#first one is finias

[aspecsolstice]

Analysis of Clues to What Likely Caused Flan's Exile

Hi all! This post is in response to a question from the NDM Discord server that I got very carried away with answering. Instead of posting yet another lengthy wall of text on there (which I often can't help from doing, haha), I decided this was worth making into a post and trying out in the tumblr format! Especially since I'd been considering making a casual blog on here anyway. Without further ado:

Just like my dear friend Laura, I've always thought that Keagan was the reason for Flan's exile, and there are definitely strong clues in certain asks that I'd like to point to in support of that idea, even if they don't directly confirm anything.

Before I really dive into those specific clues, let me first provide my understanding of the timeline, since I might be off on a thing or two but this is how I've interpreted it:

1). For what seems to be most of the 200-year-long war, Flan acted very differently

(confirmed change by Maeve and Robin, the latter giving a timeline to it by saying he was “apparently kind of a jackass during the war”, and this is something I'll get to later, but it's worth noting this was specifically a response to a question about how he used to flirt)

2). Flan and Keagan get involved and subsequently get each other hurt in different ways sometime prior to the end of the War

(not confirmed events of course, but if true, I think the implications are that they were nearing the end and had a lot to do with it, but still prior, due to the state Flan was in:

First, Keagan was said to have “distinguished himself during the War of the Courts as someone with a knack for intrigue and espionage” with whispers of him having been involved with “the end of the War,” which can reasonably be interpreted as him having deceived and betrayed Flan to get the info he needed to help him turn the tides

And second, it was specifically said that “before the conclusion of the War,” Flan technically did cross the border into Finias, but only when “time was of the essence, and he… Well. Let’s just say he wasn’t quite in the right state of mind to take in the surroundings,” which to me speaks not only of his understandable PTSD from the horrors of such a long war but a specific state that resulted from a recent event, such as a fresh betrayal, as well as whatever wolf-form-related damage was implied to be done to Keagan in return potentially also weighing on him)

3). Then after the conclusion of the War, Flan is either formally exiled or otherwise forced by circumstance to spend time away from the new Unseelie capital

I tried to keep the above to just establishing the timeline of the events I'd like to discuss, but with that done, I'm ready to get more into the meat of the evidence heavily implying that not only did Flan change as a result of betrayal by a lover during the War, but that he was publicly shamed in some way over the relationship, supporting the idea that it had far more impactful repercussions than a broken heart alone and led to his exile.

The strongest implications are found in three responses to asks about how Flan used to flirt, starting with the one where Maeve acknowledges his change and says, “I’m not happy about how he ended up learning some of the lessons he did, but it’s best to leave the past in the past, in some cases.” I touched on Robin's response earlier, but I'd like to pull a later quote from that same ask where they caution, “This is going to sound a little strange coming from me, but I’d avoid giving the guy a hard time over it, if I were you.” The echo and weight of these two responses, especially considering the latter to be such an uncharacteristically serious one from Robin, imply that these “lessons” Flan learned in regards to his flirting involved pretty severe consequences.

Then there's the glaring fact that Robin isn't even speaking from firsthand experience here (given how she wasn't around during the War), and Flan is not really the kind of person to confide in him about such personal matters willingly (nor would Maeve be the one to spill Flan's secrets if he confided them in her), raising the important question of how Robin came to be so knowledgeable about it in the first place. However, I believe this is answered in a third such ask about Flan's past flirting, where the dev statement to me suggests that not just Robin, but the public as a whole is at least partially aware of the situation.

They might not know the details, but something appears to be known based on the statement that, “Most folks are too intimidated to flirt with the Unseelie King, especially given… Well, never mind. Let’s just say Flannán was not always so austere nor hesitant to trust affection. For better or worse, he’s changed quite a bit since the War.” In addition to further supporting the idea of Flan having been betrayed by a lover during that time (specifically being left unable to “trust” the way he could before), this quote speaks volumes about what's being left unsaid when it intentionally trails off, especially when paired with tags on a different post that again emphasize how Flan is “#man's not as willing to display vulnerability these days #particularly so to the public.”

When you combine all the clues, these are clear indications to me that whatever changed Flan was not only traumatic and romance-related but somehow a relatively well-known affair (i.e. to the point that Robin finds out post-war and treats it seriously, that it apparently makes “most folks” even more hesitant to flirt with him, and that Flan is now painfully mindful of the public's perception of him as a result), implying that at least some degree of public shame over the relationship was involved.

Under the KeaFlan interpretation, there are many different possibilities for how this could have played out (no way to know whether it took place when Keagan's betrayal was first discovered or later near the time of Flan's exile, what person or situation actually outed Flan in the public eye, how much was revealed, how many were actually there to witness it vs how much was spread by word of mouth, etc.). Regardless, the bottom line is that it would make perfect sense as the kind of affair he might be publicly shamed over and face consequences for, due to the betrayal impacting far more than just Flan on a personal level by granting the Seelie a turning point in the War.

This situation thus lines up with the timing and all of the beats of what's been established or implied, as well as naturally providing a case for why Lugaid would go to such an extreme as exile to punish his chosen successor:

From his perspective, not only did Flan's “weakness” give the Seelie the edge in the first place, but he then failed to redeem himself by turning things back in the Unseelie's favor before the War ended. On top of that, Lugaid might see fit to distance himself from Flan due to the latter bringing public disgrace depending on how that played out (though I'm not discounting the possibility of Lugaid himself being the one to shame him in the interest of “teaching him a lesson,” it just seems likely he'd want to handle it privately if possible, to keep from publicly undermining his legacy).

-

Also, for fun as a quick added bonus, I did find what I believe to be another clue relating to Flan's exile, but this one relates to his life post-exile. I don't have any particularly strong leanings on exact location (though I loved reading the ideas people had on Discord!), but after this find, I'm definitely of the belief that Maeve was with him, if not for the entire exile then at least for some amount of time right before his return. As we know, Robin was not around for the war, and it's said that they “'joined' the Unseelie Court prior to Maeve and Flannán returning to the capital.”

“Returning to the capital” is vague enough that it wouldn't have to mean returning together from Flan's exile, such as if the two had been on a short trip away. Even so, I think it's likely, given how this particular return to the capital is being framed as something significant to the timeline.

#the good people #na daoine maithe #ndm

[moiraimyths]

I know that the TDD don't have the same holidays as in Inisfáil, but do they have other ones?

They do! Each region tends to have its own celebrations that are meaningful to them. Each court also has a significant event that takes place. The Unseelie Court, as mentioned, has the Wild Hunt, though it's a bit of a grim holiday. Congrats, you have the day off! Now hide.

The Seelie Court has the Tailteann Games, an ancient athletic competition, and a religious festival (no association with the modern school competition). It is similar to the Greek Olympics, but they also use this time to declare laws, honour the dead, and give honours to anyone who may have recently earned them. It's also the time of year when the cream of the crop - both physically and socially - likes to really show off. Many citizens come from Finias just to gaze at the people strutting around like peacocks. Fun fact: The Games were first established by none other than Lugh himself!

***

The Good People (Na Daoine Maithe) is now out on Steam and Itch.io, and has a Kickstarter pre-launch page! Check our pinned post for details!

#ask #lachesis answers #na daoine maithe #the good people #dating sim #otome #visual novel #interactive fiction

[afairybear]

The Element of Air, Knowledge, and the East (Part 1: Who the Faeries Are )

Air is associated with logic, law, and the mental realm. Air is the first element to learn to build a foundation for the other elements to follow and to help prevent mistakes from not knowing any better. This section goes over the origins and nature of the fae, ettiquete, the dark side of faery, faery beasts, and important symbols.

Over the years we have evolved our use of the word faery. It's come to cover a vast variety of beings. The more you learn, the more blurred the lines between faeries, gods, angels, elementals, ghosts, and other spirits. The modern understanding is that first and foremost, they are nature spirits, of trees, plants, rivers, and spirits of place. Oftentimes they call for us during times of environmental crisis and forming a connection with these beings is the basis of Faery work.

Communing with these spirits is an extremely important part of the craft. We may see them as a point of mutual interaction and responsibility between ourselves and the faery race—and, through them, the world soul, a relationship in which we are currently out of balance.

The more wild and inhospitable to human life a landscape is, the more stronger and potentially more dangerous the spirits of that place will be. The more domesticated and inhabited a place is, the nature spirits may seem more gentle and smaller, unless there is an underlying power to the area.

Some of what we know about faeries are the notorious cautionary reports of them stealing babies, kidnapping women for breeding, hiding in the cracks in the walls dwindling into extinction. Are these stories simply propaganda from a church wishing to keep the powers of the fae as something to be feared? Perhaps.

