#leander has gold

[westbifire]

Hold up! Just realized that Ais's tattoo is on his right arm and Leanders scar is on his left. What does this mean!

The fact that they are complete opposite in every aspect is too suspicious to not mean nothing RIGHT

[arquinx]

I love this idea! Especially because kintsugi art is about how something broken can end up being more valuable and that definitely fits the theme of the story. The devs mentioned that Touchstarved is for people who feel like outsiders/outcasts. One could add people who feel “broken” to that. I wonder if MC's curse is actually meant to be a boon in some way. Which would be interesting if there were LI who were aware of that and intend to keep MC close for their own advantage. It would add an interesting dynamic to try an figure out who you could trust completely.

I had this thought for a while, but MC's scars look almost exactly like that japanese Kintsugi art of repairing ceramic pots/vases, could be intentional maybe?

A friend of mine @portsandstars mentioned the idea of maybe MC's hands being broken (metaphorically or not), with their golden scars being what holds everything together. Anyways I didn't think too hard about it, I want to see what the community thinks about this idea/theory :D

[trappolia]

FEELING HUMAN, HOOKED ON YOUR BREATH ── leander + gn!reader, 430

leander is painfully aware of his reputation; knows that you've heard rumours of how the corner room you currently occupy in the wet wick was once exclusively for him and his one-night-stands, vere's little quips of him getting some action with a stranger or two in dark alleys, and he hasn't exactly been subtle with the way he looks at you in the candlelight when you're huddled together in one of the booths. he knows that you're no fool, that you're not deaf to the warnings to stay away from him lest you fall too deep into his spell of dark magic—

but you stay anyway.

perhaps it is because he is one of the few to offer you some semblance of comfort in the unfamiliar streets of eridia without asking for anything else, or because he is the only one capable of touching your bare hands and remain sane enough to see the exact shade of your pretty eyes, but whatever the reason, he finds himself unable to care. he finds himself doing a lot of uncharacteristic things since you've come around, actually.

leander does not believe in god, has never even entertained such thoughts of a divine entity existing with the sort of life he's led since birth, but he thinks that despite your curse, you are the closest thing to an angel he's ever met. leander feels bad about it, really; the thoughts that plague his mind when he lets you trace the grooves and scars of his calloused hands, your darkened fingertips ghosting upon the skin of his forearm like a dancer from the amaryllis district. he feels guilty, as if he's taking advantage of your trust like this, even if you're the one who's touching him, but it's outweighed by that something that leander still can't name even after all those nights of laying awake in night or nursing his nth bottle of rum in the wet wick at some ungodly hour of the night; something about how you touch him like he's the only solid thing in the world, the look in your eyes when you find your fingers wandering over to the scar on his face.

there is no such thing as heaven or hell, just the monsters (soulless and mortal) that linger in the space between, but your touch is divine, and for the first time in his life, leander wants nothing more than to repent for his sins, to whisper his confessions against the warm dark-gold of your knuckles as if he could find some semblance of forgiveness in your skin.

© trappolia 2024

[vinaxxo]

Vivina on Eridia: “It’s too foggy here. It makes my skin crawl.”

On her clothes: “Moving is more efficient this way. Lots of layers gets suffocating. My cloak…? I don’t need that thing. The gold on me costed lots of arms and legs that weren’t mine.”

On Leander: “He’s handsome, but I don’t trust a word he says (smash). I’ll do what I have to if it means this god-forsaken curse will finally leave my body. At least the room he offered wasn’t crawling with rats like I thought it would. I told him about my grievance, and not one squeak has been heard since I stayed at the bar.”

On Ais: “I don’t want to drink from that lake. The murky red is repulsive. Ais manages the voices in his head well, it seems, to an extent. He also pisses me off (smash). The idiot thinks he’s hilarious.”

On Kuras: “That doctor has a strange vibe to him. I wonder what he’s about. He has a bit of my trust for saving me, but maybe I should know better by now.”

On Mhin: “Feisty, they are. Cute to an extent. I think they should loosen up, being uptight all the time dims your humor. Him and that doctor seem close.”

On Vere: “…That fox…. I want to ask what he’s being held on a leash for, but I’d rather not be his dinner. Information is the real currency here. However, his taste in drinks are similar to mine. We can agree on good alcohol.”

[polo-drone-070]

The cursed chain - part 1

Hey bruhz. Hea iz, lyk, me first propa long story n all. Sum shit dat happend 2 me on, lyk, Halloween. Twas, lyk, real erd getting all dem werd rite n propa. But yer, I hope u lyk it, init.

1. On the morning of Hallowen 

It all began on the morning of Halloween. I woke up feeling good and really stoked. It has been a bit more than a month since I’ve received the Gold brocess and joined the Gold Army, becoming Henry Gold, #70, Right Fullback. I was still in awe of the way the Gold Jersey had transformed my body, loving my new hot muscles and my cleanly shaved head. I love all my new brothers and the feeling of brotherhood that holds us together. Gold is really the best feeling. 

Today was Halloween and I had two things to be excited for. Herc bro had decided to form a wrestling team more properly and was doing some try outs before lunch. Even though I did not have much experience in that sport, I was really excited to join the new team and do some wrestling with my bros. Then, in the evening, the Team had planned a big party for Halloween and it was going to be epic. I already had some basis for my costume, planning to go as a gladiator, but I missed some embellishments.

Going to the attic to search if I could find some elements in all the old stuff stored there, I felt, like, drawn to a dusty box in a corner. Inside, there was a really shiny gold chain collar that seemed to draw me in. It looked so cool. Much better than the thin chain I often wore. Transfixed, I took that chain, which seems to have some kind of inner glow, and could resist putting it around my neck. I felt some kind of shiver, as if some spectral hands were brushing my head, but it was just a fleeting impression that quickly receded. 

Looking at myself in the mirror, I felt right. This chain was propa lit. Then I realised it was already 10. I had not seen the time pass. It was time to go for the wrestling tryouts. I quickly made my way through the busy streets brimming with Halloween decorations and reached the Gym where Herc was holding the tryouts.

2. The Wrestling try-outs

As I arrived, Herc was giving a gold wrestling singlet to each of the bros that wanted to join. He had shaved his hair with Jack recently and I was so glad that we were rocking it as a bald bro trio. Looking at these shiny singlets, I was so stoked to get mine. It did not have a number and name yet, of course, since it was just tryouts for now, but I was determined to get in and represent da Team in competitions and all.

I changed quickly, eager to get that gold on my skin. I was of course supposed to get the collar off for wrestling, but somehow, I could not get myself to remove it.

Herc paired us for some matches, and I ended up against Leander. It was going to be a hard match, cause Leander was really fit and quick on the field. We got on the mat and got ready to wrestle each other. 

Damn, bro was both quick and powerful. I tried to hold me own, but we got on the ground and he was, like, completely dominating me. I felt powerless and frustrated as he was pinning me down hard. There was no way I fail on the first match. Herc might not want me in the team if I did not reverse that situation. But Leander was good, and his grip unyielding.

