#living in ruins of a palace within my dreams

[apinchofm]

I LOVED "Living in ruins of a palace within my dreams" like YES EDWINA CAUSE SOME CHAOS!! she needs a bestie who wants to cause some mayhem and lets her let her hair down a little! Ngl when I saw the name Georgiana I first thought of Georgiana Darcy from Pride and Prejudice which would definitely be interesting but this was even better. And Georgiana should be allowed to bully Anthony all she wants. Anyone who's in Edwina's life, outside of Kate and Mary, who finds out about what Anthony did should immediately not like him bc #girl code and that's my honest opinion.

Thank @phantomphaeton for the character of Georgiana!!

But yeah, I love the idea of Edwina making friends with fellow chaotic ladies - she deserves fun after that mess! Especially fun at Anthony's expense.

The girls don't like him because he's a man who thinks too much of himself and like most men of that era is a hypocrite. He's also a Tory, so there's that lol

[plasticfreckles]

🌙i wrote some solavellan enjoy🌙

"It's so big. Imagine the traffic in this place, before."

Her eyes sparkle with youthful wonder, and it takes her no effort at all to walk backwards through the ruins and not trip over vine or rock or dirt.

Solas does not need to imagine.

He remembers. He remembers splendid vases, flowers in colors even the elves of his time could not find names for spilling out. He remembers ivy wrapping around marble pillars, polished so well they may as well be looking glasses.

He remembers lives taken on these floors, the blood spattered onto the leaves not two nights past, meticulously scrubbed away within hours by more slaves than he knew people's names; their faces turned toward the ground so low they rise with dark red specks on their tattooed noses; terrified to even breathe lest they become fodder for the next spiteful experiment.

He turns his head, looking toward where the balcony with his favoured view once lay, and still, Lavellan is there.

She looks over the valley outside, curiously vacant of eight-eyed bears and two-headed halla, vacant of the Chained by the creek, washing and washing and washing again clothes they could not even afford to dream of.

He thinks of walking up to join her, then decides against it after all.

He will indulge in his own view, just a breath longer.

And when she turns, there, inside his nostalgia, she makes his resolve falter.

Her face bare save for her freckles, pigmented and numerous enough to rival his own. Bare of misguided slave markings and dark-ringed eyes and little scars borne from fighting to survive. Her unbraided hair so long it rivals the hem of her dress, artfully flowing in the wind. Her eartips peeking out from the waves like a fragile crown, instead of hidden between hats and cloaks and hoods like targets.

She looks the way she should; looks at him the way he is so very undeserving of.

Lavellan reaches out her hand.

She waved it in front of his face.

The marble palace crumbles into little more than dust and broken glass around them, and the reality of it, the cruelty of it..

He must see this through.

Even if it means the end of them all.

ooc af i think, but ive had this on my mind since i made this post so there.

🌙

also i wrote shit and posted it so go me!!

[hellshee]

living in ruins of a palace within my dreams and you know, we're on each other's team

[lordeemailarchive]

Pure Heroine turns 10

(27/09/2023) (PH 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DISPATCH)

Living in Ruins of a Palace within My Dreams

Photo by Simeon Patience

Hi,

Firstly, I wanna say thank you for your extremely supportive and kind messages after my last newsletter. I genuinely feel deeply cared for, less alone, and more sure that things will be okay after sending it! Albeit with a slight overshare hangover. I think a part of me knew that I had hit a wall, and that I needed to invite in the compassion and understand I’d been struggling to generate on my own, and then I’d have something to draw from and mirror. It feels like it’s working. I feel incredibly grateful that we have this relationship, that we can each give when the other needs it. Beautiful stuff x

Now, might U have noticed it’s 2013 mode round here????????? Yes that’s right, it’s a very special anniversary… Pure Heroine is... ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡TEN ˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚ YEARS ˚༘♡ ⋆｡˚ OLD ੈ✩‧₊˚ TODAY ! ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

You may (like me most of the time) hold the opinion that this album has been MYTHOLOGISED QUITE ENOUGH, but a milestone is a milestone, so I thought coming here and typing some shit to u about this time would be a fun thing for those who care.

2 xxxxtra special ltd time only commemorative designs by Hassan, who did the original of this bootleg tee 10 years ago❤️

It’s close to midnight, and I’ve just finished scrolling through my entire computer and phone archive from 2011-2013. Going on this memory lane ride has reminded me, for one thing, what a different time it was technologically. We were just starting to be able to see ourselves in real time, but we weren’t constantly connected. I had an iPod touch until halfway through 2013, which didn’t have a front camera or internet access, and my sister and I shared a MacBook, which is where we did our schoolwork and I wrote my lyrics. I took my first few years of selfies on Photo Booth…. Just let that… sink in!!!

Note the Royals Nat Geo pic in background— it’s happening...

When I was fourteen, my greatest work of art was my bedroom. A very cool, very classic teenage bedroom, Andie’s and Duckie’s from Pretty in Pink meets the Virgin Suicides— fairy lights, fabric on the ceiling, candles, stolen road signs (badman), paper lanterns, beer crate shelves, magazine pictures and club night posters and permanent marker on the walls. Bliss! I’d sit up there and vibe out, taking a lot of selfies. Creating a small-scale work of art using the self, and then examining the product from every angle, was the best method I had to express myself and exercise creativity at that time, and I now see it as an important PH incubation phase, whether I knew it or not. Something really amazing about a young person starting to see their own face and body for the first time, coming to a very secret understanding that they are beautiful. 

