#he who mourns;EMET SELCH

[voidsentprinces]

*chews on my breakfast burrito* So...considering the Ancients viewed "retiring" or returning to the lifestream as a beautiful act. Because it meant they had a fulfilling life and had done all they could for Eitheirys and are now making way for someone new to add to that while holding onto their title as a sort of legacy of those who came before and those who are still to come. I feel it interesting that in all interations of Hermes. He sought out the answer to his own life and life in general to perhaps grant him an understanding as to what he had done in life, what might he of contributed to this perfectly flawed society? And then he is reborn as Amon, who lives during the time of a dying Allagan Empire, only through reviving Xande does he find fulfillment in his life and he then gets one two'd by the universe by being nearby as Xande mourns his life and achievements. Sighting that death was a more beautiful gift, life is a curse to him and now that he has seen the other side. All is but ash in his mouth and Amon is unable to comfort the Emperor as Emet-Selch arrives to notify him that despite his best efforts, the Empire is destined to fall in calamity and he is Fandaniel. He then lives a fractured life of only half formed memories and dreams of what came before and watches his life's work crumble. But both his past life and his current one has carved into his soul that death is beautiful and should be applauded. And so as soon as the Paragons are vanquished, Fandaniel b-lines for death's welcoming embrace. But why should he leave those behind to suffer life's warmth when he can show them how beautiful it is. So he brings forth the end of days and before falling into the Cradle of Darkness. He genuinely opens his heart to the Warrior of Light. Genuinely letting them know that when he said he wanted everyone and everything dead, he meant it. In his own twisted way, Fandaniel was sharing with us his happiness and joy without care for the wanton destruction and sorrow it would bring. Because both Hermes and Amon lived in seemingly perfect societies with flaws that crumbled before calamities outside of their control. And so the unleashes the Final Days and gives many a beautiful twisted end. But, he learns as Xande learned that in death it is but a hollow victory, floating in the aetherstream he finds nothing but ash from his success. And he is agitated that we would try to stop the Final Days and seeks to stop us in the Aitiascope. And in his defeat, he laments that death was not as beautiful as either Hermes or Amon were told and no matter how many lives he had lived, he never learned the answer despite being so close to Hydaelyn and just like when meeting us in Elpis. Hope was always so close yet he was looking beyond us to see the answer clearly enough and so he sinks into the darkness, unfulfilled, and sorrowful.

He is retiring and making way for something new...but has he done nothing for this star? What was it all for?

"The End has come...and it will be beautiful."

[brineffxiv]

Nice place you've got here, shame if some Final Days were to happen to it.

Emet-Selch uninvites me from the group. They are having a Serious Business meeting, you see, and the collar bell I insist on wearing detracts from the atmosphere.

In all seriousness, he's being quite sensible. I am a strange something that has appeared from nowhere and seems to possess a piece of the soul of his good friend, who, from all I've heard, happens to be chaos incarnate. Emet is powerful enough that he's got no reason to fear me, but he knows I'm up to something. And that something will probably be trouble for him. Though, I imagine he expects shenanigans, not the end of the world.

Hermes wants me to stay, he trusts me because Meteion trusts me. And he's afraid he'll lose his composure without a third party present. Oh dear. I wonder what he expects they're going to talk about?

(Psst! Hey, Meteion! You're allowed to sit down, there's extra chairs!)

Ah. It seems I have arrived in the past during the event in which Hermes joined the Convocation as Fandaniel. The previous Fandaniel is stepping down and has nominated his friend to be his successor. The Convocation is giving this nomination due consideration, and Emet-Selch, as someone who does not know Hermes personally, is here to give his impartial assessment.

Hermes claims to be honored to have been nominated, but he is visibly distressed to know the why of it...?

Ah... I thought so. It's a euphemism. I thought I remembered a similar phrase... either from earlier in the game or from one of the stories.

Hythlodaeus' explanation of returning to the star sounds so lovely. Imagining a world where death is planned, and only occurs when you feel you have reached fulfillment. Voluntarily. To see such a choice as a privilege and an honor, a celebration of a life well lived. That truly is beautiful.

Perhaps, "Return to the Star" isn't so much a euphemism as it is... an elaboration? After all, they know what happens when they die, Hythlodaeus can see it himself.

At the same time... I find it difficult to shake the memory of what will happen to them. To everyone. For half their people, Hythlodaeus included, there will be no return to the star. Not for an unfathomably long time. Death will acquire a new meaning.

Again I am impressed by the selflessness and dedication with which the Ascians... no. The Convocation. With which the Convocation treat their duties. And, Emet-Selch at least seems glad for it. I imagine he is a good leader for his people.

I can understand why you're sad, Hermes. The current Fandaniel is a friend and, it sounds like, a former mentor to you. It's alright to be upset, and to mourn.

That said, it's not your place to choose the boundaries of someone else's life. You are seeing only the loss, when it sounds like your friend likely sees death as his reward at the end of a long and fruitful life. You don't get to take that from him, just so that he can provide more.

But I don't know if what you're saying is actually what you're feeling. I wonder if you might be having a problem grappling with the topic of death itself. It seems to be culturally a positive thing, but you clearly have negative feelings regarding it...

Hermes being upset has made Meteion upset, and he asks me to take her outside for a change of scenery.

The bird returns!?!?

Or, since this is the past... the bird debuts??

Meteion says she hasn't seen this bird before. Suspicious! I think this is humorous as opposed to plot relevant, but only time will tell...

Regardless, Meteion wants to show me her power, and is going to demonstrate on the shoebill. But she can't for some reason, so she tries on me instead.

That's neat! It's sort of like how the Echo works to help me understand all languages? I wonder if it's the same principle.

Meteion struggles to speak aloud because of her abilities, it sounds like it's the overabundance of stimuli that she's taking in that causes it? That's fascinating, it is sort-of like a neurodivergence.

Meteion likes me because I have things in common with her? "Us"? With familiars? Or, with her and Hermes? Hmm...

She promises not to use her abilities to read my mind, which is a relief, because OH DEAR there are some things in my head that this sweet little bird shouldn't have to know.

I will totally be your friend, Meteion. You can be my bestie right alongside Zenos....

WHAT!? Hermes, how could you?! Eating good food is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Meteion and I return to the rest of our little group. Hermes has requested time to consider the Convocation's invitation (much to Emet-Selch's displeasure) so we are going to observe him doing his job around Elpis. How fun!

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I FOUND THE LESBIANS!!!

#ffxiv liveblog #rhesh'a tag #emet-selch #hythlodaeus #hermes #fandaniel #meteion #baseless speculation

[karoiseka]

💙

This is both for Eva and for @blackestnight who will get their other prompts answered after I recover from this straight up craziness I devolved into for this one. ^_^ <3

Have some Shadowbringers Karo with an unsuspecting Ardbert. (and a middle screenshot I'm stupidly proud of the posing on)

The bottom of the glass bottle looked back at Karo as she peered through it’s neck, a scowl upon her face.  

