#Elowen is the top character

[ydteus]

Fake screenshots of Nolia and Elowen.

[uxuefrog]

🌿 Neem and Aspen Evergreen 🌿

Brothers and heirs to the chief position of the Bird Communities. More info under the cut!

Aspen Evergreen

Forest Elf from the North.

His village got destroyed by fierce fires, or so is thought, when he was just a baby. His mother, in an attempt to save him, hid him in the roots of an aspen tree, where he was found by the bird chief and his wife. They adopted and raised him as on of their own. The “Council of Elders” from the village didn’t like the idea of having an elf in their “royal” family, but agreed to it as long as his older brother, Neem, was the one taking the Chief position after his father.

Tragically, Aspen’s family died in an accident at the eastern borders, when they went to investigate an unrecorded phenomenon that was spoiling their crops and waters and killing their forests. The true nature of their sudden death remains a mystery. Many lives got lost that day, by something people have started to call “The End of Times”. No one knows what this illness is exactly, but it’s been slowly consuming the world for centuries.

This left Aspen in charge of the city at the age of 25, when he was chosen as the next Chief by the Council, despite their doubts. The Council is group of old fashioned bird citizens that are slow with their actions. Most of the city's decisions have to go through them before getting approved.

Like his brother, Aspen was trained to be a Forest Ranger and spent the nights patrolling the outskirts of the city and keeping it safe. Nowadays, even as Chief of the birds and father of two, Aspen still works as a Ranger in the night. A task that was given to him by The Council to keep him occupied. He has demonstrated once and again, through the more than 50 years in charge, that he’s more than capable of ruling the city, even if he never wanted the chance to prove it.

The Elders kept a critical eye on him, and didn’t approve of his relationship with the Forest Spirit Elowen. An union they thought would bring them misery. That’s why, at 35, he got married behind the city’s back and only his closest friends know about it.

Neem Evergreen

Firstborn and heir to the chief position in the bird communities.

Neem is a gentle soul who's always willing to help others. When he was ten, his parents adopted an elf baby they found in the forest. He quickly became attached to his now younger brother, who they named Aspen and protected him from the judgemental eyes of others. Aspen's favorite napping spot was under his brother's wings.

Despite his training to become a Forest Ranger from a young age, Neem always had a great interest for healing. He started his studies and graduated as top of the class at 30. There he met Linden, daughter of the most renowned healer of the village. They fell in love and became engaged after graduating.

But the wedding never came.

Neem died in an accident at the eastern borders, when he went with his parents to investigate an unrecorded phenomenon that was spoiling their crops and waters and killing their forests. This left Aspen as chief of the village at the age of 25.

__________

I hope you don’t mind a bit of lore about my characters! Neem barely appears in the story besides mentions and flashbacks, as his death happened years prior to the beginning, but Aspen is a really important character for the plot! You might remember him from the drawings with Life (big black cat).

Original characters, belong to me! ☀️

[corgate-epistolary]

May 12th, 624

(Transcript under the cut) (Read on Ao3 HERE)

[Delivered to Corgate May 14th, 624 – Received by Elowen Vance on May 14th, 624)

[Front of Envelope: Letter was mailed in a brown craft paper envelope tied with natural twine, addressed to:

Elowen Vance Corgate Post Office May 12th, 624

With the return address of:

Eris Mirrows 87 Lancedragon Strt. Avalon

In the top right, there is a sticker depicting a black engraving-style steaming cup on a white background, below which is the word “BONJOUR”.

Back of Envelope: The letter was sealed in mottled grey-pink & green sealing wax, with a wax seal depicting a crescent moon surrounded by orbital shapes & stars.  Letter was tied with craft twine, with a small treble clef & key tied to the cord.

Interior pages: Written on light brown paper.  It is lightly, almost invisibly, lined with slightly darker brown lines.  The writing is tidy, slightly rounded print in black ink.]

May 12th

Dear Miss Vance,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits.  Once again, I find myself most agreeably surprised to receive your correspondence so promptly.  I assume your next letters will be farther apart but know that I am delighted that you are enjoying the countryside and the ruins.  Your descriptions render it all rather enchanting.

I have no doubt Khali would have loved to accompany you and run around the forest and shores.  It seems he is missing you dearly, as he stares and whines at the door everyday around the hour you would come get me for lunch.  I cannot help but wonder if it truly is you he longs for more, or the delightful bits of your meals you so discreetly offered him from the table.  It may delight you to know that I finally had him groomed and he now cuts a most dashing figure - all gleaming with a newfound elegance.

The groomer’s attendant, a rather chatty individual, took [scratch out - him] it upon himself to analyze my character based on my familiar, going on and on about supposed traits I must share with his idea of a scary canine. Do I strike you as fierce 

[end of page 1]

May 12th

and protective, dear Elowen? Because certainly I must be, according to him. To a rational mind, these words are no more than quaint superstitions akin to the tales of women branded as witches for keeping a crow as their familiar; or the ill fortune said to befall those bonded to a black cat. How do you think he would’ve read me if I had presented him with Astrea, or better yet with Malice?

Though I would not want to bore you with the tales of my many companions, know that they most dearly miss your presence in their lives. I can feel their discontent at your displacement quite vividly. I have brought Astrea to your apartment in my assiduity to take care of your home garden and she even spared your lowest-hanging plants. That is to say how tragically sad this whole ordeal makes her. She and Cephei do share a penchant for dramatics.

As per your express request, I ventured to the university library to delve deeper into the lore of the region you are assigned to and to uncover what is currently known about long-lasting magic. For the latter, I had to enlist the assistance of Mg. Equlee, as most of these documents are beyond my clearance as an agent. 

[end of page 2]

It seems you are venturing into rather perilous waters if the necessary documents require such attunement to the Weave. Fortunately, Mg. Equlee, always eager to assist, drafted a summary of the knowledge contained within those parchments for me to peruse safely. He also expressed, at length, his displeasure at how such works remain inaccessible to those outside the field of magical studies. I fear he may one day wage war against the Council in pursuit of a more egalitarian field… Luckily, I managed to divert his attention with your tales and by reading your letter, prompting him to return to his own projects.

I hope this has not raised your hopes too high, but alas, Mg. Equlee’s extensive summaries have not revealed anything that would be of use to you. Numerous experiments have been conducted in recent decades to create a type of magic that would outlast its caster; however, none have succeeded, no matter how gruesome the process. The most that has ever been achieved was to channel a spell through the caster’s own blood, with the effects lasting mere minutes beyond the caster’s death—until their blood had dried. You would be

[end of page 3]

May 12th

correct in assuming this experiment was conducted well before the establishment of the Ethics Committee. Since then, no further breakthroughs have been made.

Regarding the folklore of Corgate village and its surroundings, I have come across a few tales that seem pertinent to your case study. I will draft a summary of my findings and have it sent to you at the earliest opportunity. With any luck, it will reach the post office before your return to Corgate, and you will have the pleasure of discovering everything simultaneously.

Before I leave you to immerse myself in these documents, I would like to inquire about your thoughts on training Valberry to make the journey to the ruins. The postal system, while convenient, often results in delays between our letters, and I fear that an urgent matter might go unaddressed for too long. I would feel much more at ease if one of my own were by your side, ready to fly to Avalon should you find yourself in need. It would take a few weeks to train him properly, and I would require your assistance—mostly in providing him with treats when he arrives—but it could prove invaluable in the future.

Let me know your thoughts.

Awaiting your reply,

Eris Mirrows

[systastic]

hii! can we get a lvl 2 (if thats available) sisasystem of headmates that are all endermen? everything is dealer's choice and you can decide the amount of headmates

perfectly fine if not, ty in advance! :]

another one we [tried] to post before overthinking it to death; the descriptions don’t feel as good as usual, but i feel like our perception on that is a bit warped cus we’ve been staring at it for so long…? unsure! let us know if you want more :] -🌲

name :: end, ender, noct, nox, nyx, shade, shadow, eclipse, obsidian, dusk

age :: 110 to 130 (average lifespan of 200 years)

pronouns :: it/its, ix/ixs, nix/nixs, no pronouns

roles :: hunter-queller, hunter-persecutor

species :: enderman

gender identity :: nyctophic, eldritchine, endergenic, devotionhunter

orientation :: no romance. no sex. only hunt. (aegoromantic / aegosexual)

source :: minecraft

aesthetic :: alien, liminal space, traumacore (loosely)

appearance description :: your typical enderman: skinny yet inhumanely tall and strong, skin that is pure black in color, and with purple shadow particles hovering around it like a shawl. its eyes are a vibrant shade of pinkish purple, as are its mouth, tongue, and insides. it heals fast if cut or wounded, reforming in an instant as though nothing ever happened. ender does not wear clothes. why would it? animals have no need for things like that. it, too, is an animal: predatory and vicious, ready to snap its jaws around prey stupid enough to look it directly in the eyes. any other headmates who stare into its eyes trigger an immediate response. nox becomes double the height, twice as strong, and inhumanly fast, responding based on what the other headmate it has locked eyes with is like. those who are bad get attacked immediately. when not triggered, it is still a somewhat normal height and docile, finding joy in moving and stacking toy blocks one on top of the other. just… try not to take the blocks away from it.

personality description :: silent, cold, and otherwise unapproachable by others: dusk is the definition of apathy for other lives. it judges from afar, never interacting with others on its own free will, instead choosing to sit and observe in silence. those who draw close can hear ix inhuman noises: quiet creaking and groans as though trapped in a state just after death. the only exception to this stoic silence is for those who look nox in the eyes. such searing purple can strip a person to their core and see into their past, subjecting them to nox’s judgement of their character. if nox can see bad things in that person’s past, they are deemed a possible threat that needs to be kept watch of. those who have committed a great number of crimes are considered “tainted” and needing to be disposed of. it is single minded in its relentless pursuit of those who have done wrong and will not rest until the perpetrators are caught and punished for their crimes.

art credit here

name :: forrest, fern, cedar, elowen, rowan, maple, ash, twig (nickname), acacia, river

age :: 75 to 85 (average lifespan of 200 years)

pronouns :: it/its, he/him, ey/em, di/dir (dirtself)

roles :: peacemaker, reconciler

species :: mutated enderman

gender identity :: foretidian, liminalcameraic, floragrowic

orientation :: sparkromantic / demigreyroace

source :: minecraft

aesthetic :: ravencore, goblincore, witchcore, cryptid academia

appearance description :: rowan is somewhat smaller than the other enderman, being half a foot shorter than they are. his dna has been crossed with that of a creeper through experimentation by player characters. this is why his appearance is so unique when compared to his brethren. being mutated like he is makes forest stand out among the other members of the sisasystem. his signature tell is the amount of fluff that grows over his legs and arms when he takes control. this fluff doubles as a protective barrier against magic-based attacks, making rowan the second most capable of surviving an intense fight. dir survivability is essential for dir role as a peacemaker; if di was more susceptible to violence, it would make di less effective at dir duty.

personality description :: twig is probably the sanest enderman out of all three members in the sisasystem. ey are rational and lead with eir heart and heart in tandem to help others find a way to reconcile. when not actively helping others, ash is a bundle of nerves paranoid about every little thing. it doesn’t want to hurt or scare anyone with its appearance; all it wants to do is set the persecutors or fragments that nox hunts on the right path. elowen switches in after nox has captured and detained a headmate to probe for information and suggest possible changes to their behavior to improve personal relationships. this doesn’t always work, though: some creatures may get violent, requiring acacia to have some form of self defense should things go wrong.

art credit here

name :: frost, blanche, eira, holly, venus, io, crystal, luna, lace, jay, jayce, skye

age :: 200+

pronouns :: it/its, nov/nova, lu/lun/luna/lunar/lunarself, null/nulls, mirror pronouns

roles :: emotional funnel, emotional suppressor

species :: revived enderman

gender identity :: cosmianull, moonentity, calmvoidic, lostrain, nublunic

orientation :: caligoaroace

source :: minecraft

aesthetic :: dreamy, virgo’s tears

appearance description :: skye used to be a normal enderman: ebony black, seekers of things to hoard, sensitive to sight and a loner. of course, nothing can remain pure forever. a player came after holly, trapping it in a boat and pushing it off of the end islands. it fell for days. weeks. months. all it remembers of this is being slowly eaten away, removed from existence, and the suffering… until it was brought back. after being revived and having its soul wiped clean, skye has become a pure white creature with reddened eyes. this makes it stand out among its friends and comrades. skye has the unique ability to model its form into similar states as other creatures like pigs, creepers, and even players. the only thing that sets blanche apart from a normal member of its species is the vitiligo-like white patches that appear on the limbs of any other species it takes the form of.

personality description :: io is, by all accounts, the quote unquote “core” of the trio. memories of the past before its reincarnation have been wiped from its mind, rendering io a blank slate. since coming back, it has stripped itself of all excess emotion and distributed said emotion into cedar and nox. now it is a perfect void of a creature: an emotional black hole, as it were. skye can do to others what it did to itself: strip their emotions and suppress them by holding unwanted emotions or memories inside of itself. this makes nox somewhat of a loner; in order to protect the others from these feelings, it cannot risk contact and possibly tainting them with such a burden. lace is strong enough to handle this on lun own… after all, this is a secret frost has been hiding from the others before they even existed. surely it can hide this secret a bit longer.

art credit here

[lunarsands]

ESMP S1 Fanfic - A Garden’s Path - Ch 2

Characters: Mythical Sausage, Scott Smajor, Bubbles the Dog, Sir Carlos, appearances by the rest of the cast of Empires SMP S1, featuring blaze-hybrid emperor TangoTek, and introducing: The Children of Mythland (specific characters to be tagged when they appear in each chapter)

Relationships: MythicalSausage/Scott Smajor, LDShadowlady/Smallishbeans, Shubble/Katherine Elizabeth, TangoTek & SolidarityGaming, Joey Graceffa/Xornoth

Tags: Empires SMP S1 AU, scosage, adoption, fluff, wholesome, so much wholesome fluff you would not believe, a bit of angst here and there, Sausage has a few nightmares for Plot reasons, acknowledgement of amputation (not sure how else to tag that but just in case)

WARNINGS: fantasy racism (human v elf), loss of parent (with adoption inevitably comes orphans), minor character death in a later chapter

Chapter Summary: The debut gala for the princes of Mythland proceeds and the boys meet a wide variety of rulers from across the Empires. Most of them seem determined to embarrass Sausage, Scott has a heartfelt conversation with Gem, and Xornoth spends some quality time with his nephews. Later, Azahar asks for a special favor, which his fathers are happy to provide in order to foster his interests.

