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1๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/19/2019
2"What do you think?"
3
4The words are nervous and out of place, sheepishness unnatural for her usual character shining through in full brunt. It's not the Shroud full of wildflowers blanketing the ground and familar paths she knows like the back of her hand due to gathering reagents. It's the sea she loves, a hidden cove just a stone's throw away, and the bustling marketplace up the private staircase. A place where she can paint, write, and watch time drift by in peace. A home to return to each and every time.
5
6She's showing, though it doesn't slow her down. As she unlocks the door to the beachside cottage, one hand on the small bumb causing her dress to bunch up around the middle, the nervousness grows. An odder otter face over a suit of armor, her workbench for synthesis, and a section near the kitchen well ventilated with the beginnings of what might, one day, become a fine forge. A fine space for him.
7
8"It's-- ack, sorry," Mist is quick to make her way to the sink, filling it with water rapidly to hide the messy dishes that Sanary left out and about. "I know it's, um, small! It's a bit small... but I can, um." Verbal garbage doesn't suit her. She frets, looking around, and points up the stairs. "There's some space for a cradle. And... and when this one gets bigger," she pats her tummy, "then we can build an extension. And, um-- s-sorry, I keep saying 'um' a lot, don't I, that's a bad habit-- but um! Um. Crap."
9
10Words. Words are hard. Why is this, after everything -- surviving on the First, speaking of getting married, years of separation -- does this feel so damn difficult?
11
12"I'd like! For you to, um! Be... be comfortable." She draws her shoulders in, an instictive gesture. "Because I... would like you to, um. Stay. Sometimes. Or forever."
13
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15July 20, 2019
16
17Powell07/20/2019
18He'd changed.
19
20His smile, his laugh, still came easily for her. Especially in their quiet moments together. But where before, he'd always been the one to dive first and headlong into risk, he now more carefully thought each situation through. Where before he'd loudly and proudly step up to prove himself the toughest in the room, he was just as likely to chuckle and sit back, and let others hog the limelight.
21
22Their baby bump had quite a bit to do with that, she knew. As she watched him grin and poke around the cottage interior, declaring it lovely and flawless, she thought back to the letter she'd found half-finished on his desk one night. A formalized request to Adanelle to transfer him out of active agent duty, keeping for himself just enough of a controlling share in the company, still assisting in a training and advisory capacity.
23
24"Forever sounds perfect." His words, his soft murmur, bring her back from her reverie and to the present. The former empress finds herself in his arms, powerful and gentle, holding her from behind. His fingertips coming to rest on the roundness of her belly. "And I don't mind small. I can sleep on th' rocks outside if I 'ave to, luv." His lips ghost the top of her head, and he breathes in the scent of her hair.
25
26She looks up at his warm smile, grinning down at her from above. One tuft of his hair has grown distinctly gray, but otherwise, he is her same boy from the lake, all those years ago. He kisses her again, this time on her brow.
27
28"So. Ready to meet mum, dad, and th' rest of th' clan in a few days?" His eyes twinkle. "Because they've promised to kick me arse for makin' them wait this long."
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30๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/20/2019
31Greenery tended to and flowers growing. Food readily available from the market at the top of the stairs. A fallen log in the garden that will one day have vegetables as big as he is. Fireflies near a cherry tree on a red blanket often complimented with dango and green tea. No, really, it isn’t what she left behind, but in moments like this, she is decidedly assure that it is far better.
32
33He doesn’t have to leave active duty, she’ll tell him later. He doesn’t have to let go of his adventuring lifestyle. Just as long as he comes home at the end of the day, or week, or even moon. Because building a home for him, with him, and having a place to grow roots is important, equally so as exploring and seeing all the world has to offer. Wanderlust is in his blood, in hers as well, and she’ll damn herself before clipping his wings, or letting him feel as if he needs to.
34
35But a child does change things, she knows this as well, and there is nothing wrong with paternal leave to enjoy this early moments of a newborn’s life.
36
37“Depends. Am I in for an ass kicking too?” She leans against him, laughing. “I don’t know if I can take multiple Stormbreakers on at once. Might need stronger shields for that.”
38
39A pause. “Oh. I’m going to be \that\ person. The chick their son brings home knocked up.” Mist scrunches her face. “That is terrible.”
40
41Powell07/20/2019
42Years from now, both will impart their wanderlust, their love of the worlds, to their children - Riou fascinated by Aunt Nerine and Uncle Ethan's freedom, and the First's legendary knights. Alysia growing enamored with Eorzea, the lands her father grew up in, and that her mother once ruled. Both always coming home to their cottage by the sea, waiting for them. Schezar himself will only slow down from adventuring in his 60s, when Xande's cult takes him. When age and his injuries finally catch up with him. 
43
44But their parents don't know that yet. The highlander grins as he hugs his beloved. "They. Will. Love. Ye." He punctuates each word with a playful kiss to her brow, her lips, all over her face. "Of course, if ye'd prefer... we could always elope." His tone remains light, but she can see the readiness in his eyes. The willingness to do whatever would make her happiest.
45
46There, in their refuge from the world, beside the sea.
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48๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/20/2019
49It's a bit tempting, the idea of eloping in the Gold Saucer to make everything official. But as much as part of her likes the idea, the Sanctum of the Twelve represents much to her. The ending of a chapter and the beginning of another, a journey walked in the name of hope and adoration, a way to prove to the world how much affection exists between two souls. A beautiful white dress for her, accented with crimson roses, and a dark tuxedo for him. After the birth of their child, she's told herself. Surrounded by their family and friends, and all those who care for them.
50
51"Much as I want you," she sighs happily, her arms wrapping around his midsection to return the hug. "I already have you in every way I can except for legally, and if we are doing this to legalize things in the first place, I'd much prefer to make an event out of it." Plus, she won't lie, the idea of seeing his entire clan indulging in the amount of booze they'll be having readily available is a sight she'll enjoy vastly, even if there might be a few broken bones to tend to by the conjurerers on hand.
52
53"I've never had to meet parents before. Either I knew them my entire life or family did not enter the factor." It's a strange thought, when that didn't dawn upon her before then. Even with the reassurances from him that they will love her, it doesn't make it less peculiar. She blinks up at him, and while the words are innocent enough, it is a tricky question to answer nevertheless. "Have you brought anyone else home to meet them before?"
54July 21, 2019
55
56Powell07/21/2019
57The question gives him pause. He still smiles as he answers her, his eyes still meeting hers, but his tone is soft. Thoughtful. "Just one," he murmurs back. "Haru."
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59As he holds her, his gaze drifts around the cottage, contemplative. Slow realization, and the echoing irony not lost on him. He'd built his first wife a home, made everything ready for her nameday with his sweat and toil... and she never came. She never appreciated how much he'd sacrificed for her. It was his, and he owned it still, turned it into the dojo with Hina's help... but that wound, that ghost, was always part of it.
60
61Mist, on the other hand... Mist, she'd built this home, for both of them. Wanted him to stay with her, after all this time. After everything they'd been through, across the years. Both in this world and in Norvrandt. She was still an empress, regal and proud - he still believed that at some fundamental level. She deserved a palace, and servants, and wide halls - but she'd chosen this life. The freedom to be with her art, and her loved ones. Chosen to walk away from Xande, and the centuries past.
62
63His gaze drifted back to her, and he knew. He knew why she was so nervous when they'd entered. And he would not put her through the same loneliness he'd endured, in an empty house. His smile remained, and he kissed her again. "But tha' was th' past. And I choose this future, instead. With ye."
64
65As he leaned back, he grinned. "So, wha' do I 'ave to fix first? I'm your workhorse." Echoing words from her distant memory, from her childhood. Her lover, the traveler from Meracydia.
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67๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/21/2019
68The past is the past, and Haru is akin to Janis in many ways, but sometimes she grows curious. What drove the woman to make the choice she did? Had something happened to her to influence her mental state, a force outside her control, leading to distance and separation? Did she put herself into his life with the intention of watching him for the Garleans that wanted to see how their project fared after discovering he still lived? Or, worse, did she simply one day grow bored of it all and decide to leave without saying goodbye, not caring of the harm it would do to the man she married? 
69
70No, that isn’t worse. What would be worse would finding her in the arms of another, her attention having strayed while bound to him. There are many, many things she can personally forgive, but that isn’t one of them. If one wants to stray in a commitment, discussions must first be had and boundaries set, and the lack of communication undoes so much.
71
72She doesn’t voice these thoughts, knowing full well they are all things he’s already considered. Instead she squirms in his hold, one eye closing at the chaste kiss. And wriggles until she is free. “This bit over here!” It’s a little more than empty space with a cabinet now. “It’s ventilated well for the kitchen and for what else I wanna build up over here. The walls are already enchanted thoroughly to prevent fire from catching. A spot for you to work and to call your own space. It’s not a... how do they put it... man cave, but it is a cozy forge. You just have to figure out how to build it up.”
73
74She’d even tolerate a flaming skull.
75
76Maybe.
77
78Powell07/21/2019
79He grins as he watches her squirm, then nods as she shows him that corner of the house. "Enough space fer fire crystals an' controlled heat, aye.. this looks good, luv." His eyes twinkle again. "Then since th' walls are warded, like ye say, I can put up seven lucky efreeti skulls--"
80
81He pauses as she gives him a look. "...six?..." As her expression remains the same, he tries to grin. "...fiiiiiive?..."
82
83★ ★ ★
84
85Over the coming days, he opts not to put any skulls up. But as he comes home, before curling up in bed at night with her, he gets little jobs around the property done. Fixing and reinforcing foundations here, hanging up her paintings there. A table in the other corner that will eventually be a booth for sweets and guests, then cleaning and setting up water crystals for one of the shower rooms.
86
87One day, she comes home to find a suit of armor, instead of a flaming skull - worn by a proud otter warrior. Ready to greet all visitors. Schez is at his corner, putting the finishing touches on an enchanted katana... while also roasting his breakfast barbecue on the same time over the forge. If there was ever an image to capture her husband perfectly, it would be that.
88
89The days pass, and soon, she'll meet his kin at last.
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91๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/21/2019
92At the request of her two daughters, both of whom have made it clear that she is not allowed to go out on heavy adventuring sprees while carrying such precious cargo, she finds herself on the beach a lot. Long walks where she can commune with the elements and touch upon her conjuring roots, and greet the stars like old friends when they begin to peek out from the heavens above as evening falls. She speaks to the unborn, stubborn child in her belly that went through so much, too much, who refused to fade away even in the toughest of struggles during their ordeal in the First. 
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94Even when Light threatened to break her into pieces. Even when Nerine lost control and nearly drained every last drop of aether from her after the fight with Vaughtry. Even after learning the truth of the star and nature of the eldest of gods, of primals. Somehow he clung desperately to her, not budging in the slightest. He’ll be a strong one when the day comes, she knows. Strong enough to stand up to the beating awaiting him at age thirteen.
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96As far as Schezar goes, she’s not quiet about jabbing her finger against him and letting him know that she does not want him to slow down, not even in the slightest, for her. The world needs men like him and the moment she safely brings their child — their first, she’s stressed this too, already planning more down the road — into the world, she’ll be joining him on his adventures, and pulling him into theirs. The lovely blonde at the main office will make a wonderful babysitter should they need it.
97
98Rainbow brightlily in hair, heels in place, a flare of eyeliner, and a white sundress. The perfect little porcelain doll in appearance. She beams up at her fiancé, holding a basket. “I made a cake while you were out training,” she laughs brightly. “Something to feed everyone. Food makes a good impression, or so I’ve noticed.”
99July 22, 2019
100
101Powell07/22/2019
102One more march, the Alliance coming together to liberate Garlemald and broker peace with its people. Two more mysteries to solve - the sound from within the earth, the doom that came to Amaurot; and then the riddle of the YoRHa androids. Mist was right, the wisdom of the ages, of an ancient empress shining through - the world would always have need of men like him, and women like her. Adventurers, brave and true, whether with their weapons in hand on the front lines, or guiding and teaching the generation to come after. Forging armaments and crafting treasures to help them succeed, along with passing on what they knew. These were the stories they'd tell Riou and Alysia, the lessons they would impart over the years.
103
104But in the present, Schezar grinned back at his beloved, breathing deep from her basket, sensing the mingled scent of the sweetcake and the ice crystals within keeping it fresh. Having toweled fresh sweat from his face, muscles gleaming beneath the sun - various deep craters in the water off the shoreline, hidden evidence of his slightly overenthusiastic, explosive punching skills. "Tha' smells heavenly, luv." His smile is wide, brushing his lips lightly against her brow, careful not to sweat all over her too much. This was going to be an important morning, after all. "Give me 10 minutes to wash up an' get dressed, then we can teleport there."
105
106★ ★ ★
107
108He breathes deep when they arrive at the outskirts. One of the farms near Summerford, a homestead near the beach, like her own home, dotted with several cottages on the property. Her fiancé is dressed in traditional Ala Mhigan garb - the warrior, and his porcelain princess of the lake. Mist can see a mix of young joy, nostalgia, and just the faintest hint of nervousness in his eyes. The more she reflected on it, the more she recalled - this was where he walked from, every day, all those times when he came to visit her, years ago.
109He is carrying their luggage, a mountain pack and one more bag, for a couple nights' stay. Glancing back at her with a small chuckle, he holds out his hand to her. "Ready? They said it'd just be a small gatherin' fer th' weekend. A couple of th' kids are set to come of age, so there'll be a bit o' feastin', revels, tha' sort o' thing. We'll probably see all th' young ones runnin' about, th' closer we get."
