Chapter Text
day #01 — Foster. G'raha & Lyna, G'raha/Kalea 1.9k, G (verb), 1. to give parental care to: affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties. 2. to promote the growth or development: encourage
She grew softer and G'raha blinked. F'lhaminn too, had known grief. But she wore it well.
Where G'raha Tia reflects on the memories left to him and the realization that his future now belongs in present tense.
day #02 — aberrant. G'raha Tia/Kalea 1.6k, PG
(adjective), 1. deviating from the usual or natural type. 2. straying from the right or normal way
She made a strangled sound and her long ears dropped for a moment. A lash of her tail and the flare of white colored aether that tasted like divine repentance on his tongue.
"That is what I am most upset about, my lord Exarch. That is why I am so angry."
Upon their return to the Crystarium over Hades, the Exarch is faced with the choices made for the sake of his hero.
day #03 — scale. (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea 3.2k, E
1. an instrument or machine for weighing. 2. to weigh in scales. 3. a small, flattened, rigid, and definitely circumscribed plate forming part of the external body covering especially a fish. 4. a small thin plate suggesting a fish scale.
“Three? G’raha Tia! Did you become a Master Angular in my absence?” Kalea danced again from his grasp, though the stacks quickly halted her progress. Her back hitting the array of books as his smiling face peered down at her.
Laughter looked so good on him. Especially when it touched his crimson eyes and made them burn. Like coals set in a roaring hearth.
day #04 — baleful. (adjective), Azem & Hades, Azem/G'raha Ancient, Implied Kalea/Exarch 1.1k, E
1. full of menacing or malign influences; pernicious. 2. obsolete. wretched; miserable.
It is a heavy, heady truth that weighs on him with each passing day. Astringent as poison, it bleeds through him to culminate in harsh realities that plague with his magic.
He doesn’t mean to.
He doesn’t wish to.
He loves her - loves her - loves her.
Emet-Selch has lost before. He is determined never to do so again.
day #05 Free Space — Evocative. (adjective), G'raha Tia I Crystal Exarch/Kalea 2.1k, E
1. bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
"What…" G'raha swallowed but his eyes ranked over her. Stripping her bare. "What is this...are you..."
"Surely you remember your basic biology from Sharlayan." She couldn't help but tease him. Even as the air seemed alive with levin. It curled and licked at her body. Pulses and twinges that made her ache. Hundreds of evocative emotions that he would conjure within her at just the brush of his gaze to hers. At just the opening of that plush mouth as he breathed.
The Warrior of Darkness is indisposed.
day #06 Avatar. (noun), CT G'raha Tia/Kalea 1.8k, E
1. a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher. 2. An icon or figure representing a particular person in video games, internet forums, etc.
But it was the idea of her underneath him, eyes staring up into his own so full of affection and admiration, a smile that was all his - that sent him grunting over the edge. Spilling into his hand and across the lines of his bare stomach. G'raha couldn't ignore it. Couldn't forget how he'd wanted Kalea to look at him.
In honor of the brilliant fills of deathflare and thepapernautilus, G'raha Tia takes himself in hand, desperate for what he dreams of with Kalea.
day #07 Speculate. (verb), Crystal Exarch/Kalea 2k, M
1. to meditate on or ponder a subject: Reflect. 2. to assume a business risk in hope of gain. 3. to be curious or doubtful about: Wonder.
She was his greatest temptation…a temptress and succubus that would feed on him - willingly. Eagerly.
His lifeblood would always be hers.
“The Exarch here, in the city of final pleasures?” The smile she gave him was all sweetness and sin. All the patrons might be set to snap and bow down at her feet - but Kalea had eyes for only one person. One alone.
A glimpse into the next chapter of Tempest where Kalea entertains the Exarch at the Beehive. Inspired by thepapernautilus's "Ache" which is utterly brilliant and the most wonderful cake.
day #08 Adroit. (adjective), G'raha Tia/Kalea 2k, E
1. Expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body. 2. cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious.
“I shall give you an example now, love,” he growled. A wonderful sound that vibrated through them both. Wanton and panting, Kalea took his jaw into her hands before moving to straddle his lap.
“I am all ears. Show me how adroit your hands can be.”
His chuckle vibrated into her. “Vixen.”
There is something about G'raha Tia's hands...
day #09 Friable. (adjective), Crystal Exarch/Kalea, Emet-Selch 1.2k, G
1. Easily crumbled or pulverized
G’raha. G’raha. G’raha! He wished to answer her and hear his name, his real name poured from her mouth again. But, Kalea waited with a teasing smile and all he could give was another laugh, though this chuckle was dark and laced in something velvet. “Kalea, you may call me whatever you wish.”
The Exarch and Kalea meet amongst flowers - set after the Rak'tika Greatwood.
day #10 Heady. (adjective), G'raha Tia/Kalea 2.1k, E
1. willful, rash. 2. tending to intoxicate or make giddy or elated.
His smile was so coquettish, Kalea couldn’t help but kiss him. His hand, still about her wrist. “I wonder though, if you would grant me such a request?” She whispered between them. Hot. Desperate and ragged. She pulled the pins from his hair to lay threaded, free across her palm as he blinked curiously at her.
