#before a realm reborn

[the-dragons-knight]

FFXIV Write 2022

Prompt #2 - The Seven Umbral Calamity

<Takes place before the events of A Realm Reborn>

Bolt - ‘a sudden dash, run or flight’

——————————

The sky above was clouded and dark with streaks of fire and smoke covering the once peaceful blue. The terrifying sight filled Katsum’s eyes as she found herself frozen in place, gripping Soldier’s reins tightly to keep the horse still. One moment, it had been a beautiful, peaceful day with only a few clouds dotting the air. That singular and ever strange red moon too had been floating far above the ground, but it had been there for ages. Only recently had it begun to grow closer and closer to the ground, but this…

Fiery storm clouds swirled around the red moon in the distance, huge bolts of lightning sparking off of it as it descended lower and lower. Though it was falling far across the sea from them, the energy coming off of it was enough to make the waves cease their crashing on the shore she stood on and all the birds and animals of the forest go silent.

“KATSUM!” The blonde’s cat-like ears twitched as she tore her gaze from the sky up the hill to see her friend, Criston, atop his horse looking at her in panic, “Come on! We have to get back to the castle!”

Before she could respond, the earth rumbled with a great shake, both horses struggling to stay on their feet. The two youths watched a bright light explode from the red moon and shooting bolts of fire flew from it in all directions. Lightning struck the flying debris and some of the burning projectiles began falling through the sky toward them.

Katsum’s eyes widened and her ears fell back in fear. She twisted Soldier’s reins and wheeled him around with a swift, terrified kick to his sides, “RUN!!”

Without another moment of thought, the young stallion bolted forward, adrenaline filling his lungs and muscles as Katsum clung to his mane and they followed after Criston’s horse at a full-out sprint. Streaks of light flew overhead and behind them, the smaller, faster pieces of burning rock falling all around; through the trees, against the rocky hillside, and into the sea, a loud hiss echoing after the water engulfed them. The two horses ran side by side now, and the elezen and miqo’te youths huddled close to their horses, glancing all about to swerve away from the incoming burning debris. Soon the trees began to give way to the castle town in the distance and they spurred their horses onward as the spark of hope shone before them.

A loud hissing behind them made Katsum look back just in time to cry out, “WATCH OUT! MOVE!” And they separated as a boulder-sized piece of debris flew past them and smashed into the dirt ahead of them. Bits of grass, sand, and rock flew into the air, and Katsum and Soldier banked right to avoid it, skirting around the flaming shard to race towards the castle town gate. Katsum’s knuckles were white and she found it hard to breathe, gripping her horse’s sides tighter as she saw the guards waving to her to hurry. She saw one of them point at something in the sky behind her and she glanced back to see a very large meteor-sized piece of debris blotting out the sky as it fell towards her. There was nothing she could do; it was impossibly fast and it was clear Soldier was not going to outrun it nor have time to get out of the way. She fell upon her horse’s neck and closed her eyes, holding onto him tightly as he ran on and waited for the impact.

Suddenly, a roar split the silence in half as a bolt of flame shot the falling rock and blew it to pieces, the threat now only small hand-sized rocks that fell around Katsum and Soldier harmlessly. A darting shadow passed over them and Katsum looked up at the red blur that passed by and flew into the clouds around the castle and town. The red-scaled creature shot every comet and falling piece of debris that was headed for the kingdom’s town, rendering each one that threatened to fall on the city to ashes and pebbles. The young girl was stunned, wide-eyed, and felt a spark of excitement fill her heart. It was a dragon! A real, living dragon! And not just any dragon, but THE dragon! The very dragon who was painted on every banner and flag of the kingdom; the Crimson Prince of Thunder. She wanted to watch him, but her stallion whinnied. She reluctantly tore her gaze from the soaring dragon to follow his gaze to the safety of the castle gates and the knights and guards waving to her.

It was then she heard the panicked voices of her parents, and she locked eyes with her father who now stood in front of the guards, his red fur and bristling tail unmistakable, and beside him her mother, the blonde woman with a look of relief.

“Come on Katsum! Spur him on again! Quickly!” Her father called to her, and she listened, giving Soldier another kick as he jumped into a faster gait. The sound of hooves beside them let her know that Criston and his horse had made their way back beside them and she spared him a glance to make sure he was alright. Passing through the tall stone gates, the two horses skidded to a stop, their sides heaving and sweat beading off of them.

With shaking hands and legs, Katsum fell into her mother and father’s arms as they reached up to pull her into their embrace. Her mother cried into her shoulder as she hugged her and her father held Soldier’s reins. Katsum saw Criston’s family doing much the same for him, and they all breathed a little easier now to be in the safety of the castle town walls.

The creak of the iron gate made everyone turn to watch it and the drawbridge began to close, the fiery skies still raining burning comets as the red dragon flew over and roared again, battling the skies to keep them all safe from the calamity that now fell upon the earth.

#ffxiv #katsum almor #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv writing #ffxiv writing challenge #final fantasy xiv oc #miqo'te #seventh umbral calamity #before arr #before a realm reborn #wol backstory #ffxiv write 2022

[artiiserin]

ARR but it's a book instead of a game

#ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #ff14 #a realm reborn #graphic design is not my passion #i have never designed a book cover before can you tell

[toadeyes-miqote]

New Expansion, new Miqo'te guy

Looking back before Dawntrail hits. Mainly from MSQ, jobs, tribal, deliveries and long quests that I done. Someone mention hair colours meme and this happened. There's a lot of sandy hair cats.

