Twisted Fate

They/She Demi-Lesbian IC, OOC, and IRL posts! Working on getting backinto writing so writing for my FFXIV characters as of late.

[belovedrayne]

Zariya's Madness [05/15]

“You have let everyone in your life down…what makes you think the future will ever be anything different?” Zariya’s hands clasp around her ears, the voice was her own, though the words not spoken from her lips. They had woken her from a surprisingly peaceful rest; the nightmares being held at bay by the sensation of her girlfriend’s arms around her. Now, as she let her eyes land on the still sleeping summoner, all she can see is the binding that had ripped Kletlona away from the protective shield Zariya had tried desperately to cast. 

“You failed the first time you tried to protect people with that spell; you failed the second time. She would have died if the others hadn’t stepped in. You would have killed her.”

“No…” The whisper seems to echo through the otherwise silent apartment, causing the woman to flinch and pray it doesn’t wake her lover. Tonight, had been a good night. Kletlona had finally said that she loved her. So why did her mind scream at her that she was going to get the mage killed? She should be happy! “I will not let her die… I will not let-“ “Already her madness takes her. She has nightmares. She is manic and depressed and angry. You have done nothing to save her. You have enabled her. This is your fault. All you have to do, is what I say and we can save her.”

The large woman gazes worriedly at her Roegadyn, reaching out to stroke her finger over the blue markings up on her cheeks. “I will protect you… Lona, I… I will find a way to fix this. I will find a way to get your brilliant mind back to whole.” “You will bring her nothing but misery, like you have everyone else in your life.” The shield-bearer wraps both her strong arms around Kletlona, shuddering as the voice continues to tell her everything the future held for the couple.

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 30 - Nerd - Zariya

An annoyed huff passes the Hrothgal’s muzzle and her palm smacks the table. “I do not understand why you need three words to describe the same person!” The shield-bearer grumbles, desperately trying to understand Eorzean culture. “In Tural we have ONE word for that. So, help me understand!”

            “Okay so picture that there is a card game that you play. You have ‘mana’ which is like our aether but it’s colored and you have to use this mana to be able to play other cards that are spells or creatures or things like that. The goal is to take out the other players by removing their life total by hitting them with these creatures or with spells.” Sami attempts to explain.

            “Why would I cast a spell on my friend??” Zariya huffs in confusion.

            “They—you’re not ACTUALLY casting spells, the cards are the spe--- the point is, if you play a game like THAT, Aether the Coalescence, you are a geek.” Zariya just groans but Sami powers through. “Nerds are those who are more… book smart. They like math and often times mix in with the nerds in a tabletop game called Suburbs and Housewives. This game has a lot of dice rolling and statistics but also mixed with Geek culture with the fantastical aspect of it.”

            Zariya just groans and rests her head on her head on her forearms, fluffy tail swishing in annoyance. However, apparently Sami was not finished.

            “And finally, we have the person who knows the difference between these two things and cares about it… and they are typically known as dorks.” Sami beams to her distressed friend.

            “And this is why we have ONE word for this type of thing. Because you, Sami, are all three of those things!” Zariya bares her fangs at the small miqo’te, making the woman laugh.

            “And I’m proud of it!” (Edit: Based off this comic.))

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 30 - Miracle - Lia

TW: Mention of an attack on a minor. No details but heavy implications of what happened.

“Seriously, kid. The fact you’re not dead is…I mean… the gods must really have blessed you.” The sage sighed as she continued to heal the trembling vieran child, quietly instructing her assistant to wipe away the flowing blood so she can focus healing the horrendous scar that spanned nearly the entirety of its back. Knowing that mindsets were important at this moment of trauma, she was trying to lessen the sting of her words. Truthfully, she’d rather die than have what happened to the child happen to her. The girl just whimpered on the table and buried her face into the pillow, eventually passing out when the pain got too intense.

            It was nearly two full days before Lia woke again, fear coursing through her and gripping her throat at the strange environment around her.  Sitting up quickly immediately made her regret moving, the pull along her spine making her see stars. She thought the healer was supposed to take care of the pain. Her feet barely reach the floor, and the jolt from standing up makes her rush to the trash bin and throw up in it. The sound seems to summon the sage she vaguely remembers from when she first arrived and the woman sucks her teeth seeing Lia’s state.

