#devil and the bluebird

[ofliterarynature]

TBR TAKEDOWN: Week 15 (September 8)

TLDR: I have too many unread books, and I’m asking tumblr to help me downsize. Pick one or none - it doesn't have to be something you've read, just the one you think sounds the worst! Comments and reblogs welcome, book descriptions below the cut. See my pinned post for more info.

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

Irene must be at the top of her game or she'll be off the case – permanently . . .

Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission – to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. London's underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book.

Adding to the jeopardy, this world is chaos-infested – the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic. Irene's new assistant is also hiding secrets of his own.

Soon, she's up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. Yet failure is not an option – the nature of reality itself is at stake.

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

1800, Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned sixteen-year-old Seol is living out the ancient curse: “May you live in interesting times.” Indentured to the police bureau, she’s been tasked with assisting a well-respected young inspector with the investigation into the politically charged murder of a noblewoman.

As they delve deeper into the dead woman's secrets, Seol forms an unlikely bond of friendship with the inspector. But her loyalty is tested when he becomes the prime suspect, and Seol may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.

But in a land where silence and obedience are valued above all else, curiosity can be deadly.

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black

Blue Riley has wrestled with her own demons ever since the loss of her mother to cancer. But when she encounters a beautiful devil at her town crossroads, it's her runaway sister's soul she fights to save. The devil steals Blue's voice--inherited from her musically gifted mother--in exchange for a single shot at finding Cass.

Armed with her mother's guitar, a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of magical boots, Blue journeys west in search of her sister. When the devil changes the terms of their deal, Blue must reevaluate her understanding of good and evil and open herself up to finding family in unexpected places.

[universalcarnival]

Would anyone at all be interested if I added Berdly here? I know I haven’t been active at all here really recently, but maybe a refresh of my roster would help?

[anchorandrope]

happy pride to my hands your hands tied up like two ships i don't care what people say when we're together oh i will carry over fire and water for your love the script was written and i could not change a thing i said hey it's alright if it makes you feel alive and every jaw drops when she's in those jeans there will always be the kind that criticize but i know yes i know we'll be alright so i built you a house from a broken home i'm all yours i've got no control no control it's been so long it's been so long maybe we're fireproof used to sing about being free but now he's changed his mind if you like to do the things you know that we shouldn't do then baby i'm perfect the priest thinks it's the devil my mum thinks it's the flu but girl it's only you for your eyes only i'll show you my heart the summertime and butterflies all belong to your creation so many nights i thought it over told myself i kinda like her but there was something missing in her eyes same lips red same eyes blue same white shirt couple more tattoos wherever i go you bring me home in a black dress she's such an actress yeah so you can cut me up and kiss me harder you can be the pill to ease the pain im just like you if you only knew now i'm asking my friends how to say i'm sorry they say lad give it time there's no need to worry i know that you're scared because i'm so open breathe me in breathe me out i don't know if i could ever go without i get so lost inside your eyes would you believe it? so bright sometimes shine i'm not ever going back don't blame me for falling i was just a little boy i couldn't want you anymore kiss in the kitchen like it's a dance floor staring at the ceiling two weeks and i'll be home we were only kids just tryna work it out wonder what they'd think if they could see us now i've been looking back a lot lately me and you is all i ever know and it's been ages different stages come so far from princess park waiting to wrap your legs around me and i know you hate to smoke without me cause you're the only one when it's said and done and i'm too tired to be tough just wanna be loved by you it's a church of brunt romances and i'm too far gone to pray in a strange way we're all in this together been this way forever you're not the only one but i'd follow you to any place if it's hollywood or bishopsgate i'm coming too if i was a bluebird i would fly to you stay green a little while you bring blue lights to dreams do you think i'm cool too? or am i too into you? maple syrup coffee pancakes for two you lay with him as you stay in the daydream you feel a fool you're back at it again i take you with me every time i go away in a hotel usin' someone else's name when we're finished saying nothing can we please get back to lovin'? i don't wanna face the music but i still wanna dance with you but the friends we make the love it takes is worth is worth is worth it all the time my heart might be broken but i won't be broken down you and me until the end wakin' up to start again fabricated fairytales bring a new world to life there were problems in this empty bottle at the bottom but we drained all that you should be startin' at the sky the birds just passin' by love spent my whole life thinking i had to change

[inspo]

[heartfullofleeches]

FUCKING. YES.

What (some of) my ocs put you as in their phone:

Liu/Lucille (butcher/cannibal Yan): "Bambi" or "Belle/Beauty" The latter related to one of their favorite movies as a kind. If she could love her beast, you'll do the same won't you?

C.C/Saffron (Yan incubus): "Bae <3" with a string heart and flower emojis after. Will just as quickly change it to "Lil' bitch" if you ignore him long enough

Amyas (Yan cupid): "Answer immediately"

Baron (Yan demon): "MJNW" He's trying to spell mine, but his fingers are too fucking fat to hit the right keys

Maddox (Yan reaper): "Them"/the gendered variant. Simple, to the point - brings a smile to their face everytime they see it on the screen.

