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Vierapril 2026 - Day 19 - Carry

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Vierapril 2026 - Day 4 - Helping Out

"Nine-hundred and Seventy... Nine-hundred and Eighty... Hmm... Just short of a thousand Gil... That's disappointing..." Sharp peridot green eyes would lock on her opponent, a slender finger curling strands of crimson hair around in spirals of impatience. "Well... I suppose you get to keep your life so--That's a win I guess... For you anyways." Pursing her lips with amusement, Zhira examined the man from his worn hide boots, to hungover bags below his eyes. Hardly an opponent worth her time, but she was bored, and ignoring work in lieu of her favorite vice. Gambling.

"Consider it a kind gesture of assisting you with lessening the weight of your coffers... Easier to carry home empty hmm?" An air of mockery in her sultry voice, riding the high of a victory, whether it was well earned or not was for the perceptive ones who knew she didn't start with the winning card... Adverting his eyes, the man scowled as he slammed back what remained of his drink, ice half melted by now. Of course, he considered simply resorting to good'ol pirate violence. Unfortunately for him, the two powerful Roes standing behind Zhira were perhaps the most terrifying women he'd ever witnessed. He knew they would break him in half before he even raised his weapon. A coin landing on the table in front would bring the man back to reality and he glanced up, watching the Viera woman sit back in her seat, one leg crossing the other as if poised upon a throne. "A gift, for a drink on the long walk home." Lips curling into a smirk, reminding him of her victory with a pity gil. "You're welcome. I do so enjoy helping the downtrodden and needy..."

Her laugh echoed in the tavern, and as Zhira raised her hand, the woman to her right would present a hat, that of the Captain, to be placed upon her head. "I suppose we should return to the ship before Xiu curses me for abandoning him with inventory..." No matter the scolding that awaited her back on the The Fleeting Rose, Zhira wouldn't trade her life of pirating for anything.

"Drinks are on me tonight ladies..."

[ffxivaltaholic]

Vierapril 2026 - Day 21 - Alone

"I'm sorry.

I can't live your life or walk the path you've laid out for me. It is simply not who I am. This village is to small, to cramped and stifling. I feel trapped and caged in the same repetitive role day in and day out. I know you'll be angry, and I don't expect forgiveness. But I have long dreamed of the world and what awaits me out there. Watching the ships pass from the cliffside, wondering what adventures they encountered in their travels, the places they've seen. I can only dream and image myself there.

The ocean calls to me. It is where I belong even if I must go on my own. I wish we could have talked about it... I wish I didn't have to do this in a letter. But you would not hear me out for even a moment.

All these rules and restrictions are drowning me. I must go.

I must be free to see my own path.

I love you mother. More than you might think due to my actions. Thank you for what you have taught me, for being a good mother, and know that I do not do this to hurt you. I do it to follow my heart.

Take care and perhaps one day we will speak again.

You're little flower..."

~Kanina

~ Excerpt from times past

[ffxivaltaholic]

Vierapril 2026 - Day 18 - Memories

"Ah... What is this..." The sound of a thin journal landing at the man's feet gave him pause. With books piled high in his arms, Dia peered down at the faded cover, edges worn from use and cracks in the leather due to exposure to weather and time. Tilting a bit, the Gleaner settled his remaining books on a nearby table and knelt to retrieve the unexpected journal, accompanying it to a nearby desk and chair where his coffee sat waiting. Opening the journal with great care, he paused at the date written on the first page. It had been years since the pages had seen light, tucked away in the shelves among many others, it had sat gathering dust until accidentally mixing in with newer books he was organizing. A small chuckle escaped him and in need of a little break from his spring cleaning, the Viera decided to reminisce a short while. "Well, if it isn't the beginning of our journey Dahlia..." Gently trailing a finger over the words, his writing still crisp, as if it was mere days ago he'd penned the entry. "You were such a blessing as a little seedling. While a bit aggressive at first you learned quickly and grew into a wonderful companion." Speaking softly, an affection for all the beasts in his care was evident, but this particular Morbol held a special place in his heart. She was his first true tame. It had taken years of time and effort, patience and allot of soap and pleasant smelling oils. In the end though, he'd obtained a formidable combat companion, and had been able to study the species in detail. Initially his goal had been to try and find a way to improve the situation between the residents of nearby towns without having to exterminate the entire Morbol population. It was a study he'd conducted on behalf of Sharlayan, but it was also personal in nature as the Gleaner had a love for all things flora, including horticulture and seedkin and believed that they could coexist with nature if they respected it. It had worked to a degree... He'd learned how to make deterrents that could be placed in more populated areas to keep them at bay, lessening the risk of conflict. As a result of his studies and experiments, the Gleaner had managed to concoct a potion to combat the bad breath smell, removing it from garments, hair and skin so those affected did not continue to reek for weeks after an encounter. A soap potent enough to cleanse the smell, but gentle enough avoid damaging fabrics and drying out the skin. Much trial and allot of error had gone into his final success. Sipping at his coffee, Diarmune continued to flip through the pages, a small hum as he recalled those moments of learning, both the fun of the unknown and the difficult... Slightly stinkier... Lessons that helped shape his later work, leading to a publish book in the grand library and a powerful roster of beasts at his command. Finally after an hour of drifting through the past he closed the journal, handling it with gentle care and finding a suitable home on the shelf, pausing before trailing a hand over the other books, a soft smile forming. "So many memories committed to parchment. Hopefully many more to come..."

