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[healingwithnatureaz]

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[witches-glitches]

Still witchin' 💛🏵✨️

(Yellow helps heal when sis is feeling a bit depressy)

[stalkerofthegods]

Lord Apollo Deep dive

Lord Apollon is an amazing god, he is a healer, but he is also the destroyer of health, the same string that holds his bow and arrows of misery is the same in his lyre that he makes beautiful songs and lyrics with, he deserves respect as a god and as a Father. I adore Lord Apollon as a worshiper and as a researcher, no matter how harsh he may be. May you not judge lord Apollon from his myths and remember his actions of good. May all worshipers of devotees Tell of his amazingness.

God of - prophecy and oracles, Music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease, and the protection of the young, divine distance, fertility, knowledge, dancing, wolves, locust, doorways, mice, entrances, foreigners, happy travels, light, omens, averting evil and harm, boundaries, and borders, laurels, mildews, the god who punishes and destroys, he helps and wards off evil, he protects the flocks and cattle, the foundation of towns and the establishment of civil constitutions, protection of young boys, god of purification, he’s also a Psychopomp.

Symbols- The lyre, Silver bow & arrows, Dolphins, Swans, Crows, Ravens, Lions, Wolves, Wolves, Mice, Griffins, Hawks, Snakes, Laurel wreath, Fire/flame, The sun/sunlight, Tripod, Apples 

Incense/scents - Bay, Frankincense, Cypress, Clove, Cinnamon, Mugwort, Myrrh, hythincath, Rays of light radiating from his head, Branch of laurel, Wreath, amber, myrrh, lily of the valley, frankinscences, orange, lemongrass, marjoram

Colors • orange and yellow, red, gold and pure white blue, pink (means healing) purple and green (associated with the Oracle)

Herbs• Palm Tree, Apple Tree, Poplar Tree, Mistletoe, cinnamon, myrrh, bay leafs, sunflowers and red roses, oak wood, cypress (his veey dear friend ((not a lover or crush))), mint, heliotrope, Goldenseal, Date Palm, orange, lemongrass, marjoram

elements • his element is light

Day, month and festivals• Yule, Midsummer, May, sunday, his festivals are Noumenia, Delphinia, Thargelia, Apatouria, Pyanepsia, Asklepia (maybe), Pandia (maybe)

Patron of - medicine, mental health, physical health, therapy, the alphabet/words, defender of herds and flocks, justice, prophecy, and mental and moral purity, herdsmen and shepherds, anything in the medical field.

What I resonate with him • resseces pieces (I forgot why),  Raven, lyre, lemonade, yellow, sun, bob Ross, painting, singing, humming, melody, Oracle’s, prophecies, knowledge, Purification, suns/ stars  

Crystals•Sunstone, Citrine, Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Pyrite, Selenite, Lapis Lazuli

His sacred items - Bow and arrows; lyre; the wreath of laurel leaves (he wears that which is to be understood as Daphne’s hair.) 

Planet - The sun 

Tarot card- the sun, the chariot

Number - 7 

Animals - Wolf, griffin, dolphins, Swans, foxes, roe deer, swans, cicadas, hawks, ravens, crows, foxes, mice, and snakes

Signs he's reaching out• Significant Dream Encounters of him, Frequent Solar Imagery, Increased Interest in the Arts, Strong Connection to Healing, seeing his Symbols and Animals, having  Prophetic Experiences, finding yourself seeking the truth all of the sudden, Attraction to Light and Warmth

What u could put on his alter • Sun water, Wine (diluted with pure water), Milk, Olive oil, Herbal teas, Honey, honey cakes, Orange and lemon pastries, Lamb meat,  goat meat, Fruits, Cheeses, Wheat, Breads, Golden objects (ex- such as gold bowls, gold wine cups, flakes of gold), Bows and arrows (real or fake), art, Images of the sun, All musical instruments, (especially stringed instruments), Wolf imagery, dolphin imagery, Any images of birds (especially crows and swans), Yellow, gold, and white candles, Incense he likes. He likes his alters Neat, clean, not cluttered, orderly, surround him with who he loves (ex- past lovers, Leto, artemis) , add images of wolves, mice, and ravens, Wine, incense, gifts of solar imagery, oranges 

Other titles of apollon• ABAEUS/ Abaios (derived from the town of Abae in Phocis),

ACERSE′COMES/Akersekomês (Apollo expressive of his beautiful hair which was never cut or shorn.) ACE′SIUS/ Akesios (surname of Apollo, under which he was worshipped in Elis, This surname, which has the same meaning as akestôr and alexikakos as the god of averter of evil), ACESTOR/Akestôr (A surname of Apollo which characterises him as the god of the healing art, or in general as the averter of evil, like akesios), ACTIACUS (a surname of Apollo, derived from Actium, AEGLE′TES/Aiglêtês (that is, the radiant god), AGE′TOR/Agêtôr (a surname given to several gods, example is Zeus at Lacedaemon) AGO′NIUS/Agônios (a surname or epithet of several gods, like Zeus), AGRAEUS/Agraios (the hunter a surname of Apollo After he had killed the lion of Cithaeron), AGYIEUS/Aguieus (a a title describing him as the protector of the streets and public places), ALEXI′CACUS/ Alexikakos (the averter of evil, is a surname given by the Greeks to several deities like Zeus.), AMAZO′NIUS/ Amazonios, AMYCLAEUS/Amuklaios, ARCHE′GETES/Archêgetês (A surname of Apollo, under which he was worshipped in several places, as at Naxos in Sicily), Megara (The name has reference either to Apollo as the leader and protector of colonies, or as the founder of towns in general, in which case the import of the name is the same as theos patroôs.),  BOEDRO′MIUS/ Boêdromios (the helper in distress), CARNEIUS/ Karneiosx, CATAE′BATES/Kataibatês (invoked by this name to grant a happy return home, katabasis (to those who were travelling abroad), CHRYSAOR/Chrusaôr) (The god with the golden sword or arms), CLA′RIUS/ Klarios (derived from his celebrated temple at Claros in Asia Minor), CO′RYDUS/Korudos (from the temple eighty stadia from Corone, on the sea-coast),  CY′NTHIUS and CY′NTHIA/Kunthia and Kunthios (surnames of Artemis and Apollo from island of Delos, which is their birthplace), DAPHNAEUS and DAPHNAEA/Daphnaia and Daphnaios (surnames of Artemis and Apollo), DECATE′PHORUS/ Dekatêphoros (that is, the god to whom the tenth part of the booty is dedicated), DE′LIUS and DE′LIA/ Dêlios and Dêlia or Dêlias (surnames of Apollo and Artemis respectively), DELPHINIUS and DELPHI′NIA/ Delphinia (a surname of Artemis at Athens & The masculine form Delphinius is used as a surname of Apollo), EPACTAEUS or EPA′CTIUS/ Epaktaios or Epaktios (the god worshipped on the coast, was also used as a surname of Poseidon in Samos) EPIBATE′RIUS/ Epibatêrios (the god who conducts men on board a ship), EPICU′RIUS/ Epikourios (the helper),

EUTRESITES/Eutrêsitês (derived from Eutresis, where he had a ancient Oracle), GALA′XIUS/Galaxios a (from Boeotia, derived from the stream Galaxius),

HEBDOMA′GETES/Hebdomagetês (was derived from the fact of sacrifices being offered to him on the seventh of every month, the seventh of some month which became the god's birthday), HECAERGUS/Hekaergos (same meaning as Hecaerge in the case of Artemis),HY′LATUS/Hulatos (derived from the town of Hyle in Crete, which was sacred to him), INTONSUS/unshorn, (surname of Apollo and Bacchus showing the eternal youth of these gods, beacuse the Greek youths allowed their hair to grow until they attained the age of manhood), ISME′NIUS/Ismenios (A surname of Apollo at Thebes), ISO′DETES/Isodetêg (the god who binds all equally, is also used as a surname of Pluto),I′XIUS/Ixios (derived from a district of the island of Rhodes which was called Ixiae or Ixia.), LAPHRAEUS/Laphraios (a surname of Apollo at Calydon), LEUCA′DIUS/ Leukasios (a son of Icarius and Polycaste, and a brother of Penelope and Alyzeus. Leucas was believed to have derived its name from him), LIBYSTI′NUS, LOE′MIUS/Loimios (the deliverer from plague),

LO′XIAS/Loxias (derived by some from his intricate and ambiguous oracles), LYCE′GENES/Lukêgenês (describing him either as the god born in Lycia, or as the god born of light), LYCEIUS/Lukeios (the meaning is not quite certain, some derive it from lukos, a wolf, so that it would mean "the wolf-slayer;" others from lukê, light, according to which it would mean "the giver of light;"), LY′CIUS/Lukios (the Lycian, a surname of Apollo, who was worshipped in several places of Lycia),

LYCO′REUS/Lukôreus (A surname of Apollo perhaps in the same sense as Lyceius), MALEATES/Maleatês  (surname of Apollo, derived from cape Malea, in the south of Laconia),MARMARINUS/Marmarinos (the god of marble), MALLOEIS and MELUS/Mêlos (A son of Manto, from which the sanctuary of Apollo Malloeis in Lesbos was believed to have derived its name), MOIRA′GETES/Moiragetês (the guide or leader of fate, occurs as a surname of Zeus and Apollo at Delphi) MUSA′GETES/MUSAE (?), NO′MIUS/Noumios (surname of divinities protecting the pastures and shepherds sheared with Apollo, Pan. Hermes, and Aristaeus) ONCAEUS/Onkaios (a surname of Apollo derived from Oncesium on the river Ladon in Arcadia), PAEAN/Paian, Paiêôn or Paiôn (meaning "the healing," however, used also in the more general sense of deliverer from any evil or calamity, PAGASAEUS/ Pagasaios/the Pagasaean, from Pegasus, or Pegasae, (town in Thessaly, uses the surname of Apollo there.), PALATI′NUS, (surname of Apollo at Rome), PARNO′PIUS/Paruopios (the expeller of locusts) paruôps (a surname of Apollo, under which he had a statue on the acropolis at Athen), PARRHA′SIUS/Parrastos (A surname of Apollo, who had a sanctuary on Mount Lyceius, meaning “the helper”, PATAREUS/Patareus (derived from the Lycian town of Patara, where the god used to spend the six winter months in every year), PHILE′SIUS/Philêsios (surname of Apollo at Didyma, where Branchus was said to have founded a sanctuary of the god, and to have introduced his worship) PHOEBUS/ Phoibos (the shining, pure or bright, occurs both as an epithet and a name of Apollo), PHY′XIUS/Phuzios (the god who protects fugitives, also occurs as a surname of Zeus in Thessaly), PY′THIUS/Puthios the Pythian, from Pytho (the ancient name of Delphi, often occurs as a surname of Apollo), SALGANEUS/Salganeus (a surname of Apollo, derived from the town of Salganeus in Boeotia), SARPEDONIUS and SARPEDO′NIA/Sarpêdonia (a surname of Artemis, derived from cape Sarpedon in Cilicia, where she had a temple with an oracle, The masculine Sarpedonius occurs as a surname of Apollo in Cilicia.) SMINTHEUS/Smintheus (a surname of Apollo, which is derived by some from sminthos, a mouse, and from the town of Sminthe in Troas), SPO′DIUS/Spodios (a surname of Apollo at Thebes, derived from spodos, ashes, because his altar consisted of the ashes of the victims which had been sacrificed to him.), TEGYRE′IUS/Tegurêios (a surname of Apollo, derived from the town of Tegyra in Boeotia. where, according to some traditions, the god had been born), TELMI′SSIUS/Telmissios (a surname of Apollo derived from the Lycian town of Telnissus or Telmessus),TEMENITES/Temenitês (a surname of Apollo, derived from his sacred temenus in the neighbourhood of Syracuse), THEOXE′NIUS/Theoxenios (a surname of Apollo and Hermes), THYMBRAEUS/Thumbraios (A surname of Apollo, derived from a place in Troas called Thymbra, where he had a temple in which Achilles was wounded, or from a neighboring hill of the same name), ZOSTERIUS and ZOSTE′RIA/Zôstêria (a surname of Athena among the Epicnemidian Locrians, The masculine form Zosterius occurs as a surname of Apollo in Attica, on the slip of land stretching into the sea between Phaleron and Sunium)

Epithets•Abaeus, Apollo Acesius, Acestor, Acraephiaeus Apollo, Acraephius Apollo, Actiacus Apollo, Apollo Actiacus, Apollo Aegletes, Agetor, Agonius, Agraeus, Agyieus, Alexicacus,Amazonius, Anextiomarus, Aphetor Apollo, Aphetorius Apollo, Apollo Musagetes, Apollo Soranus, Apollo Apotropaeus, Apulu, Archegetes, Argyrotoxus Apollo, Apollo Articenens, Apollo Averruncus, Apollo Clarius, Apollo Coelispex, Apollo Culicarius, Apollo Cynthius, Apollo Cynthogenes, Delius Apollo, Apollo Delius, Apollo Delphinius, Apollo Didymaeus, Apollo Epicurius  Apollo Galaxius, Apollo Genetor, Hecaërgus Apollo, Apollo Hecebolus, Hekatos, Helius Apollo, Apollo Helius, Apollo Iatromantis, Apollo Iatrus, Apollo Ismenius, Kourotrophos, Apollo Leschenorius, Leucadius, Apollo Loxias, Apollo Lycegenes, Lyceus, Apollo Lycoctonus, Manticus Apollo, Apollo Medicus, Apollo Nomius, Apollo Nymphegetes, Paean (god), Apollo Paean, Apollo Parnopius, Apollo Patroüs, Apollo Phanaeus, Ptoion, Ptous, Pythius Apollo, Apollo Pythius, Apollo Smintheus, Apollo Sosianus, Thyraeus, Virotutis. (I’m not gonna put who, why or what the epithets are, cut me some slack 😔)

Equivalents• Abru (Berber), Horus & Ra (Egyptian), Aplu (Etruscan), Helios (Greek), Apollo & Janus (Roman), Nergal (Aplu Enlil) (Semitic)

Offerings•  Candles (he’s the god of light), Paint brushes/paints, Canvases, Colored pencils, markers, crayons, Collages, Journals, Art books, Art prints, Anything you mad, Sculptures, Zines, Stickers, Any art supplies, Music boxes, Records, CDs,Cassettes, Record players,radios, MP3, Headphones, Music posters, Band merch, Instruments (especially String instruments), Dance shoes, Concert tickets, CD book holders, Sun and Light imagery, Sunscreen, Aloe for sunburns, Golden objects, Matches, Candles, Sunflowers/sunflower seeds, First aid kits, Medicine, Pain relievers, Band - aids, Ice/heat packs, Rice socks, face Masks, Aloe, Ambulance toy cars,Adaptive aids, Darts, Bow and arrows, Arrow quiver, Dart board, Targets used in archery, Bullseye used in archery, Snake skins, Snake imagery (ex - Python), Laurels, Bay leaves (because of Daphne), Palm trees (based on his birth myth), Ravens/Crows related things,  Crow feathers, Cattle/turtles (related to Hermes birth myth), Swans (the animals Pull His chariot), Hyacinths (Hyacinthus is his past lover), Locks of hair, Vanilla flavored/scented things , Honey, Sunny D drink, Lemons/lemon juice, Oranges/orange juice, Citrus, Water, chocolate milk (UPG),  molten orange-scented wax cube used on an oil burner, The first bite of every meal (keep a tea plate close by at mealtimes), Pot Pourri, visit a clairvoyant, Welcome foreigners, teach others your own culture/language, make sure foreigners are able to find helpful resources and social life in your community, Make sure the street outside your house is clean and secure, Resin, Sun-shaped cookies or cakes, Wine, Golden cakes, Golden raisins.

