#myths and fairytales

[thelaithlyworm]

Return of the Return of the Repod Wrangle

A missing scene from Star Trek La Sirena. We know that Cris Rios and Agnes Jurati had a one night stand, and were hella awkward after. How exactly did that go…? Also of note as the fic that got me saddled with a bit of cursed worldbuilding. (If you know, you know.)

A very sweet and gentle talk between Data and Tasha about the great beings they saw in the very first episode, and about existing in a society, and about being kind…

Imma going to call this one cursed not because it’s a bad fic – it’s lovely! an angel and a demon bonding through text messages and spying – but because Past!Me decided to polish it in a very SFX-heavy way, and Present!Me doesn’t like being one-upped by the old fogies of three years ago. In any case, here ‘tis, large as life and a bit more mellow. Bing!

There are a couple of minor characters in the very fucked up, very good novel The Dumb Husky and His White Cat Shizun who perform gender in very particular ways. Or maybe it’s not gender maybe they’d always be like that, or safer, or kinder. It’s a story about doom, maybe. Not love, of course. Did you hear anyone say it was about love?

I wrote this set of stories during my country’s first Lockdown, when I badly needed a distraction, as part of an on-line game based on The Decameron. Ten days, each day has a theme and all the players make up a story on it.

Mine often raided existing myths and fairytales, in the grand tradition of The Decameron and other older story collections, though “The Fool Who Met Death” was completely original. I am unreasonably delighted with my version of “Stone Soup”. (‘Who wouldn’t give up just one bunch of carrots for the Tuscany variant…?’)

And it was, it brought back a lot of feelings, revisiting these.

Anyway, enjoy! enjoy! (if you choose to enjoy, and if you don’t that’s just fine. Hope you have a beautiful day.)

[brunhielda]

This is how the crow evolves into an ominous supernatural entity and I am HERE for it!

Ominous..

[faithschaffer]

I've added new pieces to my print store! 100% of profits will go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund until there is a ceasefire, including all of my current balance. Thanks!

[barnacles-and-brimstone]

begging everybody i know to listen to myth side one by the narcissist cookbook right now. going feral over it even. rabid. foaming at the mouth.

fairytales + mythology + folk punk + THE THEMES (you’re ok tumblr you know what i mean)

please. not even please just do it.

[kaynanarie]

Eyes of Gold (Part 4)

(A WukongxReader story inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Lutung Kasarung.) (First) (Prev) (Next)

            Two days later, the rash was finally gone. The baths and medicine had cleansed it away, leaving healthy, itchless skin in its wake. You couldn’t be more relieved. Shihou endured your smothering hugs and endless thanks with grace and a smidge of pride.

            With you now poison ivy free, the monkey was ready to show you the way up the mountain. You didn’t realize how literally he meant it until you were three hours into a grueling hike.

            “How much further?” you whined, climbing up yet another set of stone steps. Shihou snickered where he sat waiting for you to catch up.

            “Just a few more. Would you had preferred scaling the side of the mountain?”

            You huffed, pausing to catch your breath. “No, but I wasn’t expecting a maze of staircases and secret tunnels. Did Monkey King find all these?”

            “Actually, he made most of them,” Shihou said, leading the way down a side passage. “Fruit and Flower Mountain has seen plenty of battles and having a backdoor comes in handy.”

            Glowing moss along the walls offered some light but you still kept close to Shihou. With so many twists and turns, getting lost would be all too easy. After another flight of stairs and a few more tight tunnels, Shihou finally stopped by an unassuming patch of stone.

            “Here we are!”

            You glanced at the rocky surface then back at him. “Where exactly is here?”

            With a smirk, Shihou pushed the wall aside. Instead of stone like you first assumed, a cloth was brushed away, revealing a brightly lit hallway on the other side. You stepped out into the light, letting your eyes adjust while also enjoying the fresh air. Behind you, a woven tapestry fell back into place, covering the secret doorway without a trace.

            Once you could properly see, you found yourself in a corridor, one side dotted with large windows streaming in sunlight. Lining the opposite wall were statues, murals, and hanging weapons interspaced between ornate doors. Despite being carved from the mountain itself, the stone palace was just as regal and intricate as any human-made castle.