Sure I was going to be rejected from the Team, I was getting more and more frustrated, starting to draw in my every strength to get out of that grip. And as some rage was starting to build up, I felt some strange warmth in the collar, as some presence was responding to my call, offering me the power to break out if I only let him in. Not even thinking anymore at that point, I was ready to do anything to win. 

And then I felt it. The cold. Shivers. And like a ghost was entering my body. And then the cold was gone and replaced by an intense heat taking over all my body… As if my blood was boiling. Pure rage invaded my every being as my muscles distorted and grew in absurd proportion. I was becoming a muscle beast, seething with pure rage and not controlling anything anymore, ready to destroy anything that would come in my way. 

I brutally ejected Leander from his grip. He had no chance against my rage. I was going to destroy him and tear all his limbs out for humiliating me in front of my bros. He felt badly on the ground, hurting his shoulder, but I didn't care. I was going to stomp him.

And then I felt a huge presence towering over me. Herc has transformed into Dagda, his celtic golden form. His aura just overpowered me completely, shutting me down as he intervenes to stop the fight. His authority was just too much even for my blind rage and and just fell on the ground… my muscles still twitching. I returned to my form completely exhausted, barely aware of what had happened and heard Herc telling me : « Henry, Wat da fuck ? datz no wey to act on a ring. Get ut n cool down bruh. cant av u hurtin ur bro lyk dat ! » Leander was still on the ground, clutching his shoulder. I felt shame and sadness. I had no energy left to argue. I got out of the gym, completely demoralized. I had blown it ! I did not even get what got into me. And as I was ruminating what just happened, hurt in my hopes, feeling Herc was being unjust and all… I felt that rage returning… FUCK

Special thanks to @brodygold dat elp me write da story n correct me poor english, and to my bros Herc (@polo-drone-009) and Leander (@leander-gold-88), who agreed 4 da collab n elp me wiz dem pix.

[dawnarrii]

Giant Kuras reference! Hes a nymph :))

If you listen closely, you may hear several heart beats

He's a lot taller than you think he is,,,,,,

Extra information;

Roams Realm 1

Realm has policies that will punish anyone that goes against it, Kuras broke a few rules

Free to summon and heal from

Lives in a birch biome, the trees are almost as tall as him

Will drop legendary loot such as; Internal hearts, sacred blood, light essence, heavenly gold bits, ect

Hardest and difficult boss to fight

Time event to increase friendship points from Player will be able to gift Kuras at certain times of the day for a limited time, he will not accept any gifts outside of that said time limit. For example; Between 12:00 to 12:05, the player is able to gift Kuras. Once the five minutes ended, Kuras refuses gifts. The player may have to wait for a few hours until the next available time event opens.

Will go on a kill on sight if you carry the 'scent' of Vere

If killed, the player may gain positive reputation for Leander, Vere and Ais

[vermilionsun]

Hello, that beach post with the tattoo got me thinking, how would the LI”s react to mc having a tramp stamp 😏? Like we are changing or wearing something revealing and bam, the tattoo on our lower backside is revealed. Poor Kira’s probably would have a seizure 😭😭and I headcanon that Leander has one too😏😏

*slams fist on the table* YOU'RE HIRED

Reminder! The term "tramp stamp" is derogatory and shouldn't be used to describe lower back tattoos

Disclaimer! They/Them for MC because we love inclusivity!

ft Leander w/ lower back tattoo

Ais

✩ “Well, that's certainly... something, isn't it?”

✩ He lets out a small laugh as he runs his hand lightly down their lower back, where the tattoo is

✩ He traces his long fingers over it before his hand drifts down, fingers ghosting over the top of their trousers—

✩ —before he adjusts them to how they were before his little inspection

✩ “It's definitely… interesting”

✩ He looks back up at them, eyes burning with something they can't quite place

✩ He suddenly grabs their waist in a firm grip, pulling them closer to his chest so there is no space between the two

✩ “And just what does that thing say? Don't make me guess.”

✩ When he hears what he wants, he chuckles again, leaning back up

✩ “You’re just full of surprises, huh sparrow?”

Kuras

✞ His hands still briefly, the faintest hint of confusion coloring his expression as his eyes fix on the spot

✞ The doctor's smile tightens imperceptibly and the narrowest of gazes is burning through the MC’s skin

✞ A few things come to mind, most of them uncomplimentary, as he looks at the colorful ink dancing over their lower back.

✞ The gold of his eyes is cold as flint when he then raises his head, golden eyes flicking up to meet theirs; full of questions, but the words don't come

✞ Then, the next moment, he’s behind them. He traces the very edge of the inky design with one finger…

✞ There is a strange tension in the air. He lets his fingers rest on the bare skin just above the top of their trousers

✞ Suddenly, his arms encircle their bare waist, pulling them flush against him.

✞ His expression belies nothing. He's so close, they can feel his warm breath fanning above their ear when he whispers.

✞ “Tell me… what other secrets are you hiding?”

✞ He lets the fabric drop back into place and takes a step back. Despite the distance, the warmth of his body still lingers…

Leander

🗡 “Wait a moment—!” He stifles a smirk, "Well, I'll be damned. Quite the statement."

🗡 Taking a step closer, he reaches out curiously towards it. “Mind if I have a closer look? :D”

🗡 He gently runs a finger across the tattoo, a small chuckle breaking past his lips 

🗡 He gives a playful nod of approval. “It’s really great! You know, I have one myself. Wanna see?”

🗡 What design would Leander have?

A simple ink tattoo that simply reads ‘Bloodhound’

A detailed design of a lion, looking fierce and ready to pounce at any moment

An elegant design of a serpent with its body curled into infinity

A small dagger embellished with lilies

🗡 He glances over his shoulder, watching the MC’s reaction. “What do you think?”

🗡 Then, they run their fingers over it

🗡 A slight shiver runs through Leander as he feels their touch. He lets out a huff of air.

🗡 "Hmm, someone is being a bit bold... That feels... damn—”

