M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars

@orionnightsky

I’m M 🦉 FFXIV writing+RP+gpose times (mostly) OCs: owlsnest.carrd.co ✨Orion / Tal / Ryan’to / Pierre / Reven’li / Remi ✨ they/them | 40+, white | 🔞+ mdni NSFW at times | No bigotry, noncery, F+, gAI DM for Discord info, RP plotting, gpose files, etc.

417 Folgt282 Follower5.491 Posts

Bluesky

gamer

Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir orionnightsky.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Jul 10

Mods are asleep, let’s do an NSFW one for Ori. I’m just going to start answering them in order until I get bored, but if there’s one you particularly want to know, or if your curious about one of my other OC’s answers, feel free to ask with the number. ^^

NSFW OC MEME
repost and answer with your OCs
1. What's their position in bed?
(top, bottom, vers, sub, dom, etc.)
2. What turns them on/off?
3. How long does it take for them to climax?
4. Most sensitive parts) of their body?
5. Easiest way to seduce them?
6. How often do they masturbate?
7. What's their favorite position?
8. How did they lose their virginity?
9. Favorite place to have sex?
10. Ever been caught having sex or masturbating?
11. Are they loud or quiet?
12. Do they own any sex toys?
13. Do they prefer giving or receiving?
14. How often do they have sex?
15. Their biggest sexual desire?
16. What's the best term to describe your OC sexually?
17. Their bra or dick size?
18. What do they think about when they masturbate?
19. What's their sexual orientation?
20. What's their favorite thing to do sex-wise?
21. Weirdest place they've had sex?
22. Their favorite place on the body to be kissed?
23. Worst sex experience?
24. Have they ever orgasmed more than once in one go?
25. How often do they think about having sex?
26. Are they self-conscious about any part of their body?
27. How long does sex normally last with them?
28. Are they serious during sex or do they like to laugh?
29. Wild-card. Give us a fun fact!

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Jun 26

have I ever steered you wrong? have I ever strung you along? have I ever kept you long? why would I now? #starchaser #gposers #gpose #viera

Orion Arianelle, a grey-haired viera, is standing in a black background surrounded by flecks of gold and greenish bokeh light, wearing dark blue and teal lingerie, thigh high stockings and high heels with gold tips. He’s looking over his shoulder at the camera, partly side on to us, his scarred back partly obscured as he starts to turn.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Jun 10

*the crowd cheers wildly*

Pic of this post with 69 likes (nice) - the likes are right under the penis and balls, double nice.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 28

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 24

I know! That’s a good impulse and you have high standards for your poses. In the meantime I will enjoy these (aka stuff them in my mouf) because they are still Objectively Good.

One sketched guy stuffing second sketched guy’s art in his mouth while second guy watches, a little awestruck. All these things are labeled with arrows pointing at them: guy 1 - Me; guy 2 - You; wet art in mouth - Art

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 24

Hey, this is actually really cool and useful for things like controller hot bars or mmo mouse button layouts when new xpacs come out for new jobs and job updates or people who might be new to controller/moitae/the game in general… hot damn…

The Configuration Sharing feature has been implemented.
This feature allows you to upload the hotbar and configuration settings of your currently logged-in character to the server as temporary save data. You will then be able to download and apply these settings to another character.
Your settings can be shared with friends, or applied to a character on a different account, such as a premade character used at a convention.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 23

Vierapril Day 23: Favorite Weapon It’s not one in specific, but a general category: Orion’s been a firearms enthusiast since he saw one for the first time… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Favorite Weapon

The first time he sees a handgun, he's mesmerized. Compact, light and fast, a clever weapon, this one designed out of Ishgard. He watches an arms merchant at the Bazaar in Ul'dah demonstrate loading and aiming one for a small, curious crowd.
When he asks to handle it, he gets laughed at and told to come back when he can afford it.

He returns with his first paycheck and buys a small, serviceable revolver.

It's better than a bow and arrow for him, lighter and easier to carry. He much prefers it to a book and summoning Theo, but he still has to use his summoning powers anytime he needs to really do some damage. Several of his colleagues look down their noses at it, one guy even calling it "inelegant" with such disdain that it makes Orion laugh for a good ten minutes. He's never cared about that sort of thing, and he would also like to disagree.

