#people tend to gain weight as they get older

[radishly]

Love when haikyuu characters gain a little weight post time skip. Like, they’re no longer top athletes, and not all of them have time to keep up a rigorous work out schedule. Anyways stan chubby Kenma

[sailorbarkovitch]

So, I based my adult!Barkovitch design on a picrew I found in the internet. I needed some reference/inspiration on how to draw middle aged men

That's the picrew character (pretty cool)

And that's adult!Barkovitch. As you can see I still kinda suck at digital art but at least the result looks close enough to the idea I had for him

Adult Barkovitch is BALD and OLD and SAD. He owns a miserable little umbrella store and the people who work for him HATE his ass

He is married to Toni Barkovitch (my oc) even though he's gay and he has two kids: Karen and Kyle. He and his wife aren't in love but they're the only ones who can stand each others presences, which is why they got married in the first place (I love messy ficcional relationships). They both have "issues" and like to start fights with other people (usually in public)

[champbot]

B33 < finalllyyyy finished my beta troll headcaon lineup!! furst things furst, my ask box is open for Beta troll + kids drawing requests!! I need to purractice drawing the sillies

alsooo feel like mentioning, these hc’s are for the early half of the game - I am gonna draw their adult + post game looks because thoseee headcanons are different

like for example!! I hc aradia gaining a lot of weight after no longer inhabiting her robo bod! Eridan being able to express their gender identity in the dream bubbles!

Tbf the art is sort of old, and I already want to update my designs but whatevs

Hcs under the cut…. B33

Here’s my personal headcanons, don’t start shit, if you don’t like, you can make ur own post with ur own hcs BDD

Aradia Medigo - transfem aroace spec

~ Struggles with persistent depression but is recovering slowly

~ Puts on weight after the game

~ ASD

Tavros Nitram - transmasc polysexual

~ bulks up during the game!

~ Legs are prosthetics, he still uses their chair on rougher days

~ anxiety and ptsd, struggles with unhealthy attachments (clearly)

Sollux Captor - nonbinary pan

~ Also ASD + Bipolar

~ Acne scars!!

~ Lisp is from crooked teeth

Karkat Vantas - Nonbinary he/himmer, poly with masc pref

~ Super repressed about gender during the game, Jegbert helps with coming to terms with things

~ Anger issues as a response to traumatic living conditions on alternia

~ Adult him is very fat and hairy :)

Nepeta Leijon - transmasc trixic

~ Comes out during the game

~ ASD and ADHD, cannot mask well

~ Looks tiny and weak but could bench press you (cuz its funny)

Kanaya Maryam - femby lesbian (she wears binders :o

~ total vegan till she goes rainbowdrinker

~ binds regularly, prefers a flat silhouette

~ gender + sexuality relationship is unique due to pansexual being the societies default

Terezi Pyrope - Transfem queer

~ does not shave, ever under any circumstances

~ OCD, has a lotttt of rituals

~ transed her gender pre game due to flarping

Vriska Serket - Transfem lesbian

~ ASPD, doing treatment, symptoms lesson as she gets older

~ has severe scarring on her left side, when she is younger she hides scarring via makeup and long clothes cuz teenage insecurity she grows out of

~ same as terezi, flarping helped her come out, terezi and her are very close cuz of this similarity

Equius Zahhak - Agender asexual

~ hypersexual and sex repulsed

~ ASD, also bad at masking, hence why meowrails get along so well

~ has hyperhydrosis

Gamzee Makara - nonbinary ??????

~ bpd, he tends to split on people accidentally, Karkat is his fp :)

~ disassociates often, memory is poor and has slow processing because his thoughts always feel crowding

~ his abuse of sopor pies is a coping mechanism, helps with his sensory issues

Eridan Ampora - Genderfluid pan

~ definitely was a really obnoxious femboy at one point before coming out

~ a lot of their incel-ness comes from repressing their gender

~ ASD, really bad at reading other people

Feferi Peixes - demigirl pan

~ if kanaya is alternia goth, then Fef definitely is, big into counterculture

~ ASD, hyperempath, way too good at masking except for when she’s overtly excited

~ is a vegan, feels incredibly guilty for feeding her lusus

Anyways…. If you read all that congrats lollll

[mamaflaire]

Hey lovelies!!

So I don't want to annoy people on my fanfic account by posting about epic again on there so I'll post it here since I've been really into it lately...

Can we take into account that Penelope may be curvier than when Odysseus left??

Like this woman has given birth, and he's been gone for 20 years. We as humans naturally fluctuate in weight, but tend to gain it as we get older, you aren't gonna be the same weight at 40 that you were at 20.

She's been stressed out too with suitors and a whole kingdom and a son, so that could also contribute to weight gain (as well as weight loss, which either can occur with age as well)

So I'm sorry but I NEED to see a comfort fic or drawing between Odysseus and Penelope where Penelope, who never really thought of it before until her husband returned, feels insecure about her weight gain or loss. And Odysseus just goes into detail on how much he loves her no matter what

[shotanzz]

GUESSING RIIZE’S RISING SIGNS

a long awaited posts 😟

reminder these are based off of opinions and not fact until a general idea or answer of the birth time is known

Shotaro

Cancer/Scorpio rising - His eyes, have you seen the man’s eyes. Shotaro’s eyes have a constant look to them which I typically associate with cancer/scorpio risings. In more ancient hellenistic scripts scorpio risings were associated with beadier/intense eyes and cancers were associated with “eyes with rivers within them”. People typically associate cancer risings with round bodies and circular features which can be true but people forget that the moon waxes and wanes and becomes a crescent at some point. Plus if you look at photos of him before he joined/when he initially joined NCT he fits cancerian features more. Now him being a Scorpio rising is a hill im willing to die on because of his eyes and him having a shorter torso and longer legs and nice cheekbones which is something I typically associate with scorpio risings.

Eunseok

Capricorn/Virgo rising - Initially I always thought Eunseok was a Capricorn rising due to him fitting some of the cap rising archetype (especially since im a cap rising myself), the bone structure, him being on the thinner side, looking as though he’s constantly mewing 😭 but at the same time he doesn’t fit enough of them for cap to be the final answer, but I feel that he has to be an earth rising, so second guess would be Virgo since he doesn’t fall into the typically niche of Taurus. Virgo and Cap risings imo overlap the most. Imo the main difference is the constant youthfulness and smaller features of Virgo due to them being ruled my mercury. The neurotic trope of Virgo risings suits him. As well as his thinness could be associated with his cap moon which some traditional astrologers associate with thinness/a smaller or refined appetite.

Sungchan

Virgo/Taurus rising - Now I won’t lie for a while I was convinced Sungchan was strictly a luminary rising; so either Leo or Cancer, him being a luminary just made so much sense to me. Its’s more likely he’s a Virgo or Taurus rising, to be honest I associate Virgo rising with him because of his looks and I associate Taurus rising with his behavior and looks. Virgo sun/rising men (especially those that have a Leo placement in their chart) have a tendency to be thin and even scrawny in their younger years and then gain weight/have a larger frame once they get older yet still remain with a more delicate face or features which I associate with Sungchan and for him being a taurus rising him being a taurus rising + virgo sun and being super into self care/improvement (working out, self help books, monitoring his eating habits, being super possessive ) and him fitting taurean features like anton (wider nostrils, more solid build)

Wonbin

Aquarius rising - NOW to be very honest for a very very long time I was stuck between Wonbin being a libra rising or an Aquarius rising. I’m STILL a tiny bit convinced on him being a libra rising but that’s an argument for another day. But him being an Aquarius rising just makes more sense I mean cmon, Wonbin falls into the new age face archetype which I associate with uranus ruled people/aquarius. We also have to remember in traditional astrology Aquarius is ruled by Saturn which can explain the rigid sharpness of his jawline and the cutting details on his body especially his waistline/abs. As well as if he is an Aquarius rising that would put mercury in his 1st house which can be associated with the uniqueness to his voice as well as that habit he has where his facial expressions tend to speak his thoughts.

Seunghan

Sagittarius rising - Now Seunghan’s rising is the one im least confident in due to the fact that since theres a lack of content due to his hiatus I can’t really base it so much on behaviors outside of the few vids we have of him so I unfortunately have to go mostly on looks/features. Seunghan is a mixture of being very outgoing, curious always trying to be on the optimistic side whilst however can still be introverted and needing time to self regulate on his own. I feel like with a sag rising leading to his moon being in the first house and libra sun in the 11th house could express this best. As well as him having similar features to other idols who are most likely sag risings so for example Sunghoon of Enhypen and Gunwook from Zb1 (darker hair, thick/larger brows, defined larger jaw, square distance of the eyes, thick lips)

Sohee

Gemini Rising - GEMINI GEMINI GEMINI ! The briize fandom can agree that Sohee has relatively a babyface/youthful appearance, falls into the gamine archetype, and has features that leads to him being able to fit very changeable or MUTABLE (👁👁) looks I should say, that combined with him having a relatively smaller frame makes me think he’s simply a gemini. During their showcase performances Sohee typically gets styled in the more experimental looks and is very changeable and can swap between a natural boy next door (love 119/gag/memories era) look to something a bit more offhand (impossible/talk saxy)

Anton

Taurus rising - I’m convinced this man had almost all astrology blogs fooled into thinking he was a PISCES RISING, I thought that for sooo long until I realized it’s not that he’s a pisces rising it’s that he’s most likely a 12th house sun/stellium which can mimic piscean traits since it’s a pisces ruled house. I’ve mentioned on a post before that Anton’s aries traits are way more lowkey and covert and he fits his taurus venus traits more (his relationship with food, him having a liking to skincare, dressing with quality and comfort, constantly having large luggage/ a big bag due to a NEED to have his possessions with him) meaning he most likely has his Venus in the first house. Plus he fits more Taurean features, a bigger nose with more flared nostrils, a more solid body with a wider frame, plump lips and a more cheruby but mature vibe.

[sarcasticscribbles]

I made a curious cat and people been asking about my designs so I thought I would share it here too If you have any question too you can send it here or over on curious cat!

Under cut is a very long monologue about some design choices regarding my s1 gang, Gerry and some avatars!

S1: Jon, Martin, Sasha and Tim

Right off the bat I'll admit I had seen TMA fanart before, but I assumed it was a game from how consistent designs are (Jon and Martin); however when I started I avoided fanart (but I am not immune to TMA fanon designs). I'll explain S1 gang, they are my favourites. I find fcs helpful to keep them consistence.

Jon: I have a basic Jon design: short, brown man with long hair and glasses. Jon has a put together façade but, he wasn't qualified for the archivist position, and he doesn't know what he's doing. Therefore, I like him with longer hair he can't care for, therefore messy. It gets longer with the seasons and adding on all the marks he gains from the entities. I gave him half-moon, golden glasses with chains holding two eyes. I like to think it's a Beholding artefact, so Gertrude wore them before him. I used to have Dev Patel as a reference for him, but I've switched over to Riz Ahmed!

Martin: Very basic: fat man with fluffy hair and glasses. When I heard his voice, I thought of Harvey Guillén, who stayed a reference for Martin's body. I pictured him in a dorky attire; round glasses, ginger, comfy yet business appropriate clothing. I added eyes in the pattern of his jumper and added freckles. I've recently play around adding a beard, because I think he wants to look older than he is (re: CV; "I'm only 29!") but haven't found a style I like. I keep him fat throughout the series, instead of him losing weight s4.

Sasha: She has some canon traits: tall, long hair and glasses. I draw her hair up to stay out of her face. Contra Jon, I think she was more qualified for the archivist position, so Gertrude started preparing her for the role. She wears an eye necklace I draw Gertrude wearing that's in the same style as Jon's glasses. She has a matching bracelet with Tim and overall is one of my favourites. (notSasha): I took what was established and flipped it; short, short hair, no glasses. I imagine notthem could pass as cousins (since they still need traits to the victim's family?); no immediate resemblance but with a few traits of the original.

Tim: Canonically described as hot so I have my own bias. I started with general attractive traits: tall and fit. I think he puts a lot into his appearance. I use Keanu Reeves as a reference, and he works great for him. He’s a hair guy, gets it professionally cut and owns expensive products, skincare routine and dresses in fitted clothing. His standard is a shirt with an eye pattern. He takes pride in his appearance, so S2’s worm scars troubled him. He stops shaving to let it heal properly but they never go away. He never liked looking at them and they are a cruel reminder of the past (however, one scar splits his eyebrow to x2 bisexuality). S3 he stopped caring about putting in effort, the stubble grew into a beard and his clothes aren't fitted. He loses muscles, gains weight, and isn’t who he was in S1.

Gerard Keay

I had just assumed Eric was hispanic (for some reason) and then I connected that he's Gerry's dad, and apparently I headcanon him half hispanic lol

But it was why I wanted to draw the Mama family portrait to play with genetics. Letting his dad be rather tall, tan with dark curly hair and Mary be ginger with paler skin; Gerry's pale, ginger with curly hair as a child. He grew up looking like Mary and started altering his appearance to be more like his dad; dyed dark hair and taking some of Eric's clothing (I also gave both a beauty mark under their eye he'll highlight despite wearing make up). Alternative scenes and goths tend to straighten their hair but I let Gerry have naturally wavy to still resemble his dad more. I tried to give him trad goth make up, mainly looking at Siouxsie Sioux in the late 70s. And a fun bonus to have his hair often cover one eye because, The Eye

Gerry cared for his dad, even if he died when he was a toddler (if I remember correctly). Gerry's chosen name is the nickname Eric referred to him as, which is also where my trans headcanon comes in (afab). I haven't thought it out fully, or how that reflects on other characters since everyone else calls him Gerard but I think there's some symbolising there having a chosen name relating back to Eric

(some) Avatars

Oliver Banks: "the Egyptians believed the most significant thing you could do in your life was die,"; I take inspiration from Ancient Egypt for my Oliver design! He wears an Ankh around his neck, but I want to look into more about Egyptian death symbolism (he has a cross too, but I'll probably remove it for future designs). I've also taken some inspiration from Nordic mythology, with Hel (Hela In English? Loki's daughter (not Marvel) ) as half his face is beautiful, and the other is a corpse (skull). I don't wanna mix too many cultures just for the sake of it, but it was a really fun design decision. And he's goth. Bonus death aligned I next time I draw Georgie I'll draw inspiration from the Death's-head hawkmoth

The Distortions: Michael's 60s and Helen's 80s inspired, no reason, just vibes. I like to think of Michael as a spiral while Helen's a twist, if that makes sense, I've been meaning to draw them together to demonstrate, but I'll include a doodle of it

Jane Prentiss: I looked into a lot of paganism, and fell into a rabbit hole. She's described as a modern witch, so I wanted a subtle alternative look with a shaved side and gauges. One of her breasts are exposed because (boobs) in old pagan traditions a lot of rituals were performed nude, to be closer to nature. A lot of pagan art has a very strong feminine force, I want for Prentiss. She has one eye, but I'll probably remove the other too, I've seen a lot of people do for more holes

Nikola Orsinov: Drag king. Because we need more of those. I love drag so Nikola's has a mix of both male and female attributes since he's just trying to imitate a human. Their design is also inspired The Toy Soldier in the mechanisms (haven't listened? To it but a lot of people pointed me to that designing Nikola!) that's also her actor Jessica Law! I put all my gender into Nikola lol, and when I can sneak an IT reference in I will

Breekon and Hope: Wario and Waluigi

Annabelle Cane: She's described having web keeping her skull together, but for some reason I imagined it to be down her neck. So I pictured her head occasionally falling off and being restored by a web. So I gave her both lol. Her vintage style is old, goth Hollywood glam to me and I love looking at reference for her

Bonus Agnes: I haven't drawn her fully, but I wanna take inspiration from Scandinavian culture, think Midsommar (both the movie and the tradition) and maybe Norse paganism. I love Agnes story and how it's only told by other people, and her relationship with Gertrude is so interesting!

[zara-renata]

I need someone to hear me out quick— alight , hear me out. 👀 So the majority of us are who plays love and deepspace are gen z and we are born between 1995 and 2012, right? The in game timeline takes place around 2048.. so if we do the math, we will all be in our early-mid 40s!! .·°՞(≧□≦)՞°·.

Now, have you heard of this Manhwa: Tears on the Withered Rose? If not that's alr— what if there's will be a timeline where the mc(us) is her early 40s and the LI are basically the same age in game, what do you think the relationship dynamic will be like? If we follow the characters roles in Tears on the Withered Rose, Na Hae-Soo in the Mc and Sylus is Beom Tae-ha. (⚆_⚆)

Y'ALL HEAR ME OUT?? :000

Edit: my friend has just informed me that this emoji means that you're weeping .·°՞(≧□≦)՞°·. (I'm assuming at the idea of eventually being in your early-mid forties?) And I'm not there quite yet, but I can assure you, you will still be you in your mid-forties, in the same fundamental way that you feel like you're you now. Hopefully you'll be a little wiser, a little more knowledgeable about the world, but it's fucking great getting older. I wouldn't go back to being 25 if someone paid me. So if anyone is despairing regarding aging, please don't worry about it, life tends to get better instead of worse as you gain experience.