            “Child, you should not be up right now. You need rest.”

            “I thought you were going to heal me.” Lia accuses the woman through gritted teeth.

            The sage rubs her temples and sighs softly. “There is only so much magic can do. We have healed you to the best of our abilities but… there are limits. Whoever hurt you did so in a manner that are beyond our abilities to fully… remove.”  She notices the child looking ready to cry, but in a blink of her eyes the look was gone and a solemn acceptance in its place. “Who did it to you, child? We will have the guards arrest them and make sure they are jailed for the rest of their days for this.”

            Lia cannot help but bristle at the thought. Jail. The man who carved into her back would go to jail. Where he had a bed. And meals. Protected by the guard and live out his days happily? Absolutely not. Besides, in full truth, “I do not know who.” Already, a plan was forming in her mind. She’d track the man down and she’d make him pay. That never used to be her, but somehow, she survived that night, whether by divine intervention or sheer determination and she was going to make sure he never hurts another.

            “How long until I can leave.” The viera straightens up from her hunched position, going pale and clinging to the wall for support. Causing the healer to give her a look.

            “You are not ready to leave yet. You need to stay and let us continue to take care of you. Days at minimum, a few weeks at mo- Wait come back!” The elezen scrambles after Lia as the stubborn child starts to march down the hallway and to the exit.  “I assure you that even if we could not fully remove your scars that being here and allowing us to continue helping will be more beneficial than leaving!”

            Of all the events that had happened in the past moon and a half, Lia was coming to the realization that she was no longer the frightened child that was tormented in her tribe. No more was she going to allow other to walk on her, treat her like she was lesser. Lia wasn’t entirely sure how, but she was going to make sure this entire star remembered her. She would leave her mark, one way or another, and it was going to start by killing the man who scarred her. Never again would anyone leave a mark on her body, and if they tried, she’d be sure their blood stained the earth in warning to others.

[l-a-clift]

“That’s why it’s hard to make friends when you’re older,” she said. “Friendship is rude.”

Her friend’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Think about it! When we’re kids we decide who we like and stick by them no matter what. As adults, we’re taught to be polite.

But, friendship is an imposition— at least, I want it to be. Call me after nine o’clock. Don’t think you’ll ever wear out your welcome. Overshare, show up at my door, go to the grocery store with me so we can waste another hour chatting.

We’ll never be friends if we spend all of our energy trying not to bother each other.”

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 29 - Temper - Kei

The tiny au’ra looks around the field and watches the various sylphs as they dance around and play with falling petals. “It’s hard to believe, that such creatures can summon such a devastating being.” The words aren’t spoken to anyone in particular as she makes her way toward the summoning circle on the ground. “How such pure and innocent devotion can make a primal appear. It’s hard to imagine that love and reverence can turn into something so terrible.”  The grass is damp on her knees when she kneels upon it, fingers tracing through the rune and feeling the left-over power buzzing in the lines. “They were afraid and raised their voices to Ramuh for protection. Hearing the cries of his children he answered, and gave them a safe spot. Not bothering anyone, just bringing comfort to the Sylphs that needed him.”

            With a sigh and a soft groan as her knees lift her to standing once more. She looks around the forest, noticing the blackened spots on the ground where lightning had struck it, she hopes nothing perished in those strikes. “Content to live away from others, he simply stayed here, a bastion for those who wished for peace. Even as it tainted and corrupted a few of his, he continued to not wish to wage a war upon any others. Only when the Scions decided that he must be felled, did he truly start to pull more aether than was needed. To protect the lands of his worshipers.”  She notices one of the purple Sylphs in the distance, trying to hide. Worry strikes her heart, looking around to be sure no one else saw it. They’d kill the tempered being if they did. It seemed to be safe, for now, and she sighs in relief, smiling when she looks back and notices it is gone.

            “Then came the battle. For being a primal, Ramuh was a wise one. He understood the strain his presence caused on the star, but was unwilling to leave those under his care unprotected. He said that should the Warrior of Light best him, it would prove that the star already had a champion. So, they fought and the Warrior of Light prevailed. There are arguments on what happened from there. Some say the Warrior struck down Ramuh like she did the others. Most sources say that Ramuh left of his own accord, returning to the aether that way.” Kei’s palm lifts to the air and some of the potent aether forms a tiny whirlwind around her outstretched hand. “The latter gives more hope that the Warrior of Light is good and kind. So, it’s the main story that circulates. One that will be your job to tell the rest of the star.”

