#lyra haven

[lyrahaven]

Book two of my M/M fantasy trilogy, Ash to Ember, officially comes out in seven days! There's still time to preorder the ebook and book one, Dust to Ash, is out now (also available in Kindle Unlimited). Both links are in my bio/Linktree.

As an indie author, I appreciate every single reader who takes a chance on my books!

[kelesaria]

Playing Veilguard has been making me miss Inquisition, so last night I reinstalled it, and I tried playing it tonight and IT WORKED!!

I haven't been able to get this game to run properly since the laptop I was using at the time decided to force the Windows 10 update on me. It has been years. Poor Kel was stuck at just before the Winter Palace for forever. And then today it just started up with almost no issues at all. Let's hope my luck continues, and this wasn't a one time thing.

So anyways, I had been thinking about my other Lavellan, Jarak, so once I was sure the game wasn't going to crash on me, I got on him for a bit.

The only problem now is, now I have to decide which game I want to play every day.

[the-court-of-dreams]

ONYX STORM SPOILERS

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Quotes that KILLED ME in Onyx Storm

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1)

To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.

Books have always been a safe place for me. I still remember picking up The Hobbit when I was still a kid, closing my bedroom door and going on an adventure. I'm almost 25 now and I still love going on adventures. From magic schools to institutes, hidden cities to castles, forests to enormous capitals. With cars and ships and horses and broomsticks and dragons. Every story, a new adventure. Every book, a new journey. Oh, how I love travelling!

I only ever had one friend who loves reading as much as I do and our conversations about books, the hours we spend making theories, and analysing everything that happened... they are some of my most beloved moments. ( @strovilos , you are the joy of my life) My other friends don't understand as much, it's okay. I' ve always been the kid hiding books under my desk, staying up past my bedtime with a light under the covers. So yeah... that dedication really got me.

I was invited to places, but I almost never felt included while being there. That was okay too.

I always preferred riding dragons anyway.

2)

Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back.

Wow, that didn't take long at all, huh? Straight in the fucking feels.

3)

I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.

Such a good start for me and my fucking heart. Thanks, Rebecca... I really appreciate it.

4)

If I’m to be court-martialed for helping Braxtyn defend his people, then I shall welcome the trial. All who channel from dragon and gryphon alike should flourish under the wards, and now Aretia will be that haven should one of the others ever return.

Lyra... I fucking stan!

5)

So with all the love in my heart, put your fucking uniform on, because we need you.

Look, I'm not saying that Ridoc is my favourite character in this book... but... Ridoc IS my favourite character in this book.

I died with the whole squad dynamic, but the four of them will always hold a special place in my heart, I fucking love these kids.

6)

Even hundreds of miles away, he’s still taking care of me and doesn’t even know it.

I KNEW this godsdamned book would be full of angst....BUT DID IT HAVE TO BE ALL OF IT??? DID IT REBECCA????

7)

You might be angry when you realize I didn’t wake you to say goodbye. But it’s only because I no longer fully trust my ability to walk away.

—Recovered Correspondence of His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor, to Cadet Violet Sorrengail

FUCK ME MAN....Come on...WHYYYYYYY????

8)

But the thought of you being out there, beyond the wards, facing down a known attack of venin, triggered something in me I’ve never felt before. It was hotter than rage, and sharper than fear, and cut deeper than helplessness, all because I couldn’t get to you.

Fuck you.

9)

I would have killed anything and anyone in that moment to reach you. No exceptions. I would have channeled every ounce of power beneath my feet without hesitation if it would have landed me at your side.

Double fuck you.

10)

If I’d been there, beyond the wards, I would have drained the very earth to its core to keep you safe.

TRIPLE FUCKING FUCK YOU!!!!

11)

Pain isn’t new to me, Jack. She’s an old friend I spend most of my days with, so I don’t mind if she sings to you.

Violet Sorrengail... you are the most badass bitch to ever badass. (I feel like that's SUCH a Remi thing to say. Fucking finally.... iykyk. Shout out to @skyfallscotland for writing fucking masterpieces. Getting notifications from you always makes my day. If any of you are into fanfcition, i STRONGLY recommend reading everything this girl has written. You can start with Fear and Flame. Thank me, and HER, later.)

12)

“We live by the Codex—” I try again.

“I live by you. When have I ever given a fuck about the Codex or the Code of Conduct?” He cradles my face and leans down, resting his forehead against mine. “I am yours and you are mine, and there’s no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that.”

I love them so much it hurts.

13)

Love of my life. You have nothing to be jealous of.

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

14)

“There’s no magic here.” He tugs me against him. “No power. No lure. No taunting reminder that I can save everyone if I just reach for it and take what’s offered. It’s only…peace.”

For the first time since fetching the luminary, I seriously debate Tecarus’s offer.

When I tell you this book was PAINFUL for me....I'M NOT FUCKING KIDDING.

15)

"...Sgaeyl…" He glances up at the trees as if he can see her in the sky above us, a look of longing on his face.

If I had a dollar for everytime this book broke my fucking heart.

16)

“My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.”

I'm deceased.

17)

I can’t quit watching Xaden’s eyes in case their flecks change back to gold whenever I see him during Signet Sparring.

They never do.

Like my heart will never again NOT be broken for these two.

18)

“The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I’ll hold it. I know that sounds ludicrous, but I’ll find a way.” I lace our fingers. “I will hold everything you don’t want to feel because I love every part of you.”

This ship... this fucking ship...

19)

“Seems Catriona has found someone worth lagging behind for.”

I loathed her in the previous book....but gods did the poor girl go through it in this one....

20)

“There is no cure for me.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “That’s why you have to become better than me. There’s only you.”

I seriously don't know why I'm putting myself through this torture.

21)

When things get…shitty, I hope you can look down at it and imagine us sitting there together when this is all over. That’s the vision I’m going to cling to: you and me, holding hands, looking over the city.

This right here broke whatever soul I thought I had left. It just hurts so much when the characters cling to a future that I fucking know isn't going to happen.

22)

It’s almost like this room is removed from time itself, a tiny corner of the world where we simultaneously live together yet don’t.

Rebecca literally...WHYYYYY????

23)

I didn’t reach for any form of power because even in that state, I knew it could take me back to day zero, and day zero doesn’t give me you. I clawed my way back to myself and left.

Screaming, crying, throwing up.

24)

While most deities allow temple attendants to choose their timeline of service, only two require a lifetime of dedication: Dunne and Loial. For both war and love change souls irrevocably.

For the love of Gods, please let this be some kind of clue.

25)

I love you more than this city. Do not die defending it.

Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.

26)

At some point I’ll stop looking for her, right?

I KNOW Andarna had her reasons... but my girl Violet did not deserve that after everything she's been through.

27)

His smile instantly becomes a core memory.

MY smile instantly becomes a core memory....as in I don't think I'll have one again.

28)

You’re not a weapon of destruction. You’re not venin. You’re the artery power chooses to flow through. You’re life.

I fucking ship this SO MUCH. I love me some enemies to lovers, slow burn, full of angst shit.

29)

When push comes to shove, I'm not the best of us. She is.

YES VIOLET, THAT'S YOUR BESTIE!!!!!!

30)

“That’s a little menacing,” I admit to Feirge. “Then let us be menaces,”

I ADORE multiple povs. I've been waiting for Rhi's and Imogen's pov for 3 books, and I was NOT disappointed. Wish I could have more of them though.

31)

She’ll rip the very sky apart before she and Glane accept defeat.

GO IMOGEN! GO! GO! GO!

32)

The flame of perpetual rage that lives in my chest burns hotter. Fuck that horde. Fuck the venin who ride them. Fuck that unholy vortex of a tornado at the end of the northern field, and fuck the orders to stay grounded in these winds.

FUCK! I love this girl so damn much.

33)

I’m glad it’s you with me. Parapet to Malek’s own doorstep. I’m so sorry I have to go first this time.

To be honest, I didn't really care about Quinn for three books now... but I SOBBED in these 3 pages.

34)

And you should tell him, Gen. Tell him, and you find some happy.

And the fact that she preached for my second favourite ship of the series with her dying breath??? Miss Quinn, you have my heart. I didn't care for your existence for three books, but man, did you get me in the end.

35)

“We made it a good one.”

This one cut me so fuckign deep I had to stop for a good ten minutes. I did not see it coming. I did not think I'd care. I still don't understand why I did. But I really, really did.

36)

“I’m not leaving you!” He leans in and slides his hand behind my neck. “I’m not leaving you, Imogen,” he repeats, softer this time.

If these two don't end up together, I'm gonna make it everybody's problem. I PROMISE!

37)

“You have been the gift of my life,” I tell Tairn.

I've read some theories that Tairn will die in the end... First of all...HOW DARE YOU? And second of all... REBECCA DON'T YOU DARE, I WILL-

38)

She was the first to choose me, to elevate me above all others, the first to see every ugly side of me and accept it all, and every single person in this fucking canyon will die before they remove a single one of her scales.

The fact that Xaden channeled for Violet but really turned to save Sgaeyl... I did not expect that. And although it was painful as fuck to read through... to me it was perfect and a job really well done.

39)

Shadow brings quiet. My soul departs like pieces of ash from a fire, flaking free and drifting away as power consumes the space it once inhabited. I’m no longer on the ice—I am the ice.

Xaden...baby...no....

40)

Save them, the last remaining pieces of me beg, holding on with teeth and claw to keep from being torn away, too.

I will never... ever... recover from this.

41)

“I love you.” Violet’s voice cracks the cold, and a silken thread of warmth wedges itself in the opening before it seals shut, locking it in place.

No. Wait. I grab for that thread with desperate hands, clawing to keep her as more of my pieces are blown away, lost to the void. She is warmth and light and air and love.

This was so fucking painful to read I literally have no fucking words.

44)

I love her. That is the emotion I cling to, the fire of pure power burning at the feeling’s edges, and I know if I take it any further, it will be the next and final piece to float away.

😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔

45)

“What did you do?” My head snaps toward Imogen, and a deep sense of foreboding takes root in my chest. She slowly lifts her gaze to mine.

“What you asked me to.”

How THE FUCK am I supposed to wait who-knows how long for the next damned book???

All in all, I really enjoyed this. I never got bored and I didn't mind the side missions at all.

The xaden×violet of it all shattered my heart. I definitely loved their relationship more than the previous books (It really reminded me of their dynamic from one of the best pieces of literature I've ever had the pleasure to read, a fanfiction piece called Storm in the quiet by @justallihere. She is truly the best.).

I just knew this was coming, and all of their trying would lead to this... it tore my heart apart. I love heavy angst in my books, but it hurts like a motherfucker when you have to wait for the next book in a series. I've promised myself I would never start an unfinished series ever again but oh well....

I loved the side characters so much, and I feel like I got to see them more and get to know them better in this one.

