#TELL ME OF YOUR LORE! I LOVE FAE LORE!

[yaksha-lover]

Thus Always to Tyrants

Summary: Lilia has always been an enigma to you; slipping through your fingers at every attempt to get close - follows fae!reader’s relationship with lilia from childhood to the war to present day in briar valley

Lilia Vanrouge x Fae!Reader, small background Meleanor x reader hehe

wc: 3.8k

cw: i’m too into medieval fantasy so i created unnecessary lore (clown noises), also i haven’t read book 7 so prob butchered canon, (but spoilers), angst, grief, unrequited (?) love, pining, mild description of war events/tragedy

Even then, he hadn’t seen you. Before the wars and before the bloodshed, when there’d only been long grass to tickle your ankles and azure skies allowing you to guess at clouds, Lilia had never seen you.

There’d always been something, someone, to distract him.

At least, that’s what you tell yourself. It’s easier this way, to imagine that there’s something other than disinterest and disgust keeping you apart.

The forests of Briar Valley are filled with pine trees, their scent so potent you wished you could bottle the air and take it home.

That was where you and Meleanor had met Lilia. You’d grown up in the royal castle, the two of you spending afternoons giggling about the latest court gossip and eating all the sweets you could before the queen could scold her daughter.

That day is one of your fondest memories, and not entirely because of him. The trunk of the giant oak tree was hard against your back, but you hadn’t been able to think about anything but the feel of your princess’ head in your lap. She’d simply closed her eyes and demanded you read to her, dark hair spilling around your legs.

“As you wish, Mel,” you’d agreed, gathering up one of her favourite books.

She’d only popped an eye open to tease you. “Mel, is it? Not princess? Perhaps I should have you punished for such transgressions~” She giggled.

“If I am to be placed in the dungeon, then who will feed you ice cream and read to you, dear princess?” you countered, ruffling her hair.

“Hmm, I suppose your insubordination will have to forgiven…but only if you allow me to remain on your lap for an adequate amount of time. Any sooner, and I’ll have to punish you myself~”

She was temperamental yet whimsical, delighting you as much as she terrified you. Mostly, Meleanor was your best friend. Your only friend, truly. There weren’t many children your age around the castle; you were only there because your father sat on the high council as the master of coin.

After you’d been reading aloud to her for some time, a sudden rustle in the trees caught the both of you off guard. The princess had jumped up quickly, all the combat lessons she’d taken with the head of the Queen’s guard finally paying off.

Out from the vegetation, a short, dark-haired fae who looked to be around your age emerged. He was fitted in what could only be described as rags; torn and stained all over. Despite his disheveled look, you thought he had a certain charm about him.

Meleanor, who’d grown taller than you ages ago, towered over him. It was almost a pitiful sight.

The princess had narrowed her eyes and asked: “Where have you come from?”

“Nowhere,” he’d answered simply, looking down at his feet. “I’m no one.”

That was the meekest you’d ever seen him, no indication of his true vibrant personality.

From that day in the forest, Lilia had been with you. Meleanor had begged the queen to let him stay in the castle, to grow up with you and her as another companion. The princess’ tears worked especially well on her mother, so of course she’d gotten her way.

As she grew up, the princess only became more and more beautiful. You weren’t the only one who noticed, either. The three of you were still young at the time, but Lilia seemed fond and more than fond of Meleanor. The princess returned his affections, but perhaps not with the same intent; she almost smote him when he’d jokingly proposed to her with a ring of grass. It made you angry, for a while. She was your friend first, and now Lilia had come to hog all her time and attention.

It was hard to see your only friend pulled in a new direction, especially one that seemed so far away from you. That was back when you were small; things settled quickly after that, with the three of you falling easily into friendship. There would still be times, occasionally, when you were envious of the friendship shared by Meleanor and Lilia, but it was on both ends. You simply wished to be included, not to have the princess or Lilia all to yourself. That was never a possibility, after all.

As you grew, it wasn’t long before Meleanor fell in love with Levan. You’d been…annoyed, at first, at how fast your friend had seemed to leave you behind yet again.

“You promised to take me flying today, dear princess,” you’d said, trying and failing to keep the gloom out of your voice. “Don’t you remember?”

Meleanor looked up from brushing her hair, making eye contact with you through the mirror. “Forgive me, I cannot turn away Levan…my heart will not let me.”

“But it will let you turn me away?”

She turned now, facing you directly, some of her signature anger evident in her expression. Her violent temper only seemed her grow with her adolescence. “Stop this foolishness! You are my friend, but Levan is my beloved. If you find issue with that, you will leave my castle at once.”

As though you couldn’t feel more humiliated, she’d moved, stopping in front of you and tilting your chin to meet her gaze. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” you’d whispered, wondering when things had changed.

And then she’d pulled you into her arms, and suddenly she’d felt all too familiar again, hugging you and telling you she loved you, asking you to always stay by her side. As her dearest friend.

Being cold to Levan only pushed you further from Meleanor, so you were forced to accept his presence. Once the initial hostility dissipated, you found that Levan was quite pleasant.

If Meleanor was always destined to be with another, then you were happy it was someone as great as Levan, at the very least. With your princess’ time now being taken up by her lover, you and Lilia spent much more time alone together than before.

The first time you had the courage to broach the subject of marriages and pairings had done nothing but splash the cold water of Lilia’s indirect rejection on to you. With how cold and empty you felt, it was as though the shivers went bone deep.

Your father had insisted on looking for a match for you. A political marriage to improve your family’s standing, surely. You had protested and held it off as long as you could, but now his asks were becoming unavoidable.

You’d thought - hoped - that Lilia might be interested. He wouldn’t be your father’s number one choice, but he would still accept it; Lilia may not have been of noble birth, but his status as a respected general amongst the court bought him points. Marrying him would certainly be better than any stuffy old fae you’d be forced to settle down with.

It wasn’t just avoiding others, either. You wanted Lilia, as loathe as you were to admit. He was your friend, a close companion, and perhaps you’d even desired more.

It was difficult to voice to yourself that your affections went beyond platonic when you were not so delusional as to imagine that he felt the same in any way.

No, you felt like an afterthought to Lilia. As though you were merely Meleanor’s friend, and not his own. He wasn’t so kind to you as he was the princess, and the affection he held for her, although now platonic, went beyond anything you could imagine receiving from him. Even Levan seemed to bond with him easier than you had after knowing him for years. It was like he tolerated you more than anything; when Meleanor was off with Levan, you were the only option left.

It shouldn’t have hurt so much when he said he didn’t wish to marry. The ‘you’ part seemed unspoken, even though he claimed reasons of freedom and lifestyle instead of saying anything about you.

Regardless, he’d made the decision for you. Your father would ship you away from the castle, to be married to a stranger, leaving behind your beloved…friends.

At least he would have, had the war not begun so suddenly.

-

If you believed Lilia had hardened his heart to you before, then becoming a war general had hardened his heart to the world. Although it was the last thing on anyone’s minds, had you tried to bridge the gap between the two of you, not only would you have failed, but you might’ve gained a nice scar along with it.

To the untrained eye, Lilia seemed to thrive on the battlefield; swift with strength that went unmatched by any. But you knew better. There was a sense in which Lilia lost himself in action, where he seemed so distant from the boy you’d grown up with; perhaps it was his own way of coping with the horrors he’d been forced to experience, fae he fought alongside being slaughtered. In the end, it hadn’t mattered who they were before the battlefield; nobles and common folk alike fought and fell.

It was torturous to wait out the war in the castle. Every letter that came made your heart race, fear taking ahold as you read through the list of your fallen companions. It almost seemed inevitable that one day Lilia or Levan might appear on the list and send you into despair. Your only saving grace was Meleanor, the two of you keeping quiet company during this time, both not allowed to join the conflict and feeling useless for it.

You begged your father to let you join Lilia; you weren’t the most skilled fighter, but your healing magic excelled beyond any other, and you could hold your own for the most part. He’d denied you until so many had been lost that the queen asked for your service. None of you had known just how close tragedy was, how your departure for Lilia’s camp would mean leaving behind your beloved princess to die.

-

“Go back,” Lilia had growled at you. It was the very first thing he’d said since you’d come to his camp.

“I’m here to help, instead of rotting away in the castle while my people suffer!” You’d followed after him as he strutted between tents, giving orders to the other soldiers.

He’d shook his head, glaring at you. “You’re a spoiled little noble, you know nothing of the battlefield. Go back home. It’s not safe here.”

“I know I’m sheltered, but I’d like to try and help where I can! I don’t care what happens to me.”

Lilia stopped in his tracks, not facing you as he spoke.

“You don’t care? You’re selfish, you know that? What would Meleanor do without you? What would I-” He shook his head. “I don’t have time for this. Go back. Don’t make me make you.”

“Perhaps I am selfish, but what about me, Lilia? Shouldn’t it matter that I can’t possibly imagine a life where we’re not together, fighting side by side?” Your voice goes quiet. “I had a dream, an awful dream. One where you were dead…I’m afraid. I don’t want that dream to become real.”

You’d thought, for a moment, that his hardened gaze had wavered, but the next second, he’d ordered one of his subordinates to take you back to the castle. Perhaps the softness you believed you saw within him was only a trick of the light.

-

You’d been a fool. A fool in grief and despair, but a fool nonetheless.

Meleanor’s death had pulled you away from yourself, made you into some automaton which possessed none of your good qualities, for which you had to wonder if there were any to begin with. She’d been your friend, your only family. You should’ve been with her; you should’ve died with her. You should’ve done anything you could, and you’d failed.

It was only by a day that you’d left the castle and missed the fight that occurred.

Meleanor fought bravely, a knight had told you. And Meleanor died.

You waited for Lilia to come back. To come home to you. Your heart sang, a brief reprieve from all the aching when you found out he was alive; he was all you had left.

He never came, at least not to see you.

You fled the castle. There’d been no goodbyes to your father and no concern for Meleanor’s child.

If she’d been around, she surely would have killed you for your selfishness, but your head swam with grief and so you left everything behind.

-

It had been…surprising, to hear from Malleus. You’d heard amidst your travels that your father still sat on the small council, so perhaps he’d heard of you from him, considering they were together in Briar Valley. Who else would have known about you and your relationship with his mother?

There was General Vanrouge, but he…why would he even mention you at this point?

You’d taken to calling him that in your mind, if only to distance yourself a little more from your past. You heard he’d returned to Briar Valley years after you’d departed, but other than acting as a guardian for the prince and a curious human boy, you had no idea what he was up to.

It was a wonder the world was as big as it was, meaning you’d never run into the general during your travels.

And here, on the desk of your hostel, sat a letter from the crown prince. Your Meleanor’s son. The one you’d left behind.

With the distance of time, a new feeling stirs in your chest. One of unease and shame, yet another failure to the Draconia’s. You hoped the boy was doing well. Would it even be possible to accept if he wasn’t?

Well, he was asking, along with Meleanor’s mother, that you pay them a visit once again. The Queen…you’d abandoned her too, in a way. You dared not hope that she thought of you as another one of her children, but in a way, you’d loved her as a mother.

Heat burned at your cheeks. With your focus on Meleanor, Lilia, and Levan, you’d forgotten there were more people you considered your family. More people that you’d left behind in Briar Valley.

After all this time, you owed them an explanation, no, an apology. You owed them your return home.

-

Malleus greets you at the gates.

You’re stunned, for a moment. Dark locks of long hair sprawled elegantly across his shoulders, two curved horns peaking out from his head. Piercing green eyes that look into your soul.

He’s the spitting imagine of your best friend.

You try to move forward, but a green-haired fae stops you in your tracks, moving between you and Malleus.

“Keep your distance! Have some respect for your Prince!”

Malleus is quick to shake his head. “Leave them be, Sebek. This is Lord Tyrell’s child. My mother’s childhood friend.”

Sebek is quick to step-aside, bowing before you in apology, allowing you to step forward and hug Malleus. He’s motionless for a moment, and you’re worried you’ve crossed his boundaries, before he slowly slides his arms around your back, returning the hug.

