#goodnight unto you all

[peachshadows]

Okay, this might sound wild, but for the Single Mom Macaque AU, I feel like Macaque would craft a completely fake and unnecessarily intricate identity of a spouse just to be petty. And for taxes. He and the kids (and maybe Bai He too?) would be in on this. And it would drive Wukong crazy because this totally not fake stepfather figure is setting some pretty high and unrealistic expectations.

It starts out as a joke/gag/petty scheme, but it kinda spirals when a certain mayor flounces into the picture fitting a lot of the descriptions.

(Also, hi Levi! Happy to see you cooking up another banger AU!)

WAIT UR UNTO SUMTH

Although I don't think the mayor would be a viable suitor in this universe cuz I do plan for him to basically threaten Macaque and the kids cuz y'know I'm gonna be working with the canon timeline of lmk but I do love that idea!

Wukong: so u mean to tell me u raised our kids all by urself-

Macaque: excuse you, I have a partner in fact and they're way better than you'll ever be!

Wukong, feeling sad and mad at the thought of Macaque moving on: oh yeah? Who's this partner of yours? He totally sounds real

Macaque: he's actually a very busy man-

Bai He: really busy! But he provides for us and supports us

Wukong: wait a min-

Rumble: yeah he even tells us bedtime stories!

Savage: and kisses us goodnight :>

Macaque, feeling smug: u were saying sumth?

Wukong:

[dwntwn-strnlo]

can I request?? ok so if yes, can you do matt x reader w freckles, nd one day they're js laying in bed nd when u wake up, nd look at matt, all he can focus on are your summer freckles and sun-kissed cheeks, nd she's like "what??" nd he js sits there nd talks abt how pretty she is during this time of year.. idk if tha made sense, but yea🤠✌️, anyways thank you!!

thank you sm for the request! sorry it took so long, love you ❤️

SUN-KISSED matt sturniolo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓁𝓎, dwntwn-strnlo.

↳ 𝐀/𝐍. everyone thank @oneirophobic for forcing me to write this whole thing in 30 minutes.

↳ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. matthew sturniolo x reader

↳ 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘. request!

↳ 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃? yes!

your eyes drew heavy as you watched the television played the late night run of various shows. now playing one of the first episodes of the 90s hit- full house.

knowing your close to breaking through your slight vision of being awake and descending into a soft slumber, you turn your head to look at matt. ready to bare him goodnight.

but to your surprise, hes already looking down at you. his light blue eyes lay heavy like yours, ready to be overcome into his own sleep.

he raises his hand up to your face, gently dragging his thumb across your cheek. "your freckles are so pretty," he smiles, the late haze overpowering his voice.

a small smile tugs at the corners of your lips. in the summer, your freckles always turn up, being more accentuated then they are during the winter. and matt cant get enough of it. "thank you, love."

"like little stars," he mumbles, leaning down to press a kiss to your nose.

you giggle lightly at the feeling. "i really need to take you star gazing one night."

he lazily shrugs, "no use in that, really."

raising a brow at him, you laugh. "really? why's that. you would love it, i can promise that."

his eyes search yours, taking a long pause before finally responding to you. "id never even glance up at the sky. i can promise that." he giggles, smiling brightly at you.

the words make you immediately feel like jell-o in his arms. your face undoubtedly flashes a bright shade of pink as he beams down at you. wanting nothing more than to bury your face in matts neck, attempting to hide your embarrassment.

running his thumb over your nose, and then your cheek again, he sighs gently. "id rather count the stars right here than the ones above us."

you smile, pushing yourself up to press a passionate kiss on his lips. his thumb still carefully running back and forth under your eye. "i love you, kid." you mumble, pulling away just enough to press your forehead unto his.

"i love you too." he smiles, pulling you back into the kiss.

TAGLIST

@slvt444smvt @thetriplets3 @theboyz-delulu @stxrniqlo @ifilwtmfc @iha8you @oneirophobic

[sweaty-toothed-mad-woman]

if we shadows have offended

think but this and all is mended

that you have but slumbered here

while these visions did appear

and this weak and idle theme

no more yielding but a dream

gentles, do not reprehend

if you pardon, we will mend

and as I am an honest puck

if we have unearned luck

now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue

we will make amends ere long

else the puck a liar call

so goodnight unto you all

give us your hands if we be friends

and robin shall restore amends

[paingoes]

Destroyer - Discourse

(Masterlist)

hello again. kind of an experimental chapter, eye strain warning for colored text.

(Content: discussion of death and war)

=======================

He could still get yelled at online, though. This was often the case. People demanded that he stop trolling all the time and would not listen when he explained he was dead serious. 

He was lucky there were a few people with nothing better to do than argue with him. He liked the one with the rose in their name.

rosencratz: because it’s against interplanetary law to kill civilians! if it was anybody but empire they would be taken to court. 

ndhakdvsnnd: so if it was legal to kill them it would be okay

rosencratz: no thats not the point! im just bringing it up as an example of what they can get away with 

ndhakdvsnnd: you said the law was corrupt though. i don’t understand

rosencratz: yes its corrupt in certain instances! but not across the board. obviously its wrong to kill people whether its legal or not

ndhakdvsnnd: why

rosencratz: why what?

ndhakdvsnnd: why is it wrong to kill people

rosencratz: ???

ndhakdvsnnd: im serious. people kill each other all the time so why is it wrong now but not wrong other times

rosencratz: its always wrong to kill people! 

ndhakdvsnnd: why

rosencratz: because it hurts them and it overrides their will. people dont want to die. its wrong for someone else to make that decision for them.

ndhakdvsnnd: why

rosencratz: because people should have a right to their own life! everyone deserves to have a chance at a safe and happy life and doing anything to violate that is wrong.

ndhakdvsnnd: who decides if its wrong or not?

rosencratz: well thats just my belief. and i think its the belief of most good people who want to live in harmony with others. you wouldnt want someone else controlling your life, would you? so you should do unto others as you would have them do to you :)

ndhakdvsnnd: okay

Delta opened a different window, pulling up the Empire portal. He looked at the projected casualties at Lemuria, then shifted directories to see the latest military reports all across the Empire. It updated about twice an hour, always some new catastrophe developing on a different front. He switched back to the forum’s private chat.

ndhakdvsnnd: so its always wrong to kill people? its never okay?

