#mutual understanding

[aventurineswife]

Relationship hcs for Dan Heng? 🤭😊🙏

Dan Heng Relationship HCs

Dan Heng isn't one for grand gestures. Instead, his affection shows in subtle ways—like remembering small details about you, leaving you little things he thinks you might need, or giving you a silent but meaningful look. It’s a quiet but deep kind of love, where actions speak louder than words.

He is naturally protective and often keeps a watchful eye on you, especially when you’re exploring new or dangerous places together. Although he may try to keep his emotions hidden, his protective nature often slips through, especially when he senses any threat toward you.

Given his introverted nature, Dan Heng values personal space, both his own and yours. He is sensitive to your need for solitude or personal time and appreciates it when you offer him the same. He views it as a mutual understanding, a respect for each other's boundaries that strengthens your connection.

Dan Heng rarely opens up about his past, but over time, he’ll let you in on small fragments. If you encourage him, he finds comfort in your presence, and he may gradually reveal his vulnerabilities. Your unwavering support and understanding become a source of strength for him, even if he doesn't always express it directly.

You learn to enjoy comfortable silences together, finding peace in just being by each other’s side. He doesn't feel the need to fill the quiet with words, and with you, he can finally let his guard down without worrying about being judged or misunderstood.

With you, he starts to open up emotionally in ways he never thought possible. You manage to draw out a rare smile from him now and then, which makes him feel slightly embarrassed but happier than he’ll admit. These moments are rare, but they become treasured memories for both of you.

Dan Heng respects your abilities, whether it’s in combat or otherwise. He might offer to spar or train with you, and these sessions become a way for you to bond. His combat tips are often delivered with a calm demeanor, and he occasionally slips into a protective role if he thinks you’re getting too close to danger.

Dan Heng isn’t naturally physically affectionate, but he’ll occasionally reach for your hand or brush a stray strand of hair from your face, usually when words aren’t enough to convey his feelings. These gestures feel almost sacred, as he rarely shares such intimate contact with anyone else.

When he does open up, it’s usually in the quiet hours of the night. You’ll find him sitting by a window on the Astral Express, lost in thought, and he’ll invite you to join him. These rare conversations often reveal the depths of his thoughts and fears, allowing you to understand him on a much deeper level.

With his tumultuous past, Dan Heng sometimes struggles with self-doubt. Your presence becomes a calming influence, anchoring him whenever he feels overwhelmed. Knowing he has you by his side gives him a newfound sense of purpose and a small but powerful hope for a better future.

[artofmaquenda]

Shared Perspective

[small-z24]

Shadows of Fate 3

Summary:

Y/n, Cassian's shy and quiet sister, prefers to keep to the shadows. Unbeknownst to her, she is Azriel's mate. His shadows are inexplicably drawn to her, and as they grow closer, a slow-burn romance ensues. Cassian, ever protective of his sister, watches over her as the bond between Y/n and Azriel deepens.

Word Count: 966

Warnings: None

Chapter 3: Unseen Bonds

Y/n’s days at the House of Wind had taken on a new rhythm. Each morning, she would retreat to her favorite quiet corners, only to find Azriel already there, his presence a comforting constant. As their bond grew, she found herself feeling more at ease, her anxieties quieted by the soothing presence of Azriel and his shadows.

One afternoon, Y/n was reading in the garden, the vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze. She was so engrossed in her book that she didn’t notice Cassian approaching until he was right beside her.

"Hey, little sister," Cassian said, sitting down next to her.

Y/n looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Hey, Cass. How was training?"

"Grueling, as usual," he replied with a chuckle. "But I wanted to talk to you about something."

Her smile faltered slightly. "What is it?"

Cassian’s expression turned serious. "I’ve been thinking a lot about you and Azriel. I want you to be happy, Y/n, but I also worry about you."

"I know you do," she said softly. "And I appreciate it. But Azriel and I... there’s something special between us. I feel safe with him."

Cassian sighed, his protective instincts warring with his desire to see his sister happy. "I just want to make sure he’s treating you right. That he’s not rushing things."

