#the lilia brainrot does continue

[rynpie]

[thecoffeelovingfreak]

sink into me, die for me

Pairing: Lilia Vanrouge x gn!Necromancer!Fae!Reader

Writing Genre: story

Genres: historical, angst, fluff, romance, war, dark magic, hurt/comfort

Words: ~5.9k

Warnings: brief manipulation, reviving the dead, animal birth, brief discussion of stillbirth, brief death of/violence against animals, discussions and scenes of war and violence, blood, death, reader has a brief panic attack/flashback, major character death?, angst, we reach 2k words before Lilia is even introduced, i take liberties when it comes to how magic works | please do not read if you are not comfortable with the themes above

Notes: For some reason, 'Living Dead Girl' by Rob Zombie reminds me of Lilia, and I've been having a gothic horror/fantasy horror brainrot lately, so needless to say this fic is birthed from that :) I loved creating lore for the fae and how the lands are laid out! I'd also enjoy answering any questions you may have about the worldbuilding, so feel free to drop by my ask box if you'd like!

Read it on ao3!

~~~

28 January 274 AC

First refined success. Must meet with Her Majesty and benefactors to discuss further plans.

With excitement, you closed your log and returned to the task at hand. The reanimated fae carried traces of grogginess – still wearing off the effects of magic and transcending death.

No matter, it is time to begin the psychological tests.

Number one: memory

“Hello, Emery.”

“I… who…?”

The fae began appearing overwhelmed – much too panicked by his circumstances.

“Do not fret, little one.” you spoke, carefully grabbing a warm cup of sedative-laced herbal tea. “I am Y/n, your creator.”

He paused before reaching for the teacup. You chuckled at his wish and handed it over.

In his thirst, Emery drained the cup before handing it back to you. Within thirty seconds the fae was visibly calm. You guided him to a wooden chair, allowing him to sit and collect himself while you grabbed his file and a notebook. Placing yourself at the other side of the table, you began your first test.

“Do you remember your hometown?”

“Wrentheow, Durabagh.”

“Lovely.” you replied. “Do you know what Calios is?”

“The Lands of the Fae.”

“Excellent. What is your occupation?”

“A wheat harvester.”

“Who are your parents?”

“Vinas and Aster Callahan.”

“And finally, do you remember my name?”

“Y/n.”

“Wonderful!” you smiled. He reciprocated the action.

It seems that he does not suffer from the same short-term memory loss the others did – perfect. He will be able to follow commands properly.

Time for test number two: emotion & volatility.

Flipping open your notebook, you prepared to document how Emery’s limbic system processed.

“I am now going to ask you how you would respond – emotionally – to three different situations. Is that alright with you?”

“Yes, it is.” he replied curtly.

“Great. Number one: your friend invites you to a tavern after a long day of work. How does that experience make you feel?”

“Relaxed and happy.”

You jotted down his answer before continuing, “Number two: you’re preparing to leave the field for the day when you see one of your associates staring at you. They continue to do so for one minute before approaching you rapidly. As they get closer and closer, you feel what?”

“Anxiety, fear.”

“Finally, number three: your home is attacked by a group of soldiers. Your fields are ash. Your house is burning to the ground and your parents are screaming from inside. How do you react?”

The fae breathes deeply before responding, “Vulnerability, rage, and… a nagging need for revenge.”

“Thank you for answering, Emery. If you wouldn’t mind, could you follow me?”

He rose from his chair after you asked, following you to one of the rooms branching off from your workspace. When you both stood inside you voiced, “Please wait here for a minute, I must go back for my notebook.”

He nodded and waited patiently while you exit the stone-built chamber.

Test number three: Isolation

Quickly slamming and locking the door, you ignored Emery’s confusion and pleas in favor of approaching your desk. If the young one handled his isolation well, you would follow through with your meeting to discuss and update the plan for your future work. As you picked up a piece of parchment and your quill, you began writing a letter to your Queen, Ikdryen Ardet. The noble, graceful, and grandiose ruler of the Durabagh state, a region of Calios landlocked between four other fae states – most notably the Ostarwaer Mountains and Briar Valley. 

As you signed your name, you whistled for your companion. A large black raven with a vast wingspan and glowing eyes glided under the moonlight before landing on your windowsill.

“Hello, Diavolo.” you greeted, leaving one light pet along the back of his head. “I have a letter for Ikdryen. Could you deliver it please?”

The bird nodded, and you collected a strand of your signature teal twine. Tying the rolled parchment around his left leg, you sent him off.

Brushing your hands together, you strode to the room containing Emery. Opening the small inset door, you witnessed the fae about to break the glass of one of the chamber’s windows.

“Do you truly plan on desecrating such prized architecture?”

He froze, turning to look at the wooden door.

“Just what do you plan on doing once you break the window? Plummet to your death?” you teased.

“Anything is better than being a captive.” he replied steadfastly.

“But you are not my captive, Emery Callahan. You are my creation.”

“Why do you keep calling me that?” he asked.

