#however. as we all know. blasphemy? before what god?

[liefdesleven]

every day customers ask me to make them sandwiches god really didnt intend to be made ever

[blasphemousclaw]

a deep dive into Rykard’s belief system

We all know that Rykard wants nothing more than to devour the very gods… but Rykard had despised the gods long before he ever became the serpent of blasphemy. Within dialogue and item descriptions, you’ll notice many details that indicate Rykard had quite specific grievances against the gods during the Shattering war and before. It was his audacious campaign against the gods that won him the loyalty and admiration of his soldiers: we meet the spirit of a Gelmir knight in Volcano Manor who tells us, “Praetor Rykard's ambitions, though blasphemous, marked him a worthy sovereign.” Though he was despised by many as a traitor and a blasphemer, Rykard’s beliefs before his devouring were seen by his followers as heroic and worth following. Let’s go through what those specific beliefs were according to the text, and why he might have believed those things…

When we officially join the Volcano Manor, Tanith gives us this speech about Rykard’s beliefs: 

“Now, perhaps the time has come to tell you. Of the true ruler of this manor, Lord Rykard. The Erdtree blessed the Tarnished with grace. But it was all too meagre, in the fate of the enormity of their task. The Tarnished were forced to scavenge, squabbling for crumbs. Like the shardbearers, vying for power in the wake of the Shattering. Our Lord, indignant, had refused. To scurry about, fighting over what miserly scraps they allow us. If the Erdtree, and indeed the very gods, would debase us so, then we are willing to raise the banner of resistance, even if it means heresy. We at the Volcano Manor, under Lord Rykard, have sworn no rest until it is done.”

Essentially, Tanith recounts to us Rykard’s view of the Shattering war: the demigods are compelled to struggle against each other for the ultimate seat of power. However, this struggle exists at the behest of the gods, and is for the power that they see fit to grant. The war is fundamentally under their terms. To “win” the conflict is still to serve the whims of the Greater Will. This is what Rykard finds so deeply insulting… the gods treat them like dogs fighting over scraps of meat from their high table that they can never reach. So why should Rykard engage in petty conflicts for the gods’ miserly scraps of power, when he can raise his banner against the very gods themselves? 

Displayed on the walls of Volcano Manor are these paintings depicting the Erdtree aflame, visualizing Rykard’s intentions to destroy the gods in a very literal and direct way: he has declared war on all that is holy. He has accepted the fact that in order to achieve his goals, he must carry out such grievous acts of violence: “The road of blasphemy is long and perilous. One cannot walk it unprepared to sin.” (Remembrance of the Blasphemous)

From the Taker’s Cameo, we learn that,

“When lord Rykard turned to heresy, taking by force became the rule. The gods were no different, after all.”

This description tells us a few things. Essentially, under Rykard’s worldview, “might makes right.” This philosophy is continued by the recusants of Volcano Manor as well: Bernahl tells us, “The strong take. Such is our code.” If one is strong enough to take what they wish, then they are entitled to it. Rykard believes that this is how the gods have always operated (and with good reason… more on this later). From Tanith’s speech, we know that Rykard resents the gods’ absolute authority… so essentially, Rykard making a point of imitating the gods’ displays of power is asserting that the gods have no special right to do these things – he is challenging their monopoly on power and violence. He also imitates the gods’ own practices to expose their hypocrisy: though the gods present themselves as virtuous, in reality, they have always taken what they pleased through violent conquest. 

We know that Rykard was allied with his sister Ranni (herself on a quest against the gods) through the Blasphemous Claw item description. It reads,

“On the night of the dire plot, Ranni rewarded Praetor Rykard with these traces. Should the coming trespass one day transpire, they would serve as a last-resort foil, allowing Rykard to challenge Maliketh the Black Blade, the black beast of Destined Death.”

The main takeaway from this description is that, since the description implies that Rykard had some involvement (or at the very least, knowledge of) the Night of the Black Knives, Rykard and Ranni closely shared their beliefs on the gods with each other. The phrase “Should the coming trespass one day transpire” even seems to imply that the two had hoped they might openly “trespass” against the gods, culminating in Rykard challenging Maliketh.  

Furthermore, Rogier gives us some pertinent details on the timeline of the Night of the Black Knives:

“It happened during the Golden Age of the Erdtree, long before the shattering of the Elden Ring. Someone stole a fragment of the Rune of Death from Maliketh, the Black Blade. And on a bitter night, murdered Godwyn the Golden. That was the first recorded Death of a demigod in all history. And it became the catalyst. Soon, the Elden Ring was smashed, and thus sprang forth the war known as the Shattering.”

Since Rogier’s dialogue places Ranni’s collaboration with Rykard before the Shattering, this means that there must be more to the story that Tanith tells us in her speech – Rykard’s resentment of the gods and his blasphemous intentions go back long before the Shattering war. 

This line from Rykard’s unused dialogue lines may give some context to the source of his beliefs… take this with a grain of salt because it is technically not canon, but I believe it is worth mentioning: he says,

“Oh shapers of gods, meddlers in fortune, I do not abide by your suffocating order.”

With the phrases “shapers of gods” and “meddlers in fortune,” he must be speaking directly to the Two Fingers (the envoys of the Greater Will) here, because this is precisely what the Two Fingers do. According to Ranni, they are responsible for choosing empyreans to become potential new gods of the coming age, and because they do this, it can also be said that they “meddle” with fortune and fate. This was the source of Ranni’s entire feud with the Two Fingers — they controlled her fate through her “empyrean flesh.” For these reasons, as well as the reasons listed in the previous paragraphs, it makes sense why Rykard might consider the current order to be oppressive and “suffocating.” 

I also believe it is implied that, when Rykard refers to “the gods,” he specifically means the Greater Will and its vassals. Indeed, Bernahl calls out the Greater Will directly by name:

“O Greater Will, hear my voice. I am the recusant Bernahl, inheritor of my brother's will, and you will fall to my blade. We refuse to become your pawns. Consider this fair warning.”

Bernahl’s words interestingly echo Ranni’s experience with the Greater Will as a force that controls fate — it is a fair assumption to make that Bernahl came to hold these beliefs about the Greater Will because Rykard passed them onto his followers after learning them from Ranni. And lo and behold, Bernahl turns up in Farum Azula near Maliketh, carrying the Blasphemous Claw, which Ranni gave to Rykard for him to use “should the coming trespass one day transpire.” Before leaving, Bernahl tells us,

“the Volcano Manor is no more. Though we may yet fulfil an old promise. We hunted our own kind, and took what was theirs. And with everything in hand, the time has come to rise, against the Erdtree.”

Perhaps this “old promise” could have been a promise Rykard made to Ranni, to challenge Maliketh, release the Rune of Death, and destroy the Erdtree once and for all?

If we accept the idea that Ranni’s struggle against the Two Fingers caused Rykard to resent the gods on her behalf, then there are plenty of other instances of the gods causing Rykard’s family misery that might have also shaped his beliefs. Rykard cared enough about his mother to place two of his abductor virgins at Raya Lucaria to guard her, and the descriptions for some of his magma sorceries imply that she was an inspiration to him in the ways of sorcery. It is a fair assumption that Rennala’s suffering would have upset him, and the cause of her suffering was Radagon’s departure… who immediately wed the god-queen Marika, and founded Golden Order Fundamentalism. Rykard could have interpreted this as Radagon choosing the gods over them. It is also stated by the telescope item description that the Golden Order was the direct cause of Caria’s decline: “During the age of the Erdtree, Carian astrology withered on the vine. The fate once writ in the night skies had been fettered by the Golden Order.” Though the Erdtree made peace with Caria, it still ended up eroding its strength anyway. Radagon’s departure would have also reopened old wounds from when he originally came to conquer Liurnia: his bond with Rennala that once made peace between the Erdtree and the moon has now been broken, calling into question the Erdtree’s true intentions. 

Indeed, the intentions of the realm of the Erdtree have always been characterized by violent conquest; the desire to expand and the elimination of potential threats to its rule. Rykard would have known of his father’s attempts to conquer Liurnia, as well as Queen Marika’s extermination of the fire giants, who were Rykard’s astrologer ancestors’ neighbors (a bond enshrined within the Carian royals’ Sword of Night and Flame). To return to Rykard’s “might makes right” mindset, I believe his time as the head of the inquisition and an enforcer of Erdtree law taught him the true nature of the gods’ power: he would have brutally enforced the laws of the Golden Order and punished those who did not follow its creeds, and would thus have become intimately familiar with the harsh nature of carrying out the order of the Erdtree. Rykard learns that the gods must protect their rule through terror and violence, so the idea of the gods’ benevolence and divine right to rule is in truth, a farce. The one truth in the world is that the strong command the weak, and in order to avoid being commanded, one must become strong. By any means necessary. 

To summarize, Rykard’s beliefs are essentially that the gods position themselves as virtuous and holy beings, but in reality, they administer their absolute authority through force and violent conquest, undermining the free will of their subjects. They are the worst kind of hypocrites, and the only way to end their tyranny is to rise in rebellion, using their own ways against them, no matter how high the price may be. Through a deeper examination of the narrative, I believe it is heavily implied that Rykard came to hold these beliefs because of his experiences serving the gods himself, and feeling the gods’ injustice firsthand through how the ones he loved had been treated.

[blissfulip]

—Legion

On AO3

Priest!Viktor x F!demon!reader

Rating: Explicit

Tags: Priest Kink, Blasphemy, Self-Harm, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Self-Flagellation, Demon Sex, Demon Summoning, Demon/Human Relationships, demon reader, AU - Canon Divergence, Post medieval era, Dubious Science, Church Sex, Roman Catholicism, Catholic Guilt, Improper Use of Catholic Rituals, Shameless Smut, Masturbation, No use of Y/N, third person.

Cw: Handjob

Words: 2k

[A/N: Happy Easter Sunday lmao, also whoever picks up all of the 'easter eggs' (get it wink wink) gets a kith and hug from me (let me know if you want to be tagged or removed in future fic updates!)]

Tags: @ihopeinevergetsoberr @chemical-killjoy @jinxed-jk @bobobomao @queen-of-elves @thedustybunny @syren201 @thayfass @thehistoriangirl @hypocritic-trash-baby @zaunitearchives

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III. 

Viktor stood frozen, the voice that whispered those words echoing against the walls of his head as he gazed upon the creature before him, a figure blindingly bright yet of simultaneously all-consuming darkness. The sight obscured his thoughts and left him adrift in a sea of terror. How could he have been so blind as to believe that he could command such power without consequence? Or rather, was it the naivete of believing nothing would come of it that turned against him? 

The very essence of his faith fractured—that earth-shattering feeling that had become all too common for him that day—threatened by this insidious presence. What had he unleashed upon the world? What horrors awaited him in the wake of his hubris? Viktor trembled, and his soul lay bare before the abyss, but something sinister took him out of this blossoming meltdown; she, the creature, looked familiar.

And achingly so, yet her form eluded him like a half-remembered dream. Faces swirled in the depths of his memory, merging and shifting like shadows cast by a flickering flame, but he was unable to put a finger on them.

"Do you not recognize me, Viktor?" Her voice cut through the air, eerily sweet.

Viktor recoiled in horror at the sound of his own name coming out of her mouth, the weight of her words crashing down upon him. 

“I manifest to you as a reflection of your own desires, an amalgamation of every soul you have ever yearned for, sweet human.” She hissed as she offered Viktor a hand to help him stand, her touch oddly warm as they both sat on the bed. “Do you not see it? That young woman from the bakery, or the one you always look at for a tad too long while you buy turnips? You don’t even like turnips,” she smiled slightly. “What about that woman who comes to confess every week? The one with the slightly hoarse voice that you love, even that tan young man with the green eyes,. Yes, yes, I know about him too; I am him too.”

“Who…what are you?” He asked amidst a short-lived surge of bravery.

“My name is Legion,” she said with an off-putting tone of irony, “for we are many... or however that verse goes. Mawkishly sentimental if you ask me.” She chuckled and seemed to deflate in disappointment at her attempt at humor not being acknowledged. She sighed in oddly human-like resignation, “I don’t have a name, Viktor, but I know yours , and you know what I am.”

"I seek nothing from the likes of you, Demon, you don’t know me." he declared, though doubt gnawed at him.

"You do, and it is the truth that I know you; your biggest fear is to remain ignorant and blind to the truths that lie beyond the veil of your mortal existence; I can feel it. " She whispered against his ear. 

"You are but a trick of the darkness; I will not succumb to your temptations."

"Oh, but Viktor, you already have ," she purred. "You summoned me here, drawn by your own curiosity. Your anger simmers beneath that stoic surface, against the silence of the heavens and the absence of answers to your prayers. But I answered, so why direct your anger at me ?"

“I have faith in Him; God will intercede in my favor.” He said, covering his face ith both hands, afraid his expression would betray something that confirmed her accusations.

“Yet you question his wisdom and his justice. You resent his silence, you doubt .”

“I love Him, and I will repent; I will.”

“Why? Faith without cynicism is a hollow shell. Will you let yourself be domesticated like a beast? A man of science like yourself?”

The spark of courage grew into embers inside Viktor’s chest at the mention of his work. Although he remained silent, not wanting to concede, she saw it in him, just like she experienced every emotion that grew within the transparent exterior that contained his soul.

“Embrace this fire, and you will obtain what you seek.” She said, gently laying a hand over Viktor’s. 

His shoulders slumped in resignation, but even as he acquiesced to her demands, a seed of guilt still remained. What would God think of him now for consorting with a creature of darkness? Would he be cast aside and condemned for eternity for his folly?

"What do you fear, judgement?” Viktor nodded.

“Your god is nothing but an egregore," she declared, her voice a whisper. "A figment of mortal imagination, born from the collective beliefs of humanity, he only has power over you if you allow it."

“God is my shepherd, He…” He started to recite, but his voice betrayed him.

“Yahweh, Tetragrammaton, Adonai, El, Elohim, Shaddai, Tzevaot… it does not matter who you so fervently pray to! Ancient egregores hold no power over the ancient gods.” She started saying in a firm tone, her volume high in affront. “And you, my sweet, are so unfortunately Christ hunted…a lot of work to be done.” She continued, her voice tuning back down to her previously silky tone.

Viktor's breath caught in his throat, but simultaneously, the weight of her words lifted a heavy chain that had previously hung around his neck. Although this—his God’s identity and how much power He held—seemed to be a point of contention between him and his conscience, every word she uttered seemed to confirm things he had been long thinking about. But the smell of culpability Viktor emanated was pungent, and what she saw in his heart was a whirlwind.

She was proud that he had let himself be guided by his urges, that he had, even if only for a small moment, felt true freedom in pleasure. She felt his fear when he remembered he would need to face father Isidore and then she felt his rage. He felt so strongly against him that for a second she imagined he would be nothing short of a monster, his robust yet sweet face was an interesting sight to find framed in Viktor’s memory. 

She felt sympathy and sadness and confusion, she felt worried for the young girl with the twin braids just like Viktor had, and felt intrigued as to how she had come in possession of her coin, but what mattered most to her in that moment was one problematic sensation; despondency. Viktor was close to giving up, he had nearly decided rage was useless and so was science.

“Let’s begin by working on the heavy guilt you carry.” She said, after a long silence. Viktor noticed an unsettling tenderness in her eyes when he, for the first time, looked directly into them. 

“I made a vow.” He answered, his voice breaking as it turned into a whisper.

"Do not let the chains of guilt bind you, Viktor," she murmured. "The church may preach of purity and righteousness, but it is built upon a foundation of hypocrisy, and you don’t need me to tell you as much.”

“I know of the behavior of some members of the clergy, but why should...”

“I don’t speak of individual transgressions; the church as an institution seeks to negate eroticism and sexuality, yet it embraces them in its most sacred rites.”

The deeply puzzled expression in Viktor’s face prompted her to elaborate.

“Think about the things you do during sacrament; think of the smell of incense, the touching of beads, the kissing of sacred objects, the rubbing of oils... Think about consuming the physical body of the idol you adore, and think about what it makes you feel—enlightenment, apotheosis. Remember the deep pleasure you extracted from the pain of self-penitence? It’s nearly devine, is it not? That necessity to envelop all senses?” 

Viktor nodded.

“And that feeling you get of being close to god in a way that nothing else will get you to—that sensation of being outside the perception of time and space—have you experienced it?”

“I have, in prayer.”

“Can I show you what true ecstasy feels like? One that starts and culminates in yourself without any divine intervention? 

And once again, Viktor simply nodded. The air crackled with a tension thick enough to suffocate him, his breath shallow and rapid. A rush of anticipation surged through him, mingling with a primal curiosity that threatened to consume him whole as she slithered behind him. The shift of weight on the mattress gave him a strange awareness of the materiality of what was taking place, and the hot breath on the left side of his neck caused the last string of sanity holding him together to loosen. 

For a second, he wondered if she was nothing but a very sly yet human woman that had somehow found a way into his room, but that idea was quickly quenched as both of her hands slowly glided along the sides of his still-clothed thighs, emanating that unnatural white glow that was clearly not of mortal nature. 

