iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ch.5 - Yours ⚠️ NSFW 🎵chapter theme: music.youtube.com/watch?v=p09Y... 📖chapter link: archiveofourown.org/works/941621...

She looks into Thancred's eyes for a moment, her own contemplative. She has so many things she wants to ask him, but none of the questions feel appropriate now. She's realizing how little about sex she really knows. She wants to know if he's like this with every girl, or just her; she wants to know if this is the way it always is, the way it's supposed to be, or if he's being extra cautious because it's her first time. She wants to ask if he'll always be this way, or if someday, he might deign to tear this lingerie off of her with his teeth and have his way with her. She wants to ask why he's been so bawdy in his flirtations, so quick to jump into bed with her, only to suddenly show so much restraint. She wants to ask what his patience means, even when she knows it means he cares for her, because she wants to hear him say it, even if she thinks he won't get the words right.

She takes hold of him again, stroking him back to full mast and licking her lips as she finally settles on a question:

"You, um… do have a condom, right?"

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

ch.4 - Cover My Eyes 🎵chapter theme: music.youtube.com/watch?v=9J0p... 📖chapter link: archiveofourown.org/works/941621...

"Thancred," Alisaie says firmly, which finally seems to catch his attention. Thancred looks up to find the other three staring at him, and swallows over the dry patch in his throat. "Thank you for joining us," Alphinaud says flatly, narrowing his eyes. "Do you have any objections to the schedule?"

Thancred blinks, then shakes his head. "No." His eyes move back to the screen in his hand. Alisaie squints.

"Would it kill you to be present for this?" she snaps, sitting up straighter in the armchair where she's sat. "This is important. This could really get us off the ground." She shoots him a serious look, and Thancred finally sighs, locking his tome screen and placing it face down on the couch cushion next to him.

"Apologies," he mutters, eyes locked heavy to the floor, "Your father tends to dislike when I ignore his texts." There's a bitterness in his voice that he doesn't intend, nor notice, but his expression falls mostly blank, besides the stitch in his brow. Both twins blink in unison, then share a wary glance. "Father? What is he saying?" Alisaie asks, brow pinning together. Thancred seems… off, suddenly, like he's focused on something else. "Don't worry about it," he murmurs, "The schedule is fine."

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

ch.3 - What Do You Want From This? 🎵chapter theme: music.youtube.com/watch?v=6auD... 📖chapter link: archiveofourown.org/works/941621...

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

not to het-ify a gay meme but. i was thinking about how i always come up with a million cute nicknames for than/cred to call al/isaie, but i have yet to come up with one for her to call him, and it just made me think of this

"my partner doesn't use pet names nearly as much as i do, which is very funny because i will crack my gay little knuckles and say some shit like "good morning my sun and moon, my loveliest boy, my baby my sweetheart my darling dearest" and he will reply "hello adrian"

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

we need to put you in one of these

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

ch.2 - can't slow down 🎵chapter theme: music.youtube.com/watch?v=U19w... 📖chapter link: archiveofourown.org/works/941621...

"So," he segues inelegantly, pausing to sip his coffee, "What was it you were dropping in for?"

Alisaie puffs up, just ever so slightly, immediately giving away that she intends to ask a favor. "Well…" she begins, warming her hands on the outside of her mug, "I was thinking about what you said, about getting out of my comfort zone. Aaand… I decided to start a band." She pauses and looks at him expectantly. "That's great news," he replies calmly, biting back a smirk. He knows what she's looking for, but he's not giving in that easily.

She waits another moment, then puffs a little more. "Aaand… I have Alphinaud and G'raha on board, but… we need a drummer," she says, leaning in with raised brows. "I see," he says, pausing to take another long sip of his coffee for dramatic effect. He savors it, nodding as if it's something better than black drip coffee, which it is not. Finally, he swallows and clicks his tongue. "I'll have to ask around. I'm sure I know a few drummers."

Alisaie narrows her eyes.

Thancred: 2.

"You're such an arse."

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

ch.1 - everywhere 🎵chapter theme: music.youtube.com/watch?v=fIox... 📖chapter link: archiveofourown.org/works/941621...