You chuckled, before answering, “You have been reborn to achieve greatness and glory. The Queen is in need of more soldiers, and we have had to turn to calling for all of our citizens.”

He started looking physically panicked at his dawning revelation, stuttering out nonsense before saying, “I… I trusted you. I…”

You unlocked the door before walking toward him and crouching to his level. Taking his hands away from his face and into yours, you voiced,

“You have no reason not to trust me now, Emery. I told you, you were destined for eminence. I can continue helping you there.”

He made eye contact with you and began calming down.

“Really? How can you be so sure?”

You held back a smirk – if there was anything about the mind that was endlessly fascinating, it was the inherent instinct to trust and the relentless need for fame.

“I operate directly under the Queen as a member of her court. We have known each other for many years. She is like a mother to me.”

He breathed deeply before moving to stand. You followed suit.

“She is looking forward to meeting you herself tomorrow. Personally, I am excited for you to meet the General. He is phenomenal at what he does and quite charismatic too. You should get along well.”

Determination shone bright in the young fae’s eyes as he said, “I am eager to meet him myself.”

You smiled, “Excellent. Let us retire for the night, then. Her Majesty expects to see us at our best.”

—

The wind blew refreshingly over the hills and fields near your settlement. The bleating of sheep reached your ears as you walked out of the rickety front door of your home. You were the youngest shepherd in your tribe, Daell Áire, at ten. Your father worked for a merchant, providing cotton and mutton to him. Your mother was a seamstress, often gone to the market to make clothes for your fellow citizens.

Walking to the wooden fence, you opened the gate to allow for the sheep to pasture. As they flooded out, one remained. Irea, the soon-to-be mother. She was predicted to be giving birth soon, and a herder passing through the settlement – Déiyer – was expected to be arriving within the hour. During the meantime, you ran through the grass, keeping the sheep together with your body instead of a pastoral staff. Time passed by quickly when you were working, and soon enough Déiyer arrived with an announcing yell. You ran to his location by your house and greeted him cordially. Guiding him to the sheep’s resting location you watched as he worked. Soon enough the birthing process began, with Déiyer asking for you to hand him something every now and again. When the lamb finally arrived, the herder looked grim. He told you that the lamb was stillborn, but… you didn’t know that word. Being quite the curious child, you decided to ask what the word meant. He told you it was the death of a baby before or during delivery, and it most likely occurred a month ago.

At this news, you froze. Having close to no concept of loss yet, you felt overwhelmed. You would visit with Irea every night, telling her and the lamb about your day when your parents dismissed you. You would tell her how excited you were to have someone to run around the fields with, after being shunned from the children around you. At the end of it all, you were simply looking forward to having a companion.

You slid in front of Déiyer, and touched the little lamb. Upon said action white, grey, and black wisps danced around you before encasing around your arms and hands, then swirling into the small body. Through your tears, you did not notice the lamb rising to its feet. One of its eyes contained black sclera, and its left front leg displayed the radius.

The herder gasped and frantically gripped your shoulders, successfully drawing you out of your haze. He told you to hide the creature, and never speak of what has transpired today. Dark magic users were ostracized, and heavily persecuted by their tribes. You were surprised to learn this information. To you, this was a beautiful gift – the ability to rebirth life, one of the highest forms of creation. You turned to look at the little lamb, and vowed to keep it safe. In his own growing fear, Déiyer quickly packed his materials and left.

That evening, your parents were supposed to arrive home together. However, your father made it back first, and you were entirely unprepared. When his eyes fell on the little creature, they filled with terror instead of the admiration you naively thought. He rapidly walked to you and took the lamb in his arms and out of the house. You worriedly followed him, tears starting to fall out of your own fear as your father approached his butchering space. You began running to him, screaming at him to give the creature mercy. As you rounded the corner, though, you watched the little lamb’s head roll as it let out a pathetic bleat.

You fell to your knees and began shrieking and crying hysterically. Your father grabbed your hand and forced you to follow him back inside of the house. The entire time he spoke words you couldn’t understand at the time, but one was a title you would grow to become all too familiar with. One that would be used to refer to you for the next three-hundred years – Aingeal an Bháis, the Angel of Death. 

With a sharp jolt up, you awoke from the nightmarish flashback. An odd sensation was on your face, and raising your fingers to your cheeks, you felt tears.

Tears, for the first time in a decade.

Quickly wiping your face and sniffling one final time, you prepared to wake Emery for your meeting. However, upon sensing his footsteps you realized he was already awake and making his way to your location in the office.

“Good morning, Y/n.” he greeted.

“A lovely morn to you as well, Emery. I apologize, but I must ask that you wait for me to clean myself up.”

You left the room without waiting for his answer, still too shaken by your dream.

—

“Royal Mage Y/n L/n and Emery Callahan, Your Majesty.”

You strode into the throne room with a stone face and confident air, as did Emery, choosing to mimic your actions and aid his appearance.

“I take it this is your creation, Y/n.” she spoke regally.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” you replied.

She hummed before ordering, “Mr. Callahan, please come closer.”

