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vividreminisce · 4 years

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I Want - Chapter 2

Here’s the second chapter to my series, “I Want”. Thank you so, so much for all of the reception that I received from the first chapter! It makes me very happy to see that people enjoyed it and that there’s still some activity here in Tumblr, haha. I’ll keep posting chapters here, so please stick around!

Also, I have this series finished in ao3, so if you’d like to read all of them in one go, hop on over there and give it a read! I also gave shoutouts to authors, works, and artists that really inspired me for this series after each chapter. I feel like there’s not enough attention/shoutouts to content creators, and when I finished this series, I vowed to do that from so many of them inspiring me and giving all of us gifts for free. Still not sure if I’ll do the same on this platform, but that’s another thought for another time.

Before we continue, this chapter was written and posted before the Shadowbringers artbook, so some of the content on here will be incorrect, if you can find it, haha. Don’t want to spoil it, so I’ll keep it vague and if you can’t find it but are curious, reply to this post or send me a message and I’d love to speak about it :)

Here’s Chapter 1 if you missed it!

If you’d like to see some screenshots of A’viloh, here they are! Excuse the crappiness, I’m not the best with gpose, haha.

Okie dokie, let’s get this show on the road! Below are the tags, chapter summary, and story! Please enjoy :)

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Chapter Summary: Finally arriving at the Crystarium, the Warrior of Darkness prepares to heal his friend, some companions helping him start the process.

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV

Ship: G’raha Tia/Crystal Exarch x OC

Rating: Mature, SFW

Writing Tags: Some depictions of medical procedures (not medically trained, some factors will be medically incorrect, but it’s all for the story), Slow burn, Angst, Hurt, Healing, Comfort, Acceptance, Fluff.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“A’viloh… are you absolutely certain…?”

“I will be fine, Alphinaud. My wounds are starting to mend, and I have the energy to keep going.”

Everything that the Warrior of Darkness had instructed had thankfully gone according to plan. Lyna did have soldiers posted at each entrance to the crystal city and the ones at the Amaro launch were overjoyed at seeing the twins descend. Y’shtola and Urianger were quickly taken by Chessamile and the other healers, while Alisaie preferred to take her time walking there. Her brother could only shake his head at how stubborn she was to the very end, but she was quickly carried to an empty bed once the eldest healer saw her limping into the Spagyrics. By the time A’viloh and G’raha had arrived, Lyna was waiting for them, along with the Overseers of the city. The Warrior of Darkness shared a few words with them, telling them that he would bring the Exarch to the Tower and care for him there, and let them know of his progress as time went on. The ride to the Crystarium gave him ample time to check his wounds via healing magic (bless having his soul stones on hand rather than his bag), the damage not being as severe as he originally thought. He was grateful for the hood that obscured his friend’s face, though from their expressions, they knew of their leader’s condition. Still, they would not question the hero’s reasoning, that being on the perks that A’viloh was grateful for.

He followed the Captain up the stairs of the Dossal Gate and she opened the door without another word. They swiftly ascended the stairs to the Ocular and used the key that the Exarch bestowed to Lyna to open the room where A’viloh had the vision of the Exarch’s plans. Surveying the room, he was surprised at seeing a bed in the corner, somehow missing it when he first went in. When Lyna saw the Warrior’s surprised expression, she explained in not so many words that she found it when moving some of the Exarch’s books. Not one to question, he nodded and went to lay his friend on it. The Exarch’s breathing was still rasped, but it was much deeper, relieving the Warrior. Having felt his quick breathing against his back as they flew more than unnerved him, that being enough to realize how close the Exarch was to losing his life. Sharing a look with Lyna, he explained how the Exarch did not want to reveal his face to his people, at least not yet. He further explained that he had asked the Exarch permission to heal him, which was granted to him. A’viloh would have continued were it not for Lyna lifting a hand up to stop him. Her pink eyes never left the Exarch’s hooded face, his breathing almost deafening, despite the sound barely reaching the door.

“You have more than proven yourself to the people of Norvrandt, Warrior. If I may speak on behalf of the people of the Crystarium… do all that you can to make him as hale as he was when he left these walls. Any materials that you need, they will be yours. He is our first priority and always will be.” Despite how clear her words were, her expression said otherwise. She wanted to be strong for the Exarch… for her paternal family member. She needed to be strong. But it was so hard when she saw him in that state. What happened to have left him so weak? What little skin she could see, there was blood, dirty, sand, and wounds. His sandals had come undone, the leather straps on his left arm were slipping off, and whatever God was out there would know if his tunic could be mended. She forced her gaze back to the Warrior, stepping closer to speak for his ears only.

“He trusts you more than anyone else I know. As do I. So please… please see to him. Call me whenever you wish, and I will come running. Ask anything of me, and I will do it. It is the least I… could do for the one that I see as family. If I can see the smile that he gave your way the first time that he laid eyes on you once more… That will be all that I will ever need in my lifetime.” The Captain finished.

A’viloh didn’t know whether to give Lyna a handkerchief from the tears that spilled at that revelation, or embrace her in reassurance. That look in her eyes told him that she needed none of those and only wanted to say her piece; she wanted to say that to him before he left to rescue the Exarch, and now she could. Schooling back his expression, he nodded and promised what was in his heart and mind. Using the back of a parchment that he found on the floor (which he hoped was to be tossed), he wrote down everything that he needed for the time being, along with what could be brought early in the morning. Lyna assured him that he would have the latter in no more than 2 bells and that she would personally bring the former in less than 1. It was in the middle of the first one that A’viloh had the brilliant idea of trying out the Linkpearl to speak with the male Leveilleur. It thankfully worked and they spoke in length of what had transpired when him and Alisaie arrived.

“I understand that the Exarch trusts you, as do we, my friend, but you shouldn’t heal him on your own… Is there naught that the chirugeons here can do…?”

“From what I can see, we should not worry as much about what can be seen. There are some cuts that I can disinfect and bandage up myself. What I am more worried about is…” A’viloh trailed off. His hand was on G’raha’s ankle, having taken off his sandals as soon as Lyna had left the room. The bed was nothing grand, only fitting one body and having a single sheet and pillow. It had some dust, most likely from the books that Lyna lifted off, but it sufficed for the time being. A’viloh sat at the very edge of the bed, not wanting to take up any more space than necessary. He knew that the leader needed to be in the Tower from how linked they were to one another, but he wasn’t entirely sure how; and he didn’t want to disrupt that flow.