Ridoc is the best comic relief character I've read in a long, long time, and I love him so much (I almost had a heart attack when I thought the cook actually stabbed him.)

Aaric is a little shit and I'm so here for it. His exceptionally well written character was one of the highlights of the book for me.

Imogen and Garrick are my babies and I want them to end up together SO FUCKING BAD.

Also, the Drake and Mira crumbs? Chef's kiss.

I have to admit I was very fed shipping wise.

Unexpectedly, I also laughed my ass off in this book... so I'll probably make another post with all the times I died of laughter. Who would have thought?

My soul will definitely need mending and a good dose of fanfiction to get me through the long wait. To the people who are gifted enough to write these fanfcitions, you are my heroes. Cheers!

Final thought, Xaden Riorson, THE MAN that you are.

Accurate image of me after finishing Onyx Storm:

[sthenoaloraquest]

🌩 Onyx Storm Spoilers

There is a post that I just reblogged by watch-talk-read that brought up a great point. They also had great questions.

They pointed out how the Irids said they left Andarna with the humans to see if they would evolve under the wanderstones in hopes they no longer used magic as a weapon (bottom of pg. 346 ch. 41) .

When Andarna is finishing her "about me" story to the Irids, she says on pg. 344 "To ask if you'll come to fight with us. To see if the knowledge was passed down of how the venin were defeated during the Great War, or if you know how to cure them." Andarna does not talk about the wardstones in ch. 41 or 42 to the Irids. At the end of ch. 40 Violet and Ridoc are not talking about them either, so it's not like that the Irids overheard them. The Irids knew about both of them beforehand.

Now flashback to the except in ch. 7, "If I'm to be court-martialed for helping Braxtyn defend his people, then I shall welcome the trial. All who channel from dragon and gryphon alike should flourish under the wards, and now Aretia will be that haven should one of the others ever return." Journal of Lyra of Morraine. Now, the ending of that sounds like the Irids have already left and made their decision of "girl bye your too much drama. We'll leave you with an egg" and if that's the case, the wardstone in Aretia was possibly never activated. If that wasn't the outcome and Lyra was talking about venin returning, then both wardstones were activated, and more than likely it was someone from the six that caused it to eventually fail. The six are already split amongst themselves on keeping the creation of the wardstones secret and letting others know.

Also, ch. 7 answers a question I have seen floating around. How is it that when the Irids fired the Aretia wardstone, the gryphon riders didn't lose magic like they do in Bagiath? Well, in Lyra's writing blurb for ch. 7 it's suggested that Aretia would be a safe haven for both dragon and gryphon alike. That same chapter on pg 65 basically confirms this, "...as we watch a spot on the top line of runes differentiating Navarre's wardstone from Aretia's bubbling outward." The wardstones look similar but don't have the same lines of runes. The blocking rune for the gryphons was never on the Aretia wardstone.

One more thing. Its Sawyer who removes the runes from the wardstone. I still have a feeling a metallurgist was part of the six. Again, the six are the only ones who know how the wardstones were created. I doubt they would have brought in someone random.

[pupsmailbox]

MAGIC ID PACK

NAMES︰ ace. adonis. agate. amber. ambrose. amethyst. anders. aqua. aquamarine. arion. arthur. ashlin. asriel. astra. astrid. astro. athena. atlas. aurora. blaise. bran. briar. bruxo. bunnie. bunny. calamity. callisto. callum. calypso. cantasyia. caspian. cassian. cassiopeia. cedar. cedric. celeste. celestine. cherish. circe. clem. clemet. cosmo. coven. crystalesse. crystalette. cullen. cynthia. draco. drake. dreerie. duske. eerene. elphias. elysia. ember. emil. espen. etherial. fay. felix. finn. finnley. florian. fredrich. fyre. galatea. galen. garnet. glyra. griffin. haven. hazoire. hera. hypnyra. indigo. jade. jasper. jinx. juno. jynx. kara. kian. kimble. krystal. krystalle. lapis. lennix. leo. link. lucien. lumen. lumiere. luna. lune. lunesse. lunette. luz. lyra. mabel. mac. mackenzie. maddie. maddy. madelyn. madison. maggi. maggie. magia. magique. magnus. maria. max. maxwell. melanie. melodie. melody. mercy. mia. milena. miles. milo. minerva. moonesse. moonette. myrror. mystique. nova. onyx. opal. orion. oscar. oswald. pandora. pearl. pearlesse. pearlette. pearlle. phineas. phoebe. phoenix. pinkie. pinky. ruby. rune. sage. salem. sapphire. selene. seraphina. sereia. silouet. sirus. skye. sol. sora. sorcyrie. soren. spella. twyla. twyllusia. vince. zephyr.

PRONOUNS︰ amu/amulet. an/angel. arc/arcane. bad/bad. bless/bless. bo/bone. brew/brew. ca/cast. can/candle. cha/charm. cla/clash. con/conjure. cr/crystal. cur/curse. de/demon. di/dim. du/dusk. en/enchantment. en/entity. eon/eon. eternity/eternity. ev/evil. fan/fantasy. fea/feared. fi/fight. fla/flame. fu/future. go/golden. go/good. h?/h?m. hae/haze. hex/hex. hx/hxm. hy/hym. ill/illusion. ix/ix. jar/jar. know/knowledge. ma/mage. ma/magic. mag/magic. mag/magical. mag/magician. magic/magic. mi/mist. mis/misfortune. mys/mysterious. myth/myth. myth/mythical. obs/obscure. pe/peril. po/potion. po/power. poi/poison. potion/potion. pu/purge. pur/pure. pur/purity. rit/ritual. sh?/h?r. sha/dow. shae/shade. shx/hxr. shy/hyr. si/sigil. sini/ster. soc/sorcery. som/somber. sor/sorcery. spe/spell. spell/spell. spi/spirit. sup/supernatural. th?y/th?m. thxy/thxm. thy/thym. vae/vaer. wa/wand. wand/wand. wi/wise. wi/witch. wit/witchcraft. witch/witch. wiz/wizard. ✨. 🍀. 🐀. 🔮. 🕯️. 🕷️. 🥀. 🦴. 🦷. 🧙🏻. 🧙🏻‍♀️. 🧿.

[icantrememberwhoiwaslastdecember]

hey guys just gonna repost this oneshot

this is basically me hating on a certain blonde woman and uh not exactly sympathizing (took me 3 minutes to spell that bro) for a certain blonde man

idk this is just me giving cassius trauma ig

word count: 1.3k words

@thesfromhms hi come read my oneshot :>

Cassius had always tried to be a good parent.

He remembered his own father far too well- the nights spent alone in his room after being scolded for zoning out in classes, how he had never really gotten to spend quality time with his parents.

So he wanted to be the best father possible for young Vivia.

Vivia, his beautiful ten year old daughter, had the most astounding eyes, pale blue ones that could draw you in and keep one trapped there for eternity. Paired with her dimples and bright smile, there was nothing to hate about the girl.

Cassius was, that day, sitting on the couch in his apartment. It was the one he and Gisela shared with their daughter. There were three bedrooms- one for Gisela and him, one for Vivia and a guest room. Vivia didn’t spend a lot of time in her room, however. She seemed to always linger around her parents, although Gisela tried to distance herself more.

Cassius made sure he was there for Vivia whenever he could. He cooked her favourite meals sometimes, just to see the delighted grin that spread across her face when she saw the results. Other times, he took her out to stroll through the streets of Atlantis, and look at the pet stores. 

Cassius was then shaken out of his thoughts by a certain blonde-haired girl.

“Dad!” Vivia smiled brightly. “I finished the book you gave me! See?” She showed him the book he had left her the other night to read if she wanted. It was a short novel- under two hundred pages, but still exciting. It was about humans, which had always seemed to fascinate Vivia. 

“That’s good, darling,” Cassius said, as she climbed onto his lap and he held her close. “Do you want me to buy you another?”

At this suggestion, Vivia nodded eagerly. “Yes, please!”

With a chuckle, Cassius ruffled her hair, earning himself a pouty look from his daughter. “I’ll get you another from the bookstore down the road,” He decided. “They have a whole section, you know.”

Vivia’s eyes lit up. “Can we get allll of them?” She asked, bouncing up and down on his lap. Cassius shook his head fondly. “We don’t want them to run out of stock, Vivi! I’ll buy you three more to keep you entertained for a bit, okay?”

His daughter still seemed ecstatic to hear this, and she stood up in front of him. “Thanks, Dad!”

Cassius smiled softly as Vivia ran off. He loved this girl with all his heart, that was for sure.

***

The next day, Cassius and Vivia were on their way to the bookstore they had been speaking of- Lady Lyra’s Literature Haven. It was a store that had been around for years now- Cassius could vaguely remember coming here when he was a teenager with his few friends that he had at that time.

He smiled wistfully at those memories. He missed those days, sometimes, just hanging out with Luc, Kerry and-

Cassius willed the last names to leave his mind. He didn’t think about those two much anymore. Not after what happened during their Elite Levels…

He forced himself to focus back on Vivia, who was gazing around curiously as they entered the bookstore. He guided his daughter over to the section he had been speaking of yesterday- it was dedicated to fantasy, and there was a small selection of books written about humans and their adventures.

“Look!” Vivia gasped, pointing at one of the covers. “It’s a human!” 

Cassius smiled softly, his heart melting at how excited his daughter looked. “Yes,” He nodded. “They don’t always have blue eyes like us, do they?”

Vivia shook her head as she took the book off the shelf. Cassius picked out two more books for her, after skimming through the blurb on the back to make sure they’d be appropriate for a ten-year-old.

Once the selection was finished, Cassius led the bouncing Vivia to the front of the store, where there was a tired-looking woman sitting in front of a desk. Cassius requested to buy the three books, handed the money to the employee and then set off with Vivia.

If only they knew.

***

Cassius had begun walking back to the apartment when he felt Vivia’s hand slip out of his own. He sighed softly as he turned towards his daughter to tell her gently to stay with him, but froze.

Vivia’s mouth was covered by somebody’s hand as she was yanked backwards into one of the many Atlantic alleyways.

Cassius immediately darted after his daughter.

“Get back here,” He snapped. “Don’t-”

He was interrupted by the sight in front of him. Vivia was being held against a person’s chest tightly. The said person was clad in black- a dark cloak, tall boots and long but thin gloves. Cassius couldn’t see the person’s face. Damn addlers, he thought to himself.

“Do. Not. Touch. Her,” He said in a cold voice.

The person chuckled darkly, before speaking. “I don’t think I want to do that,” They whispered. Their voice was distorted and unrecognizable. 

“What are you going to do to her?” Cassius demanded. He was hiding his panic and worry for his daughter under a mask of anger.

“Oh, Cassius,” They said Cassius in such a tone that almost made him wonder if he really knew this person.

