#thank you cotl lamb worms

[aveloka-draws]

I just wanna say I came because of your cult of the Lamb art but staying for your art in general. Even if you move on one day from the CotL fandom, I'll be here... like an annoying itch you can't get rid of lol but also just wanna thank you for inspiring my passion to draw again after a very long time of not doing so. Something about your art just.. .made me wanna pick up a pencil and paper again and start from scratch once more. So thanks :3

Ahsjkflflclchhhhh this is such a sweet message, I apreciate this so so much!

I know I'll eventually stop drawing cotl stuff this much, but It's been a lot of fun coming up with silly ideas and reading other peoples aus and looking at the really cool art out there, it makes for a really cool chain of art inspiring art inspiring art, I think.

[cult-of-the-rizz]

yk what fuck u *perler beads your leshy* /j

The melts did not come out perfect on lamb and the crown, tiny leshy got a little overcooked but this is the first time I've done this lol anyway

Big Leshy

[skillzissuez]

*drops from the sky* Hi I’m back

[acoraxia]

I may have just found your art (is so freaking pretttttyyyyy) and your cotl AU but I now desperately need to know everything about the AU because it looks so. cool.

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME INDULGE IN TALKING ABOUT MY LITTLE AU AHEM AHEM

I’m going to ramble now if that’s ok-

WARNING:: long and messy ramblings about AU ideas, headcanons and body horror/gore mentions up ahead

My Lamb’s story is actually pretty simple: they were born as Aluhé (ahl-weh) to a family filled with traveling performers. They traveled throughout the land of the Old Faith, worshipping the gods (especially Shamura) and performed to earn money to maintain themselves. Life was good up until rumors of the prophecy foretold by the Bishops spread towards the little hers; when Aluhé came of age they learned of said prophecy and that that was the reason why their family “settled down” in a (supposedly) hidden village.

Eventually, heretics arrive and they kill the herd safe for Aluhé and they escape, meet a flock of goats and Jahel (goat co-op character) and then run away due to guilt only to be captured by heretics and be introduced to the bishops.

After meeting Narinder and obtaining the crown, Aluhé refused to do anything in his name — refused to start a cult or touch the crown or anything… for months

they met Koi when they were planning to simply kill the Bishops bare handed and instead save her from being sacrificed (haha me too!). They don’t run the cult per say — mostly due to the fact they don’t want to get attached to anyone but they feel a strong sense of… protectiveness when it comes to the flock, going as far as appointing disciples to ensure the cult is safe and beating the life out of heretics that get a little too close for comfort to the cult grounds.

THE CROWN TAKES SUCH A MASSIVE TOLL ON ALUHÉ HOWEVER — apart from the fact that Aluhé is “easily corrupted” being fueled by a blind sense of justice towards the culling of their species over a family’s spat and a selfish fucker’s decisions, the crown latches on to their body and often does so when Aluhé has their guard down. This allows for certain changes to occur — the lack of hunger, exhaustion and ability to “morph” their body being a few of them.

It doesn’t help that Aluhé refuses to use the crown to fight unless absolutely necessary (because they hate dying because it means hearing Narinder talk and because they’ll end up angry all over again—) and often wears the crown around their neck.

This causes certain personality changes as well: Aluhé is typically quiet and docile when engaging with the flock if only a bit intimidating. They don’t talk to the followers unless necessary and only exchange actual conversation with their disciples. Since no follower is allowed to go on crusades with Aluhé they’re omitted from the fact their benevolent leader is in fact very, very, very, violent

They’d often consume heretics during their final moments or force feed their remains to the few that tried to get away (and failed) so they’d choke and die — a brutality that spread towards the bishops and their own disciples (Narinder still remembers how vile it was to see a meek little lamb get up and tear Barbatos to shreds, only to then use one of the worms’ teeth to sink it into Leshy’s flesh. Charming, really). This only strengthens when they kill Narinder and are eventually crowned the new god of death… among other things… and their body eventually adapts to the changes but it takes a toll on their mental health (

Their behavior, however, can be traced back to Shamura…

Since the two had a very interesting conversation before Aluhé was sent to be sacrificed:

Smh Aluhé you should be grateful to be blessed with the presence of the War Bishop tssk tsk

When the Bishops are killed and, eventually, brought back to life per the Mystic Seller’s request, Aluhé refuses to heal them or allow for their bodies to heal until they repent or make a pact with them to ensure obedience as they join their flock. Goes about as well as you can imagine

A big little change I made was that I made the Bishops Embodiments of their titles rather than just gods worshipped for it.