I started to smoke weed, which gave me a deeper understanding of sensory pleasure, and allowed me to start to see my world as a possible work of art. I’d go on long walks around the neighbourhood, and began to mythologise the stuff around me (big empty floodlit rugby fields/bus rides/dark streets/boredom/isolation) into the motifs that would become Pure Heroine. I wore a lot of like, navy lipsticks from the 2 dollar shop. God, this aesthetic, It’s just TOO MUCH.

At some point in here, I met Joel, and another piece of the puzzle clicked into place. When you’re a teenager, you’re particularly sensitive to adults being condescending to you, not respecting the specific and finely tuned skills you have because of the ones you don’t. I was always on the look out for it, and from the first day meeting Joel, I knew that he would never give me that feeling. Which I’m sure wasn’t easy — my wallet at the time was the foot of a pair of tights that I cut off and knotted at the top — but somehow from the very beginning he made me feel like my ideas had value, like we were peers, in the most sensitive and age-appropriate way. 

My view for thousands of hours making this album

We got on a call earlier this week and broke down the complete history of making the album. We both agreed that making Pure Heroine was deeply exciting and intimate and free, and still one of our most treasured experiences. I’ve linked it here.The second half of 2013 is when I really met the world, went to America and Australia and Europe for the first time. I found an incredible (for some reason Christmas themed) disposable camera image of my stage outfits all over the floor of my hotel room, which really sums up how ad hoc everything was at the beginning — a jetlagged sixteen year old, late for lobby call and frantically stuffing thousands of dollars of borrowed clothes into a suitcase. 

In this stage, it felt like I pulled everything off by the skin of my teeth. Every week was the most exciting week of my whole life, I was so tired and still didn’t have a winter coat and took everyone clamouring for a piece of me completely for granted. I had zero cultural context, had no idea if an interview or TV show was huge or small, and so breezed through it all truly not giving a fuck. I am not a naturally nonchalant person, it was literally just too much to care about, I could hardly get up in the morning, so I just said absolutely whatever I felt like, all kinds of wild shit, if someone did something corny I’d say so, I was ruthless in that way that only teens are. Then through that year we went on our first tours, met you guys for the first time, hours and hours of hugs after the show, my favourite part so far and where it started to feel real for me. James took a lot of beautiful film photos through that time, and I’m really grateful he did.

Ten years goes really fast. One minute you’re wearing a leather collar with a giant crystal hanging off it to a Chanel party, and the next you’re blonde. A lot of stuff isn’t good after ten years. But I am still totally touched by this sweet record. I have deep respect for the vision of the little one making it. 

Going back through all of this has reminded me of something that feels important to point out, whether you make art or not: everything starts out as a bunch of bullshit in a laptop. Pure Heroine was a handful of Photo Booth selfies and emotional Word documents and Tumblr posts (and a gorgeous over-decorated bedroom) before it was even one song. I had no reason, on paper, to believe that I was capable of anything. But if you can trust that the first impulse you had to create came from a place of deep wisdom, develop a few principles for your decision-making, and absorb a lot of stuff you find inspiring, you’ll have something special on your hands. Pure Heroine exists because I had the tiniest inkling of what I’ve now come to see as one of my guiding principles: that each of us have a handful of songs inside us that are ours, and only ours, to sing. Your specific interests and upbringing and physiology and experiences exist only in you; you are sitting on a gold mine that no one can rob. Whatever that means to you, whatever that statement you were born to make is, I invite you to take a big breath and make it.

All my love for another ten years of all this, and more, and more—

Ella XXXXXXXXXX

(source: received this email)

[autisticempathydaemon]

hi i’m here for the redacted matchmaker thing! :))

What song are you fixated on at the moment? What lyric or verse, and why? - freak by lana del rey, it’s such a beautiful song plus the transition to art deco is 😍😍, i’m not really in love with a specific lyric or verse but the way she sings ‘we could slow dance to rock music, kiss while w do it, talk til w both turn blue’ is really satisfying 🫶

What is your Enneagram type? - type 2!!

Do you love gargantuan Youtube video essays, and if so, which is your favorite and why? - sort of, i really like ones about the placebo affect

Tell me about your childhood imaginary friend. - a cat named daisy who used to come around w me everywhere

What is your go-to way to fall asleep? - listening to music under 20 million blankets

If you had to change your name, what would it be, and why? (In tandem, if you have changed your name, why did you pick that one?) - not really sure, maybe to something like lottie? i’ve always loved that name

What is your favorite of Redacted’s audios, and why? - any of regulus’s audios, as creepy as they are they are amazing to listen to, or geordis valenweek vid :)

What Redacted boy holds no appeal to you, and why? Like, not the one you hate but the one who you don’t get the hype for. (I won’t judge, I promise.) - david and vega, nothing against them just they never appealed to me

Tell me about that one book/movie/tv show you know all the words to. - mean girls, i can quote basically the entire movie

Which Redacted boy are you platonically attracted to? Like- forget dating, which dude do you want to be your best friend? - hush, he’s just a creepy little guy