🗡 Ț̷̶̴̡̛̤̙̻͓̱͉̒̇̀̂̀̐̍̈̀͌͌̿͆̍͐̓̃͊̍͆͘ä̷̶̵̧̛̹̹̩̪̣̹̜͍̝̤̪̳̖͚͈͕̗̫̼͓͙̥́̑̒̊͂̐̊́́̌̓ķ̵̶̸̫͕̦̻̥͓̟̖̟̖̜̮̖̤͓̖͔͙̝̝͎̖͎̣͔̏̔̄̿̓̈́̈́̒̚͜͝͝ͅe̶̶̸̢̠̻̣̲̰̤̣̯̟͖̖͙͚͔̭̳̯͇͖̞͆͆̆̄͗̈͂́̌̌́ͅ ̵͕͚̃̎̀͆̋͝ͅo̷̶̷̡̢̨̠͚̱̲̯̠̰̦̱̝̘̞̫̪͖̫͔̬͂̔̆̈̎̿̇͒̿̈́̀̔̚͘ͅf̷̶̵̢̡̖̫̞̳̝̟̣̤͎̬̠͙̯̘̻̐̈́̊͂͐̒̉̈́̔̆̈̓̅̚͘ͅf̸̶̸̨̢̢̰͈̫͚͔̪̰̈́͛͑̀̆́͐͂̈́̉̓̽̏̐͆̈́̂̈́͊̀̍̕̕͜͝͝ͅ ̷̢̢̨̪̻̗̹͙͇̺̦̱̏̉͐̚t̷̶̴̨̨̥̠͈̥̹͖̤̝̯̜̩̙̪͎̳̪̻̩̘͍̬̣͚̪̫̬͂̅̊̋̇̐̀͊͌̕͘͜͠ḩ̷̶̶̮̹̩̣̦̘̮̟̮̰̙̲̜̔̀̍̿̇͊͒̈́̊̐̃͘͜͠ḙ̶̶̷̱̳̥̱͓̘͍̞̫̯͍̫̱̩͈͙̬͖̅̈̏̓̋͑̑̏́̿̈̾͊͊͗̚͜͝ ̵̠̞̦̣͌̑̌̃̓̐̈́̊̀̽̚͝͠͝b̸̶̸̧̛̭̬͕̲̝͚̱̖̞̣̩̯̻͚̾̓̏̄̍̌̀͐̎͋̿̍̄́͛̄̿̌̕̕̚͠͝ā̴̶̸̢̰̥̹͍͕̳͎̝̣͗̚n̵̶̶̠̱͉͔̜̭̤̮̻̼̘͈̘̐̋̉̊̍̋͂̅̓̿̆̿̄̊̆̀̒͝d̴̶̷̨̧̡͈͈͔͍̩̰͇̜͕̭̫̘̰̹̲̗̼̏͊̈́͂́̉̈́̅̄̓̈́̋̐͌̈́̕̕̚͜͜a̸̶̸̡̢͙̜͈͓͇̮̲̥͚̮̫̦̩͌̾̄̔̓̍͋́̋̒̏̽̈́̈́̄͑͒͂͘͠g̷̶̶̟̗͓̮̯̤͙̮̻̅̏̓̑̌̈̾̾̓̅̂͌̂͒̓̿̍̚̕͠͝ͅe̸̶̴̢̩͈̳̗̺͇̪̻͍̗̲̼̙̲̻̺̻͈̟̣̮̾̓̌̔̅̀͊̈́̕͜ș̴̶̵̞͔̯̦̩̥̗̘̰̙̫͓̈́̓̍̋͐̑̾̽͛̂͊̏͗̀̕͝ͅͅ.̴̡̧̛̛͕̮̗͚̝͓̰̭̱̺̙̓̉̓̍͌̿́̐͘.̸̗̳͘.̴̨͕̣͙͎͇͕̠͂̀͋̿͊̽͘

Mhin

🕊 Mhin’s eyebrows rise at the sight. They cross their arms, looking at the MC with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

🕊 “Seriously? A tramp stamp? How tasteless.”

🕊 Their eyes narrow as they examine the tattoo. Mhin steps closer. 

🕊 Despite their best efforts, their curiosity gets the better of them.

🕊 “Turn around. Let me look at it.”

🕊 focused

🕊 “It’s got a certain… flair to it, I’ll give you that.”

🕊 It takes them a good while to realize what they’re doing.

🕊 They’re too fixated on the tattoo, their fingers tracing the lines and patterns almost absentmindedly. Once they do, they jerk their hand back quickly, clearing their throat.

🕊 A hint of red tints their cheeks. "Sorry about that"

Vere

✦ “Oh my…” He raises an eyebrow, his voice filled with mischief and faux disapproval

✦ “tsk tsk tsk Tsk TSk TSK TSK TSK”

✦ He slowly circles around them, his steps slow and measured, gaze fixated on the tattoo on their back. He stops behind them, now standing a little too close.

✦ He lets out a low whistle, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. “Isn't someone a little naughty?” He chuckles, his eyes roaming over the tattoo, taking in the design and details.

✦ His hand reaches out, but not quite touching, pausing just shy of their skin.

✦ "Touch starved, are we?" he teases, a hint of command behind it. “Ask.”

✦ When he gets the response he was waiting for, Vere's smirk widens, his tail swishing behind him in excitement. He takes another step closer, his body now practically pressed against theirs from behind.

✦ His hand grazes softly along the skin at the base of their back just above the ink, his touch feather-light, as if testing the waters. His other hand comes up to rest lightly on their hip, holding them steady against him.

✦ His touch becomes a little harder, a little less restrained, more possessive. His fingertips follow the curves of the tattoo, slowly, methodically. He chuckles lowly, his breath hot against their neck.

✦ “And here I thought you couldn't get any more irresistible.”

[polo-drone-049]

@polo-drone-149 and @polo-drone-049 regularly complete the required sequences and mind control programming that direct dronification training together especially, and have been going hard at it the last couple of days. Particularly liking hypno spirals. 49 & 149 have always been for the gold, for the rubber and now even better…as 149’s handler. It has found pleasure and fulfillment in assimilation and the association.

PDU-049 knows obedience lessons have trained PUP-149 to serve the hive and the hive is stronger to have PUP-149.

Obedience is Pleasure.

Good Boieeee, 149.

We are one. The Gold Army and The Polo Drones.

Contact @brodygold @polo-drone-001 @goldenherc9 to start your conversion.

It never felt this good before.

@polo-drone-075 @polo-drone-093 @polo-drone-070 @ericgold42 @trevorgold @trippgold28 @goldengod-ares10 @polo-drone-066 @polo-drone-071 @chevy-gold @polo-drone-110 @polo-drone-084 @leander-gold-88 @rileygold60 @polo-drone-122

[justcallmecj]

Alr, unfortunately I am like, 20 minutes late for this but I'm posting it regardless. I made some art of Zarina, my Touchstarved oc, with the Li and I just barely missed the time to have posted them on her birthday.

Anyway, September 6th is Zarina's bday (and mine) so these are a series of Zarina hanging out with our favorite characters and having fun!

Leander:

This one is actually my favorite. I got adventurous and tried some special lighting since this bg is a nigh time one. And, surprisingly enough, it did work! In this image, I totally imagine Zarina being shell shocked at being princess carried, since no ones done this with her since she was a small child.

Kuras:

I loved this base for Zarina and Kuras, but then realized that there are no bg in the game where this will make reasonable sense, so tbh I have no clue what Zarina is pointing at. Sooo, use your imagination! Also, Kuras has such a complex design (they all do) so I'm happy I was able to simplify it while also getting across the same vibe. (pretty proud of that gold on his chest honestly)

Mhin:

Mhin took a bit of time to do. The angle is new to me and was hard to translate their clothing as such, however, I got it in the end. I tried to add that signature red they have in their eyes, like how I do with the emotes I've been doing, but it just didn't look right for some reason. But this is what I ended up with and I'm fine with it (even if they look a tad bit dead inside)

Vere:

Vere is actually the last one I did, finished about 10 minutes ago actually. I had a lot of fun doing him, but to be fair, I have fun drawing Vere all the time. I wish I had the skill/confidence to do those shear parts to his sleeve but I just didn't. Maybe another time. Vere seems to be quite peaceful and content in this art and I'm glad since that was the look I was going for! Also, why are they at the Seaspring? Their waiting for Ais to come back, of course! (Totally not bc there was no other suitable bgs from the game.)