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111๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/22/2019
112“I’m more ready than you are,” it’s a tease and a jest, and she is decidedly not ready and very ready at the same time. Because all the assurance in the world doesn’t make this an easier thing to do. Oh, she has no doubt in her heart that she’ll love his entire clan fiercely and spend centuries to come watching over them, seeking out a certain shadow during moments of distress or the need to reconnect with a past long passed, but it is natural to be nervous in moments like this. There is no experience to call upon other than the time she traveled to Ishgard to meet her son-in-law’s father, and that ordeal ended with a grown man crying over her unyieldingness.
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114(In her defense, he considered her child to be lesser because of her mixed blood, and that sort of thing is not tolerable in her eyes. That and she has a tiny protective streak. Very small. Clearly.)
115
116“That means there is going to be child abuse,” a pout. “Young... man and woman abuse?” The pout vanishes with a snicker because she can’t say much about the Stormbreaker traditions. How can she when the very night after she claimed her lover’s virginity by the lakeside and pushed their relationship onto the course it followed steadfastly over several decades? A course she hopes it continues to follow for many more to come.
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118“Faerie apples from near Summerford taste the best in autumn. Oh, and noble grapes from...” She prattles on excitedly, bouncing from various plants and herbs to some of the crops growing. Musing over trying the seeds in Shirogane proper later. Until the laughter of children playing tag falls to their ears — at least she hopes they are playing, but it looks like one is ready to punch another, so she can’t quite tell — and merriment in the distance can be heard.
119“I can see it sometimes, you know.” Mist squeezes his hand tightly. “Why you are the way you are. And why, as much as it hurt us both, you had to do what you did when you left.”
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121Powell07/22/2019
122A grin grows on his face as he listens to her babble. The excitement in her voice, the pure white of her sundress, the sea breeze - all combine to form the perfect morning. "Well, I did call ahead over pearl th' other day. Let 'em know we were comin'." He squeezes back, murmuring softly. "I still never should 'ave left you." His lips ghost her brow. "An' I never will again."
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124Before he can continue, though, young voices shout excitedly from the path up ahead. "They're heeeeere!" A gaggle of children - akin to the crowd that met her and his older self in Norvrandt, in a wave of deja vu - run up to them, everyone laughing and talking at the same time, tackling her fiancé and trying to knock him off his feet.
125
126"Oi, you hellions! I wrote ahead specifically to tell ye to behave!" He laughs long and loud as they gang up on him, trying to wrestle him down, though to no avail. Varying ages, some as young as four, others almost teens. Almost all hyur, highlander blood heavy among them. The reunion is chaos, with a few amused adults near the top of the hill they approach, where a stately mansion awaits.
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128Two of the youths - half-hyur, half-roe twins from the look of them, a girl and a boy - turn their heads back at the same time and holler. "MUUUUM! Uncle Schez is here!" Barely a few moments later, a woman steps into view - just a head shorter than Schezar, and still towering over most present - and like her brother, built and muscled like a freight train. She grins, wearing traditional garb similar to his own, cracking her knuckles.
129https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wzXxTQeq58
130
131Schezar's eyes light up, gaining a look that Mist easily recognized - excitement, and just the right amount of bloodlust. "Alrigh', Mari?" With a wink to the former empress, the adventurer drops their bags to the ground with a thud. The children scatter, except for the smallest ones - two little girls, who run close to stay by Mist's side, watching wide-eyed and clinging to her sundress. Nearly everyone present has a similar shock of russet-crimson hair and sun-kissed skin, the star-stealing girl notices.
132
133"Alrigh', big brother?" Marisa glances over at Mist for just the briefest of moments - noting the growing shape of the artist's belly with a small smile - before her eyes flick back to her brother. Then, she vanishes. So does Schez. And the air explodes with the sound of a traditional Stormbreaker greeting, roaring like thunder, as the two monks reappear in mid-air - both grinning ferally like mad, her fist connecting with his spinning kick. Both burning with surging chakra and aether.
134
135"KICK HIS ARSE, MUM!" The half-roegadyn twins whoop and cheer on their mother, pumping their fists into the air. The dance continues. Mist has watched her beloved unleash his power before - with swords, with dark arts to protect her, with his bare fists. But it's like watching a mirror - each fighter shifting stance, cutting loose with aether-powered strike after strike, powerbombing and chokeslamming each other into the ground before counterpunching just as swiftly. The audience of children and adults give both a wide berth, though half the time, it seems like they continue their death-defying duel in midair.
136YouTube
137Zaynnne
138Katanagatari OST Vol. 2: Bahasa Palsu Jazz'n Mix
139
140Gehrman's legacy. For a moment, Mist is reminded strongly of the kindly, powerful old spirit - how he sacrificed himself to cocoon her crystal, shield her from oblivion. How when she woke, her crystal was nestled within a warm tree. Was Schezar destined for a similar fate one day? She didn't know. All she knew was, watching her fiancé and future sister-in-law beat the shit out of each other at that moment, he seemed well and truly alive, overflowing with joy. Home at last.
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144๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/22/2019
145Two thoughts run through her head at the same time; 'By the Twelve, I'm developing a height complex...' and 'Oh wow his sister is hot.'
146
147Both are, to be fair, completely valid. Schezar towering above her is something she grew to accept, albeit sulkily at first since she spent many years able to hold that over his head, but it somehow didn't occur to her that his entire family would, more than likely, be close to his build by the very nature of their clan. Strong warriors ready to unite under a rallied banner if called upon, destined to break whatever storm their world falls under.
148
149As for his sister being hot, a person would have to be blind to deny that. Especially in a literal leaning of the term. Her chakra is so bright and vivid that it could set a forest on fire were she to get overexcited in the wrong way!
150
151Setting down the basket of goodies, she puts her hands on the shoulders of the two little girls clinging to her dress, and laughs brightly at the display. They're evenly matched in their friendly bout, and while she doubts it'll go too far where one of them gets seriously hurt, her aether shifts to be benefic-aspected just in case. Better safe than sorry, after all.
152
153"They're going to be at it for awhile, aren't they?" She crouches with the two young ones, keeping her voice low. "Mayhaps you can be good girls and help me while they're distracted. I promise to give you extra goodies later, if you do." Ahh, bribery. The universal language. "Aunt Mari's mama. Where is she?" Even if Marisa isn't their aunt, with the communal feel of it all, it's a safe enough thing to go on.
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157Powell07/22/2019
158"Uuuuuuummmm." The girls, five and three years of age, seem to ponder her question. The younger of the pair stares up at her crimson eyes, enamored by how pretty they are, like rubies. Her older sister beams brightly, "Grandma Agrias is right there, miss!" She points up the slope, toward the mansion, where a regal-looking figure has just emerged.
159
160Her once-blonde hair now pure white, lines of age on her face - and fully clad in ornate, heavy plate armor. The elderly midlander watches, her sword in its sheath held resting before her, its tip facing down into the ground. Her gaze comes toward Mist and the two little girls, her expression unreadable - but the former empress recognizes that look. It's one she's worn many times herself, in an age long past, when came time to rule and lead her empire.
161
162Beside her is another highlander in glasses, his hair graying as well, a head taller than the clan matriarch - and Mist is struck by how similar he looks to Schezar's older self, but with fewer scars. He leans down, whispering something into their grandmother's ear - and she visibly reddens for a moment, sighing and shaking her head at her husband with a wry, hidden smile. No one else seems to notice, though, as Cormac straightens back up with a chuckle.
163
164"Gettin' slower, big brother." The duel seems to intensify with Marisa gaining the upper hand, Schezar forced into more blocking and defending. "Wha', all th' pretty flowers an' fairies in another world too much of a distraction from proper mornin' kata?" Her brother grits his teeth but grins back.He'd diversified his training into dark knighthood, studied the blade... but, they both knew that she was now the purer master of the fist. Out of all the clan, Marisa would be the next inheritor after Gehrman.
165Before the adventurer can respond, though, the elderly knight raps her sheathed longsword against the ground, once. "Cease." Both Schezar and Marisa exchange one last flying kick into midair elbow strike, then just as swiftly fall and land in tandem at their mother's feet - both immediately dropping to a knee, bathed in sweat, and bowing low before their parents.
166
167While the two duelists kneel before the clan matriarch, another figure steps away from the other nearby adults, making his way over to the former empress. Also wearing spectacles, slimmer than his older brother, not quite as tall or heavily built, but with the same training and precise chakra control they all radiated. The little girls at Mist's side squeal and detach themselves from her sundress, running up to him. "Daddydaddydaddydaaaaaaddy!"
168
169The younger man chuckles. "Don't bother our visitor, girls. She's a special guest of honor this weekend, after all." He picks the littlest one up, spinning her around in the air with squeals of laughter, before setting her back down.
170"But daddy, she promised us goodies!" They both giggle, alternating between Mist and their father for attention. "Goodies!" his younger daughter chirps in agreement. He smiles, holding out his hand to offer her a welcoming handshake. "Ms. Desiree. A pleasure to meet you, at last. Calernyn." Schezar's youngest brother glances up the hill, where his older brother and older sister are still kneeling before their parents. "My big brother told us you've both had quite the adventure together."
171
172Then, looking back at the former empress, he smiles again, looking calm and relaxed. "Let me get those for you." His daughters still running around them and giggling, he reaches down to the heavy-looking bags his brother had dropped earlier - hefting them both, one on his shoulder and the other by hand, as if they weighed nothing at all.
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176๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/22/2019
177It’s in the very aether around them. She feels it the same as air, the way it bends and interacts with those around. A soft gentleness left behind by those who came before. She wonders if tracing down to the source would leave her with a memory made manifest, a spectral remembrance of one parted. The man who shielded her from the brink when she felt too tired to carry on, the woman who called upon kami to confront a tornado-like voidsent, or any number of Lightbringers that rose from within this clan. Touched by the light of the Mother, destined to walk along the path she saw fit to guide them down.
178
179“I did promise goodies,” Mist watches in amazement at how easily Calernyn lifts the luggage brought with them. No, really, she’ll never get used to this sort of thing. The sheer physical prowess is overwhelming. But there are other goodies she can give that will tickle more than their tastebuds. And after the show put on between brother and sister, she’s feeling like showing off a bit.
180
181A pulse of astral energy expands from around her, a card materializing in front of her. The spire, a bolt of lightning through the blue. From around her bursts a flurry of golden butterflies, the force of which they emerge causing her to follow through with a spinning motion. Many of them scatter to the air and begin spreading across the acres of land to disperse more aether into the land, but several of them flutter near the little girls, the half-roe twins, and the other children from before. Traces of them linger even after they break apart into stardust, the sweet scent of lavender left behind.
182
183It’s not that different than the village she once knew. The times and faces may have changed, but the feeling stays the same.
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186She reaches out, wrapping her arms around the youngest brother’s own, and squeezes it near her chest. “You must spill the juicy dirt on your elder brother,” she beams up at him with sparkling eyes. “He knows far too many of my weak points. It is only fair to find more of his.”
187
188The matriarch, too... Later, when there are less eyes and ears, she will seek her out. Things best said between women on their own terms. Without a grandscale audience.
189July 23, 2019
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191Powell07/23/2019
192Cal's laughter is shorter than his brother's, sharper, more precise. "I could tell you about all the endless noogies he gave me when we were children," he answers her with a wry smile, glasses glinting beneath the sun. "Or about how he still tears up at every retelling of 'I Want to Be Your Canary.' Especially when Cornelia reunites with--"
193
194He pauses, though, looking up the hill. A few yalms away, Schezar and Marisa straighten back to their feet, and her fiancé turns to look at her, grinning and red-faced. His brother smiles slightly. "Ah. But it seems they'd like to say hello." He nods again at her, shifting the heavy bag on his shoulder. "I'll bring these to your cottage, Miss Mist. It'll be the one down by the water, near the training grounds. Come along, Mia, Lym."
195
196The little girls continue to cling to Mist for a few more moments, still gazing up longingly at her basket and the promise of precious goodies, before waving to her and running off with their father, giggling. It takes them twice as many steps to keep up with his long strides. As the star-stealing girl approaches the four up on the hill, though - Schezar, Marisa, and their parents - her knight reaches for her hand, taking her fingers with a gentle squeeze, and standing by her side once she arrives.
197"Mum, dad, Mari... ah... this is Mist." She's never seen him this nervous before. Not even when they were risking their lives. Not even when they were saving both worlds. Cormac is the first to move close, as warm as his son, giving her a strong, welcoming hug, careful to give her pregnant tummy enough space.
198
199"Hah. Welcome, lass," he grins at her - and that up close, she can see the strength of the family bloodline, the resemblance between the three men. Gehrman, Cormac, Schezar. One passed on into the Lifestream, the other two still strong and alive before her. Then, shorter than her husband and their children, but still a few ilms above Mist's own height, comes his mother. Agrias has sheathed her longsword, still clad in her heavy armor. As she steps close, though, rather than a hug, she moves close to Mist - pressing a single, gentle kiss to her forehead.
200
201"At last, we solve the mystery of the years," she murmurs. Behind them, holding back with a small smirk, her arms folded, watches Marisa. Her mother, the lady knight, eases back after the kiss, regarding Mist with a calm, but kindly expression. "And all those little jaunts away to the lake. Welcome, dear. We trust you'll join us for the feasts tonight, and tomorrow."
