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nights-at-crystarium · 3 months

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Fragments - episodes 31-35 author notes

You can find similar breakdown posts on older episodes in my pinned!

The chasm in their understanding of what makes Vivi tick.

The stakes in this scene seem low and the twins are just overdramatizing the danger for the sake of unwinding and being silly, right? Yesn't. One wrong move or word, and they join those leafmen scattered all over the place.

Finding the line between bad actor and caring sister.

Of course Alisaie wants to hang out with Vivi. She doesn't want to admit that to herself, let alone risk looking desperate in her brother's eyes. Tsundere moment. It's been a while since they've. Had a rest. Between rescuing Minfilia from Laxan Loft and making their way to Il Mheg. Alphinaud, at least in my hc, isn't as physically durable, but definitely as stubborn and proud as Alisaie, so he wouldn't simply agree to chill out for a moment. Alisaie makes him tunnel-vision her bad (?) acting and openly throwing the game for supposedly selfish reasons, while she gets what she wanted, AND forces Alphi to sit his ass down.

I’m sorry but I really need to point out that her ahoge did, in fact, launch into the stratosphere.

More under the cut~

....Can you blame her tho.

Vivi’s shirt’s a bit more plain than usual, he needed to wear something practical under his crystarium guard disguise in Laxan Loft.

The flashback in episodes 32-33 has no dialogue per se, only monologues, to emphasize how disconnected they are.

Technically both vivis are real, but Exarch’s memories are definitely heavily skewed. He’d only known Vivi during the CT quests, in this story it’s a month or two in summer, during which literally nothing bad happens, sans the finale. Alisaie, however, got lucky to experience Vivi during Stormblood, his absolute low.

Exarch and Alisaie sit on opposing sides of the bias, one wears pink glasses, delusional and bluepilled, the other one’s (heh) redpilled, perhaps a bit too much. Hence Alisaie feels the whiplash when her jerkass woobie friend suddenly acts mellow (back in the present), still she has the expertise to tell that he’s not affected by a fae spell or anything.

Full page because I’m so proud of the paneling here, simple as this trick is, these speech bubbles blocking Vivi from sight neatly illustrate that Alisaie just babbles away, paying no heed to his state.

With the power of flashbacks and stories told by one character to another, I’m able to revisit any moment in their past whenever I please. I didn’t commit to a linear story because there was no story! Well, just the outlines. Vivi as a character began in ShB because I really needed to fuck that old man, I started writing down the lil scenes loosely connected by the canon plot, and that’s how the whole concept of Fragments came to be.

It may not work for everyone, but my secret sauce’s that you don’t have to begin at the beginning. Make a guy, put him in a situation, then ask a lot of whys and hows to expand his story backward and forward.

Keeping the past events for later allows me to flesh things out at a leisurely pace. This Alisaie flashback is actually an iteration, originally I’d planned to have Vivi stand alone and just think the broody thoughts, and that was supposed to be the transition between ARR and ShB arcs. I grow more writing muscle as I go, and I’m infinitely happy that I avoided that angsty infodump.

Okay this’s becoming a big fat tangent, but I wanted to acknowledge another pitfall: overusing a character as a mere exposition tool. I wouldn’t do this for, say, Tataru or Y’shtola. Being THE flashback haver makes sense for Alisaie because a) they’re close with Vivi, b) her worldview and opinion on Vivi are changing in ShB, she’s a smart lil thing who would slow down and reflect when appropriate, c) she has a distinct arc in my comic, and knowing what’s going on inside that elf brain will give you the most entertainment out of her actions in the present moment.

I’m new to writing and very excited about the story that comes together as we speak, so I like to show around my kitchen. Please lemme know if you enjoy this. I don’t know if I’m parroting the boring 101s, or if this’s actually useful to someone.

“Meals made for me” YEA HE CAN’T COOK. Well, barely.

New sharp outfit, procured by our most magnanimous branch. The “tail” will help me draw the upcoming Titania fight, it adds fluidity to his movements.

*presses the upgrade button*

There's a lot happening in his head that's not being shown. I hope at least some readers wonder who or what he leaves behind in his mind's eye in this moment. What we know for sure is that he doesn’t take too long to make a decision.

Not sure if subtle, but I did try the breadcrumbing:

Unfortunately for everyone, including himself :’>

I love this one especially because, instead of telling that about himself, Vivi asks Ardbert, kinda gauging his wol experience against the other wol’s.

Episode 34 really shook people awake and reminded that we’re off the msq rails with this story. I loved the response it evoked in the tags, lots of thoughtful rambling about being a hero.

Fae temptation jokes and all, but Feo Ul really says what Vivi needs to say out loud to himself.

Normalize prioritizing self-care over world-saving.

Vivi genuinely cares about Feo Ul. That’s unusual. It might be my storytelling mistake that I didn’t show much of his typical indifference before this scene, unless you count the episodes where he does this

instead of hurrying the fuck up with the msq. Or, perhaps, it’s okay, since this gets plenty of attention later on. You won’t miss the fact that he isn’t eager to set himself on fire to keep others warm. Feo Ul just lucked their way into his heart, and, as a result, he approaches the Titania fight with unusual consideration.

/srs mode on ^

Remember how I just talked about developing this story in all directions at once? I planned Vivi to have this demeanor during the early days of writing Fragments. Like, most of the time. He’d be a broody bitch, get slowly thawed by Exarch’s kindness, and... That’d be it. In veeeeeery broad strokes, this’s still the case, but the current iteration has much more nuance.

Vivi and Titania’s likeness has no deep meaning, take it or leave it. Vivi cares about appearances, he was bound to notice this. Feo Ul can see souls, visuals are secondary to them. But Vivi, being himself, must doubt and question everything.

He moves fast and thinks a lot as the adrenaline speeds him up.

Notice how he lets Titania speak and remains quiet. This’s common in most fights: he doesn’t indulge with chats or banter those who he sees as mere targets to destroy. There’s like a point of no return, if an enemy poses no threat and can be talked out of dying, Vivi will speak, sadly he enters this fight knowing that Titania has to die no matter what.

Once he’s familiarized himself with the situation, and realized that Titania’s more than just a mindless husk, things change up a bit. But for now, he just runs in circles, analyzes the situation, and overthinks about their visual resemblance :’>

Sorry not sorry but unintentional reference x’DD

To be fair Vivi IS being a magical boy in this miniarc so this works lmao.

Wrapping up on this note, thanks for sticking with me and reading till the end~

#ffxiv #ffxiv: fragments #fragment ii: new world old friend #fragments talk

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pumpkinmagekupo · 1 month

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Wondrous tails: Shipping/ Bandaging wounds

Thordan was defeated and Midgardsormr flew Mizuki back to Ishgard. Aymeric and Edmont were there to greet her.

Edmont brushed a strand of hair from Mizuki’s face “you look tired, you need some rest.”

Mizuki smiled tiredly “I think that sounds like a good idea.”

Aymeric cleared his throat “then perhaps…you would like to rest at my home?” Mizuki and Edmont both looked at Aymeric in shock. Aymeric’s ears were bright red and it wasn’t from the cold.

“If I am not imposing.. And I would need to fetch some things from home,” Mizuki said, pulling the brim of her hat down to hide her own flushed cheeks. It would be the first time she stayed at Aymeric’s.

Aymeric was excited to have Mizuki stay. They hadn’t had much time to themselves since the beginning of their very stealthy relationship. He made sure everything was in order for her arrival.

“My lord, Miss Mizuki has arrived.” the steward said, bringing Aymeric out of his fifth time of fluffing the pillows. He smoothed his jacket as he hurried down the corridor and a bright smile washed over his face as Mizuki came into view.

She bowed as she spotted him “Thank you for having me. Sorry I took so long-”

“I invited you so suddenly..” Aymeric replied, “Please, come in. Sit. I shall make some tea-”

“My lord, let me sort that.” the steward interjected “it is your job to entertain your guest.” he added with a soft smile. Aymeric’s shoulders slumped in mild embarrassment. He was so anxious about Mizuki staying the night.

They sat by the fire and chatted. Aymeric noticed Mizuki sat up straight and didn’t look comfortable. Did she not wish to come-

“Mizuki..if you are not comfortable staying-”

“No! I mean-” Mizuki sighed and fiddled with the cuff of her jacket “I’m sorry.. I just..I have a few wounds-”

Aymeric’s face went red “I am so sorry! I did not even think of-”

Mizuki chuckled, “Do not worry about it.” she smiled “I was happy that you wished to spend time with me.”

They chatted a little more before deciding to retire to the bedroom. “I shall fetch some warm drinks.” Aymeric said, leaving her for a moment. When he returned with a tray of drinks and snacks, he found Mizuki sitting on the edge of his bed, setting out several poultices and some bandages on the end table. “Are your wounds serious?” he asked cautiously.

