s'iha nerra

These ARE MINE

And these are gifts

Extras

Thank you Rokuyo for this amazing gift. ♥

Posh but older • Posh but old

WHAT SHE DOES ...

— Aetherscribe • Spellcraft made manifest in written and painted form. S'iha is happy to tutor, or sell these.— Painting & Drawing • An Artist known for her landscapes and portraits. You may know her works.— Enchantress • A sorceress for hire. All things esoteric and arcane fall within her scope.

WHERE SHE IS ...

— Ishgard • Her place of work and current home. Noble bureaucracy and socialite contortionism.— Sharlayan • Her place of study, whereupon her academic and artistic reputation is known.— Thanalan • Her place of birth, in the Zu tribe. She knows deserts, canyons, bushland and oasis well.

WHAT SHE WANTS ...

— Expeditions • Soujourns into the unknown. For history, knowledge and thrill. Temples, Trecks and All.— Familiar Souls • Companionship in its simplest form. With a likening for those magically inclined.— Bonvivant • Expensive fashion, food and vices. Jewels, glitter and gil. She has high demands of life.

WHO SHE SEEKS ...

— Guardians • S'iha cannot fight for herself. Gladiators, Mercenaries, Bodyguards, Soldiers, vvizards!— Estranged • Oddballs, Criminals, Downtrodden, Misunderstood, Lead Astray. She has a weak spot for outcasts.— Academics • Professionals. Crafters, medics, historians, antiquarians, archaeologists, fellow mages, etc.

WHAT she suffers ...

— Aethersickness • A curse, perhaps. S'iha is unable to manifest her aether without bleeding or coughing fits.— Synaesthesia • To taste a colour. To hear a sight. To see a smell. Sensations simultaneous upon redundant systems.— Black Sheep • A rumour-built reputation in Sharlayan for being a fraud, homewrecker and cheat.

Long term arcs ...

— Theory of a Painted World • "I want to paint a world. It will be a cold, dark, and very gentle place."— Lost Mother, Lost History • "I never knew her, and Nerra rarely spoke of her. I'm told she was as a desert storm."— A cure for what ails you • "I'm fated to die young. Yet, with my time on this Star, I may as well try."

^{Anhri Vheisi, a wild and untameable creature. She is mysterious, secretive and strange. And yet, I would not have her any other way. Like dawn chasing dusk, we are intrinsically fated. Such dichotomous natures come with challenges, but I will be at her side, always.}

Eve 15th, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I met a strange woman today, while painting in the Pillars. A keeper who has been working with Rhin'a, I believe now. Apparently I had come recommended, a mage to help make sense of matters esoterical and occult. The events of this evening shall never fade from memory, I hesitate to even write the words now. A cursed jar, a dead rat, and... Her. I'll have to take that one shopping."

Eve 2nd, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"What an incredible evening. You should of seen her face when I told her she'd be needing perfume, shampoos, soap - and gods; to trim her claws. I'm surprised she doesn't hate me already. Anhri. Such a strange creature. I bought her a dress for the gala she needs my help preparing for, and I taught her how to insult with good manners. Alas, there is a darker side to her. I know she hides it still. And yet I find myself drawn to it heedless of the warnings."

Morn 18th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Who knew that teaching a bog witch the basics of modern hygiene would be so challenging and interesting. Hair combs, nail files, makeup brushes, perfume and soaps. She didn't know how to use, or like, any of it. We spoke some of our history; family and where we came from. It seems a tender subject for the both of us. After the night's revelations, I feel our bond is stronger that it ever has been."

Eve 6th, 4th astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"A casual trip to the Shroud. Or, at least thats what I thought it would be. Anhri showed me her closest companion, Laurel, a rather impressive goobbue gatekeeper. I even got to hug her. Guarding what, though? Anhri took me to see her home, a place shrouded by ghostly mist. I've never seen such strange mysticism. It was eerie, but beautiful. The woods there, they speak to you, show you things. The swamp breathes, though it is dead. And yet it was there I confessed my love."

Morn 7th, 4th astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I can't say the family meeting went very well. I met Ashur'sae, a brother of hers. A powerful Augur who is hellbent on some twisted plot of restoration for the Vheisi tribe. I've seen much of Anhri's history, now. Perhaps a little more than I cared to know. Now comes a time of rest, recuperation and planning. I suspect she needs some time to recenter, focus on the things that matter most. Anhri, my Moon, Your beauty never really scared me."

Eve 6th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Anhri came to a beach party that Odilon was hosting. It was... strange. She'd never met any of my friends or work colleauges. I feel that, perhaps in my awkwardness, I upset her. Still, introductions were made, and now everyone knows I lay my head beside a skeletal bog-witch at night. She tracked me down all to tell me Laurel had gotten into my paints and made a mess. What an odd brunch."

