#shadows and starlight

[the-lady-auri]

Shadows and Starlight Novel

Oops, my hand slipped and the prologue is now up on Royal Road!! This chapter was only available to my kofi supporters before now. I will be uploading chapters a good while after they have been available to kofi people, onto Royal road. it will be a slow upload process with no set schedule at the moment! As most of the current chapters I have written are still drafts and need some serious editing. But for now, have a prologue <3 Shadows and Starlight

For early access to chapters as I work on them, please see my ko-fi page and be sure to link your discord to it!

[shadows-starlight]

Shadows and Starlight

Book 100: The Masquerade Ball

-

Dark, spooky woods.

 

Intertwining trees.

 

A light mist covering the ground.

 

And to top it all off, a starry night sky, complete with a glowing, orange, full moon.

 

Yep, the perfect setting for this not-so-spooky tale.

 

Now, why am I, the author of these beloved tales introduce the readers to a setting such as this?

 

See, tonight is the last night of October, and every year, the inhabitants of the forest of Ebonvale gather at its center for a masquerade ball.

 

What is a masquerade ball you may ask?

 

A masquerade ball is a special kind of ball where people, instead of wearing formal clothes, attend wearing costumes with masks that correlate with the costume.

 

And tonight, the inhabitants of the forest were dressed to the nines in their very best costumes to eat, drink, laugh, and dance the night away.

 

Two of the attendees were our very own sorcerer-daughter duo; Malakar and Aurora. 

 

Instead of their normal attires, Malakar was dressed in a sleek, black suit with a flowing cloak, black boots, and a mask in the shape of a raven with feathers that cascaded down, giving him a mysterious, shadowed look. Aurora, on the other hand, wore a small dress that shimmered in deep, iridescent blue, and resembled the delicate wings of a butterfly. She also had a mask in the shape of a butterfly's wings with touches of silver and midnight blue.

 

With Aurora safe in his arms, Malakar walked along the forest path toward the center of the forest where the masquerade ball was taking place.

 

This year's ball was to be extra special because this would be Aurora's first time attending.

 

“Are you ready, my little butterfly?” he murmured, brushing her auburn hair back and adjusting the mask over her eyes. Aurora babbled something in return, excited for the events that would unfold this night.

 

Holding her close, Malakar stepped into the venue, where the lights began to shimmer and cast enchanting patterns onto the trees. Ghostly whispers filled the air, mingling with the soft, warm sounds of violins and tambourines. The masquerade ball had begun.

 

“Malakar! Good to see you,” called Vespra, adorning a gown and mask that resembled a gold and black antlered deer. “And I must say, little Aurora looks absolutely distinguished.”

 

Aurora gurgled at her, captivated by the sparkle of the antlers on her mask.

 

“Yes, this is her first masquerade,” Malakar replied, his voice warm with pride. “And I figured that a butterfly theme would be perfect for her.”

 

Vespra laughed. “An excellent choice. She looks just the part.”

 

As they moved deeper into the forest's center, the clearing came alive with the magic of the night. Dancers twirled and glided in masks and robes, their costumes shifting colors in the moonlight. Eldrin, adorning a mask and suit that represented a snowy owl, tipped his hat to Aurora.

 

Aurora was a little scared of the party-goers in their masks, but, when she realized that there were people underneath their masks, she relaxed and let out delighted squeals, clutching Malakar’s suit as she watched the eyes of the masks wink back at her.

 

A figure in a brilliant gold robe approached them. “Malakar, it’s been too long,” he said, revealing himself as Xanthar, adorning a lion's mask with a shaggy mane. “And you’ve brought the little one this time!”

 

“Indeed,” Malakar replied, rocking Aurora gently as she gazed up at the lion mask. "This is her first masquerade ball and I didn’t want her to miss out on the festivities, right, Aurora?”

 

The baby responded with a joyful squeal, and Xanthar chuckled heartily. “A strong spirit already. She’ll fit right in here.”

 

Malakar smiled, but his eyes were warm with caution. “She’s curious about everything these days. Hopefully, she doesn’t try to steal your potions.”

 

Xanthar raised an amused eyebrow, pulling a small vial of shimmering blue liquid from his robes. “Curious enough for a harmless illusion? She might enjoy a small enchantment.”

 

Malakar hesitated, then glanced down at his daughter’s wide, eager eyes. “What do you think, Aurora? Would you like a little magic?”

 

Aurora clapped her hands, as if in perfect understanding.

 

“Very well,” Xanthar said, uncorking the bottle and sprinkling a tiny bit of the potion into the air. A miniature constellation, Cassiopeia, appeared above them, stars twinkling in a gentle, spiral dance. Aurora squealed and reached out, tiny hands grasping at the stars that hovered just beyond her reach.

 

“Look, Aurora, you’re holding the stars,” Malakar whispered, his eyes twinkling with pride.

 

“A beautiful moment for a beautiful little butterfly,” came a voice behind them. Malakar turned to see Sylas, who adorned a suit and mask resembling a white-tailed deer. He watched Aurora with a soft smile. “Children are what keep the magic alive, after all.”