“Oh.. it’s nothing serious,” Mizuki smiled “I just need to remember to actually apply the poultice or Y’shtola will scold me again.” she laughed nervously “when I was very strict with Haurchefant about his injuries.”

“Is it a burn?” he asked, remembering how grievous the wound Haurchefant sustained.

Mizuki lifted the side of her shirt “In nature…it is an aetheric burn-” the burn that stretched from her right hip to just below her bosom and curved onto her back and stomach, it looked blue which stemmed from the nature of the burn. “Y’shtola said it might scar… hopefully the scales in that area grow back properly..”

Aymeric was quiet, he had seen the burn on Haurchefant’s arm. And whilst it looked a little better he could still barely lift his shield in his left arm and yet Mizuki had had no time to rest at all. “Does it hurt?” he asked quietly,

“It’s uncomfortable.” she hummed “it feels warm all the time and it feels like the skin pulls if I move a bit quick…but I’ve had worse.. It’ll heal.” she replied with a smile, reaching for the bottle, Aymeric’s fingers wrapped around the bottle too.

“Let me help you.”

Mizuki looked startled and averted her gaze “I- well- I can do it..” she rambled,

“Please Mizuki.” He said gently, she slowly released the bottle.

Aymeric smiled. Mizuki slowly pulled her shirt over her head and held it close to her chest which made Aymeric chuckle. He thought it cute how shy she could be.

He moved to touch the burn but stopped just shy of her skin, he could feel a residual warmth from it.

“Aymeric?”

Slowly Aymeric began to apply the foul smelling poultice to the wound, being very careful to not apply too much pressure. Aymeric studied the burn carefully and as Mizuki shuffled so he could get to the back parts of the burn, his eyes widened, she had so many scars on her back and coupled with some fresh looking wounds too. He moved to put his arms around her and pulled her into his chest. Mizuki tensed “Aymeric!?”

He buried his face into her hair “I know- I know the adventure’s and fights you have endured before dealing with our problems too-” he squeezed her gently “But to see these scars-”

Mizuki sighed deeply.

“I know they’re unsightly…but I’d rather bear these scars than have to mourn someone I couldn’t save.”

He refused to let her go “Pray be more careful my light..” he gently tilted her chin to look up at him “Strong as you are, you are not invincible.” he kissed her gently, her cheeks crimson.

“I’ll do my best….”

Aymeric set to finishing bandaging up her wounds and soon she was snuggled against him, he almost jolted as he felt something coil around his leg. He heard her chuckle “sorry..I can move it-”“It is fine…caused me a fright though.” he admitted. Looking over to her in the bed next to him. I will endeavour to protect her, so she never has to endure such pain again.

Bingo card

#ramblings of a pumpkin #oc: mizuki #gpose #wondrous tails of ffxiv #wondrous tails 2024 #Bandaging wounds #mild angst #long post #sans actual scars

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orime-stories · 28 days

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An Unsatisfying Farewell

The Warrior of Light and Aymeric share some last moments together before the Scions leave for Azys Lla. Full story below the cut. (831 words) Previous Story / Next Story / Read on AO3 / Tumblr Masterlist

“We are at the Congregation,” Aurelle said, confirming the presence of the boundary between them.

“We are at the Congregation,” Aymeric confirmed. “’Tis a private enough space, and we would have warning enough were someone to approach. But I cannot have you leaving this room looking dishevelled. And nor would my knights fail to notice such delightful sources of gossip as kiss-swollen lips or flushed cheeks.” His eyes travelled regretfully across the highlighted areas as he spoke. “So we must master ourselves. In the knowledge that we shall have time again together soon enough. Time to spend as we please.”

She did her best to swallow her disappointment with grace. “I’m going to spend the evening at Fortemps Manor. Count Edmont… he needs company right now.”

“I understand. And surely there is no company finer than yours.”

“So we’ll have to wait, until I get back,” she pressed, eyes firmly on his, making sure he truly understood the cost of this restraint.

He swallowed, his hands curling into fists on the desk before him and then retreating to his lap.

“I shall be eagerly awaiting your return. You have already accomplished so much. You will accomplish this too. And you will return home safely.”

A wry smile flitted across her face. “Well I’ll try my—”

“You will return,” he then insisted, in a commanding voice that surely the Fury herself would struggle to deny.

And Aurelle could only nod, doing what she could to wield even a fragment of his faith as her own.

“And so there is nothing to begrudge about our current state of affairs,” he continued. “We master ourselves today, that we might better enjoy our reunion on the morrow.”

He stood then, and walked her to the door. Where they stood a moment longer, just surveying each other’s faces.

How easy it would be to close the gap, to feel his lips on hers one last time. How absurd to deny the impulse.

“Come back to me,” he said softly. Allowing a little of his sentiment to leak through at the last.

Sorrow shuddered through her then, railing against the unfairness of their parting and of this self-imposed barrier between them. Until she found herself closing her eyes in the way he always did, taking a deep breath.

Mastering herself.

And when she opened them once more, her voice was steady as she answered him.

“I will.”

—

Aymeric watched as Ishgard’s best hopes assembled themselves on Master Garlond’s airship. The tired trio of engineers making their last pre-flight checks, the Scion Y’shtola observing the newly mounted device that had been built to her master’s specifications. And then young Master Alphinaud, in conversation with the two that would be taking his heart with them into battle. Estinien, his oldest and dearest friend. And Aurelle.

He did not yet have a satisfactory word for what she had become to him. Did not yet know what words he had the right to. What words she would welcome. For all the moments they had managed to snatch together in recent moons, precious few of them had been spent defining the shape and boundary of what they now shared. And far, far too few of them had been spent making sure she knew just how dear she had become to him.

It was easier to hold himself back from her now, in public and in full view of the many admirers and supporters that had come to see her off. But those last moments they had shared alone in his office had been downright torturous. Desperately trying to find a way to justify a careful kiss to her hand, a brush of his fingers across her cheek. Something, anything to hold close and remember should the worst come to pass.

But if he started touching her he feared he would never stop. Would need to know every ilm of her before letting her go — to commit it all to memory, just in case. But he had to operate on the assumption that there was a morrow to safeguard. A morrow to keep free of scandal and rumour, that they might be able to continue enjoying each other’s company on their own terms.

Whatever words they might then choose.

She would come back. She always came back. She had slain Nidhogg — his people’s bane for a thousand long years. Whatever his father had done. Whatever horrors he might summon. It would prove to be no match for his… for her.

“Return to us. All of you,” he commanded in parting as the ship gathered itself for flight. Eyes making deliberate contact with each person standing on the deck, equal weighting intentionally given to all. One of Aurelle’s hands dipping into her pocket as he met hers, seeking comfort from whatever it was she was keeping there. He hoped that it was something meaningful, something that might being her peace and safety when she needed it most.

With everything that he was, he hoped.

#final fantasy xiv #heavensward #aymeric de borel #oc: aurelle silmontier #aymeric x wol #shippy stuff #orime's stories

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umbralaether · 8 months

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FFXIV Write 2023

Prompt: Ring

A pair of ring-shaped stains of hot cocoa left behind on the desk.

That was the first haunted piece of him she discovered after the initial purge of his things from her room. She could not stand to see the remnants, the things left behind after his soul ceased to be, and chose to pack them away and deliver to House Fortemps. “Take them, please, I cannot bear it.”

It nagged, though. A sharp sense of loss, of emptiness.

She forces herself forward, into her duty, picking up odd jobs on the side. She wanted to stay busy, occupied enough to prevent more ghosts from sneaking in, yet no joy was found in helping others. They saw benevolence where she hid her pain— she was only doing it to quiet the noise of blame ringing over and over in her ears. Should have been faster, stronger… should have never let him come…

After the empty, came the numb.

She no longer cared about the lingering stares of others when the lack of sleep formed dark rings under her eyes— a consequent worth the cost, for memories that refused to fade. She begged to forget, not continue to find him in yellow blooms and light blue cloth, in the smell of chocolate and mint, rich and delicate. She swears to never love again, not like this.

But time goes on, as it always does. The loss fades, and wounds heal, the grief now but a small wisp of hurt.

She feels the warm glow of joy in her chest again when helping others. She laughs when Alisaie and Alphinaud bicker, finds fascination with Y’shtola’s theories and Thancred’s attempts at beating her at cards.

She warms, and learns to smile again.

#FFxivWrite2023 #ffxiv write 2023 #ffxivwrite #my writing #eisha pantera #wolchefant #haurchewol #haurchefant greystone #heavensward spoilers #wol x haurchefant #ffxiv #ffxiv fanfic #ffxiv writing

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anneapocalypse · 7 days

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Been reading through some of your FFXIV posts on a whim and I just remembered a couple of your “Ysale should’ve lived” posts and I was wondering. If she were to join the Trust party, what’d you have her as?

