#take an interest in an adventurer and make them live in the golden kingdom or serve as his assistant of some kind.

[toxycodone]

THISTLE BRAINROT. My femboy wife. Can’t decide if he’s tiny or if he has a massive dick he doesn’t know what to do with.

ANON...YOU GET ME. GOD. I LOVE HIM. My crazy insane toxic bf.

I can go either way with him ngl. Like. Both options are good....

No matter what he's a "crazy ex-gf" type individual who is notoriously repressed.

[cuppajj]

How would the Ancients react to the Beast Ancients and how would the Beast Ancients react to the Ancients?

Ok so I’ve gotten a lot of asks for this, initially I was waiting to make a big post about it but to satiate everyone’s curiosities:

White Lily would pale at the grim reflection of Midnight Lily. She sees the darkness in her other, the freedom in its most toxically extreme form. The unsettling factor is that they both still adamantly hold similar values, so who knows how she came to be this way? Midnight Lily on the other hand would simply pity the other. She sees White Lily as weaker and more fragile, but understandably so. She’s yet to truly realize how she can save herself by making the world bend to her. She’ll learn soon enough.

Golden Cheese is interesting because I see her understanding Celestial Cheese and even kinda seeing through her. She’s understanding of the kingdom she lost, but at the same time wishes it were back; deep down I think they share the same sentiment. However, Golden Cheese would disagree heavily with Celestial’s actions; greed and abundance are practiced by both, but Cheese was selfless to some degree while Celestial victimizes those around her. There’s a difference between abundance and horrid gluttony.

The cacaos… I think Dark would be both disturbed and disgusted to see that he could decline the way Frigid did. Taming the Licorice Sea was an awe-inspiring feat not even he has done, but neglecting the kingdom he built with his own hands and the citizens who care for him deeply, letting them freeze underneath the ice? If only he knew what caused the Beast to become the way he is… unfortunately, Frigid wouldn’t give him any time or mind. The solitary king is so kept to himself that his thoughts of the other are also unknown.

On the surface both Berrys would respect the other for their intense desire for glory, their enthusiasm, and their adventurous spirit, but once Hollyberry learns of how she became obsessed with dragons to the point she imprisoned one of her closest friends, the horror quickly seeps in. Dragonberry wouldn’t take her seriously when she argues that what she’s doing is wrong, simply because she sees her uncorrupted self as weaker and uninspired. I think Dragonberry would be itching to fight her, so if she wants to prove that her Passion is stronger than her own Pride, be her guest. Let’s see who’s the real warrior here!

Poor, poor Pure Vanilla, faced with the utter nightmare that is Saint. A version of himself where his morals of love and peace have been amplified to such a horrific level that he views himself as a messiah, a savior who wants to exterminate every soul on Earthbread under the pretense of salvation… it’s worse than he could’ve ever imagined; and the worst part is that he knows Saint truly believes in everything he says. A soul who believes the world is too far gone to continue as it is, that there is too much irreparable suffering for anyone to live on. Pure Vanilla wishes everyone could live in peace, but not like this—not when everyone is dead. Curiously, purifying his other wouldn’t be on Saint’s mind if he sees him. There’d be an underlying curiosity, almost solemnly so, in the way he looms over him. Does he see Pure Vanilla as his weaker self, or his better self?

[amazingdeadfish]

Why... Why does Megapolis have so many demons?

Plot convenience probably, but this is something I've been thinking about :')))) has anyone actually asked this question before? I have no idea! But here's my take on it:

The thing is, when you really think about it, there are a lot of notable demons in the city of LMK. Like of course, you have Demon Bull King, who was trapped inside the mountain Megapolis is built on and around for 500 years.

But then you have Lady Bone Demon, who was trapped in a tomb, buried under the same mountain DBK was trapped in. And when you realise that the Demon Bull Family's lair was built in the very place the staff used to be, Wukong's staff is pretty close to where LBD had been laid to rest.

Which, is already strange enough as it is. Because Wukong should have known (or maybe he forgot) that LBD was within the vicinity before popping out a nearby mountain and squishing DBK with it. It's actually weird to think, somewhere during that battle between Wukong and DBK, LBD was just... There, chilling in her tomb. She probably didn't appreciate the noise and her new neighbour.

Actually, I have an idea now: Somebody needs to make a (crack) fic where LBD and DBK are like cranky roommates while trapped inside the mountain. Has anyone done this yet? Any takers? No? Do I have to do it myself?

Anyways, the Spider Queen is here too. And so is her ruined kingdom (which is proof that she actually has a connection to the land Megapolis is built on, and so she's not just some wayward demon like a certain pair of gold and silver demons). Again, within the vicinity, very close to the mountain. But I'm willing to bet that Wukong defeated her and destroyed her underground kingdom before he imprisoned DBK. He probably thought the Spider Queen would have moved away after being defeated. Or maybe she actually did move away, but then came back? Either way, her kingdom remained in ruins.

And then you have Jin and Yin. Who are, themselves. And even though we've seen them in other places like the Lantern City, and the place that festive town in season 5 (so cool that the show actually brought in Jin and Yin's roles and designs as DJs from the 5th Anniversary Lego set), but it's clear that their base of operations is Megapolis (maybe because they just want to fight MK?).

And I can't believe I almost forgot, but Macaque is here too. Honestly I'm willing to assume he only came to Megapolis because of MK and, probably taking great interest in how the kid uses Wukong's golden staff. But the dude has a dojo. He- he owns a property. Or maybe I'm jumping to conclusions! Maybe the guy just broke into an abandoned dojo (or one that was actually technically still owned by someone) and claimed it as his own.

And then you have these guys. Whoever they are:

And then ALL OF THESE GUYS (Jin and Yin are there but we aren't talking about them):

I might have missed some demons that live in Megapolis, since this is all that I remember. But you guys get the point, right?

So sure. Plot convenience. All of them can be explained by plot convenience. MK can't be running around outside the city until Season 3, because his adventures needed to be focused within Megapolis. Sure, Spider Queen needs demons to power up her mech and so therefore there needs to be some random demons that get caught in her webs. Sure.

But I really do wonder if there could be at least some sort of logical explanation for it. Because there is no way all the other cities in China have this many demons and this many problems (unless, all of the trouble making demons just ended up in Megapolis and, the rest of the world's demons are just really chill and, don't try to take over populations).

So, well. I think about Wukong's staff. The one that trapped DBK.

Maybe... Within the 500 years the staff had stayed there, it had practically become some sort of power beacon that herded in demons? It's a powerful staff, and maybe normal mortals might not be able to feel it, but demons probably could. It's not like any of the demons know why they decided to come (or return) to Megapolis (or the quaint village it once was), but they were drawn to it anyway. Obviously this isn't the best explanation, but it would be cool if, the golden staff caused the series of events within LMK to unfold in more ways than one.

Idk guys, what do you think :DDD???

[isitalk]

Chronicles of Volantes

Hello everyone, after a very long time I have taken to the pen again.

I decided to recycle an old idea of mine and write it as a cyoa WIP.

To play the demo, go here: Chronicles of Volantes (dashingdon.com)

Currently, I have only a ca. 10k snippet of the prologue/Act 1 done and wanted to upload what I have so far to see if there is any interest in the world so far.

Also I have never used tmblr before so I have no idea what I am doing and you are welcome to join me on this wild ride.

The following will be rewritten once I am a little more in the story. It will be more concrete then

Welcome to the world of Ariagon, where flying dragons roam the skies and danger lurks around every corner. Join a diverse cast of characters on a journey of adventure and self-discovery as they explore the breathtaking flying mountains of Volantes. Bond with your very own dragon as you navigate through a world of politics, betrayal, and magic as the impending war on the continent binds you and rips open old wounds. Will you rise to the occasion, use your powers for your own gain or will you even become the villain? The choice is yours as you discover new friendships and perhaps even find romance in this dangerous world. Hold on tight and get ready for a wild ride in the world of Ariagon.

RO’s

Alexander/Alexandra Lapides [M/F] Alex is protective, confident, and ambitious in nature. They are two years your senior and have just always been around. They are heir to one of the most prestigious houses of your kingdom, they are basically your childhood best friend and very close to both you and your twin. A prodigy in all things weaponry and military they and Isaac are in a continuous inofficial contest for the top spot in military matters. Their father holds the position of Knight Commander of the Draco Alas a position that is not hereditary but has been filled by their family for 5 generations. They are expected to live up to their families’ expectations and take their fathers’ place.

Bonddragon: Tiamat

Selene von Flüge [F] Selene is the second in command of the Draco Alas. Her considerable talent in leadership and strategy makes her a formidable officer. She is the youngest in recent history to hold such a high-ranking position with the elite guards. Her amicable character has made her beloved by her subordinates and she is one of the few that can keep up with Alex and Isaac’s talent. Her weapon of choice is the Dragonbow and she has made it her hobby to instruct everyone who shows up once a week. Her lessons have a high return rate for her character more than her teaching methods.

Bonddragon: Cierca

Ciel von Thurn vie Scipio [M/] Ciel is calm, charming, intelligent, and calculating in nature. He spends half of his time with his father in the empire surrounded by the far more dangerous court affairs of Kushar and sometimes jokes that time in Volantes is like a vacation from trying not to be murdered. He has inherited the diplomatic talent from his mother and is very liked in the golden halls. He loves magic and has considerable talent for it, although messing with your soulbond may have not been his brightest idea. Even though he can play the role that is expected of him he is actually an introvert who finds most people quiet energy draining. There is a competition going around the golden halls where nobles try to seduce him [he hates it but strings them along to further his own goals]. For those that hold his affection, there is almost nothing he is not willing to do.

Bonddragon: Saris

Emperor Akin [M] Kushars emperor is either slandered as a warmonger or heralded as a reformer. The empire has tripled in size since he took the throne and is in almost constant conflict with its neighbors. He has 7 concubines, all heirs of conquered territories, but rumour has it he never visits any one of them. One can often find them walking freely around the golden halls, breaking tradition of isolation and for some even chastidy. His rise to the throne was unexpected and sudden and he compensated for the lacking support with force and suppression. The empire is thriving culturally and he is slowly implementing changes that would have been unthinkable under his father. He never talks about his childhood and every portrait and remembrance of his older siblings and the emperor was burned the moment he took his place in the golden halls. You will never see him show up in any of the typical revealing outfits of his court, there are many speculations about what he is hiding under the layers of silky fabric. He has few people close to him and tends to show very clearly who holds his favour and who does not.

Nuru Farouk [M/F] Nuru has been living in Volantes since your 15th birthday when they were sent to take on the role of Kushars diplomat. They are quite young and rumor has it that they were coerced into their role by their stepmother to make space for her own children to take over as the family’s heir. They are amicable and have integrated very well into Volantes Court affairs. Their manipulative nature makes it easy for them to gain allies in the normally quiet court. They seem quite content with their life in Volantes. They have always shown interest in you and you have developed a friendship over the years [you think]. They don’t really get along with Isaac as he can’t handle their manipulative nature. Nuru is a good ally to have and a bad enemy.

Lekani the Beauty [F] Lekani is charming, cunning, and intelligent some would also call her stubborn as she is determined when she set her mind to something she will do everything in her might to reach her goals. Lekani is known around the continent for being the epitome of beauty. Some describe her as almost godess-like. She benefits from her blood relation to the emperor and seems to enjoy more freedom than the average woman of Kushar. She is Akin’s younger sister and their relationship seems to be a close one. She is enamored with the idea of dragons and shows a very keen interest in everything to do with Volantes. Can you trust her or is she only after her own interests?

Sefu the sword saint [N] Sefu is the bodyguard of Akin and the closest person the emperor has to a real friend. They know about his history and were there to pick the royal back up after one event or another. Their abilities with the sword are legendary. They hone it with a dedication that some may call obsession. They are very sceptical of you and never let you out of their sight for long.

Your family Queen Helena of Volantes Your mother is a cunning woman. Some say she seduced your father only for the title of queen. That is not true as the woman hides her warm heart behind a composed front. She is a traditionalist and prefers for your kingdom to keep its neutral status. Is she on to something? She is known for her magic potency and passed her abilities onto you and your sister. She can be an affectionate mother but she also has high expectations. Her expectations have pushed Isaac away and so her focus rests mostly on you.

King Darius of Volantes Darius became king way too soon as his parents perished when he was 12. Darius had to grow up fast after that and people still gossip about how he kept his optimistic nature. He is calm, composed, and kind when reigning over your populace. His charisma makes him very liked by nobles and commoners alike.

Bonddragon: Balruch

Isaac of Volantes: Your beloved twin. You are blessed [or cursed] with your gods’ blessing of the soulbond. You and your twin are bound by magic so old no one knows exactly how it works anymore only that the bond is sacred as it is said to be the reason human and dragonkind found together. What you do know is that you and your dragons share more than just the normal bond. If he dies you die too and history is full of stories of soulbound twins and their dragon counterparts that ended in tragedy. Will you be able to keep each other safe? Isaac is the heir to the flying mountains of Volantes. He may seem like he doesn’t take his responsibilities seriously but those who know him know that he is dedicated and dutiful. His keen intellect hides behind his carefree and optimistic nature and even though he still struggles with sitting still he can if he makes up his mind. He is very athletic because of his preference for physical activities, he is known for being a prodigy with his weaponry and all things military. The relationship with your mother is a bit strained. He feels under pressure and never adequate as his nature contradicts what she expects from him as the heir.

Bonddragon: Vritra

Hannah Volantes Your younger sister is extremely introverted and shy. She only talks to you and Isaac really and prefers the company of books. Sometimes one can find her with the dragons just watching but not really interacting with them. Her intellect is well beyond her years. When she spends time with you and Isaac she is warm and affectionate and loves to cuddle. She loves falling asleep in your company. She has considerable musical talent and loves to play her harp for the dragons whenever they are willing to listen.

Dragons

Saris Saris is Ciels bond-dragon. He is mischievous, intelligent, playful, and curious. Due to his distance from Ciel, he is always looking for a connection. He shares a deep friendship with Falei. He is a pixy/salco dragon which means that he is part of the smallest family of dragons and he takes full advantage of his size to explore and cuddle whenever he can. Saris scales shimmer a rich golden color.

Tiamat Tiamat is proud and protective perfectly falling into his role as Alex’s partner. The Sky Dragon thrives on combat and is the fastest of his generation. He is however unbelievably shy and rarely talks to anyone apart from Alex. His scales are light blue and he is perfectly camouflaged against the sky.

Vritra Vritra is one of the dragon twins. She is bound to her brother like you are to yours. She is adventurous, friendly, and playful. Like Isaaac she prefers physical activities and she loves their rigorous training and combat exercises. As a celestial dragon, she proudly shows her iridescent pearly scales that are reminiscent of moonstone gems.

