sxlemnity

[sxlemnity]

-> From Lee Sin; "My daughter, I received a Snowdown gift from a... someone... close to me." Lee murmured the final words, somewhat embarrassed as he tried to move past it. Instead, offering her a small dragon crocheted plushie and a scarf with crocheted Sakura blossoms and dragons.

"She also made a set for each of my children, so here. Happy Snowdown, my little dragon." Lee smiled in delight, a rumble coming from her throat to express happiness.

The woman takes the scarf and plushie with a warm smile. "Well, if everyone got one... Thank you. And tell her I said thank you too." She beams, already hugging the plush close as she examines the scarf.

"...Would it be rude to find a way to wear this other than around my neck? It's so pretty and thoughtful, but..." Elaine trails off, blue eyes lifting to the monk with a bit of guilt. "It's uncomfortable wearing things around my neck."

[sxlemnity]

There's a small squeak of surprise as the diminutive woman is lifted off of her feet, though here is no real protest. Even though she had been eating more filling meals, Elaine is still incredibly lightweight.

Closing her eyes, she reciprocates the gentle display of affection while it lasts. Then, upon being set back down, the woman beams up at them. "I've been okay. Sleep..." For a moment, Elaine trails off sheepishly. "It can be difficult to sleep when traveling alone. But I'm not hurt- not any worse than the usual pains of travel." Honesty rings clear in her tone as she speaks this.

"Did I miss too much while I was gone? I missed you and everyone here a lot. " Looking to the training students, the woman smiles softly. "I think I see a new face or two too."

It had been some time since the woman had been seen, though she walked up those now familiar steps. The moment that she steps into the yard of the monastery, she spots a familiar face and smiles, making her way toward the monk.

"Elder?" The soft voice sounds, as though worried she may interrupt something. "I'm home."

Lee's head slowly turns at the more than familiar voice, a smile spread across his face as he leaves the students practicing alone for the moment. Rushing over and easily scoops up Elaine. "My Daughter!" His voice echoes with delight and joy, gently nuzzling their foreheads together as he releases a draconic rumble from his throat.

"My daughter has returned..." Lee's voice grew softer, spinning Elaine around once before returning her to the ground. A hand lovingly running along Elaine's cheek. "How have you been, my daughter... Are you alright? Did you get enough sleep? Are you injured?"

Lee Sin had always made it a rule to not show favoritism to their children. Especially since they all studied at the Shojin monastery. But can a parent truly be blamed when their child came home after a long period?

The students didn't seem to think so; all focused on their own practice still. All in due time. For now, let the Elder fuss over his daughter.

[sxlemnity]

PTSD memes

I've done my best to be respectful but there are some classic scenarios in here which might be unrealistic. This is also based off my own c-ptsd. - J

"Hey, look at me. Look at me, it's not real."

"What did your therapist say? Can you use the phone camera trick?"

"I promise, there's nothing there. You're okay. You're safe."

"Take a deep breath. Look at me."

"Can you do your 5-4-3-2-1? Would that help?"

"Let me take your hand. See? I'm nice and solid."

"Are you - hey, you there? Can you see me? Oh, no..."

"They're not here. It's just us."

"Wake up. Wake up!"

"What are you... seeing?"

"Slow breaths. Nice and slow."

"Are you having a flashback?"

"Ow, ow, okay, you're hurting me, loosen your grip -"

"Why do you keep looking up at the ceiling?"

"... are you - are you scared of me?"

"I promise I'm not going to hurt you."

"You don't have to apologise to me."

"Are you in there?"

"Hold on, uh - I can help -"

"No, no! What are you doing here? Why are you here!?"

"I can't get out, can't get out -"

"You're not real, you're not real -"

"I can-can't br-brea-breathe-"

"I keep thinking they're going to come back."

"I don't want to go back there again!"

"I'm so scared."

"It's never going to be over, is it?"

"I'm broken. I'm fucked in the head."

"No, no, no no no no-"

"Get me out of here! Please!"