Her touch was delicate and warm, her nails slowly creeping up to the hem of his cassock as she pulled it up to reveal the trousers underneath. If Viktor had any idea of what she planned on doing, he would have been of more help, adjusting to make his clothing easier to remove, but unaware of what awaited him, he sat there immobile. 

After some mild struggle, she managed to get to the stubborn clasp, and the slight accidental touches ignited a fire within Viktor's veins, sending tendrils of heat coursing through his body. Soon enough, there was nothing in between them, and the cold air that came into contact with the streak of viscosity that had dampened his underpants sent goosebumps across his arms. 

She hadn’t even made her way to his cock yet, but with each gentle caress around his stomach and thighs, Viktor's senses were heightened to a fever pitch, his body aflame with a hunger that burned brighter than any candle. With the first feather touch along his shaft, he felt as if he were teetering on the edge of a precipice, poised on the brink of a pleasure so exquisite it bordered on agony. 

And then, with a slow and deliberate motion, her hand closed around him, sending shockwaves of ecstasy racing through every fiber of his being. A guttural moan escaped his lips as she began to move, her rhythm mechanic and intoxicating. With every teasing stroke, Viktor's breath hitched, his body responding eagerly to her touch. 

"Ah…God!" he gasped, his voice a hoarse whisper of longing. 

She froze on her tracks, drawing out a protesting whine from Viktor. “Do not call upon his name now; at this moment, you belong to me .” She spoke, her voice still sweet but laced with a tinge of resentment.

Viktor's mind swam in a haze, his thoughts fragmented and disjointed as he desperately nodded in agreement, before she resumed the pace of her moment. And then Viktor felt himself hurtling his head back onto her shoulder, his world reduced to nothing. She gently removed the sweat-drenched pieces of hair from his forehead and whispered words in a language he could not understand while her hand continued its path down to his neck and back. 

 For a second, he felt a reminder of the stinging pain on his shoulder blades, and then it faded. As he reached the climax of his arousal, he cried out desperate pleas, only this time to her and himself, finally surrendering to this intoxicating embrace. After letting him breathe for a while, she took one of his hands in hers and placed the copper coin on it. Viktor knew he was bound to her now.

And in that moment, there was no room for guilt or shame, only the unquenchable thirst for more.

[melrosing]

2.07 thoughts

liked the Rhaenyra and Jace convo but feel like they could’ve managed a better build to this + drawn it out a bit more. love that Jace needs to lean into targ supremacy more than anyone bc what else does he have etc, but there’s so much they could’ve done w that in earlier eps showing where he feels insufficient and self conscious of his heritage and the lowkey resentment towards Rhaenyra for it. would also like to have seen Rhaenyra defend herself, resulting in more tangible fracture between them. she’s so diplomatic on absolutely everything and we’re near the end of S2 now! PLEASE let d’arcy do more w this role

liked the saera mention!

liked aegon rehab and larys basically tormenting him into reclaiming his role, like instead of having it thrust upon him as per S1 (which I did think was a good place to start Aegon as a character) maybe he will seize it this time bc if he doesn’t have the power of the iron throne then what does he have etc, he will never know peace, his son is gone, and so on

Alicent lake scene sure did happen. but I felt nothing like it felt lazy sorry what exactly were they trying to convey. I like being able to read my own meaning into scenes but this was like they were actively relying on the audience to do so

hilarious watching a bunch of actors in bad wigs walking into dragonstone really enjoyed that

however I think it really speaks to how little they know what to do with Rhaenyra’s interiority that you have her watching on as Vermithor burns and demolishes all the poor people she herself stuck in front of him and like. what are we supposed to understand is going through her head. she’s just fucking staring lol. and then before she can even reflect Vermithor is successfully claimed so all’s well that ends well. like my god please can someone write Rhaenyra

Daemon and the riverlords ok I liked Oscar Tully fine. but I think they’re lacking the adventure w Daemon’s interiority that they seemed to promise in the first few eps. like if you want to compare to OG bad incest man redemption anti hero Jaime Lannister and his OWN riverlands adventure….. like im sorry but this doesn’t even compare lmao

liked the dragon keepers arguing w Rhaenyra and fucking off outta there. like the framing of the dragons as gods and smallfolk claiming them as blasphemy and the way they maybe feel like Jace in that if anyone can claim these beasts maybe they’re just glorified zookeepers

excited that we get to see Dreamfyre?

v excited to see what they do w Daeron

that’s it though I was really rooting for this series but I think you can really tell they were rushing to meet deadlines and had to make a bunch of last minute edits. It’s been a 6/10 on average for me so far w a 7/10 for the high points and a 4/10 for the low. and I can’t really believe that was the penultimate episode where it’s supposed to feel everything is really coming to ahead whereas actually it feels more like the midpoint of a few fumbled arcs

[tadpolesonalgae]

Modern YA! Azriel x reader - Good, Little, Girl <3

A/N: I’m sure you’re all familiar with effects of this song, and if you aren’t, give it a go!

Warning: Az being a bit of an ass but it’s for reader’s sake, implied sexual harassment/assault, blasphemy

-Part 2- -Part 3-

Visual Prompt here!

His fingers fumbled with the set of keys, slotting them into the lock and opening the door, taking the umbrella from your hand and pushing gently against your lower back to guide you inside. You held the door as he shook the umbrella and stepped inside, leaning it against the wall.

Outside came the rumble of thunder, and peering through the large panel windows on either side of the dark, wooden door, you could see the already heavy rain become torrential. “Looks like we dodged the worst of it,” you tried to pick out the silver lining, however you had found yourself there.

Yes, there. Stuck with your only decent work partner until this storm blew over, and you could head back to your accommodation. You’d both been leaving the library, staying late in order to get your respective parts for the presentation finished up before heading out, when the heavens decided to rain down hell on you. And Azriel.

“It’ll get worse,” he spoke from over his shoulder, crouching down to remove his shoes, “give it a moment or two and you won’t be able to properly see the road.” You pursed your lips, again glancing anxiously out the windows. The rain had indeed already gotten heavier, making it look like a thin fog was rolling along the ground with how hard it was hitting.

A small droplet of guilt slid down your back as you marked his sodden hair, a clear line in his clothes where the umbrella hadn’t covered. You had a matching mark on your left shoulder. “And you’re sure it’s no problem me being here?” You knew you were repeating yourself, but you didn’t even really know him that well. All you were going on were the couple of late nights a week you’d been spending together at the library. He’d seemed fine…

Following suit, you crouched down to untie your shoes - also soaked - though your fingers were pretty numb so it took a while.

He stood, removing his outer jacket and hanging it from a coat hook, turning and holding out his arm. “Oh, thank-you,” you mumbled, handing him your thick, pale green scarf that was also partially soaked. He rose a single brow, mouth quirking up to the side as he placed the scarf beside his jacket, “I was intending on guiding you to the living room.”

Heat flushed your cheeks, “oh. My. God. I am so sorry.” You hid your face with your hands, feeling warmth ravish your skin. “It’s fine,” he chuckled, making you peek over your fingertips. “Really,” he laughed, gently, “don’t worry about it.” You closed your eyes for a moment, grimacing, before loosing your hands, though your cheeks were still warm.

Not hot though. That was good.

He turned, moving along the hallway before taking a left. You were about to follow, raising a foot to take a step, when a small droplet of rain dropped from your sodden tights. “Uh, Azriel?” You called, stepping back onto the mat, attempting to dry your tights. He stuck his head out from where you assumed the living room was, giving you a questioning glance. “My tights are kind of soaked.” You lifted a foot to show the water dripping from them steadily, “I don’t suppose you happen to have any…spare…” you trailed off, realising what a dumb question it was.

“Sure.” Your head snapped up to meet his serious gaze. At you confused expression, he waved his hand dismissively, “take those off. There’ll be some upstairs somewhere.” You swallowed. It made sense - taking them off - but, in front of someone you barely knew? He sensed your hesitation, “don’t worry,” he grinned, walking forward to the staircase, “I won’t turn into a drooling mut over your bare ankles.” He began ascending the staircase, leaving you flushed and confused in the entry hall.

After hastily, and awkwardly, removing your tights - thankful that the skirt you were wearing at least came down to your thighs - you quietly padded up the staircase after him. Looking down the long hallway, you decided to head to the door that was partially opened. Peering inside, you figured it must be his bedroom. You waited just outside, not wanting to intrude.

He turned to you, holding up a pair of fishnets. You swallowed. He laughed, re-folding them before rooting out a sheer black pair, they looked a little thin but you weren’t about to complain. “Thanks,” you mumbled, keeping your eyes on the tights and not nosing at the rest of his room. Bedroom.

In front of him, eye-level with his chest, you hesitantly took the elastic fabric from his larger hands, gaze flicking up to his, “is there somewhere I can change?” His brow narrowed at your question and you forced yourself not to shrink under his scrutiny, “are you purposefully acting dumb, or just being polite?” Your lips parted suddenly, a breath leaving you, “um?”

“Well, obviously there’s going to be a place to change? What, you think we don’t have a bathroom or something?” He questioned, and you couldn’t tell if he was being mean or genuine. “If you want something, just ask for it. It’s tiring hearing you dance around everyone’s toes.”

You remained frozen in front of him, not sure how to react. He cocked a brow, “the bathroom’s down the hall, fourth door on the right.” Confused, you turned, tights in hand, moving toward his door. “Do you always do exactly what everyone asks you to? Without question?” You paused at his door, looking hesitantly over your shoulder, “is it not the fourth door on the right?” He groaned, rolling his eyes. Shame flushed up the back of your neck. Had you done something wrong?

“God, are you seriously that much of a pushover?” He muttered, looking at you from beneath a lowered brow. “Um…I’m going to…change…” You began to move down the hallway, when he peered out of his doorway, “stop.” You stopped, looking back at him again. “Oh my god, you are,” a mocking grin lifted the edges of his mouth.

Your brow curved upward, confused. He’d seemed nice, cute even, on all those late study nights. So why was he acting like such an asshole now? You bit the inside of your lip, not deigning him with an answer. You’d go downstairs, text a friend to let them know your situation, and head out in to the rain. You were beginning to feel a little unsafe around him.

A hand wrapped around your wrist, making you turn to face him, “hey, if I told you to strip, would you do it?” Your mouth hung open at his crude words. His hand tightened on your wrist. This was too far, right? This sort of stuff wasn’t okay. But you were in his house… You’d put yourself in this situation, so…wasn’t it kind of your fault?

He laughed, a mean, taunting laugh, “holy shit, are you actually considering it?” His hand released your wrist as he backed up a step, “maybe I should have given you those fishnets.” Without thinking, you raised your palm, moving to smack him but he caught your wrist with slightly widened eyes. Too bad you’d already lifted your leg, slamming the heel of your foot down onto his toes. He released your wrist as pain lanced up his leg, downing him.

You took the chance, dropping the tights and running full-force down the hallway, practically leaping down the stairs as you grabbed your bag and dashed for the door, out into the storm. You didn’t even make it down the driveway before his hand was gripping your upper arm firmly, but not painfully. “Get off me,” you snapped, trying to swing your bag into his head but he caught it, tugging it from your grasp easily. You opened your mouth to scream, but his hand landed over your jaw, preventing any sound from escaping.

“Hey, calm down. I’m sorry, okay? Just calm down a moment,” he shouted over the rain, but you opened your mouth, about to bite him so he yanked his hand away. “Listen! I could very easily throw you over my shoulder right now and carry you inside, but I’m not doing that, am I?” He reasoned, hand still firmly wrapped around your bicep, “besides, how far were you planning on getting in bare feet?”

You levelled him with an accusatory look, “I wouldn’t have had to run bare-foot, if you weren’t being so insanely inappropriate,” you shouted back. “Fine! That’s fair. Just come inside at least, you’re soaked,” he returned, releasing your arm and holding up his hands as he backed away, giving you the chance to run. You glanced down the driveway, how the water was rushing over the brick red tiles, then back to him.

Turning back to face him, you stormed closer, jabbing a nail against his diaphragm, “you take one step out of line, and it’ll be an elbow to your mouth, understand?” His mouth kicked up at the sides, “is that a threat?”

“Normally, I’d say it’s a promise. But yes, it is a threat, dickhead.”

————————

You followed him into the kitchen-slash-living-room-area, the yellowy-orange lighting giving you an illusion of warmth that you appreciated, hands bracing your upper arms in attempt to keep warm. You went to the kitchen island, taking a seat and daintily crossing your legs. “So well behaved,” he remarked, watching as you neatly arranged your body so it was as tucked away as possible. You got the feeling he hadn’t intended it as a compliment. “Would you rather I threw those glasses on the floor?” You snapped, glaring at him, heart still pounding. You have him a once over, “from what I’ve heard, maybe that’s how you’d prefer it.”

He casually leant against the hob, crossing his arms over his chest, watching you from across the counter, “and what, exactly, is it that you’ve heard?” He challenged, raising a provocative brow. You probably shouldn’t answer that, it would come out as rude. Though you were still more than a little angry at the stunt he’d pulled. “That you’re a dumb, stereotypical, frat boy who doesn’t clean up after himself.” That wasn’t really true. All you’d heard was that he and his brothers threw great house parties - a lot of what you’d said had been based on various assumptions about him that you’d decided in the past minute.

But all he did was smile, as if he knew you were basically lying through your teeth, “‘a dumb, stereotypical, frat boy,’ huh?” You nodded, feeling heat build at the base of your neck. “Anything else?” You swallowed, not wanting to admit you really hadn’t heard anything bad about him, so you nodded, “I heard that you’re a boarder line alcoholic.” His grin widened into something more feline.

“Now that one’s interesting.” He moved forward, taking a seat across from you, watching you carefully, “any more you want to tell me about myself?”

Your eyes flicked up to meet his over the counter, “I heard…that you sleep around a lot…” Now you were really stretching.

“Slut shaming, are we?” If it weren’t for his teasing grin, you’d think he was serious. Instead you narrowed your brow, levelling him with an unimpressed look, “I’ve given you no indication whatsoever to whether I think that’s a negative description or not,” you countered smoothly. “Okay,” he propped his cheek with his hand, tilting his head to look at you, infuriatingly lazy grin still playing at the corners of his mouth, “and is it?”

You cocked your head, “is it what?”

“A negative description.”

You blew out an exhale, “that’s none of my business.”

“You aren’t interested?” He countered.

Scowling, “you don’t even know if I’m interested in men.”

He smirked, making the tips of your ears heat, “I meant you aren’t interested in verifying that particular rumour.”

Insufferable.

“You should have clarified.”

His grin widened, “I think I like knowing that your mind went there first.” Your scowl deepened as you glared at him over the counter top, “you’re acting surprisingly arrogant, considering we hardly know each other, Azriel.” His mouth quirked. You flushed, realising how much you’d been admiring looking at that particular feature. “‘Azriel’? I thought you were set on calling me dickhead?” You sent him an overly sweet smile, “forgive me, they’re synonymous with one another so I didn’t think you’d mind. I can continue using that name, if that’s what you’d prefer?”

His grin expression turned feline, “a nickname, how adorable.”

“There’s nothing adorable about it,” you snapped, “it’s an insult.”

Sparks danced in his eyes, “adorable,” he repeated, smiling, “adorable, little thing.”

Your brow dipped, “don’t call me that,” you snapped at him, regretting it as his smile widened. “What would you prefer, then?”

“My name, would be a good start.”

He sighed, “so mundane.”

You rose your brow, “big words,” you taunted, a grin lighting your mouth. He gave you a wicked smile, “I’m very familiar with big things.”

The grin was wiped from face, a scowl replacing it, “and what’s that supposed to mean?”

He looked a little puzzled, “now, I can’t tell if you’re being genuine or just baiting me.”

You quirked a brow, “baiting you…?” He dragged a hand over his features, resting over his eyes, though a slight smile was dancing on his lips.

Once he’d reigned in his smile, he looked up at you, “I’m going to take a leap of faith and assume you understand comedic effect of an innuendo?”

You gave him a look of confusion, then made an exaggerated look of realisation, “oh! I get it now!”

He threw you a mischievous grin, “you manage to connect the—”

“You were trying to be funny!” You offered him an obviously fake laugh, which became a little too real when a scowl marred his beautiful features, brow dipping and lips tilting downward.

“Aww, can the mean man not take a joke? Surely you understand the comic effect—”

He waved his hand, “I get it. You don’t need to put me through a condescending explanation,” he gave you a pointed look. You leant forward on the counter, resting your jaw against your palm as you gave him a provocative look, “big words indeed.”

Azriel’s scowl deepened, but something mischievous sparked in his eyes. You didn’t like that look, it made you wary. “You know, I was going to offer you a change of clothes.” He leant further across the countertop, voice dropping to a melodic drawl, “but I think I’m enjoying the sight of you soaking wet.”

You flushed, hot blood rushing to your face as you physically recoiled in the chair, making him chuckle. “Do you have to be so crude?” You broke eye contact with him, casting your gaze across the living room mixed with the kitchen area. A shiver wracked your body as you remained in your wet clothes. “And what clothes would I even change in to,” you muttered, “I’d need a little more than a pair of fishnets.”