Most of what we're taught about faeries is that they're tiny little children hiding behind flowers. It would sound like quite a leap to think of faeries as gods. A well-known example is the Tuatha de Danaan, children of Danu who lived in Ireland until they were chased underground by the Milesians. They came on ships from the four mystical cities of Falias, Gorias, Murias, and Finias, bringing treasure that bore resemblance to the four grail hallows of Arthurian lore: The Spear of Lugh, the Sword of Nuada, the Stone of Fal, and the Cauldron of the Dagda. We also recognize these to be the suits of the tarot. The Tuatha de Danaan were thought to be the pre-Christian gods of Ireland.

They were preceeded by a race of giants called Firbolgs, with whom they shared the land for a while before going to war with another race of giants, the Fomorians. Both may be compared to the Titans from Greek myth, great primal forces of the planet who were overcome by the Olympians. There are many tales throughout the world of a race of giants who were here before humanity, that are significant in Faery lore.

The sidhe (pronounced shee), are the faery people of the Celtic lands who are believed to be the descendants of these goes, and in some cases are gods themselves. One of the best-known examples of one of the sidhe who is both a faery queen and goddess is the Irish war goddess named the Morrigan. She plays a powerful role in all the battles of the Tuathe de Danaan and is a significant power within the Celtic pantheon. Her influence has spread through the lands and ages into many other tales and cultures. Due to her shapeshifting abilities she has many guises, most notably Morgan La Fey of the Arthurian tales.

Other potential deities of the sidhe include Lugh, a solar deity of whom we get the Irish harvest festival of Lughnasadh, Nuada of the Silver Hand who was their king, Manannan Mac Lir, a god of the sea, and Etain, who was both a sorceress and goddess of sovereignty.

Scotland gives us strong, powerful giantess faery queens to suit the rugged landscape and unforgiving climate. Here we find figures such as the Cailleach, a great shapeshifter of tremendous strength who is often credited to forming the landscape in folklore throughout the British Isles and beyond. A similar figure may be found in Nicneven, the great faery queen of Scottish lore who dwells beneath the mountain Ben Nevis. She has been equated to the ancient Greek goddess Hekate, seen as being both the queen of the faeries but also of witches and the dead.

Wales gives us a rich vein of faery gods and goddesses, such as Gwyn Ap Nudd, the king of the Tylwyth Ted (the Welsh faeries) who rules the Welsh underworld Annwn and leads the wild hunt with his faery hounds. In other lands, similarly blurred lines may be found between faery and deity.

Within Nordic tradition we find gods such as Loki who is descended from giants defeated by the Nordic pantheon, and Freyr who is the king of Alfheim, land of the light elves. In fact, the Nordic gods are separated into the Aesir and Vanir, and the Vanir share many qualities with the faery races like the sidhe like their beauty and gives of sorcery and prophecy. They are also deeply connected to agriculture and the land. In his book Leechcraft, Stephen Pollington tells us that while "the Norse myths mostly concern the two main races of gods—Aesir and Vanir—the poetic tradition often juxtaposes Aesir and Alvar as ‘gods and elves.’ ”

The name Freyr or Frey, translates as "lord," and the name of his twin sister Freya translates as "lady," but it is unclear if there's a connection to the title sometimes given to trooping faeries or the titles of the Wiccan symbol of God and Goddess or if it is simply a coincidence.

Freya does share parallels with the fae, being the psychopomp queen of the Valkyries who share their connection to battle and the dead, as well as an association with ravens, displaying connections to the Irish Morrigan. Freyr is sometimes referred to as a horned god, and like horned gods of other folklore, he is strongly associated with fertility, both of humans and the land itself. Most deities that are considered to be kings of faery are depicted as horned with a relationship to fertility.

Like Pan of Greek myth, many display a voracious sexual appetite and phallic qualities. These are very real and powerful energies. Other horned gods of comparison are Cernunnos of Celtic myth, Herne the Hunter of English folklore, and Gwyn ap Nudd and his earlier counterpart of Arawn of Welsh mythology, and Veles or Volos of Slavic culture that isn't overly linked to the faery lore of that land, is seen as ruler of the underworld and the dead. Similarly, the ram-horned Egyptian god Khnum was associated with fertility and the underworld. This cthonic role is strongly associated with Faery as both the ancestors and faery race may be found in the underworld.

When we look at deities who are considered to be faery queens we can also see striking commonalities. Goddesses who rule over faery are usually associated with war and battle and often take a psychopomp role in that they can travel between worlds and guide souls of the slain on their journey to the underworld. They're invariably considered sorceresses and shapeshifters with powerful skills in the magickal arts and usually with animal associations like ravens, horses, serpents, wolves , or dogs. These goddesses also tend to have the gift of prophecy, often playing a hand in the fates they predict for mortals. This is particularly interesting when you consider the name faery comes from the Latin fata, meaning "fate."

Faeries and spirits of the dead have long been associated in Celtic folklore and mystical belief. Where most see faeries as a race of beings in their own right, they are undeniably connected to the realm of the dead and there are some who believe them to be one in the same. The sidhe of Ireland are names for the same burial mounds in which ancestors rest, and the Banshee, or Bean-Sidhe (Faery Woman), who gives an eerie scream into the night when a member of a particular family is about to die, is often referred to as a ghost or ancestral spirit. Folklore is replete with tales of departed relatives being sighted in the company of faeries and there are numerous mentions of precognitive visions of this nature, with the person spotted in the company of the faeries dying a short time afterwards.

As to the association with days such as Samhain, a festival in which the dead may be invited to feast with us and share their tales, is also no clear evidence for fae being interchangeable with ancestors or recently deceased but it does show a connection. Both faeries and the dead stand on the other side of the veil between worlds. At times such as Samhain, other cross-quarter days, and the solstices and equinoxes, the veil grows thin and visions of both Faery and spirits of the dead are more likely. If they inhabit the same realm, it seems like it makes sense for them to sometimes be seen together. It has been already noted that many goddesses are faery queens ruling over both fae and dead but it isn't implied that they are all the same. One thing is certain, that faeries have never been human. Once the dead make it to the other side of the veil, they can never come back like how they were before, but with faeries, they can come and go as they please.

Most instances of ghosts are either energetic recordings imprinted on the atmosphere or restless dead who haven't passed over for some reason. Spiritual contacts through mediums with the deceased can be compared to shamanic works with the medium being a mediator between the worlds. Considering the nature of faery and how we perceive energy through filters, including memory, preconceived ideas, and other impressions. It makes it likely to experience these things because faeries may be around, appearing as one of these phenomenons.

It's an accepted part of faery lore that human souls may be taken into faery after death or sometimes physically while still alive so we may well encounter human spirits acting as guides or envoys in our dealings with faery. This is often the case if the person had a strong connection with faery.

It is also a considerable possibility that faeries may take the journey in the other direction and be born into human bodies. These are all mysteries from which we may receive insights, fleeting visions, and flashes of inspiration but the ultimate knowledge remains obscured. Our astral selves may pay a fleeting visit to the other side of the veil in journey, meditation, or dreams but we'll never fully experience ourselves until we pass over as those who walk between worlds must always keep one foot on solid ground. However, through the contact we do have we can easily determine there is a strong connection, but there is much more to faery beings than simply the departed souls of humans and our ancestors.

#fairies

[whispersafterdusk]

Prompt #8: Tepid

"What troubles you?"

Edmont blinked and lifted his attention from the book open in his lap.  "Hmm?  I wasn't aware you were awake."

"I have been for awhile now which is why I know you've been staring at that same page for the better part of an hour."

A hint of red spread across his face as he watched Revkr leverage himself up further on the pillows; Edmont was just one of many who took up vigils next to the Warrior's bedside as he slowly recovered from taking a void-enfused scythe to the gut.  Many long, silent, agonizingly fearful hours at first, seated back far enough to let the gaggle of chirurgeons and menders access to the man's sickbed but close enough that Revkr would never be alone when he woke.

That he'd been so preoccupied with his own thoughts that he'd missed the man stirring...

Edmont closed the book and bent to sit it on the floor near his feet.  "How are you feeling?"

"Same as earlier," Revkr answered.  "Exhausted beyond measure.  Bored of bed.  Aching from my navel down."

"Still..." Edmont murmured, shaking his head.  "It kills me to know you're in pain still."

The knight chuckled.  "'tis better than the alternative.  Now that we've established naught has changed with me, tell me what has changed with you."

"What makes you think something troubles me?"

"Aside from your staring, I can see it in your face -- we've known one another long enough to know, I'd say."

"I suppose," Edmont chuckled, letting it trail into a sigh.  

