#she’s from the sagolii desert!

[bottleoflemons]

#ffxiv wol #ffxiv #ff14 #ffxiv oc #ffxiv miqo'te #ffxiv monk #x’rena khosm #hellooooooo here is my wol oc :) i have just completed arr as of a couple days ago and have been waiting for some friends new to the game #to catch up before progressing any more significantly! #i’ve been playing on and off since hw came out but i keep starting new characters so i’m making lore and backstory for this one #in an attempt to stick with her through ew #she’s from the sagolii desert! #separated from her clan as they were passing through #she stayed and they didn’t #because she wandered off too far #she was found a few years later and taken in by master hamon #she fights unarmed for about half the story. and then her friend eik gives her claw caps #then she fights Enhanced Unarmed

[xmimiteh]

As I’ve been trying to make some background for my FC and my chocobo racing with Mimiteh, I realized this could be some nice things to pick up for anyone here. Also might be some hooks, if anyone wants to engage in rp with Mimi. So, here they are:

Chocobo racing news!

And don’t worry, I won’t claim this is “all” chocobo racing happening. I assume there are a lot more chocobo races than just the ones I will be posting here. These are just the ones Mimiteh participates in. The names are simply fictional NPCs I created out of a whim for it. So if anything does not work for you or collides with any of your stuff? Feel free to ignore it or simply say, this is just another race in the region – there could be several other races happen as well.

So, no territorial claims from me. Just some invitation to pick this up for inspiration. You need a topic to talk about? No need to talk about the weather, talk about the recent chocobo races! Want to bet on the races or make some money with it? Or lose it? Do it! I’ll see how much time I can put in here to give you some background. Some weeks it will just be the basics, sometimes I might throw in some interesting event.

This is basically like Fantasy Football with happy birds! As I never did Fantasy Football and I need to find my groove here, this might evolve over time. Don’t expect something too elaborated, because I usually build these things up step by step. I rarely do a lot of ooc pre-planning. I just improvise a lot.

If you have any question, idea or whatever, just send me a DM. Otherwise, have fun with it:

Chocobo race (name / catch-phrase): “High spirited racing” Location: Shroud / Tranquil Paths / Gridania Weather: Rainy (Day 1) / Rainy (Day 2) / Foggy (Day 3) / Clear (Day 4) / Clear (Day 5) Special: Tournament with 5 days of consecutive races

Racing Results:

1. Heavenly High – Warulo Rulo 2. Running Berserker – A’nura Nahar 3. Ul’dahn Gold – X’mimiteh Lhim 4. Inspired Speed – Tehwa’ran Ora 5. Clear Skyfall – Chester Roefield 6. Falling Meteor – Aaron Fyth 7. Walking Tree – Raging Boulder 8. Little Winner – Lorola Lora 9. Why so kweh? – Annabelle Greene 10. Big Chirper – Glymwynn Fjorlsn

Quick summary: This was an unusual race and not part of an on-going series or the season. The annual “High spirited racing” tournament in the Shroud. Several consecutive races with some weird point system for each race. In the end, points were added and the final results are as seen above. Also, special rules (very strict) to keep the spirits calm. Who could know racing could be this complicated?

How it went for Mimiteh: Surprisingly well! She complained a bit before about the weather. And to be fair, weather in the Shroud indeed is challenging for her and her chocobo. And the first three days were hard for them. But in the end, it cleared up and they finally managed to gain more points. Not enough to win, but still – a remarkable result especially in the Shroud! One of the best for the grumpy chocobo jockey in a long time. Commentators even commented on how she seemed in a way better form than she used to be – even more relentless in her pursuits and more aggressive.

--

Upcoming race: Seasonal Gold Saucer race Location: Thanalan / Sagolii Road

Racing Roster (only participants):

* Ul’dahn Gold – X’mimiteh Lhim * Desert Hopper – U’donna Werun * Cactuar Glory – Elisabeth Harrow * Syndicate Racer – Ulalala Lala * Stormy Cannon – U’hym Tia * Wild Beak – Soh’rae Quor * Why so kweh? – Annabelle Greene * Running Berserker – A’nura Nahar * Big Chirper – Glymwynn Fjorlsn * Falling Meteor – Aaron Fyth

#FF14 #Final Fantasy 14 #Final Fantasy XIV #Chocobo #Chocobo! #Kweh #Kweh! #Chocobo racing news #Chocobo races #X'mimiteh racing news

[avirael]

FFxivWrite 2023

Day 10 - Stranger

It was a particularly warm day in Thanalan. There wasn’t a single cloud to be seen in the sky, just endless bright blue and the hot sun that relentlessly beat down on the sparse landscape and everyone who dared to set a foot into it. A'viloh, raised in the Sagolii Desert, was used to the heat, so it didn’t bother him much, but he wondered if the noblewoman he was sent to find shared that sentiment.

Papashan had asked him for assistance in their search for a girl from a noble family, a certain Lady Lilira. A'viloh didn’t know exactly how the nobility of Ul'dah lived but, with everything he had seen and heard so far, he expected it to be a rather luxurious way of living, not to say pampered. He wondered how long a carefully sheltered young noblewoman would survive so far away from the pleasantly cool temperatures of her palace.

Up until now he had barely seen any soul out and about. At this time of the day and with the blazing sun so high in the sky, every reasonable person looked for shelter indoors or at least beneath the shadow of a tree. As he let his eyes wander over the area that thought suddenly gave him an idea: The Sultantree! This had to be the coolest place around here at the moment, even if cool was a giant overstatement…

With quickened steps he walked towards the big tree. From afar he could already see a tiny, Lalafell-shaped form crouched in front of the Sultantree. He already feared that she wasn’t feeling well but as he stepped closer he noticed that the girl dressed in pink had only kneeled down to pray.

Quietly he stepped closer so that he wouldn’t disturb her prayers but she didn’t seem to notice him at all. After a moment, while he still considered how to address her, she suddenly spoke up.

“Show yourself!”, she ordered loudly and with unexpected confidence in her voice.

A'viloh startled. For some reason he felt caught and was about to stammer out some explanation, when a unforeseen voice and footsteps behind him made him jump in surprise.

“As you command, O Lilira.”, said the voice with a cheeky tone, while A'viloh turned to face the person it was coming from.

A man stepped beside him with a carefree and confident gait. It was a white haired Hyur, quite a bit taller than A'viloh and probably stronger too. He was dressed in black and white clothes and A'viloh couldn’t help but think that he was quite handsome.

Then he noticed the pair of daggers at his hips and immediately his mind jumped back to the young noblewoman. Oh no! Was this man here to kidnap her?

But the Lalafell girl seemed to know the Hyur already, at least considering the way she spoke to him. She sounded unpleased to see him but also not surprised. It all sounded more like he was one of her guards than a thief. However the nonchalant way the man spoke to her didn’t quite fit that picture.

After a short conversation with the Lalafell the handsome stranger turned to face A'viloh, as if he just noticed him for the first time, and flashed a smile that caught A'viloh off guard. It was a charming kind of smile that made you feel warm and welcome. Like it was only meant for him. But at the same time a voice in the back of his head hissed at him like a feral coeurl, that he shouldn’t be stupid and that it probably was just a well exercised and clever trick to lure him in. Maybe he was a thief or some creepy stalker after all…

“You must be the one Papashan mentioned. Congratulations on finding our elusive young charge. You should return with us. The stationmaster will be eager to thank Lady Lilira’s protector in person.”, he said still smiling so amiably that A'viloh almost felt bad for mistrusting him.

