#thearcanaoneshot

[grapenamjams]

All For Me

Genre: smut, NSFW

Characters: Muriel from the Arcana & fem. Reader

Contains: oral (M. Receiving), M. Masturbation, Voyeurism?, soft dom Muriel?

A/N: tried a different writing style. I don’t know if I like it though….

You considered tonight one of those moments were you were glad that you had been blessed with the ability to use magic.

Enchanting the walls of your room above the shop to contain the noises coming from your bed. Keeping every gasp and moan private, to only you and Muriel.

Of course Muriel’s moans we’re currently muffled against you. With you’re Thighs on either side of his head, his tongue lapped, swirled and sucked as much as he could. His now expert mouth after countless nights like these, had your moans and praises be the ones reverberating off the invisible walls.

Having both of your hands gripping the headboard infront of you as your mouth loosened with moans as Muriel’s tongue flicked your sensitive clit while sucking. The noises your body made along with his deep intakes of breath increasing that pleasure flowing through you.

You could feel the all to familiar build up within you’re core. Needing more, you thread your right hand fingers through his dark thick hair, pulling slightly causing him to moan into you which sent a vibration through you that made you start to grind against his mouth.

His stubble added to the pleasure to your center and along your thighs, imagining his beard soaked with your essence. Muriel indulged your greedy movements for a second, flattening his tongue so you could use it as you pleased.

But a whimper and plea falls out of you when his large hands tightens around your hips, stoping you, knowing well enough if he had let you continue, you would have came sooner than he wanted you too and he was far from done tasting you.

Your hips jutted unconsciously having Muriel let out a disproving grunt. Lifting you slightly away from him to look at you. The sight alone could have made you go over the edge. His face underneath you with a gleam of both sweat and your juice. his usual forest eyes darkened with want and his jet black hair a mess in your hand.

Unfortunately you were instructed to place it back on the headboard, in order to keep you from squirming above him. The ache pulsing from your center from the brief lack of stimulation was soon replaced by his warm tongue.

Muriel Hummed in delight in being able to taste you again, never being able to get enough of you. Enjoying everything about being in between your legs, being able to stay there for hours if it was possible. His movements were soft and slow, taking his time with you. Committing every gasp, clench, and shiver from you into memory.

One hand stayed on your hip as the other went up your back feeling your hot skin under his rough hand splayed out against your back. Making way to your lower back again he pushes you more into him. Continuing his torturous play.

That’s what it was, torture. Somehow he has been keeping you right along the edge. Building you up till your brain thought of nothing else but his mouth on you. If you moved your hips you knew it would cause him to stop and torture you further, and you didn’t know if you were able to handle that right now.

You opened your eyes when your head leaned back at a specific jolt of pleasure ran through you. A gleam catches your eye, realizing it was the reflection of a mirror at the corner of your room, it was angled in such a way that allowed you too see Muriels lower half, which meant you could visibly see his own need straining against the fabric of his undergarment.

An idea made it’s way into your head that filled you with more arousal than you thought possible. He was making you feel so good that you also wanted him to find release. Wanting him to use you to get himself off.

Muriel’s eyebrows rising up and his mouth stopping for a moment was a sign that he had heard your words. Eyes looking up at you taking in your moving chest, flushed face and teasing smile above him. He was throbbing from the moment he placed you on his face. Aching with each passing moment. But up till now he was solely focused on you, now that it had come to his attention the fabric was to constricting and uncomfortable. After some encouragement from you, relieving some shyness about you seeing him like this. One of his hands left your hips to reach down his toned stomach to take out his painfully hardened cock.

A pleased sigh leaves his mouth at the relief. You watch it twitch in the mirror, tip blushed pink with a large drop of precum already running down the length of him making your center throb and pool with more arousal. You continue to watch as Muriel begins to move his hand, fingers spreading the liquid around. His hips jutt out slightly at the new and needed sensation, having a pretty moan ring out. Your eyes look back at his face, seeing his eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed.

However it didn’t take long for his eyes to open, giving you a small grin before his mouth was on you again. Having you moan out his name. His moans were constant and deeper now that he was touching himself. You tried to not shut your eyes as you watched his hand in the mirror moving up and down, setting a pace for himself.

Seeing him pump himself, with his moans sending a stream of vibrations through you as he ate you out the same time was to much for you. Already being at the edge for so long with the added sensations, a plea left your lips as you shut your eyes. A muffled response was given to you as well as a moan and lips around your clit helping you let your self go over the edge feeling that rush of ecstasy. Your hands turned white from gripping the headboard in order to not close your thighs around him.

Your hips unconsciously moved, ridding out your orgasm as Muriel’s tongue went up your slit wanting to catch everything. Your breath was still shaky as Yelp left your lips. Muriel’s tongue not stopping,flicking and sucking your clit.

A protest died on your lips when his tongue entered you again. resting your head on the wall whining at the overstimulation. Your hips lifted up to get away but with one hand the large man under you seated you back down, not letting you go.

The hand stroking himself quickened it’s pace just as his tongue. He pressed himself into you like he was a desperate man without water. His moans were unrestrained mixed in with curses and praise. He asked for one more, he wanted you to go over the edge once more for him, he was so close. His mind fogged over, your scent the only thing he could sense.

Nodding, not being able to deny him anything you lifted your head once more to look at the mirror. His hand almost looked like a blur in some instances while he sped up and slowed down. Your moans joined his as did your praise encouraging him further.

Because of your sensitivity, you couldn’t last as long. your moans increased in your shared space. And as your second orgasm of that night overtook you, his name fell from your lips repeatedly like a chant. Hearing you and your thighs squeezing him so that he is totally surrounded by you, Muriel came with a loud groan watching his hot release falling on his stomach and chest.

He continued to stroke himself, feeling the jolts of over stimulation start as he tasted every last drop from you. There were small tears at the corners of your eyes, from having two orgasms in a row and simply feeling the effects of pleasure Muriel can only provide you. still coming down from your high, You giggled as Muriel left one last kiss on you before moving you down to lay next to him.

Looking at each other’s eyes taking in the post orgasm glow of each other, Muriel wiped the tears from the corners of your eyes. Asking if you were okay, concern filling his eyes, starting to apologize if his actions where to much or if he asked to much of you. You smiled and shook your head reassuring him that you felt amazing, that he was everything you ever wanted. A blush bloomed on his cheeks before cupping your face in his hands to bring you in for a kiss. Mumbling three words that where only meant for you.

[grapenamjams]

Office

Genre: Nsfw, Smut

Characters: Julian from the arcana & Female reader

Contains: mentions of oral (f. Receiving), mutual orgasem, over the desk, quickie

A/N: two office stories back to back oh my

“N-No, why’d you stop” you groan looking down at him your chest rising and falling trying to catch your breath. The disheveled crimson hair between your legs pulls back to reveal Julians smug face. His tongue slips out to each corner of his glistening mouth, not having any part of you go to waste. Julian rises to his feet, looking down at your splayed out body before him on his desk.

Now Julian, after building you up with his mouth Comes closer “as much as I enjoy tasting you my dear” Elegant fingers travel up your thighs to your hips “I do have to remind you that we have limited time on our hands before my next patient arrives” he pulls you off the table so you are standing in front of him face to face.

he looks down placing his hand on your chin thumb pulling down your bottom lip slightly. “And I would very much like to come inside you before that happens” he lets go of your lip, his eyes meeting yours. “It would be a shame if you walked out of here unfucked, wouldn’t it my love?” You hold back a whimper at his words the throbbing between your legs returning. Julian sees the begging in your eyes and smirks “that’s what I thought. Turn around hands on the table. Legs spread just how you like it.” His voice deepens making you not take another moment, following his instructions.

Turning around you bend over his desk slightly hands infront of you as you spread your legs, reveling yourself again. You feel Julians hand go up your back sucking in a breath “good just Like that” a shiver goes through your body as a response to him taking charge. “Your gorgeous you know that? Especially bend over my desk like this” he pecks your back unbuckling his belt “how many times I’ve imagined you like this” he mumbles. His words just increase your desire for him, hearing his pants soft thud when they hit the floor.

You hum as you push your hips back feeling him press against you, “didn’t you say you were in a hurry Dr. Devorak?” You ask Coyly causing him to chuckle against your back. “Ah, so eager. Is it because I didn’t let you get to finish while I tasted you?” He kisses your neck, whispering in your ear “Don’t worry my love I’ll let you have your way with me later as punishment for it.” You can’t help but moan at the idea, images already flashing in your head at possible scenarios you can enact. “For now” he straightens “I have you just were i want you” he runs the head up and down your folds before entering you with one thrust causing you both to moan at the sudden feeling.

He only gives you a few seconds to adjust around him before he starts pumping into you without warning or mercy. “Fuck you’re so wet and” he gives a hard thrust making your upper half move slightly against the table. “Tight” he growls. moaning at the feel of him inside you, hitting every part of you perfectly. His thrusts change into a quick pace, that make you hold on to the sides of the table to keep you steady as he pumps into you from behind, both lost to the ecstasy coursing through your bodies. Gasps and moans are mixed together as you and Julian go towards the edge.

The sound of the desk shifting under you along with the sound of your bodies muddles your mind as you get closer. Your hips move back against him, hearing Julian groan and squeeze your hips he was holding to guide himself, now matching his thrusts to yours. “Oh, yes. Fuck yourself on my cock baby” he moans and you continue your movements. Julians hand goes down your stomach, his soft finger going through your folds to collect your wetness bringing it up to your clit, rubbing it in just the right way making you curse and your walls clench around him. Julian sucks in a breath but keeps up his movements, “does that feel good, my love?” He continues to use your clit, the sensitive nerves sending pure pleasure through you. “I know it does by the way your hands are holding onto the desk and your legs shaking. Your gonna come” he groans again as he feels you clench again “yeah, yeah you are. Please come love, please come for me”

if it was his words, the stroke of his finger, the way he took control of his thrusts again or the whole setting in general you let yourself go over the edge feeling that wonderful bliss overtake you with a moan. You hear julian curse as he still pumps into you a few times before he releases inside of you. His hand goes up your back under your shirt as he slows down his thrusts, ridding out both of your orgasms.

After a few seconds Julian pulls out with a sigh causing some of his warm release drip down. Legs still numb you try to stand up, but rest your back against Julians broad chest, both trying to regain composure. He kisses your exposed shoulder going up to your neck and ear. His arms go around your waist holding you closer. “How do you feel, my love? W-was that okay?” No matter how many times you come and are radiating with satisfaction, Julian needing reassurance comes to a surprise at you sometimes making your heart soft.

You smile as you node “not just okay, that was amazing” you turn your head to kiss his lips and he sighs melting into you once again. your body turns fully towards him “although I should be the one asking you that. it was your well deserved break after all” your hand pushes back a crimson curl from his eyes. his face breaks into a grin “my dear I won’t forget about this afternoon for the incoming week and months. You are truly astounding” he captures your lips in his again, kissing you like he never wants this moment to end.

Pushing you against the table again however the moment is interrupted by a knock at his office door. “Dr. Devorak are you here?” A voice comes from the other side causing you both to pull away. “I’m here for an appointment?” You and julian’s face heat up as you look around for discarded pieces of clothing. “Right!” Julians voice pitches but he coughs quickly “of course I’ll be with you in a minute!”he says as he pulls up his pants as you fix your shirt and his. Dispite the situation you both have grinning smiles on your faces. When he looks presentable like nothing happened you give him a quick kiss. “I’ll wait for you at home, don’t think I’ve forgotten about your punishment doctor.”

[grapenamjams]

Challenge

Genre: NSFW, Smut

Characters: Julian from the arcana & reader

Contains: oral m. Receiving, handjob, nipple play?, marking, ruined orgasm

A/N: i have not written smut in so long and I was in a slump while writing this so it’s not my best work I feel… It was a wip and I wanted to finish it bc I wanted to post At least something this summer. I hope some of you find it enjoyable though!

The two large windows did nothing to block out the morning light. It drifted past the gold threaded curtains to the bed where it awoke you with a gentle press against your eyelids. Opening your eyes to the expensively adorned room and not the quaint cozy one you are accustomed too located above the shop, you Remember your weekend stay at the palace.

you stifle a yawn as you slightly stretch you smile at the groggy voice that mumbles beside you. “Please tell me that light isn’t the sun and you’re not getting out of bed” you let out a soft laugh, running a hand through disheveled crimson hair. “Unfortunately it is And it’s Not just me getting up you know ” Julian shakes his head grumbling as he reaffirms his arm around your waist. You push back the hair that fell into his face, he always looked good but there was something about his features when he was relaxed like this that made your stomach flutter. “we both have meetings with Nadia and the court today”

he nuzzles further into you refusing to let you go. You laugh again “your already awake,julian” you shift beside him, “in more ways than one I see” you say feeling him pressed against you as much as you can feel his smile on your skin. He lets out A playful whine. “Exactly the reason why we should stay in bed longer.” His head pops up from his hiding spot against you, starting to kiss your neck “don’t you agree?” You sigh at the feeling closing your eyes feeling the warmth from him and the morning sun.

