#cosmicfortuna

[cosmicfortuna]

Bright Conversations

Also wrote this for my school newspaper and posting it here. One of my longer works but, oh well.

Crediting @saradika for the border

Balls. The bane of my existence.

Not that I hate the concept of parties or grand events but the fact that I had to attend was kind of bugging down my mood. Despite being a star pupil and the adopted daughter of Vesper, the Evening Archmage, the king decided to reduce me and Piper to “talented magicians” for cheap parlor tricks in order to entertain the nobility. If I had the option to engage with flamboyant rich people for laughs or remain in the Twilight Wing of the palace studying the history of celestial entities and magic itself, I’d go with the latter.

The atmosphere was beautiful, I won't lie; only the best from the Orionis royal family. But the gold on top of gold chandeliers, railings, and table centerpieces reflecting warm light proved too much for my poor overworked brain. Maybe it was a side effect of being cooped up in the Twilight Wing for years on end or my affinity to the night's darkness. Perhaps both. If I had a hand in decorating tonight's event, I'd turn the ballroom into something attuned to a planetarium; stars scattered across the walls and silver cutlery along with the table centerpieces — more along the themes of the constellation that the kingdom is named after.

I gazed out into the crowd, sipping a bit of sparkling cider that was too bubbly for my tastebuds. The music that orchestra played was whimsical enough to rival Cinderella’s in terms of crowd pleasing. They moved so smoothly and elegantly, exchanging dance partners as if it was as simple as a handshake. Dresses weren’t tugged by the floor and were allowed to spread evenly and twirl about if they were silk. Oh, I envy them. Poor little me was stuck on the sides in a glamourized recreation of my uniform. It would’ve been nice if I could actually enjoy myself instead of reading horoscopes for pretentious people only for them to get upset about their future.

Out of nowhere, an older looking blonde nobleman approached me. Just looking at his snobby, stuck up appearance, I would have to play nice in spite of my annoyance.

"Good evening sir,” I greeted, smiling gently.

“Good evening, indeed,” he spoke with a little too much enthusiasm. Perhaps he had too much to drink and decided to chat up the only loner that was on active duty. “Algol, although you've most likely heard of me.”

If he phrased as a question, I would've been thinking of a more savory thing to reply with. The fact that this man insisted on it being an honest statement baffled me. I truly did not know this person.

“I'm sorry,” I said meekly, “I'm afraid not.”

His face grew a bit red; whether it was already from the drinks, embarrassment, or anger, I couldn't tell. Still, he didn't look pleased.

“Algol… Duke of Sigma Persei… ” he said slowly.

“Oh,” the realization hit me like a meteor. “you're from Perseus,”

“Well, of course,” he rolled his eyes, flicking a couple of stray hairs away from his face. “As the so-called ‘Cosmic Fortuna’, I'd figure you'd already know.”

The only response I could muster was rapidly blinking my eyelids; acting like he was supposed to get the hint and try his time with some other poor girl. Unfortunately, he failed and was still in front of me looking ever so haughty. Still, I had to save face.

“Apologies, I don't get many chances to talk to other noblemen outside of the kingdom,” I explained, leaving out the part where it's somewhat part of my own violation.

He scuffed, annoyed. “Well then, if you have no indication of my identity, how can you even properly divine my future?”

“I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” Is what I would’ve said if he didn’t walk away with his head held high and probably in a nicer tone of voice. Feeling defeated, I took another sad sip of my drink.

“You good, Cos?” My attention focused on the blue eyed girl with white crescent moons for pupils — Piper.

“Yeah, fine.”

She squinted at me then blinked a few times, a familiar sign of her not buying for the “I'm fine, let it go” song and dance routine. Again, books and reading.

I sighed, my grip loosening around the stem of the glass. In turn, Piper also sighed, getting the memo. Unlike me, she lived for the busy crowds and chatty with the bourgeois

She leaned in close, whispering amongst the beautiful ensemble. “The garden gate is unlocked. Tell Selene I said hi.”

A smile graced my lips. Piper leaned back, removing the cider from my hands and taking a sip. I swiftly nodded my head, my curled hair bouncing as I moved. She ventured back into the crowd — probably looking for a waiter with a tray of more bubbling drinks.

A little fresh air wouldn't hurt anybody, I thought.

Following suit, I made my way through the crowd of people towards the open double doors that led to the garden. It wasn't too crowded with people, a few stragglers peppered among the greens. Most likely also running away from talking to self-righteous rich people and needed a break from the stuffy atmosphere. Striding past them across the cobblestone path, I approached the wooden door that separated the wilderness from the carefully curated grounds of the palace.