            “Your room is over here, peach friend! Come take a look!” Shihou called from down the hall. He was nearly hopping from excitement by the time you joined him in front of the open door. “What do you think?”

            The room was huge, a carefully carved cavern with artistic details etched into the very walls. Rosewood furniture adorned the space, expertly crafted and polished to a mirror shine. The wardrobe tucked in the corner revealed silk robes similar to your first gifted set. A bowl of fruit and bouquet of colorful flowers decorated a small side table. You were most excited to see a real bed, plush with a downy mattress and covered in embroidered blankets and furs. The whole space glowed by the light of the bay window leading out to an overlooking balcony.

            Of all the things you expected from a mountain palace full of demons, such royal accommodations were beyond your wildest dreams. “It’s beautiful! Look at this view!”

            Being so high up was breathtaking and dizzying all at once. The whole of Fruit and Flower Mountain stretched before you all the way down to the edge of the forest. Cascading green hills plummeted alongside the thunderous waterfall. Above the canopy of trees, white clouds drifted through the endless blue sky. You were so enthralled by the sight, Shihou had to tug you back by your robes before you could tumble over the balcony railing.

            “Careful! Wouldn’t want an accident before the King announces your arrival.”

            “He’s announcing my arrival?” you repeated in disbelief.

            “Of course!” Shihou chirped, leading you back into the room. With your weary body weighted down by the sudden news, the bed looked more inviting than ever. You all but flopped down on the mattress, sighing into the cloud-like comfort. The weight on the blankets shifted as Shihou hopped up to sit next to you. “The King wants to formally welcome you while also making the others aware of your presence. Best way to avoid any mishaps.”

            “If you say so,” you hummed, glancing over to him. “Any other surprises I should know?”

            “Well actually, there was something I’ve been meaning to tell you…” Shihou suddenly looked quite contrite, avoiding your gaze as he scratched at the back of his head. “But you have to promise not to panic or get angry. Okay?”

            You raised a brow. “Is it that bad?”

            “Probably not,” he said though his frown wasn’t very convincing. “Just…try not to hate me?”

            Before you could respond, Shihou jumped off the bed and scurried to the center of the room. You sat up to watch him, suddenly worried by whatever was about to happen. He took a slow breath, so focused even his tail was still. In a quick nod, a cloud of smoke enveloped him with a startling pop. You jumped to your feet, coughing and waving the haze from your face. As fast as it appeared, the cloud settled, leaving you blinking as a shrouded figure came into view.

            “Ta-dah!”

            Where Shihou had once been was now stood a demon. He was slightly taller than you, wearing simple pants and robes tied with a belt. The overall appearance was nearly human but his fur, tail, and bare feet were monkey-like. A nervous smile played across his simian face while he waited for your reaction. Only the familiar golden gaze kept full blown panic at bay.

            “Shihou?” you asked after a tense moment.

            “Yep! It’s me! Just a little taller now. And with clothes,” he smirked but there was still a cautious edge to it. “You’re not going to freak out, right?”

            Your arms flailed in bewilderment, grasping for understanding. “First you can talk, and now this? I thought you were just a regular monkey!” Your hands covered your face, mind whirling with every awkward conversation you had with him. “How? Why?”

            Shihou looked a bit sheepish at your confusion. “I didn’t mean to lie. When I found you, I disguised myself so I wouldn’t scare you and I wasn’t sure how to bring it up afterwards. Now that you’re here, you’ll be seeing a lot more demons around so I might as well be the first.”

            A deafening silence filled the room as you processed the monkey’s confession. The longer you stared, the more nervous he became, tail twitching as he fidgeted in place.

            “Are you mad at me, peach friend?” he asked, gold eyes wide and pleading. Despite the larger demon form, he managed to look quite pitiful in his remorse.

            You sighed and shook your head. “You’re lucky you’re still cute.”

            “Aww,” he cooed, his smile sharpening to a cheeky grin. “You think I’m cute?”

            His teasing turned to full blown laughter at your unamused glare. “Don’t push it. I’m already embarrassed I carried you around for three days.”

            “How about I carry you next time to make it up to you?” Shihou chuckled at your mortified blush. “Anyways, now that you know, it’ll be easier to show you around. For now, you should rest while I let the King know you’ve arrived. Will you be okay while I’m gone?”