(Also available on Ao3!)

[ Prologue ]  [ Chapter One ]

[A/N: Sorry for the delay in updates, irl stress and writer’s block hit me hard. I made a few revisions and moved some events to other chapters, hence the title change on this one]

- --

Chapter Two – The First Gala

The day of the gala, along with cooler autumn weather, seemed to arrive in no time at all. The castle was abuzz with activity as finishing touches were added to the ballroom and other guest areas, while the boys spent the morning half-excited, half-worried, until the early afternoon when it was time to get ready. Rather than simply have servants help them while they themselves got ready, Sausage and Scott were quick to don their own outfits, both wearing a mix of red and yellow in Mythland style with matching fur-trimmed capes. The main difference was elven-styled filigree on Scott’s clothes as well as his crown being made of ice crystals. They then assisted the boys.

The combination of Rivendell and Mythland styles had come together nicely under the tailor’s skillful eye; embroidered patterns of shining gold that mimicked Mythland heraldry ran down the front of each doublet, accompanied by matching gold buttons. The same pattern repeated along the outer seam of their leggings and encircled the top of their color-coordinated boots.

Sausage was currently brushing Elowen’s hair, wearing a glove over his prosthetic hand to avoid any strands getting caught in the metal joints. He hummed a calm, quiet tune while the boy fidgeted slightly. Azahar was reading the guest list and practiced saying the names of the rulers to himself. Scott had gone to greet an early arrival, so Sausage had taken over braiding the sides of the younger boy’s hair.

Elowen fidgeted some more. “Is it going to look okay if you do it? I never had my hair long enough before.”

“I promise I’ll make it look nice. I’ve been practicing on Dad’s hair. His looks fine today, right?”

Elowen nodded without thinking, subsequently pulling his hair out of Sausage’s fingers. Sausage smiled and gently picked up the strands that were intended for the braid. “Sorry, Papa.”

“It’s all right. We’ve got plenty of time. And Dad can fix it when he gets back if you like that better.”

“No, it’s okay.” The boy tried very hard to stop fidgeting, but once Sausage finished both braids and had moved to secure them together at the back of Elowen’s head, he blurted, “What if I trip? And fall? And break my crown? What if everyone starts laughing, and they think I’m a bad prince?”

“Oh, well… Then I’ll just have to throw them in the dungeon!” Sausage chuckled and walked around in front with the hairbrush to playfully dash Elowen’s fringe over his eyes.

“But – I – I don’t want that either! I’d be the one who broke something!”

Sausage now parted the boy’s fringe neatly to either side. “I promise you won’t be in trouble. Only people who are mean to my son on his special day will go in the dungeon.”

A voice familiar to the human but unknown to the boys called from the doorway, “Well, sounds like I had better make sure I get along with my new nephews, because I would really hate to have to stay in the dungeon every time I come for a visit. I have to hand it to you, Sausage, you’ve got a good grasp on the protective parent thing already.”

The purple-haired elf wearing Rivendell regalia who leaned around the doorframe grinned, only for Scott to push past him into the room. “If you keep going with the puns, I’ll throw you in the dungeon. Boys, this is your Uncle Xornoth. He likes to make jokes about Papa’s prosthetic arm. Xornoth, this is Azahar and Elowen.”

Xornoth stepped fully into the room and bowed. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I would have liked to see you sooner, but your Dad left me to run a kingdom by myself, so I’ve been very busy. This gala was just the break I needed, so thank you for becoming my brother’s sons!”

Azahar looked at Xornoth with uncertainty at his casualness while Elowen came over to join him. “Um, you’re welcome… sir?”

“Psht, might as well call me ‘Your Highness, King of Rivendell’! Uncle, uncle! You can call me Uncle, or just Xornoth, or ‘that silly guy related to Dad’!” Xornoth laughed for a moment, but when both boys continued to look unsure, he bowed again – apologetically. “I’m sorry, forgive me, I do like to try to keep the mood light. I am genuinely pleased to finally see you in person. Your dad has told me about you in letters and I was happy to get the invitation. I wanted to be the first here, and it looks like I made good time.”

He now more politely took Azahar’s hand and bowed over it, then did the same to Elowen, smiling softly when the latter tried to offer a brave smile. “Welcome, my nephews, to the family. I hope we can chat a little more later. I have to join the other guests, but I’ll see you out there soon. Don’t worry too much about impressing anyone today, and it’s okay to be nervous, too. If it would make you feel better, I can tell you all about what happened at both of your fathers’ debut galas—”

Scott took his brother by the elbow and pulled him toward the door. “That’s enough for now, I think. You can go.”

“Aw, Scott, don’t you want me to tell them about how much mischief little Sausage got into when he still had his original arm?”

“No. We’ll see you downstairs.” Scott closed the door in his brother’s face, then sighed.

Azahar covered his mouth to hide a laugh, while Elowen’s curiosity was now piqued. “Did Uncle Xornoth fight the dragon that ate Papa’s arm, too?”

“No,” Scott replied, “He was somewhere else at the time. But he helped us when we got home after that, so Papa could rest.”

Sausage cleared his throat as he removed the glove and set it aside. “Let’s not worry about that old story right now! It’s time for the present! And presents! Are you ready for some stuffy ceremonial traditions, and then some fun dancing and chatting with everyone?”

“Yes!” the boys chorused, trading hopeful looks, eager to finally see the crowns that had been mentioned.

Scott leaned in to comment to them, “Papa thought the ceremonial part was very boring at his gala. Uncle Xornoth wasn’t wrong about the mischief part.”

“Excuse me! Excuse me!” Sausage protested. “My grandfather was a very boring man! I know there are supposed to be a bunch of official things that go along with this, but we’re taking the shorter route today so everyone can have a good time sooner!”

As they left the anteroom and crossed toward the curtained area over the staircase that led down into the ballroom, Azahar pondered to himself why Sausage had specifically mentioned his grandfather, and no other relatives. He kept the thought to himself for later; up until now he had been more concerned with the adjustment period and getting to know only his new parents, with less thought given to his possible extended Mythlandian family.

The grand staircase had three levels that wound downward until it reached the polished marble floor. Sausage peeked out through the curtains to see how the gathering below was going, then smiled back at everyone. “Okay, everything looks ready. Just wait here until you’re called. We go out first.” He sketched a bow to Scott, then held out his left arm. Scott smiled and hooked his arm around Sausage’s, then also gave the boys an encouraging nod.

Beyond the curtain, the herald announced, “Your hosts, Lord Sausage and King Regnant Scott!”

The two rulers exited through the curtain, pausing on the top step to give a brief wave, then walked down to the first landing.

“And presenting: Prince Azahar and Prince Elowen!”

Azahar quickly squeezed Elowen’s hand, then they copied their fathers as they stepped out. Scott and Sausage parted, waiting to either side for the boys to join them, then they all walked down to the next landings. On the final landing awaited two attendants who held cloth-covered red cushions. It was here that Scott moved to the side so that the boys had center stage with Sausage, who turned to the attendant on the left and lifted the cloth.

Upon the cushion sat a gold filigree crown with a shield-shaped ruby in the center, stylized swords crossed over it in protective symbolism as well as serving the practical purpose of holding the gemstone in place. Sausage held up the crown then lowered it onto Azahar’s head.

He then turned to the other attendant. The cloth was lifted to reveal another filigree crown with a six-sided pale blue agate in the center, this one with snowflake-shaped details keeping the gemstone centered. Sausage lifted it and then placed it over Elowen’s hair, nestling it just right where his braids were secured.

A ripple of applause flowed through the crowd. Elowen seemed about to shy away, but Sausage took his hand with another encouraging smile. Scott saw it as a cue to step forward and take Azahar’s hand. They both used this as a way to guide the boys to face the ballroom, then raised their joined hands and bowed. The applause continued, then the kings moved down the rest of the stairs with their sons.

Xornoth was already waiting to the right, clearly trying to contain his grin to an acceptable level. Sausage and Scott halted on the last step as the other elf bowed. The herald called from the landing, “The Monarch of Rivendell, Xornoth!”

“Good evening, Your Highnesses. It is a pleasure to meet the young princes.” Xornoth snuck in a wink and whispered to the boys, “Again, as it were. We’ll hang out after you get through the guest list.” He straightened and subtly glanced over his shoulder where other rulers were lining up behind him.

Scott and Sausage nodded in polite accord, then Xornoth meandered over to the other side of the staircase. He accepted an offered glass of chilled cider and casually watched the rest of the typical proceedings as the herald announced each ruler in turn.

“The Codfather, Jimmy, of the Cod Empire!”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” Jimmy gushed as he bowed then looked the boys over. “This is real! You really both became fathers!” He grinned incredulously at Sausage and Scott, then composed himself. “Ahem. Greetings from the Cod Empire, young princes!” he announced in an exaggerated formal tone, then added quietly, “You make sure to give these two lots of trouble. Do it for me, your Uncle Jimmy!”

“You’re not their uncle!” Sausage hissed quietly, “Get out of here, Jimmy!”

The Codfather bowed again but also traded grins with Sausage as he moved aside.

“Blaze Emperor Tango, of the Tek variety!”

The boys couldn’t help staring at the flame-haired man, whose crown appeared to be made of floating staves that seemed almost molten – or, at the least, were glowing. “Ohhh, these are princes! They’re like mini-kings! I get it now!” There was glee in Tango’s red eyes with their closely-matching red sclera as he leaned closer, then he sharply drew back. “Oh, sorry, I’m forgetting the overworld etiquette. Hi! Nice to meet you! Greetings from, ummm, the Burning Dark!” He started to bow, then took another step back and bowed fully, avoiding any of his flames getting too close to the royal family. After they nodded politely back to him, he jogged off after Jimmy.

“Count fWhip of the Grimlands!”

“Hi, hi! Hello, young princes! Sausage, I can’t believe you pulled this off, it’s so fancy! Good to know you haven’t broken my best work while running around playing, as I’m sure you’ve been doing!” fWhip gave a wink then said in a more serious voice, “I’ll take a look at it later, just in case. I can only assume you haven’t broken it yet.”

Sausage made a shooing motion with both hands to prove the prosthetic one was working just fine. As fWhip began to move away, Sausage leaned between the boys to mutter, “This is one of the parts I hate. It’s boring standing here, and you have to be polite while listening to all sorts of nonsense like that. I think it’s easier to just chat out on the floor if someone has something to say, instead of all this blah-blah-blah.”

Scott nudged him, then outright pulled him back into place. “We can complain later. Do I really need to tell you to be the one to behave, Sausage?”

The human laughed behind the back of his hand, then cleared his throat. “No, no. I’ll set a good example. Serious time, boys. Well, serious but polite.”

“The Wizard GeminiTay of the Crystal Cliffs!”

Gem’s eyes twinkled as she stepped up. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you, Azahar and Elowen! You look like such a proper family standing together like this! I hope Sausage hasn’t been embarrassing you too much with his recklessness. Sausage, you better not be getting them involved in your recklessness, either!”

Sausage huffed. “Is everyone just going to poke fun at me this whole night? This is a special event for my sons! You stop embarrassing me in front of them! Now go tell everyone behind you to not bring up anything else! My god!”

Gem laughed at his supposed outrage. Encouraged by her reaction, Elowen found some of his nerve. “Yeah, don’t pick on my papa! He’s been super nice to us! And he makes sure we don’t do anything dangerous! He only lets Azahar use the practice swords, and—”

Gem gently laughed again, then bowed to him. “I believe you, Prince Elowen. And I expect you to be just as outspoken when you come to my school for further magic lessons.”

Realizing the outburst might have been out of line, Elowen shrank back a little, but Scott put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and smiled down at him.

“PearlescentMoon of Gilded Helianthia!”

“Hello, boys,” the farmer queen greeted, her tone warm but mischief in her eyes.

“Pearl,” Scott said warily, “I know that look of yours. You’re up to something.”

“Why would I be up to something?” she replied with a cheeky smile.

“You brought them battle axes or two-handed swords, didn’t you, Pearl?” Scott accused flatly, although the corners of his mouth betrayed amusement.

“Well, it’s never too early to consider their favorite type of defense,” Pearl explained. She smiled at each of the boys in turn. “That aside, it’s a pleasure to meet you. If Sausage ever gets too soft on you with training, you can come battle with me.”

“Um,” Elowen replied, “I’m learning magic. I’m not old enough for real swords anyway.”

“Thank you, Auntie Pearl,” Azahar said, deciding to test out the familiar title even though this was the first time they had met. “Maybe we can talk about it after I move up from practice swords.”

“Calling me ‘aunt’ already! That’s honestly very sweet of you, Prince Azahar. We can definitely talk more in a bit, and I’ll give you some tips on the weak spots in your dads’ fighting styles.”

“Pearl!” Sausage scolded, “Didn’t you hear what I told Gem? And just because I lost my sword arm doesn’t mean I have weak spots! Come on, now!”

He continued to grumble as Pearl went on her way. Scott patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’re not bored now.”

“If I didn’t have to stand here, I’d go get some food.” Sausage then whined, “Can we get rid of this tradition, too, in the future? This part isn’t fun, right, boys?”

“Actually,” Azahar said with some mischief of his own, “It kind of is.” Elowen covered his mouth with both hands to hide his laugh.

“Oh, fine,” Sausage responded with a gusty sigh. “Since it’s for you, I’ll let everyone keep teasing me. I bet they’ll tell you all sorts of stories about me when I’m not around, anyway. Just remember, your papa is a brave adventurer!”

Pixlriffs offered a laugh, too, as he stepped forward despite their discussion drowning out the herald announcing him. “That is what I’ve heard.” He, at least, bowed low. “Your majesties. It’s lovely to meet you, Prince Azahar and Prince Elowen. I see bright things ahead for the future of Mythland with such lively young people ready to follow in their parent’s footsteps.” He leaned in to whisper, “Although, maybe be a little more careful and don’t lose a limb on your journey.”

“Not you too, Pix!!” Sausage squawked.

The Copper King grinned. “This could be a new tradition for you. Keep Lord Sausage humble so he doesn’t start bragging so much at parties.”

“I’m taking notes,” Sausage warned. “And so far, the guest list for the next party is getting shorter! Unless the boys want to invite someone, so you better be nice to them, at least!”

Azahar whispered to Elowen, “I think he really is going to throw people in the dungeon.” Elowen giggled, but when Pix was literally overshadowed by the next person in line, the boys took on looks of awe as their gazes went up, and up…

Elowen was so stunned that he blurted, “G-Giant blue fish lady!”