"Does something ail your sons?"

"No, no - they are fine.  Artoirel has settled into his new title and role admirably, and Emmanellain...he stumbles, still, but he is coming into his own.  He has especially grown given his experiences in Garlemald."

At Revkr's appraising look Edmont cleared his throat, and glanced to the door at the far end of the room.  "I am surprised Finia has not-"

"-is it your wife?"

Edmont fell silent and turned back to the man; Revkr was one of his oldest friends and Edmont could tell his moods just as easily as Revkr could read his own -- something that was working against him in the moment as the knight had immediately hit upon what Edmont had only moments ago been turning over in his head.  "...yes, and no.  It is nothing to be concerned with."

"Is it truly nothing, or is it merely something you don't wish to speak about?"

With a heavy sigh Edmont slouched in the chair.  "I do, but I hardly know the words to use."

"Is she ill?"

He shook his head.  "No... At least, I am not sure.  She has been..."

Here he paused, as it WAS difficult to truly put into words what had been bothering him these last several months, or...by Halone, it had actually been nearly a year now.

At the end of the Dragonsong war, not long after he had stepped down as Count, he had met her at one of many meetings of nobles and clergy alike, as they had stumbled as a nation through the upheaval and shock of their past laid bare.  She was from one of the lesser noble houses and a widower, same as he; she'd been so shy at first but had warmed to him as they endured the dreary gatherings.  He'd appreciated her vibrancy, her cheerfulness, her kindness... One thing had led to another and they'd come together in a mutual desire for companionship in their respective retirements.

In those first few years things had been happy; they brought light and laughter to each other's lives, though it had never escaped his notice that she'd always been distant to his sons.

It was that distance that seemed a problem now, as she was extending it to EVERYONE, Edmont included.

"I don't believe I ever asked you your opinion of her, or of my choice in marrying her."

Revkr shrugged.  "Truth be told I barely know her.  Her reception of me has ever been...tepid, so to speak.  I could never tell if she couldn't figure out what to say to me, or if she simply did not care for my company."

"And therein lies the problem: she has begun treating all like that and has been sometimes combative as well over the last year or so, getting worse and more withdrawn with each passing day.  I caught her being outright nasty to Emmanellain the other evening over some minor misstep.  It is...  It is not like the woman I married, to carry on so."

"Was it truly a gradual change or perhaps one more sudden and recent?"

"...that is the question, isn't it.  At first it seemed like she merely didn't want to deal with the minutiae of overseeing a house -- which was understandable.  She did not come from a house so large as Fortemps and I know my first wife found it sometimes overwhelming to keep track of everything.  Her personality was as it ever was, though she would cancel on social gatherings more often than not.  She always had time for me, and seemed to crave our solitude more than ever, until...not even that now seems to fully please her."

With a pained noise Revkr forced himself upright and Edmont was up and halfway out of his chair at the movement.  "Don't you dare try to get out of that-"

With a wave of his hand Revkr shooed him back and laboriously swung his legs out from under the bedsheets; he scooted forward just enough to allow his bare feet to brush against the fine rug that was half under the bed.  He could not quite straighten himself and Edmont worried for a moment that he would topple forward  

"Hush - I am bored to death of laying on my back.  Do you think she has taken ill and is trying to hide it?"

Hoping he didn't look as defeated as he suddenly felt Edmont returned to his chair, but remained on the edge of the cushion -- this conversation and Revkr's movement and seeming frailty had him uncomfortable.  "What reason would she have to hide it?  It does not make sense."

Revkr nodded at that and was silent for a long moment, then lifted his head enough to look him in the eyes.  "...has she found another, perhaps?"

Edmont let out a short, bitter laugh.  "Wouldn't that be poetic?  No...no I do not believe so.  She so rarely leaves the manor and never without an escort, and I do not believe any of those employed within the house would keep such a secret for long especially if it were a paramour coming to my home to see her.   ...I just...do not understand this change, and if I try to broach the subject, no matter how gently or even indirectly, she takes offense and rushes off upset."

"...I am sorry, Edmont.  Would that I was in a better position to...to...I don't even know what I could do.  She clearly has never had desire to speak to me even before now."

"Even still, I... I do feel better, having gotten that off my chest.  Carrying on as though nothing is amiss is rather tiring, and may be there IS no answer to it, except for whatever she herself decides.  I don't know her mind and I won't until such a time as she enlightens me."

Revkr nodded and opened his mouth to say something further, and in that pause Edmont watched the color drain from his face and he lunged to catch him by the shoulders as he started to - thankfully - tip toward the pillows.  "Lay down, you madman!"

"Just a little dizzy, I'm f-fine..." Revkr protested weakly as Edmont helped him lay back into the bed.

"You most certainly are not."

"I am so sick of bed...of sleeping all day."

"You were nearly disemboweled!  You need to recover!  Properly!"

Revkr huffed.  "Yes, mother...  You fuss as much as Finia does."

"With good reason," Edmont snorted, straightening out the blanket before pulling it up over Revkr's chest.  "Would you rather deal with me or with her?"

"I'd rather be able to put my own pants on without assistance, thank you."

With a laugh Edmont sat on the edge of the bed to arrange the pillows behind the man's head.  "In time, friend, in time.  -- there.  Is there anything else you need at current?"  Revkr shook his head and Edmont returned to his chair.  "I thank you for being willing to tolerate my woes...and, a thought occurs to me, one that I feel could be very offensive, but it is also related to something I don't believe I've ever asked you."

"I find it hard to believe you, of all people, could offend me."

Edmont paused, debating; Revkr was someone he could, unconditionally, be open and honest with, and had been over the decades of their friendship.  He believed Revkr felt the same but this question that had come to the forefront of his mind was incredibly personal but had, admittedly, been something he'd wondered at over the years...was this the place and time to air it?  With the man recovering from near-death?

After a few breaths he swallowed and then cleared his throat, mind made up.  "Considering my woes at home, I...almost envy you.  And I wonder...have you never thought of marriage?  Of finding a wife and settling?"

Revkr looked surprised a moment, then thoughtful.  "...you're right, I don't think you've ever asked me that.  And, as for the answer...every so often I give thought to it, or have given thought.  In my younger years those I'd considered didn't survive the war, and while there's been one who still persists in my heart they've remained out of my reach all this time."

The latter part was delivered very matter-of-factly, in stark contrast to the more wistful tone of the former...  "Out of your reach?  Who in the world could be out of the reach of a noble and now hero of the realm?"

The man just smiled, and then his eyes started to droop closed; how very convenient to fall asleep now, Edmont found himself thinking, followed then by a warm rush of gratitude toward his old friend -- he wondered if he'd ever told anyone else that, or if Edmont alone bore that knowledge...  It wouldn't be the first time they had traded intimate facts to one another that no one else knew, because they weren't nearly so close with anyone else.  

Edmont waited for Revkr's breathing to slow before grabbing his book and tiptoeing toward the door.  Sticking his head out into the hall he could see the top of Finia's head coming up the stairs -- he supposed she was coming for her own shift at her brother's bedside.  The Stormforge manor certainly didn't lack for people to stand vigil though judging by the silence it was later than he realized.

After collecting his coat and bidding Finia a good night he headed out into the chill and when he arrived home the manor was silent; he found it strange that there was no one in the study, in the parlor, no one in the dining hall or the main office.  Was it that late that everyone would be abed?

As he climbed the stairs to his bedroom it occurred to him that there was a time when his wife would have stayed up, regardless of the time, to greet him when he returned home.  It left a sort of hollow feeling in his chest, and briefly he wondered if he would have been better off just...throwing himself in the floor at Revkr's bedside and staying there for the night -- it would've been more comfortable and welcoming than the bed he was about to climb into.

She was laying with her back to his side of the bed and didn't stir as he readied himself for sleep and then slid underneath the covers beside her.  He gave the back of her head a single look before rolling to his side to put his back to hers; as he closed his eyes his thoughts wandered back to earlier -- who could it possibly be that Revkr would consider out of his reach?  And for how long...  Was it a recent or prolonged pining?

With his own marriage seemingly fading out of importance, for whatever reason, Edmont instead had a desire to see his friend finally happy; his wife was stonewalling him -- why not redirect that energy into learning the identity of whoever this person Revkr was in love with and subtly see if there was anything mutual there?  And as cruel as it seemed, perhaps if she felt neglected his wife would come clean with whatever it was that ailed or bothered her.

Whether that happened or not though Edmont had a very real  need to see his friend happy and content -- he deserved that and more after saving the world, after all.