“You know, that isn’t going to help,”  Ardbert’s voice came from the seat next to her.  They were sitting at her table in the Pendants suite assigned to her, the wine bottle in her hand the second of two that had disappeared down her throat in the past few bells.

“I know,” Karo was trying not to slur and failing miserably.  “‘dulls i’ a bit though.”  She could hear his sigh, but no rebuttal came at that statement.  Rak’tika had been harsh on her emotions, from the Eulmorans snapping at their heels and the danger Y’shtola’s people had been put in.  That was nothing to say of what the mage herself had done using Flow again and having to mourn her again before Emet snatched her right back out of the Lifestream startling all of them with the show of kindness.  Thancred had also been within sight for most of the way, but just as emotionally out of reach as Y’shtola had been physically, which continued to eat at her.

Taking in the extra Light from the Warden had been harder, and it was starting to take the toll that her sightless yet all-seeing friend had already started to see.  It had only taken one glance in the mirror when they returned to the Crystarium to see the way her eyes were being leeched of color, now matching in hue to the shade next to her.  Yet that wasn’t the worst of it.

Because then, then, Emet-Selch, Ascian, and insufferable know-it-all had interrupted their walk back through the caves to comment on the historic paintings that adorned the cavern.  He spun a tale of ancient people facing a great calamity unlike any the Star had seen before–and their incredulous answer.  Zodiark.  Hydaelyn.  Both the first Primals.  Born of desperation and fear.  Love and protection.  Two sides of a whole, now sundered into fourteen–and three that had been left unsundered.  Three striving to bring back their home and loved ones for eons without end.

Karo went to take another swig from the bottle, placing it down with a thud and a scowl as she had forgotten it was already empty.

“Damnitall,” her head swiveled, looking around to the counters for more bottles–hopefully still full.  Determination flowed through her, hands planting on the table to stand and head to her quarry.

“Karo, I don’t think that’s a good idea–”  Ardbert was already on his feet, arms out as if to steady her, knowing that she would just pass through him, even as she stood and swayed in place.

“I–I got this!”  Her tone was not nearly as certain as her words, and sure enough as she took a first shaky step away from the table, stumbled as her support was no longer close.  Cursing, Ardbert lunged forward, hopeless as it was, and almost collapsed under the sudden shock of her weight landing solidly in his arms.

The phenomenon had only happened a handful of times since she had arrived on the First, and so far only when she had been fast asleep, waking just long enough to acknowledge his solid presence at her side before falling into sleep, leaving him to sit in quiet contemplation throughout the night, the touch of another on his skin for the first time in decades.

This however was messy, sloppy, in the surprise on both their parts as he hefted her carefully, and in the way only a drunk could, Karo flung her arms exuberantly around his neck, a smile lighting up her face in joy.

“My Hero~!” His sigh was one of affection, knowing she didn’t mean to sting with the words, even as she buried her face into his chest, ears tickling his nose.  He couldn’t stop the chuckle that followed, even as he tried not to hold her too tight.

“C’mon then, let’s get you to bed, you’ve had enough to drink for one night,”  he could almost feel the pout as she whined, tail whipping around their legs.  Looking up at him, he wondered how anyone told her no about anything with those large blue eyes.  It wasn’t his imagination then, they had lightened in color as she took on the extra Light.  

Without another word, he bent slightly to scoop her into his arms, chuckling as she whooped with delighted laughter, mood swinging as wildly as only a drunk’s could.  Carefully as he could, he took one step after another, heart filled to bursting with wonder and awe at the small woman in his arms, already curling into a ball, and nuzzling his neck.  How had she brought such life and color to his mundane hell that every day had become?

There were not enough steps to contemplate their entire balance before he made it to the bed tucked neatly in the corner of the large room.  Perhaps the gods would be kind and would allow him another peaceful night at her side, that precious touch rekindling who he was, and what he lived for–had died for.

“Ride’s over, Warrior.  I’m afraid you’ll have to tuck yourself in since this mystery only seems to extend to you,”  Leaning over, he started to place her down on the thick mattress, before she held on tighter around his neck.

“You’re so good to me, Arbert.  Ardbert,” She overly enunciated his correct name after the slip of his “alias” from the Source.  

“I love you,” and with that her lips were on his, sloppily kissing him, holding on as he dropped her the rest of the way to the bed with the shock of it, being pulled down after her, unbalanced as he was.  He knew it was the drink talking, but the words nevertheless were laced with Truth that his Echo confirmed, making his heart clench. 

Hesitantly he returned the kiss, reveling in the feel before breaking off and then kissing her nose and forehead.  A happy giggle told him that he hadn’t offended as he carefully moved to sit in his normal spot on her bed–never fully taking all contact away in case the magic disappeared.

“C’mon now, time for sleep,” and with an incoherent positive babble, Karo curled around him and was passed out in moments.  He let his fingers run through her hair, carefully tracing her ears as she hugged him closer.  It would be a good night–one he could watch over her and provide what comfort he could.  It was all worth it.

#ffxiv #karoiseka #ardbert #wol x ardbert #sorta? #they are complicated #but I love them #ask me! #Thank you!!! #this one got away from me in the best way possible #more to write tomorrow morning before I start trying to keep up with fanfest info while at work #wheeeeee #I really am super proud of that pose of him carrying her though

[humblemooncat]

Ki'to is the one I know of yours the most so far and I like his polycule so..

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have five of them for whenever you feel the need! Ki'to or polycule related! I'll take any, I love songs.

I have been given a blessing this day, for I too love songs

In no specific order, have all 5 under the cut. <3

Famous by Skillet

This song was shoved into Ki'to's playlist specifically for his relationship with G'raha from the beginning of EW.

I testify, this is not a secret meant to keep Your love, like fire, spreading from my heart straight to my feet

And when I was dead, you gave me new life I'm lifting you up with all of my might I don't care who's to the left, to the right You're all that's on my mind Don't really care what they say, what they think I feel so alive

Listen, Ki'to was SO giddy when he pulled Raha out of that tower. After thinking he was lost to him, the excitement he felt was probably more than it should have been. But it was what he felt, and it was expressed as such. For the first week or so after, he would not leave Raha's side. The PDA got to the point where Alisaie dragged him away by the collar and told him to tone it down. They're way better with it now but hoo boy. This song just gives me that feeling in my chest I know he was feeling at that point.

Hollywood's Bleeding by Post Malone

This is THE Post-banquet song for Ki'to. For that whole flashback, you can read it here. But I'll go over these in chunks here as well.

Everyone's gone, but no one's leavin' Nobody left but us

As Ki'to lingers outside the ruins, Alphinaud begging him to hurry, all he can think of is everyone who stayed behind.

Outside, the winter sky turnin' grey City up in smoke, it's only ash when it rains

This is more the transition to Coerthas. The banquet felt like fire and smoke encircling and threatening to consume him. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, his mind was spinning. He could barely discern snow from ash.

It seem like dying young is an honor But who'd be at my funeral? I wonder

It really did seem like the whole world was against him at that point. All of his friends gone save for a lone few. Who would mourn the Warrior of Light if he died then?