There was an intensity in his gaze; a slow, but wicked grin spread across his mouth. Your lower belly fluttered as you nervously leant back in the chair, “stop looking at me like that.” The grin widened as he leant a little lower on the tabletop, “like what?” You attempted to glare at him but you knew the flush was undermining its authority, “like you’re having some less than savoury thoughts.”

He hummed, the grin remaining on his mouth as he straightened, smoothly standing from his chair, prowling around the counter. You slipped from your stool, trying to hide your bare legs behind the chair, “what are you doing?” His smile appeared innocent enough, except for that damned glint in his eyes. “Don’t you want to get out of those?” He asked instead, softly; your arms came up to cover your chest apprehensively. “I’m not sure I trust you after last time,” you countered, quietly.

Azriel straightened, the glint vanishing from his eyes, leaving them a warm hazel from the yellow and orange lighting of the room you were in. “You don’t stand up for yourself enough,” he spoke, turning to head for the door, “I’ve already told you: it’s tiring watching you dance around everyone’s feelings.”

“So you’re saying you acted that way for my sake?” You shot back skeptically. He threw you a glance over your shoulder, his gaze serious, “yes.” He disappeared out into the hallway, leaving you standing behind the chair, confused and a little freaked out.

You followed him out in to the hallway, keeping a safe distance behind him as he ascended the stairs, “do you really expect me to believe you?”

“I know you do,” he called over his shoulder, “or you wouldn’t have come back to me.”

You frowned, “your house,” you corrected, in a low mumble, “I came back to your house.”

“Call it what you want.” You could hear the grin in his voice.

“And I can stand up for myself perfectly fine,” you snapped, “I don’t need you inserting yourself into my life because you think you know better.”

“You can’t tell me that you seriously believe that the work distribution was fair,” he muttered over his shoulder, “everybody knows you took on a disproportionate amount for the project.”

“I’m handling it fine,” you spoke primly.

“Please. In the past month how many late nights have you spent at the library?” It was a rhetorical question, but you answered anyway.

“Enough to get the work done to an appropriate degree.”

“Meanwhile the other three haven’t stayed past 2 P.M..”

“Okay, but that’s not your problem is it??” You snapped.

The two of you had reached his bedroom door again, Azriel moving toward the wardrobe, “it’s painful to watch.” He opened the door, fumbling inside, “not to mention dangerous,” he added. You rolled your eyes, “I’ll stop if I think I’m about to keel over from stress.” He turned to look at you, alarmed, a large, black, leavers jumper in hand.

College of Illyria.

“I’m talking about, had I been some other guy, you might not have even been able to reach the front door,” his voice was lethally soft. You blinked, unconsciously yielding ground to him. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” you replied, though your voice lacked the necessary conviction.

He sighed heavily, closing the wardrobe door, holding out the jumper, “for your sake, I hope so.” You hesitantly stepped closer to him, delicately taking the soft fabric from his outstretched arm. You didn’t thank him as you turned, quickly walking out the door and heading for the bathroom. Fourth door on the right.

In the hallway, you spotted the pair of tights you’d dropped when you’d made your hurried exit. God, why did he have to be such a dick about it? He couldn’t have just brought it up in conversation? Like a normal fucking person? Did he even understand how scared you’d been?

Your brow furrowed.

Maybe that was the whole point.

You bit the inside of your lip, unsure what to make of him. It seemed he did have good intentions. Like your flatmate would say: he’s a little confused but he’s got the spirit.

You bent over to pick the tights up.

“Jesus Christ.”

[streets-in-paradise]

Borrowed Bride - Achilles x (Fem)Trojan! Reader

Troy (2004) Oneshot

Warnings: Posted from mobile, so no proofreading. Reader is ace coded (I know asexuality as a concept wasn't a thing in ancient greece, but some of her feelings and experiences match with what we consider asexuality today.)

Summary: As a captive of the greeks you are convinced that the unusual kindness of your captor is driven by the desire of winning your favors. Achilles enjoys of harmlessly flirting with you, but you feel in need of dissapointing him regarding his actual chances of seducing you. However, when the oportunity to do it presents you discover a different side of him as he makes you a shocking proposition.

Notes: I made the reader be a priestess and she is esentially put in the situation of Briseis, but as a completely different character making the plot take different routes.

Tags: @mysticaldeanvoidhorse @losersclubisms @helie-brain

" The men found her hidding in the temple. They thought she could amuse you. "

Every inch of your body felt repulsion to the sentence delivered by who you guessed was yet another man in service of your true captor. The destroyer of the temple, freshly arrived murderer heading the slaughtering of all the priests, he who must have kept you alive only for one reason. The dead were lucky, at least they wouldn't become the new plaything of a greek captain.

Not only one of their leaders: Achilles of Phthia, the most brutal of them all. He didn't respond to the soldier's tease, but before you could even process it he was carelessly taking off his armor. The action had at least a clear purpose, he was cleaning himself up and you were lucky he wasn't asking you to do it.

It didn't make it less awkward, as if he was bragging to you about how aestetically pleasant to look at he was like it could make any difference. Were you supposed to find comfort because he wasn't an old man?

Silence was as dense as the enviroment, but all he found in front of him was an unamused girl. Your eyes weren't constantly shying away, but there was no reaction. Not even anger or fear. The most impressive man in Greece was simply not impressing you in any way.

" What's your name? " He asked you, trying to start an interaction

The answer was more of your silence and you could tell it frustrated him.

" Eudorus heard your screaming, so i know you can speak."

" It didn't stop your men. My words mean nothing here. "

He smirked, playfull celebration after making you talk.

" Peraphs, or you are confusing meaning with impact. "

A first manifestation of rage invaded you, only centered on your impotence.

" Why does it matter? I heard your friend, i know what you want from me and my priesthood robes will not stop you. If i had become just an usable body for your amusement, then you don't need my name."

He was finishing the removal of dirt, sweat and blood on his skin and finally dressing up. Not much, what he had on still left his torso exposed.

" I have some other interests besides killing and capturing a nameless priestess. I like music, i play the lyre just like your boyfriend god does. "

Your expression of pure annoyance to his blasphemy amused him.

" What's your name? " He insisted one last time, sitting next to you in the grownd. " … Even servants of Apollo have names."

You answered the question and he seemed tranquilized by that.

" Are you afraid, ( y/n)?"

" You tell me, Achilles is a greek synonim for demise in my vocabulary. " You ironically mocked his ask. " I'll struggle against your touch, i warn you. I'm a sacred maiden and i belong to my god, even in captivity. "

He stared at you for an instant before replying.

" And i honor your loyalty and courage, but with me it is unnecesary. I will not do to you anything you don't want me to."

It was a calming statement, but he delivered it with a flirty undertone. Dirt and damage aside, he must have found you appealing and to that man flirting seemed to be as natural as breathing. Not the best first impression, but it was nothing compared with what was about to come.

The commander in chief of all greek forces, King Agamemnon of Mycenae, decided that you had to be his share of the treasure. You were mercielessly dragged away once more and the king made Achilles witness your recapture as a power display. It was an act of pure spite meant to reinforce his political domain of the army, but through it you easily understood that the new master was even worse. Fear couldn't be easily hidden anymore, you were terrified.

Silent tears began to fall down your face and something unexpected occured. The infamous wrath of Achilles was unleashed, he was ready to fight the personal guard of the mycenaean king to get you out of there. Only the visible increasement of your horror stopped him.

He wanted to save you, but didn't mean to scare you.

An even greater idea occured to him, one that would also contribute to the growth of his eternal glory. He refused to fight in the war as a protest, knowing the greek army would be desperate for his contributions. Clever choice, since they got hopeless pretty quick without him. In your insignificant position as a prisoner of war you gave a great service to your country taking him out of the battlefield.

It was a matter of time untill the warrior came to rescue you by himself before the despicable king could hurt you and all chance to pressure him into fighting was gone. You had no idea of what would happen next, but felt guilty by the fact that your personal safety could mean the ruin of your people if he would fight for the greeks again.

Achilles wasn't the worst possible company in that nightmarish place, but you were almost sure he fancied you and that was still a problem. You had conflicted feelings regarding him and the many risks he took for you. He was your captor, yet also your savior. You were supposed to hate him but you couldn't help to feel a bit thankfull. Other men you have meet there being more awfull than him wasn't an expiatory excuse for his hubris driven sacrilege or your enslavement. However, it was a concrete fact making your survival easier. It was making a difference and that was enough in that desperate situation.

The one thing you wished you could change from him on a regular basis living with the myrmidons was the flirty humor. It was uncomfortable even when he let you know he wasn't going to act on the jokes. You weren't going to confront him about it, but you got a proper space to do it during one of his many attempts to charm you.

" Why did you choose to love a god? " He asked you once ríght as you both were finishing dinner. " I think you'll find that romance one sided."

" The way i experience romance fits better with that. Apollo loves me as i am, I doubt a mortal man would. "

He thought you were just sharing a self deprecating observation about your chances of finding a husband.

" Why? I bet trojan men were doing line to get you. Temples tend to choose only the prettiest of their pretty aspirants."

" I am aware of that, i know what men think when they see me and that's why i can't engage in union with a mortal man. I don't have the slightest interest in the consummation and that is usually their most longed part of marriage. My union with Apollo is spiritual and i like it that way, lack of physical accesibility is my preference. "

Achilles listened you with curiosity and didn't hesitate in doing his first ask.

" You are Interested in romance, but you don't like to be touched. Is that the accurate answer?"

You nodded in affirmation with a shy smile.

" … This must be a nightmare for you with all those men wanting to touch you and no one caring to romance you. "

" Indeed, it is. " You added to his conclussion. " The temple was my place in the world. Even in Troy how i feel Is difficult to explain, but no one questioned me there. I found the way of making my family proud while being myself, but you just ruined everything i had built. "

" Pretty much, yes. " He frankly admitted. " Even if you return, the priests will never believe i never touched you. It's most likely that priesthood is forever lost for you. "

You looked at him with hopefull amazement.

" Does that mean you'll let me go now that you understand i'm worthless to you?"

Achilles was slightly disconcerted about your claim.

" Worthless? I don't think a woman fitting for a god could ever be worthless to me."

It was your time to get even more honest about the issue. There was no other way, he had to understand you would never be who he surely wanted you to become with him.

" You know exactly what i mean. Do you think I haven't realized of what's going on? You are different from the other greeks only in one detail. Agamemnon doesn't care about my consent, but he knows that you do and that fear has kept me safe from his hands. I take your words from the first day we meet and it's easy to see what you are up to. You have been incredibly nice to me, gifting me with a sample of your mysterious softness. Instead of eating with your men, we have dinner in your tent and you feed me with the same dish you are having despite you could be making me eat the food of slaves. We talk for hours, you make me feel good in your company and later at night you go to sleep naked. Everytime i flee to Patroclus' tent fearing you were blackmailing me into sleeping with you. "

He chuckled at your still percievable naivety.

" The term you are looking for is seduction, not blackmail. And i have to inform you it's all in your head. I just want to get to know you better and if i sleep naked, that's because i find it very comfortable. Had you ever try it?"

" SEE, YOU ARE DOING IT AGAIN!" You yelled with frustration. " You are calling Eros and waiting for the visit of Himeros. One of the brothers may attend your call, but the other never will. I'm desireless and that's part of how i experience romance. "

The open confession should have dissapointed him, or so you thought, but it didn't.

" Has it never occured to you that maybe i just like you and I am not part of some conspiracy to steal your maidenhood? I'm many despicable things, but never a liar. I do find you attractive, you are beautifull and i can't say i don't like your body. Yes, I would be taking you to bed if you wanted me to…. but you don't want that and i respect it. "

" Then why do you keep me?" You softly asked him. " Which man in your place would keep a war prisoner he isn't planning to bed?"

He had a great answer for that.

" One that accepts he shouldn't touch her but still wishes to romance her?"

It caused some almost involuntary giggling from you, since he was repeating the interpretation of your preferred definition of romance he understood.

" You can't be serious."

He was, but he still have some jokes left to point it out.

" Aren't you curious about how it would be like to have a husband you can see everyday?"

" I'm not going to pretend i'm your wife, Achilles. "

After you explained yourself to him, it was his time to be open with you.

" I'll never get married, a prophecy says i gave up my last chance when i came to Troy and I didn't use to care about that… Now i think it would be nice to experience a bit of what i'm missing before the end. Hector talks about the trojan wives waiting for their men, Odysseus wouldn't shut up if you ask him about Penelope. His wife, he misses her to death… I'll understand if you don't really feel curious about that, but i do. "

Another unexpected move on his part, but it was so heartfelt that you got to feel touched by it.

" Stealing the bride of a god can bring a curse upon you. "

" I'm already cursed. " He replicated with sad resignation. " And it would be a borrow. As i told you, I will keep you pure. You can go back to Apollo whenever you wish, if his priests let you."

" The ones that are still alive, you mean. " You snarked back. " I guess i don't have a choice but to follow you hoping Apollo will understand this madness was your idea. "

" Who knows? Maybe you will like me more than him. " The myrmidon replied. " I will do my best for you, I promise. "

For whatever reason in his vague speech about a prophetized curse Achilles wanted to have someone who would take care of him. It was quite sad to think about, since the mightiest warlord of the greeks was so lonely that he wanted to replace a wife with a slave.

" Put on some clothes and I'll sleep next to you tonight."

The proposition you were making in acceptance of his plan amazed him a bit.

" You don't have to do that sort of effort for me. I understand it's something I can't ask. "

You chuckled, clear and freely, then glanced back at him with an adorable looking expression.

He was lost, but still trying to understand you.

" I do like cuddles. " You sweetly explained. " I will never fall asleep in my god's arms, but cuddling is something I feel curious enough to try. "

[hel-phoenyx]

31) Will you marry me ? (bonus prompt)

Lubell and Ether belong to @noa-de-cajou, War, Ragnvindr, Chiara, Desire, Nru to @corneille-but-not-the-author, and Agathe to @thal-ent

A lot of other characters (mentioned) belong to them and @soupedepates too

I've thought long and hard about this for a while.

My rings are heavy on my fingers, but light on my pocket. I have run through every law text, every little nook and cranny of our holy book, finding nothing that can stop me ; I am after all Queen and Queen's word is law. Even if the Queen is no longer the Creator's herald and descendant.

However, I know what I'm about to do is going to create a rift in the kingdom. Lamia warned me countless times. Heirs won't like that, thinking I'm shitting on their traditions ; the church won't like that, thinking I am destroying the sanctity of union. Even the people may not enjoy it, because the Queen ? Taking not only a concubine while married, but a second spouse ?

Oh the blasphemy.

I have heard her words and all of them are wise. I have to prepare myself for a thunderstorm, maybe a national outrage. It may be the cause of an unrest, even though I am quite popular. I should wait for a better time.

But I want this now.

How long are we gonna live ?

I'm sat at my desk, my daughter looking at me. She thinks I'm a fool, and I wouldn't disagree with her. She's always been more cunning than I am. Yet she didn't say no to what I am about to do.

"Lamia, can you take care of something from me ?"

She rolls her eyes.

"Yes, I can do your paperwork for today. But I'll have you remember that contrary to you, I have no experience dealing with the people. Be quick."

I am aware. This is precisely the reason why I let her go to that apprenticeship with Faloi, as much as I hated the idea. She's leaving in a few days. I have so little time with her.

I nod.

"That won't take too long."

"Hope so, mom. I know dad. Also I have ears."

Sigh. Damn the gods hor having her inherit her father's earsight. I can't hide anything from her even if I try very hard. I had to insonorize my room but the more she grows up and the more she's aware her father and I love each other in many ways.

She throws a sarcastic smile in my direction before sitting down in my place, and shooing me away with absolutely no respect. I've never been a Queen for her, only a mother. This suits me perfectly.

I want a child, not a heir.

I get out, walk to my room. Sun is setting, Baku should be out of his office by now, and Chiara probably stopped training for the day to join him in the bedroom. I know I'm not interrupting anything, because Lamia would have told me so.

When I reach my room, slightly opened so the insonorisation spell doesn't work anymore, I hear two voices. Probably talking about something she saw in the streets and was curious about.

I don't need to knock. This is my room, after all, and I'm never interrupting anything. Yet, Baku and Chiara raise eyebrows, surprised to find me here, apparently. What, like I don't know you're squatting the queen's bechambers while she's not here ? The things I saw you two do on my bed, I swear.

Their guilty cat expressions are adorable.

"Lina, I didn't know you would get back so early..."

Baku is scratching his head, like he always does when he's embarrased. His cheeks are rosy, and it's probably not helping Chiara litteraly climbed him, arms around his neck and legs squeezing his waist from behind. She looks like a sloth like this. A sloth with big, shining doe eyes.

I never was so sure I wanted this.

"Yeah, I let Lamia take care of things for a while. There is something I wanted to ask both of you, actually."