Devonatal- Donate to medical charities, Support beginner indie artists and musicians, Sing to Him, Play musical instruments for Him, Hold dance parties in his honor, Make a playlist for Him and listen to it, Read poetry to Him, Take care of your mental health in his honor, take your medicine in his honor, Try/do archery in his honor, Try/do different types of divination (ex- Tarot/Oracle decks, Pendulums, Rune stones, Charm casting supplies, Crystal balls, Scrying bowls, Cookie fortunes, Tea leaves), Try and wake up early and watch the sun rise, Go for a walk and feel the warmth from the sun, Let more sunlight into your home/room, Learn a musical instrument, learn how to sing, Learn simple medical care (ex- CPR), research his family in his honor,  research Apollon, Attend pride, advocate for  LGBT+ rights, Wear yellow clothing in his honor, wear orange clothing in his honor, Honor Leto and Artemis in his honor, Pray to Him/ speak to Him often (ex- for guidance, healing/good health, and new inspiration, protection, improvement in your mental health, fertility, ecstasy, for everything going well in the health aspect),  Dance and sing to your favorite songs or songs you’d think He would like,  Throw a feast in His honor, Support/donate to your local Hospital in his honor, Exercise in his honor, Get vaccinated in his honor, Get STI tested in his honor, practice Self care in his honor, Keep a first aid kit at home/in your car in his honor, Learn about alternative medicine in his honor, Advocate for accessible in his honor, Advocate for disability rights in his honor, Volunteer at a hospital in his honor, Give blood/plasma in his honor; Volunteer at a retirement home in his honor, Learn about anatomy/biology/nutrition in his honor, Learn about health conditions/rare disorders in his honor, Eat healthy for your body in his honor, Help fund surgeries if you can in his honor, Trip sit for someone in his honor, Listen to your body when it needs something in his honor , Sunbathe in his honor, Wear sunscreen in his honor,  Start a garden in his honor, Make sun water in his honor, Music Go to a concert/show, Listen to music in his honor, Make a playlist for someone you love in his honor, dance in general in his honor, Sing in general in his honor, Support local bands in his honor, Explore new music in his honor, Daily tarot card/rune stones sessions in his honor, Make an oracle deck in his honor, Give divination readings in his honor, do Shadow work in his honor , do Colormancy in his honor, Make something in his honor, Draw in his honor, paint in his honor, craft in his honor, Color something for him, Make a zine in his honor, Go see a play in his honor, Get a tattoo in his honor, Throw darts in his honor, Use a slingshot in his honor, Go to a shooting range in his honor, follow and support artist/poet YouTubers and their social media, Check in with your neighbors, do Photography (painting with light), light a candle in his honor because he’s the of…light!

Crystal•Sunstone, Citrine, Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Pyrite, Selenite, Lapis Lazuli, amber, calcite (only the color honey/yellow), quartz (rutilated or clear), rose quartz.

Parentage• Zues and Leto 

Siblings• his full sibling was his twin Artemis, His half siblings were Athena, Hermes, Dionysus, Aphrodite, Ares, Hephaestus and Persephone, Heracles, Ares, Perseus, Hebe, Aphrodite, Athena, Some Muses, Eileithyia.

Works well with• people who are respectful, and are honest, and not boastful. 

Jewelry • friendship bracelets

Hates• saying that your better than him, (too boastful), being to stubborn to learn (he is the god of knowledge.), and anything contradicting his godlyness 

Mortal or immortal • immortal.

Zodiac • Leo. 

Curses• Sickness, and often seeing yourself lying, and in trouble.

Blessings• your healthy and protection and purification. 

Vows/omans• he swears he will be Hermes best friend, and that he will never marry (the muses myth) because he swore he would never because he couldn't choose between all the Muses, not usually used in modern day, he could be married but it is a version of a myth, he could date. just never marry.

Morals• Morally grey.

Courting• he is unmarried. 

Past lovers & crushes• Admetus (a crush), Daphne (rejected him and he fell so in love she had to run away and turn into a tree..), all the nine muses (couldn’t choose so decided to never unwed), Cyrene (a crush), Evadne (a lover who bore him a child.), Rhoeo (bore him a child and made him raise it..) Ourea (had a crush on Apollo and they hooked up on his exile and bore him a kid), Thero, Hyrie or Thyrie (said they were lovers but he made them suicidal so..idk..). Hecuba (bore the child who made Apollo kill Achilles.), Coronis (bore him  Asclepius), Creusa (bore him a child and left him to die and then to be raised by a priestess of Apollo.), Hyacinthus (his most dear male lover.),  Cyparissus (a dear friend but still a honorable mention.), Admetus (a crush), Branchus, Adonis (poly with apollon and Aphrodite), Helenus, Hippolytus of Sicyon,Hymenaios, god of marriage hymns, Iapis, Phorbas, minthe (who he turned into mint) 

Personality• He’s very energetic, cheerful, wise, honest and kind, and very responding.

Fact• Apollo was temporarily stripped of his immortal power by Zeus – twice , he tried to over throw his father Zeus once (He failed, but they have a good bond.)

Roots• Greek mythology, born at Delos in Cyclades archipelago.

Appearance in astral or gen• depicted as a handsome, beardless youth with long hair and wears a wreath and branch of laurel, bow and quiver of arrows, usually accompanied with a raven, and holding a lyre.

Children• Acraepheus, Aeneus, Agamedes, Agreus, Amphiaraus, Amphissus, Amphithemis, Anius, Apis, Apollonis, Arabius, Aristaeus, Asclepius, Borysthenis, Cephisso, Chariclo, Cinyras, Coronus, Cycnus, Delphus, Dius, Dorus, Dryops of Oeta, Eleuther, Epidaurus, Eriopis, Erymanthus, Eumolpus, Eurydice, Eurynome, Hilaeira, Hymen (god), Ialemus, Iamus, Idmon (Argonaut), Ion, Ismenus, Korybantes, Laodocus, Lapithes (hero), Linus (Argive), Linus, Linus of Thrace, Lycomedes, Lycorus, Melaneus of Oechalia, Melite, Miletus, Mopsus, Naxos, Oaxes, Oncius, Orpheus, Phemonoe, Philammon, Philander, Phoebe, Phylacides, Polypoetes, Scylla, Syrus, Tenerus, Tenes, Troilus, Trophonius, Zeuxippus of Sicyon.

Pet• the swans pulling his chariot called the “singers of Apollo��� or just “birds of Apollo”

Status• Greek mythology god, in the big theoi, not a Demi god. 

Prayers•

Prayer to Lord Apollon for Help with Divination

Hear me, Foreseeing Apollon, Son of Indomitable Zeus and Gentle Leto, Brother to Far-Shooting Artemis. He who speaks of truth, If I have ever revelled in your sunlight, accept this prayer, Apollon Leader of Fate, I ask you to be with me during this divination and to guide my cards with your knowledge, I ask for your favour with a token of my praise, I offer to you (offering)- @praise-to-the-theoi

To Lord Apollon when taking medication 

Hear me, healing Apollon, Father to Soothing Asklepios. He who controls both plague and healing, If I have ever honoured you, please accept this prayer, Shining Apollon, Please allow me to be safe when taking this medication, to aid it in its effectiveness, and to reduce the likelihood of negative side effects. I ask for your favour with a token of my praise, and I take this medication in your honour. -https://www.tumblr.com/praise-to-the-theoi

Prayer to Artemis and Apollon 

Praise today, O Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis, rulers upon the Sun and Moon. The Celestial Twins, on this date, join each other in the sky, shining upon us their divine light and presence. Praise the children of Great Zeus and Leto; Hail Lady Artemis, the oldest daughter, who helped her mother at birth. Godess of the hunt, divine virgin, patroness of girls, their childhood and innocence.  Hail Apollon, youngest son, born by his sister's hand. God of the plages and sickness. Patron of the arts, music and poetry. May they raise their bows and guide us towards their light. - serotoninbetweenpages

Prayer with his epithets in it-

Let us hymn Paean the great god, Apollo; Immortal, gloriously formed, unshorn, soft-haired, Stern-hearted, king, delighting in arrows, giver of life, Joyous, laughing, slayer of giants, sweet-hearted, Son of Zeus, slayer of dragons, lover of the laurel, Sweet of speech, of ample might, far-shooter, giver of hope, Creator of animals, divine, Jove-minded, giver of zeal, Mild, sweet-spoken, sweet-hearted, gentle-handed, Slayer of beasts, blooming, charmer of the spirit, soft-speaking, Shooter of arrows, desirable, healer, charioteer, Weaver of the world, Clarian, strong-hearted, father of fruits, Son of Leto, pleasant, delighting in the lyre, resplendent, Lord of the mysteries, prophet, magnanimous, thousand-shaped, Lover of the bow-string, wise, stiller of grief, sober,Lover of community, common to all, taking thought for all, benefactor of all, Blessed, making blessed, Olympian, dweller on the hills, Gentle, all-seeing, sorrowless, giver of wealth, Saviour from trouble, rose-coloured, man-breaker, path-opener, Glittering, wise, father of light, saviour, Delighting in the dance, Titan, initiator, revered, Chanter of hymns, highest, stately, of the height, Phoebus, purifier, lover of garlands, cheerer of the spirit, Utterer of oracles, golden, golden-complexioned, golden-arrowed, Lover of the lyre, harper, hater of lies, giver of the soul, Swift-footed, swift-voiced, swift of vision, giver of seasons. Let us hymn Paean the great god, Apollo.   

- Epigram from Book 9 of the Greek Anthology, translated by W.R. Paton (1916-18)

Links/websites/sources •

@praise-to-the-theoi

ofbloodandfaith

Reddit · r/Hellenism5 comments  ·  1 year agosimple offerings for apollo? : r/Hellenism

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo#Children https://www.thoughtco.com/roman-equivalents-of-greek-gods-4067799https://www.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/d20s5v/would_amber_be_an_appropriate_incense_for_apollo/https://www.reddit.com/r/GreekMythology/comments/du0z4k/did_the_olympian_gods_have_particular_color/https://www.tumblr.com/eldritchhorror06https://www.tumblr.com/themodernwitchsguidehttps://web.pdx.edu/~scarmody/art342/exercise2/index.html#:~:text=Animals%20sacred%20to%20Apollo%20include,foxes%2C%20mice%2C%20and%20snakes.

let the light in and let your truth of loving Apollo shine aswell

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[stardustedreams222]

Pick a Pile Collective Love Reading ✨

What’s something your Significant Other wants to tell you but they are too afraid to say it?

🦢These are hard truths to hear, please take a deep breath to open your heart space then choose the pile, crystal or emoji you’re most drawn to. As always, Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. You are always in control of your life. ☁️✨

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

☁️Pile 1: Redline Marble

7 of Wands, Hermit Reversed, King of Cups

They wanna tell you that you’re doing more harm than good by standing your ground and putting up boundaries. That right now, you’re really just isolating yourself from the world. They don’t think it’s healthy but they don’t want to tell you bc they don’t want you to push them away too.

Here’s your advice: Boundaries are a good thing but you have to set those boundaries with compassion and a balanced mind and heart. Are the people you’re cutting off from your life people who are really bad or are they just telling you truths you’re not ready to hear? You need to have Compassion and Patience with yourself first so that you can feel your emotions and have compassion and patience for others who might not have the right words to say the right things.

Signs this is for you: Seagulls, 1989 Taylor’s version, Out of the Woods song in particular, Beach, Pier, Malibu, Sand, White, Blue, 999 777 1111

🦢Pile 2: Selenite

4 of swords, 7 of swords, Chariot, Six of cups Reversed

They want to tell you that they think you need to stand up for yourself. Right now they think you’re taking things too lightly, and justifying it as “I’m staying out of it for my own peace”— but they really think this is just letting other people get away with being mean to you. They want you to start standing your ground and sticking up for yourself even if this means getting into an argument with someone or taking the conflict to HR. They think it’s necessary and the faster you do this the better it’ll be for you. They also want to say that if you need help doing this they’re here for you. You don’t have to face your bullies alone. 🩷

Conflict can be really difficult to face but you deserve to feel safe and if someone is causing you trouble, talking it through and fixing it is better than putting on a mask and convincing yourself it doesn’t hurt.

Signs this is for you: Napping a lot, Feeling restless, Anxiety, Shaking, Mirrors, Mirror magic, Cats, White, Black, Orange cats, Golden retriever, Pitbull 323 333 444 777

🤍Pile 3: Rose Quartz

Knight of Cups Reversed, Knight of Pentacles Reversed, 4 of Wands

This is in regard to a wedding or a marriage. Some of you are planning a wedding and others are already married. There’s conflict with the parents in law or with your parents. Your significant other thought this would be like a fairytale wedding/marriage. But it’s turning out to be either a nightmare or they’re realizing their ideas of this were unrealistic. They thought you were going to be their knight in shining armor to defend them against all troubles with your parents {this is giving Rapunzel, where the prince saves her from mother gothel except you didn’t do this. But they thought and wished you would.} They don’t want to bring this up because they’re worried that when push comes to shove you’ll choose your parents{in law} over them. They’re used to being neglected or chosen last for everything and as much as this is hurting them right now, they’re choosing to suffer in silence. I can see this isn’t your intention at all, but instead you just wanted to keep the peace. Unfortunately, this isnt a situation where keeping the peace is a good thing.

Your advice is to think about what you want and what you are willing to do to show your love. This will require you to stand your ground with your parents{in law} to be the protector your significant other needs you to be. First, create a safe space for your significant other where you can sit down and talk. Let them know they are loved and cherished. Work on making them feel that they don’t have to worry about you choosing someone else over them including your parents{in law.}

Be prepared for healing tears and be open to collaborating on how to fix this moving forward not only with your parents{in law} but with each other. Work on rebuilding a foundation of trust with open, honest communication. It can be difficult at first to get the words out but be patient and compassionate with each other and everything will be all right 🩷✨

Step Two is implementing this by talking to your parents{in laws} and putting up boundaries necessary to protect you and your significant other’s peace.

Signs this is for you: Fighting over tablecloths, Theme wedding, Elven or Fantasy theme wedding, Destination wedding, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, ACOTAR, Estranged parents, Mother/Father in law visiting, Crowded guest bedroom/house, Family gathering, Reunion, Red, White, Black, Silver and Bronze, 353 333 555 444 1111

𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂 𐐪𐑂

Just a friendly reminder, this reading is for everyone! So think of it as a cozy chat under the stars! You know your story best so, take what resonates and feel free to leave the rest.

If you’re curious about what the Universe has in store just for you, I’m hosting a super deal on my Etsy shop! 40% OFF all readings and Dream interpretations, bringing each reading down to $1.20 to $4.80!

The sale vanishes like Cinderella’s carriage at 11:59pm EST on September 2, 2024! Returning prices to $2 to $8.

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A quick legal note: I must say the services I provide are for entertainment and reflection purposes only. I cannot guarantee specific results or events as the future is always changing. You are always responsible for your actions and any decisions made following the reading. I am not liable for any outcomes based on the insights and advice provided with my services. My services are not to be used in place of professional medical, financial, or psychological advice.

With Love, Astrid 🩷✨

[volterran-wine]

Hello again dearest Nathalie, I hope you are doing well. Some time ago I asked how the whole glittering in the sun worked and in your answer you mentioned that every vampire looks different in sunlight. You, for example, mentioned that Caius has a pearlescent look to him and now I've been wondering for a while what the other volturi would look like. Could you make like a list with pictures of what it would look like or if that is too much work (which I totally understand, so no pressure at all) just a list without pictures? I hope you have a good day/week/month :) <3

• — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐦

Ah yes, I remember this question quite fondly.

It was difficult for me to find pictures that truly spoke to how I imagine their glow, so for now I have decided to answer it in written form. Volterran-Wine does in fact own a large crystal selection she has studied to find the right answers.

𝐀𝐫𝐨: The first you would see is a greenish hue, like oxidised copper. There would still be those hints of warmth however, with a discreet sheen of sparkle.

𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐮𝐬: He almost has a pearlescent finish to his skin and there’s a slight reddish hue when he enters certain types of light.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬: They say he once shone more brightly in the sun, but now vampires compare this kings skin to dulled brass

𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚:  This queen shifts beautifully like the darkest garnet, with a glitter-like shift that leaves those around her spellbound when they see it.

𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚: Many have compared her skin to the glint of steal, speckled with red like a bloodstone when the sun hits her just right.

𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐲𝐦𝐞: Once upon a time she resembled an opalite with a pinkish hue, now few remembers how vibrant of a sparkle Didyme once had.

—

𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢: Our resident tracker resembles a bronze statue in it's prime, almost bordering on a golden hue, not unlike the crystal tigers eye.

𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱: The way Felix shines in the sunlight is the same way a great mountain glimmers in a bronzed and golden glow if there are copper minerals deep within the earth. It is warm and inviting.

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞: Her glow is very particular, it is soft and almost has a translucent quality to it. The best way I can describe it is that Jane looks like living and breathing selenite.

𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐜: Seeing as though him and Jane share a lot of the same genetic makeup, they are quite similar. However, Alec has a slight blue-ish tint to his glow as well.

𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐢: This woman looks like an Opalite, come to life with a rosy hue beneath it all. Among the Volturi she is also one of the vampires who do in fact have a certain glitter to their skin.

𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚: She is one of the few that partially glitter, though she gleams more if you ask those around her. If you look at Renata for too long it is like a duochrome of sienna and burnt orange.

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧: Under the correct lighting Corin is like a pearl, but most of the time she looks like the iridescence you find inside of shells,

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐚: She looks like a marble statue come to life, the softest glow you will ever see.

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐨𝐧: Some say that Afton nearly looks like a silver statue when he moves under the sunlight, it is almost blinding with a soft blue-ish hue.

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐨: He has this quality about his skin that is like smoky quartz, you expect it to be quite dark and dull-but the shifts in colorur is just out of this world. His tattoos almost seem to take up a life of their own when he steps under direct sunlight as well.

