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paperbackribs · 7 months ago

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🪱Wiggly Worm Wednesday🪱

I was tagged by the lovely @solarmorrigan 💚 This is established steddie with wolf Steve and bat Eddie; they're at a diner with Robin who's going on a college tour away from Hawkins for a few days...

Queen softly plays from the jukebox ontop of the tiles of black and white, and the booths are overstuffed under red pleather. Spotting the back of Robin’s cropped dark blonde hair Steve hurries to the end corner, their usual spot.

Eddie sits across from her and seeing him makes something unclench inside Steve.

Mate, his wolf whispers.

Boyfriend, Steve whispers fiercely back, trying to stop his unhinged inner self from once again being tempted to take Eddie away from prying eyes, to hide him and love him, possess him so he has no chance but to stay, wrapped up in Steve’s devotion forever. Mate is some idiotic and bestial term. Boyfriend is normal. Civilised. Sane.

Yet, even scolding himself, he can’t help but trace the beloved lines of Eddie’s face. The deepness of his brown eyes, the broad button of his nose, the wide, plush lips bracketed by the winking of his dimples as he laughs at whatever Robin has just said. Loving Eddie is an out-of-body experience and before Steve knows it, he’s already sinking into the lush seat, keeping a respectable distance between him and his boyfriend in public while subtly pushing his right knee against Eddie’s.

It's not enough.

It’s never enough.

But it’s all Steve can allow himself. For fear of reprisal in small town America against two queer men afraid to love each other in the open or in fear of how far Eddie will run if Steve clings to him as much as he wants to. Steve has remade himself into an octopus with no arms, holding himself back a thousandfold.

And Steve must be getting the ratio of love against independence right because Eddie’s eyes sparkle and he playfully pushes his knee back before hooking his foot around Steve’s ankle.

It’s still not enough: Steve’s entire being feeling ready to warp and grow and grab and demand, but he takes what he can. Takes it gratefully even, beholden to any affection that Eddie is willing to give him freely, and pushes that needy, over attached demon down.

Eddie reclines against the corner of the wall and the back of the booth, stretching one lithe arm against the top and, almost as if by accident, resting the tips of his long fingers against the crest of Steve’s polo, just a sliver of fingertip against the warm skin underneath. They remain clasped under the table. “Birdie here was just telling me about the last time she went to a family do in Chicago.”

Steve knows exactly what’s coming, confirmed as he glances over at Robin’s dancing blue eyes, so he leans into it, pouting slightly, “Best friends get souvenirs. That’s the rules.” Eddie snickers as Steve turns eyes made artfully doleful towards him too.

“Not from every tourist trap we visited though!” Robin laughingly protests as if he doesn’t know just how carefully she had scoured said tourist traps for the perfect gift every time.

His Robin is all bluster, Steve knows; when it comes to her emotions, Robin feels deeply and genuinely, but often it’s too uncomfortable for her admit to it honestly. That she does with him, in the private of their own bubble of friendship, tells Steve how true their bond is, and will always be.

“I wore that tie with the L map at my father’s last party,” he reminds her of the navy and gold piece that featured the distinct lines of Chicago’s transit system. “Some client of his thought it was a computer thing.”

At their waiting expressions, Steve’s face screws up as he tries to remember what the vaguely inebriated man had said, “Chips or something? I have no idea what fries had to do with computers though, so I just nodded.”

Reflexively, his breath stops, just a small hitch while he waits for a ‘good thing you’re pretty’ comment since he clearly missed something from the computer guy, the smarter guy. But it never comes and, rather than the hurt he’d anticipated, he instead feels a film of greasy guilt slick through him for suspecting that they’d do something that they know makes him feel like an idiot.

At least he’s handsome, he can hear dad scoff to his mother, that’s one thing he can’t fuck up.

“I’ll take a tie over the souvenir from our last group trip,” Eddie says wryly, running a telling hand over the healed demo-bat scars over his torso and snapping Steve out of his maudlin thoughts.

Steve supresses a frown; he may have trouble keeping the wolf at bay at times, especially lately, but ever since he’d first shifted into the large animal, all fangs and fur, he’d understood this new reality to be an intrinsic part of himself.

Protecting Max at the junkyard, abandoned yellow bus looming over him as a demo-dog ripped into his leg was terrifying and the subsequent shifts into a massive, wild animal just as horrific in his fear of the unknown. But he’d never regret the exchange: he’s the protector, the tank as Mike often points out. His human side knew that when he pushed Max back into the bus and his wolf knows it too.

But Eddie… Steve mutes the sigh that wants to come out, instead picking up the diner menu that he’d memorised months ago. Eddie has never quite come to accept the adorable bat form that he shifts into. A small version of a Flying Fox that Steve had helped him find within himself, all while fighting the romantic feelings that had steadily built in him since sitting in a hospital room, entertaining a tired but decidedly alive Eddie while he healed from his injuries.

He uses the image of Eddie laughing at Steve juggling jello cups to once again push his thoughts away. There’s no point in dwelling. “Mmmm,” he hums instead, schooling his face into an innocent expression, “I think bloody steak and a nice pink strawberry shake.”

“Steve!” Robin shrieks, familiar in their usual routine. “Try not to be so obvious, you might as well hang a sign around your neck.”

Her tone lowers and he looks up to see her laughing smile as she curls her fingers into talons, “I am a creature of the night.” She pronounces it like a former drama kid, even though that honour belongs to Eddie, and with an accent to make even Bela Lugosi weep in embarrassment.

“Hey,” Eddie says, wagging his finger, “that’s my bit you’re stealing. And it’s children of the night,” he continues, “you should know that since you’re such a film buff.”

Robin screws up her nose, “Yeah, but I don’t think I want to go around referring to Steve as a kiddy and something about making music at night is so suggestive. Weird combo.” She ignores Eddie’s snort as she insists, “Come on, Dracula is practically dripping in inuendo whenever he hovers around Harker.”

Steve’s lost as they continue to happily argue over the nuances of the black and white he’d fallen asleep to during their movie night a month ago and he’s certainly never read it like his two beloved geeks, so he glances up to see if Sarah is nearby and she is. She sees him looking and smiles, walking over in her blue flats under a checkered, pinafore dress that is the uniform at Haven Diner.

She was a couple of years ahead of him at Hawkins High, not a cheerleader but within the same group of friends, blonde and pretty and, what he remembers most about her, kind. She’d come across him at the library once, blindly staring down at his notes, overwhelmed at the demands of a new year level and she’d silently slid a chocolate bar across to him. A smile and wink and she was gone.

He’s not ashamed to admit he’d had a small crush on her for months after. Now, he’s just glad to come to have a familiar and friendly acquaintance around town.

“Hey Steve,” her eyes charmingly crinkle, “pancakes, extra syrup?”

“And a chocolate shake,” he confirms, smiling up at her.

Eddie clears his throat behind Steve, leaning in so that he’s almost against his back and Steve near startles at having him so abruptly close. “I’ll take the breakfast stack and coffee. Black. Like my soul.”

Steve rolls his eyes fondly, almost feeling Eddie’s deranged smile over his shoulder and amends for Sarah, “Yes, as black as his soul which means as much creamer as you can fit in it and I’ll make sure the sugar container is filled to the brim.”

Sarah laughs, a delicate tinkle, before turning to Robin who gives over her order, almost drooling as she looks up at the pretty girl. Steve extends his free foot to and kicks her lightly. She snaps out of it, glancing back at him in gratitude as Sarah walks away and expressed through a snarky sound as she asks, “Think you can survive your shifts without me?”

“I think I can manage,” Steve says dryly.

She matches him tone for tone, “But however will you keep up with cleaning the counter—”

“—you’re the one obsessed with the Zone of Stickiness—”

“—or the small demons that want to consume our souls—”

“—I can handle a few toddlers—”

“—what about—”

“Rob!” Steve laughs as she falls into giggles. Eddie rolls his eyes beside them, indulgent in the face of what he often calls their wonder-twin routine. “I’ve got it. I’ll survive the week. It’ll be my last solo shift anyway. Once you’re at Purdue I’m quitting for Marjorie’s and Family Video will be a distant nightmare.”

He winks to soften the last word; Family Video, much like Scoops Ahoy, will always have a fond place in his heart, if only for the hours it’s given him with his best friend.

He feels a nudge at his side and slides out at Eddie’s gesture, letting him move to stand. “I’m going to the john,” he says amiably but with a meaningful look to Steve before he walks away. Steve watches the tightness of his jeans as he makes a bee-line to the back, feeling a stirring at the memory of his hands running over that ass only the night before.

“That was weird,” Robin observes, eyes returning thoughtfully to Steve who reluctantly turns away from fond thoughts to sigh at being caught out.

“I think he feels like he might be getting in the way of our goodbyes.”

Robin’s eyebrows slam together, “Of us? What gave him that idea?”

Eyes dropping to the fornica table, Steve scratches at an old stain. “I maybe hinted that I should be spending more time with you since you’re going away.”

“For a whole week, Steve,” says Robin sardonically and entirely unconvinced by his explanation.

“Yeah, but it won’t be just a handful of days will it? Not once you settle on Purdue.” Steve’s hope that he can hide behind the truth is punctured like a child’s balloon.

“For one week, Steve,” Robin repeats, each word punctuated by invisible full stops and Steve raises his head to find Robin’s expression wholly unimpressed.

“I just…” Steve’s jaw clenches around the bitter taste. “I needed some reason not to glomp myself all over him.”

Robin sighs, leaning back against the red seat, it gives out an artificial squeak at the movement. “Steve. Babe…” She seems to gather her thoughts for a moment. “You need to talk to him. I can’t always walk in and wave my magic lesbian wand to pull you out of your emotional constipation.”

Steve scowls, but it’s half-hearted as he protests a little too loudly, “I’m not constipated.”

“Well, that’s a happy thing to hear,” Nancy says behind him, slowly and with a hint of a smile as she suddenly appears at their elbow, a brown paper to-go bag in one hand, bottom so greasy it’s almost clear.

Robin and Steve startle, both having been so wrapped up in their conversation with each other that they’d forgotten the diner around them. Robin bites her lip as if to remind herself she shouldn’t be so openly saying the L world in public, but Nancy doesn’t show any indication of having heard it.

The reminder of the outside world brings the sudden sounds of chattering in the nearby booths and the clacking of sturdy plates being stacked as Sarah clears a table. His inattention causes something inside Steve to clench, a chastisement from his wolf for not protecting his pack better.

