#rocky mountain iris

[photonine]

Rocky Mountain Iris

[thebotanicalarcade]

n136_w1150 by Biodiversity Heritage Library Via Flickr: Flowers of mountain and plain /. New York :H.W. Wilson Co.,1920.. biodiversitylibrary.org/page/40792119

[photosofsouthwestmt]

Mountain Iris

A mountain iris I found along Horse Prairie Creek.

Nikon D500, Manual Mode, Nikor 18-55mm VR II, F/32, ISO 400, ET 1/250, Focal Length 40mm, Handheld, Vibration Reduction on

[dianejreed]

Happy Father’s Day! Beautiful hike to 10,000 feet today with Don—a wonderful dad & the love of my life! We saw the first wild iris of the summer up in the high mountain meadows 🏔️ 💛

[bvidzsoo]

Underwater

The first star of Cosmically divine...

☆ Author: bvidzsoo

☆ Pairing: Choi San x female reader

☆ Warning: nudity, smut, blood, mentions of war and threats to kill someone

☆ Word count: 6.9k

☆ Rating: nsfw

☆ Genre: Greek mythology, San is Ares, forbidden love

☆ Summary: You knew that your love would never be fulfilled as the man you loved belonged to another woman. But can you help your poor Naiad heart when San, the God of war himself, seeks you out again and again when he is most vulnerable?

☆ A/N: Hi, lovelies!^^ I totally didn't write this piece in one sitting, naaah, yes I did. I hope it's good and enjoyable as I have my doubts with it I was so hyped up but anyways. I appreciate all your feedback, it is very welcomed, so let me know what you thought of it! If you'd like to join the taglist of the series let me know! I'll point out a few things before you start reading the story:

★ This is inspired by Greek mythology, but I took creative liberty and adapted it to my likes, so keep that in mind while reading, thank you! ★ Ares is the God of war ★ Artemis is the Goddess of hunt ★ A Naiad Nymph is a female spirit that preside in fresh water ★ Aphrodite is the Goddess of love ★ Hermes is the messenger of Gods ★ Iris is the goddess of rainbow but was also considered messenger of Gods ★ Atë is the goddess of mischief ★ Dion is a village and municipal unit in the municipality of Dion-Olympos in the Pieria regional unit, Greece; it's known for its sanctuary of Zeus and its ancient city (it's so beautiful over there guys, if you get the chance, you should definitely visit the village, and Mount Olympus too!!) ocean divider; greek divider

☆ Taglist: @patchofblue @sthwaaberry @constipatedcorgi @holytidalwavechees3cake @cheolliehugs

@slowitdownmakeitb0uncy @hoeforsungie

༄ ҉ Series m.list ༄ ҉ 　

            On the outskirts of the ancient city called Dion, just by the foot of Mount Olympus an enchanted forest vivid with Nymphs of all kinds encompassed the land, offering a much-needed sanctuary and protection to those who were in need of tranquility and a piece of quiet, away from all mortals, and even Gods that had their watchful eyes on everyone and everything at all times. The small Lake of Naia, springing from the top of Mount Olympus, rushing down rapidly the rocky side of the mountain only until it became merely a gentle stream was the place I referred to as my home. It wasn’t just my home, it was the home of many Naiad nymphs that have been birthed and then raised on the shores of Lake Naia by their elderly sisters, naiads that have been here for centuries, having witnessed atrocities, but so many beautiful life-changing events as well. We were fond of this place, and we protect it ardently. No foul soul was allowed in the vicinity of our sacred Lake, Artemis herself having blessed our sanctuary.

Men who were desperate for enlightenment, or were feeling lonely, would often find solace in our presence, grateful for an eternity to us, making promises, which, due to their fragile lives would never be completely fulfilled. But that was alright, my sisters and I never expected too much from them as long as they honored and cherished our land, our Lake, our home. After all, mere mortals wouldn’t be able to offer us what the Olympian Gods could. Warm bodies and warm souls that we could often lay upon our hardships, our fears, and our future ambitions. I have never stepped too far away from my home, walking barely a few feet away from the Lake would make me feel restless and unnerved, unsafe and exposed to the not so kind men that liked to haunt and torment us when the Gods weren’t on the look out for their dear naiads.

Besides Artemis, not many came often to Lake Naia, its location too close to Olympus and yet too far from Dion for the Gods that were rather lazy, like Apollo. Zeus always had his eyes on his children and kin, however, if they travelled far away enough from Olympus, he’d certainly turn a blind eye to whatever shenanigans they deemed fit on their travels on Earth, disguised as something they were not. Even Artemis liked to change her features when she came down to bless our Lake and show gratefulness for guiding and protecting the maidens through their hardships, however, there was one God that never bothered to hide his true self. All bloody and gory and authentic, brute yet hands gentle as if they were afraid to bruise those innocent, eyes sharp and menacing upon first glance, yet warm and intense on a second glance. The mortals liked calling him Ares, but I preferred his birth name, the one Zeus had given him, San.

San had always been a gruff and intimidating man, as the God of war, he was strong and vigilant, quick on his feet and cutting with his words. Very few naiads had the courage to approach him, scared he’d hurt them if they displeased him in any way, and so, the task of looking out for him whenever he visited Lake Naia fell on my hands. And despite the stories that I have heard about the fearless man, I couldn’t bring myself to find him terrifying or mal-intentioned, not when his lips quivered when he whispered the names of those fallen in battle, not when tears would escape his beautiful eyes before he’d submerge in the crystal-clear water of Lake Naia, desperate to rid himself of all the blood, suffering, and screams of those that have perished underneath the sharp blade of his sword. San was a man with a delicate and soft soul, yearning for a connection that was simple, a connection in which he didn’t have to explain himself nor feel guilty, a connection where one simply listened to his burdens and coaxed him further inside the warm and tranquil waters of Lake Naia.

Being immortals, it’s been too long and I wouldn’t be exactly able to pinpoint the time and date of when San decided that he’d choose Lake Naia as his piece of heaven and peace after a long and exhausting battle, but ever since then, his visits became more and more frequent. Perhaps it was due to the rising tension between the settlements as the mortals were never quite thankful with what they’ve got, so, they challenged each other to a war that only lead to disaster and suffering, dividing families and scarring individuals for a lifetime. And despite the real reason as to why San was here should have saddened me, as a protector of maidens that have fallen victim in these wars, I only found my heart gleeful and quickly beating the more often he showed up. There was something majestic, captivating and divine about San, and my poor Naiad heart stood no chance against a man whose walls crumbled the second his armor was off his body.

            Times were dire, nature had a way of silently absorbing everything the mortals felt. And as part of nature myself, I found myself quite volatile lately. Even the quietest snap of a twig sent us back deeper inside the lake, ready to submerge and watch from underneath whatever fool decided to approach our sacred place. My sisters grew restless and they refused to step out of Lake Naia, whispers of the forest surrounding us carrying word that a war not too far from our home was brewing as the military forces of two settlements failed to see eye to eye. Artemis visited more often than before, blessing our humble abode and promising a new location that would be even safer if the events would turn grimmer, but my sisters and I refused to flee. This is our one and only home, the only place that we’ve known since eternity, since the cosmos has birthed us, and if it came to it, we’d rather perish with this place than abandon it and leave those who love it as much as us behind. Artemis did not like our refusal, but her word couldn’t go against our eldest sister’s, and once we’ve put our hearts to something, we rarely changed our minds.

