dcwnthercad

[dcwnthercad]

closed starter for @dcwnthercad ( roman ) !

" you know for a court that has had little contact with the rest of prythian, i expected, i don't know something more exciting about this place. " it felt both familiar and different the more time they were trapped here. besides the skies staying the same and the news that the king was different, well things seemed to have stagnated. how long could they just sit around and do nothing ? surely someone had an idea or two how to get them out of this mess. " maybe if the dusk fae actually talked to some of us then it would be more exciting. " he hadn't spoken to any himself yet, but not without trying.

[dcwnthercad]

his aphotic hues diverted towards the speaker, brows raised at the words that touched his ears. unable to conceal his surprise at the insinuation that the court lacked anything interesting in the moment, perhaps it was his accidental run - in experience that put him in that position. " what ? DRAGONS don't excite you ?" the emphasis of the reptilian beasts strong in his tone. " i would say that is something for the books. i feel compelled to ask, what do you find exciting exactly ? " there was a sliver of retort, but it was carried by a genuine curiosity. " to be fair, we are on their turf, so i mean -- the ball is in our court to find out more about them. poke the bear, or in this case ... dragon. "

"

closed starter for @dcwnthercad ( roman ) !

" you know for a court that has had little contact with the rest of prythian, i expected, i don't know something more exciting about this place. " it felt both familiar and different the more time they were trapped here. besides the skies staying the same and the news that the king was different, well things seemed to have stagnated. how long could they just sit around and do nothing ? surely someone had an idea or two how to get them out of this mess. " maybe if the dusk fae actually talked to some of us then it would be more exciting. " he hadn't spoken to any himself yet, but not without trying.

[dcwnthercad]

the biting winds and temperatures of winter was hardly anything that he was used to as of late. it rang a melancholic bell on a distant memory that he intentionally kept tucked. while the snow itself was beautiful it also brought about an unseen wound that will fester as he enjoys the view. " it's always a pleasure to see you again too. " there was a cheekiness in his words, but he always favored the company of someone who will cut right to the point. it set the grounds for the vibe rather then be deluded in speculation. when it came to anyone mention his best friend and high lord, his guard became more ironclad -- more aware, if that were even possible. there were many reasons for that, that went beyond being his righthand.

" as of right now there is no reason to be concerned, " it felt like a safe enough confirmation. " unless there is any new information that you would like to indulge ? " he fished, not so obviously, as his eyes shifted over to nyx. roman can mesh well with anyone, but when it came to the well being of the people that he swore to protect, he could act accordingly.

closed starter for lord roman naida — @dcwnthercad

The winter in the dusk court was cold and commanding, yet it was nothing compared to the harsh winters she had spent in the illyrian camps while growing up, the snow falling and sticking to the ground did remind her of such days. it was why she stood there with her arms crossed by the window watching it fall flake by flake. her mind a turmoil of its own. when the other appears she barely offers him a glance, recognizing him instantly. "i hear your high lord grows as restless as the rest with the new found power of our king," she begins, no need to beat around the bush. "should i be concerned by the autumn court or can i trust it will remain in the sidelines as usual?"

[dcwnthercad]

she did her best to not allow the walls she placed around her to act as a hostile barrier. not knowing how certain things will affect her family and the people she cared about, it left her in a limbo on what to do. and it left the hanging question of - what could she possibly do ? and would it be enough ? she nodded at the response that she received and it brought a soft chuckle from her. " how do you let yourself relax while not knowing what could happen?" it may have been a bit impersonal, but she couldn't imagine herself being as at ease on her own.

to see someone so leisurely placed upon the couch definitely captured her interest.

in the middle of the day ?

SO CASUALLY ?

she could almost admire that, it made her wonder if this court was their home. she rendered her theory possibly debunked with the startled reaction: it brought a brief grin on her lips.