202
203๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/23/2019
204Later on when evening falls and she finds the little girls, Mia and Lym again, they'll find themselves with something more than display of magical butterflies. A pink rabbit-shaped piece of mochi with red eyes for each of them to go the the miniature takiyaki. Something about creating wagashi is calming for her, and paired with green tea, you can't go wrong. The basket full of sweet breads and cakes, along with tons of colorful small morsels, will go a long way in the coming celebrations.
205
206But that is later, and in that moment when she moves away from the little girls and their father, the nervousness radiating from her beloved is more amusing than it is unnerving. Her own composure is steadfast at this side, all those little doubts and worries long since being replaced by wonder at the warmth of it all. At the familiarity of the community and the aetheric echoes in the very land they've built upon.
207
208He smells nice, she notices almost immediately, returning Cormac's hug by winding her arms around his waist in return. Like fresh laundry on a day filled with sunshine tinged with the faintest traces of salt from the sea. Tall, sturdy, dependable -- easy to see why the ladyknight at his side fell for him based on the air around him on its own. Like coming home after being away for far too long.
209
210"The dreams of men are fleeting, yet they must be embraced if they are to flourish. Have you the faith to do as much?"
211The kiss to her forehead nearly melts her, her entire body tingling with soft vibrations from it. An angel in armor with a sword to cast judgement upon those in the way. Golden hair flowing freely. In a monastery leading to a threat to the star, to all stars. Her Ovelia awaiting. A namesake shared between, and if the threads of fate were stronger, she would almost feel they were one in the same. Ah, but destiny isn't that comedic, and it would only put a heavier burden upon her son's shoulders.
212
213"The mystery of the years, hm... That's an upgrade to imaginary friend." Many days leading into many years of Schezar leaving the hamlet of his home, venturing out to Silvertear Lake to the north in order to spend time with her. A walk he made many, many times, enjoying the scenery on the way with mounting anticipation as he neared it. She can picture it in her mind's eye, in the middle of his teen years, hurrying faster as he approached the shore, sweeping her off her feet to spin in circles while she squeaked and laughed from the sudden motion.
214
215She doesn't take to the knee as the siblings did, but she does take woman's hand and hold it. Smiles up at her warmly before lowering her head to press a light kiss to the back of her knuckles. "I'm glad to finally be able to meet the people who brought the love of my life into this world," she keeps her voice low, sentiment shining through. "Even if it took much longer than it should have."
216
217What would have happened in decades ago she left the lake and chased after him? Would they have freed Ala Mhigo and returned to this place, and not wasted so much time taking such steps into this sort of life together?
218
219It's petty, and she knows it's petty, and she'll quite happily admit that it is petty later on, but dammit, she's determined they like her more than his ex-wife.
220
2211
222
223Powell07/23/2019
224Very little escapes Agrias' notice. After Gehrman left, she and Cormac won leadership of the clan by paying attention to every small detail. So she watches as Mist's magical butterflies enthrall and delight the children. She watches the star-stealing girl kiss her knuckles, listens as Mist speaks of her son being the love of her life. She watches as her firstborn smiles, placing a loving, protective hand over his lover's pregnant belly.
225
226She didn't approve of him running off to the First, that soon after his wife abandoned him. Adventurer or not, Sin Eaters or not, she'd argued that he was neglecting his mental health. Throwing himself into his work. So when he himself returned a moon later, and told them a grand tale, of decades lived in another world - she watched him closely. And listened to him speak of his reunion with his beloved from Silvertear.
227
228Agrias was a knight, like her namesake of eld. She was no stranger to fairytales. "Much, much longer," she murmurs in response to Mist's words. Her armor lightly clanks as she eases back, and continues, "You've both come a long way. Take some time to rest this afternoon. Dinner starts at 7." She glances down at Mist's basket with a small smile. "I'm sure the little ones are looking forward to sharing your goodies."
229⋆ ⋆ ⋆
230
231The rest of the day is a blur. He shows her the paths on the homestead he walked as a boy. Where he, his siblings, and his cousins played hide-and-seek. The places where they all underwent intensive training under their grandfather's watchful eye. The cottage assigned to them by the beachside is smaller than her home, but cozy - with a shower, fireplace, and other crystal-powered amenities for their brief stay.
232
233One word describes the evening's festivities, as well - loud. Alphonse, secondborn after Schezar, and his own wife Miriel, both welcome Mist with booming laughs and hugs of their own. Both highlanders, both as wide and as fond of their feasting as Dulia-Chai in Eulmore. Yet amazingly, Al holds his own in a quick arm-wrestling match with Schez halfway into the night, neither giving quarter.
234
235Nina, Calernyn's wife, another midlander, is only a few ilms taller than Mist. But that's enough for her to hug the former empress, and declare them instant best friends against all the tallfolk. She commands the festivities, having cooked quite a bit of the meal, and she waves her stew spoon threateningly at her brother-in-law. "Schez, what on earth have you been feeding this poor girl?! All you Stormbreakers, I swear!" Then, she giddily makes Mist promise to share her recipe, after a single bite of her treats.
236
237His core family is warm, and it's the little things that stand out to Mist the most - how Schez grins at his baby brother, and listens keenly as Cal brings him up to speed on the stalemate between the Alliance and Garlemald. How Agrias shakes her head and chuckles at her husband's murmured dirty jokes. How Nina's tiny presence commands direction and respect, as mistress of the kitchen and the feasting.
238But, it is the older cousins, aunts, and uncles at the periphery of the celebrations who also draw her notice. Their side whispers and fascination.
239
240"A beauty. Look at 'er eyes. Did he bring back a fairy from tha' other world?"
241
242"At least she's hyur this time! Tha' last one, with her scales an' that tail, an' green hair. Wasn't she a whore too?"
243
244"Hush now, he'll hear you. Don't make a big fuss. He's always been a little funny after Laleta brought him back from Carteneau."
245
246"Dragged him back, you mean. What sort of clansman keeps running off to the ends of the earth? Or gets caught by Garleans? Should've fought better. Firstborn, too. Bit of a shame, really."
247
248Even here, among some of the people he loved the most, Mist watched as her  fiancé studiously ignored the way that certain tongues wagged about him.
249July 24, 2019
250
251๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/24/2019
252She commits them all to memory. A scene from a dreamscape long denied to her. Warmth of years long past penetrating to the deepest reaches of her being. The father, mother, and brothers she lost prematurely tugging at her heartstrings whenever she sees them. It's comfortable and comforting, and she finds herself feeling a bit surprised over how quickly they embrace her in their fold.
253
254Alphonse and Miriel, their good-natured cheer contagious. Agrias and Cormac, watchful leaders governing all that can be seen. Marisa and her children, the halflings born from a passionate whirlwind, with the former showing her physical prowess in preparation of becoming the next to watch over it all. Calernyn and Nina, and their little ones, with the other midlander becoming an immediate bosom buddy in solidarity against all the talls around. (Many, many recipes will be shared in the coming days, from Far Eastern delicates to treats remembered from ancient Allag, to some things she picked up on the First that do not use lizards or worms or mysterious bread. That and a plea to let her help with the food preparation for the next day because good gosh a family this size is probably going to need more food than the world itself can offer.)
255
256She sits beside him in the evening, a bowl of soup being sipped on while she listens. Listens and catches wind of the tidbits spoken from those outside his immediate inner circle, her eyes fluttering closed at some of the words that reach them. To his credit, he lets them roll off him like water, and her hand rests on his lap without a single word said. A soft, quiet comfort freely given without needing to be asked, and a touch shifting to his lower back after a moment. She leans up, smile curling.
257"If the most interesting thing in their life is gossip about you, then they need to live a bit more." She sets the soup down, rising, and offers her hands out to him, grinning. There is merriment and a perfectly good fire to dance beside, and an audience to watch them. So why not put on a little show and give them something else to talk about? Astromancy will forever be her greatest strength, but years of training as a dancer -- even going on to take a combative edge with it -- prove useful in times like this.
258
259If only she could throw a sword and make it return like her chakrams do...
260July 25, 2019
261
262Powell07/25/2019
263The highlander gazes down fondly at her hand in his lap, reaching for her fingers, and brushing his lips against her knuckles with a smile. As she pulls him toward the bonfire, he grins, and lets her lead. "Aye, best give 'em summat else to jaw on about. Let's give 'em a show," he answers her, in a soft murmur beneath his breath.
264
265He's watched her dance countless times through the years - naked in the lake water. Barefoot in the grass outside his home, and hers. Even in the heat of combat, on certain missions, watching her cut down foe after foe with her chakrams. Beautiful, graceful, deadly. Holding her in his arms at night, as she whispered to him of centuries long gone - dancing for her husband, the emperor, and his loathsome guests. The horrors she was made to endure afterward. Schezar remembers kissing her quietly, trying to banish those nightmares from her past with soft words and love.
266
267The warm smile on his face says it all, giving her a little dip of a bow as they stop by the fire, and she smirks back confidently at him, her pregnant belly barely slowing her down. He can feel the eyes on them as she takes his hand, placing his other hand on her hip. It starts out first as a slow, traditional waltz - the nearby musicians for the night watching, changing their tune to match the couple's swaying movements, and relaxed spins.
268Then, both of them grinning ferally at each other, they begin to accelerate. Speeding up into a lively tango, with the drums and woodwinds striking up a melody to match. The gathered kinsmen look up from their meals as the children shout excitedly - the smallest ones already in love with the mysterious Miss Mist, and her magicks and sweet treats. Boys and girls start running up to join them by the fire, prancing and showing off their own moves amidst peals of laughter.
269
270The star-stealing girl, and her boy knight of the lake. Half martial art, half elegant display - they spin, they leap, they move in perfect sync, honed by countless battles survived together. At one point, Mist winks at little Lymsleia from midair, right as the former empress completes a daring somersault-slide off her fiance's back. The youngest girl is enthralled, wanting nothing more in that moment than to be exactly like her superhero future aunt. Creatures of aether and magick, creatures of love and joy.
271
272Explosive cheers, clapping, and laughter fill the evening air, as the parents and older relatives come to join their children. The revels continue into the night.
273★  ★  ★ 
274
275The first few rays of sunlight warm her face, ease her to wakefulness. As Mist squints, she can smell his scent on the sheets, feel the faint traces of her beloved's warmth left behind - but she is alone in the bed. As she sits up, blinking sleep away, she can hear distant voices in rhythmic battlecries out the window, accompanied by the sound of the waves by the beach. A note is left for her on the bedside table.
276
277Decided to let you sleep in, love. I'll be helping Mari prep the kids for their coming-of-age trials tonight. We'll be out on the beach if you need me.
278
279Also, mum invited you to brunch tea at 11. She's really looking forward to chatting with you, I think! Plus, I reckon Nina will be pulling you along into her kitchen later in the afternoon. She's called your mochi, and I quote, "fucking grand."
280
281Yours for all time,
282
283S
284
285A quick glance at the nearby clock shows a few minutes left until 8 in the morning. A few more hours to relax and prepare herself for the day.
286
2871
288
289๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/25/2019
290"Mama overdid it last night, little one." With a low grumble, the ravenette pushes herself off the soft bed and makes her way to the nearest window. Still early, still plenty of time left in the day. A yawn overcomes her and she stretches while she walks, and her mind begins to toy with what to make for breakfast. It's easy to get used to rice, miso, and fish when the bountiful treats of Shirogane's market is a short walk up some stairs, but something a bit more fluffy and dense sounds absolutely amazing. With cracked fire crystals and a pan over a quick-heating stove, it takes very little time to whip up a batch of blueberry pancakes that'll satisfy both her appetite and the picky one in her tummy.
291
292Very picky one, she's already learned in the previous season. He likes to have his meals at a certain time and if she is even a few minutes late, he gets more active. An impressive thing since she's not that far along in the pregnancy yet; what does make her worry how it'll be later in. When he gets to the point he starts kicking and rolling around inside of her, she's fairly certain she's going to flop on her side and stop moving entirely. Just like how Sanary was at first. In comparison, Seyka spent her time quietly inside of her, sometimes worrying her with how still she was. But the thirty hour labor that followed made her regret ever fretting over the health of her secondborn. The girl just didn't want to come out!
293"Do you want to go watch daddy?" Dishes cleaned quickly and crystals repacked leave her with time to get dressed. A simple shirt tied on her stomach with loose fabric over her shoulders, shorts, and ribbon sandals seems suitable enough for morning attire. Her hands move down to the barely noticeable bulge, patting a few times. "He's going to be busy with all the ones about to become men and women. We shouldn't interrupt him. Aunt Marisa will need all the help she can get." Another few pats and she's off, another destination in mind.
294
295She's dirt to collect, after all. For pure, fun, wholesome reasons, naturally. A morning with Calernyn and Nina will give her plenty of material to work (and tease) with.
296- - -
297
298"Has your son always been so damn stubborn?"
299
300The inquiry bursts from her almost immediately, laughter tugging at the words as she sits across from Agrias. The respect and soft adoration she showed is still there, but without all of the others watching them, she feels a lot more relaxed. Which may or may not be the best of things. She's never exactly been good with barriers and boundaries, and sitting there cross-legged with a special box of mooncakes on her lap to share with her lover's mother, it shows. Perhaps a bit too casual with a woman she's just met, a bit too eager to get to know her. But she is, and honestly, why hide her? She's eager to get to know them all. Engrave them in her mind, making up for all the time that has already been lost.