He didn’t take the time to think and lunged forward, but the cloaked figure sidestepped with another soft laugh. “Oh, Cassius… ever the impulsive one…”

Vivia tried to call out for her father, but her mouth was still being covered and her voice was muffled.

“Don’t you dare-” Cassius tried to say, but once again he was interrupted. 

“Silence.”

Cassius tried to speak but found he couldn’t. Then, as if it was against his own will, he was backing away, pressing himself against a wall.

Mesmer, he thought. A Mesmer, just like-

Cassius couldn’t bear to think that it was his old friend that was holding his daughter captive. But the person dropped something and for a flash of a moment Cassius saw a lock of blond hair before the addler was retrieved.

Cassius went deathly pale. No, no, no… This couldn’t be happening, not G-

“I’m going to make her choke herself,” The person whispered. “She’s going to wrap her hand around her throat and she’s going to die a painful, painful death, Cassius…”

“Don’t!” Cassius managed to scream before he was silenced yet again. But he couldn’t let this happen to his darling Vivia- who was looking more freaked out by the moment-. He couldn’t.

It was too late.

Vivia’s eyes widened as she unwillingly raised her hands towards her throat. Her hands wrapped around her small neck and Cassius couldn’t even cry out as she began to squeeze.

Tears fell from Cassius’ eyes, and he couldn’t care enough to stop them. Vivia looked terrified- so, so terrified as she fought against the Mesmer. 

Vivia’s face was paling, then it began turning a different colour entirely. It went from ghastly white to pale purple to-

The figure released her mental hold on both Vivia and Cassius just as Vivia’s legs gave out from beneath her. Cassius ran forward, desperate to save his daughter. 

“Vivia, Vivi, darling,” He whispered, cradling her head gently. “It’s okay, Dad’s here, you’re going to be safe, okay?”

Vivia’s pale blue eyes blinked up at him one last time before they fluttered closed. She mumbled a faint ‘Dad…’ before she drew in a rattling breath and all was still.

***

Cassius screamed.

It was a sound of pure fury, of grief, of hate.

He buried his face in Vivia’s hair, resisting the urge to shake her. He knew she wouldn’t answer.

“You did this!” Cassius yelled at the figure. “You murdered my daughter!”

The figure just chuckled softly. “You should know better than to get attached to children, my love…”

Then they were gone, disappearing as quickly as Vivia’s life had.

***

After that day, Cassius made a promise to himself.

He wouldn’t let this happen again. He wouldn’t get attached. 

He wouldn’t love ever again.

[saturnville]

II. Whispers in the Halls

→ pairing: Coriolanus Snow x Lyra Ravenshroud (blackfem oc)

→ tags: @snowlandsontopp @babyzzlove @hlstead @rosewine-5 @unicornqueen05 @thegabbyh @neeville @fastlikealambo @urfavesim

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In the days following the inauguration, the Capitol buzzed with anticipation. Whispers of collaboration between President Snow and Senator Ravenshroud echoed through the grand halls, a symphony of intrigue that played beneath the veneer of political decorum. The sounds of whispers did not fall on deaf ears. She heard them gossipping about her connection to the president, about how they interacted, how their eyes lingered even when their mouths stopped moving. She refused to let it bother her, though. There was no way she would.

Lyra found herself immersed in a whirlwind of meetings and discussions, her advocacy for reform gaining momentum. The Capitol elite watched with a mix of curiosity and skepticism as she navigated the intricate web of politics. She could tell that the fight to get her agenda pushed would be a difficult one. The Capitol was heavy-set in their beliefs that the Districts were full of primitive and uncivilized beasts who were out to set the Capitol ablaze. It was her job to shift their mindset and bridge the gap. The Capitol was supposed to be the people's government. Not the tyrannical force that abused its constituents. Coriolanus, always several steps ahead, observed the unfolding dynamics with a calculating eye

One evening, as the Capitol bathed in the soft glow of artificial lights, Coriolanus sought out Lyra amidst the labyrinthine corridors. He found her in the Senate library, surrounded by the hushed tones of literature and the weight of impending change. In her hands was a 13th-century constitutional document from a nation on the other side of the world. The pages were old and ragged; the sound thick with every turn of the page. His eyebrows raised in astonishment. What was a young woman doing reading the Magna Carta for pleasure?

"Senator Ravenshroud," Coriolanus greeted, his voice cutting through the quiet ambiance. Lyra looked up from the ancient text in her hands, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "May I join you?"

"Of course, President Snow." Lyra gestured to the seat opposite her. Her hands scrambled to make room for him. She gently closed the book and placed it on top of the stack of other constitutional documents. The library, a haven of knowledge and secrets, became the backdrop for a conversation that would shape the course of their alliance.

As Coriolanus took his seat, he couldn't help but be drawn to the warmth in Lyra's eyes. He cleared his throat as he prepared to speak. "Your vision for reform has stirred quite the conversation in the Capitol," he remarked, his tone a careful balance between diplomacy and genuine curiosity. Coriolanus was a smart man. He found himself able to piece together her vision even though she had not fully shared the details. He was, too, a young spectacle with a plan for prosperity.

Lyra's brown eyes met his, and she leaned forward, her voice a measured cadence. "Change is often met with resistance, but it is a necessary catalyst for progress. The Capitol has the potential for a brighter future, one that reflects the needs of all citizens." The rehearsed political jargon would not work with her. She was too smart--street-wise and educationally, to fall for the propaganda and politically insensitive nonsense the Capitol spewed. If President Snow was so insistant on changing the way the government handled business, he'd have to be willing to actually promote change. It was a simple concept, she believed.

Coriolanus found himself captivated by the sincerity in her words. The dance of power, intricate and delicate, continued in the quiet corners of the library. The whispers in the halls were only the prelude to a symphony of change that awaited its crescendo.

The air between them crackled with an unspoken tension, a palpable energy that hovered like a veil. Coriolanus studied Lyra, the way her gaze held unwavering determination, and the tension became a silent agreement—they were players in a game of power, each understanding the moves and countermoves. Aware of the potential moves the other could make and prepared to shift the course of the game if necessary. Her jaw ticked slightly.

Lyra, unfazed by the weight of the room, broke the silence. "President Snow, your support is crucial for these reforms to become a reality. I trust that our collaboration will yield the changes the Capitol so desperately needs." Her tone suggested his lack of choice in the matter, which further sparked his interest. How bold she was, he thought, to make it seem as if her plans were concrete and could not be altered.

Coriolanus leaned back, his fingers steepled together as he regarded her. "Trust, Senator Ravenshroud, is a currency in short supply in the Capitol. What assurances can you offer that your vision won't crumble under the weight of political realities?"

Lyra's smile remained, but there was a glint in her eyes—a spark of defiance. "Assurances in politics are fleeting. That you should know, Mr. President. You were a mentor in the Games, were you not? But my commitment to this cause is unwavering. I believe that even the most entrenched systems can be reshaped with persistence and strategic alliances. That is, if you want the people of Panem to see that their leader is truthful and not a liar. The choice is yours, President Snow."

A sound fell from his lips. The mix of a chuckle and a scoff--she couldn't tell. Lyra was a powerhouse in the making, that he was sure of. She stood strong and did not waver when her ideas were challenged. Anyone else would have quivered at the mere thought of counterarguing with the President of Panem. But Lyra held no fear. It was like she saw himself on his level. And that was intriguing.

The tension between them, the subtle dance of words and glances, became the undercurrent of a partnership that teetered on the edge. As they delved into the intricacies of Lyra's role, the library witnessed a clash of ideologies—a clash that held the promise of change and the allure of something more.

With a quiet sigh, Lyra began to gather her things, "It was nice speaking with you, Mr. President. I look forward to discussing the plan and its implementation with you further. Enjoy your evening."

She was gone before he could reply. And he was left to himself with the whispers in the halls that grew louder and carried the echoes of a future yet to unfold.

[affairs-of-dragons]

A sliver of moonlight, filtered through a crack in the cavern wall, fell across Sparks’s face, stirring them from sleep. They blinked their bright blue eyes, disoriented for a moment. The world swam back into focus – the rough-hewn walls of their cozy alcove, the soft moss that served as their bed, the familiar scent of honeysuckle that always seemed to permeate the air. They stretched, tiny horn buds brushing against the moss, and yawned, a small puff of smoke escaping their nostrils. Their green scales, still a bit rumpled from sleep, shimmered faintly in the dim light. Lyra had already dressed them; they felt the familiar comfort of their loose dungarees and the soft cotton of their shirt. They shifted slightly, a faint rustling sound accompanying the movement.

They sat up, their tail wrapping nervously around their leg. The small, smooth stone they always kept close was tucked under their makeshift pillow of woven grasses. They picked it up, clutching it tightly in their paw, a small comfort against the rising tide of worry. What if I mess up? What if they don't like it? What if— The anxious thoughts were familiar, a storm threatening to brew in their young mind. It was time. Lyra had said so. But the thought of facing them—Jinx, and even more so, Lyra herself—made their stomach churn.

The cavern itself was a study in contrasts. Jagged rock formations, glistening with moisture, jutted out from the walls, a reminder of the raw, untamed world outside. Yet, the floor was covered in soft moss and meticulously arranged flagstones, a touch of order imposed upon the chaos of nature. Luminous fungi, like otherworldly lanterns, pulsed with a soft, eerie light, casting long, dancing shadows that flickered across the walls. A small stream, its water sparkling like liquid moonlight, trickled through the center of the cavern, its gentle murmur a counterpoint to the frantic beat of Sparks’s heart. It was a place Lyra had fashioned, a sanctuary carved from the wild, a blend of fierce protection and carefully curated control.

From a shadowed alcove, Lyra observed Sparks. Her emerald green scales, faded slightly with age, shimmered softly in the dim light. Her amber eyes, ancient and wise, held a flicker of concern, but her expression remained carefully neutral. She wore her usual shawl of deep purple, the woven fabric draped gracefully around her powerful frame. She watched as the hatchling shifted nervously from paw to paw, their tail twitching like a trapped bird. Lyra knew Sparks’s anxieties, understood the swirling storm of doubts that plagued their young mind. She had created this sanctuary for them, a safe haven from the harsh realities of the world, but sometimes she wondered if her protection was doing more harm than good.

Jinx, meanwhile, was conspicuously absent. He was likely off somewhere, meticulously organizing his pouches or honing some skill, preparing for whatever task Lyra had set before them. The thought of the kobold’s sharp wit and critical eye added another layer of anxiety to Sparks’s already overflowing cup.

Lyra cleared her throat, the sound resonating softly through the cavern. "Sparks," she said, her voice deep and gentle, "are you ready?"