[sxlemnity]

" WILL THEY, WON'T THEY? " A LIST OF PROMPTS:

first off, mega massive thanks to my lovely and brilliant friend @whatspoilers for the EXCELLENT title!! hi my loves! so this is a list of scenarios in which the receiver has an opportunity to look at the sender in a different light, resulting in... something. a kiss? a punch? a declaration? a confession? i know you guys, i know how spicy your brains are, so spice away! i do want to stress that the outcome of the "feelings" does NOT necessarily need to be a romantic one. it could be anger, it could be a sudden revelation, a betrayal, a heartbreaking plot twist, whatever you want! i insist on making this very clear: if you send this, there is NO expectation of the receiver to make it romantic UNLESS they want to. likewise, if the feelings ARE romantic, it's not force-shipping, this is just the receiver's muse getting a minute to evaluate their relationship with the sender and how they want it to continue! and ofc DO NOT ADD TO OR EDIT THIS LIST!

[ DANCE ]: while the sender and receiver are slow dancing together, their close proximity and the intimacy of the situation causes feelings to rise to the surface.

[ BED ]: while the sender is sleeping beside them, the receiver has a moment to watch them and consider their own feelings, resulting in clarity and a realization.

[ CONSTELLATION ]: as the pair lie down in a field and watch the stars overhead, the receiver turns to watch the sender gazing skywards, leading to them confronting their own feelings.

[ NURSE ]: after a battle gone wrong, the receiver begins to tend to the sender's wounds, fading adrenaline and rising fear causing them to realize their feelings.

[ OBSERVATION ]: when showing the sender something they've been working on, the receiver can't help but address their feelings as the sender gazes in wonder at their work.

[ ENTRANCED ]: while the sender works on something they're passionate about, the receiver has a chance to look at them properly and consider their own feelings for them.

[ DEFENCE ]: when the sender rushes to defend the receiver against a threat of any description, the receiver takes a moment to consider how they feel about the sender.

[ COLLABORATION ]: as they work together on a project, the receiver has a moment in which they contemplate their true feelings regarding the sender.

[ CONFLICT ]: during an argument with the sender, the receiver realizes there's an unspoken depth to their feelings, and takes a second to consider them closer.

[ DEFIANCE ]: after realizing there's a situation which could threaten one of their lives in order to protect a larger group, the receiver and sender have a fierce argument in private, leading to a realization of their real feelings.

[ TRAINING ]: during a sparring session, the sender and receiver end up on the floor, leading one of them to seizing the upper hand and straddling the other. the receiver has an unexpected realization of their feelings regarding their sparring partner in the process.

[ FAMILY ]: watching the sender interacting fondly with others, the receiver (from afar) takes a moment to take a closer look at their relationship.

[ STORM ]: when the two of them get caught outside in a rainstorm, the receiver uses an umbrella/jacket as a shelter, which the sender shares with them, causing the receiver to be confronted with the truth of their relationship with the sender.

[sxlemnity]

Send a ✿ to my inbox and my muse will fill this out about yours!

A thought about them that they’d never share:

First impression of them:

Favorite thing about them:

Least favorite thing about them:

Hopes for their future relationship:

[sxlemnity]

The attempts to comfort her seem to work, and some of the tension leaves her small frame. "I just hate that others take it... It feels like their suffering is my fault." She murmurs. "That's why I was so upset when you took it. The only other person to feel my magic other than you and me died, Elder. I was so scared."

That admitted, she gives a small smile. "I wouldn't expect anyone to like this necklace... And especially not them, given they're so close to magic. Maybe we'll all be able to celebrate together with the necklace gone one day. If I manage to befriend them, anyway." The woman laughs lightly, clearly fond of the idea.

Listening to Lee speak about the dragon, Elainr nods quietly. "I see... It sounds wonderful, I will admit. The fire you can make is always so... Comforting? I can't imagine what it's like to fully experience the Dragon when communing with it."

The woman nods solemnly. "It's beautiful to the eye, but sickening to the soul." The soft remark is made idly, though it shows that she'd picked up on this before.

The hug is welcome, and she immediately returns it. It would also give the monk insight into her health, as the small woman was finally a healthy weight compared to when they had found her. Though still much smaller than her peers, she was no longer entirely frail. "I know. I just... Worry. My magic hurts me so much, and what it did when it showed for the first time..." She trails off for a moment.