I go out, and all they eyes on me I show out, do you like what you see? And now they closin' in on me Let 'em sharpen all they teeth

Never before had Ki'to been so ready to fight anyone who even looked at him the wrong way. Every unknown face was an enemy. It took a WHILE for his hackles to finally relax.

Resurrection by TeZATalks

This is one of the songs I chose to encapsulate ShB for Ki'to.

I'm made from the root of a God's mind Holy darkness follows me close behind

Knowing what we know of Venat now, the first line here speaks to me. As for the second, Holy darkness makes a lot of sense with our mission on the First.

I'm rude but I'll give 'till my last dime Real love stays even for the fight All eyes on me, is that right? Well, let me show you why we all cry Sometimes, sometimes, yeah

Ki'to was willing to give his all to bring back the night. With every Lightwarden the light became heavier to bear, but even if it pushed him to tears he was going to press on. He had to. His loved ones were counting on him to save them.

When your heart's on fire and bleeding In a world of faceless demons, fight to see them Hell will come for the one whose soul reveals it But don’t break, back down; don't move, rise now, the real truth This is only the beginning of my true resurrection

At first glance you might think "Oh, faceless demons? Sin eaters?" Nah. This cluster of lyrics is about Amaurot. About the shades, the illusions of those he loves, Emet-Selch...

"This is only the beginning of my true resurrection" alluding to his own rejoining with another shard of his soul. Hades recognizing Azem at last.

Light by Nathan Wagner

This song I dedicate to the Ataiascope & Mothercrystal section of EW. Specifically the relationship between Ki'to and Hydaelyn.

I know you feel that it's too late That all these chains have you enslaved Just hang on Gonna see the truth

I feel this as him telling her all this was not a futile effort. That they will prevail and every effort she made to forestall the end of days was not in vain.

See I was falling into gray I lost my friend I couldn't save her

Post-Mothercrystal vibes, especially when reuniting with Krile.

Body ached my body bruised was crying out I need a savior And you came and healed my bones you picked me up and walked me home Said; you'll never be alone just lift your eyes I'll make you whole So darling please keep hanging on we're on our way to break the dawn Just a minute hold your ground father send your spirit down

His thanks to Hydaelyn for being there when he needed her (when she could), and a promise that he will be there for her as well.

Come, shine, shine, shine Shine your light Light, light, light Oh shine, shine, shine Shine your light, light, light Let there be Let there be Let there be Let there be Let there be light

This just gives me the mental image of him before her form after they prove themselves, just... begging for her to be okay. But knowing full well her light was spent.

Ki'to loved Hydaelyn/Venat like his own mother. To say he was heartbroken when she was gone would be an understatement. But in the back of his mind he was happy she'd finally be able to rest.

Home by Jacob Lee

And we'll end off with Ki'to's dedication to his husbands. <3

Each verse is dedicated to one of them:

Aymeric

I found love in a moment I watched your breath as it touched the wind As it painted the open air And it came to rest on my skin I don't know if you noticed But I found my heart in that moment

G'raha

I've found home There we lay by the water Almost asleep as I heard you say "I don't know if we're meant to be Though this certainly feels like fate" I don't know if you noticed But I fell in love in that moment

Estinien

As we stood by the ocean You reached for my hand and you said my name Every word I heard poetry I saw laughter upon your face I don't know if you noticed But I left my heart in that moment

And the bridge is dedicated to all three of them. <3

I've found home In my arms as you wake up (Home) In each direction this takes us (Home) In every breath that I make I'll know I've found home, I've found home Whether we lie in or stay up late I feel like we could just talk for days Through every hour I lay awake, all I know Is I've found home (Ohh, ohh) I've found home

#Ki'to #Wolmeric #Wolgraha #Wolstinien #Answerin' asks #Lyric selections #Thank you for letting me holler about my boy #and the music I selected for him and his hubbies #<3 #Enjoy! #Also #Shadowbringers spoilers #Endwalker spoilers #Just in case

[sezja]

88% for Nerise?

Battery Percentage OC Asks

88%. What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?

For a while, she thinks it's what's happened to her - being taken from her friends and loved ones, leaving them to wonder what's become of her.

As she moves past that - and gets out of her own head, and begins to see the world she lives in now as real and not just a sort of "bad future" she needs to return to her own time to avoid - she begins to think the worst thing that can be done to a person is anything that sends them so deeply into grief that they're fundamentally changed as a person.

She sees it in Emet-Selch, she sees it in Hermes and Meteion, she even sees it in Yotsuyu by the end; she sees it in "Golbez." She sees it in Gaius, who at least channeled that grief into trying to become a better person. She sees it in Ardbert, and mourns for the adventurer he and his friends used to be. She sees it in Elidibus.

It's why she's trying as hard as she can to move on, before grief turns her into something she doesn't recognize.

#nerise the dragonrider #thank you! <3

[bloomingscales]

𝓢𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭'𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼

“Remember.” “Remember us.” “Remember that we once lived.” Those were his last words as his shimmering aether dispersed, his crooked yet sincere smile the last image as the underworld claims its king. An old soul taking up his throne. It’s right then, in the moment that his very essence vanishes, that I feel my knees give out. My breath feels ragged as I stare at the violet crystal, now blurred by tears, with hand clasped over my mouth to hold back sobs. Every ilm of my body was screaming for my enemy—an Ascian, at that. What is this? This ache that gnaws at my chest? True, I had grown fond of Emet-Selch. Maybe more than I would readily admit to my fellow Scions. But this? This was coming from something deep within. In seconds, I feel my friends gather around me and fret. I need to pull myself together—to send them off so I can let this pain run its course. “I am okay,” a lie as my hand moves from my mouth. “Just…overwhelmed. I’ll meet you at the Crystarium, so please,” can they see the desperation in my eyes? “Go on ahead of me. I need some time to..” To what? “Breathe.” I’m not fooling anyone with the breaks in my voice, but my plea does not fall on deaf ears. I can see the concern, the hint of confusion, and even some understanding in Thancred’s eyes. Mayhap this is what he felt when Minfillia departed. I look to Y’Shtola’s to see her eyebrows furrowed, then Urianger and he nods. He soon ushers the twins from my sides, though they protest with each step, and they leave me to process what has bubbled up from inside. And now, alone, the dam bursts and I wail, body heaving forward as I hug myself and press my forehead to the floor. It’s excruciating. Unbearable. But the waves keep crashing down, pulling me deeper into a sea of anguish. I feel like I’m drowning and gasp for air, clawing my chest. Something deep within roars with millennia of grief. Millennia I have no recollection of. Millennia etched into my soul now eight times rejoined. Are these tears even mine? They were and yet they weren’t. They tickle my skin as they roll down my nose and drip onto the crystal surface, hot trails left cold in their wake. Yes, I had come to care for him but this— This feels like the cries of someone mourning their soulmate. Someone who loved so intensely, so fiercely, that it was woven into the very fabric of their soul. My soul. A love carried throughout every life. Love so deep that it seeps into every crevice. And then it dawns on me. Azem. It is Azem who weeps. Her tears are endless, leaving me with nothing to do but ride the waves of insurmountable sorrow. I don’t know how many bells have passed by the time I wander into my Pendants’ room, energy dwindling. In my chest is a mix of emotions, festering in place of the light that had been purged from me. An empty, hollow feeling is most prominent, but under it is a seed of hope. A speck of relief. But beneath it all is an indescribably yearning for a man returned to the Star. My mind and body are tattered. It’s all I could do to make it to my bed and collapse onto the mess of blankets. The second my head hits the pillow, sleep takes me. I dream of a familiar stranger. Piercing yellow eyes, permanently furrowed brows, hair white and swept back from his stern face. His eyes land on me and the sternness seems to melt into relief, replaced by a slightly crooked yet sincere smile. His lips part to greet me. “Cressida.”

