~This was prior to Aikirees’ journey~ Episode XLI! – As much as I enjoy the corsage, I’m not quite certain it works all that well with the outfit, or rather lack thereof in certain areas. Seems Aikirees is, once again, taking it with quite the stride.
Rainy Moment
While I was (more than likely) battling something, Aikirees got a moment to relax, even if said moment was a bit rainy. However, it doesn’t seem like she minded it all that much.
I can assure everyone that Lizicus and Laureine are fairing just as well during their adventures through Tural too.
Growing Concern
Y’all, I might be incorrect, but I’m fairly certain her pupper got larger when she returned from her journey.
If so, please send help. Q-Quickly! This doesn’t bode well for me.
Adventuring Interlude
We’re coming up on what I believe is roughly the halfway mark in Dawntrail’s story and, prior to setting off to Tural, Aikirees’ has concluded her journey which has left her looking & feeling vastly different. She’s certainly stronger and has honed her talking skills a bit more as well, but still with her usual ‘zee’s’ and ‘sies’ that she has been saying all this time.
She seems to be not even be remotely phased by the fact that she’s nearly doubled in height so suddenly and quickly though. Albeit I’m fairly certain she’s aware of the changes but has just adapted to them far quicker than I’d have figured.
On the other hand, I suppose, Aikirees has always been an interesting quantum paradox and this is all just simply par for the course. I think she has grown quickly fond of her new self though and I believe that is all that matters.
Now to just make sure I have enough fish in HQ to adjust for her much larger appetite, and check to keep her tail from bonking anything remotely fragile. That thing is a weapon on its own now!
How Dawntrail’s Going (Redux)
I’ve removed the original version of this after it came to my attention that it was being taken personal, for in which that was not the original intention. The original post was the ‘annoyed bird’ meme representing how my frustration reached apex from remarks, statements, and ‘background noise’ revolving around Dawntrail both in and out of game. It was meant to be just how I have generally been feeling even after doing my best to avoid anything, and it’s a similar feeling from that of when Endwalker launched.
For that I do apologize, but I fear the damage may have already been done and if so, I’ll take the full brunt of that burden. If I have ever done something similar like this to anyone in the past, I am so terribly sorry for doing such a thing; formatting will be adjusted here as well to help eliminate surprise spoilers as well.
I truly understand how genuinely excited everyone is about going through the Dawntrail story, whether one has already completed it, or is just now starting out. There’s no hurry to complete it, especially as of re-writing this, has only been officially out for less than a week. If you’re one of the folks who has already completed Dawntrail, then congrats! That’s really wonderful, and super exciting!
We’ll all get there eventually and be able to add to that excitement of taking down the big baddie at the end, but everyone does deserve to get that same near-pure fuzzy feeling as much as possible of the journey there. I do realize there’s folks out there already with the neato higher-zone trinkets (I’ve seen so many tron bikes from fate trains as an example and want one!), and that’s understandable perfectly fine!
We all know there’s still going to be that mixed area where it’s inevitable since everyone gets through it at a different pace: some faster than others. Personally would just prefer to keep that mixed area to a minimum, but I know that varies from person to person.
As for me, I do look forward to talking about the journey once I get up to that finale, and am excited to see how everyone’s adventures went. However it’s just going to take me a smidgen longer to get there, but when I do, it’ll be ‘zee awesome’sies.’
Before I share anything here though, that format change will happen. It’ll probably be a month or so out from now at the earliest.
How Far We’ve Come
“We’ve come a long way, ‘Little’ One. Journeyed near and very far, across time, space, and the known existence itself. We’ve been through so much, and now here we are you and I in the New World, and yet there’s still so much more to discover!”
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 1
Final Day, Day 1 – The fact we got to do the entirety of the Endwalker expansion together. From arriving in Old Sharlyean, all the way to the ends of reality. We are very much looking forward to doing the same thing for Dawntrail and beyond.
… I will certainly miss her being ‘The Little One,’ but she’ll always be that to me.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 2
Day 2 – The most memorable day of the entirety of Endwalker: Sirena and I’s Bonding Ceremony. ♥
Having everyone there and then everyone coming to the after party with a lot of surprise pop-ins from friends across the entire North America and even European Data Centers, this was just the absolute most perfect day.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 3
Day 3 – Never in a million years upon founding Eorzea Cartographers would I ever have been an actual Free Company director. I mostly created the Free Company to coincide with all of the map making projects that I was taking on during that tenure of my adventures, but then these two cats came along and melted themselves into my heart.
Sirena and Juli made EOCA from just a house to a home, and then shortly thereafter Ellany came along as well to make it even more of one. Even if I tend to be running around with Aikirees a bit of the time, hearing what they’re up to is rather heartwarming; then there’s the times where even we’re able to partake too and it’s a really fun time.
I’m really grateful they wanted to be here, and once we all get established in Tural, we’ll be able to get back to our adventures together again.