Balruch TBA

Falei Falei is your bonded dragon. He is the antithesis to his twin sister. Were she likes to stay active he likes to spend his time in calm dranquility, were she is extroverted and friendly he is introverted and prefers the presence of book over people and dragons. His protectiveness makes him a worrier and he likes to be prepared for everything. He shares your talent for magic and is a capable fighter if he has to. Faleis has dark iridescent scales that seem almost abyssmal dark reeling you in towards the nothing but in the sunlight your can watch the star-like patterns dance over his scales, painting pictures of fareaway galaxies.

Hanwa TBA Bahamut TBA Cierca TBA

Codex in the works

Summary

To do

Finish this post

Add a save system.

figure out how to implement nb mc’s

Finish the Prologue/Act 1

figure out how to create Codex that makes sense

Add other important people

Summary

Am I in over my head … Yes, yes I am

[quietlywatchingwritingreading]

So it's been awhile since I posted about anything, and I figured I may as well post some thoughts I have about the Beast Cookies.  For the sake of length and potential spoilers, i’ll put this under a readmore. 

This is a very long post.

As a general, I love the fact that each of their evil counterparts basically reflects their greatest weakness/the thing that’s caused them the most trouble. 

Pure Vanilla not telling his friends what happened, being a lie that only hurt them when they learned he kept such a secret. Dark Cacao was apathetic when he wasn’t investigating information/verifying it, leading to the attempted usurp and countless cookies in his kingdom suffering. Even then, it was not something that lasted for very long, and perhaps his apathy was in not reacting to something he knew was wrong. He clearly knew something was up when Affogato tried to get Caramel Arrow Banished,  but he still allowed it to happen. For Golden cheese, the destruction of her kingdom, and coming to terms with that, is her greatest concern. White Lily not telling anyone anything, is what would lead to all of these events. 

Now sloth, sloth’s an interesting one. One I thought worthy of its own paragraph. Sloth is often depicted as laziness, but another interpretation is about the Status Quo. Hollyberry giving up the throne, taking on a second life, and trying to live her life as an adventurer as she had done in her past is far from lazy. Yet, in that lens, that entire thing could be viewed as sloth, as she was trying to maintain/return to a certain status quo. 

Shadow Milk Cookie is a pretty interesting counterpart to Pure Vanilla Cookie. I love the vibes of a Jester to their king, especially with the often repeated story that a Jester was often the only person who could actually tell the truth to the king. I’m not entirely sure what ‘Shadow Milk’ is. I imagine it's supposed to be a mythical/mystical ingredient. Milk that came from a shadow of some sort. 

On complete baseless speculation: Cereal milk is something of a fad in the coffee world. Instead of using regular milk for lattes, people soak milk in strongly flavored cereals, and then use that flavored milk. It makes me wonder if Shadow Milk Cookie’s actually milk infused with a Shadow Brand cereal. 

As an ingredient, Milk is one that is often masked/flavored. It’s often also seen as ‘childish’, in the sense that it's something frequently given to children. So I really like how they represented that with the character. They’re certainly important/visible, but they aren’t 100% trustworthy. Yet they aren’t always lying, and their lies do provide information. It makes them rather interesting, and makes me want to learn more about them. I also like how Pure Vanilla couldn’t really do anything about his counterpart , making me feel this is one of those situations where the characters can’t fight their counterparts, but their friends could. 

Mystic Flour Cookie is also a really interesting character, but I honestly think she might have made a good counterpart to Golden Cheese Cookie. With both characters having some interesting ties/feelings related to death and the afterlife. Where both characters seem to be trying to give cookies a peaceful afterlife. Golden Cheese by giving those cookies what they desire, and Mystic Flour by removing desire/feelings entirely, leaving only a false peace. 

Like I speculated earlier, that might even be intentional. A situation where Dark Cacao really can’t do anything against her directly, but one of his friends could directly counter it. 

In real life, flour is an ingredient that frequently causes illness. Most people in America think of the Egg as a disease causing ingredient, but flour is equally as dangerous. So I really like seeing that referenced. 

Pure Speculation time:

Eternal Sugar Cookie is really hard to pin down for what her roll or trial might be against Hollyberry. The term of Sloth, and the fact that sugar is extremely important to the fermentation process. That makes me wonder if it would be related to Hollyberry’s alcoholism, and the general attitudes of personal comfort/luxury over assisting/helping others. Or, as I theorized earlier, something related to cookies clinging to the past, instead of moving on.

I believe they’ve touched on that topic a few times, but I think it might be nice if it was explored more intently. 

Burning Spice Cookie is also a little hard to pin down. That said, it's really hard not to notice how similar his story is to Capsaicin Cookie’s fears. Making me wonder if Capsaicin was baked with the intention to serve this cookie. Or with a nickname like the Spice Overlord, to become them. That could make a good fanfic. 

Most likely though, the counterpoint is because Cheese is easily melted, and destruction is heavily tied to Golden Cheese’s fears. I also quite like the builder/destroyer vibes the two sort of have together. The pure virtue was ‘creation’, and Golden Cheese created an entire virtual world in order to tend to her people. Just, the idea that one would have to destroy something in order to create something else, is just one of those themes I kind of personally like. It makes me interested to see how things work. 

Silent Salt is extremely hard to pin down, especially because White Lily is kinda complex for a character. She already has an evil counterpart in Dark Enchantress.  White Lily did live in a place whose people were completely hidden, and her silence about her plans is what ultimately led to everything happening. Salt is also supposed to be extremely dangerous to plants, with phrases like ‘Salting the earth’ meaning to destroy an area so nothing could grow/people could not thrive there.

[xfulminare]

( baratheon c / daniel sharman / cis man & he/him ) hear ye hear ye — the riverlands welcomes PRINCE SEBASTION BARATHEON of KINGS LANDING. king matthos baratheon is glad that the THIRTY-FOUR year old appears to be charismatic and he shall overlook that it’s said they are also entitled, as long as they are glad to celebrate peace in the seven kingdoms. fortunately for them, matthos remains oblivious that they ARE happy with his reign.

Name: sebastion baratheon Age: thirty-four Orientation: pansexual, panromantic Loyalties: House Baratheon Religious affiliation: faith of the seven ( mostly in name only, though he prays if he wants something ) Appearance: inherited his father's build, standing tall at 6'5 and grew broad enough to balance out his height. Aesthetic: quick, cocky but disarming smiles given in response to any form of criticism; booming laughter that echoes through halls, never slow to seek amusement in life;

Family: -

Father: matthos baratheon Mother: aelinor dondarrion  Siblings: argella baratheon, selyse saratheon, drystan baratheon ( half brother ) Extended family: lord lefford ( brother in law ), joanna lannister ( step mother ) Marital status: betrothed to lynara stark

Personality: -

Traits: amiable, charismatic, entitled, oblivious, presumptive, carefree, wilful, witty, thoughtless, spontaneous, confident, receptive, passionate, lively, humorous. Values:  Fears: most of the time sebastion feels almost invincible. there is a part of him that fears his father's death though, not from the grief that will come after it but rather because of the responsibility that will then rest on him. he enjoys being able to dip in and out of ruling while it suits him and the idea that he will one day be unable to is one that sits uneasy with him. Moral Alignment: chaotic neutral Temperament: sanguine Zodiac: gemini sun, leo moon, aquarius rising

Biography: -

tl;dr - he has enough charm and good-nature that he is able to make others forget he is matthos baratheon's son. but there are times that the confidence that oozes from him and the vague entitlement that flickers around him reminds others a little too much of his father. most days he plays the golden prince convincingly, endearing himself to smallfolk and nobles alike. there has been a certainty to his life since he was a boy that he would one day be king and he walks with an invincibility, his charm his armour and his father's power his shield.

life was altered when he father slew the dragon prince, laying claim to the throne himself and giving his son the promise of a crown in his future. sebastion thinks it is for the better, moving from storms end to the red keep is met with excitement rather than trepidation. viewing it as an adventure over all else.

education is expansive, maesters imparting their knowledge about the kingdoms he will one day rule. he pays attention as long as they can hold his interest, stories of battles and gallant deeds interesting him above all else. it's his father's attention he really craves, excelling only because it will bring forth praise from the stag king's lips.

the older he grows the more he seeks to be like matthos, countless will draw comparisons to their looks but many miss the similarities of their natures. sebastion is pulled by his desires like his father, he simply possesses enough tact to keep any flashes of hedonism hidden. he follows his whims but on the whole they lead to harmless fun.

attempts at alliances are made, ravens sent and flattering words put to parchment. the prince wonders if it isn't a little unnecessary, taking support and fondness for granted. nonetheless he follows his advisors lead and corresponds to all they deem necessary.

his role as master of laws was handed to him by his father, its previous holder encouraged to step to the side. small council meetings should hold his interest after all he holds some care for the kingdoms he will one day rule. he pays enough attention and thinks that he contributes well but it is easy to persuade him if suggestion is made in the correct way. all it takes is to play on his ego, convince him the idea was his all along and he will happily go along with it.

every king needs his queen and his has been selected for him for so long their wedding seems inevitable. he has every intention of them being a happy couple for all of westeros to adore, pleased by what he has heard of the stark's countenance. it matters not that another has laid claim to his heart when he believes that he can have his queen and his love.

[konnorhasapen]

This is a short one on purpose :) I've tried to add some more to it, but it would just take away from the interaction, so I let it be. Enjoy! ^-^

Treading Water — Chapter 4: The Innkeeper I

Or read it on ao3!

——

   Another quiet night for a small Inn established in a little clearing on the outskirts of any kingdoms, just within the border of Dahlia's neighboring country, Ferris. Although most townsfolk or adventurers who would stumble upon it during travel always asked them if they'd considered moving business, or if they ever regretted settling down out in the middle of nowhere.  To a vast majority, living in such an isolated plot of land would make them antsy or a little anxious, especially in the dark of midnight with no streetlamps to let you see the surroundings outside. However, to the Inkeeper, the thicket around their home was actually quite a comfort. Even if they did occasionally feel the tendrils of loneliness creeping up their spine.

   Lost in their thoughts, they hadn't heard the heavy, uneven footfall or the clambering of metal and wood make its way down the steps beside the small bar counter.

   "Still up," a gruff voice stated simply. "Should turn in for the night." The Inkeeper's attention was snatched by their only customer, one who's been—begrudgingly—staying here for a few days now. They had tried to leave more times than the day has hours, but gave up with a string of complaints and curses grumbled under their breath. Couldn't exactly blame the persistent Inkeeper, not when their guest had stumbled unceremoniously on to their doorstep decorated in blood and bruises, topping off the look with not one, but two crossbow bolts pierced through their left thigh.

   "Yer one teh talk," the Inkeeper replied with a soft snark to their tone, drawing their short glass of water to their lips and taking another sip. "Reckon I'ven't haird ye rest since ye go'here, lost one." They'd nearly surprised themself with that sudden nickname. Lost one...

   A nickname they hadn't heard in a long time. Not since he was whisked away by the royal guard of what used to be one of two most favorable factions of Dahlia, Canis. They weren't sure what they had started calling it once the territory had turned itself on its head, but whoever was ruling the faction now was a monster who got off on the torment of others. A bloodthirsty beast.

   "I have a name, you know," the towering figure reminded as they made their way to the door. The shorter was thankful they continued the exchange without a hitch.

   "Leavin' so soon?" The Inkeeper asked, raising their brows and letting their gaze flit quickly down to their visitor's healing leg. Their eyes travelled back up slower than normal, noticing how their marred skin glistened in the warm golden glow of the lantern the Inkeep had lit and stationed on the corner of the bar counter.

   "Need to get back to it," they said shortly. It was always short and blunt with them, the Inkeeper had quickly realized. Straight to the point, no sidetracking. They never liked to talk about themself, never liked saying things that could lead to more questions.

   "Haird some news floatin' areond town couple days back," the stoic stranger froze, fist closed around the door and their eyes peering against the corner of their vision. "Wird is teh pers'nal guard o' Favíll's next in line kidnapped teh heir and took off inteh night." The other grunted:

   "Interesting," was all they said. Before they twisted the handle and left, they shook their head as they plucked a small pouch from their lower belt. They had opened it up, about to try and count it, but ultimately decided to just offer the whole sack when the Inkeeper started opening their mouth to decline. Rather than listening, the visitor tossed the pouch to the counter, it landing with the heavy clinking of coin and sliding a few inches along the smooth wood.

   "Aye, ye don' have t—"

   "Thanks for the hospitality..," they trailed, awaiting the Inkeeper's assistance. They gave their name and the taller thought of it for a moment. They nodded:

   "May fortune continue its journey alongside you, Inkeeper."

   "An' may bolts an' daggers keep teir distance from ye, Bounty Hunter." An exhale through there nose—the ghost of a chuckle—and just like that, they opened the door, stepped out into the crisp air, and they were gone.

   Disappearing into the night.

——

This was nice to sit back and look at, but a pain in the ass challenge to write when it came to Baabe's accent^^;

I hope you liked it! Chapter 5 might take a lil longer to get out because it's been kicking my whole ass trying to carry the two sections of the one chapter to meet in the middle-

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[ohabeeeeeee]

Would you be willing to info dump about cookie run? Only heard of it in passing and would be interested. Only if you wait though. If not I can definitely find another conversation topic!

I would have no idea where to start.

(Kingdom Timeline)

Okay so a long long time ago, witches and wizards began to bake cookies on a planet known as Earthbread. I'm not sure whether they existed beforehand or not, but they're here now. Wizards baked cookie to help them work and made them with extreme accuracy. Witches made them however they wanted to, baking by eye only to eat the cookies later. From what I've gathered, Witches used to be good too, but after something happened, they began to eat the cookies.

A long time has passed, and the world is currently in chaos as the evil cake army rises again. They are led by Dark Enchantress Cookie, who used to be White Lily Cookie, an ancient hero, but she was transformed after witnessing Witches eating cookies, falling into the ultimate dough, and being rebaked.