Eve 14th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I will never forget this experience in my life. Anhri introduced me to her grandmother. A long dead elder, hidden away in a spiritual location. We chanted words of summoning, and Anhri's knucklebones glowed with a green hue i'd never seen before. Apparently, she had been asking to meet me. Gods, this woman; wiser than any Sharlayan professor. Grace, beauty and tenderness befitting a matriarch. We spoke of what it was that defined a witch. We spoke of Anhri, and fate. And of course, Ashur'sae. And now, I am a stronger woman. The moon only shines because of the sun.""P.S - Anhri called me beautiful."

Morn 30th, 5th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Today I return to the Veil. I have not seen AnhrI since she attacked her brother, after our encounter. I lost consciousness, and upon my waking, they were gone. It has been some time since then, and I can only assume her and Ashur'sae to be dead; or have settled their differences at long last. I don't know. A slither of me hopes, that in my part to play, their lives changed for the better. I miss her everyday, though I suppose it was foolish of me to love a wild thing, such as her. It was in her imperfections I found beauty, and I suffer for it now. Tears stream my face even as I write this entry, for I know I shall never see my moon again. A star dies out, pale drone ever lonesome.""P.S - What do I do with the urn?"

^{Rhin'a Lyejahl, my first ever companion after leaving the tribe. I see a side of him few rarely do. Our bond is complex, yet lasting. It will endure any hardship, and I'd dare any to test its strength. He is my pillar, and I am ever thankful for it. Foolish tomcat...}

Eve 17th, 2nd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Rhin'a was there when I first set out to Old Sharlayan. He was a rogue then, and not much different now. Behold my surprise when he arrives at my doorstep, seeking out the aid of a mage. Here, Today. Some task involving shipping manifests, and topography of Garlemald. Thaliak knows it'll be quite a task. Honestly, I was just happy to see the scoundrel again. "

Eve 25th, 2nd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"After a long boat ride, and an even longer carriage trip, I've arrived in Ishgard at Rhin'a's request, to meet his free company, The Yielding Veil. It was quite overwhelming, meeting so many new faces. Rokuyo Mizutani, Ada Bloodbane, ESmond Forester, Elizabeth Ainsworth. So many names to remember. After a breezy interview, I was employed as a secretary for The Veil. I spent the rest of the evening with Rhin'a going over my responsibilities."

eve 5th, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I took Rhin'a shopping with me today. Or perhaps, he took me. A stroll through the crozier, one of my first real trips in Ishgard. I needed reagents for my paints, and ink. It was nice to just talk, and catch up on what we'd been doing over the years. Though, I suspect he was bored. At least until the muggers showed up! He disarmed one, and scared another off. It was quite impressive, and charming."

morn 10th, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Yesterday was one of my first jobs with The Veil. Collecting some debt off a pirate down in Costa Del Sol. Rhin'a was there, of course. I don't know why i was. I had to flirt with some disgusting pirate to distract him while Rhin'a made off with a shipping manifest. Only, he took jewels for his squeeze, as well. News to me. Awkward... for her. Oh well, mission successful. I'll not be showing in La Noscea for a while."

eve 22nd, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Rokuyo hosted a get-together at her lovely home in Shirogane tonight. Rhin'a came with his squeeze, X'aloh and ignored me the entire evening. What an exquisite feeling! Clung to her arm all night, didn't even say hello, and fed her like a baby. So here I am, seething into my journal. Perhaps I'll loose a hoard of cactuars in his room. He acts like I don't exist sometimes. I'll make him remember."

eve 8th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I confronted Rhin'a tonight about his negligence. Shamefully I admit I was more emotional than I would have liked. He tried to touch me, to apologize - and I pushed him away with my magic. I yelled at him. Told him to prove himself to me, and that he would not ignore my existence in the future. I may have also called X'aloh a whore. And Anhri a bog rat. I was upset. Perhaps if he'd keep his trousers on for once, it wouldn't have come to this. I settled, of course - and we shared a drink on the couch."

morn 18th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Last night I showed Rhin'a my stash of paintings. An abandoned workers hovel in the Empyreum. Filled with scattered portraits and landscapes. Gods, it was a mess. And cold. A dank old wine cellar full of my works. He requested some scrolls for his journeys out in Coerthas, shielding, blinding and esuna. I also learned that Rhin'a struggles to manifest his aether, and only fights with his sword. He's the same old Rhin'a, full of wit and charm. I'm just glad we're spending time together."

eve 8th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"The moonfaire faire is running, and though I've seen Rhin'A plenty of late at work, we've scarcely had the time to do anything together. So, naturally, I had him take me to the Bismarck in Limsa Lominsa. The fool forgot to bring flowers, but he paid the bill in full. It was... nice. We spoke of old times, recent events and friends in The Veil. A moonlit evening with fireworks on the horizon. And Azeyma preserve my sun-kissed cheeks, the cheesecake? I'm getting distracted just thinking about it."