Due to the sun hiding behind the clouds, the Lake failed to stay as warm as usual, but our songs kept it idle for a quick dip. My sisters have disappeared somewhere deep-down underneath, their absence coating the surroundings in a serene silence, perhaps a little bit even eerie. I knew what this meant as I lurked just above the surface, eyes set on the steadily approaching figure. Its outline was harsh and looked to be almost vibrating as his heavy footsteps echoed in the silent forest, the animals just as reluctant as my sisters to be in the vicinity of the God. Pushing my head above water, I took a deep breath and slowly swum towards the shore, the soft water clinging to my skin like a second skin. The sword that was gripped in the God’s hand glinted in the light, despite the sun being hidden, and it left a red path in its wake as he came closer to the Lake. Something salty and nauseating hit my nose as my feet touched the fine soil of the Lake, the water up to my neck as the sword slipped from the God’s hand, clanking loudly against the grey stones that littered the path that led towards Lake Naia. Heath flooded my body, and it wasn’t from the Lake as I walked further out, water below my chest, it was from the God’s body heath as red veins swirled underneath his pristine and tan skin as his arms were left exposed. The miniscule cut on his right bicep was the first thing that caught my eyes as the water of the Lake finally reached my ankles, white dress heavily clinging to my body and failing to hide anything as my black hair looked almost molded to my back as it wetly stuck to it. A soft exhale and the deep furrow of his dark eyebrows was the first sign that my God felt exhausted as we came to stand face to face, his body tense and vibrating with the remnants of adrenaline, meanwhile mine felt lax and tingly as I bowed my head, curtsying.

“San, my possessor.” I didn’t need to speak loudly, there were no sounds around us, just San’s breaths coming out in short puffs, chest rising and falling rapidly underneath his black steel armor. The stench of death would make anyone run away, but as I raised my head up and laid my eyes upon my possessor’s face again, I could only feel pity seeing the regret and exhaustion whirling together in his sharp eyes, clouding his mind and I could almost hear his thoughts.

“Y/N, my nymph.” And the God’s voice that roars and shatters in a battle was now shaky and soft, warm to the point that it made my heart beat faster, “I have missed you dearly.”

I didn’t dare smile as I extended my right hand, eyes stuck to the swipe of dark blood underneath his right eye, trailing down to leave the impression of a bloody tear. I swiped at it with my thumb, and San’s eyes closed as he gulped, sighing loudly.

“Let me take away your burdens.” I whispered as I stepped closer, the heath almost devouring me as the red veins seemed even more alight underneath his tan and soft skin, heart beating out of the God’s chest as his eyes slowly opened, black eyelashes fluttering as they settled on my face.

“Please.” A God never pleaded, never fell to their knees in front of anyone. A God was strong and fearless, ready to devour anyone who dared disobey their command. I offered San a small smile as I leaned forward, lips parting just slightly before they made contact with the cut on San’s bicep, a whimper leaving the man’s lips upon the contact. And his eyes were glazed over as I pulled back, the taste of salt tangible on my tongue as I caressed his now healed bicep. San knew what to do, and with a deep breath he fell to his knees, hanging his head low as my hands caressed his cheeks before his jaw, settling around his neck. His skin was hot, flaming almost, gushing with life underneath all that heavy muscle and flesh, desperate for a gentle and understanding touch. I allowed my hands to travel lower, onto his shoulders, nimble fingers unclasping the harsh steel from around his defined shoulders. A pause, another sigh, and San stood tall once again, a calloused hand settling on my hip as he oh so gently pulled my body closer, my fingers itching the more blood they touched, which was now rusted onto his armor, the same armor that Hephaestus had designed for him upon the request of Zeus so that it would make San, his bellowed son, invincible. San’s sharp, but softening, eyes remained on my face as my hands first went around his middle, leaning my fragile body against his. It was sturdy, unmovable like a mountain, but it was also warm and gentle, a quiet promise that it would keep you safe from any evil. San’s fingers twitched before they dug into my hip, his armor sharp and cold against my own body, but I welcomed its closeness as San seemed to melt into the embrace, his tense muscles finally easing up at last. He could finally be vulnerable, bloody or not, in my eyes he was perfect and benevolent.

“Your battle must have been strenuous.” I spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence, as I gently peeled myself back from the embrace, fingers latching onto the clasps at the God’s middle, undoing them and letting the bloody armor fall to the ground, looking like it’s been broken in two. But it wasn’t, it was unbreakable just like its possessor.

“I have not had the opportunity to close my eyes for six days as of today.” His deep voice lost all the malice it usually carried, and my eyes remained focused on the dents and marks the armor has left on the poor God’s sun-kissed skin. My warm fingertips gently traced against them, the muscles flexing underneath them as the God hummed in content, both hands holding firmly onto my hips. I smiled as he leaned forward and gently rested his chin on top of my head, allowing me to trace the scars left by his ruthless armor, knowing that they’d disappear if I touched them. I closed my eyes as my fingertips reached them hem of his trousers, which weren’t made of steel but were magically enhanced so that there wouldn’t be a repeat of Achilles, and I leaned just a little bit forward to press kisses tracing his collarbones. The sighs the God let out were of pleasure and he hummed in appreciation as I untangled the knots of his trouser and gently pushed them down his hips, caressing his loins firmly as San groaned, nails digging through the thin fabric of my white translucent dress.

“Then we shall get inside the Lake.” I proposed and San hummed in agreement, grip not faltering as I stepped back to steer us inside the water. When our eyes found each other again, his were ablaze with want and need, but he knew he had to wait until we got inside the water. And so, he reluctantly released me and eagerly took my extended hand as I interlaced our fingers, a small and charming smile appearing on his face for the first time today. I chuckled and lead us back to the water, walking backwards as the smile only seemed to stretch on San’s lips, red veins ablaze and whole being glimmering in the light of the small clearing the Lake resided in, the clouds slowly uncovering the blazing sun as the weather reached my thighs, San’s body convulsing as it was overheated from the battle and the Lake would cool it down. I walked further inside, my body welcoming the familiar feel of the soft water brushing against myself, like a cocoon forming a protecting layer over it, my own armor.

San’s body shook when it was finally submerged, underwater, and I released his hand as I giggled and took a deep breath, to tease him, and dipped my head underwater. I opened my eyes and grinned as his legs kicked out to stay above water, never having been keen of having his head under the clear water of the Lake. His naked body looked almost translucent underwater and I swum around it, playfully nipping at the skin of his back, thighs, abdomen, calves, and chest, my teasing cut short when a strong hand seized me around the neck and yanked me above water, dark brown eyes coated with lust and cheeks flushed as our bodies pressed together, legs wrapping around his middle subconsciously.

“Rest now, my San.” I whispered, eyes fluttering shut as his hot breath fanned my face, heart thundering underneath the hand pressed against his chest.

“I’ll bring you a star on our next rendezvous.” His words were rushed, almost desperate before hot lips pressed against mine, devouring them with fervor, with desperation and a neediness that I fear will never be satiated.

            The forest was loud for once, animals buzzing around, a deer timidly coming down to our Lake to hydrate itself, and Yeri, our youngest naiad, lay giggling on the shore as she teased the deer by leading it around in circles with a string of water, until our eldest sister chastised her for tormenting the innocent creature. As our youngest sibling, she was rather mischievous and loved to play around whether it was with animals or humans. Younger men especially loved her, but she only enjoyed their company as long as they remained on land and her in water. She was the least trusting of anyone other than her naiad friends, thus why she had refused even Artemis’ offer of finding her a lover that would dearly cherish her.

I was laid back on a larger rock by the Lake, resting back on my elbows, my white dress almost completely dry as I swirled my toes around in the water, humming in contentment as my sisters voices meddled with mine as they were gathered towards the middle of the Lake, playing a tagging game. I smiled as I listened to their giggles and cheers, which were mixing with the beautiful songs the birds were singing, echoing our voices almost perfectly. The strong, divine, presence first gained our attention as everyone perked up, sensing it come closer as my body grew jittery. I curiously stood up, not expecting a visit from Artemis so soon, or another deity for the matter. But when my eyes fell on the approaching form in the distance, I instantly knew who it was. My eyebrows furrowed and my heart jumped in joy, but I couldn’t help feel concerned at the same time. San never visited unless he went to war, to a battle, and he had told me truce was laid upon the two settlements after they lost many men. He had no reason to visit, yet he was here. And my sisters shared my unease as they all grew warry, stopping their game as the eldest one called Yeri over, deeper into the water. I scrambled onto my feet and offered them a calm smile, not wanting them to panic and do something rash when it came to San. Understanding my request, they swum further away from the shore, only their eyes and the top of their heads visible as my feet touched the soft grass, San’s face now visible as he came closer.