Alasdair (Yan Angel): "My light" Bro lights up a whole room with those eyes, but pop off king

V (incel Yan): "Kitten"

Miller (streamer Yan): "P1"

Erin (Yan Bully): "Pain in my ass" when you first give it to him. "Everything" after he finally let's his heart bleed.

Theodore (Teacher Yan): "Dear" for you, but he asks you put him in your phone as "Teddy"

Devlin (immortal Yan): "Boo (at night I think of you...)" His favorite song from that time period and what he plays outside your window.

Silas (immortal Yan): "THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE DUMBASS" He sends a lot of "prank texts" to people and almost send you a five paragraph long threat when it was meant for your boss.

Selene (Yandere housewife): "Sweetheart, My One/My Only" She gets so embarrassed when you find out.

Orion (Yandere Devil): "Prized Jewel"

Gemini/Gemini (Twin Devils in one body): "Our Missing Piece" They change it constantly, but that's what it's been for the longest

Daina (Yan Final Girl): "Rid3 or Di3"

Dea (Worshiper God): "My Universe." Stuff like that seems so small to them, but it just feels right.

Cherry, Clementine, Lemon (Yandere robots): "Master" Cherry and Lemon put hearts at the end, Clementine puts a sword

Lime (Yan cat hybrid bot): "Owner~" with a tongue emoji at the end

D.kay (Yan Murderbot): "SUNNI" (sunny) or just a long string of those heart eyed emojis

Milk Tea (Yan cow hybrid): Pet

Eggnog (Yan cow hybrid): "Bunny or J.J" The name of the rabbit plush they own as a child. Without it they aren't sure they'd be alive today. The same goes for you.

Root beer Milk (Yan cow hybrid): "Partner in Crime"

Bluebird (Former Darling Yan): "Saving Grace" or your name with a key emoji at the end.

Gus (Clown Yan): "Cutie Pie"

(And that's it for now. If there are any characters you'd like to see just lemme know and I might do a part two)

[lgbtqreads]

I'm hungry for more lgbt scifi (esp space operas) .... but I've read a lot already lol. I've read everina Maxwell's books and really enjoyed them. also the teixcalaan books, once & future (and its sequel), Emily skrutskie's bloodright trilogy, the darkness outside us, light from uncommon stars, a complicated love story set in space, the space between worlds, this is how you lose the time war, the disasters, Empress of forever, a strange and desperate glory, unconquerable sun, the locked tomb series... just to name a few. I think more recent books (published 2023-2024) and upcoming books are less likely to be on my radar, and I really enjoy romantic drama in my space operas but it's not necessary, and I also really enjoy when there's a major surprise twist. the wayfarers series is on my list but it doesn't seem to be available on Libby unfortunately

Try Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot, Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May, The Starmetal Symphony by Alex White, the Xuya Universe Romances by Aliette de Bodard, the NeoG series by K.B. Wagers, The Salvation Gambit by Emily Skrutskie, Persephone Station by Stina Leicht, The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis, Bang Bang Bodhisattva by Aubrey Wood, A Fractured Infinity by Nathan Tavares, and if you like mystery, The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older!

[justanothervigalanty]

Top 3 nicknames that batmom has given, well every one including babs! (My au)

Age:Bruce is 44, batmom is 29, dick is 20 , Jason is 18, Tim is 15 Damian is 11 , mercy is 4 , cass is 15 ,Stefany is 15 , ace and Titus are 2

info:you we’re dating bruce when jason first came into the family so he was around 9, you never really knew dick until he walked into you and bruce flirting on the job (ur a cop) . Dick must of been around 17 when you met him. After Jason died bruce bought home Tim who was 6 and then there was Damian who came when he was 9 oh and mercy she is your and Bruce’s only bio daughter (you have miscarried a boy as well who died at 4 months due to Jason’s death). Also the thing with barbra and Bruce NEVER happened!

Bruce-babe, bats , love

dick-bluebird, boy wonder , my little acrobat

Jason-jay , my little man , jaylad

Tim-Mr.expresso , my bundle of joy , baby bird

Damian-dr. do little , little devil , little bat

Mercy-baby girl , daddy’s girl, merie

unnamed boy-my baby , little Bruce , our boy

cass-princess, cassie , karate kid

stefany- butterfly, steth , flower

barbra- babs , BG , text savvy

[canonicallyanxious]

once a king... // A fanmix for the Pevensie siblings

i recently finished a reread of the chronicles of narnia [my first since i was a young child, so this was a trip and a half] and while i have an uh shall we say complicated relationship with the series itself my feelings about the pevensies are not complicated at all, which is to say i love them to absolute pieces. so in celebration of the finished reread, here is my small tribute to them! This fanmix is actually four mini-fanmixes in one! Every ten songs are for a different pevensie sibling. Full tracklist under the cut.