Sisters’ Fashion Report Adventure XL
Episode XL! – This was a very festively themed Fashion Report for this week’s.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 4
Day 4 goes to the evening we all got together and took Sirena through the NieR raids together for her first time doing them! I sat this one out and chatted with the folks who either didn’t want to partake or came a bit later and were wanting to show their support. Aikirees went instead and both the friends who went in and us who sat out had a really gosh darn good, fun, and memorable evening together!
Dragon Tails: Dawntrail Fashion Show
Just a fun one the two of them wanted to do in the intermission time during maintenance. I do have some sort of conclusion to Island Sanctuary to write up as well, but that might be delayed now due to Dawntrail.
*ahem*… Anyway, Lizicus and Laureine did some attire updates during our last weekend scramble to be ready for heading to Tural. Most notably to distinct themselves a lot more than they did for Endwalker, as they had a tendency to figure out how to ‘twinsie’ without it being nearly identical. The only two remaining are their White Mage & Black Mage outfits since it works rather well.
With that, on with the fashion show!
Tanks, Dragoons, and Bards – Laureine sticking with her tride and true technological weapon, and armory. Meanwhile Lizicus heading a bit of a different direction, much different in certain ways.
White & Black Mages are their classic opposites that they have seemed to coin as far back as 6.2, but their Summoner and Scholar looks have reflected their personalities a lot more now.
They had fun doing that, and as for Aiki and I, ours haven’t really changed all that much in the last 4 years or so. Mine took a few new curves in Endwalker but nothing this drastic. We’ll see what Dawntrail holds for us, especially for Aikirees when she returns from her journey.
See y’all in Tural!
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 5
Day 5 – The entirety of the Frendedex. Initially I was going to put these all separate, but I would have had to start at 30 days instead of 20 to do so. The sheer amount of folks, friends, and memories I made across the entirety of the group we ended up calling the Frendedex is just astronomically heartwarming. Just about everyone we all met was through Mastodon itself as well, and all the things that we did and I know still continue to happen, is just so wonderful.
Generally early on, they were small social gatherings just to shoot the breeze and see how everyone was doing, but not long they began to include running content and helping folks out do certain objectives. Treasure Maps being one that has been done quite a few times before and after my absence.
As we kept having these events, social or content-based, the number of folks kept getting bigger and bigger as word started to spread about the Frendedex’s existence across the Fediverse and beyond. The ones I mostly assembled were on the social-side to just gather and relax/chat about anything really. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit with a bunch of friends after a long week and just talk about things, and the subject matter widely ranged far beyond the scope of Final Fantasy XIV! It was really neat to hear what someone was doing outside the world we all have come to partake in together.
After a while, we even expanded to include the European Data Centers, and we spent the day over there having a very wonderful time with all of our friends that primarily played over there. There are countless memories and moments from all of these times we gathered that are so very cherished. What we accomplished throughout 2023 was nothing less that phenomenal.
The Frendedex has to be one of the biggest highlights of Endwalker and just Final Fantasy XIV in general in terms of all the things we did and friends we made a long the way. All the other events that spun-off from the initial ones was just as heartwarming to see and hear about as well.
So many friends, memories, and moments made during it all. I really do miss everyone, and I’m hoping once all the Dawntrail dust settles, we’ll be able to see everyone once again shortly thereafter.
Even if it’s just around a small firepit to catch up and watch the stars.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 6
Day 6 – I recently reminisced about this earlier in regards to Bahamut Day, so I won’t repeat myself a lot. This day I will absolutely never forget. The first big event I ever put together to take on all 13 Coils of Bahamut on Saturday morning with a bunch of friends that I had made on Mastodon was such a blast, and led to many many more gatherings with them and so many more friends we made along the way thereafter.
I could emotionally gush about that day until the end of days, and I still want to try and organize a second one someday down the road for more folks who have never done the Coils.
The Dream of a Future’s Journey II
We decided to get together in the Lavender Beds, an old spot we used to relax and just enjoy the tranquil scenery from time to time before we had HQ. It was a cool misty morning, and all that could be heard was the rustling of the leaves with the waterfall off in the distance as the only sounds.
We sat there on that rock for what felt like an eternity in time. I knew what was coming, and I just wanted time to stop if only for a moment.
“You know, you don’t have to do this, Little One.”
Finally speaking up, breaking the tranquility, but really not looking away from the waterfall. I didn’t get a response, just a pause and the light brushing of Aikirees’ shoulder onto mine. Her tail swished and curled up to my back.
She was trying to comfort me.
I let out a sigh; not of despair, but of acceptance of what was to come. I looked over at her, and tried my best to give a happy and supportive smile. Aikirees just beamed the brightest of smile, such that it could pierce even the thickest of misty mornings, right back at me.
“I’sies zee know’sies.” She replied, before laying her head into my shoulder comfortably.
“But’sies yew zee know’sies we has hadeded dish zee talk’sies already. I’sies want’sies tew dew dish tew get zee stronger’sies and have mi’s own adventurrrre’sies fur zee once’sies.”