First answer of Thaumaturge/Black Mage makes sense but then we have Y’shtola and G’raha to make a Black Mage trio

Paladin would be cool since she does do that in Heavensward dungeons but there’s still that overlap with G’raha

I had a partial thought of Bard since Shiva does use a bow in her fight but I’ve also seen a couple cool posts a while back when the new HW duty supports were announced and that Ysale’d be a tank that had her as a Dark Knight

That is a good question and I am probably not the best one to answer it since I haven't yet used the Trust system very much! I know that in Duty Support Ysayle's unique class is "Oracle of Frost" which can be either tank or magical DPS. I think that if Ysayle became a Scion and stuck around for later expansions, it would be neat for her to pick up a new class as many of the other characters do. We'll assume that we want it to be something unique since it seems like they generally try to avoid class overlap in the Trust system (G'raha and Y'shtola being the only exception).

So when I look at the current Trust avatars I notice a glaring absence of physical ranged DPS, which makes Bard my first choice! I think it can fit her character too, as Ysayle's role in ending the Dragonsong War was in some ways that of a storyteller, bringing to light a long-forgotten history. As she comes to terms with the fact that she cannot truly become Shiva, perhaps she chooses to honor her patron saint instead by telling her story in song?

She's going to need a new look, of course! Please forgive my bad posing, but

Ysayle, the Dragonsinger.

#ysayle dangoulain #ffxiv stuff #heavensward spoilers #ask anne #morganzephyr

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improvised-finish · 4 days

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15 Lines of Dialogue

Share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture the character/personality/vibe of the OC. Bonus points for just using the dialogue without other details about the scene, but you're free to include those as well!

Tagged by @archaiclumina, thank you so much! (And apologies this took so long to do, it slipped my mind)

Admittedly I don't have a ton of dialogue for Lehon'a written yet and I'm currently working on a story featuring someone else's character for a gift exchange, so I don't have anything really new. But! I figured I could grab a snippet from one of my finished fics to perhaps convince people to give them a quick read. So here's a chunk from one of my Wondrous Tails fics, which you can find in full here!

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“Hi, Lehon’a… I hope you, uh… haven’t been waiting long,” he said, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle.

“Nah, I just came to get a bit of this stuff in me before we get to spilling our guts, so to speak,” she replied. “D’you want some? I just finished this one, I’ll grab both of us another, if you’d like. On me.”

“Yes, I would. Like one, I mean. Please. And thank you.”

“Of course, G’raha.” She stood up, steadying herself on the edge of the table and making a mental note to order some water in addition to their beverages. “Be back in a sec,” she said as she strode off to the counter, leaving G’raha to sit in one of the two unoccupied chairs.

While Lehon’a was waiting at the counter for the drinks, she watched Y’shtola walk in and scan the crowd for familiar faces. Eventually she spotted Lehon’a, who pointed behind her to where G’raha gave a shy wave. Y’shtola took a seat right as Lehon’a returned with the tray of glasses and the pitcher of water.

“Doesn’t someone usually… bring that to you?” Y’shtola asked, more confused than anything.

“Yeah, but I figured I’d save ‘em the trip since I’d have to walk back over here anyway. Still left a tip, don’t worry about that,” Lehon’a replied, setting the beverages on the table and pouring herself a glass of water.

Y’shtola let out a laugh, shaking her head.

“So getting back to business, as it were,” Lehon’a began, “you’re probably wondering what in the seven hells could be so important that I felt the need to wrangle you both here and intoxicate myself for your amusement.”

“I did notice that after a brief moment ashore you seemed to make haste towards the source of liquor, yes,” Y’shtola said with a wry smile.

Lehon’a’s already red face grew a slightly brighter shade.

“Anyroad,” Lehon’a enunciated, clearly trying to move past that point of discussion. “I wanted to talk with you both after what happened in the vault. And not the fight in general, you both held your own in the heat of battle. I guess what I'm trying to say is… when I went to use a dance to heal all of us, I took your hand,” she continued, gesturing to Y'shtola, “and… well, you both gave me quite a look after that.”

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Tagging a few folks who I believe also have some writing they might like to share (as always, these are optional, no pressure): @azems-familiar @ferrocyan @sasslett @gatheredfates @otherworldseekers and anyone else who's got dialogue to share!

#ffxiv #tag game #lehon'a nhavareh #warrior of light #my wol #g'raha tia #y'shtola #my writing

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trustinsighters · 9 months

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Dungeon Dialogue: The Alzadaal's Legacy

The Bhaflau Remnants #1 (X: 8.4, Y: 12.7) - Arriving at the isle

Estinien: Time to learn just how authentic our map truly is... 　↳ G’raha Tia: Our adventure begins! Urianger: Behold. The lanterns ignite in the glyph's presence. Y’shtola: And thus we take our first step into the unknown. G’raha Tia: This isle is where we find the vault's entrance?

The Bhaflau Remnants #2 (X: 11.6, Y: 12.3) - 1st Hidden Bridge

Y’shtola: The glyph works its magic once more... 　↳ G’raha Tia: An invisibility spell removed, mayhap? Urianger: What a peculiar enchantment... G’raha Tia: A bridge out of thin air...or cleverly hidden!

First Boss, Before engaging (X: 14.0, Y: 9.7) - Ambujam

Y’shtola: My, what dense aether this creature has. 　➝ Urianger: 'Tis a rare breed of jellyfish─one with a sting, I imagine. Estinien: This gelatinous eyesore bars our path.

First Boss, After defeating (X: 14.0, Y: 9.7) - Ambujam

Estinien: If only it had been a squid. Imagine all the dried rations... 　↳ Y’shtola: I'd rather not. Oh look, is that a teleporter? Urianger: Might that device be our sought-after “entrance”? Y’shtola: Shall we move on? That looks to be a teleporter. The teleporter bears you deep beneath the waves...

The Arrapago Remnants #1 (X: 11.2, Y: 14.6) - Undersea Vault

Looming Voice: Glyph of passage detected. Confirming bearer's identity... G’raha Tia: Look! We're deep under the Bounty! 　↳ Estinien: Then our map was no fake after all. Urianger: This must be the satrap's vault. Such fascinating design... Y’shtola: We've descended quite some distance... Estinien: The ocean floor... The map was no fake after all.

The Arrapago Remnants #1 (X: 12.1, Y: 13.6) - Alzadaal’s Rampart #1

Alzadaal’s Rampart #1: Unrecognized aetherial signature... Brazen thief! You will proceed no further! Alzadaal’s Rampart #1: Locating denizens. Opening portal...

The Arrapago Remnants #2 (X: 11.2, Y: 11.1) - Alzadaal’s Rampart #2

Alzadaal’s Rampart #2: Locating denizens. Opening portal... Urianger: I must needs memorize these defenses... 　↳ Y’shtola: You are really quite serious about this consulting role of yours. Estinien: We appear to have angered the vault guardians. G’raha Tia: Judging by these defenses, we must be nearing the treasure!

Second Boss, Before engaging (X: 11.2, Y: 8.9) - Armored Chariot

Urianger: Hm. The key guardians appear mechanical in nature. 　↳ G’raha Tia: Please remember to heal whilst you take notes! Y’shtola: It will take more than this to halt our expedition. G’raha Tia: A formidable-looking foe. Be on your guard!

Second Boss, During the Fight (X: 11.2, Y: 8.9) - Armored Chariot

Armored Chariot: Turn back, treasure seeker, or this vault will be your tomb.

Second Boss, After defeating (X: 11.2, Y: 8.9) - Armored Chariot

Armored Chariot: Your greed will prove your undoing... Urianger: Attack routines, behavioral patterns... There is much to report. 　↳ G’raha Tia: I only hope the Loporrits do not “misinterpret” the data. Y’shtola: Shall we continue onwards? G’raha Tia: Another obstacle overcome! Now on to the next!

The Zhayolm Remnants #1 (X: 9.6, Y: 12.3) - The Vault’s Inner Chambers #1

Estinien: Aye...this should more than cover the price of the map. 　↳ Y’shtola: How much did you pay for it, anyway? Urianger: Mountains of gold to dazzle the eye. Noted. Y’shtola: I assume we've reached the vault's inner chambers, then?

The Zhayolm Remnants #2 (X: 10.4, Y: 10.8) - The Vault’s Inner Chambers #2

Alzadaal’s Acrolith #1: Secure the treasure. Alzadaal’s Acrolith #1: Slay the looters. Urianger: Secret doors, hidden paths. More elements to consider. 　↳ G’raha Tia: Ere long, you shall be a veritable vault expert! Estinien: What other riches might this one vault hold? G’raha Tia: There are yet more rooms beyond!? Alzadaal’s Acrolith #2: Repel the intruders. Alzadaal’s Acrolith #2: Flee, or be feed for the fish.

Third Boss, Before engaging (X: 13.1, Y: 10.3) - Kapikulu

Y’shtola: 'Tis wrapped in aether-imbued silks... 　↳ Urianger: No mere adornments, then. Urianger: 'Tis some manner of arcane automaton... Estinien: What is this oversized mammet?

