Albi stared in awe at the giant crystal penetrating through the Pharos Sirius lighthouse. The corrupted crystals shown like an eternal fire, taking the place of the beacon's true light. It was just as amazing as the tales described it, even more so.
"Let's go!" He called out to his friends as he ran ahead
"Yeah because that wreck of a lighthouse is completely stable" Kiyomi rolled her orange eyes, yet followed anyways.
"We do have a job to do." Hohoka remarked, following behind as well after a moment of admiring the rundown beacon, "It does look quite pretty."
"Doesn't it?" The Lalafellin man hummed, "I can't wait to see what else is in there."
"Only thing in there is some siren tryin' to sing us to death." Kiyomi carefully wrapped some cloth around the base of her horns for such an occassion, "Let's get in and out."
"And miss a chance to look out the top?" Albi turned to face her with a gasp of disbelief, "See the crystals up close?"
"Are you stable in the head?" Kiyomi stared at the smaller man with her own disbelief, "Can't those crystals destroy aether or somethin'?"
"I won't touch it!"
Kiyomi groaned, looking to the Elezen man who followed quietly, "Can you talk him out of it?"
"Unfortunately not," Odinvel looked at his friend with concern, "When he wants to see something, you just have to make sure he stays safe."
How would your OC respond to someone falling in love with them if they did not, or could not, reciprocate? Would they let them down gently and with kindness? Or would they sneer at them?
This question was surprisingly difficult to figure out and write about; thanks for hanging in there for an answer!
Hohoka Hoka
Hohoka has always struggled with attraction, so it's a little awkward for her when someone says they love her. She's learned to apologize and say she doesn't feel the same.
Kiyomi Umihou
It depends who is admitting their feelings. Someone she respects - even a little? She's more gentle but pretty tactless. Someone she does not respect? It's a look of disgust followed by a sound "No".
Quill Verbena
Quill is very quick to say "sorry, I'm already taken".
Aluette Verbena
Aluette will let admirers down as gently as possible. After all, they can't help their feelings
Aisbryda Wyznbyrtwyn
Aisbryda is quite blunt but not unkind when rejecting someone. A simple "I'm not interested" with an apologetic smile.
Faine Beltarois
If a woman (or person who identifies as a woman) confesses her love, Faine will give them a fun night and maybe the relationship can grow. Maybe, but she makes it known that it might not too. When men confess their love, Faine laughs at them.
Albi Halibi
Albi probably knew about the other person's feelings before they even tell him. He won't bring it up until they do, and when they finally tell him, he lets the down gently.
Odinvel Urselmert
Odinvel is so awkward when it comes to love, especially before he meets Farah. It's likely a "I don't feel the same." then turning and walking away from them, mumbling a faint "sorry". Once he's with Farah, he makes it known that he is taken.
A physical attraction to a person, built on looks and not necessarily on anything else. Albi recalls his first time meeting Odinvel and the attraction he (and he alone) felt. Farah is a @wol-cae-ash character!
The night was young in the ruins of Dravanian as Albi, Odinvel, and Farah finished setting up camp. Albi glanced through the campfire where his unrequited love and best friend, Odinvel, played the harp on the other side. Farah danced about to the music as she loved to do, but still, Albi only had his green eyes on the much taller man.
He still remembered the moment Hohoka introduced him to the tall, twilight-skinned Elezen. The Lalafellin male knew that he was in love with this mysterious stranger. The grace of his body, his beautiful voice, and his gorgeous white eyes: what wasn't there to love. He was perfect. As months went by, Albi was still enamored by his grace and brilliance. In fact, his feelings bloomed beyond physical attraction the longer he knew Odinvel.
Unfortunately, Odinvel was enamored by the grace of another: the Aura girl who danced the night away by his side. Even through the flames, Albi knew those white eyes stared fondly at Farah. And who could blame him? They were an amazing couple, recently having started dating. They matched each other in a way only soul mates could. His attraction to the tall and beautiful Odinvel never stood a chance against that. It would be better to resign himself to supporting from the sidelines.
[THE EMPRESS] - Do they participate in or have a self-care ritual? If so, what does their routine look like?
Thank you for the ask! For whomever I'd like automatically becomes all of them haha As it goes, everyone else under Keep Reading!