Quite frankly, there's something almost sexy in the draw and aim of a one-hander. It's nothing he's ever thought about too hard, but it's more than the ease and weight of the machine itself. He does enjoy learning how to care for it, tinkering with the small parts so he can fix it, even taking pains to craft his own bullets at times.

There's a sensuality in the stance, though, in the quick draw. Learning to aim reminds him of learning how to fence when he was younger, giving your opponent less of a target side-on while facing them. Drawing down and putting a bead on where you might hit. Target practice would draw a little crowd, and not just because it was a novelty, or the shots were all that loud.

He's never fancy with it, it's not about twirling the weapon too much, or flair. Flair is earned in hitting the target, he thinks. Especially after he's had enough of a taste of real danger. You're better off thinking about exactly where to aim than how you'll flip the weapon out of its holster, anything else is just ridiculous.

After the incident in Bronze Lake, he relies on his machinist skills, eschewing his summoning powers. The first time he visits Ishgard to lecture at the Scholasticate, he schedules extra time to visit the Skysteel Manufactory and ends up becoming great friends with Stephanivien. He thinks the man's a true visionary, and Stephan in turn is delighted by a true enthusiast, and shows him all his newest designs. They correspond often.

His first pistol is lovingly displayed in a case in his office - the little weapon is cheap but serviceable, and he's fond of showing it to visitors, if they like that sort of thing.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 22

…………..…………. …… . ……… hhhhhhhhhhhh…

Crazy guy chewing on a brain and tearing at everything while babbling and barking incoherently

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 22

Vierapril Day 21: Shelter Definition: a: something that covers or affords protection b: a place providing food, protection, & temporary housing for people who need assistance c: a place that houses & feeds stray or unwanted animals #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Shelter

He can barely remember his room in the little apartment in Sharlayan Colony now. He spent so much time at his Aunt's place, sleeping on the foldaway next to Sara's bed, several drawers there dedicated to his clothes and school items. The walls were impersonal and blank, not like in Sara's room, where she had colorful maps from her parents all over and the drawings they both made at school and when they were just lazing about covered most of the empty space. When he thinks back on it now, he's amazed she was ever willing to share so much of her space with him. That, if there was ever any problem with his taking so much of their family's space and their time, he never knew about it. He was a part of them.

Until they had to leave, that is.

Orion was so used to sharing that dorm life was a breeze. Marco was less easy, a delightful pain in the arse that Ori quickly grew fond of even if he did have to deal with his dirty smallclothes just slung wherever. But the division of space, living and breathing Studium life was welcome and simple. He broke free of the structure when he needed to, but it was a structure he'd not had enough of when he was younger. He thrived.

Until he couldn't stand the restraint anymore, like a rose vine that knows it can grow past the trellis if it just tries.

Tents and huts and yurts and all the temporary spaces shared with dozens of colleagues and work contacts. A multitude of transient, serviceable inn rooms with their host of forgettable partners. Establishing his own office in Limsa, the first space he's ever bought on his own and tried to furnish. No one ever explained how to make a space useful and how to keep it proper for business purposes, so he hopes he can make due.

The house is practically a whim. Ori bought it mostly so he can have a space that isn't an inn or his office to put his head down. For years it serves largely as a warehouse that happens to have a kitchen and bedroom attached. On a visit prompted by much arm twisting, Sara deems it a "unfortunately male living space" in a tone he can only term kindly derogatory.

It stays that way until he finds someone he actually wants to bring home, someone he wants to share the kitchen with and set the table for. So he doesn't have to knock his elbows on rows of boxes everytime he comes over. Orion's surprised at how long it's taken him to realize how having a space of your own is so much about wanting others to feel welcome and safe and comfortable. But he gets there, eventually.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 21

After ending up with weird moderation a few times, I like to check what labels I have on my account and apparently I’ve ended up with this from a guy I apparently blocked 🤣 Good, feel free to shout it from the rooftops - AI is awful and I DO hate it!

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 21

CASCA YOU CUTIE AAAAAAA

Pencil scribble guy running crazy circles around his room but I drew ears and a tail on him like a bnnuy

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 20

Vierapril Day 20: Mercy Their survival hangs on the judgement and mercy of a voice. #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Mercy

"Move an inch, any of you, and you'll never draw breath again," the voice rang through the little canyon, even though it was quietly spoken. Orion could tell whoever it was was knew this terrain well, and had probably been watching them for some time, waiting for the right moment to catch them off guard.