Might have left out other male cats by accident or not having pics of them on my PC(sorry A'oba, V'mah, and U'odh's sons. Will update if found decent pics). Or somehow fuzzy memory from doing stuff after EW. Would probably do one for the ladies later. I didn't include Squadron cats

It throughly amused me that Miqo'te men have such intense energy vibes (even Hylnyan's own mate) based on the way Miqo'te men moves. Since I gotten to used to how chill and calming Hylnyan is as a cat person.

ARR

A'aba who pics I don't have. His cat boy sit/delinquent squat and his sideburns somehow always reminds me of Logan / Wolverine.

V'mah Tia for some reason I always thought he was a Lancer.

Coeurl King isn't included because Hylnyan tend to be more busy kicking his ass than taking decent photos

Other than G'raha, Nhaza'a Jaab is a recurring character for tribal stuff. Hylnyan had chased him out of Stormblood and ARR at least. and probably HW when I resub hopefully before DT

HW

I thought Heavensward had no Miqo'te men. Until they turn up in job quests post EW. Coerthas be too cold for Miqo'te? But there's a Miqo'te soldier in Haurchefant's office.

Stormblood (updated for addition of M'rahz Nuhn)

Specifically went and do M'zhet Tia's quest line because of his Nanaki / Red XIII references.

M'zhet Tia runs around in Tribal quest a lot for the sake of wooing J'olhmym. The other cute red cat

X'rhun tia's kid Arya is at Mor Dhona and Hylnyan be like if she needs help - seek out that Big Hrothgar with that Viera lady across the street there, mention Hylnyan's name if need be.

Shadowbringers

Because Exarch seems like he has much stories to tell of his life

Mao-Ladd. I always thought of the "Mao" part of his name is "cat" in mandarin. And Ladd as in Lad and his name is practically Cat Boy to me.

I may or may not be missing anyone from the Crystarium staff

Of course I forgot Sai-Lewq.

Endwalker

T'laqa Tia is my fave and will always be known as Sharlayan Fishing Cat. his questline contain tidbits about aether flow and Zodiark

Do the Tiny Troll quest. It ties in with another Labyrinthos resident and gives a bit of insight on Studium

Bonus

For a mere moment I thought this was the same pic because of the crystals' placement. and stone colourings.

#stuff before Dawntrail hits #Miqo'te #FFXIV #Book 2 - A Realm Reborn #Book 3 - Heavensward #Book 4 - Stormblood #Book 5 - Shadowbringers #Book 6 - Endwalker #Post EW Follow up quests

[dawntrailing]

Staring at death, I take a breath, there's nothing left Now close my eyes, for one last time, and say goodbye

Lying naked while the snow falls all around me Drifting closer to the edge but She won't have me

Wake up in sweat, full of regret, try to forget These memories, lurking beneath, lost in a dream

---

Unchosen paths, a broken past, forespoken wrath The pain won't cease, I'll find no peace, no sweet release

Fragile creatures, we are taught to fear the Reaper Ever running, we are dead before we meet Her

These voices telling me let it go (let it all go) I try and try but I can't say no (try and say no) This endless nightmare has just begun (nowhere to run) My heart is dragging me down into oblivion

---

The endless lies, I've cast aside, locked them in ice Steeled is my soul, my blood grown cold, I've gained control

Fearless creatures, we all learn to fight the Reaper Can't defeat Her, so instead I'll have to be Her

These voices screaming to let it go (never let go) This time I'm screaming back no no no (go on say no) My mind's made up, yeah my fear is gone (Where have you gone?) Open my eyes now here I come, oblivion

For the last time (I won't say goodbye) For the last time (I won't say goodbye) For the last time (I won't say goodbye) For the last time

#oblivion #masayoshi soken #ayumi murata #akane ikeya #final fantasy series #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #ffxiv: music #final fantasy xiv: a realm reborn #before the fall: final fantasy xiv original soundtrack

[grey-tones]

I've been replaying msq on an alt character and honestly it's wild noticing everything they've changed and cut just since I first played through in 2020/2021

#like theres entire towns that the msq doesnt even bring you to anymore #the dungeons are easier and some of them better but some of them are also kinda boring now #i was talking about this last night but i wish there was a way to play through ALL the realm reborn quests from before they cut a bunch #id love to experience the full realm reborn experience tbh #some people probably find it boring but look #i LOVE sidequests and doing tasks

[gridanian-red-mage]

At the Bottom of a Mug

Summary

While the newly named Warrior of Light Arielle Solinar is running errands, her chocobo Mina catches wind of something that she thinks is worth investigating. Which leads them to a certain bard who doesn't quite have all of his wits about him.

_______

[Aaaand here's the first Arielle fic of several more that are to come in the future! (This one's a little long.😅) I actually have quite a few things written containing Arielle in my Word docs, so I'll be posting more of those here as time goes on and as I get further into the expansions. But anyway, this generally takes place before the move to Revenant's Toll, so roughly about 2.1-ish. I hope you enjoy!😊]

(AO3 version)

_______

“All right, so we’ve delivered that odd letter, took down some pests in the area, wrapped up that small squabble from earlier, and helped with another delivery for that nice elder,” Arielle listed. “Have I missed anything?”

