#Gem gives Lucio a new eye-

[teetxhlikeknives]

"What I'm doing is mirroring, there are no drugs that can touch Phantom pain, because it's your brain reacting to something that is not there, what you can do is trick your brain into thinking it is being treated by mirroring the action with both eyes..." He frowned "Though having the socket empty might not help, I know someone who can make a good prosthetic.."

@remnantsouls

"Are you the guy who makes the good drugs...?"

[eveningcatcher]

Im not sure if you’re taking requests right now, so answer this whenever you’re ready 🧡 a could you do the main 6 when someone breaks into MCs shop trying to steal or something? but they happen to be there in the nick of time to catch them in the act and scare them off. And maybe for some comedic relief Julian being silly decides to “break in” to the shop for old times sake but he finds another person climbing in through an opposite window ? Pretty please ✨

Sorry that it took so long to respond! I had some older requests from ao3 I needed to finish!

Asra:

 Asra spent their evening cleaning the shop alone. MC would have helped them but they were sick, leaving all of the job on Asra. They reorganized the crystals and, just before they were about to put on new potions on the display, they heard rattles on the lock of the doors. As on cue, they hid behind the counter, peeking through the corner. A short girl entered the shop, taking all of the crystals she could find. Asra didn’t know whether they should laugh or cry at the sight. She must be new in the ‘business’ since the crystals and gems are the cheapest products in the shop.

They pondered for a moment on what they should do and finally, once they saw Faust happily slithering on one of the shelves, they decided to have some fun. With the help of their magic, they slammed the entrance door, locking it. The intruder jumped at the noise and, once she’s seen what happened, she called out: “Hello, is anybody there?”

She felt a cold sweat run down her chin as she saw all of the crystals in the shop drop on the floor, slowly making their way to her.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait,” she shivered as she ran to the entrance doors, trying to unlock it, ”I, I’m sorry,” she picked up her pace, shaking the doorknob as she felt some of the gems run up her leg.

“Intruder!” Faust shouted as she fell on the girl’s head who was too paralysed in fear to do anything.

Asra tried their best to suppress the giggle, deciding that they’ve messed with her as they unlocked the doors. Once the girl could have opened them, she ran out as fast as she could. Faust happily slithered up Asra’s leg.

“Good?”

“You were amazing!” they said as they picked Faust up, giving her a small boop on her head.

Julian:

 Julian stood in front of the doors of MC’s shop as he looked for the keys in his pockets. Oh, you know what? Fuck it! He’ll surprise MC in the good old way! He walked up to one of the windows, opening it with ease. Just as he put one of his legs in the shop, he saw another man doing the same right in front of him.

“Didn’t know I’d get a colleague,” he joked, “Say, do you know by any chance where the shopkeeper keeps their valuables?”

Julian blinked twice, staring at the man across him. He went into the shop, and, with a laugh, helped the man get in as well.

“Of course I know,” he said as he pats the man’s back. Just as the intruder laughed along with him, he felt Julian’s hand on his neck, “They’re my lover.” 

Before the man could do anything, Julian punched him right across the face. Somehow the guy managed to move away from Julian, trying to get out of the shop. Just when he was in front of the window, Julian threw one of the boxes, knocking the guy out.

“Shit,” Julian said as he walked up to the man, checking his pulse. Once he was sure the man was alive, he let out a sigh. Luckily, he saw a guard walk by the street and, with their help, Julian got the intruder out of the shop. Two days after the incident, Julian bought MC a thoughtful gift - locks for the windows.

Nadia:

Nadia was taking a walk to MC’s shop, wanting to surprise them. True, she didn’t dress appropriately, she was returning from hunting after all, but that didn’t bother her and she knew that wouldn’t bother MC either. She went into the shop without knocking and, much to her surprise, MC wasn’t there, instead, there was someone she didn’t recognize. To top it all off, they were putting all of MC’s potions into their bag.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She asked, feeling her blood boil at the sight.

“I-uh, Countess, I, I can explain!” they said as they put down the potion they held in their hands.

“Doubt it,” she frowned, resting her hand on the guard of the sword, “Put it all back. Don’t you have any shame to lie to my face?” 

They’ve seen that there is nothing more they can do, so they turned to their last option- begging Countess for forgiveness. She, on the other hand, didn’t want to hear any of that, so, she called the guards who took them away.

 Needless to say, MC sure was surprised when they saw that their doors were completely replaced with a modest number of 5 locks.

 Portia:

With freshly baked cookies cooling off on the plate, Portia was just about to wash the pan it was baked in. She carefully carried the pan with a rag, trying not to burn herself when she heard the doors unlock. Thinking it was MC who opened it, she ran to the front of the shop, still holding onto the pan. 

“MC, guess what-” she stopped midsentence as she saw an unfamiliar man standing in front of her.

He wasn’t expecting anyone in the shop and, had he seen MC, he’d run away. So he didn’t run away when he saw Poria.

“Just stay there and nobody has to get hurt,” he said as he was filling in his bag with all of the goods.

Portia’s blood boiled at the sight of him. The audacity of this fucker! Without even thinking, she ran to him, hitting him straight across the face with the hot pan.

“Stand still and nobody has to be hurt, huh?” she shouted, not even thinking about stopping with all of the hits, “How do you like this, fucker?” she kept on hitting the man who was screaming in pain, “What, is it too hot for you?” she kept going on and on until she thought it was enough.

The intruder was, ironically, saved by the guards who heard his screams. The look on their faces was priceless when they listened Portia explain how he was the one in the wrong and not her, who completely scarred his face with all of the burns.

 Muriel:

MC wanted to go to the marketplace, however, Muriel was not so keen on that idea, so he stayed behind, waiting for MC to return. He sat on the counted as he made some protection trinkets when he heard the entrance doors open. He raised his hand off his work, only to be greeted by an unfamiliar figure who held a knife in front of themselves. 

“Don’t move, or else!” they threatened, feeling uneasy as they stared at Muriel who was much, much taller than them.

Muriel frowned, staring straight into the intruder as if he was ready to kill him at any moment. Inanna took the hint and she started growling at the person, slowly walking forward.

“I- uh, nevermind,” they said, running out of the shop.

Muriel only smiled. Being tall had its perks. He stood up, putting the protection trinket on the doors.

Lucio:

Lucio walked straight out of the marketplace with a gift for MC. New Masquerade will be held in two weeks and Lucio already bought matching costumes for MC! This time, however, he put a bit more thought in what MC’s taste is like, so, much to his dismay, there is not enough gold this time. 

That smile immediately disappeared once he saw a girl lockpick the doors of MC’s shop. He tried his best to sneak up to her. Once he was towering over her, he flipped her, forcing her to face him.

“And what are you doing here?” he asked as he took her sword out.

“I-” before she could say anything, Lucio pushed her aside.

“Run.”

Happy that she wasn’t in trouble, she ran for her life. Little did she know that Lucio ordered the guards nearby to go after her, making sure that she’ll get the highest possible punishment later.

Bonus: Valdemar because I love them more than I should

 Valdemar patiently waited in the shop for MC to return from the marketplace. They took some books that were on the shelf, flipping through the pages, trying to find anything interesting. It was only when someone slammed the doors open that they raised their head.

 A tall, large man went inside the shop, armed with a sword. He was taken back when he saw Quaestor staring into his soul. Before he could say anything, Valdemar said: “Three.”

 The man frowned, “Three what?”

 “Two.”

 The man’s eyes widened, realizing what Valdemar was implying. Without looking back, he ran out, not knowing that it was already too late for him – Valdemar has already remembered what he looks like. Looks like Valdemar will have a new experiment this Thursday.

[foreficfandom]

The Arcana - Getting MC A Gift

-- Asra: Magical Technology

Asra’s not a very gifty person. Not because he’s selfish, or ungenerous, he’s just not the type of person who’s prone to giving material things to people. 

But that changes once you enter the picture. He’s finally got you back in his arms, and he’s gonna cherish every moment he has with you. What better to mark this anniversary than with a gift?

And it’s not gonna be any little trinket, either. If Asra’s gonna gift, he goes all out and really puts effort into creating/finding the perfect thing. 

After weeks of meticulous research and careful crafting, he finishes his amazing gift, just in time for the holidays. Before the two of you retire for the night, Asra pulls out this colorful glass box etched with runes and imbued with energy. 

It’s a communication device, he explains. You fill the interior with water from any source, and it immediately connects with his own - he pulls out an identical box. 

You and Asra can reach each other by use of a water spell, which can be inconvenient because the spell uses up energy and requires both to be at a body of water simultaneously. But with this, you can reliably call upon Asra at any time, knowing that he’ll be sure to reply.

It’s the perfect gift. You hug him tightly and promise to keep it safe, if he hangs onto his, too. He promises to always be in touch from now on. 

-- Julian: Imported Shawl

A big day’s coming up! It’s a holiday, or maybe your birthday, and Julian needs to find a gift fitting of you. Which is easier said than done, because even if the two of you are a very familiar, close couple, he’s still kinda stupid and panics over finding you the right gift. What if he gives you something stupid??

He considers jewelry, perfumes, rare magical ingredients for your work, you like to cook so maybe you’ll like this spice set, or perhaps these fancy oil paints, oooh that’s a gorgeous crystal lamp it would look beautiful in your room - 

He ends up chickening out a bit and going simple, buying a hand-printed shawl woven from rare Prakan silk. It feels luxurious and soft, but it’s naturally hardy and resistant to wear and tear. 

It’s nothing big, so he delivers his gift to you along with a romantic bouquet of flowers and a nice dinner. He hands you the wrapped package blushing like crazy. 

You love it, and immediately take it out to try it on. He marvels at how the colors compliment your complexion beautifully. Throughout the dinner, Julian talks about visiting the Pearl Isles of Prakra and seeing the fields of mulberry leaves dedicated to silkworm cultivation, before the crew was beset by a massive swarm of sharks.

-- Nadia: Fancy Desserts

Nadia would shower you in trinkets if you allowed her. If you’d rather she didn’t, she won’t indulge. But if you do enjoy her luxury, she pulls no stops in making sure you’re surrounded by the most beautiful and gorgeous things.

But not just material things. Nadia also wants to buy you experiences. Like hunting parties by the famous Star Lakes, or traveling to the Golden Gulf and soaking in their famous mud baths. With royalty comes opportunity, and Nadia firmly believes in sharing it with others. Especially you. 

One of the simpler experiences she can gift you is cuisine. Tasting food from around the world is always a fulfilling experience, and it requires no fancy occasion to indulge. Mealtimes at the palace are kinda unpredictable, since you never know what Nadia requests the kitchens to do that day. It could be simpler domestic cuisine, or it could be very esoteric and worldly. 

Sometimes, you’ll wake up from your nap in the library (”Falling asleep from working too hard again, dear?”) and see a small box placed next to you, and you open it to reveal floral honey marshmallow treats, imported from a far-away land. One of your many little gifts from Nadia, who loves you so much and wants your life to be sweet. Your rewarding kiss to her is tinged with sugar. 

-- Portia: Personalized Ceramics

As a palace maidservant, Portia earns a sturdy. She’s got enough coin for her own indulgences, and her pouch is even more plentiful because she rarely spends money on anything luxurious or expensive. She’s got her cottage, a stocked larder, and her family, she doesn’t need gold or jewels.

When it comes to buying you a gift, then it’s time to bust out her savings and consider her options. With this money, she could get you something big, like those bricks of imported chocolate she sometimes sees in the market, ohh those would make a luxurious and delicious gift, wouldn’t they? Or maybe you’d like those embroidered slippers, or a set of lapis lazuli earrings ...

While touring the market, she passes by a pottery and gets an idea; with the help of a potter, she throws two large mugs and paints them painstakingly with designs that reminder her of the two of you. Within the week, they’re ready. 

It’s a perfect gift. Instead of something more ostentatious, it’s a personalized reminder of her love. You unwrap the mugs and marvel at her impressive craftsmanship. She blushes and mumbles that the potter helped a lot, but you didn’t want to hear it and hugged her tightly. 

She keeps one, you keep the other. Whenever the two of you sit down to tea or coffee, you both sit across from each other with the mugs and it makes your hearts warm at the sight. 

-- Muriel: Protection Charm

Muriel’s lived a solitary life for so long, he’s pretty much lost track of any holiday dates. When it comes time for the rest of the world to begin gift-giving, he’s completely out of the loop unless he picks up the atmosphere while during his rare ventures into town, or maybe Asra asks him if he’s gonna give something to you. 

He panics a bit. He’s never really gifted something before, and no, those little pouches of myrrh don’t count. He’s got no money, and no real idea of the value of any trinkets he could buy. 

But then he realizes as he tours his nearby forest during his daily chores, he’s got an entire goldmine of riches right at his doorstep. The forest is full of useful bounty, and years of roughing it has taught him more than a few tricks.

With some help from Asra, Muriel carefully carves away at a bit of petrified wood - a very powerful magical catalyst that would cost a fortune if you didn’t know where to find some - until it forms a ring decorated with runes. A spell for protection.

The next time you two meet, Muriel stammers and digs into his pocket before depositing the ring into your outstretched hands, and you feel the power radiating off of it. It’s an amazing bit of craftsmanship and magic. 

He feels so light on his feet seeing you gush over your gift. Muriel vows to gift you more often, if it meant making you happy.  

-- Lucio: Bejeweled Necklace

This uncursed-Count would empty the treasury in your name, if he didn’t know any better. And he just barely does. But he certainly doesn’t spare any expense when it comes to burying you with decadence; gold and silver, expensive furs and silk, the rarest wines and exquisite foods. 

In the beginning, he didn’t particularly listen to your criticisms of his spending, and just kept on delivering boxes of luxurious chocolates or new gowns. But as time went on, he grew up a bit and learned that all these riches can go to more productive means than earning your affection. Which he already had, and didn’t need to fight for.

Still, even as his rule improved, he didn’t totally abandon his habit of spoiling you. He just kept it to ‘proper’ occasions like holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. For your birthday, he decided to commission a famous jeweler from all the way in Nevivon for a truly ostentatious necklace dripping with white gems and platinum. 

It was actually a mark of growth on his part that he didn’t make a huge show over this gift, and didn’t deliver it to you over the dinner party in an effort to brag. Instead, he gently handed it over in the privacy of the bedroom, and relished in how your eyes lit up at the exquisite wealth. 

He helped you clasp it around your neck, and kissed you softly. “You deserve the best. Not just in the form of jewels, but in everything.”

[asrasotherbottom]

Ooh the recent ask reminded me of something I've been thinking about: If giving your partner a ring wasn't the tradition in Vesuvia what would each of the Lls propose with, and how?

aaaaa this ask made me SO Happy to write. (also my proposal headcanons change every time i jrust keep thinking of different things thatd be cute dont@me ajsldk;fjl;sd)

Asra

Asra would still propose with a piece of Jewelry, likely a ring or a necklace that reminded him of MC, maybe he asks Nadia or Muriel for advice first.. 

Maybe he even borrowed the Emerald necklace and got it etched with their names on the back into the gem !!! 

I think theres a number of places that he considers Good Places to propose and then eventually he’ll just look into their eyes and be overcome with passion and propose right then and there. 

Nopal, The Shop, The Palace Gardens, The Magic Cave, The Fields

Maybe he gets down on one knee, maybe he doesnt, maybe they’re laying together under the stars and he pulls it out of his scarf right then.

He has a long speech prepared about how much he loves them and how much they’ve gone through together and how much they really really truly mean to him and how much hearing their heartbeat means to him and its very sappy and everyone is crying before they even get a chance to say yes. paired with lots of gentle kisses all over their face. 

Nadia

Nadia has half a mind to propose with the biggest and finest Anything She Can Find. She has people running around Vesuvia as she wracks her brain about what MC would want, what would symbolize their love. 

Would they like a bag of diamonds? Does she propose with a giant ring? A huge necklace? A silk wedding outfit? A palace of their own? 

No, if MC has taught her anything, its that there’s nothing they really need aside from friends, family, and each other. (Though she does wince just a little going to her siblings for advice on what to propose to you with)

She proposes with a small mechanical handmade trinket, maybe of their familiar, maybe something cheesy and romantic in a heart shape. 

Either in the gardens if the weather is nice, or on the veranda over a cup of morning tea where its just the two of them. 

Even though every servant in the palace is peeking from wherever they can hide so they can watch their reaction.

Julian

Help this tall gangly man, whats a decision? He’s never heard of the concept in his whole life.

Does he propose with a leech? Does MC Like leeches He goes to Asra and Nadia and Portia for help. 

With their help he picks out something small, wiggly and….furry. He says its pragmatic because the shop could use a guard dog. (assuming MC is both okay with dogs and would be okay with having one, but he wouldn’t be ready to propose marriage until he knew them that well anyway) 

Julian knows that raising a dog together is as big of a commitment as marriage, so he ties a little half scribbled note around their neck and sets them loose in the shop. 

He hides in the back room and watches MC open the door and how excited they get seeing the little dog and trying to read the note and as SOON as they start to be overcome with emotion he dramatically emerges from the back room of the shop. 

Muriel

He walks in to Asra’s shop in a cold sweat while MC is out, he’s never even considered in his whole life he might be faced with the idea of proposing to someone, much less to MC, and he needs advice. 

Asra gives him that horribly smug look and tells him that MC loves him and that they’ll love whatever he gets for them and that they’ll say yes. 

He hand carves something for them, either a small trinket of their familiar or favorite animal, or a small pendant of the same thing. Probably pendant

He tries to think of a romantic place, but thats not really his forte, so he tries to pick somewhere that is just important to them as a couple or somewhere he thinks is just very nice and pretty and serene.

Muriel probably gets very quiet and goes behind a tree to try and get the trinket out and think about what to say and run it over in his head for the millionth time because it still doesn’t sound quite right and next thing you know he’s doubting that MC would ever want to say yes to him.

MC finds him behind the tree and he blurts out what he’s doing and what he has and they say yes and kiss him and he turns bright red and melts into their arms. 

Portia

Portia spends about 0.5 seconds contemplating asking Julian for advice before going to Nadia and asking her advice on what to propose with. 

Nadia gives good advice but Portia still doesn’t feel like she’s found the Right Thing to propose with until she knows its really come from her heart and is very personal to her and MC’s relationship because shes just SO excited that she found them and they found her and they mean so much to her. 

Mazelinka asks Portia to list every single thing Portia loves about MC and why under the guise of trying to help Portia figure out what to propose to MC with, really she just likes seeing Portia so happy.

At the end of the day, Portia is anything but subtle. 

Very likely she writes a letter that says “Congratulations MC on your new wife! I hope you have a lovely marriage full of love and friendship and cats and laughter with the woman in the world who loves you like no other.” 

And then she asks MC to check the mail and when you read it she pops out of her cottage and blushes and says “that is..if you’ll have me?” 

Lucio

Somehow all of Vesuvia knows that he’s getting ready to propose and he still manages to keep MC in the dark about it. 

He scrolls through the mental list of all the things he could use to propose to MC, diamonds, rings, necklaces, robes, etc etc etc. None of them are up to his standards for what represents his love for them. 

He ends up proposing with a custom made traveling cloak embroidered with their name in it. It’s flashy and clearly made to his tastes, but still. 

Warmth is important to him, especially considering his past, and the idea that the two of them can embark together on the greatest adventure of their lives, marriage, its very symbolic. And he gets to show off his fantastic taste and whenever MC wears it, its very evident who they’re in love with and engaged to, much grander than a ring would be. 

Lucio spends a long time in his chambers trying to phrase his reasoning exactly right but it never quite gets there.

He proposes by the fountain, he leaves it folded up on the edge of the fountain for MC to find and when they notice it, he comes dramatically rushing in to ask for their hand in marriage. 

[nadiaportia]

A Countess’s Masquerade

Summary: A surprising visitor makes an otherwise unpleasant party worthwhile for Nadia.

Word count: ~5.3k

Very much inspired and endorsed by @leatherandsaltybitters thanks to her July Prompt! As soon as I read it, the idea came up in my head and thus this little fic was born. It was quite fun to write and I hope it’ll be equally entertaining for everyone to read~.

“Noddy, darling! Where are you~?” Nadia flinched at her husband’s nasal voice carrying over to the private balcony. She wasn’t hiding from him, of course she wasn’t, but rather taking a break from… just everything and everyone. She liked a good party as much as the next person but this revelry? It threatened to overwhelm her, more than any party in Prakra had ever done. She had been in Vesuvia for three years now and this was her third masquerade so she felt that she should be used to this… or at least get used to it. 

Nadia leaned on the ledge, propped on her elbows and rubbed her temples. Everything was getting to her even though it was only an hour past midnight, and she was sure if she were to have another drop of cloudberry liquor, she'd have enough of it for the rest of her entire life. 

A good white wine would suit her well now and perhaps even lift her spirits to get through the night. With people such as Asra, Julian and their friends it was bound to be an entertaining evening, but besides them… the nobles cared more about getting as wasted as their livers allowed them to, some didn't even forget their agenda on a party and at least at her first masquerade she had to guide Lucio away from nobles trying to lure him into lowering their taxes or giving them money if they were to fulfill half-assed requests. But the man was a grown adult so if he fell for an obvious scam, that was none of her business. 

She took in a deep breath of the chilly night air and looked at the starry sky. The heat of the day had subsided and the gardens were full of masquerade guests. From the balcony she got a good view at those dancing, drinking and laughing, be it at the huge fountain in the middle of the garden or even the maze. 

She saw how a reveler dressed as an orange butterfly pulling another one dressed as a black cat along with them out of the maze and into the woods. Luckily if she had the need to hook up with someone, she had one of the various rooms in the Palace at her disposal, although she understood the thrill of doing so outdoors where someone could walk in at every moment.

