Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Before the stories start there are things that probably need to be cleared up in advance. My WoL is Y’dyalani Vimba. Now while she is from the Y tribe, I headcanon it as her coming from a separate offshoot of the Y tribe that broke away from the main Y tribe a long time ago. So despite sharing the same tribe letter, Y’shtola and Y’dyalani are technically of different tribes, even if the difference is more of thought process and beliefs instead of in name(not that my WoL shares her tribe's thoughts and beliefs but still). Thought I’d explain that now instead of waiting for potential comments of confusion. This entire reasoning exists merely because I did not know Seeker of the Sun Lore when I initially created my WoL as I started the game.
Additional warning: I am still learning how to write the Scions, expect out of character actions or statements potentially, I apologize in advance, I write as a hobby with usually no intent to share my stories, so I’m prone to a lot of mistakes that don’t usually get caught even by a few rereads.
here is the link to the list https://www.tumblr.com/flufftober/787862511671214080/hello-and-welcome-to-our-fifth-annual?source=share
I welcome any advice from readers on how to improve my writing of characters or general writing style. I know for a fact its messy and definitely want to improve.
-All these stories take place without acknowledging anything Post Endwalker or Dawntrail, as I have yet to do either. But I will potentially reference events that take place in endwalker in the event that the story surrounding the prompt is not a AU
As a note, first story will be posted later in the day 10/1/2025

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It had been two years. Two years after their eternal bonding ceremony, even if it had only been done to have a wedding in the Source, it was the only date Y’shtola and Y’dyalani had to represent their marriage. Figuring out what the day in the source would have been for the day they got married in the First would be a nightmare, so they had agreed that this day would be their anniversary for both. Y’dyalani huffs as she finishes laying out the blanket, looking around to make sure no nearby beast has taken an interest in her activity, a basket resting right next to the blanket as she stands up with a smile. This was it, small, not excessive or complicated. But it will work… Hopefully. Last year's anniversary still hangs on her mind, the chaos and misfortune that led to it being a lot messier than she had planned. So Y’dyalani had taken Y’shtola’s advice, it didn’t have to be big or grand, just a small, quiet celebration of their union, that was enough. It had been a long time since Y’dyalani really had ever spent much time in this part of La Noscea. Not really since the start of her journey in Eorzea, when she had first met Y’shtola in the Seasong Grotto, which her picnic blanket happens to be set up a short distance from. She then sits down she shuts her eyes, waiting patiently for Y’shtola to seek her out

The sound of soft footsteps approaching her eventually reaches Y’dyalani’s ears. “A picnic” a soft hum emanates from Y'shtola as she walks up to Y'dyalani who smiles, turning to see Y'shtola sitting down next to her. Bright heterochromatic teal and purple eyes meeting grey “I honestly still expected you to do something grand and extravagant like last year” Y’shtola chuckles as Y’dyalani scratches the back of her head chuckling slightly. “Not my best moment” she huffs her right ear flicking as she looks towards the Seasong Grotto. “But I thought a picnic near where we had first met would be fitting for an anniversary.” Y’dyalani smiles, turning to Y’shtola who crosses her arms, “hard to believe how far we came from fighting that Goobbue in the grotto. And from my initial impression of you.” She smiles as Y’dyalani chuckles, “A reckless idiot is what you thought of me back then. If I remember correctly.” She laughs a bit, “From reckless idiot to savior of the world,” Y’shtola exclaims with a smirk as Y’dyalani and her both chuckle. It was amusing really, how far they had both come. “It's still unbelievable.” Y’dyalani remarks, glancing at the sky, “I never would have believed that getting off that boat, all to escape my tribe's abuse, would lead to… everything.” She huffs smiling, “from defeating Primals, to leading revolutions, to going to the edge of the universe… and finding you” Y’dyalani states looking at Y’shtola who leans into Y’dyalani. “It's cute, how sentimental you can be” Y’shtola chuckles, her gaze shifting over to the basket. “Oh right, nearly forgot” Y’dyalani chuckles, her tail swaying a bit as she leans over grabbing the basket and opening it, inside rests two bowls and a pot containing the source of a delicious aroma. “Now I know you didn’t make this” Y’shtola smirks as Y’dyalani pouts playfully, “Last I checked you didn’t fall in love with me for my cooking” She huffs as Y’shtola picks up one of the bowls, “It smells, familiar. What is it?” She asks, “I took a trip to Slitherbough. Asked Runar and some of the other Nights Blessed to help prepare some food.” She explains with a cheeky grin, “What better way to celebrate our anniversary than with food from the place where we initially got married.” Y’dyalani puffs her chest out in pride slightly as Y’shtola’s tail sways slightly. “If only we knew the day in the source that night happened” She huffs smiling as Y’dyalani opens the pot and pours some of the meal into the bowl. “Are the Nights Blessed doing well?” She asks as Y’dyalani nods, “yup, A few issues here and there but overall they have been doing alright.” She explains as Y’shtola smiles nodding before the two of them fall into a comfortable silence, leaning into each other slightly as they consume their food, staring out at the land surrounding where they had first met as the sun begins to set in the sky. Eventually they finish eating, setting their bowls back in the basket and putting the lid back on the pot. Y’shtola immediately rests her head on Y’dyalani’s shoulder, a soft purr escaping the miqo’te. It was adorable whenever Y’shtola let herself just purr, even if incredibly rare. “I love you Shtola” Y’dyalani sighs leaning into Y’shtola as well, resting her head against Y’shtola’s. “Thank you so much for walking into my life” She adds, earning a soft chuckle from Y’shtola. “I could say the same… It truly is hard to imagine my life without you now” Y’shtola responds, interlocking her hand with Y’dyalani’s. Y’dyalani shuts her eyes, feeling her tail brushing Y’shtola’s. “This was a lovely little anniversary picnic…” Y’shtola whispers, causing Y’dyalani to smile widely. "So way better then last year?" she asks as Y'shtola chuckles, "last year was not as bad as you thought, merely chaotic. But this, this is nice." She responds tilting her head up to glance at Y'dyalani as she opens her eyes, staring back. This peace is then interrupted by a pinging sound coming from Y’dyalani’s pocket, causing her to sit up and scowl reaching into her pocket and pulling out a linkpearl. It's one made to keep her in contact with the city states of Eorzea, in case something important requires the Warrior of Light. It hasn’t had as much use as it used to, but on very rare occasions she still is required. “Of all the days” Y’dyalani sighs as Y’shtola nods, “as usual, a crisis’s timing is impeccable” She mutters frowning. “I’ll make sure to finish it quickly” Y’dyalani huffs with a reassuring smile as Y’shtola stands up, “I’m sure the two of us could handle it far faster together” She responds crossing her arms as Y’dyalani opens her mouth to protest. “Come now, I’m not just going to sit at home twiddling my thumbs when I could easily assist you.” Y’shtola smirks, leaning forward as Y’dyalani stands up. “Fair point” She grins as she is about to activate the linkpearl. “If this is something that requires fighting, this will be over in a minute” Y’dyalani chuckles her free hand taking Y’shtola’s as she activates the linkpearl, hoping that whatever requires her requires fighting, because if so, whatever caused it is going to have to deal with a very irritated Avatar of Destruction and Warrior of Light.