Do you have a go-to thing you ramble about when you’re tired, and if so, what is it? (For example, my boyfriend knows I’m ready to sleep when I start talking about space.) - i don’t think i do? i pretty much go nonverbal when i’m sleepy

Tell me your go-to gas station and drink combo. - i’m british 💔💔

Tell me about your favorite playlist at the moment. - hush’s he is definitely one of my favourites, i can’t wait to see where his storyline is gonna go, also the balance

What’s your guilty pleasure media, and why? - mha 😞😞😞 it’s so comforting to me and the character development is so good imo

And whatever else you think tells me about who you are! - ENFP, i love cats n wombats, my friends are really important to me, i love pink, i can’t survive w out music, i play the piano and i love lana del rey 🎀🤞

tysm!!

Babe, you’re a piano playing BNHA fan. Who else could I give you other than our resident DJ and Redacted equivalent to Present Mic, Hudson?

Obvs, those aren’t the ONLY reasons. Type Two’s are motivated by a desire to be loved and understood; Hudson strikes me as an openly loving and affectionate person. You’re an extrovert; he’s an extrovert. You’re British; of the Redacted bois, Hudson strikes me as the most enthusiastic to have a partner with such a fun accent so different from him. There’s lots of reasons of varying sizes and significances, but your love of music and piano is definitely a major factor.

Hudson is a truly fun person to be with, especially for an extroverted partner. He strikes me as the type of guy who has tons of friends, very popular, and his friends easily become yours as well- especially since he talks about you on air so much. (Maybe he calls you Lottie as a radio pseudonym, before he asks whether you want your real name broadcasted!) Eventually he gets you in the studio with him, maybe playing piano backing tracks or honestly just to hang out with him. He loves sharing his partner and your lovely voice with the world.

Song:

We live in cities you'll never see on-screen/ Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things/ Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams/ And you know, we're on each other's team/ I'm kind of over gettin' told to throw my hands up in the air/ So there

Thank god for Spotify and their algorithmically generated Artist Radios! This song was in the line-up, and it feels right somehow. It’s one of those “late night driving turn up the radio let’s pretend we’re the only two people in the world” songs, but I love the beat in the chorus, so I can also imagine him playing it on air and dedicating it to you. (It’s also funny to me because you figuratively live in a city that you’ll never see in the screen- at least, the empowered part of the city lol)

Runner-ups:

Milo is a runner-up for you because one, I love to stick cute motherfuckers with cute accents together- it’s fun. Two, extroverted cat lovers unite. Geordi was another option for you because I think you two would like the same media and he is so smitten with the way you play piano~

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[aching-arc-reactor]

Walk Out Songs pt 2

James Bond:

For you, I would cross the line I would waste my time I would lose my mind They say, "She's gone too far this time" Don't blame me, love made me crazy If it doesn't, you ain't doin' it right Lord, save me, my drug is my baby I'll be usin' for the rest of my life

Q:

'Cause karma is the thunder Rattling your ground Karma's on your scent like a bounty hunter Karma's gonna track you down Step by step from town to town Sweet like justice, karma is a queen Karma takes all my friends to the summit Karma is the guy on the screen Coming straight home to me

---

Side note, I'll allow "screen" because I suppose James is the "guy on the screen".

Another side note: I didn't intend them to both be T Swift songs, but hey, I'm a Swiftie, and so is Q.

Alec Trevelyan:

Just one more lie and then I fall Don't play pretend, you had it all I'd kill for you, don't even start Dancing alone all in the dark

Eve Moneypenny:

Don't just stand there staring, honey Try to move your feet If you think they're looking at you They're looking at me I could make it nice and easy I'ma take the lead They ain't even looking at you, baby They're looking at me

Bill Tanner:

We live in cities you'll never see on-screen Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams And you know, we're on each other's team

BONUS:

Q:

What if I told you none of it was accidental And the first night that you saw me, nothing was gonna stop me? I laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork The dominoes cascaded in a line What if I told you I'm a mastermind? And now you're mine It was all by design 'Cause I'm a mastermind

James:

(H)e said "I've got a problem with your shoes and your tunes But I might move in and I thought that you were straight Now I'm wondering"

And I know when you're around 'cause I know the sound I know the sound, of your heart

[swans-chirping-in-the-distance]

You cannot convince me the chorus of team by Lorde isn't perfectly describing the Keeper gang:

We live in cities you'll never see on screen

Not very pretty but we sure know how to run things

Living in ruins of the palace within my dreams

And you know we're on each other's team

[roanofarcc]