"Nadi." She looked over her shoulder at hearing her name. "Here you are." Asra, wearing a opalescent white costume and a small mask with texture resembling snakeskin, leaned with his back next to her against the ledge and took a deep breath. Something about him… was decisively out of balance, and she could feel it wasn't just Lucio being himself or people acting up in general.

"Asra. Are you enjoying the night?"

He nodded, perhaps a tad too quickly, and put on an easy smile. "Yes, don't you worry about me." He waved a hand. "It's just… wow, the Masquerade." His eyes widened in exaggeration for emphasis. 

Nadia laughed. "Yes, truly. It's… quite the event. I don't know if I'll ever grow used to this particular flavor of revelry." She eyed her friend curiously as he brushed a white lock of hair behind his ear and unconsciously dabbed at a small collection of sweat beads with his sleeve. 

"Are you alright?" She reached out and gently touched his elbow. He gulped and nodded. 

"Oh, of course, why shouldn't I be? I think the cloudberry liquor is just so strong that it gives hallucinogens a run for their money." He laughed awkwardly, and Nadia decided to drop the matter. 

Asra could be very elusive if he wanted to, and there was never a way to coax anything out of him that he didn't give up voluntarily. In a way, he was the best secretkeeper you could ask for - he'd never tell. 

"Very well." She coughed. "How's the weather?"

Asra snorted. "Sayelle and Julian decided to hold an impromptu duet of a Galbradan folk song, it was quite impressive." 

Nadia smiled to herself. "Of course it was. They know how to work a stage."

"I'm surprised Julian didn't slur through his part."

"Noddy!" Lucio's loud voice rang over through the air, this time closer. The Countess and the magician looked at each other and simultaneously rolled their eyes. 

"Do you know why?"

"There's guests from Zadith and he wants to make a good impression - which on his own is nigh impossible already when he's sober."

"Well, at least it might be interesting to meet some new people." Nadia stood upright and straightened her dress. "It has been a while since I was in Zadith for the last time. Let's see how much things have changed."

They made their way through the groups of party-goers and entered the ballroom. Here the air was artificially kept cool and it really was a necessity considering that the majority of people were in there. 

"Oh, Asra, thank you for finding Noddy for me." A sweaty hand softly caressed her shoulder and soft lips pressed a kiss on her mask.

Asra's eyes were steely but he nodded in acknowledgement. "You're welcome, sir."

Lucio grinned and put an arm around Nadia. She smiled and touched his arm. "I heard something about a delegation from Zadith?"

"Oh, yes! Some alchemists and a bunch of nobles, small fish but we kinda need their backing because of the trade routes and all that other jazz." He made a vague hand movement. Nadia nodded slowly. "Very well… let’s see what we can do then. Nothing like negotiations during a birthday party."

Lucio let out a dramatic sigh. "So rude, I know. But let's get to it. Oh, hey, where are you going?"

Asra had turned and began walking back into the crowd. "Huh?"

"C'mon, the more the merrier."

"For 'negotiations'?"

"Hm, sure." Lucio grinned. "You're already in with the upper echelons, might as well see the inner workings." He let go off Nadia and put an arm around Asra's shoulder.

Asra's gaze met Nadia, who shrugged as a response. It couldn't do any harm, she thought. His eyes briefly wandered around the room as if he was searching for someone and then sighed.

"Alright, why not?"

They walked up the stairs and onto the upper level of the ballroom, where a group of people stood together in extravagant costumes. Lucio introduced them and Nadia was surprised that somehow he managed to come across as decently put together. The Zadithi nobles were eager to chat with her and were impressed by Lucio's military campaigns, falling easily for his charm. Nadia and Asra leaned back and she was about to suggest they'd leave to another party room, when -

"Oh, apologies, I was exploring some of the rooms in the West Wing! Whoever designed them deserves all the praise." A clear melodic voice rang over them and everyone turned their head towards the woman that approached them. Her costume could only be described with one word: pink - to be specific, the bright hot variant. The fabric was light, resembled ruffled silk and comfortably fit around her body, the dress ended halfway along her thighs but another extravagant piece of fabric continued in the back similarly to a peacock's tail without touching the floor. Her high-heeled shoes were of the exact same hue as the dress, just like the gems around her neck and her earrings. The mask she wore depicted a flamingo. On the vast majority of people, this outfit would have been considered a fashion sin and no doubt resulted in their imprisonment but somehow… it worked fantastically on her. Nadia had no idea how but it did.

The woman herself had impeccable posture as she walked towards them, shoulders low, back straightened and her head held confidently high. Her brown skin meshed well with the vibrant pink of the dress and her dark brown hair was fixed in an updo. Through the mask she saw a pair of eyes the color of dark honey and her full lips were painted a dark red, almost black. 

"Gentlepeople of the Zadithi court, I hope I am not interrupting something." She said as she inclined her head towards the delegation who apparently were her companions all along. 

"Oh, Marquesa, no, you're most welcome to enter the conversation actually." One of them, a tall man with golden skin, said and bowed to her. "We’re actually having a lovely conversation with our hosts - whom, if I recall, you haven't met as of yet!"

To Nadia's surprise, she heard Asra cough and turned to see him looking suddenly very out of it. 

"Really?" The woman made a surprised face and looked from Lucio to Nadia to Asra. "Well, we have already met, have we not, young magician?" Her eyes were on Asra for a brief moment and her eyes twinkled until she turned her attention back to the Count and the Countess. Nadia noticed that her gaze lingered on her for maybe a little too longer before she spoke next.

"Your excellencies: Lady Heloisa de Rubalcaba of Calpacia, representative of the Zaan of Cartagenth in foreign affairs." She made a curtsy and her costume rustled. "To your services, Count Lucio and Countess Nadia."

"We are very honored to have you, Lady Heloisa.” Nadia replied and nodded respectfully. The name vaguely rang a bell in her mind but she couldn’t recall precisely in what context. 

“Likewise.” Lucio added and nodded with a hand on his chest. 

Even though they were on Vesuvian soil and the local sovereigns, etiquette still demanded foreigners with a higher title were to be treated as guests of honor. She wondered what room this marquesa was given - although she did not recall invitations being sent out to the empire of Calpacia to the far West of the continent. Lucio seemed to think the same.

“Cartagenth, Calpacia… if I remember correctly, I stopped sending invitations after them being ignored for three years straight.” His tone was amicable but had an edge to it. Lady Heloisa shrugged. 

“That is very much true, Count Lucio. I was on a diplomatic mission in Zadith meeting my dear friends,”, she winked in the general direction of the Zadithi delegation, “when your invitation reached the council - and since they are allowed to bring guests and I was at the moment the guest of honor at court, here I am!”

“Especially because you mentioned never having been here, Marquesa!” A woman with a headscarf and a fennek mask claimed. 

“Yes.” The marquesa sighed. “The diplomatic relations between Cartagenth and Vesuvia are not the best, after the Vesuvians’, err, I guess one could refer to it as a “business”, in Karnassos, ancient allies of ours from back when they were the local military power.”

Nadia’s eyes went to Lucio who was busy inspecting the tips of his gauntlet. She remembered a history lesson many, many years ago in her childhood, about the nations to the west of Prakra where the kingdoms of Bizatena, Calpacia and Karnassos had joined forces to break down a merchant revolt. 

“C’mon, let’s get out of here.” Asra whispered. A single bead of sweat was rolling down his temple and Nadia raised an eyebrow. Was he that unnerved because of the marquesa?

“Give me a few minutes, Asra, then I’m with you.” She whispered back and gently touched his arm. Asra looked already more at peace and touched her hand reassuringly. 

“Mirror room.” With that, he turned and left.

“Either way, hopefully that can be water under the bridge now - who knows, maybe one day we will need to support each other.” 

“Hm, I think that Vesuvia is doing quite fine as of lately, but thank you for the offer, Lady Heloisa.” Lucio’s voice was honey but the slight curl in his lip indicated to Nadia that he was already displeased with her attitude. One corner of the marquesa’s lips turned upwards and she let out a sigh. 

“That might be true but you know - you never know. Unless you can see the future thanks to a crystal ball.” She winked at Lucio as if they were old friends planning a conspiracy together. Lucio’s cold grey eyes fixated on her warm brown ones and even though most of his face was hidden by the large peacock mask he wore, Nadia saw his ears turning beet red. The marquesa snatched a glass of rosé prosecco from the platter of a bypassing waiter.

“Which I quite frankly cannot - I possess no magical talents, unlike you.” She nodded at the members of the delegation. “For you, my friends, and the students of the alchemical academy of Zadith.” She toasted towards the Zadithi and downed the content of the flute in one go. 

“So this is all that brings you to Vesuvia, ‘diplomatic relations’? As for my husband’s military endeavors, that one has been solved after a court hearing - we paid reparations to the town of Karnassos, but of course I understand why its old allies might bear a grudge towards those who harmed the representative of their sister city.” Nadia stated curtly and tried to ignore Lucio’s questioning look that basically said ‘We paid reparations?’.

“Not exactly, it was also my own curiosity. Especially when I heard that the Countess happened to be a former Princess of Prakra.” Lady Heloisa’s eyes twinkled and her smile turned into something more genuine than the sardonic grin she had put on when talking to Lucio. “That certainly got my attention, and I am glad to know I did not come all the way here to be disappointed.” 

Was the marquesa trying to flirt with her, in front of her husband nonetheless? Bold, but… 

“Either way, thank you - I did not know that the matter had been solved, I thank you for clearing it up to me.”

“You’re more than welcome, Lady Heloisa.”

“And I mean it; your reputation precedes you, Countess Nadia; your work as a stateswoman in the service of your home country is known even to the Calpacian court and your sisters Nafizah and Navra have told me much about you when I was in Prakra two years ago. Quite a shame we did not meet earlier - you seem a most interesting character.” The last sentence was to Nadia’s surprised said in accented but very sure spoken Prakran. At the same time she remembered almost out of nowhere why exactly the name rang a bell. 

“Oh, you’re the playwright! The one who wrote The Dying Swan of Doña Astros.” Navra had raved about this play for at least a whole month and even attended a showing of it when the entourage and actors had travelled to Prakra.

Heloisa smiled and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Yes, the first play I ever wrote. I have a soft spot for it but Jocelyn y Templanza is the most dear to me. It’s just so much more personal.” 

“Oh, I haven’t seen either but… now that I recall it, I did read The Ballad of the Brave Knights of Crystalia. A good comedy with great social commentary.” 

“Ah, that one,”, she chuckled, “there are enough people who consider it a tragedy, partly because it’s based on real events. You certainly seem to have enough finesse and sharp wit to figure it out the right way, congratulations.” She winked and Nadia was glad for the mask on her face which hid her blush.

 “The Crystalian Knights were a real mercenary band - not one of them from Crystalia necessarily.” Lucio interjected. Nadia threw him a pointed look. Did he have to forcefully insert himself into the conversation?

“Why, thank you, I am well aware of that, your excellency.” Lady Heloisa’s mouth was a thin line. “My source is - well, was, since their era has ended - quite familiar with them; they were under her service after all.”

Lucio’s eyes widened and his lips pursed but he didn’t press the issue. 

“Reading the play could maybe give you a new insight on the events, darling.” Nadia suggested with a small smile and suppressed a chuckle when Lucio rolled his eyes. 

“Oh, don’t feel pressured to follow your wife’s recommendation, your excellency. Zero readers are better than one self-described expert.” She laughed. Nadia felt the corners of her mouth twitch. As if Lucio would ever finish a book in order to criticize it. Her husband meanwhile only stared at the marquesa who shook her head. “Pardon, I was just joking. A man of your standing, you must be quite educated and your military decorations say more than enough.”

“Oh, no offense taken, Lady Heloisa - or Marquesa? Which one is it? You are dressed like someone more important than you might actually be.” He slightly leaned forward with a grin that bared a little too much teeth.

Before Nadia could open her mouth, the marquesa answered cooly and with a steely look in her brown eyes that by now exuded no warmth whatsoever: “I am a representative of my house and since the actual marquesa is quite the busy woman, the political affairs fall to me, your excellency.” As quickly as her sharp veneer appeared, it was gone again and her tone became amicable again. “Either way… I take it you are quite busy with the delegation; the people who are actually interested in talking to you. Good day, and before I forget it: happy birthday - it is your party I am attending after all.” Lucio opened his mouth to answer, but Lady Heloisa turning on her heel cut him off before a word escaped him.

“Lucio.” Nadia hissed and leveled him with a displeased look. 

“C’mon, Noddy, from whichever backwater that woman is, they haven’t even invented manners over there.” 

Nadia raised an eyebrow which instantly made him shut up. “Have you ever heard of being the bigger person?”

Her husband put on a shameless grin. “Nope. Especially not on my birthday - why though, I’m already the greatest there is!” He looked down on himself and marveled at his peacock costume with a deep cut-out and tight shimmering teal pants.

Nadia sighed. “Like always it’s left to me to fix the messes you leave behind.” 

She didn’t even dignify Lucio with a response and followed the marquesa who with her hot pink costume was not only impossible to miss but also seemed to naturally draw looks to her. Nadia followed her through a crowd and before she reached her, she thought that maybe she was being ridiculous, this woman was a stranger to her but if Lucio just burnt a bridge to her and the Calpacian empire, that couldn’t be good.

“Lady Heloisa.” The marquesa turned at hearing her name. “Countess Nadia.” She said, with no little surprise in her voice. “What can I do for you? If you are here to apologize for your husband’s tactlessness: there is no need to.”

Nadia sighed. “Let me apologize regardless; I reckon you came to Vesuvia to make friends. Like any good host, I will not deny you the possibility to form good, better, bonds between Vesuvia and Calpacia.”

Lady Heloisa looked at her for a moment, then she nodded slowly. “I do not want to drag you from your own party, so feel free to deny me, but I need to breathe some fresh air - if you were to accompany me, I would be most grateful.”

“Well,” Nadia began, “I don’t have anywhere to be, by all means, and I was going to leave either way.” She remembered Asra, who most likely was waiting for her in the mirror room, that he probably left because of the same person who she was now talking to, but shook her head to chase away the thought. On the way to the balconies she saw Deirdra talking to a butterfly and a pigeon and told them as they passed by to tell Asra she wasn’t going to make it, and then the cold nightair hit her in the face. 

“Ah, much better. I thought I was going to suffocate in there.” Lady Heloisa fanned air into her face. “It's too many people in one room - as big as it might be, it is not enough.” She sighed. “Oh well. I don’t mean to be too forward but… how about the gardens? Less people, more fresh air - both sound like a good deal to me.” 

She grinned at Nadia and for a moment her eyes wandered over Nadia’s figure. “If you want to, Countess, that is. We can relax by the arbors too, as long as it’s away from all the spying little eyes. It is so hard to relax when you’re surrounded by just about everyone in existence.”

Nadia considered the offer for a moment and realized that entertaining the thought actually thrilled her. 

“The arbors sound good, you should just know that there's many people in the gardens right now, be it to catch some fresh air or… engage in risky behavior.” 

“Oh ho ho, how naughty! But oh well, it wouldn't be a party without some of that.” Lady Heloisa chuckled but then agreed to them going to the arbors. On the way there, she fell back for a moment but caught up a few seconds later, triumphantly holding a bottle of prosecco in her hand. "Not a party without some of that."

"You took it off a waiter?" Nadia raised an eyebrow but her tone was amused.

"Unless that was the last bottle in the Palace, in which case it'll be spent rather well." She said with a grin. They settled in an arbor far from any big crowds, surrounded by white rose bushes and with a block of marble in its middle. The two women sat on it, with Lady Heloisa wiping the block before doing so. 

"Stains won't show on my costume but yours… a swan should never stain her beautiful plumage." She winked and sat down cross-legged before she stripped the heels of her feet and rubbed her ankles. 

"Where did you even get it from? Considering you didn't even know the Masquerade was going to happen."

"Oh, I have an excellent and diligent tailor. I'm rather proud of what he came up with: it's very 'Me'."

Nadia straightened her long white feathered dress. "Well, it certainly is unique and quite daring, if I might say so."

Lady Heloisa laughed. "Both of us could surely go into the history books of masquerades as 'Best Dressed' of the evening if there was such a thing. No offense to any peacocks that might walk around the grounds at this very moment."

Nadia laughed.

“I apologize for making fun of your husband, I don’t mean to antagonize him.” Nadia highly doubted this, but didn’t say anything as she watched Lady Heloisa wedge the bottle between her knees and began pulling put the cork. “I’m here to mingle after all. Although I’m starting to think that you are much more amicable and approachable than him.” That easy smile was back on her but a loud plop make both of them jump and the marquesa let out a harsh curse as bubbly prosecco spilled out of the bottle.

“Oh, let me please.” Nadia quickly snatched the bottle from her fingers and put the bottle to her mouth, taking a big sip and put it down when most of the foam was gone. Lady Heloisa’s eyes didn’t leave her as she did so and went between the bottle and Nadia when she put it back on the marble block.

“I was about to lament I didn’t bring any glasses with me but… you don’t seem to mind.” She grinned and took the bottle, still stained with some of Nadia’s own lipstick, and took an equally big sip out of it. 

Nadia leaned back on her hands and curiously eyed the marquesa from head to toes. The fingers holding the bottle were long and slender; a silver band adorned her thumb and another her ring finger. Her dress had a thin but deep cut-out and was made to accentuate her long brown legs. There was a slight hint of fruity scent to her, and Nadia imagined her skin to be soft to the touch. 

As the conversation naturally progressed, she noticed that as soon as she was one-on-one and more at ease with someone, the marquesa had a shift in demeanor - her speech was less strained, less formal than when talking next to the Zadithi delegation. 

She told her about why she was in Zadith in the first place (a potential partnership and exchange program between the Guild’s First Magical Institute and the Alchemical Academy of Zadith), her journey (“I feel like a woman of the people now after sleeping on a field bed two days in a row”) and her last trip to the Star Lakes (where she did meet Nahara and Navra as it turned out and if Nadia read the signs correctly, they went on some very heavy nightly carousing) which in turn led to Nadia talking about Prakra and her life in Vesuvia. 

The marquesa hung onto every word that came out of the Countess's mouth and Nadia grew more and more confident the longer she spoke with her. It was so satisfying to talk to someone and have them actually listen to you, showing actual interest in your words and being a good audience. The only other person she had ever felt the same with after leaving Prakra was Asra; his friends were very sweet but she didn't know them that well yet, Doctor Devorak would tell his own tales in response which was fine but not always what one needed, and Lucio… everything was a competition for him and he would come up with an outrageous lie to make her feel small.

“So, how are you liking Vesuvia so far?”

“Hm.” Lady Heloisa pursed her lips. "It reminds me a bit of Bizatena, but... ,", she sighed, "less well organized. I won't lie, Countess, but there are parts of the city that look atrocious. Happy citizens are happy to be subjects, and unhappy citizens… well, I don't think I need to finish that thought. Prakra has a very high standard of life, its citizens enjoy many rights - how does it compare to Vesuvia?" 

Nadia's thoughts went to coliseum fights and the neglect of the aqueduct system. She felt blood rush to her face as she didn't reply right away, in shame of not doing enough for the city and its inhabitants.

"There isn't even a proper legal system." Why was she telling this woman about it? She had done nothing to prove herself trustworthy - in fact, Nadia thought about the look on Asra's face when he saw the marquesa, that surely had to mean something. 

Lady Heloisa shook her head. "For fuck’s sake. That… sounds horrible. My true condolences." She gave Nadia an empathetic look and reached out to touch her arm. "I hope that one day Vesuvia is ruled by the sovereign it deserves - the quicker the better."

Nadia looked at her for a moment as she processed what the marquesa had just said. Was she really implying what she thought?

"You clearly are a smart and cultured woman, Countess, there is no doubt about it. You surely have got to have some influence amongst the count's advisers or the Vesuvian council in some way, if your husband doesn't listen to you - which is a grave mistake on his part - then at least he should do so with his courtiers."

Nadia thought of the courtiers Lucio had brought to Vesuvia, those strange creatures of whom she wasn't even sure if there was a soul in their chest or not… slippery Vlastomil, mysterious Valdemar, boorish Vulgora and excessive Volta. The newest consul, a young Vesuvian named Valerius, son of a noblewoman who had faithfully served the previous Count and Countess, was the only one she felt some sort of kinship towards but even then she felt on thin ice with him. 

"I will try." She conceded with a sign. "You speak like someone who has plenty of experience with this."

The marquesa grinned and shrugged. "I don't kiss and tell, dearest Countess, all I will say is this: the Cartagense court is a lion's pit and its inhabitants are eternally starved and thus always down to rip you to shreds. I hope for your sake that the Vesuvians are nothing like that - even if I can see you surviving in a hostile environment.”

Nadia watched her as she sighed and reached up to her face to take off the flamingo mask. She didn’t know what exactly to expect behind the mask but she was anything but disappointed: the marquesa had a face that was quite easy on the eyes. Coupled with her magnetic personality, her charisma, her way with words… the woman was fascinating to put it in one word. And yet… she reminded her of those flesh-eating orchids from the jungles in Northern Prakra. 

Lady Heloisa turned the mask in her hand and scoffed. 

“I had this costume made last minute when your husband's invitation arrived in Zadith. Something that says 'I'm down for the fun!', no statement piece or whatever.” She brushed a non-existing speck of dirt off the mask. “Yours clearly positions you as the one with her head in the game, Countess: regal, gracious and with a protective, mayhaps even a little ruthless, streak.” She raised an eyebrow, her smirk confident. “Is it that what's underneath your mask? I'd love to know.”

