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doitforbangchan · 4 months ago

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Ever Lovely - 2

Pairing~ Fae Prince!Bangchan x reader (afab/fem) x Fae Prince!Lee Know

Warnings~ Angst, cursing, crying, fae tricks, death (murder?), sort of mind reading?, almost violence, magic

WC~ 9.4k

Masterlist // series masterlist

previous ~ next

There was a flash of vivid colors that invaded your vision, it was like being transported to the inside of the brightest rainbow, some colors you had never even seen before, and you felt your body floating for just a moment. There was a sharp tingle that shot down your spine and if you weren’t being held by the two men you were sure you would have dropped to your knees from the sensation. The colors kept getting brighter and brighter until you could no longer make out the distinct hues and they all blended into one blinding light.

Just as the brightness was becoming too much and you felt like you were about to pass out from the intensity, suddenly it stopped. All at once your sight was flooded with darkness- no, not darkness- a beautiful display of purples and blues swirled in the darkness and small shining balls of light casted a glow among the scenery. They looked like stars. Like spiraling galaxies that you would usually need a telescope to see were churning right before your eyes.

Your breath was caught in your throat as you took in your surroundings. The three of you were standing in what looked like a dark forest, but the trees were black and were void of leaves. They too glittered much like the birch you had just encountered but these ones seemed to shine much more than the other, the gleam from them making your eyes twitch. Beneath your feet was a cobblestone path, but the stones were a deep mauve color. You could see in front of you where the path would lead you too and that sight was the most incredible thing you had ever encountered in your entire life.

Directly in front of you was a massive dark castle. You could clearly make out the gleaming limestone walls and the multiple spiraling towers, the gray slate roof giving it a deep gothic feel. It was magnificent all on its own but that wasn’t what made you lose your breath; it was that the structure was floating.

Your mouth was agape and you dropped both of the hands you previously held so you could cover your surprise with your palm. From the right side of you you could make out a light snicker from Minho.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” He asked with a teasing tone to his voice, but it sounded deeper than before.

You nodded, “Beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it before.” For the first time since you appeared here you looked at him. You held in a gasp at his appearance. The fae looked much the same but also different at the same time. His eyes were slightly bigger and they held a white glow behind his slitted pupil. His black hair was a little longer and his ears were pointed. Even his skin seemed to have more of a tan to it.

You risked a glance to your left at Chris and you could see his features had been altered as well. His curls seemed to be more defined and the color was lighter, closer to a honey blond now. The strands layered over his ears which were even longer than before. His pale complexion was lighter too, in a way that could be considered sickly if you thought too hard about it. Chris’s arms seemed to hold more muscle as well, you could see the definition even through his loose tunic shirt. It was his eyes that had really caught your attention though. Instead the deep brown orbs that held a faint purple glimmer now were replaced by dazzling amethyst iris’s.

These men were gorgeous. Prettier here than they were before. As if they could read your thoughts, both princes looked at each other with sly smirks before turning their attention back to you. Chris stuck out his arm for you to take, and you did so still feeling stunned by your surroundings.

“Welcome to the Court of Stars, princess. Our home.”

“It’s breathtaking.” You breathed, unable to stop your roaming eyes. As the galaxies swirled above you a sudden chill ran through you and made you pull your cloak tighter around you. “You were not lying about it being cold here, Minho.”

He shrugged, taking off his own cloak. “There is no warmth in deep space, same goes for a court with no sun.” Minho flung his cloak over your shoulders and began to fasten the tie in front. You went to protest but you were cut off before you could. “Just take it, human. You need it more than I do.”

You chewed on your bottom lip and bowed your head in thanks to him, “Thank you.”

Your arm was being tugged by Chris, who was eager to get you back to his castle. “Come, you must see the court from the tallest tower. You can see all the way to the winter court from there!”

Chris led you down the mauve path, catching you each time you stumbled on an out of place stone as it began to crumble the farther down it you walked.

“Winter court? How many lands are there here?” You asked, holding harder onto his arm. You were glancing around and noticed that the closer you walked to the castle you noticed that the path itself began to float in pieces off of the ground.

“Too many to count.” Minho murmured from beside you. He waved his hand and the path came together again and turned into pink steps but still remained in the air. He snickered at your little ‘wow’ you let out in wonder of the magic. Humans are so easily impressed by a little bit of magic, it’s amusing. “You never told us why you were upset about your engagement.”

Oh. Right. “It is complicated.. I do not know him, and I do not love him.”

“What is complicated about that? You do not need to know someone to marry them.” Minho stated like it was obvious. “Marriage is not about love. Marriage is about gaining allies and power.”

You let out a small huff at his declaration, rolling your eyes. “You sound like my mother. It is not so simple as that, I refuse to have a loveless marriage like I have witnessed my whole life.” You thought back to your father and how he is never seen without a drink in his hand.

You all walked up the steps together, albeit with a bit of trepidation on your part. As you climbed higher you could see more of the grounds that surround the castle. You could see a large topiary garden filled with many different shapes; some familiar to you like common animals, and others in shapes of things you had never seen before.

Chris noticed how the garden had caught your eye, “Do you like them? I had them made, a creature from each of the courts that the boys come from.”

“It is very lovely. Who are the boys?” You inquired, craning your neck to try to make out some of the creatures made from the plants.

“The other princes.” Chris said casually, making you look at him bewildered.

“Other princes? Does that mean you two are-”

“Is that a human?!” You were cut off abruptly by another voice and your face was forcibly yanked to the side, your chin being held tightly by another figure. In front of you now was a beautiful man, with shoulder length bright red hair that fell into his eyes and plump lips. His fingers were blazing hot and they dug harshly into your skin. Your eyes widened in fear and you tried to move away from him but the man kept you steady and leaned closer to your face. “Woah you are a human! I’ve never seen one this cute before!”

“Hyunjin,” Chris laments, “Let her go, this is our guest.”

Hyunjin leaned even closer to your face and he tilted his head to the side as if trying to see into your soul, his face completely neutral. Your fear spiked as you felt his breath on your face and you began to tremble when his eyes flashed with a magenta glow. Then a wide grin took over his face and he began to giggle, releasing your face and standing up straight again. You noticed how sharp his teeth were and you gulped and looked away from him.

Hyunjin glanced slyly at Chris and Minho, still giggling, “Now what made you two bring a cute little human here, hm? I must say I could see Chris bringing a little plaything but you Min? I’m shocked!” He reached out to pinch your cheeks again but his hand was slapped away by Minho.

“Don’t get your tunic in a twist, Hyun.” Minho rolled his eyes and Chris chuckled

“Hyunjin, may I introduce Princess Y/n, heir to the human kingdom of Azura, our guest and not a plaything for your amusement.” Chris introduced you to the fae man.

Hyunjin bowed dramatically, “Pleasure to meet you. I am Hyunjin, one of the many princes of the court of stars.” He grabbed your hand forcefully and brought it down to his mouth, where he proceeded to lick a fat stripe along your palm.

You recoiled and held back a shudder in disgust and trepidation. “It-it’s very nice to make your acquaintance, your highness.”

“Oooo ‘your highness’ eh? I like you.” He grinned and went to lick you again.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Chris pulled your arm back from Hyunjin and used his shirt to wipe off the spit. “What are you doing out in the garden Jin? You know what happened last time you spent too much time with the plants.”

The statement made the red haired boy look sheepish, his fingers twiddling at his side as he huffed, “ I wasn’t touching them, only lounging in my canopy. And it’s not my fault your precious garden is so… flammable.” Chris and Minho both side eyed him. “The real question is where have you been?! It’s been almost two months since you’ve been home!”

Chris rolled his eyes and ushered you along to the entrance of the castle, ignoring the red haired boy's question all together. Hyunjin looked like he wanted to reach out and grab you again but Minho smacked his hand away again and sent a warning look. “Behave, Hyunjin. This one is not to be messed with. Do you understand?”

“But whyyyyy?” He whined, stomping his foot like a petulant child. Minho honestly did not have a valid answer, he just knew that he felt the need to protect you here. Hyunjin could see the elder hesitate and it made his lips curl up in a knowing way. “Hmm, you like her!”

“I do not like anybody.” Minho rolled his eyes and turned to follow where you had gone with Chris. “Especially not a human.”

“Yeah yeah alright, you keep telling yourself that. Your secret is safe with me.” Hyunjin used his fingers to zip his lips shut. Minho flipped off the younger fae and stomped off. “Wait, Min! A word of warning, you should not let the human in the ballroom right now.”

That made Minho look at him in confusion, “Why?”

Hyunjin grimaced, “Minnie is in there playing with his own human.”

Chris led you through the massive front door and with a light wave of his fingers the doors opened seemingly on their own. If you thought your home had great architecture you were surely mistaken after seeing this place. The walls were gray but embedded within them were multicolored crystals that twinkled from the reflection of the glowing indigo flames that came from the chandelier. Along the walls were more of those vines with the light pink flowers that you saw in the portal room.

As you entered you noticed a few beings that resembled the staff back at your own castle, but they were noticeably different. They were all smaller than normal humans, with sunken eyes and large pointed ears. When they saw it was Chris who came in the door each one of them offered him deep bows, so low their noses almost touched the floor.

“Welcome home your majesty.” They all said in unison, their heads never lifting.

“At ease, imps.” Chris said in a bored manner and at once they all stood and continued with whatever they were doing. They skittered around carrying various objects as if moving them, some of them scurrying over your feet as you walked, making you jump closer to Chris. He grabbed a small one as it ran by, scruffing it like a kitten. “What are you imps doing?”

The creature squeaked at being held, a slight tremble in its expression. “ Prince Felix has requested the room be switched around.”

“Hmm, very well. Where is he now?”

“The prince is in the sky chamber enjoying his dinner, your majesty.”

“I see,” Chris hummed then dropped the imp to the floor, “You are excused.” The imp bowed respectfully before running off. He then turned back to you, “come along, princess. The observation tower is right this way.”

You clung to him and followed diligently. Chris took notice of how tight you held onto him and he wanted to coo at you for being so cute.

After a moment you found your voice again, “So you are royalty as well?”

“Yes, I am one of the princes of the court.” He nodded, leading you through the castle.

“How many of you are there?” You timidly asked.

“There are eight of us in total. I am the eldest and the crown ruler.”

“Wow, I was not aware that I was in the presence of not only an otherworldly being, but such an important one at that.” Your mind was swimming as you processed the incoming information. “Is Minho a prince as well?” You looked around, noticing he was no longer with you both.

“Such an inquisitive little thing aren’t you?” He laughed, ruffling your hair. “I thought I was to do the questioning.”

“Oh forgive me, I was just curious.” You were bashful and you felt your ears heat up.

He laughed again, “I was only teasing you, princess. Ask whatever questions you like. That is why I brought you here after all.”

You nodded, feeling better about being so inquisitive. “Are you all brothers?”

He shook his head, “No. Only my younger brother Felix and I are related. The others don’t even come from this court originally.” You came upon another set of double doors and once again they opened without being touched. “Right this way, it is not far now.”

The both of you walked down a twisting hallway. You noticed the walls were lined with portraits with fae people painted upon the canvases but the pictures appeared to be.. Moving? No, you must certainly be mistaken. There was no way a painted portrait moved. After using the back of your hand to rub your eyes you blinked up at the walls and sure as shit, they were moving. It was like a moment in time replayed on repeat, the images movements repeating themselves every few seconds. Many of them were doing simple things; a smile and a wave, a flip of hair,a boundless twirl. But the one that stood out to you the most was a painting of the most enchanting woman you had ever seen.

You felt your feet stop moving as you stood in front of her, just taking in her exquisiteness. The woman was tall in stature as she seemed to be standing on a balcony overlooking the grounds. Her skin was a light lilac color and her hair was white and she let it flow in thick waves down her back. There was a large crown upon her head and looked to be made of thick dark vines, but it was encrusted with glittering pink, purple and blue gems. Her indigo dress looked like liquid silk as it cascaded down her looming figure. The most interesting thing about her though, was the large third eye that rested on her forehead. She looked ethereal almost, as the portrait replayed a moment of her hair blowing lightly and her eyes twinkled, her smile gentle as she looked back at the painter.

“Incredible..” You found yourself whispering as you gazed up at her. It was then that you remembered Chris was with you so you turned to him, “She is beautiful. Who is she?”

He offered you a tight lipped smile, the sentiment not meeting his eyes, then he kept walking with you, “No one, anymore. Let us continue.” His response made you furrow your brows as it was the first time he did not answer your question, but you chose not to pry on the matter. Approaching a gilded door you could hear some chatter and a clatter of cutlery from within and it made Chris sigh and click his tongue, “Ah they are both in there. I’m sure they’ll get quite a kick out of you, my dear.” They? Who were they?

With another flick of his wrist the door opened, a slight creak in the hinges as it did. As the door opened you were met with a large room with an open roof, giving a clear view up into the swirling galaxies above. The walls had large gaps- like many small balconies that overlooked the court. Where that woman was standing. Two figures were lounging on velvet couches in the right corner of the room, tea cups and pasties strewn across a small decorative table.

At the sound of the door opening both of the men peered their heads over the top of the couch. You could see one head with pure black hair and another with light silver hair. Two sets of eyes widened at the sight of you, then at Chris who accompanied you.

The silver haired one was the first to raise his head all the way up, a simpering smirk on his face. He was slim and had large eyes, his silver hair was shoulder length but half of it was tied behind his head and out of his face. You could barely make out a smattering of freckles across his cheeks and nose. Overall he was very.. Pretty. “Now what do we have here, Christopher?” The deep timber of his voice shocked you- you hadn’t expected a boy who looks so pretty to sound like that. Though you noticed the accent was similar to Chris.

The other man spoke up now, peeping his head up a little more as you both got closer to them. “Have you come to join us for a meal?” The darkness in his eyes gleamed and you could see the plumpness of his cheeks. His black hair was wavy and fell like curtains on his forehead. He had a mischievous glint about him but it seemed like everyone you’ve seen so far has that look so you thought nothing of it when the man stuck out his hand and tried to hand you a muffin.

“Oh, thank you.” You did not wish to be rude, especially to a fae so you went to take it from him, but right before your fingers could touch it the muffin was snatched out of your hand by Chris.

“Nope.” He mumbled then surprised you even further by launching the pastry off of the closest balcony, off into the darkness. Before you could even ask why the hell he did that he had already put his attention back to you, his stare hard and blazing. “Never accept food from a faerie. You could be bound here forever if you consume any food from this realm.”

Your heart was beating heavy in your chest, not just at his chastising but also because a dangerous fae being almost pulled a trick on you and you would have never known.

The dark haired fae pouted, making the silver haired one snicker. “That is no fun! Come on Chris, let us play!”

Chris pointed his finger at them as if scolding naughty children, and his glare turned dangerous and predatory in an inhuman way. “This human is not to be played with, boys. This is Princess Y/n, of the mortal kingdom of Azura, and she is my guest. And as long as she is here she will not be privy to your little games. Do I make myself clear?”

The two boys looked at each other for a second then back at Chris, answering in unison. “Crystal clear.”

The easy going smile returned to the elders face, as if he had never become a totally different person a mere second ago. You knew the switch in him should have scared you - it did scare you- but it also made you feel a slight tingle in the pit of your stomach, in a way that you had only felt when watching the kings guard back at home while they trained. It made you feel thankful he could not see the effect he had on you.

“Princess, meet Jisung and my younger brother Felix. Or as they are more commonly known as the ‘Sunshine’ twins.” He introduced you to the Princes.

You curtseyed, lifting the hem of your dress formally, “It is an honor to meet you both.”

Jisung suddenly climbed up over the edge of the couch, clamoring over to you and getting as close as he could to you. “Hello pretty human, I’m Jisung.” He grabbed your arm with both of his hands, yanking you over to where he was previously sitting. “Come sit with us!”

Your other arm was grabbed by Felix as he forced you to sit between him and Jisung. You looked over to Chris but he did not seem alarmed by their movements so you relaxed a little. The elder went and sat on a chair directly across from you, and poured a cup of tea then pushed it towards you. “Here you can drink this.”

“I thought you said not to consume anything?” You were confused, eyeing the cup suspiciously.

“I did, but the fae who offers it to you can pick and choose if they wish to curse you or not. So only accept things from me and Minho. The tea is fine, please enjoy it.” He poured his own cup and drank from it casually.

As you timidly lifted the teacup to your mouth from your peripheral vision you could see the sunshine twins were watching you intensely. Not maliciously, just curiously. Taking a sip you hummed gleefully at the taste. It was sweet and fragrant, like fresh picked cherries with a hint of something spiced.

“Do you like it?” Felix asked from beside you.

“It is excellent.” You chirped and set your cup down gently.

From up close you could see his features better and you could make out that his freckles were not just random specs, but shapes. More like constellations that were etched into his skin. When he noticed you looking at them he winked at you, then his freckles glimmered as if they turned to glowing stars. If you had less self restraint you would reach up and touch them.

Both boys giggled and leaned their chins on your shoulders, their fingers coming up and playing with your loose strands of hair. You broke the silence with another question. “So, you are twins? What is that like?”

Jisung pinched the plushness of your cheek, “Aww a curious little thing.” He cooed. You wanted to smack his hand away but instead just let him do it.

Felix fluttered his eye lashes at you as he snickered, “We are not real twins. We are not even from the same court, but we were born so close together and we share a lot of similarities.”

“What court do you come from, Jisung?” You asked the fae, trying to ignore the way they messed with you.

“The court of Storms. It was nice, but a little too stuffy if you ask me.” He grimaced and made a disgusted face. “And the members of that court are a kind of…”

“Pretentious assholes.” Felix finished the other sentence, Jisung nodding in agreement.

Chris snorted, “As if you two aren’t the same.”

They both looked offended at the elder fae. “We are not!” Felix protested. “And anyways, Chris, where have you been? You know, you missed the show a few weeks ago.”

He shrugged at his brother's question, not wanting to offer up too much information if it wasn’t necessary and instead moved onto the second topic. “I heard. Pricilla will get over it, she always does.”

Jisung hummed, “I’m not too sure about that. She’s never been the most forgiving queen, at least not to me.” He pouted and flung a dramatic arm over your shoulder. You tensed up at the extreme physical contact but he paid it no mind.

Felix reached over and ruffled Jisungs hair with a cheeky snicker, “You cannot blame her for kicking your ass after you massacred her pixie garden.”

“Ugghhhh how was I to know that pixies don’t like lightning? I can still feel her claws sometimes.” Jisung shuddered in disgust.

“Wait, you killed them with lightning?” Your eyes widened with a slight panic. They both ignored your question.

“You are lucky she didn't have you killed for that slight against her, Ji. Though the same may not be said about my dear brother.” Felix’s lips curled teasingly as he peered over at Chris.

You also looked over to the man but he seemed to not be paying that much attention. There was a far away glaze over his eyes and you could see his ears were twitching slightly, as if he could hear something the rest of you could not.

“Chris, are you alright?” You quietly asked, chewing your bottom lip.

The mention of his name snapped him out of his daze immediately, his attention back on you. He gave you an easy going smile, “Course. Sorry, sometimes they are so loud.”

You were confused, “They…?”

Felix leaned close to your ear and you could feel the amusement radiating off of him. “ Chris can hear wishes.”

“Wishes? What do you mean?” You interrogated, the idea sounding absurd to you.

Chris answered, clicking his tongue. “ Not all wishes, only the ones that are being made on shooting stars. The voice of the wisher floods my mind as they are making the wish.” He rubbed his temples, “It is involuntary. Another incredible gift from the Court.”

“Shooting stars..” You whispered, taking the information in. You yourself had made plenty of wishes on shooting stars, you wondered if he could hear your wishes. How mortifying!

“That’s not all he can do! Chris can also grant wishes. You could ask him for anything and he could get it for you.” Felix sent a sly smirk at his brother.

Chris could see just what these boys were doing; how they were trying to make him seem more appealing for you. Obviously you were important to him if he brought you to the wilds and didn’t let them mess with you, Chris never cared to keep his humans alive all this long.

“Well not anything.” He said, lounging back.

“Isn’t that just sooooo amazing, Y/n?” Jisung giggled, sending a wink towards Chris. “Chris’s powers are incredible! He is sooooo strong! And he hasn’t even taken the crown yet, imagine how strong he’d really be if-”

“Jisung, you’re making him all grumpy.” Felix pouted, jutting his lip out and pointing at the elder. Your eyes followed the finger and saw Chris was glaring daggers at Jisung. “He doesn’t like it when we hype him up like that, especially about the,” He looked at you quickly then back to Jisung, “C-R-O-W-N.”

Does this guy think I can’t spell?!

“Crown?” Both boys pulled back and gave you a shocked look. “What? I can spell, you know. And read and write. I’m not daft.”

“Wow! Humans are so stupid, I never would have thought you could spell!” Jisung exclaimed, grabbing your arm and shaking you excitedly. “You must be one of the special ones!”

“Yeah!” Felix grabbed the other arm, “ Good job finding this one, brother!”

Their comments and tugging was starting to piss you off and it was beginning to show in your usually poised face. “Awww Lixie, look at her! Her little sneer is so cute!” Jisung pinched your cheek.

“She’s not the only one getting mad.” Felix giggled, eyeing his brother.

Chris watched as the sunshine boys poked and toyed with you. For some reason he could feel his blood starting to boil the more they messed with you- the need to protect you from their teasing becoming almost unbearable. He kept his face as neutral as possible, but he was never very good at keeping his cool when he was pissed off.

Luckily, a sudden orange explosion erupted from the inky sky above. A fiery ball cut through the air and came crashing down onto the floating grounds, making the whole castle rumble. The commotion was a much needed distraction- the sunshine twins immediately looking at each other with a knowing intensity that was not missed by Chris.

“What the hell was that?” He demanded, staring at the two boys.

They let you go and simultaneously rubbed the back of their necks sheepishly. “Well..” Felix started.

“You were gone for a while..” Jisung continued.

“And someone had to go make peace with Pricilla..”

“So we sent Changbin.” They finished together.

“By the looks of that fireball, she didn’t take it very well.” Chris groaned and stood on his feet. He stepped forward and grabbed both boys by an arm. “Now the two of you are coming with me.” He looked down at you with a tight grin on his face. “Princess, stay here. I shall return in just a moment.”

You nodded slowly, not understanding what was going on.

“Awww I wanna stay with Y/n!” Jisung protested as he was hauled off.