Alphinaud noticed his friend’s silence, understanding his hesitation. That scene was one that everyone wished they could forget. How the Exarch was more than willing to give up his life for the Warrior to be relieved of the Light. How Emet-Selch appeared, and stopped those actions, but at the cost of a bullet to the back. Alphinaud knew of the man’s crystal condition, and he suspected it was the crystal that saved his life. As far as he knew, that bullet was still embedded there…

A’viloh blinked when the Elezen’s quiet question came through the linkpearl. “Do you perchance know how deep the wound is…?” Slowly getting off the bed, his hand came up behind the sleeping miqo’te, pressing down on the cushion as he leaned over to try to get a better look at the wound. A sharp exhale came out, not being able to see much of the wound from the fabric sticking close to the found. Running a hand through his brown hair, he carefully sat back down, hand coming back to rest on his friend’s cold ankle.

“I unfortunately cannot. I am waiting on Lyna to come back with the immediate medical supplies before I undress him. She will be coming any moment, and I do not want to keep you from resting. Before I forget… Alphinaud, please, do not tell anyone of the Exarch’s appearance, nor his name. I am sure that he would like to tell everyone in person, or at least… confront those that have already seen him.”

“Be at ease, my friend. Not a single word will come out of my lips in regards to the Exarch. I will relay our conversation with the rest of the Scions in private. Do tell Chessamile if you are in need of her assistance in getting that bullet out of him, or if not. That knowledge is not just for our relief but for theirs. Some of the healers are already talking amongst themselves and I would not be surprised if they request access into the Tower to tend to their leader.”

The Warrior of Darkness couldn’t help but smile sadly. They truly did love him. How could they not? The Crystal Exarch gave them the home that they needed when the Sin Eaters came to be. The Tower was their refuge, the actual light that they needed. It was the beacon of hope that G’raha Tia had hoped the Tower could become. And become it did.

“I will tell her immediately. Please, rest for now. You have done admirably, and I… I am grateful to all of the Twelve that you are all alive. Talk can happen another day. Please, get comfortable and let the healers do their work.” A’viloh’s eyes softened. Here he was saying that talk should happen another day, getting deja vu. Just as he did with his friend, he let out his gratitude. One last bit should be enough, along with some endearment.

“And… Thank you, Alphy. For all that you have done and for all that I know you will do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Have pleasant dreams..” The Leveilleur twin did his best to stifle his gasp but it could still be heard via the linkpearl. The Warrior’s relationship with the twins was a strong one and he knew that they looked up to him immensely, which is why he would always praise the twins, not only because he truly meant it, but also from them deserving to hear it. They did more for him and the Scions than they let on and would only say half of their accomplishments; when he found that out, he made damn sure to take them under his wing. He treated them with the same respect that he gave the other “adults” but also coddled them every now and then. He hoped that his words hit the male twin’s heart just as much as if his sister had told them to him, his smile going soft.

“...A… A good night to you as well, my friend. Do not stay up too late and please… may you also rest. Twelve knows that you need it.” Came Alphinaud’s reply, voice cracking halfway before the connection was broken.

Quick footsteps were heard towards the direction of the Ocular, Lyna pushing the door open with her shoulder. A heavy looking box along with a large bag was obscuring her vision, but she set everything down as if it was only parchment paper. She was breathing heavily through her nose, that being the only indication of the box’s true weight and placed the bag in front of A’viloh. Using a heavy knife, she quickly opened the box and pointed to each item, fumbling with the ones that could not be seen immediately.

“We are in luck, Warrior. The chirurgeons had in hand everything that you listed. In that bag are the ingredients that you requested and here are the tools used for minor surgery. In that box are sterile bandages and rags, while that box contains antiseptics. The smaller bags contain the empty bottles and the like. The more… flammable contents are at the bottom, protected by minor magick. Is there anything else that you require?”

Caramel ears perked up at all of the different goodies that he was brought, his scholar self already formulating the different ways that he could use all of the materials. The Bunsen burner must be at the bottom… Oh, there was the pestle and mortar. It wasn’t until his tail accidentally bumped into the person sleeping next to him that he realized how much he was gawking at everything. Lyna did not interrupt his thoughts, gaze expectant from awaiting more orders. Shaking his head quickly, the Warrior rose and set to sheepishly taking out the contents of the box.

“This should be more than enough for the moment. Thank you, Lyna. I will keep you posted on all of the developments with him. So far, he has been sleeping as well as one could with the wounds that he has. I checked some of them, and the external ones seem to be minor. What he truly needs is rest.” Lyna once again kept her eyes on her sleeping guardian when A’viloh gave his report. Her eyes were clear, but still largely unreadable. After a breath, she nodded.

“I will come back a few bells after the sun rises. You know what line I am on should you need me, correct?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Good. Before I forget.” Lyna stepped forward, bringing her right hand out and into A’viloh’s view. He blinked a few times when he saw the fist and lifted his head from the box. Slowly, he brought up his palm. A small weight landed on it and when he brought the item into view, he saw that it was a small crystal key. It was the same color as the Ocular’s walls and he made the connection instantly: it was the same key that G’raha had bestowed to Lyna before he left. Small as it was, it was still warm and held more than it showed.

Trust. She was fully trusting him with the contents of the Tower.

“Are you… are you sure in giving this to me…?” A’viloh asked quietly. He knew that he was stepping way over his boundaries. First he was keeping the Exarch away from his people. Next, he was being given the key to answering many of his questions. How much more would he be given…?

“Full sure, Warrior. This key… I believe that he wanted you to have it. I just happen to be the first to reach him,” came Lyna’s stern reply.

“Remember, I will come late in the morning. Do not hesitate to call me should you need anything else.” And with that, she turned on her heel, quietly closing the door behind her.

Now alone in the room, A’viloh waited until he could no longer hear the Captain’s footsteps. Turning his head to look at the sleeping leader, he lifted his hand from his ankle and inspected his wounds once more. Several cuts were on his legs and arms, still dirty with blood and salt despite the long dip they had in the sea.

‘You can be yourself now.’ A’viloh paused, hand hovering over his pocket. Icy relief flooded into his veins, shuddering from the voice. They were getting stronger, something that he welcomed with open arms. However, their words made them slightly weary. Yes, they were alone, but--

‘She will not come back until morning. Be at ease.’

He trusted him. If Esteem told him it was alright, then it was. His tired shoulders relaxed, swiveling ears slowing down. Yes, yes, it will be alright.

“Let’s get you out of those clothes, shall we…” Standing a bit aways, he dipped his hand into his inner coat pocket and pulled out the soul stone belonging to that of the former Scholars, tucking his dark knight soul stone away. He thanked Fray for giving him strength in transporting the Exarch, as well as for the reassurance. With his magic now heightened, he laid his hands just ilms away from the sleeping Miqo’te, and let his aether do a more thorough inspection. Hands slowly moved to the Exarch’s backside and they stiffened when he felt the corrupted aether. It was undeniable that the bullet belonged to that of the Ascian, the foreign object feeling wrong. He brought his hands back down, sleeves lightly brushing against the Exarch’s red tattered tunic.