PURE HEROINE by LORDE - STRANGER THINGS SEASONS 

400 Lux - Pre season 1: (And I like you) / I love these roads where the houses don't change / (And I like you) / Where we can talk like there's something to say / (And I like you) / I'm glad that we stopped kissing the tar on the highway / (And I like you) / We move in the tree streets / I'd like it if you stayed

ribs - season 1: The drink you spilt all over me / “Lover's Spit" left on repeat / My mum and dad let me stay home / It drives you crazy, getting old / This dream isn't feeling sweet / We're reeling through the midnight streets / And I've never felt more alone / It feels so scary, getting old

glory and gore - season 2: We gladiate, but I guess we're really fighting ourselves / Roughin' up our minds so we're ready when the killtime comes / Wide awake in bed, words in my brain / “Secretly you love this, do you even wanna go free?" / Let me in the ring, I'll show you what that big word means

white teeth teens - season 3: We wouldn't be seen dead here in the day / I guess you're lucky that it's dark now / And if I like it, then we'll stay / Impress the empress, take your shot now / We got the glow in our mouths / White teeth teens are out / White teeth teens are up for it / I know you love it when the hairpins start to drop / I like your reckoning / But we got our methods, and there's nothing here to stop / To stop this

a world alone - season 3: All the double-edged people and schemes / They make a mess then go home and get clean / You're my best friend, and we're dancing in a world alone / We're all alone / We're all alone / I know we're not everlasting / We're a train wreck waiting to happen / One day the blood won't flow so gladly / One day we're all get still / When people are talking, people are talking

buzzcut season - season 4: The men up on the news / They try to tell us all that we will lose / But it's so easy in this blue / Where everything is good / And I'll never go home again / (Place the call, feel it start) / Favorite friend (And nothing's wrong when nothing's true) / I live in a hologram with you

the love club - season 4: Your clothes are soaked and you don't know where to go / So drop your chin and take yourself back home / And roll out your maps and papers / Find out your hiding places again / The only problem that I got with the club / Is how you're severed from the people who watched you grow up / When you're a member go on your great adventure again / They will be waiting at the end

team - post season 4: We live in cities you'll never see on-screen / Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things / Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams / And you know, we're on each other's team

[thedorkreadstheworld]

We live in cities you'll never see on-screen. Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things. Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams. And you know, we're on each other's team.

This particular song and lyrics by Lorde was used to describe the Palestinian cities is just too powerful and mind-blowing. The song sent shivers down my spine.

Free Palestine and bring justice now!

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 Falling Stardust: Chapter Seven

Falling Stardust: You, an innocent and naive fallen star, tumble out of Morpheus’s cloak and get wrapped up in his possessive and dark love.

Warnings: Morpheus Manipulation, Naive Reader, Gaslighting.

To Note: Dark!Morpheus x FemStar!Reader (Reader is Named Astra).

Word Count: ~2.0k

Previous | Masterlist | Next

You appeared in The Dreaming in a violent swirl of sand, and Morpheus was immediately directing you through the palace. He was angry. You could tell that much. Your feet scrambled to keep up with his long strides and he pulled you through hallway after hallway, the walls twisting and curving in a shifting labyrinth until you had no idea where you were. The frequency of dreams and handmaidens you passed decreased until the halls were empty. It was just you and Morpheus.

“Mor— Morpheus,” You rasped out, adrenaline and fear still coursing through your body. “Where are we going?” The Endless didn’t answer you, his thoughts consuming his full attention. You were getting curious, too curious for his liking, and with the ability to transport yourself to the Waking World, your freedom was a liability to Morpheus. If he let this continue any longer, he was going to lose you to others. No one was going to take you away from him, not even yourself. Ever. So Morpheus had made up his mind.

He had tip toed around you for months, letting you become accustomed to The Dreaming. Letting you get used to your new body, used to living in a physical body. It had taken great restraint on Morpheus’s part to not sweep you into his arms and steal you away from the eyes of his people. He longed for intimacy and the arms of a lover, and you were just perfect for the job. As a fallen star, a fallen star from his own coat, no one was more perfect to be Morpheus queen and wife. You were beautiful, kind, his people already loved you… and your youth meant that Morpheus needed to protect you. What better way to do that than by making you his queen?

“Morpheus!” You cried out, tears slipping from the edges of your lashes. He paused in step at your distressed cry and swirled around, taking your other hand and pulling you against him. His bright eyes, almost entirely silver now, bore down into yours. Your lip trembled as you struggled to find words. Without your precious coat that Morpheus had made just for you, you were feeling overwhelmed, cold, and had no security blanket.  “I— why am I feeling so scared right now? It won’t go away,” You quivered, trembling in place and rubbing your arms. You could swear that you could still feel the touches scratching at your skin. “Off,” You whispered, your eyes dropping to your arms as your started scratching at your flesh. “I want their touch off.”

Morpheus grasped your wrists, halting your attempts to claw at your skin. Surely you would hurt yourself, but he wasn’t going to leave you feeling so defiled. Even if he had been the one to influence the mortal men.

“Astra, my star, do not cause ruin to such delicate flesh,” Morpheus softly warned you, his hold on your wrists tightening as your hands jerked within his grasp. Your eyes, now filled with panic, raised to his.

“Then make it go away!” You nearly shouted back, tears slipping free from your lashes and dripping down your face. They fell to the marble floor below with soft clinks. “They took my coat and now I don’t—“ You broke off with a soft sob, heartbroken that you had lost such a precious gift, had lost something that sheltered you when you needed it most. Something flickered within Morpheus’s eyes, and moments later he was sweeping you off your feet, resuming his fast pace through the palace. In all his attempts at calming you down, he had overlooked the fact that the mortals had ripped your jacket from your body and torn your silver tunic. Their hands had soiled your clothing and he wanted it off you as soon as possible. He also needed to cleanse your skin of their touch.

