#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

[alchemist-lyssa]

good news, the yoke is finally being eased off my neck and I saw the funniest fuckin Vine/TikTok compilation that i haven't seen before so you KNOW that next video coming out soon

[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

[ineed-to-sleep]

Don't wanna be a bother but I bumped into ur touchstarved oc stuff and do you have any pointers for drawing in the touchstarved style? I can't really nail it down 100% but you do so... pretty please?

Hii yeah ofc, it's no bother at all no worries! You sent me this at the right time actually jsdhksd I'm in the middle of redesigning Emma right now and I've been taking a close look at the art style again, so it's all fresh in my mind!

Assuming you already have your design ready and have found a pose or composition you like, replicating the art style will probably come down to getting the lineart and shading to look similar.

About the lineart:

Probably goes without saying, but you'll need a pen with the opacity turned off to get the clean, ink-like lines. If you use CSP I recommend the default textured pen, which I think has a similar look, but honestly any pen will do.

The thing you have to look out for the most when doing the lines is the darkest shadows. It's a bit tricky to explain, and I think a lot of it comes with practice, but you have to look for the places where the darkest shadows would be, or where the light could barely reach. Once you spot them, instead of shading them you create a sharp shape and paint them black, like so:

I also recommend varying the thickness of your lines, but not at random. Instead, try to keep lighting in mind while you draw them. You could draw one continuous thin line for something, and then only thicken it where it falls away from the light, or where it'd create an occlusion, or wherever you want a shape to stand out from another. A thick line will essentially either "push back" or separate things in space, while a thin line will pull it forward or make things look like they're closer together.

You can also exaggerate the shadows in order to create more contrast. Like in the case of Kuras' sleeves and coat, for example- you could argue that some bounce light could still get in there, but with the shadows exaggerated it creates a really nice, clean shape. You can also separate these shapes from other lines by leaving a small space between them and the lines.

The metal might look a bit different, but it follows the same logic as everything else- your darkest shadows will be pure black. It might look like it has more shadows but that's just because it's more reflective, so the light is usually concentrated on highlight and bounce light areas, so the tones around those areas will be darker.

About the shading:

From what I've noticed, it's all about keeping it subtle and simple. If you color pick the characters, you can see the variation between light and shadow is subtle and not all that contrasting. Most of the contrast is done with colors, not values.

The light source is usually from the top right, characters are pretty well lit, and there's a little bit of a blue backlight from the left that helps them stand out against the backgrounds.

The shading is mostly sharp, cel shading, rarely blended. Wherever there's blending, it's usually subtle or a gradient

They also use gradations to indicate color shifts, like the colors in Leander's coat. You can do this with the gradient tool or an airbrush.

I recommend picking 1 color for light, 1 color for shadow, and maybe 1 inbetween midtone to use sparingly in places where you want a very subtle shadow. You can go more fancy if you're trying to create something that looks more like the game's CGs, but if you're going for the same look as the sprites, it's better to keep it simple.

You can shade manually each part of the character, or you can try using a multiply layer. For multiply, I like shifting the color towards a warm or pinkish tone and keeping it light and desaturated to get a similar look as the sprites.

Highlights are used very sparingly, only on a few places like the nose, mouth, eyes, and a few on the hair. Maybe occasionally somewhere else, but only if necessary, like in the case of very reflective materials like metal, gold, glass and leather.

The characters also usually have subtle textures on their clothes, and you can quickly create something similar by using a textured brush and an overlay or multiply mode. Like so:

It's subtle, but makes a difference in my opinion! You can try this with a lot of different textured brushes to get the exact look you're going for.

That's all I could think of right now! If you have any questions or wanna know anything specific I didn't mention here, let me know!

[legney]

𝐴 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑡𝑐𝘩𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑘𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑠 𝑥 𝑔𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)

The longest one till now, but is worth of reading I swear 🥹

I think kuras has probably found reincarnations of his past lovers, fell for them, and lose them again, countless times

I don't think there's warnings for this one, just a little angst.

