#I love pure and sincere knights

[fareehaandspaniards]

Also really curious about how you see Ludwig!

Seems really like the perfect role model guy!

Perfect role model guy? Maybe xd

I haven’t thought much about his past, but I think that he is also a foreigner (as many other characters!), or rather his family is from other lands. He himself was born and raised in Yharnam, but his roots are southern.

Another doodle to show how exactly I see him (It's Laurence in the left and Edgar in the right, nevermind xD) :

What can be said for sure is that he is very cute!

A "father" for his soldiers (hunters), an excellent fighter, a strongman. An exemplary family man - in my headcanon he is married, and perfectly copes with the role of a father and husband. However, what he couldn't do is to be the "head" of the family - I think he is very shy and timid in private and in more intimate settings!

He's also a great knight! Like, a true knight (I mean not a medieval robber and feudal lord, but a really exemplary servant, master of the sword and sir in shining armor. I swear I read a legend about a knight with a magical, talking sword, (no, not Excalibur xd) It reminds me a lot of Ludwig, though I've forgotten the legend ;_;)

He has a lot of virtues, but his flaws.....

Stone-faced. Which made it hard for Laurence to get along with him at first. Ludwig is very closed and takes deeds rather than words. Laurence couldn’t understand his loyalty and endeavor to serve for some time, but when he got it – he started to fear that Ludwig will abandon the Church after discovering it’s dark secrets.

Ludwig is quite infantile inside - he loves strategy and tactics, but mostly uses it in games for children! And actually the one who got him talking and also befriended was Gehrman, who offered him to play a board game. Gehrman and Ludwig are good friends in my opinion and drinking buddies xd I just like to imagine them drinking a huge mugs of beer while Laurence sips juice through a straw from an exquisite glass. Both friends were a bit silly and eventually acquired enough local jokes that pissed Laurence off LOL

Ludwig had nightmares very often, and a restful sleep is a reward for him. Moon influence – thanks, Laurence.

He is Edgar's idol also! He dreamed of being like the perfect knight (but didn’t succeed xd). And I really like the headcanon that Ludwig picked up little Edgar on the street in his last sane year and gave him to the Orphanage on which the Choir was based. In my headcanons Edgar is stuck being 20 years old in a Nightmare, so I guess that's probably a pretty realistic course of events...? How did he survive his stay at the Orphanage, where children were "used" to communicate with the Great Ones? I-don't-know! xd I just like to think that way, haven't tried to seriously consider it.

Ludwig conducted the massacre of Old Yharnam with true steadfastness. That's why people started call him "The Beast" - he never once showed compassion for people turning into beasts. The problem is that when he does something, he shows no doubt. All his doubts and worries were left in Laurence’s hands, and Vicar was in no hurry to clear his image in front of people or dissuade them.

The Moonlight, after the incident with Old Yharnam, had been the only source of meaning for him. The moon called, the moon comforted, the moon promised. Under its influence, Ludwig forgot everything that brought pain, just as he had forgotten his wife and son and daughter, who had died turning into beasts.

Ludwig had faith in Laurence. Ludwig also believed in healing blood. It had healed his wife, and he believed it was the future of Yharnam. Vicar asked him not to ask questions, promising to tell him one day WHAT the Church was doing, but he wasn’t able to fulfill a promise. Ludwig found out everything for himself later.

Djura admired him at first, but later joined those who called Ludwig "The Beast." He could understand everything, but he couldn't forgive him for following heartless orders.

Ludwig had been an inspiration to Damian(Me? Not to mention Damian? HAhahahaha) during his years of service as a Tomb Prosperctor. Although Damian considered this service "unholy" (the old belief that the dead should not be disturbed), Ludwig inspired him to keep going.

And! Also he was a good friend of Maria. She wasn’t as naive as Ludwig, because tried to discover secrets of Research Hall, but they both had sensitive hearts. He was a good man and she valued it during those hard times. Also how couldn’t Ludwig not appreciate Gehrman’s best apprentice? Young, talented, kind-hearted – Maria was another «knight». (I love so much female archetype of «knight». I have some examples from other games and OH MY GOD, AHksdhfksjhfiwhe General Beatrix from Final Fantasy IX plus Lady Maria is a duo of my heart…)

I used to call myself holyvicar shipper, but actually no… I like it, as much as other pairings, I can even feel it, especially if feelings are one-sided (Ludwig is in love), but Laurence really wants to feel the same, but simply can’t. Ludwig is too easy for him? I don’t know. Ludwig/Maria? Ludwig/Micolash (lol)??? I appreciate any fanart or fanfics but not really into these ships. So Ludwig is married in my world.

[solxamber]

Giving Them Chocolates on Valentine's Day with: Heartslabyul

Go here for other dorms

Riddle Rosehearts

You take a deep breath, steadying yourself as you approach Riddle. He’s seated in the Heartslabyul garden, engrossed in a book, completely unaware that his life is about to change forever.

Your hands are sweating. Fantastic. Nothing says “I love you” like handing someone a heart-shaped box drenched in pure nervousness.

“Riddle,” you say, voice admirably steady despite the chaos in your soul.

He looks up, eyes widening slightly at your presence. “Good afternoon. What brings you here?”

You very calmly thrust the box toward him like a knight presenting a sacred relic. “Happy Valentine’s Day. I made this for you.”

The change is immediate.

Riddle freezes, his entire face flaring up like a traffic light on its final warning. His fingers twitch as he hesitantly accepts the box, staring at it as if you’d just handed him the crown of a foreign kingdom.

“You… made this? For me?” His voice is slightly higher than usual. The poor guy is barely holding it together.

You nod, feeling your heart slam against your ribs. “Yeah. And, um… I like you. A lot.”

For a second, you’re terrified he might actually faint. His ears are burning, his posture unnaturally stiff as he processes your words in real time. You can practically see the gears in his head jamming.

Then, slowly, carefully, he sets the box on the table beside him, takes a breath, and stands.

And before you can react, he takes your hand in his, bows slightly, and presses the lightest, most delicate kiss against your knuckles.

It’s so soft. So warm. So utterly, devastatingly polite—yet scandalously romantic—that your brain completely short-circuits.

He lifts his gaze to yours, still impossibly red but full of something achingly genuine. “I… accept your feelings,” he murmurs, his grip on your hand tightening just slightly. “And I—I… I like you as well."

You’re gone. This is too much. His flustered sincerity should not be this cute.

Riddle clears his throat, attempting to compose himself—but he absolutely fails because his blush is creeping down his neck now. “A-Anyway. Shall we have tea together? I’d… like to enjoy this properly.”

You nod, still speechless.

Somehow, this went even better than expected.

Trey Clover

You’re standing in an empty classroom, clutching your carefully wrapped box of chocolates like it’s a lifeline. The room is quiet, save for the faint ticking of the clock and the absolute hurricane of nerves raging inside you.

Trey stands across from you, looking as effortlessly cool and put-together as ever, the picture of someone who probably never panics over something as simple as chocolate. Which is unfair, actually, because you’ve been agonizing over this moment.

“I, uh…” You swallow hard, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I made these for you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Trey blinks in surprise before his expression softens into something warm. “Oh?” He takes the box with careful hands, like it’s something precious. “You made these yourself?”

You nod, but you can’t bring yourself to watch him open it, your stomach twisting into a knot. “Yeah. I know they’re probably not as good as what you make, but—”

“You’re nervous.”

You flinch when you feel the lightest touch under your chin, his fingers tilting your face up. You hadn’t even noticed him stepping closer.

Your breath catches when you meet his eyes. They’re so gentle, full of something soft and unreadable, and suddenly, this moment feels a lot bigger than just some chocolates.

“You really think I’d compare this to something I bake?” he murmurs, his thumb brushing just below your eyes before dropping away. “You made this for me. That alone makes it special.”

Your heart is going through it.

“I—” You swallow, trying to gather your thoughts before you combust. “Trey, I like you. That’s… that’s why I wanted to do this.”

There’s a small pause. And then—his smile.

It’s real, not his usual easygoing grin but something genuine, touched, and just a little bit shy.

“I like you too,” he says, his voice warm as honey.

Oh. Oh.

You barely have time to process it before he straightens up, still holding the chocolates in one hand while the other slides into his pocket. “Come on,” he says, nodding toward the door. “Let me walk you back.”

You blink. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to.” His smile quirks at the edges, teasing now. “Gotta make sure you don’t run off before I can ask you out properly, right?”

Your heart is doomed.

Cater Diamond

You find Cater in a quiet hallway between classes, leaning against the wall and idly scrolling through his phone. The second he notices you approaching, he perks up, flashing you an easy grin.

"Hey, hey! Fancy seeing you here." His eyes flicker down to the heart-shaped box in your hands, and his grin turns teasing. "Ooooh, what’s this? Someone’s got a Valentine?”

Your stomach is doing backflips. But you force yourself to hold out the box, pretending you’re not dying inside.

“For you,” you manage, voice steady despite the heat creeping up your neck.

Cater blinks. Once. Twice. His usual playful energy pauses, just for a second.

“For me?” His voice is light, but there’s something in it—something careful. “Like… me, me?”

You nod, heart hammering. “Yeah. I like you, Cater. That’s… why I made them.”

And for the first time ever, you see Cater Diamond speechless.

He just stands there, staring at you like you’ve just told him the greatest plot twist of the century. Then, all at once, his grin returns—brighter, realer, and just a little bit unsteady.

“You’re serious?” He lets out a breathless laugh, shaking his head like he can’t believe it. “Like, you—out of everyone—actually like me?”

“Obviously?” You shift the box toward him, raising a brow. “You gonna take these or what?”

The teasing snaps him out of it, and he laughs, reaching forward to grab the chocolates and, in the same movement, presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

Your brain blue-screens.

“There,” he says, still grinning as he pulls back. “A little thank-you for totally making my day.”

You open your mouth—whether to yell, combust, or actually form words, you’re not sure—but he’s already linking his arm with yours, spinning you both toward the exit.

“Sooo, where do you wanna go for our first date?”

“What—wait, first date?”

“Duh!” He holds up the chocolates with a wink. “You confess, I accept, we date—it’s the natural order of things.”

An absolute success.

Ace Trappola

You don’t even get the chance to find Ace before Ace finds you.

"Whoa, what’s this?" His voice is all mock innocence as he suddenly appears at your side, eyes locked onto the box of chocolates in your hands. He gasps, pressing a hand to his chest like he’s just witnessed a scandal unfold. "No way. You? Giving out chocolates? Some poor soul's gonna get victimized today."

You narrow your eyes at him. "Victimized?"

"Yeah, y'know—" He gestures vaguely, rocking back on his heels. "Swept up, led on, utterly ruined for anyone else. Tragic, really."

He’s dying of jealousy. You can see it. Feel it. Smell it in the air like cheap cologne.

You roll your eyes, already fed up. "Well, if you’re so concerned, maybe I should just eat them myself."

Ace laughs. "What, you’d steal your own chocolates? That’s cold."

"Not really, considering they were meant for you."

Silence.

Ace stares at you, frozen mid-smirk. His brain just blue-screened. You can see the processing bar loading at 2% completion.

"...Huh?"

You sigh, shifting the box in your hands. "I made them for you, dumbass. But if you don’t want them, I guess—"

You don’t get to finish that sentence because suddenly, Ace is clutching the box to his chest like it’s the last treasure on earth.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up—who said I didn’t want them? I want them!" He’s grinning now, the brightest, cockiest, happiest grin you’ve ever seen on him. "You serious? You really made these for me?"

You cross your arms. "Yeah. But you’re being a brat, so I kinda regret it now."

"Nah, too late! No take-backs!" He laughs, shaking his head like he can’t believe it. Then—softer, realer, a little bit breathless— "You really like me, huh?"

You hesitate, suddenly flustered under the weight of his gaze. "...Yeah."

His fingers tighten around the box. "Good. 'Cause I like you too."

Your breath catches.

Ace tilts his head, there’s a warmth in his eyes now—something soft, relieved, like he’s been waiting for this. "Thought you’d never notice, y’know? Been here the whole time, just waiting."

You scoff, rolling your eyes to cover how fast your heart is beating. "And yet you were so ready to tease me about it."

