The Underrated Adventures of Eight Tails.

IC blog and journal for Kou Kikai and his many travels. Koukikai/Wishfaux - WRA WoW | Kou Kikai - Balmung FFXIV

[romanceyourdemons]

one of my favorite tropes in chinese literature is when a guy’s wife is clearly a ghost/demon/fox fairy and he just can’t see it. i’m reading a story where this guy keeps getting arrested because his wife will just magically steal steal shit out of sealed boxes and give it to him as a present, and whenever someone is like dude i think something’s up with his wife he asks her and she’s like i’m literally normal. so he turns around and says yeah guys she’s literally normal

[succulent-tart]

Succulent Tart Presents....

Our 17th Anniversary celebration with an ABC (Anything But Clothes) Rave

An ABC (Anything But Clothes) party is a themed party where people create outfits using unconventional materials instead of traditional clothing (shirts, pants, dresses, or anything typically designed to be worn). The idea is that attendees must instead get creative with everyday materials to design unique and, sometimes, humorous "outfits." This does not mean come nude!

We encourage the use of moodboards and/or TRP descriptions of your outfits!

WHEN: Saturday, August 23rd WHERE: Scryers’s Tier Stage, Shattrath Stage [57, 72] (See attached map) This event will be hosted on Wyrmrest Accord but we will have anchors! TIME: 6 PM WrA/Pacific (8 PM MG/Central)

Cross-Faction & Cross-Server Friendly

ANCHORS: TBD

Check out our Website for event flyer & More! Succulent Tart Website Link

[succulent-tart]

SUCCULENT TART'S FIRE FEST 2025!

Our annual Fire Festival is back! Come and join us for our Chillin & Grillin BBQ on Thursday, before the Festival opens on Friday & Saturday!

WHEN: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st WHERE: Mar'at, Uldum !! THIS IS HOSTED ON WYRMREST ACCORD !!

ANCHORS: Alliance: Valoun-WyrmrestAccord Horde: Nahiilvi-WyrmrestAccord THURSDAY EVENT Begins at 6pm WrA/PT - 8pm MG): Chillin' & Grillin' BBQ social This is a laid-back 'calm before the fire storm' event, there will be NO vendors, performances, or raffles today, but there will be A LOT of food, drink, swimming, dancing, and general fun! BBQ provided, bring a side/dessert/drink to share!

FRIDAY EVENTS (Begins at 5pm WrA/PT - 7pm MG): Vendors, performances, raffles, Pride party, and camping!

SATURDAY EVENTS (Begins at 4pm WrA/PT - 6pm MG): Vendors, performances, raffles, fireworks, and the Heat Rave 'til the sun comes up! For more information, please check out our website: Fire Fest 2025 Or this tumblr: @tartfirefest You can find our Discord link on the sidebar for the Fire Fest tumblr!

[wishfaux]

[Unsent Letters] Golden Hour

[Music]

The lights around the venue start to dim, leaving the audience in the dark to help gather their attention. A spark of light glimmers within the center of the round stage, growing into a single spotlight to set the mood for what is about to happen. A familiar Vulpera lies curled up in the center fast asleep. Adorned with his ever-familiar microphone, it’s noticeably a translator to help people hear in their native language.

A faint chime echoes from somewhere as those versed with the knowledge of magic might feel a slight tingle along their bodies. It’s clean, unaspected energy - leaving it safe for all.

A gentle swell of music gradually makes itself known. Amidst the soft beats of perfectly timed water droplets, unseen strings join, helping to set the mood. Such seems to stir the small, white fox awake who stretches and comes to life with a tiny yawn. Glancing down, a glittery note sits next to him which he picks up to look it over; cheeks puff as if unsure what to say—still, a small smile forms at the sight of his unsent letter.

Kou tilts his head, looking over the note. His sweet voice sounds fond of something when the words start to pour, almost smitten. “It was just two lovers… Sittin’ Orgrimmar, listenin’ to Tarts, Fallin’ for each other~.” Pushing himself up, the note is folded and tucked into an envelope and in his pocket in tandem with the chimes. Glancing around at the audience, there’s a soft, almost shy air in his tone. “Pink and orange skies, feelin’ super childish, no lucky clovers.”

The Vulpera lifts his paws to his chest, fidgeting at the words while trying to recount just what he wants the note to read. Maybe if he can get it off his chest, he can finally send it! “Missed call from our other, like, ”where you at tonight?” Got no alibi…” Eyes gaze around the circle, he tries to explain his actions but with each step, the dark floor briefly lights up in a gentle blue ripple. Even though the light shimmers around the audience, it fades before settling back into the dark, serene atmosphere.

Kou faces toward another section of the audience, his smile growing ever brighter, if not a bit embarrassed at the confession. “I was all alone with the loooove of my liiife, he’s got glitter for fur, my radiant beam in the night~.” He spins around on one foot, clutching his heart harder to try and keep the aching muscle restrained. Once more the floor under him shines - through the reflection below shows a hatted, speckled Vulpera mimicking his motions, yet the dark consumes the light again.

The little fox pivots on his foot to look up toward the spotlight, noticing the flicks of sparkles drifting down, lightly dusting his fur. Something within it causes him to draw a large breath, the music following his confession with a near angelic plea. “I don’t need no light to see you shiiiiiiiine! It’s your golden hooour! Oh-oh oooh…” Gravitating from his small frame, the words echo and even begin to fill the air with an almost powerful, radiant gathering of energy.

Kou lifts his paws up from his chest, drawing on that magical energy to light up the center stage in gentle hues of gold. Ears fall back in a vulnerable display while uncertainty quakes within. Even dancing glitter in the air slows, almost bending to the Vulpera’s heartfelt voice. “You slow down tiiime! It’s your golden hooour!” The music dances around his body and his arms fall back to his side, pouring out the light from his fingertips to help keep the circle illuminated.

The music shifts to a more whimsical beat as Kou jumps from the middle, flopping down between two audience members. His bright smile returns when the excitement in his voice and body struggle to be contained, leading him to almost bounce. His cheek first presses to the person on his left, “We were just two lovers!” He chimes, tilting his head to the person on the right, cheek to cheek, same as the first. “Paws up on the dash, runnin’ nowhere fast, Burnin’ through the summer!”