He raised his hands slowly, hoping the other three would follow his lead. No one seemed to make any sudden moves or noise, to the dig lead's relief. Their time in hiding had trained his fellows well.

"Who are you, what are you doing here," the voice asked flatly. No breeze, no shuffling or fall of rock betrayed where the voice was coming from, nor whether it was alone here. Orion swallowed against his dry throat and prayed he would not twitch under the scrutiny.

"Hunters. Just passing through," Orion said, hoping that would be enough.

Unlikely that these were Garleans, who would no doubt immediately show themselves and stomp around in their armor. Either these were worse - Skulls, born and bred to the Peaks but loyal to the Empire, in which case they were done for - or better - locals with no love for their masters - they would hopefully discover quite quickly. Ori prayed to any gods listening that their luck would hold.

"You're no one I recognize, and I know many if not most faces in the Peaks. Give me your story, traveler, let's see if I buy it." The voice carried more warning than warmth and though it was a hot day, Orion shivered.

'I'm Orion Arianelle," He said after a moment's hesitation. Trusting his instincts that if these were Crania Lupi they'd be on the ground or dead by now, he rolled the dice. "These are my crew. We're Sharlayans."

"You expect me to believe that? By the Fist, what would Sharlayans be doing all the way out here?" The voice finally gained a tone: disbelief.

"We were on a mission of discovery, attempting to search some ruins deep in the Peaks," Orion said, not willing to give much detail. Their mission was secret, no matter who he was speaking to. "We were beset on our journey, captured and held by the Garleans. Put in a camp. The four of us escaped and have been attempting to find our way home. That is all we seek. An exit."

This was it. The biggest chance he'd taken since he leapt for a stampeding herd animal and hoped he survived. That his comrades trusted him enough not to stop his breath before he finished speaking showed their ultimate trust in him. He hoped his judgement would not let any of them down.

The silence was unnerving, and he could feel himself on the edge of fidgeting.

"Right. Alright. You look and sound the part, sunburnt stranger, or I might have had Stolli put an arrow through you," The voice said brightly, a body stepping out of the shadows of the canyon walls.

It was a miqo'te woman with nut-brown skin and hair an almost peach shade of faded pink. She looked cocky but friendly, not faded or hopeless like the rest of the folk Ori had met in the Peaks.

A handful of others folded out of other shadows around them, stealthy and sure of themselves, several with bows still nocked and ready, wisely untrusting. Ori didn't blame them one bit, but he could feel his compatriots relax just as he did. These were Resistance. This was the best thing they could hope for. If they played their cards right, they could get them /out./

"Orion Arianelle, of the Students of Baldesion," he said, offering their leader a handshake. She looked at it, a beat of thought as she took in his rags and scant belongings, then took it carefully, shaking it.

"M'naago of the Reach," she offered, still judging him as he gave her as confident a handshake as he could. "Let's talk, traveller."

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 20

I AM HERE AND I AM BEING VERY NORMAL

Sweating and blushing scribble person thinking in a text box above: NORMAILING!!!! #NORMAL!! IM SOO SO SO NORMAL ABOUT EVERYTHING!!! I HAVE NORMAL FEELINGs!!! НАНАННА

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 19

Vierapril Day 19: Carry What he keeps, the things he has carried. #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #drabble #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Carry

Things he keeps:

• A gorgeous lavender geode Marco brought him to cheer him up after he received a poor review. They broke it apart together, and Marco kept the other half.

• The gilded display quill his aunt and cousin gave him at his Mark ceremony.
Useless but pretty, buried in a box.

• The letter Galuf gave him inviting him to join the Students. One of his proudest moments, even counting the mark on his neck.

• The first keepable relic he ever found - a plain potsherd, of course, of Amdaporian make.

• His very first firearm, now small and cheap in comparison to anything he owns but still treasured for sentiment's sake.

• A heavily ornamented fan he bought on a whim when visiting Kugane, depicting the great phoenix Suzaku.

• A wristband woven of multiple colors of dried grasses, a popular pastime of Reece's when he was on watch. Kept his fingers busy.

• A small worn statue of Oschon, carved from grey marble, the first of many keepables from Bronze Lake. It shows signs of having been painted or decorated, but all that wore away after being underwater for centuries, along with many of the finer details of the figure.

• A broken marble mask, striped with teal stone, buried at the bottom of the deepest, furthest box.

