Flowers of Immortelle

Kaori, 30s, (She/Her). Occasional fic writer. Full-time daydreamer. Ebonyandivory94 on AO3

[immortelleflowers]

Hello! Welcome to my blog (reborn)!

About the blog: Despite its current focus on all things FFXIV, it is my one and only original blog... that I've had for a decade and a half. At the start, it was full of bad teenage poetry and meet-cute one-shots so mawkish and saccharine that I'm blushing down to my toes.

BUT! That is all in the past, literally, so please expect majority FFXIV with interludes of personal posts and writing reblogs. Quite frankly, I'm too tired and scatterbrained to have multiple blogs. Being extremely internet shy, I very rarely post unprompted but will yap endlessly if provoked (re: asked), so please drop an ask about my OCs!

About my OCs: (WIP) Mains: Midori Matsu: She's my in-game WOL, but has her own lore, of course. She's a tea connoisseur, a dancer, and will craft or gather anything her companions need. (I should do a profile for her... I'll find a template somewhere)

Xeranthea: She was created as the mother for an NPC from the FFXIV MSQ (spoiler: dawntrail), but she quickly came into her own. She's reserved and fearful, concerned only for the wellbeing of her child. Currently, she lives solely in my mind's eye, Ellipsus, or Tumblr (only because I can't decide her last name and I need one to be able to make an alt...)

Supporting: Aka Matsu and Kuro Matsu: Midori's twin brothers 4 years her junior. Outwardly, Aka is stoic and Kuro is hot-headed, but Aka is surprisingly passionate and Kuro can be thoughtful and observant. Both are extremely protective of Midori despite having no martial or magical training.

Chrestos: An older Elezen apothecary who took in Xeranthea and her child. He is kind and gentle, but stutters in the face of strong women.

About me: My name is Kaori. I am a married she/her in my 30s working in higher education. My hobbies (besides playing FFXIV) include reading, writing, barre, knitting, learning Japanese, and napping (though perhaps that last one is a necessity). I have two cats who may make occasional appearances in my posts.

[ali-dot-txt]

yannow not to be a gridania defender or anything but it rubs me the wrong way when people are like "gridania is the only one of the arr city-states which never solved its very obvious social and organizational problems and thus it's the Evil Racist One that it's fine to hate" because like. you understand that that is fully a result of the plot giving literally nothing to gridania ever, right? you understand that gridania's internal politics are never ever given the attention that ul'dah and limsa get? you understand that huge portions of post-arr and post-heavensward and post-stormblood and post-shadowbringers are dedicated to limsa and ul'dah's social issues and npcs and their relationships to each other? you understand how kan-e-senna's second-in-command, who is literally gridania's equivalent of raubahn, does not have a fucking name?

you understand how the two scions you're introduced to in the gridania start are important for at most two expansions, one of which they barely appear in, before disappearing from the story forever aside from cameos? as opposed to the scions you meet in limsa and ul'dah, who remain important for the rest of the game up til today???

yeah, i would fucking love for the main story to start questioning gridania about its institutional racism and trying to fix it, because that would mean that the main story gave a single fuck about gridania. give us some duskwight and seeker main characters please. give us duskwight and seeker lore please. give us SOMETHING. you can't even learn how gridania's government works without reading side stories, which has led to this weird misconception that kan-e-senna is like, a fascist despot who used the calamity to consolidate power!!! Give Gridania ANYTHING!!!!!

[greeeenhand]

You are the Warrior of Light.

Champion of Eorzea, blessed by the Mothercrystal. You've bested tyrannical warlords, fearsome dragons, and god-like beings. You've liberated nations, aided in their restorations. You rub shoulders with their leaders and the common folk alike. With every victory, every adventure, every grand feat, your legend grows. Everyone knows your name. Everyone knows what you've done. Everyone knows what you're capable of doing.

'It's the blessing of Hydaelyn,' they say; 'the power of the Echo,' 'the unwavering soul of Azem'. Only the Warrior of Light could do what you do, only someone destined to usher change and defend the very star from destruction. Allies and enemies alike agree; there is nobody like the Warrior of Light.