            The idea of being left by yourself in an unfamiliar demon palace was unnerving but you nodded anyways. Shihou sensed your hesitation and placed his now much larger hand on your shoulder. “I won’t be long. Once everyone’s gathered, I’ll come get you for the announcement.”

            With a final wave and a quick wink, Shihou whisked out of the room. Alone with your reeling thoughts, you laid back on the bed to study the carved ceiling. Soon enough, you felt the fatigue of the day pull you into dreams filled with underground labyrinths, demons in disguise, and the looming presence of the infamous mountain king.

[brunhielda]

First- FANTASTIC analysis.

Also- names being connected to identity of self is ANCIENT. What we in the fantasy nerddom would call OLD MAGIC.

The most recognizable instance of this in folklore is the Fae that ask for your name and then steal it, leaving you hallow and unanchored, or magic users that have power over you as soon as they have your whole name.

It’s one of the more fun reasons we have middle names. Who knows your middle name? Generally your family and the government- the only people you willingly let have power over you. Otherwise, it’s meant to be a secret. 🤫

This has also been used subversively in more modern literature- you call out my true name to destroy or control me, but guess what? I no longer identify by that name. Those who love me - who TELL ME WHO I AM- call me something else. You have no power here. (will always recommend A Net of Dawn and Bones, that book is insanely good)

So, like most of Gaiman’s work, he uses very ancient mythological and folkloric concepts and applies them to modern relationships between people. And this is why I absolutely love him, despite struggling with his constant open endings.

Story threads that are ancient, that stick around this long, do so because there is something bone deep TRUE in them. Which is why I love old stories. And why stories from people like Neil Gaiman and Terry Prattchett hit you so hard- because these storytellers took stuff they already knew to be important and true and wove them into something modern enough to catch our attention. 👏 👏👏That is mastery right there.

In Coraline, there’s a recurring theme with names and identity, and I personally don't think it's talked about enough. 

(As a note, this is dealing largely with the book, not the movie, although there are some hints of this theme in the movie as well)

Coraline’s neighbors constantly get her name wrong, calling her “Caroline” and not “Coraline”, to which she persistently corrects them. Despite her attempts, they never get it right, until chapter 10, in which Mr Bobo (Mr Bobinsky) finally gets it right.

"It's Coraline, Mister Bobo," said Coraline. "Not Caroline. Coraline." "Coraline," said Mr Bobo, repeating her name to himself with wonderment and respect. "Very good, Coraline."

It should be noted that, until this chapter, Coraline did not know Mr Bobo’s name either. In fact, it had never even occurred to her that he had a name. Up until then, she had just been thinking of him as “the crazy old man upstairs”, not as a person with a name. This moment, with her learning his name and him getting her name right, is a moment of genuine understanding and connection between the two, humanizing them both to each other.

Coraline’s other neighbors get her name wrong, which is representative of them not listening when she says anything, really, such as her telling Miss Spink and Forcible that her parents are missing and them literally not even acknowledging it at all??

"How are your dear mother and father?" asked Miss Spink. "Missing," said Coraline. "I haven't seen either of them since yesterday. I'm on my own. I think I've probably become a single child family." "Tell your mother that we found the Glasgow Empire press clippings we were telling her about. She seemed very interested when Miriam mentioned them to her." "She's vanished under mysterious circumstances," said Coraline, "and I believe my father has as well." "I'm afraid we'll be out all day tomorrow, Caroline lovely," said Miss Forcible. "We'll be staying with April's niece in Royal Tunbridge Wells."

Mr Bobo gets her name right after being corrected (only after being corrected alongside her using his name, mind you, showcasing her making an effort to listen to and understand him as well), which is representative of him actually making an attempt to listen and understand her. This point is further illustrated by a conversation Coraline had with the Other Mr Bobo in chapter 10.

As Coraline entered he began to talk. "Nothing's changed, little girl," he said, his voice sounding like the noise dry leaves make as they rustle across a pavement. "And what if you do everything you swore you would? What then? Nothing's changed. You'll go home. You'll be bored. You'll be ignored. No one will listen to you, not really listen to you. You're too clever and too quiet for them to understand. They don't even get your name right."

He equates those in the real world not getting Coraline’s name right with them not listening to her, and fundamentally not understanding who she is. So, somebody getting her name right, then, shows them actually listening to her, and being willing to understand who she is.

