuntei had appeared, leaning against the tree arms crossed in the same manner as her.

There was a small smile toying at the corner of the pale xaela's lips even as she tried to keep the straight neutral expression Zoissette had from being mostly deep in her own thoughts previously.

Though, Yesuntei didn't say anything, deciding for the moment to let Zoissette enjoy the calm quiet of the garden. Even as she continued to cheerily mime the Elezen's posture and expression while trying not to smile too much.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Eorzea Academy AU: Doc Vauban

things seem to be going well for our intrepid heroine! (no. no they're not.)

[starring @driftward 's Zoissette! ]

[ladyofvoss]

“She’ll come back........won’t she?”

Made this for no reason in particular, right @driftward? :D

[minti-tales]

FFXIV, Day 23 - Suit

Minti's retainer gets new armor.

"Marget - 'Miss Minti' - is this all really necessary? My afternoons are not usually spent in my undergarments, next to one of your mannequins. I didn't even know you had mannequins."

"Tante, just hold still, I need to measure your waist. Squeeze?"

"I say! …fine. I'll hold my breath."

Oh, to go back to the days when Angélique Treleaux, retainer for Minti Chocolate, was being dragged along for tea-time with the House Fortemps boys. Back when all was right with the world, when the viera sticking her with sewing pins and pressing measuring tape along her waist was just a House ward. Times were very different then, with a young woman who seemed to care more about dresses and looking pretty than about the frigid world outside her bedroom window.

Angelique, or "Tante," as was her business nickname, was an old friend of Lady Sabbatine. They were duskwrights, both from Gridania, of course, and the one's sudden fortune made it possible for the other to come into a level of comfort. "Angels of the morning and the evening," some drunk bard at Buscarron's had called them, as they were so different, but complementary in their personalties. He'd said more, but he received a good head slam against a wooden column as proper payment. Sabbatine always did keep company with the darker parts of the woods. Perhaps that's why she took so easily to the training as a Greene knight.

In the house manse, Lady Sabbatine relied on Angelique as a sort of majordomo: a friendly ear for advice, governess, and head of the few servants who remained after the Calamity. She was no formal knight, but a familiarity with the craft was helpful for dealing with day-to-day business. It suited her, to be honest. Let the Lady be the dreamer, while she worked to make those dreams come true.

Marget, the viera girl Lady Sabbatine had adopted as her ward, helped make the days go by easier. She was a quick study, cheerful, polite. No inclinations towards the knighthood or martial callings, from what Anqelique could recall. Just an normal young lady, although given to moments of great sadness.

When that fateful day arrived - when Ser Charibert came to visit - Angelique was terrified. For the first time in her life, she didn't have a ready answer, or a back-up plan, or really much of anything. With Lady Sabbatine accused of witchcraft, the house's reputation fell into tatters, as did everything else. She, like the rest of the servants of House Treleaux, went into hiding, or left Coerthas entirely if they had the means. It was fortunate that the retainer service for adventurers was a place to go to. Nobody seemed to mind the sudden influx of Ishgardians looking for work in Eorzea's major cities. Halone must have been watching, because a young arcanist asked for her by name. A "Minti Chocolate," who'd hired several retainers - Rokker, End-of-Spring, and Twilite - and was looking for one more.

Which brought Angelique to now, where she was being fitted for a new "chrondite top of fending." Imagine, her girl learning how to become an armorsmith and a blacksmith! If only she could be alongside for all those adventures Minti kept having, and meet the Warrior of Light herself. (Rumor had it that she was from the Vaubans.) Until those days, there were ones like these, filled with new armor and good memories. Twilite would be jealous.

I'd like to see you try and fit into these boots, old girl, the duskwright thought.