“The resemblance between you and your mother…it is truly incredible. Pardon me for getting emotional, but I wasn’t expecting you to look so grown up…last I saw, you were merely an egg.”

He looks at you, smiling gently. “It’s nice to meet a friend of my mother’s. I feel I hardly know anything about her. Even Lilia refuses to speak of her.”

Your heart stirs at the mention of your former friend’s name. “I hope I can provide some memories of her.” You look away from him. “I only wish I could’ve done so sooner…I apologize, Malleus. I should have been here for you, just as Lilia was. I should have taken care of you, not left you behind when you were only a child…”

He shakes his head once again. “You are here now. That is all that matters.”

“Thank you, I hardly deserve your kindness.”

He returns your smile. “It is what my mother would have wished for, is it not?”

-

He leads you through the halls of the castle, but you wouldn’t have needed his help to get around. Every wall in the castle is burned into your brain, engrained with a variety of memories.

The halls are vastly the same as you remember; the same silver trim, the velveteen carpets, and the Draconia sigil hung on banners.

Only one thing stands out as different to you: there’s one more portrait than before.

Normally the Draconia family portraits were done about every century, so it made sense that one had been added semi-recently. This one is just of Malleus and Maleficia, occupying a rather empty-looking frame. Even if you didn’t know about Meleanor and Levan, you would know something was missing from it.

Your train of thought is interrupted by the appearance of a Silver-haired boy. He pauses to stare at you for a moment before smiling.

“You must be MC. Father has told me so much about you.” He bows lightly.

“You’re Silver? Lilia’s boy?” You take his hands in yours. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

“And you as well. We’ve promised to help some of the younger knights with their training, so Sebek and I won’t be able to stay for dinner, but I hope you’ll stick around. It would be nice to hear about you from more than the stories my father shares.”

“I’ve been gone so long, I certainly intend to stay for a while. Maybe I’ll be able to tell you some stories of your father when he was younger.”

With a nod, Silver is off.

Malleus leads you into the dining room and you catch your first glimpse of Lilia Vanrouge in over a century.

-

He’s different and the same, all at once. He’s maintained his youthful looks, but his hair has radically changed; cropped and pink, where it once flowed in its red glory.

You turn to greet Maleficia first, bowing in front of her. “It is an honour to dine with you, your grace.”

“Stop that nonsense. Come to me, my dear. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you.”

The queen embraces you gently in her frail frame.

“I am truly sorry,” you whisper.

“It’s already forgotten,” she whispers back. “The past is the past, and we are here now. Please, take a seat, so we may dine together once again.”

Maleficia and Malleus sit at the head of the table on each side, so you take your place across from Lilia.

“It’s nice to see you again,” you offer.

“You as well,” Lilia replies, seemingly at a loss.

The dinner proceeds, Maleficia and Malleus asking questions about your travels. Lilia chimes in occasionally, but he’s uncharacteristically silent. Or perhaps characteristically? You hardly know him anymore, after all.

Once the final course comes and goes, Maleficia stands from the table. “Malleus, let us take our tea in the garden today. I believe these two have a lifetime of catching up to do.”

With that, the two of them are off.

-

“I missed you.” You don’t intend the words to come, but they spill out of your heart anyway.

“As did I.”

You fidget with the cutlery in front of you. “You’re still so formal with me after all this time. Have we truly become strangers?”

“You could never be a stranger to me. Not a day has gone by without you being in my thoughts.”

“And yet you never went looking for me. You returned to the castle only after I left, starting a family, raising Silver and Malleus…”

“They needed me. You know that.”

“You left me. You were all I had left after…I would have done anything, followed you anywhere. I would have helped you take care of Silver, Malleus. But you left without saying a thing.”

“I never knew…”

“Of course you did. Everyone did.”

“Nothing good would have come from us being together.”

“At least you’re finally being honest about your feelings. If you hated me as I feared, you should have sent me away the moment I came.”

“Hate? No, it was never like that. The distance between us…it seemed quite impossible to traverse.”

“Distance? We grew up in the same castle for hundreds of years…”

“That’s not what I was referring to.”

“Then to what?”

“You know how they all thought of me. The senate, your father, all believed I never deserved to be so close to you and Mel-” Lilia takes a moment to breathe. “To you and the princess.”

The mention of her name has you squeezing your eyes closed. Even after hundreds of years, it hurts to remember your beloved friend, her sweet memory tainted with the despair of her death. “Why does it matter what they thought?”

“They never would have allowed it. You know that.”

“No, that’s not true. My father said…”

“He lied. He was the first to send me away after her death.”

“He what? I- I was told you left, torn apart by grief.”

“I was in pain, but I always planned to return home…return to you. But the senate, they declared that there was no place at court for me anymore. That I failed- I failed at protecting Meleanor.”

A short silence rings between you. It’s perhaps the first time either of you have heard her name said aloud in centuries.

“I’m sorry,” you say. “I never knew.”

“I never wanted you to. I’d rather you hate me than your family.”

“I understand. But you were my family, too. Perhaps the only one who truly had my best interests in mind and not some political scheming or such. And now look at you: Silver, Sebek, Malleus. Against all odds, you’ve found yourself a new family.” While I’ve ended up alone, you don’t say.

“You know I’ve always said, families are better the bigger they are. Perhaps it’s far too late, but-”

“Later’s better than never.”

A moment of understanding passes between you two, perhaps for the first time.

“Your hair…you look quite different from when I last saw you.”

“Hmm, Red was going out of style, I suppose. Although I’m sure you wish I hadn’t changed it. You always did prefer red.”

You shake your head softly. “Perhaps in the past, but we’ve both changed, haven’t we? No, I was going to say that it becomes you.”

The silence that settles between you is filled by an exchange of gentle smiles and a skimming of one hand over the other, until the two finally link together.

[cherry-pop-elf]

Flowers For You

‘Poof’ Periwinkle Fairywinkle-Cosma x Reader

Authors note: @clownsgirlghost You asked, Gimmie yo life force/jk

Sum: You’ve always been utterly obsessed with folklore. Fae, Crypteds, what have you. You respected them, the traditions, even when people made fun of you for it. You didn’t care. You loved them, and it seem’s like the gesture has been returned.

Warnings: Bullying, religious metaphor’s, paganism, assholes to witches, my attempt at accurate folk lore, and a shitty attempt because I only know so much from a show I don’t have access to

“There goes that weirdo again. Stay away, might get cursed.” You would listen to them gossip. Never seeming to actually try and keep it subtle. You didn’t care, you were living your life. Well, trying to. It eats at you after a while. No matter how strong you were.

You would just sigh, as you just wanted to return home already. Had been such a long day. Shopping was a pain, and you just wanted to go to bed. Buying dumb adult things like food and toiletries. Also some things to leave as offerings. You saw a beautiful bundle of periwinkle flowers.

A fairy circle had appeared in your backyard, and you wanted to show your respect to the Fae that use them. You kept your distance, and respected the ring of mushrooms. Even put rocks around it, to try and help protect it. It’s a small gesture, but you hope they know your intent. They should, unlike your neighbors.

Swore they could hear the jingling of your keys, as they were quick to look over their fences to face you. Trying hard to not be seen, as they knew what they were doing was wrong. Actually it was because they genuinely thought you were a weirdo that might throw mud at them.

“Just ignore them. Just ignore them. The richer the man, the dumber the man.” You would plead to yourself, wishing you never inherited this old house. Right in a Richie rich neighborhood. Hey, a free house is a free house. Especially in his economy. Not like you’ll ever be in a position to move.

You would sort out your groceries, and be back in your zen. Feeling calm with yourself. Taking out the flowers, gently trimming off the dead parts, just fluffing it up really. Wanting it to look its best, as if offering it to a physical person. Gave you calm, and comfort.

With the flowers made you would go out to your backyard. Right to the fairy ring. Rocks all around it, as to try and keep it safe when you mowed the lawn. To give it respect, and honor, with letting it have its own space. Even as far as to gently toss the flowers into the middle, as to not break its barrier.

“Witchcraft I tell you. Keep your animals inside. Might be used for some kind of satanic sacrifice.” You would over hear, as the rattle of collars echoed from behind the fence. Made your heart ache. You weren’t doing anything wrong, this was your practice. What makes it different from what they do?

You tried to fight your tears, as you turned your back to the ring. Just as you did, however, you heard a strange noise. You swore it sounded as if a rattle of chimes went off, while hitting a pillow case. It was such an other worldly sound, you just had to turn to look at it.

“Really? You really jumped into the nearest fairy circle you could?” “I WANTED TO GO TO FAIRY WORLD-!” “YOU COULD HAVE ENDED UP AT THE BOTTOM OF A LAKE!” “I CAN SWIM-!” On and on the shouting went between your neighbor Dev Dimmadome, and a strange floating man. Left you in shock, as they argued. Not quite aware of your existence. Left you to study them.

“And further more-! Hey! Move your sneakers-!” The bright, purply man, shouted. Fluttering wings were quick to zoom down, and scoop up the flowers. Dusting them off from the trampling, and seeming to make them bloom back to life. As if they were never harmed.

“Look at that! Periwinkles! I love these flowers! Yes I’m bias, because they are my colors, but still! I remember back when I was just a little basketball. Back when me and Timmy…..” The man seemed to trail off, as those glittering eyes seemed to sparkle for other reasons.

“Uh, Peri…..You can cry about your brother later, we got company-“ Dev would tug at the floating man’s pant leg, drawing his attention to you. Those pure eyes just seeming to stare through your soul, and through your heart. Taking in every mortal detail you offered, and seeming to be taken aback. As if watching a sunset for the first time.

Didn’t last long, before he seemed to panic. The flowers tossed high in the air, leaving Dev to try and catch them off. Seemed like Dev can care for other living creatures. Who knew! As if you could focus on that, as a massive purple book appeared. With the worlds ‘Da Rulz’ on the cover.

“WHAT DO I DO?! FAIRES CANT BE SEEN LIKE THIS! OH NO OH NO OH NO OH NO-“ The poor, floating, man was in a panic. Not knowing what to do, while Dev would just casually walk up to you. Bundle of flowers still in hand, as he lower his shades a bit. Not all the way, but enough for you two to share eye contact.

You were one of the few people that ever gave a shit about him, and actually had human interaction with him. Not just his robot baby sitters, or just smoozed on him for his money. You didn’t have much, but you gave him something no one else did. Time. Time for him.

“Hey Witchy-“ A nickname he gave you, but like many friends it was a term of endearment and mockery at everyone else compared to actually an insult to you. Just a kid being a kid, and it was nice to have. Someone to just talk to you.

“So ya know how you always talked about fairies and folk lore and like Bigfoot and stuff? Yeah. That’s a fairy. Neat, huh?” He seemed to try and brag to you, as the poor fairy in question was still a panic mess. Just wanting to try and find an answer to his worries.

“Promise not to tell anyone?” He asked, as you slowly nodded. “Peri! Chill! Witchy is cool! Probs left the flowers even. You left the flowers, right? Course you did.” He more so said to himself.

That seemed to calm the fairy down, and make the book vanish. Ever so gently he would flutter over to you, as Dev returned the flowers to him. The bundle brought to his pointed nose, as he inhaled them. Lost in a memory, from childhood days. Days when he was with him.

“For me? Really? Like really really?” He asked, as his face was a brilliant pink. Was accompanied by intense fluttering of his wings. Much like how a person would wave their hands around when over stimulated, but in the positive way.

“I mean….Yeah. Yeah actually.” You nodded, as that was the intent. Never in your wildest dreams did you think something like this would happen. To very literally give flowers to a fairy, and to have the gesture enjoyed. Must be some kind of divine intervention.

“….Guess you would follow under a magical being identification, so I don’t need to worry…” Sounded more like he was trying to convince himself more than anything, but at least he was calming down.

“Um….Do you two want to come inside?” You offered. Probably a bad idea to invite a fae inside, and definitely a good idea that Dev used your nickname then your real name. The number one rule is to never offer a fae your real name. But…..Never have you seen a fae design like him in stories. Maybe things were a little different. Especially since he seemed to be in some kind of connection with Dev.