The door itself wasn't very interesting — merely plain dark oak wood with a gold keyhole with a matching door knob engraved with our constellation insignia. I took hold of it and turned. It didn't not budge so it was unlocked. Before I pushed it open, I stopped myself. How did Piper know that the door wasn't locked? The gardener Fiona had always made sure that it was locked, especially at night when the little woodland critters were out and about looking for food. If Piper was inside the whole night, she'd have no idea.

Nevertheless, I disregarded the inquiry and pushed the door open, crossing the threshold. My breath hitched. A rush exploded from within me. A familiar rush that I’ve felt since I was ten. The exhilarating feeling of breaking unwritten rules and diving into one’s vices. I had to stay on task, though. Quickly, I closed the door behind me and took a breath of sweet relief to calm my senses.

Get a hold of yourself. I reprimanded myself. You’re barely set foot into the forest.

Another deep breath and swift exhale was enough to get me to keep moving. I took a few steps before realizing something -- my shoes. In order to blend in with the ladies at the party, Vesper insisted that I wear a pair of nice heels fit for dancing. Piper (like usual) smooth talked her way out of wearing traditional heels in favor of some riding boots. If only I had her level of confidence and deviance. Then again, here I was a mere two inches away from the door and a couple hundred feet towards freedom.

It’s not like I wanted to run away — Piper always had a knack for escaping into the deep wood — I just wanted some space. Some nice center of the woods all by myself and the stars space.

My eyes traveled towards them. They looked better out in the open, shining like no tomorrow. Not obscured by the royal blue curtains decorating with a golden scroll pattern. Not hidden away from the world… Something welled up inside my being; it wasn’t a good something.

Maybe I should just head back. I considered it. Yea, back to the palace…

It’s times like these where I remind myself that no one else was out here to see me — that everyone was inside fast asleep. But that’s not the case this time. Everyone is inside but awake, lively even. And that comes with a new risk of my nightly escapades: the threat of me getting caught. It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought about it since I’ve begun indulging in my vice but that there’s a difference between a few guards randomly sleeping at their night posts and a couple guests lying around the palace grounds. Still, once again, I made it past the door. The door was the only thing preventing me from venturing out into the woods.

That’s it. I’m going. Even if my shoes make noise. I don’t care.

My mind finally felt at ease. Finally, after so many long nights, I was back in the ocean of the stars at last. I felt free. Free from socializing and watching and the overabundance of golden this and golden that reflecting golden hour levels of light with little remorse. It felt great.

And from there, I ran. Not caring if anyone heard.

Well, there was one thing that still bothered me. I allowed the wind to touch me, feeling the cool breeze tickle on my back and delicate wings. Giving them a few flaps, they woke up and readied at attention.

That's better.

Letting go of a stray breath, I hummed the ball's waltz. My arms raised with a mind of their own, my breath calm and controlled; my eyes fixed upon the starry night sky. And soon, I began to dance. Not so rigid like the shelter and stone cold higher class but not like the intoxicated earls, dukes, and whatnots relieving the stress of putting up fronts. A mere mix that laid straight in the middle — a dance of a girl who wants to be alone and is happy with it.

The stars got brighter. Shining and illuminating the heart of the forest that was my oasis. The moon casted a dim light reflecting the sun’s glow; trees highlighted with iridescent silver. Owls silently flying overhead but hooting a welcome message to the lady of the night. It was perfect.

A familiar feeling flowed through my body that I haven't felt for a few weeks: warmth. A warm glow. A warmth took me to the quiet place of my mind. I closed my eyes and continued moving, trusting the light to protect me during my sacred rite of relaxation.

My mind's eye painted the perfect scene. Not too different from the current setting but somehow more extravagant. The grass no longer laid beneath me and in its place was a lovely spring that remained still as my feet moved. Stars swirled in the sky like an oil painting, the light streaking in a controlled manner. I kept dancing, a smile making itself known on my face. Little wisps of periwinkle energy exuded from my fingertips, filling the area with magic. It was perfect. My own microcosm safely hidden away from the rest of the world. My smile grew and I could feel my feet departing with the ground, my wings carrying me higher. Euphoria swept through my entire being; the stars expanding and glowing immensely.

“Woah…” a bewildered voice interrupted.

My eyes snapped open, my beautiful art piece escaping me.

There he was.

Among the trees.

Gawking at my suddenly still body floating a good couple of feet above the ground.

His almost midnight blue hair would’ve hidden him completely amidst the night sky if it hadn’t been for his stunning gold epaulets and the dramatic cape flowing behind him.

I gasped, “Crowned Prince Rigel!”