Emery followed the command, and stopped before the dais housing the throne. The Queen leaned forward, interest sparkling in her eyes as she commented, “Fascinating.”

She observed him for a few moments before summoning you forward with her hand. You walked to stand next to Emery, but the Queen gestured you closer. Collecting your surprise, you stood up and onto her dais. There was no doubt that the newer courtiers were shocked, but those who have been here since your initial recruit remained unfazed. 

Remaining indifferent, you leaned down to be on ear level with the Queen.

“You’ve done an astonishing job, darling. I am very, very proud of you.”

“Thank you, Ikdryen.”

After the momentary praise, you turned and stood back in place beside your creation.

“General Kieros, please step forward.” the monarch commanded.

The handsomely rugged man soon stood prevalent in the room. The black, red, and gold armour he wore representing the state he served.

“Take Mr. Callahan to the soldiers' quarters, please.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

You gestured for Emery to follow the General, and he did. Shortly after they left the room you moved to take your stance on the Queen’s left. Casual conversations were whispered between courtiers – of the impending war, the next order of business, and of the work happening behind your doors.

When Kieros returned to the throne room, all whispers ceased. He crossed the room and came to stand proudly next on the Queen’s right. Her two “children”, and the most powerful members of her court, framing her for a perfect presentation.

“Presenting Queen Maleficia Draconia of Briar Valley and General Lilia Vanrouge of Briar Valley.”

As the two fae entered the throne room almost everyone shivered.

“Ikdryen.” the Thorn Queen greeted.

“Maleficia.” the Blood Queen replied.

To their sides, the Generals greeted each other like old friends.

“Who is this?” the Thorn Queen asked, looking over at you.

“I am Y/n L/n, the Royal Mage of Durabagh.”

“Ah, what a lovely…” her eyes sparkled with a knowing mischief, “achievement, Ikdryen.”

Achievement? Were Royal Mages a commodity in Briar Valley?

As the Queens continued their conversation, your gaze drifted to the colorful figure standing besides Maleficia – the General.

His deep red eyes locked on yours, and an unusual magnetism began drawing you to him. Your focused stare traveled over his features, intensely observing the delicate yet roughened shapes and angles. A fluttering sensation blossomed in your heart and your knees began feeling weak. It seemed you were not alone in the feeling however, as the General appeared almost hypnotized. His beautiful face carried traces of shock as he lightly stumbled forward.

The throne room slowly silenced as they witnessed the powerful strings of fate colliding. Gasps echoed across the courtiers upon the fae’s whisper,

“Maelare.”

—

You and Lilia had been sent to your respective chambers after your abrupt discovery during the meeting. There needed to be no distractions to diplomacy – you would just have to hear about the plan separately. In an attempt to clear your mind, you opened a book you had requested on the topic of fae beliefs.

Maelare – the fae equivalent of soulmates. A bond crafted by fate tethering two halves for eternity. The connection of souls that allows for the individuals to sense their counterparts emotions and communicate purely telepathically. For the first day, the fae involved would feel an all-consuming need for closeness. The initial shock and adoration of meeting their other half plunging their hearts and minds into a frenzy. By the second day, the craving wears off and is replaced by a contentedness – a feeling of trust and bliss between the two that remains settled for the rest of time. 

A knock rapped on your door, so you marked your place and set the book down.

“Come in.” you called.

“Good morning, little raven.”

You spun around rapidly and soon found yourself staring at Queen Maleficia.

“How are you?” she queried, snapping her fingers to summon teacups and biscuits on your dining table.

You took the seat opposite of her’s, cautiously sipping on the blend before replying, “As well as I can be.”

She chuckled, teasing, “You know… my General is the same predicament. Mayhap you should pay him a visit."

You grew slightly flustered, "I will think about it."

A peaceful silence fell over the room before the Queen spoke up, “In case you are not already aware, I am here to notify you of the agreement we completed devising between our states. Since Briar Valley is the most powerful of the fae states, we believe that we will be the first place of attack by the human lands. Before arriving in Durabagh, we visited the Ostarwaer Mountains, where I will be staying hidden and protected for the time being. General Vanrouge however, will remain here at the castle. He will aid your General and your troops while commanding our own. You, as the Royal Mage, will refine the soldier’s magical prowess and train the new recruits in the basics.”

When her dignified voice ceased speaking, you acknowledged her information – trying your best to keep your heartbeat under control at the idea of spending more time with your maelare.

As your thoughts drifted back to yesterday, you produced a question for her: “Why did you call me an achievement?”

She smiled, responding, “In my state, tales of curses and slumber spells are simply a part of our mythology. Both subjects are considered by most to be forms of dark magic, and there is a certain respect for practitioners. They are seen as representing a high caliber of magical knowledge, and for a necromancer such as yourself – with the ability to transcend death and recreate life – you would easily be one of the most revered.”

A bubbling sensation of excitement began stirring in your stomach at the prospect of a place where your skills would be appreciated, not weaponized, and you could practice freely. Even in Durabagh, your “experiments” were kept a secret. Ikdryen loved you and treated you like her own child, but as she has said, the public and the nobles are far too close-minded to see the beauty in your craft.