Kou spins out of the seat, skipping around the arena to leave golden leaves in his wake, the buds blooming moments after. “Fire Fest’s a blast, make the moment last!” In a twirl of delight, his momentum allows him to pluck up a translucent flower he’s created to offer it toward them. “He’s got solar power!” He doesn’t even wait for them to take it, instead, it’s tucked right into their hair with a perfect chime, and off he goes again. “Minutes feel like hours!”

He reaches up to grab his ears and tug at them, unable to keep himself from releasing a giddy little huff. “He knew he was the baddest, can you even imagine??” Jumping toward another part of the audience, the hype he gives shines with radiance, trying to convince the world of what he wants to say but can’t seem to find the right words. “Fallin’ like I did!” His finger reaches out to boop another right on the nose with the playful chime, leaving a small print of sparkles on it.

The vulpera moves away with another burst of energy, using it to skate around the center ring, leaving a trail of magic behind him. The graceful motions eventually place him back in the middle where he’d started. “For the loooove of my liiife, he’s got glow on his face, a glorious look in his eyes…” Reaching back into his pocket, the letter shoved in previously is plucked out and held, his eyes locked on it. The thoughts of it distract him, maybe it’s not good enough.

He softens when fingers release the letter, letting it fall, “my angel of light…” With those words, the envelope shifts and swirls around him, transforming into beautiful, feathered wings, giving Kou a heavenly glow. The magic pulses below him, further igniting the stage. When it begins to pour, the floor surrounding the seats is flooded in a dull, transparent liquid. “I was all alone with the looove of my liiife, he’s got glitter for fur, my radiant beam in the night.”

Kou closes his eyes, looking for his courage. “I don’t need no light to see you…” Drawing a deep breath, he belts out the words to help his emotions carry. Just then, a bright wave expels from him, the energy swirling around the audience. “Shiiiiiiiiiiine! It’s your golden hooour!” Singing with all of his heart, the vulpera scoops at the air around him to gather every ounce of magic he’s conjured thus far, allowing the tension of gold to warp into a visible amalgamation. 

“You slow down tiiiiime!” At the very crescendo of his confession, the energy drops from his body and explodes outward, painting the entire arena into an actual stage surrounding the tiny fox. The water created from his magic shines brightly in a brilliant blue and the splash of residual effects rain like stardust. Everything shimmers and pops with speckles of gold and blue paint in the starting event. It even consumes Kou, leaving him in a rather stylish gold and white attire. “It’s your golden hour!”

The last few chimes of notes come from the snowing glitter dancing in the bright blue mood lighting. Kou allows his magic to fade while each step he takes matches the drifting keys of the music, leaving ripples through the liquid under his paws until it transforms into the setting he needs it to be. The water evaporates, creating an arena stage with the delighted little vulpera standing there, smiling at the gathering around him.

Kou bows, turning on his heel in the process to ensure all angles are greeted properly, motioning to Tryxiel in appreciation “Welcome everyone, Succulent Tart’s Unsent Letters!”

| @succulent-tart |

[lilyofporcelain]

Unsent Letters

In the early hours of the morning when it was still very much dark outside, she scattered a look about her residence. Ankalei rarely visited it. In fact, it went so neglected that there was a fine layer of dust on just about everything. Flowers dead in a vase on the counter in a kitchen she’d never used because she never needed to eat. The water had long since evaporated. Everything else had been untouched. Chairs positioned in just such a way that once upon a time she’d sat in one, got up, and never put it back in its place. When she looked at it in the morning, it looked like everything had been suspended in time.

…Just like her.

The night before had been an interesting one. Enjoyable. Thought-provoking. Unsent letters. The very notion was worthy of consideration. Nahilvi had mentioned that all people had things that went unsaid. Things they’d wished they’d given voice to. That was the point behind unsent letters. Concepts and feelings and ideas that were born into being, but withered away over time. Circumstance. Cowardice. Any number of reasons for why such things became unspoken and remained little more than momentary companions that lived in one’s mind with only other thoughts as cohorts.

She had so many things in her own life, when she’d been living, that went unsaid. Some of them had been terribly angry, bitter, awful things. Some of them had been intimately wrapped in the emotional embrace of vengeance. Some of them had been awfully soft things that had begged forgiveness, compassion, and understanding. Ankalei definitely had her own slew of unsent letters, the types that would likely never see the light the day. Words that would never exactly find ink and parchment. Words that lingered up in her head before they were planted in a wooden box and locked up.

There’s no need for them now, Ankalei thought as she stepped in front of the full-body mirror in her run-down sitting room, just as dust-bunny conquered as every other room was. 

No knick-knacks, really. Some books here and there. Mostly armour pieces. Jewellery settings and gemstones littered here, there, and everywhere. Geodes. Metallic wires and shaping tools. 

She examined herself, the sickly ashen colour of her skin. Once it had been pink in hue. Darker than her life’s reflection. Vibrant. Saturated. Rich. It was a wonder pieces of her just weren’t falling off. Blonde and silver hair fell out of the messy way she’d had it pulled up the night before. Ankalei had, in the late hours of the night, made way back across the water to her dirty place in Durotar, in dry air and unpleasant climate. She didn’t need to sleep anymore, in the same way she didn’t need to eat or drink. She found herself a little amused. She’d gotten a drink the night before. It had tasted… Well. Fine. But she couldn’t get drunk anymore. At least, not really in the same way. Ankalei could have found herself in the bottom of her cups time and again, but it wouldn’t have mattered. It was all just a way of making herself seem somewhat normal, knowing she wasn’t. Knowing she never would be.

But no one there had seemed to notice. Or cared, even. Kind of the way Zaihne didn’t care. It had been nice to be treated as… a person. She thought about the translucent flower that had been tucked into her hair. Unbefitting her. She wasn’t a beautiful creature. She wasn’t alive. She wasn’t dead. She was, and could only be, Ankalei. Still just a shell of who she once had been. Still unable to resume a life she’d once wanted to have. Not good for anything except swinging her mace.

Her gaze flickered over to it, ice and blue and empty, just like the rest of her felt. When she felt things, kindness, compassion, were they truly feelings she experienced? Or were they the memories of what she recollected they felt like? Had she only been emulating those experiences? Were her smiles real or were they practised things based on a past that had been torn out of her hands? Ankalei hated thinking about it. It got too complicated and profound and philosophical for her. It was best to leave that to academic minds. A scholar, she was not, and the thought of spending her presumably infinite years left with her nose in a book seemed… 

Well. It seemed boring as hell.