• A plush blue carbuncle a dig crew member gave him as a good-natured joke. Even though he insists he doesn't need any because he already has one and it causes enough trouble, for some reason people keep giving him carbuncle-shaped items...

• A map showing the few yet-known sites of the mysterious island on the Occult Crescent, sent to him by a colleague.
Most of it is unfilled as of yet. He must make plans soon...

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 19

Vierapril Day 18: Garment His life has evolved, strata read through shirts and coats and the boots on his feet. #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #drabble #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Garment

The main thing he made sure to have before he set off was a good pair of boots. He has never regretted grilling several of the old Studium profs who had experience in field work, asking them for details on what he should bring, how he should prepare, and the thing he heard the most was how a good pair of boots could never be underestimated.

The rest changes much over time. After he spends his first real paycheck on food and a firearm, his second is largely spent on a decent set of leather trousers and a vest. This investment lasts him very well through numerous adventures.

Eventually he's able to score himself good leather jackets of multiple lengths and uses, and one for cold weather that becomes far more useful when he eventually spends some amount of time in Coerthas, bouncing back and forth between the Scholasticate and the Ironworks.

He begrudgingly buys a very nice pair of robes, for lectures and nice occasions and to be forced to wear on visits back home). However, on a whim he rebelliously buys a very roguish black leather ensemble that pairs well with a nice white dress shirt.
This way he has something to wear to fancy occasions when he feels more like being himself and doesn't need to use the façade of a stuffy Archon, because he simply isn't.

Much like other bits and pieces of his past, the parts of his wardrobe he abandons over time build up. They're folded into presses and drawers and a few lowly boxes, awkwardly stuffed or stacked into the unfortunate space that he technically calls home in the Mist. Save for the bedroom, kitchen and dining areas, the place is more a warehouse than a living space.

Somewhere in the wash of collected /things/ live an old, worn tunic he used to wear for days on end on his first dig; a vest scarred with his first practice at loading a firearm; the Studium robes he was shipped but had never touched; the rags he came out of Ala Gannha wearing. Artifacts, just like everything else.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 19

Vierapril Day 17: Hues Colors of our souls, our intangible selves, a secret he never asked to see… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #drabble #ficlet #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Hues

The first time he notices it is with the nurse attending him after the incident. She just gave him something to try and help him sleep, and he actually feels quiet for the first time in a while. Everything is loose and easy, a little fuzz on the edges, he feels relaxed, so he writes it off as a trick of the light. Later he knows better, thinking about how she's fogged and outlined in a warm yellow that's not quite gold, but has little threads of serious green here and there.

/It's just like her,/ he thinks as he finally drifts off. /Just like her./

By the time he sees Marco again for the first time in nearly a decade, he's become fairly used to it. He can actually try to see, as opposed to it just happening when he's losing control or out of the blue. When Marco notices his eye and tries to sweep back Orion's hair playfully to get a better look, Ori takes a chance and focuses, wondering later if he'll ever really know what the colors mean. He might try harder if he knew anything about the rich blue glow that surrounded his friend like a warm, friendly blanket.

An icey peach. That's how best he can describe his mother's aether. It suits her, strangely enough.

The world is full of curious and interesting people and colors, and one of these days he's going to find someone who can help him make sense of them all. He stares at his own arm and relaxes and focuses at the same time - an impossible thing to describe if you've never had to do it before. He sees the soft haze of blue so light it borders on white, like liminal snow. He also sees the severe cracks of neon teal wormed through it, jagged like nothing he's ever seen with anyone else, as if it forced its way through (it did). He shakes his head as if to wish it away and goes back to his paperwork, unsettled and resigned.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 19

My greatest FFXIV Tomodachi yet. Fudged the horns so hard. Estinien better get his chapstick out…

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 16

Vierapril Day 16: Astral Again he dreams of stars… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Astral

Again he dreams of stars.

It is dark outside the great windows of the vast, circular chamber. Everything here is built in grey mirrored stone, decorated with scarlet and golden geometric designs. A circle of fourteen massive gilded thrones dominate the room, padded in the same rich red. Above each hangs a pattern of stars, the constellations throwing a rainbow of light, the only things seeming left to shine as the immense chandelier above hangs cold.

As he turns to look, they are all at once familiar; somehow he knows their names, can recite their meanings.

Fandaniel the Observer, his stars shining blood red, he who oversaw life and the weather, maintaining vitality.

Pashtarot the Arbiter, a scatter of scarlet over the chair where sat the keeper of order and humanity's collective will.