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Y’shtola sighs as she opens the door to Y’dyalani’s apartment, hand gripping onto the list she was left on how to care for the miqo’te’s dog, Argos. There was much she was willing to do for her girlfriend, like waste time she needed for work to help Y’dyalani out with menial tasks. But this probably was the hardest to accept the request Y’shtola ever received from Y’dyalani. Argos seemed to love to bother Y’shtola, in almost a keenly intelligent mischievous way. Y’dyalani brushed it off as Argos wanting to be friends but Y’shtola was certain the dog was out to get her. But, Y’dyalani was leaving town to visit her mother for a bit and G’raha, who normally would dog sit, was busy with other tasks, so it fell to Y’shtola to take care of the dog for the week. She can only hope the dog decides to be less of a nuisance then normal.

A groan escapes from Y'shtola as she sits down on the couch, the large golden blond dog that is Argos laying down at her feet with what she has to assume is the dog's equivalent of a smug expression. It had only been three days and her patience was tried. Since she started caring for him Argos had managed to have accidents inside the house each day, tear up one of the books Y’shtola brought with her when she was just relaxing, and drag Y’shtola around half the park whenever she took him on a walk. What was this dog's problem with her? He was very well behaved usually, Y’shtola had seen Argos walking alongside Y’dyalani with no leash on many occasions, and yet with her he was the definition of chaos. God did she love Y’dyalani, but Argos was pushing her limits of what she can handle. With a loud sigh Y’shtola leans forward staring Argos in the eyes. “If you're trying to scare me off, it won’t work, so can you go back to being behaved like you usually are around Y’dyalani.” Y’shtola asks with a small growl as Argos tilts his head, causing an annoyed huff to escape her lips, “or I'm insane trying to talk to a dog.” Her tail flicks as she shuts her eyes. After a few minutes her ears then twitch as her phone begins to vibrate, opening her eyes Y’shtola sees Argos staring at her as she reaches over picking up the phone, recognizing the image of the caller and answering the phone. “Dyalani” She huffs as she turns the speaker on, “Shtola.” Y’dyalani responds as Y’shtola crosses her arms looking down at Argos who seems to have recognized his owner's voice. “How are you?” Y’dyalani asks calmly as Y’shtola sighs, “managing, as usual your dog seems out to get me.” She explains hearing a soft chuckle from her girlfriend. “Sorry, you know I normally wouldn’t ask you to take care of him. I hope he hasn’t been too much of a troublemaker” Y’dyalani responds as Y’shtola bites her tongue to avoid mentioning her torn apart book, knowing full well even if it cost a good amount Y’dyalani would go out of her way to find the most expensive version of the book to get as a replacement. “He has been as behaved as he normally is to me” Y’shtola responds finally as sounds of Y’dyalani moving can be heard over the phone. “But even if he is a challenge, It does not bother me if that is of concern.” She adds as Y’dyalani chuckles, “Alright, thanks again Shtola. I love you” She states as Y’shtola smiles, “I love you too, goodbye” She responds as the call ends as she looks down at Argos who tilts his head. No matter how much of a problem this dog is, she certainly won’t let it scare her away from her girlfriend.

