CalmFishy

Artwork done by kyfatlockhart

Got some Artwork done by Macemaxxx

Heavensward (Song) Heartwood: Chapter One Astrid entered the church, wearing plain clothing, tight form-fitted leather britches, and a loose linen blouse under a tailored tabard filled with rich reds and blacks. The tabard added an extra layer to protect against the cold of the winter's day. A simple belt ran around the girl's waist; the gilded metal buckle caught the rays of light just right as she walked forward with purpose to the center of the room. The place was made of marble, and light filled the center chamber. A large stained-glass window of some sort was in the far back, with an ancient scene being played out. It's pretty sapphires, rubies, and emeralds acting like a filter, sending colors speckling across the stone floor. In the center of it all was a large altar was made of matching stone with a polished surface. Gallant Ishgardian tapestry hung from the high arched ceilings. Despite the season, the sun was out in Ishgard this day. An unusual thing for the usually blizzard-ridden city. As she looked around, she found a single hooded figure standing at the base of the platform, holding a golden Warhammer, the head of which was resting on the floor. As Astrid neared, the figure brought down the hammerhead with a resonating HUM that seemed to reverberate within the chamber. It was like a bell being rung. "Did you bring it?" The Hooded figure asked. Astrid nodded in response, offering forth an old leather-bound tome that seemed stuffed with loose papers. The pages were marked with slender pastel ribbons. The ends of which were forked like that of a serpent's tongue. The figure took the tome, uncoiled the string, and examined its contents. "Good." He said, snapping the book shut. He returned it to its owner. Astrid took the book and cradled it close. She ascended the two steps that led to the altar and set the tome on top of it. The Hooded Figure made his way around. He stood opposite of the girl and brought the Warhammer upright. A single sapphire gem glimmered in the center. Clearly, it was a ceremonial weapon. Astrid drew in a deep breath and bowed her head forward as he did so. Though the girl righted herself up after the moment had passed. "With everything in order, I see that you've chosen a name for yourself and for your House." The Man in front of her remarked. "I have." Astrid replied, her lips pursed together. She looked back over her shoulders toward the doorway. In walked another hooded figure, in similar garb as the one before her, carrying a freshly minted house heraldry. The crest was divided in half; on one side of the shield was red, the other white with red fleur-de-lis patterned up it. In the center stood an oak tree, carved in black, and at the roots of the tree slept a gilded lion. "Then, let it be known, on this day Ishgard, and the Holy See formally recognize House Heartwood, as being the successor of House Blackwood. May House Heartwood ever stand stalwart and devoted to Halone, the Fury, and protect Ishgard and everything she stands for. Of the Sky. From the Sky. For the Sky." Astrid merely nodded again and took a step back from the altar enough to give the others room to work. The heraldry made its way down the aisle, and more hooded figures joined it, each carrying a piece of armor. The procession made its way down to Astrid. Upon reaching Astrid, each of those in the procession strapped armor onto her. One after another, the ensemble slowly assembled. Until Astrid was handed her sword and helm. A deep ruby red armor freshly crafted glimmered in the light of the afternoon, complimented by black leather and silver trim. The armor was quite something to behold, modeled after the warriors of old; simple, practical, and effective. She donned the helm, strapping it into place, and knelt. The tip of her blade Heartseeker found the groove in between the tile, her fingers flexed around the leather grip, as she bowed her head forward once more. "You may rise Astrid Heartwood, Head of your House. Daughter of Ishgard." With that, Astrid rose. Her attention drifted up to the imposing statue of Halone before sheathing her blade and binding the handle shut with the leather safety belt. As she did, horns and trumpets signaled the completion of the ceremony. She turned and strode out of the Hall, the sound of her boots mixing with the music. She had work that needed to be done.

Happy Holiday's everyone! You are welcome to catch Astrid again, for a 3rd year passing out goodies to the folks around Ul'dah, Limsa Lominsa and New Gridania! Have a great holiday season. I'll see you on the moon Warrior of Light!