[driftward]

[driftward]

A lovely couples picture, look how they move together! Art by the talented @cleric-stanced

[yzeltia]

FFXIVwrite2024 17. Sally

Featuring: @erickgage 's Erick Gage. Allusion to @driftward 's Zoisette Vauban Characters: Sally, U'rahn Nuhn, Violet Fisher, Thancred Waters, Alisaie Leveilleur, Alphinaud Leveilleur, Jullus pyr Norbanus, Estinien Wrymblood, Krile Baldesion, G'raha Tia, Y'shtola Rhul, Jannie Eyradoux Fortemps, Artriole Fortemps, Haurchefaunt Fortemps Rating: T Summary: The Scions and friends mourn the loss of one of their own. Notes: Used lines from Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden

U’rahn swallowed as he looked at the crowd out familiar, yet sad faces, adjusting his tie briefly before leaning into the podium checking in with Y’shtola as she tended to the one most aggrieved by the loss as she sat stunned.  Getting a nod that it was time, he cleared his throat and began. “Thank you all for coming today. We all loved Sally dearly. She was the most faithful of companions and a true Scion in her own right. I do not have the words to describe the loss we will feel in our lives without her, but I know we collectively have fond memories of her and invite those who have one they’d like to share to come up and take the stage.

Violet shifted, looking over her shoulders to see if anyone else would be brave enough to go first. “Oh swive me,” he muttered under her breath before standing and relieving U’rahn of the mic. “Sally was always dependable. She saw me through so many…many mistakes and at one time, saved me from ruining a good friendship…”

Violet stretched in the cramped hull of the ship, careful not to knock her hand against the metal interior with her bottle of ale. Across from her, Thancred nursed his own bottle, still shaken from the revelations of the Word of the Mother. This little excursion, Violet had thought, was a good means to get him to forget. At the very least he was in a safe controlled environment where he could get it out of his system.

Eyeing his goatee, she grunted then straddled his lap, tilting his chin up with a finger. “I really hate this thing. When are you going to shave it,” she asked with a smirk.

“Haven’t heard a complaint from a lady yet,” Thancred responded gruffly, wobbling his head as he tried to move from her finger.

“I’m a lady,” Violet said, raising her brow.

“Ne’er knew a lady to say ‘swiven’ was her favorite word,” Thancred growled.

“Word. Expletive. Adjective. Verb,” Violet listed.

Thancred jerked his head away then held Violet by the small of her back as he sat up. “A regular grammar dictionary are you now?”

Violet flushed, finding his head pressed against her breasts as he embraced her. They’d always exchanged innuendos, yet always as careful banter as he’d had eyes for only Minfilia…perhaps not eyes, but definitely his heart. Now she was gone and Violet even tipsy could sense the loneliness. Frowning, she stroked through his hair, pulling his head back a bit as she gazed down into his eyes.

Her heart raced a moment, their gaze locked. Shyly, she leaned forward, drawing her face in before being lurched off Thancred’s lap as they ran aground. “Swiven hells,” she huffed, getting up to go see what they’d found. Finding themselves running along a sandbar, she raked her hair back then focused on getting them back on course.

“Sorry,” Thancred mumbled from behind, leaning forward to make sure they were free of the obstacle.

“Don’t mention it. Ever,” Violet said, face still flushed. “Why don’t you get us some water? Maybe we talk about Minfilia and Lousioux and drown our sorrows in memory instead.”

Violet drummed her fingers on the side of the podium for a moment then shook her head. “Anyway. She was beautiful and she’ll be missed,” she said before returning to take a seat, Riol looking at her with his brow raised a moment before looking away immediately as she snapped her attention to him.

Alisaie came up next, Urianger behind her with his hand on her shoulder as she snuffled away. “Sally was…I didn’t even get to say goodbye…I…Urianger, please, the poem,” she squeaked, unable to prevent the tears from coming.

Urianger nodded then cleared his throat, “Stop all the chronometers, cut off the tomestones. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone…

Alisaie crossed her arms as she pressed her cheek up against the porthole, watching outward into the empty nothingness of the sea. “Are we there yet?” she sighed. 

“Thou will be upon the shore again before thou knows it,” Urianger said, not looking up from his book.