Not that he needs to protect anyone from Nancy, he reminds himself sternly, looking up at her waiting expression. She’s just Nance, looking as sturdily practical as ever in a floral dress over a collared shirt with wide, cream lapels, although the smartly pointed toes of her white boots hint at the risk people take in underestimating her.

“What are you doing here?” Robin demands and it’s Nancy’s turn to startle, the tone directed at her just shy of rude.

A group of workers clomp behind her, their steel-caps making a heavy tread as they pass. She leans in closer and Steve catches a good whiff of her perfume. White Linen, he recalls with a clarity so keen he can feel the press of the wrapped box in his hand, the low sound of Journey in the background as they’d celebrated her birthday in his bed.

With his wolfy nose, he’s now able to tease out the individual notes of rose, violet, and orris blossoms. The latter he’d found at Marjorie’s garden nursery in his first week working there. All of it combining to suit the coolness of white flowers that Steve thinks of as uniquely Nancy.

She rallies with a relaxed smile, “It’s the break and I was able to wrap up a few things early at Northwestern. Plus, I wanted to get here in time to give Mike his birthday present in person.” She hesitates but leans in again, cool, calm flowers in her wake. “And it doesn’t hurt to check in on Hawkins.”

Her eyes have a tinge of resignation to them, like she knows she’ll never be free of the hometown that shaped her into the justice-seeking reporter that she’s become at heart. “This will be the first year in four that something hasn’t happened yet, and I want to check around town. Make sure that’s still the case.”

Robin rolls her eyes behind Nancy’s back. Steve does the little kick of his lip and slight squint at her that she knows means shut up. Nancy doesn’t see it, even with her focus being on Steve, but she clearly senses that she no longer has his complete attention so she leans back. “Will you be there?” She shifts to include them both in her question.

“Mike’s party?” Steve continues at her nod, “I will be, but Rob’s out-of-town so she’ll miss it.”

Robin chuckles, eyes distant as she remembers Lucas’ birthday celebrations just a month ago, “I’m happy to never see a hotdog contest like that again.”

“They’re animals,” Steve agrees wryly and almost giggles as she mimes the choking face that Mike had made not three dogs in.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you then,” Nancy smiles again as she tucks a wayward curl behind her ear and departs with a small wave. He watches her leave, waiting to see if she has the Chevy nearby to get into, but she leaves his sightline beyond the wide windows of the storefront and Steve lets it drop. He cares for Nance. He always will. But she’s a big girl and the wolf doesn’t feel responsible for her like it does the party.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the dark form of Eddie approach. He’d chosen a black tee today, lapping over dark denim and stomping boots, all light sucked away in an effect that only emphasises the sleek alabaster of his skin and the contrast of sharp silver on his fingers.

Steve idly wonders if he can convince Eddie to come back to Family Video before his shift, hide out in the back and suck those rings off his slim fingers one by one.

He’s broken out of his reverie though by the slight frown on Eddie’s face as he sidles back into the booth. This time, pressing more firmly up against the side of Steve as he boxes him between him and the wall. “Was that Wheeler?”

“The one and only,” Robin says, meeting his eyes and Steve wonders at the gravity held between the two of them, feeling oddly left out. “She says that she’s here for the holidays — Mike’s party and to be the ever-vigilant gal on the beat in case the woo woo acts up again.”

“Does she know something?” Eddie asks sharply but Robin shakes her head.

“Nah, just keeping an eye on things,” she reluctantly concedes. “Which is probably not the worse idea.”

“You know Nance,” Steve interjects, reaching beyond Eddie as Sarah delivers their shakes and coffee before departing in an efficient whisk away, “she feels responsible for this stuff. She’d throw herself in harms way rather than let something like Barb happen again.”

As always, Steve feels a sad and guilty pang at the memory of Nancy’s best friend, murdered by demogorgons and dragged into the Upside Down while they had celebrated their first night together, blissfully unaware and excited in the throes of new love.

Barb had been left in the doppelganger version of his pool too, he remembers grimly; not that he has to cast back far for the memory of returning for her body, bringing it back to their world for a proper burial. He hasn’t entered his pool in years now. Sometimes he feels like the whole of Hawkins is tainted, a place overlapped by another world, seeped in blood and fouled by the unnatural spirit of a world that spits red lightning and uncanny monsters.

But it makes him ambivalent too, the thinks, resisting the urge to scratch at the puckered scarring on his lower leg where the demo-dogs had torn into him. Ever since that first turning, Steve has felt like some part of him, some element unknown that would have been forever hidden if not for that seminal event, clicked into place. He's still not sure what puzzle that piece fits into, but he knows it has to do with the wolf. With Eddie’s bat.

Unconsciously, his hand reaches out to rest on Eddie’s on the table and Eddie smiles warmly, but only briefly squeezes it before drawing his own away to cradle his coffee. The pang strikes harder and Steve curls his nails in, not letting them bite into his palm as he calmly reminds himself that needy is only going to push Eddie away.

More steddie here :)

Tag! You're it: @formosusiniquis and @wynnyfryd and @apomaro-mellow

#steddie #established relationship #but they're not yet free of their insecurities your honour #steve harrington #eddie munson #robin buckley #platonic stobin #paperbackribs writing

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honey-minded-hivemind · 8 months ago

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To tide everyone over (and to release a creative thought I had today), here are some design/dragon characteristic ideas for the X-Men and Reader in Claws and Fangs AU (the X-Men Evolution version, not Scales and Tails, the Animated Series one):

(X-Men Adults)

Charles Xavier/The Professor: has pale gray-green scales on his legs and some on his cheeks, has a tail that is long and graceful which is in his lap usually (does not have horns, claws, fangs or wings)

Ororo Munroe/Storm: has opalescent scales dotting her cheeks and forehead as well as her hands, has beautiful wings in white and gold that act as her cape and coat (has no tail, claws, fangs or horns)

Logan Howlett/Wolverine: has black scales lining his cheeks, arms, hands and legs, has a thick tail with a spiked end, has claws, has two horns that curl upward, has sharp fangs (has no wings)

Hank McCoy/Beast: has indigo and gray scales on his neck, arms, and legs, has a strong tail, has thick claws, has crushing fangs (no horns or wings)

(Brotherhood/Acolyte Adults)

Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto: has pale silvery scales across his forehead, cheeks, and hands, has strong gray wings that are bat-like, has two pale horns on his head that stick upright, has a thin silvery tail (has no claws or fangs)

Victor Creed/Sabretooth: has golden-brown and dark brown scales on his face, arms, legs, and hands and feet, has long claws, has a long dappled tail, has four horns that curve, has long, tusk-like fangs (has no wings)

Raven Darkholme/Mystique: has royal blue and vermillion scales on her forehead, back, arms, and legs, has small fangs, has a small crest of dark red horns (does not appear with wings or claws, but can grow them when taking on another form)

(X-Men Teens)

Scott Summers/Cyclops: has red-brown scales on his hands and around his eyes, has two short horns that poke through his hair (has no claws, tail, wings or fangs)

Jean Grey/The Phoenix: has fiery orange scales on her forehead and hands, has a curling goldfish-orange tail, has sunset orange wings (has no claws, fangs, or horns)

Anna-Marie/Rogue: has dark green and gray-black scales on her cheeks and hands, has one white and one black horn, has small fangs, has a strong forest green tail (does not have wings or claws)

Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler: has navy blue scales on his face, arms, back, and legs, has a lithe blue tail with a spaded end, has small midnight blue claws, has tiny fangs, has two small horns (has no wings)

Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat: has pale lavender and pink scales on her cheeks and neck, has two small wings (has no claws, horns, fangs or tail)

Evan Daniels/Spyke: has cream yellow scales on his cheeks, forehead, and forearms, has four small horns like a crest, has a spiky tail (has now wings or claws or fangs)

(Brotherhood Teens)

Lance Alvers/Avalanche: has dark brown scales on his forehead and under his eyes, has hard fangs (has no horns, claws, tail, or wings)

Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver: has pale teal scales on his cheeks and collarbone, has a whip-thin tail, has two small horns (has no wings, claws, or fangs)

Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch: has scarlet red and black scales on her cheeks, neck, and hands, has red and black wings that act as a coat when needed, has two small fangs, has four black horns (has no tail or claws)

Fred Dukes/The Blob: has khaki and army green scales on his back and cheeks, has a large tail (has no wings, claws, horns or fangs)

Todd Tolanksy/Toad: has yellow-green scales on his face, arms, legs, and back, has a tail like a tadpole (has no claws, wings, fangs or horns)

(Acolyte/Brotherhood Teens)

Remy LeBeau/Gambit: has hot pink and deep red-brown scales on his cheeks, near his eyes, and across his neck and back, has a prehensile brown and pink tail, has two horns that curl slightly, has two brown wings that act as a coat when needed (has no claws or fangs)

St. John Allerdyce/Pyro: has bright orange and yellow scales, has a pair of shiny fangs (has no claw, tail, wings or horns)

Piotr Rasputin/Colossus: has silver metallic scales on his face, arms, back, and legs, has two large horns like a ram's (has no wings, tail, claws or fangs)

Reader Readerson/???: (figuring it out, will update once it's decided)

(If anyone wants to ask about this, I can answer a few questions tonight, but tomorrow through Sunday, I will be unavailable) ( @sugar-soda @thewickedweiner @vivid-bun @weebwholovesuchihasasuke @danni1323) (Enjoy the Mutants-Are-Dragons Multiverse!)

#honeycomb thoughts #platonic yandere marvel #yandere platonic marvel #platonic yandere xmen #yandere x-men #platonic yandere marvel x reader #platonic yandere xmen evolution #platonic yandere xmen evolution au #🐾claws and fangs au

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aurorasilverthorne · 8 months ago

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Fire & Blood AU

___________________

Characters:

Baela Targaryen

Elder daughter of Laena Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen. Wife and queen of Aemond Targaryen. Mother to Vaemond, Visenya, Elaena, and Aerion. The rider of Tyraxes, a he-dragon with piercing ebony eyes, seafoam green scales, silver crests, and onyx black claws and horns. Known as a kind and generous queen with a gentle heart when it comes to the well-being of children and animals.

Aemond Targaryen

The second son and child of Viserys and Alicent Hightower. Brother to Helaena and Aegon. King and husband of Princess Baela Targaryen and father to Vaemond, Visenya, Elaena, and Aerion. Rider of the unpredictable female dragon Shrykos with her gold eyes, navy blue scales, brilliant rose gold crests, and pearl white horns and claws. Known for being an austere man with a tactical mind. Has a gentle hand when it comes to his wife and their children.