^{Esmond Forester. My first friend in the Veil, a bond i will forever cherish. His enthusiasm, charisma and empathy is unmatched by even the most loyal of souls. He once tried to return a sock to me, and so i taught him to make paint. Odd, isn't it?}

Eve 25th, 2nd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Esmond Forester... A strange man, present at my interview. He was wearing a dumb blue dalmatica, and kept peeking around a potplant to see anyone who entered the room. Kept mostly quiet till we went down into the Oldrose, though. Then, he introduced himself. Asked about Sharlayan. Naturally, I was still sick from aetheryte travel, started to cough, and ran off! Absolutely stunning first impression. He was quite handsome though, for a hyur."

Eve 9th, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Esmond was hurt recently in a leve gone amiss. I was told he broke his spine. The details were greatly exaggerated. Still, I thought it proper to see his bedside at least once. He was resting, the first time. I gave him a kiss upon his forehead. The second, he was waking, and I brought a gift. Cherry chocolate, wrapped in violet with a red ribbon, one of my own. Apparently, it's his favorite kind. I did not know. Hopefully he recovers soon... he looked awfully ragged."

Eve 17th, 3rd astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Today was the planning day for Rokuyo's play. For some reason, I am the main actress in this event. A witch, who kidnaps a child. And Esmond? Playing the Hero of course. The Shade of the Shroud. I mentioned I had been watching him practice his thrusts in the yard, and oh by the lover, you should have seen him blush. I have a few cheeky ideas for spicing up this play, if im to play the role of witch. "

Eve 11th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Ugh, what a disaster. I forgot my lines, improvised half of them. Esmond was almost eaten by bandersnatch. I was... worried. His acting though? Impressive. So impressive I had to launch my wardrobe at him to slow him down! And then at the final field of battle, under spotlight and a roaring crowd. I... slipped, in the water. Face first. Hair, makeup, outfit - all ruined, covered in paint, glitter and confetti. Esmond fell as well, though. Dork. We were supposed to be professional!"

Morn 19th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I fell asleep at my desk. Embarrassing. When I woke, madame Mizutani... Rokuyo, was speaking with Esmond about an influx of leves. Voidsent nuisances. I offered my help, an opportunity to use my aetherscribing, and provide scrolls for the veil. Offer accepted! But, when Rokuyo left... well, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life. Esmond tried to return part of my wardrobe to me, from the play. A crusty, shriveled, paint and glitter tarnished sock. I was practically crying. Naturally, I told him to keep it. A momento of our bond, and fond memories."

Eve 23rd, 4th Astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"The day finally came. Esmond had been asking to see how I make the paint for my Aetherscribing. I broke into his room last evening with my bag of holding and pulled out a hoard of reagents for us to use. He was a natural! Followed my instructions to the letter. And then... well, I asked him to heat the paint with... verfire. We... accidentally set his door on fire? I tried my best to contain it with a barrier, but Esmond's quick thinking had him pull out an old Conjury cane and douse the flames. I then proceeded to bleed everywhere, and shove tissues up my nose. We spent the evening laughing."

Eve 7th, 4th Umbral Moon of our 22nd year ...

"Today, a stranger arrived at the manor. Oraux Jeaseur. I've never seen Esmond get so riled up. Apparently on a recent leve, they had clashed. A misunderstanding perhaps? Oraux offered his apologies. But now... the object of their prior leve; an artfact - is here, in the manor. A magical relic that supposedly beckons voidsent at night. I prepared spellwards to keep its summoning in check, at least for the time being. But Esmond... i can tell he doesn't trust this man. He was angry."

Morn 15th, 4th Umbral Moon of our 22nd year ...

"I was waiting in Esmond's room, sitting on his dresser. I'm not entirely sure why he finds it so strange? I offered to show him more Aetherscribing lessons, but, my whims took me, and I had him massage my shoulders instead. I brought a nice... lavender and tea-tree oil. I get so cramped working in the offices. And truthfully, I just wanted to see him get flustered. He was shy, and gentle, of course. Till I told him to put his strength into it. I had to explain that, for Miqo'te, touching is normal. Esmond finds my culture and habits perculiar, I'm sure. But he hasn't complained yet."