Just as A'viloh wanted to answer, the sound of flapping wings in the air distracted him. All three of them looked up and saw a strange dark monster swoop down from the sky on leathery wings and shriek at them.

The handsome stranger shook his head and protectively stepped in front of Lady Lilira. With a joke on his lips, he pulled the daggers from his belt and looked at A'viloh for support. Just as the ugly beast swooped down on them, A'viloh jumped to the side and gripped his knuckles.

“Let’s attend to our uninvited guest, shall we?”, the Hyur asked as he jumped towards the monster slashing at it with his daggers. A'viloh followed his example and tried his best to put the techniques, which the pugilists had taught him, to good use. Occasionally it was difficult to hit the flying creature but fortunately it was not particularly fast. Every now and then the stranger threw another quip at A'viloh or the monster, and at the later also his daggers, until after a while it finally fell down defeated.

While the stranger turned to check on the Lalafell girl, A'viloh noticed something shimmering by the monsters corpse. He bowed down and picked up a shining blue crystal but just as he stood up again he suddenly started to feel very dizzy. His head started to spin and his view began to blur. Is the heat finally getting to me after all these hours in the sun, was the last thing he thought before he fainted.

***

He didn’t know how long he had been unconscious, when he woke up again. All he remembered was a weird dream about a giant blue crystal and a strangely familiar female voice that spoke to him. He was sure he heard it before somewhere and it all had sounded rather important but he didn't really understood the meaning of it.

“Ah, coming around now?”, he heard the voice of the handsome stranger as he started to blink. Slowly his view got clearer again and he saw both, the Hyur and the Lalafell, looking down at him with worried faces.

Carefully he tried to sit up and the stranger extended a hand for him to help him up. A'viloh took it and with one strong jolt he was on his feet again. Maybe the man had misjudged A'viloh’s weight or the Miqo'te simply was still a little dizzy but his tug had been strong enough to make him stumble forward, right into the Hyur’s chest.

Embarrassed A'viloh tried to put some distance between them and muttered his thanks. You should have apologised instead you idiot!, he scolded himself in his thoughts.

“You’re welcome.” The man said and chuckled, while he helped him steady himself. “No need to throw yourself around my neck though, really…”

He winked at him and A'viloh would have sworn that the midday sun got a few degrees hotter all of a sudden.

“That was a little too much aether for you, wasn’t it?”, the Hyur asked and looked a little worried again.

A'viloh, still a little too perplexed to answer, just nodded.

“I hope you at least had a pleasant dream.”

Before he really thought about how stupid it sounded A'viloh had already blurted out: “I dreamt about a giant crystal!”

That of course earned him a quizzical look and he immediately kicked himself for it.

But before any of them could say anything else, they were interrupted by Lady Lilira, who loudly cleared her throat. “Would you mind telling me what that was?”

A'viloh looked at her in confusion before realising that she hadn’t spoken to him. The stranger explained that the monster probably had been a voidsent but he didn’t have any explanation for how or why it had appeared so suddenly.

Then he told them that he had to report this strange encounter at once and asked A'viloh to escort Lady Lilira back to Papashan. She protested, announced that she was capable to return on her own and ran off before anybody could object.

The stranger shrugged with an amused smile on his face and then motioned to leave as well.

“I suspect we shall meet again before long.”, he said. “Until then, do try and stay awake!”

Dumbfounded as he still was A'viloh just nodded once again and watched the stranger leave towards the city.

Only then he realised that neither of them had even introduced themself. What would they both think of him?

“I dreamt about a giant crystal!?”, he parroted to himself and buried his face in his hands. “I cannot believe I actually said that…”

#ffxivwrite2023 #ffxivwrite #ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #ff14 #final fantasy 14 #ffxiv writing #ARR #A'viloh Tia #Thancred Waters #what do you mean “it didn't happen like this”? Of course it did! #Thancred was absolutely called “handsome stranger” in-game as an insight into A'vi's thoughts... #for reference: A’vi is about the same height as Y’shtola #“I dreamt about a giant crystal” is the ffxiv-equivalent of “I carried a watermelon” :D

[halikyon]

MiqoMarch Day 1 (Extended)

(more in-depth look at what exactly Ryune and Momodi are speaking of)

Ryune told her all, in the end. Momodi had an odd way of drawing out what lay within, and frankly, Ryune couldn't help but feel relief at being able to speak so freely.

She spoke of her time with the M, and how Ryune was not her birth name. She was once M'runa, living with her family in a village near the Peering Stones as an outpost of the M. She was too young to recall it all, but one thing she remembered more clearly than anything was her mother, barely holding together herself, trying to comfort her after the Garleans had come and forced them to take refuge at the Peering Stones, her two older sisters already gone off to fight.

Somehow she had known she would never see them again. Now it was her, her brother M'viccar, and her mother M'layha. Her father, Cor Vathere, an adventurer like she would one day become, had been caught outside of Gyr Abania at the time, but she had no way of knowing that, expecting fully that he was gone, too.

In the weeks after, their defeat had been total, and word reached them that her sisters were indeed gone. M'erda the lancer and M'sana the archer were dead, and their mother withdrew into herself, beyond grief.

The final blow had yet to come, though. M'viccar, the only surviving sibling, was killed in an altercation between the Qalyana and a Garlean patrol while he had been out foraging. This was too much for M'layha. She was last seen stumbling into the wastes with a knife in hand. The next morning she was found surrounded by a dead Garlean patrol that had made camp for the night, her final act one of vengeance.

It was only now that her father had been able to arrive himself. At 9 years old, Ryune had then been spirited away, her father terrified that he would lose her as well. They had traveled through Gridania, shunned and hated, and had made their way to Thanalan. Here, her father knew a place of refuge existed at Little Ala Mhigo, and took her there.

They made themselves a home in this collection of spires and rocks, the people who had already come providing succor after their long journey.

It was here she grew to be her most spiteful of the Garleans, the refugees that came telling stories of how horrible they had been treated by their new oppressors. She grew here as well, learning the trade of leatherworking to get by, and often joining hunting parties for food and supplies. It was also here that she would take her first human life.

It had been a joke, a cruel and hateful one, but a joke nonetheless. An Ul'dahn boy had come wearing replica Garlean armor, taunting them, spewing nonsense his parents had probably fed him. Ryune had been right there, initially frozen in shock, but soon compelled to move by rage. She had beaten a boy to death with her bare hands. His friends who had been watching from afar, likely having even put him up to it, ended up telling the Brass Blades. Ryune ran.

She didn't know how far to go or even where. She decided South might throw them off, the beast tribe there likely being too much for them to handle just to go after her. She had been right, but she also didn't know when to stop, finding herself now lost in the Sagolii Desert. Thankfully she was found by U Tribe hunters before too long, and had been led back to their home.

To her surprise they had allowed her to stay, and to keep her safe. Having explained what had transpired, they had been sympathetic, and took her in on the condition that she conduct herself as a member of the U tribe. She did, taking the name of U'ryune and serving to the benefit of her new home.