#azemet #emetwol #ffxiv #ff14 #emet-selch #shadowbringers #chigu writing #ffxiv fic #ffxiv writing

[fatalwhims]

finished shadowbringers msq (pre-patch quests) and

the cutscene going into the dying gasp was so epic. but then the post trail cutscene...was that really it for emet-selch?! was that the send-off for one of the best villains? at least ardbert got his moment that was really sweet.

patch quests up next so who knows what’ll happen. BUT STILL, it was just so underwhelming IMO!! but don’t worry, my wol will remember you sir.

regardless i can see why many people consider shb their fave expansion. emet-selch’s va kills the role and makes him such a good villain, the g’raha tia reveal (even though i got spoiled on that and they drop so many hints) because its not that he chooses to reveal himself but the hood just flies off, ULTIMATE ARDBERT REDEMPTION ARC - he grew on me so much. Finally getting more ascian lore. getting to amaurot and realizing emet-selch recreated a whole fucking city, one that he loves and mourns so dearly....

#spoilers under cut #unfortunately i think this means that i like emet-selch #also we learn why he is always hunched back #carrying too many burdens ;-; #emet-selch #shb spoilers #shadowbringers #shb #ffxiv #playing ffxiv #personal

[motheatenscarf]

Alright, jokes about my own predictability and the flat circle that is time aside, here are my thoughts about this last stretch of Shadowbringers.

I've been informed that these ancient beings have been dubbed "ween woons" by the fandom and I... genuinely, unironically, wholeheartedly love it. I'd just been calling them the Mr. Burns Aliens, but no, they're ween woons. They go ween woon with their creepy lanky swaying and they say ween woon with their haunting vocalizations.

It's pokemon rules, THAT'S a ween woon

In fact, that particular ween woon, uhhhhhh, is a.) self aware and b.) recognized my character.

I'd already figured out that Ardbert was likely your character's reflection here in the First, you both being shards of the same soul. Fits in with my theory that the echo in Warriors of Light is just, like, people who swore themselves to Hydalen the way Ascians did to Zodiark. Also, Ardbert looks identical to John Final Fantasy from all the cinematics and shit (which I did finally watch, to no one's surprise, I like the Heavensward one best), so yeah, that helped solidify that theory. Nice to have it confirmed.

This ween woon called Talia his "new old friend," and also described themself as "close friends" with Emet Selch, and Emet then ALSO recognized Talia once Ardbert did the fusion-ha dance to help stabilize her, with a "No... it CAN'T be," kind of shock to the recognition. So that's got some potential to be juicy "We were friends in another life" drama, peel it and feed it to me like GRAPES, I love it. ESPECIALLY if my theory is correct and that your old soul was one of the ancients who disagreed with the plan to sacrifice 3/4 of the population to Zodiark.

Also, yeah, it makes sense that the Ascians' plans will be to sacrifice everyone who survives 6 more fucking Calamities and trade that life to restore the ancients they lost. Otherwise, there would be people like Zaris, who think that they should go along with the Ascian's plans and allow the rejoinings to occur to become stronger themselves.

I also love the implication that their calamity, their "Final Days" was uh, just their own power to manifest their thoughts into reality turned foul. They didn't seem to have much reverence for individuality, to the point they wear cloaks and masks and share everything with everyone, spending days at a time discussing topics. They're beings of thought, not action. So if one of them, god forbid, has depression, and starts Thinking The Morbid Thoughts as any being with awareness is prone to do, that's gonna spread like... well, fire.

It is VERY interesting to me that Emet was earnest in his assertions that he wanted to see what would happen with the Scions and the WoL in particular because he is, I think, just looking to REST. He's lived "a thousand-thousand lives" and continually found humanity (for want of a better word) wanting. He does not feel like he can entrust the world and whatever disaster befell it to the hands of beings so flawed and myopic. That's why he needs the Exarch to go back in time and try to undo this MESS that is the world's shattering, because he doesn't think anyone but his people are up to the task of securing their legacy, of protecting the world. The people whom he mourns so freshly after what must be tens of thousands of years that he creates a city of shades just to feel the hollow familiarity of it. He straight up asks, "You think yourselves our equals? You think yourselves worthy to be stewards of this star? You think if you were threatened with a crisis like THIS that half your people would gladly sacrifice themselves to save the other?"

I'm really hoping it all comes back to Alphinaud's revelation back in Heavensward; no cause is ever worth sacrificing the people we love. We fight to SAVE them. Maybe we fail, maybe we lose, but at no point along the journey does forsaking the person beside you become an acceptable path forward. The good of the whole is worth nothing if it does not still value and treasure the good of the one. That's the mission statement. That's the thesis.

#Caitlin Plays FF14 #FF14 spoilers #Eschatalia Solanum

[lookbluesoup]

Munday Ask Meme

Tagged by @mimble-sparklepudding and @boggleoflight , thank you :D

Share your wallpaper:

The last song you listened to: Wild by aeseaes

Currently reading: Nothing :C The last book I finished though was "The Forgotten Beasts of Eld" by Patricia A. McKillip, which was very good, I do recommend it!

Last Movie: Storks - it's pretty cute! I needed something chill to decompress to xD

Craving: Gluten Free Oreos. I ran out a couple days ago, I am in mourning

What are you wearing right now? Mismatched pajamas

How tall are you: Short

Piercings: Nope. I used to have my ears pierced but they closed back up because I could never be bothered with earrings!

Tattoos: None! Though I hope to get some someday

Glasses? Contacts? Both, but I prefer glasses. I can take them off to rest my eyes, and when I inevitably lose my phone on the way to bed I can just put them back on real quick to find it without an ordeal lmfao

Last drink: Water

Last show: Shadow & Bone (also fun! Do recommend)

Last thing you ate: Fajita Nachos

Favorite color: Purple

Current obsession: @seasaltandcopper pitched an au to me this morning that we've been plotting out all day, where Mal is a minor god and Nate is a human some desperate starving villagers tried to sacrifice to bring fortune back to their village. Nate prayed for help, and it's actually his desperation Mal hears and responds to. He rescues Nate, slow burn idiots to lovers, and they end up having to figure out whats "killing" the other gods and why all the bigger, widely worshiped ones have stopped answering prayers.