rosencratz: yeah pretty much! the only reason it would ever really be okay is to prevent the deaths of other people but even then it isnt a good thing its just a necessary evil

ndhakdvsnnd: how would you know if it prevented the deaths of other people

rosencratz: it depends!

ndhakdvsnnd: depends on what

rosencratz: i have to go to bed now but we can talk more later if youre serious. Haha im a philosophy major so im always thinking about these things. 

ndhakdvsnnd: okay i dont care

rosencratz: no need to be rude!

ndhakdvsnnd: im sorry. yes we can talk more later im afk a lot though so i will just message you when i have time.

rosencratz: okay! goodnight!

ndhakdvsnnd: gn

Delta closed out of the window, now focused entirely on the Empire portal. It let him see the sketches of plans some months in advance. He could see the projected earnings and land gains. He had to click around a little to find projected fatalities and the plans for body removal. Most of the plans didn’t involve him; he couldn’t be everywhere at once. But his callsign still came up with some regularity. He squirmed a little, his unease growing. Some impalpable feeling of dread had been gnawing at him all week. It was like he couldn’t look at it head on. He opened the forum again. There were other messages waiting for him. 

ndhakdvsnnd: what does evil mean

merrium: The opposite of good.

ndhakdvsnnd: no i know that im asking how you would define it.

merrium: I think evil is a condition or a mindset that certain people embrace. You have to repeatedly condition yourself into disregarding the experiences and emotions of other people in order to achieve your own goals. Cruelty and callousness are evil. Selfishness is evil. Ignorance and greed are evil. 

ndhakdvsnnd: okay. is that why you dont like empire?

merrium: Where do I begin? 

ndhakdvsnnd: i dont know

merrium: I won’t begin. You can see my post history, I won’t rehash all those hundreds of essays for you. But I can send you a more proper reading list if you want, little fledgling 

ndhakdvsnnd: send it to me

merrium: Link here.

ndhakdvsnnd: thank you. can i keep asking questions and you wont get mad at me

merrium: Of course! I don’t anger easily. It comes with the territory.

ndhakdvsnnd: is it bad to hurt people

merrium: Violence is a multi-faceted thing. It’s bad to hurt innocent people and it’s bad to use disproportionate force against people who can’t defend themselves. But it’s really a problem of what is considered “violence”. Empire has formed a monopoly on violence, so that its war and oppression are often codified and accepted as the default. It is not recognized for the evil it is. “Violence” however is reserved for the lower classes who have fallen out of lockstep with Empire and it is used to mark them for execution or imprisonment. Oftentimes, violence is the only correct response to repression, and so is morally excusable.

ndhakdvsnnd: so it depends 

merrium: Yes, it depends on who is doing it and why.

ndhakdvsnnd: okay thank you. do you think everyone from empire is evil.

merrium: That’s a lot of people. I wouldn’t hold ordinary citizens responsible for the crimes of their government, but they can definitely be complacent. I think everyone who works to uphold the system is evil. 

ndhakdvsnnd: what should they do 

merrium: Stop being evil.

ndhakdvsnnd: how 

merrium: Stop supporting Empire and start working to resist it. It’s not enough to be against Empire. You have to be pro-resistance. I would recommend they all throw their guns down and refuse to fight another whit for it.

ndhakdvsnnd: they would die if they did that though

merrium: Imagine how the people they killed must have felt.

Delta considered this. He closed all the windows. The screen was giving him a kind of anxiety and besides, he had to be up soon. The long nights were taking their toll. Dark circles had formed under his eyes – darker than usual. The internet made him feel very stupid and very scared, but he could never draw himself away from it easily. He thought about Lemuria. All his thoughts kept drifting back to it. He thought about the mech site and the sand dunes and the Iselin, the countless vessels and castles he had laid to waste. Each time, he’d felt the pulse of life within his grasp. If he did the math, the amount of lives he’d destroyed must have been in the early thousands. If it’s really that bad to kill, then he was definitely evil. He mulled over this as he went to sleep. Did it make any difference? Should he care?

He thought about what it would be like to die and all the times he believed he would. He didn’t like it, but his feelings had never counted for much. The value of any life eluded him. Not once had he ever been made to consider it. This would complicate things. His last thought before drifting asleep was exactly that. This would complicate things.

[toastsh33p]

I deliver this from the hands of my friend unto you good people

that is all, goodnight ✨

[basketprutas]

Hiii hello~! I'm not sure if this counts as a triggering or sensitive topic, if it is please feel free to ignore it ofc! ^^;

I was wondering how Tartaglia would react when he finds out reader is can't have children? He already knows having children of their own is a bit scary for her for multiple reasoning, but after trying to convince her, they give it a shot. Only to later find out... she can't have any kids. It devastated her only because she fears how Tartaglia would even view her and how crushed he must be feeling, knowing he's a family man and he probably dreamt of having a family with her for years?? (I like the childhood friends to lovers trope shh)

A good/comforting ending would be really nice.. reverse comfort sounds nice too.. I really want them both to be happy tbh :,-)

WHAT IF SERIES- REQUESTED! ✧*。

Now playing… Sweet Nothings by Taylor Swift

“And the voices that implore, you should be doing more, to you I can admit, that I'm just too soft for all of it.”

Content Warning: Heavy mentions of infertility, please don’t read if this topic is sensitive to you.

Genre: Tartaglia x Fem!reader who is a married couple but reader is infertile. Angst with happy ending. Reverse comfort in the midst of it all.

Notes: my first request! Hopefully I got it right to the nail. This is my first time writing this kind of topic, so apologies in advance for any discrepancies.

Want to request a short story too? Here's my inbox!

“Don’t you want a family with me? Tell me, honestly, is this where you’re coming from? I would understand if you were scared of having kids but-”

“It’s because I can’t bear a child, okay?!” You stand in your kitchen island, head hung low. In the heat of the argument, you weren’t ready to say it to him, not when you just found out about it a few days ago yourself. Childe just looked at you, eyes wide open on the other side of the kitchen island. His hand which was bearing a fist was now gone.

“I went to the doctor. They said… I can’t. It’s not you, It’s not the both of us, it’s me. And I know you’ve been wanting this- God knows I wanted it too. But… Fuck.” You mutter, voice shaking. He didn’t waste any time to walk up to you and hug you. You held unto him tightly, now crying in his chest. He comforted you by rubbing his hand on your back while whispering “Shh, okay. Let's sit down on the couch.”