She reached out to caress Nadia's swan mask but just as her fingers brushed it, Nadia took a hold of her wrist. The marquesa's eyes widened but she didn't protest, on the contrary, the corner of her mouth twitched upwards. Nadia's lips curved into a smile as she gently stroked with her thumb over the skin of the marquesa's inner wrist. The smell of fruity perfume intensified. 

“I don't kiss and tell either, Marquesa.”

Lady Heloisa's eyes were fixed on hers for a moment and then seemed to collect herself. “I have never been one to back down from a challenge.” Her cheeks darkened a bit and she lowered her hand a bit - Nadia let her until she stopped just shortly above her thigh covered by the white satin of her costume. 

“You certainly are daring, Lady Heloisa.” Nadia gently let go of her and in the process trailed over her delicate hand, caressing the knuckles of her long fingers. 

“Is that what you prefer?” The marquesa scooted closer to her, their legs almost touching. “Daring women?”

Nadia felt her face heat up but leaned in, tilted Lady Heloisa's chin up with her finger and replied: “Who says I am not a daring woman?”

The marquesa let out an light chuckle at that. “Countess Nadia, you do have some surprises up your sleeve. I don't know what I expected from Vesuvia but it wasn't someone like you.” She reached for the bottle and frowned. 

“Damn… guess we killed that one.” 

Nadia laughed. She stood up and gulped as she swayed slightly on the spot but held her balance. “I suppose that's the sign we should get back to the ballroom.”

“Ah, yes. I suppose you are right.” Lady Heloisa put her heels back on and when she stood there, there was little to no sway at all - impressive, given the fact the marquesa had drunk more and was also smaller. 

“Maybe,”, Nadia hooked her arm in with the marquesa's. The flamingo costume rustled and the marquesa sucked in a breath as Nadia pulled her close, “you can surprise me in return with your dance moves.”

The laugh Lady Heloisa let out was loud and so very uncharacteristic for a cultured noble woman such as her. Nadia gave her a curious look as she tried to regain her composure. Maybe they were both a bit more enthusiastic after sharing that bottle. Lady Heloisa ran her fingers along Nadia's arm; her pink nails scraped a bit on her skin.

“Oh, that I surely will.”

[aion-rsa]

The Horror Movies That May Owe Their Existence To H.P. Lovecraft

https://ift.tt/2T7puxi

With Lovecraft Country finishing its acclaimed first season, you may be looking to fill that new gap in your viewing schedule with more content based on or inspired by the works of the enigmatic author from Providence, Rhode Island.

Let’s get one thing clear upfront: Howard Phillips Lovecraft was very much a product of his time and upbringing, and his views on race, ethnicity, and class — while commonplace for where and when he lived — were truly noxious, an aspect of his legacy that Lovecraft Country addresses in its own themes. But it’s also clear that Lovecraft was arguably the most influential horror writer of the 20th century, with a reach that extends to this day.

While there have been a number of movies based directly on stories by Lovecraft — including titles like Die, Monster, Die! (1965), The Dunwich Horror (1970), Re-Animator (1985) and its sequels, From Beyond (1986), Dagon (2001), The Whisperer in Darkness (2011), and Color Out of Space (2020) — you may be surprised just how many more readily available major horror films and cult favorites have been influenced by his writing in terms of plotlines, themes, mood and imagery.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Here is a readout of 20 movies, spanning the last 60 years, in which the pervasive presence of H.P. Lovecraft had an undeniable impact, making many of these efforts into mostly effective and often great horror films. Even the Great Old Ones would approve…

X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963)

Legendary filmmaker Roger Corman had just adapted a Lovecraft story in The Haunted Palace (although the movie was marketed as part of his Edgar Allan Poe cycle), but this sci-fi film also clearly channeled some of the author’s sense of cosmic horror.

Ray Milland plays a scientist who invents a formula that allows him to see through just about everything, eventually peering into the center of the universe itself. What he views there leads him to a shocking decision that fans of Lovecraft’s work would appreciate.

The Shuttered Room (1967)

This British production was based on a short story by August Derleth, Lovecraft’s publisher and a noted author in his own right. Derleth based his story on a fragment left behind by Lovecraft after the latter’s death, with the movie expanding on the tale even further.

Read more

TV

Behind the Scenes on Inside No. 9’s Most Terrifying Episode

By Louisa Mellor

Movies

Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the Seduction of Old School Movie Magic

By David Crow

Gig Young and Carol Lynley star as a couple who inherit Lynley’s family mill only to find something horrifying living at the top of the house. Lots of Lovecraftian elements — a cursed house, a family secret, and strange locals — are all here.

Alien (1979)

Lovecraft’s work arguably existed on that knife edge between horror and science fiction — the Great Old Ones of his Cthulhu Mythos were, after all, ancient entities that existed in the darkest corners of the universe.

One of the greatest sci-fi/horror hybrids of all time, Alien, clearly took a cue from Lovecraft’s work: the origins and motivations of its xenomorphs were utterly unknowable to human understanding, and even the look of the alien echoed the gelatinous, glistening flesh of the Old Ones (too bad later movies like Prometheus and Alien: Covenant ruined it by explaining far too much of the alien’s history).

Scorpion

City of the Living Dead (1980)

Italian director Lucio Fulci directed several films inspired by the work of Lovecraft, starting with this gorefest starring Christopher George (Grizzly) and Catriona MacColl. When a priest hangs himself on the grounds of a cemetery in the town of Dunwich (a town created by Lovecraft), it opens a portal to hell that allows the living dead to erupt into our world.

Read more

TV

Talalay’s Terrors! The Director Breaks Down Her 5 Scariest Scenes

By Kayti Burt

TV

Boy Meets World’s Slasher Episode Was Scarier Than it Had Any Right To Be

By Nick Harley and 1 other

Fulci’s movie is often nonsensically plotted and more reliant on gore than Lovecraft ever was, but the otherworldly, surreal atmosphere is definitely sourced from the master.

The Beyond (1980)

The second film is Lucio Fulci’s “Gates of Hell” trilogy (the third was The House by the Cemetery) is perhaps the most heavily Lovecraftian, with Fulci regular Catriona MacColl inheriting a hotel in Louisiana that turns out to be — you guessed it — a portal to the world of the dead.

Like the director’s other work, it’s inconsistently acted and directed, but it oozes with a surreal, unsettling atmosphere that almost becomes intentionally disorienting. Hell of an ending too — literally.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Sam Raimi was just 20 when he and friends Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell set out to make a low-budget horror movie called Book of the Dead, based on Raimi’s interest in Lovecraft. The finished product, The Evil Dead, featured plenty of Lovecraftian touches: a book of arcane evil knowledge, entities from another dimension, reanimated corpses and more.

Read more

Movies

New Evil Dead Director Has Been to the Woods Before

By Don Kaye

Movies

Evil Dead Movies: The Most Soul Sucking Moments

By David Crow

It also became one of the greatest cult horror movies of all time, spawning an entire franchise and — even as it veered more into comedy — staying true to its cosmic horror roots.

Universal

The Thing (1982)

Even though it’s squarely set in the science fiction genre, John Carpenter’s brilliant adaptation of the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella Who Goes There? (filmed in 1951 as The Thing from Another World) is unquestionably cosmic horror.

Read more

Movies

The Thing Deleted Scenes Included a Missing Blow-Up Doll

By Ryan Lambie

Movies

John Carpenter’s The Thing Had An Icy Critical Reception

By Ryan Lambie

Although the title creature lands on Earth in a spaceship, its immense age, apparent indestructibility, utterly alien intelligence and formless ability to shapeshift make it one of the most Lovecraftian — and terrifying — monsters to ever slither across the screen. The remote, desolate setting and growing paranoia among the characters add to the terror and awe.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Yes, it’s one of the best combinations of horror and comedy to ever emerge onto the screen. But Ghostbusters’ second half — in which an apartment building designed by an insane architect turns out to be a gateway to a realm of monstrous demons led by “Gozer the Gozerian” — is pure Lovecraft.

The monstrous nature of the menace, the ancient rites and secret cult used to summon it — all of this is still quite cosmically eerie even as it’s played mostly for laughs and thrills.

Prince of Darkness (1987)

The second entry in what came to be known as John Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy” is perhaps the least influenced by Lovecraft. But it still packs a cosmic wallop with its arcane secrets long buried in an abandoned, decrepit church, its portal to another dimension ruled over by an Anti-God, its mutated, reanimated human monsters and its mind-bending combination of religious legends and scientific speculation (credit as well to British writer Nigel Kneale, an even more massive inspiration here).

In the Mouth of Madness (1995)

Carpenter completed his trilogy (arguably his greatest achievement outside of Halloween) with the most Lovecraftian of the three, in which a private insurance investigator (Sam Neill) looks into the disappearance of a famous horror author and learns that his books may portend the arrival of monstrous creatures from beyond our reality.

Read more

Books

An Introduction to HP Lovecraft: 5 Essential Stories

By Ethan Lewis

TV

How Lovecraft Country Uses Topsy and Bopsy to Address Racist Caricatures

By Nicole Hill

Not only are the ideas right out of Lovecraft, but the movie oozes with allusions to the writer’s work and ends up being as disorienting and genuinely disturbing as some of his most famous stories.

Event Horizon (1997)

While we will always argue that the execution of this film was faulty, which stops it from becoming a true cult classic, we won’t debate its central premise: a spacecraft with an experimental engine rips open a hole in the space-time continuum, plunging the ship and its crew into a dimension that appears to be hell itself and endangering the rescue team that arrives to find out what happened.

Read more

Movies

Exploring the Deleted Footage From Event Horizon

By Padraig Cotter

Movies

Event Horizon: From Doomed Ship to Cult Gem

By Ryan Lambie

Director Paul W.S. Anderson provides some truly macabre touches to an often incoherent movie, and again the whole invasion-of-evil-from-outside-our-universe concept points right back to old H.P. and his canon.

Hellboy (2004)

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola has often cited Lovecraft as a primary influence on his long-running comics starring the big red demon (Lovecraft’s vision has impacted a slew of other comics over the years as well), and it’s no surprise that Guillermo del Toro’s original movie based on the books touches on that too. The film’s Ogdru Jahad are a take on Lovecraft’s Great Old Ones, while the movie is stuffed with references to occult knowledge, forbidden texts, alternate realities and more.

Del Toro’s own direct Lovecraft adaptation, At the Mountains of Madness, remains abandoned in development hell, but his work here gives us perhaps a taste of how it might have looked.

The Mist (2007)

Stephen King has often cited the influence of Lovecraft on his own vast library of work, and both the novella The Mist and Frank Darabont’s intense film adaptation are perhaps the most overt example.

While the premise is vaguely sci-fi — an accident at a secret government lab opens a portal to another dimension, unleashing a fog containing all kinds of horrifying monsters — the mood and the entities are Lovecraftian to the extreme, as is Darabont’s unforgivingly bleak ending (altered from King’s more ambiguous one).

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Director/co-writer Drew Goddard and co-writer Joss Whedon take on two of horror’s most criticized subgenres, the slasher film and the torture porn movie, in this sharp satire that ends up being a Lovecraft pastiche as well. The standard set-up of five young, horny friends heading to a remote cabin in advance of being slaughtered turns out to be a ritual performed by trained technicians as a sacrifice to monstrous deities — the Ancient Ones — that reside under the Earth’s crust. The ending — in which the survivors decide that humanity isn’t worth saving after all — would have met the misanthropic Lovecraft’s approval.

Stephen King’s It (2017/2019)

The more metaphysical elements of King’s gigantic 1987 novel (such as the emergence of the godlike Turtle and the journey into the Macroverse) didn’t really make it into either this two-part theatrical version of the novel or the 1990 miniseries.

Read more

TV

Upcoming Stephen King Movies and TV Shows in Development

By Matthew Byrd and 6 others

Movies

How It Chapter Two Differs from the Book

By David Crow

But the influence of Lovecraft is still felt in the title menace itself, an unimaginably ancient, shape-shifting entity that can exist in multiple realities and feeds on fear and terror. The way that It slowly corrupts the town of Derry and its inhabitants over the years has precedent as well in Lovecraft tales like “The Dunwich Horror” and “The Shadow Over Innsmouth.”

The Endless (2017)

Indie horror auteurs Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead have touched on certain Lovecraft tropes in all their films, including Resolution and Spring, but The Endless is perhaps the most directly influenced by the author. The writers/directors also star in the movie as two brothers who return to the cult from which they escaped as children, only to find it has become the plaything of an unseen time-bending entity.

Genuinely eerie and more reliant on character and story than special effects, The Endless is a good example of what a modern twist on the Lovecraft mythos might look like.

The Void (2017)

A small group of medical personnel, police officers and patients become trapped in a hospital after hours by an onslaught of hooded cultists and macabre creatures in this virtual compendium of well-loved Lovecraft tropes and imagery. Writer/directors Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie channel an ’80s horror vibe, with all its pros (and some cons) but the overall atmosphere is surreal and the story taps effectively into the sense of cosmic horror.

Annihilation (2018)

Alex Garland’s (Devs) adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s frightening novel Annihilation is brilliant and terrifying in its own right, and both serve as loose rewrites/reinventions of Lovecraft’s classic “The Colour Out of Space.” In this take, four female explorers are tasked with penetrating and solving the spread of an alien entity over a portion of the coastal U.S. that is mutating all the plant and animal life within. The sense of awe and cosmic dread is strong throughout this underseen gem.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The second feature from visionary writer/director Robert Eggers (The Witch) is more a psychological drama than an outright horror film — or is it? The story’s two lonely lighthouse keepers (Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe) may be going insane or may be coming under the influence of an unseen sea entity and the beam of the lighthouse itself.

Read more

Movies

A24 Horror Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

By David Crow and 3 others

Movies

The Lighthouse: the myths and archetypes behind the movie explained

By Rosie Fletcher

With its black and white cinematography, windswept location, half-glimpsed sea creatures and sense of reality crumbling around the edges, The Lighthouse is just a Great Old One away from being a genuine Lovecraftian nightmare.

Underwater (2020)

It’s hard to believe that this Kristen Stewart vehicle came out in early 2020 — given the way the world changed since, it seems like it came out five years ago. Although its story of workers on a deep sea drilling facility battling monsters from the deep was an overly familiar one, the creatures themselves were more unusual than most. Director William Eubank took it a step further by saying that the movie’s climactic giant monster was none other than Cthulhu itself, the Great Old One sleeping under the ocean and namesake of Lovecraft’s entire Cthulhu Mythos — which takes us back to where we began.

The post The Horror Movies That May Owe Their Existence To H.P. Lovecraft appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/34bCWqy

[popcornaddict500]

M6 x mc headcanons but, EVERYONE is a demon

(i thought of this. What if everyone had become a demon after the devil’s plans, and were living normal lives? See it as a wholesome twist on the reversed endings! The world is ovbiously not as fucked up, it’s just that all people are demons or monsters or creatures, or even hybrids. It’s fun, you’ll see. I’ll be putting my own designs as the m6′s demon forms, they’re gonna be different than in the reversed endings (in Julian’s and Nadia’s case). You can look however you want to, just imagine a demon form you like. I’ll keep that neutral.)

Asra

-He’s become a fox person, sporting a large, white, bushy tail and fox ears on his head. He has soft, white fur covering his neck and his lower arms and legs. His feet and hands are fox-like and he’s got claws. His eyes lack a white sclera, instead they’re entirely purple (like cat or dog eyes). Also, he’s got fangs. He’s become taller and bigger in stature, but to be fair, everyone has.

-Still travels with you a lot, meeting other people from far away, and seeing new demon species and creatures.

-Once, the two of you helped a person with the lower body of a spider to escape a pool of quicksand

-They thanked the two of you by giving you a shimmering gem

-Asra still loves to cuddle you, and you love it too. He’s so soft and fluffy.

-A lot of naps

-He tends to fall asleep anywhere

-Faust has become a smol dragon

-Asra loves it when you pet his ears and brush the fur on his tail

-He just melts

-Despite everything, despite everyone becoming a monster or demon they are still living normal lives, and he’s content with it. As long as he’s with you.

-His tongue also got a lot longer 😏

-If he gets excited or he has to laugh, he makes yowling noises and it’s so cute

-Still loves water, find him swimming in a lake with a waterfall in the forest. He’ll ask you to join him, definitely 😏

Julian

-He’s become a dragon-man sort of creature. He’s got large, black, leathery wings on his back, and a long tail. His arms and legs are a scaly black, with clawed feet. He’s got black, pointed ears and some small, smooth scales on his throat. He can breathe fire but doesn’t really do it often. His teeth got sharper too, though he’d never use them on you. (he still has his hair, not like his reversed ending)

-He’s known as the ‘dragon doctor’ and has a clinic next to your shop.

-He’s still as goofy and likes trouble as much as he used to, and with his new form he can find it much easier.

-Takes flights with you on his back quite often, travelling through the forest or just in the sky.

-He loves visiting other towns to find ‘the rowdiest places’

-These visits end with him being injured 95% of the time

-But it’s hella fun anyway. He’s a demon so he heals a lot quicker.

-He can be self concious at times, imagine being on a date with him like

-’’Don’t you think we stand out too much?’’ 

-’’Julian. Look around the restaurant. That lady has 18 arms, that man has eyes all over his body and that person has a squid for a head and tentacles for arms. I really don’t think we’re the strangest people here.’’

-Despite having clawed hands, he’s remarkably gentle with you. But, when needed, he can scare someone shitless.

-Not only his body is monster sized now if you know what i mean 😏 he has a knot-

-His sense of smell is a lot stronger, he loves your scent and will often spend a lot of time kissing and cuddling you with you enveloped in his wings.

Nadia

-She’s become a beautiful creature, (she already was tho) with massive, butterfly wings resting down her back. The wings are a mixture of a shiny black and a deep purple, as well as magenta. She has two long antennea on her head and a long, thin tongue. She has 4 arms, with a bug-like structure to it. (kinda like doll arms, with segments yknow) She’s incredibly lightweight and very fast.

-Sometimes goes on flights with you, Chandra joins her. Chandra’s become a griffon, though a small one. 

-She can get to one side of the city to the other in less than 2 minutes

-Her different tongue is a guilty pleasure of hers, she loves kissing you like this

-She’s gained a weird love for flowers and often spends a lot of time in the garden

-Though she had to get used to her new arms, she’s discovered how useful 4 arms can be.

-She can walk on the walls and the ceiling for some reason

-Her servants are all demons and creatures too btw

-If you give her a bouquet of flowers she’ll love you so much

-Her wings are rather sensitive and it’s considered EXTREMELY rude for people to touch them without permission

-But of course she’s totally fine with it if you’re doing it 😏

-Gives great hugs 

-You can pick her up with one hand, she’s just so lightweight look out for stormy weather though

Muriel

-He’s become a werewolf-like creature, though he doesn’t really change much on a full moon. He has two wolf ears on his head. He’s got fur covering his neck and upper collarbone, as well as his lower arms and legs. He’s got a bushy tail and fangs, he can see in the dark. Like Asra, his eyes lack a sclera and are cat or dog like.

-He is quieter, because his voice has roughened somewhat. 

-He enjoys being in your presence, though. You put him at ease.

-He’s always worried that you dislike him because of what he’s become, but you convince him that you still love him. After all, we’re all monsters.

-He’s even bigger than he used to be and can just carry you with no effort in the slightest

-Inanna is a GIGANTIC doggo

-Can be used as a horse (Inanna, not Muriel xd)

-Somehow, when you pet his hair, he just purrs. 

-Gets super embarassed about it despite liking your touch

-Takes you with him when he goes exploring

-GIANT TEDDYBEAR

Portia

-She’s become a saber-tooth tiger creature. Her fangs are rather small (in saber standards) but visible, she’s got two fluffy ears on her head and a loooong fluffy tiger tail. Retractable claws on her hands and her feet. Feet look like cat paws but bigger.

-She loves cuddling, being a cat

-Honestly cuddling with her is heaven bc she SOFT

-She tends to get frisky after cuddling for a long while, sneaking her tail under your clothing 😏

-Pepi has become a winged cat with a detachable head

-Sleeps a LOT

-Can jump really damn high

-She can climb up walls like a pro

-If you kiss her she’ll want more, nuzzling into you and purring to get your attention

-’’Rawr!’’ ‘’Portia! You scared me!’’

-Dates are always so fun, she can always make you laugh even if it’s just from her tickling you with her tail

-Has a habit of falling asleep on top of you

Lucio

-He’s become a satyr. He has horns as well as a goat tail and hooves. His ears are goat ears. Also his hair is long. His legs are covered with blonde fur.

-He likes vegetables a lot more than he did before

-If you pull on his tail he’ll shriek in surprise

-Bleats when angry

-He is horny af 24/7 (it’s in a satyr’s nature)

-He’s curious to see what grass tastes like

-Please stop him from doing this

-Will sometimes carry you on his back and just take you on a journey

-He won’t mind if you ride him differently either 😏

-Loves to kiss and snuggle

(if y’all want more of a specific character, by all means, ask away.)

[yeeyeetyeehaw]

The Arcana

The Main six with a pregnant MC

Asra:

Touchy. He likes to feel you and the baby, he can sense their magic.

“Their aura...it’s beautiful...”

Cannot WAIT to see his child

Very insistent on proper diet and exercise while you’re expecting, he wants both of you to be healthy

Faust keeps herself wound around your belly for protection, so she can keep the baby safe. She’s very excited to meet them. “...Baby!”