And sorry this took so long! <3
Hohoka Hoka
Hohoka finds herself indulging in numerous hobbies when she needs to destress. This includes activities like crafting or gathering, exercising, practicing with any of the number of weapons she’s picked up over the years, or even just idly traveling through areas - not as a hero but simply as her. While I cannot say that she knows that she is participating in self-care, these things provide her clarity of mind.
Kiyomi Umihou
Kiyomi's self-care always involves the water in some way: floating, fishing, diving. When she wants time to herself to recharge, she can always be found not far from a body of water. She is more or less aware of self-care and has learned to step away and retreat to water when she needs to (mostly to avoid impassioned outrage).
Aluette Verbena
Aluette finds peace in nature, creating, and helping others. Most times, when she needs to take some time for herself, she can be found sitting amongst nature or crafting (or both). She is absolutely the type to run herself out while helping others though.
Quill Verbena
His self-care ritual has always been journaling. It has been since he was a young boy. Every night he takes 30 minutes to an hour to write down everything. It's a relaxing time for him. He has a multitude journals filled to the brim with his daily life ( these journals live in Hohoka's office once they are done since he's always traveling and trusts her to keep them safe).
Aisbryda Wyznbyrtwyn
Exercise is Aisbryda's method of choice to release steam. It's invigorating yet relaxing. She finds it's very helpful right before she eats dinner, so she's formed a habit of doing it every night before then. Sometimes she'll even catch dinner with her 'exercise' when out on an adventure.
Faine Beltarois
Exercise is okay for Faine, but she would rather shop to let herself go. When that's not an option, she gardens or admires flowers around her. Shopping as a self-care ritual isn't great for her and her budget, but it rarely stops her.
Odinvel Urselmert
Music has always been healing for Odinvel. When he can, he pulls out his harp or flute and plays for himself and those around him. After meeting Farah, the love of his life, simply her presence is enough for him to recharge. However, preforming for her and watching her enjoyment is so much stronger than music or Farah along could ever be.
Albi Halibi
When Albi is looking for true relax time (and not more exploring ancient ruins), he likes to sit outside and read books on ancient societies. The closer to the ocean the reading spot is the better. Terncliff and Sharlayan are currently two of his favorite spots to relax with a good book
The free company house was packed full with friends old and new. Hohoka walked throughout the house, insuring no one needed anything. Downstairs, Aluette and her brother - who Hohoka had the pleasure to meet today - worked alongside the chef to prepare dinner. Hohoka could smell the delicious baked sole from the stairwell. The black sole was as fresh as could be, Kiyomi promised. Her and her crew, who sat around the multiple used banquet tables Hohoka managed to snag for cheap, caught the fish this morning. Back over at the bar, Hohoka heard glass shatter.
"Shit," mumbled Quill. Sure enough, there was Quill standing before the shattered remnants of some alcohol. The barkeep laughed as he apologized profusely. "Didn't much care for that one anyways. Dont worry about it."
After helping clean up, Hohoka made her way to the main floor. Odinvel and Farah sat on the seats before the fire, hands held where anyone could see the new rings on their fingers. Albi sat on the rocking chair, reading and mumbling to his linkpearl. Above him, adventurer friends tended to small wounds on the medical loft. Quill and Aluette's group of former conscripts, most she couldn't name, lounged about the rest of the main room. They looked content, so Hohoka headed outside.
The air was pleasant in the yard, and it seemed many people agreed with that. Even more former soldiers sat out here. She turned round the other side of the yard, and there was Aisbryda and Faine at the planters. Faine tended to flowers as if they were her children. Aisbryda used to just watch, but now she was elbow deep in dirt just like her girlfriend. Hohoka smiled and headed back to the door, just in time for Odinvel to open it right in front of her face. Luckily, Hohoka stopped the door before any damage could happen. The one-eyed elezen, realizing his mistake, apologized before letting her in. She heard his announcement as she passed by, "Dinner is ready!"
Costal life was Albi's life for more than 2 decades. And even after his adventurers around the star, he would rather live by the coast than anywhere else. The cool ocean breeze, the rolling waves, the people and animals that flocked to coasts, Albi loved it all.