The equally overshadowed man with a green streak in his hair standing next to the smiling sea queen corrected, “Giant blue axolotl lady, actually.”

The herald’s announcement made it over their chatting this time. “Queen Lizzie of the Ocean Empire and her husband, King Joel of Mezalea!”

Lizzie didn’t seem to mind the mix up. “Hello, tiny princes,” she said, sounding a little awkward, herself. “It is nice to meet such good new additions to the Mythland monarchy. I wish you well in all your endeavors.” She bowed without even reaching low enough for them to see the top of her head.

Joel followed with a bow of his own. “Well, I don’t think I can beat the formality of that! Hello, lads, nice to meet you. Remind your dads to tell you how rich Mezalea is!”

“Joel,” Scott said with a patronizing smile, “Rivendell is known for its gold as well.”

“Scott, we’re not in Rivendell,” Joel fired back. “What does Mythland have? Iron. You know what’s pretty common? Iron. Gold is rarer and more beautiful! Also, if we’re going to talk Rivendell, there is wool. You know what wool is if you try to build with it? Susceptible to fire. What does Mazelea have? Terracotta. It doesn’t catch fire and comes in just as many colors as wool, and—”

Lizzie quickly interrupted to rein in her husband. “Now, now. No arguing between empires today. We need to set a good example for these potential future rulers. It wouldn’t be good to make enemies when neither my empire or yours have an heir yet, Joel.”

Sausage resisted the urge to step between Scott and Joel. “I think enemies might be a strong word. A little friendly competition between empires is fine, right? Mythland does well with imports of dark prismarine and terracotta, after all!”

Joel sighed and muttered, “Right, right. I was only saying that Mazelea has rich culture that these nice young lads might like to hear about.” He held a hand out to Lizzie regardless of actually being able to reach her hand. “We shall take our leave since we are taking up too much of your time at the moment. Come along, dear wife, we shall sample some of the food.”

The royal family watched them walk away with mixed amused looks at Joel’s parting tone.

The boys’ attention was next drawn down as the herald announced, “Guardian Shrub of the Undergrove!” Neither of them had met a gnome before, nor a fairy as Katherine closely followed.

Scott glanced around when it seemed Katherine was the end of the line. He murmured to Sausage, “Where’s Joey? I know he sort-of falls under ‘other’ on the invitations, but he should still be following ruler obligations and giving greetings.”

“Um. I think he got a little distracted by something else.” Sausage held his right hand up to block his left from everyone else’s view as he pointed to the other side of the staircase, where Xornoth and Joey were chatting away over drinks. Sausage uttered a short giggle. “Maybe some things don’t change—”

Scott quickly elbowed him to shush him, but no one else noticed their exchange since the boys were busy marveling over Katherine’s wings.

“So, you have them all the time?” Azahar was asking. “You don’t need a magic tattoo or flight gadget?”

“Nope,” Katherine answered, fluttering her wings so that they could see how they were different from the bird-like wings created by elven magic. Shrub had remained to watch the demonstration.

“Th-They’re really pretty,” Elowen stammered, internally hoping he wasn’t saying anything out of line.

Katherine smiled at him. “Why thank you, Prince Elowen.” She then snuck a glance at Shrub before stepping aside to be facing Azahar, while Shrub moved to face Elowen. They curtsied at the same time, then Shrub asked, “Would your highnesses do us the pleasure of having the first dance with us?”

The question – or perhaps being officially addressed in such a way – broke through Azahar’s sturdy calm and now he was the one to stammer. “U-Um, we would – we would be…” He looked to his parents for a cue, but they were distracted by Xornoth and a winged man who hadn’t been announced by the herald, but had the bearing of someone important.

Or self-important. He was currently complaining that since he hadn’t been let to the front of the line, seeing as how he was such a great ally to Mythland, he found it insulting to have to stand as last in line.

Azahar mustered up a serene smile and placed one hand on his chest, sweeping the other out at his side as he bowed. “We would be honored, your ladyship, your guardianship.” He straightened and extended a hand to Katherine. Elowen stared at him for half a second, then hastily copied him, ending with a hand held out to Shrub.

The movement of the boys heading out to the middle of the ballroom with the two leaders beside them seemed to be the perfect signal for the musicians to start the dance set. The sudden rise of a violin almost drew Sausage out of scolding Joey for not simply lining up at the same time as everyone else then maybe he would have been further up in the line and not at risk of having insulted his sons by not properly presenting himself, and Sausage had half a mind to throw him in the dungeon for an hour or two—

Further interruption came when Xornoth reached between the arguing pair to offer his hand to Joey. “If I might have this first dance, dear ruler of The Lost Empire?”

Joey tittered, feigning bashfulness. “Oh, my. Why yes, dear Monarch of Rivendell, I would be delighted.”

Scott and Sausage traded looks as if both were trying to hold in an outburst of laughter. They were – fortunately – distracted from their secret amusement by the approach of Pearl and Gem. Pearl simply grabbed Sausage by his left hand and hauled him toward the dance floor, while Gem took the politer, formal way by curtsying to Scott then holding out her hand. He also accepted and they followed the other two.

Sausage took note of Azahar and Elowen seeming to have a handle on everything alright on their own. Then he grinned at Pearl. They soon somehow managed to turn their dance into aggressive battle stances despite the tempo of the music.

Scott kept an amused eye on Sausage as much as he maintained a watchful one toward the boys, but so far it looked like they were having fun. From what he could tell, both Katherine and Shrub were accommodating the young elves’ inexperience with formal dances.

Meanwhile, Gem was being patient with his distracted state. She kept her palm pressed against his despite the swivel to his head. “They’re doing just fine,” she assured him. “I think you can relax a little. The rest of us are just as happy for you, and no one will get upset if they literally step on someone’s toes.”

“It isn’t the rulers I’m worried about,” Scott replied, finally returning his attention to her face, where a sympathetic smile awaited him. “I’m worried how either of them will react if that happens. I think Azahar can handle it, but Elowen gets nervous in crowded places full of strangers. He knows these are all responsible leaders here, but he has only just met everyone, and—”

“Scott. Calm down. Out of everyone here, Katherine and Shrub are probably going to have the most patience and kind words for the boys. Shrub knows how precious every child can be, and Katherine knows how best to nurture fragile life. Now, I’m not saying anyone in particular suggested they ask for the first dance, but there might have been some discussion ahead of time…”

Scott gave her a relieved smile. “Thank you, Gem. Maybe Sausage and I were more nervous about this than our boys were.”

“I could tell by how antsy Sausage looked during introductions.”

“I think that was just Sausage being Sausage,” Scott said with a chuckle.

“Has he been doing alright throughout this? No issues with the boys being too curious about his arm?”

“Sausage improvised in the moment and told them a dragon had eaten it. They were impressed that we fought one alongside our friends Gem and fWhip. No particular details about the dragon, of course.”

“Of course,” Gem agreed in a murmur. She quickly scanned the area. “I’ll pass that along to fWhip, but you know we’ll—"

“I know,” Scott cut her off as Jimmy and Tango happened to twirl too close. “I appreciate it, Gem.”

She nodded and smiled with a measure of bittersweetness, aware of how the children weren’t the only ones a secret was being kept from.

They finished the dance by bowing to each other, then Gem slipped away through the crowd of changing partners to find her brother. Scott turned to look for Sausage, but ended up with Xornoth holding up an outward-facing palm to him. They shared a grin and made exaggerated bows to each other before taking up positions to await the music.

Meanwhile, Jimmy had sidled up to Sausage, but it was merely to cut in and whisk Pearl away. Sausage took the moment to skim the crowd and check on his sons; he saw that they were now standing with Pix as Katherine and Shrub took their leave together. He smiled in relief, since it looked like the first dance had gone well for the boys.

Then he abruptly found an enthusiastic Tango popping up in his line of vision. The blaze hybrid started rambling about how amazing everything was, and that he would love to have the honor of dancing with one of the party’s hosts. Sausage agreed with a grin, happy that the newcomer was enjoying the social life of the surface world.

Three dance sets and some chatting with various emperors later, Azahar and Elowen stood by the grand staircase taking a break while simply watching the adults continue. Xornoth wandered over with a plate of tiny pastries and sat down on the steps beside them. “Hello again, nephews. How are you liking the gala so far?” He held the plate out to them, inviting them to help themselves to some desserts.

Elowen took one but before biting into it said, “It’s really fun! I thought it might be scary. Well, it was scary at first, being up on the stairs with everyone looking at us… But everyone has been nice. I’m not worried about messing up as a prince anymore.”

As he ate the pastry, Xornoth reached to pat him on the head, although being careful not to disturb his crown. “I’d say you’ve been very princely so far.” He then glanced to Azahar for his thoughts.

“It’s very different from what we were used to in our village back home – back in Rivendell,” Azahar replied, thoughtfully gazing around the ballroom. “The only thing we knew about royalty was what was in storybooks.” He then grinned at Xornoth. “No one said silly things about the kings in those stories. Everyone treats Papa like they know he gets into trouble all the time. But they’ve had good things to say about him, too – and about Dad. So, I feel like I’ve been able to learn from this, making it more than just a very fancy party. It’s been nice to meet so many different people from other empires. When I get older I’d like to go see all the places everyone is from, and hear their stories.”

“A fine goal,” Xornoth replied with approval. “Perhaps one day you could be Mythland’s ambassador.”

Azahar rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “I don’t know yet if I want a… royal position like that. Dad said I can just be a kid for now and not worry about having a job as a prince.”

His adopted uncle nodded as he munched on a pastry. “Wise words. My brother isn’t half-bad at this parental guidance thing.” He offered the plate to them again.

After taking one and chewing it pensively, Azahar inquired, “Do you… mind if I ask what you know about Papa’s grandfather? He hasn’t talked about any other family much. This was the first we had heard of him. And… if it’s okay… yours and Dad’s parents, too?”

Xornoth smiled gently. “I suppose I can tell you a little. I’m not sure how much of it is my place to tell; your papa might share the stories with you when he’s ready.” He placed a splayed hand against the center of his chest. “Our parents went on a diplomatic mission to another elven kingdom across the world, leaving me in charge as eldest son. Now, as for the Infamous Z. Kielbasa – the ‘Z’ is silent – he was very strict about proper behavior and tradition, which is probably why your papa is so mischievous…”

He regaled them with his assorted knowledge for over half an hour, including little hints about Sausage’s adventures, and was just about to share embarrassing accounts of Scott trying to get a handle on his ice magic when Joey sauntered over.

“Hello, Xorny… I was wondering if you’d like to dance some more – with me.” The ruler of The Lost Empire then blinked as if only just now realizing Azahar and Elowen were there. “Oh, riiight, these are your… nephews. Look, I’m not good with children, okay? But, um, it is nice to meet you, I guess.” Joey took the plate from Xornoth and pressed it into Elowen’s hands. “Here, have more snacks, and… have fun over here. Bye~”

Xornoth found himself being pulled to his feet and back toward the dance floor. He managed a small wave, which Azahar returned while Elowen stared after the pair as he absently ate another pastry. “That was… kind of weird.”

Azahar laughed and grabbed the remaining two pastries before Elowen devoured them all. “I think that parrot-man has a crush on Uncle Xornoth.”

“Is that what a crush looks like? How can you tell?”

“Just a guess.”

The two princes went back to watching until Shrub came over and asked Elowen to dance with her again. Azahar entertained the thought that she was being considerate of how the younger boy would be comfortable dancing with someone close to his own height. Azahar himself turned down an invitation from Pearl, who nodded in respect and looked for someone else who was available.

Azahar then wandered over to the group of musicians and stood where he figured he might be the least obtrusive as he observed the way in which the violinist brought forth melodies from the strings.

He got a little too caught up in it, because he didn’t register when the set changed to a slower tempo, nor did he pay attention as dance partners switched to a majority of the romantic partners in the group – until Elowen began tugging at his sleeve while saying in a hushed voice, “Azahar! Look at Dad and Papa!”

The older boy looked to where his brother was indicating. He saw Scott and Sausage in the middle of the floor with a hand on each other’s waist, their other hands clasped together, and dreamy smiles on their faces as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Azahar smiled softly. Elowen leaned against him as they kept watching, enchanted, then he whispered, “If the other thing was what a crush looks like, I think this is what being in love looks like.”

“Yes,” Azahar agreed. “I think they love each other very much.” He hugged Elowen around the shoulders with one arm. As the set wound down, he reached for Elowen’s hand and stepped out onto the floor. “Come on,” he said with a persuasive smile. The two slipped between the other couples and came to a halt where they could beam up at their parents.

Sausage glanced at them first; he removed his hand from Scott’s waist and held it out to Azahar. Scott then did the same with his hand held toward Elowen, and as the musicians switched to an upbeat set, the four of them danced together.

It wasn’t clear who started the chain, but soon all of the others had linked hands and were dancing in a circle around the royal family. Xornoth broke away from it to put himself between his nephews, and he smiled with fraternal love at his brother while mouthing the words, “Here’s to a new future.”

~*~

After another round of official traditions in the form of bidding each guest a good night, the boys took their leave to get ready for bed. Azahar held his crown between both hands, getting a better look at it. He gazed at the swords crossed over the jewel before placing it in front of the row of books on the dresser. “I forgot to ask if there’s a proper way to store these for the night. I don’t know what Papa does with his crown.”

Elowen giggled. “His doesn’t look like it would be comfortable to sleep with it on.” He held his crown up so Azahar could put it next to his.

The older boy gazed at the two crowns side-by-side and smiled softly. “It’s almost like we’re in a fairytale of our own. Two little boys from out in the countryside chosen to be princes of a foreign land.”

“We could write our own story and put it in a book!”

“Maybe someday. Let’s wait to see what other adventures we have. You’ve got a chance to become an amazing ice wizard – unless there’s something else you’d like to do?”

Elowen hopped up onto his bed and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Not really. Dad said there is a lot to know about using magic, and I know it’s gonna take me time to learn all of it! What about you? Do you wanna do something besides learn sword stuff?”

“I was thinking of something… but I guess it can wait…”

Elowen leaned back on his hands and regarded his brother critically. “Azahar, are you nervous about something?”

“Um, what makes you say that?” The older boy tried to be casual as he adjusted the position of his crown on the shelf.

“I just… kinda get this feeling, like… you’re acting in a way I’ve never seen you act before.”

Azahar chuckled lightly. “You’ve caught me. Well…” He sat down on his own bed. “You know how Dad has his magic, and Papa is a good sword fighter? I’m thinking of something we haven’t seen them do, so I’m not sure how I would learn, or if it would be a bother because they like to spend time with us with magic and sword lessons.”