“Nope. You both made this mess, you will help me clean it up. Come on.” And with little to no effort Chris lugged both boys out of the room, leaving you alone in this unfamiliar place.

The moment Hyunjin mentioned that Seungmin had a human here he knew he had to put an end to it before it became a shit show. The last thing he needed was for you to see that mess. He marched through the castle, caring not for the imp servants who stopped and greeted him as he walked, or for the crystal statues who bowed as he passed. Approaching the ball room he could hear laughter and the sounds of the grand piano being played. He could also hear a pleading cry for mercy.

Minho pushed open the door and stepped into the glistening ballroom. Any other time he would reminisce about the grand events that used to be hosted here, about how drunk he used to get before he had become a prince, when he was still just a friend of the family. Walking in he found Seungmin and Jeongin lounging on large fluffy cushions. They were sitting in front of the large golden octagonal stage that was placed against the back wall, cackling loudly at their ‘entertainment’.

Upon the stage was a middle aged man who was dancing in circles. Minho could see how the man's bare feet poured blood and how the bottoms of them had been rubbed so raw no skin remained. His body was sweating profusely and he wailed, with thick tears running down his plump cheeks as he begged for this to end. Of course the two fae boys ignored his pleas. A young galaxy aladrin girl sat at the piano in the corner, playing jovial tunes for the poor soul to dance to.

Minho walked further into the room and sighed in irritation. He put a hand up as he passed the aladrin girl and the music stopped immediately. He then addressed the two younger fae. “You guys really chose a terrible time for this bullshit.”

Seungmin turned his head around to greet the elder, a sinister gleam in his eye. “Don’t be a downer Min, come join us. It has been so long since you divulged with us.” Jeongin said nothing but he put his hand over his mouth to cover his giggle.

“Get rid of it.” Minho did not even humor them for a second. “Chris and I have a guest here today, and she must not be privy to whatever mess is happening in here.”

“A guest? What kind of guest?” Seungmin inquired, then his dark orbs glazed over for a second before returning to normal and a wicked grin appeared on his face. “Ohhh I see, you two brought a human home with you and you're scared she’ll get caught up in our fun.”

Minho should have known Seungmin would take a peek at his internal fears and worries- the younger boy loved to use his power to gain information- fae from the autumn court were notoriously nosey.

“Another human to play with?!” Jeongin seemed excited now, “Bring it in here! This one is getting boring. He’s been dancing for only two days and he’s already about to die.�� He grumbled and motioned to the man who continued dancing.

“Not gonna happen.” Minho deadpans. “In fact I’m keeping her far away from you two. Clean this up.”

“You are no fun anymore Min. You used to love our little tricks.” Jeongin jutted his lip out in a fake pout.

Seungmin nodded in agreement, “Yeah remember it was you who taught us this fun spell.”

While yes, Minho used to take great joy in the suffering of mortals and messing with them both mentally and physically, that just was not who he was anymore. He feels like in the last few centuries he has grown up, became a lot less sadistic. He guessed taking on supreme responsibility would do that to someone. Though he cannot deny that the younger boy's words did get to him a little.

He ran his tongue over his teeth in thought. “You know what, fine. Stay here and enjoy your show. All I ask is that you remain here until she is gone. And that you at least play a faster tune, it’s more fun when they can’t keep up.” He grinned.

Both boys laughed and waved their hands for the piano to continue, a faster song beginning. “Thank you Min.” Seungmin snickered and wiggled his fingers at Minho as the elder fae turned and walked out. The screaming and begging was muffled as the door closed behind him.

As he walked a bright flash of orange caught his attention from the window and he could feel the sudden huge rumble that overtook the castle, the whole place shaking. His interest was piqued when he heard the quick steps of his fellow princes hurrying towards the commotion so he also went to join them.

Chris and the sunshine twins sped down to the foyer. Just as they neared the entrance the massive doors flew open and Changbin came limping in. Chris rushed to his side right before the fae boy all but collapsed in his arms. Changbin was covered in dark soot and his clothes had burn holes all over him.

“Bin, are you alright? Talk to me man.” Chris gave a pat to Changbins cheek as he tried to rouse the man.

Changbin’s eyes flew open and he took a wheezing breath, his hand coming up to rest on his chest. “Chris.. Welcome back.”

“You show up in a blazing ball of fire and that’s the first thing you say?!” Jisung crossed his arms and looked annoyed.

Changbin weakly glared at Jisung, coughing out “It’s called having respect, maybe you should fucking try it sometime.”

“Oh Binnie!” Chris was suddenly pushed off of Changbin by Hyunjin who appeared out of nowhere. Hyunjin flung himself at Changbin. “I was so worried! You were gone for days!”

Chris scoffed, “Where was this reaction when I came home..” He murmured and was promptly ignored. “What happened? “

Changbin hugged Hyunjin back, the red haired boy beginning to wipe away the dark soot from Bins face. “Well, you weren’t home and after Minho left to go find you we got a message that the Court of Wonder wished to have a meeting and that it could not wait.”

“Binnie you’re so brave! You went all by yourself!” Hyunjin was so overcome by his emotion that his hands accidentally left even more burnt holes in changbins clothes as he tried to help.

“Ouch!” Changbin winced when the heat caught his skin. Hyunjin scrunched his face in apology. “Anyways, as you could see, Pricilla was pretty pissed off that I went instead of you, Chris.” He gestured to his appearance.

Chris groaned, “why has she been so persistent lately?”

“You know why,” Minho said as he approached the group, taking in the scene. “Pricilla has always been interested in you, she’s never hidden her attraction to you. And now that you are the rightful ruler of a very powerful court, she’s probably hungry for power.. And your dick.”

“She’s already gotten that though, hasn’t she Chris.” Felix snickered, climbing onto his older brother's back and pinching his cheek.

Chris slapped Felix’s hand away and turned back to Changbin, “What did she say to you?”

The third eldest rubbed the back of his neck, “She said either you meet with her or she will officially declare war on the Court of Stars. We have one week before she sends her ‘hounds’.” They all knew that the ‘hounds’ of the Court of Wonder were an elite team of fae who were trained to kill and manipulate the mind. Not a very pleasant bunch.

Minho looked around and noticed someone missing, “Where is Y/n?”

“She’s in the sky room. Drinking yummy tea!” Jisung answered. Minho gave him a blank death stare. “Jeez calm down, Chris gave it to her. He actually threw the muffin I offered off a balcony.”

“You can’t leave a mortal alone, especially with the creatures that roam around here.” Minho pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go back to her, Chris please help Bin back to his quarters and on the way he can share more information with you.”

“Yeah yeah, ok Min. I’ll join you in a second.” Chris agreed, knowing it was better to let him have his way when he got like this. He was glad that at least one of them was moderately responsible.

Minho made his way down the winding hallway and up the staircase. When he was about ten feet away from the doorway to the sky room he felt his body freeze up. His eyes glowed bright white and he got an image of the future sent to his brain.

He could see the mortal Princess, with a look of terror on your face as you struggled to get away from something- no, someone. A figure had you backed up against a wall, cornering you there and there were tears welling up in your eyes. Minho could not see who it was that held you but he could see the room that you were in. He could see the shimmering walls and the flowers that bloomed on the walls. Behind your form he could make out a golden stage and a flowing of blood that dripped from it. You were in the ballroom.

As if it never happened Minho came back to himself, the vision ending quite abruptly. The image left a bad feeling in his stomach and he hurried to the doors of the observatory, a wave of his hand making the doors fly open. His catlike eyes scoured the room but he did not find you.

He noticed the empty tea cup on the small table and could still see the dip in the cushion that you once sat upon. He deduced that you must have just left the room. Minho turned on his heels and sprinted out of the room, if he hurried he may be able to stop his vision before it happened, and maybe he could stop you from seeing something you shouldn’t.

You stood by the nearest balcony that had a telescope pointed up at the swirling galaxies above. You had been looking up into the stars ever since you had been left alone and to be honest, as beautiful as this place was, you really just wanted to know more about the court and those who ruled it.

With a sigh you went and sat back in your original spot, picking up your tea cup and taking the last sip then setting it back down. You leaned back for a moment and weighed your options. You could sit here and wait as Chris had asked you too… Or you could have that adventure you were promised and go explore a bit.

They’ve been gone for a long time.. Perhaps it wouldn’t be terrible if you went looking for them..

Standing from your seat you flattened your dress down nervously. With slow steps you went over to the thick wooden door and with a tentative touch you lightly turned on the handle, peeking out into the corridor. No one was within your sight, and with a deep breath you gathered all the bravery you had within you, and you ventured out of the sky room, closing the door quietly behind you.

You had no idea which way was which, let alone where Chris or Minho could have gone, so you used your best judgment and crept down the hall until you came upon two different staircases going down but one was headed left and the other right. You decided to veer right, slowly walking down the steps. Looking around you could tell you definitely had not gone through here when you came in.

This area seemed extra resplendent, the floors and walls dusted with gold and the wall sconces blazing vibrantly. Many grand statues made of crystals and quartz were littered through the halls. As you got closer to them you could see that the statues bowed to you. You stopped in your tracks, not sure of how to proceed but knowing you should be respectful. Lifting your hems slightly you bowed back to the array of statues. After a second you stood up straight once again and continued on your way. As you passed the statues they creakily stood back up but their faces seemed like they were smiling now.

Poor things probably do not receive very much courtesy around here.

Further down you could faintly hear the tinkling of piano keys, and loud laughter. Getting closer the laughing voices sounded like men's voices coming from behind another massive door. Maybe they went in here!

You put both hands up onto the gilded doors and pushed with all your might, the hinges giving a loud creeaaaak as the doors just barely opened enough for you to squeeze through. To your surprise you had entered the most charming ballroom. It was huge and glittering with gold accents everywhere you looked. The floor lit up with a pastel yellow glow on each spot you stepped on, illuminating your figure. As you walked further you could see the source of the voices you had heard, there was a boy with copper colored hair skipping around flailing his arms and fake screaming, while another boy with dark brown hair laughed at him. From your position you could not see their faces but you could already tell you had not met either of them yet.

There was a black grand piano with a gorgeous girl with skin the color of an orchid and hair that pulsed like starlight playing a light tune on the keys. She did not acknowledge your presence at all as you slowly walked past her, her focus on playing and nothing else. Subconsciously you noticed that the laughter had ceased so looking back over to where the boys were at you noticed they were no longer there. What you did see was a glittering stage, with a deep pool of -what you could assume was- dark red blood slowly pouring over the edge and onto the pristine floor.

Your hand went to your mouth and you gulped, a deep sense of dread filling you. I need to get out of here! You took a step back then quickly turned around to flee but your body was met with a hard surface. Stumbling back you lifted your head to see you had run into a person. A gasp escaped you at his appearance.

Large black eyes peered down at you, the sockets sunken in making him look sickly in addition to the terribly pale skin. His hair was a dark brown that could be mistaken for black if the light did not hit it right, and he had it parted and flipped back off his forehead. You couldn’t stop staring in fright from his eyes so you missed sharpened canine teeth peeking out from behind his lips. He was frightening.

“Now where are you off to, little lamb?” the man purred, taking a step closer to you making you back up.

“Careful, Minnie.” A second voice called from behind you. You twisted your head quickly to see the Copper haired one sitting on the edge of the stage only a few feet away. This one was bizarre looking too with his ultra high cheekbones that shimmered under the light like iridescent scales.. The pupils in his thin eyes were slitted, reminding you of a serpent. “I think this is the mortal that Chris and Minho brought home. I do not advise playing around with it.”

The one in front of you took another few steps closer, making you back up until your heels met a wall. “Hmm, I think you’re right Innie.” He leaned down until the void of his gaze was mere inches from yours. You felt your throat close up as tears sprung to your eyes and your fingers began to tremble. “Why so tense, human? Aw I know, she’s scared of us, little thing saw the blood.” The way he spoke to you was so condescending, so demeaning that it made your teeth chatter.

The one on the stage cackled loudly, flailing his arms again. “That was entertaining! He was all ‘Noooooo pleeeeaasseee’ then BAM” He fell backwards playfully and made a strangled sound, “dead.”

“Yes but I do wish he had not bled so much. It’s going to take the servants forever to clean.” ‘Minnie’ made a disgusted face.

“Please.. Let m-me go.” You stuttered, trying to blink away the liquid that was about to fall. “I wish to leave this room, now please.”

“Leave?” He tilted his head in mock confusion. “Leave and go where? You know there are some verrryy scary faeries walking around this place.” Minnie shook his head, tutting. “No, no that won’t do. We don’t want anything to happen to our precious guest.”

The air had a sinister tension that you could cut with a butter knife and the way his lips curled in addition to the menacing giggling from the other one made you develop an unsettling ache in your stomach.

“Innie you're making her nervous with your laughter, isn’t that interesting?” It was almost like he could read your mind.You tried to back up further into the wall to get even a fraction of an inch away from him but it was to no avail. You felt like a trapped animal. “I have to admit, you’re even cuter when you’re frightened. Like a timid baby fawn who has lost its mother.”

You shut your eyes tightly and lowered your head, trying to shut him out but a sharp nail under your chin forced your head back up. Your eyes shot open when you felt the point begin to dig into your skin, making you wince.

“Do not turn away from me. As a prince of this court I do not tolerate disrespect.” He hissed, almost piercing your skin.

Before your skin could break an imposing figure was suddenly behind your captor and he was yanked away from you. Air filled your lungs and you let out a cough, not even realizing you had been holding your breath to begin with.

“You boys have been naughty in here, hmm?” You recognized the voice of your savior. You lifted your head and saw Chris, holding back ‘Minnie’ by the nape of his shirt. “Seungmin, I believe you were told to leave her alone.

The younger man rolled his eyes, “Just a bit of fun, Chris, nothing serious.”

The oldest prince was steaming internally, knowing how Seungmins aura could invoke terror should he desire it too, and by the looks of you he was laying it on thick. He hated how scared you must be.

Chris chucked Seungmin away from you and closed the distance between you. The fae prince cupped your cheek in his hand, wiping away the free flowing tears as you sniffled. “You okay, Princess? I heard your wish.”

His words made you cry harder and you could not stop yourself from launching into his arms, crying into his chest. You did not care if it was improper or immoral, you needed his comfort. He had heard you. He heard your wish and came to save you.

Minho was standing in the entry to the great room, watching the scene before him. He had run here as quickly as he could, and yet he was not quick enough. Minho watched intently as you were wrapped in a protective hug by his best friend. He knew he shouldn’t be jealous- that there was no valid reason for him to be- but he was. He wanted to comfort you, to feel the press of your body against his. What the fuck is happening to me? He shook his head to clear his thoughts of desire and turned his attention to the two troublemakers.

He stomped over to them, glaring daggers. “I thought we had an agreement you little fuckers. You had your own human to mess with, you don’t need another.” He noticed the body was already gone.

Jeongin pointed an accusatory finger at his dark haired friend. “I didn’t do anything, it was all Seungmin!”

Seungmin scoffed and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “ I wasn’t going to hurt her. Just tease a little. I do listen to your requests sometimes, Minho.”

“Could have fooled me.” He clipped, smacking both younger fae on the back of their heads then walked past them over to you. His tone softened and he touched your shoulder, making you jump slightly then turn around to him.

“Minho.” You breathed, a croak to your voice.

“You’re safe now, Princess. We’re here.” He soothed, a gentle hand rubbing your back up and down now.

“I.. I would like to leave now, please.” You whispered, drying your eyes once more. You were feeling not only the residual fright but now a sense of embarrassment at how easily you crumbled in front of them. It was unbecoming of a lady.

“Yes of course, I shall escort you back to the sky room-”

“No, I would like to go home. Back to my realm.”

“Oh, I see.” Chris looked at Minho briefly then back down at you, giving you a smile that did not reach his eyes once again.Honestly he resembled a kicked puppy. “Then I will take you home. That was our deal, afterall.” He offered you his arm and you clung to him, steering clear of the two frightening ones who waved at you as you walked out of the room with Chris. Minho glared one last time at the fae boys then he stomped out beside you.

As you were led back through the castle you could not stop thinking of the blood you had seen; how it seeped down in thick inky red drips, coating the elegant wood and flooring in its mess. You are not sure how, but something within you knows it was human blood.

“What is on your mind, Princess?” Minho asked, breaking the long silence.

I should not ask. I should not ask. I SHOULD NOT A- “ What kind of blood was that.. Back in the ballroom..” Dammit.

They both remained quiet for a second, choosing their words carefully with you. “It does not matter.”

“Was it.. Oh my goodness, was it human blood?” You took their silence as your answer. “It was!” Your mind went back to what ‘Innie’ had said; ‘Noooooo pleeeeaasseee’ then BAM, dead’.

You were getting worked up again, fanning your face so you did not begin to well up though that proved useless. You let go of both of them, stepping away. “How could you say it does not matter? Someone is dead!”

“Listen, sometimes the boys get too caught up in their enjoyment. They’re still young and don’t know how to control themselves yet.” Chris shrugged, not seeing the big deal. “It was just one, anyways. And obviously no one important if they lured him away so easily.”

Minho bit his tongue, knowing the elders' words were about to have deeper consequences.

You gave him an incredulous look, hurt evident on your face. “You think very little of human lives, don’t you?” Chris tried to put his hand on your shoulder but you smacked it away. “Do not touch me. I should not have come here. I wish to go home.”

“Princess..”

“That’s what you do, isn’t it? Grant wishes? Well then grant mine, I wish to go home right now!” You raised your voice on that last part, then lowered it again. “Please..”

Chris sighed defeatedly, then gave a look to Minho who nodded in understanding. “Right away.” He said looking back at you with a hidden sadness. “If you should ever like to return, you need only wish for it. I will hear you.” You did not respond, choosing to offer only a timid nod. “Minho will take you home now. I will be seeing you, princess.” With that Chris turned and made his way back into the castle.

For some reason your heart ached watching him walk away, as if you could feel his hurt. Minho placed a hand on your back gently, “Y/n, please shut your eyes.”

“Excuse m- AH!” You yelped as you were suddenly lifted off the ground and he held onto you bridal style. You ignored the muscle in his broad shoulders and arms as they held you. “Put me down at once!”

“You want to go home right? This is the quickest way. But you need to trust me. Can you do that?”

You bit your lip as you contemplated your options, but in the end gave in to him. “Yes, I will trust you Minho.”

“Thank you. Now shut your eyes and do not open them until I give you the signal.” You nodded, screwing your eyes shut tight. “Good, now count down backwards from ten. In your head is fine.”

You did as he said and began counting mentally.

He gripped tighter onto you

There was a chilling breeze that nipped at your skin

A loud whoosh passed by you, making your ears ring

Your body felt weightless and you gasped lightly.

“Open.”

You opened your eyes and found that you were back in your room, at your castle, laying on your bed. Your hand went to your heart and you breathed heavily, scanning your surroundings. Everything was as it was when you left, as if you were never gone. There was no galaxy sky, no imps and no fae princes to be seen.

With a deep sigh you fell back against your pillows. Did that really happen? How did I get home so quickly? Where did Minho go so suddenly? Your mind was reeling with questions, none of which you were likely to get answers to. You decided that you would not be going back to the fae wilds, as you had vastly misunderstood what kind of beings the fae were. Anyone who takes mortal lives as if they do not matter is not someone you want to associate with. No matter how handsome they are.

It was best to forget that it even happened at all. With a heavy heart you got up and took your dress off and dressed into your night linens. Sleep did not come easily to you that night.

as always comments and reblogs are encouraged and appreciated 💖 please share your thoughts i love to hear them

beta read by my loves @jehhskz and @athforskz 💜

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kyri45 · 8 months ago

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The Forgotten Island, AKA The Kingdom of Stars

A ISAT and Sky:Cotl Mix list of headcanons for a possible sequel of the main game.

MAP HERE!

Basic Information and Assumptions from the game:

From what we know, The Country is a rocky, forest, and mountain-filled island, close enough to be seen from Bambouche. Because of the cold climate, I’ll assume that it's located more northern than anything else in the ISAT world. Let’s also assume that it’s a highly humid country (it’s an island, so). Therefore, for a society built principally on the study of stars, I will further assume that the mountains there are high enough to well surpass the level of the clouds.

Another post also pointed out how the Country closest reference would be Iceland, which I couldn’t agree more ( even though I don’t think it would be THAT cold, I think the cold is more from the altitude than the position on the globe itself)

My personal take:

If even children are aware from a very young age of the physics and rules of the cosmos, then it’s safe to assume that these things not only are being taught in schools but are also present in their everyday lives in their homes. Just like the Change god is present in the form of statues and figurines around every house of Dormont, we could imagine that every house of The Country could have had its own observatory floor.

For an entire town, or city, or even country, to be able to see the stars perfectly at night, they would need to have their buildings more elevated than wide, so that the upper floors aren’t so affected by street lights pollutions or other form of illuminations for the roads.

As for the materials, we can drop down to at least:

Wood, from probably evergreen trees such as birch or even pine and spruce?

Basalt, from the (most likely) volcanic beach. It has also wonderful heat-keeping properties so It wouldn’t be strange to assume they use it in their buildings as well. The dark color also reflects less light during the night and would increase the star's visibility.

Other grey stones or concrete, from which they build at least the base of their tower-based architecture to be able to sustain multiple floors.

While an island such as The Country should technically be poor in metal, the presence of volcanic terrain and geysers should, on the positive side, mean that there is the presence of gold! So yes, shiny gold decorations for observatories or other star-related rooms are realistically allowed :)

I will take as a reference from the world of Sky 3 main realms for this AU:

Isle of Dawn: can be used as a reference for the surroundings part of the kingdom, using the same rocky and sandy morphology. Sky also has many boats scattered around the kingdoms, and since the Country mostly based its economy on trade and fishing was its main source of protein, I’ll take those as a reference as well.

Valley of Triumph: for its peaks, mountains, and climate. Also maybe for their transportation methods and house architecture from the Village of Dreams

Vault of Knowledge: the Vault itself is just one big building that could be well used as a like the main capitol center building for archive, research, and study of Wish Craft and stars. The architecture itself can also be used as an inspiration for other buildings such as libraries and schools.

I'll be updating this thread with possible more personal designs and sketch about the architecture!

Let me know if you finds errors in what I wrote or personal suggestions!