“We can’t be late julian” you try to sound assertive but fail when he kisses your sweet spot, letting out a moan. He continues his light kisses, hand moving down to hold your thigh. “We won’t be. Nadia arranged for someone to come tell us when we need to get ready.” His lips finally meet yours, speaking between kisses. “So technically. We won’t be late. And have. Plenty of. time” you Hum as you kiss him back, matching his slow intoxicating pace.

your hands go over his shoulders having your arms around his neck. You both were already breathing heavily, heat travels through your body. But an idea pops into your head making you smile. “Plenty of time?” He lazily kisses your chin and jaw responding with a hum “mmhmm”. a hand goes to his hair at the base of his head twirling it around your finger. “how about a challenge?” This halts his movements, hands by your waist. pushing away slightly to fully face you.

“Challenge?” He asks eyebrows raised a smirk already forming onto his lips,seeing that glimmer in your eyes “My dear, do tell what is going on through that pretty head of yours” you tilt your head slightly, looking up at him eyes scanning his face. Your right fingertips softly go up and down his lean back, feeling him shiver lightly under your touch “Well seeing that you are certain that we have enough time and eager for” your left hand glides over his chest, going down his stomach, causing Julian’s breathing to change. “Assistance.” You smirk hand stoping above his underwear band.

“I’ll provide it for you” Julian eyes widen at your words and looks down at your finger hooked onto his waistband. you lift his gaze up back to you with a finger under his chin. Pupils already dilated with need looking at you with curiosity wanting to know what you will ask of him in return, knowing how much you love to play with him. “Yes?” He musters to say in a calm tone. The corner of your lips lifts up as your eyes follow your hand down the side of his smooth neck already blooming pink, focusing your gaze back on him. “You have to finsh before the servants knock on the door. If you don’t” you turn your head slightly against the pillow, looking up at him. “Then I’m afraid you will have a very frustrating morning, won’t you?”

Julian suppressed a moan, trying to not admit how incredibly truned on he was at your proposal. Even if it meant potentially not finding relief he did not care. hot blood rushed through him making his mind fuzzy. How was it that, although he was the one looking down at you his body above yours, You were the one who was controlling him making his body succumb to your gaze and touch. Honestly he wasn’t thinking with his logical head when he uttered his agreement to your challenge after a few seconds since you presented it.

Your eyebrows rise up in amusement at his complying response then a teasing smile spreads across your face. “Confident?” Julian brings his eyes away from your mouth to look at you giving you his well known mischievous grin. “Always” You narrow your eyes slightly suspicious. His grin wavers, a look of need resurfaces. “However I think it mainly might be because” he fixes his throat. “I can’t really think when you and I are in this sort of position” he shifts above above you his hips wanting to grind against you but knowing better not to.

His desperate words and movements starts a flutter in your chest increasing your own need for him. “That so?” you say eager to start your game. your hand moves to the back of his neck again “I’ll use that to my advantage then” you close the gab between you and Julian, Guiding him towards you, hearing his relived sigh against your mouth. moving your lips together like it has been years since the last time they touched.

Your hand moves from his neck into his hair, making the kiss deeper tugging lightly at the crimson curls earning a hum. After a few seconds your hand that was resting by his waistband starts palming him through the fabric. You capture his moan sending vibrations to your core. Applying the right pressure continues his muffled moans against you until he breaks away to curse breathlessly.

You don’t stop your movements, your lips go along his jaw then to the sweet spot underneath his ear, julian sucks in a breath and lets out another moan. “Fuck, how can your hand feel this good?” Julians grinds against your palm. He was fully hard at this point seeking out release. You let a small laugh against his neck “so eager” you say looking at his flushed face again, seeing his parted lips turn into a grin. “Well I do have a challenge to beat,don’t I?” With his statement you return the grin and pull away your hand away from him making him let out a whine from the loss of your touch.

Both of your hands go to his chest, lightly pushing against him making him fall on his back. you straddle his waist. Julian’s eyes widen and glimmer with amusement at the new position. His hands graze your knees, when he hears no remarks from you julian slides them up landing on your hips. His darkened eyes look up at you waiting your next move. “You are very sure about the time, I’m sure you don’t have nothing to worry about” you respond to his last comment. lowering your head and kissing his neck, Julian’s elegant hands go up your waist and back softly. His breathing increasing and letting out soft gasps when he feels your open mouthed kisses. Tongue and teeth graze against his smooth skin leaving marks behind that only you know their placement.

You leave your final mark on his collarbone. raising your head slightly, Your hand glides over it and to the bottom of his neck raising goosebumps, feeling him swallow. Your eyes take in your work of pink and red hues decorating his neck and chest causing another jolt of arosual through you knowing he was completely yours. Not only from the marks but also from julian’s shiver under your finger tipes. He withholds a moan seeing your lustful gaze only set on him.

His chest continues to rise and fall with deep breathes as Your lips continue their way down. your mouth takes in a nipple in a single motion. Julian squeezes your waist and gasps slightly at the action. “That mouth of yours is torture” he groans out.

Said mouth gives another lick before moving to the other one. continuing all the way down his tensing stomach, to were he is painfully pressed up against his underwear. You don’t hesitate To take off his covering releasing him and you suppress a moan at the sight of him. The upper half flushed pink, twitching aginst the morning air as precum leaks and falls down. You smile as you see julian give a small thrust towards you “please baby I need your mouth on me” he pleads eyes glazed over.

“You want my mouth on you?” He bites his lips to stop him from yelling out a yes, instead he nodes. He catches your grin but before he could understand what it meant your tounge swirls around his swollen head. Julian lets out a moan closing his eyes. Your tounge goes over the sensitive part underneath and over the slit. Sucking lightly letting it go with a pop. You blow on it gently watching it twitch again making you throb between your legs.

Kissing the head you look up at julian, his lust filled eyes are on you and you keep the gaze as you ever so teasingly swip your toungue on the sensitive area. Watching his jaw set and his breathing increase. A few seconds of this has him groaning in frustration. “What baby? Not enough?” You taunt with a devilish smile. He sighs and shakes his head with a smile “you really are-oh f-“

You cut him off always loving how his face transitions to shock, his mouth parting. Realization, eyes widening, and pleasure as he closes them and leans his head against the pillows, back arching slightly. Letting out another long moan. “You feel to good, fuck, please”. Your mouth takes as much of his long cock it can and your hand focuses on the base. You swirl him in your mouth flattening your tounge under him and gliding up flicking up on the head. You go down again and begin to hollow your cheeks and bob your head creating a pace that has julian moaning deeply and whispering silent yes’s above you.

Humming against him makes his hips jut out, hitting the back of your thoat, suppressing the gag reflex you moan again. “Oh fates your mouth, your mouth.” He groans.”do that again,please baby” you comply humming deeply, sucking hard all the way to the tip. Your hand continues to work the base and your mouth changes paces,bringing julian closer to the edge each minute that passes.

His thighs is begin to shake and his stomach tenses. His eyes are screwed shut, only focusing on the pleasure your giving him. “I’m close, I’m so close.” He pants, his hips move up again and you place your hands on his hips to keep hims from moving. “Please don’t stop, dont stop” he mutters. You go to the tip swiping underneath a few times before you let him go.

You don’t stop the smile that forms on your face when a Protestant noise falls from His lips and opens his eyes. . “Why” he sounds like he had been running. You rub his thighs soothingly, but the action does the contrary keeping him at the edge. Plus the teasing smile on your lips makes Julian’s heart speed up and his already peaked hormones flare up again.

You move your hands on either side of his waist on the bed. Looking down, head tilted slightly. “Is this not a challenge?” You simply state Julians eyes widen a bit letting out a frustrated exhale not only because he was close but because of how your words and dominance affected him so easily.

“It seems” you shift your body to where you are sitting beside him, his body laying infront of you. “We still have time.” You look to his flushed face, eyes looking instantly at you.”Let’s try again shall we?” You kiss him deeply humming against him. “I meant it when i said your mouth is torturous my dear” julian says against you, kissing you hard. Your mouth moves with his as your hand glides over his side and hip.

You stop kissing him, watching your hand wrap around his glistening hardened cock, squeezing him lightly. Julian sucks in a breath at the feeling as well as the sight, his eyes never leaving your hand. You start stroking him tortuously slow increasing his frustration. You lean in closer, whispering in his ear. “Did you also meant it when you said my hand felt good?” The man splayed out only for you, relinquishing all control to you nodes with a hum. Your thumb goes gover the head earning a pretty moan. “I’ve given you both, my mouth and hand right now. You should feel grateful” you state, watching his mouth part letting out a gasp as your hand moves faster, loving the feel and warmth of him in your hand. “I am, I’m so grateful, you are so good to me! yes.”

You pump him for a few more seconds like this untill you slightly slow down giving your hand a rest. Your lips go over his chest and neck that you can reach. “Becoming needy and bothered in the palace of all places. What do you have to say for yourself?” You lick over a red mark before looking up finding his eyes on you, a grin on his smooth features. “You and I both know it’s not our-“ he moans as a jolt passes through him before “first time this has happened” he finishes, a blush comes over your features as the images of him kneeling before you and him having you against a shelf at the far corner of the places library come to mind.

You return the playful smirk before kissing him. “I guess you do have a point, we both arnt saints” your hand resumes the fast pace, swiping off the grin from Julian’s face having him bite his lip as his eyes return to your hand. Widening, but after a few seconds when you find a rythem that has his hips jerking and thighs l shaking he closes them tightly. Your own eyes flicker between your hand and to his face, his expressions spiking your own arousal, seeing him withering in ecstatsy.

His breathing was coming out quicker, a slight sheen of sweat laid on his body causing his dark red hair to stick on his forehead. Not to mention his increasing small pants and whines were blurring your mind. His hands clenched the sheets making it easier for him to thrust his hips into your hand. “Look at you, your so needy and desperte to come” You close your hand a bit more around him. He’s light breathless pants continue. “I know your close baby” the amount of times you’ve been with Julian you memorized evey reaction and signal his body delivers commiting them to memory.

“You might even win, are you going to come for me?” Julian nodes his head or Atleast he thinks he does, the jolts and building of pressure becoming to much, his mind had been blurry from the start but now he felt more gone only you occupying his mind, your scent, taste and touch. Your hand slows down a fraction at his lack of answer. His hips jerk up and eyes open “no! No please dont stop. Im sorry. Yes I’m going to come for you. Please, don’t stop please”

Satisfied with his answer you continue to jerk him off. You start kissing his collarbone and neck when he closes his eyes “please,please, please” he chants You encourage him to do so, wanting to see him come undone because of you. However, a soft knock cuts throughout the room that might as well sounded like the towns bell tower. “Mr. Devrock and Vesuvias magician?” A light subtly voice follows.

“This is a courtesy wake up and a reminder that you will meet my lady for breakfast this morning.” Your eyes found each other’s, Julians clouded gaze clearing. You look over his face once more capturing this image of him into memory, your hand still moving leisurely against him. “Well? Answer” you whisper. julians throat bobs and a grin forming he breathes out a curse. in a louder strained voice he calls out to the servant “understood, thank you”when you hear thier footsteps fade away you release julian. Much to his dismay and protests.

“How unfortunate” you sigh you run up a finger up his stomach, his whole body now basked in the early sun. You get off the bed bare feet touching the soft carpet. “No no please, we can still-” julian protests catching your wrist. You give him a sad teasing smile. “Sorry my love but a deal is a deal, you know that” he pouts at you his hair ruffled against his forehead giving him a boyish look. That makes you blush. You give him a final kiss but julian follows it up as you lean away not wanting to let you go.

You move towards the bathroom hoping to wash off the heat off your body. “Now come on, we have a very busy and interesting day dont we?” You say with a grin eyes shifting to his still present display of need. You hear a muffled defeated groan as Jullian places a pillow over his face making you laugh. A interesting day indeed that will lead to a long eventful night.

[grapenamjams]

Need

Genre: NSFW, Smut

Contains: outside seggs, mutual orgasm, quickie?

Characters: Muriel from the arcana & Reader

A/N: * has three WIP but decides to impulsively write this in class*

You and Muriel had spent a day at the lake, just the two of you enjoying the final days of summer before the winter months made their annual visits. Swimming in the refreshing water was what you both needed to relax and enjoy yourselves from another busy week. The enjoyment found itself into the late afternoon. Skin still speckled with water droplets and a warmth that had blossomed when you two were in the water together.