"Of course!" He throws an arm around your shoulders, grinning like he’s just won the lottery. "What kinda boyfriend would I be if I didn’t mess with you at least a little?"

"Boyfriend?!"

"Uh, yeah? You confessed, I accepted, now you’re stuck with me forever. Basic math."

Mission accomplished (You think?)

Deuce Spade

It’s just another casual hangout, nothing out of the ordinary—except for the heart-shaped box of chocolates you’ve been hiding behind your back like it’s a live explosive.

Deuce is sitting on your couch, totally unaware of the internal chaos happening mere feet away. He’s relaxed, chatting about his day, but the second you clear your throat and step forward, he pauses mid-sentence, sensing danger.

"Uh… you good?" he asks, blinking up at you.

"Yeah. Fine. Totally normal." You inhale, ignore the full-body cringe threatening to consume you, and hold out the box. "This is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day."

Deuce freezes. Like, actually freezes.

His eyes dart between you and the chocolates like he’s trying to make sure this isn’t some cruel prank. His hands are shaking just a little when he reaches out, carefully accepting the box like it might disappear if he blinks too fast.

"You—" His voice cracks, and he immediately clears his throat, ears burning red. "You made these? For me?"

You nod, trying so hard to play it cool. "Yeah. I like you, so… yeah."

For a second, nothing happens. Then—his grin.

It’s shy, just a little wobbly, but so ridiculously bright that your stomach does a full gymnastics routine.

"You… like me," he repeats, as if he needs to say it out loud to believe it.

"Unless you don’t want them, in which case, I can just—"

"No!" He clutches the box to his chest like it’s his most prized possession. "No way, I—I want them. I just—" He exhales, a little breathless, still grinning like an idiot. "I can’t believe this is happening."

You barely have time to process that before he straightens up, determination flickering in his eyes.

"Can I—" He swallows. "Can I take you on a date? I mean, since you—since we—" He gestures vaguely at the chocolates, too flustered to form a proper sentence.

You laugh, heart so stupidly full. "Yeah, Deuce. I’d love that."

His breath catches. Then he nods—fast, like he’s locking it in before reality can take it away. "O-Okay. Cool. Great. I’ll—I'll plan something good, I promise."

You grin. "I’d expect nothing less."

Deuce beams.

He looks down at the chocolates again, still holding them like the most precious thing in the world.

And honestly? You think this might be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Masterlist ; Valentine's Event

[tnt-kokoo]

Sheep in a wolf's costume

(Yandere/obsessed!)Rin Itoshi × fem!reader

summary: A princess like you shouldn't wander around unattended while at war. That's what your father thought at least, and that's why, Rin Itoshi was chosen as your own guard.

warning: Stalking, fantasy au, yandere/obsessed, he kinda worships reader (??), death,

"...and with that, I order him to be your guard." Your father, the king, commanded.

In your mind, you were dreading having to be followed by someone you don't really know. As a princess, you already had to overcome the constant nagging of your parents to act whenever and wherever you are ladylike. Not that it was impossible but very draining.

Looking over to your side, you remarked how one of the knights looked more nervous than the ones next to him. You knew from then on, that was your new babysitter.

After a while, you father continued to talk to the other knights. You couldn't handle standing there, listening to your father talk about next possible moves from the enemy and how they could prevent that from happening. You couldn't bare to listen to the gruesome out loud thoughts (that should have stayed in their sick brains instead of being muttered out loud) of the solders.

Your new guard noted how your expression changed from annoyed to a hidden disgust.

'Even with such an evil topic, she tries to remain princess-like. Cute." That's what the dark haired boy thought.

At some point, you just wanted out of the room and the still unnamed knight by your side realized it as well. He then interrupted your father's conference (something undared by many with a lower status).

"Pardon me sir, don't you think that the princess shouldn't have to worry about our conflict and ruin her pure brain?" He questioned. A few wispers from behind and from the side were the only thing keeping the silence away. Your father was surprised, shocked even, to have someone other than him dare to talk for his own daughter. But it's not like he didn't agree with the said statement of 'not wanting to ruin your pure thoughts and brain'.

With a quiet sighs, he agreed a let the guard go for his foolish behavior of interrupted like that.

____________________________________________

"Thank you, for getting me out" you thanked him sincerely.

Maybe, he isn't as bad as you thought?

But oh, how wrong that was. He was much more worse than what you could have imagined.

"What's your name?" you wanted to know and walked beside him as he accompanied you to your chambers. He looked over to you quite shocked and muttered a small 'Rin'.

You couldn't help but laugh at what you thought was shyness. The sound of the laugh was like a immense warm comfort, that he deemed to not have earned (just yet at least). He loved it. So much. His heart clenched at the thought of failing your father's wish for your safety and swore to himself to protect you. For now, he didn't think much of his possessiveness. To him, it was just him doing his job.

Because Rin Itoshi is unfamiliar with the term love.

____________________________________________

As days follow and the conflict began to get more serious, Rin was able to listen to your worries and how you wanted this war to stop.

With each day spending more time with you, the knight felt himself more aware of how much he actually enjoys your company. Even in such hard times, you were still next to him, listening to him talk about his interests, his likings as well as dislikings and even more shocking to some, about his family. He simply trusted you and you trusted him.

You knew you could definitely trust him after what happened at town. Even with a war going on, your father made you go to the orphanage. You definitely should only visit but you being you, Rin had to watch how his princess was playing and joking with the children.

Soon, thoughts plagued the knight of having a family with you. The dark haired boy quickly threw that thought away and continued to look out for you as you were finally wishing the children to stay healthy.

While walking down the street to where the carriage was supposed to wait. You were met with something else.

You two saw bandits with knives in their hands. They seriously didn't think this through if they thought that Rin Itoshi would let them steal from you- or even worse, harm you.

Quickly Rin drew his sword out of the holder and pointed it to the opponents. Non of them got closer and took a few steps back.

Suddenly, another thief came from behind you and pulled the knife in his hand close to your throat. Without a second of waiting, Rin brought his sword to the one threatening you and made a fast cut for the thief to fell down bleeding without seeming to stop. Quickly stepping away from the corpse, your eyes widen as the chest of your knight stooped you from stepping away any further.

He saved you, but at the cost of one's life...

The boy wrapped his arms around you and bought you closer to the metal of his suit, he tried his best to comfort you as he only could be happy that you were safe. No more bandits wanting to rob you.

At this point, he might have started to feel something more for you. He still couldn't put a finger on what exactly it was called but from what he heard, his feelings were as strong as love.

Right now, his brain accepted a feeling for you. He calls it Love.

____________________________________________

The moment Rin Itoshi realized how much his feelings grew over the time of being your knight, was when you got your portrait taken by one of the best artist at the time. He stood next to the portrait and had a very clear view of you. You looked eternal with all the diamonds and the jewelry.

On one hand, he was excited to be able to have such a beautiful view of you. Your beauty infront of him and him having the possibility to memorize all your features highlighted by the pretty diamonds. He was so sure, that he would spend all his money for jewelry for you just because your being is supposed to be lavished by all these expensive stones and gold or silver (whatever you prefere because he'd buy you either).

But on the other hand, apart from his growing love for you, the feeling of jealousy grew as well. His jealousy was directed at the artist and yes, the painting is beautiful, but, he shouldn't be able to look at you with ,what Rin thought to be, lust. Only Rin himself should have the ability to look at you. Others should pay.

And not with any money, oh no... Rin expected them to pay with their eyes who dared to glance over to you. Like thiefs get punished by getting their hands cut off, but what would that be useful for? It were their eyes that weren't allowed to look at a higher being.

While the painting was finished hours later, you began to feel your eyelids grew heavier. Looking out, you saw how the sky was already darkened and the sun long gone. Stars now dancing above the castle and the moon deep asleep.

Looking over to Rin, he seemed to understand your trouble and helped you up. He then proceeded to kneel down and say "Get on my back, I'll carry you to your chamber, princess."

You didn't question it and sat on his makeshift seat of his hands to hold you up. Your arms wrapped around his neck as your head laid on his broad shoulder.

'Shit. She smells so good....' he thought.

As he carried you to your chambers, he laid you down on the comfortable bed and pulled the blankets over your beautiful body. Oh how he loved you, your brain, your body, and your looks. He loved everything about you.

If you were to command him, he would kiss every floors that were lucky enough to be walked upon by you.

If you were to command him, he would go into every fight and come back to you.

If you were to command him, he would do anything you'd ever wish.

Because in the end, it's Rin Itoshi. He would get his hands dirty for you, so you wouldn't have to.

And maybe, just maybe, love was a wrong term for his feelings. He felt his obsession grow more and more.

____________________________________________

"Where is the princess???" A servant asked another. Neither knew of anything after the village got attacked. To make it worse, most knights were gone, thinking the enemies were going to attack from somewhere else. But oh how wrong they were.

Now with nearly no one to fight with, the village was doomed. Not even the king was present anymore, he was murdered and you, you disappeared, along with your knight.

If you had a choice in this or not, Rin Itoshi was not disappointed with his deal with the enemies.

A deal that would make him alongside you stay safe, as long as he would be telling them your folks secrets.

Looking back, he was happy you're now safe with him.

Because Rins feeling for you are way stronger than anyone could possibly imagine and now, you're his and his alone.

[urrmomzfavorite]

BLESSINGS YOU DON’T SEE COMING

psstt check my masterlist if you want more readings from me !

Pile One: Cards: Ace of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Wands, The Hierophant, Four of Cups

Hi love, we need to talk. Your heart has been broken, and you’ve entered a “self-love” era. I feel like self-love was more about preservation. You didn’t fully master the breakup energy—you went back into your cocoon to regenerate. But now, it’s time to come out.

You’ve put your heart aside for a moment, and I need to tell you that a wish you made upon the stars is being refined. You can carefully pick up that glass box you placed your heart in and believe in love again. Your wish has been in the stars, getting sculpted and forged to make it something powerful.

You’re going to meet someone who’s really influential. People tend to like this person and put them on a pedestal, but you don’t, and they like it. A lot of people go to them for advice and help, but you won’t. This person lives in a lot of people’s hearts, but yours is double-locked, sealed, and impossible to access. You’ll catch them staring at you a lot. They’re trying to figure you out, and it drives them mad. You know how it goes—when you can’t understand something, you become obsessed trying to. This is giving me strong Scorpio vibes.

This person lights a fire in you, a passion you can’t explain. A funny story is unfolding, and you’ll look back on it with a lot of gratitude. I applaud you for healing; I know how hard it can get. Good luck, love!

(Lenormand Cards drawn: The Star, The Fox, The Coffin)

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Pile Two: Cards: Five of Wands, Three of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Wands, Two of Pentacles

You had a hard time ending this situation. OMFG, you kept replaying it in your head. I think you’ve stopped talking about it to your friends because you knew it was getting too much. There’s no shame in talking about how you feel—it helps soothe the pain. That burning sensation in your chest? It’s going away.

You are going back to yourself, Pile Two, emerging as the Queen of Wands. Now, it’s time to learn how to balance your power. I don’t need to tell you that you have tremendous potential—it was always a given. You will find your footing soon. You are ascending to heights that have been waiting for your arrival. Find joy in the journey.

A lot of your desires are manifesting physically. Your words have a lot of power at the moment and hold heavy weight. The world is your oyster. Good karma is coming back to you, and opportunities are knocking at your door. Pile Two, life will feel like a warm blanket for a while—get comfortable.

(Lenormand Cards drawn: The Mountain, The Whip, The Stork, The Sun)

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Pile Three: Cards: Temperance, The Magician, Queen of Swords, Six of Swords, The Empress, The Moon, Seven of Cups, King of Swords

Yes, you are right. Yes, they are in love with you. Yes, they messed up, and they know it. Pile Three, this whole reading screams love. Someone you’ve known for a long time is realizing they want to lock it down. I feel like this is the kind of love you read about—the kind that feels pure, that makes you feel young at heart. It’s true, sincere love, one that makes you feel like you’re the only one who has the key to a magical world.

I feel like you’ve tried to make things work for a while, handling more than your share. And then it finally clicked: all that power and energy was misused and channeled into the wrong things. You stood up for yourself and set strong boundaries. You were fair because that’s just who you are, but you were dedicated to not letting yourself down. You left, you traveled, you lived, you grew, you blossomed beautifully.

