Episode LV! – When one wants to relax, be lazy, and lounge around in comfy clothes, but also have to be an void entity from the Thirteenth stuck in a mansion. I’m fairly certain a couple of denizens from there would look at us in bewilderment.
Final Fantasy XIV
Brief Initial 7.1 Outing & Issues
RL took its toll to a higher degree on 7.1 Launch Day, so the initial getting into things was a lot rougher than expected. The biggest hurdle was actually playing the game as all PS4 controllers via Bluetooth currently do not work. After ~45 minutes or so, there was semi-success of utilizing some daisy chaining antics to get something long enough to work. However, due to aforementioned RL bleeding later into the evenings, it was a subpar outing unfortunately.
Aikirees and I should hopefully have better luck this evening, and the cousins did manage to get some items accomplished. Hopefully the issue with the controllers gets fixed in the next week or so as that’s a pretty rough hurdle in itself. Anyway, aside from those sorts of frustrations that I know will be addressed, there will be some sort of 7.1 retrospective once we tackle the new MSQ and have a second to digest it all and very much so for the new Alliance Raid as well.
Y’all have a wonderful Wednesday!
Echoes Across Time
As Aikirees sleeps deeply one night, faint memories that are, but also not, hers come passing through her mind. A world she once would have called her home in a past life, Vana’Diel. As vague as the images are, she’s able to make out what they are and when in time.
The first being an early memory of many many summers past. Just starting out as a fledgling Summoner, barely after befriending what would become one of her closest soul bound friends, Carbuncle. There she was standing in front of a large floating crystal – even now she could sense that the presence inside was the powerful primal, Titan. One of many she had to encounter on her journey back then to be able to fully weld the power of the Primals. Ultimately, Aikirees succeed in such an enormous task, and seeing the memory once more brings back the rest of the journey she took to do so. At first all she had was Carbuncle, but in the end she had many friends to call upon for aid.
Some of the memories she tries to make out whisk by far too quick for her to recall clearly enough, but once the memories of the Primals had faded away, one of a looming and dark castle pierces through the fog in her dream.
She knew this place, and knew a dark presence lived there. Even in her sleep, she curled the edges of her mouth with a low snarl. Castle Zvahl Baileys was the name of this foreboding place, and it was here she with her friends took on a defeated the Shadow Lord. Unsure as to why this memory pierced her mind so clearly, even as vague as it came to her, it didn’t make her feel well nonetheless.
A lot of whirlwind memories continue passing by with such force, but a couple become less vague and more clear with warmth behind them. Some of the friends she made along the way appear as she adventured throughout some parts of Vana’Diel.
They were with her through a lot of trials and tribulations, but also for the small quiet moments as well. She remembers a lot of the silly memories that they all made together, but also the ones that got everyone to save the world over and over again. Everything from small group gatherings in a few places, to taking on Ark Angels on floating continents, there was no short of moments happening throughout her life there!
But… why now, what does it all mean? She knew this life, and it was two lives ago now – not counting the one she was gifted recently. More of the moments pass by quickly, but she begins to have a hard time focusing on them. Her conscious returns to the now, and all of the images she kept seeing disappear within a dark cloudy haze.
Aikirees slowly wakes back up, back home in HQ. Sitting up for a moment, she decides to hop out of the top bunk bed and head out of the bedroom for a moment. Trying to not stir me in the processes (she almost did so successfully, but I am Viera after all!), Aikirees heads outside to help clear her mind.
As she stepped outside, the cool crisp night air of Ishgard helps clear her mind a bit. Unsure of it all, she takes a moment to pause and star at the stars. Will there be more of these dreams? Are they an omen of things to come? She shakes the thoughts from her mind, and heads back inside to get some rest the remaining part of the night. Only time will tell why now of all times these memories of a past Echo come rushing back.