Thancred quirks a brow. "What about that girl you posted a few selfies with on social media? The blonde?" he asks casually, "She was cute. Thought she was your girlfriend."

Alisaie's face suddenly falls. Thancred immediately knows he's mentioned something he shouldn't have.

"Tesleen," she says quietly, eyes falling to the tabletop. "She was a good friend. I did… have a bit of a thing for her, admittedly…" She lets out a somber, awkward chuckle, rubbing idly at her forearms. "She, erm… passed away last year. Drunk driver." Her eyes stay locked on the table.

"I'm sorry," Thancred murmurs, brows pinned together. He can see the pain in her eyes, but it's different from last time. From the last friend she'd lost to an early death. When her brunette friend - Emery, he thinks she was called - had lost a battle to a sudden illness, he remembers a 15-year-old Alisaie looking bewildered, like she couldn't believe it was happening. Now, at 21, she just looks resigned to it. Like she should've expected it to happen again, somehow.

The tense silence between them is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of their food, plates of fries and greasy burgers slid in front of them. Alisaie thanks the waitress, but only begins to idly pick at her fries.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

this is the thread where i'll post chapter updates for Exposure Therapy, aka the band AU! fic link: archiveofourown.org/works/94162151 CW: generational trauma and abuse #🎵🐌 #alicred

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

maybe i've gone a tad dramatic maybe i lost the point somewhere more what i mean is things aren't static more what i mean is that i care #🎵🐌 #alicred

A gpose of Thancred and Alisaie, knelt on the floor of what appears to be a kitchen. Thancred is on his knees, hunched into Alisaie's embrace, who is cradling his head to her chest.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

i hear this constant humming dissolves me on the spot #🎵🐌 #alicred

A monochrome sketch of Alisaie and Thancred laying in bed. Thancred is laid on his back, looking up at the ceiling with a blank, dissociative expression. Alisaie is laid against his chest, holding his hand. They are sharing a pair of headphones, connected to a tomestone beneath Thancred's hand.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

i got scared about how bsky was gonna format these but here's them both cropped too 🦋

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

my bugs (panacea prola & junonia rhadama, specifically) #ffxivart #🐌🎨

A drawing of the Leveilleur twins in their Endwalker outfits. They are inside of a large greenhouse, admiring butterflies that land on their hands. The butterflies are red flashers (or panacea prola) and royal blue pansy butterflies (or junonia rhadama).

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

and all the individual portraits because i didn't feel like posting g'raha's separately #🎵🐌 (<- gonna start using this tag for band AU stuff so yall can mute or follow along or whatever)

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

and here they are. they are so lame. they're everything to me. they still don't have a name (but their band claim is The Beths!) #🎵🐌

A gpose of a band lineup. From left to right is G'raha, Alisaie, Thancred, and Alphinaud. They are all sitting on the steps of the Leveilleur Estate, dressed in modern clothes and smiling at the camera.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

posting the lyrics of the most prominent song on the band AU playlist so yall know how dire this shit that i'm not writing is gonna be (:

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

sorry everyone the band AU is cancelled because i have to kill him with my bare hands

A gpose of Thancred, wearing the Calfskin Rider's Jacket dyed white. His hair is longer, like his Heavensward era, but worn partially loose. He is sitting on the edge of a fountain with his legs crossed and is smirking at the camera.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

idk, i know they weren't this lucky but i think it would've been nice if they had a sec to reunite before all the poison arrow stuff bc he could've really used a damn hug #alicred

A gpose of Alisaie and Thancred embracing. There are tears in Alisaie's eyes.

A gpose of Alisaie and Thancred embracing. Thancred is gritting his teeth, as if holding back tears.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

and then!!! he APOLOGIZES!!!!! TO THE WOL!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAA (also why the hell was i not following you)

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

messing around with band AU looks and i fear she may just simply be too cute. we have to remove her from the ecosystem.

A gpose of Alisaie Leveilleur, dressed in the Leisurewear High-cut Shirt and Critical Hit C-2 Tour Cargo Trousers. She is hugging her knee to her chest and grinning.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

at This Part on the wol i made to play with sprout friend and every time i walk by him i want to fucking SCREAM. he looks so fucked up here. i'm watching him rn and he's visibly breathing heavy. were you fighting in there. were you almost winning.