Vaemond Targaryen

The firstborn son of Aemond Targaryen and Baela Targaryen, the Crowned Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the throne of Westeros. Brother to Visenya, Elaena, and Aerion. The rider of Vermax, a mercurial he-dragon with olive green scales, orange eyes with matching frills, and a red spine. Known for being an introvert with a keen intellect and plethora of patience.

Visenya Targaryen

Eldest daughter of Aemond and Baela Targaryen. Sister to Vaemond, Elaena, and Aerion. Rider of Arrax, a young male dragon with purple wing membranes, pearlescent white scales, orange frills, and amber eyes. Best known for her beauty, compassion, and outgoing nature.

Elaena Targaryen

Third born child and second daughter of Aemond and Baela Targaryen. Rider of Morghul, a dragon with obsidian black scales, maroon wing membranes, and fire green eyes with deep bronze claws and horns. Known for her playful, adventurous personality and for possessing a fierce temper and a sharp tongue.

Aerion Targaryen

Youngest child and second born son of Aemond and Baela. Brother to Vaemond, Visenya, and Elaena. Rider of Tessarion, a cobalt blue female dragon with bright copper crests and claws. Known for his love of books, music, and dancing. A shy, affectionate, and soft-spoken boy.

___________________

Disclaimer: I do NOT own House of the Dragon or any of its characters.

Reminder: Vaemond, Visenya, Elaena, and Aerion are my OCs, so they all belong to me. If anyone wants to use them in fanart or fanfiction, please remember to credit me as their creator. Thank you.

Part #2: https://www.tumblr.com/aurorasilverthorne/758186985867345920/characters-2?source=share

Part #3: https://www.tumblr.com/aurorasilverthorne/758217659182645248/fire-blood-au-characters?source=share

Part #4: https://www.tumblr.com/aurorasilverthorne/758227678086283264/blood-fire-au-characters?source=share

Part #5: https://www.tumblr.com/aurorasilverthorne/758449181436362752/fire-blood-au-characters?source=share

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primamchorus · 4 months ago

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Side Story: Shadows on the Wall

What feels like the weight of the world has been piling and piling upon Aestus' shoulders as he has not only juggled the responsibilities as Ears of the King, but as an older brother that may as well be a third parent to the three younger sisters that he has. When a report returns from Tenebrae, many concerns flood Aestus' mind, and it addles him with many questions that he simply cannot figure the answers to. In the end, he feels he has one recourse...

Word count: 2,405

FFXV: Reimagined Table of Contents

<- Previous • Next ->

A furrow of thought was deep upon Aestus’ brow as he walked down the halls of the Citadel from the Intelligence Bureau. He held a neat envelope in one hand that bore the black, stamped-on-crest of House Vox; also stamped upon it in red were the big, bold letters: CONFIDENTIAL. His hands would have been shaking in anticipation had he not trained himself to tame his more notable tics.

As it stood, there were things of concern that had reached the Ears of the King, and Aestus was trying desperately to connect the dots within the confines of his mind. He was going over the multitudes of strings that were loose and merely blowing in the winds of his failing logic.

An attack on Queen Aulea and Prince Noctis on their return trip from Cape Caem…

Why? For what purpose would Niflheim so brazenly attack? Though the prince survived, the queen very much had not. That was like to incur rage within not just the king, but the citizens of the kingdom as well. Not to mention the fear.

That in mind, it would not have come as a surprise if the Glaive were further bolstered -- perhaps recklessly so -- to contend with the Niflheim forces. Still, that would have meant a number of resources that would have had to go toward that. The Crystal’s magic was not as big of an issue… Space within the Wall, however? There were already growing concerns among the people of Insomnia…

Aestus paused in the middle of the hallway.

Was that it?

Was Niflheim trying to back Regis into a corner to cede the territory of Lucis to them? Or perhaps they were hoping that Regis would become so desperate or blinded by rage that he would bring all of Insomnia’s fighting power forward to eliminate before they were ready? The very fact that Noctis still lived meant that there would be tightened securities and concerns over everything.

Could be that they were trying to incite civil unrest as well… Make the people leery of the Crown in order to mutinize against the king?

Bringing his hand up, Aestus bit down on his thumbnail as he furrowed his brow.

There were so many different things that could have been at work.

“Furrow your brow any harder, and you’ll have wrinkles well before you’re fifty!”

Aestus recognized that voice, and he straightened his posture before looking up at…himself. Standing just down the hallway several yards away from himself was the spitting image of him: Aestus Vox. Though…this double of his was wearing, instead, a navy blue suit versus the gray and red one he wore that day. Bringing a hand to the bridge of his nose, Aestus sighed and shook his head.

“Vera…” Aestus sighed. “Much as I’m glad you’re taking well to the Disguise spells, it is whiplash hearing your voice come out of my mouth.”

Still…Aestus was glad to see how well Vera's mastery over her own magic was coming along. A smile tugged at his lips as he straightened his posture and approached. Honestly, he wanted to have a good look at how Vera managed to pull off his appearance. It was not as if she herself was altered in any physical capacity.

Lifting a hand up, Aestus feathered his fingers over the top of ‘his’ head…or rather, through it.

“Hey!” Vera protested as her projection of Aestus’ visage shimmered and faded away in a crumble of crystalline magic. Underneath the guise was a shorter teen who, like the man in front of her, had raven colored hair. Her eyes were a bright green -- a contrast to Aestus’ reddish-brown ones. “No fair! I was practicing holding it!”

“Choose a different subject,” Aestus retorted, patting and then ruffling Vera's head, another sound of protest spilling from her lips. When Aestus retracted his hand, he then asked: “What about Ignis? I'm sure he'll appreciate it.”

“I tried once,” Vera recollected, swatting her elder brother's hand as it still lingered close by. “He said if I did it again, he'd use me to test how well he sharpened his kitchen knives.”

“Oh yeah? Would probably be useful training for you.”

Vera gawped in response and then folded her arms over chest. “My own brother wants to see me stabbed and killed to death by one of our own?”

“‘Killed to death’?” Aestus repeated with a tease to his tone, cocking his brow as an amused smirk fell over his lips.

“Killed. To. Death.” Vera doubled down on her phrasing.

“Right…” Aestus shrugged and proceeded to continue his route to where his new office was located. “Well, while you're dying to death by Ignis’ hand, perhaps you can expand upon your spells to actually master Mimic so your voice doesn’t give you away. Two spells at once to keep yourself undercover isn't only useful--”

“‘--it's necessary to the survival of the members of House Vox’. Yes, I know…” Vera replied with a bit of an exasperated, mocking intonation before she sighed with some annoyance. She then rested her arms at her sides before her eyes flicked down to the envelope that her brother held. She had noticed it before she decided to tease him. Pointing to it, she asked, “What do you have from Father?”

Aestus paused and looked down at the envelope. He then proceeded to hold it up so that Vera could read the bold red letters on it: ‘CONFIDENTIAL'.

“But I'm also a Vox! That crest belongs to me, too! That information is ours!” Vera whined.

“Entitled much?” Aestus said, half in jest at Vera's expense. His expression fell after a moment, soon becoming apologetic. She was certainly of age to know more than he was allowing her, but the truth really was that he did not want her recklessly endangering herself once she found out what was in the envelope. Once she found out what Aestus was toying with committing to. “One day, Vera.”

“You’re always ‘one day, Vera’ this, ‘one day, Vera’ that! When will I get to actually learn anything?” Vera huffed, marching up to Aestus and shoving his shoulder lightly in her agitation. “You learned so much at my age! Father took you out on reconnaissance and undercover missions while I was left here with Lyra and Mum! You got to do everything expected of one of House Vox!”

“And you will, too.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

“When is soon, Aestus!?” Vera shouted. For a mercy, the halls were bereft of the wandering staff member.

Aestus’ jaw set and he looked away from her. He hesitated. The one answer he had is the one that was unbefitting of a Vox: “I don’t know.”

“Yeah, because that will convince me that I’ll ever get to see myself prepared for our House duties…” Vera scoffed and shook her head, her hands going to her hips as she also turned her gaze away. Looking at Aestus was only serving to agitate her further now.

Closing her eyes, Vera’s shoulders heaved with a sigh as she dropped her arms to her sides. “I just want to help. I want to serve the Crown like you do. Just…everyone already looks to you as the…the golden child or something of House Vox. But I know you can’t do it alone, Aestus. Every time I’m here on my own, I have to do what you did for me and Lyra. Goddammit, and now we have Nebula? She’s going to look to me like how Lyra and I look to you with how much less you’ve been home. How am I supposed to be what she needs when you’re gone most of the time like Mum and Dad?”

For a moment, Aestus’ gaze dropped to the floor, staring at the shadow cast below himself. An imperfect reflection marred by bad lighting and the patterns in the cut stone. Was this how Vera saw him now?

… She was too succinct for a--

No…she was raised to be as succinct as she needed to be. Even for a thirteen-year-old. Perhaps especially for a thirteen-year-old if the memories of Aestus’ own training and upbringing were of any indication.

Turning to face Vera, Aestus walked toward her and then placed a hand on her shoulder. Looking down at her, he waited until she looked back up at him, that look of hurt and indignation evident in her expression. Of course it hurt; Aestus had essentially been the one that looked out for Vera and Lyra as they grew up so far -- more so than their own parents.

“I’m sorry…” Aestus started simply. “I know that Dad and I have been doing too much and making it seem like -- no… We are keeping you out of the loop. You think you’re ready for the things I have the access to: you’re not. Sometimes I don’t even think I’m ready for the tasks that are given to me, Vera. I don’t want to burden you with what I have. I don’t want you to burden yourself with what I have…and I know that me saying this isn’t going to stop you. Hell, our situation will force you into it.”

Aestus reassuringly shook Vera’s shoulder briefly.

“Please…just…” Aestus sighed. “Be as normal a girl as you can be. For as long as you can… Whatever the hell ‘normal’ means for us.”

“There’s no such thing as ‘normal’ for us. ‘Normal’ is catering to the Crown -- to Prince Noctis and King Regis’ needs. ‘Normal’ is learning how to use magic to disguise ourselves and hide in the shadows. ‘Normal’ is learning that kids get to be kids until they’re eighteen. ‘Normal’--” Vera’s breathing got heavier as she blinked back tears. “‘Normal’ is knowing that we’ll never know what a ‘childhood’ is. Whatever a ‘normal girl’ is, Aestus, I. Can’t. Be. It.”

Time felt like it stopped after Vera spoke. The way she hung onto each word, fighting her own emotions to be able to actually say her piece struck Aestus.