The ancient heros are Hollyberry Cookie, who loves friendship, "berry juice" (wine. its wine), and having fun. She has a son and two granddaughters, but doesn't know about one of them as she was lost to the Hollyberry Jungle somehow. (Former Queen)

There's Dark Cacao Cookie, who is very serious and solemn, weathered by battle and time, and also by the turning of his son to evil. Dark Choco Cookie was actually heavily maipulated by a cursed sword to the point where he would occasionally lose control of his own body. After many years, he was finally able to break free and now lives somewhere in the woods, but we'll see him again for sure. (Current King)

There's Pure Vanilla Cookie, a kind healer who sees all equally. Well he doesn't see at all actually. He's blind. But his staff helps him see(?). In any case, he treats all lives with respect, never refusing to help a hurt Cookie or other species in need. For a long time, he blamed himself for the war of the past, and for not helping White Lily Cookie. He was her closest friend, and her implied romantic interest. After hiding in a village beneath the ruined Pure Vanilla Kingdom (it floats) for a long time, a group of adventurers helped them take it back from Strawberry Crepe Cookie, a kid Dark Enchantress had recruited to control and make an army of wafflebots, as well as the other Cookies of Darkness. After Dark Enchantress was forced to flee the kingdom, the villages moved to the ruined kingdom, restoring it. One of the adventurer in particular, a kid named Gingerbrave, became very close friends with Pure Vanilla Cookie. They would talk about hard subjects like White Lily/Dark Enchantress together and he would deliver letters to Dark Cacao and Hollyberry for Pure Vanilla. (Former King)

The other two are Golden Cheese and White Lily. We have little to no knowledge about Golden Cheese, and White Lily is Dark Enchantress, but we don't know a lot about her.

Currently, Gingerbrave, Wizard, Strawberry, Custard Cookie the third (you must include the third as the first is like, a corrupt politician), and Chili Pepper(?) are helping gather forces against Dark Enchantress.

Gingerbrave- A young protagonist who is generally adored by all his friends and lightheartedly mocked for a lack of frosting (clothes), but he is an oven-born cookie, made to be eaten, and aware of the truth about witches. He doesn't want other cookies to know the truth, it scares him.

Wizard Cookie- One of two cookies to escape alongside Gingerbrave. He's short and smart, with magic abilities that are very good for his age. The staff he carries is a stolen witch wand, and he lives in a bit of fear because of it. He's also very sassy and tries to appear old and wise.

Strawberry Cookie- The second Cookie to escape alongside Gingerbrave. Nervous and shy, she tends to avoid cookies as it makes her nervous. Even around her own friends she's sometimes nervous to speak, getting red in the face. She's a bit ashamed to have no real strawberry in her, just syrup. She loves video games and high paced electric music, apparently making some of her own.

Custard Cookie the Third- A little kid found wandering alone, this little guy has big dreams of becoming a mighty king. His granduncle is Custard Cookie the First, a house head in the Republic. His adopted uncle, Clotted Cream, is the current leader of the Republic. His own fathers whereabouts are unknown, and he is assumed dead. Despite this, he is a very happy young cookie, surrounded by those that care for him a lot.

Chili Pepper Cookie- A dangerous and wanted super theif accidentally summoned by a bunch of children. Despite being reluctant to admit caring for them, it's obvious she does. We don't have a lot on her, but she's the only adult of our main five protagonists.

There is a lot more.

[subukunojess]

Sackboy: A Big Adventure Dreamers AU Notes

Hey folks! Time once again for “Jess is hyperfixating on an underrated piece of media and decides to make an AU about it for fanfiction”! I already got a fanfic in mind for Bad Things Happen Bingo, but I decided to possibly make a series? I’ll just brainstorm some notes here and let it soak. I don’t know the lore of Little Big Planet or how the Sackfolk play into the Imagisphere but I got something:

There are some sacklings that are created by the Dreamers called Dreamlings. It’s basically a sack person but inside them is dream energy and they are inspired by their creator’s hopes, interests, fears, etc. 

Dreamlings are a little uncommon but they are accepted as friends in the village of Loom. 

When Vex appears in Loom, there were three Dreamlings around Sackboy at the time and two of them follow Sackboy into the rocket ship. One of them flies into the dark corners of the village and gets left behind, injured. 

Vex finds the injured Dreamling while the Dreamling despite being in pain shows bravery, claiming that fear can be good and Vex doesn’t need to build the Topsy Turver. Instead of killing the Dreamling, Vex make a bet with her by sewing her back up with thread made from Uproar, challenging her to use the Uproar for good. Then he sends her to where the rocket ship lands in the Soaring Summit. 

Ultimately, it’s a 4 Player CO-OP AU with Sackboy and 3 Dreamlings becoming Knitted Knights who plan to stop Vex with their guide Scarlet. 

While Sackboy is the main protagonist, each of the Dreamlings takes a world as their theme and takes the lead. 

Amber (She/Her) is an adventurous Dreamling who likes to explore and observe nature. Loud and Proud. She teases, but she loves her friends so much. She gets a major role in the Colossal Canopy surviving the jungle and meeting different creatures. Her color is green, she has button eyes, and she has this Little Red Riding Hood motif going for her. 

Psyche aka Psy (They/Them) is the logical one of the group. They wear glasses and love to read. They keep to themselves, but the journey lets them open up a little. In the Kingdom of Crablantis, they develop an interest in finding treasure and studying marine life. Their color is purple and due to their inspiration, they have butterfly wings. They also have golden feline eyes. 

And then there’s Faith (She/Her) who is kind of like a self-insert inspired OC. Faith is originally the creative one of the group who loves to write and dream about far-off places. In the beginning, she looked like a normal Sackling with an orange picnic blanket pattern skin. When Vex came to kidnap and enslave the Sacklings, she ended up injured, and Vex (with a hidden agenda) sews her back up. When the game starts, her bottom half and legs have glowing green stitching on them and one of her eyes is blue while the other is green to represent dreams and nightmares. Due to the Dreamer energy and Uproar, Faith can transform and grow into different forms when she has strong emotions. She uses her size and powers to lift her friends to high places, sneak past enemies, and fight. But as the group progresses, she begins to change drastically. Her world is the Interstellar Junction because I wanted parallels between Faith and N.A.O.M.I. when Vex goes into their lives. But I could definitely see Faith getting interested in science fiction. 

When the climax happens, Faith corrupts into a giant monster similar to Vex, joining him at the Center of Craftworld. In the final world, there would be a boss fight with Sackboy, Amber, and Psy fighting Faith to get her back and stop Vex. 

Overall, it’s just four friends on their quest to become Knitted Knights. 

If anyone has thoughts, ideas, or questions, please let me know! 

[gildedwcrds]

woah! was that RAPUNZEL  walking down main street? i heard they’re not actually from ivy cove but come from TANGLED (DISNEY). they’re 29 and live in RADIAN HILLS but watch out because they can be DEFIANT + GULLIBLE  but are actually ADVENTUROUS + DETERMINED. despite them NOT HAVING memories, you’ll always think of GOLDEN FLOWERS, PAINT SMUDGES ON HER FACE, FLOWERS IN HER HAIR and LANTERNS when imagining them. 

BASIC INFORMATION.

name: rapunzel

age: 29

neighbourhood: radian hills 

occupation: freelance artist

media: disney’s tangled

fc: seychelle gabriel

memories?: no

REAL LIFE.

rapunzel grew up in a tall, isolated tower, raised by her supposed mother, gothel. unbeknownst to her, gothel had kidnapped her as a baby in order to make use of her hair, due to its magical healing properties. rapunzel was not permitted to leave that tower, and grew up watching floating lanterns in the sky on her birthday, longing to see them up close.

at 18, rapunzel asked to be taken to see the lanterns, but mother gothel refused. after she left to collect a birthday present, a stranger stumbled upon the tower, arriving with a satchel and a charming personality.

rapunzel took the opportunity to strike a deal with him - if he would take her to see the lanterns, she would return the satchel. the adventure is filled with new discoveries and new friends.

together, rapunzel and flynn uncovered the truth about her identity as the lost princess, and the truth behind the lantern release every year. through this; the two fell in love - but it was short lived when mother gothel took rapunzel back to the tower, attempting to convince her that the real world had been unsafe all along.

flynn arrived at the tower to help her, but things all too quickly went awry. in a final act of heroism, flynn cut rapunzel's hair; destroying the magic and causing gothel's death. rapunzel's tears retained just enough magic to save flynn's life.

finally, she was reunited with her real parents and welcomed back to the kingdom, beginning a new and free chapter of life.

AND AT LAST I SEE THE LIGHT;

FAKE LIFE.

rapunzel believes that she was born and raised in ivy cove; with two loving parents and two siblings. this could not have been further from her real life.

her childhood was almost idyllic, spending time on family camping trips and hikes - building strong relationships with nature and other people, experiencing things that she could never have dreamed of.

it's all something that rapunzel will always be grateful for - particularly when being provided with the opportunities and support to explore her own interest have built the artists career path that she set out upon.

rapunzel is more often than not found with a sketchbook in hand, a pencil tucked behind her ear - ready to draw or sketch whatever takes her fancy that day. she takes each day as it comes, ready to explore or jump into new experiences whenever the opportunity presents itself.

when the mayor was murdered, rapunzel could tell that the people around her had changed - but due to not having any of her own memories, she's not sure what's going on around her.

CONNECTIONS.

fake life siblings

fake life exes/relationships

friends/acquaintances/any other conflicting relationships

other artists

any other tangled characters

[amankumar1018]

Capturing Bhutan's Natural Beauty: Photography and Landscapes

When it comes to experiencing the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and immersing oneself in a culture deeply rooted in tradition, Bhutan emerges as a top destination. The allure of this enchanting kingdom has been beautifully encapsulated in Bhutan trip packages that promise an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant festivals, and serene monasteries. For photographers and nature enthusiasts, Bhutan offers an unparalleled canvas to capture the essence of its natural beauty. As you embark on your Bhutan adventure, keep in mind these Travel Tips for Bhutan to make the most of your photographic expedition.

Travel Tips For Bhutan: A Visual Journey

Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Bhutan is known for its strong adherence to tradition and culture. When capturing photographs, always ask for permission before taking pictures of people, especially during religious ceremonies or in intimate settings. This will not only yield more authentic and respectful photographs but also contribute to positive interactions with the locals.

Pack Accordingly: The diverse landscapes of Bhutan, ranging from high mountain passes to lush valleys, demand a variety of clothing. Layering is key to adapting to the changing weather conditions. Remember to pack sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear to be prepared for any photographic opportunity.

Leverage Golden Hours: The soft, golden light during sunrise and sunset can transform your photographs into magical works of art. Bhutan's landscapes, adorned with ancient monasteries and prayer flags, become even more captivating during these hours. Plan your photography excursions to make the most of these ethereal moments.

Capture Festivals: Bhutan's festivals are a vibrant display of its rich culture. With the Travel Tips for Bhutan in mind, respectfully photograph the lively mask dances and traditional performances during festivals like Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu. Remember that some religious ceremonies may have photography restrictions, so always inquire beforehand.

Embrace Minimalism: Bhutan's natural beauty often speaks for itself. Use minimalist composition techniques to emphasize the serenity and purity of the landscapes. A single fluttering prayer flag against a backdrop of mist-covered mountains can evoke a sense of tranquility that words often fail to convey.

Engage with Locals: The people of Bhutan are warm and friendly, often willing to share stories of their land. Engaging with them not only adds depth to your journey but also opens doors to capturing candid portraits that reflect the genuine essence of the Bhutanese way of life.

Wildlife Photography: Bhutan boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including rare species like the snow leopard and the red panda. If you're interested in wildlife photography, consider hiring local guides who possess knowledge about the best spots for wildlife sightings while adhering to ethical practices.

Landscapes Beyond the Obvious: While iconic sites like the Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery deserve attention, venture off the beaten path to discover hidden waterfalls, remote villages, and untouched landscapes. These lesser-explored areas can yield unique and refreshing photographic subjects.

Environmental Responsibility: As you capture Bhutan's natural beauty, remember to be a responsible traveler. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace, avoid disrupting the environment or wildlife, and support initiatives that promote sustainable tourism and conservation.

Architectural Wonders: Bhutan's architecture is a blend of tradition and innovation. The intricate details of dzongs (fortresses) and lhakhangs (temples) offer captivating subjects for architectural photography. Ensure you respect the sanctity of these places while taking photographs.

Elevation Challenges: Bhutan's high-altitude regions can pose challenges for both photographers and travelers. Stay hydrated, acclimatize properly, and be mindful of any altitude-related health issues to fully enjoy your photographic journey.

Storytelling Compositions: Create a visual narrative with your photographs. Combine images of landscapes, people, and cultural elements to tell the story of your Bhutan experience. A series of photos can often convey the essence of a place more effectively than individual shots.

Local Cuisine and Markets: Food is an integral part of any culture. Capture the colors and textures of Bhutanese cuisine and visit local markets to document everyday life and the ingredients that make up the unique flavors of the region.

Change in Seasons: Bhutan's landscapes transform with the changing seasons. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the snow-covered landscapes of winter, each season offers a new perspective for your photography. Plan your visits accordingly to witness this natural metamorphosis.

Starry Nights: Bhutan's relatively low light pollution makes it a great place for astrophotography. Capture the Milky Way stretching over monasteries or serene lakes for awe-inspiring night shots.

Technology Backup: While Bhutan offers unparalleled beauty, technology can sometimes be limited in remote areas. Carry spare batteries, memory cards, and any necessary equipment to ensure your photography isn't hindered.

Cultural Sensitivity: The Bhutanese hold their spiritual beliefs close to their hearts. When photographing religious sites, practices, or objects, maintain a respectful distance and avoid intrusive behavior.

Local Guides and Insights: Engage local guides who can offer insights into the best photographic locations, cultural nuances, and hidden gems. Their knowledge can elevate your photographic journey.

Post-processing Patience: Once you return, allow time for post-processing your images. Reflect the natural beauty you witnessed through minimal enhancements, keeping the authenticity of the landscapes intact.

Spread Positivity: Share your Bhutan photography and experiences with a positive message. Contribute to the promotion of responsible tourism, cultural appreciation, and environmental preservation through your visual storytelling.

In conclusion, Bhutan's natural beauty is a photographer's paradise waiting to be explored. Through these Travel Tips for Bhutan, you can capture not only stunning landscapes but also the spirit of a nation that cherishes its heritage and environment. As you journey through this captivating land with your camera in hand, remember to not just take photographs, but to also create a visual ode to Bhutan's majestic charm.

[theuntitledblog]

His Dark Materials (2019-2022) - REVIEW

SYNOPSIS

Young orphan Lyra, who resides in an alternate world governed by the autocratic Magisterium, lives with the scholars in Jordan College in Oxford. When her friend, Roger goes missing, she goes on a quest with her daemon Pantalaimon to find him and discovers a secret that involves several kidnappings.

