Ziesha Belle

ffxiv OC and fanfic 🧡 PLD main, Primal/Lamia

[zieshabelle]

Late Night Lyrran

I scribbled out a quick little sketch of my favorite bunny boi, and while it has its flaws, I rather liked how it came out.

[zieshabelle]

Dancing in the Dark

Just a little three panel goofiness that has been kicking around in my head for a while now.

[transfemininomenon]

bad news fellas, just got word from the boss, he says no more kissing each other on the job

[transfemininomenon]

he says kissing while pretending to be a lost young couple when you hear enemy guards approaching is fine, but only if there's no feelings involved

[lil-tumbles]

What does he say about kissing while pretending to be a lost young couple when you hear enemy guards approaching when you think there is no feelings involved, but as you pull away, you look into the other person's eyes and realise how many different colours live there, and suddenly you're falling and you can't get up, and they're the only one to offer you a hand. What then??

[transfemininomenon]

he says that's fine, but no tongue

[surreality51]

Fanfic writers be like: goddamnit, this idea is so fucking sad it’s making me cry just thinking about it. Let me write it down so I can inflict it on others.

[zieshabelle]

Accurate. I'm pretty sure I only write characters who are either in peak crisis or disgustingly in love. Or both. Mostly both.

[zieshabelle]

Cactopot Royale

Watercolors and colored pencils, painted by me

This fun little illustration was made to accompany the most recent chapter of my bun-bro fic, which can be found here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058

[zieshabelle]

Just a couple of quick sketchbook doodles, while my ADHD brain watches Stormblood cutscenes.

I'm debating turning the second into a little painting, to go with the most recent bunny bro story, but we'll see. Maybe if that's something y'all should be interested in?

Bun-bro story can be found here:

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[zieshabelle]

Scattered

Another chapter in the Bun-bro series is finished, and even has an illustration!

Watercolor on mixed media paper, painted by me!

Read the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058/chapters/104718078

[zieshabelle]

Paint Me Like A Lominsan Sunset

Another chapter (and painting) in the Bun-Bro saga have arrived!

Read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058?view_full_work=true (Watercolor and colored pencil on multi-media paper)

[zieshabelle]

Sunset Over Radz-at-Han

Just my main gal Ziesha, in a favorite spot for sky-gazing, watching the sun go down.

Watercolors and colored pencil on multi-media paper.

[zieshabelle]

No Scar

Watercolor.

Painted by me, as a companion piece to the "Heartstrings" chapter of the bun-bro story, which can be found here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058

[zieshabelle]

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Login on the Mogstation Select your service account and click Manage Service Options Click Enter Recruitment Code Enter the following code: XC8H9727

[zieshabelle]

You'll Catch Your Death

(Chapter 4 of the Bun-bro saga)

Lyrran shivered, the icy brush of falling snow on his bare shoulders filling him with regret. This entire trip had been his idea. He’d definitely had better ideas than this.

He’d heard some of the local folk mention hot springs, and had jumped at the opportunity to explore something new. Of course it had required nearly a week of wheedling to get his best friend on board with the idea. But, the two of them had set out early, on rented birds, and arrived well before the sun began its inevitable descent.

“Well c’mon, Feathers. Stand there gawping any longer and you’re liable to freeze to death.”

Vrol hadn’t used that particular nickname in years, and Lyrran winced at the memory. It was an un-subtle reminder of a particularly unfortunate choice of hairstyle that he had sported sometime around his nineteenth summer, certain it was the absolute height of fashion.

Vrol had teased him mercilessly until he gave in and grew it out, but had never let him live it down.

Lyrran had no desire to discover the outcome of frozen hair in a place as ice-bound as Coerthas. He glared daggers at Vrol, as he finished tying back his unruly mane.

His companion had already settled into the steaming water, only his face and ears visible above the misty surface.

Without a word, he eased into the shallow pool of scalding water, leaning back against the water-warmed stones at the edge of the pool, letting the water cover his shoulders, savoring the contrast against the crisp air.

Soft billows of steam swirled lazily across the still surface of the water, constantly shifting and changing, seeming to almost create intricate patterns and images that danced before his eyes. Lyrran felt like he would almost be able to make sense of them, if he could just focus on them hard enough.

But then, he’d never shown any particular aptitude for the divinatory arts, so maybe it was just his imagination.

He closed his eyes, resting his head against the smooth stone, and taking in the tranquility of the place with his other senses. Maybe this hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.

The snow shrouded landscape was muffled and quiet, broken only by the occasional call of distant creatures.

Lyrran frowned, eyes still closed, straining to catch the sound that didn’t belong. He could have sworn he’d heard footsteps, crunching through the snow, but they hadn’t seen any sign of other people in this remote corner of the map.

