#he found a suitable flower for his shrine

[fedexgenshin]

Such a precious lil guy

[alphascorpiixx]

A Hatchday Gift

Miphlink Week Day 6: Hatchday

Link tries to think of a gift for Mipha's hatchday.

Rating: G

Words: 1924

Tags: Grief/Mourning, Memory Issues, Flower Symbolism, Canonical Character Death

Read on AO3

@miphlinkweek

---

He didn’t have a proper gift for her. Link rifled through his collection of materials for the third time. He had flowers, fish, and precious stones. Enough memories of his past had returned to know that nothing in his possession was Mipha’s favorite flower, fish, or stone. No matter how hard he tried to remember or how many times he sorted through his belongings, he still failed at picking which could be her favorite.

At least he’d remembered her hatchday.

After several days and a few discreet questions to the other Zora, Link nearly sobbed with relief when the date finally came back to him. It was still a week away, giving him time to find the best gift to lay at her statue. He just had to find out what an adequate gift would be.

For the next three days, Link laid flowers at the base of Mipha’s statue. Chrysanthemums grew on Lanaryu’s mountain slopes and riversides. He collected a bundle of red and white chrysanthemums and gently placed them at Mipha’s feet. If the other Zora saw him do so, they gave him the space to grieve. Each day, Link brought new flowers to replace the old ones while silently wracking his brain for a more personal gift.

On the fourth day, Sidon met him by the statue holding a bundle of rosemary and purple orchids. They weren’t native to Zora’s Domain, so Sidon must’ve found a traveling merchant or trekked beyond the Domain to find them himself. Link nodded wordlessly, but his smile conveyed his gratitude. They placed the flowers together.

-

By the fifth day, Link still remembered nothing about her gift preferences, and Mipha’s hatchday was two days away. Guilt gnawed at him for delaying his journey to Goron City. Vah Ruta had been calmed, but the great lizard shape of Vah Rudania still circled Death Mountain.

He glanced at where Vah Ruta now stood sentinel over the Zodobon Highlands. He’d considered leaving the flowers at the foot of the Divine Beast rather than the statue, as the statue was a memorial and not her true grave. But a whisper in his heart assured him she would have favored this choice. Her spirit no longer haunted the Divine Beast, and her statue was in her home and surrounded by her family.

Link cleared the dying flowers from her statue. He hadn’t brought new ones to replenish them. His mind recalled a conversation they’d once had while basking in a field of wildflowers. Mipha had enjoyed the sight and scent of flowers, but bouquets weren’t her choice of gift. She preferred flowers wild or cultivated but not cut. She’d said they were better off growing in their natural life than dying in a day. The long-lived Zora rarely decorated with cut flowers. They used jewelry and metalwork or occasionally textiles. The flowers Link had brought were more to soothe his own soul while he thought of something more suitable.

The thought of jewelry sparked an idea. Mipha always wore jewelry in silvers and blues that complimented her lovely red scales. Link had sold his last sapphires a few weeks ago. But the hills of Upland Zorana had mineral deposits. He placed a single chrysanthemum before departing. Sidon watched in solidarity but did not place anything himself. They shared a silent agreement that the flowers were not meant to make the statue a shrine to Mipha. From the Zora’s stories of the Champion Festival, it was Mipha’s wish to be remembered rather than mourned. The gifts from Link and Sidon were gifts of remembrance from a lover and a brother, not offerings from worshippers.

Equipped with a hammer from the Hammerhead workshop, the armor Mipha had crafted, and her Lightscale Trident, Link swam up the waterfalls. He’d polished the armor to a shine that morning, and he glimmered like a Zora in the water. The armor also protected him from the enemies he encountered. The bokoblins fell to the Lightscale Trident, but the spitting lizalfos got a shot in before he struck it down. He avoided the Guardians’ searching eyes and hunted for mineral deposits. They mostly contained luminous stones, which would make a suitable gift in a pinch if he could not find a sapphire.

But the golden goddesses smiled on him, and the last ore deposit gave him two sapphires. He had no time to travel to Gerudo Town and have them crafted into jewelry, so the uncut gems would have to do.

He returned in the afternoon. Sidon remained in his place beside the statue. He gave a soft smile at Link’s approach.

“Will you ask Dento if these could be added to the statue’s base?” Link said, showing Sidon the sapphires.

Sidon nodded. “I will. It’s a good gift. She always loved sapphires and opals.”

Opals. The memories struck Link like the lizalfos. An opal in his hand as he presented her the gift for her hatchday. The delighted smile on her face and shine in her eyes. Her melodious voice explained how she loved the iridescence of opals.

"They contain all the colors of other gemstones within them."

Mipha’s favorite gift was opals. And Link had none for her and two days left until her hatchday.

“Link?” The concern in Sidon’s voice brought him back to the present. “Are you all right?”

“I’m—I’m fine,” Link said through a choked throat. He blinked the tears from his eyes. “I forgot about the opals,” he whispered. “I didn’t find any.”

Sidon flashed his grin. “I’ll help you! We’ll search Tal Tal Peak first thing tomorrow!”

Link managed a grateful smile.

-

He left the Domain at dawn to meet Sidon, hammer in hand. Sidon had arrived first and cleared out most of the monsters lurking on the peak. Link lended his aid, and the Lightscale Trident sang through the air. Although the sword was his main weapon, his body fell back into the familiar movements of spear combat. Sidon fought very differently from Mipha, wielding twin spears rather than one and with fewer flips than Mipha’s graceful dance. But he was no less skillful, and they dispatched the monsters with ease.

“It is always a pleasure to fight alongside you, Link!” Sidon said, slightly breathless from the fight.

Link smiled and shrugged at the praise. It was unnecessary for such a quick skirmish, hardly a battle at all, but he was used to Sidon’s enthusiastic admiration. It was a wonder this young adult Zora was the same as the small child he knew a hundred years ago, always at Mipha’s heels and giving Link the disapproving frowns of a younger brother. They were true friends now, united by shared grief, warrior spirit, and easy companionship.

They searched the entire morning. Sidon passed the time with a mostly one-sided conversation about the day-to-day life of the Domain. Link contributed a word or two occasionally, but Sidon never required anything more. He was happy to fill the silence, and Link was happy to listen.

They paused at noon for a quick bite to eat. Sidon fished in the water while Link lit a fire and cooked a few apples. The Sheikah Slate swung against his leg when he sat down. Link bit back a curse. They’d wasted half a day when he could have used the slate’s sensing technology Symin had upgraded it with. He flicked through the compendium for a picture of the ore deposits. He couldn’t use the sensor for opals specifically. His fingers hovered over the map. Wouldn’t it just be easier to see if any opals were available to buy? Gerudo Town was known for gemstone jewelry, there were likely some to purchase.

Link shook his head. He’d spent this much time looking for Mipha’s gift already. He’d find an opal with Sidon’s help or not at all.

The sensor indicated southward. Link paraglided down while Sidon leapt off the side of the cliff and dove into the lake below. They explored the small valley between Tal Tal Peak and the mountains above the reservoir. There was a lake—more of a pond—in the center of the valley. The Sheikah Slate’s sensor increased frequency as they drew near.

A stone talus rose out of the water. Link threw the hammer at the ore deposit on its body. The hammer chipped off amethyst and pieces of luminous stone. Sidon descended on the talus, spears a whirling storm.

The talus’ arm caught Link's shoulder. The armor absorbed the worst of the blow, but his shoulder burned with pain, and he could not raise his trident. Sidon directed the talus’ attention away from him while the cool light of Mipha’s grace washed over his body and soothed his arm. His lips moved in thanks to her spirit.

Sidon wore down the monster, and Link ran in for the final attack. The mineral broke under the Lightscale Trident, and the stone talus burst into smoke.

Link rolled his shoulder, a minor ache still lingering. The prizes of the fight were scattered in the water. Mostly luminous stones, but Link spotted a few gems among them.

“Link, look!” Sidon shouted. He grabbed a gem from the water and held it out for Link to see.

An opal. The opaque white surface shimmered with a rainbow of color in the sunlight. Link covered his hands over Sidon’s and said, “Thank you.”

-

The talus battle had not lasted long, and they arrived back at Zora’s Domain before evening. Link placed the opal and the two sapphires at Mipha’s statue. Sidon spoke with Dento, who said the job could be finished in time by Mipha’s hatchday anniversary tomorrow. Link offered his help in cutting the gems, but Dento waved him away. They both knew his skills were fighting with weapons, not smithing or crafting.

He spent the rest of the evening sitting at the top of Veiled Falls, listening to the water and resting the Lightscale Trident on his knees. He and Mipha would sit here at nightfall and watch the Domain glow with the otherworldly light of luminous stones. The stones’ light was said to be the souls of the dead. When he walked through Zora’s Domain, Mipha’s spirit resided among every stone and gilded rail, every drop of water and beam of sunlight. The Zora people held her spirit in their own souls, her memory living on within them.

-

Dento finished his work mid-afternoon on Mipha’s hatchday. The day was not an official holiday in Zora’s Domain. The Champion Festival was meant to honor Mipha and her trident. But there was a palpable air around the Domain that day. Even though Mipha wished her people to remember her with joy instead of grief, the heart often had a difficult time letting go of old hurts.

Link knew that well.

But sorrow was not the only emotion in the air. There were smiles and well-wishes. The Zora loved their fallen princess, and with Vah Ruta now freed from the Calamity’s control, they could at last begin to heal.

Link found Sidon in his customary place at Mipha's statue. He greeted Link with a wide, gleaming grin and stepped aside so Link could see the new additions to the statue. Dento had shaped the gems into the three-crescent symbol of the Zora. The top crescent was the opal and the other two sapphires. The sunlight caught the gems in a perfectly glimmer of blue and prismatic iridescence.

His fingers brushed over the symbol, and he gazed up at Mipha’s tranquil face.

“Happy hatchday, Mipha.”

---

A/N: From what I could find about flower symbolism:

Chrysanthemums - love

Rosemary - remembrance

Purple orchids - admiration, royalty, respect

[painterontheblood]

Dionisio, Cristo y Orfeo

“Beauty and the Beast” is a fairy tale with the quality of a wild flower, appearing so unexpectedly and creating in us such a natural sense of wonder that we do not notice for the moment that it belongs to a definite class, genus, and species of plant. The kind of mystery inherent in such a story is given a universal application not only in a larger historical myth, but also in the rituals whereby the myth is expressed or from which it may be derived.

The type of ritual and myth appropriately expressing this type of psychological experience s exemplified in the Greco-Roman religion of Dionysus, and in its successor, the religion of Orpheus. Both of these religions provided a significant initiation of the type known as “mysteries.” They brought forth symbols associated with a god-man of androgynous character who was supposed to have an intimate understanding of the animal or plant world and to be the master of initiation into their secrets.

The Dionysiac religion contained orgiastic rites that implied the need for an initiate to abandon himself to his animal nature and thereby experience the full fertilizing power of the Earth Mother. The initiating agent for this rite of passage in the Dionysiac ritual was wine. It was supposed to produce the symbolic lowering of consciousness necessary to introduce the novice into the closely guarded secrets of nature, whose essence was expressed by a symbol of erotic fulfillment: the god Dionysus joined with Ariadne, his consort, in a sacred marriage ceremony.

In time the rites of Dionysus lost their emotive religious power. There emerged an almost oriental longing for liberation from their exclusive preoccupation with the purely natural symbols of life and love. The Dionysiac religion, shifting constantly from spiritual to physical and back again, perhaps proved too wild and turbulent for some more ascetic souls. These came to experience their religious ecstasies inwardly, in the worship of Orpheus.

Orpheus was probably a real man, a singer, prophet, and teacher, who was martyred and whose tomb became a shrine. No wonder the early Christian church saw in Orpheus the prototype of Christ. Both religions brought to the late Hellenistic world the promise of a future divine life. Because they were men. yet also mediators of the divine, for the multitudes of the dying Grecian culture in the days of the Roman Empire they held the longed-for hope of a future life.

There was, however, one important difference between the religion of Orpheus and the religion of Christ. Though sublimated into a mystical form, the Orphic mysteries kept alive the old Dionysiac religion. The spiritual impetus came from a demi-god. in whom was preserved the most significant quality of a religion rooted in the art of agriculture. That quality was the old pattern of the fertility gods who came only for the season in other words, the eternally recurrent cycle of birth, growth, fullness, and decay.

Christianity, on the other hand, dispelled the mysteries. Christ was the product and reformer of a patriarchal, nomadic, pastoral religion, whose prophets represented their Messiah as a being of absolutely divine origin. The Son of Man, though born of a human virgin, had his beginning in heaven, whence he came in an act of God’s incarnation on man. After his death, he returned to heaven but returned once and for all. to reign on the right hand of God until the Second Coming “when the dead shall arise."

Of course, the asceticism of early Christianity did not last. The memory of the cyclic mysteries haunted its followers to the extent that the Church eventually had to incorporate many practices from the pagan past into its rituals. The most meaningful of these may be found in the old records of what was done on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday in celebration of the resurrection of Christ the baptismal service that the medieval church made into a suitable and deeply meaningful initiation rite. But that ritual has scarcely survived into modern times, and it is completely absent in Protestantism.

The ritual that has survived much better, and that still contains the meaning of a central initiation mystery for the devout, is the Catholic practice of the elevation of the chalice. It has been described by Dr. Jung in his “Transformation Symbolism in the Mass ':

"The lifting up of the chalice in the air prepares the spiritualization... of the wine. This is confirmed by the invocation to the Holy Ghost that immediately follows... The invocation serves to infuse the wine with holy spirit, for it is the Holy Ghost who begets, fulfills, and transforms. ... After the elevation, the chalice was, in former times, set down to the right of the Host, to correspond with the blood that flowed from the right side of Christ."

The ritual of communion is everywhere the same, whether it is expressed by drinking of the cup of Dionysus or of the holy Christian cha[1]lice; but the level of awareness each brings to the individual participant is different. The Dionysiac participant looks back to the origin of things, to the "storm-birth" of the god who is blasted from the resistant womb of Mother Earth. In the frescoes of the Villa de Misteri in Pompeii, the enacted rite evoked the god as a mask of terror reflected in the cup of Dionysus offered by the priest to the initiate. Later we find the winnowing basket, with its precious fruits of the earth, and the phallus as creative symbols of the god's manifestation as the principle of breeding and growth.

In contrast to this backward look, with its central focus on nature's eternal cycle of birth and death, the Christian mystery points forward to the initiate's ultimate hope of union with a transcendent god. Mother Nature, with all her beautiful seasonal changes, has been left behind, and the central figure of Christianity offers spiritual certainty, for he is the Son of God in heaven.

Yet the two somehow fuse in the figure of Orpheus, the god who remembers Dionysus but looks forward to Christ. The psychological sense of this intermediate figure has been described by the Swiss author Linda Fierz-David, in her interpretation of the Orphic rite pictured in the Villa de Misteri:

“Orpheus taught while he sang and played the lyre, and his singing was so powerful that it mastered all nature; when he sang to his lyre the birds flew about him, the fish left the water and sprang to him. The wind and the sea became still, the rivers flowed upward toward him. It did not snow and there was no hail. Trees and the very stones followed after Orpheus; tiger and lion lay down near him next to the sheep, and the wolves next to the stag and the roe. Now what does this mean? It surely means that through a divine insight into the meaning of natural events . . . nature's happenings become harmoniously ordered from within. Everything becomes light and all creatures appeased when the mediator, in the act of worshiping, represents the light of nature. Orpheus is an embodiment of devotion and piety; he symbolizes the religious attitude that solves all conflicts, since thereby the whole soul is turned toward that which lies on the other side of all conflict. ... And as he does this, he is truly Orpheus; that is, a good shepherd, his primitive embodiment. ..."

Both as good shepherd and as mediator, Orpheus strikes the balance between the Dionysiac religion and the Christian religion, since we find both Dionysus and Christ in similar roles, though, as I have said, differently oriented as to time and direction in space one a cyclic religion of the nether world, the other heavenly and eschatological, or final. This series of initiatory events, drawn from the context of religious history, is repeated endlessly and with practically every conceivable individual twist of meaning in the dreams and fantasies of modern people.

[...]

--Joseph Henderson en "man and his symbols"

[sonder-paradise]

𝐀𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐮 𝐃𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐢

◊ genre. kitsune au

◊ characters. kitsune!osamu dazai, gn!reader

◊ wc. 1.2k

Gentle winds flowed through the mountain tops and cascaded down below the temple. Dazai blinked sleepily from atop his spot on the trees. Lately, he had been monitoring you just to make sure you had been taking care of yourself properly. Falling in love with a human, of all people, had certainly been an experience he never thought he would have achieved. 

Yet, here you were, taking care of his shrine and offering him wrapped crab legs with that delicious sauce he had completely fallen victim for. He watched as you smiled, thanking him for another wonderful day of friendship. What he would have given to hear you say those words to his face.

Chuuya’s warning had done little to sway him from pursuing you. His agenda had never wavered. He needed to hold you and call you his eternally. Listening to the wild birds chittering into the morning air, his ear twitched anxiously. But how to go about introducing himself?

He stared down at your departing figure then back at his own self. White fluffy ears and a swaying tail were not exactly items of interest that kept people around. Especially those that were not used to his peculiar appearance.

Shifting into a suitable human form was not unlike Dazai either. He had been keen on going into human villages before to cause mischief about the humans but rarely did he interact with them. With no more animalistic characteristics left on him, he wandered the marketplace of the village. 

Croons of special deals and delectable fruits and vegetables beckoned towards him. People around him, young and old, laughed and argued over small little things in their lives. Dazai never understand how leisurely they lived. In the blink of an eye, they were old and on death’s door. 

“You must be a visitor here. Do you need some help?” 

If he still had his tail, Dazai swore he would have been wagging it. Your voice sounded like a beautiful babbling brook in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the town. That possessive love for you overflowed from its riverbank as he looked at you.

“I am actually. I was hoping to find the archives in this town,” he explained.

You widened your eyes slightly. “Oh, I was just on my way there! I happen to be apprenticed under the caretaker.”

Dazai knew that, of course. How could he not? He had followed you there dozens of times before. But to truly speak with you like this? His heart pounded, love-struck, in his chest. He wished you knew even an ounce of his dedication for you. All of it attributed to a simple wish you had made at his shrine.

"You seem familiar though. Are you sure we haven't meant before?" you asked, glancing behind your shoulder at the stranger.

A feeling of elation and sorrow filtered through Dazai's body. "No, this is my first time in the village. I would have remembered if someone as lovely as you greeted me before."

And, although it was subtle, he could see the tips of your ears grow red at the compliment. How desperately he had fallen for you and you knew so little about him. As the archive building grew near, you asked a rather odd question.

"Well, perhaps we met at the shrine nearby then?"

Dazai could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand and he had to keep from vigorously nodding his head. But he simply smiled, swallowing the truth down. "Perhaps we met in passing."

"Maybe," you murmured, though clearly not fully convinced.

By the winter—when the snow covered the little town and the birds' singing went silent—Dazai's visits had become all but natural to you. You had grown accustomed to the strange young man that visited the archives of your town. What he did there, you did not know. But he found a great interest in reading the history of the lands there.

He was kind to you, bringing you flowers and assisting you with any matters around the archives. Yet, the story of his origins remained but a mystery to you.

"Dazai, you know you don't have to cling to me while I work, right?" you sighed, staring down at the man who had wrapped his arms around your body like a needy child.

"Ah, but it's gotten so cold recently, how could I resist such a natural heat source?" he whined, burying his face in your stomach.

Perhaps he had never been taught the meaning of personal space but after his second visit, Dazai tended to gravitate towards you in many ways. You had no choice but to accept his inclinations and gladly relished in his touch now.

"Honestly... You know, once I finish this last text, I have to go to the shrine." Dazai seemed to perk up but stayed quiet.

"Are you certain you don't want to join me?" Dazai had never liked attending your daily shrine visits. You had your own ideas as to why but who were you to pressure this odd man into going?

You took his silence to mean 'no' and continued to read in the peace of the flickering lamp. A chill went down your spine and you could feel the frigid winter air creep into the building.

"Why do you always go to that shrine?" Dazai finally spoke, thought slightly muffled due to your clothing.

You thought for a moment. He had never sounded this serious before. It was as if he were scared of something.

"I just like the deity there I suppose. I made a wish there a long time ago and ever since I've grown fond of them," you paused, picking at the last page of your texts, "I think they're lonely too. No one visits it anymore. No one cleans it nor offers them anything anymore. So I want to make sure they remember they're beloved still. Even if one day, after I leave, the shrine is no longer there."

Dazai's mind floated after that night. He no longer visited you despite your overwhelming sadness from his disappearance. He could not explain it to himself. Over and over, he had dismantled and put back together the phrases of which you spoke.

Dazai stared at the vast, white, snow-covered forest. His gaze was vacant as he came to face the worst reality: His time with you would be up so... quickly.

You would die one day. He would continue to live on that mountaintop, in that empty shrine, with no others left to worship him. He watched the nights you would return over and over again. Smile on your lips as you wished him a happy winter and an offering of his favorite crab legs. Occasionally, you would ask about him and mourn over the short-lived friendship you had.

In the midst of his thoughts, he heard the distant cry of a child. Then the thunderous footsteps of humans. The crackling roar of fire followed them and the scent of blood stained the air.

Snapping back to his present moment, he caught sight of a figure darting through the forest. Their footsteps dragged against the heavy snow. Blood dripped and flowed behind them, turning the icy white into a deep crimson red.

Your name fell from his lips when he realized a horde of men stumbled and crashed after you, barking at your feet.

Taglist: @todorokichills @alittlesimp @greenshirtimaginesii @darlinqserenity @nameless-shrimp @whorefordazai @requiem626k @missrown @rirk-ke @kiyokoxd @jessbeinme15 @starglow-xx @shadyteacup @colourless-cora @scul-pted @kuraxmasha @yochicoz @pompompurin1028 @trashykawahq @swrdemon @life-sus @foolishestchildofchilds @fyodorscello @kur0-kawa @ik8 @dazaiaiko @chuuyasboots @ruthdied @allisonlol @questioningmyownexistence @sebtomm @nullified-kiss @nathansside @cuteflowers-101 @sigmafied @boombboi @scarletta-ruan @skgch @daz8i @httpsobi @dazaiscum @thekaylahub @luciferspen @dazaisfavgf @alice0blog @irethepotato @vinyicryes @monastary @my-neighbor-todoro

[demonslayedher]

Let's Talk Kaburamaru (and other Iguro Obanai details)

Everybody's favorite friendly snake!

As well as everyone's favorite not-so-friendly Snake Pillar. We'll be diving into everything from his home town to his future(?) profession, so slither under the cut and get comfortable.

You may have heard that white snakes are considered lucky in Japanese culture, more specifically, they are good luck for attaining wealth.

Some of this comes from the white snake's association with one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzaiten (we'll only touch on Japanese mythology here, there are a lot of weeds to get into if we go into her origins, as well as other white snake legends from the Asian continent). Snakes (closely associated with dragons which are also tied with Benzaiten) were not only her messengers, but the goddess of fine arts might also take the form of a White Snake, which can shed and shed its skin but never be any poorer for it. Benzaiten is sometimes considered a water related deity, and like dragons, snakes are also associated with water--thereby making Snake Breathing a fitting offshoot of Water Breathing.

In more recent history though, only about the last four or five centuries, an albino mutation took place among a population of Japanese rat snakes in Yamaguchi, on the western end of the main island of Honshu. Instead of being isolated to an individual or two, it was passed on and flourished, leading to the Iwakuni Shirohebi, that is, the white snake of the Iwakuni region, a very positively received real life sign of a good fortune, and currently declared a National Treasure. These shimmery white-bodied, ruby-eyed, non-venomous snakes were found eating mice that terrorized rice storehouses, and since rice equals money, the association between white snakes and riches got even stronger. (Unsurprisingly, Shirohebi Shrine in Iwakuni City is a recent Kimetsu hotspot.) EDIT: I have now been to Iwakuni and seen the snakes in person, AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

Kaburamaru pretty obviously looks the part of an Iwakuni Shirohebi. But Obanai is from the island of Hachijo, in very temperate waters a far distance from Tokyo (but technically governed as part of Tokyo). There are natural snakes there, but of brown, poisonous varieties. We know Kaburamaru slithered his own way into Iguro's cell, but where did he come from?

Since Obanai's opulent family cared about nothing but their riches, my theory is that they splurged in purchasing a real one of those popular good luck charms from far away, or even purchased a whole bunch of them. He'd have only been a throwaway luxury, though, it doesn't seem anyone was possessive or worried enough about this expensive snake to take him from the dungeon.