She was right, of course. The way they all got to learn about the difference in how commoner children and the children of nobility were raised thanks to Noctis, Primam, and Tandem’s experiences made many of them realize just how abnormal they all really were compared to the ‘normal’ citizens of Insomnia.

Truly, it was such a privilege to have been born into a noble House.

“... I wish I could tell you,” Aestus finally said, rubbing his thumb along Vera’s shoulder before pulling it back. “But I’m not endangering you.”

Still, Vera looked up at him with that expression of hurt and offense. Her next words came out a hiss: “Being born a Vox is being born endangered! Hell, being born in any of the noble families may as well be the same as being condemned to having a disposable life the moment we’re brought into this world!”

Another statement that might as well have been true.

“Which is why I refuse to endanger you more than we already will be within our lifetimes.” Aestus’ voice was quiet. He knew that this was not something Vera wanted to hear. Not when she was so impassioned about who they were. Who she was.

“... It’s not fair…” Vera replied, clenching her hands into fists.

“I know…” Aestus breathed another silent sigh before he turned back in the direction of his office. “May you never be in my position in the future, Vera. Because it’s not a position I enjoy being in. Not in the slightest.”

With that, Aestus started walking once more, his gaze falling momentarily to the envelope. Anything contained within may as well have been a curse -- a burden to carry. Too heavy a responsibility to really bear on one’s own…and yet, it was expected of House Vox.

The burden of information too great was a weight felt in its entirety.

When Aestus finally got to his office, he closed his door, ensuring it secured with the telltale ‘click’ before he walked over to his desk and slumped into his chair. He brought a hand up to his face, rubbing his eyes as he tossed the sealed envelope onto his desk. This office, he thought once, should have felt like an accomplishment. Now, it simply felt like a prison -- and for many of the reasons that Vera brought to light and made him consider a little more deeply.

Sliding his hand down his face, Aestus inhaled sharply and then reached for the envelope. Opening it, he carefully slid out the papers and held them, asserting his attention upon them. Within the corner of the first page was a seal of a blue sylleblossom, marking the report as one from their allies in Tenebrae. Upon the papers themselves were scanned in news clippings and book passages.

His eyes scanned over the words, picking out the different words that made up the Vox code, piecing together the actual report. A pain, but one that needed to be done.

‘A sea of flame engulfed the garden land. A wilted rose returns to earth. Chip in the crystal, still glittering. Three doves still remain, nest in tatters.’

Aestus groaned, closing his eyes before he placed the papers down somewhat carelessly. He leaned back in his chair, head lolling against the headrest. After a time, he turned his gaze upward, eyes tracing the grooves and features in the ceiling above.

Reaching down, Aestus opened his desk drawer and pulled out one of his phones. Turning it on, he dialed a number on it and held it close, listening to it ring. He closed his eyes, leaning forward and propping himself on his desk as if it were the only thing that could keep him up. All the while, he kept hoping that the person he needed would have been on the other end.

“Speak to me, Spades.”

Aestus sat there a moment longer.

“... A mining excursion is required across the salt.” Aestus’ voice was a low rasp.

Silence lingered for a long moment.

“That’ll take the turn of four cycles for everything to get organized. Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“... Noted. Await the acquisition of our canaries.”

The line went dead, and Aestus hung up the phone before turning it off and shoving it back into his desk. He propped his elbows on his desk and then rested his forehead between his hands.

May the Light of the Crystal forgive him for what he was committing to…

#ffxv #ffxv writing #my writing #ffxv oc #oc: aestus vox #oc: vera vox #canon rewrite #ffxv: reimagined

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shinnogi · 3 months ago

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we can never be gods, after all - but we can become something less than human with frightening ease [...] the knives that will slaughter heaven, our heads bloody but unbowed [...] for ours is a fate worse than death...

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊 ( @uzchis ) ━ ❛ 🧸 - Does your muse own any sentimental objects from their past? What makes it/them so special? @ shizue ❜

Shizue doesn't allow herself to be overly sentimental about things in fear of making her parents and brothers angry or ashamed of her. So, she doesn't keep many things from childhood, hardly any reminders of it in her room. That said, she does have a few things that she hold dear like her medal in taijutsu from the academy, or her first ever set of kunai and shuriken.

However, what she really can't rid herself off is her very first ceremonial kimono. A piece beautifully decorated with white camellias painted over a deep navy blue background and a few details in red decorating the edges, with the Uchiha crest embroidered in the back.

It is important to her because it marks her introduction to the Uchiha traditions, her introduction to the thing she’d grow to love very much, and love much more than being a shinobi.

#𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 . in depth study . uchiha shizue #𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐆𝐈 . save .#uzchis #it just hit me that...shizue is technically suen's aunt and i'm 🥹

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izar-tarazed · 11 months ago

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𝟐-𝟓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐄 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘

COLORS

#1 … Blue, deep and rich—a variety of blues, really, that are Izar’s guiding colors. The blue of the night sky; the intense Carian blue; the darker one that she calls the Sellian blue, color of night sorceries. The blue of Liurnia, softened through the mist, but lit up by sunshine. The eternal gloam of Raya Lucaria’s great library.

#2 … Purple. The color of Izar’s eyes and the mark she bears on her brow. She doesn’t know how either of those came to be.

#3 … Brass, both polished and weathered. This is the color of treasure and precision, for most of her tools are made of this: the telescope she bought from Kalé before purchasing anything else, the small armillary sphere she retrieved from Raya Lucaria, the compass and the sextant. Her most prized possessions—apart from that small bottle of ink—because they are the tools of her profession: the keys to her identity.

SCENTS

#1 … The scent of old books: leather and yellowed paper.

#2 … The memory of wild grass and crisp mountain winds—the scent of a place fit for stargazing.

#3 … A hint of pepper and minty herba; not out of nowhere, but from the sweet spiced tea beloved among the nomadic merchants that Izar now loves as well.

FASHION

#1 … The Carian Knight Armor. Blue, silver and gold; fabric and metal. This is the armor she feels most comfortable in—as if belonging to it in a way she could never explain. She was reluctant to put it on when she first found it, but now donning it feels oddly like coming home.

#2 … The Astrologer’s Robe. Brown and creme-white; simple and durable fabrics, yet more comfortable than one would imagine. This is the garb she woke up in; the beginning of her journey. Lightweight, with pockets she quickly went filling with herbs and rainbow stones, feathers and crystal buds. Sometimes, at the Roundtable Hold, she’ll still put the robe on—to be comfortable and without worries, nothing but an astrologer, allowed to indulge in her curiosity.

#3 … The Blue Cloth Vest … Its color reminds her of Liurnia, and Izar likes it a lot. Its chestpiece of hardened leather offers better protection than her Astrologer’s Robe while still being lighter than her Carian Knight Armor. It’s another attire she feels extremely comfortable in.

#4 … The Navy Hood. She still carries it with her wherever she goes; she doesn’t even remember where she found it, but the blue, of course, called to her immediately. With the hood pulled up, she feels strangely protected. She’ll bring the cloak out on chill nights and snuggle up underneath when she rests.

OBJECTS

#1 … A bottle of ink, and a quill made of a stormhawk’s feather, but with a brass tip.

Technically two objects, yes, but they go together: ink and quill, essential to Izar’s map-making. She uses them for the most precise lines, for notes and calculations that mustn’t smudge like those made with charcoal possibly could.

She also draws her maps’ ornaments with them: small crests and compass dials, and tiny illustrations of what she concludes certain constellations might represent. A jewel-eyed dragon; a fox chasing its own tail; the hand holding a candle in its palm: with simple lines, she calls forth the forgotten stories.

#2 … The telescope. Always on her belt, to be grabbed with one swift motion—not that watching the night sky would require hurry. But Izar likes to keep it close.

#3 … The Carian Regal Scepter … Once again, silver and blue, the night sky and its stars. Izar’s favorite staff and her most frequent weapon of choice. A reminder of what she’s already accomplished, and a promise of what still may come.

BODY LANGUAGE

#1 … the occasional glance skywards—even in daylight—, fingers brushing her telescope

#2 … a series of springy steps when she’s both in good spirits and absent minded; almost as if dancing to a tune in her mind

#3 … slightly lifting her hand as if she’s about to reach out, or point at something (not necessarily something tangible, it can also be a thought, maybe… or a memory)

#4 ... straightening her shoulders, tightening her fingers around her staff–bracing herself for confrontation

AESTHETICS

#1 … the scholarly ones: hand-drawn maps, the inky lines still dark or already fading; dark wood and stacks of tomes, cartography tools; the twilight of a vast library, and its silence.

#2 … the astrologer’s ones: the infinity of the night sky, the certainty of one’s own smallness; shadows and a hint of golden light against the immensity of the darkest shades of blue and the silver of the stars; a landscape lost in darkness.

#3 … the stars in all their aspects—sketched, drawn, real; unmoving and far away; pure fury when wielded in combat—deadly comets, a meteor shower, a whirl of darkness and sparkling light.

SONGS

#1 … Láska neumiera (Jana Kirschner)

#2 Les choristes / Vois sur ton chemin (Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc/Bruno Coulais)

(une lumière dorée brille sans fin tout au bout du chemin |

a golden light forever shines at the end of the road )

#3 … Le vent nous portera (Scala & Kolacny Brothers)*

(je n’ai pas peur de la route … Tout disparaîtra, mais le vent nous portera |

I’m not afraid of the road ... Everything will disappear, but the wind will carry us)

#4 … Běžela jsem lesem (Vesna)

(bojím se lesem sama jít | mužeš mě prosím ochránit? |

I’m afraid to walk through the woods alone | can you please protect me?)

#5 ... Korzenie (Echo Rodu)

___

*A cover version, but more fitting for Izar than the original by Noir Désir.

Tagged by @hexenjagd–thank you so much, going through these has been a great exercise and so much fun.

Tagging ... well, if you've made your way all through this long post, you deserve a treat! consider yourself tagged if you'd like to!

#izar headcanon #izar tarazed #elden ring oc #prized by the crafty and fleet of foot | tags and dash games #both bewitched and fearful of the abyss | headcanons and lore

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aikoiya · 2 years ago

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LoZ: Wild - MOM (Nemma's Attire)

While Nemma's hair color is the typical Sheikah white, her eyes are deep ocean blue from her mother's side of the family, who was half-Deyan. Aside from that, her skin is a healthy tan compared to most other Sheikah of the time, making her resemble more the Impa from SS than the fairer-skinned Sheikah of Wild. She also has red face tattoos under her eyes. They underline her eyes with the outer halves being underlines with upside-down triangles & come with a pair of curved teardrops much like the Royal Family's Secret Stones.