G'raha and Kalea escape for a respite in Kugane, set after 5.3
day #11 Preaching to the Choir. (adjective), G'raha Tia/Kalea 1.5k, E
1. To argue in favor of a viewpoint already held by one's audience.
“You look like a moon eyed kit,” Alisaie said with a false bite. She raised an eyebrow when he approached, bringing in the flavors of spring within his hands. Indeed, in more than just a metaphorical sense. “Is this why you are late? You were picking flowers?”
To G'raha and Kalea, the realization that something is theirs, is a powerful one.
day #12 (Free Day) Hue. (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea 1k, G
1. a gradation or variety of a color; tint. 2. the property of light by which the color of an object is classified as red, blue, green or yellow in reference to the spectrum. 3. Color.
“What does my lady wish of me? I am, but a humble bard merely here for your whims.” He is beautiful and bold and brash. Kalea tucks her hair away when it slips over her shoulder and for that small moment, she could pretend it was only the pair of them. Watching as he kept up a lazy, easy melody. Light and fresh as rain. “Play me one of your favorites.”
G'raha sings for the others. Set in the Crystal Tower timeline
day #13 Oneirophrenia. (noun), Kalea 1.1k, T
1. a hallucinatory, dream-like state caused by several conditions such as prolonged sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, or drugs.
The sky explodes. From a distance it’s reflected in her eyes. Eyes normally fresh as lilac and flecked with strange levin - now hold nothing but the world burning. Kalea wonders if it is oneirophrenia. Waking nightmares and feverish dreams that press to her skin. But the heat on her face is real. Real and terrifying.
Kalea near Carteneau. The battlefield is no place for a child.
day #14 Commend (noun), Crystal Exarch & Lyna >1k, G
1. to entrust for care or preservation. 2. to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice. 3. to mention with approbation
"I wanted t-t-to see you," she replied. He sets a hand on her back and it's warm. "You chased monsters away before. It's safe with you."
The Exarch swallowed. His throat hard as stone and dry as ash. Memories of the day they'd found her, another poor village reduced to nothing but choking light bubbled up in his mind. Like hissing whispers they chased them both.
A young Lyna goes searching for the Exarch.
day #15 Thunderous (adjective), Crystal Exarch/Kalea 1.1k, M
1. producing thunder. 2. making or accompanied by a noise like thunder
“Tis best if we let the aether currents carry us the rest of the way. Alphinaud and Alisaie are expecting you, after all. We mustn't keep them waiting.” Wretched and hollow, he watched her nod. His hands fisted against his sides as she stood, collecting her dropped articles of clothing in silence. The thunder was their only accompaniment for a long time after.
The Exarch and Kalea are caught in a rainstorm.
day #16 Crane (adjective), CT G'rahaTia/Crystal Exarch/G'raha Tia/Kalea 1.2k, E
1. to stretch towards an object of attention.
Spattered, her name was his benediction. He coated her throat and made it his own. Staked his claim that she would breathe and know who owned her. Kalea swallowed it, like a woman dying of thirst. Drunk and head swirling, the hands tangled to her hair suddenly became gentle. Soft and tender touches to her ears rather than the tangle of pressed palms to keep her in place. As if she would have protested otherwise.
She can never have enough of him.
day #17 Destruct (adjective), Kalea/Sidurgu Orl 1.3k, T
1. serving or designed to destroy.
“She was very kind,” Rielle’s childlike voice was quiet and filled with something akin to wonder. Her eyes blinked up at him through swirls of gentle color. “She spoke to me, rather than at me. Do you not think she’s beautiful?”
The drink. The ale. The frigid air. Any of it he would call on later as a dull to his reasoning.
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
It is a hard and heavy thing - to be wrong.
day #18 Devils Advocate (noun), Kalea & Alisaie 1k, G
1. a person who champions the less accepted cause for the sake of argument
“I also needed you to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tesleen has no other choice,” she ends the last in a whisper but the words sit and settle on both their hearts. Heavy and dark. Alisaie may still wrestle with all of it, but she did believe. Firmly and fiercely, for what else were they supposed to do? “The nectarine will be a kindness.”
Kalea arrives in Amh Araeng to finally see Alisaie.
day #19 (free day) Exasperation (noun), Exarch/Kalea, Exarch & Lyna 1k, M
1. the state of being exasperated: having or showing strong feelings of irritation or annoyance
Love looked so good on him. But that didn’t mean she wished to know all the details regarding his private life. That did not mean she needed to notice the way they stared, doe-eyed and mooning at one another.
She's happy for them. Truly. However, Lyna cannot get over the idea that her grandfather promptly fu-
day #20 Petrichor (noun), Kalea 1.1k, G
1. a distinctive, earthy, usually pleasant odor that is associated with rainfall
She finishes her drink in silence. Quiet and soft. The water curls the edges of her hair, perfectly outlined against her face. A long ear flickers and it scatters droplets to rain about her one final time. When she stands, it is slow. As if even hollow and futile as these visits might seem to others - she cannot bear to say goodbye. And yet she does. Because she must.