Mina shook her head.

“Good. I would hate to have missed something.” Arielle sighed. “Having dealt with three primals in near succession and helped Alisaie with Bahamut for the time being, on top of the tasks we’ve just completed I think we’ve had quite the busy handful of days.”

A tired kweh.

“But we’ll probably have something needing our attention at the Waking Sands, so we can’t rest just yet today.”

Mina sighed.

“I know. I’m tired, too. But the faster we get there the faster you’ll be able to have some of those fruits I bought earlier.”

“Kweh!” The bird reared up excitedly to take off only to stop abruptly, cocking her head as she listened. She then made the chocobo’s equivalent of a confused expression.

“Something wrong?”

Mina chirped to confirm before gesturing not too far ahead of them.

“The Coffer and Coffin?”

“Kweh!”

“Lead the way, then.” As Mina headed off, Arielle began to ponder. She combed through her recollections of everyone they had helped just recently, carefully going over what she had been asked to do and where she had needed to go. She even retraced her steps from a few days ago. But as far as she knew they had done everything that was asked of them. “Are you sure we haven’t forgotten anything?”

“Kweh!”

Arielle hummed. “All right. If you say so.”

A few minutes later they had arrived, and she dismounted before leading Mina to a spot off to the side. Glancing around, she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, nor did anyone seem distressed. But Mina usually had a good sense of her surroundings, so she didn’t really have much of a reason to wave Mina off.

Upon heading inside, Arielle could see that business was just about as typical as could be. Patrons were behaving as . . . they usually did in a place like this, and—

Wait. Almost immediately she recognized one of the men at the bar. “Thancred?”

Surrounded by at least four women and enough mugs for her to know it was far too many (even if they probably weren’t all his), was the man himself—getting very tipsy giggles out of the women with a slurred quip.

“Arielle!” Thancred practically beamed. “Wond’ful t’see you, as always!”

“How long have you been here?”

“No’ long at all. In’t that righ’, ladies?” At least three of the women burst into giggles.

“An’ jus’ who’re you s’posed t’be?” the fourth woman, an Elezen, questioned.

“Someone who is taking him home,” Arielle replied. Thancred reached for another mug only for her to take it out of his reach. “I think that’s enough for now, Thancred.”

“Ever th’stern one,” he joked, right before hiccupping. That pulled a sigh out of her.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“We were here first!” one of the women whined. “Especially me!”

“He’s, um . . . a very busy man and has many things left to do,” Arielle explained.

“He’ll be too busy to leave once I get him alone!” another woman replied, giggling afterwards.

“Well . . . he’s. . . .” Think, Arielle. Think of something to ward them off. She straightened up. “He’s been especially busy with me recently.”

All four women made an assortment of disappointed noises loud enough to turn some heads, making Arielle wince.

“I knew he was too good to be true!” a Miqo’te woman sobbed.

“Ladies, please,” Thancred tried to assure. “Thr’s plenny o’ me t’go’round.” Another hiccup.

Arielle tried not to cringe. “Of course there is.” Three of the women in the group pouted in various ways while the Miqo’te continued to sob. “I suggest the four of you find other suitors elsewhere.” But before the women could protest, the bartender stepped in.

“Go on, ye heard the lass. I won’t be havin’ any fights ‘round here, especially a cat-fight.”

“Ahh ’Shtola—as pow’ful asshe isss rad’nt,” Thancred declared as the women shuffled off.

“Yes I completely agree,” Arielle said. She turned to the bartender. “You have my thanks, Roger.”

“Don’t mention it,” Roger said before sighing. “Sod’s been ‘ere for bells. At first he was mutterin’ into his mug all serious-like—”

“I w’s not muttering,” Thancred argued. Another hiccup.

“But seein’ as how it was his business I let ‘im be. An’ before long, one mug led to countless others, an’ now he’s in a right mess. I suggest ye take ‘em to the closest inn ‘round here.” He leaned in. “Between you an’ me, I think he needs someone to talk to.”

“Thank you,” Arielle said.

“Y’really should res’ ev’ry now ‘n then,” Thancred said.

“So says the man who overworks himself.” She began to help him up. “Come on. You’ve been alone long enough.”

“I c’n walk jussf’ne, Arielle Solinar.” Another hiccup, making Arielle frown.

“How much did he spend?”

“Don’t ye worry ‘bout that,” Roger replied.

“Roger—”

“Yer friend’s more important than the coin.”

“At least let me pay for half.”

The man sighed. “Fine. Half, an’ that’s it.”

Arielle handed over the amount before taking her leave, and she could feel a few pairs of eyes on her. Once they were outside, Thancred squinted at the change in lighting, and Mina kweh’d cheerfully only to cut herself off. Upon noticing his current state, she gave a curt but concerned look.

“Ih seems Mina’s unhappy t’see me thi’ time,” he said. “I s’posed I must’ve u’set ‘er.”

“She’s just worried about you. We both are.”

“I’ma grown man, Ar’elle. I c’n handle m’self.” Mina made a noise of concern before lowering herself down. “Riding u’ fron’ fer once, I see.”

“Mmhmm.” Arielle positioned Thancred before mounting herself, making sure she had her arms around him just securely enough.