Lifting a hand into her hair, she shook it about, messy and all over the place. She wore it up so often that whenever she wasn’t, it just waved and waved and waved, ringlets that assaulted neck and shoulders, not daring to go any longer than that, usually. As if it too, had been suspended in time. She wore an amused expression at the notion that yet again, she’d been mistaken for her sister. It was hard not to find it funny. By appearance, they looked so similar. Even sounded similar if one ignored how sometimes tinny Ankalei sounded, like she tried to feign inflection, but struggled to do so convincingly. She and Laeynna, though they had their similarities, the differences felt and seemed so much more intense.

Laeynna was, in truth, all soft things. Soft and delicate and fragile. A poor constitution. Unfit for war and battle. Not incapable of wielding a weapon, but so frail that she was more likely to crumble into pieces with a well-placed hit. Like she was little more than soft marble and stone. And she’d always been like that. Ankalei had never considered herself superior, but there was no doubting all of the strength Laeynna had lacked, her twin sister had held instead. It was much paying witness to her sister’s weaknesses that made Ankalei want to play the role of guard so much.

…Had it not been the duty of an older sibling to guard the other? The times between their births had been minimal, but Ankalei had been first. The moment she knew that was the moment she wanted to take on that role. To protect her younger twin from the things that would try to do her harm. And at a point, to protect her from herself. She’d tried to. That had failed tremendously. Ankalei had blamed herself for a time. If she’d been more observant. If she’d not been so quiet. If she’d been more inclined to defend her sister. If, if, if. So many ifs. Maybe none of them would have mattered.

She couldn’t do anything but laugh when she and Laeynna were mistaken for one another. The only downside that really potentially came with that was taking responsibility for anything Laeynna might have done, but even that felt like it didn’t matter much. How much did she care what people thought of her? She knew what she was already. And it wasn’t like her feelings could get hurt. Assuming she had any. Ankalei couldn’t be certain and it was part of that deep kind of thinking she wanted to avoid if she could. When it came to the varied expressions she’d received, however—Fiorenze, the companion of hers who had left somewhat abruptly but not disguised her surprise, Nahilvi, maybe even Dicenne—she wondered what the real surprise was. Was it that Laeynna had kept so much of her life a secret that no one knew about Ankalei? Was it that no one could imagine Laeynna even having siblings? Was it that Ankalei was somehow more personable?

Laughing to herself, a little hollow but seemingly sincere, she stretched her arms above her head. It was all funny. The mistaken identity. The notion of performing anything other than a poorly-constructed shit pile of something Ankalei might have attempted to call ‘art.’ But even as she thought it, she could have sworn that there was the smallest sliver of an ache. Her heart? Or once where it had beat. It was still there, of course, but she wasn’t sure she had a pulse. If she did, she couldn’t feel it. In the same dusty Durotar abode, small and simple and meagre, she held a memory. A violin of rosewood with loose strings, having been left untuned for years. She’d touched it once or twice since she’d became what and who she was in the present. She didn’t think she had the capacity to make anything sound beautiful any longer. In younger years when she had blue sky eyes, the notes that had come were deep and bright, a little fuzzy, and sometimes it had felt like music and concept blended together.

Sometimes she thought her fingertips itched with the desire to press on strings and hold to frets. To test the rapid vibrato in the power of her fingers. Sometimes, Ankalei thought she could still be that person, but that was a fever dream. She’d found a sense of welcoming the night before, a taste of something she’d thought filled her with a memory of light and airy sensation.

Unsent letters.

Yes, indeed. She had so many of her own. Words that would not be spoken. Feelings that would never be performed. Things that belonged to a woman she could never be again. But as she smiled, it felt okay. It felt fine to be who and what she was. She could let others be all she couldn’t and more. If the world thrived around her, then Ankalei was convinced that in a way, through sheer association, maybe she could pretend she was thriving as well.

Another day, another copper for thought.

( Very soft mentions for @nahisummerhold, @fio-renze, @kharrisdawndancer, @dicenne. )

[trixcuomo]

Sometimes, she lies

Trixany: Did you guys know about Karengosa?

Coco: Ugh! Stop tryin ta make up gossip that only you know about, to make yourself seem famous.

Trixany: It works for Haris Pilton, and honestly, it worked for Jaina Boobmore--

Sharpen: *spits out his drink* Jaina WHO??!

Trixany: Everytime Azeroth's magical girl does something awful, it's also magically not her fault, for her own made up reasons. Anyway--

Coco: Yeah, I think I'd rather know about Karengosa at this point. *rubs her temples*

Trixany: So! I heard that Karengosa was supposed to be the real final boss of Dragonflight. But do you know, she complained to the manager and the rest is history.

Coco: ...

Coco: Oh my gold, sis! Ya gotta stop making up these lame rumors, or was that just comedy? I don't understand, ya drivin me crazy!!

Sharpen: So she didn't have to be the final boss after she complained? Nice.

Trixany: That. Just bounced off Sharpen, didn't it?

Sharpen: More of Azeroth's supervillains should do that. I'm actually impressed we have a corporate structure to support that?

Coco: Yeah, Sharpen. The villain is always right, didn't you know? The rest of us just shuffle along to their beat. *rolls her eyes* Oh no. Is he gonna cry?

Sharpen: Are they? Hold on... ... Are we merely the retail in this life? Is that WHY THEY SAY WE PLAY RETAIL??

Coco: Lookit Trix, ya ruined the sweet himbo's worldview and he's going to cry.

Trixany: You did that just now. Anyway, it was just a joke!

Coco: Clearly, you are the real monster here.

[succulent-tart]

Succulent Tart Presents….

Unsent Letters

Join the Tarts as they share words they've always wanted to say to someone but never got the chance to. Come check out a little sneak peek of what goes on in their diaries!

WHEN: Saturday, February 22nd WHERE: Fountain of The Everseeing, Jade Forest - Stage Entrance [58, 56] - Flying req, uninstanced version of Temple of The Jade Serpent! This event will be hosted on Wyrmrest Accord but we will have anchors! TIME: 6 PM WrA/Pacific (8 PM MG/Central)

Cross-Faction & Cross-Server Friendly

ANCHORS Horde: Naahilvi-WyrmrestAccord Alliance: Sharpen-WyrmrestAccord You can also join our community and request an invite! COMMUNITY LINK!