#ffxivwrite2022 #ffxivwrite #edmont de fortemps #wol

[windintheshell]

To Meet the Shell

Chapter 1: Prologue: The heart which forms a hole

 Your sister has gone to aid the Hero in his fight and fulfill her duty as Champion. You will cheer for her, won’t you? Let us pray that she returns safely to us, my son."

Sidon had readily nodded his head and told his father ‘yes’ with a smile even though he didn’t fully understand everything. But he knew his sister needed him, and how important it was to cheer her on. 

 It had been almost four days now.

 The first night before bed, Seggin and most of the royal guard had gathered up, leaving in a hurry. The young prince didn’t know what was happening. Seggin didn’t have an answer for him when he asked. They didn’t know either, but were leaving to help Mipha just in case.

The next day, there was still no news. Nor the day after that. No one knew anything when he asked. Not about Mipha. 

So here he was, making another prayer to the goddess statue.

“ ...And thank you, Miss Hylia, for all the times you bring her home safe. Please do it again so I can give my sister big warm hugs. “ Sidon clapped his hands, bowing his head to the statue as he finished his prayer.

The prince’s head snapped up at the sound of his name being called in the distance, recognizing it as Muzu’s. He shook his head, knowing it was time for bed. Sidon ran on his little legs, making himself scarce. He knew the guards would tell where he went but he wasn’t ready for bed. Not yet. He just wanted to stay up and wait for Mipha a little longer, that’s all!

Sidon ran down towards the central plaza, hiding behind the fountain as he watched Muzu begin down the stairs when one of the guard called for him. The prince watched nervously as they spoke before the two hurried back the way they came, likely called away for other business. He gave a sigh of relief. It would be easier avoiding whoever Muzu sent after him instead.

 “ Prince Sidon? “

 Sidon squeaked surprise, falling on his bottom. The toddler prince looked up from where he sat, a young black zora standing over him. “ I’m sorry! Are you okay? “ He said helping him up. “ Bazz? “ He said, recognizing him as two more older kids came up beside him. “ Yeah, and the Big Bad Bazz Brigade! “ He said smiling before tilting his head. “ So what are you doing? “ “ Shouldn’t he be at the palace or something…? “ Rivan asked. “ He snuck out like the rest of us. “ Gaddison said, Sidon quickly ducking his head. “ Are...are you gonna tell...? “

 Gaddison and Rivan looked to Bazz who scratched his head. “ He’s even smaller than us. Just a toddler. And he’s the prince, if something happens it’d be really bad. We could get in really big trouble for not saying anything.  “ Rivan said wearily. “ Yeaaahh….” Bazz let out, Sidon’s eyes growing big. “ But...you’re waiting for Lady Mipha to come back, aren’t you? Just like me and Rivan are waiting for our folks…”

 The prince bobbed his head. “ Please don’t tell...? Just a little longer, please?  “

 “ Okay, just a little bit…” He conceded. “ Stay with us, okay? “

 Gaddison gave a shushing noise, gaining the group’s attention. She pointed towards the group of zora who started running down the staircase. Bazz nudged Rivan, the two quickly standing to hide the prince from view.

“ Please hurry! Many of them are in terrible shape, some will not survive the night without proper treatment! “ Said the guard leading them.  “ We’ll see what can be done for them, just keep moving! “

The young group watched as the adults rushed through the plaza, heading in the direction of the Domain’s entrance.

“ They didn’t even notice us, they were running so fast...Are they back? “ Sidon asked, peeking past Bazz’s leg. “ I think so...That was Lady Finia just now with her med kit, as well as the other palace doctors. Most of them anyways. Father is always visiting their med ward, with all the cuts and bruises he gets from training so much. “ Bazz said. “ Come on, let’s follow them! I bet Lady Mipha’s there too. Bazz Brigade, march! “

Sidon kept up as best he could on his shorter legs, Bazz holding his hand to make sure they didn’t lose him to the groups of zora that started to become more and more frequent towards entrance of the Domain. The extended run began to make his feet ache and slow, despite himself. He inevitably stumbled, the three stopping to make sure he was alright. Gaddison was the first to pick him up before the other two.

“ You sure? I don’t mind carrying him. I’m the leader, after all. Actually, it should be me.“ The taller of the black zora said. “ It’s fine, he’s cute. “ Gaddison said, making the little prince all shy. “ Besides, neither of my parents are in the guard. I can look after him while you two find your dads. “

“ Okay, but I’m next if you get tired. That’s an order. “ He said as they continued once more.

“ Sir, yes sir. “

The prince clung to Gaddison’s lavender frame as they began their trek again in earnest. Going much faster than before, he watched curiously at the other zora that went by. His heart raced when they finally drew near the Domain’s entrance. The soldiers who had left were back, now battered and weary. They struggled to carry their wounded. Few could be seen not already lending their shoulders or backs to those unable to walk.

And then there were the wagons, the pale almost gray lavender of Finia seen climbing down one of the carts.

“ I need an extra pair of hands! And bring me some extra linens! We don’t have near enough as it is! “ She barked out, one of the physicians hopping off another cart to assist.

As Gaddison set down the young prince, Bazz pointed towards the dark blue soldier approaching the royal family’s physician.

“ Rivan, look! It’s your father, Trello! “ He said, Rivan’s shoulders sagging as he sighed in relief.

Sidon looked towards the various cliffs surrounding the Domain, looking for the familiar silhouette of his sister’s Divine Beast. “ …I don’t see Ruta anywhere close. My sister did not come back with them…? “

Bazz hummed. “ I don’t see my father either…”

“ Come on, let’s go ask my dad! He probably knows where they are!  “ Rivan said bouncing in place before finally running ahead of them, Bazz trailing after him with Sidon and Gaddison in tow.

Sidon watched the surprised expressions of the nearby adults as they saw them, turning their heads. Their eyes only widened in shock when they saw him with the other children, stopping in their tracks. Trello nearly fell over when Rivan ran into him, hugging him for all he was worth. “ Rivan…!? “

“ Father! Welcome back! I’m so glad you’re alright, I missed you! “ He said, his eyes bright as he looked up at him.

“ Listen to me, my son...I’m happy to see you as well but you all need to go home now, alright? “ He said, kneeling down to his height to regard him and his friends. “ You all need to…Prince Sidon…? “

The young prince immediately obscured himself behind Gaddison as Trello stared, Finia frowning as her gaze fell on him.

“ Trello! Now is not the time to lose focus. Few enough are keeping together as it is! “ She said as the dark blue soldier’s grip tightened on his son’s shoulders.

Sidon didn’t quite understand what she meant, only that when he looked around, he noticed many starting to cry and hide their faces.

“...Y-you should not have brought him here…” Trello let out, failing to keep his voice even as he stared right through them.

Rivan’s expression quickly fell, shrinking in place. “...Papa…? “

“ W-wait, it’s not his fault, sir! Please don’t be angry! It was my idea! “

He broke from his trance, looking to Bazz as though for the first time.

Bazz…”  Trello quickly straightened, only for his name to be called by the zora soldiers behind him. 

“ We need help getting Seggin in the wagon! “ One of them said.

 Finia cursed.

“ Father…? “

Bazz’s expression quickly turning frantic as he saw the state of his father while they carried him, ice impaled into his skin and bandages dyed red. Gaddison blocked the prince’s view before he too beheld his injuries, her own gaze one of shock. 

Trello quickly moved, catching Bazz before he could get near. He shouted while Finia assisted getting the limp zora onto the wagon. He pulled as they unchocked the wheels and readied the horses.

“ Finia, wait! Please, take me with you! Please! He needs me! I-I need to be with him! He’s all I have! “ He begged.

“ Listen to me, Bazz. There’s no room in the wagon for you, it’s cramped enough as it is. Everyone that isn’t hurt, I NEED. To save your father. Do you understand? I’ve done what I can but I need to take him to the palace now. “ The doctor told him before climbing back onto the wagon. “ Trello, have someone walk these children home and escort the prince safely back to the palace. Take Bazz with you, I’ll have someone take him to the medical ward once you arrive. Be strong, they need you! “

Trello swallowed, grip tightening on Bazz as they horses took off, pulling the wagon. The young boy watched helplessly as Finia shouted at the zora ahead to clear a path, quickly departing from view.

“ What h-happened? He’s gonna be okay, right? “ He asked when finally set down.

“...Finia is the best doctor there is, Bazz...He couldn’t be in better hands. “ Trello said.