Small touches and gazes added to the tension between you two until a kiss was shared leading to another, each kiss lingering, each kiss Turning into something you both didn’t want to return from. Your fingers threaded and pulled slightly on Muriel’s dark hair as he places his hand at the back of your neck deepening the kiss.

Burning need pulsed through both of your bodies. You wanted him so bad it was unbearable, you wanted his hands all over you touching and grasping at you as you heard his moans.

You pull away from him, looking up at him seeing the same desire and want you felt in his green eyes. “I need you” is what you say breathlessly. Without fail a pink blush appears on his cheeks and neck as he looks at you and your open surroundings. “A-are you sure? we can head back” you shake your head pressing a kiss to his jaw and neck “I can’t wait” your hand travels Down his firm stomach feeling him shiver against your touch or the gentle breeze making its way through the trees. “ I want you so bad Muriel, please” you whimper. you can feel his hand grip your waist and how he tries not to moan at your begging.

After a few moments of getting him comfortable to the idea. You find yourself with both hands against a large rock as Muriel stands behind you. He moves a hand up your back “a-are you sure?” He asks gently reassuring himself. You node your head your body pulsing with anticipation. “yes, you're gonna make me feel so good” you hear Muriel suck in a breath before he pulls off any remaining clothes kissing your back, leaving you completely bare infront of him.

Muriel Cant help but let a curse slip at seeing you in such a aching state for him. If he wasn’t turned on before, seeing you like this, knowing that he was the cause of making you so needy you wanted him right then and there he was beyond turned on his dick throbbing.

you look back when he takes off his covering, eyes going wide and legs already threatening to buckle at the sight of his dick dripping with Precum twitching slightly against the fresh air. You moan his name as he takes you slowly in from behind.

Stretching you and pressing against all the right places inside you. You take him in all the way to the hilt, both moaning at finally being able to feel each other. He starts of slow, building you both up, hands going to your hips to help him steady himself. Flashes of how his muscles looked when he was in the water cross your mind making you imagine how his muscles must look at he pumps into.

Hands clenched against the rough surface, You can’t keep the Moans and whimpers at bay even if you tried. You both were miles away from anyone to hear you but still, you felt a sense of vulnerability being exposed like this outside. Even then you couldn’t help but notice the thrill of having Muriel take you from behind against a rock in the middle of the forest add to your pleasure. Muriel thrusts into you in such a way that makes you clench around him hearing him gasp.

He bends down to kiss your neck. Sensing his body pressure against your small figure muddles your brain as he continues to take you. “You feel so good baby, I’m so close” you moan out. “So am I” he grunts out, calloused fingers glide down your back reaching around you to touch you pushing you more towards the edge. “Oh fuck!” Your hips jerk back against him making Muriel moan in your ear.

It doesn’t take long for you to come undone with his name on your lips. Your climax takes over leaving you breathless and shaking under him. Muriel muffles his moans against your shoulder as he releases inside you. His hips slow down as well as his hand helping you both through your orgasms. You are both left panting, your legs feel like they are gonna give out at any second as you feel some of his hot release slide down. You turn your head to press a kiss to his forehead making him look up with hooded dazed eyes at you. “You are amazing” he says face flushed causing you to smile as you kiss him.

[grapenamjams]

Heat Of The Hearth

Genre: Smut/NSFW

Characters: Muriel from the arcana

Contains: masturbation, male orgasm

A/N: I have no words for this one only horny.

Imagine.

hearing small blissful grunts and moans coming from a small hut in the woods. The full moon contributing it’s light amongst the stars to shine softly through the huts window. landing on a bed with strewn fur covers, sections of it cascading down the bed onto the floor while the rest is clenched within a hand.

Muriel’s chest rises and falls with deep breathes trying to remain calm as he lets himself succumb to the pleasure he was giving himself.

Flickers of light from the hearths fire dance along his sun kissed skin, highlighting his muscles as they moved underneath. Stomach clenching when a slow stroke of his hand caused a jolt of pleasure through him.

The orange glow of the room does not help in hiding his large cock in his moving hand. Precum dripping from the pink head down his hardened shaft, making it glisten in the light. His big hand covering and adding pressure however he pleases following the path to his climax.

Grunts are often heard but every few seconds pretty moans escape his lips no matter how hard he tries to muffle them by sucking his bottom lip between his teeth.

Dark hair messily spiraled against the pillow. strands sticking to his forehead and neck as a layer of sweat covers his skin.

His beautiful dark green eyes are closed solely focusing on his self pleasure as he pumps himself faster. Head tilting back exposing a strong jawline under his scruff.

Eyebrows furrowing in concentration, lips parting open whimpers and breathless moans falling out. Wet sounds filling the hut as Muriel reaches the edge of pleasure for himself.

However in his self inflected teasing, he stops his movements. Letting out a whine of protest at feeling the rush of knowing he was close. Hips jut out in his bodies own protest to his actions. Sucking in a breath his pecks rising he feels his length twitch needing release.

a couple of pops and cracks accompany his breaths in the air when Muriel starts building himself up again. Hand setting a rhythm that has him panting again within minutes. Tightness forms in his body, letting out curses, reaching that wonderful edge again. he allows himself to follow through.

Pumping himself harder and faster Muriel forgets to swallow back his moans. His body needing release after missing the previous one, bucks his hips into his hand involuntarily not daring him to stop.

Thick thighs starting to shake, Muriel opens his eyes just in time to see his dick twitch before he releases all over his stomach. Hips and hand still moving causes another squirt of his load to come up as he groans.

Thighs calming down, hips thudding against the bed. Muriel gradually slows down the pace of his hand helping himself to ride out the intense orgasm he had.

After a moment he sighs relishing in the moment of ecstasy that he just had but also covering his face with an arm as a blush blooms on his face at the mess he made of himself.

[grapenamjams]

I’ve been watching the 2000 show called Mr. Monk (deserves more hype!) and you can not tell me that mr. Monk is not Julian.

Here are some quotes from the show that I think fit him well.

(I wished I could’ve put the episode they are from)

*julian looking directly at the sun*

Mc: Julian, you’ll go blind!

Julian: I know... but when?

Julian: I am not suicidal..... I just wish I was never born

*julian huddled in a corner*

Julian: imma die here

Mc: julian you arnt gonna die here

Julian: you right, imma die over there

*moves to another corner*

-reviving-

Mc: “How are you feeling?”

Julian: “Uh I don’t know”

Mc: “How about happy to be alive?”

Julian: “No that’s not it”

Julian: I should’ve waited for something better to come along…. Like death

[grapenamjams]

All For You

Genre: Smut/ NSFW, slight fluff at the end of course 

Contains: oral (M. and F.) receiving, (F.) top, dirty talk, cock warming sorta? basically spoiling Muriel  

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and Female reader 

A/N: I haven't written smut in forever! but I hope my story is still enjoyable to read. I honestly have not seen much Muriel NSFW stories so.... it would be great if you could mention some below if you know of any? uhh that's an odd request but no matter hahah I hope you all enjoy and if its just me on here well I better get going XD   

Your lips moved together slowly savoring each other’s presence at first, but once your hands went through Muriel’s dark hair the kiss deepened changing the atmosphere around you both. Muriel lets out a hum against your lips as his hands climb up your back, one going into your hair the other one presses against your back. The kiss started as a innocent goodnight peck but you asked for one more and then another each time making it longer until you found yourself straddling his lap already feeling the familiar pulsing between your legs.

Your lips leave his and begin kissing his jaw his stubble tickling your lips. You reach his neck and hear him suck in a breath his hands going down your back slowly. You suck on the spot against his neck that makes him hold in his moan and go back up to his face, your lips ghost over his ear “Lay down for me” you whisper. you feel him tense up.

You pull away being able to see his cheeks and ears go red. “W-what for?” He asks his eyes flickering to your lips for a second. You smile up at him before moving your head to the other side of him kissing his cheek and jaw reaching his ear again. “I want to make you feel good” you state and to prove your want, you gently move your hips down against him confirming that he was also in the same state of want. Happy that you could make him feel that way with just your kisses you feel your arousal increase.

You look back at him and his pupils are wide with shock but you can see his forest green eyes darkening, filling up with need. His hands run up your sides as he swallows nervously “a-are you sure?” He asks searching your face for assurance that you really wanted to do this. “You...you don’t have too” his cheeks turn pink. You smile at him your chest clenching at his sweetness wanting to make sure that this is something you wanted even if you were the one who initiated it. You node “I’m completely sure I want to do this, do you?” his face reddens at your question, his gaze lowering from yours as he nodes “yes.” He mumbles making you smile at how he still gets shy whenever you both are together, which makes it more fun to play around with him. “Yes, What?” You ask kissing his cheek, he bites his lip knowing what you want him to say “iwantyoutoo” he quickly lets out before looking back at you, you let out a amused laugh. you relieve him from his embarrassment by connecting your lips to his again. You lean slightly forward making him go down onto the furs with you on top of him.

You would be lying if you said this feeling of want for him came over you a few moments ago. When in actuality the feeling started way before that, when you saw the sweat running down over the moving muscles of his sun kissed back as he chopped the fire wood when you came back from the shop, and then again when you saw him come back from the lake after he bathed himself, His wet hair and body making your blood run hot. Heck you even wanted him when he was preparing dinner for you both. Needless to say when he kissed you goodnight you couldn’t let the feeling go. you were already in the furs, bodies pressed together, the thoughts of wanting him already accumulating in you brain from thinking it the entire day. You wanted to please him you wanted him to feel good, he does so much for you already you wanted to show him that he could be spoiled as well.

You move your head slightly deepening the kiss, feeling him Tentatively run his large hands up and down your exposed thighs due to the nightdress your wearing, he gives you a light squeeze as your lips pull away from his and kiss his jaw and neck, sucking on the place where his neck meets his shoulder hearing him let out a small grunt. Your lips travel up his neck kissing the spot underneath his ear earning a small moan from him making you smile against the heated skin.

“You’re the only one that can make me feel this way you know?” You say against his ear before moving to the other side. You start kissing his neck again, “make me want to please you like this” you run your tongue over his sweet spot, you feel him let out a shaky breath. You move to kiss his throat, kissing his Adam’s apple and the hollow part underneath. “You deserve it” you say against his skin. Your hand goes down his side slowly, feeling him shiver underneath you, loving how he response to your touch.

You kiss his collarbone “all the pleasure, everything. its all for you” your lips go across his chest “you always make me feel good Muriel, I want to make you feel good too” with That said, you move your body further down, the feeling of his bulge brushing against you not escaping your notice. You glance up at him and feel your self get more turned on from the lustful gaze he gave you. He was lost for words trying to say something, anything that would meet the words you had spoken to him, but once again they didn’t come to him he was so filled with desire the only thing in his mind was you, so he whispered your name as a response.

Hearing your name on his lips gave your body a new flush of heat of desire for him. Your lips travel down his body, kissing each of his scars, your hand making its own trail on his built body causing Muriel’s breathing to quicken. “You like being touched by me huh?” You see him node, making you smile. You feel Muriel’s abdomen muscles clench as your lips start down his happy trail the small hairs brushing against your lips. ”but I’m sure that touching your body isn’t enough, you want me to touch somewhere else” you state and you hear his breath catch as you reach his pants and Can visibly see his large bulge pressuring against the fabric. Your hands go to the waistline of his pants and without wasting another moment you pull his pants down along with his underwear, releasing his painfully hardened length, the air hitting it making it twitch slightly, Muriel hisses at the sensation of him being finally let out. you feel your self get wetter at the sight, the ache between your thighs intensifying.

You pull his pants all the way off feeling him tense up once again, you rub his thighs soothingly all the way up. “Maybe here? You want me to touch you here right?” You ask looking up at him in response, his face is fully flushed pink, his bottom lip between his teeth. “I- um” he tries to respond. He’s so flustered and tense, “Muriel” you say softly trying to make him relax “you’re doing good, so good” you rub circles on his thighs, he takes in a shaky breath, encouraged by your words “yes... I want you too” he pants out. You node at him with a smile, leaning your head down you press a kiss to the tip hearing Muriel suck in a breath. You then put the head in your mouth wetting it with your tongue before pulling away and blowing on it watching it twitch as some Precum comes out. Muriel fists the sheets in his hands as he moans your name almost sounding like a whine at your teasing, knowing that it was getting unbearable for him you lean forward again wrapping your mouth around him taking in what you could of his large member “shit” you hear Muriel curse, swirling your tongue around him before moving back with your tongue flattened against, swiping underneath his head at the sensitive nerves causing a groan from above you.