But that's where they're wrong. You may be special, or chosen, or destined... but you don't feel that at all. All you feel is the pedestal you never asked to be put on. The perceived gap between you and them is staggering. They think you untouchable; so far removed from human you must be a god, or something greater. You aren't a person to them any more. You're a symbol. An idea. A concept. Intangible.

You are the Warrior of Light. And you will never be anything else.

[immortelleflowers]

What's their sleeping position when they're on their own?

Golly, being an Au Ra is tough for sleeping regardless of whether it's with or without someone. Pillows are her mortal enemy given her horn type. Back sleeping. Impossible. Side sleeping. Ouch. Stomach sleeping. Most likely. You know those roll pillows that fit in the crook of your neck? That’s what Midori uses for sleeping if she hasn't just passed out somewhere remotely tolerable from all the adventuring. But assuming she's retired, alone, to her Pendants apartment, Midori will start curled up on the right side of the bed, but throughout the night will spread out in search of warmth.

[athena-ishnuala]

~Symphony of the Past~

Inspired by the Scions symphony painting, I have to do one for my beloved ancients T_T

[ethanmaldridge]

"The America I loved still exists, if not in the White House or the Supreme Court or the Senate or the House of Representatives or the media. The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries."

-Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country

[ebookporn]

Worth remembering this weekend.

[immortelleflowers]

AU August Prompt 2: Fables and Fantasy

"I know a thousand tales to fill a thousand nights..."

What story is she spinning? Midori certainly has enough experience to rival Sheherazade's thousand and one tales.

How do I explain to you people that interracial relationships are okay

Not every white person dating a POC is fetishizing. White people can be respectful and responsible when it comes to culture and relationships and not everyone has bad intentions.

Asian people can date Black people without you saying shit like “your kids will be so pretty” they’re not dating for pretty kids. They’re dating bc they like each other.

Someone can dress their partner in clothing from their culture if they want. Someone can take their partner to cultural events if they want.

People in relationships can share cultures, experiences and love without it being toxic or skin deep.

Their partner isn’t culturally appropriating. Their partner is being shown the ultimate form of love, bc their partner trusts them and loves them enough to share their history and heritage.

Yeah, dating someone from your culture is nice bc you automatically have similar experiences. But you’re not limited to dating people with the same experiences. Loving someone is sharing and growing and being together.

Interracial relationships aren’t always toxic, and some of y’all need to stop projecting onto other people.

[spoonoftar]

👆 THIS 👆 👏👏👏

[the-real-gingakid]

Calling ineterracial relationships toxic or fetishizing just seem like anti race mixing or racism with extra steps

[skyhon]

This reminded me of this

[quiethealer]

I want someone with racial purity hangups to look me in my biracial-ass face and tell me who they think I “should” date.

[wolpertingerantlers]

Soft OC asks because I'm soft rn

What's your OC's favorite cuddling position?

What's their favorite comfort food that they eat when they're sad?

What's a secret passion of theirs?

What's an item that is deeply important and special to them? What makes it so special?

Do they have any collections?

What does their laugh sound like?

If they were in a book, how would they describe themselves?

If they were in a book how would they be described by others/ the narrator?

What's something they will never fail to get excited over?

How many pillows do they sleep with?

What's their favorite thing that their partner (if they have one) has ever said to them?

What's the sweetest thing they've ever said to their partner (if they have one)?

What's the most memorable compliment they've ever been given?

What's something they unashamedly adore?

What (kind of or specific) outfit do they feel most comfortable with?

Do they have a "lucky" item?

What's their sleeping position when they're on their own?

What's their favorite scent?

What's their favorite texture?

What's something they do absentmindedly that their partner (if they have one) finds adorable

What's their dream date like

Do they have a best friend? If so who is it?

Do they like having their hair played with?

What's their favorite (non-sexual) place to be kissed?

What's their favorite place to kiss their partner?

What do they love about their friends?

What's their favorite childhood memory?

What makes them feel safe?

What's the cutest thing their pet does (if they have one)?

What's their favorite animal?

If they could have any pet, what would it be?

What's their favorite thing to do with their partner?

What's their favorite room in their home (if they have one)?

What do they taste like when kissed?

