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surielstea · 7 months

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Washing Warriors

Pairing: Cassian x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader washes Cassian and he returns the favor

Warnings: Suggestiveness | Groping | handsy Cassian | pet name usage (sweetheart)

2.2k words

The house was eerily silent, and knowing my mate that could never be good. After I realized the silence it nagged at me despite my want to enjoy the peace with a nice book in my hands. Though every creak and croak of the house now distracted me and I found myself rereading entire pages.

Eventually I grew beyond fed up and closed my book, not bothering to mark it when I'll have to go back later anyways. I exhale deeply and place my book on the armrest before getting up, expecting to return to the comfortable chair soon.

"Cassian!" I call up the stairs but I earn no reply. A frown forms on my lips and I begin the ascent. Once going through the hall I peer through every open door. The general was never one for closed doors, enjoyed the open space he always told me. Meaning if any of them were closed he most likely didn't want to be bothered.

I spied into my office which was the last remaining open door before our bedroom. But alas he wasn't in there. I click my tongue on the roof of my mouth and enter our shared bedroom. Starlight seeped past the sheer curtains, the full moon illuminating the entirety of the room. The bed still clean and made from this morning, untouched. I notice the armoire door cracked open and walk over to it, shutting it with a click.

A dim light beams from the alcove leading to the master bathroom. The tenseness in my expression relaxes when I round the corner of the nook and find the bathing chambers entrance wide open. Not one for closed doors at all.

I spot my mate in the bath, quietly running water down his arm and watching as it dripped from his finger tips. His large back was faced to me, broad shoulders and rippling muscle along with so many scars. His hair was down, cascading only a few inches below his neck.

"You're staring, sweetheart." Cassian hummed, his baritone voice startling me out of my stupor. "Sorry." I twist on my heel and go to leave. He turns his head to look back at me. "Sweetheart!" He calls before I can leave fully. I catch myself on the corner of the wall and peek my head back in. "What is it?" I ask dumbly, his eyes somehow beckon me closer and I find my feet following his silent command.

It wasn't long before I was standing beside the edge of the basin and he was staring up at me, looking like a lost puppy dog. "Can you wash my wings?" He asked sweetly and I rolled my eyes. "Can't you do it with magic?" I tease. "I prefer your hands." He shrugs. "You've had me training all day," I sit on the edge of the tub. "I'm tired." I huff, blaming his laborious tasks on his own demise. "You won't be as sore tomorrow if you get in the hot water." He argues with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Please." He places a wet hand onto my dry one and gives it a soft squeeze, the gentleness of his touch so hypocritical to the coarse callousness marring him. The same roughness I loved so much. He stared up at me like a goddess and I was his only salvation, like nothing else mattered and it was only me and him. He knew what he was doing. "Cass." And he knew it was working. A smile curves his lips because it's evident in my voice that he's got me hooked.

"If you don't I'll splash you." He warns and I gasp dramatically. "Making threats now are we?" I stand back up and he nods cheekily, his sharp canines digging into his lower lip. He shamelessly stares as I strip my night gown off, exposing myself entirely. His vision make direct contact with my breasts and I roll my eyes. I grab his hand and slide my hairband from his wrist that was probably holding his own hair up today. I step into the water while tying my hair up in order not to get it wet. His gaze trails from my breasts up to the exposure of my neck, to my hair that I rarely ever had tied back.

I groan as the hot water wraps around my muscles, coming up to my chest as steam surrounds the both of us. A smirk curves his lips as he stares at me and I sigh, leaning closer then pressing a loving kiss to his smile. "Turn around." I instruct and a bright smile spreads over his lips. "Thank you sweetheart." He hums happily as I detach from his lips and he swivels so his back faces me. "Training better be easier tomorrow as my reward." I demand, wetting my hands in the warm water.

"I was thinking something different for a reward." He intones as I pour a hefty dollop of soap made especially for Illyrian wings onto my palm. I flush at the insinuation. "I expect that too." I say as if he doesn't already 'reward' me with that every time I ask for it.

"Just don't go splashing me and we won't have any problems." I warn and a smile tugs at his lips. "You're not into waterplay then?" He taunts. "You were banned from the summer court for a reason." I giggle, beginning to pour water from a pitcher over his flared wing. "That doesn't mean we couldn't get you banned too." He taunted and I only shook my head and rolled my eyes.

Washing an Illyrians wings was an intimate and personal process, some males were so protective of them they didn't let anyone touch them, not even a healer. Cassian had always said those males were missing out. And he must've been telling the truth because here he was with his head hung back with a bright pink flush dusting his golden skin, a groan occasionally slipping from his sensuous lips every time my fingertips brushed over a vein or a scar.

Though the exercise of washing his wings was tedious and sensitive it was just as rewarding for me as him. He'd send the most overwhelming waves of love and adoration through the bond the entire time, as if I was feeling the pleasure myself and it urged me to go on. I didn't want the appreciation to end, something told me neither did he.

"You're too good to me." He sighed out, a gleam of sweat lining his forehead from both the heat of the water and the passion in which his skin burned as I touched him where no one else could. "Nonsense, my lord." I tease, kissing just below his ear along his jaw. "You know I hate when you call me that." He sighed and I giggle teasingly. I did in fact know that. "Apologies, General." I correct and kiss the same spot again. He grunts in reply like some sort of untamed beast and I grin wildly.

"You'd be better off not calling me that either." He advises and I continue my work on the membrane of his large wings. "Why?" I ask. He reaches back, water dripping down his impressive forearms and to his biceps that could crush my head in. His fingers intertwine with my dry hair and he guides me down so when he turns his head it's his lips on mine.

It wasn't words but it was reply enough. Calling him such a name would get me in trouble, but not the kind I feared. "Let me finish your wings before you forget we're in a bath." I back away from his mouth and he sighed in a low growling reply. I smile knowingly and he narrows his eyes on me, begrudgingly his hold released and he allows me to return to my task.

He seemed so relaxed I thought he might fall asleep before making it back onto the bed. Though I knew better then to doubt my mates stamina, I was reminded of that the hard way far too much to forget. Honestly the male might hold a world record.

I get distracted in my lewd thoughts and allow my massaging hands to dip from his wings to his shoulders, then down to his biceps where the carved muscle felt like the mother herself graced him with them. "I may need to brush up on my Illyrian anatomy, but last time I checked those weren't my wings." His voice rattles me from my dissociative state. "So because I pleasure you doesn't mean I can't indulge myself?" I ask, digging my nails into his shoulders with the slightest force. "By all means," He props his arms up on either side of me and I giggle when he purposefully flexes them.

My hands slowly move back to his wings— making sure to memorize every muscle and curve on my way there. I'm finishing the pleasurable job with a few more gentle strokes along his veins, the kind of touches that made his nails dig into his palms and his head hang low. I relish in the feelings flowing from his end of the bond to mine, pure warmth and affection. Cassian has always been a little more protective of his wings than the others, it took awhile before he allowed even me to touch them. But once I did it was something he always wanted.

I finalize my task by rinsing the large wings, pouring a steady stream of water over the backs of them. I watch as the soap dissolves and the suds slide away. "All done?" He cranes his head back to look at me from upside down. I nod enthusiastically and lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "How was work?" My voice is barely a whisper against his skin. He groaned, as if remembering the fact that he flew back from Illyria today.

"The usual." He sighs, lifting his head up and shifting away from the rim of the tub. Sensing he didn't want to talk about it I didn't push any further. "Well, my day was great." I dip back into the warm water, sitting down and allowing it to rush over my slightly cold body. "Yeah? Tell me about it." He prompts as he poured body wash from a vial into his large hands.

"Well I mostly read all day," He grabs me by the waist and pulls me closer to him and I just allow it. "And the books I'm reading are so good Cass." I smile just thinking about them, how they were exactly what I was looking for. "Do you want to tell me about them?" He asks as he lifts me up onto my knees with only one of his hands, making me rise above the water. "No," I shake my head. "These ones are just for me." I grinned, turning around. "Okay." He places a soft kiss to my bare shoulder before placing his soapy hand on my middle, then lathering all over my body with his calloused, large hands. "What'd you eat today?" He asks softly, expecting me to answer as if his rough hands weren't rubbing along the small of my back or the side of my waist. "Leftovers from dinner last night," I manage to utter as soon as I regain control of my thoughts.

