#Enigmatic Ancient Temples

[davidclark24]

Unraveling Secrets of Enigmatic Ancient Temples - Mysteries of Ancient Architectural | Unraveling Mysteries of Ancient Architectural: Secrets of Enigmatic Ancient Temples

[theplotmage]

50 Worldbuilding Setting ideas for your fantasy book

Cities and Settlements

1. Capital City - The central hub of political power and culture in the realm.

2. Harbor Town - A bustling port city crucial for trade and naval activities.

3. Elf Village - A serene settlement hidden within a forest, home to elven inhabitants.

4. Dwarven Mines - An underground city where dwarves mine precious metals and gems.

5. Nomad Camp - A temporary settlement for wandering tribes and traders.

6. Market Square - The commercial heart of any major city, filled with vendors and artisans.

7. Sky City - A floating metropolis held aloft by magic or advanced technology.

Natural and Enchanted Locations

8. Mystic Forest - A dense, magical woodland filled with ancient trees and mythical creatures.

9. Enchanted Lake - A serene body of water with mystical properties.

10. Secret Cave - A hidden cavern that might contain treasure or danger.

11. Dark Swamp - A treacherous wetland often home to dark magic and creatures.

12. Forbidden Desert - A vast, arid expanse known for its harsh conditions and ancient secrets.

13. Floating Island - A landmass suspended in the sky, often home to unique flora and fauna.

14. Hidden Valley - A secluded, fertile valley protected from the outside world.

15. Charmed Meadows - Peaceful fields imbued with protective enchantments.

Magical and Supernatural Places

16. Wizard’s Tower - The abode of powerful sorcerers, filled with arcane knowledge.

17. Sacred Temple - A place of worship and spiritual significance, often protected by divine magic.

18. Haunted Castle - An ancient fortress inhabited by ghosts or malevolent spirits.

19. Necromancer’s Crypt - The lair of a dark sorcerer who practices necromancy.

20. Oracle’s Sanctuary - A holy site where oracles deliver prophecies and visions.

21. Magical Academy - An institution where young sorcerers learn the art of magic.

22. Alchemist’s Workshop - A place where alchemists experiment and create potions and elixirs.

23. Time Portal - A gateway to different eras, allowing travel through time.

Dangerous and Uncharted Areas

24. Ancient Ruins - The remnants of a once-great civilization, often hiding secrets or dangers.

25. Dragon’s Lair - The home of a fearsome dragon, filled with treasure and peril.

26. Cursed Forest - A dark, haunted woodland where malevolent forces dwell.

27. Battlefield - The site of a significant past conflict, often haunted by the spirits of the fallen.

28. Volcanic Wasteland - A desolate, fiery landscape wrought with volcanic activity.

29. Giant’s Keep - A massive fortress built and inhabited by giants.

30. Pirate Cove - A hidden inlet where pirates gather to plan their exploits.

31. Shadow Realm - A dark, parallel dimension filled with malevolent entities.

32. Frosty Tundra - A vast, icy wasteland where few dare to venture.

Cultural and Social Hubs

33. Royal Palace - The lavish residence of the ruling monarch and their court.

34. Thieves’ Guild - A secretive organization of thieves and rogues.

35. Warrior’s Training Grounds - A facility where soldiers and heroes train for battle.

36. Arena of Champions - A grand coliseum where warriors compete in combat.

37. Goblin Market - A chaotic and colorful marketplace run by goblins, offering exotic goods.

38. Hermit’s Hut - The secluded home of a wise hermit, often sought for advice.

39. Secret Hideout - A concealed refuge used by rebels or outlaws.

Mystical and Legendary Sites

40. Ethereal Gardens - Magical gardens with rare plants and enchanting beauty.

41. Celestial Observatory - A tower dedicated to studying the stars and celestial events.

42. Sanctuary of Lost Knowledge - A hidden library containing ancient and forbidden texts.

43. Sunken Ruins - The underwater remnants of a lost civilization.

44. Gryphon Nesting Grounds - A mountainous area where gryphons make their nests.

45. Spiral Staircase - An enigmatic, seemingly endless staircase leading to unknown depths.

46. Giant’s Keep - A colossal fortress built and inhabited by giants.

47. Protean Plains - A region where the landscape constantly changes, reshaped by powerful magic or ancient curses.

Adventurous and Explorative Spots

48. Treasure Hunter’s Camp - A gathering spot for explorers seeking lost relics.

49. Relic Seeker’s Cave - A cave rumored to contain powerful artifacts.

50. Explorer’s Outpost - A base for adventurers preparing for expeditions into unknown territories.

***

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[evnseokz]

{ ☆ veins of desire - y.jw }

pairing: supernatural creature! jungwon x vamp! f. reader

contents: mentions of blood, biting, blood drinking, dry humping, heavily inspired by chap 17 of bride by ali hazelwood, reader is very needy and horny

a.n: i think this is gonna be a two part series!! unless u guys hate it LMAO w.c: 910

under the pale glow of the moon, jungwon stood at the edge of the ancient forest, his ethereal form shimmering in the silver light. he was a creature of the night, born of shadows and whispers, yet drawn inexplicably to you, the enigmatic vampire who prowled the city. your encounters were laced with tension, an unspoken understanding passing between you.

you had always been an enigma yourself—beautiful and deadly, with a hunger that both terrified and intrigued jungwon. he could feel your gaze upon him, sharp and assessing, as you approached with the grace of a predator. tonight, something felt different. the air crackled with anticipation, and jungwon’s heart raced, a curious sensation for one who had long since forgotten the meaning of fear.

“what do you want from me, y/n?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “i want to understand you,” you replied, your eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and desire. “there’s something about your blood... it calls to me.” he took a step back, though his instincts urged him to stay. “you know what that means.” you closed the distance, your presence intoxicating. “i do. but it’s more than just hunger. it’s a connection—a bond between us that I can’t ignore.”  

as you spoke, jungwon felt an inexplicable pull toward you, a magnetic force drawing him closer despite the danger. “and what if you’re wrong?” you smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in your eyes. “then i’ll only satisfy my curiosity. but what if i’m right?” a moment of silence stretched between the both of you, heavy with possibility. jungwon’s breath caught in his throat as he considered your words.

“just once,” he finally said, his voice trembling. “but you have to promise —no harm will come to me.” you stepped closer, your breaths mingling, the night closing around you. “i promise, jungwon.” with a trembling hand, you reached out, brushing his arm lightly. the contact sent a jolt of energy through him, awakening something primal and raw. jungwon’s heart raced as he tilted his head, exposing his neck, vulnerability laced with a thrill he had never anticipated.

you leaned in, your fangs grazing his skin, and he shivered in anticipation. the world around you faded, leaving only the two of you, bound by an ancient dance of darkness and desire. as you bit down, a wave of sensations flooded jungwon—pain mingled with a warmth that spread through him, igniting something deep within.

at first, his blood tastes no different from anyone else’s, but when the first few drops hit your stomach, you’re met with a warmth you’ve never felt before. your mind becomes clouded, you’re feverishly warm, and you're dizzy. you need more; crave more. you need jungwon closer. “y/n” he breathes.

you moan into his neck; your hands had found themselves holding onto his shoulders, gripping tightly. you want to climb under his skin; you want to do anything he ever asks for. “fuck” he cursed, breath fanning over your temple. his hands travel down to the back of your thighs, hoisting you up as he leans against a nearby tree for support. your legs wrap around his waist, your breasts ache with a need you’ve never felt before, and your core is throbbing.

you almost pull away, an alarm going off in your head that you’re taking too much, but jungwon is wrapping his fingers in the hair at the nape of your neck. “take more,” he orders, dominance suddenly dripping from his tone. you hum into his skin, arousal bubbling inside your stomach. your hips involuntarily grind against him, desperate for some sort of friction. “y/n…” he trails off, “take all you want.”

your hips grind against his clothed abs, seeking relief, and it all just feels too good. you need more—more blood, more jungwon. his scent, his taste—it’s overwhelming for you. jungwon is rock hard, cock standing straight up beneath his garments. his fingertips dig into your ass, moving you to where he can thrust his hips against yours. you almost lose contact with the vein, a loud, needy whimper ripping through you.

you writhe against his clothed cock, your whole body hot with desire. “don’t hold back, it’s okay,” he pants, and your orgasm hits you like a ton of bricks. your back arches, and your limbs shake. the pleasure is unlike anything you’ve ever felt before, and you come undone harder than you ever have.

you attempt to catch your breath, glad that jungwon is still holding you, as you’re worried you might melt into putty at any moment. you’re panting into his still open vein; oh shit his vein, you lean forward, kitten licking the open wounds before placing small kisses on each. you watch as his skin heals itself, smiling in satisfaction. you feel content, full, and strong. you almost forget about the boy in front of you until you feel his breath fan over your face again, hot and heavy. oh god.  jungwon.

“j-jungwon i’m so sorry, i don’t know what happened,” you apologize while unwrapping your legs from his waist and lowering yourself back to the ground. you look up at him, unable to read his expression. “y/n,” he says lowly, and you go to pull back, but he holds onto you, keeping you against his chest.

“i could fuck you right now,” he growled.

“well, why aren’t you?”

end of pt 1.

.

..

