#from the 'legends of celestial romance' event

[hoyotunes]

Legend of Celestial Romance: Hidden Dangers from By Your Side Ghuan., HOYO-MiX

[nxx-hq]

I know we've moved on from this event already now, but I really thought Marius' Celestial Romance card story would take the route that the Lord Zhongyuan was going to be Giann.

Like, his brother sacrificed himself to seal the Demon Emperor, perhaps Marius was there, or maybe he was just as blindsided as the rest of them. He still loses his memories in the aftermath of the battle, but as he slowly recovers he begins to understand the legacy left of his brother, of the Talisman only he can attempt to use now, and the burden he has to now shoulder alone instead of living simply as Marius.

[dwarfhorse]

p 1/??

Rune factory Guardians of Azuma

alrighty so this is gonna be a little lengthy because a lot was shown recently! however I'm typing on my tablet which is dying as I type and the sites won't load, forgive me for image sizes as I can't make them smaller.

first off, here's the new rune factory guardians of azuma trailer. accompanied with a release date of May 30, 2025. the game alone is 60$ USD while the limited edition is 100$ USD.

I'll get into characters in a minute, but we are seeing town building as well as being allowed to pick NPCs jobs (im assuming they're just store running NPCs with no storyline). and the trailer kind of gives pokemon graphics with genshin inspired mechanics. some mechanics also remind me of Pokemon legends Arceus. Keep in mind this is a sideline game, if I remember correctly they are working on 6, a mainline game. They are trying a totally new formula with this game and farming will still be included but not a main focus.

It seems there will be 2 romance routes locked behind dlc, and for the first time in a long time, the mcs will have their own distinctive personalities and the opposite of you pick will be romanceable.

Story: The Celestial Collapse — a calamity caused by a colossal object crashing into the eastern lands known as Azuma. The devastating impact sent fragments of terrain to the skies above and the seas below. With the earth shattered, the power provided by the runes ceased to flow. The gods of nature vanished soon after. Mountains crumbled and fields withered, leaving the people with nothing…not even hope. You awaken, startled by a dream of dueling dragons. You don’t remember how or why, but a voice resonates within you. "Accept the power of an Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.” Thus begins your lengthy journey to restore the gods…

now for characters:

Subaru (male mc) and Kaguya (fem mc)

Left his cold village in the northern part of Azuma on a mission to save the land. Childhood friends with Kaguya, who hails from the same hometown. Usually relaxed and easy-going. Enjoys gazing at the sky. While generally not a fan of battle, he has a strong sense of justice, and will fight fiercely to protect his friends and loved ones.

Left her cold village in the northern part of Azuma on a mission to save the land. Childhood friends with Subaru, who hails from the same hometown. Loves being in nature, especially interacting with animals and observing flowers. Although usually calm, she despises evil and resents any acts of injustice.

Woolby (mascot /sidekick)

The protagonist's loyal partner and guide. A bit of a braggart and a klutz. His gluttonous nature makes him susceptible to sweet bribes, especially dango.

Romance options, there are 16!

Iroha

The owner of Iroha's Teahouse in Spring Village. A friendly, caring young woman who dreams of revitalizing Spring Village and returning it to its former glory.

Murasame (they beefed him down in game sadly)

A samurai who wanders Azuma with the goal of becoming the world's greatest swordsman. Master of the Munen Muso sword style, which means "free from empty thoughts." Spends his days training and keeping his sword in good condition.

Hina

A half-human, half-fox were-animal who arrives in Azuma on an airship with Mauro. Claims to be an archaeologist. Childhood events instilled her with a strong desire to help others.

Mauro

A self-proclaimed treasure hunter from a foreign land who came to Azuma by airship in search of a legendary treasure. This sentimental soul is easily moved to tears.

Ulalaka

Azuma's kind, gentle god of spring and merriment. Her benevolence knows no bounds, and she simply wants everyone to live happy, peaceful lives.

Matsuri

Azuma's carefree god of summer and swords. Enjoys physical activities of all kinds. Despite being a master of the blade, she tends to solve problems with brute force instead.

Unfortunately I've hit the picture limit, so I'll have to make a part 2.

[laciefuyu]

//CN server spoilers & TW server

Surprise Surprise! Artem's Dreams and Hereafter PV is here!!

(I was actually expecting something today but I was expecting the Main Story Ch 16 PV BUT I AM NOT COMPLAINING, OVERDUEEE XD and got so busy so doing the post after work www)

Once again PSA, this series event story is from ML POV over something in the past so it's pretty important, and I really like the previous one from the series so hopefully, ZR is good too!!

Just like 2nd Solo SSS, I might end up recording plenty of things XD

BUT AAAH I LOVE THE PAID INVITATION TOO, I WAS THINKING WATER, IT DEF WILL RELATED TO WATER AND I AM RIGHT!!

I love this card series so much, I am going to gifs this when I find everyone's PV in good quality (AAAA I REALLY WANT TO GIFS THIS ALREADY)

Currently trying to make all the bois experienced bankruptcy in Monopoly in TW server for the winter event HAHAHAH then I will continue to gif Legend of Celestial Romance 🙂‍↕️

[psychopomparia]

My first batch of late night doodles

^Argenti from the hoyofair where he’s tilting his head and

^Artem pouting from the new event (Legend of Celestial Romance)

me testing brushes and just having fun drawing my faves at night hours

[cottonycloudy]

I finished the story for Artem’s card, Stormy Enigma, today! This card is by far one of my favorites, probably right below Two Hearts as One!

I started reading it a while ago, but with the Legend of Celestial Romance event I got a bit busy. I’m glad I finally took the time to read it though! ( ´ ▿ ` )

The plot was really intriguing, especially since it’s an alternate universe card. I really liked how Artem journalist alter-ego, which can be a parallel to his ‘Mockingbird’ film reviewer persona. I had a hunch Artem was ‘Justice’ from the beginning, but the way the reveal was paced out was great!

The romance was also amazing too. I couldn’t help but tear up in the last story when Rosa opens the letter Artem gave her only to see that it’s completely blank aside from a drawing of a rose that symbolizes the day they met.

The fact that we didn’t know for certain if he was still alive or not at the time of reading this letter really hit me in the feels. (つω`｡) He loves Rosa so much and I definitely think this part is what skyrocketed my love for this card. It’s such a beautiful declaration of love that can’t be beat!

I’m glad everything ends up okay because I think I would have been inconsolable if Artem really did die in the explosion!