Elowen needed to think that one over. He eventually nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense. Are you gonna tell me what it is?”

“Maybe wait until I ask them so we’re not both disappointed,” Azahar admitted sheepishly.

Elowen jumped down and ran over to hug Azahar around his middle. “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll say yes! You did a really good job at being a prince today! You could even ask for it for your birthday!”

Azahar hugged him in return. “I hadn’t thought of that. That’s a good idea. Thanks, little brother.” They parted and grinned at each other.

“You’re welcome, big brother!”

~*~

Azahar waited to make his request for a solid three weeks before Elowen egged him on enough to finally ask. He chose one of the days where he and Sausage were having a lesson – and, he had to confess, one where Azahar threw himself into it with unexpected ferocity due to nerves. When their practice fight ended in a draw, father and son took a moment to rest beside the weapons rack before Sausage stowed his blade and took out two drying cloths, tossing one to Azahar so he could wipe the sweat from his brow.

Sausage patted at his own face, then disconnected his prosthetic to allow some air to flow around the cuff protecting his stump. He laid the prosthetic on top of the cabinet containing the cloths. “That was a great match! I think with a little more practice you’ll be able to defeat me! And once that happens, you can move up to training with Pearl. I have to warn you, she won’t go easy on you like I have!” He winked and grinned.

“Actually, um…” Azahar contemplated the cloth in his hands, then glanced at the weapons rack – where Pearl’s gift of a two-handed broadsword awaited the right time and the gain of strength. “I think I would like to take a break from having only sword lessons. I was wondering, um, if it would be alright to ask, um…”

Sausage started to look at him with concern. “You can always ask me anything! Is – Is everything okay? Does it feel like the lessons are too hard? We can scale it back if you need to! You don’t have to fight Pearl any time soon, either! I was just joking about that.” Sausage laughed awkwardly, then cleared his throat. “Sorry. You’re, uh, not usually this hesitant.”

Azahar uttered a nervous laugh of his own. “Y-You’re right.” He took a deep breath. “Papa, since my birthday is next month, I wanted to – well, I would like to – ask for something specific instead of having it be a surprise. Well, I guess two things. And I’ve been thinking about this for a while, so I’m not trying to be impulsive, and I don’t think you would have to worry about me losing interest and wasting time or money on it, or…”

Sausage nodded eagerly to show his support, eyes wide and with an also broadening smile. “Go ahead, tell me! What new interest do you have?”

Azahar continued, “At the gala, I really enjoyed listening to the violin music. May I… have a violin, and could you have someone teach me how to play…?”

Sausage hopped on his toes and moved his arms to clap his hands – but forgot for a second that he had removed his prosthetic, and so he stopped short, staring, as his left hand crossed in the air with nothing alongside his outheld stump. “Ah – heheh.” He retrieved his prosthetic and pointed it at Azahar. “You absolutely may! I’ll contact the court musicians to see if someone is available to be your tutor, and if not, surely we can find someone – even if we have to bring them all the way from Mazelea!”

“Thanks, Papa. I’ll work hard to learn just like with your lessons. W-We can still have sword lessons because I love spending the time with you, but I would like to try new things, too.”

“Of course, of course!” Sausage agreed, attempting to re-affix his prosthetic while fidgeting around, his body simply on automatic gesticulation mode as he talked. “You and your brother can explore anything that interests you! It doesn’t have to always be things Dad and I do, but it worked out so nicely that they can bond over ice magic! You and I could have found something else to do together, too, if you weren’t interested in sword-fighting! Botany for one thing, or alchemy, or a little bit of engineering. I can’t rely on fWhip for help with this thing forever! But don’t you go feeling pressured to learn that, either! I can learn new things, too!”

“Papa—”

“Yes, sorry— see, this is exactly what I mean. Sometimes it’s a little finnicky when I put it on by myself. I need to talk to fWhip about that when he does the next upgrade…” Sausage seemed to be having trouble holding his stump at the correct angle to slip the prosthetic into place without it catching on the fabric cuff.

“Papa, let me help.” Azahar took hold of the prosthetic by the forearm section. He smiled gently at Sausage. “Elowen and I can do things for you, too.”

Sausage chuckled softly. “I’ve gotten used to relying on Dad. Thank you, son.” He held still and instructed Azahar on the best way to fit the inside basket structure over the fabric cuff. Once it was settled in place, he flexed the fingers then lowered his arms. “The Winter Market opens in a few days. I think I know just the booth we can stop by for a finely crafted violin!”

~*~

As promised, once the market had opened and Sausage had enough free time, the four of them went on a nice outing to peruse the wares with the eventual intention of buying a violin for Azahar. Elowen kept close to Scott’s side this time, since Sausage was the one most familiar with the craftspeople of the market. The younger boy tried not to be too clingy, but Scott would gently squeeze anytime Elowen started to grip his hand too tightly.

When they found the booth, there was a lengthy explanation of how the type of wood that was used to make an instrument affected its sound, then the craftswoman played a few of the different ones she had for sale so Azahar could decide which he liked best. She even let him try the one he chose right there at the booth, giving him a brief introductory lesson and helping him to hold the bow correctly before he ventured into coaxing notes from the strings.

Azahar handled it as if it was the most fragile thing in the world, but the craftswoman assured him that once he had established his connection with the instrument he would understand its limits. Elowen watched and listened with fascination, although he kept his hands in tight fists against his legs, similarly terrified of breaking something by accident.

Scott and Sausage looked on, happy with how joyful and excited Azahar appeared regardless of how cautious he was handling the violin. They were all too aware of how he might have let this opportunity pass him by in order to ensure Elowen was the happier of the two.

There was plenty of chatter around them to override the sound of the violin, and Sausage was drawn to gaze at the surroundings, feeling content to see Mythland bustling with so much life and activity.

Yet, his attention automatically snapped toward a young voice calling out, “Papa, I want that one!”

Across the lane was a booth selling cloth dolls. A little girl was jumping up and down while pointing at one that wore a frilly princess dress. A wistful expression fell over Sausage’s face as the girl’s father took the doll from the seller and handed it to her; she promptly hugged it tightly and thanked him.

Scott noticed that Sausage was distracted, and followed his line of sight. “Fatherhood has turned you sentimental. That’s quite a look you have in your eyes. What are you thinking…?”

Without glancing away from the father and daughter as they walked away with the girl holding the doll wrapped in one arm while holding her father’s hand with the other, Sausage asked, “Do you – Do you think the boys would like to have a sister?”

~*~

That evening they had a family discussion wherein the boys agreed that having another sibling could be fun, and arrangements were made for another trip to Rivendell the following month. The carriage – and the two kings – would go without royal adornments to distance themselves from too much influence again.

When that day arrived, Azahar and Elowen waved as the carriage set off from the stable yard. Sir Carlos and Bubbles, charged with keeping watch over the princes, waited on the steps into the castle, allowing the boys to take their time and mentally adjust to their parents being away for the first time since they had come to Mythland.

Elowen was actually pondering a different question. “If I’m like Dad with magic, and you’ve been learning with Papa, what do you think our sister might end up like?”

“Maybe she’ll be like Bubbles.”

“No, that would be weird!”

Bubbles barked, sounding like she had taken offense at that comment. Azahar, meanwhile, laughed. “We’ll have to wait to find out. Come on, my violin tutor will be here soon. You can sit in on the lesson.”

“Yay! You know, even when you only practice a few notes, it’s so pretty to listen to.”

[To Be Continued in Chapter Three: The First Princess]

[shivunin]

🌟OC Tag Game🌟

Thank you for the tag @brother-genitivi! This tag game is cool, but also a curse because I hate deciding between things lol

(Looking at this now that I am finished...I think a lot of these might be surprising, but there it is)

Favorite OC: Agggh :c It genuinely rotates and is largely determined by who I'm having the most fun writing at any given moment. If I really had to pick, it would have to be Araceli, one of my original work babies. She brings an "I'm off shift in ten minutes, do it yourself" vibe to the supernatural that I really dig.

Newest OC: Jesse, my Shepard. Technically she's older than all the others (I've been playing Mass Effect longer) but I've only very recently started to develop her into an actual character for writing. She's a cowgirl c:

Oldest OC: Not counting original stuff, it's Elowen Lavellan. I originally intended her to be my canon Inquisitor (and she's the impetus for me writing fic to post, actually!) and her playthrough is why I wrote Your Fate for Mine.

Meanest OC: Oooh so this is a really interesting question, bc Arianwen is definitely the most blunt (and she really doesn't care about people's feelings much), but Maria is actually more capable of saying really hurtful things because she understands people so much better. Wen will ignore someone crying over a dead loved one, but if pressed Maria will find the secret hurt you've been nursing for the last decade and jam her fingernails right into it.

Softest OC: Oooh hm. I think they all have a soft side, in their way, but I think Salshira craves softness the most. She doesn't really know how to articulate that until she knows she's wanted, though. She is an extremely caring friend, she just struggles with being open and vulnerable in return.

Most Aloof/Standoffish OC: Arianwen Tabris. Would rather sit in a tree than socialize. Would rather do most things that aren't socializing. Don't talk to her, she's busy (trying to train a squirrel to pick pockets)

Dumbest (affectionate) OC: Hmmm Wen isn't at all book-smart (can't imagine the alienage education system is worth much), but she's canny. Elowen is the most oblivious/least people-smart/most socially awkward. I wouldn't describe any of them as dumb (certainly not to their faces), but they all have the capacity to be idiots in love (a crucial characteristic to me).

Smartest OC: Oooh I think Emmaera. She's the most able to retain information and she likes understanding how/why things work. When she gets into a research hyperfixation, she stops noticing that time passes. Her infodumps are truly a sight to behold. (but I think Maria is a close second c: )

OC I'd Probably Be Friends With: Emma or Maria. Maria could befriend most people given the right circumstances (she's also hilarious) and Emma and I share an interest in understanding culture (and treasure hunts/hiding things for a joke). (I think I would get along with all of them okay, but those are my top two)

Tagging: @greypetrel @dungeons-and-dragon-age @gaysebastianvael and anyone else who wants in---I tried to pick people with several OCs (who hadn't been tagged yet), but reply with a 👀 or shoot me an ask and I will gladly tag you c:

[druidberries]

sims get to know me tag !!

thank you sm @duusheen for tagging me 🥹💛

1. What’s your favourite sims death? cowplant lmao

2. Alpha CC or Maxis Match? I like maxis mix!

3. Do you cheat when your sims gain weight? no

4. Do you use move objects? I can't build without it 😅

5. Favorite mod? this is super tough but I couldn't play without mccc and ui cheats!

6. First expansion/game/stuff pack you got? outdoor retreat!

7. Do you pronounce “live mode” like aLIVE or LIVing? I feel like it's changed so many times throughout the years but lately it's been exclusively LIVing

8. Who’s your favorite sim that you’ve made? a sim called Nex that I've never shared and Elowen! ofc lucine and flourish too but they're dnd characters before they are sims 😅

9. Have you made a simself? I did yearsss ago but she looks absolutely nothing like me lmao. I do kinda wanna try again tho?

10. What sim traits do you give yourself? I'm picking 5 bc that's how it should be in sims 4 *cough cough* family oriented, hopeless romantic, animal lover, geek, and socially awkward! I know some of those are sims 3 traits but its ok 😭

11. Which is your favorite EA hair color? red and green! I have to resist the urge to give all my sims bright red hair 🫶 I love super dark black hair but it's such a hit or miss whether the swatch is gonna be gray, blue, or pitch black

12. Favorite EA hair? off the top of my head, I love the one we got with that sdx drop with the ombre roots and like 3 different high school years ones lol

13. Favorite life stage? I love infants bc 🥹🥹 but also teens and YA! even tho teens and young adults are pretty much the same 😐 it's one of the best parts of legacies when a child ages up into a teen!

14. Are you a builder or are you in it for the gameplay? gameplay and cas! I'm not great at building and only do it when I need to but creating characters and playing with families are my fav <3

15. Are you a CC creator? no lmao. I would like to make some more recolors but I only ever make them for personal use! maybe one day I'll release some 🤔

16. Do you have any simblr friends/a sim squad? I've met some really good people on here that I just adore talking to <33 and I always think of my mutuals as my lil sims buddies 🥺

17. What’s your favorite game? 2 and 4! sims 3 is so good but 2 has my heart.

18. Do you have any sims merch? I used to have those headphones with the plumbobs that changed based on your sims emotions and they were so nice but they broke yearssss ago :( other than that no unless we're counting the freezer bunny I'm crocheting lol

19. Do you have a YouTube for sims? no :(( I've wanted to start a youtube channel since I was just lil child but I'm so scared 🙃

20. How has your “sim style” changed throughout your years of playing? I honestly don't think I have a sim style? but I do think I've gotten better at making sims in general? I'm much better at using different faces and making sims look different now!