"I worry sometimes that saving me will come with a cost. Learning that- It makes me worry even more that someone will get hurt." Elaine lets her pull away somewhat reluctantly.

"Should I... Try to come with you for these meetings? I've only met a couple of vastayans... They seem friendly, but I don't want to risk offending anyone somehow." She worries, hands lifting to fiddle with the centerpiece of the necklace.

"Communing with the Dragon... That sounds like it's going to take a lot out of you, Elder. Will you be alright?"

[sxlemnity]

The woman nods solemnly. "It's beautiful to the eye, but sickening to the soul." The soft remark is made idly, though it shows that she'd picked up on this before.

The hug is welcome, and she immediately returns it. It would also give the monk insight into her health, as the small woman was finally a healthy weight compared to when they had found her. Though still much smaller than her peers, she was no longer entirely frail. "I know. I just... Worry. My magic hurts me so much, and what it did when it showed for the first time..." She trails off for a moment.

"I worry sometimes that saving me will come with a cost. Learning that- It makes me worry even more that someone will get hurt." Elaine lets her pull away somewhat reluctantly.

"Should I... Try to come with you for these meetings? I've only met a couple of vastayans... They seem friendly, but I don't want to risk offending anyone somehow." She worries, hands lifting to fiddle with the centerpiece of the necklace.

"Communing with the Dragon... That sounds like it's going to take a lot out of you, Elder. Will you be alright?"

"I know. You've traveled more than even I have, and I've traveled ever since I ran away." More information about the past she didn't usually talk about. "But I can't help it. Demacia is just... Terrible. The Mageseekers most of all."

She closes her eyes, taking a steadying breath. "I'm... Doing my best to maintain it. It's hard after all these years, but you and everyone else here... It helps." A soft hum leaves her, and she starts to look over the various writings that the elder had brought back.

One account makes her brow furrow. "Petricite... Absorbs magic? I thought it just suppressed it." Her hand lifts to the necklace. "This might be even more dangerous than we thought, then. If it's absorbed so much magic it can't even hold it all anymore..." Her head shakes at the forming thought, though doubt and fear had tinged her voice.

Looking up, her attention turns back to the monk. "You have a lead in Ionia about my magic?" Elaine asks hopefully. "Is it because of the dragonlings? You seemed surprised they're so protective of me at one point."

[sxlemnity]

"I know. You've traveled more than even I have, and I've traveled ever since I ran away." More information about the past she didn't usually talk about. "But I can't help it. Demacia is just... Terrible. The Mageseekers most of all."

She closes her eyes, taking a steadying breath. "I'm... Doing my best to maintain it. It's hard after all these years, but you and everyone else here... It helps." A soft hum leaves her, and she starts to look over the various writings that the elder had brought back.

One account makes her brow furrow. "Petricite... Absorbs magic? I thought it just suppressed it." Her hand lifts to the necklace. "This might be even more dangerous than we thought, then. If it's absorbed so much magic it can't even hold it all anymore..." Her head shakes at the forming thought, though doubt and fear had tinged her voice.

Looking up, her attention turns back to the monk. "You have a lead in Ionia about my magic?" Elaine asks hopefully. "Is it because of the dragonlings? You seemed surprised they're so protective of me at one point."

Elaine watches as she paces, not at all worried about the fact that he did so. The small woman listens quietly as the monk speaks, eyes widening. "Mount Targon? A Demacian lives there? That seems..." She trails off, brows furrowing. "And an Ionian who lives in Demacia?"

The thought was equal parts comforting and concerning to her. Elaine worried for them in that instant, wondering if they had magic. "Be safe if you go." It wasn't much since she knew the elder was far stronger than most would expect, but she couldn't help the worry she felt knowing they would be traveling to that nation eventually.

Then he's back to the table, and the hand on her shoulder comforts her as it typically does. The smile is infectious, too, and she finds herself smiling once more. "I thought that it might. That's why I started with it."