            Kei looks at the four traveling bards that followed her, her face stern as she feels the aftermath of the still fresh battle between the Scions and the Primal. “You will sing tales of praises on how Ramuh was spared and the star was saved. Any questions?” One bard looks about to ask something but eventually shakes his head.  “Thank you all for meeting me out here, safe travels to you all.”

            One crisis had just been averted; the star did not need another one. If Kei could help, she would in any way possible.

[belovedrayne]

CS - Day 29 - Crucible - Felin

“Look I know you commissioned this piece months ago but…” Felin’s jaw snaps shut as the voice on the other end of the linkpearl cuts her off, nostrils flaring in suppressed anger. Several minutes pass before she is able to speak again. “Yes. I understand, there are circumstances beyond my control that are causing the delay. I assure you though, I have the graphite and I’m working on it to the best of my ability to ensure that the product you receive is of a quality deserving not only of my name but to be used in your shops.” She grimaces as the voice speaks one more time and then they hang up. She rips her linkpearl out of her ear and hurls it across the room.

            “It’s taking longer because I’m fucking blind now, dumbass!” Her voice echoes around her workshop, leaving her with the realization that her linkpearl was now somewhere in her studio and she had no way of finding it. “Dammit…” She would get it later, not one important was bound to call her anyways. Her hands move back to the graphite block before her, already carved down slightly in a more cylindrical shape. She carefully feels the sides of it, and feels around her workbench for her chisels. It was hard, getting back to it after she had lost her eyes in the attack, but she was determined to not fully lose her life’s work because of one shitty ex.

            Hours pass and finally the crucible was roughly shaped out. It would need lots of touch ups but, the shape was there, the inside was deep enough, yet the walls thick enough that whatever metals were to be smelted in it would not be able to break through. When the hyur straightens from her work, her back pops several times, and the roll of her neck makes the same sounds emit from there. “Okay, calling it a day.” A sigh escapes her lips. Before she was blind, she would have whipped out six of these by now, this was a serious setback. It would take practice, and it was possible she’d never get to the same spot she once was, but she felt a small sense of pride in the fact that she had gotten back to it.

            The bench scrapes on the floor as she stands, a hand going to the corner of her workbench and pausing. Her linkpearl sat there under her fingertips. The confusion did not last long as she chalked it up to just a very lucky coincidence that it had bounced back and landed on her table, having no idea that it had purposefully been set there.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 27 - Enchanted - Eyriwyda

“Open it open it open it open it!” Ede bounced excitedly on her Roegadyn’s lap, looking up at the giant green woman with a smile that melted the knight’s heart.

            “Yes, my Ede. I’m opening it.” The little ring-shaped box had her heart pounding behind a layer of confusion. Today was not anything special for them to be exchanging presents, so why was the librarian giving them one? It didn’t even cross her mind that she was always bringing books home to Ede, and other trinkets that made them think of the woman while on their patrols and perhaps this was Ede doing the same. The paper gets meticulously unwrapped, careful to preserve it so that it can be reused, much to Ede’s chagrin. After far too long, the box is finally opened and Eyri smiles brightly and picks up the rock inside. “It’s so pretty!” The small eggplant purple and seafoam green colored stone was around two ilms wide in an oval shape.

            Ede giggles at her adorably dumb spouse and shakes her head. “See this flat part? Put your thumb on it.” Eyriwyda obediently does so, and blinks as a red line emits from one end of it, marking a spot on the ground. Confusion hits her once more and she looks toward Ede, noticing that she was holding up a finger. “Wait for it….”

            They did not have to be patient long, from out of nowhere their orange gaelicat zoomed in from the other room and dive bombed the spot. Eyri jumps and nearly drops the stone. “Mewlius Ceasar be careful!” The scolding is filled with panic that the flying cat could have gotten hurt from the light.

            A cackling from her lap distracts her, and they gaze down at Ede as the hyur explains. “It’s a light. I put magic on this pretty stone so you can play with Mewlius. Alistair might also enjoy it. I think Ser Edgar von Fancy Claws the Third, high wizard of Sharlayan, honorary Manderville, esquire might also enjoy it!” Eyri blinks again and tentatively puts their thumb back on the stone, watching it emit the red light once more. Carefully wiggling the light, a delighted giggle passing their lips as they watch the cat pouncing on it and then chasing it in a circle.