Many days later, a man was brought before her. It was her father, searching for her, having been cast out from Little Ala Mhigo for fear of his relation bringing the Brass Blades down upon them in some sort of twisted retribution. He didn't blame her, saying that if it hadn't been her, it would have been someone else, remarking that no one had lifted a finger to the boy's defense or even told her to stop even in the middle of the settlement. He told her that neither could go back, but was glad she had found refuge here.

He went on to say he would make for La Noscea and look for work there, perhaps as a fisherman or as a crewman aboard a ship. It was the last time she ever talked to him in person. They had kept in touch through letters, but one day they stopped coming back. It was much later that she learned that the sea had consumed him.

She stayed for a long time. Only leaving to become an adventurer herself at 25, hoping aboard a trader's chocobo cart bound for Ul'dah, changing her name on the spot to Ryune Avereth, and starting her own path.

#ffxiv #ryune avereth #miqomarch #theres a lot more of an in-depth thing im working on but this is an adequate synopsis of her pre-ARR life

[onwesterlywinds]

PROMPT #27: Sole

Rosenheim had only traveled so far south on one prior occasion, and the circumstances had not permitted him time for socialization. The dry air tasted as he remembered it from Ashelia's memories, and all the bitterness she associated with it came to the fore of his own emotions; then, not so far from the entrance, two women's laughter cut through the quiet.

He found Gundobald further from where he usually took up guard, cleaning his pike of peiste guts at the southern entrance. The man glanced up as Rosenheim made his humble approach.

"Can I help you, traveler?"

For the first time in longer than he could remember, Rosenheim hesitated.

"I wanted to speak with you directly," he began. "And in private."

"If this is about safe passage home," Gundobald replied, "I'll have to connect you via mail with Bertliana, our representative on the new council. She's facilitating as many relocations as she's been able, with priority going to the most needy."

"Thank you," said Rosenheim, "but I've just come from the Ala Mhigan capital."

For the first time, suspicion crossed over the old bear's wrinkled face.

"I've owed you a meeting for quite some time," he continued. "From one soldier to another-" Here he looked around, the better to determine that they were not being overheard. "-I've wanted to thank you for taking care of my daughter."

Gundobald's hand stilled. He set down his pike upon the desert earth and stood to take his full measure of Rosenheim. For the first time, too, he saw the man as Ashe likely saw him.

"Riot," he breathed.

Ashe had warned him plenty of times that their surname was not popular in the refugee camps, as too many of the others' loved ones had been disappeared during the Mad King's purges. To hear Gundobald speak it so softly put that understanding into perspective. All the same, he nodded.

"It is no less than I would have done for any child," Gundobald began. He opened his mouth as if to continue that line of explanation, then shook his head. "I owed it to your sister. To Alma. She saved my life and the lives of my men during the king's reign."

Try as he might, Rosenheim could not recall any incident like this from his memory or his daughter's.

Gundobald's mustaches fluttered as he let out a heavy breath, staring out across the same lifeless stretch of the Sagolii that he had surely seen for more than twenty years. "I led a group of us from the Saltery to the city gates. We gathered more and more people along the road until we became a mob. Perhaps we thought ourselves the mob that would storm the palace, even." He shook his head to indicate the foolishness of that notion. "And Alma was on duty at the city gate to meet us. By protocol, she should have called for more of the city guard to surround us then and there. But she, barely out of girlhood and scarcely taller than five fulms, locked eyes with me. And she pleaded for us to turn around."

He had read the reports at the time, mostly with an eye for anything in her behavior that might have been deemed incriminating or sympathetic to the rebels. To hear them from one who had been there, so many years removed, brought tears to his eyes that he could not entirely attribute to the desert air. "She's alive, in case you didn't know. Continuing to root out imperials in Dalmasca."

"Ashelia's told me some in her letters. I'm glad of it. As I am glad of her mother's recovery."

Gundobald had not looked at him for some time, and Rosenheim followed his line of sight out toward a horizon that glistened with heat. "She was not an easy child," he conceded.

"No," the old bear laughed, wiping at his eyes. "She was not. And I cannot claim we always gave her the care she needed."

"But you, in particular - you were the only one who always had a place for her, no matter what." It was not his place to broach her tenure in the Corpse Brigade by name, and yet somehow, he knew Gundobald understood. "I see her exhibit that same grace as a leader of a new Ala Mhigo, and I know she did not learn it from me."

They sat together in as long of a silence as Rosenheim could stand, until the first hints of gold began to tinge the horizon and they might well have mistaken the canyon walls all around them for those of Gyr Abania.

#FFXIVWrite #FFXIVWrite 2023 #Ashley Rosenheim

[humblemooncat]

Character Themes

What instrumental track would play in the background of your character's story during their most meaningful moments?

Tagged by the lovely @mimble-sparklepudding

It's Me by Sleeping At Last

I chose this one for Ki'to because it sounds like the light at the end of a very long, very dark tunnel. If I could replace the music at the very end of Endwalker, after the Endsinger fight, with a pause at 1:28 and continuing after the fight with Zenos, it would be this.

After the constant struggle, there was finally a sense of 'Thank the gods, it's finally over'

It also reminds me of this one line in Undertale that honestly fit with how he felt during that stretch of time.

The Jellyfish Song (Music Box Cover)

With her having lost all memory of her childhood in Thavnair, I just know that returning home is going to be one of the most meaningful moments for Orias.

This just gives me that childhood vibe, while still being sorrowful. Which, given she hasn't been to Thavnair since, if the memories come back to her upon seeing home again she will probably need a while to just... be. Not that Urianger and Thancred would mind (in fact, Thancred would probably be by her side. That ship is set to sail by ShB tbh, she put her foot down on it being him), and Estinien would just have to be patient.

Divine Creation by Sleeping At Last

This one is still upsettingly short for how it swells, but it gives a very good base for how I'd imagine Rhala's instrumental might go.

He loves the water, and one would almost exclusively find him down by the docks if he wasn't in his room or Labyrinthos. It calms him like nothing else. So in a meaningful moment, a swell of music and waves sounds like the perfect backdrop for him.

Honestly this gives me strong "Beloved son" vibes where Hydaelyn is present in the cutscenes, like the above. It just gives that sense of floating in a space of ethereal nature.

Ill Equipped by Sleeping At Last

This gives me desert child vibes, which is perfect for Lohi given he's from the U Tribe of the Sagolii Desert. So far, since he's only part way through ARR, that's really the only thing defining him right now in his head. So I could imagine this would be playing as his personal bgm until later when he gets more well-rounded as a character.

As you can see, Sleeping At Last is generally my go-to for instrumentals. Absolutely stunning music, I cannot recommend it enough.

Decided to go ahead and add one for each of my main OCs in addition to my WoL, as well as explanations because I'm very meticulous when it comes to what goes on each of their playlists.

Speaking of! I actually completed Lohi's a couple days back, so feel free to enjoy it here!

I'll probably make him another later on after he completes EW, this one's just his vibe.

Not sure who's been tagged yet, so I'll just tag anyone who's seen this and hasn't been tagged yet in case y'all want to do it too! <3

#Ki'to #Orias #Y'rhala #U'lohi #Instrumental character songs #tagged #Of course this took all day #Nothing I do related to music takes less than all day #xD #Thank you for the tag as always Mimble! #<3

[bloodsworn-marshal]

YOTP February Prompt: Established Relationship/Long Distance

“I must away for a few days time… potentially longer depending on how tempers currently fare.” An abrupt declaration over linkpearl as the flame marshal was on the way back home to pack a bag for his leave. A swift one it would be at that—the moment he had his belongings ready, he would be out the gates in a flash. Headed straight for his destination without pause or opportunity to turn back.