While we're at it, though, Hachijo Island does have some odd, as well as oddly recent (and hard to verify) mythology about a community of only women, or of a society where men's and women's roles are entirely reversed. However, in that case, it's stressed that women are out working in the fields and building houses and such, not things that the Iguro clan would have interest in doing. Furthermore, some Japanese blogs I've perused suggest that it might have been difficult for the family to amass a fortune out there, as it wasn't a place frequented by rich people to steal from when the Snake Demon Lady ate them. For a time, Hachijo was even where common criminals were sent (there were other islands more suitable for banishing emperors and such).

Speaking of this Snake Demon Lady, what the heck is she doing all the way out there? Most of the story takes place in and around Tokyo (if you go by basically the whole cast being from parts of Tokyo Prefecture), making me think that Muzan kept most of his demon creation activity always limited to that area, where he was looking for the blue spider lilies. One Japanese theory I found stated that because of the array of flora, including varieties of bright blue flowers found throughout the year in Hachijo's temperate climate, perhaps Muzan was there looking for them. My guess would be that he created the Snake Demon Lady then. Obanai is said to be the first male born in his family in 370 years, so if Snake Demon Lady has been there all that time, it would make her one of the oldest known demons in the series (shy of Kokushibo, but way longer than Akaza and Douma and probably even Hantengu). That would have given her plenty of time to amass a fortune for her host family and slowly build her power, and she's probably eaten more humans than many of the Upper Moons. Since she prefers baby flesh, though, perhaps that makes them only marginally nutritious. Still, I find it a stretch to think she might be that old; it's possible the family of women was already callously focused on hoarding riches and that Muzan made a demon from a particularly cruel family member among them.

Let's bring this back to Kaburamaru, though, as well as my biggest question: what is his natural life span? After all, learning that sparrows typically only live three years is what inspired me to write 53K+ word fanfic about Chuntaro. How much are you going to hurt me with your real world-inspired characters, Gotouge?

It seems Iwakuni Shirohebi may live up to 10 years in the wild, or 15 years in captivity. The oldest one I found records of lived to be 28, the equivalent of about 120 years old for a human.

We don't know how old Kaburamaru was when Obanai made his escape, which we can guess was very soon after learning he'd be eaten, so still age 12. That would mean it's been nine years since this scene. It may just be me reading into the art too deeply, but I hope Kaburamaru is purposefully a little on the tiny side here:

That would put Kaburamaru around age 9 or 10 by the time of Obanai's final battle. Despite the stress of constant battle, I'm sure Obanai took good care of him, so we can assume he's still got a good few years left to take care of Kanao, especially since having poor eyesight will be a completely new world for her. There's also hope for Kaburamaru living well into her married years.

(My goodness, I love how Kaburamaru is friends with everyone.)

(And of course this has me thinking about the domestic TanKana oneshot I wrote in which Kaburamaru does last a very long time, and I feel relieved to know that timing is possible.)

Zooming way ahead into the future when Kaburamaru's long time best friend is supposedly reincarnated and happily washed of his tainted bloodline and married to his sweetheart and frying big batches of food to support their family of seven, there's no mention of a snake (or cats, I feel certain they have pet cats though), except for the good luck charm placed at their counter, an emblem of the shop.

This is subtle and not entirely unusual, many, many shrines sell little statues of animals associated with that shrine, or some sub-shrine on the premises. It's very common to find little snake statues at auxiliary Benzaiten shrines tucked inside bigger Inari shrines and the like, but for a statue of this size, my guess is that they very faithfully purchased it at a place that might had been worth a pilgrimage (like Iwakuni's Shirohebi Shrine? I can only guess, for I have not been there myself).

There are a couple of reasons why this is so interesting:

1. Reincarnated!?Obanai works all day frying food. He grew up in a dungeon with no ventilation and the smell of oil in all the rich food he was served made him ill. He maintains a very limited appetite throughout his life.

2. The snake statue is very clearly tied with wishes for prosperity. Obanai was sensitive to the sources of his family's wealth, and the second fanbook goes on to say that he had very complicated feelings when he learned that his cousin (whom he had been concerned about the welfare of) had taken what was left of the Iguro family's riches, and she was quite happy with a new family. While he didn't feel she didn't deserve happiness, he was shocked she could so be so entranced by riches as to be completely flippant about where they came from.

While you could dive all you want into how being reborn allowed him to be free of his past anxieties, you could also identify this as Mitsuri's influence. The second fanbook says that although Obanai usually doesn't have much appetite and doesn't eat in front of other people, after watching Mitsuri cheerfully enjoy her food, it builds his appetite and he's able to eat more than usual afterward. When it comes to riches, he's got his wife and all his five children to support now--and with that being a pure goal, he probably doesn't find anything evil in wishing for financial success. Furthermore, he's working for it with his own labor, not taking it unrightfully.

As for Kaburamaru, whether he's reincarnated as one of their cats or watches over them as a spirit that possesses the statue or had a weird run-in with Chachamaru and is now an immortal demon snake, you could interpret it anyway you want.

[no-other-words]

Just a Bit Closer

Synopsis: Xie Lian suggests taking a relaxing dip in the pond. Hua Cheng slightly freaks out. Rated T | 3400w | canon-divergent, fluff, domestic, slight angst [ Read on AO3 ]

Never again will he be so bold. His Highness follows a path of virtue. His Highness is to be untouched. His Highness—

“San Lang?”

Hua Cheng snaps his head up. Xie Lian’s attention is fully on him, his face half-curious half-amused. He hasn’t been aware that his hands were rolled into fists until now.

“It’s only a bath.”

His Highness is requesting him to bathe with him.

Hua Cheng gulps. He may be a ghost king, but he is not equipped to face this challenge.

---

Hua Cheng has endured much throughout his life.

As a child, love was an alien concept and no friend of his when endless beatings and hate had accompanied him. He’s worn battle scars that no young man’s body should ever had to receive. Wars had been waged against godly figures from the depths of Mount Tonglu to the skies of the Heavenly Court. His soul has died again and again for the anguish that had ceaselessly pierced his one person—yet it is also his soul that lives again and again and refuses to fade.

Hua Cheng is a Devastation, a ghost king, one of the Four Calamities, if not the strongest. His very name demands unwavering respect and brings even the strongest of martial gods to their trembling knees. He’s been through a lot but not one of his past challenges can come close to this.

In just a thin layer of white robe, Xie Lian stands in the middle of the pond. He’s pouring another bucket load of water over his head, completely unaware of the silver allure cast upon him by the soft of the moonlight. His under-robe does nothing to hide the rosy peaks of his hardened nipples, peeking from underneath.

It goads Hua Cheng for a little contact, a little taste.

Long locks of wet hair stick to his skin, drawing out the slender curves down his neck and bony ridges of his collarbones. A few stray strands wound up over Xie Lian’s lips and it reminds Hua Cheng of their kiss in the lake. Their first and most likely the only kiss. The one he bravely stole in the heat of the moment when all he’d meant to do is give Xie Lian a little help.

Necessary on Xie Lian’s part, completely out of line on Hua Cheng’s. He’d let his worst part get to him at the expense of His Highness’ comfort. It’s obvious from Xie Lian’s reaction—a boundary had been crossed that left the martial god catatonic to the point where he had to lie to get away from the situation. The only redeeming hope had been from within Qiandeng Temple, where Xie Lian had thankfully taken to its charm.

His eyebrows pinch and he looks away.

Never again will he be so bold. His Highness follows a path of virtue. His Highness is to be untouched. His Highness—

“San Lang?”

Hua Cheng snaps his head up. Xie Lian’s attention is fully on him, his face half-curious half-amused. He hasn’t been aware that his hands were rolled into fists until now.

“It’s only a bath.”

His Highness is requesting him to bathe with him.

Xie Lian moves to the bank. The closer he gets, the lower the water level around his body becomes and reveals a shapely waist perfect for grabbing onto. Once again, that good-for-nothing under-robe does the opposite of what it’s meant to do and only serves to feed Hua Cheng’s tainted, invasive mind. The translucent material, wet to the core, plasters nicely against Xie Lian’s skin, emitting a pale pink hue.

Hua Cheng gulps.

He may be a ghost king, but he is not equipped to face this challenge.

It had started with a simple question.

“Do ghost kings not take baths?”

Hua Cheng paused mid-sweep and looked back at Xie Lian curiously. They’d been fixing up Puqi Shrine and cleaning the grounds, after leaving it unattended for several days when they went off to catch a runaway fetus spirit. Things were winding down for the day, with Lang Ying washing dishes after a not-so-successful meal and Guzi put to sleep.

“N-not that I mean anything by it! I was just thinking, how we ran around all over the land recently and we just spent a whole day cleaning the shrine, and I haven’t seen you gone washing since.” Xie Lian stopped to reflect. “I suppose there aren’t suitable places around here to properly do so.”

Hua Cheng pulled a small smile and continued to sweep away the last of leaves into a corner. “Gege needn’t worry to justify his questions. Any curious thoughts arise, this San Lang will gladly answer. I don’t know about the other ones and I don’t care to, but this one does well to remember to be clean. It would be an offence not to.”

He faltered and quickly added, “Does gege think this San Lang is filthy? I will—”

“Ah no! Like you said, it was just a curious thought” Xie Lian says. His eyes then sparkled, caught bright under the gleam of moonlight. “How about we take a dip in the pond nearby? It’s a nice little spot I found not so long ago, with a waterfall. The night is still early. I’m sure it’ll help expel the last of the adrenaline from our recent voyage.”

Which is how Crimson Rain Sought Flower has found himself in this current predicament.

Much to Hua Cheng’s dismay, it doesn’t really expel much. If anything, it invites more adrenaline and that is not what he needs right now. To be so close, in the intimate space of such private practices—Hua Cheng calls upon the 800 years of learned patience and discipline.

Xie Lian is still waiting for him. “Something the matter? I promise, this time there are no demon babies in the water.”

“…I’m dirty.”

“That’s the point, San Lang.”

That unassuming smile graces his face, as ethereal under the night sky as the time when Hua Cheng pulled him out of the lake in rescue.

How can he say no to his god?

He feels an excited trembling at his side and Hua Cheng looks down to see E’Ming wiggling to get out. A soft chuckle runs through the air.

“See? Even E’Ming wants a wash.”

Hua Cheng slaps his weapon in annoyance. “Ignore it, gege. This thing just wants to play.”

As if Hua Cheng had said a magic word, the silk band around Xie Lian’s wrist slithers itself free and gently glides towards him. Without warning, Ruoye grabs him by the waist and tugs him into the pond. Hua Cheng surfaces just in time to hear Xie Lian laugh. It’s music in the making and he hopes to hear more of it for the rest of his time.

“Looks like Ruoye wants to play too,” Xie Lian teases.

E’Ming responds by unsheathing itself and splashing water towards the white ribbon. The two sentient weapons go at it nearby, chasing frantically at each other in an almost comic-like scene. It comes to a quick pause when E’Ming casts a rather large wave of water right in Xie Lian’s direction and Hua Cheng blocks the attack with his arm.

The demon lord shoots his weapon a cold killing look. Xie Lian meanwhile tugs on an assailing Ruoye and reminds all three of them, “gentle”.

Reprimanded, E’Ming and Ruoye calm down and go off to find other ways to play. Xie Lian then turns his attention back to Hua Cheng. “San Lang, will you hand me your robe? It’s gotten dirtied from all the chores today. I’ll wash it together with mine.”

If Hua Cheng still had a beating heart, it’d be skipping out from his chest. But he doesn’t and it’s a momentary reminder of the many boundaries he mustn’t cross over. He stands unmoving, a good distance from Xie Lian.

“Is Your Highness suggesting that he wishes to see this San Lang strip? That is quite a bold request.”

“Your outer robes, San Lang! No teasing, please.”

“This one wouldn’t dare.”

Nevertheless, Hua Cheng takes pride in observing the red flush on Xie Lian’s cheeks. Rosy and heated, it’s a gorgeous contrast to his pale white skin. He often wonders what other things can make Xie Lian blush like that. A simple touch on his neck, a nip at his ear, perhaps a kiss on his—

He stops. Stop stop stop. His Highness would not appreciate these inappropriate thoughts.

His Highness, who is currently scrubbing his clothes, as if it’s not a baseless and undeserving task for a martial god to do. He does it so earnestly, as he does with everything else. Xie Lian’s eyebrows scrunch with concentration, the tip of his tongue peeking out from habit. Hua Cheng quietly watches, peeking under his arms as he lathers soap into his hair. This is a treasured moment not to be missed.

“It’s not the grand bathhouse I’m sure San Lang has in his manor, but I find this spot to be very relaxing,” Xie Lian says in a soft tone. “Hidden astray from the main road, not a lot of villagers know of its location. Nature is untouched here and it helps me ground myself.”

“My bathhouse is nothing compared to this. If gege wishes, I can build a fence around the area. Prevent outsiders from trespassing.”

“San Lang,” Xie Lian chortles, “if people pass by, they pass by. If they don’t, they don’t. This place isn’t mine. None of it is, even Puqi Shrine. I’m merely borrowing the land from which the earth has gifted me.”

Hua Cheng sneaks a loving smile. He’s always admired this side of him.

After one final dunk in the water, Xie Lian wrings both their now-cleaned robes dry and drapes them over a low-hanging branch. He gives the red robe a long look, contemplation washing over.

“San Lang, if I may brazenly ask…”

Hua Cheng halts his scrubbing to give the man his full attention.

“Earlier when you said…it would be an offence…to whom would it be an offence?”

It takes several words out before Xie Lian flutters his gaze up to Hua Cheng, already bashful from making such an inquiry. But once Hua Cheng catches his eyes, he does all he can to hold them. He wills them not to look away, yearning to convey all the feelings locked inside. The fires, the bliss, the ten thousand words he’s thought up to say in the past eight hundred years. All the little tingles of emotions bottled up and will continue to be so for he has a beloved and that beloved cannot know.

Hua Cheng tilts his head slightly forward and softens his gaze. “Someone very important.”

A short moment of silence pass before Xie Lian hums in understanding. He grabs hold of the wooden bucket, floating forgotten nearby, and returns to his own washing.

“San Lang is a very earnest person.”

Only for his one god.

“Gege is not going to question further?”

“Whatever San Lang is willing to tell me, I will listen with gratitude. I trust you have your reasons.”

Hua Cheng purses his lips, not knowing what to do with this level of trust. So he dunks his head underwater and scrubs harshly at his hair. He’s determined to get all the dirt out. All that filth that sticks to him like a parasite, refusing to leave this place that Xie Lian considers his haven.

Get out. Get out get out get out. His Highness, in all his lack of self-preservation, has invited a Devastation for a private bath and all he wants to do is touch and feel and be close, so so close with him. Patience is his forte – it’s something he’s nurtured in the past centuries but there are moments of weakness. Moments like this when he cannot contain himself and wish he can kiss gege again.

Be a thief and steal another piece of bliss.

Hua Cheng lifts his head out, a thick curtain of black hair fall around his face. He’s done now, all necessary washing complete. He should get out of the pond and wait by the sidelines.

A warm hand places on his shoulder. Hua Cheng startles at Xie Lian’s sudden closeness.

“San Lang, that is not how you wash your hair,” Xie Lian chides, a slight pout to his displeased face. “You must treat it gently else you can get knots like that. Here, let me.”

Xie Lian pulls him towards the small waterfall in the corner, leading a winding path so they stay on a shallow path. Hua Cheng lets himself be turned around and a second later, feels gentle combing down his hair. He lowers himself to a kneeling position so Xie Lian doesn’t have to tip toe.

Somewhere in the depths of his chest, a ghost heart beats.

Here, under the lull of the waterfall and vigil of the moon, a god washes his follower’s hair. The consistent rhythm of Xie Lian’s fingers massaging soap on top of his scalp and combing through his hair length brings a soothing pleasure. It is here that Hua Cheng braves to think that once again, Xie Lian is okay with his touch.

“My mother used to brush my hair while I bathed.”

Somehow, Hua Cheng can imagine an overindulged young prince melting under his Empress Mother’s loving attention, just as he’s so lucky to be experiencing the same.

“Am I currently as well-behaved as gege was back then?”

Xie Lian answers with a light chuckle, “very. In fact, I was more of a troublemaker. I’d often want to go swimming and try to wiggle out of her grasps. Mother was always too lenient.”

“With good reason, I’m sure. Gege was a beloved son—” Hua Cheng stops, not wanting to bring up unsavoury memories, and quickly corrects himself. “And must have been very adorable in his mother’s eyes.”

His hair is tugged playfully. “Cheeky San Lang.”

Fingers run along his hairline, gently pulling back to catch every strand. When the same hand moves down to his ears and brushes against the outer skin, Hua Cheng shivers in delight. It feels like something forbidden, one he gladly welcomes. No one has ever come this close in contact and Hua Cheng resolves from here on out that only Xie Lian will have the privilege.

Washing turns to a pleasant session of grooming. Hua Cheng’s sure his hair is more than clean but he stays quiet in favour of Xie Lian’s touch. His eyes drift to a lazy close, the peace creeping up on him so sneakily that he almost misses Xie Lian’s murmurs.

“I don’t��I rarely reminisce on old memories, especially ones involving my parents. They were from so long ago.”

An image of the Xianle Empress flashes in Hua Cheng’s mind. She’d been looking worryingly over him, from that time when he’d been rescued from Xie Lian’s bastard cousin.

“Then San Lang is very happy that gege is sharing a piece of his memory with him.”

He’s rewarded with a final stroke of his hair before he’s pulled towards the waterfall.

“Come, rinse. Stand under here, the water is not that heavy.”

Hua Cheng dutifully complies, happy under Xie Lian’s full attention and care. When the waterfall hits him, he tips his head slightly back and feels the suds slide down his hair. He hums in pleasure.

“Gege is right, this is very relaxing.”

Hearing no response, Hua Cheng opens his eyes. Xie Lian is wearing a dazed look, his eyes round and staring at him almost in a trancelike state. Lips slightly parted, as if in shock after discovering something unexpected.

“Your Highness?”

That seems to shake Xie Lian out of his stupor. He swiftly looks away, a nervous smile slapped on to hide the quiver in his voice.

“Ah—sorry. You’re done. Clean now…I’ll leave you. Give you priva—ah!”

Xie Lian slips on a rock in an attempt to quickly turn away. Instincts take over and Hua Cheng moves to catch him by the waist, his arm holding firm.

“S-San Lang…”

Only when Hua Cheng registers that Xie Lian is safe and away from immediate harm that he notices their close proximity. Senses become hyperaware towards the man in his embrace—the heat emitting from Xie Lian’s stuttered breathes, the pounding of his very alive heart, the skin…

Oh the warm hot skin that sends tingles through every cell currently in contact with Hua Cheng. Only a mere thin material stands between them and it’s oddly erotic to feel the cold wetness. Hua Cheng flexes his arm and watches in satisfaction the way Xie Lian jumps. His muscles feel both hard and soft under his hold and Hua Cheng would like nothing but to memorize the ridges and curves.

“San Lang, I’m—I’m cold.”

This time, he’s barely whispering.

Hua Cheng takes mercy and slowly unwraps his arm around Xie Lian and steadies the man. “Gege, be careful.”

He receives no response but he doesn’t need to. That bright red blush on his face is enough to lift the heavy weight off his chest and unchain the shackles that has settled over ever since the time when Xie Lian scrambled away their kiss. Perhaps this is different.

Hua Cheng finishes rinsing himself under the waterfall, glancing over at Xie Lian from time to time making sure he’s alright. The god seems to be back to a normal state, no longer moving in jerky ways. They’re alright. It’s going to be okay.

He can stay by His Highness’ side for just a bit longer.

When time comes for them to wrap up, Hua Cheng grabs both of their outer robes from the branch. It’s still rather damp but better than having no covering on. Which…would be quite a problem because Xie Lian’s slowly getting out of the water, not even at all mindful of the obscene display he’s putting on.

Hua Cheng blames that under-robe once again. It molds perfectly to Xie Lian’s wet skin and paints a pretty pink picture of his naked body underneath. Hua Cheng accidentally catches sight of a rather perfectly-round bottom before looking away. Thick clouds roll over the moon, dampening any source of light. At least there is some protection to Xie Lian’s virtue by the night’s shadows.

But imagination doesn’t discriminate, not to a ghost king’s mind and definitely not to a cursed weapon with a cursed eye.

E’Ming jumps at the sight of Xie Lian, joyous to see its master’s beloved come up to the shore and even more so to see him…in that state. It does a shuddering whirl before launching itself at the man.

Hua Cheng makes a displeased sound and is about to snap his fingers when Ruoye whips around E’Ming and covers its red eye. The two weapons wrestle a short while before the scimitar gives and compliantly calms.

Hua Cheng huffs. Damn thing will have a beating later as punishment for even thinking of peeking.

Their walk back to Puqi Shrine is short but sweet. Now without the bright moon, there isn’t much light for Xie Lian to see. Luckily, Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies illuminate their path and the two take to an extra slow pace.

“They’re so lovely,” Xie Lian comments with a soft smile, a warm husk to his tone. He lifts a finger that a bold butterfly has landed on and watches its wings open and close. “I’ve seen them in action, but they’re so gentle and beautiful and—and…enchanting!”

Hua Cheng gives a teasing voice. “Gege, stop. San Lang can only take so many compliments in a day.”

“The butterflies, San Lang.”

“Oh? I guess I am none of these words that gege commends on.”

Xie Lian pauses and turns his attention on him. “That’s not what I mean! I said—well…San Lang is also gentle. And lovely.”

The smile on the ghost king’s face is ever-growing.

“Anyways! That was quite refreshing, right? I can already feel my muscles relax.”

He, too, can feel Xie Lian’s muscles. Hua Cheng’s fingers wiggle on impulse and he quickly brings his hands behind his back.

“Gege’s suggestions are always the best. I am at my cleanest state.”

Xie Lian laughs and the butterflies flutter to the musical cadence. One floats near Hua Cheng and he reaches to gently play with it. His hand grazes Hua Cheng’s shoulder and the latter promptly looks at Xie Lian, searching for any signs of discomfort.

None. Xie Lian is unaffected.

The butterflies grow more daring by the second and surround the god in an illuminating circle. He in turn gives every butterfly a chance of contact with his hands and hums in delight.

Hua Cheng relishes in the sight before him.

Perhaps it’s okay to be this close. Perhaps even in a way Hua Cheng hasn’t dared to think of before. And someday…maybe someday he can show His Highness just how close he desires to be.

---

a/n: somewhere between these paragraphs, dianxia drops the soap. cue shower-sex scene.