Then she shakes her head lightly. "You don't need to apologize. I'm... Honestly really glad you are so passionate about it. It's the first time I've had hope in years, and that's invaluable to me." The admission isn't a light one that she makes, and were it not for the fact that Lee Sin held a particularly expensive looking scroll, she might have hugged her.

"With so many leads it's hard to know where to start. Maybe we can try to figure out..." Elaine hums. "Either more about the necklace or more about my magic. I don't know which would be better to pursue first." It would seem that to this day, she didn't know the nature of her own magic.

[sxlemnity]

Elaine watches as she paces, not at all worried about the fact that he did so. The small woman listens quietly as the monk speaks, eyes widening. "Mount Targon? A Demacian lives there? That seems..." She trails off, brows furrowing. "And an Ionian who lives in Demacia?"

The thought was equal parts comforting and concerning to her. Elaine worried for them in that instant, wondering if they had magic. "Be safe if you go." It wasn't much since she knew the elder was far stronger than most would expect, but she couldn't help the worry she felt knowing they would be traveling to that nation eventually.

Then he's back to the table, and the hand on her shoulder comforts her as it typically does. The smile is infectious, too, and she finds herself smiling once more. "I thought that it might. That's why I started with it."

Then she shakes her head lightly. "You don't need to apologize. I'm... Honestly really glad you are so passionate about it. It's the first time I've had hope in years, and that's invaluable to me." The admission isn't a light one that she makes, and were it not for the fact that Lee Sin held a particularly expensive looking scroll, she might have hugged her.

"With so many leads it's hard to know where to start. Maybe we can try to figure out..." Elaine hums. "Either more about the necklace or more about my magic. I don't know which would be better to pursue first." It would seem that to this day, she didn't know the nature of her own magic.

In the time the Elder had been gone, Elaine had further settled into life at the monastery. It wasnt uncommon to see her talking to other students, helping out in the gardens or taking part in lessons. Further still, she'd grown more comfortable in asking for help or letting people know when she was ill.

Thankfully, the day Lee returned was one where she felt healthier than usual. She'd been in the middle of a healthy run to ensure her stamina and speed were maintained when she'd been called and directed to his chambers.

The young woman makes her way inside, a warm smile forming on her lips once she sees the monk. "It's good to see you again, Elder. I'm glad you are well." When beckoned closer, she approaches and sits beside them to look at what is spread out on the desk. "You've found a lot, Lee Sin..." She trails off, reaching out curiously. "Where... Where should I start reading?"

Then she seems to remember something. "Oh, uh, I've been trying to keep track of when I'm sick now that I'm in a more stable place, to see if there's... Some kind of pattern. I haven't been able to find one yet."

[sxlemnity]

In the time the Elder had been gone, Elaine had further settled into life at the monastery. It wasnt uncommon to see her talking to other students, helping out in the gardens or taking part in lessons. Further still, she'd grown more comfortable in asking for help or letting people know when she was ill.

Thankfully, the day Lee returned was one where she felt healthier than usual. She'd been in the middle of a healthy run to ensure her stamina and speed were maintained when she'd been called and directed to his chambers.

The young woman makes her way inside, a warm smile forming on her lips once she sees the monk. "It's good to see you again, Elder. I'm glad you are well." When beckoned closer, she approaches and sits beside them to look at what is spread out on the desk. "You've found a lot, Lee Sin..." She trails off, reaching out curiously. "Where... Where should I start reading?"

Then she seems to remember something. "Oh, uh, I've been trying to keep track of when I'm sick now that I'm in a more stable place, to see if there's... Some kind of pattern. I haven't been able to find one yet."

@sxlemnity - The Elder has returned.

Their journey had been an arduous one. Lee Sin set off with a single goal in mind: to find information that could help Elaine. But there were always other things to do. People that required assistance, something Lee was all too eager to offer. Because Lee couldn't very well ignore those in need.

But Lee had found some things, some information that might help Elaine. It wasn't anything concrete, but leads were better than nothing.

Supplies had run low, and Lee could not leave the monastery without her presence for too long. So on a random day, somewhere in the afternoon, the gates to the monastery were opened and Lee Sin's return was announced to all students. The Dragon's Rage, Elder Monk, and parent to many had returned to the temple.