What do they smell like?

[misedejem]

Rotating her in my mind

[destiny-islanders]

🐲🎶🐲🎶

[immortelleflowers]

The tiny eye of Nidhogg on his chain is sending me!

[immortelleflowers]

3. How much does your OC enjoy nature? Do they enjoy being outdoors?

Hear and heed the call of weary bones and spirit Take refuge 'neath gentle boughs Watch fireflies dance in shade's delight Feel eternal wind 'pon thy face. Sink onto softly shifting sands Far from tumultuous waves and wicked white's fleeting rays. Think not of duty or burdens bore. Rest, gentle warrior, for a day will come when there's naught else but forge ahead, as heroes do.

Short answer: Yes, Midori often absconds to nature to rest and recharge.

[havingapoemwithyou]

The Way Things Have Been Going Lately by Ada Limón

[mimble-sparklepudding]

Unaccountably Further Anagram Ridiculousness…

It is once more time to visit upon an unsuspecting world another unrequested installment of the silliest series on FFXIV Tumblr...

It's been a rubbish week all round and today hasn't been much better unfortunately, so I shall combat the misery with a full blast of complete and utter nonsense....

Midori Matsu of @immortelleflowers has been developing a vacation package for those with very specific interests - yes it's time for Maid Tourism... However she has other ventures in mind - including a wireless channel just for mothers - "It's Radio Mum!" And perhaps inspired by her experiences with a certain Garlean, she has plans for a dating show for the terminally unhinged - "I'm Mad Suitor!"

Meanwhile, Flower Mintea of @diggingforkuponuts has invented something to mop the brows of hardworking firefighters with his new "Fireman Towel". However he is a little confused on what things should be called - if you have a dog then he suggests that you "Rename It Wolf" and he's even a little unsure as to his own identity at times - "I'm Timeworn Elf?". However I wouldn't question him too much, lest he declares it's "Feral Time Now".

Crenic Namalen of @disaster-husbun is apparently able to put you in touch with some Nice Carnal Men, which is jolly kind of him. Possibly they are all staying at the Clean Creme Inn, which sounds like a relaxing venue - perhaps a place when one might answer the age old question "Can Man Recline?" Although you will need to wait until he has finished gathering ore whilst dancing, as his alter ego "El Cancan Miner".

Synnova Hunter of @bigfatjoy doesn't want you to be over-groomed - "No! Try Unshaven!" she cries. She is also quite keen on comfortable clothing and is looking forward to "Nanny Vest Hour" - and she suggests you cover up as well, if you don't want to be a "Nervy Suntan Ho". However she does support the rights of insects to feel sensual and beautiful, with the praise she heaps upon a certain "Horny Venus Ant"...

Finally Jessica Luna of @amethystpinkpastel is apparently struggling with her "Nasal Juices", which sounds very unpleasant, but she probably wants to make sure she's presentable for when she's counting prisoners during "A Jail Census". Plus, whoever Ale Jan is, she doesn't like her very much, as apparently "I Cuss Ale Jan" is something she needs you to know. However she does have some concern for her non-transgender friend June, who is having a difficult time currently - "Alas, Cis June..."

Apologies to all involved for inflicting such nonense upon you and your lovely OCs.... Until next time.

[destiny-islanders]

all together now!

[stormemes11]

Colorful OC Asks

a big collection of questions based on color language! all questions under the cut 💕

❤️ RED ❤️

1. What is the easiest way to make your OC angry? 2. What aspects of a person—appearance, personality or otherwise—are attractive to your OC? 3. Does your OC enjoy sex? 4. How important is the concept of strength to your OC? 5. Is your OC vengeful? 6. Are people afraid of your OC? If so, is that fear warranted? 7. What would others consider the most attractive part of your OC?

🧡 ORANGE 🧡

1. How would your OC describe themselves as a child? 2. Does your OC embrace or suppress their emotions?  3. What first impression do strangers get from your OC? 4. Is your OC a risk-taker? Do they take well-calculated risks or are they impulsive? 5. Is it easy for your OC to step out of their comfort zone? 6. Does your OC hold others to the same standards they hold themselves to? 7. What is your OC’s favorite season?