You stayed there on the couch, comforting one another for what felt like hours until Childe spoke up. “When did you find out?” He asks in a whisper. “The day before yesterday. I didn’t know how to tell you, but we were fighting over it again, and I got ahead of myself and just dropped it. I-I’m sorry.” You reply with no more tears left to cry. He continued to comfort you, nodding at what you said as the both of you hugged one another. “I understand now. I’m sorry too. For arguing about this, for everything.” He said.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

The next few weeks the both of you tried to ignore the feeling lingering in your home, the feeling of loss. The loss of something that could’ve been, imagining that someone that could’ve been in your and Childe’s arms, trying to fall asleep as you cradled the baby the both of you should’ve had. 

Nights fell silent, just a quick 'goodnight' from one another while Childe closes the bedroom lights. You stayed up late, thinking of how much grief you felt. You were grieving over a baby that wasn’t even born yet, but something else plagued your mind.

How does Tartaglia feel about all this? Despite everything, you knew he wanted this the most. And that thought crushes you; Does he feel regret in marrying you now that you can’t have his children? Does he not want you anymore after knowing that? Your sleepless nights consisted of those thoughts, left with more questions than answers.

But one night, staying awake in the bed you and Childe share, you heard a sniffle. You didn’t move, hoping to hear it again just to be sure. And you hear it again, and again until it stops. You hear Childe fix his position, and then you realize, is he crying?

“Ajax?” You whisper in the dark. You rarely use that name, but with emotions heightened that very night, you felt like it was appropriate. “Yes?” “Are you okay?” you turn to face him, despite not seeing anything, you knew he was also facing you. You heard another sniffle and immediately closed the space between the two of you to hug him. “Oh honey, I’m sorry…” You say, brushing your hand on his hair. He was now sobbing, the same way you did when you told him.

“What’s on your mind, hm? You can tell me all about it. I’m right here.” You say, still hugging him. “It’s nothing, what you said last week just really hit hard.” He confesses.

"You know it's been a dream of mine, right? To have kids, more specifically to have one with you myself, for years now... Hell, I even told you before we became a couple that you'll have my kids and I'll have yours." He jokes, trying to lighten up the mood.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. We’ll find another way around this, Ajax, I promise.” As you said these words, he felt safe and comforted. He nods, and stays in your hold, the heavy feeling slowly drifting away. Though some things were left unsaid, both of you knew that this moment solidified your relationship even more.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

For the next few months, you and Childe researched heavily on ways both of you can have Children. From fostering to adopting, there were many options that you had in mind, but you both agreed to try and adopt a small pet for now.

You were still debating whether or not the both of you wanted a cat or a dog, or maybe a reptile, or even a bird. So adopting an animal was on hold for a bit. One night, in a strong thunderstorm, you and Childe lay on the couch, watching a movie when you hear scratches on the front door. Confused, you look through the peephole, but you saw nothing. The scratches grew louder and louder until you opened the door out of frustration to see a small black-coloured kitten on your front porch, looking up at you. 

“Childe, there’s a kitten.”

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

You kept the kitten of course, with it being adorably cute. You clearly saw how much this changed your and Childe's well-being. He’d buy one cat toy per week because the kitten kept breaking every single one. He would always groom the kitten, despite it not needing that much assistance. He would always prepare it's food, and silently watch as the kitten finishes the food. He'd always wipe the kitten's face after it ate.

You saw how happy he looked taking care of the kitten. Though it wasn’t exactly what you both had in mind, given the situation, it was enough.

One day, you went home to see Childe on the couch, lying down as the cat was sleeping peacefully on his chest. 

You put down your things and went to the bathroom. Despite being notified of your infertility, you and Childe still tried. You knew you had to take a pregnancy test today, so you grabbed a test from your cupboard and did so.

After a few minutes, you barge out of the bathroom, pregnancy results in your hand. You run up to Childe, startling him and the kitten.

“Baby, I’m pregnant.”

END.

Notes: I actually enjoyed writing this prompt, and to be honest I thought of the kitten as scara LMAO hope you enjoyed it! Thanks once again anon for requesting.

I recently started writing again; click here to learn more about me ^-^

Inbox is always open for suggestions and comments.

-Clara

[xxsycamore]

Okie, here's my first request! Can I pretty please get "🥺–Ask them how much they love you" with Mitsuhide Akechi(IkeSen)? TYSM in advance!💖

[🥺] 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝙼𝚒𝚝𝚜𝚞𝚑𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞。。。

"How much I love you? Hmm, let's see..."

The question came by surprise as Mitsuhide was preparing for bed, you already snug under the covers and waiting for him to join you for a night of good sleep that sadly neither of you could get much of these days.

"I'd say... I'm pretty fond of you."

He kept on his task of putting on his night clothes, smiling but not looking at you. You let out a gasp, not believing your ears or the words that came to them, enough to count on the fingers of your hand and none of which satisfying the ache of your heart. No, it's not that you doubted his love all of a sudden... you just thought that being cocky and direct when you started missing his love was just okay, occasionally. You were wrong! Turning over in the futon and facing away from him, you snuggled unto yourself and bidded him goodnight.

"Forgive me little mouse, it appears that teasing you about this is dangerously entertaining. I wish you could ask me more often, even."

It's not his words, but the gentle way his arm wrapped around your waist that softened your frown a little.

"Now, let me be honest with you this time: I love you plenty. I love you endlessly. You're my happiness and my treasure. I want to love you with all of me until the end of the world, but I also wish I could be worth of you doing the same. I love you with every ounce of my soul, my dear. And because I love you so, I'm in the mood of speaking of my love until you are to clasp a hand around my mouth and shush me. You're not going to do it soon, I see, judging by the way you're not even facing my direction... alright then. I'll continue now."

∎ For You, My Valentine‼️ - xxsycamore’s 1000 followers celebration party | 💌 event masterlist

[peppermint-rat]

The Book of Mormon be like

"Behold I am the lord thy God, and I come to deliver new ordinance to you. For there is new ordinance, and I the lord thy God must deliver it unto you. Again, verily, I say, I am the lord thy God, and I come to deliver new ordinance to you. Except that thou listen and obey, ye shall not enter my glory after death. Shall ye enter my glory after death, should ye not listen? Shall ye enter my glory after death, should ye not obey? Nay, ye shall not enter my glory after death, and ye shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Again, verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the lord thy God, and I come to thee to deliver new ordinance, and those that obey shall enter into my glory after death, or otherwise never enter the kingdom of Heaven. Good is good. Bad is bad. Bad is not good. Good is not bad. Again, good is good, bad is bad. Is bad good? Is good bad? Nay, good is good, bad is bad."

