mythicalmuses

[mythicalmuses]

Why Our Hearts Have Beats ~ Leon/Llyr

changingthelights​:

It wasn’t often that Andel found talent he enjoyed enough to try and add another member to their troupe, but when he did Leon was the first to know. Usually at times that were convenient for Andel, but not necessarily for Leon.

That was how Leon had been roused from sleep the previous evening, jolted awake as a familiar weight suddenly splayed over his chest.

-

With a grunt, Leon cracked an eye open to find his employer straddling his chest, grinning from ear to ear. This particular gleeful expression from Andel, while rare, was one Leon had grown accustomed too. What followed were rarely bad ideas. Part of Andel’s own personal magic, Leon assumed. The demon was strangely adept at acquiring what they wanted, but never in ways that harmed those undeserving.

“I have an idea,” Andel purred, and his dark, pointed tail flicked excitedly behind him.

Leon sighed, returning to sleep was not in the cards, and one hand patted Andel’s thigh. The other rubbed over his face to chase away the remaining fog of sleep.

“Oh? And what would that be?” he yawned as he placed his hand on Andel’s other thigh and gave both a playful squeeze. Then he folded his hands casually behind his head and waited for Andel to continue.

“Well, I met a lovely, lovely musician about an hour ago,” Andel started, and his amber eyes sparkled with excitement. “I think he’d be a perfect addition to our band of merry performers!”

“We already have completely capable musicians, Andel. Do we really have reason to add more?” Leon’s brow arched skeptically. What was so special about this guy’s music that Andel wanted to employ him?

“We have musicians, yes, but we don’t have an actual signer, Leon. I found us a man with a little… supernatural talent. There was a sway to his voice- I found myself wanting to offer the man more coin than I’d normally consider tossing to a bard. Not to mention he was gorgeous, but that aside, he could easily hold a crowd as background to one of our acts. Or- I think- he could hold his own with the band as an opening act! Set the tone for the show, or have a separate show just for music and dancing! There’s unlimited possibilities, if you really think about it!” Andel clapped his hands excitedly together, earning an amused chuckle from Leon.

“It’s your ship, Captain. If you want this bard as a part of our show, who am I to stop you?” Leon shrugged, and he glanced up to catch the eye of a large fruit bat hanging from the rafters of his room. A single eye poked from beneath leathery wings, and he bit back a smile as his familiar’s disdain was suddenly felt, like a foreign pressure against the back of his mind.

“Well I figure I should consult my First Mate before making these types of decisions,” Andel hummed, “especially since I suspect, if he does show up, it might be during our last performance tomorrow, before we set sail.” Andel’s smile widened, and Leon knowingly groaned.

“You want me to greet him and show him in. Show him what we do,” Leon sighed, and moved his hands from behind his head to slide up Andel’s thighs. “Why must I do it?” Leon pouted. “There are plenty of others on this ship who could show him around, and you know I hate doing more work than is necessary.” He squeezed Andel’s waist, and, knowing it was one of Andel’s weak points, let his thumbs press along the V of Andel’s hips. The demon squirmed, and quickly batted Leon’s hands away.

“Well, this is necessary, Leon. And stop trying to distract me, that won’t work,” Andel gripped Leon’s wrists and slid his hands back down Andel’s thighs. “I’d rather you do this. I trust you to handle this carefully, and not scare him off if he seems uncertain.”

Leon groaned again, but he couldn’t resist the hopeful pout that had appeared on Andel’s face.

“Alright, alright. But you owe me an extra day of leave at the next port.”

“Deal!” Andel squealed, and Leon rolled his eyes as the demon nuzzled into his neck.

-

So here he sat, leaning patiently against the railing a few feet from the gangplank as he waited for their guest to arrive.

Thankfully it was a chillier evening, so Leon’s long tunic with loose sleeves and multiple layers weren’t uncomfortably warm. He was dressed in his best in an attempt to impress their guest, a sight not often seen considering Leon rarely wanted to make the effort to do so.

His black, finely polished, knee-high boot tapped idly against the deck, tight dress pants tucked easily into those, and a forest green vest, decorated with with intricate silver embroidery, defined the angles of his chest, down to his waist. A dark green sash with similar embroidery wrapped around Leon’s shoulders and tucked into the belt at his hip, the opposite of which held a small maroon bag cinched and tied with a gold cord.