All in all, it’s an amazing card! It had great characterization for Artem. Even though it’s an alternate universe card, I feel like a lot of his feelings still apply, especially in his conversation with Rosa during the rainstorm. The comedic moments were also great, and so was the romance as stated earlier. ♡(｡- ω -)

I also really enjoyed the after story! This card is the only alternate universe card I own, and it was definitely nice to see what happened after the fact! There were some cute moments too.

Even though he’s already waited a year, I think he’d wait a lifetime to hear Rosa’s answer!

A great card all around! If you don’t have it, I definitely recommend watching a play-through of it or reading it online!

[ad-hawkeye]

Can I ask what the image in your mobile header is from?

of course!! it's rosa and artem from tears of themis! to be specific, an upcoming event in the cn server called legend of celestial romance.

i've noticed that newer events have been playing around with different art styles for the non-card art and i love it soo much! i hope this helped you out anon!

[lynndt-chocolate]

Welcome back to Stellis! Here's a Returner Gift for you. Log in now and participate in the "Legend of Celestial Romance" Event!

You’re a returning player if you:

Haven't logged in to the game for more than 45 days

Created the game account before 2024/12/23

Have account level more than 10

Have cleared main story level 01-13

Haven't activated returner tasks for at least 60 days

Haven't used any other returner code from different players. Each returning player can only bind one Returner Code.

Download the game and enter "WD8PFN756N" to obtain the gift!

[the-tzarina-alexandra-paracosm]

I've been thinking about what I said in my last post re: my earliest stories taking place in the same universe. i think I'd still like to do that, or at least take elements from that approach.

So far I have the following worlds:

TLOEW: post-apoc, steampunk vibes, mythology about there being 'people on the moon' but not yet expanded upon

Real life a little to the left: the contemporary stories as well as the near-future sci-fi ones

Fairytale retelling: worlds akin to their respective inspirations but also like real life in other ways

Fairy insects: an independent worldbuilding project

The Scroll: a thought experiment on the nature of free will/ predestination. Had a story concept for this but honestly several stories can take place in this allegorical world

And now I'm thinking which stories from my 2013 era or even more recent than that could benefit from being put in another universe and thus have the same story told with a different spin. The main one I'm thinking of is my second novel, The 5 Books of the Immortals. The development of that was wild cause it started out as a wizard academia then irl academia then a ww2 story... somehow. And I COULD just up my history game, and probably should. But I could also place them in a world that's parallel to ours. And not in a lazy way. In fact, the story first way better in a fictional universe than the real world, because the events are not structured in a way as to be compatible with a pre-existing war, but may be compatible with a more 'fantasy' war (as it was originally imagined, mind you!). I would like to write a story taking place during a real historical war one day but idk if that one is the best fit.

A lot hinges on what answer I give to the question of whether the 'moon people' alluded to in TLOEW are real or just legend. I really wanna make them real haha. But not aliens-aliens. More like humans who colonised some planet a long time ago. After all TLOEW is post-apocalyptic in its origin. Yes, 1000 years after the fact, but still. So then the existence of stuff like space travel wouldn't be incongruous, because the people on Earth, they're the ones who were left behind, and the apocalyptic event caused huge technological regression too. (Now I do kinda wanna go the Dune route and have some tech abandoned intentionally because it is now seen as evil and the main cause for the apocalyptic event but yeah. Much to think about).

The world of TLOEW is compatible with many of my 'fantasy' stories, except they're now historical looking sci-fi (I long ago decided I'm very uncomfortable with writing magic and stuff so I never really wrote fantasy for the past 10 years or so anymore. I do love sci-fi though and it makes for a magicless world that still contains a lot of interesting worldbuilding). The 5 Books story would fit right in! Idk when exactly during the historical timeline but yeah.

But at some point I had established that Ernest Arthurs of my Love is a Choice story (2017), the Victorian romance (!!) is the ancestor of Zephyr Arthurs. So I either break this familiar bond or otherwise transfer Ernest into the TLOEW world. I'm not sure hm. I feel like Ernest fits right in the actual real world 19th century too much. On the other hand he is an engineer (and clockmaker hobbyist) so there are like potential steampunk elements too. Again much to think about.

On the other hand, if the TLOEW world actually has space travel etc I could incorporate stories such as the imm 14, the one with Thea the tragic alien princess. Except in this world alien means human born on some other celestial body than Earth (which is perfect considering I designed her appearance to be completely human, too). And I do LOVE the potential for the characters on Earth to look longingly at the Moon or a planet etc and the ppl on the Moon etc to look longingly at Earth. Both think the other group is long dead.

And the main thing about the worldbuilding in TLOEW is that its starts with the 1000th anniversary of that apocalyptic event (I mean, rather, of the international peace treaty that was signed afterwards). And we only see one perspective, the East, as it were. Another story might deal with however the West would handle this in their culture. And yet another story might handle how the Moon people see this history. The possibilities!....

Of course even so there are some stories that are still unclassifiable as of yet. But it has been very helpful to brainstorm the above-mentioned ideas

[resortsbythebaagh]

Best Wedding Venues In Bhimtal

Beyond the magnificent Himalayan valley, Bhimtal is a celestial canvas for an unforgettable wedding. The tranquil lake, surrounded by emerald hills, reflects nature’s ethereal splendour, creating a scene fit for a dream. The cool mountain air conveys whispers of ancient legends, giving the environment a mysterious aura.

Each area of Bhimtal emanates a distinct blend of serenity and grandeur, providing a haven for romance and celebration. The beautiful Himalayan peaks, towering like quiet sentinels, bore witness to the union, bestowing their good fortune on the event. Vows are exchanged here, amidst nature’s majesty, between two souls and between love and the universe. Bhimtal is more than a destination; it’s a haven where love’s eternal flame can be rekindled in the awe-inspiring embrace of the Himalayas.

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When you entrust your big day to Resorts by The Baagh, you secure a team of dedicated specialists who appreciate the importance of every moment. You can be confident that your wedding functions will go smoothly and magically because of their skill, attention to detail, and passion for producing unique experiences.

Every detail at your destination wedding in Bhimtal is designed to make your celebration extraordinary, from the stunning vistas of Uttarakhand to the sumptuous amenities of a 5-star hotel. So, take a deep breath and allow the specialists at Resorts by The Baagh to make your fantasies a reality. It’s time to start on a journey where beloved memories are lovingly built. Book Resorts by The Baagh and let the pros weave the tapestry of your ideal day.

Source: https://medium.com/@resortsbythebaagh/best-wedding-venues-in-bhimtal-2ad8f8a1fb24

[hoyotunes]

Legend of Celestial Romance: Till We Grow Old from By Your Side JODODO, HOYO-MiX

[secretsfromwholecloth]

💋⚡️⛺️❤️(👀👀👀👀xD)🔞?