This mission was urgent.

So sudden was the news did Pipin catch his beloved unawares as she had stepped away from her workspace, finding a quiet corner in the back of her storefront and closing the door behind herself for privacy. Worry exuding as she wondered the need for the rushing off and so quickly.

“What happened, if I may…?” Adede tapped the linkpearl close to her ear, listening intently before she allowed herself to think of it any further. “How far will you be?”

“In deepest depths of Thanalan’s desert… tensions have risen as rival Amalj’aan clans clash between one another. For a multitude of reasons I imagine. And none so easily quelled without my presence.” Pipin sighed into the linkpearl, clearly exasperated already with the situation without giving too much detail. “The southern front Flames have done their best, but tis time for me to step in. For however long necessary.”

Twas a sudden escalation that came from a particular Amalj’aan tribe out in the furthest wilds of Thanalan. Now that Ul’dah and her countrymen were open to peacemaking with the outer tribes such as those of Paglth'an and the Brotherhood of Ash, others who had yet to fully agree to negotiations were slowly festering ill intent.

Accusations that other tribes were favored more than another. Why was this tribe included and not theirs? Or even further, some still yet refused to accept an olive branch back into association with Ul’dah as a whole. Calling their kin betrayers that would turn on their own neighbors, while relations between local tribes was already blood for blood as is.

So little peace between their lots. Their acceptance was not so easily garnered. Not unless the Flame General himself strode up to the field to batter up. For most negotiations went through chieftains around here. Such was his presence necessary…

“I know not exactly when I shall return, but I would apprise you of any updates at every free moment I have.”

And so he would be gone. Not for a long time when compared to the days of war in Ala Mhigan lands or Ghimlyt Dark. But still the longest they’ve had to deal with in awhile after entering so fresh and new an era of peace.

“I shall await your call at any time.” Adede swore with no qualms. Pipin could not ignore his duty after all. As cold and lonely as one’s abode and bed might be for a time. “You need not worry about happenings at home. May your trip be safe and well…”

“I shall let you know once I’ve arrived. Or at worse, call you at moment’s reprieve.” A pause followed… shortly adding in a quiet “I love you. Tell me should anything happen in my absence.

A soft smile graced Adede’s face as she answered with kindest “I love you too.”

The linkpearl clicked off. And so they would part for days to come. Ringing back familiar memories of olden times in the summers they first met. How this wouldn’t be the last of disturbances in their lives, for how oft duty called.

…

…

The first call came in late at night right before what would normally be bedtime for the pair.

“I hope I have not disturbed.”

“Never would a call of yours disturb me.”

Pipin explained from the get go the circumstances in further detail. He arrived around sundset upon their station in the Sagolii Desert to a disturbance just outside of the small village. Two different clans of Amalj’aa were face to face, bearing weapons in their hands with threats and swears thrown in the air for all to hear. Just as he feared from reports, they may as well have been at each others throats and were raring to go—the only thing holding them back being the Flame allies keeping things at peace as best they could.

He had jumped in at the right time and managed to part the tribes for the time being. With much convincing and promise for negotiations on his part (as well as a show of strength to force a cease), they would wait on the morrow for further talks.

“They did not wish to back off, but they are prone to accept defeat by my hands and wait a little longer.” As tired as Pipin sounded, he couldn’t help but huff a laugh. Between the rough tribes, so many disputes were solved with shows of strength with a bout of muscle—and the Flame General was always ever pleased to oblige

“You are unhurt then?” Adede sounded relieved, though prayed that Pipin would speak up should anything serious have truly happened.

“Aye. There is peace. For now… I fear my days shall be busy lessening all associated tempers.”

“Take care in remembering to rest here and there…” A statement that all too oft applied to them both. Concern for one another’s health while keeping busy on their own regardless. As was the life of these two workaholics. “I hope they’ll be feeding you plenty during your stay.

“As they did when the both of us were taking refuge here those summers past. Might have even improved since last I’ve been!”

Chuckles and laughter here and there as they situated into smaller talks. Such as how Adede’s day had gone, what she’d had for dinner, if the house felt too dark or open with one last person to occupy it. With promise to talk more as the days go by… for Pipin was exhausted after the rush there and needed for sleep.

“Tomorrow then.” They would swear before following up with ‘goodnights’ and ‘I love yous’.

Such as the days would go by in similar fashion. Pipin would call at convenient opportune times for himself. Typically in early morn or in late evening. Adede would readily answer his call, busy or no. If she happened to be caught at a bad time, she would shuffle away from whatever she was doing before settling into long conversation.

‘How were things going?’

‘Had anything happened?’

‘Any developments?’

‘I miss you…’

The same questions on either end. With not much happening on Adede’s side of the desert whereas Pipin had all the plenty to share given his circumstances.

But when all was said and done business wise, he spoke fondly to Adede as though they were sitting right next to one another. As though they were not malms upon malms apart. Speaking freely about what he wanted to do when he got home, what sort of meal he missed, a particular place he wanted to go, if Adede had plans on a certain day when he returned.

All that and so much more.

“Commander Swift calls in sometimes and while he wishes me well after giving a status report, he also warns me about the number of calls I might be making. Can you believe…”

Adede would laugh and listen intently to each and every word. Just as she had those many years ago when they were ever further apart. To the point that some days the connection could not be made at times, leaving one to wonder the other’s fate. To be able to sit here now, knowing all was well and not so far off should anything happen… lightened the load on her heart and then some.

“Come home soon.” She would say at conversation’s end. “And take care of yourself. I shall ever be waiting… and I miss you.”

“I miss you too. Just wait a little longer.”

…

…

At long last did negotiations come to an end. A relative peace to have as clans became allies and treaties were formed.  For every contest thrown the general’s way, no matter how difficult or far-fetched, he met them head on. Succeeding in every task and leaving no room for foul play.

Times were different now and they knew that. No more summonings need be had. No more blood need be shed. Catch up now with the changing times, or risk having the full brunt of the Immortal Flames come down upon their heads now that they were no longer as much of a nuisance.

Begrudging or not, the chieftains agreed to all that transpired. For Pipin’s part, he was mighty tired after being tasked so greatly. In both mental and physical sense. The ride home was a rush, but not nearly so urgent. Taking in the quiet moments of him and nature, the trotting of his chocobo companion, and worries slowly sifting away to the back of his mind.

Another step towards a brighter future.

So fondly did the marshal look upon Ul’dah’s gates as he approached. What once was a cage, dark and binding… now resembling that of which he could call home. Welcoming him in kindly embrace, despite that many daggers that still hid beneath its cover. With each single one disappearing as time went on, one after the other, slowly but surely. Twas not a paradise that had changed overnight… Yet he saw to it to better it one day at a time.

Reports were to be made upon arrival. Catching the captains and commanders up on the ending resolutions that hadn’t already made its way there. Formal writing to make official their actions and all that transpired. As quill finished meeting paper, Pipin awayed for the remainder of the day. After all: He had already let a certain someone know he’d be back today.