Swirling his head and and licking his slit you go back down against him. You place a hand on the rest of him that your mouth couldn’t take in and you began sucking him hollowing your cheeks and moving your hand against him, you see his stomach clench as You bob your head. Hearing Muriel’s small grunts lets you know he is trying to hold back his moans, you hum against him as you move your head back and forth causing Muriel’s hands to go to your hair and to your satisfaction letting out a loud moan, “y-y/n I- I’m...ugh fuck” he tugs at your hair which in turn makes you moan against him, his hips unintentionally jutting out, his length hitting the back of your throat making you gag slightly but you still continue your moments. You know he’s close, by the way he tugs at your hair, his panting breaths coming out shorter and the way his hips are starting to jerk up to your mouth more frequently.

As much as you would love to finish him off with your mouth you wanted to give him all the pleasures you could. Your growing ache for him was also becoming to much to ignore, glancing up you could have come on the spot at the sight before you. Muriel flushed red, his eyes screwed shut as his features displayed pure pleasure. You gave a moan as you felt your heat grasp at nothing wanting nothing more to be filled by him. You suck one last time before letting his dick go with a pop, Muriel lets go of your hair instantly, letting out a disappointed groan at your mouth’s absence. realizing this he snaps his eyes open and a wonderful shade of pink crosses his cheeks at catching himself react to you that way.

You swipe away the saliva at the corner of your mouth and smile up at him as you sit up right. “Is everything o-“ he starts bewildered trying to catch his breath at how suddenly you stopped, but cuts himself off, his eyes widening as he sees you take off your night dress leaving you only in your underwear. You watch his dark forest eyes roam your body before him, seeing them drink up everything like he was a man deprived of water. a shiver goes down your spine at his intense gaze. “Wow” the word slips out of his mouth without him thinking making him go red again, he puts a hand over his eyes making you give a small laugh. “I- am sorry I- you look” you lift yourself off of him to give you enough room to slip off your underwear. You lean forward and pull away his hand away from his face his eyes looking into yours, you smile at him “there’s no need to apologies” you say as you kiss him. “Beautiful” he finishes his statement against your lips making your stomach feel butterflies. moving slightly down, your heat right above his length “it’s all for you” You say as you grab him placing it at your entrance you hear Muriel suck in a breath and you look up at him. “ready?” You ask having your own face flush matching his own as he nodes at you in confirmation. you then sink your self down onto him, his eyes screw shut again his mouth agape as he lets out a loud groan his hands going to your hips holding you there against him or more like holding himself to you trying not to automatically release into you at the sudden feeling. “so tight and warm...” he grunts, withholding himself from moving against you.

You let out a moan feeling yourself stretch around him, you place your hands against his chest “god Muriel,” you bend down to kiss his neck and chest letting yourself get used to him for a moment. after you feel like you could move you straighten yourself up and begin to ride him, you move up and down against him moaning at the feel of him “baby you feel so good, fuck” you gasp, Muriel’s hands tighten around your hips helping your movements, He grunts every time you go down against him, his dick going deep within you. “Y/n.” he groans, you spread your hands across his built stomach feeling the way the muscles contract underneath you, “ Muriel give me a kiss, hm?” You plead looking down at him as you continue your hard movements.

Muriel gaze looks away from where you are both connected to your flushed face, you bite your lip at his desire filled face and you begin to feel a pressure in your stomach your high starting to form. Muriel grips your hips as he sits upright his chest pressing against yours, your arms go around his neck bringing his large frame closer to you having him completely in circle you, his lips find yours as he complies your request. You moan against his mouth clenching your walls around him feeling him twitch inside you and feel him gasp in front of you “y/n I’m not gonna-“ your walls clench around him again and Muriel groans snapping his hips up to meet your rhythm making you cry out in pleasure somehow the action making him hit something deeper inside of you.

You rest your head on his shoulder, letting him fuck himself into you, his dick hitting every perfect spot within you “cum for me Muriel god...please I want you to cum” you say kissing his shoulder and neck coaxing him, His movements become faster and sloppier at your words. After a couple more thrusts and with your name on his lips he comes undone with a grunt underneath you, his release shooting up into you. He’s breathing ragged as he still thrusts riding out his high, you lift your head and he captures your lips kissing you until he’s gone soft inside you. He breaks away from your mouth and hides his face against your neck, trying to regain his breathing.

his arms wrap around your waist bringing you close. You pet his hair trying to calm your own heavy breathing, “god that was amazing” you breath out “did you feel good baby?” You ask, you feel him node against you making you smile at having completing your mission. You gently push away from him making him lift his face and you see a slight frown to his face, you cup his cheek with worry “what’s wrong Muriel?” His eyes shift away from you as a deeper blush rises onto his face. “You- you didn’t finish did you?” You can’t help but to smile at the man in front of you being concerned that you didn’t reach your high even when you stated this was all for him.

You place your hands on his shoulders “no” you answer truthfully “but tonight was for you” you kiss his cheek but you seem him pout, clearly not liking the idea of you not being able to finish while he had, you smirk at him and in leaning in closer your arousal returns through you.

“Do you want to make me cum Muriel?” His eyes snap to yours in an instant, his hands go up your back making you shift against him feeling his length still in you makes you hiss, your juices starting to leek out. “Yes.” You hear his deep voice almost growl out. Turning you on even more, “so then how are you gonna make me come, hm?” You challenge, lips ghosting over his. Without hesitation Muriel captures your lips in his kissing you roughly, his tongue runs across your bottom lip opening your mouth to him slipping his tongue in, causing you to moan and subconsciously grind against him. Muriel tenses against you at the movement.

he then gently shifts your positions, moving to his side he carefully places your back against the furs having his towering figure over you. His member slipping out in the transition, you quickly run your hands over his defined back feeling the define muscles creasing every ridge. he lets your mouth go and begins to kiss down you neck softly making you let out a noise when he kisses your sweet spot “Muriel” you whisper as you feel him touch your sides. kissing down your body, between your breasts, down your stomach and sides, every peck making your skin hot.

the ache between your thighs becoming painful as his lips near where you wanted him most. He presses a kiss right above your heat making you suck in a breath ready to feel his tongue against you but his lips go over it landing on your inner thigh.

you whine in protest and look down at him, you can catch a glimpse of his mouth turning up into a smirk before he kisses your other thigh his stubble rubbing against the skin.

“Like this, is this okay?” You hear Muriel say between your thighs, automatically your hips jut out against him wanting to be touched. “ yes! Please Muriel” you plead and with your your begging he licks up your slit and blows on it just as quick causing you to let out a gasp and slightly move your hips away. Muriel places a hand on your hip to keep you steady and another one on your thigh to keep you from closing them. Muriel’s warm tongue once again lands on your slit, his lips wrapping around your clit as he begins to suck on it you let out a pleasured cry your hands fist the sheets at the feeling. Muriel flicks the nub with his tongue occasionally leaving you in a moaning mess. The pooling in your stomach letting you know that you were close once again.

Your hands found their way into Muriel’s hair, tugging at the roots causing Muriel to hum against you sending the vibrations through you. “Ah! Just like that baby, do it again” you moan out, he provides another hum for you as you press his face closer to you his stubble adding to the pleasure.

He’s tongue works on you until you start losing your breath “Muriel you’re making me feel so good, oh fuck please” the feeling of your climax increasing. “I can’t hold on any longer” you groan, Muriel goes back to your clit sucking harder, encouraging you to your high. You look down at the sight between your legs and it was enough to send you over the edge. With a moan you come undone before him, tugging his hair his name falling from your lips. Muriel Laps up your juices and gently circles your clit helping you through your orgasm, he also rubs his fingers against your hip soothingly.

Muriel leans over to you and kisses you tasting yourself on him. You smile into the kiss “thank you” you mumble against him kissing him again. Muriel pulls away after a moment from you with reddened ears and cheeks and grabs a small towel beside the bed and cleanse you both off.

after he finishes the task he then settles himself behind you arms wrapping around your waist pulling you close to him, he presses a kiss against the back of your neck and rests his face there. “Are... you okay?” You hear him say, making you giggle “of course I am” you grab his hand and thread your fingers through his. “I” he pauses for a second before finally saying “thank you too, it felt really good” you smile at his words  “I’m glad it did. I love you Muriel” he nuzzles against you “I love you too” he whispers against you.

[grapenamjams]

Night Routine

Genre: OMG fluff! a little angst in the middle there but nothing to big

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:   my heart! I loved writing this so much! dad Muriel is just to pure 

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

The orange glow from the hearth provided the perfect amount of heat for the small hut. The gentle warmth being able to lull anyone into a deep slumber, well almost anyone. Eliza carefully pacing back and forth held a small figure close to her chest. A figure who kept on squirming and letting out small frustrated cries contrasting with the calm silence of the room.

“There, there it’s okay, it’s okay” Eliza repeats making some shushing noises to get her baby boy to calm down. Inanna lets out a small whine making Eliza look down at the wolf, who looked up at the fussing child in her arms with concern. 

Ever since Eliza and Muriel had their baby a few months ago inanna sort of took him under her care, looking after him as a nanny of sorts. However, The same couldn’t be said about Nell, although she cared for the baby deeply she much rather liked to be able to sleep through the night instead of being woken up a number of times by crying. Needless to say Nell couldn’t wait until the baby was older so she could finally be able to play with him probably and not be told “be careful!” every two seconds. So the white fox spent most of her time outside or coiled on her bed watching the chaos.

Eliza smiled at Inanna as the wolf nudges her arm with her snout. Eliza reaches a hand down to pet her “it’s okay Inanna, you know how he gets when Muriel’s not here to say goodnight” the wolf whines again turning to look at the door. Eliza rubs her soft ear “I know, I hope he gets here soon too” Eliza says before shifting the baby to her other arm, rocking him while humming slightly. 

The small child had gone through his night routine, bathing, changing, feeding....changing again. the only thing left in the process was getting him to actually go to sleep, but with all the efforts from his mother, the tired baby fought against sleep, which made him frustrated leading him to voice his annoyance in the only way he knew how.

His cries continue as his mother tries to calm down. Eliza knew that the only other way to make her sleepy baby find Rest for the night was with Muriel. A habit that started out early, Muriel didn’t hold the baby much in the beginning convinced that he would scare him or hurt him in some way, the only time he spent holding his son the longest is when the baby was asleep. So from then on if Eliza could not put the baby to sleep, she knew it was because he was seeking his fathers comforting warmth.

Eliza pressed a kiss to his forehead “I know baby boy I know.” She rubbed the tiny back “dads going to be here soon I promise” Muriel had gone out to check the traps and set new protective charms, he’d begun to renew the charms every few days ever since  Eliza told him she was pregnant, wanting to make sure that everything was safe for them. 

It was dark outside the moon barley starting it’s climb across the sky, the beginning of winter air blew against the outside walls of the hut. Making Eliza begin to think if she should send out inanna to go check on him. but before she could voice out her request she felt the protective spell on the door fade for a moment before opening to reveal a cloaked Muriel. 

The large man bends down slightly to cross underneath the overhead and places the bag he had been carrying on the ground. He lifts his head to the sight of Eliza smiling at him with their baby in her arms. Muriel’s heart fluttered at the sight, once again feeling the familiar warmth of Immense happiness come over him like it did every time he saw them.

“See? what did I say? Dads home!” Eliza bounces the baby slightly in Muriel’s direction, she kisses the baby again on the forehead before walking over to Muriel who was hanging up his cloak, he looked at the fussing baby in his wife’s  arms and a sense of worry sprouted in his stomach. “What’s wrong? Is he sick?” Eliza sees the panic in his eyes making her laugh a bit. “Thankfully no, he just misses you” Muriel looks from the child to her a blush crossing his cheeks “m-me?” Eliza nodes before another cry rings out, the baby finally being able to hear his fathers voice.

“you should hold him, your the only one that can calm him down when he gets like this” the baby lets out another impatient cry. “You sure?” Muriel asks not wanting to accidentally hurt him in some way, but he still takes a step forward lifting his arms towards the baby. “Positive” Eliza says as she places their child in his arms, Muriel brings the baby up to his exposed chest and as if it was magic the baby boy instantly stops crying and fussing around, his little body relaxing into the familiar warmth of his father.

Muriel feels a new wave of love at getting to hold his baby close like this and see him drift off to sleep in his arms. The child’s features soften from his previous burst of frustration and their mouth opens slightly letting out even breaths, Muriel can’t help but to smile at the little person in his arms that he gets to call son. ‘My son’ Muriel hums out a chuckle he would never get used to it. 

He was actually a father to a actual person, a person that depends and trusts in him to provide. Muriel swore from the first day he felt his sons movements, he would do just that, he would provide any thing that was necessary for his child to be safe and happy, no matter the costs. He didn’t want his child to suffer like he had. To grow up alone in a dark world feeling unwanted and unloved, he never wants that for him. 