Protocole in the divine Mandate often asks for the two people to be alone, when the question is thrown. Because love is something to be hidden, a secret, an intimate confession. But judging the situation, I wouldn't want to exclude any of them from this conversation.

My hand takes Chiara's, while the other reach a little box in my pocket, where lies an intricate dagger.

I've never been one to follow traditions, but this one I'll keep.

The other dagger I own is sitting on my desk, surrounded by our wedding ribbon. I didn't expect to receive another, but I'm fine with it. It's my turn to give, after all.

"I have thought about this for a long time, and figured out I needed to ask you this. Feel free to refuse, I won't blame you..."

After all, one of the reasons I've fallen in love with her is that she was free of all bonds of life.

I pull out the dagger and Baku's eyes widen. Chiara still looks surprised. She didn't know about the tradition, I suppose.

"But Chiara, will you marry me ?"

She blinks. Once. Twice.

Her eyes are round with something I hope is astonishment. Still on Baku's back, but not holding him as tight anymore. Her hand is still in mine, open. I'm waiting for her answer before I give her that dagger.

Baku is the first one to recover from the surprise.

He smiles.

"Well, for what its worth, I was planning to ask you, too. But it looks like Lina beat me to it."

My smile is a little too victorious for what it's worth. But Baku doesn't seem to mind. He just laughs.

"Maybe not the best time to ask this considering Lina just did an official proposal but I'd like to add myself to the roster. Chiara, will you marry u-"

"Yes !!!!"

She shouts with the enthousiasm of a little kid, a smile even wider than before on her lips. The smile she still holds when she takes the dagger, put it in her belt, and pull my hand towards her. The smile she uses to kiss me with laughing lost in my mouth.

I, too, am smiling.

***

The window is opened and spring winds cool down my room, bringing with them the smell of flowers and pollen.

Never been one to enjoy nature, but I have to admit the castle gardens, that I can see from here, do look like a fine scenery, especially at this moment of the year. A perfect atmosphere for my plans.

It's been years. I had a child far before I started thinking about thah. I had many reasons, of course, but Jiro is eight, now, and just a little bit younger than my relationship. Maybe it's time I go to the next level.

Why did I not, until then ? I suppose I was afraid. Afraid I didn't love her enough; Afraid he would come back and everything would crumble. Afraid, as I am now, that he would hurt her for the crime of being with me.

None of those considerations matter now. I still have that bad feeling, that hint of fear every time I see him in the corridors, but he's harmless, even if still grumpy. Well, can't blame him, memory loss can't suppress the pain of degenerating.

My door opens, and there she is, exhausted but smiling. She smiles way more now. After Lina's coronation she was always gloomy and unassuming ; how that discrete girl grew into an assertive, determined woman always astonishes me. I've fallen in love with that resolve, and her smile and her open hand.

I know she is the one I wanna give that ring to.

I've hesitated a long time. Do I follow Mandate's traditions or Death's ? Nru, who is closing the door carefully now, is Inkan, after all. She may not understand what I want to tell her if I go the Mandate way, and I don't know much about Death's way of courting. So I went back to age-old traditions, dating from the time Ink was still Paper and our continent didn't exist.

The ring is warm in my pocket, but I don't pull it out yet. I just smile.

"Hello, my dear. Did you have a good day ?"

"Tiring ! A necromancer sect was giving difficulties to Lina, I had to intervene for good. Sorry, I am covered in bone dust..."

"I don't mind. Sit down, I'll make you a bath."

"But-"

"No buts, Nru, my dear. You need to rest."

It would have been a time she would protest, say she isn't tired, she could still go on and hey, she should run me a bath and not the contrary, but today is not that time. She just sighs and sit down on the couch, while I go to the bathroom and activate the water warming system. Magic does wonders in the palace.

Bath won't be ready for a while, so I come back to the room and sit next to her. Her forehead feels so soft when I kiss it, even with the rebel hair everywhere. It's a little sweaty. I guess she did have a tiring day.

She leans on my shoulder and I smile again.

"Feeling better ?"

"Yes. sorry again for the bone dust..."

"I told you I don't mind."

And I don't. She's beautiful even tired and dirty. Even though I prefer her in a good shape.

I won't get any best time for this.

"Say, Nru, I have something to ask of you."

"Ask away ?"

Still smiling, I pull out the box from my pocket.

"Will you make me the happiest woman alive and join me in life until death do us part ?"

The box opens on a beautiful ring. ornamented with black roses, obsidian and amethyst. The colors complimenting her hair and those so pretty purple eyes now widening in shock.

It doesn't last for long, though. Because on her face shock lets happiness take its place.

"Yes, yes, of course I will !"

I take her hand, put the ring on her fingers, and she's laughing, I'm laughing, we're both laughing. Yet I've never laughed harder than when she raised her head, with a teasing smile, and kissed the bottom of my jaw.

"But I won't lie to you, you should have better hidden the box if you wanted to surprise me. Though it's not a bad thing. I would have fainted of shock right in front of you, that would have been unsightly."

Lucifer be damned, I love that woman.

***

A cat is laying at my feet, while I am waiting in those plains in the Gaikamshigtai territories, waiting for something that doesn't happen often.

Since she became War, I never see her anymore. Or, not as often as I wanted to. She's a goddess now, she has work to do, and I have work to do, too, as Greater Archbishop of the Silent Moon and Moon's Avatar ; She comes see me often, in between the duties, our duties, but it's so little.

I miss my love. People told me when I took my functions that a religion leader only should love her god, but she is my goddess, in more ways than one. My love, my life, my treasure, everything I've ever asked for while I was trapped in the Silent Moon. My first real friend, my angel, my everything.

And I know Moon doesn't mind, anyway. My loyalty is his since he saved my live, at my birth, and gave me a life I would be proud of, and he set us up, so at this point.

The cat is rolling at my feet, asking for scratches. I just squint my eyes.

Moon, I know it's you. Stop acting like I can't recognize you.

The cat meows. I roll my eyes.

Stop playing. I am your Avatar, for your sake, I litteraly communicate with you through telepathy.

It opens its eyes. Redder than blood itself, redder than the Carnage. A red people never saw on any cat, a red of divine nature. I know for a fact they hate that red. But changing the very nature of a Word is painful enough to make them stop at the tiniest details. Forsaking their human form is already a lot.

Those red eyes are now directly looking in mine.

Worth a shot.

You are a fucking menace.

To you, maybe.

It's a strange relationship we have, for a god and his worshipper. I am not afraid of them and they never made themselves terrifying. I have my own family, a family I wanted to join so badly when I was younger, a family that was never the Silent Temple ; somehow, they became another parent in the process.

Feeling sentimental, Selene ?

They're spying my thoughts again. It's annoying.

Well, as you signaled, you are my Avatar. I can't help it.

Get out of my head.

I'm saving all of my ressources for when you meet your girlfriend again. You have a tendency to broadcast your thoughts when she put her hands on you.

Bitch-

Come now, you're not my first Avatar with problems to control your sexual urges. I'm used to it.

I'm not, you peeping fucker.

That comes with the eternal life, black magic control and godly powers, kid.

I roll my eyes. they're right, the moment they leave my body and I will have to either learn to control my condition by myself or die trying. I have powerful powers without their help, but they destroy me. He saved my life not only by providing me energy, but by stabilizing my body.

I know they could leave any minute. They told me about their previous Avatar, Ahelm, a woman that couldn't be furthest from me but with who I empathise, in a way. They left her a bit before my birth, and now she has to live a life of a mortal loving a goddess.

Like me.

But unlike me, death will forever do them part.

i'm still waiting. The fighting is over, and the challenger died, so there's no ritual to be spoken of, why is she not here-

I hear footsteps the moment I think those words and there she is, running towards me. Two meters and fifty centimeters tall, I don't even reach her chest, running with the strenght of a million me, same strenght running in her blood, her Carnage. For so many people she is War incarnate, bloodshed and violence, but I do remember the teen holding my hand, the unassuming eyes of the girl from the people so unsure in a royal setting, the tiny smile when I told her I loved her for the first time.

Our kisses, our fight, and the final words of the mortal before she became a goddess.

"Will you still love me ?"

I will. I will. Forever and ever.

I let Moon here and run, too. I run towards her, smile wide, tears in my eyes; We haven't seen each other in so long. It's been weeks and weeks are already too much. I want her arms, I want her laugh, I want everything.

I jump in her arms and she catches me, smiling, her only eye shining with joy and love and everything and gods I missed her. Her hands pull me closer, grip my cress like she forgot how my body feels like, like I could forget how hers was so warm.

I kiss her with the might of a god and she answers with the devotion of a mortal.

"I missed you... So, so much."

It's hard for me to talk, still, but those words have never been easier.

Welp, bye-bye, says a voice in my head. I need to watch over something that isn't here.

I ignore them. Kiss her again. Gods, she feels so soft under my lips.

War smiles in the kiss.

"I missed you too, Selene."

"I have so much to tell you."

"I do, too."

She's so beautiful when she smiles. I can't live my whole life away from that woman.

"Will you marry me ?"

I blurted out those words completely out of context, and she blinks, a little startled. I have to admit I didn't think much before talking. I don't even know if gods can marry mortals, especially mortals that follow a different religion.

But I've never been so serious.

I want to have her as my wife.

Maybe she, too, had the same doubts in mind. I can see it on how she hesitates, how her hands squeeze my body. But she doesn't take long before replacing the doubt by a smile, shining and mighty and godly and everything.

"As soon as I can, my love."

Gods, Creator, everything in the sky, I love that woman.

***

Do gods marry mortals ?

I thought about it for a long time. I am no longer mortal myself, I'm gonna live a long, long time, and it's all thanks to her, my love, the mother of my daughter, but still, I am no god.

I don't even know what you're supposed to do. How do you propose to a god ? How do you even tell a god that you wanna marry her ?

That's a lot of things to think about, and sadly I am the overthinker kind of guy. She's the only one that can make my mind blank for a second.

Well, by stimulating another part of my body that isn't my brain, but, still.

I wanna marry her. I've known for a long time. It would be stupid not to join our lives, after all we have a fucking child together. At that point a ring on her finger would be jewellery, and not another step. And I wanna show to the world how much I love her, how much she's incredible, that little lady with her smiles and laughs and way to put me to silence with only a slip of the fingers.

But I still ask myself

Do gods marry mortals ?

She enters the romm, lightly dressed, still cheeks rozy, still sweaty. It's hot, outside, and our activities don't help. Her lips extend to a smile seeing me awake on the bed.

"And I thought I would have tired you by now !"

"Me ? Tired ? Never. In fact, I am ready for five more days, at least."

I say while winking. People can say we're horndogs, a,d that we're putting the endurance standard a bit to high for simple mortals, but I don't care the slightest. That's the woman I love, and that's an activity we enjoy. Who cares about what people say.

Her eyes grow hungrier, but she doesn't jump on me like she would have. In place, she just sit down next to me, put a hand on my thigh.

"Or we could just talk, you know, without moaning included."

"Oh, I love your voice anyway."

I love everything in her. Mind, body, charm, little flaws that once annoyed me but now I find endearing. I don't love easily, that's for sure, but this one it's for my very, very long now life.

Yes, I want to marry her. And I don't care if gods can't marry mortals. She would, with the same ease she kill all my doubts. About having a child with her, living with her, surviving with her.

"But that's good, because I wanted to ask you something."

"What a coincidence ! I do, too !"

"Well, go first, in that case, dear."

"Oh, but I wanted to keep the surprise..."

We laugh for a bit, back-and-forthing like that for a while, but no matter how hard I try, I can't keep the suspense, she isn't bulging. So, admitting my defeat, I pull out the drawer of our nightstand, before getting the box containing my whole life.

Before turning around and burst into laughing.

She has the exact same box in hand.

"Are you fucking kidding me, love ?!"

She looks at me. Looks at the box. Starts laughing too.

"Oh, by mother, don't tell me we had the same idea."

"Great minds think alike, huh ?"

She jumps into my arms, kiss me on the cheeks, boxes still on our hands.

"Sure we do. And yes, I will marry you, my big dumb idiot."

"Hey, com'on, Desire, I am not an idiot, I am a science genius !"

"That I can dumb down pretty quick when I have my mouth on his-"

"Don't finish that sentence or I throw you out of the bed."

She laughs, her teasing voice making my whole body ripple.

"My word, Mairù, you would throw your beloved fiancée out of her bed where she unraveled you so thouroughly ? You wound me, my dear, you wound me !"

"Well, if we're engaged, our bed now~"

"And I'm about to make you discover a whole new aspect of it-"

"Mom, dad, why are you making so much noise ? I can't sleep..."

Fuck. Carolyn. I forgot about my daughter for a moment, but that doesn't erase her from existence. Luckily, we didn't do anything, and my little menace is used to her parents hugging it out constantly.

Desire lets go of me, turns towards the door, where our toddler is standing, eyes heavy with sleep, her plushie in her hands. Before smiling at our little treasure.

"It's okay, Carolyn. Mom and dad are just loving each other."

"But you always love each other..."

"We do, we do," I smile while sitting down in a more comfortable position. And that's a good thing, you know. Something wrong, bunny ?"

She pouts.

"I had a nightmare... Can I sleep with you ?"

"Of course."

Too bad for the engagement sex, but we're not the only ones in this family. And since I am gonna be a husband, I also need to be a dad.

***

I'm not a big fan of weddings, usually.

I turned down Kaï for a reason. Many, in facts. I loved him, from the bottom of my heart I did. But he was mortal, and I was not ; he was king, and I was duchess. I didn't want another bond to tie him down to me, and rob him of his happiness while restraining mine.

Truth be told, I don't think I ever wanted to marry. It held little meaning to me, especially since in demons domains, marriage are often arranged. You sometimes end up loving each other, like Naberius and Meredith did, but more often than not you finish your lives like Ravil and his wife. My cousin, that doesn't skip a beat every time we see each other to tell me how much she despises him.

So, I wasn't sure about marriage, at first. Let time flow. And then Harue and the Spring Queen started talking about it, and I saw Ragnvindr's cheeks color in a slight red. His eyes were a splendid shade of yellow and red.

I guess he wants to marry Lubell, for what it's worth, he should. But now I wonder what about me. Would he want to marry me ? Would I want to ?

I had a long reflexion, around marriage. Talked about it with the Spring Queen, who told me wedding hold the significance I wanna give them. Then, with Katharinah, that told me she didn't like making things official but would consider me her wife anyway. I even asked Sinestri for her input.

She didn't told me much, but it was appreciated she at least didn't hit me for daring to replace her mother.

Now I am sat in front of the garden, tend to by the Queen. Her flowers are beautiful, like always ; she's looking at Harue helping her garden with Aravi, but her eyes sometimes gloss over me, throwing me an encouraging look.

Lubell and Ragnvindr are there too, sitting next to me. They're looking at each other more often than the garden, sometimes I feel like the third wheel, if their hands weren't holding mine tight. Ragnvindr's eyes are redder than ever, there is only love in those eyes.

They love each other, I knew it since a long time. I took a lot of time to accept they loved me, too. I am not used, despite my past, to have more than one love.

Yet the balance was found and today I only find happiness in their shared feelings.

I want to share something with them, too.

The Spring Queen is winking at me, before taking Aravi and Harue by the hands and bringing them somewhere else. Sly motherfucker. She set us up, I know it. And my two lovebirds don't even notice we are now alon in the garden.

I laugh a little, attracting Lubell's attention.

"Something's wrong, Myrrah ?"

"Oh, nothing. Just something on my mind."

"Would you tell us then ?" Asks Ragnvindr with glitter in his eyes.

I bring them both closer to me.

"I was just thinking about how much I love you."

She smiles. He smiles. I smile, too.

"Say, Rag', Lu', my loves, my treasure, I have something I wanted to ask you."

I see their eyebrows raised, I feel their arms around me, I feel loved, I feel loved, I feel loved.

I love them for the rest of eternity.

And I want to show them how much I do.

"What do you think about marrying me ?"

***

Ai and Ether's wedding was a sight to remember, and not only because the two official concubines left could enjoy some alone time afterwards, finally alone in the harem.

I know what they did, I have ears, good ears. Teach' told me they sometimes feel like a curse. Not gonna lie, that night, I got the curse of jealousy.

They taught me a lot about weddings. How they're not only to create children, to reproduce. How they could be against anyone that loved each other, even people of the same gender. How they're a demonstration of love to everyone that can see.

Weddings are not forced, weddings are pretty, wedding can be controversial, but what's more important is that the spouses always laugh at a wedding. That's what Agathe told me.

She's lying down next to me, I'm preening her wings. Full moon is close, I feel cranky, and I know she can feel it, but she wanted me there, so I stay there. Her little chanting is calming me down, anyway. Her voice is so pretty when she sings melodies from her homeland, almost as pretty than when she tells me I did good, I am good, I am loved.

Only thing covering her skin is a transparent dress, one of mine. She stole it from my wardrobe and had the gall to act innocent when I called her out about this. I know she knows the clothing is too big for her, that she went into my stuff on purpose. Yet she looks so pretty, like this.

"How are you feeling, Agathe ?"