"He’s not," Y/n assured him. "We’re taking things slow. And he’s been nothing but patient and kind."

Cassian nodded slowly, his gaze softening. "Alright. I’ll try to ease up a bit. Just promise me you’ll come to me if anything feels wrong."

"I promise," she said, squeezing his hand.

Later that evening, Y/n found herself in the library, a place that had become her sanctuary. As she browsed through the shelves, she felt a familiar presence behind her. Turning, she saw Azriel standing there, his shadows curling around him like loyal pets.

"Hello, Y/n," he said, his voice like a warm embrace.

"Hello, Azriel," she replied, a smile lighting up her face. "I was just looking for something new to read."

He stepped closer, his gaze soft and affectionate. "I have something for you." From behind his back, he produced a small, leather-bound journal. "I thought you might like this. It’s empty, so you can fill it with whatever you want."

Y/n took the journal, her eyes widening with delight. "It’s beautiful. Thank you, Azriel."

"I thought you might use it to write down your thoughts or dreams," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "Or even just to keep track of our adventures together."

Her heart swelled with emotion as she hugged the journal to her chest. "I love it. I’ll cherish it always."

They spent the rest of the evening together, sitting in a secluded corner of the library. Azriel read aloud from one of his favorite books, his deep, melodic voice weaving a spell around them. Y/n listened, her head resting on his shoulder, feeling more at peace than she ever had.

The next morning, Y/n awoke to find a note slipped under her door. Unfolding it, she recognized Azriel’s elegant handwriting.

Meet me in the training grounds at sunrise. I have something I want to show you.

Curiosity piqued, Y/n quickly dressed and made her way to the training grounds. The early morning light bathed the area in a soft, golden glow. Azriel was waiting for her, his shadows already swirling around him in anticipation.

"Good morning," he greeted her, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Good morning," she replied, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "What’s this about?"

"I wanted to teach you something," he said, holding out his hand. "Come with me."

Y/n took his hand, allowing him to lead her to a more secluded part of the training grounds. There, he produced a pair of slender, beautifully crafted daggers.

"I thought it might be good for you to learn some basic self-defense," he explained. "Just in case."

She looked at the daggers, then back at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "You want to teach me to fight?"

"Not to fight," Azriel corrected gently. "To protect yourself. You don’t have to become a warrior, but knowing how to defend yourself could be useful."

Y/n hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll try."

Azriel smiled, pride and affection shining in his eyes. "Good. Let’s start with the basics."

Over the next hour, he patiently guided her through a series of simple exercises. His touch was always gentle, his instructions clear and encouraging. Y/n found herself enjoying the lessons, the sense of empowerment that came with each successful move.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they took a break, sitting together on the grass. Azriel handed her a water bottle, his gaze warm and approving.

"You’re doing great," he said. "You have a natural grace."

"Thank you," Y/n replied, feeling a flush of pride. "I didn’t think I could do it."

"I knew you could," he said softly. "You’re stronger than you realize."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. Y/n felt a surge of emotion, a deep, unspoken connection that went beyond words. She reached out, taking Azriel’s hand in hers.

"I’m glad I have you," she whispered. "You make me feel like I can do anything."

"You can," he replied, his voice filled with conviction. "And I’ll be here with you, every step of the way."

As they sat together, hand in hand, Y/n knew that their journey was only just beginning. But with Azriel by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in the strength of their bond and the love that had grown between them.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Y/n and Azriel's story. Feel free to leave comments and let me know your thoughts!

[miaisabelwinther]

#publicaffection #holdinghandsinpublic #kissinginpublic #showingaffectioninpublic #futureseriousmutualmonogamousheterorelationship #sayingtogetherforever #iwillneverloosehope #youareperfecttome #youareecerythingieverhopedfor #youaremyoneandonly #iwanttokissyou

[quotidianish]

Meaningless wurtle Drabble

Turtle wasn’t prideful by any means, he hardly thought about things like “loyalty to his tribe,” despite being a prince, or maybe because he was one of thirty. Winter made it clear he was never afforded that comfort of mind. “You don’t act like a prince.” Winter had crudely stated. They were stationed just east of Sanctuary, doing chores for the local doctor.