"Mm, what are you thinking for dinner tonight?" His voice was as gentle as his touch, reverberating from right beside my ear. He knew exactly what he was doing and I wasn't going to fall for it. "I don't—" My breath hitched as both of his hands round my ribs and cup my breasts. "You don't what?" He prompts and his taunts makes me close my eyes. "I don't know." I confess.

I can feel him smile against the curve of my neck. He begins to knead my breasts, giving them extra care compared to my other body parts. He places soft kisses up my neck and I slowly sink down so I'm sitting on my knees, giving him access to my jaw and my ear. "Cass." My hand clamps around one of his wrists but his ministrations don't relent, his other hand beginning to circle around the hardened peak of my breast. "Sweetheart." He taunts. "Have I told you you're beautiful today?" He asks and I think back on it. Then shake my head no. "Hm, that's disappointing." He sighs then kisses my cheek. "You're beautiful." He states it with so much confidence it sounds more like a fact. "I'm naked." I correct and I can feel his smile spread along his lips. "Exactly, my beautiful wife." He says softly before pecking my cheek once more. One of his hands moves away from my breast but the other continues its movements.

His rough fingers trail past my collar bone, up the column of my neck, and to my chin where he pulls my head to the side, directed towards him. "My very beautiful wife." He corrects and it takes everything in me not to smile at the sappiness of it. He presses his lips against mine and I can no longer contain it, I allow the smile to spread. I shift the angle of my body to face him before wrapping my arms around his neck. "I think I'll take that reward now." I whisper against his soft lips and he nods in understanding, his hands trailing down to my hips.

#acotar #cassian #bat boys #fanfic #sarah j maas #x reader #a court of thorns and roses #x you #cassian x reader #cassian x fem!reader #acotar fluff #fluff #cute #suriels tea

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fr0stf4ll · 20 days

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Forge of Starlight - Epilogue - A New Dawn

paring; Azriel x reader

summary; In the heart of Velaris, a skilled blacksmith's quiet life is turned upside down when unexpected bonds begin to form with the enigmatic Spymaster of the Night Court. As she navigates the challenges of her craft and the complexities of newfound relationships, she discovers that love and loyalty may be the strongest forces of all in a world where darkness often lingers just beyond the light.

word count ; 4.1k

warning; mentions of death, fight.

notes; Hey so here is the last chapter of the story, i hope that you enjoyed it. It was something very new to me to write such story but i'm happy that some of you stayed until the end. I'm working on some one shots for the moment, much lighter than this story, my requests are also open for those who have ideas. See you soon and thank you again <333

here is the link for part 16

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The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. You stirred in the warmth of your bed, the familiar scent of home wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. As you slowly blinked your eyes open, the first thing you saw was Azriel, lying beside you, his gaze already on you, filled with love and warmth.

“Hello, my love,” he whispered, his voice soft and tender as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face.

A smile spread across your lips as you leaned into his touch, the warmth of his hand on your cheek grounding you in the present, in this moment that was filled with peace and contentment. You reached out, wrapping your arms around him, pulling him close as you buried your face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his familiar scent.

“Good morning,” you murmured against his skin, your voice still thick with sleep but laced with happiness. You hugged him tighter, savoring the feeling of his strong arms wrapping around you in return, holding you close as if he never wanted to let go.

These were the moments you cherished most—the quiet, peaceful mornings where it was just the two of you, wrapped up in each other, the world outside nothing more than a distant memory. It was a far cry from the life you had once lived, filled with turmoil and pain, but now… now, there was only love, only happiness.

After a few moments, you pulled back slightly to look at him, your eyes tracing the familiar lines of his face. There was a softness in his gaze, a quiet joy that made your heart swell with love.

“I still can’t believe this is our life,” you whispered, your fingers gently brushing over his cheek. “That we’re here, together, after everything…”

Azriel’s smile deepened, his hand coming up to cradle the back of your head, pulling you close for a gentle, lingering kiss. “It’s our life, Y/N. Our home. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

You glanced around the room, taking in the space that had become your sanctuary, your haven. The apartment was different from the one you had once shared with Alex, the one filled with so many memories—both good and painful. This was a new place, a new beginning. The walls were painted a soft, calming shade, and the furniture was a mix of both your tastes—modern pieces blended with rustic touches that gave the space warmth and character.

It was your home, yours and Azriel’s, and every corner of it reflected the life you were building together.

The decision to move had been difficult, but ultimately necessary. You had wanted a fresh start, a place that wasn’t haunted by the ghosts of your past, a place where you and Azriel could build something new, something that was just yours. And here, in this apartment in the heart of Velaris, you had found that.

“Are you happy?” Azriel asked, his voice gentle as he searched your eyes, his thumb brushing over your cheek.

You nodded, a smile spreading across your lips as you leaned into his touch. “I am. More than I ever thought I could be.”

Azriel’s eyes softened, and he pressed a kiss to your forehead, holding you close. “Good. That’s all I ever wanted for you.”

You sighed contentedly, resting your head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “And you? Are you happy?”

He chuckled softly, his hand gently stroking your hair. “How could I not be? I have everything I’ve ever wanted, right here with you.”

You closed your eyes, letting the peace of the moment wash over you. Two years had passed since that fateful night in the forest, since you had reclaimed your power and your life. So much had changed since then, but through it all, Azriel had been by your side, your constant, your anchor.

Becoming the emissary of the Night Court had been a natural progression. You had always been skilled in diplomacy, in navigating the complex web of relationships between the courts. And now, you used those skills to strengthen the Night Court’s position, to forge new alliances and maintain old ones. It was a role that suited you, that gave you purpose.

But even though you had taken on this new role, you hadn’t completely left behind the forge. Blacksmithing was still a part of you, a part of your soul. Now, it was more of a hobby, something you did when you needed to clear your mind or when inspiration struck. You had set up a small workshop in the apartment, where you would spend hours tinkering with new designs, creating weapons that were as much art as they were instruments of war.

It was a balance that brought you peace, a way to honor your past while embracing your future.

As you lay there in Azriel’s arms, you couldn’t help but think about how far you had come, how much you had grown. The pain of the past would always be a part of you, but it no longer defined you. You had found a way to move forward, to build a life filled with love and happiness.

Azriel shifted slightly, his hand tilting your chin up so that you were looking into his eyes. “What are you thinking about?”

You smiled softly, your hand coming up to rest over his heart. “Just… everything. How lucky I am. How grateful I am to have you.”

He smiled, his thumb brushing over your lips before he leaned in to kiss you, slow and sweet. “I’m the lucky one,” he murmured against your lips.

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “We’re both lucky, then.”

He pulled you closer, holding you tight as if he never wanted to let go. And in that moment, you knew that this was where you were meant to be—right here, in Azriel’s arms, in the home you had built together.

And no matter what the future held, you knew that you would face it together, with love, with strength, and with the unbreakable bond that had brought you both to this moment.

As the morning light grew brighter, you felt a sense of peace settle over you, a quiet contentment that filled your heart. This was your life now, and you wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

The day passed peacefully, a gentle rhythm of tasks and small moments of joy that filled your new home with warmth. As evening approached, the anticipation of gathering with the Inner Circle brought a sense of excitement. The bond you had with Azriel’s family—the family you had become a part of—was stronger than ever. Tonight was just one of those nights where you could all come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company.

You dressed in something simple yet elegant, a deep blue dress that complemented the rich tones of Azriel’s favorite color. He smiled approvingly when he saw you, his eyes lingering with a mix of admiration and love. “You look stunning,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your temple.

“Thank you,” you replied, returning the affection with a gentle smile. “And you look as dashing as ever.”

Azriel, in his usual dark attire that fit him perfectly, offered you his arm, and together, you made your way through the winding streets of Velaris to the townhouse where the rest of the Inner Circle awaited. The stars were just beginning to appear in the sky, twinkling above like a promise of the good night ahead.

When you arrived, the townhouse was already filled with the familiar sounds of laughter and conversation. The scent of delicious food wafted through the air, mingling with the warmth and comfort that always radiated from this place.

As you stepped inside, you were immediately greeted by Cassian’s booming voice. “There they are! Took you two long enough.”

You laughed, shaking your head as Cassian pulled you into a bear hug. “Good to see you too, Cassian,” you teased, patting his back before he released you.

Mor was next, her smile bright as she took your hands, squeezing them affectionately. “You look radiant, Y/N. I’m so glad you’re here. You have to tell me everything, how was the Summer Court, you have been there for two whole weeks. ”

“Of course haha. It’s good to be here,” you replied, returning her smile. Mor’s warmth and friendship had been a constant source of comfort over the years, and you cherished her for it.