I put my arm around her, and give her a gentle hug.
“I know, and I know I’ve brought this up numerous times. Sirena and Juli seem very supportive as well, so I just need to as well. I am you big sister still, so I’m always going to worry regardless.”
I let her go, and she springs back up smiling all the same still.
We spend a few bells there, mostly reminiscing about the last two summers or so of all the things we’ve done. The good, and the not so; from heading to Sharlyean for the first time, and when we returned after such a long journey. We really have done a lot in what feels like such a short time.
Once the afternoon sun was upon us, she hopped up and went to change real quick, but before long she was back in more traveling attire with a large knapsack on her back.
“I’sies should’sies get zee gewing’sies, zee Big Sissy’sies.”
I nodded back at her.
“Alright, I suppose I should head back to HQ and make sure I have everything packed for the journey as well…”
Aikirees smiles warmly.
“Promise me, you’ll make it to Tural safely. Still planning on meeting near the port once we arrive?”
She nods at my inquiry, and leans in to give a hug while I just sit there on the rock still.
“Zee yup yup! I’ll’sies be zee der’sies!! Yew’sies zee see’sies! I’ll’sies be strrrrronger’sies and zee talk’sies zee bettah’sies!”
Without pause, I just simply laugh.
“Alright! Deal! Safe travels, Little One; I’ll see you there.”
With that, we exchange our farewells, and I watch her walk off to parts unknown. The last time I watched her doe this was in Kugane many, many summers ago. I had a similar fear back then, but we did finally reunite and I was very hearkened to see how well she had been fairing.
After what felt like days, I finally got up from the rock, and head back to HQ to proceed with making sure HQ’s orders were all in affair before departing myself.
HQ felt so quiet and empty. The cats were all packed and ready to go themselves and were off getting their final rests in before heading out. Lizicus and Laureine had already embarked themselves, much to Lizicus’ chagrin. I make my way to the office, gather some notes from my messy desk and begin to head out.
Glancing at our bunk beds, with all of Aikirees’ carbuncles still lying around at the foot of the bed, a somber feeling washes over me. I shake my head, gather the rest of what I want to take to Tural, and begin to head there myself. Having Aryiah look over HQ with all of us away shouldn’t have me worried at all. She’s done it all before and she’ll keep everything in check, I just know it.
I just truly fear that this will be the last time I see Aikirees the way she is and has always been…
Farewell, Endwalker
Thank you. Thank you for all of the wonderful moments, adventures, and memories. It’s time to forge ahead to a new Dawn on the Horizon.
Dragon Tails: Vacation Ready
With nearly all of their final preparations completed at home, Lizicus and Laureine begin to get ready and all packed to travel across the Indigo Deep to Tural.
Just so, the two are very much dressed accordingly to what their wanting to do: Lizicus being primarily to get some major R&R while sampling the cuisines and beverages where she can, whereas Laureine will be off studying the New World and all it has to offer.
…I suspect Laureine will end up having to drag Lizicus off to assist with whatever happens to come up while on vacation, but the two of them will be fine. I’m certain of it.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 7
Day 7 goes to the first time we visited Azelma’s place when she was still on Diabolos on a Friday evening. We had finished our evening up pretty early, so decided to hop over to Crystal and visit her place. When we got there, she was out and about but as soon as she realized we were there, she arrived momentarily later.
We had an absolute blast of a wonderful time talking about a whole lot of things, one being music and swapping some artists to listen to. We ended up spending quite the time there, I think it was at least 2.5 hours or more before we all were just so exhausted.
Since then, we’ve had a lot of wonderful moments together, whether it was taking on some battles or chatting it up with the group of us, it has always been a really great time when she’s around.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 8
Day 8 – I’ve never forgotten the evening that Vysk and I spent together for Valentines Day in 2023. Roughly a couple of months after joining Mastodon in late 2022, a little circle of friends started to form and Vysk was one of the first I met over there. He asked if I wanted to do something for the Valentine’s, which was also tied to the currently running Valentione’s Event, and I was delighted to accept.
The evening was so wonderful, and he was such a gentleman through the entirety of it. We did the 2-person maze challenge together that was part of said event, some stargazing in a couple of places, and ended the night chatting at his place. It was certainly a magical night, and it was just the beginning of a lot of wonderful times & memories ahead with all of the folks we were meeting over at Mastodon.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 9
Day 9’s goes to a Burgundy Room event: Burgundy Gives Back. Out of all the shows that I participated in before placing my Burgundy dress into the Archives, this was one of the most stellar events that we planned. This was a 12 hour marathon consisting of bards, dancers, DJ’s, and live-chats all for donating to the Trans Lifeline. We ended up raising over $3,000.00 for the organization, and it ended up being one amazing time through it all.
While I wasn’t able to be there the entire time due to other obligations, once we got there it was such a fun and very long night. Some old friends from the Adamantoise Alliance even paid a visit so even got to catch up and chat with them as well.