“I’m home.” He called upon entering the familiar doorway to their abode, belongings slung over his shoulder in the one or two backpacks he allowed himself on the journey.

What answer there was to be had came in the form of a rushing motion. Arms wrapping swiftly and tightly around one’s frame, just about enough to knock the wind out of any normal person. There Adede was, a bright smile upon her face as she remained close. “Welcome home!”

Pipin couldn’t help but smile in turn, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close in warmest embrace.

Welcome home indeed…

#ffxiv #yotp #yotp 2023 #pipdede #long distance #established relationship #writing

[makoblue]

 @primalvessel -- 02 .   a  kiss  for  the  first  time .

K’urau Tia. He’s leaving that name behind forever.

A slow, languid kiss. One that clearly catches the other feline by surprise. But Cloud can feel him responding, leaning his weight into it.

“Free of charge.” Cloud is looking back at the other Miqo’te through half-lidded eyes as he leans back from across the table. This is no ship that would have him sitting in the lap of luxury, but it’s a ship. And Griever, the owner, is his best bet out of getting out of this boring little village in the middle of the Sagolii Desert.

Whatever it takes.

He’s never felt like he belongs. His dreams were too big for this place and its damned traditions. They were eventually going to drive him out anyway. Getting into fights all the time-- a desirable trait for most young males in the tribe, if not for the fact that he’d spurned advances from all other women. His mother had slapped him in the mouth so hard the day she found out that her claws caught the bottom edge of his lip and left a pale crescent where the skin scarred over and never healed properly.

As if it weren’t bad enough that Ul’dah uses the vast emptiness as an excuse to dump their criminal refuse here.

This is one chance he won’t let slip up. He can’t fuck this up. “What do you say? I’ll make it worth your while. Every ship needs a companion. Someone to smooth out negotiations, makes sure you have a safe place to drop your anchor.”

#me reading through the wiki to remember tf is going on in this world lol #primalvessel #answered. #maru. #verse. xiv.

[umbralsound-xiv]

“I asked her to come with me to Thanalan. I wanted to practice dancing on the sand... Somewhere which was not the beach.

Anywhere but the beach. I will have to face it one sun again, when the Moonfire Faire is upon us, but... Things were still difficult to confront.

So we left for the Sagolii Desert. I had heard of it; just a sprint away from the Aetheryte. We did not go far. Sayuri was ill at ease... Considering what had happened there before.

When i met her, she was in the infirmary from such an incident.

I began to dance. I had been doing for a short while, and stopped to catch my breath and quell the ache in my calves before...

Before... Something... Came running at me. An Elezen woman? A... Machine? Her voice was abnormal. Strange. And the was she looked, and moved... And...

There was an Elezen. Another one. He was much less strange; at least, so i had thought. She called him papa...

She wanted me to teach her how to dance.

She wanted to...

Pull me to pieces, to see how i worked.

And everything is a blur from there. I remember Sayuri’s axe forming of ice. I remember being attacked. I remember her... Cleaving the man in two? Only... He did not die. The woman did not die. I remember bleeding

I remember fighting back.

I remember picking up Sayuri and running. The aetheryte was so close...

And i remember my legs giving out on me in the sand. I told her to run.

Told her to run.

She did not run.

I felt conciousness leave me, as i called into the linkpearl for help..

And i remember nothing after that.”

#Muse: [Eir] #Chapter: [Unseen Whispers] #[His Beloved Children] #FFXIV #IC #Screenshot #Writing #Musing

[ainarosewood]

Abyss

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast​

FFxivWrite2022 Day 9 Prompt Yawn

It was strange this gulf between the stars and part of Sallee felt she made a mistake by picking up that device and trusting in this mysterious voice.  Yet despite how annoyed she had been with his timing and, she suspected, accidental removal of her friends she felt he was speaking truth.  So she did as he bade, sought the beacon and in turn found it.  Now here she was floating through a vast endless expanse, ice crystals floating by all of which seemed to be bearing her memories.

In her mind she heard echoes of snippets of conversations from when she was young in the then warm comfortable Coerthan Central Highlands.  Beginnings of her journey as an adventurer.  The following battles that vaunted her to the position of Warrior of Light and Champion of Eorzea.  All of which came and went and were barely discernible more a babble of sound than true distinct moments.  Then one rang clear, one that had tore at her heart and made her question herself on just how far she would go should there ever be a need. 

“We did everything right, everything that was asked of us and still, still we failed,” Arbert’s anguished voice filled her ears and she reached out toward that shard only to have it float in then completely out of her grasp.  

Suddenly a blinding light appeared ahead of her and she held her hands before her eyes squinting against the glare.  Then before her stood Minifillia as the Word of the Mother her hands held before her stopping a massive wave of glowing liquid before her.  Sallee was confused by the words spoken to her, they seemed meant for her and yet not.  Light blinded her again and then she found herself staring up at a brilliant sky of variant shades of yellow and white all of which seemed off, wrong.

She rolled over onto her side and the Elezen caught the scent of unfamiliar flowers that, judging by the general appearance, should have been more potent than it was.  It seemed muted, much like most of the area around had carpets of these strange flowers and towering trees all of which held a purple hue.  Everything seemed dampened, muted like the vibrancy of life was gone.

It was disturbing to say the least but, she’d get nowhere lounging in the grass.  Shaking her fuzzy head she pushed herself up swaying as blood rushed to her head from the change of position.  Once she was able to stand with confidence she looked around and spotted a familiar figure walking alongside a chocobo. 

 Bremondt she thought hazily, What's he doing in this strange place?

She then made her way toward him and as she got closer she realized while the man resembled the old merchant it wasn't him.  Either way a merchant could direct her to wherever the nearest civilization was.  

He greeted her and asked her what she was doing wandering this time of night and she was confused, it was night time?  But the sky was glowing brighter than midday in the heart of the Sagolii desert.  

He then laughed and told a story about his father and a barkeep.  She was only half listening as her heart began to pound as her hazy mind finally began to put together where she was.  Arbert’s homeland, the First.  The world that was nearly destroyed by the Flood of Light.  Somehow the mysterious cowled man had pulled her across that strange icy abyss to the First.  And with any luck the rest of the Scions were also here.  

Though it was hard to say if they were corporeal or not given their spirits were dragged.  She then wondered if she too back in Mor Dhona shared their fate.  Lying prone unconscious her body showing the barest signs of life.

Well if it is then overtly the others are as solid here as I am cause this man certainly doesnt think I am a ghost. She mused to herself

The merchant must have taken her inattentiveness for confusion and then made a comment about “them” getting to her.  He then directed her to the Crystarium pointing off in a nearby direction and told her to look for the shining tower.  They’d see to her and take care of her.  He then got up, put out his fire and began to lead his chocobo away.

The Wildwood then turned in the direction he pointed and got a shock, and wondered how she had missed it before.  There far above the nearby trees was the unmistakable shape of the Crystal Tower.  She had seen it far too often not to recognize that distinct monument.  But how in seven hells was it here?  How was the vaunted tower of Alag on a completely different world?

The Alagans had many things including star travel but to have a tower in the exact same spot on two worlds?  That defied imagination.  

She then shook herself and began walking, standing in the middle of these odd woods would get her no answers.  Not to mention no telling what sort of creatures lived in this strange, going stagnant existence.