Altima the Composer, pink pinpricks shimmering for the patron of creativity and the arts.

Azem the Traveler, a single blazing star orbited by the trails of two more, a symbol for the star's pilgrim, counselor to its people.

Halmarut the Sower, sunny yellow shimmers for she who shepherded the creation of botanicals and myconids.

Loghrif the Pastor, pale green glinting above where the overseer of she who noted and cared for creations of terra firma.

Igeyorhm the Rhetorician, vibrant green sparks for the keeper of knowledge and auditor of debates.

Emmerololth the Mender, striking turquoise beads shining for the curator of medicinal and healing practices of all kinds.

Nabriales the Contender, bright blue glimmers heralding the seat of he whose martial prowess refined all others'.

Lahabrea the Creator, sky blue gems for he who oversaw and kept the principles of creature creation.

Mitron the Mariner, swimming purple flames for the master of the waters and all aquatic creations.

Emet-Selch the Redeemer, dark violet glows for the keeper of the underworld and usher to the atherial sea.

Deudephalon the Innovator, silver flares hanging for the one who oversaw architecture and the patron of all invention.

Elidibus the Emissary, shining white jewels for the high diplomat and adjudicator over their council.

No other stars hang beyond the windows, not the familiar constellations of the Bole or the Ewer or the Balance, no glow of moon or hint of sun. In fact, nothing lies beyond. He stands in the silent, starlit chamber and wonders at what any of it really means before his consciousness begins to wane and he passes again into darkness.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 15

Vierapril Day 15: Spring A leap of faith when you have little left to lose… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Spring

"Keep moving," the guard grunted, shoving a straggler forward into the shuffling group of tired bodies. "I don't wanna haul any o' your lazy arses back to camp just 'cause ye can't pick up your feet."

More likely he'd be carrying someone back to camp because they passed out from lack of sleep or dehydration. That almost always happened to at least one person on these forced marches, after a beating was applied to make certain they weren't getting up.
Keeping them tired and hopeless was the point, after all.

Orion kept his eyes on the path ahead and tried to concentrate only on his three compatriots around him, ready to help one of them if they flagged. He'd likely get a bruise for it, but better that than any of his crew getting a broken rib or worse if they ended up on the ground. They'd survived every march so far, and he wasn't going to let that change. Their numbers might be dwindling, but not from this, not while he was still able to walk.

There was a shout near the front of the group, and several people lifted their heads, an unusual murmur rippling through the huddle of marchers. Orion looked up for the first time in a while, noting that they were, from what he could tell, several miles out of the camp, probably very near the usual loop around where they'd start heading back.

Ori's senses were dulled, but it was hard to miss the panic in the next shout, one that came from a guard running towards the group - likely a scout that had been sent ahead to make certain the road was safe. It took a few seconds for the yelled, repeated words to click, but the viera's spine straightened when they did.

"Stampede!! Take cover!"

They were in a wide, bare section of canyon. There was no cover to take, no trees to climb, barely any brush, and none that would suffice to protect anyone from any kind of stampeding beast that would have a fully-armed Garlean running like that.

Ori realized he could feel the ground trembling only seconds before he registered the dust cloud.

And then the massive shadow of the herd.

A stab of fear jolted through him - and then one of strange hope, and he grabbed out for arms and clothes, pulling each of his own cohort close as the group around them started to break and panic and scatter.

"Listen to me. Listen!" He stared Harika in the eyes, her exhausted face drawn with fear. "Stay close, and if we can grab on to any of these beasts, do it, got me? And you don't let go until they stop running!"

His head whipped to glance at Reece and Bolognaise in turn as he received nods.

In moments the herd of hulking, hairy beasts was nearly on them, and it was all the quartet could do to not be instantly trampled, chaos all around them as the whole group scattered. Over the sound of thunderous hooves there was a staccato of abortive gunshots from the few guards that hadn't already tried to run. Orion was too busy dodging and trying to gauge how to grab on to a beast without getting splattered.

Nothing for it but to try, Orion leaped and grappled with all he had. He held as tight as he could. Then it was just to cling to the massive, stinking, galloping beast and pray his friends could successfully do the same. Weak and beaten as they might be, a year of desperation can also make one hellishly determined.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 15

XIVselfies but ugggghhh I don’t take good selfies so I apologize in advance >< this just reminds me I need to get a haircut. Look, just… Stare at the guy on the left instead, ok?