Amren, ever the enigma, nodded to you from her place near the fireplace, her sharp gaze softened just enough to convey her approval. You nodded back, grateful for the bond you had formed with her—a bond built on mutual respect and understanding.

Rhysand was the last to greet you, his expression filled with genuine affection as he embraced you. “Welcome, Y/N. It’s not the same without you here.”

“Thank you, Rhys,” you replied, feeling the warmth of his words settle in your heart.

The dinner that followed was filled with laughter, stories, and the easy camaraderie that had come to define your time with the Inner Circle. The food was delicious, as always, and the wine flowed freely as the conversation moved from topic to topic.

At one point, Cassian leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin on his face. “So, Y/N, how’s the emissary life treating you? Got any juicy tales of court intrigue to share?”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “It’s been interesting, to say the least. But I think you’ll have to wait for the next Night Court council meeting for the really juicy details.”

Cassian groaned, pretending to be disappointed. “You’re no fun.”

Mor, sitting beside him, elbowed him playfully. “Leave her alone, Cass. She’s already done enough, wrangling all those high lords and their egos.”

“I’m sure Y/N has some good stories,” Rhysand chimed in, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “After all, she’s met some rather interesting characters over the years.”

You rolled your eyes good-naturedly. “Oh, there have been a few. But I think the best story is how I managed to survive the chaos of this lot.”

Azriel squeezed your hand under the table, his smile softening as he looked at you. “You’ve done more than survive. You’ve thrived.”

The conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from the latest news in Prythian to the more personal, day-to-day happenings in Velaris. There was an ease to it, a sense of belonging that made you feel truly at home.

As the evening wore on, the group moved to the sitting room, where more wine was poured and the fire crackled warmly in the hearth. You found yourself nestled on the couch beside Azriel, his arm draped comfortably around your shoulders.

Rhysand raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over the room. “To family,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “To the bonds we share, and to the future we’re building together.”

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, echoing his words. “To family.”

You sipped your wine, feeling the truth of those words resonate deep within you. This was your family now—these incredible, powerful, and loving people who had welcomed you into their lives and hearts. And as you sat there, surrounded by laughter and warmth, you knew that this was exactly where you were meant to be.

The night eventually wound down, and one by one, the members of the Inner Circle began to make their way home. Cassian and Mor were the first to leave, Cassian pulling you into another hug and whispering a teasing remark about not working too hard. Mor kissed your cheek, promising to visit you soon for some “much-needed girl time.”

Amren nodded to you as she departed, a rare but genuine smile playing on her lips. Rhysand was the last to see you off, his hand resting on your shoulder as he looked into your eyes.

“You’ve come a long way, Y/N,” he said quietly, his voice filled with pride. “We’re lucky to have you with us.”

You smiled, feeling a lump in your throat as you nodded. “I’m lucky to have all of you.”

With that, you and Azriel made your way back to your apartment, the night air cool and refreshing as you walked through the quiet streets of Velaris. The city was bathed in moonlight, the stars twinkling above like a promise of all the good things still to come.

When you finally reached your home, you paused at the door, turning to look at Azriel. His expression was soft, filled with the same love and affection you had seen that morning.

“Ready to call it a night?” he asked, his voice low and gentle.

You smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over you as you nodded. “Yes, let’s go home.”

—

The cemetery was quiet, the air filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers as spring finally began to take hold of the land. You walked slowly along the path, the familiar weight of the past pressing lightly on your shoulders. It had been a long time since you’d visited this place—too long, and the guilt of it lingered in your chest.

As you approached Alex’s grave, a sense of peace washed over you. The headstone was simple, yet elegant, adorned with a few weathered tokens left by you and others over the years. You knelt down, reaching out to gently brush away a few stray leaves that had settled on the stone.

“Hi, Alex,” you whispered, your voice soft as the memories flooded back. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since I visited. Life has been… well, it’s been busy.”

You sat down, crossing your legs beneath you as you let the silence stretch between you and the grave. It felt good to be here, to talk to him, even if he couldn’t answer.

“I’ve been working as an emissary for the Night Court,” you began, a small smile playing on your lips. “It’s been challenging, but I think I’m making a difference. I’ve visited nearly every court, negotiating, building relationships. I even went back to the Day Court recently. Helion still hasn’t given up on trying to recruit me, by the way.”

You chuckled softly, imagining how Alex would have laughed at that.

“The shop… it’s closed now. I still do some blacksmithing, but it’s more of a hobby than anything else. I think you’d understand why I needed to step away from it, why it was important to start fresh. Azriel and I have a new apartment in Velaris—our home. It’s a place where we can build something new, something just for us.”

You paused, your fingers idly tracing the grooves in the stone. “I miss you, Alex. I think about you all the time. There’s so much I wish you could have seen, so much I wish we could have done together. But I hope… I hope you’re at peace.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of all that had been left unsaid. You felt a lump form in your throat, but you swallowed it down, determined to keep your voice steady.

“I love you,” you whispered, your eyes stinging with unshed tears. “I always will.”

As you sat there in the quiet, you felt a gentle touch on your elbow. You turned to see Azriel standing beside you, his expression soft and understanding. “It’s time to go,” he said gently, his voice filled with warmth. “We have dinner tonight, with everyone.”

You nodded, giving the grave one last lingering look. “I’ll be back soon, Alex,” you promised. “And I’ll bring you more stories.”

As you stood up, your eyes caught sight of something near the base of the headstone—a small, delicate flower, its petals a brilliant shade of blue, the same color as the flames of your power. It hadn’t been there before, and its sudden appearance felt like a sign, a gentle reminder that life goes on, that new beginnings are always possible, even after the coldest winters.

You smiled, a sense of calm settling over you as you took Azriel’s hand, feeling his warmth seep into your skin. Together, you turned and walked away from the grave, leaving behind the past but carrying its memory with you.

As you left the cemetery, the sky above was clear, the stars beginning to twinkle as evening approached. The world felt alive, vibrant, full of promise. And as you and Azriel made your way to the townhouse, ready to join your family for dinner, you knew that you were exactly where you were meant to be—moving forward, with love, with hope, and with the strength of those who had come before you.

The small blue flower by Alex’s grave swayed gently in the breeze, a symbol of the new life that spring had brought, a life that you would continue to cherish and honor, now and always.

---

tag list: @annamariereads16 @hanatsuki-hime @elsie-bells @shizukestar @rose-girls-world @brit-broskis-cole-fanfic @faridathefairy @elsie-bells @faridathefairy @wolfbc97 @rcarbo1 @kitsunetori @hufflepuff-pa55 @proclivity-for-fantasy-97 @sometimeseverythingsucks @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @angel-graces-world-of-chaos @lilah-asteria @fightmedraco @atomictyphoonkitten @fightmedraco

don't hesitate to comment if you want to be added to the tag list ;)))

#azriel fic #rhysand #azriel #cassian #acotar #azriel x reader #azriel x you #sword #a court of thorns and roses #acotar series #acotar fanfiction #azriel spymaster #azriel shadowsinger #azriel acotar #acotar fanfic #acotar x reader #acotar x you

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spacedace · 1 year

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A week ago every television, radio, computer and phone had been taken over to deliver a message. The face of an entity, human in shape but not in form. Hair as gleaming white as starlight, eyes bright as the twisting dance of the Aurora Borealis, skin as cold and blue as the tail of a comet. The entity wore armor as black as the depths of space with a crown to match, the latter glinting and shifting with the twisting birth and death of galaxies. A cloak of nebulae danced down his shoulders, eclipsing the world beyond the entity entirely. High King Phantom of the Infinite Realms. The Shifting Where. Son of the Eternal When. Father of the Ever Onward. His Epitaphs many and ever growing. The True Balance. The Promised Bridge. The Devourer of Dark. The Last Child of Between. The Great One. --- Danny doesn't want war, but with the increased ruthlessness of the GIW, his parents' attack on him and Jazz and Elle missing, he doesn't have much of a choice left. The best he can hope for is to try and minimize the fallout. Meanwhile Justice League is doing everything in their power to try and find a way towards peace - a prospect made more and more difficult by the involvement of Amanda Waller.