Summery: someone "stole" your key and you couldn’t find leander. You asked kuras to stay in his home tonight.

Words count: 11.7k

It was late at night when you found yourself once again in Kuras’s home. Technically, you were here because someone had “stolen” your key and Leander was nowhere to be found, but that wasn’t entirely true. You could have looked a little harder, asked around more insistently—but you didn’t.

The truth was, you wanted to be here.

Your relationship with Kuras was... complicated. He was gentle, endlessly kind, the only one who never recoiled at the sight of your cursed hands. He had never once regarded them as a flaw, never suggested you hide them—at least, not from him. You knew he cared, Mhin’s occasional complaints about how much Kuras spoke of you made that clear. And yet, every time you thought he might finally stop restraining himself, that he might let himself close the distance between you, he would simply pat your head, smile in that unreadable way of his, and change the subject.

As soon as you stepped inside, the scent of aged wood and old paper enveloped you. His home was an extension of him—warm yet enigmatic, inviting yet distant. The furniture bore the marks of centuries, each piece carefully maintained. There were intricate carvings on the dark mahogany tables, their edges lined with delicate gold filigree. High-backed chairs with worn but luxurious velvet cushions sat near the grand bookshelves that reached the ceiling. Deep browns, aged whites, and ink-black tones dominated the space, with only sparse accents of silver catching the dim candlelight. It felt timeless, almost like stepping into a preserved memory rather than a home.

“This place is really nice, Kuras. Thank you for letting me stay here tonight… I hope I’m not intruding.”

Your voice was soft, and it made him smile.

He inclined his head slightly, that ever-present warmth in his golden eyes. “I am pleased that you find it to your liking. And do not worry—your presence could never be an intrusion. There is a guest room at the end of the hall. Should you require anything, I will be attending to my paperwork.”

“Paperwork? You still work even when you're not at the clinic?”

Kuras exhaled a quiet sigh, turning to face you fully. His long brown hair slipped over his shoulder like silk.

“The duty of a physician does not end when he steps away from his patients.” He smiled, the expression almost teasing—almost. “A doctor’s work is never truly finished.”

You flinched slightly. You had wanted to spend time with him, but instead of saying so, you simply nodded.

“Is there something else on your mind?”

You almost felt like he could see through you, as if his gaze alone could unravel the things you left unsaid. It was embarrassing. You shook your head, brushing it off, and moved to sit in the living room as he disappeared down the hall.

But patience had never been your strong suit.

After a few minutes, you stood from the couch, curiosity getting the better of you. You wandered through the house, taking in every detail. You paused outside his study, peeking through the slightly open door. Kuras sat at his desk, his back to you, a candle flickering beside the stacks of parchment. His posture was relaxed, but his hand never stopped moving, pen gliding over paper with practiced ease.

You wondered if he ever allowed himself to rest.

You moved on, passing through various rooms until you reached the last one in the hallway—a library.

The sheer number of books was almost overwhelming. The shelves stretched high, their spines worn from use. Paintings and old photographs lined the walls, remnants of people and places long past. As you stepped further inside, your gaze fell on a small, unassuming cage on the floor. Its lock was undone, the door slightly ajar.

You knelt, brushing your fingers against the cool metal before murmuring, “Just a little peek… it won’t hurt, right?”

Inside were books. Not the ancient tomes you expected, but something else. You reached for one that looked less worn than the others and flipped it open.

Names.

Pages upon pages filled with names, each written in a different hand. Some had notes scribbled in the margins—words meant for Kuras, messages from people long gone. Others bore ink stains, as if written in haste or emotion. Your fingers traced over them, your breath catching in your throat.You knew Kuras was old. But this—this was something else.

He kept them. Every name, every life he had touched, every person he had lost.

Perhaps this was why he never let things between you deepen—why he always held himself back.

Too many records. Too many names. Too many sins to bear.

You shut the book carefully, exhaling as you stood. The moment you did, you heard footsteps in the hall.

Kuras.