“Hell yeah. I do NOT want to be around my old man right now. Come on Peri-!” And Dev ran inside, leaving you two alone. For him to keep fluttering those pale purple lashes, as he was just adoring the flowers you had bought. Just stuffing his face in them. Lost in the textures and smells.

“Thank you…..I….They remind me of my childhood. Miss those days…So I uh. Thanks, Witchy.” He smiled to you, as you blushed all the same. Not as intense as him, because you were a human, but it was returned.

“You don’t have anything good in here! Peri! I wish that Witchy’s house was full of food! The good kind! You know what I’m talking about!” You heard Dev shout. Ever the blunt one.

Before you could make a remark, you saw Peri raise the strange cane of his. That same magical sound went off, and it seemed to blow out of your open door way. This bloom of smoke, that vanished as quickly as it arrived.

You would hurry inside, more so to see if Dev was ok, to be met with your home filled with food. Cabinets full and organized. Fridge open with sodas and juices. Pantry with chips and canned goods. It was like you suddenly were a grocery store with the levels of goods.

“There we go-!” Dev said, as he sat on the counter. Just munching away on a bag of cookies. Just left you speechless. What do you even say to something like this? Such pure, literal, magic.

“Guess that’s one way to say thanks for the flowers.” Peri would snort, as he giggled into his flowers. As if just a bashful school girl. Left Dev eye rolling, but was contented to be anywhere but his place. A mansion doesn’t bring the warmth your home did.

“Told you Witchy was cool. Didn’t do that weird back breaking dance, no screaming, no kidnapping. Witchy is so mellow. That’s what I like.” Dev would use you to brag to this fairy companion. Had you worry a moment.

“Are you like, owned by Dev? Did he kidnap YOU? Are you trapped?” You worried, given what Dev said. Along with just how true the statements are. To steal them for power, and wishes. Which was just what Dev did.

“Yeah. I mean-! Not like that-! Like-Oh uh. I’ll start from the top-“ He was blushing even more now, somehow. Suppose your genuine worry touched him. Along with the fact that even though he literally stuffed your home with food you were worried about him. Not a single drop of green in your tongue.

“I’m a Fairy God Parent. We are, basically, step in parents for kids who are….Well….” He gave a nudge at you, as Dev didn’t seem to be paying attention much. Messing with his phone. Most likely to plan some kind of tech aligned experiment for his future mischief.

“I get it-“ You nodded, as it was clear now. A parental figure, that can help kids be kids. With wishes to their hearts, and rules in place to keep both parties safe. Made you understand the situation alot more. You were wondering why Dev seemed alot happier lately. And a lot less of an asshole. Something you marked up as out bursts from his troubled home, which you couldn’t blame him for lashing out about.

“Guess since you are definitely classified as a magical being, I’ll be seeing you a lot more now. Dev hates being at home. Yeah it’s got all the things money can buy, but if it filled the damn void I wouldn’t be here. Huh?” He snorted, as you nodded as well. Along with a laugh, as it was certainly an experience to hear a fairy swear.

“Will you two stop flirting and get over here? Hazel sent me a text. Something about burritos? Violent mood swings?” Dev more so muttered, as Peri seemed red alert now.

“WE CAN NO HAVE ANOTHER BABY! I swear if Dad is pregnant, again-“ That had you both staring at him, before Dev’s phone dinged. “Never mind, it was just gas.”

Peri gave a sigh of relief, but you both were gawking at him still. That’s when he snapped his fingers, before trying to fix his hair. Get himself back in fairy order, instead of being a blushing mess of anxiety and nerves.

“It’s….Oh it’s a long story-“ Peri huffed, as his cane seemed to turn into a hand mirror of sorts. Floating in the air, so he could properly fix his large curl. Along with sneak a few flowers into it.

“I’ve got time…..” You offered, as you grabbed a drink from the fridge. Just finally able to enjoy some time now. Just chilling with people, and not so worried about food right now. Able to actually savor it all.

“Well….It all started with a wish. Before you ask, that’s gonna be a massive staple to most of my insane stories I have-“ Peri warned, as even Dev seemed interested now. Chaos from wishes? Don’t mind if he do! Even held the carton of cookies to you, as you were both ready for the gossip now.

It honestly seemed to make Peri happy, and do that flutter of his eyelashes again. Those flowers back to being snuggled into his face, and his cane turning into a photograph. A picture with a green haired fairy, a pinker haired one, a bundle of purple cloth in their hands, and a little kid. With buck teeth, and a pink hat.

“It all started, with an average kid, who made a wish for my parents to have a baby…”

[viviennevermillion]

ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ɴᴏᴡ ɪꜱ ᴏᴜʀꜱ...

❝ there's no storm we can't outrun, we will always find the sun, leave the past and all its scars [...] ; if we're facing endless night, take my hand and join the fight, past the clouds we'll find the stars... ❞ — cast of once upon a time

notes: these wedding headcanons are part of our @briarvalleyarchives wedding event! it was super fun brainstorming how weddings would be in the characters' homelands. used my own experience of german customs for vil's, for leona i checked out some kenyan wedding traditions and lion king lore! hope you guys like these ♡

contains: wedding headcanons, character x gn!reader

characters: malleus, vil, azul, leona

warnings: some blood in malleus's (pricking your finger)

You were a little nervous, when the day had finally come for Queen Maleficia to introduce you to her kingdom's people as Prince Malleus's fiance. News that the heir to the throne of Briar Valley was getting married travelled very far very quickly, and that despite the lack of modern technology. But contrary to your fears and extensive list of worst case scenarios, you were well-received as Malleus's beloved and your prince was more than excited about the upcoming wedding.

According to Briar Valley traditions, both of your wedding attire is going to be black, as it is the royal color of the Draconia family. Nevertheless, neither the queen nor the people will mind you having a little color on your otherwise black clothing, symbolizing how you were not native to your beloved's kingdom; yet your union made you a part of fae society nonetheless, regardless of your origins.

The wedding venue is deep in the forest and has been in preparation by the castle staff for months. Malleus and you are to be wed under a floral arbor, decorated with roses from Malleus's garden.

On the day of the ceremony, butterflies and fireflies surround the venue and rose petals are scattered across it.

You're waiting under the arbor as the queen leads Malleus down the aisle, guided by small forest fae who were chosen as the ring bearers. They carry a small wooden basket with local plants of Briar Valley and the rings are placed upon them. Halfway through, Queen Maleficia lets go of her grandson's arm and lets him walk the rest of the way to you on his own, symbolizing her trust in him to walk his own path from here on out and a new part of his life beginning. You can see a soft smile on her face that is only seen from the usually so serious and stern queen on rare occasions. The guests are assembled at the side of the venue, watching you unite under the arbor and giving you their blessings.

You and Malleus exchange your vows. He takes your hands into his as he speaks to you. "I have to confess that when I met you, I was inexperienced and still had so much to learn about this world. But sharing these experiences with you, exploring what lies beyond the borders of my home by your side, were some of the happiest moments of my life and I still have no doubt that they marked the beginning of something even more grand to come", Malleus's expression was so loving and soft, but you could also tell how giddy and excited he was feeling inside, "just by being there, you brought so much color and vibrance into my life and made me look at the world through different eyes. From the moment we met, I never wanted to lose you and now I promise to you to stay by your side forever, if you allow me. I love you dearly and with all my heart."

Malleus listens attentively to your vows and his heart beats faster when he hears them. He's definitely tearing up.

In remembrance of the Thorn Fairy, it is custom in Briar Valley to prick your finger on a thorn to sign the wedding certificate. Malleus heals the cut with his magic immediately, so there's no need to worry.

Next you shall be crowned as part of the royal family. Every member of the Draconia family receives a custom-made crown. You have a say in deciding how it looks and Malleus hasn't actually seen it until he gets to place it on top of your head at the ceremony. Before doing so, he kisses the dragon markings on your forehead or the skin where they should be, if you had them, and you do the same with him. Malleus smiles as he feels your lips on his markings, taking your hand into his once more and squeezing it gently. You know him too well not to be aware that he's basically itching to pull you into a kiss.

Malleus and you exchange rings and are pronounced newlyweds. "You may kiss-"

Malleus's lips are already on yours before that sentence is even finished. He kisses you deeply and lovingly and holds you tightly in his arms. He doesn't let go of you just yet even after the kiss has ended, hugging you closely and nuzzling your temple.

It is said that the marriage is sealed with true love's kiss.

The eldest fairies in the royal court bestow their magic blessings on you. How effective these actually are? You're not sure, but you're willing to be surprised.

The wedding reception is held in Malleus's rose garden and the guests are reduced to the royal court, both of your family members, friends and the closest noble associates to the Draconia family.

Bowls with flowers as well as twigs decorate the tables at the reception and fairy lights adorn the rose garden.

Traditional Briar Valley folk music plays as you and your guests dance the night away.

Vil and you ring in your wedding celebrations with a "Polterabend", as is typical in the area of the Shaftlands that Vil lives in. This custom is held on the night before the wedding. The guests bring porcelain, but also commonly flowerpots and ceramics to the party that are later smashed onto the ground, supposedly to bring good luck to the couple.

A barbecue is held to provide food for the guests. Vil made sure there's lots of salads and grilled vegetables as well to provide enough variety of foods. Lively chatter can be heard at the tables between your family members and friends as drinks are served.

This gathering is used as an opportunity to accept well-wishes from acquaintances, co-workers and people who aren't able to come to the actual wedding. They stop by for a while to give wedding cards and small gifts to you and Vil. This includes your former classmates from NRC.

"Epel, I swear to the Seven, this is your grandmother's antique tableware, don't you dare", Vil scolds his Pomefiore underclassman as the porcelain smashing ceremony is about to begin. "Are you kidding me, this is the literal point of this evening", Epel pouts. Vil also has to stop Ace from smashing a whole mirror. "Did you never hear about smashing a mirror meaning 7 years of bad luck?", Vil sighs. "Aw, come on, let them have their fun for the night", you chuckle. Vil raises his eyebrows at you. "If we end up cursed, it's your fault."

The actual wedding ceremony happens on the next day at the registry office. You greet your guests in front of the building and provide them with champagne and juice to toast to your marriage. The guests take their seats and eagerly await the beginning of the ceremony. You and Vil have decided to walk in together. One of your guests sings a love song with a piano accompaniment as you two enter and take your seats in front of the registrar's desk. Vil's dad is tearing up as he sees you walk in to the slow music.

You and Vil exchange vows. "Y/n... I have met plenty of people who have said that there's hardly one who understands beauty better than I do. But you proved to me that there were things I had yet to see and understand about the beauty surrounding me", Vil smiles at you and takes your hand into his, "your love made me see a new kind of beauty in this world and just like the radiance of the Beautiful Queen, our love, too, will shine on eternally. I cherish every day we spend together and I know that I can count on you to be there through the good times and the bad. And I promise that I will stay by your side and love you more with every year that passes. I will be there for you whenever you need me. I love you with all my heart."

You exchange rings (Vil's own design) and the registrar makes your marriage official. Vil seals his promise with a kiss. His kiss is soft and doesn't last very long, but you know he's saving the passionate kisses for later.

The guests congratulate you for your union and you leave the building, getting into the car that has been specifically rented for the occasion and decorated with flowers. With your guests behind you, you drive to the reception, hearing them honk their car horns in celebration of your wedding. "I just know we're interrupting some poor soul's afternoon nap", Vil sighs and chuckles.

A log has been placed in front of the entrance of your wedding reception, resembling the first obstacle you and Vil have to overcome as newlyweds. Vil's father hands you the saw to cut it as per tradition. "Hold on, I need to get my gloves", Vil gets his gloves from the car and you chuckle at how on brand this was for him. God forbid Vil Schoenheit breaks a nail on his wedding day. But since Vil is pretty physically strong, the two of you saw through the log rather quickly. "Magnifique!", Rook exclaims and starts clapping.

As the wedding reception you picked an elegant ballroom that reminds you a lot of Pomefiore during your school years. Carefully designed flower bouquets decorate the tables.