Anyway.

I haven't read Tears on the Withered Rose, but if it has an older MC then I am definitely interested and will have to check it out. I'm a little older than the typical demographic for LADS and for most mainstream romance protagonists, so I am always interested in stories where MC is a little older, while still retaining the same swoon-worthy tropes that make romance fun in the first place.

I'd like to preface this answer by acknowledging that most cultures still judge men dating younger woman and women dating younger men with a double standard. Which is bullshit. The only metric we should judge relationships by are the ability to give true consent and if the people involved have a healthy power/maturity dynamic. But I'm not here to write a treatise on the ethics of age-gap romances, but the following answer acknowledges the reality that society at large may give the "younger" men and older MC the side-eye upon discovering their romantic relationship.

So for the LADS guys... we have an 800 year old fish-man, an immortal dragon, a cardiac surgeon who was born a curmudgeon and has been an old man ever since he was a kid, and a prince that has lived for at least 200 years. So let's just take a minute to soak in, and then conveniently ignore, the inherent age-gap between these old men in pretty boy bodies + 24 year old MC. But, because of who these men actually are, I think that their and an older MC's dynamic would be similar to what it is now, but MC is likely at Captain Jenna's professional level or above, higher in the administration of the Hunter's Association, has the weight of management/administrative responsibilities, possibly a shitty ex husband and all the baggage that entails, maybe a couple of kids she's doing her best to co-parent with said shitty ex. And yet each of the LIs would be the same- the weight of past lives, of memory, of their love for her. Sylus would still feign smug arrogance, utter self-containment, while doing everything he can to attract and retain MC's interest. Xavier would still share the work connection but possibly be a subordinate under MC, which could complicate their relationship in a different but still similar way to being in a relationship with a coworker as the current MC, but he'd still be the sweet guy next door, always there to have MC's back. Zayne would still be her physician, still end up violating all sorts of medical ethical regulations to develop their relationship, still mature and slow to thaw but warm and incredibly loving as their relationship grows. And I'm so sorry, I like Rafayel, but I have not interacted with him enough in game to describe more than surface level what their dynamic is other than he too would be the same with a 40-something MC.

Only people on the outside looking in would lift an eyebrow, and then the LIs would confuse the fuck out of everyone by joking about how someone's robbing the cradle in their relationship, but it sure as hell isn't her. Except, even with my limited knowledge of Raf I can definitely see him playing up the 'age difference' and pretending that MC just took advantage of his poor little meow meow naive youthful self to bag herself a cute boytoy, and I can see Sylus also driving MC nuts by really leaning into the "She criminally stole my innocence" and "Oh, she's my sugar mama" shticks when people dare to say something when he's the immortal one and it's still his black card in her wallet that's paying for her spas when he insists she needs a break (even though she earns enough to pay for herself, but he insists), and if she has kids, his new adopted kids' expensive sports gear and elite summer camps.

Now that you've sent this ask, I think it would be really, really fun to write this dynamic, actually, especially Sylus since he's my big bias and he'd be so infuriatingly charming for an older, exhausted MC, especially one who has a shitty ex who put her through the wringer and who is skittish at the idea of accepting the lavish, unconditional love of a gorgeous, wealthy, "younger" man who is also a fucking mafia boss. And in return I think a more emotionally experienced MC would more quickly see through his facade, and see the vulnerable dragon underneath, and would be able to care for him in return. Thank you for this fun ask!

[animezinglife]

ACOTAR Headcanons - Gym AU Edition

Some just-for-fun and weirdly specific headcanons based on my own very regular observations.

Feyre: Feyre is actually pretty typical in terms of gymgoing, who tends to fall into her own zone once she has her playlist up and running. She usually starts on the treadmill and people watches before fully getting into her own zone and opting for intuitive workouts that feel right for her at the time rather than going for strict programs or plans. She doesn't sweat. She glistens. She keeps her attire pretty practical with classic, neutral leggings and a tank top. Often shows up with Rhys even though they separate to do their own thing. Honestly, everyone kind of just likes Feyre even if they don't really know her.

Elain: The Soft Gym Girl™ aesthetic incarnate and the social butterfly who makes friends with everyone in her group fitness classes. Is adored by all the older ladies who work out there and knows them all on a first-name basis, and they bond over gardening. Always has her yoga mat and shows up in paler colors and can fearlessly rock a white 'fit, often with a light wrap sweater or cardigan over her workout clothes. She somehow still always looks put-together and perfect after a workout, a low ponytail with curls/waves still intact and hint of color on her cheeks that makes it look more like she's blushing and less like she's just worked out for an hour. Don't underestimate her, though: she can hold her own in any group fitness class and loves the way they leave her feeling.

Nesta: Don't Talk to Me™. Grandmaster of the RBF, who pulls her hair back tightly in a neat, low bun or severe braid so that no strands stray from their place. She will glare at anyone who tries to speak to her/distract her and will usually completely ignore anyone who makes that attempt without even taking off her headphones. Also looks crazy hot despite it all and opts for sleek, plainer, dark outfits (usually matching sets) in cuts that show off her lean, strong form. Only shows up when she feels like it but somehow doesn't lose strength or stamina.

Amren: The Small But Mighty™, who like Nesta falls a little more into the RBF category but also gains a lot of attention by the absolutely stupid amount of weight she moves for her small stature. She's also the one you never quite know what you'll see doing: she might be deadlifting the weight of two Cassians, or she might be pulling some calisthenics in the corner. Nobody knows much about her. Nobody asks. Has been witnessed talking to Nesta; so far the only time the regulars have seen the former smile.

Mor: Bold Gear Girl. She has no fear when it comes to her wardrobe and will wear anything from unforgiving red leggings, to a bodysuit, to a one-strap sports bra. She knows she looks good and isn't afraid to flaunt what she's got, but she also gets in her zone and can keep up with the best of them in just about any type of exercise. She likes taking classes with others and absolutely kills it in Zumba, but she'll just as easily kill it in kickboxing. Also much stronger than her feminine, curvy frame gives away. When that belt goes on (and it's definitely pink), it's game time.

Rhys: Despite being called "out of shape" by Cassian and Azriel, Rhys is anything but. Like Feyre, he tends to not stand out too much aside from his looks and presence, but definitely still gets noticed for his beauty and sensuality by all the women (and a few men). Definitely dressed head-to-toe in name brand gear that fits his body beautifully to the point of being sinful. The Pretty One™ that's caused at least one gym girlie to walk into a wall or trip over something while trying to watch him. Often shows up with Feyre even though they separate to do their own thing. Has big Married Man and Loyal energy. Wears his wedding ring through every single workout. Silently judges really bad gym 'fits with Feyre. The old ladies who work out there are convinced he's the guy from their sexy billionaire romance novels and they absolutely talk fantasies about him over lunch afterwards.

Cassian: The Fit Pro™. The Trainer, unofficial or otherwise who has the training and education to know exactly how to train his body and others' to maximize both efficiency and benefits. This man is Strong™. He's also built a social media following and has accidentally become something like an influencer because of his funny, easygoing personality and wicked smile. May or may not be hypped up on pre-workout. He will program the perfect workout to meet his friends' goals but is also excellent at improvising. Always willing to train his friends. Unironically and completely intentionally wearing The Sweatpants™. The only man brave enough to ask Nesta how many reps she has left or crazy enough to do so while grinning. Will not do yoga or Zumba. Is convinced both would cause him irreparable injury. Surprisingly agile and quick with rock climbing despite his size. Cannot be left unsupervised for too long. Is universally loved by all of the old ladies and hugs them. The old men really like him too and like to share "back in my day" stories when they used to lift a lot more weight, too. Got kicked out of Planet Fitness.

Azriel: The Strong and Silent Walking Sin™, who always has his headphones on, is always wearing all black, and considers muscle-up ring dips a normal part of his warm-up. This man shows up in layers of black gym gear and is peak V-shape aesthetic, with the kind of shoulder-waist ratio that makes other guys simultaneously jealous and question their sexuality. Nobody knows much of anything about him, but he never misses a workout and he's too many people's gym crush. When that hoodie/pump cover comes off, it's all over. Hits the mat with MMA guys or Cassian on occasion and forces a submission with the former fast. He always knows more about you than you know about him and has probably somehow overheard every conversation you never wanted him to.

Lucien: Simultaneously the Endurance Guy™ and the Social Butterfly™ with a well-rounded, smart training plan. Sure, he's not as big as Cassian or as intense as Azriel, but he's also no slouch when it comes to strength training and is regularly underestimated in it despite his strong, fit body. King of bodyweight exercises with crazy stamina. He's the guy who will overlap you ten times over on the track without breaking a sweat while you're dying. He isn't as quickly noticed when he walks in, but the ones who notice him do so thoroughly. Aesthetics are his middle name. Will kick your ass in a Spartan--only Azriel and Cassian can really compete with him there. Lucien's top of the line in terms of speed and overall agility. Knows everybody's business, but keeps it to himself. Will tease you a little, but will also help you out if you have a question. Likes to wrap things up by lounging by the pool during the warm seasons. Seems like he's spent a lot of time outdoors. Can also handle the rock wall and bouldering like a pro. The old ladies absolutely adore him and keep trying to set him up with their granddaughters.

Tamlin: Pretty, But Distant. Tamlin keeps to himself and focuses mostly on strength training through weightlifting. He's strong as hell but isn't necessarily pushing himself too hard for a new PR. Never asks for a spotter and takes a few seconds too many switching through songs on his playlist. He does genuinely look good, but currently isn't putting off the vibe of someone you could get close to. Not quite getting those revenge reps from his messy breakup in yet, but he's getting there. Raises an eyebrow and stares at grunters with a look of mild annoyance, then ends up moving far more weight with ease and in silence. Unclear if this is out of pettiness or not (but it's low-key funny af).

Ianthe: The Influencer™ with a full face of makeup, a one-strapped sports bra, and the up-the-ass bike shorts trying to get the perfect selfie. Is sitting on the equipment far too long and is starting to annoy people. Spends more time finding the perfect lighting, walking around the gym trying to pick up men, and somehow always being at the front of the weight room doing hip thrusts or bent-over rows with 2 lb. dumbbells. Makes eye contact on the hip abductor.

Jurian: Slightly loud and a little competitive, but also can usually back up his talk and what he's able to accomplish. This guy occasionally disappears at random, but is overall consistent and somehow knows everybody's business (and will bring it up). Probably the one grunting at the same amount of weight Amren's deadlifting.

Tarquin: The Fish™. This man is in the pool at 5:00 a.m. every day and swims a number of laps so smoothly and quickly that Ryan Lochte is nearly able to construct a coherent sentence. When he's not in the pool, he's quietly drifting around the weight room and resistance machines. King of the lat pull-downs. He's pretty sensible overall and doesn't stand out too much outside of the pool even though he looks amazing. Also a popular choice among the old lady crowd. Had to kick Cassian out of Planet Fitness.

Varian: Amren's shadow and designated spotter even though she doesn't need one. Nobody's entirely sure what he does. He kind of just hangs out.

Helion: Gym Daddy™. Helion brings as much knowledge to the floor as he brings swagger. It's hard not to notice him and he's strong af, but somehow makes everything he does look easy and like he's not even trying. Has definitely messed with Cassian at one point or another by "easily" moving a close-to-max weight while carrying on a conversation. Somehow makes everything look slightly sexual even if unintentionally. Keeps thorough records of his training sessions and almost always has a small notebook or notepad with him to do so.

Thesan: The Machines Guy. Thesan likes a workout where he can focus and get into his own zone, and he likes to do so a bit more quietly and on his own time. He's not competitive. He's just here for his health, but is polite if approached. He's fit but isn't the heavy lifter or endurance guy that some of the others are. Pretty generally well-liked; isn't sure how to answer the sweet old ladies' comments about them "having a granddaughter!" for him but is polite about it anyway.

Sorry, I don't know Eris, Emerie, Vassa, etc. enough yet to include them, so feel free to add on!

[remdreamed]

Of Secrets and Salves

pairing: mark lee x lee donghyuck/haechan

genre: bl, romance (?), fantasy

word count: 13k

summary: Donghyuck, a commoner with hands calloused from years of healing, crossed paths with the stranger under the weight of a shared, silent understanding. What began with an offer of salves and fleeting words bloomed into something far more delicate—a bond neither fully comprehended but both would carry, quietly, within them.

masterlist next

 The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the port market of Emeria. The bustling docks had quieted down slightly, with fewer people walking around now that most of the merchants had packed up for the night. But for Donghyuck, the work never seemed to end. 

 He was wiping down the counters of the small apothecary stall his family ran when he heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. A glance over his shoulder confirmed who it was—Youngho, the high-ranked knight he’d known for years. Donghyuck’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his face neutral. He wasn’t sure why he always felt a little nervous around Youngho, but he couldn’t deny the respect he had for the older man. 

 "How’s the stall?" Youngho asked, leaning against one of the wooden supports of the stall. 

 "It’s fine," Donghyuck replied casually, though his mind was elsewhere. The reality of running a small business, with no significant wealth to speak of, weighed heavily on him. The herbal salves and medicines they sold were just enough to make ends meet, and his parents, though wise and experienced, were starting to show their age. They were tired, and Donghyuck knew it was only a matter of time before they couldn’t work as hard anymore. He needed something more—he needed to be able to provide for his family. 

 "Still thinking about the Championship, huh?" Youngho’s voice brought Donghyuck out of his thoughts. 

 Donghyuck hesitated before nodding. The Championship, an annual tournament where commoners could fight for the chance to be knighted, was a brutal event. It was bloody, dangerous, and often resulted in death, but it was the only opportunity for someone like Donghyuck—a commoner with no noble blood—to gain the prestige and title he needed to support his family. 

 "I need to do this, Youngho," Donghyuck said quietly, his voice firm but filled with an undercurrent of desperation. "If I can win, I can provide for my family. I can finally stop worrying about how we’re going to survive when my parents can’t work anymore. And my younger siblings need me." 

 Youngho looked at him with a mixture of concern and sadness in his eyes. The older knight had known Donghyuck for many years and had watched him grow up in the port market, tending to the stall while secretly harboring dreams of becoming a knight himself. Donghyuck wasn’t the best when it came to swordsmanship, but he had grit. He had determination. And it was that determination that kept pushing him forward, even when others told him it was too dangerous. 

 "I understand," Youngho said after a long pause. "But the Championship... it’s too dangerous, Donghyuck. You’re not ready. You’re still not as skilled as the other competitors. You could die out there, and I can’t stand the thought of that happening to you." 

 Donghyuck clenched his fists, the familiar burning desire to prove himself flaring up inside him. "I’m getting better. I train every day, with or without your help. You’ve taught me a lot, Youngho, and I know you’ve tried to protect me from the dangers, but I can’t live in fear anymore. I have to do this." 

 Youngho’s gaze softened, but there was a firmness in his words. "I know you want to help your family, but there’s more than one way to do that. You don’t have to risk your life. You don’t have to fight in that tournament." 

 Donghyuck shook his head, his determination unwavering. "The Championship is the only way. It’s the only way I’ll get the respect I need. I need to prove myself to everyone." 

 Youngho opened his mouth to protest, but then he seemed to think better of it. He sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "Just... be careful. I’ve seen enough of those who have come and gone. Don’t make this a path you regret." 

 ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚ 

 The next evening, after closing the stall, Donghyuck made his way to the clearing just outside the market, where he and Youngho had been secretly training for the past few months. The clearing was hidden behind thick trees, far enough away from the city that no one would spot them. 

 Donghyuck stood still for a moment, gathering his thoughts as he gripped the hilt of his practice sword. He wasn’t the strongest, but he had speed, and he had learned to use his agility to his advantage. He wasn’t going to win by sheer strength alone; it was his quick reflexes and mind that would give him the edge. 

 Tonight, Youngho would push him harder than usual. Donghyuck had learned to expect this—a harsh training session that would test his limits. Youngho had been trying to make him understand that brute force wasn’t everything. Donghyuck had to be smart about this. He had to learn how to outmaneuver his opponents, how to anticipate their moves. 

 "Are you ready?" Youngho asked, his voice calm but authoritative. 

 Donghyuck nodded, his eyes steely with determination. "Let’s do it." 

 “Remember, Donghyuck,” Youngho said, his voice low but firm, “it’s not just about strength. It’s about reading the opponent. Know when to attack and when to defend. And more importantly, stay light on your feet.” 

 Donghyuck nodded, sweat already starting to bead on his forehead despite the cool evening air. His grip on the practice sword tightened, and he crouched slightly, preparing himself for the sparring session. 

 Youngho made the first move, his sword flashing forward in a swift, controlled thrust. Donghyuck barely managed to block the attack, the force of Youngho’s strike pushing him back a few steps. The impact stung his hands and arms, but he held firm. 

 “Good,” Youngho’s voice was steady as he quickly followed up with a series of rapid strikes, each one forcing Donghyuck to move faster, his muscles burning with the effort to keep up. 