#kyri45 #isat spoilers #in stars and time #siffrin #sky cotl #sky children of the light #isat sky AU #isat sky cotl AU

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bcacstuff · 7 days ago

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Exploring the Hunku - By Jake Norton (part 1)

I guess part of me has always been an explorer.

No, not that kind of capital "E" Explorer - I haven’t discovered new lands, walked off the map, completed bold first ascents or any of that headline-grabbing stuff. But, I’ve been fortunate enough in my travels and adventures to wander off the beaten path somewhat, to explore terrain that, if not new to the world, is new to me, unfamiliar in all ways, be it on Everest’s North Face, the slopes of Gurla Mandhata, my own back yard, or elsewhere.

Our venture up the Hunku Khola from Chheskam to Kongme Dingma was just such an exploration. Sam and I and our team were not in uncharted waters; if we’re being honest, there is little in Nepal outside the extreme alpine realm that has not seen the feet of a herder or the staff of wandering ascetic over the ages. No, the Hunku is well known to the Kulung Rai and other locals, but not so to the outside world. I know of only a handful of people who have been up there before, one being Tim Macartney-snape, and if you know him and his history he’s not one for following the known path. So on December 6, we headed off into the somewhat unknown.

Sunset at camp 1 on the Mahakulung Muddhi-Kongmedingma Trail at the Mangan Khola.

Sam hikes up through lush forests of the Hunku Valley.

Our amazing team taking a breather.

New ways to traverse cliffside trails.

Steep and slick but full of beauty.

The new trail - dubbed by the excited community of Mahakulung as the Mahakulung Muddhi-Kongmedingma Trail - follows the Hunku Khola as it roars through a narrow canyon of its own creation. Unlike many treks in the Nepal Himalaya - and quite different than its nearby neighbor, Khumbu - this trail ambles through dense jungle, towering forests of East Himalayan Fir (Abies spectabilis), Musure Katus (Himalayan beech, Castanopsis tribuloides), Bull oak (Quercus lamellosa), Himalayan birch (Betula utilis), and rhododendron (both falconeri and arboreum). It’s a misty place as well, with afternoon cloud wafting up the valley, enshrouding the landscape in mystical ether turning to ethereal ice during the night.

While the Hunku finds its source up high in the melting ice of the Hunku Glacier on Baruntse and the alpine lakes of Seto Pokhari and Paanch Pokhari, its power is fed downstream by countless tributaries large and small, azure cascades coming down from numerous unnamed 5,000 meter peaks and larger, named ones like Naulekh and Mera. Thankfully, the municipalities of Mahakulung (Gudel, Bung, and Chheskam) built bridges across most, ranging from simple trusses to deluxe covered bridges and simple sticks-on-rocks for yet others still.

Sam shows his excitement at finding scat of a large leopard on the trail.

Bamboo tickets and high peaks.

A new bridge on day 3 crossing a tributary to the Hunku Khola. Bridges were built by locals from Mahakulung.

A new suspension bridge crosses the Hunku Khola on day 4.

Chilly mornings.

The boys on a break. Left to right: Sam Heughan, Tshering Dorje Sherpa, Gopal Magar, Karka Kulung Rai, and Jhanak Karki.

Sam crosses a less-modern - and fully iced - bridge on the upper Hunku Khola.

Porters crossing an old wooden bridge on the Hunku Khola.

Our trail - choked at times with bamboo or slick with mud, glazed with ice - meandered along the Hunku’s path. Folded as they are, the Himalaya do not lend themselves to easy trails, however, and the Muddhi-Kongmedingma is no exception: a straight line from Point A to Point B is rarely possible, with Ridge C and Valley D more often standing in the way. While most days the trail had a net gain of about 1500 vertical feet, we’d easily double that with ups and downs along the way.

But, that’s not to say days were hard; they were, taken all together, about perfect. Much of that is thanks to our team, and wonderfully motley crew of folks helping schlep our gear and prepare meals and keep us company along the way. And, this being the first real commercial trip up the valley, we never knew with certainty where the next flat ground would be found and if it would have water nearby. So, some days were cut short, some were stretched longer. Vagaries of the valley forced the abandonment of one acclimatization day at Watelma Chaur, but to little consquence: we were nimble, Sam was strong, our team able.

Six days of fairly magical, mystical trekking took us through climatic zones from forest to alpine, through sun and snow and ice, mornings of frost to afternoons of heat and frigid nights tempered by a blazing fire. We found scat from jungle cats (Asiatic wildcat? Maybe, but quite doubtful.) and leopards (common or snow, we do not know), enjoyed unspoiled nature at its best, and barely a trace of humanity - not a lodge, not a house, not a helicopter or plane. The only person outside our team we encountered until Khumbu was a resourceful Sherpa named Gelu from near Bung who heard of our affinity for both jhway kathe (raksi heated and adorned with sauteed fenugreek) and tongba (fermented millet prepared as a delicious hot drink) and decided we were a good business proposition, hauling several liters of both in his doko up valley. (Note, his instincts proved remarkably correct.)

Jhanak Karki, skull shaman.

Keeping warm by the fire at camp on day 4.

Misty morning majesty.

Fresh snow helped make day 5 on the Mahakulung Muddhi-Kongmedingma Trail even more stunning.

Steep and slippery demands creativity.

Sam enjoys a cold head shower along the trail.

Sun, shadow, and cloud play on the shoulders of Naulekh.

Sunset at our tiny cliff camp on the Hunku Khola.

Eventually, we emerged from the forest some 2500 feet below Kongme Dingma and entered the subalpine zone. Here, along with incresingly majestic views of Naulekh and Peak 41 and Chamlang and more, we bushwhacked for an hour through sprawling hillsides of sunpati (dwarf rhododendron, or Rhododendron anthopogon), which is used in most incense from South Asia. So strong and fresh, every step released a burst of aroma making the whole valley akin to walking around Bodhanath during times of prayer. Amazing.

And then, the pain began.

Not bad pain, but certainly some, the hurt of altitude and the cold that comes along with it, the toll extracted physiologically, penance for the privilege of the high country. And, like a first marathon or a first drunk, it hits the uninitiated hardest. We made it to Kongme Dingma, a small, vacant settlement at 15,750 feet, windswept and austere beneath the towering giants of Peak 41, Naulekh, and Chamlang. For Sam and Jhanak, each step of the last 3000+ feet was an altitude record, and inevitably the night brought with it headache and lassitude, the hallmarks up here. But, they fired back with their own hallmarks - grit and positivity.

We spent the night sheltering from demonic, 60 mph wind gusts under Gelu’s tarp-roofed hut. Dung-seasoned dust whipped about as we ate dal bhat, played cards with the team, laughed and talked and smiled and knew that this too would pass, tomorrow would dawn another day.

Altitude is a fickle thing, each person’s specific physiology responding differently to it. Until you’ve been up high, it’s generally a mystery as to how you’ll do, how your body will adapt - or not - to the dearth of oxygen. Some do well, some less so, but most will get it sorted out if given time and tools. Time is the keystone, as the body is working overtime to produce red blood cells and increase hypoxic efficiency; thus, a day off, an active rest day, at Kongme Dingma was essential to let the body do its thing.

Sam taking it all in as we leave the forest and enter the alpine.

Chamlang - the sentinel of the Hunku - was hidden for days but finally shows itself in the upper valley.

Gelu, our friend and beverage purveyor, stops for a tea and dal bhat break on the trail.

Sam Heughan taking it all in high on the Mahakulung Muddhi-Kongmedingma Trail.

Enjoying the views high on the Muddhi-Kongmedingma Trail.

(more in part 2 of this article)

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fairyhaos · 1 year ago

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seventeen and which mythical beings they are

requested by @mesanthropi ^^ physically held myself back from going on rants for shua's and hao's and jeonghan's pls (iykyk)

masterlist

seungcheol

vampire. formidable, mysterious vampire seungcheol from a powerful family name who lives in a huge, ominous castle and somehow manages to make sucking blood look sexy… shakes he's so fine oh my god. honestly vampire!cheol with glowing red eyes and an intimidating presence and the most smug fucking smirk in the world is such a vibe, and he also has the whole “i was born centuries and centuries ago” old hag thing down to an art

jeonghan

siren. specifically a mermaid-type siren that lives in the sea and has a pretty iridescent tail. water-dwelling being jeonghan just makes so much sense to me bc he has their fluidity and their peaceful and their mischief and also??? jeonghan with a shimmery mermaid tail and captivating siren voice???? i'd willingly drown myself for him actually, siren song be damned. he has the silvery voice of a siren and the ethereal looks to be one fr

joshua

wood nymph. bambi-eyed wood nymph joshua who communicates with the birds and tends to his forest and has flowers weaved in his hair and stars embedded around his eyes… the nymph!joshua obsession is Real guys and i am definitely a victim of it. curly haired joshua is just sooo wood nymph coded and i can see him as some soft-spoken, pretty being who lives in a birch tree and guides stray travellers when they get lost in his woods

junhui

witch junhui with his black cat familiar and his dented cauldron and his cottage in the middle of the forest!! witch junhui with his mini apothecary and his goofy-sounding spells and his eyebrow permanently half-singed bc his enchantments keep backfiring!! witch junhui with his soft spoken words and bright laugh and total kindness to everyone who happens upon his home!! witch junhui is so so dear to me and he really is just. a witchy little dude

hoshi

shapeshifter. does this idea feed into his furry agenda a bit too much? yeah, it kinda does, but oh my god just imagine tiger shapeshifter hoshi who's part human but can turn into a large, big-fanged and bold-striped tiger at a moment's notice. he really just genuinely gives shapeshifter vibes, and every year he schedules one week where he'll traipse off into the nearest mountains and blow off some steam in his tiger form for seven days

wonwoo

dragon. okay so this is kinda not a humanoid mythical being, but wonwoo is soooo big friendly dragon coded. i can imagine him as a large, red scaly dragon, snoozing atop his massive hoard of gold in a secluded cave in the forest, little wisps of smoke coming out of his nostrils as he snores contentedly. that doesn't mean he can't be scary if he wants to tho, and can burn down any puny humans who try to steal his hoard in the blink of an eye

woozi

demigod. part-god woozi is just such a vibe okay, and he rlly does give off a hercules-type feel, where he can do inhuman things and seems almost untouchable in his awesomeness, even though he's right there in front of you. and he has a hatred of the gods and a mild tolerance for humans but at the end of the day, he appreciates and loves both for all that they do. (also in a percy jackson demigod sense, he is totally an apollo's kid and no i don't make the rules)

minghao

fae. y'all know how far my fairy minghao agenda runs by now and like ??? can you blame me ???? the idea of sassy smol hao with fairy wings and a squeaky voice is cute and all, but also i just think he fits the idea of the entire tall, mysterious fae folk really well too. with his pointy fae ears and his shrewd gaze and his ability to say half-truths and riddles and give sage advice about how to live your life all at once, he really is very much a fae-like person.

mingyu

some sort of demon. he's so loud and bright and kind that, despite his huge presence and glowing eyes and the horns protruding out of his mess of fluffy hair, you don't even register that he's some dangerous, hellish creature before something happens and he just snaps, the air around him visibly darkening as he tears after the thing that caused him to lose control. he's so sweet and kind but so undeniably dangerous all at once.

dokyeom

elf. i'm thinking lord of the rings elves, except i haven't actually watched lord of the rings but i have this idea of them being tall and rich and elegant beings, and it makes me think of dokyeom. he's just so pretty, and the elves rely on the natural elements to survive, right? dokyeom is just so sunbeams peeking through forest leaves, so little rabbits bounding through the undergrowth, so hand-whittled arrows and folk songs around a campfire and tall, tall, beautiful elves.

seungkwan

will o’ the wisp or a sprite. he's endearing and mysterious, and once you gain his favour he's staying glued to ur shoulder for the entirety of your dangerous quest through the magical woods. he's very chatty and also very elusive, constantly flitting around in the air and disappearing in a wink of light before appearing on your nose once again. you can't tell if he's a help or a hindrance, but he's cute and bright and makes the journey a lot better

vernon

a smurf. smurfs count as mythical beings okay, and while ive never actually watched any smurf movie thing ever, i think vernon would make an absolutely brilliant smurf. they give off silly goofy weird adorable vibes, and that's basically vernon in a nutshell. also smol vernon with blue skin and lives in a mushroom looking house??? that's kinda cute and actually something that vernon might wanna do irl not gonna lie

chan

nine-tailed fox. he's so mysterious and sexy and kind of dangerous but like. his unbelievable handsomeness kinda outweighs the danger. honestly i don't really have an explanation for this other than that the Vibes r there for some reason and he'd look so cool with those glittery wisps of magic threading through the air around him as his eyes glow a mysterious colour before he launches into a kdrama-esque fight sequence against the latest monster

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thechillsquid · 2 months ago

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Giant Arthropods

Silverfish, Endermite, Bees, and more!

Shown above are some of the most well known and studied of the giant arthropods;

The Dungeon Silverfish (often just called a ‘silverfish’ despite the fact it is neither a true silverfish or a silver fish): A large predatory insect notable for their elongated bodies, habit to dwell in underground End dungeon locations, and their recorded habit of attacking in swarms. These insects are actually a kind of beetle, though living underground and growing to such massive sizes has reduced the need for wings and they’re secondarily wingless. While a single silverfish often will prey on smaller insects or mammals like rodents, they will attempt to hunt larger prey and in swarms can overwhelm a player.

The Endermite (also sometimes called an End Mite or Enderman Mite): While this species of massive mite (a type of arachnid related to scorpions, spiders, and ticks) is much rarer to actually encounter, as they are native to the End rather than the Overworld or Nether, they occasionally manage to fall through dimensional tears crated by enderpearl usage into the Overworld. While they are not venomous or known to swarm, they are highly aggressive and will attack if they feel their space is being threatened. They are more so scavengers/opportunistic feeders.

The Titan Bee (the largest species of bee that can currently be found in the Overworld): A generally peaceful species of massive bee similar in appearance to the more common and smaller carpenter bee. This species can often be found in large, open habitats, traveling from flower to flower as they collect food for their hives, which often are settled within oak or birch trees growing along the edge of forests. They are very fuzzy and will aggressively defend their hives from perceived threats, their massive size and subsquentially large venom sacs can cause nausea, dizziness, and sometimes fatal allergic reactions. In massive swarms they can kill even kill a player, though because of their massive size, they thankfully aren’t the fastest flyers and usually can be avoided. This being said, they are a high interest to those that enjoy honey and bee-keeping, and with the proper methods in place, keeping them is not difficult.

The Giant Bee (the second largest bee species in the overworld, much less common than their larger relative): Having a body plan similar to that of a bumble bee, this large species is commonly mistaken for young workers of the Titan Bee, however, unlike its larger relative, this species is almost exclusive found in forested biomes. Their smaller size helps them better maneuver in such areas but while much smaller, these bees are more prone to an aggressive response to disturbance of their hive. They often cause painful stings that can cause burning/itchy sensations or possibly more life threatening allergic reactions. Despite this, they are likewise prized for their honey and the fact that they are a lot easier for beginner or novice bee-keepers to manage than the larger Titan Bee, which can be more picky or selective in the hives they will accept.

While much more rarely talked about, there are a lot more giant species of arthropod, these are some of the more commonly discussed or encountered. Note this covers only a small proportion of the expansive types of arthropods one may find out in the world.

The Titan-Killer (this parasitoid wasp preys on the larva of the Titan bee, thus the name): This wasp will sneak into the hives of the Titan bee, piercing either cocooned bees and/or larva with its elongated ovipositor, laying its eggs on the unlucky individual. When the wasp’s eggs hatch, they will eat the developing bee/bee larva alive, pupating in the hive cell its host was inside, and emerge as new adults after a period of development. They share a striped pattern with the bees and will even mimic the bees scent pheromones to deceive any workers that do come across them while inside the hive. They can be an issue for developing hives but otherwise are of no threat to players or most other mobs.

The Giant-Killer (this related parasitoid wasp specializes in preying upon the Giant Bee rather than the Titan Bee): With a similar lifestyle to the Titan-Killer, this wasp is much smaller and mostly relies on avoiding the adult bees and sneaking into the hive in order to similar inject vulnerable developing bees/bee larva with its eggs. The eggs hatch, consume the bee, pupate in the cell, and leave the hive. They can be a bit more tricky to deal with due to their more skittish nature though they are likewise harmless to players and other mobs.

The Goliath Firefly (a very rarely seen species, they once were rumored to be found in the swamps and mangrove forests, but their numbers have been greatly reduced to near mythical status): These fireflies are massive beetles with very distinct sexual dimorphism, the females being nearly twice the size of the smaller males with underdeveloped wings incapable of flight. The females elytra (the hardened forewings of beetles) are visible in adulthood but completely vestigial. The males can be spotted in flight looking for the light signals produced by the ground dwelling female, their smaller size and functional wings giving them better mobility than the usually stationary female.

The Enderian Firefly (A species from the End, one of the few large arthropods found there besides the Endermite, a couple ground beetles, and several large crickets): These fireflies act behaviorally very familiarly to their Overworld cousin, however rather than spending their time in leaf litter, they live along the chorus fruit forests. The females, which are notable for their armored appearance and complete lack of wings (vestigial or functional) are adapt climbers that will work their way up the chorus fruit trees to better signal to the smaller, flying males. The males of this species are notable for having a design like that of an eye of ender along their elytra, though whether this may indicate selective breeding for this feature by the ancient ender societies that used to exist within the End pre-societal collapse, or is merely coincidental, this is not well known. These fireflies, while more populous than their Overworld relative are still very rarely encountered.

The Harvest Termite (there are several more castes not shown in the image, however the solider and worker are the mostly commonly seen of this species and thus the selected representatives for the species): A semi-arid dwelling termite species notable for their large size and curious ‘moon’ like head coloration along the head. They act and behave much like their smaller cousins, though their size can make them a pesky species to deal with, particularly when they bite. While their bites are generally more irritating and painful than deadly, a group of them can cause significant injury.

The Shear-Jawed Ant (Similarly to the Harvest Termite, this ant species has several castes but the main ones showcased here are of the solider and worker castes): One of several massive ant species, this desert species is notable for the mandibles found on the solider caste as well as the spines ridge along the back of its exoskeleton. The jaws in particular appear similar to shears with a more hooked and serrated edge, made for cutting off flesh from carcasses or unfortunate prey, they can also cause severe bites. These ants are mainly nocturnal and can come in conflict with players when unknowingly setting up camp near one of their nests, the workers and soldiers travel long distances for food and resources. It is thought that many of those lost in the desert and never seen again were dealt with by a hungry swarm of these ants. Though recorded deaths caused by these ants have yet to be confirmed.

The Eyed Roach (one of several large roaches, they are one of the most recognizable for the pattern on their pronotum, the shield-like structure that often hides the head from overview): A peridomestic species often found near or in villages along the Savannah plains or semi-arid habitat, they feed on anything and everything though are mostly harmless save for the possibility of mechanical transmission of disease. Elsewise they very rarely will be out during the day and are incredibly skittish and quick despite their wingless nature and size.

The above image showcases the largest known arthropods in both the overworld and nether dimension, those of the massive spiders and centipedes.

The Common Wolf-Eater Spider (also known simply as ‘spiders’ by most players due to their reputation): These massive spiders are known ravenous predators that have been recorded catching and killing anything from wolves, sheep, cattle, players, etc. They can be found almost anywhere above ground across differing climates and habitat types, though thankfully, they are restricted to the Overworld. They are nonvenomous, but their massive fangs can still cause great damage. They are best dealt with in well-lit areas or during the day as they almost become ‘docile’ in well lighted conditions, most likely because their prey can better sense and spot them and thus its easier to save their energy for when they have a greater advantage. They are thankfully mostly solitary though if a group senses blood or an injured entity, they will gather together to tackle the possible prey.

The Cave-Dwelling Wolf-Eater Spider (also known simply as ‘cave spiders’ by players due to their reputation): These large spiders are nearly two times smaller than their larger above ground relative, though this does not make them less dangerous. Infact, these vigorous spiders are known to active live in massive groups/colonies and hunt coordinately. They also are notable for having massive fangs that inject a venom that causes illness, vertigo, drop in blood pressure, etc. Some players have even been shown to go into cardiac arrest or organ failure if struck by a large enough group. While they are rarer to encounter, they can be highly deadly and persistent, particularly considering the fact that with their somewhat smaller size, places and holes that might keep one safe from a ‘common spider’ will not keep you save from this species.

The Birch Spider (also known as the Forested Spider or the ‘knuckle-head spider’ due to the habit of them accidentally dropping on player’s heads from above): Exclusively found in the birch forests in the Overworld, this spider is the much smaller and less deadly relative of the ‘cave’ and ‘common’ spiders. They also, unlike the fore-mentioned two, are web-builders rather than pursuit predators. They often prey upon large and small flying insects that get stuck in their webs along with small rodents and reptiles. Their venom can cause irritation but rarely triggers much else than a sore spot where bitten.

The ‘Cave-Crawler’ (aka Hell’s Centipede, one of the very rare, yet highly adapted, giant Nether arthopods): This massive ambush predators mostly feeds on unfortunate striders, lone pigmen, and young hoglins that come across their hidden burrows carved into netherrack walls. They usually keep themselves hidden away in these burrows until they sense approaching entities and struck, inflicting a venomous bite before retreating into their burrow. The bite will often start to feel itchy and irritated before growing numb as a paralysis agent works through the body, eventually leading to organ failure, coma, and eventually death. These giant centipedes will then follow the scent trail of their injured prey and drag the body back to feed on in their burrows. They have a heavy armor that is nearly impossible to pierce with even the toughest of swords though their softer underbellies are more vulnerable. They can however be scared off with bright lights and strong scents like mint or citrus as the strong smells disorientate them. They are rarely encountered or rarely discussed because of the dangers in study them. The Oakworm (aka the Overworld Mega-Centipede due to its unusual size): This centipede species is larger a scavenger and opportunistic hunter, wandering about and eating what it comes across. They, unlike the Hell’s Centipede, a distant relative, will not attack organism larger than themselves, preferring to stay hidden under moist, cool logs in dense forests during the day and emerging at night to feed. They were originally mistaken for a massive species of worm, thus their odd name in reference.

The Hero’s Stickbug (aka the walking sword): A highly camouflaged, elusive herbivore from the Overworld, this species while massive, often stays out of sight as much as possible. They usually live in dense forest canopies, feeding on fresh growth.