When Nemma first left her village, she cut her hair off at the nape & it has since grown out.

At the beginning of the story, it will be about shoulder length.

It will continue to grow out through the story until it reaches at least ass length, but the ends will always have the straight edge look shown above.

Before her marriage & when out on missions after, it is normally pulled up into a top knot, held in place by Kôgai (Hair Sticks) that can also be used as daggers in a pinch, with her right bang braided into a fishtail.

As it grows longer, so will her braid & once her hair grows long enough to reach her butt, she'll regularly switch styles. Either wearing it as her typical topknot with the braided right bang, in a long braid with the right-side bang left loose, or in a style similar to her husband's, but with her right bang either being braided again or left loose.

Though, she'll keep the hair of her right bang cut to about a couple inches below her chin, really only letting it get a couple inches longer.

Topknots will also be accompanied by similar hair ornaments to what her husband wears as well as her signiture sharpened Kôgai.

And the tattoo on her shoulder is her Dokuso Shokushei mark, which identifies her as a Toxin Mistress.

---

At the beginning of the story, she'll normally wear a white traveling Yukata with red lining & a pattern of simple, red Sanke Carp swimming across it & her Kamon (family crest; a trio of Cool Safflina, a.k.a. Blacksmith Lupin flowers) in white on the back inside a red circle & a simple navy Obi with a simple Mind's Eye cinching her Yukata closed.

Like this:

The belts are from someone else's art, but I'm really just using them as an example of what I mean.

She'll often wear a woven, straw Sugegasa hat atop her head when traveling, replacing it with a Kāten Sugegasa in the desert, & a pair of practical Kitatami Setta, which are woven from rice straw, over Tabi socks on her feet.

This is what Kitatami Setta look like:

She'll switch out her Setta for Taka-Ashida Geta, which have high supports, when it rains or is otherwise poor weather.

Which look like this:

And Jika-Tabi, or Tabi boots, when she has to do hard work outside. Specifically, when she's on a job.

Example:

For the Kāten Sugegasa, it's basically a straw conehat with a sheer curtain attached to the rim that encircles the head.

@haaam-bugi made me this really amazing art! WITHOUT ME ASKING!! :D

(All I did was add the fish pattern on the yukata & adjust the tattoo on her shoulder so that you could see it in more detail. Otherwise, everything else is their work. I also asked permission if I could do this & they said yes. All she's missing are the Setta! X3 Though, her skintone isn't quite right. She's supposed to be more tanned. More like Impa from Skyward Sword or Hyrule Warriors.)

But when on a mission, she'll generally wear something not altogether different from what HW Impa wears (but less aqua & more navy), though without the odd Sheikah bikini top thing. Just give the Haori another strap. Plus, with a traditional Fukumen, a.k.a. a close-fitting mask that only covers the neck & lower half of the face. Also, it's held together by the same leather Obi that she wears over her Yukata.

(Not mine, did not make this, but the hairstyle is perfect & I like it. Though, I'd keep the regular Stealth Suit's shin guards. Other than that, make it less of a faded purple gray & more blue with the darker parts being navy.)

But with this belt:

Though, the blue wrapping should be red instead.

However, underneath her suit, she has cloth that wraps around her breasts & reaches down to her stomach to form a Haramaki in order to improve her core strength. She wraps her chest relatively loosely in order to make her bust more manageable. Nemma's pretty busty, so they get in the way of her swings. Binding them somewhat helps to make it easier to fight.

She actually has a similar figure to Istina from Harvestella.

She also takes very good care of her nails & tends to wear a special, reinforced nail polish that she makes herself from the hooves of the Lynels she kills. This polish allows her to be able to reliably use her nails as a viable weapon in a pinch. Though, she prefers not to get blood under them. She tends to switch between the colors red, blue, & clear. Polish made from Lynel Hooves actually have a particular sheen to them that's easy to identify, which is why the Sheikah wear this polish partially as an intimidation tactic.

Also with climbing boots & climbing gloves with Han Kote (半籠手, Armored Sleeve or Gauntlet). One Han Kote (the left one) being a traditional Sheikah Jōhyō Han Kote (縄鏢半籠手, Chained Kunai Gauntlet), which she uses either as a weapon or for traversing terrain.

Think of the rope dart modification made to the Hidden Blade that Arbaaz Mir used in Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India.

Nemma's other Han Kote has a spring-loaded climbing hook hidden inside, which makes getting around much easier & can also double as a Tekkō-Kagi (手甲鉤) or hand sickle. Basically being the Hookblade from Assassin's Creed.

Once she begins to learn hand-to-hand, she'll build Tekkō (鉄甲, Knuckle Dusters) into her Kote. Though, they will be more akin to metal studs welded into the knuckles.

She'll also add Kakushi Ashiha (隠し足刃) to her Jika-Tabi, which are essentially the Hidden Footblades from Assassin's Creed as used by the Assassin, Shao Jun.

(There's just a lot of Assassin's Creed influence in her design, okay?)

Either way, all this will essentially turn her into a living weapon.

---

Anyway, Nemma's wedding attire would look something like this:

But silver instead of gold & featuring Gerudo-style orchid patterns. Also, the head veil rests over the head. Plus a few extra things that I'll explain in a minute. (Also, not my art. I do not claim it as such.)

This is sort of the orchid pattern that I was thinking of:

There, of course, would be variation. But this would be the main pattern used.

This dress, in Gerudo, is called a Màtu'kàvtéda Shàree or a wedding saree in real life. And the aqua sash that drapes over the shoulder is a Màtu'kàvtéda Bàndaràshï.

But, add on the head veil that commonly goes with a royal Moroccan Dubai wedding Kaftan in the same shade of blue as the dress. I'm calling the head veil a Màlàki Kopfab.

Except, here, it's supposed to be so long that it trails along behind the wearer the same way a wedding train does & is the same shade of blue as the Shàree above.

And add on what, in real life, is an Arabic harem face veil. This one is aqua & is called an Màtu'kàvtéda Hunfàm. This veil is meant to be worn by the bride the entire week before the wedding & only to be removed by the groom the moment before the sealing kiss. It originates from a superstition that says the bride being seen directly by anyone before the wedding will bring about a disaster within the marriage. In order to prevent the disaster, all but the groom must close their eyes or shield their vision so that the first one to see the bride as the groom's new wife is the groom himself. Doing this is said to bring about good fortune in their marriage as well as, purportedly, improving the chances of a child in the future.

It isn't true, but it's tradition by now.

It's held in place by a pair of hooks that curve around the ears so it's easy for the groom to remove.

Like this one:

Also keep in mind that all the embroidery & patterns for all these articles of clothing are designed with Gerudàn patterns instead of the patchwork mix of various Middle & South Eastern styles that is actually featured here. She'll especially like the design of the lotus-like one & other floral designs.

Click the link for more on Gerudàn Wedding Traditions.

For her wedding Shàree, she specifically requested for the patterning to be inspired by Sweetheart Orchids specifically, which is a Sheikah tradition as they symbolize a happy couple, love, abundance, sexuality, & vivifatility (both verility & fertility). She likewise requested that Ganon's clothes also feature them. To which, he acquiesced as he was rather fond of the flower seeing as she proposed to him with Sweetheart Orchid petals.

She also wears a pair of silver orchid earrings with mother of pearl petals that she made just for that day. As well as a golden pendant featuring her Kamon (family crest) which is 3 Cool Safflina.

Nemma will wear a traditional, pale Sweetheart Orchid foundation covering her face. Though, not so much so that she appears snow white, just enough to pale her skin slightly & make her appear made of porcelin. With pink, almond set style eyeshadow & layered over that, the edges of her eyelids are painted red in a hooded or close set style (see some geisha eye makeup) with a hard edge.

The outside of her eyes have sparkling silver dots or circles of eyeliner that orbit around her eyes to create crescents. At the same time, she will also wear thick, Egyptian-like sliver eyeliner. This metallic, silver eyeliner is made from Moonblooming Arguses (they grow from Voltfruit Cacti, but only bloom at night). Which, this eyeliner is a sign of status in Gerudo culture & the silver color is an indication of the fact that she is marrying into the Royal House of Drāgamīr.

Here's how her makeup will look during the wedding:

Her hair is also pulled into a low, complicated bun decorated with a lovely, delicate-looking, floral, Sheikah bridal hairpiece called a Shinpu Kanzashi (新婦簪, Bride Hair Ornament; inspired by Hanfu Ji or Chinese Bridal Hair Ornaments), featuring Sweetheart Orchids & Cool Safflinas. These are mostly Sheikah traditions. This particular Bridal Ornament was actually made by her grandfather for her grandmother, which she wore when they got married.

Nemma isn't normally the unreasonable type, but this was one of the few things she had to put her foot down on.

Her hair is also woven with silver threads as per the Gerudo tradition.

Anyway, the day after the wedding, Nemma is coronated & given her Vàtta'jï Tàj or Queen's Tiara.

It looks like this:

The oar-like protrusions that are from the chief's headpiece, go down & to the sides. And, instead of the ovular piece that sticks up from the top, that is replaced with a similar halo-like part to what TP & HW Ganondorf wears. The overall design is just much less complicated than the Chieftain Hairpiece.

I also modeled the marking on the coin-like object in the second one in a way reminiscent of the original design for the Mirror Shield in OoT before people complained.

Still a little bit of work to be done.

Anyway, all of this, except instead of gold, Nemma's attire uses silver or platinum.

Finally, after the wedding, both she & Ganon will have red dots tattooed between their brows. Within these dots with be hidden the swirl of each other's fingerprints.

They are referred to as Kokoro no Kekkon Shuiro (心の結婚朱色, Marriage of Minds Sindoorani) or Kokoro no Kekkon Shindōrurani (心の結婚シンドールラニ, Marriage of Minds Sindoorani) & are inspired by the Hindu concept of Sindoor (सिन्दूर) or Sindura which are used to indicate marital status for women. And are or were thought to help one access their inner wisdom (which they'd likely need a lot of as a married woman). However, I've sort of expanded on the idea for my own purposes.

This is an important part of the wedding as it's something adapted from Sheikah culture, where the bride & groom dip 2 fingers into a bowl of red ink, then press the pads of their fingers to their other half's forehead. Upon the brow, right between & above the eyes. After the wedding, they go to another room to have a Sheikah tattoo artist that they'd hired for the occasion. She will tattoo the dot into their skin in such a way that, if one looks closely, you can see the impression of their new spouse's prints in red.