Unrelated obsession: I mean. FFXIV. LOL.

Any pets: My cat, Goose!

Do you have a crush on anyone? @seasaltandcopper my beloved

Favorite fictional character: That is an IMPOSSIBLE question there are too many D: From ffxiv there's Alisaie, X'rhun Tia, Emet Selch, G'raha Tia. From other places there's Piper Wright (FO4), Rhysand (Acotar), Vignette Stonemoss (Carnival Row.... but only season 1. lmfao), Chetney Pock O'Pea (CR), Anders, Cassandra (DA). I'm also of course quite partial to mine and my friends OCs lol

(Apparently my types are: sassy man with a heart of gold, unfailingly loyal morally dubious disaster man with style, and badass kind-hearted woman who will fistfight literally anything, all with liberal sprinklings of ptsd on top)

The last place you traveled: The dentist! For the first time since 2019. I have 9 cavities :) Because I am grinding my teeth severely and also not flossing enough.

--

Since it is pretty late on Munday I wont tag anyone this time around, if you wanna steal if from me, feel free!!

#wyn gabs #text #long post

[charmingbrute]

"For the burden of a hero was never an easy one. As the mantle weighs heavily upon your shoulders, my friend… I hope you continue to walk. Walk. Walk with a smile on your face, walk no matter how hopeless things may seem. I have watched over your progress with my fading consciousness - and you know not how it pleased me when you would look up to the sky. Looking for something. Always looking for something. When you direct your eyes upward to the moon, I hope you think of the future. "You" used to do that, a soul tasked with too much.

But you are yourself, are you not? The shining star at the bottom of the abyss. Hold that bleeding heart proudly, steel yourself for what is to come. As much as "You" complained, never once have "You" ran from a challenge. Never once have you turned your back on the truth.

The path of the savior is a lonely one, but I shall be with you always. I promised "You" as much. The hero never falters. The hero is never truly lonely, for the moon is his guide. Steel yourself, for you must be righteous. The brightest dawn is yet to come, and you shall bring it forward. I will not be here to witness it, but you must smile.

In time, we shall meet again. My dearest Ares. My dearest friend and beloved champion. And when we do meet again... I hope you will greet me with a smile, and tell me tales of adventures long past."

Oh, he would walk. Walk, for there's little choice to be had. Walk, for it's the only way to live on. He had stopped thinking about the weight of the world upon his shoulders, his body already numb to it. It became a part of him, the vessel thinking that no one else but him would've survived through it. It's not as though he sought the sky for answers, answers as to why it was him who must be burned with it at all. The gesture was always made in desperation, in not knowing where else to look, what God he should speak his prayers to. Somehow, the sight of the moon gave him comfort in times of need.

Don't call me that name...

But then it came, like shadows of the night. Foreign feelings flooded him, setting him alight. Where it came from, how it came to be, he didn't know. Only that it set a mournful flame in his heart, a failure to this 'friend' who was supposed to be a stranger to him. The memories seeped through, filling every crevice of his mind. And what sorrow did he find at the end of it, his soul recognized. The weight upon him did surely last although he couldn't name nor place the past. There were attempts to resist the haunting pull of it all, its melancholic sway, but as it held him captivate, it only continued to swirl. It's a mournful dirge that echoed. A song that not even the gentle hands of time could slow. Is this what... Emet-Selch felt?

Please... don't call me that name...

The Warrior of Light clutched at his chest, unable to give them another glance. He wanted to smile for them. Gods, he wanted to. He couldn't even move his lips to utter a word, to tell them how grateful he was to be guided, for he knew damn well it was not him that they're looking at, but his soul. His damned soul that existed way longer than he's ever had. The soul that had seen horrors unknown to him, the soul that had known love for the Star and those that inhabit it. His heart ached, pain undying creeping to him, begging him to communicate what the soul could not. To tell them that 'he' was regretful. To let them know that 'he' has not changed. That even now, 'he' fights and breathes for the sake of the Star as 'he' is wont to do.

'He' would never yield. Not even once.

Tell him I have loved him.

No.

Tell him I have not forgotten.

Stop.

Tell him I am here still.

He can't.

"I will..." Who? Certainly not him.

You can't be serious, can you?

#inbox. #verse : shadowbringers. #laplacemail #dies at ur feet

[thefinalwitness]

l'aiha and thancred get a nice bit of their own healing done in shb too, regarding each other. that and post-heavensward when they find out what happened to minfilia are the two instances where they engage one another, which they don't do almost at all otherwise because of the ARR ifrit thing. (l'aiha's mad he left her alone and thancred's mad HE left her alone) they don't dislike each other by the end of ARR but they really can't breach this first, horrific impression.

and even in hw patches they don't really talk TO each other. they sense each other's deepening jadedness and mourning, and they speak up in each other's defense several times, but they still can't really FACE each other. but they see themselves in each other, and they both wish someone would understand how much pain they're in. so l'aiha speaks up in thancred's defense with emmanellain, and they both do so in a few other scenes as well throughout hw patches and stb.

but the ironic thing about shb is they're NOT relating to each other this time, and it causes them to engage for the first time in 4 (or 9 in thancred's case) years, but it's not friendly. l'aiha is furious about how thancred handles ryne, and thancred is furious about how l'aiha handles emet-selch. their animosity grows worse and worse until, finally...

they both realize how fucking wrong they were. thancred about ryne, l'aiha about emet-selch. and neither of them take any satisfaction out of the other's moment of revelation. nobody's happy. they expected even a LITTLE relief, and it's there, but it's dull compared to just how overwhelmingly SAD they are for each other.

and i think that's when they both figure out they've ALWAYS been sad for each other. l'aiha was mad about ryne in part because thancred was denying himself healing. thancred was mad about emet-selch because he was scared he'd hurt l'aiha. even after ARR, when they're not upset about ifrit anymore but keep their distance from one another, it's out of concern FOR EACH OTHER.

thancred believes l'aiha hates him because he left her with ifrit. l'aiha believes she's responsible for the bad mental state that led thancred to being possessed by lahabrea. they think they're only capable of hurting each other, and stay away because they don't WANT to do that.

and after shb, after ryne and emet-selch, they can't stand to watch the other still, still hurting after all this time. they're not friends, exactly, but they remind me of like... two people who found each other in rehab. their relationship is intrinsically built up with a desire to see the other overcome their tragedies and heal; they have seen each other's souls in a way you only really do when you've both crawled out of hell together. they can do the periodic friendly banter throughout endwalker. they scold the SHIT out of each other about their martyrdom in ultima thule (thancred deleting himself, l'aiha sending the scions away from the endsinger). it's still kind of hostile when even just a little stress sparks, but they know now it comes from a place of wanting the other to MAKE IT. to LIVE.

and i'm just. feelings about them. they're not friends but they're deeply important to each other. and maybe, slowly, in seeing how angry they get when the other undermines themselves, MAYBE one day they'll realize they can stop doing it to themselves. they can stop making it worse in this delusional hope that it will save someone else. they can realize they're being, for each other, what they need themselves. ough. they're like soldiers who met in war and they're home now and what they have is utterly untranslatable into words. it's unspeakable. it's love and anger and kinship and hatred and they will never untangle their souls from one another no matter how good or bad it gets. they're fused like metals in a forge.