Check out our Website for event flyer & More! https://succulenttart.crd.co/

[succulent-tart]

TONIGHT!! Now including anchor info!

[succulent-tart]

Succulent Tart Presents….

Unsent Letters

Join the Tarts as they share words they've always wanted to say to someone but never got the chance to. Come check out a little sneak peek of what goes on in their diaries!

WHEN: Saturday, February 22nd WHERE: Fountain of The Everseeing, Jade Forest - Stage Entrance [58, 56] - Flying req, uninstanced version of Temple of The Jade Serpent! This event will be hosted on Wyrmrest Accord but we will have anchors! TIME: 6 PM WrA/Pacific (8 PM MG/Central)

Cross-Faction & Cross-Server Friendly

ANCHORS (Will be provided closer to event)

Check out our Website for event flyer & More! https://succulenttart.crd.co/

[succulent-tart]

TOMORROW!!

[succulent-tart]

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

There's no wrong answer! Come and join the Tarts for a show filled with holiday cheer! Indulge in our themed bar, cozy up with friends and celebrate with us! We'll even have an appearance by Greatfather Winter and his helpers! We have gifts for everyone, including mounts, toys, pets and even some art!

WHEN: Saturday, December 7th WHERE: Starfall Village, Winterspring (In the main building) This event will be hosted on Wyrmrest Accord, anchors TBA! TIME: Doors open at 6pm WRA / Pacific Time - 8pm MG / Central Time Performances start from 6:30pm WRA / Pacific Time - 8:30pm MG / Central Time

Cross-Faction & Cross-Server Friendly

We urge everyone attending to come dressed in your Winter Veil best!  Fancy ballgowns, festive suits, creative costumes or even ugly holiday sweaters, we want to see it all! Feel free to make up a moodboard and post it in our Discord!

Art available to win:

Emojis by AleklahArt

JOIN OUR DISCORD! Drink Menu (Coming Soon!)

Also, coming next year....

Built for sin? Then come on in!

[succulent-tart]

Succulent Tart presents….. 🎃👻 GLITTER & GHOULS 👻🎃

Come and join the Succulent Tart for their spookiest show of the year! With themed drinks, trick or treating at the door, exciting performances that will send shivers down your spine, and the Grave Rave to end the night playing our best Hallow’s End songs…you won’t want to miss it!

Dress up in your Hallow’s End costume, and come party the night away with us!

WHEN: Saturday, October 19th Doors open at 6pm WRA (PT) / 8pm MG (CT

WHERE: Shadowfang Keep, Silverpine Forest (Uninstanced)

This event is hosted on WYRMREST ACCORD! This event is cross-faction/cross-server friendly! Check out our Website for event details, bar menu & more!

If you are attending from outside of Wyrmrest Accord, join the Succulent Tart community and ask in there for an invite! CLICK LINK HERE FOR COMMUNITY INFO!

Alternatively, you whisper these members for an invite: Horde: Dicenne-WyrmrestAccord Alliance: Leonambroce-Moonguard

[succulent-tart]

TONIGHT!!!

[calcifershearts]

an old ad but this popped up on my tiktok feed today and my friend and i both GASPED

[noonmutter]

TMIT: What was your favorite part of Fire Fest? What's the craziest thing you did while there? What's the craziest thing you witnessed there?

"O' th' fest itself? Prolly Kou's show. 'E allus puts on crazy stuff an' this'un was no exception. Big noises an' shiny thin's, yeah, but 'e also allus manages t' get ev'rybody in th' audience revved up an' partyin' without goin' fer horny, an' it's impressive. Very 'olesome energy, yeah?

"Nothin' whatsoever against horny, obviously, it's just noticeable."

"Far as craziest thin's...heh, I think Cay stole m' answer, but I did also run around like a 'eadless chicken findin' ice cream fer a pregnant lady, which is allus a bit of an adventure.

"...oh! An' I wound up bein' a vendor fer about ten minutes cuz a couple vulpera really needed a shitty hammock in a hurry. They were real partic'lar about it bein' shitty. Can't say I've been shanghaid int' doin' a commission b'fore."

( @wishfaux )

[wishfaux]

Fire Fest 2023 - I2I

Fog begins to creep in from the sides of the empty staging area, and a familiar smoke screen rises up in the background. ‘HELLO FIRE FEST’ flickers through the smoke through a trick of reflecting light which adds to the growing anticipation of the oncoming performance. Bright, neon lights soon flicker through the smoke, illuminating the stage with a spectacular array of the full rainbow. Soon the words twitch and replace themselves with pounding font, almost like a countdown. ‘ARE’. ‘YOU’. ‘READY…’.

Spotlights flicker up on either side of the stage, symmetrically swirling around to frantically put on a beautiful display of lights. The smoke screen in the back flickers through the vibrant rainbow of colours, the font changing again in the same countdown sequence. A low rumble vibrates the ground surrounding the performance area as if something huge is coming. ‘....TO’. ‘DANCE?’. As those words fade away, the ever-traditional ‘FIRE FEST 2023’ takes its rightful place on the backdrop, but this time the words fade in and out with the same thing spoken in every language known in Azeroth. A sure-fire welcome to every inhabitant!

“Every year, I sing a song about those I love, so this year, this song is about YOU. Yes, you! So get up and celebrate with me, Fire Fest!”

A noise starts to build up, surrounding the audience with that same, familiar vibrating sensation, something is certainly coming! Without warning, those flailing lights lock onto the center where a pillar erupts from center stage. The loud drop of synth-style music vibrates the ground yet again. From the light rises a familiar, very tiny fox, dressed in glittery whites and golds, absolutely glimmering from the spotlights on him. For those that have never seen Kou, he’s certainly small even compared to his fellow Vulpera, yet his stage presence is larger than life. For once, he’s facing the audience upon his arrival and even offers a wink of greeting, his head equipped with a small microphone that auto-translates his words to every viewer’s personal native language. What a nifty little magic gadget! “YEEAAAAAAAEEEEEAAAAAAAH!”

Kou lifts a paw up to wave to the audience before paws start to clap. “HEY YEAH! FIRE FEST WHERE YOU AT?!” He calls out, beaming with a smile. The pop-lock motions of his arms and feet dance through the light, letting that waving arm be pulled down in motion. “I got myself a notion~ And one, I know that you’ll understand! We set the world in motion~ by reaching out for each other’s hand!” As he sings with fervour, Kou pushes a hand toward the audience, fingers splayed wide with a sweeping motion of his arm from side to side as if offering it to take.