i. peter the magnificent

01. The Golden Age | Woodkid // 02. Willow Tree March | The Paper Kites // 03. King | The Amazing Devil // 04. Sleeping Giants | The Crane Wives // 05. The Trees Were Mistaken | Andrew Bird // 06. War | Son Lux // 07. Faith and Anger | Phil Beaudreau // 08. Family Curse | Beirut // 09. Little Brother | Lady Lamb // 10. Sisters | Radical Face

ii. susan the gentle

11. Something Unseen Touches a Flower to My Forehead | Cross Record // 12. Kerosene Dreams | Låpsley // 13. Bride | San Fermin // 14. White Words | Eliza Rickman // 15. Ophelia | Marika Hackman // 16. Moonchild | emune, Ashley Helal // 17. Grizzly Man | Rockettothesky // 18. After the Zero Hour | Wolf Alice // 19. The Archers | Laura Veirs // 20. Crimson | Skott

iii. edmund the just

21. I To The Maybe Go | Cosmo Sheldrake, Bunty // 22. You Know Where to Find Me | Imogen Heap // 23. Winter's Eve | Kishi Bashi // 24. They Stay Down Deep | Giselle // 25. Avenue | Agnes Obel // 26. Doomed ("Live from Blackalachia" version) | Moses Sumney // 27. Carrion Comfort | aeseaes // 28. I'm Your Man | Mitski // 29. What Shouldn't I Be | Sampha // 30. The Transfiguration | Sufjan Stevens

iv. lucy the valiant

31. Queendom (Harp Version) | AURORA // 32. I Sleep With the Windows Open | The Family Crest // 33. The People Who Raised Me | Gregory and the Hawk // 34. Wooden Walls of this Forest Church | Lost In The Trees // 35. There Beneath | The Oh Hellos // 36. Bluebird | Laura Barrett // 37. On the Summer Solstice | aspidistrafly // 38. There There | mmm // 39. While We Have the Sun | Mirah // 40. Open Arms | Mree

[listen on spotify]

[little-luna-llama]

I am a little confused. Does Shadow LITERALLY take Custard away to beast-yeast in the fic? Or was that a dream? So Custard continues to lead a normal life expect now he has a devil on his shoulder giving him advice and guiding him like "Hey, hey Custard, you know your uncle? Yea, yea i think you should just kill him tbh. :/"

Honestly, when I drew the very first piece for this au(hello bluebird), shadow was going to be more like the devil on custards shoulder, literally spying through him even if custard wasn't fully aware, and puppeting them fully when they say "hello bluebird...". Custard in this is one basically has blank memory gaps when shadow milk puppets them, and doesn't know shadow is even there outside of strange smug satisfaction when pure vanilla gets frustrated that shadow milk somehow knows what they're going to do next.

But in come little bluebird shadow specifically takes custard to beast yeast through the bedroom window, and keeps them in the spire of deceit and lies.

Rather than puppeting an unconscious custard physically custard is under their influence but concious to be able to fufill orders without needing to be hand held all the time.

Shadow milk is a performer and an artiste, they have a flair for dramatics and custard iii is a very good performer.

I haven't got a solid order of events yet XD all I know is who I want to be the one to snap custard out of the trance in the end.

[bluewinnerangel]

(This would probably do very well in gif form but here's a block of text instead lol) Ok so the visuals in the Daylight music video that go with the lyrics are really fun, and I wanted to post a bit of a thing of it here.. i probably miss some maybe obvious ones or nods/metaphors an whatever, and there are things shown that relate to the lyrics but not exactly at the time he's singing it that I don't mention, but basically almost every lyric and visual directly relate. And that's really cool so I'm gonna list what I seem. I am failing to come up with a word for it that most likely exists but as @theirloveisgross said "My art school ass loves this" so we're calling it the myartschoolasslovesthis overview for now for now:

Ok so Lyric + visual shown while he's singing it that relates:

I'm on the roof - hes on a roof

You're in your airplane seat - he crouches like as if he sits down on a chair (in the air)

I was nose-bleedin' looking for life out there - he walks out of the celeste venus shes expert not novice camper thing

Readin' your horoscope - girlie in the back reading bigass book she's holding up in the air

You were just doing cocaine - walks by white powdered face bunny girlie

in my kitchen You never listen - stands in front of knife'd daggered wall and shows angrywrittenalloverherface devil girlie wanting to throw more

I hope you're missing me by now - she throws another and misses

If I was a bluebird, I would fly to you - walks past more circusmembers who are up in the air and he does a lil fly dancemove

You'd be the spoon Dip you in honey so I could be sticking to you - lil dip dancemoves, the others up in the air are now hanging face down also both with orangey head thingies very honey very dippy (also most headdresses and accessoiries are honey-ish colored like theyre all dipped in it)

(here its a bit thats not that much directly doing something with the lyrics but ill keep up vaguedescribing whats shown, basically every line he finds a new circus-person he interacts with/mimics:) Daylight, you got me cursing the daylight (Ooh) - me the annoying bluegreen clown stops him

Daylight, you got me cursing the daylight (Ooh) - weightlifting stongwoman and hes acting tough showing his muscles

Daylight, you got me calling at all times (Ooh) - screaming through a thing with someone on the other end who is annoyed on the other hand covering her ears

Ain't gonna sleep till the daylight (Ooh) - gets into a box covered in sky and clouds and pretends to sleep in it - then bambamchaos till the next verse-

Out of New York - he's also waving to a girl in a marching band costume on stilts above him and you see the "a prize every time" sign behind them i have thoughts about this none are remotely direct and obvious anyways

I'm on the comedown speed We're on bicycles - well. hes on a bicycle.