#i am a self-described “underrater of thancred waters” but when i get REALLY intense about him.... OUGH #yoshi talks #l'aiha #wol #about #thancred

[blissfulalchemist]

WIP Holiday Week

Tagged most recently by @themarcspector and @unholymilf to post a little something of what I have been working on. Tagging those two in return along with @belorage @florbelles @heroofpenamstan @strafethesesinners @adelaidedrubman @leviiackrman @statichvm @jackiesarch @confidentandgood @shellibisshe @shallow-gravy @indorilnerevarine and anyone else that wants to! 

I have some Anthea for you on this day. Spoilers for Endwalker because it gave me so many feelings.

Being torn in two has become such a common occurrence in recent days that the pain of it almost doesn’t faze Anthea as they are once again presented with a choice that they fear will be the wrong one as he finishes his presentation. “Will you agree to this being the best course of action to ending this madness?” Emet-Selch looks at them behind the red mask of the Convocation, the ones that had come up with every plan since their magicks turned against them and the skies burned red. The ones that now are in talks of just how to bring everyone back now that the star is back in order, back to a point where it can thrive. “Anthea please, this will bring him back to us. Don’t you want that?”

“More than anything,” they exhale slowly, “But the cost-.”

“Is it not worth it?”

“I-. That is not what I’m saying.”

“I thought you loved him.”

“I do! Don’t you ever try to tell me how I feel,” they snap, “It is because I love him that I would do anything-.”

“Then why the hesitation?” He scoffs, “I know that’s your default but this is hardly the time to hesitate.”

“I’m not hesitating,” Anthea shakes their head, “I share your sentiment that I would do anything to bring him back, but I can also see and know that he’s gone. He’s gone through his own choice which wasn’t as easy a choice as you like to make yourself believe. A choice that we need to respect.”

“Are you really going to turn your back on something we know for certain will restore not only him but others that were all loved and cared for by someone?”

“At the cost of a people that they died for, they knew just what they were doing.” They swallow, holding back the tears that should have dried up long ago, “And beyond that, to give you more time to achieve great things.” Anthea looks down at their hands, “It is why he wouldn’t let me go with him. Why I am stuck here mourning.”

“But you don’t have to be! Why can you not see that, Anthea?”

“Would you be willing to accept that you have fulfilled your purpose then? That’s why he decided to sacrifice himself, to allow you to find it and fulfill it because that is all he ever wanted out of his life. It may not have happened the way he once envisioned it but he-.”

“Well maybe mine’s changed,” he snaps, “but how could I ever expect someone who wanders through their life so passively that they have yet to even have an inclination of what it is they’re here for.”

Their hands ball into fists at their sides, “You may be willing to spit in the face of his beliefs but I’m not. Which is why despite the desperate call of my heart I am going to try and do something with the gift he has granted us.” They turn with a locked jaw, inhaling sharply before turning once more to snatch the wall he’s built, “You know I will humor the idea, Hades, if you can look me in the eye and tell me with ultimate certainty that what you are planning to do is what he would have wanted, what he would want to see if he came back. Tell me that you know for a fact that this is your respective purpose that Hythlodaeus would see and agree so that he says that he has also fulfilled his. Tell me all of this without any doubt or hesitation, tell me this not as Emet-Selch, member of the Convocation, tell me this as Hades, his best friend and someone he looked up to and held in such high regard.” They don’t know when they moved to be inches from his face but it’s close enough to see the doubt and hesitation pass through his eyes as takes the moment to find the right word to start his argument. They feel the edges of his mask push deeply against the inside of their hand as they give a sharp nod, pushing it back into his chest, “That’s what I thought.”

Anthea storms off, arms hugging themselves as they make it a safe enough distance to finally let themselves feel the knife their friend left in their chest. How right he is that Anthea’s spent all their life simply letting it go by, waiting and watching for the moment it all will make sense, when their purpose comes to them clear as day, and letting others guide them like a leaf on the wind. They had it….they thought it started to make sense….that they were near the precipice of knowing just what it was they were put on this star for….

Anthea lets themselves collapse in what used to be a small plot of grass and flowers, the sobs taking over once again, fingers digging into their shoulders as they try to keep their chest from bursting. So close….so close and then to lose it all in the blink of an eye as the world came crumbling down around them. Helpless to stop their magic from turning against them, to stop the monsters that consumed everything in their path, to do anything about the panic and sorrow of those around them that only made it worse. Helpless still in changing his mind, feeling like a fool when they believed that their mutual friend could fare any better, and heartbroken when he insisted that they stay behind because their story had not yet finished, but had only just begun before the Final Days struck. “I feel so lost without you my beloved,” they whisper as their tears slow, “He’s right….he’s so very right about me….”

#I am so sorry I have nothing else to offer other than ff but like this hole is so deep! #It broke me my god! #my wip tag #also i am not apologizing for this

[sarrie]

Relationships: Those who know me know I think shipping is tons of fun, and ofc FFXIV sets us up with the perfect setting to indulge. That being said, this will now contain spoilers up through Endwalker!

Y'shtola was Aeryn's first major crush. Her dry sense of humor and sarcasm suit Aeryn's style of humor perfectly. Being new to the area, she also appreciates how absolutely insanely smart and well-read Y'shtola is. The two would spend hours discussing any aspect of history or magic theory - especially as Aeryn made advances as a conjurer into a WHM. Their relationship never progresses outside of flirting and maybe an awkward hand holding here or there. During and after the events of the Bloody Banquet Aeryn fears she loses Y'shtola without being able to tell her how she feels.

Haurchefant is easy to like. Unlike other Ishgardians he is easy to talk to, full of optimism and romanticism about the world. Mourning and exhiled, it is easy for Aeryn to return his flirtation as it becomes something to get her out of bed in the morning. While they become incredibly close friends, their relationship never strays outside of a friends-with-benefits scenario. They become besties in that platonic soulmate kind of way, and anything sexual is no strings attached.

I did absolutely ship Aeryn and Aymeric as an endgame, but Aeryn evolved so much as a character I don't think I could see it working out long-term. There was a spark, maybe, but anything that could have been was quickly buried by the war and trying to make sure Ishgard doesn't fall apart.

After losing Haurchefant, the world becomes very heavy. Aeryn becomes more reclusive, sad, angry. So angry. At some point Estinien and her start to become very argumentative and it totally leads to them, uh, lashing out. Verbally, and then beating the shit out of each other under the guise of sparring which has led to another kind of physical activity once or twice. This leads to a very interesting relationship as the two of them just… start getting along. (Much to Alphinaud's confusion and Ysayle's amusement. She teases them relentlessly.) Getting along is too strong of a word - their insults and fighting have less bite. After Heavensward the two do become pretty solid friends, and now in current msq timeline Estinien is one of Aeryn's closest friends.