And there we have some of our many Giant Arthopods! Due to the high oxygen levels in the atmospheres of the differing dimensions, the restriction of size caused by capability to carry oxygen throughout the body is little concern. However, this wasn’t always the case as it can be noted via recent research that many of these massive arthropods are technically much younger species than their smaller counterparts.

Infact, I think the rise of these massive arthropods is linked with the post End-exodus event (also called the post-End disaster event) whereas some unknown event caused the near complete destruction of Enderman society, the vanishing of the great unknown ancient society responsible for crafting the Warden and Exodus portals these entities guard, and possibly the rise of The Infections (the main terrible diseases of the pigmen plague, the death-curse illness, and The Corruption).

I think that when one of the ancient civilizations attempted to escape from some horror (be it war, famine, or sickness) after failing to find salvation in first the Nether and then the End, they returned to the Overworld and created the Exodus portals found in the Deep Dark, punching their way through to a currently unknown, theoretical fourth dimension. This dimension’s introduction to the known three caused shifts in magical systems, the atmosphere, etc. and either assisted in or caused the massive extinction event that occurred some millennia ago.

It was as the surviving organisms of this incident managed to adapt and thrive that diversification was able to take hold. There is still much to piece together and figure out, particarly when trying to craft a timeline or estimation of species origin can be so difficult and time consuming.

Either way, I thank you for viewing my admittedly limited showcasing of some of the many impressive Giant Arthopods of the known three dimensions.

#my art #traditional art #speculative biology #minecraft biology #Minecraft mobs #Minecraft speculative biology #minecraft spider #minecraft silverfish #minecraft endermite #minecraft bee

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thewildsophia · 1 year ago

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.Wild Child. Moominvalley//Snufkin x Reader

Snufkin x Winged!Reader

A/n: This fic took so damn long to make my GOD- It's been 2 years in the making, but I'm so glad to finally be finished with it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Word Count: 12884

Living your life outside in the wild had left you somewhat…feral.

You weren’t aggressive, quite the opposite in fact, you just didn’t quite understand the way that people worked, and it very much showed. You often stayed away from others, worried that they would harm you. Your understanding of speech was limited, so you often just mimicked what others have said before you in hopes that you’ll be able to understand it one day.

You vaguely remember being raised by your parents up until the ripe old age of 3. After that, they took you out somewhere in the woods before placing you down and leaving. From then on, it had just been you and the occasional animal or being that decided to help you out.

You weren’t completely sure why they had left you, but you assumed that it had to do with your wings. That’s right, you had wings; much like a bird’s. Decorated with white and pale gold feathers, they were powerful enough to lift you high above the ground and allowed you to travel to all the different lands that your heart desired.

As of right now, you were heading somewhere warm as the area you were currently in was beginning to become cold again, the telltale sign that winter was approaching in that area. You remembered seeing on someone’s map that there was an area just south of where you currently were that would be spring this time of year, so you decided to fly there for the time being.

It took you a few days, but you eventually arrived in a small valley-like area that was covered in forest life. Large Birch and Oak trees covered the area as you did your initial fly-by to get affiliated with the place, which made it a bit difficult to get a good visual of the area. In addition to that, the wind here was much stronger than what you were used to and you knew that trying to fly against it would tire you out quicker.

You decided it would be best if you flew lower to the ground. However, because of the size of the trees, your flight was limited significantly. Eventually, you just opted to hop from treetop to treetop, using your wings to help when encountering a particularly large jump.

It was then that you spotted a man below you wearing a green hat and coat, along with a yellow scarf and a large brown backpack. The thing that intrigued you the most about him was that he looked a lot like you. All the other people you had met resembled woodland creatures and animals as opposed to yourself. He even walked the same way you did sometimes!

Curious, you began to follow him as quietly as possible. The sun was beginning to set when he stopped and began to set up, what appeared to you to be, some kind of small home. While trying to get a closer look at what he was doing, you leaned a little too far forward on the branch you were standing on and almost fell. Much to your dismay, the sound of you scrambling to get back up alerted the man. He looked over at the trees to where you were, but his eyes glossed over your form as they passed through the tree line.

“Hello?” He called out. His voice was soft and smooth, but loud enough to be heard from a distance.

You held your breath and remained silent, hoping that he’d just go back to what he was previously doing. He took one last glance before sitting back down in front of the fire he had made. As he was sitting, a strong gust of wind blew by, taking the man’s hat with it.

“Hey!” He shouted while reaching out to grab it, missing it by a few inches. The hat blew past your direction and into the dark woods. You watched as he chased after it until he reached the tree line. He sighed before turning back and sitting near the fire. He sat there frying a fish while sulking, most definitely being upset about his hat.

Feeling bad for him, you decide to go looking for it. You quietly left the area before dropping down to the forest floor and looking for his hat. Your vision was a lot better than most people’s, but even with that advantage, it was going to be a bit difficult looking for a green hat amongst flowers, grass, weeds, and other various plant life.

Like you predicted, it took a while -- you’re not sure how long exactly -- before you found what you were looking for. You got back up on the trees before heading over to where the man was settled. To your surprise, he was still awake and playing some kind of tune.

You haven’t heard much music throughout your life, but the little that you did hear you liked, and this was perhaps your favorite. You stayed there for a while, crouched on one of the tree branches, just listening to him before you decided to return what was his. Slowly, you descended the tree you were perched on and began to walk over to him, standing straight. You didn’t walk much, but when you did you crouched, remaining close to the ground. You only did that so that you’d always be ready to take flight if needed.

He must have heard your descent because he looked over in your direction and spoke.

“Hello?” He called out again. Your steps stuttered a bit as you hesitated before you came into the light of his fire. He stood from where he was sitting; his brown eyes met your E/C ones as you two stared at the other for a moment. His gaze made your wings twitch under your cloak.

Now looking at him in the light, you noted that he wasn’t a man, but instead a boy around your age, if not a few years younger. Brown locks of hair framed his face perfectly as you watched his eyes study your form. He was so beautiful and his body looked so much like yours. Was he one of your kind? What even were you?

“Can I help you?” He asked. You snapped out of your thoughts and held his hat out in front of him.

“Is…for you,” You mumbled, trying to find the right words. He seemed shocked but took his hat nonetheless.

“My, thank you very much,” He said, fixing it upon his head and covering his beautiful hair, “I didn’t think I’d see it again.” He added with a smile. You smiled yourself before he put his hand out towards you, making you take a step back.

“I’m Snufkin, a pleasure to meet you,” He, Snufkin, said with his hand still extended. You looked at his hand and then back up at him.

“Snufkin?” You repeated, pointing at him.

“Yes, that’s right,” He confirmed, “And you are?”

“Y/N,” You said, pointing to yourself. Snufkin’s extended hand fell back to his side as he spoke.

“Well, Y/N, would you like to sit by the fire with me? As a thanks for you returning my hat?” Snufkin asked, making a vague gesture for you to sit down with him. You cocked your head to the side, eyebrows knitted in confusion as to what he was asking. You stared at him expectantly before his smile dropped.

“Y/N?” He asked. You hummed in acknowledgment and walked over to him but didn’t sit down. You looked down at him, waiting for what he had to say.

“Do you want to join me?” He asked again.

“Do you want to join me?” You mimicked, smiling. Snufkin furrowed his eyebrows before patting the seat next to him saying,

“Sit.”

You complied and sat next to him on the log. You noted the small setup above the fire, some sort of large pot being just above the open flame. He pulled out two small, wooden bowls and handed you one of them. He used a spoon to move some of the liquid from the pot and into the small bowls. You stared at your, now full, bowl before looking over at Snufkin to see what he was doing with it. You watched as he dipped the spoon into the bowl before lifting it to his mouth, gently blowing on it before eating it.

“What?” You asked, pointing to your bowl. Snufkin looks over at you.

“What was that?” He asked. You hummed before repeating,

“What…this?” You specified. Snufkin looks at you confused before answering you.

“It’s stew,” He said, not looking away from you. You still didn’t understand.

“Stew?” You asked.

“Stew. It’s a type of soup. I just used some of the various plants I found, along with some meat.” He explained. You continued to look at him, face scrunched in confusion.

“Y/N,” He said, pulling your attention, “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

You stared at him, face blank before he sighed.

“You eat it, like this,” He said, lifting the bowl to his lips and gently pouring it into his mouth and drinking it. When you sat there staring at him, he gently moved the bowl in your hand and lifted it to your lips, doing the same with his own bowl. He then took a sip from his bowl. As understanding washed over you, you took the bowl into both of your hands before taking a sip of it.

It was so good! You had never tasted anything this good before.

You smiled, giggling lightly, as you pulled the bowl away from your lips, your bare feet rubbing against the dirt in delight. Your wings had puffed up a bit before you stretched them a bit under your cloak, catching the attention of Snufkin. Glancing over, you noticed his eyes were fixed on the back of your cloak. You moved the bowl to one hand as your other one moved your cloak aside, exposing your wings to the chilly night air.

“Oh, wow,” Snufkin mumbled as you rolled your shoulders, stretching your wings out a bit more. It was always a bit uncomfortable keeping them in the same position for a long period of time. You took another sip of the ‘stew’ when you flinched, feeling something brush up against your wings.

“Oh, sorry,” Snufkin apologized, noticing your discomfort, “Did I hurt you?” He asked.

“Hurt me?” You asked. You shook your head ‘no,’ moving your wing closest to him towards him, “Okay.” You say.

“Can I touch them?” Snufkin asked, his hands hovering above them still unsure of what to do.

“Touch them,” You repeated, stretching your wing towards him. His hands were warm on the chilled appendage and were gentle not to pull any of the pale-colored feathers. You quietly hummed in delight, a small smile gracing your lips as you closed your eyes and rested the bowl in your lap. This felt surprisingly nice.

“I’ve never seen anything like you before,” Snufkin mumbled. “You’re incredible.”

Those words made you feel strange even if you didn’t quite understand them. Not in a bad way, the opposite really. You felt warm and didn’t want to leave him. Still, his words muddled you and you turned to him confused.

“You…like me?” You said pointing to the back of his coat.

“Oh, no,” He said, moving his hands to trace the back of his coat, “I don’t have…wings.”

You hummed in acknowledgment before moving your cloak back in place over your wings to protect them from the cold. You finished the last of your food before placing the bowl on the ground and warming yourself up by the fire. You were close to falling asleep when you heard Snufkin shuffling beside you. He had grabbed the bowls and was running them through the water in the stream nearby. When he returned, he dried them off using some cloth before placing them in his bag and putting them in his little home.

“Do you have somewhere to stay?” Snufkin asked, “I have some extra room in my tent.” He added, pointing to his ‘tent.’

“Yes,” You said, shaking your head, “Have…somewhere.” You specified, standing up and stretching.

“Take-Thank…” You stuttered, trying to remember the words, “Thank…”

“‘Thank you?’” Snufkin said.

“Yes!” You shouted, smiling, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” He said, entering his tent, “Good night.” He whispered before closing the tent completely.

“Good…night,” You mumbled. You stared at the tent for a moment, a small smile still on your lips, before flying over to the small forest again. You turned to look back at the small setup before searching for a good tree to perch in for the night.

~~~~~~~~~~

When you went to check for him the next day in the area he was previously at, he was not there. A little disappointed, you continued on with your day. While looking for a stream to find some fish at, you spot Snufkin sitting on a bridge. In his hand, he had a long stick with, what you thought to be, a string attached to the end of it. The end of the string was submerged in the water.

Perching on the railing of the bridge, you called out to the brunette.

“Snufkin,” You said, smiling. Your smile faltered when you heard him yelp and turn around with wide eyes. He calmed down when he recognized you.

“Y/N,” He whispered, still breathing a bit heavily, “You startled me…” He said, readjusting his position and looking back at the water. You jumped off the railing and sat next to Snufkin.

“How did you get here without me knowing?” He asked, glancing over at you. You pointed up at the sky.

“Oh, yeah,” Snufkin whispered.

“What doing?” You asked, pointing to the stick in his hand.

“I’m fishing,” He answered. You tilt your head to the side and hum.

“Fishing?” You repeated.

“Yes, fishing,” Snufkin repeated, “Using a fishing rod, I’m catching fish to eat.” He explained slowly. You furrow your eyebrows before walking off of the bridge. You removed your cloak and rolled your brown pants up to your mid-thighs before walking into the water. The water was cooler than you expected, but you quickly got used to it.

“What are you doing?” Snufkin asked with a small smile. You pressed a finger to your lip telling him to be quiet and stood there as still as you could, feeling for the fish. When you felt a large enough one pass close to you, you quickly grabbed it, digging your nails into the soft flesh making sure it wouldn’t get away. Pulling it out of the water, you flew over to the bridge next to Snufkin and held the fish out to him.

“Fish!” You shouted, smiling. Snufkin looked at you surprised before placing his rod to the side and taking the fish from you. It struggled around in his hands as he grabbed it.

“I-Wow. That was…impressive, Y/N.” Snufkin said, still bewildered. You smiled wider before returning to the water. You walked around a bit before finding a good spot.

“For me…” You murmured as you waited. Your concentration was broken when you heard a hiss-like sound come from Snufkin. Turning to him you note that he wasn’t making that noise, but instead the ‘fishing rod’ that he was pulling on. When he finished struggling with the rod, he held up a fish that was attached to the end of the string, still flopping around.

“For you,” Snufkin said, patting the spot next to him. You flew over to him before he handed you the fish he had just caught. You shuffled off of the bridge before looking around for a small sharp rock to use. You felt Snufkin’s eyes on you as you did so, but you didn’t mind all that much.

Once you found a rock that would work, you crouched down in front of the fish and struck it hard in the head before cleaning it. You used the rock to scrape off the fish’s scales, then rinsed the fish one more time in the water before taking a bite of it. You had torn a piece of it off when you heard Snufkin shout.

“Wait-What are you doing?” He exclaimed, rushing towards you. You backed away from him and groaned when he reached a hand out towards the fish still in your mouth. He pulled his hand away saying,

“You need to cook it first,” He said, worry still etched on his face. You hummed in confusion, removing the fish from your mouth.

“Cook?” You asked. Snufkin sighed before standing back up.

“Here, come with me,” He said, motioning for you to follow him. Hesitantly, you got up and followed him to a small clearing. There, he set up a small fire using dead leaves and small twigs. Much like you did, he prepped the fish by removing the scales, but then cut the belly of it, removing its insides. Something else noteworthy was that, unlike the sharp rock you had used, he had grabbed a piece of metal and cleaned the fish out.

“What…that?” You asked, pointing to the long, thin piece of metal. Snufkin hummed before explaining.

“It’s a pocket knife. It’s made of metal and has a sharp edge here which allows you to cut things.” He said, showing the knife to you. You tapped the metal of it with your nail and hummed in thought before pulling your hand back.

“May I have your fish?” He asked, pointing to the fish next to you. You scrunch your face and groan. You thought about it for a moment before giving it to him.

“Thank you,” He said, cutting the stomach of it. You watched his movements curiously. After he finished scraping the insides of the fish out, he stuck a long stick through them and held them over the fire.

“Trust me,” He whispered, drawing your attention away from the fire and to him, “This will taste much better. And will lower the risk of you getting sick.” He added, smiling. You didn’t quite understand what he was saying, but you returned his smile nonetheless. You were curious to learn what other words he knew.

“What…this,” You mumbled, pointing to his hat. He looked up.

“Oh, that’s my hat,” Snufkin said, not taking his focus off of the fish.

“Hat?” You repeated, unsure.

“Yes, that’s right,” He smiled. You hummed before tugging gently at the end of his coat.

“What this?” You ask again.

“My coat,” He answered.

“Coat…” You whispered, “Cooooooat.” He laughed lightly at that.

“Yup,” He giggled. You hummed again and scooted closer to him. He looked at you shocked before drawing his attention to your next question.

“What this?” You asked, placing your foot next to his. You were pointing at his feet this time.

“…My shoes,” He muttered, not looking away from you. The way that the sunlight shown down through your H/C lashes and illuminated your S/C skin, bouncing off of your airy feathers really did make you look beautiful, angelic. He wanted so badly to run his hands through your wings, remember very vividly just how soft they were, but felt it rude to ask. Feeling his face warm up, Snufkin pushed the thought to the back of his head while clearing his throat.

You continued asking him the names of various items surrounding the two of you before he pulled the fish out from the fire. He placed them on a piece of cloth and rested them in his lap. You reached out to grab your fish before Snufkin stopped out.

“Wait, they’re still too warm,” He said, holding a hand out in front of you. You groaned at him before grabbing the fish anyway.

You immediately regretted the action when a searing, burning sensation blossomed in your hand.

“Ah!” You shouted, dropping the fish and backing away. Snufkin was quick to catch it and place it back with the other, muttering a small ‘ow’ of his own.

“I told you, it’s still too hot,” Snufkin said, a bit irritated.

“Why?” You asked surprised, “Fish cold. Why hot now?” You specified, looking over at his lap and at the fish. Snufkin raised his eyebrows at that.

“Fire is hot,” He said matter-of-factly. He grabbed your hand and held it close to the fire, allowing you to feel the gentle warmth it gave off. You hummed in confusion, eyebrows drawn together in thought.

“Okay,” He said, shifting his position and facing his body towards you, “Fire is hot. Fire makes other things hot.” He explained simply. You stared at him then at the fire. He was about to say something else when you spoke.

“Fire make…fish hot?” You asked, still a little unsure.

“Yes, exactly,” Snufkin praised, smiling. You shook your head slowly as you began to understand. You crawled back over to where you were previously sitting next to Snufkin, cradling your tender hand.

“Here,” Snufkin said, digging around in his backpack for a moment. When he finished, he showed you a small container that held a thick, clear liquid, “Give me your hand.” He said, holding out one of his. You placed your hand in his palm up when he applied a small amount of the liquid to your hand. You fought not to pull your hand away as your hand began to sting again.

“There,” Snufkin said, letting your hand go, “That should help it heal.” You hummed in acknowledgment before looking back at the fire. Snufkin shifted beside you, but you paid him no mind.

“Here you go,” He called out, tapping your shoulder. He placed the fish that was on a piece of cloth onto your lap. You flinched, thinking that it was going to burn you again but were shocked when you felt no such thing.

“You can eat it now; It’s cooled down enough,” Snufkin explained, taking a bite of his own. You gingerly picked up the fish before taking a small bite of it.

You hummed in delight and smiled, kicking your feet in the dirt a little. Snufkin looked at you smiling.

“It tastes better, doesn’t it?” He asked, taking another bite of his fish.

“Good,” You mumbled. You continued eating in silence with him. When the two of you had finished, you discarded the remains before standing up. You patted both of his shoulders with your hands saying,

“Stay,”

With that, you flew off.

You flew over to the woods you were previously homed in, searching for a certain kind of plant you had spotted during your initial fly-by. You foraged around on the ground for close to 10 minutes before you found what you were looking for: Elderberries. You gathered them in the cloth that Snufkin had given to you and flew back to him.

As you were approaching the area you had left him in, you heard music, much like the kind you heard last night. It was lovely.

When you touched down you noticed that Snufkin was blowing into some kind of metal object that was making the music you heard. Noticing your return, he stopped playing and looked towards you. You sprinted towards him and knelt down next to him smiling.

“So, why did you want me to wait here?” Snufkin asked, looking down at you. You gently placed the cloth in his lap, making sure its contents wouldn’t fall out, and pressed your face against the log next to him.

“Thank you,” You said. He looked at what you had given shocked before saying,

“Where on Earth did you manage to find Elderberries?” He looked down at you surprised, only receiving a smile from you in response.

“Well, wherever you managed to find these, thank you,” Snufkin said, running his warm hands through your hair.

Oh, that felt good. You hummed in delight as Snufkin continued to stroke your hair. You had never been this close to another being. He was so gentle with you that it almost made you cry. You were so used to people fighting you or trying to get you away from them that Snufkin’s attitude was such a shock to you.

You sat there, head in his lap, as he continued to stroke your hair and talked about anything that came to his mind. You perked up when you heard a voice in the distance from where you two were.

“Snufkin!” The voice shouted. Looking in that direction, you saw a white figure of sorts. It didn’t seem to have a very solid body shape like you and Snufkin had, instead looking more like a blob than a person. The figure was approaching surprisingly fast and, out of instinct, you stood up.

“Y/N?” Snufkin asked as you stared at the figure. The figure met your eyes and that’s what got you moving. You groaned, afraid, before turning and taking flight in the opposite direction, into the forest.

You heard Snufkin call out again to you, but you didn’t go back, you didn’t even look back. You felt a little bad leaving as suddenly as you did, but you didn’t know if you could trust that strange figure, so it’s better safe than sorry.

In the safety of the forest’s dense canopy, you watched the two of them interact. The white figure said something to Snufkin, pointing to the forest you were in. Snufkin said something in reply, but you obviously couldn’t make it out. You groaned quietly before turning and flying deeper into the forest, away from the unknown figure.

~~~~~~~~~~

You had spent the next few weeks visiting Snufkin when he was alone. Most of the time he seemed happy to see you and would ask you to join him in whatever activity he was doing. However, on the few times you did visit him and he was a bit persnickety you’d leave soon after not wanting to bother him.

During those weeks, Snufkin had taught you more words and how to form better sentences. Your speech was nowhere near perfect, but you found it much easier to convey your thoughts, which also made it easier for him to understand you.

Currently, you sat on the bridge in the late afternoon with Snufkin as he showed you how to fish. After a while of listening to him explain how to use a fishing rod and when to reel it in, you deemed it too complicated before rolling up your pants and stepping into the water.

The two of you fished in comfortable silence before Snufkin spoke up.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Snufkin began. You looked over at him, “What’s it like to fly?”

That question caught you off guard.

Very rarely did Snufkin ask you things and they were usually easy things to answer. This, however, would be a bit difficult.

You hummed in thought, not sure what to say.

“It is…nice. Refreshing,” You said after thinking about it for a moment, “It’s like…when you go out on a walk.” You added. You really didn’t know how to explain this.

Snufkin hummed and continued fishing with a small frown. You walked out of the water, shaking the water off of your legs, and over to Snufkin. You crouched next to him on the bridge and removed his hat.

“What are you doing?” He asked, letting you take the fishing rod from his hand. You reel in the line before placing it next to his hat. You got closer to him, there only being a few inches between you two, and gently grabbed his hands, wrapping them around your neck. You then wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing your chests flush against the other.