That nasty feeling that you wanted to claw from your skin persisted as Morpheus carried you through unknown halls and rooms. It all swirled together after a few dizzying moments. Your heart was beating so fast you could hear it in your ears. Was that normal? Certainly not since it made you feel very uptight and uncomfortable. You just wanted these strange feelings to stop and to feel comfort again. When you whimpered softly, Morpheus’s grasp on your body tightened in repugnancy. That would be the last time any mortal had the opportunity to put their hands on you, let alone their physical eyes. You were carried into a lavish bathhouse and Morpheus allowed your feet to drop to the bathhouse floor.

Wobbling and tripping over your feet, you fell into Morpheus’s chest with a small gasp. Before you even had the chance to look up into his face, he was ripping at your clothing. Your tunic was all too easily torn from your body and flung far from you, and the moment Morpheus’s hands touched your jeans, they evaporated. You squealed as cold air hit your skin.

“Morpheus,” You whimpered, your mind wondering what he was doing. His eyes glowed with mercury rage as he settled a hand on your hip and cupped your cheek with the other.

“It is my fault that you have been poisoned by mortal man,” Morpheus growled, his hands tearing your final clothing from your body leaving you bare and shivering. “I must expunge all that might taint you, my star, until you no longer feel any touch but mine.”

You flinched and hugged yourself, guilt filling your body.

“I am the one at fault, Morpheus.” You softly protested, your lip wobbling as you huddled in place. “You told me not to go there, but I did anyway. I didn’t listen to you.” Tears were now dripping from your eyes and you reached up to push your palm against your eyes. “You told me of the dangers and I ignored you.”

Your words pleased Morpheus, but he was still very unhappy that the mortal men’s touch lingered upon your skin. As precious as humankind was, they did not deserve the pleasure of touching a star, let alone you. So whisking his clothing away, Morpheus wrapped his arms around your body and lifted your naked body into his arms.

“Worry not, my star, I shall purge their touch from your flesh.” You didn’t know what to think as you were carried into the grand and spacious bath, but his assurance that he was going to help you was what your mind chose to focus on and you clung to him, wrapping your arms around his neck. Morpheus entered the bath and settled you on a ledge, conjuring a cloth to gently scrub away the lingering touch of mortal man. You huddled against him as he vigorously cleansed your body. While Morpheus was determined to rid you of their touch, he was nothing but gentle with you. Biting your lip, you looked down at your silver lined skin.

“I’m sorry,” You whispered, fresh tears gathering at your lashes. Morpheus glanced up at you, continuing to scrub your precious skin free of the Waking World. He could see the wisps of mortal touch upon your beautiful body. You were on the verge of bursting into tears with watery eyes and wobbling lips… Morpheus could even see the trembles in your muscles beneath your beautiful skin. He hated that you were in such distress but secretly wished to indulge on your fear because it meant that you would seek him for comfort. That need for him was like a drug that Morpheus could never have enough of. He lifted a hand and caressed your jaw.

“Don’t apologize, my star,” Morpheus told you, reassurance within his eyes. You still felt guilty. “I told you of the danger but did not give example or reason. Allow me to apologize, Astra.” Your eyelashes fluttered in confusion, for why did he of all creatures need to apologize for what you had done. But you didn’t have a chance to reconcile your confusion for it only grew when Morpheus’s hand slipped behind your neck. He pulled your face to his and pressed his lips upon yours once more. You froze and let out a small noise of surprise. “Forgive me,” Morpheus uttered against your lips. He pressed his lips against yours once more, “Forgive me,” This continued with his lips pressing against yours over and over, each one deeper than the last. “Forgive me, my beautiful Astra.”

You were quickly overwhelmed by what you felt, by how your lips tingled and twitched. Certainly from the way Morpheus was pressing his lips against yours and teasing your mouth to part. One shuddering breath from you gave Morpheus the chance to slip his way past your parted lips. One of your palms ended up pressing against his shoulder as his tongue pressed against yours. This was different from when he had first kissed you. This was far more intimate and you still didn’t understand why he was doing such a thing to you.

His mouth parted yours with a little nip to your lower lip that caused your breath to hitch in your throat. Then Morpheus began pressing his lips at the corner of your mouth, along your jaw, even on the tender skin beneath the sharp bone that carved your face just right. You let out a soft moan, surprising yourself with the noise and jerking in place with a gasp. Morpheus stilled your jerk, maintaining the closeness of your naked bodies. He hushed you and brushed damp hair away from your face.

“Morpheus, I don’t understand—“ You were cut off by him pressing his thumb against your lower lip. “I don’t understand what this means or why you place your lips on mine.” Morpheus found your complete and utter innocence adorable and only spurred his desire for you. His fingers ran over your hair and then down your bare back.

“I only wish to bestow upon you the reverence and ardor I hold for you, my star,” Morpheus purred against your neck. “I feel for you with my entirety and it is my only wish that you should stay by my side where I can protect you from those that wish you harm. Do you not care for me?”

“What? Of course I care for you are—“ You were cut off once more when Morpheus placed his lips upon yours once more. It was only briefly, but he kept them close.

“Then why do you push me away, my star? Your efforts wound me terribly.” Your eyes widened and Morpheus, knowing clear well that you would be upset by his words, watched in appeasement as you scrambled to reassure him that you didn’t mean to hurt him.