Saying, "There's life out therе" - points to the sky

You've got the antidote - circusact with a snake wee venom

I'll take one to go, go, please - ?looks in distorted mirrors

Get the picture, cut out my middle - crawls at like.. middle-length.. like he cuts himself im half in length.. in between people hoolahooping on their middles

You ain't got time for me right now - there's the sign again behind him that says "a prize every time" (and then past "cleanliness(?) and "peep show" idk bro)

If I was a bluebird - view of a girl in blue with feathers shot from below so the background is just sky

I would fly to you - idk some dance of the bluebird trying to get to harry and being held back by the other blue birds

You'd be the spoon, Dip you in honey so I could be sticking to you - theyre dancing around him and he seems confused and then he starts running away past the mirrors and theyre going after him.. its kinda like the bluebird wants to fly and stick to harry and harrys running away?

Yeap. cool. that was it for the lyrics and the matching visuals and from there it just turns to chaos (what a music video tends to do at that point). coolcoolcool

[arrthurpendragon]

Poll Game

I can't remember who tagged me, but I was tagged by someone (sorry) to post a poll. For every vote each fic gets, I will write a sentence.

I am tagging anyone who reads this or votes on this and writes! Also, you'd better tag me so that I can vote on yours! :)

[oatsynalliums]

👻Adopts are closed👻

Reblogs arent entirely truthful, so check the actual post if you want an adopt.

2 adopts per person :)

1. Pumpkin ~ @glorioussharkqueen

2. Tombstone ~ @groovygladiatorsheep

3. Undead ~ @bluebird-in-a-cagedrawing

4. Skeleton ~ @skelefury-lizures-realm

5. Ghost ~ @tammysketchs

6. Candy corn ~ @jezynowachmura19

7. Angel ~ @tammysketchs

8. Scarecrow ~ @jezynowachmura19

9. Bucket ~ @eveeonaartz

10. Pumpkin spice ~ @eveeonaartz

11. Devil ~ @eveeonaartz

12. Witch ~ @eveeonaartz

13. Clown ~ @t4r0tc4rdz

14. Waxxed ~ @bluebird-in-a-cagedrawing

15. Spider ~ @eveeonaartz

16. Caramel apple ~ @eveeonaartz

17. Frankenstein ~ @glorioussharkqueen

18. Vampire ~ @skelefury-lizures-realm

19. Candy cauldron ~ @t4r0tc4rdz

20. Black roses ~ @groovygladiatorsheep

21. Mummy ~ @eveeonaartz

22. Sugar skull ~ @groovygladiatorsheep

23. CATSUNE MIKU?!?! ~ @gemstoneblitz

[mermaidchan05]

Thunderstorm

Inspired by this amazing headcanon by @iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia​ ! The idea of Nadia loving storms just meshed so well with my Apprentice Chimalus who... decidedly does not love storms. 

Featured characters: Nadia, my oc Chimalus (they/them pronouns), their familiar Skye the Bluebird. 

Slghtly less than 3000 words. TW for thunderstorms and thunderstorm-induced panic attacks. (Also spoilers for/reference to one of Nadia’s paid scenes? Idk if it matters but just in case) 

_________________

Nadia set the last bit of paperwork aside. “I believe that’s all for today. I assume we all remember our duties?”

The assembled palace staff all gave a general murmur of assent. There were some excited whispers as well. They were all looking forward to either a relaxing evening or the entertaining activities that some were sure to whip up.

A storm raged outside. Rain pounded against the palace windows. Thunder rumbled through the air. Lightning split the sky. Which meant that it was the perfect time to continue a Prakran tradition. A rainy day meant a day for things to cool off for a bit, both figuratively and literally.

It was more of a Prakran Royal Family tradition. Whenever a storm hit Prakra, Nadia and her family would pause in their endless duties and enjoy one another’s company… as much as one could, at any rate. Nadia had never admitted it aloud—to do so would be far too embarrassing—but out of everything she had left behind in Prakra, she missed these moments the most. It was a blessing to be able to bring a semblance of the tradition back to Vesuvia.

It was almost a shame that rain came much more frequently in Vesuvia than Prakra. None could afford to take a rest day for every single drizzle, of course, but it was a bit frustrating to save these particular rest days for the right type of storm. Luckily, this was quite a storm. The absolute perfect day to settle down, if only for an evening. The perfect chance to enjoy the somewhat cooler temperatures and to appreciate a bit of peace and quiet with friends, family, and loved ones.