21. What’s your Origin ID? druidberries but i don't upload anything to the gallery

22. Who’s your favorite CC creator? trillyke, simstrouble, ah00b, ratboy, simandy, squea, ladymoriel, praline and literally so many more I could go on forever

23. How long have you had a simblr? I've had tumblr for ages like lurking but I think I started my first simblr around 2016-2017? I used that one on and off for so long and I always lost motivation but finally what like 2 months? ago I made this one and got a nice clean fresh start 😌

24. How do you edit your pictures? I use photoshop and I pretty much always do topaz, noise, and sharpen, and then from there I decide if I wanna do some brightening or whatever. I do use actions sometimes too! I really have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to editing 😭

25. What expansion/game/stuff pack is your favorite so far? all of the occult packs ofc + growing together and cottage living <33 I also really love nifty knitting bc most of my sims knit lmao

26. What expansion/game/stuff pack do you want next? I really want them to make a fairies pack 🧚‍♀️🫶

feel free to ignore this but I'm tagging: @buttertrait. @potionio, @aurorangen, @estah, @sinfulwunders, @salemssimblr, @duskiivy and @simlishpiadina

[oc-cinematic-universe]

explanations for the answers to this post! answers are under the cut both for how lengthy this is going to get and just in case you don't want to know for whatever reason!

there will be a fully animated scene with music and everything - FALSE

while doing a fully animated scene would be really cool, it is not feasible as a single person working on this comic. i've also thought it through and realized, while the story itself is better suited for a movie, having individual scenes be animated when i've worked so hard to fit the story to a webcomic medium would be a huge disservice to the story! it would be cool, but would not have the effect i want! but it is mainly just the fact that it would be too much for me to handle. animated pages will happen, but the animations are small and simple so i can reasonably get them done

the demon has a backstory. this will not come up in comic

the demon was a previous reaper of souls working under the previous god who handled the underworld before death took over. demons are created when reapers are basically fired from their jobs, corrupted into a form that needs to seek out souls for sustenance. while This Demon was one of many to be cast out after death took over and started getting rid of all the dumbasses, it was one of few who managed to actually find a food source of any kind, and one of even fewer to still be around and a threat.

none of this really matters for the plot because nobody cares about this bitch and its main personality trait is being annoying so no one would ever listen to it if it did bother to provide an explanation. death may vaguely bring it up, but i have no plans for him to explain either. it's just not as important as the fact that the demon is here

superhell is real

while the current gods do not know where it came from, an inter-dimensional pocket connected itself to the underworld. with it came an understanding that it is a place to send the worst a universe has to offer. the universe killers, those who even in death cannot be contained and pose a danger to the safety of the universe. so yeah superhell's real and the gods don't know how it got there

The Wizard Maze. Oh God The Wizard Maze.

this is basically the entire premise of chapter 9. the demon uses newfound power to rearrange the school and trap certain people in their game of cat and mouse.

characters have arguments with me personally

dara has literally already done this!

kid becomes a necromancer out of spite

elowen, the goddess of life, thinks necromancy is bad because she thinks everything should always happen in its natural path and straying from that path will only harm the world. cody thinks this is bullshit and does it anyways!

joe gets a gun

joe tries to shoot his doppleganger in the face!

gods as a species have been thought out in detail. none of it is plot relevant

i think the way the gods function with the world is super fucking cool and interesting and a fascinating bit of worldbuilding but the gods are not the most important characters in the comic, and How they work, like the demon, is not as important as the fact that they're here

a set of pages must be viewed by layering them on top of each other

"must" is a bit of an exaggeration. i only realized after posting i should have changed it to "can". emotions and feelings and the state the characters are in is an incredibly important part of this comic to me, and finding interesting ways to go about showing it is a passion of mine. there will be a point of time where dara can't think clearly at all and is experiencing massive deja vu on top of dissociating in general. while the pages will be readable on their own, the plan is to make it so you are able to overlay parts of pages to get a clearer picture of what's going on in the present and in reality, and not purely what dara's experiencing. because pushing your way through an episode like she's having is *hard* and requires effort to get any kind of grip

NOTE: THERE IS POTENTIAL THAT THE OVERLAID PAGES THING WILL NOT HAPPEN. if i can't manage to pull it off the way i want to, i will have to scrap it and attempt something else. i have back up plans in place already. but i do WANT it to happen and will try my best with it

demon asks god for power. god says "ok", does so, and then leaves

i don't know what else to say about this one man. lonan's just an asshole and doesn't care if this demon kills everyone. yeah sure why the fuck not, take the power, who gives a shit. the demon didn't exactly realize it would have to talk to its former boss to get the power but it worked out in the end didn't it

[elonomhstoryvillage]

masterlist, aireverie

general worldbuilding: school systems

civilisations: north caydor south caydor queba greene desert egal

original species: otlic moon driore

currency: coins (1) taa; copper coin (1) tica; silver coin = (15) taas; copper coins (1) lynenen; gold coin = (33) ticas; silver coins = 495 taas; copper coins

characters (by civilisation): north caydor: ○ casimir moore ○ samson moore ○ makoa gage ○ amerie gage ○ tasmine gage ○ desmond gage ○ carmen burris ○ tessa burris ○ simon burris ○ maxwell hopper ○ james hopper ○ remy hopper ○ sasha tobin ○ solana tobin ○ caius tobin ○ mayuri lucero ○ uelea lucero ○ posey hollis ○ jessamae hollis ○ issel mai ○ asher mai ○ esme hendrem ○ rhys hendrem ○ aggie marcum ○ cliff marcum south caydor: ○ aiden salinger ○ abigail salinger ○ conrad salinger ○ miarmi salinger ○ gavin franco ○ brynn franco ○ aalia franco ○ landen roam ○ olivie roam ○ anil porter ○ caerwyn savage ○ broderick savage ○ pritchard savage ○ iano huntley ○ maddock huntley queba: ○ elowen alvarez ○ otillie singo ○ gilena speir ○ everett spier ○ kiara apfel ○ maya reola ○ miro kanz ○ araceli otex ○ huego enget ○ jasper enget ○ owen lavin ○ alakai sivik ○ rhun sivik ○ rhianna sabini ○ taliesin longabaugh ○ tudor beitel ○ xiomara beitel ○ leila aguayo greente desert: ○ halle sun ○ branson sun ○ kailani moon ○ viviana (moon) ○ lula (moon) ○ neeko water ○ wyatt salling ○ tei salling ○ oren west egal: ○ ines shayla

plot: the story starts in north caydor. kids from all different districts and ways of life are selected for a task force; to infiltrate a child-run crime syndicate and take it down. the task force is organised by the military, and is a top secret project.

these kids were selected due to being highly capable and having great skill sets. to find the kids, a competition began nationwide, inviting children (those under 24) to try for a place at 'highland excellence school'. the nation is facing a poverty and crime problem, and winning the competition guarantees a living place and future job prospects for family members.

the kids that win the competition are sent to do a year of formal training at a "world-class school". the school only has north caydor students (the civilisations prefer to keep to themselves).

the story starts at rika's first 'mission', where she is on an expedition with casimir, simon and posey to south caydor, representing the school at an aireverie-wide education meet. their goal is to keep up a cover, make friends with kids from the other nations and gather information.

///throughout the story their main goal changes. why? perhaps the crime syndicate is a robin hood situation? idk, some big plot twist?

///need to trial 1st person vs 3rd person pov. themes? the ability of the youth, fighting for what is right, i know i want this story to make people FEEL

[occasionally-good-authoring]

Where Myril Matters

something i wrote for my dnd character that i thought was good. aris was a changeling, and i followed original changeling lore and that’s fun.

Only three of the cookies came out right, despite the double batch Aris made. Hys hands were shaking too much to pour the right amount of vanilla, frost them nicely. But the ones left good enough are good enough for Elowen, at least hy thinks. 

Elowen never minded if there was too much maple. Too much frosting or too little cinnamon on top for decoration. 

Hy knows the way into the castle well, especially wearing a servant's face. No matter how wrong it feels, it won’t be for long. Hy’ll take the servants pass out, no one pays attention enough to notice hy’s wearing a face of someone home sick. 

Elowen’s chambers are empty, just like hy knew they would be. She’ll be with the Queen’s now. Or maybe the library. Hy finds it hard to recall, even after only three months. Hy leaves the cookies on their pillow, tied nicely together in the way Elowen always loved to open.

Her bed is still made the exact same way. 

Everything here is the exact same. Same. Same like hy never left. Same like they didn’t care that hy left. Same like Myril Shazorwyn was the only one that mattered. The only name that mattered.

And maybe it is. Maybe it always has been. But Aris is the one risking his life sneaking into the castle. Aris is the one grieving hys on life, and that matters, doesn’t it? 

Hy matters, not Myril, right?

The air of Elowen’s unchanged room in the unchanged castle in the unchanged town chokes hym, the frosted air freezing hys lungs to stopping. 

Hy does all he can not to run from the castle where Myril Shazorwyn is the one who matters.

[anonymousbeefriendfanfics]

Watching a Meteor Shower Together...

Hello friends! So! If you weren't aware, there's a meteor shower going on at the moment, and it's inspired me, to say the least. I've written a short(ish...?) scenario for what watching a meteor shower would be like with, well... everyone, almost. Enjoy!

Characters: Felix, Sage, Anisa, Casimir, Julian, Asra, Portia, Muriel, Nadia, Lucio, Elowen, Tulsi & Rime. That's 13....

Felix

One of the many things Felix loves are the stars. Ever-changing yet always constant and predictable, when he’s not incessantly studying, he takes comfort in the stars. He’s woken up countless times to blinding sun in his face because he fell asleep on top of one of Fathom’s towers stargazing. Also, well, it is Felix, so he’s studied the stars to take his mind off of whatever else he’s been working on.

All of this means that Felix is, more or less, our resident star expert in Astrea. He knows exactly when the meteor shower is likely to be peaking, and where the best location for observing them is.

The two of you portal away to a big, open hill, giving you a lovely view of the sky, and also of Porrima, thousands of lanterns glowing in the distance like tiny fireflies. You’ve brought supplies, of course. Felix gets his bearings and decides on the exact place to set up, and you lay out a big, thick blanket, a bunch of pillows (how did you even manage to bring all of these?), and some refreshments. As you two settle in, one of you casts a spell– a forcefield, of sorts, enclosing you in an invisible bubble to block out the cold.

You lay there all night, watching the stars. Sometimes you just cuddle in a comfortable silence, broken occasionally by one of you pointing out a shooting star. Mostly, though, you talk. Felix names all of the stars and constellations you can see, tells you cool things about them, about the mythology and folktales that inspired them, and you tell him about some of the ones on Earth. Your topic of conversation drifts, and you discuss anything and everything as the night wears on, until eventually you’re discussing nothing at all– you’re kissing, holding each other tight, praying on every shooting star in the sky that this will last forever.

Sage

Sage isn’t the type that seems like he’d know much about the stars, but oh, he does. He might not be able to name each star and constellation like Felix can, but he’s learned their configurations, and he’s made his own constellations. It started when he was younger, when he had nothing better to do late at night than stare at the sky, because he was too wound-up to fall asleep immediately. There’s only so long you can gaze at the stars before you’ll start to see pictures in them, after all.

He’s not quite sure when the revelation happened, but at some point, he realized that the stars were always in the same spot every night, and that they slowly moved as the seasons changed. And that’s when he began learning to navigate by the stars.

He’s seen meteor showers a few times, but he’s never been good at knowing when they were coming. When Felix off-handedly mentioned it at breakfast, however, you could practically see the lightbulb going off in his mind.

That night, he leads you through the streets of Porrima, sneaking up a rickety old fire escape on the side of the Runny Eye, until he helps you up onto the roof. You two lay down beneath a blanket he brought; Sage folds one arm behind his head and drapes the other around you, while you rest your head on his chest.

It’s a strangely calm, peaceful moment with the catboy. His usual rambunctiousness is gone, and he speaks softly as he tells you stories. He points out stars to you, teaching you the constellations he’d created– mostly dumb names, frankly, as he was rather young when he thought of them.

Sage tells you a particularly rough story that always comes to mind when he sees the stars like this– something to do with how he got a couple of his scars, and nearly bled out in an alleyway while he didn’t have the strength to do anything but stare at the sky. He insists it’s nothing, really, just an old memory, but you disagree– you can see the lingering pain in his eyes as he tells it, and you decide to give him a better memory, and you kiss him softly beneath the shooting stars.

Anisa

Anisa also knows how to navigate using the stars, but unlike Sage, she learned it properly. It was part of her knight training. She’d never really been too interested in the stars, frankly– not until she met you. You just happened to be taking a walk in Porrima when you spotted the first falling star. You gasped, gripping her arm and pointing at it, and she followed your gaze and stared in astonishment as it disappeared.

After that, she led you down to the docks, her eyes sparkling with determination. She rented a little boat, and rowed it out into the bay, far enough from shore that the lights weren’t drowning out the stars. You two laid back, getting as comfortable as possible in the little boat, and you watched the stars together, speaking softly. You talk about whatever comes to mind in the lull between meteors, gasping and pointing them out whenever another one flashes across the sky.

Anisa soon finds her gaze drawn to you instead of watching the sky. She’s hypnotized by the sheer awe in your expression, the little grin that lights up your face every time you spot one of the shooting stars, the way the lights danced in your eyes. It takes a little while before you notice her staring, and suddenly you’re both blushing like mad.

Clearing your throat, you decide to share a bit of Earth lore with her– you can’t help it, she looks so beautiful right now, and you love the way her eyes light up when you tell her about Earth. You explain how it’s a common belief that, if you make a wish on a shooting star, it’ll come true. She tilts her head slightly, considering it, but then she chuckles and gives you a smile so full of warmth it makes your heart skip a beat. “That’s interesting. I’d love to try it out, but… My wish has already come true. You’re everything I never knew I needed, and you’re right here next to me.”

You’re speechless, both because of her words and because she’s gazing at you with such intense affection. She , completely entranced by you, and she slowly leans in and presses her lips to yours, holding you closer beneath stars that she’ll never look at the same way again.

Casimir

Despite being alive for so long, Casimir has never really seen a meteor shower. He’s usually been inside when they happened before, and since he’s been locked in the house, he’s never bothered to look at the stars.

You, however, heard on the news last time you were out and about that there would be a meteor shower, and your first thought was to share it with him. He looked at you like you were crazy at first, but went along with it, following you outside.

Fortunately, the house’s magic extends into the yard, so it was more than happy to be helpful to the both of you. An ordinary lawn chair extended into something that looked more like a reclining bed than a chair, with comfortable padding, far too many blankets and pillows, and plenty of room for the both of you.

Despite the flush rapidly spreading across his face, Casimir settles down with you, biting his lip to resist the urge to grin like an idiot as you wrap an arm around him and hold him close. Together, you snuggle beneath the stars, enjoying each other’s company.

The first time he sees a shooting star, Casimir gasps, staring wide-eyed up at the stars. He gapes silently for a moment, then turns to you, grinning, before looking back to the sky. He begins rambling excitedly, talking about why they do that, and what it might mean, while you debate on whether to play along or give him a lesson on the actual science.

Either way, it’s cute, watching him get all excited about this, and before you realize it, you’re leaning over and pressing your lips to his cheek. He breaks off mid-sentence with a choked sound of disbelief, turning to stare at you, wide-eyed. You start to backpedal, but you don’t get a chance– suddenly he’s kissing you instead, passion-filled and slightly desperate.

When you break apart, he’s cherry red and stammering, trying to apologize, but you cut him off with another quick kiss. That leaves him completely speechless, and you just pull him closer, cuddling and stealing quick kisses as you continue to watch the meteor shower.

Julian

Julian knows the night sky well– almost too well. His parents taught him some basic navigational skills, and he was getting quite good at it before the shipwreck. Afterwards, he clung to the stars for a sense of comfort, as they reminded him of his family before things went bad. Throughout all of his years of traveling, many of which involved ships in one way or another, he’s completely mastered the skill.

Julian is probably the most likely one to be able to predict meteor showers. Even if he can’t tell when they’re coming, he’ll pick up on it when they begin– he spends a lot of time walking at night when he can’t sleep– and he can easily figure out when the best time for viewing them would be.