And now, this love that has been calling out to you in the night, whispering your name in the wind, is here. You have so many options—just know that. That person who wasn’t ready for you? They want to be a husband now—devoted and looking for you. The choice is yours. You are a wise person and will find success no matter the outcome. But remember, the right people for you also fuel your cup.

(Lenormand Cards drawn: The Child, The Ring, The Heart, The Book)

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[aventurineswife]

The Rose of My Heart

Summary: On Rose Day, Argenti finds himself humbled by the love he feels for you. In a quiet rose garden, he presents you with a single crimson bloom, declaring that you are the truest beauty he has ever encountered. As the symbol of purity and love, a rose embodies all that he holds dear, and in you, he sees its essence. Argenti vows to protect and cherish you above all else, forging a bond that transcends his solitary journey. For him, you are the rose, and he will guard you with his unwavering devotion.

Tags: Argenti x Reader, Valentine's Week Special, Rose Day, Romance, Devotion, Vows, Love Confession, Pure Love.

— “A rose is a symbol of love, and you are its embodiment.”

The evening air was crisp as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across the landscape. The once-bustling city, now a quiet reflection of its former self, sat beneath the weight of an eternal twilight. Argenti, clad in his shining armor, stood before you—a paragon knight who had devoted himself to a cause much greater than any individual.

It was Rose Day, a day when the universe celebrated the beauty of love, and the rose—the flower of purity and passion—stood as its symbol. Yet, in the midst of this celebration, you found yourself captivated not by the festivities around you, but by the quiet presence of the knight standing beside you. His eyes glimmered with an intensity that spoke of countless battles fought—not only in the physical realm but also within the depths of his heart.

As you both walked through the rose garden, the air heavy with the scent of blooming petals, Argenti turned to you, his eyes glistening like twin emeralds, and his voice, rich and full of unwavering conviction, echoed in the serene night.

“Ah, my dearest,” he began, the knightly title slipping from his lips with reverence, “today, on this sacred day of roses, I find myself with words I do not often speak. But know this: as a Knight of Beauty, I seek perfection in all things—honor, virtue, and the pursuit of that which is pure. Yet, I have discovered that the truest beauty lies not in the path I walk alone, but in the bond we share. In your presence, I have seen beauty more radiant than the brightest star in the heavens, more enduring than any armor forged in the fires of war.”

His hand, gloved but gentle, reached for a single rose from the garden—a perfect crimson bloom, its petals shimmering in the twilight.

“This rose, a symbol of purity and devotion, is but a small offering in comparison to the honor you bring into my life. It pales next to your kindness, your strength, and the light you bring into the world.”

He held the rose out to you, his expression solemn yet filled with a deep, heartfelt sincerity. “It is said that a knight’s purpose is to protect the beauty of the world. But in truth, I have come to realize that the truest beauty I must protect is the one I see before me—your heart, your spirit, and the love we share.”

His eyes softened, and for a fleeting moment, the stern knight melted away, revealing a man with a soul forged by devotion and love.

“You are the rose I shall cherish for all eternity. On this Rose Day, I vow, as a Knight of Beauty and your steadfast companion, to shield you from all harm, to honor you above all else, and to remain forever at your side, as we walk this path of beauty together.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, as if the very stars themselves had paused to listen. Argenti’s gaze held yours, a promise unspoken yet undeniably clear—a promise that no matter the trials that lay ahead, your bond would endure, a rose amidst the thorns of the world.

With a final, gentle motion, he placed the rose in your hand, his voice low but firm.

“Let this be our vow, dear one. Together, we shall carry the beauty of the universe in our hearts, for as long as the stars grace the heavens.”

And as you took the rose from his hand, your heart fluttered, knowing that, in this moment, you were not merely walking beside a knight. You were walking beside a soul who had found the truest beauty in love—and it was yours.

[knightsickness]

the worst kind of criston post is those comparison/virgin vs chad posts about show vs book criston that both tumblr criston stans and reddit criston haters make in which theyre like BOOK criston was noble and would never have sex with harlot rhaenyra and only crowned aegon out of sincere love for andal tradition. unlike show criston corrupt and constantly breaking his oath of chastity and crowning aegon out of spite and self-interest the showw and the stupid biased showrunners ruined a perfect knight. when that fundamentally is not true bc if it was book criston would not have already been hated for all the reasons they now pretend are show inventions

basically everyone already understood that his motives were probably bigoted and corrupt you have to comically read around the fact that almost everything show criston does is also implied if not outright stated in the book to make the case the show ‘ruined’ him. the white criston fanart reddit always uses as the pure good book version of him was literally art for a fic in which criston breaks his oath with rhaenyra and then goes crazy w bitterness about it and that so significantly predates the show it seems absurd to have to point that out. the reddit fucking adores noble warrior types even if they were bad people and THEY were making jokes about how small his dick was nobodyy was reading him as the soul of chivalry. if anything the show made him significantly more sympathetic

the most notable exception to this was a small but persistent cadre of redditors convinced that the secret third option grrm had cleverly planted about the crisnyra situation was that criston rejected her because he was gay and then was homophobic about laenor because he was trying to evade suspicion. this was never mainstream as a theory but was widespread enough within the relatively small pre-hotd dance fandom on reddit that it comes up in unrelated threads about gay kingsguards. these guys are the only group i want posting about how the show ruined grrms vision for criston by maliciously straightwashing him

[mercillery]

REQUEST: Hey! I saw your post about Julius x singer!s/o and I really love it! Can you do Julius with an s/o that loves to dance?

WARNINGS: GENDER NOT SPECIFIED + NOT PROOFREAD

NOTES: Julius 🫶

Julius strikes me as... quite the dancer. Not in the stiff, formal way you might expect of the Magic Emperor, but in the if-you-left-him-alone-on-a-dance-floor-with-music, he’d absolutely tear it up kind of way.

There’s just something about his boundless curiosity and love for spontaneity that screams hidden dance machine. At least to me. He might not admit it outright, but trust—if you ever caught him alone, he’d be moonwalking through the corridors of the Clover Kingdom.

But let’s talk about you. Your love for dance is something Julius adores because it’s so different from the rigid, structured life he’s surrounded by. To him, it’s like you’ve found a secret way to escape the chaos of battles, duties, and time itself. When he watches you move, it’s as if all the pressures of leading the Magic Knights fall away, replaced by something rare and timeless.

Speaking of watching you dance—oh, he watches. And when I say “watches,” I mean Julius has eyes only for you. His gaze follows you like the hands of a clock, but with none of the urgency.

There’s a quiet reverence in how he observes you, like he’s witnessing a fleeting masterpiece that can never quite be replicated. It’s not just admiration—it’s captivation. It’s Julius thinking, Wow, so this is what beauty looks like when it’s truly free.

And of course, in his ever-charming way, he’d draw comparisons to his love for magic. “You know,” he’d say, his voice thoughtful and playful, “watching you dance reminds me of time magic—each movement so precise, yet flowing freely. It’s like the hands of a clock moving in perfect rhythm!”

He wouldn’t even realize how cheesy he sounded because, to him, it’s simply the truth. You’re mesmerizing, and every step you take feels like a moment he wants to hold onto forever.

Julius is all in when it comes to supporting your love of dance. We're talking full, unwavering dedication here. Rearrange his entire schedule just to catch one of your performances? Done. Slip out of meetings with high-ranking officials because he “suddenly remembered something urgent”? Oh, absolutely.

Marx is already rolling his eyes because he knows exactly where his boss is—either out hunting for intriguing new magic or sneaking off to wherever you are, dancing your heart out. And really, what else could Julius prioritize over you? (Certainly not boring paperwork.)

When Julius does find you, it’s not exactly a subtle arrival, either. He’s the type to stand off to the side with his arms crossed like a proud dad, but the moment you start moving, his eyes light up with pure amazement.

His eyes sparkle and that signature wide grin of his appears, and for however long you’re dancing, he’s transfixed. Time? Deadlines? Bureaucratic responsibilities? Irrelevant. It’s just you, him, and the joy radiating from your movements.

And if you catch him watching? Oh, he’s got the look. You know the one. The eyes filled with awe, the soft smile creeping in, the slight tilt of his head—he’s practically shouting, “That’s my s/o! Look how incredible they are!” without actually saying a word. (Though, if Marx were there, you can bet Julius would be rambling about your talent for at least the next twenty minutes. Poor Marx is just trying to keep things on track while Julius waxes poetic about how you’re like “living art.”)

But Julius doesn’t stop there. Oh no. He’s not just a spectator—he’s your biggest cheerleader. The kind of person who encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, perform for others, and share your gift with the world.

“You have this incredible ability to make people smile,” he’d say with that heartfelt sincerity of his. “You should show more people what you can do!” And when you hesitate, wondering if you’re really good enough, Julius is already halfway through an impromptu speech about how your dancing brings joy, connection, and maybe even a little magic to everyone who sees it.

The idea of you teaching others? Fascinating. He’s absolutely on board, probably throwing out ideas left and right: “What if you taught a class at the Magic Knights’ headquarters? We could call it... hmm... Dance for the Soul! Or maybe Rhythmic Magic? No, wait! Time to Dance!” (He’s laughing at his own pun before you even have the chance to react.)

Julius might not be a dancer by nature, but his sheer enthusiasm for trying is more than enough to make up for his lack of skill. When he attempts to mirror your movements, he’s... well, clumsy.

There’s no other way to put it. His steps are awkward, his timing is a little off, and sometimes he looks more like he’s dodging invisible attacks than actually dancing. But you can’t help finding it absolutely endearing. He’s so earnest, so determined to share this with you, that it doesn’t matter if he’s good or not.

His favorite thing, though, is when you lead him in a simple waltz. The steps are easy enough for him to follow most of the time, and he adores how close it allows him to be to you. He’ll insist that he’s "studying" your movements, claiming it’ll help him better understand the rhythm and flow of dance. But you’re not fooled.

You can see it in the way his eyes linger on you and how his lips curve into a soft smile. Julius isn’t studying anything—he’s just completely captivated by you and your amazing dance moves. And honestly, you could be doing the simplest thing, like clapping along to a beat or tapping your foot, and he’d still think you were the most incredible thing in the room.

Sometimes, he’ll joke about using his Time Magic to help him out. “What if I just slowed myself down a little?” he’d say with a playful grin. “That way, I’d have a better chance of not stepping on your toes.” You know he’s teasing, but there’s a tiny part of you that wonders if he’s genuinely considering it. He probably is.

Julius’s playful side also shines through when it comes to surprising you. If you’re dancing alone in a quiet room, completely absorbed in the music, he’ll suddenly appear out of nowhere, courtesy of his Time Magic.

One moment you’re alone, and the next, there he is, joining in with an exaggerated bow or a twirl that’s far more dramatic than necessary. “Care for a partner?” he’ll say, his tone light, as if he hadn’t just jumpscared you.

Julius is nothing if not romantic, and when he gets the chance, he loves whisking you away to a secluded spot in the Clover Kingdom, hidden from the prying eyes of the world. It’s usually somewhere peaceful, with a perfect view of the night sky.

Under the blanket of stars, he’ll ask you to dance. Sure, his moves might still be a little clumsy—he’s no professional, after all—but he’s so earnest that it doesn’t matter. He’s trying his best, and the way he looks at you, like you’re the only person in the universe, makes up for every misstep.

Festivals bring out a more playful side of Julius. The moment he hears music in the streets, he’s tugging you into a spontaneous dance right there in the middle of the crowd. Julius doesn’t care who’s watching; he’s shameless about showing affection, especially when it comes to you.

He’s grinning ear to ear, twirling you around, and maybe throwing in a silly flourish or two just to make you laugh. He knows people are probably staring, but he doesn’t mind—he’s staring too, completely captivated by your joy. And hey, someone has to properly show off how amazing you are, right?

At some point during the festivities, he might even suggest teaming up for a performance. “What if we combine your dancing with my magic?” he’d say, his excitement lighting up his face. And of course, Julius wouldn’t settle for anything less than spectacular.