He opened his eyes, careful not to move and betray his awareness of the sound. His gaze slid to Vrol, whose narrowed eyes and twitching ears confirmed Lyrran’s suspicions. He’d heard something too.

There was definitely someone out there.

((Read the rest here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058/chapters/101648592

Enjoy!!))

[zieshabelle]

Never Trust a Pretty Face

(Chapter 3 of the bun-bro saga)

The fire burned low in the hearth of the dingy inn room. Though, in Lyrran’s opinion, seeing less of the general shabbiness of the room was not really a bad thing. It had been the most affordable room that he and Vrol could find upon arriving in Foundation, and it was far from princely accommodation.

Still, they had slept in worse places. It at least boasted a door that locked, a moderately comfortable bed, and a cheery fire in the grate, with plenty of wood stacked nearby. The tavern downstairs had been pleasant enough too, serving up a hearty stew, and a small but respectable assortment of brews.

The two young men sat on the floor before the hearth. There were no chairs in the small room, but they made do, each leaning against the other’s back, enjoying the warm glow of both fire and drink.

Lyrran tipped his head back, resting it against Vrol’s shoulder.

“What’s the plan for tomorrow? Catch any leads on work while we’re here?”

Vrol nodded slowly, moving carefully, leading Lyrran to wonder if his friend was, perhaps, a bit drunker than he’d admit to.

“Met a girl, even. Pretty. Sounds like she might know where we could find work.”

Lyrran couldn’t remember the last time Vrol had told him that he’d met a pretty girl. Either his best friend was very drunk, or this girl was something truly special.

“Hey, Vrol, you ever plan to just settle down with someone? Get a little house, all that stuff?”

Vrol twirled the end of one of his braids around a finger in silence, as he contemplated the question.

“I dunno, maybe. Eventually. You?”

((Read the rest here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058/chapters/101569743

Enjoy!!))

[zieshabelle]

Babes in the Wood

(a new chapter in the bun-bro saga)

“You hired us out to do what?!"

Lyrran recoiled, stung by the sharpness of his best friend’s reaction. They’d been running low on gil lately, and he’d seen an opportunity. Surely Vrol was overreacting.

“It’s just delivering a package. The man in the marketplace said it would be easy. The aetherite will take us most of the way there.”

Lyrran held up the small, paper wrapped parcel that the merchant had entrusted to him.

Vrol sighed and nodded.

“Fine. Fine. We really could use the money. Where does it need to be delivered?”

((Read the whole story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058

Enjoy!))

[zieshabelle]

Just a Distraction

A brand new story set in the world of FFXIV, featuring a pair of original characters

Lyrran held his breath, counting the heavy footfalls of the night watch patrolman as he passed. The stack of barrels had seemed a convenient hiding spot while they were planning the evening’s caper, but felt a lot more exposed, now that he was actually out here, attempting to avoid detection.

A mosquito buzzed loudly in his ear, and Lyrran fought the urge to swat it away, losing count of the receding footsteps. He swore under his breath, and risked a glance around the barrels.

The guard had turned down one of the branching paths, and through the gathering dark, Lyrran could only just make out the glint of the blade he carried.

Good enough.

Stretching cramped limbs, Lyrran stepped out of his hiding place, and strolled across the street. His inclination was to dash across the opening, and look for a new place to hide. That wasn’t the plan though.

Stay cool. Don’t rush. Act casual.

He counted his steps as he crossed the space, an attempt to force himself to slow down.

Eight steps.

He looked to his right and left, tilting only his eyes, while trying to keep up the appearance of looking straight ahead. From this angle, he couldn’t see the guard anymore, but he was nearly certain that he’d seen the shadowed shape of his best friend lurking in a sheltered doorway just off to his left.

Good. Going as planned so far.

He knew that the two of them were essentially glorified lookouts, but he was determined to do his part anyway. Vrol’s friends had never included him in one of their plans before. Though, come to think of it, he wasn’t entirely clear on what exactly they’d been planning. All he knew was that it was important to Vrol that they do their part. It was enough for Lyrran. He would be there with bells on. Well… ok, not bells. Definitely not bells. Either way, he couldn’t let his friend down. Not this time.

He risked a look over his shoulder. He couldn’t see Vrol’s shadow in the doorway anymore. He must have moved. Lyrran kept walking, still counting his steps.

Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four.

He passed the market board, with its sparse crowd of late-night shoppers.

Thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine.

The normally bustling market stalls to either side of the street were dark and empty, no wares displayed or shop keepers peddling their goods. No one to see or be seen by, and nothing worth stealing. He just needed to keep walking, and keep his eyes open. With any luck, the patrols would be following the same pattern they’d observed for the last three evenings, and there would be no need for a noisy distraction.