However, people had to wait for reunions and new lessons. Only Elaine would be allowed to meet with Lee Sin for now. Being sent to the Elder's chambers where Lee Sin was busy laying out documents, papers, old journals, and books.

"Elaine!" Lee Sin called out, a smile on his face as he beckoned the young woman closer. "Come, look at my findings. Something here should put us on the right path to finding you the help you need."

A delight to see her again, a delight to be back home. To see all his children. But he was busy, a lot going on in his mind. He needed to confirm things with Elaine immediately. After that, it'd be time for tea and greeting everyone.

[sxlemnity]

The woman listens to this tale quietly, brows furrowing as he goes on to mention the time before the Shadow Isles were what they are. "If that is true, by what magic have you survived so long?" The question might just reveal that she was quite smart, as rather than outright deny the possibility of his claims, she focused on the fact that it was a possibility in this world.

"I've visited a lot of places, too. None like what you claim to have visited, though." She smiles once more. "Shurima and Ixtal are somewhat out of my reach, since I travel almost exclusively by foot. It would be far too dangerous." Elaine gives another soft hum. "Still, I'd like to see them some day. The same goes for the freljord. I imagine they all have their own wonders."

His final answer makes her look at him quietly for a moment, before her curiosity finally gets the better of her. "Helia... What was it like?" The woman wasn't sure she believed his claims regarding visiting the place, but she enjoyed stories spun by people nonetheless.

The woman watches him curiously, as though still uncertain what he wanted from her. After all, she was not accustomed to people regarded as nobility speaking to common travelers. "Alright then, L- er, Vladimir." Elaine catches herself quickly, closing her eyes for a moment.

When she opens them, she gives a soft hum before speaking. "I must admit that I am curious about a great many things. I tend to wander so that I can meet people and learn, after all." Not the whole truth, certainly, but she's so used to telling that particular white lie that it's easy for her.

She takes a moment to regard him, as though thinking of what a first proper question would be. "How many places have you visited, if I may ask? Do you have a favorite among them?"

[sxlemnity]

She notes that relieved exhale, but again doesn't question it just yet. Instead, she continues to curiously study and listen to their leader. Elaine had heard whispers of the Yanléi in her travels, though she'd never come across them until now. Despite this, there's still not a mote of fear in her eyes or her posture.

Instead, her hands lower and then clasp behind her back. It's an action that, unbeknownst to her, leaves her even more defenseless should this mysterious person decide to have her killed. Certain proof she was no warrior. "It's nice to know that there are people who protect Ionia still. I can see why you'd be wary of me... I'm aware I'm visibly an outsider." The woman's soft voice is still kind and friendly.

Their question makes her sapphire gaze turn to the temple. "Maybe rhetorically. I like to observe and see what things I can infer or read should text be readily available, but I don't touch anything. It's wrong to alter sites like these when I don't fully understand them." The answer is a respectful one, and then her gaze turns back to Kayn. There's now a smile visible on her lips.

"My name is Elaine. Thank you for being willing to answer my questions." The small woman gives a bow of her head, clearly trying to be polite despite the veiled threat. "I promise I won't-" Elaine starts, until something past the amber-eyed leader catches her attention. She blinks, and then lets out a soft laugh. "I was wondering when I'd see them again."

The comment may not make sense initially, but when she lifts one hand and a small dragonling spirit makes haste to nuzzle against it, she looks back to Kayn, an apologetic look in her gaze. "Sorry- I'm not sure if I shouldn't be touching these. They follow me somewhat regularly around Ionia. I'm not sure what they are, but they've helped me and sometimes even protected me from some things." Elaine tries to explain, clearly not understanding the implications of this. She lowers her hand, watching the spirit as it now lazily circles about. "I think they're beautiful, though..."

There is no visible reaction to her flinch, the scout's attention turned to their leader. The commanding warrior's presence brought a quiet discomfort to her company as they shifted in their stances. All too aware of her wandering gaze, there is almost a breath held to see if the weapon strapped to their back was mentioned, followed by a relieved exhale as the conversation was kept on topic.