 Donghyuck sidestepped, narrowly avoiding a slash aimed at his ribs. His feet dug into the earth as he pivoted, feeling the natural rhythm of the ground beneath him. But before he could regain his balance, Youngho was already on him, his sword coming down in a vertical arc. 

 Donghyuck’s eyes widened. There was no way he could block it head-on. 

 He ducked low, the blade missing by inches, and rolled to the side, his bare feet scraping against the dirt as he sprang back to his feet. His breath came quicker now, but his mind was sharp, adrenaline coursing through him. He wasn’t the best—yet—but he was getting better. 

 “Don’t let your feet get heavy,” Youngho’s voice rang out again, cutting through Donghyuck’s thoughts. “You have to move like water. Be fluid. Think fast.” 

 Donghyuck didn’t respond. He couldn’t afford to speak right now. He had to focus. 

 The two circled each other, the crackling of the dry grass underfoot the only sound between them. Donghyuck’s feet shifted, his body low, watching Youngho’s every movement like a hawk. He was waiting for the right moment. 

 Then, Youngho struck again, aiming for Donghyuck’s side with a quick lunge. But this time, Donghyuck was ready. He twisted his body at the last second, catching Youngho’s sword with his own in a block that reverberated up his arms. He slid to the side, using the momentum to bring his sword up in a sharp, controlled arc toward Youngho’s exposed flank. 

 The older knight barely managed to parry the blow in time, their swords clashing with a harsh clang that sent a jolt through Donghyuck’s arms. His heart hammered in his chest, but he didn’t back down. He’d felt it—his strike had connected in a way that made Youngho falter, if only for a moment. 

 “Better,” Youngho said, his voice softening with approval. “You’re improving.” 

 Donghyuck grinned despite the sweat pouring down his face. His feet were aching from the constant movement, but the small victory kept him pushing forward. He wasn’t just fighting for a title, for knighthood—he was fighting for his family’s future. 

 Youngho came at him again, more aggressive this time. His sword moved with blinding speed, a blur of steel aimed at Donghyuck’s chest. Donghyuck barely had time to react, ducking low and using his momentum to spring forward, catching Youngho’s sword with his own. They grappled for a moment, their swords locked, each trying to overpower the other. 

 Donghyuck’s breath came in ragged gasps as he focused on his footing, pushing his body against Youngho’s strength. He couldn’t match the older knight in raw power, but he was quicker—he had to be. 

 With a burst of speed, Donghyuck shifted his weight, pushing forward and breaking the lock. Before Youngho could recover, Donghyuck struck, his wooden sword aimed at Youngho’s side. 

 But just as the sword was about to make contact, Youngho’s blade intercepted it with a crash. He knocked Donghyuck’s weapon out of his hands, sending it flying across the clearing, and before Donghyuck could react, Youngho’s sword was pressed gently against his throat. 

 Donghyuck froze, his chest rising and falling with every breath. 

 “You’re getting better,” Youngho said again, though there was no amusement in his voice, only a quiet pride. He lowered his sword, giving Donghyuck a moment to catch his breath. “But you’re still too eager. You still don’t know when to stop.” 

 Donghyuck wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart still racing. “I need to win, Youngho. I have to.” 

 Youngho studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You need to be ready. The Championship isn’t just about strength. It’s about knowing when to strike and when to hold back. If you don’t learn to control your impulse, you won’t last long out there.” 

 Donghyuck nodded, the weight of his words settling in his chest. He knew Youngho was right. He had to be patient, even if his every instinct screamed at him to push forward, to fight, to win. 

 “Let’s do it again,” Donghyuck said, standing tall despite the exhaustion in his limbs. His eyes were fierce, his spirit unbroken. 

 Youngho gave him a wry smile. “You’re not getting any easier to teach.” 

 Donghyuck grinned back. “I’m not stopping until I can fight like a knight.” 

 And so they continued, under the fading light of the evening, Donghyuck’s resolve growing with every strike, every parry, every lesson learned. The Championship was coming, and Donghyuck was determined to be ready—no matter what it took. They spent the next few hours in the clearing, going over moves, blocking attacks, and practicing techniques. Donghyuck’s arms were sore, his body aching from the repetitive strikes and parries, but he didn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop. He had to get better. He had to be ready for the Championship. 

 As the days passed, whispers began to circulate around Emeria. Rumors spread like wildfire, and Donghyuck couldn’t escape the talk. 

 "Did you hear? Blood witches have attacked the nearby islands," one of the local fishermen murmured as he passed by Donghyuck’s stall one morning. 

 "Not just islands—towns, too. I heard there was a village south of here that’s been completely wiped out. They say the witches came on wyverns, burning everything in sight," another customer added, looking worried. 

 Donghyuck’s heart sank at the mention of the blood witches. He had heard stories of their attacks before—how they spread destruction wherever they went, using their dark magic to control wyverns and unleash terror. The idea of them getting closer to Emeria sent a chill down his spine. But it was more than that—he had the nagging feeling that the witches’ movements weren’t just random. 

 They were planning something. 

 Later that day, Donghyuck met Youngho by the docks. The knight’s expression was grave, his usual calm demeanor replaced by something darker. 

 "I’ve been hearing the same rumors," Youngho said quietly, looking out at the horizon. "The witches are getting bolder, and it’s only a matter of time before they hit the mainland. They’re already coming closer to the southern shores. The kingdom has been on high alert." 

 Donghyuck clenched his fists, his mind racing. His goal was the Championship, but now, with the witches drawing closer, he couldn’t ignore the threat they posed. 

 Youngho turned to face him, his eyes narrowed. "If you do this, Donghyuck... if you join the Championship... if there even is a Championship after this, you might not make it. There’s too much danger from the witches. The kingdom might need us to fight back." 

 Donghyuck didn’t answer right away. His heart felt heavy with the weight of his decisions. The Championship was his ticket to becoming a knight, but the witches... they were a threat to everyone. 

 "I’ll do whatever I can," Donghyuck said finally, his voice firm with resolve. "But I’m not backing down. I’m going to fight, whether it’s for the Championship or to protect my people." 

 Youngho looked at him long and hard, as though weighing his words. "Then I’ll train you harder. You’re going to need it." 

 And with that, the two of them turned toward the horizon, knowing that the storm was coming—and the path ahead would demand everything they had. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The sun blazed down upon the port of Emeria, casting its harsh, unrelenting rays over the bustling market. The saltwater air carried the scents of freshly caught fish and seaweed, while the sound of merchant carts, clanging metal, and fishermen calling out their daily bargains filled the air. Ships swayed gently at their docks, their sails fluttering in the warm breeze, and the constant motion of life around the port seemed to harmonize with the rhythm of the ocean. 

 On this particularly bright afternoon, the sun seemed unforgiving, its heat pressing down on everyone in the area. Donghyuck was busy walking through the marketplace, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of his apothecary shop and the remedies he had yet to prepare for the day. As he passed the fisherman's stalls, something caught his eye—a figure hunched over near a boat, holding their hands to their face, wincing in pain. 

 Curious, Donghyuck approached, weaving through the market crowd, his eyes focusing on the man who stood with an almost unnatural stillness, his skin an odd shade of red that seemed out of place in Emeria. It wasn’t the usual tan that the people here had from spending their lives beneath the sun—it was a harsh, painful-looking sunburn, the skin on his arms and neck a deep, angry red, and his face flushed with discomfort. His clothes were simple but fine, clearly the attire of someone who had traveled far from home. 

 Donghyuck furrowed his brows in concern. It was clear that the man was not from around here; even in the midday sun, no one from Emeria suffered burns like that. In fact, the people here were practically immune to sunburns, their skin accustomed to the unrelenting rays. The stranger's discomfort was alarming, and Donghyuck couldn’t ignore the compassion that stirred inside him. 

 “Excuse me, sir,” Donghyuck called out gently as he neared, adjusting the strap of the small leather bag slung over his shoulder. “It looks like you're in pain. Are you alright?” 

 The man—whose features were sharp and striking—looked up, his gaze momentarily confused, as though the world around him was spinning in a haze. His pale skin was an almost ghostly contrast to the vibrant, sun-kissed faces of the fishermen around him. His hair was a dark, unruly mess that framed his face in soft waves, and his eyes, a deep shade of brown, were distant, clearly not focused on anything in particular. 

 He blinked as though waking from a trance and then quickly smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m fine. Just a little… sunburned,” he replied, his voice slightly strained. 

 Donghyuck took a step closer, observing the man more carefully. Despite the attempt at a reassuring smile, the pain was evident, and his posture was stiff, almost as if he were trying to avoid any movement that might make his burns worse. 

 “I’m Donghyuck,” he said, extending a hand with a friendly smile. “I manage my family’s apothecary shop here in the market. I can help with that burn—got just the right salves to soothe it. They work like a charm.” 

 Minhyung looked down at Donghyuck’s extended hand for a moment before shaking it gently, his grip firm yet cautious. “Minhyung,” he said softly, introducing himself with a modest bow of his head. "Thank you, Donghyuck. I’d appreciate any help you can offer." 

 Donghyuck reached into his bag and pulled out a small jar of thick, herbal ointment. It was a salve his mother had taught him to make, with a combination of cooling aloe, soothing lavender, and a few other herbs that helped with sunburns. He twisted the top off and extended it to the man. 

 “Here, just apply this to the affected areas. It’ll soothe the burns,” Donghyuck said, his voice gentle yet firm, with a sense of professionalism that he had picked up from helping at his parents’ apothecary. 

 The man gingerly took the jar, but before he could start applying the salve, Donghyuck paused. "You shouldn’t be out here in this heat without protection,” he added, looking at the stranger’s discomfort with a frown. "It’s not safe for someone who's not used to it." 

 The Minhyung didn’t say anything at first, his gaze shifting to the busy port behind them. He looked as though he was about to respond, but instead, he simply nodded and began to apply the salve onto his neck and forearms, wincing slightly at the touch. 

 Donghyuck watched him for a moment, noting the way the man seemed to relax as the cool ointment took effect. There was a quiet gratitude in his expression, but Donghyuck couldn't shake the sense that something was off. His curiosity piqued even more, but he didn’t press further. 

 “Are you new to Emeria?” Donghyuck asked casually as he took a small step back. "I’ve never seen you around before." 

 The man looked up from his arm, clearly considering how much to say. His eyes seemed to linger on Donghyuck, as though he were gauging whether or not to trust him. For a moment, Donghyuck could see that there was something guarded about him. 

 "Yes," the Minhyung said finally, his voice soft. "I’ve just arrived. I’m… traveling. From far away." His eyes flitted toward the bustling market, and his lips curled into a faint smile again, though it still seemed somewhat strained. "It’s my first time in Emeria. Quite different from where I come from." 

 Donghyuck smiled at the comment. “Emeria has its charm. The sea, the market, the people—they’re all... unique, aren’t they?” His voice was warm, friendly, trying to make the stranger feel at ease. 

 The man’s smile faltered slightly before it returned. "Yes. I’m starting to see that," he said quietly. 

 Donghyuck gave a small nod, letting the silence settle between them for a brief moment. The man finished applying the salve, and Donghyuck could see the redness of his skin starting to fade, the painful flush gradually giving way to a more natural, relaxed tone. 

 “You’re in good hands,” Donghyuck said with a smile, gesturing to the jar of salve. "If you need anything else, my apothecary is just up the street. You can find me there anytime." 

 Minhyung nodded in thanks, his eyes a little softer now. He stood up straight, wincing just slightly before he placed the jar back into Donghyuck’s hands. 

 “Thank you, again,” he said. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary, before he turned to walk away, his steps slower now, though no less steady. 

 “Safe travels,” Donghyuck called after him, his voice carrying the warmth of his hometown. 

 As the stranger disappeared into the crowd, Donghyuck couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of intrigue. There was something about him, a hidden depth, something he couldn’t quite place. His pale skin and discomfort under the sun, his quiet demeanor—it was all so different from what Donghyuck was used to, and yet, it piqued his curiosity. 

 But for now, there was work to be done. With a shrug, Donghyuck made his way toward his family’s stall, still thinking about the traveler, wondering where he had come from and what stories lay behind those tired eyes. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 Days passed since Donghyuck's chance meeting with the stranger, and while life in the port of Emeria continued its busy routine, his thoughts occasionally returned to Minhyung. There was something about the traveler that lingered in his mind—his pale skin, his quiet yet intense presence, and the way his eyes seemed to hide a lifetime of stories. Donghyuck couldn’t help but feel that there was more to Minhyung than met the eye, but the man had been polite and reserved, offering little to no insight into who he truly was or where he had come from. 

 Donghyuck continued his work at his family’s apothecary, helping those who passed through the port, treating wounds, cuts, bruises, and ailments caused by the harsh weather and salty air. Yet, in the back of his mind, he kept wondering about Minhyung.

 But life moved on, and soon, a week passed before their paths crossed again. 

 It was an afternoon much like the one when Donghyuck first met Minhyung—hot, bright, and full of energy from the fishermen and marketgoers. Donghyuck had just finished restocking his family's booth when he spotted the familiar figure in the distance. Minhyung stood by one of the docked ships, speaking with one of the fishermen, but Donghyuck immediately noticed the slight wince on the traveler’s face as he lifted his arm to gesture toward something. His movements were stiff, though he tried to hide it with a forced smile. 

 Curiosity tugged at Donghyuck, and before he could stop himself, he found his feet moving toward the traveler once more. This time, he wasn’t sure if he was worried or just intrigued. 

 "Minhyung!" Donghyuck called out, his voice carrying over the sounds of the market. 

 Minhyung turned at the sound of his name, his expression immediately shifting to a neutral one, though his eyes seemed to soften at the sight of Donghyuck. 

 "Oh, it’s you again," he said, offering a slight nod, the faintest hint of a smile appearing at the corners of his lips. "I didn’t expect to see you today." 

 Donghyuck gave a friendly wave, walking closer. "You look like you’re in pain. That burn still bothering you?" 

 Minhyung rubbed his neck, looking a little sheepish. "I suppose I’m still not used to the heat. The salve helped, but… the sun is unforgiving." He winced again, and Donghyuck could see that the man’s skin was still tender, despite the previous relief the ointment had given him. 

 “Here, let me help you again," Donghyuck offered, his voice soft but insistent. “I have more salve back at my shop. You don’t want to risk another burn.” 

 Minhyung hesitated for a moment before nodding, though there was something reluctant in his demeanor, as though he didn’t want to accept more help. 

 "Thank you," he said quietly. "I’ll follow you." 

 They walked through the bustling market together, side by side. Donghyuck noticed that Minhyung didn’t seem to mind the hustle and bustle of the crowd, but the tension in his shoulders was evident. He was careful with his movements, and his eyes darted here and there, as though constantly scanning the surroundings. 

 They reached the small apothecary stall, where Donghyuck’s mother, an experienced herbalist, was tending to a customer. She looked up as they approached and smiled warmly, though her eyes quickly assessed Minhyung’s condition. 

 "Burns, my dear?" she asked, her voice calm but kind. 

 Minhyung gave a slight bow of his head. "Yes, thank you. The sun… it’s been troublesome." 

 Donghyuck’s mother nodded. "Sit down for a moment, then. Donghyuck, help him with the salve." 

 As Minhyung settled onto the low wooden stool by the stall, Donghyuck retrieved the jar of salve from the shelf and prepared to apply it once more. As he gently began to rub the cool ointment onto Minhyung’s arms, he couldn’t help but notice the slight tension in the man’s expression. His features were sharp and handsome, but there was an edge to him—a quiet intensity that Donghyuck could sense even in the stillness of the moment. 

 "Are you always traveling alone?" Donghyuck asked, trying to break the silence with a casual tone. "You seem... well, far from home." 

 Minhyung’s gaze shifted away for a moment, and for the first time, Donghyuck caught a flicker of something darker in his eyes—something guarded, something secret. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. 

 “I... prefer to travel alone,” Minhyung replied, his voice steady but carrying a note of finality. “I don’t like to burden others.” 

 Donghyuck nodded slowly, picking up on the subtle clues. There was more to the man’s story than he was letting on, but Donghyuck wasn’t one to press. Instead, he simply focused on applying the salve, doing what he could to make the man more comfortable. 

 “Everyone has their reasons,” Donghyuck said quietly, his tone respectful. "I understand. It can be hard to rely on others." 

 Minhyung met his gaze for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line. He didn’t respond immediately, but there was something about Donghyuck’s words that seemed to resonate with him. 

 "Maybe," Minhyung murmured, more to himself than to Donghyuck. "Maybe you’re right." 

 After a brief silence, Minhyung stood up, moving slowly to avoid further strain on his still-sore limbs. He handed the jar of salve back to Donghyuck with a soft, appreciative smile. 

 "Thank you," Minhyung said, his voice quieter than before. "I didn’t realize how much I needed help until now." 

 Donghyuck smiled back, his usual warmth returning. "It’s nothing. It’s what I do." 