He’d create ethereal visuals—glowing clock faces that tick in time with the music, cascading stars that shimmer around you, and soft, golden auras that trail your every step. It’s not just a performance; it’s an enchanting display of magic and movement that leaves the entire audience in awe.

And oh, does he love seeing people’s reactions. The way their faces light up, the whispers of admiration as they watch you—it fills Julius with so much pride he can barely contain it. He’s practically bouncing on his heels, like a kid on a sugar rush, proudly boasting about you as if he isn’t the freaking Wizard King of the Clover Kingdom.

Some days, when the weight of being the Wizard King feels particularly heavy, Julius will seek you out with a soft smile and a simple request: “Will you dance for me?” It’s not just about the beauty of your movements; for him, it’s a way to unwind, to find peace after the chaos of his responsibilities.

Sometimes, he’ll join you for a slow, gentle dance to calming music, his steps more careful than usual as he holds you close. Other times, he’s content to sit back, his gaze filled with quiet admiration, as you lose yourself in the rhythm, your movements like magic in their own right.

Julius also often goes out of his way to enhance these moments for you. He’s commissions musicians to play your favorite songs, ensuring the melodies are just right. If he can’t find a musician, he’ll jot down the names of songs or even snippets of lyrics in his journal, secretly planning to surprise you with them later. His effort is as touching as it is endearing—he just loves seeing your face light up when you hear a familiar tune.

For your birthday or other special occasions, Julius takes things to another level. Using his Time Magic, he creates dazzling effects that turn your dances into something out of a dream.

Glittering sand suspended mid-air, glowing orbs that pulse gently in time with your movements, or delicate trails of light that follow your every step—it’s his way of celebrating you. He always watches with a mix of pride and awe, knowing no magical display could ever outshine the joy you bring him.

And then there’s Julius’s unpredictable streak, which makes every day with him an adventure. One afternoon, he might show up with a beautifully tailored outfit in hand, an eager grin tugging at his lips.

“I happened upon this while exploring the markets,” he’d say, far too casual for someone who clearly planned this all along. “I just knew it would look perfect on you while you danced.” The outfit is, of course, stunning—and he’ll insist on seeing you try it out immediately, claiming he needs to “make sure it’s practical for twirling.”

On the most random of days—at the most random of times—he’ll suddenly challenge you to a dance battle. It’s always for fun, of course, but he takes the “battle” part hilariously seriously. If you’re in a competitive mood, he’s even more eager to go all out, complete with his usual playful antics.

And yes, he absolutely cheats.

His Time Magic makes an appearance almost immediately—rewinding his moves to perfect a spin or fast-forwarding himself into positions you could never predict. It’s less of a fair fight and more of a chaotic display of Julius being Julius.

Skill-wise, he doesn’t stand a chance, but that doesn’t stop him from putting on a show. He’ll ham it up like there’s no tomorrow, pulling exaggerated poses and over-the-top flourishes that leave you laughing so hard you might actually lose your footing.

And if you do end up letting him win (out of sheer pity or because you can’t breathe from laughing so much), he’ll act like he just conquered the Clover Kingdom’s greatest challenge.

Still, there’s no denying who the real star is. No matter how much fun he’s having, Julius loves watching you completely outshine him. Your talent leaves him in awe every time, and he’s not shy about admitting it—even in the middle of your battle.

“Incredible!” he’ll exclaim, pausing mid-step just to admire how effortlessly you move. It’s all the proof you need that, despite the antics, he knows he’s lucky just to share the moment with you.

For Julius, your passion for dance is the perfect balance to the weight of his responsibilities as the Wizard King. It brings light and vibrancy to his life in ways few things can.

To him, your dances aren’t just performances—they’re moments of pure, unfiltered magic, far more powerful than any spell he could cast. You’re his personal muse, the source of so much joy and inspiration, and he wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. <3

[rin-fukuroi]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 [𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢]

Part 1

Please do not translate or publish my works without my permission.

The originals of my works can be read here

Fandom: Honkai: Star Rail

Pairings: yandere!Argenti x fem!reader

Warnings: yandere, abduction, mention of suicide.

Note: English is not my native language, so I apologize if there are errors in the text qq

I didn't think that I would ever write a sequel and thought that the last work with Argenti was complete, but here I am (¬‿¬ )

art: @oririnxx(Twitter)

Argenti's heart is bursting with guilt and shame. Even in the short time that mutual understanding and love reigned between you, he managed to establish himself as a person who can really be trusted. His feelings and thoughts were always so pure, almost transparent, and you were never in doubt for a moment. Even when he decided on such a desperate act.

You know his house is your house, right? Probably so, since you without hesitation, although sighing heavily, but agreed to go to him, without even asking what exactly he wanted from you. You can always find warmth, care and understanding here, if necessary.

But this time you will find here only the remains of Argenti's conscience. He feels the rot getting deeper into his unscrupulous heart with each new second of waiting. How could everything have gone so far? How could his unconditional adoration and desire to make you happy be perverted to such an extent that he really decided to make you love him?

No, no. You have already loved him before, which means he does not force you, Argenti only… He is trying to awaken in you the old feelings, the seeds of which, he is sure, are still able to bloom again with velvet roses, the fragrance of which will immerse you in the same blissful haze as his.

Oh, you should know how he is tormented. Even when you are already standing on the threshold of his house, he just wants to take you in his arms and never let go, but he plays his role of a heartbroken person who now needs your support. But does he play? You really broke Argenti's heart, but he reassembled every tiny fragment so that the vessel would be filled again with awe and tenderness addressed only to you.

You, of course, can't leave him in this state, even if you caused it yourself. It's so mean to play on your guilt, but what choice does he have? You no longer look at him the way you did in the days when you both didn't mind being in this isolated bubble of love from the rest of the world, focused only on each other. You no longer touch his hand with tenderness, now your fingers are anxiously clenched around Argenti's palm to comfort. You no longer run your tiny fingers through his soft hair, letting the man's head rest on your lap, no longer smile at him with a sincere, really saturated with absolute happiness smile.

Why is that?

If you were happy, why is that no longer the case?

Argenti can't even admit the idea that there is even the slightest bit of your fault in what happened. Of course, it's his fault, so he's ready to sacrifice his own conscience, ready to disregard principles, and all this for you.

The knight seems to be looking at his own reflection in a mirror, in which he sees all the vices that have always been hidden so imperceptibly in the depths of his soul. He only has to touch such a disgusting Argenti reflection of the desires of his own heart, and there will be no turning back.

"For you… just for you…"

For your sake, he is ready to let the darkness completely take over his mind and body.

You are so naively kind, agreeing to stay at his house for the night. You probably haven't had time to enter into a relationship with someone else yet, which Argenti so vehemently prevented, and, he believes, it really paid off.

Yes, that's it, look at him, stay with him, share this bitterness with him, so that together you can drown it out with the sweet taste of reunion, which you also want.

Surely you do, because otherwise you wouldn't have come to him, wouldn't have followed the call of your heart when he needed you so much. You're still worried about Argenti, you still don't want to see him so broken, you're still gentle with him even when you let your relationship turn to dust. Oh, no matter how hard it was for him to admit it, you crushed them yourself. Argenti still doesn't understand what made you commit this unforgivable crime.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

The knight will ban any doors for you, whether it's the doors to the outside world from your new bubble or the doors to a new life in which he has no place. He is ready to accept your tears, ready to accept the words that wound him like a thousand blades that cut his heart. Now he is defamed, spoiled and deserved punishment for what he did. But it was the only way he could put everything back in its place.

What are you going to do, cornered? Oh, of course you're angry.

You curse him, beg him, cry, even lie about what you love. Argenti understands why you're acting like this and won't blame you. You are connected, of course, connected. The darkness that has taken root in the purity of his feelings has affected you, but together you will be able to share this burden. It may take days, weeks, or even years for you to accept what has become of you, but Argenti believes that in the end you will understand that this test is presented from above to both of you in order to strengthen your love.

✧ ✧ ✧

It hurts him to look at how nothing has changed after weeks.

It was stupid to think that you would be able to understand him so soon, but Argenti does not lose hope.

Although, something has changed… He no longer hears your screams, you are no longer banging on the door, desperately trying to get out, no longer crying. Now you look like an empty shell, devoid of any feelings. It scares Argenti so much, but he understands that this is how it should be. You have to get rid of what prevents you from loving him again. Anger, disgust, contempt, hatred — that's what the Knight fights day by day, steadfastly withstanding your attacks, and finally he got rid of most of the obstacles.

— Y/N, forgive me…

"You're not really sorry"

— I'm doing this for you…

"No, you're doing it for yourself"

— I'd do anything for you.

"Then just kill me"

— I love you…

"And I hate you"

Now you're silent when Argenti tries to talk to you. His perfect face, which makes you sick, is always distorted in remorse, and it seems that he really believes that he is sorry. But you know very well that this is not the case.

Most of all, you hate the moments when Argenti insists on helping you take a bath. Bile rises in your throat every time his hands touch your body, but you endure, swallowing the nauseating lump again and again, realizing that you have no choice. You always take one look at him while he gently soaps your skin, noticing how his lips are stretched in a smile, and turn away again, not wanting to see how your disgust for some reason brings him pleasure.

You trusted Argenti.

You always believed that his feelings were really sincere, so he would be able to understand and let you go, but now you were able to look behind the exquisite screen of love, hiding the slippery, stinking and rotting obsession that the man you once loved succumbed to.

Now you feel sorry for Argenti.

Really sorry.

If it weren't for the hatred that dulls all other feelings, you would want to grab his hand and lead him away from the wrong path that he chose, mistakenly believing that it would lead him to happiness. But, to your great regret, he dragged you after him. No matter how much he tries to cleanse your body, your soul rots along with his, soaked in the disgusting fumes of his mutilated care and tenderness, with which he tries to regain something that will never regain its former form.

✧ ✧ ✧

— Y/N, you haven't eaten all day… I brought your portion of dinner.

Argenti is standing in the doorway of your luxurious room, which he has filled with everything he knows you love, believing that it will make you stop hating this place. You don't want to meet his eyes, and you press your knees even harder to your chest, huddling in a corner on your soft bed.

The knight feels his heart constrict in his chest. It happens every day, every time you turn away from him. He wants so much to see your eyes looking into his for once, he wants to hear your voice, but he must be patient.

You hear footsteps approaching and already know what will happen next. Argenti will put the plate on the bedside table and leave you alone, as he does every day. No matter how much you want to stop it, sometimes your stomach is so unbearably twisted with hunger that you can't resist the instinct of self-preservation and force yourself to eat a little. But not today.

— Y/N… — this is something new. You feel it touching your shoulder, sending a sickening shiver under your skin. — I know you don't want to be here, but can you… at least have dinner with me tonight? I promise, if we sit down at the same table, like… — he wanted to say "like before", but suddenly stopped. — Your appetite will return if you share a meal with someone.

How annoying he is. Is he really that naive, or is it just a mask to lull your vigilance. You don't know anymore. You have long ceased to recognize in Argenti the one you once loved.

But you know for sure that the sooner you fulfill his request, the sooner he will leave you alone. At least until tomorrow.

That's why you let him wash you, let him dress you in beautiful outfits that he likes. Not you.

You nod reluctantly, still not moving from your seat, and you hear Argenti exhale softly in relief. If you had dared to look at him, his soft lips would surely have been stretched into a satisfied smile when he received an answer from you.

You wait for the nausea from his touch to finally recede along with the feeling of his hand on your shoulder, and you get out of bed in a doomed way, hearing Argenti take the plate from the table and go to the kitchen.

No matter how much you wandered through the corridors of his luxurious house like a living corpse, it always seemed to you that the walls were about to crush you, but, unfortunately, this never happened, so after tasting a new portion of disappointment, you stop at the kitchen door, noticing a candle on the table, whose dim light drives away the darkness rooms, two glasses of wine and two plates, displayed on exquisite snow-white napkins. Argenti stands waiting, pulling out a chair for you. Your gaze stops for a moment on his hands clutching the back, and the body again gets chilling goosebumps when memories of those hands touching your body pop up in your head.

He really did his best to make this dinner look like a fucking date. It's so disgusting that it almost makes you laugh.

You reluctantly accept Argenti's help, sitting down uncertainly and allowing him to pull your chair closer to the table designed for two.