Y’dyalani grins as she unlocks the door to her apartment. Her trip to see her mom was eventful. But as much as a few years ago she would have wished she didn’t have to return, she now finds the apartment far more home than her childhood one. Which is what her mother wished anyway. “Argos, I’m home” Y’dyalani exclaims loudly, expecting the dog to come running towards her, like he always does, but after a minute of waiting Y’dyalani grows concerned, walking through her apartment until she reaches the living room, seeing Y’shtola calmly sleeping on the couch, Argos resting next to her, head laying on her stomach. It warmed Y’dyalani’s heart to finally see the two getting along, hopefully she wouldn’t have to worry about Argos causing trouble for Y’shtola anymore, nor hear Y’shtola’s occasional annoyed quips to the dog. With a soft smile Y’dyalani sits herself down on the arm of the couch, hand drifting to Y’shtola’s hair. A soft buzz causes her to pull out her phone to see a text from G’raha. -Did it work?- Y’dyalani smiles, shooting a quick reply before snapping a few pictures of the adorable seen next to her as she continues to softly stroke Y’shtola’s hair with the other hand.

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Night was falling in Coerthas as two wolves fell to the ground dead. “I must thank you for volunteering to assist me in this, it is much easier to perform observations on the Ixal when your here providing assistance” Y’shtola comments as Y’dyalani shifts into a standing position, sheathing her twin daggers as she stretches, her green tail straightening as she does and her ears flick slightly in excitement. “Well, honestly your requests are so much less overwhelming than Alphinauds” Y’dyalani states with a smile as she turns to face Y’shtola, her heterochromatic light and dark purple eyes meeting teal for a second before Y’shtola shuts them with a smirk. “That boy does love to drag you along with his goals” She chuckles as Y’dyalani nods slumping forward as exhaustion hits her body. “Yeah, don’t get me wrong, I love to help him out. But combine that with everyone and their mother wanting the help of the Warrior of Light. I’m getting a little overwhelmed.” Y’dyalani sighs as Y’shtola turns around, “I’m honored you then chose to use your valuable time to assist me. Come, we will want to reach Camp Dragonhead before nightfall. I doubt you could survive the cold while exhausted.” Y’shtola explains beginning to walk in the direction of the camp as Y’dyalani lets out a whistle causing her to stop. After a few seconds the Chocobo that was only a bit away comes running forward stopping in front of Y’dyalani. “Did you forget I have a chocobo?” She asks as Y’shtola lightly smiles walking to her and her chocobo.

Y’shtola makes a mental note to always remind Y’dyalani what to look for when arranging for rooms to stay at when out traveling, because it seems she forgot a crucial aspect of traveling with an additional person. She forgot to see if there was any sort of space with an extra bed. Though in context, finding a spare private room in camp dragonhead with more than one bed might have been asking for too much. Y’shtola crosses her arms staring at the mostly vacant room, the lit fireplace casting a dim light across it, but making the lonely bed stand out far more. If only they weren't too exhausted to use aetheryte travel, otherwise it would be a quick trip back to the Rising Stones where she and Y’dyalani would have to attend to different tasks again. “Sooooo…” Y’dyalani mutters her tail shifting to between her legs nervously, “I can take the floor.” She states as Y’shtola huffs, “Nonsense. You need proper rest. I’m far too used to falling asleep in a chair, you can have the bed” She responds with her ear twitching as Y’dyalani frowns, “but then you won’t have proper rest.” The green haired miqo’te retorts. “So you would rather we share a bed?” Y’shtola asks, raising an eyebrow as Y’dyalani smiles, “I mean, it's better than one of us being uncomfortable, and despite what you may think I sleep like a rock.” She replies leaning forward tail wagging in response to her pride for not fitting what someone would expect of her. It was adorable whenever it happened, not that Y’shtola would mention it aloud. “You do realize that if we go through this plan it must never be spoken of again, or Thancred will never let either of us hear the end of it” Y’shtola huffs, crossing her arms, cursing at herself for coming up with such a weak argument against this. If it was any other person she would argue to hell and back, yet it alludes her, how the reckless, energetic, and extremely idiotic at times Warrior of Light can somehow make her softer on topics she normally would never budge on. “Do I look like someone who tells people everything that happens?” Y’dyalani asks as Y’shtola stares back at Y’dyalani as her tail begins to stop wagging. “I’ll make sure not to talk about this, lips sealed, promise. I can keep a secret you know” Y’dyalani states as Y’shtola grits her teeth slightly, wishing she could think of something to continue arguing. But she knows Y’dyalani won’t budge. It's either they both share the bed, or Y’dyalani takes the floor. One of them has to break, and Y’shtola doubts even her stubbornness can beat the stubbornness that defeated the Ultima Weapon and an Ascian. “Very well, but if you steal the blankets I'm turning you into a frog” Y’shtola huffs, shutting her eyes, by the twelve she is going to regret this isn’t she. She can already feel warmth spreading to her cheeks at merely the knowledge that they are going to be sharing a bed. “Wait, you can do that?” Y’dyalani asks, tilting her head in curiosity as Y’shtola opens her eyes, sighing and nodding. “Let's just get this over with.” She huffs as Y’dyalani nods, seemingly unaware of any reason why Y’shtola is so hesitant about this situation.