[theoreticallyangel]

We angels appear human and blend in amongst everyone else so seamlessly, but it is the finer details of our form that reveal our true nature to the trained eye.

Perfumes that smell of incense not yet burned.

Small golden bells that ring from an anklet, beckoning the spirits.

Freckles that show how much the light kisses our face.

Eyes that reflect the greens and browns of Earth or the icy greys of comets.

A feather welded to jewelry or selenite in a pendant, symbolic of the otherworldly.

Photo albums lacing the shelves, filled with images of all things holy or from the veil.

Blood that holds iron from eons ago, and hair that shimmers like precious bronze, obsidian, gold in the sun and moon light.

Our form may be human in shape right now, yet our angelical selves still glimmer through our bodies into the eyes of those with the lens to see it.

[galacticnikki]

A Baby Witch's First Grimoire

Grimoire Entry 19 - Crystals For Promoting Confidence

⚠️Obligatory Disclaimer⚠️

Crystals are not a substitute for modern medicine.

A-L:

Aegirine

Alexandrite

Apache Tears

Aragonite

Auralite-23

Axinite

Azurite

Black Jade

Bloodstone

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Scheelite

Bolivianite

Brazilianite

Brucite

Carnelian

Cherry Tanzurine

Chiastolite

Chinese Writing Stone

Chocolate Calcite

Chrysanthemum Stone

Collawood

Colombianite

Crazy Lace Agate

Dalmatian Jasper

Dioptase

Dragon Stone

Dravite

Eclogite

Epididymite

Erythrite

Fairy Stone

Flint

Fulgurite

Garden Quartz

Golden Healer Quartz

Goshenite

Grandidierite

Green Garnet

Green Kyanite

Green Onyx

Green Tiger Eye

Grenatite

Healer's Gold

Heliodor

Hiddenite

Himalayan Quartz

Honey Calcite

Howlite

Hypersthene

Impactite

Imperial Topaz

Isua

Japan Law Twin

Larvikite

Lemon Calcite

Leucitite

Limonite

M-Z:

Magnetite

Malachite

Maligano Jasper

Mango Quartz

Miriam Stone

Mookaite

Mottramite

Nellite

Neptunite

Noble Shungite

Nundoorite

Ocean Jasper

Onyx

Orange Aventurine

Orange Calcite

Orange Kyanite

Orange Selenite

Orca Agate

Orpiment

Orthoclase

Peanut Obsidian

Pietersite

Pink Calcite

Pink Halite

Pinolith

Polychrome Jasper

Prasiolite

Purple Opal

Pyrite

Pyromorphite

Pyrophyllite

Realgar

Red Jasper

Red Quartz

Red Tiger Eye

Rhodonite

Rhyolite

Ruby Fuchsite

Ruby in Kyanite

Ruby Zoisite

Rutile

Schalenblende

Shaman Stone

Sonora Sunrise

Sphalerite

Spinel

Staurolite

Strawberry Quartz

Stromatolite

Sulfur Quartz

Tektite

Tiger Iron

Titanium Quartz

Tourmalinated Quartz

Truffle Chalcedony

Tsavorite Garnet

Uvite

Variscite

Vesuvianite

Wulfenite

Yellow Opal

Zebra Calcite

Feel free to check out my master post for more information!

[the-mortuary-witch]

SELENE

WHO IS SHE?

Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon and lunar deity. In Greek mythology, she is said to be the daughter of Titan God’s Hyperion and Theia and sister of Helios, the god of the sun, and Eos, the goddess of the dawn

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: Selene is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, with flowing hair and a silvery or golden aura. In some representations, she is shown riding a chariot or a team of oxen. In other representations, she is shown wearing a diadem and a flowing gown, holding a torch or a lunar disc. Her appearance is often depicted as radiant, shining and otherworldly, embodying the power and mystery of the moon and the night sky.

Personality: she is often depicted as a serene and mysterious Goddess with a quiet and ethereal presence. She is associated with the natural world and the passage of time, and is often depicted as a gentle and nurturing figure who brings comfort and stability to those who call on her. Selene is also known for her ability to inspire dreams and visions, and is often depicted as a source of wisdom and insight. She is often depicted as possessing a gentle and soothing energy, and is seen as a figure of illumination and peace.

Symbols: crescent, torch, chariot, billowing cloak, bull, stars, moon, horse, lunar cycle, torch, and bull horns

Goddess of: the Moon

Culture: Greek

Plants and trees: willow, moonflower, lavender, wisteria, oak, lilac, birch, rose, dandelion, jasmine, and forget-me-nots

Crystals: freshwater pearl, star moonstone, peristerite, black pearl, cats eye moonstone, gypsum, spectrolite, Tahitian pearl, adularia, girasol quartz, satin spar, frosterly marble, green calcite, nacre, pearl, blue topaz, rainbow moonstone, feldspar, howlite, selenite, labradorite, moonstone, and orange calcite

Animals: horse, bull, mule, and ox

Incense: frankincense, rosemary, guaiac, orris root, and tonka bean

Colours: silver, blue, white, and grey

Numbers: 3, 28, and 30

Zodiac: Cancer

Tarot: The Moon, The Star, and Temperance

Planets: Moon

Days: Monday, Pandia, Noumenia, Heliogenna, and Mounykhia (maybe)

Parents: Hyperion and Theia

Siblings: Helios and Eos

Partner: Endymion

Children: fifty daughters, Pandia, Ersa, The Menai (Menae), and Musaeus

MISC:

• Selene was sometimes associated with Witchcraft and sorcery.

• She had many lovers and was often depicted with the mortal prince Endymion.

• She was the mother of several Gods.

• Selene was said to have a close relationship with Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis.

• She was sometimes associated with the harvest, cycles of growth, and decay.

• Was often associated with the Phases of the Moon, and is said to control the cycle of time.

• She is often depicted wearing a diadem, a shining crescent on her forehead, or a shining veil.

• She has the power to inspire sleep and dreams, and is often invoked by those seeking guidance or insight.

• She was worshipped as a Goddess of prophecy and dreams, and is often depicted with a lunar disc or a torch.

FACTS ABOUT SELENE:

• Selene is often depicted with a crescent moon headdress.

• She was often venerated in ancient Greek religious ceremonies.

• Selene was often invoked in poetry and literature.

• Her radiance was believed to have a calming influence on the world.

• Selene's worship was intertwined with the practice of lunar divination.

• Her mythology inspired artistic representations in sculpture and painting.

• Selene's influence extended to the realm of astronomy and celestial observations.

• Her name is derived from the Greek word for "moon."

HOW TO WORK WITH SELENE:

Working with Selene involves connecting with the energy and symbolism associated with the deity of the moon. Some examples include performing rituals dedicated to Selene and offer her gifts and prayers during the new, full, or crescent moon, contemplate the symbols associated with Selene, such as the moon, stars, and night sky, connect with nature and work on balancing your emotions and inner wisdom, and make a lunar calendar to track the phases of the moon and their effects on your life.

PRAYER FOR SELENE:

"Oh Selene, maiden of the moon,Your brilliant light shines upon me tonight. As the tides rise and fall, so too does my spirit ebb and flow. In your silver light, I find solace, and in your dark embrace, I find peace. Grant me wisdom and guidance, as the phases of the moon guide me on my path.”

“Thank you for illuminating my journey,And for the mystery and beauty that you bestow. Blessed be, Selene. So mote it be."

SIGNS THAT SELENE IS CALLING YOU:

• A strong fascination or attraction to the moon and night sky.

• Desire to explore your intuition and inner wisdom.

• Sense of being drawn to lunar rituals or practices such as moon bathing or moonstone work.

• Experiences or dreams related to the moon, night, or the sea

• Feeling of needing to balance your emotions or connect with your inner feminine power.

• Sense of comfort or connection to the darker aspects of the natural world.

• An increased awareness or fascination with the cycles of the moon and the passage of time.

• A sense of serenity, mystery, or introspection in response to natural surroundings, such as a quiet night sky, a peaceful forest, or a calm body of water under the light of the moon.

OFFERINGS:

• Moon water.

• Dew.

• Glitter/shiny objects.

• Olive oil.

• Water.

• Fruit.

• Moon-shaped things.

• Flowers.

• Photos or depictions of the moon and/or stars.

• Honey.

• Nephalia (wineless libation)

• Statues of horses.

• Cakes.

• Milk.

• Crystals: moonstone, quartz, selenite, and pearl.

• White foods in general.

• Depictions of horses and/or bulls

DEVOTIONAL ACTS FOR SELENE:

• Learning about moon phases.

• Donate to organizations helping new mothers in need.

• Sing or play music for her.

• Greet her when you see the moon in the sky.

• Take care of your mental and physical health.

• Go on a moonlit stroll.

• Learn about moon magic.

• Honour her on the full moon and the new moon.

• Write or read her poetry.

• Staying up late.

• Watching the moon.

• Learning about the different types of moons (Supermoon, Harvest Moon, etc).

• Star gazing.

• Learning about the constellations.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT OR DRINK AN OFFERING I GIVE TO HER?

It is generally safe to consume an offering you give to Selene, as it is intended as a symbolic act of devotion and reverence. However, if you have any concerns about the safety or suitability of the offering, it is advisable to use common sense and listen to your own intuition before consuming it. Additionally, while it is common to incorporate organic, nature-based offerings like water, wine, or fruit into rituals or offerings for Selene, you may want to avoid offering toxic or harmful substances

[my-starhwa]

Treasure: An ATEEZ Fantasy!AU

Chapter 1: Temperance

ATEEZ Fantasy!AU, Non-Idol!AU

Word count: 5.5k

Overview: Eight boys live together in their cottage, supporting each other in their mundane lives. All is calm and usual until their youngest friend comes back home recounting a frightening tale that will change their future together.

Card meaning, Temperance: Represents balance, patience, and harmony. Inner peace has been found and you are moving smoothly in your everyday life. It encourages you to stay calm in difficult situations, and to be in charge of your emotions in these trying times.

A/N: This is the first chapter of my ATEEZ Fantasy!AU, hope you enjoy! I would like to thank @kpop-s-akura for being my beta reader and giving me guidance for this piece, without you this wouldn't be a thing, I love you :3 <3 Please give her love and support on her stuff as well!! :D!!

Sunlight peeked through the foliage of an oak tree a thousand years their senior. Warm light danced on the skin of the eight boys resting under the tree. They laid against the trunk and curling roots, basking in the golden hour on the horizon. As they admired the dazzling scene, a faint bell began to chime. They turned towards the sound in awe. The scene slowly began to fade into the setting sun as Yeosang shook himself awake from his recollection of last night’s dream.

A customer just walked into the store, looking around for any human life.

“Welcome to Tea Leaves!” Chirped Yeosang, the customer saw him behind the check-out counter and smiled as they began to look around the store. 

Yeosang continued to price the gemstone bracelets that came in that morning. He turned the bracelet around in his hand, admiring the way the clear beads reflected the store's soft lights. 

Clear quartz? He thought to himself. Sannie would like this.

The customer came to the register with three packets of chamomile tea leaves and a tower of selenite. Yeosang gave the usual small talk with the customer, asking about their day and any plans they had for that week.

“Well if you aren’t busy tomorrow,” he grabbed a flyer inked with bold red lettering and a picture of a young man holding a microphone. “Our maknae is having his first professional performance at a bar in downtown Seoul, please come and support him!”

The customer nodded, saying they would stop by and see the show. They folded the paper into their bag and walked out of the store.

“Our first customer in hours…” Groaned Mingi as he peeked his head out of a colorful beaded curtain separating the store from a small room for his divination services, “Jongho better bring some service in soon with this performance; if not, we are screwed.”

“Eh, we should be okay,” Yeosang paused for a second, “Hopefully.”

Mingi retreated back into the closed-off room, Yeosang followed, pushing the curtain aside. The smell of burning incense and a burnt-out blunt floated through the room making him a little light headed. The room was small, a stained glass bay window shined colorful specks of hues into the space making the room feel bigger in size. An oak bookcase and a wooden table were the only furniture in the room. An old pack of tarot cards, empty birth chart pages, and a bamboo stash box rested on the table. 

Inside the box were little baggies of fresh buds, a grinder, and joint wraps. Mingi took out one that was pre-wrapped and handed it to Yeosang.

You want some? Mingi’s voice asked inside of Yeosang’s head. The latter shook his head, denying the offer.

Mingi shrugged, Suit yourself. 

He placed the object in between his lips, digging in his pockets for a lighter. After taking the first hit of the blunt a bell chimed faintly in the front room. Yeosang peaked his head between the beaded curtain to welcome the customer, but instead he saw his oldest hyung coming home from work, his arms full with grocery bags.

“Welcome home, Seonghwa-hyung!” Said Yeosang as he headed over to help with the bags of groceries.

“Hi, Sangie! Any luck with customers today?” 

“Only five customers so far, hyung,” Mingi said between the burning blunt in his lips. He grabbed a couple of grocery bags as well to help his two brothers bring the groceries into the house. They made their way to the back of the store where a cedar door separated their business and their home. A security system — courtesy of Yunho — accompanied with a hand reader and a security pin was near the doorknob. Yeosang placed his left hand on the scanner, typing in the security pin with his right.

1024, the day all eight friends met each other.

The system was disarmed. They opened the door into a large living room with comfortable couches, chairs, and a television above a brick fireplace. A winding staircase with black iron bars led up to the second floor. There were the living quarters: four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The four rooms had two people each residing in them; Seonghwa and Hongjoong, Yunho and Jongho, Yeosang and Wooyoung, and finally San and Mingi. 

The trio made their way to the kitchen on the first floor, passing the living room and going through the dining room that was  decorated with a simple hanging lamp and a wooden table that seats eight people. Beside the kitchen was a small study, mostly occupied by Hongjoong so he could have a separate space to practice his occult work. They placed the groceries on the island counter. It was a calming place to be, and that's how Seonghwa liked it. The walls were a light yellow, the cabinets painted a creme white, and the countertops remained their original hickory wood. A wire metal rack on the ceiling suspended their pots and pans in mid-air. Mingi headed back to the store to keep watch for customers while the other two put away the groceries.

When they were done, Yeosang washed his hands, while looking outside the window above the sink. Tall trees stretched for miles behind their house, encapsulating them in the hands of Mother Nature. Their little cottage wasn’t entirely off the beaten path, as customers stopped by every now and then. But it was easy to miss since it was difficult to navigate in the woods. He began to daze back into his dream of last night when Seonghwa asked him a question.

“Hm?”

“Can you get Wooyoung for me, please?” Seonghwa repeated, “I am going to go into the garden to get some ingredients for dinner and I would like his help.”

Yeosang agreed, turning off the sink and drying his hands. He headed to the back door attached to the kitchen. Stepping outside, he was greeted by their luscious garden. A variety of vegetables and fruits grew here, being utilized either for food or herbal potions Seonghwa or Wooyoung would make. He walked into the woods, listening to fallen branches and leaves crunch under his feet. Birds chirped above him in the tree, he turned his head up to watch the flying creatures.

“Woo!” Yeosang called, “Wooyoung!”

He could faintly hear more chirps and skitters as he continued walking into the woodland. Finally, he was greeted by a sight only seen in princess movies: Wooyoung was laying against a trunk of a tree, birds and squirrels surrounded him as he mumbled quietly to them. The tree’s branches, adorned with emerald leaves and moss, stretched down to create a makeshift curtain for the young boy. 

“Well don’t you look beautiful,” said Yeosang with a sly smile.

Wooyoung looked at him through the leaves, and then back to a squirrel beside him. He whispered something to the creature to which it chittered and ran up to Yeosang. It hesitantly approached the human, quickly wrapping its small body around his leg, before running back to Wooyoung who was giggling.

“What was that?” Asked Yeosang as he ducked under the curtain and sat down beside his friend.

“I told it to give you a hug, duh.”

Yeosang smiled and rested his head against the younger’s shoulder, enjoying the quiet sounds of the woodland surrounding them. The two boys watched the animals play and squabble with each other. 

“How are they doing?” Questioned the older boy.

“Mm, they are a bit worried — more in a frenzy than usual.” Answered Wooyoung. “Probably because of the upcoming full moon, they aren’t the biggest fan of that, ya know.”

Yeosang nodded, adjusting himself by wrapping an arm around Wooyoung who drew closer to him. The two boys have been friends for over a decade, finding comfort in each other’s presence. His soft voice tumbled into his mind as he listened to Wooyoung’s thoughts, his words were clear as crystal. They stayed like this for a few more minutes when a realization crossed Yeosang’s mind.

“Ah, Seonghwa-hyung wants your help in the garden; do you want to help him?” 

Wooyoung’s joy infected Yeosang’s mind as he perked up and smiled, Seonghwa-hyung is home! He never hid who his favorite hyung was.