He’s very accommodating to your requests, especially the cravings. He knows what you want before you do. “Asra-“ “The skink is on the stove, love.”

But you’ll never lift anything over five pounds either. Not in this house.

Very invested in the pregnancy, reads up on childcare, and makes a list of everything your baby will need.

Aisha and Salim are over a lot, too happy to be grandparents.

They missed out on Asra’s childhood and they’ll be damned if they miss their grandchild’s

Nadia:

Loves your baby bump so much. She always has you sit by her side with a hand sitting on it protectively

Has a nearby wing converted into a nursery after she cleanses burns Lucio’s

Summons private physicians and midwives to look after you during the process, carefully taking note of your needs.

The chefs will have a specialized pregnancy menu for you, and will suit any cravings you may have

Bath time for when you’re sore, and she’ll give you a massage afterward.

“Come now my darling, you’ve had a long day.”

Chandra keeps a careful eye on you while Nadia attends to court business, always making sure you are safe and comfortable

Takes you on strolls through the garden to keep you active, is always careful of your limits though.

Cuddles are an all day affair, they don’t come often, but Nadia will spend endless hours with you in bed if you asked it of her

Nasrin and Namar frequently send gifts, and eagerly await the birth. Nadia’s sisters visit often, especially Natiqa. Nazali checks in on you from time to time

“Oh Didi! You’ve made us aunties!” —Nasmira or Navra at some point.

Julian:

Through the roof at first, PUMPED to be a dad. “I’m gonna be a father!....I’m gonna be a father.” He’ll get over it.

Very insistent you get ample amounts of rest and food. “Bed rest my dear.” “Ilya, I’m only a month in...”

Do not even THINK about lifting anything yourself. “Don’t strain yourself!” “Ilya it’s a PAPERCLIP!”

A bit overbearing, but he means well

On top of your cravings. As soon as the words leave your mouth he is out the door

Malak likes to perch on your windowsill and sing to the baby, the kicks you get in return are worth it.

Tries to spend every waking moment either with you or at the office to earn money for the baby

Is probably going to try and deliver his own child. Mazelinka won’t have it.

Mazelinka stops by almost daily, and brings delicious healing brews for your morning sickness and food (you can actually keep down) with her.

Portia will spend time with you and bring little knitted clothes for the baby. “Auntie is best” is on most of them. “Auntie Portia, I like it!”

Gives you baths with salts from Nevivon for swelling and muscle aches

Cuddles solve everything else, especially pregnancy migraines.

Muriel:

Knows little about babies, but he’s so happy he’s having one with you

Very concerned...you’re so small...and your belly is so big

Inanna never leaves your side, she is a constant companion and cuddles with you when you’re sore

Muriel carries you everywhere. there will be no walking by yourself

Gives you little charms for any morning sickness and nausea

Sends Asra to buy things for your cravings, he doesn’t want to leave your side, but he’ll brave the crowds if need be

Always has wood in the fireplace

You get the best furs, without question

Has Julian, as much as he dislikes him, over often to check on you

Takes you to the river to cool off, pregnancy makes women hot, and you might coerce him to join you

Will let you feed the chickens if you want exercise

Uncle Asra is over as much as possible, sometimes with gifts. “This is from Nopal, it’s good for fussy babies who don’t sleep, and I brewed this one for you, for the soreness.” (He’s such a sweetheart)

Portia:

“I’m a mommy!!!”

Through the roof! She’s so happy!

Knows all kinds of herbs to help with nausea and morning sickness

Keeps you at home to rest

Mazelinka is proud, she likes to see you two happy, occasionally brings some brews to help the baby’s health

Uncle Jules is over often, as both your physician and an aspiring ‘fun uncle’

“Ilya If this baby gets any ideas...” Portia is pretty serious about his (admittedly) harebrained shenanigans

Pepi is always curled up on your belly, and will lay there even when the baby is kicking.

Knits baby clothes w matching sets for Pepi. Tiny little booties!!! And caps!!

Nadia gifts you an extension on your house for a nursery, and Portia spends hours decorating it

Takes you on walks or lets you help tend certain areas of her garden for some light exercise

Lucio:

Is ecstatic to meet his child

“They will be my legacy!!”

Already spoiling the both of you, with gifts and an entire wing of the palace dedicated to his child

You are NOT allowed out of bed. Ever.

Anything you want, servants are waiting hand and foot

Cravings? You have a personal chef.

Soreness? You have a personal masseuse

Nausea and morning sickness? He’s hired the top physicians and they are here to stay

Throws grand celebrations to welcome his heir properly. The masquerade is yesterday’s news.

Buys lavish baby clothes and gives your child precious gems and metals.

“They need a crown if they’re going to rule.” -Lucio, handing you a diamond encrusted golden crown

[straykidsnerd255]

The Count and the Beauty

Pt 2 is finally here! I hope that you all are ready for the last part! Enjoy!!

Any pictures used is for detail and to show you what I am describing! The pictures belong to their rightful owner!!

________________________________________________________________

The Count and the Beauty- PT 2

{Listen to Something there that wasn’t there before}

Y/n stood at the foot of the stairs and covered her mouth trying to hold her laughter in. Lucio had been swarmed with birds after he attempted to feed just one bird. She ran behind a tree as he was distracted by the birds swarming around him. She ran her fingers through her hair as she took a deep breath. 

To her, that man looked just like a prince from the stories that she had read. She bent down and carefully crafted a snowball. Peaking around the tree she hid behind, and threw the snow at Lucio. It smacked him dead in the face making his head lift up fast and stare straight at Y/n. She was laughing lightly unaware of Lucio moving towards her. 

Y/n: There's something sweet and almost kind

But he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined

And now he's dear and so unsure

I wonder why I didn't see it there before

~ ~ ~ ~  

Lucio: She glanced this way, I thought I saw

And when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw

No it can't be, I'll just ignore

But then she's never looked at me that way before

The two of them sat in the library reading when Y/n found something she could toss at him. She gently threw it at him and quickly hid back in her book. Hearing Lucio’s grunt of surprise made her chuckle behind her book. “Y/n dearest, did you throw that at me?” His deep voice rang out making her practically press back against the chair. His hands landed on the arm rests near her arms.

She looked up at him and smiled. “I might have thrown it. I might not have.” She said, reaching up and pressing her hands against his face. His eyes closed as he pressed close to her hands. She smiled softly at his tender look. “I want to know what happened to make you this way.” Y/n whispered, running her fingers through his white fur. 

He lifted his hand and placed them against her hands. “One day, I will tell you everything that happened. Right now, I just want to be near you. Your presence is something that I need.” He whispered. Y/n smiled softly at his words. “Then I will stay as long as you want me too.” She said smiling. 

Y/n: New and a bit alarming

Who'd have ever thought that this could be?

True that he's no Prince Charming

But there's something in him that I simply didn't see

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Valemar: Well, who'd have thought?

Vulgora: Well, who'd have known?

Valemar: And who'd have guessed they'd come together on their own?

All three: We'll wait and see

A few days more

There may be something there that wasn't there before

Volgura: You know, perhaps there's something there that wasn't there before

Volta: There may be something there that wasn't there before

He stood up and held his hand out for her. She took his hand and he led her to the dining room. “If you want to, would you like to join me for a dance?” He asked, looking at her with his red eyes now soft. She thought for a moment. A gentle smile covered her lips. “I would love to join you for a dance. Might I know your  name first though. I have been living here for quite some time and Mr. Goat seems hardly nice.” She said, earning a smile and a laugh from Lucio. “My name is Lucio.” He said.

> > > > > > 

{Listen to A tale as old as time- cover by Chase Eagleson}

Lucio paced around in his room. “What if something doesn’t happen? What if she doesn’t want to dance with me?” He said, looking Valdemar right in his face. Valdemar gave him a ‘WTF’ face and sighed. “Trust me master. She will like this.” He said as he and Vulgora got him all ready. Y/n stood in front of the mirror with a smile on her face. The gown that she wore was simply divine. It was delicately designed and fitted to her form.

“Lucio is too kind.” She whispered as she began getting ready. The silk felt divine on her skin. She stood in front of the mirror and twirled around in the dress. The blue sat beautiful on her. The silver gems that lined the sweetheart neckline on her dress sparkled as the light danced across the gems. Y/n couldn’t help but smile softly at the dress. It was simply beautiful. She walked towards the table and began brushing through her hair. Her dress swayed around her legs as she walked towards the stairs.

Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the beast

Y/n stood in front of Lucio. His eyes widened at the sight. “You look beautiful.” He whispered, holding his arm out for her. She smiled and wrapped her arm in his. “You look handsome.” Y/n replied. Lucio couldn’t keep his blush from showing. He cleared his throat and proceeded down the stairs with her next to him. Y/n smiled and took his hand in hers. She placed his other hand on her hips. Lucio soon got the hang of dancing around and took the reins. Y/n smiled softly and followed his lead. They twirled around and smiles appeared on their face. 

Swaying from side to side, the two continue to dance and swirl across the floor. Y/n couldn’t help the smile that appeared on her lips. She was happy. Lucio was starting to become nice. She couldn’t ask for anything else. All the nicknacks surrounded and watched the two dance. Volta was extremely happy and couldn’t contain the smile that appeared on her lips. Valdemar crossed his arms and watched the two dance away.

Vulgora felt his lips turn up into a smile. He was happy to see the master in such a happy state. “Alright, let's give them some space. Let them work this out.” He said, as he began to shoo them off. He turned to take one last look as the two danced the night away. “I hope that she is the one. The one that can break the curse.” He whispered to no one in particular and jumped off the table. The gears shook as he did, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was seeing them happy.

Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Tale as old as time

Tune as old as song

~ ~ ~ ~

Bittersweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the beast 

> > > > > >

{Listen to Evermore- by Dan Stevens}

Just after dancing, Lucio took her to sit on the balcony. She smiled and sat next to him. “What a wonderful night. That dance was beautiful. She said. Lucio sat next to her and smiled. “I’m glad you liked it.” He said. He turned his head to look over at her and saw her staring off into the distance. “Is something wrong?” He asked. Y/n looked at him with sad eyes. “I wish I could see my papa again. I want to know if he is doing alright.” She said.

Lucio stood up and held his hand out to her. “I know exactly how you can do that.” He said, giving her the biggest but gentlest smiles he could muster up. He took her to his room and grabbed the mirror that lay on the table next to the carnation. He handed the mirror to her. “Just ask what you want to see. It will show you.” He said. He watched her with sad eyes and she held the mirror with care. “Please show me my father.” She whispered. 

The mirror sputtered and began glowing a softly dark purple glow. The next thing she was seeing was her father being thrown to the ground and tied down. Her heart broke into a thousand pieces. “Papa! What are they doing to you?” She cried out. Lucio walked around and saw what was happening. His heart clenched as he uttered the next words. “You are free. Go and help your father.” He whispered, turning away from her. Y/n looked up at him with wide eyes. She ran over to Lucio and wrapped her arms around him from behind. “Thank you Lucio.” She whispered and went to hand the mirror back but Lucio shook his head. 

I was the one who had it all

I was the master of my fate

I never needed anybody in my life

I learned the truth too late

~ ~ ~ ~ 

I'll never shake away the pain

I close my eyes but she's still there

I let her steal into my melancholy heart

It's more than I can bear

“Take it with you. Use it when you want to see me again.” He whispered, turning around and running his fingers through her hair. She smiled. “Thank you.” she whispered again before racing out of the room and out of the castle. She tucked the mirror into the bag she had brought with her when she came to find her father. She climbed onto her horse and took off back towards her home. Lucio screamed in hurt and anger. His roar echoing across the sky and making Y/n turn back and look towards the castle with sadness blooming in her heart. She shook her head gently and turned her head around and continued forward. “Hold on papa. I’ll be home before you even know it.” She said, as she urged the horse to go faster. 

Lucio watched from the window and a sigh left his lips. Vulgora walked into the room pleased with how everything was going. “Master. This has been a wonderful night. I am proud to say that the curse will be lifted sooner than we thought.” He said. Lucio turned and looked at Vulgora. His eyes are still heavy with sadness. “I let her go Vulgora.” He whispered Vulgora’s jaw dropped. “YOU DID WHAT?!” He screamed, causing the other to come in.

“I had too. They were hurting her father.” He said, as he walked away. Volta looked down. “I can guess why he let her go.” She said. Everyone turned and looked at her. “What do you mean?” Valemar asked. Volta smiled sadly. “He loves her. That's why he let her go.” She said. Another roar left Lucio’s mouth and he mourned the loss. He stayed in his room and never left the room. Valdemar and the others were sad that she left but they understood why he let her leave.

Now I know she'll never leave me

Even as she runs away

She will still torment me

Calm me, hurt me

Move me, come what may

~ ~ ~ ~

Wasting in my lonely tower

Waiting by an open door

I'll fool myself, she'll walk right in

And be with me for evermore

~ ~ ~ ~ 

I rage against the trials of love

I curse the fading of the light

Though she's already flown so far beyond my reach

She's never out of sight

~ ~ ~ ~

Now I know she'll never leave me

Even as she fades from view

She will still inspire me

Be a part of everything I do

Wasting in my lonely tower

~ ~ ~ ~

Waiting by an open door

I'll fool myself, she'll walk right in

And as the long, long nights begin

I'll think of all that might have been

Waiting here for evermore

> > > > > 

{Listen to the Mob song}

“You have to believe me!! My daughter is trapped by the goat in this castle.” Her father yelled, kicking and thrashing around as they threw him into the back of an Asylum carriage. Max just simply laughed. “Just tell us that your daughter left you because you are loony and need a little bit of help.” He said. Y/n smacked the reins on her horse and finally made it to the small village. Her horse galloped in and fear covered her face. “Father!” She called out. “What have you done to him Max!” She yelled, as she tried to open the door.

Max grinned. “Your father kept raving about a goat that held your captive.” He said rolling his eyes. Y/n grabbed the mirror. “You want to see the goat?” Y/n said. “Show me the goat.” She whispered. The mirror shuddered and before long, the goat was roaring in anguish and pain, but Max twisted it. He grabbed the mirror. “This goat is more beast-like then ever! He will kill us if we are not careful!” He yelled. Y/n tried grabbing the mirror and horror slipped over her face. 

“Kill the goat!” He yelled, causing the entire village to cheer and yell it out as well. Y/n felt her heart drowning in fear. Max turned and had them both thrown in the back of the asylum carriage. “NOO! Let us out!” She begged smacking her hand against the door. When no one answered, she slid down and felt tears fill her eyes. Before long, she managed to get out of the asylum carriage and climbed onto her horse.

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Vulgora raced into the master’s chamber. “Master! We are under attack! What do we do?” He asked. Lucio shook his head. “Let them come.” He said, closing his eyes and letting his head drop. Vulgora jumped when something slammed against the door. Before long, they had broken into the castle. Max looked around. “Take whatever you want. However, the beast is mine.” He said leaving them to take care of the rest of the castle.

Max climbed the stairs and reached the west wing where Lucio was. He held his bow up and narrowed his eyes with a grin on his face. Lucio looked up at him before growling in sadness. Max shot the arrow causing Lucio to scream out in pain. He jumped from the window and landed on the ground. The sound of thunder hit the air and rain began pouring down on them. Lucio winced when he tried to stand up. Max jumped from the room near Lucio and grinned. “Any last words beast?” He hissed. “Lucio!”  Y/n’s voice echoed off the walls and caused Lucio to look up and towards the source of the sound.

Y/n sat on her horse with a piercing look. “You came back.” He whispered. He turned just as Max was about to hurt him and disappeared in the darkness. “Come out Goat. She will never love someone like you. Not when she could have someone like me.” Max said, looking around for him. Lucio hid in the shadows before appearing behind him. He growled and grabbed Max by the throat and held him over the edge of the castle. Max gripped the goat’s arm and started panicking. “I’ll do anything you want. Please. I don’t want to die.” He said. Lucio’s snarl slowly melted away and he pulled Max back to where he could put his feet on solid ground. “Don’t ever come back.” He hissed.  Y/n raced into Lucio’s room and stood on the balcony. “Lucio!” She called out holding her hand out for him. Lucio moved away from Max and climbed up  and reached towards her hand. He gripped the balcony and smiled at her. 

“You really came back.” He whispered, running his fingers through her hair. She smiled and nuzzled into his hand. A sound of metal meeting skin was heard and Lucio’s scream rang out. Max laughed loudly and raised the knife to stab the goat again only to fall from where he was. Y/n gripped the cape that Lucio was wearing and pulled him onto the balcony. She had tears falling down her face as she knelt near his face. “You came back to me.” He whispered, only to grimace in pain and clench his teeth and eyes. 

“Shh. Don’t talk. You are going to be ok.” Y/n whispered. She felt his hand on her face and she turned towards him. “I get to see your face one last time. That’s enough for me.” He said. Her heart sank when his hand slipped from hers and fell to the floor. Her cries went unheard as she buried her face in his chest. “Please don’t leave me. I love you.” She whispered. The twinkling of magic could be heard as Lucio was lifted up from the ground. 

Y/n watched in awe as magic swirled around him and the body of the goat disappeared leaving a man behind. He was gently laid on the ground as the magic disappeared from him. Y/n walked towards him and reached her hand out to place on his shoulder, but drew it back when he began moving.  He lifted his head and looked towards Y/n and a bright smile slipped onto his lips. “Y/n, it's me. You saved me.” He whispered walking towards her. She did the same and ran her fingers through his hair. His eyes were the most memorable to her and a smile appeared on her face. “It really is you.” She whispered. Lucio dipped his head down and pressed his lips against hers. She returned the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck.

~ ~ ~ ~

{Beauty and the beast-Tale as old as time- The hit house}

Lucio held her hand as they twirled around the dance room. The dress she wore now, was that of a queen. Julian and the rest of her friends stood off to the side with her father and clapped as the two danced around. Lucio had his gold gauntlet holding her hand and his flesh hand around her waist. She held the dress up as they danced around the ballroom. Her eyes sparkled with such happiness that Lucio couldn’t help but smile along with her. His silver eyes dancing with pure pride, love, and adoration for her. 

She really did save him and he was happy she was with him. He twirled her around him and smiled as her laugh rang out. Her dress spinning around in circles around her legs.The crown on her head glistened and sparkled in the lights. Lucio could feel his heart blooming with love. Who knew that it would take a girl like her to melt his hardened heart and make a smile blossom on his face. His grip on her tightened softly as they danced across the room.

“I love you so much.” Lucio said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Y/n looked up at him and smiled brightly at him. “Not as much as I love you.” She whispered back. On the beat, Lucio changed the style of dancing they did. She smiled and her eyes widened in excitement as they spun around the room and changed their dancing. People around them gave them space as the prince spun around with Y/n. She smiled and laughed as they twirled around. 

Her father smiled lovingly at his daughter and the prince. “They really do look good together.” Volta said, as Lucio lifted her into the air and spun around. Everyone clapped and cheered in awe as she held her arms out like an angel. She was definitely an angel to Lucio. He placed her back on her feet and intertwined his fingers with hers. She looked up at him as he tilted his head to look down at her. A smile graced his lips as he bent down. 

She stood on her tiptoes to meet Lucio in the middle and kiss him. A smile drifted across their faces and everyone else's faces. Julian looked at his sister and Asra and grinned. They jogged up to the stage with the band on it. He told them what he wanted to do with his sister and friend and they agreed. Lucio and Y/n turned towards the stage when the music stopped. Y/n’s eyes widened and she grinned seeing her friends on stage. Lucio held her hand and watched with amusement at her smiling face. Y/n leaned on Lucio’s arm as they listened to the two on the stand. 

“Are they your friends?” Lucio asked with amusement dancing in his voice. Y/n smiled and nodded her head.  “They have been my best friends since we were all little. Nothing came between the four of us. We did everything together. When we got older, Julian and the other two had to leave. They went somewhere I couldn’t go but, that was for the better.” She said laying her head on his chest and closing her eyes. “Because I was able to meet you.” She finished. Lucio felt his chest bloom with pride. His arms wrapped around her waist.

Her friends began singing as the music began. Y/n and Lucio looked towards them with wide eyes as they each began singing. Julian, Potia, and Asra jumped off the stage and walked towards them. They linked their arms together and smiled. Portia began singing and Asra and Julian joined in with her. Y/n and Lucio blushed bright red as they sang. There was something different about the song as they sang and could only get closer to each other.

Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly

~ ~ ~ ~

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the beast 

> > > > > > >

“And that my little beauty, is how your mother and I meet.” Lucio said, holding the newborn princess in his arms, and his 5 year old son sitting in front of him in the grass. He held her gently and watched in amazement as she gripped his right hand and smiled. His heart seemed to want to jump from his chest. “Daddy! Daddy! That story was amazing!” He said. Lucio smiled and nodded his head. “It certainly was something I won’t forget that’s for sure.” He said, standing up. “Let’s go find your mother Caden.” Lucio said. He looked down at his baby girl in his arms and smiled. “My little Serenity.” He whispered.

Y/n walked out of the library and smiled when Caden ran up to her. He wrapped his arms around her leg and smiled. “Daddy told us the story of when you and he got married.” He said, his silver eyes shining brightly as he looked at her with a big grin. “That’s right. I told him the whole story.” Lucio said, holding Serenity close to his chest as he walked over to her. He bent down and pressed his lips against her lips and smiled. Y/n returned the smile and laughed. “Did daddy tell you he was a handsome goat. How mommy fell in love with him at first glance?” She said, looking up at Lucio who was a sputtering and blushing mess.