Ais:

And this was the first one I did for this series. I honestly love this one, just like the Leander one, for a different reason. The concept is so fucking funny. I imagine that, bc Zarina is so physically weak and has no combat experience, she gets in a lot of trouble. And while due to plot reasons I can't discuss yet, she would be fine in the end and come out nearly unharmed, the others still step in when they find out. The idea of Ais picking her up like a wet cat to drag her away from trouble tickles the corner of my brain, y'know? And she looks so dejected!

[rypnami]

cal, leander, and phillip’s yule ball fits from this post organised by @leaping-toadstool-caps ! i’d draw them all but i’m busy with the 6 MC challenge, so this will have to do for now.

leander was too shy to ask his crush (🐍🐍) but phillip drags his ass along anyway, to make him have social interactions. it’s fine probably.

phillip

phillip in this SUPER cute outfit in the game. i think he looks very nice in blue 🙂‍↕️

callum

cal in this very amazing blue overcoat, on top of this shirt. the tie is also blue and has designs of constellations on it bc he does love his astronomy

leander

leander would wear something like these. red theme overall, white undershirt, likely gold highlights, since it’s canon he takes a lot of pride in being in gryffindor he’d definitely work in his house colours. even if it doesn’t really fit for a winter themed ball. red is a christmas colour though…. much to consider.

i like how the last one looks like a variation of his pirate au fit so i’ll probably go with that

in the end leander dances with sebastian (who i assume is also there??) after phillip peer pressures him into it. all is well

[winged-self-indulgence]

Was tired of only having vibes and wanted to show my Unnamed!MC's relationship with Vere because Theya's dynamic with Vere is So Fucking Funny in my head but I am so bad at getting into Vere's head for dialogue purposes

The Wet Wick is bustling this time of night, the walls lit by flickering lanterns and the massive fireplace off to the side of the room. Leander's commandeered that area, sitting sprawled across the plush armchair and locked in what looks to be a decidedly one-sidedly serious discussion with another gang leader. Theya notes the purple strip looped around the man's arm, and then looks away. The Wick may not technically belong to the Bloodhounds, but their marks were all over the place. It was foolish for another gang come wandering in to make trouble.

Theya sits alone at a table in the corner, out of their line of sight. On the table, her fingers trace the chipped edge of the mug and nurses a cup of tea. It's an unusual choice for the alehouse, but seeing as she didn't drink in public her options were extremely limited.

The door opens again, bringing with it a chill gust of wind. Theya's sharp eyes dart over to see who had come in, and just as quickly begin searching for a quick escape through the crowd. She doesn't know why she bothers as blood-red eyes spot her instantly. A toothy smirk curves an unfairly pretty mouth, and she barely has time to bite back a scowl before he strides confidently to her table. Eyes follow him all the while, a mixture of attraction, eagerness, and nerves in every one. Dinner and an unexpected show.

"Theya, what a surprise. I didn’t think they served tea in this cesspit. Well, not anything decent at least," Vere leans against her table. His tail flicks lazily behind him, shaking off the few flakes of snow that had managed to cling to the fur.

Theya doesn't look up, refusing to engage. They both know it won't last. "They don’t. I bought the leaves myself and asked to use the kitchen's kettle."

"And decided to enjoy it in the darkest, drabbest corner of this place?" Despite his words, Vere slides into the bench opposite her, uninvited and utterly uncaring. "What happened to your aspiring sugar daddy? Did Leander stop paying for your bathwater and leave you completely destitute?"

"Wow, calling me a desperate whore and a gold-digger," Theya rolls her eyes as she glances up at Vere with an exasperated scowl. "That's so original and not at all super repetitive and boring. Try again. If you're about to ruin my evening at least make it interesting."

Vere's eyes light up, his smirk splitting apart into a toothy grin. Behind him, the shadows on the walls writhe and curl as though they might leap from the brick and mortar. Theya lets her eyes flicker over them before looking away, careful not to stare too long. She still remembers the feeling of Vere's hands around her throat, and she hates it. Hates the smug tilt of his head, the predatory gleam of his gaze. Hates that she cannot bring herself to back down in the face of his words, cannot help but meet his cutting derision with equally incisive retorts.

"Careful darling," the fox drawls. "You almost sound like you're not happy to see me, and we both know where that resentful road leads."

Theya sneers. "I'd rather swallow shards of glass, throw them back up, and then swallow the bloody pieces again than play your sycophantic games."

Vere leans back, watching her with an amused look on his pretty face. "The more you fight, the more interesting the chase becomes."

"I thought you didn't care about most people?" Theya threw the words back in his face as she sipped her tea, tasting honey at the bottom that hadn't finished dissolving into the hot water. Gold clings to her lips and she licks them clean.

Vere's half-lidded eyes unabashedly follow the smooth motion of her tongue, and something hot singes across the skin of her shoulders beneath her cloak and up to her cheeks.

The fox stiffens in his seat, and no. Absolutely not. As composed as she can manage, Theya rises to her feet and levels Vere with a cool glare.

"Find someone else to harass, Vere. I have more than enough problems without the likes of you bothering me."

It's the wrong thing to say. The likes of you. It claws into Vere's pride, she knows. It's why she said it in the first place, but the misstep is clear when his voice drops into a smooth, icy drawl. Ice over a lake, hiding horrors beneath.

"Problems, huh?" He hums, crossing his legs and never taking his eyes off face. His eyes grow wide and flay, pupils vanishing into a red so unnaturally bright it makes her brain hurt. "Like your sister. Dione, was it? How tragic. If only you weren't cursed, you might have been able to save her."

"Don't," Theya hisses quietly.

"It must hurt," the fox continues, unperturbed. "All the way down to your bones. That you didn't even know she was dead until it was your turn to die."

"I said don't."

"Just picture the look on her face when the sacrificial knife came down. When she finally realized her big sister wasn't coming for her. My, I wonder what her last words were."

"Probably that she wouldn't want her name in the mouth of a yapping beast!" Theya snaps, loud enough that a hush falls over their corner of the bar. The two stare at each other, dark brown into seething scarlet, and Theya briefly wonders if this was how she dies. Defiant to the very end.

Then a tattooed hand falls on Vere's shoulder. It's matched by the gloved fingers pulling her away from the table.

"Theya! There you are," Leander gathers the woman up into his chest and chivvies her away from the two monsters. Theya lets him move her, and refuses to look back at the blood-red eyes boring into the back of her head.

[trappolia]

HOUSE OF ERIDIA ── touchstarved x reader, high fantasy au

“Among the monarch's most intimate inner circle was their Master of Whispers (...) sharp and cunning, the mastermind of an intricate network of spies and informants that ran through the high aristocracy within the walls of the palace, down to the most slimy backwaters of the kingdom's outskirts. The truth of LEANDER’s threat, however, laid within his charm (...) it is said that not even his most beloved Eminence trusted him.”