Next to him, balanced perfectly at his side, was a wooden staff with various herbs and trinkets tied and dangling from the end. Above those arched a branch, few inches above Leon’s head, in a large crescent shape. From the top of the crescent hung a living fruit bat who seemed undisturbed by the gentle sway of the staff.

[He’s here.] Rudi’s voice echoed through Leon’s mind, and he turned to look down the gangplank at the man approaching.

[Andel didn’t mention he was hot…] Leon thought in return, and he heard an audible snort from Rudi beside him. Leon could practically see Rudi’s eyes roll in his mind.

The witch straightened from where he leaned against the railing and re-positioned his staff at his side. His signature grin followed, a soft, charming smile that eased over his lips, and honey brown eyes sought the attention of their new guest.

Up close, Leon could see the others features more clearly, and he was struck my the other’s soft curls and even softer eyes. This bard was beautiful, handsome in a way that made Leon wonder what voice might match that face, and the witch had to reign himself in. His natural inclination was to flirt, who wouldn’t want a man like that in their bed, but now was not the time. He’d promised Andel to be on his best behavior… but that didn’t mean he couldn’t flirt later, right?

“Welcome, to Felicity’s Garden of Earthly Delights! You must be the bard Andel mentioned,” Leon finally spoke once the other boarded the ship. “He asked me to greet you, if you showed. I’m Leon,” the witch bowed politely, and when he straightened his eyes nearly sparkled, perhaps a trick of the faerie lights above. “He asked me to show you to our final performance tonight, but he failed to mention your name. Might I ask what it is?” Leon gestured towards a set of stairs leading to a lower level of the ship, from which the faint sound of music and cheering could be heard.

Llyr jumped slightly as he was addressed.  He’d seen the man there, of course - noted him - but hadn’t expected a conversation.  “Aye… suppose I am,” came his soft reply.  Most of the lilt from his homeland had faded decades ago, but there was still a slight hint of brogue now and then.  He wasn’t surprised Andel had told someone to expect him - a man with that kind of confidence… of course he’d expected Llyr to show.  

He eyed the other with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity.  Handsome… and tousled?  Was it possible to make oneself look like that intentionally?  Or maybe it wasn’t intentional at all…?  The selkie blinked.  Had he just seen the man - Leon’s - eyes twinkle?!  Magic…  The unease was back - the conviction that he was, once again, making the wrong choice - but he forced it into silence. Magic was a tool, nothing more, and could be used for good or for ill.  There was no reason to think this man (or anyone else aboard this ship) had malicious intentions.  He refused to let that woman’s mere memory entrap him even after her death.

Still clutching his bag tightly, the selkie offered a small smile.  “To be fair, he might not’ve gotten my name.  Seemed in a bit of a rush.”  It had all happened so fast, he really couldn’t remember if he’d even offered it.  “I’m Llyr.”  Even if he’d had a last name to offer, he probably wouldn’t have.  Names had power, after all.  

He moved in the direction Leon had gestured, but still kept himself behind or beside the man as he followed him further onto the ship.  And his grip on the bag in his arms never faltered.  As long as he had it, he was safe.  No one could ever imprison him again.  Llyr knew he should probably be making small talk, but social niceties weren’t something he’d ever really learned.  Then he thought of a question that seemed tame enough in theory (and one he was actually interested in knowing.  “Can I ask what you do aboard the ship?”

[mythicalmuses]

Like Trying to Hold Moonlight ~ Arn/Llyr

@leatherandsoil

Llyr sat on his front porch, savoring a dram of his favorite whiskey.  He was watching the sun wind its way below the horizon as a full, harvest moon crept ever higher, reflecting in the stillness of the forested lake before him.  Beautiful.  Not home, of course.  It would never be like the beauty of Ireland, but he was content here all the same.  The owners of Abernathy Farm had surprised him with both their kindness and generosity.  When he’d first arrived, the selkie had expected some eventual trick or trap… but it never came.