“In all honesty, Your Majesty, that sounds lovely.” you laughed lightly.

She hummed before responding, “When this war is over, Briar Valley’s borders will always be open to you.”

—

It had been several days before you finally set eyes on Lilia again. He was dressed in simple attire, most likely the same as the soldiers he was training. His posture momentarily bristled before he turned to the right, and smiled brightly upon seeing you approach him.

“Good afternoon, Y/n.” he greeted.

“A lovely midday to you, Lilia.” you grinned. “Are you on break from training?”

“For the next hour, yes.” he replied, eyes twinkling, “Why do you ask?”

A small smirk was displayed on your lips as you responded, “I was hoping we could enjoy a repast together.”

He reciprocated your smirk, “Of course. After all, what kind of fae would I be if I denied my maelare’s wishes?”

—

The clang of steel hitting steel echoed across the vast grounds where the soldiers prepared for battle. You were engaged in a hefty practice against Lilia, displaying various strikes and parries along with weaponry made magically from the elements. This “battle” was meant to show the many uses for magic and how it can be used to assist you in battle. Today was the newcomer’s introduction day, and it was important to perform at the best of your abilities to boost their morale and show them what they could be capable of.

With a final fire spear, the “battle” was called. A few claps sounded from the novices, and together you and Lilia thanked them, before stating that they had 5 minutes to strategize before you would test their initial techniques.

Getting a sip of water, you felt fingertips dance along your sides rapidly. You laughed at your maelare’s actions, trying to unsuccessfully evade his attacks. He reciprocated the sound, and finally wrapped his arms around you in a hug before commending your presentation.

—

Two days later, you met him in the library. The delightfully quiet space carried a chill, and when you found Lilia sitting on one of the couches, you couldn’t help but cozy up to him. He chuckled lowly, and teased you for your actions. You simply sighed and told him to tell you what he was reading. Instead of giving you the title, he whispered the text as he read it, prompting you to huff half-heartedly at his jesting. He replied by wrapping his right arm around you and bringing you closer, continuing to read the book even after the sun went down and you fell asleep.

—

Since that night three months ago, the castle has been bustling. There was no longer any time for finding solace in another’s arms – there was only time for wielding a sword and plotting your next moves. Between your work as the Royal Mage, a necromancer, and a newly-appointed Commander, you had no space left in your day or night for sleep, much less unnecessary socializing.

The air outside had become more stale and lifeless in the days past, the already dusk-like lands of Durabagh seemed much too similar to midnight these days, and your nervous system felt like it was being constantly grated.

Something is coming, your mind would whisper, something that hasn’t since before the formation of Calios.

—

Within one week, war had arrived.

Smoke billowed and swords clashed. Magic shone from riders sat on their horses as they raced through the battalions, letting the elements rain down upon your people. Blood covered your features, soaked into your hair, and seeped under your armor. Diavolo soared as an omen of misfortune, and as your eyes and ears in the sky.

There was no Y/n L/n now, only the Aingeal an Bháis.

The one to deliver mercy, yet serve as a reaper. The one to act like a saint, but truly be a demon.

As you delivered ten consecutive killshots, a voice screamed out for you. One that you haven’t heard in what felt like a year. Your creation, your…child.

Emery Callahan.

Whipping your head around, you parried swords while searching for him. When you finally saw him among the massacre, your heart sank. He was looking directly at you, his eyes pleading for you to do something – anything… just like Irea’s lamb. Your body began to shake as your mind started its torment. A large human soldier appeared behind Emery, sword in hand, and you watched helplessly – pathetically – as he was decapitated.

Your scream could have shaken the stars.

You spiralled, too many thoughts running through your mind to stay attentive.

The dying bleat… the tiny rolling head… Aingeal an Bháis… everyone who you love dies… Aingeal an Bháis… you are a curse… everyone who loves you dies… you are no angel, you are the devil incarnate… the blood falling down the wood and dripping from the axe… the empty eyes… the large soldier… was he coming toward you?... this was your deserved destiny…rapid slicing… was he… dead now?

“Y/n!”

Who… don’t… don’t help me… I… where?... who’s holding me?

“It is alright, mo chuisle, I’m here.”

Choppily breathing in a familiar pine and jasmine scent, you quietly croaked, “Lilia?”

“I’m here.”

You breathed out a sigh of relief and sank further into his arms. His right hand came to stroke the back of your head, and his left held your closer to him. You welcomed the comfort, but could not resist asking,

“Where are we?”

“Herscha’s Brook.”

You suddenly shot up in his arms, “What? We have to go back!”

“We will.”

“No, we have to leave now, they need us!” you spoke, standing up and searching for your sword.

“I know, but you will be of no use to your troops if you are not thinking clearly.”

“I am thinking clearly.” you fought back.

“Then we shall return, Y/n.” he conceded, taking your hand in his and bringing you back to the plains housing the battle.