Sparks flinched at the sound of Lyra’s voice, their tail tightening around their leg. They looked up, their bright blue eyes wide and a little apprehensive. "I… I think so," they stammered, their voice barely a whisper. They shifted slightly, the soft rustling of fabric the only other sound in the quiet cavern. Their gaze darted around the space, avoiding Lyra’s direct stare. The luminous fungi pulsed gently, their eerie glow illuminating the familiar surroundings, yet everything felt different, charged with an unspoken tension.

Lyra inclined her head slightly, her expression softening. "There is no need to be afraid, little one," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "I know you are nervous, but you are strong, and you are capable. Remember what we discussed."

Sparks nodded, their gaze flickering back to the smooth stone clutched tightly in their paw. Strong. Capable. The words echoed in their mind, but they felt… distant. Like something they were supposed to be, rather than something they truly were. They took a deep breath, trying to calm the frantic beating of their heart. "I… I remember," they managed to say, their voice a little stronger this time.

"Good," Lyra said, a hint of approval in her tone. "Now, tell me what you are going to do."

Sparks hesitated, their gaze drifting to the small stream trickling through the cavern. The water shimmered invitingly, but they knew they couldn't get distracted. This was important. Lyra was watching them, her amber eyes holding both encouragement and expectation. They took another deep breath and tried to focus on what Lyra had told them. "I… I'm going to… to… help," they said, their voice still a little shaky. "I'm going to… to… to… make sure everything is… is… ready." The words tumbled out in a rush, the stutter betraying their nervousness.

Lyra smiled, a gentle curve of her lips. "That is a very good start, Sparks," she said, her voice warm and encouraging. "But perhaps you could be a little more specific. What kind of arrangement are you thinking of?"

Sparks hesitated, their gaze flickering back to the berries. They were a vibrant mix of reds, blues, and purples, their sweet scent mingling with the honeysuckle that permeated the cavern air. "I… I thought… maybe… by color?" they suggested, their voice still a little hesitant. "Or… or maybe… by size?"

Lyra nodded thoughtfully. "Those are both excellent ideas," she said. "But consider the purpose of the berries. They are not merely decorative. They are meant to nourish and sustain those who will be working here."

Sparks’s brow furrowed slightly. They hadn't thought about that. They had been so focused on the how of the arrangement that they had forgotten the why. They glanced at Lyra, their blue eyes searching for guidance, but the elder dragon’s expression remained carefully neutral. She wanted Sparks to figure this out on their own.

"Perhaps… perhaps I should… group them… by… by… nutritional value?" Sparks suggested, their voice gaining a little confidence. "Like… the ones that are high in… in… energy… together?"

Lyra’s smile widened slightly. "That is an excellent suggestion, Sparks," she said. "That shows you are thinking about the needs of others. Now, tell me, how will you determine which berries are high in energy?"

Sparks’s mind raced. They knew some berries were more nutritious than others, but they weren't sure how to tell the difference just by looking at them. They glanced around the cavern again, their gaze landing on a small, worn book tucked away in a corner. It was Lyra’s book, filled with information about the plants and creatures of this world.

"I… I can… consult… your book," Sparks said, their voice a little stronger now. "The one about… about… the… the… flora and fauna?"

Lyra nodded approvingly. "A wise choice, Sparks," she said. "Knowledge is a powerful tool. Use it wisely."

Sparks felt a surge of relief wash over them. They had found a solution! They stood up, their tail unwrapping from their leg, and took a tentative step towards the corner where the book was kept. "I'll… I'll go… get it now," they said, their voice almost steady.

As they moved towards the corner, they noticed a small, glinting object nestled amongst the pages of the book. It was a shard of a brightly colored eggshell, a familiar pattern etched into its surface. Sparks paused, their heart skipping a beat. They recognized that pattern. It was the same pattern as…

A sharp, impatient voice cut through their thoughts. "Sparks! Are you dawdling? We don't have all day!"

Jinx stood near the entrance to the cavern, his arms crossed, a look of thinly veiled impatience on his face. His reddish-brown scales gleamed in the light, and his belt, overflowing with pouches, jangled softly as he moved. He fixed Sparks with a piercing stare, his crimson eyes narrowed. "Lyra wants this done quickly," he said, his voice sharp and critical. "So, unless you want to face her… displeasure… I suggest you get a move on."

Lyra nodded slowly, her gaze unwavering. "And how will you do that?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm.

Sparks’s mind raced. They knew what Lyra wanted to hear, but the words seemed to catch in their throat. They glanced around the cavern, their gaze landing on a small pile of brightly colored berries near the alcove where Jinx usually worked. "I… I can… I can… arrange the… the berries," they said, their voice gaining a little confidence. "Make sure they are… are… are… ready for… for…" They trailed off, unsure of what came next.

Lyra waited patiently, her expression neutral. She knew Sparks needed to find their own way, but her overprotective instincts made her want to step in and guide them. She resisted the urge, knowing that Sparks needed to learn to trust their own abilities. But the silence stretched, heavy with unspoken expectation, and Sparks felt a familiar tightness in their chest.

"For… for… the others," Sparks finally finished, their voice barely above a whisper. They looked up at Lyra, their blue eyes pleading for reassurance. "Is that… is that right?"

Jink sighed. "Sparks, please. She is a guide, not a… a crutch," he said.

Sparks froze, Jinx's words piercing through their newfound confidence like a shard of ice. Their tail wrapped tightly around their leg again, and they felt a sudden warmth spreading below their belly, a warmth that had nothing to do with the cavern's humid air. They clutched the smooth stone even tighter, their knuckles turning white. Jinx's impatience, his thinly veiled disdain, always had this effect on them. It was as if all the progress they had made, all the newfound determination, evaporated in an instant, leaving them feeling small and inadequate.

They glanced at Lyra, hoping for a word of support, but the elder dragon remained silent, her expression unreadable. Sparks swallowed, a lump forming in their throat. They took a deep breath, trying to steady their nerves, but the warmth spreading below their belly made it difficult to concentrate. They shifted slightly, hoping to alleviate the discomfort, but it only seemed to make it worse.

"I… I'm going," they stammered, their voice barely a whisper. They tore their gaze away from Jinx's critical stare and focused on the book, a beacon of hope in the suddenly oppressive atmosphere. They took a hesitant step forward, then another, their movements stiff and awkward. They could feel Jinx's eyes on them, a palpable weight on their back. They reached the corner and fumbled for the book, their paws trembling slightly. They pulled it out, the worn leather cover cool against their scales. As they opened it, the glinting shard of eggshell caught their eye again, a reminder of something they couldn't quite grasp.

"Sparks," Jinx said, his voice laced with impatience but not unkindly, "Lyra needs those berries sorted. Do you need any help finding the information?" He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, a subtle sign of his restlessness.

Sparks flinched slightly, the warmth below their belly spreading further. They quickly averted their gaze from the eggshell and focused on the book's pages, the intricate diagrams and detailed descriptions a welcome distraction from Jinx's scrutiny. They scanned the text, their eyes searching for information about the different types of berries and their nutritional value. They needed to do this right. They needed to prove… something… but the warmth, the tightness, the weight of unspoken expectations… it was all becoming too much.

Sparks took a deep breath, trying to regain their composure. They needed to focus. They needed to be strong. But as they looked down at the book, their vision blurred, and a single tear escaped their eye, tracing a warm path down their cheek.

Jinx watched Sparks, a flicker of something unreadable in his crimson eyes. He wasn't intentionally trying to pressure the hatchling, but Lyra's expectations weighed on him too. He knew Sparks was trying, but the slow, hesitant movements grated on his nerves. He prided himself on efficiency, on getting things done quickly and correctly, and Sparks's apparent dithering felt like a personal affront. He knew it wasn't fair, knew Sparks was young and still learning, but he couldn't quite suppress his impatience.

He shifted his weight again, the pouches on his belt jingling softly. "If you're having trouble finding the information," he said, his voice a little softer this time, "perhaps I could help. I'm quite familiar with Lyra's… library." He emphasized the word "library" with a hint of dry humor, a subtle jab at Lyra's tendency to hoard knowledge.

Sparks shook their head, their gaze still fixed on the book. "No… no, I… I think I… I think I have it," they stammered, wiping the tear from their cheek with the back of their paw. They pointed to a passage in the book, their claw trembling slightly. "These… these berries… are high in… in… energy," they said, their voice a little steadier now. "And… and these… are good for… for… boosting… stamina."

Jinx leaned closer, peering at the book. "Hmm," he murmured, his brow furrowed. "Yes, you're right. Those are indeed the energizing berries. And those… yes, good for stamina. Lyra will be pleased." He straightened up, a hint of relief in his posture. At least something was getting done.

Sparks felt a flicker of pride at Jinx's approval, but it was quickly followed by a wave of unease. They had identified the berries, but that was only the first step. Now they had to arrange them, and they had to do it right. They glanced at the pile of berries, a vibrant mix of colors and shapes, and their mind went momentarily blank. Where to even begin?

They looked at Lyra, hoping for some guidance, but the elder dragon remained in her alcove, her gaze fixed on Sparks, her expression unreadable. Sparks swallowed, a knot forming in their stomach. They knew Lyra wanted them to do this on their own, but the pressure was building. They felt Jinx's eyes on them, and they knew he was waiting, observing. They took a deep breath, trying to calm their nerves. They glanced at the berries again, then back at the book. They knew what they had to do. They just had to… start.

Sparks took another deep breath, trying to quiet the frantic beating of their heart. They reminded themselves of what Lyra had said – strong, capable. The words still felt distant, but they clung to them like a lifeline. They looked at the berries again, trying to focus on the task at hand. Energy… stamina… They remembered the diagrams in the book, the way the berries were categorized. They just needed to… organize them.

They picked up a bright red berry, its skin smooth and shiny. According to the book, this one was packed with energy. They placed it on a nearby flat stone, then picked up another red berry and placed it next to the first. They continued, carefully sorting the red berries, separating them from the blues and purples. It was a small step, but it was a start.

Jinx watched Sparks, his expression softening slightly. He could see the hatchling was trying, and he felt a pang of sympathy. He knew what it was like to feel overwhelmed, to feel the weight of expectations pressing down on you. He just wished Sparks would be a little more… efficient.

As Sparks worked, their movements became a little less hesitant, a little more fluid. They started to get into a rhythm, their paws moving automatically as they sorted the berries. The task, once daunting, now felt manageable, almost… soothing. The vibrant colors, the sweet scent, the feel of the berries in their paws… it was all a welcome distraction from their anxieties.

They finished sorting the red berries and moved on to the blues. These were the stamina boosters, according to the book. They picked one up, its skin cool and smooth, and placed it on another stone, creating a separate pile. They continued sorting, their movements becoming more confident with each berry they placed.

Lyra watched Sparks, a hint of pride in her amber eyes. She could see the hatchling was finding their way, learning to trust their own abilities. She knew Sparks still had a long way to go, but this was a significant step. They were learning to manage their anxieties, to focus on the task at hand, to find their own strength.