Expecting complications and even a summoning to Olympus, instead, a bright smile decorated his lips, eyes crinkled and a skip to his confident steps as he hurried down the path having spotted me. Feeling confused but glad to see him nonetheless, I returned his smile and gasped when I was swept off my feet, his arms firm around my waist and twirling me around. I clung to his neck, lips brushing against his ear as I giggled, a similar sound leaving San’s lips. My heart skipped a few beats before it started beating faster altogether, every vertebrate in my being jittery as I realized this was the first time I have seen San so happy and relaxed, his sword nowhere in sight, and his armor polished and clean, glinting and carrying the scent of pine and musk instead of the salty stench of blood.

When he was done twirling me around, he placed me down on my feet, but kept his arms around my waist and leaned down hastily, warm and red lips pushing against mine. My eyes fluttered closed and I allowed myself to melt into him, cupping his cheek as our lips moved together softly, making it feel like it was the first time I was kissed by him. I felt my head whirl around and fingertips grow warm as San smiled into the kiss, apparently refusing to pull back just yet as he kept pressing little pecks against my plush lips. There was something about his demeanor that brought tears to my eyes, a side of San that I was seeing for the first time despite us knowing each other for an eternity now. I had dreamed of what a happy and free San looked like, a San that wasn’t tormented by a battle where he had to slay mortals and swallow their screams, feed off of the pure madness, hatred, and rage. I have prayed to Artemis to see a San that was so happy his whole body glowed from it, and now that I had him in my arms, laughing and kissing me, I couldn’t contain my own emotions.

“Why are you crying, my little nymph?” His voice carried worry as he caressed my cheek and swiftly wiped a stray teardrop from underneath my eye, eyebrows furrowing, “Have I made you sad? Perhaps even mad by showing up so unexpectedly?”

“No!” My voice raised without me meaning to do so, and my arms tightened around him as I pushed up on my tiptoes, ours noses grazing together as I stared inside his dark and soft brown eyes, “No, my San, I am beyond delighted to see you in such light. I have only dared to dream of seeing you one day happy and carefree.”

“My little nymph,” San whispered, expression faltering for a second as pain clouded his eyes, but it was quickly gone as I traced his high cheekbone with my forefinger, eyes taking in his beautiful features only a God was gifted with, “I had not known you harbored such wishes; I should have known seeing me always all roughed up after a battle brings you pain.”

“No, San,” I shook my head, a small smile appearing on my lips, “It brings me peace of mind and solace that I am the one you seek out after such feat, that I am the one you come to, to chase away your pain and fears after a battle.”

“Sometimes I see the stars in your eyes, Y/N.” San’s voice was merely a whisper as his hand gently brushed a strand of hair off my face and behind my ear, “When you look at me so deeply like right now, they sparkle with life and I see the cosmos in them. You are majestic underwater, but it will never come close to how you look when your eyes land on me.”

I gulped, feeling speechless as my cheeks grew hotter and darker in color, fingers tangling into the small hair on San’s nape. It was the first time his black hair wasn’t pushed back to make his eyes look even more piercing, but was rather soft looking and fluffy, hanging into his eyes as a dimple formed in his cheek as a wide grin made it onto his face again, “If my heart stops beating one day, I wish you to be the last thing I see before I must go.”

San shook his head, eyebrows furrowing again as he held onto my face, leaning so close his lips brushed against mine when he spoke, “You shall never leave me first, I promise you’ll be here until my last worshipper perishes, and even then I do not wish to take you with myself into the Underworld.”

“We won’t go to the Underworld, San.” He gulped as our gazes bore into each other and then he nodded, wordlessly and looking a little defeated, releasing my face as he cleared his throat. Sensing that he had something important to say, I released him and stepped back a little bit, watching him curiously as he reached inside his armor, pursing his lips as if he couldn’t find what he was looking for. I took my time to pay close attention to him, to take in his all like this, so that I could replay it when I missed him most. The way the sunlight fell on him made his caramel skin glow even more, face relaxed and a smile almost always present on his red lips, eyebrows unfrowned for once and expression serene as his muscles remained lax, not even a bit tense. When he finally found what he was looking for, he made a sound of triumph and I smiled a little wider, looking at him with big eyes as he pulled a collar out of his armor. I couldn’t determine what it was for, or whether it was a necklace or a collar, but when he opened his palm and raised it up for me to see better, I gasped in shock. There, worked into the steel that looked a lot like the one his armor had, was a little glowing star shining almost blindingly up at me.

“I promised to bring you a star,” San said quietly and then turned me around gently, pulling my black hair from around my shoulders to one side only, “I wish you keep something of mine on yourself, for protection.”

My lips pulled into a small grin as the cold steel touched the base of my neck, “You wish for everyone to know who I belong to upon one glance, don’t you, my greedy little possessor?”

San chuckled behind me as I felt him secure the clasp, his voice just a little bit deeper when he spoke up again, “You know me too well, my little nymph.”

His lips brushed against my ear and I turned my head to look up in his eyes, heart beating out of my chest, “Thank you, San, like the star around my neck, I’ll continue gazing at you as if you were my own personal star.”

A beat of silence passed between us before I felt San’s body press up against mine from behind, hand coming up to cradle my jaw and hold it firm as he leaned down into a searing kiss as reward for my words, as reward for allowing him to claim me in front of all Gods and Goddesses.

            Not long after San’s visit, another deity seemed to be keen of visiting our humble Lake Naia. Albeit, this Goddess has never been too fond of our existence right at the feet of Mountain Olympus as she had claimed we’ve been charming her men away from her. She could have anyone, she had everyone, us mere Naiads could never live up to her beauty and charms, but she failed to see and understand that. My sisters and I had been gathered around the rocks, just by the shore, giggling about the latest gossip we have heard through Hermes’s secret lover, having been accomplice to the kidnapping that he had planned for Iris. We have sworn secrecy to her and Hermes, and swore to keep her safe and hidden from Zeus as long as she sometimes indulged to our gossipy nature and came down to the Lake for a bath where she’d share all her stories as she lived in the closest settlement, Dion. An outcast Goddess had been wreaking havoc lately there and Iris was trying to find ways to warn men without the other deity catching on, but Hermes is too scared Atë would tell Zeus of his once prized seer’s whereabouts and thus had forbidden Iris from meddling with the other Goddesses shenanigans.

The birds songs grew louder and the foxes ran out of the bushes as a light breeze entered the clearing the Lake resided in, and the strong scent of roses and pomegranate invaded our senses as my sisters and I became alert to the presence of a deity other than the two we would welcome here so often. The lower half of my dress was soaked as I had dangled it in the water prior, and due to Yeri, my long black hair was now tangled into intricate twists with flowers secured in it. The cold steel necklace sat snuggly against my neck, the star softly buzzing at all times and sometimes humming along to my songs. The giggles and laughter died down as the approaching presence took its time apparently, taking in everything our humble abode had to offer her. My eyes stayed on her, closely watching her every move, and I felt the strength leave my legs upon realizing who it was. I felt my cheeks heat up all of a sudden, the steel necklace too heavy around my neck as my lungs seized up, almost suffocating me. Yeri, always quick to catch the change in someone’s mood, intertwined her fingers with mine and squeezed them gently, offering comfort in the subtlest of ways.

“Ah, Lake Naia,” The Goddess’ voice was melodic and soft, yet it carried over the space between her and us, “I have heard so many stories about this place, but never truly had the itch to come and see it for myself. You have bewitched quite a few men, my little nymphs, both mortal and immortal, do you know?”

Her piercing eyes fell on me as she finally reaches us by the rocks, making me gulp as I averted my eyes, looking at our eldest naiad as she stood gracefully, a pleasant smile on her lips as she approached the Goddess.

“Aphrodite, my Goddess, what brings you to our humble home?” The naiad curtsied and Aphrodite chuckled, looking around. A dove flew overhead and I felt goosebumps erupt on my skin underneath the white dress as the star became a little bit too hot against my skin.