M selfie: freckled white person with short brown curly hair, purple glasses, and pierced ears wearing a grey tank top.

Orion, a viera with grey hair tipped in blue, wearing scholar’s robes and wireframe glasses and drinking from a decorative mug.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 15

Fenrishion!!! (store open!)
@fenrishion.bsky.social
he can't read
#ffxiv #ff14

Art of a carbuncle standing in a doorway - on the door is a sign that says “NO” and has a drawing of a carbuncle inside a big ‘no’ circle with a cross-out over it, indicating carbuncles aren’t allowed.

FENRISHION
10:20 AM • Apr 4, 2026
Everybody can reply

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 15

Vierapril Day 14: Food A history of experiences, where you’ve been, what you enjoy and share… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Food

Bread his aunt has made, freshly baked with salt dusting the top. Sharing it with his cousin as they sit in the shade in their favorite hiding spot, tearing the crusty loaf and savoring the tender, soft inside.

Fish and chips at the Last Stand, savoring each chip that Marco doesn't steal, making sure it's soaked liberally in vinegar. The others teasing him into trying different dips and enjoying that well enough, but thinking it doesn't really get better than just the grease of the fish cut with the acid tart of the malt vinegar.

Buying a kabob in Ul'dah for the first time with money he's well and truly earned. The smell having tempted him multiple times in passing while Kal and Mer showed him the city, and how the smoky rich meat surrounded by veggies surpasses his expectations, especially when paired with the yogurt dip.

Vegetables and rice wrapped in seaweed, with delicious dips and condiments along side. Hingashi cuisine is so different in such delicious ways, clean and simple and fresh to your palate.

A gulp of stale water and a precious bit of hardtack, the only food you'll see for days, perhaps. It makes you appreciate everything all the more.

Crunchy baked crickets shared over a tiny campfire, a treat you never knew you'd enjoy. They remind you of the salted baked seeds a classmate would share with you during study sessions long ago, a welcome memory in a dark moment.

The scallops at the bottom of a Limsan fish boil, saturated with spices and oil and butter. The noodles they've been soaking with are also near falling apart and it's messy as hell, but so delicious.

The campsite stew the Bronze Lake dig cook has been teaching you to make with the lamb they brought in the restock of supplies yesterday, alongside popotoes, onions and tender herbs. All the fresh produce is an improvement, sure, but you'd also like to think your improving skills are also part of why it tastes better, richer. Perhaps it's time you picked up an actual hobby, and if it means feeding people you like things they like, you can get behind that.

A recipe for a marinated chicken breast that hadn't been made for over 1,000 years and you're doing it at three in the morning in your very bare, terrible new kitchen that really needs to be overhauled but that doesn't matter because a voice you haven't been able to lock down with the others keeps whispering and it just needs to come out so this guy will shut up about his family's secret sauce...

Fresh bread, still warm and dusted with salt. You put it in a basket in the middle of the table next to a couple of wine glasses and hope he'll appreciate the effort. You actually wrote your aunt for her recipe, and she was more than pleased to send it your way, the only tax a promise to Sara that you'll make a loaf for her the next time she visits.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 14

Vierapril Day 13: Guide pt. 2 More of the boyhood times, awkward moments included… 2/2

Orion nodded obediently as he listened to an obviously well-rehearse litany of do's and don't's while Marco slouched and bit at a fingernail. Once Ori had signed a paper the other lad let out a loud sigh. "Finally! Let's go," he announced and pushed away from the counter, leaving Orion to grab his card stammering a quick "T-thanks!" to the librarian before running after his new friend.

"That was faster than I thought it'd be," Marco admitted, leading the way out the doors and back into the open air.

"Guess my mom probably sent our info ahead, part of making sure I'd be all set when we got here," Orion agreed, shoving his hands in his pockets and turning his freckled face to the sun.

Marco squinted at his new friend, examining him quietly for a minute as they walked next to each other, Orion trusting Marco to guide them wherever they were going next.

"My parents are gleaners," Marco said quietly, looking down at his feet as he led them towards the docks. "They're always here or there, never in town long, so I live at the dorms."

"Mm," Orion took a mental note, looking out over the still-new vista from the hill overlooking the bay. Sharlayan was a beautiful city, for all that it shared similarities with the Colony. For all the sights he'd miss of his home, its wilderness and rivers and waterfalls, Old Sharlayan's view of the ocean was a sight Orion was not sure he would ever easily tire of.