(From these asks.)

💋: favourite romance?

Like 85% of Lann’s romance is aimed squarely at me, and the rest is certainly nice enough to enjoy in its context. Like I said on Discord, it’ll probably continue to be my comfort romance that I go for when I have no other plans, like Tekēhu in PoE. That said, I’ve also quite enjoyed what I’ve seen of Arueshalae and Daeran’s romances over the virtual shoulders of you and others on Discord, and they’re both very much in my queue. (Especially Arue, who I saw the first part of anyway when Ounai blundered into flirting with her—time to see the rest!)

⚡️: favourite (or current) mythic path?

Gold Dragon is delightful, especially if you like being nice and helpful enough to want to play Be Nice And Helpful: The Mythic Path. (And Hal’s a great dad, plus he comes with some fun dragon aunties and uncles.) What I saw of Angel on the way there I really liked, and I want to ride it out all the way to the end one day for additional himbo time, if nothing else. Azata would be awfully saccharine in isolation, but within the context of the otherwise rather grim events of the game, it’s a lovely breath of fresh air, and its Friendly Hug spell is the closest thing to a hug button I’ve seen in any RPG I’ve played, plus Aivu is terminally adorable. I’m also looking forward to ripping out my own heart and stomping on it with Aeon, plus maybe giving Trickster and Legend a look at some point. We’ll see which path I end up using for the secret ending.

⛺️: what’s your favourite camp banter?

Oh dear gods, there are so many. There is so much of everything in this game, it’s huge. a) Nearly all of the intra-party dynamics are delightful, and b) there’s so much it all kind of runs together, so it’s really hard for me to single one out, though Woljif’s jealousy banters (plus his one where he’s so desperate for family connections that he speculates that his demon grandfather may have been a cousin of Arue’s and she tells him it’s for the best that he takes after his human side more), Nenio expounding on her “high fluffiness quotient and aesthetically pleasing hue”, and Greybor grousing about how he’s turning into a goody-two-shoes crusader all leap to mind. Also Regill grouchily declaring his utter lack of interest in either naked people or people faking desire for him put a huge smile on my face for obvious reasons.

❤️: any npcs you liked, or even wished you could romance?

Yes, my dear, we all love the himbo. I’m not, like, desperate for a Hand romance or anything, but if there were one it would’ve gone right into my queue—he’s our friend, despite that one bit where he Does The Thing, and intense friendships the way I understand and experience them generally map best onto romances when it comes to RPG relationships. Beyond him, I love Aivu very much, Anevia and Irabeth are great and I’m so glad I got them a happy ending on my first run, and I sure do love Red Mask for reasons that definitely don’t involve the word “aspirational” at all, where would you get that idea. *eye-twitchies* 

🔞: do you have any nsfw headcanons, either for ocs or canon characters?

...I don’t not have them? It’s not the sort of thing I think of until I know a character quite well, and I have specific tastes that tend towards the “deadly boring” end of the spectrum, so I’m not the best source unless you’ve got specific questions. Besides, I get pretty uncomfortable about telling on myself publicly, so anything I post will be very vague. That said (putting a cut here to spare my readers’ delicate sensibilities):

Everything about celestials is beautiful, down to their bodily fluids smelling like perfume and looking like liquid gemstones and body parts that aren’t aesthetic-looking on anyone else somehow being so on them. Whether aasimar get a touch of this is down to the genetic lottery, I suppose. (Ounai got just enough to be weirdly alluring even when she’s objectively a filthy mess.)

Speaking of celestials, if the Hand is half again to twice as tall as your typical human, then assuming average proportions, it ought to be on the far upper end of what you find in human-sized humans. Do with this information what you will.

Back in the late ‘90s or thereabouts, I read someone’s homebrew D&D supplement online—I want to say it was “The AD&D Guide to Sex”, and you know it was the ‘90s because the AD&D label was still a thing—that included a feat where high-level paladins would urinate pure holy water. Was it probably put there by someone with a piss fetish? Yes. Is it hilarious enough that I immediately adopted it as my personal headcanon despite that? Also yes.

I remain mostly agnostic on the Lann genitalia controversy except that I put my foot down about him having scales on there, because ow. Human skin only, please.

Speaking of Lann, I’m sure dating norms aren’t the only thing he does intensive research on before his romance finale. I leave as an exercise to the reader who exactly he asked what questions.

Riftmarked tieflings are supposed to be fucking weird-looking. Where are my tentacles, Owlcat? Visekot could be using them for such delightful things. Just imagine. I’m not even going to try pinning down her genital situation, either. Enh, she and Lann will figure something out.

[escriveine]

Good Omens Author and Artist Recs

In honor of the tenth month, here are 10 Authors & Artists in the Good Omens fandom who are absolutely giving me joy and life right now. They each have published multiple pieces, and the intended audiences of these works range from general to mature-but-non-explicit to mature-and-quite-explicit.

The stories I most favor — including these recommendations — have happy endings, though not necessarily all works in the portfolios of the authors/artists will, so do read the tags and such for yourself.

(NB: The lists are alphabetical by username; it was hard enough selecting only 5 of each, don't ask me to rank them.)

Authors

ARK | @et-in-arkadia | AO3 Good Omens top-level: Ark

Start with the fic that pulse of my nights and days, a gorgeous, explicit romp that revels in revelations of pining, and love, and literary recitations.The way Aziraphale and Crowley gradually reveal themselves in confessions more naked than their bodies, in their desire to please one another in ways that augment, but are not strictly subject to, the sensual pleasure of the flesh is deeply engaging and soul-satisfying.

If you'd rather plunge into the fic that seared me with Aziraphale and Crowley's adjacent yet solitary pining, splintered me with mutually-recognized reciprocal angst (and Someone have mercy that I know that's a thing now), and finally made me actually cry when all hearts were mended (even mine), try this: these furious passions, these chances. It’s an exquisite agony and fierce, cathartic joy; a true paean to love and desire.

DRAWLIGHT | @drawlight | AO3 Good Omens top-level: drawlight

Start with the series Chiaroscuro, a kaleidoscope array of myth and legend and stories from time out of mind lived by two who would be lovers, would be loved, did they but know it. The tales take us from memory and starstuff, through living and revelations, to futures and syncretism; all of it suffused with light, light, light.

If Crowley's fears hurt, it is because I have held them, sliver-sharp and lying inside my own heart; when Crowley's rapture resounds, it is because each of us secretly knows the sound of blessed water falling on the desert — the echoes of love are built into our very fabric, waiting to reverberate. drawlight takes us through the moments, the tesserae of many colors with an intimate eye for hope, then shows us how the jangled tumble resolves into utter delight. It ends (though their story never really ends) as it begins (where all stories really begin) — in the stars.