Yeosang stood up, dusting the dirt off of his clothes. He then offered a hand to help his friend up. After making sure that he was also dirt-free, they bid their goodbyes to the birds and squirrels. The tree that was shading them slowly began to lift itself back up into its original form, stretching out its branches to pierce into the sky. They walked back to their cottage, talking to each other about their uneventful day. The garden came into sight once again. There, a crouched figure existed among the patches of flora and vegetation. 

“Seonghwa-hyung!”

“Hwa!” The boys yelled.

Seonghwa looked up from the bushes and waved, standing up to his full height. Wooyoung ran over to unlock the wooden fence, sprinting over to greet his beloved hyung. Yeosang smiled, observing the two working together. He went around the side of their cottage to the front where the store was, a cobblestone path laid its way from the main road to the entrance. Opening the door, a bell chimed signaling his entrance. The storefront was cozy and bright, windows on both sides of the space. A tapestry hung from the ceiling — potentially a fire hazard, but they would figure that out when the time came. The cloth was a light brown, faded by age. There was the sun, moon and Earth that was stitched in black thread. Each celestial body had a smiling, feminine face sewed on it, casting their gaze down onto the customers. Hanging plants floated from every corner of the room, strewing their foliage around anything within reach. Under a window to the left was a bookcase with a variety of tarot cards, oracles cards, and books full of other worldly wonders. On top were small bowls full of tumbled gemstones and towers of selenite, amethyst, and a variety of other stones. 

On the right side of the room, slatwall was plastered. It stretched from the right of the entrance and ended to the left side of the window. On this wall are packets of tea leaves as well as dried herbal medicines that hung from hooks and were nestled in baskets; all of them made by Seonghwa and Wooyoung. Beside the window draped the rainbow beaded curtain of Mingi’s divination services. As you walk into the store, a path of painted leaves guides the way to the register. A two-tier rotating display rests on top of the check-out counter, holding handmade gemstone bracelets, pendulums, and other jewelry. Behind the counter was Mingi, himself,  continuing to price the bracelets that Yeosang had started earlier. 

“Welcome to Tea Leaves,” he greeted, looking up from his task. He realized the customer was Yeosang and gave him a grin, going on with his work.

Yeosang checked his phone, the time was almost 4 p.m. Hongjoong, Yunho, and San were going to make their way home soon.

“Do you want to close up shop for today?” Mingi nodded. The two swiftly completed their closing chores, a sigh escaping Yeosang when he finished counting the register’s cash till.

“What’s wrong, Yeo?” Mingi asked, looking up from sweeping.

“Guess how much we made today?”

$100?

“Much lower than that.”

A swore sounded in Yeosang’s head.

“Maybe we should raise our prices?” suggested Mingi.

The older boy shook his head, “We can’t fall victim to capitalism. Besides, it’s not like this is our only source of income.”

Mingi shrugged and they finished closing. When they were done, they shut the window’s blinds and locked the front door. Since everyone had a key to the store, they weren’t worried about the others being locked out. They went through the back door and were welcomed by the aroma of sauteing vegetables as they entered the house, following the smell into the kitchen where Seonghwa was cooking and instructing Wooyoung how to properly saute the food.

“Smells good y’all,” Mingi rested his head on Seonghwa’s shoulder, “Would be a shame if someone snags a bite…”

Wooyoung barked — literally — at Mingi, “Not yet!”

The boys smiled, beginning to chit-chat and talk about one another’s day. While Seonghwa and Wooyoung cooked, Yeosang and Mingi rested against the island counter.

“Honey!” Called a voice from the living room, “We are home!” 

Hongjoong, Yunho, and San had come home from work. Yunho coming back from a shift at the police station, Hongjoong returning from teaching Religious Studies with a focus in Witchcraft and the Dark Arts at a university in Seoul, and San arriving back from teaching Astronomy at the same university. Seonghwa stayed in the kitchen, watching over the food and the three younger boys greeting the others.

“People are so stupid…” Yunho lamented, flopping on his back onto the couch.

“You’re telling me,” sighed Hongjoong, “I honestly wonder how some people were able to pass the entrance exam and get into our university.”

San hit the other’s chest at this statement, but the others laughed amusedly. The oldest chimed in from the kitchen, responding to the noise, “Dinner is gonna be ready in a few, does anyone wanna set the table?”

“I’ll help hyung!” said Yeosang.

“Me too!” San volunteered afterwards. 

The two of them went into the kitchen to gather cutlery and placemats, while the other four men remained in the living room.

“Where is Jongho?” Hongjoong questioned, “I haven’t seen him yet.”

“I actually saw him when I was on patrol,” said Yunho, still resting face-up on the couch, “He had a crowd surrounding him as they watched him perform.”

“That’s good, hopefully he doesn’t come home too late,” Mingi commented as he spun the rings adorning his hand, a sign of nervousness. 

“He should be okay, he knows his curfew,” replied Yunho. He undid his uniform tie and unbuttoned his shirt mid-chest. Wooyoung observed him, an eyebrow quirking up a little. He got up from his seat on the floor and laid on top of his hyung.

“Ya, it’s too hot to be cuddling, Woo,” Yunho whined as he gently pushed his younger friend, who just laughed.

“But you look so handsome in your uniform — I can’t help it!” he nuzzled himself into Yunho’s neck, who eventually embraced the younger, and wrapped his arms around his smaller frame. Hongjoong smiled at the scene, reminiscing on the day all eight friends met. The small cafe that Mingi owned was present in his mind. The day they met was a chance of fate and wonder. As they all continued to meet up, they realized they all had something in common: they were different from regular society. Something out of this world, like a rare moon crystal making its presence after being hidden for a thousand decades. 

“Dinner is ready!” Seonghwa called from the kitchen. 

They all got up from their place of rest and headed over to where the food was, making their plates. While eating together in the dining room, there was a sense of loss lingering above the dinner in regards to Jongho’s empty chair. 

“Another dinner he missed,” San said quietly in response to the vibe in the room. Once they were all finished with their meal and Jongho was still a no-show, Hongjoong grabbed the maknae’s plate and placed it in the microwave so he could eat later whenever he did come home.

To see who would wash the dishes, they played a game of rock, paper, scissors; Seonghwa and Wooyoung were exempt from the game since they cooked. After a lot of excited yelling and bickering, Mingi and Yunho were chosen. The younger of the duo whined at the chore, Yunho patting his shoulder and assuring him it wouldn’t take too long. In the end, the system became Yunho washing the dishes and Mingi drying them off before putting them back into their respective spots in the cabinets and drawers.

Hongjoong retired to his study where he would grade exam papers from earlier that week. Yeosang decided to join him to read in a quiet place since the others wanted to play video games. The other boys set up San’s Nintendo Switch, connecting it to the TV, deciding on what to play when the front door flew open abruptly. A figure ran into the room with haste, slamming the door behind them, panting heavily.

“Jongho!” Gasped Yunho. He jumped up from the chair he was lounging in and ran to the boy, the others following suit to check up on the youngest.

“Are you okay?” Mingi asked.

“What’s wrong?” Added San.

Questions and worries flooded Jongho, who shook them off, “It’s okay, I’m fine, really it’s okay,” he said in between pants. “Just…something happened.”

“Well obviously!” Seonghwa said as he guided Jongho to sit down on the couch, the game they were going to play was completely forgotten as they all turned their attention to their friend.

“What happened?” Yunho asked, taking a seat beside Jongho.

The latter took off his beanie, shaking his head and resting it in the palms of his hands, “A girl followed me home.”

The boys shot up, “What?!” They yelled in unison. Hongjoong and Yeosang came out of the study in response, asking what was happening.

“Some weird ass chick followed Jongho home!” Mingi answered in obvious distress.

“What?!” Hongjoong and Yeosang exclaimed. 

“Yes, we already reached that reaction,” said Wooyoung, who received a nudge from Seonghwa.

“Where is she? Is she near here?” Yunho interrogated.

“I don’t know,” said Jongho, “I was able to make it inside the shop before she got to the door, but I could hear her banging at the door when I made it in here.”

Yunho and Hongjoong darted to the entrance of their cottage, unlocking the door and running into their store front. It was dark and eerie, no sound was present in the store. Yunho, with his hand near his side pocket, quietly stepped towards the door. He grabbed the doorknob and pulled it  roughly, drawing out an iron dagger. The dagger pierced the pitch black ink of the empty landing. 

Yunho hesitantly stepped out, eyes scanning intently for the girl, “Seoul Metropolitan Police!” He called into the darkness, “You are trespassing on private property, leave immediately!” 

His call was met by silence. A faint wind rustled the woods surrounding them. 

“Hongjoong-hyung,” Yunho whispered, the shorter male coming to his side, “Ask San and Mingi to check the back of the house, you come back to cover me. Okay?”

The oldest nodded, running back inside. As San and Mingi made their way to Yunho’s requested area, Seonghwa, Yeosang, and Wooyoung stayed to comfort Jongho. Hongjoong went back to Yunho, the two scanning the perimeter.

“She was watching me perform on the street,” recalled Jongho. “When I was done, she came up to me saying how wonderful of a performer I was. She also said I was handsome, which I didn’t mind at first, but she just became too pushy — wanting to get to know me some more, inviting me out for a drink. But to be honest, I didn’t really care for her.”

Wooyoung stifled a laugh in regards to Jongho’s bluntness. 

“At this point, I just wanted her to leave me alone. So I left and was going towards the train station. Then when I looked behind me, I saw she was following. I ran through the station and was able to get onto a train that was about to leave. But as I sat down, I saw her come on, too.” 

Jongho’s breathing hitched and Seonghwa grabbed his hand, squeezing it lightly.

“I don’t even know how she got onto the train!” He said in confusion, “But she just stood on the other end of the train cart, staring at me the entire ride. When I got off at the station, I ran as fast as I could. But she kept up, chasing after me all the way here…”

“Jongho…” the three men wrapped their arms around the younger, engulfing him in a hug, their touch calming his raging nerves.

“I know she wasn’t human,” Jongho blurted suddenly, “I could feel it, I just…” The image of her chasing him filled his head. She seemed ordinary, but her eyes were unworldly: red and pulsating, as if shaking out of her sockets. He shivered at the recollection. 

“We can’t find her, Jongho,” Yunho announced as those who were searching for the girl came back into the house, “She must have run off.”

“Thank you for looking, guys. I just wish this didn’t happen before my big show tomorrow.” Jongho said sullenly. For the past six months, he has been performing on the streets of Seoul to build his name as a performer. After one of his performances, an owner of a bar reached out to him asking if he could play a gig one night. This was Jongho’s chance to be recognized formally as a performer and to hopefully be spotted by entertainment scouts who are looking for an up-and-coming idol. 

“It’s okay, Baby Bear!” San smiled as he ruffled the maknae’s hair, “You are still going to do great tomorrow, and all of your brothers are going to be there so we can protect you, okay? No weirdo is going to get our Jongho.”

Everyone nodded and Jongho smiled. He had such loving brothers, a family he never had before. He knew he would be safe with the guidance of his friends, “Thank you guys, and thank you for supporting me in my silly dreams of being an idol.”

“It’s not silly at all!” Hongjoong reassured, “You need to do what you love to be happy in life, and this is what you love. And as long as you are happy, then we are happy for you too. Understand?”

Jongho nodded. After telling his brothers thank you once again, he went upstairs to wash up and head onto bed. After Yunho drew protective runes around every entrance of the cottage, windows and all, the other men retired to their rooms as well — except for Hongjoong and Yeosang, who went back into the study. Bidding each other goodnight, they tried to forget the scene of this evening and just looked forward to the day they will have together tomorrow. 

The study was lit by Hongjoong’s faint desk lamp and a standing lamp by Yeosang’s chair. The room smelt of old books, leather, and faintly of black currant. Yeosang sat in a plush leather chair trying to read a book, but the images of Jongho’s terrifying recollection plagued his concentration. As the younger male recalled his experience, Yeosang could see the scene vividly: the sound of the girl chasing after Jongho resounded in his ears. The fear of being at the hands of this mysterious woman weighed down on his body, making him feel sick. His hands shook, unable to move as if he experienced the terror for himself. He took a deep breath, sinking his body fully into the chair, trying to clear his mind of Jongho’s memories. He tried to tune his mind into anything other than the terrifying scene, focusing himself onto the other male in the room: Hongjoong who was grading exam papers. Maybe something funny would come up in his train of thought that would make Yeosang laugh and ease the fear in his heart.

Yeosang listened and focused intently onto the older man’s mind, but only white noise pulsated through his head.

“Hyung.”

“Hm?” Hongjoong peered over his black rimmed glasses.

“How come I can’t hear your mind? I’ve known you for so long, I should be able to hear you like the others — but all I get is white noise, as if you are a stranger to me.” This wasn’t Yeosang’s first time trying to read Hongjoong’s mind either. Countless times he has tried listening to his older friend’s thoughts, but nothing has come as a result in comparison to the others who he hears clearly.  

Hongjoong smiled wryly, “Well maybe you should get to know me better?”

“I know your birthday, your favorite meal, your likes and dislikes — I even met your parents! What else is there not to know about you?” Yeosang questioned with a pout.

Hongjoong laughed, “Why do you want to know what’s going on up in there, anyways? You think I’m hiding a secret from you or something?”

Yeosang shook his head vehemently, “No, I know you aren’t like that. I just want reassurance we are close. That’s all, really.”

Hongjoong turned his attention to an oval-shaped table in the middle of the room. On the table was a stone orb stand supporting a rounded crystal, it shined faintly in the study’s dim lighting.

“I think that is all you need for reassurance, don’t you think?” Hongjoong said with a soft look in his eyes.

With a faint grin, Yeosang recalled the mysterious appearance of the crystal. The land where they resided was once a vacant plot, the eight of them all having pitched in their share of money to build their cottage together; a dream of eight men, different from regular society to come together under one roof. The day when the cottage and their storefront was complete, the crystal appeared at the front stoop of the building. Some of the boys wanted to sell it in the shop, thinking they could make a fortune out of the mystifying crystal. However, Hongjoong decided they were going to keep the crystal safe inside their home as a token of their friendship and the chance meeting between them. Now it resides in the walls of the study, safe from passersby and onlookers — only to be seen by the eight friends.

“Yeah,” said Yeosang, “I guess you are right.”

The young man sat at the wide desk, his hands raking through his hair. It was some hours past midnight, but his brain was wired awake. He grazed his hand on the side of his wooden desk, reaching at the top drawer and pulling it open to show a black obsidian pendulum. He curled the chain around his left hand, decorating his fingers in the shining metal.

“Show me ‘Yes.’” he asked the pendulum as he held his hand stagnant. The black stone swung side to side on the chain.

“Show me ‘No.’” This time the stone spun in a circle.

“Am I contacting a spirit right now?” He asked.

The pendulum swung side to side.

“Do you have any malicious intent?” 

It was still for a moment and then spun around in a circle. 

The man scoffed, “Show yourself to me.”

The pendulum began to spin once again, growing in speed with each turn before it became a blur of black and silver. Smoke began to rise from the stone, spiraling around the chain adorning the young man’s fingers. It crept up his arm like a black serpent of smoke, slinking its way up the young man’s body, entering itself through his ears with a whisper.

“Find the treasure…”  it hissed.

The man shivered as he felt the black substance taking reign of his body. It stiffened, as if filled with lead and stone.

“No…” he groaned, helplessly trying to tear away from the pendulum now cemented to his hand.

“FIND THE TREASURE!” The smoke bellowed in his soul, shaking his insides. He could feel his entire body hardening like a rock, his movements stilled, his ember eyes rolled to the back of his head, now replaced by stone marbles. The last flickering image of his sight was an aged picture of eight men being burned to cinders.

“NO!” Hongjoong cried out as he jolted out of bed. His chest was rising and falling, sweat decorating his skin. He touched his hand, trying to find anything out of place. To see if the pendulum was still present in his hand. It was nowhere to be seen. He looked around in the darkness of his room, panic stricken. There, he saw a tall shadow looming over the side of his bed. Hongjoong screamed as he tried to push the figure and run away, but was blinded by a bright light, turning his vision white.

“Hongjoong!” spoke Seonghwa frantically, turning on the bedside lamp.

He grabbed his friend’s wrists and held them to his chest.

“Hongjoong, look at me, it’s okay,” Seonghwa said calmly.

Hongjoong looked up, his pupils dilated, tears trickling down his face. He was shaking, heaves shattering his ribs. 

“Hongjoong, it’s okay. Let’s breathe, hm?” Seonghwa got down to his knees, peering at the distraught man on the bed.