“ don’t make it so easy, “ her words had a playful nip of a flame. “ last I checked this is a public room, is it not ? “ she pointed out while placing herself on the arm of the said couch, opposite side.

her eyes swept over his form and back to his eyes. “ how do you do that ?” referring to his ability to be able to relax amidst everything , or that is how it seems to her.

[dcwnthercad]

her smile widened to return the smile and the company in itself gave her a space to feel more at ease. while she adapted to the foreign area they have been thrust into -- she tried to allow herself to not be so withdrawn or quick to bite. the latter being a tad more challenging. " my faith in you remains unchanged, " a laugh dropped from her lips, " patience has always been an obstacle of mine, but i believe in us. " her words rang a playful note as she dropped her gaze to the game before them as she readied herself to decipher the mechanics of it. the question brought out a soft hum as she thought about her answer. it was a question that she didn't often have to think about, but given their current situation ... the situation was smudged. her brows creased as she looked back up at declan. " trying to make sense of everything, you know ? everything right now has me on edge, and i don't trust really trust many of the people around us." her voice remained soft so that it could remain between them. her words had a more personal definition; one she wasnt ready to admit.

@dcwnthercad ( ulalume ) - continued from here !

the  sight  of  his  cousin  has  him  grin  at  the  femme.  truly,  of  all  the  upheaval  and  the  circumstances  they've  faced  here,  it  had  also  become  an  opportunity  for  the  day  lord  to  spend�� more  time  with  his  extended  family  along  with  his  immediate  one.  the  game  was  not  pressing  against  his  mind,  but  as  he  sat  there,  determined  to  understand  the  puzzle  the  sight  of  his  cousin  appearing  certainly  improved  dec's  moods.

"pleased  to  see  you,  dear  cousin."  his  signature  smile  adorning  his  lips  before  a  chuckle  fell  at  her  remark.  "indeed  it  dark  times,  more  than  reasons  than  one.  "i  have  just  began,  show  a  bit  of  faith  in  your  cousin,  cousin."  he  tosses,  his  hands  still  rummaging  through  the  various  tid  bits  of  the  puzzle.  "most  certainly,  we  will  now,  with  your  brilliant  mind  joining  my  own."  as  he  assorted  everything  correctly,  to  begin  from  the  start,  his  dark  hues  settled  on  the  younger  femme.  "and  how  are  you  doing,  ula?"

[dcwnthercad]

a hum of acknowledgement vibrated from his throat as he shifted aphotic hues over to the speaker. taking in the information, his gaze lingered as he couldn't help but observe the interest the other took in the subject. roman couldn't help but take notice of the difference in detail compared to the weapons that he had personal experience with. the craftsmanship was distinct, and did bring out a curiosity - and he noted the interest the other took in it. " are you a craftsman yourself ? " he took the stab in the dark to voice the observation. roman enjoyed hearing other fae talk about whatever interested them.

it was a bonus if the subject stayed off of himself.

closed for @dcwnthercad

"  you  know,  the  weapons  here  are  different  than  most  of  the  other  courts.  "  he  supposed  it  made  sense,  they  developed  differently  in  their  little  island  sequestered  from  the  rest  of  prythian.  "  some  interesting  choices  in  designs  too.  "  he  was  making  plenty  of  mental  notes,  planning  to  incorporate  them  into  his  own  works.  avi  saw  making  weapons  as  an  art  form,  he  admired  most  craftwork.  he'd  been  lucky  enough  to  meet  a  few  of  his  fellow  fae  in  the  same  occupation,  they'd  been  happy  to  boast  about  their  skills  and  products.