Thank you again to @catastrophic-crow for the name for the story :D <3 <3 <3

#dc x dp #dp x dc #dpxdc #danny phantom #danny fenton #justice league #bruce wayne #amanda waller #clark kent #ghost king danny #space core danny #ancient of space danny #ghost zone goes to war #reluctant war au #let's gooooooooo

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thatacotargirl · 4 months

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A Court of Emberfall and Starlight (1)

A warm welcome to A Court of Emberfall and Starlight! This series will explore Eris and Rhys' Sister Reader. I am beyond excited at what this new story will bring, I hope you follow along for the journey!

The character of Rhys' Sister Reader has experienced trauma from her time Under the Mountain. This is not explored in this chapter, but will be explored in future chapters. Please take care to read the warnings for each chapter before you begin.

A special thank you to @the-wall-willow for requesting this pairing 💜

Warnings: descriptions of a panic attack, allusions to trauma

An Eris x Rhys' Sister Reader Fanfiction

Reader POV

With the number of targets we have on our backs and the war with Hybern looming, it's no surprise that my brother has me under lock and key in our home.

It doesn't mean I have to be happy about it.

After Rhys and I came back from Under the Mountain, it was like a switch had flipped in his brain. We had always been the 'dynamic duo', as Cassian called us, scaring our parents half to death with our stupidly daring and adventurous antics. But, after what we went through, it was as though Rhys saw just how close to death we had been, and couldn't stand the thought. Our nighttime flights and audacious excursions ceased immediately and everywhere I went, one of Azriel's shadows followed closely behind. As the hostility between Courts increased, so did my protections, until now - where I am effectively under house arrest for the foreseeable future.

I love my brother and I know he worries, but if I have to spend another day trapped in these walls, I think I might scream.

"Y/N, ARE YOU READY YET?"

I'm pretty sure the entire population of Velaris just heard Cassian ask if I am ready. Looking in the mirror, I smooth down my black satin skirt and adjust the silver, cropped tank top. With a brief nod to myself, I head out of my bedroom and down to the living room, where Cassian is waiting to fly me to the River House.

I am living at the House of Wind at the minute, sharing a home with Cassian and Azriel. Rhys wanted me to stay at the River House with him and Feyre, but I argued that I needed my own space - largely so I didn't have to hear them every time I left the room. I mean, really, on the dining table? I eat breakfast there!

Rhys agreed to me moving into the House of Wind as long as I agreed to not leave without Cassian or Azriel accompanying me. Like I'd be able to otherwise... I am quite happy to walk down the 10,000 steps to the street, but walk back up 10,000 steps? Not a chance. I also have to do weekly check-ins with Rhys to make sure I am ok, especially after what happened Under the Mountain. I still haven't spoken about it with anyone, not even Rhys, and he treats me like a fragile snow globe as a result - worried that he'll say the wrong thing and I'll crash and burn.

Today, however, is a little different. Today we are all heading to the River House to discuss the plan for tomorrow's High Lord meeting. All the High Lords will be visiting the Night Court to talk battle preparations ahead of the impending Hybern threat. Now that the High Lords know about Velaris, and at Helion and Tarquin's insistence that they see it, Rhys offered to host as an olive-branch gesture to ensure their alliance should war break out.

"Ready".

You smile at Cassian as you approach and let him tuck his arms under your back and knees, before taking to the skies. You roll 180 degrees in his arms once you're flight-born so he is holding you with both hands under your stomach and your body facing down towards Velaris. It's one of your favourite ways to fly, letting your arms swing out in front of you like you have wings of your own. You can feel Cassian's chest shake with a chuckle as you hold your arms out like a bird, enjoying the way the wind feels around your face. You didn't inherit Rhys' ability to grow wings. In fact, you didn't seem to inherit Rhys' anything. Despite being almost a century old and technical heir to the Night Court, until Rhys and Feyre have their first child, you hadn't yet displayed a single power of your own.

Cassian lands gentle on the balcony of the River House and you give his shoulder a gentle pat in thanks before walking through to find your brother.

"RHYYYYYYSSAAAANNNNNNDDDDD"

"Cauldron, y/n, I'm right here".

You grin as Rhys rounds his office door and engulfs you in a bear hug.

"I've missed you".

"Yeah yeah, don't pull the soppy big brother bullshit on me now". But you hug him just that bit tighter.

"Thank you for coming, we could use your input for the meeting tomorrow".

"My input? Rhys, I'm flattered, but I'm as useful as a chocolate teapot for anything to do with you High Lords".

Rhys chuckles before ruffling your hair and pulling you into his office.

"You've always had a way with words, and we need to appease all the High Lords to make sure we're allied should Hybern strike. It's going to be hard enough with Tamlin attending, let alone Beron".

"Tamlin and Beron are coming?"

You shudder in mock horror, much to Rhys' amusement.

"Yes, both of them. And whilst I might be the one and only Night Court High Lord, no one holds a candle to you when it comes to pulling on heartstrings and having them wrapped around your finger".

He's not wrong. From the moment you were born, you had Rhys wrapped around your little finger. He was your built in best friend and protector. Once Cassian and Azriel joined the picture, you suddenly have 3 best friends and 3 protectors, all of whom would kill for you. Or run out to buy you ice cream at 2 in the morning. Or really anything else you asked them for.

"Fine, I'll help".

"That's my girl. Will you stay here tonight? It would be nice to have you stay for dinner".

"I'd like that. What time will dinner be?"

"7pm - and it'll just be you, me, and Feyre. Cassian has gone to join Az in Windhaven and they won't be back until tomorrow morning now; and Feyre should be home from the studio at around 6ish".

You nod in response and turn to leave, letting Rhys carry on with whatever he was working on at his desk. Looking at the clock as you leave his office, you see that it's only 3pm. A mischievous smile crosses your face as you turn back, checking that Rhys has his back to you, before turning left out of his office towards the front door. Opening it as quietly as you can, you take one last look behind you, before making a break for it.

Velaris at 3pm in the early autumn is one of the most special times. There is a slight chill in the air, but the sun still warms you enough to be comfortable. The trees are turning, their red, orange and yellow colours filling your sight as far as you can see. Autumn might just be one of your favourite times of the year, besides Starfall and the Winter Solstice, naturally.

You want to get your brother and Feyre a gift, or maybe dessert for tonight, but you don't want them to know that you snuck out of the House alone against their instructions. Sighing, you decide that you might as well make the most of it, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at your favourite bakery on the Rainbow. You make your way there, walking in a happy daze, watching the rest of Velaris' citizens bustling about with their day. It makes you smile, seeing how happy everyone looks. But with each smiling face, you're reminded of what you had to do to guarantee it. What you had to sacrifice for it. You feel your steps start to falter and you slow down, suddenly feeling an anxiety you hadn't realised was brewing in your chest at the thought of entering the bakery and speaking with the staff. You feel your chest tighten and your breathing become ragged.

Not again.

Looking around, you can't find anywhere private to hide. Although he will be furious, you attempt to call to Rhys, but you're met with a solid, obsidian wall - no doubt in concentration as he prepares for tomorrow's meeting.

You can sense your legs beginning to heat and a jelly-like feeling starts to pass over them. You need to find somewhere to sit, or you will go down in the middle of the street.

Approaching the edge of the Sidra, you drop to the railing, trying to gulp in air but feeling like your lungs are suffocating. You can't get control of your breaths, and your heart is speeding at rapid pace, making everything around you fade in and out of focus. Tears stream down your face and everything hurts.

"Hey, you're safe, you're safe".

A hand gently touches your shoulder, deepening the pressure there once they see you don't flinch away. Grounding you.

"Tell me 5 things you can see".

"The Sidra, the Rainbow, the Book Store, the clouds, my hands".

"Good, now 4 things you can feel".

"The grass, the railing, the wind, the ground, my skirt"

"3 things you can hear".

"The water, the people, you".

"2 things you can smell".

"Coffee and cinnamon".

"1 thing you can taste".

"The pastry I had for breakfast".

You feel the stranger laugh next to you.

"What pastry?"

"It was a custard pastry".

"Was it nice?"

You chuckle. "Yes, it was".

"How are you feeling?"

You check in with yourself, and are surprised to notice that the panic attack has stopped. Your heart is still definitely beating faster than it should be, but you don't feel the impending sense of doom, and your breathing has slowly returned back to normal.

"Better, thank you. How did you do that?"

"My brother has panic attacks sometimes, I use that to help him too".

You look up to lock eyes with the stranger, and kneeling in front of you is the most handsome male you have ever seen. You see a shine flare across his eyes as he studies your face. The male clearly isn't from here. If his red hair wasn't a giveaway, his clothes would have been. Exquisitely embroidered and tailored to fit his body to perfection, it features detailed patterns of flames and red leaves.