FYRE | @amuseoffyre | AO3 Good Omens top-level: Fyre

Start with the series Crossing Paths, a sprawling, currently-41-chapter saunter Through the Ages with Aziraphale and Crowley. Each morsel of backstory is canon-compliant and richly evocative of its particular era, laced with enough detail to make this fellow history nerd’s heart soar (seriously, there are even endnotes giving specific context to the setting and pivotal flow of events).

But these are no dry ostraca, no cryptic, lifeless castoffs; these stories fairly shudder with the countervailing magnificence and wretchedness wrought by humans, each extreme alternately and seemingly arbitrarily condoned by Heaven and Hell. And this crucible of life on Earth refines something unexpected in the natures of both Aziraphale and Crowley — a tiny mustard seed of compassion that may have been intrinsic to their natures, but would never have come to fruition without being deliberately nurtured, sheltered, encouraged. It is something the other angels dismiss, and the other demons forswear. But over and over it draws these two incarnate immortals together, and the adversity that could have seared the heart right out of them instead makes them kind. And every bit of is in character. These stories made me cry and laugh and quail and hope and long for ever, ever more.

JESS THE RECKLESS | Twitter JessWhitecroft | AO3 Good Omens top-level: jessthereckless

Start with the series It's Not The End Of The World, Dear, a light-hearted romance exploring what happens when an ethereal and an occult being come together and have to navigate the supernatural repercussions of their involvement. The opening story picks up where canon left us, in a world saved and remade and spinning on. Aziraphale and Crowley work through what it means to be on their own side the way they do everything else, with snarky bickering and displacement activities and gravitating toward each other like two celestial bodies on close approach.

That delightful domestic fluff, with all its attendant joys and frustrations, gives us the opportunity to fall in love again with our pair of ineffable idiots even as they realize they’ve fallen in love with each other. There are picnics and portents, kisses and divine ecstasy, seduction and human pleasure. And so much outright hedonism, sexual exploration, and joyful fucking it feels positively sybaritic. Yet that’s not the end-all be-all here. Life is infinitely more interesting together, even as they tackle kitchen renovations and making dinner and assembling furniture. As Aziraphale quotes, Come live with me and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove… The series is an ongoing indulgence, with another update posted just today (Oct-3).

LAURA SHAPIRO | @laurashapiro-noreally | AO3 Good Omens top-level: laurashapiro

Start with the series Leaves of Grass and the not-to-be-missed follow-on stories in the same universe: Working Hard in Damp Places and As Time Goes By. This extended series is everything great sex (and stories about great sex) should be — playful, joyful, loving. Daring. Scorching. An utterly delightful mix of banter and banging, pleasure and emotion, exploration and re-discovery with excellent character voices and interactions. It's incredibly fucking sexy and emotionally satisfying.

And lavish attention to detail makes Aziraphale and Crowley shine through as genuinely supernatural beings sharing the joys of their flesh (and all the very human transcendence that can bring). But there’s so much more, too. Laura weaves the most glorious, fulfilled and fulfilling yearning through every part of these works, and it's breath-taking. It's not just the scope of years for these immortal characters, but the depth, the breadth, the texture of their longing that's so amazing. Those first, nearly invisible tendrils first introduced in nearly offhand ways as "they talked, and they argued, and they dined and drank" ineluctably gather and twine into a great ribald ribbons of longing running through the fabric of their relationship — fascinating and inextricable.

Enjoyment of the wicked wordplay and cackle-inducing snark is left as an exercise for the lucky reader.

Artists

DRAWLIGHT | @drawlight | Good Omens Art Collection on AO3: as beautiful to me as lightning

Start with the piece I’m never getting over: and there, where my head pushed backwards (Original Tumblr post) (Full image on AO3)

Shared breath, shared gaze, shared being. Desire and connection flow through every line, thrilling the senses and stirring the soul. We are gorgeously suspended in the moment with them and know, in drawlight’s words, this is only the first time, never the last. I get happily lost in their soft blush of discovery and joy.

The rest of the collection well repays the looking with sweet heat, tender gestures, and the dawnglow of genuine love.

GEMENNAIR | @gemennair | Redbubble Shop: gemennair

Start with the piece I’m never getting over: Forbidden Friendship (Original Tumblr post)

A glimpse of their first picnic, in Eden. There is absolutely luminous joy in every shaft of sunlight, each dappled fruit, every green-gold leaf. And, of course, in the faces of Aziraphale and Crowley. And there are secrets awaiting notice: lily of the valley, first sprung in Eden, a symbol of hope and return to happiness; the possible origin of Aziraphale’s love for pears; Crowley amiably sheltering under the angel’s wing again.

Everything is soft and nothing hurts and I treasure the time I get to spend there.

GINGER HAOLE | @gingerhaole | Tumblr art tag | Good Omens Art Collection on AO3: Polaroids | Etsy Shop: gingerhaole

Start with the piece I’m never getting over: [CW: This kink is not everyone’s cup of tea. You may wish to preview the SFW Tumblr snippet and description first.] Sounding (Original Tumblr post) (Full image on AO3)

Even the SFW snippet gives me a heartrush. The long, accepting lines of Crowley’s body, the way he’s opened himself entirely to the pleasure being given to him, giving over control even to the point of allowing his halo to manifest.

In the full set of Sounding images, the depth of well-worn affection and tenderness between Aziraphale and Crowley, their reciprocally earned and returned trust absolutely shines. Aziraphale’s Botticelli hands fascinate; his intense concentration captivates. The contrast of a fully clothed Aziraphel reverently pleasuring an enthusiastically nude Crowley is beyond delicious. And Crowley’s trembling compliance enchants; his erotic exaltation thrills.

And the various nonbinary, genderfluid representations in the rest of the explicit Polaroids collection feel as genuine as the mindful, existential bond between the ineffable lovers. The same goes for the non-explicit artwork featuring them on Ginger’s Tumblr, too. Exquisite.

JASMINE TWIL | @jasminetwil | Tumblr Good Omens art tag | Etsy Shop: JasmineTwil

Start with the piece I’m never getting over: The first comic adventure of Aardvark!Crowley and Aziraphale (Original Tumblr post)

Playful, snarky, delightful comic-style fanart. There are details that callback to canon (like Crowley’s particular relationship to houseplants and Aziraphale’s tartan bowtie and camelhair coat), and others that exist purely for the joy of them (like Crowley’s demon tattoo appearing on the aardvark’s fur, and the UPC code on the plant pot — seriously, read the last 3 digits…).