So Narinder is the Embodiment of Death, Leshy is the Embodiment of Chaos, etc. despite having somewhat mortal bodies they are still connected to their godhood and this will not change due to the fact that the world still needs gods in order to maintain balance — it also means that Aluhé is not just the god of death but the god of other things; it also means they have.. a union with Narinder, so to speak

The Gods have vessels for the sole purpose of their finding their replacements (because the gods will exist, even if they are not the same person they once were years ago) or to gain more worship and strengthen their power. When the Old Faith started getting greedy (coughs, Narinder) it was harder to find willing vessels or the right type of vessels to take on the task of bringing the Siblings more worship. It took years to find the proper candidates for Leshy or Kallamar (because the fucker was so PICKY /j) and it also caused a bit of horror to the siblings to see Aluhé reject the Red Crown as though it were simple

Aside from the Siblings being somewhat “dormant” and Narinder not being within the cult and Shamura traveling with Jahel… there’s a lot of silly little lore I managed to put into the four of them because I thought it’d be fun to explore the capability of Vessels and Gods and “War/Death Incarnate” as a whole — there’s a lot of story lore I don’t want to spoil but you can have these as a treat:

And thats it for now

[lovelyghostz]

Guys look I made a headcanon/story for COTL

Lamb wants to pierce their ears so they do so with the infinite time they have in between regular cult duties. They make some cool looking earring and they love it, taking good care of the piercings. And then they die on a crusade.

They wake in Narinder’s domain just as they always have, and they’re chatting with TOWW (or more accurately chatting at him) and they go to fiddle with their earring as a new fidget they’d picked up, and there’s.. nothing there?? They kinda look confused and start feeling for the small holes in their ears and they’re just gone. They seem genuinely lost for a moment before it clicks, and they look up at Narinder, annoyed.

They accuse him of sealing up their piercings when they died, and he responds with an exasperated sigh, explaining that any bruise, bump, or break of the skin Lambert had upon death would have healed up the instant they died. They scoff at the explanation, trying to reason with Death. They insisted that there was no way the healing process couldn’t find the difference between a wound and a carefully placed piercing, but TOWW simple gestured towards their ear in a way to say, “clearly not.”

After their complaints had died down and the Lamb stood with crossed arms and a sour look, Narinder sighed, leaning down and reaching out towards them with large, skeletal hands. He took their ears, one in each hand, and made the smallest puncture on each one with the very tip of his boney claw. He then leaned back, smiling down at the Lamb softly, and they honestly couldn’t tell if he was smiling because of his work or for them.

With their face flushed slightly they stuttered out a thank you, feeling at the slightly larger but surprisingly well-done holes in their ears. Narinder’s lower two eyes looked away, his third locked on them with a slightly larger pupil than the others.

For what must have been the thousandth time, he told them to rise for resurrection. This time felt better, though. Less of a command and more of an offering. Of course, that feeling wouldn’t stay, they were his vessel, but it was nice to see that part of the God of Death. A gentler side.

Lambert decided that they would have to find more excuses to worm that side out of him.

Ok thats all thanks

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

I would like to request something for cotl

A follower Leshy with a reader who is kind of a plant worm like him but they're always covered in flowers and herbs that can be used for medicine, like, it grows out of them and they give the flowers and herbs to lamb as their way of helping in the cult among other simple tasks.