Seonghwa inhaled and exhaled slowly. Hongjoong tried to do the same, following Seonghwa’s guidance. After a minute or two, his breathing stabilized, the tears stopped and only sniffles remained. Seonghwa got up and grabbed a tissue box from their shared nightstand, handing the box to his friend who carefully took some to blow his nose and wipe his eyes. Seonghwa sat on the edge of Hongjoong’s bed, waiting for his friend to speak about what just happened.

Hongjoong was going to throw away his tissues when Seonghwa stopped him, keeping the other from moving too much. He grabbed the tissues and threw them away himself, sanitizing his hands right after. 

Hongjoong remained silent as Seonghwa sat back on the bed, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Hongjoong was hesitant for a second but stayed closed-lipped. Seonghwa sighed, he knew he wasn’t going to open up to his scene of panic, but he still wanted to provide comfort to his oldest little brother. Seonghwa lifted his arm and draped it over Hongjoong’s shoulder, the latter embracing the touch and resting his head on his shoulder.

The two were quiet for a bit, Seonghwa eyeing Hongjoong hesitantly as he remained mute.

“Do you want me to heal you?” Seonghwa proposed to the silence.

Finally Hongjoong spoke, “I am fine, hyung, seriously.”

Seonghwa removed his arm and looked his brother in the eyes, “With a reaction like that, I don’t think anyone would be fine.” Hongjoong never wanted to admit to any weakness in front of any of his friends. He wanted to maintain his image of being capable, selfless and strong — a barrier that stood in the way of him admitting any vulnerability. He was stubborn, but he wasn’t foolish, he knew when to give in.

“Seonghwa-hyung,” Hongjoong’s voice was hoarse, “Can you heal me, please?”

Seonghwa smiled. He was proud of his friend for admitting that he wasn’t in a good place at the moment, and for allowing him to care for him; it was one step closer to knocking down his rigid barrier. Hongjoong shifted over slightly to allow Seonghwa further onto the bed. The elder got under the bed’s covers and lifted his arm up to allow the other to wrap himself around his body. Hongjoong wasn’t one for physical touch — one could say he hated it — but he knew he needed his friends’ aid and comfort at a time like this.

A shimmering glow began to surround Seonghwa, warmth rose through his body and coursed through his veins. The golden aura inundated Hongjoong, closing his eyes and allowing himself to feel the comfort of Seonghwa’s powers flowing over him.

“What happened, Hongjoong?” Seonghwa asked again, combing his fingers through Hongjoong’s hair in a calming manner.

“It was a nightmare,” mumbled Hongjoong in his now dreary state caused by Seonghwa’s power, “A spirit I contacted took over my body; it wanted me to find something…”

“What was it?”

Hongjoong was silent, “I don’t know.”

He lied, this wasn’t the first time he has heard cursed spirits telling him to find a mysterious treasure. And he knew it would hardly be the last time as well.

“I don’t know what it wanted me to find…” Hongjoong muttered as he felt himself slipping further into Seonghwa’s golden glow.

“Maybe you should stop practicing this occult stuff, it’s taking a lot out of you,” said Seonghwa, “Maybe you should practice something else? Like divination or potion making. How does that sound?”

Hongjoong didn’t say anything in return.

Seonghwa gazed down at the younger. He could hear his breathing dying down, his chest slowly rising and falling. The older closed his eyes, focusing on exerting his energy towards the man in his arms to heal him from the fright of his dream. He cared for Hongjoong, the one who brought them all together as a family. He wanted him to be careful in his occult practices, but he knew he would never stop. Even if his work shredded him to every fiber and tendon of his body, he would still practice his craft and passion. He was fueled to pursue this, as if destined by the celestial bodies. Hongjoong would continue this soul-sucking crucifixion ‘til the day he would become one of the fateful spirits who would be summoned by another passionate soul of the Dark Arts.

[fernthewhimsical]

Unicorn Crystals

Here is a list of some crystals associated with Unicorns. Under the cut I have included more info, as well as where the link to unicorns comes from.

Unicorn Stone (lepidolite and pink tourmaline)

Lepidolite

Kunzite

Ametrine

Girasol

Selenite

Pink Amethyst

Opalite

Peridot

Clear Quartz

Peacock Ore

Rainbow Moonstone

Golden Healer

Golden Rutilized Quartz

Unicorn Crystals

Unicorn Stones

Also called: Unicorn Crystal, Pegmatite, Lepidolite and tourmaline Unicorn stone is lepidolite with pink tourmaline in pegmatite, often with (smokey) quartz to bind them together. Hardness: Unknown, tourmaline is 7.0 – 7.5, while quartz is 7.0 How to identify it: A purple stone with pink flecks, either completely purple and pink, or set within white. Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Unicorn energy, connecting other realms, intuition, brings joy, gently calming, self love, balance between mind and body, good for meditation, cleansing, attracting positivity Sources connecting it to unicorns: myself

Lepidolite

Also called: Lithium glimmer Hardness: 2.5 – 3.0 mohs, tumbled stones and the like are often combined with quartz, making them more durable How to identify it: Soft purple and pink opaque stone. It has mica in it so it shimmers gently, especially in its raw form. Important safety information: Raw lepidolite can split easily, because it is built up of layers of mica Magical associations/uses: Unicorn energy, pleasant dreams, brings joy, helps set and keep boundaries, gently calming, self love, authenticity, discovering magical talents Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix, and Unicorn Magic by Tess Whitehurst

Kunzite

Also called: Lilac spodumene Hardness: 6.5 – 7.0 mohs How to identify it: Transparent stone in a very subtle pink to lilac colour. The way you look through this stone determines what colour you see. It is pleochroistic, when looked through it length wise the colour will look purple, when looked through it side wise it is pink to transparent. Important safety information: Fades in sunlight Magical associations/uses: Love and dedication in all its forms, heals heartache, brings vitality and youthfulness, helps against stage-fright, brings creativity and new ideas Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix, and Unicorn Magic by Tess Whitehurst

Ametrine

Also called: Trystine, Bolivianite (in the past) Hardness: 7.0 mohs How to identify it: A natural mix of amethyst and citrine, this is a transparent crystal in (deep) purple and yellow Important safety information: Fades in sunlight Magical associations/uses: Intuition, sense of calm and control, creativity, new ideas, steadfastness, brings joy, concentration, harmony between spirituality and intellect, contentment, helps stay happy even in adversity Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix

Girasol

Also called: girasol opal, water opal Hardness: 5.0 – 6.0 How to identify it: Girasol is a type of transparent (hyalite) opal with a blue light or sheen that follows the light source. Important safety information: Can fade in sunlight, do not clean in water Magical associations/uses: Protection, brings joy, optimism, love of life, authenticity, creativity, stimulates interest in art and appreciation for beauty, love, passion, inner peace, insight into the subconscious, making new friends Sources connecting it to unicorns: myself

Selenite

Also called: Satin spar, Desert rose, Gypsum flower, Maria glass (transparent selenite) Hardness: 2.0 mohs How to identify it: Selenite is a crystalline form of gypsum stone. It comes in different colours: white, yellow, orange, red, and transparent. It is semi-opaque and has a satiny sheen. Important safety information: Chips and breaks easily, dissolves in water Magical associations/uses: Moon magic, unicorn energy (especially carved spirals), lunar unicorn energy, magic, positivity, intuition, journeying, cleansing, meditation, divination, calming, rest. Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix, Unicorn Magic by Kitty Bishop, Diane Cooper

Pink Amethyst

Hardness: 7.0 mohs How to identify it: A transparent to semi-transparent crystal in an earthy, dusty pink colour. A newly discovered stone, this was first mined in 2019 in Patagonia, Argentina. Pink amethyst gets it dusty pink colour from the inclusion of hematite, where rose quartz gets it from the inclusion of titatium, iron, and manganese. Therefor pink amethyst is closer to regular amethyst than any other quartz, but it’s power softer and closer to earth. Important safety information: Fades in sunlight Magical associations/uses: Love, the heart, relieves stress, compassion, empathy, emotional balance, self love, self-confidence, intuition. Sources connecting it to unicorns: myself

Opalite

Also called: Opal (this is false), Opaline Hardness: 5.0 mohs How to identify it: Milky white, translucent stone with blue or pink hues. It almost resembles the unicorn’s iridescent coat. Important safety information: None, it is glass Magical associations/uses: Tranquility, softness, water, healing, inner wisdom, communication Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix

Peridot

Hardness: 6.0 – 7.0 mohs How to identify it: A transparent stone in a bright spring green, often only available in small stones Important safety information: Can fade in sunlight Magical associations/uses: Brings joy, self-confidence, opens the heart to love, also of the self, abundance, prosperity, connecting with nature, connecting with the Fair Folk (and therefore unicorns), compassion, promotes kindness, empathy, strengthens your self worth, inner feeling of warmth and contentment “like sitting in the sun on a spring day” Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix

Clear Quartz

Also called: Mountain quartz, Mountain crystal Hardness: 7.0 mohs How to identify it: A transparent and clear quartz stone, sometimes with cracks that can reflect rainbows like a prism. Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Strengthens any working, brings clarity, cleansing, meditation, healing, hopefulness, programmable stone, conducts and channels energy, concentration, protection Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix, Unicorn Magic by Tess Whitehurst, Unicorn Magic by Kitty Bishop, Diane Cooper

Peacock Ore

Hardness: 3-3.25 mohs How to identify it: A sulfite mineral with a copper base and iridescent hue. The texture is rough. The iridescent hue is a natural occurrence due to copper, iron, and sulphur, so it is not man made. Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Working galaxy magic, spiritual journeying, self-confidence and self-esteem, pride workings Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix

Rainbow Moonstone

Hardness: 6.0 mohs How to identify it: White translucent stone with a blue opalescent flash. Sometimes with black specks in it as well. Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Moon magic, lunar unicorn energy, magic in general, calmness, uplifting, dream work, spiritual growth, connect with your inner self Sources connecting it to unicorns: mentioned in Llewellyn’s little book of Unicorns by Angela A. Wix, and Unicorn Magic by Tess Whitehurst

Golden Healer

Also called: limonite quartz Hardness: 7.0 mohs How to identify it: A clear quartz with a natural golden yellow colour. It gets its colour from the amount of iron inside the quartz, and the colour can range from yellow to dark brown Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Sun magic, solar unicorn energy, healing, creativity, inspiration, courage, seeing the truth, prosperity, freedom, contentment, bring joy and energy Sources connecting it to unicorns: myself

Golden Rutilized Quartz

Also called: Rutile in quartz, sagenite Hardness: 7.0 mohs How to identify: A clear quartz with inclusions of golden needle-like strands, almost looking like unicorn hair. Important safety information: None Magical associations/uses: Sun magic, solar unicorn energy, hope, confidence, courage, growth, strengthens spirituality, cheerful energy, independence, self love, healing, protection, setting and keeping boundaries, inspiration, motivation, abundance

[naviculariis]

"We look at mountains and call them eternal, and so they seem... but in the course of time, mountains rise and fall, rivers change their courses, stars fall from the sky, and great cities sink beneath the sea. Even gods die, we think." -Maester Luwin, A Song of Ice and Fire

Crocodile, known as تمساح [ Timsah ], is the God of the Desert. He is also the god of sandstorms, disorder, warfare, eclipses, and earthquakes. Offerings must be presented upon a sand-laden area, and are preferably: clove, red meat ( uncooked ), bread, tomatoes, or black coffee / coffee beans. In terms of appearance, he appears as a towering figure, with a scar akin to crocodile teeth across the center of his face, over the bridge of his nose. Legend has it that it was given to him in a fight against an Old God, in which he lost his left hand. It is replaced by a solid gold hook, which is used to pierce the souls of lost travelers. If they survive- he grants them permission to traverse the desert, oftentimes pointing them in the right direction. If they fail, he keeps them, adding to the ever growing army of lost souls.

*It should be noted that the tales speak of a Demigoddess, Princess Vivi Nefertari, being one of the few to survive not only having her soul pierced, but also returning to the Mortal World.

Colors associated with him: Gold, Emerald, Umber, Ruby Crystals / Rocks / Gemstones: Gold, Emerald, Ruby, Opal, Hematite, Diamond

Robin, known as ज्ञान [ Gyaan ], is the Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom, Learning, and Arts ( often music or dance ), as well as being the balance for Chaos. Sometimes prayed to has a Goddess of War, Robin has also been known as ज्ञान जंगी [ Gyaan Jangee ]. Offerings for her are: Lotus flowers, casablanca, sandwiches, semisweet cakes, coffee beans / black coffee. Her animal equivalent is a crane. With regards to her physical appearance, she appears as a tall woman with shoulder length straight black hair, and blunt bangs that sit across her forehead. She bears four arms ( or sometimes six, depending on the depiction ), and is often draped in rich purple silks and fabrics. She bears a scar upon her sternum, given to her by Timsah during a fight- in which she left his side, betraying him. There is whisper that Timsah is the chaos to which Gyaan balances with order.

Colors associated with her: Royal purple, Turquoise, Gold, Black Crystals / Rocks / Gemstones: Amethyst, Obsidian, Selenite, Turquoise, Tourmaline

Dracule, known by the epithet of γεράκι [ Geráki, Hawkeye ], is the God of Bloodshed and Quick Deaths. Oftentimes prayed to by soldiers entering battle, he has also been given the title of Άρεια [ Warlike ]. Offerings given to him are: Red wine [ wet or dry ], red meat, freshly spilled blood from the owner of said blood, peppercorn, butternut squash, apple, and pomegranate. Gold can also be offered, but is not seen as a main offering. His appearance is of a man of relatively normal stature, with jet black hair upon his head, and a black beard. His eyes are golden and ringed, often smeared with a dark sort of shadow. His clothing changes depending on where he is summoned for War; a knight's coat of armor in black, draping robes of red and onyx, etc. However, he is most often depicted as holding a large broadsword named Yoru, and wearing a black coat with no shirt beneath, paired with equally black trousers. The lack of armor shows the inability to be killed, for he bears no scars upon his form.

Colors associated with him: Maroon, Onyx, Sage green, Silver Crystals / Rocks / Gemstones: Onyx, Garnet, Agate, Bloodstone

[thrashkink-coven]

Hi all,

Welcome to my altar tour for 2024! 1/4

This will be a multi post tour for the sake of simplicity. This post is about my main worshipping space.

My altar is the place where I pray, do spellwork, and clear my mind. It is my safe space and temple for my Gods. Most everything you see here is either gifted, thrifted, or DIY.

Most of these photos were taken during or very soon after ritual. I wanted to take more natural “unstaged” photos of my altar in all its dusty, cluttered, and slightly disorganized glory.

My altar sits on this aztec inspired chess board I received as a gift from my older brother- which he found on the side of the road. It has two drawers which contain my incense, wands, spoons, and bay. The skull bracelets on the necks of the glass bottles are to be worn during ritual.

The two salt lamps, as well as the two glass bottles full of offering flowers topped with opallite and amethyst, are meant to embody the two pillars of Solomon’s temple, (Jachin and Boaz) depicted in the illustration “The Compass of the Wise”.

My version is flipped back with the feminine pink rock for Mother Venus on the left, and the masculine gold/yellow rock for Father Mercury on the right.

All of the crystals I keep on my altar reflect this duality of light and dark, also paying homage to my respective spirits with me in the middle of all of these things. On the left, we can see clear quartz, rainbow quartz, rose quartz, white opal, more opallite, and many moonstones. There is also a tribute rhodonite angel figure for Archangel Jophiel and a citrine for him.

On the right we have tiger’s eye, more amethyst, black goldstone, many black obsidian, and golden obsidian. There is also a tribute black obsidian three eyed crow for Faviel.

My selenite wand is used for circle casting. There is also a skeleton figure sitting in prayer, bound with a protective charm. On either side of my chessboard you will also usually find two athames.

My black obsidian scrying mirror is a DIY which I charged under a super harvest moon a couple years back. In front and behind it is blizzard stone, which is a powerful aid in psychic/ astral work. Black obsidian is great for scrying.

My crystal bowl that holds up my pentacle orb is filled with alcohol (vodka) and moon water as an offering to Goddess Inanna and Mother Asherah. I try to balance the elements on my altar as much as possible, with water and fire being of great importance. I use my pentacle orb alongside my scrying mirror.

Beneath it is an obsidian skull (representing myself) a seal, and a talisman.

The seal is a charm created by a talented amulet maker named Joshua Meecha, its purpose is to banish negative energy and improve psychic communication.

The talisman is this six pointed star containing the hand of fatima and 6 angelic eyes. It is a powerful and effective protection charm and aids greatly in angelic communication. The talisman is lay on the seal with a silver chain.

🔱

[templeofoccultpractices]

Protection

Protection is essential to learn for any spiritual practices. It comes in different forms.

*Note:Crystal and herbal correspondences may vary from practice to practice or person to person. Depending on what source you use. You can get different results. It is important to do your research when it comes to finding what works for you.*

Banishing

Banishing can take many forms. You can perform your own rituals for the purpose of banishing.