“Care t’tell me where we’re goin’?” He tipped to the side a bit, and Arielle readjusted him.

“The Quicksand. Or at least the Hourglass. I’ll not be letting you go back to the Waking Sands like this.”

“ ‘T’will be good t’see M’modi again.”

“And I’m sure she will be happy to see you as well.” Arielle could already picture the woman chiding him should she manage to spot them. “Easy now, Mina.” She shook the reins, and Mina went off at a steady pace.

“I’ve had many a w’mn witheir arms ‘round me, m’ny ‘o them not quite as fair as you.”

Arielle held back a grimace. “Yes I’m . . . very much aware of the women you’ve charmed.”

“I do r’m’ber a Miqo’te th’was very frisky, whish remns me of an’ther exceptionally fair lady ov’at. . . .”

She half listened to him while occasionally keeping him upright, making sure to give short replies every now and then to appease him. She knew she had made sure to check on him during his recovery from his possession alongside the others, and every time he would assure them that he was fine and merely needed some rest. Then he was finally returning to his duties, and she had gently reminded him to take it slow.

He takes so much responsibility for so many things. . . .

“. . . an’ oh th’r’ther tall woman fr’m Limsa—v’ry fr’ward in’er adv’nces.” Another hiccup.

I really hope he doesn’t do this again. . . .

~ ~ ~ ~

Finally, after several subject changes and mood swings that thankfully did not include anything too extreme, they had crossed the Gate of Nald and arrived at Ul’dah. Thancred had eventually fallen silent only minutes beforehand, and Arielle wondered if he had either exhausted himself or was stewing. In fact she wasn’t exactly sure which was worse.

The sun had already started its descent, so it was likely that the Quicksand and the Hourglass would be busy. Assuming he didn’t decide to talk to every person inside, they could just slip right in and find a room.

I really hope there are some rooms available.

“I’r’mber f’nding you here,” Thancred mentioned. “St’ndin’ up fer tha’ woman. . . .”

“It was the right thing to do,” Arielle replied. “I couldn’t let her be treated like that.”

“. . . You’ve a good hear’ Ar’elle.”

“And so do you.” The trio arrived at the Chocobo Station, and Mina lowered herself to let Arielle help Thancred off.

“Good evening. Rough day, eh?” the Chocobokeep inquired.

“Somewhat.” Mina gave a greeting to the Keep.

“And a good evening to you, too.”

She sighed at Thancred hiccupping again.

“Thancred!” two women cooed as they waved.

“Ladies!” Thancred practically beamed into Arielle’s ear as the women came up to them. “How l’ng’s it been?” But before the women could say anything else, Mina loudly and testily kweh’d at them, making them jump. “Mina, be nice to—”

She repeated the noise, successfully scaring the intruding duo—or at least to her they were intruding. And when they looked over their shoulders, she ruffled her feathers with a curt noise as if in warning.

Thancred sighed. “Som’t’mes I wonder if Mina wans me all t’herself.”

The Chocobokeep blinked a few times while Arielle laughed awkwardly, and he cleared his throat. “J-just for the night, miss?”

“Two nights, actually—in case we need the extra rest,” Arielle replied, and Mina gently nuzzled her and Thancred as if she had not just scared off two passersby. “Good night, girl. Be good for me, all right?”

With a quiet kweh Mina nudged the pack on her saddle with the fruit inside.

“All right, hold on.” Arielle glanced between Thancred and Mina in thought before having him lean on the bird.

“I’c’n stan’ b’m’self, you know,” Thancred argued.

“Frankly not,” the Chocobokeep muttered, but was quickly silenced by Mina’s hard look. She adjusted herself accordingly to properly support Thancred as Arielle fed her a couple fruits. Afterwards she nudged the pack again with a chirp.

“I’ll give you some extra ones in the morning, but right now Thancred needs to be looked after,” Arielle promised. Mina seemed to contemplate for a few moments before giving an agreeable kweh, and Arielle scratched the bird’s chin. Once things were settled, she continued their journey on foot. “We’re almost there, Thancred.”

“You h’ve m’c’mplete trus’,” he replied, hiccupping mid-sentence.“An’ you b’sure to let Mina know th’same.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

It wasn’t long before they entered the Quicksand, and Arielle readjusted Thancred to make him seem as normal as possible. As she expected, Momodi was already occupied with quite a few patrons and then some. A few adventurers Arielle had helped out once or twice waved to her, and she waved back, although she winced once Thancred decided to again yell into her ear unintentionally.

“Momodi! Rad’nt an’ fair as always!” he announced, every pair of eyes in the room now on them, including Momodi’s.

Nophica help me, here it comes. A nervous grin worked its way through as Arielle appeased his apparent desire to speak to Momodi. And hoped she didn’t regret her decision.

The Lalafell placed her hands on her hips. “And hello to you too, Thancred.” She let out a sigh. “All right, where’d you find him?”

“Central Thanalan,” Arielle said.

“Coffer an’ Coffin, I wager?”

“Yes. If it weren’t for Mina I would’ve likely passed right by him.”

“Good bird, she is. But anyroad, I’ll leave you to keep an eye on this one, then. Should be a couple o’ rooms available over at the Hourglass.”

“Thank you. And, um, if . . . anyone asks for Thancred or me, please don’t say anything. I know he’ll send a few people into worry with how he is now.”