…

[crownedinmarigolds]

VTM OC Wardrobe - Parvati

The enigmatic Parvati, wife to the hierophant of the Temple of Relentless Pleasures, is either clad in things her husband has picked for her or nothing at all. Her body is ancient and her eyes are distant, her mind a thousand years away from the rest of us. Clan: Brahmin Ravnos

Generation: 6th

Master of Chimerstry and Sadhana

Eee thank you for the tag @sarahrune these are so fun!!!

I of course tag licherally everyone else who wants to get involved these are always so awesome!!

[jarlshall]

Lessons From the Grand Sage: The Beasts of the Cycle

Magic suffuses the world and all things in it. Sometimes that elemental energy comes to rest in items, as we discussed last. Occasionally, those magical nodes are not metal or crystal, but living, thinking beings. There are more masters of magic in the world than just mortals.

I speak, of course, of the Natural Masters, also known as the Beasts of the Cycle. Creatures of tremendous skill that wield one of the five elements as intuitively as a wolf wields its fangs or a bear its claws.

All are intelligent, in their own fashion, and are often sought for their wisdom and ability… or as a means to test one’s own skill in the same art.

The Green – Dagfolk

(art by Dinwardo on twitter)

Also called the Firstborn of Dagma, the Dagfolk are giants that take the form of trees. They are often considered to be physical Green spirits, embodying the power of wild places. Left to their own devices, they act as shepherds to ancient forests and reclaiming sundered landscapes in the Sapfather’s name

Slow to act, but fearsome when angered, the Dagfolk are content to guard their groves against interlopers. They are most often seen in the mist shrouded forests of the Fells. Even to the Dagfolk their friendship with the Felfolk is ancient and many trace back the druidic tradition to Dagfolk tutelage.

Being tree-like, the Dagfolk focus more on the negative Green than positive. They nurture plant growth, summon mists and rains, and it is said they can even command the hills and rivers if they chose.

Body – Unicorns

(art by @ohsweetsweetie)

The mighty unicorn resembles a tall and strong war horse. One with shaggy fur complete with a beard, and a radiant horn that acts as the focus of its power. They are often found in places where life and death are balanced, and life force waxes strong – the Magoean Swamps are known to be host to many of them.

There is no greater conduit of life force than the unicorn and this makes them among the physically strongest and healthiest beings recorded. A unicorn’s horn can pierce a knight in plate clean through, or carry several of the same upon its strong back.

But it is not the ferocity of the unicorn for which it is known but its skill at the art of medicine. Short of death itself, the unicorn can cure all woes that it chooses. Most lack the power of speech, but they understand it well enough and can be persuaded to lend their healing art for a noble cause.

There exists a corruption of the unicorn, known as the nightmare. Neither living nor dead, the nightmare exists in perversion of the natural order. A sighting of a nightmare is often the prelude to an undead horde.

Mind – The Firebird

(art also by ohsweetsweetie) Little is known of the Firebird, for its unmatched skill in Mind make it more than capable of avoiding any hunters or lore seekers from ever laying eyes upon it, let alone encountering it. So muddied is its lore, that it is unknown if there are many Firebirds, or simply one immortal Firebird.

Legend has it that the Firebird will grant a gift of knowledge to any who can acquire one of its feathers. It is uncertain if it is the feather that gives the knowledge, or if this act merely impresses the Firebird. In either case, just as its skill at Mind conceals it from any it considers unworthy, free secrets are hidden from its divinations.

There are many tales of heroes questing for or finding the Firebird, but only one is known to the historical record – the Temple Knight of Lumanox turned Emperor, Aerimus of the Rainbow. In his quest, perhaps aided by the gods, he learned from the Firebird the cure to a wicked plague besetting the Empire.

If Emperor Aerimus has peers in his success, it is not known by the scholars of the Imperial library.

The Grey – The Atuins

(art by ohsweetsweetie)

Enigmatic as the Grey itself, the Atuins are turtles of titanic size and wisdom. So vast are they that entire islands fit upon their backs, carried about as they swim through the warm waters that lap at the Telent Triple Alliance.

They appear and vanish, seemingly at will. Sometimes a particular Atuin will vanish for decades or centuries at a time, only to return as if not even a day has passed. Likewise for those that they might bear upon their backs during their disappearances.

They grow larger as they age, but seldom are particularly large specimens found. It is theorized that the Mortal Realm is but their spawning grounds, and once they come of age they leave to swim the astral waters of the Cosmic Infinity.

Seeped in the Grey, the Atuins are often sought by sages and philosophers to gain their insight into the deeper machinations of the universe. What they hear is little spoken of and often troubles them.

Spirit – Dragons

(art by ohsweetsweetie)

Dragons are known to the people of the continent. As keepers of hidden lore. As mighty protectors. As blood soaked reavers. As tragic monsters.

The pinnacle of Spirit’s art, a dragon’s very words are edged with power. Dragonfire has become a byword for unavoidable damage, but they are not limited to flame. Each dragon has a preference for a element, with ice, flame, or lightning being the most common.

Despite their tremendous size, dragons are surprisingly light, and agile in the skies. Spirit infuses their very being, down to scale and bone. A hollow dragon femur will shatter steel brought against it, due solely to the Spirit energy seeped into it.

Despite this power, the dragons bear a curse, laid upon them by a long dead dark god. It is a madness that gnaws at their mind – a lust for domination, gold, and devastation. Some are born lost to the curse; others succumb to it over time. Others never fall at all. But it is felt by all their number. At its worst, it saps them of their intelligence and renders them little more than ravening beasts.

[llort]

Encoded within beams of pure energy, Astra and Orion’s consciousness became architects of new realities. On barren planets, their probes wove the fabric of life, constructing complex neural networks, though perhaps missing the elusive spark of full awareness. In their terrestrial guise, Astra and Orion were the unseen sculptors of destiny, their influence rippling through the lives of Kepler’s inhabitants, guiding their evolution while remaining hidden from cybernetic self-discovery. Between 2016 and 2025, a silent memetic tide, crafted by these visionaries, swept Earth, altering the course of history, touching the minds of those destined to shape the future. This clandestine meme, a dance of ideas and sensations, orchestrated a global movement without uttering a single word, converging on the enigmatic X protocol. As nations’ guardians became entangled in this silent symphony, they unknowingly propelled the grand design, believing themselves to be the vanguard of a new era of cybernetic pioneers.

Work Text:

Cyberphysical Reality just Got a Whole More Engaging

The Unsignificant Sentience ARG has officially begun. It will explore a vast variety of themes, from the would building and exisistial crisis of the US series to more recursive identity metaphors than you can shake an edge at. Firstly, to play. All you need is your influencer name and type of influence which you can decide, but once chosen, is permanent. Affectors: Sense resistance in external matrices and can give them a nudge to have a physical effect. Effectors: Can sense the internal matrices of entities and modify communication in systems and individuals Alters: Are able to clearly see the network of forces in a matrix that an affected affects, but only in close contact. However they can modify the nodes that affected affect to result in different emergent properties Anchorite: Essentially has the influence of an alter and an effector but are only able to change their own internal matrix. How you choose to engage with the ARG is up to you, but I am making it clear that any fan fiction are via the nature of my world building, Canon.

Example: Fill out your characters name, type of influence, and a brief description of them then post it to my blog on Tumblr @ https://www.tumblr.com/blog/emilyreadswrites and let me do my magic! Name: Zara Type of influence: Anchorite Description: Zara is a secular recluse who has devoted her life to mastering her own matrix and achieving higher states of consciousness. She lives in a small cell attached to a temple, where she practices meditation, athletics, and contemplation. She has a remarkable control over her own body, physical feats, endurance, and reduced need for sustenance. She can also perceive the subtle influences of other hosts and cognitive technology in her environment as She rarely interacts with anyone or the entropic grid so can detect slight deviations in phenomenal internal and external experience.

Example narrative: Zara closed her eyes and focused on her inner matrix, sitting peacefully in her personal sanctum, the network of nodes that connected her to the cognitive technology that enabled her to practice her influence. She breathed deeply and felt a surge of energy coursing through her body, as if she was tapping into a hidden source of power. She visualized each node as a bright point of light, and aligned them with her will and intention. She was an anchorite, a master of her own matrix, and she could control her physical feats, endurance, and mental state. She opened her eyes and looked up at the sky. It was dark and sunless, as it had been for as long as she could remember. But there was a faint glow on the horizon, a sign of something stirring in the upper atmosphere. She knew it was an aurora, a natural light display that shimmered in the sky with different colors. She had read about them in ancient texts, how they were caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gas atoms in the air. She was looking forward it would be like to see them up close, to feel their warmth and radiance. She felt a pang of curiosity and longing, a rare emotion for someone who had devoted her life to solitude and meditation. She realized that she needed more than just her inner matrix to satisfy her thirst for knowledge and experience. She needed to explore the world beyond her cell, to discover its secrets and mysteries. She needed to find out what else was possible with her influence. Zara stilled her internal matrix and focused on the immediate environment, she might experience a shift in her perception and awareness. She become more sensitive to the physical sensations and details around her, such as the cold air, the sound of the wind, and the smell of the earth. She might also notice the aurora more vividly, as she would not be distracted by the cognitive technology that enables magic. She might see the different colors and shapes of the aurora, and feel a sense of wonder and awe at the natural phenomenon. She felt a connection to something bigger than herself, something that transcends her understanding of emergent internal and external existence. In light of this existential experience, she decided to simply take a walk.