Life by the ocean had one unfortunate problem however: the noisome smell of rotting fish. It was inevitable no matter where he went: the ocean meant rotting fish. Fishmongers leaving their catch out far too long, fishermen coming back from a long trip out at sea, fish just naturally dying.
He used to be able to put up with the smell. That was before he was kidnapped by perhaps the grossest pirates on the seas. Sure sometimes they threw an ice crystal in with their catch, but more often than not they just threw the fish in the storage room under deck. And Albi had the displeasure to work right next to it. He never got used to the awful smell and it only became more unbearable with every day, week, month.
But that was then and this was now as he sat on the lookout in Wrlyt. One of his favorite costal towns, nearly tied with Sharlayan. Only the slightest hint of fish wafted in with the pleasant breeze. Perfect for reading books on ancient societies, like the one he had on his lap.
"Albi," a familiarly deep voice called out behind him, "I didn't realize you were back already."
Albi turned to see Gaius approaching, "I just got back. It was only a short trip to Sharlayan this time."
Hiya I know I only just started to follow you cuz you followed me on your main blog but I saw your ask thingy!! And soooo
How does your WoL/OC relate to the culture of their species as established in lore? Do they consider themselves a typical example of their kind? Are they in touch with their heritage? How does this affect their interactions with others of their own kind?
Thank you so much for the ask! I'm always so glad to see people interested in my characters! As is tradition, everyone else is under Keep Reading <3
Hohoka Hoka
Since she was born in Thavnair to an Uldahn merchant father, she had a taste of the typical culture of Dunesfolk Lalafell but grew up separate from it all outside of him. She never really knew another Lalafell until she arrived in Eorzea. Though she holds some of the same values like scholasticism and prosperity, she doesn’t know the death rights from Thaumaturgy- she barely even knows the Twelve. She knows she isn't typical, but she does blend well with other Dunesfolk. Though it was a surprise to see so many of them in Ul'dah, it was a pleasant feeling.
Kiyomi Umihou
While she used to hold many of the same beliefs as other Raen from Yanxia, she has long since shrugged that off. The gods and spirits either don't exist or are absolute douchebags in her mind. And the hierarchy of Doma pisses her off. If anything, she has a preference for Xaela culture. She appreciates the honesty of battle on the Steppe. Because of this, she actually interacts much better with Xaelas than fellow Raens. To Kiyomi, she is a Raen Aura and there is no denying that, but is she typical? No, she wouldn't consider herself typical. She didn't have a typical life after all.
Aluette Verbena
Aluette was raised as a male Veena Viera would because she refused to leave her older sibling's side, even after the sibling grew into their male characteristics. Due to this, she would not consider herself a typical female Viera. She is still very much in touch with her heritage though, even if she can't go home. I feel that Aluette would get along well with other Viera that she met.
Qih'tan Mujuuk/ Quill Verbena
Born as a Keeper of the Moon Miq'ote to one of the families that stayed in Ilsabard, his mother was the only one who could have taught him their traditions. And she was too busy with his twin sister so he was raised by a couple brothers no more than 7 years older than him and the Garlean school system. Because of this, he is not very in touch with his heritage, especially as it's related to Gridanian Keepers. His interactions with others Keepers are always tense because they are pretty much the only people who know what his name should be and what it means. He absolutely does not consider himself a typical Miqote: he doesn't even feel at home in his own skin. So much so he drinks a Fantasia to become a Rava Viera. All he knows about Viera culture comes from Aluette and he is certainly not typical, but he feels more comfortable in his body. By extension, he feels more at home with Viera and gets along quite well with them.
Aisbryda Wyznbyrtwyn
She was born in the Northern isles that Roegadyn's originate from, so she was very much part of their traditional culture. To this day, she enjoys fish, ale, and sailing. She would say she is definitely typical for a Sea Wolf. Thanks to her time among Hellsguard in Ul'dah, she's come to embrace the independence they value as her own. She normally gets along well enough with others of her kind, as long as everyone is treating everyone with respect.