            “My Ede… this is a most wonderful gift. Thank you.” Ede snickers and sneaks off, knowing the laser pointer will keep the pair entertained for hours. And it truly does.

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 27 - Arcane - Maren

I am not a mage.

So, I did not summon you.

Carbuncle, go home!

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 26 - Bygones - Kura

Upstairs, the blonde viera was rubbing her temples as she heard the kits once more arguing and fighting downstairs. She had a headache from being out in the sun tending the gardens all day, so the yelling was not helping in the moment. One long ear flicks as she listens to the back-and-forth exchange.

"I can't believe you turned me into a snow leopard in the MIDDLE OF RECESS!" Scarlett shrieked at her siblings. Skylar and Sara both point to Sage, who was trembling.

"H-hey! I didn't know you were going to drink it at school... I forgot about it... A-and besides I put that in there like... A year ago! B-back before mama Kura said that we shouldn't... Y'know... leave this stuff unattended..."

"And that's WHY she said not to!" Scarlett growled, raising her, moving forward to strike her sister for the first time in a long time. It was clear that Anger was in control now.

Both Skylar and Sara rushed to hold their red headed sibling back. "MAMA KURA, LITTLE HELP?" Sara called up the stairs, knowing Kura's long ears probably heard Scarlett shrieking earlier. The four of them had initially agreed to just... not tell her so they wouldn't get in trouble, but this was getting out of hand.

It had been a long time since the anger-filled child lost control, so it was definitely time for the adult to be the adult. She loved N’iah and she loved the kits. However, sometimes she didn’t want to be the adult. Unfortunately, dating someone with four children took that privilege away. So, she stands and grabs one of N’iah’s healing potions and drinks it on the way downstairs, pointedly still holding it when she arrived so the kids can see it.

“Enough.” Her voice is quiet but stern, a tone rarely used on the kits mainly because they didn’t usually get this far with each other. “Scarlett, sit down, now.” Stunned by the tone, the anger immediately changes to shame and the kit sits on the couch far from her brother and sisters. “I have a headache so I am going to make an executive decision here. You four are going to listen to me, and you will speak when I tell you to and answer in short and concise sentences. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Mama Kura.” The kits chime in at the same time, it was eerie how well they were able to do that. The other three shuffle into nearby seats and soon eight eyes were on Kura, guilty and ashamed, but attentive.

“Sage, Scarlett is correct that this is exactly why I forbid spiking drinks and food items. You will forget about it and then you never know who may drink it. I do not know exactly what happened at the school, the principal called me… again. Now the four of you are here and still fighting. So, Sage, it’s best that you apologize to Scarlett. Even if it wasn’t intentional, your actions still caused distress to your sister. Remember, even if one of them didn’t mean to hurt one of your blossoms, you’d still wish them to apologize for it. And perhaps help you fix it, right?”

Sage fidgets with her hands, thinking of the analogy and nodding. “I really am sorry, Scarlett. I would have told you if I had known, I promise.”  She looks toward the other of the triplets and her small Mi’kitten ears flatten back as sincerity filly her voice.

Scarlett scowls and refuses to look over, making Kura sigh again. “And Scarlett, accidents happen. While we are always allowed to feel hurt and upset over them, and while we never have to accept an apology, its best for us to acknowledge that accidents are truly accidents. I know you didn’t mean to break Skylar’s model a few weeks back, right? He would have fully been justified yelling at you or not speaking to you for a while, but you apologized and he knew you didn’t do it on purpose. So, why are you so upset about being turned into a Snow Leopard?”

"Well, it was public! Everyone saw! And then they all started laughing! I ripped my uniform and everything! They had to get me new undies from the lost and found! It's embarrassing." Scarlett balled her fists up, lip quivering as tears began to stream down her face.

Kura steps up and wraps her arms around the kit, hugging her tightly, and kissing the top of her head between her ears. “Embarrassments are awful in the moment. Often times you hear people saying ‘We will look back on this one day and laugh’ and while it could be true, there’s the chance that it might not be either. I’m going to make a suggestion though that I would like you to think about.” She pauses to be sure Scarlett is listening. “How many other kids at your school can say they can turn into a ferocious Snow Leopard?”