Never underestimate the power and worth of laughter.

KHIROPTERA | @khiroptera | Tumblr art tag

Start with the piece I’m never getting over: making sure Crowley has lovely dreams about whatever he likes best (Original Tumblr post)

This is so meltingly soft and tender, I get all misty every time I see it. The deepening crepuscular colors, the scattered twinkles from stars Crowley likely hung himself, the smitten smile curving Aziraphale’s lips, the tender blush of sleep on Crowley’s cheeks give the scene a wonderfully dreamlike quality. I particularly adore this reminder of Aziraphale’s first act of service for Crowley: offering comfort and shelter under the curving expanse of angelic wings. In canon, Crowley’s acts of service tend to be fairly dramatic, increasingly overt gestures impelled by accretion of yearning and dire circumstance, so this homage to Aziraphale’s comparatively understated offerings is particularly sweet.

All the pieces in her portfolio make me squee, every time I revisit them. Truly, every single time. In fact, I was so inspired by her adorable Ineffable Husbands in scarves in the snow (Original Tumblr post), I ended up writing a vignette of ineffable fluff about it.

Postscript to the authors and artists mentioned here: If you would rather I present different links or other information, or if I have in any way mischaracterized your work, please tell me, so I can make corrections. While my words come from a place of love, it would be no kindness for me to gloss over mistakes or cause any of you discomfort. Thank you all. ♥

[addictedforbooksquad]

P I C K (S)  O F  T H E  M O N T H: O C T O B E R

Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

Beard with Me by Penny Reid

Tempt by Natalia Jaster

Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT, F/F romance

Synopsis:

After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, designed to be the playthings of royals, usurped their owners’ estates and bent the human race to their will. Now Ayla, a human servant rising in the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging her family’s death…by killing the sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla. Now, with growing human unrest across the land, pressures from a foreign queen, and an evil new leader on the rise, Crier and Ayla find there may be only one path to love: war.

Why we love it:

amazing world-building, intriguing setting and established mythology

Crier is the Softest™ and Cutest™ person ever and we just want to hug her

enemies to lovers excellence

beautiful writing, with lyrical undertones, full of tension and longing

character-driver story but it keeps you on the edge of your seat

WE. NEED. MORE. PLEASEEEEE

Trigger warnings: n/a

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Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery

Synopsis:

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders. Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device---is another. Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love---or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?

Why we love it:

final installment to Stalking Jack the Ripper series

Thomas Cresswell remains one of the best written male characters - we love his wit and playful humour

plot with intriguing mystery to solve, along all the romance

best cressworth moments; they will make your heart race!

a very satisfying conclusion to the series

Audrey Rose and Thomas will be missed!

Trigger warnings: graphic violence

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Beard With Me by Penne Reid

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

No one is better at surviving than Scarlet St. Claire and making the best out of circumstances beyond her control is Scarlet’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, she’d be the last person on earth, hermitting like a pro, singing along to her CD Walkman, and dancing like no one is watching. Scarlet is clever, Scarlet is careful, and Scarlet is smart . . . except when it comes to Billy Winston. No one is better at fighting than Billy Winston and raging against his circumstances - because nothing is beyond his control - is Billy’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, he’d be the first person on earth to lead others to safety, overcome catastrophe, or die trying. Billy is fearless, Billy is disciplined, and Billy is honorable . . . except when it comes to Scarlet St. Claire.

Why we love it:

origin story of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire

first love ending in heartbreak

provides insight into Billy and Scarlet’s backstory

Cletus offers some lighter moments in the book

we can’t wait for the final installment to this amazing series!

*intensively crossing fingers and toes for Billy and Scarlet to get their happy ending*

Trigger warnings: torture/abuse, parental abuse of children

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Tempt by Natalia Jaster

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult, Retellings

Synopsis:

Don’t miss this seductive urban fantasy retelling of Hades & Persephone! Make a deal with the devil... Wonder is a wildflower goddess who once loved a hero—until he became a villain. She’d thought her history buried and forgotten. She’d thought she would never see him again. She was wrong. Now, on the brink of an immortal battle between rebel deities and celestial rulers, Wonder must find a way to defeat her enemies. The key lies deep inside a magic, subterranean library filled with twisting corridors, forbidden books, and secret legends. Yet trespassing through a deadly forest and breaking into an ancient library isn’t the problem. The problem is she’ll have company: the devilish god from her past. And he’s got his own agenda with her.

Why we love it:

intriguing unusual take on Hades/Persephone retelling

enemies to lovers mixed with forced alliance and proximity mixed with excellence

reincarnation trope done well

Natalia’s signature vivid lyrical writing is present on every page

beautiful emotional journey for both characters

best installment of Selfish Myths series!

Trigger warnings: n/a

[cottonycloudy]

The trailer for the next event in EN just dropped! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) I’ve only recently started playing again (since around Last Dragonbreath) and this card was definitely a pleasant surprise!

Vyn looks so good in this! (´ ω `♡) But then again, when does he not?

The invitation is also gorgeous! I wish I wasn’t F2P 💔

The event in general looks like a lot of fun as well! It kinda reminds me of the bartending event from Honkai Star Rail, which I found fun!

I’ll enjoy something more casual after the insane amount of content we got in Legend of Celestial Romance. It’s a great event, but I’m still behind! (╥﹏╥) College, my worst enemy!!

Lastly, here’s the trained version of the card! I saved it for last since it’s a bit suggestive. (⌒_⌒;)

Despite the suggestiveness, I think the art is really pretty. There’s so much love in his eyes. (��‿◕)

[systra]

In Dreams - Part Two

notes: So continues the celestial romance! You can find part one directly underneath this post on my blog. Once again if you enjoy the story or have critique please let me know! 💗

pairing: The Mandalorian x OC

rating: pg-13 for now. mild violence/action & mentions of blood/injury.

word count: 4,501

In Dreams - Part Two

Birds sang in the trees around the Mandalorian as he approached the healer’s cottage. Trailing behind him was the metallic orb carrying the child, sealed up in case any trouble - Daglaks or otherwise - should arise on their journey to see Systra. The morning air was crisp, and perfumed with the aroma of the pines and oaks that surrounded the bounty hunter and his charge.

He was both surprised and irritated when he realized that a subtle ball of anxiety had knotted itself in his stomach. He chalked it up to his eagerness and hope that the healer could help him in his quest to discover the foundling’s people, or the nature of his power. 

With a gentle knock upon the cottage’s front door, the Mandalorian cleared his throat softly before the door opened and Systra stood before him. The redhead smiled, her eyes bright and giving the impression that she was genuinely pleased to see him.  