Kalea visits an old, cherished friend.
day #21 Feckless (adjective), G'raha Tia, Exarch/Kalea 1.8k, M
1. weak, ineffective. 2. worthless, irresponsible.
"You tempt an old man," he puffed over her mouth with a breathless prayer. “You look beautiful. I am sorely tempted to leave the others behind - find the nearest dark corner and press you up against it for the reminder of our evening. Wicked White, Kali -” Kalea laughed in velvet tones, lacing into his hand her own fingers and tugging him forward. "Good," she grinned...
No one can deny Dulia-Chai when she sets her mind on something.
day #22 Fluster (adjective), Kalea & Alphinaud 1.4k, T
1. to put into a state of agitated confusion.
"I miss him," the Elezen gave at last. A simple three words that would carry such weight. "He seemed to always know what best to say in these moments. Lord Aymeric is safe and the violent uprising by the Brotherhood quelled and yet I cannot begin to wonder what awaits us next. I feel his words would hold great sway here." Kalea swallows down the thickness that was her grief. A living thing that gave her poor mercies. "I miss him too. Very much."
Alphinaud wrestles with his grief
day #23 Soul (noun), Kalea & Emet-Selch 1.3k, G
1. the spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever. 2. a person's deeply felt moral and emotional nature. 3. the ability of a person to feel kindness and sympathy for others, to appreciate beauty and art, etc.
Her finality was a challenge and he was going to relish it. Emet-Selch bowed at her departure and felt the hate bubble up with a delicious taste at the back of his throat. Though, it was a strange thing that another emotion, one that watched the disappearing folds of her long dark hair and wondered how it would look flushed in silver, mirrored and grew alongside his malice. One that was flavored in interest.
Emet-Selch wonders about this woman that is too much like his Azem for his liking.
day #24 Illustrious (adjective), G'raha Tia/Kalea 1.1k, E
1. notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions. 2. archaic, :shining brightly with light :clearly evident
“Oh we-we shouldn’t...I would not have you o-on your knees. Can I not lavish you instead?” He had continued adamantly, the gossamer veil about his face swaying in the motions of his hands. Powerless to do naught but tangle in her dark hair when she drug herself down the length of his body. Clutching into air when she disappeared, ducked under his robes to seal his fate with the press of her lips and tongue. Oh. Oh. Oh Wicked White this woman.
G'raha and Kalea made good use of a library corner and the Sharlayan Forum robes. Inspired by Optee's brilliant drawings.
day #25 Silver Lining (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea 1k, G
1. a consoling or hopeful prospect
The first time - it was in the rim of her smile. The softness of it when he finally pressed his lips to hers. They had collided together, under the shadow of this great tower that held his destiny tight within quiet walls. Unable to withhold himself a moment longer, for what was regret when eons of sleep awaited you? G’raha Tia had been selfish - so selfish - but he’d kissed Kalea all the same.
Five times he marks it.
day #26 Benthos (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea >1k, G
1. organisms that live on or in the bottom of a body of water
Kalea found him on the beach. Freckled and sunkissed waiting upon her return with the spread of a smile that was all hers. The one that started at both corners and moved upwards to crinkle eyes effulgent as cut rubies. His ears pricked upwards, a joyful motion that had her laughing when she started back to him. Dripping wet but pleased with her finds. “Are you making a sandcastle?” Kalea asked with a raise of her brow. The pull of her mouth at his child-like happiness that was tangible.
Adventuring needs a respite from time to time.
day #27 Bow (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea >1k, G
1. a knot formed by doubling a ribbon or string into two or more loops
He hadn’t wished to replace the one she’d worn, but the next eve G’raha, blushing and fumbling and with tail wavering behind him like a nervous kit, gave her another. Lavender lace and pale as her eyes. Kalea had thrown her arms around him, his body seizing up at the press of her small form against his own and kissed his cheek. A rivalry of blushing to match a plucked cherry, though his smile turned utterly soft and wretched when she tied into her hair. Knowing that it was would be the last thing he’d be able to give her that was tangible. But he was selfish. Selfish to wish for something of his that she’d keep on her person. He tucked her hair back from her shoulder and said she looked beautiful.
She carries both of them with her.
day #28 Debonair (noun), G'raha Tia, Exarch/Kalea >1k, G
1. gentle, courteous
Kalea flushed and though he raised a curious eye at her blush, the litter of voices around them made such inquiries impossible. After all, this was her tender understanding. Her wonderful realization of what might be for them. Someday.
G'raha Tia and Kalea find company for dinner
day #29 Abstracted (noun), G'raha Tia/Kalea >1k, G
1. : withdrawn in mind : inattentive to one's surroundings
It was raspy and hoarse at first, but with each word it grew into velvet. Memories and reflections of what he had been before the Tower doors shut between them and yet - when the tears tangled in her lashes and spilled onto her cheeks; when she threw herself upon him, tucked tight into the embrace of his waiting arms, his laugh was just as it always was. What it had been. What it was. Her Raha.
Kalea waits for him to wake up on the Source.