Artwork done by Gwayneart

Lionhearted: Chapter Four The solid oak doors were pushed open, and the rusted metal hinges groaned under the door's heavyweight as the metal rubbed together. Midway through their swing, the momentum carried the doors to collide with the wall with a heavy clang. The brass handles rapping loudly against the wood. Astrid wrinkled her nose; the swirl of dust and that familiar uneasiness settled into her core. The girl exhaled uneasily and began to unfasten the safety belt that secured her sword, gripping the hilt of her weapon as she strode across the dirt-covered marble floors—Blackwood Estate, in all its dilapidated glory. "Medwin Blackwood!" Astrid shouted as she walked forward into the foyer. Snow began to swirl in following the Justicar's path. "Your Grandaughter is here to speak with you." She said. Her hand shifted up to the pommel of her sword while her other hand situated itself at her hip. She looked up the long staircase that leads up to the estate's second floor. "And I brought something this time." Astrid moved her free hand toward her neck. She pulled out a necklace and a bright blue glittering gem that twinkled in the low light. Beams of light bouncing off the gemstone's angles sparkling across the dimly lit room. The Office doors heaved open and out strode an older woman. She scowled at the girl in her foyer. The gnarled-looking staff she had clicked across the warped wooden floor. "Foolish girl, you have no idea what you have, nor could someone of YOUR stature hope to wield such power. You are but an unwound string in a tapestry that is the Blackwood legacy. And you will learn your place." Medwin held the staff high; an icy blue magick swirled up her forearm, collecting at the crook of the staff's head before spiking toward where Astrid was. It hit the floor, shattering into fragments; another ice spear was conjured and fired at the Justicar as she rolled behind a pillar. "You can.. give up now!" Astrid hollered above the swirling ice that once more began to form at the head of the staff. In retort, Medwin fired another ice lance, hitting the pillar. The support structure cracking after each strike rattled it. "Alright, suit yourself!" She spun and drew her blade 'Heartseeker.' Astrid's magick began to flare up; a reddish-orange glow spiraled and snaked its way up along the length of the sword, the blade igniting in a brilliant fire which illuminated the foyer in a vibrant shine. Medwin's magic continued to spiral toward the girl who zig-zagged from pillar to pillar. Behind desks, side tables, and anything she could use as a source of cover. Giant spears of magickal ice careened down, shattering against everything. Astrid ducked behind another pillar as she pressed her back against it. She was breathing heavily, and her sword was still glowing brightly as she gripped it tighter and turned quickly, racing for the stairs. She held her sword up as a flurry of ice volleyed her. The heat of her sword hissing and sizzling as the two magick's collided tempestuously. Astrid continued the climb up the steps, closing the distance between herself and her Grandmother, the sword taking the brunt of the blow as her magic flickered and pulsed, pouring every ounce of aether into the weapon. The blade's metal glowing white-hot as she struggled against the remorseless blizzard Medwin conjured onto her. "Th-this is the difference... between us though..." Astrid grit through her teeth. Her legs felt as if lead weighed down her boots. Each step began to grow painful as she trudged on, continuing the climb. "I'm.. not alone." Medwin's eyes widened, realizing where this was going. The Elder shifted her stance and held both hands above her head; violet coruscating wells of aether began to sprout around the woman, spinning and dancing an elegant arcane pattern across the floor as they turned. A turbulent swirling ball of ice began to form. "You have NO idea what I've gone through to be where I am. You come