And then after you've already fallen asleep it launches into

"So by the way, men can take as many wives as they want because I said so and I gave them to him and he can't cheat on someone when both women are his property, and if the women sleep with one other man or lie about being virgins or don't do whatever their husband wants including putting out for him whenever he wants so he can use her to make as many babies as possible which is the whole reason they're alive, then I will kill them myself or have the men do it in my name, because nothing is a sin as long as he does it in my name. Oh and this all applies especially to you Emma Smith, you'd better do everything Joseph wants and no one better criticize Joseph in any way, and it's not weird at all that I mentioned that specifically and Joseph definitely didn't make all this up to control you and allow him to get as much virgin puss as he wants. Anyway. Goodnight!"

[dcviated]

@psychcdelica sent: Mr Sandman, bring me a dreeaaamm

They've both had such a long day, haven't they? It wasn't the first time that Wylan had gone by the daycare and been delivered unto him the sleepiest little girl after who knows how much playing with her friends. It's nice she gets along so well with them, though the agent imagines her frustration at the lack of energy to keep up as long as she'd like.

The last of said energy she had now spent chatting with dad on the trip home. She goes on so many tangents that even with all his experience with interrogations and somniums, he finds himself tested.

Sae is greeted by both, let your imagination decide who has more enthusiasm and affection for mom. Dinner is eaten. Another day coming to a close. Everyone had such a long schedule full of excitement, how is Wylan the last one standing? Well. That's not a problem.

"...pfft." A small chuckle escapes him, coming back from the washroom to find both of his treasures passed out on the couch. Neck rolls, and a familiar hum escapes his throat as he turns off the tv. "...mister sandman~" Sae and Seina get carefully scooped into his arms.

"Bring me two dreams." A chuckle. "And make them the cutest, that I've ever seen." Careful navigation out of the living room and towards the bedrooms. "Give them big hearts, that'll never freeze over~" ....yeah, for tonight at least until Sae wakes up again, she can share Seina's bed. The two get deposited.

"...and tell them that... something else... that rhymes with... clover? Shit. Ah well. I had the one good line at least. Goodnight you two."

[saints-helen]

Hi hi hi! Back with another thing i see! Yes i am~

Anyway,

Oh Eurydice,

(that's our title for today! AND THERE'S NO ROMANTIC CONNOTATIONS ABOUT IT YOU FREAKS, DISGUSTING.)

(anyway, I've been meaning to post Oh Eurydice for a while now (as in like, literal Months) but it's only a few days ago that i actually got to transcribing from my gallery and editing it in my notes app.)

(i poured blood, sweat, and Helen's tears into this)

(i won't bore you for Too long though, so this is basically a prologue (?) to the Medieval Au thing so, enjoy!)

Queen Nim dies while her children are still babies, basically about 4 years old and they end up getting raised by her advisors.

They want to make Dream the ruler, eventually, since he's easier to manipulate, and end up pushing Nightmare to the side in favour of his brother and making snide comments about him.

And since it's normal to hit your children back then, they hurt him, a Lot, for the power trip of hurting a royal and Surviving.

Anyway so, cue Blue entering the picture as their new royal guard at some point, via order of the late queen Nim, and they do Not trust him, neither advisors nor princes.

Nightmare especially.

But eventually, the twins warm up to him, because he's just so damn Nice (unlike a Certain group of people).

He's not only tasked with guarding them, oh no, he's tasked with Specifically, word for word, "guarding and looking after them" and he uses that as his leeway, his loophole, to get away with doing things a knight normally wouldn't.

He gets in trouble on their behalfs, sneaks them treats from the kitchens and sneaks them outside every once in a while to play when they're supposed to be having lessons.

Always with that grin on his face and a finger against his mouth, "shh!", starry eyes in crescents.

He dances with them, plays and teaches them how to make flower crowns, sneaks into their rooms at night under the guise of being a "Diligent Knight" because of Course he wouldn't stand outside! what kind of person would he be if he did? Leaving them all vulnerable during the night? (he sneaks in to read them bedtime stories, silly voices and all, and to kiss them goodnight, telling them that "If the queen were still here, I'm sure she'd be very, Very proud of you both :)"

He bandages up Nightmare a lot, and tutting at his injuries, muttering insults about how "honestly, they're Advisors and they don't even know how to advise children? what sorts of people would even get a job and fail at it so spectaculaly that-" and he goes on and on and Nightmare's eyes Glow, because Blue could be Beheaded for this, beheaded for insulting the acting royalty, with their trigger thin tempers, but he does so anyway, Just to make it clear that they shouldn't be hurting him at All OR favouring Dream over him.

And Nightmare just nods, looking at him like he hung the moon and stars.

Not hurting kids is a very controversial opinion these days, and Nightmare tells him that straight up.

"You're very strange."

"Well!" Blue huffs, tying up the bandage "I'd rather be strange than lay a hand on a child!

"Better weird than cruel, no?"

"...

"i suppose.."

...

But... Then again..

There are eyes everywhere in the palace.

And where there are eyes, there are spies.

And where there are spies..

...

Siege is layed unto the castle, and the entire palace Burns.

Fire raging everywhere, beginning from the twins' rooms while Blue was away getting them a midnight snack, and the tray falls from his hands as he rushes inside, calling out to them and coughing and Calling-

"HERE!", and he Runs towards the voice, all hoarse and childlike and Terrified, getting them out of the fire and running out with them in his arms, and the entire castle is aflame, no rooms left unburned as he runs and runs aiming for the gardens, all wet with night dew and vapour from their ponds and lakes.

And he runs into other servants, skidding to a halt as everyone exchanges what clipped information they may have about what happened as they all run together, and an assassin suddenly attacks them, his helmet, bearing the crest of Nim and her guard knocked off by blue with a kick before he shoves the twins into the waiting arms of his colleagues, with a shout of "I'LL BE BACK BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, NOW GO!" before turning back to fight, a sharpened bone in each hand and smoke in his eyes.