[dcwnthercad]

the quiet edge of his voice alerted her senses, light eyes traversed with an essence of mild confusion until she realized … embarrassingly she allowed her defenses to decline.a very uncommon feat, and for him to be around for it to happen.

a time & a place

In times where rhythm is lost

echoed by the verbatim of fate

the lady of day could hardly make sense of the why her heart would continue to race. a rosy color dusted along her complexion, breath dropped at the gentleness.

another soul could not capture her this way, dispel her instinct. and the way her skin burned at his touch, no matter how gentle - it lingered. the universe seem to play these games, but each and every time was welcomed. however his words iced the temperature and she felt indignation rise in her chest before a thank you could slip from her lips. it stopped her in her tracks before she continued to walk after him, brow creased as her eyes were alight with intent.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

“ bold words. “ her words were challenging, but she continued. “ why do you speak of my cousin so specifically ? “ the topic of her family has always successfully provided a reaction. however in this instance, it wasn’t defensive - the wording of choice felt deliberate, an instinct she couldn’t shake.

to: @dcwnthercad

"If you'd taken a moment to observe your surroundings, stayed in tune with your senses," Ares began, his tone laced with quiet confidence, "you might have noticed..." From his hand, he presented a delicate gold bangle. They had moved through the crowd like shadows, unnoticed, as though the world around them existed only as a blur. "Your jewelry was missing," he finished, sliding the bracelet onto her wrist with a deliberate gentleness.

There was no need to make a spectacle of it. He’d spotted the sly little fae who had brushed past her, taking what wasn’t theirs, and dealt with it in silence. Like most of their encounters, his crossing her path had been unintended, but not unwelcome. Some part of him, however unspoken, liked to think the heavens were conspiring to keep their lives intertwined. Ares's fingers lingered briefly against her skin before retreating.

"Does your beloved general not engrave that rule into your family?" he asked, the words as much a tease as they were a challenge.

[dcwnthercad]

to see someone so leisurely placed upon the couch definitely captured her interest.

in the middle of the day ?

SO CASUALLY ?

she could almost admire that, it made her wonder if this court was their home. she rendered her theory possibly debunked with the startled reaction: it brought a brief grin on her lips.

“ don’t make it so easy, “ her words had a playful nip of a flame. “ last I checked this is a public room, is it not ? “ she pointed out while placing herself on the arm of the said couch, opposite side.

her eyes swept over his form and back to his eyes. “ how do you do that ?” referring to his ability to be able to relax amidst everything , or that is how it seems to her.

closed starter for @dcwnthercad | @sparkledcrowns ( calista )

getting   comfortable   in   the   dusk   court   certainly   wasn't   an   easy   task   for   the   second   youngest   dragomir.   with   his   sister   having   him   babysat   at   all   times   he   essentially   couldn't   escape   her   prying   eyes.   after   hours   of   trying   to   lose   the   idiot   he'd   been   stuck   with   that   day   he'd   finally   succeeded.   spreading   our   on   the   couch   that   he'd   come   across   in   his   relief   of   being   alone.   well   he   thought   he   was   until   he   noticed   the   other.   "don't   sneak   up   on   someone   like   that."   he   stated   as   if   he   was   the   first   one   in   the   room.

[dcwnthercad]

there were many things to learn about the dusk court, and freya had every intention to scrounge up any knowledge that would prove beneficial to her. while being captivated in an unknown territory, there is power in knowing the mechanics of where you reside. execution and timing were also just as crucial in her own job and allowed for some leniency. celadon hues diverted towards the source of the voice, a hum of acknowledgment sounded from her throat as the corners of her lips tugged into a thoughtful frown. “ if you feel safe pondering in a general sense, i would say it's best to believe it will be indefinite. “ she didn't entertain any idealistic plan, she preferred the tangible. something with a sure sign that it exists and the probability transcends beyond a maybe. a calculated risk

In this instance, though she allowed herself to breach that usual wall, not at all aware of how easily something like that could be done here.