#FFxivWrite2022 #oc Sallee Reinard #elezen #wildwood #aether data center #midgardsormr

[notleriff]

Tomb Raiders

Yurah bounced down the stairs from the bedroom, alternating each foot during her descent. She bumped the ajar door into the living room with her hip to open it, allowing her inside. The horrible sound she had heard as she had woken up that came from within was sourced to the window ledge. Leriff was sprawled out on the inclined sofa as if he had been thrown there in some sort of fight, even if she knew he hadn’t. One hand lay on his face to block out the sun, the other hanging off, fingertips resting on the floor. He hadn’t even managed to get both of his legs onto his makeshift bed, and one bare foot rest on top of his piles of papers and tomes he had likely been perusing right before he had fallen asleep. And that horrible, awful snoring that emanated from his open mouth would be enough to startle even the most dreadful of beasts.

She giggled in delight as she tiptoed over to the table where he had been working before falling into his exhausted coma. Shuffling through the papers as quiet as could be, she looked over his notes and maps, cocking her head to the side in thought.

“It’s the Sagolii.”

Yurah jumped, ears and tail bristling at the shock. No matter how often she learned the fact, the sudden realization of how light a sleeper Leriff actually was, despite making more noise than even the loudest airship engine, spooked her every time. She nodded when she calmed down, taking up the cup of coffee that the man had left out. It was still steaming, indicating he had quite literally likely fallen asleep only moments before she woke. “I can see that. What’s this all about?”

Leriff rolled over, pulling himself fully onto the couch as he stretched out his sore limbs. “I wrote all of it down. You can look it over yourself.” The man yawned, seeming disinclined to take the time to explain when he could be sleeping instead.

With a frown, Yurah glanced down at the absolute scratch that her beloved had the audacity to claim was legible Eorzean. She tossed his horrendous handwriting to the side and cupped the coffee in both hands, turning to face the man. “I like when you explain it instead.”

She was met with a sigh as the man turned to face her, pushing himself up on one hand to rest his head against his arm. “Way back in the Fifth Astral Era, there was a tribe of miqo’te that lived deep in the desert. Some of the tribes that exist in that region today speak of a legend of the leader of this tribe. He was a hulking man, towering over his brethren, and a tyrant. He ruled over the entirety of the dunes with an equally imposing weapon, an axe given the name Dunesunder. When he eventually died, a mausoleum of sorts was constructed, and he along with this powerful weapon were entombed within.”

“Uh-huh.” Yurah sipped from the mug before making a face in disgust. Of all the things Leriff could prepare perfectly, a practical connoisseur of the finest of dining despite his inability to taste anything, the man could never once make an actually good cup of coffee-- it may as well have been hot bean water. She set the mug down and pushed it away from her, as if its very presence would offend her. “And how much of this is true?”

“Almost assuredly zero percent.”

The miqo’te turned her attention back to the mess of research on the table. “I’m sensing a but coming…”

Leriff smiled as he rolled onto his back, lifting a finger in the air. “But, T’firrah sent word to me last week that a sandstorm had ravaged them for days, and when it finally cleared, it revealed the tops of a buried tomb. And, judging by the architecture, it definitely dates back quite a ways.”

That was enough information for the woman, and she bounced on her heels in excitement. She pranced over to the man, stars in her eyes, and bent forward, cupping her hands into fists by her chin. “When do we leave?!”

Leriff rolled back over as he yawned, facing his back to the woman. He jerked his thumb to the bag near the door as he closed his eyes to get some more sleep. “I’m already packed.”

[desertdragon]

Moving this old shit here because I don't know what to do with it but there's no point keeping it on the carrd

----------------------------------------

Despises Ishgard & its Noble Houses and is a self proclaimed open enemy of the state. Despises Monarchies, Empires & Monetarists.

Since becoming a partial Primal her body craves more food and her already generous appetite has expanded. Including cannibalism when in desperate hunger without other options.

Can eat and sleep almost anything (including rotted or raw things within a reasonable limit without getting sick) anywhere; she picked up these skills from a lifetime being on the move in hunting or adventuring.

Remembers the pain of each time she has died.

She has almost no issue being seen naked or topless

Is really a big softie looking to be treated with compassion and basic kindness; despite her roughness she'll get emotional easily especially if someone does something nice or notices her habits/needs since she's used to never being acknowledged as a person. Reminders of her humanity and respecting her space makes her automatically like someone.

Is mentally ill with PTSD and Severe Anxiety, recognizing and respecting how she wants her triggers to be handled is also important to her in a person.

Repeated trauma has rendered her as appearing aloof and expressionless/monotone including a more monotone dominated voice due to PTSD. Though she may look and sound detached, outside of disassociative episodes she is full of emotion and passion, even if expressing it is stunted due to her illness and being raised in a society where emotional expression was tightly regulated.

She has learned to adapt to Eorzean etiquette outside of her birthplace and is only decent at Ishgardian and Doman customs.

She is a fast learner but is prone to forgetfulness or remembering out of order due to PTSD impacting her ability to recall new/newer information not used daily/critically.

She has a very silly and at times immature sense of humor; she's not above embarrassing herself too to entertain kids. It helps her cheer them up faster and she's protective of all children in general. If she sees a kid looking sad she's quick to try engaging them no matter how awkwardly.

Having grown up in the sweltering heat of the Sagolii Desert she does well in hot weather and can tolerate extreme temperatures longer than those not accustomed; however vice versa she is awful at tolerating extreme cold or even winter itself on some days

Because of her isolated upbringing that recognized the sovereignty of no nations, she does not consider herself truly Eorzean but rather a U Tribe member first as she was never raised to behave according to the typical Eorzean city state identity, language, or general customs.

She is a Captain of Limsa Lominsa's Maelstrom Grand Company, after the Scions forced her to take up formal military service; all Maelstrom soldiers address her as Captain Valescoere

More practical/survival skills and emotionally intelligent than book smart.

Favorite color is orange.

Favorite food is Sour Pork Belly Stew.

Favorite dessert is Pudding.

Is knowledgeable on pressure points and their bodily functions.

A cult has sprung around her calling themselves 'Messiah's Shadow' which she is unaware of. They believe she is the physical incarnation of Hydaelyn's wrath as the Crystal Mother, and that she will destroy all the world's evils to liberate humanity from its ignorance into higher lifeforms. She is worshiped as a god in their eyes, second only to Hydaelyn and above the Twelve pantheon. When she does hear rumors of them she is disgusted.

#hc

[bolyde]

❛  are you okay? are you hurt?  ❜ @ venat!!

Venat first could feel the hot sun beating down upon her, and perhaps even a sunburn forming. Her lips were chapped and she squinted slightly against the light flickering above her as @greatgospell leaned over her form.

Her... very physical form.

There was a sickness that came from feeling so corporeal after so long as one with the Star, and frankly the Ancient did not want to think yet about just how she was able to be standing laying out in the dry heat of the Sagolii desert.

"Do you," her lips cracked and Venat could taste blood against the dryness of her mouth, metallic and slightly salty, "have water, by chance?" she wondered, managing to open her eyes fully to stare at the adventurer above her.