You and Vil sit down at the forefront of the tables where all your guests are able to see you. Before the buffet is opened, one of you holds a speech, thanking the guests for the gifts and their attendance and telling the story of how you met and fell in love. Vil's father and optionally, your closest family members, hold speeches as well to express their joy about your union.

After everyone has finished dinner, you share your first dance on the ballroom floor. Vil being Vil, has actually practiced this dance with you for a while before the wedding. Still, even if you'd step on his foot today, he's too happy to care. A slow song plays as you seem to only have eyes for each other for as long as your waltz lasts.

Once your dance concludes, you open the dancefloor to your guests as well to dance with their partners, friends and family. Vil and you hand-picked every song on your wedding playlist.

Sometime later during the evening, your guests have prepared some speeches and party games for you, including a slideshow of your most important memories together and a round of musical chairs which Vil happens to win.

Azul and you decide to hold two wedding celebrations, both under the sea and on land. You hire a wedding planner to help you set the whole thing up and you convince Azul not to charge the guests for the food.

Only your closest family members and friends attend the wedding ceremony under the sea, to make sure that Azul is able to provide enough potions for all of you to breathe underwater.

He's totally the nervous one out of the two of you. Kinda freaks out internally if anything doesn't go according to plan and during the time you spend planning your wedding, he sometimes needs you to take his mind off things and let him rest his head in your lap as you run your fingertips through your fiance's silver hair.

Since there's no real "wedding attire" for merfolk, Azul receives some traditional coral sea body paint which is temporary and luminous. You cup his cheeks before the ceremony. "You're so pretty", you gush quietly and Azul reminds you to save this for after the wedding with a blush on his face.

Azul's mother has to be the happiest guest. She sweeps her son up in a hug. "Awww my little Azul is getting married....they grow up so fast", she wipes her tears, "I remember when you were just 3 and you tried practicing your signature with ink on our living room walls." You giggle. "Mum...please", Azul groans and hides his expression behind his hand.

In remembrance of the mermaid princess's beautiful singing, the mermaids who have been invited to your wedding sing for you as you are united in front of the altar. Azul wraps an arm around your shoulder as the two of you listen to the siren song.

During your vows, you make sure to drive the point home about how beautiful you think Azul is inside and out, something that still gets him a little flustered even after all this time.

"My dearest y/n", Azul begins his own vows and can't resist pressing a kiss to your forehead before continuing with his speech, "when we met, my heart knew no rest nor satisfaction. I grasped for everything within my reach because I myself was unsure of what I was looking for. I know now, that what I really needed was closure and acceptance and love. You were there throughout my journey so far and I want you to be there for the rest of it. I have grown to love you from the bottom of my heart and I fall in love with you more and more every day. I want to share my future with you and I'll stand by your side, come what may, for as long as you'll let me be part of your world."

You seal your marriage with a soft and loving kiss and Azul can't repress the joyful "It's a deal!" that comes out of his mouth. "The only contract I'll be happy to sign with you", you joke.

You receive headpieces that are decorated with shells, featuring a golden shell reminiscent of the necklace the Sea Witch used to wear as the centerpiece.

After the ceremony you are given gifts by your guests. The merfolk typically give you items from land to accompany you on your journey beyond the sea, a tradition that originated from the collection of the mermaid princess and her union with the human prince.

Your celebration on land happens the day after at the beach. There's food and drinks and the atmosphere is as lively as you would expect from a beach wedding. There's sparklers and a bonfire as well.

As the sun sets, you and Azul are sent off in a boat to a ship you have rented where the celebration continues. Your closest friends accompany you with boats as well before the rest of your guests follow you. Your merfolk guests are watching from the surface of the sea.

The wedding celebration ends with a huge firework at midnight. "I love you", Azul whispers to remind you as the fireworks light up the night sky. He has his arms wrapped around you and presses a kiss to your cheek.

After the guests have left the ship, you and Azul are sent off to your honeymoon together.

Leona sees his family members gather around him and ask him a million questions about your upcoming wedding and everyone seems to have their own ideas for how to improve the festivities for the second prince. “You know”, he holds you in his arms on the evening before the wedding, “it’s not too late to ditch everyone and have a shotgun wedding in a neighboring country.” You chuckle and shake your head. “I think Farena would have a crisis if we did that.”

A couple of months before the wedding, the royal family invites your family and they get together over dinner to get to know each other better and discuss your wedding plans with you. Farena is really happy that Leona is getting married and that he’s seeing him actually put effort into something. 

The wedding ceremony is held at Pride Rock, just as recorded for every royal couple since the time of the King of Beasts. You, along with several guests, are wrapped in cloth and Leona has to guess which one is his betrothed. His senses never fail him though.

“You know, it would have been so embarrassing if you actually got it wrong. I would have never let you live this down”, you tease him. Leona shrugs. “Literally no one else here smells this much like herbivore”, he smirks and pokes your side affectionately. “I like to think this is a compliment”, you grin. “It is by now. I thought you were a pain back when I met you”, he whispers into your ear. You roll your eyes with a laugh. “What? I’m not allowed to say this during my vows, might as well do it now”, Leona pulls you close as your guests are busy talking to each other, “I don’t know what possessed you to stick around even through my obvious annoyance and terrible attitude but you crawled your way into my heart. I admit I wasn’t…the easiest person to love in the beginning. But I promise that I’ll never let you down again. Or… overblot. Actually I would appreciate it if we could just forget about the overblot.” Leona cringes. “Anyway, ‘suppose what I wanted to say is, thank you for stickin’ by me. I love you. A lot, actually. There was a long time where I didn’t really see a future for myself. But now I do. And I want to spend it with you.”

You are escorted to the wedding ceremony by your respective families. They shake hands before entering the venue together, accompanied by singing, dancing and drums. 

Leona’s official vows are very formal and something you knew Farena had beta-read. Nevertheless, you appreciate the gesture. You and Leona exchange rings and your families sign off on it as you are pronounced a married couple. Leona pulls you close and kisses you, wrapping his tail around your waist.

Your closest relatives and associates of the royal court assemble in a circle with you and Leona and your ceremony is concluded by the Royal Mjuzi giving his blessings for your marriage, just as it had already been done during the times where the King of Beasts roamed these lands. The Royal Mjuzi takes his bakora staff adorned with baobab fruits and shakes it in front of you. 

Leona and you light a unity candle before you ascend to the top of Pride Rock along with Farena and the queen. “I could lift you up and show you to the people like they did with Cheka when he was born”, Leona whispered with a smirk on his face. “I would prefer it if you do not do that”, you whisper back and shake your head. “Seriously don’t”, Farena warns his younger brother and Leona lets out a quiet laugh.

When you reach the top of Pride Rock, masses of people from Sunset Savannah have assembled below you, clapping and cheering as congratulations to your marriage. The royal family waves to the people and the live music reaches its climax.

As you descend from the large rock, the elders of the community give their wisdom and encouragement to you and Leona

The celebration after the ceremony happens on the palace grounds. Several emissaries from foreign countries as well as Sunset Savannah nobles have been invited and the celebration is also seen as an opportunity to improve Sunset Savannah’s ties with other nations. “Now we get to talk to stuck-up politicians, advocate for King Farena’s ideas and look pretty”, Leona whispers, never really having dropped the cynicism about his status as the second prince, “unless you’re open for suggestions…” “Leona, we’re not going to ditch the celebration, take a jeep out into the wilderness and kiss under the stars….okay maybe after the event we can do that.” “You know me too well”, your husband chuckles and wraps his arms around you from behind. 

“Do you think the great kings of the past give us their blessings as well?”, he asks, looking up at the stars. “I thought you said the stars were just giant balls of hot gas burning millions of miles away from us?”, you raise an eyebrow. “Eh, it’s a pick and choose thing for me, really”, Leona smiles and kisses your cheek, “I love you, herbivore.”

[djljpanda]

(you have made a grave mistake accepting the self aware au /j)

With the crk self aware au, I've always thought that different places would think you were a different entity.

I HC that the baker is a more recent thing, some bizarre entity that appeared, seemingly leading Gingerbraves kingdom, advising battles all from the shadows. People would undeniably have questions.

(I'm going through a bunch of locations, so sorry if this is a long read lolol, you can stop here and get the point--)

The Modern Vanilla Kingdom are kind of confused, but overall wouldn't push forward with finding out what MC is, they've been friendly so far, so they don't try and pry or come up with theories. Overall, they're in agreement you're some kind of fae.

Hollyberry Kingdom would have the most range in opinions, some would think you're a witch, knowing their obsession with dragons they might coin MC as some really powerful dragon, overall, all the opinions of the other locations bleeds into here.

The Dark Cacao Kingdom would undeniably think MC is some Deity of War or Battle. You've advised way too many fight not to be- heck! They saw it with their own eyes!!

(Dragon Valley probably agree ^^^)

Although not much is known about Golden Cheese and her Kingdom yet, they probably think you're a deity of wealth, seeing as Gingerbraves kingdom always has an extreme surplus of resources and wealth.

Creme Republic has some differing opinions based on religious beliefs. Paladins will be quick to call you a celestial, while some of the lower city, influenced by the Pastry Order, might seem you a witch, there are probably others that suspect you're some extraterrestrial that, through the ways of dimensional magic, is able to contact and interact with their world. Many of this final belief what to run experiments on the land Gingerbraves kingdom falls on, after all, it's got to be some kind of epicenter for your magic!!

(this final belief is probably in Parfaedia too)

I don't know City of Wizards lore well, but they might thing at long last one of their creators have returned, but I could see them agreeing with Parfaedia too.

+(Also bad at Tearcrown lore, so on your own with that one)

It's been such a long time I've talked abt the self aware au lmao, feel free to build on this- if at all, however you want, If I come back, can I come back as Hydrogen Anon? (If you have anons)

Cheers!

You are so creative. I like the idea of how no one really knows what Mc is and it's not like they're gonna tell them any time soon.

And how they all have their own theories is awesome. And how they just recently popped up during the era of Gingerbrave I can see why some would be curious and scared.

Like how we have the four horsemen here, I can see how some may think that it's a sign of the end.

I would love to build more on this concept because I love the self aware Au.

Thank you for sharing this with me Hydrogen Anon (yes I do accept anons), I hope I can see more about you in the future. Cheers!

[writerfae]

Here’s a proof that I am capable of writing Aiden interact with people that are NOT his brother or Talon xD Feat Maya cause she deserves more content (plus a little lore drop)

“So, why are your freckles white?” Aiden blushed slightly. “Excuse me if this is rude to ask,” he added, scratching the back of his neck.

Maya laughed. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell you why. You know, I’m not a typical fae. I wasn’t born normally like Talon or Halea. I am what people call a wishling…”

Aiden raised a brow. “A wishling?” He never heard about that before.

Maya nodded. “A fae born from a wish. It’s made possible by an ancient ritual. For generations, those who could not have children on their own used it to get a baby. Childless couples or people that didn’t have a partner but still want a child. Just like my mom.” Her voice softened at the mention of her mother. Aiden understood all too well.

“As you know,” Maya continued, sweeping a stray lock of hair behind her ear gently.

“She was human, but back in the old days even humans made use of this kind of magic. And since my mother was a follower of the old ways - something the people you and I grew up with would call a witch -“

She chuckled. “She knew about that ritual. She didn’t feel the need for a partner, but she wanted a daughter more than anything. Someone she could raise and teach her all she knew, like it was tradition in her family, daughter passing on knowledge to daughter. Someone she wouldn’t be so alone with.”

Aiden nodded. He could understand that. Who didn’t want to drown out loneliness with love, no matter what kind of love?

“And how did she do it?” he asked quietly.

“How exactly this ritual works I don’t know. Just that it requires your blood and… an already existing form of life, like a young animal or a plant, that the life of the child you want can sprout from.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. That sounded kinda ominous. But also really intriguing. So he remained quiet, letting Maya continue.

“In my case it was a fawn that was under my mother’s care. Mother performed the ritual and the next morning, instead of the fawn it was me lying in the hay, a baby that had her mother’s hair and her grandmother’s eyes.”

She smiled fondly at the last sentence.

“So…” Aiden wasnt quite sure if he understood this right. “You were once a deer?”