[the-fae-folk]

After eating they were led to a room with stone pools filled with steaming water warmed from some natural spring. The pools were decorated with tiles that formed images of trees and flowers and wandering deer. Noticing Sam’s slightly red face, Ardri smiled and turned away to give him privacy. Humans were very odd with their concepts of modesty. Once the dust had been washed away they found that new clothing had been set out for them and that their other clothing had been taken away, possibly to be washed. Or burned, Ardri thought to himself. He hoped the Autumn Court wouldn’t go that far, the human clothing had been comfortable. But some Faeries simply refused to have anything to do with any humans or their things. Instead Ardri donned the loose fitting grey trousers and the slate blue tunic that was incredibly soft. At his waist he was given a leather belt with a brass buckle that was ornately designed to be in the shape of an inward spiral. They had also left him a cloak of some black material. When he lifted it he gasped softly. It was woven entirely of shadows, a rare gift. It would allow him to walk in darkness and shade where the eyes of most could not catch sight of him if he didn’t wish them to. He would assume it was a gift and not a trade, because he had nothing such as this to offer in exchange, though he would have to find some token to give to their host in thanks. Vaguely he wondered if the fae of the Autumn Court had seen the cloak he’d worn before and decided that he must be given one to replace its loss. When Sam coughed slightly to indicate that he was finished dressing, Ardri turned around. Sam was wearing a tunic as well. Soft reds and golds were mixed in with various shades of brown and the occasional hint of green as patterns followed the hem and sleeves of the tunic. The belt round his waist boasted of a brass oak leaf, and his trousers were a soft earthy brown. He looked, good. Handsome even. Like a prince of the Folk. A smile on his lips and his hands spread out in a “what do you think?” gesture. Ardri turned towards the door to hide the blush that had begun creeping up his cheeks while admiring Sam. “You look well. We should hurry. The Lord of Autumn is waiting and we do not wish to be rude.” Sam fell into step beside him, and it astounded Ardri how easily he seemed to adapt to Faerie. How comfortably he seemed to fit in to Ardri’s life, as if they had always traveled this way. “Why does everyone do that?” Sam asked curiously. “Call them by the titles. Don’t they have names?” Ardri shook his head. “The rulers of the four seasons don’t have names. Nobody can remember why, but my mothers always thought it must be because of how powerful they are. As for everyone else, names are dangerous to give out. Not as dangerous for us, but still important. I give my name freely, but that’s because I was given gifts of magic by a creature in a well to ensure it can’t be used against me. I didn’t give your name to Nod or our host because then they would have power over you, it’s best if you think of a suitable name to go by while you’re among other Folk here. Some, like Nod, are under the protection of powerful people and don’t mind if we know their names. It’s... a very complicated part of our culture.” Their host promised to have places for them to sleep upon their return, and Ardri thought again about what token he might give to this Elf. Nod had come again to lead them on. Past the city to where the forest closed in on the high ornately carved stone walls decorated with their repeated image of seven entwined blossoms, for the Empire that had fallen. Sam stopped short once, his mouth agape at the sight of the enormous turtle which bore the city of the Autumn Court on its back. But he ducked his head in embarrassment and hurried after when Nod made a noise of impatience. Ardri gave him a smile, and thought to himself that they ought to wander and see the sights once the others had joined them, so that the humans could safely see some of Faerie’s loveliest sights. It wasn’t to the turtle which Nod was leading them, but down a path, and not a great road either. A half overgrown and forgotten pathway that had once wound about the woods was where he took them. The Empire had been known for its roadways, connecting all of its great cities and richest towns. But this trail must have been older, long forgotten once easier ways were made. Ducking beneath a branch that hung out over the path, Ardri spotted a low stone building hidden between the trees. Another shrine. It was overgrown and had probably been abandoned by whatever Fae had once made it, or claimed it as their own. But there was someone there. Someone kneeling upon their right knee at the little shrine. As Ardri held the branch aside for Sam, he got a better glimpse of the human, for it was a human. A middle aged man wearing a black cassock and a little white cotton band that showed at the front but was mainly tucked beneath his collar. The shrine itself had been filled with candles, all flickering softly in the growing twilight. And the man appeared to be speaking softly to himself as he fingered a kind of chain with little knots and wooden beads. A brief snatch of what he was murmuring made its way to them as they were approaching. “Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” Was it a cry for help? Who was he asking? This man wasn’t dressed at all like any of the humans Ardri had met in his brief time to the human world, and he certainly didn’t seem to be suffering in any way that they could see. And where was the queen he was speaking to? Ardri looked to Sam, hoping for some kind of clue as to what to do. Sam was looking surprised. “That’s a priest,” he whispered to Ardri, clearly not wanting to interrupt. The priest’s voice lowered, obviously having noted their presence, and Ardri could no longer hear his words. A priest, that made sense. This must be a prayer of some kind or a ritual for this man’s deity. He had called the Queen an advocate as well as holy, so some figure who petitioned their deity? From the stories he’d always heard, humans had all manner of strange customs concerning their gods, rites and rituals, prayers and sacrifices. Some even tried to worship the Folk, though that never lasted. After a moment the man appeared to have finished praying because he stood up and turned to face them. It was then that Ardri saw the item he held very gently in his other hand. It was the Crown of Autumn. Silver entwined with hawthorn twigs, leaves of aspen and blackthorn, and rubies as deep and red as blood. “They told me you would be coming,” said the man with a calm smile. “I’m glad you arrived safely.”

[notes-from-sarah]

Poinsettias for Maria

Link on Fanfiction.net

Link on Archive of Our Own

Rating: G/K

Summary: It’s Christmas time in Los Angeles and a young girl decides to bring an offering to the shrine of Santa Maria in the hills. When a bandido shows up to rob her it’s up to Zorro to save her and ensure the gift makes it to the shrine. Set during season two or after. One-shot.

A/N: In Mexico the Poinsettia flower is known as La Flor de la Nochebuena (Flower of the Holy Night)

"Tomorrow," said the priest to the congregation at the end of Mass, "Padre Felipe and the community of the mission will make a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady in the hills. They are bringing offerings to place at her shrine for Christmas and the community will also offer prayers of thanks for the prosperous year we've had. I encourage all of you to join Padre Felipe at dawn as we begin the pilgrimage." With that he dismissed the congregation.

Exiting the church Diego nudged his father. "What do you think, shall we go on the pilgrimage with Padre Felipe?"

Alejandro shook his head. "I'm afraid I'm a little too old for that sort of thing, Diego. I think you should go, however, it would be a nice gesture."

"I think I shall, Father." Diego nodded.

"What will you bring as an offering?"

Diego thought for a moment. "During the summer I made a bouquet from some of Mother's flowers and left it to dry, I think it'd make a good gift for Our Lady."

"Pardon me, señores."

Diego and Alejandro paused to look at the girl who had addressed them. It was Mercedes, the ten-year-old daughter of Clara and Marcos who made and sold pots in the pueblo.

Mercedes curtsied in an attempt to be polite and said again, "I beg your pardon, señores, may I please ask you a question?"

"Why of course," said Diego. "What's on your mind?"

"I heard you say you are going to bring flowers to Our Lady tomorrow." Mercedes hoped that admitting she had overheard them talking didn't sound like she was eavesdropping.

"That's right," said Diego, "the shrine of Our Lady looks so beautiful when it's decorated with flowers. Do you like the idea?"

"Oh, yes, Don Diego, I think it will be the most beautiful thing ever. I also want to give her a gift of flowers, but there are not so many flowers that bloom in the winter." Mercedes hesitated a moment before continuing. "I know that you live outside of town, Don Diego, Don Alejandro, and I was wondering if you'd allow me to search in the hills behind your hacienda for something beautiful to bring to the shrine; flowers, a beautiful stone from a creek bed, or maybe some feathers. Everyone knows that the de la Vega land is the most beautiful in all of California, I'd be sure to find a suitable gift for Our Lady there."

"Of course you can," said Alejandro. "Tell your parents and you can go to the hacienda with the Cresencia and the other servants, and when you are done Bernardo will bring you back to town."

Mercedes beamed. "Muchas gracias, Don Alejandro, Don Diego, I can't thank you enough."

...

Mercedes searched through the hills of the de la Vega rancho. The sun was shining and the skies were clear making the day noticeably warmer than it had been for some time. Mercedes quickly combed through the lands closest to the hacienda before moving further afield. She wasn't sure exactly what she was looking for, but she would know it when she found it. The shrine of Santa Maria deserved something special.

He explorations led her to the crest of a hill where she saw from the top a crumbling hacienda that looked long abandoned. In the courtyard a flash of crimson caught her eye. The color was magnificent, she had to find out what it was. Deep inside she just knew that whatever that color belonged too was going to be her offering for the pilgrimage.

Scrambling down from the hilltop she made her way to the gate of the old building. Over the doorway some words were painted and a symbol that Mercedes knew as the sign of the del Toro family. They had moved away from Los Angeles many years ago, but people still talked about them. There was a rumor that their old hacienda was haunted.

Steeling herself, Mercedes entered the courtyard. No ghost was going to keep her from finding a good gift to bring to the shrine. All the same, she said a quick prayer for protection as the gate creaked open, barely hanging on to its hinges.

Across the courtyard, directly in front of the gate, was a flaming cluster of deep red flowers. They were the most beautiful thing Mercedes had ever seen. Checking to ensure she wasn't observed by anyone (living or dead) she raced across the patio and dropped to her knees in front of the amazing discovery. Gingerly, she reached out a hand and stroked one of the red blossoms. It wasn't delicate like she expected it to be.

Reaching into the pouch on her sash she withdrew her small knife and carefully cut a stem as close to the ground as possible. Holding the flower in her hand she marveled at it. The deep, dark green of the leaves, the brilliant red of the flower standing in stark contrast. In her minds eye she had a vision of the pilgrims coming up the hillside the following morning. The day would be golden and sunlight would illuminate the shrine in a most glorious way. And there before the shrine, like a carpet of fire, would be these red flowers. Oh what a sight to behold! She knew what she had to do.

Unlooping her rebozo from around her shoulders, Mercedes laid the cut stem on it. "You will be a most glorious gift," she whispered.

***

Bernardo drove Mercedes back into the pueblo that evening, all the while keeping an eye on the bulging shawl she balanced on her lap. She hadn't shown him what she'd found in the hills behind the hacienda, and honestly, he was a bit curious. With all the adventuring he did with Diego, he knew the countryside around the rancho pretty well. He tried to come up with some idea of something a child would find out there that she might also consider enough of a treasure to gather it to take to the shrine. He didn't come up with much. Perhaps she found a piece of wood in a stream that had been worn smooth into some lovely shape. It was about all he could think of.

When the carriage stopped in front of the plaza Bernardo went around to help the girl down. As he lifted her to the ground the rebozo almost slipped from her arms and tumbled to the ground. Snatching it close to her chest at the last minute, Mercedes sighed with relief.

"You have no idea how valuable this is, señor." Mercedes adjusted the bundle to be more tightly wrapped. "This gift for the shrine is priceless."

Bernardo still had no clue what the gift even was, but he nodded cheerfully all the same.

Mercedes gazed at the bundle in her arms for a moment, speaking to herself, "I will go to the shrine tonight by myself and leave my gift so that the pilgrims tomorrow will be greeted by the loveliest thing they've ever seen." Looking back at Bernardo she smiled. "Thank you again, señor."

Bernardo waved as she ran across the plaza towards her home. She waved back then disappeared down an alley. Turning back to the carriage, Bernardo noticed a man he didn't know. He was leaning against the well wearing the nondescript garb of a drifter, but the way he watched where Mercedes went gave Bernardo pause. Climbing back into the carriage, Bernardo headed for home.

…

Bernardo found Alejandro reading in the sala. He tapped Alejandro on the shoulder to get his attention in the politest way possible. While he didn't know that the drifter had overheard Mercedes, or that he intended her any harm, Bernardo had a bad feeling about the girl's plan to make a secret pilgrimage in the dark. After all, even without bandidos, the wild hill country outside of the pueblo was still dangerous. Bears, lions, snakes and other dangers could lurk around every boulder.

Alejandro took off his spectacles and looked up from his book. "What is it Bernardo?"

Bernardo asked where Diego was, he hadn't been able to find him in his room or elsewhere in the hacienda.

"Diego is visiting one of his friends, Ramón I think. Do you need him?"

Bernardo nodded, then shrugged. He wasn't sure if he needed Diego or not, but Diego would know what to do about the information he had.

"Well I'm afraid Diego might not be back for a while. You know how he is when he's with his friends." Alejandro was about to put his spectacles back on when he paused. "Is there some business you think Zorro needs to look into?"

Bernardo nodded uncertainly.

"You don't know?" Alejandro looked at Bernardo carefully. "Well, why don't you tell me what's the matter?"

Bernardo decided he might as well. Alejandro might have some non-Zorro solution to the problem at hand. Putting out his hand at the height of a child he started his story.

"Something short?" Alejandro looked puzzled.

Bernardo tried again. Holding his hands up he traced the form of a woman, then held out his hand at child's height.

"Oh, I see, a short woman."

Not quite what he'd been going for. Repeating the gestures he added some skipping at the end.

Alejandro furrowed his brow. "A short woman was skipping?"

Diego's father had a lot to learn still when it came to interpreting his signs. Bernardo shook his head vigorously, he needed to start over. Trying to think of something the old don would definitely understand, Bernardo pulled out his handkerchief and with a few quick tucks and folds fashioned it into a crude doll. Bernardo pointed to the doll.

"It's a doll." That, at least, was plain enough to Alejandro.

Bernardo nodded encouragingly. Holding the doll in one hand he again held his other hand at child height. Waving the doll back and forth he held it in the spot of the imaginary child.

Alejandro looked at the scene for a long moment. "Are you saying something about a child?"

Bernardo sighed with relief, nodding.

"What child?" said Alejandro, confused.

Bernardo scratched his head, trying to think of a way to remind Alejandro about Mercedes, but the old don got there first.

"Do you mean the little girl, the potters' daughter?" Alejandro leaned forward in his chair.

Bernardo nodded.

"You took her home, didn't you?"

Again, Bernardo nodded.

"Is she in some sort of trouble?" Alejandro put his book on the side table and got to his feet.

Bernardo started to nod, but ended up shrugging half way through.

"Perhaps we should go find Diego after all. I would be very regretful if something would happen to the child."

Bernardo nodded one last time and followed Alejandro out of the sala.

***

The sound of the mission bell rung throughout the darkened countryside marking the hour as nine o'clock. Creeping past her parents with her priceless bundle, Mercedes snuck out of their small home. Her shawl, filled to bursting with her secret treasure, was carefully tied across her back. She knew the way to the shrine and the night was clear. The waxing moon shone brightly, lighting her path. It was almost a sign from heaven.

Mario Alvarado sat outside of the pueblo, waiting for the girl to come bearing her burden. He hoped that she wouldn't decide that she was afraid of the dark last minute and not show at all. He needed her to follow through with her stupid idea to visit the mountain shrine at night. He wasn't a man prone to taking risks, but he could use a break. Nothing seemed easier than taking something priceless from a kid. Since the night was clear, and the weather not so cold, he had opted to follow her at a distance. Once she left the treasure at the shrine, he would swoop in and steal it. A simpler scheme couldn't be found.

He wondered what sort of gift she was going to leave at the shrine. He doubted it would be a figure cast from gold or silver, but there were many other valuable things to be had. Maybe she carried some fine cloth to drape over the statue? Perhaps it was a finely wrought item of brass or copper? It could be a bag or other item of finely tooled leather? The possibilities were seemingly endless. Anything was better than nothing. The girl had said it was priceless, which meant it had to be worth something. All he needed was enough coins to get home, someone was depending on him.

His patience was rewarded. Just after nine he caught sight of the girl with her bundle of promises. The fullness and bulk of the shawl alone told him that the haul would be good. Perhaps it was all that he had imagined – and more. The girl walked quickly through the dark outskirts of the pueblo and headed up the path to the hills.

The girl kept up a good clip leaving Mario at a distance very quickly. He didn't want to be seen or heard by the kid, or anyone else for that matter, but he also didn't want to loose sight of her in the dark either. He quickened his pace to keep her within eyeshot while still staying off the path as much as he could, the last thing he needed was to run into some highwayman.

The brisk walking went on for some time, all the while they were climbing uphill as the path wended to the hilltops. Mario felt a twist in his gut as he tried to mentally prepare himself for what he was about to do. The kid was just leaving the treasure at the shrine, after all, no one would even miss it. At the same time he was a little irritated by the amount of walking being done. Part of him wanted to draw his knife and rob her right here on the path. Convincing himself not to do so, he continued his trailing at a distance. If the kid was robbed there would be much more excitement over it in the pueblo than if the goods just vanished overnight.

...

Mercedes powered through the uphill climb, the most difficult portion of the trail was right near the shrine itself and it left her breathing hard as she crested the hill. It was a sign of devotion to make it all the way to the shrine, and she was most devoted to her cause. She thought about how much easier it would be to climb down from the hilltop when she returned, it would be a sweet reward for her current labors. Keeping her chin up and her eyes on the path ahead she scrambled up the last part of the trail and into the clearing where the shrine was located.

Falling to her knees before the shrine and crossing herself she beamed up at the figure of Santa Maria. Confidentially, she said, "I have brought you an early gift, Santa Maria, I don't know what it's called, but I am most certain you will like them." Catching her breath, Mercedes stayed in a kneeling position before the shrine. "First, however, I will offer you my prayers."

Mario cursed internally at the child's words. He didn't have the time to wait around while she fulfilled her pious duties, she needed to leave her treasure and get back home. From his hiding place on the hillside he saw the shrine bathed in moonlight, the tiny devotee almost illuminated in the pure silvery light. A twinge of guilt panged Mario's conscious, but he quickly squashed it. He had to do this, there was no other choice!

Faintly, the mission bells rang the midnight hour, he couldn't stay here all night. Drawing his knife he pulled a bandanna over his nose. If he was lucky – which he wasn't – but if he was, he would be able to scare her into running away and that would be the end of it.

Leaping from the shadows he brandishing his knife. "Give me the bundle and run away, little girl!"

Mercedes jumped to her feet, eyes wide as she caught sight of the knife. "Please, señor, don't take my gift for the shrine."

Mario took a step towards her. "I said give me the bundle."

Mercedes grabbed the bundle from the ground. "But, this is for Our Lady, you cannot steal her gift."

Mario didn't have time for this. Striding to her he grabbed a handful of the shawl, wrenching it from the kid's grasp.

Mercedes screamed as the rebozo was yanked away from her. The bundle came undone and flowers cascaded over the ground.

Mario stared at the strewn flowers. They weren't a treasure at all, they were absolutely worthless.

"Put down the knife, señor." The firm voice was accompanied by a sharp prick of a blade in Mario's back.

"Señor Zorro!" gasped Mercedes.

Mario glanced over his shoulder, his bandanna slipping from his nose and drooping to his chin. He caught sight of a dark, masked figure, moonlight glinted off the steel blade in his hand. Mario dropped the knife, falling to his knees. "Please," he pleaded, "don't hurt me."

"Are you all right, chica?" Zorro addressed Mercedes. "Did this man hurt you?"

"I'm not hurt, Señor Zorro, the man was only trying to steal my flowers." Mercedes looked at the scattered flowers around her feet.

"Please," said Mario, "I didn't mean her any harm, I didn't even know she was carrying flowers."

"Then why," said Zorro, picking up Mario's dropped knife, "did you follow this girl here and threaten her with a knife?"

"I wanted to wait until she left and quietly take her gift for the shrine, but she wasn't leaving. I thought I'd scare her away, I haven't any time to lose. I was going to take whatever she left and sell it." Mario gulped. He'd heard that Zorro was a fair man, but he'd also heard he could be vicious. A fox has teeth, after all.

Mercedes edged away from the two men and took refuge by the shrine. Her heart was pounding, she didn't know what El Zorro might do to the would-be thief.

"Please, señor," Mario was certain he was pleading for his life. "I just need a few coins so a can get back to my village. I know it's wrong to steal, but I didn't know any other way. I know no one in this town and I must return home as soon as I can."

Zorro walked around Mario so that he stood between him and Mercedes. "And why must you return to your village with such haste? Are you being pursued by the army for some other crime?"

Mario dropped his eyes to the ground. He had done a most shameful thing. "I have been traveling for many days now, I had news that my mother has fallen ill, but on my way back to my village to care for her I was robbed by a highwayman. I walked for two days to come to the pueblo of Los Angeles and I don't even have a single centavo to continue my journey. No one needs any extra work in the winter, so there was no way for me to earn the money. If I were to beg I would be scoffed at, a young, healthy man does not deserve alms. I had no other choice. I didn't think doing this would hurt anyone, maybe just cause some little disappointment."

Zorro considered Mario. Turning to Mercedes he motioned her to come closer. "Muchacha, what do you think about this matter? Do you believe his story?"

Mercedes looked at Mario a long minute. She turned to Zorro. "I do believe him. I don't think he meant to hurt me. When he first came out of the dark he told me to run away." Glancing back to the shrine she caught sight of the figure of Santa Maria, moonbeams playing across her features. Looking back at Mario she said, "I think Christmas is a time for new beginnings, I think this man deserves another chance."

"Out of the mouths of babes," said Zorro. "Stand up, this sweet girl has given you a reprieve."

Mario got to his feet, stunned. "Sweet child, how can I thank you for your mercy?"

Mercedes thought for a moment. "Go home and take care of your mother."

"A good answer," said Zorro, patting her on the back approvingly. Turning to Mario he said, "In the spirit of Christmas and second chances I am going to give you a chance." Reaching into his sash he withdrew a coin. "You now have enough money to conclude your journey, go home, take care of your family." He handed the coin to Mario. "However, mercy goes hand in hand with justice, if I find that you have abused the mercy of this girl, you will have my sword to deal with."

Mario gulped, understanding the meaning clearly. "Thank you, señor, thank you little señorita, I promise that your faith in me has not been misplaced. When I return home I will make a pilgrimage for Our Lady and pray for her tender mercies to fall upon you both. Thank you again."

Zorro handed Mario back his knife. "Now," said the masked man, "I think you had best be going."

Mario didn't need to be told twice. Quickly as he had come, he ran down the trail toward the pueblo.

Zorro watched the retreating figure until he was no longer visible. He then turned to Mercedes and knelt down to look her in the face. "That was a very kind thing you did, I'm sure Our Lady is smiling on you."

Mercedes smiled shyly, pulling on one of her braids. "He didn't seem like a bad man, just someone who lost his way. I hope he doesn't loose it again."

"Somehow I don't think he will." Zorro had seen sincerity in the man, it was sad, really, how something as small as a coin could make the difference between being a sinner or a saint. "Now, little señorita, I must advise you against ever coming out to the hills by yourself after dark. This can be very dangerous, and Zorro cannot always be nearby."

Mercedes lowered her head, ashamed that she'd been the cause of such a ruckus. If she'd just waited until the morning like everyone else then there would never have been a problem. "I'm sorry, Señor Zorro, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. It's only that I found these amazing flowers, which I have never seen the like of before, and I wanted to bring them to the shrine secretly so the pilgrims would be surprised in the morning when they come." Mercedes bent and scooped up one of the fallen flowers. "They look like fire in the sunlight."

Zorro plucked one of the flowers from the ground and twirled it between his fingers. "These flowers are most amazing indeed, and you are right, they will make a most lovely surprise for the pilgrims tomorrow." He stood back up and smiled. "And since we are here, why don't we complete your plan, then I will take you back to your home where you will be safe."

Mercedes grinned, then dropped to the ground to re-gather all the stems. None seemed too damaged after the tumble from her shawl. Even though she was a little embarrassed at making so much trouble with her silly idea, she thought that maybe it was better this way.

She and Zorro spent a few minutes arranging the red flowers. Standing back to admire their work, Mercedes glanced up at Zorro. "Señor, there is just one thing I do not know."

"And what is that, muchacha?" Zorro looked down at her.

"The flowers, what are they called? I have never seen anything like them before."

"They are called La Flor de la Nochebuena, they bloom just for Christmas in Mexico City."

"A most magnificent Christmas gift," said Mercedes.

***

The sun glowed golden as the pilgrims crested the hill the next morning. All in company gasped as the flame-like flower tendrils swayed in the gentle morning breeze. Diego grinned to himself, the girl's gift really was most magnificent.

[thevoilinauttheory]

Danyell, the God of Fleeting Moments

( hee hee! A drabble based off of this answered ask by @renofmanyalts; Danyell, of course, belongs to them. Danny belongs to me (unfortunately, occasionally) Also being used for the MAHI writing prompts! )

Content Warnings: Implied Death

He found it one day, while wandering - running, really, from the last set of Wailers that chased him through the boughs and rocks of the North Shroud. A small shrine nestled between the roots of dead trees, out of sight and, by its appearance, out of mind. Faded lettering marked over mossed stone, illegible to anyone who may have caught a glimpse of it. Rotting flowers and fruits were left at its base - offerings for a god, or for the dead? The shrine could have been mistaken for a grave. “Well… that’s no way t’treat anyone.” Danny’s words were soft as he cleared it off, ridding of the decaying gifts before cleaning the moss and dirt with his robes’ sleeves. The shouts of the Wailers above him marked it time to lay low, sitting himself beside the altar - or grave - as he dug a snack from his bag. His favorite, of course, which he shared with the stone beside him; a faerie apple for himself, and one for the nameless spirit. He spoke to it as if it were a person, he never was the most sane when it came to talking to other things; he rarely had friends. Speaking to the trees, the flowers, the sky - and now the stone. He spoke of what he was going through, the monotony of his life; how he owed so much to the Elementals; the same events over and over. When the footsteps were gone, and the sun began to set, he left fresh flowers upon the altar; bright and yellow like the sun which left them.