[ffxivaltaholic]

Vierapril 2026 - Day 5 - Treat

"I cannot decide..." A small flicker of fluffy white ears indicating the man's agitation as pale jade eyes scanned an array of desserts. It was utterly overwhelming. "What if I just bought all of them?" Asking the question to the ether as if the Magus Sisters might provide him the answer he sought. Normally quite decisive, this was a special occasion and incredibly important to the Viera. His first anniversary with his partner. It had to be perfect.

Huffing softly to try and compose his face, Diarmune raised a hand to run it through his long bangs, taking a moment to ease the tension in his chest and fluttering in his stomach. No matter what was chosen the Gleaner knew his beloved would love it, and yet he fretted regardless. "Have you considered making him a dessert?" The voice would draw Dia from his thoughts, gaze shifting to the side, then down to meet the gentle expression of Sa'ran, his company leader and long-time friend. The Xaela had been dragged from her work by his caffeine fueled distress over the ideal treat and in sympathy for the Viera, as well as getting back to her duties as soon as possible, she agreed to accompany the man to pick out a proper dessert. It had been two hours now. Three bakeries visited... Finally she had concluded he would not be able to resolve this situation on his own, so caught up in the perfection of the plans that he was unable to come to a decision. It was time to step in and gently guide the overwhelmed man. "It would mean more if you make it with your own hands. It doesn't have to be perfect. The fact you made it would mean more to him than a bought dessert." It was as if she knew what he protest with.

It wont be good enough. What if it isn't as pretty? Would he even like it?

She knew exactly what was running through Diarmune's mind and countered it with a stern and motherly look, despite being far shorter than the Viera... A blank stare would greet her, as the Xaela's pre-emptive words struck down every complaint Dia could initially protest with. His mouth open, then closed, the words unable to pass and nothing to refute with. "I both love and hate when you're right..." The Gleaner's face softened, stress easing from his eyes and the tightness of the man's jaw finally relaxing. "But I will need help... I am no baker..." Pleading eyes now locked on her own and the Xaela paused, realizing that despite how perfect her suggestion was, it also meant that the paperwork in her office was going to have to wait. A few seconds passed and despite trying to formulate a polite decline, Sa'ran could not and with a weak chuckle she finally nodded.

"Okay... But you have to assist me with the reports tomorrow in return."

A solid compromise, and his beaming smile was reward enough for the moment.

"Alright, lets go make the perfect anniversary treat!"

[ffxivaltaholic]

#4: Clinch

“I did not think I would achieve it, despite the confidence I radiated... Deep down I was nervous and stressed.  I only got one attempt, that was all and if I failed... I would be better to lay down my spear and leave than to face him again.

A Xaela’s life can vary greatly depending on their tribe, for mine, it held a different requirement for acceptance than his.  But mine is gone, wiped away like ocean waves on the beach.  I wanted to join his.  To be his, and to prove I was worthy of such a warrior.   So I took the challenge, a massive task for one such as myself. Bardam’s Mettle. Outside the Steppes that would not garner much more than a glance, but in my new home, passing the test was the height of many a Xaela’s life.  Especially as quite a few have lost their lives attempting it.  Here I was... barely twenty-one summers, attempting such a feat.  Some told me not to, that they had trained from childhood to be ready for this challenge, whereas I had merely had months to prepare...  Even so, I was determined.  I would prove it. The challenge was more than I should have been able to overcome. A few times, I was sure I would perish, and yet when it came to those decisive moments, a clutched a victory...  If only by the edge of my scales...  By the end I was exhausted, and still a foe waited for me. One final challenge to earn my place and the attention of the one I sought.  A mighty warrior, veteran of the Naadam and the perfect mate. The final fight, what made it so difficult was that I could not kill my opponent, rather I needed to tame it.  That required a level of care and gentleness in combat that I was not known for...  Those unaware of the tradition would probably laugh when I say I must tame a bird... But this is no simple creature. It is a Yol, an intelligent mighty bird, one whose talons can snap a spear and rip flesh from bone.  I wanted to rest, but he would not wait.  The Yol that perched on the ledge was only so patient, and I was running out of daylight.