Maya laughed. “Yes and no. My life had its source in that of a deer, but it wasn’t a life I lived. It is… like a previous life. A rebirth, if you will.” That made sense. Kind of. Aiden couldn’t deny that he was curious.

“And do you remember it? Your previous life?”

“No. Most people don’t remember their previous life. Or do you remember yours?”

That question took Aiden aback. He had never thought about this before, hadn’t really considered that he had lived a life before this one. “No, I don’t…”

Maya smiled. “That’s what I thought. I don’t have memories of what was before. But, and this leads us to your question, a small part, a mark of the life a Wishling was born from remains visible, a reminder of the sacrifice. In my case, it’s the white freckles.”

“Like the white spots on the body of a fawn.”

She smiled. “Like the white spots on the body of a fawn, yes.”

“That’s pretty cool,” he said. “It looks nice on you.”

Maya’s cheeks colored a little at that. “Thanks, Aiden.”

Aiden returned her smile. “Thank you for telling me. And not being offended.”

That made Maya laugh. “No problem.”

*

tag list: @andifthestarsweretodie @bloodlessheirbyjacques @bluehourskyeli @deadlycupid @dustylovelyrun @justafrogandherumbrella @ladywithalamp @magic-is-something-we-create @myhusbandsasemni @my-cursed-prince @phantasticdomains @rhikasa @sleepy-night-child @soupopoireau @theguywithnonickname @vampywriter @vsnotresponding @writing-is-a-martial-art (if you want to be added or removed from the tag list let me know!)

[ninja-muse]

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry is like coming home after a long day and having someone to share a comforting, knowing sigh with. It's hot tea on a blustery weekend, a beam of light splitting rain clouds, and an acknowledgement that the world has always been complicated and imperfect and worth fighting for. It is, in other words, another pretty much perfect novel from Parry and as written for me as I thought it would be.

I don't know where to begin, really. My instinct right now is to wave my hands dramatically and say: this! this! so good! everything! just! aaah! Which is, I realize, not all that helpful. So let's start with the fact that this is a memoir. Clover, the narrator, has lived the story already and is telling us what happened, with compassion for her younger self, and criticism, and regrets, and a commitment to the truth. It feels very much like other books I've read looking back at the time between the wars, that mix of nostalgia for youth and excitement and novelty, and awareness that it can't last, that it was spurred on by a world that had fractured, that there was darkness at the edges of everything. (This has to be intentional; the book begins in 1920.)

This is also a magic school novel. It's a story of a girl fighting her way into a magical university, determined to find a way to break the faerie curse on her veteran brother. It's about finding a friend group and falling into research and learning about a hidden world. It's about the joy, and the pain, of striking out on your own as an adult. And it's about what happens when all of your hopes and dreams go awry, as well as the dangers of messing with the fae. It's not quite dark academia, but it's certainly on that continuum.

Where Parry really excels though, here and always, is her characters. Clover feels real. Her friends and family feel real. They're people shaped by their circumstances, full of complexity and contradictions, not beings whipped up by an author or puppets on a stage to further an end. They do things and make mistakes that take the story in unexpected directions and, generally, lend the book a richness that a lot of novels lack. That's one of the reasons I'm calling this a memoir. It felt like I was reading something that actually happened, told by someone who experienced history.

So: we've got the 1920s, a magical school, faerie lore. That could easily lead to something trite and repetitive, but Parry lends it all so much nuance, so much shading, that even when it felt familiar, it also felt fresh. (For instance, a lot of the faerie stuff reminds me of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, but tackled from a different angle.) I loved the way the themes and narrative wove together, the way Parry believably builds up the historical world, the way she has of foreshadowing and then surprising the reader anyway. The way she merged the tropes and "genres" together felt seamless and, dare I say, magical.

You might notice that I haven't really said much about what the book's about or what happens in it. I don't think I can, without ruining the experience. I can't very well say this goes in unexpected directions if I also tell you what to expect, after all, and a lot of what Parry is actually talking about will be more powerful if you have to put the pieces together in time with the characters. I went in blind, knowing only what was in the reasonably unhelpful blurb, and my experience was all the better for it.

In short, this was a wonderful read and one that pulled me in and kept me close. If you're a fan of anything I've mentioned in this review—Oxford novels, magic schools, dark faeries, character-driven stories, the 1920s, etc—I highly recommend checking this out, especially if you've been on the fence about it. Take this review as a sign.

[elainsgirl]

I think one important way to tell what couple are the next MCs is which couple moves the plot forward. Elriel obviously are connected to every part of the main plot (and have always been). But I've been curious if I've missed something lately so I have been looking into gwynriel and elucien posts, to just listen and see what they think the plot of a gwynriel or elucien book would be. And there is just nothing, just like the past few years. Either nothing at all, or no consistency at all. Theories pointing in all directions, built on nothing, or straight up taking elriels clearly set up plot as gwynriels or eluciens. If I were wishing for gwynriel and elucien, this would seriously worry me. It should not be a mystery for readers to assume where the plot of the next book is going. But gwynriel and elucien truly have no consistent idea what their books would be about. Elriels have had a very reasonable and concistent canon based idea of the plot of an elriel book for years. Casual readers pick up on this too (see jordin sparks recently for example). New elriels come on here and have the same ideas of an elriel book without having interacted with the fandom before. Elriel is just so stable, clear, and reasonable. Truly obvious, as Sarah said.

I know this is a little pointless because we literally know Elains book is next, and Azriel is her only love interest. But out of curiosity, i wonder what is your idea of what gwynriels and eluciens think a gwynriel or elucien book would be about? I can't wrap my head around what they actually think.

Hey anon 🫶

I actually love this ask because after interacting with multiple antis across multiple platforms - your words are true. Antis do not have a clear set plot for their books. Different groups will say different things.

Generally, as a whole Elriels have always known the bond will play a role in Elaind’ book, especially given Azriels bonus. Elain choosing Az despite her mate will be the big moment. Finding a way to break the bond without Elain/Lucien having any repercussions. Allowing a new generation of faes to break their bonds if they’re unhappy with their mates and choose who to love of their own will. I know elriels have theorised the lore behind the cauldron and those theories have solidified after Hofas confirmed what we have thought to be true: Bonds can be corrupt and wrong -> Cauldron bonds are to match powerful faes = powerful offsprings: which makes sense why Lucien became Elains mate as Az was shot and weakened. I know lots of elriels including myself have theorised a two bond/two mate theory which is becoming more likely to happen in Elains’ book after confirmation that Az can scent eluciens unaccepted bond. As well as the fact that lots of elriels have always known that Elain and Az will be connected to the prison which will be explored in their book. Each sister has conquered a mountain so it stands to reason, Elain will as well. Elriels have agreed on a spy arc for Elain as it fits the foreshadowing given to us. So yeah, elriels have come together and have created a general outline of what Elains book will look like and its the same for almost every elriel.

As for antis, this is just what I have seen:

Elucien group 1: Gwynriel book > Elucien book. In Gwynriel book, Lucien finds out what happened between Elain and Azriel. Gets upset & distances himself from Elain. Elain has a vision of Koshei which means she will have too join Lucien and the B.O.E in going to Koshei’s lake. Cue forced proximity between lucien and elain, elain realises how stupid & mean she’s been so she grovels for Lucien. Him - being the good guy he is - chooses to forgive her and BAM they accept the bond and live happily ever after. Ofc AFTER they save Luciens girl bestie who he’s been living with happily. Through this, Elain will become happy as she is “depressed” in the Nc. Her besties will be Vassa and the man who made a r4pe joke about her Jurian.

Elucien group 2: Elain gets fed up with how the IC treat her, she is sick of them all and is heavily depressed in the NC. Plot filler and somehow Lucien ends up at Day. He realises his parentage, works on his powers. Elain represents the Nc and spends time at Day to strengthen the bond between NC and DC - this will happen through her throwing balls and attending them. Forced proximity between her and lucien, elain realises she’s so stupid for hurting him, grovels and then BAM they accept their bond and live happily ever after.

subgroup 2a - Helion dies in a BD initiated by Beron. BOOM, Lucien is crowned HL of Day and Elain HighLady.

Subgroup 2b - Elain and Lucien end up at spring. I don’t know why or how. They help Tam out. Make the Spring Court better. Tamlin dies and they’re crowned HLs of Spring.

I will say, more eluciens are solidifying on the lake plot (due to Sjms interest in a firebird retelling) they say elain will have a vision which will lead her there or it will be due to Papa’s bargain, so she will be the one to kill Koshei and free the women…definitely not the actual firebird in the series.

The issue with these two plots: Elain is not the focus, she is a side character to her own story. It ignores a Lot of canon and runs on assumptions instead. Elain’s character growth is her accepting the bond. Thats it.

Gwynriel. Idfk tbh. They change their tune a lot. So pre-hofas, Gwyn and Az were going to band together and reform Illyrian. Do what Rhys failed to do and ban wing clipping, spread the valkry agenda and help the women. Emerie would “guide” aka simply tag along and be present so this plot can’t be labelled for what it is: the white saviour trope. Anyways, the book would just be about Az healing. Someone suggested him seeing a therapist bcs Az having feelings for Elain was that bad and showed how unhinged his character was. So through this healing he would notice Gwyn, friends to lovers trope -> they fall in love and BANG!, plot twist, they’re ✨mates✨ bet you didn’t see that coming.

Post-Hofas, Nesta and Az will need Gwyn to do research on the 8 pointed star and made weapons. Gwyn is something special and allows her to use Gwydion. This somehow leads them too the prison where Gwyn and Az (sometimes Nesta is included) will revive the prison through song, healing - light & shadows. Dusk will be reborn, Nesta will be HL. Gwyn her first in command. The whole acosf gang leave the NC and move to Dusk where they live happily ever after. wait..I think I forgot a key point…oh yh. Somewhere between all of this: Elriel will end in a terrible kiss and both them agreeing they were idiots who were using each other to ignore how they truly felt and then…

BOING! Gwynriel are revealed to be mates. Suprise!

my humble opinion is that Gwynriels/Eluciens are more focused on the vibes, dynamic, tropes then the actual Plot. For example, They can say, “X” will happen but won’t be able to prove it so they never truly develop “X” it’s just an idea with loose- very loose- canon foundation. However, they can write multiple HCs based on tropes and the dynamic they want for the characters as thats how they maks their ships enticing and interesting. Honestly, there’s only a limited plot either ship has and its not based on foreshadowing more like connecting random pieces of info together instead of paying attention to the info the author connects together. I can do that with any ship as well. You can do it too. I also think antis just think Mass will do all the foreshadowing in one single book instead of pacing it out like she is known for.

With elriel - there is a solid plot that has been foreshadowed for 3 books. If I tell you “in Elains book, one subplot is her becoming a spy” I will be able to back that claim up with multiple canon information the author intentionally wrote in a way that leads you to believe this. Elriels are consistent- we aren’t divided on many things. We all have a general idea for the book. Many theories & plot ideas are the same. We aren’t unclear of what will happen in Elains book. The majority of us have Elain front and Centre. Focusing on her potential & growth as a character. We incorporate Azriel into Elains storyline. With antis, especially eluciens, Elain is weaved into Luciens main storyline.

When you read the books w an unbiased lens, its clear which couple has a plot that moves the story forward and allows it to branch into other potential side stories, which again. Mass is known for.

[nitrowyverine]

Finally played the TOUCHSTARVED Demo! Still thinking about it over a week later.