Several moments pass and soon the bright red tail begins to swish happily at that thought, making the viera smile brightly. “As for you two.” The hug is released and she turns to Sara and Skylar. “As you can tell, keeping secrets is bad for several reasons. There are times when it is necessary, like Starlight presents. However, in moments like this, if I had known immediately, we could have had this conversation before it escalated to this extreme.” The other two nod and looks down again in shame.

“At the end of the day, you four love each other. You four are closer than most siblings. You don’t want to lose that over an accident. So, take the time to feel your feelings, to acknowledge them, and to understand them. Then, try to forgive each other. Try to move on, and not let one moment dampen your relationship to each other. There’s several saying about this: Water off a duck’s back, let bygones be bygones, turn over a new leaf, water under the bridge, forgive and forget. Though on that last one, it’s okay to not forget when it’s a truly detrimental thing. Also keep in mind that if you forgive someone, do not throw it in their face later. Truly forgive them.”

Kura looks around the large area where the kits stay, noticing several things. “So, for now. You four will do your homework. You will clean your areas until they are spotless. Tomorrow, Sage and Scarlett are staying after school to clean the playground. No arguing on that, it was that or a suspension. Skylar, you do not get to go to the Ironworks tomorrow. Sara, you do not get to come with me to the botanist show tonight.” The pathetic looks on all four of their faces nearly makes Kura melt and rescind the punishments, but she knew she needed to stick to the rules. “I love you all… so much. I want you to be the best people you can be.”

“We love you too, mama Kura.” The four kits move and pile into a group hug around the taller woman, nuzzling against her and soon a purring mess when Kura hugs them all back. Yes, it was stressful raising four kids, but Kura wouldn’t give it up for the world. They were hers, and she was Mama Kura.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 26 - Eerie - Zariya

The whispers have always followed her, ever since she could remember. From the time she took her first toddling steps to now, people spoke behind her back, casting side eyes when they thought she wasn’t looking. All it ended up doing was making Zariya hyper aware of her surroundings, of the way people’s body language changed. Combine that with the scorn, mockery, hatred that she got for just looking like she did and it was fairly surprising that the Hrothgar wasn’t all out paranoid.

            “She looks just like the Matriarch.” Was the most common whisper, though anyone heard saying these things was quickly scolded by other tribe members, or punished by the elders. In truth, Zariya looked strangely similar to the woman, enough to be easily thought to be related. However, the leader was adamant that she had no children. No family. So, who the cub was that had randomly appeared 23 summers past, was a mystery and she was raised surrounded by suspicion and even hatred. People did not like that she looked like their leader, and that there was no answer to why, but being unable to confront the leader herself, they took it out on Zariya.

            So, now that she was fully an adult, it was no surprise then when she was summoned before the leader and her attaché and given her mission. Zariya is to travel to Eorzea and the Far East, find potential mates for the tribe and send them to Tural where a representative will meet them to take them to their village. After enough people were accepted into the tribe and boosted the numbers, Zariya would be allowed to come back home, and find a partner for herself. The rules were clear. She was not to step food on Turali soil until she was given permission, and she was not allowed to take a partner until the rest of the village had them. Zariya didn’t have a say in the matter; she was told to leave and allowed to grab a small bag of items.

             Even as she walked away, the whispers continued. She was only being told to leave because of the similarities. How could she look like the childless matriarch. It was strange. It was eerie. Perhaps it was best if she never returned.

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 25 - Gil/Gold - A'metoki

“You’ve got to believe me, Taki!” The smaller twin sighs dreamily as she continues to pack their bag. “It was the best dream ever. Everything was made of gold. But if it was edible, it tasted even better than it normally would. Our linkpearls? Actual gold. Our wagon? GOLD!”

“You do realize that a solid gold wagon would likely be too heavy for the chocobos to pull, right?” Taki attempts to gently remind her sister, wincing as she sees the other Miqo’te immediately slump, long purple tail wrapping around her ankle, and just look over all defeated at her words. “But.. perhaps you’re right. I’m sure that is exactly what the City of Gold is like in Tural… One day we will go and see it.”

