#gatheredfates

[enkindlephoenix]

between a predator and its prey, there is only hunger, and desire has no direction. (ft. @gatheredfates' hyacinth.)

[riftdancing]

⭐Happy Birthday, @gatheredfates !!!⭐

Girl its your HECKIN' birthday so I'm here to gush about just how CUTE and how much you mean to me as is tradition every time your special day rolls around. Also, congratulations on another year spent as a crypt keeper. 👍 I'm so proud of you.

As for the rest of you lot, its time for a history lesson! Seven and a half years ago I met one of the best friends I'd ever make and we bonded over what?

S E C R E T I O N.

I swear in this moment I knew I'd met my best friend. And I don't mean that casually. Like the best of my friends. I mean that like the friend soul mate I thought I'd never have. The platonic LOVE OF MY LIFE if you will.

I can't imagine my life without you at this point. I know when we met we were fractured individuals. I feel like we helped pick up each other's pieces and in our own way pieced ourselves back together. The foundation of our friendship is so so strong. You have literally seen me at my best and my worst. You know all of my secrets and you have seen all of me, and I cherish that you accept me for everything that I am.

So together, some times we have good days...

Sometimes we have ...days...

And sometimes we have...

Each other. And that's the important part. You have always been there for me. My confident. My rock. My favorite opossum drama queen.

May our stories forever be intertwined both fiction and non-fiction.

May we grow together and impart shared wisdoms on one another.

and may we forever stick together no matter how much we grow...

Happy birthday my dearest and most wonderful friend. ♥ I love you so much.

Now the rest of you lot!! Don't forget to wish @gatheredfates the happiest of birthdays and be sure to tell her she's cute as hell!! ♥

[zylphiacrowley]

tent — for the single-word drive!

Only 14 summers old, X'vahl had ran as far away from home as his legs could take him. He ran until his lungs burned and his feet bled from the straps of his sandals digging into his skin, stopping only when his body wouldn't allow him to go any further. Gathering a small amount of reserve strength, he put the survival skills his father had taught him to use in their first real world application and set up a small camp. It wasn't much, just a meager campfire and a tent to sleep under. It wouldn't protect him from any wild animals, but it would at least shield him from the elements. As he sat in front of the fire, he desperately pleaded with his mind to stop replaying the images of his dad's brutal death. Was it not enough to have witnessed it first hand? When his eyes could no longer keep themselves open, he curled up in his small tent and fell asleep. Perhaps as a mercy, he did not dream that night.

This one had me stumped for a while, and I almost requested a new prompt. I'm glad I didn't though because this set allowed me to learn some new things, or at least test some things I've been wondering about for a while. Learning how to make a male miqo'te child/young teen in-game was certainly a challenge but I'm overall pretty satisfied with how this turned out.

Also forgive my weird writing. I haven't written anything like this in ages and honestly I'm mildly self-conscious about it but I felt that I wanted to include at least some context for this set. I also wanted to at least try to write something again and see where I'm at with my writing again since it's something that I've been wanting to start doing again.

[lilbittymonster]

What is your character(s) go-to drink of choice? Does this change depending on their location; ie. there's a drink at the Bismark they'll get every time verses a drink they'll make for themselves at home? If they were being indulgent, what kind of drink might they make (aka, a certain kind of cocktail, tea, etc.)?

Drinks (and food) with Kitali are heavily location dependent and company dependent.

If she's out in public somewhere that she's not familiar with, she won't be eating or drinking anything she either didn't prepare herself or watch be prepared from start to finish. A lot of the time she will have the hip flask Aymeric gave her filled with her own mix. If Thancred is there with her, he will actively sample any food or drink that comes her way. Same thing with Aymeric, though the occasions they're out together are rare. Bottled drinks she can open herself are always preferred.

If she's at home or somewhere safe with people she trusts, then the alcohol can come out. Still no more than a glass or two, but she can let herself relax a bit. Facilities allowing, she'll make herself tea (she doesn't trust restaurants to make it properly).

For a night of real indulgence she'll make her and Aymeric tea that's been imported through the Firmament shops or tea she's sent him herself and do the full ceremony. It's a grounding thing for her and a novelty thing for him, and usually something that's blocked out for an entire evening to take their time with.

Thank you so much for the ask @gatheredfates!