(Above: Steam banner image for TOUCHSTARVED from Red Spring Studios)

I love it SO MUCH. and i have QUESTIONS. my extended thoughts below the cut [Demo spoilers included]

General thoughts:

this game is SO up my alley that it's insane. local goth gaming nerd is kicking their feet and giggling

the music? and sound design? It's honestly incredible, even beyond the infamous Every Time We Touch cover (Which is how I found this game). We all have to be giving more props to the music/sound work, it absolutely punches the experience up so many notches. When a soundtrack is released I'm immediately keeping it on hand for all my tabletop needs

absolutely enamored with the backstory mechanic. It adds so much individual depth to the character. you can feel attached to your MC without them being a complete blank slate. I absolutely love that different MC backstories have you pick up different details about the characters. (My favorite is The Hound immediately picking out who the leaders are amongst the group, in contrast to the other MC backgrounds)

I wanna eat the backgrounds. I wanna eat them whole. They're so detailed and colorful and have a great sense of depth. 100000/10

Specific character thoughts/theories:

(Images courtesy of the Touchstarved character Lore posts from the Red Spring Studio socials. I'll be linking them in each of the character's names)

Ais:

Thank you, Red Spring studios, for blessing the players with the ability to bite him if you're an ass to him the entire demo. You truly know what we want

Lore seems to indicate that Ais came over from the demon realm for some unknown reason, and was possibly some kind of demon king or leader? Fascinated to learn what happens there

Ngl the Seaspring looks like it would taste good. My favorite raspberry/rhubarb tea looks just like the Seaspring water. Gimme the group juice.

Question: If Ais gets infected with MC's madness....does that mean. the WHOLE groupmind gets infected? Humans and soulless alike? That's a city-destroying disaster waiting to happen

CONCLUSION: Most likely to adopt 6 dogs instead of picking up the groceries. Least likely to let you have the car aux cable.

Kuras:

I do believe Kuras is the actual best shot at a cure/treatment of all candidates. Assuming the curse is some level of demonic, an angel's touch is probably the best bet.

Let me be clear here though, I do think he might just go "Well you can just like. not have arms" and take them. That is a possibility

Most of the other characters I can get a rough idea of what they want and why. Kuras? I have NO idea what his goal is, which is very frightening.

Twitter bio image does say "Repentant Angel", and that his fatal flaw is "his sins can only be repaid through suffering". Possible linkage to Lovent's fall? Or another major disaster?

its okay sweaty we all get The Guilt (tm)

If Kuras somehow gets MC's maddness (I have a feeling it may not effect him? but if it did) that would just. end the world right there.

CONCLUSION: Most likely to be the one guy you might be able to bring home to your parents. Least likely to put on oven mitts to take a frozen pizza out of the oven.

Vere:

I love Vere for being the character I thought I could trust the least, turning into a character I actually trust allot. I trust him to be extremely dangerous. He probably wasn't lying when he said his heart is on his sleeve.

Also, big props for having him just kill you in one of the demo endings. What a guy, I love him, no notes

Wait what he's over 100 according to his birthday post. thats, allot? older? than I thought?. okay yeah the lore posts mention he's a possible deity figure. not comforting

Vere is very fae-logic coded. Like, the words he says can be true and false at the same time. Don't tell him your name, he will cannibalize you for fun, etc etc ya know fae stuff.

i will protect him always

CONCLUSION: Most likely to fuck your dad. Least likely to be your new stepdad.

Mihn:

Mihn is much dodgier than the rest, but I think that makes them more trustworthy. They're not as interested as playing games.

I nominate Mihn as a secondary protagonist, since Leander, Ais, and Kuras seem to be interested in them quite a bit. Even Vere has a rivalmance kinda thing going for Mihn. If MC didn't show up, that would be the dating sim right there

I'm excited by the lore post and the implications that Mihn is from Lovent (or has traveled there? and survived?) and potentially getting greater lore expansion about the world surrounding Eridia

I think it's interesting that their strength stat is relatively low compared to the others, yet they're one of the characters that actually uses their strength in the demo.

Also, I think we see the least of their "monstrous form" of everyone in the demo (minus their ability to dodge in and out of shadows). I'm thrilled to see what their monstrous form actually entails.

Mihn would survive bloodborne. That's it thats the entire thought

CONCLUSION: Most likely to do all the work in a group project. Least likely to be chill during Mario Party.

Leander:

OKAY ALL OF MY QUESTIONS ARE HERE. I AM DEEPLY AFRAID. Something is absolutely wrong but we have no current ability to pinpoint what it is.

I've seen theories Leander is dead. However, in Vere's route, he mentions that Leander smells like aftershave. While this could be part of an extra-elaborate ruse, hair doesn't grow after death (Minus the appearance of it happening due to natural decay processes) so he wouldn't need to shave. However, I am betting on him being involved in some sort of un-death cycle.

actually I can guarantee his story is all about cycles. Has anyone else mentioned how his belt is the triple goddess symbol.

you know. the symbol of maiden/mother/crone. birth/life/death. beginning/middle/end. like

Moving on, the vast majority of his smiles are forced (Mouth is smiling, but there's no eye movement/crinkle that would indicate it's genuine). That is enough of a red flag but honey I am so much more worried about my next point:

WHERE DOES HE GET HIS MONEY. He's constantly buying rounds of drinks for a packed bar. It's briefly mentioned his clothes are nice. He pays for anything MC needs. However, says Bloodhound rates are "Free". Where does he GET HIS MONEY for all of this. Twitter posts from Red Spring point out he doesn't accept bribes (at least overtly).

WAIT I'M REREADING THIS POST WHAT THE FUCK ARE THE SILENT CRYPTS.

Looking again at Leander's stat post. The Ouroboros in the background is. Not comforting. Also, "Forbidden Magic"? yeah I have a feeling we know why he's not in the Senobium

Theory, potentially Leander is currently being paid by the Senobium to maintain lowtown/Silent Crypts order? I think there's still a connection between them. Like the Senobuim can remain detached while having ties to whatever horrible things Leander is doing.

Okay, in the twitter relationship charts it says that Kuras has looked out for Leander "Since he was young". Kuras probably knows. SO much we don't.

When Mihn scolds Leander for not telling MC to be off the streets past dark. I think Leander intentionally "Forgot" to mention that. I think he wanted the MC to see how dangerous Eridia was so MC would stay closer to Leander for safety. I think it was a very intentional manipulation tactic.

(Furthermore, did he actually cast a spell of luck on MC when he gave them the lilies from his introduction magic trick? Then bet on the MC living through the day?)

I do think Leander's surprise at MC going out to the Seaspring was genuine, since his spit-take clashes so starkly with his cool-guy demeanor.

I also have a feeling that Leander has been past the veil/shroud. he's doing something fucky and the veil is prime fuckery territory.

(Are we...going to get a timeloop story????)

CONCLUSION: Most likely to dramatically use himself as a human bridge over a small puddle (as an excuse to get walked on). Least likely to remember to go to bed after playing Stardew Valley for 13 hours straight.

Touchstarved game things I'm concerned about:

(I feel like I wouldn't be doing my game designer duties if I didn't point out my concerns as well. To be fair, there aren't many.)

I hope the bad endings get fucked up, story-wise. Since it's a horror game, I know it might turn some people off to have things go super wrong, but I really hope they do. I want to see some endless pain vortexes, some real Juniji Ito-style suffering. But I would also understand if the devs want to softball some of the worst outcomes for the sake of widespread appeal.

We all have countless examples of kickstarter games looking strong out the gate, but then falling flat upon release. While I have high hopes for Touchstarved, I do know the reality and intense difficulty of kickstarter games. I'm really hoping the demo isn't the best the studio will have to offer.

OVERALL: I am rooting for the Touchstarved team/Red Spring Studio all the way! I'm thrilled to see where this game goes. I am poised on this purchase button and ready to buy when it releases.

[dizzybunni]

ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ vtuber concepts / ideas for ur dr !

𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ China porcelain doll ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

𓊆ྀི❤︎𓊇ྀི ; I can’t find an image that matches the idea in my head, so these images will have to suffice. But, anyways, the concept for this vtuber is a porcelain doll decorated w/ blue n’ white china porcelain designs ! I thought this was a cute idea, and I couldn’t find any other vtuber that has done it before ! This can be tweaked infinitely, obviously, from the colors to where the designs are placed along the model ! (^^)

𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ Cosmic entity ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

𓊆ྀི❤︎𓊇ྀི ; Cosmic fae/fairy/godess/whatever ! Especially fun if you love space or know a lot of facts about it. There could also be a lot movement or motion aspects to the model. Like, if there are stars incorporated you could have them perpetually twinkling or something! I also see this idea having quite a few lore possibilities, is your character still in space or have they somehow shot down to earth? Etc.

𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰ 2000’s / Moe anime art style ꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

𓊆ྀི❤︎𓊇ྀི ; I don’t think I’ve seen any vtubers w/ this concept or art style, which surprised me considering I thought it was a popular art style niche. But I think it’d make for an intriguing vtuber model that would interest viewers. Really flexible asides from the art style ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ

( dividers by kodaswrld ! All art found in Pinterest without credit, unfortunately ! ) ★彡 can u tell i want to see more vtuber dr content lmao

[ghost-bxrd]

Hello! ’Tis I again, the one with the Many Questions about your Fae!Dick. I just finished reading through all of your Selkie!Jason content and had a few thoughts.

Firstly, would anyone in the Justice League ever find out about Jason’s iteration of Robin being a selkie? I’d imagine that both Bruce and Jason would try yo hide it, but… *shrugs* just a thought.

Secondly, the idea that selkies are sacred to Atlanteans (and the thing with Orm) made me wonder if Jason ever has any other encounters with Atlanteans? Perhaps the court even insists on checking in on him, to make sure he’s being properly cared for?

And thirdly, what does Jason do with his coat when he’s in costume? Selkie coats are known to change shape for the wearer (from what I’ve heard of selkie lore), so maybe it took on the form of his Robin costume? Or would he just leave it with Alfred whenever he was on a mission, because it might get damaged or stolen?

Once again, you are an amazing writer and I love reading anything you write! Thank you so much!

Hi! Thank you so much 💚 I’m happy you enjoy my random thoughts and fics 💚💚💚

I don’t think Batman (or Jason) would allow anyone to “find out” per se, but some Atlanteans are able to recognize specific Selkie “tells”.

And selkies are a bit of a gray zone where Atlantean laws are concerned. They belong to the sea as much as they do the land, but they’re very elusive creatures and “spook” easily. It’s very rare even for Atlanteans to happen across one, so when they do it’s a bit like seeing a unicorn out in the open.

Theoretically the Atlanteans would have tried to establish some kind of law protecting selkies, but considering they come and go as their fancy strikes it’s just very difficult to realize. And on top of that selkies value their freedom and being under the watchful eye of the Atlanteans, even in a benevolent way, would feel too much like a chain weighing them down.

But yeah, Jason and Orm would totally keep in touch with each other. Orm because… well, that’s a Selkie child. Must protect.

And Jason would get too much of a kick out of the way Bruce’s jaw ticks whenever the Atlantean is around to allow the friendship to fade away.

As for what Jason does with his pelt, he definitely wouldn’t wear it as a substitute Robin suit. He might wear it as some kind of undershirt (safely hidden by the armor of his uniform) but usually he’d just leave it at the manor. Especially after he realizes he can trust the batfam with it ✨🦭

[e-vasong]

For the director's cut ask game, any behind the scenes lore to share on Knockout? I'm so curious about the alternate backstories hinted at in that story. Anything you can share about the boys' encounters with the fae, or how they know Crystal in this 'verse or basically whatever you'd like to share!

For the end of year/start of 2025 game! Feel free to shoot me an ask if you have one. :D

Apologies for the delayed reply! <3 I have had an extremely busy few days, but I'm finally back....but still exhausted. :D (I see your other question too; I'll for sure get to that one tomorrow once I've gotten some sleep!)

There is. SO MUCH deep lore for Knockout. I really want to dive into it more at some point with another installment, because I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about it.

I'm still undecided as to whether it was Simon, but Edwin caught the eye of a fairy who whisked him away to the faewild and trapped him there for some time. Rather than being traded back and forth, Edwin escaped relatively early in his imprisonment....and spent quite a bit of time wandering, getting kidnapped by other faeries, almost eaten by monsters, etc.

Is Edwin still from the early 1900s? FANTASTIC question. I don't know. I think time flows funnily in the faewild, and aging is messed up too. That combined with the unreality of it means that Edwin doesn't know anymore, either. He does have memories that would suggest him being from that time period, but that could just be as easily be an illusion. He tries not to think about it too hard.

Charles' backstory is more or less the same (though bumped up a few years to be in line with the modern day), except in this world, when he got shoved into a freezing lake...he pulled out a Very Important Magic Sword. This is totally fine. <- Lying.