‘This bed is not enough. Surely… surely there must be other rooms in the Tower…’

He shoved his hand back into his coat pocket, picking out his summoner soul stone. He would not leave his friend alone, and he knew just the partner that would keep his friend company.

“Come on out, Lizette.” Writing out the necessary spell, his partner in crime appeared from a rainbow of colors. The red carbuncle shook her coat once, getting accustomed to the room around her before finally sitting obediently on her owner’s feet. A’viloh smiled brightly at the first friend that joined him on his long journey all of those years ago. Despite him using Esteem more often these days, it seemed that his other friend did not mind and was still willing to follow him to the ends of the earth. Bending down, he lovingly scratched her ears and then under her chin. She chirruped in glee, tail curling up around her feet.

“Lizette, I need to find a more suitable room for him. Stay at his side and keep him warm, will you? If anything happens, you come straight to me.” He scratched behind her ears again, her chirruping once more in understanding. “Come around his feet, he has a nasty wound on his back.” He picked up his furry friend and placed her close to them as she did as she was told. The Warrior nodded at her and swiftly left the room, making sure to keep the door wide open for Lizette to get out should anything happen. He hoped that nothing would.

Running across the Ocular, he inserted the key into the other door as gently as he could, hearing a faint click. As he pressed against the wooden door, he was quickly met with an immovable wall. He shoved a few more times, finding nothing to pull. Bracing himself against the door, he attempted to transfer some of his aether into the golden opening--nothing. Was he only allowed into that tiny room…?

“You… you said that you wouldn’t deny my request… So… so why…? Why won’t you let me in…?” The Tower was connected to him. He said back on the shores of Kholusia that he would let A’viloh treat him. Why was he being denied? Were those words just for that moment…? A’viloh could no longer see the door in front of him, vision clouded by tears. He wanted to help his friend and give him just as much as what he was given here in the First. He deserved that and more. He needed that and more. Trembling hands fisted against the door and A’viloh put some of his weight on the contraption, forehead thumping lightly on the crystal.

“G’raha Tia… I beseech you… Let me in… That room… It’s too small. Let me find something more suitable for your recovery. I swear to only touch that what is needed and nothing more. Please. Please, please, please… Just let me in--” By some grace of the Twelve did the doors finally open. Or maybe it was because of much A’viloh pleaded. Whatever the case, A’viloh caught himself before he cut open his chin and ran straight inside, only coming back to pull out the key if he needed it.

A room similar to the Ocular laid on the other side, but much larger and with more doors. With pinned back ears, A’viloh looked around, seeing how much larger everything was. The crystal walls were dimmer but did naught to make the room feel smaller. Natural light, or so he thought it could be deemed that, filtered in from a small opening on the ceiling. On his right, a grand pillar tried to hide the humongous golden elevator that led who knows where. On his left, four identical doors called to him. And in front of him was an incredible staircase, the top obscured by shadows. He decided to go clockwise with his investigation, the first door leading into what could only be described as some type of lounging area. The area was mostly barren with the exception of a couch, a few potted plants, and a table with two chairs. The second door led to a bathroom. His eyes flew open at the ginormous pool that took up a third of the room. Closest to the door was a wash basin, toilet, and shower head that any normal person could use. There was barely any personality in that room as well.

The third door took him to what he needed. A room befitting a historian laid inside, a still too large bed some ways in front of him that seemed largely untouched, but the room was filled to the brim with life. Books were stacked as far as a Miqo’te could still reach the top, all various sizes and colors. On the right of the large desk closest to the door were more books, some opened while others carefully stacked. All types of parchment were on the left, some having fallen and laying unceremoniously on the floor. Even the small chair was stacked with books. A’viloh only took note of what was closest to him and sprinted to the last room. He had left his two friends alone for too much time, and counted his blessings at Lizette not scampering in. He only had to peek in to see that it was the kitchen area and promptly closed it, full on running back to the red-haired Miqo’te.

He sighed deeply in relief that finding Lizette right where he left her. Judging from her relaxed position, G’raha’s condition did not change for the worse, but it was not for the better either. With a flick of his wrist, Lizette’s form changed to that of the Titan-egi, the two of them working together to place the Exarch on A’viloh’s back. They took their time with the process, quick pants being their only indication of the Exarch’s pain. He still didn’t wake, no matter how much they jostled him. A’viloh didn’t want to imagine the leader’s pained cries or tears either; he had seen enough of pain for one day. Ordering Titan to stack the bag of ingredients on the large box, it took even longer for A’viloh and Titan to get back to the bedroom A’viloh found from how difficult it was to control Titan’s movements and his own. They had to be gentle with everything they carried, the summoner needing to look down at his feet and state out loud which foot to place over the other. By the time they arrived, the Warrior of Darkness was exhausted mentally.

Placing the Exarch on his side, the Warrior began the painstaking task in removing the ornaments on the tunic along with the clothing itself. He refused to leave his friend with any remnants of the battle that they just won; a Miqo’te’s nose was more potent than a normal nose and he couldn’t count the number of times he wished that someone would remove his battered armor from him when being healed. He didn’t need that reminder of the battles that he could have lost or how much he went through to win them. He always held his tongue, knowing that he should be grateful in receiving any healing at all, but that didn’t mean that anyone else should have to suffer through his same fate.

He found a pair of clean cotton trousers in his bag and slipped them on the Exarch. Changing once more to his scholar form, he summoned Eos for the extra light and helping hand that he knew that he needed. But even then, that wasn’t enough. Looking around the room, he found lamps but no light source to them.

‘He must be able to control the light in here, and only him.’ Rubbing a finger under his chin in thought, he pondered at what else he could use as a light source.

‘Parchment paper is out of the question, I’ll just create an uncontrollable fire… The Bunsen burner would be too dangerous…’

Eos saw how deep in thought her master was in and bobbed around the room here and there to get accustomed to the space, just like how Lizette did. A’viloh’s tired eyes followed his fairy, more furniture coming into view but he did not keep tabs on all that was illuminated.

‘Illuminated…’

Snapping his fingers, Eos quickly came back to him from thinking that he needed her. Muttering an apology, A’viloh placed a hand on his chest as he began to conjure up the image of a warm friend. One that would always create a fiery glow on his tomes when he needed it, and its counterpart cast a gentle hue to help him sleep at night when the day’s events were too distracting in his mind. Within seconds, his Wind-up-Sun appeared, nearly blinding him until he moved it farther up. If he could not turn on a light, then he would just have to create it.

In a matter of minutes, he washed his hands as thoroughly as he could, changed into the cleanest clothes that he could find, and set about extracting the bullet from G’raha’s back. It was at this time that he really inspected his friend’s back, more so how far the crystallization spread to his body. As he thought, his right side was mostly covered, such as his hand, arm, shoulder, and part of his neck. The crystal took over the entire top portion of his back, that being what saved him, and then decided to slow down it’s path on his left side. His left shoulder was starting to get enveloped, judging from how thin the crystal appeared, and stopped on the left side of his neck. Nape and Adam’s apple remain largely untouched, surprising A’viloh with the relief he felt from that. Going back down, the crystal took over his right hip entirely but no more than that. His entire front, at least what he could see in the darkness, remained that of flesh and blood.