The meat on the plate is still steaming slightly, as are the shiny grilled vegetables. The food looks delicious, but … for some reason, bile rises to your throat again when you take a fork and knife with trembling hands, preparing to pierce and cut off a juicy piece of your dinner.

Argenti watches with curiosity how you do not dare to try your portion without starting to eat before you do. To be honest, the Knight loses his appetite when he sees you so depressed, not trusting him so much that you are even afraid to eat in his presence. Do you really think he means you harm? Can't you see how hard he's trying for you? Even so, he's glad to finally see you taking even tiny steps towards him.

It's all so much like hunting. Argenti has created an atmosphere of security in your bubble, but has set traps here and there, patiently waiting for you to finally take the bait. He knows you can't hate him forever. Sooner or later you'll have to give up, you'll have to get used to a new life with him.

You hesitantly pierce the meat with a fork, watching the soft fibers displace the juices flowing onto the plate before nervously swallowing and starting to cut. Thoughts immediately flash through your head about how convenient it would be to use this knife to slit your stomach or cut your throat… Yes, it would certainly be better than opening your veins, because then Argenti could still have time to save you. You can see your own blood trickling down the shiny silver metal, instead of the cloudy pinkish liquid oozing out of the steak as you slowly separate a tiny piece from it.

These thoughts… really discourage your appetite, but that's all you can think about while you're here. What's the point of satisfying your hunger if you just want to get it over with? But you also have to play your part, you have to be smarter than Argenti, you have to set your traps, so you touch the meat with your tongue, feeling a slight taste of spices, before sinking your teeth into the juicy fibers and chewing, hurriedly sending a piece down the esophagus.

Argenti is delighted.

Although the corner of your lips twitched when you swallowed a piece of your dinner, he is pleased to see that you are finally eating a warm meal prepared for you with love and care. Usually you just wait for the food to cool down, stubbornly denying hunger before it finally gets the better of you. Argenti has always been frustrated by how you exhaust yourself day by day, but it would be too much to force food cooked by him into you, right?

The knight was finally able to relax, and happily started his own meal, doing the same thing with his piece of steak as you. After tasting the meat cooked for you, Argenti smiles gently.

— Is it delicious? — the man asks, but then with a quiet clink puts the dishes on the plate, seeming to think about something for a second. Of course you won't answer. — I hope I was able to please you a little, Y/N.

He was about to continue his meal, gently wrapping his long fingers around the stem of a wine glass, when suddenly his gaze caught on your frozen figure. Your gaze is focused on the next piece of meat. The silence in the kitchen is broken only by the soft sounds of pinkish drops of juice dripping onto your plate before your lips are pursed, but then hurriedly open when you finally lift your head for the first time in several weeks and look straight into Argenti's emerald eyes. Your piercing gaze seems to have pinned the Knight to the chair, and he watches with bated breath as you take air into your lungs. Your chest heaves slightly with a light breath, and the man's heart shudders.

— Yes… very tasty, thank you.

To hear your voice… oh, you're just killing poor Argenti. During your imprisonment in his house, you managed to teach him to enjoy such little things that he did not attach any importance to before. Your views on him have always seemed to the Knight something as ordinary as the sound of your voice caressing his ears every day spent with you. But now he was so happy to hear even the words you barely uttered.

Argenti will even turn a blind eye to the fact that you did it just to distract his attention.

Did you really think that he didn't notice how you stole a knife from the table with a skill that the best of thieves would envy? Well… he won't scold you for it. You don't know what's best for you, only he knows, so Argenti will definitely protect you from any threats.

But later.

For now, just let him enjoy this moment. Even if it's an illusion, even if it's a lie, even if he invented it all himself, Argenti wants to believe that you took a small step towards him, and this…

Damn. Now his patience is trembling, being held suspended by the thinnest thread that is about to break.

You won't hate him even more if his retaliatory step completely erases the distance separating you from each other, will you?

[9toji]

‧₊˚✩彡 BEAUTIFUL CHILD — where in these blue lock boys show their love for their little bundle of joy.

characters ; bachira, sae, kaiser, nagi

tags ; sfw — domestic fluff, established marriage

rina's comments ; this is an excuse to write about having a kid with kaiser

bachira held his little daughter's hand, it was about the size of his palm. he beamed up at the mirror as he brushed off the dirt on the two of their silly little costumes, it was striped yellow and black, and they had a headband placed neatly on their heads, it was really cute.

“look at my little bumblebee!” he smiled, hugging his daughter tightly. “don't i look pretty daddy?” and of course bachira nods excitedly, “mommy's gonna love it. you're already growing up so fast..” meguru stroked mini bachira's hair, his little bumblebee as he called her.

the bundle of joy gets excited at the sound of the master bedroom's door creak open, rushing towards you as she hugged you, “how do i look mommy?” beamed the child, who twirled around. it was perfect, it was a bee costume that had a little tutu attached to the waist. “daddy made it for me!” she added and you gasp up at bachira, it was really well made.

“i might have a knack for sewing, but.. honey, can we go trick or treating?” your husband asked with a sheepish grin, the pumpkin basket already prepared on the little wooden coffee table, and once you agree, just as long as you come with them they rush outside.

your daughter giggling as his dad leads her outside, it was a beautiful halloween celebration, minus the upcoming toothache that your daughter soon acquires.

sae didn't use to be so accepting of makeup, until now. it was quite a surprise for you to see him sitting down on the floor, puffed up with heavy blush, courtesy of your child that mumbled about him looking nice. but that's not even half of what surprised you.

your husband was wearing a pretty yet very tight pink fairy costume, accompanied with fairy wings. it was a sight to behold, and a little hard not to laugh at, you quickly take pictures of him as he tries his best to make his little baby happy.

“cup of tea for you, fairy!” the little girl cheered, pouring some “tea” into his little pink tea cup that he could easily crush in his grip, he politely sipped on the tea. “oh wowww, this tastes so good princess!” sae chuckled, enjoying the moment. even though he looked silly. there was a gentle and more importantly sincere smile on your husband's face.

the little bundle of joy hugged his dad, and soon you joined in. before you whispered, “you look nice, fairy.” into his ear. sae had a faint blush, perhaps embarassed. he instead opted for a grin.

“thanks, i know right?” your husband joked, blinking dramatically at you.

“i bought you another toy!” kaiser said with a smile, showing the new gundam figure in his hands, handing it to your son. “thanks papa!” said the child, an expression on his face that could only be described as pure awe and joy.

kaiser spoiled your child rotten, buying him toys, books, and more. but before he did, he made sure that the two of them had a super top secret secret that involved that he, his son, should always use it, so it doesn't go to waste.

you never really took your husband for the type to care about that, he grew up with lavish toys too, as far as you knew. spotting them in the cute kid's bedroom, playing with the gundam and roleplaying, kaiser was the big bad monster, while his son was the savior, who had to save you, the poor princess.

kaiser was not going to protest, even though he wanted to be the knight in shining armor like he had always told you he'd be for you. “aaahhh!” he shrieked in a monotone voice, and your child shrieked back, throwing what seemed to be a stick at his father's face.

thankfully, kaiser was unharmed.

it was a bit wrong to let the child play video games at such an early age, but you had spotted your husband, nagi and your son playing some sort of mario game on the tv, the little one's faced contorted with concentration.

while the father yawned, he might get bored too quick. like he always did, but thankfully he didn't, and even let his son win, the boy proudly put his little controller down, puffing his chest and putting his closed-into-fists hands on his waist. “i won! i won!” the youngster said, emitting a smug grin.

nagi clapped slowly, and smiled. “you're just like me, huh?” he yawned, and his son beamed. “really? am i as cool as you, papa?” the kid jumped up and down from the compliment, before turning to you and pointing as his papa with a wide smile, “papa said i'm as cool as him! did you hear mama?”

and you nod with a sweet smile, ruffling your son's hair, who quickly goes back beside his dad, challenging him to another round. nagi let the bundle of joy win every round, only because he felt sleepy or maybe he wanted to make his baby happy, your husband turned to you and shrugged, with a knowing smile.

“guess he's better than me, babe.”

[jymwahuwu]

I'm ascending with all this yan Jing Yuan content, thank you for feeding us 🙏

Ngl you got me giggling and kicking my feet over this stupid man thing, affectionate.

But have you considered Jing Yuan subtly using Yanqing?

Jing Yuan knows you have a soft spot for the kid, it's hard not to, he's very endearing, and knows you'd never do anything to hurt the kid.

Yanqing is very oblivious to his guardian's true nature, he just thinks you're a bit bashful is all about dating the general. The kid adores you and always begs you to come visit, how can you say no to him?

You don't want him to ever be afraid of you, it'd hurt your poor heart too much, so you never lash out when Yanqing is nearby and tolerate Jing Yuan's antics.

Jing Yuan, being the rat bastard he is, would use this to his advantage.

But I also love the idea of Yanqing being a platonic yan for you, always clinging to you when you're walking the streets of Luofu. Keeping tabs on things that you like or people you interact with to keep dear ol dad in the loop, definitely might've eliminated someone who got a little bit too chummy with you or most likely went to Jing Yuan later on and in a few days that person is suddenly convicted of a serious crime.

You three are like a little family to him, poor kid has always wanted a mom and you're perfect! You seem to fawn over him and when does accidentally calls you mom/mama/etc you never correct him, if anything you encourage him to do so since you believe he needs a maternal figure (also to balance out Jing Yuan's influence over the boy)

Yan Yanqing is highly aware that you're weak to his whims, so he's going to take advantage of it. He really is like Jing Yuan in that sense, but his love for you is purely familial.

Sorry for rambling djxjcjcj I just got excited about the possibilities

Both possibilities are fantastic 🙈😚💕And sorry for taking so long to reply like I lost touch on another planet🥺

TW: yandere(jing yuan), platonic yandere(yanqing), non-con

You can't resist this precious cinnamon roll, especially with his puppy eyes on the attack? He tells you about his experiences in Cloud Knights. Yanqing may act proud in front of you and crave recognition and praise.

If you tell him that your relationship with Jing Yuan is not the expected couple relationship. He is just harassing you. This truth will break the heart of this child. Jing Yuan is aware of this and uses it as an excuse to bring Yanqing to visit your home, groping you in the kitchen while you prepare your afternoon tea, and putting his fingers in your panties. You still hold the tray of milk and cookies in your hands as you flee from the kitchen, panting.

If Yanqing is platonic yandere? The core of platonic yandere! yanqing is: He is afraid that you will leave him and the general, and disappear silently from the long life. After all, you have nothing to do with them or have an obligation to be around them. You can leave anytime. He feels care and sincerity in you. He wants him to have a mother who loves him. Is it that difficult?

Just like what you described! When you wandered the streets of Luofu, Yanqing followed you closely, helping the general watch out for all possible threats. Yanqing noticed that there is a guy who is too close to you - why are you giggling when talking to him? He even grabbed your hand and confessed to you? Never mind, this dangerous man will be deported to a remote planet soon 🫡

[linberlyy]

Let's be honest: Criston's offense’s more than justified and well-reasoned. Another question is how much this very offense is, but everyone will judge this through their own internal compass. Let me explain Cole’s motivation and worldview, maybe I'll open someone's eyes.

Let’s simulate the situation: we have a son from a humble family (so low that his position was low even for an engagement), who, with sweat, blood, his skills and efforts, carved out a place for himself in the Kingsguard, taking into account that, thanks to the goodwill of a representative of the royal family, - who has a golden spoon in her mouth, we remember, was able to get a healthy assessment of her capabilities and skills without watered calculations.

- “I know what it’s like to fight for something that others don’t value.”

He owes his new position precisely to the favor of the princess, and we have no reason to refute Criston’s conscience, because BEFORE any traumatic and drastic changes/events, he manifests himself as a conscientious and devoted knight, with a clear worldview.

They spend a lot of time together, and already at Aegon’s name day we see that the level of trust between Rhaenyra and Criston is high, moreover, it is rapidly gaining momentum when she opens some part of her soul, shares things that can be called “personal”, laments his situation and outlines the problems he faces. Most notable:

— “My father is trying to sell me to Jason Lannister. I was named heir to the throne only to improve the position of Lord Casterly Rock.

— Should I kill him?”