#greatgospell #💖💖💖 hiiiii #ily ty for being patient #the world ✦ venat #the world ✦ answered asks #queue'd

[the-rogue-mockingjay]

Warriors of Light, before they were Warriors of Light- before the Echo, before Hydaelyn and the Scions, before setting out on a journey that would reshape the world and rewrite history as they knew it.

So, some snapshots of my wols from before A Realm Reborn!

Ysera fought the Garleans in Dalmasca for ten long years and fought them again at Carteneau. After witnessing the carnage there and narrowly surviving the Seventh Umbral Calamity, she sought a new path, a new purpose for her life.

O'ravi's insatiable wanderlust and boundless curiosity led her to leave her tribe and the Sagolii desert behind to see the world in all its beauty and ugliness. She traveled all across Aldenard, plying her trade as a minstrel and huntress before settling in Gridania for a little while to hone her archery.

Rian was just an average sailor trying to help his family stay afloat. His quest to become powerful enough to protect them morphed into a desire to defend the innocent and help fix this broken world, and in time that led him to cross paths with Y'shtola.

Emrys has been a mercenary for a long long time, wandering all three continents, living by the blade, and occasionally, almost dying by the blade. He does his damnedest not to get attached to people or places, but he's never been one to turn his back on someone in need. He adamantly refuses to join the Scions but works with them so often it's just a technicality.

#im so so happy with these pics!! i think they're some of the better ones i've taken #and picking out their outfits was so fun i feel like a little kid with barbies again LOL #ysera rowan #o'ravi soltholia #rian ashbrooke #aaaand my poor bunnyman doesn't get a tag yet cause i'm still uncertain about his surname :C #i'll figure it out eventually dlkjfhg #ffxiv #gpose

[aliulo]

(SPOILERS) Maiden’s Rhapsody 2022 Notes

SPOILERS(?) FOR THE MAIDEN'S RHAPSODY

- marks a new thought. ! marks what I felt was important. + marks new section

+"A Journey to Remember" -Remumu, works for the Harbor Herald: Always a journalist in these -Unusual warrior, maiden from the Far East, unlike other Far Easterners -Remumu had story stolen by Petyr, she's getting this one: Costa del Sol -I've been on the FF wiki enough to recognize XI attire: Selbina? Mhaura? This ain't Vana'diel, friend -This is a reminder that you can still play FFXI -Iroha: Woke up, can't remember: Glaive, I remember an XI job using glavies -Head empty, only Master and technique (Amatsu: Kyori) -Return memory through recalling techniques. -First up, the beach: I've heard tales of those crabs: Nice, back to Limsa !Optistone shard, for Iroha -Demon monkaS -Doesn't think that's her mission -To Haukke Manor: Off to Gridania !Aurastone shard: Elf? -Journey with a girl, comrades beyond counting: XI adventurers? -Going by the important missions and Iroha saying "but I'm just a lowly student" I'm convinced she's the Master -To the Sagolii Desert, then to Ul'dah: WHAT IS THAT Serket (heh circuit) !Orastone shard: Forbidden magicks, big wolf -Iroha mistook tales of a hero as her own memory -Memories back, time to finish training: Bronze Lake then back to Limsa -Amatsu: Kyori unlocked !Iroha traveled back in time to avoid destruction of Vana'diel, with heroes: Master was greatest hero -To Remumu, finally got her story -Sentient jewel (crystal) made Vana'diel basically: San d'Oria, Bastok, Windurst -"a spiteful god our destruction" oops -Something tells me Master is the player in XI -Don't look at me like that, I never played XI -Be safe, Iroha: So much for that, she stuck !FREE GLAM WOO: None of it looks good on me lol

Back in the day, I always wanted to play XI, but alas, my family was too poor to pay for subscription services. I may partake at some point in the future, but I'm satisfied with XIV for the time being. There is no glaive job in FFXI, by the way, I was probably combining Samurai and Dragoon.

#ffxiv #final fantasy 14 #ff14 #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv spoilers #ff14 spoilers

[marilini]

There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war. Except its ending.

A black scorpion skittered around in front of the Felman twins as they casually strolled through the sand that composed the Sagolii Desert. They made their way south from the town of Forgotten Springs, a small settlement in the southern reaches of Thanalan. High above them Clank, Kallard’s robotic companion, drew circles in the air, its cameras trained down on the twins, ready to swoop down and provide support should they need it.

Having just gotten back from his trip up north, Kallard had dark bags under his eyes. He had hoped to get some sleep before the meeting with the Garlean agent, but they were persistent that they meet up in the early hours of the morning, shortly after sunrise. Neither of the twins held a weapon, Kallard’s revolver holstered under his left arm and Marilini’s handgun snug in its holster at her right hip. Both of the twins had additional firearms hidden away on their person, something Kallard insisted upon.

The Garlean agent had given them a destination just past the small creak that ran from an equally small pond just at the edge of Forgotten Springs. The agent had said they were coming alone, but the twins knew that was a lie. It would have been downright foolish to send someone alone given Eorzea’s justified hatred for Garleans.

“You ready? Shit could go south real quick,” Kal asked his sister, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes.

“I’m ready,” Marilini replied, signing to her brother.

Kallard reached up to the small radio tucked away in his right ear and pressed the mic toggle button. “Clank, we’re approaching the destination. Drop down to one hundred feet and keep a close eye on us. If either of us opens fire I want you down on the ground laying down cover fire. Understood?”

“Affirmative. Engaging combat protocols,” Clank replied over the radio as it angled toward towards the ground and dove down before coming to a rest one hundred feet above the twins.

As the twins grew closer to their destination they were able to make out a Miqo’te man sitting on a large rock, smoking a cigarette. He wore a simple set of leather armor with a dark brown cloak tossed over his shoulders. When the Miqo’te saw the twins approaching he tossed aside his cigarette and slid off the rock and onto his feet. He threw both arms into the air and waved the twins over to him, a goofy grin spread across his face.

“Well hot damn, it really is the Panthera twins.”

“In the flesh,” Kallard said as the twins came to a stop ten feet from the Miqo’te. “I take it you’re the agent we’re supposed to meet with.”

“That’ll be me!” the Miqo’te said as he saluted the twins.

“You got a name?”

“I do! U’len Oen Tia.”

The twins exchanged glances before returning their attention back on the Miqo’te agent. He had stuck his hands on his hips, grinning at the two as if he was meeting someone famous. High above them, and apparently unnoticed by the agent, Clank saw movement on the cliff behind U’len.

“I am detecting additional movement,” the robot said over the radio. “Two men carrying rifles perched on the cliff directly southwest of you. It is safe to assume that there are additional units hidden out of sight.”

“So, are we just going to stand around with our dicks out? Why did you drag us out here at this hour?” Kallard asked the agent, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Right to the point, just like the intel said,” U’len muttered with a shake of his head. “Right, let’s get to the juicy details. You are hereby ordered to return to Garlemald under the command of Titus Van Malignus. I’m here to escort you back.”

“The fuck we are,” Marilini signed.

U’len looked down at Mari’s hands, frowning. “What did she just say?”

“Nothing important,” Kallard snapped.

“Well, let’s go then. No point in wasting time.”

“We’re not going anywhere without additional information. What is Victorum?”

“You’ll find out when we get there,” U’len said with a shrug of his shoulders. “Oh, and you can tell your robot to stand down. No point in having that thing around, anyway. We’re on the same side after all.”