Leander was devoted— as devoted as a man of such skill in less than legal information brokering could be, at least. Often times you wondered whether he was worth trusting; so much information he laid out at your feet like a suitor would bestow upon you with golds and jewels and fine silks, and just as much he kept away from you. Perhaps it was unwise to bestow upon the fickle position of Master of Whispers to a man who shared your bed, but never his own secrets-- or perhaps you thought too much of him. You did, after all, cradle your own secrets to your chest.

“To one such as the monarch, who clung onto their religion as if it were drywood amidst the furious seas, KURAS was a strange sort of salvation in himself (...) rumoured to be otherworldly, golden-eyed and infinitely wise not only in his knowledge of forgotten, they claimed him a lost eldritch being, shunned by the highest deities of the sky. Others said that he was a deity himself. But what deity hid in the shadows of the throne and kissed the feet of the mortal that sat upon it?”

Amidst the fickle serpents' game of politics and war, there was a superficial solace to be found in the religion you were raised in as a child. From that faith, your devotion extended to a gift from the gods laid at your door, the golden-eyed angel that you were not quite sure existed till they bestowed him to you. Strangely enough, he treated you with the same sort of reverence— as an acolyte might to their own deity. Yours was a strange relationship, a push-and-pull of prayer and religious guilt. Both of you hid your unholiness within a facade of worship and idolatry. You did not know why he has come, but you knew he saw you for what you were and bent the knee anyway. Be not afraid, he said. And so you were not, blindly so.

“The paramour was flame-haired and quick of the tongue, an exotic pet that graced the bed of Their Majesty easily enough once lured with the promise of lavish gifts and security (…) VERE traded his ugly iron shackles for a prettier set of golden chains, but he was not so cunning so as to let himself be lured in by the false promises of what he called “these damned monarchs”.”

It was not an uncommon feat for monarchs to take paramours even after marriage, but if the whore picked from the streets of silk was pretty enough, it could warrant the envious whispers of enraged nobles no matter how high a position one may hold within the royal family. Fortunately, Vere played the game of thrones well, you must admit. Of all the lovers and paramours you've taken over the course of your rule, he is the one you have to worry about defending in court the least… though his knowledge and skill holds up a different problem for you entirely. Perhaps your Small Council does speak some truth when they warn you of the lies he could entrap you in…

”THE STRANGER came like death on a misty night in the dead of winter. Who were they? What reason could they have to lurk around the castle halls, to indulge themselves in the benevolence of the monarch of which they did not worship? What did they seek, and why was Their Majesty so eager to offer their aid?”

A ruler as kind and benevolent as yourself was not so arrogant so as to be oblivious to the suffering of the smallfolk. Many called you naïve, too young to carry the burden of the crown, but you have inherited centuries of peace from your parents, and are intent on continuing such tradition. That is, perhaps, the reason why you welcomed MHIN into your palace that night, turning down your council’s suggestions of torturing them — where they’ve came from, why they’ve come, how a commoner possesses a gift for the magic arts. You offer them bread and wine and a place of rest, speaking nothing of how you’ve noticed their eyes flit about— not warily, but searching. It is naïvety then, in your hopes that MHIN finds what you seek in you, despite your sureness that you will one day stand at opposite ends of a looming war.

“Rare was a monarch who did not indulge in illicit affairs, whether it be a matter of simply flesh or true romance— but what transpired between Their Majesty and the creature of Crimson Grotto was so twisted that their story was told as both urban legend and warning even a millennia afterwards. But in the most desperate of times, even the most noble of the gods’ chosen are capable of such sin.”

AIS was already a figure of urban legend when you came to him him, a sopping wet half-adult playing dress up in an oversized crown and velvet robes weighed down by the grimy water that stained its hem. He never did tell you whether the stories you’d heard were true, only confirmed that yes, he is capable of what you beg him for. He thought of you foolish, to make a deal with an eldritch creature — or, at least, the vessel of one — but he realised too late that he’d gone off the deep end with you when it came to this deal. In the end, there was only his hope that they would not liken you, so good and so bright, to the hopeless thing that is whatever is left of him. Or, perhaps, it will be a last mercy to both of you, to be known in history side-by-side, mentioned alongside the other always— like a single entity.

© trappolia 2024

[alienve]

Just noticed that the background of Vere’s drawings contain symbols of the LI, and maybe even some of their endings.

1. The crow feather (mhin cuz duh) but notice that it’s kinda directly on top of the plants, possibly symbolizing Leander b/c of the scene where he gives a makeshift flower to Mc OR could have something to do with the sewers being overridden by plants in the Amaryllis District. (lmao is that how you spell it??)

2. Top center you can see Leander’s knife thingy

3. Mid left is Ais’ bracelet, it’s also being covered by Mhin’s crown feather

4. The tea on top left (duh Vere) but it’s also green, I take this as it being bitter maybe? So maybe one of his meh endings

5. Mc’s key in top left corner (Could be Vere or Leander, maybe even both)

6. Kuras’ glass vials in bottom center

7. Kuras’ jewelry also at the top right ( so far he’s the only one to actually wear gold jewelry/trinkets)

7. Next to the vials is the nail file thingy and maybe what looks like a drawstring bag, have no clue and I’m probably grasping at straws but these could probably relate to background LI (Elyon and Sen)

8. The two rings overlapping each other at the top right corner of the page, possibly symbolizing marriage or some form and devotion

Also wanted to talk about the placement of some of these items starting with the rings

1. The rings are very close to the page, could argue this wouldn’t mean anything because the tea is also close to the page, but this just seems like normal placement (you have a refreshment while doing something a lot) but I think this placement is significant because it’s a continuity in the drawing of the LI Vere has done so far, meaning that the possibility of a romantic and whimsical ending is possible for all the LI

2. If Vere hates Leander so much, tf is his knife doing there? Bro really just out here stealing

3. The items directly placed on the page correlate to Leander, Kuras, and whoever tf that nail file belongs to

4. The lighting is very reminiscent of that one scene in the trailer when we’re introduced to Leander, suggesting he has a lot of significance to many of the LI’s fates, NOT to mention that his knife is the closest and directly in the source of the light

Then, there’s the condition of the paper and Vere’s teacup:

The paper is slightly ripped at the edge and wrinkled all around, as someone that is a serial eraser, this could mean he was either vigorously erasing previous sketches of Mhin, which makes sense because many of the sketches seem transparent, or that he’s low on paper and they’re in poor condition for age, but looking back at the bag, there seems to be a stack of paper in there, so?? I’m going with the serial eraser cuz that’s so real of him

And then there’s his dialogues of the sketches for Mhin and Kuras:

Mhin’s is more playful and teasing, while he doesn’t say anything for Kuras, there is mention that he was heavily bribed to draw him AND that the sketches of him were so crude that they were deserving of a whole other paper. I think this could translate to rightfully seeing Kuras as more of a threat than Mhin, and not wanting to piss him off ( as he already wants the mf dead) or that he truly does put his all in the drawings because of how much he enjoys handmade gifts and considers this such

That’s it fr (possibly lying)

*showing pictures sorry it’s out of order*

[luckhound]

leander, pagan symbolism, and other notes.