Y’shtola is the first to awaken, and as she does she finds a pressure wrapped around her. This immediately causes her eyes to shoot open and analyze her surroundings, finding relief in that she is still in the spare room of Camp Dragonhead. As to the cause of the pressure, she looks down to see arms wrapped around her and becomes fully aware of the body pressed against her. Somehow in their sleep Y’dyalani managed to cuddle extremely closely to Y’shtola. Now she knew Y’dyalani was a physically affectionate person, oftentimes hugging the scions in greeting and just in excitement over something, Y’shtola having been the recipient of the most hugs from the Warrior of Light. But she never knew this physical affection seemed to apply in sleep as well. Almost on instinct Y’dyalani must have sought out the warm body nearby and cuddled into it, because Y’shtola doubts Y’dyalani would consciously do this. No, while the Miqo’te was physically affectionate and energetic, she never willingly would do something that could make anyone uncomfortable. It had taken Y’shtola telling her she was fine with the constant hugs for Y’dyalani to do them freely, before having been hesitant or even asking. She should move, undo them from this very embarrassing situation before Y’dyalani awakens. And yet, the warmth, the very gentle but solid grip around her, was comfortable. She didn’t want it to leave, her cheeks becoming warmer with each possible second at the realization of how much she is liking this, instead of trying to wiggle out she merely relaxed. She would probably escape with a cuddle eventually, it would be embarrassing for both her and Y’dyalani if they both were to become aware of this occurrence. A soft smile forms on Y’shtola’s face as she shuts her eyes once more, careful to not let herself fall asleep again, she has to make sure she gets up before Y’dyalani awakens.

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Despite having spent a while in Ishgard now, the cold still stings. Y’dyalani shivers a bit as another cold gust blows along the city. Why did she pick to meet up with Y’shtola here? Letting out a sigh she leans against the railing as she attempts to distract herself from the stinging cold. Her eyes drifted to see a broken chunk of the railing still unfixed from when she had damaged it. “Whats the point of being a hero if I can’t save the person who means the whole world to me?” Those words, spoken shortly after she damaged the railing, a very emotionally heated confession to Y’shtola. Words she wished she had even known she had wanted to say earlier. Shutting her eyes she feels the soft warmth deep within, getting closer as she opens her eyes looking up to see Y’shtola walking towards her. A smile forms on Y’dyalani’s face as Y’shtola stops in front of her. “So, the slayer of Nidhogg is out and about in the middle of the cold” Y’shtola smiles as Y’dyalani lightly pushes off of the railing, her tail swaying slightly. “I’m fine. Besides, it's easier to think out here than in the Fortemps manor.” She responds, ears flattening slightly as Y’shtola nods, knowing the sore spot Y’dyalani just reminded herself of. “Alphinaud said you took a serious strike from Nidhogg at one point, is it healed?” She asks as Y’dyalani nods. “Yup, left a scar… thats two now” She brings her hand down to her left side, before retracting it as Y’shtola takes that hand. “So, what is it you have planned for us? I surely doubt you want a repeat of our night after your victory over Thordan.” Y’shtola smirks as Y’dyalani’s face turns beat red and her ears shoot up, “what, no, I wouldn’t try to drag you away from potentially important work over something like that…” she stammers waving her arms around before pausing, “wait, im still doing that aren't I?” Y’dyalai asks as Y’shtola lets out a soft chuckle shaking her head, “of course not, even then, unless a life is on the line it can wait to spend a little extra time with you. Our time as lovers has regrettably been not spent as long together as I’m sure either of us would like, the price of our job as Scions I suppose” Y’shtola laments as Y’dyalani grins holding a finger up, "that's why I've planned a little date for us.” She smiles widely as Y’shtola crosses her arms, “somewhere either then Ishgard I hope?” She asks, shivering slightly. Y’dyalani nods, grinning as she takes Y’shtola’s hand, “I’m not that stupid” She chuckles.