 As Minhyung turned to leave, Donghyuck called out, "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to come by." 

 The traveler paused, turning back to face him. His eyes lingered on Donghyuck for a moment, an unreadable expression crossing his face. Then, as if the weight of his thoughts had shifted, he gave a small nod. 

 "I will," Minhyung said, before disappearing back into the busy streets. 

 Donghyuck stood for a moment, watching the man retreat into the crowd. There was something intriguing about him, something that sparked curiosity in Donghyuck’s chest. But for now, he was left to wonder just who Minhyung truly was and what he was running from. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The midday sun cast its golden glow over the bustling port market of Emeria, where laughter and chatter blended with the calls of merchants peddling their goods. Amidst the lively chaos, Donghyuck stood behind the small wooden counter of his family’s apothecary stall, meticulously organizing jars of herbs and small vials of salves. His practiced hands moved with ease, but his mind lingered on the pale traveler he had met earlier that morning. 

 The small stall was tucked neatly between a colorful fishmonger’s setup and a fruit vendor’s cart, its shelves lined with neatly labeled jars of crushed herbs, oils, and powders. The air around it carried the faint, calming scent of lavender and eucalyptus, a stark contrast to the sharp tang of salt and fish wafting from the nearby docks.<br />

His younger siblings had gone to the nearby shore, promising to stay within sight, leaving him alone to tend the shop. He sighed, brushing a stray lock of hair from his damp forehead. The humidity clung to the air, making the heat feel heavier, and he longed for a cold drink of water. 

 As Donghyuck replaced a cork stopper on a small vial of peppermint oil, a familiar voice broke through the noise of the market. 

 “Donghyuck! You're looking particularly serious today—what’s got you so focused?” 

 He looked up to see Yeri, her bright smile lighting up her face as she weaved her way through the crowd toward him. She was dressed in a breathtaking gown of deep emerald green, its bodice embroidered with golden filigree shaped like curling vines and blossoming flowers. The skirt flowed around her like rippling water, the light fabric catching the breeze as she moved. Her hair was swept into an elegant half-up braid, adorned with delicate jade pins that sparkled like drops of dew. Around her neck hung a pendant—a polished opal stone encased in gold—that seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight. 

 Donghyuck grinned at her approach, already feeling a sense of ease. Yeri had been his best friend for as long as he could remember, their bond stronger than any differences in status. She had always been more interested in exploring the world outside her family’s grand estate than adhering to the formalities expected of her. 

 “Yeri,” he greeted, leaning on the counter with a teasing smirk. “What brings you to our humble little stall today? Don’t tell me you’ve run out of excuses to avoid those fancy tea parties.” 

 Yeri rolled her eyes playfully as she reached the stall. “I’ll have you know I’m here for an actual reason. My mother sent me to find something for headaches. Asked me to di it myself, too. She’s been complaining all morning, and I figured you might have something useful.” 

 Donghyuck chuckled, grabbing a small jar of crushed willow bark from the shelf behind him. “Willow bark tea should do the trick. Brew it, let it cool, and have her sip it slowly. I’d say you should add some honey to sweeten it—your mother doesn’t seem like the type to enjoy bitterness.” 

 Yeri took the jar with a grateful smile, her gaze lingering on her friend as he turned back to organize the remaining jars. “You know, you’re too good at this,” she said, leaning against the counter. “Sometimes I wonder if you’re secretly a healer in disguise.” 

 “Ha! If only. You’d be surprised how often people come by expecting miracles,” Donghyuck replied with a shake of his head. “But enough about me. How’s life in the grand halls of your estate? Or should I ask, how’s your very exciting schedule of embroidery and etiquette lessons?” 

 “Boring as ever,” Yeri sighed dramatically. “Honestly, if I could trade places with you for a day, I’d do it in a heartbeat. At least you get to talk to interesting people out here.” 

 Donghyuck tilted his head, his expression turning thoughtful. “Speaking of interesting people… I did meet someone a few weeks ago. A traveler. Pale skin, not from around here. He had sunburns—bad ones.” 

 Yeri raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Sunburns? Here in Emeria? That’s rare. You’re sure he wasn’t just some unfortunate tourist who didn’t know any better?” 

 “He said he was a traveler,” Donghyuck replied, crossing his arms. “His name’s Minhyung. He’s been helping the fishermen at the docks. Seems nice enough, but there’s something… different about him. Can’t quite put my finger on it.” 

 Yeri leaned closer, resting her elbows on the counter. “Different, huh? What do you mean? Was he acting strange?” 

 “Not exactly,” Donghyuck said, his brow furrowing as he tried to find the right words. “It’s more the way he carries himself. He’s polite and soft-spoken, but there’s this… air about him. Like he’s seen and done more than he lets on. And the way he looks—pale skin, sharp features—it’s not what you’d expect from a typical traveler.” 

 Yeri tapped her chin, intrigued. “A mysterious stranger with sunburns. Sounds like the start of a story. Did he say where he’s from?” 

 “No, and I didn’t ask,” Donghyuck admitted. “I didn’t want to pry, but now that I think about it, it’s strange he’s helping fishermen of all things. Doesn’t seem like he belongs here. Probably from Arrendyll or Carran.” 

 “Maybe he’s running from something,” Yeri suggested with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Or maybe he’s a noble in disguise, trying to experience life as a commoner.” 

 Donghyuck laughed at the idea, shaking his head. “A noble? Out here, getting sunburned while hauling fishnets? Highly unlikely. Besides, he’s too quiet for someone used to grand halls and feasts.” 

 Yeri smirked. “You never know. Nobles can be full of surprises. Case in point: me.” 

 “Well, if he is some runaway noble, I’ll be sure to let you interrogate him,” Donghyuck said with a grin. “In the meantime, he’s just a traveler who needed help. I gave him some salves for the burns, and that’s that.” 

 “Hmm,” Yeri said, her tone teasing. “You’re awfully invested in this ‘Minhyung’ for someone who claims it’s nothing.” 

 “Don’t start,” Donghyuck groaned, though his smile betrayed his amusement. “I’m just being a decent human being. You know, helping out someone in need.” 

 “Of course, of course,” Yeri said, waving him off with a playful wink. “But if you see him again, maybe you should get to know him a little better. Who knows? He might have a story worth hearing.” 

 Her curiosity lingered, but she didn’t press further. Instead, her tone grew more serious as she glanced around the market. The usual liveliness felt different, subdued under the weight of fear. 

 “Donghyuck,” Yeri said softly, leaning in closer. “Have you heard the latest about the witches?” 

 He froze for a moment, his hand pausing mid-reach for a jar. “More rumors?” 

 “Not just rumors.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “The witches. They’ve been seen closer to the border. The council is in a panic, and father says Emeria is their first target.” 

 Donghyuck’s stomach churned. He gripped the edge of the counter, his mind racing. “We’re the closest. Of course, they’d come here first.” 

 Yeri nodded, her expression shadowed with worry. “They said without hellfire… Donghyuck, we can’t stop them. No one can.” 

 The thought was unbearable. Donghyuck glanced toward the horizon, where the sea met the sky in a serene line, as if mocking the chaos that loomed. “We can’t just sit and wait to be overrun,” he said firmly. “There has to be something we can do.” 

 Yeri placed a hand on his arm, her touch light but grounding. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. But what? No one knows where the hellfire is.” 

 “Maybe someone does,” Donghyuck said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. “Maybe there’s something we’re missing. Someone who’s seen more than we have.” 

 Yeri studied him for a moment, her sharp mind working through his words. Finally, she sighed. “You might be right. But until then…” Her voice faltered, and she shook her head, as if pushing away the thought. 

 Donghyuck reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers briefly. “We’ll figure it out. We have to.” 

 Her eyes softened, and she gave him a small, sad smile. “Stay safe, Donghyuck. ” 

 “You too,” he replied. 

 As she stepped back into the crowd, her gown swirling gracefully around her, Donghyuck felt the weight of her words settle heavily on his shoulders. The blood witches were coming, and with them, the kind of darkness that could shatter everything he held dear. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The bright sun hung heavy in the sky, casting a shimmering haze over the busy port of Emeria. Fishermen called out to each other, vendors shouted the prices of their goods, and the chatter of the market created an almost festive hum that echoed across the docks. Donghyuck had just finished helping a customer at his family’s apothecary stall when he noticed something unusual—a sudden tension in the air, as if the wind itself had become too still. 

 It was a subtle change at first, but Donghyuck’s instincts kicked in. He frowned and looked up, scanning the crowd, but there was nothing out of the ordinary. The noise of the market carried on, but something felt wrong. 

 Then, all at once, the air shattered. 

 A piercing scream cut through the marketplace, followed by a loud roar that shook the ground. People screamed, scrambling in every direction, as monstrous figures descended from the sky. Giant wyverns—dark green and ominous—swooped low, their wings creating gusts of wind strong enough to knock over crates and barrels. The beasts’ riders, cloaked in blood-red robes, appeared like shadows from the abyss, their eyes gleaming with malice. 

 Blood witches. 

 The crowd erupted into chaos as the wyverns landed, their riders dismounting in swift, practiced movements. The witches wielded dark magic, their hands crackling with power. One of them raised their arm, and a bolt of black lightning shot out, hitting a nearby building and sending it up in flames. 

 Donghyuck’s heart pounded in his chest. The air felt thick with the stench of danger, and his mind raced as he tried to process the situation. He had heard of blood witches—dark sorcerers locked up away from Erithrea now free and seeking to destroy everything in their path—but to see them in person was something entirely different. They were every nightmare he had ever imagined. 

 Before he could make sense of the scene, he was shoved aside by the frantic crowd, sending him tumbling into a stack of crates. He tried to stand, but his legs were unsteady, his heart racing as the sound of destruction continued to fill the air. 

 His breath hitched in his throat when he spotted one of the wyverns soaring overhead, its rider scanning the streets, looking for victims. The witch’s eyes met his, and Donghyuck froze, feeling the intensity of her gaze. There was no mercy in those eyes—only hunger. 

 She raised her hand, and a pulse of dark magic swirled around her. Donghyuck barely had time to react before a bolt of shadow surged toward him. The blast of energy hit the ground beside him with a violent force, sending him sprawling backward. His heart hammered as he struggled to get up, but his vision blurred, his senses overwhelmed by the chaos. 

 "Get up, Donghyuck!" 

 A voice—familiar, yet urgent—cut through the noise. 

 Donghyuck’s head snapped up, and his breath caught in his throat when he saw Minhyung rushing toward him through the sea of panicked people. His eyes were wide, filled with something Donghyuck couldn’t place. He wasn’t running away, nor did he look like someone who was simply trying to escape. Minhyung was moving toward the danger, not away from it. 

 Before Donghyuck could say anything, Minhyung grabbed him by the arm, pulling him to his feet with surprising strength. His grip was firm, unshakable. 

 "We need to move. Now," Minhyung said, his voice low and steady, though the tension in his words was palpable. 

 Donghyuck’s mind was racing. Why was Minhyung here? Why was he helping him again? But there was no time for questions. The blood witch’s wyvern was circling overhead, and she had already locked onto them. 

 "Come on!" Minhyung urged, pulling Donghyuck with him. The crowd scattered in all directions, but the two of them cut through the chaos, heading toward a narrow alleyway where the buildings would shield them from the wyvern’s sight. 

 As they ran, Donghyuck could feel Minhyung’s pace quicken, his strides purposeful. They darted between market stalls and vendors, weaving through the throngs of people. Donghyuck’s heart was still racing, his mind fighting to process everything that was happening, but the sheer urgency in Minhyung’s actions kept him moving. 

 They reached the alley just as the wyvern’s rider took another swing at the fleeing people. The massive beast screeched above them, the sound deafening as it circled back for another pass. Donghyuck could hear the crackling energy in the air as the witch prepared another spell. 

 Minhyung pulled Donghyuck behind a stack of crates, his breathing steady despite the frantic situation. They both crouched down, out of the witch’s sight—at least for now. 

 “Stay quiet,” Minhyung whispered. 

 Donghyuck nodded, barely breathing as he tried to steady his racing heart. His eyes were locked on Minhyung, who seemed eerily calm in the face of the destruction around them. His hand still held Donghyuck’s arm, his fingers warm against the chill that had begun to settle in. 

 They waited in tense silence, the distant sounds of screams and fire filling the air. 

 After what felt like an eternity, the wyvern’s screech faded. The witch had moved further down the street, no longer focused on them. Donghyuck let out a shaky breath, his hands trembling. He had never been this close to death, and the adrenaline from the encounter made his head spin. 

 Minhyung didn’t move immediately, but his eyes scanned the area carefully. There was a moment of stillness before he turned to Donghyuck. 

 “You okay?” Minhyung’s voice was soft, but the concern in it was unmistakable. 

 Donghyuck nodded, though he couldn’t quite find the words to express the mix of fear and gratitude he felt. Minhyung had saved him, but how? He didn’t see Minhyung use any magic. There was no fire, no lightning, no signs of power—just his quick thinking and calm demeanor. 

 “I… I think so,” Donghyuck replied, his voice a little shaky. He looked at Minhyung again, trying to piece together the puzzle. “You… you saved me. How did you—” 

 Minhyung gave him a faint smile, but there was something shadowed in his eyes. 

 “Just lucky, I guess,” he said quietly, his tone not matching the gravity of the situation. Then, with a quick glance around, he stood up and pulled Donghyuck to his feet. 

 “We need to move again. The witches will come back.” His voice was firm now, no longer soft or hesitant. 

 Donghyuck didn’t question him this time. He followed Minhyung without a word, the lingering questions about the man’s true identity hanging heavy in his chest. 

 But for now, survival was all that mattered. 

 As they hurried through the streets, keeping low, Donghyuck couldn’t help but wonder about Minhyung. There was something more to this traveler than met the eye—something far greater than the simple traveler he had appeared to be. But, for now, all Donghyuck could do was trust him. 

 He had no idea who Minhyung really was, but in that moment, Donghyuck knew one thing for certain: the stranger had just saved his life. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the small apothecary stall where Donghyuck and his younger sister, Hyein, were tidying up. The market was quieter now, the bustling crowds having thinned as the evening crept in. Donghyuck had been quieter than usual, his mind far away in the wake of the blood witches’ attack a couple days ago. The witches just left on their own after terrorizing the port market, several bodies wounded up and a lot more injured. Though the market was beginning to return to normal, the weight of what had happened lingered, as did the anxiety in his heart. 

 Hyein, ever the curious one, had noticed her brother’s distant mood as he carefully wrapped bundles of herbs. The young girl, only twelve, moved closer to him and tugged at the sleeve of his worn tunic. 

 “Hyuckie,” she said, her voice soft but insistent. “You’ve been quiet all day. Are you still thinking about what happened at the market?” 

 Donghyuck looked down at her, his expression softening. He didn’t want to burden her with the thoughts swirling in his head, but it was hard to keep it all inside. 

 “It’s just… a lot, Hyein,” he said, sighing. “I never thought something like that would happen here, you know? It’s like we were in another world for a moment, a world full of... darkness.” 

 Hyein tilted her head, her dark eyes reflecting the sunset as she pondered his words. “Darkness? You mean those witches? They were so scary. Everyone says they’re from Darkwell, but no one ever talks about it.” 

 Donghyuck froze, his hands stilling as he turned to look at his younger sister. His heart skipped a beat at the mention of Darkwell. It was a name that had always carried whispers of fear and mystery. The people of Emeria—of all the other kingdoms—had heard rumors about the sixth kingdom, but no one truly knew the truth. 

 “The Kingdom of Darkwell,” Donghyuck repeated softly. “It’s a place full of... evil, they said. The kind of evil that no one really talks about, not in detail. They say the people there are cruel, heartless. That they don’t care for anyone but themselves.” 

 Hyein’s eyes widened. “But... is it really that bad? Why does no one go there?” 

 Donghyuck hesitated. The truth was, he didn’t know much more than what everyone had been told—bits and pieces, tales spun by fearful mouths. He always tried to stay away from such talk. But now, in the quiet of the evening, it felt different. The attack, the whispers in the wind about the blood witches and their connections to Darkwell... it made everything feel more real. 

 “There are rumors, Hyein,” Donghyuck began, his voice low. “Some say that the royals of Darkwell are even crueler than their people. That they rule with terror. They’ve got armies of monsters—creatures no one dares speak of, and they say some of them are... not even human.” 

 Hyein shivered. “Monsters? Like what?” 

 Donghyuck frowned, rubbing his face as if the words were difficult to say. “Like shadow beasts. And... things that look human but aren’t. Things with red eyes that haunt you in your dreams.” 

 He glanced at his little sister, noticing how the color drained from her face. He hadn’t meant to scare her, but the truth of it all felt so heavy. There was always talk of how evil Darkwell was, but he never thought about it much. Not until now. The witches were bad enough, but if they were connected to the same place... it all made sense, in a twisted way. 

 “Do you think they’ll come back? With more monsters?” Hyein asked, her voice trembling a little as she clutched her brother’s sleeve. 