in here, thinking you know best. You are nothing but a child, and my daughter is just as much of an imbecile as you." Medwin sneered, her face scrunched up. "I have more power than that little trinket can give you. Years of rigorous study and etiquette, and you come in here believing you can overthrow ME? The gall of children these days." Medwin flicked her wrist, and the boulder-sized ice globe hurtled down toward Astrid. Astrid shifted and pointed the tip of Heartseeker toward the incoming ice block. "Astrid!" The voice of Astrid's Mother Estrith. She was attempting to drag a tall, fully dressed knight out of the estate's doors. The figure's body was completely limp. Estrith dumped the form to the floor and thrust her hands out; a beam of power shot forth toward the Justicar. The beginnings of a smirk formed on Astrid's lips as her fire grew once more, spitting forward like a raging dragon, the tip of Heartseeker seared through the ice block, carving the massive slab in half. Both sides wobbled and bounced down the stairs, one smashing through the railing, while the other rocked and came to a spinning stop atop the marble floor. Medwin stood there, dumbfounded. Her eyes were wide as she scowled—her wrinkled visage scrunching up as she shook her head. "You'll all pay for this... You know not what you are doing! You are jeopardizing EVERYTHING!' She shouted. Both of Medwin's hands began to glow, one igniting in the familiar frost magick, the other taking on a fiery hue. The Thaumaturge began to hurl bolt after magickal bolt of power toward Astrid, who ducked and rolled, trying to get closer to her target. She was nearly there. "Astrid! Don't!" Estrith shouted, once more trying to drag the massive figure across the ground, struggling every inch of the way as she pulled and tugged the heavily armored person toward the doors. "I-I have to! She can't keep hurting me, you... him." Astrid grit her teeth and charges up the stairs, sword at the ready, the tip pointed toward her intended target as she side-stepped another bolt of fire. Astrid reached the top of the stairs and slashed hard toward Medwin; the woman brought her staff up to block the blow, then thrust her hand forward; mighty gouts of fire spit from her hand. Astrid shrunk back and leaped aside; the spell shot forward, hitting the far wall. Astrid picked herself back up and ran forward again, sword at the ready once more. She choked up on her grip, the top of her hand resting against the bottom of the handguard as she slashed hard downward, only to bite into Medwin's staff; she retracted and sliced across the Thurmatauge's weapon was there again to parry the blow. A chorus of metal and wood clanged across the second floor as the Justicar tried to gain the upper hand. The fight a stalemate; neither side was making progress against one another. "Adorable. The little Lion thinks she can play." Medwin snarled. The floor beneath Astrid's feet grew slick as frost began to form. She slipped and struggled to maintain her balance. The frost continued to spread and develop into ice, traveling up the girl's boot, crunching as it tightened its hold on her feet. She twisted and jerked before attempting to chip away at the thick ice securing her in place. Astrid continued to struggle against the bonds that held her in place. The Thurmatauge cackled, holding both hands above her again. Power surged forth, spiraling up the older woman's form and casting a sienna hue across Astrid's face as she looked up to meet her fate. "Not yet." A voice whispered. A searing white light exploded out of the Justicar. The magick pulsed and thumped like a war drum as a beam of power shot through Medwin's conjured orb. It impacted the meteor, which shattered and sent chunks of molten rock everywhere. The estate groaned and shifted before ultimately starting to crumble. Large pieces of wood began to fall, roofing, walls, pictures, everything came crashing down onto the ground as Astrid's world went dark.