You steeled yourself, forcing the sadness from your expression as you stepped out to meet him.

“Finished with your paperwork?” you asked.

He studied you for a moment before responding. “I simply wished to check on you… and to inform you that I bought some cookies yesterday. If you haven't eaten yet, you are welcome to”

You hesitated.

You seem troubled. Did something happen?”

You shook your head quickly. “No, nothing to worry about. I was just looking around… I hope that doesn’t bother you. And, um—about the cookies—you bought them, right? You didn’t… cook them yourself?”

His lips quirked up in amusement.

“Your lack of faith in my culinary skills wounds me.”

He stepped closer, placing a hand on your shoulder. His touch was gentle, grounding. You looked up, meeting his gaze.

“You know you may speak your mind, sweetheart.” His hand moved to your cheek, his thumb brushing against your skin. Your breath hitched—this was closer, closer than usual. For a moment, you thought—And then, just like always, he pulled away, ruffling your hair instead.

“I noticed the guest room needs cleaning,” he said, shifting the subject effortlessly. “Would you prefer to stay there? I have no qualms with dusting it.”

You hesitated before shaking your head. Maybe—just maybe—you could use this as an excuse to be closer to him tonight.

You followed him back to his room, as he settled onto the couch with you, his hand searching yours. The silence between you both stretched on, heavy but laden with meanings neither of you dared to name. Kuras still held your hand, his thumb tracing slow circles against your skin, as if that simple motion could dispel the sadness creeping into the moment.

His golden eyes searched yours, studying every flicker of emotion reflected in them. Then, with a slight tilt of his head and the faintest of smiles, he broke the quiet with an unexpected question:

"Would you dance with me?

You were caught off guard, but at the same time, it made perfect sense. Kuras had always been like this—when sorrow threatened to take hold, he found a way to soften it, to reshape it into something gentler. This time, his remedy was a dance.

You didn’t need to answer with words. He already had his hand extended, inviting you closer. You placed yours over his, feeling the familiar warmth of his skin. You both moved to the balcony.

At first, his movements were slow, almost practiced, as if a single misstep could shatter the fragile atmosphere surrounding you both. His fingers slid carefully down to rest at the curve of your waist, while your other hand found its place on his shoulder.

The rhythm was set by the muffled sounds of the city below the balcony—the distant murmur of conversations, a hazy tune drifting from some nearby tavern, the echo of laughter and footsteps against the cobblestones.

As the minutes passed, the stiffness of your initial movements faded. The closeness between you felt natural, as if you had always fit together this way. His arms wrapped around you more confidently, his chin grazing your temple in a fleeting gesture.

“Tell me…—Kuras murmured, his voice barely a whisper against your ear—, have you read the book?”

You blinked, caught off guard by the question.

“The book…?

“The one you found.”

Your heart skipped a beat. So, he knew.

You didn’t try to deny it. You lowered your gaze, the weight of that little journal still fresh in your mind. The endless list of names, the scribbled notes written in a handwriting that, despite the passage of centuries, held an almost painful tenderness.

“Yes” you admitted quietly.

Kuras didn’t seem surprised. Instead, he let out a sigh, one that carried centuries of memories.

“It’s my way of remembering them —he confessed, guiding your steps into a slow turn—. Everyone who’s ever mattered to me, everyone I’ve loved, everyone who’s left their mark on my life… Their names are there so I never forget them.”

There was something devastating in the serenity with which he spoke. You knew Kuras had lived for eons, had watched entire generations be born and fade away. But reading those names and hearing him now… it made it real.

“You must have loved a lot...” —you murmured, unsure of what else to say.

“I have—he admitted—. Even now, the past is beautiful, in a way. Even if time takes the ones we love from us, memory lets us hold onto them just a little longer.”

A lump formed in your throat. Kuras didn’t cry, but there was something in his gaze, in the way he held you so gently, that told you just how much it hurt to remember and how, at the same time, he refused to forget.