“Hi.” she said, brushing stray strands of her long hair back behind her shoulder. She was wearing another long tunic of a rosy pink color, and the bandage was still around her wrist. Her other hand left the door as she stood back, gesturing for him to come inside. “Please, come in.”

With a polite nod, the bounty hunter walked inside the cabin, the hovering bassinet trailing behind him. He quietly breathed in the cottage’s welcoming scent of dried herbs and woodsmoke, as memories of the previous day’s events rushed back to him. The air in the hut was warm and inviting, a reflection of its tenant.  

Systra’s gaze trailed after the metal orb curiously.  Shutting the door gently behind them, she turned to face the Mandalorian with her hands clasped behind her back. “How are you feeling after yesterday?” 

“Fine... Thank you.” His own voice sounded stiff to him under the robotic quality of the vocoder. The helmet tilted sideways in a sort of fidget, as he wasn’t sure if he should sit or wait for her invitation to. He found his irritation with himself growing as the slight tangle of nerves knotted further in his belly. 

Systra’s brows rose as though she could sense his restless state, but her genuine smile remained. Her gaze returned to curiosity as she gestured toward the pod hovering beside her guest. “What have you got there?”

“It’s... what I wanted to talk to you about.” The bounty hunter’s orange-tipped gloves pressed the button on the top of the metal orb. The enclosing hatch opened up, revealing the child who was sitting forward, his large dark eyes blinking up at the Mando before slowly moving his gaze to Systra.

The healer let out a soft but audible gasp, her lips remaining parted as she took in the sight. “Stars above....!” She breathed, her hand coming up to her cheek slowly. Glancing up at the bounty hunter, a large smile broke across her face as she slowly took a step forward towards the child. “Who is this sweet little one?” Her voice held restrained excitement in it, even as she spoke softly so as not to frighten the child. 

The Mandalorian exhaled quietly with relief as Systra walked over and knelt down in front of the baby with the smile never leaving her face. It was a welcome change from past reactions from some of his fellow brigands, of shallow indifference or hostility. 

“He is under my care.” He said in response to her earlier question. Beneath the helmet, the Mandalorian’s brow furrowed as he watched the child begin to stretch out his little hand towards Systra. A look of slight surprise came over her face, but she slowly raised her own hand and gently touched her palm to the little one’s. 

The healer gasped softly, and her eyes widened. Her gaze became faraway, as though she was seeing something other than what was directly before her. The baby’s eyes had closed in concentration, a look the Mando instantly recognized. His hand came up, and he shifted his weight forward with slight alarm - ready to stop the child, or Systra, if something dangerous were occurring. But neither of them looked to be in pain - and something in the air around them overcame the Mandalorian with a sudden sense of peace. His hand lowered slowly back down to his side as he watched - unsure of what exactly was taking place between the child and Systra, but knowing it was not something he should interrupt. 

After a few moments, the child gently pulled his hand away from the healer’s. The faraway look in Systra’s eyes had ceased, her gaze coming to focus  on the child with a sense of awe upon her features. Her lithe fingers remained suspended in the air a few more moments before she lowered them back down as if in a slight daze. Suddenly, a wide smile spread across her face. She looked up to the Mandalorian, her blue eyes sparkling with elation. “The Force is strong with him.”

“The Force....?” The bounty hunter’s helmet tilted to the side with curiosity, his gaze moving from the healer to the child.

Systra’s grin widened slightly before she stood up. “May I hold him?” 

The Mandalorian nodded, his thoughts abuzz with wonder at what was happening. His gaze followed the foundling as he was picked up and held against the healer’s chest gently. She came to sit on the bed,  her hold on the baby soft but secure as she looked down at him. The bounty hunter saw affection in her eyes as she gazed down at the child. All of his previous nerves had gone, the knot untangled in his stomach. 

“What is...the Force?” he asked her, with slight bewilderment in his voice. 

Systra looked up, and out the one window of the cottage. Her eyes had a dreamy look to them, her voice pleasant and soft as though she were speaking of a beloved friend. “It...it’s all around us. Within us. It connects and surrounds all living things. The trees, the skies, the waters....the people.” Strands of red fell away from her face as she turned her head to look at the Mandalorian. “It touches, and holds, all living things together in the galaxy. The Force makes the stars, and us, shine.” She looked back down at the baby, who was blinking up at her sleepily. “It’s what gives the little one his power.” 

“And yours.”

At his words, the healer looked back up at the Mandalorian with a mysterious smile at the corners of her lips. “Yes.”

The bounty hunter slowly moved towards one of the two chairs beside the window and sat down, his arm coming to rest on the table next to him. “I thought it was something inherent only with his people.”

“No.” Systra had begun to gently rock the baby, who was now sleeping peacefully in her arms. “Not everyone can wield the Force, but those who can, can come from anywhere.”

The Mandalorian paused, lost in thought as the realization that he had so little knowledge of this strange sorcery dawned on him. The journey towards finding the child’s people seemed to stretch before him like an endless desert, vast and empty. He was determined to learn as much as he could from Systra, while he had the chance.

“So, are you a...?”

“A Jedi?” The healer looked back up at him, with a light laugh. “Not by any means. Becoming a Jedi isn’t the only path to the power of the Force.” She stood, quietly bringing the child back to his pod and laying him gently inside. For a moment, she looked down at the child affectionately before crossing the room to stand before the window. The bounty hunter watched her, only separated by the table between them.  

“I am an Anreth. We harness the power of the Force to heal. We can do other things, but that is the focus of our skills... Our purpose in life.” Her blue eyes took on a faraway look as she spoke, looking out over the forest just outside her cottage. Her hands came to rest on her forearms, wrapped about herself as if she were cold. “Our numbers dwindled after the rise of the Empire. Despite Telris being a small planet on the Outer reaches - word of the Anreth and our abilities somehow reached the Empire. They sought us out, hoping to eradicate any trace of those who could wield the Force. According to our legends, the same thing they had done to the Jedi.” 

The bounty hunter felt his stomach tighten as he realized that Systra’s power undoubtedly had something to do with her being a target. Admittedly, he’d picked up the bounty puck secondhand and didn’t know much about who was actually looking for the healer. Could he have inadvertently taken on another job funded by the remnants of the Empire?

Systra turned away from the window to look at him, the look in her eyes not exactly of sadness - but of one resigned to fate. “My mentor brought me to this planet with her to hide, when I was 16. She died when I was 20.” The unbandaged hand came up to gently touch the cloudy, light blue stone she wore around her neck. “This is all I have left of her, and my home. This, and my knowledge.”