“I would never wish to hurt you, Morpheus,” You told him, raising a hand to press your palm against his face. “Tell me what I must do to alleviate your pain and hurt.”

“Stay with me, promise me that you will never leave my side, that you will never run from me. I will be inconsolable should anything ever happen to you.” Morpheus murmured to you, his eyes shining with what you thought to be sadness or despair. You didn’t like seeing that within his eyes and pressed forwards, wrapping your arms around him and hugging the Endless. Morpheus was quick to return your embrace, basking in the feeling of your body pressed against his. Perhaps it was cruel of him to prey upon your innocence and ignorance of his intentions… but Morpheus was determined to keep you safe and he would do anything to have your love and adoration, your kisses and physical body. To have unconditional love that would never stray from his side.

“I won’t go anywhere,” You promised, having no idea what you were promising to him in that moment. “I— I won’t leave you, Morpheus. I promise.” The muscles beneath your arms relaxed and Morpheus nuzzled his face into your neck. It made you happy to know that Morpheus was happier now. Fingers brushed through your stardust hair and trailed down the silver lines from your shoulders to your arms.

“I wish I could spent eternity with you, my Astra, but I must return to my duties.” Morpheus softly admitted, repeatedly stroking your arm. “I won’t be but a few hours, you and I have much to discuss and it is time that I fulfilled my promise to you.” You wanted to whimper at his words, but you knew that whatever he wished to converse with you, was inevitable. So with great reluctance at departing from his comforting embrace, and secretly his as as well, you detached yourself from Morpheus and wrapped your arms around your knees instead. Morpheus detested leaving you, it was clear that you were still upset, but he had other business to attend to… then he would finally indulge in what he desired.

Date Published: 3/1/23

Last Edit: 4/4/23

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[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Perfect Paradise Ch.6 Living in Ruins of a Palace Within My Dreams

Summary: Mother's lament.

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

"Ok, which gate was it again?"

"I have it here."

Emma played with the auto luggage as Juleka and Rose got organized. Making it's little engine carry it forward and back.

Louis stuck his foot out. Causing it to stop. "No," he chastised.

Emma stuck her tongue out at him but got her stim toy out and played with that instead. Foot shaking on her knee.

Louis raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

It was almost a year since they last visited China and Emma hoped her Mandarin was up to par. It'd be embarrassing if she said something silly in front of Aunt Fei.

"... Do you think Maman will come with us?" Hugo wondered.

"Sorry, mon ange, not this time."

"Maman!" Hugo flew into her open arms. Grabbing on as tightly as he held onto Uncle Nino.

Marinette kissed the top of his head. Hugo inheriting all the tall genes from both sides of the family so she didn't need to lean down. Soon Marinette would have to look up at him the way she had to for Emma.

The thought sent a sharp pang through Marinette's chest and she squeezed a little bit tighter.

"Maman, you're here!" Louis beamed as she ruffled his hair.

"We're swamped at work but I couldn't let you go without seeing you off," Marinette smiled softly. "My little Sunshine."

Louis' smile fell a little but he didn't pull away.

He was so much like his father at that age. Even with the glasses.

"Daughter, ready to see your aunt again?" Marinette asked, switching to Mandarin.

Emma's hands had left the fidget toy in favor of running down her ponytail. "Méi cuò... Muqīn"

Marinette felt another stab at the formality but hid it quickly. "Ni què dìng mā?"

"Shìde shìde!" Emma walked a few steps away and pretended to look at the big screen of timetables. Brow furrowed as she felt her mother's gaze on her back.

"Hey, Marinette."

Pulling her eyes away from her daughter Marinette gave Juleka and Rose a hug each. "Jules! Rose! Thanks so much for doing this."

"You kidding? We've always wanted to visit your family!" Rose bounced slightly on her heels. "Kitty Section just isn't that popular in China."

"Which means we'll be able to walk the streets without being recognized," Juleka observed. "You okay?"

Marinette gave a pained smile and made a so-so gesture.

"Flight F13 is now boarding for departure to Shanghai. Flight F13 is now boarding for departure to Shanghai."

"Eep! That's us!" Rose directed the auto luggage in the proper direction as she gave Marinette two quick cheek kisses goodbye.

Marinette placed a hand on her sons' shoulders. "Take care of each other. Listen to your Grunkle and Aunt Fei."

"Yes, Maman," they chorused.

Hesitating for a moment Marinette walked up to her daughter. "I... Tell Aunt Fei I said 'Hi' and that I'll visit when things are a little less hectic over here."

"... Okay."

Marinette reached out a hand for her daughter's shoulder... Her fingers curling up as she let her hand fall to her side. "Okay."

"... Māma," Emma whirled around to look at her mother. "... Zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ.

Marinette swallowed. "Wo ye ài ni."

Blushing and biting her lip Emma hurried after her brothers.

Juleka hugged Marinette. "We'll keep an eye on them," she promised.

And then they were gone. Marinette standing alone and numb as the world went on around her.

A harried looking family rushed past with a stroller.

Four teens were laughing and joking with each other as they got out their tickets.

An older couple shared a chaste kiss.