On the night in question, he drags you through the city until you end up at the coliseum. He leads you through the semi-abandoned building, climbing so many stairs it leaves you breathless… but then, so does the view. Once you reach the top floor, you can see almost all of Vesuvia, and we have an uninterrupted view of the sky.

Julian makes himself comfortable on the highest row of stone benches, beaming up at you invitingly. You join him, and he wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer and pressing a quick kiss to your temple. It’s chilly up here, completely exposed to the wind, so he uses his oversized coat to wrap around you both, keeping you warm as you snuggle and stare out at the night sky.

He’s seen more than his fair share of meteor showers, but that doesn’t dampen the sheer excitement in his voice as he points at each one he spots. When you eventually take a break from staring at the shooting stars and look at him instead, your heart skips a beat. He’s absolutely stunning. The wind tousles his hair, there’s a soft look of awe on his face, and he’s got the brightest, most carefree smile you’ve seen in a while.

You whisper his name, barely audible over the wind, and he turns to you, eye widening in surprise, illuminated by the starlight, as he registers the admiration on your face. His lips part soundlessly, at a loss for words for once, but you two don’t have to speak to communicate how you feel– a kiss will do just as well.

Asra

You and Asra were on a date in the Oasis, enjoying a picnic under the stars, when suddenly he gasped. You looked up, seeing that expression of almost childlike glee written across his face that you loved so much, and you followed their gaze to see… nothing. Just stars. Before you could ask what was going on, Asra’s arm circled around your waist and tugged you backwards until you were both lying back on the blanket.

You just look at them in utter confusion, and all Asra does is grin and point upwards. You look up, resting your head against his shoulder. Soon enough, a brilliant pink star streaked across the sky, and your mouth falls open in shock. Asra held you a little closer, cuddling with you as you watched the countless falling stars that lit up the sky in a rainbow of colors, each one seemingly a different hue here in the Oasis. It was absolutely beautiful, and you couldn’t look away.

As it turns out, you had no memories of them, and Asra took advantage of the moment to tell you a myriad of tales, most of which you were pretty sure weren’t entirely true… or even mostly true. Frankly, though, you couldn’t bring yourself to care about the validity of his stories. You could listen to them forever, with that soft yet animated way his voice got. You finally manage to tear your eyes away from the sky, looking over at your lover for the first time since they’d started, and… wow.

Asra was downright enchanting. Gazing up at the sky as he continued to talk, violet eyes practically sparking, and oh, his hair. Illuminated by the bright light of the shooting stars, their fluffy white hair was now a shifting rainbow of colors, so brilliantly vibrant that it was only possible here in the Oasis. You couldn’t help but stare for a while, marvelling at the beauty of the scene before you. Then you cupped his cheek with one hand, pulling his attention from the sky to you, and you tangled the other hand in his multicolored hair as you kissed him.

Portia

You had been over at Portia’s for a lovely dinner date, and she’d offered to walk you ‘home’-- or at least back to your room in the Palace. You’d hardly made it to the edge of the hedge maze when a bright streak of light caught your attention. Gasping, you gripped her arm and pointed, and she let out a squeak of excitement as she spotted it. Suddenly, she was dragging you back into her garden, your hand clasped tightly in hers.

She didn’t let go until you were both back in the cottage, and then it was only so that she could shove a heap of blankets and pillows into your arms. She instructed you to take them outside and get them set up while she made some hot cocoa for the two of you. Somewhat confused, you obliged, and you had a little area nicely arranged by the time she came skipping out to join you (skipping with hot cocoa! Honestly, Pasha, and you say Ilya is the reckless one…)

She joins you on the ground, handing you a cup before pulling a few big, fluffy blankets over you both. As you lean back against the mound of pillows, Pepi squirms beneath the covers to curl up between you, and Portia cuddles closer, giving you a quick kiss to the cheek before you both fix your attention on the night sky.

It’s immensely peaceful, lying here under the covers with them, snuggled up close for warmth as you watch the falling stars streak across the sky. Portia relays some of the tales Julian has told her over the years about them, and you find yourself holding on to her every word, laughing along as she pokes fun at the more dramatic stories.

Eventually, you two end up lying facing each other, though neither of you remember moving. You can’t help it– she’s so beautiful, even in the low light, and you love the way her eyes glimmer excitedly in the starlight. Portia, meanwhile, is having similar thoughts, entranced by how wonderful you look lying here in her arms beneath the stars. And then you’re kissing, pulling each other even closer, too caught up in the magical moment to even remember the meteor shower overhead.

Muriel

You and Muriel were on the way back to the hut, both of you carrying an armful of wood to stock up– the nights were growing longer and colder, and you needed to make sure you didn’t run out of firewood. You happened to glance up, only to stop short with a gasp as you saw a shooting star. Muriel froze, spinning to look around with wide eyes, expecting danger, but you just nodded towards the treeline, trying to describe what you saw. Slowly, he relaxed, nodding, and you carried on without a word.

After stacking the wood near the fireplace, Muriel quietly gathered up some of the many fur blankets he had, almost startling you when he told you to follow him. You do, and he leads you through the dark woods easily, until you reach an overlook with a fantastic view. There, he drops the armful of pelts, sitting down and gesturing for you to join him after he’d spread a couple out on the ground. Flushing slightly in embarrassment, he wraps an arm around you, pulling you closer as Innana settles across your legs with a satisfied huff. You rest your head against his shoulder, looking up at the sky as you two fall into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the sounds of nature and each other’s company.

After a little while, you glance up at Muriel to find a look of contemplation and awe on his face. Sensing your gaze, his eyes snap to yours, and he shyly explains that he’s never found much beauty in the stars– or anything, really– until you came into his life, but now… it’s like he’s seeing them for the very first time, and they’re just as stunning as you are.

You found yourself unable to think of a response– it’s so sweet, so honest, so Muriel… you just don’t have the words to explain how much that means to you. So, instead, you just lean up and kiss him. He’s a little surprised, at first, but he quickly melts into it, and you two spend most of the night cuddling beneath the stars.

Nadia

The Countess likes to stay on top of things, whenever possible, and that includes predictions of the weather. Fortunately, while Julian was giving her his forecast (between the science and the sailing he fancies himself pretty good at it, even if he’s wrong 25% of the time), he happened to mention that the meteor shower had begun, and would be at its peak soon. Immediately, you pop into her head when she hears this, and she begins making preparations.

Tonight is the night, and you curiously follow her out onto the veranda to find out what this mystery date is all about. What you find is a daybed, complete with pillows and blankets, and a table nearby with various refreshments. You turn to ask Nadia what this is all about, but she just gives you a rather excited smile and tells you you’ll find out soon enough. And so you lay down with her, cuddling against her side as she lovingly feeds you some of the bite-sized snacks.

Your eyes widen in wonder as you spot the first of many shooting stars flash across the sky, and Nadia smiles warmly, kissing the top of your head as she draws you closer. While you both stare in wonder at the sky, she speaks softly and eloquently, telling you the legends about the stars that she grew up hearing in Prakra. It’s absolutely fascinating, but you can’t tell if it’s because of the stories themselves or the person telling them to you. You’re pretty sure it’s a bit of both, though.

Before long, you aren’t even looking at the stars anymore– instead, you’re gazing at the beautiful woman next to you, amazed at the way the starlight shimmers in her hair, the adoring look in her eyes, that soft, loving smile that’s always reserved for just you on her lips… and before you realize what you’re doing, you’re kissing her, and she’s pulling you even closer, holding you tight in her warm embrace as the shooting stars continue to trail across the sky, completely unnoticed.

Lucio

Watching the meteor shower with Lucio happened purely by accident. You two had been preparing to turn in for the night, and he’d gone to pull the curtains closed on the huge picture window in his bedroom when he’d spotted something streaking across the sky. He’d immediately yelled for you to come look, and you spent a couple of minutes with your faces practically pressed up against the window, watching in anticipation, until you spotted another.

His face lit up with excitement and wonder, and he began rapidly talking about going outside and watching the falling stars. Fortunately, ever the voice of reason, you pointed out an alternative: he had the gigantic window in his bedroom, so why not use it? If it was even possible, Lucio’s smile got even wider, and he wasted little time in grabbing all of the decorative pillows he owned (honestly, that’s way too many) and stacking them on the bed.

With that set up, he practically dragged you into bed, wrapping his non-metal arm around you and pulling you close as you both settled in, propped up on the pillows so you had a nice view out the window. Each time another one came flashing across the sky, he’d gasp and point it out, asking if you’d seen it in the same way an excited five-year-old asks if you’d seen the doggy walking down the street. It’s cute, really, and you love seeing him so happy.

Eventually, he turns to you with a warm smile, illuminated by the starlight streaming in through the window. His voice is soft when he speaks, his usual cockiness gone and replaced with affection. It’s something he only uses when he’s speaking to you or his pets, and it always makes your heart flutter. Especially now, as he informs you that the stars are beautiful, but nowhere near as stunning as you are. You flush, opening your mouth to respond, maybe insist that he’s got it backwards, but his lips are on yours before you can get a word out.

Elowen

You were walking through the streets of Porrima with Elowen, hand-in-hand, chatting casually as you headed back towards Fathom after your dinner date. Laughing at a joke she’d made, you tilted your head back slightly and spotted the star streaking across the sky. You’d gripped her hand harder, pointing with your free hand and urging her to look. She simply smiled, giving you a fond look and lightly tugging on your hand, pulling you along.

You’d assumed she wasn’t interested in the shooting stars until she stopped at the overlook, sending you a playful smirk as she sat on the wall, letting her legs dangle off the side. You were a little hesitant to join her, but she assured you she wouldn’t let you fall– and true to her word, when you sat beside her, she hugged you so tightly to her side that you couldn’t have fallen if you wanted to. Speaking so softly you almost didn’t hear her, she admits that she thought you’d like a better view of the sky.

You snuggle contentedly into her side, easily picking up your lighthearted banter from earlier as you watch the meteor shower together, talking about anything and everything that comes to mind.

It isn’t long before you start struggling to keep up with the conversation, however, because you’d made the mistake of looking at her, and now you can’t look away. Her hair is practically glowing in the starlight, and the way she’s looking at you with so much clear affection makes your heart melt. Your reply to her last comment dies in your throat as your mouth goes dry, and all you can do is stare in silent wonder.

Elowen clearly notices the way you’re looking at her, because a flush rises to her cheeks, and her arm tightens around your waist. Her lips brush yours, and she whispers that you look amazing tonight before she kisses you properly, holding you so close you can feel her heart pounding in her chest.

Tulsi

Tulsi had been finishing up in her shop when you’d burst in, a brilliant smile on your face that reminded her a little too much of Sage when that idiot brother of hers got a bad idea. Fortunately, the only idea you had was getting her outside, because you’d spotted a couple of shooting stars on your way to meet her for a date. Smiling fondly at you– as much as she might pretend otherwise, she adores your enthusiasm– she locks up and follows you out, taking your hand and beginning to lead you through the streets of Porrima.

You don’t stop until you come to the outskirts of town, where the light of lanterns is dimmer and the tall buildings are fewer. She picks a spot where you can see the most of the sky and settles down in the grass, motioning for you to join her with a smile. You happily lay beside her, cuddling up close as you once more turn your attention to the sky. You get a bit of soot on you, but you couldn’t care less, because all that’s important to you in this moment is her.

The stars are truly beautiful, but you find your gaze drifting to Tulsi only to find she’s already looking at you, enamored by the way you look in the starlight, and the soft smile on your face. She flushes when caught, as do you, and you both start speaking at once, attempting to compliment the other. She laughs, pulling you a little closer and wiping a smudge of soot off of your cheek with her thumb, then pausing, caressing your face for a moment while her eyes flick to your lips.

You lean in a bit, and she gives you a smile full of warmth and happiness before she meets you halfway, kissing you sweetly.

Rime

It was Rime who suggested this particular outing, showing up at your door with a charming smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes. He offered you his hand, informing you that he had a surprise for you. It was rather unexpected, but not unwelcome in the slightest, and you happily took his hand, following him into a portal he summoned.

Truthfully, the last place you expected to end up was on one of the towers of the huge castle in Porrima, but Rime just laughed at your shocked expression, tugging you over to the pile of blankets and pillows lying on the roof just waiting for you. You both make yourselves comfortable, one of his arms looped around your waist while you rest your head against his chest.

It isn’t long at all before your lingering questions are answered as you spot a shooting star. You gasp, looking up at Rime with delight, only to find him smiling warmly at you. Grinning, you lay back, watching the countless shooting stars in awe. Eventually, however, a thought occurs to you, and you ask him why he brought you here.

You can feel Rime’s laughter in his chest before he answers, voice full of amusement, and informs you that he’d chosen it primarily because it was the tallest thing in Porrima, and partially because he couldn’t resist taking a jab at Escell by bringing you on a date to such a prestigious location. That gets you chuckling, too.

A bigger, brighter star shoots across the sky, interrupting your amused conversation. Rime speaks up softly as it fades away, telling you that some people think shooting stars are spirits, and wish on them. They’re not, but he can practically feel the magic, being here with you, and his only wish is that it never has to end.

His words have you practically melting, and you lean up, threading your fingers through his strawberry hair as you kiss him, a silent reassurance that it never will end– no matter what, you’ll always have each other.

Writing Masterlist 🐝 Requests Open!  Tag List 🐝 

[poisonouswritings]

READER X CHARACTERS DRUNK CONFESSION EXCEPT IM GUNNA DRAG THIS STRAIGHT INTO THE ROAD TRIP SERIES BecaUSE ITS MY CURRENT HYPER FIXtaTiON.

Kinda NSFW ahead

Mc drunkenly confessing to sage that they knew about his AhEm problem during the ride to the hotel but didn't do anything about it cause they wanted to mess with him on purpose. So all the 'accidental' bouncing was mostly just them messing with sage.

-egg anon (dumb bitch anon)

Oh hell yeah let's go I'm very glad to help your hyperfixation

Road Trip Part 1 - because obviously I have to pimp my own stuff

GN!Reader, mentions of NSFW in the context of the ask but more stuff does not happen. This time. That's saved for another post, also mentions of alcohol/being drunk

It's been a long day today. Anisa had insisted on taking a sunrise hike. Then Elowen wanted to race back down the path.

And you managed to trip over your own shoes and faceplant on the path.

All in all, not your finest moment.

Anisa immediately went into Mom Mode and pulled out antibiotics and bandages. Everyone else was laughing a bit. And Sage?

Sage scoops you up in his arms, asking if you're okay. Yeah he's a little amused but he's also genuinely concerned. You ate it pretty hard. Are you okay?