Eve 2nd, 5th Astral Moon of our 22nd year ...

"Esmond visited me in my apartment to check on the state of my recovery. He brought gifts, self-baked lemon scones, an assortment of rum and wine, and jams. Kind of him, although he forgot flowers. We finally had some time to speak properly about the state of our... bond. And Annalise. It's better, I think, that he be with her. They're perfect together, and... as I explained to Esmond, I fear my illness will take me before long. In another life, perhaps things would be different. He is my dearest companion, and I wish him, and Annalise well. He has been warned that should he hurt her... there'll be hells to pay. I'll have Anhri turn his eyes into a necklace. I jest of course... mostly. P.S. Esmond, in the event of my untimely passing, if you're reading this, you were always my favorite."

Sun-Touched, of the Zu...

Born in a canyony scape, in the far reaches of Thanalan's deserts as S'iha Nerra, among a rabble of sisters and brothers. This offshoot of the Zu tribe made their home upon rocky cliffsides, with villages spun from twig and twine that resembled the nests of the people's namesake.
Their elaborate means of travel included ziplines, ropeswings and carefully crafted wooden bridges. And though rare, tamed Zu found themselves among the counted defenses of the skyward Miqo'te clan.Deep below their canyon abodes, in the very basins - was where S'iha and her people found their sustenance. Amidst vibrant, lush oasis - spawned from lifetimes of natural cultivation, care and protection afforded by the Zu tribe. The watering grounds of the very creature that defined their identity; a place of reverence and integral to their way of life. So it was that the Zu learned to climb, swing, hunt and thrive.

WORK IN PROGRESS. IM RLY LAZY.

^{Oh Fiar, you silly old man. Always running away for naps. He's the only one who has seen my illness at its worst. He was there for me, cared for me. Others judge him for being aloof, but I will always respect him. A true guardian.}

Eve 22nd, 3rd Astral Moon of Our 22nd Year ...

"What a strange day. I was out in coerthas sketching a landscape when I was approached by a viera man who later introduced himself as Fiar Tehp. He was cold, starving and out of gil. Bruised knuckles and heavy accented. He was... confused, wandering, and told me tales of people who had manipulated him. Fiar had no concept of personal space; but... neither do I, so! We became immediate friends, and I've half a mind to introduce him to The Veil. He isn't a great fit, but I can't reject a stray when I see one."

Morn 4th, 3rd Umbral Moon of our 22nd year ...

"Fiar found me last night trying to work on my painted world theory. I was failing, as usual. There's something I'm missing... but I don't know what it is. The more aether I transfuse, the worse my illness gets. The room was filled with unfinished attempts. My episode was... ugly. I don't think I've ever seen that much blood. I don't remember much of the evening, but Fiar nursed me to health. My throat hurts, my skin is ghostly white. I need a long, and proper rest. The rug is bloodstained. stellar."

Eve 10th, 3rd Umbral Moon of our 22nd Year ...

"Today, Fiar was introduced to The Veil. His interview was painfully awkward. I had to translate half of what he was saying to Rokuyo, he can't read, he can't write, and when asked about his skills... well there wasn't much to say. A tribal Veena who gets into fistfights. I do believe people think I'm insane for bringing Fiar to the manor. Especially after I made that joke about Fiar eating Gyoku. He signed his contract with a mint leaf, and then tripped over the chair as he was leaving... Thaliak help me."

Morn 14th, 3rd umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"He ran off again. I don't think he likes sleeping in the manor. I had to follow the scent of mint all the way through Empyreum. Turns out, Fiar was hiding in my art den. An abandoned hideaway filled with all my works. He must've been looking for me, and followed my tracks. Naturally, he was napping. Tucked away in a corner, freezing his backside off. I could barely rouse him. We cuddled up and spent the evening together. I'm glad Fiar has a home now. People to guide him. His misfortune is over."

^{A boy, scorned by family and fate alike. Misfortune, heartbreak, rage, jealousy. A shade that haunts my waking hours, and possesses my mind by twilight. Summoned by blood. His love, his obsession, it could spell the end of all i hold dear.}

Morn 7th, 4th astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Last night, I met Ashur'sae. Or, a manifestation of him? He invaded my mind, an augury I know now he manifests through my blood. I was imprisoned, cornered, within my own psyche. He told me of his plans for Anhri and the Vheisi. A twisted fantasy of metamorphosis. Yet... part of me pities him. I saw the tears in his eyes. The malice for Anhri. tHIS BOY DID NOT HAVE AN EASY UPBRINGING. lIFE HAS SCORNED HIM AT EVERY TURN... A SENSATION ALL TOO FAMILIAR. Nevertheless, upon some miracle I was able to acquire the page that Ashur'sae absconded with, and we're now a step closer to resolving this mess with the urn. only, now, a shadow possesses my dreams. A new burden to carry."