301
302"I swear," Mist puffs her cheeks out, "he's a brick wall in the best and worst of ways sometimes. Once he gets something in his head, he's likely never to let go of it." It's helped and it's hurt, sometimes in equal measure, and something she'll doubt will ever change. Some of that hotheadedness might have changed with age, receeding a bit, but he's still the same stubborn, determined, and joyous baffoon of a boy, no matter how much he grows. It's endearing, really.
303
304The cakes themselves are small and thick, filled to burst with lotus cream and red bean paste, paired with small colorful konpeito candy on the side. "Usually we eat these during the autumnal season for moonviewing nights, but..." Mist cuts two of them in half so one of each can be shared. "They are a symbol of good luck and kind fortune to come. With times as they are, everything can use some more of that in their life."
305
306Powell07/25/2019
307Hints of a smile tug at the corners of Agrias' lips. "He's actually much more mellow now than he used to be as a younger man," she answers, cradling a small cup in her elderly hands. "And more conscientious. But yes - he can still be quite hardheaded, when he feels the need." With a soft chuckle, she takes a sip, her gaze looking out for a moment toward the sea, the beach sands several yalms down from the hill they sat upon. "One learns that rather quickly about the men, marrying into the Stormbreaker clan."
308
309She'd originally planned to meet her son's fiance in the great dining hall within the mansion, and tilted her head curiously at the invitation to the picnic blanket out upon the hill. But now, with the sun shining and the sea breeze, the lady knight breathed deep with a calm, relaxed look. Agrias was unarmored, wearing a formal dress, sky blue - but her longsword remained at her side. She stayed armed and girt with blade at all times, a habit from years of wandering and errantry. She knelt as she sat, as well, in the Hingan fashion - ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
310
311"These are quite good, too, dear. Thank you." Nibbling each of her halves of the sweetcakes to taste, then refilling her teacup and Mist's with the pot of spiced chai from the kitchens. Her movements are slow, but refined - like nobility, almost. In her early 60s, the swordswoman still carried herself with deliberate calm, and the former empress could see the callouses on her hands from sword practice. She likely still kept up her training, even to this day.
312
313"So. My son tells me you once founded and ruled over the Allagan empire." Agrias closes her eyes as she sips again, almost meditatively, as if she had just asked the other woman about the morning weather. "What was that like?"(edited)
314
315๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/25/2019
316Oh. Oh.
317
318It's an immediate reaction, the sudden choking noise while drinking tea, any regal composure immediately slipping at the spit take. She coughs and takes a few deep breaths, managing a sound on the side of indignant. "He already told you?" Well, then. There goes any attempts at trying to ease it into casual conversation at a later time after getting to know someone. Because that's not a bomb she likes to drope easily, and to have it suddenly reverse-dropped on her, she's not entirely sure how to respond.
319
320Except to laugh, wipe her mouth, and lean back to gaze skyward. "Well..."
321
322The picture she paints with her voice is a scene from many fantastical tales. Quaint countrysides with small hamlets and farming communities, and a sense that the quiet life isn't so bad. Wanderlust plaguing the youths that want to see the world, that want to rise up and leave their name in the star's history. And then some who did, all because of a night of fire and blood, of a tragedy that is not rare or even uncommon. Those who will always take from others because they enjoy it -- or worse, because they have to. She spent much time in her later years wondering if those bandits lead the raid out of the desire for chaos or out of desperation, but there were nothing of them left to question by that point in time. No, the men and women she lead with Xande made sure of that.
323
324She doesn't mince words, either, fully accepting the weight of responsibility that falls on her shoulders. That she did things, during that time, she no longer feels proud of. That she got lost in it, the power and the glamour, that came from it. It changed drastically upon the birth of her first child, true, but she did revel in the control she wielded. Because, after fighting and bleeding and facing death over and over, it was a comfort. A reward, she felt from time to time, for everything she gave, for everything she did.
325"Which, frankly, is a load of crap," Mist sighs dramatically as she finishes her tea, shifting her legs out in front of her to stretch. "I only held power in the first place because people freely gave it to me, and later on because the empire took it away from others. In the chess game we played, I enjoyed the role of queen too much, never thinking for a moment that I would end up being little more than a pawn dancing before the king to keep him safe. Still, even knowing what I know now..."
326
327A quiet confession. One she's never admitted out loud.
328
329"...I wouldn't change it. For all the horrors birthed by ancient Allag, there is so much good as well. Technology that persists to this day and will continue to be the backbone of future societies. Medicines and magicks that can save countless lives. More selfishly, the two children that came from those events are precious to me, and if changing it would undo their existences, it is not a chance I'd toy with. Fighting for the greater good, helping others, even holding lofty goals of saving a world is well and fine, so long as a line is drawn and a person knows when they've reached too much. Sacrificing yourself is not something most can, or should, do."
330
331The sword at the lady knight's side has a story of its own. She tilts her head, gazing at it. "What made you decide to walk the path you did?" She asks in return. "To raise a knight's blade is to put yourself in the service of others. Is it what you expected it to be?"
332
333Powell07/25/2019
334Despite her relaxed, calm demeanor, Agrias watched the other woman closely as she told her story. Listened and observed with a keen eye. It was one thing to hear the fantastical tale from her firstborn, first when he'd returned from Carteneau, then later on over the years, as his dreams and memories grew stronger.
335
336It was different, hearing it from the former empress herself. Hearing the conviction in her voice. Warrior, leader, mother - roles that she also understood deeply.
337
338She was entirely different from Harue, that much was certain. "When I was young, I thought I could make a difference," she answers softly, her own gaze following the other woman's, to her sheathed blade. "Thought I could change the world, as a freesworn paladin." Agrias set her teacup down, taking a moment to smooth her dress with her fingers.
339
340"What the world doesn't tell you is that there will always be bandits. There will always be voidsent, and marauding beasts, and conquering empires." Her eyes are like icy blue steel, as they meet Mist's crimson gaze. "I suppose, in many ways, Miss Mist - I am responsible for his leaving. For what we both suffered." She shook her head.
341"My husband - proud scion of the Stormbreaker clan - Cormac is an accountant. I met him when I was hunting pirate slavers. It was..." Her lips curl into another small smile. "Complicated. But in time, we built this life. And... he was never the one to fill our children's heads with grand missions, and quests." Her gaze drifts away from Mist's eyes, and back towards the sea.
342
343"To this day, Cormac accepts what our children choose, whatever paths they walk. Warriors, or not. I was the one who told them to follow their grandfather. To be proud of the clan legacy. It... cost us my firstborn. Filled his head with heroic notions and pride." The elderly knight closes her eyes again.
344
345"I know my son. He told me that you saved him, at Carteneau - and I am grateful for that. When we lost him, I thought... we had to let go. We had to move on. So we did. Calernyn, my youngest, was first to be wed. Then Alphonse. Then, when Schezar came back... When I saw the heartbreak on his face, learning everything that he'd missed..."
346
347She is babbling a little, she knows. But it's difficult to find the right words. "I am old, Mist. A tired sellsword in the twilight of her years." Her eyes meet the former empress' gaze again. "But I will be damned, I will die with blade in my hand, before letting anyone threaten my children's happiness again. Few other things are left to me in this world, that matter."
348
349Agrias remains still, never taking her eyes off the other woman. "Be they mortal and mundane... or otherwise."
350
351๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/25/2019
352It's a weight she puts upon herself, the burden of motherhood. Having let go of her son and move on, only for him to return a broken shade of what he once was, would undoubtfully put a strain on her in ways few can imagine. She does not know what it is like to be a father, but she knows it is a different sort of feeling. The lives of children are loved greatly, she'll not deny that, yet only one of them can feel new life grow inside of them. To carry them three seasons and bring them into the world, kicking and screaming and ready to take it by storm. Sometimes she wonders if that is why fathers tend to be the ones that dote more openly upon their offspring; because they miss out on something fundamental when it all begins.
353
354But that protectiveness, that soul-moving urge to ensure the happiness of one's child, be they mother or father, is the same. The same in all who truly become a parent, not just a sperm or egg donor. It is why she doesn't break eye contact, red lost within blue, but instead reaches out to take the woman's hand. Physically, Agrias is older than her. The passage of time has carried her further along than it ever will for herself. She's seen much in her life, from wanting to make a difference to accepting the good and bad within the course of it all, and raising a family alongside the man she chose, complicated history aside. She has experienced things and gone through things that will not diminish with time, and for that, she treats the words as they were meant to be; a promise.
355
356To call it a mere warning or even a threat would be a discredit to the woman. No, underneath it is a promise that will she do whatever it takes to make sure her son, after everything he has gone through, is alright. After Carteneau. After missing out on time with his family. After marrying a woman who disappeared on him with no warning or reason. After bringing home a pregnant empress from a bygone era that he intends to marry.
357"Then we have common ground," she replies gently, squeezing the woman's fingers. "I would die with my blade in hand before letting anything destroy his happiness. I can't promise that nothing will threaten it because your son has a terrible knock for getting himself in trouble," she scoffs lightly at this, "but let your mind rest in this regard."
358
359At this, she lets go of Agrias' hand, and instead reaches up fluidly to cup her cheek. A smile warms her features, her eyes bright in the early afternoon light. "There will not be a time, for as long as he draws breath, that I will leave him alone. Should we fight, and I am sure there will be moments of misunderstandings and flaring tempers, we will settle it as man and wife should. I will be his strength, not his weakness, and create a home with him that he looks forward to returning to no matter how long he is away with it. It will be filled with light, love, and laughter, for many years to come."
360
361Forever, she wishes to promise, but he is mortal and mundane, and she is otherwise. Until the end, she won't bend, and she'll burn the world itself over if it takes away what is hers.
362
3631
364July 26, 2019
365
366Powell07/26/2019
367"She's so beautiful, momma!"
368
369Her firstborn is eight years of age, and his imagination is extremely active. He's getting a bit old for an imaginary friend, Agrias thinks. They only really have themselves to blame, in truth, with all the stories they tell to the children. All the lessons they try to impart.
370
371A true knight must always serve and protect his or her liege lord, or lady.
372
373They must always embody the virtues of loyalty, fidelity, heroism.
374
375Her father-in-law didn't seem to mind so much, reassuring her that it was perfectly harmless. It wouldn't interfere with his training. He continued to travel with Schezar and the other children, year after year, for their annual outings near Silvertear, and other places around Eorzea.
376
377If she had known the truth of it, would she have stopped her son from going there?
378
379Would she have wanted the former empress to be left alone, never to heal, never to have the friendship and love of her precious firstborn? Would it have saved him somehow, from Garlemald's grasp?
380
381Those questions were moot, by now. Because as Mist cups her cheek, the elderly knight blinks, then closes her eyes. She can feel the truth, the sincere warmth, in that touch. Those words. Even if the woman wasn't already bearing her next grandchild.
382
383She would care for her son, and all of her children and grandchildren, to the very end. Who was she to stand in the way of his mythical love story, with an undying empress of eld?
384
385Aloud, though her eyes remain closed, Agrias calmly spoke. "Nina. Marisa. Stop skulking in the shadows back there, and come join us. Don't be rude to our guest."
386
387A squeak came from the nearby doorway. The shorter midlander and her taller sister-in-law emerged from the side of the mansion, the former looking chastised as she carried a tray with more sweets and tea, the latter with her feral, confident grin.(edited)
388"Hullo, Mist," Marisa said cheerfully. "Left me big ugly ox of a brother out there on th' beach, still sparrin' with th' little ones. So we still 'ave some time." She plopped down easily on the picnic blanket beside her mother and their visitor, as did Nina, who now grinned as she offered more treats.
389
390"Ye know, there's still time to back out an' run away. We'll tell him ye got swept away by a prettyboy prince ridin' in on a white horse, or summat." The teasing and gossip continues with the other women, while Agrias continues to meditatively sip her tea.
391
392But the tension in the older woman's shoulders is gone, replaced instead with full acceptance of her son's beloved. "We'll still have to plan the secondary ceremony, of course," the elderly knight murmured. "One for the family, separate from the Sanctum of the Twelve."
393
394Marisa nodded in agreement. "Where ye receive th' blessing and the tattoos, aye. At least temporarily. Ye don't 'ave to keep 'em fer long." Like her brother, she wears the clan markings on her face - of those who come of age as warriors.(edited)
395
396๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/26/2019
397Years later, shortly before Agrias parts from the world, she'll take her to the lake. To guide the elderly swordswoman to the waters and bathe together with her under the moon, life having begun to return to the area. She'll sing to her the tales of old and of what will come, and lead her on a dance to release the burdens of life. To share with her a piece of herself, and in return, take a piece to hold within her heart for all of time. What is born of water must return to water one day, and at the source of the star itself, is the greatest place to be reborn.
398
399It is something she will do for all of them, in time. When she lets go part of the name she chose for herself in her new life and takes on the name that has been bestowed upon her by their clan. A stray from another time, another place, that finds home within a clan that will break any storm that befalls the land. She'll see their children's children into adulthood and ensure their traditions remain, and pass on her knowledge as well. Of magicks from lost years and technology that will benefit them without harming them, and carry with her the stories of those who live today, but will become legends in the distant times to come.