He made a point to only pay attention to what was needed. His friend’s body was not a specimen. He was a man that still had a heart beat, still had a conscience, and was his own person. If G’raha wished to show him what he had become, he would accept the decision with open arms. If he did not, A’viloh would accept that too. All that he was, all that he became… it was for him. It was for the Warrior of Darkness that he tried so desperately to bring to the First. It was for that hero that was written in those books and talked about while the Eighth Umbral Calamity was happening around them. It was all for that person. And he would be that person for G’raha. It is the least that he deserved after all of the sacrifices that he made.

Shaking his head, A’viloh knew that precious time was ticking as he let those frivolous thoughts overtake his mind. He knew that it was also from the nerves overtaking him. The large wound on G’raha’s back was horrendous,, cracked crystal surrounding the wound as different hues of red seemed to pulsate underneath. It was G’raha’s aether trying to mend itself and A’viloh imagined that it was the will of the Tower making it so too. Taking a deep breath, he began to make the anesthetic potion to hopefully numb whatever flesh was under the crystal, formulating a plan in his mind on how to extract that bullet.

#Final Fantasy XIV #ffxiv #my writing #vividreminisce writes #series #I Want #Crystal Exarch #G'raha Tia #Warrior of Darkness #Warrior of Light #WoL #WoD #Shadowbringers #A'viloh Entialpoh #A'viloh #OC #Story

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whitherliliesbloom · 4 years

Note

💌 🍼 🌸 🎂 🕊️ for all!!!

Sweet and Pure asks [Accepting!]

YOU SPOIL ME IFNSIODF THANK YOU SO MUCH.

💌- diary or journal?

Answered here!

🍼- what is your favorite memory?

“Ah.. I can’t really pick one.. I um.. reminisce too much.. and I cherish all the memories I make, both the good and bad.

But... If I r-really had to choose.. Thinking back on how far everyone has come.. The very first meal we had after we defeated Emet-Selch... Not just our party, but with the scions too! There are many points in my life where I believed we were going to die... But with every battle, every step we take forward.. it just makes me more grateful that we’re still alive.. still here to fight the better fight.”

🌸- what is your favorite flower?

Answered here!

🎂- if you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

“O-Oh.. W-well assuming that I can’t ask for more wishes...I would wish for an end to Garlean occupation in nations they’ve invaded.

My second wish.. I-I’d wish for any remaining ascians to stop their attempts at a rejoining! T-that may be selfish of me.. especially after... after I’ve learned much about their motives.. and why they would seek to destroy our star in order to restore their own.. B-but.. I-It is as Alphinaud said! Our lives... the memories we have of our homes.. It’s not any less important than the lives of the past that were lost!

O-Oh.. that got a little serious there.. but.. um.. I’d use my third wish.. to become stronger! Strong enough.. to be able to better protect others.. and be more useful. As I am now.. I’m just..n-n-not good enough.”

🕊️- 3 habits you have?

“A-ah.. Habits.. Um.. Well.. L-let’s see.. I tend to.. avoid crowds..? I-I have a habit of writing in my journal whenever I get a new task and... Um.. I-I visit the twin adders barracks a lot.”

// Illya’s never gonna tell you her actual body language / habits she uses to cover up her feelings.. so I have to. She avoids eye contact when she’s hiding something, typically by turning her head away or tilting her head down so her eyes are covered by the shadow cast by her bangs. Another bad habit she has is skipping meals, especially if she feels like she doesn’t have enough time in the day. Thirdly, she clenches her fist a lot when she’s angry or upset, bonus if she clenches a part of her clothing or holds her fist against her chest.

💌- diary or journal?

“I don’t really have either.. though maybe I should keep a journal after everyone’s tellin’ me how forgetful I am. Just seems like a pain in the ass havin’ to write every little detail in some grimy book wherever ya go.

A diary may be fun though. I just gotta write what I’m feelin’ into it and stuff, right? ‘Dear diary, slayed another primal today, wish I had some ale right now’. Hmm.. sounds kinda boring.”

🍼- what is your favorite memory?

“Our fight with Gaius made me realize there’s an adventurer in me that I never thought was there before. Before then, I was just doin’ this adventurin’ thing for the money.. and not really cause there was any other option either. Hunt or be hunted.. that sorta thing. Never considered myself the heroic type either..

But beatin’ the livin’ crap outta Gaius and that stinkin’ Ultima toy of his, and gettin’ to have Thancred’s thanks for freeing him from ascian control.. heh, it felt... fulfilling. Bein’ called a hero is fulfillin’. But I knew I’d have died if it weren’t for the others bein’ there with me as a team. I realized then that I liked em, and that I wanted to continue fightin’ by their side.”

🌸- what is your favorite flower?

“I’m not the sort that pays a ton of attention to flowers. You askin’ for Illya or somethin’? If I had to pick.. maybe somethin’ like Chrysanthemums? They’re the best for brewin’ tea after all, right?”

🎂- if you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

“Oh man! What wouldn’t I wish for?? Lots of money? Lotsa cute girls surroundin’ me? Gettin’ Laurelis to always make her dance partner for that sweet damage boost...? Actually forget that last one, I ain’t stingy. I share my buffs with my bro with the big magic damage too, he deserves it.

Hm? Oh, yeah I guess and world peace, or whatever.. As if this kinda three wishes thing will ever come true, though.”

🕊️- 3 habits you have?

“The pals say I have a bad habit of talkin’ in my sleep but I don’t know if that’s true. Do I look like the sorta guy who’d do that? Ahh.. Also non-bards out there probably can’t relate.. but I flex my fingers a lot durin’ down times. Hey, grippin’ a bowstring for hours on the field ain’t a joke. Takes a lot of strength outta your arms, and especially cramps up your fingers, even for a pro like me!

Oh right! I was told I laugh too loudly too! But ain’t my fault that my voice’s just trained to be bold like that! I’m a goddamn bard!”

💌- diary or journal?

“I keep a journal of my daily routines and tabs on scores I have left to settle.”

🍼- what is your favorite memory?

“Favorite memory? That’d be.. when I saw the old man smiling so warmly up at me for the first time in twelve summers, I suppose. And I owe that smile to Illya. This debt’s the only reason why I joined them, and I’d rather not elaborate much else on that.”