"Hello [y/n], may I have some-"

"NO!! They're busy, stupid Lamb!" Leshy snarled, turning his head in the direction of his "leader's" voice, wishing he could scowl at them. "If you want camellia, go find them in the land you robbed from-!!"

"Leshy, it's okay. What do you need, Great Leader?"

"....what..?"

Your fellow bagworm was dumbfounded as Lamb calmly requested some mint leaves from you. Nodding, you carefully plucked some of the freshly-grown herbs from your arm and handed a bunch to them.

They graciously thanked you, saying it'll be an excellent ingredient in the tea they wanted to brew, before walking away.

Leshy, on the other hand, was displeased at your actions.

While you were both the same species, you had a unique magical ability that allowed you to grow flowers, herbs, and many other plant-based resources from your own body.

They were painless to pluck off when they've fully sprouted, and quite frankly...it's better that you did so during that time.

Otherwise, you'd constantly be weighed down and unable to see where you were going..

You were once Leshy's follower, the head of medicinal operations in Darkwood, so he was understandably furious when he arrived and saw you here in the cult as well.

He firmly believes that Lamb "stole" you to abuse you as a resource, rather than treat you like a person.

Yet when he pointed this out, you simply laughed.

But he was dead serious.

"Stop laughing! You can be honest with your former leader. Admit it...you're tired of them taking and taking from you!"

"Oh Leshy, that's complete and utter nonsense." You shook your head. "Lamb has never once taken any flower or herb from me by force. I'm giving them away out of my own volition. Darkwood grows more dangerous everyday, so why should they risk they safety to gather camellia when they can just ask me for some?"

He scoffed in response. "At least put a price on your flowers if you're just going to give them away all the time.."

You were about to respond to him, when you saw one follower approaching you. They seemed to be blushing, eyes shifting around to ensure the coast was clear before speaking to you.

"[Y/n]? Sorry to interrupt, but I..I-I think I'm in love with someone!" They stammered, hiding their face in their hands for a moment, looking back up at you. "But they don't know I exist....may I please have some flowers to woo them with?"

Leshy was silent as he glanced in your direction, wondering if you were going to take his advice.

"Sure! But it'll cost you.."

He quietly snickered, seeing the follower looking quite nervous as they started fishing for change in their robe pockets.

"....just kidding, my friend. Lucky for you I've grown a bunch here." With some small clippers, you trimmed the bottoms of the camelia stems, gathering about four of them before handing them all to the follower. "Be sure to tie them into a bouquet so they don't get lost to the wind." You winked. "Best of luck to you."

"Oh thank you! Thank you!! I shan't forget this!" They squealed in joy, a bright grin on their face as they hugged you for a few quick seconds.

Then, with the flowers clutched closely to their chest, they dashed off to bequeath this gift to their crush.

"Unbelievable."

"Leshy, that's enough." With a frown, you turned to the ex-bishop, growing a tad bit annoyed with his whiny attitude. Since you were both on an equal plane now, you could talk back to him without fearing any consequences. "You're acting like you're the one growing flowers out of your head. Why does this bother you so much?"

"....it just..does, alright? But if you're okay with being a walking garden for all these unworthy morsels-"

"I am very content with my role here, thank you very much." You smiled politely, wanting this conversation to be over with. "Now, don't you have a morgue to attend to?"

"That's my brother's job.." He grumbled, glancing over at the pit of corpses, shuddering. "Damn him for going on a "spiritual journey" at this hour. I may be the youngest, but at least I don't run away from my responsibilities!"

"Right. So...what's stopping you from going over there? Those bodies aren't doing any good lying in that pit.."

"Have you been over there recently? It reeks." Leshy shuddered in disgust. "I can't go anywhere near that pit of rot. The smell alone makes me wanna vomit.."

"Then...would it help if I planted some roses around it to absorb the stench?"

He did a double-take. "Huh?? Since when did you grow roses???"

"Just recently." You chuckled softly, holding up your arm so he could see the blood-red rose buried in your leafy exterior. "I've followed you for years, Leshy, and yet..somehow I keep surprising you."