Without thinking, you leaned closer, seeking to share even a fraction of his burden. He allowed it, his lips barely brushing your forehead in a kiss that felt almost reverent.

But you wanted more. You wanted to strip away the distance he kept placing between you.

“I don’t want to be just another name in your list, Kuras”—you said, not pulling away.

His breath ghosted over your skin, warm and restrained. His grip on your waist tightened just slightly, and for the first time that night, his mask cracked enough for you to see the conflict warring inside him.

“You already mean far more than that.”

His confession was a whisper, but in the stillness of the night, it resounded like a shout.

And then, finally, he kissed you.

There was no urgency in his movements, only the infinite patience of someone who had waited far too long. His lips were soft, but the way he held you spoke of a fear he wouldn’t name—the fear of losing you.

The world outside the balcony disappeared. The distant music, the night breeze, the city lights… all of it faded into the warmth of his mouth on yours, the way his body leaned into you, enclosing you in his embrace.

When he pulled away, it was only enough for you both to catch your breath. His eyes met yours, searching for something he perhaps feared to find.

“Come” he whispered, leading you back to his room.

His steps were slow, deliberate. There was no rush, only the certainty that, at least for this night, there would be no more distance between you.

He shed his white coat in a fluid motion, letting it fall onto the couch before guiding you to the bed.

His hair spilled over the pillow, framing his face in strands of ebony and umber. He held you close, the same way a weary traveler clings to shelter in the heart of a storm.

His lips found the curve of your shoulder, the line of your neck, leaving behind silent promises he’d never dare say aloud.

“I love you” —you whispered, knowing those words were both a comfort and a curse.

Kuras didn’t answer right away. He simply held you tighter, his hand slowly trailing down your back, memorizing every inch of you as if trying to etch you into his soul for eternity.

When he finally spoke, it was with the same reverence he had used for every name in that book.

“I love you too, my dear...”

The weight of those words hung in the air, an unspoken echo blending with the dim candlelight and the distant hum of the city.

Even if one day you will pass over, you know this moment will last forever on his memories.

[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

[haydenigmatic]

Members of House Lavone 🦁

House Lavone. The very name resonates with the weight of centuries, a dynasty built upon the bedrock of shrewd commerce and formidable power. From their ancestral seat within the bustling city that stands as the realm's second heart, their influence stretches like the intricate threads of the famed Goudenvel silk they command. Their coffers, fed by the ceaseless bounty of their gold and silver mines and the steady flow through the vaults of the Eight Kingdoms' largest bank, are the envy of nobles and monarchs alike. And should diplomacy fail, the banners of House Lavone can call forth one of the most formidable armies in the realm. Theirs is a legacy etched in wealth and might, a testament to the enduring motto: "Worthy Deeds, Just Rewards."

The Duke of Peminster (Goudenvel) Lord Leander Lavone

FC: Jeremy Irons

Leaner is a shrewd and calculating politician, but with a genuine affection for his family. He is a master of diplomacy and intrigue, capable of wielding both charm and ruthlessness. He struggles to balance his loyalty to the crown with his responsibility to his house. He fears that might jeopardise his family's safety. He also is worried about the future of his heir, and if he has the skills to take over.

The Duchess, Lady Annelise Canbard

FC: Michelle Pfiffer

She's intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her children. She is a stabilising force in Leander's life, offering him counsel and emotional support. Came from a minor noble house, one that was heavily indebted to the Lavones. Her marriage to Leander was initially a way to settle those debts.

The Heir, Ser Damon Lavone

Damon grew up in the lap of luxury, surrounded by opulence and power. He was instilled with the belief that he was destined for greatness. He has always felt the pressure to live up to his father's reputation, leading to a constant need to prove himself. He has witnessed the fear that his father inspires, and mistaken fear for respect, leading to an over inflated ego. He is aware of the dark rumours surrounding his family's origins, and this both excites, and frightens him.