Muriel runs the tip of his nose against the soft skin of the baby’s cheek. He knows that tough times are still ahead, his mind can’t stop the dark thoughts that sometimes make their way in, like the moment his child comes to know the things that Muriel has done in the past, ‘what would his reaction be?’ ‘Would he leave them? Never speak to him again? Muriel couldn’t blame him if he didn’t want anything to do with him.

Muriel feels Eliza come to his side breaking him away from his thoughts. she rests her head against him running a hand up and down his arm soothingly, looking at their tiny child sound asleep in his large arms, a Beautiful soft smile appears on her face. Her eyes meet his green ones and just by looking into her own eyes he is once again reminded that with whatever laid ahead for him in the future he wouldn’t be alone, they both would face this new path of parenthood together one day at a time.

Muriel bends down carefully and kisses the top of Eliza’s head earning him a colorful blush and a wider smile before turning into a yawn. Muriel chuckles at her cute action “we should go to bed too” he states glancing back at their baby Eliza nodes in agreement “that sounds like a good idea.”

The small family settle down amongst the furs. Muriel lays down carefully on his back keeping the baby on his chest, Eliza shifts closer to his side and brings a hand up to brush the baby’s already thick black hair.  she lets out a soft laugh “he looks so peaceful, you wouldn’t think he was throwing a fit just to be with you a few moments ago” 

Muriel rubs his child’s back softly a small smile appearing on his lips “yeah.... he takes after his mother I guess” Eliza turns to look up at him scoffing at his teasing. “Did not!” She whispers earning a soft chuckle from Muriel as he brushes her hair back with his other hand “Asra told me how you would get when you had to close up shop late and couldn’t come here”

Eliza blushes at the memory of her sulking around and pouting at Asra for not being able to see Muriel that day. She suppresses a smile “fine, once or twice. But you can’t blame me and I can’t blame him” she glances down again “for wanting to be with you” she settles against his side again putting an arm around his stomach. “We love you too much” she  mummers closing her eyes. 

 Muriel runs his fingers through her hair once more, glad that she can’t see his watery eyes as he looks down at his little family around him, safe in his arms. His heart swells again with happiness, ‘was he allowed to be this happy?’ But even the dark thoughts he usually had did not come because all he could think of right now is how much he loved the family that he had created and how much love he felt from them. Before closing his eyes to follow his wife and child into sleep Muriel whispers out “I love you both more”

[grapenamjams]

Flinch

Genre:  A little angst  

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  I was inspired by a “how would the main six react to mc flinching” imagine post on Instagram and i wanted to try to write my own story with my MC Eliza! :) 

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

Eliza knew that Muriel was having one of those days were his past kept resurfacing to mind having him push her away and not listen to her reassuring words that told him he was good, that he wasn’t a monster, that he was a person that was loved and cared for by others, but Muriel would not have none of it. he turned his back to her placing his hands on top of the wooden table lowering his head.

“I’m a monster, I’ll always be one no matter how many years pass, no matter what anyone says. Deep within me I’ll always be a murderer, my hands will always be covered in blood.” He pauses shaking his head “I don’t deserve this life with you, when I’ve taken so many others, I thought it would be enough for others to forget about me but it will never change what I’ve done. it’s my punishment to remember and be alone that’s how it should be.”

Eliza tried to let him talk out his thoughts but with each word that left his mouth she felt her heart get tighter, she didn’t want him to feel like this anymore, she wanted to take all that pain he felt away from him. She was desperate to make him understand that he wasn’t that person anymore that he didn’t have to face things alone. 

So she tried again to make him see that “Muriel that’s not-“ she couldn’t finish her words, Muriel slamming his hand against the table along with his raised voice cutting her off “just stop Eliza! Stop!” Muriel turns at the exact moment when she flinches at his outburst.

Never in their time together had he raised his voice at her, had never hit something out of frustration in front of her. But now that he had, he wishes he had never done it because just watching her close her eyes and turn her head for a split second had caused Muriel’s heart to drop and his stomach to churn. images of warriors closing their eyes accepting their inevitable fate by the scourge of the south flashed through his mind. For a split second Eliza resembled them, she was wary of him maybe even scared, he was a monster after all.

Her eyes opened just as quick as they had closed, resuming her usual posture although he noticed her hands were in small fists by her side, His throat tightened “Eliza, I-“ he wanted to move towards her and bring her into his arms to apologize for what he had done, but he didn’t know if he should thinking that it would make her more scared of him. 

Eliza looks at his face for a brief moment, before biting her lip and lowering her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I kept repeating myself, I didn’t take into consideration that you might wanted some silence. I-i’m sorry.” She says slowly almost becoming a whisper. 

Muriel couldn’t stand it, it was just like her to apologize for something that she shouldn’t be apologizing for. It was his actions that made her flinch, it was his fault for getting frustrated at her when she was only trying to to help him and reassure him like she always did.

Eliza feels Muriel’s warmth wrap around her as he hugs her tightly. “You have nothing to apologize for. I-I’m the one that’s sorry.” Eliza instinctively hugs him back “I’m sorry for getting frustrated, I’m sorry I acted that way....I’m sorry I scared you.”

 She could hear a quiver in his voice, and her heart clenches, she shakes her head against him “you didn’t scare me, I was just surprised. I never heard your voice like that it’s all” Muriel pets her hair “and you will never hear it like that again I promise, I don’t want to ever scare you” Eliza smiles softly pushing slightly away from him to look up at him. 

she cups a hand against his cheek “you could never make me scared of you Muriel” he closes his eyes letting a tear fall and places his forehead against hers “thank you...for being here... for everything” he whispers to her, before Eliza swipes another tear away. 

[grapenamjams]

What I Love

Genre: Fluff !!

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N: I really am in love with this fictional man huh?  

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

The fire dwelling in the hearth covered the inside of the hut in a orange tone. Making the shadows that were brought out by the flickering heat dance against the walls. The warmth produced by it made its way through the air landing on Eliza’s and Muriel’s skin.

They sat at their usual spot on the floor in front of the fire, the pops and cracks of the wood ever so slowly calming Eliza’s usually racing mind. She rested her back against Muriel’s broad chest, his arms going around her waist. He placed his chin on top of her head gently, closing his eyes, taking in a breath letting her comforting scent come over him.

Eliza’s body started to unwind from the days work as she gently moved her fingers up and down Muriel’s arm mindlessly. After a moment he slackened his hold on her letting Eliza be able to take ahold of his hands and place them on her lap. She glides her fingers down his forearms to his palms settling her hand there, she looks down at their joined hands and smiles at how his large ones make hers look tiny. Muriel peeks from above her and feels a flutter in his stomach as he sees her small hands in his palms reminding him again how tiny she really is compared to him, Muriel curls his fingers inward making Eliza let out a small laugh as his hands squeeze hers.

Eliza brings his right hand forward towards her and resumes her previous motions. Gliding her fingers down his tan muscular forearm until she reaches his palm were she rubs the center with her thumbs, her fingers travel his rough hand to his own fingers where she touches the calloused skin, she plays with his fingers for a moment until she hears Muriel’s voice rumble through her. “What are you doing?”

She blushes realizing how weird it looks for her to be playing with his hands like this, but Eliza doesn't stop her movements. “Playing with your hands” she answers sheepishly. Muriel lets out a hum. “why?” He asks genuinely a bit confused as to why she had a interest with his hands. Eliza smiles at the puzzlement in his voice “it helps me relax” she turns his hand over and continues her light brushes against his skin.

In the fire light Eliza can make out small scars that cross over his hand and knuckles, She runs her thumb over each one. such tough hands that hold so much pained history but yet they are still able to make her feel like she is the most fragile thing in the world when he touches her. She hears Muriel scoff lightly “I wouldn’t describe my hands as relaxing.” Eliza shakes her head in disagreement “but they are,I love them” Muriel raises his head from where it was resting against her and breathes out a sigh. “You don’t know the things they’ve done. The way they made others feel In the past” He tries to pull his hands away from her but Eliza holds on to them.

She squeezes his hand and sighs, “I understand that I will not fully know all of the things you’ve done in the past, of what these hands did in the past but what I do know is what they do now, how they make me feel now” Eliza brings his large hand to her lips and gently kisses his knuckle. “they protect others” she kisses another knuckle “they work fiercely” another kiss “they don’t complain” and another “they make me feel secure and safe” she presses her lips against his wrist “they make me feel loved in every way” with that declaration Eliza leans a bit to the side to look up at Muriel and is meet with his eyes looking down at her, there’s a dust of pink on his cheeks and she feels her own cheeks warm.

His eyes search hers for a moment before he breaks eye contact looking down at their joined hands, wisps of orange dance across his handsome face. “Thats...i- How can you say those things out of the blue?” He mumbles, his mouth turning into a pout making Eliza let out a small laugh “it’s not out of the blue, it’s what I always think” she lets go of one of his hands to rest her own against his cheek. “There's more, you want to hear them?” Her voice quirking up in a playful tone. Seeing Muriel’s face redden but not objecting makes her smile and fill her stomach with butterflies.

Eliza trails her finger against his jaw “I love your jaw and your stubble, how it tickles when you rest it against my neck” she sees his eyes shift to the side still trying not to look at her Redding even more. Eliza lets out a chuckle “I love your hair” she moves her fingers up and through his dark locks “so soft, I love it when you let me play with it” she lowers her fingers again, cupping his cheek and gently turning his face to look at her once again. Eliza gazes up at him when turns his head, “I love your eyes” she touches the skin around his eye “I love their color, dark green and how they are filled with such emotion” she sees them widen slightly.

She then moves her fingers down once more “i love your lips” one finger goes over them before she subtly asks Muriel to bend his head down with a hand on his cheek, he follows her movement and Eliza presses her lips against his and smiles when he leans in for more. Pink coats her cheeks as she looks up at him when they part, having him this close always makes her mind a mess. “I love them” she glances at his mouth and then up to him again “well I guess I already showed why didn’t I?” She smiles slightly embarrassed. Muriel blushes and mumbles a “yeah” she doesn’t miss the small smile on his lips. She lets out a small laugh placing her hand against his chest “but I don’t only love the physical things about you I love the kindness in your heart, your intelligence, your humbleness, your humor” Muriel gives her a suspicious look when she says the last part making her giggle. Eliza pecks his nose “even your stubbornness I love” earning her a pout from him.

Eliza shifts her body around, as the crackle of the fire fills the small silence. Now with Her side pressed against his chest she could hear his heart beat, she hugs him hearing his heart quicken at her movements but gradually hears it settle when she Does. “I love” she continues, “how brave and hardworking you are. How genuine you are too, but mostly I love the loyalty you have for the people you care about”

Eliza looks up at Muriel who was still processing her words. Nobody had ever told him words like these ones before and although in the beginning it was uncomfortable at being complimented so much, he liked it , he liked knowing she saw these things in him and she didn’t see the monster he continuously saw himself as. maybe he could believe her words and start seeing those aspects she mentioned within himself for himself. He was still to shocked to say anything, he didn’t know what he could possibly say to her to make her understand how much he appreciated her words and how he felt the same about her and all her wonderful qualities too. He settled with resting his forehead against hers and wrapping her in his arms taking all of her in.

“I love you Muriel, inside and out I love everything that is you” he heard Eliza whisper to him closing her eyes, Muriel held her closer the warmth of their feelings for each other warming them more than the fire in front of them. “I love.” Pausing trying time get the right words out for her “your whole entire I love, Eliza” he whispered to her before placing his lips back against hers.

[grapenamjams]

French Knot

Genre: Fluff 

Character: Muriel from The Arcana 

A/N: I just need to tell you all that I am in love with this mountain man he has my whole heart!  

I also wanted to tell you a little bit of my apprentice MC who will be in this story. 

Her name is Eliza (she/her). She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose, lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol) 

oh! she is good at embroidery hence this stories premise, where she is teaching this big boy how to embroider. sooooo  yeah that is my apprentice I hope you like her!  

It was another calming day in the forest, the sound of birds filled the air and a rustle or two amongst the brush could be heard. The warm sun combined with a gentle breeze made it the perfect atmosphere for being outside.

Underneath the shade of the trees lay Inanna with her head resting on her large wolf paws as she tried to ignore the white arctic fox that was running around her wanting a chance to play, leaving white paw prints in the green grass. A few feet away from the canine familiars a little ways from the front of the hut, sat Muriel and Eliza both holding their own embroidery hoops. Ever since Eliza told Muriel that she loved to do embroidery when he was teaching her how to carve small animal figurines from wood he wanted to learn.