Toki just nods slightly, sighing again. “The women… Taki.. the women were made of gold too.”

“Wouldn’t a gold woman just-“

“Crush me? Yes. And yes.” Toki continues to pack their things, a smile on her face at the thought of being squashed by a woman. “One day, ladies… one day.”

“You’re such a pervert….” Taki shakes her head and then laughs to herself. Honestly, golden women did sound pretty amazing.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 25 - Dance - Maren

            The room was too dark, the music was too loud, and the throbbing lights were too erratic. The bodies on the slightly raised floor writhed and gyrated lewdly with each other, it did not matter if one person knew the next or not. People pressed against other people, hands wandered, and Maren was fairly sure she even saw some drugs being passed from hand to hand at one point. A shudder runs through her body and she turns back to the bar, passing over her empty glass and getting a refill. Her eyes dart toward the clock and she sips her drink, nose crinkling at the strong alcoholic taste.

            Knowing others wanted her spot, she makes her away from the bar, skirting the middle of the room and avoiding any of the strange movements the people on it made. Several times she had to dodge elbows that threatened to knock her drink from her hand, the deep scowl on her face unnoticed by the perpetrators. An empty table by the door calls Maren’s name and she quickly occupies it before someone else can claim it. For the next hour she nurses the fruity drink. As soon as the arms strike 7:30, Maren is out the door, hurrying down the street. Her hands smooth down her dress and a smile brightens her lips. Nelli was going to be off work soon, and she was excited to surprise her.  It made having to wait at that strange club so worth it.

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 24 - Behemoth - Zariya

“Okay, when you said a behemoth. I did not think you meant a liter—EEP!” The dark furred Hrothgar dives out of the way of a swinging paw, rolling in the sand to pop back to her feet, holding the gunblade in both hands as she turns to face the snorting monster.

            “As they say in Bozja. If you can dodge a behemoth, you can dodge a calamity.” The butler says calmly, watching her student try to face down the giant beast.

            “Miss Tijana… I highly doubt that is a thing they saaaaaaaa- GETAWAYFROMME!” Zariya bolts away from the behemoth, fluffy tail poofed up nearly comically so as fear courses through her.

            “Shoot it! Remember the shock rounds!” Tijana calls out, her own gunblade ready to make the shot if it seems Zariya is in danger of being hurt. She watches the younger woman, turn to face her opponent, raise her gunblade, and hesitate. Zariya shifts the weapon in her hands, lifting it and using it to block the bite that threatened to chew her in half. Tijana nearly fires her weapon, but noticing the connection between the two, immediately recognizes it would also hurt her mentee. Instead, she raises her hand and a whistle emits loudly from nearby, causing the seemingly rabid terror to trot back to the side of the hyur who lounged on a beach chair, flipping through a magazine, whistle held loosely in her lips.

Zariya chokes on the sand and sighs, standing and rubbing the back of her neck. “I’m sorry, Miss Tijana… I just… I really don’t like… weapons.” She sighs, looking at the gunblade in her hands, stepping forward to hold it out to the Bozja Veteran. “I will keep trying, I promise.”

Tijana can’t deny the small bloom of pride in her chest at Zariya sticking by her morals and standards, even it was equally matched with worry that she’d get hurt without a weapon in this world. Zariya smiles brightly to black and white Hrothgar. “Thank you for teaching me though. I enjoy spending time with you!” The stoic nature of the butler nearly breaks as she internally melts at the sincerity the other expresses, but decades of practice keep her face neutral and she simply nods in return.

“You are welcome, Zariya. Let's get home.” It was the best way she could express her love for the girl, even if it went right over Zariya's head.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 24 - Voice - Lia

There had been so much going on in Lia’s life lately, both good and bad. She had finally gotten a larger house for her family, and she had been quite busy working on getting it ready to surprise them with it. Three whole floors. Upstairs rooms for the adults. Basement area for the kids and each of them having their own working spaces. The main floor was a large open area for entertaining friends and family. At least that was the plan. First thing the viera did was install an over-board security system. Even the Bank of Eorzea would be jealous of the specs on the device she installs. After testing it out several times, she nods in satisfaction. No one is going to be breaking in to hurt her family. She takes a deep breath, shaking her head as those intrusive thoughts tried to creep in. She was going to protect them. Everyone she loved.