After the first decade or so, he’d finally started to relax a little - joining the others for resident-only events… offering his musical skills for various festivals now and then.  He’d always thought the time would eventually come when he’d be ready to move on.  But Llyr was creeping up on his 50th year here, and still had no desire to abandon his little lake-side cabin on the farm’s outskirts.  He also found himself realizing that he’d be lonely out there.  Here, the residents and workers of Abernathy understood him.  They accepted his desire to keep to himself… but never begrudged the man when he showed up for events.  It was, for lack of better words, a perfect setup from everyone involved.  They even allowed him to work a night shift so he didn’t have to interact with the farm’s daily customers.  It was hard to imagine his life getting any better here.

Finishing off the last of the whiskey, the selkie reached out to pull a bag that sat next to him closer.  The light of day was barely a sliver.  It was time.  With deft footsteps, Llyr left his porch and moved down to the shore.  He followed the line a little ways to a series of trees with low-hanging branches.  Fingers pulled and tugged quickly at clothing, and within moments he’d stripped everything, leaving it to hang on the branches.  Then, he undid the clasp on the bag, murmuring the soft words of a spell as he did so.  With a soft snick, the latch came free and Llyr pulled out his true skin.

Wither eager, shaking fingers he approached the shore before slipping the skin over his shoulders and feeling the transformation begin.  Within moments a speckled grey seal was flapping his way eagerly towards the water.  It wasn’t the ocean, of course.  But beggars couldn’t be choosers.  He had the night off, and the whole lake to himself!  Llyr was in heaven!  Mind just a tiny bit hazy from the whiskey, he allowed himself the let go - jumping, and diving and splashing to his heart’s content.  The selkie reveled in the feel of the water rushing through his fur as he darted from one side of the lake to the other, almost completely oblivious to the world around him. 

[mythicalmuses]

Why Our Hearts Have Beats ~ Leon/Llyr

@changingthelights

Llyr stared up at the ship in obvious wonder to anyone who might be watching him.  He’d never seen the likes of such a vessel before!  The sails were a patchwork of colors and festive flags hung from the riggings.  There were lights, too!  They twinkled and shone in a way that seemed to encourage merriment.  He wondered briefly if it was an enchantment of some kind, and unconsciously clutched the bag hanging off one shoulder a little tighter.  Was this a bad idea?  A trap?

Shifting nervously from one foot to another, the selkie thought back to the previous evening and the man who’d approached him.  The night had been normal enough.  Ever since finding his freedom, Llyr had taken to traveling from town to town and earning his living as a musician.  He’d learned during his captivity just how much sway he held over humans when he played or sang.  It wasn’t a lot - he could hardly hypnotize them - but it was easy enough to lull them into offering him more of a tip than they might have otherwise.

He only traveled along the coast.  Being close to the ocean was a must for a creature like him.  Too far inland left him feeling anxious and ill-at-ease… and not just because of the life he’d been forced to lead before finally getting his freedom.  Now and then he thought of returning to the sea, but a selkie who’d lived so long on land was rarely welcomed back into the fold.  He’d be an outcast… and that was something Llyr didn’t think he could bear.  So instead, he lived a solitary life on land, pretending to be human, and trying to find a place for himself that felt right.

Looking back up at the ship before him, he tried to decide if it felt ‘right.’  Granted, if things went wrong he could always don his skin and flee overboard.  Or so he hoped.  And if things went right… this could be an ideal home - a place where he could sing or play music whenever he wished… a place only a heart’s beat from the ocean he loved.

Again his thoughts drifted to the man from last night.  Andel.  While taking a break between songs, the man had practically glided up to him, full of compliments.  Sincere ones - Llyr felt… though his ability to judge others had never been the best.  Andel had told him about his business - a floating carnival of sorts that sailed the world offering art and entertainment to all.  And he wanted Llyr to be a part of it.  The selkie had said he’d think about it, and Andel had warned him the ship would be departing soon, so he should decide quickly.  And Llyr found himself faced with his first real choice in almost a century.  

Decisions were scary.  Those he’d made in the past had led only to heartbreak and imprisonment.  He wasn’t good at this.  But if he never tried, then what was the point in being free?  Heart filled with equal parts worry and hope, Llyr stepped onto the gangplank and walked aboard Felicity’s Garden of Earthly Delights - into his new life.

[mythicalmuses]

As a multi-muse blog, there is NO shame in choosing the “popular” muse over the others...

I want my followers to know, that if they are pining for a  particular muse  of mine, especially if they’re “the ringleader muse” of the blog or “most popular character” in their fandom, IT’S OKAY to chose them. 