“W-Wha…?” Snufkin whispered, face red, as you held onto him tightly. Snufkin understood what you were trying to do when you jumped onto the railing of the bridge.

“Ah, w-wait!” He shouted, but his plea fell upon deaf ears. You push off of the railing and extend your wings, allowing the wind to help you into the air. You winced as Snufkin screamed next to your ear, his legs wrapping around your waist to secure himself to you.

“No-I don’t like this!” He shouted, pressing his face into your shoulder. You laughed lightly, flying up a bit higher. You flew relatively low to the ground -- or at least as low as you could due to the trees -- so as not to frighten him too much.

“You will like,” You said, continuing to glide around. You couldn’t move as fast as normal, not as high, but he didn’t need to know that. After letting him get used to the air, you called out to him.

“Hey, look,” You whispered. Snufkin pulled his face away from your shoulder and looked out into the sky. He hummed as he looked around.

“Oh, wow,” He sighed, eyes glancing all over the sky. You smiled softly at the look of awe and amazement on his face. The way that the wind blew through his brown hair and how the light bounced off of his flawless, sun-kissed skin made him look heavenly, absolutely lovely. Your stomach felt warm, chest tight, and you were sure it wasn’t just from Snufkin’s body. You squeezed him a little tighter when you felt your grip loosen slightly, worried you might drop him.

You looked away, face warm, and focused on flying instead. Snufkin shifted in your arms slightly to look at everything better.

“Do you do this every day?” Snufkin asked, pulling your attention from your thoughts and to him, “Fly, I mean.” He specified.

“Yes,” You answered, “It how I go most places.”

“What an amazing gift you have,” He mumbled. You were sure you weren’t meant to hear it, but it flattered you all the same. For a good part of your life, you resented having wings. A part of you always thought that your parents got rid of you because you weren’t like most “human” children, you had wings. You were amazed at how much power a single sentence from Snufkin had over you; how those six, simple words almost brought you to tears. You smiled softly, saying,

“I guess so.”

The rest of your flight was silent, the only noise being that of the wind in your ears and the songs of distant forest animals. You flew around with Snufkin for another few minutes before you felt the strain in your wings, the stress of carrying another person finally getting to you. You turned back to the bridge and made your descent.

You landed on the bridge, next to where you had left Snufkin’s things, but didn’t let go of the other quite yet. Your wings were trembling due to the stress of carrying him and you were panting slightly with your head resting on his shoulder.

“Are you alright?” Snufkin asked, rubbing your lower back. You hummed a ‘yes’ while pulling away from the other. When you parted, he continued to hold your hand.

“Not used to carry…person,” You explained, breathless.

“Why don’t I make you something while you rest? You deserve it after all,” Snufkin offered, retrieving his discarded item and walking off of the bridge, having you follow him.

“Sounds…good,” You said, sitting down on the ground. You watched Snufkin rummage around in his bag for a bit before you lay down on your side. You felt unbelievably tired. You had never worked yourself this hard before.

The last thing you remember seeing was Snufkin striking a fire.

You were awoken by Snufkin gently shaking your shoulder sometime later, telling you that the food was ready. The sun had already set and twilight was upon you. You smiled as you sat up and stretched; it seemed a short nap was all you needed.

Snufkin handed you a bowl of stew and a spoon before sitting down next to you. It was similar to the first one he had made for you the first night you met. The two of you ate quietly before Snufkin spoke up.

“Thank you,” He whispered, making you turn to him confused, “For sharing that experience with me.” You pulled the bowl away from your face and smiled.

“Thank you…for joining me,” You said, “I had fun.”

You finished your dinner in silence once more before rinsing out your bowl in the nearby stream (you noted a while ago that this was something Snufkin did) and handing the bowl to Snufkin. He thanked you before placing the items in his bag and extinguishing the fire. Snufkin placed his bag in the tent that he set up. You were about to wish him a good night and fly off somewhere for the night when he spoke up.

“Would you care to stay with me tonight?” Snufkin asked, pulling aside one of the flaps of his tent. You shook your head saying,

“Oh, no,” You smiled, “I know you like, um…privacy.” You hesitated, not sure if you used the right words, “I no want to bother.”

“You wouldn’t be a bother,” Snufkin rebuttal quickly, looking at you expectantly. You stared into his brown eyes before turning away from him. You knew that he was just trying to be courteous; he never liked being around people for too long.

“Good night,” You said, waving, before taking flight. You didn’t fail to notice the slight relief that washed over Snufkin’s face as you pushed off of the ground and flew deep into the dense forest for the night.

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

Snufkin had invited you to go, what he called, ‘Mushroom Hunting” with him. You had injured your left leg a few days prior due to having fallen out of a tree while sleeping. It left a nasty gash on the less meaty and more bony part of your ankle, which was making it difficult to walk around. Despite having cleaned it off in a nearby stream soon after injury, it hadn’t been healing that much and instead seemed to be getting worse.

You carried on, however, and joined Snufkin in his hunt for mushrooms.

It was a much warmer summer day and when you went to visit Snufkin, you noted the changes to his outfit. He had left his coat with the rest of his things -- in one of the more secluded areas so others wouldn’t find it -- and switched out his cream-colored shirt with a green one. His usual green pants were rolled up about mid-calf while he wore the same brown boots, his yellow scarf tied into a loose knot around his hat.

Something about seeing him so dressed down made you feel light. You felt warmth in parts of your body that were normally cold like your hands and feet and your muscles were tense. Your stomach fluttered, but not in the same way it would when you flew, and your chest felt almost uncomfortably tight. Almost.

“You ready?” Snufkin asked. His voice was as smooth and serene, calming as always. It never failed to give you a sense of tranquility and safety.

“Yes,” You said, walking to the best of your ability beside the other. You had been limping a little since yesterday, but it didn’t concern you too much. You wrapped the injury up with some discarded cloth to prevent anything from hitting or getting into it.

The two of you walked around in the densely populated forest, looking near the base of trees and cracks of rocks for mushrooms and other wild plants. You didn’t find that many edible mushrooms -- the majority of them hen-of-the-woods or oyster mushrooms with the occasional sulphur shelf mushroom -- but you did find a lot of other plants.

Snufkin was careful when harvesting the mushrooms, cutting them at their base and placing them in the small cloth bag he brought with him.

Snufkin had asked that you look for other kinds of plants and after he gave you a bag you were off on your own. You found a good amount of plants like dandelions and purple dead nettles that you would be able to brew into tea, along with others like milkweeds, lily shoots, yarrows, violets, and nettles. Your bag was barely able to hold everything.

You looked for Snufkin only 10-ish minutes after leaving his side.

“Back!” You shouted when you spotted him. He turned to you and waved you over. You limped over to him as fast, and smoothly, as you could, which was something Snufkin noted. He frowned as you approached him.

“Are you alright?” He asked, grabbing the bag you offered to him.

“I’m okay,” You lied, picking a small, yellow flower nearby. You honestly felt awful; Your leg ached and your head hurt, along with feeling warmer than usual. But you didn’t want to ruin Snufkin’s day, knowing that he had been looking forward to going foraging with you.

“Are you sure?” Snufkin asked, gently holding one of your hands, “You’re limping.” He added, looking down at your leg.

“I’m sure,” You answered, pulling yourself away from him and tucking the flower into the scarf that was around his hat, “Keep looking.”

Snufkin’s eyes lingered on you a little longer before he looked away and sighed.

“Alright,” He said, following you.

You continued to look around the forest for various plant life with Snufkin before resting below a tree for a moment. You quietly conversed with Snufkin for a few minutes until your voice faded off before going silent. At first, you just had a minor headache, but now it felt like someone was constantly hitting you against both of your temples and your ankle was starting to throb. The ache in your chest was also making it a bit difficult for you to breathe properly. Snufkin quickly took notice.

“Y/N?” He asked, resting his hand on your shoulder, “Are you okay?”

You were about to respond with another ‘I’m okay’ when you gasped in pain, clutching at your ankle as another wave of pain coursed through it.

“What’s-” Snufkin said fearfully, his hand hovering over yours as he looked over you. He placed a hand on your forehead and grimaced, “Goodness, you’re burning up.”

“I-I’m…” You tore your head away from Snufkin’s grasp and attempted to stand up. You groaned in pain and fell back down against the boulder you two were previously leading on, cradling your injured leg. Snufkin looked down at your leg, placing a gentle hand on the makeshift bandages.

“What happened?” He asked.

“Fell…” You groaned, tugging at the wrappings.

Snufkin, noticing your struggle, hooked a finger underneath the bloodstained cloth and unwrapped it. He gasped at the sight that greeted him.

“Oh, Y/N…” Snufkin whispered, covering his mouth with one of his hands. The wound had opened up again, no doubt because of you overextending it, and was bleeding quite a bit. Your ankle was red and swollen and hurt like all hell.

“When did you do this?” Snufkin questioned quickly, digging through his pockets for the few bandages that he always kept on him. You didn’t answer. He hesitated while pulling them out, looking over the wound more, before sighing and leaving them where they were.

“I think it’s infected,” Snufkin said, moving your leg around slightly, causing you to groan. He apologized, patting your thigh sympathetically, “There’s not much I can do until we get it sterilized.”

You furrowed your brows at the unfamiliar word, continuing to cradle your leg. Snufkin stood up, holding out a hand to you.

“Can you walk?” Snufkin asked. You bit your lip before taking Snufkin’s hand and standing up.

“Here, come with me,” He added.

You whined as you tried to put weight on your left leg, pulling it back up as a searing pain ran up all the way from your ankle up to your thigh. You flutter above the ground, hand still in Snufkin’s, as you allow Snufkin to lead you out of the forest area.

“I know a few people who can help you,” Snufkin said as you two reached the clearing where his things were left. It felt as if a heavy weight had pressed down into your stomach as he said those words. You pulled away from him, feet hitting the ground as you quickly exclaimed,

“No! No others-” You forced the words out of your mouth, hugging yourself and backing away slightly from him, “They-They’ll hurt!”

“What?” Snufkin asked, taken aback by your words. Never in his life would he expect someone to suggest that the Moomins would hurt someone without just cause, “They would never! The Moomins are very kind beings. They’ll help you, no questions asked!” He said, taking a step closer to you. You backed up, body tense. His honey-brown, almost amber, eyes stared into your E/C ones, practically begging you to come with him. You turned away.

“N-No…” You mumbled. Snufkin sighed, running his hand through the hair that wasn’t covered by his hat.

“Fine, fine, just…” He muttered, his voice trailing off in thought, “I’ll set up my tent and see what I can do to tend to it.”

Your shoulders sagged in relief and you helped Snufkin set his tent up the best you could. After that was done, he ushered you inside while he rummaged around outside. When he came back, he had a bowl of water and began searching his bag for a couple of rags. He soaked two of them, ringing them out before folding one of them and placing it on your forehead. You sighed as the rag cooled your burning face before yelping when you felt a tug at your leg.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Snufkin said, gently placing the other cool rag on your wound. You groaned at the burn it caused but didn’t fight him.

You felt ungodly tired, your conscience fading in and out, while your body was unbelievably hot. You gently tapped at your side to get Snufkin’s attention.

“I…sleep,” You mumbled, eyelids falling shut. You heard Snufkin say something to you, placing a hand on your shoulder, but your brain couldn’t make sense of it.

Snufkin’s hand on your cheek was the last thing you could remember before you slipped out of conscience.

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

Saying that Snufkin was worried would be the understatement of the year. He tended to your injured ankle, replacing the cloth on your forehead with a cold one every now and then. He had washed your ankle off with clean, cold water and wrapped it with actual bandages, draping his coat over your shivering body. If you didn’t break your fever before nightfall, he had to take you to get outside help, whether you liked it or not.

Only when he was sure that he had done everything that he could for you for the time being, he left to gather the plants you two had collected earlier. Snufkin felt somewhat ill when he looked at the small clearing in the forest where you dropped your things earlier. He silently gathered everything up before heading back to his tent.

Once there, Snufkin organized your findings and put them away, tending to you in any way he could. It took him a couple of hours before he finished, nighttime was already upon you two. He checked your sleeping form, noting your irregular, labored breathing and flush face. Your fever was still very much present and that’s when he decided he needed to get you help.

Snufkin left you once again, quickly making his way to the Moomin house. He knocked on the door hoping that it was still early enough in the night that they would answer. To his delight, Moominmama answered, straightening her apron out as she glanced up.

“Snufkin, what a pleasant surprise,” Moominmama said smiling, “Where’s your coat? Please, come in.”

“Not now, Moominmama,” Snufkin said, holding his hand out to her, “I need your help. A friend of mine was injured badly.” He added.

“Oh my, where are they?” She asked, concerned, covering her mouth with her hand and glancing about.

“They’re in my tent resting, but I’ve helped them all I can already,” Snufkin explained, “Would it be alright if I brought them here for you to treat?”

“Why of course!” Moominmama exclaimed, turning back into her home to gather the items needed to tend to you, “Do you need help moving them?”

“I do,” Snufkin said, stepping into the house, “Could you get Moominpapa or Moomintroll to help?” he asked.

“Moomintroll!” Moominmama shouted.

“Yes, Mama?” Moomintroll answered back, standing at the top of the staircase. Moomintroll looked down, “Snufkin!” He shouted, walking down the stairs to greet the other.

“Snufkin needed help bringing someone here. Please help him,” Moominmama said, digging around the cabinets for medical items.

“Someone?” Moomintroll asked, confused.

“Yes, come with me,” Snufkin said, taking Moomintroll’s hand and running back to his tent. The whole walk there, Moomintroll was asking Snufkin about you -- who you were, what you looked like, how badly you were injured -- only to receive one or two-word responses.

Once the two of them got there Snufkin let go of Moomintroll’s hand and said,

“Alright, they should still be asleep. I’ll need you to carry them,” Snufkin opened the tent to find you still asleep, breathing shallowly. He crawled back in, keeping Moomintroll out as he kept trying to peer in at you.

Snufkin grabbed you by your shoulders and pulled you toward the entrance of the tent.

“They’re a bit skittish, so you’re going to have to be gentle with them,” Snufkin explained, pulling you all of the way out of the tent.

“Hey, isn’t this the same person I saw a few weeks ago?” Moomintroll asked once he finally got a good look at you, holding his arms out to carry you.

“Yes,” Snufkin answered, placing you in Moomintroll’s arms, “Watch their back.”

“What are you…Oh-” Moomintroll asked, stopping himself mid-sentence. He looked down at you in amazement and at your wings as they sagged against the ground, limp.

“What…are they?” Moomintroll asked, looking back up at Snufkin, who was dismantling his tent and putting the parts in his bag.

“I’m not sure,” Snufkin admitted, slinging his bag onto his back, “Something unique, I suppose. Let’s head back.” He added, tucking your wings against your back the best he could.

Moomintroll struggled slightly carrying you due to your wings going limp and falling out and against the ground every now and again. He managed as it was a short walk over to Moomin’s house. Moominmama was waiting at the door for their return, face filled with worry as your figure came into sight.

“Oh my…” Moominmama whispered, holding her arms out and plucking you out of Moomintroll’s hold. She glanced over your frame, eyes lingering on your wings, and asked after not noticing anything immediately wrong, “What happened to them?”

“They injured their ankle a couple of days ago and it got infected,” Snufkin explained, walking into the house after the others and closing the door, “They’ve also had a fever for a few hours.”

Moominmama carried you, much like a mother would a child, up the stairs and into the spare bedroom where she already had all the medical supplies set up. She placed your unconscientious form on the bed, mindful of your wings. She removed the bandages Snufkin put on your ankle before taking a look at it.

“They hurt themself pretty bad,” Moominmama hummed, rummaging through the basket of medicinal items, “But it’s nothing I can’t fix.” She added, much to Snufkin’s relief.

“Hey! Let me in, I wanna see too!” The three heard a shrill voice shout from somewhere outside the door.

“Not yet, Little My. Let Moominmama tend to them and then you can see them,” Another, calmer, voice explained. The two bickered back and forth for a while before they left.

“I had Moominpapa take care of Little My,” Moominmama said, wiping down your ankle with clean, warm water, “I wanted to make sure they wouldn’t be bothered by Little My while they tried to recover.”

Moominmama placed a cool, wet towelette on your forehead before grabbing the rubbing alcohol from the basket. She soaked a clean rag with it then grabbed your foot, just below your injury. As gently as she could, she began disinfecting the wound with the alcohol-soaked rag.

You groan in your sleep, drawing Snufkin’s attention away from Moomintroll’s questions, and pulled your ankle out of Moominmama’s grasp, curling on your side and facing away from the three.

“Oh, I know, dear, but this must be done,” Moominmama said apologetically, grabbing your ankle once again and cleaning it off. You whined more in your sleep, a noise that Snufkin disliked hearing, but didn’t pull away like you had before.

Moominmama was quick to patch you up before she tucked you in; She hesitated as she brought the blanket up past your shoulders, opting to rest it at your waist unsure whether you wanted them covered or not.

“They are quite lovely,” Moominmama hummed, gently stroking your hair out of your face. Moominmama replaced the now warm towelette on your forehead with a cold one and began packing everything away.

“Do you want to stay with them for the night, Snufkin?” Moominmama asked.

“If you wouldn’t mind,” Snufkin replied, sitting down in the chair that was next to your bedside. Snufkin took your limp hand into his own, running his thumb over your palm. You hummed in your sleep before turning away from the other, taking your hand with you.

“Come now, Moomin, let’s let them rest,” Moominmama said, ushering said Moomin out of the room, “Goodnight, Snufkin.”

“Goodnight, Moominmama and Moomintroll,” Snufkin said, eyes never leaving you, as the door behind the two closed. Snufkin heard Little My shout something about wanting to see you, but he ignored it in favor of watching over you.

It had been around an hour when exhaustion really began to hit Snufkin. He wanted to stay awake in case you woke up and needed him, but he just couldn’t seem to keep his eyes open and before he knew it, he was drifting asleep in the uncomfortable wooden chair.

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

Snufkin woke up due to a knock at the door. He stretched before opening the door to see Moominmama standing in the hallway along with Moomintroll and Moominpapa, the latter holding a squirming Little My in his arms.

“Are they awake yet?” Moominmama asked, peeking over Snufkin’s shoulder to catch a glance of you.

Snufkin looked behind him before answering, “Not yet.”

Moominmama hummed, stepping inside before tending to you, the others following behind her.

“Woah,” Little My said, rushing up to your bedside to get a good look at you, “What is that thing?” She asked.

“Oh, be nice!” Moomintroll said, nudging Little My’s shoulder and pulling her away, the smaller sticking her tongue out at him childishly.

Moominmama removed the warm towellet and checked for a fever, relieved to see that your fever had broken sometime during the night. She wiped away the remaining water on your head and checked the bandages for any signs of lifting or unraveling.

During her examination, you had kicked your leg away from Moominmama before beginning to stretch your body. Your body relaxed before your E/C eyes fluttered open, landing on Moominmama herself. You gasped as your eyes focused and you backed away from the Moomin, back pressing against the wall in a panic.

Your breathing was uneven as you glanced around the room, eyes flickering quickly between the Moomins. You opened and closed your mouth a few times with broken words and incoherent noises being the only things that left it.

“Why?” Was the only thing you were able to rasp out as your eyes fell on Snufkin who had stood up from the chair next to you.

“It’s alright, dear,” Moominmama said in a comforting tone, “We’re not going to hurt you. I’m just here to help you,”

You shook your head and curled into yourself, knees pressed almost painfully against your chest.

“Away,” You mumbled, “Get away!”

Moominmama took a step back from you and spoke.

“Let’s give them some space, yes? They must be frightened,” She said, ushering the others out of the room, “If you need anything, just call for us.” She added quietly to you.

You glanced up at her voice and didn’t miss the kind smile she flashed you. You noticed that in the group of people leaving, Snufkin was among them. Before you could think, you reached out to him and shouted,

“Not you!” Everyone turned around to see you pointing to Snufkin, “You can stay.” You added.

Moominmama nodded and motioned for everyone to leave the two of you alone. She whispered something you couldn’t hear to Snufkin as she left the room. Snufkin closed the door before approaching you cautiously, worried that he might frighten you, and sat in the chair by your bedside.

You stared at him as he sat down and stayed quiet for a few moments, trying to find the right words.

“Why…bring me here?” You asked hesitantly. Snufkin shifted in his seat before answering.

“You needed help,” He said, “I had done all that I could do to help you.”

You hummed in acknowledgment, looking away from him. You knew he was right and as uncomfortable as it made you, by bringing you here Snufkin had probably saved your life. It was quiet before you spoke up again.

“Who are they?” you asked.

“Well, the woman you were talking to is Moominmama. She was the one who tended to your injuries. Then there’s Moomintroll who helped carry you here,” Snufkin explained, glancing over to see you listening to him curiously.

“There’s also Moominpapa, who is Moominmama’s husband, and Little My, who was the little girl that was in here that is also my sister.” Snufkin continued.

“Moominmama…” You murmured in thought, “Is she…nice?’ You asked.

“Yes,” Snufkin answered, “She’s very nice. Moominpapa and Moomintroll are also nice.”

“Not the little one?” You asked, looking up at him. Snufkin shook his head.

“Not at first, but she’ll warm up to you,” Snufkin said with a small smile, “She…won’t actually hurt you if that’s what you’re worried about.”

You hugged your knees closer to yourself, ignoring the dull ache in your ankle as you did so. You thought for a moment before beginning to stand up. Snufkin noticed this and stood up quickly and took a step towards you, extending a hand out towards you.

“Do you need any help?” He asked, a mere foot away from you. You shook your head as you continued moving to the edge of the bed. Snufkin moves out of the way to allow you to get off as you swing your legs over the edge, first your right foot, then your left. You stood up and shifted your weight on each foot before walking towards the door with Snufkin only a foot away and ready to catch you.

You heard a quiet conversation on the other side of the door as you got closer to it, mainly consisting of a sweet, calm voice. Slowly opening the door the conversation abruptly stops and you peek your head out to meet the faces of four people, three Moomins and a Mumrik.

“Hello, dear,” Moominmama greeted with a soft smile, “How are you feeling?”

“Feeling…better,” You answered, pushing the door open a little further but not yet walking out. You turned back to look at Snufkin unsure of who was who.