400
401But those years are far from now, and in that moment with her future sisters-in-law and a woman she will call 'mother' in only a short time, she finds herself laughing, relaxing with them. A private ceremony for the entire clan different from the one at the Sanctum where gods of eld can watch. They'll walk together down that path, praying before the stones scattered across Eorzea, collecting droplets of hope in their heart. Then she'll walk down the aisle, him in a black suit and her in a white dress, where their friends can watch them make their commitment known to the world. A commitment that was decided decades ago when a boy pulled a girl from the water, rainbow brightlily marking the encounter.
402
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404Soon enough she finds herself on Marisa's lap, proving herself to be extremely comfortable with those crashing the brunch, and babbling on excitedly about the house she's in the middle of purchasing back in Shirogane. Even if the seaside cottage itself just finished being done, they'll need bigger room. Room to accommodate guests and the storefront, and more room for both his forge and her alchemical studies. Plus, there must be space for the little one, and a nursery, and a bigger kitchen to hold a candle to Nina's cooking for when they spring by for a visit.
405
406It's hours later when she finds herself bouncing along to the beach, fully expecting to find her lover still there busy with children. Just like he was back in the First when playing around at Gatetown, doing good merely by existing.
407
408"How in the world did I get so lucky?" Her voice is low, crimson gaze cast over the expanse of beach. "Doesn't feel like I deserve it."
409
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411July 27, 2019
412
413Powell07/27/2019
414"What are you talking about? Both you and your son endured endless light scorching you from the inside out. Then you and your loved ones saved both of these worlds. Silly priestess, silly empress, silly Warrior of Light. Of course you fucking deserve it."
415
416The voice from nearby was like whispered, mirthful silk on gravel. As Mist looks away from the sand, back toward the nearby grass, a figure clad in black stands there - his hands upon a wheelchair, a small grin of sharklike teeth in the evening dusk. It's not the knee-length pink hair that makes Tourian look odd, nor even his glowing green eyes, with their catlike slits. Not even the fact that he was no longer shrouded in endless shadow, most of it having been burned away in Norvrandt, when he helped contain the Wardens' light overflowing from inside her.
417
418He is remaining still, gently holding on to the wheelchair from behind - with a dozing woman in it. Elderly, snow-white hair, even older than Agrias. She seemed frail, thin, ancient - but Mist could see that she had been beautiful, once. Like a queen. 
419
420"Oh, I'm sorry. That was a spoiler, wasn't it?" He continues to speak in a soft whisper, barely audible above the sound of the waves. The living shadow holds up a finger to his lips. "Shh, she's sleeping. She gets cranky past her bedtime."
421
422With the same smile, his gaze squints out at the beach sands - several yalms away, Schezar is sitting right in the water with the children. Even as the night draws on, and the chilling waves wash over them. Meditating with both of Mari's twins, all of them eyes closed and perfectly still.
423
424The spirit chuckles. "And now you see what I meant about trust, and love. And all the other emotions that motivate squishy, crunchy, tasty little mortals, apart from sorrow, suffering, and solitude." Before he continues, however, the elderly woman in the wheelchair moves her lips slowly, half-remembered words from a dream. He leans close, listening intently, even if it were just empty wind.
425
426Powell07/27/2019
427Tourian straightens back up. "Do you remember Fortuna?" he murmurs with his familiar, wry look. "Do you remember how we both sought love, thought we had it... and how it departed? Or we were the ones to depart." His eyes drift back toward her fiance in the water.
428
429"You've bound your soul to a mortal. Tethered and anchored it to his. Few will ever truly understand what that sort of sacrifice means." He slowly grins again, that sharklike smile, predatory and inviting. "Guard that love jealously. Burn and kill whoever tries to take him from you. Even if it's his ex-wife." The dark spirit licks his lips at the thought. "I'll even help. It'll be fun."
430
431In the wheelchair, the woman murmurs softly. "...Gehrman... Gehrman, I... had that dream, again... mama, in the palace, she sang..."
432
433Tourian's demeanor changes, his expression softening into a smile. He leans down, whispering in reply. "He's waiting for you, sweetling. Young little Lara." His lips are gentle and light, brushing upon her brow. "Rest now, and dream. You are loved."
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437๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/27/2019
438"Do you remember Fortuna?"
439
440After their time in the First, Tourian's presence does not alarm her in the slightest. He's there, everpresent, a living shadow with some of its mask lost. Long pink hair that touches the floor if he bends the slightest, slitted green eyes that pulse with a glow, and a smile that could crack the resolve of even the steeliest of people. Yet he is not someone she imagines will ever be a threat, not with the nature of his very existence. Seeing him with the wheelchair, with a fragile remnant lost in a wonderful dream, proves in many ways just how loyal he is to those he is bound to, and what lengths he'll gladly go for them.
441
442She stays quiet for a long while, until the old woman's breathing evens out once more and she returns to her world of dreams. Where in that slumbering world she can see the man she loved dearly, the man who is waiting for her when her time comes. The man that she herself owes a great debt to for safeguarding her while her soul healed before she entered the tower with her daughters and allies, facing off against a monster created by Ascian meddling. While she may understand what happened to Xande, she also knows that the corruption of his crystal merely amplified what darkness was already inside of him, and that more than anything else is why she'll never be able to forgive him. For what he did to their children.
443
444Alysine driven to suicide to escape the endless torment to her flesh. Astraenne withering in a tower and killed out of mercy by an elemental bound to her. Both taken before their time, both sacrifices in a madman's unyielding efforts to bring back what did not what to be brought back.
445"I remember Fortuna," she finally answers, sitting down with her hands on her stomach, legs stretching out before her while she gazes from the resting form of Lara to the ocean rolling waves against the beach. "In bits and pieces. The end and the beginning, and sometimes what happened between." The hospital she grew up in, too frail and fragile to leave, her father keeping her there out of fear what would happen if she left. Only to one day gather the strength to run away and find herself in a garden, and be stumbled across by the man that would change everything for her.
446
447Now, older and wiser and another life lived, she knows how pathetic those days really were. How pathetic she had been. But even so, she holds no ill will towards any of them, and remembers most of them with a certain fondness. Even Sorrow, when in his anger dragged her down and didn't let her go, leaving behind twin girls for her to take care of. No, even him she remembers more fondly than bitterly, but the world itself... the world itself, as it burned around her, as the last soul for her to ferry passed on, that's what she remembers the most.
448
449"I remember you, too." It's the age old question, she supposes. Is it better to have love and lose it or never have it at all? She'll take the feeling a thousand times over the absence of it, even with the pain that comes when something ends. "I had the biggest crush on you." A trace of a laugh in her tone, followed by a wink. Not in a thousand years would she have ever acted upon it, respect for his wife too great to surpass. But in this moment, it feels more like a private little joke to share, and an understandable one. To the sheltered, sick little girl she had been escaping her father's overbearing hand, the flamboyance of Tourian K'soth was nothing short of fresh air to relish.
450"How did you become what you are now?" A question she wanted to ask on the First. A question that never felt right, given things. With the endless shadows burned revealing him, his voice clearer now more than ever, it is a curious thing. "One hundred and eight mouths, one hundred and eight stomachs."
451July 28, 2019
452
453Powell07/28/2019
454"Well, I'm sure I was very crushable," he answers her wink with a wry grin. With a watchful glance down at his sleeping charge, he moves away from the wheelchair, settling down beside the pregnant woman near the sands. "And I might have gotten crushed once or twice, near Lighthalzen. Or maybe that was just my arm. Can't quite recall."
455
456At her question, he smiles again. "I'll be completely honest with you, Mist," he answers cheerfully, "I don't remember at all." The twinkle in his eye makes it unclear how honest he's being, but he glances down at himself, holding up his hand. Shadowy flames dance around his fingertips for a few moments, his expression softening into a thoughtful look. "I know this isn't the first world that I ended up as a gestalt entity in. Seems to be a recurring thing. I know I ended up... elsewhere, before Eorzea. After Fortuna."
457
458His gaze drifts toward the sea, as the sun finally disappears beneath the horizon. "I had a life here, in Eorzea. Or a shard. In one of the eras lost to time. They called me a Warrior of Light, like you." His catlike eyes glow in the growing evening. "But I grew dissatisfied, when there were people we couldn't save. I distrusted Hydaelyn. And there were others like me, other Warriors of Light who came before, and came after. Our souls ended up bonded together, into the creature of shadow inherited by Lara here. Our wills taking turns in the driver's seat." His expression was contemplative. "Making ready for the day when you would enter Norvrandt. When you needed to be saved from the Wardens' light. All of us made that choice, even though we didn't know what the future held."
459He gently pats the sleeping woman's knee. "Your husband's grandmother. A princess escaped from Ala Mhigo, spirited away by her lover." He slowly stood again, taking his place back behind the wheelchair. "And now her grandson is a Warrior of Darkness. Your fiance. But what does that even mean? Some of us are more attuned and aspected to light. Others to shadow. We both still need each other, to stay in balance. Is there any point to these labels at all?"
460
461Her old friend offered her another wry smile, and a slight bow of his head. "Ah, don't mind me. Just rambling. Musing aloud, overmuch. Remember us, Mist Desiree. Remember how we both began, the world we were born in. And how immortals like you and I, in the end - all we wanted was a family to love us. Even with all our power, to make us feel safe, like we belonged. At long last." Tourian K'soth turned, gently wheeling his sleeping charge away, back uphill toward the mansion.
462
463As the stars began to twinkle above, she watched as the group of young ones with her husband finally ended their meditations, their training. Cheering each other on as they ran back to the mansion, to their respective cottages, to get dressed for dinner in an hour. Schezar stretched, then grinned as he caught sight of her. Emerging from the icy-cold surf, wearing just a training sarouel, as he leaned close and gave her a quick, damp kiss, the seawater scent strong upon his hair and muscled form. "Alrigh', beautiful?" he murmured. "Sorry for makin' ye wait tha' long."(edited)
464
465๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/28/2019
466"But what does that even mean?"
467
468It's a question that lingers long after the shadow does, her mind turning back the wheels of the years. To her beginning, to the sickly little girl that ran away from a hospital in Lighthalzen, searching for something more with her time than wasting away in a bed where her only visitors were birds on the windows, and the man that felt too terrified to let her go. Needles and tubes and magical enchantments to keep her from expiring. People she met, people she loved, people she lost, and a promise made to her dearest friend at the end of dying world.
469
470What does that even mean, the labels placed upon them? Warriors of Light, Warriors of Darkness? To serve Hydaelyn or to question her, or to rise in Zodiark's name. What does it mean to decide to be a Lightbringer or a Darkbringer? Is it a matter of souls aspected to one element over the other, or is there something fundamental about it lost within the sea of mysteries yet uncovered?
471
472Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, she wonders what would happen she gave in during any of those moments and accepted defeat. When Xande's hands wrapped around her throat to choke life from her. When her body and soul fractured from the elder dragon's aether. When light threatened to tear her and her unborn child apart from the inside. If she had given up, would it have been easier, a bit? To accept the bittersweetness of oblivion, the utter destruction of her soul, rather than accept the weight of immortality that would place her outside of time itself, fated to watch while everything eventually turns to dust once more?
473
474It isn't because of Hydaelyn's plan that she's refused to give up. It's because she wants to remember. Remember how they both began, how they all began, and how no matter how difficult the road becomes, that soft feeling of love is the greatest power of all. Connections made, over lifetimes and over multiple worlds, will forever fuel the flame of hope.
475Starlight dances in the sky and sweet saltwater reaches her nose. She lifts her head up to return the kiss, closing the sketchbook on her lap. The beach, sunset, and him meditating with the children on their journey to become men and women. "Feeling a bit nostalgic," she confesses with a smile. Her pencil is set down so she can reach out for his wrist, pulling herself up. Fingers intertwine and she begins to walk, letting their hands sway between them. 
476
477"Do you want to live here?" She asks, letting her gaze drift out to the sea. To the vastness of the ocean, to unknown adventures a short distance away. "With your family and your clan. We could, you know. It wouldn't be that difficult to convince me. It's not like we have to move flaming skulls."
478July 29, 2019
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480Powell07/29/2019
481Schezar grinned as their hands swayed back and forth together. "I dunno, luv. Some of me kin are big fans of magical flaming skulls." As they reached their cottage, he stopped, then turned to look out at the sea with her, a wistful look on his face.
482
483"It's temptin', I admit. Would be nice to be within reach of everyone. But, two things." He glances back at her. "One, ye already had a beautiful place built for us in Shirogane. Expanded it, as well, for this little one t'come join us." His hand rests upon the gentle roundness of her belly, his expression softening into a smile. "I know how much work goes into building a home."
484
485His eyes twinkle like the stars above. "And, two - me kin are nice in short bursts. But I reckon they'd drive us both daft if we stayed overlong." He laughs. "We can teleport in on th' weekends to surprise them, when th' fancy strikes us."
486
487As they enter the cottage to shower and change for that night's ceremony, he gently leads her toward the bed. Sitting down on the edge of the mattress, guiding her to stand before her, he gazes up at her form in the darkened room, leaving the lights off, with only moonlight and starlight from the window giving them a dim glow.
488Wordlessly, the highlander strips down - briefly moving to undress her as well, freeing her from her sundress. As he does so, he kisses her slowly - her lips, her cheeks, the curve of her jawline. Her shoulder, cleavage, and chest. He sits back down beside her, tracing slow kisses over her pregnant belly - smiling as he nuzzles their child within with his nose. His kisses continue down, over her mound, light and gentle between her legs.