The mice in the real world know more than they should be able to know, and they also get Coraline’s name right.

"The message is this. Don't go through the door." He paused. "Does that mean anything to you?" "No," said Coraline. The old man shrugged. "They are funny, the mice. They get things wrong. They got your name wrong, you know. They kept saying Coraline. Not Caroline. Not Caroline at all."

They seem to know about the other world, somehow, on some level, and the dangers it presents. Them getting her name right represents them knowing more than they should know, more than they are told. Animals in general seem to have this type of quality in Coraline, actually.

The cat does not have a name. It says so in chapter 4, that cats do not need names. It says that this is because cats know who they are. But humans need names, because they do not.

"Please. What's your name?" Coraline asked the cat. "Look, I'm Coraline. OK?" The cat yawned softly, carefully, revealing a mouth and tongue of astounding pinkness. "Cats don't have names," it said. "No?" said Coraline. "No," said the cat. "Now, you people have names. That's because you don't know who you are. We know who we are, so we don't need names."

The cat shook its head. "No," it said. "I'm not the other anything. I'm me." It tipped its head on one side; green eyes glinted. "You people are spread all over the place. Cats, on the other hand, keep ourselves together. If you see what I mean."

This shows that, in humans, names are connected to our identities and who we are. Names are used to individualize and distinguish ourselves from each other. But cats do not need names to recognize each other, or be recognized.

"Oh. It's you," she said to the black cat. "See?" said the cat. "It wasn't so hard recognising me, was it? Even without names."

With or without names, it is still the same cat.

During the Other Miss Spink and Forcible’s performance, in chapter 4, they begin quoting Shakespeare. The specific quotes that they use are interesting to me when looked at under this lens of the importance of names, especially Miss Forcible’s.

"What's in a name?" asked Miss Forcible. "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

"I know not how to tell thee who I am," said Miss Spink to Miss Forcible.

Now, of course, this is just them quoting Shakespeare. But. Why these quotes specifically? They’re at the very least notable when discussing Coraline’s recurring theme of names. Especially the quote about the rose. It makes me think of what the cat said earlier, about how cats are sure of who they are so they don’t need names, about how Coraline didn’t need the cat’s name to be able to recognize it for who/what it was.

But, of course, this does not apply for humans. We need our names to be able to know ourselves, to be able to tell others who they are.

In chapter 6, Coraline wakes up and is disoriented. This disorientation is compared to the feeling one might experience upon being suddenly pulled out of a daydream. In this comparison, forgetting one’s name is equated with forgetting who one is and where one is.

Sometimes Coraline would forget who she was while she was daydreaming that she was exploring the Arctic, or the Amazon rainforest, or darkest Africa, and it was not until someone tapped her on the shoulder or said her name that Coraline would come back from a million miles away with a start, and all in the fraction of a second have to remember who she was, and what her name was, and that she was even there at all. Now there was the sun on her face, and she was Coraline Jones. Yes.

The ghost children have also forgotten their names, and with it most of who they were. In chapter 7, when Coraline is locked behind the mirror in the Other World, one of the ghost children says that names are the first things that one forgets after death.

"Who are you?" whispered Coraline. "Names, names, names," said another voice, all faraway and lost. "The names are the first thing to go, after the breath has gone, and the beating of the heart. We keep our memories longer than our names. I still keep pictures in my mind of my governess on some May morning, carrying my hoop and stick, and the morning sun behind her, and all the tulips bobbing in the breeze. But I have forgotten the name of my governess, and of the tulips too." "I don't think tulips have names," said Coraline. "They're just tulips." "Perhaps," said the voice sadly. "But I have always thought that these tulips must have had names. They were red, and orange-and-red, and red-and-orange-and-yellow, like the embers in the nursery fire of a winter's evening. I remember them."

The ghost children may have their memories, but they have largely forgotten who they were. They may remember their tulips, and certain strong memories, but there is very, very little left of them, and they have forgotten who they once were, they have forgotten their names.

"That is why we could not leave here, when we died. She kept us, and she fed on us, until now we're nothing left of ourselves, only snakeskins and spider-husks. Find our secret hearts, young mistress."