Neither of us are, not now, thought Turtle, knees deep in mud, struggling to reach for a hanging bucket in the middle of a well. Winter wasn’t exactly looking any more dignified, wrestling carrots out of the ground a few meters away.

“You told me that before.” He made a grab for the bucket and pulled it towards himself. Turtle knew better than to think Winter was being hostile at that point, otherwise he would’ve been shouting. This is just how he talks.

Winter yanked at a patch of leaves, blinking as dirt spewed in his face.

The doctor, a herbalist, offered them a spare room to stay in for the night. The rug on the floor barely had space for two, so they lay awkwardly, haphazardly piling on top of eachother. Crickets outside drowned out Turtle’s thoughts. “Hey,” he whispered, after thoughtless deliberation. “Are you asleep yet?”

“Maybe I would be if you weren’t so warm.”

Turtle expected him to use a different adjective, one he could be sorry for. On a summer's day it felt good having a cold blanket draped groggily over him. He sighed and furrowed his head into one of the rug’s creases, Winter’s glittering tail softly lashing back and forth in front of him, eventually lulled to sleep by its slow clattering.

[howifeltabouthim]

I'm wound up because it's so rare that I meet somebody I can really talk to. And now here you are, and I feel kind of dizzy.

Siri Hustvedt, from The Blazing World

[blackpetrichor]

[priyanshis-things]

Distance over disrespect>>>

[alynnl]

for the ask game, definetly:

“I believe the next morning will be brighter for both of us,” Olberic said positively.  “Let us go to bed, and wait for it patiently.”

Walking arm in arm with the professor, Olberic approached one of the four beds in their lodgings and pushed the blankets aside.  Cyrus climbed into it, relaxing against the pillows and resting his hands over his stomach. Olberic grabbed onto one of the deep blue blankets, pulling them up to his companion’s shoulders.  Then he lingered for a moment, placing his hand softly on Cyrus’s shoulder.

He spoke quietly to wish the scholar a good night, but realized too late that he’d slipped.

Olberic meant to say it in their common language, but he spoke the words in Hornburgian.

“Ah, my apologies, Cyrus, what I meant to say was-” Olberic was close to correcting himself.

“Good night, Cyrus, Wise One,” the scholar spoke a perfect translation of the phrase, and smiled warmly.

“Good night, Olberic, Valiant One.”  Cyrus returned the sentiment, speaking it in Hornburgian as well.

It was a surprise for Olberic to hear his native tongue spoken back to him after eight long years of not hearing it at all.  There was a trace of Cyrus’s Flatlands accent, but it was not off-putting in the slightest.  It was the feeling behind the words that mattered more than their precise pronunciation, and in that regard, the professor spoke wonderfully.  Olberic could not think of the words to thank Cyrus for this in either language, so instead he answered with a simple wordless nod.  

The mutual Hornburgian greeting, from Legacy of the Lost. I know it well!

What was I thinking when I wrote it? I’ll level with you.  I wanted sap and I thought this was one of the ways to deliver it.  What better way to show how much you care for someone than to talk to them in their native language, even if it’s different than your own?  There are bonus points for Cyrus making the effort to make sure Hornburgian doesn’t turn into a dead language.  And of course, Olberic appreciates the gesture wholeheartedly. What made me write it in the first place? It actually formed in my head when I first had Cyrus and Olberic talk about learning different languages.  In Cyrus’s case, he was learning Hornburgian in his anticipation of visiting the place, and Olberic learned the common language shared between the Travelers and their starting towns so that he could adjust to life in a place where the words and culture were different than his own.  Bilingual headcanons are so fascinating to me even if I myself am not bilingual.  I think it adds a layer of depth to the characters and gives a richness to the world I imagine them inhabiting.  It paints a picture of Orsterra being sort of like our own world in that it’s very diverse, and there are many different ways for people to express themselves. What was going through the characters’ heads at the moment? Olberic was low key embarrassed here!  He thought that he made a tiny blunder.  And this was foreshadowed, since he mentions expressing himself in Hornburgian when nothing else will do.  But when Cyrus greets him back in the same language, that embarrassment quickly fades into admiration for the scholar, who’s meeting him in the middle.