489
490Rather than erotic, each of his movements is loving, slow, quiet. Resting his hands on the back of her legs, remaining still as he gently brushes his lips against her womanhood, in wordless adoration.
491
492Dinner was in an hour, and the ceremony was later tonight. But they had all the time in the world.
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496๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/29/2019
497Why do you love the ocean so much?
498
499She watches him, half-lidded eyes fluttering long lashes against pale cheeks, and a soft sigh falls from her lips in appreciation. Attention she revels in, hands rising to rest against his cheeks, the top of his head, finally tangling in his russet hair. A bit of gray will come later, age showing well upon him, yet it will not slow him down much. Even in this regard, she imagines, if her spell with his older self was anything of proof.
500
501Is it because the waves always return to the shore? Or do you want to drown in the depths?
502
503“Sche...” Another sigh following a shift of her hips, her body opening before him. Black hair cascades down her bare back and she lets her eyes finally close. It’s a treasure, a treat she enjoys every time, the feeling of his hands and mouth upon her skin. A sensation that so easily can push her to the edge, accented by moments where it is a form of worship.
504
505Is it because it is where all life will one day go, lost in an endless flow?
506
507She draws him closer to her, withdrawing enough to sit on his lap, her back to his broad chest. Her legs raise, bent at the knees, and she rests her hands on her stomach, feeling the soft bump that is only beginning to show. A few pats, inviting his arms around her, holding his palms in place to feel the aether from their child in her womb. A child she may have given up if not for his determination to protect all of them.
508“How many do you want?” She tilts her head up, enjoying the soft intimacy of cuddling with her fiancé in nothing at all. “A boy and a girl, at least. One of each. Even if that means lots of tries.” Not that either of them have any issue with that bit there.
509
510Her hand lowers, moving slightly behind her in order to ghost her fingers across his length almost lazily, massaging along the veins slowly and carefully. Much like his prior ones, it was less of an erotic display and more of an affectionate one, enjoying all parts of him whenever she can.
511
512“Ten? Tweeeelve?” Her poor stomach.
513
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515July 30, 2019
516
517Powell07/30/2019
518"Thaaaat... sounds like a lot. Even fer me." His laugh is gentle, his palms light and loving upon her womb as he feels their firstborn's aether, gently pulsing within her. A low hum of appreciation escapes him as her fingers massage his cock, his quivering meat slowly growing stiff at her familiar, beloved touch.
519
520Hugging her from behind as she nestles in his lap, sharing their warmth, he responds to her lovely fingertips by leaning down, kissing her nape, then suckling her sensitive ears slowly. From years ago, in her childhood memories, to new worlds in the present - he was very, very fond of the sound of her mewling, whenever he lovingly attacked her earlobes. "A lad an' a lass to start, aye," he agrees. "Then maaaaybe a baby sister or brother for them, later down the line."
521
522The mingled mix of carnal intimacy and loving warmth, the promise of parenthood, feels right. He breathes deep from the scent of her hair, as her back rests against his chest. All the moments of fear and terror, battling the Light inside of her, learning of Amaurot's tragedy... he would face it all again, gladly, for these moments with her.
523
524He held up her hand, gazing down at the engagement ring he'd forged for her, resting upon her finger. His smile in his words is warm. "Then... then we'll see who else comes to join us, later down th' line." His lips ghost the top of her head. "In our years an' years to come."
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526๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/30/2019
527The mewling he's fond of immediately breaks free from her, leading her to wiggle the slightest bit on his lap and run her fingers across the tip of his sensitive anatomy. She nods along with his words, mumbling something about plenty of years to figure out just how many they want to have, and to grow their family further. It's new for him, giving him time to adjust to the weight of parenthood, of what it means to be a father, and she knows he'll be wonderful at it.
528
529In the moonlight, the ruby on her finger glints, and she smiles down upon it. A proper date will be set once arrangements with the Sanctum and moogles are complete, and a band of gold will be crafted to give to him. Her skills in such arts will need to be improved before then, but it is something she's determined to master for the perfect symbol. One to brag about and show off, even if just to boost her own ego. Schezar is far from a trophy husband to put on a pedestal and leave inside the house, but he makes for amazing arm candy whether he himself sees it or not.
530
531She shudders with her entire body, hips lifting to roll backwards and take him inside of her. Wet enough to sheathe him entirely, feeling it all the way inside of her belly. Eyes lull shut and she moves without rush or haste. It's a delicious stretching, the way his member kisses her cervix with every stroke, and she squeezes her thighs together to create some more friction while grinding on his lap. Nice and slow, different from their usual roughness and eagerness to get lost in each other. Lovemaking through and through without even a twinge of fucking in it. (Though, she doesn't expect that to last for long, considering how into it both of them get.)
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534All smiles, one hand moving down to her clit to rub small circles against it, the other finding perch on his thigh to knead the strong, corded muscles with her palm. "I've been encouraged to run off with a pretty boy riding a white horse," she grins at the jest from his sister. Knowing all too well that it is one of the few things she can pick at just enough to rile him up and maybe get a pout from him. If she told him how often she used to have tea with Ser Aymeric or brought lunch to Lord Hien while he trained with Lyse, he'd probably be a broody mess for awhile. "But I'm not sure if I can sneak one in here. He'd probably be turning his head at all the gorgeous highlanders here."
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538Powell07/30/2019
539She always surprises him, every time. And he loves her, wants her, that much more for it, every time.
540
541A sharp breath escapes him as she hilts herself down on top of him, burying all 9 inches of his throbbing meat inside her hot, wet, squeezing folds. A long, low growl of delight and desire escapes him as he meets her grinding with deliberate, sensuous rolls of his own hips. Slow, sensitive lovemaking at first, his hands cupping her shapely breasts, his lips and breath hot upon her nape, her shoulder, as she sat on his lap, with her back to him, in the dark. Exulting in the sensation of her juices seeping onto his thighs, as she rubbed her clit and rode him.
542
543Then, at the tease of her words, a feral grin curls his lips. "Pretty boy, eh? Fairytale prince on a white horse." He gives her tits one last playful, possessive squeeze, pinching her stiff nipples in the cold night air, before moving his hands down to her sides. "Well, luv... could a pretty boy do this?"
544The highlander stood - planting his two feet solidly on the floor, bodily lifting her up from behind. Keeping his beloved impaled on his cock. Using his strength, and their sheer difference in size and height, to slide her up - then hilt her back down again completely on his quivering, drenched dick, as his full length throbbed inside her tight cunny, kissing her cervix, her g-spot. He fucked her from behind with several long, slow strokes, letting her feel the sensation of being limp, almost like a ragdoll, letting her hands and fingers grab hold to whatever they could. 
545
546Until, at last, he slowed, letting Mist's tiptoes touch the floor - but only for a moment. Manhandling her bodily, turning her smaller, petite form on his cock, like a corkscrew, until their sweat-drenched, exultant faces met each other again. Their eyes locking onto each other. Schezar pinned his beloved into the wall, so she could wrap her legs around him, so he could stare at the crimson glow of her otherworldly eyes in the evening darkness of the room, lit only by starlight.
547
548His lips are warm upon hers. "Gorgeous highlanders, ye say. Some 'ave called us beasts. Demons, even." His hands squeeze tightly upon her ass, while he keeps her pinned against the wall, his pace barely slowing down, continuing to piston in and out of her. Their endless dance, their insatiable lust, their undying love.
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552๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/30/2019
553Sensory deprivation. Something she loves intensely, the world fading away and heightening everything. Unable to see or hear, or properly move herself due to restraints of sorts. Only able to feel, smell, and taste. It reminds her a bit of that, going limp in his strong arms as her mind takes that moment to go blissfully blank instead of forming any sort of retort, and it’s all she can do to attempt to futilely cover her mouth in order to try silencing the heedy moan that tears itself from her. 
554
555It’s a wonderfully sinful mix of keeping control when desired and freely giving it due to utter trust. There are few limits either have ever imposed and hardly any lines drawn — she has no desire whatsoever to bring another into their bedroom, her possessiveness far to great for that (as he discovered once when they shared a drink in the Quicksands and someone openly hit on him, and she deposited herself on his lap to redirect his focus entirely with her lips and tongue), and both are quite firm with certain bodily things remaining uninvolved — and it only serves to further the feelings drawn out. Mentally, emotionally, and physically; a perfect trinity to delight in.
556
557She clings to him, happily trapped between the wall and his chest, arms winding around his shoulders while her legs locked firmly around his waist. She matches his thrusts as much as she can from such an angle, mewling like a miqo’te in heat whenever he brushes against her innermost sensitive nerves. Considering how tight she is and how much he fills her past the point of being entirely comfortable, it’s a steady chain of gasps and whimpers.
558
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560“Demons?” The word itself is a gasp, her crimson eyes sparkling dimly. The everpresent glow that marks the imperial bloodline, when paired with her coy smirk, fits the image all too well, especially when she parts her lips to bite down on the juncture of his neck and shoulder. To bruise a bit, leave a mark, and mingle in delicious pain in the river of pleasure.
561
562“Mm, but a beast...” A flash, her tongue roving across the small impression left by her teeth. “A large, rutting beast. Giving no care for what mess and mayhem is left behind. But,” her mouth trails to his ear, lavishing a long spiraling lick around the lobe. Two can play at that game. “But, how true is it, mm?”
563
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565July 31, 2019
566
567Powell07/31/2019
568He loves it when she claws him, bites him, slicing deep with her nails and teeth to bruise him, make him bleed for her. The exquisite pain mingling with the heated waves of pleasure, burning between their legs, all over their bodies. Adding new scars of her own on his long-scarred flesh, marking him for the world to see that he is hers, and hers alone. Claiming him for her eternal love, her eternal pleasure, his soul bonded to hers for all time.
569
570Again, the teasing lilt of her words, the soft moans and whimpers of her voice as he makes love to her, fucks her hard, goad him on. Taunt him into losing control, a sight that he knows she loves above all else. The thought of making him throw away years of rigid discipline and control, all in worship of her. All with his own kin barely yalms away from the shore, in the mansion on the hill, preparing to celebrate the night anew. Sin, delicious sin, two sinners lost in each other.
571
572"Do ye really want t'find out?" He answers her teasing, her smirk, with a question of his own. "My Warrior of Light. My goddess." Twelve above, he could lose himself in her eyes forever. He lifts her again, away from the wall - this time, laying her down upon her back, on the bed. Still hilted inside of her, smiling fondly at her in the dim evening light, his hand cupping her face as he leans over her.
573He has been warned, time and again, about the dangers of the darkness he's mastered. He's seen what's happened to those who give in completely to the shadow, who succumb to their base desires - the voidsent they've both fought over years. Demons, creatures of lust, succubi and incubi alike, living only to sup on others' living aether, murdering them with pleasures untold. The wild, wanton stories from Haukke, Ul'dah, and so many others.
574
575He is a dark knight, her knight, with powers and secrets of creation seldom shared with others. The shadows lengthen around them in the room, she can feel his aether suffusing the air - and as he smiles at her, he licks his lips.
576
577Something mild, at first. A harmless, fun little surprise. His fingers leave her face, his hands returning to her hips - but she realizes, recognizes, the touch of another. More fingers, still brushing lightly against her cheek, her brow. When she looks up, another figure smiles down at her in the moonlight - yet it's still him. Still her Schez. Identical to her fiancee, every scar recreated perfectly - though, standing by the bed, nearer her upper half and face, while her lover continues to pump slowly into her from below, watching her reactions. Licking his lips at the thought of the empress within her, that mighty ruler of Allag, of eld.
578The copy leans down, chuckling softly. "Hullo, Nau." His kiss to her lips is warm, exactly the same as her beloved. So is the feel of his teeth, his tongue, as he swiftly suckles and licks her bouncing breasts, her stiff nipples. Her second Schezar kisses, licks her all over, while the first continues to fuck her steadily.
579
580Then, the clone straightens back up - the edges of his form smoking with faint wisps of shadow. He is just as naked as her fiancee - sweating, cock throbbing, longing for her. Positioning himself at the other end of the bed, resting his warm meat right upon her cheek, her face, as she lays there on her back, the heady scent and skin of his balls rubbing against her nose. And without asking permission, he presses his tip to her lips, oozing with precum, then slides his length inside her hot little mouth. Slowly fucking her from both ends, spitroasting his lovely little empress, as she lay there flat on her back.
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586๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/31/2019
587A flicker of curiosity dancing on the brink of confusion, then a startle of surprise clearly visible on her features. Yet she doesn't hesitate the second to lean into the kiss, fingers cupping the shadow's cheeks in order to see if it feels the same as the source derived from, humming in thoughtful approval over it. She watches through half-lidded eyes at the downward trail he leaves, back arching toward his mouth to chase the sensation on her pebbled nipples, inner walls clenching around him as if begging him to stay inside the wet warmth of her folds.
588
589"The issue, Sche..." Her tongue roves across the sensitive head of his double, and as she takes him within her mouth to suckle upon, her mouth curls into a smile that he can feel on his tender nethers. "...is that you're going to feel it." Somehow, a threat and a promise mingle perfectly well into a sinful treat, and she closes her eyes. The creation of a second, aether parting from the source in order to take temporary shape of its own. And yet, there must be a link within it, a connection to play upon in order to keep such a thing from going rampant.