Sparks finished sorting the blue berries and looked at the two piles, a sense of accomplishment washing over them. They had done it! They had arranged the berries according to their nutritional value, just like Lyra had wanted. They looked at Lyra, their blue eyes shining with pride.

Lyra smiled, a warm, genuine smile that reached her eyes. "Well done, Sparks," she said, her voice filled with approval. "You have done a fine job."

Sparks beamed, their heart swelling with happiness. Lyra’s praise meant the world to them. They had proven themselves. They were strong. They were capable.

Jinx nodded in agreement. "Yes, Sparks," he said, a hint of grudging admiration in his voice. "You've done well."

Sparks felt a surge of warmth at Jinx's words, but it was a different kind of warmth this time, a warmth of acceptance, of belonging. They had faced their anxieties, they had completed the task, and they had earned the approval of both Lyra and Jinx. They felt a sense of peace settle over them, a quiet confidence that they hadn't felt before. They were still a hatchling, still learning, but they were also growing, becoming stronger, more capable. And that, they realized, was enough.

Lyra stepped out of her alcove, her emerald scales gleaming softly in the dim light. She approached Sparks, her movements deliberate and graceful. "You have shown great initiative and resourcefulness, Sparks," she said, her voice warm and approving. "I am proud of you."

Sparks beamed, their heart swelling with happiness. Lyra's praise was a balm to their anxieties, a validation of their efforts. They looked up at the elder dragon, their blue eyes shining with gratitude.

Jinx shifted his weight, a subtle sign of his impatience. He cleared his throat, drawing Lyra's attention. "Lyra," he said, "if I may, I believe I have completed the inventory of the storeroom. The supplies are well-stocked, but I did notice a slight discrepancy in the number of—"

Lyra raised a paw, cutting him off. "Thank you, Jinx," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "I appreciate your diligence. However, I would like to speak with Sparks privately for a moment."

Jinx nodded curtly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. He glanced at Sparks, his crimson eyes unreadable, then turned and strode towards the cavern entrance, his pouches jingling softly with each step. "I will be outside, should you require my assistance," he said, his voice clipped.

Sparks watched Jinx go, a knot of apprehension forming in their stomach. They knew Lyra wanted to speak with them alone, and they couldn't help but worry about what she might say. Had they done something wrong? Were they in trouble? The warmth below their belly intensified, and they shifted slightly, trying to alleviate the discomfort.

Lyra noticed Sparks's unease and placed a reassuring paw on their shoulder. "Do not worry, little one," she said, her voice gentle. "This is not a reprimand. I simply wish to speak with you in private."

Sparks looked up at Lyra, their blue eyes filled with uncertainty. They nodded slowly, their tail wrapping nervously around their leg.

Lyra smiled softly. "Come," she said, leading Sparks towards her alcove. "Let us have a chat."

Sparks followed Lyra, their heart pounding in their chest. They couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen. They glanced back at the cavern entrance, where Jinx had disappeared, and a shiver ran down their spine. They were alone with Lyra now, and they had no idea what to expect.

Lyra led Sparks back to their cozy alcove, a small, dimly lit space tucked away in a corner of the cavern. The soft moss floor felt cool and comforting under their paws as they approached their makeshift bed. Sparks sat down gingerly, their tail wrapping around their legs like a protective shield. Lyra knelt beside them, her warm amber eyes fixed on Sparks's face.

"Sparks," she said, her voice gentle, "I know you're feeling a little overwhelmed right now. It's a lot to take in, especially for a hatchling as young as you."

Sparks nodded, their eyes downcast. They were feeling a lot of things – anxiety, discomfort, a sense of being overwhelmed. But most of all, they felt a growing warmth below their belly, a telltale sign of their distress. They didn't want to burden Lyra with their worries, though. They wanted to be strong, to show her that they could handle it.

Lyra placed her hand on Sparks's shoulder, a gentle touch that sent a wave of warmth through them. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed," she said, her voice soft. "We all feel that way sometimes. But you're a strong little dragon, and you can handle anything that comes your way."

Sparks looked up at Lyra, a flicker of hope in their eyes. "You think so?" they asked, their voice barely a whisper.

Lyra smiled, a genuine, warm smile. "I know so," she said. "But even the strongest dragons need a little help sometimes. And that's where I come in."

Sparks's eyes widened slightly. They knew Lyra was a kind and caring dragon, but they hadn't expected her to… do this. They glanced down at their dungarees, the warmth below their belly intensifying. They knew what was coming, and they felt a wave of embarrassment wash over them.

"I… I can do it," Sparks stammered, their voice barely audible. They fidgeted with the hem of their dungarees, their claws tracing the outline of the pockets.

Lyra tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes searching Sparks's face. "Do what, little one?" she asked gently.

Sparks hesitated, their cheeks flushing a pale green. "I… I can… undress myself," they mumbled, avoiding Lyra's gaze.

Lyra smiled softly. "I know you can, Sparks," she said. "But sometimes it's nice to have a little help, isn't it?"

Sparks looked up at Lyra, their blue eyes filled with uncertainty. They knew Lyra was right, but the thought of being undressed in front of her, of revealing their… needs… made them feel incredibly vulnerable.

Lyra seemed to sense their hesitation. "Sparks," she said, her voice taking on a slightly firmer tone, "it's alright. There's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just a part of being a hatchling."

Sparks nodded slowly, their tail unwrapping slightly from their leg. They took a deep breath and began to unbutton their dungarees, their paws fumbling with the buttons. As they pulled the fabric down, a wave of cool air hit their scales, and they shivered involuntarily. They glanced at Lyra, their eyes pleading for understanding.

Lyra's expression softened. "It's alright, Sparks," she said, her voice soothing. "I'm here for you."

Sparks took another deep breath and finished removing their dungarees, letting them fall to the moss floor. They stood there, exposed and vulnerable, their pale green underbelly and the damp patch on their diaper in full view. They felt a wave of shame wash over them, but Lyra's presence, her warmth and acceptance, helped to ease the sting.

Lyra gently lifted Sparks onto her lap, their tail wrapping around her waist for support. They felt safe in her embrace, their anxieties fading away. The warmth below their belly, once a source of shame, now felt strangely comforting, a reminder of Lyra's care.

Lyra removed Sparks's diaper, revealing the soft, pale green skin of their belly. She gently wiped away any moisture with a damp cloth, her touch gentle and reassuring.

Sparks closed their eyes, the sensation of Lyra's touch both comforting and oddly exciting. They felt a wave of something unfamiliar wash over them, something deeper than the usual anxieties and fears. It was a strange mix of vulnerability and acceptance, of being seen and cared for in a way they hadn't experienced before. It was unsettling, yes, but also… freeing. Like a weight had been lifted, a knot untied. They leaned into Lyra's touch, their small body trembling slightly, not with fear, but with a strange mix of relief and something akin to… joy.

Lyra continued her ministrations, her touch gentle and practiced. Sparks felt the cool dampness of the cloth, followed by the soft warmth of a fresh diaper. They were vaguely aware of Lyra's murmured words, soothing sounds that washed over them like a gentle lullaby. They felt themselves relaxing, their muscles unclenching, their breathing slowing. The cavern, once filled with tension and expectation, now felt like a haven of peace and security.

Lyra finished securing the fresh diaper and gently helped Sparks back into their dungarees. She adjusted the straps carefully, ensuring they weren't too tight, her touch lingering for a moment on Sparks's shoulder. "There we go," she said, her voice soft and warm. "All clean and dry."

Sparks opened their eyes, their gaze meeting Lyra's. The elder dragon's amber eyes held a depth of understanding and affection that Sparks had never noticed before. They felt a surge of warmth, not the uncomfortable warmth of anxiety, but a comforting warmth that spread through their chest and down to their toes. They leaned into Lyra's touch, their head resting against her shoulder.

"Thank you, Lyra," they whispered, their voice thick with emotion.

Lyra smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. "You're welcome, little one," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's what I do."

Sparks, still feeling that unfamiliar sense of peace and acceptance, let Lyra help them with the dungaree straps, their paws fumbling with the buttons. They felt a warmth in their cheeks, but this time it was a blush of gratitude, not embarrassment.

Lyra, sensing Sparks's shift in mood, gently patted their shoulder. "Now," she said, her voice regaining its usual warmth and authority, "I believe we have some important matters to attend to. There's a new project I'd like to introduce you to, something that will require your unique talents."

Sparks straightened up, their eyes widening with curiosity. "A new project?" they asked, their voice filled with a newfound eagerness. The anxieties hadn't vanished entirely, but they felt manageable now, a distant hum compared to the symphony of emotions they had experienced just moments before.

Lyra nodded, a mischievous glint in her amber eyes. "Indeed," she said. "Something quite exciting, I assure you. But first, perhaps a bit of breakfast? I believe those berries you sorted are just the thing to fuel our endeavors."

Sparks smiled, a genuine, happy smile. "Yeah. Let's eat!"

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Do you remember the asks I sent a while ago about how another hero would have risen faster if Zelda had let link die in the calamity and the new hero’s « imaginary friend » was the spirit of botw link acting as the companion for the new hero? And how it would make botw link’s family feel? Do you think you could write something with that?

(@wildsage00 @luckybyrdrobyn @artisticgamer)

There was chatter of a strange swordsman amongst the gossipers in Hateno.

Abel was wary of it. He didn't like when there was "exciting" news in Hateno. He preferred it when the village was quiet. It had been quiet for so long, any change in the status quo immediately put him on edge.

He could only handle so much these days. Hylia knew Lyra was enough of a handful.

It had been fifteen years since the Calamity. Fifteen years since he'd lost nearly everything, fifteen years since he'd failed in his duty as a knight, as a husband, and as a parent, fifteen years since he'd buried his soldiers, civilians, his father-in-law, his wife, and his son all within the span of a few weeks.

He still had never spoken of it since then.

In a way, it was foolish of him not to bring it up. Clearly Lyra was just as affected as him, and she had far more of her mother's temperament than his own. He handled the matter silently while she fell apart. He held her while she cried herself to sleep night after night, shivering from nightmares, begging him to make it better and find a way to bring her family back.

She'd stopped crying, after a while. He'd hoped it meant she was improving, but he knew better. His daughter's one saving grace was that both her parents were stubborn, and she had inherited that. It had been interesting, watching which child took after which parent and how they blended them together. Link had always been sensitive, and he had grown quiet under pressure, putting duty above all else like his father. Lyra had always been louder like her mother, understanding the importance of duty but always questioning it; despite this, she held much of her father in her, growing resistant, angry, driven, outright frightening in the face of pressure. She would rise to the challenge and destroy any obstacle in her way out of pure spite if she had to.