“Could you step in for a moment, Moominmama?” Snufkin asked, pulling you back from the door.

“Of course,” She answered, walking through the threshold and closing the door behind her, “Do you need to be treated anymore, dear?” She asked you.

“They’re alright for now. They just wanted to meet you,” Snufkin spoke for you after noticing your discomfort. The Moomin looked over at you, a gentle smile gracing her soft, round face.

“Hello,” You mumbled, shifting your weight from one foot to the other, biting your lip as the left ankle began to ache.

“Oh, dear, please sit down! Your ankle has only just begun to heal. I’d hate for you to become any more injured.” Moominmama said worried and reached out a hand to hold yours, the other resting on your shoulder. You stiffened at the contact but relaxed once she only guided you to a chair.

“I’m thinking it will take around a week for your ankle to heal to the point where you’ll be able to walk normally. Two weeks for it to fully heal.” Moominmama explained, her eyes drifting from your face to your back. Your wings twitched uncomfortably under her gaze, and you brought your knees up to your face as a comfort. Snufkin laid a hand on your shoulder to calm you, which made Moominmama look back up at your face.

“Oh, pardon my rudeness!” She apologized, “How about I make us all some tea? That way we can answer any questions you have. How does that sound?”

“What’s…tea?” You asked.

“It’s a kind of drink,” Snufkin explained, “I promise it will be nice. I’ll make sure everyone gives you the space you need.” He said, taking your hands into his own, warm ones. You thought for a moment before answering.

“Ok.”

Moominmama cleared her throat beside the two of you, prompting Snifkin to let go of your hands. He offered you a small smile before Moominmama ushered all three of you out of the small bedroom and into the hallway. Snufkin walked out in front of you, with Moominmama being the first one out, to try and make you as comfortable as he could.

“I’m going to make us all some tea to make our guest more comfortable,” Moominmama said, walking down the stairs.

“Hey, they’re up.” The short girl, who you presumed was Little My, shouted, drawing attention to you. Everyone who had been waiting in the hallway all turned to you.

“Oh wow. They’re so tall!” A short and stocky Moomin shouted excitedly, running up to measure his height against yours. You stood still as he pressed his shoulder to yours, his head barely reaching your chin even as he stood up straight and you hunched.

“Don’t be rude now, Moomin,” Another Moomin, one looking exactly like the other who was pressed to your arm, said while pulling the other away from you.

“Please excuse him; He’s still but only a boy,” The Moomin explained. Looking at him now, you noted that he was taller than the Moomin who was next to you and was wearing a black top hat.

“My name is Moominpapa,” He said, extending his hand out. You stared at it a moment before grasping it, allowing your hand to be shaken up and down, “And this is Moomintroll. Say hi, Moomin.”

“Hello!” Moomintroll shouted eagerly, practically vibrating where he was standing, “It’s so nice to meet you.”

You stared at him a moment before pointing to yourself.

“Y/N,” You said. They stayed quiet expecting you to say more, but you remained silent.

“It’s a pleasure to have you as company, Y/N,” Moominpapa said with a nod of his head.

You felt a tug at the bottom of one of your wings and looked down to see Little My pulling at them rather harshly.

“Are these real?” She asked. You merely pulled your wing out of her grasp in response. She gasped as the soft feathers slipped out of her hand before trying to grab at you again. You pivoted in a circle as she continued to run around you in an attempt to tug at your wing again while Shufkin bent down and picked her up.

“Leave them be. You wouldn’t want someone pulling your clothes or hair now would you?” Snufkin said. Little My squirmed in his arms a moment more before accepting defeat and laying limp in his grasp.

“Dear, the tea is ready.” You hear Moominmama call from the kitchen.

“That’s our cue,” Moominpapa said, ushering the four of you down the stairs, “Let’s not keep her waiting.” Moominpapa was still cautious of your injury and offered you a hand.

Stepping out into the foyer, you gazed around at the small living room and peered into the kitchen that was adjacent to the staircase. There was something so comforting about the small living room that calmed you. Still, you couldn’t help but think about running out through the front door at the end of the staircase.

Noticing your hesitance to walk into the kitchen, Moomintroll took your hand in his and led you to the kitchen with a gentle smile. Snufkin dropped Little My onto one of the oddly cut pieces of wood that surrounded the table. Your hand fell out of the Moomin’s as you made your way to the table and tapped one of the pieces of wood. Looking up at Snufkin you asked,

“What is this?”

Before Snufkin could answer, Moomintroll spoke up first.

“That’s a chair,” He said, “Have you never seen one before?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. You shook your head.

“How strange. Where are you from?” Moomin asked.

“Let them sit and have some tea first, then we can ask questions.” Moominmama interrupted while placing a tray -- that had a pot and cups on it -- down on the table. Snufkin showed you how to sit properly in the chair while everyone else sat down. Moominmama poured you a cup of tea telling you to be careful since it was still hot.

“So,” Moominmama said while taking a seat at the head of the table, “If I may ask, where are you from, dear? I don’t recognize you.” You frowned.

“Don’t…know,” You mumbled, “I don’t remember. Was left alone when I was a child.”

“Aww, that’s so sad,” Moomintroll said frowning, “Do you remember anything from before you were left alone?”

“No. Nothing,” You answered, “I came here from…from up. It was getting cold.”

“So it’s like you migrated from the North?” Moominpapa asked.

“Migrated?” You repeated.

“Migrated. It’s something that birds do,” Snufkin explained, “During the winter time, birds will travel south since it’s warmer there and then return north after winter has passed.”

“Oh,” You whispered, “Yes, I migrated.”

“Well just know you are always welcome here in the Moomin house,” Moominmama said, taking a sip of her tea. You grabbed the cup and mimicked her movements. The tea wasn’t all that good. It just tasted like slightly sweeter water, but you drank it nonetheless grateful that she had given it to you.

You continued to talk to the Moomins and Snufkin for the better part of the day. It mainly consisted of them asking you something and you answering with some half-baked sentence that you weren’t sure made sense, but that they seemed to understand.

You had only realized how long you all had been talking when Moomintroll invited you and Snufkin to join him and Little My outside, as by then it was already afternoon. You watch the other two run out the front door while Snufkin helped you up and out of the house. Moominmama and Moominpapa wished you well as you were led out onto the porch. Snufkin sat you down on the porch while the others ran out onto the grass in front of the house.

“So, can you actually fly or are the wings just for show?” Little My asked. You shook your head ‘yes.’

“Well then, show us!” She shouted, “I’ve been dying to see it.”

“Little My, they are still injured.” Shufkin said. You place your hand on Snufkin’s shoulder and pull yourself up. You smiled at Little My and waved your hand.

“Come,” You said, “I will fly.”

Little My ran over to you and stood with her hands on her hips. You picked her up despite the little struggle she put up and hugged her to your chest.

“Ready?” You ask.

“Huh!?” She squeaks into your chest before you take off. You watch as Snufkin and Moomintroll become smaller and smaller as you ascend, all the while Little My is yelling and clutching your chest and waist. You didn’t fly very far nor very high, just high enough so she could understand what it felt like.

Your flying stuttered as she grabbed the cloak on your back and pulled it over your wings partially, causing her to scream louder as you dipped for a moment. You laughed lightly at her screaming.

“No, you okay!” You shouted over the wind in your ears.

“No, I’m not! Put me down, put me down!” She cried.

“You want me to fly? I fly!” You yell, tossing her up and quickly catching her, smiling at the way she screamed and begged to be put down. After a moment you complied, gently descending to the ground and placing a disoriented Little My down only for her to fall face-first into the grass. She gripped the ground hard, little blades of grass escaping in between her fingers, and muttered into the ground.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you ground!” Little My shouted and you laughed. You soon saw Moomintroll and Snufkin run over, smiles plastered on both of their faces.

“Wow, that was so cool!” Moonintroll exclaimed, wonder apparent on his face, “Can you do that with me?”

“Not sure,” You answer uncertainty.

“Maybe they can try another time after they’ve fully healed?” Snufkin tells Moomintroll. Moomintroll’s head falls slightly.

“Yeah, maybe another time,” He whispers. Feeling bad, you place a hand on his shoulder and he looks up at you.

“Another time,” You say, and he smiles more confidently.

Snufkin offers you a hand to help you return to the porch with the others. You sit back down and watch as the others play in the sunlight. They do what they can to include you, but you understand that it’s difficult considering your condition.

Sometime during the afternoon, Moominmama came to speak to you with Moominpapa trailing behind her.

“Please pardon our rudeness, but if I may, can we touch your wings? They look so beautiful,” She asks softly, and who are you to deny her? You spread your wings out towards them and watch as Moominmama slowly reaches out to touch them.

Warmth is the first thing you register. Warmth, quickly followed by pressure to the tip of your left wing. One hand cradled the feathers with the other gently slid over them, similar to how one would pet a cat. Soon, another pair of hands joined her on your other wing.

“Oh my,” Moominmama whispers, entranced by the silky softness that is your wings, “I have never seen something so beautiful. You are quite fortunate to have been born this way.”

You hum as a reply, your eyes falling shut at the cadenced petting of your wings. It was soothing, both the delicate pressure and rhythmic nature of her strokes. You begin to lean to your side, your head falling into Moominmama’s lap. Moominpapa releases your wings as Moominmama giggles lightly, starting to stroke your hair instead.

“You’re quite young too, aren’t you? Around Snufkin’s age, if I had to guess,” Moominmpapa ponders, but you barely hear it as you rest in other’s lap, dully watching the others continue to flock in the late afternoon light.

Moominmama would later call in the others for dinner as twilight approached. She cooked a lovely meal of red Borscht soup and sourdough bread with fruit galettes for dessert. You had never tasted anything so delicious in your life, it made you want to cry. While the food Snufkin would cook was good, it wasn’t anything near as rich as Moominmama’s.

Before you knew it, your plate was cleared and as you bit into the galette you felt tears prick at your eyes and hum happily as the sweet jam touched your tongue. Snufkin leaned over and brushed a thumb over your cheek, wiping the tear away.

“Are you alright?” He asked, worry evident on his face. You nod your head, ‘yes.’

“So…good,” You whimpered, shoving the rest of the dessert into your mouth. Moominmama and Moominpapa quickly came over and embraced you on either side. Their embrace is warm, comforting, as Moominpapa spoke up,

“You will always have a place here, [Y/N].”

You stare at him, eyes wide and unblinking, as more tears start to well up in your eyes and you can do nothing to stop them from falling down your cheeks and the sobs from bubbling up your throat and tumbling out of your mouth.

The others at the table are quick to join you: Moomintroll hugs you from behind, Little My hugs your leg, and Snufkin hugs your chest as best he can. You wrapped your arms around Snufkin and squeezed, tears falling freely and cries loud and unfiltered.

“Thank you!” You shouted between sobs. You heaved forward, chin resting on Snufkin’s shoulders as the others embraced you tighter, simultaneously both too much and not enough and you had no idea how to feel.

Is this what company was like? Have you really been missing out on this your whole life?

Is this what it was like to be loved?

The others pulled away from you after a moment, all except for Snufkin who continued to hold your hands gently even after moving back.

“You’ll be safe here, with the Moomins,” Snufkin whispered, “I promise.”

And you believed him.

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

Winter in Moominvalley came much sooner than you expected.

It seemed that as soon as your ankle had healed and you had gotten to know the Moomins, they began their yearly hibernation ritual. Snufkin explained it to you when they first started the process.

“Every year at winter time, the Moomins hibernate,” You hear him say, “It’s like how you move away from the cold in winter, except they sleep through the cold weather and wake up when it becomes warm again in the spring.”

“They sleep?” You asked, “The whole time? How do they stay asleep for so long?”

Snufkin laughed,

“I’m not sure. It’s a mystery to me too.”

Snufkin looked away from you and at the stream in front of you where you both were sat on its shore.

“Do you also sleep?” You questioned. Snufkin shook his head with a smile.

“No, I travel elsewhere during the winter here,” He answered.

“Where do you go?”

“Wherever the world wants me to go.”

You hum, laying down on the grass more and spreading your wings to bask in the fleeting sunlight and cool breeze.

“Where will you go?” Snufkin asks quietly.

“I don’t know. I don’t actually have anywhere to go,” You said, looking up at him.

Snufkin is beautiful. The fading sunlight highlights his short, chestnut hair in the best possible way as the same light brightens his usually dark brown -- almost black -- eyes. The green of his clothes complements his olive tones perfectly and you can’t pull your eyes away from him no matter how hard you try.

“Why don’t you come with me?” Snufkin asks and for a moment you’re too stunned by his beauty to answer. Your eyes widen as his words sink in and you sit up with a jolt.

“Really? You want me to travel with you?” You asked, unsure if you understood him correctly.

“Yes really. I would be honored if you joined me in my travels,” Snufkin said smiling at you, “You make great company.”

“I thought you liked traveling alone? Because you get tired of people?” You said eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“I do, but I could never become tired of you,”

Your face feels warm now and it’s not just from the sun. You swear your heart stops for an instant and you grip your chest in worry. His smile is so warm, so soft, and it’s directed at you and only you.

When you find your voice, your words are quick to tumble out.

“I’d love nothing more than to stay with you,” You whisper, scooting over closer to Snufkin. He places his hand overtop yours and the warmth that envelopes your whole body from the simple action is almost too much for you to handle.

“I’m so glad,” He whispers back, leaning closer to you, “I’ve grown quite fond of you from our time together.” He smiles.

“Actually, there’s something more I’ve wanted to tell you,” Snufkin says suddenly and pulls away from you, and you mourn the lost contact.

“Do you know what it’s like to be loved?” Snufkin asks, his eyes staring deep into yours as his heavy question sinks in. You hum in thought and look away, thinking back to all the other relationships you have observed.

“I believe I know what love is,” You start, looking back into Snufkin’s amber eyes, “Moominmama and Moominpapa both love Moomintroll, and Moomintroll also loves Moominmama and Moominpapa. You love Little My and, which she doesn’t always show, she loves you too. You love Moomintroll, and Moomintroll loves you. Annnd…And I love you all, and you all love me!”

“But do you know of another kind of love?” Snufkin continues, holding both of your hands and holding them in between you two, “The way that Moominmama loves Moominpapa, and Moominpapa loves Moominmama?”

You’re silent as you ponder this. Come to think of it, you had never given their relationship much thought, assuming that they were always together.

“I haven’t,” You answered.

“It’s…a warm feeling,” Snufkin begins, taking a firm hold of your hands and pressing them to your chest, “It starts in your chest. You feel an unusual, but not uncomfortable, warmth begin to form in the center of your chest, in your heart,” He circles your sternum with your hand in his.

“Then, it starts to work its way throughout your whole chest, moving from your heart to your lungs, to your stomach, and to your shoulders,” His hands trail along your body as he speaks, and your breath hitches with every gentle graze his knuckles make to your bare skin in some areas.

“From there, the warmth continues to travel to each appendage, from your shoulders to the tips of your fingers and from your thighs to the tips of your toes. And in your specific case, from your back to the tips of your longest feathers,” Your wings twitch subconsciously at the mention of them and your fingers when Snufkin lets them go to travel down your legs and to your ankles before releasing them.

“And then?” You ask meekly, and he giggles.

“And then, the warmth goes up your neck,” His fingers trail your collarbones before going up your neck, a hand on each side, “And it settles into your face, turning you as red as a tomato!” He finished, his hands cupping both of your cheeks in his hands and you gasped.

“You turn into a tomato?!” You shout, hands holding Snufkin’s to prevent him from pulling them away.

“No, no, you don’t turn into a tomato. Your face just becomes red from blush, making you look like a tomato,” Snufkin explains, his smile never wavering. You sigh out an ‘oh’ and tilt your head.

“But what causes this love? Why is it different from the other ways we love?” You ask.

“It’s caused by a single person,” Snufkin whispers, his face inching just barely closer to yours as if he was telling you a secret, “This person becomes very special to you. You want them to be with you as long as possible. You want to protect them the best you can. You want to cherish them and honor them with all your being.”

Snufkin pauses.

“This person makes you feel whole,” He finished, and he is now mere inches away from you, his hands still cupping your cheeks with his fingertips brushing along your jawline and thumbs stroking the apples of your cheeks.

“Have you ever felt this love before?” He asks again.

Without hesitation, you answer,

“I have.”

The air is silent before Snufkin speaks up.

“[Y/N].” He whispers.

“Yes, Snufkin?” You answer.

“I love you.”

And with that, the distance between you two is closed. Warmth flows within both of you, radiating from where both of you were joined by the gentle connection of soft lips.

“I love you too.”

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

In another place, at another time, two lovers sat down together along the cliffside to watch the sun set below the horizon and bring forth the cool nighttime. Warmed by each others’ embrace, One turned to the Other and spoke,

“Other?”

“Yes, One?” They answer.

“Do you think in our next lives, we’ll still love each other?” One asked, and the Other smiled.

“What kind of question is that?” The Other asked, “Of course we would be.”

“I hope so,” One had sighed in response, “In my next life, I hope that I’m me again so that I can find you and fall in love with you again!”

The Other laughed at this and pressed a kiss to One’s cheek.

“Then I hope I’m also me again so that you can find me and I can love you again as well.”

#Moomin #Moomin 1990 #moominvalley #moominvalley snufkin #snufkin x reader #moominvalley x reader #moomin x reader #moomintroll #little my #moominmamma #moominpappa #thewildsophiawrites

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olenvasynyt · 4 months ago

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WIP Wednesday! Here's a little snippet of my upcoming submission for Eris Week Day 1: Bonds. Title is The Trees Have Eyes

Summary: When a trading meeting doesn’t go Beron’s way, the Lady of Autumn asks Eris to take his nine-year-old brother Lucien on a hunting trip for an undetermined amount of time to avoid Beron’s wrath.

Lucien pointed to the treeline with a frown. “Why do those trees have eyes?” he asked curiously.

Eris followed his finger to a group of aspen trees. The tall, pale giants stood out next to the usual russet coloring of their neighboring trees. Their greyish white skin resembled bones, and patterned up the trunk were several black markings.

He could see what Lucien meant: they did look like eyes. Black, unblinking eyes following their every move.

Looking ahead, Eris answered, “They’re spies. They report any bad or suspicious behavior to the High Lord.”

Lucien was quiet for a moment, his eyebrows scrunched together and still fixed on the aspens as he trudged his way through the thicket. Eris was sure his brother was going to call him out for lying: they weren’t actually eyes: their black knots were scarring from previous branches. But even if the trees didn’t have eyes for spying, the forest was still watching in other ways. Some of the trees were on Beron’s side, but even the High Lord couldn’t dictate the nature of the Autumn Court’s forests.

Lucien carefully brushed aside a tree branch that had clung to his jacket. “I thought only the birds reported to father,” he finally said, his voice quiet.

Well, Beron couldn’t dictate most things about Autumn’s nature. But many of the birds, especially the magic species, did report to Beron. Eris couldn’t count how many times he’d seen a raven or blackbird land on his father’s chair during a meeting and murmur something in his ear. The Liekkiö birds, the Alkonost…many of the magical birds spied for Beron and reported to him almost daily. “It’s a team effort,” Eris decided to say, keeping his eyes ahead. “The trees write the songs and the birds sing them.”

“Do the trees have feet too?” Lucien squinted at the ground as if expecting toes to wiggle up from the dirt.

“They do. Be careful or they’ll try to trip you.”

Barely a second later, Lucien stumbled, his boots snagging on an exposed root. Eris went to catch him, a laugh rising up in his throat. But Lucien brushed him aside with a tenseness in his shoulders.

They continued along the trail west. Lucien was unusually silent, his eyes constantly flickering back and forth at their surroundings. No more questions spewed out of the boy’s mouth, but Eris could easily guess he still had a hundred more. Lucien was no doubt thinking about what Eris had said. As well as what he didn’t say. He was clever like that: he could read in between Eris’ guises, feel for any underlying message.

The silence that hung in between them was only broken by the usual sounds of the forest: cracking branches under their feet, the occasional sound of a bird tweeting. Eris continued forward, his eyes staring unfocused and blurring the trees and autumn foliage into a blurry kaleidoscope of brown, scarlet, and gold.

If the trees had eyes, and the roots were their feet, and branches their arms and hands, then the red leaves were blood. The elms and birch and oaks…all of Autumn’s trees had blood-stained hands. They stretched them up to the gloomy sky and pleaded to the Mother for forgiveness. And the blood fell as dried, crumbled leaves, dripping onto the forest floor and staining the ground scarlet.

The perfect home for the High Fae of the Forest House. The perfect home for the Vanserras. But the Vanserras had more blood stained on their hands than all of the Autumn trees combined.

#eris vanserra fanfic #erisweek2024 #lucien vanserra fanfic #baby Lucien and his big brother 🥹#acotar fanfics #current wip #wip wednesday #fanfic writing #writing #the autumn court #autumn court #beron vanserra #the lady of autumn #lady of autumn

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justadeadreaper · 1 year ago

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Hey, this is for @frogchiro and her COD Gods AU. I hope she is comfortable with this, and I'm sorry if she isn't and will remove it if she asks me. But, let me just say thank you for blessing us with this idea and I am so happy that you are back as you are one of my favourite Tumblr accounts and your ideas are always amazing.

This will be very long and could be confusing so please hear me out as this is 4771 words of explanation.

My idea for God König could be him being a mysterious God that not many people know about entirely but they'll know his cults. He has many, many cults (like the cults of Dionysus or Pan) worshipping him, but all for different things due to how he randomly appeared one day and had all these cults popping up like it was planned, but all these cults fight each other over what he's the God of as they can't seem to agree but to try and beat each other they try to spread their worship to more people, not knowing that it makes König more powerful. I can also break down each aspect, why he has them, how powerful each aspect is due to the size of the cult, and what parts of the world would worship which aspect.

To make this make sense I have made a hypothetical world which I hope @frogchiro is okay with. So for this hypothetical world which I'm basing on other fantasy worlds and our Earth, we can say that most of the mountain ranges would be a majority in the North, going through the North-East and a lot of the East. Now forests would go across the whole world but would be more focused in the North all across to the West, although the North would be thicker deciduous or timber forests compared to the West where it would be mostly oak or birch forests, but the South-West would have some tropical rainforests while the East has a mixture of tropical forests and normal forests. The East going into the West, which would be the middle, would be mostly desert area, which has some oases here and there. Most of the South is a coastal region with the upper parts being sand deserts while on the South-West and East-West would be tropical rainforests with the furthest parts of the South being pure beaches that are mainly used for fishing villages. Of course, there are offshore islands that come off the mainland, with the South and East having the most islands.