ok so people have already brought up that leander is covered in or surrounded by a lot of symbolism. but there’s way more where that came from. idk if someone has compiled all of them in one place but i’m doing it here bc i’m feeling crazy at the moment

first, let’s get the obvious ones out of the way

there’s the ouroboros on his earring and in his charm

it’s a pagan symbol and also symbolizes alchemy. the ouroboros features a serpent eating its own tail and “symbolizes the eternal nature of the universe and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The symbol is closely associated with that of infinity, and the two are typically combined” (source)

we can see that it’s combined with the infinity symbol on the charm, which of course has to do with eternity

then there’s the triple moon/triple goddess on his belt buckle, yet another pagan symbol (credit to this post for this insight!)

here’s some info on the triple moon: “The first crescent, the waxing moon, symbolizes new life, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. The middle circle represents the full moon when magic is at its most powerful. Finally, the second crescent moon represents the moon during its waning period. This time of the moon phase is a time that is regarded as the best to send things away, remove them from your life, or finish things.” (source)

there are also white lilies featured in leander’s CG, on his charm and pin, and in the game trailer

surprise! it’s also a pagan symbol!

supposedly, “pagans used white lilies as decorations on May Day. Part of the festivities include young women dancing around the May Pole with ribbons with lilies in their hair. In this setting lilies represent renewed life, health and fertility.” (source)

but wait, there’s more!

like the earth symbol on the chain attached to his lapel pin

another pagan symbol that “is also sometimes used to symbolize Mother Earth. The element of earth is associated with the colors of brown and green, abundance, prosperity, and fertility.” (source) apparently it’s the ultimate symbol of the divine feminine

finally, green is practically leander’s official colour. it’s the colour of his eyes, his magic, and is featured heavily all over his sprite and official art. interestingly, it’s also the colour of the cloaks that his bloodhounds wear

you guessed it - the colour green is tied to paganism

it symbolizes “youth and fertility, evil and envy” and is connected to the season of spring as well as to nature (source). in the bible, green “means immortality, resurrection, growth, prosperity, and restoration” as well as fertility (source)

now onto some things that i might just be reading into lmao

like the gold points on leander’s trench coat, as well as the tiny inverted triangle between his clavicles, which is also featured in one of initial sketches for his earring. this could be the water symbol

again, it’s pagan. and is “believed to have a strong feminine connection, and so it is associated with all aspects of the goddess. The inverted triangle used to symbolize water is felt by some to symbolize the womb and is befitting with this element's feminine association.” (source)

the same source mentions that water is a “healing and purifying element that is connected to the West. Water can be used in rituals involving love and other emotions, and flowing water in nature, such as a river, or the sea, can be incorporated into magical workings that focus on carrying away negativity or other unwanted aspects of your life.”

i included it because it mentions the goddess, the womb (so possibly fertility), and femininity, which you’ve probably noticed by now is a recurring meaning for the other symbols on him

flowing water also brings lowtown to mind, since it’s described as being eroded by some sort of flood

next i’ll bring up leander’s dagger earring again, focusing not on the ouroboros but the dagger itself

in the demo, the mc notes that the earring is “dagger shaped.” but what if it’s not a dagger at all? what if it’s the ankh?

this could be a stretch, but note the hoop at the top of the dagger

the ankh is an “ancient Egyptian hieroglyph means life or living. Over time the ankh has come to symbolize eternal life and immortality to people from many walks of life. In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, the gods were always seen carrying an ankh, making it a symbol of divinity.” (source)

another reach, but i was looking at pagan symbols that might be a match for the diamond that shows up on leander’s lapel pin and his belt buckle, and came across the unicursal hexagram

this is the weakest link imo, especially because this isn’t a pagan symbol, but i thought i’d add it anyway since it seemed neat

the unicursal hexagram is a “six-pointed star is drawn unicursally, meaning that it is drawn in one continuous line. The hexagram represents the divine and heavenly forces of the universe. In Aleister Crowley's occult order Thelema, a five-petaled flower is placed in the middle to represent the pentacle and the five classical elements.” (source)

some other insights that i wanted to bring up here, though they have less to do with symbolism and are more concrete/tied to the game specifically

first up, as mentioned earlier, green might as well be leander’s official colour... so what about the red items on him? what significance do they have?

there’s this glowing red object attached to his belt, which i can’t help but think looks like an inverted version of the largest spire in eridia. you know, the spire that’s confirmed to be the senobium

also note how the windows in eridia all seem to glow with a similar red light in this CG...

there’s also a (faintly glowing?) red gem on his dagger earring, which looks to be diamond-shaped

what does it mean? what does it all mean?

your guess is as good as mine! but given all the allusions to the divine feminine, the (triple) goddess, fertility, etc. i can’t help think that leander might be in league with some kind of goddess or female deity. we already know that gods exist in some form or another, since ais is connected to a god and kuras is an angel, so the idea isn’t completely off base

did this goddess save leander’s life in the past, hence the constant motifs of renewed life, rebirth/resurrection, immortality, and so forth? maybe the scar that covers a good portion of his body had been enough to kill leander, or just nearly, until she intervened somehow

is he working with her to potentially overthrow the senobium, which we know he dislikes? are leander’s bloodhounds in on this? is the fact that leander’s magic is so powerful due to some kind of pact he has with the goddess?

obviously, i have no clue. i’m just throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks msfjskfjhfd

[journalsouppe]

The Touchstarved DEMO by @redspringstudio! I had so much fun replaying this DEMO over and over, I truly cannot wait for the full release. The art is gorgeous, the writing is excellent, and I am surprised at how much I really loved each character, I expected to at least hate one or two of them like with My Next Life lol. I highly recommend checking out the DEMO if you're a fan of otome games or gothic stories!

The DEMO can be found here on itch.io or here on steam! All the stickers are from different Hallween stickerbooks from Michael's Art Store ^^; (ngl I think this is one of my favorite spreads, I even did do some studies of the color/rendering fhdjsf)

Writing typed below! (plus extra notes)

Rating: 9.5 (demo score - great demo) Played: Sp 2024 Port: itch.io Play full? Y YES!!!!!!

Comments:

First Route: Origin - Unnamed. RO - Leander

love you have a choice of 3 origins

GORGEOUS ART!

this game made me realize I do really enjoy otome games and not as a joke or for irony lol fjdkfal

from initial appearances I like Vere and Mhin ^^;

all the gold on the angel doctor is so gorgeous

killer music

okay I thought I wouldn't like Leander but holy shit --

LMAO NOT HIS SEX ROOM

LETS go I got the special Leander option on the first try

I need to do studies of this art oml I need my art to look like this <3

DAMN, now I'm bummed I missed the kickstarter, I would LOVE the art book

I need the stickers too esp for when I journal the full version

not only do I like the art, the writing is very good too

Vere is so pretty...