Third Boss, During the Fight (X: 13.1, Y: 10.3) - Kapikulu

Kapikulu: Warning. This vault is under my protection. Failure to withdraw will invite chastisement.

Third Boss, Special: Spin Out (X: 13.1, Y: 10.3) - 1st time

Kapikulu: Spin and fumble! Stumble and fall! Kapikulu: Leave now, and live. This is your final warning. Urianger: Those silks... Fashioned by alchemy, I suspect. Y’shtola: How undignified... Estinien: What foolishness is this...? G’raha Tia: We regroup...and counterattack! Alphinaud: My head... Is everyone all right? Alisaie: You'll...ulp...pay for that! Thancred: Well...that was an experience.

Third Boss, Special: Spin Out (X: 13.1, Y: 10.3) - 2nd time

Kapikulu: Willful trespass confirmed. You have chosen...death. Kapikulu: All intruders will be slain! Urianger: The enchanted fabric saps our very strength. Y’shtola: Oh, you burn now, weaver. Estinien: Why can I not jump free? Too much rich food of late... G’raha Tia: Just let...me catch...my breath! Alphinaud: Keep your wits, and it's not so bad... Alisaie: Again!? Grrr, this is getting old! Thancred: Ulp... I think I might be sick...

Third Boss, After defeating (X: 13.1, Y: 10.3) - Kapikulu

Urianger: Hmmm, a fitting sentinel... Y’shtola: What is this place? Estinien: We've found all the treasure, then? G’raha Tia: A hidden room within a hidden vault...

Alzadaal's Legacy Dungeon Dialogue Infographic

#FFXIV #FF14 #Endwalker #Dungeon Dialogue #Alzadaal's Legacy

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scionshtola · 1 month

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take our time with the sweet delay

summary: Y'shtola is more than a little relieved to finally have a moment alone with Corisande, and is determined to make it last. pairing: Corisande Ymir/Y'shtola Rhul word count: 1826 | rated: E | read on ao3 notes: i posted this to ao3 last year but never here, so i thought i would cross post it finally. it's set during the post-shb patches, minor shb spoilers for a side character and location. [divider credit]

Y’shtola glances around her quarters, expecting to find the other Scions where she left them hours ago, before she had made the rounds in Slitherbough. Surprisingly, the room is empty aside from Corisande, sitting cross-legged on the floor with their head bent over a book, before one of the haphazard piles of tomes she has let build up around the room. She pulls the doors shut behind her with a sigh of relief, the sound drawing their attention.

“I was starting to think you would never return,” they tease, expression breaking into a smile when they see her. The sight is enough to lift her mood, lightening the tension in her shoulders that had built up as the day went on.

“‘Twould seem I underestimated just how many of the Night’s Blessed wished to speak with me tonight.” Y’shtola takes a moment to unlace her boots, kicking them off by the door before making her way to their side. She cups Corisande’s cheek, sweeping her thumb across their warm skin, careful to avoid their face paint. “Your patience appears to have outlasted that of our friends.”

“I may have sent them out,” they say. They catch her wrist, turning their face to kiss the palm of her hand before rising to their feet. “Alphinaud was lugging quite an armful of books when he left, though, so he cannot be far.”

Y’shtola hums in approval, leaning against Corisande, pleased at the idea of them sending everyone away to spend a moment with her. They never seem to have enough time for just the two of them, never a moment without a question that needs answering, a problem that needs solving, or someone waiting in the wings to ask for their help.

But for tonight, it seems there is nothing so pressing it could not wait until the morrow.

She cranes her neck, peering up at them. “Why must you be so damnably tall?” she says, half-teasing, though at the moment their height is a great impediment to her desire to feel Corisande’s smile with her own. Even were she to stand on her toes, she could not reach their lips with hers.

“Is there something you want?” Corisande asks, as sweet and innocent as ever, though she catches the slight smirk in their smile as they curl their fingers under Y’shtola’s chin.

Y’shtola has no qualms about saying the words. She has waited years for the chance to do so, and delights in saying them whenever she could. “Kiss me.”

Corisande does not hesitate to oblige, tilting her chin and pressing their lips eagerly to hers. Y’shtola slides her fingers into their hair, deepening the kiss, gasping against their mouth when they lift her swiftly and easily into their arms.

“Better,” Corisande murmurs against her lips. She wraps her legs around their waist, the skirt of her dress pooling around her thighs as she pulls herself closer. Corisande guides them to the nearest wall, pressing Y’shtola’s back into the cool stone, and shifts her grip, leaving one hand free to wander over her torso, feather light along her side. Her head tips back against the wall when they cup her breast, a soft moan escaping her.

Corisande kisses their way down Y’shtola’s jaw, a line down the side of her neck, as they loosen the laces on the front of her dress. She shivers slightly as their fingertips trail delicately down the length of her spine, catching in the knot that pulls her bodice together and tugging it free.

Y’shtola’s dress slips, gathering around her elbows, the cool air of the cave on her breasts quickly countered by the heat of Corisande’s mouth. It amazes her still, how right the press of their bodies feels, how deep her desire for them has grown. The need that drives her to pull them closer only burns hotter with every touch, every kiss that passes between them.

They shift again, carrying Y’shtola across the room while she presses kisses against their neck.

“You are aware I have a bed just through that door, yes?” she teases between kisses when they set her on the long wooden table. Corisande ignores the question, her lips marking a path down Y’shtola’s body. Her breath catches in her chest when they kneel before her and lift her leg over their shoulder. Almost too eagerly, she gathers her skirt around her waist while they trail soft kisses along the inside of her thigh, and all thoughts are driven from her mind when they press a hot, open-mouthed kiss against her center.

Y’shtola falls onto her elbows, her eyes fluttering shut as the feel of Corisande nearly overwhelms her. Her tongue moves over her, inside her, circling her clit in a rhythm that draws forth an unsteady stream of quiet curses and moans. She strokes the outside of Y’shtola’s thigh softly, the touch searing against her already heated skin.

A knock sounds on the door, only breaking through the haze of Y’shtola’s mind because Corisande pulls away.

“Do you want to get that?” They sound sincere enough that Y’shtola opens her eyes to look at them.

“Do I want to what?” She is far too distracted by the sight before her—Corisande looking up at her, lips swollen, hair in disarray from where Y’shtola had tangled her fingers in it—to process the question. They laugh and with a shrug, duck their head, and soon the simple heat of their mouth on her skin is enough to make Y’shtola forget the interruption entirely.

She closes her eyes, lost in the glide and press of Corisande’s tongue, in the heat blooming low in her belly, in—

The knock comes again. Y’shtola huffs, a powerful annoyance surging through her. Had it truly been so foolish to hope for one night alone? For one night of reprieve from the never ending duties and expectations set before them?

But Corisande does not seem deterred. She kisses Y’shtola slower, deeper, driving her ever closer toward the edge. Y’shtola cups her own breast for the need to be touched, for the hope that together they could reach her peak before—

“Oh, what is it?” She snaps, breathless, as the knock sounds again. Corisande ignores the knock, slips her fingers inside Y’shtola, curls them in a way that has her biting back a moan.

“’Tis Runar, Master Matoya,” a deep voice rumbles from the other side of the door.

“Who?” Y’shtola asks on a gasp, elicited by Corisande’s lips closing over her swollen, sensitive clit. They tuck their laugh into the crease of her thigh, smirking against her skin.

“Runar,” the voice repeats, apparently undeterred. “I apologize for disturbing you—”

“Mayhaps you could—could give me a moment, Runar?” She tries to keep her voice steady, no mean feat when Corisande offers her no reprieve. “Or two?”

Any answer he might have given is blocked out by the clever twist of Corisande’s fingers against her walls, their lips against her skin. They grip her thigh just tight enough to hold her still while she writhes, their name slipping past her lips in a whimper. With no more interruptions to be had, ‘tis easy for Y’shtola to lose herself in their touch, crying out when they finally push her over the edge.

They kiss her softly until she stills, then rise to their feet to press their mouth to hers. Their lips are slick, their hands soft as they caress her arms and chest, and Y’shtola revels in the feel of it before gripping the lapels of their top and pulling them onto the table with her. Corisande straddles her, and her hands move over them, seeking the warmth of their bare skin. She slides her hand under their top, toys with the edge of their thigh-high socks, slips her hand past the waist of their shorts. She wants to touch— needs to touch, to draw out the same soft gasps and moans they had drawn from her, to see the look on her face as Y’shtola guides her toward her peak.

Corisande squeezes her shoulder and Y’shtola stills. “Should you see what Runar wants?”

She sounds just as sincere as she had earlier, and Y’shtola cannot help the teasing smile that spreads across her lips. “I did not think you would care for what Runar wants.”

“I happen to care a lot for what Runar wants,” Corisande says, a rare edge to her voice, a tiny indicator of who they are to each other now that pleases Y’shtola. “Was my demonstration just now not clear enough?”