“ ...A-and Lady Mipha? Sh-she’d never leave him like that…” Bazz said, making him flinch. “ She’ll be here soon, a-and when she comes she’ll heal him...She’ll heal everyone, right? “

Trello didn’t meet his eyes, sucking in air. “...We should not tarry here. Come along...I think I saw Kapson around. Rivan, you and Gaddison will go with him while I take...take Prince Sidon back to the palace. “

His son nodded his head quietly and that was that. Trello left to find the priest, thanking him for his help before departing with the prince and a distraught Bazz in tow. The trip back to the palace was entirely silent, save for Bazz’s quiet sniffles. Carried in his arms, Sidon could feel just how unhappy Trello was. The prince wanted to ask for his sister, but was afraid he might become angry and yell at him. He knew already he was in trouble, he didn’t want to make it worse.

At least he thought he was in trouble. No one said anything when they arrived, one of the handmaidens simply took him and brought him to his room to sleep.

Not that he could, the young boy sitting up in his water berth as soon as the doors had closed. Hearing voices outside his room, he climbed back out and snuck over to the door. He pressed his ear to it’s surface, trying to make out what the servants were saying.

The voices were too quiet though, he only knew they weren’t happy. It was too soon for him to try and sneak out, so he went back to the water berth to wait.

Despite difficulty sleeping, he eventually dozed off for a time. It was a shallow sleep. One that was broken by the sound of crying. Sidon rubbed his eyes, water dripping everywhere as he hurried off his bed again. He dared a peek outside his door, spying the guard posted at his door trying to console one of the servants.

“ Come now...y-you mustn’t be so loud, the prince will hear. “ the guard said in a broken tone.

As the prince looked closer, he saw that the guard was also crying. As he led the other zora away, Sidon took the chance to escape his room. Shutting the door quietly, he disappeared down the opposite side.

It was only a few corridors later that he was spotted, squeaking at the sound of his name. The guard that spotted him only stared some moments before going to kneel beside him.

“...Your father is in the throne room...I’m sure he wants to see you…” she said attempting a smile. “ Go on...the guards won’t stop you…”

Sidon hesitated at first, watching her for a couple steps before running on his little legs. True to her word, the guard didn’t come after him. Neither did the others when they saw him. Sidon couldn’t feel glad of it. Not when he kept seeing people crying and sad everywhere he went. It only confused and worried him.

Reaching the outside staircases to the throne room, it only seemed to get worse as he listened to the voices inside.

“ --Thieves! Wretches! Curse them...Curse them all! Curse HIM ! She would have never accepted if it weren’t for that hylian! “ He heard as he reached the top of the left staircase, keeping out of view as he saw Muzu and his father.

“ That is not true, Muzu. She loved Ruta the moment she laid eyes on him. Moreover, it was not just for him.  It was for our people, she did it as her duty to protect them... “ King Dorephan said quietly, his gaze to the floor.

Muzu’s tears ran full stream, hands clenching as he shouted. “ And he was supposed to protect her! He and Hyrule’s princess! Instead they failed us! HE failed us! He could not even fulfill the destiny he was chosen for! At least Princess Zelda was able to repent her failure in the end by trapping that beast! ....Though it both her and the kings fault for even--“

King Dorephan’s claws scraped his throne as he stood, voice raised loud in lost composure. “ I will hear no more from you, Muzu! Hyrule Kingdom lays burning and in ruins! How many families and their loved ones lay dead on the ground!? How many are still fighting for their lives while they flee to safety...?! They have lost everything while we have lost...I have lost... “

The kings advisor became contrite under as the king’s gaze turned to pain. “ …My king, I…Forgive me...Forgive me, I...”

“ Do you not think I feel the same…? I feel all that and a thousand times more…” Sidon watched his father hide his face under a hand, sinking back down on his throne. “ Please leave, Muzu...I...I need some time to myself right now…”

Muzu grimaced, wiping his own eyes as he bowed in earnest. “ …Yes, your majesty…”

Sidon watched him drag his feet, head and shoulders hung low as he left through the opposite staircase. The little prince kept hidden until he reached the bottom, then peeking back into the throne room.

“...My beloved wife, please forgive me...I should never have let this happen…”  He heard as his father quietly shed tears.

A hollow pit began to form in Sidon’s stomach as he came out of hiding, walking into the throne room. “ Papa? “

His father immediately stilled, looking to meet his eyes. “ ...Sidon…You’re still up…”

“ Papa, why are you sad? I don’t like it. I don’t like you to be sad. “ He said as he went up to him. “......Papa, where is Mipha? Why isn’t she back yet? “

“ Oh, Sidon...Come here. Come here, my son. Come here…”

King Dorephan leant forward and picked him up, his large hands making the prince appear far smaller than he was. His father held him closely, pressing his face against him while his tiny arms tried to wrap around his neck. The kings form began to tremble, Sidon feeling every little tremor.

Sidon didn’t like it.

He didn’t like seeing his father this way one bit. “ Papa…? Papa, what’s wrong? Please tell me…! “

 “ Your sister…She’s not coming back this time...” King Dorephan let out, breath hitching. “ ...I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Sidon…”

“ But Papa...I don’t get it. Why not? Mipha always comes back…She promised. ” He said looking up at his father.

“ ...Mipha is gone, Sidon...She’s with your mother now…” His father explained, regretting every word he had to say.

  Mipha is gone.

  The words wrapped around Sidon’s heart and began to squeeze. They continued to dig in until a piece of him chipped and fell away, forming a hole within.

“...But why? Why did she leave too…? I cheered really hard this time...A-and I prayed lots. “ His eyes began to water. “ Did….Did I do something wrong…?

King Dorephan immediately hugged him tighter to himself, even as his tears fell onto Sidon.

“ No, Sidon!  None of this is your fault…It’s no one’s fault. You did everything right. But sometimes....Sometimes bad things still happen. “ He told him. “ We just have to keep doing our best, yes…? That’s all we can do...Please, please, do not blame yourself, alright…? “

The prince sniffled, his lips quivering as he nodded his head. “...O-okay…”

A quiet sob finally escaped his father, rocking him back and forth. “ Oh, my boy...My sweet sweet boy, I-I’m so glad you’re here…! I am. I’m so grateful you’re here...I’m sorry for you to see me l-like this...I promise to be strong for you...Just let me hold you like this a w-while longer...”

Sidon hated it. Hated his father’s grief, the sobs he kept trying to hold back. Hated his own tears, the pain growing inside him, the pain around the palace and the domain.

  Mipha is gone.

  He clutched his father and hugged as hard as he could, trying to console him as well as himself.

  Mipha is gone.

  The young prince’s sobs ripped out him, joining with his father’s.

  Mipha is gone.

  They overpowered his father’s, filling the throne room and echoed into the air outside.

#tloz botw #botw fanfiction #sidon #sidon x oc

[gurguliare]

The Tuatha Dé Danann were descended from Nemed, leader of a previous wave of inhabitants of Ireland. They came from four cities to the north of Ireland—Falias, Gorias, Murias and Finias—where they acquired their magical skills and attributes. According to Lebor Gabála Érenn, they came to Ireland "in dark clouds" and "landed on the mountains of [the] Conmaicne Rein in Connachta; and they brought a darkness over the sun for three days and three nights". According to a later version of the story, they arrived in ships on the coast of the Conmaicne Mara's territory (modern Connemara). They immediately burnt the ships "so that they should not think of retreating to them; and the smoke and the mist that came from the vessels filled the neighboring land and air. Therefore it was conceived that they had arrived in clouds of mist".

A poem in the Lebor Gabála Érenn says of their arrival:

It is God who suffered them, though He restrained them

they landed with horror, with lofty deed, in their cloud of mighty combat of spectres, upon a mountain of Conmaicne of Connacht.

Without distinction to descerning Ireland, Without ships, a ruthless course the truth was not known beneath the sky of stars, whether they were of heaven or of earth.

fucked up losgar imagery free to good home

also here’s my fingolfin/maedhros fic:

Led by their king, Nuada, they fought the First Battle of Magh Tuireadh on the west coast, in which they defeated and displaced the native Fir Bolg, who then inhabited Ireland. In the battle, Nuada lost an arm to their champion, Sreng. Since Nuada was no longer "unblemished", he could not continue as king and was replaced by the half-Fomorian Bres, who turned out to be a tyrant. The physician Dian Cecht replaced Nuada's arm with a working silver one and he was reinstated as king. However, Dian Cecht's son Miach was dissatisfied with the replacement so he recited the spell, "ault fri halt dí & féith fri féth" (joint to joint of it and sinew to sinew), which caused flesh to grow over the silver prosthesis over the course of nine days and nights.[18][19] However, in a fit of jealous rage Dian Cecht slew his own son.