This is literally a joke about killing the LORD that Criston makes in the presence of the princess, and it is remarkable that they both laugh without taking it seriously.

— “You can choose your own path, you are lucky. Many would gladly change places with you.

— “I am the princess of Dragonstone, but I am toothless.”

— “Once, not so long ago, you were able to write my name in the White Book. A position in the Kingsguard is the highest honor for the Cole family. I owe you everything. And I wouldn’t call it toothless.”

He provides her with sincere support, without greedy or hypocritical intent, and she accepts it with open arms.

The development of their relationship, on the initiative of the princess, follows immediately when, after some time, abandoned by Daemon (I condemn) in a brothel, she persuades Criston to have sex. Rhaenyra lures him into the room, plays with the helmet, kisses him, not allowing him to leave, and then tries to free the knight from his armor. Yes, Criston could more than experience romantic feelings towards his princess, but above all, it was a kind of admiration, sincere gratitude for what bestowed her favor on the rootless commoner. His representation of Rhaenyra may seem banal and naive, namely as “a poor princess, enslaved by her position,” we will note this in the future. But based on his pure motives, he faces a choice in which his feelings equally suffer, his vows and, of course, the wishes of his object of desire, in relation to whom Criston has never crossed the line before, are called into question. Many may underestimate the pressure that arises between the statuses and titles of total opposites, and only in the example of “maid - prince” do some realize the problematic nature of such a union, but not “princess - knight”. Please note: despite gender, it is still a class difference that breeds power with abuse. And, unfortunately, Cole cannot know and be sure that Rhaenyra’s need to get sex here and now has nothing to do with her love for him. He hesitantly follows the princess's lead, putting aside his white cloak.

Next we see and hear that Criston is ashamed of himself for violating his honor, neglecting his duty, although he listened to his heart, to his duty to Rhaenyra.

— “You occasionally confided in me... Over the years of acquaintance. And it seems to me that I know you. A little.

— “More than a little.”

Another imaginary confirmation in Christon’s eyes of reciprocity.

— “You have said many times how you despise your position. That you will be married off at the whim of your father, without thinking about the inclination of your heart. And this day has come."

He imbues her with the problem mentioned in the past; driven not only by his dilemma, but also by Rhaenyra's “confinement,” a literal shackle that equally binds and constrains them both.

— “I ask you to come with me. Away from all this, from the humiliations and burdens of your heritage. Let's leave all this and look at the world together. We will be free, nameless. We are free to go wherever we want, to love whoever we want. Will you marry me? Not for the crown. For love.

— “I’m the Crown, Ser Criston. Or I will be her. I can complain about my debt, but would I choose infamy in exchange for a barrel of oranges, or a ship to Asshai? It is my duty to marry a noble of a great house. But my marriage is not the end all be all. Ser Criston, Laenor and I have come to an understanding. I gave him the right to do what he wants. He granted me the same”.

— “Do you want to make me a whore?”

— “I want what started to continue.” You are my protector. My white knight”.

— “I made a vow, a vow of chastity. I have nothing but my white cloak, and I have stained it! I thought the wedding would cleanse him.”

Literally, Criston pours out not only his soul to Rhaenyra, but also to us, as viewers. He dictates the reality of his situation, assures that he can provide and protect the princess as much as possible. But, of course, for the blood of the dragon, for the heiress, for the father’s daughter, who was previously brought up in the conditions of “do you want it? Get it!” such a prospect is worthless. Naive of Cole? Yes, but not without reason.

After everything, he feels extremely vulnerable, as well as after a sincere confession to the Queen - which responds even more precariously and nervously to any conscience and confidence, despite her gratitude. Already at the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor, Cole, like a taut string, stands at the service, but restlessly and nervously looks at the princess.

— “I’m on duty, what’s your business?”

— “You don’t know me, Ser Criston, but this alliance is very important to both of us.”

— “If you have something to say, Ser Joffrey, speak.”

— “Ser Laenor is as dear to me as I know the princess is to you. We must swear to keep them and their secrets. We’re not in any danger yet... They are safe.”

Sounds like a threat to a pins and needles knight with a stained cloak and a sense of duty, don’t you think? Criston can only guess how Joffrey knows about his affair with the princess, and only one of the options may look convincing - Rhaenyra telling Laenor about this, who could notify his lover along the chain. Again, every possible inclination towards princess on his part is undermined when their secret is at stake. Yes, Criston succumbs to anger and panic, resentment and hopelessness, for which he commits a much more terrible act than calling a woman names. But even so, Cole feels guilt, boundless disappointment, and at the lynching he also feels remorse. He plans to voluntarily commit suicide and admits his every mistake. This scene is literally the rebirth of a knight in the rays of Alicent’s understanding and favor.

And as a result: people complain countless times and blame Criston for swearing towards Rhaenyra, for which he apologizes. Cool. Let's think critically and delve into the story and characters, and not spit hypocrisy.

[bundoesnotcompete]

In which a knight in shining armor rescues you from your prison. A love begins to bloom. Not proof read at all!

No content warnings. 1275 words.

A paragon of beauty. That is what your fans and many news outlets claim you to be. A beauty that could put even Idrila to shame and cause THEM to marvel at your loveliness.

In your opinion, true beauty did not belong to you alone. The cycles of life and death, growth and decay, to build and to destroy were the true beauties of the universe. Of course, you could also appreciate material beauty. Jewels, fabrics, bodies, and minds were also wonderful to look at. You had seen many beautiful creatures and jewels in your time. Many tried wooing you, for your beauty was desired and often worshipped. They cared not for your personality, only your mind. You denied each and every one of them, for they did not appreciate the life they can see in front of them.

There were few exceptions to who you approved of. The handsome, red-headed knight was one of those who you enjoyed the company of greatly. What little time you spent with him had you wanting more, craving more. He could see what wonders the universe had. The beauty of war, violence, love and peace were things he could see. Truly seeing those and much more had you respecting him and wanting more of his time. Argenti was his name.

When your worshippers had brought him to you, he had serended you with wonderful words he had truly meant. He had not said them in the obsessive way other had. He was sincere and meaning no harm. A true opposition to what many had done. For many hours you spoke to him about the wonders of the universe, and every time he continued to wiggle his way deeper into your heart. From stories he would tell and from your similar beliefs, it had you craving the outside universe again, and to no longer be trapped within paradise's prison. You worshippers believed you to be pure and refused to let you do anything on your own. They only seemed to leave you alone when you bathed.

The gentle sounds of armor clinking into your window had you turning around from where you sat on your bed.

“My dear knight, how wonderous is is that you have returned.“ You spoke as you turned to him. You pushed youself off the bed, gently floating in the air. “Have you come to free me, to release this caged bird from their prison?“

You approached him and he took your hand. Kneeling, he gave you the look of utmost respect as he spoke.

“Of course, how could I leave one who is trapped by their people when they so desprately want free? On my honor, I shall free you from your tower and set you free into the cosmos and back to your home.“ His voice was gentle, but firm in its belief. He spoke truely and meant every word he said with pure intentions. A true knight of beauty indeed.

You let out a soft laugh and motioned for him to stand.

“My knight in shining armor! There is no need for you to kneel, not when you are about to rescue me from this prison.“

“Then, let this knight guide you to freedom, and away from harms way!“ His charming smile had you fully enraptured as he took you out of the window. How he managed to be so quiet with his armor on you did not know. The balcony was your escape route and when you saw the climb he had made you were impressed. Even the workers struggled to climb the walls of your tower to make repairs, yet he made it seem effortless! You floated eagerly beside him as he looked down.

“I can carry you down to the bottom! It will be much easier than climbing down.“ You said, the smile on your face beginning to grow. He seemed rather unsure, but seemed more confident of your plan when you spoke again. “This flower is not as dainty as they look. I only ask for your permission to carry you. You can lead the way after!“

At his confident reply of yes, you scooped him up and floated him down the tower, careful to avoid the patrols. Once you had set him back down onto his feet, he whisked you away and onto his ship. Your followers were unaware of your fleeing until the morning broke and you were long gone with your knight in shining armor.

Weeks had passed since then, and when news of your disappearence had gotten out, it had broken intergalactic news. You stayed with Argenti during that time, tucked away safely on his ship. You tried your best not to give his quest and travels. You treated him when he was injured and made meals for him when he was onboard good ship. While you two had grown closer within this time, you knew you two would have to part once more. His journey was meant to be walked alone, but that did not mean he could not return to you. The phone he had gotten you was an easy way to keep in contact.

You were set to meet the astral express soon. You wanted to see if you could join them. Argenti spoke highly of them. Your desire for travel was still strong, but you knew you could not travel with Argenti, not yet.

The day finally came when you boarded the express eith Argenti. You were aware that the crew knew the whys and whats of your visit, but they wanted to meet you.

The train car was plain, but homely in a way that it did not feel so. The figures that were huddled in a circle must be the crew. The woman who you suspected was Himeko turned to see both you and Argenti.

“Here they are.“ She spoke, catching the attention of the rest of the crew. “So you must be the one who wanted to join the express.“ She looked to where you floated by Argenti's side. “I am Himeko, it is a pleasure to meet you.“

You quietly scanned the crew as she spoke. The two girls in the back were almost gaping at your appearence. They knew you were beautiful, but the pictures did not do you justice!

“It is wonderful to meet you too, Himeko. You are correct, I do want to join the express!“ Your melodic voice rang throughout the carriage. “Only with your crew's explicit permission, of course!“

Discussion was quickly had. You gave them knowledge of your skills and your fighting abilities. Argenti had vouched for you many times. You answered question after question. In the end, the crew had agreed to let you join. Over the next day you gathered your things from Argenti's ship. It was only a bag with clothes and a few knick knacks that he got you, but they still had value to you.

“Argenti,” you called as he prepared to leave for his ship. The rest of the crew was there to bid him goodbye. “My knight in shining armor! We shall meet again when the seasons change and spring comes once again!“

He approached you and took your hand as he spoke, voice as warm as summer heat.

“We shall meet again, and our friendship shall bloom once more like trees in spring.“

Thus, he was gone. Back into the cosmos to continue his quest. While you both were on seperate paths, you would meet your knight once more and journey on the same path. For now, you made home with the Astral Express, waiting on your knight to return to you.

[etoilesombre]

Hey, do you guys want to hear a story? Let me tell you about the romance between Lancelot and Guinevere, as recounted in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur.

So, I thought I knew the basics. I grew up reading modern versions of Arthurian legend that focused on other aspects, but had a general knowledge of the Arthur-Guinever-Lancelot love triangle. It didn't show up too much, but I assumed it was subtext in some other versions. What I picked up was that it was sort of pure, almost an ot3, and not the cause of a lot of problems. 

My friends. In this version it is NOT SUBTEXT, it DEFINITELY CAUSED PROBLEMS, and it is WILD. It is a true will-they-won't-they drama fest soap opera romance, and I need to share. So please, come on this journey with me.

[I’m looking at you, Black Sails fandom people. I need you to know that Flint canonically would have read this. He would almost certainly have also grown up hearing these stories. I’m not saying he’s Lancelot coded, but I am saying it's interesting that he would have been aware that was something it was possible to be.]

A couple notes, before we dive in. I am very much just summarizing what happened in the book. The thing is, the book is a million pages long and also in Middle English, and this is just one of many plots, which I think is why it's not more widely known. I will show some excerpts so you can get a feel for the text, but you don’t need to read them to understand the story. I'm referring to a version that is as close to the manuscript as I can find, though with spelling regularized. For real fun, see what the original looked like. Malory purports to be translating part of the French Vulgate cycle, which likely is where the character of Lancelot originates, but in fact he is doing much more than translating, and compiles other stories as well. Point being, when he says “so the French book sayeth” etc, that is the “book” to which he is referring. Because of my lack of knowledge about the language and cultural context, this lecture series from Mythgard Academy was absolutely invaluable to my understanding. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Inevitably, some of the opinions of the prof are reflected here. I do not have it in me to compare the scholarship of various medievalists right now, I just want to tell you about this DRAMA. 

Let’s start with a prophecy. When Arthur decides he wishes to marry Guinevere, Merlin advises him to take someone else, because if he takes her, she will betray him with Lancelot and it will destroy his kingdom. All of this is foretold, not only to us, but to Arthur himself. Of course he takes her anyway, and all is doomed from the start.