Then we have Cyrus.  He’s the sweet, earnest scholar we all know and love who wants to study so he can leave the world a better place.  Cyrus knows that Olberic might have spoken in his native tongue by accident, but he’s never one to discourage anyone!  Instead he chose this small way to acknowledge where Olberic came from.

These two understand each other even deeper from this tiny exchange of words.  It shows that the language doesn’t matter: they will always value each other.

Why did I choose the words “Wise One” and “Valiant One?” Mostly, I wanted the Hornburgian expressions to sound cool.  Haha.  But also I thought these words expressed the traits that these two admire the most in one another.  Olberic looks to Cyrus for his wisdom and counsel, while Cyrus marvels at Olberic’s prowess on the battlefield and listens to his judgment when they’re in a dangerous situation.  There’s actually an extra bit of lore that didn’t make it into the main fic.  That the brightest scholars/tacticians earned the title of Wise One and the most distinguished knights earned the title of Valiant One.  It might be better if there is no formality or politics attached to these expressions though.  Anyone can be called these or other titles if the speaker thinks they should be, and that’s beautiful.

What does this moment mean, in the context of the rest of the story? The entire story of Legacy of the Lost is about Olberic finding out why Cyrus chooses to study Hornburg to this day.  It’s a “How it started, and how it’s going” overview of one of Cyrus’s main interests.  The mutual Hornburgian greeting is a good way to show how Cyrus’s tale of hope, loss, and renewed resolve changes both his and Olberic’s outlook on life going forward.  We have Cyrus truly making an earnest effort to begin speaking the language, and Olberic’s acceptance of it despite the accent.  Neither of them corrected each other, because they were each sincere in this moment.  This shows how much trust Cyrus and Olberic have built between them on their journey.  They don’t need to be precise.  This mutual understanding is a love language all on its own.

Any music I would set to this scene? The Piano Guys version of A Thousand Years definitely goes with the vibe I want from this one.

[small-z24]

Shadows of Fate 4

Summary:

Y/n, Cassian's shy and quiet sister, prefers to keep to the shadows. Unbeknownst to her, she is Azriel's mate. His shadows are inexplicably drawn to her, and as they grow closer, a slow-burn romance ensues. Cassian, ever protective of his sister, watches over her as the bond between Y/n and Azriel deepens.

Word Count: 803

Warnings: None

Chapter 4: The Protective Brother

The days passed in a tranquil routine, with Y/n continuing her self-defense lessons with Azriel. Cassian, though still wary, began to ease his constant vigilance, trusting Azriel more with each passing day. However, the protective brotherly instincts never fully faded.

One evening, Y/n was in the common room, sketching the flowers she had seen in the garden earlier. She found peace in drawing, her mind relaxing as her hand moved over the paper. Azriel was beside her, reading a book, his presence a comforting constant.

Cassian entered the room, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw them together. "Y/n," he called, drawing her attention away from her sketch. "Can we talk for a moment?"

Y/n looked up, her heart sinking a little. "Of course, Cass." She glanced at Azriel, who gave her a reassuring nod.

Cassian led her out to a balcony overlooking Velaris. The night was calm, the stars twinkling above like scattered diamonds. He leaned on the railing, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"I need to ask you something," he began, his voice serious. "Do you really believe Azriel is the one for you?"

Y/n's eyes softened. "I do, Cassian. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. He understands me, and he makes me feel safe."

Cassian turned to face her, his expression conflicted. "I just worry about you. I’ve seen how harsh the world can be, and I don’t want you to get hurt."