The next day, he brought himself back to the shrine. Still there. But of course it was, though the offerings, not all. Remained was the apple, covered in bugs; the flowers gone. A suitable offering, it was, he supposed. “Don’t like faerie apples? What about other ones? Like any other fruits?” Sure, someone could have come by and taken the flowers, but why would they leave a perfectly good apple? Danny had faith in many things, though he wouldn’t call himself religious. Worship a god, maybe not; befriending one, perhaps. So he left again, picking up more to leave at this mysterious shrine. Mirror apples, oranges, fresh and dried herbs, flowers of many shapes and colors. And once again, the next day, some of the items were gone - though most notably the apples. Danny left to get more. “Mirror apples? Don’t like sour fruits?” He could only laugh - at himself, mostly. “I got you more. My mentor visits Ishgard a lot, ‘cause he’s from there… so gettin’ ‘ems easy. You from Coerthas? S’pose that’s why yer over ‘ere… though y’only woulda gotten this far if y’were runnin’.” He laid himself down to stare at the cliff which sheltered them from sun and eyes. “Don’t really got much else t’do, talkin’ t’th’dead… ‘r… whatever y’are. Can’t even read the name written on this thing. Hate t’say no one cared ‘nuff, but… well, I know that feelin’.” Talking to stone was easy, it didn’t judge, it didn’t talk back… but even more so, he felt. The shrine listened. Or maybe he ate something weird. “Keep comin’ back ‘n fer what? ...Don’t mean that rudely, ‘course, jus’... yer there, aren’t ya’? Yer really listenin’, n’ that’s… weird.” He shook his head. “Think it’s time fer me t’go fer now…” Each day he had something new to say, something new to share, a bit more warm and a bit more willing. He wasn’t sure what it was. Did he find kinship in a shaped rock that only accepted certain gifts? Maybe there was another person hiding that he was talking to. This day, he brought more personal items. His mask, a painting, a small book of scribbled sheet music. “It ain’t much.” He said - he always said. Nothing he had was much. “Master Voilinaut wasn’t able t’make it out t’Coerthas this time, so I don’t got any apples fer ya’. I got some veggies, if y’want ‘em. But uh… I got these things I made.” He set the belongings down for the altar. “Don’t know if yer an art kinda person… still learnin’ myself. But I like it. Gives me somethin’ t’do. Mentor says I should focus on m’singin’ more, but I ain’t sure why. It’s not all that great. ‘Course he gave me this little book of songs, says a family friend wrote ‘em.” He shook his head. “...S’pose y’can’t judge me too much without a mouth, so I guess I could sing a few.” He flipped through the book, trying to find something he could at least hum to - but all he felt the ache of something - or someone - watching him. “...Gettin’ stage fright from a rock, ain’t that somethin’... y-y’know, think I’ll jus’ leave this ‘ere fer ya’. Y’can… imagine me singin’ ‘r somethin’. But uh, brought y’a paintin’ too. Been figurin’ that one out. This one’s of a place deep in the Sylphlands, called th’Hangin’ Barbs, I think? I jus’ thought it was pretty… ‘sides all the tempered Sylphs that is.” He stopped for a long moment, reveling in a bit of silence - silence with company. It was awkward, but it was… nice. “Y’d think I’d get bored o’ talkin’ t’this thing… t’some inanimate object. But… it’s easy t’talk t’ya’. Easy… t’be m’self, I s’pose.” He let out a heavy sigh, standing himself up. “...Guess that’s it fer tonight, though. I’ll talk t’ya’ tomorrow.” He smiled brightly at the shrine, turning himself to leave.

He kept his promise. He returned the next day, but not hale and whole. Injured. He had been injured before, several times, scrapes and bruises, small cuts and bashed nose. But not like this. Not the severe gash, the limping, the falling over near unconscious. Why did he come here, of all places? A shrine to the gods or dead wasn’t going to heal or save him. He wouldn’t last long, he knew that. This one was too great, this injury made him feel faint, made him feel sick and dizzy and unfocused. The sides of his sight were going dark as he turned to face the carved stone- no, his friend. His friend that watched over him. Even now he could see someone, standing over him, worried. “Lay here with me.” He could almost hear the voice clearly - in his delirium, he felt his head lift, resting on another’s lap. Eyes focusing in and out on the figure. Blinding, like ice and light, but- “Beautiful.” His own voice was but an echo to himself. “Rest.” Everytime he opened his mouth, he was shushed. “Breathe. Think of all the things you can see, every detail, minute as it may be.” Short hair, colored like the sky. Red- no brown- no red- how about maroon, eyes - dark and contemplative, a contrast to the resting smile on his face. And his voice - the voice that sang to him the songs he had left behind, the lullabies and sonatas. Heavenly, compared to the ringing in his ears. He rested where he could, but there was no healing from this - not while hiding. “...I… don’t want… t’die. Will… y’keep.. me safe?” The response was a slow, and sad, nod. “Thank ya’... it felt… good t’be m’self…”

[aiimaginesbts]

He Left (M)

2018 Birthday Story for Hoseok!

Hoseok x Reader (ft. Taehyung, Seokjin, Yoongi and Namjoon)

Genre: Japanese period AU, smut, angst & fluff

Word count: 12,362 words

A/N: Credit for the banner art goes to SiChen Wang. Check out their awesome art here! Many thanks to Ana @dangitthatsalongname and Alyssa @wonhoandonly for beta-ing for me!

**Japanese terms used are at the end of the story.**

Disclaimer/Copyright

"We have found a suitable husband for you.“

To anyone else, having their father utter these words will either bring them indescribable joy or unfathomable dread, but I don’t find myself feeling any emotions. Nor can I search for any words other than, "I see. Thank you for letting me know, Father.”

Pretending to be unaware of the concerned stares of my parents, I excuse myself to return to my room. On my table sits a book that is, in my opinion, far more interesting than the news that I will soon be wed. Something is definitely wrong with me. Or so everyone else thinks.

“Well, I for one would be excited to be married to the son of the Jung family,” my maid gushes to me the minute we’re safely ensconced in the privacy of my room.

“You marry him then,” I say absentmindedly as I take a seat and reach for my book. It’s more of a good-natured teasing more than anything, but I’m surprised to hear her girlish giggle at the mere thought from across the room. She’s clearly giddy over whatever it is she’s heard about the Jung’s only son. The urge to roll my eyes and laugh at her antics is hard to resist, and I don’t even bother to stop myself.

“All right, what is it about this man that has you so excited?” I ask, looking up to give her my full attention, although my hand is laid upon the open page, marking the place where I’ve stopped reading. As a maid, she is more susceptible and privy to gossips among the lower classes and also about the more noble families. It’s pretty obvious that she knows something juicy about my future husband; something that she’s eager to share with me, and I don’t mind indulging her. There’s not much else in the way of entertainment for me after all.

“Well.” Satisfied that she has piqued my interest, she slides closer to me on the opposite side of my reading table. Her voice drops to a low whisper, as if she’s divulging a secret that is crucial to the country’s safety. “Rumour has it that he has single-handedly brought the Jung family to the emperor’s attention. Granted, the Jungs have always been known as samurai but they weren’t this well-known before.” She grins proudly, like she’d been the one to bring them to their state of prosperity now. “He’s serving Lord Seokjin under his commander-in-chief, Kim Namjoon. And you know that Lord Namjoon doesn’t choose just anyone to command his men.”

The guy has a shining reputation, that’s for sure. I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised, although it doesn’t exactly make him any more appealing as a life partner. Still, it sounds like he is a busy man, so that should keep me out of his hair after we’re married. That’s a relief especially if he’s annoying; or worse, abusive. I’ve considered myself to have had a charming, if too quiet and consistent life up to now, and I’m glad that it seems like that won’t change much after I marry.

However, it doesn’t seem like my attendant is finished. “I’ve heard that he’s not just a talented commander, but he’s a gifted warrior as well. Men say that when he fights, it’s not violence, but an art.” I have to stop myself from snorting at that. The mental imagery that forms in my head when I think of battles are; burly, muscular men roughly attacking their opponents in a savage fight to emerge victorious. War tactics? Brilliantly carried out, well-thought of strategies I can consider a form of art. But the actual execution; violent exchanges between oafish warriors? That can hardly be called graceful. “Most importantly,” my maid continues, blissfully unaware of my thoughts, “he’s supposed to be very good-looking!”

“Hmm,” I hum after I’ve waited long enough to make sure that she’s finished spilling the beans on my husband-to-be. “He sounds like a good catch.”

Her nods at my simple conclusion are so eager that I wonder if she doesn’t get a headache from the rapid movements. “Probably one of the best! You should be excited.”

Unsure of how to respond, I try flashing her a wide smile. Happy that I’ve apparently appreciated the match that my parents have arranged for me, she gets up to tend to her duties. As soon as she slides the door closed and her footsteps fade, I heave a sigh and return to my book. Really, is a strong, handsome man something to get so thrilled about? It doesn’t really make much of a difference to me. I don’t even know the man.

As expected, the shrine is packed with people visiting for the new year. Rarely do I see this many people gathering in one place on any other day, and I take the opportunity to look around at the surroundings. The feast of colours that my eyes are served with is plentiful as everyone don their best clothes on to mark the occasion. Smiles are exchanged with one or two familiar faces that I recognise, but I remain at my spot in line near the gate of the shrine. Although the line suddenly moves substantially, I resist a sigh at the long wait that is still in front of me. It is then that I shift my sight a little to the right and I see it.

A pair of eyes that catches mine. The sharp yet warm orbs are already locked on me when mine cross paths with them. Widening my view, I see that they belong to a young man standing quite a few ways away from me. He seems to command a lot of attention, having a group of people of mostly men surrounding him, trying to engage him in conversation even whilst he has his sights set on me. His emerald kimono is a pleasant contrast to the mop of dark red hair atop his head, making him stand out among the crowd. Across the distance that separates him from me, the brilliance of his eyes that hasn’t failed to release me keeps me in place, unknowingly staring back at him openly. Neither does he bother to look away although it’s clear that he has been caught watching me. No one else seems to have noticed the intense, soundless exchange between us. Later I may reason with myself that he’s the one who started gazing at me first, but at the moment I am just as mesmerised with him as he is fixated on me. Through his moving lips and head movements, I can tell that he’s still keeping up with the discussion with the men who are, mostly, bigger than he is, yet there is no doubt in my mind that he’s watching me. I have no idea why. There is no doubt that such unwavering observation is odd. Still, instead of being repulsed by the attention, I’m intrigued by him.

So much that the gentle pat on my shoulder makes me jump and yelp in surprise. “What are you spacing around for? The line is moving.” Whipping my head around, I come face-to-face with my mother’s brusque words accompanied by her irritated expression, and notice the growing gap between us and the people in line before us. Duly chastised, I mutter an apology and scramble to close the distance. However, once I come to another standstill, my gaze immediately flies to search for the man again. He’s still looking at me unabashedly, a smirk on his face. Is he laughing at me? Blood rushes to my cheeks straightaway and finally I look forward, refusing to meet his stare again. What’s the point of gawking, anyway? I can hardly leave the company of my parents to go up and talk to him. Plus, that is simply not something that a woman should do. So I content myself to getting out of his sight and end the visit with as much dignity as I can.

“Can I go?”

The next day has me asking my parents if I can go with my maid to enjoy the new year festivities. With our first shrine visit of the year done, I’m eager to stave off boredom of being cooped up at home. People are still very much celebrating and it’s rare for the town to be as bustling and interesting as it is now compared to any other time of the year. With a smile, my mother shrugs and says, “I don’t see why not, as long as your father approves.”

The two of us swivel our heads towards the head of the house, who is engrossed by a letter that I can only assume was written by someone important. “It will be nice to get some fresh air and look around,” I direct the persuasive force towards him, parroting the words of my attendant when she was persuading me to join her just a few minutes ago.

“Go ahead, enjoy yourself,” he permits gruffly, never taking his eyes off the words written in careful brush strokes over the parchment. “Just be sure to keep to the main street!”

“I will, thank you,” I promise and make haste to excuse myself, joining my excited maid waiting anxiously outside the room.

“Did they say yes?” She tilts up her head eagerly to look at me, as if she hasn’t been trying to eavesdrop with her ear to the door. Inwardly laughing at her enthusiasm, I grin and nod.

“Of course they did. We practically go every year,” I answer her, leading the way back to my room. With her help, I tie my light pink obi sash around the green kimono that I’ve put on. Even though the soft pink flowers that adorn my clothes lend me a more feminine air, the colour reminds me of the man that I saw at the shrine yesterday, and I can’t help the lightness that bubbles over me. Today feels like a good day.

The weather seems to be echoing my sentiments, the rare sun shining over the cold earth with a light breeze giving me the urge to fly if only I could. Alas, without wings, I am unable to do so, thus I wrench my gaze away from the cloudless, azure sky to the myriad of colours down on earth where I belong. Unlike the peaceful heavens above, painted by shades of blues and whites, the spread before me is dotted with various hues, both of festive clothing and behaviour. The street is lined with stalls on both sides, each one displaying different wares. I can see a man in a heated argument over a knife wrapped in an ornate sheath with the seller who doesn’t seem to be budging, next to them, some children excitedly ordering… Was that ten? Of something to the flustered shopkeeper, who obviously isn’t sure whether they can pay for it or not. Opposite them is a beautiful woman who is blatantly flirting with the furiously blushing vendor, obviously hoping for a slash in the price of whatever it is that has struck her fancy. There are so many people, and I can’t help but wonder if my future husband is among the crowd.

“What are you waiting for?” My companion urges me on, eager to explore the festival. “Let’s go!”

With an amused laughter at her impatience, I let her lead me into the fray. It isn’t long before her attention is stolen by something; an array of unusually-coloured threads that is claimed to have been produced by a novel technique. Unfortunately the smell of peaches up ahead is more tantalising to me than sewing material, so we part ways, agreeing to find each other before heading home in about an hour.

My nose proves to be on the mark, and just a few minutes later I’m walking along the street, munching on the sweet fruit, savouring the slight tartness underneath the juicy flesh. Belatedly I realise the reason all the food stalls have been calling to me; I’d forgotten to have my meal before heading out earlier. Thankful that my purse is not as empty as my stomach, I decide to indulge my sweet tooth and head towards a man showing off an impressive collection of sweets. They look even more appetising up close. I can see the tiny details in the finishing of each treat, the meticulous care given not to be outshone by the appealing colours of the confectionery.

I’m hardly the only person that the high quality products have attracted. The seller has his hands full with customers, but I don’t mind. It gives me the time to admire every sweet and decide which one I’d like to purchase. However, a bright green dessert piques my interest, so when the man turns to beam at me, I take the opportunity to timidly ask him what it is before I can change my mind. His reply is friendly and informative, making me feel welcome, a great strategy to get his customers to loosen their coin bags.

“I’ve never tried it before. Does edamame really work as a sweet?”

Instead of the vendor, another voice, just as pleasant and ten times more enthusiastic, chimes in. “The best way to find out is to try it!”

I turn and look up to see the person that has been on my mind since the first time I’ve seen him the day before. It’s the beaming man from the shrine! At this distance, I can see that his eyes, which had gazed into mine so intently yesterday are brown, melting rather than just warm, several shades darker than his hair. My heart goes pitter-patter at the closeness of his body to mine, but I’m not given time to respond, as he orders two of the sweets. When he reaches around me to pay for his purchase and retrieve the goods, I’m rendered immobile for a reason unknown to myself. It isn’t simply because he’s between me and the stall, pinning me against him. I don’t think I’d be able to move even if I can. However, it seems that I’m still breathing, as I catch a whiff of his scent; an intoxicating, earthy smell that is both refreshing and manly at the same time.

“Here.” He offers me one of the green treat that I was admiring, but I refuse to take it. I’m touched by the gesture, but it doesn’t seem proper to let an unknown person buy me anything.

“I can’t eat them both, so if you won’t take it, I’ll be forced to throw it away. Won’t that be a waste?” He pops the other into his mouth, slowly chewing as he slowly nods his head, as if making a careful assessment of the sweet. I don’t usually let my guard down around strangers but for some reason, I feel a giggle building up inside me. “It’s just as good as it looks. You’re really missing out if you don’t try it.”

How can I say no to him? I’m not sure why, but I really can’t, despite any logical reason that I can come up with. Besides, it’s obviously not poisoned, as he’d just bought it right in front of my eyes and ate one. So I hesitantly reach out for the other one, fingertips tingling where they touch his palm as I retrieve his gift. Tilting my head down slightly, I bite into it so he can’t see my reaction. Light sweetness fills my mouth, and I fight to resist a happy moan at the taste. Even then it’s easy for him to detect my satisfaction.

“It’s good, isn’t it?”

“It is,” I agree quietly, facing him again. “Thank you very much, um—”

“Hoseok,” he introduces himself. After reciprocating with my name, he asks me if I’m looking for anything in particular. Truthfully, the one who probably has a goal in mind is my companion whom I’ve left behind earlier, while I’m only out to entertain myself. So I tell him, “no. I’m just looking around.”

The smile that greets my answer is almost blinding. “Why don’t we do some exploring together then?” Before I can hesitate or refuse outright, he adds, “it’s definitely more fun to check out this sort of thing with someone rather than by your lonesome, isn’t it?”

There’s no arguing with that statement, so I shyly nod and fall into step next to him. Although I don’t doubt him in the slightest, it isn’t long before he proves himself right beyond my expectations. The yearly festival that I normally find mildly interesting and entertaining before is now infinitely more enjoyable next to Hoseok. It isn’t that he’s doing or saying anything special. Yet the enthusiasm and energy that he puts into everything; the wares on sale, his chatter with both sellers and customers alike, even something as simple as his lighthearted steps are infectious. It’s like I’m looking at everything through a whole new light, a completely different view, and I’m relishing every moment.

So much that only when I see my maid a scant hundred meters away do I remember that I didn’t come here alone. That, and the fact that I am a betrothed woman who is thoroughly enjoying herself in the company of a man I hardly know. Panic and guilt takes over, and I hurriedly inform Hoseok that I have to take my leave, managing to apologise for being so abrupt before rushing towards her, hoping that she hasn’t seen me with him.

“There you are! I thought you went back home without me. I was just about to give up on you,” she breathes a sigh of relief when I approach her.

“I promised to meet up with you, didn’t I?” My reply isn’t as indignant as it would have been otherwise, since I am completely aware that I’d forgotten about the agreement not long after meeting Hoseok. As we start to walk away, I turn back, my eyes roving through the crowd, but he has already been swallowed by the sheer number of people going about. Even though I tell myself that it’s for the best, I can’t honestly ignore the way that my heart sinks to the ground.

“Did you eat something bad earlier?”

“Hmm?” Her question rouses me from my thoughts, where I am still hopelessly lost in even after hours of leaving the company of Hoseok. There’s just something about him that makes him stick in my memory like the most stubborn glue, and does untold things to my heart that hasn’t stopped beating erratically since the moment I laid eyes on him. It’s bewitching, thrilling, enlightening and frustrating all at the same time. I can’t imagine ever feeling this way about someone, yet I can’t fully describe my emotions when it comes to him. A connection that evokes feelings that I’ve never felt before, ones that I never want to stop experiencing, but I can’t indulge in. More than once I’ve wondered if the man I will marry can make me feel the same way, but I know that no one can ever achieve what Hoseok has done to my heart.

However, my maid’s concern doesn’t dissipate. Even after I tell her that there’s nothing wrong, her scrutiny quickly puts more pressure on my already muddled mind. It’s not long before I mumble something about having a headache and needing some fresh air just to get away from her. Fortunately, the threads that she bought earlier are keeping her occupied, so I leave her to match the strands to the fabrics that she already has on hand and walk out into the garden. The night air is refreshing and I greedily inhale deep breaths of it, trying to calm myself down.

It’s then that a rustle in the bushes not far from the wall of the house puts any thought of regaining my composure out of my mind. I squint warily to make out anything unusual in the darkness, ready to sound the alarm the moment I see anything or anyone dangerous. At first I can’t distinguish between the shadows and the shrubbery, but just as my eyes adjust, I see a figure emerging, moving towards me. Before I can scream bloody murder, however, a pleasant, familiar voice that tingles in my ears accompanied by the muted light from inside the house falling on him make my heart drum rapidly, but now for an entirely different reason.

“Hoseok! What are you doing here?” My shock added to my panicked state makes it easy for me to inject a high-pitched quality to my whispered words. Hurriedly looking behind me to make sure that no one is around to witness his presence and our exchange, I rush towards him. A thousand questions whirl around inside my head, yet I can’t deny the delirious exhilaration that I’m getting just from seeing him again, despite the perilous circumstances that he has put both of us in.

“I came to see you.” He sounds just as out of breath as I feel, but more out of excitement than alarm. Reaching out, he takes my hands in his. A simple gesture that has my pulse racing. “You left so suddenly earlier, I was worried that you got into a spot of trouble and didn’t manage to get home safely.”

His concern over my safety is disarming, but it doesn’t tell me how he found me. “How did you know that this is my house?”

Now it’s his turn to look surprised. “Don’t you know who I am?”

What does that have to do with anything? I think to myself, a little irritable over having my question answered by another one. “You’re Hoseok. Well, at least that’s who I think you are, unless you lied to me earlier,” I answer, now feeling a little uncertain.

There is pure delight in his chuckle at my reply, and it makes it hard for me to remain annoyed at him. “Of course I was telling you the truth. But I guess you don’t know my full name?”

Again, I don’t know how this has a connection to how he found me, but I decide to humour him and nod. “I’m Jung Hoseok,” he reintroduces himself, this time telling me his full name then looking at me expectantly.

Jung Hoseok, I repeat the name in my head. Jung— I gape up at him with wide eyes as his last name triggers a switch in my head. “You’re my—”

“Husband to be,” he finishes for me, confirming the fact. Happiness and relief wash over me at the revelation. I can’t believe my luck! After agonising over these feelings I’m developing for Hoseok, it turns out that he is exactly the man I’m allowed to harbour emotions for. Glee dissipates just the tiniest bit for me to calm myself enough to ask, “did you know who I am from the beginning?”

“I wasn’t completely sure at first, but I had a pretty good idea,” he smirks confidently, proud of his deduction as he explains to me. “I know your father, and when I saw you with him at the shrine, I could guess who you are. So when I caught sight of you earlier at the festival, I had to come up to ask you for your name. Well, that and…”

Hoseok’s sudden hesitation makes me all the more curious about what is going on in his mind. “And what?” I prompt.

“I wanted to get to know you better and see if we suit,” he continues in a softer tone, suddenly bashful.

That’s a valid reason. Even if I wasn’t interested in anything about my future husband before, now that I’ve actually met him, I find myself grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to get to know him before the ceremony. “So… Do we?” Anxiously I ask, my voice dropping to match his, hoping for one answer, and one answer only.

The grip of his hands over mine tightens as he lowers his head down to press his forehead against mine. I can’t help but become immersed in the limpid pools of his eyes, a molten lava reflecting the light past us. Even before he utters the words I want to hear, the way he beams at me tells me everything I need to know. “I think we do.”

At that moment, everything else ceases to matter. The uncertainty and confusion over my own feelings. My marriage that has been arranged by my parents. Hoseok’s presence in the grounds of my home, and the consequences if we are discovered. All that exists is his heat, his smile, his existence, and I can’t help the corners of my lips from curling upwards, thanks to him.

“What do you think?”

I’d have thought that the answer is obvious, but before I can give him an answer, I hear my name being called from inside the house. After glimpsing back at the direction the voice is coming from, I turn back to him in dismay. I wish we can spend more time together, but we are lucky to have had as much as we did. “You have to go. There will be no end of trouble if you’re found.”

He is in complete agreement with my thoughts. With a reassuring smile, he murmurs goodnight, lets me go to climb over the wall and disappears from sight. The night air is cool on my now exposed hands, making me miss the heat that emanated from his hands. After taking a few minutes and several deep breaths to clear my head, I make up my mind and return to my room.

“I thought you decided to sleep outside tonight,” my attendant teases me as I slide the door shut. “It was so tempting to stop calling for you and just abandon you to the night.”

I shoot her a dry look that is half exasperation, half amusement. Since I’m bursting to tell her about Hoseok, I decide to let her comment slide. “I met him,” I tell her without much preamble.

“Who?” She asks confusedly, as to be expected from the lack of context.

“Hoseok,” I answer, then add for clarification, “Jung Hoseok.”

Quick to put two and two together, she exclaims, “Your husband?!”

“Future husband,” I correct her, but hearing him being referred to as such makes me want to giggle like a little girl. Never one to shy away from gossip, she presses me for every single detail she can wring out of me. Details that I’m eager to share with her now that I’m not worried about harbouring inappropriate feelings for a man who is not my betrothed. It is necessary, after all, a given for me to come clean considering the favour that I’d like to ask of her.

A favour that she’s only too happy to oblige. It isn’t very common for someone like Hoseok and I to be able to lay eyes on each other before marriage, much less meet and spend time together, but we’re lucky to be able to manage to do so several times afterwards with her help. Sometimes she keeps watch while he sneaks into my home, others are opportunities created when I can find an excuse to go outside. It’s nowhere as often as either of us would have liked to, but it’s the most we can hope for, especially with his demanding work, and I cherish each and every moment I’m able to spend with him.

Little by little, without me noticing, just Hoseok’s entrance into my world has given my life a whole new meaning. I have something to look forward to, a motivation to improve myself, a constant variable that has dug a wrench between the cogs of my every day routine. Even as I get to know him better, I never tire of his endless energy, the bubbly laugh that is the perfect pairing to his cheerful outlook on life, every little habit and behavioural ticks, both good and bad, slowly but surely growing on me. My concern for his well being starts to manifest the first time he has to leave the town to settle a skirmish at the border. It isn’t the last time he has to leave to fulfill his duties, but my hope that he returns safely remains the same every time. Gradually, he changes me, subtle enough that no one but my maid notices, one day pointing out that since I met him, I’m not simply content with my life. I am now happy. With each passing day, I find myself falling more and more for him, becoming more and more convinced that he is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I’m thankful that my wish is one that will soon be fulfilled. Or so I thought.