As the years had gone by, Lyra's stubbornness and anger came to a head in her adolescence, that horrid time when a desire to grow, naiveté to the world, and self centered viewpoint all mixed into a stubborn and emotional teenager who wouldn't listen.

Those years had been difficult. Abel and Lyra had fought many times, and he'd had to leave the village in search of her more often than he cared to recall. She'd been insistent on learning how to fight, on reclaiming Hyrule as if she could do so by herself, on picking up her brother's sword and killing Ganon singlehandedly.

Those years had... strained their relationship. But they were trying to rebuild. Abel had compromised, teaching her a little of how to fight. She patrolled the forest just outside of Hateno and fought off monsters. Every time she returned with excited tales of her victories his smile grew a little more. It was a fair arrangement, and it kept things quiet and peaceful.

Until the talk of a swordsman started.

Visitors to Hateno Village were a rarity. No one dared venture out of whatever safe haven they had found the first few years after the Calamity. Refugees trickled into town the first few years and Hateno could barely support them. It wasn't until close to a decade later that anyone dared explore once more, and that was when word spread of the dangers of travelers. Strangers were watched warily these days.

Abel washed some dirt off his hands by the pond as he listened to some women gossiping. He heard feet shuffling and glanced to see Uma, one of the village teenagers, approaching him.

"Sir Abel, Mom says there's a swordsman in town," she noted.

Abel hummed noncommittally in acknowledgement.

"Have you seen him?" Uma continued gently.

Abel sighed. Uma was one of the chattier kids in the village, and she found events outside of Hateno fascinating. Naturally, she gravitated towards those who had any sort of experience with the rest of the world, so Abel had been victim to her interrogations in the past. An exciting visitor was definitely likely to pique her interest. "No. And you'd best be careful about him."

Uma gave a small pout, nodding a little in acknowledgement before asking, "Do you know where Lyra is?"

As a matter of fact, Abel did not know. Given the current excitement buzzing through town, he probably should look for her. "No."

"Oh. Ok. Can I get you anything before I go, Sir Abel?"

Abel paused from drying his hands on his tunic. The question was spoken innocently from the lips of a child who didn't know any better, but its origin was something he didn't care to think about.

Hateno Village was not a large place. Everyone knew everyone. They had all known Abel and his family, they had all seen Link walk through town to get home with a legendary blade on his back. Though many didn't know the happenings of Hyrule, word spread of the Hero of Hyrule, the Princess' Champion, and his role in destiny. Just before the Calamity it had gotten bad enough that Link no longer spoke in to anyone in the village and barely uttered a word in the safety of his family's home. When everything had fallen apart...

Well. Abel didn't care for the way people looked at him. Most did so with pity. Some with curiosity, eager to hear what had actually happened. The mayor had been kind enough to prevent any sort of interrogation. Over the years the concern and nosiness had transferred to their children. Uma was a kind soul from a kind family, and had clearly been told that Abel was in need of help, and so she always offered when she could.

He hated it.

"No," he answered quietly, and the teenager traipsed off, likely in search of Lyra, unbothered by his short responses.

Sighing, the world weary man turned and nearly ran into yet another teenager, though he immediately realized this one was not from the village. Based on the boy's dark complexion and black hair, he looked like he could be from Lurelin Village, one of the few remaining hamlets in the entire country. He was built strong; though short in stature, his muscles were apparent, sculpted from training though still softened by youth. He wore garb from the fishing village, all the more confirmation to Abel, and, as suspected based on the rumors, he had a sword on his back alongside multiple travel supplies.

Abel watched the boy warily. He hadn't expected the swordsman to be this young, but he still didn't trust him. What was he doing here, anyway?

"Um... hi," the teenager said, shifting in place awkwardly. "I... heard that girl--Uma? She... she called you Sir Abel. Are you Sir Abel?"

"What do you want?" Abel asked, crossing his arms and staring the boy down.

The teenager shriveled a little under his gaze before glancing to his right, staring at something for a moment. He took a shaky breath, his hazel eyes darting back to Abel for a moment.

Something about this kid was off.

"My... I..." the kid tried awkwardly, and then gave a sharp bow. "Sorry! I'll leave now!"

With that, the boy rushed by him, heading for the village inn. Abel watched him go, hackles less raised than before as he grew bemused.

XXX

The inn was really nice. Like, much nicer than the one back home. Of course, he guessed more people came here. Hateno was more centrally located. Maybe that was it.

Link didn't know. All he knew was this place was so big and overwhelming. He missed home.

After paying for a place to rest, he dragged his feet upstairs, thankful that he had the place to himself. Then he looked hesitantly to his right. "I'm... I'm sorry. He's... I..."

"It's okay," came the always quiet voice as the Hero reappeared, eyes downcast. "He can be intimidating."

Link watched his companion worriedly. The Fallen Hero often had an air of sadness to him, but he usually tried to hide it behind a neutral face or a small smile. Today had been a nerve wracking day for both of them - as soon as he'd been given this new task he'd seen the tension in his companion increase, and he'd spoken even less.

"You said he was the captain of the guard," Link offered with a shrug, trying to cheer him up and also trying to figure this out. "I mean... captains sound intimidating."

The Hero huffed a little, not commenting, still gazing somewhere far beyond where Link could reach. He wondered if it had to do with the Hero's guilt. Link had seen his friend through the years, playing with him, and as he'd grown older the visits had been fewer and far between until the Hero had finally admitted his true destiny with reluctance. He had apologized, stating that the fault was his own, but had promised to be with him every step of the way. Link had found what answers he could from his family and his village, but not much was known about the Hero of Hyrule except that he, alongside all the other Champions, had been killed.

Link supposed the true issue, then, was that the Hero's guilt made him think that he had failed the captain of the royal guard. After all, he had been tasked with protecting not just Hyrule, but the princess specifically. Now she was trapped in the castle.

This entire side quest was... terrifying to Link. He had been traveling with his friend for a good while now, but after many battles and growing in strength, the Hero had said they needed to find Sir Abel, who would be able to help him find the legendary sword that they would need to defeat Ganon. That had led them to Hateno Village.

The idea of taking the mantle of Hero had not quite sunk in until he'd realized that once he accepted that sword, he accepted his destiny. Having to do so was already weighing heavily on him... having to speak to such a scary looking man didn't help.

He kind of looked like his friend, though. That was weird.

"I'll talk to him, I promise," Link said as he sat on the bed. "I just... need to come up with a good way to approach him. Got any tips?"

The Hero hugged himself, looking opposite of Link.

Well, great. His friend was really upset about this. Link sighed. "Hey. It's... don't feel bad about... him. The Calamity destroyed the entire country and killed all the Champions. You know that it's... it's okay, right?"

He'd been trying to have this conversation for a while now. It was obvious his companion bore the weight of the entire Calamity on his shoulders. He'd tried dancing around the subject, thanking him for his help, saying he was great fun to be around. It had been complicated at first - he'd wondered if the Hero had befriended him as a child just to manipulate him into doing his duty when he was older. But he knew this person - he knew the reason he'd befriended him was out of shame, not some devious ulterior motive. So he'd been trying to cheer him up, because any joy he'd seen in his friend had slowly drained out of him as their quest had progressed.

The Hero looked back at him, face stony.

Link huffed. "It's okay. I wouldn't expect you to stop an entire freaking army of guardians. They look really creepy."

"You haven't faced one yet."

"Yeah, yeah, so I don't know how strong they are, whatever," Link said dismissively. "They still look freakishly strong."

"That's why I've told you stay away from Central Hyrule."

"Okay, but like, there were a million of them at the fort on the way here."

The Hero grew silent.

"Did... did Sir Abel fight them?" Link asked hesitantly. When he got no response, he sighed. "We'll figure it out, okay? I'll get the sword."

"Please," his friend suddenly said. "Don't... don't try to do this for me. I don't want you to do this for me."

"You want me to do it for Hyrule?"

"I want you to choose to do it."

"I already did," Link answered immediately. "I chose this. And I'll, uh... choose to maybe try some of the local food and go fishing before I get near that guy again."

His companion chuckled, a rare smile pulling at his lips. "I'll think of a way you can approach him in the meantime."

"Great! You think about it so I don't have to," Link chirped happily, hopping to his feet. "Maybe we can talk at dinner?"

"You know I can't maintain my form that long."

"Breakfast?"

His companion pointed outside the window, and Link slowly walked to it. This was another trial, wasn't it?

"Get the spirit orb from the shrine," the Hero instructed. "I'll meet you after that."

"Spirit orb. Got it." Link nodded, turning to smile only to find himself alone in the room. He felt a little cold and empty all of a sudden, sad and lonely, but he tried to shake it off. He wished his friend could just stay with him, but he guessed it took work being a spirit in a land of... not spirits.

Link looked back outside, catching sight of the knight he was supposed to talk to. The man was wandering by the inn, throwing a wary glance its way. The fisherman gulped.

Later. He'd deal with it later. It was time to relax for the day, and then defeat the shrine in the morning so he could talk to his companion.

They'd figure this out together, like they always did.

[ask-spooky-manor]

Toby do you recall any memories from your past despite turning into a proxy for slendrman?

Lore unlocked: There are no proxies and Toby never lost his memories (transferring that character idea onto Lyra instead). Slender literally keeps finding young adults in a desperate need of a safe haven outside of society and took them in out of pity. Totally has no other ulterior motives nopeeeee

[lyrahaven]

The official title for my fourth book, coming in October of 2024, is These Dark Hours! (actual cover coming soon)

This book is a M/M paranormal romance about Alex, a reluctant psychic who just wants to run his bookshop in peace. Unfortunately, he can see ghosts and when he finds a dead body, he can't exactly explain to the cops that he found it because the ghost led him there. Add in the fact that the man he's been flirting with turns out to be a detective and his best friend is a snarky ghost with a trashy reality tv addiction and you've got a recipe for chaos!

Below is a tiny snippet from early on in the book. His living best friend, Raina, runs a coffeeshop called Buns 'n' Roses with her girlfriend, Camille. Alex has had a bad day and ends up in the hospital.

*********************************************************

As badly as I wanted to tell Raina, I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. I knew I could trust her, but what if I was wrong? I couldn’t lose her, but I couldn’t lie to her face, either.

“I… I found a dead body,” I whispered into the brittle silence. I couldn’t tell her the whole truth, but I could give her something.

“What?!” She clapped her hand over her mouth when it came out as a screech, belatedly stifling herself.

“Out by the lake,” I nodded. “I called the police, but I think I was in shock or something, so they took me here.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

“I wish I was fucking Sirius. The actor who played him in the movies was hot.”

Raina blinked and I could tell she was torn between laughing and slapping me. Both won, in the end, and she was fighting back a smile when she smacked my arm. “Alex, come on. You know what I mean.”

“I know. I just really, really want to forget about it. It was… fuck, Raina. It was bad.”