Stormblood doesn't really offer Aeryn any New Romance (tm) chances as it's so much running around and political exhaustion the poor thing is just trying to make it through the day. Emet-Selch. Hades. I uh. Am one of those Azem x Hades people. Shadowbringers features a very exhausted Aeryn. Being the WoL and seen as a savior to the entire planet is kind of a lot. There's a lot of hero worship from total randos, and it weighs on Aeryn. Of course her friends/the scions don't treat her any different than they used to, but she's so tired of being an unstoppable force. In contrast, Emet treats her as weak, as mortal, as someone with flaws. It's a wonderful blend of Y'shtola's dry sarcasm and Estinien's verbal bite. It's refreshing. She doesn't have to worry about breaking him (but gods she wants to). End of Endwalker and she doesn't remember a lot of Azem, but she remembers how she felt back then. And she knows how she feels now. MEANWHILE. . . Ok this is cracky AU stuff but Zenos is so good for Aeryn. I mean he isn't. But hear me out. There was nothing until this idiot puppy of a man kept coming back. Infatuated and obsessed and the worst thing is, he's the part of Aeryn she doesn't want to acknowledge. To those she defeats she's the bad guy. She's killed. She's arguably done horrible things and it's only justified because of which side she's on. And she sees that every time she looks at Zenos. And he's strong as hell - there is maybe no one left on Eorzea who matches Aeryn's strength and every fight is one wrong move away from her dying. It's invigorating and she hates him but he's the only one who understands.

#character: aeryn kaeda #me laying on my stomach kicking my feet in the air behind me wanting to write the most feral disgusting shit between zenos and aeryn lmao

[waterloggedsoliloquy]

bc lestat @macarensesangles asked, here are all the dæmon headcanons i have for the ffxiv characters :)

Thancred - flying squirrel named Torthred. the nutkin that follows him around. Squirrels in medeival times represented industriousness, but also biting off more than you can chew. Thancred is also a spy, and a small, surreptitious dæmon capable of gliding is good for the job. He's warmer than Thancred, and generally has gotten over himself where Thancred hasn't.

Y'Shtola - a king eider named Virgil. She's a witch, and all witches have flying bird dæmons. Ducks are symbols of rejuvination, spring, and loyalty-- they were also associated with Penelope, Odysseus' wife and her namesake. He voices Y'shtola's more ruthless, straightforward side-- he's wont to measure things by occam's razor.

Urianger - a tawny owl named Pruneta. Owls are associated with Minerva of course, as a symbol of wisdom and strategy. Often plays translator for him, hilariously, putting Urianger's flowery language into plain (well, plainer) english.

Alphinaud - settles into a parrot during Heavensward. Her name is Angeleaux. Parrots represented wit and intelligence, but also a foolhardiness-- someone who likes to hear themself talk. Angeleaux was exactly as self-assured and pompous as Alphinaud was too. It was a bad sign that they were so often in agreement. After she settles, she becomes a lot less bossy, but still has an impulsive boyish streak to her.

Alisaie - settles into a wildcat during Stormblood. His name is Aloyscius. Wildcats represented ferocity and nobility, as well as witchcraft. He's a total spitfire and loves arguing with Alisaie. The two are frequently at odds, both desiring to leap into action but not agreeing on how. Through Dragonsong into Stormblood they learn to compromise more, and to look before they leap. He has a girlish sheepishness to him, like Alisaie gushing to Tesleen about the Warrior in The Inn at Journey's End.

Tataru - a cairn terrier, like Toto from the Wizard of Oz. Tataru is a servant of the story, making sure everything runs smoothly. He's a bit more of a warrior than Tataru is, standing up for her and others, and like Tataru he's an all-arounder, good at most things in a pinch.

G'raha - a charming hummingbird named Athanasius. Hummingbirds represent the nobility and warriors of the Aztec empire, as they were associated with Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war. This would allude to G'raha's princely lineage. As the Exarch, since his dæmon would be a dead giveaway as to his identity, Athanasius hides under his hood and the Exarch pretends he is not a person at all, merely a construct of the Crystal Tower. G'raha is already dorky and emotional and vulnerable, and Athanasius makes it all the more apparent. When G'raha wants to be responsible and focused, Athanasius darts around to anything that will interest him, desperate to sate his endless curiosity.

Ryne - A Honduran white bat named Godelieve. Bats are associated with witchcraft and scrying. Honduran white bats are very small with golden wings, giving an impression of a miniature sin eater.

Estinien - a salamander named Yves. They were thought to be born of fire and immune to its flames, perfect for someone tested by the hardships of life and associated with the blood of dragons. Originally I thought a horse would be good for Estinien, but I figured it'd be hard to do those flips with a horse dæmon.

Haurchefant - a turtledove, also known as a mourning dove. Perfect for a doomed romantic such as himself. A plain, common dove is also good for communicating someone locked out of nobility. 

Zenos - a Komodo dragon named Slibinas. The process that made Zenos a resonant severed her from him. :(

Varis - a grey wolf named Sallustia. She's a fucking piece of work.

Emet-Selch - an unsettled dæmon, as all the Unsundered have. Her name is Agesander. As Solus zos Galvus, she took the form of a lammergeier (bearded vulture) and still prefers this shape, though also is inclined towards snow leopard, ewe, the tamarin, and chimera. She also does not have any limit on distance of how far she can travel from him. Lammergeiers are associated with the mythical Huma bird, an immortal bird who was said to never land, and to watch humanity from afar. Agesander is Emet-Selch's shoulder-devil, essentially, taking devil's advocate positions whenever possible. She carries with her Emet's Tempering, and thus expresses priorities related to Zodiark. She's also just as fussy and bitchy, and enjoys a good argument.

CANON CHARACTER MIRANDA FOIGEL - unsettled at the start of ShB, his name is Mulciber. He's much more tender and optimistic, compromising Miranda's cagey and cynical disposition-- the sweet kid that they so desperately try to not be. He tends to take plain, practical forms, and eventually settles as a river otter or a porcupine. Haven't decided.

Venat - Also technically unsettled, it's just-- it's argos, man. You know argos. The only thing more unsettling about this dog was that if it could talk.

Hermes - Meteion is his dæmon :(

Aymeric - he gets the horse. A white stallion, Ishgard's pride and joy. Merlwyb - Bottlenose dolphin Kan-E-Senna - White elk Nanamo - Savannah hare Raunahn - Sable Antelope Ilberd - Barbary Lion Gaius - arctic wolf Nero - common jackal The Chais - lovebirds, the both of them.