“Mum’s the word. Now go on an’ get him some rest.” Arielle nodded.

“C’m now shurely we could spare a mom’nt to—”

“I’m doin’ you a favor, Thancred. Can’t have you embarrassin’ yourself any further.” The duo then made their way over to the innkeeper (or rather Arielle tugged Thancred along before he could say anything else).

“Good evening,” she greeted. “I was told you had some rooms available.”

“Indeed we do,” the innkeeper replied. He glanced between the two of them. “How long will you be staying?” The arrangements were made for at least a couple of nights, and the two were finally able to step away from any more curious eyes.

Arielle closed the doors to their room with a brief sigh. “Are you all right? Do you feel ill?”

“‘M fine, Ar’elle,” Thancred said, leading her to frown. Upon being led to the bed, he unceremoniously plopped onto it.

“Try not to move, all right?”

“O’course, Miss S’l’nar.”

Moving aside the book and quill on the table, she began to place her smaller weapons onto it, keenly aware of Thancred’s gaze. She let out a breath as she removed her very well-used gloves, flexing her fingers for a bit. She supposed she was due for a new pair, but that was a problem for another time. Her current ones could last her a bit longer until then. After all, they have lasted her a pretty long time.

“Y’should be th’one to claim th’bed. I’ss only proper.”

“I’ll be just fine.” Her mind drifted to what she had asked of Momodi. Tataru’s probably worried. It is getting late. . . . “I’m stepping out for a bit, so don’t move.”

“Aye!”

Arielle left the room, leaving the doors open a crack as she made use of her linkpearl. And it barely took a minute before her call was received.

“Arielle?” Tataru asked.

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Oh, thank the Twelve! I was beginning to think something had happened to you! Is Thancred with you? He said he had ‘another matter’ to see to before he continued with his work, but I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Yes, but he’s . . . in an odd state, to say. He’s not hurt, but we won’t be returning to the Waking Sands until tomorrow, the day after at the most.”

“. . . He overdid it, didn’t he?”

“. . . Somewhat. Mina and I found him in Central Thanalan. With company.”

Tataru sighed. “And here I was thinking he was in trouble. . . .”

Arielle peeked through the crack, and Thancred was now more or less laying properly on the bed save for one leg hanging off the edge entirely. I think I prefer this kind of trouble over the other kind. “I’d rather the others not begin to worry, especially Minfilia, so. . . .”

“Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you.” Once the two disconnected, Arielle entered the room.

“I’ma right messs, ar’nt I?” Thancred said after a couple moments.

“As of right now, somewhat.”

He sighed a bit loudly. “T’think I could cont’nue to b’in such a state. . . .”

“You have not continued to be a mess. You’ve been strong and supportive.”

“It’s ne’er enough,” he retorted instantly. “I’m never enough to acc’mplsh what needs to be acc’mplishh.”

“Yes, you are, and I’ll not have you thinking this way.”

Thancred snorted. “I’m supposed to be f’ster than the enemy. T’keep Minfilia an’ th’others safe. An’ I’ve left you to burn before Ifrit more than once.”

Arielle furrowed her eyebrows. “More than—” She stopped herself as she remembered talking to him at the Waking Sands. She knew she had seen a trace of remorse in his eyes after he had told her about Ifrit’s return. “We’re all safe, and you did not leave me to burn. You—”

“Arielle can’t you understand that had you not held the Echo you would have been put to death with the others?! A kind woman whom I’ve dragged into nothing but countless trials and near death!”

Her fingers curled, and she found herself avoiding his unfocused but tormented eyes. He was right, and she knew it. Without the Echo, she would’ve been tempered like the rest of the people with her and put to death. “. . . Neither of us could have predicted what would’ve happened. But I would not have put someone I felt was a good person at fault, regardless of only having known you for a short time then. So . . . I do understand.”

“Frankly I don’t think you do.”

“And frankly, I think I do, Thancred Waters.”

“Really? And what of all the suffering I caused—”

“While you were not yourself. No one faults you for anything you did. It was Lahabrea who did all of those things. And I most certainly do not blame you for supposedly ‘leaving me to burn’ and any other troubles you think you yourself have caused.”

He let his head hang, and she leaned forward a bit to keep within his line of sight.

“You are a good man, Thancred, and you strive so hard to protect those around you. Sometimes too hard. But I would not have any other person for a friend.”

He chuckled to himself, albeit bordering on a slurred snort. “‘F’I didn’t know any better I’d say you were a bard, putting m’el’quent words t’shame.”

“I meant every word.”

“You always do.” He tilted toward her, and she caught him before sitting him upright. “’M a mess. . . .”

Arielle resisted a frown. “Try to get some rest.”

Thancred sluggishly situated himself as she rose. Undoing her hair, she ran her fingers through it before settling onto the floor. And when she glanced to him, he was already asleep.

I wonder if I’ll be able to find some tea for him in the morning. I think the brew I have in mind should help with any lingering grogginess he should have.

She fingered the pendant of her necklace, wondering if he would remember anything that had happened within the past small handful of bells. At best he would likely have foggy bits here and there—or so she assumed. I suppose only time will tell.