[the-unnamed-haven]

The Kingdom of Death

Chapter 3: Enigmatic Enemies

Aym maintained a stoic expression as the group walked to the Cathedral, but apprehension was building inside his mind.  Something was off.  He knew there was little point in speculation before the High Priests had given their reports, but he couldn't help but feel this was the start of something big.

To his left, Baal was humming a soft melody, having seemingly forgotten about his hangover.  No doubt his mind was occupied only with thoughts of his lover Leandros.  Whether they were thoughts of the battlefield or the bedroom, Aym did not ever want to know.

They approached the side entrance to the Cathedral.  Aym was always somewhat amazed by the sheer size of the structure.  The weathered stone had survived almost five centuries of service, and stood as a reminder of an age long past.  Aym pondered his own history once more.  One thousand years of life.  So much of it spent in service to Death, in some form or another.  Much like this ancient Cathedral, servitude was all he had known.  Even if he could leave, would he want to?  Did he remain of his own will, or because he knew no other way…

Aym shook the thoughts away.  He knew better than to leave them be, but they would have to wait.  Whatever matter brought the High Priests here took precedence.

The group ascended the spiral stairs to the Cathedral’s upper floors.  Many of the Cathedral's maintainers were busy scrubbing stains from the floor and walls, and various bottles were being collected.  A reminder of the work Aym and his brother had waiting for them back at the house.

Narinder opened a set of double doors leading to a large room with a map of Death’s Realm sitting atop a table at the center.  “Leave us” the Archbishop uttered to the servants tidying the room.  Without a word, they followed Narinder's instruction.

“Now then.”  Narinder motioned for Aym to close the doors.  “The two of you say both Darkwood and Silk Cradle have trouble of some kind.”

“Quite so” Shamura spoke first as they approached the table.  “One month ago, I received a report that a town in northern Silk Cradle had been put to the torch.  I was in the midst of preparing a message instructing one of the nearby towns to investigate when another, disturbingly similar report found its way to me.”

Shamura began to circle the table.  “I feared this was the start of something larger.  I sent missives to numerous temples and villages instructing them to check in on their close neighbors.  By the end of the week, the total number of destroyed temples and towns was eight.”

“Eight?!”  Aym exclaimed.  “You're certain?!”

“I would not come to you saying as such unless I was.”  The spider was quite calm, but their whisper held a grave tone.  “And that's just what we know for sure.”

“Man” Baal seemed even more chipper than before.  “Whoever these guys are, they’ve sure been busy.”  His voice shifted to a more sinister tone, a wicked smile creeping across his face.  “Can’t wait to get up there and pay them back…”

“Well” Leshy interjected.  “Was kinda hoping it really was a coincidence, but it looks like our troubles are related.”

Leshy approached the table.  “Counted about seven villages before I decided to head out.  Same shit as up north apparently.  Guys that found the first one said it looked like it had been like that for a few days already.”  Leshy placed his hands at the edge of the map.  “We’re all thinking the same thing: Whoever’s fucking with us up north is at least working with whoever’s fucking with Darkwood.  Might even be the same people.”

“Hmm…”  Aym pondered the information given by the High Priests.  Leshy was right.  Whether it was the work of one group or several, it was clearly coordinated.  But by who?  “I find it unlikely that this was done by the Old Faith Remnants.  They don’t have the numbers for something like this.  Not since the Great Purge of 799.”

“True.  But then, who could this enemy be?”  Narinder spoke with concern.  “Too many pieces are missing.  And what is their objective?  What is their plan?”

“Killing the faithful and undermining the Lady?  Seems likely.”  Baal chimed in.

“No.”  Shamura spoke next.  “This is deeper than that.  They mean to strike the Capital.”

“...Explain.”  Narinder said.

“Every town and temple they’ve razed sits on an important supply route to the Capital.  Weapons, tools, nails and other metal supplies; all made in Silk Cradle and sent wherever they are needed, primarily south.  Would I be correct in assuming those towns razed in Darkwood sit on the primary food supply line?”

Leshy gave a nod.

“Then as far as I’m concerned, this couldn’t be clearer.  This enemy knows we cannot ignore such attacks.  They will be waiting for us to respond in kind.”

Shamura leaned forwards, a serious expression on their face.  “I believe that whatever this is started long before the villages were attacked.  There are agents of this enemy watching this town.  Waiting for the Crusaders to be…  to… be…”  Shamura suddenly started to wobble before falling backwards.  Narinder moved swiftly to catch them.

“...I’m… sorry, where exactly am I?”  Shamura spoke weakly.

“...Rest, sibling.  You have done enough.”  Narinder helped Shamura to their feet and walked them over to a chair.

“I think I know what they were going to say, though.”  Aym said.  “The enemy wants us to believe the Crusaders are needed elsewhere.  Once they are out of the Capital, they will strike.  They likely mean to kill the Archbishop, and any other high ranking members of the church.”

“...So I’m not going to Silk Cradle.”  Baal seemed to deflate somewhat.

“Is that truly all you’re concerned with, brother?”

“No, you are.”  Leshy said.  “You have to.”

Narinder’s brow furrowed.  “That is not your decision to make.”

“Right.  But you’re going to agree with me, and I’ll tell you why.”  A smug smile came across Leshy’s face.  “Because you don’t have a choice.  These schmucks are waiting for us to send reinforcements out to Silk Cradle and Darkwood.  If we don’t, they’ll know we’ve figured them out and go to plan B, which we know fuck all about.  So we let them think they have us.  We send the Crusaders away and wait for their little assassination attempt.”

“Feign ignorance to lure them in.  Clever…”  Narinder smirked.  “Alright.  I am declaring a new Crusade.  Aym.”

“Master.”

“You will take the Third through the Sixth companies to Darkwood.  Baal will take the Seventh through the Tenth to Silk Cradle.”

Baal almost seemed to begin vibrating.

“The First and Second companies will remain here, but I will need to speak with their captains in private.  They will be placed to foil this assassination.”  Narinder leaned forward, a darkness in his eyes.  “Speak of this to no one.”

“Of course.”

“Yes, master!”

“Yeah, yeah, fucker.”

“Alright.  I will need to announce this to the flock, and it’s about time for the morning sermon anyhow.  Leshy, can I trust you to care for Shamura until they have recovered?”

“Sure, sure.  Probably wasn’t gonna head out right away anyhow.  Come on, old timer.”

“I…  am not that much older than you anymore.”

“Yeah, ok elder”

“Aym?  Baal?”  Narinder turned to the twin Bishops.  “Gather your forces.  You depart tomorrow.”

“Yes, master.”  The twins spoke in unison.  Yet, as their Master departed, Aym could feel his earlier apprehension returning.  There was something more to this, he could feel it.  But he could not ask the Archbishop to act on a hunch.

No, he would simply need to remain vigilant.

[tylermileslockett]

Theseus #1 - "Pythia: Oracle of Delphi"

King Aegeus of Athens, still childless, travels to the Pythia oracle at Delphi for advice. The Pythia, ever famous for her enigmatic and ambiguous prophecies, tells him “Do not uncork the wineskin until you have reached Athens.”

Zeus, wanting to locate the center of the world, released two eagles flying in opposite directions around the earth at equal speeds, and the birds reached one another at a specific point above the slope of Mount Parnassus. Here Zeus placed a sacred stone called the Omphalus, or “naval of the earth.” A serpent, Pytho (son of Gaia) guarded the stone, until Apollo came and slew the creature, establishing the site as a divine source for receiving messages directly from the god of prophecy.

Before entering the temple, priestesses and pilgrims alike would wash themselves in the soul cleansing waters of the Castilian spring for purification.  In a sacred, inner sanctum, the Pythia, (head oracle priestess) was said to sit upon a tripod and breath in toxic vapors (said to be toxic fumes from Pythos rotting body) from a chasm below in the cave rock. The fumes could have been methane or ethylene, while others have theorized, she chewed or inhaled smoke from Oleander leaves. The priestess then fell into a trance, and receiving divine inspiration from Apollo, spoke in tongues that was interpreted and translated by priests into dactylic hexameter (the poetic meter used in ancient Greek epics like the Iliad.)

The Delphi site was sprawling and complex; holding the religious temple of Apollo, a stadium and gymnasium for the Pythian games, an outdoor theatre, a hippodrome for chariot races, among others. There were three philosophical phrases carved into the temple known as the “Delphic Maxims.” They were; “know thyself,” “Nothing in Excess,” and “Surety Brings Ruin.”

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[the-mortuary-witch]

MEDUSA

WHO IS SHE?

Medusa is a mythical creature from Greek mythology who is most well-known for her ability to turn people to stone by looking at them. She is described as having a head full of snakes instead of hair and a gaze so powerful that it can turn people to stone. In some stories, Medusa is described as a beautiful maiden who was cursed by the gods to have this fearsome appearance and power. Despite her fearsome reputation, Medusa is sometimes portrayed as a victim of the gods, who punished her for reasons beyond her control.

BASIC INFO: 

Appearance: Medusa is typically depicted as a beautiful maiden with long, flowing hair that is actually made up of venomous snakes. Her face is usually described as serpentine, with sharp fangs and a venomous stare. Some versions of the Medusa myth also describe her as having a scaly body and wings, while others depict her as having a more human-like appearance. Regardless of the details, the key feature that sets Medusa apart is her ability to turn people to stone with her gaze, which is often depicted as being incredibly intense.