The fox clenches that fist after to bring it back, twirling in a pivot to spin around to let his large, fluffed tail sweep and add in that beautiful dance motion. Gracefully, his feet plant firmly onto the ground after, patting his chest right above his heart. “Maybe we’ll discover what we should have known all alooooong! Yeah!” Bouncing with his knees to the rhythm, one foot kicks up and the other soon follows to glide across the stage in an upbeat walk. “One way or another, together’s where we both belooong~.” He coos out those lyrics, leaning toward the front row while walking back, the other way to sprinkle a bit of glitter as he passes by.

Kou returns to the center of the lights with a small shimmy of his hips but with an energetic jump, the moment he lands on his feet, two purple rockets shoot up on either side of the stage in a glittery explosion! “If we listen to each other’s heart! We’ll fiiind we’re never too faaar apart and maaaaaybe love is the reason why!” He sings with all of his might, bouncing as arms wave up and down to hype the crowd and join him. A shimmer of magic forms from his fingers and with an arching motion of a hand across and over him, a rainbow shoots through the light show above him, cascading down in flecks of glitter paint all over his fur, soaking his clothes in all colours of the rainbow above. “For the first time ever we’re seeing it eye to eye~.”

He smiles brightly and bounces to the edge of the stage from his spot to flop down and sit, kicking a leg up and across the other so that his elbow can rest on the knee. Looking out across the audience, the tiny fox sways to the thunderous synth, drawing in a deep breath. “If a wall, should come between us, too high to climb, too hard to break through…” With a wink, two tall pillars of purple flame erupt behind him, blazing in time with the beat. “I know that looove will lead us, and find a way to bring me to you~.”

With a twist of his midsection, Kou rolls to push off of the stage edge in a playful flip, landing it with a well-timed bounce. A pivot on his heel follows with the momentum, skipping to one edge of the front row. “So don’t be in a hurry, think before you count us out, oh~!” Golden glitter swirls along his feet, lifting the little Vulpera up so the crowd doesn’t tower over them. Cheerfully, he dashes across the front of the audience with his small paw out, high-fiving as many as he can in one graceful swoop. “YOU don’t have to worry! I won’t ever let you dooown!” Kou takes the time to blow a kiss, jumping back toward the stage to stand between the pillars of purple fire.

Kou motions to either side of himself at the fire pillars as two silhouettes that match his form appear dancing within the flames. At the same time, he reaches into the fire to grab the matching paws within to take their hands, igniting the shadows in magic. The fire itself spreads, running up his arms to consume his entire body but without any hint of pain, it seems the theatrics are simply illusionary magic! With a pull of his arms, he conjures the shadowy foxes to join him from the flames that fade away from his own body. Both foxes that step out from the fire may look like Kou, but they’re clearly sporting their own stylish designs of clothing. All three pause to look at each other briefly in confusion and surprise, even glancing at the audience a moment in shock!

The Fox nods to his clones, motioning toward the audience with his head, visually attempting to convince them to dance along. The one on his right side nods in agreement, however, the one on his left seems to look distracted..! Enough that they turn around to watch the light show behind the trio. Kou nods his head, bouncing a few times in place before he finally sings out again, leading into another pop-lock of his arms. “If we listen to each other’s heart, we’ll find we’re never too far apart~!” The three foxes look nearly symmetrical in their dance–! Wait– is Left Fox dancing backward? Their arms just sort of flail about, but they are trying their best. Kou taps their arm to get them to turn back around, which is done with some luck, but they’re certainly too stage-shocked to keep up. ”And maybe love is the reason why, for the first time ever we’re seeing it eye to eye~.”

Kou and the clone to his right pause to watch Left Fox flail around in their own little world until both start to laugh. Kou shakes his head, motioning toward the audience - both clones ignite in a blur of rainbows and sparkles, shooting toward the gathering to weave in between the guests, splattering glitter in their wake. Waving the pair off, Kou claps his hands together to the beat, prancing in a circle of excitement.

“FIRE FEST! HOW WE DOIN’ OUT THERE TONIGHT?!”

“Every year I ask you to sing with me, and you should know the lyrics by now, so are you ready?!”

A hand lifts up into the air to show his pinky outstretched. “We have friends who maybe can’t hear my voice here tonight, so help me sing for them, too! We’re in this together, so lift your pinkies out, then turn your hand to make a two with your fingers, and turn it again for the i!” Demonstrating the swiveling motion of his wrist to spell I-2-I, stairs begin to rise up on the shifting stage behind him.

“I think we’re seein’ it–!” 

“SEEIN’ IT!–”

“Yeah, everybody’s seein’ it–!”

“Love is why we’re seein’ it–!”

Kou cheers loudly, letting out a sharp whistle for his clones to return from their running amok. Swirling around his form, it’s almost as if the power of the cheering and singing has ignited the fox’s magic even further! Golden sparkles swirl around his body, lighting up in flame once more while his arms lift up to form his own silhouette in the dancing flames. Both Left and Right Fox return to the stage to flank the swirling flames, both seeming far more in sync than previously before. They watch with an intent gaze, both lifting their hands out toward the fire to reach for the same paws that brought them to life.

Kou‘s paws are pulled from the flame, revealing shimmering black latex gloves accented with gold claws. As the fire swirls down off of him and retreats to his feet, Kou emerges in a new set of clothes. The tight dark booty shorts and thigh highs are on full display as the once gold and white outfit is replaced with deep reds, golds, and black with fiery motifs. The tight corset annunciates his body to a curvy, softened look to it, even the boldened makeup around his eyes is darker and more pronounced.

He takes the time to spin both of his clones, drawing in a deep breath to hit out a bellowing set of notes, it’s a bit of a surprise such vocals can come out of such a tiny creature. “IF YOU’RE EVER LOOONELLLLY! STOP!” He commands, causing all three foxes to pause in mid-movement, each paused in a unique pose. “You don’t have to be! After all, it’s only a beat away from you to meee~.” As he sings, the trio walks forward to the front of the stage, each step in perfect sync with one another and still hand-in-hand.

“Take a look insiiiide and see!”