~ ~ ~ ~

Thancred had still been asleep even after she had gotten ready for the day and requested the tea for him. She had expected the knocking to rouse him, but it would seem his sleep was deep this time—which probably should’ve been expected. And he hadn’t shifted positions at all, so she deemed it safe to assume he wasn’t going to remember much of the previous night.

As she prepared the tea, she briefly glanced to him. Assuming he didn’t feel sick to his stomach, he would likely need something in it, obviously. Of course, she knew he was probably going to want to throw himself back into his work, but not if she had any say in that. Besides, she had given him another day to rest, so he’ll probably at least accept that.

Fruit should be fine for him for now. And for Mina. I did promise her extra. . . .

Once she was finished, a groan brought her attention back to him, and it was followed by a louder groan and him massaging his temples.

“Where. . . ?” Thancred rolled onto his back and draped his arm over his eyes, attempting to clear his mind and block the sunlight flooding in from the window for a few moments before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Registering the bed he was on, he sat up as quickly as he could, ignoring the wave of dizziness that hit him. He looked around the room for a bit in confusion before his eyes finally landed on Arielle, and immediately dread flashed across his face. “Oh gods—!”

“No no no no, you’re fine!” Arielle quickly assured.

“Agh, not so loud, please!”

She winced. “I’m sorry.” She watched him miserably swing his legs over the edge with a groan.

“Please tell me I did not do what I think I did.”

“You didn’t. I brought you here after Mina and I found you.”

He sighed in relief. “Thank the Twelve. . . .”

She studied him for a bit. “How are you feeling?”

“Well, my head is pounding, but I seem to be well enough.” He sighed again. “You’ll have to excuse my . . . less-than-gentlemanly behavior. I’m sure I was an absolute fool.”

“Well . . . um . . . I’m sure it could have been worse.”

“That does not give me any sort of comfort.”

Arielle frowned. “Well you were certainly very talkative. And moody. And . . . surrounded by women. But I managed to shoo them off.”

“Ah. I think I remember some displeased voices, although the memory is a bit muddled.”

Arielle briefly glanced down. “Why did you go off on your own like this?”

He hunched over, resting his elbows on his knees and trying not to squint. “To be honest, it was never my intention. But, when one’s mind wanders to less than cheery thoughts, it’s almost all too easy to drown it all away.”

She frowned again. “. . . You still feel at fault. . . .”

He didn’t answer her for a few moments, barely recalling himself lashing out and kicking himself. “. . . If you were in my place, wouldn’t you?”

Arielle briefly closed her eyes. “. . . I think I would. And I know you would tell me the same things that I’ve said to you. The others would likely agree with me. But I know that I cannot imagine the torment you must have endured while Lahabrea had your sense of self in his grasp.” She frowned. “I wish we had found out sooner. . . .”

“Then, I suppose you would expect hearing your own words coming from me, Arielle Solinar.”

“I think I would, Thancred Waters.”

He gave her his usual smile, and his eyes caught the tray of tea behind her. “I suppose that’s rather cold by now.”

“Oh!”

“Agh!”

“Sorry.” Arielle went to give him his cup. “I thought it would help clear your head of any remaining drowsiness. It should still be warm, I think.”

Thancred took a small sip. “And you are correct. You have my thanks.”

“It’s not too strong, is it?”

“Actually, no. It’s perfect.”

“Good.” The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Thancred trying not to wince at the clinking of the cup and saucer as well as the sunlight coming in from the window (and why it did not have any godsforsaken curtains was beyond him).

“This has an odd taste to it.”

“It’s good for you.”

“Is it supposed to be musty?”

“Yes, now drink while it’s still warm.”

Thancred refrained from grumbling as he did as told. She’s like a mother hen.

A few more minutes of silence went by, and he was beginning to taste another odd flavor in the tea. But he decided to keep his mouth shut.

“Thancred.”

He looked to her.

“If there is anything you need from me, or if there is something bothering you, call upon me. It doesn’t matter what I may be doing or what time it may be or if you think you would be a bother. I want you to lean on me, or if not me, then one of the others. We’re friends.”

“The same goes for you. But, I will try to remember that.”

Arielle smiled at him. “But we won’t be setting a single foot outside this room until you are absolutely well.”

“Arielle—”

“Thancred.”

“There are things that—”

“And I’m aware of them and have also let Tataru know that we won’t be back until today or tomorrow. Everything’s taken care of.”

Thancred frowned. He hated to admit it, but powering through his blasting headache and his temporary oversensitivity to light and sound wasn’t the best idea. He wouldn’t want to worry everyone any further, especially Arielle given what she had already done for him yesterday. “There is no arguing with you, is there?”

“No, there is not.”

He sighed in defeat. “All right. I’ll be staying put, but that includes you as well. It’s only fair since you are in such high demand nowadays.”

“. . . Fair enough.”

“And, some curtains would be lovely.”

Arielle glanced to him partially squinting and then the window. Ah, right. He’s a bit sensitive to light now. “Well I’m no weaver, but I’ll see what I can do.”

#Final Fantasy XIV #FFXIV #ARR #A Realm Reborn #FFXIV Wol #Thancred Waters #Momodi Modi #Tataru Taru #Alisaie Leveilleur #Minfilia Warde #FFXIV fics #Arielle Solinar #Mina the chocobo #Red Mage Fics #Minfilia and Alisaie are only mentioned but I'll tag them anyway. #I've never written a drunk person before. T-T #So there may be some errors in this that I'll probably fix later. #On another note I'll eventually be making a writing master list in the future that I'll be linking to in my pinned post.