Knowing Aikirees though, it always has a reason…
Tranquil Moment
Normally Aikirees and I stop into Old Sharlayan weekly to pick up a hunt, but in this case decided to stop for a quiet moment in front of this lovely fountain in front of the Leveilleur Estate. Listening to the fountain flow on a clear day with the sea breeze passing by was something we certainly needed.
Feels like forever since we took a small spell here. The last time I believe it was after saving the Star on a quiet Saturday morning in the spring. Aikirees was still prior-journeyed self having a biscuit while I was combing over notes for maps with a hot tea. That in itself feels like a lifetime ago and it’s not even been a year yet from my retirement. Having these little moments though does remind me that we need to continue to keep having them, even with being as running around as much as I have been lately.
Reminiscing aside, y’all have a wonderful day ahead!
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure LIV
Episode LIV! – Sometimes it’s just best not to inquire, but Aikirees’ idea to dance it out seems to have worked very well in her favor.
~Boop~
No words said, just a gentle head boop from my dear younger sister is all it took to tell me everything.
Even with us having been through so much, sometimes that is all it really takes, and I love her for the simple reminders.
Blitz Halloween 2024
After catching up with Aikirees, we headed out to Destiny’s [Blitz] house in Shirogane for their 11th annual Halloween Party. The last time we made it to one was I believe four years ago. Their house hadn’t moved in that span of time, but it was certainly decked out for the season!
We got there about an hour or so into it, and the costume contest had just begun. There were all lovely and clever entries with one person dressed as a tonberry (much to Aikirees’ chagrin) taking the gold at the end of it. Our friend, Kaminila, took 3rd place in the contest! During all of this, one of the contestants complimented my outfit as well. The FC leader, who is a good friend of both Kaminila and I, was unfortunately absent, but it’s pretty easy for us to get here; so we’ll just have to pay a visit sometime thereafter to catch up with him then.
The evening was incredibly delightful! There was music, the costume contest, some games, and a bunch of goodies given away throughout the evening. I don’t believe anyone left without anything, but even still there was no way of not leaving without a smile on one’s face. I did get a special minion that reminds Aikirees of a certain Virtue from her past life that I can torment her with now! We stayed for a good long while, but once Kaminila headed out to sleep, we decided it was a good time to do so too.
We really want to go again next year, and at least try to catch up with our friends again soon, even though I know with all of our schedules that might take some time. Even still, this was a night we certainly won’t forget.
Burgundy’s 6th Anniversary Show
The first event I got to see over this last weekend was The Burgundy Room’s 6th Anniversary Show. I got involved with The Burgundy Room early into their second year, and have watched the Troupe since then grow with a lot of both ups and downs along the way. There’s a lot more to the story than that, which will have to in some way shape or form when I tell EOCA’s tale, but it is really wonderful to see how far the Troupe has come in these last 6 years.
Deep down I really didn’t want to miss this performance, even with my inactivity over the last couple of years, so I made up my mind and decided to plan on going. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous upon going but knew once I got there it would be a really wonderful time, and I was certainly right on that.
I got there about fifteen minutes before showtime, and to my surprise, most if not all of the portion of the Troupe that was performing that night was right there in the lobby! The greetings and welcomes I got were all very warm and welcoming, but I did end up freezing in place for a moment as I wasn’t anticipating that. Once everyone started to get into place for the show though, I felt fine and thus the beginning of the evening commenced.
The overall showtime was about two hours, which did catch me off-guard at the end, but it was alright. Each and every performance was so energetic and unique to one another with the creativity that I remember seeing/enjoying all coming back to me. Actually the overall energy and positivity was emitted the entire performance, and it was such a wonderful thing to feel & see!
Just about all of the performances shown that night I hadn’t seen before with only two being ones I remembered from years’ past. That’s not a bad remark though, just an observation as they were just as fun to see again as they were the first time I did. Some of the songs told personal stories, some were just plain fun as they liked the song and wanted to make a performance to it. The amount of heart and soul they all placed into them really showed.