Lucio and Y/n headed up to their room after Valdemar and Vulgora took Caden to go and play on the castle grounds with the dog. Y/n placed Serenity in the crib next to the bed and walked over to the balcony where Lucio stood looking over the palace grounds. A smile appeared on her face when she linked arms with him. They stood in complete silence as they watched their son dance around on the grass before falling and laughing. Valdemar and Vulgora were practically having to run to keep up with the energy of Caden. Y/n smiled and closed her eyes. A soft breeze filtered through the open air and undid her hair. 

“Tale as old as time.” She turned and took Lucio’s hand in hers. “True as it can be.” He whispered back. “Barely even friends;Then somebody bends, Unexpectedly. Certain as the sun. Rising in the east. Tale as old as time; Song as old as rhyme; Beauty and the beast.” Lucio leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. She smiled into the kiss. It was soft, and gentle, but it held the passion and love they had for each other. Pulling apart, Lucio pressed his hand against her cheek and smiled when she leaned in closer to his hand before pressing her hand against his. “I love you Y/n.” He said, proudly pulling her against his chest. “And I love you too.” She whispered, closing her eyes.

The End

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I hope that you all enjoyed this story! It was super fun to write! If you want an AU like this, don’t hesitate to ask me! I will defiantly write it!

[cela-astral-projection]

One day, someday My prince may come But it doesn't seem likely And even if he came and he liked me It's likely he'd be Not quite my type

It was the night of the Masquerade. Celeste's first. She had been shocked that she was even permitted to go. But, as she had learned, her cousin liked being the center of the universe. He was not particular about who he invited to watch the spectacle. And, if you were in his employ, you were either working or in attendance. And he did not need a nurse at his party...fingers crossed.

She had been given a dress for the evening. It was a hazy, dark celadon color. Simple, and unoffensive. Ankle length, with three quarter length sleeves. Her only qualm with the thing was the ridiculous neckline. It had wide lapels that were delicately embroidered with silver flowers, but the damn thing nearly fell open to her navel. She felt exposed and was not at all confident that everything was going to remain in its place. But, she didn't have much of an option. She wasn’t exactly flush with finery and flouncy gowns.

She had pinned her hair up halfway, letting the bulk of it fall down her back. It was perfectly adequate, in her opinion. She had never been to a fancy-dress ball. And, for all the discussion and excitement surrounding it, it seemed like rather more trouble than it was worth.

Standing on the side of the ballroom, she had her arms firmly crossed over her chest, watching the whirling, giddy partygoers. She watched Julian as he changed partners with each new dance. She saw him every time his eyes fell on her, and then quickly averting his gaze.

Her time of being confined to the palace was nearly done. She would be free to go, soon. She would still be in the employ of the palace, but she could come and go as she pleased, more or less. As the year mark approached, Julian had become withdrawn from her. And her surveillance by the guards and courtiers had increased dramatically, as had her workload.

Celeste felt a hand on her shoulder as someone approached her from behind. Aedan leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You know, standing over here looking miserable is just drawing more attention to yourself."

She stared straight ahead but made a noise of annoyance. "I doubt it. Most of the key players have been half-drunk since noon."

Her brother straightened and stepped to her side. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "What in the hell are you wearing?" she hissed.

He was wearing a red dress shirt with a black brocade vest with satin lapels, fastened with gold buttons, and similar black brocade trousers. His blonde hair was slicked back, with wispy curls at the nape of his neck fighting against the product in his hair. He wore a leather mask, fashioned after a duck hawk. Golden knotwork playing across it.

"You're one to talk," he whispered back, amused. "Dad would have a heart attack if he saw you like that."

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, he won't. So, I suppose it really doesn't matter, does it?"

Aedan sighed and rolled his eyes. "You're making this harder on yourself than it has to be. It's a party, Sissy. Go have fun. Please." He reached into his pocket and fished out a few coins. "Give me your hand," he demanded.

She stuck her hand out, the other arm still crossed over her chest. He dropped the money in her palm and folded her fingers around them. "It's a masquerade. Go buy a mask. The countess has some vendors out back."

She went to protest, but he was gone, back into the fray.

Julian whisked by her again and spun away, a glittering sapphire-color clad man in his arms. But, he saw her, and she saw his expression shift from delight to...melancholy? Pity? For himself, or her?

She was so frustrated, and so, so very tired. This was exactly what she hadn't wanted. She hadn't wanted to get attached to him. But, she had. And now, he kept her at arm's length. Claiming it would be easier for both of them. That he couldn't compromise both of their positions in the palace. That he was her superior, and that it was improper for them to carry on.

She couldn't bear to look at him anymore, and she turned and strode out of the ballroom.

She made her way down the corridors. Revelers pouring out of every room. Intoxicated, laughing. The sheer numbers of people that blocked her way were incredible. It was stiflingly hot. People in their formal wear, sweating, mixing with heavy perfumes and colognes. How was anyone meant to enjoy this? She dodged bodies, pushing past, sneaking between.

When she finally found the veranda, there was only a smattering of guests. Some browsing, others just enjoying the cool night air. She could see others down in the garden, playing, dancing, kissing.

She moved through the booths. There were a great many pretty things. Gems and crystals. Precious metals. Refined. Lovely. Sterile. Beautiful, but lacking personality. Unless wealth qualified as a personality. Then, they were spot on.

She reached the end of the aisle and was nearly resigned to it being a waste of time. Her eyes fell on the last booth. Seemingly unoccupied. She approached and looked over the masks. Only a few remaining. They were hand-carved and painted. They were gorgeous. True art pieces. Various animals. Birds. Foxes. Wolves. Snakes.

A bear. Just one bear mask pinned up, just out of her reach.

"I'm sorry, I had to step away for a moment. Can I help you?"

Celeste turned towards the airy voice. The person in front of her was elegantly adorned in violet and white, accents of gold, a thick golden collar, and a fox mask.  A similar one to the ones on display. Fluffy, white curls on their head. Beautiful hair. She didn't think she'd seen anything like it. Her father had been blonde, and so was her brother, but this was something else altogether. And his eyes were lavender. That couldn't be entirely natural. Could it?

"I...yes. I wanted to see that bear mask, please," she stammered, following him with her eyes as he stepped back into the stall, pointing at it.

"You're welcome to look, but I'm afraid that one is already claimed." the person said, contrite. "I might have a similar one, somewhere." They lifted the mask off the wall presenting it to her in white-gloved hands. She carefully lifted it, examining it. Tracing her fingers over the carvings.

She felt a pang in her chest. She thought of her father. The man who had bested the bear, come back from the grave. It was always a fun story to hear. The way that the villagers would tell it, and the way her mama would laugh and chide them, assuring them that papa was nothing special. Just a lucky son-of-a-bitch, and that she was the real heroine of the story.

Asra watched her face as she admired Muriel's handiwork. He rarely saw someone so enthralled with their pieces. Perhaps the Countess, who invited him back year after year. Other people went for the more elaborate, expensive pieces. It was simply a matter of clientele. They would make a few sales. But, he liked the ambiance of the Masquerade. The colors, and the excitement. A little extra money never went amiss, either. He could watch the spectacle, see the outfits. 

Muriel had agreed to come with him, under duress. But was quite quickly over the whole affair and had wandered off to find someplace quieter.

"This is wonderful," she said, handing the mask back over. "They all are. Are you the artist?"

Asra nodded. "I do the paint and some of the finer details, but my partner does the carvings and the leatherwork."

"Oh, like the peregrine falcon mask I saw earlier? The leather one?" she asked.

Asra's eyes went wide. "Yes, that's one of ours. I did the paint on it and he did the tooling. That was a commission piece for one of the guards. The countess had it made for him."

She nodded, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, another gift for Aric. If she had to guess, it was really Lucio pulling the strings and making dictates for how he wanted his guard to present himself. She forced a smile. "It was very beautiful. I know the man it was given to. I can't think of anything more appropriate for him."

Asra bent down and placed the mask in a box below the table, and rummaged through the remaining supplies, looking for another bear mask. He knew there was one here, somewhere. "Ah!" He exclaimed, pulling the leather mask out. "This might do. It's lighter than the other one. I think it might suit you better, too." He straightened, extending the mask to her.

It was smaller and lighter than the wooden mask. It was more intricate, with delicate patterns. Dainty gold accents brushed through the fur. It was so lovely. Exactly what she wanted. "Yes. I'll take it."

She reached out with her coin, and he put his hand up, refusing her. "No, keep it. It's nice to see someone appreciate them."

She raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "No. I insist. There's too much effort and love poured into these to let it go for nothing." When he still refused, she tilted her head. "If it makes you feel better, it's not my money. I don't have any use for it. I don't have a pocket in this frock to hide it in. You're doing me a favor."

He sighed and relented, taking the coins and throwing them in a small box. She watched him magic it back shut, light shimmering from his fingertips. A magic lock.

"You practice magic?" she asked, quiet, looking back and forth, nervous.

"You saw that?" he replied, taken aback. Generally, people didn't see his magic, unless he was performing. Nothing that subtle caught people’s attention normally. He was caught off guard.

She made a low noise of acknowledgment. She snapped her fingers and the lock unlatched itself. Asra stared down at the box, blinking, then up at her. The tips of her fingers glittering for just a moment longer before it faded away. She had him fixed with a hard look.

"You should be more careful. There are a lot of prying eyes here. That would gladly exploit...that." she said, taking a step back.

"I'm a magician. It's kind of common knowledge," he said, the corner of his mouth turned up. "You don't practice?"

She shook her head. "Not safe."

He eyed her, confused. "I'm not sure what you mean? Sure, some people don't understand it, but..."

She stepped further away, putting her hand up. "Thank you, for the mask."

She turned to go, and she heard him calling after her. She forged forward, and then she caught the shock of red hair descending the stairs.

She stopped, looking back towards the man in the fox mask, then back at Julian, in his feathered raven get up. There really was no good option.

So she gripped the mask tight in one hand, and balled her skirt in the other and bolted, past Julian, and down into the garden.

"Celeste!" Julian yelled after her. He threw his hands up in frustration, then took off after her. He tripped over his own feet and caught some poor woman as he stumbled. Righting himself, and calling a stream of apologies over his shoulder as he ran after her.

"Celeste," Asra said, quietly to himself. Committing it to memory.

--

She ran, but she knew that Julian's legs were longer than hers by a fair sight. She just had to keep moving until she could find somewhere to take refuge. But, she didn't know the gardens particularly well. She wasn't permitted out of the castle often.

She saw a path at the tree line and made a break for it.

Once she had gotten beyond the trees, she looked back. She didn't see Julian but could hear him calling. She quickly pulled the mask on, fanning her hair out over the strap. She looked around for other signs of life. None to speak of. She took a chance and smoothed her hand over her dress, glamouring the color. Something distinctly not her. Red. The silver accents going gold. She was out of practice and knew it wouldn't last long, but it would service so she could sneak away. A temporary camouflage.

She moved along the path. The foliage became denser. Heavy vines thick with flowers cascading down from the treetops. Moonlight casting tendrils of light that danced and glittered as the breeze moved through.

She came upon a clearing and saw a figure, half in shadow, sitting on the edge of a long-neglected fountain. He startled when she entered into his presence, straightening a bit.

She looked around. There really was no place left to go. Every other path was so massively overgrown that it wouldn't be wise to go further. But, she couldn't hear Julian anymore. It was a brief respite.

"Sorry," she said to the big man that sat in front of her, watching her, looking somewhat irritated. "I'll be out of your hair in just a moment."

Muriel's eyes were wide. He had really tried to find somewhere quiet. No small feat in the middle of this nightmare of a party. And now, this woman...

...wearing one of his masks. His bear mask. 

"Ah...sorry. I really am." She stated again. He had his eyes trained on her, staring her down, making her nervous. She couldn't really get a good read on him. Somewhere between annoyance and panic. And, this man was imposing, to say the least. Even sitting, she could tell a lot was going on, there. He was very impressive. And attractive. Very, very beautiful. Not at all dressed for a formal gathering. But, here, where nature had reclaimed the garden...that made sense. 

She bowed her head to him and started to back away, then she turned, and walked back down the path. She hesitated for a moment and looked over her shoulder, locking eyes with the man once more.

Muriel wasn’t sure he could trust his eyes. Was this really happening? He blushed, but couldn't look away. As he stared, he watched the red of her dress melt away, fading back into a dark jade green. His favorite color.

And then she was gone.

---

She came back upon the main gardens, and Julian was nowhere to be seen. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Things were clearing out. She knew the party would go on until dawn, but not everyone had the stamina for this sort of thing. She certainly didn't. It was getting late enough that she could, perhaps, steal away back to her room.

She made her way across the manicured lawn. There were bodies strewn across the damp grass, lovers locked at the mouth, rolling around. Wanton. Drunk on each other. And, the copious amounts of alcohol probably didn't help.

Then, winded, from behind her. "Celeste, please!"

She dropped her chin to her chest, defeated. She drew a deep breath and whirled on him, jaw set. "What, Julian? Tired of ignoring me?"

He looked stricken, but he continued moving towards her. "Please, I want to make you understand..."

She rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "Understand what? I think I get the message. You're the one that seems confused." she spat at him. "Why don't you just go back to your dancing?"

He dipped his head, looking ashamed. "You were the loveliest girl at the party tonight..."

She scoffed. "Please."

"...that's just the problem. If I'd paid you even the slightest amount of attention tonight it would've been all over the palace in record time. I know how close you are to having your restrictions lifted. I just don't want you...want us...under any undue scrutiny."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Undue scrutiny?" she repeated back at him, her voice dripping venom.

"You don't know how many eyes are on us. On you." he countered, keeping his voice even. "I don't understand it, but I know that things are different with you here. They never imposed half of the rules on me that they do for you. And Valdemar hates me, so I don't know what they would do to you if they thought they could get away with it. And they would get away with it."

There was something about her presence that put all the courtiers on edge. This wasn't normal. None of the other staff was treated with quite as much judgment as she had been. And Lucio was easily swayed by the courtiers. He could, and would, dispatch her if they asked him to. They didn't have to be honest with Lucio, either. He had seen them force his hand for minor infractions. With dire consequences. 

They had shared many nights together. And it had been happy. The happiest she had been since she had come to Vesuvia. And then, he'd dropped her like a stone. She didn't know if she loved the fool or not, but he had been so caring. He was her friend. And he was her lover. She had let him in, and he had left her in the lurch.

She took a sharp breath. "I...appreciate that you're looking out for me. But, I can take care of myself. I will be okay. I just...I thought we had something."

He flushed a bit, the corner of his mouth turning up. "We do. Of course, we do, Celeste," he said, gently. "I don't want to draw more attention to us. And...I'm not good at being quiet."

She cast her eyes down, thinking. "What if...what if you didn't have to be quiet? What if we just went away? We just walked away from this?" She looked back to him, gesturing vaguely. "I don't want any of it. We can go off, start over. Together. What's holding us here?" She closed the gap between them, reaching out to grab his arms. "We aren't safe here. We aren't happy here."

His eyes went wide, darting around. He stepped back and grabbed her hand in his. Trying to find somewhere less exposed.

Every dark corner, every secluded alcove, was occupied. Things were devolving into a damn orgy. A couple stumbled out in front of them, disheveled. Blushing. He pushed past them into the space they had occupied, pulling Celeste behind him.

He released her and pulled his mask off, and she did the same.

"Are you serious?" he asked, dubious. "You want to go? With me?"

"Come on, Julian. You know nothing good comes from staying here." she insisted. "Are we slaves here, or are we employees? Employees can walk away. We are good at what we do. We can go and start over. Together."

Julian was unsure of what to say. His head weaved back and forth, and he made breathy noises, trying to find words. "We...we made commitments. It's part of the palace structure. We can't just walk away."

"Please, don't lecture me about commitments. I am up to my ears in commitments that I didn’t want to make.” she retorted. “What is lifting the sequester going to do? Allow me to go into town every once in a while? I'm still trapped here. And if I'm going to be trapped here, I deserve to have at least one friend." she pleaded. "We have to take care of each other."

"That's what I'm trying to do. I promise you...I just don't know how to do it." exasperated and sad. This was uncharted territory for him. Even if it had been better circumstances, the wouldn't know how to navigate these emotions. He wanted her. But he knew it was a terrible idea. 

"There has to be some sort of compromise here, Julian. Please, help me." She begged. 

He averted his gaze. "Please, lovely..." He sighed. "It's...we can just ride this out. We'll see what happens. How long is it? A few months more. We just have to buckle down. We can get through this. We just have to be careful." he concluded. There was nothing else to do.

She drew a shaky breath and steeled herself, glaring at him. "Then I guess this conversation was entirely useless. Thank you for chasing me. Very helpful." She snarled. "I'd rather be alone if the only other option is this." she threw her hand up, gesturing at him. "Some condescending clown that treats me like his subordinate when I can run circles around him. I will figure this out on my own. I do not need you getting drunk and existential at me every time you have a bad day that you have imposed on yourself. I have enough problems of my own."

He reeled back, shocked. So much for being quiet, he thought. 

She continued berating him, her finger in his chest. "I won't hold my breath for you, Doctor Devorak. I enjoyed the fucking, but I assure you, I am quite over being screwed by this whole situation. One day I'll wake in the arms someone who will love me with all that they are. But you're too afraid to even pretend that you like me. So, good for you. You got under my skirt. You win. See you Monday.”

She whirled out of the alcove, and she did not look back, brushing past the smattering of people who had gathered to listen in. She was wholly unashamed. Even when she saw her brother, standing there, looking scandalized, but amused.

"Shut it," she said, putting her hand up as she strode past him.

"You want me to kick his ass?" he called after her.

She made a rude gesture in reply, not breaking her stride.

From across the garden, Asra and Muriel watched her from under the willow tree near the fountain. They had been just about ready to go when they'd heard the commotion and saw the gathering crowd.

"Who the hell is that?" Muriel asked, bewildered, shifting the box of masks on his shoulder.

Asra gave a breathy sigh, smiling broadly. "That is Celeste." 

[vesuviasdarlings]

Main Six: Gifting them

Asra

You decided to wait for him to get back to the shop, sat on a stool with your hands nervously fiddling in your lap. When he finally returned, the door flew open with a flurry of wind, Asra struggling to shut it and finally leaning against it with relief. A storm was brewing outside and he felt the surge of gratitude to have made it back in time. When his eyes landed on you, he startled. “Oh, MC! I didn’t know you’d be back today - what’s this?” He surveyed the little package of brown paper on the table before you. With cheeks warming to his attention, you nudged the packet closer. “It’s nothing crazy, but I know you wanted these, so I sought some out for you.” Your voice trailed off into a bashful murmur as Asra eagerly unwrapped it to reveal a pouch of exotic spice, very difficult to come by. “Oh, wow.” He breathed the words, a grin touching his features. Slowly, he reached for your hands to pull you to your feet into a familiar embrace. “Thank you, really.” His breath was warm against your neck, you close your eyes with a hum of content and stroke his hair. “Anytime.”

Julian

Although it wasn’t an expensive gift, you were excited to give it to Julian all the same. He had been visiting with his sister for two days whilst you were busy with your own life, though you’d made sure to prepare something for his return. What you hadn’t counted on was him surprising you by walking into you in the streets of Vesuvia. Unfortunately, Julian quite literally walked into you, colliding with you and sending you stumbling back. The flowers clutched to your chest suffered a little in the impact, crumpling slightly. “MC!” Julian exclaimed, slightly dumbstruck by the situation before his expression dissolved into a jovial smile. “I’m so glad to see you again! Oh, are those - are they for me?” Julian’s amusement dwindled, his gaze softening as you sheepishly brandished your flowers. “I’m sorry, they got a little battered, but I thought you might like them. They compliment your hair.” You explained, rubbing at the back of your neck. Julian swiftly picks up the flowers and inhales dramatically over them, breathing in the sweet fragrance. A low groan builds in his throat, finally his attention returning to you. “They’re wonderful, and so are you! Thank you.” He presses his lips warmly to yours, reluctantly parting to loop his arm around your own. “Shall we?” He hums in question, eyebrow raised. “We shall.” You grin in reply.

Nadia

The Countess had been tied up with meetings all day with the Court, and each time you managed to glimpse her passing by, she had looked progressively more drained. It pained you to see her so, which is what prompted you to go to Portia for help. Together, you had managed to create a huge mess of the kitchens, but you’d also produced a small batch of delicate berry pastries. With flour staining your cheeks, you thanked Portia heartily and hurried off to find your lover. She was walking hastily down the halls, clutching some papers under one arm and her free hand massaging her temple. “Nadi!” You called desperately. She whirled around, her eyes brightening at the sight of you. “MC, what’s wrong?” She cooed, her gaze weary. You offered her a warm smile in response, closing the distance between you. “Nothing, I just thought this might help a little with your burdens.” You presented her with the carefully chosen pastry, the best looking of the batch. Nadia reddened slightly, accepting the gift. She took an eager bite and shut her eyes for a moment, a soft sound of content passing her lips. “Thank you, my darling.” She had to hurry off to her next meeting, but not before catching you in a passionate kiss which tasted distinctly of sugar and berries.