—

22 July 274 AC

The Battle of Fernway - 1,239 fatalities; 423 fae, 816 humans. Located primarily at the border city of Fernway, Briar Valley, stretching into the state of Durabagh. This battle marks the beginning of the war between faeries and humans. There is no name for the war itself.

Exhausted, you closed your log. What was once for your creations, now for war. The first battle had ended last week after continuing for almost two months. Your duties as Royal Mage and Commander were taxing, and you were in desperate need of proper rest. So, in your need for comfort you went to the one place you felt safest.

~

A knock on the door distracted Lilia from his nightly preparation. With his hairbrush still in hand, he approached the mighty cherry wood. When he opened it, he was greeted by none other than you, looking like a dead fae walking. Your eyes twinkled, though, when your gaze was met by his.

Wordlessly, he welcomed you inside.

Noticing his brush, you asked, “Have I interrupted you?”

He softly smiled, “You are never an interruption, Y/n.”

Observing your flustered behavior, he chuckled before sitting back at his dark maroon settee. As he walked by, he watched your eyes follow him, seemingly transfixed by the flow of his long onyx hair. When he finally placed himself down upon the velvet-like fabric, he held out his hairbrush to your idle figure.

“Would you like to help me?”

Your initial surprise visibly transformed into content as you took his offer.

He adjusted his position so you could sit next to him, then turned his head away from you. The sensation of your fingers running down his scalp and across his neck sent shivers down his spine. The tenderness of your care was something he was entirely unfamiliar with. It was hard to come by such a feeling when your eternal life consisted of brutal training, scheming, and isolation. Finding his maelare was unexpected, but the experience was something he would never trade. Not when the precious gold shared between you was worth more than any jewel. It was like a rose, needing to be nurtured, pruned, watered and fed to grow for a millenia. 

As the brush continued carding through his jet black strands, Lilia felt a consuming appreciation.

Your fingers ran over his scalp one more time, before coming to rest between his shoulders and neck, lightly massaging the muscle. He sighed at the relieving impressions, and shifted his head to look over his shoulder.

Your gaze was cast over him softly as you said, “I’ve finished.”

“Thank you, dear maelare.”

You paused before voicing, “I should be off now.”

He only hummed in response.

Your eyes remained focused on his – the deep red color of his irises drawing you closer.

He welcomed the closeness, relishing in the thrill of having your lips so close to his. Patiently, he anticipated your kiss, his heart beating soundly in his chest. However, the soft press never came.

You pulled back and cleared your throat before rising from the settee. Lilia watched as you went to the door with a slightly crestfallen stare. 

“I apologize, but I truly must be off now.” was the only sentence he received before your departure.

Sighing, the fae sat alone for a moment before standing and entering his bed. There he laid for an hour, his thoughts overrun by emotions, speculations, and midnight nonsense. When he finally drifted into slumber, his dreams delivered to him an odd premonition… one of his approaching fate.

—

Only three days later, a massacre initiated by the humans was turned into a battle by the fae. The grounds this time were a mountain and the surrounding forest, and the plan was to divide the forces into two major groups: one led by General Kieros and the other by Lilia. You would be following Kieros on the right with your own troops, spanning the east and north of the mountain and forest; Lilia would be taking his soldiers to the west and south.

This battle was far more ominous than the first, most likely containing more mages than actual soldiers. The silence was deafening and the cloudy day added a gloom to the scene.

Within one minute, the action had begun. Fire was set to the trees and ice rained upon you. Arrows flew and swords began clanging. You left the soldiers to Kieros and took the mages upon yourself and your well-trained troops. Weaving in and out of the eastern forest, you took a group of five following you to the north. You fought briefly before slaying each one, leaving their bodies to burn among the fire.

~

The grey of the spectral realm was like no other. The air was stale, and every form of “life” seemed dead. For once Briar Valley’s mighty General was taken by surprise, and it seemed the lapse in his judgment would cost him his eternal life. His mind was plagued with regrets, different plans, and grief; his body was plagued with multiple wounds and the aftershocks of dangerous spells left him feeling shredded. The fall between the physical and spiritual realms was stunning, and his mind could not keep up with how frazzled it was becoming. While he was still tethered to this world he shuffled and propped himself up against an oak tree, trying to pull on the gold tying his heart to yours – willing you to come.

~

Nearing your station, you were stopped in your tracks by a fierce pain. A bone-shattering, heart-ripping sensation that sent your soul crushing. A light tug followed each staggering shock and ache and you soon realized what was happening.

Your maelare was dying.

With rapid speed – fae speed – you traversed the forest and rocks, sending a reciprocal tug to Lilia. You only got two in return before the tether went dead. You tried to shove down the panic rising in your veins, needing to keep a level head as you were still crossing a battlefield. A shiver went down your spine as you neared a large oak tree and saw the dying fae bleeding against it. You knelt down in front of him, trying to get his attention and have him focus on you. He was unresponsive. 

Frantically, you chose to follow your last option. Your death magic.