Herbs/incense and smoke cleansing

Like mentioned in the cleansing section of this post herbs and incense can also be used in for banishing. Look in the cleansing portion of the post for the list.

Lesser banishing of the pentagram(LBRP)

This is a ritual used by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. You can use this format or formula to create your own banishing ritual. I will be posting a ritual that is a bit different than the Golden Dawn one. For the original click here

Simple version

Start at the north and while using your dagger, wand, herb or incense say

I call upon (name) to banish all negative energies and anything that wants to harm me out of my space.

Turn to the east and repeat this. Same for south and west.

Return to the north and close the ritual. You can say it is done. You can also replace (name) with the elements.

Sound

Just like with cleansing you can also use this for banishing. Look in the cleansing portion for a list of methods.

Land spirits

This is if you are a practioner who works with the local land spirits of the space. Since the land is their land they probably won't like any unwanted visitors. Simply call out to them and ask them to remove the energies or beings you don't want. Do leave them an offering and say thank you when done.

The same can be said for any deity you work with.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the act of cleaning negative energy out of a space, objects, or person. Herbs and incense are commonly used.

Crystals

Crystals can be used to absorb the negative energy. Put the crystals in a space or on an object or person to draw out the negative energies. While any crystal may work for you there are some commonly used ones for this.

⬩Amber

⬩Bloodstone

⬩Chalcedony

⬩Citrine

⬩Clear quartz

⬩Flourite

⬩Iceland spar

⬩Orange calcite

⬩Tourmaline

Smoke Cleansing

Smoke cleansing can be used with herbs or incense. Visualize the smoke taking away all negative energies. Please do not smoke out your house to the point it's unbreathable.

⬩Eucalyptus

⬩Frankincense

⬩Lemon

⬩Parsley

⬩Sage (there are different kinds)

⬩Thyme

Sound cleansing

Sound can be used for cleansing and banishing. Ways of doing this can be

⬩Bells

⬩Clapping

⬩Music

⬩Singing bowls

⬩Snapping

⬩Or anything else that can produce a sound

Warding

Warding is building barriers that keep out negative energies or beings you don't want.

Charms/Talismans/Amulets

Amulets

Amulets are things worn to ward of negative energies or beings and protect the wearer. Traditionally made from things like stone or bones. Every culture has their own version of an amulet. Examples being

⬩Evil eye/Nazar Amulet

⬩Taoist Amulets like Fulu/Ofuda/ Bujeok

⬩Hamsa hand

⬩Meket like Ankh or Eye of Horus

Charms

Charms were originally chants or songs sang. A charm can be made from anything and is used to draw in or attract things like good luck.

Talismans

Used to attract something specific to the wearer. Sometimes inscribed with certain symbols like runes

Crystals

Some crystals are commonly listed as warding crystals so here is a list.

⬩Amethyst

⬩Bloodstone

⬩Black tourmaline

⬩Clear Quartz

⬩Golden Tiger’s Eye

⬩Obsidian

⬩Pyrite

⬩Prehnite

⬩Rainbow Tourmaline

⬩Ruby

⬩Selenite

Sigils

Sigils are symbols that are used for a specific purpose like protecting, calling a being forth, or attracting/manifesting certain things.

You can simply create a symbol for the use of protection. You can charge these sigils with sun/moon light, herbs, crystals, deity blessings.

You can also include using runes or other symbols like the Ankh or Eye of Horus into your sigil.

Plants

Plants are a great way to ward the space. Taking good care of your plants will provide the space with energy and life. They can protect you in return. If your an aminist or even a shamanic practitioner you can ask the spirits of the plants to protect you.

*Research what is and isn't safe for your pet and put them out of reach of any animals.*

⬩Aloe Vera

⬩Basil

⬩Calathea

⬩English Ivy

⬩Eucalyptus

⬩Ferns

⬩Jade Plant

⬩Jasmine

⬩Lucky Bamboo

⬩Money Plant

⬩Orchid

⬩Peace lily

⬩Rosemary

⬩Rubber Tree

⬩Sage (there are different types of sage)

⬩Snake Plant

⬩Thyme

⬩Vetiver

Follow my main blog where if you want other content. I will post information about deities and practices. I may soon update this one to include links to each pantheon

If you have any other questions feel free to join my 18+ occult server.

[deadmenandthedivine]

DEAD MEN § THE DIVINE

chapter ten: an old man’s guilt

Maetilda Targaryen, First of her Name, was supposed to be many things. What she became was entirely different.

table of contents

trigger warning!!! this fic contains many graphic topics and depictions. such as but not limited to: dead parents, abusive parents, toxic family systems, incest, medieval misogyny, forced marriage, threats of assault (sexual § physical), actual assault, imprisonment, kidnapping, murder, blood/gore, uxoricide, familicide, disassociation, PTSD and other neurodivergence. i will do my best to update as i go along, but please let me know if i have missed anything!

word count: 9023

The velvet fabric of her large, brick red evening gown hung on her body with the weight of an entire castle gate. The dress could more accurately be described as a tent as the skirt flared out directly under her bust and was larger than her own wingspan. The bishop sleeves were fitted at the wrists, but were just as extravagantly large and drapey with the elbows cascading to her knees. It had a scooping round neckline that dipped just low enough to tease her cleavage and exposed the tops of her shoulders. The dragon embroidery and detailing was black, burlwood brown, and turtledove ivory. Her bronze jewelry contained eye-catching white selenite and pearls that brought out the ivory detailing. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the tiniest headpiece. She was undoubtedly regal. The clacking heels of her shoes echoed down the corridor along with the squeaking and clunking of her knight’s armor. Ser Gunthor had taken over watch from Ser Eddrin, and his footsteps were just as loud and heavy as ever. Though he tried his best. She was thankful for that much. Aside from the disruption from the two, the corridors were quiet. It made her feel like a bull in a ceramics market, despite the absence of actual destruction in her wake. Her thoughts were pandemonium in her head. They echoed and bounced between the inner walls of her mind as she wondered how angry her father would still be. She imagined his face and the witty insults he’d hurl. It was always better to expect the worst. If she were lucky, his mouth would remain shut, but she was never a lucky girl. Her legs were tired by the time she finally reached the doors to the Small Council chambers, their dining hall for the evening. The longer she walked, her gown only became more of an obstacle. So large, she had to hold up the front and kick out the skirt with each step in order to keep from tripping onto her face. The prettiest of dresses were always the least practical. There was not even an opening in the side for her to slip her hand into her waistpocket. Not that she would need to, she left the stones in Ser Eddrin’s care. At least she would not land on them if she fell.

Staring at the golden door knobs, the princess briefly contemplated running off in the opposite direction. If only she could actually run in her sea of a dress. The only thing that held her back was the knowledge that she would not make it far before she was caught and reprimanded. Much to her dismay, the doors opened before she had given the signal — revealing her to the room as she stood. There would be no turning back. She felt all their eyes snap over to her, but she could not meet them. She glanced about the table without meeting a single stare, despite the over abundance of attention she held. There were two empty chairs left. One in the center of the Northern side of the table, the King’s, and one to the left of her father at the lower head of the table, her’s. When she finally crossed the threshold, the princess realized that she was the last to arrive — aside from the King, who would always enter last. Her heart fluttered with fear, hoping that she had not kept them all waiting. She did not want something so trivial to be her father’s last straw. A possibility that felt far too likely. Much like in the corridor, her footsteps echoed as she moved to take her seat. She felt like a rabbit surrounded by foxes. One wrong movement and they would descend on her in droves of claws and teeth. She held back the flinch as her father pushed himself out of his chair in order to pull out hers. All of her muscles tensed. She sat slowly and carefully. With her back turned to her father, it would be so easy for him to reach forward and strangle her. It would be so sudden, perhaps the many guards would be too stunned to stop him. She would be on the floor, just like Lord Corlys’s nephew, before their swords would even be unsheathed. Yet he never moved to hurt her. He simply pushed in her chair. Her heart pounded as she was scooted closer and closer to the table. The feeling that something was off, was about to attack her, remained just as palpable as ever. The worry pumped through her veins quicker than a downhill river. The delirium of a hot flash began to make her feel clammy. It was only a family dinner, she had to remind herself. She should be safe. Yet her eyes scanned the table for more danger. Queen Alicent, Princess Rhaenyra, Ser Otto, and her father who retook his seat all avoided eye contact with each other. There was a tension between the four of them that couldn’t be cut with Valyrian steel. They sat in their chairs in a way that looked as if iron rods had been driven up their rear ends.

Ironically, the four were sat in line with each other. A forced proximity that would not allow them a moment of relief. Alicent sat right to the King’s empty chair with her father to the right of her. They looked so similar despite their lack of connection. Their owlish eyes judging the scene before them. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra sat left of the King’s chair with her husband to the left of her. The two leaned in towards each other. Almost conspiratorially. If one of them were to utter anything, they would be the only two to hear it. On the other side of the table, the three young couples of the family were sat in another line. Unfortunately, Prince Joffrey and the other young boys were absent as they had been deemed too young to join the rest of them. Prince Aegon and his wife Princess Helaena were located across from their mother and grandsire. The King’s oldest son had already been deep in his cups, and was clearly ignoring his sister wife beside him. She mostly kept her gaze down at the plate as she hunched over in her chair. The princess-by-title was shocked such posture had not been beaten out of her as a child as it had been for herself. Helaena briefly looked up to meet her cousin’s gaze, and the girls shared a quick greeting smile. But it did not last long before they returned to what they had been doing. The two eldest princes sat beside each other, Aegon and Jacaerys. They were turned away from each other as much as physically possible. The spitting image of the way their mothers treated each other. Lucerys got to sit in between the twins. He looked far more comfortable than his brother. Baela and Rhaena sat with perfect posture. The older twin idly talked with her betrothed who attentively listened while the younger kept her eye on a swivel, taking note of each and every attendee. Directly across from Maetilda, at the other head of the table, Aemond was already watching her closely. His expression was unreadable, but his posture alluded to an air of confidence. Sitting at the head of the table was an honor, undoubtedly boosting the second son’s ego. Just like the day prior, his eye was locked on her before she had even looked at him. He made the prey-like feeling bubble in her gut. She quickly looked away from him, and turned to Rhaena to the left of her. Her younger sister smiled at her encouragingly upon noticing her attention. Without saying a word, the girls reached out and grasped each other's hands. The younger one gave the older one a squeeze. Before anything else could happen, the creak of the doors echoed throughout the hall, pulling everyone’s focus back toward the entrance.

On the other side of the doors, the king was perched in a platformed chair. The platform had long handles on each corner where a member of the Kingsguard each gripped firmly. They held his Grace up evenly at the height of their chests. King Viserys looked just the same as he did before. Grey and covered with sores, thin and frail, breathing hard and bearing down so as not to show just how much pain he was truly in. He was finely dressed in evening robes, his crown, a golden mask over half of his face, and matching jewelry throughout his person. He was a regal man, no matter his state. All at the table stood in respect. Together, the knights marched in step over to the empty chair. A servant promptly removed it for them, and the Kingsguard carefully lowered the chair to the ground. It was not until the chair was settled that the rest of the table sat; the Queen being the first of them. Viserys’s deep breaths carried across the room. No one dared utter a sound. It was he who had called them all to dinner, it was he who would have the first word. The princess anxiously chewed at a spot on the inside of the corner of her lip. He cleared his throat of any phlegm before he spoke.

“How good it is to see you all tonight. Together.” The King greeted slowly between inhales for air.

“A prayer before we begin?” The Queen suggested.

“Yes,” His Grace nodded in reply.

The table joined hands, closing their eyes and bowing their heads together. It felt foreign to the Princess, almost like a staged event. Yet as the Queen rattled off her prayer, she glanced up from behind her brows to find the Hightower brood all piously crouched in prayer. Even Aemond. Instead of staring at her like some amateur spy, his eye was closed and his face was relaxed. Maetilda couldn’t help but feel a bit entranced with him. It was easier to observe him without his watchful eye on her. Without her having to worry about what he was thinking, if she was among those thoughts. If he hated her, he hadn’t necessarily shown it in the Godswood, but he could be plotting something. Perhaps that had been why both her father and her gut had been on edge the past three days. If Aemond had always been intelligent, perhaps he had grown calculating with the years apart. He could take after his owlish mother’s side in that regard. He seemed to already favor their religious fervere. The princess had never found herself to be religious. What sort of gods would seek out to create such a treacherous world? What gods would cause famine, drought, and suffering throughout its continents? What gods would take a mother away from her daughter of only one nameday? Why would she pray to those who have only brought her pain and turmoil? She wondered what Aemond could possibly be praying for in his own head. For enough food to satisfy his beast of a dragon. For land and a castle of his own. For a pretty, submissive, and ditzy lady wife with no trueborn brothers and lots of money. For the downfall of she and her brothers. It was harder for her to guess now. Before Driftmark, it would have been for a dragon of his own. That had been all he seemed to ever want, but he now had it. What would one wish for after they receive their deepest wish?

“And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest.”

Her father scoffed as the hair on her neck and arms stood on edge. She felt her blood run cold at the mere mention of his name. Even Ser Otto shook his head almost unnoticeably as the table awkwardly unbowed their heads. Prince Aemond looked straight back up, and promptly caught Maetilda staring at him. In panic, she snapped her gaze over to the King. Embarrassment, shame, and fear pounded at her insides.

“This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young princes and their betrothed…”

Goblets and glasses were raised all around. Maetilda tried to hold back the shaking in her hand from her overwhelm of emotions.

“Here, Here!” Aegon exclaimed with mock enthusiasm, although his sarcasm was muddied with his drink.

Each at the table took a gulp of their wine to seal the toast. At her uncle’s words of unity and celebration, her father only seemed to tense. His muscles grew hard and rigid. An icy warmth radiated off of him. It reminded her of his cold blooded actions the day prior, which did not help the princess’s already clammy hands. She tucked her hands under the table and rubbed them on the sides of her brick red skirt. The velvet was not very absorbent. Briefly, she wondered who her father would attack first, if it came to it. Certainly it wouldn’t be his brother, perhaps the King’s Hand. Though he would have to cross three whole people to get to him. Because of this, she thought the Kingsguard would be more likely to stop him. For once. Regardless, she found herself guiltily relieved to see someone else occupying her father’s stuck-in-his-warlord-days mind.

“Well done, Jace. You’ll finally get to lie with a woman.” The King’s oldest son’s whisper was not much quieter than a shout. It was enough to indirectly pull the princess out of her mental spiral.

“Let us toast as well Prince Lucerys… the future Lord of the Tides.” The King continued his toasts.

“Here, Here!” Rhaenys echoed much more eloquently.

“You’ll be great.” Rhaena agreed, offering her future husband a gentle smile to calm the nerves that began to service at the mention of his name.

The room was silent as they all took another sip. From behind her cup, the princess smiled at her brother and sisters. They looked so content and peaceful in their pairings. It warmed her heart to see them so. While she was envious, they more than deserved it. They all did their best to be the best individuals they could be, all had a sound moral code, and were usually level headed. They had all faced hardship in their own right. They deserved a life of comfort and happiness. Before the princess could get too secure, Princes Aegon turned to the nephew on his right. Her heart pounded as she watched.

“You do know how the act is done. I assume?” Aegon continued his jeers at his not so silent volume, “At least in principle? Where to put your cock and all that.”

“Let it be, cousin.” Baela warned.

“You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed.” Jacaerys pushed out his chest protectively.

Aegon giggled as he sat back in his chair. One of the servants refilled his goblet. Although they probably should not have. The King regained the table’s attention with the click of his walking stick upon the floor. After a few rings of his gavel, he slowly but surely rose from his chair. His knees shook beneath his weight. Just like in the Throne Room, he relied heavy upon his walking cane to keep him upright. He gave each person sitting a look of a thousand emotions before gathering his breath.

“It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to these faces around the table.” The King began, “The faces most dear to me in all the world. You’ve grown so distant from each other in the years passed.”

He groaned with labored breaths as he reached up to unbuckle the clasp on his golden mask. Its powerful THUNK thundered throughout the Small Council chambers. The sound made the princess wince. Her royal uncle was missing both an eye and a piece of his cheek. Certainly not what she had expected to lay beneath his mask. Although she was not sure what she thought had lay beneath before. It was hard to imagine anything else after she studied him as he stood there. He almost looked like a skeleton with skin stretched over the bones. The edges of the hole in his cheek resembled the sores that littered his skin. Part of her wondered if the sores would all eventually progress to that state. Is that what had happened to his eye? She tried her best to focus on the one that remained and not the dark socket as he looked around at each person once more.

“My old face is no longer a handsome one. If it ever was. But tonight, I wish you to see me as I am. Not just a King, but your father, your brother, your husband, your cousin, your uncle, and your grandsire. Who may not, it seems, walk for much longer among you.”