"Merely." Kayn echoes, the upturn to their lips unfazed. A hum of contempt escapes at her question at first, they half turn toward the temple before sliding their gaze back to her. "Suffered, and acted. We are the group known as the Yanléi, who protect Ionia from outside forces. To do so, we use what Ionia offers. This temple holds such a resource." Turning back, their attention passes over Elaine's head. Eyes pointedly glaring at two of the three acolytes in turns, and Kayn raises their chin in a wordless order. And after a beat, the two were no longer standing at attention, vanished from the clearing. "If we weren't here, what would you have done; interrogate the rocks in the walls for their life story?" They ask rhetorically, finishing with a shortlived chuckle to themselves. Their hand adjusts with the fabrics draped over their other shoulder.

"My name is Kayn. I will answer any curious questions you have, as long as you do everything I say. We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you." Their smile slightly widens at this, but they are quick to cant their head and continue. "Firstly, tell me who you are."

[sxlemnity]

Obligatory I'm not dead post!

I'm finally feeling muse for Elaine again. Problem is, I don't have track of ANY of the threads that I owed so... Like this/yell at me in DMs/on Discord if you had a thread I owe you on?

[sxlemnity]

The woman watches him curiously, as though still uncertain what he wanted from her. After all, she was not accustomed to people regarded as nobility speaking to common travelers. "Alright then, L- er, Vladimir." Elaine catches herself quickly, closing her eyes for a moment.

When she opens them, she gives a soft hum before speaking. "I must admit that I am curious about a great many things. I tend to wander so that I can meet people and learn, after all." Not the whole truth, certainly, but she's so used to telling that particular white lie that it's easy for her.

She takes a moment to regard him, as though thinking of what a first proper question would be. "How many places have you visited, if I may ask? Do you have a favorite among them?"

At the motion, she only hesitates a moment before moving to sit as she'd been invited. The small woman seemed to be more curious than anything, and observes him for a moment. When he sits as well, she relaxes almost completely.

His answer only brings more questions than anything. "A gift? and... You think I'm unique?" She frowns for a moment. "I apologize, sir, but I'm really just a traveler. I do like meeting people, though, so I'm grateful to get to meet you."

The woman smiles at him again, seemingly genuinely happy about the meeting. "So, you're curious about me, then... I guess you have questions?" She offers unsurely, not sure what he wants.

[sxlemnity]

a small promo will have to do, so please like or reblog if you want to interact with Sebastian, the Vampire Spawn, from Baldur's Gate 3

[sxlemnity]

Difficult Person Test

To no one's surprise, I'm sure...

Tagged by: @witchcraftandburialdirt

Tagging: Anyone who wants to! Idk who hasn't done it lol

[sxlemnity]

The woman who had approached was small, her face plainly revealing the concern that she felt for this utter stranger. She stops when he starts to reach for his weapon, eyes wide when he looks to her. "I... I don't mean any harm, sir. I just... You look injured, and I wanted to offer to help. Some of those wounds look particularly painful or hard to reach."

After saying this, she pauses for a moment before continuing. "My name is Elaine. I know that... A complete stranger may make you uncomfortable. But friends sounds nice." Her natural kindness shines through in the warm smile that follows as well as her voice. A good look at her would reveal she carried no weapons, and she wore the attire of a traveling monk. A strange looking necklace also sits around her neck, nearly tight enough to be a collar.

❣

>My muse has been in a fight (and not fared very well) - send ❣ for them to react to your muse offering to patch them up.

Taking a small break near a flowing river, Akio kneeled over to start cleaning up some of his wounds and clothes with the water. At his side was his weapon stabbed into the dirt and on his back a surprisingly intact pouch that was securely sealed with a red and purple string.

The Half-Marai sure did look worse for wear, as if he just came out of a fight. Ears perking up at the sound of footsteps on loose gravel, Akio let out a sigh as he reached for his weapon. "I already told you before, the package stays with m-" He interrupted himself at the sight of the stranger.

"-Aybe you aren't part of those other mercs. Friend I pressume?" Akio asked the new commercial as he leaned on his weapon.

@sxlemnity