( Have some resources, and immersion from Astrid's quest of tracking down her lineage!)

Lionhearted: Chapter Three A pained cry filled Ishgard's night sky. The run-down Blackwood Manor stood dark and brooding. A single torn, and hole-riddled tapestry fluttered before it's binding finally gave up and was carried off into the wind. The snow continued to flutter down, blanketing the streets, frosting the glass panes, and dusting rooftops within the seldom traveled neighborhood, all the while another scream rose from within the Manor. "Know your place KNIGHT." An aged woman's voice filled the empty hall. The rattle and thunder of powerful magicks shook the Manor. "None of you understand! NO ONE UNDERSTANDS!" She shouted louder, another crash, and a sudden boom filled the entryway as one of the manor's beams fell and splintered across the dank marble floor. "I... will...not...let...you..." The man replied before roaring in pain. More magick coursed through the room, and into the knight strapped to the table. The door left ajar as flashes of blue, purple, and white illuminated the opening, dancing into the hallway. "Then let the void take you." The woman replied coolly, tendrils of wispy dark magicks slithered up the table's legs, coiling around the man's wrists, his ankles, and up toward his face. It slid over his mouth and began pouring into his nose, the smokey abyssal magic rushed in, his eyes opened and rolled back in his head as his form began to seize, foam bubbling out of the Knight's mouth as his body thrashed against the constraints. More shrieks of pain before the magicked tendrils tightened and snapped the bindings. The man's form was lifted by its power and cast crashing out through the front window. He rolled to a stop in the snowbank, hitting the rubble which formed a ramshackle barrier around the property. His body still involuntarily twitching and jerking before he finally went still. A guardsman on patrol came rushing over and knelt beside the Knight's body, a hand resting atop the man's shoulder checking his breathing as he gazed up at the shattered window. The guardsman swallowed hard, his throat bobbed as he hooked his hands under the Knight's arms and drug him out and away from the Estate. The Knight was alive, barely and who knows what state his mind was left in after such an atrocity beset onto him. The snow continued to fall, heavier now as the Guard dragged the body as hastily as he could back to the hospital. Those familiar with Blackwood Manor knew not to approach and knew better to ask questions. Terrible things were said to happen within its walls, and no one seemed brave enough to muster the courage to put a stop to it. "No one... understands." Medwin said softly with a shake of her head. "And they shall all learn the burden I wear." She turned and made her towards her office, the sound of her staff clacking against the floor filled the hall, and Eorzea seemed to go silent.

Commission done by Torakun14!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays! I hope you all have a wonderful day today, and do something you enjoy, be it spending time by yourself, or with family virtually or in person ( provided you are all healthy!) Stay safe, don't drink and drive and if you need anything feel free to poke me! This time of year can be tough for some folks, so never forget how important you are, and how proud people are of you. If you don't believe me. I'll fight you, and protect you from yourself! I'm fresh out of Starlight Gifts! So thank you for letting me wander up and pass out the presents! Have a wonderful rest of the year, and let's make the next one even greater! ffxiv-digitalcard-2020-12-26-214719.mp4