Over the past few years, many of her storm nights had been spent with Portia. They would read together, or perhaps introduce one another to some of their favorite childhood games, or Portia would hustle Nadia down to the kitchens for a baking lesson. But this time, Portia had plans with her family, and Nadia had someone else she was eager to share this wonderful tradition with.

Chimalus. The wonderful magician who had not only saved all of Vesuvia from the wrath of the Devil himself, but had utterly captivated Nadia’s heart. Chimalus, who was incredibly brave, endlessly loyal, quick-witted and kindhearted. Not to mention incredibly attractive, with an air about them that was far more noble than any one of those infuriating Courtiers.

It would truly be a blessing to spend some genuine quality time with Chimalus. They could find a cozy spot in the library to sit together and read, or Nadia could show Chimalus some of her favorite spots around the palace, or she could enlist their help in one of the many tinkering projects that she hadn’t quite had time to finish, or the two of them could visit the Contemplation Tower… there were so many possibilities.

There was only one problem with her plans. Nadia couldn’t find Chimalus anywhere.

Losing sight of one another was hardly an uncommon occurrence, sadly. Chimalus had their own duties to attend to, both as Royal Magician and as Nadia’s betrothed. They were often called upon to assist others around the palace, and they paid frequent visits to their old shop in the city. But Chimalus would always let Nadia know when they went to the shop. And when Nadia asked around, no one had seen them.

A spike of alarm shot through Nadia’s chest. Logically, she knew that Chimalus must have been perfectly fine.  Her intuition would have told her if something had gone wrong. Or there would have been some other sign. Chandra had been keeping a surprisingly close eye on them lately, she would have found some way to alert Nadia of any crisis…

But no amount of logic could slow Nadia’s frantic pace as she searched the palace for her love.

She didn’t even bother to check the garden, which was one of Chimalus’ usual haunts. No one would be out there in this weather. To her dismay, the library was empty. Chimalus’ favorite sitting room was suspiciously devoid of magicians. Chimalus’ chambers, the very same room that they had used as a mere guest what felt like a lifetime ago, were utterly deserted.

But the room wasn’t quite empty. Chimalus had left all of their things. IF they had planned to go out, they never would have gone without their bag, as it held far too many precious objects: magical supplies, their prized notebook, their tarot deck…

Unless they hadn’t planned on going anywhere.

Nadia was about to rally the guards for a full-scale search of Vesuvia when she heard a little chirp. A chirp that had grown nearly as familiar as Chandra’s hoots.

“Skye?” Nadia breathed.

Even if Chimalus had gotten into some kind of trouble, there was absolutely no chance that they would have been out there without their familiar. Skye, the sweetest and most charming bluebird in the world, would never abandon her human.

Which meant that Chimalus was somewhere close by. Very close.

Skye chirped again. Nadia turned toward the sound.

“Skye?” she called. “Chimalus? Are you…?”

She was cut short by another clap of thunder. It nearly shook the walls. Skye’s chirp was more like a shriek. And there was another sound, so sudden and quiet that Nadia nearly missed it.

A gasp of pure fear.

“Chimalus?”

Nadia carefully stepped around the bed. There, huddled in the corner between the bed and the wall, curled so closely in on themselves that Nadia had mistaken them for a pile of blankets, was Chimalus. Nadia couldn’t even see their lovely, deep blue hair; they had pulled the hood of their cloak so tightly over their head that they were completely obscured. They had even draped the fabric of their cloak over their knees, which were bundled up against their chest. A well-worn book was lying haphazardly on the floor in front of them. Clearly they had been trying to read before… whatever had happened that had caused them to fall into this state.

A thousand thoughts sped through Nadia’s mind, from illness to a horrible magical vision of a terrible future to some sort of attack. What could possibly drive Chimalus, the one who had stared down the Devil with hardly a wince, to be left like this?

Skye chirped again, drawing Nadia further forward. Nadia carefully reached out a hand.

“Chimalus...” 

No response. Skye bumped her tiny head against Chimalus’ hood, right where their cheek must have been. Chimalus curled in on themselves further, if that was possible.

Nadia let out a faint sigh. “My love, what’s…?”

Once again a crack of thunder cut her off. Skye chirped wildly again. And Chimalus visibly flinched, nearly throwing the little bluebird off of their shoulder by sheer accident.

And just like that, Nadia understood. Chimalus, clever, loyal, wonderful Chimalus, was terrified of thunder.

Nadia stepped forward, her hand still outstretched. She moved slowly, making sure not to add to her beloved’s fright. She called their name again, softly, gently, showing nothing but love and understanding. At last, Chimalus shifted, uncurling themself just the slightest bit.

“Nadi…” they choked out.

Nadia gave a reassuring smile. “Yes, my darling. I’m here.”

Chimalus let out a shaky sigh. “I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean for you to—”

Another thunderclap. Another visceral flinch from Chimalus. Skye managed not to shriek this time, instead going back to gently headbutting her human.