Immediately, my body dropped onto the grass in a bowing position.

“I-I apologize that you have to see me in this state,” my face burned with embarrassment.

The prince stepped out of the trees and into my circle of twirling dim stars.

“Please, call me Rigel,” his voice was soft but low. “Don’t bow before me, Cosmic, I’m not your king yet.”

I rose up, dusting off my skirt and facing his royal highness.

“Yes, but as crowned prince, you command my respect.”

He shook his head, a smile brimming from his lips. “I thought titles never mattered to you?”

“In the case of my department’s employment, I’d say that they do.” Royal mages without ties to the royal family would just be regular old mages after all. Not that I think they could ever get old in the first place.

He laughed lightly. I sucked in a breath.

“Speaking of my department, you’re not going to…?”

He chuckled, waving a gloved hand. “Of course not. Far be it from me to tell the Evening Archmage that his daughter is skipping out on royal events.”

I released a sigh of relief but a feel of uneasiness still churned in my stomach.

Why hasn’t he said anything about my wings?

In good measure, I hid them again before he could ask.

“So…” Something I didn’t expect from the Prince of Orionis was him searching for a conversation starter. Most royals are very keen on small talk. “What made you leave the ball anyway?” he asked.

I looked down, fiddling with strands of hair that framed my face.

“I needed some fresh air.”

In response, Prince Rigel let out a hum mixed with a short giggle.

“I feel you,” he confessed. “Too many people with too much money and too much energy talking on and on about not having a good time.”

I raised a brow. “Isn’t that the point of these things?”

“Unfortunately not,” Rigel shook his head, his hair flowing with each turn. “The point is to find a spouse for poor unassuming young noblemen. Jokes on them, we’re very aware.”

I laughed but felt empty. Laughter is the best medicine for life’s unfairness — cheaper than breaking down and crying about how you can’t change it. Even the highest of highs cannot escape their predestined fates… Wonder what that says about the ones that choose to pursue the impossible…

“Well, um we should be heading back now…” I cleared my throat and moved to leave the dense wood.

He placed a hand carefully on my shoulder, halting me. “Wait.”

I turned to face him. “Yes, your highness?”

“I never said that I wanted to go back.”

True, he indeed didn’t mention his intentions of heading back.

“Then what would you like to do?”

The prince pulled away slightly, then offered his hand to me.

“With all that small talk, I didn't get a chance to dance with anyone yet…”

I stayed silent but eyed him carefully, flickering back and forth from his hand to the soft look in his eyes. He took my hand in his, raising it to his lips and placing a gentle peck.

“Will you dance with me under the light of the stars and silence of the night?”

[the-ellia-west]

“There’s someone waiting for you at the inn. He says he's got information on the fate of a friend of yours.” Laoriia pulled her hair back into a ponytail. “Do you know who he's talking about?”

Euania's eyes widened, and her hands flew to her mouth. “Alkain! What did the messenger tell you about him?” She grabbed Laoriia's shoulders. “Is he alive?”

“He just told me to come get you. Said it was urgent.”

Euania leaped to her feet, dropping the basket in her arms as she ran in the direction Laoriia had come from. Mennel jumped at the sudden movement and scrambled to follow her. To his surprise, she was fast, much faster than he would have expected. Despite her speed, the young warrior kept up with her, just managing to keep sight on her fluffy tail disappearing around a corner.

Mennel's mind ran with his body as he remembered his mentor's last words to him, desperately needing to know if there was even a chance he was still alive. Euania gritted her teeth, eyes narrowed in determination and desperation as she pressed herself onward, prayers hissing through gritted teeth in between gasps for air.

But as the familiar sign came into view, Mennel skidded to a stop as Euania shoved her way through the doors out of his sight. A strangled sound came from the direction of the spirit as her hands flew to her mouth, halfway between a scream and a gasp.

Mennel poked his head into the building as Euania threw her arms around the figure of the messenger. But just then, a familiar voice sent his hair to sparks of shock and joy. "Gentle Nia! Ow!" Then he spotted him. He looked far worse than Mennel had ever seen him. His skin had grown paler, and large portions of it were covered in bruises and cuts, his beard and sandy hair ragged and untrimmed, and dark circles shadowing heavy bloodshot eyes.

"YOU FUCKING PRICK!" Euania glared at Alkain as she squeezed his lower pair of hands in hers, glaring harshly at him.

"Nia, I-" But before he could continue, she pulled him forward into a kiss.

Alkain's eyes widened for a second before he melted into her arms and broke down in tears. They fell away from one another as Alkain slumped against Euania. "Ugh... Ow... fuck... Gently..." Then he collapsed fully. "Nia..."