590
591In theory, it sounds like a perfectly wonderful thing to do, now doesn't it? She plays along, taking her time with letting her tongue dance around his meat, fueling him on with soft mewls and appreciative moans, and squeezing down around him in time with each strong thrust inside her. Denying herself the detachment that she relishes in, inside biding her time to let the wicked idea take root within her. Until she feels herself begin to coil tighter and tighter, knowing that no matter how much she'd like to hold off on things, her body won't allow her to do so forever.
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5951
596So maybe, just maybe, it'd be fun to break him a little.
597
598Darkness, when on its own, can be wonderful. Chaotic and sinful, and a bit on the dangerous side. With a flare of light to balance it out, to root it back to something, comes a deeper connection. And she plays upon that, letting her own aether mingle with his the slightest, so that when she does, it hits him hard, and her gestures switch from steadfast to downright punishing. Gripping the copy's left hip, his real body feels her hand as if it were upon him directly. His cock sliding in and out of her mouth, vibrations echoing within her throat whenever the leaking head is swallowed down a bit -- the sensation of that assaults his member at the same time of her inner walls clenching around him, her legs trembling from it all. His balls fondled by her palm and fingers, extra attention paid to the seam in order to draw his pleasure out, every time they slap against her from his thrusts.
599
6001
601In her defense... there isn't one, really. 
602
603It's just painfully, wonderfully fun to see his face when he comes undone, all those years of training vanishing under her whims.
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605Powell07/31/2019
606He wanted to surprise her. But once again, the tables are turned on him. Exquisitely, delightfully so.
607
608In the depths of their pleasure - as he slides in and out of her, over and over, from both ends - he thinks back to that day in the Quicksand. He almost never went there, but a drink sounded good after the day they'd had, the mission they'd successfully completed together.
609
610When that lovely viera - what was her name? Mai. May. Something. When she came over to him with a wink and an invitation, he'd smiled, bemused. He began to tell her that he was already with someone - except by then, his fiance had already slid into his lap. Giving May-something a show, Mist's tongue dancing with his, and they happily ignored the rest of the world around them. Grabbing Mist's ass, kissing her over and over. Just another day in the Quicksand.
611
612He wasn't sure why that thought came back to him, in the heat of the moment. But then, he felt the touch of her aether. Realized a moment too late her intent - and felt his sensations of her double their intensity. He was fucking her pussy, and her mouth, at the same time. Squeezing hot, tight, her tongue kissing his tip at the same time his length kissed her cervix. Over and over.
613
614"Oh-- oh, fuck, Mist, you-- NNNGH! FUCK!" The orgasm rips through him, rips through his years of discipline and self-control, in an instant. Both him and his copy groan over her lovely, pale form, flooding her mouth and her cunny with boiling ropes of his seed. 
615
616He half-sinks to his knees over her, panting, his skin tingling. Eyes closed, bathed in sweat, he leans down to kiss what he can, her breasts, her tummy. The sensation of cumming twice, in the same instant, continues to send aftershocks of pleasure through his muscular, bronzed form, his cock quivering inside of her.
617
618He would worship her forever.
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624๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?07/31/2019
625She remembers once, long ago, an odd discussion shared with Cassandra over a cup of tea. Over the nature of domination and submission, and how some people let it color them too much. Or how they never let themselves explore and have fun with intimacy, too busy hiding behind layers of embarrassment and prudence. Those that would deny their own pleasure for some silly reason or those that would merely lie there and play the part of a pillowed prop. 
626
627She’s never held any disillusion with herself and what she enjoys. The game of pushing and teasing, and seeing how much her partner can handle in that exact moment before coming undone. Quite the little cunning minx when she puts her mind to it and throws her heart in the mix. It is not a matter of being dominate or submissive, rather with going with what feels right at the time. Relishing in the simplistic joy and softness that comes naturally to the fairer sex, with lavender-scented skin and curves in the right places.
628
629Her legs remain wrapped securely around his waist until he descends gradually from his high, holding on until she can no longer deny the tension in her body. In comparison to the sudden intensity used to throw him off the edge, she guides her body in smooth waves that flows outward, inner walls clenching rhythmically with every pulse of the orgasm. At the same time she makes a show of drinking him down, semen dribbling from the corners of her mouth, a self-satisfied smile enriched by half-lidded crimson eyes.
630
631“I’m not so sure,” she murmurs as she unwinds herself from him, cupping his cheeks to raise his face from her even fuller now stomach to her face, nuzzling her nose against his with a small giggle escaping her. “But a tame beast in love still has fangs. I’ll be careful of that next time.”
632
633Drats. And they just got clean, too.
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638August 1, 2019
639
640Powell08/01/2019
641His laughter is breathless and ragged as their noses touch together. "I," he begins, panting, trying to form a sentence. Failing to do so, as he feels himself still squeezed inside of her, lovely and hot and tight, her wet folds still greedily milking every drop from him. "You," is all he manages, chuckling back as she giggles, muscles relaxing as he cockwarms inside of her.
642
643At the other end of the bed, his copy fades back into the shadows, leaving the two of them alone again in the darkened room. Slowly easing down to the bed beside her, spooning her smaller form from behind, as he showers her face, her neck, her shoulder, with loving kisses. Resting his fingers upon her stomach again, his warmth like a fireplace on a cold winter evening.
644
645"Guess we'll be a teeny bit late to dinner," he murmurs. "And... oh, gods. Righ'. Still 'ave th' ceremony before midnight." He chuckles again softly. "M'supposed to give a speech." Her Sche nuzzles her again, with soft licks and nips. "Let me think... hm. 'Thank ye all for comin'. I know this is a momentous occasion an' all, but I'd like to be done quick so I can get back an' continue to fuck me wife's brains out.'" His eyes twinkle merrily, wickedly. "Think that'll go over well with th' kids an' their parents?"
646August 2, 2019
647
648๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?08/02/2019
649The soft moments, either her back to his chest as he holds her from behind or when she's using him as a pillow, where they can bask in the afterglow after putting their bodies through a delightful ordeal, mean as much to her as the act of physical intimacy itself. Where the rest of the world stays faded away and all that matters is him, her, and the wonderful warmth that radiates between them. Too many years without it, both from her own barely alive body and the situation she found herself in, still leaves her craving it wherever she can get it. Like a cat that naps in sunbeams to soak it all up in their tiny forms.
650
651"I, you." The repeat draws another giggle from her, shoulders shaking against him. "I enjoyed that very much, yes, and I take it that mean you did, too." His lips upon her, nuzzling and softly nipping in sensitive places, draw a satisfied sigh from her, eyes closing as her body relaxes further in the embrace. If not for the thought of his family, of dinner, and of the ceremony, she'd rather take a cozy nap right in there, then wake up to pull her to the ocean for a dance among the stars and moon at the moment the day ends in full and the new one begins.
652Stranger, friend, lover, wife. After what he went through with his first wife, there's still a small part of her that can't help feel stupidly giddy hearing the word from his mouth. If it weren't her, would he have found himself ever wanting to take that step and open up to someone in that way? Being abandoned leaves ripples through someone's entire life, and while she has no doubt he would eventually take another lover after Haru and potentially even live with someone, making it a binding union in the eyes of others, she's not so sure. But it is her, and he is comfortable with it, and she doesn't question that part of it at all.
653
654"The kids might get a laugh from it," Mist wriggles in his arms, squeezing her thighs together to relish the feeling of him inside for a moment longer, before setting out to begin gathering their clothes. Cloth for washing up, too. "The parents, however, miiight not appreciate it as much." It's tempting to drag out the whole 'cleaning up' process a bit longer, letting her hands linger in some places for a few seconds extra, but she behaves herself to the very best of her abilities. Because it is important, yes! Even if bed is so much more tempting. Must be proper! But beeed. No, right, proper! Hnnngh.
655August 3, 2019
656
657Powell08/03/2019
658Schezar grinned, his eyes still twinkling wickedly even as he watched his fiance begin the slow process of cleaning. Knowing and recognizing that the part of her that wanted to be naughty, and stay, was secretly at war with the presentable and lovely woman his family had fallen in love with. 
659
660Mist was right, though - they had to get ready, and be all proper.At least, for a few hours that night. The highlander stood while she padded near the closed door, stretching his muscles in the dim starlight from the window. "Oh, alrigh', luv," he murmured low, with a soft chuckle. "Gimme about a minute to, er... calm down." He glanced down at his still-stiff crotch with a bemused smile. " Quick shower, and then we can--"
661
662A muffled voice from outside the door, right as Mist stood beside the doorway, gave him pause. "Schez? Mist? Are you in there?" A few knocks on the wood - it was Nina. And immediately, the wicked grin on her fiance's face returned. One Mist recognized from the Crystarium suites, that one particular morning when Seyka had similarly come knocking and inquiring through the door.
663
664The highlander stepped toward her. Lovingly pinning her against the wall again, but leaving her mouth free to reply. Rubbing his tip against her slick, dripping entrance, his thumb reaching down for her clit, while Nina's cheerful voice continued through the door. "Heya, Mist! I think I hear you in there. Just wanted to let you know, dinner will be ready soon. Will you wake Schez up and let him know? The kids said he came back to take a nap and shower."
665
666Schezar smiled at his sister-in-law's words. Silently, soundlessly continuing to rub his length against Mist's soft folds, inserting just the tip inside of her, smearing her juices again with his fresh precum. Letting them both drip down over each other's legs, in the dim evening starlight.
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672๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?08/03/2019
673Any protest that might rise within her throat dies the instant her back is against the wall, shoulders rising defensively to try giving her focus and conviction. Oh, how easily it is broken by a single stroke to the overly sensitized bundle of nerves between her legs, her body instantly kicking into overdrive as it tends to do when touched after an orgasm. That delicious mingle of pleasure and pain, so quickly taking a woman right back to the brink, whether or not they mentally can handle going through it again so soon. She buries her face against Schezar's shoulder in worry over vocal control, but leaving Nina out there unanswered only increases the risk of her trying to come inside, and that would be even worse.
674
675She shoots him a look, pressing further against him instinctively to try to draw him in closer, propriety and frustration in battle. The latter wins out in the end and he can practically feel the sulkiness radiating from her because of it, leading her to wrap her arms around his shoulders and raise one leg to wrap around his waist, hips rocking forward in effort to force him inside her folds deeper. It's not fair when he tries to tease her back, hmph! Especially when she's so wet and he's so hard, it's just not right! (Wait, she just cleaned up, gosh darnit.)
676
677"Dinner sounds wonder~ful!" Despite the slight hitch of air in her throat breaking the word up, she manages to keep her voice fairly steady, doing her best to pass it off as if she just woke up as well. "Sorry, we've been taking a bit of a-- ah! -- n-nap ourselves, too." That time it's harder to pass off. Wincing, she raises her arms above her head and arches her back forward, stretching long and loud. Not the best way to try covering it up, but it's better than nothing.
678
679Pouting up at her fiancé, she lightly whaps him on his chest, mouthing the words 'you big bully' up at him in the dim night light. "I'll get him in the shower after I wake him up. He's, hn~! He's a heavy sleeper!"
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683Powell08/03/2019
684His grin was almost demonic, as he watched the crimson glow of her eyes. staring back furiously, desperately at him - letting her draw him into herself once more, hilting his full length inside of her slowly, luxuriously. He mouths back wordlessly, soundlessly as she whaps him on the chest. 'Only for you, love.' While she replies aloud to his sister-in-law, he slides in and out of her with long, deliberate strokes, squeezing her ass as her arms and legs wrap around him. Licking, nipping her jawline, her throat, her pert nipples. Licking his lips at each twinge of her voice, each hint of wanting to cry out, scream his name. His thumb relentless upon her swollen little clit.
685
686He knows she'll punish him later. He knows that she'll plan her revenge, that he's in for quite a few sessions of edging in the near future, with her skillful, sensuous lips, her squeezing fingers. That she'll chain him down, bring him to the brink over and over - make him beg for it, whisper her name, plead for sweet release. Make him lick and worship her juicy twat as she rides his face. It's all worth it, just to watch her squirm at that moment, listen to each sharp almost-squeal of her voice, while she converses with Nina through the door.
687
688Outside, a pause. Then, "Uuuum... oookay." His sister-in-law's voice is hesitant, suspicious. He can almost picture the chef's raised eyebrow, arched to the sky, while she rubs her chin. "We'll... ahaha. We'll, er, see you there, then, Mist!" What sounds like a few receding footsteps, before another pause. Then, one more sharp rap on the door, as if a warning. "You treat her right, Schez! And... uuuh... finish up!"
689Mist recognized the look on his face. The look of that brash, confident youth, from years ago, the troublemaker, the daring, downright naughty youth he'd grown into. Before the world and Garlemald weighed him down, when he was wild-spirited and free. "Can do," he whispers low, as Nina's footsteps outside beat a hasty retreat.
690
691He quickens his thrusts inside of her. Suckling, squeezing, licking, over and over as he fucks her, to bring her to another swift, shared climax. Wanting nothing more than to hear the sound of her overwhelmed voice. Their familiar dance, exulting in each other's flesh. Immortal empress and mortal man - bound together by chance. To face the Light and the Dark together, side-by-side, in years yet to come.
692
693It takes them a while, but they get to the shower eventually.
694☆  ☆  ☆ 
695
696"We welcome new family, this night." Agrias' voice is calm in the pre-ceremony, as the clan members begin to gather, dressed in their traditional Ala Mhigan garb. The bonfire blazes huge and bright upon the sand by the water, nurtured and maintained by pure flame crystals.