// To elaborate: his clan got into a heap of trouble. Illya and Laurelis meet him for the first time after hearing that the elder of the clan, Sigfred’s grandfather needed help to fight off a rival father. The elder is caught and nearly dies, but Illya saves him and even risks her own life to supply enough aether to sustain him. Before then, Sigfred was a bit of a jerk towards her. Since then however, he feels indebted to her and thus agreed to join the two and the scions after they learn he possesses the echo too. Of all the members of the Warriors of Light squad, he has the softest spot for Illya and never yells at her.

🌸- what is your favorite flower?

“Don’t have any. Do succulents count? They’re low maintenance.”

🎂- if you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

“Sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”

// Hardass will never tell you that he’d just need one wish, which is for everyone he loves and cares about to be safe and never be in sort of danger ever again. He wouldn’t bother with the other two wishes. Even if it means he has to be the sole person left to fight.

🕊️- 3 habits you have?

“....Tch. I guess I’m as they say - too ill-tempered and brash. Think I accidentally swore in front of a bunch of kids too, but it wasn’t on purpose. I’m not afraid to admit I’m a little too reliant on caffeine.”

💌- diary or journal?

“GUAHAHA! Foolish mortal.. you aim to peer into the mind of a tyrant lord?? The chaos that rages in my mind.. is not one any weak minds can hope to comprehend or understand! That one would think I’d be naive enough to pen my thoughts down into physical letters... HAH!”

🍼- what is your favorite memory?

“Twas many millenias ago that the almighty god of chaos before you conquered the very depths of hell and all of the underworld’s secret magicks! Hellfire rained, tundras roared! Not even the ruins of carteneau could hope to match the anarchy I left in the wake of my conquest!!”

// Real answer: When the squad finally drove the garleans out of doma. It was at that time he felt for the first time in years that he finally got closure on his painful past and moved on to a new family. It was also the first time he’s ever shown his true personality in front of them.

🌸- what is your favorite flower?

“Why, nothing symbolizes death and darkness better than the spider lily does it not?! I dare say the hues of its petals burn as red as the wrath I hold in my heart.”

🎂- if you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

“DEATH TO THE WORLD! THAT RUINATION BEFALL THIS WRETCHED EARTH! FOR ARMAGEDDON!”

// He’d wish for his family to be brought back to life, for the damage done to doma to be undone and for zenos’ death. Of all my OCs, Heisuke has the biggest personal grudge against the garleans, and it’s all funneled to zenos for being an extra big pain in the ass especially of all people. There’s also the fact that he genuinely believes Zenos dying would make the world a much better place.

🕊️- 3 habits you have?

“NONE! Ask not such impudent questions to the lord of tyrants ever again, mortal!”

// Heisuke’s biggest habit is being the biggest liar of any of my OCs, even more than Illya. He’s a natural at acting, even for roles he doesn’t necessarily want to do. Other things he does is hide his face behind a hood, partly for the same reason as Illya in which to hide his emotions, but partly also because it looks cool. Third habit’s that he sometimes bites his lips so hard when he’s angry that it starts to bleed.

#ask #in bloom #sweet and pure asks #ancientechos #ask meme #THANK YOU FOR THE ASK #THIS TOOK A WHILE PDFKPSFSF #I finally get to write as my other boys...#they all have.. very different personalities

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yuinosery · 5 years

Text

Souls and Promises

Pairing: Emet-Selch x Warrior of Light/OC

Words: 1576

Originally Posted: 2019-08-27

Summary: just a little talk about souls

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20414224

"if you weren't the Warrior of Light, what do you think you'd be?"

Yuino stopped at the sudden sound of Emet-Selch. She had neither heard him void in nor realized his presence in her inn room for the past 20 minutes he had been there.

Perplexed at his sudden interest in her, she shrugged. "I don't know." was her simple answer. "You don't know?", he asked just as perplexed.

"Well, yeah." She stopped from tidying up her bed and looked at him standing in front of the window. "It's not like I remember anything from before starting my adventure, so I don't really know.", she continued and resumed her cleaning.

Her answer didn't surprise Emet as much as he first expected. He had heard a similar answer before, thousands of years ago. He snarled. His eyes really weren't playing him a trick now were they?

She hummed a bit while cleaning up, thinking of the past few days. "Say, Emet.", she began, hearing him snarl again. She had called him Emet a few times before, always a bit to his annoyance.

"When you searched for Y'shtola, you said something along the lines of looking for her 'color'. What does that mean?", she turned around and eyed him.

He saw the curiousity in Yuinos every feature, it was a bit like she would explode were he not to explain. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I'm curious and you did say that if we scions ever needed an answer you'd be willing to answer.", she immediately shot back shortly after the question escaped his lips. A sigh soon followed.

He thought for a bit, not sure how to exactly explain it to her. Would he go into too much detail, he'd have to deal with her being too noisy, if he explained too little, her curiosity would stay unsatisfied. And then there was the question if she would ask for more than he was willing to answer at the moment.

"It's simple, really. Every soul has its own color. Though most are faded versions of them nowadays.", he answered nonchalantly, hoping this would be enough though knowing that it wouldn't be.

"So what is the color of my soul?", Yuino asked, curiousity now fully laid bare. He cringed, he didn't want to have to answer that question. He knew her color by heart and yet hated seeing it again. But he also couldn't resist satisfying the brimming curiosity in her eyes.

"It's a shade of dark red. Like a river full of blood.", Emet answered after a few awkward minutes. Yuino sat down on the bed hearing that. What a curious comparison that seemed to her. But there was another burning question in her.

"Does every soul have its own color or do some souls have the same ones?", she asked, dragging out the words a bit to lengthen the sentence and give herself time to think about what she was saying while saying it.

Seemingly tired from standing near the window, Emet began to walk over to her and sit down on the bed next to her, looking down on his hands. It was barely above a whisper when he finally answered: "No. Every soul has its own color, its own shade."

Yuino hummed and stared at his hands while mulling over that answer a bit. He knew the next question she would ask, knowing full well he didn't want to answer it.

"So have you...", she trailed off, not sure she actually wanted to know the answer. Would she actually want to know if he had met her soul over the aeons already? It was a question on her mind, but what if the answer wasn't to her satisfaction? What if he had and they had been in an eternal fight all the time?

Yuino trailing off gave Emet the chance to consider how he would answer. He didn't want to lie, he had no reason to lie, yet he also did not want to say the truth. Say how often he had met her in her many incarnations, how often they had fallen in love and had lived together through the years.

With each and every incarnation had he fallen in love, living in peace for a short time before having them be taken from him again. All of them shared that faint hue of dark red, the curiosity and love that brimmed with every fiber of their being. But Yuino had been the first one to remind him fully of how She used to be. None of the incarnations had been such near perfect replicas like Yuino had been.

He had noticed it before, but this nights chat had truly proven it to him. All of the incarnations had their memory in tact, remembering their whole life. It had only been Yuino that shared the trait of not remembering anything with Her. That same memory wipe that had occurred to Her after Hydaelyn had been created. It pained him to remember.