Muriel

It was very difficult to gift Muriel, both in the picking out of the gift and the presenting of it. Muriel was very close with you, he’d bonded with you over the months, but he still found it difficult to accept your generosity. Nevertheless, he’d been a bit run down as of late and you were determined to see him smile again. You had acquired Inanna for the day, she’d accompanied you into Vesuvia but - much to your dismay - you couldn’t find anything at the markets. Close to giving in, you reluctantly followed Inanna as she happily trotted over to a little stall tucked away under an archway. It presented a beautiful array of small gems and beads. You stroked Inanna’s head, rubbing her ears. “Good find!” You purchased a few in a deep green colour and busied yourself finding other small trinkets. Within an hour, you’d skilfully woven together a beautiful little decoration. It was a protective charm, but decorated with the glimmering gemstones and a silver bell. Inanna guided you home through the forest, right to the doorstep of your new home with Muriel. He was stoking the fire and turned around with surprise at your appearance. His faithful wolf bounded to his side, licking his cheek until he stroked her warm fur. “Did you have a good day?” Muriel’s soft voice was soothing, you knelt next to him by the fire. “I did, and I made you this, for the doorway.” You held out the charm in your hands, peering up at him from beneath a bashful expression. Muriel turned bright red, gently lifting your gift and surveying it. He could feel the protective magic warming his hands. “T-thank you.” He whispered, his arms encircling your waist as he rested his chin atop your head. “It’s beautiful.”

Portia

You absolutely knew you had to buy it when you saw it. You’d been perusing the local markets that morning when your wandering hands had stopped upon a small marble figure. It was an elegant little cat, cool and smooth beneath your fingertips. The feline was posed in a content sitting pose, a long tail curled around a lithe body. It reminded you so much of Pepi that you just had to take it home for Portia. You bought it and tucked it safely away, making haste in your return to your comfortable residence with Portia. She was easy to spot in the garden, knelt in the dirt planting some newly blooming red roses. The sunlight glinted as it reflected in her vibrant hair. She turned to face you when she heard you approach, a smile splitting her features. “MC! Do you think these look good here? I couldn’t resist, they smell so good!” She gushed, fondly stroking the petals. Your laughter rang out in response as you knelt next to her and inhaled the fragrance. “Oh, absolutely, they look beautiful.” You replied, reaching for your gift. “Not as beautiful as you.” Portia quipped, winking. She drew back when you placed the marble carving in her hands. “Ooh, MC! I love it! You shouldn’t have!” The redhead beamed, pulling you in by your collar and kissing every inch of your face. “Thank you!”

Lucio

It seemed as though it had been months since you’d commissioned a personalised bracelet for your lover, the infamous Count, when it was finally delivered. It had in fact only been a few weeks, but you were so excited for it to arrive that you simply couldn’t help rushing around the endless hallways in search of him. After a few minutes of coming up short, you stopped to catch your breath. A flash of white surprised you, darting between your legs and sitting before you. Mercedes. The pup whined, tongue lolling from her mouth. She thumped her tail against the floor as you pet her. “Where is he, girl?” You murmured, still grasping the bracelet tightly in your free hand. Mercedes barked and darted away, leaving you floundering to catch up. She was leading you to Lucio’s private chambers, stopping outside the door and pawing at it. When you pushed it open, she ran inside and sat with her companion, Melchior. Lucio was lay on the bed on his back, one arm tucked beneath his head. “MC, what are you doing here? I thought you would be doing, er, magic stuff today?” He frowned. You flashed a lopsided smile in return. “I have done my magic stuff, I wanted to come give you this.” You thrust out your fist and presented to him the bracelet. Lucio eyed it suspiciously, peering at it with scrutiny. It was beautiful, a slim gold chain with a small white and gold animal charm. The animal was a representation of yourself. Lucio frowned at you and your heart sank. “I didn’t get you anything.” He huffed. “And this is so- so perfect.” Lucio sighed, offering you his wrist in playful defeat. You clipped the bracelet on and pressed a kiss to the palm of his hand. “Thank you.” He murmured, fingers brushing along your jaw. A wicked smile suddenly spread across his face, causing you to laugh nervously. “What?” You asked with an air of concern. “I just realised how I can make it up to you.” He grinned, sitting up so fast that it made you dizzy as he knocked you back on the bed, hovering over you. “You’re all mine, little one.”

[we-stan-julian-devorak]

Beautiful People

Hey y’all! Been ages since I’ve taken the time to write anything but guess what? Ed Sheeran releases a song called ‘Beautiful People’ and it is a song that along with ‘Just You And I’ by Tom Walker that just screams a relationship with Julian - Aka just a Really Good Song™ then. So enjoy this fluff bc y’all know I will just return with smut or will I?

Rating: Fluff

Word Count: 1,162

Pairing: Julian Devorak x Apprentice (No Gendered Pronouns)

———————————————————

Vesuvia.

Many visitors from peasants, merchants and even royalty had described it as the walking worlds sanctuary; picturesque landscapes, lavish food, stunning clothes and jewellery, the streets laden with hidden gems and jewels for pleasure seekers to obtain and most of all - the Beautiful People within.

However, there are beautiful people and then there’s ‘Beautiful People’.

Beautiful people being people who are attractive, sexually? Maybe. Romantically? Possibly. Platonically? Of course.

However, Beautiful People were who the wayward souls of tourists and visitors were talking about - those with luxuries that few could afford.

The people of the likes of Nadia and Lucio, with jewellery hanging from every limb, extravagant parties and generally perfect in every seemingly possible way.

Those who could take their time and keep everyone waiting for hours but would still in the case of parties would arrive ‘Just On Time’

Those who could get away with murder and still have everything they’d ever wish for. Their livelihoods would still be secure with their wealth washing the blood of those off their hands.

Lazing around all day with little to do, and whoever they wanted to do it with. Rising and sleeping whenever they wanted.

Julian Devorak, rose with the sun, fingers combing sleepily through tangled hair before eyes cracked open. Body refusing to move only to linger for a while longer, the early rising sun biting the nip of cold that had settled in his bare shoulders over night.

A long man had to get comfortable with cold shoulders or cold feet and to be honest he didn’t like either but he could live with cold shoulders - cold feet however? Unacceptable.

He twisted himself under the duvet, long limbs spreading outwards and bleary eyes trying to find his apprentice. They were still asleep of course, however would wake in a while - he found that to be true often enough.

Julian wasn’t a beautiful person to his own standard of course. He had no diamond encrusted doohickies or golden dinglehoppers to his name. Only stories he had gathered.

If only stories measured wealth.

He couldn’t say he was the worst off in Vesuvia. Oh by far there were worse situations and he thanked those that had lead him here at least once a day.

He however was not a Beautiful Person.

It was a life he wish he could provide for his apprentice however.

Portia had called to them the day before, arriving back from their trip to Nevivon she had immediately come to see her brother.

To welcome him back with a hug and to chastise him for yet again allowing an opportunity to propose slip past him.

Chuckling from the memory, he rubbed absentmindedly at his ring finger. That was the only doohicky he wanted, maybe not diamond encrusted but something nice for him and his apprentice to live together.

His apprentice had come closer to him in their sleep, body pressed to his side, hands had found his hair and fingers finding the ones in his locks.

Their other hand found the edge of the bed and with a huff they pulled themselves on top of him, head tucked into his shoulder with arms this way and that but ending up wrapped around him as much as they could and duvet pulled considerably further up. Enough to start showing some ankle on Julian’s part.

His lips found their hairline, kissing there before he spoke to them.

“Sweetheart, are you awake?” His own voice ladled with sleep, deep and rough without speaking for a few hours.

They shook their head in his crook and his chest rumbled with a quiet laugh. “I think my apprentice is very awake.”

“I’m sleeping,” they reply softly “be quiet or you’ll wake me up.”

“Oh so you’re saying my apprentice is sleeping? I better leave them to sleep then Hm?” He feigned moving and they tightened around him, eyes cracking opening they looked down to him.

“Ilya, can we please just take today off?” They ask, fingers combing through his hair, his own hands finding their waist and rubbing softly.

“Convince me.” He whispered to them and a smarmy grin appeared, happy with himself for coming up with that.

His apprentice pulled themselves further up and leaned over him, fingers untangling from his mass of auburn hair, brushing the pillow beneath his head and finished at his jaw. Holding his head and leaning down to kiss their forehead to his.

Their eyes open fully and he melts, finding that he has to calm his heart at their gaze.

“Please Ilya? Just one day?” They ask, thumbs skimming over smooth skin.

He wondered to himself if Beautiful People have this problem.

They wake up in bed, perhaps with a person they know or not. Perhaps not even their bed and they’re asked to laze about all day with this person, a person who is, dare he say it, the only truly beautiful person he’s ever seen.

“I’m easily convinced darling, you could of just laid on me here and I wouldn’t of moved a muscle.” His feet fight with the duvet to kick it down a little, the nip on his bare skin becoming a bit more obvious.

His apprentice cracked a grin, easily a sight he’d love to see at all times. They gently part a kiss onto his lips, barely spending any time to really enjoy it in Julian’s mind however he couldn’t entirely complain.

They lapse into silence, his hands rubbing at the small of their back, the skin of his chest warming against the feeling of their own on his. Their legs tangled with his and one hand finding purchase again in his hair, the other had found his free hand and gently they pressed and played with his fingers.

They had had enough time to explore each other in deaths realm, however his apprentice always found a new fascination and recently it had been with his hands. Before it had been with his hair or with his arms.

“Don’t you think-“ they spoke softly, suddenly, breath wavering against his sternum as they steadied themselves. “Your fingers would look better with jewellery?”

He chuckled. “Dearest, I wear gloves.”

“So that’s a no?” They ask, seemingly disappointed in his answer.

“Mmmm unfortunately my dear,” he heard his apprentice sniff and felt them press themselves closer to his chest if it were possible. “However, I wouldn’t be opposed to say..... matching jewellery? Like a necklace or bracelet or...” he trailed off, losing confidence as his apprentice stared at him suddenly.

“How about a ring?” They offer softly, he smiled and nodded.

“Just as I was thinking dearest, a ring would be perfect.” They return his smile and press an excited kiss to his lips which he returned full force.

So no, Julian by all extents was not a Beautiful Person. But by god would he give the most beautiful person in his life what they deserved the most.

[16reapergrell66]

❄ Let it Snow, Let it Snow ❄

Wyverne has been feeling neglected this holiday season in Vesuvia. Lucio and Julian have been very busy, so she's decided to give them their present early. Will she given treats from her lovers, or will she get nothing but coal?

This was a fun thing to write. Nothing but 🍋, the idea given to me in discord over a picture of a cute bra in a bow. I'll tag @queenofeden, @vesuviannights, @athousandstarstodreamon, and @missantichrist, though tagging people is not needed, I guess haha.

Featuring: piercing play, sweet nicknames, brattiness

•••

"Mephisto, help me with this bow!" Wyverne had shouted from behind the changing screen. She had bought herself new lingerie earlier while Lucio and Julian were busy with their duties. It was a certain struggle to come back to the shared room, her shopping bag trying to be unnoticed by Lucio's eagle eyes as they passed in the halls.

"Sure," Mephisto said, coming around the screen. He chuckled when he saw her, the thick ribbon in a mess within her hands. He gently took it from her hands, the silk smoothed and cool to the touch. "Are you sure those two are going to love this?" He untangled the ribbon, wrapping it around the back of her, crossing it over the shoulder blades so it came level with her pierced nipples, which were trying to show themselves through the thin material. He tied the bow, making his loops uniformly fluffed, the ends brushing her belly button.

Mephisto had made the bow big, almost comically big, and had been considering doing a double-looped bow but deciding against it. When he had it pulled nice and snug, he adjusted the bow on her hip, in the same matching red silk. It was accompanied by a stark black garter belt, with a ruby gem placed carefully over her sex. She smiled, her full lips painted a deep shade of red.

"Of course! They like buying me lingerie, so it's my turn to buy a set," Wyverne said with confidence. She gave Mephisto her all knowing smirk, and stepped out from the cover of the changing screen.

Mercedes and Melchior were nowhere to be seen, presumably with Count Lucio. Wyverne grabbed one of Lucio's long luscious capes from one of his wardrobes and draped it over herself, taking in the scent of smoke and pomegranates. She could vaguely smell her natural musk, remembering the time they edged her on her birthday, a treat for both herself and the Count.

Wyverne had then gone into a drawer in Lucio's one wardrobe, looking for the piercings they shared. She found one of the gential piercings that Julian had gotten her, a pure silver curve with a raven's skull on one end and a gorgeous sapphire on the other, and took it out. Making sure it was thoroughly clean, she sat on the bed and exchanged it for the one Lucio had given her, unscrewing the small ball and slipping it out, and placing the silver there instead. She cleaned it, the gold shining and the rubies gleaming, and put in the raven's place, closing up the wardrobe. Now, to wait for her boys to come back.

Lucio had softly groaned, lazily stretching before getting up from the chair. It had been a long day, thoughts of Wyverne drifting in and out of his mind throughout boring meetings. He pictured the last time he had her, a whimpering mess just begging for his cock, for Julian's cock. The thoughts were made worse, not only by Mephisto's relentless teasing of vague lingerie descriptions. He left the meeting room, meeting up with Julian in the hall outside the library. The taller man looked disheveled, more than usual, worn and tired from experiments in the dungeons all day with Quaestor Valdemar. Even though Julian preferred to observe, he still became exhausted over the course of the day.

"I can't wait to see our snack cake," Lucio said, looking distastefully out at the snow covered grounds, instinctively curling in on himself. "We've been neglecting her as of late, Jules."

"We have," Julian agreed, almost apologetic. "I wonder if she's sleeping already." His eyes had wandered to another window, framed with frost. "She must be chilled, even with the fireplace going." His mind's eye wandered, picturing her fast asleep in a pile of Lucio's best furs, in the lacy red lingerie set Lucio had bought her for her twenty fourth birthday, looking calm and blissfully unaware. It stirred something within him, and had apparently stirred something within Lucio as well, the shorter man having the same thoughts.

The boys climbed the staircase, giving the dogs an absentminded pet as they passed. They walked down the long corridor, most of the portraits now replaced with ones of the three of them. Some were of Wyverne, her mischievous smirk and bright eyes making Julian's breath catch in his throat, his eye wandering bare skin covered by skimpy lace and rippable fishnet. Lucio had let a soft growl escape his throat, seeing a painting of the three of them, Lucio in a sheer red dressing gown, Julian in a sheer black one, and Wyverne at their feet wearing the gorgeous black silk she had gotten for her most recent birthday. She had been looking over her shoulder, a hand on Lucio's left leg and Julian's right leg, giving the artist her best smoulder, full lips gently pouting. Lucio could feel his pants becoming tighter, and Julian could feel himself becoming hard, both aching for their Magician.

•☆•

Wyverne had just finished lighting the last candle on the bedside table when she heard Lucio's boots on cold marble, and Julian's soft curses. She quickly got back on the bed, wrapping herself back up in Lucio's cape. Her legs were tucked underneath her, careful to not give away any of the surprise. The heavy oak door swung open, Lucio stepping inside first. He ran his golden hand through golden hair, stopping a few feet inside the doorway, silver gaze turning molten. She was wearing one of his cloaks, the little minx; how audacious of her. Julian stopped just short of bumping into Lucio, his grey turning stormy.

"Welcome back! How was your day?" Wyverne tried to sound natural, tried to keep her face as neutral as possible as she wrapped up further in Lucio's cloak to try and avoid his gaze. 

"It was...boring," Lucio said, a growl escaping his throat at the small peek of her garter belt. "Exhausting," Julian chimed in, arms crossed over his broad chest, fingers curled beside his lips.

"I feel bad," Wyverne said, a small pout on full lips with a little whine of sympathy. She shifted, on her knees now, cloak still wrapped firmly around her. She sat back on her heels, a cool hand on her knees.

Lucio walked over to her, slowly examining her like one would examine their prey. Julian stayed where he was, pinning her down with storm clouds in his eyes. Wyverne felt her cheeks heat, a splash of color among the freckles on her face. Lucio took off his boots, soft thunks on the carpeted marble, his suit quietly shifting as he climbed in behind her, settling his lips against her neck. His hands found the soft edges of his cloak, slowly peeling it away.

Wyverne made a soft mewl, somewhere deep in her throat, half-heartedly clinging to the cloak, trying to keep it around her shoulders. Julian tsked, having come to the foot of the grand four poster bed. It wasn't hard, working the fur from her fingers, gently slipping it down her shoulders, peeling it away from her body. A soft growl escaped Julian's chest, eyes landing on the pretty silk bow at the center of her chest. Lucio hummed his approval against her skin, hands smoothing down her sides to play with the straps of her panties.

"Who bought these, princess?" Julian had moved onto the bed, after having clumsily taken his boots off. "I surely don't remember buying these." He ran a finger under the bra strap, gently pulling it off her shoulder.

"I….I did," she whispered, hands stopping Lucio from undoing the large bow keeping her chest in place. Lucio tsked against her ear, gently kissing the shell. "I thought we told you we'd buy your pretty lingerie," Lucio murmured against her ear, his voice that soft huskiness that made goosebumps crawl along her skin.

"I wanted to give you a present," she said softly, blushing and averting her gaze from Julian, who was taking his gloves off, a flush extending to the tips of his ears. He also tried to undo the ribbon at her chest, at which point Wyverne curled in on herself.

She worked her legs out from underneath her and Lucio, bringing her knees up to her chest, heels resting against the backs of her thighs. This made her sink a little in Lucio's arms, her head against his chest, smooth curls brushing his thighs, bunching a touch where she had slouched against him. Julian tsked again, gently bringing her legs away from her chest, holding them apart as he sat between them, casually running a finger along the material. She gasped softly, trying an attempt at bucking her hips to follow his finger.

Lucio chuckled, his hands leaving hers to slowly pull the bow apart, gently teasing the silk apart where Mephisto had tied the ends together, and slowly slipped the material down. He left open mouthed kisses along her neck, each one more heated than the last. His hands ran down the length of her body, slowly teasing that bow apart too. Wyverne stifled a whimper, catching her bottom lip between her teeth, her hand burying itself in Lucio's thick gold locks.

"Mmm, someone's been, ah, rather naughty," Julian smirked, gently pulling at the piercing she had switched without permission. "Not only did you buy new lingerie, but you, ah, touched your piercing." He tugged again, a little firmer this time, causing her to cry out, her thighs trying to keep his hand there.

"Can't have that, sugarplum," Lucio murmured against bare skin, fingers lightly trailing back up her abdomen to tease pert nipples, gently tugging at the silver piercings there.

Wyverne shifted a bit, swallowing back the pretty moan Lucio loved so much. He turned her face, letting her hazy green eyes meet molten silver. Lucio kissed her, marvelling at how easy she was to pry apart, how easily he could slip his long tongue inside, how easily she could melt from his heated kisses alone. Julian still teased her, a finger or two lightly brushing against her entrance as he opened the bedside table and grabbed the chain they had for occasions like this.

Julian hooked one end to the chain, placing the silver sapphire ball back onto the piercing. He gave the other ends to Lucio, who mimicked Julian's ministrations, the chain now attached to her nipples. It formed a 'y', the join just above her belly button.

"Let me hear you, sugarplum," Lucio growled, making her sit on his lap, his hardness felt through the thin dress pants, rubbing deliciously against her entrance. She swallowed her small gasp, the chain pulled taut as she sat there, pleasure-pain radiating through her limbs and gathering at the base of her spine.

Lucio chuckled lowly, almost swearing he could hear the soft gasp stuck in her throat. Julian tugged the chain towards him, finally tearing a low moan from her throat. Her hands were on Lucio's knees, her ruby lips pulled apart ever so slightly, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. Lucio smirked, a light smack to her ass as he pressed himself against her, kissing along her spine.

"Such a naughty girl, making us work that hard to bring those lovely sounds from you," Julian told her, almost scolding her. He leaned down, tongue tracing circles around her nipple.

She gasped, Lucio grinding himself against her slick entrance, Julian teasing her very sensitive nipples, pulled taut from the chain he had tension on. Wyverne felt Lucio's gauntlet, cool against her warm flesh, reaching down between her legs, teasing her folds. She tried to not moan, earning her another smack to her ass.

"Go on, sugarplum," Lucio whispered, voice hoarse with wanton need. "You know you want it, his cock in all the right places." He reached around her, touching Julian's cock, palming it through his pants, making the taller man moan, precome staining that dark fabric even darker. Julian moaned softly, shuddering as Lucio dragged his claws down his neck, gently thrusting into the older man's flesh hand, calling out in the softest voice for the two of them.

"No, Lucio," she told him, as defiantly as she could, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. Lucio raised his eyebrow, a smirk on the edges of his lips, nuzzling her neck. "Not this time. You-oh Gods-need to work for it." A shudder ran through her, her cunt aching for their cock, her denial only making it worse on her.

Lucio drew his hands away from Julian, making Wyverne lean forward, his hand in the middle of her back. With a practised hand, his pants came undone, teasing himself out of the tight dress pants. He teased her entrance with the head of his cock, making her whimper, the noise caught in her throat. Julian rolled his bottom lip between his teeth, hastily undoing his pants and slowly easing his cock from them.

Lucio wrapped his golden arm around her, golden claws gently encasing her throat, pressing her back along his chest. He let her rest against him, his lips mapping the curve of her neck, leaving little marks. Julian had gotten between her legs, kissing her inner thighs while dragging his finger up her seam, collecting some of her wetness. Julian hummed approval, gently tugging on the chain again.

"So wet for us," he hummed against her, nipping at the sensitive skin. "Mmmm, would you like to have her first?" Julian looked up, over at Lucio, who had a mischievous twinkle to his eye.

"I don't know," Lucio said, a curious lilt to his voice. "Can our little gingerbread handle the both of us?" Wyverne whimpered quietly, a fruitless attempt at shifting her hips, Julian's strong hands keeping her in place.

"F-fuck y-you," Wyverne whispered, gasping quietly when Julian gave her a small kitten lick, his tongue bumping against the piercing. She groaned, her head against Lucio's shoulder, her hands on top of Julian's. He gave her a few more, teasing her, making her tremble on Lucio's lap.