697
698Marisa's twin children - Tyria, and Hardin - are seated near their aunts. Their mother watches from a few yalms away, beside her eldest brother. Both her and Schezar remain meditatively on their knees, gathering their aether, their chakra. Unspoken, yet wordlessly recognized as the clan's two strongest fighters.
699
700https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT9_9PZey8
701
702Their aunts begin the process of humming, ancient words and song, as they paint the twins' faces. The boy and girl's half-roegadyn heritage is apparent, as is their nervousness, but they close their eyes and breathe deep, just as they were taught. They will bear the markings permanently after, magically seared into them as they were for Schezar and Marisa - if they pass the trials.
703YouTube
704Neoterric
705SONG OF MANA ORCHESTRAL - MEMÓRIA! #11 - [LEGEND of MANA]
706
707The song is melodic, as the lady knight clad in her full plate armor, the clan matriarch, continues. "Tonight, Tyria, daughter of Marisa, and Hardin, son of Marisa, undergo the test. We welcome them, with strength and love." Then, her eyes flicker over toward Mist, seated nearby in a place of honor. She turns toward her future daughter-in-law - and offers her hand. Pulling the former empress to her feet.
708
709"Tonight, Mist Desiree is not part of the trial - but I welcome her, as a daughter." Schezar glances up with a small smile, even as the expression on his mother's face remains calm. "And we welcome her, with strength and love," Agrias continues. She nods at Mist. "She will wear the blessing, for at least this one night. What sayest thou, blood of eld, blood of Sieglinde?"
710
711The rest of the clan raise their voices in cheers. "AYE!" Nina steps forward, with a sheepish grin, her own face similarly decorated with an intricate pattern, for just that night. "It's almost the same color as your eyes," she comments, holding up the bowl of aetheric ink - its protective energies giving it a faint glow. "Ready, Mist?"
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713๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?08/03/2019
714To be honest, she expected looking at Nina to be slightly harder than it is, having already vowed internally to pay Schezar back for putting his sister-in-law and his fiancé through such treatment. Such things for later, when her body is not anywhere near as sore as it currently is (in the best of ways), when his family has not gathered for a ceremony to bring two of their own into adulthood. The nervousness felt by the beautiful halfling children is noticeable, though they bear it well. As they should -- especially in such a warm and welcoming clan, even if the traditions are a bit on the peculiar side from time to time.
715
716"Ready as I'll ever be," a grin for a grin, and her eyes slowly slip shut. Pale skin will soon be marred with red, infusing aetheric energies into her from the ink itself. A feeling she'll relish and bask, as warm as Agrias' hand had been when she helped her stand. One day, far from now, when this becomes a memory and she sleeps to keep order within the world, she'll dream of this. Of a moment where the feeling of family overwhelms her and she feels like she is back in ancient times, a remnant on a star that will change so much in coming years.
717
718A thousand and some. When the church rises and aether is bled dry, and Warriors of Light and Darkness destroy the eldest of primals. Locked within a tower to slumber, to dream, and slowly feed energy into a dying land, to release it all upon waking. And, to return to her sleep so fast, nothing able to change from the cycle. One she willing goes into, for if the star itself fades away, so too will all the souls she cherishes. ...but she may still wish to let a eldritch horror feast upon the flesh of those in charge.
719
720But that is then, and in that moment, all is well.
721August 4, 2019
722
723Powell08/04/2019
724https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ensGipNnSU
725
726"Dost thou remember, Oracle of Light? The Warrior of Darkness whom you loved. His family who loved you in turn."
727
728Nina concentrates intently, marking Mist's face with delicate touches of her fingertips. As the ink dries, it warms her face with aetheric energy, sharpening her focus, clearing her mind of doubt and fear. After a few moments, the midlander grins again, easing back and watching as Mist opens her eyes. Schezar's siblings and parents similarly smile, and the rest of the clan cheers for the former empress again.
729
730"Dust and memory, lost to time. Waiting for your children. Waiting for him. Waiting for all of them to return, reincarnated, for the cycle to repeat anew. Yet now thou sleepest in thy tower."
731
732Cormac, Schezar's father, steps forward, and is the first to speak. The clapping and chatter settle down. "We are all blood of Sieglinde, 1st Master. Blood of Gehrman, 13th Master. Whether we chose to be farmers, craftsmen, wanderers, warriors." As he speaks, Schezar and Marisa opens their eyes, slowly beginning to rise to their feet - but the onslaught has already begun.
733
734"How many roads wilt thou walk? How many more battles to fight? How many other worlds wilt thou see?"
735
736Mist watched as each clan member - aunts, uncles, some of the older children - swiftly moved forward, striking both Hardin and Tyria once. A variety of punches, elbow strikes, kicks, that the two half-breed youth blocked, defended, parried against. Cormac removes his glasses, pocketing them, stretching his arms for a moment - then vanishes. Schezar continues to speak in his stead, as his father strikes both of his grandchildren simultaneously with a spinning kick.
737
738"They call us Stormbreakers, but we choose t'be free." Schezar's eyes glanced over toward Mist, a small smile on his lips, as he began to enter a striking stance of his own. "We choose t'fight for those whom we love," her fiancee continues aloud.
739YouTube
740HM Alter
741Fate/Apocrypha SS2 OST #24 - La Pucelle
742
743As Nina watched intently beside Mist, her little Lym seated in her lap, Mia gently disentangles herself from her mother and sister - choosing to crawl into Mist's lap instead. The little girl grins up at her now-favorite new auntie, and takes Mist's hand.
744
745"Will the memory of love wound thee, or strengthen thee?"
746
747Glancing up at the outer edge of the bonfire circle, Mist could see Tourian, holding on to Lara's wheelchair - Schezar's grandmother, also watching the trial through half-lidded eyes. But beside them, seemingly unnoticed by all was a towering figure - black robes, ivory-white mask, twice as tall as the rest of the highlanders. There was no malice from the unseen Amaurotian, however, as he looked over at the former empress. His words echoing soundlessly in her mind.
748
749"The Warrior of Darkness, who fought, bled, and lived for an Oracle of Light. Will the memory of their story - your story - be ever a comfort, in thy loneliness and solitude?"
750
751Marisa was last to speak, even as she and her older brother blurred and vanished together. "In years to come. In love, an' strength!" Her son and daughter tensed, then leaped into the air themselves - all four figures exploding high above with chakra, and aether, lighting up the night sky. Fist clashing with fist, kick clashing with kick.
752
753"Love unbreakable, fidelity undying, earned without the red string of fate. You found your answer at last, Mist Desiree, Nausicaa of eld. May it remain thy strength and succor."
754
755As the four figures landed on the sand with a crash, laughing and hugging together, the clan cheered once more, the younger children running forward to excitedly shout and celebrate.
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759๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?08/04/2019
760Little Mia on lap, fingers grasping onto the child's hand, she watches. The display taking play before them, the ceremony that bridges the gap between childhood and adulthood. The hooded figure watching from a distance, words resounding within the depths of her mind. Timed when fist meets fist and leg meets leg and chakra explodes in the air above. Part of her wants to ask, to speak a name and see if it is truly him still, an unintentional companion met during their time in the First. An ally and an enemy, and one with inquires she could spend days asking.
761
762None of those spring to her mind, and as her eyes drift shut, she finds herself smiling a bit. "Rest well until our paths cross again, my friend." When Light and Dark are both gone, and the world is whole and replenished without sacrifice, and souls are fully reformed. And if that day never comes when a path such as that opens, then she'll continue walking in the light to protect the world, aspected so wonderfully toward it. Even if that leads her to become enemies once more.
763
764When a story ends, what becomes of the character written in the pages? Do they cease to exist or do they somewhere, somehow, continue to live on? Do they repeat their tale until a sequel is written for them? Watching the celebration in front of her, drawing little Mia up to hug her comfortably from behind, she can't help but wonder a little on that. This, too, will one day end, the sunset of a beautiful tale for them all. Until then, however, let them live and laugh in love and strength.
765- - -
766
767"You did good," she's all smiles when they return to their cottage by the sea, making her way to the tiny kitchenette to crack some crystals and boil water for tea. "Is that what it was like for you, too?"
768
769Chamomile and a bit of peppermint, and some vanilla honey for sweetness. Settling down on the floor next to the bed in order to use it as a backrest, she breaths in deep of the calming scent, yawning a bit from it. Better to relax and unwind after that then crash immediately. Even if it will only be a few hours before rising.
770
771"It had been a year since I last saw you," Mist muses with a finger jab. "Then you showed up, proclaiming to be a man. I swear, I didn't know what to do, and I was a nervous wreck internally after we kissed." Her cheeks puff out. "I had half a mind to vanish entirely that day. Because I didn't want to lead you corrupt you. It seems almost silly now."
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775Powell08/04/2019
776"But ye corrupted me in th' best of ways." With a dry grin, he watches as she pads around the mini-kitchen, the scent of chamomile and vanilla filling the air. "Taught me all sorts of things tha' night." The highlander sank down to the floor next to her, leaning back against the bed, and watching as she takes a sip. He takes his fiancee's fingers, giving them a light squeeze and kiss, before letting go again to lightly pat her knee.
777
778"Me own ceremony was summat like tha', aye. Granddad presided." His gaze drifts out the window and toward the sea, at the stars twinkling above the water. "Reckon he'd be proud of th' kids these past few years. And of Mari, especially." With a chuckle, he absently flexes and unflexes his own fingers. "She'll be meetin' th' other clan survivors soon, to inherit granddad's mantle. 14th Master."
779
780There was a time, long ago, when that responsibility would've fallen to him. Before Carteneau. But now, his path had gone entirely differently. To other worlds, and beyond. Schezar glanced back at Mist with another small smile. "We can sleep in this mornin', before brunch. Start gettin' ready to say our goodbyes. An' after this..." His expression is thoughtful.
781
782"We still 'ave some free time. I asked Ada fer simpler mission assignments in th' near future, so... where do ye want to go, luv? Should we visit Seyka or Cassandra again? Go see Kugane, th' Steppe... or all th' way back to Norvrandt once more?" His smile is warm as he gives her knee another light squeeze. "Wherever and whatever ye want t'do, I'm game."
783August 5, 2019
784
785๖ۣۜζ͜͡ Luna?08/05/2019
786Marisa's legacy will live on through her actions and through her children, and in time, she will pass the mantle on to the one who comes after. Such is the way of the world. As long as a single Stormbreaker remains, they will carry on and do what must be done. So many lessons bound within each and every one, so much history to be passed one over time. She'll write and record what she can, spending time on a grassy plain with Agrias as the wind sweeps around them, inviting Cormac for a walk along the beach to hear him share things, indulging in time with his siblings and nieces and nephews, branching out further the more she integrates herself in the warm, welcoming clan. To one day share what she knows, as well, with future generations.
787
788"If you ask for that too often, Ada isn't going to like me very much." That meeting was one she won't be forgetting any time soon. After their time in the First, returning to Eorzea and hearing a bit, she immediately introduced herself as the imaginary fairy of Silvertear, just to see the woman's reaction. It'd been worth it, even though she apologized for the jest quickly and gave a more proper greeting after it. Still, with Ada handling the brunt of the business, it would never flounder or fall under.
789
790Seyka in Gridania, Cassie just a short ways away from them in Shirogane, Sanary stopping by to crush often enough. Alex and Lycoris in an apartment just a short distance away, too. Further out to Kugane, the Steppe, or Norvrandt? Decisions, decisions. One stands out in her mind, and while it will be a far longer journey, she perks at the thought of it.
791"I want to visit the dragons," she muses with a hesitant smile. "It's been too long since I last ventured out to Dravania." Her gifts from Hydaelyn are more muted than many others. No, most of her gifts are things she's learned and gained with time, but this one in particular she's quite thankful for. To understand anyone regardless of the language barrier. To read and write in whatever tongue is necessary, even while communing with creatures of eld. She still remembers the expression on her companions faces when she began to speak draconian with the Father of Dragons resting at Silvertear.
792
793She twists her neck backwards after shuffling into place, sitting between his legs to press her back to his chest and peer up at him. It's warmer like this, her usual excuse, and allows her to sneak in extra cuddles. "Ishgard, too. I haven't had time for tea dates with Lord Aymeric in awhile. He'll enjoy the additional company and be thrilled to learn of a new addition coming along."
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795Powell08/05/2019
796Schezar loved the Churning Mists. Loved the feeling of falling through the sky, of soaring through it amidst dragonkind. Even the silliness of the moogles, who helped train him, gave him an outlet to discover the love of rebuilding, over destroying. He grins down at her as she nestles in his lap.
797
798He leaned down to give the juncture of her shoulder and neck a few playful kisses. "Well. If we 'ave a son, maybe he'll 'ave your looks. Then, he'll end up prettier than Aymeric." With a soft chuckle, he splayed his fingers on her belly, resting and feeling the growing aetheric life within her.
799
800"Link's kin are from th' Holy See too, aye? Could drop by, go an' say 'ello fer a bit." With a faint smile, his gaze drifts out toward the stars out the window. "We 'ave nothin' but time."
801
802Time. The most precious commodity of all. He didn't fancy himself a philosopher, overmuch. Didn't want to think too much about the long term, about the far future. How she would live on past him - how he couldn't guarantee her happiness and joy in the years, decades... centuries to come.
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804But he would try. Do everything he could to build the foundations, leave her a legacy to shield against loneliness. The boy knight from the lake, and his fairy princess whom he loved.