As we begin the main arc of this story (several books after the prophecy), Lancelot is widely acknowledged to be the best and most renowned knight of Arthur’s court. He is plainly and hopelessly in love with Guinevere, and she loves him in return. Arthur doesn’t have a problem with this - who wouldn’t love Guinevere? This sort of love is socially acceptable, so long as they do not sleep together, which would be treason. Arthur in fact seems to support their love, because it means that Lancelot will be Guinevere’s champion should she need one. This is a role Arthur himself legally cannot fill because he is the king, and so would have to be the judge. Lancelot is indeed a good champion for her, and fights for her when she is wrongly accused of murder. 

Lancelot is deeply chivalrous, in a way that seems sincere. This is a great place for a first excerpt, a conversation with a Random Damsel Lancelot has been helping:

‘Now, damosel,’ said Sir Lancelot, ‘will ye any more service of me?’ ‘Nay, sir,’ she said, ‘at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you wheresoever ye ride or go, for the most courteous knight thou art and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen that now liveth. But one thing, sir knight, me thinks ye lack, ye that are a knight wifeless, that ye will not love some maiden or gentlewoman. For I could never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner of degree, and that is great pity. But it is noised that ye love Queen Guenivere, and that she hath ordained by enchantment that ye shall never love no other but her, nor no other damosel nor lady shall rejoice you; wherefore there be many in this land of high estate and low that make great sorrow.’ ‘Fair damosel,’ said Sir Lancelot, ‘I may not warn* people to speak of me what it pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for then I must couch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles and adventures. And as for to say to take my pleasance with paramours, that will I refuse, in principal for dread of God. For knights that be adventurous should not be adulterers nor lecherous, for then they be not happy nor fortunate unto the wars; for either they shall be overcome with a simpler knight than they be themselves, or else they shall slay by unhap and their cursedness better men than they be themselves. And so who that useth paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing unhappy that is about them.’ 

So after doing his Knightly Deeds for this damsel, Lancelot asks if she needs anything else. She says no, but you are lacking one thing, which is the love of a woman. It is rumored that is because Guinevere has through sorcery made you love only her, and that causes all of the women great sorrow. In reply Lancelot makes this speech about how he cannot have a wife or paramour and be a good knight, but everyone thinks it is at least in part because his love is reserved for Guinevere.

Now, throughout the book his chastity DOES notably cause all of the women great sorrow. Everyone wants to sleep with Lancelot. Literally he is kidnapped by the four most beautiful queens other than Guinevere, and they say he has to choose one of them as a lover (not even a wife, a lover) or else die. He says he would rather die, though in the end he escapes. This is just an example, truly it is a recurring problem for him. He is, at one point, tricked into sleeping with a woman with whom he conceives his son Galahad (as was prophesied, it's a long story and the romance is only part of it. It is worth mentioning that something similar happens to Arthur, which is how Mordred is sired.) When Guinevere learns that Lancelot has been with someone else, she is angry and banishes him from the court. They still love each other and eventually reconcile. 

So, Lancelot goes on the quest for the holy grail. But he fails, specifically because while he is outwardly dedicated to God, in his private heart he is still dedicated to Guinevere. And so he makes a vow to renounce his love for her, acknowledging that it is beyond measure (beyond what is right, even if they have not technically done anything wrong.) However when he returns to Camelot, he cannot keep this vow, as we see. 

Then, as the book saith, Sir Lancelot began to resort unto Queen Guenivere again, and forgot the promise and the perfection that he made in the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Lancelot been in his privy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the Queen as he was in seeming outward to God, there had no knight passed him in the quest of the Sangrail, but ever his thoughts were privily on the Queen. And so they loved together more hotter than they did beforehand, and had many such privy draughts together that many in the court spoke of it, and in especial Sir Agravain, Sir Gawain’s brother, for he was ever open-mouthed. So it befell that Sir Lancelot had many resorts of ladies and damosels that daily resorted unto him to be their champion: in all such matters of right Sir Lancelot applied him daily to do for the pleasure of Our Lord Jesu Christ. And ever as much as he might he withdrew him from the company of Queen Guenivere for to eschew the slander and noise, wherefore the Queen waxed wroth with Sir Lancelot.

He and Guinevere start spending a lot of time alone together, and so there are rumors circulating about them in court. In order to put a stop to the rumors, Lancelot starts paying other women attention and doing more good knightly deeds for them. Guinevere is terribly jealous, but he tells her it's for their own good, and also tells her about the vow he made, and his concern that their love is beyond what is appropriate. She is devastated, and weeping banishes him from the court (again). 

Lancelot then rides in a tournament, disguised. (Why? Because this is simply a thing knights do.) To make it an effective disguise he takes the token of a woman, the sleeve of the fair maid of Astolat to wear on his helm. When she discovers that he was only using it for the disguise, and he does not indeed love her, she is so heartbroken that she says if he will not marry her or be her lover, she will die. He refuses, on the grounds that love must not be constrained and should arise from the heart, and offers her a thousand pounds a year instead if she marries anyone else. Properly insulted by this, she does indeed die. She has her body sent in a boat to Camelot, with a letter in her hand, saying that she died of her love for him, that he would not return. 

Seeing this, Guinevere reconciles with Lancelot, presumably reassured by the fact that he would let this very beautiful much younger woman die of her love rather than being with her. She insists that from now on he will not fight in disguise, and will openly bear her token. 

Then Queen Guenivere sent for Sir Lancelot, and said thus: ‘I warn you that ye ride no more in no jousts nor tournaments but that your kinsmen may know you; and at these jousts that shall be ye shall have of me a sleeve of gold. And I pray you for my sake to force* yourself there, that men may speak you worship. But I charge you as ye will have my love, that ye warn your kinsmen that ye will bear that day the sleeve of gold upon your helmet.’ ‘Madam,’ said Sir Lancelot, ‘it shall be done.’ And either made great joy of other.

It is important to keep in mind that, to this point, there is no textual evidence that they were sleeping together, and a great deal of evidence that it was important to Lancelot that they not cross that line. There is much less evidence that this is important to Guinevere.

So then one fateful day in May, Guinevere goes picnicing with an entourage of knights. They are captured by someone else who is in love with Guinevere, and taken back to his castle, but she manages to send a message to Lancelot. At the castle, she insists that her knights sleep in her bedchamber on the grounds that they were wounded in the battle when she was captured and need tending, but truly she wants them there to keep her captor from raping her. 

Lancelot arrives to rescue her, and the person who kidnapped her agrees to give her back in the morning. She tells Lancelot to visit her room in the night. He climbs up to her window, which is barred. They have a heartfelt reunion and she says she wishes he could come in to her. He acquiesces and breaks the bars to get into her room, cutting his hand to the bone to do so. Despite the profusely bleeding wound and the ten other men sleeping in the room, they at last do sleep together, in this passionate blood covered consummation. He sneaks back out and replaces the bars.

In the morning, the man who kidnapped Guinevere comes in and sees blood all over the bed. He accuses her of being unfaithful to the king, saying she lay with one of the knights who had been sleeping in her room. She denies it, but it is very clear that she did sleep with someone who was bleeding. 

Lancelot says he will fight to defend her from this accusation, which is right and proper because he is her champion. In this story people take trial by combat and oaths before God very seriously, especially Lancelot. He really does try. So he swears an oath that he will prove with his life that Guinevere did not sleep with one of the wounded knights who lay in her room. This of course is TRUE, but only on a technicality. Lancelot, having slept with her himself the night before, is also the one who defends her honor after. I love this story so much. 

Instead of fighting him, the kidnapper takes Lancelot captive. In captivity he encounters ANOTHER damsel who insists that sleep with her in order for her to help him. He refuses, still faithful in his heart to Guinevere. Eventually she settles for him holding and kissing her, which is not across the line of appropriateness apparently, giving us some idea of where that line is drawn. Anyway, Lancelot gets out, fights for Guinevere and wins. There are indications that he feels like he barely dodged a devine bullet. 

Guinevere and Lancelot return to Camelot. Finally the rumors about them are true, the deed has been done, but of course nothing appears particularly different as there were already rumors about them. Two knights, Mordred and Agravaine, who have been intriguing against Arthur already, go and tell Arthur that Guinevere is being untrue to him. Here is his response: 

‘If it be so,’ said the King, ‘wit you well, he is none other; but I would be loath to begin such a thing but I might have proofs of it. For Sir Lancelot is a hardy knight, and all ye know that he is the best knight among us all; and but if he be taken with the deed he will fight with him that bringeth up the noise, and I know no knight that is able to match him. Therefore, and it be sooth as ye say, I would that he were taken with the deed.’ For as the French book saith, the King was full loath that such a noise should be upon Sir Lancelot and his queen. For the King had a deeming of it; but he would not hear thereof, for Sir Lancelot had done so much for him and for the Queen so many times that, wit you well, the King loved him passingly well.

Arthur says he will not hear of this without proof, because if Lancelot is accused and allowed to fight he would beat anyone. And, it is said that Arthur had some idea of the affair, but would not credit it because Lancelot had done so much for him and Guinevere, and he loved Lancelot greatly. 

So, one night when the king is away hunting, the two accusers contrive to catch them in the act, with a group of twelve armed knights. They do find Lancelot in Guinevere’s chamber, but the text is notably, pointedly vague about whether they are actually in bed. In any case, Lancelot asks for a trial. The knights say no, they have caught him and so may kill him. He is Lancelot, so he kills all of them instead, save one (Mordred) whom he leaves wounded. Lancelot flees, intending to return to rescue Guinevere and take her to his own castle to protect her from Arthur’s wrath. He maintains her innocence, and still intends that they will all reconcile.

Guinevere is to be burned at the stake (normal in this situation). Lancelot rescues her from the burning at the last moment, killing a number of knights of the round table. Arthur seems to blame the accusers more than Guinevere and Lancelot (for good reason; keep in mind that the romance is a subplot, there is a great deal of political intrigue going on.) Now a war will begin, whether anyone wants it or not, because of the people Lancelot killed. Lancelot takes Guinevere to his own castle. Battle lines are drawn, and Lancelot and Arthur confront each other in the fighting:

And ever was King Arthur about Sir Lancelot to have slain him, and ever Sir Lancelot suffered him and would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur; and Sir Bors smote him, and so he alit and drew his sword and said to Sir Lancelot, ‘Sir, shall I make an end of this war?’—for he meant to have slain him. ‘Not so hardy,’ said Sir Lancelot, ‘upon pain of thy head, that thou touch him no more! For I will never see that most noble king that made me knight neither slain nor shamed.’ And therewith Sir Lancelot alit off his horse and took up the King and horsed him again, and said thus: ‘My lord the king, for God’s love, stint this strife, for ye get here no worship and I would do my utterance. But always I forbear you, and ye nor none of yours forbear not me. And therefore, my lord, I pray you remember what I have done in many places, and now am I evil rewarded.’ So when King Arthur was on horseback he looked on Sir Lancelot; then the tears burst out of his eyes, thinking of the great courtesy that was in Sir Lancelot more than in any other man. And therewith the King rode his way and might no longer behold him, saying to himself, ‘Alas, alas, that yet this war began!’

So Arthur tries to slay Lancelot, but Lancelot, the better fighter, refuses to slay him and indeed when Arthur is unhorsed Lancelot forbids that he be slain, and gives him his own horse. Arthur weeps for the honor that is in Lancelot, and laments that the war began. 

The pope intervenes and tries to negotiate an end. Lancelot confirms that he is willing to return Guinevere to Arthur, and says he has always been willing to do this and will still defend her honor, but that he does not feel he can do so because Arthur has listened to liars and been misled, and he had more reason to take her away than the accusation of adultery - he does not trust she can be safe in that court, with things as they are. 

Eventually they do make a deal, with some assurances, and he surrenders Guinevere to the king. He kisses her openly, says that he will leave, but should she be in danger or ever again accused of being untrue, he will fight for her as he always has. He departs the court forever, to much great sorrow, and returns to his own lands. 