[merricatblackwoods]

oh look its hotd oc fixit fanfic idea i will never write (that is connected to my got fanfic i will also never write)

#elsie rambles about her stories #basically the bad ending of my got fanfic and alysanne is given a second chance after dying to take up the mantle of the 3 eyed raven #unfortuntely it's not a do-over #shes reborn as daemon's daughter with rhea royce #and while she has lost her twin #and her life + all she knows #alys is given a chance to make sure it doesn't happen #and if all goes as planned; the realm will be better prepared for the long night; the massacre of kings landing will not occur; #her loved ones will have happier lives (her brother wont be forced into the position he was in; jojen #; lyanna and bby rickon will have a chance to live; maybe save daenerys from herself; ext) #hell maybe she can prevent the dance itself #unfortunately her knowledge is of what may come and her very presence threatens that #not to mention her knowledge of the dance is third hand pm and it was a 100 years before her time #luckily the impossible girl has allies in the form of two half siblings (one who was never meant to live and one whose truth is #VERY different then what alys thought she knew) #(jon snow may also be reincarnated ;) )

[abyssalmermaiden]

A Realm Reborn -> Endwalker

Junelezen 4- History Repeating

#junelezen #junelezen 2022 #ffxiv gpose #elezen wol #ffxiv wol #aryaille nox #catching up on days I missed before #a realm reborn #endwalker #tataru taru #y'shtola rhul #thancred waters #ffxiv

[lemonade-juley]

Lin finding Lysia in a Purgatory world that is only loosely controlled by another being creating a Demon Spider to entertain herself: :3 OwO.

Lin after Lysia gets cut down and nearly died to the creatures venom: whoops. My bad. Pretty funny though.

#this is Lin before post game btw and the only reason she has any sort of power there #is because Purgatory isn't*quite* the same as the physical realm #it's real but it's also not real if that makes sense? #anyways Lin made the demon spider out of the files of Rift Galvantula #lemon rambles #oc: lysia📚 #pokemon reborn

[consulaaris]

sorry not sorry for the spam of lore & screenshots but i simply must ramble on a little about zori’s love life before i stop because i’m so unwell about it. big ARR & heavensward spoilers below. this is very long and very self indulgent don’t @ me.

.

so. zori’s main (and likely endgame) romance is thancred. though they’re initially at odds, their dynamic grows into one with a lot of playful banter and back-and-forth between them, typically with thancred playfully/dramatically flirting with her and zori teasingly shutting him down (connected to the first time they met where he did genuinely try to make a move on her, and she snapped at him pretty hard). zori cares for him a lot— they do share in a lot of quiet, companionable moments, and even though they’re both the type of people who work themselves to the bone, they are able to relax with each other and zori lets her guard down around him. she starts to realize just how deep her feelings for thancred go when he’s taken over by lahabrea, and she fights tooth and nail to save him, even though it’s nearly at the cost of her own life.

but though she’s desperately glad to have him back, years of keeping her feelings to herself stop zori from actually saying anything. besides, she likes their status quo, and doesn’t want to lose what they do have.

ultimately she does lose it, though— when thancred and y’shtola bring the tunnel down in ul’dah at the end of the ARR patches, zori believes they’re dead, and has to live with the grief and guilt of knowing that they did it to get her out.

and then there’s haurchefant.

he’s so relentlessly optimistic, so kind, that he barrels right past zori’s emotional walls before she can do much about it. he’s the only person she loses her composure in front of after she loses the scions; fully breaking down in the arms of her friend. part of zori can’t not love haurchefant when he himself loves so freely and openly, and his own views make her believe that maybe there is some hope for the future and that everything will be okay. in a way, he makes zori believe in herself again, because he believes in her so strongly— and she finds herself growing ever closer to him, starting to fall in love with him. there’s a part of her that thinks maybe this time, things will work out— both for ishgard and herself— as haurchefant’s own optimism begins to work on her.

his death breaks her. when he jumps to shield her, to take that blow for her, a part of zori’s heart and hope shatters with him. there’s an immense guilt with it. if not for knowing her, he would still be alive, and when he asks her to smile at the very end she’s barely able to through her tears. she knows that he’d want her to live well, to live as a smiling hero, but she can’t bring herself to right now. she feels hollow, empty, and rage is easier to channel into action than grief. she hates most of all that haurchefant would be sad to see what his death has made of her. part of zori will never stop loving haurchefant, as much as she’ll never stop blaming herself for his death.

she’d never told him how she felt.

by the time they rescue y’shtola and she finds out that thancred may very well still be alive, zori is just at her wit’s end emotionally, but hardly even able to think about him with everything else happening around her.

the patches should be very interesting.

(also, judging by some vibes/vague spoilers i’ve seen with thancred in future expacs, his anger coupled with the way zori’s grief and loss is being channeled into just. pure rage right now makes me think they’re probably going to have a pretty explosive “breakup arc”, whether they’re officially together at the time or not.)