Faine Beltarois
Faine is Wildwood/Ishgardian Elezen raised in Coerthas. Despite her parent's best attempts to raise her with Ishgardian culture, she feels no attachment to it outside of her love for expensive fashion and wine. She is a free bird and doesn't particularly care about her heritage. She would say she is relatively typical, especially after being around other Wildwood Elezen, who she relates much closer to. Because of that, she also gets along better with Wildwood Elezen than Ishgardian Elezen.
Odinvel Urselmert
Odinvel is a Duskwright Elezen, but he grew up in a very isolated underground village that worships Odin. The only thing their cultures share is a taste for Mun-Tuy beans and a distaste for Gridania and Elementals. Due to the fact that he was worshiped as Odin reborn by his village, he firmly believes he is not typical. He knows of his heritage, but he tries his best to separate himself from it. Despite it all, he gets along fairly well with Duskwrights from outside his village. Their shared dislike for Gridania led to Odinvel bonding with some Redbellies and joining them a year after the Calamity (though he left not too long after joining).
Albi Halibi
Albi is from the South Sea isles so he was raised deep in traditional Plainsfolk Lalafell culture. He loves the culture greatly and started traveling to learn of other Lalafell societies around Eorzea. Albi would think himself pretty typical for a Lalafell - a little too typical in all honesty: it's boring. He is very much in touch with his heritage still, found in the tunes his hums, the food he prefers, and his love for arcanima. He gets along well with just about anyone, this includes Plainsfolk Lalafell like himself. Though he was quite surprised to learn that Lalafell in La Noscea don't speak Lalafellin at all???
40%. If your character were to come face to face with their darkest fears in a nightmare, what would be the scene?
I think for most of my characters, one of their darker fears would be to lose the family they have made in each other and others. Losing her new family is certainly Hohoka's darkest fear, which I've written the entire scene below.
For my other characters, outside of losing their new family and loved ones, their greatest fears would be to be back where they were. Kiyomi still in that brothel in Doma. Aluette living when she lost her brother again. Quill stuck as Qih'tan again, forced to stay with his mother or dragged across battlefields like his brothers. Faine as the perfect wife for her insufferable fiance. Aisbryda hearing her father's words before she left, over and over again. Albi still captive on the pirate ship he escaped from. Odinvel becoming what his family wanted him to be, a weapon.
Hohoka's Nightmare
This takes place after the fight with "Zenos". Hohoka attempts to take a nap after waking in Ishgard. I attempted to make it as descriptive and vivid as I imagine the dream would be. A little gruesome so its behind the line
Hohoka came to on a battlefield as nondescript as one can be. Slowly, the world came into focus. Miles of ruins on all sides and bodies all around. Terror set in as the situation sunk into her. Quill's purple hair, long having fallen out of its braids, drifted in the wind. The body itself impaled on a flag pole, placed back in the dirt after its cruel job. Aluette lay on the ground below, her Serpent Captain jacket stained so completely with blood that the slash across her chest barely registered. Hohoka found Faine next, or precisely, her head with her red lovely hair cut short by the blade as well. The matching body hid under Aisbryda, sword arm hanging by a thread of tendon and stomach stabbed deep. She found Odinvel and Farah on the other side. Odinvel had clearly tried to protect Farah but to no avail. Their bodies slumped into each other, a wound cutting through Odinvel's slender form and into his love. Albi lay in the middle of it all, face down in the dirt and obscene amounts of blood around him.
Her head throbbed as the clang of metal against metal hit her already ringing ears. She whipped to the sound too fast, but through the sudden spinning she saw someone flying through the air. A flash of orange tumbled to the ground but didn't get back up. Kiyomi, still breathing but shallow. Hohoka tried to run over but her body wouldn't listen. She watched as the body of Zenos, whoever was in it anymore she wasn't sure, sauntered over to the Au'ra. The venom in her eyes as they stared at each other could make any normal person think twice. Alas, he was not normal. He lifted his katana towards the air. Hohoka begged her body for the mercy to intervene or at least close her eyes. But her pleas fell on deaf ears. The blade dived down and plummeted into her chest. Then those piercing blue eyes turned towards her. With each slow step towards her, a heavy clang of armor followed. A bell tolling the coming of the end.
"Warrior of Light," he purred as his blade came up. No matter how much she tried, Hohoka could not move or scream. Her body refused to listen to any command. The sword came down.