This becomes a permanent part of their design for the rest of the story.

Click on the link for more on Sheikan Wedding Traditions.

She'll also always be wearing a simple pair of earrings, one of which featuring a Gossip Stone after a certain point in the story.

---

Now for an explanation of the clothing words I used above.

Let's start off with Nemma's formal attire as queen would typically be a dark blue Shàree & Kopfab with a silver, opal, & moonstone Vàtta'jï Tàj featuring a crescent moon at the center of it & Voltfruit blossoms surrounding it, beneath the Kopfab.

A Shàree is a dress inspired by a saree, which is a Hindu dress. It generally features vibrant colors & is ankle-length. Featuring pretty patterns in gold or silver embroidery, & is made of light & airy fabric. They tend to have short sleeves & also comes with a sash, here called a Bàndaràshï, & a wide, gold or silver fabric girdle called an Àrïqna here with Gerudo emroidery. This'll be her preferred outfit to wear formally as it isn't difficult to move in. Màtu'kàvtéda Shàree, or Wedding Saree, are not much different from regular Shàree, except that the skirt reaches the floor & it's much more finely made.

A Kopfab is an opaque, colorful hooded veil made of silk with a golden or silvery-patterned embroidered border at the hem that sits perfectly upon the head without covering the face & reaches somewhere between hip & floor. The Kopfab being the traditional headdress of a Gerudo Queen. However, civilian Gerudo are allowed to wear one on their wedding days. When worn with a Shàree, it needs to be the same color as the Shàree itself, which I'll get into in a bit. Màtu'kàvtéda Kopfab are different mostly in how high quality the materials are to make them & the fact that they are long enough to trail along the floor behind the bride. Only queens & women marrying kings are allowed to wear them.

A Bàndaràshï is a strip of fabric that acts like a sash & is typically draped over one shoulder & circles around the opposite hip. Typically a different color to the Shàree to give variation. They often have gold or silver patterned borders. Non-wedding Bàndaràshï leave both arms free, unlike Màtu'kàvtéda Bàndaràshï, which are usually very long & hang over an arm to trail down to the floor.

A Màtu'kàvtéda Hunfàm is a sheer face veil much like that of an Arabic harem girl's in real life. However, in Gerudo culture, as mentioned above, this veil is supposed to be worn the entire week before the Vai's wedding day. There are, of course, exceptions for when eating & in one's room, which is where the bride is supposed to eat until the wedding.

When worn by a soon-to-be queen, the Hunfàm & Bàndaràshï are both supposed to match & be a different, yet complementary color to the Kopfab & Shàree.

As for a Vàtta'jï Tàj, it is a tiara or circlet of Gerudo make, often featuring Voltfruit blossoms & other desert iconography in its design. Worn only by queens & is fundamentally different from the complicated headpiece that a chief wears. Often made of silver or, in rare cases, platinum.

The Vàtta'jï Tàj & Kopfab are supposed to have hooks so that the Kopfab can be fastened to the Vàtta'jï Tàj & you don't have to worry about the Kopfab falling off.

Nemma wears a Shàree because she isn't a Gerudo & thus isn't as adapted to the desert as them. As a result, she requires proper covering to survive the sun in the day without severe sunburns. Though, it's extremely likely that her tan will darken over time due to living there which will make things easier.

However, due to her specific circumstances, her regular Kopfab & Shàree are both made of very high quality Bighorn Sheep wool (the Hyrule equivalent to Merino wool) rather than silk. As silk is not as good at temperature regulation the way wool is.

She, does, of course, wear the silk versions when it's important to make a good impression.

Something like this for the Shàree:

But with a wide, gold or silver Àrïqna.

There, of course, would be other formal dresses available with lots of different patterns, but for now, let's just use this one as a placeholder.

One such dress would be this:

Which, here, is called a Kafchïta, a dress of a different style. In real life, it's called a Kaftan.

When at a formal setting, such as royal functions where she needs to make a good impression, she'd wear Streshibpen. Which are Gerudo-style heeled slippers with wing-like protrusions. Basically, what a lot of the Gerudo wear in BotW. Otherwise, even when dressed as a queen in the palace, she'd largely wear sandals as they're much less prone to slippage on sand.

Nemma would have difficulty learning how to walk in Streshibpen as she prefers sensible & practical shoes, but as it'd be one of the formal dress expectations of her, she'd endeavor to learn.

Though, she'd require that the heels have blades in them & steel toes.

If she has to wear these torture devices, she's gonna weaponize them, damnit!

And, the patterns she'll mostly feature will be the sort of lotus-like Gerudo designs with many of them coming in some variety & combination of blue, aqua, green, navy, & even a smattering of pink, white, & purple.

---

Now, these generally aren't things she'd wear normally as they are more formal in nature.

For one, rather than wear her crown & Kopfab everywhere, she'd instead tend to wear her hair in her typical topknot, held in place by a silver or platinum Ebè'túijïl or hair crown, which is what I call the hair ornament that Ganondorf wears in TotK. However, she'll still wear her Kôgai with sharpened, metal tips.

As for clothes, she'd have a Xularàz'ùl Thōbora for Vaien, which is basically an embroidered women's thoub. Mainly blue & silver or blue & white with a few other colors for accents, with slit bell sleeves.

As for shoes, she's more inclined to wear Shibpin, which are the flats with pointed toes from the Gerudo Vai & Desert Voe sets.

—

Anyway, when out in the desert, she, of course, wears a Sheikah stealth suit, specifically modified to better survive in the desert. It's made of Bighorn Sheep wool & dyed white to reflect the sun & blend in with the environment. Though it still features the Sheikah eye, it also has the cobra hood symbol of the Gerudo as well. Add to that her climbing gloves, a Burnùs, & Gàlkhutwàïr Adhien & she's ready to survive. The boots having extra grip specially added to the soles to help with climbing.

A Burnùs being a white or beige hooded cloak with a split in the front that keeps the sun off you. And Gàlkhutwàïr Adhien, also known as Sandstrider Boots (basically just the Sand Boots), are boots made of sand seal leather with soles of Molduga hide, specifically designed to displace a person's weight evenly, thus allowing the wearer's feet to keep from sinking into the sand. She also continues to wear a traditional Sheikah Fukumen mask rather than opting for a Gerudo Shemàgh, though she goes with white here to go with the rest & this one is made of summer weight wool from Bighorn Sheep to help keep her cool in the day.

So, something of an Assassin's Creed look.

---

She would still, of course, wear traditional Sheikah attire, but she is now generally expected to put herself forth as a queen.

Such things include sleeping yukata for going to bed.

---

Also keep in mind that Nemma always has weapons on her. She is just not comfortable without a weapon on hand.

It may be overt or covert, but she always has something on her to defend herself with.

---

Nemma is from a story prompt of mine called Meeting One's Match.

LoZ My Fanfic Masterlist

#loz #legend of zelda #ganondorf x oc #fem!oc #sheikah oc #aikoiya oc #fashion #meeting one's match

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russicnroses · 10 months ago

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RUSSIAN ROSE - VOL 1 | PAGE SUMMARIES (PG. 7-30) - CHAPTER 1

Below are the page summaries for the first thirty pages of chapter one. These pages were summarized by Chat-GPT in the rule of three method. Spoilers ahead, reader's discretion advised.

# PAGES: 7,8,9

Joel, a man set to inherit a massive fortune and a foundation capable of influencing global economics, directed his interest towards studying flora and fauna. Using the foundation's resources, he gathered rare species from around the world, aiming to create a new form of life. Joel devoted many years to realizing this dream, sometimes crossing ethical boundaries.

In the first chapter, Saya sighs as she looks out at Petrogard from a carriage. The city, built by architects from Germany and Italy during Peter the Great's era, is filled with colorful buildings and churches. Originally a marshland, Petrogard's numerous canals divide it into 19 islands, making it a notable water city in Russia.

Saya, feeling the cold wave known as "Maroz," unconsciously shrinks her neck. Her short black hair and finely tailored crimson velvet dress highlight her delicate features. Despite her fragile appearance, her firm eyebrows and deep eyes suggest inner strength. As she observes the city center, adorned with Romanov family crests, she feels watched. A young man sitting next to her gently asks if she is tired, noting her sigh.

# PAGES: 10,11,12

A young man with long, loosely wavy black hair tied carelessly with a thin ribbon, and summer-night blue eyes peering from under his bangs, stands out. His deep lashes create shadows that give his exotic eyes a melancholic look. He wears a wing-collar shirt with a dark navy ribbon tie, a silver-gray silk vest, and a long dark navy jacket. Despite the lack of ornate decorations, his attire appears elegant due to its high quality and his demeanor. The only notable detail is that his shirt cuffs have rose engravings similar to Saya's.

Saya, feeling awkward about facing him, pretends to look out the window. When he asks if she’s tired, she admits she's a bit hungry. Haji, smiling gently, reassures her that he's fine. They both look outside at a large building dominating the square—a soft green palace with white pillars and window frames, adorned with gold and statues, making Saya feel uneasy. Haji identifies it as the Winter Palace, also known as the Hermitage.

Later, Haji wakes Saya, who realizes she fell asleep in the carriage after passing the Hermitage. They have arrived at their destination. Haji, without reproach, smiles and informs her. Saya quickly gets ready, deciding to handle her luggage herself despite Haji's offer. He then helps her out of the carriage, joking that she slept so soundly he couldn’t wake her, and teases her about drooling, which she denies.

# PAGES: 13,14,15

Haji helps Saya safely out of the carriage. The coachman, having seen them off, leaves without a word. They find themselves in front of a moderately sized, white-walled mansion. Haji fixes Saya's cape and they prepare to enter. Suddenly, a boy appears, startling Saya. Haji immediately positions himself protectively between them. Despite Haji's intimidating presence, the boy remains unfazed and stares at Saya with curiosity.

The boy, around sixteen or seventeen years old, has hazel and gold eyes and short, wild brown hair. His shirt is asymmetrically buttoned with a red shoulder strap, suggesting a uniform, though he wears it casually. Saya, sensing no threat, relaxes and touches Haji's arm, signaling him to stand down.

The boy offhandedly comments that Saya looks weak, then abruptly loses interest and turns away. As he walks inside, he tells an elderly man at the entrance that they’ve arrived. Saya, initially taken aback, regains her composure when Haji reassures her. They proceed inside, knowing they’ve reached the right place as the boy knew Saya's name.