The Dutiful Child, Lady Odette Lavone

Lady Odette remains the epitome of beauty and grace, captivating the court. Her public image is carefully cultivated, and she is beloved by the populace for her perceived kindness. Her acts of kindness are driven by a sincere desire to alleviate suffering, and she often takes people at face value, believing their intentions are as pure as her own.

Commander Theron Lavone: The Steel Heart

Theron's loyalty to Leander is a complex mix. He respects Leander's strategic brilliance and acknowledges that Leander's control over the family's vast resources is essential for funding his military endeavours. There's also an element of fear; Theron has witnessed Leander's ruthlessness firsthand, not just in financial matters but in dealing with internal threats. He understands the consequences of crossing his elder brother. Ultimately, Theron sees their goals as aligned – the dominance of House Lavone – even if their methods differ. He believes a strong military, backed by Lavone gold, is the key to long-term power.

Lord Cassian Lavone: The Shadow Broker

While not holding a formal title beyond "Lord," Cassian effectively functions as the Master of Coin for House Lavone, overseeing the vast and intricate web of their financial holdings. However, his role extends beyond mere accounting. He is also the family's chief intelligence officer, using his network to gather information on rivals, anticipate market shifts, and uncover potential threats. He deals in secrets as much as he deals in gold, making him an indispensable, if shadowy, figure within the Lavone power structure.

[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-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

[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

[adastra121]

Jin the Abandoned Alchemist

I redesigned my Alchemist!MC again.

Pronouns: He/Him Birthday: September 13 Height: 5’7 / 171 cm Personality: Gentle, awkward nerd trying his best Likes: Books, libraries, gardening, tea, sewing, learning new things (especially of the magic variety), cuddles Dislikes: Hurting people, cruelty, spicy food, the cold, lies, public speaking, running Fatal flaw: Often lets his past and self-doubt consume him. Other: Carries around a small rabbit plush named Aster that he made when he was younger. He’ll eventually give her to his love interest as a good luck charm (enchanted with a small protection spell, too — yes, this boy would give a protective charm to an eldritch horror because he genuinely worries for their safety) if they’re close enough  Yes, this was 100% inspired by Hades Quote: “I don’t believe this was covered in my studies…Well, trial and error is a perfectly valid method of learning.”

More about him below:

His full name would be Yuán Jīnhàn (原金翰). His name was shortened to "Jin" after he was taken in by his magic mentor, Minerva.

Jin is kindhearted, gentle, inquisitive, curious and a bit naive from his sheltered upbringing. He’s always yearned for adventure, but never believed it was possible with his curse. Now, he finally gets his wish, though he had little choice in the matter.

Very socially awkward and easily flustered due to his lack of experience interacting with other people. And now, with his mentor’s betrayal, he’s a bit more reserved, unsure of who to trust.

Usually non-confrontational but quietly sassy. Most of his sarcastic comments are just either in his head or muttered under his breath, but Ais might bring that side out of him more — usually by provoking him.

Jin calls him “Ais-hole” in his head. He’s aware that it’s not a particularly witty or even good insult, but it makes him feel better when the latter annoys him.

Book smart and street dumb

Jin tends to see the best in people, even to his own detriment.

Has avoided touch like the plague. He’s always careful not to get too physically close to someone, and because of this, he’s usually very observant and aware of his space. Not that he doesn’t crave physical affection. He definitely burst into tears when touching Leander for the first time.

This poor boy is touchstarved (ha) but he’ll never ask for physical affection, for fear of either, at worst, hurting someone or at best, being a nuisance.

He also struggles with a lot of guilt for craving touch since he knows it’s dangerous to other people and it’s selfish to yearn for things that put other people in danger, right?

It's why "cuddles" is scribbled out of his Likes section. It's something he doesn't feel like he's allowed to want.

I'm not sure whether this is canon or not, but I wrote his curse as gradually growing, both in surface area and in power. When he was an infant, the curse was only in his fingertips and it didn't make anyone lose their minds. One touch would bring horrible, unmentionable thoughts but those thoughts would pass.