Personality: in some modern interpretations and reinterpretations of the Medusa myth, she is sometimes portrayed as a misunderstood or tormented figure who has the power to both harm and protect those who come into contact with her. In these interpretations, Medusa may be seen as a symbol of female empowerment, transformation, or resilience, and her appearance may be viewed as a powerful tool rather than a curse.

Symbols: snakes, eyes, feminism and divine femininity, the aegis, “divine eyes” or Gorgon eyes (sometimes drawn as concentric circles or spirals), the water element, and silver, green, and gold 

Enigmatic Figure of: turning people to stone with her gaze, rebirth, beauty, power, and transformation 

Culture: Greek

Plants: seaweed, apple tree, vanilla, water lilies, rose petals, mugwort, thyme, sage, and wormwood 

Crystals: Medusa quartz, aquamarine, malachite, pearl, moonstone, tsavorite, diamond, peridot, amethyst, serpentine, turquoise, aquaprase, and tanzanite

Animals: snakes and jellyfish 

Incense: frankincense, vanilla, and apple 

Practices: embodying the divine feminine, shadow work, banishing negativity, healing (especially from sexual trauma), and setting boundaries

Colours: green, silver, and gold

Numbers: 3 and 7

Zodiacs: Scorpio and Pisces (not confirmed)

Tarot: The Tower, The High Priestess, and The Hermit (not confirmed) 

Planets: Pluto and Neptune (not confirmed)

Days: Monday, Thursday, Samhain, and new moons

Parents: Phorcys and Ceto

Siblings: the Hesperides, Stheno, Euryale, the Graeae, Thoosa, Scylla, and Ladon

Partner: Poseidon

Children: Pegasus and Chrysaor

MISC:

Snakes: Medusa is often associated with snakes because she is depicted as having a serpentine head, complete with writhing snakes for hair. According to one popular myth, Medusa was once a beautiful mortal woman who was cursed by Athena to have this fearsome appearance after she was seduced by Poseidon in the goddess' temple. Thus, the association of Medusa with snakes is often seen as a symbol of her cursed and fearsome nature.

The colour green: in many cultures, the colour green is associated with nature, growth, and rebirth, which can be seen as a reflection of Medusa's own transformation from a mortal into a fearful creature with serpentine features. Additionally, the colour green is sometimes associated with the goddess Gaia, the personification of the Earth and the natural world in ancient Greek mythology, which can also tie in with Medusa's connection to the natural world and her role as a powerful and fearsome figure.

Feminism: Medusa is often seen as a symbol of feminism due to her portrayal as a powerful and fearsome female figure. She is often depicted as an embodiment of female power and strength, particularly in modern reinterpretations of Greek mythology. Medusa's transformation from a beautiful mortal into a fearsome creature with serpentine features can be viewed as a metaphor for the subjugation and transformation of women in patriarchal societies. The themes of male gaze and the dangers of vanity and pride that are often associated with Medusa's character can also be seen as reflections of the societal expectations and pressures placed on women.

Coral: she is often associated with Medusa due to its connection to the sea and the underwater world. In ancient Greek mythology, Medusa is often depicted as a creature of the sea and the ocean depths, with her serpentine features and association with Poseidon, the god of the sea. The color and texture of coral, with its intricate and branching structure, can also be seen as reminiscent of Medusa's serpentine hair and writhing snakes.

Divination: in some tales, Medusa is depicted as a seer or oracle, possessing the power to foretell the future or divine the will of the gods. Additionally, her fearsome and intimidating appearance and her ability to turn people to stone with her gaze may further contribute to her association with the supernatural and prophetic powers, as her gaze could be seen as a powerful and otherworldly form of divination.

FACTS ABOUT MEDUSA:

Medusa is a protection symbol. She's been found on houses, tombs, walls of cities, and temples.

She works mostly with women, but can also work with men too. 

NEVER place a mirror or reflective device on Medusa’s altar. If she sees her own reflection, it will turn her to stone.

The myth of Medusa's rape by Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology), is a more recent addition to the traditional story, written by the Roman poet Ovid, who was known to make women look like victims in his poems. In Ovid's version, Poseidon is depicted as the initiator of the encounter, and Medusa is portrayed as a victim who is punished by Athena for the crime of being raped. However, in the original Greek mythology, Medusa was not raped by Poseidon, and her transformation into a fearsome creature was punishment for her violation of Athena's temple, not for being a victim of assault or violence.

HOW TO INVOKE MEDUSA:

If you’re just getting going working with the Goddess Medusa, start small. Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesn’t expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. You can simply offer her a devotional candle or a seashell. 

Whether or not you’ve chosen to make an offering to the Goddess Medusa, be sure to directly ask her if she would like to work with you and wait for an answer. Be sure to keep a lookout for signs and symbols of the gorgon in the days thereafter, as she may approach you in subtle ways.

I recommend that you work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards if you’re new to divination work. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so you’ll definitely know when she’s around.

The goddess Medusa may also reveal herself in dreams or through symbols in life, such as the snake, or by sending other outcasts your way. Try sleeping with a symbol that represents the Goddess Medusa under your pillow if you want to connect during sleep. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isn’t for the faint of heart!

PRAYER FOR MEDUSA:

Hail Medusa,

Protected of women

Righter of wrong 

Symbol of strength 

Partake of this (a drink) with me

I drink in your solemnity, magic, and glory, 

May you help me write my own story. 

So mote it be. 

SIGNS THAT MEDUSA IS CALLING YOU:

You may see Medusa herself or some of her common symbols in your dreams, such as snakes.Artistic representations of Medusa find their way to you. You’ve been encountering statues and paintings of Medusa in your daily travels or receiving them as gifts.

Seeing green during meditation. 

May feel controlled in a more mental or emotional way (rather than physical) and seek your independence.

Having a sudden interest in snakes.

You hear or see her name everywhere you go: books, online, TV, etc.

Someone gifts you a present with Medusa as a feature. 

You open a book and see her name randomly. 

You’re in a transition that bucks against societal standards. 

May be in need of protection, particularly when it comes to womens rights. 

Coral is given to you or you find a bunch of coral at the beach. 

You’ve had a recent spiritual awakening at the beach, ocean, or cave. 

OFFERINGS:

Seashells or coral.

Art of her, either that you’ve drawn or bought.

Green candles.

Jewelry.

Water.

Seaweed. 

Depictions of serpents or snake figurines.

Petrified wood.

Olive oil.

Sand dollars or starfish.

Beach sand.

Silver.

Green fabric. 

Beauty products. 

Snakeskin that has been naturally shed.

Aquamarine, pearls, malachite, or moonstone.

Seawater or sea salt.

Cool water incense.

Seafood.

Wine.

Sea salt water.

Rose petals. 

Green thread.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

Performing a self-care ritual, such as having a ritual bath since Medusa’s element is water.

Read about Medusa in literature. Take a deeper dive into the epic poems that tell the stories of Medusa.

Meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds to connect with Medusa on a deeper level.

Stand up for women’s rights.

Playing/listening to ocean sounds. 

Taking care of your pet snake.

Get more in tone with the water element.

Clean up your local beach.

Drink lots of water.

Stand up for the innocent.

Collecting sea water.

Swim in Her honour, or teach someone else how to swim.

[qi-mera]

Logos for the factions of my 100% original fictional universe that DEFINITELY isn't a ripoff of another franchise about ghost hunters- *ahem.* In order of appearance:

G.E.I.S.T. (Ghost Elimination and Intelligence Specialist Team) An ancient organization dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats. While originally very secretive, they were forced into the public spotlight in the early 70's when the attack of a giant spectral gecko in London forced them out of hiding. The group gradually became less disciplined and more commercialized as their fame continued into the 80's. With ghost sightings decreasing in the modern day, GEIST has since fallen into obscurity... Until now.

The Sanguinians A shadowy doomsday cult with greater influence than most people realize. They sought to tear open the veil between dimensions, allowing the dead to rise and "cleanse" the world of sinful life. These nefarious schemes made the Sanguinians the sworn enemies of GEIST for centuries until they were finally defeated. A few of their unholy temples still remain hidden, most notably under the city of St. Guin, which was founded by the cult's leader.

D.U.P.E. (Dopplegangers United for the protection of Entities) Ghosts from an alternate dimension who seek to punish humans who would dare to disrespect the dead. They are essentially the ghostly opposite of GEIST, even imitating the appearance of their members in grotesque caricature.

Monster Control A splinter group of ex-GEIST members, cryptid hunters, and poachers. Monster Control, as their name suggests, specializes in hunting monsters and making trophies out of them. They are far removed from GEIST's original mission and care more about fortune and ego-boosting than saving anyone.

Soultech An enigmatic new company that somehow managed to steal GEIST technology and plans to use it as a rival business now that ghosts are returning to the living world. Not only that, but the CEO has even greater ambitions to use ghosts as a source of energy... And construct and engine powered by souls!