"She will take your life and all you are and all you care'st for, and she will leave you with nothing but mist and fog. She'll take your joy. And one day you'll awake and your heart and soul will have gone. A husk you'll be, a wisp you'll be, and a thing no more than a dream on waking, or a memory of something forgotten."

The Other Mother stole their hearts and their souls and their selves. She stole who they were away from them, their identities and names and the names of those they loved, leaving nothing in her wake.

The same ghost that talked about the tulips and the names of the tulips struggles to answer when Coraline asks their gender, as well, and when they do eventually give an answer they seem somewhat unsure of it, as shown by the word choice of “perhaps” and “I believe”

"A boy, perhaps, then," continued the one whose hand she was holding. "I believe I was once a boy." And it glowed a little more brightly in the darkness of the room behind the mirror.

(I personally take this quote, specifically it "glow[ing] a little more brightly" after coming to this conclusion, to mean either that the ghost is happy at realizing that he was once a boy, or even to mean that he has become somewhat more tangible upon this realization; upon remembering something about his self, and his identity.)

As an aside, it's noteworthy to me that we never learn the Other Mother’s true name. She is simply “The Other Mother” and “The Beldam.” Never is an actual name applied to her, only titles. We do not truly know who, or what, she is. Beings without names are shrouded in mystery (or should i say mist-ery). The ghost children are benevolent mysterious beings, the cat is an ambivalent-leaning-helpful mysterious being, and the other mother is a distinctly malevolent mysterious being.

"Who are you?" asked Coraline. "I'm your other mother," said the woman.

"She?" "The one who says she's your other mother," said the cat. "What is she?" asked Coraline. The cat did not answer, just padded through the pale mist beside Coraline.

But in conclusion, names in Coraline are extremely important. I’m sure there’s probably more that I'm missing, and feel free to add onto this, but basically—

People need names to know and remember who they are, and forgetting one’s name is the first step to losing the rest of who one is. Names humanize a person; with a name, they are less shrouded in mystery, more clear.

Knowing somebody's name helps one connect to and better understand that person; it is the first step in getting to know them and see them as a full person, the transition from “the crazy man upstairs” to “Mr Bobo”. Names, to people at least, are one of the fundamental building blocks of who we are.

[toadlett]

Doing a lazier version of @mortiscausa's fantastic arthurian drawing challenge! I'm using the prompts to inspire some pencil drawings based on the Mabinogion's tale of Kilwhch and Olwen (which in turn is the basis for a book I'm working on). First up, "Quest."

(edit: reuploaded the image without embarrasing typos oops!)

[strijkdesign]

"Green knight"

The tale of the Green Knight really resonated with me. I just loved the image of this imposing emerald figure striding through a snow-covered forest, its path leading to Camelot. I made this painting for the upcoming Bad Apple art auction, which is centered around the theme of "Arthurian Legend". The auction will start at 5 PM EST on March 28 on the BA Facebook page.

The painting is 21 x 30 cm (incl. white border) on 300gr aches watercolour paper. It's created with a mixture of watercolour, markers, coloured pencils and gouache

[silvaris]

reindeer tale by Aksenova Natalia

[bialoops-in-time]

Fae Loop

I just thought that while there's a lot of changeling-Loop content floating around [and for good reason! They are very changeling-coded], there wasn't much love for fae Loop. So, there we go! Fae Loop! With buggy wings and antennae to match!

I drew this purely for fun but if you want lore crumbs then uhhh I think Siffrin should be a changeling this time around. A traveler with no home to return to, a stranger never fitting anywhere [and never staying for long], always off with their bright hair and foreign accent... and no human double counterpart either, to take another missing piece from the full picture.

So when Siffrin becomes Loop, the Universe "upgrades" Loop's status to a full faerie and grants them access to new powers! Plus, the fae don't have doubles, so Loop's self-sufficient now! They don't need to feel like they're missing anything in their life, because they aren't! How kind! It doesn't work like that...? Moving on-

Siffrin #2 is also a changeling without their double. But they have Loop's guidance! Maybe they can pretend they're connected like that, or something.