“I have come to bathe in the Lake that chases away all your fears and terrors.” The Goddess said, suddenly unlacing the top of her yellow tunic, leaving her bare to our eyes, “At least that is what everyone claims this place accomplishes.”

“My Goddess, we would love to have you bathe in our lake.” The eldest naiad smiled, stepping aside to let the Goddess walk towards the lake, “We’ll take away all your worries, just as you wish.”

“I want her to bathe me.” A perfect milky finger was pointed towards me and my lungs seized up again, a lump suddenly forming in my throat as I opened my mouth to speak up, but my vocal chords felt like they were being crushed. Yeri grew tense next to me, her grip on me tightening as she stood in front of me protectively, glaring at the Goddess. She was fearless, she looked the lions in the eyes and challenged them without any fear for the repercussions.

“Aphrodite, my Goddess, I am afraid she will not be able to bathe you.” The eldest naiad tried to save the situation, the air growing tense as my vocal chords started to burn and I gasped, grasping at my neck helplessly.  

“She has been claimed by Ares!” It was Yeri’s shrill voice that tore through the clearing, making our sisters gasp around us as finally the pressure from my vocal cords was gone and my lungs also eased up, forcing me to intake large gulps of air, “She cannot touch any other deity than San himself, my Goddess, but you knew that already, did you not?”

“A Naiad with a sharp tongue, how refreshing.” Aphrodite chuckled as I yanked on Yeri’s hand and gave her a harsh stare for being inconsiderate and rude to a Goddess that could turn her into foam within a blink of an eye.

“I apologize, my Goddess, for her rudeness, she is still young and has to learn much.” I bowed my head deeply as I went to stand next to our eldest naiad sister, “I promise to teach her some manners myself, do not punish her just yet, I beg of you—”

“Like you have begged my husband to bed you?” A malicious smile grazed her lips, “Well…bed you, figuratively speaking as you seem to lack of beds in this place, pity, he fucks hardest when he has a headboard to hold onto.”

My jaw clenched as her comment felt like a punch to my ego, tears threatening to prick my eyes as Yeri came to stand next to me, standing just slightly more forward, but when she opened her mouth to speak up, the Goddess beat her to it, “You thought you could fuck my husband and I wouldn’t know? I know everything that happens inside and outside of Olympus, you little minx.”

“Then why does it bother you just now?” I gulped down the fear that bubbled through my system, and looked the Goddess in the eyes as I continued with my question, “Why just now when you’ve known all along what your husband was up to?”

For a second, Aphrodite seemed to freeze, but then slowly, her eyes fell onto the necklace that sat securely around my neck. He’d claimed me, San he had claimed me, meanwhile Aphrodite never quite loved any of his secret lovers to the point that she’d claim them. It hurt her, because it showed San was devoted to me, that he had given me a piece of himself, that he promised of a little particle of his heart that didn’t belong to Aphrodite anymore. Her ego was bruised and she couldn’t deal with the thought of a nymph stealing something that was once hers. She didn’t need to answer the question, her silence spoke volumes like her answer could never.

“Stray clear of my path if you do not wish to turn into foam, little nymph, or perhaps pray to Artemis to keep you safe from Zeus.” My sisters gasped as my lips quivered, dread filling my body at the thought of getting touched by Zeus. Even if a God claims you, Zeus can still do whatever he wants to you. His word and power were grater than any other Gods. I did not wish to come across Zeus, ever, terrified that he’d break me.

And just as quickly as Aphrodite had appeared, the foxes ran through the bushes one more time, a white dove flying over Lake Naia, and then she was gone, her sweet scent carried away by the wind that seemed to bring rain clouds with itself.

            The days and nights passed by sluggishly, almost as if to taunt me, fear rooting deeply into my bones as I preferred to stay underwater most these days, not keen of coming across any deity. Artemis managed to coax me outside and blessed me, promised protection once again, having heard of Aphrodite’s visit, whispering that San has been at war for a month now. Nobody knew anything about him as he just disappeared one night, but they knew he was alive, he’d send scrolls to his father, Zeus, and updated him about the advancement of the war. When the evenings started feeling lonely, despite the presence of my sisters, I felt my little star humming just a little louder for me to hear and burning warmer, warming my chest from the inside out. I found it my only solace as I yearned for my God, but was scared of what would happen if I allowed him close again.

The stars had been long up on the night sky, high up and shining down brightly, almost as if calling out to its kin that now shimmered in the dark around my neck. I continued to gaze up at them, floating on the dark surface of the Lake, crickets creating a serene cacophony as my sisters’ hums have long subsided as they have gone to sleep. I have found myself grow more restless than usual tonight, the stars calling out and coaxing me to stay awake as if to look over our home, protect it from unwelcomed guests. And when the clearing grew eerily quiet and the stench of death invaded my senses, I gasped and submerged, watching as a dark figure approached the water with almost sluggish moves. My body yearned to feel his warm touch and my heart started racing in my chest, but I did not move. I watched, not too far from the shore, as he came to an abrupt stop just before the water could reach his feet, and he gently placed his sword onto the ground.

“My little nymph.” His voice was quiet, tired, and rough sounding. Tears pricked at my eyes but I forced myself to go just a little bit deeper underneath, the star around my neck pulsing ferociously. My body felt on fire from it, but I refused to act upon my desperate wishes, “Y/N, my little star, where are you?”

My lips quivered and I turned, clutching the star desperately as it started calling out faintly, whether for its kin or for the God that had gifted it to me, I couldn’t tell. The swift clinking of steel and its clasp being undone echoed loudly in the silent clearing and the water was suddenly disturbed as I whirled around, eyes growing wide as I watched my God rush inside the water. It colored the water red around himself, more so than usually, and my heart clenched upon noticing the countless bruises decorating his legs and the gash close to his groin. Who dared wound up my San like that?

I felt helpless as my body acted before I could consider my next actions, and I quickly swum closer, lips touching the large gash underwater, eager to heal his perfectly sculpted body. San’s gasp was loud above water, and before I could swim away, large and calloused hands gripped at my shoulders and yanked me above, making me gasp out loudly as water dripped from my hair onto my face. San’s eyes were wide and streaks of tears made his cheeks shine under the starlight, and I gulped, eyebrows furrowed as I helplessly traced his forehead, wiping the excess blood from there and from his temples.

“My little nymph, why would you hide from me?” San sounded breathless as his eyes desperately searched my face, grip growing stronger as it slipped to my arms, “Do you not love me anymore?”

My eyebrows furrowed and my heart squeezed as I pushed at his hard chest, fury licking at my insides all of a sudden, “How dare you doubt my love for you, San?!”

“You refused to show yourself to me,” His voice grew hard, but his dark eyes remained soft, “You weren’t waiting by the Lake for me, you didn’t undress me, you refused to bathe me. You must not love me anymore—”

“I allowed you to claim me!” I hissed, gripping his jaw tightly, his eyes finally hardening as I got closer to him, “I allowed you to claim me with something of yours, and you doubt my love for you after you disappeared without notice?!”

“I must hear your reasoning before I forgive you.” My eyebrows furrowed and I bit my lower lip, Aphrodite’s words echoing in my head. I’d be turned into foam, and then, all the love I harbor for my God will be lost, felt in vain, unfulfilled.

“She will turn me into foam, you have angered her, my possessor.” My voice was merely a whisper, but loud enough in the silent clearing, in the serene Lake. I didn’t have to name her; San knew who I was referring to.

“Once a God claims something as theirs, nobody is allowed to touch it, not even a Goddess out of spite, my little nymph,” San’s tone was strong and confident, carried no room for an argument, “And I, Y/N, I love you with my whole soul and promise to protect you until my last worshipper dies and I perish with them.”

“Then you shall never perish,” I cupped his cheeks, my legs securing around his hips as San’s hand slipped to my back, holding me flushed against himself, “Because I am immortal like yourself, I shall never die and you shall never perish with me.”