The Muse of Autumn. You make a note to share the image with Feyre and ask her to paint him.

"Thank you".

"You're most welcome".

The stranger helps you to your feet, making sure to check you are steady before he lets go of your arms.

"Would you like me to walk you home?".

You consider the offer, but Rhys is already going to be angry if he realises that you left the house by yourself, let alone if your return with a random male in tow.

"I'll be ok, thank you though".

"My pleasure ...?"

"Y/n".

"My pleasure, y/n".

The stranger bows gently to you before walking away towards the coffee shop. As you start to make your way back to the house, bracing yourself for Rhys' fury, you realise you never asked the stranger for his name in return.

#a court of frost and starlight #a court of thorns and roses #acotar #a court of wings and ruin #acotar fanfiction #acotar x reader #acotar x y/n #a court of silver flames #a court of mist and fury #eris x reader #eris x y/n #eris acotar #eris vanserra #rhys sister

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shock · 8 months

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"Don't just play—do something!", Jack Abele, 01.21.24.

This is a companion piece to the collage I made about moving into the first place that felt like my home back in '21 (shown below). They have matching frames and are displayed together above our dining table! This second piece is a reflection on how my relationship to "home" has evolved since then, especially after proposing to my now fiancé last month. I'm really proud of it!

Text transcript:

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

In the cold, thin clouds of interstellar space, written in the precise message of starlight:

What made you so interested in fireflies?

Imagine that they propel the environment into play: they STAND OUT, add color, chaos, curves moving behind and below, inside, outward along feedback loops, perplexing positive panic persuaded to make another form of animal art.

Love is a Many-Splendored Thing, a beautiful structure, flamboyantly scuzzy, sassy, a full bouquet of many wild ideas — a dazzling interplay between lightness and unclarity, trying things out, fancy, whimsical records looped with webs, half-truth surface textures composed of swirls within swirls, a performance of information, scene-setting details with many impressive, more tongue-in-cheek, unforeseeable aspects relatively stable and evolving at the same time.

Distinctly transitional.

The trouble with love is it's hard to describe in simple and consistent words. Beyond the jolting familiarity of self-similar, self-referential tessellating hues, the little comedy-drama fictions... you see openness, possibilities toward change; our very existence together antidote to the dull grind of the paradox that we live every moment in an indifferent universe yet having so much fun with friends, local communities, places, faces, even muddy bog holes.

Music! A Tribe Called Quest, The Beastie Boys, The Breeders, Nick Cave, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Santana and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, mud-caked at Woodstock, picking up Space Age scrap, cutting collaged paper, playing with magical little lights, heretically evolving in this meaningless, magnificent place fine-tuned just right to allow for life, love, and grunge to exist nevertheless.

Maybe what keeps me here, making art, is how beautiful it is for optimism to become the first expression of hope despite danger amid the disparate depth of our universe created by chaos.

Movement characterizes my "youthful, dynamic" journey, escapes to infinite other places somewhere else, afraid of considering complicated survival long-term, wherein risk is worth the reward. But something about your windy city reminded me what strange, cascading effects the fingers of two hands form together, intersect one another, interfere with fate, interlace like light radiating rays woven, at certain points, into dynamic singularities.

Mutualism is a happy hybrid of symmetry and chaos — a relationship, it's like the entire forest is blinking in sync.

Just as the fun is to make up a great story, the writer in me calls this piece, "Don't just play— do something!"

This time around, living offers a profound pivot from playing a game. Today we confront as animals, we're not far from dogs, domesticated punks at heart, manifold.

I am humbled, exhilarated, afraid yet strangely calm and clear "On Bended Knee"

(The term ground seems inapt.)

...Nor is it possible to describe...

The closest feeling to being the world itself? It is to have loved someone so much that you wanted to spend the rest of your lifetime with them, with each other.

We're writing a book. Adding a stroke of paint and words to illustrate what we became, a bright third dimension that can be seen from space to meet the generations to come, to simulate the uncountable whimsies they could achieve.

The mind already knows before the key touches the lock.

To watch firefly swarms with a mangy mutt.

That must be quite a sight to see.

BECAUSE THEY EXIST

NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH.

#collage art #my collages #my art #collage poetry

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navybrat817 · 10 months

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Hiiii Navy hope you had a good holiday. I am curious how either space daddy Chris or the husband Scott would handle reader dealing with the burnout of the holidays and work that is causing reader to become more bratty.

This felt like a long week after the holiday, nonnie! I hope you had a good week. And how would those two deal with it?

So we know our space daddy is a good and loving man. He always finds a way to put you first. He's concerned, of naturally, when he notices you're running on empty. The man isn't just book smart. He knows you better than anyone, so of course he knows something is up.

When you mouth off to him beyond the normal sass that he loves, there's a slight look of disappointment on his face before he smiles. And this isn't his easy or flirty smile. There's something a bit more feral behind it.

The kind of smile that tells you before his mouth moves that you're in for it.

"You wanna try that again, Starlight?"

You lose count of how many orgasms he pulls from you once he gets you to bed, but he smiles that same feral smile when you realize you've soaked the sheets beneath you. Later, you manage to give him a loving smile over your shoulder when he rubs the remaining knots from your back and shoulders, his eyes tender before he winks. He's almost sorry for wearing you out more, but you look at peace with your exhaustion instead of stressed.

He shushes you when you mumble an apology and wraps you in the warmest blanket you have. He just wants you to rest while he holds you. And he hopes you like the breakfast in bed he plans to surprise you with.

Now our devoted husband is similar to Beck in that he's a good and loving man. He does his best to show how much he appreciates you. He also knows that the holidays can be a rough time and mentions more than once that it can be low-key, but you brush him off.

So when you snap a little, even after you see the clench in his jaw as your subtle warning not to push, there's no smile on his face. It's something almost unreadable. Something that makes your thighs rub together.

"Bedroom. Now."

Instead of multiple orgasms, he brings you to the edge over and over. You're wet, trembling, but he pulls back every time. Until you nearly sob how sorry you are. You're just tired between the season and work and you just want one day when you're not stressed. That's when he finally lets you come. Because all you had to do and all you ever have to do is ask for his help.

He'll give it to you and more.

Both men want you to feel loved, appreciated, and get the rest you deserve! Maybe one day I can expand on these headcanons. Love and thanks. ❤️

He takes great care when he draws you a bath later and washes your exhausted body from head to toe, praising you for how well you did for him. He also plans for both of you to take tomorrow off so you can relax together. The holidays are about being surrounded by loved ones and there's no one he'd rather be with than you.

#navybrat writes #chris beck #scott huffman #chris beck x reader #scott huffman x reader #chris beck x female reader #scott huffman x female reader #chris beck x you #scott huffman x you #chris beck x y/n #scott huffman x y/n #chris beck x female!reader #scott huffman x female!reader #sebastian stan characters #chris beck imagine #scott huffman imagine #sweet nonnie #sending love ❤️#asks are always appreciated

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thistleation · 1 day

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#fic: BoSaS #warrior nun #warrior nun fanfic #avabealil #avalilitrice #ava x beatrice x lilith #it's FINALLY here you guys #Not *technically* the *final* conclusion of the arc #but close to it #thank you everyone for sticking with me #i hope you enjoy #💖

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randomthefox · 17 days

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Eggman and Gerald - Known for their outlandish creations. Especially the space stations they've made.

The paramount films: we're gonna ignore that lol

It's ironic that trashy Sonic adaptations who completely discount the Setting of the video games always want to adapt SA2. Because SA2 is the game that really exemplifies the kind of setting that Sonic has.

It's a setting that has representatives of real life locations, City Escape is directly modeled after San Fransisco. Neighboring such outlandish and yet naturally occurring locals like Pumpkin Hill. It's a setting where a fully functional and inhabitable Space Colony was constructed and staffed 50+ years in the past. Sonics world has things that resemble our world, but it also has fantastical locations straight out of our imagination and technology that is beyond our wildest dreams. And all of those things have been the case since day 1 (Sonics home is Christmas Island after all) but SA2 is the game that really puts it all on the forefront and makes it an integrated part of the narrative it wants to tell.

That's why assertions like Pariah's that he can't consider SA2 to take place in the same setting as the classic games is so ridiculous. The city in City Escape, Pumpkin Hill, Eggmans Pyramid base, and the ARK would fit in perfectly in the genesis games. Hell, the classic games DID have locations like that as levels.