 

Malakar nodded. “Indeed. She’s already brought more light to my life than I could have ever imagined.”

 

As midnight approached, the music shifted to a haunting melody. The spirits of the forest, barely visible to the human eye, began to drift in, adding an ethereal touch to the atmosphere. Aurora seemed mesmerized by the figures that glided between the trees, translucent forms dressed in flowing shades of silver and grey.

 

Malakar whispered, “Do you see them, my little butterfly? Those are the guardians of the forest. Once a year, they join us in celebration of All Hallows Eve. For tonight, the barriers between the real world and the magical world are broken and spirits like these come out to greet us.”

 

Aurora’s eyes shone with wonder, her tiny fingers reaching out to the ghostly figures that passed by. One of the spirits paused, turning to look at Malakar and his daughter, a silent acknowledgment that was felt rather than heard.

 

Malakar bowed gently and Aurora followed his example, bowing her little head gently, her butterfly mask bobbing with her attempt.

 

The spirit nodded a shimmer of approval in its gaze and then faded back into the mist.

 

As the evening wore on, the ball filled with laughter, music, and stories. Malakar introduced Aurora to magical beings from all over the realm. She received blessings from sorcerers, alchemists, wizards, and other beings from the forest. When it came time for the dances, Malakar found himself swaying to the music, rocking Aurora in his arms as he joined the other parents on the edge of the dance floor. He watched as creatures twirled, shadows spun, and the magical beings laughed under the moonlight.

 

As the ball drew to a close, Malakar looked down at his sleepy little butterfly, her mask slightly askew but her face glowing with the soft contentment of the night. It was WAY past Aurora's bedtime.

 

“Come, my little butterfly,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. “It’s time to take you home.”

 

Aurora yawned, her tiny hands clutching his shirt as she closed her eyes.

 

Malakar smiled, carrying her through the moonlit forest, back toward their home. And though the ball had ended, the magic of All Hallows Eve night lingered on, wrapping father and daughter in its warm embrace as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest of Ebonvale.

[h0oty]

twilight's evil bisexuals

[discarded-replica]

Unsorted mlp art I've made over the last few weeks :3c

[theywerebothgirls]

gang but they are reformed unicorns

[winterpower98]

So, I made more ponies.

It's a bunch of evil girls

Alright bye

The main 6 Cadence and Shining Armor The Princesses

[98chao]

spire of deceit & truth: soul revue

[dapper-lil-arts]

Best redeemed Unicorn poll... the Sequel

[shadows-coffeebeans]

Starlight masterpost

[acourtofmishapandmistakes]

I’ve been on a big “Bat Boy Baby” kick recently. So here is Uncle Az enjoying some time with his favorite bat baby nephew, Nyx!

P.S. this is the first time I’m sharing any of my artwork on the internet, normally it’s just for me but I couldn’t resist sharing this time.

[the-lady-auri]

"Remember who you are..."

Narmun in the moment that he realizes he is the original moon god. The one who was murdered by the usurper god Sylvanus. Now, who was reborn as son to the usurper god. He already had cause to end Sylvanus tyrannical hold on the pantheon and the worlds at be. Now, vengeance added to the list for the wrongs done to him in his previous life.

The moon has risen again, and it is angry.

Prints available here: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/theladyauri/rememberance/

If you want to read more of the story as I write it, please consider a monthly sub on my Kofi, or if you like this and my art, a tip is always appreciated: https://ko-fi.com/auriel

Commissions are open as well: https://theladyauri.carrd.co/

[shadows-starlight]

Shadows and Starlight

Book 99: The Odd One Out of the Group

-

In all of his years, Malakar had faced many foes and gained many allies and has never met a challenge that was too hard for him to face… until now.

What is this task, you may be wondering?

Becoming a part of the Ebonvale Circle of Kin.

The Ebonvale Circle of Kin is a mother's group where some mothers and their babies that lived in the forest gather a few days out of every week in a secluded log cabin, mix and mingle with one another while the babies play and engage in activities.

For weeks, Malakar's family members and allies kept pushing him to join a mothers' group so that Aurora could interact with other babies and he could get to know other parents.

So, he decided to not only put everyone's minds at ease but, get out of his comfort zone and head to their latest meeting.

Opening the door to the cottage, Malakar (along with Aurora who was nestled in her pram) was greeted by a cozy, yet cheery-looking atmosphere. Mothers chatted animatedly while their babies sprawled on colorful mats, reaching for toys and each other. Malakar hesitated at the entrance, feeling out of place in a sea of mothers, but Aurora’s delighted squeal drew him in. She reached out for a plush bunny, her tiny fingers grasping eagerly.

The mothers were all mystical creatures that lived in the forest just like Malakar.

There was a Dryad mother with her little boy, an elf with twin girls, a centaur with her daughter, a goblin with her son, and an ogress with triplets; two little girls and the oldest boy.