"I know you’re just looking out for me," Y/n said, placing a hand on his arm. "And I appreciate it. But Azriel is different. He’s patient and kind, and he respects me."

Cassian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I see how much he cares about you. I just... it’s hard for me to let go."

"You don’t have to let go," Y/n reassured him. "Just trust that I know what I’m doing."

Cassian nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright. I trust you, Y/n. Just promise me you’ll be careful."

"I promise," she said, giving him a hug. "Thank you, Cass."

They stood there for a moment, the silence between them filled with unspoken understanding. Finally, Cassian pulled back, his expression lighter. "Go back to Azriel. I’ll be here if you need me."

Y/n smiled, giving him one last squeeze before returning to the common room. Azriel looked up as she entered, his eyes filled with concern.

"Everything alright?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she replied, sitting beside him again. "Cassian just needed to talk. He’s trying to trust us."

Azriel nodded, a look of determination crossing his face. "I’ll prove to him that his trust is well-placed."

A few days later, a sense of unease settled over the House of Wind. Y/n felt it in the air, a tension that seemed to affect everyone around her. She couldn’t quite place it, but it gnawed at her, making her restless.

She found herself wandering through the halls, seeking out Azriel. She found him in the war room, deep in conversation with Rhysand and Cassian. As she approached, the conversation hushed, and the three males turned to look at her.

"Y/n," Rhysand greeted, his tone warm but guarded. "What brings you here?"

"I just... felt like something was wrong," she admitted, her eyes flicking to Azriel. "Is everything alright?"

Azriel stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We’re just discussing some security concerns. Nothing for you to worry about."

Y/n wasn’t convinced, but she nodded, trusting Azriel’s judgment. "If you say so."

Rhysand gave her a gentle smile. "We’re handling it, Y/n. But thank you for your concern."

She nodded again, squeezing Azriel’s hand before turning to leave. As she walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was looming on the horizon.

That night, Y/n couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with worry. Finally, she got up and made her way to the balcony, hoping the cool night air would calm her.

She wasn’t surprised to find Azriel already there, his shadows dancing around him like restless spirits. He turned as she approached, his eyes softening.

"Couldn’t sleep?" he asked.

"No," she admitted, leaning against the railing beside him. "I can’t shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen."

Azriel wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I understand. But whatever happens, we’ll face it together."

Y/n looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "Promise?"

"Promise," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

They stood there in silence, the night wrapping around them like a protective cloak. In that moment, Y/n felt a glimmer of hope, a belief that no matter what came their way, their bond would see them through.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Y/n and Azriel's story. Feel free to leave comments and let me know your thoughts!

[miaisabelwinther]

[eelbergine]

Excised entire back skin of a mouse genetically modified to form significant basal cell carcinoma tumours. By neu.rot

[ryanranney]

And I See Nothing So Beautiful

I don’t know if you remember The caves of your creation or the mountains of my suns light?   I am not just intrigued by what we have forgot but often ruled by passion to stand above the face of the waters and peer into the deep   As you remember me I too remember you and we are face to face revealed to something we always knew   What is there to discover but all that we hid from ourselves? If…

[howifeltabouthim]

'You know why I like you . . . ?' After I had dutifully said, 'No . . . why?' 'Because we get it. The world is shit.'

Siri Hustvedt, from The Blazing World

[cultural-derealization]

Fear consumes me..therefore I’ll let you slip away after pushing me away.. Self sabotage on both sides so I rather go away.. I rather not fight harder for what isn’t fighting for me to stay.. Fear consumes me.. I rather not face the oncoming days.. As bad as I want love.. I won’t do anything to make it stay.. It’s in your hands now and therefore we will go our separate ways..

The outcome we both desire, we’re too afraid to pursue.. Endings & Beginnings.. I tried for us.. Now is up to You.

But if I leave it up to you, what’s meant to be will never be.. because you will do nothing regarding you and me.. You will remain lazy, busy and cowardly.. so it is really up to me..and if it’s up to me..We would be..but now fear consumes me..so instead I’ll set you free..

-k.c.