# PAGES: 16,17,18

Saya clutches her bag and walks briskly to the entrance porch, where a butler silently bows deeply and opens the door. Inside, they find a semi-circular entrance hall with a white marble floor and a black stone radial pattern. The interior is predominantly white, with polished oak railings and wainscoting, giving it a noble impression. A large urn with red roses sits on the landing of a staircase, despite the harsh winter outside.

Saya, guided by Haji, follows the butler down a corridor to a semi-basement room. The butler instructs them to wait there until everyone has arrived. The room has a white marble fireplace with a fire burning, and the decor includes acanthus leaf patterns in gold on a maroon background, and red chairs with gold embroidery.

As they wait, four boys in black uniforms with red and gold accents enter. The shortest boy, who has deep wine-red hair and brown eyes, sits at the head of the table, engrossed in paperwork. Another boy, who stood by the fireplace earlier, is restless and refuses to sit. The boy at the head of the table, Valery, scolds the restless boy, Rodion, for his behavior. Rodion nonchalantly dismisses the reprimand, expressing his eagerness to meet Saya.

Valery apologizes for the lack of a proper greeting and explains that their group of five will be supporting Saya in her activities in Russia.

# PAGES: 19,20,21

The group introduces themselves to Saya. Rodion, impatiently, introduces himself and another boy, Kirill, without waiting for Valery. Kirill has an aloof demeanor, resting his cheek on his hand and avoiding eye contact, but Saya is struck by his appearance, particularly his wavy ice-blonde hair and delicate features reminiscent of a bisque doll. Despite his delicate appearance, his amethyst eyes convey a bold spirit.

Next, they introduce Eduard, who stands silently and acknowledges Saya with a bow. He is the tallest among the boys, with neatly trimmed black hair that appears blue under certain light, and thoughtful dark blue eyes. His disciplined and well-trained physique gives Saya an impression of an Eastern swordsman.

Valery attempts to maintain order, scolding Rodion for not sitting properly and for his earlier solo return. Rodion reluctantly complies, buttoning his collar and sleeves, though with clear reluctance.

Valery and Kirill express concern over another member, Maxim, who has been acting independently recently. Valery insists on focusing on their mission: supporting Saya in tracking down the creature "Diva," who escaped from a place called "Zoo" in Bordeaux thirty years ago. This task is crucial as "Diva" is often accompanied by "Chiropterans," posing significant danger.

Saya listens attentively, understanding the gravity of their mission and the dynamics within the group. The boys, while keeping a respectful distance, scrutinize her, making Saya feel as if she is under an interrogation.

# PAGES: 22,23,24

Saya speaks about the nature of Diva and the chiropterans, emphasizing that they attack humans and drink their blood, which causes a slight tension in the room. Valery explains that recent investigations revealed strange deaths in Russia, attributed to chiropterans, but details were initially suppressed due to their occurrence in areas associated with the aristocracy. Kirill clarifies the delay in obtaining this information, highlighting the class divide in Russia.

Valery informs Saya and Haji that they need to gather information in social circles, which Saya accepts, recognizing the decision of their organization, Red Shield. Valery relaxes and provides instructions for their stay, including using a specific part of the estate and handling their needs with minimal staff, as they will be posing as aristocrats or wealthy merchants' children attending a military academy.

Saya insists on minimal staff and handling their own needs, including preparing their own meals, which surprises Valery. Haji also supports this, noting his long-standing role in caring for Saya. Valery agrees, offering additional help if needed.

As Saya and Haji prepare to leave, Rodion remarks on Saya's role as the sole weapon against chiropterans, a fact that weighs heavily on her. Kirill, playing with his ice-blonde hair, comments on the legacy left by Joel, acknowledging the burden they all share in this fight.

# PAGES: 25,26,27

Saya defends Joel when Kiril calls him mad, enduring the critical stares of the group. Kiril taunts Saya, calling her "well-trained," which stings. Haji steps forward to protect Saya, his usually calm demeanor replaced with a cold, suppressed anger that fills the room. Rodion, intrigued by Haji, tests his strength by launching a kick, which Eduardo silently intercepts with his arm, diffusing Rodion's killing intent.

Rodion apologizes awkwardly, and Valeri reprimands him for acting on his own. As Saya and Haji prepare to leave, Kiril coldly comments on the importance of their performance.

In their suite, Saya reflects on the exhausting encounter, feeling ashamed of her earlier naivety. She resolves to face the challenges ahead, and begins organizing her belongings, noticing her reflection in the large window.

# PAGES: 28,29,30

Saya, noticing something, casually moved to the window and pinched her short hair, recalling it used to be long. She gasped, feeling dizzy and sensing as if a girl in the reflection moved on her own. At that moment, Haji knocked on the door, asking if she was asleep. Saya composed herself and answered. Haji brought in tea, surprising Saya with a tea trolley, including a samovar. Haji adeptly prepared the tea, impressing Saya.

They talked about their current location, Petrogard, and Saya remarked on how far they've come. Haji noted that Petrogard was once called the "Window to the West" and mentioned its nickname, the "Venice of the North." Saya, trying to distract herself from her fatigue, decided to look at a map the next day. Haji described their route, suggesting they were in a noble district, a suitable place for hiding under the guise of distant relatives.

#bloodplus #blood plus #russian rose vol 1 #story recap #chatgpt

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anoelleart · 2 years ago

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The Protolith: Chapter 2

Charlotte's Present ***

Five families, five names, five crests ruled the Empire. Deep in the Cathedral d’Leone was a hallway which housed each crest. Charlotte leaned on the opposite wall, hands buried in the folds of her skirt. The wall held each crest in an arched alcove taller than most generals and nearly as wide as her arms outstretched.

In the first was a white albatross with its wings outstretched and emerging from cerulean water, and next a scarlet, reptilian monster with four necks and four heads. In the center was a black lion, standing on its back feet, with a roaring mouth and claws extending. Beside the lion was a green serpent which curled around a gleaming stave. The final alcove was empty; the white brick wall, stained from years of oil fueled sconces left a pale, diamond-shaped shadow where a family crest once sat.

Charlotte frowned. This was the oldest wing of the cathedral and thus lacked gas-powered lighting. The shadows lengthened here, making the dark lion appear as though he was lying in wait of something – of what?

“The dance floor misses you,” a voice called down the hallway. Charlotte looked to her left to see Marc walking toward her. He was in his ornamental uniform, pleated black slacks, silk gloves, and a vest and forest green jacket over a white shirt. The left breast of his suit jacket was complete with numerous, gold and mother-of-pearl pins, indicating his war-time recognitions. At his side hung a dulled sword in a black, leather hilt. Four stripes on his lapel indicated he was a general. A single pin stood out, a silver one in the shape of the Albatross crest.

“It’s unrequited,” Charlotte replied. She crossed her arms. Though it was spring, her dress was sleeveless, held tightly against her sternum with whalebone and steel. Gloves maintained her modesty, chartreuse to match her dress and long enough to cover her elbow. Thankfully, her husband had an eye for fashion. He’d been the one to suggest matching gloves rather than white, silver jewelry rather than gold, and the black star stamped at the top of Charlotte’s cheekbone, rather than the heart she’d selected herself. Even if she felt out of place, she certainly didn’t look it.

Marc leaned on the wall beside her. Above them were buttressed, arched windows. One was cracked open and allowed the cool, springtime breeze into the hall.

“How are my favorite newlyweds?” he asked. He shot a smile her way. His navy suit complemented his golden hair and bright complexion. He held a flute of pink wine in one hand and sipped it sparingly.

The social season had begun on the Summer Solstice, and the newlyweds had only just returned to the Empire’s capital city, Lorenzia, just a month and a half prior. A short honeymoon and reprieve at the family estate while their city house was being renovated – still they’d returned early. Who could not miss the Premiere? The third largest event of the season – behind the Débutante and the Finale Ball – was held at the Emperor’s cathedral, on the highest point of the city.

Despite years of etiquette training, Charlotte had never been to a ball as formal as this – and this was one of the more laid back events of the season. Her mind fluttered back to afternoons spent at a weathered, yet elaborately decorated table, where her aunt would slap the back of her hand with a switch she’d collected from a willow everytime her posture shirked.

“We are simply… loving married life,” Charlotte breathed. She was lost in her thoughts. Her fingers toyed absent-mindedly with her engagement ring, silver with two yellow diamonds stacked one above the other. The ring always felt loose when she wore gloves, and it would rotate about her finger and clumsily hit her wedding band.

On the carriage ride over, Nathaniel had tried to calm her nerves. He’d smiled at her, and by God he had an easy smile, the kind that melted worries away. It rested beneath his calm, blue eyes and stylishly curled, black hair. He had this way of communicating wordlessly to her which she found comforting, whether squeezing her hand or placing his on the small of her back. Yet, tonight, Charlotte found that comfort uneasy; it sat heavy at the bottom of her stomach.

He’d told her: “I’ve been to dozens of these. It’s all pomp. You’ve nothing to worry about.”

Despite his optimism, Charlotte knew this party would be different from the others. Nathaniel’s family belonged to one of the lower houses, newer money but money nonetheless. The Wrights had been allied with Marc’s family for decades now, but Nathaniel’s marriage to Charlotte brought new prestige to his name. As for Charlotte, her marriage paid off her family’s debts. The last heir to her family name, empty coffers, and virtually no grace with the Empress, she had not been welcome to court in years. Things had changed for the both of them – Charlotte and her husband – so she entered this party without any comforting expectations.

At the end of it all, Charlotte was just happy to be back in Lorenzia, married or not.

“I think the true sign of a happy marriage is how often you hide from one another,” Marc replied.

Eager to change the subject, Charlotte asked, “How’s Edith?”

Marc has arrived at the party alone. After creating quite the controversy bringing not one but two consorts to Charlotte’s wedding, he played it safe tonight. The unmarried and pious general who certainly followed his vow of celibacy – with a smile like his? Few would believe it.

“She’s quite excited to see you.” Marc sighed. His eyes drifted toward the crests. After a moment, he said, “They took your crest down two years ago. The same night as the Debutante Ball. I thought it was petty, but her majesty is mercurial.”

“I’m sure I’ll meet her soon,” said she.

“Thankfully, she is indisposed tonight,” Marc replied.

Charlotte frowned. If anything, her most important task this evening was to make even the smallest good impression upon the Empress Mother, Beauvoir Eatön-d’Leone. Based on the imposing presence of magistrates and private guards, she assumed the Empress would at least make an appearance at her own party.

Marc interrupted her thoughts. “Do you see the crests below?” he asked. Below the five alcoves were several wooden dowels from which hung the crests of the lower houses.