💛 YELLOW 💛

1. Is your OC an optimist or a pessimist? 2. How energetic is your OC? 3. Does your OC lie easily? What scenario(s) would justify lying in your OC’s opinion? 4. Does your OC have many secrets? Would they ever tell a person these secrets? 5. Does your OC have a strict morning routine? If so, what is it? 6. How cautious is your OC? 7. Is your OC humorous?

💚 GREEN 💚

1. Does your OC get jealousy easily? 2. Does your OC believe in the concept of luck? 3. How much does your OC enjoy nature? Do they enjoy being outdoors? 4. What is your OC like when they’re sick? Do they try to push through it or are they completely bed-ridden? 5. Is world peace something your OC believes is possible? 6. Is your OC generous? If so, is their generosity conditional? 7. How adaptable is your OC? Are they open to change?

🩵 CYAN 🩵

1. Does your OC get stressed easily? Are they cool under pressure or are they easily made anxious? 2. What brings comfort to your OC (person, place, object, etc.)? 3. How easily distracted is your OC? 4. Is your OC more humble or arrogant? 5. Does your OC like to swim? 6. Are your OC’s decisions influenced more by their head or by their heart? 7. How observant is your OC and how much does it affect them? Are they clueless or nearly paranoid?

💙 BLUE 💙

1. Is your OC confident in themselves? 2. Is your OC comfortable letting others see them cry? 3. How independent is your OC? 4. How trusting is your OC and does it have an effect on their relationships? 5. Does your OC have a comforting presence? 6. Can your OC stand up for themselves? 7. Is your OC structured or do they go with the flow?

💜 PURPLE 💜

1. What is one of your OC’s biggest dreams and do they believe that dream will come true? 2. How affluent is your OC? Does their level of wealth matter to them? 3. Does your OC daydream often? 4. Does your OC have any artistic hobbies? 5. Does your OC have a commanding presence? 6. Is your OC book-smart or street-smart? 7. Is your OC stylish? How much do they care about the clothes they wear?

🩷 PINK 🩷

1. Does your OC like traditional romance? 2. How playful is your OC? 3. What is your OC’s favorite love language? 4. How good is your OC with children? 5. Does your OC believe in soulmates? Have they ever thought someone was their soulmate? 6. Does your OC have a favorite flower? If so, what is it? 7. How easy is it for your OC to empathize with other people?

🤎 BROWN 🤎

1. Is your OC reliable? 2. What animal do your associate with your OC? 3. How protective is your OC? 4. Is your OC polite? 5. How much does your OC enjoy traveling? 6. Does your OC abide by the rules? 7. Is your OC a homebody? Are they consistent with doing chores?

🩶 GRAY 🩶

1. How forgetful is your OC? 2. Is your OC open to compromise? 3. Has your OC ever thought about having children? Do they believe they’d be a good parent? 4. Is your OC emotionally open with the people around them? 5. How mature is your OC? 6. What is one of your OC’s happiest memories? 7. How helpful is your OC’s advice? Do others come to your OC for their advice?

🖤 BLACK 🖤

1. How far will your OC go to achieve their goals? 2. Does your OC have a strict bedtime routine? If so, what is it? 3. What is one of your OC’s greatest fears and how much does it affect them? 4. Has your OC ever broken a promise? 5. Is your OC comfortable at fancy gatherings? 6. What does your OC have nightmares about? 7. How well does your OC sleep?

🤍 WHITE 🤍

1. How much does your OC care about cleanliness? 2. Is your OC religious? How do they feel about religion? 3. Will your OC take care of someone while they’re sick? Are they good at it? 4. Is your OC a perfectionist? 5. Has your OC ever upended their life and restarted from square one? If not, have they considered it? 6. Does your OC idolize their past? 7. Does your OC enjoy the simple pleasures? Are they satisfied with the bare minimum?

[immortelleflowers]

AU August prompt 1: Slice of (Beach Resort) Life

While on a rare vacation, Midori spots a Junior Jinbei in the wild! すごいなぁ！

Wait... if Midori's taking the picture of Junior Jinbei... then... who's taking the picture of Midori?!