 Donghyuck shook his head quickly, trying to reassure her. “I don’t know. It’s hard to say. But... we’re near the border, and no one knows what the witches really want. If they do, they’ll probably go after the other kingdoms first. Carran, Frostford, other kingdoms... they’ve got the resources to fight back. But us? We’ve got no defenses like that.” 

 The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears. Neither of them knew what would come next. It was a strange feeling, the sense of waiting for something terrible to arrive and not knowing how to stop it. 

 “Maybe that’s why the other kingdoms are so secretive,” Donghyuck murmured, more to himself than to Hyein. “They don’t want people to know how close the darkness really is.” 

 Hyein’s brow furrowed, her young mind working through his words. “Do you think the people of Darkwell are all evil?” 

 Donghyuck paused, considering. He didn’t want to paint anyone as entirely evil, but the rumors painted a grim picture. “I think... there are probably good people there. But they’re trapped. Trapped by the evil in their kingdom. It’s not the same as how we live here.” 

 Hyein nodded thoughtfully, though it was clear she didn’t fully understand. “So... if Darkwell is so bad, what’s the point of all this?” She gestured around them at the market, the docks, their home in Emeria. 

 “Maybe it’s to remind us to protect what we have,” Donghyuck replied quietly, his gaze drifting to the horizon. “We can’t let the darkness take over. We have to keep the light burning.” 

 A long silence fell between them, the weight of the world pressing down as the last rays of sunlight dipped beneath the horizon. The world beyond their little stall was changing, and they both felt it, even if they didn’t fully understand it yet. 

 “I wish I could do something, Hyuckie,” Hyein whispered, her voice small. 

 Donghyuck smiled softly and brushed a lock of hair from her face. “You’re already doing something, Hyein. You’re keeping me grounded. You’re the light I need to see through all this darkness.” 

 Hyein smiled back, though it was tinged with worry. “Promise me you’ll be careful?” 

 “I promise,” Donghyuck said quietly, but in his heart, he wasn’t sure. The weight of the world was closing in, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep the promise to his sister. The shadows were coming, and soon, the people of this kingdom would have to face them head-on 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The days following the blood witches' attack on the port market had been a blur of chaos and fear. Donghyuck couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had changed, that Emeria—the kingdom that had always felt safe and bright—was no longer the same. The market, once bustling with life, had grown quieter. People spoke in hushed tones, casting wary glances at the horizon as rumors of the witches’ advancing army spread. 

 Donghyuck had done his best to return to normal, tending to the apothecary stall with his usual precision, though his thoughts were never far from the attack. He’d seen Minhyung again, and though the traveler had kept his distance after saving him, there was an unspoken connection between them that lingered in Donghyuck’s mind. He’d been impressed by the man’s courage and the way he stood firm. It was something Donghyuck admired, especially after the harrowing attack they’d witnessed together. 

 It was late in the afternoon when Youngho appeared at the apothecary stall. Youngho was dressed in his usual attire—a worn but well-kept knight’s armor, his long blue cloak trailing behind him as he moved through the market. There was a heaviness in his step, a tension in his posture that Donghyuck immediately noticed. 

 “Donghyuck,” Youngho greeted him with a solemn nod. 

 “Hey, Youngho,” Donghyuck replied, trying to mask the concern he felt. “What brings you here? I didn’t think knights had much time for herbs and salves.” 

 Youngho gave him a brief, tired smile. “Not for salves, I’m afraid. I’ve got a mission.” 

 Donghyuck raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “A mission? A serious one?” 

 Youngho hesitated for a moment, glancing around as if ensuring no one was listening. “Yes. You could say that.” 

 Donghyuck leaned forward, intrigued. “What is it? What’s going on?” 

 Youngho sighed deeply, rubbing his hand over his face. “You’ve heard about the witches, right? Their attack on the market…” 

 Donghyuck nodded grimly, his stomach twisting at the memory. “I was here. But I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. We’re supposed to be safe here in Emeria.” 

 Youngho looked at him with steely resolve. “Emeria was never going to be safe. Not with the witches on the move. That’s why I’ve been sent on this mission.” 

 Donghyuck’s heart quickened. “A mission to stop them?” 

 “In a way,” Youngho replied. “I’m heading to Carran, the Kingdom of Eternal Autumn. The last Hellfire Pool is located there.” 

 Donghyuck’s brow furrowed. “Hellfire Pool? I’ve heard of it, but… I thought the Hellfire Pools were all dried up. Aren’t they dangerous?” 

 “They are,” Youngho confirmed. “But that’s where the black fire is said to originate. The only fire capable of killing the witches.” He paused, glancing around again before lowering his voice. “There’s one last pool of black fire left in the kingdom of Carran. And I’ve been ordered to retrieve it.” 

 Donghyuck’s eyes widened as the weight of his words settled over him. The black fire—a force so powerful, so dangerous, it was rumored to be the only thing capable of ending the blood witches’ reign of terror. He had heard of the Hellfire Pools from older traders and adventurers who spoke of them in whispered tones. But the fact that there was still one left—that was something he hadn’t expected. 

 “So, you’re going there? To Carran?” Donghyuck asked, a little breathlessly. 

 Youngho nodded. “Yes. I’ll need to bring the fire back to Emeria. We don’t have many options left.” 

 Donghyuck’s heart raced. The mission sounded perilous, dangerous—something only the bravest knights would undertake. But Youngho wasn’t just a knight. He was a friend. And Donghyuck could feel the weight of his responsibility. If anyone could complete the task, it would be him. 

 “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Donghyuck asked, his voice betraying his concern. 

 Youngho gave him a small, wry smile. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I? The witches are coming, and we need that fire.” 

 Donghyuck thought about the days leading up to this, the fear that had gripped him ever since the attack. “So, what’s the plan? How do you get the fire?” 

 “From what I know,” Youngho explained, “the Hellfire Pool in Carran is guarded by some of the fiercest creatures you can imagine. We’ll need to be careful. The royals in Carran control the fire, but only the Hellfire Guardians—a group of ancient protectors—can unlock the pool’s power.” 

 “Guardians?” Donghyuck asked, confused. 

 “Ancient beings bound to protect the fire,” Youngho explained. “I’ve heard stories about them—massive creatures, some say they’re dragons, others say they’re just living shadows of flame. Either way, they’re not something you want to cross.” 

 Donghyuck’s eyes widened at the thought. “Sounds like a suicide mission.” 

 “I’m not going alone,” Youngho assured him. “I’ll be accompanied by a small group of trusted knights, including some from Carran. It won’t be easy, but it’s our only hope. We’ll bring the fire back, no matter the cost.” 

 Donghyuck nodded slowly, the weight of the situation sinking in. He admired Youngho’s courage, but the thought of him facing such danger made his stomach turn. He had always known Youngho to be brave and loyal, but this mission—retrieving the last black fire—felt like too much to bear. 

 “What about the people here? What happens if you’re gone too long?” Donghyuck asked, a knot in his throat. 

 Youngho smiled faintly. “The kingdom will survive, Donghyuck. People like you and the others here are what will keep Emeria going, and our royals are just as powerful as the others. I may not be here, but you all still have a role to play. Protecting this place. Protecting your family.” 

 Donghyuck swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I’ll keep the apothecary running. But… be careful, Youngho. Please.” 

 “I will,” Youngho promised, his tone serious. “And if anything goes wrong…” He hesitated, then looked Donghyuck in the eye. “Don’t let the witches win. Hold the line.” 

 The sun had just begun its descent, casting long shadows over the port market, when Donghyuck caught sight of Youngho again. He had been stewing over their conversation all day, the uncertainty and fear gnawing at him. He knew he couldn’t just sit back and let the knights carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. There was a way he could help, a way to prove that he wasn’t just a commoner, managing his parents’ apothecary stall. He had something more to give. 

 With a determined stride, Donghyuck approached Youngho, who was preparing to leave the market. His armor gleamed under the soft evening light, his expression grim and unreadable. Donghyuck couldn’t ignore the unease in his friend's eyes. It was clear the weight of the mission was pressing down on him. 

 “Youngho!” Donghyuck called out, his voice a mix of urgency and resolve. 

 Youngho paused, glancing back, a bit surprised to see Donghyuck rushing toward him. “Donghyuck, what are you doing here? You should be resting, getting ready for the night.” 

 Donghyuck didn’t waste a second, his words spilling out faster than he intended. “I want to go with you. To Carran. On your mission. I’m not going to sit around while the witches are attacking. I can help.” 

 Youngho frowned, clearly taken aback by the sudden declaration. “You’re crazy,” he said, his voice laced with disbelief. “It’s too dangerous, Donghyuck. You’re a healer, not a fighter. You don’t even know what you’re asking for.” 

 “I know exactly what I’m asking for,” Donghyuck shot back, his voice steady but firm. “I can fight, Youngho. You’ve seen me with a sword. I’ve been training for years. Maybe I’m not as skilled as you or the other knights, but I’m not helpless. And this mission…” He hesitated for a moment, his voice quieter now, “...this is my chance. My chance to prove I can do more than just run an apothecary stall.” 

 Youngho shook his head, his brow furrowing in concern. “You’re not ready, Donghyuck. This isn’t just a skirmish at the market. We’re going into Carran’s heart, into the depths of their fire-guarded lands. You could die. You could be torn apart by those Hellfire Guardians.” 

 Donghyuck's heart raced at the mention of the Hellfire Guardians, but he refused to let fear show on his face. “I know it’s dangerous. That’s why I need to go. If I stay here, I’ll just be another person hiding behind the walls, waiting for something to happen. I want to do something, to fight for our home. To fight for Emeria. And…” He took a step closer, locking eyes with Youngho. “You have high enough rank to have me join as a commoner. If I join a successful mission with the knights, they'd probably consider me in the Championships, right?” 

 Youngho was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable as he studied Donghyuck. The younger man’s gaze was unwavering, his determination clear in his eyes. But there was a flicker of something else there too—a deep, quiet fear, one that wasn’t about himself but about his friend. 

 “Donghyuck, this is too much. I promised your parents I would look after you. I can’t take you into something like this,” Youngho said quietly, his voice filled with hesitation. “I’m not just worried for your safety—I’m worried about your future. You’ve got a life here. A family. You can’t risk it all for something that might not even work.” 

 Donghyuck didn’t flinch. He had heard that argument before, when he first wanted to pick up a sword or go beyond the stall to see the world. But this time, his heart was set. His family would be safe if they retrieve the fire. “I’m not asking you to take care of me anymore, Youngho,” he said, his voice hardening with resolve. “I’m asking to join you. I want to fight. And if I don’t go now, I’ll always regret it. The witches are coming. They won’t stop until they’ve destroyed everything we have. We need every sword we can get, and I’m willing to be one of those swords.” 

 Youngho looked at him, his brow furrowed in concern, as if he was seeing Donghyuck in a new light. The younger man had always been stubborn, but now there was a fire in him—a fire Youngho recognized as the same drive that had made him a knight in the first place. It was the same fire that had kept him going when he first began his own training, when he’d been told he wasn’t enough, when people doubted him. 

 He wasn’t just the boy who ran the apothecary stall. 

 He was a fighter now. 

 “You’re not going to back down, are you?” Youngho said with a sigh, the fight draining out of him. He had been trying to protect Donghyuck, trying to keep him safe from the dangers that lay ahead, but it was clear that his friend had already made up his mind. The resolve in his eyes was something he couldn’t argue with. 

 Donghyuck shook his head. “No. I can’t. Please, Youngho. Let me go with you. Please. Let me prove myself.” 

 For a moment, Youngho stood there, conflicted. He cared deeply for Donghyuck, and the thought of sending him into danger gnawed at him. But deep down, he knew that Donghyuck wasn’t just some boy anymore. He had the heart of a knight—he just needed to find it. 

 “Alright,” Youngho said, his voice softening. “But if you get hurt, I’m holding you responsible.” 

 Donghyuck grinned, “You won’t regret this, Youngho. I promise.” 

 The older knight gave a half-smile, shaking his head, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed his feelings. “You’d better not,” he said, clapping Donghyuck on the shoulder. “We leave in three days at dawn. You’d better get some rest. You’re not going to be able to get any sleep for the next few days.” 

 Donghyuck nodded, feeling a surge of determination. “I’ll be ready.” 

 As Youngho turned to leave, Donghyuck stood there for a moment longer, the weight of what he was about to do settling over him. He wasn’t sure if he was ready, but he knew one thing for sure—this was his chance. The chance to prove not only to Youngho, but to himself, that he was capable of more than he had ever imagined. The witches were coming. And Donghyuck wasn’t going to just stand by and watch. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers as Donghyuck ventured into the forest clearing just a few miles outside the market. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the grassy expanse. His steps were quick, determined—his mind set on gathering the herbs he needed to make the salves. But as his feet pressed deeper into the underbrush, his thoughts wandered back to Minhyung. 

 The man, the traveler who had helped him days ago, had saved him without hesitation.. The image of Minhyung’s gentle hands, his caring smile, and the way he helped Donghyuck lingered in his mind. It wasn’t just gratitude that drove him, though. It was a strange pull, a sense that he wanted to do something for Minhyung, something that might ease his burdens. The thought of leaving for Carran, facing the horrors of the blood witches, felt daunting, but as he knelt by the edge of the clearing, a quiet resolve settled within him. He would make the salves to give to Minhyung. If he ever needed them, Donghyuck would know he had something to offer. 

 The clearing before him was dotted with wild herbs, many of which he knew by heart—calendula for its healing properties, comfrey for bruises and sprains, and aloe for burns. These were the herbs that Donghyuck had used many times in his life, the ones he had seen his parents work with when they treated customers at the apothecary stall. They were simple but effective, just like him. 

 He bent down, carefully plucking the herbs, his hands moving with practiced precision. The blades of grass beneath his fingers were soft, the flowers fragrant, but Donghyuck barely noticed any of it. His focus was solely on the task at hand. He needed to gather as many as he could before nightfall. The journey to Carran was imminent, and the thought of not being fully prepared left a gnawing feeling in his chest. 

 But as he reached for another bunch of comfrey, his hand brushed against a sharp thorn, and a sharp sting raced up his arm. He winced and instinctively pulled his hand back, looking at the small cut on his palm. The red line of blood beaded there for a moment before it was absorbed by the dirt. 

 He didn’t mind. The pain was nothing. He had dealt with worse before. 

 Donghyuck wiped his hand on his trousers and kept going. He was determined to gather enough herbs for the salves—not just for the people in the market, but for Minhyung, whose name had somehow found its way into his thoughts more than once since their last meeting. 

 Another thorn scraped across his wrist. He flinched but kept moving, now more aware of the cuts and scrapes accumulating on his arms and hands. They were nothing serious, just minor injuries, but each one stung like a reminder of the danger that awaited them. 

 He didn’t care. 

 Minhyung had saved him. He had given Donghyuck the chance to continue his life, to stand tall when everything felt uncertain. Now, he would return the favor in the only way he knew how. With each herb he collected, Donghyuck’s resolve grew. He didn’t even notice how his palms had started to bleed freely, the blood mixing with the earth beneath him. He was going to help Minhyung. It didn’t matter that he was about to leave for Carran, that the journey would be perilous and life-threatening. Minhyung had helped him when he needed it, and this was Donghyuck’s way of giving back. 

 He worked until the basket he had been filling was overflowing with herbs—stems of mint, bunches of chamomile, and more comfrey. His hands were covered in small cuts and scratches now, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing the pale scars from years of work in the apothecary. The sun was lower now, casting a soft orange glow across the clearing. But Donghyuck didn’t stop. He worked, his focus unwavering, pushing the pain of the cuts out of his mind. 

 Finally, when the basket could hold no more, Donghyuck took a step back. His hands were raw, the blood drying and flaking in the open air. His skin stung where the cuts had been, but he barely noticed it. His heart was light, the weight of everything that had been weighing on him—the impending mission, his worries about his family, the blood witches—fading, if only for a moment. 

 He had done it. He had gathered the herbs, and now he would make the salves for Minhyung. He smiled, though it was a quiet one, barely noticeable. It wasn’t just about healing wounds—it was about connection. About showing someone that they mattered. Even if he never saw Minhyung again, Donghyuck would know that he had done something to help him. 

 He made his way back toward the market, the basket of herbs in his arms, ignoring the bloodstains that marked his hands. The night was coming, and with it, his journey to Carran. 

 But before he left, he would make sure Minhyung had what he needed. For the traveler, for the man who had been his unknowing protector, Donghyuck would do this one last thing. 

 His heart beat a little faster as he thought of the journey ahead. It would be a hard road, but he wasn’t afraid anymore. He had a purpose, and the strength to face whatever lay ahead, even if it meant more cuts and bruises. 

 .‧₊˚ ☁︎ ☀︎ ༉‧₊˚. 

 The night was calm, the only sound the gentle lapping of waves against the wooden pylons that held the docks of Emeria in place. A soft, cool breeze rustled through the air, carrying with it the briny scent of the ocean. The docks were quiet now, much quieter than they had been earlier in the day when it was bustling with fishermen preparing their boats and merchants haggling over fresh catches. Now, the streets were empty, bathed in the dim glow of lanterns. 