Placing one hand over his heart and the other on the crown of his skull, you summoned the familiar traces of the spectral realm. The black, grey, and white wisps flitting about and searching for his fading soul. They provided your eyes into the realm of the afterlife, and you searched through every corner for your maelare.

The shouts of approaching warriors echoed through the trees. The stamps of their feet, their whistling, and the sound of the wind against their blades drawing nearer. You were running out of time.

You had no choice but to prematurely remove yourself from him, hoping that your wisps, magic, and willpower would be enough.

~

The dancing of monochromatic tendrils surrounded his figure. They whispered to him, trying to pull him back the way he came. He felt drawn to follow them – an inexplicable need to forsake destiny. It seemed that today was not the day to join his people, it returned to being a day to fight for them.

~

The warriors arrived before you could ensure Lilia would return – that he would be healthy and safe. You cautiously turned from his body, eyes and surroundings overcome with the appearance of necromancy in motion – black sclera and wraith-like shadows. 

“Aingeal an Bháis…” one whispered, followed by another.

“Indeed.” you chuckled, picking up a fallen sword.

With one brilliant strike, you sent three sinking to their knees. As you continued your ambush, more soldiers arrived, easily 50 in total now stood before you. Nevertheless, you persisted in cutting the human army down. It seemed like a difficult task to face, but with your little wraiths it became simple.

A flash of shining black registered in your periphery, and four soldiers fell. Your heart jumped at the thought that maybe… your maelare had returned to the land of the living. There was no time to confirm your suspicion, though, as survival was the priority. The fight lasted for another fifteen minutes, with flashes of black continuing to appear, before the last of the nearby warriors were slain. Breathing heavily, you turned to see who your partner was.

When your gaze landed upon a fully healed, yet roughened Lilia, you immediately tossed your sword and rushed to hold him. He chuckled and reciprocated the action, his arms tightening around you like you were the only thing keeping him together. Tears began falling from your eyes at the sheer relief of your maelare remaining alive and being in your arms. Lilia shed a few as well, most likely for the same reason and at the plain fact he was living once more.

Engulfed in emotion, you gave him a desperate kiss, communicating everything you felt down the tether between you.

I love you. I couldn’t live without you. I cherish you. My maelare.

He returned the sentiments: I adore you. I feel more for you than I could ever communicate. Thank you for finding me – for saving me. Mo chuisle.

—

30 September 375 AC

It has been a year since the ending of the Calian War. The soon-to-be infamous bloodshed between humans and faeries, started over a simple territorial dispute and fueled by ignorance and judgment. By the end of it, half of the human population was lost, and one third of the fae were laid to rest. Too many for a meager reason.

Throughout the last year there have been many political changes to Calios. Righland was willingly absorbed by Durabagh, extending our territory to border the human lands. The Ostarwaer Mountains were merged with Briar Valley, expanding the land of the small yet powerful state. Serwick and Uraelln joined as well, securing the Lands of the Fae into three states: Briar Valley, Durabagh, and Serwick.

~

Today was set to be a lovely day as the Maelare Ceremony between you and Lilia was set to be celebrated in the Briar Valley castle – your new home. Black roses were organized all around the ballroom, with magically lit candles floating along your path to stand in front of the Thorn Queen. Lilia stood next to you as Maleficia repeated the ancient words – ones from the days before Calios when tribes and settlements existed on the land. She handed you a dagger and you dragged it lightly across your left palm before handing it to Lilia who drug it across his right. You both received chalices to place your hand over – letting the blood flow down steadily before the superficial wound healed. After trading the silver cups, you raised your right arms and laced them around the other, slowly drinking the others blood. When they were empty, the Queen pricked her finger and swiped it across your foreheads. With a final blessing, her blood seeped into your skin and she released you to complete the final part of the ceremony.

Outside of the ballroom’s glass double doors was a marvelous stone balcony facing east. Taking your hand in his Lilia guided you into the ceremonial dance – one of closeness, adoration, trust, and healing. The sunrise would serve as the affection and approval of celestial forces on the two of you, and when it began peeking over the mountains and coloring the sky in beautiful pastel hues, you felt peace for the first time in over a century. Not just solace from war and unstability, but from your own turbulent waters and past. Hope blossomed within you, not just for the future of your country, but for your future with Lilia.

[reduce-reuse-recycle]

MORE TWST! RuPaul's Drag Race AU -- headcannons

Doesn't it look fancier when I add the exclamation? Gotta work on that tittle still

I want to set the rules for this AU, talking about magic and characters I'd make queens and charas I won't

Magic

Magic exists as in twst, I want to keep it as close as canon possible on this part. The capability to which the contestants can use magic entirely depends on the challenge: To win some challenges you don't need any magic really, beacuse not every queen is required to have magic to be a queen.

However, drag race test the possible talents a queen must have to be a good entertainer, but doesn't mean everyone has to be good at everything. I think it can be more of a skill, like sewing or singing, but having a magic prowess sort of challenge sounds very fun.

"Every queen will try and makeup as many pit crew as they can in thirty seconds" as a mini challenge, obviously you do better with magic etc etc, something like this. In a season with more magic-using queens, this'll be more prevalent maybe.