And the servants escape with them while he and the assassin exchange blows, and eventually, Blue is found victorious as he pins the assassin down, forcing his hand into the man's mouth and ripping out a glass vial from between his teeth, glowy with the green poison inside it and throws it at the fires raging around them. It shatters against the wall with a crackle of flame as the man all but Growls with human teeth.

"Who sent you."

"I'm not telling-"

*CRACK* and he lets out scream before he bites his tongue.

"It'll be your other arm next now who Sent you."

*Grunt*

"Now who. Sent you!"

"I-.." he pants "I will Not-"

Another crack, this time of his pointer and middle fingers.

"I'll break every bone in your body stars help me if you don't Confess.

"I was in a good mood before all this happened and it is just now beginning to taper off now that my children are gone so tell me, while I'm feeling merciful, lest i grab your neck and break it who Sent you."

So he does, eventually, and despite the flames all around him, all Blue's body can feel is Cold.

An advisor. Of course. One who got anxious, too impatient, scared that Blue's influence would sway the twins in his favour but not wanting to just Kill him, lest he fall under suspicion by the others. "Competitors, the filthy lot of them." The assassin spits, that crazed grin on his bloodied face eerie as he explains.

Dream was never supposed to be in the room today, he was supposed to be studying how to rule, but Blue had snuck him out as he was tired due to the late hour. The assassin was to, originally, simply suffocate Nightmare in his sleep, alone in his room none would be the wiser. But unbeknownst to the advisor, the assassin he'd hired was a spy from a rival kingdom, the one they were at war with, the kingdom who sent for Nim to be Killed. And he had just given him the palace and it's princes on a silver Platter.

And if Nightmare were to die, Clear signs of foul play, Blue, as the one closest to him, would be the one suspected and subsequently sentenced to death. His close relation to the twins and his intimate knowledge of their schedules would be more than enough to convict him and Besides, doesn't he Always sneak into their rooms at night? Under the guise of his "knightly duties?", if not for his remarkable ability to guard, then his keen eye and ear would catch anyone daring to assassinate the dear prince, for all they know, he sung him a lullaby one moment and suffocated him with a pillow the next. Two birds with one stone, leaving Dream all the easier to control. With no guard or brother at his side, the advisor would be his Everything.

"And now, oh now my Darling Knight," the assassin said, "All eyes are on You."

He'd already spread word, having been watching him for months, that Blue could Not be trifled with, as he could fight like no other and would stop at near Nothing to guarantee the twins' safety.

He could be used against them, or, they could be used against Him. Every fellow spy and assassin that snuck in during the chaos had memorised his face, "Courtesy of their dearest Painter." he said, grinning. "Eeeeeeeveryone knows how Attached you are to this kingdom's beloved two poor, orphan, little Princies."

"You leave with them," he says, "Recognizable as allll your pretty little faces and figures are, you Die. All of you."

He grins, the curve of it Sickening.

"And your two princies and your cute little game of house will be no More."

.....

...A tear runs down Blue's face, his hands, gripping the man's arms to his back, Shake with the effort of keeping them still, clenched into fists as they creak his bone, the blood beneath them all dried out after their little talk.

The fire around them burns hotter, the flames dancing with mirth in the man's eyes as he sucks up Every Single Bit Of Blue's misery at having to make such a decision.

But.. alas.. the decision is made immediately.

It was scary, So scary, how easy it was, how easy he decided to-

"I'll take them." he glares "You think you can take them away from me? You think you can even Dare? Fine,"

He winds back his hand, trembling as his fingers Curl,

"I'd like to see you Try." he grits his teeth as he knocks the assassin out cold, dragging his limo body against the ashen floor and stuffing him into a charred room with nothing in it left to burn and closing the door, making sure Not to lock it as he Runs

His tears are vaporised near instantly, the steam burning his face but he doesn't care. As long as he doesn't take any damage he doesn't care, as long as he can get to them as long as he can make it he doesn't care, not at the burning on his face or the tightening of his throat or the Aching in his chest. He needs to go he needs to Run, turning corners and tripping on debris. He needs to get to them, before it's too late. He needs to see them.

He needs to hold them while he still Can.

He Bursts into the gardens, the air so much more Alive and Wet but he barely even notices, making secret twists and turns through the grassy maze, thanking the stars that the fire hasn't reached here yet and entering a hidden part of the garden, designed by Nim herself, Just in case something like this happened.

It hides a hidden archway, tunnels and chambers weaving and winding underground, connecting beneath the entire palace. Paths that curl like what the monkey's paw that heard him think "i want to save them." did.

He sees the servants there, one with platitudes Right on her tongue, kneeling with what she hopes is a reassuring expression as she tells the twins he'll be back before they know it.

When they see him, hear him come in, their heads whip around, and they jump away. Shouting and runnibg towards him and oh he's never been so desperate to catch them in his arms.

They're both crying, he hears, feels, Sees, and he only squeezes them tighter, the servants, previously having let out sighs of relief at the sight of him, now exchange nervous glances when they see he's also crying, his expression scrunched up behind the children's backs in deep pain and grief.

Something is Off.

He lets go of them, sniffing, and smiles, tells them he has to talk to the other servants for a moment. And in hushed whispers, he does, some faces shocked and some solemn, glancing at the twins and glancing away, hands clenched in fists and eyes widening in disbelief at the fact their math is Right. Shouting matches are whispered as he seals their fates.

The servants exchange looks, look at the twins, look at Him... And Nod.

One of them, a muffet, an old Friend who'd nag at him for always tearing his clothes, grabs some cloaks hidden there in the chamber and begins sewing, other servants go back to what they were doing, some coming back out from outside, panting, with vegetables from the gardens and some cracking open decades old spell bound crates that contain meats and milks and all manner of essentials, kept safe with the late queen's protective magic. They pack them up in bags, some stitching each others' injuries and packing supplies with grim, determined faces.

Blue breathes out, all soft and decidedly Not shaky, and goes to the twins, kneeling to them as Dream bawls in confusion and terror and Nightmare tries Stubbornly not to cry. He pulls them both to his chest, arms squeezing so Tight he fears their little bones may creak, and Nightmare finally gives in, hus body slumping into him and beginning to shake. Dream asks what's happening and Nightmare asks what will happen Now.

...