"I could ask you the same, says my beloved with a soft voice while lifting her head. You're the one affected by the moon, not me."

She's right, but I still want her to feel good. That's the reason why I still hasn't fallen asleep. I want to watch her as she's loosening her guard, watch as she put her life between my hands, as she knows I won't ever hurt her.

She's the first one that ever fell asleep before me. After caressing my body like I was a work of art, and not a weapon to forge. Like I deserve softness instead of violence.

I wonder sometimes if the blindness made her ignore she had in front of her a monster. But who in their right minds would touch a monster, kiss a monster, let her body in the care of a monster ?

Everytime her hands run through my scars it looks like she's worshipping them.

I lay down next to her, and she pulls me towards her. her wings envelopping us like a cocoon of safety.

"Shouldn't we sleep ?"

"Let's wait for Ether first. She wanted to see you."

Ether. Right. I wonder what she had in mind. It's not a lot of time since, listening to my damn Archbishop, she tried to propose to me the way she told her too. With bones. Selene always had a weird sense of humor regarding customs and bones, I wonder why.

I appreciated the intent and told her yes, but after learning it wasn't how the Mandatians ask for a hand in marriage, she promised me she would make it right.

And then, nothing.

Not a peep, not a word.

I wonder what she's thinking about.

I guess I can wait for a little while longer, even though I feel more and more sleepy, and Agathe has those little movements of the head like she's trying not to fall asleep. Luckily, I don't have to wait for long. The doors of the harem open, and hurried footsteps signal me of Ether's presence.

"Sorry for the wait, I had... difficult patients at the office..."

"It is alright, love," Agathe smiles while opening her wings. "Come here, come here, we were just waiting for you."

Ether doesn't need any kind of persuasion. Quickly, she snuggles next to me, takes my hand in hers.

"Feeling better, Lycarn ?"

"Yes, thank you."

Her hand feels so warm in mine, so soft. It's calloused, like a doctor's is, and yet it runs like silk on my skin.

Her smile gets even softer.

"Well don't fall asleep just yet, because Agathe and I had something to ask of you."

"What is it ?"

Agathe smiles, and takes something from the pillows next to her. A box.

"I had to ask Baku for the customs, and he told me it is usual to offer a dagger, or a ring, for that kind of occasion. But both Ether and I felt like giving you a weapon would be in bad taste, so..."

"We had to resort to the other custom, the more universal one, Ether laughs while pulling her own box. Silent Moon doesn't have any for engagement itself, apparently. We'll make up for it later, promise."

Both boxes are opened before me. Holding each a ring shining under the harem's lights.

Their smiles shine brighter.

"Lycarn, they say at the same time. Will you marry me ?"

Tears run to my eyes.

Yes.

Yes I do.

[big-greer]

I MAY HAVE FIGURED OUT WHO MESMER IS!

I believe Mesmer is meant to represent the ultimate Blasphemer, one who turned against marika and was banished to the land of shadows (Him and the land of shadows being an allegory for lucifer and hell). Let me explain

All of the powers/themes mesmer is shown to use/have are all ones deemed blasphemous (dragon communion, fire, the serpents). and the ones he doesnt use are all either holy incantation, lightning incantations, or magic (none of which are deemed blasphemous like the others. I personally believe that the flame that mesmer wields isnt any flame we have ever actually seen before. people have commented that it looks similar to the dragon communion seal but pointed out it isnt exactly the same, i thought about this alongside the about the snakes he has and i think that maybe that flame mesmer wields is possibly "Blasphemous flame". the connection of fire and blasphemy is obvious

Mesmer has an incredibly strong snake motiff, and as we know the devil/lucifer is often referred to as a serpent in mythology. However these snakes also are shown with wings, making them close to dragons. and a lesser known fact is that lucifer is also referred to as "the red dragon", and mesmer is very red in his color scheme. This also would tie in with his dragon communion eye

in the trailer It says mesmer is the one who brings death to all those who have lost grace, a possible allegory for a person loosing faith and being sent to hell where the devil waits for them The land of shadows seems to be a place all who fought against marika/the erdtree go, or who are deemed blasphemous by the erd tree (like omens and crucible stuff). This could represent hell and all those who fought against god or were always blasphemers and would be sent to hell. Mesmer is seemingly the child of marika and radagon, making him close to marika being her direct offspring. This could be a reference to lucifer being one of gods closest angels before his fall. It was said to access the DLC you need to have beaten radahn and mohg. Perhaps Radahn needing to be defeated before accessing the DLC may be in reference to how lucifer is known as the "morning star" and "the fallen angel". So perhaps this is a mix and making a fallen angel, aka lucifer One thing i will say is that marikas pose when we find her, her arms out stretched and impaled in her side by this strange red/black spike, Could be a representation of jesus on the cross, with the impaled area being extremely close to where jesus was supposedly impaled. Connecting him to the soldier that stabbed christ in the ribs.

Another possible (though less strong connection) is that That there is possibly a connection between miquella and mesmer, and miquella is quoted as "Pure and Radiant, He wields love to shrive clean the hearts of men. there is nothing more terrifying." This possibly being a reference to how lucifer was gods most beautiful and powerful of the angels, who was beautiful beyond compare. while this is a personal opinion, i also personally believe mesmers line to his mother is a taunting and sarcastic one. taunting her for saying one without grace is to become elden lord.

TLDR, I believe Mesmer (allegory for satan) rebelled against marika and was the one who impaled her, Being the first one to sin against her and the erdtree (why he is possibly referred too as her unwanted son) and was cast out to the land of shadows (allegory for hell) that marika either knew about or created. And his punishment is to forever stay within the land of shadows and serve the role the devil serves as the punisher of those who die devoid of grace or who were outside grace itself. I believe that miquella's possible new ending will be to bring forth an age of blasphemy (what that means im unsure of but still)

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 3/3

What am I feeling today?

There’s a lot today actually! Feeling happy/energetic (6 months of being a disciple today!🕺), I am however feeling physically weak and sick which I really pray that I don’t actually get sick🥲 Feeling relieved too! I made it through the week and now I’m on spring break! I really want to get as much work done as possible before Thursday so I can travel peacefully and enjoy my mini break🤗

Luke 5 NIV

(v. 4-6) “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”

This shows obedience and can translate to our own lives. There are times when we do things our way and nothing results of it. But our way isn’t perfect. God may ask us to do something and even if we don’t understand we should obey, and God blessed us when we obey Him!

(v. 8-11) “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

I think we can relate to Peter (at least I can). I know I’m a sinner and unworthy of salvation and there are times when I can think why does God continue to love me when I fail? Why doesn’t He just abandon me? But that’s not a righteous way of thinking, God LOVES us, He loves us so much and He wants us to be with Him. In response Jesus said “don’t be afraid” (which reminds me of 1 John 4:18 -> “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Also, good to note that they just pulled up to the shore and left everything to be with Jesus!

(v. 12-14) “While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.””

Again I see this in relation to us. The lepor asked if He was willing, to make him clean. Jesus is willing and this goes with our sin too. Thanks to Jesus we can be washed clean of our sins!

(v. 16) “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

I like this. I feel that Jesus was very relatable and it’s good to remember He was also human. He wasn’t always around people, in fact, it says often(!) I feel that. There are definitely times when I need to withdraw and be alone and those are great times to be in prayer too.

(v. 18-20) “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.””

The only thing I wanted to note is that even though this is a stranger, Jesus calls him friend and I think that’s a lovely thing!

(v. 21-25) “The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.”

I like that Jesús stated the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins it’s a good reminder to us and then the power Jesus holds when the paralyzed man began to walk just from His command.

(v. 27-28) “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.”

Levi was a tax collector (a very well off person) and said two simple words to him and without thinking twice he got up and left everything to follow him. That’s powerful! Look at what we should aspire to copy, that we leave everything behind from the world to follow Jesus!

(v. 30-32) “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.””

Jesús was around sinners because that’s who he has come to save, and we’re all sinners so it’s safe to say that he has come to save us as well (looking carefully though, we must note the call to repentance, if we don’t repent, how can we be forgiven?)

(v. 34-35)

“Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.””

This was after being asked why His disciples don’t fast. Since we know that Jesus is no longer here with us, we are meant to fast, because we are in those days that he mentions.

[nuttytani]

Celestia's Cruel Thesis

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairing: Tartaglia | Childe x Zhongli

Premise: Childe gets isekai'd to a Liyue where Rex Lapis still rules over it.

chapter 2 link

You can also read this fic on ao3 here

Chapter 3: May the odds be ever in your favour

“Dear Milleliths, you might have the wrong person,” Master Liu Siu speaks up at last and tries to walk closer to where Childe was. 

He is blocked by the Millelith that crowded around the redhead and gets a polite warning instead. “We indeed have the right person. Please don’t be fooled by this innocent looking man, Liu Siu Xiansheng,” the commander of the group says as he gives a nasty glare towards Childe. 

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have never used counterfeit mora in my life,” Childe counters, feeling confused about this predicament he is currently in. 

The commander looks as if he wants to roll his eyes but refrains himself and continues to speak, “Further discussions regarding this matter will be after we take you to Jade Chamber. Stop resisting, and perhaps you might receive a lighter punishment for your blasphemy.” 

A handful of the teahouse patrons start their murmuring. It’s not loud, but enough to make out what they’re saying. 

“Tsk tsk tsk… See, this is why we should never trust a qigai.” 

“What do you mean by qigai? He doesn’t behave like one. I’m sure you meant to say Snezhnayan. Aiyah…Sometimes I wonder why Dijun and the Qixing let them all trade in the harbour.”

“Hush now! Don’t be rude. It’s the Fatui who are trouble.”

“And? Most Fatui are Snezhnayans.” 

“Oh...I thought the boy was from Fontaine, blue eyes and all.”

“Pshhh… I heard the boy talk distinctly in Snezhnayan a few times to himself. I’m not that old to be deaf.”

 So they’ve already begun to gossip, huh. 

There was no way out of this. The gods must truly hate him. Not only did he get fooled in Liyue, arrive in a strange Liyue, and get called names by the locals, but also got accused of creating counterfeit mora. Well, the gods hated him, since the instant he was born. How could he forget about falling into the abyss at the shy age of 14? Which entirely changed the trajectory of his life. 

Childe pauses his self-deprecating thoughts, with a resigned sigh, he holds his hands out, and the Milleliths in charge quickly handcuff him. Meanwhile, Sir Fan Er’ye and Master Liu Siu observed the entire scene play with an unfamiliar look in their eyes. Surely, it must be disgust. He couldn’t tell– with the way the two were frowning so hard.  

With arrogance, one of the younger Milleliths harrumphs, and tips his head upwards, “Let us leave.” He then pointedly scrutinises Childe and resumes his spiel, "Don't think about escaping! It’s nearly impossible to. Those handcuffs are made specially by Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenzhun.” 

I wasn’t even going to escape, you doofus. How annoying.    

“Yes, yes…. Tie me up, bind me, strip me, whatever. I will not run away, lest I want the wrath of the rock,” he says in an annoyed voice. Speaking with these haughty Milleliths and nobles rubbed him in all the wrong ways. 

The Millelith however looks back at him with scorn, it seems like he said something wrong because the soldier replies with seething venom, “How dare you carelessly speak of his imperial majesty like that! Another word and I might as well chop that tongue off!”

“Youxu– that’s enough. There will be consequences if you act without orders,” the commander cautions the younger. 

“But Ge… I mean… Seargent Fengyan, this lunatic needs to be disciplined!” the one named Youxu says in earnest. 

“Indeed, however, we are unqualified to issue such punishments.” He reprimands Youxu, before facing his team. “Soldiers, make haste. It will be sundown by the time we make it to Yujing Terrace,” Sergeant Fengyan barks out loud enough for the entire teahouse to hear and there is pin drop silence. All the chattering stopped. 

Every single Millelith saluted Sergeant Fengyan and in unison, all yelled hooah.  

.

Now, that is how Childe stood, in front of the three Qixing ladies. His hands were still bound by the handcuffs and the Milleliths had blocked his every movement with their spears all around him. They were on guard twice as much. It appeared that his his last encounter with the soldiers in Yiyan Temple was not forgotten. 

If it weren’t for the strange Adepti handcuffs on his wrists, he would have escaped this place in record time. Except then he’d be 1) fugitive with a bounty on top of his head for apparently using counterfeit mora 2) his imperial majesty, the almighty Yanwang Dijun and his Adepti friends would capture him in a second. So frankly, there’s no point in running away. He just hopes this is all some strange misunderstanding because he has never used fake mora, ever. 

“You foreigner, named Childe, speak at once, about how you got hold of counterfeit mora.” Tianquan, Lady Ningguang, looked down at him, from the stage she stood, alongside Yuheng and Secretary Ganyu. Her gaze was sharp, her bright umber eyes stared deep into him, examining.  

Someone from the Milleliths surrounding him whispered amongst themselves, “I thought it was child– as in haizi.” 

“Tsk tsk, Yong’an-Ge… It is Childe, as in young nobleman,” the other Millelith responded in a hushed tone.

“Oh… Isn’t he a qigai? You know…The clothes and all.” 

“That’s the confusing part, is he trying to play the game of opposi–”

“Please, remain silent. We wish to hear what the convict has to say,” Keqing ordered, especially at the chattering pair. The hall indeed becomes completely quiet, save for the constant breathing of all and the heavy atmosphere lingering in the air. 

Childe cleared his throat and brought the attention of everyone in the Jade Chamber hall, to himself. Ah– he is unsure about what to say. It’s not like the Qixing would believe his words, not after their last meeting and specifically after they’re convinced that he made fake mora. 

With carefully constructing words in his head, Childe raised his voice, “Members of respected Qixing. I’m confused as to why I’m brought here in your office, in such a manner, it might be hard to believe since you all seem to have a biased opinion of me… however– I swear on my life and the Archon of love, that I have never created nor distributed counterfeit mora.” He took a deep breath and kneeled on the ground, while the Milleliths adjusted their spears around him. “All I want is to go back to my original world, and there is no reason for me to produce fake mora, especially when I require the help of your Archon to send me back home.”

As if tired of hearing him talk, Keqing heaved a loud sigh. She glanced back and forth between Lady Ningguang and Secretary Ganyu. Finally, she beckoned one of the secretary ladies, who stood on the side. 

“Baixiao, please bring the pouch over and the records please,” Secretary Ganyu addressed the shorter woman.  

“Yes, right away.” Baixiao bowed, disappeared quickly and appeared just as fast. Her hands held a huge pouch of mora and a stack of documents, she handed them over to Ganyu. 

Click-clack of Ganyu’s heels echoed in the Jade Chamber hall, as she delicately stepped down the stage and walked towards Childe. Her expression betrayed no emotions, as she opened the pouch of mora (the same pouch he gave to that perverted Lao Guai) in her hands, and proceeded to pull a coin out. 

She took a long look at it, flipping the sides over and over until she was satisfied with whatever she saw. “Baiwen, please take a note of serial number LE22300769.” 

“Yes, Secretary Ganyu.”

“This year’s minting of mora started with the letter C. The serialisation of mora with the letter L is supposed to happen 9 years from now. The letter E denotes the batch number. The serial number of the mora I have just read, which I shall repeat; LE22300769.” Ganyu closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath, before staring him down with cold and unfeeling eyes. 

“This originated from you, Mister Childe.”

That doesn’t sound good… At all. Is he doomed? An ex-harbinger put into jail for the production of counterfeit mora, how funny. Especially when the Qixing couldn't even lift a finger at him after the release of Osial. Funny indeed. He was actually doomed. 

He thought all mora was the same. Well, not exactly, but mora is mora. The ones he has or had in possession are in fact, very real and not fake. At least not in the other Liyue. Who knew using it would land him in shit? Childe thinks hysterically. Doomed from the start, he was using his precious mora pouches from day 1 in this Liyue. 

“Mister Childe? Will you still claim to not know anything?” Ningguang questioned, sweetly. 

Her words were like the final nail to his coffin, or so he felt. Would he even get a coffin? Perhaps he should have brought Hu Tao’s free 2 coffin coupon deal. Although it would be invalid in this Liyue. 

Someone snickered, finding this situation entertaining at his expense. 

Laugh at me all you want, assholes. 

“Mister Childe, if you don’t have any evidence to prove yourself to be innocent, then I’m afraid, we have no choice but to sentence you to 3 years of imprisonment, such states the law of Liyue,” Ningguang resumed speaking, while also giving the snickering fools a stern look. “I must say, these new Milleliths have no sense of dignity. Sergeant Fengyan, I believe your work is cut out for you.”

Sergeant Fengyan felt quite ashamed on behalf of his new unit. It didn’t look good for him as their leader; it painted Fengyan as an irresponsible commander. The soldiers of his unit had misbehaved multiple times in front of the Qixing today. He bowed deeply and apologised, “I will make sure to discipline them well, Lady Ningguang.” 

She simply nodded. 

Although the attention from Childe was shortly directed elsewhere, Keqing, the Yuheng, had been staring at him for quite some time. Never straying her gaze from him, observing. When he at last met her unwavering and quite uncomfortable watch, she gave him a mischievous grin.