I keep trying to think about how to describe Charles' abilities, because in my HEAD it's very cool, but when I try and write it out, I'm like.... damn, this sounds weird.

Basically, for Charles, I'm repurposing the idea of "aspects" from Hades - I love the idea that certain mythological archetypes carry on before, during, and after their "moments in history," and if you embody enough of their qualities the Universe goes "Meh, close enough, here you go again" and you can effectively end up as an "aspect/representation" of certain mythological figures.

Charles has a few Western and Hindu aspects; in the really early days, when he was going through the classic Biracial Kid Identity Crisis, he would lose access to them randomly or summon different ones from what he intended, but he's mostly got it under control now. Mostly.

Crystal is still psychic. She also has, like, a great grandma who was a fairy, though she's only been to the faewild like once, and she fucking HATED it. Too many bugs, too hard to tell which way is up and which is down.

She still had her demon possession arc when she was 16 - except the boys weren't there to help. David burned basically every bridge she had before she was able to get rid of him -- including her ability to do things like use her real identity without getting arrested. Possessed!Crystal, like, straight up murdered people.

She's a sort of general psychic/magic freelancer, in many ways a fellow of Johanna Constantine, except she has a magic gun and she is NOT afraid to use it.

I haven't precisely decided how she and the boys met. My current favorite idea is that a fairy in disguise hired her to go after Edwin under false pretenses, and after uncovering the deception, she teamed up with them to bring the attempted kidnapper down.

[hanafubukki]

Rereading book 7 translation and it just dawned to me (pun not intended) that Malleus' reaction to seeing baby Silver was "naked monkey".

Naked monkey.

And you know which one is the famous Disney naked monkey? Tarzan. Amazing how the writers manage to slot a reference in this scene. *Two Worlds playing as bgm*

Hello Anonie 🌻💚🌷

Anonie, I hope you know that you chose one of my favorite moments in chapter 5 and one of my favorite Disney movies. How can I not ramble?? You have opened Pandora’s box.

I have seen several tls that have Malleus referring to Silver in different ways? Naked Monkey was one of the first I saw. But also “he’s different, he’s weird, he”s ugly?”

Suffice to say, Malleus has never seen a human before, and possibly, a baby. (If we follow usual fae lore, it’s harder for them to have children but this was never mentioned in twst)

(But I’ll refer to this tls )

Anyways, Malleus looks at this baby who’s crying. And he hums a lullaby. Not just any lullaby, but the lullaby his mother and Lilia hummed to him when he was an egg.

The true love lullaby that we keep hearing throughout the chapters. This lullaby thats always conveying the love the characters have for each other.

Just like Lilia, Malleus also loves Silver, at first sight you can even say. Something that deep and comforting to him, he was able to dig up after centuries of not hearing it.

Silver says it’s a lullaby that he’s heard since he was a child, and if Malleus couldn’t recall it, it means he hasn’t heard it since he hatched.

But then you have Malleus Draconia, who hasn’t heard it in so damn long, hum this lullaby. To Silver?? How can that not be love? Something that comforted him as an egg, he used to comfort a crying silver, and I just 🥹🥹

And then you have Tarzan, Tarzan about a human trying to fit in. Tarzan, a movie about two seperate worlds meeting and realizing, in the end of the day, we are not so different after all. (You know how humans and fae are not so different)

A movie where a mother raised and loved a human, and that human who always loved the family he grew up in.

A movie where Tarzan learns about his roots, and despite it all, he chooses to stay with his family.

Just, Anonie, can you see?? What I am talking about??

And then you have the songs “Two Worlds”

Put your faith in what you most believe in

Two worlds, one family

Trust your heart

Let fate decide

To guide these lives we see

Is this not Diasomnia coded?

Beneath the shelter of the trees

Only love can enter here

A simple life, they live in peace

Can you see?? The cottage where not Lilia and Silver lived, but the place where Sebek trained. The place that was Malleus’ haven, where he helped raised Silver.

This cottage filled with love.

Two worlds, one family

Also, how can I not mentioned my other favorite song:

“You’ll Be in My Heart”

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

This song is such a Lilia to Malleus and Silver coded song and you don’t understand 😭😭

“You’ll always be in my heart, no matter what they say.”The way the senate tries to seperate Malleus and Lilia 😭😭 but Lilia will always love him. “I will protect you from all around you, just take my hand and hold it tight” the way he kept telling Malleus to hold on and to come out and how he’ll give his everything to him, so don’t cry and you’re not alone anymore. He always thought of Malleus during trips and brought back gifts. He learned to enjoy food because he enjoyed the way Malleus ate.

And then we have Silver, Lilia found a baby in this abandoned castle and chooses to love him. He didn’t know how to raise a human, but he made the choice. He raised that baby, loved him, and trained him. It was always in his actions. Lilia says he would give strength to break a curse and that’s what he did. He held that hand and gave him protection. Don’t you cry, to the baby who woke up and how he’ll always be in his heart. And how when Silver realized his father loved him, he also heard his father’s voice.

(I had soundtrack playing all day 🥹😭)

Thank you for sending this in Anonie 🌻🌺🌷

[cursedfortune]

I've talked before on how picky I am with symbolism for Mortem. Witches in her lore (along with fae and spirits) are all heavily based on perception. An easy example of this is why she chooses the ingredients she does. If she's crafting a 'love potion' for a human, roses are a very obvious ingredient for that - because mortals (humans, specifically) associate that with romance and love.

I don't use animal symbolism with her because she isn't an animal type person. She's rather indifferent to animals and views them as creatures that exist like she does. Domesticated animals (pets) and familiars she views the same, which furthers her disinterest. The only symbolism I use with her isn't even about her. Snakes and spiders are for her fae patron, the other side of her coin.

Mortem has her defined nature and purpose. As a witch, perception is paramount. Given the kind of witch she is and just what her purpose entails, one of the symbolic pieces I have for her just happens to be reflections. Reflections in water, especially. However, reflections in general fit, too.

A lot of what she does mirrors immortals and mortals alike on various levels. She is the reflection that you gaze upon and love (positivity), hate (negativity) or aspire to be. Identity, challenge and potential/ambition - that's how it translates to her.

What she is used to is when another looks at her, they see:

Love (general). It's not really love, it's positivity, specifically. You accept your own identity and aren't put off by her own.

Hate (general). It's not really hate, it's negativity, specifically. You don't accept something about yourself and see it in her, generating negativity and rejection.

Aspiration. You see her and are inspired for your own pursuits. You feel ambition, you chase your own potential. She is the silent challenger that inspires.

It breaks down very simply to this being the norm and what Mortem generally expects with others. In terms of day to day engagements, that is. She is someone just passing through, unless someone breaks the mold and harbors the awareness to see her.

When people look at her, they see what they want to see. Perception. Which is why it gets categorized as these three things commonly. When Mortem knew what her purpose was, she knew it would break down in such a way. People would agree, disagree, or challenge her.

For a mortal, she can seem like either a malevolent or benevolent immortal. They will be in awe, they will resent her, they may challenge her.

For an immortal, she can seem like an understanding piece in the grand scheme, she can be a threat to their claim to reign, she can be their challenger.

It's equal and it breaks down into the three given categories consistently. In her youth, she discovered just what her purpose would be. Patterns repeat, introspection was done and her role in the world (and with mortals and immortals alike) was finely understood. Which is why her verses page has options for the version of Mortem you can receive. Heroic, villainous, neutral (and some nuanced versions).

These things also contribute to why I usually need to do a first impression or 'early into knowing one another' engagements before being able to skipping around. How people perceive Mortem is important for how I write her. Her observing what they give away vs. what they reveal tells me a lot on how she'll proceed with individuals and even the potential for their dynamics. Because it all circles back to witches and perception.

Unfortunately, Mortem and witches are so specifically made that altering just one thing could turn her into a completely different person. Everything is stacked on top of itself for a witch, especially a witch like Mortem. Which is also why if you figure out how to (permanently) deal with one, you can undo them entirely.

Perception can be an annoying thing for witches to contend with, at times. Especially for spell crafters and alchemists. But every witch also knows how to alter or remove perceptions from things for their own uses.

On a side note, perception is also why names are so valuable to witches. It contributes to why Mortem either doesn't give a name, gives her chosen name 'Mortem', or lets people address her as (the) Witch. Addressing her by name in any way, or her species, will just empower both. It's also why she doesn't accept 'miss' or such titles. The only titles she accepts are ones that contribute to her purpose. If she is playing advisor, she will accept them referring to her as such. She allows others to regard her as a knight, ex. knight or soldier because she is a veteran of war. If people call her immortal, she corrects them, because she is not immortal despite her longevity.

Everything serves a purpose. Her purpose, that is.

[thesharktanksdriver]

HARRO

It’s me, I have revived after long periods of sleeping!

Anyway how have you been? I’ve read your works recently and it’s absolutely amazing as always! The idea of reader playing the ukulele and singing is a common thing in your story, they’re just chill like that frfr

But I gotta say this. Reader reminds me and gives off Yaelokre vibes-

If you haven’t heard abt who or what yaelokre is, they’re a music artist that makes absolutely beautiful little songs with amazing illustrated images! With interesting characters, storytelling and all that silly Willy stuff!

I wonder, is reader the type to also create their own stories using music?

I can imagine them playing music and singing, casually telling tales of how many times they died and all those traumatic stuff-

- 🛎 ANON

Hi 🛎️anon! Good to see you again!

Currently I’m in Germany (which is why I’ve been more inactive than usual lol) which has been amazing so far! Tomorrow I’m gonna see Poland!

Determination y/n loves to sing and play! It was something they mainly learned from Brook’s crew and just carried with them and inspired them to learn more instruments. In a kinda sad way they use it to fill the silence of the days they’ve spent afloat with no one, as well as keeping themself from going mad. But besides that I think they just like playing to make others happy, because they’re a chill little bean.

But as for Yaelokre, I love their music! I’m not up to date with their lore since it’s on a discord channel and I’m too antisocial to join it lol. But I really enjoy their vibe and the folk inspired music and imagery they use. I’ve always been a sucker for woodsy and fae stuff so it’s right up my alley, along with like the oh hellos and Celtic women.

I definitely can see the comparison of determination! Y/n and them. A bunch of gremlin children playing music in the woods, y/n would definitely sport a crow mask and cloak with gold shiny star bits. I also imagine y/n has definitely add their own songs and music, though they would typically play it in the time they thought no one was listening.

Y/n typically likes playing songs they’ve learned on the sea as a sort of tribute to the old sailors that used to sing them. Binks booze for example is one they hold onto for the memory of Brook and because they played it for Roger as well. Though in the dead of night or alone they would play their own songs and scores. Most I’d imagine would be somber, perhaps even a bit sad but within their music lies an underlying tone of hope and joy just needing a little nudging to be free.

I like the idea of Luffy hearing it one night and begging y/n to play more of their own music. So, very slowly they begin to do so while the crew listens and overtime those joyous beats start becoming more prominent.

[murfpersonalblog]

IWTV Musings: LDPDL & the Black Mayfairs: Oncle Vervain & Merrick

On the heels of both seasons of Castlevania Nocturne, I'm even more sad/mad that Oncle Vervain Mayfair was cut from AMC!IWTV & that we lost some of Louis' connection to his Haitian Creole culture. I've discussed Oncle Vervain before (x x x), but no one EVER talks about him, and it's such a shame & missed opportunity on S1's part.

AMC!Vervain vs Lestat, "Nawlins Voodoo meet European Voodoo"

We got several scenes of Oncle Vervain in Rolin Jones pilot script:

Vervain warns Louis that Papa Legba, the protective Voodoo loa of the crossroads, had forsaken NOLA--the very same night Lestat arrived in Storyville. The morning before Louis goes to Tom Anderson's poker game (when Lestat freezes time), he visits Oncle Vervain for a good luck spell (gris gris).

Paul, ofc, disapproves of Louis dabbling with Oncle Vervain (cuz Catholics think everything not in the Bible is from frikkin Satan 🙄), but Louis tells him to stfu.