Lucio growled against her skin, lining himself up with her slick entrance, slowly entering her. He cursed under his breath, burying himself to the hilt, his canines catching on her earlobe. Julian's lips trailed up her body, Lucio starting to slowly thrust into her, feeling every inch of her. Julian's lips found her nipples, his tongue playing circles around them. Wyverne cried out, each movement from Lucio gently pulling on her piercings, and the overstimulation brought tears to her eyes.

"Oh? I thought you could handle us," Julian chuckled, deep and low in his chest. "Was that just all talk, hm?" His lips found the other side of her neck, leaving hot kisses along the curve.

Wyverne tried to swallow her moans, turning her head to face Lucio, her nose brushing his. He smirked against her lips, his movements a little harder, a hand slinking down between her legs. She tried to follow his hand, tried to not let him touch her. Julian smirked, tsking against her skin, gently holding her wrist against Lucio, turning her to face him. Lucio kissed the back of her neck, making her shiver and keen.

"Say his name, sugarplum," Julian whispered, his lips so close to hers she could feel every word.

"Lu-!" His name caught in her throat, a high-pitched moan escaping her throat as Lucio brushed against her most sensitive walls. "Lucio!" His name fell along her tongue, her hands pressed back against his broad chest, her sounds music to their ears.

All at once, everything crashed in her senses. She arched against Julian, the tight knot of thread at the base of her spine finally snapping. A soundless cry escaped her throat, her thighs quivering against Lucio's. Lucio's thrusts became more erratic, her walls pulling at him in desperate keens to keep him there. A soft groan escaped him, and he spilled his seed inside her, his cock twitching against her.

Softly, Lucio kissed her skin, glistening with pearls from it all. Slowly, he pulled out of her, while Julian took her in his arms, all warmth and kindness. Julian kissed her temple, Lucio rubbing her shoulders. Wyverne gently clutched Julian's shoulders, her full bottom lip slightly trembling as she came down from her high. Slowly, Lucio came out from behind her, helping Julian lay her down. He laid down beside her, an arm around her waist, tracing circles on her skin.

Wyverne's breathing was shallow, soft and short as she nuzzled the Count. Lucio nuzzled her forehead, lips soft against warm skin. Julian carefully took off the chain, setting it aside, kissing a line up her body. Some were soft and light, others heated and messy. His curls tickled her skin, brushed against sensitive nipples, his attention entirely on her. She lazily turned her head to face him, eyes hooded and flooded with stormy emerald seas. Julian kissed her once, twice, three times as he gently worked her legs apart, settling himself between them.

"Mmmm, are you ready for me?" He was soft, a purr to his voice that commanded no objections. He swiped a finger through the mess weeping from her slit, and brought it to her lips, gently pressing forwards. She obeyed him, suckling on his finger, her tongue swirling around it. 

Julian stroked himself, lining up with her entrance, rubbing his cock against her before slipping inside. Some of Lucio's spend was pushed back inside her, a noise all too familiar to their ears. Slowly, he pulled out, till his head was just inside her, then went all the way in, up to the hilt. She whimpered in frustration, the thread at the base of her spine knotting again.

"Ah, so impatient, gingerbread," Julian tsked, giving her a few more long strokes. "You just want my come, don't you?" Lucio teased one of her nipples, rolling it between thumb and forefinger, while Julian reached between the two of them, rubbing her clit with measured strokes.

She squirmed a little, her hips trying to shift under Julian, her left hand limply on the golden arm, her head at a slight angle. Soft moans and breathy pants escaped her lips, made fuller from her climax with Lucio. Lucio smirked, bringing his lips to her nipple and wrapping them around the little bud, his canines nipping.

"Oh, gingerbread," Julian softly moaned, an erratic thrust breaking his perfect rhythm. "Fuck, you look good enough to eat!" He cursed this under his breath, shifting her hips to get a better angle.

He brushed every part of her, still going at a painstakingly slow pace compared to Lucio. She keened, low and caught in her throat, Lucio's tongue working at her nipples. She cried out, choked and cut-off as Julian gently tugged on her piercing, making her clench the rich red silk underneath them.

"Say my name, gingerbread. I want it ripped from you when you come," he told her, a low growl in his chest. He set a faster pace, grinding his hips into her after every other stroke.

"Ju-Julian!" Wyverne cried out for him, hands up above her, clutching a crushed velvet pillow. Her body arched, her spine a perfect curve as a wave of pleasure threw her through a loop.

Her hair was a curtain of curls splayed behind her, her skin glistening with pearls, her cheeks flushed with wanton need. Julian bit his lip, raking over her body with a lust he hadn't felt in weeks. He hungrily stole a kiss from her lips, slipping his tongue inside. She let go of the pillow, in favor of his curls, her fingers making new knots. Low keens escaped into the kiss, his hips grinding into her clit, making her see stars.

"Julian!!" The knot tightened at the base of her spine, then finally broke. She broke the kiss, his name falling from her lips, her body arching once more. Her walls pulled at him, her thighs quivering against the red silk. Goosebumps broke out, trailing along her skin down to her toes, her grip tightening in Julian's hair. He nipped at her earlobe, her climax too much for him.

A low, hot moan escaped him. He buried himself inside her, his cock spilling his own seed. He twitched against her, his own spend a much bigger load than Lucio. He stayed inside her a few moments, panting against her shoulder. Julian then slowly pulled out, come trying to spill as he did so. Wyverne whimpered, the full feeling lost, come spilling out of her slit.

She wanted to close her legs, to hide how much of a mess she was. Lucio had kept her legs apart, hands on her damp thighs, drinking in the sight. His cock had gotten hard again, and for a moment he considered giving her another round. Lucio decided against that idea, and once she had relaxed into the sheets, he used two fingers to swipe through the mess there. He played with it, rubbing it between his fingers.

"Such a naughty sugarplum, letting it all spill from your cunt," he chuckled, making a show of placing them in his mouth and sucking them clean. He loved the flavor, the tang of his own come, the bitterness of Julian's come, and the sweet smoke that was Wyverne's.

"I really should make you clean it up, candy cane," Lucio said, spreading apart her folds, smirking at just how full she was. "But I've always loved a good cream pie." He smirked, a glint to his eye.

Lucio laid himself down on the sheets, the tip of his nose just brushing her. He started with kisses, light and soft and gentle, his golden hand wrapped around her plush thigh. He playfully nipped at her inner thigh, causing her to giggle, his warm lips soothing the nip. He trailed them closer to her sex, each kiss becoming more heated.

"Watch him, candy cane," Julian murmured into her ear, stroking her hair and kissing her temple. She couldn't take her eyes off the older man even if he wanted to, his molten silver gaze keeping her liquid emerald to himself.

Lucio finally reached her, his long, hot tongue lapping up the come from around her deep pink folds. Her breath was caught in her throat, her hand finding Julian's as her legs desperately tried to close around Lucio, to keep him there. Lucio chuckled against her skin, and kissed her petals, soft and soothing. He gave little kitten licks, skirting just around the sensitive bud, making her groan in frustration.

"The more you complain, candy cane, the more I'm willing to drag this out," Lucio told her, his voice low and soft and husky with desire. He gave her slit one long, slow lick, letting the taste of her mess linger on his tongue.

Wyverne watched him, almost tasting blood as she bit her lip harder. She could hear him make little hums of pleasure, could feel the way his fingers traced a line down her. He gave her entrance another teasing lick, strong hands keeping her from moving her hips. Lucio decided he needed more, and so he slowly inserted his tongue, tasting every inch, the tip of his nose lost among her. He lapped at her walls, groaning against her, the taste of her mixed with them almost too much.

He pulled away, savoring every last drop as he swallowed, licking his lips like the cat who got the cream. She whined in frustration, wanting him back there, wanting him to finish. He chuckled, something almost akin to a growl, and took her clit into his mouth. She gasped, moaning as he suckled, gently shaking his head from side to side, his teeth gently catching. Lucio pulled away with a soft pop, and explored every inch of her walls again, his tongue as deep as it could go. He held her gaze, commanding lust unspoken.

Wyverne moaned, soft and almost silent, her gasp quiet as she gave her last climax, toes curling into the mattress. She keened into Julian's chest, fresh tears streaking her cheeks, the overstimulation welcomed after so long without. Julian kissed her tears away, Lucio pulling away and swiping his tongue along his chin. He got up, allowing Julian to comfort their sweet sugarplum fairy, walking towards his private bath. She could hear the water run, her whole body feeling like jelly at the mere thought of a hot bath after all this.

•☆•

The warmth was a relief on her muscles, the soft scent of roses and pomegranates filling the air, dancing on the steam.  Wyverne had insisted that she could wash herself, but her lovers would not hear it. Lucio had gathered some soap into his hands, massaging it into her skin as he washed her.

"You did wonderful, sugarplum," he told her, voice soft and filled with warmth. "You were so good, despite being a cute brat." He kissed her cheek, letting his hands wander, massaging every inch of her body they could touch.

Julian had been slowly washing her curls, his fingers massaging her scalp, leaving her feeling boneless and soft against him. He gently lowered her head to the warm water, rinsing through the soap he had used, warmed vanilla mixing with the roses and pomegranates.

"You were so lovely, gingerbread," Julian said, kissing her forehead, wet curls tickling her cheek. "We're sorry we neglected you all this time." He placed a kiss on her nose, her cheeks, her chin, her lips, trying to give as many apologies as he could.

"Oh, it was worth it, Julian," she muttered lazily. She arms were on the edge of the tub now, her head resting on the point at which they met. "It was all worth it, just to see the looks on your faces."

Lucio chuckled, his thumbs working themselves into her neck, down inbetween the shoulder blades, smirking at the little groan that left her. She arched into his touch, and he could barely make out a word on her lips, her whisper light and soft and lost in the water.

"What was that, sugarplum? You're gonna have to speak up," he teased, hands moving along her shoulders. She curved her shoulders into his hands, rolling her lip between her teeth.

"Ohhh, that feels so good, Lucio," she told him, her soft skin pliant under his touch. "Gods I've missed this." A little hiss accompanied the last word, his hands finding a little knot of muscle lower down her back.

Wyverne was tempted to go limp, to sink under the water and stay there, all softness and warmth and tenderness. Julian smiled, gently touching her other shoulder, an arm around Lucio as Lucio held her close. They each kissed a cheek, watching a warm smile spread across her face.

Julian was the first to leave, grabbing a soft red towel and drying off. He wrapped it around his waist, and extended a hand for Wyverne, who gratefully took it and climbed out, followed by Lucio. They each grabbed a towel and dried off, Lucio throwing his towel around his neck while Wyverne wrapped it around her body, her russet curls seemingly disappearing into the damp towel.

Each man took a hand, and with the other on the small of her back, led her back into the bedroom. Julian took the towels and spread them by the fire, while Lucio lifted their sugarplum fairy into bed. Julian came back, climbing in beside Wyverne, Lucio laying on his left side, his arm supporting her head as he stroked her side. She didn't take long, her breathing rhythmic and even, her face glowing from it all. Each man smiled, kissing her shoulder, uttering one simple phrase they knew she wouldn't hear.

"Happy Holidays, sugarplum."

[smallgayblanket]

New/revised/whatever- List of stuff

Egos (Marks/Jacks) that I have written for or at least actually have thought about HCS/other universes for:  (Just some brief rambles about them, please don't hesitate to ask about them :3)

  -Anti,   Two takes really, I like him soft, like him mean, hes just fun to write, plenty of different ways to spin why he acts out, what he is and all that. My current fav way to portray him is a missing piece of Seans soul, which means hes unstable as a ‘person’ (cough, not really a human but not, not human either.)  And how he has static filled blue eyes but usually hides them with the scary emerald green...

-Jameson,  I will always stand by this kinda universe i created with a friend aages ao that Shawn took away Jamesons voice when being puppeteered by an awful ink creature that shares his body.  Giving Jameson a lovely fear of knives, some scars, and some very damaged vocals..

-Crank, Oh my fucking boi, a near dead human spliced with a bunch of robot parts..human skin tangled with wires and a heart incased in metal..hes a right mess, a voice in his head that makes him feel all sorts of bad.. He tries his best..he cries oil,  I hardly get to write  him but I love him.

-Blank, another big fav oi, black hollow eyes..a tendency to faint... My Hc involves him having been in an accident that almost killed him, leaving him with a very rare heart condition. He also has an aura which..kinda ties into him having a few abilities and stuff. 

-Nes.. He started off as my own kinda Ethan ego, basically Ethan who was mistreated and really lost his marbles..hes great for the real twisted messed up kinda stuff, so dependant on others, a minor murderer, and has been eyed off by a certain ice cream driver for quite some time...

-Were eth,  Okay granted this was literally just kinda an idea that..Eth became a were wolf boi, fangs, tail, ears. Hes just a fun lil pupper

-Eden. Succubus Ethan basically, but well, he again kinda turned into his own thing separate from Ethan. He's got a tail and wings, and hes a lovely lithe thing. He doesnt dare do things without consent, just gets a bit touchy-feely when hes gone without any energy for too long. Very wide stunning saphire eyes. 

- Jackie  Oh my lad..Buff, trans, adorable, sweet. I always love tinkering around with how/what powers he has tbh..and like- I’ve always had the hc that his eyes are lilac?? or gold. Depending on things.. and he works either at a comic book store, a gym, or at the counter of a gas station. Gives the best hugs. Also I love AUS where hes a phoniex because of uhm?? Big fucking red wings??? YES.

-Hen, Getting his accent right is tough but other than that I love writing about the tired doctor living off coffee and ignoring himself in favor of others. 

-Chase The fucking best dad, sunshine lad. Running a vlogging channel and doing his best while combatting depression..I hc him to have chronic fatigue so he has to push himself extra hard. but He does well in trying to get better and look after himself and only slips up like any other helpless human. Very fun to write. 

- Robbie.   Sof.t zombie lad. Drown in a sweater. Stutters and is v quiet. Slow with speech. Struggles to see sometimes. Loves soft textures.Loves attention. Overall soft fucking lad.

-KOTS, To mean known as Simon. Actually v smart, big brain, very scattered n shy and nervous and squirrelish. Loves books n plants, loves nature. Red is his best colour. Warm sweaters and nuzzling and cuddling up. I always get torn between him being a hybrid of human/squirrel or just a lovely soft guy. 

-Yan ! My fem nb/trans gal! They’ll kick ass with their katana, have the hots for Bim, and looove Japanese culture and stuff. Very adorable. Loves pink. 10/10 love to write. 

-Technically I do have a muse for Mark, or..idea? I’m thinking about shoving it into my own oc/thing..but basically he got tortured n abused by Authy so hes not quite like the real life markimoo..just a nervous mess whose dealing with his traumas..

-Bing, Skater lad, yellow/orange eyes, sunflower vibes. Tries his best, clumsy as fuck, great for a laugh when hes not cowering under google. 

-Edward iplier,  Gah my doctor lad.. I have a hc that he Lost arm. In fire..or by dark n wilf.  He has heterochromia too!! One cho ceye one blue one. He is a fucking nerd (Minor adhd lets be honest) He fucking loves space and science and space/science related lights. He has a bat plus with spacey wings. He likes reading, likes being clean and is quite a quiet indulger in food which has left him with a big of a softer figure. Super gentle nature..nothing like the arrogant portrayal we got in some videos. 

-Angus   I love this man!!! Part Aussie, part irish, a whole lot of gruff old dad with a soft spot for nice people and animals, has his own big place, next to a large ass forest. Loads of scars. Loves boots and cameo coloured clothing. A lovely guy when you get past the rough edges. 

Aand onto all my ocs as of writing this (cause you name well know I be writing new ones like..all the time.) 

--------------------

OC’S (My original characters!)

-Jessy, Cowboy-   Choker with gold bell. Lil ears/horns. Spots. Shy but sweet. Hands and feet different colour to rest of skin. Kinda  fur ish feeling rather then just straight-up skin.  Pear shaped figure. Shy lad. Likes to take lots of naps, anxious easily but a big people pleaser too. 

-Ailan and Keros. Moth n butterfly boi.  (Literally just made up with a friend, just a random soft pair of lads tbh nothing too fleshed or spesh)

- Louie - Followed by a dark being/creature/spirit... Yet to determine what else about him, but hes got brown hair, pointed ears and looks lovely in green.

-Quinton  A Hybrid of Demon and Angel otherwise called a Guardian. Quirky, Pan as shit, great dress sense. Extremely calm. Can see auras. Lovely black feathered wings. Bright blue hair.  Kind smile. Works at a little coffee shop in his spare time.

-Ori  Very pure angel boy, previously owned and not very well treated by a god, came crashing down to earth with no memories but his wings intact. Some help him. 

-Lumi  Ghost boy! Died years ago under awful circumstances..now lingers around on earth, sometimes meeting humans who happen to be able to feel or see his presence, he has the ability to make himself solid for short periods of time. 

- Lucio Witchy..dragon soul something or other- Deaf.Paralyzed? In the arms??They might use alot of energy trying to hover around instead of having to use a chair..(I mean how many witches do you see with chairs??).. Although they could not have use of their arms instead, like..paralyzed from the shoulder down- they still have them but theyre effectively useless and easily sore.. (which might make magic really hard, cause theyd have to master it again without their hand gestures.)

- Eztli, Bit of a prick. Basically got cursed to have really weird blood that replished and rejuvinated too fast/too much by a witch he angered. So he turned the curse into a good thing and basically goes out offering himself as a human blood bag for vamps willing to pay in info, items, cash or uh..other services..  

- Gallio Photographer, has hypocalcemia. Haven't really done much else with him tbh.

-Aomi Warlock/witch in training. Downright awful at it. Young and lives in a nice lil cottage outside of the village he was abandoned in.

- Lucas A moonstone gem perma-fusion, he kinda has SPD/DID but he doesn't, cause..hes two gems that became one but not fully. Leaving him to be a bit of a mess and not as strong as other moonstones. 

- Kiyan. A little assistant android!! Created to assist, he can make portals!, He works at a post office. Hes under surveillance by the company that made him and isnt yet aware of many human customs/emotions.. 

- Alex  A very confused, overly optimist Alien who doesn’t know what they are. Come from the planet Eutychia, 4'3. They fucking glow. You know  Kilowatt from space chimps? think that. But hair n freckles and more human and just as  bubbly and energetic. 

-Locus  Mer/Fish boi!  Transparent fins, glowy patches, plays harp + loves music.

-Lir  A Tiny Octopus/Human hybrid lad. Makes little burble and trill noises. Quite harmless. Needs a home. 

Benji (Strawberry shortcake boi- Cursed tape /bandages. Demi half god.? One eye. Uses notes. To communicate but also sign. Really. Good sweets maker)

 Small bois (A collection of tinys because G/T is fucking great okay?)

- Tobias. Literally Made of hair gel. cleary, adorable, aaand Eats soap..amoung other non food items he probably should not ingest but does..

- Hinto  Guy made of foam slime. Very chill n laid back.

- Glowstick bubs. (Alo/aloke -  Green and blue  +  Siro - Yellow n pink.  + Mavi (Vi) Red and silver. + Roxy (Ro) - Orange and  purple )  They’re a cross between glowsticks and lava lamps and its epic- asides the fact they have like.half a brain cell each. Lots of sleeping n lazign around.

- Theo  A tiny ink creature.  A clever little lad, who likes to drawn and write n paint in ink and leave cheeky little black splotches everywhere. A very good writer companion tho. 

- JellyBubs! A collection of tiny sentient jelly babies, hungry lads will raid your cupboards. 

-Miel A tiny little bee boy! Loves flowers <3 

Apocolyse Squad:

The planet Keres,  Left uninhabitable after the invasion that ruined the air and killed almost the entire race.

Sameal o’Ceirin (Being of smoke- partly blind.)

Mallory Thomas (Part cat. Vet, partner to Sam who ends up dying in the canon of their story)

Hamrish Benat  (Hayden. 4 eyes, soft tongue. PTSD. extra tiny heart in wrist. Quite fem/soft. Likes soap cutting vids and stuffed toys/teddies.)

Joshua who cares (An asshole. Staight up. He dies. Fuck him. He sucks ass.)

Andy peters (Strong, kind. Kinda like Tyler shied. Big, tol, but actually pretty soft.)

Adrian  Géarán  (Tail, fire abilities, likes to make little robots. Very weak n has a couple of disabilities that leave him tired n such, which aint great for his esteem or his team when the apoc hits.)

--

Wyatt ???? ?????????????????

Pace- Nerdy. Finds a cat. Observer for the aliens. Is immune to black goop. 

Four - buff. Scary. Deadly. 

Apocolypse Squad Part 2  Small lads who dont derese to be in danger: 

  -Apep, Naga boi  Legs mutate into a cool tail. Hisses, fangs. Adorable loves the sun. bout 20 years old. 

Chris. Camp leader! Biig dad type, redhead, buff, likes gardening and camping, very outdoorsy. Little awkward but great.

Small child Talise- nickname tails? ..   Blind and slightly traumatized by the car crash that killed his mother and ended up with glass in his eyes, very sensitive to noise n textures.     Ends up mutating tails.  6 v young n smol  blocks n colourin

Shirin Parvis. Crystal boi .. trained solider/ royalty.  Tried to warn people before the apoc hit and failed. Now tries to protect the small group of surviors he stumpbles across. 

 Zephaniah, mutation turns him into a  Chameleon basically, just.. a human one. He  Prefers Zeph. Big gamey Nerd-  gets a pet gecko.  16. Quiet. Loves Lazar skirmish and lazers. 