#sad #tragedy #silmarillion #wait no i reread it it's a celebrimbor/maedhros/curufin incest triangle #hmmmmmm

[phynxrizng]

FAERY LORE

Faery Lore Lore / Faery Types / Elemental Faeries / Attract Faeries / Faery Garden / Garden Dedication

 Lore Beltane is the time when nature comes alive and the Spirits of Nature are most active. It is the time when faeries are most likely to be seen. Faery folk, or the fae, are an ancient race of people who lived in the British Isles long before the Celts or the Anglo-Saxons arrived. They are believed to have descended from the Tuatha De Danann (the tribe of the goddess Dana), a magickal race who flew into Ireland in ships descending from the clouds on Beltane. They came from the four great magickal cities -- Falias, Gorias, Finias and Murias -- and brought with them the four great treasures; the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny), the sword of Lugh, a magic spear, and the cauldron of the Dagda.

It was from these cities that the Tuatha De Dananns learned all their knowledge, skills and magick. Indeed the De Dananns were said to be unmatched in their knowledge and beauty. From them, comes the vast majority of Gods and Goddesses of the Irish Pantheon.

The enchanted dimension of Faery has existed side by side with our human one for thousands of years. It is said that there was once a time when the human and Faery worlds were one. But legend tells that our human ancestors became trapped in the physical world. They became less and less aware of what was hidden just beyond their physical sight, and the vision of the Faery became lost to them.

Types of Faeries Types of Faeries

where to find them

what they do

Faeries, Elves

Forests, faery hill and rings, fields and wild places, flower gardens

Dance and play. Know the magickal secrets of herbs, stones, and animals. See the future.

Gnomes, Trolls, Dwarves

Caves and mines, under bridges, hollow hills

Know the location of precious gems and metals, and how to forge and form them.

Brownies, Kobolds

Homes and cottages

Help and protect the family. Do chores by night.

This chart is from Ancient Ways by Pauline Campanelli and is not a comprehensive listing.

Elemental Faeries The idea of calling the elements into our circles is a carry over from the days when the faeries were asked to participate in our magick. But elemental faeries are not merely the four alchemical elements of earth, air, fire, and water. We do them and ourselves a great disservice when we merely call them to witness our circles. These faeries have personality and individuality. They are fully sentient beings with feelings and rights. Think of that the next time you call them to your circle. It will greatly enhance your experience. Elemental faeries can, and often will, aid human work, ritual, and magick if approached properly.



The artwork to the left is "The Pathseekerr" by Renee Yates

Faery

Direction, Element

What they do

Gnomes North, Earth Givers of material gain and stability. The rulers of the forest. Protectors of outdoor circles and groves. Seen as "Little People" or green light. Sylphs East, Air Givers of wishes, knowledge and dreams. Delicate beings with beautiful wings. Protectors of magickal applications. Seen as "faeries" or white light. Salamanders South, Fire Givers of passion and creativity. The rulers of fields and fire. Protectors hearth, home, or business. Seen as dragons, lizards, or blue flames. Undines West, Water Givers of love and friendship. The rulers of all water. Protectors of the gates of death and karma. Seen as merpeople, sirens or bright pink lights. Attracting Faeries

Beltane and Midsummer are two particularly good times to contact the Faery world. The Faery spirit is the great force of energy moving through all things, empowering our magick.

The fae are shy creatures, made so by years of mistreatment and misunderstanding by humans. They are jealous of the physical world which contain the living, breathing, trees and plant life they so love and have so carefully reproduced in their own world. Our callous treatment of nature infuriates them.

You must work first to win their trust. Plant a faery garden as a refuge for the little folk. Leave a corner of it wild and uncultivated. Leaving out gifts of food and treasures for them is a good first step. They love ground ginger, barley, sweets, cream, and anything that glitters. Also clean water, butter, wine, honey, and bread. Never toss out faery libations like you would food for wild animals. They consider this very disrespectful. Make up a little basket of your offerings and leave them on your step, in your garden, or under a tree. Favorite faery stones are tiger's eye, peridot, jade, lava, fluorite, and especially emerald. Don't expect these gifts to disappear, as faeries are able to extract the spiritual essence of our physical gifts to them (so be sure to leave them in love and with deep respect.) You will, however, have to replace these gifts often in order to keep the faery folk hanging around.

The Faery Garden Whatever you do to bring life to your garden will bring faeries as well. First of all, plant plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This will also attract the fae. So put up hummingbird feeders, bird feeders, bird baths, bird houses, even bat houses. Small fountains, ponds, faery statues, or waterfalls are all good.



Here's a short list of plants that attract faeries to your garden:

Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium New York aster, Aster novi-belgii Shasta daisy, Chrysanthemum maximum Western giant hyssop or horsemint, Agastache occidentalis French lavender, Lavendula dentata Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis Thyme, Thymus Fountain butterfly bush, Buddleia alternifolia Orange-eye butterfly bush, summer lilac, Buddleia davidii Shrubby cinquefoil, Potentilla fruitiosa Common garden petunia, Petunia hybrida Verbenas, vervains, Verbena Pincushion flowers, Scabiosa caucasica Cosmos, Cosmos bipinnatus Common zinnia, Zinnia elegans

They also love the following plants and trees:

foxglove, primrose, ragwort, cowslips, pansies, bluebells, clover (3-leaf, not 4-leaf), St. John's wort, hazel, rowan, blackthorn, oak, willow, elder, birch, alder, apple, ash, and especially toadstools.

Dedicating the Faery Garden Once the garden is started, you might want to ritually dedicate it as a Faery garden sanctuary. Begin by walking the around the garden with an athame pointed at its boundaries (much like casting a circle). Then sprinkle the perimeter of the garden with a branch of fir dipped in salted spring water. Finally, walk the boundaries of the garden with a lighted incense stick. (It can be left to burn in the ground when you finish.) Then with a wand of hazel, slowly walk around the garden greeting each plant with words like:

Spirits of the (insert plant name), I welcome your presence in the garden.

Feel your love flow from your heart, down your wand, and out the end of the wand. Be sure to welcome all plants, stones, and trees. (Nature spirits are easily offended.) Conclude your ritual with these words:

In the name of the Goddess and the God, I declare this garden a sanctuary For the spirits of nature And the children of the Gods.

When you are finished, leave a gift -- cookies, soda, ale, cream, or bright, shiny things like rings, beads, or stones. from Ancient Ways by Campanelli

Visit the Faery Garden, a delightful site dedicated to the faeries.

Source , earthwitchery.com

Reposted by, PHYNXRIZNG

[whispersafterdusk]

Prompt #2: Bark

It was such a quiet noise that at first Revkr thought he'd imagined it -- a huff, or a snort, or a...bark, or something, from down near his feet. A glance under his desk revealed nothing and nothing was under the chair he sat in either, and a quick hunt through his office didn't turn up any wayward pets or rogue children playing tricks either.

He'd returned to his desk and the mound of paperwork upon it, steadily working his way through it in silence for time, and then he heard it again. If he was hearing it a second time then it wasn't likely his imagination; sliding his chair back Revkr stood and paused long enough to straighten the stacks of papers before leaving his office and standing in the hallway just outside his door, waiting and listening.

Yes, there - a bark. Or, well, barking, and it sounded like it was indeed coming from downstairs, and now that he was out from behind the heavy wooden door of his office he could hear faint laughter and squealing as well. It brought a warm smile to his face - he'd spent so long away from family on one crisis or another, to protect his home and then everyone else's homes as well; the little moments never failed to be comforting.

Heading down the stairs the sounds of children laughing grew louder, punctuated by yips and now he could hear growling. In their family room was Finia, her husband Eaudroix, Revkr's parents, and his twin nephews Nolanel and Eugennoix. In their midst was a tiny ball of fluff -- he could just make out four small paws, a stubby tail, and a black nose within a sea of tawny fur. It bounded between the two boys as they rolled a little leather ball back and forth; the twins had just turned five and had been promised a special gift "as soon as it is ready." Presumably "ready" was just them waiting on the pup to be old enough to be weaned.

It was a cute ball of fuzz, at least. Revkr stood in the doorway and watched the boys play with their new companion; to know that they would get to grow up free of the burden of war, or get to grow up at all now that the Final Days had been defeated... There was no greater joy.

Nolanel noticed him and hopped to his feet. "Uncle! Look! This is Snowy!"

"No, it's King!" Eugennoix insisted, spinning around on his backside to look up at Revkr.

"Boys," Finia sighed, shaking her head with a smile.

Eaudroix likewise sighed, then chuckled and shifted off the couch to sit in the floor with his sons. "It's a girl, Eugennoix. King is a name for a boy."

"A girl can be King!" the boy insisted, crossing his arms.

The adults, Revkr included, all laughed; he came in to join them and immediately the little furball puppy was falling all over and nipping at the toes of his boots.

The little moments...