"Does it matter? Every soul is their own being. There is no need for you to know.", Emet said after the silence continued, hoping to also give her mind a rest as she continued to think about her question. When he looked up at her, she seemed relaxed and content with what he said. She even nodded a few times.

A few minutes of silence passed between the two before Yuino spoke up again. "You seem weirdly content with knowing I have no memory.", she said while turning to him. Emet shrugged. "What, do you expect me to be this interested in you?", he snarled.

She laughed, a sound that resonated within him deeply, before shaking her head. "I guess not.", she turned to look at the window he had previously stood next to, "it's just that everyone else who finds out bugs me with so many questions." She sighed remembering her chats with the scions when she had told them.

"How I ended up choosing my name, if it is actually my name or something I just came up with, my age, what it was like and so much more. I guess it's just that I'm more used to people asking me about this weird situation I am in than when I'm not asked."

Emet studied her face as she murmured her tale. She seemed both happy and lost looking back at those conversations. But it did make him curious - why had she chosen that name? He cared, deeply, to find out but was also not sure if he wanted to ask. Before he could however, she continued.

"When I came to, on that ride to Gridania, and was asked for my name... It was just a name that immediately came to mind. It resonated with me and that's why I've been using it. Sometimes I wonder if I should have thought of something or just didn't answer. Delayed until I knew since it does give me weird looks sometimes that I'm a Miqo'te and yet have no fitting name."

A smile formed on her face when she thought about that. Emet kept his eyes on her face for a moment before also turning his head towards the window. "It's a beautiful name.", he said, making sure not to look at her no matter how much he wanted to. Her smile grew bigger at his words and she chuckled. "Yeah, I think so too."

Hours passed with the two continuing to chat. After a while, as Yuino grew more and more tired, she rested her head on Emets shoulder. She had expected him to protest or move away, but instead he laid his head on hers. They continued talking like this for a while before she fell asleep. Not wanting to move and wake her, he continued to sit there and let her sleep on his shoulder.

After a few minutes, having made sure she was actually asleep, he intertwined his left hand with her right hand and started to caress her cheek with his right hand. After an evening of inner turmoil and seeing a near perfect copy of Her, this motion was soothing for him.

His fingers started to trail off as he kept thinking of times long, long ago. Of the Yuino he had loved, the one who had betrayed and then forgotten him. And before he could stop himself, he started talking to the sleeping incarnation.

"You're just like Her, strong, caring, honest, curious, so full of love and so easily shaken by every tragedy that happens. That same amnesia after getting in contact with Hydaelyn. It irritates me. But there is also the way how colors just seem so much brighter when I'm around you, just like aeons ago with Her.

There has always been this pull I've been feeling towards this damn soul shard of yours. All these other incarnations and you... I wonder, were you to rejoin with all your shards, would She stand in front of me again?"

He paused for a moment, basking in memories of times long gone.

"I wish I could tell you so many things, but time nor the situation are on our side. I wish I could spend the rest of your time with you and yet... I know this is not something either of us can actually do. I just hope, no, wish that when the time comes, you promise to remember. Remember me, remember us, just... Remember."

#final fantasy xiv #final fantasy shadowbringers #emet-selch #emet-selch/wol #emet-selch x wol #warrior of light #wol #final fantasy shadowbringers spoilers #hint of soulmate au i guess #just a tad bit sad idk #just a two hours little thing #yuino writes

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tallbluelady · 2 months

Text

"You seem rather forlorn for a bride to be." "It's hard to be aught else with a groom like Zenos."

A continuation of this AU.

#i need a screenshot tag #rowan argentas #our shared oc emet-selch #wondrous tails 2024 #arranged marriage au #yep!#hehehe evil arranged marriage #yeah she's not a fan #but gelmorra will be safe!#(riiiiiiiight?)

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tallbluelady · 1 month

Text

Coffee

(Mid ShB, after Rak'tika. Takes place in a shared WoL verse. Word count 3.3k ^^;)

Rowan bolted awake from her nightmare. She had fought Zenos again, a regular visitor of her dreams of late. What woke her this time is that he tore Urianger from her heart. She shook her head. The image was patently ridiculous in the early morning light, but still disturbing enough to know she wouldn't get settled back to sleep anytime soon. It was planned to be a recovery day of sorts, so Rowan could potentially take a nap later. She sighed, pulled up her hair, and started to get dressed.

Sniffing the various teas the Exarch had selected and finding them all unsatisfactory, Rowan started to shuffle down to the common room in the Pendants. Mayhap she'd see Thancred and Minfilia with some coffee biscuits. Or Kitali looking for aught to eat. Urianger was an unlikely subject, he'd probably only fell asleep a few bells ago…

But Urianger was far more likely a person than the pair she found. Sitting at a table, plain as day, was Emet-Selch and Yloise. Yloise smiled and waved to her, and Emet-Selch looked like the cat who had caught the mouse. Rowan gave a small hum and tried to find a better metaphor as she approached the table.

"You know, we were just talking about you," he said over tented fingers. "Why don't you have a seat and join us?"

"I was just going to find a tea blend I liked and return to my room..." Rowan muttered, unable to come up with aught more convincing.

"Just tea? With how bleary eyed you look, you may need something stronger. Here -" he poured a third cup, " - Yloise and I were just enjoying this fine coffee together. I'm sure we could spare you some."

"Oh, it's excellent, Rowan. You won't even need that much cream and sugar in it," Yloise added. She seemed... giddy? Gods, let that just be the coffee.

Rowan eyed the cup and then the Ascian. "You do know I trust you about as far as I can throw you. Well, I could probably throw you farther if I got the drop on you."

Yloise chortled at that. "See, I told you Rowan has bite to her bark."

Emet-Selch smiled with a hint of steel in his eyes. "That's smart of you, I won't deny. Whether or not you could get the drop on me is another story. But here, as proof of its safety..."

He poured a fresh cup for himself and drank the coffee black. He gave a contented hum.

"I can't tell you how overjoyed I was when I found this particular variety of coffee bean survived the Sundering..." he said wistfully. "A dear friend helped to cultivate it."

Rowan found herself taking a seat at the table before she realized her curiosity had won her over. Yloise reached out and patted Rowan's arm. Rowan blinked at the uncharacteristic affection. There's no coffee strong enough to explain that.

"Oh, here, let me add some cream and sugar for you..." Emet-Selch took the creamer and poured it til it was exactly the soft brown that Rowan liked it, and then added two sugar cubes.

"Yloise, did you tell our sworn foe how I like my coffee?" Rowan asked.

She shook her head, her green lenses causing the light to dance. "Nay. Strangely, he knew how I took mine too."

Rowan squinted at her friend's smile, then glared at Emet-Selch.

"Tis a gift of mine," he said with a shrug. "Most people's personalities line up with their coffee order."