 Donghyuck stood at the edge of the dock, his feet close to the water’s edge. The salty air stung his skin, mixing with the faint, lingering ache of the cuts on his hands. He gripped the small woven basket tightly, his fingers still raw but nothing compared to the thoughts that circled in his mind. He had waited for this moment, steeling himself with the knowledge that once he said his goodbyes, there would be no turning back. 

 The traveler, Minhyung, was seated on a crate near the edge of the dock, his face partially obscured by the shadow cast from the nearby building. He was looking out at the dark horizon, lost in his thoughts. Donghyuck took a step forward, each movement measured and slow. The words that had been floating on his tongue felt heavy, like they might weigh him down if he spoke them too soon. 

 "Minhyung," Donghyuck called softly, his voice breaking the silence of the night. 

 Minhyung’s head turned, his pale face illuminated by the soft, flickering lantern light. There was a slight furrow in his brow, but when his eyes landed on Donghyuck, a flicker of recognition softened his expression. 

 "Donghyuck," Minhyung greeted with a small smile, though there was a weariness behind it that Donghyuck couldn’t ignore. "What brings you here at this hour?" 

 Donghyuck stepped closer, the familiar scent of saltwater mixing with the herbs he had gathered earlier that day. His heart skipped a beat, but he ignored it, focusing on the words he had been rehearsing in his mind. 

 "I wanted to thank you," he began, his voice thick with gratitude. "For what you did... back at the port market. You saved my life. I don’t think I could ever repay you for that." His gaze dropped to the basket in his hands, his fingers tightening around the woven edges. 

 Minhyung’s expression softened, his lips curling into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I didn’t do anything special. You would have done the same for me." His voice was steady, though there was something in his tone that made Donghyuck feel like Minhyung was hiding something—a truth he wasn’t sharing. But it wasn’t the right moment to ask. 

 "I still feel like I owe you something," Donghyuck said, his chest tightening. He reached into the basket and pulled out a small bundle of neatly wrapped cloth. The herbs, now transformed into salves, were carefully prepared, their faint herbal scent filling the air between them. 

 "I made these," Donghyuck continued, handing the bundle to Minhyung. "Healing salves. They might help you if you ever get hurt. It’s not much, but it’s something I can give. For all you’ve done." 

 Minhyung looked at the bundle in his hands, his fingers brushing over the cloth before his gaze lifted back to Donghyuck. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—perhaps surprise, or gratitude, but it was gone before Donghyuck could fully read it. 

 "Thank you," Minhyung said softly, tucking the bundle carefully into the folds of his cloak. "I’ll keep them with me. You’ve been kind." 

 Donghyuck hesitated, the weight of the moment settling over him. He swallowed hard, his throat tight. "I’m leaving soon. I have something important to do... in Carran. I don’t know when I’ll be back. It could be a long time." His words felt heavy on his tongue, as though they carried the burden of what he was about to do. 

 Minhyung’s eyes flickered with something—something Donghyuck couldn’t place—and his lips parted as if to say something, but he seemed to stop himself. The brief silence between them stretched long, filled with unspoken words. 

 Donghyuck looked away, the uncertainty weighing on his heart. "I just wanted to say goodbye. In case I don’t come back." His voice dropped to a whisper, the words harder to say than he expected. He hadn’t thought about this moment much, hadn’t imagined how it would feel, but now that it was here, it hurt more than he could have imagined. 

 There was a long pause, and Donghyuck felt a knot form in his chest, tightening with every passing second. 

 Minhyung stood then, his movement slow, deliberate. His gaze lingered on Donghyuck, and there was something—perhaps sadness or regret—flickering in his eyes. But then Minhyung nodded once, as though accepting Donghyuck’s words, and took a step closer. 

 “You’ll do well,” Minhyung said softly, his voice carrying over the sound of the tide. He reached into the pocket of his long coat and withdrew a small object, holding it out to Donghyuck. The younger man blinked, glancing at the pendant now resting in Minhyung’s open palm. 

 It was simple yet striking—someting of a floral pattern made of amethyst, its edges finely detailed, suspended from a thin chain. The gem gleamed faintly in the lantern light, but there was something about it, an almost imperceptible hum of energy, that made Donghyuck hesitate. 

 “What’s this?” he asked, tilting his head curiously as he studied the pendant. “You’ve got an odd habit of doing cryptic things, you know.” 

 Minhyung’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, though his expression remained mostly somber. “It’s just something I own,” he said vaguely, pressing the pendant into Donghyuck’s hand. His touch lingered for a moment, his eyes meeting Donghyuck’s in an almost searching way. “Keep it with you. It might bring you luck.” 

 Donghyuck frowned, his fingers curling around the cool metal. “Luck, huh? That’s oddly sentimental coming from you.” 

 "Take care of yourself, Donghyuck," Minhyung said, his voice gentle but firm. "The road ahead won’t be easy, but I have no doubt you’ll make it through. Stay strong." 

 Donghyuck nodded, his throat thick with emotion. "I will. And thank you again... for everything." 

 The air between them was thick with the weight of what couldn’t be said, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Donghyuck wanted to say more—to tell Minhyung that he had never met anyone like him, that he had never felt so grateful for someone’s kindness—but the words wouldn’t come. 

 Minhyung stepped back, his gaze softening one last time before he turned, his cloak trailing behind him as he disappeared into the night. Donghyuck stood there for a moment, the empty basket in his hands suddenly feeling too heavy. 

 The sound of Minhyung’s footsteps faded into the distance, and Donghyuck was left alone, the quiet of the night enveloping him. The water lapped gently against the docks, a soft reminder that time kept moving forward, no matter how much he wanted to pause it. 

 He breathed in deeply, his heart still heavy but somehow lighter too. 

 Tomorrow, the journey would begin. But for now, all he could do was stand there, staring out at the horizon, knowing that this goodbye—this moment—was a part of something bigger, something he couldn’t yet understand. 

 He stood motionless, his fingers gripping the basket of salves as if holding onto something far more precious, a weight he didn’t fully understand yet. Minhyung’s figure was already fading into the shadows, his long cloak trailing behind him as he walked away. 

 Donghyuck’s heart thudded painfully in his chest, the words he had been wanting to say lodged somewhere deep inside him, too tangled to form into coherent speech. His breath caught in his throat as he stood there, frozen in the moment, watching Minhyung disappear into the night. The finality of their parting—the thought that this could be the last time they would see each other—felt like a tightening knot in his chest, suffocating him slowly. 

 Then, before he could stop himself, before he could think of the consequences, Donghyuck found himself moving. His feet carried him forward, and before his mind could catch up, he reached out, grabbing Minhyung’s arm. His fingers burned where they touched the fabric of Minhyung’s cloak, as if trying to anchor himself to the moment before it slipped away forever. 

 Minhyung paused, his body stiffening at the sudden touch. He turned slowly, and his gaze met Donghyuck’s, those pale, unreadable eyes softening just for a moment. The silence stretched between them, thick and charged with unspoken words. 

 Donghyuck’s breath hitched. His heart raced, his lips parted, but no sound came. He opened his mouth again, trying to speak, to express everything he felt swirling inside—his gratitude, his longing, the connection he felt—but the words got caught in his throat. It was as if his chest had closed around them, and no matter how hard he tried, they wouldn’t break free. 

 Minhyung’s eyes softened, and a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His hand reached up, gently brushing against Donghyuck’s face, his fingers so light that they almost didn’t feel real. The touch was warm, and it seemed to melt some of the tension in Donghyuck’s body. 

 “Donghyuck…” Minhyung whispered, his voice like a soft caress against the cold air. 

 Donghyuck blinked, his lips trembling with the effort to speak, but still no words came. His heart was a storm inside him, and he could only stand there, staring at Minhyung, wishing he could say everything that was bursting inside him. His fingers dug into Minhyung’s cloak, as if to keep him from disappearing into the darkness forever. 

 Minhyung let out a quiet breath, his gaze searching Donghyuck’s face as though he could see the turmoil within him. And then, before Donghyuck could fully comprehend what was happening, Minhyung leaned down. His hand cupped Donghyuck’s face, drawing him closer, and the world seemed to stop. 

 For a brief, perfect moment, Donghyuck could do nothing but stare into Minhyung’s eyes, the distance between them vanishing with each passing second. There was no more room for hesitation, no more time for fear of the unknown. Minhyung’s lips brushed against his in a kiss so gentle it felt like a promise, like the softest of goodbyes. 

 Donghyuck’s breath caught, his chest rising and falling unevenly as he closed his eyes, letting the kiss swallow all the words that he had failed to say. There was so much he wanted to convey, but in that moment, the kiss said it all—the gratitude, the longing, the ache of what they were about to lose. He could taste the salt of the sea on Minhyung’s lips, feel the warmth of his breath as it mingled with his own. It was everything Donghyuck had ever wanted, and yet, he knew it was fleeting. 

 Everything felt like ending before they even started. 

 When Minhyung pulled away, the world seemed to shift back into motion. Donghyuck’s heart was still pounding, and his eyes fluttered open, meeting Minhyung’s gaze one last time. The silence that followed was heavy, laden with the weight of their unspoken words. 

 “I have to go, Donghyuck,” Minhyung said softly, his voice a hushed murmur. “I don’t know when we’ll see each other again.” 

 Donghyuck nodded slowly, the words stuck in his throat, unable to come out. His hands were still trembling, his chest aching with the finality of the moment. He wanted to say so much more, to beg Minhyung to stay, to hold him for just a little longer, but he knew it was pointless. Minhyung’s path was set, and Donghyuck’s was too. They were both standing on the edge of separate journeys, and nothing could change that. 

 “I’ll miss you,” Donghyuck whispered, his voice barely above the wind’s sigh. 

 Minhyung gave him a small, sad smile, his eyes reflecting a sadness that mirrored Donghyuck’s own. “I’ll miss you too.” 

 With that, Minhyung turned away, his cloak swaying with the breeze as he walked toward the shadowy path that led away from the docks. Donghyuck stood there, watching him disappear into the night, the weight of his heart pulling him down with every step that Minhyung took away from him. 

 The moment stretched on, lingering like the taste of the kiss on his lips, bittersweet and fleeting. Donghyuck closed his eyes, feeling the cool wind wash over him, knowing that this was the last time he would see Minhyung. And yet, in that final, aching goodbye, he held onto the feeling that had been shared between them—the connection that had, for a brief moment, filled the emptiness in his heart. 

 As Minhyung’s figure faded into the dark, Donghyuck finally let go, his chest heavy but his heart more whole than it had ever been. The sea whispered its lullaby to him, and as he turned away, he took a step toward his own destiny, carrying the memory of that kiss—the last, lingering touch—deep inside him, where it would stay forever. 

 ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ 

 The morning fog still clung to the edges of the port, a soft, ethereal veil that blurred the line between sea and sky. Minhyung sat by the water’s edge, his thoughts a tangled mess, as waves crashed rhythmically against the docks. He had spent the past few days wandering, half-heartedly listening to the voices of the market, distracted by something he couldn’t quite place. His fingers traced the edge of the bundle of healing salves at his side, a strange weight in his chest that had only deepened since Donghyuck left. 

 The fishermen were among the first to pass by, their weathered faces grim as they spoke of the day's news. Minhyung didn’t pay much attention at first, his mind wandering in and out of thoughts of the young apothecary and their brief, bittersweet parting. But then, a word caught his attention, sharp and clear. 

 "Carran," one of the fishermen muttered, his voice low with fear. "They’re sending knights to Carran. To try  to retrieve the black fire and stop the blood witches. But it's a lost cause—those witches will probably find and slaughter them all, every last one." 

 The words struck Minhyung like a thunder. His heart stilled for a moment, a chill running down his spine. Carran—the land of eternal autumn, the kingdom he had heard about in passing stories of riches and flames. But now, it was a place of possible death, and the mention of knights being sent there, to face the blood witches, filled him with an inexplicable dread. 

 Minhyung stood up sharply, his thoughts racing. Donghyuck. 

 He hadn’t even considered it, but now the pieces fell into place. Donghyuck had left for Carran with a purpose—something important, something that had required him to take that perilous journey. And now, with the news of knights heading toward that kingdom, Minhyung could only assume that Donghyuck might be caught in the heart of it. 

 His mind went blank for a moment, heart pounding, as memories of the young apothecary flooded his thoughts. Donghyuck had been so determined, so full of life and warmth, and Minhyung had let him walk away, unsure whether he would ever see him again. 

 But now the world seemed to shift on its axis. The thought of Donghyuck—innocent, kind, with his heart too large for his own safety—facing such unimaginable danger without anyone to protect him sent a surge of urgency through Minhyung’s veins. 

 Without thinking, Minhyung turned toward the narrow alleyways leading out of the port. He couldn’t just wait. He had to go. He had to help Donghyuck before it was too late. 

 As he walked, his thoughts clouded by the images of blood witches and the haunting rumors, Minhyung felt something stir deep inside him—a power he had buried for so long, one he had been running from. It was time. Time to return to the place he calls home. Time to face the truth of who he really was. 

 His path had always been unclear, shrouded in the shadows of his own past, but now, it was undeniable. He could no longer hide. If the blood witches were to hurt Donghyuck, then they would have to answer to him. 

 But for now it was time for Minhyung to return home. 

 Back at the docks, the fishermen continued their quiet conversation, unaware of the quiet storm that had just set sail on the horizon. They spoke of the knights’ doomed mission, but none of them knew that the one who would stand against the blood witches was not a knight, nor a simple traveler—but something far darker, far older, and far more powerful. 

 Minhyung didn’t need to be a knight to stop the blood witches. He had his own dragons to call upon. 

[svt-nari]

basics:

birth name: hwang nari (황나리)

english name: julie hwang

nicknames: nabiran, nabi, riri, maknae noona, eternal nabi, seventeen's yeobo, the forever teenager, kpop's bestie, nation's passion, pledis' girls last survivor

birth date: 1996/05/30

birth place: jeju-si, jeju island, south korea

residence: yongsam-gu, seoul, south korea

nationality: korean

languages: korean (100%), japanese (90%), chinese (70%), english (70%)

blood type: O+

family: mom, dad, older brother and younger brother

sexuality: pansexual

physical traits:

faceclaim: seola / kim hyunjung (wjsn)

height: 165cm

weight: 45kg

tattoos: five (both arms, right rib, left wrist and nape)

piercings: 5 (each ear)

career:

stage name: nari (나리)

positions: main vocalist, lead dancer, visual, face of the group

representative emoji: 🦋

group: seventeen (세븐틴)

debut date: 2015/05/26

debut album: 17 Carat

solo debut date: 2023/05/25

debut album: 꽃 'kkoch' (flower)

social media:

instagram: @ mynabiran

weverse: 피는 리~ 🪷 'blooming ri~'

trivia:

— along with coups, she's the member who has the longest training period in seventeen. she started training at sm and was supposed to debut with f(x) but didn't due to her age, then, she traded to pledis right after, still in 2009.

— she was actually supposed to debut in a girl group that still didn't have any plans to happen, but, pledis saw a lot of potential in her and decided to put her on Seventeen TV for her to get along with the audience and the members. she quickly got accepted and became a sweetheart to everyone who met her.

— she's the 4th oldest member in the group, she's the oldest 1996 liner and one of the aces of the group. anything you put her to do she will ace it perfectly without any obstacles.

— nari's number one nickname, used by almost everyone who knows her, is nabi. since she loves to make friends and is easily outgoing, the members started calling her that, which quickly spread around and now everyone calls her that.

— she was literally everywhere in 2018/19 due to a famous fancam of her dancing to exo's love shot during an award show. her talent and visuals stood out to a lot of people, and her fanbase triplicated due to it. she gained the nation's passion nickname due to this masterpiece.

— nari is close to all of the boys, especially the younger ones whom she loves to spoil and give attention to. she tends a lot to seungcheol too, since she knows how hard he works and how little he cares for himself. she's known to be seventeen's mom along with jeonghan, in which fans make jokes about them fighting over the title.

— nari's biggest fear nowadays is the day seungcheol and jeonghan enlist for the army. she's really not prepared for this, and she's been dreading the subject ever since the year started. fans make sure to try and not mention it too much because they know she goes through social media quite a lot.

— during their trainee days, nari used to go out of her way of school just to drop the younger ones at their own school, most of the times she would arrive late for her own classes, but she says it was worth it.

— she has one of the highest iqs in kpop, she's really smart, but sometimes she just forgets it and acts like the stupidest person on earth — which may seem like it but it isn't purposeful.

— she's openly pansexual, which made her receive a lot of backlash in which was quickly turned down due to a lot of people standing up for her. nari is really grateful for them and never forgets to thank them whenever she has to give a speech or something.

— she's also known to be hybe's groups mom. she loves to say that she adopted enhypen, newjeans, lesserafim and txt. she's also really close to fromis_9 members and says that jiheon is her adopted baby.