(The pit crew being mostly beast men sounds so funny to me so I'll make it a thing)

Queens and non-queens

In my first post I mentioned that I didn't think Vil would be a queen because he's a celebrity in canon already, and I'd put socialites in the same category, royalty won't be included because you don't necessarily have to be known(??) I mean, a lot of people know them, but they're not really percieved as such in game, by npcs or other main characters, Malleus is just spooky for example.

Following this spaghetti logic, the following charas I don't see as queens, apart from the teachers because that's a whole other thing:

Vil – celebrity

Neige – celebrity

Kalim – socialite (money)

Idia – socialite (money)

Lilia – he is already very busy being the in-universe Lady Bunny and having three kids

Ace – I don't like him so I know nothing about him on purpose, if someone wants to make him a drag persona, go ahead

Epel – not his vibe, I don't think Epel would like to be a drag queen, he is already quite close-minded (and as much as it pains me, I don't think Epel can be queer canonically but I love him)

Judges

Crowley definetly is the RuPaul of the whole thing, the face, the comedy and the dust. Just adding his personal "I am very kind" here and there, as something he's kown for.

NOW, Divus is definetly Michelle Visage and I won't change my mind nor I will elaborate, it just,,, match made in heaven.

For other judges, we can make up some celebs to be guests in the episodes,, "Famous comedian Juan Mouse is here. Hi Juan" fun. Of course, Vil and Neige would be invited, Kalim too. Idia would accept to be a guest too because his bro is there and he is very loving and proud.

Carson and Ross can be also made up because they judge comedy, fashion and... whatever Ross does, but Mozus can fill the position too if needed, I don't see Vargas or Sam in the panel, but they can be too, one of them at least.

And yeah that's all my mind can produce with a sick brain, I'll continue my brainrot while watching season 5, I don't watch seasons in order www

[deceitful-darlings]

I've been brainrotting alot about your evil au,

Mostly about what would happen if evil au mc were to go to the Canon twstverse,

Like, maybe it was an alchemy accident, or maybe mc was proding around with stuff they shouldn't have but they got there and the plot continues on like it's supposed but maybe with mc being wayy more cautious, what if evil au twst boys actually do make it to the Canon twstverse would they attack their counterparts? Or maybe kindnap the mc?? I dunno I just wanted to get that out of my system, you don't have to answer this ask

Well, it would be a good old fashioned case of murder!

Of course, it all depends on how things are working, are there 2 MCs? Does the evil!au MC replace the normal twst MC in a form of isekai, or is it a body switch? Does the normal MC’s soul vanish meaning there’s now just 1 MC? Are there physically now 2 MCs in the world?

If there were 2, then I don’t think the Evil counterparts would really give damn, sure there might be a few casualties if some idiots decide to get in their way or test their patience, but most are smart enough to realise that this isn’t their world, and therefore they can’t predict what’ll happen here. They love carnage and aggression too much to risk losing the their free-for-all funhouse of slaughter back in their own world. Give ‘em their MC, and no-one gets hurt. Things get more complicated if they don’t want to hand them over, or if one of the less...reasonable characters find them...like Floyd, for example. Because in both cases, then their own MC will be used as leverage...or the psycho will just want to take both of them home to play with. In that case, it also depends on the normal twst guys. How far along in the story is normal MC, since they have their own MC already will they care what Evil MC is being forced to endure? With their moral ambiguity, it really is difficult to tell whether or not they’d go out of their way to help them. But if they do try and stand in their way, which they definitely would if there was only 1 MC left, it doesn’t go down well.

The reality is, they’re the same people, just one side is even more sick and twisted than the other. Malleus and Lilia between them are probably enough to kill the majority of the school if they were so inclined, and Evil Malleus and Lilia are so inclined. First years? Dead almost instantly. The only characters I can see standing a chance are Malleus and Lilia, by virtue of them just being the strongest magically. With the evil side being able to kill a large number at the start when they weren’t expecting it, the normal characters are almost immediately down in terms of sheer numbers, and the evil au live to hunt, to harm, to kill, this is what they do.

[fairestwriting]

PLEASE DO, MY GAY LIL HEART LOVES WOMEN-

referring to this post

ask and ye shall receive... this is just clothes/hair/acccessories notes. sorry for the brainrot in some of these but.. twst women go brr. also in this by short skirt i mean like miniskirt length, and long is nearing knee length. medium would be a midpoint between the two

also any of yall are free to share your headcanons with me jddjfjdfj i have a thing for character design

riddle: Listen i hate when people draw her with twintails. big pet peeve of mine its not riddle at all. shed have one of these really fancy braided buns, because she wants to look proper -- and for the same reason, her skirt is a bit longer and she wears black tights (we are keeping the heeled shoes tho)

ace: hmm not much should change i dont think? i imagine her looking sort of tomboyish. hair like male ace but maybe just a bit longer, maybe one or two red barettes because she still wants to be cute. short skirt and socks

deuce: "tomboy at heart but shes trying to be a proper lady" kind of look. had short hair in her delinquent days but shes growing it out so its juuust a little shorter than shoulder length. longer skirt but short socks. she rips all the tights she tries so she figured that would be easier

trey: god so shes the one i can never really figure out... i only ever see people drawing her w short hair but im not sure if i like it much the hairstyles they do are often just kinda ugly- i think that kinda works, though, maybe chin length hair for her. as long as her bangs are just a little different from her male counterpart. medium length skirt and under the knee socks.