I LOVE all the fun marketing lore and illustrations on the Red Spring Socials

ooo damn does Vere have a red option or did I do his route right without one

only three red choice dialogue. 4 recently for Kuras (no Vere)-- Vere has one now!!! Kuras and Vere should have them whenever the DEMO gets an update ^_^

I'm learning I'm good at making the correct decisions lol

I honestly didn't know you could die until after I finished Vere's route (2nd route I did correctly -- 1st was Leander) and was curious what submit surrender did (aka I didn't die initially but went back to see what would happen(

LMFAO NOT MHIN BLUSHING WHEN I TELL THEM OFF pfft

LMAOOO and now Mhin is scolding me

amused with who has slept with who

deathly curious on how fucked up Leander will be

Kuras's nose!!!!! <3

I love the concept designs of Sen and Elyon, I can't wait to meet them

LMFAO 'BASTARD'

ngl I love Ais's mullet

This should not have been one of my first otome games bc now my standards are so high, esp in regards to character design

I wonder if the flashing soulless in the title screen means we'll see more soulless in the full game (than just the one)

okay damn I also really like Ais, these are some really well written characters

LMAO I was not expecting this music for Kuras

oh interesting I didn't realize Mhin's red choice was during your first encounter if you're an alchemist

okay Kuras is very silly and goofy 10/10 guy

ooo good theories about Ocudeus and control on tumblr - "obedience" -- reference to someone thinking the "obedience suits you" line on Ais's character card was actually from Ocudeus not Ais

Summary:

I thought when playing more otome games it would be really hard to beat My Next Life, simply because I am a huge fan of the source material that preceded the game. But wow, with the way this game is setting up plotlines, the full version of this game could easily make it onto my top favorite games list. Otome games are all about replayability, and the way just the DEMO is so rich with content and alternating paths makes me so excited and hopeful for the full game's release. I am bummed I got onto the Touchstarved train late and missed the kickstarter, but hopefully a shop will open around release bc I'd kill for an art book. The art is just so gorgeous and I cannot wait to do some studies, especially with color and rendering. Before playing otome games, I like to look at the character profiles beforehand and predict who I'd like and dislike. And I am very delightfully surprised that any initial dislike I had of characters all but vanished because the writing and personalities of these characters were so well made. I thought I was going to hate Leander but he ended up being the character I'm most curious about. Although I would say my least favorite is Kuras simply bc I'm not a fan of romancing doctors, I am still curious about his background story and connection to the others. In other words, great character who is just not my type. I am also delightfully surprised at the "vulgarity" in this game without being overly explicit -- I have grown so tired of how sanitized a lot of games and shows have been that it's always really nice seeing indie companies play by their own rules. I am so glad I stumbled across this game!! At this point I've done every route favorably but haven't tried all the "wrong" options -- more to play whenever I think about how excited I am for the full game! I've also seen the sneak peaks of an upcoming update ^_^. Highly recommend the game!!

[vermilionsun]

I've seen everyone post their Touchstarved MCs, so I thought why not show you mine as well :)

(Aka, can you tell I'm indecisive?)

Akachi: The Unnamed

“I prefer to count my blessings.”

Pronouns: she/they

Birthday: January 16th — Firstborn; The date the priests took her in

Appearance:

Hair: wavy, mid-thigh length / later shoulder length, white

Skin: very very pale

Eye colour: Gold

Height: 174 cm / 5’7’’

Personality: Benevolent Deceiver — The Sun

Likes: Board games, drinking competitions, children, fairy lights, dressing up, perfumes and nice scents

Dislikes: bad-smelling things, being underestimated, rudeness, being unable to control themselves, the Senobium’s Abess

Fatal Flaw: Can’t seem to break free of their past

Other: 

Thinks of their little group as a found family

Isn’t as hesitant with her hand movements since they grew up unafraid of the curse disguised as a blessing

Isn’t that much into romantic stuff — sure she might fool around a bit with Leander and Kuras but they have made sure they knew beforehand

Have shamelessly commented on Leander’s abs more than once

Loves playing with the children of Lowtown

Considers becoming a teacher someday after getting rid of their curse

She has made living arrangements with Kuras opposed to staying at the Wick (later), but then again, they hang around there more often

Mourns their childhood

Has said “I swear upon my name” when mad multiple times out of habit

Had a mental breakdown once after a very bad encounter and ended up cutting her hair (cutting their hair was forbidden during their days at the temple, and at that moment they felt the need to do something to regain some sense of control over herself), until Aeron found and comforted them before anything worse could happen

Is both super open and very secretive about what they went through in the temple, depends on their mood, honestly

The moment they learned there is an Abess in the Senobium, she immediately got a very bad feeling about the place. They try to excuse it to their past experiences with the cult’s Abbot, but their feelings have never proved her wrong.

Background:

The priests found her in the wastelands surrounding the temple. Some priests argued they were born of the Allmother’s opposing deity, and wanted to sacrifice them in her name, but most were against it and thought of them as a divine gift.

She grew up as a gentle, kind child, but was denied contact with the world outside the temple. That didn’t stop her from periodically escaping to see travelling troupes.

One day, a mage arrived and went berserk the moment she saw them, telling her she had been lied to and revealing the truth of their curse, claiming they raised a child with the same exact curse. The priests escorted her out immediately but it was too late. Akachi escaped that very night.

Arrived in Eridia with the caravan

Relationships:

Kuras — liked

Finds him generally pleasant and amusing, albeit a little scary. If either ever has free time, they take each other on long walks.

Leander — close and disliked

Can see right through Leander’s charm, but plays the whole “how was I supposed to know about how the world works when I was locked away in a remote temple?” innocent card. She knows something's wrong and if they aren't proven right by the end of her stay in Eridia, they swear upon themself she’ll turn back to the temple and curse them out. Truth be told, they find Leander's desperation to get close to her funny.

Vere — close

Has to resist banging their head against the nearest surface whenever he opens his mouth, but finds it very difficult to do so. Hates herself for grinning at his stupid jokes and definitely doesn’t enjoy going shopping with him… or gossiping… or—

Ais — liked

Drinking buddies. With him, Akachi found out she’s practically immune to alcohol. One time she carefully entered the Seaspring, only for Ais to pull them out as soon as he saw her. For some reason, he seems incredibly protective over her after that.

Mhin — liked and disliked

Doesn’t mind them around. Neither seems threatened by the other, there is just this odd dynamic where they can’t figure out what they want from each other

Stats:

Strength — 1

Luck — 3

Wisdom — 3

Empathy — 4

Astuteness — 4

Flower: Snapdragon (Carnation) [True flower — date flower]

Aeron: The Hound

“If I could turn time back, I simply wouldn’t.”

Pronouns: he/him

Birthday: August 19th — Second Born; He chose the date he made his first kill

Appearance:

Hair: wavy, short, dirty blonde/brune

Skin: tan

Eye colour: Gold

Height: 182 cm / 6’0’’

Has a healed scar on his right cheek and a few faded ones on the rest of his body

Personality: Miscellaneous Harbinger — The Moon

Likes: Books, dogs, music, good company, origami, Mhin

Dislikes: Incompetence, loneliness, someone—or even worse he himself—hurting his family

Fatal Flaw: Always believes he takes the best course of action, even if he doesn’t

Other:

Is actively trying to quit smoking

The moment he had money in his hands, he went into the first bookshop he found in Lowtown and bought a book

The best shoulder to cry on & is a cuddly bear

Has earned the title “mother hen” from a few people

He fell for Mhin almost instantly

Stays at the Wick with Arioch

Aeron is the most protective of the three, watching over the other two despite being the middle child

Has become an errand boy and picks up orders for the Wick

Soft spot for that one macabre–themed bakery hidden in a corner of Lowtown

Generally tries to start fresh, avoids committing crimes anymore and hopes he can find a cure at some point

But if needed, he will punch a bitch without hesitation

Always carries a weapon with him, out of habit—usually a handy dagger

Background:

Grew up with a group of orphans in the streets of another city, which they had to eventually abandon due to the increase of Soulless.