The whirring of the treadmill, the heavy pounding of running feet, and the ragged breathing of a worn-out form are the only sounds that fill the silent home. The lithe viera continues to run on the machine, even as sweat gets in her eyes and her lungs practically scream for mercy. A towel is swiped across her eyes and she turns up the dial to set the treadmill faster, ignoring the warning signs her body gives her. Lia knows, she has to be better, faster, stronger. Vision flash before her eyes, things she desperately tries to ignore. Aubiane dead in front of her, bleeding out. An axe slicing through Sophiane’s arm. A dark figure making off with Jeanolan into the night. Dara looking at her with fear and hatred. Astra laying on the ground in—

By this point it had been just over two months since her right leg had been healed, yet a familiar pain shot through it, causing Lia to fall onto the moving pad and get thrown off it. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, her body slams into the punching bag she had set up a few fulms behind the treadmill, stopping her mid-flight and sending her crashing to the training mat. Yeah, definitely a curse. She’ll move it a little bit to the left so no one else does the same thing.   The cool mat feels comforting on her forehead as she tries to catch her breath, a shiver running down her spine. The pictures she had seen confused her. Some she had lived. Others, she hadn’t.

The thoughts in her mind are so loud, the fear of losing everything she has worked so hard to deserve. An ear flicks as her linkpearl goes off and she rolls onto her back to answer it. “Hello?” The thought has her pulling out her tomestone, opening up her photos. Between the soothing words on the other end, and scrolling through to see the happiness on the faces of everyone she loved, the thoughts started to slow and calm until finally all is quiet once more. “Yeah… yeah, I can grab that on the way home. I love you too.” She exhales softly and hangs up the call, pausing on one of the photos. The blissful silence accentuates the pounding of Lia’s heart as those dual-colored eyes scan the face of the woman in the picture.

Yes. Despite all the wrongs that Lia may have done in her life. She deserves the good.  And she’ll be damned if she lets anyone or anything take it away from her.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 23 - Voice - A'metoki

When she looks at me,

My attention is all hers.

Her words are my peace.

[belovedrayne]

Tea - Day 22 - Split Second - Sehihel

A delicious smell wafted up to the bedroom, waking up the balled up Miqo’te as her nose scrunched and her large fluffy ears twitch. Her arms stretch out across the large bed she had fallen asleep in, and a pout comes to her lips as she only feels empty space in the middle spot. Without opening her eyes, she worms and wiggles across to pat the far side, also finding it empty her purple eyes open and she pouts. “They abandoned me…” Sehihel sulks and rolls to flop onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. “My wives hate me….” As soon as the words leave her mouth, she breathes in the smells coming from their kitchen, and it immediately causes her to perk up. “Is Akina using more of the new spices?” She rolls out of the bed and pulls on her deep purple robe, rubbing the soft fabric against the rugged burn scars that span half her face.

            She pads down the wooden steps and out of their room, making her way across the larger space of their new home. It was still under renovations, but they had gotten all of their bedrooms set up again, making that the first priority before they worked on the new larger spaces for the restaurant. A shiver runs up her back at the cold bare floor and she very quickly scurries back to the softness of the rug in their bedroom, pulling on her fat cat slippers before braving the cold floors downstairs once more.

            A gnawing hunger in her stomach encourages the woman to make her way faster through the empty building. The voices of her wives floating up the stairs, and her pace quickens. Mostly for her wives, but a little bit for the food.. okay maybe it’s about fifty-fifty. The miqo’te bounces into the kitchen space and smiles brightly at Akina and Xo. The ginger miqo’te gets a cheek kiss first, then she tugs the tall roedagyn down to kiss her next. “Good morning you two! It smells amazing!”

            Akina looks smug at Xo, and the roegadyn heaves a sigh. “I always pay my debts.” She pulls Akina in and kisses her deeply. When it ends, to answer the confused look on Sehihel’s face, she explains. “We had a bet going on if the food would wake you or if we’d have to wake you. Akina won.” Sehihel laughs and shakes her head, then her eyes light up as Xo offers out a plate of three pancakes. “Akina is making breakfast burritos from the spices we got her from Tural. I’m making pancakes.” Xo turns her head to grab the butter and when she looks back, she notices there are only two pancakes on the plate and Sehihel has a rather pleased look on her face.  A laugh escapes her lips and she pets Sehihel’s ears. “Every time it’s like an adorable magic trick.”            