This television adaptation, a joint project between the BBC and HBO is a far improved offering than 2007's 'The Golden Compass' which was a disappointingly tame adaptation. Based on Philip Pullman's trilogy of novels, His Dark Materials is a bold fantasy dealing with parallel worlds, angels, witches and has some pretty dark content. But perhaps the biggest talking point of the novels and something that the show has maintained is its anti-religious themes; the story is literally about waging war to overthrow God. Yet His Dark Materials is a show that doesn't appear to be talked about too much; the scope is no less ambitious nor the story any less complicated or action packed. But His Dark Materials does feel like a high end BBC drama as it sadly lacks the spark to match the more cinematic and spectacle driven television we have gotten used to. It's a shame because the story has a lot of high stakes, plenty of consequences plus interesting and complex characters to get fully immersed in.

After impressing in 'Logan', Daphne Keen makes for an engaging lead as Lyra Belacqua who starts off as someone caught up in the games of others and realizes that she is also a major player in them. Her lineage is as complicated as the central plot revolving around child abductions, the theories of her Uncle, Lord Asriel which are all linked to the ruling Magisterium's obsession in suppressing the knowledge and influence of the phenomenon known as Dust. The subject of Dust is what drives the story throughout all three seasons and links the characters together including Will Parry (Amir Wilson) who becomes as much as a lead as Lyra, Lord Asriel (James McAvoy) who's seeking to overthrow the Authority, the ambitious Lord Boreal (Ariyon Bakare) and Lee Scorsby (Lin-Manuel Miranda) care-free American adventurer just to name a few. There are so many characters on the board to consider and the writers aren't afraid to sacrifice them when needed plus this doesn't take into consideration the daemons. The characters from Lyra's alternate reality exist with animals called daemons that are a physical manifestations of their souls that can talk and interact. But there's no doubt that the MVP character/actor who stands out above them all is Ruth Wilson's Mrs. Coulter who, along with her golden monkey daemon, is as mysterious and terrifying in equal measure as any character gets in this show.

It's a show generally grounded in a gritty reality rather than the more extravagant fantasy set locations that you might come across in other shows. Lyra's world is both familiar but also different to our own with its more fantastical elements coming through the depiction of the various creatures, races and worlds we encounter across all three seasons. The use of airships, the noticeable lack of modern technology such telephones and mobile devices, the Gyptian river boat community, the city of Cittagazze to the Kingdom of the Armoured Bears. The third season introduces the more fantastical elements as Lyra and Will travel to the Land of the Dead while Lord Asriel confronts the Clouded Mountains hiding the Kingdom of Heaven. The production values and special effects are superb especially with the talking animal creatures such as Lyra's daemon, Pantalaimon and the Armoured Bear, Iorek Byrnison. The later inclusion of Angels, Spectres and the strange Mulefar's also convincin on screen, in fact there's not many instances where this show doesn't deliver from a visual perspective. What does betray its television budget somewhat is the absence of daemons in some scenes with large amounts of people. It's understandable from a production point of view and they try to imply their presence by having a few visible, but it is quite distracting and only really where the show reveals its limitations.

For just 24 episodes, His Dark Materials is a series that doesn't outstay its welcome, each season feels generally well balanced nor does any particular season hinder the storytelling at the expense of the others. James McAvoy's virtual absence from season two is perhaps the only exception to this but he makes up for it with a strong standing in season 3 as the show does well to build itself across three seasons towards the long teased battle against Heaven. It's also got its fair share of set pieces and excellent character interactions in a generally excellent adaptation of the novels and puts to bed permanently the memory of the poor 2006 feature film. The controversial themes are at the forefront, it executes its set pieces efficiently and the computer generated characters are never not convincing. What it does lacks maybe is some emotional warmth, this is a dark adaptation filled with horror, betrayals and deaths and there's very little in here to compensate for that darkness. But otherwise it is a handsomely made fantasy series that should be a showcase for the BBC even if HBO have bigger and more popular heavy hitters such as Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon to bear the flag.

VERDICT

While come across as a little low key than other fantasy shows, His Dark Materials has plenty to offer with a well realized series of alternate worlds, multiple threats and memorable characters.

4/5

[sehunniepotwrites]

AS YOU WISH | J.JH | ONE

cover by @seostudios

SYNOPSIS. He was a boy, she was a girl— can I make it any more obvious?

But actually, she was a cursed genie of two thousand years who longed to be freed of her gilded cage and he was a modern but lonely boy who hoped to free her. He just didn’t expect to fall in love with her in the process. 

GENRE. angst, slow burn, romance, genie!au, reincarnation!au, royal!au, thief!au  PAIRING. jeong jaehyun x female genie!reader MINOR CHARACTERS. mark lee, moon taeil, jeong sungchan WORD COUNT. 10.6k+

WARNINGS. stealing, mentions of cuts and wounds, blood, physical beating, derogatory name calling  

ONE: PAST | TWO: INTERLUDE | THREE: PRESENT 

2000 YEARS AGO, THE KINGDOM OF NEIHO

“Stop, street rat!”

Heavens, how you hated that name. You ached to yell a taunting insult back but you were afraid of the royal guards catching onto your identity by hearing the sound of your voice. 

“Grab that lousy thief!” 

The calls of the guards continued to sound throughout the pathway as you ran for your life. The heavy bag of riches slung along over your shoulder pounded against your upper back as you felt the wind in your hair. The extra weight was beginning to weigh you down but you did not falter. Your strained legs propelled you forward and you stole a quick glance behind you— the burly men with swords were gaining on you and you could not let them.

“Wait— there are two of them!”

You cursed when your partner was spotted. From the corner of your eye, you caught a flicker of his cape turning a corner. You were supposed to be the diversion. The blazing sun burned your skin through your hooded cloak but you had to keep pushing. For them.

You would do anything for them, even give your life for them, just as your mother did before you.

Apologizing as you passed, you threw down displays of fresh produce to throw the guards off. You would come back to help clean up later.

You pulled the cloak down to better conceal your face before sprinting into a hidden nook in the village center. The bolstering guards ran past your hiding spot moments later, their leader barking commands to his subordinates before they all went their separate ways. Peeking behind a wall, you watched as their backs grew smaller and smaller and let out an audible sigh. 

You made it another day. With a wide-eyed grin, you pushed yourself out of your hiding spot and walked an easy path to the outskirts of the kingdom where people were waiting for you.

If the guards were smart enough, they would have easily found you by they searched the outskirts of the kingdom’s stone walls. There was an opening in the walls, big enough for one person to fit through. You frequented that small hole often with a large sack hauled over your back. As soon as you passed that point in your path, you tossed your cloaked disguise into a nearby bush before trekking on to your final destination.

The path was lengthy but at least you were in the shade instead of under the blazing sun. The clanking of your stolen riches kept you company as you navigated through the many trees. It wasn’t long until you reached an open area filled with a variety of people. Lousy tents made of the thinnest cloth and held up by fallen branches surrounded the field and in the center was a large fire pit. There were clotheslines, cooking supplies, and a short supply of food scattered around the makeshift camp. 

The plentiful conversations hushed when you dropped the sack at the end of the path. A shuffling of footsteps and the tinkling sound of coins clanging against each other reached your ears before another figure plopped down beside you, his body falling splat onto the soft grass. 

“I refuse to do that again,” a boyish voice groaned beside you. It came from a boy around your age, give or take a few years, with messy brown hair and the cutest set of doe eyes. His thin face and sharp jawline were lined with dirt but he was still what you considered handsome. 

“Minhyung, stop your fusing,” you scolded as you ruffled his hair. The boy whined at your actions, moving away to escape your teasing. “You say the same thing every single time we do this, however, you keep coming back to help me.” 

“They almost caught me this time around,” he told you. “I barely escaped— one guard grabbed me by the ends of my cloak and almost saw my face! I thought you were the distraction!”

“I was,” you fired back. 

“And yet, they still found me,” Minhyung reported dramatically, swinging an arm over his eyes. There was a beat of comfortable silence as the breeze came rolling in. 

“But was it worth it?” you asked with a soft voice. 

A pair of dirtied feet appeared in your vision. You and Minhyung tilted your heads up to find a small child, not even five years of age gazing at you expectantly. The child’s body was extremely malnourished and their cheeks were horribly sunken in. They looked bashful as they outstretched an arm towards Minhyung. 

He sent the child a tiny smile, his mouth curving up at the ends, as he produced a small loaf of bread from beneath his cloak. The child’s eyes sparkled in delight as they snatched the piece of food from Minhyung’s hold and eagerly bit into it. You patted the child’s head lovingly as you hand them a grip of gold coins. They shuffled back to their family who gave their thanks. 

As the other people in the open field started to line up to receive their share, Minhyung simply replied: “Yes, yes it was.”

You grinned at your fellow thief— you thought it was worth it, too.

Your gaze shifts to the high towers of Neiho’s palace peeking from behind the treetops. But sometimes, you pondered over how effortless life must have been when living like royalty— was it easy when everything was provided for you?

Unlike what most people assumed, living the life of a royal was far from easy. 

Jeong Yuno, the Crown Prince of Neiho, had a sudden urge to bang his head against the library wall. He refrained from doing so, the action being far from princely. He looked up from his pile of parchment paper with glazed over eyes, the ink from his quill drying from the lack of writing. There were rows of untouched books lined up at his desk and none of them were of his interest. They skirted on the topics of Neiho’s history and politics; although it was something he was already versed in, he hated the subject unlike his younger brother, Chansung, who excelled and loved it. 

Yuno longed to touch the atlas that was stationed on his tutor’s desk. He wanted to study it, chart a course to another far off land, and mark it with ink as he visited place to place. But instead of traveling, the crown prince drowned  in his studies while his tutor looked down upon his distracted self.

“Prince Yuno, have you heard a single word that has left my lips or is your head still up in the clouds?” Moon Taeil, the kingdom’s main historian and tutor, scolded. His wooden stick struck the surface of Yuno’s desk and the shocked boy jumped. From his own desk, Chansung snickered behind his thin hand. 

“My apologies,” the crown prince bowed his head, his ears turning crimson from being caught by the snippy tutor. 

“Well, since I have gained you back from the skies, might you list Neiho’s past rulers and achievements in order?” 

Yuno bit back a loud groan. He was in desperate need of a sweet escape. His gaze floated out the window and onto the blooming marketplace below. It seemed like the liveliness was calling his name.

One of the things you loved about your mother was her storytelling. You heard stories of all kinds of love while growing up on the fly. She painted clear pictures of people falling at first sight, of hate turning to overflowing affection, and so much more. Your mother sold you tales of star-crossed lovers that found their happy endings before she passed; her fables of love sounded nothing more than poppycock and folly. 

That is, until it occurred to the unsuspecting you. 

It was a usual day for you in the city— hood up, cloak flowing in the wind with a sack beating your back as you were on the run from the royal guards stationed in the marketplace. You weaved in between the townsfolk, your nimble body easily pushing through nooks and crannies when you bumped into something— or rather, someone strong.

“Oof!”

“Oh!” 

The large sack you carried added some extra weight, leading you to topple over the stranger that ran into your smaller build. The stranger was about to mumble a quick apology before you heard the bellowing of the persistent guards.

You cursed. There was no room for hesitation when you were caught in a tight spot such as this. With staggering breaths and a pounding chest, you grabbed the man’s hand and navigated through endless alleyways and store fronts. You mastered the art of escaping at a young age while he had trouble keeping up with your speed.

And so, your first adventure with the man you would soon learn to love began.

Your hurried steps brought you to an unattended rooftop. You put one foot on the ledge and leaned your body over to glance at the commotion in the market. Down below, the guards were scrambling through the bustling crowds in a failed attempt to find you. Watching them struggle on their search sent you into a laughing fit that your then mysterious companion echoed. 

With a heaving chest and rushing heart, you finally looked up at him for the first time and saw the most beautiful man you had ever laid your eyes on. Despite only seeing him from his place on the balcony or painted portraits before, you immediately knew who he was: The Crown Prince of Neiho. He had deep chocolate eyes and jet-black hair that highlighted his sweat stained skin. His cheeks and ears were flushed with a rosy red as he gasped for air. He was dressed in a horrible excuse for a disguise; the high-end material he wore and golden shoes were purposefully stained. It was as if the prince wanted to be found. 

You quickly retracted your dirtied hand from his soft one and immediately dropped to your knees. “My sincerest apologies for placing my soiled hands on yours, Your Highness. I ask for your forgiveness,” you said with a bowed head, your disheveled hair covering your embarrassed face.

Yuno let out a hearty laugh, one that was deep but still sounded like the lightest bells in your ear. “Please, none of that,” he said, helping you to your feet. 

“If anything, you helped me escape from those wretched guards,” he sent you an angelic smile and you swore the heavens were smiling down on you at that moment. “I should thank you.” 

He placed a gentle hand on your shoulder as you felt your face flush with an unfamiliar heat. 

“May I know the name of my savior?” Yuno questioned teasingly, his eyes looking deep into yours. 

“Perhaps another time, Your Highness,” you said quite cheekily before running back into the crowd.

The second time you met Prince Yuno, you were both on the run once again. In a way similar to what you had done in the past, his hand slipped so fluidly into yours before you sprinted through the town square. You  knocked a fruit cart down as a diversion and the guards struggled making their way through the mess. Through your hooded cloak that flowed in the breeze, you turned over your shoulder to chuckle at how helpless the so-called protectors looked.

“We must stop meeting like this, Highness,” you breathed out as you kept up with his speed.

“Why? I quite enjoy meeting like this,” he threw back at you with a sheepish grin. There was a glimmer of adventure in his eyes and you chuckled. 

The hood of your cape fell back, revealing your face for a quick moment before you tugged it back up. It was too late, though, for he had seen your face. Having only heard your voice before, Yuno’s steps faltered at the sight of you. Taking charge at that moment, you overtook him and jerked him into an unpaved path.

You took him over and under until you found a safe haven on top of a building— your makeshift home. Ratty cotton sheets were tied to poles for shade and a pile of pillows was bunched together to make a bed. Random trinkets were scattered along the rooftop along with a scarce supply of food and sacks of stolen treasures leaning against a wall. You wordlessly made yourself comfortable, pouring yourself two cups of water from a jug and handed one to the stranger in your space. He took it graciously and gulped it down, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he did so.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, my dear savior,” Yuno spoke to you for the second time that day.

“It was nothing, Your Highness,” you responded, waving him off as you sat at his feet. 

“I feel like this was fate or destiny calling,” Yuno suggested out of the blue.

“This?”

“Us, meeting again,” he answered smoothly, his voice as melodic as a mother’s lullaby. 

“I suppose it is.”

“Seeing as destiny brought us together, might I know your name?” 

Despite being of a higher status, he didn’t seem as selfish as you thought he would be—Yuno seemed kind and trustworthy. You let down your walls and stuttered out your name. The dark orbs that you got lost in flashed with recognition and you wondered if you made a wrong move by revealing your identity. 

“You!” he shouted, his voice booming loudly. “Yes, I have heard many things about you.”