Three weeks. It is a mere three weeks before I’m meant to be married to Hoseok when we receive the news; due to the upcoming war, the ceremony will have to be postponed. The only person who knows about our blossoming relationship, and has seen me fret over his absence over settling a simple dispute understands full well my thoughts about him leaving for a full on war. There isn’t much that she can say to console me, however.

“I understand that he has to go, and I don’t plan to stop him,” I tell her in an almost completely detached manner. “It’s his duty to his lord. His way of fighting for his beliefs, to protect the people he loves. I won’t take that away from him. I just wish…” I don’t know what I’d wish for, even if I can make one. That there isn’t a war looming over the horizon? That Hoseok isn’t a samurai? That I haven’t fallen hopelessly in love with him? That we’re already married so at least he goes off to battle knowing that I am already his? Impossible. All impossible. All but one.

There is no doubt what I want. If Hoseok feels the way I do, he would want the same thing. However, I’m sure no one else will approve. Thus I’m careful in making sure that my exit from the house isn’t detected by anyone. It’s nerve-wracking, and I let out a breath I don’t know I’m holding when I manage to get out without anyone noticing. Once I’ve gotten to the streets, no one looks at me twice, and I think that the hardest part is over. Until I reach the castle.

I should have known that I would be stopped right at the gate. It is rare, probably unheard of, for a woman to march up to the castle to see the daimyo of the land, a famous warlord, after all. Bewilderment is clear on the guards’ faces as they inquire me about my presence here. I introduce myself, stressing on the family I come from, as I know that they would recognise the name. However, when they ask me the reason I’ve come, I falter. Matters regarding marriages fall onto the hands of the head of the household, and is not something that I should meddle with. There is no doubt that I will be refused if I’m forthcoming about it with them.

“I’d like to see Lord Seokjin regarding a private matter,” I try to say as authoritatively as I can, drawing myself up to my full height, although it isn’t all that impressive as the two guards still tower intimidatingly over me. They look at each other, doubt clearly painted on their faces.

“I’m sorry, my lady, but we can’t grant just anyone an audience with Lord Seokjin like this,” one of them informs me apologetically. The rejection is not unexpected, but my heart still drops to my stomach. I can’t simply accept this and go home meekly.

“Please, it’s very important,” I try to make my case even as I step forward, but they swiftly block my path. To force my way through would be foolish to the extreme, as they will have no trouble catching me even if I can miraculously push them aside, but I don’t know what else to do. Smart enough to realise that I am not someone that can be carelessly dealt with, they’re hesitant to use force, but just by forming an impenetrable wall in front of me is enough to keep me from advancing. It’s beyond frustrating, and our argument is starting to turn into something of a commotion on that particularly quiet day, when a tall man strolls leisurely past. His gait, much like his clothes, gives off a laid-back appearance, yet the easy expression as he looks on at the embarrassing spectacle and the fabric of his kimono tells me that he is a person of importance.

My suspicions are proven true when the two men obstructing me bow to him respectfully. He acknowledges them with a bored nod, before turning to me with more interest. “What is going on here?”

I’m unsure who the man is addressing, but as the guards fall over themselves in their eagerness to answer him, I let them do the talking. Unfortunately, just hearing my family name isn’t enough to impress him. “Hmm,” his hummed response is apathetic, as is his reaction; after giving me a simple dip of his head in acknowledgement he then turns away to head into the castle.

Now clutching at straws, I desperately call out after him, “Wait! I’m Hoseok’s betrothed!”

That certainly grabs his attention. He swivels to face me, a smidgen of fascination apparent on his features that is still a little too drowsy-looking given the height of the sun in the sky. “As in Jung Hoseok, one of Jin’s commanders?”

Jin? I can only assume that the young man is referring to Lord Kim Seokjin, as that is whom Hoseok serves. Either way, my prospects are looking brighter now, so I answer in the affirmative. Satisfied, he motions for the guards to let me through, and beckons for me with a lazy hand. “Follow me.”

Taking rapid steps forward, I do as I am bid. Although I wouldn’t exactly call him hostile before, he is infinitely more friendly now. His wide lips are stretched into a smile that appears almost devilish from my perspective, but he makes sure to keep his pace slow enough so I can keep up with him. Which is no easy feat. This is my first time in the castle, and I can’t decide what to gawk at; the interior of the enormous building or the enigmatic man walking next to me. From the way his orders were instantly obeyed earlier, it’s clear that he is someone in the position of power, but just how much power is still unknown to me. There is also the creeping nervousness inside me at being led to one of the most important people in the country. Perhaps I should have had a speech prepared, because at this rate I may actually get tongue-tied once I get to meet him.

“So I’m assuming that you coming here has something to do with Hoseok?” The man probes languidly. Even his deep voice instills a relaxing sensation, soothing my nerves as I nod. Although I brace myself for more questions, it seems that he has sunk into his thoughts, and no more is forthcoming. Thankfully, the walk is relatively short, and he slides open a door to wave me inside before I can start to feel too awkward in the silence that ensues.

The large room is not only filled with people, but with papers and writing utensils as well. A serious air hangs about the space, broken when a mildly irritated voice says, “there you are, Taehyung. Where have you been? Yoongi got here ages ago.” The man who brought me in, Taehyung, only chuckles at the scolding of the person at the center of the gathering.

“I have some beautiful goddesses I needed to call upon,” he shrugs and makes his way to plop next to the man he’s addressing, revealing my presence to the room as I stay put not far from the entrance. The frowning man sighs loudly upon seeing me, turning to rebuke Taehyung again. “Not that I really care about who you’re seeing, but bringing one of your girls to a war council isn’t very amusing.”

Protest threatens to fly from my mouth at being referred to as one of Taehyung’s supposedly many girls, whoever they are, but he beats me to the chase. “As much as I’d love to be acquainted with such a determined, pretty lass, alas, I don’t know her. Hoseok may be able to help you out though.”

Taehyung’s comment shifts the attention of the other three men towards the person who has caught my eye the second I walked in. However, Hoseok doesn’t react, too preoccupied with gaping at me. It takes the man beside Taehyung to call his name again before he snaps out of his trance to answer. “Ah, yes, my lord. This is my bride-to-be.”

“I see.” The person Hoseok addresses as a lord now fixes his gaze upon me. This must be Kim Seokjin, one of the most powerful warlords, and the one who owns this land, as well as many others throughout the country. My saviour has to be Kim Taehyung, another formidable warlord and Seokjin’s ally. For such an influential person, Seokjin doesn’t appear to be all that intimidating. Especially when he’s smiling so kindly at me, the reception a complete opposite to the way he received Taehyung. I feel myself relax slightly under his gaze. He is extremely handsome, and I’m thankful that my heart already belongs to Hoseok because otherwise he may have the power to break it. I’m sure that a powerful man blessed with such gorgeous appearance is well equipped to capture the hearts of countless women, and I’d rather not be one of them. Hoseok is already popular enough for me to be worried over the amount of women throwing themselves at him. “What brings you here? It must be important for you to have come this far, so let’s hear it.”

He is being more accommodating that I could have ever dreamed, and the ease with which my very rough plan is proceeding is causing me to stumble over my words. I didn’t expect this to work out so well. Not that I’m complaining. “Right. Well. Hoseok and I are supposed to be married in three weeks, but with the war so close, it had to be postponed. Not that I’m resentful!” It’s hard to come up with the right words to convey my dilemma without potentially offending these people who are able to kill me — or worse, Hoseok — without having to answer to anyone. However, my anxiety amuses Seokjin, who offers me a gentle smile.

“I understand. War inconveniences everyone, so I plan to do my best to resolve it using as little time and resources as possible,” he assures me. “Hoseok will help me fight for the sake of a better future, I promise you.”

Of course I’m worried about the war, even if it isn’t my main concern at the moment. Seokjin’s assurances make me feel worlds better about having to let Hoseok go. Still, it doesn’t deter me from my mission. “Thank you for putting me at ease, my lord. However, the reason I’m here is to make a request. And it isn’t to ask you to let Hoseok stay behind. I fully comprehend the need for him to go.”

“Oh?” Seokjin’s delectable mouth forms an ‘o’ of surprise when I confirm that I’m not here to ask him what he’d expected of me. “Well then, state your request, and if it is within my power to grant it, I will gladly do so.”

Taking a deep breath, I announce to the room, “instead of postponing it, I’m hoping that you will permit us to marry before he goes.”

The thoughts that go on in Seokjin’s mind are plain to see as his expression changes from surprise, to a frown as he considers the consequences of my plea, then amusement as he assesses the woman in front of him. With a squeaky laugh that surprises me because I couldn’t have imagined such a childish sound to have come out of a refined man such as himself, he glances to Hoseok and says, “that’s quite a woman you have there, Hoseok.”

My husband-to-be, seemingly just as shocked as the other men in the room with the exception of Seokjin and Taehyung, the second of whom is only looking on with detached fascination, can only nod in agreement with his lord’s conclusion. Beside Taehyung, a disgruntled man narrows his eyes and grumbles, “how foolish. Do your parents even know you’re here? It’s dangerous for a woman like you to come here all the way on your own.”

“Now, Yoongi, don’t be so harsh on the girl,” Seokjin admonishes him quietly before addressing me again in a louder, though still even and calm voice, “Are you aware what you’re asking? Are you sure this is what you want?”

There is no doubt, and I told him as much. “This is what I want.”

“Then I don’t see any reason I shouldn’t comply with your request,” he readily agrees, but then turns to Hoseok, almost like an afterthought. “Are you agreeable to it, Hoseok?”

The shock on Hoseok’s face has now worn off to give way to a scowl. “I can’t say that I agree, my lord.”

I can’t believe my ears. Completely sure that he’d be happy with the arrangements I’ve thought out in my head, his disagreement comes as an unpleasant shock, like a bucket of ice water has been dumped on my head on a particularly cold winter day. However, I’m alone in my astonishment. Everyone else looks unaffected. Understanding, even. After shooting me a faintly concerned look, Seokjin asks Hoseok, in a lightly teasing tone, “could it be that you don’t want to marry her? Are you displeased with your parents’ choice?”

“No, that’s not it at all!” Hoseok disputes his claim indignantly. “I love her, but—“

“Well! That settles it, then,” Seokjin says gleefully, effectively cutting him off. Added to the realisation that he has confessed his feelings for me to the group of warlords, Hoseok is unable to utter another word, giving in to the blood rushing to his cheeks. I’m faring no better. Although still hurt that he opposed to the idea of marrying before going off to war, this is the first time he has said that he loves me. It really helps take away the sting of the earlier rejection, especially since it seems that Seokjin is going to approve of my request anyway and Hoseok isn’t putting up further objections.

Still, even with the outcome of my visit to the castle determined, an awkward silence follows the conclusion. Not belonging in this place, I start to feel uncomfortable, but I’m unsure if I can take my leave without being dismissed. Yoongi remarks sourly, “Taehyung and I didn’t come all this way to waste our time on frivolities. Get her to leave so we can continue our discussion.”

Although Yoongi’s words may have come off as a little hostile, I’m inwardly relieved that he voiced it. This time the man on the farthest right, who has remained quiet throughout the whole exchange, speaks. “Hoseok, see that she arrives safely home.” Hoseok gets to his feet without protest, asking the man, whom he calls Namjoon, to cover his part in the discussion as they have talked about beforehand.

I’m about to open my mouth to say that I can return just fine on my own, but a meaningful look from Seokjin makes me shut it again. With a low murmur of gratitude and an apology for interrupting such an important meeting, I let Hoseok lead me out. We remain in tense silence until the castle is a distance away from us. Only then he rounds on me, demanding to know why I asked for such a thing.

“The question is, why don’t you agree?” I counter, unable to keep the pain out of my voice. “I thought you feel as strongly about me as I do for you, but I guess I was wrong.”

My trembling lips, shaking from keeping the tears at bay, softens him. He places his hands on my shoulders, whirling me to face him. The words that he utters are heartfelt and sincere. “I wish the first time I said it was for your ears only, but I wasn’t lying back there. I love you. Of course I want to marry you. But not now. Not when there is no guarantee that I’ll make it back. This is not going to be just any battle. It’s a big, long war. I don’t know when I’ll return. If I do return.”

I’m starting to get a clearer idea of the reason behind his disagreement, but it doesn’t mean that I concur with his opinion. However, before I can refute him, he continues, “What if I die? I don’t want you to cry for me. I don’t want you to become a widow. Even if I can’t see it, I can’t stand the thought of you being sad. No matter what the cause. What if I return a maimed man? I want you to have the option of backing out of the marriage. A chance to change your mind. You should have a husband who is there, who is whole, who can make you happy.”

“And you don’t think you can make me happy?!” The amount of thought he has put in for my sake is touching, but it infuriates me how little value he gives himself. Furious, I hit his solid chest with my fists, although the meager force that I can muster is nothing to him, and he doesn’t budge. “I don’t know why you think I’m so eager to marry you, but it’s not because you’re a renowned samurai, or because you’re from a good family, or because you’re handsome. It isn’t anything like that at all. Hoseok, I love you. Of course I want you to come back safely, because I think I might need you more than my life, but even if you don’t, just being your wife, even if it’s for a short time, a second of that happiness with you is more valuable than a lifetime of never being yours. No one can make me as happy as you do.”

This is the second time of the day I’ve managed to surprise him, but with his recovery from the shock comes a beatific grin. Still he asks, “and what if I come back missing a limb? Or with a huge scar on my face?”

It’s hard for me to remain serious when his joy is so infectious, but I answer him as honestly as I can. “I’ll think that my husband is really great to have survived such a bloody war and return, looking all dashing with his battle scars.”

Hoseok’s bark of laughter at my response is full of unfiltered delight. “You’re really amazing. Now I don’t feel so stupid for falling in love with you so quickly.” Finally coming to an agreement, he takes my hand in his to walk me the rest of the way home. We part with him making me a promise to settle the matter between our families, and a sweeter one of making me as happy as he can in the limited amount of time we’ll have.

Unsurprisingly, I get a sound scolding from my parents when they learn of what I did, but ultimately I succeed in making the marriage happen before Hoseok is set to leave. Still, with three weeks’ worth of preparation having to be cramped into the one week that he has, the wedding can only be held the day before he goes. Even with only one night to spend with him, I don’t regret my decision. This is still what I want. Time passes with frightening speed, each second bringing me anticipating delight and fearful dread at the same time.

The trousseau that has been carefully put together for me since the day of my engagement is brought to Hoseok’s home on the joyful day. It pains me to have to leave my family, but my maid has been allowed to accompany me to my new home, so I take comfort in at least one familiar face. The wedding ceremony commences with family members in attendance. Even through my white silk headdress, it’s hard to keep my gaze down and away from my groom, who is looking stunning and dignified in his haori, the dark coat as well-made as the rest of his ceremonial clothing. The ritual drinking of sake is followed by my changing into the kosode robe presented by Hoseok.

Stiff and formal though the ceremony may have been, every single part of it feels like a dream. A wondrous ritual that binds me to Hoseok for life. No matter how long or short it may be. The war looms ever closer like a dark cloud over our first night together, but I try not to let it consume us, even if it means having to face the awkward silence as we sit next to each other on the futon, just the two of us, now officially man and wife.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” he murmurs quietly, as if finding himself next to me in his room something impossible to imagine. I can’t help giggling a little at that. How is it that he manages to make me feel comfortable even when I’m this nervous? Hoseok is truly a wonder.

“I can’t believe it either,” I echo his sentiments.

Since we’ve been left alone together, I’ve been having trouble meeting his eyes. Which is stupid of me, I know, since he’s going to ride off in the morning, and I have no place to be senselessly bashful now. However, I can’t hear anything except my own heartbeat drumming loudly in my ears. A deafening sound that finally comes to a halt when Hoseok lays his hand on top of mine.

Reflexively, I glance down to the spot where we’re connected, but he crooks a finger under my chin to tilt my head up. His dark gaze is intense, different from any other time before for a reason that escapes me. All I know is that just with one look, he’s threatening to melt me into a puddle of mush. “Hoseok,” I say his name in a whisper, afraid to break the spell he has cast between us.

His answer isn’t vocal. Moving to cup the side of my jaw in his large hand, he draws me closer to him, bending down to bring his lips to mine. The warmth that I’ve always felt him giving off radiates from his kiss as well, but this time it’s not the familiar comforting sensation that makes me feel safe. The heat pressing on me now is enticing, intimidating, fascinating me, raising fears of the unknown and excitement of exploring it with him. My breath catches, but he only tilts his head to the side to deepen the kiss, and I don’t protest. When the tip of his wet tongue slides across my lips, I gasp at the tingling sensation it causes, opening my mouth and inviting him inside to show me even better pleasures. Having him explore the inside of my mouth makes me moan and reach up to hold onto him. He responds by moving the hand on my cheek to cradle the back of my head and pressing his other on the small of my back, pulling me flush against him.

Being practically in his lap like this, I can feel the evidence of his arousal pressing against me at the edge of my hazy conscience. The realisation is making my body respond in a most delicious way. I want him. In ways that I haven’t thought of before. In ways that makes me unable to let him go. He lowers me down, but I bring him with me, refusing to loosen my hold on him. I can feel his hands traveling down my body, hear the rustle of fabric as he deftly unties the knots holding my clothes together. When we finally break the kiss, we’re both panting, and I’m laid bare before him, trying not to squirm under his predatory gaze.

Without thinking, I rub my legs together, trying to ease the longing I feel in the dampening junction, but Hoseok stops me by wedging his knee between them. I want to tell him off for it but my words are lost to my gasps and moans as his mouth blaze a trail from my neck, following my collarbone down to my breasts. Sucking and nipping on the tender flesh, he reduces me to a pliant mess underneath him, making me want him more and more. When he closes his mouth on one of my nipples, his tongue lapping and swirling around the sensitive tip, he sends jolts all over my body.

I’m powerless to do anything but pant and cry out for him, when he’s lightly pinching my other nipple with his fingers, rolling it around his digits while his other hand reaches down between my legs. It doesn’t take much prowling and teasing against my folds for me to hear the wet sounds that his wicked fingers is drawing from my pussy. Hoseok is stoking my arousal with ease and he’s threatening to shove me off the edge when he leaves my chest to shift his focus lower down my body.

When I feel his tongue licking a strip up my slit, I know that I’m not likely to survive the night. The combination of his mouth and fingers is lethal. It’s driving me crazy, but I can’t seem to summon the strength to tell him to stop. No, judging by the way I’m tugging at his hair and shoving my hips into his face, I’m actually showing him I want more. I want him to continue slamming his fingers inside me. I want him to suck on my clit. I want him to pull me up to a high then push me off the cliff, listening to me scream his name as I come undone. I can feel rather than see his smirk against me as he laps up my overflowing juices, but I don’t care. As for this night, I am his, completely Hoseok’s, and he can do whatever he wants with me. If I’m blessed with more nights after this, I’m more than willing to be subject to this sweet torture again.

“You’re drenched,” he growls as he pulls his robes apart. Even in my hazy post-orgasmic state, I can’t help but admire his body. Rather than menacing bulk, Hoseok is lithe, all supple muscle, his beautiful figure formed over years of hard training. I can see now why his fighting style is considered an art. Any way that he moves can’t be anything but graceful and dignified. My pulse races again at the sight, at the thought of what the rest of the night has in store for me, at the fact that this gorgeous man is actually my husband. It only makes the need inside me, so recently sated, stir with desire again. “So ready for me,” he says smugly. A part of me is a little embarrassed, but I’d much rather let him know how easily he makes me hot, how much I want him than shy away. So I nod my head with a shy smile that is contrasting with the lifting of my arms out to call him to me.

Hoseok is nothing but obliging, leaning down to let me wrap my arms around him, catching my lips with his as he covers my body with own. My squeak of surprise when the tip of his cock presses against my entrance is swallowed into his mouth, and he only increases the pressure against my slick pussy, a wordless request for access. With my mouth fully occupied, I give him my ‘yes’ by circling my legs around his waist, pushing the very end of his cock inside me. Just that is enough to make him groan against my lips. Wanting to hear the sound again more than I need to breathe, I press the heels of my feet even harder on his back.

Slowly but surely he sinks deeper and deeper inside me. The burn of my walls stretching to make way for his girth is a little painful, but the pleasure makes up for it in spades. It seems to go on forever, and I wish that it would, but eventually he stops to ask, “Are you all right?”

“It depends on what you consider all right,” I say breathlessly. “If you mean being unaffected by feeling so full that I might burst and go completely crazy, then no, I’m not. But if all right means feeling so unbelievably good and wanting more, then yes, I’ve never been better.”

Each lilt of his blissful chuckle is another flower blooming in the garden he is cultivating in my heart. I can’t laugh though, not when he starts moving. Slowly at first, then building in pace and intensity. It’s reassuring to know that he is nowhere as composed as I thought he was, if the speed at which he changes gears from deliberate to frantically pounding me into the bedding is any indication. In fact, only the potent lust in his eyes can hope to match the movement of his hips, the look that he’s piercing me with threatening to make me combust right then and there. Holding on to his muscular upper arms just isn’t enough to keep me from sliding up the futon with every thrust, just as it isn’t anywhere near enough for me to stave off my impending orgasm.

“Hoseok,” I whimper brokenly, unable to stop my legs from shaking even as they’re wrapped tightly around him. Stuck between knowing that the pleasure is too much to bear and not wanting it to end, without thinking, I act on instinct and bite down on his shoulder. I have no idea if his strained snarl of my name is due to my teeth sinking into his flesh or the tightening of my walls around him as I shatter underneath him, but it’s enough to get him push his last few powerful thrusts before exploding inside me.

The way he collapses on top of me yet still holds himself up just enough so he doesn’t crush me under his weight makes him all the more endearing to me. Maybe it’s the post-coital bliss, but my entire being is full of love for Hoseok. Although can it be called that when I’m still quivering from his love-making?

“You’re trembling,” he points out the obvious, and a furious blush creeps up my cheeks at how plain his effect on me is.

“You don’t have to tell me that!” I tell him off with a light smack to his chest. The wet slapping sound that my palm makes upon impact with the sweaty surface just reminds me of how fiercely he was pumping into me a moment ago.

There he goes, letting out a laugh that tugs on my heartstrings again. “You’re really cute.”

“I’m embarrassed enough without you saying that,” I mumble, secretly happy with his words.

But he isn’t done yet. “You’re beautiful.”

“Stop it,” I say, but there’s no hiding my smile now.

“What can I say then? You’re stopping me from saying everything I’m feeling right now,” he teases, drawing a giggle out of me. His compliments make me lighthearted and bashful at the same time, so the only response I can come up with is a radiant smile and a shrug as I reach up to run my fingers in his soft hair lovingly. “Well, there’s only one thing left for me to tell you, anyway.”

“What is it?” I can’t help asking, my interest piqued.

He grins down at me, mischievous and gentle at the same time. “I love you.”

My laughter at that is probably one of my happiest yet. “I don’t mind hearing that.” To show just how content I am with that particular confession, my fingers tighten in his hair, careful not to hurt him, but with enough force to pull him down so I can kiss him again.

I don’t know how much time has passed before we have to surface for air again, but it’s enough to leave my lips tingling, deliciously swollen. The satiated amber of Hoseok’s eyes have been reignited to molten lava again, burning into mine as he asks, “can we do it again?”

“Fine, but it’s my turn this time.” Filled with determination, I press my palms against his hard chest, pushing him off of me so we can switch positions. The ease of which I succeed in doing so is probably thanks to him not expecting the move. However he doesn’t mind. In fact, he finds it hilarious, until I get my hand wrapped around his half-erect dick, turning his chortle into a needy groan. His reaction bolsters my confidence, helping me shed my inhibitions to crawl down, following a path of kisses and licks along his chest, his toned stomach, to his erection.

A glimpse up at his face shows me one full of anticipation and desire. I want to make him feel as good as he made me feel. So, without hesitation, I go down on him like he did for me earlier. His sharp intake of breath when I twirl my tongue over the head before plunging towards his stomach tells me that I’m going in the right direction. Finding it impossible to swallow his whole length, I grip the base with my right hand to make up for what my mouth can’t take. His taste, his smell, the noises that he’s making is more intoxicating than any alcohol. He’s getting me riled up again without even touching me. I’d complain about the unfairness of it all had my mouth been free to talk.

As though he can sense my needs, he sits up then drags my body sideways so he can utilise his fingers to torment me. I keep sucking on him tenaciously without pausing, not wanting to be outdone, but it’s hard to keep my head bobbing up and down his shaft when he inserts two fingers inside me. My moan of his name reverberates around his cock, making him groan but not enough to stop him from fingering my pussy. This time he knows he isn’t going to win the race to the finish line, as he pulls me off of him just as the tightening sensation in my belly is about to begin.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he mutters under his breath before he can lose it in the kiss he pulls me into. Somehow he manages to let me go long enough to inquire, “did it feel good?”