Marinette turned on her heels and wiped at her eyes. Getting into her Tsurugi brand car, one of the few private vehicles left on Parisian streets.

"Destination?" The onboard computer asked.

"Le Mode Dupain-Cheng." Marinette took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had work to do.

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

"Don't be bemused! It's just the news! This is Nadja Chamack and today we have Paris' favorite philanthropist, Adrien!"

"Hello again, Nadja."

"I wish we had you back on the show under better circumstances."

"Don't kid. You love the scandal!"

There was some light laughter from the audience as Nadja shrugged in foux guilt.

"In all seriousness though, your divorce came as a surprise to all of Paris. Especially so recently after your cousin's confession."

"Yes, Felix's revelation was shocking. I thought we were close enough where he could be honest with me but... that wasn't the case. You think you know someone, y'know?"

"So you're sympathetic to your cousin?"

"Oh, no. I fully endorse Mayor Haprèle's continued calls for extradition."

"Some of our watchers say that's quite cold of you."

"Some of your watchers forget that Monarch terrorized my city too."

"Indeed. What about the claims that Marinette issued the divorce due to the revelation about Monarch?"

"Baseless rumors. I'm the one that filed for divorce."

"Oh?" Nadja leaned in.

"We were having trouble even before Felix's little stunt. It was just poor timing."

"Isn't it always. And the nature of these 'problems'?"

"I'm afraid that's between me and my ex-wife."

"Nothing too serious, I hope?"

Adrien smiled blandly. "Nothing other couples haven't gone through."

"What about the custody of your children?"

"Marinette is busy running Le Mode Dupain-Cheng it seemed best to give our children a more... stable, environment."

Next.

"How could he not have known? That terrorist was right under his nose!"

"Talk like that is exactly why you shouldn't be here! You're ignorance on how abused children are treated-"

"Abused!? That sheltered little mama's boy had the world handed to him on a silver platter!"

"Says the man with ten yachts!"

Next.

"The Atlantean delegation has once again refused any compromise on-"

Next.

"Ryuko has successfully redirected the hurricane and dispersed it's energy. Climate scientists have issued a warning that the Miraculous hero has only given us a temporary reprieve from the worst of climate change-"

Next.

"-and Claudie Kanté have been chosen for the EU's joint mission to Mars. Mother of the famous Max Kanté, Claudie started as a test pilot for experimental spaceships-"

Next.

"Miraculous hero Wanblí spoke out today against America's continued encroachment onto indigenous land. In violation of established treaties-"

Next.

"Is Ladybug lying to us!? The people of Paris have a right to know!"

Next! Next! Next!

"Mme. Dupain-Cheng! Mme. Dupain-Cheng! Will your recent divorce affect the fall line's release?"

"No. I have a great team that's been working diligently to keep us on schedule."

"What about concerns of burnout?" Another voice called.

"That's why we've hired extra hands to help with the more technical aspects. Union representatives have been very helpful in contributing to a safe and efficient work environment."

"And the criticism the spring collection faced? Some say it was precisely because of these policies that-"

"The spring collection was always experimental. Any issues it had rest entirely on m- my shoulders... I would remind you that people work best when they're not exhausted. Thank you, that'll be all."

"Mme. Dupain-Cheng! Mme. Dupain-Cheng!"

Emma exited out of her news app and pulled out her earbuds as the fasten seatbelt sign blinked on. "Bit late for that," she snorted.

[leverage-ot3]

I will now be restarting my leverage ot3 songs series (until someone has motivation to make more)

songs in this post (all from my playlist):

something I need (one republic)

church (fall out boy)

team (lorde)

chosen family (rina sawayama)

monster (imagine dragons)

Something I Need (One Republic)

I had a dream the other night || About how we only get one life || It woke me up right after two || I stayed awake and stared at you || So I wouldn’t lose my mind

okay so this could be any of them tbh, they are #livefastdieyoung with their life of crime and I feel like sometimes they wake up and are like holy SHIT I need you in this crazy corrupt world like I need air

And I had the week that came from hell || And yes, I know that you could tell

they can totally tell when eliot is having a bad day, no matter how much he tries to hide it, and it’s the same for parker (hardison doesn’t try to hide his bad days)

But you’re like the net under the ledge || When I go flying off the edge || You go flying off as well

THEY WILL ALWAYS CATCH PARKER, ELIOT IS ALWAYS THERE WITH HIS ARMS OPEN AND HARDISON HAS ALREADY PACKED A PARACHUTE

You got something I need || In this world full of people there’s one killing me || And if we only die once || I wanna die with you

they are what each other needs AND wants (and deserves) (shut up eliot). no but seriously they live together and risk it together and will die together (don’t worry, they have the robot bodies)

I know that we’re not the same || But I'm so damn glad that we made it to this time || This time now

they met by chance but they are so glad they did

If we only live once || I wanna live with you

this speaks for itself

Church (Fall Out Boy)

If you were church, I'd get on my knees || Confess my love, I'd know where to be || My sanctuary, you're holy to me || If you were church, I'd get on my knees

I feel like this song is eliot-centered only because he doesn’t think he’s worthy but he’d go to the ends of the earth for parker and hardison

And take the pain || Make it billboard big then swallow it for me || Time-capsule for the future || Trust me, that's what I will be || Oh, the things that you do in the name of what you love

that quote from eliot being able to take the pain from the tap out job? yeah. imma just leave you there with that thought