You glared at him with panicked eyes and you rushed to cover his soft lips. “Are you insane, Highness? Speak like that and they will surely find us here!”

“My apologies,” he replied, tugging at his earlobe in embarrassment. “My excitement got the best of me.”

You snorted at his answer, “Excitement?” you probed. “What is there to be excited about?”

“It is not everyday you meet the infamous thief that steals from the rich to give back to the poor,” Yuno grinned with dimples sinking into his soft cheeks.

He was not wrong; you did steal for a living to help the less fortunate. Unlike many others your age, you were able-bodied and felt the mighty need to provide for others who needed extra support. This had been the fifth time the guards had almost caught you but it didn’t matter. As long as the children on the street did not starve, you would risk your life over and over again. 

Your mother, compassionate and altruistic as one could ever be, had done so in the past and you were determined to carry her legacy. You wanted to make her proud. 

“Are you going to arrest me then?” you challenged with a brow. You took a large step back, ready to be on the run if the situation called for it. “If that is your intention, Your Highness, it is in my best interest to leave you.” 

“Oh, no! If anything, I agree with your actions,” he relayed, arms shooting out to keep you in his reach. The Prince’s touch pierced your skin with comforting warmth and you shudder at the odd sensation. 

“The Royal Advisor, Rowena, insists on high taxes and taking from the poor while feeding the rich,” he started to explain, taking a seat on the dusty steps. 

You hummed, recalling the many times you had laid your eyes on the advisor— she held her head high and wore a permanent, almost sinister smirk on her gorgeous face. Her eyes were as red as blood and hair as black as night. She was beyond intimidating, more so than the Royal Family and their guards. 

“What she is doing to the people out here, it isn’t right,” Yuno added on. “They are suffering and I feel as if it is my duty to stop her.” 

“I feel as if it is mine as well,” you replied.

“I tried to tell the King of how Rowena’s suggestions have been affecting the community outside the palace walls but it is as if she has him under a spell. He hears not a thing I say,” he explained exasperatedly.

He let out a defeated sigh as you crouched next to him. You let him speak, seeing how distressed he was by the whole situation. “He only listens to her and my younger brother, Chansung; he is the smarter sibling. I am nothing but a pretty face that represents the kingdom,” the prince chuckled darkly. 

“Highness—” you tried to intervene, not enjoying how he was belittling himself. He stopped you before you could even begin with a mere glance. 

“It is not I who deserves the throne, it is Chansung. I can barely do a thing when my mind is elsewhere. How can I rule when my mind is not focused on the needs of my people?”

You place a tentative hand on his knee to ground him before his thoughts send him spiraling.

“I apologize,” the runaway prince blurted suddenly. “I do not know you and here I am, spilling out my innermost thoughts. You must think I am a fool.”

“No, it’s quite alright. I imagine you have no one to discuss this with within the palace,” you comforted him with a kind smile. You encouraged Yuno to continue, hands urging him on. “But if your mind is not here, then…”

Yuno shot you an empty grin, the upturns of his lips not meeting his reddening ears. “I have been trapped inside the palace since birth. Raised inside these walls all my life. I am safe and sound with a set future here and yet…” his voice trailed off, looking at the overview of the kingdom. His stare then gravitated beyond the kingdom walls. 

“And yet?”

“I want to go beyond our borders. I know there is more the world has to offer. I have read about it in books but I want to experience it in person, write it down, and bring back what I have learned to better Neiho.” There was a sense of longing in his voice and you could almost relate to his yearning. 

You took a seat next to him, your knees touching his. Your body turned towards him, torso leaning forward to give the prince your undivided attention. “What have you read about so far, Your Highness?”

“Please call me Yuno,” he said gently, clutching onto your hand. You tried to tug it away, flustered from the sudden contact, and he only tightened his clasp. 

“Yes, Your Highness,” you replied, “I mean, Y-Yuno.” 

The instant his name left your lips, he sent you the most dazzling smile, his pearly white teeth perfectly framed by the pink of his lips and the curve of his dimples. Whiskers appeared around his closed eyes and his nose scrunched up in the most adorable way and you found yourself falling down the rabbit hole one called love.

Ever since that fated day, you arranged countless meetings in random nooks and crannies of the marketplace. Yuno taught you the many things he had learned from his readings while you showed him places he had never been before. He brought you books and taught you how to read. You taught him how to fend for himself in the forest. 

You often found yourselves weaving through crowds as the guards attempted to follow your trails. Laughter bubbled through the prince’s chest as you tugged him along with intertwined fingers. Your heart leaped huge lengths across your chest every time he glanced your way through his fluttering eyelashes and you wondered if he felt the same.

Your days with Yuno always ended on that same rooftop, overlooking the beautiful sight that was Neiho, and you adored every second of it.

One night, you blurted out, “Do you ever wonder what life would be like if things were different?” Yuno glanced up at you from your lap, head tilting with curiosity. Your fingers were tangled in his soft, clean hair as his hand played with the ends of yours. 

“Do you?” he countered. The point of your elbow dug into his toned stomach and he winced.

“I asked first,” you said and he laughed at your argument.

“And I am the Crown Prince,” he threw back and you pouted at his response.

 You were quiet for a moment, gathering your thoughts together before answering your own question. “Yes.”

“And what do you wonder about?”

“There are times I wish for a life where I am comfortable, where I’m not breaking my back for someone else’s sake.” Feeling a bit vulnerable, you drew your hands away from his head and wrapped them around your waist— it was your first time to reveal this hidden thought of yours.

“It’s not that I want to stop helping them,” you explained tentatively, “I just wonder what it would be like to start living just for me, without the weight of the world on my shoulders.”

Yuno only hummed in reply. You shook your head, snapping yourself out of the daze you were in. “Your turn to answer,” you pushed the heavy question onto him.

“I suppose so, yes,” he mused simply. “I would like to be a traveling scholar, see the world through my own eyes. I often wonder about a life of travel, you know this.”

You did know this—Yuno told you this many times. 

“There’s another thing I wonder about, though,” he slipped in.

“And what is that?” 

“I often wonder what life would be like if I had you by my side.” 

You coughed at his sweet words, not at all expecting to hear a statement like that. He reached up to pat your back as you choked on air, giggling at your antics. Your breathing returned to normal and his fingers found their way to yours. With entwined fingers and hearts, he called your name endearingly as his head rested against your lap. You returned his earnest stare under the light of the moon with the same intensity, “Yes, my prince?”

He rolled his eyes at your response. 

Yuno, hidden in a ripped cloak, brought your hand against his plump lips and looked into your eyes as he kissed your knuckles. “I arose from bed this morning with a sudden realization.” 

“Have you come to the conclusion that Chansung is the better looking royal?” you poked. He gave you a look of betrayal and you giggled at his furrowed brows and flared nostrils.

“It was nothing but a joke, dear,” you laughed, running your fingers through his thick locks of hair. He huffed loudly, turning away from your playful gaze. 

“My attempt to confess my love and she makes a fool out of me,” he mumbled under his breath but you could not catch his words. 

“You would make a great jester,” Yuno added with another roll of his gorgeous eyes. 

“I don’t think I would enjoy being the laughing stock of nobility,” you answered, poking at his soft cheek. He swatted your hand away in annoyance but your fingers were persistent. You continued to sink your finger into the skin of his cheek until he caught it and nibbled on your fingertip. Yelping, you drew back your hand and narrowed your gaze at the prince. 

It was his turn to laugh at your reaction, blessing your ears with the sweetest melody. “My darling, you would never be a laughing stock to me.”

Although your finger throbbed, you were happy to see the playful side of the prince— he often had a stoic expression when addressing the people of Neiho from the palace balconies. The sight of his bright smile was enough to light the whole kingdom tenfold. 

“What would I be then?” you asked mockingly.

Yuno shifted to face you, his ethereal features glowing in the starlight and captivating you in ways you could not explain. There was a fluttering feeling in your stomach and an intense pounding in your chest as Yuno gave you the simplest answer, “The love of my life.”

His words sent your heart soaring to the highest of places.

In that moment, it mattered not who you were and where you were because you were the love of his life just as he was yours.

Arriving at the clearing deep in the forest, you released the bag of stolen goods from your hold. Panting out breaths, you did your best to steady your heartbeat. The racing palpitations of heart felt different somehow, maybe because for once, they were not caused by the adrenaline of running away but by the highs of being deeply in love.

A gorgeous smile broke out on your face and you hadn’t a care if you looked like a crazy loon. 

“Where have you been?” A familiar voice blasted from above you. Looking up, you saw Minhyung seated on a tree branch. He leaped down, landing directly on his feet with a playful smirk. 

You coughed the grin right off your face. “I had to take a little detour is all.”

“A detour?” Minhyung questioned.

“Yes, a detour.”

Your friend circled you, throwing an arm around your shoulders. “Quite unusual for your detours to last until sundown,” he teased, “and you look like you’re walking on air.” 

You tried to bite back your grin and you failed. You could never hide anything from Minhyung, he had seen you through it all. He was your brother after all— not by blood but nevertheless, he was family. 

“I met the Crown Prince,” you muttered under your breath.

“Do speak up, you know how I hate when you mumble,” Minhyung teased, using the words you often fired at him.

“I said, Minhyung, I met the Crown Prince,” you repeated with a louder voice.

You watched as Minhyung’s eyes widened like saucers and how they gleamed with intrigue as he squeezed you closer to him. “You met Prince Yuno?!” he gasped. “How— why? What?”

“Keep it down, will you please?” Clamping a dirtied hand over his mouth, you tried to shut him up. He simply licked your palm to which you smacked him across the head.

“Well, this isn’t our first time meeting. We’ve met many a time before,” you started off, going down your short history with the prince. Minhyung listened attentively— his admiration for the Royal Family, much like many of the other Neiho citizens, ran deep. 

“How is he in real life?” 

“Nothing short of wonderful,” you sighed, head turning back to face the city. You wondered how he was doing, if he made it back through the palace gates without any trouble from the guards he was escaping from. “He is like the brightest star I have ever seen, so beautiful and radiant but still so far out of my reach.”

Remembering the sound of his laughter and the look in his eyes, another soft smile appeared on your face. It was a smile Minhyung had never seen on your features. You appeared as if you were the star you just described, shining brightly for one person and one person alone. The light in your eyes was almost too blinding, he wanted to look away but Minhyung couldn’t. 

It had been so long since he had seen you this happy— the last time you smiled so cheerfully was with your mother so many years ago. You adopted a harsher look throughout the years that Minhyung was beyond ecstatic to see that happiness still existed within you. 

“Is that so?”

“Yes,” you answered gently. “He told me to call him Yuno.”

“And did you?”

“Of course, Minhyung,” you said with a chuckle, “it would be wrong to not obey royalty.”

“Yes, you’re quite right,” Minhyung hummed back.

“He is filled with kindness and loyalty to the kingdom, which is admirable.” 

“But?” 

Thinking back to the conversation you had with the prince, your eyebrows stitched together when recalling his dreams. “His heart aches for adventure and knowledge, things he cannot find here if he is to be King.”

Minhyung searched your face for a glimpse into your head. “Isn’t that what you’re looking for, too?”

Looking your best friend and fellow thief straight in the eyes, you were posed with a thought that hadn’t even crossed your scattered mind. “I suppose it is.”

Minhyung laughed as you came to the realization. The two of you sat in silence as you breathed everything in. 

“The Prince isn’t that far from your reach then,” Minhyung posed with a childlike grin. “He is much closer than you think.”

The first time Yuno kissed you was underneath the setting sun. Hidden behind the stone walls of the palace, he pressed you into a dark corner where no one could catch sight of your unlikely pairing.

It was a long day for the both of you— you had snuck into the houses of nobles, stealing their smallest treasures to sell in order to feed the hungry while he shadowed his father during his audiences with the people of Neiho. Your secret rendezvous started with exchanging stories about your eventful day with shared laughter and the sweetest of touches. Yuno’s smooth hands ghosted against your dry ones several times, each touch sending tingles down your spine. 

His arms caged you in between his strong body and the hard stone wall as his face hovered in front of your own. Your breath hitched as his intense stare shifted from your eyes to your parted lips. It was the dead of winter but you had never felt hotter under his fiery gaze.

“May I kiss you?” you found yourself asking as his plump bottom lip grazed against your own. You were shocked by your own bravery and you knew he was, too. Your heart pounded loudly like a beating drum and you swore the prince could hear it as well. 

“Do as you wish,” the prince replied almost breathlessly, captivated by the way your eyes kept flickering to the lack of space in between your bodies.

“But is that what you wish for, Yuno?” you countered with a sultry tone. He gulped loudly at how confident you were and nodded almost too eagerly, lips barely brushing against your dry ones. “Yes. Yes, it is.”

“Then, your wish is my command,” you smile before closing the distance between. A light press of your lips onto his was all it took to send your world spinning round. Yuno deepened it by leaning his body against your smaller build, a hand tilting your jaw up in a different angle. 

He held you so gently, making you feel as if you were royalty. Hands in his hair and his arms around your waist, his kiss made it seem like you had chased the blowing winds and touched the pastel sky. His love rose you to the heavens above and you soared with a rush of freedom you had never felt before.

You kissed as the sky cast a golden glow upon your bodies, too lost in each other to realize you were the focus of someone’s envious gaze.

While you flirted with the life of crime, Yuno made his way through the hallowed hallways of Neiho’s palace. His heavy steps echoed throughout the empty path but he couldn't even hear a thing— his mind was littered with scattered thoughts. He marched his way to his younger brother’s quarters, determined that would be the day he would reveal his heart to his kin. The crown prince groaned in frustration, decorated hands messing with his jet-black hair as he tried to piece what to say. 

How did one even start this conversation? Yuno never had a conversation as deep as this with his sibling before. The only person he poured his heart to was you. 

Does he start with not waiting to take the throne or with his dream of travel? Should he begin with his skepticism over Advisor Rowena and the poor conditions of their people? 

Yuno stopped in place— Rowena. He cringed at the thought of her. He heard the rumors swirling around the circle of nobility. The servants in the palace could never keep their mouth shut at the whispers. There were tales of the King making the advisor his betrothed for the sake of a flourishing kingdom. 

He couldn’t fathom how his father came to this as a viable option for the betterment of Neiho.

Yuno thought traveled back to you and what you stood for: how your gigantic heart only thought of others. He recalled how your body was drenched with wounds and scars and yet, you still kept going for the people that had everything to lose. He wanted to find ways to make your life easier but he knew he couldn’t find them inside Neiho’s borders. He had to leave in order to find that solution. 

Yuno had no idea how long he contemplated in front of Chansung’s room before the door burst open. Yuno let out a shocked yell as his brother cocked an eyebrow at his older sibling. 