“So, I’ve been wondering, and please indulge my genuine question, Mister Childe, how were you able to replicate mora? They feel like the real deal, the only mistake you’ve made is the serialisation of them.” Keqing quirked a brow and took a scroll out of her dress pocket, scribbling something down with her brush pen. 

Childe grimaced, he knew she wouldn’t believe him, they clearly didn’t when he tried to ‘explain’ himself mere moments ago, opting to completely ignore what he said instead. A million thoughts passed in his mind. What would he do? What should he say? What options were left? He was once again aware of how alone he was in this place, no one he could trust, no one to rely on and certainly no one to pull him out of this mess. 

Sure, he may be friendly with Granny Ping, Master Liu Siu and some other elderly people who were kind to him, but do they truly care for him? For Liyuens in this world, he’s nothing but a sorry looking miserable qigai and now a criminal. For all he knows, the elderlies might have felt pity about his circumstances and wanted to be generous to score some moral points. Plus, it’s not like the people back in the other Liyue liked him. 

He breathes in.

He breathes out. 

Grounding his emotions right now is the most important task at the moment. If there’s one thing he learned from Master Skirk, is that nothing can be done with a tangled heart. Childe, with much hesitation, opens his mouth but the words are stuck in his throat. He has nothing to say nor any evidence to prove his innocence. 

“Mister Childe? You don’t have to tell me, we will eventually find out ourselves. The Qixing is capable enough for that, so there’s no need for the magician to reveal their secrets,” she mocked, with her self-assured grin. 

There was an abrupt murmur. All the Millelith stood at attention. The golden door to the Jade Chamber hall opened up. The pair of guards by the door clacked their spears against the marble flooring and stood ramrod straight before announcing in unison, “His Imperial Majesty, Yanwang Dijun, arrives!”

“Pay your respects to Dijun.”

The heavy ornate door flung open, as the Archon made his entry. Every single person bowed and recited, “Thousands of blessings to our lord!” 

Yanwang Dijun, in plain words, looked stunning. He was dressed to the nines, as usual. He wore beige coloured robes with golden iridescent embroidery on the cloth; they were scale like patterns– Childe concluded after a proper look. His silky hair was in a loose braid today, tied at the end with a yellow ribbon. In his hand, he held a foldable fan. A dainty little thing, a white background that had multiple blue glaze lilies painted. 

Childe could only stare at him with a dumbfounded expression. Not even bothering to rise from his kneeling position. Not for long, though. The Millelith who stood next to him must have witnessed his less than respectful stare. The soldier grabbed him by the arm, yanked him up to his feet and pushed on Childe’s back to make him forcefully bow.  

This was like deja vu. He swore something like this happened before. 

Dijun’s amber eyes briefly looked at every person, before eventually stopping at the young man with copper hair. It lingered there for a moment before he finally cleared his throat.

“Rise.” Yanwang Dijun’s voice reverberated in the hall.

All stood straight once more, and the soldier let go of Childe’s back. 

“Pray tell, what is going on here?” Dijun asked quizzically while fanning himself. His people were stunned at their Archon’s arrival, they did not imagine he would show up at the Jade Chamber, not at this hour. Besides, he rarely ever visited the Jade Chamber, unless the Qixing required his help. Dijun mostly spent his time in Yiyan Temple, busy with his own set of responsibilities. 

Everyone stood in silence for a minute or two. That is until Ningguang broke the awkward air by finally speaking, “Greetings, my lord. As you can see, we’re all fulfilling our duties as the Qixing. Rest assured.” 

“Qixing duties that include accusing innocent foreigners,” Childe muttered softly. He could hardly hold himself back from rolling his eyes. Though at the moment he had no proof or evidence to prove his innocence, it didn’t change the fact that he didn’t commit any crime. Well… no crimes in this Liyue, yet. 

Unknown to Childe, Yanwang Dijun heard him mumble, every single word. Possibly thanks to his extraordinary hearing from being an Adeptus. He snapped his white fan closed and slowly stepped towards Childe. 

“Innocent foreigner, you say?” Dijun placed his fan underneath Childe’s chin and tipped his face to meet the god’s gaze. Golden slitted eyes stared deep into his own, seeking something. Seeking what? Childe did not know. But he felt a wave of goosebumps rise on his skin from the sudden act. He was caught off guard, and that wasn’t good. It meant his mask of calm had slipped. 

“Hmm? Tell me. Do you consider yourself to be innocent?” Dijun questioned again.

Childe was silent as he pondered. Would answering the question make the man step away and give him some personal space? Would it make his fake mora predicament better? He doubted, but even so, it was worth a shot.

“Yes,” he replied with furrowed brows. 

Dijun kept staring into his eyes, unblinking. Eventually, the fan under his chin lifted away and with a sunny smile, the Archon moved away at last, turning his back. The fan in his hands snapped open and Dijun sighed, “You all heard him. He’s innocent.”

At that moment, the entire Jade Chamber hall erupted in chaos. Millelith and the respected members of the Qixing were crying and shouting at poor ol’ Yanwang Dijun to rethink his choice. 

“Your majesty, he is a foreigner qigai who committed blasphemy! How can you let him off so easily?” someone from the honourable Qixing, raised their voice. 

“My lord, you know nothing of his deeds. He basically scammed the old and used his young and pretty face to get into their hearts!” one of the Milleliths yelled.

“Are you enchanted by him too, your majesty? Is that why you’re letting this… man named Childe, off the hook?” Keqing joined in. 

Baishi, who had been quiet this entire time, speaks up, “Dear Yuheng, how could you accuse our lord like that! Our esteemed lord is not one to be charmed by a pretty face,” 

“I agree!” The other two Tianquan secretaries; Baiwen and Baixiao, also jumped onto the bandwagon. 

Amidst the chaos of constant arguing and protests between the members of Qixing and the Millelith, Yanwang Dijun stood in the middle, looking slightly amused. The corner of his lips had a slight curl. For some reason, he seemed to find the state of his government humorous. 

Childe did not find this funny at all. Not a single bit. He wanted to pry open the Archon’s head to know what was going on inside that head. Was he off the rockers? Did he take something? His entire government was fighting and the old man wasn't even doing anything? Even the ever quiet Ganyu was taking part in this. 

At last, Dijun seemed to have enough kick from the crisis. He raised his hand halfway, motioning all to keep quiet. 

“Now, I do find all of your theories and assumptions to be interesting, to say the least.” Dijun smiled in such a way that his eyes crinkled around the corners and formed crescents. He continued, “Even so, this is getting out of hand. Please refrain yourselves, you are all members of the Qixing and Millelith… Maintain some semblance of professionalism.” 

The entire crowd looked like children who were scolded by parents. Shuffling their feet and unable to face their lord. They all kept their heads down in embarrassment. Baiwen, on the other hand, seemed to be looking serious by the second as she whispered into Lady Ningguang’s ear. As if agreeing, Ningguang nodded with a severe look on her face. She glanced towards Childe, with a distrust.

He wondered what she was plotting; it was difficult to tell. This entire scene felt like a part of a comedy from the theatre plays back in Snezhnaya and he held himself back from laughing his head off, which was becoming tough as each moment passed. Except, he was the source of comedy, the clown, and that wasn’t something to laugh at. 

“I beg your forgiveness, on behalf of the members of Qixing and Millelith, my lord. We’re all expressing genuine concern, as you do not know the severity of the crimes, Mister Childe, has committed,” said Ningguang, as she motioned for Ganyu to pass over the documents to Dijun; to which, he received with a thanks and proceeded to look over them with a cursory glance. 

“Mister Childe has produced and distributed counterfeit mora in huge amounts. We found out after a thorough investigation, that the employees of Bubu Pharmacy received a suspicious amount of mora from one of their customers. Out of the blue too, I might add,” Ningguang carried on. 

To which, Dijun responded with a soft chuckle, “I am well aware, Lady Ningguang.”

“I believe you do not. Ganyu, please bring in the pouch of mora,” she ordered. Not a minute too late, Ganyu arrived with the pouch of mora. Once again, Ganyu presented it to Dijun. He didn’t even bother to take it. 

“Please, I implore you to check them, my lord.”

“Hmm…But I can already tell that these mora coins are not fake, Lady Ningguang. The geo energy within the pouch of mora you have shown me is undoubtedly the same as any other mora coin in the Golden House–”

Keqing frowned and opened her mouth, “But–”

Dijun raised his hand halfway. “Let me continue. I know of your concerns. I am well aware that the serial codes on these mora coins do not match with what we have available amongst the common folk, also the fact that these should have been distributed at least 9 years later,” he paused, and gave a short look at Childe. “However, this does not mean that the mora Mister Childe has distributed is fake. It’s very real. Now we may all be wondering, then why is it that the codes differ so much?”

The emperor positively glowed when he said, “Simple! The mora he has used is not from this world.”

“Your majesty, that is absurd! Do you really believe the words of a nobody?” It seems Keqing had enough of Yanwang Dijun’s speech and couldn’t help but intervene at last. 

“Ah yes, a nobody indeed. Don’t you find it strange that there is no record of a person named ‘Childe’? After our brief encounter with him in the temple, I contacted Devi Kusanali. She confirmed that there is no one such as Childe nor Tartaglia in Teyvat.” The god hands the documents and the pouch over to Ganyu and steps closer towards where Childe stood. “No record of him in the world tree at all, which is impossible. His claims about being from another world are true. It explains why his ‘mora’ feels real yet the codes are different.” 

The entire hall stares with uncertainty at Childe. They couldn’t believe their ears. Even their lord confirmed that this so-called qigai, was in fact from another world, how could it be? 

“Now, now. No need to be surprised. First, let us release Mister Childe from his handcuffs.” Dijun calls for one of the younger Milleliths, named Yong’an, who held the keys. 

Childe felt his body tense as the god strode towards him, a bit too close for comfort. Childe could smell the mild scent of silk flowers wafting from his robes, as he slipped the key into the hole of the cuffs and twisted it back and forth. The key made squeaky noises while the god struggled to unlock the handcuffs. 

The key made a weird click sound, and the esteemed Yanwang Dijun paused in his ministrations. Blinking slowly at the handcuffs. 

Dijun peeked from beneath his eyelashes and smiled apologetically. “Ah. It seems the key is stuck.” 

“What?” asked Childe, feeling wary.

“The key which unlocks your handcuffs. It is stuck,” the esteemed Yanwang Dijun repeated himself. 

All the officials and soldiers wanted to laugh, but they resisted the temptation. Biting on their lips to keep their giggles in. But a few of them couldn’t help but snort like pigs at how things were progressing. Childe too, wanted to join in and laugh hysterically. Not at Dijun, not at himself, but at his luck. His terrible luck. 

“I heard you fine the first time,” he replied. “Are you doing this on purpose?”

Youxu, the young Millelith harshly pointed at Childe in anger. “How dare you accuse our lord like that! Apologise immediately, you–”

“Youxu-Ge, please… Calm down!” Yong’an covered his friend’s mouth, as Sergeant Fengyan glared at the two. They were given a final warning by the Sergeant, and if they didn't behave themselves, the two would be escorted out and be barred from joining in cases for a month. The two young Milleliths immediately paled and profusely apologised and bowed multiple times. The rest of the soldiers were also given a warning, and all seemed pretty mortified for their actions.

“My apologies, Mister Childe… Please, hold still for a moment.” Dijun grabs Childe’s hands to extend the arms out. He placed his palm, in a spearhand position, between the handcuffs and swiftly struck it. The cuffs split in half and fell with a clang onto the marble floor. 

Lady Keqing was not impressed as she folded her arms. “You’d have to replace that, my lord.” 

“Of course, I shall ask Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun to provide you with another.” He then shifted to face Childe. “Well then! You are free to go, but before that, I would like to apologise to you for the disrespect.”

Childe tilted his head and pinched his chin as if contemplating, before he immediately replied, “No, why should I? What will I receive in turn if I do accept your apology? Nothing– exactly. No, thank you.”

Hundreds of eyes were glaring at his back, if they stared any longer, Childe would be burnt to a crisp, like the one time Anthon left the fire on and accidentally charred the rice. Of course, his brother was scolded by Tonia, who put him in charge of making rice. She pulled him by the ear and stood next to him to watch as Anthon started to cook a new batch of rice.  

Dijun made a blank face as if he didn’t expect it, but he instantly changed it back into his polite smile. If Childe wasn’t staring so intently at the Archon, he might have missed it. 

“Well then, how about a tour of Liyue? You haven’t been long in this world, I assume. There’s a lot to see and shop in the land of commerce,” Dijun quickly regained himself and countered. His officials did not like the idea as they started to grumble and chatter again but stopped as their lord gave them an exasperated look. “What do you say?” he asked, sweetly, with that blinding smile and warm amber eyes. 

Wait– why is he even thinking like that? Childe scolds himself in his mind. 

“Fine. On one condition though,” he sighed. “You, Yanwang Dijun, the Lord of Geo, shall pay for everything.”

“It’s a contract.” Dijun looked pleased as he lightly nodded. 

.

Cicadas hummed and a pleasant summer breeze passed by. Bubu Pharmacy was quiet and serene. Most of the employees were on a lunch break. Well, most being Qiqi. Herbalist Gui had to stay behind as Dr Baizhu was away from the harbour.

Someone pushed the door, causing the wind chime next to it to ring. An old man with his walking stick slowly shuffled towards the counter.

“Oh… Guai Yeye! Welcome!” Herbalist Gui greeted the old man with a wide smile. 

“Long time no see, here again for your joints?” the youth asked, whilst placing measured doses of medicine into paper pouches and labelling them neatly with his inky brush pen.

“Good afternoon, young man, ahh yes yes. The usual please,” Lao Guai rasped. He coughed into his fist as his body shook. He looked around the pharmacy with keen eyes. Particularly at the herbal blends that had tags such as ‘great for stamina!’ or ‘no more back pain’. 

Herbalist Gui nodded at the old man and twisted to face the wooden drawers, opening a few. He flips through the paper pouches with the names of the customers who’d receive them. 

“Hmm…Not here.. Just a moment, Yeye.” The young man glanced back and promised to return soon, as he went into one of the staff-only rooms, and in a brief moment came out with a bright smile. 

“Here you go, and that will be 850 mora.” He hands the medicine over to Lao Guai. 

Lao Guai opened his mouth only to erupt in a coughing fit, once he calmed down he thanked Gui and paid him. Gui, however, looked at the old man with concern. He knew that the elderly had developed a nasty cough because of the ever changing weather recently, but instead of improving, whenever he met the old man, he seemed to get worse. 

“Would you like me to pack you some expectorants for your cough? On the house, since you’re a regular.”

“Aiyah… I’d feel too bad for that, young lad… But who am I to deny free medicine?” Lao Guai’s eyes crinkled as he chuckled heartily. “That reminds me, would you mind packing a few of those back pain and stamina blends? Maybe it’ll help me a bit, my wife’s been complaining that I’m always crying about my back and lack of energy… If you know what I mean”

Gui hummed and grabbed the blends from the display shelves. “That will be 5000 mora in total.”

Lao Guai just drops a big pouch of mora on the counter. “Take this entire thing. Recently landed jackpot, you see. Think of it as advanced payment.”

The young man quirked his brow but he kept quiet and took the heavy pouch without complaint. He had seen plenty of things in this pharmacy, and this didn't even make him bat a lash. He just hopes that this elderly hasn’t taken an interest in gambling, otherwise he will make sure to inform his wife promptly. 

He sends the man off with a wave and resumes work. Lunch break was probably over as Qiqi came back and placed her basket, filled with herbs, on the counter.  

“Did you have your lunch, Qiqi?” Gui asked while grabbing the basket from where it was placed and carrying it back into the storeroom. He came back and sighed, plopping down on the chair in front of the little girl.

“Qiqi…ate…” she replied, in a slow manner; to which she received a soft pinch on the cheek. 

“Gui is sad now– I thought we would eat lunch together,” he makes a comically sad face at her.

Now, Qiqi also frowns looking at Gui and gives him a pat on the shoulder. “Qiqi… Eat lunch with Gui… Tomorrow… Don’t cry.” 

While Herbalist Gui and Qiqi were having a sweet moment, a lady in dark blue clothing sneaked in and rummaged through the cash counter. After finding whatever she was looking for, she grabbed the heavy pouch of mora and replaced it with the one hanging on her waist. Effortlessly, she tiptoed out of the pharmacy, unnoticed. 

Author’s Notes for Chapter 3

I did not expect this chapter to be so dialogue heavy… I kind of feel that this was a bit crack and maybe a bit exaggerated? But I’m not sure. Sorry in advance if it is TT

[1] Handcuffs - With Fontaine’s release and all, I thought having proper metal handcuffs would be much better. Though I thought about the Millelith binding Childe’s arms with rope! But he’s too strong for that, so magic-strengthened metal handcuffs it is!

[2] Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun - Cloud Retainer’s CN name. The zhenjun part is a title, it means lord. Sorry, I won’t be using CR’s human/mortal name; Xianyun, even though it’s tempting and probably much easier, gotta keep the names consistent, since Rex Lapis goes by Yanwang Dijun. 