A strong emotion that could be only described as adoration crossed San’s features before his eyes closed and his lips pressed against mine, making me cling onto him as our lips moved in a dance that made my heart thunder in my chest, rhythm syncing up with his heartbeat, beating together and for one another. The stars shined perhaps brighter that night as San carried us out onto the rocks, laying me down gently and reassuring me that I would be alright, that as long as he was by my side nothing and no one would hurt me. And his lips sealed the promise as his warm body covered mine, sinking slowly inside me, our souls uniting as my back arched and the star around my neck hummed louder than ever before. San’s each and every single kiss carried a whispered promise as it traveled from my jaw to my neck, nibbling at my collarbones as his thrusts stayed sharp and deep, my fingernails digging deeply into his shoulders, marking him up for everyone to see, for Aphrodite to find tomorrow and rage in her pretty bedroom as she isn’t able to do anything about it.

San’s name left my lips almost in a mantra, almost as if I was praying to a God that answered all my prayers and fulfilled all of my wishes, head thrown back and tears trailing down by cheeks as I saw the stars behind my eyes. San feared no God and he had no fear of breaking me as his thrusts became ruthless, pelvis slamming against mine, making me cry out his name repeatedly, finding anchor in his black messy hair and on the rock I was laid onto, the sounds he made growing louder within seconds as he grew closer to his own release. His hands found purchase on my hips as he threw his head back, losing himself in the feeling of pure bliss and euphoria, glazing up at the stars that never shined brighter than my own eyes.

And with my name undyingly on his lips, I knew if I were cursed to become a star one day, I would do so gladly knowing that he saw stars in my eyes, loved me enough to bring down one for me, cherished me enough to promise a death where we’d flicker away at once.

❱❱ Next star

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❀ complete the forms if you're interested! ^^

[vasted]

𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐋

Do you dare to check in? 🛎️ The infamous Overlook Hotel, nestled in the isolated Colorado Rockies, has a dark and mysterious history. Known for its eerie atmosphere and paranormal activity, the hotel has attracted visitors looking for a thrilling experience. This weekend, a group of individuals, each with their own reasons, has checked in. As night falls, strange occurrences begin to happen, turning a weekend getaway into a nightmare. ⸻ imagine yourself in the situation and create your character as they are trapped in a horror movie come true. bonus: get your creative juices flowing and write a oneshot. what happened before the picture? where is your character headed now? are they searching for their friends/the people that arrived with them or are they investigating something different entirely? what else is lurking amongst the shadows?

„I am surprised seeing you here, Mike.”, ertönte es aus dem prächtig großen Saal des Fairchild Anwesens, als der junge Avatar zügigen Schrittes an der Doppeltür vorbeimarschierte. „Not now, Simon. I really have to take a shower. I can’t get rid of this awful smell of raw meat.”, rief Mike zurück zur Tür, ohne auch nur anzuhalten und den Herrn des Hauses zu grüßen. „Are you sure about that? Taking a shower now would cost you precious time you could spend elsewhere.”, säuselte der alte Mann munter, der mit seinen dubiosen Aussagen darauf abzielte, das Interesse des jungen Schützlings zu wecken. Dass er damit Erfolg hatte, zeigt sich anhand dessen, dass er hören konnte, wie Mike kehrt machte und nun im Türrahmen stand.

Der älteste der Fairchilds saß gemütlich in seinem ledernen Ohrensessel und las völlig unbekümmert den neuesten Zeitungsbericht seines letzten Gewaltaktes. Disastrous Explosion of Theseus VII — Five astronauts dead, two missing. Mike konnte erahnen, was den zwei Vermissten geschehen war. Oder viel mehr, wo sie sich befanden.

„So? What is it?”, fragte er den Alten ungeduldig, der wiederum die Zeitung gemächlich zurecht faltete, sie glattstrich und auf den kleinen hölzernen Beistelltisch ablegte, wo sein heißer Tee mit ähnlicher Gelassenheit vor sich hin dampfte. Um Mike noch etwas mehr zu triezen, nahm der Fairchild glucksend die Tasse in die Hand und schlürfte, ohne den jungen Mann aus den Augen zu lassen, seinen aromatisierten Jasmintee. Mikes Augenlid zuckte unmerklich und die schiere Dreistigkeit ließ ihn ungläubig grinsen.

„My, my, you’re so tense already and I haven’t even started telling you the bad news yet.”

“I wouldn’t be, if you had the decency to finish your tea after telling me what the bad news are.”

“Of course, you’re right. Your darlings are running out of time, right?”

Simon ergötzte sich wie fast alle alten Menschen, an der Misere der Jüngeren und hatte ebenso die Eigenschaft, lange Monologe zu führen, die nie aufhören wollten. Während die anderen Senioren dem nicht bewusst waren, tat der Avatar dies mutwillig.

Der Ältere presste die Lippen aufeinander und formte ein falsches, fürsorgliches Lächeln, ehe er sich erhob und mittels seines Gehstocks zu Crew schlurfte. „It appears the Spiral has started its ritual. I think it was the Overlook Hotel? Up the Rocky Mountains. It has quite the expansive view. Honestly, it could have been one of our owns. You could fall down forever and-“, als er den zerknirschten Ausdruck des jungen Mannes erblickte, konnte Simon nicht anders als schallend zu lachen und die Schulter seines Gegenübers in vorgetäuschter großväterlicher Manier zu tätscheln.

„You should see the look on your face, Mike! It looks so… human.”, bekundete er belustigt, doch die Farbe seiner hellblauen Iris schien nun stechender, noch bedrohlicher zu leuchten, als er an die Seite des Burschen herantrat.

„I have lost count who entered. You know, being old makes it quite difficult to remember and to care, of course. Dear lord, there were so many! But I guess you might see the sunny one in there if it's not too late already. Him, scarface, the guy who has been marked by the Eye and lots of other people I have seen you hang out with.”, eine gefährliche Stille folgte, die Simon nutzte, um Mikes Mimik abzulesen. Dieser überspielte die Warnung, indem er mit einem gleichgültigem Schulterzucken antwortete und dem Blick standhielt. Simons Züge blieben unverändert, als er dann ein Buch holte, das der Jüngere nur zu gut kannte. Es war jenes Buch, das seine Eltern das Leben gekostet hatte. A Journal of the Plague Year.

„Go and stop the ritual, will you? We can’t let the Spiral have its victory. This nasty little thing could be of help. You know how to use it, right?”

Mike lächelte, als das Buch seinen Weg zu ihm zurückfand und er sich allein wieder jener Entität stellen musste, die ihm diese Narben hinzugefügt hatte.

„You go all out just to teach me a lesson? One might think you actually care about me, Simon.”

Er wartete nicht auf Antwort und eilte sogleich zur Eingangstür. Beim Öffnen erstreckte sich ein unendlicher Himmel unter ihm, welchen er begrüßte, indem er die Fliegerbrille runter schob und sich in die hungrige Tiefe stürzte. Nur einen Wimpernschlag später fand er schon das Overlook Hotel, auf das er wie ein Komet zuraste und dessen Dach durchbrach. Eine wahre Bruchlandung, die in dem Hotelzimmer einen gewaltigen Krater hinterließ. Holzsplitter und Daunen lagen zertrümmert um ihn herum und hafteten an seiner Kleidung, die er mühsam abklopfte, bis er er aus dem Augenwinkel äußerst seltsame Bewegungen wahrnahm. Mike trat langsam näher heran und schob die Tür vorsichtig noch weiter auf, um zu sehen, was es damit auf sich hatte. Er war bereute die Entscheidung zutiefst, da er Zeuge des absoluten Grauens wurde: Ein Mann im Bärenkostüm, der einen anderen Mann im Frack oral befriedigte.