“Brother, how long were you going to stand outside my door before simply coming in?” Chansung leaned against the wall as Yuno placed his hand over his rapid heart. He tried to catch his breath much to his brother’s amusement, but he was a bundle of nerves.

“Chansung,” he exhaled, still clutching his chest, “how did you know I was here?”

“It is impossible to not hear your stomps and groans through the wall,” the younger prince poked. “I imagine the townsfolk down below could hear your pacing.”

“Of course,” the older prince said with a roll of his eyes. His younger brother wordlessly invited him in by opening the door to his chambers wider and he breezed through, taking a seat on Chansung’s plush mattress. Chansung closed the door behind him to find his usually composed sibling with his head in his hands. A symphony of defeated sighs left Yuno’s lips and Chansung set a comforting hand on his brother’s back.

“What ails you, dear brother?” The younger implored.

“Chansung.”

“Yes, brother?”

“Have you ever felt like there was something more out there in the world, just waiting for you?” 

Chansung paused at Yuno’s question, retreating his hand from his brother’s body. A silence surrounded the room as the younger sat next to his sibling. 

“I suppose I haven’t,” Chansung answered with a hum. He turned to face his brother, finding the crown prince’s face contorted with furrowed brows and sucked in cheeks. “I knew that my place was always here in the castle and I have always taken that role seriously.” 

This was true. Chansung always buried himself in his studies, gathering enough knowledge to to soon overtake the place of Yuno’s future advisor. He studied religiously to not let his people down, just as his Father and Rowena currently were.

The older nodded silently, the black strands of his hair shifting to hide his eyes as he did so. He tugged on his earlobe, a habit he picked up when he was deep in thought or stressed beyond belief. Chansung caught sight of Yuno’s tell-tale and his lips pursed on trying to figure out as to why his brother was stressed.

“See, Chansung, that’s the difference between us,” Yuno broke the deafening silence. 

“What is?”

“You are the one who deserves the throne, not I.”

“Brother!” Chansung shouted in defiance. “Why would you say that? You would make a great king!” He pushed with such force. Yuno smiled, his brother always had seen the best in him.

“Chansung, one cannot deny the truth,” the crown prince smiled at his sibling. The upturns of his plump lip showed the prince’s fondness for his brother and a twinge of regret for not being the royal people expected him to be. 

“I have known what people have expected me to be and I have tried my best to live up to those expectations but...” Yuno began. He stood up and walked towards the open balcony, Chansung following in his wake. The elder leaned against the railings, hands resting on the cold stone as his sibling chose to press his back against it.

Townsfolk caught a glimpse of them from down below and enthusiastically yelled for the royal duo’s attention. The younger greeted them with matched excitement, bringing his hand up for a wave while the elder just nodded at them with a forlorn expression taking over his handsome face. He stared at the crowd a little longer than he should have, his mind wandering to the thief that stole his heart. His deep chocolate eyes traced the busy streets and alleyways, through the ways of the marketplace and the housing area until he could no longer see the outlines of the path.

“But you feel as if you belong down there,” Chansung finished for him with a hint of understanding. 

“Yes,” Yuno breathed out.

“Brother, you have always had a knack for escaping,” Chansung joked lightheartedly to ease his brother’s troubled heart. It was not everyday a royal revealed he wanted to be one of the people after all. 

A hearty, deep rumbling laugh escaped the crown prince’s lips. “I suppose I was not as discreet as I could have been,” he said with the shake of his head, “I was too busy running away from the guards to leave quietly.”

“I suppose not,” the younger chuckled along, the sounds of their laughter drifting with the winds.

“But Yuno,” Chansung’s voice called, “will you be alright?” His voice grew faint towards the end of the question and Yuno caught what his sibling was implying. Would the crown prince be alright after leaving a life of comfort?

“Yes,” Yuno smiled, his eyes shining in a way the second in line had never seen before, “for I will be happy.”

“Will you really be happy?” Chansung asked softly, his voice choking at the thought of his brother leaving him behind. He shook the sadness away and grinned widely at his sibling.

“You are leaving your favorite person behind after all,” he teased, barely dodging a playful punch to the chest. Yuno slung his arm over Chansung’s broad shoulder, bringing a hand to ruffle the other’s neatly styled hair.

“When have I ever called you that?” 

“Come, Yuno,” the younger man said with a proud smile, “we have much to discuss before we bring this to Father.” 

Yuno laughed once more, his heart bursting with an infinite amount of joy. He was one step closer to being free. 

Nothing could take away his happiness, or so he thought. Neither brother realized the person lurking in the shadows, hanging onto every word with disdain.

“He wants to abdicate the throne for a measly street rat? How could this be?” Rowena asked herself as she stormed into her secret hideaway within the palace walls after hearing the conversation between the siblings. The fabric of her robe flowed behind her and the mighty jeweled staff pounded against the floor as she rushed her way down steep steps. 

“All these years of scheming my way to the top will be wasted if he leaves with that peasant,” she spat harshly. Passing by the mirror hanging on her wall, Rowena paused in place to admire her looks. Running a hand through her shining black locks and stroking the sharp line of her jaw, she wondered what you had that she didn’t.

She had the looks, the intelligence, and the kingdom in the palm of her magic hand while you merely survived by committing to a life of crime. Why wasn’t the prince in love with her?

“Yuno and the position of queen was to be mine,” the advisor hissed, hazel eyes darkening with envy with each word she spoke. “I have not wasted my energy spelling the king only to settle for the second born.” 

Her reflection disappeared from her view, a bundle of smoke and clouds hiding her away before dispersing into a sweet image of you and the prince together. 

A terrifying shriek left her lips at the new reflection. Picking up the closest item within her reach, she hurled it into the mirror projecting that horrifyingly romantic image. The crack of the glass echoed in throughout the room and it fueled her bubbling ambition.

As her grip tightened against the length of her staff, she felt a new plan hatching in her head and dark magic coursing through her veins. “Prince Yuno and Neiho will be mine, make no mistake about that.”

You thought your love was too good to be true and he tried to convince you otherwise— you were a mere village thief and he was the Crown Prince. You came from practically nothing while he was of royal blood and yet, your fragile heart couldn’t help but fall for the lost man behind the crown and jewels. Your relationship was against the fates and the aligned stars but the prince had the strongest urge to rewrite them just to keep you by his side.

 “I have scheduled a private audience with the King tomorrow.” 

“And what will you discuss with him, love?” You stroked his fringe away from his forehead before cupping his cheek in your gentle hold. 

He nestled into your palm, sighing at your warmth. “Renouncing the throne,” Yuno announced casually.

“I beg your pardon?!” You almost screamed into the night.

The prince ignores your little outburst, continuing his explanation. “The life of a royal is not the life I wish to live. I want to live a life of travel and adventure.” He sat up to clutch your hands in his. “I want to live a life with you, if you will have me.”

“With me?” You managed to mutter. “Out of all people, why with me?”

“Because I’m in love with you. Any day with you would be an adventure.”

“But I don’t have anything— no riches, just rags,” you swallowed the lump in your throat. He took you in, dirt smeared face and ripped clothing, and still looked at you like you held the world in your hands. Yuno saw the stars, the sky, the whole entire universe in your eyes. He didn’t need anything else— he just needed you. 

“I love you more than anything else in this world but all I have to offer you is everything in me. I’m not sure if that is enough,” you bit your lip, teething gnawing down on your sensitive skin out of nervousness. He was the boy who had everything and he was willing to give everything up for a life with you. 

Yuno brought your injured knuckles to his lips. He kissed them gently, holding your gaze with a soft one of his own. “My love, that is more than enough. You are more than enough.”

“But what about the villagers? What will happen to them if I were to leave?” You sputtered out, worrying about others rather than yourself. 

He smiled at your selflessness. “I have already discussed this with Chansung. He is aware of the village’s situation and is willing to make changes to better their livelihood.”

“I can’t leave them behind,” you pulled your hands away. “They need me.” 

“He is willing to work with your partner, Minhyung, to reach out to our people. No man left behind,” he replied with a smile. “We thought of all the options.” 

You wanted to go with him but they were all you knew. Protecting the villagers and providing them with hope was always your number one priority— you had never thought of anything else. Would your mother be disappointed in you if you left them all behind or would she be happy to know that you have found a potential shot of happiness?  

“Please, just think about it, my darling.”

“And Minhyung, he asked me to think about it!” You shrieked while running through the trees, a sack of gold hitting the small of your back. You looked behind you to see your younger partner-in-crime giving you the smuggest smile.

“Well, are you thinking about it?” He questioned, curiosity burning in his doe eyes. He wiggled his brows to tease you and you wanted to slap him with your heavy sack.

“What is there to think about? I’m not leaving you behind.” 

“Why is that?” Your friend pushed.

“Because you need me, they need me.”

“Do we really need you or is it you that needs us?”

You frowned at him, not understanding his words. “What do you mean by that, Min?”

He laughed, nose coiling up cutely as he did so. “You have been stealing all your life, it’s all you know how to do. It’s familiar.”

“I do not see where you’re going with this.”

“You love him and you want to go with him but you’re scared.”

“Of what?”

“The unknown.” Minhyung gestured to all the riches you’ve stolen gathered by your feet. “This is all you’ve known but wouldn’t it be nice to do something more?” 

“But this is all you’ve known too, Min,” you countered defensively. 

“True, but by working with Prince Chansung, I can broaden my horizons.” There was this proud glint in his eye. “I can help more people. And you—”

“And me?”

“— you can finally be free to see what’s out there just like you’ve always dreamed of doing with nothing holding you back.” 

Your friend grabbed hold of your hand, his larger one clasping over your own. Minhyung’s grip tightened around your palm to reassure you. “You can be selfish for once, to think only of yourself, and it will be perfectly fine.”

“Min, I want to be selfish but I’m frightened of everything— life beyond the walls and forest. What if everything out there is not what I think it is? What if I’m not prepared to leave this familiarity?”

Minhyung whispered your name as you began to spiral down a road he could not follow. 

“And being in love with a prince for that matter! Love could be fleeting. Any given day after I leave with him, Yuno may not want me. He could turn his back on me and leave me to die. He has options, Min. I, for one, am not that lucky.”

Your friend squeezed firmly on your shoulder before reaching down to take hold of your hands. He crossed your arms over your chest and placed each hand on a shoulder, leading your fingers to tap against your skin. Minhyung encouraged you to follow along as he began to guide you through deep, calming breaths. 

As your heart rate and thoughts began to settle, you wondered when Minhyung grew up to be the strong boy who stood beside you. 

“Life is frightening. We know that more than anyone, flying by the seat of our pants,” Minhyung said with a chuckle of his own. “It’s alright to be scared of the unknown but it should not stop you from living your life the way you wish to live it.”

As you took another breath, you nodded to acknowledge his words. 

“Do you want to live a life with the Crown Prince?”

“More than anything in this world,” was your firm reply. 

Minhyung grinned at you, “Then that should be enough. Your love will be enough.”

Tugging him into a hug, you tucked your head into the crook of his neck. The act of affection was a “thank you” you cannot express with words. You only hoped your friend would understand the meaning behind the gesture. Luckily, with years of experience being your partner-in-crime, the young Minhyung was able to between the lines.

“Will you be alright?”

“Of course,” he said, placing a faint kiss against the crown of your head. “You’ve taught me everything I need to know.”

Minhyung, the younger and more energetic one of your thieving duo, ran ahead of you into the clearing to make the first drop of goods. You laughed at his excitable demeanor— you knew he would be the person you would miss most once you hightrailed out of the kingdom. He was the only family you had left but there he was, happy that you were finally setting yourself free.

The upward curve of your lips dropped when you heard his voice yell out for help. Heart racing, you let go of your sack, legs running faster than ever before to come to your best friend’s aid.

Once you caught a glimpse of him, your heart dropped to the floor, right by your soiled and tattered coverings you called shoes.

Minhyung was fighting against the hold of the strong guards that always chased your tail. His hands were handcuffed in chains and tears were running down his sunken cheeks as one guard repeatedly abused his small frame. You screeched at the vulgar sight unfolding before you— your little brother was being beaten to a pulp.

Three rough strikes to the stomach was all you could witness before you went flying towards him, hands outstretched to catch him as his body fell to the floor. You never reached him, another pair of guards preventing you from doing so. They immediately cuffed you and pulled your struggling frame towards them. Your shouts and frantic cries for the injured Minhyung were hushed when a restricting feeling took over your vocal chords.

Opening your mouth, you tried your best to make a sound but you found yourself mute. 

A horrifyingly disturbing laugh came from behind the trees and you scuffled to find the source through your tears. The tall and sleek figure, dressed far too nice to be caught in these parts, approached you with the most evil smirk. Her back was straightened, chest puffed out, and head held high with pride as she used the tip of her staff to lift your head.

“So you are the one who caught the crown prince’s eye,” the figure said, her voice as piercing as her glare. “The little thief.”

“You,” came your choked reply as she released the spell she casted on you.

“Oh, so you know of me?” she laughed haughtily. “Say my name then, child.”

Refusing to do what she said, you turned your head to look at the unconscious Minhyung who was slumped across the grass. 

“I said,” she hissed, using her hand to force your gaze back at her. “Say my name.” 

“Rowena,” you growled. “What do you want from me? I have nothing you want.” Her sharp nails dug into your skin and you winced at the pain. The royal advisor clearly did not appreciate your snark. 

“That is where you are wrong, my sweet child,” Rowena almost purred back. “You possess the thing I long for most.”

You scoffed at her answer. “And what would that be, witch?”

“Be careful with your words, street rat. I can end your friend’s life in an instant if you fail to hold your tongue,” a nail scratched your cheek, leaving you with a new cut. A thin stream of blood flowed down your face, dripping onto your tattered clothes as Rowena watched amusingly. “You are in possession of Prince Yuno’s heart when it was destined to be mine.”

You fought the urge to laugh, “You are doing this out of jealousy?”

“Hold your tongue, riff raff. You forget who is in control here, I can easily command my men to strike another blow on your poor fri—”

“No!” you yelled, cutting Rowena off, suddenly desperate to get on her good side. “Don’t hurt Minhyung; he has nothing to do with the situation!”

Minhyung weakly called your name and you ignored his cries. 

“But he is a thief and it is a great crime to steal in this kingdom,” Rowena drawled on teasingly, like a cat playing with a hopeless mouse.

“No, please,” you begged. “You mustn’t hurt him.”

“Then you must do something for me in return, peasant,” Rowena laughed at how easily she had you wrapped around her finger. You appeared to be strong, but your overly selfless heart was weak. 