~ ~ ~

More color variants

[citizenoftmrrwlnd]

stimboard for : a fairykin with trinkets, nature, flowers, and muted greens

x | x | x x | x | x x | x | x

[lexreadsdiversely]

The first 7 are specific subgenres that I struggle with, others are thrown in for fun. Please don't say "how could you forget X?" I didn't. I'll add an option for those who have very strong opinions about something not on here. No options for "I don't read" or "none of these." This poll is not for you, sorry!

Feel free to give your reason, but remember that this is about a genre you really wish you liked, not "ugh I hate this genre, it's awful." Looking forward to seeing your responses!

[justjudethoughts]

Me: *reads any scholarship by Tolkien or Lewis, any mythology, any fairytale, any defense of fairytales, anything hinting at the One True Myth*

Me: I want to make something beautiful So Bad that I will keel over and die if I don't.

[svnnnne]

joker love week 2023: myths & fairytales

[imissthembutitwasntadisaster]

sometimes people try to make Star Wars science fiction and that's where they go wrong

[kaynanarie]

Eyes of Gold (Part 6)

(A WukongxReader story inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Lutung Kasarung.) (First) (Previous) (Next)

            With your presence now known on Fruit and Flower Mountain, you found yourself the subject of intrigue. Gossip was whispered and theories were spun like a spider’s web. In less than a day, the whole mountain was in a tizzy over the King’s human guest.

            Servants gave polite bows while observing you from the corner of their eyes. The guards were less blatant with their stares but watchful gazes seemed to linger on the stranger in their midst. All the suspicion and confusion was understandable; even you could offer no explanation for your sudden patronage.

            Rumors had spread outside the palace walls, making your tour of the village interesting to say the least. Most of the demons seemed curious, a few friendly smiles and disgruntled frowns thrown in the mix. The children openly gawked, daring each other to get closer with shoves and giggles. You shyly nodded and waved as Shihou pointed out different areas and people of importance.

            It was all quite ordinary despite being at the foot of a demon stronghold. Cubs played games with their friends. The elderly relaxed and sipped tea. Warriors trained with fists and weapons. Food was prepared, clothes were washed, neighbors visited and shared each other’s company. It reminded you of your own village, a thought that tugged at your heart and prickled your eyes.

            The more you saw of the peaceful lives on Fruit and Flower Mountain, the more your homesickness grew. By the time you were brought back to the palace, your mind was burdened with worries of your own village. Especially in the harsh winter that existed outside the mountain’s spell.

            You were startled from your thoughts by a gentle hand grasping your shoulder. “What’s wrong?” Shihou asked softly. His bright eyes searched yours, brimming with concern under tightly knitted brows.

            “It’s nothing. Just…” You pondered your next words carefully before continuing. “Do you think I would be able to speak with the King?”

            The question seemed to catch him off guard. “I mean, sure, if you wanted to. Why?”

            “I need to ask him a favor.”                                                            

            Shihou tilted his head curiously. “Is it something I can help with?”

            “Maybe, but I would rather ask him myself,” you said decisively. “I don’t want to get you in trouble if he says no or gets angry.”

            “Whatever it is, I doubt he’ll get upset.” When you refused to elaborate, he sighed. “But if you insist. He might be in his throne room if you want to check.”

            You nodded, both relieved and nervous all at once. “Thank you, Shihou.”

            The palace was slowly becoming more familiar to you. Treasures and tapestries helped you keep track of the various halls and floors. You even recognized the stairway as Shihou detoured your path down towards Water Curtain Cave. When you reached the same antechamber from before, Shihou hung back.

            “You go ahead,” he said, leaning against the wall. “I’ll be out here.”

            “But…I wasn’t…” You trailed off, suddenly feeling guilt for excluding Shihou. “I’m sorry. I promise I’m not trying to hide anything from you. Please don’t be mad?”

            Shihou shook his head with a soft smile. “I’m not mad. The King just prefers his conversations in private so I’ll wait here while you ask your favor. Besides,” his attitude shifted to something teasing and mischievous. “My peach friend will tell me eventually, right?”

            “Yeah, sure,” you chuckled at his cheeky request. “I’ll tell you depending on what answer I get.”

            “Alright. Better not waste time, then.”

            Steeling your resolve, you gave Shihou a final nod and marched through the doorway before you could change your mind.