„Denji?” Nein, es konnte nicht Denji sein, dieser würde wenn schon ein Hundekostüm tragen. Die beiden ominösen Männer sahen jihn seltsam und fast schon alarmiert an und ihre Erscheinung hatte etwas bizarres an sich, dass der Avatar die Tür schloss und fassungslos die Fliegerbrille hochschob. Er blinzelte einige Male, rieb sich die Augen und öffnete dieselbe Tür erneut, doch jetzt waren sie verschwunden. Stattdessen hörte er den qualvollen Schrei von Vika, der anscheinend von draußen kam.

Simon hatte tatsächlich nicht gelogen und sie waren wirklich alle hier gewesen. Jeder einzelne von ihnen hatte es mit anderen Manifestationen des Spirals zu kämpfen. Natürlich auch Mike, der jetzt die unzähligen Türen bemerkte, die vorher nicht im Gang existiert hatten. Sie öffneten sich alle synchron und stießen einen Gestank aus, der nur für ihn allein galt. Keine sonderlichen Menschen im Bärenkostüm mehr. Keine toten Mädchen im Flur. Nein, sein Grauen musste selbstverständlich persönlicher werden. Als der penetrante Geruch von Ozon ihn umhüllte, wusste er instinktiv, was sich hinter diesen Türen verbarg und da er hier war, um es aufzuhalten, würde es ihn, den Eindringling, angreifen. Das schmerzhafte Pochen seiner Narben signalisierten ihm nämlich, dass das Ritual nun begonnen hatte.

tagged by @ausgetrieben @vikasgarden @verflcht @heartofglass-mindofstone

Tagging @fireburial @crimelrd @fri-luftsliv @vcnenum @erinnya @the-heros-sidekick @t-hevessel @paintaer

[noodles-even-less-stable]

So, I have a question 🤔 that I think is perfect for this time of year. During your time out in the forest, did you ever encounter or hear anything weird or paranormal? In the Rocky mountains and Appalachian mountains the general rule of thumb is "If you hear something whistle, call your name, no you didn't."

No pressure or anything, I just thought with Halloween coming up sharing spooky stories would be cool.

So I don't have any spooky stories from the tent life unless you count 2 foxes and a bear but that's not supernatural.

The whistling man is a very interesting folklore though, same with skin walkers and wendigos. There are so many interesting indigenous criptids up here

I DID however live beside a graveyard from 15-18 and have some spooky stories from that.

The most jarring one I recall was when I was 16. It was rare I'd sit in the living room rather than my room but I was watching TV with my mom that night. She was crocheting and I was on my phone. But out of nowhere I got the worst sense of dread and panic I've ever felt.

Down to the landing was the front door with a small window on the right side. You could clearly see the graveyard from this window and where I was sitting in the living room was in line with the windrow.

I couldn't explain why but everything in me told me I had to keep my eyes on that window or something bad would happen. Like if I looked away something would come through the door.

My mom went to bed and I didn't tell her what I was feeling because I felt crazy but I also wasn't going to risk looking away

I sat there staring at the window for hours. I was frozen in place, tears streaming down my fave but I just couldn't look away.

Then I swore I saw a face in the window. I still clearly remember it to this day. Long, to the shoulders, black hair. Very shiny but not greasy or wet. It was a man's face. His eyes were normal but it was like he didn't have iris, only the smallest black pupils. They were also extremely blood shot. A larger, hooked nose and thin cracked and pale lips. His smile was haunting. Almost too wide for his face and all the teeth were sharp spikes.

When I blinked they were gone. I sat there the entire night sobbing and refusing to look away from the window until the sun came up

My mom woke up in the morning and saw me like that and when I tried to explain she brushed me off and told me I was being crazy and dramatic

It never happened again after that but I don't think I'll ever forget that night. Even writing it my flight or fight is acting up and when I blink I can see that face

Can't explain it. Maybe I was hallucinating. I have no idea. But I'll never forget it

[ourlordapollo]

Just realized I never posted my Narumitsu playlist so let's goooo

It's in rough chronological order by the OG trilogy and stops after T&T

Tracklist

Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder

You're on the road and now you pray it lasts

The road behind was rocky, but now you're feeling cocky

You look at me and you see your past

Is that the reason why you're running so fast?

Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

Loving you isn't the right thing to do

How can I ever change things that I feel?

If I could, maybe I'd give you my world

How can I when you won't take it from me?

Before I Got There - The Mountain Goats

And in a pit behind the altar,

The bodies of the fallen

Heavy tracks up to the lip

Just to prove that they were crawling

Faces turned toward the sky

That they would never see again

Victims of the fallout

I have failed you, sweet young men

Yesterday - The Beatles

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be

There's a shadow hanging over me

Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Fix You - Canyon City

When the tears come streaming down your face

And you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone and it goes to waste

Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Stars - fun.

And I've been saying that you,

You're always holding onto stars

I think they're better from afar

'Cause no one here is gonna save us

—

You Run Away - Barenaked Ladies

You run away

You could turn and stay

But you run away from me

I tried to be your brother

You cried and ran for cover

Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons

And it was not your fault but mine

And it was your heart on the line

I really fucked it up this time

Didn't I, my dear?

At Least It Was Here - The 88

But I love you more than words can say

I can’t count the reasons I should stay

One by one they all just fade away

But I love you more than words can say

Europe's Skies - Alexander Rybak

I don't know you, but I need more time

Promise me you'll be mine

Birds are flying over Europe's skies

Tell me please, why can't I?

Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

I never meant to start a war

I just wanted you to let me in

How to Save a Life - The Fray

He will do one of two things

He will admit to everything

Or he'll say he's just not the same

And you'll begin to wonder why you came

No Children - The Mountain Goats

I am drowning

There is no sign of land

You are coming down with me

Hand in unlovable hand

Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don't know where it goes

But it's home to me and I walk alone

—

Love You Madly - CAKE

I don't want to wonder if this is a blunder

I don't want to worry whether we're going to stay together 'til we die

I don't want to jump in unless this music's thumpin'

All the dishes rattle in the cupboards when the elephants arrive

Cellophane - Sia

Patience is your virtue, saint of mine

I'd have fallen through the cracks without your love tonight

Iowa (Traveling, Pt. 3) - Dar Williams

How I long to fall just a little bit

To dance out of the lines and stray from the light

But I fear that to fall in love with you

Is to fall from a great and gruesome height

Hey Jude - The Beatles

Remember to let her into your heart

Then you can start to make it better

Lean On Me - Keb' Mo'

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

Pompeii - Bastille

But if you close your eyes

Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?

And if you close your eyes

Does it almost feel like you've been here before?

Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

Little darling

I feel that ice is slowly melting

Little darling

It seems like years since it's been clear

Here comes the sun

[hollowknightinsanity]

guess what time it is

That’s right baby it’s self insert time. Amaryllis BLAST!!!!!

RHATS GODS FLUFFIEST SOLDIER!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty boy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, yeah this is Amy’s ref sheet finally done n dusted!!!! I’m proud of this one :)) he

My bastard’s info under the cut, as per usual

Full name: Amaryllis Vigus

Aliases: Amy

Species: Rocky Mountain Emperor Moth / Godfly hybrid

Planet of Origination: Earth

Age: 80

Height: 7’3”

Gender: Biologically male; identifies as trans-androgynous

Pronouns: He/Him/His — It/Its/Itself (FRIENDS/FAMILY ONLY)

Sexuality: No specific label; refers to himself as gay, polyamorous

S/O: Holly Bloom Eburne-Leaflet (wife), Galetris ‘Gal’ Akrai (queerplatonic partner)

Family: Unnamed parents, unnamed brother, Sombre Vigus-Eburne (child), Seraphim Vigus-Eburne (child), Gaia Vigus-Eburne (child), ~5 million in-laws (thanks, Chrysanthus & Viol)

Wandering Moth-Butterfly hybrid, hailing from the kingdoms of Bugaria. Works as a freelance artist.

In a romantic relationship with Holly, Hallownest’s Princeling, and a queerplatonic relationship with his close friend Galetris. Has three children with Holly, who were named Sombre, Seraphim and Gaia.

Left its home kingdom after its best friend’s death, living the rest of its life onwards as a traveler, up until permanently moving into Dirtmouth with its wife.