[3] Ge - Short for Gege which stands for elder brother / big bro. Used for family members and close friends. 

[4] Hooah - A type of greeting that soldiers use, it means everything and anything, except no. I always thought it was spelled as ‘hah’. You learn new things everyday. 

[5] three Qixing ladies - Found out that Ganyu was not actually a Liyue Qixing member, as in the bigshot members who do the important work. She is their secretary :”D omg and I’ve been playing the game for the past 2 years now… I’m disappointed in myself, not that it’s a new thing. 

[6] NPC Milleliths - They are actually in the game! Nope I didn’t make them up. The only made up characters were Luo Xiansheng and Lao Guai from the first chapter. Again, any names you’ll see in this fic are most likely in the game, unless I state otherwise in the A/N 

[7] Devi Kusanali - Nahida’s title. I hate to use the “lesser lord lord Kusanali” thing so I just went with Devi (which means goddess). 

[8] Spearhand - It looks like this.

[9] Yeye - Grandfather/grandpa 

[10] Expectorant - A type of cough medicine that loosens up the mucus in your airway and helps the secretions to come out more easily through coughs. 

[deadbydangit]

Okokok hi I'm back and I have such a silly little scenario

So we all know a lot of the killers are from old times, and a lot of the realms are modern. I'm thinking how funny it would be with old killers seeing tvs and light bulbs and cameras and just generally modern stuff lol

Killers being Twins, Plague and Huntress!

-🌱

Love it! I actually did something like this in my Adventures in Texting fic. But I would love to expand on this. Please enjoy. I'm actually going to do part two of this since I have more ideas.

With a killer from past times discovering new technology

Twins, Plauge, Huntress

Twins

There might've been some technology in their time.

But they were always on the run and living in the wild.

There is no way they've ever seen any of it.

So when you turned on the lights without a candle, they both just froze.

How?

What is this?

They might even be a little bit frightened.

Assure them that nothing will hurt them.

Explaining technology will be difficult.

Mainly because they fear it's some sort of black magic or something.

The people who were after them after had weird rituals and weird contractions.

What if you're one of them?

You're going to have to prove you aren't.

Once she gets used to the lightbulb she isn't as frightened.

They'll slowly warm up to the idea of using technology.

They learn fast, so it doesn't take long before they're using it regularly.

Charlotte likes phones.

She can always reach you if she needs you.

Victor really enjoys anything that plays music.

From record players, to CD players, to iPods and everything in between.

You've improved their lives drastically with these experiences.

And they can't wait to share more.

Plauge

She is arguably the oldest one in the realm.

There was no technology when she was alive.

She figured that the lightbulb was just some strange candle cover.

But she finds out it isn't, she'll be memorized.

Did the gods take the power of the fire and condense it into this little glass tube?

She has so many questions.

If the gods didn't do it, then who did?

Humans!?

Blasphemy!

Humans shouldn't be trying to harness that type of power!

And they stuck those people in that box?

That's horrifying and cruel.

They aren't stuck?

But how are they in there then?

Maybe lead her to the conclusion that the gods gave humans knowledge on how to build such things.

Out of everyone, she is the most hesitant to embrace these changes.

However, she does like the lightbulbs as it was a frequent hassle to keep candles burning.

She might never fully embrace technology, but she is grateful for what you have shown her.

You must've been sent by the Gods.

Huntress

Out of all of them, Anna is probably the one closest to modern times.

It's heavily implied that she was around during the cold war in the late 1940's.

Even so, she lived the life of a hermit in the forest all her life.

So she wouldn't know regardless.

If she had found a phone before you introduced her to one, she would've thought it was a weird rock or something.

And she would've thrown it at someone.

Then she would've wondered why the rock looked like broken glass now.

If you show her how a phone works, she'll be in complete awe.

She can hear you through this rock!

Anna can be a little dense, so take your time explaining things.

You'll also have to show her how to be more careful with technology.

She's a very strong person, and the idea of a light touch doesn't make much sense to her.

Now she wants to know more!

A computer?

What can it do?

How does it work?

She's a very curious individual.

Make sure you're around when she tries something new though.

She has used things wrong and broken them in the past.

Then she starts to feel guilty.

Anytime you show her something new, she gets more and more excited.

But how could she not be excited when the coolest person ever is showing her all these new and amazing things?

[quietwingsinthesky]

i hope this is ok to send because we don't interact, but i have a prompt for you: instead of sam trapping himself and lucifer in the cage, it was dean who said yes to michael and jumped

It’s always okay. Always got to start interacting somewhere, right?

Also, I really hope this doesn’t give a bad impression of my writing lol. For some reason, it demanded to come out in first person Dean Winchester monologue form and in no other, which is. Not at all the way I usually write. But here we are. Real sorry if that’s not at all what you were hoping for, but there it is.

You know what the worst part of it was? Looking Sam in the face and telling him I trusted him to see it through. No, that doesn’t really cover it. He’s my brother, I know him, every face he’s ever made. It’s all stored away, just in case I need it, if he’s mad enough for the silent treatment or worse, keeping a secret that’ll get him hurt. He was always stubborn. You could see when you’d lose an argument or… or a fight. You could read the outcome by the set of his jaw, the sharp slant of his mouth, before the first punch was thrown. There was never any other way it was going to go. He knew he was right, and he knew I saw it, too. He wanted me to put the world on his shoulders and let it crush him, so the rest of us could live on doing…

You don’t give a shit what humans do when they’re alive. They all burn the same, don’t they?

We. We all-

We all float down here. Ha. See, that’s why I couldn’t let Sam throw himself into the pit. Did you know there’s clowns down here? Demon clowns. Nasty sons of bitches. I couldn’t let Sam ride out eternity locked up somewhere he’d be terrified. Though he probably wouldn’t be that scared by the end. You adapt. However you can. It’s about survival.

There’s an end, right? There’s got to be. The sun goes kaboom in a few hundred thousand years, and that’s got to wipe everyone’s slates clean. You, me… Maybe even that sulking douchebag in the corner over there.

Don’t tell me if that was the really how it was supposed to end, if you know. I don’t want to.

He looks like shit from here. Probably worse up close. At least he’s used to it. You’re not. I can tell. It’s wearing on you.

You could talk back. It won’t kill you.

God, I’m off-

Huh.

Don’t want me invoking your Dad’s name?

Buddy, I think we’re damned for a lot worse than a little blasphemy. Attempted fratricide’s higher on the list, no matter how pre-ordained you call it.

Insult me to my face. And get more creative with it. I already know I disappointed my Dad. I’ve got a lot of experience. New to the club?

You aren’t, are you? No, because I know what someone sounds like when they’ve been calling for days and Dad’s not picking up. I know what it feels like when you might die because he won’t come to the phone. This is a two-way street. Can’t lie to the guy whose head you’re inside any more than I can to you.

If your Dad was anything like mine, he probably listened to you begging for help and still thought you’d be better off on your own.

Good job with that. Who’s worse, the guy who lied to his dad about even finishing high school or the archangel who got his ass whooped by the drop-out?

Yeah, fuck you. I’d keep talking even if you weren’t forced to listen.

But you are. And we don’t have shit else to do.

I told Sam I’d trust him with this. I think I just didn’t want to spend my last days alive-

Hold on, am I still alive? What’s the call on that? Heart’s still pumping, nerves still scream at me, so what gives? Can you die in Hell?

I don’t know why I ask you anything.

I didn’t want his last memories of me to be a fight. I think I was even ready to go through with it until I was looking at those empty jugs. There were people in those demons- Fucking- Demons. In those people. Good people. We’d already killed enough of those, and sure as hell never added any more to the world.

Maybe Sam will now. Who knows.

He better not name that kid after me. Can you imagine? The world’s had enough of Dean Winchester. So much it spat me into the devil’s asshole.

Jesus Christ.

Hey, if you’ve got any power in you at all, you make sure he never laughs again. I think my soul just got sliced open by that sound.

So, I’m standing there, staring at the trunk, all those empty jugs and bad blood dragging Sam down and I couldn’t take it. Not one more. I wasn’t killing them, and I wasn’t going to let Sam take that blood on his hands either. So, I packed up. I left.

Cas was… probably still is out of juice, so I wasn’t scared of being caught this time.

I hope he’s doing okay. Glad he didn’t see me like this. Glad none of them did.

I couldn’t look Sam in the face like this. He’d think I didn’t believe in him.

Maybe I don’t. That’s not on him, damnit. That’s on your brother- Yeah, you! Stop eavesdropping! No, I didn’t think Sam could wrestle with you and win! I shot you in the head, and you didn’t go down. I wasn’t going to let my brother be the next wasted bullet.

Talk to me like you know Sam better. Screw you, douchebag. You didn’t know anything about him.

Now, you, on the other hand… I had no chance, no plan, nothing except the fact that you already thought I was ready to roll over. Your big mistake? You underestimated me. If you want to talk about pride, you’ve got your brother beat. One yes, and you came charging in. Felt like swallowing the sun. While it’s exploding. You got in my head and I got in yours. That’s the deal.

Second mistake was pissing me off.

Look at him. Goddamnit, look at him, Michael!

Shut up!

He’s your little brother! I don’t care how far off the beaten path he goes, you don’t ever hurt him! Maybe the rest of the world has got a devil to deal with, but you only ever have a brother! That’s what’s supposed to matter to you!

You held him when he was a baby, and you took care of him, and you were his first word and the first thing he walked towards and the first one he trusted when he started thinking this life didn’t fit right. And you fucked up! Do you hear me? You fucked up, and the last thing you ever did was cut him down when he tried to end this fight!

Because- because you could have walked away. I wouldn’t have done this if you’d walked away.

I wanted you to. I hate him more than any evil son of a bitch I’ve ever hunted, and I still wanted you to walk across that cemetery and-

Never trusted our little brothers when we should have. Maybe there was a way out of this mess a long time ago, too, but we weren’t any smarter back then. Just had more people around us to lose.

He’s gonna be okay. Sam, I mean.

He has to be.

I don’t think I could live with myself if he’s not. Not that I get the choice anymore.

Your brother’s right there. He might look bad, but you’re doing worse. Ask him how he stands it.

It won’t kill you to say something.

[henrysglock]

Stranger Things: The Upside Down and The Divine Comedy

Okay, as you all know I'm not a religious nut. However, I did enjoy Dante's Divine Comedy when I read it for school.

That is to say...I don't call the UD "The Hell Dimension/Super-Hell" for nothing.

I think I can prove which crimes Henry actually committed, and what was a setup, using Dante's Inferno as a framework. I can also feasibly explain the existence, aesthetics, and chronological order of appearance of the different versions of the Upside Down that we see in the show.

To kick this off, I want to talk a little bit about the areas involved:

Paradise: A place of goodness, light, and truth. Many who reside here are concerned with worldly injustices.

Purgatory: A place of change, a crossroads, a holding space to decide whether one goes to heaven or hell.

The 7th Circle of Hell: Violence. The 7th circle has 3 rings: Outer is violence against people/property (murder/pillaging/rape), and filled with fire and blood. Middle is violence against the self (suicide), and those there are eaten by harpies. Inner is blasphemy, or violence against God and nature (including sodomy and usury), and those there are made to wander in burning sands.

The 9th Circle of Hell: Treachery. This circle is a frozen hell split into 4 sections, where sinners are frozen in an icy lake: Caina, Antenora, Ptolemaea, and Judecca. Caina is for betrayal of family. Antenora is for betrayal of one's nation. Ptolemaea is for betrayal of guests/those one has entered into a willing relationship with. Judecca is for betrayal of benefactors/masters.

The Pit of Hell: The very depths of Hell, where Satan, depicted as a three headed beast, feasts upon Judas, Brutus, and Cassius.

Cool. What does that have to do with anything?

It. Is. Everything.

Henry exists in five different settings at four different times chronologically:

First: He is physically and mentally in the Creel house, which is initially described as a fairytale. It's the place where Henry develops his abilities and begins to obsess over the injustices in the world.

Second: Hawkins National Lab, which is his turning point, the fork in the road between returning to Paradise or proceeding to Hell. He does not get a choice, here. By his nature, his hand is forced. It's a tragedy.

Third: He is in the Yellow UD both physically and mentally.

Fourth: He is physically in the Blue UD and mentally in the Red Mindscape in varying degrees. He never physically exists in the Red Mindscape.

(The five vs four will be important later when we talk about what Henry is by nature, and how that affects his location)

I think these different settings can be fit into the framework of the Divine Comedy

That is to say:

Paradise: The Creel House

Purgatory: Hawkins National Lab

The 7th Circle, Blasphemy Ring: Yellow UD

The 7th Circle, Murder Ring: Red Mindscape

The 9th Circle...multiple sections: Blue UD

The Pit of Hell: We have not seen this yet, but given the painting of the three-headed dragon and Nancy's beast with a gaping mouth...I think we will in ST5.

Based on this, I also think I can prove that a) Henry didn't kill his family, b) the 1979 Massacre was something Brenner planned out, and c) the 1979 Massacre was staged.

So...let's map this out from Henry's banishment to current day.

We're told during the 1979 massacre, which is painted as a betrayal of Brenner, that Henry killed his family. Point blank. That should land him square in the frozen 9th Circle, in Judecca or Caina. He...doesn't end up there, and we know there's a lot of shit about his backstory that doesn't line up.

Our first clue into this is where Henry initially ends up.

El pushes him, covered in blood, into the hell dimension. There, he's burnt and scarred before ending up in a rocky, yellow version of the UD which we have not seen until this point.

You would think he'd end up in the Blue UD, since that's the one we're most familiar with, but it seems that the Blue UD doesn't exist yet.

Either that, or Henry does not have access to it.

Why? Because Henry has not committed the deserving sins yet.

Henry arguable passes through the Outer 7th Ring, where he is briefly burned, likely for the murders in the lab regardless of their status as self-defense.

It's still murder in the eyes of the church, because it did not strictly require lethal force due to there being no deadly weapons present, as per St. Thomas:

"Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow: If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful...Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s."

Essentially: St. Thomas says: "Don't bring a gun to a knife fight, man. That's uncool."

Henry brought a nuclear bomb to a knife fight. He has to get zapped a little for it.

However, he does not stay burning. He is only spattered in blood. There is no sea of blood. Henry ends up in and stays in the rocky, yellow UD. Why wouldn't he stay in the Murder Ring...unless he hasn't actually killed anyone unnecessarily yet?

This ties into the Creel Massacre fuckery re: Virginia and Alice. Henry could not have killed Alice. Point Blank. Period. It's also highly unlikely that he actually killed Virginia. Even if he did, it was self defense. No betrayal of family. No Caina.

(Although: I'd argue that's where Virginia is ending up for that shit she pulled on Henry re: Brenner and the lab)

No Murder Ring...No murders. Self defense, plus a good bit of zapping for unnecessary roughness, but no sin worthy of the Murder Ring.

You'd think, though, that Henry would at least end up in Judecca, though, right? He'd end up there for betraying Brenner, his "master"...unless there was no betrayal. Unless it was Brenner's plan to incite the massacre, Henry was actually doing exactly as his "master" bid, killing the guards/orderlies was self-defense at its base, and he may or may not have murdered the numbers. It may very well have been staged.

This lack of Murder Ring and 9th Circle imagery majorly ties into the fuckery with the bloodstains, bodies, and perspective fuckery in NINA. It's possible Henry only killed guards/orderlies and 002. We don't even know why he was killing 002, or why 002 was in there in the first place. We don't know why bodies show up in places they shouldn't, or why bloodstains show up in completely different patterns, or even disappear entirely. We don't know why the actors playing the dead numbers switch between child and adult, and why they shift position so often. (All of this is Aemiron's baby, and he has way more to say about it, so I'm going to leave that there.)

Either way...Henry ends up in the Blasphemy Ring.

And what is one thing we know about Henry, based on his parallels to Will? He's gay.

Sodomy. Blasphemy.

("Fruit on pizza? That's blasphemy")

Anyway, the most heinous crime this man has actually committed at this point is homosexuality. Homosexuality is a sin of both body and mind...for the Original Henry (NOT something that happened due to the absorption or due to his hive-mind status. That will come into play later), thus Henry ends up in the Blasphemy Ring in both body and mind.

So...Yellow UD: Blasphemy Ring.

In conclusion: It's likely that Henry was set up...for all of it, pre-1983, and his worst sins were homosexuality and being excessive with his self defense actions. However, he ended up absorbing horrible people, which condemned him to deeper parts of Hell in the future.

Okay, neat. So...what about the Blue UD and Red Mindscape?

What's interesting about both of these settings is that we only see them after the events of 1983 (the Gate, the killings, Will). Up until 1983, Henry wasn't physically able to commit any other sins. It's likely that we only see those two realms after 1983 because Henry didn't have reason to exist there yet.

He hadn't done anything worthy of the 9th circle.

So...why 1983? Wasn't that murder, rape, sodomy, and property destruction? Shouldn't that keep him firmly in the 7th circle?