A screenshot of the Warrior of Light, facing Thancred as he sits hunched over in the Waking Sands.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

i get nervous about him getting dirty so this is how he travels in my backpack now. lookin like a snack (derogatory)

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

thancred voice: is there something crawling on my face right now

A photo of a small Thancred plush with a large green beetle pinned to his head.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

⚠️cw: insects he came to work with me again today..... get out of here thancred you don't have labyrinthos clearance!!!

A photo of a small plush of Thancred, standing in front of drawers full of preserved inssect specimens.

A photo of a small plush of Thancred, standing next to a preserved empress cicada specimen.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

normal gnats writing reply section

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

picking just one sentence is so haaaaaard!!! anyway bet yall can't guess who this one's about

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#WoLcadionWeek2026 day 1: loss // victory WoL/Yaana (vague/implied) CW: Graphic depictions of violence, PTSD flashbacks, dissociation Fefra enjoys her win, and contemplates a new persona for the ring.

"You did it!!"

Fefra is hardly surprised to have won her third Arcadion match in a row. She was made for this - and though she'd been reluctant to begin, she had quickly fallen into the theatrics and kayfabe of it all. At first, the thought of fighting for fun had seemed so tiresome… she was tired of fighting. She wanted to relax. She wanted to start putting all of this Warrior of Light shite behind her and start living a normal life. But this was theater - the fighting was only part of the act. Even if she is awfully sore, after Brute Bomber's brutal beating.

But it isn't the win itself that spurs Fefra on further. She'll continue to win. She knows this. She always does. But the crowd screaming for her, the announcer repeating her name over the loudspeakers - it doesn't compare to Yaana's face when she bursts into the locker room again, a wide, fangy grin spread over her face. She doesn't know yet that Fefra will keep winning. It still impresses her. Fefra isn't looking forward to the day where Yaana realizes how powerful she really is. When she realizes just what the Warrior of Light is capable of. But for now… that big, toothy smile feels like the true victory.

Fefra cracks her knuckles, shrugging casually as she seats herself on the bench. "That guy's shtick is weak," she says with a crooked grin. "He needs a better persona. Of course I beat him - he's the one the crowd is allowed to hate." Yaana shakes her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "He is, and they do - but that doesn't mean he doesn't win," she says matter-of-factly. "He's a pretty damn good fighter. But… maybe you're right that his kayfabe could use work."

Fefra brings a towel to her face, scrubbing at it as she finally begins to come down from the high of the fight. "Maybe I need a persona," she muses, "Y'know, a theme or a motif or something." Yaana cocks her head to the side. "You could play it up. The crowd would love it," she says with a half-shrug. "Do you have something in mind?" Fefra hums quietly in thought. A persona. Something fun… or perhaps something scary. The crowd already seems to love her abilities as a Reaper - they've never seen such a job in Alexandria. She hums in thought for a moment.

Suddenly, the chill of Garlemald's harsh winter creeps down her spine.

She's standing in the snow. No - she's standing on someone in the snow. Beneath her is a Garlean soldier, his blood splattered across the glittering white expanse in front of her. Her heel is dug hard into his shoulder, pinning him to the ground. He's finished. Still alive, for now, but he won't be getting back up. Not with the deep gashes spread across his torso, gushing crimson, left by her gruesomely-clawed voidsent. She doesn't remember how she got here, or why she bothered to summon her voidsent for a single measly soldier. Somehow, she feels nothing in response to it.

But somehow, despite the fact that he is clearly heaving his last few breaths, the soldier stares up at her with nothing short of hatred and rage in his eyes. He still wants to kill her. He has no strength with which to do it. But if he did, she knows he would try. So she keeps standing on his shoulder, waiting for the light to fade from his eyes. It won't be long.

"You're sick," he spits with a surprising amount of vigor for a man not possessed of most of his blood. "I d— don't know what you are. But you're sick. Sick!!"