If you feel it’s too “self-indulgent” or “cliché”  to ask for them? IT’S NOT. Please, I want you to request my muse/s, that’s why they’re on my multi! Honestly, forcing yourself to pick a less-used or more secondary muse instead to “save face” is ridiculous. It’s very obvious when someone choses the wrong muse out of shyness; the rp feels like a wasted effort for both of us. Pick the muse that fits your muse/s BEST. Chemistry is ALWAYS in command, but you never know unless you try!! Don’t let the moment pass you by. 

[mythicalmuses]

Another rough Kelpie concept

[mythicalmuses]

Omens Drawing Challenge day 4: Banshee

A banshee is a female spirit who announces the upcoming death of a family member with her cry. Sometimes she is described as a young woman with a beautiful voice, other times an elderly woman with a haunting wail or shriek.

Acrylic and gouache on paper, 8 x 10”

[mythicalmuses]

[mythicalmuses]

hey! if ur ever looking for information on my character (whether i haven’t finished/uploaded my stats or bio pages or it’s just information you’d like to know) you can always 100% shoot me a message asking about anything! if you need something cleared up about my muse, ask me. if you wanna learn more about my muse, ask me. if something is confusing you or you just want to know more - ask me! i’m always available to answer questions about my muse because the odds are i’m probably still figuring them out. no matter how long i’ve had them for, there’s always room for character development and finding out more about them. there are some things even i haven’t figured out about my muse, so always feel free to ask me if you wanna know anything.

[mythicalmuses]

A bean-sídhe or banshee is a female spirit in Irish mythology who heralds the death of members of a family she protects.

Bean-sídhe moodboard

Mythological creatures: (13/150)

[mythicalmuses]

The Tree of Life

While not technically a part of The Red Dragon, there is a gateway that connects the two.  This is Ealdwine’s pub, and for RPing purposes, I’m willing to have this pub be located just about anywhere.  No, it doesn’t exist outside of time the way The Red Dragon does, I just don’t mind having it be located in different locations to make RPing easier.

These photos are being borrowed from The Bowery Hotel and can be found here.

[mythicalmuses]

The Red Dragon’s Bar

This bar is attached to the lobby area and is run by Ealdwine.  It is attached, via magic, to his own pub, The Tree of Life.  However, only employees are typically allowed to walk from one side to the other.

These photos are being borrowed from The Bowery Hotel and can be found here.

[mythicalmuses]

The Red Dragon’s Lobby

This is where most guests arrive upon their first visit to The Red Dragon.  It’s a common area, but also a greeting area, as well.

These photos are being borrowed from The Bowery Hotel and can be found here.

[mythicalmuses]

I actually got Ealdwine’s bio info up on the muse page today!  And I updated the ‘Important Info’ posts for Aisling, Bronagh, Cath, Clíodhna, Conor, and Ealdwine.  Just 5 more muses to go!  

As always, if there’s one of the 5 left you’d like to see done first, let me know.  Otherwise, I’m just going in alphabetical order right now.  

[mythicalmuses]

 ♦  Aesthetic  ♦  Asks  ♦  Headcanon  ♦  Important  ♦  Memes  ♦  Muse  ♦  Mythology  ♦  Roleplay  ♦  Rooms  ♦  

The perfect fists image was created by StrictlyDisobedient on DeviantArt.

[mythicalmuses]

 ♦  Aesthetic  ♦  Asks  ♦  Headcanon  ♦  Important  ♦  Memes  ♦  Muse  ♦  Mythology  ♦  Roleplay  ♦  Rooms  ♦  

The powerful dragon image was created by TatianaMakeeva on DeviantArt.

[mythicalmuses]

 ♦  Aesthetic  ♦  Asks  ♦  Headcanon  ♦  Important  ♦  Memes  ♦  Muse  ♦  Mythology  ♦  Roleplay  ♦  Rooms  ♦  

The delightful mermaid image was created by kelseymichele on DeviantArt.

[mythicalmuses]

 ♦  Aesthetic  ♦  Asks  ♦  Headcanon  ♦  Important  ♦  Memes  ♦  Muse  ♦  Mythology  ♦  Roleplay  ♦  Rooms  ♦  

The charming selkie image was created by key-0 on DeviantArt.