#ffxivwrite2023 #ffxivwrite #elezen #wol

[moiraimyths]

Hello again! For today’s Na Daoine Maithe update, we’re going to be giving a BIG lore / world-building rundown of Fálias, one of the four provinces of Tír na nÓg and home to the capital of the Seelie Court. We figured this would be the best way to catch everyone on Tumblr up with the Twitter crowd. Are you ready?

INTRODUCTION: The Forming of Tír na nÓg

Before we speak on Fálias, it is important to establish a few rudimentary facts about the island of Tír na nÓg itself. For starters, it was not always known as Tír na nÓg (“The Land of Youth”) nor was it always a singular island. Once, now a very long time ago, this Otherworld consisted of four separate islands upon which four mythic cities resided. This Otherworld was fashioned together by the Goddess Danu, which she used to home a tribe of humans (once known as the Nemedians) who fled from Inisfáil (Ireland) after being driven out by the dreaded Fomorians. In these cities, Danu taught the humans many things, from smithing to warfare to magic. Over time, the humans lost some of their mortal qualities and became known as the Tuatha Dé Danann, or People of the Goddess Danu, who then left the Four Cities to conquer Inisfáil again. Though it would be a long process, the Tuatha Dé Danann would succeed in their invasion, albeit not forever: Eventually, after thousands of years ruling over the Isle, the Tuatha Dé would be compelled to return to Danu’s Otherworld after losing a devastating battle against the Milesians (or the Gaels). Upon returning to the Otherworld, the Tuatha Dé found that much had changed in their absence. For one thing, the four islands (Fálias, Finias, Murias, and Gorias) had now congealed into a singular land, thus forming the four provinces of what is now called Tír na nÓg.

FÁLIAS: The Province of Spring and Dawn

Tír na nÓg exists in a plane of reality that is not wholly “mortal” yet not wholly “divine”, either. As such, time functions more... peculiarly here, which is to say in many ways it doesn’t all. For example, each province of Tír na nÓg is “stuck” in a certain time of day, as well as a certain season. Fálias is no exception: So long as you’re in this province, time will only range from dawn ‘til the later hours of the morning, and the season will always be spring. Flowers bloom in perpetuity, fruit and vegetables grow rapidly and in abundance, and the only respite from the morning light comes when it rains. Due to these qualities, Fálias is widely considered to be the most beautiful place to live in Tír na nÓg, as well as the safest. You need not fear going hungry here; even the most destitute of the citizenry can forage for a plethora of food out in the wild.

Unsurprisingly, due to its opulence, Fálias has historically been home to the capital of Tír na nÓg, as well as the ruling family. After the War of the Courts, however, Fálias is now only home to the capital of the Seelie Court...

Moving on from the province itself, let’s take a look at a few notable locations in Fálias individually, shall we?

More under the cut...

LOCATION: Shae’s Outpost (External)

Welcome to Shae’s humble abode! Despite the cozy ambience, this mysterious stone structure is actually an old military outpost located in a patch of forest near the Seelie capital. Only Shae is "assigned" to it these days, though.

To give you some history, the outpost was first constructed about a 100 years ago, during the infamous War of the Courts. It served the purpose of guarding the outer peripheral of the capital from Unseelie insurgents... though, with the war now over, the outpost doesn't serve much of a strategic purpose anymore.

LOCATION: Shae’s Outpost (Internal)

“Why is Shae stationed there,” you ask? Well, it's a bit of a touchy subject. On paper, it's to keep an eye on a usually-dormant gateway to Inisfáil, but in reality, it's because Shae tends to ask too many questions. All this talk of a long lost, long dead princess doesn't sit well with the Seelie nobles! Especially those who have gotten used to the new regimen.

Well, at least Shae can decorate the place as they please! It’s cute, isn’t it? They grow their own food there, as well. Saves on trips to the busy capital markets!

To learn more about Shae, click here.

LOCATION: The Seelie Capital (Over City) 

The Seelie Court capital is one of the oldest structures in Tír na nÓg, as it was/is quite literally one of the “Four Cities” we mentioned before. As such, the design was inspired by ancient Greek architecture as well as interpretations of the hanging gardens of Babylon, especially the castle. Even though the design/feel of the city is fairly Grecian, the actual infrastructure is more similar to Venetian architecture. This is because the capital's castle has been built into a waterfall, which flows into canals across the city. There is a lot of water, though, so some of the overflow actually falls into a great big cavernous pit by the castle... but more on that later!

Depicted above is the over city of the capital, which is called the “over city” in part because it exists on more elevated ground and is physically closer to the castle. However, it’s also referred this way because there is more concentrated wealth here. Isn’t it lovely looking? The pristine limestone architecture, the overgrown foliage, the crystal-clear water… every day is breathtaking in the over city, and it’s a reminder to all who live there what incredible beauty and good fortune Danu has blessed her children with. Well, if you can afford it, that is, which brings us to...

LOCATION: The Seelie Capital (Under City)

Ever heard of “trickle down economics”? Well, the Seelie took that turn of phrase a little too literally. You see, in the capital, the further down you get from the castle’s waterfall, the dirtier and less well maintained the canals become. After all, it’s pushing along all the dirt and debris collected from the rest of the city, and as long as the nobles don’t have to see it, nobody really cares to fix it...

With that said, though decidedly less elegant (and worse smelling) than its bourgeois counterpart, the under city is truly where all the action happens. It’s also the go-to spot to find out the vices and virtues (such as they exist) of the Seelie Courtiers, which is why Keagan, Master of Secrets, tends to frequent these shady quarters. No other reasons, of course. Is he not the perfect picture of an upstanding gentleman?

To learn more about Keagan, click here.

LOCATION: The Seelie Palace

The Seelie Palace is one of the oldest structures in all of Tír na nÓg, as is the city it resides in, but its most curious feature has little to do with the palace itself. As you can see, the palace has been built into a waterfall that filters through the entire building, forming many pools and fountains throughout. The excess of the water is drawn to two locations: Firstly, into the city’s canals, and then… into a large, cavernous pit that seemingly has no end to it. No one has ever managed to find the bottom and lived to tell, at any rate. Perhaps it is for this reason that many believe the pit leads directly to Mag Mell, the plain of the Gods. Either way, better watch your step. 

LOCATION: The Seelie Throne Room

Here we have the Seelie throne room: An open, airy space adorned with foliage and the Ealabhàn crest, a white swan with roses. As is typical of Aífe’s decorating, there is also a copious amount of pink! 

LOCATION: The Seelie Gardens

The Seelie gardens are, perhaps, the most breathtaking part of the palace. Flowers bloom abundantly and in perpetuity around a series of ponds and waterfalls. Aífe will often take strolls here when she wishes to be alone, though perhaps you’d care to join her sometime?

To learn more about Aífe, click here.

#moirai myths #the good people #na daoine maithe #visual novel #otome #visual story #visual storytelling #romance visual novel #otome game #otome romance #romance game #gaming #interactive art #dating sim #interactive story #seelie court #falias

[whispersafterdusk]

Prompt #1: Foster

There were always new and missing faces when Revkr visited home; the Stormforges were known for two things: producing especially skilled craftsmen, and fostering or adopting needy children.

Two faces he'd only seen a handful of times before were both supported in his right arm as he walked at the rear of a small procession; Revkr, along with his mother, two of his sisters, and his youngest brother along with a scattering of their children had descended upon the market to purchase the food needed for a full family gathering tonight (what most would consider a feast tended to be just another evening dinner at the Stormforge house, considering the number of mouths to feed).  While everyone else had a basket or bundle of something in their arms Revkr had offered to tote his sister Finia's two youngest for the trek across the city and Finia had gladly handed the boys over and taken a lighter basket of freshly baked bread in their place.

The twins had been born three summers ago and, as elezen tended to be, were tiny compared to their hyur cousins.  Eugennoix had his head pillowed against Revkr's shoulder, sound asleep, while his brother Nolanel was fascinated with the clasp that held the warrior’s cloak closed tightly at the neck and often he had to carefully de-tangle the boy's fingers from it before he managed to click it open.  The other children - a mix of hyur and elezen, blood and adopted, the same as Revkr's own siblings - milled about, excited that their 'favorite' uncle had come to visit, and it took the full attention of all the adults present to corral the group and keep them on course for home.