— even though she's not a part of the performance team, nari practically begged to go to i-land with her members. she was so happy that she was allowed to go that you could see it just by her face. nari says that, on that day, she knew that ni-ki, jungwon and sunoo were going to be a part of her babies.

— nari's also an actress, she has been in some k-dramas and movies. her members love to tease her because of it and whenever one of her new dramas gets released, get prepared for a weverse thunderstorm of posts teasing her.

— she has a dog, who lived in the apartment she used to share with wonwoo and mingyu. now, she moved out to her own apartment in yongsam-gu and also adopted a cat.

— her number one hobby is cheating on games with jeonghan.

— she's currently in a relationship with a male idol, people now that she's taken but they don't know who it is because of her members exposure of her life that she doesn't really care.

all rights reserved © svt-nari, 2023

[the-director]

My Tav Calder! He is a half drow bard.

Bonus info specifically: (contain spoilers for the endings and epilogues.)

Gale: when I started playing Calder (he is my second playthrough) I had the intention of romancing Gale. So I pursued him hard. And then... oh and then karlach came onto me. And I fell. Hard. Had to break up with gale. I think that. In the story of this playthrough, this breakup is the reason why I wasn't able to convince him to give up the crown.

Lae'zel: despite being a bard, Calder does enjoy a good fight as I picked college of swords for him. But that is not the reason why they are friends, they are friends because they relate to their pasts. Calder does have a noble background, but he was also sold into slavery (long story short he is in a bit of a zuko situation. But instead of finding the avatar, he got sold and is told to "work to earn his place among his family") so. They both understand the weight of high expectations. But also I like their dynamic due to what lae'zel says to you in the epilogue if she goes with Orpheus. That you taught her diplomacy, and I think that's very fitting for her and Calder (or rlly with her and a bard/high charisma/pacifist tav)

Shadowheart: honestly I feel like shadowheart is so... older sister? The way that she tries to be above everyone, the way she is so sparky to you, but also becomes loyal and trusting of you. Idk it reminds me of older sisters in like early 2000s movies. As a result, when I'm not romancing her. I tend to view her and my tav as feeling a kinship to eachother. I think this is also because of both of them being half elves.

Wyll: I actually have a lot of thoughts about Calder and wyll, specifically because of Calder growing up in this rich upperclass family, they probably met eachother while they were younger, or at least both of them are aware of their families (I'm still deciding how old I want Calder to be, and how long he was a slave) so there's like. Both of them know eachothers childhoods, but then both have to wonder "what happened to you for you to wind up here" I imagine they have a heart to heart with wyll talking about the pact and getting sent away by his father, and Calder talking about his wild magic that got him rejected by his family and then further being betrayed by them.

Another component of this relationship is the "karlach protection squad" I feel like it's basically canon that wyll and karlach, whether or not they romance eachother, will be very close and have a friendship together. And so especially with karlachs infernal engine, they both feel this need to protect her, to find a way to save her life. Which is just. So neat yknow? This strong durable character who is yet so vulnerable due to this replacement for a heart she has, something imposed against her. That she tried to make work for her, and it did, for a bit. Until when she finally thinks she can get her life back. She instead finds she's a dead girl walking.

Anyways. Both wyll and Calder are devoted to her in this way. And so even though they're kind of in that space of "so similar to eachother that we hate eachother since we can see every fault and flaw that we hate about ourselves in the other" they put aside their similarities and work towards this goal.

Astarion: Calder is, ngl, highly morally dubious. He is. Incredibly two-faced, or more precisely 6 faced. He's very much a people pleaser, a liar one may call him. He breaks every law for his own gain. Which astarion can get behind. Calder reads astarion like a book moreso than anyone else, which is why Calder trusts him. Astarion may be seen as "untrustworthy" but Calder trusts because he knows what he does, he can rely on that. I'm thinking this is especially in the early game. Where Calder might not have been too sure about the other ones and their true intentions.

I think, perhaps this trust is also due to their shared background. Of course I made calders backstory specifically so that it could parallel everyone else's and deal with the similar themes of "lack of autonomy" and "authority" and so on. But I think other than wyll, calders background is the most like astarions. And so since he is familiar to this. Desperation and fear for safety that astarion feels all the time. That is why he *knows*

Halsin: Remember how there was that glitch where gales approval was super easy to get, and as a result he would hit on every single tav regardless of how much you talked to him and as a result he came off as a huge creep and people hated him? That's how I feel about halsin.

Jaheira: similar to shadowheart, but in this one I JUST. LOOK AT JAHEIRA AND I HEAR MY MIND GO. "PLEASE ADOPT ME" if she adopted me everything would be right with the world (it wouldn't but) my mommy issues. Just. (I have three moms, which one would think would mean I have no mommy issues. No I just have three different types of mommy issues)

Anyways. Seriously. I think that at first Calder would kind of have the karlach fangirl moment, he wouldn't externalize it. But it would definitely happen. Overtime though they develop the bond of cub and crow. And I think. The definitive good ending for Calder is one where he joins the harpers. (I'm just now realizing that then he would be Chris pines character in dnd and karlach would be that one barbarian lady)

Karlach: she snuck into my heart, and I think she snuck her way into calders too. I think at first, it starts with passion, it starts with warmth and comfort in eeachothers arms. Then it evolves into late-night talks around the campfire. Of him singing her favorite songs, telling her favorite tales. Maybe they do it together. Him on his lute and just her singing. Or them acting scenes together. I imagine them fighting together, him inspiring her, healing her maybe, her defending him and beating anything that hurts him into a pulp. I imagine them entering the city together. He took the tadpole, she is so worried for him. She tries not to let it show. His ego is bruised. He's hurting inside. They open up though, they find solace in eachothers arms again. That one scene happens, they talk about the future they'll never get. The cabin, with the goat. Oh how he wished he could perform for her forever.

I finished the game before patch 5, before going to hell meant finding a cure. And even then, I think Calder wouldn't force her to go. I think Calder always gets wyll out of the contract and wyll decides to be Duke. And so she dies. On the docks.

And Calder is ruined.

But he develops a plan. Undo timeline.

[dropintomanga]

Kaiju No. 8 - The Beauty of a 32-Year Old Hero

When it comes to shonen manga, almost every protagonist is either a teenager or at most, a 20-something year old. However, in one shonen series, someone in their ‘30s is the main star. That manga is Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 and its hero is a 32-year old man still trying to make his dreams come true.

Kafka Hibino, the protagonist, was once someone who aspired to be a member of the Defense Force to fight against kaiju. He has a childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, who had the same dream. Mina would achieve her dream by becoming a high-ranking Defense Force officer, while Kafka ended up becoming a kaiju disposal worker. One day at his job, Kafka meets a young, aspiring Defense Force member named Leno Ichikawa. The two formed a quick bond despite their age gap. Leno then tells Kafka that the age limit to be a Defense Force soldier was increased to 33. Kafka thought about chasing the dream again, but then he and Leno were attacked by a monster. Kafka saves Leno, but the monster somehow ends up inside Kafka’s body. Kafka suddenly gains the ability to become a very powerful kaiju as a result and decides to join the Defense Force with his newfound powers and catch up to Mina despite being the “enemy.”

It’s pretty cool to see this because there’s not enough middle-aged main heroes in shonen series worth highlighting. This is true in most Japanese media. Either they’re young or old. There’s no in-between. However, I will note that almost every shonen series is about chasing your dreams. Kafka is the same.

You can arguably say the important message from Kaiju No. 8 is that you’re never too old to still chase your dreams. Better late than never, right? I think of the people who have a lot of goals and dreams, only for them to stop chasing them or just be crushed by the weight of them. And then I remember something someone once said to me, “Sometimes, they were never given the opportunity to dream again or be able to chase it.” In Kafka’s case, meeting Leno and getting kaiju powers were those opportunities.

We’re all so bombarded with often mundane responsibilities that seek to limit our dream-seeking and our potential to help one another during times of great stress. We’re not built to be cogs for a world that won’t always think the best for us.

What shined for me with regards to Kaiju No. 8 is Kafka’s enthusiasm and the vulnerability that comes as a result of it. Because he is so ambitious about protecting people, Kafka has insecurities about what to do if he can’t protect anyone. There was a moment in the story where his kaiju powers were getting the best of him. While fighting a powerful kaiju, Kafka starts to become afraid of transforming out of fear of going berserk on his Defense Force comrades and hurting innocent people. One of Kafka’s fellow comrades, Kikoru Shinomiya, snaps him out of it by telling him not to think so little of those who are strong enough to handle themselves. Learn to trust others who can protect themselves.

I think the older we get, the more we tend to dislike a lot of people. It’s different in Kafka’s case, but I really like that this is a middle-aged character with a bunch of enthusiasm about helping people in need. I think Kafka is a timely character because we have a lot of anime/manga fans aging into their ‘30s and some still have that shonen mindset of wanting to make things happen.

While not giving up is always aspiring, the environment we’re placed in can sometimes make someone want to do so. That’s why I believe it’s important that institutions provide resources and opportunities to make middle-aged adults still feel like they matter. 4 years of college in your 20s’ should not be the end of learning and growing. I say this because ageism is still a huge problem in the world. There’s definitely cool people like Kafka out there, but sometimes, they just need a chance by others to prove themselves when they can’t find it themselves.

What’s interesting to me is that Kaiju No. 8 came off the heels of another property featuring a middle-aged hero in a genre that normally has young protagonists, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The game starred a 40-year old former yakuza, Kasuga Ichiban, who falls out of luck with his triad family in Tokyo and tries to rebuild his life in Yokohama. It’s also a turn-based Japanese RPG, where middle-aged characters tend to be in the supporting roles. A lot of people (especially older adults) found this game refreshing because it’s about a group of middle-aged adults taking the stage to fight against a huge political conspiracy. The game’s sequel, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, continues this trend of older JRPG protagonists that are relatable to middle-aged adults.

Much like what the Like a Dragon games did for me, Kaiju No. 8 and Kafka show that adults can still do some great things despite some limitations. Sure, the other characters in the manga are great, but Kafka being the chosen hero at the age of 32 who can save everyone is what some readers and I are looking for. Naoya Matsumoto gave a great message about the manga’s appeal in that it’s for people dealing with the complexes of reality who are trying to create a future worth having. It’s not just about chasing dreams; it’s more about having some kind of realistic optimism for life and the people who are doing their best.

No matter what age we’re at, we should be given a chance to decide what we want to better ourselves and the world.

[selfship-shenanigans]

For the smut headcanon prompts (if you want to)

A, C, I, T, X, Y, Z.

Tysm!! I'll answer these for both of them :3

A - Affection: How affectionate are they during sex? Is it different with people they're romantically involved with? Can they sleep with people they aren't?

Ray tends to be more affectionate than Ganondorf. They like very soft cuddly sex and will hold onto him tightly and kiss him (or at least touch foreheads) a lot. Ganondorf briefly entertained a few other lovers (all Gerudo) long before meeting Ray and slept with them a number of times, but he didn't really have any romantic interest in any of them. It was for pleasure, nothing more, and he always kept the affection to a minimum. Ray has never been with someone they weren't romantically involved with, and they probably couldn't bring themself to sleep with someone they didn't love. Sex is too big of a deal for them to be able do that.

C - Chatter: Do they like to talk during the act? If so what do they like to talk about? Is it just dirty talk or something different?

Ray doesn't usually say much. They're autistic (like me) and have a tendency to go semi- or fully non-verbal, especially during more intense scenes. They're also pretty rubbish at dirty talk, so it's not something they attempt very often. Ganondorf is a lot better at keeping his composure during sex and is very good with dirty talk He'll often whisper filth in Ray's ear to get them going, or he praises them, depending on the dynamic they're currently playing with.

I - Intensity: Do they like intense scenes? Or are they more a slow and take their time kind of person?

Ganondorf more so than ray. He's quite the sadist and enjoys strong power dynamics and other dom/sub stuff. Ray leans more towards softer, slower, more romantic sex. But that's not to say that they both don't also like what the other likes, they just have a preference, and will often meet in the middle or indulge the other.

T - TMI: Your opportunity to talk about any dirty thing you want to talk about with your muse. Could be kinks they like or just facts.

Ooh lets go with kinks.

Ganondorf - dom/sub for sure, especially a more master/pet dynamic*. He's def a sadist, like I said, but to a lesser extent, also a masochist. He likes Ray to be quite rough with him, when they feel up to it, and will let them bite and bruise and scratch to their heart's content as long as they don't mark him anywhere that his clothes won't cover up.

(*fun fact: this is actually the origin of him affectionately calling Ray 'pet' as a casual term of endearment.)

Ray - PRAISE, omg praise. Ray is very puppy-coded. If they had a tail they'd be wagging it nonstop. Also breeding. Like I've said before, Ray always used an elixir to make sure they didn't actually get pregnant until they and Ganondorf decided to have a kid, but it was always a big fantasy, for both of them. So it's something they def played around with. Size kink is another big one for Ray. They LOVE the fact that Ganny is an absolute giant compared to them and that he's big and strong enough to manhandle them, pin them down, and just make them feel so so small under him. Ganondorf likes it too. Ray is soooo tiny to him :3

X - X Ray: What's going on under your muse's clothes? Do they have any special scars or places they like to be touched or avoided? Describe their physique and anything else you'd like to expand on.

Ganondorf - you KNOW he's big and beefy under those clothes. Very muscular, but with a healthy layer of fat over everything, especially as he gets older. Probably a lot of scars from combat and other things over the years.

Ray - soft n chubby. THICC thighs with prominent hip dips. Tiddies not that big and kinda floppy when without a bra due to weight gain/loss throughout Ray's lifetime. Stretch marks all over, but mainly on belly and upper arms. They have the kind of skin that scars easily so they def have a few here and there, especially on their hands, but mostly from just small scratches and not anything serious.

Y - Yes: Do they have any specific turn ons? Things that will automatically make your muse say yes to sleeping with someone else. If not what are some other things that get them in a more romantic mood? Lighting? Dinner?

Ganondorf - with Ray, it doesn't take much to get him going. I think it's safe to say their very existence is enough XD. But he adores their curves, and even though Ray usually avoids wearing anything form-fitting as it makes them really self-conscious, anything that hugs their figure is all but guaranteed to turn him on.

Ray - they like to be felt up and dirty talked. Ganondorf making them feel small compared to him will have them turned on in an instant, and even though it's not really one of their major kinks, being reminded of the big age gap between them and Ganondorf can really help.

Z - Zones: Favorite places they like to be touched? Are some less obvious than others? Any places they absolutely hate being touched?

Ganondorf - he generally prefers to touch rather than be touched, but Ray knows about and will eagerly take advantage of the sensitive spots on his sides and the fact that fondling his chest and playing with his nips is a surefire way to fluster him 🤭 he secretly loves it. He also likes it when Ray threads their fingers into his hair while he goes down on them and they gently scratch their nails against his scalp.

Ray - they like to have their waist grabbed and their thighs/booty groped, especially while they sit in Ganondorf's lap. Their lower belly and inner thighs are very sensitive, which can be good when touched right, but it easily becomes too much. Some of their joints are a bit delicate, so Ganny has to be somewhat careful when manhandling Ray, even if they're enjoying it. Having their chest touched also doesn't tend to do much for Ray, at least not on its own.

[thisisthinprivilege]

A Long Talk About Growing Up & Living In A Larger Body (as well as a smaller body).

::Trigger warning - abuse, eating disorders and weight loss/gain ::

I grew up relatively aware of thin privilege, though I didn't have a label for it until recently. I spent the first 8 years of my life skinny, but my mother has always had a struggle with her weight and has been gaining and losing in that endless cycle since long before I was born, and has struggled with bulimia since she was in middle school in the 60's. She tried her best not to pass on any issues with food to me, but it never occurred to her that I would internalize how she thought of and spoke about her own body. Her attempts were also complicated by the fact that she tended to share too many of her struggles with me. She would talk about how my Dad's business partner didn't like her hanging around the animal hospital (my dad is a veterinarian). She told me that he said to some of the employees that "he doesn't know how Dave (my dad) stands it" in reference to my mom's weight. There was also someone at church that told my dad once that he basically got shafted when it came to his wife's looks. Thankfully, my father is a wonderful man and told the man that he thought my mom was gorgeous and to NEVER speak like that about her to him again. I loved that my Dad had said that, but I also figured out very, very young that fat meant everyone thought you were ugly and horrible and disgusting and that your life basically ended when you gained weight and started again when you lost. 