Next time we see Oncle Vervain is the night of the DPDL dinner, when Lestat & Louis are chatting outside 1132, before Miss Lily appears on the balcony in her underwear.

Oncle Vervain IMMEDIATELY clocks that ish ain't right with Lestat as soon as he looks in Lestat's unnatural vampire eyes. He knows Lestat's a bloodless vampire, and starts praying to Papa Legba for protection; but Louis' a sweet baby idiot who just assumes that Lestat does "European Voodoo," and asks Oncle Vervain in Haitian Creole to be nice to his "friend." But Oncle Vervain ain't stupid, and is like hayul naw, and keep your tainted money, too!

Jacob Anderson is SO good with languages, so I'd've LOVED to see Black!Louis speak Haitian Creole, we were robbed and NO I won't STFU about it, Rolin, you OWE ME! 😩

There's also Louis' relationship with other religions. Cuz Haitian Voodoo shaped his life too; he DOES believe in magic, and the power of the gods/spirits/ancestors, and there's a REASON Lestat's weirdness doesn't faze him as much as it SHOULD. Cuz Voodoo & Catholicism go hand-in-hand, but most people never know that; they assume voodoo practitioners are just godless satanists; when no, Voodoo is deeply Catholic.

Plus, there's this thing very common in vampire lore. The victim of The Vampire is usually abnormally sensitive or aware of the occult beforehand in some way--from 2024!Ellen Hutter's epileptic fits being associated with the fae/changelings; to 1992!Mina Harker being a reincarnated dead woman who has dreams/visions/memories of her past life as Dracula's bride; to book!Lestat being the 7th son who goes to the Witches Place and sometimes sees spirits; and ofc AMC!Louis in the pilot script relying on Voodoo magic from Oncle Vervain, and mistaking Lestat as a European Voodoo master.

So I just wish we'd seen Oncle Vervain in living colour, with him & Lou interacting; and esp. Oncle Vervain & Lestat squaring off, I'd've died laughing, cuz Oncle Vervain was NOT playing games with him! 😅

Oncle Vervain & AMC!LDPDL: Twinsies

Funny enough, Oncle Vervain resembles vampire!Louis: A young mixed race Creole with "frightening" light eyes just like Merrick's (which the books say are green).

AMC keeps creaming themselves over Rowan Mayfair's actress' light eyes, but Vervain & Merrick had eerie eyes, too!

It would've been so cool to see brown-eyed!Louis as a human interact with a green/hazel-eyed Oncle Vervain, who could see spirits and knew all about the things that go bump in the night--Lestat included. Then Louis' made a vampire, and HE looks like Oncle Vervain, but a more twisted unnatural version of him. They're BOTH on the other side of the veil now, the same mystic veil that Louis had always been drawn to, even when no one else in his family approved. But Louis' one of the lougarou that Oncle Vervain AVOIDS. Louis has the WRONG type of magic now--the wrong type of green eyes from Oncle Vervain.

Alas, so many missed opportunities, Rolin. 😔

book!Vervain, and the Black Mayfairs

Like, Oncle Vervain's backstory in Merrick is WILD.

Oncle Vervain Mayfair was SCARY--not scary cuz he's evil or anything (the way Oncle Julien/Lasher scared everyone); but scary in that he's POWERFUL, which was RARE in male Mayfairs. Julien (b. 1828) & Vervain (c. very late 1800s/very early 1900s) were the goats.

The Mayfairs are all descended from Petyr van Abel, a psychic in the Talamasca, who impregnated Deborah Mayfair (and then impregnated their daughter Charlotte Mayfair), the daughter of Suzanne Mayfair, the first witch to ever summon Lasher. The Mayfairs inherited Petyr's psychic powers & Suzanne's extra chromosome (Taltos DNA); some Mayfairs having more or less, depending on their particular line's level of incest & inbreeding. Male Mayfairs could be strong psychics, but none of them were ever Lasher's Witch, except Julien Mayfair.

The Black Mayfairs learned a lot from Oncle Julien, but they had nothing to do with Lasher (a white supremacist eugenicist who'd actually remove the melanin from the Black slaves he possessed, so they could look Caucasian & more like him. 🤦). Julien Mayfair slept with A LOT of people, including Black women he impregnated with more Mayfair witches. Some were high yellow enough to pass as white & mix with the White Mayfairs, but the darker-skinned Creoles who couldn't pass (Merrick's line) were left on the margins--which was actually a good thing, since it kept Lasher FAR away from them, bless. But Oncle Julien would still swap magic with them (amongst other things....), and apparently he had a much more amicable relationship with the Black Mayfairs than any of the White Mayfairs; the way they talk about him is radically different from how the White Mayfairs did, which AMC obvs kept as canon--

--and the way the Black Mayfairs talked about Julien's radically different from how they talked about the rest of the White Mayfairs, too; whom they often saw as nosey busybodies & interlopers, and as racist hypocrites too ashamed to acknowledge the descendants of their Black slaves, lovers & mistresses.

(AMC removed all the racial/racist aspects of the Mayfairs & Taltos, a change I already said I hate, but wtvr.)

Angelique's genealogy's vague AF. For Julien to have been her nephew by blood, that means she has to have been a Black by-blow of either Julien's grandfather Henri Marie Landry (d. 1824), or more likely Julien's grandmother Marie Claudette Mayfair (d. 1831)--since Mayfairs pass the Mayfair name down matrilineally. (And for Julien to have met Angelique while he lived at First Street in NOLA, that had to be after after 1857, when the house was bought.) Wtvr, Julien & Angelique's son was Jerome Mayfair (aka The Old Man), the father of Alexis Mayfair; and grandfather of Vervain & Nananne. Merrick Mayfair knew The Old Man Jerome learned voodoo in Haiti & taught it to Oncle Vervain.

So Oncle Vervain got his power indirectly from the Taltos/Talamasca genes of the OG White Mayfairs, but more directly from learning the natural magic of his paternal Afro-Caribbean (& White Mayfair) ancestors who were Voodoo practitioners; and his maternal Mesoamerican ancestors who practiced brujeria.

Anne Rice bounced all around from the Maya to Aztec to Olmec to Guatemala to Brazil, like wtf? I hate when she talks about non-white peoples & cultures; let alone talking through them. 🤦

So yeah, Oncle Vervain & his baby sister Great Nananne are Black Creole descendants of Julien Mayfair. And Merrick Mayfair's mother Sandra was Great Nananne's granddaughter--Nananne had a Black daughter that married a white man and had 12 kids (sheesh!); but Sandra came out too dark-skinned to pass, so Merrick's white grandfather rejected his own biracial child & made his Black wife give Sandra away to be raised by Great Nananne instead, jfc.

If Sandra had been born lightskinted, she'd've taken her white dad's name & left NOLA for Chicago & not been raised as a Mayfair at all. But instead, Great Nananne taught Sandra and her daughters Honey & Merrick everything she knew about Voodoo, Oncle Vervain, and Oncle Julien.

Merrick Mayfair, "Blood Children," & book!Loustat

AMC!Vervain's attitude towards Loustat is so interesting, cuz he seems to feel very differently towards vampires than book!Vervain did about "Blood Children." According to Merrick Mayfair, Oncle Vervain had a vision of her future when she was a kid, and KNEW she'd be Turned into a vampire:

Merrick believed she & Louis were destined to meet; she'd become a great witch & voodoo priestess, her reputation would reach LDPDL via the Talamasca, and she'd be called in to help Lou exorcise ghost!Claudia.

From what book!Dolly Jean told book!Rowan Mayfair, Oncle Vervain's heart broke to learn Merrick was doomed to become a vampire. But according to Merrick, Oncle Vervain still helped & supported her, doing nothing to intervene--likely cuz the Black Mayfairs knew that Oncle Julien's ghost (d. 1914) had already started meddling with Mayfairs, and it never worked.

Moreover, Tante Oscar foretold that Loustat would cross Merrick's path:

I've long wondered if Raglan James' "you should fear the other one" actually referred to Lestat, a la the books:

Cuz Tante Oscar warned the Mayfairs that the vampire to fear was Lestat, the French blonde one who talked funny. The Mayfairs were like chile who GAF about Louis; just shake a crucifix at him and he'll run scared. 😂🤣 LESTAT was the boogeyman for them--and Rolin clearly picked up on this, seeing the way AMC!Vervain reacted to him in the pilot script. So he told Tante Oscar to tell the rest of the Mayfairs to stay far away Lestat, who'd do "terrible things" to them; while Louis would never actually attack a Mayfair in a fight.

So, Merrick Mayfair helped Louis exorcise ghost!Claudia in Merrick, AND she helped Quinn exorcise ghost!Goblin in Blackwood Farm--two tortured undead children whose souls had been warped by vampirism and couldn't rest & cross over without Merrick there to guide them all--even at the cost of her soul/life (*cough* the Magical Negro sacrificed for the sake of white characters, ofc). I've always said that I HATE how Merrick died, and how AR kept treating Black women in her books; and I was really hoping Merrick would be in AMC!IWTV so she could get better representation. Alas, it never happened. Not only that, but Rolin also cut Oncle Vervain Mayfair, too, like wtf?

TBF, I do wonder if Rolin removed the Mayfairs cuz DANIEL fulfills much of their role already, esp. wrt parsing Claudia's diaries in S1; and getting the Talamasca's help (to free Louis from Armand's toxic clutches). Armand became the parasite haunting/plaguing Louis' mind, rather than ghost!Claudia haunting him, that Daniel needed to exorcise/purge.

BUT!

IF we get ghost!Claudia in S3 haunting Lestat, AMC could totally move Merrick & Vervain to Lestat's storyline instead (loathe as I am to have anymore Black characters exposed to Lestat until he's taken a few CRT classes & gotten a boatload of therapy.) That way we can still get Merrick's backstory, and see everything Oncle Vervain taught her, and see her seance with Claudia (and hopefully even get Oncle Vervain's NOLA flashbacks with Loustat!).

MAKE IT HAPPEN, ROLIN. 🙏

[dyrewrites]

Happy STS! What piece(s) of media inspired your WIP the most? Your world? Your characters? Your narrative style? If there isn't any particular inspo, what media are you into rn in general?

Oh my, thank you!

Weald and Wen takes inspiration from my own dreams, mostly, but I cannot deny the influence 80s and 90s dark fantasy films had on it.

Labyrinth, Legend and The Dark Crystal particularly.

For all of it, in fact. I love the darker tones that can still be playful, and worlds that feel so rich and alive even if they're not fully explored.

It's all a delightful fit for the whole world of Mar I have smacking around in my skull.

And here is where I yammer...

Labyrinth has Mister manic fae King giggling while setting traps for the teenager he charmed into his ridiculously convoluted maze. Hoggle's here playing the role of 'friendly stranger' while lamenting his true role as pawn of the King. There's crazy dancing puppets taking off body parts. Suggestions of torture, of death, or worse for those who don't make it out. Friendly monsters! It's got it all and I love it.

Legend has some fascinating hints of lore never explained that titillate despite the plot being...thin. It's thin, and confusing if you've only seen the theatrical release. But it's charmingly depraved in parts and I love it for that. Never mind the aesthetic. You have a world of literal glitter (I'm sure they're still finding it places) paired with the deliciously gothic lair of the Lord of Darkness. Also there is Oona. Everyone love her. She is precious.

The Dark Crystal is this beautifully tragic world of things no one's ever seen before, entirely original creatures. There's not a human in sight. The world is agony, there's a rich background of history there but you're not getting all of it. No, you get these two idiots who are the last of their kind and you're going to watch them fail a lot on their way to save a world that doesn't seem to care about existing anymore. While a bunch of big dumb lizard things cackle at all the horrible things they've done and revel in their greed and gluttony. (Chamberlain I love you, never change)

They're dark, they're messed up, but they're also hopeful and funny and I think that's just my thing. I love it.

Also, puppets. All of these films have puppets and heavy use of creative practical effects.

It is why I'll tell people that Weald and Wen, or any of the series to come, could not be adapted to film unless you got Brian Froud involved. It needs creatures and practical effects and his particular style lives in my noggin. I think he could do it, probably better than me.