The thought saddened her. Though it was always inevitable, she hoped his passing would never happen. So much of what she knew would change. She could not bare to imagine it. Rhaenyra would make a wonderful queen, that much she was certain. But the rest was enough to keep her up at night. Would Ser Otto riot after Rhaenyra did not name him Hand of the Queen? What would happen to Alicent? Would Princes Aegon and Aemond live in the castle forever? Would Rhaenyra allow it?

“Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The Crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. Set aside your grievances! If not for the sake of the Crown, than for the sake of this old man. Who loves you all. So dearly.”

He took a deep breath and rose his goblet of wine into the air. In his hands, it looked as heavy as a full carafe. “Which is why — despite the pushback at negotiations this morning — I have decided to officially tie the two halves of my family together. Once and for all. My second son, Prince Aemond, and my darling niece, Princess Maetilda, shall wed in three moons time. It is my hope that they shall have a long and fruitful marriage. May it inspire us all to cease the plotting and petty insults, and love each other as family should.”

He was haggard from his own words as he lowered himself to the table. Yet the echo from each syllable still rang about the room. Their power could be felt within the air. The entire table briefly froze. The princess-by-title’s eyes instinctually darted towards her father. His jaw was set. A thousand flames burned behind his eyes. Smoke poured from his ears. He was furious, but he was not surprised. Perhaps she had not heard His Grace clearly. But as she replayed the words in her mind she felt as if she would lose her meals from the day all over the table. Her ears rang like her head was inside a bell. Without any sort of warning her fate had been sealed. She would no longer be a spinster, but a second son’s wife. He would take charge of her castle and all of the banners swore to it. On her wedding night, both she and her keep would be conquered. The King had declared it so. It had been so many years since she had known her cousin; perhaps Aemond would be an honorable husband. He was always nice to her and his older sister in their youth. But he no longer radiated kindness and warmth. He was a man in his head, just as her father. He was calculating and intimidating. That’s what he was attempting to do with his stare. He was studying her and plotting. Perhaps he had known of the King’s plans since before their arrival to King’s Landing. With every interaction, he had more or less been sizing her up. How had she not seen it all coming? What else did he know that she hadn’t? Abruptly taking her goblet into her hand, the princess Rhaenyra swiftly stood. The legs of her chair groaned against the floor behind her.

“I wish to offer my congratulations to my brother and my stepdaughter. May you have a peaceful and happy matrimony. I could not think of a better match for the both of you. I am pleased that our family shall be reunited once more,” She cleared her through, clearly uncomfortable with her own words before she continued, “I would also like to raise my cup to her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him with unfailing devotion, love, and honor. For that, she has my gratitude. And my apology.”

Silence screamed through the dining hall as the Realm’s Delight took her seat once again. Maetilda watched the line of adults with careful eyes. The Queen stared at her childhood friend with glazed eyes. Alicent glanced at her own goblet, she swayed in her chair as if she were possessed. The words were a shock, but clearly inspired by the King’s speech. He wanted love and unity amongst his family. So he should have it. Alicent glanced about the table in hesitation before she, too, opened her mouth.

“Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess,” Her first sentence was whispered, but her next words were far more confident, “My love and well wishes to the new betrothed. All of the newly betrothed. It warms my heart to see the new generation of my husband’s dynasty blossom with such honor, pride, and strength. And to my husband’s first daughter… We are both mothers and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow.”

The Queen’s chair dragged behind her as she too stood with her goblet raised, “I raise my cup to you and to your house. You will make a fine Queen, and an even finer grandmother to our future shared grandchildren. Congratulations, once again, to everyone.”

Alicent sat in her chair with a thud, scooting it back in. Starting with the King, all around the table drank from their goblets in toast. Maetilda looked at her family with wide eyes. As if they had not just heard the same words as she. They each sipped from the rims of their cups with the normalcy of any other dinner, albeit with much less tension sitting in their shoulders. Jace and Luke held back smiles as they exchanged looks from behind the rims of their cups. Baela and Rhaena each sipped politely. Ser Otto closed his owlish eyes as he joined in. Even her father choked back the wine from his own goblet in an attempt to drown out any outward protests. Her eyes moved about the table until they landed on her betrothed. She was not surprised to find his eye back on her again. The bright lilac held an air of confidence. He idly gripped the stem of his goblet in a pinch of his long fingers. She tried to hold back her look of pure shock and fear. It was the worst time for her to show any signs of weakness. She was a dragon, and she was to prove it. From Aemond’s end of the table, his older brother stirred. Prince Aegon dramatically finished the last of his wine and dropped the goblet onto the table. Almost like an actor in a theater show, he looked to his nephew on his right and formulated his next move forward. Maetilda could see the cogs turn in his head. The King’s eldest son swayed away onto his feet before he sauntered over to the wine carafe that sat in front of Baela. A smug smirk sat behind a mask of innocence. He was far more put together than the other night in the corridors when he was drunkenly running from the Cargyll twins. The lack of vomit down his front actually made him a bit intimidating. Like a wild animal who’s next move you could not predict.

In one fluid movement, Aegon reached for the golden carafe and leaned into her sister’s ear before whispering, “I, umm, I regret the disappointment you are soon to suffer. But if you ever wish to know what it is to be well satisfied, all you have to do is ask.”

As the oldest prince finished his sentence, Jacaerys slammed his fist onto the dinner table, using the momentum to push him to his feet. Maetilda’s breath hitched in her chest, over aware of everything but not completely comprehending anything going on around her. Her oldest younger brother turned to Aegon, ready to attack. His features were shriveled around his scrunched nose. His chest rose and fell rapidly with fists clenched at his sides.

“Jace,” Princess Rhaenyra whispered, breaking the tension.

He cleared his throat, seemingly to cover up any insults he had remaining for his uncle. It was clear that Rhaenyra’s camp, including Maetilda, were to be taking the high road with the Hightowers no matter what. But as the princess-by-title watched Jacaerys linger, Aemond rose to his feet menacingly. The princess’s neck snapped over to her cousin. The way he stood, he loomed like a threat over their entire party. Much taller than anyone there, including her father. The mere sight of him would have sent a shiver down her spine even if she hadn’t already seen what damage he could do with a sword. She wondered how many knights and guards it would take to subdue him. Despite the guilt she felt for thinking so, she was relieved his stare was locked on Jace and not her. Yet the relief did not do much to make her feel better. Rather she was waiting for the dragon to blow his fire. She looked back and forth between her brother and her cousin in fear of what would happen next. Coming up with his excuse to stand on the spot, Jace grabbed his goblet to make his own toast.

He gave Aegon’s shoulder an awkward teasing punch and took a deep breath before he began, “To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family’s good health, dear uncles. Both present and future. Prince Aemond… May you treat my sister with honor.”

“To you as well,” Aegon muttered.

Both Aemond and Jace slowly returned to their seats as the table drank from their goblets in toast again. All except for Helaena. She whispered what sounded like a poem or perhaps a hymn to herself as she played with her hands in her lap. Maetilda strained to hear what she said. The princess-by-title wondered if it had anything to do with what the King’s second daughter had said beneath the Weirwood Tree. Or if it were something entirely different. The side of Maetilda’s face began to burn with the all too familiar feeling as she detected a certain someone’s watch return to her. It was a different itch than that of her knights and the other guards. It was the difference between the hot sun warming one’s skin and a hot iron melting it. She wanted to wince and scream and jump away from the feeling, she wanted her pain to cease. Yet there was nothing she could do, utterly powerless. She had three knights sworn to protect her, yet she felt nothing but weak and helpless. He made her feel like that. He watched her carefully, like one watches over mindless sheep. It was like he was ready for anything, to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Like an overexcited guard dog, alert and hungry. And somehow, his exterior spoke nothing but composure and indifference. He looked calm and cool and collected. Not a hair or thread out of place. He confused her to no end. Was he the same man she spoke to in the Godswood? Who had escorted her to the training yards? Certainly not.

The King’s walking cane gavel pulled Maetilda out of her thoughts, “Well done, my boy.”

“I would like to toast Baela, Rhaena, and Maetilda,” Helaena announced as she too rose to her feet. She looked a bit hesitant in her place, but Maetilda only stared back with shock and curiosity, “You’ll all be married soon. It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you… except sometimes when he’s drunk.”

The princess-by-title heard her father laugh a genuine laugh, but it almost sounded underwater as her ears began to ring again. She would be married soon. In three moons time. She would be married to a man that her father considered to be a Hightower spawn, her own cousin. How would her father ever look at her again? What would he do to level the playing field? The King had declared it so, yet the very thought of any consequences made her feel sick. While the table kept reiterating their praise, the words sounded like lies. Like an elaborate joke. In which case, her father’s laughter would be appropriate. They were all crafting some sort of practical joke that she would be the butt of. It would all unravel itself soon. It had to. She could not fathom otherwise. The princess felt like she was floating out of her chair. Like her spirit left the shell of her body to sit at the table as she escaped in the only way she knew how. She could have been one with the chandeliers. If the Gods favored her, they would have opened up the skies and welcomed her home. At least she would not so easily be called a spinster by the rest of Court with a husband on her arm. No matter who he was. Although words were only words. Without a husband, she would have something that most ladies did not — an ancient seat and her own inheritance. The names and insults could not take that away.

“Good,” Alicent whispered to Helaena in praise.

“Let us have some music!” The King declared.

The instruments sounded immediately. They served as a tune to her downward spiral. The melody was light and joyous. Notes in the key of C Major. The lutes, the pipes, the dulcimers. Normally, she would smile and sway in her chair. She would hum the lyrics to the songs and tap her foot beneath the table. Instead, she sat still and rigid. The music was a stark contrast to what lurked inside her mind, where she questioned everything she had once known. Had she truly wished to stay a spinster? Part of her screamed yes. A prospect that utterly terrified her. Becoming engaged had seemed to be everything she had ever wanted. Yet being promised to Aemond felt like a prison sentence, a ball-and-chain. He had stole Baela’s dragon and nearly bashed her brothers’ heads in with a rock. He openly mocked Rhaenyra and her children, alongside his mother. For a majority of her life, he was an enemy to her. Aligned with the wrong side. It felt wrong to then align herself with him, sacrilegious even. But it was not her choice, it was never her choice to be had. She would marry him regardless of whether she wanted to or not. The sound of chair scooting legs across the ground pulled her back into her body for a brief moment. It was Jacaerys’s chair. He leaned over and whispered words to his intended before he turned to his left. The entire table watched him approach his aunt with a sincere smile and politely ask her to dance. Maetilda did not realize she had smiled until she felt the pinch in her cheeks. Jacaerys and Helaena paced over away from the table and began to leisurely dance. Conversation began to sprinkle through the table. More smiles and laughter. A new air of relief breezed through them. As if the two representatives from the two different factions dancing together had made a bridge of peace. For all except her and her father. Prince Daemon tried to act normal, jovial even, but failed miserably as he nursed his cups almost like Aegon. Maetilda watched the table out of her peripheral vision as her gaze fell to the table itself. She still did not feel like her whole self, like she could get washed away by a river at any moment. But before the water could completely pull her under, there was a light tap on her shoulder. When she turned, her heart stopped. Above her stood Aemond. He lightly smiled down at her with his hand held out for her to take.

“Our siblings look as though they are in need of company. Princess Maetilda, may I have this dance?”

No thoughts had processed through her mind before she had nodded her head and took his head. Wordlessly and as stiff as boards, Aemond lead the two over to the space near Jacaerys and Helaena. Her cousin grinned to her midstep as she noticed their company. For the first time since they had started dancing, Jacaerys tripped over his feet. Being the graceful prince that he was, he had managed to recover relatively smoothly. He tried to hide the furrow of his brow, but Maetilda noticed the twitch nonetheless. The band soon ended their first song and started up another. The Maids that Bloom in Spring. Another one in C Major. Just as she had been trained for most of her life, she rose her arms up to meet his. Her left hand rested on his bicep while her right was soon cradled in his left. A lump grew in her throat as they started the first steps of the dance. A man always starts off on his right foot; Maetilda took the first step with her left to mirror him. They parallel chasséd in the shape of a seven pointed star before breaking away to perform the next 14-counts. This was the first time Maetilda stumbled. Forgetting to kick the skirt of her dress out before sidestepping, the yank on her gown would have pulled her directly onto her face had she not caught herself. In her ears, she could already hear the later rumors of how clumsy all of Rhaenyra’s children were. She was only roped in as one of her children whenever it was convenient for whoever was talking.

Trying to salvage whatever dignity she had left, she grabbed her skirts and lifted them just high enough to be out of the way so that she could finish out the more complicated footwork section. In doing so, she abandoned the arm movements, which were supposed to match up with Aemond’s. She glanced over at him in panic. His face was flat and stoic as he was already watching her. Although there was something in his eyes that gave her encouragement. She wondered if he had seen her near-crash. Regardless, he had certainly heard it, which was embarrassing enough. She could still barely wrap her mind around what was happening, and a part of her still felt like it was stuck in the chandeliers. As the next counts required the two of them to rejoin hands, she took a deep breath and dropped her skirts. Aemond took more care with his footing as they made another seven pointed star. His smell mixed into the air she breathed. Oud, sandalwood, and red clay. She wondered if she smelled just as strong, just as dumbfounding. Before she was quite ready, there was another turn. Aemond released her right hand as he spun her with her left. She had made it halfway through the turn before she faltered again, catching another corner of her dress under her shoe. Before she could stumble very hard, there was a hand on her waist to steady her. Maetilda cursed under her breath as she came face to face with Aemond again. There was a very light smile on his face now. It wasn’t mean or necessarily teasing. However, she would not look at him for long before the dance would require for her and Helaena to both spin and switch places.

The princess-by-title gritted her teeth before she kicked out her skirts and dove into the spin with gusto. With the dress kicked out before the spin, the skirts caught the air and glided through it gracefully. Much to her delight, she executed a flawless turn. As smooth as water on a windless day. Although as the power of her spinning skirts only grew, she struggled to stop herself due to the weight of all the fabric. Jacaerys caught her easily. Maetilda smiled up at her longtime practice partner, basking in the brief moment of his familiarity. She and her step brother performed the next turn in the choreography with relative ease. The princess remained cautious of her skirts and managed to avoid them. Jacaerys simply nudged them out of his way with his foot. Even as she and Helaena reversed their earlier movements by spinning and switching partners again, the skirts continued to cooperate. A sense of relief washed over her as she managed to make it back to Aemond without shaming herself. It was apparent that she had little faith in her capabilities, yet she did it anyway. The rest of the dance would only be more of the same until the big finish. She actually felt she could do it as long as she remained mindful. In the next section, the newly betrothed couple circled each other as their arms mimicked the wings of dragons. Diligently, the princess kicked her skirts out before each step. More spins followed more seven pointed stars. The dance continued on through the song. Their movements mimicked that of spring flowers with occasional flight of a dragon. It was an older dance that they had all started learning as children. She had always pictured her partner as a tall and brooding lord. Perhaps a Stark, a Baratheon, a Lannister, or a Tyrell. Maybe even one from Dorne. He would’ve come from money and had a castle in his own right if her father had anything to do with it. The more afraid of him the better. Yet she always wanted one who was the opposite. She would fantasize about him as the perfect portrait of a brave knight, afraid of nothing. He would have been fearless in his defense of her, but also know when to be gentle. He would have been a man who appreciated art. His skill in combat and with weapons would have provided him elegance in dance. He would have had hobbies like poetry or drawing, botany or animals. Anything that would allude to his patience and empathy. He would compliment her because he meant it and not because he wanted something from her. He would seek out her opinions and knowledge; he would honor her word. His presence would bring her both relief and ease. All that time she had spent thinking, yet she never thought he would be Aemond. Not even for a brief moment. Next to Aegon, he would have been the very last on her list of options. Facing him as a reality, she felt numb. Was she happy with the match? Sad or scared? She could not tell. Not in his face at least.