I fail to see how Starlight Zone, Casino Nights Zone, and The Death Egg are all acceptable as part of Sonic's world. But the contents of Sonic Adventure 2 are such a departure that they cannot be considered part of the same series in anything but a titular sense. As Pariah insinuated.

And adaptations like Sonic X and the Sonic Movies try to countenance the "incongruities" of Sonic's world by trying to act like the "human world" and "Sonic's world" are two different locations. But then they try and adapt Sonic Adventure 2s story and it all falls apart. You can't say that Sonic (andor Eggman) are from another dimension or planet, and yet also have Gerald Robotnik creating Shadow the hedgehog. You can't act like the world that Green Hill Zone exists in and the world that San Fransisco exists in are two different places, when SA2 had motherfucking Pumpkin Hill located a sewer jaunts distance away from SanFran.

It's a cognitive dissonance. They want the "dark mature" story of SA2, they want to reap the acclaim and popularity that game enjoys from the fan base, but they also want to reject so much of what the Sonic series is and needs to be for SA2s story to make sense. They turn Sonic into "aliens" because "having animal people and humans together doesn't make sense" but then they still wanna reap the sweet sweet drama of Shadow and Maria's relationship.

They betray their intentions. They want Sonic's popularity, but they don't want what MADE Sonic so popular. They want the cake without the sugar. And it's never ever going to work out because sugarless cakes are fucking disgusting.

#sonic movie #sonic adventure 2 #sonic #sonic the hedgehog

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trainfanz · 3 months

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Unorganized ramblings on London 2024 below the cut! Spoilers abound!!!

- I think despite the lack of train details seeing the new costumes in motion has made them grow on me a little.

- I am REALLY into Belle³ for whatever reason. She gives me Space Channel 5 vibes.

- The freight and components could’ve used some individuality IMO. I’ve seen some takes on the components and this incarnation of Electra that make me go “okay that tracks” but the freight all look very similar beyond the color.

- Sapphic and They/Them trains yippeeeeee!

- My usual mantra was that showing Control on stage was a sin but from what I’ve seen and heard it’s really funny with this child running around. Giving Dinah a tissue?? That’s great.

- They managed to somehow pull off female Greaseball?? She’s FEISTY! “GET OUT OF MY WAY!!”

- Honestly the new look is making me more okay with how much this production deviates from what we know? I kinda hope this isn’t Lord Andy’s “new new new Starlight” going forward but if it’s allowed to exist as its own thing I’m down for it in all honesty!! Better than trying to fix something that isn’t broken for the 4th time.

- Music SOUNDS great but I’ve only heard the Megamix as of right now. Here’s to an audio soon!!

- Slick Oil sounds like a mid replacement for our beloved Ceebert but the red herring with her and Hydra is actually really good???

- Stealing the freight, engines, Tassita, Belle, and female Greaseball for headcanon universe.

lol k thanks bye

#starlight express #stex #stex london 2024

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boxfullaturtles · 26 days

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Once upon a time, I had an idea for a Rise x FFXV fic. I'm not going to write it because I'm not THAT crazy, but here's a bit I wrote for it at the time because I still think about it sometimes.

Mostly for the silly hahas and the angst and how now everyone has to ride chocobos because the party no longer fits in the car lol.

Anyway, here's this. Uh, lead up? Someone was stealing supplies from the campsites while the Chocobros were out. Manage to track the thief down and it's two turtles? And one of them's really hurt? Would it be a lie to say stranger things have happened to these guys?

-----------

“So, what are you guys anyway?” Prompto asks the question through a mouthful of meat, looking Mikey up and down with unashamed curiosity.

“Dude, really?” Noct elbows Prompto in the ribs, almost tipping him over, “They’re obviously turtles.”

“Hey!” Prompto aims a sloppy kick at Noct, missing by a mile, “I meant why are they turtles walking on two legs and talking!”

Ignis loudly clears his throat when Noct and Prompto start kicking at each other. They immediately settle down and tuck back into their dinner.

Mikey hides a laugh as he answers, “Weelllll, we’re mutants! We used to be regular turtles, but then we got combined with some ooze and human DNA and BAM! Instant mutant turtle, baby!” He shrugs at the blank looks he gets from the four humans, “It’s kind of a long story. And complicated.”

When he doesn’t continue, Prompto raises his eyebrows expectantly. But Mikey just takes another bite of food and doesn’t elaborate. Noct trades a glance with Gladio and then with Ignis. The crackling of the campfire fills the silence.

“You mentioned earlier,” Ignis finally tip-toes carefully into the awkward space, “That you believe you and your brother to be...lost?”

“Brothers,” Mikey corrects and it’s the most solemn he’s sounded all day. He lowers his fork so it rests absently on the edge of his plate, staring into the fire, “There’s four of us. Me, Leo and Donnie, and our big brother Raph. I don’t...I don’t know how we got here. It’s all messed up in my head, just confusion and light and…” He takes a deep breath, “I don’t know what happened. I just remember trying to grab onto my brothers but we all got ripped away from each other and then,” He shrugs absently, gaze distant, “I dunno, I woke up somewhere I didn’t know. Wandered around until I managed to find Leo.”

“Leo, he say how he got hurt?” Gladio asks, “It looks like a real nasty voretooth bite but—”

“Yeah, and how come you guys were in a cave instead of a Haven?” Prompto interrupts, “Can’t believe you weren’t attacked this whole time!”

Mikey blinks, “A Haven? What’s a Haven?”

“This is a Haven,” Ignis explains over Noct hissing things at Prompto, “They are safe places that protect travelers from the dangers of the night. Their blessing keeps evil at bay.”

“Oh,” Mikey looks down at the gently glowing runes beneath his feet. It’s darker now, the only remains of the sun a pale red stripe along the horizon, and they blue glow is brighter, clearer, “Huh.”

He’d felt something whenever he set foot on the runes, some kind of tingling warmth washing over him like a gentle tide. But he’d never lingered long enough to chase the feeling or find its source. He’s about to reach out to it with his Ninpō, just to see what would happen, when there comes a sound from the darkness beyond the Haven.

Something flares in the night, darker than black, a frothing void of pitch and foul tar. It yawns open, boiling at the edges as the world crumples to make way for it, and a grotesque creature unfolds from within it, spilling out into the night. It’s yards away, barely visible, but Mikey can just make out the writhing tentacles from the starlight alone.

His throat closes and he’s on his feet, his nunchaku in his hands. A terrified, dizzying nausea is making his gut churn, heart racing so hard its like it’s trying to tear from his chest. He swear he can feel the thing’s eyes on him in the dark, just at the edge of where the firelight can reach. Rage and terror boil inside him, his mind racing. Can he protect everyone here? Can he keep Leo safe? He doesn’t see a metal suit so maybe—

A hand presses on his shell and Mikey starts badly, nearly swinging his nunchaku up to hit whoever touched him.

Ignis doesn’t even flinch at Mikey’s aborted movement, just keeps a calm expression, patient as he looks out into the dark, “A mindflayer. Rather nasty foe and one I would not recommend facing alone.” He turns back to Mikey, keeping a steady hand on the curve of Mikey’s shell, “It’s quite all right, Michelangelo, daemons cannot come near Havens. As I said, they are warded against evil. For one to spawn so close is unusual, but it won’t be able to get any closer. There, see,” Ignis nods his head as indication, “It’s already drifting away.”

Mikey glances from Ignis back to the thing that had crawled into existence—the mindflayer. It’s no longer facing them, already disappearing into the shadows of the trees and fading out of sight. Mikey tries to steady his shaking breath and lets his arms fall to his sides, ends of his weapons knocking against his legs.

They’re safe here. They’re really, actually safe.

#sage writes turtles #idk maybe i will talk about it more or something #it's really dumb

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tac-bat · 2 years

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Why I love How Sky Portrays Death

Before I start, I go into detail about death and loss, and description of the afterlife and dying and examples of it in sky and a little mention of religion irl.

I wrote this while sleep deprived if this makes no sense, i'm not sorry

Take this all with a grain of salt as this is purely my observation and interpretation

To many, death is scary, unpredictable, and inevitable. Death is frightening because it represents the end of life, the loss and grief it brings, and the uncertainty of where we will go. Every religion has its own version of the afterlife, from our soul moving to a new body, places ranging from rewarding good and punishing evil, to simply being nothing. Death is scary because we'll never truly know what lies beyond or what awaits. It's complicated ,heavy, and it's something that many have delved deeper into too. I only bring this up because the sky not only answers, but embraces death. How? Let's take a look.