cater: same hairstyle with the bangs pulled back i think but long hair.. though short would look good on her too! shed be very cute. maybe ties her jacket around her waist and shes definitely a short skirt gal. has painted nails and nice makeup on and her socks are thigh highs or the loose ones.

rest under the cut bc this is mad long-

leona: hnngghh hot lion lady i cant decide if i like her more with short hair or long hair... i can go either way i think. short skirt and she still wears those wack ass sandals. this goes without saying but she has male leonas undone buttons too

ruggie: certified tomboy. same hair as male ruggie pretty much, same rolled up sleeves. she wears a skirt bc its part of the uniform id imagine but if they had like, a shorts option shed take it. shed be a shorts kind of gal. really short socks

jack: shoulder length hair, still fluffy and kinda spiky! maybe up in a sporty ponytail or something. shes still Very buff (read this in a simp voice) and would probably wear pants if they had the option in the uniform. if they dont have that then just... medium skirt i think, but she probably wears some kind of shorts underneath it. short socks and her jacket is tied around her waist more often than not

azul: GOD do i have thoughts about her. i also have a pet peeve regarding her hair i think fem azul would 100% be the type to have long hair instead of just keeping male azuls cut... its chest length and wavy and she keeps most of it pushed over one shoulder. medium skirt, she cares about being proper but still wants to look cute, probably would wear black tights but boy do i wanna see her in thigh highs

jade: hair is a very neat bob, i think! not that much different from her male counterpart, she still keeps the classiness. Obvious tights wearer and any skirt length would work with her, i think. though i cant see her in a very short one because she does care about being proper

floyd: also bobbed hair, except its a huge mess and she would probably pull it into a ponytail whenever shes able to.... short skirt and socks, some undone buttons. rolled up sleeves more often than not.

kalim: hghghghhg i can never decide on what hair id go with for her ~_~ in the end i think long and fluffy would be the most fitting, its about chest length and she does a variety of different styles, sometimes twintails, sometimes ponytails, sometimes she just leaves it the way it is! short skirt and socks, probably even more accessories than her male counterpart + painted nails (that jamil painted for her)

jamil: oh i can only see her being very similar to male jamil. same hairstyle pretty much though i think shed be heavier with the makeup, like her eyeshadow would be a bit darker? keeps the hoodie, medium shirt and short socks just below the knee. she probably looks scarier than her regular counterpart

vil: so we officially are in “similar to their counterpart” territory... i dont think fem vil could even be very different tbh, what sets her apart is that she has actually long hair- maybe past chest length even but she keeps that variety between having her hair up and down that vil has. either medium or long skirts bc she wants to keep it classy, obvious tights wearer. she has acrylic nails she changes every now and then and theyre Sharp. makeup on point always including this really intense red lipstick

rook: continuing our travel through similar territory... same hair, same weird ass hat, very similar in general. i just feel like shed be vaguely masculine too? but not in that “rough” way, or at least thats not how she looks like usually. medium skirt and she keeps the boots so you dont see her socks really. another one that would very much prefer to wear pants. sometimes she has red lipstick on because vil does her makeup every now and then

epel: a tough one tbh! i think she could either have the same haircut as epel, or slightly longer but she keeps it in a slightly messy ponytail. medium skirt, wishes so much they had a pants option. socks are hidden by the boots. shes very cute

idia: HRHRGFHRHHG *TRIES CONTAINING MY BRAINROT* SHE HAS SHORT HAIR AND I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL!!!!! keeps the jacket with short skirt and thigh highs. Does not think shes cute enough to wear a short skirt with thigh highs but all her waifus wear them so she has to. God i love my gamer gilfriend

ortho is just ortho but with little fire pigtails i care her

malleus: hnngh hot fae lady out with the mullet first of all it wouldnt fit her regal energy. she does have very long hair though, like way past chest length, and it does that thing thats like... when some parts are tied at the back and kept together with some sort of pin? That. long skirt and tights, high heels even though she doesnt need them, painted nails and dark eyeshadow. Queen

lilia: ...both lilias look the same and you cant convince me otherwise. if she wears a skirt its very short though and it has something underneath for volume so it looks ruffled and cute. would wear thigh highs too but not always

silver: either short hair or an updo of some kind... im thinking milk braids (different from riddles, you can see the bun in her hair but for silver its just the braids) to keep that royal ish energy. also decently proper, long skirt and alternates between tights and below the knee socks

sebek: i can only visualize her with long hair for some reason. its still very spiky and parted the same way her male counterpart does it, uniform absolutely on point and also mimicking malleus a little with the skirt and tights