 “I want to learn to do something....you like too.” He said as he picked up his animal figuring suddenly finding something to fix when indeed there was nothing else he could do to it. Eliza spotted the red on the tips of his ears and and happily agreed that she would teach him. Muriel loved arts and crafts, if it was carving into wood, creating protective charms, Ever since he was little, when Asra and him would make masks to sell for the masquerade He liked the feeling of knowing that he could create things with his own hands and that they were not only used to destroy. and so, if he could create something of his own in a craft that Eliza enjoyed and made her happy he would do it, no matter how many pricks to the finger he would get by moving the needle through the Cotton fabric. 

 Eliza had showed him the basics. how to create a design, how to outline and how to fill in spaces using satin stitch, with that knowledge he could complete any design he wanted. He had been practicing for days now, if these were the basics then why were they so hard? He grunted when he poked his finger again, a tiny pinch not enough to draw blood. Muriel glanced at Eliza sitting next to him, her face had a peaceful look on it with a small smile pulling on her lips as her hands wove the needle and thread effortlessly, leaving in its wake a Beautiful forest design with different shades of greens and browns. Muriel looks back at his design and huffs in disappointment. His outline was a bit messy the stitches different sizes, but he was determined to finish it so he continued his work in filling the yellow petals.

 Eliza was lost in concentration, her hands moving on their own. repeating the same movements over and over calmed her usually racing mind down. She loved the sound of the needle piercing the fabric and the soft hum of the thread making its way through when she pulled. As she finished her thread and tied it she heard Muriel grunt in annoyance. She couldn’t help but smile, looking over at him she saw his eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed together. It made her heart swell to see him so determined at doing something that she found enjoyable. Eliza loved seeing him thread, his large calloused hands gently pushing and pulling the small needle through at his own pace. although in the beginning he would pull to hard and snap the thread or create a hole in the fabric and he would turn red and apologize for doing so but Eliza laughed softly and reassured him it was okay.

 Peeking over his arm she could see why he was annoyed, he had managed to create a tangle while filling a petal. he was trying his best to undo it but was Causing it to be tangled further. She didn’t want him ruin his work that he had done already.

“How’s It going?” She asks

 “Not.good.” He mumbles back

 She chuckles “I see, you want help?” Muriel nodes shyly and gives her the hoop, she takes it and examines his work. “Muriel you did sunflowers! They look great!” She beams at him, he averts his eyes “I know you like them.” Her heart swells again at the thought of him doing her favorite flowers for her.

 She looks at his piece again and can see that he got better at outlining his filling is a bit loose in some areas causing the tangle. “Looks like you got a tangle, these are common in filling” she picks at the tangle “remember to try to keep your thread a bit tight when filling or else your threads get intertwined when you push the needle back up again.” Muriel hums in understanding beside her, peering over her to see what she was doing. After a few moments she was able to salvage his work and undo the tangle.

 Eliza smiles, happy that she managed to save his carful handiwork. “There you go! You were lucky, some tangles can’t be saved and you would have to start again” she hands him back the hoop, which Muriel takes from her. She pulls her knees up to her chest wrapping her arms around her legs as she looks at Muriel finish up the petal on his last flower and tie it off. He gets the brown thread from the box which holds all of Eliza’s embroidery supplies. He separates the thread causing him to move his arms making the muscles there move and Eliza feels her face get slightly warm from watching. He is good at putting the thread through the needle first try once done he goes to start on the center of the flower but Eliza speaks up.

 “There’s a stitch that is mainly done for sunflowers to make it seem a bit more realistic, I can teach it to you?” She looks up at Muriel and automatically smiles at him. he looks at her, notices her smile and his face has the smallest tint of red on his cheeks, he nodes “okay.” Enjoying the feeling of how teaching him something new makes her happy. Eliza scoots closer to him to see his hands. “Alright! So this is called a French knot.” “What’s French?” He asks curiously from above her. Eliza pauses she never really had given thought to the name before. “Um, I’m not sure? Maybe it’s from the place it was created? Or maybe... it sorta sounds like a bread” She thinks, Muriel gives a chuckle “you always think about bread.” She hums at the idea of getting some warm bread from the bakery, “because bread is good! I can’t help myself, it’s soft goodness is a blessing I say” Muriel shakes his head and chuckles at her, ‘so Appreciative of the small things.’

Eliza Focus her attention away from the idea of fresh bread and starts to explain. “So the knot is pretty simple but might take a few tries so don’t worry. First, start your stitch” Muriel pulls the thread through at the center. “Then you wrap some of the thread around the needle twice” the big man follows as instructed “good, now pierce through near the same point you came through, and make sure to keep holding the rest of the thread in your left so it can make the knot tight...aaaaand go through” Muriel moves the needle through but dosnt manage to create the knot instead the thread disappears all the way through. She sees him pout “I didn’t do it.” He says, she pats his shoulder “it’s okay, it took me a bit to get them too but you have the movements down, it’s all about this left hand here that’s holding the rest of the thread, depending how tight you pull determines the firmness of the knot”

“Hmm I wasn’t pulling that hard...that’s why it disappeared” Eliza nodes “right!”

“How...tight does it have to be?”

“Hmm it’s best if I show you, so you can feel it” Eliza leans over him placing her hands on his, she could feel Muriel suck in a breath at her closeness  and it makes her blush. This was an awkward angle she was leaning sideways and couldn’t really help him thread. “hold on I can show you better like this” Eliza Scoots towards Muriel and gently moves his arms away so they are opened as if for a hug, she then sits down in front of him her back resting lightly against his broad chest. She places her small hands on his large gentle ones and begins to do the same motions she taught him guiding his hands.

 Once she was seated in front of him Muriel’s head stopped working. all he could focus on was her body pressing against his large one, he covered her with his body protecting her from all sides. They had sat like this many times in front of the fire at night but it never fails to make him flustered, he doesn't know if he will ever get truly used to touch from all of the years he was starved from it. But despite that He finds himself leaning forward seeking out her comfort, he can feel his heart beating hard against his chest as Eliza moves his hands while explaining to him the technique, but his concentration was elsewhere.

He looked at her pink lips as they moved, he tried to count the small freckles that laid across the bridge of her nose and looked at the way her eyes turned a honey brown with hints of green hidden inside them underneath the sun. The light from the ever descending sun touched her face making her seem to glow. Or maybe that was just the way he always looks at her, a glowing light in his dark world.

He loved her. In all his life he didn’t think he would fall in love with Someone the way he had with her. In moments like these is where he thanked every being that was in charge of fate and chance for bringing her into is life and was especially thankful to her for not giving up on him, for understanding him and staying by his side even when he pushed her away. of course thoughts of her forgetting him and leaving still haunted the back of his mind. They brought a great pain to his heart at the thought of Eliza forgetting about him and all they had shared together. For so long he wanted to be forgotten by the world, saw it as a gift come true, when it was made possible. but with her, he never wants to be erased from her memory, her remembering him is enough even if they do part ways he wants to live in her memories. her being with him right now is more than he could ever ask for and he would hold on to her for as long as he could.

 Muriel realizes that he had rested his chin on her shoulder when Eliza gives a tug on his left hand finishing off the center of the flower with the knots she taught him. She ends the thread and holds up the hoop for both of them to look at as she fully leans back into him. Muriel raises his head to look and feels a bit guilty that he hadn’t been listening to her.

 “And there you go, it looks so nice Muriel! You did good” Eliza exclaims, she turns her head to look at his face and finds that he is looking down at her with a soft smile on his lips. Her eyes widen a bit as she realizes how close they are to each other. Muriel must have realized too because his face goes red. his eyes flicker to her lips and back up to her eyes quickly then back to her lips “you...um...are a good teacher...I guess”

 recovering Eliza smiles as his flustered state “Oh am I?” she says.  He nodes. “Well...I think it’s because you are a good learner” her hand reaches out to cup his cheek and with that she gives him a kiss, she pulls back slowly wanting to see what Muriel would do with the action. To her satisfaction, Muriel leans forward capturing her lips again with his. He drops the hoop and wraps his arms around her small waist pulling her into his large frame. He lets out a small hum against her as he kisses her again.

 Eliza pulls back with a smile on her lips to catch her breath and let her heart calm down, making the mountain man let out a grunt of disappointment, but just as quickly as he did  a blush forms on his cheeks, Muriel hides his face on the crook of her neck in embarrassment.

 “You must like these lessons, huh?” Eliza teases him.

 “I think I might need more of them....if you want that is” Muriel mumbles against her shoulder. Eliza laughs “of course” she reaches her hand to his head and brushes her fingers through his dark hair “we can have all the lessons you want” Muriel tightens his hold on her from the feeling of her hand in his hair. He gives a small peck to her neck “good.”

 For a few moments they stayed like this hearing the sounds of the forest as the animals within were getting ready to say goodbye to the day. each other’s presences was so soothing that Eliza was tempted to fall asleep. But a loud grumble Broke through the serene atmosphere. Eliza’s face turns bright red as she jolts up and clutches her stomach who was the one to blame for the grumbling. “S-sorry!” She squeaks, Muriel laughs at the noise coming from such a small figure and how its now her whose hiding her face against his chest. “I guess that means it’s time for dinner?” He says with a smile and he rubs her stomach, Eliza giggles at the sensation. There was a small pause until Muriel speaks up again “how about we go to that bakery you like?”

 Eliza sits up surprise on her face. “Really? Are you okay with going? We don’t have too, there’s food inside. I’m good with eating the food that’s here” Muriel smiles at her rambling, knowing that she would settle for eating here so he wouldn’t have to go out makes his heart flutter. she always wants to make him comfortable as can be, always looking out for him he’s so appreciative of it that’s why he wants her to be always happy and content. and so if that means going out to the city to go to her favorite bakery then he will do it. for her.

 He shakes his head “if you want. We can go. There’s maybe not a lot of people out” he looks at the evening sky, the wind changing into a chillier breeze. He looks back down when he feels cold paws on his thigh, he reaches and pets the Arctic fox who closes its eyes at the affection. He turns back to Eliza “I think Nell wants to go too.” He says, earning a laugh from her which catches her familiars attention and goes to her sitting on her lap. Eliza scratches Nell’s head, making small snowflakes fall onto her skirt. “Well I think that settles dinner then?” Eliza talks to her fox and looks up at Muriel “I would love to go with you” he feels the all to well known warmth on his face and dares himself to lean over to her and kiss Eliza on the forehead “then let’s get going.”

[grapenamjams]

Summer Festival

Genre: Fluff of course XD 

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  And this concludes my Arcana writing spurt that I had last month XD .  if you have read my past posts thank you so much and if this is the first post you read of mine thank you! it means so much to me and i hope my story/ stories help you escape for a little while, :) I hope you all have a nice day/night 

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol) 

The shop was packed as it always was during the summer festival. travelers from all regions coming to celebrate the end of summer in vesuvia made for new eager clients to purchase ingredients, potions and of course getting their readings done. This year Asra let Eliza be in charge of the readings, while he took care of the shop. Asra had said that she was ready to handle the Arcana on her own but as what felt like her 100th customer leave through the curtains. she was beginning to feel the toll of using the cards for so long, she could even feel Nell beginning to tire as the fox laid down underneath her seat. however the cards themselves seemed to be mocking her as they Pulsed with energy at being used so much.

She sighed closing her eyes for a second until she heard footsteps approach, she sat up quickly ready to attend another client But familiar fluffy white curls poked through the curtain, Asra entered the space giving her a warm smile “how are you holding up?” Eliza slouches back into her seat and lets out a breath “I don’t know how you did it all these years, I’m so tired I fear I might fall asleep on the next customer” she looks at Asra and he lets out a soft laugh, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah, the cards love attention and can take a toll on the reader, but you are doing well containing them, I’m proud” Eliza can’t help but blush at his compliment. “Thanks” she gives him a small smile as she shuffles the cards in front of her.

“Lets call it a night on the readings hm? Why don’t you go out and enjoy the festival?” Eliza looks at him “and leave you to run the shop by yourself when it’s like this?” Asra shrugs his shoulders “you know I don’t mind, besides you take care of the shop the most through out the year. So let me have tonight as a way to make up for the missed hours.” Eliza thinks for a moment “but still I feel bad leaving you while I go out to the festival. I’ll just go later when we close up shop for the speech” Asra frowns “but the best parts of the festival will be over by then” he looks to the side to where the back room is, then to her quickly. “I insist, go enjoy. Don’t worry about me” living with Asra for years has made Eliza know every facial expression he has and the one he is trying to hide right now tells her he knows something. She raises an eyebrow at him “are you sure? I-“ he cuts her off waving one hand “yup I’m sure! Go right ahead.” He turns around to leave “Before you go however check the back door there’s a package out there for you” before she can protest any further Asra leaves a confused Eliza behind, his voice rings out through the shop as he announces that there will be no more readings for tonight.