“I will do anything you ask me to if you leave Minhyung alone,” you petitioned. You couldn’t let anything happen to Minhyung— he was the only family you had left. “He’s a brother to me.”

Minhyung’s head shot up at his new title while he gasped for air. Locking eyes with him, you smiled painfully. He was always at your side, protecting you when he could. Now, it was your time to protect him.

“I will let the boy live if you come with me without a fight,” Rowena schemed, grin growing wider by the second. She had you in the palm of her hands. “He is of no importance to me.”

“He is of the utmost importance to me,” you said, the familial love seeping through your veins. Though physically far apart from him, you hoped he could feel the love you had for him. Minhyung violently shook his head, as if to tell you not to go. He refused to let you sacrifice yourself to let him live, you had done enough for him as is.

“I will go with you, Rowena. Just allow me a moment to say my goodbyes.”

The guards holding you and Minhyung back looked at their commander for an order. With a roll of her eyes and a wave of her hand, you and your friend were freed of your confinement. You quickly shuffled to your feet and Minhyung fell into your arms as you sunk to the ground. 

“Oh my stars, Min,” you sniffled as you took him in. Sandwiching his fallen face in between your hands, you stroked his cheeks and pushed back the strands of hair that stuck to his sweaty forehead. “Please tell me you’re alright.”

“I’ll be alright if you stay here with me,” Minhyung replied with tears welling up in his soft brown eyes. Minhyung was always the crier between the two of you. He cried more at your mother’s death than you did but this time, you let your tears cascade down your cheeks, knowing this was the last time you would see your best friend. 

“You know I can’t do that. I can’t let anything happen to you, you have gotten yourself hurt because of me,” You gather enough strength in your shaking hands to squeeze his cheeks, something you always did to cheer him up. “I refuse to be the cause of your pain.”

“And I refuse to let you go,” Minhyung raised his hands to hold onto yours.

“I have made my choice,” you whispered harshly, “and that is to keep you and the others safe.”

You take a moment to hug the younger boy in your arms, trying to commit the feeling of Minhyung in your memory. Flashes of your best friend growing up by your side ran through your mind as your fingers stroked through his hair. Pressing a lingering kiss to the top of his head, you shut your eyes and bit back a sob. “Do me one favor? Find your happiness, wherever it may be and never let it go, alright?”

When you released him from your hold, Minhyung whined at the loss of warmth. 

“You’re my brother, Minhyung. I love you,” were your last words to your thieving partner before you turned away from him and his heart wrenching sobs and willingly stepped into your doom.

It wasn’t supposed to end like this. 

What started off as secret meetings and stolen kisses in alleyways was ending with you chained to the floor of the palace’s throne room while your lover watched helplessly from the side. He screamed your name and struggled against the hold of his guards but you shook his head to silence him.

Stop, you begged in your head, make it stop. 

The King and Prince Chansung did nothing to help you or their kin, only staring blankly at the chaotic scene unfolding in front of them. They had no choice; they were bewitched to be at the sorceress’ beck and call, just like the many guards that protected the kingdom. If only Prince Yuno had realized it sooner. 

“Why are you doing this?” Yuno yelled, his deep voice booming throughout the large room. His harsh glare, a look you had never seen on him, was focused on the lady seated on his father’s rightful throne. 

“Why?” Rowena echoed. “My darling prince, I did this because of you and your wish to renounce the throne for her.” Her extreme distaste for you was apparent as she hissed the last word. 

She left her seat, leisurely sauntering over to Yuno with a smile as if it was a casual meeting when the situation was far from it. Rowena squatted down to reach his level and Yuno hastily turned his head to the side, refusing to meet her eyes. His jaw tightened and his teeth grinded against each other as she forced him to look her directly in the eye. “Marry me and crown me as your Queen. Only then will I let her go.”

Instead of answering the witch with words, he chose to spit in her face instead. “Never, you hag. You are not worthy of ruling Neiho, nor will you ever be.” Yuno’s voice was ruthless and unwavering, just as a prince’s should be. Even in a moment like this, your heart swelled with pride at his bravery.

“Long live King Chansung,” he jeered, which only set Rowena off. “He is the next, rightful ruler of the kingdom.”

“If this is how you want to play, so be it, Prince,” Rowena laughed in his face. The sound of her cackles made shivers run down your spine and cold sweat broke out in a number of places. You were scared of what was to come. 

Using her staff to help her back up to a standing position, Rowena made her way towards you with a menacing stare. The curve of her lips grew wider as you flinched back in fear. You heard the clanking of metal chains as Yuno wrestled against the guard’s hold. “Don’t you dare do anything to her!”

“And what will you do, Yuno?” she threw back. “There is nothing you can do to help her now.”

Only a few steps from you, she points the end of her staff in your direction. A gleaming emerald jewel taunted you as you sucked in a breath. “You, peasant, have always given selflessly without expecting anything in return so selfless you will remain,” she started to say, a gust of wind bursted out the end of the jewel. It first surrounded her figure, then you, before spreading throughout the room. 

A golden lamp appeared out of thin air, floating in front of your face before you felt the spark of dark magic course within you. It released you from your physical binds only to leave you immobile. A pair of gold cuffs materialized on your wrists and tugged you closer to the lamp. 

“No longer will you be able to act selfishly for you are bound to this lamp and to these chains until a master wishes you free,” she explained. The taunting laughter that would soon haunt your memories echoed in your ears as ideas for a curse were thrown into the wind. “It will be at least two thousand years until you have the chance of seeing your precious prince again, that is, if Prince Yuno finds you first.” 

“What? No!” Yuno howled across the room as you were slowly consumed by a dark cloud. Calls of your name were heard but you could not respond as Rowena began to chant,

“Golden lamp of antique old, Bind her body, mind, and soul. May she obey her master’s whim, Turn her future dark and grim. Freedom comes with just one wish Unless it is a true love’s kiss.”

The smoke spread throughout the room, leaving the surroundings in a haze. As the evil enchantress concentrated on the curse, the hold on the others in the room fell through. The king and Chansung snapped out of their daze only to watch the horrific separation begin to take place. 

“Brother, what is the meaning of this?!” Chansung shouted to get his sibling’s attention, bringing an arm to shield his eyes from the powerful gusts. His father gripped at his youngest’s sleeve as the gale turned into a hurricane with you in the middle. 

Yuno failed to hear his brother’s questions, eyes zoned in on you as your freedom was slowly stripped away from you. The sight of you crushingly accepting your fate tugged on his heartstrings. This wasn’t the ending he wanted for you. This was far from it. 

"Remember me! You must remember me," he yelled over the commotion. You watched him struggle over the smoke as you cry out for him. 

"How could I ever forget you?" you reassured him with a broken smile. You felt the tail end of your body being pulled inside your new cage and tried to fight the unbreakable force. 

Yuno screamed your name once more. You locked eyes across the room, his dark orbs spinning with love and desperation. You wondered if your wet irises looked the same as his. 

"I will find you! I will search until the ends of the earth until you are by my side again.”

You wanted to laugh at his hopeful optimism— how did love get you into this situation? 

As much as you wanted to believe Yuno would find you, the situation was bleak. 

Rowena’s body rumbled with a laughter so sinister, so piercing that you flinched at the sound as her dark magic ran through your veins. “I would like to see you try, my prince, but until then, you and the throne belong to me,” she sneered. 

Ignoring the enchantress’ claims, his eyes continued to search for your disappearing figure. “I will come back to you, I promise!” Yuno’s deep voice rang into your ears. 

“I hope you will,” you whispered a defeated reply back. 

“If not in this life, then I will find you in the next! Mark my words!”

“Yuno…”

“In any version of reality, my darling, I will find you and I will choose you every single time. Do you hear me?” 

You nodded vigorously as you choked back your sobs. 

Just as the last bits of your being slipped through the spout of the lamp, Yuno broke free from the guards’ hold and rushed to your side. You reached out a hand and his fingertips grazed yours. 

“Don’t forget me,” he mumbled through choked up sobs. His shaking hands grabbed at the dreaded lamp, clutching it to his broad chest like it was the most precious thing on earth.

The sight of him so desperate before you was reminiscent of the star-crossed lovers you heard about during your younger years, the ones that ended in the worst of tragedies. You pondered  if this was your own personal tragedy, if this particular scene would haunt you for the rest of your cursed life. 

You exchanged one last glance. One last touch. 

Your hand clutched his cheek like it was made of the most fragile glass and the pad of your thumb stroked his soft skin. Yuno leaned into your touch, wanting to soak in his last moment with you. A spark flickered the place of contact, a sizzle of bright dust oozing from your fingers— your first dose of magic and you couldn’t even use it to keep him by your side. A glittering tear fell from your cheek and landed on his skin. 

It was then you muttered your last words to the man who claimed your heart before being completely tugged into your golden cage, “As you wish.” 

author’s note. hello, my darling readers! i know many of you have been waiting for this release for the longest time. this is the first of three (or four) parts. this part has been done for quite some time now; i’m just struggling to get the rest of it out.

but i thought it was too good of a story to just sit there in my google docs. i had this need to finally put part of it out into the world so here we are! i’ve been writing this since october and i would like to thank the many people who have helped me with the plot so far: kira, my chaotic gc, allex, and joyce!! ily all!! <3 this is for you!!!

part two is finished and i’m in the process of editing it! will it be out soon? who knows?

taglist. @rindomo @yshbaewenjun @hannie-dul-set @itsapapisongo @babyyynatty @notnctu @w0nni3wrld @yuta1forme @lucyinthesunshinee

i lost my original copy of the taglist so i’m sorry if i missed people! (especially since it’s been so long!) please let me know if you would like to be added to the list for future parts!

© sehunniepotwrites, 2020-2021

[earthnashes]

FINALLY! After a little while of work I’ve finally designed and drew each of the main races for Lorule! So that means, LORULE HEADCANONNNNNNNN!!!!! 8D aight ya’ll, let’s get right into it:

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Lorule is one of the Seven Kingdoms in the world of LoZ (not sure what to call the actual world itself), and the direct neighbor to Hyrule. Despite its harsh climates and highly varying regions, Lorule is prosperous and a staple realm among the Kingdoms. It’s ruled by the queen Hilda and inhabited by the following races (alongside some lore bits for the characters representing them):

-Lorians: A people who are of the same race as Hylians and thus share the trait of having pointed ears. Lorians, however, commonly have darker skin tones and lighter eyes, raging from copper brown to golden yellow in contrast to the common greens and blues of Hylians. While scattered all across Lorule, their capitol resides in the center of the vast drylands, smack-dab in the middle of an oasis.

Queen Hilda is the current ruler of Lorule and the youngest one to assume the crown (she became queen at the age of 16). She gained her position due to her father stepping down in light of ailing health, and has since earned a reputation of being a just and competent queen. She's strict and can be intimidating with how no-nonsense she is, but does whatever she can to do right by her subjects and allies. A bit of a big sister/mentor figure to Zelda.

Ravio is a young farm lad who has big aspirations to be a court mage. Thin as a rail with a timid, shy disposition to match, Ravio scares rather easily, but he works hard and dreams big for his future. He was taken in by Ooccoo when he was just a baby, having found him hidden under a blanket within a ransacked carriage. He idolizes the Queen and wishes to be as strong as her.

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-Yamatami: This race of humanoids are as tall as they are lean and thin, characterized by their unique masks they never take off and their ability to transform into giant snake-like creatures. The Yamatami inhabit the marshlands and mostly keep to themselves, though they are highly sought after trading-wise for their venom. They are lead by the somewhat oafish chief King.

Mamba is King’s daughter, and therefore the next-in-line to be chief once he steps down. As much as Mamba adores her tribe, she longs for a life of adventure, ever so curious about the world beyond their marshland boundaries. Part of her hesitation on being chief secretly banks on her fear of not being fit for the role. She’s a dreamer, very bubbly, friendly, and somewhat naive, but all she wants is to be able to make her own path.

Faux (pronounced “fawks”) is resourceful, fast, and cautious. They’re one of the best warriors the Yamatami have to offer, and through that they’ve become the trusted bodyguard to Mamba. Faux might seem indifferent to the overtly friendly princess but don’t let that fool you; they are ever watchful and ever so protective of their charge.

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-Oocca: Bird-like race with human-esque faces, they are a peaceful people who inhabit a great city hovering in the sky. The Oocca dislike conflict, though this is possibly because they themselves have no means of self-defense nor combat prowess, though they more than contribute their fair share to the Lorule alliance via their expertise in trade and commerce, as well as their advanced technology. Given their general lack of combative means, their city is inhabited by guards from the other native races, as per their negotiations. Anywhere you go, there’s almost certainly an Oocca merchant handling the finances of the city.

Ooccoo, sometimes known as Miss O, is the sweet, gentle single mother of Junior.  She makes her peaceful living running a homely inn and selling knick-knacks in the small farm village Ravio grew up in. She also doubles as the resident repair shop, using her skill in tinkering to keep the village's tech and tools in tip-top shape. Ooccoo has a knack of taking in any stragglers that she may run across, which has led her to taking in Ravio and raising him as if he were her own. She has an unusual assistant: an old battle-worn Lynel (to be designed later!) she calls Lyo.

Junior is Ooccoo's outgoing young son. Ever so eager to make friends and lend a hand whenever he can, Junior helps his mother run her inn and shop. He's high on energy and sometimes runs too fast for his legs to carry him (he has a penchant for tripping), and someitmes he talks a little too much, but all he wants to do is make sure you feel welcomed when under their care. He often uses berry branches as hair ties so he can have a small snack anywhere he goes!

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-Yook:  Otherwise known as Yetis, they are a race of huge, gorilla-like bipedal creatures who live on the peaks of the freezing, snowy mountains of Lorule. Despite their fearsome appearance and gargantuan strength, they're rather friendly, and have been known to guide lost hikers back on the trail to return home. Unfortunately, the Yook were once hunted to near genocide for their thick coats and tough hides before the practice was outlawed, and so they're cautious towards outsiders. It's only recently that they've begun to allow visitors to their humble village, but the current political climate among the Yook is a tremulous one.

Yeto was once the leader to the Yook before being beaten in a fight for the title against his younger adversary, Yuk. Now he and his beloved wife Yeta live out in the outskirts of the hidden village, living a quiet life while dedicating themselves to helping lost travelers and keeping them away from the village. This is mostly because, under Yuk's aggressive leadership, the Yook village is not safe for outsiders.

Yeta is Yeto's soft-spoken wife. Yeta is motherly to a fault, with barely a hostile bone in her body, but she isn't one to be pushed around. Upon her husband's defeat to Yuk in combat, she was outspoken on the harm he would cause their village by leading them down a violent path and was the only other one to stand up against the newly crowned chief, the others too afraid to say anything. She and Yeto were then forced to leave the village, living on the outskirts and dedicating themselves to keep outsiders away for their own safety.