All three foxes raise their right hand up, letting them slowly fall down as they begin to sing in harmony together. “If we listen to each other’s heart! We’ll find we’re never too far apart!” Just as the words are sung, an eruption of fireworks ignites across the stage, accenting the key shift and unison of the dancers on stage. Bouncing with their knees, one arm from each mimics the motion before they snap-kick a leg out in the rather whimsical choreography. All three jump again to click their heels in the air! With a graceful landing, the trio follows up the footwork with an arching swing of their arms, reaching across themselves before following through with a large circular motion. “And maybe love is the reason why! For the first time ever we’re seein’ it–!” All three point out to the audience in search of the answer, bobbing their heads to the beat!

Kou  lifts his arms, popping his hips from side to side to the beat, audibly laughing from enjoying himself on the stage with the pair of clones who playfully dance with him on the stage. “Whoaaah, for the first time!” Chirping out the lyrics, the small set of foxes all spin together, feeding off the shared energy, as well as the crowd vibe. “For the first time, we’re seeing it–!” Once more, the trio points toward the crowd, cheering them on to join in. “Eye to eye!!” A hand reaches up all the while, once more spelling out I-2-I in the hand choreography.

“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH we’re seein’ it–!”

Kou spins around in his spot, the pivot is followed through with a graceful shimmy of his hips and a jump that is landed by dropping down to his knees. A last set of fireworks shoot off, causing the ‘FIRE FEST 2023’ in the smoke screen to switch to ‘LOVE IS LOVE’. The final note of the synth hits and fades away, rendering the three to strike their final dynamic posing together with Kou pushing his arms upward and both Right and Left Fox arching their limbs to form a heart between them.

“THANK YOU FIRE FEST! WE LOVE YOU!!”

Kou stands, taking Right Fox and Left Fox’s paws with his own, guiding the three to bow together as one. In the midst of the bow, flames erupt around them, swirling across the stage to help them vanish, leaving the sparkly mess clean once again!

[tartfirefest]

The Succulent Tart Fire Fest officially kicks off with our Thursday potluck event, CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’! We will be providing a list of food and basic beverages (listed below), and encourage everyone to bring sides, desserts, and drinks to share! 

There will be NO vendors, performances, or raffles today, this event is meant to be laid back and casual so our vendors and attendees can meet and mingle before the main events. (Dancing and glitter is likely to happen.)

Be sure to bring a swim suit!

Thursday, June 15th 6pm PDT Mar’at, Uldum docks Wyrmrest Accord

*If you plan on bringing a dish, join our Discord (link below), and post your offering in the #chillin-n-grillin-food channel 

JOIN THE FIRE FEST DISCORD!

CLICK HERE FOR MENU OF ALL FOODS!

SUCCULENT TART PROVIDED BBQ: Bourbon BBQ Boar Ribs Skewered Peanut Chicken Lemon Pepper Mantis Shrimp Lynx Steak & Potato Kabobs Firecracker Salmon Fresh Veggie Kabobs Honey Hot Wings Bacon Kodo Burgers Darkmoon Dogs DRINKS: Water Sweet Tea Unsweet Tea Lemonade

[succulent-tart]

THIS IS TONIGHT!

[turning-through-the-never]

TONIGHT! TONIGHT!

WHEN: 6pm-ish, Wyrmrest Accord (PST) WHERE: The Dragon’s Hoard hidden bar inside the Roasted Ram in Valdrakken. To get there, be sure to go to the back of the Roasted Ram and target then /bow at the odd statue (pictured below)!

WHO: Cross-faction, cross-server friendly! WHAT: This is a super casual hangout, ran by no one in particular! This is also a test run of using this space for future events to see how phasing may affect those attending!

We do have a community set up called ‘Hereafter’ which will be used for anchoring in these casual events like BOOZE*. Feel free to join, and if you have issues seeing people there, join the community and ask for an invite! If you are on another server, definitely join the community so we can pull you over!

JOIN COMMUNITY HERE!

[lordrethandus]

Daily Writing Challenge August 2022 Day 3

Sentimental / Feral ( @daily-writing-challenge​ @serararku​ )

World: Final Fantasy 14

Theme: Rúnahild - Urseid

They call it a Grrangr. A gathering of Nunhs to plan a course of action that no single tribe can perform themselves– a moot to decide the future of the Miqo’te living in Thanalan. There were only six nunhs in attendance but several hundred surrounded the secluded clearing on the side of the mountain facing westward, so they could watch the bountiful sun slip beneath the horizon for his brief slumber… a great place for meditation, if they were here for less pressing matters.

“We cannot defeat them.” T’ketchu of the Condor Tribe spoke first to break the chorus of whispers behind him. “The walls of Ul’dah are too high and too thick. Their armies are well fed and armored. Defying them can only mean death for our people. It’s as simple as that.”

A patronizing snort on his left caught his attention, and up rose J’mindi the Gnarled. “Only a fool would strike a hulking giant across the nose. There are other ways of dealing with the halfling city… ones that are far more… subtle.”

“You mean poison.” R’yaach the White Maw crossed his arms over his wide chest before spitting into the dirt. “Am I surrounded by cravens? What glory is there in such cowardice?!”

S’vahli the Hrothblood rubbed at the bridge of his nose as soon as the uproar started; they couldn’t go five whole minutes before they started hurling insults at each other. He did his best to drown out their incessant howling, focusing on the flickering bonfire and the dancing shadows. He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes to block out the noise but it was no use; every passing moment of their uproar was filling him with anxious dread, his body physically reacting in ways he couldn’t afford right now.

Yelling turned to screaming. Metal tubes and iron clamps. Needles, needles, needles. Round eared monsters with three eyes staring, watching, observing. Pain unmatched. Glass prison. Knives sever the flesh. Syringes pumping poison. Fear and rage and hatred. Kill to be free. Kill to be silent. Kill. Kill. Kill. KILL! KILL! KILL! KI-!

A tiny hand gripped his shoulder and the nightmare receded back to the corner of his mind. S'vahli turned to meet S'era’s soothing gaze… two sparkling eyes deep and blue enough to drown in. Only now did he realize he was trembling and sweating. He half-expected her to scold him for his strange behavior, but she didn’t; all she did was hold his shoulder and steal his attention until the trembling stopped. “I should tell her.” He thought, even as shame washed over him. “She deserves to know what they did to me.” But no sooner did he open his mouth to speak did the shouting match between the other nunhs suddenly fall silent.