Nadia carefully crouched down in front of Chimalus. “You never meant for… me to see you in this state?”

That got Chimalus to look up, to finally meet Nadia’s eye. Admittedly, they were more startled than anything else, but it was a good start. Nadia smiled softly.

“My goodness, Chimalus, something such as this will hardly make me think any less of you,” said Nadia.

Chimalus’ expression slowly shifted to something close to concern. “I… I wasn’t… I didn’t mean it like…” they sighed again, giving up. “I’m sorry. It’s… silly, isn’t it? I know it shouldn’t bother me. It’s just a storm, and we’re all inside, and we’re perfectly safe, and I’m sure there are a thousand emergency plans put in place just in case something—”

They cut themselves off with a sharp gasp and yet another wince as thunder clapped once more. They tugged their hood further over their head, burying their face in their clenched fists.

Nadia held back for just a moment. Before the thunder had frightened Chimalus all over again, the small rant they had begun had sounded almost like a mantra. It was as though they had repeated those exact words to themself countless times. As though they had tried to talk their way out of a fear that they couldn’t explain. As though their inability to rationalize their own fear made it all the more difficult to bear.

It was a sentiment that Nadia understood too well.

“Chimalus…” Nadia’s voice was as soft and gentle as a sigh. “May I hold you?”

Chimalus looked up, taken utterly by surprise. “I… of course. You know you don’t need to ask if you ever want to—”

Once again they were cut off. But this time it was by Nadia wrapping her arms around them and pulling them close. Chimalus let out a little gasp. For the span of three of their own rapid heartbeats, they were completely rigid. Then they let out a shaky breath. And they sank into Nadia’s embrace. They buried their face in her shoulder. Nadia thought that Chimalus may have been trembling slightly, though if that was from fear or hardly suppressed sobs, Nadia would never know. Not that it truly mattered. Nadia was simply glad to give them some kind of comfort.

“Chimalus,” Nadia said gently, “I assure you that you are perfectly safe. And I will never look down on you because of your fears. You are my sunlight, my heart, my past, my present, and my future. My love for you is not so fragile that it will shatter upon learning you are frightened of thunder.”

“Even though it’s a completely irrational fear?” Chimalus mumbled.

“We cannot control our own fears,” Nadia said gently. “Nor do we always have an explanation for them. And it is not only fears… may I share a secret with you? Since we seem to be learning new things about one another this evening.”

“Of course,” said Chimalus. “You can tell me anything.”

Nadia had to resist the urge to laugh. It would have been a fond laugh, naturally. Chimalus suddenly looked so serious that it was rather adorable. A fact that Nadia gladly would have explained, but her instincts assured her that this was not the time to laugh at her beloved, no matter what the reason behind it.

 Instead, she began her story. 

“When I was younger, I absolutely despised the color green,” she said conspiratorially.

Chimalus blinked up at her. “Green? But what about the emerald you gave me?”

“I did eventually overcome that particular bit of immaturity,” said Nadia, her smile playful. “Back then, however… to this day, I have no idea why I was so vehemently against the color. Prakra is known for its emeralds. One would think I would have a bit of pride for my homeland’s great treasure…”

 “You never were one to follow trends,” said Chimalus.

 Their voice still shook a bit. But a bit of their usual, teasing tone had returned.

Nadia’s smile grew. “No… I suppose I am not.”

Chimalus managed a smile in return. Then, playfully, they added: “Or maybe… it was because of Nasmira. Green’s kind of her color, isn’t it?”

For a split second, Nadia could only stare at Chimalus. Then she let out a laugh.

It was wonderful how, even in a moment like this, Chimalus always found a way to make her laugh.

“Why yes, of course,” Nadia teased. “Clearly I was unbearably jealous of Nasmira’s hair. Not to mention her fashion choices. That must be the answer. It seems the Mighty Chimalus has solved another mystery.”

Chimalus flushed, laughing awkwardly. “I don’t know about mighty, but—”

Their argument was drowned out by another clap of thunder. Chimalus winced. Nadia gave them a soft squeeze, drawing them back to the present.

 “I believe you are mighty,” she said gently. “Chimalus… we have not yet found the key to unlocking your past. It is possible that there is some unknown history behind your fear. Or perhaps there is truly no deeper reason behind it at all. It makes little difference in the end. You are still courageous, caring, and wonderful in every way. And I still love you and wish to bring you whatever comfort I can.”

Chimalus sank back into her embrace. “This is… good. More than good. Thank you, Nadia.”

“You’re very welcome,” said Nadia. She placed a gentle kiss on their forehead. “Remember that you can turn to me whenever you may need me, no matter how small or silly the problem may seem. Just as I know I can always depend on you.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “We are knights in matching armor, after all. Are we not?”

That earned her a small laugh. It was soft, but it was completely genuine.

 “Yeah…” said Chimalus. “We are.”

From her new perch on the bed frame, Skye chirped approvingly.