#cecil drawls #dæmon au

[primalvessel]

Okokokok here's a very oddly specific prompt. Let's go back in time to the beginning of endwalker, still, in garlemald. Lovek had inserted himself into the scions rudely and demanded to go with them into the tower of babel. Everything goes super smoothly, lovek is a strong ally and is stone faced. Even when they have to fight varis, he's resilient. He stands tall as his father dissipates, and says nothing as he stands where anima uses to stand and the scions rush after Zenos. It's some time later, then, when zodiark is dead and maru returns from the moon that he comes back through the iron womb and finds lovek curled up on the ground, shaking and whimpering, hiding himself and trying to control his emotions. People probs try to talk to him to console him or whatever but he just ignores them or asks them to leave. As maru reaches the other side of the iron womb, besides the elevator to the throne room, a sound fills the silent chamber; it's the wail of someone who has lost everything, broken and shattered, finally too strong to ignore, as lovek wails and grieves a father, a nation, grandparents, his friends, innocent people h s known his entire life, the lady who sold scarves, the little boy who gave him a flower, all his loved ones. it's haunting.

It hadn't been his idea to bring the Viera along with them - in fact, he'd opposed the idea from the start what with Lovek's association as a ward of House Galvus - having learned about Anima's creation. It was also safer if he remained at Camp Broken Glass and awaited word.

Despite the absence of trust between the Viera and the scions though, Lovek's familiarity with the former Imperial Palace and his prior training as a soldier were apparently enough to allow the Viera to accompany them, coupled with the Viera's threats to go alone if they didn't consent to his company in the first place. And so a warding scale was procured for him and along he came.

To the Viera's credit, he was no burden and apart from a couple of terse exchanges of words between him and the scions, things went smoothly even against the former head of his house.

There didn't seem to have been anything to worry about.

Of course, they should have known better.

Returning from the moon was hard. The things he'd done up there, the things he'd learned... His head was spinning and he knew that things were likely to get worse before they got better. The End of Days, the very thing Emet-Selch had showed him befalling the Ancients was about to resume.

So when he crossed the Iron Womb and Lovek was still there, Maru's heart was already heavy. And yet when he saw the pitiful little ball that was the Viera, he bid the scions go on and remained behind in a bid to offer what comfort he could. He tried, even if it was ultimately rejected, and his footsteps were heavy as he made to leave.

His retreat was halted by the cry.

Looking back over the room of disturbingly organic-looking metal, he felt his heart drop lower and his chest ache with the mourning in the Viera's voice as it shattered the fragile silence.

He understood. Maybe not exactly and maybe not to the extent that Lovek felt it, but he understood. And he knew that no words could even begin to comfort in the face of such grief.

For the rest of the planet, the world was about to face its end but there, at the top of an abominable corruption of a once-proud palace in a frozen wasteland overrun by the tempered remains of an entire people, Lovek's world had ended.

There was nothing for the Viera to go back to. It had all been taken from him.

Lovek probably didn't hear the sound of the Miqo'te's heavy footsteps as he crossed the room once more. Nor would he likely have heard the rustle of fabric as Maru settled onto the cold, hard floor nearby.

What comfort could he offer when he bore no small amount of responsibility for the grief?

And yet he remained. A witness once again to an Ending.

'Remember us. Remember that we once lived...'

The burden of those who yet lived.

#adenial

[xiv-wolfram]

Ancient Hearts - Comic Script

Endwalker - lvl 89

Wolfram and Hydaelyn have a chat.

Wolfram Saga Comics (Chronological)

This is the script for a future comic. Posting for those who don’t want to wait to get the story. Numbers indicate frame number. A/B mean a frame is split.

Zoomed out shot. In the Mother Crystal arena. Wolf /converse with Hydaelyn. Narrator - "After fighting Hydaelyn, Wolfram has some things to get off his chest and asks the others to continue on so that he may have a private word with her before she disappears."

A) Wolf annoyed - "- and so - after you abandoned Ysayle, took Minfillia as your puppet, and ruined the lives of countless girls on the First I've come to see that you use people like tools. In that way you're no different from Emet-Selch. I'll do as you ask because it happens to be the side that will save the people I care for. Not out of duty to a false god." B) Hydaelyn smiles sadly (if possible) - "That's…truly all you think of me? Of him?"

Wolf furrows his brow and looks away - "No - I’ll admit I cared for the both of you. Your ancient selves who I recently met. Venat and Hades. You aren't my mother or my god, but you were my friend for a time in Elpis… and that's who I'll mourn. Not this manipulative thing you've become."

A) Hydaelyn fades. B) Venat appears, smiling - “Then perhaps you would prefer this form?”

A) Venat smiles sadly - "I understand that you blame me for the difficult decisions I made and the times I did not intervene. You are rightfully angry for all of it. Would that I could have done more. Yet before I go - may I have recognition for the things I did intervene in?" B) Wolf frowns, confused - "Like what?"

Venat smiles hopefully - "I kept your grandmother alive long enough to banish the voidsent from you almost two decades ago. You are aware how rare it is to survive a possession. Did you never question it?" 

Wolf raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms - "I did not know you had a hand in that …yet you hardly get credit for keeping me alive. Of course you needed me alive to be your weapon. And what a painful life it has been."

A) Venat smiles hopefully - "I have saved you countless times - even before I gave you my blessing. You are correct about my motivations. Yet I have intervened elsewhere in your life as well." B) Wolf curious - "What do you mean?"

Venat smiles - "I know your own life matters very little to you, but you care for the lives of others. There are some you thought lost that I saved…you will reunite with them in time. For now, something you can fully appreciate. -”

A) Venat grins knowingly - “- What care have you for the life of Raubahn Aldynn?" B) Wolf shocked (comedically) - "The hells you have to do with him?!"

Venat smiles with pity - "Oh dear… you almost lost him so many times. Many before you'd even known him. And so many times after. One happened right in front of you. Did you never question how he could lose an arm and keep fighting for so long without succumbing to his wound?"

A) Wolf expression softens - "You…saved Rau?" B) Wolf smiles.

A) Venat smiles kindly - "The man that you chose to love has led a dangerous life. Nothing like his ancient self." B) Wolf amazed - "Azem and he?!"

Arachne and Amyntas fighting a rogue experiment side by side. Venat (off frame) - "He was her world and she his - not that they were lesser beings on their own of course.”

Arachne and Amyntas sweet couples pose. Venat (off frame) - “They didn’t *need* each other but they certainly wanted each other. For centuries. Each time they left the star together and were reborn together. Until she accepted the seat of Azem they were rarely seen apart. I was always in awe of their love. They were both my dear friends...”

A) Wolfram looks away, brow furrowed, speechless. B) Wolf smiles sadly. Thought - ‘Centuries…’

A) Venat beams - “As you know - my powers are limited here. Therefore I helped where I could. I intervened on behalf of the soul that could help you the most to become the man who would save our star." B) Wolf tears up, smiling - "Thank you… It doesn't change how I feel about your other actions, but thank you for saving him. I will not let this star fall. You have my word, Venat."

Venat beams - "I know. I have full faith in you. Afterwards - do not squander what little happiness I could give to you. What you believe you deserve matters not. Your souls were bound long before they were shattered."

I need to take a proper pic in Elpis and with mods to remove the elezen ears, but - Amyntas and Arachne (Azem)

Wolfram Saga Comics (Chronological)

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