"You sure do." Sighing, he smiled a bit and decided to accompany you to the morgue, hoping your roses would do a good job masking the awful smells.

Even though he knew exactly where it was, he ended up holding onto your arm as you both walked.

Until now, Leshy never noticed how lovely you smelled, surrounded by aromas that weren't too overwhelming for him at all. If anything..it felt rather comforting.

He couldn't even scent the dead bodies anymore--there was only you and your beautiful flowers.

It seems Lamb's cult allowed you to tap into your full plant magic potential.

[he-ofhavoc]

What are you doing in my temple?

This is a Leshy (Cult Of the Lamb) RP Blog! Any details will be posted here as an edit.

This blog takes place sometime during the game's events. Assume all posts are as Bishop Leshy [No special tag] unless otherwise specified in tags! [Follower Leshy:#FL Post, Eldrich Leshy: #EL Post], ELDRITCH LESHY IS NONVERBAL ON THIS BLOG! NODS AND SHAKES ONLY FROM THE HUGE WORM!

Info on the deal with ethan

ok so since time works funkily in ethan's tv world, the time turned out to be 1 week 4 days so i will NOT BE IN CHARACTER until 1 week 4 days passes from 9/21! [10/2, if your that lazy] you can still send in asks and ask the MOD, but all asks directed toward leshy will be answered the same way. CONTACT WITH MOD IS OPEN, LESHY IS GONE FOR NOW!!!!

Every COTL character has a different color in text! Sometimes unique text colors will not be used due to mobile being buggy.

Leshy

Heket

Kallamar

Shamura

Narinder

The lamb [Half white, half red]

The Goat [Half white, half purple]

‐-----Text key------

Speaking.

¤Green Crown Speaking.¤ (Or using <>, sometimes mod is on PC)

*Action.*

[Description.]

(Mod note)

OTHER BLOGS!!!

@ask-theredcrown -My dear brother.

@ask-thegreencrown -Another me.

@askacultleader damned lamb. Although... this one seems to not be agressive. i can only hope they don't make the same mistakes as mine...

@yarnor-the-timid-raccoon One of my own, and personally one of my favorites.

@askthe-littlepoet -The poet. Not much else to say.

@marko-the-yellow-cat -The yellow cat. I can see why the other me likes them so much...

@what-an-interesting-experiment ... [thanks for the profile pic & banner]

[MORE SOON! SEND ME A ASK IF YOU WANNA BE ADDED TO THE LIST!!!]

hey yall, mod posting here and i just wanna say i do not have a date for when the leshy returns arc will start, i'm getting a bit swamped in schoolwork and just overall loaded with stuff to do so this blog might become a bit less active but for now after the whole leshy gets kidnapped thing is over and any after-effects of that i think i'm gonna slow down the blog and take my time

I'm still up to do like non-lore important roleplay, i just need some time to relax and get my stuff sorted and calm down, i am not taking a break from the blog, posts are just going to slow and lore will stop for a bit. i might as well add this, but if you want to talk to my main blog, it's @gam1ngx , Feel free to send me a ask or two!

I also run...

@v-seriesmodelone

@v-seriesmodeltwo

@subway-beetle

@cocoagraft-real

@subspace-tmine

@the-broker

[Mod goes by GX]

[neonpaperlanterns]

Something I don't know if I rambled about was the way each Bishop fights.

Leshy, being blind. Doesn't seem to really target Lamb. At least, he blindly tries but most likely struggles with the sounds and smells of his minions in the fight. (Wonder if in the Papa worm story... This is more just him fighting at a self given disadvantage. Despite duties and responsibilities, he just struggles to even think about willingly fighting and killing Nuala.) he is most likely overconfident and overwhelmed himself thinking he could take Lamb (mostly) on his own.

Heket fights like a leader, her cult heavily with her, her siblings do have aids but she has it in spades in comparison I'd say. Even doing a tactic of having her retreat mid fight while two of her elite beasties jump out. Plus, they just keep coming. Hopping into battle while she fights Lamb.