Outgoing and excitable. Spends most of his free time drawing, writing, or singing. Originally worked on a scouting team with two of its old friends for the Queen of its home kingdom, but after one of said friends died on a scouting mission, it quit scouting and left to travel the world, saying home didn’t feel like home without its friend there.

Was born and raised in the Ant Kingdom in Bugaria, having lived there up until his early twenties. After leaving, it never really stayed put, moving from place to place. Notable places he’s visited include the kingdom of Aurora, a lush mountainside kingdom mainly inhabited by Godflies, a strange land covered in odd flowers, and Hallownest, where he currently lives with his wife and their children.

Doesn’t fight often at all, but when needed for self-defence, it has a set of darts and throwing knives on hand, as well as its natural Fire magic, inherited from its Godfly mother.

Hex codes

Both:

#1D2128 — Fur 1

#363A42 — Neck fluff

#403C48 — Inner ears

#89858B — Scars

#9B6B4B — Fur 2

#FCE096 — Antennae

#1F296D — Iris

#E2E4F4 — Sclera

Regular outfit:

#171717 — Belt

#1F1929 — Shirt 1

#7C44DA — Shirt 4

#AC92D7 — Shirt 3

#C4BBD3 — Shirt 2

#616D7B — Pants

#FFC8A2 — Chains / Belt buckle

Alt outfit:

#131827 — Pants

#392115 — Belt thing (idk what it is)

#3F262F — Sweater

#C4C6CD — Chain

Wings:

#242631 — Wing base (front)

#35363E — Wing accent (front

#F4E2CB — Wing highlight (front & back)

#545956 — Wing base (back)

#86848D — Wing fade (back)

#050505 — Wings eye pattern 1

#FCE096 — Wings eye pattern 2

#F7F4F0 — Wings eye pattern 3

[autism-purgatory]

WIP tour tag

thanks for the tag @the-golden-comet! I’ll pick OLO, here’s a map of Neretia for reference :)

Let’s start off with the main island…

⛵️Gorga🎋

Ah, gorga, home to the kingdom’s capital, also named Neretia. If you’re looking for a more urban, populated city with lots of things to do, Neretia is the place! It’s also the biggest place of trade in all of Ouria! Plenty of cultures across the lands have called this island their home (except for the Fae Empire). You might not want to go out of the city, though. If you want to visit Perka or Styx Bay, you’ll have to get there by boat. Plenty of incomprehensible horrors lie in the jungle of towering trees and bamboo. Also the massive sprawling primeval chasm but shhhhh

Next up…

🏔️The Shield! 🗡️

The Shield is known for its beautiful mountainous sights and lack of monsters due to its rocky terrain, perfect for hiking! You might not want to go near any of the forts or too far from Iris bay, though. Legend says that before the Dragon gods of rain and thunder left, they created the shield to protect Neretia’s inhabitants from the sirens.

Speaking of…

🌴Pheroma🎶

Pheroma is the home of the sirens, don’t go to it. It’s never been fully mapped out. If you hear a choir of women singing in an unknown language, RUN.

Next…

🌊Ponta🗻

The tallest mountain in all of Ouria. Many adventurers and explorers have died trying to reach the top. Many primeval structures and even ones of unknown origin lie everywhere. Only two coastal cities lie at the bottom of the mountain. It’s also known for its chilly climate and diverse animals! All of them are docile and friendly towards humans. Blue penguins, turtles, arctic foxes, yeti crabs, etc. It’s recommended to leave them be. Blue whales are known to encircle the island as well, hence why no sea serpents go near it.

Next up…

🌋The Ashen Islands🔥

Don’t go there. Just don’t. You’ll last about an hour before suffocating from the ash and smoke from the constantly fuming volcanoes.

But don’t worry, you’ll have better luck with…

☀️Typhona ⛰️

Its namesake, the massive mountain, was originally an active volcano, and its theorized that Neretia used to be one landmass, but split apart when Typhona activated. Its dark, sandy beaches and many vistas are perfect for a small getaway! Minus the magma spewing demons and lizards- what who said that? Oh, and the dozens of dragon fossils in the mountain, that’s a cool sight too!

Tagging @willtheweaver @moltenwrites @illarian-rambling + open tag!

[solarpunkswy]

Here are some plants native to Wyoming that you can put in gardens or seed bombs!

Sagebrush steppe

Badlands mules-ears

Indian paintbrush

Bitterroot

Porter's sagebrush

Blazing star

Fuzzy tongue penstemon

Rocky Mountain iris

Ute ladies'-tresses

Arrowleaf balsamroot

Showy milkweed

Columbian monkshood

Red windflower

Rock jasmine

Nodding onion

Spreading dogbane

Mountain deathcamas

Androsace septentrionalis

Anthemis cotula

Agoseris glauca

Orange agoseris

Amelanchier utahensis

Leafy Arnica

Please let me know if I got any of these wrong or if you have other flowers native to Wyoming!

[roselightfairy]

Here Spring was already busy about them: fronds pierced moss and mould, larches were green-fingered, small flowers were opening in the turf, birds were singing. Ithilien, the garden of Gondor now desolate kept still a dishevelled dryad loveliness.

South and west it looked towards the warm lower vales of Anduin, shielded from the east by the Ephel Dúath and yet not under the mountain-shadow, protected from the north by the Emyn Muil, open to the southern airs and the moist winds from the Sea far away. Many great trees grew there, planted long ago, falling into untended age amid a riot of careless descendants; and groves and thickets there were of tamarisk and pungent terebinth, of olive and of bay; and there were junipers and myrtles; and thymes that grew in bushes, or with their woody creeping stems mantled in deep tapestries the hidden stones; sages of many kinds putting forth blue flowers, or red, or pale green; and marjorams and new-sprouting parsleys, and many herbs of forms and scents beyond the garden-lore of Sam. The grots and rocky walls were already starred with saxifrages and stonecrops. Primeroles and anemones were awake in the filbert-brakes; and asphodel and many lily-flowers nodded their half-opened heads in the grass: deep green grass beside the pools, where falling streams halted in cool hollows on their journey down to Anduin.

The travellers turned their backs on the road and went downhill. As they walked, brushing their way through bush and herb, sweet odours rose about them. Gollum coughed and retched; but the hobbits breathed deep, and suddenly Sam laughed, for heart's ease not for jest. They followed a stream that went quickly down before them. Presently it brought them to a small clear lake in a shallow dell: it lay in the broken ruins of an ancient stone basin, the carven rim of which was almost wholly covered with mosses and rose-brambles; iris-swords stood in ranks about it, and water-lily leaves floated on its dark gently-rippling surface; but it was deep and fresh, and spilled ever softly out over a stony lip at the far end.

[elijahhendley]

7月30號 Day 19: Monkey Mountain and Art Museums

So today we had a free morning. But, this morning a group of us decided it would be fun to hike Monkey mountain. It was the one Yeh Laoshi recommended. We did not know what we were getting into. I originally thought it would be an easy hike because it was reccomended by Yeh Laoshi, but that was far from correct. Somehow becoming sort of the trip leader I led the group to the base of the mountain safely and we saw monkeys as soon as we got there. It was awesome and we continued on our way up the path that had nice wooden stairs and an easy path. But this is where it went bad. Google maps told me to make a left that didnt even look like an optional path. It was full of mud and rocks. It seemed like a path not many people take. But I wanted to reach the mountain peak so I, with the rest of the group following, decided to turn left. We instantly knew this was a mistake but continued on our way. Then after an hour of climbing we hit another fork in the road that was the same situation as last time and AGAIN I decided to take the "quick" hard path. It was muddy, steep, dangerous, and rocky. Their were even ropes on the side to help us climb up. But at the top their were SO many monkeys. After reaching that part of the mountain we decided to hurry back because we needed to leave soon. It took us about 2 hours to walk up the mountain(not even reaching the peak). And it took us an hour to get back down. On the way down we took the safe path and it was so nice. Brooke, Brev, Iris, and I went fast down and left the rest of the group to get home early. We were all so muddy from our shoes to our knees.