Y’shtola smiles, wider when she moves her fingers lightly between their legs and their eyes fall shut. “Quite clear.”

“I just mean that he might come back,” she says between kisses, a little breathless. Y’shtola feels, rather than sees, her smirk as she adds, “What would he say, if he heard the way his precious Master Matoya cursed while I pleasured her?”

Y’shtola’s fingers brush over their clit, and they gasp into their kiss. “If he returned now, ‘twould not be me that he heard cursing.”

Corisande offers no further argument, leaning forward and capturing Y’shtola’s mouth in another kiss. She smiles when their hips grind down, seeking the pressure of her hand. Y’shtola’s teeth graze their bottom lip, tugging lightly as she pulls away.

“However, you may be correct in assuming he will return,” she says, guiding Corisande off her lap so she could stand. Her expression fell, and Y’shtola’s heart nearly broke as she watched her gather herself, disappointment quickly turning into acceptance and understanding. “‘Twould not do for him to overhear.”

“Of course not. Mayhaps when we return home,” they start, a familiar hopefulness to their tone that Y’shtola so loved. They open their mouth to continue, but fall silent when Y’shtola meets their gaze and lets her dress slip from her arms.

Y’sthola has a catalog in her mind of all the ways Corisande has looked at her over the years—the silent, knowing looks exchanged; the fond smiles; the teasing quirk of their lips; the occasional worried glances. But the way her eyes trail over Y’shtola’s figure, the heat and love in their gaze when they linger on her curves, on the sway of her breasts as she shimmies her dress over her waist, is still new. She delights in it still, this simple declaration that Corisande wants her the way she wants them. That they love her the way she loves them.

She steps out of her dress and reaches for Corisande’s hand, linking their fingers together. Their time together is a rare and precious resource to Y’shtola, and she is unwilling to let it slip through her fingers so easily. “’Tis time we made use of the actual bedroom, then.”

The grin on Corisande’s face is enough to convince her—she will make their moment alone last. Everyone on the other side of the door will just have to wait.

#i didn't post it last year bc i was shy. aklsdfjsdl #also bc its mean to runar. but im not sorry about that.#kels writes #oc: corisande ymir #corishtola #okay tbh there are some things about how shtola sees cori that i would write differently now that i've had more practice writing her vision #but that's okay i will let it stand for now lol

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nuclearanomaly · 7 months

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20 – Hamper

wc. 729 | Shadowbringers | verse ft @pocket-cat 's Ulan

Thancred is suspicious, and frustrated by the actions of their fellow Scion. Ninira is frustrated and mostly unable to be bothered. They have bigger things to worry about.

Sorting the miscellaneous screws, washers, bolts and whatever other bits the Eulmorans had clobbered together to assist with the Ladder repairs was far from the most demanding of tasks she had ever been assigned, but for good reason. She had been ordered to leave the reconstruction efforts to the others and for the most part she was willing. Construction and heavy lifting were well outside her wheelhouse, and Y'shtola had snapped at her when she had offered to help reanimate the Golems whenever they arrived. Yet there was only so much relaxing she could handle, especially with Vauthery’s twisted Mt Gulg looming on the horizon. So she did menial work on the days spent at the Ladder’s base, counting supplies, helping with ledgers, or like today, sorting.

She sat off to the side of the yard, perched on a crate, a box of miscellaneous bits at her side, dropping the pieces of metal into separate buckets at her feet. The mindlessness of it was pleasant in a way, she was helping but she could let her thoughts wander her—a shadow fell over her and she looked up, tipping back the brim of her hat.

“Need a hand?” Thancred didn’t wait for a reply as he took a seat beside her reaching to pick up a handful of screws and nuts.

Ninira didn’t protest, but also didn’t welcome the gesture. They sat in silence the only sound the clinking of metal as it dropped into the buckets before Thancred eventually spoke up.

“Ulan is off today.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a fact but Ninira answered anyway. “Yes.”

“Using that time to seek him out.”

Ninira withheld a sigh. “And?”

“Does that not bother you, Ninira? Even in the slightest?”

Did it bother her? She no longer knew. It was far from the most pressing of her worries these days. “Does it matter?”

Thancred shifted in his seat. She could tell he was looking at her but she didn’t turn to meet his gaze. “What of the things she tells him during those moments? How much is she sharing? Think of what she could hamper by divulging our plans.”

Ninira scoffed. “What plans? Nothing we’re doing is secret. We’ve made plain our intentions, even if we hadn’t they would be obvious. He’s stated his position as an observer–”

“You believe him?” Thancred sounded insulted.

“He’s not interfered yet.” She finally looked at him. “And he did help save Y’shtola.” She added pointedly. Thancred’s brow furrowed.

“So far I believe him. But–” she added as Thancred opened his mouth to presumably argue that point. “I do not trust him. I think there is a difference.”

She dropped a screw into one of the buckets. Butitng heads with Thancred like this frustrated her. A few moons prior, back on the Source and she would have identified him as one of the Scions she was most comfortable with. But the First had changed him, changed them all, and Ninira was still working her way through those changes. He was trying through, so Ninira sighed and did her best to try in return.

“I know you’re bothered by Ulan’s actions. You have every right to be. I also know you're just trying to watch our backs and look out for us all. It is appreciated.”

She looked at him pointedly. “But this isn’t Ryne making a silly choice, uncertain in the world, and needing guidance. Ulan is an adult, her actions and her choices are her own. None of us can make her do anything she doesn’t wish to.”

Metal clinked on metal as she continued to sort. “I can’t fathom what she seeks out Emet-Selch for, what they possibly could talk about. However, that’s her choice and her business. Until the day comes where her actions cause harm, or she chooses to raise steel against us then I’m not bothered. She can do as she pleases.”

Thancred was quiet for a while, absently watching the few other Scions that were around today as they went about their work at the base of the Ladder. “I will never forgive myself if something happens because I was negligent.” He spoke barely above a whisper.

“It will be fine, Thancred.” She reassured him, pausing in her work to look up at the looming cliffs above. “We just have to stop Vauthry. What could go wrong?”

#ffxivwrite2023 #Ninira Nira #Thancred Waters #Ulan #Erin has been doing many fills ft Nini and sharing them with me and I wanna return the gesture #Even if Ulan is not actually present in this at all LOL #uh it's late again #something something rambling tags goes here #I rewatched the ladder cutscene earlier to get the vibe going in my brain #legit started crying over ardbert #when the wol waves for him to join them #U H G #okay bye #writing: mine

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coldshrugs · 9 months

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wip wednesday

i've never kicked this off but i'm sure there have been tags in past weeks i haven't been able to fill SO i will do my part in the tumblr ecosystem.

tagging: @scionshtola @gefiltefished @harumeau @impossible-rat-babies @lilas @roguelioness @lavampira @thevikingwoman if you guys want to share, but no pressure!

“Who sent you?” His short huff resembles a laugh. “I need a motive to check on you?” When she doesn’t answer, he sighs. “Y’shtola saw you down here, from the annex. She and Thancred thought to come, but I asked them to stay. Everyone’s turning in for the night. I thought you might appreciate the less intrusive option.” “By all means, intrude. Once the solitude is broken, it hardly matters by whom.” His brow knits as he looks down at the carved stones that make up the pier. He turns, shifting his weight. She can feel him wondering if this was unwise. “I’m sorry, that was unkind. I’m just… overwhelmed–” Io takes a deep breath, hoping the confession doesn’t sound as stupid as she feels– “and afraid. Please don’t go.” Estinien sways in her periphery, stepping closer before squatting beside her. He looks out into the quiet marina, carefully avoiding her half-slumped form. False privacy, but she’ll take the small mercy.

#wip wednesday #heheheh we're having fun here #io is sad and going through it #tfw you don't want your crush to see you mid-depression spiral but don't want them to go either #this is getting long (for me) but i WILL make them hug about it if it kills me

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seafoam-roe · 2 months

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Nevermore

Fyrwyb tore off her helm and threw it with all her anger across the inn room. The metal clanged and crashed, knocking over a potted plant in the corner. She didn’t care. Her hair stuck to her cheeks with sweat. Her heartbeat was frantic.

“Gone again. Always gone!” She exclaimed under her breath, sinking to the floor. The closest wall supported her as her shoulders began to shake. Her armor made small noises to fill the silence while she cried.

“Ye always have t’run off without me. Without someone. Always runnin’ off alone!”

The roegadyn shifted her weight and sat back against the wall, her head leaning back so that she could look up at the ceiling. Tears mixed with the sweat on her face.

Knock knock.

Part of her wanted to keep quiet. To pretend she was just some other lass. She threw an annoyed glance at the door.

“Aye, who is it?” She grunted in response.

A soft spoken miqote answered.

“Fyrwyb..? I don’t mean to bother you, but you ran off with such haste. Could I at least check you over?”

Y’shtola. The smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

“Fine, come on in.”