Tap, tap, tap!

Everyone dropped to their knees and bowed. Everyone.

A woman whose flesh turned into bone with even the slightest injury stirred for the first time in forty summers. A large crown of bleached goat horns and antlers sat slanted on her head, adorned with heavy chains of gold and amber. Paralized from head to toe, her face was permanently facing the north star, so she could gaze upon the cosmos and commune with both Azeyma and Menphina. Wiser than all, and far older than anyone could possibly fathom, she was the greatest treasure and best kept secret the Seekers of the Sun tribes had. Miraan the Eldest has her life prolonged by mystical and divine power, and despite how delicate and helpless she has become, it was in all likelihood a certainty she would outlive everyone here.

“This mountain… is holy… our ways… are ancient.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but every word carried the weight of the world. “To spill blood… in this place… without first… declaring a… Urru'thun… is sacrilege. It is… known.”

“It is known.” They all repeated, settling down… for now.

“S’era… Firstborn Daughter… of Rarku the… Red…” She paused to catch her breath– every inhale sounded like splintering wood. “Tell them… your plan.”

She stiffened at the sound of her name; not once has she met Miraan the Eldest, but she not only knew her name, but also her title? Slowly she glanced over and met S’vahli’s gaze, before rising to her feet and straightening out her back and shoulders. “You are all right to fear reprisal from Ul’dah and the other free cities. Even with our combined strength we could not outlast them in an all-out war. We have the numbers, this is true… but they have powerful magick, and the Warrior of Light on their side. Facing them in open field would be suicide.” A few nunhs nodded in agreement as subtle whispers echoed in the crowd sitting before her. “They know they could crush us if they willed it… but it would also cause unrest and chaos within their walls by the Miqo’te living there. They cannot attack us directly until we deal the first blow, so instead they mean to drive away our hunting game and starve us out.”

R’yaach the White Maw spat into the dirt again. “Cowards and traitors.”

“Be that as it may…” S’era continued, shooting him a furtive glance. “I have a solution that can resolve this conflict peacefully. Or at the very least… get them off our backs and out of our lands.” That certainly caught their interest, but only a stark few seemed to care for what she had to say. “Our answer lies in the Shelled Men. Along the coast deep in Amal’jaa territory lies an incomplete castrum that was serving as an armory before their armies were scattered. If Ul’dah will not listen to the Miqo’te through reason, we will make them listen with a display of force. Tribes gathering near their towns with magitek weapons are sure to get their attention.”

“Your plan is to threaten them? They will slaughter everyone involved and tighten their grip on the rest of our necks!” Cried out a tribewife from the crowd, a babe to her breast. “Suicide!” Cried another from the opposite direction. “Madness!”

“WE ARE STARVING!” S’era shouted at the top of her lungs to get them to shut up. “Your children… our children are going hungry! There isn’t enough meat to survive through the winter! We can’t rely on raiding merchant wagons for food! If any of you fools have a better idea then let’s hear it!”

I’vazu Stone Tongue rose first, clutching his walking stick and grunting from the still-fresh wounds on his stomach from defending his breeding rights against a Tia just yesterday. “The halflings will not take threats idly. We should instead barter… learn what they want and offer a trade!”

“COWARD!” Another shouted, causing the wounded man to flinch. He turned red in the face as he spun around to face the direction of that accusation.

“Who said that?! Speak up and face my wrath-aaugh…!” He clenched his teeth in pain and his legs almost buckled; this was going nowhere fast.

Miraan the Eldest opened her eyes. Pale blue pearls that glimmered like the stars in the night sky– gazing into them was like gazing into the cosmos, the realm of the very gods. “They are… outsiders. They have… no respect… for the land. Look at… Mor Dhona… as proof of… their greed. We Miqo’te… have given them… enough. It… is known.”

“It is known.” They all repeated again, some less enthusiastically than others.

“She is right.” S’era added. “Anything we have that they value will be picked off our corpses once we start dropping from starvation. Or perhaps they want us to kill each other off competing for food? If we do not stand united, we will die divided. This is the plan. You will follow the Zu Tribe to prosperity or you will be left behind to rot.”

“Who made you the leader of our people?” E’zohl the Howler finally spoke up, unable to remain silent any longer. “The Zu Tribe angers Ul’dah the most. Why not throw yourself at their stone tents and rid us all of your reckless stupidity!”

S’era barely looked in his direction, but pointed her finger directly at him all the same. “We are among the few brave enough to stand up to them. I don’t see the Eft Tribe doing much of anything these days. Terrified of creatures half your size?”

“Bite your tongue and drown on your blood!” E’zohl snapped, earning her undivided attention. “You are no nunh! You are no elder either! You are just a tribewife pretending to be some self-appointed savior! You are no warrior! Go back to your hut and spread your legs, as is your duty!”

“I’ll take your tongue for that!” S’vahli shot up to his feet, but S’era raised a hand to calm him down.

“When the time comes for us to march on the shelled men’s sanctum, you will answer the call.” She declared with a threatening calmness. “Or the Zu will destroy you.”

“You forget your place!” E’zohl rose to stand, his warriors rising behind him; S’era’s warrior sisters returned the gesture, and now two tribes were at each other’s throats once more. “The Eft Tribe will see you bloated in the sand before we march to our deaths! This I vow!”

“You vow?!” Eyes flaring, teeth clenched, ears pinned down, and tail bristling, S’era shouted back, “THEN I DECLARE URRU’THUN ON THE EFT TRIBE! SEND OUT YOUR GREATEST CHAMPION, E’ZOHL, I KNOW YOU ARE FAR TOO MUCH A COWARD TO FACE ME YOURSELF!”

[wishfaux]

Fire Fest: LOVESTRUCK! (Kou Performance)

The stage appears empty at first, but loud pops fire off. The familiar smoke screen of flares and fireworks ignite on the back of the stage in deep purple, and in the smoke ‘FIRE FEST 2022” flashes across it followed by a large number ‘10’....9….8…7…6…

5

4

3

2

1

The moment the music begins to play, the middle panel of the stage opens and starts to rise, and a familiar figure inches into view. At his feet, the smoke gathers, leaving a fine mist across the stage at Kou’s ankles. Facing the audience, the fox’s head is hung low, his face strapped with the ever-familiar device of what resembles an amplifying microphone that translates to everyone’s native tongues. All around, the ground starts to tremble from the driving beat, as if encouraging the crowd to get up and let the music take over.