"I won't deign to have you tell me mine own personality, even if you got my order right." Rowan swirled her cup in her hands.

She thought she heard a small gasp from his direction, but he seemed composed by the time she looked up.

"Suspicions aside, it really is quite good," Yloise said, taking a sip from her cup. "There's naught that I can detect in it to worry about."

Emet-Selch smiled and sipped his own coffee in a show to prove that it wasn't poisoned. I suppose it's inconvenient to poison your body even if you are effectively immortal.

She sighed, took a sip, and felt herself rush off into an Echo Vision. Dammit.

* * *

There were three masked figures at a table. It was raining outside, or it was at least grey. It took Rowan a minute to understand what they were saying as they all spoke in that over-loud language the Ascians were wont to speak in.

"- and please refrain from using my given name in public. I've asked both of you this multiple times," Emet-Selch's unmistakable voice rang from the figure in the red mask. "The Convocation deserves the honor of my title, even if you don't think I do."

One of the opposing figures sighed in an exaggerated manner, much like Yloise would. "Really? And after all the work Minthe did to create this concept of coffee just for you? You're worried about honor?"

"Oh, it's just that we're not special enough to him, Ariadne. I've heard him tell Daedalus he can use his name," said the last figure, Minthe, who swirled her cup just like Rowan would.

"Oh, you did, did you?" Ariadne turned to the red-masked figure.

The figure who spoke with Emet-Selch's voice sighed. "Please refrain from spreading such personal information to everyone, Minthe."

"It's just to Ariadne." Minthe took a smug sip of her coffee.

"Tell ya what, Emet-Selch. If you admit that you appreciate Minthe's coffee, we'll keep that little detail between us." There was a wink to Ariadne's tone.

"You need not black mail me for that, Ariadne." The red masked figure turned to Minthe. "I am grateful to you, truly. You've created something both potent and drinkable."

"Fulfilling both of our measures of success on a concept," Minthe said primly.

He nodded and the last thing Rowan saw was the figure in the red mask take her hand.

* * *

Rowan flinched when she came to and felt Emet-Selch's gloved hand on her wrist. "Don't touch me."

He raised his hands in a nonthreatening manner. "You were gone for a while. I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Then you should have asked Yloise to check my pulse. She's a competent healer."

"I told him you wouldn't like it," Yloise said sheepishly. "But he insisted. And he even managed to save your cup of coffee from falling."

Rowan turned to her. Yloise was one of the few people who encouraged her to set boundaries and help keep them up when Rowan couldn't. And here she was letting the Ascian trample all over them.

"Then all the blame should be on me - twas my fault for assuming such familiarity. Tis one thing to accept a drink from a comrade, tis quite another to initiate physical touch. I took advantage of your vulnerable state and for that I am sorry." There was some actual regret to his tone.

Rowan gave a noncommittal hum at his little speech. If Emet-Selch wanted to give the appearance of contriteness, he was doing a good job of it. But it didn't do aught for the fact that he had orchestrated multiple genocides. She tried rising from her seat, but sat down when she felt woozy and heard concern from her companions. She wasn't going to give Selch the satisfaction of catching her. So they all sat in an uncomfortable silence while Rowan recollected herself.

"Is there anything you'd like to talk about, Rowan?" Yloise asked. Is there anything in that Echo Vision you saw?

Rowan took another sip of coffee. Despite her vision, it was some of the better coffee she ever drank. But it was mostly to give her time to think. How could she get Emet-Selch out of there? Well, if he insisted that he was a man like the rest of them…

"You know, I'd really prefer some privacy with Yloise, if that's alright with you, Emet-Selch," she said. "Tis a delicate matter I'd speak of to her."

"Oh, if there's aught to be said to Yloise, it can be said in front of me," he said, smugness returning to his tone.

Figured he’d say that. "Well, I do suppose the Paragons of Eld would have such fascinating opinions on contraception and menstruation..."

His smugness immediately dropped. Got him.

"It might be for the best. We'll, uh... talk to you later," Yloise said.

"Oh, I will speak to the lot of you later, have no doubt about that." He waved his hand dismissively and disappeared into the void, cup and all.

Rowan let out a sigh of relief, then jumped when she realized Yloise was leaning in close.

"So are you and Urianger fucking now?" she asked, eyes bright.

Rowan could only let out a few croaking sounds at that. Then she shook her head. "That's not important, I just needed Emet-Selch gone.”

Yloise laughed. "Well, you did a good job of it. The drop on his expression! Gods, I couldn't have thought of any better."

"Oh, thank the Twelve. When I saw you two at the table I was worried..."

"About what?" she asked quickly.

"Have you seen the way he looks at you? Like... like you're some sort of bauble to be coveted. I don't like it."

"Ha. Well, have you seen how he looks at you? Like he's a wounded man. All pain and regret."

Rowan grimaced. "I have caught glimpses of that, aye."

"Isn't that just fascinating? Aren't you curious why a Paragon of Eld looks at you like that? What could even cause that? I mean, you've always been curious."

Rowan looked at her half drank cup of coffee and set it back on the table. "I dunno, I find my curiosity's quickly sated for the man who signed the order for Black Rose."

Yloise grimaced. "Rowan..."

"Yloise, Gods know we need someone to track what Emet-Selch is doing. And it looks like you have an easy in with him. But... pray, don't get swept up in his game." She rose to her feet. "I think I've had enough coffee for now."

If she said aught else, Rowan ignored her. She headed towards the aethernet shard nearby. The annoying part was that Yloise was right. Rowan was curious. The three of them in the vision, set in the same positions as their little meeting. Obviously that was orchestrated. Emet-Selch had said the coffee was cultivated but the woman - Ariadne - said it was a created concept. Whatever that even meant. And... Minthe and Daedalus. Those must have been the ones she saw in the vision in Idyllshire.

Her mind was worlds away when she bumped into someone at the aethernet shard. Rowan actually bounced off of her fellow collider, and was grateful for the steady hands at her arms when they righted themselves.

She blinked. "Urianger! Uh, oh, I'm so sorry."

"Tis quite alright; thou merely gavest me a momentary fright. Is aught amiss?"

Rowan shook her head. Then she realized her hands were on his chest and her thumbs were stroking the fabric of his chiton. She sheepishly withdrew them, though it seemed he didn't mind.

"Ah, mayhap I should get a proper breakfast."

Urianger nodded, hands slowly tracing down her arms as if he didn't want to stop touching her. Rowan didn't want him to stop touching her.

"I too, was seeking sustenance after finding naught of use in the Cabinet of Curiosity. Shall we adjourn to the Pendants?"

"Ah - nay. I was just there," she said. She saw his puzzled look and added, "I can explain over a pastry."

They found a stall with suitably flaky rolls and took a seat by a bench. The whole thing felt rather nostalgic to Rowan.