Luck. As if I’ve ever had any of that to spare. Only one lucky thing has ever happened to me, and that was eight years ago.

Had it really been that long since the first time he’d met his best friend?

((Read the rest of the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40466058

Enjoy!!))

[zieshabelle]

The Definition of Family (Chapter 2: Only to Speak the Word)

((I've decided to make the previous short, "To Be Seen With Thee" into the first chapter of a longer saga, chronicling Ziesha's rediscovery of her homeland, and search for her family. The second chapter is now posted!))

Ziesha closed the door of her room softly, glancing quickly up and down the corridor.

Good.

No one seemed to mark her escape, as she slipped out of the quiet inn, and into the grey pre-dawn light.

The boys didn’t need to know about this little errand. It was personal, and of no import to their task here. She just couldn’t bear the thought of leaving this city again without knowing.

She paused on the top step, dropping her shoes to the colorful tile, and quickly slipping her feet into the well worn slippers, looping the laces quickly around her ankles.

With one last backward glance at the inn, she stepped into the street. Ziesha was certain that she’d seen a cluster of doors with official looking signs on them during her late night outing with Urianger. Of course they had been shuttered and dark at the time, but she needed to find them again.

There were too many questions that she hoped she might find answers for, if only she could find the right people to ask.

The sun had risen well above the horizon before Zie found the door she was looking for. The door itself was painted a deep teal, set into the side of a bold red building, and displayed a simple brass plaque.

“Directorate of Census and Records”

A small bell jingled, as she pushed through the heavy door, and into the quiet of the office beyond. The air felt exceptionally still, as if the scent of the aging tomes that lined the walls weighed upon the very atmosphere itself.

It took her eyes a moment to adjust from the bright sunlit street to the muted light of the room.

The walls and floors here appeared to all be made of the same dark, polished wood, with shelves reaching all the way to the high ceiling, filled with orderly rows of leather bound volumes, each thick book meticulously labeled, and filed in order.

One entire wall was a structure that reminded Zie of a honeycomb, both because of its yellow paint, as well as its interlocking hexagonal structure. Each cell held stacks of cleanly rolled scrolls, neatly penned numbers clearly visible on the end of each tube.

At the opposite end of the room, an ancient looking Arkasodara man sat behind a desk littered with books and papers. He wore an elegantly trimmed though deeply faded and worn maroon tunic, and squinted down at an exceptionally large volume, flicking slowly through the pages, not seeming to have noticed her entry, despite the bell.

Clearing her throat, Zie took a hesitant step toward the desk, noting that the placard on the front read, “Record Keeper.” For a fleeting moment, she wondered if the man before her was as old as the books he kept.

((The rest of the story is available here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39299172/chapters/98882115

Enjoy!!))

[zieshabelle]

To Be Seen With Thee

She had not been expecting the soft tap at her door, especially so late at night. Ziesha frowned, glancing quickly toward the wide arched windows that looked out over the twinkling lights of the city, before moving to open her chamber door.

The group of Scions had found accommodations readily enough within the city of Radz-at-Han. With the current unrest, and the city redoubling its security measures, the inn had seemed nearly deserted.

Zie felt like she had barely seen the streets they had walked, and had mostly just been grateful for the chance to sink into the colorful cushions scattered about the room. It had been an incredibly long day, and was looking like there would only be more long days to look forward to.

"Might I prevail upon thee to accompany me on an evening stroll?"

Urianger stood, framed in her doorway, one hand gracefully extended in invitation.

Ziesha hesitated. She was exhausted, and her feet were already sore.

What could he possibly need in an unfamiliar city, at this hour?

The question withered and died before it could pass her lips though, when she saw the hopeful twinkle in his eye. She was certain that he was planning something, and she was powerless to resist. So, she took his outstretched hand, and allowed herself to be swept out into the humidity of the night air.

As they walked, Urianger tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. The gesture felt surprisingly comfortable and familiar, as if the two of them often wandered benighted streets together. In truth, they rarely allowed themselves such a public display of affection. Finding the time for a leisurely stroll, simply enjoying each other's company in such an ordinary way was a rare occasion indeed, when it seemed like entire worlds were always depending on them.

"Upon our arrival in Radz-at-Han, I had hoped that we would be afforded the opportunity to take in more of the city than we were able to glimpse in our haste to meet with the satrap."

Urianger turned his attention from the path ahead to focus on Ziesha.

"I observed thy disappointment in having to forgo the official tour of the city, and it is my hope that I might provide thee at least a small substitute, if thou art willing."



((Read the rest of the story here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/39299172

Enjoy!!))