Kallamar fights like a coward, most of his attacks are to keep you away. And from what I've seen, he is the most desperate and it shows in how a LOT of people state he is the hardest boss fight. A cornered wet beast.

Shamura... Fights like they accepted death. They won't give in, but they accept it and aren't afraid to meet it.

They've mastered the fights to reflect the bishops in some way or form. Leshys' overconfidence (or familial love conflict with familial love in Nualas' case.) Hekets' loyalty (to her family. But still). Kallamars' cowardice and fear of death. Shamuras' acceptance of it all. "Five becomes... Becomes... Nothing. Nothing at all."

...

Just wanted to ramble that to someone. Onto the question.

Regarding stories of post-CotL, where Lambert is the new god of death and recruits the bishops... In your head, how would sizes work?

Obviously they'll be the same size as the followers once recruited in game. But in real life there are creatures huge and small, in game that is also the case. There are large hostile cultists whom wield big swords. And that one pig dude with the axe whom decapitated Lamb then ditched the entire story of the game.

So would you keep them as... Giants in your stories or what?

-Sunny Anon

Okay so that's really cool! And looking back on their fights make so much sense. Thank you for pointing it out, you are really good at noticing things. Again I find that so fascinating.

But onto your question.

In my head they stay big. Not as huge as they were because I like the idea of them decreasing in size after being stripped of their power. But still definitely tower over others just not as dramatically has before.

side note: Sunny2 has passed away of old age. Any desire for the next reincarnation?

[nicho18jar]

[Author’s note: I haven’t really done anything like this in quite a while so apologies if there’s any sorta issues with how I wrote it or the formating. This is LoverXSozo fan fic based off @cosmica-candy 's COTL AU, I hope you enjoy.]

It was in the first few weeks of winter when Sozo had returned from his stay at the Spore Grotto, he normally went there every few weeks in order to check in on Inky and the mushlings. Making sure that nothing horrible had happened while he was away, cleaning up any messes or issues that the mushlings had made in his absence and creating more of them in case that some had perished.

The sun was just beginning to set when Sozo first felt the sting of the cold on his journey back to the Arcana village. The cold sent a shiver down his spine and a quick stab of pain followed quickly but he instead adjusted the scarf that his lover gave him and sped up. The sooner that Sozo returned, the sooner he could see his darling lamb again, and that was all the motivation that he needed to continue his task at night.

He had been traveling mostly in the dark for a few hours when Sozo finally saw the faint lights of Arcana off in the distance. All the times he had made the journey before had ingrained every step of the path, every bump, ditch and obstacle into his mind.

“Halt! Who goes there!” Cried out one of the guards as Sozo approached the entrance to the village, a blue bushy worm that Sozo didn’t recognise.“It is I, Sozo. I have returned from my trip to the Spore Grotto.” Sozo called out in response as he stopped before the gate, kept shut at night in order to keep monsters and heretics out.“Ah, Sir Sozo, we were not expecting you until tomorrow. Quickly come in before the cold claims you!” The guard replied as they went about opening the gate for him. “I believe that our glorious leader should be in his home if you wish to surprise him or wait until the morning.”“I must see him tonight, my heart cannot bear being separated for longer than necessary.” Sozo said passionately as he entered through the gate, his pace quickening as he made a beeline towards Lover’s home.

As Sozo quickly approached Lover’s house he saw Cream silently leave and shut the door behind her. She jumped a little when she saw Sozo but quickly smiled kindly at him.“Ah Sozo, it is a surprise to see you here already, how were the mushlings dear?” Cream asked him with a gentle smile“They are doing well Lady Cream, only one perished while I was gone thanks to Inky. Is my dear love alright?” Sozo responded proudly only to switch to a concerned tone as he asked about Lover.She looked around before leaning in close to Sozo. “Lambert, he is not doing too well. The cold does not agree with him and he has asked to be left alone so that no one sees him in this state. But I believe your presence may improve things.” She said quietly, seemingly worried that someone may overhear the pair.Sozo nodded as he placed his fist on his chest. "I swear upon my goddess, Amanita Cordyceps that I will do everything in my power to comfort and help dear Rosebud."Cream smiled at his words, "Then I leave everything in your capable hands." She then walked past him as she made her way to her own home.