I had to fight and with what little stamina I had left I charged.  The rest of the fight was a blur, and I scarcely remember what happened.  When my eyes opened he was there, the Dotharl man I sought so dearly to impress, standing above me, his face lit up by the torches.  Had I failed?  In that one, most vital moment...  Did I lose? A smile told me otherwise, and as I came to my senses more, in the dim light, I felt feathers behind me. Slowly, as I was quite sore, I turned to see the large Yol on the rocky plateau nestled there and staring at me. He looked a little ruffled, but otherwise alright, far better than I did...  It still hadn’t registered until I heard the voice tell me I had won over the beast.  Looking back upon the Dotharl, I finally understood.  It was over, I had passed the greatest of tests... I was worthy. He carried me home, my newly acquired Yol following.  The reception was delighted, if not concerned for my well being, and as much as I wished to celebrate my narrow victory, all my body wished for was sleep.  I do not even recall them tending to my wounds, and I am sure I slumbered for at least a full day... But I recovered, and I was stronger for it.  I was accepted into the tribe, one I was not born to, and given a new spear.  It was exhilarating, but what I wanted most was his acceptance, to be more than a friend. To be loved by him.  

[ffxivaltaholic]

Prompt #3: Muster

“Do you still get nightmares?” “Sometimes... You?” “Occasionally.” An affirming nod followed by a sigh accompanied the words, and in the dimly lit room, the two Knights sat, their discussion falling silent as each pondered the past.  So much had happened in such a short time to change their entire understanding of their world. A truth had been laid bare and it had rippled through their home, forcing a much needed change, “Sometimes I wonder how you mustered the strength to survive such an attack, but I am thankful... We have already lost so many.”  A solemn expression formed, and the Knight shifted in his chair, moving long blonde locks from one shoulder to the other. The chair was almost to small for the towering Elezen.  “I was sure you would perish, the injuries were so severe...” Across from him was a man of a slightly smaller stature and raven black hair tied back in a braid.  “I was sure I had perished as well...” How he had survived and gained the strength to recover was still a bit of a mystery, however Tsirae was fairly sure it was due to the Chirurgeons that tended to him, and the fact that he didn’t want to go without seeing the person he loved at least one more time. Willpower had played a large role in the recovery and had ultimately made him stronger. “I miss them...” The blonde Knight gave a low sigh, reaching for a drink before settling back in his chair. “Me too...  I think we always will, but they would not want to see us mourn forever.  I know Quinn would be furious if we only felt sad when remembering them. He was always smiling..It would be a disservice to them..” It was a valid point and Tsirae couldn’t help but smile a little himself as he recalled pleasant memories of the other deceased Knights, his brothers in arms... Friends...  It was a struggle at times, but they tried to focus on the good memories. “So you getting married yet?”  The comment nearly made Tsirae throw the nearest object at his friend’s face. “Why must you ask me that every time I visit Ishgard?” His tone was low and while slightly annoyed, it had become more of a friendly harassment between the two, especially as Roland, the older of the pair, was already married and his first child was reaching almost a year old. “I just find amusement in your suffering.”  A boisterous laugh escaped Roland and he finished his drink, eyeing up his friend.  “You should though.  Life is to short, and you wont be young forever!” “We’re only three years part... And we’re not even in our thirties yet...” Roland offered an enthusiastic thumbs up...  Tsirae simply sighed. A visit was important, even if it was rather trying on his nerves. So much had changed in Ishgard, and much more still needed to... It was a long road, and they would need to gather their strength and courage to continue pushing forward.

[ffxivaltaholic]

Vierapril 2026 - Day 10 - Radiant

She is a goddess, Crashing through the waves, Effortless. Beautiful. Free. Shimmering in the ocean spray, Untamed and unburdened, Through storms and battles alike, She never falters. Ever reliable. Sails black against blue skies, Hull of cherry red wood, The Fleeting Rose,

My soul encompassed in rigging and wood. Radiant and bright.

My ship and my home... She's perfect.

May Llymlaen guide us upon our currents of life. I would not change this life for anything....