Fefra stares down at him like one might look at a half-crushed bug, deciding whether it is worth the effort to put it out of its misery.

"Yeah," she says plainly. "I am."

She shifts her foot to his throat, and brings her full weight down upon it.

"Fefra?"

She blinks. Specks of snow no longer pelt her chapped face. She turns to Yaana, sat next to her on the locker room bench, who quirks a brow. "You said you had something in mind for a persona?"

Fefra pauses and looks down at her boots, expressionless.

"Yeah. I think I do."

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

here's the higher res gpose (not saying much bc i forgot to increase my resolution before i took it LOL). been thinking nonstop about fefra's arcadion persona and also the hopital made me go a little loopy so now she makes you sick! :) mods used can be found here!: ellipsus.com/read/5CXXk05...

An Arcadion-style title card. The fighter is a sickly-pale Elezen woman with a green mohawk, holding the Majestic Manderville War Scythe and wearing the Critical Hit C-1 Tour set. She has an unsettling, crazed look in her eyes, and is smiling a wide grin full of serrated teeth. She has some sort of green, parasitic voidsent at her back. She is beckoning the viewer closer with monstrous black claws. Behind her, there are several heart-shaped IV drip bags full of green liquid, all connected to her body. One of them is labeled 'POISON' with a hazard sticker.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

"This is the Solution 9 Emergency Broadcast System - this is not a test! We have reports of perilous pathogens, virulent viruses, and malignant miasmas in the ring! Don't breathe too deeply... Agent Contagion has breached containment!" 🎵: Vana - NOXIOUS #gposers #ffxivgpose #fefraposting

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

it was bring your thancred to work day today!

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

so hi i'm personal blogging again but idc because it's my 10th wedding anniversary with @reversebeartrap.bsky.social today!!! i won't get too yucky on main but i would not be here without him and also LOOK WHAT HE GOT ME!!!!!!!!!!!

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

oh random unnamed scion that i'm about to scrape off the floor in a couple quests, the woman that you are.......

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

[kicking my sneet (snail feet)] i'm being soooooo mean to him

A gpose of Fourchenault Leveilleur, side-hugging a very similar looking female Elezen, meant to represent his hypothetical twin sister. Notably, Fourchenault's hair tie in this photo is blue, rather than red, and his sister is dressed in red.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

girliepop how are you even comfy right now

A photo of a gray kitten, sleeping in a strange twisted up position.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

i can see her thinking about it. i see it in her eyes. girl RUN it's not worth it even if he smells so so good

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

i need to post more about this goober #iliasposting

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

medical update in alt text for those worried (or just look at this pic of Sadu)

cw for descriptive medical stuff
.
.
.
.
.
so without getting TOO detailed, ive been bleeding severely for a week straight. i went to the ER last week, they gave me some meds, said "if it doesn't work, go up to two a day" and even two a day did nothing. i lost enough blood that i needed a transfusion

theyre giving me some IV hormones to try to stop the bleeding, but if that doesnt work, ill be getting some kind of surgery (which I don't want because it's not a hysterectomy. they wont do it. which is fucking absurd) thats a temporary fix until I get insurance and can get a hysterectomy.

I may have to open com/ms or a gofundme or something. ive missed two days of work this week and will be missing at least one more tomorrow, maybe Sunday too. my boss is luckily extremely cool and understanding so I think my job is secure, but obviously im not getting paid for the days im not there and i'm the only source of income for my husband and I.

this sucks.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

AND SHE HAS A KINKED TAIL 🥺 ive been playing with it and she doesn't show any signs of it hurting her! it's too cute she's killing me

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

her name is Sadu and she is two apples tall 🥺 we had arranged to get her before Harvey took a turn, but he passed before she was ready to be adopted. i got a call that his ashes were ready to be picked up today, too. she's currently tucked against my side taking a bath

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

had to drive four hours round trip today while still not feeling very good which was a little stressful BUT. it was worth it. FOR THIS

A photo of a young gray kitten, looking out of a cat carrier.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

day 8: strain Alisaie Leveilleur/Thancred Waters | sfw | 761 words A little send-off before the competition begins. #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2026 #alicred

"Wait. I have one question before you leave."