After that crazy adventure we took showers and went to the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. I thought this museum was pretty cool. My favorite floor was the top floor about running that I will further explain in my academic reflection. They also had a image of the Crucifixion of Jesus which I never would have thought to see here when I was first coming to Taiwan. But, I have learned so much on this trip and have seen that Christianity has been a part of the history of this nation, although not playing a big role. Then we went to the Alien Art Centre which to be honest, I was not too impressed by. I do not like modern art. To me it feels like it could be a cool decorative peice, but I don't know how much of it should belong in an art museum. This Alien Art museum mainly displayed aluminum and steel pieces that reflected light and used mirrors to create an illusion. it looked cool but I struggled trying to find meaning and purpose behind some of the artwork. Maybe that is on me. But after that museum, we went back to the hotel and I stayed there working on job applications for the rest of the night.

Academic reflection

Here I mainly want to talk about the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. Although there were many artworks that were very unique I want to focus on the top floor which was reserved for the artist Chuang Ming-Chi. She depicts the concept of Joyful running. In her eyes running connects the different parts of the body. The inspiriation for her exhibit was how the body interacting and its moving parts reflect aspects of society. This exhibit stood out to me because I like human movement and like to run. She slpits his exhibit in 4 sections titled "Run, Be Happy," "Window into the soul," "Marathon," and "Bodyscape:Extraordinary NBA".

Run, Be Happy

This art explores the connectedness of the body. It maximally displays the act of running. You can imagine how one aspect of the body will effect another aspect and how this can mirror how things are connected in life.

Window into the soul

Window to the soul centers its theme on the eyes. Chuang recognizes the unique difference between the to ways we experience the world. First, through the eyes. Our vision does not fully encompass our body, but it is able to sense the rest of the world outside of us. Chuang sees our eyes as a bridge between the physical and the psychological body. The eyes mainnly focus on the external. While the second way we experience the world is through our body. The unique thing about or body is that it can sense the whole external enviornment and internal enviornment. While the eyes cannot see themselves and can only see a portion of our body, the body has the ability of full self perception. The artwork is Chuang's perspective on society and self through this lense.

Marathon

In this exhibit, Chuang displayed a continuous artwork that spand the entire room wall. It displayed people running throughout life and running for a long time like a marathon

Bodyscape: Extraordinary NBA

Chuang uses semi-transparent fabrics that hang from the ceiling to create a presentation that shows the natural reflexes of humans. It is called Extraordinary NBA because it is supposed to create a basketball court scenario, causing the observer to dip and dodge through the field.

Until next time, 再見！

[criticalsucc]

Iris, alstroemeria, tulip, snapdragon? 😊💛✨

Iris - favourite 90s song?

I'll admit I am not great at remembering songs, so I have no idea what my true favorite is. But I looked at a list of the most popular songs from the 90s and my favorite from that list is: Seal - Kiss from a Rose 🌹

Alstroemeria - dream vacation?

I'll give you two answers, one based on a location, and one based on activities.

For location, some of the places I want to see most are in the American west. Zion National Park, Monument Valley, maybe Arches National Park, possibly Grand Canyon. I just think they are all so beautiful. I love those rocky red cliffs.

But for a more activity based vacation, somewhere with pleasant weather that's heavily wooded. Mountains would be nice. Someplace I can go with a lover where we can get a little cabin and it can be just the two of us. Maybe we can go hiking, maybe we can find a jeep trail to drive down. And it would be perfect if there was a lake where we could go canoeing 😊

Tulip - lucky number?

I guess the answer would have to be 9. My birthday in number format contains nothing but 9, 1, and 0. And half the numbers are 9s. Of course that then mathematically relates to the year I turned 9 years old and the year I graduated high school. And if I were to type all that out, that's 9 9s in there lol. And it just so happens that my last day of chemotherapy was on my birthday when I turned 27, which is a multiple of 9. So, the number 9 just seems to pop up a lot 😅

Snapdragon - favourite mythical creature?

I know it's probably the most popular answer but dragons are so fucking cool I love em. They can fly, they can breathe fire, they are spiky, they have cool eyes. What's not to love?

Thank you so much for the questions love 😁♥️🩵✨

[healerelowen]

Remember the original species I was talking about?

Yeah I made another one

Stuff under the cut cuz gorl is long

Snail cats! These little creatures live in little colonies with their own respective environments. There are three main species of Snail cats; Garden snail cats, Sea snail cats, and Mountain Snail cats. I will go over each one in detail.

The first one that I'll be talking about are the Garden Snail cats. They are the smallest out of the three, and reside in more woodland areas. Their colonies range from about 12-16 snail cats at a time and have a more optimistic personality than the other two species. They have round shells that have intricate patterns as well as having a short fur length.

The colors seen with them are more soft brown colors with some other alternatives. Though another note is that the color of their shell is the color of their eyes.

Here are some alternative color examples. The colors on the right are the main fur colors and the ones on the left are the shell colors.

Next are the Sea snail cats! sea snail cats live in tide pools and beaches, and are on the taller side out of the three species. They have more pointy fur and their tails flop down like how a sheep's tail does. They have the most variety in shell shapes and colors, while they have little fangs that stick out of their mouth.

These snail cats have a more down-to-Earth personality and serve well as peace keepers. Their colonies average to about 12-14 snail cats although it is worth mentioning that different colonies of this species do tend to live close-by to one another for easier communication and transport.

Much like the Garden snail cats, the colors on their shells are also their eye colors. And the same thing goes for the alternative color examples on the Garden snail cats for this; Fur colors on the right, shell colors on the left.

Last but not least are the Mountain snail cats. These snail cats take on a more slug like appearance (yes I know the difference) and are the more secluded of the three. They tend to live in much smaller groups, with an average of 6-8 snail cats at a time. Their antennae flop over their faces and they have much fluffier fur thanks to their residence in rocky areas.

While they're not much for small talk, they do know when to help lead a fellow snail cat colony out of a chaotic situation. However, an interesting thing about these snail cats is that, without shells, what about their eye colors? The answer is the outside is the lightest color of their fur, with the two colors inside the iris like part are the two darker colors (As you can see with the example provided).

Their color palettes reside mostly with more gray or musty brown colors though there can be other colors as well.

Here are some alternative color examples for them as well :)

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Extra notes:

-Snail cats are small. Teeny tiny. They are about half the size of a 12 fluid ounce soda can in length. Though they are also pretty soft like the texture of a lamb's ear (the plant).

-They do have fangs, though they aren't as sharp as a regular cat's teeth. Think the dull points of candy corn, although they do have enough jaw strength to bite through things like leaves. Speaking of, they are omnivores. Their diets mostly consist of plants like leaves, berries, flowers and roots. But they also need protein so they eat small insects like ants.

-To add onto that, where the snail cat lives will typically determine its diet. Garden snail cats tend to lean towards more plant-based diets while Mountain snail cats tend to lean towards eating more insects and tend to hunt slightly larger bugs. Sea snail cats are a bit of a different story but they typically eat small sea stars in tide pools or seaweed that washes up on the beaches.

-They can reproduce both sexually and asexually. As in they can have a partner but it's not required. They can be single parents if they want. Snail cats can spawn off about 2-4 kits at a time usually.

-Mixed species can exist.

-Bug villages bug villages bug villages bug villages (I will provide concepts later.)

-The main predators of snail cats are small birds of prey and snakes. Though of course there are others like coyotes, magpies, or carnivorous fish.

-Snail cats have no specified gender, which again adds onto being able to reproduce both ways.

-They have an average life span of 3-4 years. Not very long.

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I believe that's all I have to say about them for now. Again, I will be providing more and likely making my own characters with this.

Also! These are open species! Meaning that you can make your own snail cat! I'd love to see them :)

Anyways, I hope you enjoy these little creatures and have a good rest of your day/night friends!

[woodsdyke]

flower posting (hibiscus, poppies, bearded iris, roses x2, rocky mountain blue columbine, bearded iris, tulips)