Wildlife/Nature/Earth- I see König being worshipped as the God of Wildlife/Nature/Earth due to how we see in his Ghillie Monster and Desidia skins we see that he is tanned and he gives the vibes of an outdoorsman who loves nature and wildlife but also feral animal vibes especially when on field, plus the gun we see with his The Wolf skin (look on the wiki) reminds me of the hunting rifles my great-great uncle owns and he is a giant outdoorsman. This aspect is mainly worshipped in the North and West because those are the regions where it is mostly land thick with nature and forests. The powers König gets from this are the ability to talk to animals and have some control over them but not complete control, he can also morph forests to make them thicker or more confusing, he can also help plants grow but he doesn’t have to much control over it, and he can mimic animal calls but also shift into the animal if he has a part of that animal and he can grant a safe passage through forests or safety from predators to his followers for this aspect.

Mountains/Caves- I see König being worshipped as the God of Mountains/Caves due to how he is a mountain of a man, so it would make sense for him to be associated with them and I thought to add in caves due to caves being closely linked with nature and caves but also due to how caves are natural shelters and it made sense in my mind that people would worship and thank him for these shelters within nature. This aspect is mainly worshipped in the North and North-East because those are the regions where it is mostly mountain ranges and mountains tend to have tunnel systems. The powers König gets from this are being able to be so tall and use mountains as his territory and he can grant shelter and to grant big, strong children to his followers for this aspect.

Shadows- I see König being worshipped as the God of Shadows due to how it was one of the easiest for him to steal first and I always find it funny when someone so big is so quiet and sneaky that they blend into the shadows. This aspect is mainly worshipped by assassins so it can be anywhere but normally there is a designated spot in a city where the assassins can pray to him. The powers König gets from this are being able to travel through the shadows and sneak around and he can grant similar abilities to his followers for this aspect.

Death- I see König being worshipped as the God of Death due to how he probably has the highest kill count and if I saw him on the field I would think that it was Death coming me himself and because it fits into the backstory I have for him. This aspect is mainly worshipped by a select few cults, which would mostly be his most original followers. The powers König gets from this are to be able to see when someone is going to die, to easily kill anyone and to have control over the dead, and he can’t “grant” anything to his followers for this aspect unless they want him to kill someone after they’ve given him a big enough sacrifice.

Oceans- I see König being worshipped as the God of Oceans due to how there’s the whole Eldritch König thing in the fandom which was made worse by his Deep Lord skin and paired with his ability to change into animals from being the God of Wilderness he could have transformed into a Kraken once so people started worshipping this Kraken form so it did not hurt them when they are fishing and allows the to fish in its territory. This aspect is mainly worshipped in the South because it is mostly fishing villages on the coast. The powers König gets from this are the ability to control the ocean and sea storms and he can’t “grant” to his followers for this aspect as he isn’t really aware of this aspect yet.

Fertility- This is inspired by @stariepie 's idea for God König, and I hope she is okay with this, and if not I don't mind removing it as I don't know if she doesn’t mind me expanding on the idea. I see König being worshipped as the God of Fertility due to how much of a fine specimen of a man he is, like who wouldn’t and I see him as a family man, so it just works. This aspect is worshipped anywhere because people want to have kids. The powers König gets from this is boosted fertility and being good at you know what and he can grant a boost of fertility to his followers for this aspect.

Physique- This is inspired by @stariepie 's idea for God König, and I hope she is okay with this, and if not I don't mind removing it as I don't know if she doesn’t mind me expanding on the idea. I see König being worshipped as the God of Physique due to him in my eyes being one of the perfect specimens of a man based on my type, he could easily protect his family and he could give the best of cuddles and he is carrying a whole battle axe down there. This aspect is mainly worshipped in the North because his physique would be most suited for the North region and the men who survive the most there would be like him as you need to be strong and warm to live there. The power König gets from this is his amazing physique and he can grant advantages to get stronger and more muscular to his followers for this aspect.

Secrets/Mysteries- I see König being worshipped as the God of Secrets/Mysteries due to how mysterious he would be to most humans and because canonically we know virtually nothing about actual König but also due to how I think König tries to hide his past and plans to make it easier for him to achieve his goal. This aspect is mainly worshipped by people who worship König as to not piss him off but not because they actually care about him. Music/Poetry/Literature- I see König being worshipped as the God of Music/Poetry/Literature due to how I envision each God having a wholesome part of their aspects which is worshipped and I envision these for him as I think it fits him as I get the vibe he’d probably be a poetry snob and enjoy learning to play and actually playing instruments even if most are too small for him, plus it’s a nod to all the AI covers people make of him singing. This aspect is mainly worshipped by artists because it first came about due to artists romanticising the aspects of König, and he was seen as a martyr for the outcasts of society, which artists tend to be, so he became their God in return. The powers König gets from this is the ability to be able to play most instruments and have a beautiful singing voice, and he can grant the ability to have a breakthrough song or poem to his followers for this aspect.

Madness- I see König being worshipped as the God of Madness due to his social anxiety and the paranoia it causes as I have social anxiety myself which causes me to have paranoia, and I thought it would be cool nod to his social anxiety and how he is feared on the field even by the people he is rescuing. This aspect is mainly worshipped by a select few cults, which would mostly be his most original followers. The powers König gets from this aspect is to cause madness and panic, which is generally in the form of paranoia or anxiety through his screams or he can cause people to become paranoid to the point of changing their memories to something that involves him, and he can grant the ability to cause madness in the enemies of his followers for this aspect.

Royalty- I see König being worshipped as the God of Royalty due to how in German ‘König’ means King, so I thought it was fitting, and royals would see him as powerful and would want him on their side so they could continue ruling. This aspect is mainly worshipped by royalty all over the world. The powers König gets from this are nothing but just being known as the favourite God of certain royal families and he is seen to grant strong heirs to his royal followers for this aspect.

Lost/Forgotten/Outcasts- I see König being worshipped as the God of the Lost/Forgotten/Outcasts due to the backstory I made for him and with his backstory of being bullied outside the AU as I can see how he’d relate to people who are outcasted from society or forgotten about especially for physical differences. This aspect is mainly worshipped by people who are outcasts. König doesn’t exactly have any powers for this aspect, but he has an elite form of guards who are outcasts that he picked out himself as he saw something in them that no one else could, and he uses these guards to protect certain areas that are extremely sacred to him. I could honestly spend hours explaining each aspect and the backstory of how he got it and how it would be worshipped and explain the influences more clearly, but that is the basics for each one, and if I get permission I may go into them more and explain them more.

Strength of the aspects from strongest to weakest: -Madness -Lost/Forgotten/Outcasts -Shadows -Death -Mountains/Caves -Wildlife/Nature/Earth -Secrets/Mysteries -Physique -Royalty -Oceans -Music/Poetry/Literature

My inspiration for God König was actually Persephone due to her history as it's really interesting, and the same for Pan as his history is really interesting as well. I ask you to please watch Overly Sarcastic Productions' videos on the two Gods (their video about Persephone and Hermes as it depicts the history of the two) since if you do, my ideas will make a lot more sense, but I will do a summary. Persephone and Demeter predated the Greek Pantheon due to their mysterious cult and were already associated with Death due to being linked to Poseidon before the Pantheon we know, as he was originally the God of the Underworld, which linked to the Earth and the God of the Oceans as that was seen more important at that time. Persephone had many titles and many things associated with her since people didn't directly talk about her due to being genuinely terrified of her as she was powerful and she was a Dread Goddess linked to Death. Pan is equally as mysterious as Persephone as he is described as a rustic, ancient God of the wilderness and was primarily worshipped exclusively in Arcadia like Persephone. Barely anything is known about him, but we know he's the reason we panic due to the noises he would make.

I also have a backstory for König, which isn't totally figured out yet, but here is what I have so far. So König started off as a God of Madness and Death. He wasn't well known or worshipped at all as being a God of Madness and Death; no one wanted to worship him as those things are associated with very negative things, which caused König to be extremely jealous of the Gods that were being worshipped, which affected his insecurity. So, as the God of Death, he started going and killing other Gods and taking their place; it's why he suddenly appeared as he previously had no worshippers, and he took over the place of one God. The first aspect was the aspect of being the God of Shadows from Graves, and this started by having a cult in a ring of assassins, who needed the shadows to do their job, as he used his powers as the God of Madness to change the minds of that cult to believe he was the original God of Shadows the entire time. But, our dear König got greedy and cocky with his new sense of power and wanted more, so he sent out his assassins when on their killing missions to spread the word of him. Now each assassin was given a different aspect to start cults on depending on the region he was in. These original members are his original court and infested many small cults and would build them up until König was worshipped for that aspect more than the original God, which boosted his power but weakened the powers of those Gods, giving him the chance to go in and kill them. And König isn't going to stop until he gets someone to pacify him or until he's the God of everything, as he wants all the power and he's paranoid about being forgotten and being reduced to a powerless God again.

I imagine König to look very cryptid-like to fit his theme of being inspired by a Dread God and to fit how mysterious and all-encompassing he is. For his body, I say that he is tanned, as I mentioned earlier, as we see that he is somewhat tanned in Desidia and Ghillie Monster skins, and I see him as an outdoorsman, but he would be the tallest God and be a mountain of a man in his height but also in his build, as I imagine him to be pure muscle with a layer of fat on top so think of something similar to a dad bod but muscular which makes him all the more warm and cuddly. Now I see him as someone who is a bit hairy, and for his hair colour, I’m basing on my own family where we are dark strawberry blonde, but at different angles it looks like different colours, so from the back he could look ginger or the front he looks blonde since I can’t pick one colour for him and I thought it would look so pretty on him. I think his head hair, it’s long and puffy to the point that when he takes his mask off, just a bush of hair falls out and it’s an absolute wild mess. His body is riddled with scars, but some noticeable ones would be his cleft lip scar, a clipping of his right ear which is missing, one that runs down the whole of his spine, multiple stab wounds going from the upper area of the left of his chest to the lower of the right of his chest, a burn scar on the top of the right side of his forehead and the bottom left side of his face, and multiple scars on his hands from when the knife in his hand would slip out or from when he was stopping attacks. I feel like his tattoos would either be runes or statement pieces of animals, and he would have piercings in his ears which use bones of bandits he has killed. For his clothing, I imagine him using a mask which is a deer skull with a veil coming out of the bottom of it to cover his face, and he mostly wears furs from a mixture of furs from elk, bears, and wolves -mostly so he can transform into them to scare off hunters from his temple- which he uses as a cloak and to cover his lower half but I would imagine him not covering his chest as a cocky show of strength and to show off his body in general as he is proud of it. For decoration, I see him having chains/necklaces that have small trinkets on them as references to what aspects he has (e.g. for Ocean he has a belt-like chain of shark teeth, but for Wilderness he has vines wrapping around his body, but for Death he uses bones as decorations).

I'd say his sacred animal would either be an eagle due to it being the national animal of Austria and Germany as an eagle represents boldness, power, and victory, which fit König well, or it could be a wolf due to The Wolf skin König has, but also due to how I headcanon him as part Serbian due to @would_tbh on X/Twitter and for the family history I headcanon him to have and due to how wolves are Serbian’s national animal and it fits him well as wolves are described as lone creatures which fits his social anxiety but also how they’re pack animals which fits how König has his own team he has to take care of as a Colonel and wolves are supposed to represent loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding, and intelligence which you’d need to be a Colonel and I see him being a big family man. Although I have two more unique choices of what his sacred animal could be. The first is a bear, as in Germanic regions, it was used to represent a warrior, which fits our big guy well and bears are big just like him, and bears can be deadly or cuddly like him as well. While for Indigenous people, a bear can represent strength, family, vitality, courage, health, thoughtfulness and independence, with little need for fellowship with it being self-contained and strong-willed in nature, which are all attributes I would associate with our Colonel. But my second and most unique choice is a winged boar. This is due to how wild boars are surprisingly shy animals that generally try to avoid humans, which fits how the fandom sees König as shy even though he’d probably just want to avoid other people; however, wild boars are also formidable assholes -I don’t get recommended being chased by one- when cornered or angry or threatened so it has come to represent courage and ferocity. The reason why I say a winged boar though is due to Khrysaor, as it was supposed a winged boar that was born when Medusa’s head was cut off. I thought this could be a nod to the eagle, but also a nod to how Medusa’s eyes are deadly as they can turn anyone to stone and the only part of König that isn’t covered is his eyes, and if he were to look at you, with his size and demeanour, you’d probably freeze on the spot like you were a stone statue.

König's relationship with the other gods is messy, and when I say messy I mean messy:

Ghost- Fucking hate each other. Just plain enemies to the point that they have fake versions of each other in their temples that they train with and brutally murder. König hates Ghost as due to Ghost being the God of War, Strength, and Fertility; he is König's biggest enemy due to how much power and influence Ghost has since it's an equal amount to König and Ghost has the strength as the God of War and Strength to be able to attack König and actually be able to beat him in combat. While Ghost hates König as some people have started worshipping König for fertility instead of Ghost, and due to Ghost thinking Madness should be under the aspects that Ghost is the God of as Madness induced by Fear and Panic is what is experienced in War (this is based on the sons of Ares: Deimos and Phobos).

Soap- Surprisingly, these two actually get along. I imagine Soap is also the God of Art, as in painting and drawing, so the two get along due to their love of the arts. Soap loves making paintings of König's poems, songs, or stories, and in turn, König loves making songs, poems, or stories based on Soap's drawings or paintings. They are also friends as Soap being the God of Spring means that König's nature flourishes more and is reborn after it's destroyed by Makarov in Winter.

Gaz- This is based on how people replace Gaz with König but these two are hostile to each other. The reason why I say this is because Gaz is the God of the Hunt, König is the God of Wildlife. To hunt in König's forests and kill the animals under his protection, you need his permission and sacrifice some of the hunt to him. Gaz did not do that as he didn't know, and Gaz accidentally killed König's favourite winged boar, which pissed König off greatly, so he went to fight Gaz and so the two have hated each other ever since.

Krueger- I headcanon Krueger and König to be cousins, so these two do get along but they annoy each other like all cousins do as even not in the Gods AU, I see König as the older cousin who used to be the main problem maker of the family before Krueger -who was an accident- was born; they may not have much of an age difference as I see it as König being five years older, but once König realised that Krueger was as chaotic as him, or even more so, he would get Krueger to do his schemes with him or just encouraging Krueger’s schemes. But back to the AU, originally, Krueger was a more powerful God than König, but as König grew in power, he became more powerful than Krueger, but as they have that cousin love for each other König helped Krueger by giving him an aspect or two that he didn't want. I don't know what Krueger would be the God of, but I know it would link to König somehow.

Makarov- I headcanon Makarov to be the God of Winter and Plagues. This has caused him and König to be respectful rivals as sadly Makarov's plagues and Winter kill König's animals and nature but he benefits from Makarov's plagues killing people as it means he has more souls due to people dying. Makarov, like König is trying to kill the other Gods to become more powerful, so it has caused a rivalry. Makarov is slightly jealous of König being the God of Death but the two do have some respect for each other because of their similar goals and how their aspects affect each other.

Valeria- I headcanon that Valeria is the Goddess of Deserts and Poisons/Venoms. She and König both don't like Alejandro since König sees him as a risk due to Alejandro being the God of Rage like @stariepie said, and as we see in the campaign, she hates Alejandro. So due to both having a mutual dislike of him, they made an alliance where Valeria's poisonous and venomous animals are protected in König's forest, and in return, König has oases through Valeria's deserts so his followers can have some water when traveling through to get him more followers.

Horangi- Everyone headcanons these two as friends, and I do too, so I imagine these two became friends as Horangi is the God of Bad Luck and Gambling; one time challenged König to a game of Matgo where the first to get enough points to say "Go" then "Stop" got to take an aspect from the other God. Horangi, due to being the God of Bad Luck, lost but König liked Horangi's balls to challenge him to such a challenge, so he gave Horangi the aspect of tigers from König's aspect of Wildlife, which made Horangi also the God of Tigers.

Roach- I headcanon that Roach is also a God of Outcasts, but unlike König who focuses more on people who are outcasted due to their physical appearance, instead Roach focuses more on people who are outcasted due to being different by having a mental disability as I see him as autistic and mute. They are allies since they are the only few people who are accepting of outcasts and they sometimes trade their chosen outcasts with each other as I also see König having autism and sometimes he sees one of Roach’s outcasts that he thinks is a lot like him and the same with Roach as König may have an outcast who’s mute due to a physical disability or scarring.

Price- Based on @stariepie 's idea of God Price being the God of Knowledge and Wisdom and my idea of him also being the God of Stratedy makes König either fear or be uncomfortable about Price. Unlike with Ghost, who constantly fights or acts snarky with König which created the hatred for each other on top of the other issues, Price doesn’t take notice of König as he just sees König as another God but does judge König’s friendliness with Makarov. But, König fears Price due to that, as König is smart enough to understand that with Price being the literal God of Knowledge it means that Price knows König’s weaknesses and knows ways to defeat him, which does not help König’s anxiety-induced paranoia as he sees Price’s indifference as Price plotting something. Graves- Our poor Phillip hates König for obvious reasons. I also see Graves as the original God of Shadows because he started the Cult of Shadows, which was a ring of assassins, but König accidentally became it as well as some assassins saw him and thought oh Death God if we worship him he could help us kill more König saw it as a perfect opportunity to steal his first aspect by making them think he was the God of Death and Shadows. This, of course, created hate between him and Phillip as Graves sees him as an undeserving thief who’s overstepping and trying to take over, while König hates Phillip as half of all assassins still worship Graves and König thinks that they should be worshipping him.

One little fun fact: a headcanon I have for God König is he is actually the God that gets sick the most as he is the blood type AB- as seen on The Wolf skin and said on the wiki, and all my relatives that are AB+ or (especially) AB- get sick really easily and seriously so I imagine him to be the worst when he’s sick; he genuinely makes man-flu seem like it’s nothing as he’s overdramatic and tries to push through it even if he is near enough dying.

Sorry about this, but I'm just a giant König fanboy and adore this man and have so many fucking ideas and headcanons for this man which I may post at a later date if anyone is interested because I have so fucking many, and I have made a full backstory and family tree and the same goes for Price, Makarov, and Soap which I can talk about for days. If I have anything more to add to it, I'll probably post it or send it to @frogchiro 's inbox, but if you have questions, you should honestly ask her as it’s her AU unless I get permission from her to answer the ones I receive.

Now, if either person mentioned in this are uncomfortable with this or needs me to remove anything, just please tell me, and I'll remove it when I see it. But I hope they are okay with me expanding it with my own ideas, but if not I do not mind removing it. If there’s anything offensive or any mistakes, please tell me. I also may come back and edit this at a later point if I think I need to. I just saw the posts and got inspired as I adore König, especially God König. Also sorry if the formatting is weird this is my first ever post on Tumblr instead of being a lurker so I may change the format if I'm not happy with it and if I need to add any tags to this I will just tell me if I need to.

-This is Ozzie signing out, and I hope you have a fantastic night.

#konig #konig cod #konig call of duty #konig mw2 #könig #könig cod #könig call of duty #könig mw2 #gods!cod au

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echantedtoon · 3 months ago

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Demonstober Day 2 White Birch Spirit

The birch tree has many symbolic meanings and spiritual significance in various cultures.

Tagging: @lavenderdropp @six-eyed-samurai @trancylovecraft @cherrysuzaku

Remember if you want to be added to the spooktober taglist lemme know

"You came back."

You smile at the beautiful purple eyes and white hair that stood before you offering her own smile at you in return.

"I did."

You still remember the first time you met the mysterious spirit of the old birch forest. It was last year during spring. Your father worked as a lumberjack and together both you and him would go out and start collecting wood from the nearby forest . However since his leg injury it's been solely on you to make ends meat and go get the wood yourself. It wasn't an easy feat. To help save yourself the trip, instead of going up the mountain to get the regular oaks and maple trees and bring them all the way down the mountain, you decided to go towards the nearby Birch tree forest. Your father did warn you before about the place-

"Do you ever know why we never go near those woods, Y/n?"

"No. Why?"

"Because it's haunted."

"Haunted? Haunted how?"

"Many years ago, there was a priest who lived there in a shrine that's now long gone. He had a daughter who became a shrine maiden after her father died however she herself died young. They say her ghost became a White Birch Spirit and she takes care of those sacred woods like he did in life. That's why no lumberjack ever dated go near those woods let alone take one of her trees. That's just asking for trouble."

You never took him seriously of course. You've never heard of such things from anyone else who you spoke too. So you decided ond day as your father was still healing, you grabbed the axe and made your way out down the valley instead of up the mountain. Until you came across the first of the White tree line. You weren't very strong by yourself so you decided to venture inwards until you found one thing enough to chop down and easily carry back. The moment you stepped past the treeline-

It was as if no other life was there.

The singing birds stopped singing. No squirrels ran up the trees. And there wasn't a single insect in sight. Only the grass and the white trees. Odd certainly but not really too out of the ordinary in your mind however it almost felt like you were being watched. Nah that was crazy. You were just paranoid from the ghost stories. Eventually you found a good enough tree. A few years old at most and the tree you walked forward to was very thin. It'd make quick but thin firewood you could quickly sell for cheap. Stopping a yard away from the thin trunk, you sat the heavy axe down very quick to roll your sore shoulder from carrying it for so long. Before gripping it tightly, swinging it high above your head-

You froze solid.

Standing before your eyes ...was a woman.

A very BEAUTIFUL woman.

She was pale. So pale she might've been dead. With pure white hair to match and the most striking purple eyes you've ever seen. It pierced you straight through the soul. You both stood there staring at each other for a long moment before she spoke.

"Why are you here?"

The axe fell from your hands with a loud thud to the ground as you stuttered. "I-I-...I ju-just...firewood." You managed to sputter out.

"This tree is not yet fully grown. You have no purpose here. Leave."

You didn't have to be told twice. Out of fear from the woman you snatched up the heavy axe and ran all the way home where you told your father everything that had transpired when he asked about your terrified face.

"Didn't I warn you?," he scolded you with a frown, "You're lucky that spirit let you go with just a warning. What if she had made a tree fall on you? Or she followed you home to haunt us? Next time I tell you about something listen to me!"