The war continues - eventually Mordred seizes the throne, Arthur kills him in battle but is mortally wounded himself and passes to Avalon. Following the king’s death, although her love would no longer be adulterous, Guinevere retires to a convent rather than reuniting with Lancelot. He seeks her out, and this is her reaction: 

Sir Lancelot was brought before her; then the Queen said to all those ladies, ‘Through this same man and me hath all this war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we have loved together is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir Lancelot, wit thou well I am set in such a plight to get my soul health; and yet I trust through God’s grace and through His Passion of His wounds wide, that after my death I may have a sight of the blessed face of Christ Jesu, and at Doomsday to sit on His right side;* for as sinful as ever I was, now are saints in heaven. And therefore, Sir Lancelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, that thou never see me no more in the visage. And I command thee, on God’s behalf, that thou forsake my company; and to thy kingdom look thou turn again, and keep well thy realm from war and wrack. For as well as I have loved thee heretofore, my heart will not serve now to see thee, for through thee and me is the flower of kings and knights destroyed. And therefore go thou to thy realm, and there take ye a wife and live with her with joy and bliss. And I pray thee heartily to pray for me to the everlasting Lord that I may amend my misliving.’ ‘Now, my sweet madam,’ said Sir Lancelot, ‘would ye that I should turn again unto my country, and there to wed a lady? Nay, madam, wit you well, that shall I never do, for I shall never be so false unto you of that I have promised. But the self* destiny that ye have taken you to, I will take me to, for the pleasure of Jesu; and ever for you I cast me specially to pray.

Rather than rejoicing in Lancelot’s presence, Guinevere laments that their love brought about the downfall of the Arthurian court, and the deaths of the knights of the round table and King Arthur. She calls upon Lancelot, by all the love that was ever between them to leave her presence, telling him to marry someone else if he wishes and see her no more. Lancelot replies that he wants no one else, and that he will respect her wishes, but will also renounce the world and join a religious order. He asks Guinevere for a final parting kiss, which she denies him. 

When Guinevere lies dying of illness, Lancelot sets out to go to her, having had a vision. She knows of his coming, and prays to die before she sees him, because she cannot bear it. She dies a half hour before he arrives, leaving instruction that he is to tend to her body, and then lay it to rest beside that of her lord King Arthur. Lancelot does this with great sorrow, and after ceases to eat or drink, and within weeks is dead himself. 

And there you have it, the love affair that doomed Camelot.

HUGE DISCLAIMER: Any and all mistakes or misinterpretations are my own. This is what I gathered, but I am not a medievalist. I am barely an interested layperson. I’m just a random fic writer who got obsessed with research for a story, and had to share this tragic mess. 

[drunkenlionwrites]

Prince Vash X Knight Guard reader

I couldnt stop thinking about royal au where the blorbo is royalty, and the reader is a knight. Was written with thoughts of female reader, but written as g/n

inspired by this post

warnings: death of a relative (Rem), fluff, a bit of angst in the end if you squint Please, reblog if you like the work

Prince Vash, who grew up with constant scratches and bruises from playing with Crown prince Nai, but not once cried or snitched on him, always smiling when he got up from falling in a playfight.

Prince Vash, who spent most of his time with Queen Mother Rem, reading history books with her, learning botany and studying foreign languages.

Prince Vash, who couldn’t stop crying for months after the death of their mother and who supported his brother, Crown prince Nai wholeheartedly.

Prince Vash, who hasn’t supported and stopped any talks about rioting against king Nai among nobility, giving them chance to be exiled rather than executed.

Prince Vash who spent his time visiting the poorest in the kingdom, heeded to the needs of orphanages, churches and schools while king Nai was busy conquering and enslaving the neighboring kingdoms.

Prince Vash, who got a personal Knight Guard Captain, chosen among hundreds by king Nai after several assassination attempts on Vash.

Prince Vash, who made a rose crown himself and placed it on the head of his knight, after them winning the tournament, not paying attention to the mocking whispers of the court nobles.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who couldn’t believe in a gentle nature of their prince for the longest time, observing from the sidelines.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who immediately intimidated anyone among the royal guard who had said anything remotely disrespectful about the prince.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who started writing minnesangs (knight romantic poetry) and slipping it into the prince’s chambers among the dried flowers who conveyed their sincere love for the prince.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who after few years of guarding the prince and being on the receiving side of his gentle smiles and flustered rosy cheeks asked the prince to meet them in the back of the royal garden late at night.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who stood on their knee, professing their admiration and undying love to prince Vash, not expecting anything in return.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who received a gentle and shy kiss the same knight

Knight Guard Captain reader, who continued their duties diligently during the day and breaking the knight code every single night

Knight Guard Captain reader and prince Vash, who had to burry all their blooming feelings once Vash has been engaged to a princess of a neighboring kingdom in exchange of peace and mutual political benefits, since prince Vash was too pure and decent to disrespect his fiancée turned wife with doing anything improper.

Knight Guard Captain reader, who was devoted and guarded prince’s children with the same eagerness and devotion till the end of their servitude at the royal palace.

[rentonotnerd]

Since the ramble already started…

I think Byleth and Jeritza can actually have a healthier relationship than most of my other pairings. Despite the fact that neither of them can be defined as healthy in the proper sense, they are both intelligent and responsible adults, and they don’t avoid problems. Maybe they don’t talk much but they are willing to communicate, with clearness and efficiency so there will hardly be any misunderstandings. More importantly, they were only enemies due to different sidings (which was just work) and there isn’t any resentment between them, nor conflict of interest, nor divided values, nor taboo or complexity of any sort… they are completely free to love each other. And their love is simple, Jeritza doesn’t even understand it at first, only acting by following his instincts (the most primitive and sincere feelings) and he is not afraid or shy to explore it: the way he curiously admits “feeling oddly” when looking at Byleth in their B-support or the way he carefully pronounces love in their S-support with such wonder… or the way he shamelessly describes his imaginations in their A-support right in front of Byleth looking about to come in his pants (honestly it’s so funny when Byleth be like are you done…?) So, okay, his understanding of those feelings is a bit chaotic (I seriously suspect he mixes sexual needs with the urge to kill) but he’s got the best professor to guide him, and judging by the way he speaks he seems to be really drawn to romance and devotion (tbh he speaks like a vampire prince in some YA novel). Despite the other things they go through, the way they treat each other can be so sweet, so pure. The only problem is death knight and his incessant urge to fight Byleth to death, but Byleth is more than capable to protect themselves and there is no need to run from it. I’m not convinced that they can get rid of that danger for good but I believe they can live in some kind of balance with it: they can spar, or go haunting, or take a mercenary job, or just do some scenes in the bedroom… and life will go on just fine. There is nothing stopping them.

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 20/10/2023

SING A SONG ABOUT HOPES AND DREAMS

Season 7 Featured on: SGFR Presents: RIP²

Ripped by BobTheTacocat

20-RIP CELEBRATION DAY!!

You may be a little confused reading the bottom of that metadata - What's so special about today that's worth celebrating? Well, its more of a personal milestone, something I've been keeping track of in anticipation of this day, and it just so happened to land on the perfect date.

See, here's a little behind-the-scenes peek on how I manage this blog: I actually keep track of how many rips per season I've covered in total as to ensure I don't run off-track, and always keep the blog fresh. Without any sort of regulation like that it'd quickly become evident which periods of the channel I favored more, and it would no longer be a celebration of the channel in its entirety. I love SiIvaGunner - ALL of SiIvaGunner - but sometimes I forget just how far reaching that is, and this restriction helps keep me on track with the blog's goals.

I specify this, because as of this post, I've reached Twenty Rips Covered For Each Season on the blog. That's right - Twenty rips from Season 1, twenty rips from Season 2, Twenty rips from Season 3, and so forth, a perfect balance attained on the twentieth day of the month. That adds up to 160 rips covered in this blog's history, which is quite frankly a ridiculous number! I never thought I'd reach this point upon starting up the blog, but I'm so so happy to have finally settled into a groove of posting, and getting to hear the thoughts and gratitude from so many talented rippers I've long looked up to.

I want this blog to celebrate the entirety of SiIvaGunner. It is not a simple obsession with the nostalgic days of old, but a look into every single nook and cranny, no matter how under or over-appreciated, where everyone gets their due respects. And funny enough, a certain project on SiIvaGunner that released just recently has followed almost that exact same mission statement - RIP², the album of my fucking dreams and the latest effort from the SiIvaGunner Fusion Records project. Its entire mission purpose is to remix and rearrange pieces of every single part of SiIvaGunner's history.

Season 1's early days of Epic Flintstones and Stickerbrush State of Mind are paid respects to with arrangements like Super Grand Dad Bicycle Arrangement To Make Your Head Crumble Away™ and 7 YEARS LATER AND WE STILL JAMMIN', while the lore and holiday celebration of Season 2 as seen in voiceless and Follow μ’s receive love with jazzless and Winter Holiday at Route 216 -HQ Edit-. For Season 3, its joy, mystery and beauty as shown in :D and a certain storyline in the Christmas Comeback Crisis are reciprocated with the hilariously titled :3 and LD. Memories of Season 4's fierce tournament brawls and sincere, pure-hearted festivities as seen with Vote Responsibly!! and A love letter to this wonderful community and my amazing friends come flooding back with Yearning for the Tournaments of Yesteryear and Welcome to the Gaylord Resort!, while the quality tinged with sadness that defined Season 6 with rips like Fell From a High Place (Reprise) is rightfully honored with The Knight Sees Sunlight for the First Time. Finally, of course, there's the sheer unpredictable chaos of Season 7 as discussed in Hidden Headtoilets (skibidi toree 2), highlighted in all its absurdity with The Raft Ride of Terror. Its as if every rip on the entire channel, either with direct arrangements or indirect tributes, is paid respects to in one giant 96-track long loveletter to every single SiIvaGunner fan. It is impossible to not find at least one track in the setlist that clicks with you.

I did, however, deliberately exclude one season from the above rundown: the pure, unfiltered joy of Season 5, shown in rips like Story of Undertale, Field of Love and Cringe, or indeed, today's rip.

After a long, long process of going back and forth on which rip to highlight for today, I've finally landed on SING A SONG ABOUT HOPES AND DREAMS. The rip its arranging, Field of Love and Cringe, is immensely important to both SiIvaGunner and this blog - it was part of the initial first month of posts I ever made on the blog and was the first post to ever reach double-digit notes back when I hosted this project on my own personal blog. For SiIvaGunner, the impact that Antonymph Noelle has had on SiIva is hard to understate - its infiltrated the Undertale/Deltarune fandom in a way that next to no other SiIvaGunner rips have ever done, and possibly even influenced the direction her character was to be written in other canon material released past Deltarune Chapter 2. In the YouTube upload above, you'll find me under my YouTube account - YouMelTube - as the top comment reminiscing on this specific phenomenon, she's effectively singlehandedly become the face of the SiIvaGunner artwork tags on sites such as here on Tumblr and on Twitter, at this point only rivaled by Wood Man. Field of Love and Cringe, and all the work that went into it by all of its different talented artists and musicians, is absolutely legendary, and shows that SiIva is well able to continue being impactful past its initial Season 1 channel ending.

With all of that in mind, SING A SONG ABOUT HOPES AND DREAMS is as perfect of an arrangement, as perfect of a celebration as one could ever dream of. BobTheTacocat understands what drew people to the original rip to a mesmerizing degree and remixes it into an equally captivating hyper-pop style, which feels almost like the modern-day equivalent of the 2000s-core nostalgia that Antonymph so successfully evokes. The rip's core vocals remain, yet the arrangement's lead melody as carried by its synths goes in wholly new directions, many times feeling completely disconnected from the Field of Hopes and Dreams track its based on: its a reimagining in the truest sense of the word, channelling the spirit of the original absolutely perfectly.

No matter where it goes, though, its always happy - always celebrating, always proud of what SiIvaGunner has become and is. I'm not ashamed to admit the raw emotions that this arrangement made me feel upon its premiere, and the further emotions the album as a whole gave me. It's the loveletter I never knew I wanted but am now so, so eternally thankful for.

Thank you. Thank you to the SiIvaGunner team, and to the SiIvaGunner fans, the SiIvaGunner discord, and anyone else who has followed this blog, or interacted with it at any point of its 160-rip run. Let's never stop loving rips of the highest quality.

<3