Nadia and Chimalus stayed like that for a long moment. Neither of them were sure how long it was. All they knew was that, whenever another strike of thunder tried to interrupt, Chimalus didn’t flinch quite as badly. 

Eventually, Nadia pulled back just enough to shift her grip so that she held Chimalus’ hand. Then she stood, half-dragging Chimalus along with her.

Chimalus stared. “Nadi, what…?”

“Come along, my love,” said Nadia. “It is much more difficult to hear the sounds of the storm from the kitchens. And if you’d like, I’m sure we could whip something up for ourselves.”

Chimalus frowned a bit, confused. “We can whip something up?”

 “Why, yes,” said Nadia. “I allowed the majority of the staff the remainder of the evening off. I thought I had mentioned… ah, perhaps you are not comfortable with cooking? I apologize, I should have asked—”

 “No, I can cook,” said Chimalus. “I just thought that—”

 “Then let us begin,” said Nadia.

She playfully dragged Chimalus out of the room, leaving Skye swooping behind.

Sure enough, it was relatively more quiet down in the kitchens. And though it was empty, there were more than enough supplies to start a good cooking fire, and a few ingredients had been left out in the open.

Nadia clucked her tongue. “I had thought they would show a bit more care after our last storm…”

“Nadi?” Chimalus asked. “What’s wrong?”

Nadia shook her head. “No matter. I’m sure we can make something out of this.”

She swept further into the kitchens. Chimalus trailed behind her, taking a look at what the cooks had left behind. Nadia gathered everything up: a bowl of greens, a small roast that had apparently not been roasted yet… and there, shoved in the back of a nearly empty cupboard, was a small but decent loaf of bread.

“It’s hardly the makings of a feast, but I suppose this will do,” Nadia declared.

Chimalus cleared their throat. “Nadi, do the cooks… always leave things like this behind?”

“Not always, to my knowledge,” said Nadia. “Though they tend to leave this sort of mess behind more often than I would like…”

“Try not to worry about it too much,” said Chimalus with a little laugh. “And you’re right. We can certainly make something out of these. And… I think they may have… forgotten to set out some desserts after lunch.”

Chimalus reached into another cabinet and pulled out two small plates. One held an immaculate tea cake, the exact type that Nadia requested whenever she and Chimalus had the rare opportunity to relax on the veranda. The other held a lovely little fruit tart: one of Chimalus’ favorites.

Nadia smirked. “Well, now. It would be a shame to let those go to waste, wouldn’t it?”

 “It certainly would,” said Chimalus.

Skye chirped loudly. Chimalus laughed.

“Don’t worry, Skye, I’m sure we can dig up some sunflower seeds for you.” Chimalus rolled up their sleeves. “So… shall we get cooking?”

 Nadia couldn’t help it. Chimalus was so wonderful, and their smile was so adorable, that she laughed.

“Of course.” Nadia rolled up her sleeves as well. “Let us get cooking.’”

With Chimalus assisting, it turned out that they could make a lovely little meal out of the assorted ingredients. All the while, Chimalus was so focused on their task that they hardly flinched at any rumble of thunder. Each sound seemed more and more distant than the last. Though if Chimalus wanted to use the noise as a reason to hold Nadia’s hand a bit more often than usual… well, Nadia didn’t mind in the least.

All in all, she was very glad she was able to invite Chimalus to share in this lovely tradition.

[yinyuedijun]

hii I’m the anon who requested for the bluebird post!

Im so sorry to hear about the discourse surrounding it, I had absolutely no idea. It’s definitely one of the best works out there. I appreciate it really so much. All my friends are tired of me talking about it so much and everytime I pass a can of spam in the grocery store, I stop and grieve.

I understand that you might feel burned out from all the discourse and hate (which I don’t understand why it exists in the first place?) but I just wanted to let you know if u ever decide to pick it up again, I’d be here waiting for quite literally forever. I read it almost half a year ago on ao3, so I suppose I can live off the crumbs.

I am just so fascinated and impressed by how you write the whole deal about the aftermath of the Gun devil attack. The gymnasium, the rations, the orphanage, the caseworkers?? It is so detail that it quite literally blows my mind. I genuinely can’t put in words how much I love it.

So please if you do ever end up working on it, please let me know. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting and refreshing your blog ever so often for a silver of hope.

Do you mind reblogging the chapter 1 too? :( I have searched high and low for it.