You did. You really did. For the next month you went up the mountain to get wood instead of of the birch woods and thankfully nothing happened but you couldn't help but feel guilty about what happened. You felt like you disturbed a sacred area and now you had to right the wrongs. Despite your father's warnings and your better judgement, you decided to go back but this time with offerings. Some food, money, and incense since that's what they usually put on shrines for offerings. Being a former shrine maiden, she might like it.

The pattern repeated itself. You went back to the Birch forest only this time without the axe and like before you felt like you were being watched the moment you stepped into the woods. White trees surrounded your body as you walked swiveling your head this way and that making your way back to where you first saw the spirit. You'd just leave it by the tree she was defending and leave-

"What are you doing back here?"

You jumped with a gasp whirling around and coming face to face back with her. She stared at your wide eyes with that blank stare she had before.

"I-I-..." You gulped again out of fear before thrusting the basket towards her and bowing. "I-Im not here to cut down anything I swear! I c-came to apologize!"

There was silence as you didn't dare look up, however you felt the basket leave your hands and there was silence still.

"..Thank you." You looked up. She was still there holding the basket but now smiling. "This is very kind of you. What is your name?"

"I-..Y-Y/n. What's yours?"

"Amane."

"You're very beautiful. Are you really a spirit?"

That took her off guard as she blinked a moment before smiled again. "If you'd like to know, we may talk under the trees."

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #Demonstober #amane ubuyashiki #Amane Ubuyashiki x Reader #Amane x Reader

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bonefall · 11 months ago

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ITS SNAKE O' CLOCK!!! yay yippee wahoo! have you decided what you're doing with him or are you just thinking abt him :O?

Rotating him in my mind for my own sanity because I got to the part in Path of Stars where they've just. Completely retconned everything about him for the sake of forcefully making everyone of value forgive Clear Sky. The only person who stays mad at Clear Sky forever actually just liked One Eye better

Even though we saw him, on screen, looking at the camera and being like, "I Do Not Like Clear Sky Because His Bad Judgement Caused Us To Be Permanently Branded By A Tyrant Like We Were A Herd Of Texas Steers."

They did him SO dirty, man!! SO SO dirty!!!!!

On that note though, I HAVE decided on a few things!

So, on the note of defectors, Snake is going to be one of the very last ones. While I absolutely adore him, I think it's very important and meaningful that he is one of his most loyal cats.

Snake is a Mountain cat, and it's looking like he is going to be part of the Claw Family.

The Claw Family consists of Fox Claw and Petal Claw to begin with. I have an inkling of an idea that Petal Claw actually leaves while pregnant-- possibly escaping someone unsavory back at home.

I feel like she doesn't really enjoy romance. She's ambitious and ferocious, and whoever her lover was, was quite controlling.

Unfortunately it's a big reason why she's so committed to Clear Sky. She has that sort of unaddressed mindset that abuse often leaves you with.

"No, I know what an awful person is because of what I went through, and I'm telling you, Clear Sky is not that. YOU'Re actually the problem."

And, in turn, Clear Sky rewards her a lot. She is one of his favorite cats, she gets a TON of benefits for her loyalty. Tyrannical, terrible two of them.

Besties (threat)

Snake Claw and Red Claw would have been the first births in the forest, but Bright Storm gave birth early because of the stress and thus Thunder Storm came first.

So Snake and Red were brought up by Petal Claw and Fox Claw, in early Sky's Clan.

Fox and Petal were ADAMANTLY loyal to Clear Sky. They remained behind in the Shadow/Sky split, hissing and spitting at those who chose to follow Tall Shadow.

I feel like Fox was actually their primary parent. They call him Uncle, but he acted a lot more like a dad. It gave Petal more time to go do bad bitch things.

When Clear Sky murders Misty, much much later, Petal is given the kittens as a reward for her loyalty. Having more kits is a point of status, and she's very happy to accept the reward.

So, the Claw family becomes "huge" in a short period of time on this evil action. Petal Claw, Fox Claw, Snake Claw, Red Claw, Alder Claw, Birch Claw.

For Snake, he's raised accepting all this as good and normal. At some point, Fox Claw is killed in some kind of frighteningly violent, unnecessary, bloodthirsty skirmish that Clear Sky aggrieves, and Snake Claw doubles down right along with Petal.

He also does a lot of the WORST things on behalf of Clear Sky. He IS going to have a body count-- though he will no longer be killing BB!Frost (now Sunlit Frost), he does bite him on the good paw during The First Battle.

This bite goes septic, after Sunlit REFUSES to sit out gravedigging, helping to bury his friends and family with an open wound. He already has nerve damage in the other arm from his severe burn.

This choice, because he wouldn't take a break when he was told to, ends up MASSIVELY disabling him. Once a master builder and inventor, he loses his dominant paw and has chronic pain in the other one. He can't build anymore after this.

After Snake Claw defects, I actually really want them to struggle with this. Snake doesn't feel like it's fair to blame him for what Sunlit did to himself, but he's also NEW to Thunder's Clan later, and there's not a lot of people on his side.

And Sunlit is a person who holds grudges... but it's also true that it's kinda not fair, since Snake Claw is trying to apologize for it.

Somehow it's unsatisfying and frustrating, knowing that Snake Claw is only apologizing because everyone wants him to. But how can you expect him to be sincere about something the BOTH of you feel is not entirely his fault?

It's like Sunlit wanted to have him to blame, but that's hard when he's not Clear Sky's Minion anymore.

In the past, I'd gone back and forth on if Red Claw or Snake Claw defected, and now I'm realizing.... por que no los dos? Por que no los TRES?

Since I've committed to adding a third group and expanding on the Forest cats, this is going to mean that Snake's younger "adopted" siblings NEED to have full arcs with this.

While one of them will remain with Clear Sky, becoming a cultural "justification" for the practice of Kitten Stealing, which will plague Clan culture for generations, I think something is fascinating in the idea that they're the ONLY Claw to remain with SkyClan.

Petal Claw and Fox Claw die in battle, "honored" for their sacrifice.

Red Claw defects for ThunderClan first, after falling for the charms of Acorn Swoop

Alder Claw likely follows later... reconnecting with Misty's mate, Milkweed, who has been fighting for MOONS for this very moment

And, lastly, Snake will follow.

(It is also bitterly funny to me that it means Milkweed loses Misty, but then ends up gaining all of Petal's biokids. Never speak to me or my daughter or my son or my son or my daughter or my daughter or my daughter-in-law ever again)

Because Snake Claw will be the very last of the Claw family to defect, I'm thinking it's after the end of BB!DOTC, and over in Thunderstar's Justice.

KEEP the fact that Snake Claw leaves because of Skystar bringing One Eye into the Clan. Even keep the fact that most of SkyClan is loyal to their tyrant-- Snake Claw has woken up to the truth, and realizes he has family elsewhere who loves and misses him.

Well.... hopefully they still do. After everything.

Snake Claw should have a ton of fights with Red Claw and Alder Claw, I think, before the First Battle. Have them all be covered in scars

Because the whole family defects, it's easy for it to become a sensational story about Nepotism/Scabforming. Other Clans probably don't hold Snake, Red, and Alder in high esteem in their myths-- but until Darkstar's Commandment which bans Kitten Stealing, Birch Claw was easily the most venerated.

Aaaand that's it so far! I know for a fact now that Snake Claw is going to be a member of the Claw family, and that he is going to be a MAJOR antagonist through BB!DOTC. In Thunderstar's Justice, he's going to join his living family after finally being able to realize that Skystar is not worth following.

I want to keep that he is a villain for most of the story, because that's what I like best about the way he turns on Clear Sky from canon. He was everything Skystar ever wanted, he did every awful command, the blood is already dried under his claws forever and he was rewarded only with a permanent scarring.

Then, told it's "MY way or the HIGH way," he chooses the high way.

#Since BB!DOTC is the most changed and has had TWO very large changes as time goes on...#I really need to make a new summary post for it #Sorry to followers who are confused dfsfs I'm aware of it #BB!DOTC #Snake Claw #Better bones au

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pearlcatcher-problems · 1 year ago

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back to working on art of my own beans -- this time Mir gets some love, about time since I've been spoiling his little brother ogi with so much attention.

He's a serpentine spiral that is indifferent to most other dragons and very proud of the work he does as a guardian to the deepwoods. He's able to track visitor's movement through his third eye if they tread through the blanket of lichen covering the floor of the woods ( which covers 80% of the entire forest ) and as such keeps is main eyes covered to keep complete focus on motion within his borders instead.

He often marks dead trees with his tusks, carving runes and markers into the wood for his own reference. Or little goodies for ogi to find and translate. He tends to avoid Birch like the plague, apparently the two had something in the past that he won't expand on.

#flight rising #flightrising #fr art #hex scribbols once again #fr art share #creature art #dragon art #fr spiral #artists on tumblr #monster art #digital art #flight rising dragons #digital illustration

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kurithedweeb · 6 months ago

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It’s the same anon again because the MCD beetles are slowly consuming my brain, but what are you thought on clothing culture in universe?

Like of course climate plays a big role in how traditional dress looks, but apart from that there’s also things like religion that play a big role. We don’t really know what the climate is like in Ru’aun but Irene is a big thing, how does that effect clothing choices, what dyes are most common and how does that reflect in clothes?

I’m a sucker for world building

Hello again, anon! Lucky for you I, too, am a sucker for worldbuilding. I have been considering my answer for literal days. I’ve vaguely commented on modesty rules in Ru’aun before but we’ve yet to get into fashion trends and hierarchical or religious dress, not to mention personal ornamentation and the different meanings associated with that in different areas, so let’s talk about Ru’aun first.

Because of the impassable Sacred Forest, most towns are along the coast to facilitate travel, and it’s a very lush and green region. The majority of the land is either plains or various forests, with a variety of cliffs, shoals and a few mountains scattered around, plus stretches of swampland and beach. Dyes are usually made from whatever resources are nearby, so you’ll see a much wider range of colors in settlements near flower fields or birch forests. Popular port towns like Meteli, O’khasis and Bright Port also have more variety, but will most often stick to colors that have special meanings to the town. Whites, greys, and blues are popular in O’khasis and Scaleswind as the religious capitals of the region, but red is also pretty prominent in Scalesind.

The same general rule also applies to fabrics and jewelry—mohair comes from goats so it’s easier to acquire in Phoenix Drop where there are tons, there’s more precious metals in Scaleswind, and in Nahakra people take any broken glass they find and lay the pieces in fine mesh containers on the tideline to make sea glass for decorations. Fabric and dye are common trading goods, especially in more backwater towns where the physical currency used in bigger villages and city-states have about as much practical value as an especially shiny rock. The most popular kinds of fabrics in Ru’aun are mohair and wool for their durability and temperature regulation respectively, with leather, ore and ivory as the most common materials in ornamentation.

The primary religion is what I’ve been calling the Divine Faith, which worships the Divine Warriors as a whole under the figurehead of Irene and has various subsets that focus more on each individual Divine Warrior, with the grand majority of its followers falling under the Church of the Matron or cults dedicated to the Destroyer, with the Trail of the Wanderer as a close second. Which of the Divine Warriors you follow most closely definitely has an effect on your attire.

Disciples of Irene wear small cloaks modeled after hers and members of the church hide their faces as a way to present themselves as closer to the goddess since you don’t look upon those of divine nature or close to divinity without consequences, most often using dark blue or white veils stitched with gold, since those are the colors she’s documented wearing most often and are therefore most often associated with her, though purple is too. Devout followers cover their eyes, members of the church like priests and nuns cover the lower half of their faces, and the High Priest covers his entire face, usually veiled or with a simple mask in public and with a more ceremonial mask during sermons and ceremonies.

Followers of the Destroyer are much more subtle because they’re technically outlawed, they have a lot more to do with ornamentation than clothing. If you have long hair, it’s always pinned up and back, never in a ponytail and never left loose, usually in braids and buns and other hairstyles that wouldn’t be out of place on a guard, nothing an enemy can easily yank on. Hanging jewelry is also out. Hair is adorned with warmly colored beads and hair sticks that can be used as weapons and on occasion chains are woven into braids, most other accessories are close-fitting: there are nearly always cuffs around the wrists and ankles, subtly decorated wraps around the waist are more common in cities, chokers with detailing done in texture are uncommon but widely used, and earrings and ear cuffs are rare and usually kept for formal ceremonies.

Those on the Trail of the Wanderer are nearly always found to be wearing travel-appropriate clothes no matter the occasion or setting, and there’s touches of pirate and backpacking aesthetic throughout. They tend to carry just about everything they own, dedicating their life to traveling and seeing the world the way Kul’zak did, and dress accordingly. Knee high boots, at least two layers, oil-treated cloaks, many wear jerkins and sashes with stitched depictions of scenes from places they’ve been, and leather harnesses and holsters are common. Hair is usually left down or half put up and decorated with feathers and ribbons found on the Trail. Meditation beads carved of wood or stone are nearly universal, worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist. Trinkets and charms found on the Trail are important to the travelers, and you’ll find bowls of them left behind by others at shrines and trail markers that you can add to or take from, and in doing so you bring other travelers with you on your adventures and are carried by other travelers on their own, it’s a very dear tradition on the Wanderer’s Trail. Imagine geocaching but with religious connotations. Many of these items are worn as bracelets, anklets, necklaces, or on waist chains, usually put together while camping out. Flower crowns are also a bit of a thing and when they start wilting they’re left behind in places bearing Kul’zak’s symbol.

I’m thinking of making flower crowns also a thing with Enki’s followers since I’ve recently been turned onto the Kulki ship by @warlocks-and-phoenixes, but instead of wildflowers it’s mostly herbs and grasses. The matching flora crowns are a symbol of their union. Enki’s followers are mostly stuck on an iceberg, so they show their faith by carrying carvings of his symbols and making tapestries and records of their history, studying the world and spreading a love of knowledge wherever they go. Children usually start with embroidering their favorite/their family’s stories into their own clothing.

Embroidery! I love embroidery. In Ru’aun, it’s a very popular pastime, especially among stay at home parents and the sickly, so you see it pretty much everywhere. Colored threads are easy to acquire, but some colors are restricted. Purple is only for the clergy. Gold is for the highest ranking members of the churches and Lords’ family lines, as well as important personal staff of the Lord’s household like a close advisor and the primary caretaker of the children. Silver thread is for other people in powerful positions like members of a council or the highest ranking members of the guard (commander of the guard, second-in-command, reserve commander, Jury of Nine), which helps to distinguish officers from soldiers in larger villages and city-states that have a standard uniform and armor template. If you qualify for both, the gold usually takes precedence. For example, Laurance would have gold embroidery despite being head guard of Meteli because he’s also the son of Joh. Many small settlements don’t bother much with distinguishing personal importance based on thread color, though. They much prefer to use embroidery to keep a record of family history. Abstract depictions of personal achievements are stitched into the edging of most clothing, and the rank and position of the wearer and their parents + lovers go across the back on formal clothes and if you’re a guard around the neck and cuffs of your gambeson and also your sash if you wear one as a way to identify bodies after battle like modern day dog tags. It’s very simple and blocky on guardwear and incredibly elaborate and stylized to the point of illegibility on formalwear. Other common designs are flowers, symbols of faith, waves, landscapes, and elements of regional stories.

Modesty standards in Ru’aun. Here’s the basics: the average person should show nothing in the range of torso between the knees and breasts in public, midriff can be seen only by people very close to you, mothers should be covered from somewhere around the collarbones to their ankles, visible shoulder straps and undershirts are generally a no-no but off the shoulder and sleeveless attire are okay, and open shirts should not go further than the base of the sternum and should not show undergarments or nipples. Anyone fifteen or older is expected to follow these, but it’s not as important that children do. Some of them are negotiable based on climate and regional culture; Meteli and let’s say Pikoro are more lax and pretty much do whatever they feel like while O’khasis and Scaleswind follow the rules very closely and places like Brightport and Boboros are somewhere in the middle.

In Tu’la, how you dress is so important because it shows your loyalties. It’s a place filled with hundreds of clans all on the brink of beating each other up on any given day. In their culture, you’re not defined by who you are but who your family and their allegiances are. Symbology is important, families have their own color blends, patterns and even specific plants associated with them since gems aren’t very commonly found in Tu’la and sparkly things go to the monarchy and the king’s pets (the humanoid ones). Throwing away your clan’s symbols when you’re not on a covert mission of some kind is seen as a betrayal.

Cloth is very often uncut and styled by wrapping, pinning, and tying them into various shapes like you would a sari or toga or a variety of old African clothing styles I can’t remember the names of. Short sashes and waist wraps are very common. Many of the common people will also wrap their hands and feet in place of gloves and shoes. Cutting cloth is often reserved for important articles or the royal family and its vassal clans. It’s considered a wasteful expense since the excess cloth can’t be remade and isn’t recycled into other things like blankets. Scraps are distributed among the clan’s servants for them to wear to match their masters’ clothing as a sort of claim over them. Gladiators often wear their sponsor’s colors in the same way. When clothing is sewn, you’ll often see designs similar to the Japanese kimono and yukata and the Chinese hanfu and cheongsam/qipao. Designs with layers are more expensive and a luxury that very few, essentially only the king and his consorts, can afford. In most places, the only articles of clothing you’d find cut and stitched into new shapes are some forms of undergarments and a more form-fitting underlayer that covers the entire torso and cloth is arranged over top of.

Tu’lan clothing is essentially custom tailored by the wearer for the wearer, unless you’re super rich or a conscripted servant. Ideally it should allow you to be flexible, it should allow you to keep cool in Tu’la’s very warm climate, maybe with a window just above your butt if you have a tail, but easy to hide things in. Really the only rules about it is that you don’t wear enemy symbols and you keep your private parts private around everyone not your lover. It’s a war country, so most of the time the styles are very utilitarian and comfortable, but you’d only know how utilitarian it is if you were raised wearing them. To Ru’aun and Gal’ruk, even the simplest outfits seem fancy. Part of what makes them think that is the decoration and accessories.

Hair sticks. God do I love hairsticks. More formal ones are made of glass with a small hanging charm and common ones are simply carved from wood or made with the scrap metal shavings of weaponsmiths—those ones are usually sharpened into needles or knives in case you need it. Jewelry is usually close-fitting to make it harder to grab, so meditation beads would be wrapped several times around the wrist or ankle and no pretty hanging piercings. Humans are actually the only one of the three dominant species who get piercings because pretty much all meif’wa clans are warriors or their ears are too sensitive, and if a werewolf has to transform with a piercing in it’ll either warp super bad or hurt them when the change tries to push foreign bodies out of the werewolf. Cloth is usually made with patterns everywhere or very prominently displayed and accented.

Sun and snow motifs are also fairly widespread since the patron Divine Warrior of Tu’la was Menphia, it very rarely snows in Tu’la but she had ice powers so. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything more on Menphia’s followers right now, I’m basically scraping and redoing her whole temple and worship at the moment.

Gal’ruk loves yarn and fur, since practically every living thing out there is covered in fur and spinning yarn is a good time consuming indoor activity. A lot of people spend considerable time weaving and tanning and sewing over the blizzard season when they get trapped inside by storms. Fur goes inside everything from gloves to hoods to pants. People make competitions out of who can knit the best hat or scarf from scratch before the next moon.

For an idea of the style of clothing usually worn I recommend looking up ‘viking winter wear’ for some ideas. Plenty of layers, loose pants cinched at the knee, lots of fur cloaks and shawls, leather belts with pouches and space for your knife/sword/axe’s sheath over top. Leather goods like armor and belts are usually marked with subtle designs pressed into the materials and are padded. Nothing metal ever comes close to touching the skin directly. Clothes can either be simply pulled on or are closed with loops and clasps carved of wood or bone/teeth from a hunt.

Nothing hunted ever goes to waste. Gal’ruk is a plentiful land but it can be a harsh one too. Pelts, furs, teeth, claws, bones and tails are all made into clothing, among other things. Pelts can be scraped and tanned and made into leather, furs are stuffed into everything as an insulator. Teeth, claws and bones are carved into accessories or combs or buttons, it’s very common for someone to make the spoils of their hunt into necklaces or arm bands or earrings as a mark of their achievement or to exchange as a betrothal gift to prove their worth as a provider. Married couples wear carved tokens of their family’s symbol made by each other instead of rings, presented to the other for the first time at the wedding and very rarely taken off unless one dies or they get divorced. Widows and widowers usually keep their tokens old, but they’re burned to make the divorce official and if a divorced couple gets back together new ones have to be made.

Unfortunately color is fairly sparse on the island. There’s not many plants to harvest dyes from and clay takes ages to dig up and warm enough to use, so it’s mostly natural colors of the materials and some darker shades from smoking pelts over a fire to waterproof them. There are shades of green every so often from dye made with the kelp that washes ashore and sometimes if you can manage to grow beets there’s some reds and purples but not everyone is able to dye their clothing.

Gal’ruk has zero modesty standards. You wrap up to keep warm outside, but while you’re inside you can wear just about as little as you want. The public dining hall can get pretty warm with everyone packed in there, it’s not unusual for people to go titties out. They’re all warriors, they’re pretty chill about partial nudity and naked bodies are very rarely sexualized in such a close-knit warrior community, they’re all pretty much grown up seeing each other half undressed while tending wounds, so modesty isn’t a real issue. This is why I said in my post about Travis playing around with his shapeshifting that he needs to have Ru’aun modesty rules explained to him the first time he changes into a female form in public, because in his homeland having breasts show through an open shirt isn’t at all notable but in Ru’aun it’s absolutely scandalous.

And we’ve circled back to embroidery! Again, time consuming pastime, again, people who spend the majority of the year huddled inside waiting out the worst of the cold, again, followers of Enki. Personal history is recorded on parchment, but communal history is recorded on tapestries and clothing. They have very little in the way of colored threads, so designs are made with only lineart and shadows in mind to make it clear what they’re meant to be. Stories about Enki and the Divine Warriors are very common, and so are fables for the children. Animals bounding through the snow and their different tracks trailing behind them are used to teach the babies how to tell your prey apart by print. Kids are taught to embroider their own clothes to teach them patience and attention to detail.

These are all pretty general regional ideas, specific parts of the region and settlements also have their own deals sometimes. I’ll have to come back to this at some point to cover the rest of the Divine Faith properly. This was a fun question!

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