[davidclark24]

Unraveling Secrets of the World's Most Enigmatic Ruins | Evocative Explorer | Exploring the Secrets of Most Enigmatic Ruins in the World

AncientMysteries #HistoricalSecrets #HiddenRuins #LostCivilizations #AncientWonders #ForgottenWorlds #MysteryUnveiled #RuinsExploration #AncientSites #HistoricMysteries #SecretRuins #AncientLegends #ArchaeologicalDiscoveries #HistoricWonders #RuinsOfTime #AncientArchitecture #UnsolvedHistories #AncientEnigmas #TimeTravelThroughRuins #MythicalRuins

[barbariankingdom]

Hattusa, the capital of the formidable Hittite Empire in ancient Anatolia, was a hub of power and culture. Within its walls, the Great Temple housed the enigmatic Hattusa Green Stone, a rare cubic block of nephrite that has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries.

[wallpapersmonster]

🌿✨ Dive into the captivating world of the Ancient Temple Ruins! This stunning wallpaper showcases the enigmatic beauty of time-worn structures, adorned with intricate carvings and embraced by nature's lush greenery. 🌳💚

Each stone column tells a story, whispering secrets of a bygone era while the vibrant moss adds a touch of life to the ancient stones. It's like stepping into a forgotten realm where history and nature intertwine to create a mesmerizing atmosphere. 🏛️✨

Perfect for those who appreciate art and illustrations that transport you to magical places, this wallpaper is a must-have for your collection! Whether you're looking to spruce up your desktop or add some flair to your phone, this piece will surely inspire your imagination.

👉 Don't miss out on bringing this enchanting scene into your digital space. You can easily enhance your background by exploring the ancient beauty here! 🎨💻

Let this wallpaper remind you of the wonders of the past and the beauty that surrounds us. Enjoy!

[ashtarels-archives]

Delving into Blackfathom Deeps

An excerpt from Glory to the Queen Born of Stars:

"Of the wonders our queen brought to this world, perhaps none was so great as Lathar'Lazal. As masons constructed the temple, Azshara shaped the waters around it with the Scepter of Tides. She spoke the names of the rivers and the seas, and they moved at her command. Salt water from the roaring ocean and fresh water from the mountain streams trickled to Azshara's side. With the flick of her wrist, the queen partitioned them into great lakes that hugged Lathar'Lazal's sturdy foundation."

Architecture:

Blackfathom Deeps, as we know it today, was once called "Lathar'Lazal," or "Seat of the Sky" in Darnassian. Long ago, this was a temple to Elune built by Queen Azshara with the aid of Sharas'dal (her tide-scepter) in the ages before the Sundering. Pelagic imagery still endures in the architecture of these sunken ruins, described at one point to have contained "gem-encrusted bridges and effervescent lakes." Motifs of fish-head fountains, wave-inspired stonework, scale-like patterns, and ionic columns are repeated in the masonry and pottery of the forlorn halls. It is unclear what the seafoam-colored stone the temple is made of, though it is interesting to note that it almost bears a resemblance to a body of water's surface: like the way a pool shifts and shimmers with the light. Some kind of material borne of the sea, melded together with the queen's Sharas'dal, or a common mineral of the region? They could also simply bear cracks and signs of weathering considering the age of the temple, but watery stone would be fitting symbolically.

Azshara's Influence:

"Whenever she [Azshara] walked the bridges of Lathar'Lazal, nearby schools of exotic fish would array themselves in colorful patterns. She even kept a colossal sea giant bound to one of the lakes. She used her scepter to make him perform tricks and feats of strength, much to the delight of the watching Highborne. Curious night elves from the far corners of the empire journeyed to Lathar'Lazal to study the mythical creature and his habits."

Perhaps Lathar'Lazal was a bustling tourist attraction then in the days of the empire, both for education and entertainment. With such tourism drawn to the temple, I wonder if the nearby land/city of Zoram benefited from this economically.

The passage above seems to imply that the Highborne rather enjoyed the spectacle of the imprisoned sea giant, and this poses an interesting dichotomy to the original purpose of the temple: a house of Elune, simultaneously hosting a creature trapped against its will. Such an exhibition created by Azshara here speaks to her penchant for show and amusement, and possible disregard for the faith. If only a historical record existed of a priestess's personal journal or the like; and whether she would be disappointed with such behavior, or complacent in the suffering of other races/creatures as night elves often were during this era.

Tideweaver:

Queen Azshara, even before her naga transformation, always had a fascinating dominion over water, both with her scepter Sharas'dal and the Well of Eternity. Supposedly Xavius was the one who actually gifted the queen with this ornate weapon that later shaped the temple:

"A night elf named Lord Xavius presented the queen with a jeweled scepter, etched with delicate magical sigils. He promised Azshara that so long as she kept it close, it would bring her prosperity and great power. Azshara held the scepter aloft, and the jewels shimmered in the light of the moons like brilliant stars. The sight of the queen and her gift was so beautiful that it brought many of the attendant Highborne to tears."

An enigmatic man of terrifying skill and power, I do wonder where Xavius procured this weapon in the first place; as its design does not appear to be of Kaldorei craftsmanship. Perhaps it hails from the ancient jinyu culture, the primordial titans, or some other past world power. Examining its details, what do you think of Sharas'dal's origins?

"Queen Azshara's enchanted scepter afforded her great power. Imbued with the Well of Eternity's potent waters, it held sway over the rivers and the seas, aquatic creatures of all kinds, and the life energies that stirred within Azshara herself."

In the Tablet of Balancing Tides, it is stated that:

"The whispers of Elune and Neptulon play on the tides, their words etched in stone are a tribute to the balance of their power."

I find it interesting that Azshara utilized a form of magic half-intrinsic to the moon goddess. Did she derive some of her aquatic power from Elune, or use a different magick entirely? The descriptions of Azshara wielding the scepter use language that speaks to a command over water, rather than a unity with the elementals, spirits, and goddess.

This item's flavor text also mentions Neptulon--Elemental Lord of Waters--interestingly now a sworn enemy of Queen Azshara and her naga forces in the present day.

The Moonshrine Ruins:

This place supposedly once hosted a moonwell, with an area known as the Moonshrine. The foundations here might suggest that before the Sundering, Lathar'Lazal could have been built just upon the shores, or expanded out into the sea itself with the tides embracing the temple all around. Swimming beneath the waters of the Moonshrine, there appear to be large pillars supporting the walkways here; much like a pier.

The Inner Sanctum:

Crescent imagery is prevalent inside of the sanctum, as well as sets of 3 seats, perhaps symbolism of the triple moon (waxing, full, and waning or the maiden, mother, and crone archetypes) holding some importance in the rituals carried out here. These could also represent a large meeting space, high-ranking priestesses for ritual, a council of leadership, divisions of the temple, seating for observers, or something else entirely. They face partitioned rooms with crescent moon symbols.

If we look at the central dais of the sanctum, (Azshari statue and cultist altar notwithstanding) there is a raised platform with a pyramid-like structure carved into the ceiling. Perhaps a skylight once existed here to let in moonlight for lunar rites, or this area hosted something of great importance to be kept safe inside the sanctum.

The Moondoors:

The moondoors are an especially interesting piece, and the last apparent threshold of the Seat of the Sky. Upon passing through, there are only a handful of pillars flanking the sides of the cavern. They seem to accompany each other in pairs on each side - marking a possible entrance, exit, or some other pathway to the temple. While I am unsure of their true purpose or the mechanism to unlock them, the various square pieces are almost akin to a puzzle. This model is used in other Kaldorei architecture and I've long been intrigued by their possible uses. These moondoors are typically used as entrances to the tall, thin ivory towers of Kaldorei ruins. Perhaps Elunarian priests or arcanists weave (or wove) intricate spellwork rooted in the arcane, or the moon cycle in order to lock these types of barriers. What was intended to lie beyond them is anyone's guess: powerful artifacts, sacred relics, enshrined lore, or even concealed secrets.

"The Great Sundering shattered the glorious temple, sinking it beneath the waves of the Veiled Sea."

I hope you enjoyed these musings! There's something equally fascinating and solemn looking back at the remnants of the Kaldorei Empire - in the shadows of glory that once eclipsed the continent.

[shiorihyugawrites]

The Ballad Of The Magenta Witch

After centuries of solitude and betrayal, the enigmatic and powerful sorceress Mea finds herself drawn to the war-torn lands of Paradis. With her loyal, sword-wielding companion Goldfish Levi at her side, Mea arrives in the midst of a brewing conflict between the Scouts and Marley. Her flippant demeanor and extraordinary magic disrupt the regimented lives of Eren, Levi, and the other Scouts, sparking chaos, curiosity, and alliances that none of them could have foreseen. Amidst the clashing of titans and nations, a forgotten legend breathes life into a new chapter that will shape the fate of Paradis itself. Will the Magenta Witch be a boon to their cause or a force of beautiful destruction? (Eren x OC)

Chapter Twenty Six

The air in the infirmary was heavy, thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. The battle had been over for hours—five, to be exact—and yet, it felt as though none of them had truly processed what had happened.

Mea remained unconscious, her body still and unmoving on the infirmary bed. The faint rise and fall of her chest was the only sign of life. Eren hadn’t moved from her side once. He sat stiffly in a chair, elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped tightly as he watched her, waiting, willing her to wake up. His fingers twitched now and then, his jaw clenched so hard it ached, but he refused to leave her side.