The emotions in the music swelled, encouraging quicker and stronger movements. Arms opened up like flowers before flapping away like dragon wings. The princess took deeper breaths as she felt herself tire. Yet there was one last lift she would have to power through still looming overhead. In the next section, the couple joined hands again before repeating many of the same steps from earlier — even switching partners back and forth once more. The couple seemed to ease as they fell into rhythm, and Maetilda mastered the perfect skirt-kicking technique. As the two carried on, the princess found herself wondering if her future would not be so awful. Perhaps the prince would make a suitable match. At the very least, they would be able to dance at their wedding feasts. The thought of such feasts in their favor caused a wave of nausea to roll up her throat. Not about to suffer the humiliation of getting sick at dinner, she started breathing through her nose in an attempt to shove it back down. Dramatically, the couple took seven paces away from each other before turning back around along with the dulcimer feature. As the instrument took to its solo, the choreography required the princess to symbolize the spring maiden. A low curtsy — the lower, the better. Another 7-counts of modest twirls. Then in time with the beat, Maetilda and Aemond paced toward the inside of the gap. As they met in the middle, the prince gripped his betrothed’s waist firmly and lifted her straight into the air with ease. Eliciting a shocked gasp from the princess. She used her arms to mimic a flower in the sun as she kept the rest of her body pin straight. Her tent of a skirt nearly swallowed him, and certainly obscured the entirety of his vision as he spun them in a slow circle. Whenever she had practiced the dance with Jacaerys in the past, his arms had always shook. But Aemond’s never once did. Not even as he slowly lowered her to the ground. A small smile of relief graced her face as soon as she was balanced on her feet once more. He had made it look effortless, like the extended hold was no more than a fly on his arm. Despite the numbness in her person, she could feel her heart flutter. Suddenly, she was more nervous than she ever had been that entire evening. The next steps to the choreography escaped her memory; her entire mind went blank. The chandeliers cursed in disappointment as they watched her. With his right hand, Aemond guided her into the next turn. Luckily, the next moves were partner movements. She allowed him to lead her, and took her first step after his. Forgetting to kick out her skirt, Maetilda slipped and did not catch herself. Instead, she crashed forward. Her head crashed hard into Aemond’s chest. He was quick to steady her with his own arms, lifting her back onto her feet. She felt her face heat to a temperature far hotter than it ever had before. It was absolutely inflamed. Without another thought, the princess dropped her dancing stance and curtsied to her partner.

“Pardon me, Prince Aemond. I must go sit back down.” She quickly muttered, not waiting to be excused before turning to do exactly as she said.

The pressure of watching eyes cut at her skin as she turned back toward the table. Just as before, she avoided all of them. Her chair was colder when she returned to it. The sound of her father’s stifled laughter was ever present. Pointedly, the princess grabbed the nearest carafe and topped off her goblet. She threw its contents back. Chugging the entire thing. Without hesitation, she filled her goblet again. No time was wasted before she was nursing her seconds. Only after she had taken a few more gulps did she have the courage to let her eyes search for her betrothed. Aemond had also returned to his chair and drank generously from his cup. For once, he was not looking at her. He looked anywhere but. An action that twisted her insides more than she thought it could. She had embarrassed herself more than she thought. After she finished her second serving of wine and had helped herself to a third, Maetilda took the chance to glance about the table. Alicent and Rhaenyra were smiling and chatting. Lucerys was practically lecturing his newly intended with the rate at which he spoke to her. His cheeks were pink with wine, and he swayed in his seat as he tried to sit upright. Rhaenyra had never allowed him to drink much wine at Dragonstone. He clearly had taken advantage of her relaxed watch over him. On the other end of the table, Aegon was drinking even more as he avoided the sight of his nephew and wife. Ser Otto attempted to engage his grandson in conversation, but he was simply ignored. Yet Ser Otto didn’t seem all too offended… or surprised.

A sharp cry left the middle chair on the Northern side of the table. After the cry came whimpers and moans, it was the sound of someone in deep pain. With the flick of the Queen’s wrist, the guards were lifting the ornate chair again and carrying it out of the chambers. All the while, sounds of helpless pain poured out of the King’s mouth. As the noises traveled down the table, each seated person turned to face him. To watch him shake and shiver as he was carried away. Jacaerys and Helaena moved out of the way to allow them to pass. Perhaps in an attempt to distract them all, the servants brought out the next course of dinner. The click of the doors closing behind him was cleverly disguised by the various clunks of large dishes being laid out on the table. Quail, shepherd’s pie, mushroom pasties, haddock in saffron sauce, and a fresh large hog with an apple in its mouth. Maetilda watched her younger brother as his eyes took in their newest course. He licked his lips until he spotted the hog. As soon as he saw it, his eyes darted to Aemond — who met his nephew’s gaze as if already anticipating what the boy had been thinking. The heir to Driftmark giggled under his breath. A smirk danced across his lips as he seemed to have a silent conversation with his uncle. A layered conversation, filled to the brim with a lifetime’s worth of history. Their faces twisted with emotion as the unspoken words passed between them. Lucerys wore a playful smirk. One that she certainly would have smacked him for had it been directed toward her. Aemond’s bore rage, resentment, and vindictivity. The passion only boiled and grew. His nose scrunched and top lip curled up to show his teeth like a growling dog. Maetilda felt as if someone had thrown a boulder into the lake inside her stomach. Aemond slammed his fist aggressively onto the table as he shot out from his chair. With his other hand, he extended his goblet out in front of him.

“Final tribute. To the health of my nephews. Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise — hm — and strong.” He spoke proudly.

“Aemond.” The Queen warned.

“Come,” The King’s second son smirked as he rose his goblet up even higher, “Let us drain our cups to these three strong boys.”

“I dare you to say that again.” Jace spat out in defense from his place still on the dance floor.

“Why?” Aemond pressed further, “‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong?”

The two moved in slow motion. Jace angrily marched toward Aemond, who confidently sauntered over to meet him. Goblet still held up in toast. The punch from Jace was quick. It landed clean across Aemond’s jaw. Yet the snap of his head served as the only indication that it had happened. Aemond hardly even flinched. His feet remained firmly planted. Not a drop of wine had spilled out from his cup. The princess gasped as Lucerys smacked the table. He launched away from the feast only to be intercepted by Aegon, who clotheslined him before throwing his entire torso onto the table. The older prince held him down firmly, one hand on Lucerys’s head.

“Jace!”Rhaenyra gasped, lagging behind the action as it moved so quickly.

“That is enough!” Alicent attempted.

The princess-by-title knew she had to do something, anything. Before a single thought had processed through her mind, Maetilda sprung to her feet and grabbed the closest freshly topped wine carafe. She did not so much as blink before she had launched its contents at the King’s eldest son. It was enough to stun Aegon into releasing his grip, yet the princess was not so confident he was done. Without so much as blinking, she launched the carafe itself at his head. Despite his normally slowed reactions from the amount of drink in his belly, Aegon ducked before the solid gold could hit him. The clank, skid, and screech across the floor stung her ear drums. All she saw was Aegon and the color red as she marched forward to personally confront him, pulling her skirts up and out of her way. Before she could do so much as take three steps, two white-armored white-cloaked guards had seized her by the arms. She fought desperately against them, but their combined strength was overbearing. Her knight stood back with his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword, and calmly attempted to convince the men to release her to him. The kingsguard only told him that there would be deadly consequences if he attempted to interfere with their orders. With their rough and assertive hands, they clamped down on her shoulders and held her hands behind her back. Desperation in every word and movement, the princess called out to Ser Gunthor. Unable to release her without attacking the guards, he could only pace around them like a caged animal waiting to pounce. Maetilda thrashed against her restraints to no avail. She felt helpless. The walls closed in on her as her breathing quickened. Her eyes shot about the room wildly. Despite the aggression he carried himself with, the sworn knight called back words of comfort in an attempt to soothe the princess’s anxieties. Yet the hall only succumbed to more chaos. With a single hand, Aemond shoved Jacaerys onto the ground. As if the brunette were no more than a little boy. The Velaryon prince groaned angrily as he stood, only to be seized by white cloaks as well. Aemond laughed in triumph before taking a sip of his unharmed drink. The Queen was at her second son’s heel in an instant. Jacaerys was yanked over until he fell in line with his other siblings. Each of them springing to try and free themselves. Jace and Luke growled and grunted as they wrestled against the guards. From between the two of them, Maetilda could hear nothing else. The Queen gave her second son a pleading look as she spoke words the princess could not hear. Alicent’s mouth moved frantically, losing all sense of her stiff upper lip.

Aemond turned annoyed from his mother as he ripped his hand out of hers, “Though it seems my nephews aren’t quite as proud of theirs.”

Ignited by another wave of fury, Jacaerys wiggled free from his guards and immediately darted toward his uncle. Not at all phased by the return of a challenge, Aemond pivoted to face him head on. The boys charged at each other in a foot-joust without lances. Before the two could gain too much momentum, Prince Daemon shot into the middle of them. Maetilda’s entire body tensed. She watched his movements carefully. Like a mouse in hiding would watch a hawk soaring up above. Her own guards loosened their grips as they turned to assess the situation. She immediately took the opportunity to slip from their grasp and launch herself toward her sworn knight. The bronze of his armor was cold to the touch, but the presence of it was more than welcoming as his arms shoved her body behind him. Her guards scrambled to recapture her.

“Wait, wait!” Her father’s voice cut through the chaos like a master-at-arms’ in a training yard.

The room froze at once. All waiting with baited breath to see what moves the Rogue Prince would take next. He had already killed a man, only a day prior. A man that committed treason, but had not yet been sentenced for his crimes. It did not sit well in the princess’s gut. Her father seemed too proud of himself. He had ended a life just the day before, and yet he smirked as he glanced back and forth between his nephew and his eldest stepson. He seemed to spend more time calculating his next moves in that moment than he ever had in the throne room prior to swinging his sword against Lord Corlys’s nephew. The princess-by-title chewed on the inside of her cheek and held onto her sworn knight with a death grip as she watched her father. First, he set his sights on Jace, gifting his stepson a firm wordless nod. But then he turned. Maetilda felt her heart drop into her stomach as her father began taking prideful steps toward Aemond.

“Go to your quarters. All of you go. Now.” Rhaenyra commanded the lot of them as always.

Maetilda stayed firm in her place, trying to hide the shaking in her body from behind her knight. Her eyes never wavered from her father as he came to a stop about a dueling’s distance away from her betrothed. Daemon sighed as if the whole situation was below him. Even from behind his back, she could tell that her father was staring down at Aemond from behind an upturned chin. The King’s second son was the first to break eye contact. He looked over her father’s shoulders and directly at her. Aemond held her gaze for a thunderously silent pause. Maetilda was too shell shocked to look away.

“Hm,” Without another word, he sauntered out of the hall.

As he passed her, the prince sent a single curt nod. A respectable enough farwell. Much like with the King, the doors clicked loudly closed behind him. The princess nearly breathed a sigh of relief before she caught the look on her father’s face.

A/N: AAAHHH!! I knew if I was going to do another scene from the show, that I had to put more of a twist on it. At the end of the day, Maetilda is not gonna let her brothers brawl without her. No one gets to pin Luke to the table on her watch. Wanted to post this diddy so we weren’t left on the note of the last chapter for too long. I’m going to try to write some more so I can post a few chapters at a time. Idk I’m still trying to find the right groove/writing schedule.

Thank you to @faesspace @imsoshygirl @aemondswifeisme @wxb-slingrr for your wonderful comments. As I have been returning to writing, I love to see the different reactions. Literally giggling and kicking my feet. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I’m gonna figure out how to reply with this blog and then we’ll hopefully get some actual discourse going 😂 Big big big thank you to everyone reading in general!

TAGLIST: @snh96 @marvelescvpe

xoxo messy

[bekkathyst]

Sainte-Marie Gem Show 2023 Item List

To claim an item, please comment on the individual post. The complete rules can be found here. Please be sure to read the rules before claiming :)

Large Purple Labradorite Palm Stones - Sold Out!

Green Apatite Pebbles

Large Natural Citrine Points

Natural Citrine Points

Tumbled Natural Citrine - Sold Out!

Malachite Palm Stones

Shattuckite Palm Stones

Black Tourmaline Polished Points - Sold Out!

Malachite Bracelets - Sold Out!

Prasiolite Points (Extra Green) - Sold Out!

Prasiolite Points

Deep Purple Amethyst Wands

Italian Jade Slabs - Sold Out!

Italian Lizardite Slabs

Polished Italian Jade

Koroit Boulder Opals

Malachite Boxes (Rectangle) - Sold Out!

Malachite Boxes (Hexagon)

Chunky Veracruz Amethyst Crystals

Obsidian Scrying Mirrors - Sold Out!

Faden Quartz from French Alps

Polished Red and Green Chlorite Phantom Quartz Points

Amphibole Quartz Flames - Sold Out!

Mini Amphibole Quartz Flames - Sold Out!

Rough Purpurite

High Grade Included Quartz Specimens

Alpine Quartz with Chlorite Specimens from Mt Blanc, France

Spessartine Garnet on Smoky Quartz Specimens

Selenite Daggers

Rough Ethiopian Welo Opals

Brazilian Pastel Fluorite Points

Prasiolite Points (Large)

Siderite with Chalcopyrite from China - Sold Out!

Quartz with Hematite Specimen from China - Sold Out!

Rare Crystallized Rhodochrosite from China

Calcite Crystals from China

Rare Pink Fluorite from China

Golden Calcite Spheres with Stands

Rainbow Obsidian Spheres with Stands - Sold Out!

Green Opal Spheres with Stands

Blue Rose Quartz Spheres - Sold Out!

Carnelian Spheres - Sold Out!

Fluorite Animal Carvings - Sold Out!

Ocean Jasper Animal Carvings

Serpentine Dolphins

Serpentine Llamas

Extra Large Serpentine Animal Carvings

48. Blue Agate Crescent Moons - Sold Out!

49. Agate Turtles - Sold Out!

50. Agate Frogs - Sold Out!

51. Agate Seahorses

52. Agate Cicadas - Sold Out!

53. Polished Dendritic Agate

54. Rare Spectrolite from Finland

55. Pyrite Nodules from China

56. High Grade Crystallized Azurite from Morocco

57. Cobaltoan Calcite Clusters from Morocco

58. Rare Allophane Specimens from China - Sold Out!

59. Snow Agate Palm Stones - Sold Out!

60. Pyrite Skull from Peru

61. Pink Opal Obelisks from Peru

62. Onyx Ravens from Peru

63. Labradorite Bracelets - Sold Out!

64. Gold Sheen Obsidian Bracelets - Sold Out!

65. Sparkly Green and Pink Aventurine Bracelets

66. Rose Quartz Bracelets - Sold Out!

67. Mookaite Jasper Bracelets - Sold Out!

68. Fancy Amethyst Bracelets - Sold Out!

69. Flower Agate Bracelets - Sold Out!

70. Carnelian Bracelets - Sold Out!

71. Sparkly Green Aventurine Bracelets - Sold Out!

Thank you so much! I will periodically update the list with sold out items.

[ivyprism]

The Vampire Skeleton Boys (Info Dump)

Warnings: Vampires, blood, for halloween!

Selenite - Vampire Swapfell Amethyst Papyrus

Personality: He's a quiet and secretive character in general. He is a vampire, yet he obtains the energy/blood he consumes in an ethical manner. He is both charming and tough, but he can also be sweet and caring for others. He finds people fascinating and is very shy. He is wary of anyone he perceives to be a threat. His bite is more painful than his bark. He has the aptitude and willingness to be disagreeable and harsh when someone makes fun of him. When presented with dangers, he can be harsh and cruel, but once they demonstrate that they are not a threat, he will soften dramatically.

Appearance: He is a tall skeleton. He has dark purple eyelights and three scars on his left eye. He has sharper canines than others.

Blackwin - Vampire Swapfell Amethyst Sans

Personality: He is a calm and cool individual. He comes out as aloof, stern, and aggressive. He's a savage, violent cat who also happens to be exceedingly kind. He enjoys assisting people and is deeply concerned about his loved ones. He may be rude and obnoxious, but he is sincere. He is highly protective of his friends and will snarl at anyone who comes too close to them if he believes they constitute a threat. He's always throwing hands and picking fights, but he's also severe and serious about following the rules and laws. He gets his blood/energy ethically.

Appearance: He has purple eyes and three scars on his left eye. He has sharper canines. He has a golden tooth.

Saffron - Vampire Underswap Papyrus

Personality: He's a charming and amusing skeleton. He is cold and distant from others. He combines a soft disposition with a flirtatious demeanor. He is really enthusiastic and is not afraid to express it. He obtains his blood/energy in an ethical manner. He is a big fan of practical jokes, poor puns, and puzzles. He occasionally smokes and eats lollipops, but he avoids causing difficulties for his friends. He assists others whenever possible. He has a protective attitude and is frequently tense. He is usually lethargic since he balances off his younger brother's zeal, but he does things when prompted. He likes to tease his friends and is a bit of a flirt.

Appearance: He is a skeleton monster. He has a scar on his right eye and a scar on his nose. He has large canines.

Steel - Vampire Underswap Sans

Personality: He's a serious and tough guy. He is extremely passionate about helping others. He is really nice and enjoys puzzles. He does his best and assists when he can. He enjoys assisting others and isn't hesitant to express it. He is bold and strong, yet he is not without stressors in his life. He obtains his blood/energy in an ethical manner. He does his best and is frequently concerned about others. He has a soft spot for youngsters and animals. He is exceedingly nice, and his sweetness continuously surrounds others with his energy, which people adore.

Appearance: He is a skeleton monster. He has bright blue eyes. He has very large fangs.

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