I love the world but I just don't love the way it makes me feel

If you were church || I'd get on my knees || Confess my love, I'd know where to be || My sanctuary, you're, you're holy to me, you're holy to me || If you were church, yeah, I'd get on my knees, yeah

THEY 👏 ARE 👏 HOLY 👏 TO 👏 HIM 👏 THEY ARE HIS PURPOSE

Team (Lorde)

Wait 'til you're announced || We've not yet lost all our graces || The hounds will stay in chains || Look upon Your Greatness and she'll send the call out || (Send the call out)

We live in cities you'll never see on screen || Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things || Living in ruins of a palace within my dreams || And you know, we're on each other's team

this one is just for the three of them running the world like no one’s business

Chosen Family (Rina Sawayama)

Where do I belong?

Tell me your story and I'll tell you mine || I'm all ears, take your time, we've got all night || Show me the rivers crossed, the mountains scaled || Show me who made you walk all the way here

Settle down, put your bags down || You're alright now

We don't need to be related to relate || We don't need to share genes or a surname || You are, you are || My chosen, chosen family || So what if we don't look the same? || We been going through the same thing || Yeah, you are, you are || My chosen, chosen family

Hand me a pen and I'll rewrite the pain || When you're ready, we'll turn the page together || Open a bottle, it's time we celebrate || Who you were, who you are ||We're one and the same

I chose you || You chose me || I chose (chosen family) || I chose you || You chose me || We're alright now

yeah the whole song is just *chef’s kiss* found family vibes

Monster (Imaging Dragons)

Ever since I could remember || Everything inside of me || Just wanted to fit in || I was never one for pretenders || Everything I tried to be || Just wouldn't settle in

eliot was the popular boy, the sporty guy, homecoming king, star quarterback, the guy that got the slow claps ffs. he went into the army because that’s what people like him did to escape their hometowns. he fit in the best he could because that was survival

If I told you what I was || Would you turn your back on me? || And if I seem dangerous || Would you be scared? || I get the feeling just because || Everything I touch isn't dark enough || If this problem lies in me

he’s done bad, terrible things. that darkness and violence follows him around like a shadow. he can never escape the things he’s done. he (thinks he) can never be redeemed. would they still love him if they knew? (don’t ask me that parker. because if you ask me, I’m gonna tell you. so please, don’t ask me)

I'm only a man with a candle to guide me || I'm taking a stand to escape what's inside me || A monster, a monster || I've turned into a monster || A monster, a monster || And it keeps getting stronger

he’s making efforts to be good, to do better. but does that erase the monster inside him?

Can I clear my conscience || If I'm different from the rest || Do I have to run and hide? || I never said that I want this || This burden came to me || And it's made it's home inside

he never meant to be this way but that’s who he made himself to be. he’s changed, but that can’t change the past

[oathofkaslana]

some songs from my bronseele playlist

iris "And I'd give up forever to touch you / 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow / You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be / And I don't wanna go home right now... /... And I don't want the world to see me / 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand / When everything's made to be broken / I just want you to know who I am" i have a whole post about this one dear god..

i will "I will take good care of you, I will take good care of you / Everything you feel is good if you would only let you... / ... And we're not out of the tunnel / I bet you, though, there's an end... /... There's no need to be brave / And while you sleep, I'll be scared / So by the time you wake, I'll be brave" FUCK. that moment where seele calls bronya a demon and the night after where she feels so so guilty about it :( because she was actually calling herself a demon :(

buzzcut season "And I'll never go home again / (Place the call, feel it start) / Favourite friend / (And nothing's wrong when nothing's true) / I live in a hologram with you" sea of quanta.

ribs "And I've never felt more alone / It feels so scary, getting old... /... You're the only friend I need / (You're the only friend I need) / Sharing beds like little kids / (Sharing beds like little kids) / And laughing till our ribs get tough / (Laughing till our ribs get tough) / But that will never be enough / (But that will never be enough)" seele being so linked to this childhood that bronya never got to have and yet both of them loosing the other and growing up eithout the other...................................

team "We live in cities you'll never see on-screen / Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run things / Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams / And you know, we're on each other's team" literally cocolia's orphanage.

[apinchofm]

Living in ruins of a palace within my dreams by MiniM236 for @phantomphaeton

Edwina is spending her birthday at Aubrey Hall and is surprised by a friend who comes and causes chaos ✨✨

[callofthxvoid]

playlist: ames shehadi

We live in cities you'll never see on-screen Not very pretty but we sure know how to run things Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams And you know we're on each other's team

[badnew2005]

wins the big game ur so team by lorde which appeared on the 2013 album pure heroine coded. we live in cities you’ll never see in tv. it’s always sunny on tv it’s always sunny in philadelphia. not very pretty but we sure know how to run things. mac fearing they’re representing the worst of philly of south philly particularly but ultimately realising when you embrace who you are - they are south philly - thats when you WIN. similarly seen in s15 were american and the battle over identity. living in ruins of a palace within my dreams. it’s not much to you. we’re always running outside when everything we need is in the bar. let’s go back to the bar. the worst bar in philadelphia. and you know, we’re on each others team