            The empty cave was almost more ominous than when it had been full of demons. Every step you took echoed over the melodic sound of rushing water. The fading rays of the sun shimmered through the flowing waterfall, dancing flickers of light along the stone walls. You could make out the looming shape of the throne but no one sitting in it. You sighed, though from relief or disappointment, you weren’t sure.

            As you turned to leave, the quiet clearing of someone’s throat froze you in place.

            “Were you looking for something?”

            A shadow broke away from the far wall, lingering just behind the empty throne. You immediately recognized the distinct silhouette of gleaming armor and arching feathers. It was too dark to see more than the shine of his eyes but the Monkey King’s presence was overwhelming even from across the cavern.

            “I…” You tried to speak but the words vanished as your mind scrambled in surprise. Dropping into a respectful bow, you hid your face and took a moment to collect your thoughts. “Forgive my intrusion.”

            “You’re not intruding,” he dismissed casually. The authority was still there but his voice sounded softer as it filled the space between you. “I wasn’t expecting your company but it isn’t unwelcome. What can I do for you?”

            You straightened up but kept your gaze lowered to the floor, not bold enough to meet his eye. “I wanted to thank you for letting me to stay as your guest. Without your generosity, I may not have survived.”

            “It was the least I could do given your circumstances.” While his words were sympathetic, his expectant stare was heavy in the darkness. “Though, I get the feeling that’s not the only reason you’re here.”

            Being so easily deduced sent a shiver of dread down your spine. “Well, no. You see…” Fidgeting under his scrutiny, you forced your request out as steadily as you could manage. “I humbly ask permission to visit my village.”

            Monkey King stilled, shock nearly vibrating from his rigid frame. “You wish to leave?” he asked, a bitter tinge rumbling in his voice.

            “No, just for a visit!” you quickly clarified. “I want to let everyone know I’m still alive and see how things are since I’ve been away. My father was the overseeing noble and with my sister acting in his absence, I worry the village may suffer from her negligence. Especially with food being so scarce in the winter.”

            The explanation calmed his bristling but the glowing eyes continued to study you. “Didn’t they cast you out and send you to the mountain as a sacrifice?”

            “My sister is the one responsible for my banishment. She sent me here when I had nowhere else to go; everyone was too fearful of her wrath to take me in. I may not be allowed to return home but I still have friends in the village. If I can see them and know they’re well, that will be enough.”

            A deafening silence followed your plea. You waited, anxiety building the longer you went unanswered. After what seemed like an eternity of contemplation, Monkey King sighed.

            “Very well, you may go; on one condition.” He held up a single finger, the stern tone leaving no room for dispute. “You must return to the mountain by sundown.”

            “I will,” you nodded in eager agreement.

            “One more thing.” Monkey King paused, seeming to struggle with what to say next. Thoughtful hums and quiet fidgeting whispered from his shrouded form. He crossed his arms and tapped his foot, his tail a lashing shadow behind him. With a sharp nod that shook his feather crown, he came to some sort of decision. “You may take some fruit with you to share with the village. If they are in need of anything else, I will do what I can.”

            Surprise, joy, and endless gratitude all swelled in your chest at the news. Beaming and nearly on the verge of tears, you bowed again. “Thank you to much, Monkey King.”

            “Sun Wukong is fine,” he said, almost in request. “My subjects call me by name, you may as well.”

            “Thank you…Sun Wukong.” The name felt strange but pleasantly informal on your tongue. It would take some getting used to. Nevertheless, you were glad for the friendly gesture.

            “Go now; your guard will escort you to the mountain’s border when you’re ready.” In the time it took you to blink, he had melted back into the shadows. Unsure if he was still lurking or not, you gave a final bow before hurrying out of the cave.

            Back in the hallway, you felt like you could breathe again. The antechamber was cozy and less imposing, warmed by the glow of a crackling torch hung on the wall. Under it, Shihou was still waiting, arms crossed and chin tucked as he dozed. You tiptoed over to him, poking at his cheek till he blearily blinked awake.

            “Hey, how’d it go?” he yawned, playfully swatting your hand away. “What did you ask?”            

            You couldn’t contain your excitement, nearly bouncing on the spot with an overjoyed smile. “Looks like I’m picking some fruit tomorrow!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(It's finally here after a week of fighting dialogue! Huge thank you to everyone enjoying this so far! All of the wonderful feed back means so much to me and I appreciate it more than words can describe.)