Sozo took a moment to compose himself before knocking on the door."My love! I have returned at last and wish to see your face once again." He called out, hoping that Lover was still awake. After a few moments Sozo heard movement from behind the door before it was opened to reveal Lover wrapped up tightly in a blanket. Lover's eyes widened in shock before he wrapped his arms around Sozo."Sozo my dear! I thought you weren't to return until tomorrow? What if something had happened to you while you travelled during the night?" He asked in a concerned manner."The mere thought of having to spend one more night away from you my beautiful rose scared me more then the dark and it's monsters ever could." Sozo replied in a quiet tone as he slowly lifted Lover’s head for a kiss."Oh Sozo." Lover whispered only to scrunch up his face in pain."My dear! What is wrong? Are you hurt?" Sozo quickly asked in a panic as he pulled away to check for any injuries."N-no my dear, just an old wound acting up due to the cold." Lover said softly as he tried to reassure Sozo that everything was fine.Instead he frowned deeply and gently guided Lover back inside. "I would like to see this old wound my dear, perhaps I could help with the pain it brings you." Sozo said as the pair walked over to the bed.

Lover sat down and nervously fiddled with his hair while Sozo sat down next to him, gently rubbing his shoulder in a comforting manner."You do not need to be nervous my love, a scar won't change my opinion of you in any way." Sozo said softly as he tried to comfort Lover."I know, it's just…..it's an ugly scar." Lover said softly as he softly rubbed his neck which was mostly covered by the collar of his shirt.Sozo gently took Lover's hand in his own and with the other softly rolled down his collar to reveal a jagged pale scar that circled around his neck like a collar."Oh my dear sweet lamb, who dared to lay a single finger on you, let alone strike you down. I will rid the world of them." Sozo said with a silent fury as he ran his thumb along the scar.“Thank you darling, but the one who did this has been dead for a long time.” Lover said with a small smile only to let out a small noise of surprise as Sozo placed a kiss on his scar.“Is this why you always wear your collar my love? It is nothing to be ashamed about.”“I-i know, it just reminds me of that day too much.”

Sozo became silent at that before he carefully removed his scarf and tied the soft fabric around Lover’s neck. “If it will make you feel better my love, I also have scars like yours.” His tone remained soft as Lover silently stared at him. Sozo stood up and walked a few feet away from the bed, taking several deep breaths in order to calm himself down.“Sozo dear, what are you doing?” Lover asked only to gasp in shock when he pulled the back of his sweater up, revealing a pair of scars with small pieces of membrane sticking out of them.“I used to have pair of wings but before I left for these lands, a man being by the name of Thrornane, tore them from my back without mercy.” Sozo explained, silently beginning to tremble with sorrow and rage.

 Lover silently stood up and walked over to Sozo, resting his head on his darling’s back. “And I do not think any less of you either my dear for these scars.” Lover quietly said before taking Sozo’s hand and tugging him back to the bed. “It is growing cold dear, would you like to join me in bed now?”“Always my love.” Sozo replied as he laid down on the bed, gently pulling Lover into his embrace.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

WOO okokok SO-

Maybe just some tooth-rotting fluff with Baal? (post-Narinder freedom ending) So Yn is one of Narinder's highest ranking followers, but is really chill and energetic. What if, before they go the sleep every night, they go to visit Baal and bring like a little gift? Like a flower crown, or a snack? And maybe one time(the fic) Yn has been up for way too long and working way too hard, and just kinda... falls asleep mid-conversation?

(randomly falling asleep as a sign of trust, gotta be one of my favourite troupes ngl)

thank you so much for feeding my cotl addiction, have a wonderful day/night :]

You're welcome! Likewise I'm feeding my own addiction by writing haha

........