“We’re not going anywhere. Tell us what Victorum is and then we’ll go with you,” Kallard said, his agitation creeping into his voice.

U’len frowned at the twins. He had hoped they would come along without asking any questions like the good soldiers they were rumored to be. Before the Miqo’te had made the trip south he made sure to read up on the Panthera twins. A good portion of their file was classified but from the information he could get his paws on told a story of two loyal soldiers who had amassed a good portion of medals and ribbons. Everything about them screamed loyal soldier and yet here they were, refusing to move despite being ordered to.

“Fine,” U’len snapped, his grown turning into a glare. “The Victorum is the third and final Argius class airship. Your orders are to return to base and rejoin the war effort.”

“I hate to break it you,” Kallard replied. “But the war is over. Have you been home recently? Have you seen the state of our once great Empire? The capitol city is ruins! Fucking RUINS!”

“The Victorum will change all of that! We’re this close to finishing her,” U’len said as he pinched his fingers together for emphasis. “Once she’s finished the world be ours for the taking!”

Marilini looked at her brother and shook her head as her hands fell down to her sides. She set her right hand to rest on the grip of her handgun, ready to draw it should the need arise. U’len saw this but chose not to say anything, returning his glare to Kallard.

“We’re not going,” Kallard finally said with a shake of his head. “I would rather die than fight another pointless war. You want to fight? Fine, you fucking do it. We’re done with you and your false promises.”

“Fine then, have it your way,” U’len said as he brought his right hand up into the air, balled his hand into a fist and pumped it down, signaling to the hidden troopers to move out.

The moment Marilini saw U’len order his men to reveal themselves she whipped her pistol out of its holster, brought the weapon up, took the Miqo’te into her sights and squeezed the trigger. The weapon responded and in the blink of an eye, all fifteen rounds were fired in a quick automatic burst. Unable to act in time, U’len took a good portion of the rounds to his chest, the force of the impacts causing him stumble backward several feet and eventually fell backwards. By the time the Miqo’te had hit the ground the twins took off in opposite directions, Marilini ejecting her spent magazine as she moved.

“All units,” U’len gasped as blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth. “Attack.”

Both of the concealed marksmen on the cliff crawled forward in a prone position, the barrels of their rifles poking out over the cliff. Before either of them could get the twins in their scope Clank opened fire from high in the sky. One of the troopers took a round to the chest and a large hole opened up in his torso, killing him instantly.

From behind her cover Marilini slapped in a fresh magazine in the grip of her pistol and rocked the slide back, loading a round into the chamber. Kallard drew his custom revolver, ducked down low to the ground. The remaining marksman fired, the round catching the space just above his head, chunks of the rock raining down on the concealed Hyur’s head. He brought his revolver up and out of the cover and fired three times in the general direction of the sniper.

“What’s the hold up, Clank?! Take this guy out!” Kallard hollered into his radio.

“I am trying, but it appears that there were in fact more men hiding and I am now taking fire,” the robot said in its monotone voice. “Four men coming from southeast. Engaging evasive maneuvers.”

An ear shattering BOOM resounded from the sky above the twins as Clank went supersonic. The robot was gone in the blink of an eye, pulling up towards the sky as it banked left. As the robot flew over the cliff it was able to identify the four men currently firing at it. Their aim was poor given the speed the robot was moving, its own gun trained on the unlucky troopers.

“Fuck!” Kallard shouted as he covered his now ringing ears, ducked down low behind his cover.

Marilini popped up from behind her boulder, dark green eyes scanning the horizon in an attempt to locate the remaining marksman. High above, at the cliff directly west of her, she was able to locate the marksman the same instant he saw her. A single shot was fired, the bullet whizzing past Marilini’s head, whistling as it flew through the air.

With the sniper’s position revealed, Marilini put him in her sights, held her breath and squeezed the trigger. The gun jumped in her hand, the slide rocking back and spitting out the empty casing, the barrel belching a plume of fire and smoke. The hollow point round soared through the air and before the marksman had time to duck behind cover, the bullet pushed past his skull and out the back side of his head. Just as the sniper slumped down to the ground, his body started to convulse and a second shot was fired, this time nowhere near its intended target.

From up in the sky Clank had finally circled back onto his attackers, his machine gun spewing rounds down at the troopers. Given its aerial superiority, Clank made short work of the Garlean agents. The robot’s high caliber rounds punched through their plate armor, punching fist sized holes whenever a round made contact with its intended target. Once all of the remaining troopers were taken out Clank dropped down from the sky and landed between the twins.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Kallard sad as he rose to his feet and walked over to Clank.

“Check U’len for a radio or something. I don’t want to leave empty handed,” Marilini signed at her brother after she holstered her pistol. She walked over to where she had dropped the empty magazine and picked it up, slipping it into one of her long coat’s pockets.

Kallard grunted and holstered his revolver before making his way over to the dead Miqo’te. He dropped down to a flat-footed squat and started rifling through U’len’s pockets, showing little to no respect for the fallen comrade. After a moment of rooting through the Miqo’te’s pockets, Kallard removed a handheld radio and a folded up slip of paper. The radio was slipped into one of Kallard’s own pockets before he unfolded the paper, holding it so Marilini could see it as well.

“U’len, in order to become a full-fledged citizen of the Empire, you must first do this task for me. You are to meet with our agents, Rascal and Sweets. They are located somewhere in Thanalan, possibly Ul’dah. Your orders are to meet up with the Panthera twins, given them their orders and return to base with both of the twins. Failure to do so will result in you being expelled from the army and cast out into the cold. If the Panthera twins refuse to cooperate you are instructed to kill them and return to base.”

“Looks like they’re still up to the same bullshit,” Kallard said once he had finished reading the orders.

“Some things never change,” Marilini signed with a sigh.

“I guess so. This also means that I have to make another trip up to Garlemald to figure out where this is all going down. I haven’t seen any evidence of any survivors in the capitol city, so they must be building this airship somewhere else.”

“Why can’t you just send Clank to do recon? I don’t want to be left alone when they clearly know where we are. They must have agents in the city that have been tasked to keep a close eye on us. I thought our cover was solid, though,” Mari signed back at her brother.

“I’d rather do the recon myself. Clank can be seen flying in the sky with the naked eye and his cameras aren’t that great, so he’d have to be close to the ground in order to make anything out. I don’t want to leave you alone either, but I gotta do this. I’ll leave tomorrow morning,” Kallard said as he went through the motions of lighting a cigarette.

“I don’t like this, Kal. We can’t do this alone, especially if they have an Argius class airship. Those things can house an entire legion and aren’t exactly the easiest things to shoot out of the sky. We’d most likely have to destroy it before they finish construction.”

“Right, and in order to do that we need to know where it is and what we’re up against. Plus, if I can get my hands on some blueprints we could work out a plan to take the airship out. I promise I won’t be up there longer than a day or two. I’ll take Clank out first thing in the morning.”

Marilini let out a sigh before she signed back to her brother. “Alright, go ahead and get ready for your trip. I’ll come back with you and help.”

After gathering up the trooper’s fallen firearms, the twins left the scene, leaving the bodies where they had fallen. They eventually made their way back into Forgotten Springs, Clank keeping an eye on the twins from his vantage point up in the sky. After a brief exchange, Kallard and Marilini rented a pair of chocobos and set out on their journey back to Ul’dah.