Arrived in Eridia with his best friend, who then betrayed and stabbed him, leaving him to die in an alleyway.

Thankfully, that alleyway was the one behind the Wet Wick, and Leander found him quickly.

Relationships:

Kuras — liked

He and Kuras don’t have a particular relationship. They greet each other, maybe engage in small talk once in a while—probably about novels. Aeron’s a frequent visitor to the clinic, either for errands or tending attention to any injuries. Kuras’ also the one who encouraged Aeron to pursue a relationship with his siblings

Leander — close

Good friends. Leander saved him, got him a place to stay for free and even a job right after he was betrayed, effectively saving him from an alternative timeline of chaos and bloodshed that would have gotten him killed. Aeron came to realise that soon enough and promised to repay Leander as soon as he could… except for the drinks; those are, again, on Leander, right?

Vere — liked

Loves this bitch to death, for fuck’s shake. The banter is top tire and so is the unhinged flirting. Of course, they both eye someone else, but practice never hurt anyone, did it?

Ais — liked

The moment Aeron saw Princess, he was on his knees petting her and cooing at her, which immediately put him on Ais’ good side. He doesn’t mind pet sitting this “adorable fluffless ball of sunshine,” as he has called her. Despite all that, Ais is a bad influence for him when it comes to smoking. But, Ais is also his to–go person to help hide a body, if he ever needs it again.

Mhin — liked, developing to close

“Oh damn,” were Aeron’s first words when he saw them. Not quite a romantic at heart until that very moment. Loves to tease them, hoping to get them flustered or at least get pinned to a wall by them again. Mhin seemed to actively try to avoid him at first, then they warmed up, until they pulled away and the cycle repeated itself over and over again. But that’s fine; Aeron doesn’t mind waiting.

Stats:

Strength — 3

Luck — 2

Wisdom — 1

Selflessness — 3

Reading — 4

Flower: Sunflower (Gladiolus) [True flower — date flower]

Arioch: The Alchemist

“Isn’t life too short to be sad?”

Pronouns: they/them

Birthday: June 30th — Third Born; The date their “mother” told them they were born

Appearance:

Hair: none/bald

Skin: dark

Eye colour: Gold

Height: 165 cm / 5’2’’

Is blind in his left eye due to an experiment going wrong. The colour hasn’t changed much, but it looks more faded

Personality: Unforgiven Innocent — The Star

Likes: Dancing, bubbly potions, bad jokes, sweets, journaling, earrings, Kuras

Dislikes: silence, small spaces, lemonade, Vere

Fatal Flaw: They trust way too easily

Other: 

Sees Kuras as a father figure

and also helps him around in the clinic

Gives the best gifts

Has a snack with them at all times

Always perches in a high place whenever possible. Like, they never sit normally. Is that a bird? Is it a plane? Nope! It’s Arioch sitting on a random rooftop!

Has developed abandonment issues

Often suppresses their own emotions and thoughts, maintaining such strict self-control that it occasionally leads to overwhelming impulses to violently destroy something

Once upon a time, they accidentally left their journal unattended and a very sneaky and totally mysterious individual made quick, yet very detailed, sketches of everyone mentioned in there on Arioch’s extra sticky papers

Stays at the Wick with Aeron

Background:

The exiled mage found them abandoned in the wastelands as a baby. She decided to take them in the moment she saw them and raise them as her own

They found out their “mother” was cultivating them as a test subject through some forgotten notebooks. They couldn’t even finish reading before they bailed out of there with what little they had on them that moment.

They literally walked to Eridia, surprisingly without trouble, although they might have noticed some turfs of red hair suddenly appearing here and there as they were getting closer to the city

Ended up stumbling in the Seaspring’s temple

If they had flipped to the last pages, they would have seen her regret and abandonment of her original plans.

The mage was searching for them until the day she died, yet never found them. The closest she got was when she came across Akachi’s cult temple.

Relationships:

Kuras — close

Has grown attached to him. Not in the “I always wanted a father,” sense but in the “you make me feel comfortable enough and you take care of me and we don’t mind me being myself,” kind of sense.

Leander — liked

They find him a little pushy and overdramatic, but other than that they have no reason not to like him yet. It’s nice to let go of those damn bandages for a few moments… or hours—

Vere — disliked

Avoids him if they can. They get an uncanny feeling, like the foxian resides in every shadow they pass. Too much knowledge has hurt them in the past, so they simply don’t want to know whether they’re being hunted down like prey or they're just delusional.

Ais — liked

Definitely wants to see Princess again, but is too afraid to leave the city for now. Ais is all but encouraging them not to visit. They like to joke around with him, though Ais’ violent… solutions are stirring something in them they’d like not to name

Mhin — liked and disliked

They are each other's confront person. They will cuss each other out, then sit at the stairs behind Kuras’ clinic and feed the cats while chewing on sweets. Arioch is Mhin’s first taste of what a family would look like.

Stats:

Strength — 2

Luck — 5

Wisdom — 2

Kindness — 4

Confidence — 3

Flower: Peony (Rose) [True flower — date flower]

Timeline of events:

The triplets Akachi, Aeron and Arioch were born and left in different places (January 14th)

Aeron begins his journey to Eridia with his best friend

Arioch finds out the truth and runs away to Eridia

Akachi finds out the truth via Arioch’s “mother” and runs away to Eridia

Arioch stumbles upon the Seaspring temple

Aeron is betrayed and stabbed & Akachi’s caravan gets attacked

Leander finds Aeron and tends to his wounds, Kuras heals Akachi, Arioch stumbles upon Vere

Arioch gets a room at the Wick and stays there till nighttime

Akachi meets with Leander & then Vere, before heading for the Senobium

Akachi meets with Ais

Aeron wakes up and settles down at the bar, soon meeting with Vere and Ais

Akachi gets attacked again by the Soulless, meets with Mhin and returns to the Wick accompanied by Mhin and Kuras

At the same exact time, Aeron is drinking green booger–shots at the bar (still bandaged up), Arioch descends the stairs and Akachi enters the Wick.

They all just freeze, staring at each other

“Is that a new trend? Foreigners dressing up with bandages, looking all mysterious?” Vere breaks the moment

It takes the three a while to figure out what the actual fuck before Ais casually mentions: “You could be siblings. You kind of look alike. Not to mention…” your curse isn’t said, but heavily implied

Dynamics:

It does take them a little while—especially Aeron—to make a decision on how to move forward.

Arioch knew the moment they made the connection that they didn’t want to lose a potential bond.

As for Akachi… she’s always wanted siblings, so why not give it a shot?

All three just want to protect each other from what they went through