When the miqote opened the door and peered in, Fyrwyb purposefully didnt look at her. Their friendship had grown strong and she knew if she looked into her eyes, she wouldnt be able to hold it together. Instead, she stood up and faced away from her friend, pulling off pieces of dragoon armor one by one. They made a decent ruckus when they each fell to the floor.

Y’shtola’s ears lay flat against her head at the sounds.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked suddenly, waiting for Fyrwyb to finish.

“There’s nothin’ to say I haven’t already said,” she huffed, trying to keep her voice from cracking. She bent at the waist to rid herself of the armor covering her shins.

“Perhaps. But it can help the anger, to say them aloud again.”

Fyrwyb snorted and her shaking fingers tore more armor away, this time from her upper legs. The plates clashed against each other on the floor. She was starting to shake.

Suddenly, long, slender fingers gripped her bare shoulders firmly. She jolted awake, sitting straight up in her bed. Her bleary eyes blinked a few times as they took in her surroundings; her bedroom. She was home, in her little cottage in Ishgard. Their home.

“My heart, whatever troubles thee? I am here.”

Urianger’s closest hand still held onto her shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring. He sat up in bed next to her and used his other hand to move the sweat-sticky hairs from her face. When she finally looked back to him, her eyes were filled with tears.

“A nightmare, that’s all,” she whispered, her bottom lip trembling.

Urianger’s brows knit together as he pulled Fyrwyb into his chest, wrapping her up and holding her tightly. He smoothed her hair and kissed several tears from her cheeks.

“The same as before?” He asked, his voice low and calming. She nodded and her shoulders shook. The elezen let out a soft sigh and nuzzled his nose into her hair.

“I am here, my dearest. I shant be disappearing. My heart belongest here, next to thine.”

Fyrwyb clung to Urianger, slowing her breathing with the herbal scent of his nightshirt. Her arms squeezed around his waist, and she listened to his heartbeat, her ear pressed to his chest. All part of her process, her reassurance that he was real and present.

“Don’t leave me, Uri. Please. Stay with me,” she sniffled.

Urianger’s heart broke anew every time she awoke from that very same nightmare, time and time again. And like every other time, he made the same promise—one that he meant, every single time.

“Nevermore.”

#final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #final fantasy 14 #urianger augurelt #femroe #female roegadyn #roegadyn #roegadyn wol #ffxiv urianger #angsty #sad moment

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modernmisadventures · 6 months

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Chapter 20: Moving Day

Jess stared up at the building before her with slight trepidation, clutching her small sack of belongings tight to her chest. It wasn't as new as Thancred's, and nowhere near the grandeur of Varrus and Cirdan's, but the apartment building seemed nice enough. Quaint, in a way.

And, she realized with a breath of relief as she followed Kal'istae and Thancred inside, it had an elevator. She also noted the Roegadyn woman sitting at the front desk - it had a front desk?! - who glanced up and nodded at their approach.

It still hadn't quite sunk in that she was moving in with Thancred's gorgeous, dainty girlfriend. She desperately hoped the two would get along - and that she wouldn't get on the smaller woman's nerves too too much. She knew she wasn't exactly the easiest person to get along with, to say nothing of living with. And if she screwed anything up… Well, the last thing she wanted was to cause any sort of rift between her and her brother.

Her brother who was grinning like an idiot ahead of her. And it wasn't hard to imagine why - having Jess living there gave him a great excuse to swing by whenever he pleased. Which, judging by the other two's new lover highs, would probably be often.

She just hoped she wouldn't be audience to any private sights or sounds.

“C’mon Jess!” Thancred turned to see what the hold up was, gesturing broadly for his sister to join him and Kal’istae as they stepped onto the elevator. He kept his arm outstretched, blocking the door from closing while the other hefted the box he’d carried for her from the bar. “It’s safe enough, promise.”

Kal’istae grinned as she leaned back against the back wall, holding her own small box in two hands. “Landlord keeps up with the place,” she assured Jess, “and between Ms. Melziet and I, we’ve laid enough charms and alarms to make sure nothing is going to break - at least not without us knowing about it ahead of time.”

Thancred leaned beside her, his arm brushing her shoulder as he watched Jess keenly. “Are you sure this is all you have?” He jogged the box in his arm. “An air mattress and some sheets. Your clothes,” he added, jerking his chin at her bag, “and whatever’s in Kali’s box? I didn’t realize you were living quite so leanly.” The humor had fled and he was frowning in thought.

"Yeah," Jess sighed, her gaze bouncing forlornly between the two boxes, "that's it." A collection of knick-knacks and souvenirs, primarily chocobo in nature, a pair of boots, her training gear, a few well-loved books, a well-loved plushie… It wasn't exactly as if she'd had much of an opportunity to collect many belongings in her life, bounced from home to home as she was. She only prayed that Thancred's new relationship lasted, lest she have to find somewhere to move again.

What she wouldn't give to live in the same bed longer than six months…

But her brother didn't need to see her so downtrodden. And so she shook her head and plastered a smile upon her face, quickly stepping into the elevator after them.

"Besides, I don't need stuff. I've got everything I could ever need right here." She tapped her chest, yet what exactly her words meant, she had no clue. "So, uh… are we going to be electrocuted if I don't say the magick phrase right? Some sort of guardian golem watching your door? Just what am I walking into here?"

Lavender-edged eyes twinkled. “I do have a locking spell,” Kal’istae acknowledged, “but I’ll key you to it and you won’t ever have to worry about it. Nor will you have to hunt down your key; it’ll let you right in. Saves time. The only people keyed to it are you and me. Not even Thancred,” she added with a smirk.

“Yet,” he retorted mildly, leaning down to steal a kiss while her hands were full of Jess’s box. “Don’t worry, scamp. Not much in the way of visible magic. It’s not like Y’shtola’s place, where everything’s floating and dancing and bobbing around and you nearly bean yourself on a cauldron before you notice it’s there.” He waited a beat. “Or maybe that was just me.”

As the elevator halted and the doors sprang open, Kal’istae lead the way off and up to her door. She gestured for Jess to join her, nudging Thancred unsubtly out of the way. “Come here and take the knob in your hand. Don’t turn it, just make sure your whole hand is wrapped around it. I’m going to introduce you to my door.”

"I… um… ok…" With only the slightest hesitation, Jess reached out and placed her hand on the cool, brass knob as instructed, finding it… to be like any other door she'd ever encountered. "It's, uh… nice to meet you?"

Beneath her hand, the knob warmed against her skin. Kal’istae watched, her gaze slightly unfocused, as though seeing something neither Jess nor Thancred could see. “Excellent. Go ahead and turn the knob; open the door to your new home.”

She couldn't explain exactly how, but Jess did as instructed, finding, to her amazement, the door opened without so much as an onze of resistance, revealing a well kept apartment inside.

Her new home.

It was quaint, but homely, a small living and dining area situated beside a kitchen, nothing huge or luxurious but more than enough for her to work with. The back wall held a handful of doors - bedrooms and a bathroom, she had to assume. It was well decorated, personal photos and photography lining the walls, a few plants here and there, an old couch seated before a TV - nothing amazing, but more than she'd ever had.

Not that it instantly felt like home or anything - it would take her a while to settle in, given that she had time to get comfortable, that was. And, of course, nothing was hers - none of the furniture, none of the photos, nothing. She'd find a way to contribute. Somehow.

“Kitchen.” Kal’istae set the box on top of the couch, then turned towards the kitchen. “Thancred says you like to cook - that you’re better than he is. I’ll take his word for it, and thank all the gods, because I cannot cook. So if you’re willing to take a turn in the kitchen now and then, I’ll love you forever even if I boot him to the curb.”

Thancred ghosted up behind her and slipped his arms about her, leaning down to nuzzle her hair. “You won’t boot me. I’m too cute.”

The look on Kal’istae’s face was a study in conflicting emotions: wary disbelief warring with absolute pleasure. She reached up to cover his hands briefly with hers, then slid out of his grasp. “I’ve got a lot of one-person meals,” she continued, just a bit breathlessly, “microwaveable, box mixes, the like. But just tell me what you need and I can have it delivered or pick it up - or we can take a shopping trip and you can load us up.”

Turning, she faced Jess with a serious expression. “I know you’re going to worry about gil. I can’t tell you not to. I can tell you Thancred and I are more than happy to cover things like furniture and food and household items until you get your feet back under you. You’re his sister, and you’re doing me an enormous favor. So don’t.”

“I, um… If you insist.” Jess twiddled her thumbs where they still grasped her pack. “Just basic kitchen stuff will do… eggs, milk, flour, pasta, chicken, lettuce, rice, broccoli, that kind of stuff… I can make anything work. But I won’t touch anything pre-made.” At that, she couldn’t help but shudder. “I don’t know how you’ve survived so long. But I’ll contribute! I’ll use every last gil I earn to make things fair and square.”

She brought a finger to her chin. “Maybe if I wear more low-cut shirts and shorter skirts to work I can get better tips…”

A joke, of course.