" depends on how serious you are about your craft, if you take it seriously -- which i am assuming you do -- it could be a good idea to set up shop here. learn what makes the weapons here special.. . use it." she extended the idea out to the male with a light shrug of her shoulder as her eyes shifted in his direction. " whether you remain here or not, you'll make a difference or .. . whatever. " she extended more than what she would on a good day, and so her train of thought simmered down. pep talks made her uncomfortable, especially when she found herself on a mild verge of one..

closed starter for @dcwnthercad

"i   do   not   know   how   long   we   will   be   here   in   the   dusk   court."   it   was   a   statement   that   the   night   court   fae   had   mostly   been   mumbling   to   himself.   the   dark   haired   male   had   never   gone   long   without   being   his   shop   crafting   a   weapon.   that   was   something   that   he   didn't   have   in   the   dusk   court.   scrounging   up   a   few   tools   to   aid   in   the   art   of   his   choice,   but   it   wasn't   the   full   thing.   "is   it   possible   to   establish   a   shop,   or   is   it   pointless?"

[dcwnthercad]

with their limbs tangled underneath the basking presence of a rather furious dragon – and the walls have a high probability ofa collapse-some would consider it a romantic. An adrenaline rush coursing through while having a near brush with death. Other may find it terrifying, roman couldn't speak for the latter. Although he had already made no effort to silence himself, he did nothing to remove himself from their current position, and it was not lost on him that his wings were intentionally tucked under the other man's arm. It strummed his cognitive strands, pulling his attention in every direction as he tried to remain focused -- speaking helped him do exactly that. some may find the stim rather inessential, but it was actually a focalizing tactic. the introduction encouraged a nod and an upward curve of his lips. in all honesty, he did not expect to get his name -- but not a single complaint would be uttered. " very much so, now that we are no longer strangers, and dashing through the lines of second base - " not relinquishing the compliment that he dispersed so casually, but shamelessly honest. " at least you would make a delicious dessert -- for the dragon, I mean. " that last part he laid for clarification - but not rescinding any other meaning to it.

to touch another fae's wings was an act of intimacy that had the peregryn internally YELLING. but there were so many other elements that were happening that he could not fixate on one. although amidst his rambling, his eyes finally traversed slightly to capture sight of his injury - due to the angle he was in, he couldn't decipher the damage. he wiggled in his hold, not regarding how uncomfortable it may be. " why did you go out of your way to protect my wings, you hurt yourself saving me -- " concern immediately showed itself. " as much as i would not mind staying like this with you vastien, let me help you." it did not leave his lips as a request. " my name is roman, by the way. " he extended the olive branch, realizing that he was not named.

𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔢𝔢𝔩 𝔬𝔣 𝔞𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯'𝔰 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 beneath the pads of his fingers is not lost on the illyrian — he had moved to protect them when he grabbed the stranger and lunged them toward that little cave of unforgiving stone and fetid dark. those wings are unlike his own. soft and white, the plumage of an arctic eagle, not the velvetine webbing of his. despite the impropriety of their circumstances, he cannot risk the rustle of movement to separate himself, to untangle their limbs, to see to the wound he undoubtedly sustained to his right wing — lest he undo all he did to save them by alerting the dragon to their location. while it could not reach them, its flame could sunder them to ash. its weight could cave in the walls surrounding them.

handsome stranger? his nose scrunches. the compliment is ill-timed and its utterance completely disregards his directions to keep quiet. eyes, a darker shade than his own, but still of earth and loam, are latched onto his own, and it's a discerning gaze he can't bare. his eyes dart towards the cave's opening, and he listens, waits, his breath quaking, his heart pounding against the cage of ribs beneath his own.

he sighs and drops his head at the comment that follows the first, knowing the position they're in is uncomfortable and .. unsuitable for two fae males. ❝ my name. is vastien. better? ❞ he grinds out the introduction on breath alone, no tone to his voice, and silently slips his hand away from the other's mouth ( it did no good, anyway ). above, he hears the dragon's footfalls receding, but they're still too close for comfort, and he's not dying in a hole in the ground tangled with some unknown peregryn that obviously harbors a deathwish.