[eriyu]

I was looking through your character's tag and I saw that she has relationships ranging from 'very complicated' to 'fuck buddies and very uncomplicated' and I just want to know more about them. Specifically, why is her relationship with Raha complicated as opposed to Thancred where it's simple?

Oh I love this question. :D

The short answer is just because G'raha is in love with her and Thancred isn't.

There's never been so much as a hint of romantic feeling between her and Thancred, and they've both had their share of casual sex before, so it's very easy for them to just be FWB. That's not to say nothing's ever strained their friendship, between various traumatic events, one of them accidentally spending five bonus years in another world, etc etc, but I say it's simple because there's zero desire on either of their parts for it to be anything but platonic.

G'raha, on the other hand....... Ehryu really, really cares about him; he is one of her favorite people ever, and she is physically attracted to him, but she's grey-aro and if her feelings are romantic at all (maybe? if she squints hard enough?), it's not at all the same as what he feels for her.

So Ehryu thinks he deserves more than what she's willing and able to give him and doesn’t want to lead him on and hurt him, and for G'raha's part, he doesn't want to tie her down or guilt her into anything she doesn’t want. At the same time, it's very difficult for both of them to ignore that there's something there, and eventually (during 5.4) they do talk it out and come to a compromise that lets me be self-indulgent makes both of them happy. :')

[koko-mochi]

scholar — for the single-word drive!

"Wait," the archon hummed a small sound of disbelief, "don't tell me the vaunted Warrior of Light doesn't know how to read!"

R'koko sucked on her bottom lip, her brow creased in concentration as she stared at the pages in front of her. Raw text--no pictures or diagrams--filled the paper. When her friend had invited her to spend an afternoon in the Noumenon together, R'koko had assumed that all Y'shtola wanted was some company--something to break up the monotony of reading book after book on opening voidgates and navigating the rift; perhaps some of R'koko's insight based on the times that she had spent traversing the rift. R'koko had not been expecting Y'shtola to put a book in her hands and ask her to read it aloud.

It was easy to forget the cloudy-eyed Scion was blind. For the most part, she moved through the world as well as anyone else, using aethersight to find her way. And while she was not forthcoming about the toll that aethersight took on her body, there was no denying the benefit that it provided her. Her limitations did, however, make themselves known when it came to books. In a tragic twist, the scholarly miqo'te could not see the words on a page unless they were written in enchanted ink or embossed into the paper. Stone tablets were easier, because letters were carved into their surface, but if they were worn and weathered Y'shtola struggled with them.

Regardless, Y'shtola was never one to let her struggles show, so R'koko didn't think twice about whether her friend would be able to read books on her own with aethersight.

In this case, however, it would seem not. R'koko's heart had hammered in her chest as Y'shtola put the book in her hands. The Warrior of Light had opened the cover and been disappointed and a bit panicked to find no pictures. At least pictures would have helped R'koko fake it, keep her best friend believing that she could read, staving off pity and disappointment and deep embarrassment.

Instead line after line of strange characters stretched out across the page. And about a minute into her halting and labored attempt to read the book aloud, Y'shtola had stopped her, her face a mix of surprise and amusement. The Warrior of Light couldn't read.

"I never had reason to learn back home," R'koko murmured. And it was true. She had shown tremendous talent and skill as a hunter from a young age, and the leaders of her village cultivated those skills in her, rather than literacy or other more traditional elements of classroom education.

Y'shtola smiled gently. R'koko didn't want to look, didn't want to see the pity on her friend's face. But when the archon spoke there was no pity there, only kindness and intimacy. "I wish I could teach you. I wish I had known when we had first met in La Noscea." She stifled a chuckle. "Maybe I did know, could tell, by the way you stared at that memorial stone in Seasong Grotto, with such a perplexed look on your face."

R'koko's shoulders sagged. "Your memory is too good, you know."

Y'shtola leaned forward, whispering into R'koko's ear, "Maybe you're just too memorable."

R'koko blushed, but the comment disarmed her. "Just," she stammered, "don't let the twins know I can't read, okay?"

"My lips are sealed," Y'shtola said, the corner of a smile creeping into her words. "Can you imagine though? You would never hear the end of it from Alphinaud."

R'koko rolled her eyes. "I know." They both laughed, and R'koko relaxed. Y'shtola really was her dearest, most important friend, and as the two miqo'te laughed together R'koko wondered why she had ever hidden this from her, because of course Y'shtola wouldn't judge her for her illiteracy.