He takes a deep breath in, pulling back with a smile, their circlets tugged from their crowns in hand. "We're gonna change your clothes first, so no one knows who you are." He says.

They both nod their heads, all pliant and quiet, and trusting him to know better as he leads them away to a corner, the clothes the muffet was making being handed to him as she begins making something else.

He tries not to look at her as she does, he can't bear to do it, and she does the same.

He helps them change, the familiar routine now discarding the chatter as they all remain quiet. And throwing the old clothes to the muffet, he's comforting and reassuring them all the while

They step out of their little corner, the twins now looking much less like royalty and more like two regular skeleton children, the muffet turns to him sharply, panting, and after a terrifying beat... She nods.

He lets go of their hands and steps toward her, the other servants, now all packed up, calling out to him that they're ready to go now, whenever, and for Blue to hurry up.

She hands him what looks like two bundled up pieces of cloth, and he holds them a bit closer than he should, his eyes almost hazy.

...

Dolls.

She hands him hat used to be cloaks, two of them, tied up with the vague measurements of small children. Covered completely top to bottom with white spider string to colour them white, the twins' silken clothing sewed onto them.

He nods, hands her the circlets and steps back. And the she begins to sew those on, too. Fixing them in place with practiced ease.

In broad daylight, there'd be no mistaking them as strange, hand-made doppelgangers, but during a chase, in the dead of night, with only the light of the nearby moon to guide in the chaos of an ongoing assassination attempt...

It would have to be Enough.

... Nightmare is the one who asks first. Smart boy. And blue has no doubt he's figured it out from the way his voice is shaking.

"What.. what's that." He asks cautiously, "What.

are you doing. Why are our..." He looks between Blue and the dolls, and it Clicks, horror and utter Betrayal dawning on his face.

"No." he says, head shaking, and Blue steps forward and he steps back, smacking his hand away when it reaches for him "No no No! NO! NO YOU CAN'T!" he heaves out, choking on a sob when Blue pulls him closer, pulls them both closer, and they both Cling.

"This isn't a fairytale you can't- You Can't- .." Nightmare beats at his back, tiny fists barely even felt through the thickness of his armour.

"Blue.. what's- what's happening why- why is brother..." Dream's voice, always so trusting, trails off when Blue pulls back, face wet and devastated and Pained.

"I'm sorry sunshine, I'm.. I'm not gonna be escaping with you." he murmurs, and Nightmare only sobs harder, his voice caught in a scream as he Refuses to let go of him.

"....Wh... what?"

He shakes his head, "I'm sorry.. but- but i Can't"

"wh- WHY!"

He shakily breathes out "It's too-"

A Slam from the maze's entrance, so far away yet echoing down down until everyone here can hear it, and they all freeze. Shouting of "OI! SECRET ENTRANCE HERE!" and everyone suddenly Springs to action.

It's time.

Blue leans in and kisses them both with a choked apology and Nightmare starts to Beg "No! NO NO NO YOU CAN'T! YOU CAN'T YOU CAN'T! I ORDER YOU! I ORDER YOU TO- STOP!"

Blue grabs them both and shoves them towards the other servants, Nightmare's soft claws digging into him and refusing Refusing to let go as he's grabbed by them and pulled back.

"LET- GO OF ME YOU-! YOU CAN'T! YOU CAN'T LEAVE YOU CAN'T!"

His brother, now beginning to feel the panic as well, begins to squirm in their tight holds.

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND, BLUE I DON'T UNDERSTAND! WHY-"

He finally manages to pry his fingers away, and Nightmare is yanked back with a soul crushing "*NO!*"

"No time to explain!" he yells, grabbing the dolls from muffet as everyone runs to the back door, save the ones holding the twins.

"I'll be Back." he presses his forehead to theirs, Nightmare's arms pinned to his sides by the servants so he doesn't reach for him again as he kicks and screams and Refuses. "YOU DON'T GET TO LEAVE! YOU DON'T GET TO I ORDER YOU TO STAY-"

"Sorry, moonlight, Sunlight, i-" he chokes back a sob "I won't be following your orders this time."

"NO! NO NO NO YOU DON'T GET TO-"

"BLUE- PLEASE DON'T-"

"I'll come Back, one day I'll come back Remember me-" he suddenly tears off chunks of his bandana off and shoves them to the one holding them, his tearful look saying more than he needs to.

Two last kisses, they both taste acidically Salty.

He steps back, the hesitance shoved into its prison inside his chest.

"I'll come back. i love you, i love you both so much."

And he turns, they both scream for him to "NO! NO COME BACK! COME BACK PLEASE, DON'T G-"

"NO! NO PA-" they're interrupted, of course, as fate would always have it thus that their parents could never hear them cry, their mouthes muffled by much bigger hands, both arms unpinned from their sides as he's too far away to reach now and yet they reach for him anyway. The servants running one way while he runs the other. He doesn't turn back, doesn't turn back to look at them, and the last they ever seen of him is him grabbing a cloak, shoving over himself and Running back out to the gardens.

Blue Runs outside, his heart a jackrabbit in his chest as his sudden dash from the bushes catches the attention of surveying eyes, all intentional, all so painfully Intentional as the wind pushes the hood of the cloak off of his face, the fabric swaying in the breeze as the glint of two hidden crowns glint beneath the reflected light of a sun that will not rise Yet, his only ally in that very moment, the single voyeur to his wicked plan. He lets it flap Just long enough for the circlets to be seenz to blind their power hungry eyes before he yanks it back on and keeps running.

Shouting follows, the shine of Gold in the moonlight being more than enough to draw the attackers' attention towards Him, and like crows the flank him, cawing orders to each other, theur beaks snapping in bows hastily drawn and loaded. Instead of on the fleeing servants downstairs, all eyes are on Him.

He'd made Sure to leave that assassin alive, made sure to keep the door unlocked, made sure to tell him he'd like to see him try make sure to be Cocky, just as is expected of a royal guard, and even though the man knew him, watched him, Had been watching him for months if not Years, Blue knew, that when you stick your hand in the water, that the sly catfish simply cannot help but Bite.

He'd be proud of it, really, in any other circumstance. The Magnificent Blue, strategic, careful, perceptive and amazing as always.

He would be, he really would be, if he could just get what Dream had just said, had Almost said, out of his head. Dream who always assumed you found him bothersome unless you wanted him for something. If he could only get Nightmare's sobbing out of his head, Nightmare who never cried when beaten or hurt or with a broken bone but Did, how've, cry when sung a soft lullaby to sleep. If he could only get that Screaming out of his Head.