“What were you even doing out at the lake this early, though? You can barely drag yourself to the coffee shop before nine to meet up with Donovan. I mean, I’m gay as hell and can still see he’s worth getting out of bed for.”

“I mean, I was kind of hoping to be getting into bed with him, but…”

“Alex.” She didn’t smack my arm again, but I could tell it was close.

“You’ve got the whole ‘mom voice’ thing nailed. God help any kids you and Camille decide to have,” I teased. She didn’t take the bait this time, though, just leveled a steady glare at me until I subsided. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“So you decided to go walking in the middle of the night, in November, by a lake?”

Maybe she should be working with Donovan. At least I could practice my lies with her before the actual police inevitably came to question me. I was surprised they weren’t here already, honestly.

“I wanted to get to the old clearing. Remember the one I showed you, on the far side?” It wasn’t much, a tiny outcropping jutting out into the lake, but it was private. Only a few locals knew about it and most didn’t bother walking all that way when there was a perfectly good beach right by the entrance.

“It couldn’t have waited until after sunrise, though?” she pressed.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time. Aunt Lizzie was the one who first took me there, back when I was a kid. I guess I just needed to feel close to her for awhile.” Grief choked off my words. Even after six years, her death still hurt. At least I knew she’d forgive me for using her in a lie like this. She’d want me to protect myself.

“So you took off walking in the middle of the night. Ugh. Men,” Raina sighed, voice heavy with resignation. “You’ve literally watched crime shows with me and bitched about how stupid people are for going wandering in the woods.”

“It’s always the people out exercising and walking their dogs that find the dead bodies. That’s why I have a Netflix subscription and a cat,” I agreed.

*****************************************************************

[lostinwildflowers]

i. Romantic Flight- Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Katsuki is the Chieftain's son, and a lot of pressure is on his shoulders to be the best. He finds comfort in you; as you do in him. He can't bring himself to tell you his feelings until a threat imposes itself on your friendship.

ii. Dragon Island- Eijiro Kirishima x Reader

Kirishima is nothing but loving toward his dragon. When she disappears with no trace, he panics. When set out on a voyage to find her, he finds something he wasn't quite expecting.

iii. To Befriend A Dragon - Shoto Todoroki x Reader

Shoto will always deny his father's wishes to find the rarest Mystery Class dragon out there. You're his long-time best friend, and happen to have a dragon. Things grow more intense as your dragon grows more and more hostile towards your friend.

iv. A Dragon's Keeper - Toshinori Yagi x Reader - COMING SOON

A dragon's favorite snack becomes your main mission after discovering the kind-hearted master she belongs too. When you finally figure out the treat she so desires, you find yourself in a bit of a bind with her blonde-haired rider.

v. Found Families - Keigo Takami x Reader - COMING SOON

Your village is far into the mountains, set deep in a ravine where no outside forces ever could penetrate your safe haven. The force that protected your town and the skies above, Lyra, the Skrill, was then taken. You and your beloved, Keigo, set out to bring her home with some... unusual friends.

[vampseraph]

could i get some magical boy/girl themed npts? please and thank you!

magical boy/girl themed npts!

names

astra, ambrose, ember, celeste, selene, lumen, cassian, luna, lyra, zephyr, haven, kara, lucien, amethyst, astrid, calypso, cynthia, cosmo, elysia, galatea, juno, nova, fay, arion, espen, cedar, phoenix, indigo, orion, leo, kian, pandora, twyla, seraphina, caspian, sage

2. pronouns

ae/aer, fae/faer, hy/hym, shy/shyr, shine/shines, magic/magics, spell/spells, wing/wings, glitter/glitters, sweet/sweets, cheer/cheers, sing/sings, joy/joys, angel/angels, super/supers, pure/pures, cure/cures, pretty/prettys, cast/casts, wand/wand, staff/staffs, spark/sparks

3. titles

the magical girl/boy, savior of the world, prn who fights evil, prn who shines, prn with magic, prn adorned in glitter, prn who casts spells, the pure one, prn with good in prns heart, the pure of heart

[invisi-idol]

mlp - lyra heartstrings npt ! 🩵

requested by : @mod-ais-icons

₊˚⊹⋆ names :

amory / emory , elyra , eleni , harper , harpy / harpie , harpha / harpa , heaven , haven , cora , felicity , vega / vera / vada , violet , viola , daphne , despina , lyre , love , lyric , legacy , london , ingrid / sigrid , star , selena / selene / seline / selina , serenity , memory , melody , penelope , persephone

₊˚⊹⋆ pronouns :

cie / cier , che / cher , she / sher , sol / sols , shy / hyr , ki / kir , ke / ker , ve / ver , vey / vem , vae / vaer , dae / daer , ae / aer , fey / fem

harp / harps , heart / hearts , hear / hears , bird / birds , div / divine , dear / dears , light / lights , adore / adores , angel / angels , crown / crowns , chirp / chirps , note / notes , string / strings , song / songs , sing / sings , sun / suns , star / stars , lyre / lyres , lyric / lyrics , love / loves

🩵 / 🩵s

₊˚⊹⋆ titles :

the songbird , ( prn ) the songwriter , ( prn ) with / the gift of music , ( prns ) brilliance , ( prns ) excellence / excellency , the embodiment of greatness / music , the gentle storyteller , ( prn ) with the enchanting song / voice , the ( queen' s / king' s / monarch' s / royal ) harpist / entertainer

[kellycataclysm]

Does Harvey ever shave the moustache or grow a full beard?

Amazing question, thank you!

Lyra's Harvey never shaves his moustache off. A Harvey without his moustache is like an angel without wings.

I believe @doctor-aceus-art may have drawn a lil comic about this one time, forgive me if I am wrong!

I do think Lyra's Harvey uses lots of lovely products to shave his face. Sometimes I even toy with the idea that he could go all in and use one of those straight razors.

@shoddy0-0 wrote a really lovely one-shot about their oc sitting with Harvey while he shaves. I love that one.

Having said that, a full beard, this I can get behind. I think I can see Lyra's Harvey growing a full beard from time to time. In fact, once I was very close to writing a scene in which he had, just so I could write Lyra's reaction to it. (She would melt into a puddle, let's face it.) It was inspired by art that was shared on our Discord server by @crow-s-haven who draws the most lovely bearded Harvey.

As for Lyra's Harvey, the beard could still make an appearance, if I can work it in.

Thank you for this fun question! <3

[yuncheoligans-archive]

Haven

Fallen God!Park Seonghwa x Reader

w/c: 3211

Genre: Fallen God, enemies (?) to lovers, fluff, some angst, fantasy. (let me know if I missed something)

warnings: major character death, sickness... (again let me know if I missed anything.)

~Collab piece for @cromernet Elysium Falling~

a/n: This is my first time posting angst so I really hope it's okay! also thank you Chippie @jaehunnyy for being my first beta reader! I love you!!! I really liked this piece so I hope you guys do too. (2 for 1 on new works this month yay!)

~Masterlist~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trapped and forgotten, that was what his life had become. Trapped where no one would ever know about them. Forgotten by worshippers of the “Olympian Gods.” He and his brother had grown tired of people forgetting them, they lead the sailors where they needed to go and now they have turned their backs on them? Often they would disappear from the sky to lead the sailors astray, rebellion in their eyes, betrayal by the elders. This lead to their damnation in what is now called the “Devil’s Triangle.” Guarded by the demons under Hades control Seonghwa found new friends in those of his other “fallen” comrades. He had hatred in his heart, betrayal from them. “They turn their backs on us!? US!?” he yelled once more. “The very stars that lead them in the sky?!” “Hesperus-” his brother Eosphorus called. “I do not answer to that name!” he spat back. “What good will anger and resentment cause if we are trapped?” his brother called back with a roll of his eyes. “I’ll get out of here, one day I will.” the evening star growled.

As luck would have it, escaping eternal damnation monitored by Hades’ demons was not as easy as the evening star thought. Over the century he was locked away he and his cohorts found ways to leave unnoticed, however they would loose their otherworldly powers if they did, a metaphorical shackle if you will, eventually dragging him back to the wretched prison he was doomed to. He never found the mortal realm all that interesting either he just longed for his home in the sky again. He would often visit at night and stare off where he balanced in the sky directing those lonely sailors, he missed the view from the heavens. He would spend his nights staring at the sky hoping. Perhaps this is what remorse feels like, longing, loneliness. The cool ocean breeze hits the man standing in the sand, the smell of salt and the sound of waves crashing in the distance. Yes this feeling in his chest was longing, longing for what he once had.

“Now it should be around here somewhere, it’s been 18 years since it was last here.” a voice echoed in the distance. The star perked up at the noise. He came over the sand bank to see…a person? There you were, looking up at the night sky just as he was. “Hello.” I called out to the man peering over the sand. “What are you doing mortal?” he questioned. “Mortal?” I chuckled. “I see how you are. I’m looking at the stars, I’m trying to find one. It’s bright, hangs just along the horizon in the west.” He hung in the west, that was his sky. “I’m assuming you’re looking for a constellation.” he came a bit closer. “Oh no I know where those are, you see up there is the bears, Ursa Major and her cub Minor. Over there you’ll see Lacerta, Cygnus, Lyra, Vulpecula, and Anser….oh and over there you can just barely see Scorpio.” I smiled looking at all the stars, all my friends. “You know the stars?” he perked up. “I should hope so for an astronomer.” I smiled at the tall man. “I’ve studied for quite some time.” “That’s Sagitarrius.” he pointed. “Hmm?” “That’s not Scorpio, it’s Saggitarius.” he repeated. “Oh?” I took out my binoculars. “Oh…my mistake.” “Some Star Expert you are.” he scoffed. “Astronomer.” I corrected again. “Mortal.” “Oh and someone’s got their panties in a twist.” I rolled my eyes. “Do you have a name?” He’d been praticing for this moment. Just say it…Hwaseong. Mars. “Seonghwa.” DAMMIT. “Seonghwa? Well smartass it’s nice to meet a fellow astronomer.” “You?” he asked…although he couldn’t care- “y/n.” I said looking at the sky again. “Y/n.” “Well mortal I am actually-” “Oh I see it!” I shouted running past him into the waves looking at a bright star in the sky. Only…it wasn’t the star I wanted. “Maybe I should try again at dawn.” I sighed. “What star are you looking for fool?” the blonde hair man asked. “It doesn’t matter tonight….I’ve probably missed him already.”

For months Seonghwa would pester you when you came to look at the stars, his stars, his home. He would correct you on the constellations sometimes even if you weren’t wrong he’d find something to say. He’d tell you it was wrong and he’d roll his eyes as you correct yourself, but he’d also have a slight smile on his face.The slight teasing of “Mortal” on his lips. He always called you that, never by your name, you had adopted a rather odd nickname for him as well, “Stardust.” you said it’s because his head is in the clouds if you catch him staring long enough. He had told you if you like the stars so much why don’t you draw them, or even marry them he had joked.