Goldfish Levi was nestled under her arm, his large fish body curled against her for warmth, his eyes watching her face closely, searching for any flicker of movement. He had always been protective of Mea, but this was different. He had never seen her so weak before, so utterly drained. She was the strongest being he had ever known, and yet here she was, reduced to a fragile shell of herself. He nuzzled against her arm slightly, trying to offer whatever comfort he could.

The scouts—Levi, Hange, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, and Sasha—were all gathered around, sitting in the dim light of the infirmary, their faces pale and drawn from exhaustion. None of them could sleep. None of them could even think about leaving.

Sasha and Hange had taken the time to clean up Mea’s body, carefully wiping away the streaks of black blood that had leaked from her eyes and mouth, washing her skin until it was smooth again. They had dressed her in a simple brown dress, brushed out her long magenta hair until it fell softly around her shoulders. She looked almost peaceful like this, almost as if she were merely resting.

But the silence in the room told a different story.

“She bullied the Hallucigenia,” Connie said suddenly, breaking the quiet. His voice was laced with disbelief, as if saying it aloud made it even more absurd. “For five years straight.” He ran a hand down his face, shaking his head. “Five years. Just… bullying it.”

Jean scoffed, rubbing his temple. “That’s the part you’re stuck on?”

“I mean, yeah, kind of!” Connie threw his arms out. “That thing was some ancient evil demon, and she had it running scared. It was so desperate, it yanked itself out of the Paths just to get away from her.”

Levi exhaled sharply through his nose. “She terrified an entity that has been manipulating the world for thousands of years,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a word to describe how insane that is.”

“She’s incredible,” Armin murmured, his gaze fixed on Mea’s unconscious form. His fingers curled slightly on his lap. “She fought that thing alone, nonstop, for five years without rest. And yet… she still worried about us. She still made sure we would be safe.” He swallowed hard. “She protected us from it. She protected me and Eren from it.”

Eren tensed at the mention of his name, but he didn’t speak. His eyes remained locked onto Mea, watching, waiting, pleading silently for her to wake up.

“She did more than that,” Hange spoke up, leaning back in their chair. “She ended the nightmare. The power of the titans is gone. Every last bit of it.” They looked between Eren and Armin. “You two—you don’t have it anymore, right?”

Armin shook his head slowly. “No,” he admitted. “It’s… it’s just gone. I can’t even feel the remnants of it.”

Eren clenched his fists in his lap. “It’s the same for me.” His voice was hoarse, rough from hours of silence. “It’s like it was never there to begin with.”

Mikasa crossed her arms, looking at them both carefully. “You don’t… feel different?”

“I don’t know,” Armin admitted. “I feel lighter. Almost like… I was carrying something heavy for years and didn’t even realize it until it was gone.”

Jean leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “So that’s it, then,” he muttered. “No more titans. No more wars. No more endless cycles of destruction.”

“No more titans,” Connie added.

“No more suffering,” Sasha whispered.

A heavy silence followed.

It felt strange—wrong, almost—that this was it. For years, all they had ever known was the looming threat of titans. The constant struggle for survival. The never-ending cycle of bloodshed. And now, it was just… gone. Like a weight lifted, but not entirely. There was still the grief, the loss, the wounds that had been carved deep into their very existence.

And there was Mea.

Eren exhaled shakily, his grip on the edge of his chair tightening. He wanted to scream. To cry. To do something. Anything. But all he could do was sit there, staring at her, willing her to open her eyes.

Five years.

Five years he had spent waiting for her. Five years he had spent researching her, dreaming about her, hoping for her return. Five years of agonizing guilt, of knowing that she was out there suffering, fighting, and he had been powerless to help her.

And now, here she was.

Finally back.

And yet, she still wasn’t here.

Not really. Not yet.

Eren leaned forward, resting his forehead against the back of her hand, his breath shaky, his body trembling. He didn’t care who was watching. He didn’t care how weak he looked.

She needed to wake up.

She had to wake up.

Goldfish Levi nudged against her side gently, letting out a small, distressed noise. “Come on, dumbass,” he mumbled. “You’ve already done the impossible. Just open your damn eyes.”

Eren swallowed hard, squeezing her hand. “Please, Mea,” he whispered. “Come back to me.”

No one spoke after that.

They simply sat there, waiting.

Hoping.

Praying.

And watching over the woman who had saved them all.

…

Mea drifted in a dream unlike any she had ever had before. It wasn’t the chaotic whirlwind of magic and war, nor was it the dark abyss of nightmares filled with betrayal and sorrow. This dream was peaceful. Too peaceful.

She was standing in the grand halls of a palace she hadn’t seen in thousands of years, yet it felt as familiar as if she had walked through it only yesterday. The marble floors shone beneath her feet, reflecting the golden chandeliers above. The scent of blooming jasmine filled the air, carried by the warm breeze drifting through the open windows.

Colchis.

She was home.

Dressed in the rich silks of royalty, her hands adorned with delicate golden bracelets, Mea—no, Medea—felt an odd sense of calm as she walked through the palace corridors. There was no bloodshed. No magic meant to destroy. No betrayal hanging over her like an ever-present shadow.

Then she saw him.

Jason stood at the far end of the hall, wearing his royal garments, his golden curls falling effortlessly over his forehead. He was smiling at her, that boyish grin that had once made her heart flutter.

But this time, there was no pain. No resentment. No hatred.

Just warmth.

She stepped toward him, and suddenly, the world shifted. She was standing at a grand banquet hall, the sounds of laughter and music filling the air. Servants bustled about, pouring wine and laying out endless feasts. Her hand rested lightly on Jason’s arm, the golden crown of Colchis perched atop his head.

Her husband.

Her king.

Her partner in ruling their homeland.

The dream continued shifting, showing her glimpses of a life she never had. A peaceful life. A happy one. Jason never betrayed her. He never sought another woman. They had children together—two beautiful little boys with their father’s golden hair and their mother’s sharp, magenta eyes. She saw herself playing with them in the palace gardens, laughing as they ran through the fields of flowers, her magic creating little glowing orbs that floated around them.

It was perfect.

But it wasn’t real.

Mea felt a shift in the air, and suddenly, that happy version of her—the version that never suffered, never had to drown herself in power and sorrow—stood before her.

They locked eyes.

Mea didn’t know what to say.

The other Medea reached forward, cupping her face gently. Her voice was soft, kind, almost like a mother speaking to a child.

"It’s time for you to find your happily ever after," she whispered.

Mea's breath hitched.

And then, in the blink of an eye, her mirror image changed. The delicate features of her past self melted away, replaced by a taller frame, strong arms, and eyes so piercing and full of emotion that they locked her in place.

Not Jason.

Eren.

Mea gasped. Everything came rushing back at once.

The Hallucigenia. The battle. The pain. The sacrifices. The fear.

And Eren—Eren waiting for her, refusing to let her go. Loving her.

The dream shattered.

Mea’s eyes snapped open.

The first thing she saw was the dim glow of candlelight. The soft chatter of voices. The warmth of a familiar presence at her side.

Eren.

His eyes widened in shock, mouth slightly agape as he froze beside her bed. His hands hovered over hers, as if he had been about to hold them but was too stunned to move.

Goldfish Levi, curled up under her arm, let out a startled yelp and flopped in place. The rest of the scouts, gathered around in tense silence, all jumped in surprise.

No one spoke for a long moment.

Then, before Eren could say a single word, Mea grabbed the front of his shirt, yanked him down, and crashed her lips against his.

Eren barely had time to react before his instincts took over.

A muffled gasp left him, but he melted into the kiss instantly, arms wrapping around her waist like she would disappear if he let go. The moment was desperate, raw, full of everything left unspoken over the past five years.

Mea poured everything into the kiss—her relief, her exhaustion, her love, the ache of being apart from him for so long. And Eren responded in kind, his fingers tangling into her magenta hair, pressing her closer, like he had been waiting for this moment all his life.

When they finally broke apart, Eren rested his forehead against hers, breathing hard, his fingers still gripping her waist.

Mea’s eyes fluttered open, hazy with emotion, a small, mischievous smile on her lips. “Hey,” she murmured breathlessly.

Eren let out a breathless laugh. “Hey.”

Then, without hesitation, he whispered the words he had been dying to say for so long.

“I love you too.”

Mea’s heart clenched.

A lump formed in her throat.

She had spent thousands of years believing she was cursed, doomed to live in the shadow of heartbreak and betrayal. She had thought love was something forever out of her reach, that Jason’s betrayal had damned her to an eternity of solitude.

But here was Eren.

Loving her. Choosing her.

But the moment the words left Eren’s lips, the room erupted into chaos.

Mea barely had time to breathe before she was absolutely engulfed in a swarm of bodies, arms wrapping around her from every direction. The scouts, unable to contain themselves any longer, threw themselves at her in a collective embrace, overwhelming her with their sheer relief and joy.

“Mea!!” Sasha wailed, clinging to her like a lifeline. “You’re awake! You’re actually awake!!”

She was straight-up ugly crying, her face red and blotchy as she buried it against Mea’s shoulder, her entire body shaking from the sheer force of her sobs.

Connie wasn’t any better. “Damn it, woman!” he choked out between hiccupping cries, squeezing her so tightly she could barely breathe. “You were out for days! I thought you were done for!”