He was distracted enough that a Marco's question stopped him in his tracks, practically knocking the breath out of him.

"So if your mom's faculty, an' she lives and works here, why do you have to live in the dorms?"

Marco took a few steps beyond before realizing Orion had stopped cold and turned to blink in confusion at his roommate, whose pale face had somehow lost its color, becoming ashen. The boy seemed to realize he'd said something wrong almost instantly, swallowing hard, his mouth opening and closing as he searched awkwardly for something to say, but Orion got there first.

"Just easier," Ori said weakly, and took a couple steps forward, scrubbing a hand into his dark teal curls and giving the other youth an apologetic smile for making it awkward between them.

"Sure! Sure," Marco said quickly, obviously relieved for the out. He was rubbing his palms on his shirt as he glanced over his shoulder at the harbor, then gave Orion a smile that he hoped was reassuring. "Say, you wanna try the best food around? Good snacks, drinks, meals, my treat for my new roommate, ok?"

"Really?" Ori's ears perked at that, remembering that he was peckish and happy for any distraction.

"Yeah, absolutely," Marco nodded, thumping his companion gently on the arm before giving his sleeve a tug and continuing again towards the harbor. "Promise you've never had chips this good. Maybe I can introduce you to the gang afterwards."

"I'd like that," Orion agreed, his smile easing as he moved ahead, leaving the awkward moment behind like a shadow on the pavement.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 14

Vierapril Day 13: Guide At the tender age of ten, a new roommate, a possible friendship, and Orion relies on his new cohort to show him around. (Heads up, this got away from me! Not such Drabble anymore. XD More in the thread!) 1/2 #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #starseeker

Guide

"I can show you around. Wanna see where everything is?" Marco bounced a handball off the stone wall and floor, catching it and throwing it again in a quick rhythm with a high snap that was making Orion wince slightly.

'The prefect showed us around earlier," the viera boy leaned against the bunk, his ears tucked back. The hyur boy seemed
relatively friendly, for all that he had to give up the other spot in his room to the new kid.

"But he only showed you the Studium, yeah?" Marco caught the ball and shoved it in a well-worn pouch at his waist, tightening it with a practiced pull of string. His grin promised hijinks, eyes sparkling with possibility as he cocked his head. "C'mon. I'll show you where we hang out, our ball field, the best place to go get snacks... And if you haven't got a card yet for the Noumenon we can start there, 'cause it's close. We'll go sign you up."

Ori perked up at the mention of the library... and at the possibility of snacks, to be perfectly honest. "I... I'd like that, actually. I've heard lots of stories about the Noumenon."

"I bet. It's real big. C'mon let's go."

Marco motioned for the other boy to follow him, leading him out from the dormitory into the midday sun, walking side by side with his new roommate and pointing out landmarks as they walked along. No one paid the boys any mind as they chatted and laughed, nor noticed how the young viera slowly brightened, his ears straightening over time until the two walked up to the doors of the great library and Marco pushed them wide, motioning for Orion to proceed him inside.

"Oh..."

Ori's voice, loud only seconds before, was suddenly hushed, caught in his throat in awe at the stacks and stacks of books.
Of course, he'd been inside large libraries before; the Great Gubal had been across town back home. Sure, one had to had special dispensation to go further than the first few rooms, but he'd been inside with his mother more often than many of the other kids of the Colony. Still, the open plan of the Noumenon mixed with sheer awe in the presence of such gathered knowledge had a huge impact.

"Over here, this way." Marco tugged his compatriot by the tunic, boldly striding up to the main desk and the librarian sitting next to an oddly-dressed mammet standing on a chair. "My friend here needs to put his name down for access. He's new to the Studium, just back from the Colony."

Startled by his roommate's boldness, Ori winced, attempting an awkward smile as he raised a hand. "H-hello."

"Can I have your name, scholar?" The librarian arched an eyebrow, pulling over a thick tome and flipping through its pages, very obviously biting back a humored grin.

"Arianelle. Orion Arianelle," he said, his tone and cadence making it sound like he'd been saying it over and over by rote, which he felt he had been, for days and days, ever since they'd left home.