"Do you remember the day I bumped into in Vesper Bay?" Rowan asked.

"Would it not serve to recall that day by the most important fact that it was thy first successful attempt at arcanima?" Urianger asked, faint smile on his lips.

"Aye, well, twas not aetherology that reminded me of that today."

"No, I suppose that other event twas the greater reminder."

There was a softness to Urianger's expression that caught on Rowan's heart. She realized that he must have always been so soft with his expressions, but it had been obscured by his goggles and cowl. She smiled back at him, reveling in the ease of doing so.

"Ah, but how far we have come! I..." Urianger swallowed. "What a fool I was for not seeing thy interest sooner."

Rowan turned away. "Tis my fault, really. I never said aught after Moenbryda... and Raer is so kind and gentle. If any man deserves you, twould be him."

"Ah. Yet he seemed so adamant that it was but a passing tryst for him... surely to save thine heart, yet he wounded mine by saying so."

Rowan hummed and the two of them finished off their pastries. The talk of wounded hearts reminded Rowan of her conversation with Yloise.

"I, ah. Before I bumped into you, I had coffee with Yloise," she said. "And Emet-Selch."

"Art thou well? Is Yloise yet safe?" Urianger asked.

"She's fine. I'm... physically well. Yloise would've been able to find aught strange with the coffee... but I'm fairly certain that he tried to orchestrate an Echo vision. Though I can only guess as to why."

"Curious. May I ask what thou sawest in the vision?"

"It's not what but who. There was Emet-Selch on one side of the table, and two women on the other side. Who resembled Yloise and I in our mannerisms." Rowan began to fold the wrapper her pastry had been in.

Urianger's brow furrowed. "It hath been surmised that each soul on the Source was once part of an ancient, whole soul. But tis a rare thing to see a vision of one's past self, even just a singular lifetime ago."

"Mayhap tis more likely when you're exposed to things of that past life. This... this is not the first time I've seen a woman resemble myself in a vision." She pressed the creases of the wrapper. "Once after eating curry I saw a man and that same woman having a picnic."

Urianger put a hand to his chin in thought. "Thine Echo seemeth to activate more with a physical sensation, if I recall correctly. Strong flavors such as curry and coffee must have had an influence upon thy memory."

"Aye, that's what I thought." Then Rowan turned. "Wait, you remember my Echo is like that? I've only had a scant number of visions throughout my life, and you weren't present for most."

"I do. Twas one of the details that convinced me of mine ardor for thee." He smiled and took her hand. "That and my numerous dreams of rowan trees."

Rowan laughed. "You know a rowan tree by sight?"

"I had visions of the same tree since I was but a lad. Luckily Sharlyan is a nation of learning and I easily found an example in a botanist's folio. Oft I would be caught in dreams of peril - only to fall from deepest azure skies -" he kissed her hand "-and land safely into the boughs of a rowan."

"Oh, that cannot be true, you incorrigible flirt," she giggled at it all the same.

"Tis so, though I am indeed incorrigible in that regard. The dreams first lead me to know that thou wert one of the Warriors of Light. Though mayhap they had always meant to lead mine heart to thee."

Rowan simply smiled and watched as Urianger stroked her hand with his thumb. Wasn't there aught else she wanted to do that day? To be fair, this was what she'd more or less had always wanted to do... The emotion felt distantly familiar and she had to shake her head.

"Urianger... you don't have to answer if it makes you feel uncomfortable but... When you worked with Elidibus, did he ever give any hints that it was his title and not his name?"

He gave a small hum and turned his attention to their hands. "Nay. Twas not a subject of importance in those days. Wherefore dost thou ask?"

"Emet-Selch is a title, as my Echo vision revealed to me. Also, it seems they were all very fond of wearing masks back before the Star was rent in twain... and I'm just... Do you think there's aught to be gleaned at the Cabinet about any of that? I would've doubted it, but the pictographs in Rak'tika make me think there could be aught."

"I cannot say aught of the efficacy of such a search, but I would fain aid thee in thy quest for knowledge," Urianger said quickly. His eyes were sparkling at the prospect.

Rowan smiled. "Then lead on, wise Archon."

It turned out that Urianger already had an alcove set up in the Cabinet. Rowan had usually borrowed books and taken them to her room in the Pendants to read, but it appeared the Archon had a different mode of study. He moved a stack of books off of the generous loveseat and tried to organize the tomes, muttering to himself. She was nigh transfixed in his motions. Rowan had resigned herself to a fruitless investigation earlier, but mayhap she'd find joy in the company.

"Mayhap thou shouldst start with these, my lo -" Urianger froze. "- m-milady."

Rowan nodded and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, acting as she didn't hear what he just said. He looked relieved when she took the pile of books without comment. I suppose it's still too soon for him to use the "l" word as well... She took a seat and started to read through the indexes for the titles of the Convocation members. Surely there was written history of their meddling with the fate of the First? When that was exhausted, she searched for the names of the Ancient ones she knew.

She perked up at the mention of Minthe in one text, only to laugh at the book's title. Botanica Norvrandt.

"Doth there be something amusing in thy study?" Urianger asked, looking up from his tome.

"Ah, it's... the woman who resembles me. It turns out she's named after a plant as well. Or mayhap the plant is named after her." Rowan yawned that last bit and stretched.

"Mayhap a break in our research shall do us both some good." Urianger stretched and sat on the loveseat next to her.

"Oh, you don't have to stop if you're..." She noticed his arm on the back of the love seat and general openness to his stance and expression. "Oh."

After a few nervous chuckles between them, Rowan rested her head on Urianger's shoulder.

"Art thou comfortable?" he asked softly.

Rowan sighed and readjusted. "You can put your arm around me if you want."

He nodded and looped his arm around her, hand resting on Rowan's waist. There was a dreamy look to his eyes that made her feel warm.

She nuzzled in closer. "Are you going to get bored while I drift off?"

"With a fair maiden such as thyself upon my arm? Perish the thought - only fools need constant stimulation and amusement," Urianger teased. "I have plenty to ruminate on in the mean time as well. Thou needst not be concerned for mine entertainment, my dear."

Rowan buried her blush in his shoulder at the term of endearment.

"Have I embarrassed thee?" he asked, concerned.

"Mm. Nay. I'm just unused to the gesture. I do - I do like it."

He gave a contented sigh and started to play idly with the ends of her hair. Rowan sighed and cuddled in more, thoughts drifting idly towards sleep until...

Her eyes snapped open. "Yloise."

"Is aught amiss with our comrade?" Urianger asked.

"Nay. She... she just gave the worst tree pun imaginable."

#rowan argentas #yloise coneillants #urianger x wol #aether and anatomy #Our shared OC Emet-Selch #Shadowbringers spoilers #Into the Blorboverse #Many Paths Intertwined

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