A few months ago you had started drawing something everytime he saw you, it was strange someone drawing in the dark, the sea breeze much to strong to keep any candle lit long enough. You’d glance up and look back down at the strange parchment writing and drawing before repeating the action.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa asked coming up behind you. “Oh Christ!” you jumped. “A warning! You’re silent.” you held your chest tightly. “Have you ever heard the of Andromeda?” “Hmm? Like Perseus and Andromeda? Yeah, those stars are-” “Over there.” he pointed in the same direction you were looking. “Why?” I asked. “What would you do if you were chained to a rock to be devoured by a sea monster?” “I’d like to see them try to catch me to chain me to a rock.” I chuckled turning back to my map of the constellations. “I’d like that too.” he had this far off look in his eyes. “Yeah I’m sure you would, then you could look at the stars in peace right?” I looked up at him. “No I’d like to hear the names you call the men who try.” “Oh they’d have nightmares about me for sure.” I chuckled and looked up at the sky. “Seonghwa? Do you live around here or something?” “You could say so, I don’t really have a home. Or I did but it’s gone now.” “So you’re homeless?” I raised an eyebrow. “Do you ever eat or anything?” “I do.” he’s fed by the guards when he needs to be. I sighed. “Come on.” “Hmm?” he looked at me. “Come on.” “You’re kidnapping me mortal?” “No Stardust, I’m getting you a homecooked meal. You look like a damn skeleton.” I pulled his arm. “Besides….seems like he’s hiding from me again tonight.” “y/n?” “Yes Seonghwa?” “What star are you looking for?” “What star? Oh no I’m not looking for A star, I’m looking for THE star, I’m looking for Hesperus, the evening star. I saw him once when I was a child.” I played with the star necklace on my chest. “He waved hi to me, I used to talk to him for hours when I had nightmares. And I’d greet his brother in the morning before the sun would come up….if I was up in time.” I smiled to myself. “Come on you look hungry.”

Seonghwa’s world came crashing down in that moment, you…a mere mortal, were looking for him? His very being, his reason for existing in the sky as the evening star. You. You were looking for him…not a sailor but a scholar of the stars just to find him in the sky once more, where he will never be. Was this? Sadness? Joy? What was this feeling he had grasping at his heartstrings. He felt himself glow, was it a physical glow? Metaphorical? He felt warm. “Are you glowing?” I asked. “Hmm?” he looked up at me. “You know how they say pregnant ladies get this glow about them….you’re doing it….what are you pregnant Stardust?” “No!” he defended himself. “I cannot get pregnant mortal.” “Just checking, you got quiet dummy.” I smiled softly at him.

“Brother.” Hesperus…Seonghwa had called out upon returning to their prison. “She knows about us, the human. y/n.” “The one you’re in love with?” his brother rubbed his eyes. “I….I am not in love with that stupid mortal!” he defended. “Oh sure, is that why you go to see her every night.” “I am merely looking at the sky. Our home.” “And why you talk about her so much?” “I do not.” “All you do is talk about her brother.” Eosphorus said. “Because she is annoying! And…and stupid! And…a pain in my ass.” “Is that why you called her her name instead of mortal?” he raised an eyebrow and rolled over leaving the man stunned. Could he have really done something so…so careless as to not call you mortal? Your name? It fell off his tongue so naturally. How could he…no he wouldn’t it was…it was a mere infatuation with the stars, he loved correcting you. Loved bothering you…yes yes that was it he needed to be the best, the smartest when it came to himself anf his domain.

He had decided to stop visiting the beach where you had met, he couldn’t have…fallen for such a silly creature such as yourself. You were below him…beneath him…he wouldn’t…would he? You were dumb and spoiled, and…and you always had your head in the clouds looking for..him..and you had a smile that shone just as bright as the moon when you listened to him talk about the stars. The constellations even. Sometimes he just wanted to ask about your day so you would smile at him…is this…is this truly the feeling of love?

You weren’t there when he came back some nights later. In fact you weren’t there for months after he had left you, perhaps you had moved on away from him, perhaps you had chosen a different place on your quest for the man that was always in front of you. “Seonghwa?” your voice called out to him weakly. “y/n.” he had seen you peaking over the sand dune. “Where have you been? You know you aren’t allowed to stop looking on this beach until you…” his voice died down seeing my weakened state. “Sorry, I wasn’t feeling too well and the doctors kept me in the hospital. You wouldn’t believe the view they have there at night. Although its much too focused, I couldn’t see the horizon at all. Did you find him?” I asked a little hopeful. “Find him?” “Hesperus!” he flinched at the name a little. “I thought you’d help me look at least.” I chuckled. “N-No…sorry I uh. I’m sorry I left.” he stated shyly. “Oh is that cold exterior coming off now Hwa?” the nickname made him feel warm. “What cold exterior.” he protested. “Ah not quite.” I smiled at him.

Seonghwa was always my cute little helper, he’d help me draw the maps and name the stars, he’d write when I started blabbering about things and he’d listen when I started talking about the stars. He always tried to keep up his too cool front but deep down…he’s my star, like always. Maybe we did start off on the wrong foot, but isn’t that always the best way to start, you immediately bond over something you’re passionate about. Yes that was my star, abrasive and cold, but kind and sweet if you just ignored the first part. For years we had met together on the beach most times at night but sometimes during an eclipse or if he wanted to see me during the day. Our first date had been the small cafe on the beach, our second he had taken me to the nicest restaurant in town. Lots of money for someone like him. Hwa finally said “I love you.” under the clearest night on our year anniversary, I told him I had always loved him, even when he was a stubborn dickhead correcting me.

The first time he ever saw problems were when my hands cramped up and I couldn’t move them, I had pushed it off as I had been writing all day so they were just tired, he accepted this and kept going, our own little date night under the stars. The second was when I had almost fallen at night, I blamed it on tripping over a stone in the sand. The third was when I had asked him the name of the star on my left which I had known the week before….This was when he started getting suspicious, he let it go as his nerves ate away at him, but he was always cautious in the back of his mind…he had planned to propose on top of the hill that overlooked the town he had everything ready until my legs had given out and I tumbled down.

“I’m afraid it’s terminal.” the doctor had told Seonghwa while I was still being tested for further bumps and bruises and broken bones. “Terminal?….You mean…my…my star is dying?” “Ms. y/n has been sick for a while…I’m sorry you had to find out this way? I’m afraid there’s only a few years left with how fast it’s been progressing.”

Dying. Sickness.

All words that played over in Seonghwa’s mind as he watched your smiling form chat away with the nurses about what a silly fall you took. You were dying, sure he knew it was silly to fall for a mortal, he would never age and he’d watch as you do, as you turn with the seasons…but here you are plaguing his heart with that infectious smile you always wear when he’s around.

“Darling you’re-” “I’m sorry.” I looked at him sadly as his eyes finally met mine. “I know I should’ve told you but…it never felt like the right moment…I didn’t want you to find out this way.” “How long have….have you known?” was he angry? Upset? Was this sadness? “When I fell in the sand…I came for a check up.” That was months ago…You’ve been suffering silently for months in front of him and he was none the wiser, he had been acting a fool walking you around town when you could’ve fallen any moment..What an idiot he’s been and he has the nerve to say he loves you? “Seonghwa?” your voice snapped him back to reality. “Don’t give me that look.” you roll your eyes. “Look?” “The same one everyone gives me, that I’m a piece of paper who can’t do anything, that I’m frail and weak and…and helpless! Don't give me that look!” “Darling I-” “Not you too….It’s just a fall…Please, don’t look at me any different.” tears stung my eyes. “My love.’ he came cupped my cheek. “They just reflect the temporary worry for my favorite pain in the ass.” he smiled softly. “You’re one of the strongest I know. I won’t have it any other way.”

We were engaged a week later and had bought a house on the beach. Now for the hard part. “Darling what if I told you I was Hesperus? The star you’re looking for. That I am an immortal god who has been banished from my home in the sky, my haven….to then find a new on with you here on earth?” “I’d tell you I’ve always known idiot.” I smiled at him while playing with his wedding ring. “Remember…you’re my best friend, of course I would recognize you.”

You always had a way with words, actions…with everything. You asked him questions well into the night, drawing and completing more of the maps of the stars you loved. You asked to meet his brother which…he wasn’t too keen on but would eventually agree. Eosphorus more than happy to meet who finally calmed the evening star. You had gone through many trials with your star but none have ever made you question your time or love. Time passed and your body grew weak, Seonghwa found ways to help, he found ways to be the perfect husband you wanted, you’d always tell him he was already everything you needed. Your years together were filled with nothing but love.

You and Your Evening Star.

As your frail hands held onto the pieces of parchment in your hands making your book you felt your grip weaken. The sickness had long since sapped your strength but you held on for him. For your star. “Darling?” Seonghwa’s soft eyes had come down to meet you in your frail state. A warm hand on your knee. Some of the papers flew in the breeze but he’d run to catch them. “What are these?” he smiled brushing your graying hair behind your ear, he still looks as the day you met him, perhaps not as cold. “Our story, my love for my star.” I smiled weakly at him. “My maps, and research you helped me with….I want you to have them Hesperus….my Seonghwa.” “Don’t say that like you’re dying this moment….you still have plenty of life in you my love.” he kissed your forehead. “Please take them Hwa.” I mumbled and pushed them towards him. “My hands can’t keep them long.” It wasn’t fair he fell in love with a mortal, for he would stay here, in this form, at this age forever…while you…his very sky were turning grey, changing and aging before him. It wasn’t fair for either of you, not when you had grown sick. Not when any moment could be the last. There was no cure for you, he could only watch you slowly fade from existence. His sky, his love, his happiness. “Darling? Would you like to walk on the sand with me?” he smiled and took your things from your hands gently placing them where the seabreeze wouldn’t disturb. “I’d very much like that.” I nodded and took his ringed hand in my own, our matching rings a symbol of our own starry sky. When your time came you were held in the embrace of the man you grew to love, the only man you’ve ever loved, your Hesperus, your very own evening star. You felt the tears in his eyes hit your face as your own welled up. “Seonghwa?” I breathed out holding onto him. “I love you. Be kind to me in our next life too. Stardust.” the smile on my face being held under our starry sky by the man I love. “Please…Please take her.” he pleaded with the sky. “Please let her hang for the world to see. My own star. The only foolish thing she ever did was love someone like me. I want the world to see her forever..please…please don’t take her from me. I’ll stay in that cursed prison forever just please…please bring her back to me.” the pain in his voice unrecognizeable.

“If you so wish, my son.” a voice called out. He watched as your body changed…Stardust….a new star had formed in the sky that night. One he could see from his prison, the brightest one just for him, from where he had hung in the sky…his very own Venus.