After Asra’s adamant requests for her to go she had no choice but to or she felt that he would literally push her out the door. Grabbing her bag she bounded down the steps waving good bye to Asra who was at the counter, he looks at her and smiles. She opens the back door and the enjoyable warmth of the night greets her, sounds of the festival already reaching her ears, although she is happy to go see it Eliza cant help but feel sad, like something is missing. Going alone isn’t the same as having someone else there to enjoy the festivities with. 

Eliza looks down and to the sides of the door steps trying to find the package Asra mentioned but finds nothing. Giving up, she turns to go back inside but stops when she hears something rustle amongst the shrubs at the edge of the forest. Eliza takes a step back cautiously, but then suddenly a huge smile breaks across her face when she sees a large green eyed man come from the trees.

 When his eyes land on hers he gives a small smile “hello Eliza.” And just like that all feelings of tiredness and loneliness that were inside her vanished as she runs towards Muriel giving him a hug around his waist. “Muriel!” The big man Stiffens at her sudden reaction but just as quickly relaxes. he takes a step back steading himself from her crashing into him, he lets out a small “oof” and chuckles at her small frame hugging is large one.

 “What are you doing here?” Eliza asks stepping back a little to look up at him but still holding him. He’s wearing his hair half up with a green ribbon, his usual cloak and his green scarf she got for him. He places a hand on her head moving it down, she leans Into his touch. “Today is the summer festival right?” Eliza eyes widen “yeah it is!” She sees Muriel Avert his eyes “I thought it was something you would like to go to...and” his cheeks grow slightly pink “I want to go see it with you” he looks back at her seeing her face practically glowing from happiness making his ears go red “that is...if you want to go with me...” 

Eliza’s stomach fills with butterflies at Muriel asking her to go with him. she had been so busy with organizing the shop for this day that she had forgotten to tell him about it. Usually Eliza and Asra go to the Closing speech only, staying at the shop the whole night, that’s why it was weird for him to ask her to go out and enjoy the night but know she obviously knows why. Eliza giggles she grabs his hand that was on her head and kisses his knuckle before she places her hand into his.

 “I would love to go with you, thank you for asking me” Muriel sticks his bottom lip out and mumbles “who else would I have asked?” Eliza hums and bumps into his side teasingly “I dunno maybe Asra?” He frowns shaking his head “I want to go with you” he states plainly making Eliza laugh “well then, let’s get going!” She tugs at his arm, before looking back to the doorway to see Faust sitting on top of Nell seeing them off “have fun!” The both say and Eliza smiles.

 they round the shop to get to the street but before they do, under a string of colorful lights that are hanged above them, connecting from the shop to other next door, Muriel stops. Eliza looks up at him “something wrong?” She asks moving in front of him to see his face, slightly worrying that he had changed his mind. 

his eyes are lowered but he’s blushing. “No. I made you something” he lets go of her hand and reaches inside his cloak, his hand comes out holding a flower crown made with different forest flowers all around. their natural colors vibrant. On one side there is a piece of green tulle tied onto it. “I remembered that wearing one is common at the festival... so I made you one” Eliza reaches out and delicately holds it in her hands, admiring it. “Muriel... I.. this is Beautiful thank you!” She goes on her toes and kisses his cheek when she goes back down she holds the shimmery green tulle “I love it! Where did you get this fabric?” Muriel has a small smile on his face happy that she loves it so much. “A few days ago at the market. Traded some protective charms for it”

 Eliza’s heart swells ”Muriel.” He shrugs “it was okay” her cheeks hurt from smiling so much and their night only had just begun. She puts the crown on her head and does a spin “sooo how do I look?” She asks Muriel eyes widen and he reddens even more. She looks at him tilting her head slightly smiling at him. he averts his eyes “pretty.” He says and Eliza’s face warms as her whole body flutters at his compliment. Muriel looks to her taking her in again. He grabs her hand in his and presses his lips to her cheek. “Very pretty” he says trying to hide his face as he leads a flustered Eliza down the street.

They walk towards the city’s market place where the main attractions were. However music played through out all of Vesuvia, kids ran around them laughing one little girl pointed out Eliza’s crown calling it pretty making Muriel blush when Eliza told the little girl he had made it for her. Conversations amongst friends and new acquaintances filled around them as they made there way through.

  When they neared the center the sound of music increased and the aroma of spices, desserts and cooking meats passed underneath their noses as vendors called out trying to get customers to try their new specials. Eliza’s mouth began to water at all the food in front of her, she looked at Muriel and found him staring at a meat stand where they were cooking smoked eel, his favorite. Of course Muriel wouldn’t voice that he wanted some. “Are you hungry?” She asks, Muriel’s eyes leave the stand to focus on her “um. Are you?” Eliza smiles “with all this food? How can I not ?” He laughs softly “then let’s go eat.” she leads him to the meat stand “couldn’t have said it better myself!”

She gets Muriel his eel skewers and she gets her own beef ones. Muriel bites Into his food and his mouth waters with the flavor, he takes small bites enjoying it fully. He looks to Eliza who’s close to finishing her first. He chuckles softly. It might be weird but Muriel likes watching her eat, in fact he likes watching her do anything because that means she is there with him. But when she eats something good she closes her eyes and hums, moving her body side to side clearly enjoying her food. 

Before he meet her before she showed him at the masquerade that food can be something that holds flavor and it can be enjoyed and appreciated. He had looked at food as something his body needed to survive to last another day it didn’t matter if it tasted good or not. But now with Eliza he enjoyed eating, he still became amazed at how many different combinations there are, he liked tasting different flavors. And that they did, after finishing their skewers they went onto different stands tasting a variety of dishes.

* * * 

After participating in some games like archery and cards Muriel and Eliza With their desserts in hand found a table, near the dance square . They ate their desserts together while watching the festivities go on in full swing around them.

 People eating near  stands, others bargaining for the best price at shops and kids running around with sticks that sparkle. Eliza feeds some of her dessert to Muriel which he excepts but quickly lets out a low grumble “too sweet” he states making Eliza laugh knowing he wouldn’t really like it. “You really like sweet stuff” she hums as she takes another bite of her pastry “mmhmm pure sweet goodness is the best” Eliza swallows. Muriel picks up his own pastry out for her to take a bite, Eliza takes a small one and she scrunches her face “and you really like sour stuff” she swallows but taking another bite of her own to cover the taste. 

Muriel let’s out a chuckle “sour goodness is the best” he repeats her words. Eliza grins feeling playful, from the sugar in her. “sweet” she challenges, he pouts “sour” she leans towards him “sweet” Eliza repeats before she kisses him on the lips. She feels the tangy sourness on his lips and he feels the sugary powder on hers and he can’t help but to like the taste of the Flavor more this way. She pulls away from him seeing the tint of pink on his cheeks that matches her own, his eyes are lidded looking down at her lips like he wants more, “sweet” he whispers, making Eliza smirk “I win” his eyes come to focus looking at her. He averts his eyes and frowns “you cheated” the brown haired girl laughs taking in his adorable pout. She loops her arm through his “awww” she leans into him resting her chin on his shoulder “alright both flavors are good in their own way, how about that?” She looks up at muriel, eyes looking out away from her, but she can see a smile “hm, agreed” he mumbles. Eliza grins and kisses his shoulder before resting her head on it.

They stay in this position for a few minutes until Eliza hears the first chord of a new song and knows exactly what is going to happen next. The band starts playing a slow beat letting people who want to join the dance come take a place in the middle of the dance square.

 Eliza heads pokes up seeing men, women and children being lead to the center by the music. Then little by little the tempo picks up, Eliza’s heart quickens excited to see the dance that is was going to take place. She didn’t know that she was sitting all the way up leaning towards the music until she heard Muriel. “You should go dance” she jumps a little not expecting him to say that “w-what? Oh. No. I’m fine, I like watching” she says but she feels her body telling her to go join the forming crowd. “And you like to dance too. Go ahead.” She turns back to him looking at his smile on his face. 

She would ask him to come with but she knows that group dances arnt his thing. “A-are you sure? I don’t want to leave you alone” Muriel gives her hand a squeeze “Don’t worry about me.” She sees him press his lips into a line and shifts his gaze down “I want you to enjoy yourself too, not just be stuck with me” Eliza shifts back in her seat. “I am enjoying myself” she smiles at him “ I like being stuck with you” Muriel lets out a huff and gives her a playful glare. Making Eliza laugh “alright alright I’ll go just for you okay?” She stands up and kisses his cheek before going, Leaving behind a happy blushing Muriel. 

Out of all the many things he liked seeing her do, dancing was one of his favorites. He would catch her humming and dancing around the hut and sometimes she would bring a music box so they both could dance together. He smiles at the memory as he watches her leave to join the crowd, the music picking up starting the dance. He wishes he could join her, he really did. he would love to be able to do everything with her, experience everything that she wanted to do. but he wasn’t there yet, maybe one day he will get there. but he knows for certain that with her light guiding him and being patient with him he knows he could do it.

But for tonight Muriel spots her in the crowd two lines had formed and both moved side to side hopping to the beat. then both lines go towards each other and when they meet, one person holds out their hand and spins the other around then they continue on through changing spots, once they get to the other side they clap and do the whole steps again just changing the person who spins in the middle. The tempo quickens gradually and becomes a dance of who can last to the end of the song. He sees her laugh as she feels the shift in rhythm trying to not trip and a determined look on her face to last the whole song. Occasionally she looks over at him and smiles making his body warm up, even when she’s enjoying herself she looks after him. He loved seeing the way her face lights up, and her skirt flowing around her. she always danced like no one was watching, just enjoying the moment.

 Eliza takes in a big breath and laughs with the rest of the participants that lasted till the end of the song alongside her. hugs were given out and cheers were heard from the others that had stepped out. She catches her breath and looks at Muriel still sitting at the table looking at her with a wide smile, her heart flutters at knowing that he saw her dance. 

She puts her hands to her cheeks knowing how red she must look and can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed but that feeling dosnt last long as another song starts and she’s pulled into another group dance, this one at a medium tempo. Two small circles are created as they skip to the beat going right all around then left, then they all go to the middle clapping twice before going back out again. She feels the music course through her and gets lost in it loving the feeling. The tone of the violin making her movements flow and the beats of the drums making her steps firm against the ground. By the end of the song they had made a big circle trading partners. 

Eliza compliments the little girl she ended up with and goes to the barrel of water that they put out for the dancers at the corner of the raised stage, serving herself. When she throws away the cup a song danced usually by couples starts to play. She looks to the square,  men are taking their partners to dance, she even spots some fathers taking their young daughters making her smile. Eliza makes her way around the crowd towards Muriel whose on the other side, but suddenly feels a sweaty hand clamp over her wrist making her turn around to face the person who’s grabbing her.

 It was a man not much older than her but by his grin and the way he wavered a bit she knew that he was down a few salty bitters. “What is a pretty girl like yourself doing alone during this dance?” The man slurs Eliza tries not to scoff at him as she moves her arm away but he tightness his grip “that’s none of your concern, now please let me go” she steps back but he quickly wraps an arm around her waist pulling her towards him and spinning them around “oh come on sweetheart, a cute thing like you shouldn’t be alone tonight” he grins looking her up and down. Eliza tries to step away pushing at his shoulder but he dosnt budge “you’re mistaken I’m not alone. Let me go” the mans eyebrows shoot up “oh?” He looks around behind her searching, his gaze going back to hers “I don’t see them, maybe they left you for another, what a shame.” The man snickers leaning in closer.

“He didn’t.” A deep serious voice is heard. Eliza’s head looks up to see Muriel towering behind the man with a threatening glare. The man rolls his eyes “then you shouldn’t have left her, sorry finders keepers” the man turns his head still having a grin on his face but it quickly falls as his eyes meet Muriel’s chest, his eyes climb, craning his neck up until he is looking at Muriel death glare. She could hear the man gulp, “she told you she wasn’t alone didn’t she?”

 The man just nodes still looking at Muriel with shock and fear “then let her go.” The mans eyes go wide and he quickly lets go of Eliza, hands up in surrender stammering “S-So sorry. T-this was just a m-misunderstanding! YES! A misunderstanding that’s all Y-You know how it is with a few salty bitters right?” He laughs nervously as he gulps again. Muriel’s glare stays unmoving he steps forward and the man yelps stepping back “leave.” Muriel almost growls out. 

The man  frantically steps back almost tripping “right! Leaving now, right now” and with that he scrambles away from them. Eliza looks at the direction the man left relived that he was finally gone. “Are you alright?” She hears Muriel’s soft voice in front of her ask, making her look up at him, his face expressing worry, his gaze quickly softening as he takes her in his hands grabbing her wrist the man had held looking for any marks, then bringing his hands to cup her face. 