“You better not have gotten us involved in another large spree of running errands” Y’shtola asks with an unamused look as Y’dyalani gazes out at the many buildings above the water that is Costa Del Sol. “It's because of those pointless errands back then that I was able to arrange this. A simple mention of they owed me after all that was enough to arrange for us a private dinner.” Y’dyalani grins her tail wagging as Y’shtola smirks, “so you have gotten more clever” She remarks as Y’dyalani pauses pouting slightly in a joking manner, “I’ve always been clever” she huffs as Y’shtola chuckles, “seems Matoya saying one of your ideas was smart has gone to your head, perhaps you should try writing a Thesis then?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani tilts her head, “A what now?” She asks as Y’shtola chuckles again shaking her head, “Something you would get distracted from in a matter of seconds, shall we continue?” Y’shtola asks and Y’dyalani nods, taking Y’shtola’s hand and leading her towards where the table prepared for them was set, with a perfect view of the coastal horizon. As they sat down there was already food prepared seemingly not too long ago. “We have a habit of sharing moments here don’t we?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani looks up thinking, “I guess so yeah… barely crossed my mind that the beaches nearby have witnessed so much. Me telling you about how my tribe treated me, where I gave you my valentiones gift. And you…” Y’dyalani pauses as Y’shtola shuts her eyes, “when I told you what I had learned happened to your father, where you finally admitted to being the child of a Tia… where I truly understood how tight of a grip you had on my heart.” Y’shtola states, opening her eyes as Y’dyalani nods, taking a small bite from her meal. “Damn I can kill the mood can’t I?” She chuckles as Y’shtola shakes her head, tail adjusting itself. “You are quite alright. I brought it up.” She sighs as Y’dyalani smiles again leaning forward, “still, here we are. I finally understood that I had feelings for you, you verbally confirmed what you showed me back under Ul’dah. No longer are we sharing a moment as comrades and friends, but as lovers.” Y’dyalani smile grows brighter as Y’shtola smiles resting her elbow on the table and chin in her hand, staring at the brightly glowing aether of Y’dyalani. “You are adorable getting excited over little details, and then how easily you can get flustered from other things.” Y’shtola comments as Y’dyalani’s tail wags again. “Can you blame me being excited over having an amazingly beautiful and intelligent woman I can call my lover?” Y’dyalani asks as Y’shtola chuckles leaning back, “please, praise me more” She jokes taking a few bites from her food after saying that. They continue to eat their meal, finishing half of it before Y’dyalani looks up. Seeing Y’shtola staring back, a small smile on her face as Y’dyalani realizes Y’shtola must have paused eating far earlier. “Are we… meant to talk more?” Y’dyalani asks as Y’shtola chuckles, shaking her head, “It is not mandatory, as long as we enjoy being with each other.” Y’shtola replies leaning back slightly, “I must say I never realized how good it would feel to be on a date.” She huffs as Y’dyalani nods before thinking for a minute, eyes widening. “Wait, before I forget” She huffs reaching into her bag, cursing silently as she has to push aside hundreds of crystals, pieces of ore, and tools before eventually pulling a small box which she slides over to Y’shtola who looks at it with a smirk growing on her face. “Now, this is quite early, usually the earliest one would propose is a year into a relationship” Y’shtola chuckles as Y’dyalani’s face turns red, “its not that” she stutters as Y’shtola laughs opening the box to show a nice necklace, whatever gem was used in it having vibrant aether allowing for her to even appreciate its beauty. “It's to replace the one I gave you that got lost in the lifestream… I needed help from Vidofnir to find the gem I used for it.” Y’dyalani explains as Y’shtola smiles, she had felt regret over losing the original one as a consequence of Flow, but she didn’t think Y’dyalani would go out of her way to replace it, and put even more effort into doing so. As usual, if it means showing her care for someone, Y’dyalani would go above and beyond. “Thank you, I truly did not think you would use your valuable time to replace something I had lost” Y’shtola smiles, unclasping the necklace and putting it on, feeling it rest against her chest. “It eliminates something to do for the next Valentiones day as a gift, but I wanted to make you another necklace, and make it more special.” Y’dyalani smiles as Y’shtola stands up walking to Y’dyalani. “I do hope you make sure to remember I don’t need fancy or special things. You are enough” Y’shtola smiles, leaning down pressing her lips to Y’dyalani’s for a short kiss, separating as Y’dyalani’s face turns red and her tail begins wagging very quickly. “We have slept together, and yet a kiss and cheesy line get you flustered. Quite adorable indeed” Y’shtola chuckles as Y’dyalani pouts for a second before standing up and going in for another kiss, shocking Y’shtola and causing her to stumble back, pulling both her and Y’dyalani off the platform and into the water with a loud splash. As they both surface Y’dyalani and Y’shtola both burst out into laughter, “You forget your own speed love” Y’shtola chuckles as Y’dyalani shuts her eyes in a little bit of embarrassment as her ears flatten, “at least there was water beneath us” Y’dyalani sighs as Y’shtola nods.

As Y’dyalani and Y’shtola walk onto shore, Y’dyalani pulls off some of her outer gear, feeling less heavy by doing so. “Well, I hope Aymeric won’t need anything from me” Y’dyalani jokes as Y’shtola smiles, “should we retire to the Rising Stones, unless you wish for us to get sand everywhere along with being drenched?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani tilts her head before nodding. “Sorry for that” She chuckles as Y’shtola shakes her head, “it is no bother. It made the date very… you.” Y’shtola explains with a smile as Y’dyalani glances back at the setting sun, “I guess so” She smiles as they both begin to walk, “next time, your planning the date though” Y’dyalani adds with a grin as she and Y’shtola both smile brightly.