Mostly.

“Not funny,” Thancred said flatly, ceasing his efforts to corner Kal’istae for a proper kiss to glare at his sister. “Look, I know I got you that job - but promise me you’ll look for a different one. I don’t like the idea of you in that bar any more. Maybe Kali has an opening… No,” he cut himself off. “Not at the school; nix that. Just keep an eye out, and I’ll keep an ear to the ground.”

Kal’istae took pity on Thancred and stole up to him, brushing her lips over his before slipping past and out of the kitchen. “We’ll talk more about what you’ll contribute later,” she assured Jess. “You’re not here to live off charity; you just may be paying in different coin than gil. As I said, making dinner and helping me shop better will go a long way to making my life easy. And if you can help me figure out lunches, I’ll be well on my way to paying you.” She smiled. “Now come on, don’t you want to see your bedroom?”

"Oh, relax, Thancred," Jess snorted, giving her brother a playful shove. "I'm a big girl, I can handle myself. Plus, I've got a friend who's been sitting in the bar with me almost every night since - a personal bodyguard, if you will. I'll be fine." It was a good thing he didn't press on the subject of working at the school, either - knowing her, she'd spend most of her day in the principal's office, despite not being a student.

With that, she turned to Kali, a bright, defiant smile upon her face as she nodded. "Right. Bedroom. If you would."

As Kal’istae led them back to one of the doors set off the back hallway, she flicked her tail at Thancred. “Leave her be. Tell me about this friend,” she invited the girl. “Don’t worry, Thancred will keep his opinions to himself if he wants to stay.”

The psychologist spluttered, glaring at her back - but he kept his opinions to himself, at least for now.

“It’s not much,” Kal’istae said as she opened up the door, “but it’s a room.”

The room wasn’t particularly large - it would be big enough for a double or queen-sized bed, a dresser, nightstand, and maybe a small bookcase or desk - but that was about it. It didn’t have a window, but there was set of glass-fronted Ishgardian doors that opened out onto a small balcony just big enough for a chair or small bistro set. “The bathroom is at the end of the hall - I have access from my bedroom, but unfortunately you’ll need to enter from the hall.”

Then she stepped aside to make room for Jess and clamped her mouth shut, hoping the girl wasn’t too offended by the size of the room or not having a private entry to the bathroom.

"Oh, you've met him. The Elezen who-" Jess paused as she entered the room, a feeling of giddy excitement rising in her chest. Sure, it was plain, the walls painted a dark blue, bare of anything but an off-white carpet, but… it was hers.

"I love it!" she gasped, carelessly dropping her items to hurry to the balcony, admiring the seventh story view. "And I'll try to remember to knock, then - wouldn't want to walk in on Thancred in the shower or anything horrifying like that." She'd have to work on getting furniture, for sure, but, well, baby steps.

Kal’istae leaned against Thancred as he came up beside her and slung his arm around her shoulders. “Thank you,” he murmured softly.

Her eyes on Jess, she smiled. “No need. I wasn’t lying when I said she was doing me a favor. This place is a lot of room for me, and you know how I am. I’m always in danger of becoming a recluse. Maybe a roommate will keep me from hermiting myself away.” Raising her voice, she called to the hyuran girl, “We’re going to let you unpack and get yourself situated. Then, if you like, I thought maybe we could hit a thrift store I know nearby that often carries furniture. It may not be new, but it’ll be in decent condition and I’m sure we can fix it up if needed.”

“And unless you want to cook in your new kitchen,” Thancred added, skimming his fingers over Kal’istae’s hair, “I thought I’d treat you ladies to dinner. There’s a nice little sushi place around the corner.” He grinned cheerfully. “A date with my best girls.”

"Don't let Ryne hear you say that," Jess snorted, as she begrudgingly peeled herself off the window. "That all sounds wonderful - I should have enough to afford a mattress and a frame, maybe a desk if I'm lucky. And you know how dangerous it is to offer to buy me sushi.”

Indeed, the last time he’d taken her to her favorite place, she’d racked up a bill of over 100 gil on salmon nigiri alone, to say nothing of the shrimp tempura and crab rolls.

Huh, he really was trying to impress his new girl, wasn’t he?

Maybe he was, but Kal’istae wasn’t complaining. They slipped out of the room, letting the door swing half-shut behind them. The Au Ra hesitated, glancing towards the living room, then took Thancred’s hand and drew him instead towards the room across from Jess’s.

Throwing open the door, she led him into the spacious master bedroom. His attention was only half on his surroundings - the plush-covered queen-sized bed, the wooden furniture, the balcony beyond the double doors. He was too captivated by Kal’istae as she let her fingers slip away from his, moving deeper in even as he lingered near the door. “Kali,” he said softly.

“Your sister is moving in. I’m not inviting you here to play,” she chided lightly, but he could hear the nerves behind her teasing. “I just thought I would give her a moment to bask in her new space.”

He ghosted across the floor, his shoes whispering on the hardwood floors as he reached for her, drawing her into his arms. She stiffened slightly, then relaxed, swaying into his body. “I like holding you,” he murmured as he wrapped his arms about her and inhaled her crisp, clean scent. “I’ve never much been one for cuddling, I admit; I like touching women, but not… like this. Not…” He trailed off, at a loss for words.

She hesitated. “Affectionately?” she finally ventured tentatively.

“Yes,” he sighed, closing his eyes. “Yes.” His arms tightened briefly, then loosened again and he adjusted his grip. As they had once before, they began to sway, dancing lightly in the middle of her bedroom. “Kali.”

She laid her forehead against his breast, swaying with him. “I’m glad I said yes.”

He shifted so that he could lean down, pressing a kiss atop her head. “I’m glad you did, too.”

She lifted her head then, finding his mouth with hers. They slowed, stopped, holding tightly to one another as they shared a kiss that was soft and sweet, edged in only the barest hint of that perpetual hunger that lived between them. Time stretched; minutes crawling forward at their own slow pace until they finally parted, gasping slightly for the breath. A third time, “Kali.”

“Thancred,” she murmured, and his hands came up to grasp her shoulders. She met his eyes and could read the want - the need - deep within their golden depths. “Gods.”

“I can wait,” he said hoarsely, “but I’m not sure how much longer you can.”

Neither was she. “We should… check on Jess.”

His hands slid up into her hair, tightening and tangling until her head was bowed backwards. He could see the pulse flutter in her throat and had to fight viciously against the urge to bend his head and taste it. Instead, he aimed his mouth for hers, a single, bruisingly hard kiss, then released her. She staggered back and he gave her a long look, then turned and strode from the room to check on his sister.

She watched him go, pressing her fingers to her lips and aching for him with every nerve in her body.

Unpack has proven to be a rather generous term; Jess found herself staring at the two boxes on the floor, her hands on her hips. She had to do something, she supposed.

And so she reached for her pack of clothes and shook it upside-down, spilling its guts haphazardly in the corner.

There, now it felt like home.

With that, she strode back into the living area - only to freeze upon hearing the sounds of murmurs and lips smacking against lips from the half-shut door to what she assumed was the other bedroom.

Oh, lovely.

Well, with any luck, they wouldn't be too terribly long. And so the woman plopped herself onto the old couch, nervously folding her hands and staring at her lap, pushing aside her feelings of discomfort.

This was her life now. She'd have to get used to hearing her brother's affections from the other room - and get used to the pang of sadness she felt in her chest, that jealousy, that longing for someone of her own to love.

One thing at a time, she reminded herself. One thing at a time…

Thancred came out first, looking no more mussed than he had when they’d left her room - and not much happier. His smile when he saw her was genuine enough, however. “Well, scamp, ready to go see if we can find you at least a crate to set your alarm clock on?”

Kal’istae followed a moment later, looking a bit more frazzled - and no, not much happier, either. But she grinned to see Jess and tried to slip past Thancred. He reached out without looking and caught her, drawing her against his side, and she didn’t protest. “It’s not far, and if we find something big, they’ll deliver. And then sushi,” she added with a twinkle in her eye.

Jess desperately hoped she hadn't kept them from further activities as she eyed them curiously, taking in their unfussed appearances - for she knew if she was in their position, she may not have been quite so considerate.

"A whole crate, eh?" The woman snickered. "That might be a bit fancy for my tastes - maybe we can find a slightly soggy cardboard box?" She made her way to the door, hesitating only briefly before grasping the knob and finding herself thankfully unharmed, opening it for her friends to pass through. "After you."

The store took up as much as three normal storefronts, and the second floor as well. In addition to second-hand furniture, it sold… well, everything under the sun. Clearly, it was a popular consignment shop for the surrounding neighborhood, and even at six pm on a Thursday, there were plenty of people browsing the shelves and racks.

By the time they entered, Kal’istae and Thancred were walking hand in hand, having subtly nudged Jess into the lead so that she didn’t have reason to feel like a third wheel. “Here,” Kal’istae said as they got to the entrance. “Don’t be shy, and don’t worry too much about the budget.”