Here they all stand once again - the supposedly-disbanded Scions, all on one boat dock, having found themselves in the same city on the same foreign content, all by pure happenstance.

When last Alisaie had seen Thancred, they had, for lack of a better term, put a pin in things. She had finally coaxed his feelings out of him, and finally, it had seemed like they were on the same page… but alas, duty had called once again. Such is the life of a Scion - and so, they had elected to wait until life calmed somewhat to put a name to things. The thought made Alisaie a bit nervous - sometimes, it felt like life would never be calm again - but there was no way around it.

At the time, she hadn't been aware of the specifics - only that Thancred's expertise as an Archon had been called upon, and that it required him to travel. She had intended to go back to Garlemald with Alphinaud, as well; though, they'd taken the first opportunity to go somewhere warmer, instead. And now, here they find themselves - Thancred and Alisaie both, in their respective but separate entourages, standing upon the same boat dock… and with the same purpose.

But their teams having the same goal could only mean one thing.

"Koana and Wuk Lamat are vying for the throne," Alisaie says carefully, narrowing her eyes at Thancred specifically. "As Koana's entourage, does that mean you're resolved to defeat all his opponents… including us?"

Thancred's expression suddenly grows grim. "We're sworn to do all in our power to win this contest for Koana - even if it means competing against our own comrades," he says, voice low and grave. But after a moment, he cannot hold it back anymore - and his face splits into a fond smile. A playful ruse. "We intend to hold nothing back, and expect you to do the same." To his enchantment, Alisaie's face absolutely lights up.

"We won't disappoint you!"

The two groups split yet again, and Wuk Lamat's entourage hammers out the rest of their plan, and Alisaie finds herself twice as excited as before. But just as they all turn to leave for their ship, she hears a whisper—

"Psst. Alisaie."

She knows better than to call attention to a sound like that. She peeks subtly over her shoulder… and there stands Thancred, alone, a few fulms away. He cocks his chin upward in a beckoning gesture. Alisaie glances back - and there stands Alphinaud, brows raised expectantly. She gives him a look. He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, but gestures flippantly.

With light steps, Alisaie rushes towards Thancred, who immediately takes her by the wrist and moves them behind a stack of cargo crates at the dock's edge. Without a word, he wraps a hand around her waist and yanks her against his body, cupping her face with the other, and pulls her into a deep, passionate kiss. It's a kind of kiss that neither of them have experienced before - the kind of kiss that makes the world stop. The kind that makes all else disappear. The kind that feels as though they breathe in a portion of each other's souls, just for a moment. She makes a soft sound against his lips, taking gentle hold of his collar as if to pull him in deeper - as if there is anywhere else for him to go. She feels a heat rise to her cheeks and ears, but takes no note of it. There is nothing to note besides this.

Finally, after what feels like both instant and eon, Thancred finally pries their lips apart. But he doesn't move away, only gazes down at Alisaie with her face still cupped and a fond look in his eye. "Good luck," he mumbles softly - and mischief seeps into his smile. "You'll need it."

As Alisaie hurries back to her brother's side, she notices that he looks quite perturbed - and that, from where he is standing, her little rendezvous was quite visible. She bites back a laugh and offers an apologetic shrug as they rush to catch up to the rest of the group.

"Are you not concerned that this competition will cause a strain on your relationship?" Alphinaud asks quietly as they walk, hanging back from their friends and offering his sister a look of vague worry. Alisaie glances towards him with a smirk - but then realizes that his question, though ridiculous, is genuine. She can't help but laugh.

"Not even in the slightest."

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

day 7: ignorance is bliss Fourchenault Leveilleur, implied Thancred/Ameliance | mature | 482 words Fourchenault is skilled at a great many things - but none better than his ability to remain ignorant. #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2026

Fourchenault has never been a prideful man. He is possessed of many qualities that one should be proud of - he is hard-working, patient, brilliant at debate - but he has never never been one to brag about aught besides his children. There is one skill, however, that Fourchenault possesses that he feels he is particularly adept at… his ability to remain ignorant.