"Ah, yes. Here," the librarian underlined something with his finger, glancing up at the youth. He reached under the desk, coming up with a small rectangle that he slid across the surface to Orion. "Access card. Not just for the Noumenon but for certain areas of town restricted by the Studium and the Forum. Unlikely that you'll have to worry about much more for some time, but you'll always need it here. Got a few things to go over, and then you'll sign a paper to attest you've understood the rules."

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 13

LOLOLOL

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 13

Vierapril Day 12: Alone get them out get them Out GET THEm OUT #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #drabble #starseeker

Alone

The shiver racks him, and Orion can taste metal in the back of his throat. Metal. And something else... like ozone. There's whispers, and they sound like a thousand voices on the other side of a door, but he's managing to keep it closed, for now. He crushes his eyes tight and draws the blanket closer, breathing in the faintly medical smell of the clinic linens.

He's alone. There's no one else here.

But what about the old man who whispers to him about the alchemy shop he ran next to the temple gates where the men walked by to show him the amphora that was brought home by the lucky crew that had returned from the south seas? Or the girl insisting she's going to be one of the first of her family to become a full Advocate of Oschon, if her father would just let her take the test. The young priest who will admit only to the machine that he doesn't actually think the Twelve are real, but he wants to be a powerful politico, and the best way to do that when you have no wealth is to join the Temple.

Fuck, why won't they all just shut up!! Orion shoves the pillow over his head and yells into it to try and hear anything, anything else other than the voices.

He wishes, not for the first time, that the machine had just killed him...

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 13

Vierapril Day 11: Close Just a moment of closeness is all he’s ever tried. #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #drabble #starseeker

Close

Lying on his side in the quiet, dim room, Orion studies his lover's face as he sleeps. Legs tangled, arms wrapped around each other, settled. Holding each other just close enough.

Orion's life is one of moving, of adventure and travel. It isn't one where he really gets to keep anything for very long...

Or anyone.

But this is enough for now, isn't it? Skin close and warm, gentle touches and listening to someone else breathe. It's steadying. Grounding. Maybe someday he'll find someone he'll want to keep. Want to come back for. When this close becomes something more than just a thing he wants for a couple hours.

But tonight, this is enough.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 13

Vierapril Day 10: Temperature We talk about the weather when everything is anything but normal… #ffxivwrites #ffxivfic #vierapril #viera #drabble #starseeker

Temperature

"Unusually cool today. All week, really," Orion remarked casually, leaning against the table as he watched the man search through boxes.

"Mmmm," the elderly man hummed noncommittally, moving in the dimness of the storage cave like he could do it with his eyes closed, barely looking like he cared whether Orion was present or not.

He had the hopeless, beaten air that most of the people in Ala Gannha had, the one that, even in their day to day when left at peace, they expected at any moment to be ground to dust and they had just accepted it. It made everyone in the villages they had come across so far seem flat, no hope left, ekeing out their little lives because they just hadn't decided to lie down and die... yet.

How could anyone think ruling people and making them like this was anything good, anything just? Orion had seen too many faces leeched of life to think that any of this was worth the supposed power, resources, glory, any of of it. He'd seen it in Othard, knew it was the same in the other lands conquered by the Empire. Rule by iron fist.

Anathema.

"Might get some rain," the elderly man said from right next to Ori, making him practically jump out of his boots, shaking him from his dark thoughts.

The hyur squinted up at the sky, then gave Orion a sideways look filled with more emotion than he'd showed for the last hour after Orion walked in to town with skins to trade. "If anyone was stayin' in, say, a cave in the canyons, or campin' out, it might be a good idea to find high ground, make sure they're not in a flood zone. Just... just sayin'. Can get mighty cold when it rains at night."

"Aye," Ori nodded carefully, getting the message, his heart squeezing gratefully at the care in the man's eye. He wouldn't ask for shelter, knowing the man was risking enough giving him the map he handed over along with the bundle of other supplies he'd traded for. This man knew he wasn't from around here. But at least he could cover by saying he didn't suspect anything when trading with someone just passing through.

He gave the man an appreciative nod and tugged his bangs in parting appreciation, "Thanks for your help. Stay warm tonight."

"Aye, and you. Safe journeys."

May you survive, Orion wished him silently as he made his way out of town, the map a bit more hope burning in his bag. May we all survive to see an end to all of this, someday.

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 12

M ✨ Shepherd to the Stars@orionnightsky· Apr 12

If you can get this cinnamon roll to the point of being in bed with him, he would be bent around your finger and would be the most pathetic lover in all the best ways…