“I’m bored though. There’s nothing to do in this cramped tin can,” she lamented, knocking her knuckles against the side.

“There is an endless expanse of sea just outside your window. A whole hidden world. Relax, and take it in,” Urianger responded, flipping a page.

Alisaie rolled her eyes and let her attention wander out into the empty expanse, though after a bit, she noticed that something was amiss with the veil-like light filtering down from the sea above. Squinting carefully, she began to notice a scalelike quality to veil. Her eyes widened, realizing it was a large school of fish swimming in perfect unison.

This didn’t go interrupted though. Soon a large maw appeared and scooped up the lot followed by a low song. Alisaie pressed her nose against the glass, hearing a melody all around them as two baby whales circled about their parents, scooping more of the fish veil as the rest of the school scattered. She watched in awe, the little family following alongside them. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad under the sea.

“...Pour away the ocean, and sweep up the wood; For nothing now can ever come to any good,” Urianger finished before taking a sobbing Alisaie back to her seat.

Alphinaud followed his sister, looking out at the crowd gravely. “I’m not sure what to say. I thought Sally would long be a beloved part of the Scions. I have never been found of the water, as many of you know, but Sally helped me overcome my fear of the swimming and so much more…”

Alphinaud hugged his knees, the Thavnair’s humidity getting to him. Jullus beside him had long discarded his coat into the bowls of their ship, leaning over the side now touching the still seawater as they floated through a wooded lagoon they surfaced in. Fireflies danced about them as Jullus’s hand reached for Alphinaud’s

“Sally sure found us the perfect spot. This place is almost like a dream,” Jullus breathed out before turning to the other.

Locusts cried while crickets creaked. Frogs sang to one another as catfish splashed around them. Their vessel seemed to slowly spin, making Alphinaud slightly dizzy. He leaned into Jullus who caught him then pressed their foreheads together, smiling softly before tilting his head to go for a kiss.

Alphinaud blushed as the memory ran across his mind, hand briefly coming up to touch his lips before being pushed aside by Estinien. “Sally helped me take on my greatest foe and brought me my greatest rewards,” he said into the mic as it squeaked out.

Estinien’s eyes widened as his prey came into view, the console beeping as the creature came closer. “By the Fury, Sally, there she is. The great squid of the Indigo Deep. Tonight we dine like the saints of eld,” he said before getting his harpoon ready.

“No one believes you’ve taken on and fried a giant squid,” Krile interrupted from the audience, giving G’raha tissues as he wept. “Oh, Raha. You didn’t even know Sally.”

“I knew OF her though! So many adventures. Every one meticulously logged so that I felt as if I was there myself,” G’raha blubbered. 

“Prayers��Sorrows…,” Krile sighed, patting his back.

“I have a memory,” Jannie chimed in, cradling Haurchefant in her arms as he slept. She stood, taking the podium as Estinien grumpily stepped down. “Sally made sure that Arteriole was there in time for Haurchefaunt’s birth.”

Jannie cried out as she felt another contraction ring through her body. She cursed Rahn for convincing her that the relaxing sea air of Costa del Sol would do her some good before the pregnancy…but also was relieved to have him around as he fetched her water. Grateful that he took his doula training very seriously in preparation for his own daughters. Still, her husband hadn’t come with them, instead seeing to business in Limsa Lominsa in hopes of fostering further trade between the seaside nation and Isghard. For that, she felt might not forgive him.

“Rahn! I swear if Arty misses his son's birth I will swiven let him throw you into the deepest dungeon of the Vault where even Aymeric will not find you,” she hissed before letting out an appreciated whine as he laid out a cold cloth over her head.

“Okay okay! Let it all out. I am used to the verbal abuse of the huntresses by now,” U’rahn assured her.

“Yeah! Let Rahn have it,” Violet cheered, keeping her distance from the scene.

“I promise Arty is coming. Sally will see him here! In the meantime, big breaths and squeeze me. Don’t worry, you can’t break me!”