"As for the matter at hand," Y'shtola nodded towards the book R'koko was holding, "shall we fetch G'raha? He'll be able to read that. And I have a feeling your secret will be safe with him."

"Right," said R'koko, "G'raha it is."

[vierabathwater]

bedroom - for the single-word fic prompt!

(Mildly suggestive)

In the days of eld and of paradise

Morning had broken over the star.  Emet-Selch awoke with the sun coming in, bright and warm, through the window in Azem's room.  How late had he slept?  Hopefully the Convocation had no urgent need of him.

He looked over to his side to gaze upon Azem, their gleaming black hair framing their pale face perfectly.  He never understood how it never turned into a mess overnight.  They'd be blessed with long, luscious locks–good for stroking, or pulling for that matter.  Their arm was still entwined with his, giving him the frustrating task of pulling away from his partner without disturbing them.

Slowly, Emet-Selch slid his arm away, back towards himself. But it was no good.  Azem stirred, letting out a grumble and pulling it back towards them.

“We need to get up,” he insisted gently.

“I don't want to,” whined the reply.

“Must you be so slothful?  You are well aware that we have responsibilities.”

Azem let out a huge huff, their deep purple eyes glinting.  “But last night was really fun…”

Emet-Selch remembered he was under the heat and power of two suns, including the one giving him a come hither look at this very moment.  They knew exactly what that look did to him.

They always got their way, eventually.  For him it was worth it.  Thus, he sighed and returned to their side, resigned to his fate.

–

Many, many, many years and one Sundering later

Because her time in the first hadn’t been enough to keep her blood pressure elevated, Sigrun raised her eyes to see Emet-Selch had “graced” her with his presence yet again.  She sighed.  “I think I told you, I don’t need your help.”

“Well, far be it from me to expect a hero to want my unholy assistance.”  Hero was spat out with a subtle venom, as if the very word burnt his tongue.  Something within him hated heroes–so why did he find himself returning to this hero’s side?  “But I admit, your progress in destroying the Lightwardens is fascinating and, dare I say, admirable.”

“Well thank you for the compliment, your most Excellency-ness,” Sigrun huffed.  “Now you can leave whenever you feel like it.”  She brushed away a green tipped lock out of her eye, only to see his face had oddly…softened.  “What do you want now?”

Emet-Selch hated how her eyes were like Azem’s, her hair as thick and soft as theirs–well, probably.  He knew better than to try to even ask to touch her hair.  But her heart, her kindness, her braver, her heroism–all just like Azem.   Soon, the Light would swallow her whole, the Shards rejoined–and Azem would be whole again.  He ached for the days where he could return to their bedroom and have them greet him with open arms.  This weak shard–no matter her beauty, her strong will, her selflessness–would never suffice in the interim.

“Waiting for your next move.”

Sigrun shook her head and rolled her eyes.  “Well, I have places to be.  And keep your eyes off my ass this time.”

“Like I would stoop so low.”  He turned to leave, giving the sarcastic wave he favored, and teleported away.

Sigrun put a hand to her chest.  What was this painful ache that came to it whenever that Ascian showed up?  What made her so mean, blunt, snappy and angry at Emet-Selch–but what also made her want to throw caution and logic to the wind, and do something that would make the other Scions sick to their stomach?

She chose not to think about it further, and headed to Malikah’s Well.

[wanderers--of--light]

faithful - for the single-word fic prompt!

G'ari stared out into the calming dark waters of the ocean as he perched on top of a small cliff outcropping. His eyes glazed over, taking in the sight and his ears twitched listening to the rolling waves that sloshed down below him.

It had been several months since G'ari left Captain Tarasch's crew and headed out on his own adventure to... Find himself, he supposed. But he still felt that emptiness inside him that threatened to rip open his chest every waking moment of the day.

He scowled darkly at himself, his brows pinched together and his eyes squinted. G'ari knew exactly why he felt this way, and it was annoying. It was a clear distraction and blockade to his fun and freeing adventure where he threw caution to the wind. Although, maybe it's because he was throwing caution to the wind was why he felt like he was struggling so much.