“It’s meant to correspond with each of the house alliances,” he explained. “But most people pay it no mind these days. Back in the day, these could draw quite the stir. Wives would sneak away at their husbands bidding and move their crest to insult former allies. Even better, sometimes you’d move someone else’s and see what chaos ensued.” Marc chuckled. “I used to sneak around the hallways as a child and rearrange all of them.”

“Ever start any wars?” she asked. Ill-fitting jewelry was her calling card that night. A brass and onyx bracelet hung from her wrist; even affixed to its tightest setting, the bracelet fell toward her elbow when she took Marc’s wine.

“No, well, not like that.” Marc looked down toward her with a raised eyebrow.“I can bring you a drink, if you’d prefer.”

“In a minute,” Charlotte replied. “How’s the conflict … in the Southeast Kingdoms?”

Marc’s eyes softened. “You can just ask how he is.”

Charlotte opened her mouth, almost replied, and shut her mouth once more. She forced her lips into a tight smile before saying, “Nevermind. It was a silly question anyway. I’d love to get a drink.”

*** Read the rest of the chapter here!

#writeblr #chapter 2 #gaslamp fantasy #fantasy #dark fantasy #current wip #writing #women of color #excerpt #creative writing #protolith #protolith chapters #nonlinear #fantasy romance #adult fantasy #female main character

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smoothsailingthroughstars · 2 years ago

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(The resin is just about ready, a bit of dye even mixed in to one of the two buckets-- if you're going to be remade and prepared, might as well do it with honor, like kintsugi.)

(Mary is lying on the crates, rope tying the body parts together in their splay to give the reinforcements time to settle and harden. The wood glue had dried a while ago, and now it was time for the resin.)

(She began to pour the deep sea blue to navy epoxy where the splinters could not be patched.)

(The fluid crested down the edge of the bucket, folding among itself as it began to settle in the wounds, reinforcing the structure.)

(The doll kept humming a lullaby of a tune as she worked, ocasionally whispering words of comfort to the puppet's prone form.)

(Overtop of the deep blue went the clear resin, gently over each part, a paint-thin layer of protection from the elements to blend over top the gashes in wood.)

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usa2025store01 · 5 days ago

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fashion2025store03 · 1 month ago

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A Collector’s Item with Unmatched Symbolism

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Whether displayed as a piece of history, worn in solidarity at games, or gifted as a tribute to a service member, this jersey holds deep sentimental value. With its exceptional design, high-quality craftsmanship, and heartfelt purpose, it stands as one of the most meaningful sportswear items ever created.

Final Verdict: A Timeless Salute to Military Heroes

The Springfield Thunderbirds Military Appreciation Hockey Jersey is a masterpiece of sports and symbolism, seamlessly uniting hockey fandom with military respect. Every stitch, every detail, and every shade of blue embodies a deep appreciation for those who serve, making it a must-have for any true supporter of the military and the Springfield Thunderbirds.

#ThunderbirdsHockey #MilitaryAppreciation #SaluteToService #HockeyWithHonor #SpringfieldThunderbirds

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scealai0 · 2 months ago

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Up The Mountain-1

I climb the same mountain every week. Late at night, whilst the rest of the city sleeps. I know not why. I can’t remember now. I feel, likely, it was upon a mere whim. Regardless, I have climbed this mountain every week since I was ten. Whatever my reason for it may have been five years ago, now I do it for solace. It’s so quiet up here at this time. None can see me, or hear me. I am alone. Alone to think, to scream, to gaze at the stars. Not so this week.

This cold, cloudy February night I was not alone. Tonight somebody was there, as if they were waiting for me.

A girl, perhaps my age. As is often said of me however, she looks much older. Although, perhaps a result of little more than a simple gut feeling, she strikes me as if she is the same age as me. Black, small rectangular glasses adorn her sharp pale face. Her green eyes are speckled with deep blue, and her long dark ginger hair - which stretches all the way to her waist - almost seems black in the all-encompassing darkness of the moonless night. A plain, long black skirt lies sprawled out upon the rock which she is perched on. Despite the cold a navy zip-up jacket languishes just behind her - clearly disposed of without much care - to reveal a simple white button up shirt. Her pitch black boots are crossed on top of one another as she leans back with her small hands on the rock she’s sitting on as she gaze out into the nothingness ahead, the lights of the city concealed by the thick clouds. I see her slender frame sigh deeply as I come up the makeshift steps.

As I crest the edge of the peak she whips around to see me. Even in the dark it is still plain to see that she is startled. My own mind is a flurry of thoughts. An insufferable mix of different opinions. Parts are annoyed by the interruption of my peaceful time alone at the top, parts are uncomfortable and wish to leave, parts pray that she gets up to leave and others feel remorse for startling her. The latter won out.

“Sorry.” I mumbled lowly as I went to sit down on my own usual rock close to the edge. ‘She won’t be here for too long’ I figure, content to ignore her until such a time when I can hear the ruffling fabric of her leaving. When finally after what felt like a millennium, but in actuality was likely little more than two minutes, I hear the quiet sounds of movement I sigh contentedly, finally alone.

“Hello.” A soft voice said from beside me. It was my turn to be startled. My hairs stood on end and my arms almost leapt up in shock. Thankfully they didn’t. I turn my head to see the girl from before now sitting forward on the rock she was perched on before, her head held up in her hands, her eyes piercing the gloom to stare directly at me.

“If I could ask, what’s your name?” I stare at her myself, a mix of annoyance, fear and reciprocal curiosity flaring up within me. The latter won out.

“Daniel Grey. Who are you?”

“Rhiannon Cruach. It’s a pleasure to meet you Daniel.” She said, smiling sweetly.

I looked indifferently at her, my interest despite myself being peaked.

“That’s an interesting name.” Her smile dipped into a grin.

“That’s what most people say. It’s the name of a goddess, so usually I like having people guess what she is, so it’s your turn. You have three guesses.” She says her grin transforming into a mischievous smirk.

“I know already. It’s the name of the goddess of horses, rebirth and the moon, among some other things I can't recall.” I respond indifferently before she can even finish her sentence. The smirk vanishes from her face, replaced with a surprised but warm smile.

“Heh, most people can’t actually get it,” she says standing as she picks up her jacket. “I recently decided I’m going to climb this mountain every week at about this time.” She points at me as she walks off towards the steps smiling with no pretence, “I expect to see you here again next week.”

As she descended the makeshift steps I stare out into the complete enveloping gloom of this cloudy night, and almost can’t help myself from screaming as my hands tighten around the rock. I’m very obstinate however, so if I need to wait for that girl to stop coming back. Then so be it.

#stories #fiction

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rsmsilkproductsonline · 3 months ago

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Regal Radiance: Bridal Lehengas with a Royal Touch

A wedding is a celebration of love, tradition, and culture, and for the bride, it’s the ultimate moment to shine. Nothing encapsulates the grandeur of this moment better than a regal bridal lehenga—an ensemble that exudes luxury, tradition, and timeless beauty. For brides looking to channel their inner queen, bridal lehengas with a royal touch are the perfect choice. Visit the Website

In this blog, we delve into the world of opulent bridal lehengas, exploring the elements that make them so special, how to style them, and tips for choosing the perfect one for your big day.

The Essence of a Royal Bridal Lehenga

What sets a royal bridal lehenga apart from others is its exquisite attention to detail and luxurious craftsmanship. Here are the key elements that define a regal lehenga:

1. Rich Fabrics

Royal lehengas are often crafted from fabrics like velvet, silk, brocade, or raw silk, known for their opulent texture and sheen.

These fabrics not only provide structure but also enhance the overall grandeur of the outfit.

2. Intricate Embellishments

Zardozi, gota patti, pearl work, mirror work, and Swarovski crystals are common in royal bridal lehengas.

The craftsmanship often reflects Mughal, Rajput, or Persian influences, giving the attire a timeless appeal.

3. Majestic Color Palettes

Regal lehengas usually feature deep, rich hues like maroon, crimson, emerald green, navy blue, and gold.

For brides seeking a modern twist, pastel shades with heavy gold or silver embroidery offer a fresh yet majestic vibe.

4. Grand Silhouettes

The silhouette plays a huge role in achieving the royal look. Full, flared skirts with multiple layers of can-can or fabric give the lehenga its signature volume.

Styling Your Regal Bridal Lehenga

A royal lehenga deserves to be styled with equal grandeur. Here are some tips to complete the look:

1. Traditional Jewelry

Opt for polki, kundan, or temple jewelry to enhance the royal vibe. Statement pieces like chokers, matha pattis, and naths add an authentic touch.

Consider adding a waist belt or kamarbandh for a defined silhouette.

2. A Grand Dupatta Drape

Most royal lehengas come with two dupattas: one styled as a veil and the other draped elegantly over the shoulder.

Choose a dupatta with heavy borders or intricate motifs to complement the lehenga.

3. Regal Hairstyle

Low buns adorned with fresh flowers or ornate hair accessories are ideal for a regal bridal look.

You can also try braided hairstyles with embellishments for a touch of tradition.

4. Footwear and Accessories

Pair your lehenga with embellished juttis or mojris for comfort and style.

Don’t forget a statement clutch or potli bag to complete the ensemble.

Choosing the Perfect Regal Bridal Lehenga

When selecting your lehenga, keep these tips in mind to ensure you find the perfect match:

1. Reflect Your Personality

While traditional royal lehengas often feature bold colors and intricate designs, you can opt for softer tones or minimalist embellishments if that aligns better with your style.

2. Prioritize Comfort

Weddings are long events, so ensure that your lehenga is lightweight enough for ease of movement, especially if you're wearing it for extended hours.

3. Customization is Key

Don’t hesitate to personalize your lehenga. Whether it’s a custom motif, family crest, or a unique combination of colors, customization adds a personal touch to your attire.

4. Keep the Venue in Mind

For palace weddings or grand venues, go all-out with elaborate lehengas. For smaller, more intimate settings, opt for something equally regal but less overwhelming.

Why Choose a Royal Bridal Lehenga?

A royal lehenga is more than just an outfit—it’s a statement of heritage and elegance. It tells a story of tradition while embracing the individuality of the modern bride. With its rich fabrics, ornate designs, and timeless appeal, a regal lehenga ensures that all eyes remain on the bride as she walks down the aisle.

Final Thoughts

A royal bridal lehenga is the epitome of grace and grandeur, making it the perfect choice for brides who want to feel like queens on their wedding day. From intricate embroidery to majestic silhouettes, these lehengas are designed to create unforgettable memories and breathtaking photographs.

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