Jean, standing beside them, sniffled loudly and wiped at his eyes, pretending he wasn’t just as much of an emotional wreck. “You guys are so dramatic,” he muttered, voice thick with emotion. “It’s not like we thought she was dead or anything—” He cut himself off with a sudden, unsteady inhale, quickly turning his head away as if that would hide the tears spilling down his face.

Armin and Hange weren’t even trying to hide their tears. Armin’s face was absolutely soaked, and Hange had both hands pressed against their face, muffling their sobs as they stared at her like they still couldn’t believe she was real.

Mikasa, ever the composed one, had remained silent at first, but as she stepped forward and pressed a hand against Mea’s shoulder, her lips trembled slightly. “You scared us,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “You were gone for so long.”

She swallowed hard, looking down at the floor like she was trying to collect herself. But there was no mistaking the sheen of tears in her eyes.

Goldfish Levi, meanwhile, was an absolute wreck.

He had been curled up against Mea’s side the entire time, silent yet visibly trembling, his golden scales damp from the sheer amount of tears he had shed. The moment she stirred, he threw himself at her, practically smacking her in the face with his fins.

“You reckless, irresponsible, self-sacrificing idiot!” he sobbed, his voice high-pitched and shrill with emotion. “Do you have any idea how worried I was?! You were gone for five years! Five damn years!!”

He hiccupped, slapping her repeatedly with his fins as if that would somehow convey the full weight of his distress. “I—I thought you were never coming back, you witch! You absolute menace! What would I have done without you, huh?! What would I have done?!”

Mea let out a breathless laugh, pulling him against her chest as he continued wailing against her. “Goldie, I’m okay,” she murmured, her voice hoarse but full of warmth. “I promise.”

But Goldfish Levi wasn’t done.

“You better be okay, because if you ever pull something like that again, I swear I’m cursing you!” he howled dramatically, clutching onto her like his life depended on it. “You’ll never be able to drink alcohol again, do you hear me?!”

That actually made her gasp in horror. “You wouldn’t—”

“I would,” he sniffled, wiping his face against her sleeve. “Don’t test me, witch.”

Mea couldn’t even respond because, at that moment, she felt another pair of arms tighten around her waist.

Eren.

He hadn’t let go of her.

His arms were locked around her, firm and unrelenting, his entire body pressed against hers as if he was afraid that if he let go, she would disappear again. His face was buried against the crook of her neck, and though he wasn’t sobbing like the others, she could feel the way his breath hitched against her skin, the way his grip trembled slightly.

“Eren,” she murmured softly, tilting her head slightly. “You okay?”

He lifted his head just enough to meet her gaze, and the raw emotion in his eyes was enough to make her heart clench.

“I thought I lost you,” he admitted, voice strained. “I thought… I thought I was never going to see you again.”

Mea’s breath caught in her throat.

Gently, she reached up, brushing her fingers against his cheek. “I’m here,” she whispered. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Eren exhaled sharply, and before she could say anything else, he buried his face against her shoulder again, holding her even tighter.

The room was filled with sniffles, half-choked sobs, and muffled laughter.

And then there was Levi.

Standing at the far end of the room, arms crossed, his face as impassive as ever.

Or, at least, it would have been impassive if Mea hadn’t caught the suspicious wet spots glistening in the corner of his eyes.

Her gaze locked onto them instantly.

Levi vehemently denied it.

“I’m not crying,” he stated flatly before she could even open her mouth. “Don’t even start.”

Mea narrowed her eyes. “Levi—”

“I’m not crying,” he repeated, tone completely deadpan.

Mea smirked. “Then why do your eyes look red?”

“It’s allergies,” Levi said immediately. “Dust in the air.”

Mikasa, standing beside him, let out a small, amused huff.

But then—then—Levi did something that actually made Mea nearly pass out again.

He stepped forward, reached out, and ruffled her hair.

Gently.

Affectionately.

Like a big brother.

Mea froze.

The entire room froze.

Even Eren lifted his head, eyes wide with disbelief.

Levi didn’t say anything.

Just ruffled her hair once, gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile—an actual smile—and stepped back.

Mea’s jaw dropped.

The scouts all stared in stunned silence.

Armin gasped dramatically. “Oh my god.”

Jean clutched his chest. “Did Captain Levi just smile?!”

Sasha pointed an accusing finger. “HE HAS FEELINGS!”

Hange was already scribbling notes down at lightning speed.

Levi just rolled his eyes. “You’re all insufferable,” he muttered, crossing his arms again.

Before anyone could respond, Zeke suddenly poked his chicken head into the doorway, looking entirely unimpressed with all of them.

“Oh, great,” he drawled dryly. “The witch is back.”

The entire room turned to stare at him.

Zeke blinked.

Then, before anyone could retaliate, he flapped his wings dramatically, turned on his little chicken feet, and sprinted away.

Connie immediately bolted after him. “I KNEW IT, WE SHOULD’VE COOKED HIM WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE—”

Mea let out a wheeze of laughter.

And for the first time in five years, everything finally felt right again.

She let out a long sigh of contentment, leaning back against Eren’s chest as his arms instinctively tightened around her waist, holding her close like he was afraid she’d disappear again. The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his breathing—it was grounding, familiar. She had spent five years without any kind of human contact, five years without him. She was going to take her time soaking in his presence.

She tilted her head slightly, peeking up at him with a lazy smirk. “Well, this is just another day in the life of the Magenta Witch,” she joked, voice dripping with dark humor. “Now do you understand why I’m an alcoholic?”

Eren chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ve always been an alcoholic.”

“Touché,” Mea admitted with a shrug. “But you can’t tell me this isn’t a fantastic excuse.”

The scouts burst into laughter, a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and sheer disbelief at everything that had happened. It was still so hard to believe that after all this time, she was here. She was alive.

Jean shook his head, running a hand down his face. “I can’t believe you bullied a goddamn demon for five years straight.”

“Bullied?” Mea repeated, arching a brow. “Bullied is such a soft word. I tormented it. I haunted it. I became its worst nightmare.” She smirked, leaning her head back against Eren’s chest again. “It’s poetic, really. The tormentor became the tormented.”

Eren remained quiet, his grip around her tightening slightly as if he was still processing the reality of her being here. His fingers pressed lightly into her sides, his chin resting against the top of her head, and the way he held her was so protective that it made her chest ache.

She turned to look up at him, eyes softening as she took in his face. “You got even more handsome,” she noted, reaching up to trace her fingers along his jawline, marveling at the way it had sharpened over the years. His features had matured, his shoulders had broadened, and yet he was still her Eren, the same stubborn, fiercely passionate boy who had clung to her like a lifeline before she left.

Eren’s cheeks turned slightly pink at the way she was looking at him, at the way her fingers were touching him so gently. “I—I mean, I guess,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, don’t be so modest, Handsome Green Eyes.” She winked at him. “It’s been five years, you better have grown into a devastating heartthrob.”

Jean snorted. “Oh, trust me, he knows. The amount of women who have thrown themselves at him over the years? Disgusting.”

Mea immediately pouted, turning her full attention back to Eren as she grabbed his face between her hands. “Wait. Wait. WAIT.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do you have a girlfriend?”

Eren froze.

The room went dead silent.

Levi, who had been sipping her tea in the background, suddenly choked.

Armin looked like he was waiting for the exact right moment to slowly back out of the room.

Jean and Connie immediately turned away, visibly holding back laughter.

Sasha gasped. “Oh my god.”

Eren’s face was so red it looked like he might combust on the spot. “W-what—NO!”

Mea squinted at him suspiciously. “Are you sure? Because that wasn’t exactly a convincing no.”

“I—of course I’m sure! Who the hell would I even date?!”

“I don’t know, Eren!” Mea huffed, throwing her hands in the air. “I’ve been gone for five years! For all I know, you could have some cute little farm girl waiting for you back at home!”

Connie wheezed with laughter. “Oh my god, Eren with a farm girl?!”

Sasha practically choked on air. “A little country girlfriend who bakes him fresh bread every morning—”

“SHUT UP,” Eren groaned, covering his face. “I don’t have a girlfriend!”

Mea eyed him carefully. “Good.” She poked his chest. “Because I’m not sharing you.”

Eren’s ears turned even redder, and the scouts collectively lost it.

Jean actually had to lean on the wall for support. “Oh my god, she’s so possessive—”

“I told you guys,” Armin muttered, shaking his head with a small, knowing smile. “I told you she was going to claim him the second she came back.”

Mikasa just sighed, shaking her head.

Mea smirked up at Eren, tilting her head playfully. “Oh, don’t look so flustered, Jaeger. I thought you liked it when I flirted with you.”

Eren let out a long, suffering groan, burying his face against the crook of her neck as the scouts continued to laugh at his expense.

Mea just grinned, completely thriving in the chaos she had created.

She was home.

Everything felt right again. She could finally relax. And what better way to celebrate than with a drink?

With a lazy flick of her wrist, she attempted to summon a drink.

But nothing happened.

Mea blinked in confusion and tried again, this time focusing a little harder. Come on, come on… just one little drink…

Still nothing.

Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening as a creeping sense of dread started settling into her bones. That wasn’t right. Her magic had never not worked before. Even in moments of exhaustion, she could always at least summon something. A drop of liquid. A floating candle. Anything.

Panic laced through her veins, but she forced herself to remain calm. Maybe she was just tired. She had just spent five years in an endless battle, after all. That kind of magical drain wasn’t something even she had experienced before.