As he stepped further in, the mothers' heads turned and smiles spread across the room. The Dryad mother approached him with an encouraging grin. “Is this your little one? She’s adorable!”

Malakar’s heart swelled at the compliment. “Thank you. Her name is Aurora.”

“What a lovely name! I’m Sybenn and with the other little ones is my son, Orion.” She gestured toward the mats. “Why don’t you come join us? We’re just about to start a circle.”

He felt a mix of trepidation and warmth as he followed Sybenn to the center of the room. Aurora cooed as she was placed on a mat among other babies, her curiosity piqued by the array of toys scattered around.

The other babies became curious about the new arrival, but, they got to enjoy Aurora's company.

She and the elf twins, Elara and Anastasia, played with some colorful blocks, stacking them into small towers. Then, she joined the goblin baby, Draco, in a game of hide-and-seek (which was Draco covering Aurora with a blanket and then Aurora uncovering herself afterward). Next, Aurora and the ogre triplets; Cyrus, Gwyndolyn, and Mirabella, along with little Orion and the centaur baby, Faye, each took a rattle and started shaking them furiously.

While Aurora played with the other babies, Malakar sat with the mothers and watched as his little one crawled around.

As the group began to share stories, Malakar listened intently, surprised by the camaraderie that blossomed. The mothers recounted tales of sleepless nights, milestones, and the sheer unpredictability of parenting. Malakar felt a sense of relief; though their experiences differed from his, the underlying emotions were the same.

As the minutes ticked past, Malakar found himself sharing his own tales of parenthood from the night he found Aurora to his latest time-traveling adventure.

Malakar chuckled, feeling a sense of pride as his daughter’s laughter filled the air. He had always feared the weight of single parenthood, but here, amidst laughter and shared experiences, he felt lighter.

“Is it tough being the only dad in the group?” Sybenn asked, noticing Malakar's quiet observance after each conversation.

Malakar smiled wryly. “It’s definitely… different. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The words felt true, a reflection of the bond he shared with Aurora. As he watched her interact with the other babies, his heart swelled. She was thriving, and he was grateful for the chance to witness her joy.

As the session wound down, a sing-a-long erupted, and Malakar found himself fully immersed in the moment, singing along to timeless nursery rhymes while Aurora babbled along. The other mothers sang and clapped, their cheers echoing warmly in the room.

By the end of the gathering, Malakar felt a sense of belonging he hadn’t anticipated. Aurora rested her head on her father's shoulder. As they said their goodbyes, Sybenn handed him her mailing address on a piece of scroll paper. “We have playdates every week! You’re welcome anytime.”

Malakar smiled, touched by the invitation. “Thank you, Sybenn. We’ll definitely be back.”

As they walked home, the sun began to climb higher and higher into the air. Malakar glanced down at Aurora, her small face drooping in exhaustion.

Malakar checked his pocket watch.

It was getting close to Aurora's nap time.

Malakar had always envisioned himself as a solitary figure, but with each passing moment, he was discovering that parenthood was not about solitude—it was about connection. In that mothers’ group, he had found a community that welcomed him and his daughter with open arms.

[lovelyfawnxx]

“𝓛𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝓫𝓸𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓪 𝓫𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝔀𝓸.”

༻ ༺ ༻ ༺

we often see azriel portrayed as the brooding, tortured one in the dark while elain is the bright light in the sun, but one of my favorite parts of elain and azriel is their capacity for both light and darkness between them both.

inspired by a song that reminds me so much of elriel, here we have azriel soaring in the wind at dawn and elain floating in the watery depths of the cauldron, juxtaposed to their usual grumpy x sunshine stereotypes.

i find it so interesting how, either way you spin them, elriel is able to be both opposites attract and like calls to like, so i wanted to try something different with them that shows both of these aspects, and i cannot believe how BEAUTIFULLY @luxury_banshee delivered! she was genuinely such a joy to work with and brought this piece to life in a way i couldn’t have imagined on my own. i’m so so grateful to the work she put into this and i couldn’t be happier with the outcome 💜

i haven’t been able to stop staring at this piece since she sent it over, so i hope you all enjoy it as much as i do!

༺ ༻ ༺ ༻

🎨 art by @luxury_banshee

✨ commissioned by me

likes, comments, and shares appreciated!

please do not repost 💜

[inkrrred]

Best team ever

[dilutedaspirations]

@not-someones-shadow

Huh. That's strange. There was a stranger by a tree near their house. Glamouring up was definitely a right call, if their key companion nagging at them didn't already.

Gently going outside, a very human woman stepped out with a awkward but likely harmless person behind her.

"Hey there! Admiring the ocean view I see?"

The house was nearly against the beach. Maybe a few minutes walk but one could still smell the salt of the water.

"You're welcome to stay if you like, stranger. Just wanted to check in on you."

The other person that seemed nearly glued to the woman's hip was glaring at the intruder. Like they know something she doesn't.

[shadowsatdawnx]

art 🎨 by sugargun_