❝ just — hold still. we can't be sure it won't come back to claim its kill, ❞ he whispers softly, eyebrows furrowed, leg shifting between the peregryn's to make it all ...less compromising. ❝ and i'd rather not be dessert. ❞

[dcwnthercad]

‘ antonia gentry , cis-woman, she/her, 28 / 280 , high fae ’ ― cauldron save you. it seems ULALUME ASTER has been teleported to the dusk court, the LADY from DAY is said to be INTELLIGENT and is said to describe themselves with SPIRITED DEBATES, DISTORTED SELF PORTRAITS, & FEELING HOMESICK WHILE HOME and with all of this in mind their  DOGMATIC nature always seems to get them into trouble. may the mother hold them as they navigate this unthinkable time. ; *aster cousin

general details.

full name:  ulelume aster

nickname(s): lume, lulu

age:  28. / 280.

date of birth:  april 1st

place of birth: day court

current location: dusk court.

ethnicity: high fae.

gender: cis-woman.

pronouns: she/her.

sexual orientation: bisexual.

religion: the mother.

occupation:  lady.

personality.

label(s): the spitfire.

positive traits:  passionate, playful, compassionate, curious

negative traits: impulsive, hot tempered, unreasonable..

fears: for her family’s safety

habits: picking fights.

astrology: aries.

personality type:  ISTP

moral alignment: chaotic good.

head canons.

born to the brother of the high lord and his estranged wife, she is the youngest fraternal twin to her only brother. she grew up among her cousins and has a close relationship to them and the rest of her family, with the exception of a few. right or wrong, if there is unjustified treatment — she will be one of the first to act out. her relationship with her mother is strained, and she strongly stands by her father, even though he tries to encourage grace, as it is her mother — she struggles with that heavily, and the same goes for any aggressor against her loved ones.

[dcwnthercad]

the lady of the day court had her concerns for the current situation, and so an exploration of her current placement was in order. ulelume displayed remarkable restraint in her curiosities —

alistair and anyone else who knows her should be proud of her.

she decided to preoccupy her time by sending glances from afar and maintaining a distance. if anything she could inquire about it to her cousins at a later point. A melodic tune vibrated from her throat as she did transcend into a room, but the tune died when she realiized that she wasn’t alone. his aphotic hues took in the sight and a curve formed on her lips as she carried herself closer.

“ I can’t say I have , but perhaps we are in even more trouble if you can’t figure it out. “ she teases the other naturally, her voice vacant of any condescending note, as she sat herself near him“ perhaps we can figure it out together.”

CLOSED ⟳ @lichtundschattens , @dcwnthercad ( not a group thread ! )

when  his  elder  brother  and  high  lord  had  mentioned  the  shift  he'd  noticed  in  the  young,  the  younger  lord  day  found  himself  curious  to  see  for  himself.  over  the  the  next  several  days,  he  observed  king  kabir  from  afar  and  as  his  brother  had  noted,  there  had  been  in  fact  a  drastic  one.  perhaps  in  the  way  kabir  held  himself,  or  the  very  noticeable,  but  strange  aura  that  surrounded  the  younger  male.  either  way,  it  was  truly  hard  to  miss,  and  it  certainly  left  the  young  day  lord  infinitely  curious.  he  and  ced  had  still  spoke  of  how  it  would  work  with  dusk  and  the  king,  would  they  be  willing  to  unite,  or  how  their  king  would  be  able  to  persuade  their  hosts.  he  was  in  the  midst  of  attempting  a  strange  game  from  this  court,  brows  furrowing  until  the  sound  of  footsteps  drew  his  attention.  "i  don't  suppose  you  know  how  this  peculiar  game  works,  would  you?"  now,  despite  how  unassuming  he  may  appear,  declan  was  quick  and  clever,  rarely  anything  stumped  him  but  this  was  becoming  a  record  here.

[dcwnthercad]

her attention disperses as celadon spheres shift to capture the source of the voice. she would recognize that buoyant energy anywhere, and she found it a welcomed blossom among a wasteland of vanquished familiarity. that was a intricate exception that she made for the other; certainly something she kept classified.