He doubts it'll ever happen, doubts he'll ever be allowed to forget what he just did for them tonight, to save their lives, to ruin their lives to Break their little Souls. What he did To them could never be forgiven, he knew that, and yet he had to Try.

Dream had called him- had Almost called him- and what other word starts with "pa" that could Ever be said in relation to the one who dressed and bathed and sung and played and rocked and caved and loved and fed them? What other word could he use for "knight" that starts with the second easiest syllable for a baby to say?

If Dream viewed him that way, and he didn't even know if he Wanted him to right now, then it means that Nightmare probably also viewed him that way, and he shoves back the endearments of "Son" back into the recesses of his heart, refusing to allow it to get out. He'd called him he'd Almost called him, and Blue wonders if it was a mercy from the hand of their newest captor, a mercy to Him, that they'd stopped Dream before he could get the words out. And he knows that he will.most often wonder if, after tonight, he could Ever be deserving of such a mercy.

In exchange for that trust, that Dream almost gave, Blue has thanked him most cruelly; he had torn him away from his parent a second time. First Nim, dead before their pattering feet, and now, him.

How fitting it is, then, that it must all end in fire when she was greenery itself?

How fitting it Is, then, that a person who was supposed to protect them has failed? Abandoned them to the wiles of the wolves and left them to Die a most horrific "death"? Exactly as the advisors did? Looked them dead in the eyes as he stepped on what little trust they had in him and Crushed it beneath his heel. It nothing more than an irritating Pest, a counterfeit diamond in the marketplace, or a candy too sour when ut was supposed to be sweet. (and oh it wasn't little. it wasn't little at all and that is what Hurt.)

They won't catch up to him for a while. He keeps his pursuers on his tail, a doe with a white tail prancing through the woods as it reaches the edge of the treeline, her fawns safely tucked away where no poacher will find them. He has the stamina for it, the speed, too, and he could outrun them right now if only he didn't want their eyes on Him.

He clutches the two bundles of doll to his chest, squeezing his eyes shut, allowing himself a small luxury, a moment of imagined soft, sleeping warmth in his arms and then opens them again with new renewed Vigor.

He rcalls the games he'd play with Dream, hide and seek, begs in hus mind "hide hide hide and don't let Anyone find you."

Recalls the books he'd read with Nightmare, greek myths and norse and foreign, recalls one.

"Oh heroic Orpheus," Nightmare quietly read, "A heart of gold shattered, gates of void-black closing behind him, the key of his love not being enough to open them once more.

""Oh!"" cried Orpheus "Oh Gods above if only i had not looked back, if only i had not looked back at mine Eurydice!""

"Very good" blue had praised, impressed, and Nightmare had hidden his face in his book to hide his blush, as he did with every compliment, as Blue hides his face in these dolls to hide his tears.

New resolve, then, new determination. "I won't look back." He thinks. He believes. He Excucutes.

Not at his footsteps.

Not at the Fire.

Not at the cold bright moon.

"I won't look back." he thinks again, not at the arrows shooting.

Not at the words spoken.

Not at the assassins.

"I won't look Back." one more time, not at the garden.

Not at the rising Sun.

Not at his little Stars.

"I Won't look back." he repeats like a mantra in his head.

"I Don't look back.

"I don't look back at my Eurydices.

"I Don't look Back."

[themeatburrito]

I sympathize as much as I did my psychotic self. Undeniable, unrecognizable. It seems I find myself at a crossroads of large decisions and complete inaction, mostly personal. It's my one year anniversary of HRT and the main way in which I feel different is that I've had 1 year to allow my mind to grow surrounded by some of the coolest people I know. It's been a constant challenge of defining myself and assimilating to the crowd. Push too far and you're in no ones graces, don't push enough and you're in all but your own. I've felt a physiological change with how much I've been crying amd how unstable I've been. I'd like to chalk this up to the world around me but that's not the case. I'm variable. I'm unstable to a degree. I wouldnt trade this for the world. The changes I've seen physically have confirmed to me that I'm not walking flesh but I'm a real human, but the changes aside from that have called into question everything regarding my self of self and worth. I know I have things to care about, just talk to me about them. I know that I have a different sense of interaction, but the way in which I feel and react now is not from HRT, but rather a cha ge in mindset. I do t have time for hate. I don't have time for argument. I don't have time for that because I know that I'll be dying some day and if I can die in a way I design or that makes me happy the. I'll have done it by my own accord. (Shotgun writing). There is nothing permanent. Nothing which does not smooth away from abrasion. You have changed too, I can feel it and see it and it makes me nervous. Sometimes I feel completely on the outside because I ca t be frank. Tgat used to be my one bastion of self, but that went away when I no longer needed to justify myself. I am who I am, I came to love myself, so what is left? Art, music, knowledge, moments of appreciation for the world that are flexible. And if im not flexible I'm going to find myself in that same hole that saw my life pass before me taking no action, watching the hair recede and the stress build. Over jot experiencing love jor connection, nor a sense that it's controllable. But here I am, now, a being unto myself created as I saw fit. I wouldnt cha ge it for the world. I'm happier than I've ever been though I'm not happy (all the time). I've come from my worst self to a self I love, and will work towards any chance I get. Even against the hard decisions. Even in the face of alienating myself from the shell of past being(s) internal/external. Know this is about you, and it's about me. I can only write avoit the present anyway.

Goodnight, I wish you the best.

[lucidicer]

goodnight unto you all, it brings sweet sorrow to have to part with you all once more but alas slumber awaits me just as i await the cracketh of dawn and the chirping of songbirds perched on the rooftops

[childofchrist1983]

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. - Isaiah 44:6-8 KJV

God is very definite in this Bible passage from Isaiah: "I am God and there is no other! I am the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega!", as is written in the Book of Revelation.

Since we declare that we believe this, why do we insist on having other gods? Anything or anyone we put before God, including ourselves, we are making gods. Putting God first, means giving up some of our control and obeying His rules, and living as God wants us to live. This isn't the first time this message has come before us this year, but it bears repeating and reflecting upon once again.