The evening ended with a remix of ‘Lights’ by Ellie Goulding, which is a classic staple from prior shows, and is always such a treat to see. There were a lot of heartfelt speeches to the Dance Mom, Lily throughout the entirety of it and some emotional moments to parallel it. It really did remind me of those days long past.
Once it all wrapped up, I headed out from there to meet up with Aikirees (she didn’t come to this) and head over to our friend’s Free Company’s house for their big Halloween Party. Happy 6th Anniversary, Burgundy Room, to many many more shows and wonderful times to y’all! I’ll continue to be watching as best I can ♥🤍🖤
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure LIII
Episode LIII! – Upon arriving for the Ball, we we’re pretty certain that we have overlooked something rather important. However, we just couldn’t quite place our foot on to what that specific oversight could have been…
No Thoughts
Only – SCREE~!! I really don’t know what’s happening here. Miss Laureine submitted this one with no comment. S-should I be worried?
All Saints’ Wake 2024
We got around to seeing the All Saints’ Wake event for this year, which was a nice continuation of characters that we’ve seen over the last few years. The story itself is fun but quick and gifts a really nice outfit in the end, also unlocking the two festive areas to explore and hang out in.
What we noticed this year was the sheer amount of people that were dressed up in costumes! There was everything from witches, anime characters, to one person being Bane from Batman! At one point even saw Snow White pass by while I was waiting on Aikirees to adjust her costume. Mine hasn’t changed all that much over the last couple of years, seeing as I’m a big fan of masquerades (and also the fact that I’m Viera). It was really, really fun and the energy matched the evening! We ended up spending a bit of time in the Spooky Hollow area as the decor there is just so lovely with a perfectly matching environment.
This coming weekend being the big Spoop Weekend will have a slew of events happening across Eorzea as well, and looking forward to seeing what everyone gets up to! May y’all have a wonderful Halloween and All Saints’ Wake!
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure LII
Episode LII! – When the Report calls for said attire, then it’s time to take advantage of it and get some relaxing time at the spa. Specifically the one we happened to have constructed on our little island getaway not too long ago.
Home
We’re home. We’re really home again. The last week with Milton was harrowing, but we made it and here we are back at EOCA HQ – home. Sirena put on the orchestration ‘Coming Home,’ which in itself was appreciatively fitting. However, the song itself has always had warm fuzzy feelings coincide with it.
It’s hard to explain what about the song gives off those feelings, and that’s prior to hearing where/when the song itself plays in Heavensward, but it just always has. Aikirees, on the other hand, has a stronger connection to it as well before my arrival in Eorzea, a good friend she once knew took her out to the area it plays at. The memories of those days still resonate with her, as does the shield she still welds to this day.
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure LI
Episode LI! – With the weather beginning to show signs of autumn, it would be a good time to bring out the warmer clothes, a nice hot drink or a book, and have a cozy night in near the fire with loved ones.
Dragon Tails: The Bigger They Are…
These two were continuing their escapades deep underwater on the First only to come across this big feller stopping them in their tracks. Miss Lizz’s take in this scenario would be to clearly leap into it not questioning the repercussions (if any), whereas Miss Laureine likes to take in her surroundings before proceeding with a plan of attack.
Their opposites tend to balance out rather favorably, even in scenarios like this one and to Laureine’s frustration sometimes. Now, the big inquiry to this predicament is who’s plan will they go with?
Aethercon 2024
As I mentioned in the Monday Recap, Saturday evening we headed over to Crystal – Zalera to partake in the Aethercon Event. Specifically the Roleplay Market, which was all set up rather nicely within a section of the residential District in Mist. I really did not know what to fully expect upon our arrival, but thankfully their site had a little map with places of interest marked onto it. There was the feeling of precaution lingering in my mind about even going still, but that melted away fairly quick upon our arrival.
It was bustling with activity! Everything from some of the small little shops selling wares to passing customers, and a lot of discussions about! We really just enjoyed listening to it all as it was so lively. We didn’t really engage, but just listen to everyone along with the bard bands playing on the beach below us; however, Aikirees and I did wander off from time to time to see what else folks were up to. It kind of sprawled from this area and up the sidewalk leading to a few other places sprinkled in the vicinity.