“That’s for after you’ve got what you need,” Thancred agreed. “Ladies first.” He released Kal’istae’s hand long enough for her to slip inside, then reclaimed it once the three of them had crossed the threshold and the door had swung shut behind them with the gentle ringing of the bell. “You weren’t kidding,” he said to the Au Ra. “They do have a little bit of everything. Where shall we start?” he asked Jess.

“Um…” Jess stared at her surroundings in awe. “Probably the mattresses, I guess?” Not that the thought of sleeping on a used mattress was terribly appealing… but she needed a bed regardless, and it was likely the best she was going to get.

“What do you suppose,” she began, leading the trio over to a wall of discount mattresses, some more stained than others, “the room can fit a full, right? Or should I really unlock my inner child and go bunk?” Perhaps, if she got crafty, she could try to fit a queen - but she really didn’t need that much bed, not for just herself, and heavens knew she wasn’t exactly expecting company.

“A full or queen,” Kal’istae agreed, “and no smaller. Just because you’re flying solo now doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for if situations change.”

Thancred looked pained. “Can you please not put thoughts like that in my head about my little sister?” he asked her.

She gave him a sidelong look. “She’s not a little girl any more, Thancred.” Releasing his hand, she swung in closer to Jess and slipped her hand into the woman’s instead. “Focus more on the mattress - you want one that isn’t too used and still has plenty of spring in it. Rails are easy to come by and with the right sheets, you won’t even miss if you don’t have a head- and footboard.”

"Right, right." Jess brought a hand to her chin, poorly hiding her smirk as she browsed the offerings. There was just something so delightful about making her brother squirm. "Let's see… Not Lalafell, Miqo'te sized is a bit small but I could make it work… Aha!" Finding her prize, she reached out and grasped a ticket for an only-lightly-stained Elezen-sized full - a bit longer than she needed, perhaps, but, being a Highlander often left her choices rather limited. "And only a hundred gil, and it comes with free bedbugs! Now that's a steal, don't you think?"

Her grin was humored as she glanced down at the Au Ra who'd taken her hand, pointedly ignoring the disgruntled Hyur behind them.

"Sure, you say I don't need a frame, but what am I going to tie the ropes to if not?"

A jest, of course… but her brother didn't have to know that.

Kal’istae looked mildly surprised at Jess’s teasing, but Thancred didn’t look amused at all. “Scamp,” he sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I’m too old for you to play with this way.”

The Au Ra glanced over her shoulder, sizing up the psychologist as he gazed at their backs, looking pained. “There’s nothing about you that’s old except your soul, Thancred Waters,” she said mildly. When he met her eyes, she smiled slowly. “Your heart will always be young and free.”

He darted forward and caught her free hand, drawing it to his lips. “Young perhaps - it cannot be otherwise with so many to keep it that way,” and his eyes darted towards his sister, sparkling merrily, “but free? I think perhaps not so much any more.”

Kal’istae stared up at him, indigo eyes wide, then abruptly colored and looked away, though she did not remove her hand from his. “As for bedbugs,” she said breathlessly to Jess, “those - and stains - are no problem. I can magic them out easily enough.”

Thancred said nothing, but the laughter dancing in his eyes said it all; he liked seeing her flustered. He liked it a lot.

"Ugh, you two are nauseating." Though Jess supposed she deserved it, after tormenting Thancred so in turn. With a scoff and a shake of her head, she abruptly strode away from the two lovebirds, nudging a set of mattress rails with her toe. They would work, she supposed - nothing fancy, but neither was she, really.

She had bedding, at least, though the fitted sheet wouldn't fit a full but she wasn't about to buy used sheets - she had some standards, at least.

"Well," she huffed, hands on her hips, "what next?" Though if she was speaking to her friends or herself, she couldn't say, given that she hadn't turned to see if they'd followed.

They were following. Mostly. Whether or not their attention was on her was another story. Once more their hands were joined, fingers twisted as they murmured softly to each other. When Jess asked her question, Thancred tore his gaze from Kali and looked around. “Well, you’ve earmarked a mattress and frame. Want to see if we can find you some kind of nightstand and maybe a dresser or chest for your clothes?”

“Speaking of clothes, if you need any of those, they have some really decent ones. I shop here a lot,” Kal’istae added without a hint of shame. “I can get a lot of really great clothes for not very much, and on a teacher’s salary, that’s saying something.”

Abruptly Thancred dropped her hand and darted down one of the makeshift aisles. He returned moments later with a framed painting in his hands. Turning it around, he displayed it proudly to Jess. On it, a flock of wild chocobos were dashing across a forest clearing in the moonlight.

Jess clasped her hands. "I love it!" she gasped gleefully. Just what her new room needed, a bit of her own flair.

And so the three trudged through the rest of the store, ending up with an odd, unmatching handful of furniture - not that Jess minded. It added to the charm, in a way, and though it stretched her coinpurse to its seams, she found heraelf quite pleased at the end of the evening.

"It's an extra fee to deliver," she mused quietly, turning to her friends."Should we just carry it back ourselves and save the gil?"

“I’ll take care of the fee,” Thancred told her. “I told you. I want to take you guys out to dinner. Hard to do when we’re all burdened down with bags and boxes - not to mention a bed. Don’t fret, scamp. Let me do this for you.”

“Ok, ok,” she huffed, though she didn’t exactly like the idea of charity.

Free sushi, on the other hand, was definitely not something she considered charity. “Right, then. I think I hear the shrimp rolls calling my name, even from here.” With eager enthusiasm, she hurried out the doors, only to stop mid-step as a thought occurred to her.

“Oh! I almost forgot. Ciprys and Cirdan are hosting a pool party this Saturday at Cir's apartment and Varrus thought I should extend the invite to the two of you as well. Won't you come?" She gave her best pleading puppy eyes. "It'll be so much fun - their pool is on the roof. The roof!"

Is it charity when it’s between siblings? “Just try not to to eat your weight in sushi,” he warned her laconically. “I still have bills to pay this month.” He gestured for her to precede them out of the store, giving her directions to the sushi place he knew nearby. “A pool party? With - scamp, I don’t know,” he said dubiously.

Kal’istae tugged on his hand, frowning. “I rather like Ciprys. And it would be nice to get to know them better.”

He grimaced. “It’s not her. It’s that Cirdan. He’s not good news, Kali.” His eyes slid towards Jess and his face tightened slightly. “I’ve had bad experiences with his kind before.”

Wrapping her arm through his, Kal’istae leaned into him. “She wants to go,” she murmured. “She wants us to go. And he seemed genuinely upset about what happened. Give him a chance. Everyone deserves a chance,” she added as his eyes glinted stubbornly.

He sighed. “Fine,” he muttered, then his expression softened as he peered after Jess. “Fine. Better to be there than wonder, at any rate. Alright,” he added, raising his voice. “Sounds like a deal. Now. Sushi?”

"Sushi," Jess agreed with a nod. "And no promises about the bill."

"There!" Jess cheered, lifting her arms to the ceiling as her blanket fluttered down across her new mattress. "What do you think?"

It was an eclectic mix, to be certain, mismatched furniture sparsely covering the small room, the single photo hanging above the bed. It really wasn't much, but, well… it was the most she'd ever had. And she was determined to make it a true home. "Looks like I'm living in the lap of luxury now, huh?"

Kal’istae leaned against the door jam and studied the room. “It looks like you’re living your own life,” she replied serenely. “I didn’t have much more than you do now when I first moved here from Sharlayan. I couldn’t bring much with me on the airship, so I just had the clothes on my back and a few suitcases besides. The Miuranis shipped me a bunch of my books and stuff, but I had to make do for furniture. The good stuff will come in time.”

"I… Thank you, Kali," Jess murmured, her bravado fading as she nervously clasped her hands. "You didn't have to do this, but you did. For Thancred. For me. I swear, I'll do my best to make it up to you, and I promise not to be one of those obnoxious roommates you hear about all the time."

Lavender-edged eyes were warm. “I did it for myself, too,” she murmured. “I have a habit of shutting myself away from the world. I have few friends, and none outside of work or dance. Thancred’s one of the first people who was stubborn enough to force his way past the walls I’ve erected.” She sighed, shrugging uncomfortably. “You get it. It’s hard to make friends when your world is always getting turned upside down. I’m helping you - but I’m helping me, too. I like you,” she added, lips curving enough for the dimple in her left cheek to flash. “You’re… refreshing. And I think we’ll get along just fine.”

"I think so, too." The Highlander slowly nodded, reflecting the smaller woman's smile. And, gods, she hoped they were both right. Friends had been in rather short supply in her life, and now she suddenly felt inundated with them, in all the best ways.

Perhaps her life was finally starting to look up for a change.

#ffxiv #au: misadventures in modern eorzea #multiple authors #author: ainyan #author: sasslett #oc: jess shepard #oc: kal'istae miurani #npc: thancred waters

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