Orbit

Sky's interpretation of the afterlife is perfect. "All are given breath by starlight," as stated in the intro mural, everyone ends up back in the stars someday, becoming spirits that travel to this small part of the galaxy. They even seem to become one with the light and stars if they so please. And it's relaxing; it's soothing.

They know it exists.

Spirit's have shown from the beginning of the game that they can descend and ascend whenever they please. See all TS's, Grandma, and event spirits like Yeti, who appear briefly during Feast to cast a snowman spell before ascending. According to this logic, orbit is widely known because ancestors were bound to descend to explain what happens. And spirits aren't gone from their loved ones' lives; they're still present. They're not gone and can visit anytime they like; it's not hard for me to imagine them visiting others during holidays and events.

Gravestone's

In every social space, there are gravestones for every base-game ancestor. What's interesting is how they're laid out; unlike regular graveyards, which are organized in a line, none of the graves are uniform, some being lengths apart. This is very clear in Prarie, with one near the closet and another nestled in a cave; even irl graveyards that are less uniform don't tend to put burials that far away, but Sky does. It almost seems like an ancestor could've possibly chosen the placement themselves. You also have the special burial site at the 8-player door, a working elevator and all, the graves have their own little buildings and stones draped in gold, implying a ceremony as we know. Not only that, but Valley's way of honouring death is extremely interesting.

Let's talk about Samekh's temple

Valley really demonstrates how death is viewed—not in a morbid way but in an honourable way. The hallways of both races are lined with gravestones, with the exception of some open spaces. When compared to decorations such as the eight-player door, the gravestones themselves are painted in gold. They're unlike any graves seen so far, and you can argue that these were reserved for champions, and if so, I feel like the halls would be packed considering this is the valley of triumph, but no, there are still a few open spaces. Which makes me adore how there are gravestones in the twin's temple.

Their temple is the only one that not only has gravestones inside, but is lined with them! And considering their position and how we know they play a big role in the sky as leaders, to the point where they have a temple, it makes the fact they share it as an ancestor's final resting place so heartwarming to me. They were under no obligation to place gravestones; they could have dragged the banners down, added more statues, or even designed something similar to Daleth's temple like the murals we see, but they didn't. They allowed the room with their shrine to be a graveyard, they value their people's lives; they regard it as an honour, and whether those are the graves of champions or ordinary people, they value them all the same.

And it still hurts.

Even in the sky, where the question of death is answered, it still hurts.

It hurts when Mindful and a Tearful miner witness the deaths of their friends, Tearful having to bury their own. It hurts when Teabrewer returns with herbs for their loved one who died while they were away, so much so that they become anxious when they leave anyone alone, as seen in their info card. It's horrifying to know how many ancestors died in the war with no way to escape, faced with the fear of death every day.

Death is still scary in Sky, and I love it for that. Even when you know where you'll go, you still value your life; you don't want to die, and you don't want to go. But when that time comes, when you choose to be one with the universe, or roam your home with your star-kissed body, you'll never be alone. And that's why I adore the way death is depicted:

Because it's bittersweet.

#i spent way to long on this but head full #head very full #sky cotl #sky children of the light #skyblr #valley twins #valley elders #valley of triumph #daylight prairie #sky spirits #death mention #tw death #sky: cotl #sky: children of the light #tac rambles #tac art #?

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melestasflight · 9 months

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Writing Year Wrapped (2023)

thanks for the tag @sallysavestheday

3 Favorite Fics You've Written This Year

Red - a return to my favorite relationship of all times, Fingon/Maedhros after a semi-hiatus. I let myself feel more than think while writing this, and let the words turn into a painting. Thanks to @helyannis for making that painting come true (see above).

What Lies Beyond the End - the giving up of the Silmaril by Maglor has been and still is one of the most impactful moments for me in the Silm. The writing of this ficlet was a gloriously cathartic music-high.

To Find a Home in the Twilight - Aredhel! All about Aredhel and her contagious sense of freedom. I went wild with the worldbuilding here and dug into characters that are blank slates in canon. Thanks to @toastedbuckwheat for supplying art inspiration.

3 Fics That Stretched You the Most

Against His Wisdom - this was a personal challenge to convince my brain to accept a topic I found extremely challenging for a long time. I also really got my hands dirty with elven psychology and dug into Fingon and Fingolfin's complicated characters. Thanks to @polutrope and @ettelene for the encouragment.

The Seven Trials of Fingon the Valiant - this was a sweet challenge in learning how to co-write with someone else. I am a chaotic writer, I feel as I go, I let stories write themselves. I learned a thing or two about planning ahead and writing in order with @polutrope.

Character Biography: Húrin Thalion and Part 2 - these are not fics but reference works, but putting them here because it was a long labor. A deep dive into canon to look at the evolution of Húrin's character and a critical analysis of the themes and symbology surrounding his character. (also: 11.5k words for this stingy writer!). Thanks to @dawnfelagund for the support.

3 Favorite Lines You've Written (loosely interpreting "lines")

I'm taking quotes from landscape writing because it was very enjoyable this year.

From Voices That Were Once Ours

The hills of Himring stay to the west, and the plains unfold. Lothlann makes an uncomfortable flatness, naked and exposed. The Iron Mountains rise in the far distance and interrupt the seemingly endless sky. In the light of day, they seem almost fair, and for a brief moment, Finrod believes they are not the work of violence.

From What Lies Beyond the End

The jewel illuminates the liquid space around it, calling all life to itself. Sea creatures, enormous and minute, come to offer their welcome, spiraling in a meditative dance around its brilliant streaks. Even the seagrasses reach their slim fingers with such longing they all but detach themselves from the corral that nurtures them to grasp but a strand of light. It is a silent spectacle of marvel and dread, like the sight of an erupting mountain seen from a great distance. A convergence that perhaps should never be allowed to happen upon Arda, of Sea and Sky, of profound darkness and starlight. In that fleeting instant, Maglor comes to believe that for this alone, it was all worth it.

From Red

On the rare occasions when Fingon allows himself to think of Beleriand, one image takes shape in his mind’s eye above all others. The last moments of sunset spilling down the prairies of Ard-galen. If one was to wait for the exact hour and find just the right angle, its hue matched to perfection the color of Maedhros’ tresses under bright daylight. The dark reds coming alive with the gentle swaying of tall grasses in the breeze, Fingon would wade between them with his palms spread open and believe that a beloved braid was untangling between his fingers.

3 Characters You Enjoyed Writing (that surprised you)

Caranthir in The Seven Trials of Fingon the Valiant

Galadriel in crowned with the Sun

Zimrahin Meldis in To Find a Home in the Twilight

3 Unexpected Inspirations

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin. This book left me reeling. Thanks to @searchingforserendipity25 for convincing me to finally read it. The Helcaraxë will never be the same after this.

Age of Empires, yes, the game. Fantastic outlet to let me plan and imagine all my battle-writing, military formations, units, etc.

Paul M. Barford' The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe. It helped me think deeply about the relationship between the Edain and the Elven lords in Beleriand.

3 WIPs You're Excited About in the Upcoming Year

Fingon's Kingship long fic - Fingon-centric exploration of the period between Galdor's death and the Union of Maedhros. Focused on Fingon's relationship with Círdan, Húrin, Maedhros, and Maglor.

One Thousand Days - a ficlet for Maedhros & Maglor week exploring their relationship with the Esterlings.

Scion of Kings - looking forward to finishing this Fin-galad story inspired by art pieces by @ruiniel @welcomingdisaster and @searchingforserendipity25

3 People Tagged to Share Theirs

no pressure tag to share if you'd like @searchingforserendipity25 @imakemywings @theghostinthemargins

#writing year wrap #silm fic #silmarillion #tolkien

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cnnmairoll · 1 year

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twirls hair HEY MAI !!! IMMA REQUEST SMTH RQ IF U DONT MIND,,, IM IN DESPERATE NEED OF LUOCHA CONTENT

PREMISE IS BASICALLY LIKE. JUST SECRET ADMIRER (LUOCHA IS ADMIRER), MAYBE HAVE THEM BOTH BE MERCHANTS ?? IDK IMMA LEAVE MOST OF THE LIBERTIES TO U 🫰

CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT U COME UP WITH!! THANK U IN ADVANCE 🙏🙏

Luocha's Hidden Affection

Pairing : Luocha x Merchant!Reader Genre : Fluff a/n : Hey Illu!! ty for requesting this i love writing for Luocha ^^!! But I'm not sure how you want me to write it so this is what I come up with, hope you like it though ><;

In a galaxy painted with the hues of countless stars, where celestial currents carried whispers of stories untold, you and Luocha found yourselves bound by fate's gentle threads. Beyond the stellar seas, you were two wandering merchants, traversing the cosmos in pursuit of trade and adventure. Coincidence, it seemed, was your constant companion, as you both continually gravitated towards the same planets, like celestial bodies orbiting a shared center.