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The smell of the ocean and feeling of wind hitting her face can have such a calming effect. Y’dyalani takes a deep breath as she stands by the door to her small house, debating if she should write a note before departing, just to avoid Y’shtola’s worry. She needed to clear her head though, to ground herself once more. Memories of her nightmare flickering in her mind as she takes a step forward. “You do remember I am quite unbothered when you are struck by a nightmare?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani jumps in place, tail shooting straight up as she spins around to see Y’shtola leaning in the doorway, somehow having managed to remain silent up to this point. “You had a very late few nights, I wanted you to get some sleep” Y’dyalani stutters out as Y’shtola smirks walking forward, “Zenos again?” She asks as Y’dyalani looks down shaking her head, “I should call it a relief he wasn’t tormenting my sleep this time, but I guess nightmares about repeats of Ultima Thul isn’t much better” Y’dyalani mutters clenching her fists as Y’shtola nods, “It wasn’t that long ago, with time they may fade.” She states before looking back to Y’dyalani after glancing at the sunrise, “but come, you plan to go on a walk to ground yourself no? Would it not be easier to have me alongside you?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani feels a smile creeping on her face before she nods.

Their walk has been in silence for the most part, Y’dyalani just trying to remind herself that this is here, this is real, Y’shtola is real. Her grip on Y’shtola’s hand has remained solid and tight, grounding her in the reality her nightmare wants her to forget. “It's rewarding, seeing the beauty of what we fought for” Y’shtola mentions as her gaze falls on the horizon, Y’dyalani smiles nodding looking in the same direction. “Everyone did it, survived the Final Days, uniting over the common goal to survive. Even if it took pushing and shoving to get the remains of Garlemald to be reasonable” Y’dyalani chuckles as Y’shtola looks to her, “and of course the heroes of the world all made it back alive and well, even if one of them was unconscious” She states as Y’dyalani makes eye contact with Y’shtola. “Just to remind you we did make it” Y’shtola adds leaning forward providing a quick peck to Y’dyalani’s lips, “Azems magick saved us, and by the miracle of you or me being the luckiest Miqo’te on Etheirys your alive even after your heart stopped for a few seconds” Y’shtola states with a smile as Y’dyalani clenches her wife's hand a little tighter before relaxing. “Yeah… we have a whole future ahead of us. No Final Days or Ascians to ruin our goals” Y’dyalani smiles widely as she stops Y’shtola doing so as well. “And of course our future is of us together” Y’dyalani adds looking at Y'shtola who just remains smiling. Happy that Y’dyalani pulled herself mostly out of the depressed emotions her nightmare left her in on her own. One day, hopefully one day Y’dyalani will no longer need to do things to ground herself, no longer suffer through nightmares of her friends and loved ones being torn away from her. As Y’dyalani had said, their whole future is ahead of them, together.

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Y’dyalani opens her eyes softly, finding her eyes meeting silver grey eyes staring right back in the dark room. Her eyes widened in surprise at this. She had never expected Y’shtola to be awake so late. “Did something wake you?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani shakes her head, “No nightmare this time. You?” Y’dyalani asks, her ear twitching as Y’shtola shifts in the bed, “just thinking about the future. Plans really.” Y’shtola replies with a smile. “We have had discussions before, but never went into detail. But now we have peace, are married, and have our own quaint little home.” Y’shtola explains as Y’dyalani shifts again gazing up at the ceiling. “I mean isn't this what everyone wants in their future?” she asks, tilting her head as Y’shtola lets out a hearty chuckle. “You're not wrong, there are many who would kill for our position. But there is no doubt more. After all, you already know my plan to research traveling between shards. Of course without that taking up all my time” Y’shtola explains, “but what else, in the future? What do you want to do?” She asks as Y’dyalani shuts her eyes, thinking for a minute. “I do want to continue to see the world, explore more, maybe find any of the remaining Ascians and make sure they aren't up to no good. After that, I don’t have much of a clue. I’m satisfied with how we are right now. It would be selfish to ask for much more after all we have been through.” Y’dyalani responds with a smile as Y’shtola shifts into her a bit, wrapping an arm around the green haired miqo’te. “I can’t fault you for being simple. Have you really not thought of potentially expanding the number of residents in this house eventually.” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani pauses for a moment, mouth opening to give a quick reply before she comes to realize what Y’shtola was implying. “Wha?” Y’dyalani mutters, turning to face Y’shtola, “I have a habit of shocking you with questions don’t I?” Y’shtola laughs tapping Y’dyalani’s nose with a teasing smile on her face, “First with the proposal after reuniting in the first and now this, I may need to start keeping score” Y’shtola chuckles as Y’dyalani pouts a little in embarrassment, “you just catch me off guard. That's all. I wasn’t exactly expecting you to propose to me hours after you thought me a sin eater.” Y’dyalani huffs before smiling as Y’shtola shuts her eyes. “It had been a thought I had ever since our return from Ultima Thul. I never thought I would have considered it before, but the idea of starting a family is more enticing than it once was.” Y’shtola explains as Y’dyalani’s tail wags under the cover as she thinks for a second, “is it even possible, or will we have to adopt?” Y’dyalani asks tilting her head as Y’shtola opens her eyes, “There is much magic could be capable of, if there is a spell I merely will have to learn about it. Though I doubt you would be against adopting if that is our only option.” Y’shtola explains as Y’dyalani smiles, wrapping her arms around Y’shtola. “Yeah, I would. Honestly I didn’t think you would be ok with the idea of starting a family. It would interfere with your ability to do research after all.” Y’dyalani states with a soft smile resting her head against Y’shtola. “Well, I’m sure we have time before we commit to that. I’ll just have to complete most of my important research before we do that.” Y’shtola states hugging Y’dyalani whose eyes begin to shut, finally feeling sleep call to her again. “I look forward to the future Y’shtola… goodnight again” Y’dyalani sighs as Y’shtola presses a kiss to the top of Y’dyalani’s head. “I do as well” Y’shtola responds, shutting her eyes. Sleep claiming the two miqo’te in each other's embrace.