“ the world could be in carnage and I am certain you would continue with your merriment.” her voice dripped with a scolding note, but there was a playful note that could be detected in that observation. “ I’m sure not many would willingly spend time inside a tree with me, “ she pointed out before making any other move.

CLOSED ; for @dcwnthercad’s FREYA

“freya—” iain calls out, broadly stretching his arm to signal the spring fae over to join him under the uneven shade of a sagging pine. “care to join me?”

chronically childish, iain had a poor habit of treating his days with an air of freeness, as if he didn’t have a job to do. this was especially evident as he sat atop a thick branch of the evergreen — icy, cool toned hair littered in pin pricks of green pine needles now.

[dcwnthercad]

FREYA

« you’ve got a fire inside but your heart’s so cold. »

FULL NAME: Freya Odella AGE: 29/290 DATE OF BIRTH: january ninteenth CURRENT COURT: spring court GENDER: demi-woman PRONOUNS: she/they SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: demi-romantic OCCUPATION: spy SIGNATURE SCENT: cypress, gunpowder, and myrrh.

LABEL(S):the berserk button POSITIVE TRAITS: focused, perceptive, intelligent, strategic NEGATIVE TRAITS: apathetic, self-righteous, deceitful, controlling FEARS: losing control. HABITS: using people for her own agenda. ASTROLOGY: capricorn PERSONALITY TYPE: intj MORAL ALIGNMENT: chaotic neutral. ELEMENT: earth ANIMAL:  snow leopard BIOLOGICAL MOTHER: unknown ADOPTIVE MOTHER: deceased FATHER: unknown SIBLING(S): has a younger sister that she considers her kryptonite, and because of that she put a distance between the two.

HEADCANONS

freya had been brought into a broken union upon birth, and days after the birth of her sister, both were separated from their mother. in a short amount of time, they were discovered and brought in by a kind stranger. that kind stranger eventually became a mother figure to them.

although everything appeared happy on the surface, dynamics shifted and freya could not try to smother any malignant impulses. the games she played were cruel, all while maintaining the chillingly saccharine demeanor.

is kind of a psychopath

it was said that her adoptive mother perished in an accident, but it definitely wasn't an accident.

is a spy for selina. ( will add more ! )

[dcwnthercad]

Looking back or stealing any glances at the winged serpentine beast was hardly unnecessary. While his eyes were trained ahead, the shadow invaded his peripheral vision, along with the fringed landscape that he managed to dance around in less than graceful fashion. who would have thought that a drunken and reckless display could spare him from being wrapped in flames? the mother be willing, he would only be dressed in ash and not become it. his heart overrode any outside noise as his main focus deluded any reason. thankfully he was well endowed with stamina, he could go for as long as … hopefully to the end of this … an apparition captured his attention, deterring his focus entirely. many questions ricocheted and one overwhelmed them all. how could he make so many detrimental errors in such a short span, and how much closer did it bring him to his demise ? the timetable always loomed by that fragile and rotted thread that could be labeled as his luck. he jerked in response to the presence, and there was no time-- soon he felt himself being lunged forward with another body holding onto him. WHAT THE FUCK the hold of ... fate ? .. karma ? seized him and ripped him away from the narrow corridors of his mind. visage of ashes and dying foliage dissipated as they were now engulfed by darkness and there's a body on top of him. normally the unwarranted touch would cause him to go rigid, but rather his heart felt as if it would break free from its cage at the rate it was pounding. when their eyes locked, honestly -- the dragon disintegrated from his mind. the command for him to be quiet earned a muffled response behind the palm, not even attempting to remove it or create space.

" right . . . nothing resonates with calm and tranquil like getting thrown into a cave . . . by some handsome stranger -- " but then the his mind allowed himself to register that there was a fucking dragon above them. " with a dragon just meters away - I would have rather been on a first name basis … but sure, i can be very zen."

𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞 𝔥𝔞𝔦𝔯𝔰𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔱𝔥 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢, vast lets himself believe he is safe. the shadows cradle him, the stillness of his heart, the quiet, meditative flux of inhale, exhale undetectable from the natural stirring of leaves and fern. for just a second, the illyrian knows he will get to witness a dragon in all its destructive nature, settling down for something so mundane as a meal of captured fawn or errant equine. but that illusion, like so many, is shattered with calamity — ridiculous, perilous ruckus. 

vast is alerted to the other male’s presence instantly when he shouts — a beacon for the dragon to hone in on. cold sweat blooms on his skin, even in the winter air. the shouting fae doesn’t dive into shadow — no, of course not. he flails madly, drawing the dragon's attention. the fucking dragon who is looming barely 15 meters off the ground. its lungs are a great bellows for the forge of flame churning to life within it. smoke curls from its monstrous nostrils, and vast winces at the meat-packing sound of dead elk hitting the flame-blackened earth as the dragon discards its first meal and chooses to pursue a fresh kill.

oh, shit. cauldron, no — the fae is running straight towards him. leading the dragon right to him.

vast looks around to find another hiding spot, and dread closes in when he finds nothing, nothing, n o t h i n g — wait! a few paces away is a small cave in the earth, a nook of stone too small in diameter for a dragon's claw to reach. and there's the gleam of stagnant water within, perfect to camouflage his scent. when he looks back, the male is in a full sprint; they'll brush shoulders when he passes. the dragon is just behind; barreling closer. its heavy footfalls cause the earth to shudder, the trees to shake. vast moves to duck inside the hollow, to leave the fool to his fate, but something stops him, redirects him.

before reason locks in, vast grabs the fae as he's rushing past, throws his arms around him, and shoves off towards the cave. it's a blur, they're tumbling, but by the mother's grace, they land in the hidden place. vast finds himself atop the other male. their eyes lock, and he clamps a strong hand over the other’s mouth.

❝ quiet, ❞ he mouths, as the behemoth creature stalks the ground above them. ❝ don't make a sound, ❞ he breathes, still as death.

[dcwnthercad]

Burying himself away into the literary world felt like a minimal risk activity; he could honestly say it never painted his existence with an impending doom. It could also be a benefit in learning more about the walls he currently resided in, so that settled his decision. Espresso spheres marveled at the selection that he had been greeted with as he found himself at his destination. Roman wandered closer to the bookshelves and intently captured each title as his finger tips traced along the spines in a delicate manner. Once he found a book that held some promise, he plucked it from its place and opened it to immediately indulge in its contents. Footsteps captured his attention and his eyes lifted from the open pages – and his entire facial expression appeared alarmed. He whirled around to attempt to go the other way! In enough time to avoid a sighting --

SHIT. his effort only ended up bumping into a complete stranger and he offered a sheepish smile, apologizing immediately. Thankfully that had been diffused right away, he threw a look to where he spotted Cillian last – trying to assess if he had another opportunity to find the nearest exit. when it seemed hopeless , he turned himself to face the bookshelf to appear engaged with the book in his hands. maybe enough time passed and the universe could spare him this one … damn. the mother and the universe... why have you forsaken me and refused to take pity --

hearing his name from those painfully familiar lips, he wished that he could evaporate on the spot. a quick smile formed as he turned to Cillian — it faltered when the general continued to speak.

“ is it really so shocking ?” The tone was laced with a touch of sarcasm as he allowed himself to laugh through the awkward feeling. “ oh - yeah, yeah ... you never were a man of so many words. “ now that he could think clearly on things, he couldn’t remember a conversation between them that had any sort of depth. just a figment of something that wasn't actually there-- coming to terms with that only intensified the secondhand embarrassment from the rose-colored glasses he adorned during the entirety of it all.