It was no surprise that Narinder's most loyal servants were also welcomed into the cult. Even though their master is no longer of godhood status, they would still remain by his side. Forever and always.

Or at least..that was the case for Aym and Baal for a short time. The Lamb mentioned Forenus' story to Narinder and, perhaps out of guilt, he decided to relieve them of their duties, letting the brothers reunite with their mother at last. Of course, they would still come by the cult if called upon.

The only one who made a home within this land was you, a much higher-ranking official bestowed with great powers. You still had those even now.

Yet you weren't all that intimidating compared to the other two. Heck, you didn't even want to fight Lamb when they refused to surrender the crown. But you stayed only to heal Aym and Baal after the battle. They were mortally wounded, though it was nothing you couldn’t fix.

As you’re arranging a flower crown made from camilia in the dead of night, you think back to that day and how Baal flashed you a slight smile of gratitude. He hadn’t smiled in centuries--yet it charmed you and made your heart skip beats.

Within Narinder’s realm, you were the one who always kept their spirits up with gifts and games of knucklebones. Even now you never stopped.

This gift in particular was for someone who adored these flowers. A guardian of death who found comfort in life.

So once you were finished, you looked around and didn’t see Lamb; Narinder was sound asleep in his shelter, so you decided to warp to Forenus’ home and visit the brothers. It took a lot of energy in the mortal realm, but it was worth it.

Upon arrival you immediately saw Baal cooking meat by the fireplace by himself and beamed. “Greetings, Baal!”

Despite your peppiness, tiredness was also creeping into you. Though you were eager to spend this moment alone with him. He was a bit of a night owl--or cat, rather--himself.

He looked to you with a light smile, seeing you sit beside him on the grassy ground. “Hello, [y/n]. What brings you here tonight? It's awful late."

“I come with yet another gift.” You presented the flower crown to him. “A crown of camilia. I know you always loved these flowers.”

“Indeed, I do.” Bowing his head slightly, he gave you permission to set it on top. You made sure his ears wouldn’t be flattened. And once it was on, he reached a paw up to touch it. “My thanks. Mother has vases of these everywhere. I don’t know how she got them, but..I’m glad she’s still safe.”

“I am, too.” You nodded. “You know, Lea--the Lamb could always fetch some for her. Did you know they picked some for Narinder when he first arrived in the cult? He was talking about Leshy and...I think he misses him a little bit.”

“That disgusting worm?” Baal lightly scoffed at the idea of his master mourning the people who betrayed him. Though he sighed and focused his attention to the ground, drawing circles in the dirt with his claw. “Hmph, Master has told us many stories of him..the worm was chaotic, his realm unruly and overgrown. But in it he created beauty...”

You listened to his rambles of Darkwood. It wasn’t long before the exhaustion of working many days and nights finally caught up to you. The fire in front of you two was like a comforting blanket, wrapping you up in its warmth.

Not to mention Baal’s voice was quite calming. You've known him for ages...yet you never got bored of listening to him.

He momentarily stopped speaking, blinking as he watched you lay down in the grass, curling up. ‘Did they..doze off in the middle of our talk?’ He pondered, though he could see that you indeed fell asleep.

One wouldn’t dare shut their eyes in Darkwood, especially with Narinder-knows-what lurking in the surrounding trees and the cultists going ballistic after the fall of their savior.

And to slumber next to him? This was most odd.

It was like...you trusted him to keep you safe.

All this time, Baal thought that pushing you away when you begged them not to hurt the Lamb was going to ruin your bond with him. He thought you only healed him and Aym as a favor from Narinder. He thought all the days you spent in your shelther were just you ignoring them both.

But as it turns out, it’s quite the opposite. 

You’re still happy. You’re still thriving. Your toils birthed beautiful creations such as the flower crown atop his head.

And as Baal stroked the blood-red petals with such tenderness, his smile grew once more.