I tended to wander a bit more, curious if I might run into anyone that I would have known in the past, but no one looked familiar. Some of the side paths branched off into little groups talking as well, and it all lead up to a house that was holding outdoor performances. One person that we did know was performing here, and it had been a very long while since I had the chance to see her perform. I don’t believe Aikirees ever hand the chance to even as far back as the Aether Event Center days.
Leading into that portion of the evening: April Cleo, a macro dancing performer who started out many years back. I first met her back in the incredibly early days of the Burgundy Room and the Aether Event Center. Regardless, she’s excellent at her craft and has been honing on it all these years. Part of heading to Aethercon was to see her performance since it has been probably about 3 or so years since the last time when she performed with the now long gone ESprit group.
While a bit on the shorter side to accommodate the convention’s schedule, she was absolutely stellar! It was a very enjoyable show that we were glad to have made. Afterwards she went around to say hi to everyone and thank everyone for coming to the show. After a little bit of mingling, since she was the last performance, everyone started to head back out to the rest of the convention area as did we to finish out the evening.
So we listened to a few more bard bands play, hear the talks of the area, and about an hour or so later, it started to clear out with folks either heading to rest or to the venues having live DJ’s. That’s really not our thing, so we decided to just pause, and decompress before heading back to Aether and HQ.
It really was a fun evening seeing everyone interact and enjoy a part of the community that I had stepped away from in an official sense (we’re always in character if you ever see us). Supposedly next year they’re going to host this again with it possibly being a bigger event, and if they do, we’ll be back and more than likely put the ‘RP’ tag up as well to let folks know that we can be approached to interact with as well.
Spoopy Scary Seestahs 2024
~Spoopy, Scary, Seetahs have returned for more FRIGHTS!~
Happy Spoopy Month y’all! October is once again upon us, and we’re so ready! Aikirees and I got our outfits all set up for another All Saints’ Wake, and any/all spoopy festivities that happen to come up for the season!
We always get very excited for this time of year with everything that comes with it. Miss Lizz and Laureine are going to be sticking with their demon and other dem-… angel outfits this year (and probably for a while thereafter).
Y’all have a very fun and very safe Spoopy Season ahead!
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure L
Episode L! – Welcome one! Welcome all to the spoopiest place in all of the Reflections! Oh, we certainly do hope you enjoy your stay, it might just be your last!
Dragon Tails: Tycoon
Lizicus decided to assist Laureine with some excursions with one leading them deep underneath the Crystal Tower resting on the First. Finally reaching the depths of the Twinning unscathed, they were greeted by the massive Tycoon. One marvelous piece of Ironworks technology that poor Laureine loathed to have to destroy for the safety of everyone.
She could only wonder what other powers it could have been able to answer…
Morning Mages
Feels almost like yesterday when we were here in this same attire practicing healing magics. It was shortly thereafter saving all of existence from being destroyed, so with said reality having been saved, we turned from our usual dark arts to its complete opposite for a time. Lest not to replace our fiery ways, but to keep our elements mostly in balance and not to forget doing so entirely.
Aikirees arrived there, on the Airship Landing at Radz-at-Han, just before daybreak. It was mostly clear and we were getting ready to visit with the Hippo Riders and see what we could do for them this day.
Rather than like the last time she was waiting on me, where she was a Miqo’te leaning against a few boxes with a wicked smirk across her face, she was looking off into the distance towards the East. It was calm, with just the slightest hint of a breeze passing over the landing, and I suspect she was focused on all of her surroundings. She looked so calm.
About the time I approached her to let her know we could head out, the sun broke the horizon giving us a gorgeous warm glowing view of a new day over Thavnair. We looked at each other for a moment, and then back to the horizon for another to bask in the morning light, and then headed on out like we have done so many times before and will here on after as well.