The bond between you and Luocha transcended spoken words. It was a comfort found in the silence shared while gazing at foreign skies, in the camaraderie forged over cups of intergalactic tea. Each encounter brought with it a sense of familiarity, a connection that defied the vast expanse that separated your worlds.

But what you didn't know was that Luocha's heart held a secret—a secret that bloomed like a delicate nebula within him. He was your secret admirer, a quiet observer who had fallen for your spirit, your laughter, and the way your eyes sparkled with the same curiosity that ignited his own. With every coin exchanged and every tale swapped, he found himself falling deeper into an emotion he could barely grasp.

Subtle hints, like stardust, he scattered in your path. His words carried an undertone of warmth, his gaze lingered a heartbeat longer than necessary, and every now and then, a small token of his affection found its way into your possession. A rare gem from a distant asteroid, a delicate bloom that flourished in the harshest of environments—each gift whispered a sentiment he hadn't yet dared to voice.

One day, as you both stood beneath the shimmering canopy of a foreign sky, Luocha's usually eloquent words faltered. It was an accidental confession, brought forth by the cosmos itself. "You know," he began, his voice soft like stardust on a gentle breeze, "these planets... they must envy us. For we get to witness each other's journeys, no matter how vast the galaxies that separate us."

Caught off guard by the vulnerability in his tone, you turned to meet his gaze. There, amidst the constellations that painted the heavens, you saw something more profound—a reflection of emotions mirrored in his eyes. Your heart skipped a beat, realization dawning like a distant sun cresting the horizon.

"I suppose they would," you replied, your own heart finding resonance with his words. "After all, our paths always seem to cross."

A smile, tender and unguarded, graced Luocha's lips. "Perhaps it's not mere coincidence. Perhaps the stars themselves conspire to bring us together."

The air seemed to hum with anticipation, the universe holding its breath as your gazes lingered, locked in a moment that transcended time and space.

In the ever-expansive tapestry of the cosmos, your journeys continued intertwined. Planets and stars, asteroids and nebulae—each celestial body witnessed your shared adventures. Luocha's presence in your life became a constant, a familiar star that guided you through the uncharted reaches of space.

As your companionship deepened, so did the subtlety of Luocha's gestures. He would share tidbits of his own stories, snippets of his past that he carefully unveiled like ancient artifacts. His vulnerability in these moments was a testament to the trust he had in you, the person who had unknowingly captured his heart.

He would surprise you with small tokens—crystals that shimmered like captured starlight, intricately carved trinkets that told stories of forgotten civilizations, and pressed flowers from planets that bloomed in colors beyond the human spectrum. Each gift held a piece of his essence, an unspoken confession woven into the fabric of the universe.

Conversations under star-strewn skies evolved into stolen moments amidst bustling intergalactic markets, where your laughter mingled with the hum of alien tongues. Luocha's admiration for your spirit only grew, his eyes tracing the arc of your laughter as if it were a constellation he could map. His presence, once comforting, had become essential—a constant that tethered you both amidst the swirling currents of space.

Yet, despite the connection that deepened with every shared adventure, neither of you dared to breach the unspoken boundaries of your companionship. The space between friendship and something more felt both tantalizingly close and impossibly distant. The universe held its breath, waiting for the moment when the delicate balance would shift.

It was on a planet cloaked in hues of violet and indigo that fate, once again, conspired to steer your paths. Amidst a garden of bioluminescent blooms, Luocha presented you with a delicate orb—a vessel filled with shimmering stardust. "A piece of the cosmos," he said softly, his voice a melody that resonated in the air.

You turned the orb in your hands, the stardust dancing like captured fireflies. It was in this ethereal moment that a sudden realization bloomed—an understanding that transcended words. The delicate dance of your gazes, the unspoken confessions woven through time and space—it all led to this pivotal point.

"Luocha," you began, your voice a whisper carried by the wind. "Have you ever considered that maybe the universe has been trying to tell us something all along?"

His gaze met yours, a universe of emotions swirling within. "Perhaps the universe is wiser than we give it credit for," he replied, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

And then, like a meteor streaking across the sky, the boundaries you had both tiptoed around became mere echoes of hesitation. With a tender certainty, Luocha's hand found yours, fingers intertwining like destinies finally aligned. The universe held its breath once more, this time witnessing a moment that had been written in the stars—their secret language understood by hearts that dared to leap.

The cosmos rejoiced in your shared confession, stars pulsating with newfound brilliance as if celebrating a union woven from stardust and whispered dreams. Your love story was a melody sung by celestial bodies, a dance performed across the canvas of infinity.

#˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ mai writes #honkai star rail #hsr #hsr x reader #honkai star rail x reader #luocha hsr #luocha x reader #hsr luocha #luocha #honkai star rail luocha #star rail #honkai star rail fluff

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thepastisalreadywritten · 8 months

Text

WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) — A batch of newly released images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope show in remarkable detail 19 spiral galaxies residing relatively near our Milky Way, offering new clues on star formation as well as galactic structure and evolution.

The images were made public on Monday by a team of scientists involved in a project called Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) that operates across several major astronomical observatories.

The closest of the 19 galaxies is called NGC5068, about 15 million light years from Earth, and the most distant of them is NGC1365, about 60 million light years from Earth.

A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched in 2021 and began collecting data in 2022, reshaping the understanding of the early universe while taking wondrous pictures of the cosmos.

The orbiting observatory looks at the universe mainly in the infrared.

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990 and still operational, has examined it primarily at optical and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Spiral galaxies, resembling enormous pinwheels, are a common galaxy type. Our Milky Way is one.

The new observations came from Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI).

They show roughly 100,000 star clusters and millions or perhaps billions of individual stars.

"These data are important as they give us a new view on the earliest phase of star formation," said University of Oxford astronomer Thomas Williams, who led the team's data processing on the images.

"Stars are born deep within dusty clouds that completely block out the light at visible wavelengths - what the Hubble Space Telescope is sensitive to - but these clouds light up at the JWST wavelengths.

We don't know a lot about this phase, not even really how long it lasts, and so these data will be vital for understanding how stars in galaxies start their lives," Williams added.

About half of spiral galaxies have a straight structure, called a bar, coming out from the galactic center to which the spiral arms are attached.

"The commonly held thought is that galaxies form from the inside-out, and so get bigger and bigger over their lifetimes.

The spiral arms act to sweep up the gas that will form into stars, and the bars act to funnel that same gas in towards the central black hole of the galaxy," Williams said.

The images let scientists for the first time resolve the structure of the clouds of dust and gas from which stars and planets form at a high level of detail in galaxies beyond the Large Magellanic Cloud and Small Magellanic Cloud, two galaxies considered galactic satellites of the sprawling Milky Way.

"The images are not only aesthetically stunning, they also tell a story about the cycle of star formation and feedback, which is the energy and momentum released by young stars into the space between stars," said astronomer Janice Lee of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, principal investigator for the new data.

"It actually looks like there was explosive activity and clearing of the dust and gas on both cluster and kiloparsec (roughly 3,000 light years) scales.

The dynamic process of the overall star formation cycle becomes obvious and qualitatively accessible, even for the public, which makes the images compelling on many different levels," Lee added.

Webb's observations build on Hubble's.

"Using Hubble, we would see the starlight from galaxies, but some of the light was blocked by the dust of galaxies," University of Alberta astronomer Erik Rosolowsky said.

"This limitation made it hard to understand parts of how a galaxy operates as a system. With Webb's view in the infrared, we can see through this dust to see stars behind and within the enshrouding dust."

#James Webb Space Telescope #spiral galaxies #Milky Way #Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS)#NGC5068 #NGC1365 #light year #Hubble Space Telescope #Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam)#Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI)#astronomy #space #universe #cosmos #Large Magellanic Cloud #Small Magellanic Cloud #Space Telescope Science Institute

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