As he grew older, the curse spread from his fingers to his palms to his hands, up his forearms and his elbows. Its effects also grew in intensity. What was a horrible, but instantaneous thought became one minute of terror, then two, then an hour, and so on, and the nature of them grew worse. Currently, it dooms anyone it touches.

And the curse is spreading still. Jin views his curse as a ticking time bomb, so he is desperate to find a cure as soon as possible. He doesn't know what will happen when it consumes him entirely. He is terrified of becoming a monster.

He used to have dark brown eyes, but the curse made his eyes gold. His left sclera has taken on the dark grey and the gold veins of the curse. I imagine that when — if — he is cured, they'll turn back to their original brown.

Adores plants and plushes — soft things that he’s able to touch without hurting. He has a small stuffed rabbit named Aster that he made when he was younger, one of the first things he’s sewn. She has a hidden pocket to carry herbs or small potion bottles. He places lavender and chamomile in Aster when he has trouble sleeping.

He's a bit embarrassed about his love for plush toys. His old magic mentor found his fixation undignified. And really, he shouldn't be needing or craving such creature comforts, as if he was still a child.

He has his plants, though. That's something useful and conducive to his studies.

He talks to his plants sometimes when gardening. “You wouldn’t go mad on me, would you, matricaria chamomilla? … Although, since I’m currently talking to a plant, you’re probably not the one I have to worry about going mad.”

Before coming to Eridia, he used to grow and make his own tea blends. If he wasn’t an alchemist, he wouldn’t mind opening a tea shop.

His spellbook was given to him by his old mentor. It acts as a notebook for magic studies and research, but he also uses it as a diary, somewhere to doodle and write down his thoughts.

He has some trauma surrounding magic, considering that it was a big part of his relationship with his mentor, but he genuinely loves learning and mastering it. He’s always believed himself to be a burden, but magic is something that he can use to actually help others instead of harm them. Despite everything that’s happened, he can’t help believing he owes that gift to his old mentor.

The Senobium always sounded like a dream to him, so hearing that there is darkness beneath the promises of knowledge and wisdom and history is extremely disappointing, to say the least. He’d had hopes of eventually becoming a student.

Aside from matters of his curse, he tries to be as honest and sincere as he can be. Eridia is a city that runs on information, but he chooses to freely give what information he can. He doesn’t believe in withholding answers that could help someone in need. And that is part of how he loses faith in the Senobium after discovering that they’ve closed their gates. All the knowledge of the world, locked away as people suffer, and for what?

This is also probably influenced by his mentor’s betrayal, having been lied to his entire life inclines him to prefer the truth, whatever the cost.

Sometimes, he regrets running away. Was he too hasty? Was he selfish? He was hurt when he learned her true plans for him, but maybe he owed it to her. A small thing to repay the mage who had taken him in. If all he brought was pain and terror, what was a bit of suffering on his part for answers?

And then, he also honestly misses her. He can't say the mage was a bad person, she gave him a home. She practically raised him. She taught him magic. And she made him feel not alone. She cared for him, and he doesn’t believe it was an act — at least, not all of it.

His zodiac sign is Virgo

MBTI is INFJ

Enneagram is 9w1

Here is his full new design:

I'm quite happy with it! I think the new silhouette and added magical alchemy tools suit him well. I also gave him a cloak closer to the description in the demo.

Songs I associate with him:

"Wanderer's Lullaby" by Adriana Figueroa I imagine his Minerva used to sing this to him when he was a child.

"The Moon Will Sing" by The Crane Wives Mourning the relationship he lost from his mentor's betrayal. As broken as it was, they were both less alone.

"How to Be Invisible" by Kate Bush Jin's character theme. I like how the song's arranged like following a recipe, it's fitting for the alchemist part of his character.

"Ruin" by The Amazing Devil Jin's love theme.

"Light of Nibel" by Gareth Coker ft. Aeralie Brighton Jin's battle theme.

"Show Yourself" by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood Could be another character theme, though I think learning the secret of his curse won't be as hopeful and uplifting.

[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.”

[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.

[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!

[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