You're just dying because all you really did was scrape your knee this isn't That Big of A Deal.

Anyways you guys head over to a bar for dinner. And maybe it's because of the embarrassment from earlier or maybe it's just because it's a vacation and, hey, you need a break, that you get a little extra drunk.

A liiiiiiiittle extra drunk.

Little bit.

....................

Oh no you're wasted

As you're all hanging out and messing around, you casually crawl into Sage's lap and mush your butt against him. He lets out a startled laugh.

Your body tips dangerously to the side. He quickly wraps his arms around your waist to hold you in place, making sure you don't tip over. His face is already warm from the alcohol but now the warmth spreads pleasantly through his chest. His tail winds around your waist.

You lightly mush your cheek against his forehead. You have a secret~ that you wanna tell him~ but he's gotta be a good boy about it~ and then you start giggling and you can't stop for a minute or two.

Obviously he realizes you're drunk. So he thinks you're gonna say something silly. He playfully rests his chin on your shoulder. There's a little purr in his chest that he can't get rid of. Not when your drunken giggling makes him feel so giddy.

You press a sloppy, playful kiss to his cheek before snuggling the top of his head, loudly whispering right into his fluffy ear-

You knew about his little 'problem' the other day.

His eyes widen and he goes completely still under you.

You snicker and wrap your arms around his neck. He isn't mad, right~? Aw, of course not~ Your cute kitty cat couldn't be mad at you~ so hopefully he doesn't mind that you~

And nooooooow you're giggling again.

At this point Sage is trying to coax the information out of you because Holy Shit He Needs To Know What The Hell It Is You Were About To Say His Very Being Depends On It

You boop his nose.

That car ride? :) Where you were bouncing on him? :) Grinding your ass on his dick until he had to go get himself off in the bathroom? :) Well :) you were doing (at least some of it) on purpose~ :) It was just so easy and fun to do :) and he looked reaaaaaaaaally cute all blushy like that :)

And then you collapse back into giggles at the shocked look on his face and because his tail is going haywire and tickling you

You pass out shortly after that, snoring into his shoulder.

Sage is absolutely fucking dying. Do you know what you just said?? What does that even mean?!! D-does that mean that you... you......

.................. He silently rests his forehead against the back of your shoulder. His heart is hammering in his chest and he can't wipe the dumb smile off his face.

Well.

Shit.

He's love-drunk.

[uchiha-7thsingularity]

Last legacy MC/ OC getting their period and their LI taking the time to understand the situation. To comfort/heal with spice and fluff in the mix of this shitpost. I might go back and proofread it later. Also, decided to focus on last legacy more (rime and felix) in the future FYI. Might do a part 2 with the side characters. Enjoy!

Felix Iskander Escellun:

At the beginning he was perplexed as to why you looked pale and sweaty during your lessons with each Starwsworn. Then he acknowledged Anisa, Sage, and Elowen sometimes checking on you constantly after sparing or meals. Especially Stella following your every move throughout the halls of blackthorn. He would even see Scylla, Florian, and Tulsi giving you little treats every now and then. Saaros or Ayanna had checked-in to see if you were coping throughout the day as well. As always you tell them your fine but none believed your false words. Nevertheless, the minutes tick by as the world continues to live and rotate on it's axis. Not stopping for anyone or any cycle or season if you know what I mean clap your hands and cry.

Then when he sees you go to mid-redemption Rime who seems to give you a pat on the head with a small smile he hasn't seen in years. This man feels useless without magic already on top of being newly confident nowadays. You guys are usually awkward but it's your thing he doesn't know how to be straightforward. Panic attack! Slap in the face! Heave a breathe. Then cry in a corner as Stella watches to judge you silently. Okay, I can handle this. You got this felix!! :)

Believe me when the pain was worse this time around to the point on the third day you collapse during your lesson with Felix learning a shield spell and incantation. Of course, you had told him you were fine, except he didn't take your word anymore and carried you. (YES, I said carried you on pure adrenaline and motivation to your guy's shared bed this man had activated). 

Once he tucked you under the warm covers with stella he kissed your forehead to only grab every single book to learn more about the body he overlooked before. I would think he was there for Scylla when she got hers but never asked many questions. Knowing him and rime these idiots skipped health class because they're know-it-all's. (Escell grounded him for a week or two. He tried to run away but failed to realize his Insigna. Note to self get rid of that blasted thing in the future.)

Anyway he seeks help from the others by asking questions this time. Afterword, he comes back to you by laying out a makeshift heating pad on your stomach. Anisa created with Florian that has your favorite herbs to settle your nerves. He puts extra pillows from Sage and Rime's room to help you sit up. Tulsi, Elowen, Saaros,  and Ayanna had been at the market when Felix asked them to buy you fruit and cheese with crackers to dine on with water. He also brought his midnight olives to feed you in the meantime. Right before bedtime he runs a bath for you, if you want one, with bath salts by Scylla he owes a favor too by the way. 

The warm water feels heavenly. He asks you if he can massage your shoulders or hips in the water. My man's got hands that are smooth like butter (hint:bts). If your ticklish he slowly eases you into it by distracting you with his CHARM and SHARP TONGUE. 

Felix: Relaxed now? Do you need confirmation of my underlying love? I'm pleased to help you understand the importance of self-care? 

MC/ OC: Seems intriguing. Although, professor I learn better with hands-on activities than self-taught. You taunt him smashing water at him he blocks with his freckled arm.

He licks his lip gazing upon you and all your glory thanking any gods for meeting you when he needed a new beginning in his life. All while you evaporate amongst this heat as he enjoys your blush expression. Excuse me judge(horny jail).

Toweling each other off you head to bed. Cuddles, your honor. Stella licks both your toes before bed as a kiss good night. You try to sleep but stare into each other's eyes, rubbing circles on each other's backs whispering nothing but fantasies you both want to experience together in your future. Thanking him you promise to come to him when you need comfort or satisfaction. Bumping foreheads you lead him into a slow soft kissing session. Only to share giggles when you guys catch your breath to fall asleep into a warm embrace full of freedom. 

Rime Solano Varela:

We're talking about before redemption this man has stalked you for gaining your weaknesses and downfall. He notices firsthand that you look ill or hunched over when the others glance away for a moment. His pride bargains to take you out when he realizes you just seem closed off or don't bark an insult to him. Not even an attempt to summon "his" relic. To which leads himself to backtrack for the day and reconsider what the hell's wrong with you? He feels conflicted in his broken state of mind every time he thinks of you in pain. Bambi feels a pain in his coldhearted chest. He ignores it and continues to seek more info and learn new spells to attack you with next time you feel yourself again to have a real battle. 

If this is redemption rime who tries gaining his old comrades and ex lover approval/ trust he teaches you with one-on-one healing or elemental spells. He seems to call you out this week when he recalls the exact tired look he's seen you suppress certain weeks when he stalked you beforehand. As a healer he took it upon himself to comprehend the human body by the books and manuscripts over the years. He's rusty but not dumb unlike a stinky cat man. (Somewhere sage sneezes into his keg). Taking precaution he grabs your wrist to lead you to Florians garden sitting you down gently.

Unaware of his next actions thinking he will lecture you on poisons he grabs a bowl and mixes red and orange plants and powders together he found in a glass cabinet nearby in the greenhouse. Curiosity burns within you or a fever coming on. You shiver. Oh no! He strides over to sit next to you and ask to cup your hands together. As you do with a confused expression he pours the mixture into your sweaty hands. Stare?!

MC/ OC: Is there a point to what you just did or is this a prank to make me suffer?

Rime: Hush and watch starlight. ;)

Surprise his gloved hand hover over yours as he twirls his hand above in a circle. You notice the powder twisting into a small tornado. It soon spirals around you both as your amazement shows he wraps an arm around your waist to pull you close. It astounded you to feel he has warmed his hands with a heat spell to rub circles on your hips and thighs. Pure bliss! Your lidded eyes gaze at the powder which appears to show small creatures galloping in the wind. 

Then rime caresses your cheek to cup your chin and turn your gaze upon him instead of his magic. You hate to say he came into your life as your enemy but in turn you were a villain in his story as well. Earlier you offered a hand to him and asked to work and forgive each other slowly over time he accepted. Only for a second he leaned in to peck your nose as he chuckled at your red-tinted features comparing them to the red-ish powder he just prepared on the dot for you. You pushed him away at the comment to bumble for a comeback but flushed ever more at his raised brow. 

Still, the sun setting he leads you into his guest room felix gave him for the convenience of him being there and to piss escell off more likely. Laying on your back to relieve the pain he leaves for a few minutes to return with a hot meal Tulsi and Scylla made as elowen snacked on his cookies he announced irritated. (She knows what she's doing.) He also mentions lecturing felix, sage, and anisa to be more aware of your period signs before it starts to become worse for you and the team as a whole. Passing saaros on the way back to the room he asks them to let the others also know you will be out for a week. Until he heals you back on your feet. For the team sake not his. (Stop staring at him fandom with hope in your eyes. It's disgusting). He makes sure you have your fill and stay hydrated. 

Lastly, he put a cold wet towel on your forehead to relieve the fever you failed to hide. He rambles about the old days as you listen content on his soothing choir voice. He's about to clean up the room until you poke his butt with your foot and ask him to sing you a song. Silence. Why are you like this to him only? Because you caught feelings for him! ….What? ….what?! Giving up he lays with you to cuddle you that has him twirling your hair in his palms. Singing a tune of, "Your Love" by Daithi De Nogla cause I said so. Breathing on his chest listening to his silky voice he might fall asleep forgetting the mess for the next morning to find you fast asleep. In his bed. With him. In his arms. Holding tighter he kisses your head to thank the stars for giving him a second chance to learn to live again not as a broken abomination but a person you can be comfortable to survive long enough for him to swallow his pride and love again. 

Anisa Anka:

Typically you both pig out at the market and feed each other when you're alone together. It was hot as usual while holding hands to keep close in the crowded area. Sage and Tulsi headed back early to eat lunch at her shop to wait for more customers to wear her out. Rime and Felix decided to look for more ingredients to brew more protection spells. That's what they said but you and anisa noticed them head toward a stall filled with questionable novelty. (Don't be suspicious. Don't be suspicious.) Saaros was busy with escell and orion to meet up that day. And Ayanna had kicked you both out with her thick thighs and swift movement of her fluffy tail. And Elowen just bailed liked a ninja promiseing to meet up later.

Sweet, savory, spicy, and sour juices flowed over your tongue. Enjoying the moment with your lover had been short-lived. Cramps we're motherfudger. :( pure agonizing pain creeped up your spine with no warning what so ever. Whimpering silently next to her you try to bite your lip to not ruin the atmosphere of serenity but your period fights back. Clutching the table of nearby food stall anisa finally turns to notice you bending over yourself. Sweaty as you are she pampers you expecting you to tell her what's wrong. I think she knows but would want verbal confirmation from your bruised lips to be left with the option of hauling you back to her place by piggyback. As a women she knows all to well about the unwelcome friend that stops by every month.

Ayanna waiting for your return had cleaned up to realize anisa's haste to boil water on the stove. She catches a look at you seemingly past out on the bed with drool coming out your mouth. She heads out to get you necessities for your cramps with the intention of giving privacy as a perk of her absence. (Cough...cough. Wink...wink.Kiss the girl!) Rolling her eyes anisa goes out of her way to cover you up and fluff the pillows leveling your timid frigid figure. Thanking her she pats your hand to only say she will never leave your side no matter the cost. Anisa: I promise on my life to honor the knighthood to protect my dearest companion in trying times! Nothing will stop me!

MC/ OC: Kitten….the stove is on fire…..and yes I will be your soldier too now and forever!

Stop. Drop. And roll. The fire is out and you tell anisa just to wait for ayanna to come back with safe supplies for you. She rubs her face in exhaustion and you giggle beckoning her to sit in the bed with you. Moping on top of your stomach she takes her gloves off to rub circles around your lower abdomen while her teeth graze your chest. It tickles but she wants to take your mind off the pain for merely your sake and a little of her feeling excited to ravish you in your time of need. Peck's here and there on your thighs to licking up your stomach while looking at you. (I need help…I just want her to pin me your honor. And I'm not even gay. But I still deliver!!)

Eventually, anisa mom returns to see you both fell asleep wrapped together in the blanket like a burrito. She had bumped into the others at the market when they asked of both your absence and she gladly told them of you two missing. And to expect it for the harsh days to come. Later that week they all would check up on the two of you for reassurance of your health. Sadly, she wakes you up to let you change and wash up for dinner. Anisa helps her mom in the kitchen fixing a meal you favored.  To then layout an outfit she wore in her old training days. She helps you dress slowly to worship your beautiful body and wants to make you blush more than she is right now. Sharing a homemade meal ayanna shares some anisa childhood stories to leave you and her in a fit of laughter with tears beading your lashes. 

Anisa cleans up and you both say goodbye to ayanna who salutes you two to have fun tonight but not too much because you need to rest. And her daughter just hisses at her to leave while ayanna just swishes her hips abandoning you to giggle at her teasing. Having the home to yourself you grab anisa by the waist and pin her to the mattress burning your neck into her neck. She sighs as she squeezes you to tell you she is so glad to have you thrown into her life when she wished for a purpose to serve. Now she realizes she just yearned to be seen for her self-serving hard-work which you were the first to call her out on her BS of rulebook 101. 

Manuvering to peep at her she turns to peep back with a simple creeping on her cheery rose face. You tell her nothing but sweet words with sweet promises to hear her heartbeat rise in her chest at each syllable. You tossle her pink brownish hair with your nimble fingers to gently coax her into a slumber. Silly you had slept after being lulled to slumber by her intoxicating scent. The next day she watches you sleep propped on an elbow to be joyful to exist together until you decide to leave on a white steed into the sunset like in her childhood books.  Rather this time she will be holding the leash to guide you on your journey with her forever more. 

Sage Lesath:

Cat man is clueless to why you've been avoiding him this coming week. He thought he did something and got frustrated so he went to the other three. Rime assumed it was his presence that scared them off and led sage to snap his teeth at him. (Boys will be boys) Then felix added that maybe it was the fact he takes up half the bed with a shitty grin. Tired of the two mages he turned to anisa who sipped her tea and coaxed that he should ask you personally. Ruthlessly teasing him that it was probably the bite marks he had left on you every damn time his hair was combed by you. F u all I'm not needy!?