"You always do make quite the sight on family outings.” ((Continued below cut))

Distracted as he was with again shooing Nolanel's tiny fingers away from the clasp it took him a moment to first register the voice and its identity, and then to locate where it had come from; there, standing at the foot of a ramp that eventually wound its way up to the Pillars, was one Lord Edmont de Fortemps, whose gaze quickly glanced over the group as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Revkr had served beneath the Fortemps banner for nearly thirty years before being swept up in the realm’s problems where he’d gone from humble knight to Warrior of Light; while he had unofficially retired from his post there was a part of him that still thought of himself as Ser Stormforge, Fortemps knight, and seeing Edmont prodded at that wistful ache deep inside for those simpler days.  He slowed and let his family continue, waving them on, and once the throng had moved out of earshot Edmont approached.

"My Lord.  Tis rare to see you by yourself," Revkr said.

Edmont's lips twitched at the title.  "Old habits, old friend."

Revkr chuckled; as his main hand was full he offered his left awkwardly, which the Count nonetheless clasped firmly.  "Someday the knight in me will retire himself.  Until then the formalities will slip out as they will."

Now it was Edmont's turn to chuckle, then he gestured with his head for Revkr to walk with him.  "Which of your sisters do these two little ones belong to?"

"Finia.  Just turned three this year."  Revkr fell in beside him and the two began to stroll away from the market in the general direction his family had just departed in.

"They are quite precious at that age, are they not?"

"I wouldn't really know, I'm so rarely around these days..."

Edmont nodded.  "An unfortunate necessity... Would that I could lessen your burdens in any way but I shall consider it a good sign that I happened upon you and yours tonight.  There is a matter I was considering and I believe I know the path I should choose."

"Oh?  Has something happened?"

They walked a few steps more in silence before Edmont sighed.  "You of all people know I strive to take care of those that serve or seek the protection of Fortemps.  It so happens that a knight you may recall - Alistaire - was killed recently.  He left behind a young daughter and even younger son, both of which I took in as wards of the house to keep them out of the orphanage."

At the name Revkr closed his eyes and took a deep breath -- he'd known the man, of course.  The number of hyur who both called Ishgard home AND served Fortemps was very small.  Alistaire's wife had barely survived the birth of their daughter, and then had succumbed to bleeding and fever with the son despite the best efforts of the chirugeons.  "What of his mother?"

"Passed last spring.  The children were staying with family friends but they...lack the space."

Revkr opened his eyes to see Edmont giving him a knowing look.  "Ah.  And I imagine your wife believes you both too old to be rearing children."

Edmont took in a deep breath through his nose.  "I do miss when my sons were young, though I scarcely had time for them then.  I would have the time now but there is... There is a question of bonding.  Whether they could ever see me as a father, or my wife as their mother.  The girl is old enough to remember both her parents, and does not know me as anything other than a lord."

Nolanel took that moment to shove chilly fingers into Revkr's beard and then give it a hard tug; with a grunt (accompanied by a quiet laugh from Edmont) he carefully pulled the hand free.  "If you're asking us to take them in instead, we've certainly the room.  Five of father's most recent apprentices have since struck out on their own and their quarters are empty.  And I know my siblings always stand ready to welcome yet more into their respective households."

Edmont's face took on a look of relief.  "I realize I've been remiss in my social calls to your family lately so I pray I am not imposing...but to hear that you still are willing to take in those who need it is heartening."

"It's not imposing - our doors are always open.  Stick around long enough and no doubt someone would attempt to adopt even you," Revkr grinned, very lightly nudging the noble with his elbow.

"Now wouldn't that be a sight," Edmont smiled.  "May I ask that you arrange a meeting, between myself and whoever would be willing to take the two in?"

"I can, or you can simply follow me home and take care of it now."

"You're certain?"

"I am.  My parents certainly wouldn't make YOU of all people wait to speak with them."

Edmont nodded with a faint hum.  They were already walking in the correct direction anyway, and a comfortable silence fell between the two as they moved along through the darkened streets of Ishgard.  As always the front windows of the house were lit with a warm orange glow, and as he opened the door he nearly collided with Finia.

"THERE you are, I was beginning to wond- oh, goodness, Count Fortemps!" Finia quickly backpedaled to get out of the doorway to allow the two to enter, stepping back toward Revkr long enough to grab Nolanel from his arm.  "Welcome, my lord.  Please, allow me to show you to the parlor to warm yourself."

"Thank you, my dear," was Edmont's reply as Finia led them from the entryway into a hallway that stretched from the front of the Stormforge residence to the back where it ended in a set of stairs that carried one to the second and third floors.  

To their left a great deal of activity could be heard - voices, laughter, the scrape of chairs and sounds of cutlery and plates.  Technically only Revkr's parents, Finia along with her husband and four children, and his youngest brother Erik with his wife and two children, lived in the family home with the others having their own dwelling nearby but Halstein and his family had also come to visit this evening so the kitchen and dining hall behind that particular door bustled with the sound of an enormous clan come together to prepare and share a meal.  The kitchen, dining hall, and his parents bedroom took up the leftmost side of the bottom floor (his mother couldn’t really handle stairs well anymore) and then the doors on the right-hand side of the hallway opened to the grand parlor and a pair of smaller, more private sitting rooms.

Finia led them to the grand parlor where a fire roared in the hearth and saw them settled into the cushy armchairs before its warmth before hurrying away with a promise of returning for Eugennoix once she had Nolanel settled.  Not long after Finia had departed a young hyur woman came in with a tray with wine glasses - four of them, meaning his parents would soon be attending - and a bottle of a deep red wine.  

Edmont looked the girl up and down curiously.  "Apologies but you are an unfamiliar face - I do not believe I’ve seen you among this house before."

"N-no, my lord.  I am only come to the household within the last few months," the girl replied quietly, face flushing.  She gently sat the tray down on a small side table and deftly uncorked the bottle.  "I mean to study and become a seamstress."

"Ah, I see.  Gylda possesses a remarkable skill - you will learn a great deal from her."

The girl smiled and poured the glasses, handing them to the two men before bowing and departing the room.  Edmont watched her go, and then turned to Revkr.  "How do you manage to keep up with who belongs where?"

"I don't," Revkr answered flatly, then laughed and gently adjusted Eugennoix who still slumbered away on his shoulder.  "I am at least finally old enough to be able to claim memory problems with names and faces.  When I was able to visit more regularly it was a lot easier."

Finia came back for Eugennoix then; soon after Revkr's parents came in and Edmont had hardly gotten the whole proposal out of his mouth before Meriel had clapped her hands and hurried (well, hobbled) off to go prepare one of the spare rooms.  Bayard looked a bit embarrassed at his wife's eagerness but politely excused himself to go assist her, leaving Edmont and Revkr to silently sip at their glasses of wine in the comfort of the fire's glow.

About halfway through his glass Revkr noted that the bustling and activity across the hall seemed to be dying down.  "Would you care to stay for dinner?"

Edmont shook his head and delicately returned his glass to the tray.  "I must decline, unfortunately, as my own house will no doubt be wondering where I've gotten to.  How long will you be in Ishgard?  It has...been some time since we've had a moment to simply talk for the sake of catching up."

"That...is anyone's guess," he sighed heavily.  "Assuming no metaphorical - or literal - fires spring up, I had intended to stay three days, possibly longer."

The count stood, lightly tapping the end of his walking cane against Revkr's boot.  "Then I will cordially invite you to join me for dinner tomorrow evening, if nothing else demands your attention.  And if I may impose a bit further, I feel it would do my sons's spirits some good to see you again as well."

"What could they want to hear from this tired old man?"

Edmont shook his head with a smile.  "What indeed, Warrior of Light."

Revkr rolled his eyes and stood, placing a friendly hand on the man's shoulder and gesturing for the door.  "Go home, Count Fortemps, before your family turns the city upside-down looking for you."

He walked him to the door and then stood to watch as he disappeared from sight down the street.  Just as he'd closed the door Finia came sweeping in behind him.

"Ah, I was too late to wish him a good evening.  Did he know we set a place at the table for him?"

"He declined as he needed to return home but was grateful all the same, I'm sure."

Finia looped her arm in his and pulled him toward the dining hall.  "Well, come along, dear brother.  Dinner is ready and you've a table full of children excited to hear about your latest adventures."

Revkr made a face.  "I'm not sure they're exactly child-appropriate."

"Then make something up.  Come on."

"Did mother mention to you...?"

"She did.  We'll be gathering, all of us, to discuss it in the morning, but I'm more than willing to take on the pair... Poor dears."

Most everyone was seated at the tables and waiting for Finia and Revkr to take their seats; if his parents and siblings would be otherwise occupied in the morning then that would give him time to spend with however many nieces, nephews, and fosterlings were about.  

In hindsight he probably should have asked Edmont for the children's names...but then again, they would fit right in with the rest of the family so far as he was concerned as he already could barely keep names straight as it was.

#ffxivwrite2021 #ffxivwrite #edmont de fortemps #WoL