“It still does,” I moan passionately, wanting nothing more than to let him know how much I’d loved it. “So you don’t need to hold yourself back. You make me feel incredible, Hoseok.”

“As long as you let yourself go completely,” he promises. Keeping me steady by gripping my sides, he lowers me down onto his lap. Onto his engorged member. Pushing any coherent thought out of my head. Bringing me to new heights as he helps me impale myself on him again and again, amplifying the pleasure even more when he dips his head to my bouncing breasts, nibbling and sucking harder than before. One after another he leaves his marks on me, like red welting flowers all over my chest.

Heeding his command, I let myself go fully. The unreserved me leaves marks on my own by raking my nails along his chest, making him hiss with ravenous passion. “I need more,” he declares darkly, not letting me have a word in edgewise as he hauls me off of him, putting me on all fours facing away from him without much effort. Not even giving me the chance to complain about the indignity of the position, he plunges into me from the back. Just like that, any protest on the tip of my tongue is overridden by the whines that only increase in volume and frequency as he rams himself into me, harder and faster than before.

Every vicious thrust forces a grunt from my lips now, but I’m helpless against the assault beyond digging my fists into the bedding and moving my hips to meet his. Loud slaps echo throughout the room, so loud that they may even rival the moans that the two of us are making. His movements are ferocious, almost brutal, each one hitting deep inside me. My arms give out from the sheer force of him pounding into me, and he follows me down, running his tongue up my spine then settling on the side of my face to suck and bite on my earlobe as I whimper and beg him not to stop, that he has once again brought me to the edge.

He knows it too, the taut sensation inside my lower stomach reflecting on my tightening pussy on his cock, giving more friction to his thrusts yet making them all the more pleasurable. The sensation is a catalyst to his orgasm as well, I can tell by his bruising grip on my waist as I burst into a million pieces underneath him. Calling for me, the last few times he pounds into me are mind-blowing, causing me to scream his name while he releases inside me again.

His hunger for me cannot be satisfied, it seems. Not for long. I’m not sure if he even has a limit. I don’t know how long I succumb to sleep after that, but the next time I open my eyes, the night outside is still inky black. My bleary eyes need some time to adjust in the dim light, and when they come to focus, I see that Hoseok is still awake, watching me with a contented smile as he brushes my hair with his fingers tenderly.

“You should sleep,” I reprimand him groggily. It’s fine for me to be sleep deprived, but not for him. However, he’s stubborn, set on drinking in as much of me as he can tonight.

“We only have this one night together to last us for a while. I want to make it count,” he says with a kiss, then tells me to go back to sleep. But how can I, when I know I’m going to miss him just as much as he’ll miss me? More importantly, how can I return to slumber after he’d kissed me like that?

In the end we only got to sleep a scant few hours that night. Not that I can bring myself to mind it very much. Not when my pussy is still throbbing, my legs can’t stop shaking, I can hardly walk and my body has served as his canvas to leave his beautiful red and purple bruises. “Are you sure you’ll be fine with so little sleep?” I ask him worriedly as he prepares his horse, already clad in battle armour. To be honest, he doesn’t look tired at all. He actually looks peppy and really gallant dressed like this.

“Without a doubt. If I get drowsy I can always sneak in a nap on my horse.” As much as I’m concerned about the safety in doing so, I know it’s the least of my worries. There’s no help for it now anyway, so I only nod, a torrent of tears threatening to break from the confines at him leaving. Trust Hoseok to notice it right away, coming over to draw me into his embrace and press his forehead against mine, much like he did that night he first sneaked into my parents’ house. It feels so long ago, like the memories of a dream that is escaping from grasp. “Do you regret marrying me now?”

The question is soft and sprinkled with a touch of fear. One that I’m always happy to shoot into the mud. “No, I don’t. And I never will,” I say with conviction, keeping my gaze up and locked on his. “In one day, you’ve made me happier than I’ve felt my whole life. This one day will keep me strong no matter what happens.”

“You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that.” He seems more assured now, and it sets my mind at ease. This is something that we can’t run away from. However, his happiness, next to my own, is all that matters to me. “I promise to do whatever it takes to return to you, so you will never have to shed another tear.” His thumbs wipe away the tears I haven’t even noticed are spilling down my cheeks. “I was always ready to die serving my lord and the people I’ve set out to protect. But now I have a stronger reason to fight with everything I have. If I die, I will die to keep you safe, because your purpose is to live. I don’t want just that though. I want to come back to you, so I can protect you, right by your side.” I nod, not trusting my voice. But I trust Hoseok with all my heart. He will come back. I know he will.

It is with this unwavering belief that I keep myself strong in the long days and weeks that follows. Not a day passes that I fail to think about him. Life without Hoseok is as barren as the wintry trees, but I refuse to cry. I know he doesn’t want me to wallow in sorrow, so I continue living as he wants, settling in my life in my new home, where I’m treated well by my new family. The short time that Hoseok and I have been blessed with is my comfort. Countless times I have to come to terms with the fact that it may have to be enough to carry my life through.

Still I wait for him, my faith for him never faltering. The scratches, red and purple marks he left all over my body slowly fade and disappear, but he still hasn’t returned. Harsh winds have mellowed out into pleasant breezes, softly coloured buds have started flowering when news that we have won the long war reaches the town. Not long after, the people are given more reason to rejoice as Seokjin and the first of the soldiers arrive, slowly trickling into the town in glory to return to their homes. My patience is wearing thin as I wait impatiently for my husband, but each day passes with no news of him, only more disappointment and fear. Even his mother, who has been my company as I await his return, now sits in the comfort of the house, the weather still too cold for a woman her age to stand for too long. Alone, I stand at the gate as expectantly as ever, refusing to believe that Hoseok has done as horrid a thing as perish after he’d promised me to do whatever it takes to return to me.

So I watch in silence as a straggle of soldiers walk past, some with the help of other men. This group have suffered heavier damage compared to the ones that have returned earlier. It’s probably the reason why they’ve taken this long to make their way back. The thought of a seriously injured Hoseok makes me heavy with dread, but I steel myself for the possibility, knowing that this is probably the last group to arrive, and no more will be coming. Then I see it.

Hoseok’s magnificent stallion, galloping towards me at top speed. He is a striking vision, riding furiously amongst the light pink flower petals falling gently onto the ground. Elated laughter spills unbidden from my lips as I step aside to avoid being trampled. He pulls his horse to an abrupt stop, shaking dust into the air, but neither of us care. Jumping off, he grabs me and lifts me up, making me squeal giddily, then sets me down to press his lips to mine. The force behind them conveys the extent of his love for me, how much he has missed me while he was gone, how glad he is to see me, and I respond in kind. He explains that he remained with the injured soldiers to ensure their safety on their way back. The group moved more slowly than the rest owing to the injuries, which is why he arrived late. I can accept his reason, but I’m not satisfied until I look over him myself, and after several attempts to convince me that he is unharmed, he gives in to my inspection.

True to his word, other than a few scratches, he is perfectly fine. It’s more than I can ever hope for, and I start to weep openly as the reality of his return sinks in.

“I came back so you wouldn’t cry, you know,” he chides gently, but I can see that his eyes are also damp through my blurry vision.

“I’m crying because I’m ecstatic that you’ve come back alive,” I argue through my sobs. “I’ve always believed that you will, but I can’t stop myself.”

My confession makes him sigh in relief and happiness, and he hugs me tightly, showering me with kisses. Long and lonely nights without Hoseok may come again, bringing a chill worse than winter, but it’s all worth it when I can look forward to being enveloped in his warmth again.

Did you enjoy this story? If yes, check out the accompanying birthday stories!

[1] He Left (Hoseok) [2] He Stole (Yoongi) [3] He Lied (Jungkook) [4] He Shot (Namjoon)  [5] He Fell (Jimin)  [6] He Loved (Seokjin)  [7] He Decided (Taehyung) 

Japanese terms:

Kimono: Traditional Japanese clothing Obi: Sash for Japanese clothing Daimyo: Japanese feudal lord Haori: Traditional Japanese jacket Sake: Japanese rice wine Kosode: Japanese robe Futon: Japanese traditional bedding

[merryfortune]

The Moon As An Omen of Hope

Commissioned Prodigyshipping fic for @seasaltmemories

Ko-Fi

  The one who watches the world is not the sun, but rather the moon: a vision soft upon the eyes and realms, eternal though waxing and waning with the days. Though such beauty has not been known to the worlds, not for a long time. Even Reiji was beginning to forget such brilliance. The world has not known the shine of the moon for a long time for she is kept inside of a locked tower. Tall and ivory, she is kept at the top.

  He smiles. A sadistic expression upon a thin and cruel face. He approaches the tower. There’s a deceptive, luminous sheen upon the pale colouring of the ivory but it’s decayed over time; gone grey with age. He wonders when was the last time the world knew the tranquillity and beauty of the moon?

  “Serena!” he called out on the top of his lungs. “I am a… a human who has come to free you from your enshrining! My people wish to know your glory once more and so, I have been elected champion; in exchange for your freedom, I would like a favour.”

  His voice echoes. The barren wasteland that surrounds the tower is eerily quiet. The echoes of his voice soon sink into the air silence returns like he had never spoken, to begin with.

  “Serena!” Reiji yells once more. “I am the son of Queen Himika of the Human Realm and I have come to free you in exchange for a favour!”

  His voice does not shake the world. The glow of the tower pales. He could feel some sort of moodiness emanate.

  “Perhaps I ought to demonstrate my wit then because I can assure you, I mean no jest when I say I have come to free you for a favour.” Reiji said.

  At the base of the tower is a seal. He supposes the seal is something like a door. The seal is shaped like a blocked archway. The keystone is engraved with his father’s insignia: an ominous warning to even the foolhardy. The blockade is created from bizarre rocks choked with roses and thick, thorny vines.

  Reiji picked at the vines. Just as he predicted, slash one vine and from its withering dredges, another two will form. But, that was through ordinary human weapons, a mere knife, but Reiji had far more powerful tools in his arsenal.

  He placed his hand in the centre. It was cool to the touch. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Under his breath, he muttered all number of incantations. Slowly, the vines shrivelled and wilted. Disintegrated until their dust was but nothingness. The keystone glowed. From a purple glow, it changed to scarlet. The etching upon it changed from a sword emblazoned within a clover to three, interlocked triangles that were all pointed to the right.

  Reiji’s breath hitched in his throat. His own insignia superimposed upon his father’s. He smirked. It is a strangely satisfying sight and one that will grow to be common.

  “I am coming inside now and I would like to begin a discussion on what I would like in exchange for giving you freedom. I have a simple request to beg of you that I believe you will find most satisfying.” Reiji said.

  He entered the tower. The luminous glow of the ivory was slightly stronger in here. Strong enough for his eyes to ache but he continued to march up a spiral set of staircases to the very peak of the tower. The insides of the tower were bare and plain but there was enrichment suitable for a warrior to hone their skills here but most, was broken.

  By the time dawn broke, the luminous glow of the tower eased off. By the time dawn broke, Reiji had finally reached the penthouse of the tower.

  “I’ve been waiting, Son of Himika.”

  She was beautiful. She sat, waiting, on the floor. Her indigo hair was tied up in a plait that fed into a ponytail. Her eyes were fierce and a vibrant green, like a fertile meadow. Her face was as pale as moonlight. She wore the garments and vestiges of a dancer: elegant raiments and silks but her white-knuckled hands seemed to belong more to a sellsword than an entertainer.

  “Or, should I say, Son of Leo.”

  “I am not the Son of Leo.” Reiji boldly contested the Moon Goddess’ assertion of his lineage.

  “You reek of illegitimacy; a half-breed of human and god. I can see him in your eyes: thirsting for war. No mere mortal has access to such powerful magic that can override the will of the King of All.”

  “I have not been that devil’s son since I was a child.”

  Serena sneered. Reiji’s voice was thick with loathing for Leo. For now, Serena decided that she will trust that.

  “For what purpose have you broken into my shrine?”

  “To free you.” he said. “For a price.”

  “The price being?”

  “I require a bodyguard. I have a quest in mind and whilst my magic is powerful, it is ill-suited for combat. Someone of my lineage would attract all sorts of demons and vagrants but if I were in the company of someone of your strengths, I would feel much safer. Besides, when was the last time the Moon got to the see the World? After wasting away, imprisoned, since the last Civil War in this tower, I thought you would be salivating at such opportunity to see how things have changed.”

  “The world has become a wasteland. Without the powers of the En Goddesses, the entire realm has become a plane not unlike Hell. All thanks to the madness of your father.” Serena crossed her arms. “But even if the world has turned ugly and wretched, I want to see it. I want to see how things have changed since my sister Yuzu perished.”

  “My condolences.” Reiji replied.

  “Yes, well, her sacrifice was in vain. Leo succeeded in bringing about the End of the World for nothing. How is the old coot, anyway?”

  “Usurped.” Reiji said.

  “What?” Serena sputtered, rising to her feet.

  “Killed by a human child.” Reiji continued.

  “I refuse to believe that to be the truth.” Serena snapped.

  She stomped towards Reiji and grabbed him by his lapels.

  “Queen Himika avenged herself. Using her chosen child, my brother, as a pawn, she was able to kill Leo. However, his agents remain and it is possible, for him to resurrect so it is best to not become too hopeful.”

  Serena let Reiji go. She shook, trembled.

  “Leo… is dead.”

  “As of a few days ago, yes, which is why I can free you with no consequences. It is time to begin anew, I believe. Your return will bring hope.”

  “This is madness, surely not?”

  “Humans are capable of much more than we divine beings give them credit for. Surely, they can salvage hope when they see the Moon in the sky once more after decades of pitch black nights. Perhaps, the world will turn green even though the En Goddess of Flowers is deceased. I believe a new era will be upon us now and someone must keep a record of it.”

  Serena laughed bitterly. “Ready to ascend are you, Halfling? To shed your humanity?”

  “I see no godliness in my duty.” Reiji replied as he readjusted his glasses. “Just a chance to amend the dreadfuls acts of Leo.”

  “Reiji… Patron God of Knowledge and History? Has a good ring to it, don’t you think?” Serena teased.

  “Anonymous, a History of the World As We Know It.” Reiji corrected her, not hearing any jape in her manner of speech.

  “You’re a strange one, Halfling.” Serena commented. She drew back and eyed him up.

  It was true, physically there was little resemblance between the youth before her and the man who had taken her prisoner but still. She was wary. She knew that warring blood was in his veins and they said that blood was thicker than water. She wanted to know if his promises of freedom were trustworthy.

  “Tell me, Halfling, in exchange for my freedom and the hope of the humans, just my presence as a bodyguard? A travelling companion? Nothing else?”

  “Nothing else.” Reiji affirmed.

  Serena closed her eyes as she unwounded a pale pink scarf from her neck. Her magic flowed into and the silk was dyed a fervent crimson.

  “A gift… To make my job easier.” she said, a touch standoffish. “So long as you wear this scarf in my presence, your being becomes impervious to all magics, blades, and arrows: anything that could bring you harm. So long as you wear it, you will be guarded. And now, we leave. I want to see what was left of the world. I want to take heart and hope despite your advice, I want to believe Leo will never rise from the Underworld.”

  “I understand.” Reiji said and he lowered his head.

  Serena stood on her tiptoes. She coiled the scarf around Reiji’s neck and tied it in a loose knot. She kissed his forehead, he opened his eyes, surprised.

  “Thank you.” she said, sincerity deeply ingrained in her voice. Tears were dripping out of her eyes as she once more, tried to comprehend the truth that seemed more like lies. “I have been here for… for… I don’t even know how long and now I am free and the world is rid of Leo. I… I can’t believe it.”

  “I just wish I could have rescued you sooner.” Reiji replied.

  Serena reared back. “Well then, it is time to leave. There is no use in staying any longer.”

  “I agree. There is much of the world to see, after all, and many things to pen.”

  “You better not bore me.” Serena huffed. “I can’t stand dullness.”

  “I understand but I assure you, the history of all that is and all that ever will be, is fascinating.”

  “I’m holding that to you, Halfling.”

  Reiji took a breath and found himself to be in the belief that he was going to be in very good company. The scent of her perfume lingered on the scarf. It was not unpleasant. As they walked, as they descended down the ivory staircase, they were shoulder to shoulder, hands brushing up against one another. It was odd.

  By the time they left the tower, twilight had broken. The barren wasteland was pitiful, even in the colours of the night: hues of blue and black but tonight, it was different. The Moon had returned to the sky and was a vision of elegance: an omen of a new era of hope and tranquillity.

[onehaleofanadventure]

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: M/M Fandoms: Red Hood and the Outlaws, Red Robin - Fandom, DC Comics Relationship: Tim Drake/Jason Todd

Summary: 

Bruce and Jason fight, and sometimes it's worse than others.

Number 2 of 3 for @sociallyawkwardfoxwriter (it is not your birthday, even if this is kind of a gift)

.In hindsight, they should have all seen it coming. Bruce, Dick and Alfred could not count, on all their combined limbs, the number of times they found Jason stockpiling food and clothes, or packing emergency bags. And on one particularly memorable occasions, Dick had stumbled—literally—into the teen in the dark, only to flip on the lights and see silent tears, a packed bag slung over his shoulder, and a clear path to the open window. And on one particularly memorable occasions, Dick had stumbled—literally—into the teen in the dark, only to flip on the lights and see silent tears, a packed bag slung over his shoulder, and a clear path to the open window. That was the first big fight Batman and the second Robin had ever had.

So really, after all the yelling Bruce had done, he and Alfred should not have been surprised to wake up and find the flighty teen missing without a trace. Honestly, who thought it was a good idea to teach the already stealthy—from years of living and hiding on the streets—kid how to hide from the best of the best.

-----------

Tim Drake was not a stalker. He liked to take pictures. He liked Batman and Robin, mostly Robin. Just because he had to follow Batman and Robin to take pictures of them did not mean he was a stalker.

That being said, it was probably was a little creepy that he followed them home, although he lives next door, so he had to go that direction anyway. Also, Ms. Mac said the shrine of Robin pictures and merchandise he had in they hall closet next to his darkroom was creepy.

But who could blame him. Robin was amazing, and Jason was only a year older than him. Ever since Jason became Robin and started attending Gotham Academy Tim has been working up the courage to talk to him, to be friends with him.

----------

Tim wasn’t sure if he should go out tonight. Last night had not ended well. Everything had been going as usual: Batman and Robin were interrogating some crook.

Tim glanced down to clean his camera lens and when he looked up Robin was halfway over the balcony railing desperately reaching for something—a man, the man that had just been running from Batman—just out of his reach. Right as he was pulling himself back into standing upright, Batman leapt down onto the balcony. From there, yelling had started and then Jason was being dragged next to Batman into the alley and the parked Batmobile.

Normally, when Bruce and Jason fight, Robin won’t be on patrol for a few days and then everything would go back to normal until the next fight.

However, Jason was not in class today—Tim does not stalk, everyone just gossips about the street rat or charity case that Mr. Wayne adopted this time—and Jason always comescomescomescome to school

unless he’s seriously injured. Jason loves school and learning, Tim thinks, as evidence by him catching up to his peers so quickly despite not having gone to school for years.

Tim also hears the ruckus that evening, Bruce’s thunderous rumble echoing through the expanse of trees and flowers that separate Wayne manor and Tim’s spot in the Drake gardens. From his spot—close to where their paths converge and meet the road leading into town—Tim also hears the screech of tires spinning too fast and wild across gravel, which signals the Batmobile leaving in a rush.

Tim doesn’t really know why, but he grabs his camera and heads off into the night. Avoiding an angry Bruce was never fun, especially without the promise of Jason—Robin.

------------

Tim started toward to end of Batman and Robin’s usual patrol to make up for Batman driving so fast.

Tim also hears the ruckus that evening, Bruce’s thunderous rumble echoing through the expanse of trees and flowers that separate Wayne manor and Tim’s spot in the Drake gardens. From his spot—close to where their driveways converge and meet the road leading into town—Tim also hears the screech of tires spinning too fast and wild across gravel, which signals the Batmobile leaving in a rush.

So maybe that is why he decides to go out. Batman in a rush means something important, so he probably needs Robin with him.

------------

He starts his search about halfway through what he thinks is their usual patrol route. He’s kind of in Crime Alley, but just the edge, so it should be okay, though he is wishing he’d brought the cheaper camera. And maybe some mace or something.

------------

He’s been out for hours, it’s chilly and damp and he’s miserable. As another set of sirens go wailing down a few streets away, Tim readies himself to leave, disappointed but not exactly surprised to have missed the Bat and his Bird.

Out of the corner of his eye he catches—a vaguely human shaped—blob bounce gracefully over the roof next to his. By the time he grabs his camera and looks up, the shape is gone and he is alone once again.

That is, until a throat is pointedly cleared behind him.

“Kid, it ain’t safe to be out here all ‘lone.”

The drawl sounds more street than Jason usually does, but it is undeniably his favorite bird. Tim turns, mind filtering through responses for one that is suitably cool but not disrespectful. He stops short, face-to-face with Jason Todd, no mask or cape or spandex tights is sight.

“Kid—“

“T-Tim. My name is Tim.” If this is the only way he is brave enough to talk to Jason, he’ll take it.

“Well, Timmy, you not be our here alone with something that expensive. That camera your clutchings gotta be a thousand easy.”

Tim grins sheepishly, “More like two, not counting the lens or the spare in the bag.”

“What the—“

“But it’s okay. I know self-defense. And besides I’m not alone, youre—“ mid sentence, Tim notices to overstuffed duffle slung over Jason’s shoulder “—here?” he finishes, though it wasn’t meant to be a question.

“You don’t even know me, kid.”

“Stop calling me that, you can’t be that much older than me. Plus, I introduced myself, so should you.”

Jason huffs, “Tim, it ain’t safe. It is tell ya my name, promise to go home before you get hurt?” Tim nods, smiling a little at the exaggerated eye roll he gets in return. “It’s Jason. No where are we walking?”

“We? And, ummm, Jason Wayne?” Tim splutters, he knows who Jason is, but he’s still thrown on the we part.

“It’s Todd, I didn’t take Bruce’s name. And yes, we. You’re tiny. Easy prey—“

“Hey!” Tim knows he’s small for his age, but he’s isn’t that small and he really does know self-defense, specially for his hobby.

Jason snorts. But Tim continues “I’m not going home yet. Don’t give me that look, I said I would and I will. Just not yet. What’s with the bag?”

“Smooth transition. And you’re awfully curious, ain’t cha? So what are ya doing out here with a fancy camera?” Jason cocks a brow and it makes Tim nervous, and he blurts out the first thing that comes to mind—

“Stargazing!” He regrets the word as soon as it leaves his mouth, blushing a deep red.

Jason laughs as expected, “There’s ain’t no stars here, ki-Tim.”

“There are, if you can look past the smog and clouds.” Tim takes a seat on dirty concrete. “Like this one—“

He turns to Jason, who just stares at him for a moment before sitting down next to him.

“—that really bright spot, it’s the primary star for the Zodiac Leo constellation. It’s peaking tonight, that’s why it’s so bright.”

“Leo, that’s the August one, right? That’s mine.” He sounds a little distant as he states at where Tim is pointing.

Tim smiles softly, trying to not obviously stare. “The little cluster next to it, they’re really dim tonight, but that’s the my Zodiac sign, Cancer.”

-----------

They spend a long time sitting on that roof. Going back and forth between talking about the stars, and Gotham, and whatever meaningless topic comes to them.

The sun is just starting to peak over the horizon when Jason manages to convince Tim to go home. The trip back is a lot faster.

“So Drake. Tim Drake. As in the neighbors.”

Tim blushes, “I thought it’d be weirder if I said that.”

Jason snorts. “Whatever, kid.” He turns, but Tim isn’t really ready to give up this weird friendship they’ve developed tonight. “I didn’t know the Drakes were back from wherever.”

“They aren’t. I didn’t want to go. Hey! You never told me, what’s with the bag.”

“Oh, I uhh, I’m going to Ethiopia. I found out my biological mom is alive, and there.” Jason shifts, a guilty tell, but Tim doesn’t notice.

“That’s really awesome. I hope you have a lot of fun.” Tim’s phone buzzes, his alarm for school going off. “I have to go. School, you know. Anyway. I guess I’ll see you when you get back?”

Tim bites his lip, a little nervous about Jason’s reaction. “Sure, kid. Someone’s got to stop you from being picked on at school.” Tim splutters as he walks inside, smiling fondly as Jason’s laugh echoes across the empty lawns.