G'ari's mind supplied him with the last conversation he had with Elliaunt--his best friend, the guy who shared so many similarities to G'ari and the one who understood him the most. When Elliaunt had gotten hurt, he beat himself up because he had almost lost him--had almost lost Elliaunt--the guy he could count on and be there for him no matter what. He remembered the look of hurt and betrayal in the Elezen's eyes when he confronted G'ari about leaving the crew.

.

"You're kidding, right? What ever happened to sticking together?"

"I just wanted to go off on my own, it's no big deal." G'ari turned away and continued packing what little he had into his bag. Elliaunt gripped his arm and forced the Miqo'te to look at him. G'ari took in a sharp inhale, glancing up into Elliaunt's viridian eyes.

The way the green darkened like a forest during a midnight storm, with tall opposing trees swaying in the harsh winds. His brows had been furrowed deeply, creating creases in the middle and his forehead. But more than that, more than the anger, G'ari could see tears form just along the waterline. And suddenly, G'ari felt horrible.

"Is this because of what happened?" Elliaunt asked with a soft voice--a huge contrast to the anger that fumed out from him. G'ari didn't respond and looked away with a frown.

Elliaunt sighed and released G'ari's arm--his hand dropped to his side and the Elezen teen took a half-step back.

"Look. It wasn't your fault. You know that."

G'ari scoffed, rolling his eyes and he turned to look up at Elliaunt again. "But it was my fault! You got hurt because of me--you almost died, Elli."

Elliaunt gently took G'ari's shoulders and dipped his head down--the Elezen was much taller than G'ari, which came as no surprise being an Elezen and all--but despite his height, Elliaunt could still make himself feel and look small, which always amazed G'ari.

"But I didn't die. I'm still here, with you. So..." Elliaunt pressed his lips together and G'ari could see a single tear roll down his friend's cheek. G'ari didn't know what came over him, but he reached his hand out and wiped the tear away, feeling the softness of Elliaunt's face against his fingers. Elliaunt was startled, eyes blinked widely and his lips slightly ajar. But the surprise passed and Elliaunt just leaned into G'ari's touch.

G'ari would be lying if he said that didn't stir up butterflies inside his stomach.

"I have to go, Elli."

"Do you have to...?"

Every single molecule that was running inside of G'ari was screaming to say no. That he didn't have to leave. But the guilt that still gnawed at his heart was telling him he still had to go. Had to get away to clear his head and figure out who he is and who he wants to be.

"I'm sorry, Elli. I have to."

Elliaunt didn't say anything after that and just drew the ginger Miqo'te into his arms. G'ari's head pressed up against his friend's chest and he could hear the steady heartbeat loud in his ears. It was calming.

G'ari wasn't sure how long they stood there, holding each other in each other's arms. But their moment was interrupted by the sounds of the other crew members laughing boisterously as they came down the stairs from the deck.

"I promise I'll write," G'ari started with a tremor in his voice. He cleared his throat. "I promise, okay? And when I'm ready, I'll come back. I'll come back to the crew... And I'll come back to you."

Elliaunt's face was unreadable, his verdant eyes traced every feature of G'ari, carefully taking the Miqot'e in, maybe as a way to capture the memory before G'ari had to leave for good.

"I'll hold you up to your promise, G'ar," Elliaunt said finally with a sad smile. It hurt G'ari to see him like this, so G'ari cupped Elliaunt's face and brought him down so he could place a gentle kiss against Elliaunt's forehead.

"Please, have a little more faith in me," G'ari responded with a haughty smirk.

Elliaunt rolled his eyes, but he was smiling as well. "Oh, I'm sorry dear faithful friend who remembers their promises." A pause. Then, Elliaunt cackled, poking G'ari's cheeks when G'ari pouted up at the Elezen boy.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny," G'ari deadpanned, which only made Elliaunt laugh even more. "I'll show you how faithful I can be. I'll write you a letter every day! And each of those letters is gonna be me bragging about how awesome my adventures are. You're going to be so jealous." The Miqo'te grinned deviously.

"I'm looking forward to it," Elliaunt responded.

.

G'ari sighed, shaking his head from the melancholic thoughts that rolled inside his mind. The Miqo'te got up, brushed his pants and stood tall. The weather had gotten slightly darker, with the clouds looming overhead. He figured now was a good time as any to head to the nearest outpost and sleep for the night. Maybe write those letters to send to the crew and Elliaunt as well.

He turned on his heel, leaving the peaceful view of the ocean behind him.