Lionhearted: Chapter Two Astrid located a bank account opened in her name at the Bank of Limsa Lominsa. There were consistent withdrawals throughout the years and, the account's age mirrored her own. With this information, the girl went about setting a trap for whoever was using her name. She transferred all of the Gil into a different account. She moved it in hopes of earning Someone's attention. She then proceeded to leave a note behind with the Bank which, provided instructions to meet with her at the Mizzenmast Inn. Astrid had begun showing up regularly at the Inn. She checked with the Innkeeper, seeking a woman named Estrith Wolfe or Blackwood. Days passed, and she hadn't seen any sign or hint from the woman she sought. The girl was growing tired of waiting and getting more and more anxious after each unsuccessful afternoon. -------------------------- Astrid heaved a heavy sigh, her head resting in the palm of her hand as she stared at the doors as if willing them to move on their own accord. Her other hand drummed lightly against the round wooden table. Occasionally she took to picking at the deep ridges and gouges marring the table's warped surface. The smell of the ocean drifted into the Mizzenmast, the windows cracked, and winter was upon them. A heavy overcast lingered in the heavens while the higher clouds seemed to swirl and snarl, threatening thunder, lighting, and more than likely rain. The sound of the door's handle brought the girl upright. She went rigid as the large double doors pushed open. A slender Hyur walked into the Inn, closing the heavy doors behind them until there was a click of the door shutting. Astrid focused on the person. Their hood was up, covering their features though from what she could make out, they appeared to be feminine, of average height, and sleek. The stranger began to make their way deeper into the Inn. Astrid's heart was hammering hard in her chest. She was about ready to spring out of her seat when the person turned to the Innkeeper, slid forward some Gil, and in return received a key to a room. Crestfallen, Astrid sank back into the chair then hung her head forward. Both of her hands came up to rub her face as she took a moment to collect herself. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Astrid turned to look up and saw herself looking into a mirror. Well, a mirror that reflected an older, somewhat taller, and more built version of herself. "E-Estrith?" Astrid's voice shook. Emotions swelled into her chest like a ship being tossed by a raging storm. Was she about to cry? Fling a chair across the Inn? She didn't know. Her breathing had begun to grow heavy as her gaze focused upward. "Yes." Estrith replied, offering a single, calculated nod of her head toward the girl. She moved to take a seat across the table from Astrid, her hands gloved by perfectly fitted white gloves wove together. "I am your... Mother." The final word seemed force, almost as if she didn't quite believe the title herself. Astrid's nostrils flared as she took a few deep breaths. The girl stared back at what could have been her future self. Astrid was at a loss of what to say. Her mouth opened. No words seemed to exit or even form within her throat. Estrith held a hand up. "I know." She replied. "I was young and scared." She began, the woman's lips pursed tightly together, forming a thin line. "I know that it is not an excuse, nor is it justification for what I did." The woman felt her jaw tighten. "You are GODS DAMNED RIGHT IT'S NOT!" Astrid shot up, the fire in her eyes burning. She slammed a fist onto the table. "You left me alone!" The people who were inside of Mizzenmast glanced toward the shouting girl. "You abandoned me!" Astrid continued, her eyes growing wet with emotion. "You were scared?!" She scoffed and shook her head. "How do you think I felt?" She asked, starting to pace back and forth. Before planting both her hands onto the table and leaning toward her Mother. "How scared I was!" She shook her head and brought her hands up to her face. " I struggled by myself for so long. I had no one." She wiped at her eyes. "No one was there for me. To celebrate the little things that should have been. For so long, I had no one in my corner." Estrith watched. She remained calm and snuffed out any emotion that might have been swelling within her. Her hands remained clasped tightly together as her Daughter paced back and forth. "I do not know what to say. Nor is there is anything I could say that would fix this. My Mother... Your Grandmother, she is a vile person. I did not want to look at that part of her. So I focused on the half of her that made me happy. Then I ignored the half of her that broke my heart." She paused, watching Astrid who not slowly sank back into her seat. Tears still running down her cheeks as she began to settle and listen. Estrith continued. "If I would have called her out then for threatening my family, it would not only be for her betrayal but because she lied about her granddaughter to save her status. Any decent mother would have to leave then, right?" Estrith exhaled and sat up straighter. "I was scared to be alone. I chose her over you. That is why I never found you. I dreaded meeting you because... you knew what I had done." Estrith closed her eyes. "I... was...no am ashamed of the choices I made. I can not undo what has already transpired." She concluded, looking back up toward Astrid. Again, Astrid's emotions were in turmoil. Waging an internal war against one another. She stared at her Mother. "What about my Father? What fate befell him?" She asked. Estrith frowned and shook her head. "Sadly, I do not know. He returned to House Blackwood many years ago seeking something. I have not heard, nor seen him since the day he left." "Hmm..." Astrid paused, glancing toward her hands, a small sniffle came from her as she rose. Astrid pushed her seat into the table, then grabbed her weapons belt, fastening her sword around her waist. "I would like to talk with him as well. I... I wasn't sure what I would get out of meeting either of you, and plenty of people told me not to do so." Astrid said. "I'm sure you only came for the Gil anyways." she waved her hand. "I'll transfer it back. Thank you... for at least stopping to see me." Astrid looked toward the door. Estrith reached out as Astrid passed, grabbing the girl by the wrist and stopping her from continuing. "Astrid wait." Estrith said. Astrid stopped and looked toward her mother. "I didn't come for the Gil. Truthfully I could care less what becomes of it. I came to see you, and I know there is a long road between us. But, I would like to be part of your life. If you will allow me." Astrid looked down at the woman, she was tempted to rip her arm back, she remained silent, tense, her attention focused on the woman. "I...I need to think about it." Astrid admitted, slowly pulling her hand back. "But you can write to me, and.. we'll set up at least one more meeting." Astrid promised, giving a firm nod of her head as she brought her hand back up to rub at her eyes. "Goodbye Estrith." Astrid said and made her way out of the Inn and out into the storm.

Done by smillerbee2

Astrid is back in action! Starting late November (through December), she'll be wandering about the quicksand passing out goodies! (Mateus) hope to see you there!