Eve 15th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Ashur'sae was there the entire time. Watching me speak to his grandmother. Watching me with Anhri. I tire of that endless chill creeping at the back of my spine. His presence, forever at my back. I should of been wiser to know he would be there, watching from a distance. And yet, Grandmother said he intends me no harm. She insisted that I should hear him out. To reason with him. But... his jealousy, his anger. How am I supposed to break through to him? He is no longer the boy he once was. Something evil has taken him. And now he wants... me. He has beckoned me now, a call from afar. I will follow."

Eve 4th, 5th astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"I followed him to his den, open to the advice the Vheisi Matriarch had given me; willing to hear him out. He showed me a vision of horror, a recollection of a memory, in which I saw unspeakable things. I pleaded, begged, for him to renounce the path he had choosen, but he refused, in regret - claiming to be too far gone. I had no choice, and for the first time in my life, I attacked another soul with the intent to kill. In the fit of his suffering, Ashur'sae kissed me, and I could not bring myself to end him. My damnable empathy had always lead me to greater troubles. Something changed in him, though. I could see his fear, regret, and the desire to change. That was, until Anhri arrived. A fight broke loose, and Ashur'sae, was the one to advise I flee. All I remember before passing out is Her, white eyes and broken bones, floating raven tendrils of hair. A vengeful wraith like nothing I'd ever seen."

^{This professor quite literally stumbled into my life. Fell over right next to me. Wrapped up in bandages and carrying a sentient book. He's quite the expressive one! A successful, popular student in his time. Yana aims to help me with my magical theories, I think.}

Morn 23rd, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"There I was, minding my own business by the Old Sharlayan portside, and in stumbles this Seeker. X'yana Astar. Or, Yana as he prefers to be called. A foulmouthed, energetic professor. He was covered in wrappings, and accidentally dropped his book, Goldie into the sea. I helped him retrieve it, of course. Naturally, I proceeded to bleed everywhere, much to Yana's concern. Surprisingly, he is well acquainted with the concept of Aethersickness. We spent the evening talking about Aetherscribing and my theory of a painted world. Needless to say, I enjoyed his company immensely."

^{A curious girl, Anna. Sheepish, clumsy and emotional. But, intelligent, a true expert in her field. Bravery is the ability to face your fears in spite of them, and Annalise? Well, she's the bravest of us all. I feel the need to guide and protect her, like the little sister i never had.}

Eve 20th, 4th astral moon of our 22nd year ...

"In stumbles a new recruit, Annalise Dracht. Holding a stress-crumpled brochure of all things. She'd sought out the Yielding Veil in hopes of employment. A fresh start in Ishgard away from her family's history in Vylbrand. A nervous little thing, constantly on egg-shells that she'd disappointed Rokuyo or that her history in shadier circles may cause issue. Well, I looked into her background. There's some things she's better off not knowing. It's all quite hush hush with the Maelstrom. Poor girl."

Morn 9th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Annalise found me tonight, looking for Rokuyo. Apparently, her room has a secret compartment in it and she wanted to inquire about its use in the past, or if she had been assigned the wrong room. Though I'm no senior in the company, I assured her it was hers to use; Rokuyo does not make mistakes. We spent some portion of the evening speaking about her 'cat', turnip. A pet she'd snuck into the estate. I jested, saying I'd have to dismiss her from the company. She... did not catch on to my sarcasm. I gave Annalise her writ of conduct, and I had thought to give her contraceptives but... she likely won't be needing them anytime soon."

Morn 28th, 4th umbral moon of our 22nd year ...

"Today, Anna inspected a magical relic we've been holding in the vaults. That accursed egg. Her information was invaluable, determining from mere detailing that the artefact originated in Sil'dah. We had hoped to have her inspect the egg's physical properties, but my companions began to suffer malicious hallucinations, presumably caused by the relic. Annalise was horrified, pacing and fretting. Despite the budding romance between her and Esmond, it seemed I was the only one with any sense to comfort her in the moment. She was crying, Twelve's sake. Alas, all is well now. I prepared stronger spellwards for the artefact, and we will approach with greater caution in the future. Anna is a true asset to the Yielding Veil, whether she realizes it or not.

^{Be it fate, or circumstance; they are both cruel in their irony. Waywards hearts seek the deepest pit of a bottle, longing for solace; only to find it in another of its kind. Damaris is a fool, much like myself. The empathic dreamer, forever deluded. I quite like that.}

Filler

"Filler"