On a scale of 1 – 10, where do we place God in the course of our day? Is God in your thoughts when you wake up? How many times do you think about God during the day while driving, working, reading, watching television? What about at night? Is God the last thing you think about at night as you reflect upon your day? How many times during the day do you say "Thank you, God" for getting those green lights, finding a parking place, having the meeting go well? Or maybe you need to thank God that the person running the red light didn't hit you?

Tomorrow morning, try saying "Good Morning" to God and ask Him to be with you during the day. Then, look for God in the people and events during the day. Tomorrow night, think about your day, recognize the places where God was present and then say, "Goodnight and thank you, God." Repeat.

God is with us all the time. He is there when we call upon Him and He keeps us in His sight even when we are unaware of His presence. And He is the one true God. May we not put any other gods before Him. May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time daily to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in the Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[theworldwalkerswols]

Zane’s extended WoL Inspo chart, blank here~

Image Description / Contents:

WoL ^and canon! Inspo Chart for Zane Drake (an elf with pale grey skin, messy black hair, and red eyes, smiling easily and wearing a flower crown)

Zane’s six inspos, in no particular order:

Sheik (LoZ), Frodo and Sam (LotR), Elsa (Frozen), Twilight Princess Link (LoZ), Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke [1997])

Zane’s six visual inspirations/motifs:

Major Arcana 0, The Fool; a cluster of windflowers; the hands of many tilling the earth; a long shadow cast over a stone-paved road; precipitous cliffs rising from a verdant summer treeline

Zane’s featured lyrics:

Oh, all the comrades e'er I had / they're sorry for my going away I and all the sweethearts e'er I had / they wished me one more day to stay / but since it falls unto my lot / that I should rise and you should not / I gently rise and softly call: / Goodnight, and joy be with you all!

The Parting Glass, Scottish folksong

Me, my thoughts are flower-strewn / with ocean storm, bayberry moon / I have got to leave to find my way watch the road and memorize this life that pass before my eyes...

"Find the River," by R.E.M.

No feet to fall / you need no ground / allowed to glide right through the sun / released from circles guarded tight / now we all are chosen ones

"Secure Yourself," by the Indigo Girls

End Image Description

[bestdogauntever]

reading good omens for the first time to cope with season 2, so I thought I’d make a thread of some of my favorite quotes. hope you enjoy!!

“the Earth’s a Libra” (p. 14)

“Oh he (Crowley) did his best to make their short lives miserable, because that was his job, but nothing he could think of was half as bad as the stuff they thought of themselves. Thet seemed to have a talent for it… They’ve got what we lack. They’ve got imagination. And electricity, of course. One of them had written it, hadn’t he… ‘Hell is empty and all the devils are here.’” (p. 43)

“You can’t start someone off in a muddy shack in the middle of a war zone and expect them to do as well as someone born in a castle. Ah, Aziraphale had said, that’s a good bit. The lower you start, the more opportunities you have. Crowley had said, That’s lunatic. No, said Azriaphale, it’s ineffable.” (p. 44)

“On the whole, neither he (Aziraphale) nor Crowley would have chosen each other’s company, but they were both men, or at least men-shaped creatures, of the world, and the Arrangement had worked to their advantage all this time. Besides, you grow accustomed to the only other face that had been around more or less consistently for six millennia.” (p. 49)

“As they drove past an astonished traffic warden his notebook spontaneously combusted, to Crowley’s amazement. “I’m pretty certain I didn’t mean to do that” he said. Aziraphale blushed. “That was me,” he said.” (p. 55)

“And the Lord spake unto the Angel that guarded the Eastern gate, saying Where is the flaming sword which was given unto thee? And the Angel said, I had it here only a moment ago, I must have put it down somewhere, forget my own head next. And the Lord did not ask him again.” (p. 57)

“They’d come up with some stomach, churning idea that no demon could’ve thought of in a thousand years, so dark and mindless unpleasantness the only a fully functioning human brain could conceive, then shout ‘The Devil Made Me Do It’ and get the sympathy of the court when the whole point was the Devil hardly ever made anyone do anything. He didn’t have to… Where you found the real McCoy, the real grace and the real heart-stopping evil, was right inside the human mind.” (p. 99-100)

“‘Do you know, Aziraphale, that probably if a million human beings were asked to describe modern music, they wouldn’t use the term “be-bop”?’ said Crowley.” (p. 102)

“‘Thank you,’ said Anathema, icily. ‘Can we get on?’ said Crowley. ‘Goodnight, miss. Get in, angel.” Ah. Well, that explained it. She had been perfectly safe after all.” (p. 110)

“Many people, meeting Aziraphale for the first time, formed three impressions: that he was English, that he was intelligent, and that he was gayer than a tree full of monkeys on nitrous oxide. Two of these were wrong; Heaven is not England, whatever certain poets may have thought, and angels are sexless unless they really want to make an effort. But he was intelligent, and it was an angelic intelligence which, why not being particularly higher than human intelligence, as much broader, it has the advantage of having thousands of years of practice.” (p. 194)

“But he’d (Aziraphale) known him (Crowley) for thousands of years. They got along. They nearly understood one another. He sometimes suspected they had for more in common with one another than with their respective superiors. They both liked the world, for one thing, rather than viewing it simply as the board on which the cosmic game of chess was being played.” (p. 284)

“It was even better than the candles ag creating ambulance. Ambulance was what mediuming was all about.” (p. 342)

[ladydarleigh]

— neil perry, robin goodfellow, the merry wanderer of the night

I was a poet

I wanted to strive to find my voice 

I wanted to live deep

I wanted to suck out all the marrow of life 

carpe diem 

I’m going to play Puck

my name was neil perry

I was here 

my name was Puck

Robin Goodfellow

I was a poet 

my first verse was my last 

my first verse 

was said the same night 

I chose to be enchanted 

I chose to become a fairy

who left his crown on a windowsill

my verse

wasn’t heard by the one I wanted to hear 

but I said it 

the powerful play goes on 

and you may contribute with a verse 

some would say I didn’t live 

but I did 

I seized my last day 

and I seized the days before it

if you asked me 

I would have said that I wanted more 

I wanted more than what life gave me 

I wanted more than what I lived 

I did 

and this weak and idle theme, no more yielding but a dream

but I didn’t go without grace 

I left 

as a fairy 

I did not wish to live

what was not life 

living is so dear 

I am that merry wanderer of the night

so goodnight unto you all 

december 09, 2021