Sehihel’s poofy tail swished happily behind her. Her eyes focused on Akina’s work next, it felt like years as the final burrito gets carefully rolled, and just as quickly as she had with the pancake, the mischievous woman snags it from the pile and takes a large bite. Food motivated her more than anything else. Well, second only to the laughter she hears from her wives.

[belovedrayne]

DS - Day 22 - Lugubrious - Lia

Monster. Killer. Abomination. Murderer. Dara stares coldly at her, lips sneering beneath her mask. “You tried to hurt Kiki, worthless.” Lia shook her head frantically. “Dar—WHAT?!” The elezen stares blankly back at her, despite Lia’s constant denials. “You should have died in that cell. Because YOU did it.” Panic wells in Lia’s throat, she didn’t understand why Dara sounded like she was under water. Why Kiki was accusing her of such things. Words flew out of her mouth, desperate for the woman she loved to believe her, but she only sees the fear, and disgust in her covered eyes. The wind screams around them, loud in her ears, and distracting the woman from the argument she is having with her lo—with Dara.

            A random miqo’te is there. She is familiar to Lia. Kitten. Strange name but she is usually here at the BBQ. She is also looking at Lia like she wishes she was dead. “You really need to listen to Dara on this, freak! You need to believe her, no one wants to mess with you.” Down the path there’s angry yelling, and the noise hits her ears painfully. Lia barks out, hopefully loud enough they can hear. “Stop yelling!”  Her hands are shaking. She can’t think with this stupid windstorm. She looks to Dara and hesitates. “Can I hug you?” Her eyes note how Dara looks sick and terrified at the thought, and when she speaks, it sounds like she is going to vomit. “Yes, abomination.” Lia’s heart feels like it’s ripping out of her chest.

            “I’m… not…” She sets her daggers down and steps up to Dara, noticing how the woman looks like she wants to flee, or kill her. “I will do anything to protect you. I won’t let them hurt you. I won’t let them take you away.”  She presses a kiss to Dara’s mask, finding strange she wore one so transparent.  “You… can call me anything. But please, not that.” Dara doesn’t answer, obviously repulsed by the kiss. As Lia turns to flee, she hears it again. That same word, her request immediately ignored. “Abomination.”  

            The rest of the night is blur. The wind chases her. The voices taunt her. She did listen to Dara. She always did. Why couldn’t Dara love her?  There is a brief memory of her tomestone in her hand, but why was it there? “Stop it... stop YELLING at me!” Her hand falls to her pouch, feeling the weight of the bottle inside. Right. Dara told her to take the potion if she needed to, that it would help. Lia always listened to Dara. She’d do anything for her.

            The next morning, Lia wakes in her old room of her Free Company with a headache. Ugh. She must have gotten wasted at the BBQ the previous night. Seeing as how her bed was empty, she obviously didn’t come home with anyone. Or if she had, they’d left quickly. The viera sighs and rolls over, hand resting on the empty part of her bed. Was she chasing something by finding people and bringing them to her bed? She didn’t think so. She truly felt she wanted to just spread love to the star. Even if the love only lasted a night, a couple hours, if it helped make someone feel better and be able to spread love out as well, was it really that bad? Another pained groan and she rolls out of the bed, opening the wardrobe and gazing in the mirror. Slowly she turns and sees the word carved into her back and her lips curve into a frown.

            Lia wasn’t the terrible things people said about her. Yet the names cut into her heart like the knife had cut into her skin. At least her body had healed, her heart was a different story. Long crimson ears dip back and she closes away the mirror once more, grabbing her clothes and tugging them on. Truthfully, she had expected to stay at Dara’s but perhaps Alrys had shown up, or maybe she had been tired and encouraged Lia to go with another. Not the first time that had happened. The throbbing behind her eyes deepens and Lia groans, moving up the stairs to the bathroom and grabbing one of the vibrant purple healing potions from the cabinet of medicines. She really needed to stop drinking so much. She was getting too old for this. Perhaps she’ll call Dara and see if they could go on a date soon. A smile crosses her lips as the potion starts to ease away the pain. That would be nice. Maybe they could go dancing. Yeah, she’ll call her after a bath.