Moyachi, Cactus boi!! Plant bab. Loves water and has clear/lime green tinted aloe/herbal helpful blood. Spikes up at defense from bad people 18/ 19   likes drawing. Pretty grumpy and needs a break.

Colin, nicknames: Coco,  Lady bug lad, who is baby trans  mutation resulted in a weird Red/Orange skin condition basically.  Can predict weather v accurately.       Ballet/dance, 14   Likes cooking. 

Hotaru , Firefly bby  - Glowy bub with antenna,  possibly mutates wings.. Sassy and tired. Turns nocturnal as the apoc progressed. Also becomes Colins first love <3

Zeno  A Siren of sorts.  DC/ hip hopper/   Lost his arm in apoc.  He loooves music alot. Very purple aesthetic and checkerboards.

Liren Pichi, deaf peaches n cream aesthetic boi- Nickname Pichi.  He is alone during the apoc, sneaks aboard and ship and goes missing..

Neighbours AU:

They all live on the homeworld, Ermioni.

Lesbabs:

Blake Aglaia  A human with a gift of being able to put emotions into glass balls.. Red head, quite fem, but gay, sweet, but not mousy. 

Lynx ?? An alien and human, the alien somewhat resides inside its host but they coexist. Sometimes goes feral.  Alien half likes to go by Perse  (Percy)  They have cool looking saliva- viens that run down their arms that are pretty cool- sharper nails/claws. Tendrils. Large ol mouth. Lots of pointy ass teef. Lynx likes to train,go to gym, and kick ass. Big ass butch energy.

Demon fam:

Hyacinth  A six-armed demon with serious parent energy. Big gardener, his body grows flowers depending on his moods/strength of emotions. Purple neck length hair. Great at comfort and cooking. 

Rhys  A Demon with a great curiosity about humans has a sibling, Feri.  Rhys is a big nerd, but very hard to get to know. Not great with emotions, comes across a tad distant and cold without always meaning too. Loves candles and lots of autumn aesthetic. 

Anthos, AKa Ant. Rhys and Hy’s accidentally created/summoned a toddler.. and hes fucking adorable. 

Vato - V   Hy has another bub later on who's more purpley blue with red curled horns and 4 arms.. No tail.. 4 eyes. V cute and inquisitive. Less noisy and wreckless than Ant. 

Roommates:

Douglas Connelly  A regular chubby human bean! Learning to become a chef. He loves food, loves cooking and also loves dancing. Hes a big guy, big cudddler, but a little shy and akward at times. 

Donovan Amores  Real fricking cool and smokin hot Bartender with a love for dogs. Dougs roommate. Has glowing fuckin orbs- donates his heart to a fucking god is smooth as fuck, background heavily Spanish, moved when young.

Haris Alaksim Real name (lost in translation, Huitzilopochtli God of sun and war) ) - A god whom Dono is very close with and donates his heart two one every 3 years during the day of the highest sun. He is a god / Mouros.    Donovan refers to him as “Dios gentil”  or “ Viejo colibrí sabio”   (“El viejo colibrí sabio es un dios gentil” (The old wise hummingbird is a gentle god.)

Donovans Family

Rem (Looks after magical creatures- Cane is from Haris)

Oscar  (Not sure what trinket or power but He’s just a casual store worker w/ good arms. Surprisingly good with knives- perhaps has one from Haris?)

Nicole  (His only sister Makes clothes..possibly got some ability to do with seasons..?  Perhaps earrings or a bracelet from Haris)

Javi  (Makes jam, cute boy, wears cloaks. Maybe has a cute little jar necklace or magic jar??)

Luca (Trans bookkeeper- Talks to Haris most often and likes to ask questions..Has precious books...Possibly a special pen..) 

Forest bois!!

Cypress The soul of the forest - Mentor of Rem. Very calm, very wise. Kinda like master oogway type. 

Unicorn boi, Hes rare, missing a chunk of his horn. Dont hurt him. He doesnt even have a name.

Fyn. Mushroom boy. Protects a gate. Lost his twin during a human-caused fire. Very mad about it. 

Fie. Bat boy. Loves fruit. 

Moh. Fairy/incubus hybrid.  

Tucker. Bunny boi, Best friends with Ainsley. Got some like, punk vibes about him, piercings n such. Not as soft as one would expect but still nice at heart.

Ainsley. Fawn boi, clums, shy, round glasses,  Looks smart but doesn't always know stuff. Very unsure of self. 

Experiment AU: 

Izekiel Iris A being of Paint. Hes made of paint. He has trauma from being experimented on. Slightly depressed. Loves art, loved creating. also regresses to try to deal with said PTSD.  Hard to get to know at first. 

Matty  (Matthew Libelle)   An experiment, part human, part lizard, part dragon. Much smol.  Hes fucking baby and i adore him alot please do ask anything and everything about him. 

Cult bois:

-Nero Aakil   (Means Genius/Orange blossom)   Orange bub  - Leader. Smart. Telepathic link with all cult members.  V corrupted…  (Parents were rich and ignorant)

-Mao Cerise   Pink - Ditzy, Looks after their ‘little bird’ (aka Jey) 

-Jey Michael Cherubim   Fallen angel -  Corrupted..desaturating and weak.. Was summoned by the cult and captured as a trophy. 

-Jaden Hirav  Looks after a garden of plants both harmless and some not for master. Previously Neros old pet..His  The family was alright but he was moreso raised by like his mum and bro. He was kidnapped from his garden and never seen again. The cult ritual to initiate him into the group failed and he was spliced with plants making him near useless to the cult.

-Rowan maverick - Now known as  Rogue- Red. Lost their tongue. Does Not follow orders to the T but gets their job done.   Has another voice/god/soul looking out for them… Very assassin ready, very perceptive. Wants to get out the cult but knows theyre too far in.. Cool glowy words in the air because they don't have their tongue. Possibly only lives of medication and vitamin pills..possible OD? Possible addiction. They struggle alot with it. 

P - Pax -  God who watches over Rowan. Was killed by the Master but their spirt lives on.

Cato.   Purple - Another smart one.. Possible Wiccan?  Sadist. Mean. Tall.  Scary. Abuse. Twisted. Loves being in the cult. Eventually wants to host Masters soul.. 

Gin Short for Ginger but the real name is Xanthe.  Blind. Also another assassin like Rogue but more obedient.  Doesn't talk often out of fear. 

Benjamin Brandy  (Benji. B) is Gins friend, Gin is trying not to get him involved in the cult but was too late as B had previously already been cursed and dealt with mythical beings..

 Silver bub. Demir. A demon summoned by the cult to complete the collection. Wants out, very stressed.  

Adopted AU: (This is like a mess of some of the boys but younger and in a different timeline to their universes smushed together intoa kinda cute school/adoption au idea.)

Matthew is smol autistic, malnourished and heavily abused both mentally and physically, leading to selective mutism and being a small fragile easily tired bab.  He loves hanging in the library once he gets used to going to some schooling. Gets tutored by Chris? Goes to camp and helps around n has fun..

Jaden, loves the school garden, and likes science class. His family is alright, However he ends up mostly raised by his sister? Or brother? 

Iz is the lil art bab, also in foster care of a big family, not so much abused but semi neglected. Quiet.

Nero is the gifted nerdy child..Parents ignorant. They love history and fictional books and reading and learning.

Benji is the slightly older kid whos possibly maybe a little behind or delayed or..something, they help out with other kids as a buddy? They like to do cooking classes.

DA AU

So this Au was like..the Septic tank births all the egos.

Angus first- He has..some kinda strength I imagine/..

Then Anti, Hen, Jackie. Marv. 

Chase -  He kills himself because of Glitch- also falls in the tank a second time and ends up with odd powers. 

Glitch Starts off as very bad and misunderstood. Turns out they were just highly unstable and required medical treatment.  Their real name is Arius and they cant stomach solid foods all the time. Mostly a liquid diet. They have glitchy fits/static seizures. Very unpleasant. Can enter tech, and its not so great, can get trapped. Can absorb certain amounts of electricity because of this they Got hit by  ightning once and has epic lighting scars!! Up arms..some on neck. All over his chest and back. 

Septic clone AU

Sean giving up bits of soul to make clones ends up in coma

Experiments and torture and odd shit with the egos ensues??

Minecraft AU??  

Yeah i had weird ideas for a cute minecraft gang of minecrafters who had accidents involving getting merged/recded with other creatures traits ect. 

Vail.  -Vex / Human

Snow golom hybrid? Or Blaze?

Slimey boi

Kitsune

Panda lad.

Pokebabs au

Mainly for Matty, Iz and Blank.. were they have pokemon forms and when bonded with a human long enough can evolved into human forms?? 

Horned AU  (With Troiseh/Glitch-in-the-static)

Shiro  -Prince lad  (This is their lad :3)

Junji - Battery..whump/slave/lost prince 

Isao Asuka -  Shiros Royal Guard 

Alien AU

Hami if he were..alien instead of being a human in an apoc basically. 

Angel AU stuff: 

Good omens inspired boi

Leo Halvar   Part..humany..demon..Cambion are according to google "In late European mythology and literature, a cambion is the offspring of an incubus, succubus, or another demon with a human, or of an incubus and succubus"

Ryan  Hot archangel guy: One wing, demon hunter thing.. Good kinda reforming from a less nice lifestyle previously. 

Mute angel possibly demon idk- -   Latif? Emmet? Evan? 

Long fringe shy boy-  Cael / Lox

[joonie-beanie]

I've only just started to play the arcana so I don't know their full story arcs or anything yet (and god help my soul all of the characters are such gems how am I supposed to even choose a fave they've all already won my heart) but for a prompt hmm how about going stargazing with Julian?

Julian always has too much on his mind. Even after beingcleared for Lucio’s murder the man finds the littlest things to worry about. Ifyour cheeks go pink because of the heat of the day, he’s at your side–palm pressedagainst your forehead and a panicked look in his eye.

When you hold up and old shirt and find a tear in the side,Julian is already babbling about how he’ll buy you a new one, or sew the oldone, or maybe he can get Portia to sew it, or maybe Asra can fix it with magic,or–

You breathe a sigh through your nose, smiling a little. Forall his intelligence, he still finds dumb little things to stress over.

“Hey,” you say, reaching over to grab his hand. Immediatelyhe pauses in his rambling—(he’d been saying something about leeches again)—andglances down at you. You smile sweetly.

“Let’s go out tonight.”

“Out?” he questions, eyebrows raising on his forehead. “Where?”

“I want that to be a secret~,” you respond cheekily,sticking your tongue out at him. He chuckles at that, a grin spreading acrosshis face as he turns to fully face you, bringing your intertwined hand up tohis lips.

“Ohoho, a secret, hmm? I’m not the best at being patientwhen it comes to finding out secrets, you know.”

He emphasizes his words with a short tug to your arm,causing you to bump into him. However, you’ve grown used to his playful ways,and quickly wrap your arms tightly around him, pressing your bodies together.

“Too bad for you, because I won’t be giving in, Jules.” Youlean in and press a kiss to the showing skin of his chest, before you untangle yourselffrom him and skip towards the door. “I’m going to help Asra at the shop, I’llbe home later,” you say, and then pause in the doorway, turning back andflashing Julian and playfully stern look. “And don’t try to figure out thesecret. If you snoop you’ll get punished.”

“Mmm,” he biteshis lip, a sultry look overcoming his features. “Don’t tempt me.”

Rolling your eyes a little, you blow him a kiss anddisappear into the busy streets.

…

…

Hours later, when the sun is dipping towards the horizon, youarrive home to find Julian sat at the table in the front room, hands foldedtogether and eyebrows knotted on his forehead. As soon as you cross into thethreshold his eyes dart to you, lips parting. However, before he can sayanything you beat him to it.

“Please don’t tell me you’ve been here all day stressingabout my surprise, Ilya.”

“I’m losing my mind,” he responds weakly, sweeping over andgrabbing you by your shoulders. Shaking your head, you cup his cheek and leanup to kiss him.

“It’s nothing bad, I hope you know.”

“I…I know, but…I just,” his voice goes quiet, his gazemeeting yours, and you can see the pleading in his eyes. “I’m not good at notknowing things.”

“Well, your wait is over, my love,” you tell him, reachingforward to grab his hand. Shooting him a smile, you drop your bag on the tableand then tug Julian towards the door. He blinks at you, blindly allowing you tolead him into the street, and your face shines brilliantly in the orange huesof the sunset.

The anxious feeling in his chest that had been plaguing himall day instantly melts away, and he finds himself smiling fondly. He’s excitedto see where you will lead him.

…

…

Julian holds your hand tightly as you trek through the openplanes behind the palace, long grass brushing against your clothing as you makeyour way up a particularly large hill.

“Y/N, where are we going?” he asks you, glancing aroundcuriously. There’s not much to see all the way out here. You’re certainly nottaking him out for a meal and some dancing, that’s for sure.

“We’re almost there,” you respond, and sure enough, a fewmoments later the two of you arrive at the top of the hill. The expanse of theland is laid out before you, shadows of passing clouds ghosting past.Everything around you is calm—not a soul in sight. Just a breeze rustling yourhair, and moon casting light on the terrain.

“Why did you bring me here?” Julian questions, squeezingyour hand gently. He glances down at you, and you meet his gaze, a soft smilepulling at your lips.

“Because,” you say, lifting the top of his hand to yourlips. You pepper kisses along his knuckles, and the tips of his fingers. A dustof pink appears on his cheeks at the action, and you smile even wider.

“I wanted to give you a moment of peace. Your mind is alwaysrunning a million miles an hour, Ilya,” you tell him, lowering his hand fromyour lips. You angle your head up towards the sky, and any remaining traces of stressimmediately melt out of you.

“So, I thought that we could go…stargazing.”

Julian blinks, following your lead and looking up to the nightsky. Immediately millions of brilliant white dots fill his vision, and his lipspart in amazement. This isn’t the first time he’s stargazed—he had been living on the sea for a while,after all—but…it’s been a while since he’s actually taken the time to stop andadmire the stars. So much had happened in the last few months—between meetingyou, and solving the mystery of Lucio’s death—that he had forgotten about thelittle blessings in life. Such as being able to look up at the twinkling nightsky.

“It’s not a huge secret, I know,” you continue with a smalllaugh. “But…I still thought that it would be nice. You know, just…you and me.And the stars.”

“It’s perfect,” he responds almost immediately, his gazeshifting away from the sky to look at you, and his heart melts. Unable to helphimself, he lifts his hands to cup your cheeks and pulls you in for a kiss,catching you off guard. However, you’re quick to reciprocate—arms lifting toloop around his neck.

“Thank you,” he says when you part, a smile breaking out onhis face as your foreheads knock together.

“Though…I hope you know that you’re the brightest star in mylife, darling.”

“Oh my god,” yougroan, hiding your face against his neck. He laughs, knowing that his cheesyflirting always makes you blush, and simply holds you close.

His eyes shift back up to look at the stars overhead, andwith you still comfortably cradled in his arms, he once again finds himselfreminded of how grateful he is to be alive.

Nothing could be more perfect than this.

[asras-eyelashes]

Book 0: The Fool

Full AO3 Fic // Previous | Next

Chapter 9: Uncommon Extravagence

“So, if the Masquerade was your first time visiting Vesuvia, where did you live before?” Asra asks as the three of you walk.

“I am from the North, a place called Prakra.”

“My aunt’s been there a couple of times to get some ingredients for our shop!”

“Oh, your shop?”

“Yeah, my shop is a little back past the bakery. My aunt brews potions and creates charms, and I’ve been, er, helping out.” You didn’t really want to say that you got stuck there under less than ideal circumstances.

“My, you’re a magician!” Nadia gasps, clearly intrigued.

“Oh, uh, n-not officially--”

“Oh come on,” Asra butts in. “You’ve said yourself that you could do most of what your aunt does. You really are gifted in magic.”

Turning red at the sudden wave of compliments, you try to direct it elsewhere. “I-If anyone’s a magician, it’s Asra. He’s done things I’ve never even seen before.”

“It’s nothing, just things I’ve picked up here and there. I’m sure you could do just as well if you’ve been taught what I have,” Asra says, waving his hand dismissively.

“My, my, two magicians. I feel very fortunate to have stumbled upon you two. I hope I’m able to see a demonstration of your skills one day.”

You brighten up at that. “Maybe Asra can give you a reading,” you suggest, excited to show off your friend’s talents.

“That does sound lovely.” Nadia turns her head to Asra, silently asking for his permission.

Seeing both pairs of eyes on him, Asra breathes out a chuckle and shrugs. “Guess I have no choice. Alright, Countess, you can expect one reading at the end of the day.”

Nadia clasps her hands together in delight. “Thank you, Asra.”

The street slowly gives way to crammed stalls and booths, full of wares, clothes, and trinkets. The ambling passersby in the street crescendoed into buzzing crowds, air filled with chattering. Nadia silently marvels at the never ending activity around her.

“Let’s start with replacing that headdress,” Asra suggests, spotting a booth that has scarves and shawls of all kind.

“Good idea,” you second.

The three of you weave through the crowd up to the booth. Nadia is careful to keep one hand on her hood to make sure she keeps a low profile. Even with her elegant clothing, everyone seems to be busy going about their own business.

“Something that doesn’t attract too much attention...aha!” Asra mutters before lighting up. He digs through a couple of head scarves before finding one in a muted orange color.

You give a thumbs up when he looks up to you for your thoughts. Nadia slips Asra a coin and he buys the scarf. After thanking the stall owner, you three slip a bit away, and Asra hands Nadia the scarf.

“Thank you,” Nadia says as she takes off her hood.

“No problem. It’s not exactly high quality, but it’ll definitely help you blend in,” Asra returns.

You offer to hold Nadia’s hood so she can put her new one on. When she takes it off, you marvel at how long her hair is. But she quickly tucks it into her new hood and adjusts herself.

“How do I look?” she asks.

“Better,” Asra says. You nod, but still aware that the rest of her clothes stand out. Looking around, you see another booth that sells flowing tunics. Tugging on Asra’s sleeve, you point at the stall. “How about we throw in one of those?”

He looks to where you point and smiles. “Perfect, it should fit over what you have on now, Nadia.” Nadia nods in agreement.

The three of you head over and you select a warm mustard tunic. With Nadia’s coin, you pay and you all slip away so Nadia can put the tunic over her clothes. It isn’t much, but it’s honest work now she has a better chance of blending in.

Proud of your and Asra’s handiwork, the three of you set off to properly enjoy the shopping district. You pass by more stalls with clothes, fabrics, and jewelry.

“Is it common for vendors to sell imitation gems?” Nadia asks, eyeing a few jewelry booths. She quickly averts her eyes right as one merchant catches her eye and barks at her.

“I’m not too surprised. Are there a lot of fakes?” Asra asks, peeking at the gems now.

“Quite, but I presume to an unknowing eye, they are passable.”

“You can identify gemstones?” you ask, impressed. Did all Countesses know how to do that?

“Well, I’ve seen my fair share when I was residing back in Prakra as a princess.”

Both your and Asra’s eyes widen. “You were a princess?” you both ask in unison, shocked.

Nadia glances away, cheeks warm. “Yes, the youngest of seven sisters…”

You glance at Asra. Seven sisters? You could barely imagine having a proper mother and father, let alone so many siblings.

“If you were a princess, then why leave? Isn’t it...a bit of a downgrade, going from a princess to a countess?” Asra asks thoughtfully.

To your surprise, Nadia lets out a huff. “I suppose. But my sisters are all insufferable. They always coddle me, thinking I’m simply a doll to be protected. I never could make a choice for myself. Then I met Lucio, and, well, here I am.”

Sounds like a whirlwind of a story, you think to yourself. Surely Nadia condensed it, but you’d love to know the details. Maybe some day…

As you travel around the shopping district, the three of you find yourselves chatting about your past, present, and desired future. You and Asra find yourselves steering Nadia towards the Temple District, grabbing some sweet treats along the way. You let Oberon have a lick, after he gives you his best begging eyes.

You join Nadia in admiring the different religious structures. You really hadn’t gone into this part of town (your aunt found no reason to let you in this part of town), so it’s refreshing to see something new. Lanterns sway lazily in the air as all of you explore the district.

After exploring the temples, the three of you head closer to the town square to find dinner. Nadia insists on treating for dinner, and while you and Asra politely decline at first, you quickly give in. A nice, sit-down dinner paid by the Countess is a rare treat to stumble upon, and your mouth waters thinking about what you could eat.

“I think I’m craving seafood - how about over there?” Nadia suggests, pointing out a restaurant by the canal.

Your heart feels too giddy in anticipation for the food. “Sounds great,” you say.

“Let’s go!” Asra agrees, and the three of you head over.

At first, you feel a little out of place, since many of the other patrons are older, but your stomach quickly makes you forget your doubts. Nadia orders one dish after another, and you and Asra can’t believe your luck.

“I think this is the best I’ve eaten in my life, ever,” Asra softly murmurs.

Nadia simply giggles. “You both are more than welcome to the palace - I’d love to shower your palates with more food.”

“Really? Oh, Nadia, you’re too kind,” you say between bites.

“It’s a shame however -- I have yet to see swordfish in Vesuvia. That is something I may have to request the chef at the palace to make.”

“Swordfish? Is that common in Prakra?” Asra asks after quickly swallowing another mouthful.

“It was available to me back home. Spiced swordfish is my favorite dish. One of the few things I miss about home,” Nadia says wistfully.

“Wish we could try some,” you say, portioning off some more food for Oberon.

“If I find it again, you shall be the first to know,” Nadia promises. You and Asra grin in return.

The three of you finish dinner before leisurely heading back to your shop, and Asra’s booth. Nadia’s tarot reading is the last item of the day.