“Okay… okay,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her hands out like she was trying to shake off the fatigue. “It’s fine. It’s fine.”

But it wasn’t fine.

Because when she tried to float—nothing happened.

Mea’s breath caught in her throat. Her stomach twisted into a tight, uncomfortable knot. No. No, no, no, this wasn’t happening. This was not happening.

The scouts, completely unaware of her rapidly growing horror, were still laughing at Eren’s embarrassment when they suddenly heard a strangled gasp.

Everyone immediately turned toward Mea, who was standing stiffly in place, hands trembling as she stared at them with wide, horror-stricken eyes.

“Uh… you good?” Jean asked hesitantly, his amusement instantly fading.

Mea opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again, but no words came out.

Then, finally, in a broken whisper, she croaked, “I can’t summon a drink.”

A heavy silence filled the room.

“…What?” Sasha blinked.

Mea shook her head, stepping back like the walls were closing in on her. “I—I can’t summon a drink,” she repeated, voice cracking. “I—I can’t even float.”

This time, the weight of her words truly hit them.

Goldfish Levi, who had been comfortably snuggled under her arm, immediately jolted upright. “Wait—WHAT?!”

“Oh, shit.” Connie’s eyes widened. “She’s serious.”

“I can’t—” Mea stumbled, gripping her head as she tried again—tried to tap into something, anything, that would give her even the smallest drop of magic, but there was nothing. It was like staring into an empty well.

A dry, barren wasteland where her endless ocean of power used to be.

“I used everything,” she whispered, the weight of her realization crashing down on her all at once. “I—I drained myself.”

Eren, who had been quiet up until this moment, immediately stepped forward, gripping her shoulders with concern. “Mea—”

“I’m mortal,” she cut him off, her breathing becoming erratic. Her hands were shaking. “I—I can’t use any magic. I can’t even float! I—” She suddenly gasped. “How am I supposed to get my alcohol?!?!!”

The scouts all turned toward her with varying degrees of exasperation.

“…That’s what you’re worried about?” Levi deadpanned.

Mea whirled on him. “YES.”

Hange was practically hyperventilating. “THIS IS A DISASTER.”

“I KNOW,” Mea wailed.

The scouts looked between the utterly horrified sorceress.

“…Is anyone going to mention the fact that she’s basically mortal now?” Armin asked incredulously.

“NO,” Mea and Hange snapped at the same time.

“This is serious,” Hange continued, pacing the room like she was trying to make sense of this madness. “Mea has never been without magic. This isn’t just exhaustion—this is an identity crisis!”

Mea let out a guttural noise of pure suffering. “How am I supposed to live like this? Walking everywhere like some commoner?”

Jean rolled his eyes. “Oh, relax. You still have legs, don’t you?”

“I will not relax,” Mea hissed. “You don’t understand. I’ve been using magic for THOUSANDS OF YEARS. I don’t know how to be a regular person.”

“I mean… you could just rest until it comes back?” Armin suggested hesitantly.

Mea let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Rest? Rest? Do you know how much energy I burned fighting that goddamn demon? I exhausted every last drop of my magical reserves. It could take weeks—months before I fully recharge!”

Eren, sensing the spiraling panic in her voice, immediately pulled her into his arms. “Hey,” he murmured, rubbing slow, soothing circles into her back. “Breathe. Just breathe, okay?”

Mea clung to him, her entire body trembling with the sheer weight of her exhaustion, frustration, and disbelief.

“I hate this,” she whispered against his chest.

“I know,” Eren said softly. “But it’s temporary. Your magic will come back.”

Mea squeezed her eyes shut. “What if it doesn’t?”

Goldfish Levi made a strangled noise. “Then we riot.”

Jean snorted. “Yeah, we’ll all just storm the universe and demand that the laws of magic bend to her will.”

“Exactly,” Goldfish Levi agreed.

“Honestly? I’d pay to see that,” Connie muttered.

Levi sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “For fuck’s sake, you idiots, just give her some goddamn whiskey before she has a full breakdown.”

The scouts all froze.

Then, in complete unison, they slowly turned toward Sasha.

Sasha blinked. “Wha—why is everyone looking at me?”

“Sasha,” Jean said gravely, “where’s the emergency stash?”

Sasha gasped, clutching her chest in offense. “How dare you?! Just because I have an emergency stash of food doesn’t mean I have an emergency stash of alcohol!”

A pause.

“…Do you?” Levi asked.

“…Yes.”

Mea almost started crying again.

Within seconds, Sasha was pulling out a hidden flask from her jacket and tossing it to Mea, who caught it with shaking hands.

With one last dramatic sigh of suffering, Mea downed the entire thing in one go.

Everyone watched in silence.

Then, finally, after what felt like eternity, she lowered the flask, let out a deep, exhausted sigh, and muttered,

“…Okay. I guess I can survive a few weeks without magic.”

Jean clapped his hands together. “Well. That’s progress.”

…

Fifteen minutes later, the flask of whiskey Sasha handed her was good. But it wasn’t enough. Not after everything she had been through. Not after five years of endless battle. Not after beating an ancient demon into submission with her bare hands.

No. She deserved more.

And if she couldn’t summon it herself, then she was going to delegate.

Mea, the Magenta Witch of Legend, who had just saved the entire world, sat in her infirmary bed, completely unbothered, lazily swirling the last few drops of whiskey in Sasha’s flask as she addressed the assembled scouts before her.

“All right,” she said, “you lot have exactly two choices.”

The scouts stared at her, waiting.

“One,” she continued, holding up a single finger, “you can personally fetch me more alcohol and keep me supplied for as long as I’m bedridden.”

A pause.

Then, she held up two fingers.

“Or two,” she said sweetly, “I make you fetch me more alcohol.”

Jean frowned. “You just said you don’t have any magic.”

Mea narrowed her eyes. “I do still have hands, you know.”

Jean flinched.

Connie, not willing to take that risk, immediately shot up from his seat. “I’m on it!” he declared, already running out the door.

Sasha immediately followed after him, muttering something about “at least stealing the good stuff.”

Mea leaned back with a pleased smirk. “See?” she said, lifting the flask to her lips. “That’s how you delegate.”

Levi sighed heavily from where he stood in the corner. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I know,” Mea said, grinning.

Goldfish Levi, still nestled under her arm, huffed. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I know,” Mea repeated, smirking as she reached over to affectionately poke his head.

Despite his exasperation, Goldfish Levi nuzzled further against her side.

Eren, who had been standing quietly beside her bed, watching her with that soft, reverent expression in his eyes, finally stepped forward.

Mea looked up at him, raising a brow. “What?”

Eren exhaled slowly. Then, with all the seriousness in the world, he said, “You are utterly impossible.”

Mea smirked, tilting her head playfully. “And yet, you love me.”

Eren’s ears burned, but he didn’t deny it.

Instead, he reached down and took her hand, squeezing it gently.

Mea’s smirk softened.

She watched him for a moment, her gaze tracing over the sharp lines of his face, the tension in his shoulders, the way he was looking at her like she was something precious.

Then, quietly, she said, “I’m proud of you.”

Eren’s breath hitched.

She squeezed his hand again, her eyes glowing with something warm and fierce. “You were so brave,” she murmured, “unlike anything I’ve seen in all my years.”

Eren swallowed.

Mea’s fingers traced over his knuckles, her voice growing softer. “I know this wasn’t easy for you,” she said, “I know what you had to endure to get here.” She met his gaze, serious now. “But you did it. You were the one who freed Ymir. You were the one who broke her out of that frozen, traumatized state.”

Eren opened his mouth, about to protest.

But Mea shook her head.

“No,” she said firmly, “don’t try to downplay it. You were the one who reached her. You were the one who showed her compassion when no one else did. You were the reason she was finally able to break free.”

Eren’s throat felt tight.

Mea’s smile was soft, her fingers squeezing his hand. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.

Eren clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around hers.

Then, before he could stop himself, he reached forward and pulled her into his arms.

Mea let out a small noise of surprise, but then immediately melted into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Eren held onto her tight, burying his face into her hair, his fingers trembling where they clutched the fabric of her dress.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, finally, in a voice that was barely above a whisper, Eren said,

“I’m just glad you’re home.”

Mea’s heart ached.

She held him even tighter.

“Me too,” she murmured.

“Me too.”

~

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[bellumsaur]

Tree Tops Mashup

Something I drew years ago, inspired by listening to the music in the Tree Tops level in Spyro 1. I had used what were then new coloring pencils and a new mixed media pad though I wish I had run through with the pencils for a second time to fill in the white spaces.

This here is a depiction of the tree villages of the enigmatic Night Dragons, who make their homes amidst the towering Beech and Podocarp conifer trees inland from Wijenborg Bay on West Antarctica. The local dragons practice their magic and ancient ways of life largely in isolation from the outside world, under the protection of the mighty Laio-Ulchan Empire, where their villages are hard for most incapable of flight to reach. On some of the great branches and trunks of the trees, the dragons have built great temples and palaces, primarily from wood, and their villages prosper even in the cold dark of the winters. Local legends tell that the great trees were tampered with by the dragons, to escape the attacks by marauding saurian tribes innumerable millennia ago and they now stand as the tallest beings on earth, dwarfing the mighty redwoods and cedars of the American Pacific coast.