“I’m sure going to try,” Jannie hissed, taking his hand and squeezing it with all her might.

“Jannie! Jannie my love! I’ve come with a courjen!” Arteriole’s voice called out from across the beach, looking absolutely winded as he did his best to run through the sand, their baby bag tucked under his arm while a little lalafell in a lab coat followed.

Jannie let out a sigh, looking out to Sally in the distance and smiling before closing her eyes, relieved and ready to begin to bring their son into the world.

“If it wasn’t for Sally, you wouldn’t have ever gotten to meet your Uncle Rahn,” Jannie cooed to Haurchefant as he stirred awake, U’rahn swallowing behind her as she went to take a seat.

“Ah. Well, if that’s everyone…We will now let her sink to the depths of the aquarium where she can live out her days among us and in the ocean waters she loved so much. For the last time ladies and gentlemen: Dive Sally, Dive,” U’rahn said solemnly, getting a wail of grief from the front row as the urn plunged into the water.

In the back a door swung open, Erick gage scanning the crowd then up at the stage. “What is wrong with all of you? This is a place of business!! Who throws a funeral for a submarine!?"

[autumnslance]

O Avatar of Destruction, Mistress of Magic, guide us in our most explosive endeavors.

(And please smooch my friend, she really needs it)

@driftward

[driftward]

Not a drawing, but I am doing my part! (it is probably pretty out of character for both of them, but hey, don't let anyone say I am not doing my part for the arts)

[eorziapple]

Happy

It all went off without a hitch. Perfect really. Ryss got it all planned out, of course Apple had no issue getting her friend Y'mhitra on board. She was happy to, really. It was the least she could do for Zoissette, she owed her so much for piecing everything together, getting everyone together, saving her life.

She was happy to do it. Happy.

She was -exhausted-. While the others were headed out on the town for a victory pint, she’d left quietly. In a way it was very like her, at least, how she used to be. A certain surety that the others would enjoy their not far better without her, and a need to retreat to the safety of solitude. And solitude she found, not bothering to undress before slumping into her bed, simply laying for a few minutes, flat on her face, letting the weariness fade from her body as well as everything else in the world.

Slowly, the heat of her breath against her blanket forced her to adjust, rolling over to her back, staring at the ceiling and reflecting. “Why?” The word punctured the stillness and silence of the room, and laid bare the reality Apple would have vastly preferred stay dormant.

Why indeed? She’d barely come to terms with her feeling for Zoissette, had been working her way to figure out how or even if she would voice it with her at all. Ironically given the proximity of Zoissette’s relationship with Mathye, she’d settled on waiting. After all, Apple was still dealing with the aftermath of her own disaster. That wasnt really it though, was it?

She sighed, rolling to her side, her legs curling, knees pulled up to rest against her chest.

She had been afraid. Afraid of embarrassing herself, afraid of confirming that it was all one sided.

Her lips quivered, it was difficult for a reserved woman to give in to the emotions, it felt so childish. Try as she might though, the dam had burst. Because after all, tonight was nothing of a confirmation of those fears.

It was the death of an idea, of sorts, and she was surprised by how much she grieved.

It took her some time to find calm again. Nothing was so much resolved. She didnt really know how to deal with these emotions.

She knew Zoissette couldn’t know. She deserved happiness and Apple refused to mar something good with guilt. Zoi was a good person, one who cared very much for her friends, and Apple half expected her to throw away the relationship just for the knowledge that she was hurting. Isgardians did tend to internalize self-sacrifice like that.

There were also the questions of… this was uncharacteristic for Apple. She was used to shyness, distractions, emotions being more muted. Was this all a side effect? Was it just how she always felt, but on the surface?

She didnt have answers, she didnt care for them. Not now. She felt drained.

She was tired of thinking, tired of feeling. Sleep was a welcome respite. One she embraced.

A little too keen to embrace, it seemed, as she spent the night and as much of the following day drifting in and out of slumber.