Big fan of bluebird and your love for aki <3

Thank you so much! Lots of love :3

OHHH ANON T_T this is the sweetest message ever, thank you!!! not the spam in the grocery store gdldhaksuaja I'm sorry for ruining your shopping trips 💔 it actually means a lot to me that after so much time, you still remember so many details about the fic LOL and now I do feel kind of wistful about it!!! because I really enjoyed working on all that world building!! It makes me happy to know that it left such a lasting impression on you 🥺💗

the discourse was so silly, it wasn't over bluebird specifically but just over dark content as a whole, which I have since gone back to writing anyway because I have deranged writing tendencies and I'm a glutton for punishment 💀 I guess I could just post chapter three this weekend since it's already written and I've been saying I would anyway. a lot of it is SUPER awkward because they're teenagers (lol), but I promise that toward the end it returns to that sweet traumatic worldbuilding 🫡 SO I'll try to get that up if I survive the work week!!

thanks so much for sending this msg 🫶 I reblogged chapter one earlier today also, hope you enjoy!! sending you love!!!! 💖💖💖

[displayheartcode]

hiii hope you’re doing okay over there 💛💛 also may i have some amazing urban fantasy recs?? u always have the best, most wonderfully curated recs

i'm melting in this weather, jessi! melting!

here are some favorite urban fantasy book recs:

even though i knew the end by cl polk - a fantastic noir novella about a private detective, a gamble for her immortal soul, and the secrets we keep from each other

devil and the bluebird by jennifer mason-block - a stand-alone that reads like a folk ballad, a young girl trades her voice for an enchanted pair of boots to cross the country to find her sister

the city beautiful by aden polydoros - wonderfully seeped in jewish ghost stories, a teenager is possessed by the murdered spirit of his friend

small town monsters by diana rodriguez wallach - there comes a time when every teen must ask a simple question of what's scarier: the locked basement door or the smiley cult that's gaining power in your town

the conductors by nicole glover - a young woman's past comes back to follow her as series of strange murders strike in her antebellum-era city (hetty x benjy 5ever!!!!)

deep secret by diana wynne jones - one of the most weirdest and lovable books you'll come across. a sff convention! terrible job interviews! a centaur prince!

hold me closer necromancer by lish mcbride - a fry cook learns that he's a necromancer and is unintentionally on someone else's (scarier) turf

the warrior heir by cinda williams chima - after helping his aunt rob a grave, jack confronts his new inheritance as rival wizard houses plot to kidnap him

bitter medicine by mia tsai - she's the descendent of a god and he's not fully human. together, they're a blushing mess of feelings and complicated magic when their jobs collide

[askyoungiron]

Poor Scot, getting bullied about the idea of pregnancy, like I know I'm not going to have kids but I can't imagine explaining my family not knowing that and bullying me with the idea of creating life via pregnancy.

SCOTSMAN: Thank you! Though personally I'm not against having kids with Truro, if that's even possible, it is very irritating and personal when people keep asking.

This is something I'd like to discuss with Truro in private, not be made fun of for. I would like to have a child with Truro but it's true, it shouldn't be up to others to dictate that. It will be up to me amd me alone.

TRURO: Well said my dear. I do apologise if I was pushy.

SCOTSMAN: It's okay. It was kinda funny at the start.

BITTERN: Oh. I'm sorry for bullying you about this. I'll drop it.

SCOTSMAN: Thanks Bluebird. And hey, if I am, you'll be the first to know.

BITTERN: Yes! Dibs on beings Godfather if you do!

SCOTSMAN: I don' t think they'd like having a bird as a godfather.

BITTERN: I AM NOT A DEVIL CREATURE!!!!

[adarkrainbow]

Fairytales - the dark season (3)

Today's title: Over the Garden Wall

"Over the Garden Wall" is a 2014 animated mini-series, created by Patrcik McHale (the man behind "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" or "Adventure Time"). It tells the story of two brothers, Wirt and Greg, finding themselves lost in a strange, magical and sinister forest called "The Unknown". There, they try to find back their way home while encoutering all sorts of strange situations and excentric characters, ranging from the comical to the nightmarish. But as a bluebird called Beatrice, claiming to be a girl transformed by magic, leads them to a good witch supposed to help them, the presence of an ominous "Beast" and the frequent sightings of a mysterious Woodsman lead the children into something far more dangerous than they expected...

Personal categorization: "Fairytales by autumn light"

"Over the Garden Wall" was originally conceived as "Tome of the Unknown", a Halloween-special series centered around two brothers trying to escape a deal they made with a cartoonish devil by collecting the pages of the titular "Tome of the Unknown", a book of forgotten stories. The project was massively modified to create the story we have today, but this origin explains a lot about the show's feel and aesthetic.

"Over the Garden Wall" is not an adaptation of any specific fairytale, and yet all agree that it has the exact feeling of a traditional fairytale - mainly due to how the show builds its world by combining in its plot and visuals various fairytale-adjacent sources. "Over the Garden Wall" is a mixture of Alice in Wonderland, Don Quixote and The Wizard of Oz, designed after vintage Halloween imagery, early 20th century cartoons, New England folklore and Gustave Doré illustrations. With, sprinkled on top, nods to Hans Christian Andersen's stories or Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel opera. It might sound like a mess, and yet it is all presented in a short, concise and flowing way through a self-contained set of ten episodes, no more no less.

You will find there a perfect show for the "dark season" of wonders, as the story goes along from harvest festivals to the depths of winter, and uses many tropes and topoi of traditional fairytales in order to tell the story of these children lost in an uncanny otherworld.