"Hey, Just shut up okay?" The spirit brushed his long sandy golden hair out of his face as she waved for Mennel to help her carry him.

The Scene that gives context to this one

@cosmicfortuna @sunflowerrosy @kia-is-poisoned @chronicler-of-narrative @darkandstormydolls @leahnardo-da-veggie @ryahisbored

[cosmicfortuna]

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔

I wrote this for my school newspaper a while ago and wanted to post it on here. It's based off of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" because why not and covers the story of two immoral lovers finally reuniting after hundreds of years.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡♥︎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━

Her breath hitched. 

It was him. 

She was sure of it. The pounding in her chest was proof enough. 

She thought she was seeing things when she saw him standing outside the building but indeed, it was him. Standing under an illuminated street lamp. 

He looked beautiful, so inhumanly beautiful. His dark hair and pale skin glowed almost otherworldly under the moonlight. His sweet dark brown eyes flickering back and forth between people inside the café before they fall upon her.

She quickly moved her gaze back to the steaming cup of hot cocoa. Even though her cup of hot chocolate was steaming hot, she felt cold. It was winter, sure, and the café didn’t have really good heating but she felt a deep rooted coldness. Maybe hollow was the right word. Yes. Hollow. Like a hollowed out tree that was once home to bird and woodland rodents only for said critters to suddenly leave one day.  

She returned her gaze to the man outside. Snow started to gently fall, slowly building on his shoulders. He wasn't dressed for the weather, not like it affected him anyway. He wore a white ruffled shirt underneath a leather jacket and a pair of black pants with a belted corset. Her eyes grew sad. 

If memory served her right (which it usually did), he used to wear that outfit whenever he had a meeting with what he called the “vampiric nannies”. At the time, she disagreed with the term as she was practically raised by nannies as a half-blooded orphan. Her opinion had changed since then. Those “nannies” were the reason that the two of them were separated by a glass window of a human cafe. 

Why come back now? 

That was a silly question. She knew why. 

She stared at him for a while, then moved back to her lukewarm coffee. A queasy feeling built up in her stomach. Something inside her wanted to go outside. To him. But she couldn't. Something else inside her stirred. What was it? Fear? Nervousness? A mix of the two. 

She searched for him again. 

Still there. She thought.

The two locked eyes. Her heart throbbed at the sight of his pitifully, pained expression. Like he also wanted to jump through the window and hold her close. His shoulders dropped before turning to walk away. The ache in her heart grew.

No, not this time. 

Alice leapt from the booth and rushed out the door, the bell ringing sporadically. By the time she was outside, he had already disappeared. 

Soojin… 

It had been too long since they last saw each other. How long exactly? If he had to guess, probably a few centuries. The world had changed so much in that time. But her? She was still as beautiful as ever. Her soft, tawny, deer-like face was the same as he remembered; along with those sweet baby blue doe eyes. The only thing that really changed was her hair color. The familiar soft pinks were gone, leaving her acorn brown twists with the faintest hint of blonde streaks. 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡♥︎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━

He gazed at her longingly from the roof. She had already run out of the cafe and was now searching for him. His expression grew pitiful.

Here he was after who knows how many years separated from the love of his eternal life and yet, here he was on the roof like a scared cat. Scared of what though? Rejection? He couldn’t imagine her not feeling numb after the time spent apart. No, the pounding in his chest denied it. He knew better than to think differently of his love. 

His attention went back to the lost girl. Her shoulders began to shrug then she turned her back towards him. 

No. he thought. Never again.

Soojin had delayed this reunion for far too long. 

What’s the point? Alice thought sorrowfully. Maybe I’ve finally lost it.

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As soon as she turned her back to the restaurant, she heard a familiar yet distant voice.

“Hey, Bunny.” it whispered. 

Hope hopped back into her heart.

“Jinnie?” She turned around, face to face with the man she'd yearned for. Alice could feel tears start to sting her eyes. 

“I… I’m not seeing things am I?” her voice trembled as she reached out to him. 

Soojin’s hand met hers, interlacing their fingers. His face was less gloomy and filled with life. 

Smiling, he spoke, “Last I checked, I’m real.” He pulled her into his arms. 

Despite the falling snow around them and the frosty wind, she felt scolding hot. Finally after years of separation and heartache, Soojin allowed a few tears to fall atop Alice’s head as she released all of the pent up emotion of the last few centuries on his shoulder. 

With a finger, Soojin tilted up her chin; sky blue meeting the brown earth once again. Love and eagerness filled their tears as they both went in for a long awaited kiss. Their hearts beating wildly and in-sync.