The Mandalorian nodded respectfully. He understood what it was to have everything taken away from you by the Empire. Unsure of what to say, he stared up at Systra as she looked down at the pendant in her hand. He was not used to the openness with which she revealed her past to him, and somehow it made him feel vulnerable. It was like watching a flower bloom before his eyes. 

The bounty hunter stood and moved over to the child, in subconscious hope of moving away from his discomfort - like clearing away smoke with a wave of one’s hand. His helmeted gaze stared down at the baby, searching the mess of thoughts in his head for the right question to ask Systra. He had many. “Sometimes he passes out after he uses the...Force.” The word felt strange on his lips, as if the term were from a foreign tongue. 

“I’m not surprised.” The healer came to stand beside him, her eyes trained upon the child. “It takes a lot out of me to use the Force on fatal or venomous wounds. Or to try and move large objects, things like that...” Turning to face him, she held up her hand to show him her bandaged wrist. “Yesterday, after I healed you, I collapsed...fell right on my wrist.” Lowering her arm, the healer fell silent. Her gaze came to rest upon the shining metal of the Mandalorian’s pauldron, decorated by the signet of the Mudhorn. Light from the fireplace danced upon the metallic surface, and reflected back in her eyes. The bounty hunter turned his head to meet her gaze as it moved up to his slowly. Her lips curled up slightly in a soft smile, and he felt his insides knot up again. He found himself once more unsure of what to say or do in that moment, so he turned his head to look back down at the foundling. 

“I’m going to make you two something special for supper.” After a moment, Systra’s enthusiastic voice broke the weighted silence. She had moved towards the empty basket sitting upon the small table next to her bed and gathered it up. “I can take the little one down to the stream to play when he’s finished, that way you’ll have some privacy here to eat.” 

The Mando calmly watched her flit from one point of the room to the other, scooping up her lavender cloak. “Do you need help?” 

“No no, please - kick up your feet. Make yourself at home.” she answered him, a hint of mischief in her voice that suggested she knew he wasn’t really the type to take a load off in unfamiliar situations. “I’ll be right back - I just have to gather up a few things!” With a grin in his direction, Systra left the cottage, letting the door shut behind her. 

Her joyful disposition was palpable, and the bounty hunter realized she probably didn’t get many visitors. With that realization came another: that he felt a sense of ease around Systra. The feeling was somewhat unfamiliar, given his line of work and the types of people he was usually surrounded by in his occupation. He found it almost difficult to accept her hospitality and the amount of help she had already given to him. It felt unbalanced, and he was overwhelmed with a sudden and strong urge to do something kind for her. To....repay her hospitality. 

The Mandalorian stared down at the child for a while, idly brushing at the blanket Systra had covered the little one up with. His calm, hazy thoughts of what he could do to show the healer his appreciation were suddenly interrupted by the sound of Systra crying out in fear from outside. 

-

Upon hearing Systra’s cry, the Mandalorian’s head whipped towards the door. He immediately hit the button on the hovering orb containing the child, closing the hatch to shield the baby inside. Blaster in hand, he sprinted out the door of the cottage.

Near the forest’s edge lay the healer’s basket, fallen over with its contents strewn across the grass. A few feet away, Systra was struggling with a humanoid almost a foot taller than she, with green skin and geometric tattoos on his face. A DC17m sniper blaster was slung across his back. He instantly recognized the Mirialan from the Bounty Hunters Guild. A rookie, in it not so much for the money - but for the sport. Arrogant, with a heart of predatorial cruelty. 

The Mirialan had his hands gripped tightly around Systra’s wrists. Her pale skin was marred by a bleeding cut near her eye - the bounty hunter had struck her. Within seconds he had crossed Systra’s arms in front of her chest and held her tightly with her back against his torso. The Mandalorian had aimed his blaster at the bounty hunter’s head, but he risked hitting Systra in the position she was in now. The Mirialan laughed as he noticed the weapon pointed at him. “You! Guess I’m not the only one with a puck for this one.” His grip on the healer’s wrists tightened painfully. 

The Mando’s other arm suddenly shot forward, releasing the cable from his gauntlet - it successfully latched onto the Mirialan’s leg and with a tug - he sent the rival bounty hunter crashing onto his backside. However, his iron grip was still firmly held around one of Systra’s wrists, and she was sent tumbling to the ground next to her would-be captor. As the Mirialan bent toward his leg to pull off the cable attached to his foot, Systra rolled onto her side. Her free hand suddenly came up and pushed in the direction of the bounty hunter, without touching him. “Get away!”

The Mirialan was suddenly sent flying back at least 40 feet by an invisible force, his back hitting a tree with a sickening thud. The Mandalorian hesitated for a moment as he watched - it all happened so fast. His helmeted gaze quickly shot back to Systra, her hand still stretched out, just in time to see her eyes flutter closed as she fell unconscious onto her back. He didn’t have time to go to her as the Mirialan was growling in pain and anger - one hand was already on the trigger of his DC17m and aimed at the Mando. A loud blast as the Mirialan fired the rifle sent birds flying out of the nearby treetops. 

The Mandalorian rolled out of the way in time, in the opposite direction of Systra’s unconscious form to avoid any blasts being fired her way. Another shot echoed around the clearing, just above the Mando’s helmet as he came to one knee and aimed at the rival bounty hunter’s head. It was now or never. Two shots popped off from the heavy blaster  - and met their target right in the middle of his forehead. The Mirialan’s eyes were still open, unseeing, as his body slumped back lifeless against the tree.

In a matter of seconds the Mandalorian had holstered his blaster and was running over to where the healer lay unconscious. Besides the cut on her cheek, she looked mostly unharmed. With one hand under her back and the other under her knees, he scooped up her up into his arms and began to walk swiftly towards the cottage. Systra’s head gently fell against the bounty hunter’s shoulder, her eyes remaining closed as he carried her back into the cabin and gently set her on the bed.

Straightening back up, the Mando quickly removed one of his gloves and pressed two naked fingers to the healer’s neck. Her pulse was steady, and he tried not to notice the softness of her skin. As he quickly put his glove back on, his helmet turned towards the sealed metal orb, the child safely inside. 

He was reminded of when the little one had fallen into a deep sleep for hours after performing some miraculous feat using....the Force. The Mandalorian looked back down at the redhead once more as he felt his adrenaline begin to subside, realizing that Systra’s collapse must be for the same reason. After watching her a few more moments to be sure nothing was seriously wrong, the bounty hunter figured he should move the Mirialan’s body farther into the forest. Should anyone from the villages not far from the cottage pass by and see the corpse, more trouble could be on the way. 