Chapter Text

Y’dyalani was used to Y’shtola going on trips, her job as a researcher often meant that Y’shtola would spend sometimes a month or two away from Limsa Lominsa. But normally Y’shtola would never ask for help packing, carrying her stuff, yes of course, but packing was something she usually did herself. She can only suspect Y’shtola is planning something, but she rarely can predict what is going on in the miqo’te’s head. Y’dyalani lets out a sigh as she continues to go through Y’shtola’s wardrobe, “you said this was in Coerthas right?” She asks, turning her head back to see Y’shtola calmly thumbing through a few of her books before setting them in a suitcase. “Yes, it isn’t a long trip either. Are you having that hard of a time figuring out what I would pack after we have been dating for two years?” Y’shtola asks with a smirk as Y’dyalani shakes her head rapidly, “just wanted to double check, only a small amount of your outfits look like they are suited for cold weather thats all” Y’dyalani responds turning her attention back to the clothes. As she does she notices sitting amongst the clothes in the bottom drawer of the wardrobe is a box. It's a simple box, something she wouldn’t expect Y’shtola to have just sitting around in a wardrobe, especially when she has a box for her very small amount of jewelry that rests on top of the wardrobe.. Her gaze can’t help but linger for a few seconds before she goes back to packing the clothes. She can hear Y’shtola moving around, collecting the other items she will need for her trip. But her thoughts can’t stop from drifting back to what is in the box. Why would it be in the wardrobe, what is it? Her curiosity gets the better of her and as she hears Y’shtola exit the bedroom she opens the box. Inside is a small white chocobo stuffed animal. It's not any stuffed animal though. It was from their fifth date. There was a nearby fair they went to and Y’dyalani had heard it was something done from time to time to win a prize for your partner. So she had spent a good amount of gil to attempt to win it. Even though Y’shtola had insisted she wasn’t much of a stuffed animal person. But it was Y’dyalani’s stubbornness that made her continue. She can feel tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes, she had never expected Y’shtola to keep it, the fact that she wasn’t really a fan of stuffed animals was tell enough, she had just meant it as a romantic gesture. Instead it was here, clearly not forgotten or hidden. “Ever heard the phrase, curiosity killed the cat?” Y’shtola asks, causing Y’dyalani to glance back, seeing the teal eyes staring right at her and a smirk on the miqo’te’s face. “I didn’t realize you kept it,” Y’dyalani states softly, wiping the stray tears from her face. Y’shtola tilts her head in confusion, tail flicking slightly, “it was given to me by you, why would I not keep it?” she asks as Y’dyalani looks back down at the stuffed animal, “it is the most replaceable… and probably my most childish gift. You said so yourself it could just be bought online” Y’dyalani mutters, her tail curling to rest next to her leg as her ears flatten slightly. It was hard to believe she was enough to warrant keeping something like a stuffed animal, even if she knows Y’shtola is being one hundred percent honest. “Yes, but you put so much effort into it, just as you have with any other gift you’ve given to me. Regardless of how common or small of an item it is, it is filled with your genuine love. It perhaps is the gift I cherish the most” Y’shtola responds walking up to Y’dyalani and kneeling down next to her. Y’dyalani smiles widely, turning to Y’shtola. “Thank you for reminding me to pack it though” Y’shtola grins as Y’dyalani feels even more happy knowing that Y’shtola brings it with her. “Ok but the fact that this beats handmade necklaces for you is hilarious” Y’dyalani states with a wide grin as Y’shtola nods chuckling, “We both are full of surprises are we not?” She asks as Y’dyalani nods, standing up, “alright, anything else you need help packing?” Y’dyalani asks as Y’shtola smirks, “yes, a bag or two for you” She responds as Y’dyalani freezes in place, brain pausing to try to comprehend what Y’shtola just said. “The research business side of the trip will only last a week, I extended my planned stay to perhaps use it as an opportunity for a little trip with you somewhere else.” Y’shtola explains as Y’dyalani blinks as Y’shtola stands up, “if its alright with you of course” She states and Y’dyalani finally snaps out of her shock smiling, “of course, means I get to spend more time with you.” Y’dyalani grins as Y’shtola smiles. “Well then I’ll finish packing my stuff, and then I’ll see you at your apartment to assist you” Y’shtola explains and Y’dyalani nods, turning towards the door.