Roaming the halls of fanthom he heads outside to see you sitting in the grass near the water with the big tree and broken bridge up above. Heading over he wraps his tail around your shoulder to throw your guard off to tickle your nose with his as you turn to him finally. You beam at him with the animated look you give him when he sees you. However, this face has bags under their eyes with blotches on their cheekbones and goosebumps all around their legs and arms. You try to say your well but he ignores your words and carries you off to his room by hauling you over his shoulder like sheep did with fiona. You know the scene.(Donkey! Right behind you shrek!)

Pining you to the bed he wraps any blankets he can find as you taunt him to be more gentle since it's his first period. He bites back that tulsi is on her way to help the star sworn make dinner for you and bring you your lady things.(in my opinion, raising tulsi he might had stole stuff to help her in her time of need but never pushed her to talk about it). In the current time anisa stopped by with saaros and her mom to drip off spa treatments you can use to clear off your face and relax your body. 

Rime and felix were busy making a disastrous dinner while elowen jumped into salvage the meal cussing them out to stop adding random stuff into the pot. Scylla and florian stopped by to visit felix and then heard of your situation to fill a basin of water with ice cubes to keep you hydrated. And a potted small tree to leave as a period gift to admire with a bottle of aroma from Scylla to mix in your bath. Wink at you and sage. Additionally, sage was busy guarding you with his life to anyone who got to close to you two. Stella was kicked out twice and somehow found her way back. (She on demon time)!? So on the minutes ticked by as he made sure you were hydrated and warm in his rough embrace with his big arms.

Sage: Is this enough? Do you need me to go get a healer or anisa again?

MC/ OC: The one thing you can do for me is to let me touch those fluffy ears and tail!;) Red like a hot pepper he lets you caress his tufts of white/silver fur to purr until his heart skips a beat like a madman. Grabbing his tail you yank on it a little along with his braided hair coming undone like him. Biting his lip he adores you, stating how he wants you to do whatever you like to him. Smiling like a fool you kiss his abs to hear him growl under his heated breath. Pulling back you boop his nose and say time to eat as you smell a savory aroma in the air. He lays there for a minute to then follow you to the main hall to eat while sharing a glance here and there. The others roll their eyes at the display you guys fail to hide admit the humble chatter.

Returning to the room after saying good night to your friends and foes(sage vs rime). You go back to cuddling on the bed to have sage's tail wrap around your lower core to pull you into his chest. He rest his chin on top of your head to purr to distract yourself from the mild painn you felt from all the affection he showed with the other today. You could cry. Instead, you grab his scarred  hands to lead them to straddle your hips as he catches on to heat up with his skillful hands he brags daily about to you.

Sleeping peacefully in the night he wakes up to home you close and wonder what the hells you see in him?? An alcoholic with commitment issues that can't handle discovering a friend or lover in pain again. He peers at you to pay attention to his random thoughts filled with you and a toothy grin spreading across his lips. Mother night. His thoughts reel to one conclusion. In his final moments of sanity, before corruption takes over, he will do anything to vanquish the darkness within him to see another starlit sky with you. A chance to put his beer down. Wipe his face. Flash you his signature look(you know the look). And tell you that he will howl your name till his throat gives out to let the world know he's yours and you are his and no one will change his mind.

[evanox]

LL M4 as Identity V players

as far as I'm aware there's only 2 other people in this fandom who play idv but will that stop me from sharing my brain worms with everyone? No. Also thank you @mauve-days for brainstorming with me 🥺

(IDV is an AsYmMetRiCaL ✨h o r r o r✨ game where 4 survivors have to decode 5 ciphers to get to freedom, all while trying to escape the hunter and avoid getting sent back to the manor—basically dead by daylight but for kids /hj)

Felix Iskandar Escellun

His starter survivor was Lawyer because he was too nervous moving around the map without knowing where the hunter is; ended up becoming really good at it—figured out cipher rotations and became really great at communicating through vc to make it all work; if you don’t understand what “I’m in top broken” means then why are you even playing with him?

All Felix wanted is to decode in peace but he always spawned closest to the hunter so he tried out Priestess, realized he really enjoyed being a kiter and laughing at the hunter’s face after dodging all their hits. Is Priestess broken? Yes. Will that stop him from getting really smug after a good kite? No.

Eventually moved on to Painter... idk he has the same smug vibe as Edgar mains, he just LOVES placing a portrait right before a pallet; probably mains Embalmer and Novelist too but mostly for the Aesthetic; dabbled a little in Mind’s Eye bc he loves a challenge

Scary good at juking

Doesn't enjoy playing hunter as much, however he does like playing Violinist and Photographer once in a while

Ended up getting really invested in the lore so he dabbled in all the characters who have diaries until he completed their deductions; had to ask for Sage’s help to complete the Thief diary though because Felix couldn't pull off the flashlight deduction

Has an extensive list of theories of how the characters are connected; collects map descriptions and character birthday letters, probably has them printed out to pin on a board to connect them with yarn; yes the Orpheus plot is driving him insane

Atropos' Ropes was his favorite event

 Loves playing the king role in Tarot even though it can be stressful,, why does he like being chased and captured so much 🤔

Getting manhandled by a friendly hunter makes him blush so much but you don’t need to know,, will hide in lockers and wait to get carried and he gets SO upset if the hunter ignores him

Does he write fanfic? Yes, yes he does. Probably started out as a vicdrew stan

Anisa Anka

Starter survivor was Gardener bc look at her!! So cute!! Also she feels the daddy/mommy issues on a spiritual level but shh no one needs to know

Was a little too trigger-happy with breaking chairs she forgot she actually had to decode; was very confused as to how the hunter always found her

Currently Coordinator and Enchantress main, with a little Barmaid on the side (because she's hot); tide turner never leaves Anisa’s persona builds—overall she loves playing support and rescue (and Pretty Girls); an overwhelming sense of safety washes over everyone who matches with her because they know she won’t let them down

Feels SO guilty when she gets downed and keeps spamming “Sorry..” and “Don’t rescue me!”,, even if her kite lasted an impressive 4 minutes

Sometimes she says “fuck it we all win or we all die” and decides to detention rescue. She deserves to go crazy go stupid once in a while don’t hold it against her

As for her hunter gameplay, she’s a terrifying Geisha—can pull off the butterfly-dash through walls on any map,, her fingers are just really fast 🤭😳 probably plays trump card blink>teleport

Very sweet and hands out ties generously, gladly spares the last survivor if she already secured the win. She’ll leave you some stickers on your chair so you won’t feel too bad about getting downed 

But she’s absolutely unforgiving in Tarot; takes her role as a Knight very seriously

Enjoys doing friendly duo hunters with Elowen as marymichiko, but Elowen is not as friendly the moment the survivors start pulling out their guns 

Never ever stays for post chat fights; drops a “gg!” and dips out of the channel so fast. Absolutely rejoiced over the update to automatically exit the chat when the match ends

Likes listening to Felix’s lore info dumps, that’s how Anisa came to love Gardener. Cried a little over Soul Weaver, Disciple, and Geisha’s stories. Her favorite events were probably the Christamas and Lunar New Year ones

Sage Lesath

Starter survivor was Thief bc Sage was the only one ballsy enough to backward-kite, made many jokes about "flashing" the hunter

Loves harasser-type characters, absolute menace that he is, but also plays Mercenary because he loves being your knight in shining armor—yes he'll flame your ass in post chat if you steal rescues

Will joke about bringing build 69 in pre chat to stress everyone out

Flirts a lot in pre chat too

He plays Cowboy often just to flirt with others, randomly lassoes survivors in duos; also likes playing Patient because going nyoom with the hook is fun and follows all Psychologists like a lost puppy 

Absolutely hates decoding,, what do you mean he has to stay in one place for most of the game? Sage loves to be involved in the action and will annoy the hunter until they switch targets,, will only stick at a cipher machine if he wants to flirt with a teammate

However he did pick up Explorer but ONLY to piss off Rime when the latter is playing hunter during tournaments; Sage kept hiding from Rime once and insisted on making the match last 45 minutes instead of surrendering... even though all his teammates were already dead

Suicide matches and basement parties with his griefer buddies whenever they’re feeling chaotic; they’ll bring a full harasser team (or sometimes even troll comps,, full Lawyer team bc why Not) to torment the hunter before surrendering

Has tried out hunters like Sculptor but absolutely flopped; if it needs a lot of planning, tactics and practice he's out

However. He's somehow S badge Smiley Face and Gamekeeper—the simpler the hunter, the better his gameplay apparently

If he's in the mood to go friendly he'll bring Ripper with the umbrella accessory to carry survivors bridal style

Rime Solano Varela

Started out as That Doctor main; steals rescues all the time, NO tide. Rescues even if his teammate got downed 20 seconds into the game. At least he has the decency to bodyblock?

Got bullied for always stealing rescues so he said fuck it and moved on to hunter faction permanently, in fact he developed a deep hatred for survivors and will go off on tangents about how unbalanced the game is whenever given the chance,,, Priestess his beloathed,,

Had to play Hell Ember until he could afford another hunter and it made him want to bang his head against a wall... that is, until Rime learned how to actually play Hell Ember and became scary good with it; made it to A badge once

His first hunter was Axe Boy,, idk something about Robbie mains is very menacing and fits Rime's vibe so well

Evolved into an absolutely terrifying Dream Witch and Sculptor main, since they were at the top of the meta

Eventually got bored with the well-known meta and started practicing with other hunters to flaunt how skilled he is no matter the hunter; still keeps his DW and Sculptor skills polished though

No Sage, your jokes about maining Gamekeeper aren’t fucking funny

Participates in tourneys often and is very well-known across the fanbase; never anticipated “gamer/streamer” as a hobby and fun pastime but here we are

Always delighted by watching survivors cower in fear in pre chat when they match with Rime; will rotate through all his hunters with the visit emote like it’s foreplay if it was supposed to be painful and evil and you actually die at the end

NEVER goes friendly and never grants easy ties; but he also doesn’t bleed survivors out unless you REALLY pissed him off by being disrespectful in pre chat

In fact he gets weirdly defensive of any survivor who gets bullied in pre chat, MIGHT give you a draw if you all gather at the asshole’s chair and spam emotes

BONUS: Tulsi Ain

Mechanic main and her multitasking is crazy; whether it's kiting or decoding, she always makes the best use of her doll; she’d really rather stay as far away from the action as possible though

Doesn’t rage at games often but if you bring the hunter anywhere near her after she kept pinging her location/cipher progress, she will cuss you out with every language she knows (while muted) then ping a sarcastic “Thank you!”

You think stealing rescues from Sage is bad? Try touching Tulsi's connections when she's playing Prisoner, it's the only time she goes ham in post chat

Started playing Guard 26 because he's super cute, but she's absolutely terrifying as a Mad Eyes main,, her map control is insane 

Mike/Gramme

Mains Undead and everyone hates him for it

[crane-al]

Sage Chapter 11 Differences

Some differences I noticed between what I assume is a "good" and "bad" run of his route (as in runs where the choices made will lead to the good or bad ending). Once again this is just an assumption, it is not certain that this will mean the good or bad ending, or what I referer to as the "good" or "bad" run is correct, it could always be the other way around. Also, if it's more complex than that, the different dialogues may just reflect one character's attitude depending on how you've (mc) been acting towards them and not the actual ending you are heading towards. Again, this is just for fun, and I think the differences are interesting.

This time around it seems like it's mostly showing how different Elowen and Sage's attitudes towards those around them (or certain characters) are depending on how you've been acting.

(left "good" right "bad") Here, with Elowen being less aggressive and including mc more rather than just their powers

(top "good" bottom "bad", also, sorry about the poor quality on the "bad" one) Sage seems more focused on staying calm and not snap back in the "good" one, while the "bad" one he's noticeably angrier.

(left "good" right "bad") Elowen being more friendly towards, even more interested in, mc. (btw...I really like this one in the "good" run. Just really like Elowen in that version)

(left "good" right "bad"). Sage being more agreeable with Gramme (which in hindsight was a mistake, but is probably more about not just looking towards mc but also the rest of his companions so yea)

(left "good" right "bad") And finally, Sage being more reckless in the "bad" run and probably just more excited when it comes to fighting.

I honestly expected a little more, at least towards the end considering the times I encouraged Sage to fight in the "bad" run, but it's interesting to see nonetheless. Sage is noticeably more aggressive in the "bad" run and...not quite overly relies on mc, but seems to care more solely about mc and reassuring mc and not his companions as much. Though it may just be with Gramme here, as I was more "blindly" suspicious of him in the "bad" run and didn't ask Sage to elaborate about his mistrust. Elowen by far is the one that's the most changed, which is no surprise as in the "bad" run I was more suspicious and cold towards her, so her being so in return makes sense and is just a really neat thing to see.

[healerelowen]

I was pondering about what I could do next for The Chaoscule when I got an idea. What if Luke joined The Chaoscule? Since Luke originally was the one in the reader’s place in The Chaoscule it wouldn’t make that much of a difference. The main concept that I have in mind is just when Luke is unalived by Amanda he wakes up and somehow he’s inside of Inscryption. However he’s not in a place he recognizes (That’s because it’s the reader’s territory), he hears someone approaching and lone and behold, it’s the reader. The reader takes Luke back to the rest of The Chaoscule and is like, “This is ours now.”/j. 

Although in all seriousness, after addressing the situation to The Chaoscule, the reader has Luke stay on their island while he tries to get settled. During that time, Luke and the Chaoscule (With the reader included) get close and eventually Luke is absorbed into the polycule. P03 adds another area for Luke just like it does with the others along with adding a few things of Luke’s interest or some symbolism (Maybe like a few four-leafed clovers here and there scattered across the factory). You best believe there’s going to be heaps of questions from the reader and The Scrybes. 

And I know what you’re thinking, “Elowen! The reader should already know about the outside world because they’re from there! They wouldn’t be asking Luke about it if they already knew!” And to that I say, no, they don’t know and they wouldn’t know unless someone from the outside world told them. You see, if you pay attention to how I write all of my headcanons and fics (all of them not just for The Chaoscule), the reader is from the exact same world the characters are from. They are not from the outside world like Luke is, therefore they wouldn’t know a single thing. In fact, I don't think they would know there even was an outside world to begin with because they haven’t seen the OLD_DATA so then they wouldn’t know they're simply a character in a video game rather than someone who lives in a real world.  

In any case, Luke is going to be a part of The Chaoscule sometimes. I will say whether or not he’s in the Chaoscule fic or headcanon post in the Author’s note at the top of the post. For anyone who wants to write this out (I definitely will) or wants to write some old Chaoscule scenarios with Luke in it, you’re more than welcome to, I would just recommend to also put whether or not Luke is included. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this and have a good rest of your day/night!