[indiatourplann-blog]

Pushkar Fair Festival

Pushkar

Pushkar is a town in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) northwest of Ajmer at an average elevation of 510 m (1,670 ft) and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. According to Hindu theology, the pond at the Katas Raj Temples near Choa Saidan Shah in Chakwal District of Pakistan has a theological association with Shiva; it was formed by the tears of Lord Shiva which he is believed to have shed after the death of his wife, Sati. The story goes that when Sati died, Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds – one at Pushkara in Ajmer in India and the other at Ketaksha, which literally means raining eyes, in Sanskrit. It is from this name that the word Katas is derived. It is often called "Tirth Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites – and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Brahma with its creation.

Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples are not very old because many temples were destroyed during Muslim conquests in the area.[1] Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India; Khedbrahma in Gujarat, India; village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan; Uttamar Kovil (one of the Divya Desams) near Srirangam, Tamil Nadu; Carambolim  near Valpoi in Goa, Mother Temple of Besakih in Bali, Indonesia; and Prambanan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters.The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or locally Pushkar ka Mela is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the world's largest camel fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists.In recent years the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar club and a team of random foreign tourists. The Imperial Gazetteer of India mentions an attendance of 100,000 pilgrims in early 1900s.

Thousands of people go to the banks of the Pushkar Lake where the fair takes place. Men buy and sell their livestock, which includes camels, cows, sheep and goats.The women go to the stalls, full of bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs and exhibitions to follow. Between these events, the most waited for is the test of how the camel is able to bring the items. In order to demonstrate, the men go up on the group of camels one after another.

It is celebrated for five days from the Kartik ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik (October–November) in Hindu calendar. The full moon day is the main day and the day, according to legend, when the Hindu god Brahma sprung up the Pushkar Lake, thus numerous people swim in the Pushkar lake sacred waters...

Brahma Temple

According to legend, Brahma was in search of a place for Mahayagna and he found this place suitable. After a long time, Brahma came to known that a demon, Vajranash, was killing people here so the Lord intoned a mantra on a lotus flower and killed the demon. During this process the parts of flower fell on three places which were later known as Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. After this Brahma performed a yagna to protect this place from demons. The consort of Brahma, Savitri, were needed to offer Ahuti for the yagna but she was not there that time so Gayatri, a Gurjar girl, was married to brahma and performned yagna. This act made first wife of Brahma, Savitri, angry and she cursed Brahma saying that he would be worshiped in Pushkar only.

The temple, which is set on high plinth, is approached through a number of marble steps leading to an entrance gate archway, decorated with pillared canopies. The entry from the gate leads to a pillared outdoor hall (Mandapa) and then the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The temple is built with stone slabs and blocks, joined together with molten lead. The red shikara (spire) of the temple and symbol of a hamsa (a swan or goose) - the mount of Brahma – are distinct features of the temple. The shikara is about 70 feet in height. The hamsa motif decorates the main entry gate. Marble floor (in black and white checks) and walls inside the temple have been inlaid with hundreds of silver coins by devotees (with their names inscribed), as mark of offering to Brahma. There is a silver turtle in the mandap, that is displayed on the floor of the temple facing the Garbhagriha, which is also built in marble. The marble flooring has been replaced from time-to-time

Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan state of western India. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus. The Hindu scriptures describe it as "Tirtha-Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites related to a water-body and relate it to the mythology of the creator-god Brahma, whose most prominent temple stands in Pushkar. The Pushkar Lake finds mention on coins as early as the 4th century BC.

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (a series of steps leading to the lake), where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath, especially around Kartik Poornima (October–November) when the Pushkar Fair is held. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts.

Tourism and deforestation in the surroundings have taken a heavy toll on the lake, adversely affecting its water quality, reducing the water levels and destroying the fish population. As part of conservation measures, the government is undertaking de-silting, de-weeding, water treatment, and afforestation as well as mass awareness programme

Ajmer

Ajmer (pronounced (About this sound listen)) is one of the major cities in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is the centre of the eponymous Ajmer District. According to the 2011 census, Ajmer has a population of around 552,360 in its urban agglomeration and 542,580 in the city. The city is located at a distance of 135 km from the state capital Jaipur and 391 km from the national capital New Delhi.

The city was established by a Shakambhari Chahamana (Chauhan) ruler, either Ajayaraja I or Ajayaraja II, and served as the Chahamana capital until the 12th century CE.

Ajmer is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. It is a pilgrimage centre for the shrine of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is also the base for visiting Pushkar  an ancient Hindu pilgrimage city, famous for the temple of Brahma. Ajmer has been selected as one of the heritage cities for the HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.

[asegbolu]

Primary one second term 2016 /2017

ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: BASIC SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Objectives Choose from the option lettered a – c the one that is most suitable Natural sources of water includes the following except ___________ (a) rain (b) river (c) well Air is a mixture of ___________ (a) gases (b) liquid (c) solid Aquatic animals are the animals that live in/on ______ (a) air (b) water (c) land Which of the following is an artificial sources of water? (a) spring (b) ponds (c) rain Air is everywhere (a) True (b) False Which of the following animals live in water? (a) crocodile (b) goat (c) dog There are __________ main sources of water (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 5 Can air be seen and touched? (a ) Yes (b) No Simple machine makes work easier? (a) Yes (b) No Technology is human activity used in making simple tools and materials (a) True (b) False Leaf is green while tomato is _____ in colour (a) Yellow (b) Red (c) White ___________ is the making of a copy of an object in a form smaller than the original objects (a) modeling (b) drawing (c) painting __________ soil is the best for modeling (a) clay (b) dry sand (c) loamy An example of simple machine for cutting clothes is ______ (a) axe (b) scissors (c) opener The colour of your uniforms are _________ and __________ (a) pink and grey (b) red and green (c) white and brown The red traffic light indicates _______ (a) get ready (b) stop (c) move Is it good to put a nail into the electric socket? (a) Yes (b) No You must have a bath ____________ a day. (a) twice (b) once (c) never Wash your hands after using the toilet. (a) True (b) False It is good to run carelessly along the corridor (a) True (b) False ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Tuwo is to Hausa as ______ is to Itsekiri. (a) Akpu (b) Iyan (c) Starch Akpu and Garri are gotten from ______ (a) cassava (b) yam (c) maize An area where many families live, work, and play is called ______ (a) neighbourhood (b) market (c) office Is it good to respect our elders (a) Yes (b) No We must keep our surroundings clean at all times. (a) True (b) False A ___________ is an area where people share things in common (a) commander (b) community (c) constituency We must collect gift from strangers (a) True (b) False Christians worship in the __________ (a) mosque (b) church (c) Shrine The Holy Book of the Muslim is ____________ (a) Holy Quran (b) Holy Bible (c) Ifa When reciting the National Anthem, we must ___________ right (a) Stand (b) Sit (c) Run We save our money in the _____________ (a) bank (b) house (c) pot A place where we buy and sell is called ___________ (a) school (b) police station (c) market Which of the following is a means of transportation by road (a) car (b) ship (c) air plane The fastest means of transportation is by _______ (a) road (b) air (c) water The head of a Local Government is the ______ (a) Chairman (b) Governor (c) President A person that flies aeroplane is a ___________ (a) driver (b) sailor (c) pilot The head of a primary school is known as ________ (a) Principal (b) Headmistress (c) Rector We must obey the rules and regulations of the classroom (a) True (b) False When someone slaps you in the class, what should you do? (a) Slap your own (b) report to the teacher (c) fight the person Is it good to fight and make noise in the class (a) Yes (b) No ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… The _______ is a place where sick and injured are taken care of School (b) Hospital (c) Home To be kind means to show love (a) True (b) False ___________ and nurses work in an hospital. (a) teachers (b) farmers (c) doctors Is it good to give to the poor? (a) Yes (b) No The disabled people are called handicapped or cripple because they have no _____ and _______ (a) arms or legs (b) eyes or head (c) leg and teeth The disabled beg for ___________ (a) arm (b) harm (c) alms A farmer provides food to the nation (a) True (b) False A _________ impact knowledge to people (a) Doctor (b) Teacher (c) Farmer All work and no play, makes jack a ___________ boy. (a) dull (b) sharp (c) good Where must we spend most of our time? (a) reading our books (b) playing (c) watching television Is it good to help our parents? (a) Yes (b) No (c) am not sure Harmful drugs are dangerous to our body. (a) True (b) False Our toilets must be washed _________ (a) once a year (b) never (c) always Neatness is next to ____________ (a) boldness (b) friendliness (c) Godliness Smoking is dangerous to health (a) True (b) False It is good to be satisfied with what you have (a) True (b) False It is _________ to take drugs without the doctor's prescription (a) bad (b) safe (c) good The president of Nigeria is _______ (a) President Akinwunmi Ambode (b) President Mohammadu Buhari (c) President Obasanjo The headmistress of my school is ___________ (a) Mrs. Akande (b) Mrs. Bode-Idowu (c) Mrs. Gbolahan The name of my class teacher is ________ (a) Mr. Fidelis (b) Mrs. Oladoyin (c) Mr. Usman ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… _________ is a liquid (a) sand (b) stone (c) water The ___________ provides day light for people to see. (a) moon (b) sky sun We breathe in and out __________ to survive (a) water (b) air (c) sand Animals make use of plants as their foods (a) True (b) False Stones are used by farmers to sharpen the cutlass (a) True (b) False Plants need _________ in order to grow very well. (a) moonlight (b) sunlight (c) water light We can get ______ from the early morning sun. (a) Vitamin C (b) Vitamin D (c) Vitamin E We can _____________ air around us (a) see (b) feel (c) touch Food helps us to ___________ very well (a) grow (b) reduce (c) sick Dogs feed mainly on ______________ (a) grains (b) bones (c) grasses The following are examples of food that we can eat without cooking except ___ (a) yam (b) mango (c) apple _________ drinking water can cause sickness and diseases (a) clean (b) unclean (c) pure An example of diseases caused by drinking unclean water is _____ (a) malaria (b) cholera (c) headache A ______ is an example of animal that live in water (a) fish (b) cow (c) bird Moving air is called ______ (a) wind (b) air (c) whistle Sun can be used to dry up some products of agriculture such as _____ (a) stone (b) maize (c) rocks The best soil for planting is _____ (a) sandy (b) loamy (c) clay Rocky land can be used for _____ (a) farming (b) tourist (c) cropping ______ can be obtained from a rocky land (a) marble (b) orange (c) juice Exercise and good food makes us healthy (a) True (b) False ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: CREATIVE ART NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… ___________ is the drawing and painting of things around us. (a) Art (b) Tailor Handfan, cup, mat, basket and chair are examples of Art works we used at home. (a) Yes (b) No This object can be found at ___________ (a) bush (b) home It is a _____________ (a) mat (b) bed It is used for __________ (a) washing (b) sleeping This object is what? (a) cup (b) calabash We use the _____________ to decorate our house. (a) flower vase (b) sun The mixture of ____________ and _________ colours gives colour green. (a) red, blue (b) blue, yellow Yellow plus red gives ___________ (a) orange (b) purple The primary colours are red, blue and ___________ (a) yellow (b) green Section B Draw and colour: A Ball A Pot ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Section A: Comprehension Instruction: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions My name is Oni. I like to talk about what I do always. Everyday I wake up by 6.30am. I say my prayers when I wake up. After this, I go to greet my parent. Then, I brush my teeth. Afterwards, I sweep my room. I then go to the bathroom to have a shower. I put on my clothes and prepare for school. I take my breakfast. I leave home for school by 7.30a.m. I return home from school by 2.30pm. I go to bed by 9.00pm. Questions What is the boy's name? _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ What time does he leave for school? ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ When does he leave for school? _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ The first thing Oni does when he wakes up is _______________________________________ After prayer, I ___________________ my parents and ____________________ my teeth. Section B Fill in the blanks with the correct possession adjectives Joe and ___________ friends are playing chess. (a) his (b) your (c) its Some rich people like to show off __________ wealth (a) his (b) my (c) their Alice hurt ___________ arm in the accident (a) our (b) her (c) your Children, check __________ answer carefully (a) your (b) their (c) our The trees have shed __________ leaves (a) its (b) their (c) my Fill in each gap with 'am', 'is' or 'are I __________ a pupil of Island Builders Baptist School She ________ a beautiful girl We _________ from the Police Station. He _________ a taxi driver They ___________ late again. Underline the adjective in each group of words The blue car is mine A big house The man is fat. He has seven toys The fourth car has broken Write the correct verb from the brackets in the blank I ____________ a new toy (have, has) He ________________ two uniforms (has, have) She ________________ a necklace (have, has) The girls ________________ long hair (has, have) Babies ____________ to crawl before walking (has, have) Section C: Composition My School The name of my school is ______________________________________________________ My school is in ________________________ town in __________________________ State There are ____________________ classrooms in my school. The name of my class teacher is __________________________ the name of my headmistress is _______________________ There is a playing ground in my ______________ (house, school, farm) I like my school because the teachers are very ____________________ (hardworking, wicked, kind) to me. Section D: Literature The title of our literature text for this term is ____________________________________ Mr. Kay has _______________________________ kids Their names are _____________________, ___________________, __________________ __________________________ looks like his father ___________________________ is the only girl of the house. ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: VOCATIONAL APTITUDE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Some of the electrical home appliances use battery (a) true (b) False Electrical home appliances are powered by electricity before we use them. (a) True (b) False _________ is used for cooking (a) washing machine (b) electric fan (c) electric cooker _________ is the name of a person that cooks (a) Tailor (b) cook (c) lawyer Frying pan is used for _____ (a) measuring (b) frying (c) serving food Home economics is the study of skills that pertains to the ______ (a) school (b) home (c) hospital ______ is used to open and close entrance to a room (a) cabinet (b) shelves (c) door ___________ is used for arranging plates (a) chair (b) plate rack (c) bench ___________ is where people sit and eat (a) dining set (b) shelves (c) window _________ is a place where sick people are treated (a) hospital (b) school (c) market ________ is used for measuring body temperature (a) cotton wool (b) cooler (c) thermometer Doctor wear _________ to protect their hands from germs (a) cloth (b) bandage (c) gloves Who looks after or takes care for sick people in an hospital (a) cleaner (b) teacher (c) nurse _________ is a place where vehicles are repaired (a) school (b) office (c) mechanic workshop A mechanic repairs and maintains vehicles (a) True (b) False The person that works on vehicles tyres is ____________ (a) pupil (b) nurse (c) vulcanizer The person that repairs vehicles is ______ (a) mechanic (b) teacher (c) doctor __________ is where water is stored for a building (a) water tank (b) bus (c) lorry A plumber can repair water pipes when leaking (a) True (b) False The person that repairs plumbing fitting is ________ (a) doctor (b) lawyer (c) plumber ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: VERBAL REASONING NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Write out 5 words that begin with letter h ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ Form words with each of the following: Example: e g a – a g e e c i ___________ n e p ___________ b a c ___________ e g d e __________ g g e __________ Fill in the missing letters with one of these letters a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j ____ vy ____ octor ____ riend ____ome ____ump Match the capital letters with the small letters L p M r N u O i P m Q s R q S n T o U t Write the small letters to the following numbers 7 ________________ 10 _______________ 25 ________________ 18 ________________ 3 _______________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: HOME ECONOMICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… How many nostrils do we have? (a) Four (b) three (c) two The ears are used for __________ (a) hearing sound (b) sneezing (c) seeing We breathe in and breathe out ____________ (a) dust (b) air (c) soap We should keep our nails clean at all times (a) True (b) False The mouth consists of the ______ and _____ (a) lip and nails (b) teeth and tongue (c) tongue and toes The tongue is used for ______ (a) chewing (b) singing (c) tasting We clean our mouth to avoid _____ (a) eating (b) smelling (c) talking __________ is used for brushing our teeth. (a) toothbrush & tooth paste (b) toothbrush & sand (c) toothbrush & powder It is good to wash our tongue when brushing (a) True (b) False Write three materials for cleaning the mouth, teeth and tongue __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ It is good to put sharp objects in the ear (a) True (b) False ____________ is a place where we live. (a) school (b) home (c) mosque A house is a building (a) Yes (b) no __________ is a place where we prepare our food (a) bedroom (b) kitchen (c) sitting room List three parts of a home ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ Is it good to wash our hands after using the toilet? (a) Yes (b) No ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: BIBLE KNOWLEDGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… We should always obey the commandments of God (a) True (b) False __________ protects and keep our family (a) God (b) David (c) John We should always _________ to God (a) abuse (b) curse (c) pray As children of God, we should ________ one another. (a) hate (b) love (c) fight Jesus Christ called his followers his friends (a) Yes (b) No How many disciples does Jesus had? (a) 12 (b) 9 (c) 15 Is it good to help the disable? (a) Yes (b) No Where was Jesus Christ given birth to (a) Market (b) Manger (c) Manager ________ is the act of talking to God (a) prayer (b) crying (c) sleeping Who is the angel that appear to Mary? (a) Angel Gabriel (b) Angel Daniel (c) Angel Michael _________ has power over all diseases and death (a) peter (b) God (c) John ______ is the first man God created. (a) Judea (b) Adam (c) James Is dreaming God's great gifts? (a) Yes (b) No Who died on the cross of Calvary? (a) Mary (b) Jesus Christ (c) James Who is our heavenly father? (a) Daddy (b) God (c) Pastor Who is God? (a) Angel (b) Spirit (c) Man Love means liking and caring about someone (a) True (b) False Who is the first woman God created? (a) Eve (b) Mother (c) aunty List two things God created? __________________ __________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: MATHEMATICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Write in words 58 = __________________________________________________________ 80 = __________________________________________________________ 75 = __________________________________________________________ 63 = ___________________________________________________________ 39 = ___________________________________________________________ 42 = ___________________________________________________________ Open sentences involving addition and subtraction of numbers using number line 6 + = 9 9 – = 5 + 3 = 8 12 – 6 = Write in expanded forms 130 = _______ hundreds ______ tens ______ units 536 = _______ hundreds ______ tens ______ units What is the value 7 in the following digits 7 9 8 = __________________ = _____________ 2 4 7 = __________________ = _____________ 6 7 1 = __________________ = ____________ Multiplication of 2- digits numbers (i) 7 3 (ii) 5 1 (iii) 3 3 x 2 x 3 x 3 Addition and subtraction of numbers with carrying and borrowing under (H.T.U) H T U H T U H T U 3 5 9 (ii) 4 8 7 (iii) 1 3 4 + 2 4 9 + 4 0 5 + 5 4 9 H T U H T U 5 6 5 (v) 8 4 6 2 5 8 – 3 2 9 Name the shaded part as fraction = = Shade ½ of ½ is called half as ¼ is called _________________

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Primary two second term 2016 /2017

ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Comprehension Mother is having a baby very soon. Her tummy is very bog. The family is preparing. Mother is doing a lot of shopping today. She is going to the market. She is buying babies' wear, socks, nappies, oil and cream. She is also buying dresses for herself. Dayo and Dupe are going to have new dresses as well. Dayo and Dupe are excited. They like babies. They want to know if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl. Questions: Who is having a baby very soon? ________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ What is mother doing today? ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Why were Dayo and Dupe excited? ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Are Dupe and Dayo getting new dresses? __________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Do you like babies? ___________________________________________________________ Give the Simple Past Tense Form of the following words Fight - ___________________________ Blow - ___________________________ Win - ____________________________ Enter - ___________________________ Draw - __________________________ Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions to make meaningful sentences She went to bed early __________ she was sleepy (a) so (b) since (c) and (d) but ________ she just swept the floor, it is still dusty. (a) as (b) although (c) yet (d) because Taiwo studied very hard _________ he did well in his exams (a) if (b) or (c) yet (d) so It is dry ____________warm (a) and (b) so (c) if (d) but He was thirsty ________ refused to drink water (a) Although (b) because (c) but (d) and Literature The Old Man and the Four Wishes Why did the Old man's wife leave him? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Did Pa Rabiu choose what his friend has suggested? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Who else did Pa Rabiu decide to visit after his visit to Baba Ramoni? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why did Bade's mother slap him? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why did he begin to wish for long life? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Composition MY BEST FOOD My best food is ___________________________________________ It is a/an _______________________________________ giving food It is very _________________________________________________ It makes my body to be _____________________________________ The food is popular among ____________________________ people Some of the ingredients for preparing my best food are _________, _________ and __________ I like my best food because it ________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… A community is a group of people who share the same ___________ (a) city (b) values (c) organization (d) friends The two types of communities are ________ and ________ (a) Oba and Eze (b) Lagos and Ibadan (c) Traditional and Modern (d) Old and New It is good to keep our environment __________ (a) littered (b) healthy (c) scattered In Nigeria, there are _______________ states (a) 48 (b) 36 (c) 96 Is it good to be disobedient (a) Yes (b) No It is not good to come _________ to School (a) late (b) always (c) early _____ means showing love and concern for others (a) selfishness (b) wickedness (c) kindness The family comprises of ________________, _________________ and ________________ Obong is a traditional leader in ___________ (a) Oyo (b) Calabar (c) Kaduna Community leaders also help to maintain ______ in the community (a) law (b) peace (c) fight We have _________ types of communities (a) A girl _______ down to greet her parents (a) cry (b) bow (c) kneel Muslims pray in the _________ (a) Church (b) Shrine (c) Mosque A person that works in the court of Law is a ____ (a) doctor (b) lawyer (c) teacher Who is the President of Nigeria? (a) President Lai Mohammed (b) President Muhammed Buhari (c) President Akinwunmi Ambode We need to _______ the toilet after use (a) flush (b) spoil (c) cover ______ is used for cooking food (a) water (b) petrol (c) kerosene Money can be kept in _____ (a) bank (b) school (c) palace Civic education is important for National Development (a) Yes (b) No (c) Maybe A good community leader must maintain _________ and _______ (a) fighting and stealing (b) peace and order (c) praying and troubling Theory Mention five states in Nigeria (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ (e) ________________________________ List two types of community (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ Mention two roles of a community leader (a) _________________________________________________________________________ (b) _________________________________________________________________________ Mention two rules in the community (a) _________________________________________________________________________ (b) _________________________________________________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: BASIC SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Objectives Air is present everywhere but we cannot see it. (a) True (b) False (c) Maybe Balloon will ______ inside water (a) sink (b) float (c) shrink (d) melt ______ is used to mould (a) clay (b) raffia (c) broomstick (d) mache ______ flower produces red dye (a) rose (b) morning glory (c) leaf (d) almamanda Objects are beautiful because the colours are good (a) true (b) false (c) maybe Broom is used for ___________ (a) sweeping (b) cutting (c) gather (d) eating ______ is an example of a simple machine (a) book (b) wheelbarrow (c) water (d) table Water can be moved from the stream, river and well (a) true (b) false (c) maybe ____ is an example of objects that float in air (a) television (b) spoon (c) kite (d) toy Heavy objects will ________ inside water (a) occupy space (b) float (c) sink (d) mould ______ is used to make basket (a) clay (b) raffia (c) broomsticks (d) plasticine _____ beautifies objects (a) pencil (b) sand (c) colour (d) soil Colours can be used to identify or describe objects (a) true (b) false (c) maybe Green in the traffic light means ______ (a) stop (b) sleep (c) go (d) jump ___________ is an example of simple machine found in the home. (a) tree (b) flower (c) spoon (d) table Solids that do not dissolve in water are sugar and salt (a) true (b) false (c) maybe Bread absorbs water (a) true (b) false (c) maybe Solids that dissolve in water are called _____ (a) soluble solids (b) insoluble solids (c) absorbable solids (d) removable solids Harmful substances include _____ (a) acid (b) fresh air (c) ripe mango (d) fresh orange ______ is the sense of sight (a) ear (b) nose (c) skin (d) eyes Theory List four simple machines found in the home (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ Mention four materials that dissolve in water (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ (i) Red Light means ______________________________________________________ (ii) Green Light means ____________________________________________________ (iii) Amber light means ___________________________________________________ List four objects that float in air (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… _____ is a gathering tool (a) rake (b) wheel barrow (c) broom (d) cutlass Pick axe is used for __________ (a) digging (b) carrying (c) cutting (d) tapping Keep tools in a _______ place to prevent loss and rust (a) dirty (b) dry (c) bushy (d) An insect that produces honey is _______ (a) mosquito (b) tse-tse fly (c) bee (d) housefly A mallet is a ________ tool (a) boring (b) measuring (c) driving (d) tapping Butterfly is an harmful insect (a) true (b) false (c) maybe Use this object to answer questions 7 and 8 The object above is ___________ (a) hoe (b) rake (c) mallet (d) hammer It is used for __________ nails (a) tapping (b) carrying (c)driving (d) cutting Grasshoppers destroy crops by eating up the leaves and stems (a) true (b) false (c) maybe ______ is an example of s farmers enemy (a) butterfly (b) earthworm (c) beetle (d) wasp Tsetse fly bite can cause _____ sickness (a) malaria (b) typhoid (c) sleeping (d) diarrhea _________ is used to spray on the farm (a) bucket (b) sprayer (c) fan (d) bottle Insects destroy other food items in storage (a) True (b) false (c) maybe A person that works on the farm is called ____ (a) farmer (b) tailor (c) carpenter (d) engineer Insect that destroys wood and furniture in farm offices is ____ (a) butterfly (b) cockroach (c) termites (d) bees _________ is a tuber crop (a) yam (b) carrot (c) rice (d) beans Mention two digging tools (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ Basket, bucket, head pan and wheel barrow are examples of ________ tools (a) carrying (b) digging (c) watering (d) measuring _____________________ is a measuring tool Insects that dig into the soil and make air for the soil are _________________ Theory Mention 4 harmful farm insects (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ Mention 2 carrying tools (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ _____________________________________ bite causes malaria fever ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: CREATIVE ARTS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… The colours of the Nigerian flag is ___________ and ___________ (a) green and yellow (b) green and purple (c) yellow and white (d) green and white The Rose flower is colour _________ (a) purple (b) green (c) red (d) black Identify the shapes by naming them ______________ _______________ ______________ Colour this pattern with any three colours of your choice ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: MATHEMATICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Add 71 and 12 together (a) 73 (b) 83 (c) 43 (d) 23 84 + 15 = (a) 99 (b) 42 (c) 22 (d) 109 2/4 x 32 = (a) 18 (b) 14 (c) 16 (d) 30 Find the sum of 52 and 36 (a) 98 (b) 88 (c) 16 (d) 54 Add 27, 23 and 45 together (a) 95 (b) 45 (c) 105 (d) 125 Multiply 17 by 3 = (a) 51 (b) 43 (c) 74 (d) 82 Take away 50 from 67 (a) 19 (b) 14 (c) 17 (d) 20 x 3 = 21 (a) 4 (b) 7 (c) 11 (d) 13 Find the difference between 53 and 42 (a) 12 (b) 21 (c) 11 (d) 41 240 = _____ hundreds _____ tens ____ unit 2 0 x 4 (a) 90 (b) 60 (c) 80 (d) 100 513 + 214 + 111 = (a) 898 (b) 838 (c) 388 (d) 938 Tick the greater number 564 and 941 316 is 1 greater than (a) 314 (b) 312 (c) 315 (d) 319 There are 27pupil in a class. 14 of them are girls. How many pupils are boys (a) 23 (b) 13 (c) 18 (d) 29 H T U 4 6 5 1 2 1 + 2 1 3 3 groups of 6 = x (a) 3 x 3 (b) 6 x 3 (c) 3 x 2 (d) 6 x 2 4 x = 44 x 4 = 11 (a) 22 (b) 33 (c) 11 (d) 21 Two goats have _____ legs (a) 10legs (b) 8 legs (c) 49 legs (d) 32 legs (a) 40 (b) 90 (c) 30 (d) 100 Theory Find the sum of 52 and 15 Take away 36 from 98 If Tayo, Tosin and Tola have 5sweets each. How many do they have altogether? Six cows have how many legs? ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: BIBLE KNOWLEDGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Who baptized Jesus Christ? (a) Mary (b) John the Baptist (c) Thomas Who commanded the storm to stop? (a) Jesus (b) Peter (c) Angel Who tempted Jesus after his baptism (a) Satan (b) Snake (c) Angel Peter's mother in law was sick of ____ (a) Fever (b) headache (c) typhoid How many people did Jesus feed (a) five thousand (b) one thousand (c) seven thousand ____ loves to preach in the temple (a) Jesus (b) John (c) Andrew How many disciples did Jesus chose? (a) 12 (b) 18 (c) 10 ___________ wanted to kill baby Jesus (a) Herod (b) Peter (c) Joseph We can help the sick by _____ (a) fighting them (b) visiting them (c) Jesus has power over diseases and death (a) Yes (b) No Prayer means raising up or voice, hearts and minds to God (a) No (b) Yes (c) At all Who is the man of prayer (a) Lazarus (b) Jesus (c) Satan Jesus used prayer to keep in touch with God and to prepare for any work He wanted to do (a) Not at all (b) Yes (c) No Who taught us the Lord's Prayer (a) Peter (b) Matthew (c) Jesus Christ Jesus always told stories to teach lessons. The stones are called ________ (a) stories (b) parables (c) moonlights What did Jesus pray for (a) money (b) children (c) not to fall As pupils you pray to get (a) Money (b) children (c) wisdom One of the ways God cares for is to feed us (a) Yes (b) No (c) Maybe Mary Mother of Jesus Christ was pregnant through the Holy Spirit (a) Yes (b) No What does the name Jesus and Emmanuel means (a) I asked him from God (b) He will save his people from their sin (c) To God be the glory Section B Mention 5 things that God created (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ (e) ________________________________ Write four names of disciples you know (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ How can we help those who are sick (a) _________________________________________________________________________ (b) _________________________________________________________________________ Name two people whom Jesus raised from the dead (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: VOCATIONAL APTITUDE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… __________ is a game or competition where people use physical energy (a) sport (b) farming (c) reading Table tennis is an example of sport (a) true (b) false Sport requires energy (a) True (b) False The person that catches fish is (a) hunter (b) lawyer (c) fisherman Pond is a place where fishing can be done (a) True (b) False A fishing vessel is a _______ used to catch fish (a) motor (b) bike (c) boat _________ is an example of fishing tool (a) car (b) net (c) car A baby duck is called _____ (a) tom (b) dake (c) goose The following are examples of domesticated birds except (a) chicken (b) lion (c) turkey A baby chicken is (a) chick (b) tom (c) ducking A place where domesticated birds are raised is called (a) school (b) poultry farm (c) hospital Birds should be kept under the rain (a) True (b) False Adire is a popular clothing among (a) Hausa (b) French (c) Yoruba Tie and dye is a form of artwork (a) True (b) False Primary aim of dying is to change the _____ of the cloth (a) pattern (b) colour (c) design Dry can be of different colours (a) True (b) False The name given to a person that dyes cloth is _____ (a) dyer (b) cleaner (c) washer _____ is a machine used in weaving cloth (a) sewing machine (b) cutting machine (c) loom machine ______ is the act of making bread (a) singing (b) baking (c) dancing _____ is an example of a baking tool (a) mixer (b) radio (c) hammer Section B: List five tools used in baking (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ (e) ________________________________ Materials for tie and dye are (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ Give four examples of sport (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ Name any four common tools used by the medical practitioner (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: HOME ECONOMICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Food is what we eat to make us (a) die (b) grow (c) slim Is rest a state of relaxation (a) Yes (b) No We take our bath in the ________ and _________ Fruits should be properly washed before eating (a) True (b) False Eating unripe fruits can cause (a) stomach pain (b) headache (c) good health ______ is one of the materials for taking our bath (a) paper (b) foam (c) towel Hard drug damage the brain (a) True (b) False Fruits can be made into _____ (a) food (b) juices (c) oil We should not expose our food to flies and dust (a) True (b) False _____ is the movement of the body in a special way (a) exercise (b) head (c) leg There are different kinds of exercise except ____ (a) swimming (b) trading (c) cycling Regular exercise is very useful to our body (a) True (b) False Rest is a period when the body is not working (a) True (b) False We wash our body everyday to make us look (a) clean (b) dirty (c) sick When we sleep our eyes should be ____ (a) open (b) closed (c) turning Exercise helps the body to keep fit and ____ (a) weak (b) tired (c) refreshed Preservation is the method of treating food (a) yes (b) no Method of handling leftover food except ____ (a) washing (b) drying (c) freezing Smoking is harmful to the body (a) Yes (b) No A place where we sleep is called _____ (a) car park (b) bedroom (c) kitchen Section B Name any 4 fruits (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ List four materials needed for taking a bath (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ (d) ________________________________ State 2 reasons for washing our bodies (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ Name any two substances that could not be taken into the body (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… A small group of people related by blood is a (a) community (b) relative (c) family Yam can be made into (a) pounded yam (b) tuwo (c) amala Agbada is the dress commonly worn by _____ people (a) Hausa (b) Igbo (c) Yoruba ______ is what people do to make themselves look beautiful (a) bead (b) adornment (c) soap How many types of religions do we have in Nigeria ____ (a) two (b) five (c) three Raw materials are resources used for producing other goods (a) Yes (b) No Food crops are beans, rice, yam and corn (a) True (b) False Our communities are made up of many people with different roles (a) True (b) False Some of the profession people do in the community are __________________________ __________________________ _______ are closely related to one another (a) friends (b) family (c) neighbor ____ consists if father, mother and children (a) nuclear family (b) extended family (c) cousin The ____ is the head of the family (a) mother (b) uncle (c) father A person who is in authority must be obeyed (a) Yes (b) No Who has authority over the school (a) Head boy (b) head girl (c) head mistress A person from a foreign country is known as ____ (a) somebody that is born in the country (b) a person from another country (c) all of the above A market is a place where we buy the things we need. Mention two things you can buy in the market __________________________ __________________________ How should you show your elders respect (a) by beating them (b) abusing your elders (c) kneeling down to greet them What is the official language of Nigeria (a) English (b) Spanish (c) Lebanon Section B What are the traditional food these group eat Yoruba ___________________________ Ibo ____________________________ Hausa ____________________________ What types of religion do we practice in Nigeria (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ (c) ________________________________ Mention two electrical appliances you know (a) ________________________________ (b) ________________________________ Mention two places money can be kept. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 2 SUBJECT: VERBAL REASONING NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Form more words with the following Boy friend ___________________________ ___________________________ Intend ___________________________ ___________________________ Metal ___________________________ ___________________________ Biscuit ___________________________ ___________________________ Measurement ___________________________ ___________________________ Write out words starting with Ad ______________________________ _____________________________ In ______________________________ _____________________________ Th ______________________________ _____________________________ Ch ______________________________ _____________________________ Af _____________________________ _____________________________ Study the words and complete Injury, ink (insect, item, iron) Sad, sale (spoon, sail, such) Wear, weak (walk, warn, week) Ago, again (add, able, age) Buy, But (bus, ball, boot) Fill in the missing letters F ____ ____ s t C l ____ ____ ____ P ____ ____ r F l ____ ____ ____ W ____ ____ ____ Rearrange the following to meaningful words Atef ____________________ Eatm ____________________ Poas ____________________ Toac ____________________ Atel ____________________ Write the opposite of the following Words Opposite Truth ___________________________________________________ New ___________________________________________________ Happy ___________________________________________________ Hot ___________________________________________________ Long ___________________________________________________

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ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: BASIC SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Objectives Choose from the option lettered a – c the one that is most suitable Natural sources of water includes the following except ___________ (a) rain (b) river (c) well Air is a mixture of ___________ (a) gases (b) liquid (c) solid Aquatic animals are the animals that live in/on ______ (a) air (b) water (c) land Which of the following is an artificial sources of water? (a) spring (b) ponds (c) rain Air is everywhere (a) True (b) False Which of the following animals live in water? (a) crocodile (b) goat (c) dog There are __________ main sources of water (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 5 Can air be seen and touched? (a ) Yes (b) No Simple machine makes work easier? (a) Yes (b) No Technology is human activity used in making simple tools and materials (a) True (b) False Leaf is green while tomato is _____ in colour (a) Yellow (b) Red (c) White ___________ is the making of a copy of an object in a form smaller than the original objects (a) modeling (b) drawing (c) painting __________ soil is the best for modeling (a) clay (b) dry sand (c) loamy An example of simple machine for cutting clothes is ______ (a) axe (b) scissors (c) opener The colour of your uniforms are _________ and __________ (a) pink and grey (b) red and green (c) white and brown The red traffic light indicates _______ (a) get ready (b) stop (c) move Is it good to put a nail into the electric socket? (a) Yes (b) No You must have a bath ____________ a day. (a) twice (b) once (c) never Wash your hands after using the toilet. (a) True (b) False It is good to run carelessly along the corridor (a) True (b) False ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: SOCIAL STUDIES NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Tuwo is to Hausa as ______ is to Itsekiri. (a) Akpu (b) Iyan (c) Starch Akpu and Garri are gotten from ______ (a) cassava (b) yam (c) maize An area where many families live, work, and play is called ______ (a) neighbourhood (b) market (c) office Is it good to respect our elders (a) Yes (b) No We must keep our surroundings clean at all times. (a) True (b) False A ___________ is an area where people share things in common (a) commander (b) community (c) constituency We must collect gift from strangers (a) True (b) False Christians worship in the __________ (a) mosque (b) church (c) Shrine The Holy Book of the Muslim is ____________ (a) Holy Quran (b) Holy Bible (c) Ifa When reciting the National Anthem, we must ___________ right (a) Stand (b) Sit (c) Run We save our money in the _____________ (a) bank (b) house (c) pot A place where we buy and sell is called ___________ (a) school (b) police station (c) market Which of the following is a means of transportation by road (a) car (b) ship (c) air plane The fastest means of transportation is by _______ (a) road (b) air (c) water The head of a Local Government is the ______ (a) Chairman (b) Governor (c) President A person that flies aeroplane is a ___________ (a) driver (b) sailor (c) pilot The head of a primary school is known as ________ (a) Principal (b) Headmistress (c) Rector We must obey the rules and regulations of the classroom (a) True (b) False When someone slaps you in the class, what should you do? (a) Slap your own (b) report to the teacher (c) fight the person Is it good to fight and make noise in the class (a) Yes (b) No ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… The _______ is a place where sick and injured are taken care of School (b) Hospital (c) Home To be kind means to show love (a) True (b) False ___________ and nurses work in an hospital. (a) teachers (b) farmers (c) doctors Is it good to give to the poor? (a) Yes (b) No The disabled people are called handicapped or cripple because they have no _____ and _______ (a) arms or legs (b) eyes or head (c) leg and teeth The disabled beg for ___________ (a) arm (b) harm (c) alms A farmer provides food to the nation (a) True (b) False A _________ impact knowledge to people (a) Doctor (b) Teacher (c) Farmer All work and no play, makes jack a ___________ boy. (a) dull (b) sharp (c) good Where must we spend most of our time? (a) reading our books (b) playing (c) watching television Is it good to help our parents? (a) Yes (b) No (c) am not sure Harmful drugs are dangerous to our body. (a) True (b) False Our toilets must be washed _________ (a) once a year (b) never (c) always Neatness is next to ____________ (a) boldness (b) friendliness (c) Godliness Smoking is dangerous to health (a) True (b) False It is good to be satisfied with what you have (a) True (b) False It is _________ to take drugs without the doctor's prescription (a) bad (b) safe (c) good The president of Nigeria is _______ (a) President Akinwunmi Ambode (b) President Mohammadu Buhari (c) President Obasanjo The headmistress of my school is ___________ (a) Mrs. Akande (b) Mrs. Bode-Idowu (c) Mrs. Gbolahan The name of my class teacher is ________ (a) Mr. Fidelis (b) Mrs. Oladoyin (c) Mr. Usman ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… _________ is a liquid (a) sand (b) stone (c) water The ___________ provides day light for people to see. (a) moon (b) sky sun We breathe in and out __________ to survive (a) water (b) air (c) sand Animals make use of plants as their foods (a) True (b) False Stones are used by farmers to sharpen the cutlass (a) True (b) False Plants need _________ in order to grow very well. (a) moonlight (b) sunlight (c) water light We can get ______ from the early morning sun. (a) Vitamin C (b) Vitamin D (c) Vitamin E We can _____________ air around us (a) see (b) feel (c) touch Food helps us to ___________ very well (a) grow (b) reduce (c) sick Dogs feed mainly on ______________ (a) grains (b) bones (c) grasses The following are examples of food that we can eat without cooking except ___ (a) yam (b) mango (c) apple _________ drinking water can cause sickness and diseases (a) clean (b) unclean (c) pure An example of diseases caused by drinking unclean water is _____ (a) malaria (b) cholera (c) headache A ______ is an example of animal that live in water (a) fish (b) cow (c) bird Moving air is called ______ (a) wind (b) air (c) whistle Sun can be used to dry up some products of agriculture such as _____ (a) stone (b) maize (c) rocks The best soil for planting is _____ (a) sandy (b) loamy (c) clay Rocky land can be used for _____ (a) farming (b) tourist (c) cropping ______ can be obtained from a rocky land (a) marble (b) orange (c) juice Exercise and good food makes us healthy (a) True (b) False ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: CREATIVE ART NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… ___________ is the drawing and painting of things around us. (a) Art (b) Tailor Handfan, cup, mat, basket and chair are examples of Art works we used at home. (a) Yes (b) No This object can be found at ___________ (a) bush (b) home It is a _____________ (a) mat (b) bed It is used for __________ (a) washing (b) sleeping This object is what? (a) cup (b) calabash We use the _____________ to decorate our house. (a) flower vase (b) sun The mixture of ____________ and _________ colours gives colour green. (a) red, blue (b) blue, yellow Yellow plus red gives ___________ (a) orange (b) purple The primary colours are red, blue and ___________ (a) yellow (b) green Section B Draw and colour: A Ball A Pot ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Section A: Comprehension Instruction: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions My name is Oni. I like to talk about what I do always. Everyday I wake up by 6.30am. I say my prayers when I wake up. After this, I go to greet my parent. Then, I brush my teeth. Afterwards, I sweep my room. I then go to the bathroom to have a shower. I put on my clothes and prepare for school. I take my breakfast. I leave home for school by 7.30a.m. I return home from school by 2.30pm. I go to bed by 9.00pm. Questions What is the boy's name? _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ What time does he leave for school? ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ When does he leave for school? _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ The first thing Oni does when he wakes up is _______________________________________ After prayer, I ___________________ my parents and ____________________ my teeth. Section B Fill in the blanks with the correct possession adjectives Joe and ___________ friends are playing chess. (a) his (b) your (c) its Some rich people like to show off __________ wealth (a) his (b) my (c) their Alice hurt ___________ arm in the accident (a) our (b) her (c) your Children, check __________ answer carefully (a) your (b) their (c) our The trees have shed __________ leaves (a) its (b) their (c) my Fill in each gap with 'am', 'is' or 'are I __________ a pupil of Island Builders Baptist School She ________ a beautiful girl We _________ from the Police Station. He _________ a taxi driver They ___________ late again. Underline the adjective in each group of words The blue car is mine A big house The man is fat. He has seven toys The fourth car has broken Write the correct verb from the brackets in the blank I ____________ a new toy (have, has) He ________________ two uniforms (has, have) She ________________ a necklace (have, has) The girls ________________ long hair (has, have) Babies ____________ to crawl before walking (has, have) Section C: Composition My School The name of my school is ______________________________________________________ My school is in ________________________ town in __________________________ State There are ____________________ classrooms in my school. The name of my class teacher is __________________________ the name of my headmistress is _______________________ There is a playing ground in my ______________ (house, school, farm) I like my school because the teachers are very ____________________ (hardworking, wicked, kind) to me. Section D: Literature The title of our literature text for this term is ____________________________________ Mr. Kay has _______________________________ kids Their names are _____________________, ___________________, __________________ __________________________ looks like his father ___________________________ is the only girl of the house. ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: VOCATIONAL APTITUDE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Some of the electrical home appliances use battery (a) true (b) False Electrical home appliances are powered by electricity before we use them. (a) True (b) False _________ is used for cooking (a) washing machine (b) electric fan (c) electric cooker _________ is the name of a person that cooks (a) Tailor (b) cook (c) lawyer Frying pan is used for _____ (a) measuring (b) frying (c) serving food Home economics is the study of skills that pertains to the ______ (a) school (b) home (c) hospital ______ is used to open and close entrance to a room (a) cabinet (b) shelves (c) door ___________ is used for arranging plates (a) chair (b) plate rack (c) bench ___________ is where people sit and eat (a) dining set (b) shelves (c) window _________ is a place where sick people are treated (a) hospital (b) school (c) market ________ is used for measuring body temperature (a) cotton wool (b) cooler (c) thermometer Doctor wear _________ to protect their hands from germs (a) cloth (b) bandage (c) gloves Who looks after or takes care for sick people in an hospital (a) cleaner (b) teacher (c) nurse _________ is a place where vehicles are repaired (a) school (b) office (c) mechanic workshop A mechanic repairs and maintains vehicles (a) True (b) False The person that works on vehicles tyres is ____________ (a) pupil (b) nurse (c) vulcanizer The person that repairs vehicles is ______ (a) mechanic (b) teacher (c) doctor __________ is where water is stored for a building (a) water tank (b) bus (c) lorry A plumber can repair water pipes when leaking (a) True (b) False The person that repairs plumbing fitting is ________ (a) doctor (b) lawyer (c) plumber ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: VERBAL REASONING NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Write out 5 words that begin with letter h ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ Form words with each of the following: Example: e g a – a g e e c i ___________ n e p ___________ b a c ___________ e g d e __________ g g e __________ Fill in the missing letters with one of these letters a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j ____ vy ____ octor ____ riend ____ome ____ump Match the capital letters with the small letters L p M r N u O i P m Q s R q S n T o U t Write the small letters to the following numbers 7 ________________ 10 _______________ 25 ________________ 18 ________________ 3 _______________ ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: HOME ECONOMICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… How many nostrils do we have? (a) Four (b) three (c) two The ears are used for __________ (a) hearing sound (b) sneezing (c) seeing We breathe in and breathe out ____________ (a) dust (b) air (c) soap We should keep our nails clean at all times (a) True (b) False The mouth consists of the ______ and _____ (a) lip and nails (b) teeth and tongue (c) tongue and toes The tongue is used for ______ (a) chewing (b) singing (c) tasting We clean our mouth to avoid _____ (a) eating (b) smelling (c) talking __________ is used for brushing our teeth. (a) toothbrush & tooth paste (b) toothbrush & sand (c) toothbrush & powder It is good to wash our tongue when brushing (a) True (b) False Write three materials for cleaning the mouth, teeth and tongue __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ It is good to put sharp objects in the ear (a) True (b) False ____________ is a place where we live. (a) school (b) home (c) mosque A house is a building (a) Yes (b) no __________ is a place where we prepare our food (a) bedroom (b) kitchen (c) sitting room List three parts of a home ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ Is it good to wash our hands after using the toilet? (a) Yes (b) No ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: BIBLE KNOWLEDGE NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… We should always obey the commandments of God (a) True (b) False __________ protects and keep our family (a) God (b) David (c) John We should always _________ to God (a) abuse (b) curse (c) pray As children of God, we should ________ one another. (a) hate (b) love (c) fight Jesus Christ called his followers his friends (a) Yes (b) No How many disciples does Jesus had? (a) 12 (b) 9 (c) 15 Is it good to help the disable? (a) Yes (b) No Where was Jesus Christ given birth to (a) Market (b) Manger (c) Manager ________ is the act of talking to God (a) prayer (b) crying (c) sleeping Who is the angel that appear to Mary? (a) Angel Gabriel (b) Angel Daniel (c) Angel Michael _________ has power over all diseases and death (a) peter (b) God (c) John ______ is the first man God created. (a) Judea (b) Adam (c) James Is dreaming God's great gifts? (a) Yes (b) No Who died on the cross of Calvary? (a) Mary (b) Jesus Christ (c) James Who is our heavenly father? (a) Daddy (b) God (c) Pastor Who is God? (a) Angel (b) Spirit (c) Man Love means liking and caring about someone (a) True (b) False Who is the first woman God created? (a) Eve (b) Mother (c) aunty List two things God created? __________________ __________________

ISLAND BUILDERS BAPTIST SCHOOL (NURSERY & PRIMARY) 1A, MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY STREET, LAGOS. SECOND TERM EXAMINATION 2017 CLASS: PRIMARY 1 SUBJECT: MATHEMATICS NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………… Write in words 58 = __________________________________________________________ 80 = __________________________________________________________ 75 = __________________________________________________________ 63 = ___________________________________________________________ 39 = ___________________________________________________________ 42 = ___________________________________________________________ Open sentences involving addition and subtraction of numbers using number line 6 + = 9 9 – = 5 + 3 = 8 12 – 6 = Write in expanded forms 130 = _______ hundreds ______ tens ______ units 536 = _______ hundreds ______ tens ______ units What is the value 7 in the following digits 7 9 8 = __________________ = _____________ 2 4 7 = __________________ = _____________ 6 7 1 = __________________ = ____________ Multiplication of 2- digits numbers (i) 7 3 (ii) 5 1 (iii) 3 3 x 2 x 3 x 3 Addition and subtraction of numbers with carrying and borrowing under (H.T.U) H T U H T U H T U 3 5 9 (ii) 4 8 7 (iii) 1 3 4 + 2 4 9 + 4 0 5 + 5 4 9 H T U H T U 5 6 5 (v) 8 4 6 2 5 8 – 3 2 9 Name the shaded part as fraction = = Shade ½ of ½ is called half as ¼ is called _________________

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