Chapter Text

A smile shows on Y’dyalani’s face as she stares at the cottage in front of her. Purchased with her own hard earned gil from adventuring and saving the world. If she hadn’t protested, she probably would have been given a mansion thanks to House Fortemps. But she and Y’shtola just needed a small house. They were already used to sharing smaller spaces, having practically shared a room in the Rising Stones and any other location the Scions had to call home. But it seems most people think she deserves a mansion. “You really sure you're fine with such a small house” Tataru asks as she finishes going over a checklist of some sort from looking over multiple boxes resting on the front lawn. “I mean no matter the size it's going to look like Matoya’s cave in a month” Y’dyalani grins, earning a glare from her wife who is standing beside her. “Do you wish to spend our first night in our home on the floor?” Y’shtola asks as Y’dyalani’s ears flatten and her tail curls between her legs. “No” She mutters as Tataru sighs, “with so many willing to cover it and yet the hero of the world doesn’t want more than a small house. Oh well,” She huffs smiling looking up at Y’dyalani, “you’ll find everything you’ll need essentials wise inside, I’ll leave most of the decorating to you two unless you require assistance, though I did make sure some decorations were put in place already. I’m sure you both will appreciate them” Tataru explains as Y’dyalani smiles, “thanks for taking charge over most of the process Tataru” She states as Tataru nods, “Just stay out of trouble, some of the remnants of the Scions funds were used for this. I don’t want it going to waste because you go back to trotting the globe to save it. None of us need any more scares from you” Tataru states with a stern expression as Y’dyalani smiles nervously. No one was gonna let her forget how she technically died for a few seconds due to the injuries she sustained in Ultima Thul from the combination of the battle against the Endsinger and Zenos. “I’ll be sure to keep her out of trouble, now we best get to setting up our remaining stuff into the house.” Y’shtola smiles as Tataru nods, holding up a thumbs up before walking away as Y’dyalani picks up a few of the boxes while Y’shtola summons a few familiars to carry the remaining ones.

Opening the door they are met by a well lit room, with a small dividing wall hiding a kitchen from the view of the front door and the small table sitting to the left of the door, to the right of the door is an orchestrion and further along the right wall is an empty display case. A nice carpet of Sharlayan design sits on the floor. On the wall are paintings of Ishgard and Sharlayan, sitting in between them mounted to the wall is the shield Y'dyalani was gifted by House Fortemps. Probably the most major source of her memories of her adventures in Ishgard. “How quaint, Tataru already did some decorating. I wonder how she did downstairs” Y’shtola smiles waving her hand as her familiars stop setting down the boxes they were carrying before vanishing. Y’dyalani walks around staring at the main room, a wide smile on her face. She and Y’shtola have a place to live. It's not a room in the Rising Stones. Even if it will take getting used to no longer calling the Rising Stones home, this is their home now. Almost very quickly she makes her way to the doorway to the side following the stairs down to see the bottom floor has a bit more of a Kugane style. Its table being low to the ground and cushions sit at intervals around the table. Portraits line the walls showing locations Y’dyalani have visited, with one portrait sitting alone on one of the walls. A portrait of the Scions after they moved into the Rising Stones, something Tataru suggested and Y’dyalani vehemently supported. She hadn’t known what Tataru had done with it when it was finished, but now its home was here it would seem. A memory of her beginning, before she became the liberator of Ala Mihgo and Doma, before she saved another world, and then this own world. Back when she was an adventurer who happened to have the luck, stubbornness, and blessing of light and so earned the title of the Warrior of Light. She hears Y’shtola’s footsteps along the stairs before they stop. “I assume this painting is special compared to the others?” Y’shtola asks while walking next to Y’dyalani examining it far more closely, the image of the painting becoming a bit more clear to her. “Yeah, It seems everything Tataru put up was a way to remind us of our adventure” Y’dyalani smiles as Y’shtola smiles, turning to the door near the other end of the room away from the stairs, walking over and opening the door and peeking in. “It would seem Tataru underestimated the amount of books I can collect. One bookshelf? She should know better” Y’shtola chuckles, causing Y’dyalani to turn around and walk over to the room, which is now clearly a bedroom. Two wardrobes by the bed, one side table, a desk at the far end of the room with a bookshelf behind the desk. “Yeah, this house is gonna end up looking like Matoya’s cave” Y’dyalani sighs, earning a quick glare from Y’shtola. “Well now I don’t know if I want to offer up my proposal now that you gave that proposal” Y’shtola huffs as Y’dyalani tilts her head. “What proposal?” She asks as Y’shtola smirks, turning to face her. “We could start unpacking now, which will probably take an hour or two, and we know G’raha and the Twins have already arranged to visit later in the day to help us, or…” Y’shtola leans forward, her tail flicking mischievously, “We could see how well designed the bed is” She chuckles softly as Y’dyalani feels her face turn bright red, tail swaying in mild excitement at this suggestion. “W-well, it would be rude to expect G’raha and the Twins to help us completely unpack… B-but the bed does look comfortable” Y’dyalani stutters as Y’shtola tries to hold in laughter. Married for a few weeks, hell they have been together for a long time now, and she can still get Y’dyalani flustered like this. “It would be a good way to celebrate moving in I guess” Y’dyalani states realizing that was enough for Y’shtola who grabs her collar and pulls her completely inside the room shutting the door.