#oc musings #oc: zori aviriq #otp: zori/thancred #otp: zori/haurchefant #arr spoilers #a realm reborn spoilers #hw spoilers #heavensward spoilers #[zori voice] i’ll keep all my feelings right here close to my chest and then one day i’ll die #absolute MESS #not to mention potential vibes with her and g’raha (who i thought would be her romance before she started making heart eyes at thancred lol)

[the-dragons-knight]

FFXIV Write 2022

Prompt #22 - The Truth

Veracity - ‘honesty or truthfulness’

——————————

“Years ago, a red dragon was spotted flying over the Ruby Sea, chasing a Garlean-ruled Doman vessel. The ship was firing back at the dragon, both sustaining injuries from an intense battle. Our scouts saw the dragon swoop down and slash a deep gash into the side of the wooden ship and set the desk ablaze before taking the sky again. The ship was doomed, but not before they fired a harpoon that struck the dragon in the back. They watched it - you - falter in the air and crash into the waves, and did not rise again.

“It wasn’t until your body came floating down to the ocean floor that we learned what became of you. By some kind of…magic, you breached our protective bubble over the palace and landed in the courtyard, nearly dead. The elders all saw you as a threat and wanted to finish you off…but I stopped them. In my hopes to save you, I persuaded them to help me heal you…to help me hide your memories and change your form with the use of our magic, and make you a protector of our people. They had seen you take down the Garlean ship, and so…they agreed…

“After healing you, you started to wake and I calmed you. You probably remember being an au ra at that moment…but you weren’t. You were still a dragon, and it’s when I asked your name that you said ‘Kadlin’ just before you drifted off, and our magic changed you into one of us…”

Kadlin stared down at the sand in front of where they sat on the secluded porch of the Ruby Palace, still watching Kurenai out of the corner of her eye as she told her everything.

She saw the red-haired woman shake her head and cover her face with her hands, “So as I said….all of this….is my fault…and I’m so sorry, Kadlin. For everything…”

The weight of this truth, of this honesty, was difficult to process, Kadlin admitted to herself, and she wasn’t sure if she understood it all. She still had so many questions but knew better than to ask them all at once no matter how much they swarmed in her head. She finally glanced over at the woman and spoke softly, “Where did I…where do I come from? Do you know…?”

Kurenai shook her head sadly, “I was afraid of this too. You don’t remember anything do you?”

Kadlin too shook her head, “Saying my name brought a sense of being back, but…the rest is…missing.”

“What…what will you do now? Not as the guardian, Kaede, for she never truly existed but-“

“She did exist. She does exist. She is still part of who I am…”

“Right…forgive me for speaking out of turn…”

“I…I don’t know what I will do…I think I…need some time to think…and process…alone…”

“Of course…I will leave you with your thoughts. And I am here if you need anyone to speak to…I promise.” Kurenai shifted on her knees and bowed her head deeply to the blonde au ra, though Kadlin barely registered her leaving. Her mind was overwhelmed with thoughts…and so much to process…

#ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #kadlin sailehsdran #ffxiv writing #warrior of light #ffxiv writing challenge #kurenai #shisui of the violet tides #before a realm reborn #doma #ruby sea #ruby princess #ffxivwrite 2022 #ffxivwrite2022

[memoriesofivalice]

The Adventure continues

“I remember seeing the Enterprise a few times before I ended up north,” Zexx mused quietly as he pulled his gloves off.  “That ship had more than time on it’s side, it had an energy.  A life.”

“Is that what brought you here?”

The mechanic would rub at his bearded chin a moment.  “Yeah, I think so.”

#zexx candell #Final Fantasy XIV #Final Fantasy 14 #realm reborn #the before #the soon to be #dreams #screen shots #roleplay #airship #starting again

[yellowcrumpet]

So was anyone going to tell me ARR’s “Answers” theme is playing as background music at the Amphitheatre in Gridania or was i just supposed to find out myself playing on my Elezen character?

#FFXIV #Final Fantasy 14 #ARR #A Realm Reborn #Gridania #This is probably a widely known thing but its new to me and its blowing my mind away #i never noticed playing on my main #there was always so much noise going on around here that i never noticed #whether the theatre was being used for an event or i never stopped to just LISTEN #i don't know #but i didn't notice until today #And i only noticed because i stopped right in front of it for more then a second to put my mask on before i continue the MSQ for my alt #and hearing it made me pause #god its such a good theme #Just wanted to share it XD #I have no idea if its always like this or if its only playing because of the MSQ im about to trigger #but either way #very nice detail

[dawntrailing]

#the coil tightens #masayoshi soken #final fantasy series #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #ffxiv: music #final fantasy xiv: a realm reborn #before the fall: final fantasy xiv original soundtrack

[nebula-drcams]

" I hope you burn you nasty little lalafel. "

#bro wtf how did i not notice this before #★ ► ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏꜱᴍᴏꜱ ◄ ⌠ In Character ⌡ #Muse; Nimue #Timeline ➤ A Realm Reborn

[gridanian-red-mage]

Facing the Lord of the Inferno

I think Arielle considered a lot of outcomes when she was thrust into her current situation. Facing a primal and having to fight one probably wasn’t one of them.

#FFXIV #Final Fantasy XIV #A Realm Reborn #ARR #Ifrit #FFXIV Wol #Arielle Solinar #I probably should've waited until the camera moved a little more to the left in the last pic. #But I really wanted to get a shot before the fight started. #I love seeing her ponytail flowing in the wind.💖💖 #She's so pretty. T-T