@dcwnthercad

Cillian was bored. So much of his life was disciplined and regimented when he was back home, so this life, this life of monotony, lacking purpose and direction at the moment was not for him. He didn't do well living like this. He had paced in his room so much he was sure he was wearing a path in the rug. So tonight, he was going to try something different. He would go to the library. While studying wasn't his favorite activity, he could fill his time with it. He could fill the minutes of the day with words and knowledge to maybe learn something that would help them get out of the gods forsaken land. The palace library was just a short walk away. He found himself surrounded by scribes scholars and books. He scanned the shelves looking to find something to pique his interest. He was falling short and not even sure what he was looking for. He turned to ask the closest scribe a question when he realized the person closest to him wasn't a scribe. "Roman? Fancy seeing you here. Didn't know the second in command was into reading." He commented. "Although we didn't talk much when we were....now did we?" He said a smirk on his lips as he remembered the last time they were together.

[dcwnthercad]

where peace is often sought, it could be found simply submerged with dying foliage from nature's brittle caress. If those words were to ever come from his breath, the truth would hold no residency, and glazing each syllable was not a common feat. while colors still thrived through the biting temperatures, it often left room for nostalgia as his mind transcended from its pocketed induction, a forlorn melody that he tuned out. picking apart the benevolent became challenging as the histrionic whispers kept him company with each step that he took, carrying himself down an uncharted and twisted path.

the art of the hunt in anything, no matter the target or the endgame – awareness of signs were always pivotal for success. SIGNS of ANIMATION SIGNS of EXISTENCE & above ALL else – SIGNS of PENDING & POTENTIAL HAZARDS. it dawned on him, just how severed and clouded his sense of contingency has become. " shit .. . is that ... " the words were hush against the chilled air. suddenly glacial pressure coursed through his veins as he became aware of his predicament. a nest. That's a fucking nest. " SHIT. " the secondary curse was timely with the far-reaching screech that made the earth and everything surrounding them tremble. no hesitation came from roman as his legs carried him forth with no destination in mind, just trying to out RUN a dragon's wings. as if anyone could while within such damning proximity " i didn't fucking know, i don't want your children! " in all honesty, he didn't even see what the nest contained, or if the dragon itself was a parent .. . he didn't exactly have the means to congratulate, knowing it would likely end with him on the menu. but his words only seemed to be a transgressor as the heat radiated behind him, surprised by his own evasion on joining the foliage in ashes, and he became so fixated on his escape that he did not register that he flew past another being.

— closed starter for @dcwnthercad // 𝔡𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔞𝔱! ( roman & vastien — nearing nightfall on a wooded cliff's edge, overlooking the dusk court. )

𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴 are vast's dearest companions. they swath him in a tight embrace, carry him silently over foreign terrain, cosset his cheek, and beckon with curling fingers. the season has turned, and he is clothed in heavy leathers lined with soft deerskin and wool, and still, he moves like a wraith — seamless, footless, like water carving its silken path down a mountainside. he is but another dimension of the shifting shadows that swarm beneath a canopy of evergreens and bare, clattering branches.

what brought him out beyond the city is much like what brought him to the dusk court in the first place: fate. he answers when he's bidden, and he outruns the darkness of his own nightmares when they won't relent. this instinct has kept him alive all these years, kept his general and illyrian brothers alive.

as he approaches the edge of the treeline, he sees a bald cliff ahead, a landing overlooking the city. nothing an archer loves better than high ground. hazel eyes survey his surroundings quickly; no one's coming. as he slips between trees and heads toward the open, he notices ...the once tall grasses that stood here have been scorched to brittle bark, the earth is ashen, and blackened bones litter the ground.

a fucking dragon's perch. fuck.

and then he hears them: massive wings beating in the dark overhead, and the trees around him stir to life as the serpentine beast prepares to land. vast's own wings tuck tightly against his back, and he folds himself into the shadows, watching, silent, invisible. just another shadow, or so he hopes.