Not necessarily.

Let's think about the 9th circle, and about what Henry encounters in the Yellow UD.

Henry encounters the Shadow Monster and we see at least one demogorgon, which were relatively docile at that point...but which we know go on to be the vessels for Henry's major crimes of the series. We see him enter a willing symbiotic relationship with the creatures of the Yellow UD via the Shadow Monster, which changes/shapes it.

And then, in 1983, when El opens the gate, everything changes. A "demogorgon" (likely, if not definitely, Henry) takes Will.

The Blue UD was, presumably, created and frozen on that date.

So what does that have to do with the 9th Circle?

The demogorgon and Shadow Monster were non-aggressive pre-Henry. Henry, in a betrayal of a willing relationship, corrupts the creatures to continuously harm Will. Ptolemaea.

It is also a betrayal of a benefactor. Judecca.

It is also a betrayal of his nation, as he attacks the citizens and government officials of Hawkins. (This concept becomes even more relevant in ST3, when Henry uses the Russian gate to enter Hawkins.) Antenora.

All the creatures involved physically end up in the 9th circle/Blue UD with Henry because they are a symbiotic hive mind, regardless of whether the Yellow UD even exists anymore or not. The sins of one (Haha...001) become the sins of all.

That's great, but what about the Red Mindscape?

This is where absorption comes in...and where I bring back our five settings at four times.

Everything we've talked about so far has been physical and mental, or solely physical. We haven't touched on Original Henry vs Henry et. al vs Henry the Super-Organism.

Henry is not alone in his body. Henry's body is a super-organism. He's many people in one, many beings in one. What the body commits, the original mind may or may not. Due to the fact that he literally contains multitudes, being part of the hive mind, Henry the Mind is somewhat separate from Henry the Body.

That is what the Red Mindscape is for.

The Red Mindscape, where Henry mentally commits his murders from in his bids for freedom, is distinctly wet...and red...like blood. That is to say...like the Murder Ring of the 7th Circle.

Henry's mind, which contains multitudes of other people influencing his original self, is usually in the Outer/Blood-Sea Ring of the 7th circle, and not always in the 9th circle with his body. When he is in his body, when he is with the multitudes of creatures and people, he is in the 9th Circle because the post-absorption, post-hive-mind body committed 9th circle sins. When Henry leaves his body, when he commits the murders with his mental powers...he ends up in the Outer 7th...the Murder Ring...because that is the worst sin that Henry alone, as the composite human mind, has committed, regardless of the influence on him by others within his mind.

This is why we no longer see the Yellow UD for any form of Henry post-1983, regardless of whether we think the Red Mindscape/Blue UD replaced the Yellow UD or we think Henry was moved and split into the different realms. Whatever the case may be, he has progressed into a different level of hell. Homosexuality is no longer his worst sin as a whole super-organism or as a composite mind.

We don't know what Original Henry's setting is as a single person, or if he exists distinguishably. He may exist solely in the Red Mindscape. He may be along for the ride with the composite mind. We haven't seen Original Henry outside of pre-massacre NINA, and even that was debatable at best due to Brenner's influence.

I hate to make a Shrek reference...but by God the man is an ONION. He has so many layers, and we've only actually seen two of them...maximum.

A note just in case anyone asks: Dante traveled through all these different places without having committed any of the sins. Thus, he was only educated, not punished. Hence why everyone who comes and goes from the UD without having committed the deserving sin, can come and go without receiving punishment.

So what about Barb and Will? The ST4 victims? What did they do?

Well. That depends on your point of view and how extreme you take betrayals/sins.

It could very well go like this:

9th circle: Blue UD

Ptolemaea. Betrayal of a willingly entered relationship.

Barb betrays Nancy by not supporting her with Steve...but it's also implied that Barb is into Nancy. This could be perceived, by some, as a betrayal of Nancy's trust in a platonic relationship. Ptolemaea.

Will betrays Dustin immediately before he is taken. He cheats in the race home. He also, as we know now, is into Mike. Another betrayal of a platonic relationship. Ptolemaea.

Max mentally betrays Billy by wishing he was dead. Thus, her mindscape is the Blue UD graveyard. Caina.

7th Circle: Murder Ring

Red Mindscape

Chrissy betrays Jason by turning to Eddie for help/drugs, which is what spirals the situation into Jason's death. Murder.

Fred betrays the victim of the car accident by not getting help. Murder.

Max wishes death on Billy and stands by while he dies. Murder.

Patrick aids Jason in his attempt to murder Eddie, which spirals into Eddie's death later on. Murder.

Interesting to note here: Both Barb and Will get slugged by Henry...but not in the Blasphemy Ring/Yellow UD. It clearly has something to do with sodomy, homosexuality, and betrayal...but not on the level of setting/location. This is Henry-specific behavior, not realm behavior. They're in the Blue UD/9th circle on the basis of the betrayal, but the slugging? That's pure Henry. I want to visit this on a Creelarke basis re: my DALDOM thoughts from earlier. I think Henry is projecting himself onto others the same way he does when he chooses his victims in ST4. Local man punishes the new round of gays using sodomy-type behavior because he a) was not permitted to have a healthy relationship with homosexuality in his formative years, b) perceived his nature as a betrayal or was made to perceive it that way, and c) was then abused using his own sexuality against him for two decades afterward in the form of MKULTRA.

Or we can see them as the objects of Henry's sins.

Barb and Will are the objects of Henry's sins, his crimes in the pursuit of freedom, and they exist as the reason Henry is in the Blue UD, not necessarily that they did anything wrong. Chrissy, Fred, Patrick, and Max exist as the objects of Henry's sins, while not having actually done anything wrong.

I also have some supporting evidence for this framework outside of Henry's narrative re: the Upside Down:

Dante's Divine Comedy is his progression from doubt to faith via revelation of truths re: the afterlife. Henry's story almost exactly maps it in reverse: He starts out happy and normal in his fairytale home, but then begins to doubt and distrust the world. After experiencing untold abuses, he ends up in Hell.

Henry's story very much feels like a Lucifer tale: God's favorite angel, a creative, intelligent boy with incredible abilities, ending up cast into Hell by the inevitability of his circumstances and his own inevitable, inborn fatal flaw.

Henry comes from what is at least a somewhat religious family: Victor speaks of demons and angels readily, and even hired a priest/had an exorcism done.

Henry encounters all sorts of creatures in the Yellow UD. He encounters the Shadow Monster, the demogorgons, and arguably demodogs and demobats: Demobats, like harpies...which go on to eat Steve and Eddie, who are both self-sacrificial to a fault. It's also implied that the 1979 Massacre may have been a suicide-by-cop/"I'll take out as many as I can before they kill me, because there's no saving me anyway" type deal, given that Henry does not request El's assistance once he realizes he's absorbing the lead guard. He goes it alone, without knowing what effect years of Soteria had on his abilities. He had no way of knowing his limits. He would have been expecting them to use lethal force...but then there was no one left to kill him. On top of that, it's implied via Henry's monologue that he's at least passively suicidal regardless. Hence, demobats in the 9th circle hive-mind functioning as harpies from the Suicide Ring of the 7th circle.

Brenner "dies" in the burning sands of Nevada: This happens after decades of harming children, namely...three-legged Papa. Sodomy is defined as any non-reproductive sexual intercourse. Three. Legged. Papa.

In the Blasphemy Ring of the 7th circle, Dante meets his late teacher...and speaks to him kindly: Brenner "dies" in the burning sands of Nevada, much like the burning sands of the Blasphemy Ring...and El speaks to him kindly. She doesn't rant at him in anger while he "dies". She holds his hand, and says goodbye.

Will's S2 Visions: Will sees the Blue UD multiple times throughout early S2. He's seeing visions of the 9th circle without actually being in it...but why? Well. He then goes on to (while possessed) indirectly kill Bob, a father figure, and directly strangle his mother. Caina.

All the religious/spiritual imagery in ST4: The Russian church, the Binghams, "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With GOD)", Victor's demons and angels, "[Spiders] are the gods of this world", Henry's Christ pose while El disintegrates him, Hellfire club, the article Eddie reads at lunch about D&D being linked to sodomy, suicide, and murder.

[beantothemax]

Temenos Mistral was no stranger to nightmares. 

They were commonplace after Roi’s disappearance, only made worse after the pontiff’s murder. And now, with three other companions at his side, he could not help but conjure up horrendous outcomes that might befall them should they continue to follow him on this path. 

He was no stranger to doubt, either. After Roi had disappeared so long ago, Temenos had drilled it into himself to trust no one. Only his father, the pontiff, was to be trusted. Not even the villagers could be entrusted with more than a few harmless secrets. 

So when they arrived in Canalbrine and the prickles of distrust tingled under his skin, he listened well. 

Though pleasantly surprised by Crick’s appearance as he was, he knew they couldn’t afford to waste anymore time there than necessary. The trail of the apothecary’s death was already running cold, colder still every moment spent at the inn. 

Restlessness sank into every bone of his body, tossing and turning him about in bed, cursing him to never find a comfortable position to simply lay and sleep in. That was all he needed. He wouldn’t even complain if his sleep was dreamless. As long as he slept at all. 

His nightmare was conjured in an hour of that painful, pitiful restlessness, coming to fruition when he finally managed to force sleep upon himself. 

Agnea, spirited away without a trace, presumed dead by all. Another one close to him lost to his own hubris and blasphemy. 

Partitio, gored by the Felvarg in the cathedral, the pontiff beside him. If Temenos had only been a little quicker in getting to him... 

Hikari dying in the Montwise arena, pierced through and bleeding out. Temenos felt sick knowing he couldn’t heal him, not at that distance. Not from so far away. 

Crick laying dead in a sea of white, hand clutching the note from the pontiff’s tome, the last words on his lips being Temenos’s name. Even now, he was prideful to imagine Crick would call for him with his final breath. How foolish. How arrogant. 

How pathetic he was, standing by and watching his friends fall one after the other whilst he did nothing to help. Whilst he idled and lamented his grief to unhearing gods. Whilst night approached, rapid and unending. 

Temenos awoke with a start to hear voices outside the inn room. They were familiar voices, though too muffled to hear fully. 

“—investigate on our own—” 

“—too dangerous!—” 

“—no other choice—” 

What were the voices planning to investigate? And on their own? Did they have another with them? 

It hit him then that the beds beside him were empty of their inhabitants. Agnea was gone, her hairclip still on the night-table. Partitio’s hat was, too. Hikari’s sword was gone, however- meaning he must have been one of the voices Temenos was hearing. 

“—rouse Temenos—” one voice said, and the others quickly objected. How peculiar. He was listening now, straining his ear to hear the conversation. 

“Let him rest. He’s done enough for now. He deserves at least one night’s sleep in a real bed before beginning the investigation,” Agnea’s voice said, city accent still present despite her hushed tone. 

“Aye. He has been a stalwart ally, and we would do well to let him rest. We four can handle it,” Hikari agreed. 

“...I dunno. Won’t he be upset if we let ‘im sleep while we do all the work? He seems pretty hellbent on solvin’ this case himself...” Partitio murmured. 

“We will wake him if we find anything of import. This is a small town, it would not take long. Agnea, you ought to be the one to fetch him. You are the smallest of us all, and the quietest. I have faith in your ability to move quickly and without sound,” Crick’s voice said hushedly. Temenos had to commend his little lamb- he was quite good at rationalizing when the need came. 

His companions murmured their agreements, and Temenos heard no more. He presumed they had departed for Lucian’s abode, wherever it may lie in Canalbrine. 

It was much to his chagrin, however, that sleep took him by the throat, pushing him under the waters of dreams once again. 

Once again, he was facing the shapeless god. He could make out but a few figures beside him as he stood fast despite the danger. Partitio, Agnea, and Hikari were all at his side, weapons drawn and spirits unwavering. 

The shapeless god spoke, words incoherent and painful, and he winced. It was so, so painful. The god’s voice sounded like Roi’s, then the pontiff’s, then... Another voice, one that was warbled beyond all hopes of comprehension. The tone sounded familiar, oh so familiar, but he could not place it. The words rang loud in his ears, defeaning him to all else. 

When he woke for the second time, Agnea was shaking him, saying something about a murder. 

GERREBEGEHEAAAAWWAAAAAAAAGH

[calekinnieplus]

“What do you know about Sefirah Castle?”

Arrodes fell silent for a few seconds before the pale golden words changed:

“I don’t know much about this. I’ve only heard some rumors. In the early days of the Second Epoch, the ancient gods believed that the original Creator left some things behind. That might be a ‘kingdom’ formed from a certain part of ‘His’ body or something created by ‘Him.’ And Sefirah Castle is one of them.

“This was the name that the King of Demonic Wolves, Flegrea, gave. ‘He’ calls the Hounds of Fulgrim as Sefirah Castle Keepers. However, ‘He’ failed to enter Sefirah Castle even to ‘His’ death. Therefore, many powerful creatures suspect that Sefirah Castle doesn’t actually exist, but is just an abstract concept.”

It had something to do with the original Creator? After pondering for a while, he said, “One of them… How many other entities like Sefirah Castle are there?”

“Eight. There are detailed records on the second Blasphemy Slate. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it.” On the surface of the mirror, lines of words appeared one after another. However, the pale gold color faded away, becoming silver once again. “The ancient gods suspect that the source of the underground corruption comes from a place similar to Sefirah Castle. They call it the Chaos Sea. Also, there are rumors that deep in the spirit world city, Calderón City, there are clues to the River of Eternal Darkness. This comes from the ancient god, Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace. As for the others, I’ve heard of some names, but it’s not a complete list. There’s Tenebrous World, Knowledge Moor, as well as the Brood Hive that’s related to the moon.”

Well DAMN?? Of Course there's more of them. And of Course it has something to do with the underground corruption. And of Course Klein is linked to all that stuff.

Sefirah Castle saved his ass this whole time, so I guess we are praising the Sefirah Castle, yeah? Haha

Praise the Fool!

[overthinkingtwentyonepilots]

Implicit Demand For Proof

From the album Twenty One Pilots (2009)

Image by writeyourart on redbubble

The early days of twenty one pilots had a much more stronger presence of religious themes than most recent albums like Trench or Clancy. In fact, in this album it is concurrent with the themes of mental health struggles. I argue that, in fact, this struggle with his own faith was one of the things that most affected Tyler's mental health before and during this era.

That is because by the time of Trench, the crisis of faith is still going, but Tyler hasn't figured out yet what he even feel, let alone what he wants to say about it.

But this is the start of this conversation for Tyler. Let's begin?

"I know you're not a liar

And I know you could set fire

This day

Go ahead and make me look away

Strike me down

I am calling your lightening

Down from your dark hiding place

Go ahead and show me

Your face"

Immediately, Tyler begins his conversation with God in a bold, even if cliché move: blasphemy to provoke a demonstration of existence. Or, as the title say, an demand for proof. Nothing implicit about it, tho.

However, this demand is still full of respect. "I KNOW you're not a liar". Tyler demands proof, not as an atheistic challenge, but as a plead. "Please, show ME that you exist. You wouldn't lie about existing in the way I believe you do". More on this after the chorus.

"Rain down

And destroy me

Rain down

And destroy me

Rain down"

Challenging god to strike you down with lightning is a big cliche for atheist. There's a famous vine where some guy challenges Zeus to strike him down, saying he doesn't have the balls to, only to immediately get zapped. Here, however, it's a offering of sacrifice from Tyler. In his search for proof, Tyler would humbly accept having his life violently ended by the God he desperately defied. The calling for rain here is more than a literal requirement for lightning, it is a Flood reference.

This is, after all, sacrilege. To speak in this manner of and with God is absolutely sinful and, even if not met with immediate destruction, will probably land your soul in hell. So, to get to the point where one would dare God to show himself, one would also accept the consequences of the proof.

"I mean no disrespect

I am simply very perplexed

By your ways

Why won't you let us

Use your name?"

This last verse is a very direct example of the questions Tyler has of his own Faith, but it's only one example. And it's enough, because it questions the authoritarian nature of the Christian god on a fundamental level: you're not really supposed to say "God" all over the place and in throwaway phrases like "Oh my God" or "I swear to God". The very distinction between capital G God and lowercase g god is based on this.

And this is based on the same principle as why you are not supposed to make images of the prophet Muhammad: to not dilute their holyness, to not usurp his power. Of course, that's the lore explanation. Christianity openly demands that you fear god, that you fear upsetting him, that you live his word as your guide to life. But "his" word came to us by the hands of man, and is guarded by the church. This is, in the end, all tools of control. And so Tyler asks, why does God, the God of eternal love, not let his children use his name?

Tyler is still a Christian. And that's great for him. But we can understand, through his songs, that he feels an intense internal conflict between his faith in God and his obedience to the church.

"Rain down

And destroy me

Rain down

And destroy me

Rain down"

This is, by virtue of being the first song, also the first suicidal twenty one pilots song. Even though it's all related to his crisis of faith, a suicidal desire is a suicidal desire. And clamoring to be stroken down by God himself is maybe the most suicidal behavior ever from the point of view of a christian.

So, what do you think?