Kou snaps his eyes open, gazing over the audience with a sultry expression, smirking with a slow breath. “Mmm... You–” he breathes out, drawing a few steps forward to the hard-driving beat. “Got my~ attention when you made that move~.” Kou huffs out, drawing his hands up his own androgynous form as his head tilts back in pleasure. “I, I can’t help it cause I’m stuck like glue,” he sings, fingers flexing to draw down his shirt, ripping button after button to pry it open. “Why, why am I the only one to see? Ker - I really want to get that, get that~ really should, no doubt about it!”

The fox tugs harder at his shirt, peeling it down further and eventually off while hips gyrate in a single motion, aiding the vulpera in turning around to reveal his exposed back. “Who~? Can do it like you do it when you do~? Ah-Ah, so hooked up on you like a tattoo–” Kou all but purrs as up his spine a rainbow of colour ignites, etched into the fur in the shape of a cherry blossom tree. He looks over his shoulder again with a flirtatious wink, grinning. “--Yeah, I’m serious about it, boy I really wanna get-that-get-that, really should no doubt about it~.”

Kou pivots back to face the audience in a swiveling pop-lock as lights flare up around the stage on either side of him, the lights flashing in time with the beat and helping silhouette Kou’s frame. “I’m cravin’ for you! And just like a fool, there’s no way I can stop, stop, stop my desire~, I’m craving for you! And you know it too, there’s no one that can top, top, top your smile~.” Kou flashes a bright smile to try and prove a point, even if it’s in vain!

Kou pops a hand up in sharp choreography to his music, fanning himself with his fingers as his head tilts away, ears back as if some sort of heat is bothering him. The pose is dramatic by all means! “Boy you got me, love-struck~, you got me, love-struck! You got me~ Love-struck, oh-oh, oh-oh~.” As the chorus repeats, Kou approaches the stage in bold steps, grinning out at the audience once more.

“FIRE FEST~! WHERE YOU AT?! I want to hear everyone, all the way to the back row!!”

Kou laughs, seemingly enjoying himself before he snaps his fingers again to draw the attention back to himself. “We’re poly, so don’t think I’ve forgotten my other–” a hand raises in the air only to point downward, right at Kujiro. “I– ah-ah, love it when you give me that -smile-” he almost coos, slipping down off the stage to approach the vulpera in question. “I’ve, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time”. Stopping in front of the hatted todd, Kou sways his hips forward in suggestion, moving a hand down to capture Kurjiro by his chin to force their eyes to meet. “My~ premonition is telling me try~, Kuj’ I really wanna get-that-get-that, rushin’ in no doubt about it~.”

The fox drops to straddle Kujiro’s lap with a little roll of his lips while fingers leave their grasp on Kuji’s face to latch onto his shoulder instead, serving to balance Kou while he winks. “I, yeah~. I have to give you credit for your style~ The way you rock that hat is so wild~” As Kou sings, he flicks a finger up, not only knocking Kujiro’s hat out of place, but he stands up with one slow undulation of his hips just to give the poor guy quite a face full to look at. “I gotta give it up, cuz’~, I really wanna get-that-get-that, really should, no doubt about it~.”

Kou blows a kiss at Kujiro, coating the Vulpera in glitter, and eases back, slyly inching back to the stage. The moment his paws touch the fog-coated area, two pillars of red flares shoot up on either side of him, forming dancing silhouettes of Kou within them both. “I’m craving for you! And just like a fool, there’s no way I can stop, stop, stop my desire~! I’m craving for you! And you know it, too~, there’s no one that can top, top, top your smile~.”

Kou makes a finger gun motion and shoots at the audience which causes a third flare to appear behind Kou as well! “You got me, love-struck!, you got me, love-struck~ You got me, love-struck! Oh-oh, oh-oh~.” Kou grins as thumbs reach down to push along his stomach, threatening to inch his pants into the dangerously low territory. The fox steps back into the smoke, his own silhouette writhing in movement to match his clones.

The vulpera bursts back through the smoke in an entirely new outfit, the white dress shirt has his collar popped and baggy pants are clearly far more flashy than his original darker clothing. “Yeah~ you got me! Like a puppet on a string~” he sings, though his voice multiplies by two more so his clones are singing with him! “I can’t stop it, boys you make my head spin~!.” Twirling around, Kou begins to bounce, motioning everyone to stand up and feel the music! Even the clones begin to clap their hands to the rhythm.

“Fire Fest! Last year, I asked you to help me and this year I need your help again! You know the words, so when I say ‘You got me’, I want you to yell back LOVESTRUCK! As loud as you can!”

 “Ready? We’re gonna try it!”

“You got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

“You got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

“Great! Now everyone find that special someone you came with or sing out to the heavens so that person you’re missing or crushing on can hear you! Be ready to let them know how you feel!”

Kou throws his arms up in the air, tilting his head back to belt out the lyrics in absolute harmony.”And just like a fool!” The moment the words ring out, bursts of fireworks ignite from behind him on both sides of the stage to light up the night sky. All around, glitter begins to rain down, shimmering in the dance lights. “There’s no way I can stop, stop, stop my desire! I’m craving for you, and you know it too~ there’s no one that can top, top, top your smile!” Kou slowly lowers his arms to point at the audience, causing his doppelgangers to dash out and jump into the crowd,  carrying with them waves of glitter wherever they go!

The fox sways his hips to the rhythm, hands above his head to clap, encouraging the crowd to join along. Every movement of his form remains poised and in control in the solo dance interlude as that massive tail behind him sways in his movement, adding a mystic grace to the dance. Kou even takes the time to pop the collar of his shirt, helping with his sharply timed footwork and larger-than-life stage presence. Turning back to the audience, he flashes a wink to let them know it’s their turn!

“You got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

“You got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

“Yeah, you got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

“Oh-oh, oh-oh~ You got me–!”

LOVESTRUCK!

Kou shimmies his hips a bit and spins around to step back into place with his clones who rush back to their original spots on stage. With the three dancing together in harmony, the real Kou motions to the two beside him to take a bow, the sweeping motion of both causes them to simply vanish into thin air! Kou himself takes a moment to blow a kiss to the audience in a final pose, letting the music fade out.

@succulent-tart