He understands the negative connotations behind the word. He understands that it does not seem like a skill to brag about on paper. But were he pressed, Fourchenault would argue that it is a much more useful skill than one might first assume. He uses the skill wisely, never ignoring the important things, such as the political dealings of foreign nations or the needs of Sharlayan's people. But it has been summers since he first accepted that there would always be things about his life that he could not change… things that no amount of money, debate, or power could fix, no matter how distasteful he might find them.

He could not see eye-to-eye with his father, no matter how many times they argued - and so, eventually, he simply ignored Louisoix's larger-than-life persona and his ever-growing band of misfits. Rather quickly, Fourchenault's colleagues had learned to stop bringing up his father as a topic of conversation, as his responses grew shorter and colder. Eventually, he had begun to simply change the subject, no matter how abruptly or rudely he needed to do it.

When the twins turned 16, he no longer held the power to legally prevent them from leaving - and they did - so he buried himself in his work, even more so than usual, after they were gone. They had promised to send letters - and they did - but he could never quite bring himself to read them, too sick with the anxiety of the horrors they must be facing. He leaves to Ameliance to summarize each one, and she does not always look so convincing when she assures him that the twins are fine. He can ignore that, too. He has to.

He can ignore the rumors floating around the city, about how he is a cold and uncaring father. About how he disowned his only children, who went on to save the world despite it. He can ignore the emptiness of the Estate, once bustling with his father's colleagues and young apprentices. He can ignore his wife's cries of ecstasy from the bedroom that he knows she is not alone in, and the fact that she has long since stopped trying to hide it. He ignores Thancred every time he slinks from the house in the early mornings, now using the front door rather than climbing through windows - which he ignored then, too. He can ignore his loneliness - as to do otherwise would force him to admit that it is of his own doing.

Ignorance, after all, is bliss.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

a little send-off before the competition begins 💕 #alicred

A gpose of Thancred and Alisaie, kissing on the dock in Tuliyollal.

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snail 🐌 @snailfever.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

day 5: preservation 🚨7.5 SPOILERS🚨 Halmarut/Calyx (vague, implied) | sfw | 471 words Halmarut makes a decision. #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2026

It's over, then.

The last of the Unsundered are gone. There is no reason for Halmarut to continue her work - what they've all worked for. It's a shame. A waste, really. But there's no use in wasting more time complaining about it.

If anything, it is an excuse to dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - observing. Mankind is so messy, but so fascinating, even sundered. Though, she's not an Unsundered - so perhaps she doesn't really know the difference. Perhaps she only sees value in what is equal to her own splintered soul.

But somehow, when she looks at this young boy, no longer so young at heart but never physically changing… she knows that the sundering did not matter. Not to him. That his soul is perfectly intact. That she would not change a thing about it, even if it wasn't. To her, Calyx is perfect as-is.

What he lacks in warmth, he makes up for in incredible wisdom and logic. She knows no one would believe her when she says he has made her laugh - not by any effort, but just by the dryness of his witty observations. He, too, enjoys observing mankind's habits… though, she knows he holds mostly disdain towards them, instead of the fondness that she cannot shake despite her best efforts. It matters not - his thoughts are clear and sensical. She is just more forgiving than she.

For a while, she tries to accept that this will be the end. The Solstice will come, and that will be that - no more observations. No more plans or rejoinings. After the Solstice, there will be nothing. She wonders what it will be like. If it will be as peaceful as she feels now, with a sleeping Calyx tucked against her side. Endless do not need sleep - a lack of it would not kill him - but even despite his invincibility, his previous illness had taken a permanent toll on his body. Halmarut is much too important to be playing nurse - but he lets her, without much protest. She finds peace in that, too.

It goes against all she has worked for. She was never meant to meddle in the affairs of man, no matter how smart or powerful or useful. Calyx is all of those things, and it is how their partnership began so many years ago - but now, she tries to be content with spending the last of their time together in peace. At least neither of them will bear it alone.

But she can't. She won't.

There's no one left to stop her. There is no one's idea of the greater good that is greater than her own.

It is there, with a sleeping Calyx clung to her side, that she decides she will not accept this as the end.

She will preserve this. She has to.

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