He had turned away from the bed to go back outside, but was stopped when he felt Systra’s hand softly grasp his own. He turned his head to look back down at the healer, whose eyes were open, but partly lidded with exhaustion as she gazed up at him. “Thank you...” Her voice was soft and tired, but she gave him a very slight smile. The Mandalorian nodded slowly at her. He felt Systra give his hand a gentle squeeze before letting her own drop back onto the bed. Her eyes closed once more as she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

-

It was the same dream each time she had it, but every time felt like the first. She was floating through space, weightless and sleeping. In dreams space was not cold - the silent stars cradled her like a womb. There was no fear, no tangle of thoughts or worries for the future. All was as it was meant to be.

A light began to shine, growing brighter through her closed lids. Her hand slowly came up to shield from its brilliance, though the light was never painful. Her eyes opened, blinking slowly to bring what was before her into focus.

A man walked forward through the twinkling blanket of stars, his stride even despite the lack of gravity. The light shone from far behind him, a distant sun. His body mirror-like, the rays bouncing off of him like a kaleidoscope. Silvery armor, polished and shining. It reflected the light straight into her heart. The sun’s light behind him made it difficult to see his features, which were already obscured by a helm of the same noble steel as his armor. He had stopped short of a few feet from her, as she hovered gently in the quiet of space.

Something stirred deep within her, an insistence to touch. She slowly reached her hand towards him, the womb of the stars gently moving her forward to touch the kaleidoscopic knight. As her fingertips slowly pressed towards him, he raised his hand, stretching out to meet hers. Their fingers were mere inches away before her eyes opened in waking.

-

The Mandalorian’s sleep that night was restless and broken - between the discomfort of sleeping sitting up on a chair, and waking every hour or so to check on the child and Systra. They both seemed to rest soundly. 

When morning came, the bounty hunter was already awake when Systra slowly rose up, blinking sleepily at him. A soft smile formed on her lips before she got out of bed and went about the cottage preparing a meal. Other than the cut on her cheek, the healer looked to be fine and back in her good spirits. 

Systra did most of the talking throughout the day. Around midday she turned on one of the only pieces of technology she had in the cabin - a holoproj with a playlist of music. The songs reminded him of the type of music people took Spice and danced to on Coruscant. The thought made a hint of a smile form under his helmet. 

The healer was setting the table and humming along to the music when the Mandalorian spoke up. “You shouldn’t stay here. More bounty hunters will be coming for you.” 

The redhead quirked a brow as she set the last plate down upon the table. “You mean like you did?” A hint of sarcasm was in her voice as she looked up at him, a slight smirk at the corner of her lips. 

The bounty hunter paused a moment. When he spoke again he tried to make his voice sound more  reassuring somehow. “Yes. But I’m not going to—“

“I know you’re not.” Systra held up a hand to stop him, a playful chuckle lilting her voice. “Don’t worry. I sense no disturbances in the Force.” She took a step closer to him, a pleasant smile on her face. “No one’s coming... yet.”

The healer took the initiative in seeing to the child’s needs throughout the day, and the bounty hunter allowed her to do so without complaint. He sat across from her at the table, watching her feed the baby in her lap in between taking bites of the meal she had prepared for them. It was obvious to him that there was already a connection between Systra and the foundling. But then, who wouldn’t be smitten by the child’s face? The Mandalorian watched the two of them playing down by the stream from the cottage window after their meal. Before him was a plate of food Systra had placed on the table for him. He slowly reached up and pulled the helmet off of his head, and placed it on the table with a small sigh of relief. He knew the healer would wait for him to open the front door, to signal he was finished eating and his helmet safely back on.

Once nightfall came, the bounty hunter walked outside to make his periodic check that no one was lingering around the cottage. Inside, Systra was gently rocking the child to sleep before placing him in his pod.

After walking around the perimeter of the cabin and finding nothing amiss, the bounty hunter leaned back against the cottage’s wall beside the front door. His gloved hands came to clasp on the front of his belt as he gazed up idly at the starry sky above. A few minutes later, Systra emerged from inside. He watched her as she slowly walked several feet from the cottage, her blue eyes gazing out at the forest beyond. Minutes passed in silence as she looked out over the treetops, before speaking to the Mandalorian in a soft tone.

“In some ways this planet is like Telris. The forests, the climate...even some of the same plants I use in my work. Though, nothing can compare to the beauty of my home...” The bounty hunter continued to watch her, wondering if her words were prompted by his earlier suggestion of leaving. 

“You can’t stay here.” He said after a few minutes of silence. He spoke softly, not wishing to sound like he was commanding her - only speaking out loud what she must know to be true. 

“I know.” Her back was turned to him, therefore he couldn’t read the expression of her face. But, her tone was simple - and the sound of her voice didn’t seem to carry any inflection of sadness. 

Another bout of silence passed between them, the only sound being the whispering of the trees as they blew in the night’s wind. It was the Mandalorian’s voice that broke the quiet once more.

“If you knew I was here to collect you... why did you help me?” Systra turned halfway, not quite facing him as she spoke. Her eyes were downcast as she searched for the right words. “It’s my calling. When someone is hurt, the Force sings its song of healing to me. It would be...almost a sin not to answer its call.” Her blue eyes slowly made their way up from the ground to the bounty hunter, her expression a bit shy as though what she had told him was not the whole story. As she continued, she slowly began to walk closer to him. “But, the truth is... The Force called me out to the woods. It sang a different song to me....one of destiny.” She looked up at him, an openness in her eyes that the bounty hunter had so rarely seen when others spoke to him. “I knew you wouldn’t harm me.” The Mandalorian stared down at her, his gaze searching hers from beneath the helmet. She was close enough, only a couple feet away, that he could detect her scent - rose water. He felt the same knot from the previous day tangle in his stomach when a gentle smile curled her lips as she gazed up at him. There was a message in her eyes that he was trying to decipher. 

“Come with us” he heard himself say, his low, rasping voice taking on a gentle quality. “You can teach the kid what you know... if you’re willing.”

Systra looked down with a light chuckle to where her hands had begun to fidget awkwardly. “I have a feeling he could teach me a lot more.” 

The bounty hunter felt the knot in his belly grow ever so slightly as he waited patiently for her answer. The soft quality of his voice remained as he spoke to her quietly. “I’ll keep you safe.”

At his words, her fidgeting stopped and Systra immediately looked back up at him. Her lips parted slightly as she looked into the t-visor of his helmet, a touch of surprise in her gaze. A soft smile slowly graced her features once more. Turning her head towards the cottage, she looked in the direction of the child, who was safely asleep in his pod.

. “Yes.” When she looked back at the Mandalorian, a smile was spreading across her features. “I’ll go with you. Tonight.”