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-Mogma: Andromorphic mole-like peoples who make their homes in the dry grasslands, the closest neighbors to the Lorian capitol. They generally grow to be large with huge, long claws for digging, and their villages and cities are known to mostly reside below ground. They are largely artisan by culture, focusing most of their energies in making, and collecting, knick-knacks and treasures. Their drive for all things shiny and pretty make them excellent treasure hunters, and many Mogma make lucrative careers out of being treasure-hunters-for-hire. They are a semi-nomadic people.

Guld was once the leader of the Mogma before he finally stepped down and gave the title to Ledd. One of the few Mogma to make his residence above ground, Guld has retired to a peaceful life of farming and selling pumpkins and other little trinkets he finds during his evening strolls. Despite long-since stepping down as leader, the Mogma often seek him out for guidance still, and he’s worried that it’s because they aren’t trusting their new leader as much as he’d hoped.

Ledd is the newfound leader of the Mogma, chosen by Guld for his courage and finesse in finding treasures. For all of his perceived confidence, Ledd is unsure of his newfound position, and his lack of action has led other Mogma to believe he is unfit for the role. His only supporter is Plats, his best buddy, and Guld. He’s determined to prove that he wants to be the leader the Mogma deserves, but is unsure how to do so.

Plats is the kindly and rather nervous buddy of Ledd, and the youngest brother of three. Unlike the rest of his kin, Plats is far more interested in simply trading items and hunting for food instead of shinies, which contributes to his round figure and his resident duty as town merchant. Given his rather cowardly disposition, Plats rarely ever tries to go treasure hunting, something his brothers often tease him about. He is the only one who has faith in Ledd’s leadership among their kin with the only other exception being Guld.

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WHEW!!! That got a bit long, but I’m glad to say that it’s out there for ya’ll to see! :3 I had a whole lot of fun working on this headcanon and if you have any questions please feel more than free to ask!! ;w;

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More LoZ headcanons | My Patreon |

[addictedtojmanga]

Shoujo manga recommendations - otome game isekai

So, after 10+ years reading shoujo manga, I’ve read over 1k titles, admittedly, a reasonable amount is one-shot (or at least a collection of), but nonetheless, over time I had to expand my interests.

Lately, I’ve started reading the otome game isekai genre, and decided it’d be nice to share the ones I thought were best.

Most of them are pretty much the same, but the best ones usually have a twist, so...

! Warning: You’ll most likely want to beat up 1 or 2 characters from each one, but worry not, so do I and the other characters

1. Fiancée's Observation Log of the Self-proclaimed Villainess

Crown prince Cecil was so brilliant that everything in life was easy to the point of boring him, then one day, his fiancée Bertia suddenly said "Prince Cecil, I am a villainess!" Claiming that this world is the same as that of an "otome game" from her past life and that she is playing the role of the "villainess" in it, she aims to play her part well and have their engagement annulled. With that goal in mind, she sets about causing turmoil in Cecil's daily life.

This one definitely takes the gold for me. Super sweet and pretty funny.

2. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

Most people would prefer being the protagonist of a world full of adventure, be it in a game or in another world. But, unfortunately, a certain girl is not so lucky. Regaining the memories of her past life, she realizes that she was reborn in the world of Fortune Lover—one of the games she used to play. Unfortunately, the character she was reincarnated into—Katarina Claes—is the game's main antagonist, who faces utter doom in every ending. Using her extensive knowledge of the game, she takes it upon herself to escape from the chains of this accursed destiny. However, this will not be an easy feat, especially since she needs to be cautious as to not set off death flags that may speed up the impending doom she is trying to avoid. Even so, to make a change that will affect the lives of everyone around her, she strives—not as the heroine—but as the villainess.

This one takes 2nd place! It has a different result than others, and the FL is great - everyone is, to be fair.

3. Of Course I’ll Claim Palimony

"I'll annul our engagement!" My fiancé suddenly declared?! Apparently he's in love with the recently transferred count's daughter and is planning on making me the villain in order to annul the engagement. Although I have no lingering attachments about the engagement, I do have to claim a hefty consolation fee don't I?

This is sooo good. The FL is spectacular and manages to stand out - even if just a bit - from the rest of the genre.

4. I’m a Villainous Daughter, so I’m going to keep the Last Boss

Avoid the BAD END! That's the goal of the villainess in this plot-twisting story!! She has been reborn into the world of an otome game as the villainess, Irene. Using her memories of her former life, she recognizes flags indicating she's en-route to the bad end, so she makes a plan to conquer the last boss (the evil king Claude), make him her lover, and see if she can open up a new route!

Pretty funny, and the FL is bold. Also, the ML is a bishounen.

It’s one of the few mangas from this genre that has been completely translated, and since it only has 13 chapters, it’s a good way to start out.

5. The Plain & Unnoticeable Me is No More

Elaine Lana Norris, who was born at the top of the aristocratic daughter, was declared abandoned by her second fiancé at the school's founding party. Lana, who has been made a villain daughter, is driven out of her home by a strict grandfather. But there is a secret in Lana that everyone doesn't know about?

I don’t want to give out any spoilers, however, it suffices to say that she accepts her role as the villainess.

Ok, I think these 5 are my favorite, but the ones below have been selected as well, so they’re still pretty good and worth reading.

6. The Villiainess Is Adored by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Kingdom    

Tiararose was supposed to be disengaged and exiled from the country. “This was the Otome game I had played!” She realized on the day before the story’s ending??……. Shall I wait for the judgment? But, I did not do anything too cruel……. Thinking so, the ending continues. But, during the judgement??something that was not possible in the game happened. The neighboring crown prince courted the villainous daughter Tiararose.

ML: 10/10 FL: 8/10 (too insecure for my taste)

7. Endo and Kobayashi’s Live Commentary on the Villainess

She’s always putting on that grumpy face even though she’s not actually that upset! Oh, why can’t she just be honest with herself…!??? She is a tsundere, after all? When her embarrassment levels exceed a certain limit, she will explode into anger. However, the point that she’s suppressing under the surface is that she wouldn’t mind that sort of thing if it were in a less public place.? As Endo-kun passionately reacts to the antics of Lady Liselotte, the villainess of an otome game, Kobayashi-san provides a painstaking breakdown of her tsundere behaviour. Suddenly, one person could hear their voices; Liselotte’s fiancée, Prince Siegward. That is where this story begins.

8. I’m the Villainess, but the Capture Targets are too Abnormal  

The villainess, Mystia, remembered her past life on her 10th birthday and has unwittingly turned the characters in the otome game "Kyun Kyun Love School" into yanderes! In order to avoid becoming the love rival of the "heroine" who will lead her to her downfall, she starts making every effort to break off her engagement with her "prince-like classmate"! That’s was what supposed to happen...But, because of her kind personality, her favorability increased instead!

It’s still in its beginning stages, but seems pretty solid.    

9. Though I May Be a Villainess, I'll Show You I Can Obtain Happiness!  

A collection of one shots.

Great way to start out, it has quite a few options, so if you don’t like one, give another one a try!

10.  The Villainess, Cecilia Silvie, Doesn't Want to Die, So She Decided to Cross-dress!      

I was reincarnated into the body Cecilia Silvie, the villainess of an otome game. According to the plot, what awaits me in the normal route is either a slow, painful death or an instantaneous one... Essentially, every route leads to my demise. Then I'll change my fate! And that's why I decided to become a man. However, I made a mistake during a certain event, and the story began to head down an unexpected path...?

I haven’t seen any other like this, and if you like gender bender, this one’s for you!

11.  I’ll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History ― The More of a Villainess I Become, the More the Prince will Dote on Me

Alicia is the eldest daughter of the noble Williams family—a bloodline that excels in dark magic. Her jet-black hair and golden eyes command a powerful presence, but her most unique features are, without a doubt, her sharp tongue and malevolent nature. By all means, she is a villainess, but also a fictional character from an otome game!

12. I’m Not a Villainess!! Just Because I Can Control Darkness Doesn’t Mean I’m a Bad Person!

The novel The Saint Beloved by the Prince is set in the land of Lacia, where spirits control the elements, each of which is overseen by a "Spirit King." On rare occasions, these Spirit Kings may bless a single human, granting them immense magical control over their respective element. The heroine, Amelia Logan, and the villainess, Claudia Leitzya, are two sides of the same coin, blessed by the Light and Dark Spirit Kings respectively. However, while Amelia is beloved, Claudia is hated and rejected due to her dark skin, ebony locks, and aptitude for dark magic. After dying in modern-day Japan, Sakura is reborn as an infant Claudia. While difficult at first, Claudia tries to adjust to this new life, all the while accompanied by the Dark Spirit King Gerald. But even this task is far from easy; people fear her at first glance, no matter how she acts toward them. Still, Claudia is set on changing her fate from the novel, proving she is a good person and breaking free from the shackles of a "villainess."

13. Rebirth of the Villainess: The Life of Letizia after the Engagement Annulment      

For some reason, the duke's daughter, Letizia, was plotting to break her engagement with the prince. Her plan succeeded and the prince, none the wiser. But shortly after the engagement was terminated... The King collapsed! In that moment, she recalled her memories of her past life as a nurse and she fully utilised her knowledge & experience as a nurse, to save the King's life. Thinking she had achieved what she wanted, she thought she could finally relax, drinking her favourite beverage and leisurely spend her time, she instead somehow keeps getting involved in incident after incident. The slow and peaceful life is now nothing but a dream!? Lazy daughter, busy seeking freedom and laziness!

14. I Won't Become a Villainess. I'm Just a "Normal" Duke's Daughter!

A Japanese person reincarnated into an otome game chock full of death flags for the villainess, Rosalind. "I'm going to live an enjoyable life in this world!" Making full use of the game knowledge to avoid death flags, for some reason events keep happening one after another?! Contracting with spirits, helping her father (the prime minister) with his work using her modern day knowledge, taking a walk with the holy beast... and on top of all that, even starting up the heroine's event...? Will Rosalind be able to smash through every unknown death flag that comes her way...?! And will she be able to be fluffy lovey-dovey with the supporting beastkin character she liked from her previous life?!

Cute. Has beasts.

15. Milady Just Wants to Relax      

She worked herself to death in her past life, but then she was reborn in another world as the villainess Ronia! As expected, her engagement is broken and she's expelled from society, but now she takes that chance to live peacefully, and even opens a cafe with the help of her fairy comrades, which is becoming unexpectedly popular with beast-kin...?

Also cute. Also has beasts.

16. I Swear I Won’t Bother You Again!            

Violette, a proud and beautiful daughter of a duke, commits a crime out of jealousy towards her half-sister. Convicted, Violet faces her own heart with sincerity in a prison cell and regrets her sin. Then time rewinds to a turning point—to her first meeting with Maryjun one year ago. Violette makes a decision. She will not make mistakes this time. Without committing a crime and bothering anyone, she will live an ordinary, plain and inconspicuous life...! However, incidents contrary to Violette's expectations occur one after another...?!

17. I Became a Villain Daughter

On her 15th birthday, Hinase Kaede, a young girl who was working as a part-timer, perished in a traffic accident. Upon her death, a self-proclaimed “God” appeared, declaring that Kaede would be brought back to life. However, Kaede’s happiness was short-lived and her soul was thrown into Erika, the villainess of an otome game! In the original game, Erika became a saint candidate alongside the heroine, committed evil deeds over the course of the candidacy, and ultimately faced condemnation. Thus, Kaede decides that she will not get close to the main characters of the game so as to avoid the bad end, but yet——?

[annarellix]

The Blades of Bronze blog tour: Argo & Jason by Mark Knowles

The Blades of Bronze series is a retelling of Jason and The Argonauts myth, one of the most complex and rich of paranormal/mystical aspects of the ancient mythology. As most of the well-known mythological saga we have to consider that a lot of aspects cannot be easy on our modern sensitivity: there’s a lot of violence, no problems in killing tons of people to become king, the role of the women who were relegated to play second fiddle unless they’re one of the great and tragic heroines. I was always fascinated by this saga even if, to be honest, my favourite character was always Medea, a strong and complex heroine. As Greek and Roman mythology features strongly in my school curriculum it’s always a bit hard to avoid comparison between the retelling and the force of the original myth. Mr Knowles did a good job as he stripped the novels of most of the mythological aspects and turned them in fascinating and entertaining books. He describes the environment and the setting as it should have been more than 3 thousand years ago as we are talking about 1300 BC Argo is the beginning, the origin of the Argonauts, the explanations of why Jason had to go on a quest to find the Golden Fleece and they succeeded. It’s a compelling story and we discover the background and the characters. They are fleshed out and realistic, mythical characters tha become people. Jason is what happens after you are successful in a quest and it was a great read as I loved the follow the Argonauts in the return travel, their adventures, and the very interesting characters they met. Mark Knowles approach to this second novel makes again mythological characters real, people in flesh. He knows what he’s writing about, and he knows how to tell a captivating story. His background enables him to turn a mythological myth into a fascinating and exciting adventure. I recommend this series as it bring to out attention a new chapter in the fascinating world of Ancient Greek myths.

Many thanks to Aries for a digital copy of these books, all opinions are mine

Order/Pre-Order Links: Argo: https://amzn.to/3Ltsqx8 Jason: https://amzn.to/3PvpuTV

Argo: He has come to take what is yours...

Iolkos, Thessaly. 1230 BC. King Pelias has grown paranoid, tormented by his murderous past and a prophecy of the man who will one day destroy him. When a stranger arrives to compete in the Games of Poseidon, Pelias is horrified, for this young man should never have grown to manhood. He is Jason, Pelias' nephew, who survived his uncle's assassins as a child. Now Jason wants his revenge – and the kingdom. But Pelias is cunning as well as powerful. He gives his foe an impossible challenge: to claim the throne, Jason must first steal the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason assembles a band of Greece's finest warriors. They are the Argonauts, named for their trusty ship. But even with these mighty allies, Jason will have to overcome the brutal challenges hurled his way. His mission and many lives depend on his wits – and his sword.

Jason They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive?

Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his uncle, the scheming King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home. But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem. Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers. Yet Jason's perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home...

The Author: Mark Knowles took degrees in Classics and Management Studies at Downing College, Cambridge. After a decade working as a frontline of cer and supervisor within the Metropolitan Police Service, he became Head of Classics at a school in Harrogate. 

He is a particular fan of experimental archaeology and rowed on the reconstructed ancient Athenian trireme Olympias during its last sea trials in Greece in 1994.

Follow Mark on Twitter: @mark77knowles Website: https://www.markknowles.info/