I myself started gaining weight toward the beginning of my 9th year. In all honesty,  I was mainly just hitting an early puberty, but since it was so early and my mother wasn't in a place to reassure me that what my body was doing was normal, I started to pathologize it right away - especially when I got asked by an older girl how much I weighed and when I looked to her for reassurance she just shrugged and said 'yeah, you're probably fat." That was my first experience of that awful worthless & ugly feeling I get when someone says those dreaded "you're fat" words, and when I told my mom she just said unconvincingly "no, sweetie, you're not fat." The problem is, I had already started getting told by people how much I looked like my mother, and well...if she thought her body was so disgusting, and my body was starting to look like hers, how could mine not be disgusting, too?  There are a number of other factors that played into the beginning of an 'Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified"- the sexual abuse that occurred the previous two years, my family joining a cult that took me out of school (it was a Christian homeschool-based group) and prohibited girls from being too active (while simultaneously being obsessed with girls not being too fat) and my mother going through a period of intense depression that left me largely on my own much of the time, with none of my old now-not-Christian-enough friends to keep me company...so food started to be the best distraction. Since then, I've gained weight and lost weight in the cycle most (maybe all?) of us go through, and have found that it's so much easier to be fat positive when you're thinner.  I think the most difficult thing for me is the clothes. I'm 5 feet tall, and have yet to find one SINGLE plus size clothing item that isn't inches and inches too long for me. I'm right on the edge of straight sizes and plus sizes, but I can only comfortably wear an XL height-wise, which means I can only wear clothing cut to be very loose and stretchy. When I was a size 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12...(you get the idea) I could go to cute used clothing boutiques and spend $100 and get an entire season's clothing items, all of which made me feel so good about myself and got endless compliments from strangers. Now, it's t-shirt and stretchy jeans land, and I'm in that invisible too-fat-to-be-pretty, too-thin-to-be-stared-at place, and though I'm intensely aware of just how much privilege I have being able to squeeze into a size 16, fly comfortably and know that chairs will always be big enough, I still walk around in constant shame. It's almost worse that I spent a number of years being actually "thin." (Although i spent that entire time obsessing about every single bite I took, asking anyone that I knew well enough if I had just eaten too much and if they thought I was gaining weight again.) Now I've gained probably 50lbs, and I don't know how to love my body. I don't know how to stand that automatic I'm-lower-in-status-than-the-thin-girls. I don't know how to stand the I-to-feel-so-great-about-myself thing, and the compliments that don't exist anymore. 

I broke my ankle 3 years ago - a really bad break from twisting my ankle while wearing stilettos - and that's when I noticed the lack of thin privilege the most. It started with when I woke up from surgery (I needed two plates and 3 huge screws to put my ankle back together because I basically just broke my foot off the bottom of my leg) and in the haze of the warm fuzzy feeling of waking up from anesthesia, the nurse with me said "Hey, sweetie, do you mind if I give you a little advice?" I was curious and absolutely clueless about what she might say so I said of course...and she said "Well, just make sure you don't gain any more weight, OK?"  I don't know if you've ever woken up from anesthesia, but you're in a very vulnerable place emotionally, so I just started to sob as soon as they wheeled me away from her (I didn't want her to see me crying). I cried big, ugly sobs all the way upstairs and when I got to my hospital room where my best friend, mother, and girlfriend were waiting for me I just cried even harder. The hospital attendants didn't know what to make of it, but my partner immediately asked me what was wrong and I told her what the lady had said (though it took a few tries because none of them could understand me at first, I was crying so hard.) My partner - who is very fat-positive - went storming downstairs and spoke (well, I think yelled-at is more accurate) the nurse, telling her that I had an eating disorder and I had been working very hard on self image, etc etc, but my self esteem has never gotten back to where it was beforehand. Following that, I had a visiting nurse tell me that it was my fault that I broke my ankle because I was too fat to wear high heels - even though I told him that the heel of my stiletto had been coming off the shoe and I got it caught in a crack in the pavement.)

Around the same time I had a roommate that was naturally very skinny, though she ate about as healthily as I did. She had the audacity to tell me that she thought it was JUST AS HARD to be too skinny as to be "too fat." I just looked at her, stunned. This, coming from the girl that bragged to me about all the times she's been asked to model, or has modeled, for people. The girl that everyone asks out, that can find clothes the second she walks into virtually any clothing store. But yeah, sure, it's totally just as difficult...even though you have no idea what it's like to be told that your serious injury is your own fault because you're too fat to wear what you were wearing. I tried to explain thin privilege to her, how everyone she sees on TV is her size, that people my size are portrayed as stupid, lazy, ugly, dirty, etc, but people her size get cast as "the beautiful ones." 

Then there's the therapist issue that someone else mentioned. They all seem so clueless about how to help me. When I tell them "I don't want to loose weight; I just want to love myself no matter what size I am" they say "OK! So how do you think you can eat healthier?" "How can we get you to move your body?" It's like, I pay you $100 a week for you to LISTEN to me. Did you not even hear my last friggen sentence? If I lose weight, I'll still be just as obsessed, I'll be unhappy all the time, worrying about whether or not I'm going to gain weight again. I don't want to be that way, so please, help!"  So...I keep going onto blogs like this and reading books about fat acceptance and try to tell myself that my worth isn't tied up in my weight and neither is my beauty, but how do you keep that up when the entire world undermines it? I can't even watch movies or TV without encountering the "well she gained weight so now she's ugly" or "she's ugly cuz she's fat" (etc etc) idea. I've spent a months at a time feeling good about myself, but it's just seemed to evaporate in the past 3 months or so, and I don't know how to get it back. I want to scream a giant "F-YOU!" at the world and wear bikinis and tank tops and shorts and feel great doing it, but I feel like I've tried everything and can't let go of my intense insecurity. I've missed a dear, lifelong friend's wedding because I felt fat. I never leave the house, and I never ever hang out with people that haven't seen me since I've gained weight. It seems to dictate my entire life, and I don't know how to get it to let go of me...or how to get myself to let go of it. So I guess I'll keep talking about it, keep reading about it and try to surround myself with supportive people and images, and be comforted by the fact that all of you are out there, and you know how it feels, and we're in this together.  <3 

[purplesurveys]

1956 - Happy holidays!

Is it wicked hard for you to sleep when its hot in your room? So much. It's miserable how 'hot' is pretty much our default in the Philippines, but at least we have something to manage it - the magical aircon, lmao. I don't get to have it on 24/7 though because it would swell up the electricity bill to hell and back...so what usually happens is that I sleep comfortably with the aircon on timer, then wake up with usually sweat on my back already. It's miserable.

What is your favorite thing to do with your best friend? Talk about anything and everything under the moon, well beyond midnight someplace intimate and outdoors - usually, either my rooftop or her patio. That's usually how we hang out now because we're turning into old motherfuckers lol + malls and anywhere else are super hectic and crowded.

Are you easily offended? I'm very sensitive when it comes to personal stuff, like if someone takes a shot at the work I do (believe it or not your older Filipino relatives can and will do that!) or people I love. But in exchange, I also tend to have an unhesitantly big mouth so I can bite back if my sensitivity is triggered.

Have you ever acted as tour guide for friends/relatives from out of town? No. I once volunteered to be my cousins' and their fiances' tour guide when they flew in here to Manila from the US but I suddenly got a work sched so I wasn't able to do it. :(

Do you feel bored with your life? It's barely boring but I do feel unfulfilled because my life has been revolving around work for the longest time. Without a direct superior, I've been doing double the tasks so my priority has kind of just organically shifted toward my career than paying attention to my personal life and my ~self-fulfillment needs~

What's the most weight you've ever gained from a medication? I've never been on regular medication.

How old were you the first time you encountered God? On a very literal and technical sense, I guess when I was like 2 months old and got baptized? Haha. I haven't been a practicing Catholic in like a decade, though.

Are you married? Nope.

What was the best date you've ever been on? I have one in mind but I don't feel like taking stuff out from that particular memory box.

Do you feel free to post how you feel on Facebook? Sure. Not through me directly because I never yap on there unless it's about BTS lol, but I'll repost stuff that I agree with.

Which stereotype do you fit the most? Overcompensating eldest Asian daughter trying to find her place in the world and doing her best to break generational traumas. It's hilarious how shared our experiences are.

Who were your favorite celebrities as a child? As a child, my life was consumed by High School Musical so, like, their entire cast I guess lol. I was also into wrestling early on - my faves were Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, and unfortunately so Chris Benoit until he did the thing he did.

Did you go to prom? I had to. It was required to - Filipino Catholic school things.

If you could rewind time ten years, would you? No. I only look at the present and what's ahead.

What is the last song you played on repeat? The8 Side by Side is so good. Seventeen's solo singles are generally underrated.

Do you own a CD player? Nope. I mean I have one in my car haha but nothing here in my room.

Do you think you could handle a job in the medical field? Why or why not? Well, no. I have close to zero background in science so I would fail almost immediately.

Would you rather edit photos on your phone or computer? I don't edit photos and am not good at it either so I'd rather do it on my phone where you'd already have apps that would make the job so much more simplified.

What is one electronic device you own that you have not used in a long time? I'm pretty sure we're still keeping the PS2 around but we haven't brought that out in over 15 years.

When was the last time you wore a dress or a skirt? Last time I wore a dress must have been sometime last week. I wear black dresses to work a lot.

What is your favorite thing about Instagram? Unless you're a celebrity/influencer, it's generally the most drama-free social media since people are just out there living their lives. If you don't give a crap about curating your feed or keeping up a certain aesthetic, it's very freeing to use.

What is the first thing you think of when you see the rainbow emoji? 🌈? Happiness.

Do you prefer to play chess or checkers? Checkers because I at least have some faint idea of how it's played. I've never understood chess, even with my cousin trying to teach me for decades hah.

If you had to go an entire week without using any technology, what do you think you would spend most of your time doing instead? How lovely. I'd book a hotel room somewhere to be isolated and just spend the days going out for walks, trying out new restaurants, people watching etc.

Would you rather travel to Asia or France? Asia. I've been around Southeast and East Asia but would still love to explore the rest!

Did you have a New Year’s kiss? No.

Are there any words that you cannot pronounce or that you pronounce incorrectly? My Filipino tongue finds 'beautiful' hard to pronounce.

Have you recently accomplished anything that you are proud of yourself for? Giving away my entire work bonus to my parents. It's 6 figures, and the only reason it was so easy to let the whole cheque go was because the company gave it to me while we were still in talks about my resignation back in October.

They positioned it as 'a way to say thank you for all the hard work [I] did this year' but it honestly came off as a bribe and a guilt trip all-in-one. Knowing I won't be able to give it back without causing drama, I decided to just give it to people who can benefit from it.

Are you still friends with any of your exes? Do you still communicate with any of them at all? No.

What is your opinion on people who shop at Sephora for makeup as opposed to buying makeup from the drugstore? I have never given this a single solitary thought.

Do you live on your own or with your parents/a roommate? Do you think you’d like to live alone? I live with my family because where I'm from, it is damn near impossible for middle class folk like myself to live on their own without saving up for 10-15 years. I would like to live on my own at some point but I am still in the process of building up my savings for that level of commitment.

How often would you say you use Microsoft Word? Never. Microsoft anything is the bane of my existence lol I'd much rather use the Google counterparts!

After doing your laundry do you leave it in your basket for a couple days, then put it away? Leave them out to dry for a day then I fold them immediately after.

When you do a puzzle do you find all the edges first? Yeah, usually.

When you’re in the car and you eat something with a wrapper, do you throw the wrapper out of the window? Never. It's not hard to put trash in your pocket first.

List 5 things that have happened in the last 7 days. (They can be anything at all, anything that’s happened involving you, or your family, friends, partner.)

I had two strangers approach me at H&M asking if the pieces they've picked out would be good gifts. 100% they were last-minute Christmas shopping lol. I've never been talked to especially by strangers for fashion advice but I was happy to help! Haha

Gotten 1 hour into the first LOTR movie like I said I'd do over the holidays. I just stopped because I had to do something else, but I actually really liked the film and plan to continue the rest of the trilogy.

Ate a near-illegal amount of lumpia at my dad's side when we visited for Christmas.

Helped Angela pick out some potential wedding gown pegs, since she'll start her fitting next year.

Bought kwek-kwek and a day-old chick off the side of the road when we were en route to Bulacan. My mom would've never allowed me otherwise but we were told that the Airbnb we were headed toward has no nearby restaurants AT ALL so she made an exception, hah. I'm pretty sure we were ripped off, too, for obviously looking like we were from the city because that kwek-kwek was stupid expensive lmfao

If you found out your ex had a new partner, would you be upset? Not at all but I would also rather not hear any updates about the person whatsoever.

Have you ever had sex in someone else’s bed/bedroom? Yeah...I'm not proud of it lol but it's happened.

Have you ever had sex on your bedroom floor? How about your living room floor? Yes and yes.

When you kiss someone, do you like to play with their hair? Sure.

Why did you hug the last person you hugged? They're family and I was saying goodbye to them.

Do you regret sleeping with anyone? No.

Did anyone comfort you the last time you cried? What was your reason for crying? No, I usually cry alone. The last time I cried...I think I was just thinking about certain memories from the past. It was tears of both bittersweetness and happiness.

How did you feel when you woke up today? What was the first thing you thought about? A bit disoriented but I got up to speed quickly since I knew I had to start preparing - we needed to leave around 10ish to visit family.

Do you still tell your parents that you love them? I say it to my dad but only through text haha we're not a showy family.

Random fact about the person you love/like? error 404 not found

[palettepainter]

youve said in posts that penny and raph are pretty close and that he taught her to box, so who do the other cousins go to if they need to vent about something or are upset?

Liv has a habit of answering "I'm fine" when she's asked if she's okay when clearly she isn't. In the worse case scenario she goes non-verbal, only really humming or nodding/shaking her head to questions. After she joins the band as their sparky and gains a bit more confidence she learns to be more honest if she's bothered by something. Out of the band, she'll usually go to any of them, but she finds Floyd in particular to have some pretty solid advice. Janice too is also great at listening, plus with her ability to read auras Janice is often the first person to notice if Liv is bothered/annoyed/upset. Out of the cousins Liv would prefer to talk to Lazer - Lazer was ecstatic when Liv was born because it meant he wasn't the youngest anymore, so he def likes to spoil her with elaborate gifts on bdays or fun days out even when she's older. In a sense their bond is closer to big brother and little sister rather then cousins

Zephyr is one of the cousins who is most in tune with how she feels, combined with her parents being two people who are also very in tune with how they feel and know how to communicate, Zephyr is very good at knowing when she's not feeling her best and when she needs a break. She's pretty open with how she's feeling and wouldn't try to hide it, but she wouldn't make a big thing of it either. She and Clifford often have evenings where they just complain about stuff that's annoyed them, and if it's a day where only Zephyr is feeling a bit down then she'll either ask Clifford is she can either have some time alone to rest up, or she'll talk about it, really depends on how burnt out she is. Out of the cousins she'd talk with Penny - Zephyr was a huge figure in Penny's transitioning period since Penny at a young age always quietly admired her, so the two have a good understanding of each other, a sort of "I've seen you through your toughest moments" kind of understanding

Raph, despite all his advice on emotions, auras and energies, isn't actually the best with talking about his own feelings. He took up boxing when he was younger as a ways to please his mum, since she's very sporty, this kind of ending up backfiring though and Raph ended up using boxing as a means to get out anger. Raph doesn't like to look back on those times so whenever he's feeling burnt out or angry he'll tend to just go be by himself somewhere and meditate, or take a nap, and he'll be fine afterwards. If it's something that's really bothered him, which is rare, he'll talk to either Zephyr or Liv. While Raph is in tune with his emotions and knowing when he's not feeling himself, Zephyr is the one who knows how to talk about it, so Raph naturally seeks her out. Being a few years older than him too means that Zephyr understands him the most due to them being only a few years apart in age. As for Liv Raph won't like rant to her or dump his problems on her, but with Liv being the youngest of his cousins Raph doesn't really feel a sense of judgement from Liv (not that his other cousins judge him, but he just feels more at ease around Liv)

Penny is the one with the worst temper out of the cousins, and worst case scenario she goes non-verbal and isolates. It's very obvious when Penny is upset or bothered by something, she gets more tetchy and is more prone to snapping. Lazer, being her twin, understands these signals the most and is the easiest person for Penny to communicate with (often through yes or no questions which she nods or shakes her head too, or by writing her answers down on paper). While Lazer is very good at providing Penny a safe and supportive environment while she rides out her meltdown (the things that help Penny the most are weighted blankets, her comfort item Marvin the manatee and soft textures) she prefers to talk about what actually caused the meltdown with Raph. It's not that she doesn't trust Lazer, but as the older twin she feels bad dumping her problems on him, so prefers to seek reassurance from Raph. Raph also, after meditating failed, teaches Penny some small boxing techniques to help her relieve stress

Lazer is one of the cousins who is also very hard to upset, he bounces back quickly from stuff. The times were he has gotten very upset is during his breakups and in the early stages of his career. In the beginning people dated him for his growing fame which lead to some small self worth issues. Penny is of course the one Lazer naturally goes to since he's her sister. When he's having a meltdown Lazer likes warm, comfortable temperatures, they help calm him, and Penny is also good at keeping him grounded by stating facts, reminding him that a meltdown eventually passes. If Penny isn't available he likes to go to Zephyr, Zephyr is good at comforting and calming people down. He also knows Penny gets a bit uncomfortable with emotions talk so Zephyr is a far better option for him