“Did he hurt you?” His gaze starting to harden but she quickly places her own hands on his giving him a smile “I’m fine. he didn’t hurt me” Muriel sighs, relief washing over him. he presses his lips to her forehead “good” she sees his face fall lightly “I’m sorry. I wasn’t with you, if I was this wouldn’t have ha-.” Eliza cuts him off by placing a finger to his lips “I won’t let you say those words” she takes his hands away from her face and holds them “you’re here with me now aren't you?” She smiles up at him “you’re always with me Muriel, always” his green eyes soften, gratefulness filling inside them.

 “Come on let’s go sit down” she says starting to walk towards their table but Muriel doesn't budge. She looks back at him in question, “you like this song.” He states Eliza looks around to the couples dancing. “Yeah, it’s nice” she smiles fondly and starts walking again. “I don’t want the song to be ruined for you” he mumbles. Eliza turns towards him surprised, her body warming up at his words. 

“what do you mean? The song isn’t ruined” Muriel pauses for a second and looks around, they were standing on the the outside of the dance square, most of the people still in the center. Eliza is about to ask him what is wrong when he pulls away his hand from hers, she looks down confused at this action. Eliza hears him take in a deep breath her eyes moving back to his seeing a dust of pink on his cheeks also making an appearance going down his neck.

 He straightens up and puts a hand out towards Eliza and as if he practiced countless times before “can I have this dance?” Eliza’s mind stops working for a second as she looks up at the man before her who just asked her to dance so she would have happy memories, to the man that would only dance with her inside of his own hut, to the man who would do anything to make her smile. 

Eliza’s whole body feels weightless as she takes his rough hand, “you can” she states. Muriel’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise as if he wasn’t expecting her to say yes to him making Eliza let out a small laugh. He becomes red, his hands gently find their places on her body, he bites his lip and looks down to their feet nervous to start leading. Eliza can’t stop her heart from swelling at how adorable he looks, she hears the music and counts for him like she usually does when they dance together.

 “And a one, two. three. And a one.” She feels Muriel step forward and she follows him, she still counts until she knows he feels the music and lets him lead her. She is smiling up at him encouraging him, he looks down at her with a embarrassed smile. Eliza rests her head on his chest and lets the gentle music flow through them.

In that moment Muriel would do anything to make time stop. The feeling of the music mixed with her in his arms giving him full trust to lead her made his whole body warm. She had said that he was always with her but she was just the same, she was always with him. 

she was in his every thought, in every word he said, the feeling of her on his skin was constant, she was what made his heart beat even so frantically like it was now. Her entire self had already made an impact inside him that even if he tried to forget her something would always appear to make him remember. he was and forever will  be surrounded by her. 

For an instant the world around them faded away, they weren’t dancing at the festival anymore they just were, they were just there in that moment in each other’s presence. It wasn’t until the music stopped that pulled both lovers back to reality. Muriel still kept Eliza close as they both looked onto the stage. A person goes on to the side, announcing “presenting the countess Nadia giving the closing speech!” A cheer breaks out as Nadia climbs taking center stage.

 Eliza claps along with the others, smiling up at her friend. Nadia inclines her head to the announcer in thanks and looks out to the crowd “thank you everyone, this years summer festival was a successful one because of all of you and Your hard work. As the people of Vesuvia know and those who have traveled far to come here, This festival is meant to say farewell to the summer season. Farewell to long days and short nights, to hot mornings  which we had a few of, didn’t we?” The crowd laughs and murmurs in agreement remembering the heat wave that passed. 

“But with that we also say farewell to cold desserts, to time at the beach in the warm sand and time to visit friends and family. But although we say farewell to all of these things and many more that come with summer we welcome the new experiences that come our way. Farewells are not always meant to be wrapped in a sense of sadness, some farewells are just endings to certain parts of our lives. where one thing ends something new always begins, I look forward to sharing those new experiences with you all. So for this festival, for this summer let’s close it with a happy ending shall we?” The crowd cheers once again and those cheers turn to gasps and aws as various colors light up the night sky.

 Muriel looks up to the sky taking in the sight of the fireworks , hearing the music start up again. He hears Eliza’s aw’s at the blasts of light over the buildings, she looks up at him, a content expression on her face. He takes her hand and spins her in front of him taking her all in, Eliza laughs and when she stops she rests her hands on his chest. Muriel searches her face, eyes roaming the face he has come to memorize. The colors above bloom across her features highlighting the pink on her cheeks and making her freckles shine like the constellations that were above them. 

She was breathtakingly beautiful to him in every way and in that moment he knew he never wanted to be parted from her ever again, he couldn’t see a life without her. All the endings he would have in his life he wanted to experience them with her at his side. 

Muriel leans his forehead against her own, “here’s to happy endings, Eliza” he says Her eyes flicker with emotion “to happy endings” she repeats and Before he can let his mind stop him Muriel picks her up in his arms and spins them both a laugh coming out of him, he looks up to see her laughing to. She looks down onto him and brings her hands to cup his cheeks. They both gaze into each other’s eyes sharing emotions that they only understand. The two lovers both tilt their heads towards each other and when their lips met it feels like a blast of colorful light shines against the night sky.

[grapenamjams]

Tavern Nights

Genre: Fluff, slight NSFW

Characters: Julian from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N: i really wanted to write about my favorite dumb doctor but I am not super proud of this one but I still figured I post it because maybe someone will enjoy it? 

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. she just wants her red haired doctor to be able to get some rest lol 

Tonight was a rare night indeed. After weeks of telling Julian that he needed a vacation Eliza was finally able to negotiate with the doctor to take the weekend off, although she had hoped to get more days off, at this point she would take any number to see him not worry about work, and one of the ways that makes Julian forget and not worry is by looking at the bottom of a couple of tankards. 

The Scarlett haired doctor slams the wooden cup down onto the table breathing out a loud Satisfied sigh. “Ah! DRINKS ON ME!” He yells, a eruption of ‘cheers’ and Hollers sound out inside the the rowdy raven. The sound dies down transforming into the usual chatter that bounces off the walls of the small warmly lit tavern. Eliza looks to Julian who has a huge smile, warming her heart to see the happiness on his handsome face. “Julian, honey you already said that... after every drink in fact” she giggles, the alcohol going through her body making her Susceptible to laughing more than usual. ”It has to be said after every drink dear! it makes The experience more authentic!” He grins at her before accepting another pint from the server. Good thing that the tavern owner knows Julian and does not put those words on their tab. 

Eliza sipped on her glass, letting the bitter liquid make its way down her throat, she wasn’t much of a drinker like Julian was a soft buzz through her veins was enough for her. She heard a few distinct shuffling in the corner and then a upbeat tune starts to play. “Oh ho the band is finally here!” Julian brightens up. Eliza sees people start pushing tables aside creating their own dance space in the middle of the tavern. Before she knows it a crowd already formed, stomps and cheers ringing out through the small space into the night outside. Neighbors already turning over in their beds hugging their pillows to their face to block out the lively music. 

Julian slides out of their booth and stretches a bare hand towards her, his gloves and coat discarded the moment they walked in. “May I take this stunning women out to dance?” He grins. without missing a heart beat Eliza laughs “you certainly may!” she takes his hand and Julian pulls her out of the booth and into his arms. “Wonderful, lets dance!” He laughs and takes her to the crowd of people. 

The music that was playing had a group dance to it, Julian leaves Eliza on one side of the line as he goes to the other one in front of her. Both lines skip side to side in the beginning and Then her line starts forward having a little skip to the step until they are face to face with the other line, Julian smiles at her and then she skips back. Julian’s line repeats the step, when Julian is close to her he leans down and gives a quick peck to her lips before he’s pulled away, Eliza’s heart skips a beat. her line then goes Forwards again but this time they duck under the other lines raised arms trading place, a ‘woooo’ is let out when they do this, Then another as Eliza raises her arms for Julian to duck through going on her tippy toes for his large frame.

 Both lines face towards the band and start clapping on beat as people from the two lines meet each other at the start and dance their way down the open middle, then the next pair went and another until she was met with Julian. He grabs her left hand and spins her around showing her off to the crowd a cheer is heard for them and Eliza blushes. He then puts his left arm around her waist and begins to lead her down the clapping line. When they reach the end he still holds her close, moving side to side with her. Then as the last people paired up the music changed, this one faster with the violin going full out. An even wider smile breaks across Julian’s face he looks at her and raises his eyebrows “ready?” but before she could say anything, Julian leads her forwards his feet skipping at a faster past almost hopping at times, Eliza had no choice but to try to keep up with his pace at first making her stumble on her feet at the fast movements, hearing Julian's laugh above her gave her brain a different type of buzz as they danced around the tavern.

 Forwards, backwards, to the sides Julian moved Eliza all through out the space. Spinning her and him around to the sway of the music. He loved seeing her tilt her head back and laugh still holding on to him letting him lead her. She brought her head back up keeping the smile on her face all the way through the song. Once it ended, the crowed clapped and cheered for the band. In a matter of seconds a new song ringed out over them. It was a much calmer pace but still upbeat tempo it was a chance for the participants to catch their breath. 

Julian spines Eliza out in front of him taking a good look at her figure, feeling something hot come over him. He pulls her back to his chest and very much like her own is moving up and down trying to catch their breaths. Julian's hands travel down her body and land on her hips, making a shiver pass through Eliza’s spine. she wraps her arms around his neck and he pulls her towards him making their hips move together. 

Julian bends down to whisper in her ear. “You look absolutely ravishing tonight my dear” his voice husky and low, breath fanning over her heated neck. Eliza hums “hm you think so?” Julian lifts his head a bit his lips ghosting over her jaw “absolutely, the thoughts that I’m having right now would get any man in trouble” Eliza smirks up at him “well lets see how much trouble those thoughts will get you in” Julian's eyes flicker to hers, darkening with desire before he crashes his lips to hers. He kisses her softly at first but then he feels her hands go through his hair , pushing him against her deepening the kiss. he has to suppress a groan that comes from his throat by tightening his hold on her hips. Julian then parts from her lips to kiss her neck. He kisses her twice before both of them hear a mans voice come up next to them 

“Julian you lovesick man treat your women to a room!” The pair snap their heads towards a man dancing with his partner. Julian and Eliza turn bright red at being caught. Eliza hides her face in Julian's chest smiling and shaking her head from embarrassment. Julian recovers and laughs at the man with confidence although in the inside he’s a flustered mess. “will do! thank you for the suggestion my good man” the man laughs and takes his partner away. Julian looks down at Eliza who still has her faces hidden in his chest holding the lapels of his Semi open shirt to cover her face. 

“That was embarrassing” she says against his skin, Julian chuckles and puts a finger to her chin making her look up at him. “It shouldn’t, what’s wrong with two people that love each other show a little bit of affection, huh?” Eliza bites her lip trying to Suppress a smile. Julian sees and tugs her bottom lip away from her teeth. “I want the whole world to know your mine and I am yours” he gives her a kiss and pulls back again. “If anyone has a problem with that then...send them my way I’ll give them something to talk about.” he smiles making Eliza shake her head at him, the embarrassment leaving her. “You’re so dramatic” she wraps her arms around his neck again as the next song picks up. “Darling, aren't I always?” He grins and begins to lead her through the next dance.

* * * 

 After a few more dances and after a few more Emptied tankards Eliza thought it was time to start heading home. She finished her last drink, the lightness she felt throughout her body still let her be aware of what was around her so she could get herself and Julian safely home.

 “Another round, please!” Julian says to the server who is picking up their plates and many cups. “A-actually I think we’re done, can you round our tab please?” The server smiles and nodes before walking away. “Awww why so soon?” Julian pouts at her. Eliza lets out a giggle “because if I don’t get you out of here, you’re gonna start dancing on the tables and once that happens there’s no getting you out of bed the next morning” she pushes his chest lightly, Julian laughs at that

 “aaand I want to do things tomorrow with you, so I can’t have you laying in bed all day” Julian smirks and grabs her wrist that stayed on his chest, pulling her towards him looking her up and down “but my dear we can also do ‘things’ while laying in bed all day, right?” he leans closer and Eliza matches his smirk but leans away from him raising An eyebrow “with a pounding headache? I don’t think so” Julian smiles and lets out a breath “you’re right” he wraps his arms around her in a tight hug and mumbles “I want to spend the whole day with you with a clear mind, yeah?.... ‘cuz I love youuu” he says squeezing her tight against him squishing her. “Ilya....can’t...breath” she says laughter bubbling inside her. he slackens his hold on her and she looks up at him to see a worried expression on his face “I’m sorry Eliza, are you alright?? Can you breath now?” His hands are on her face checking her like as if she in fact was having trouble breathing from his hug. She places her hands on his “Im fine Julian” his face shows that he is relived “oh good” but a smirk comes just as quick “but are you sure? If you need mouth to mouth, I’ll gladly provide” she pulls his hands away from her face, knowing that this walk home was gonna be a interesting one. “I know you would” smiling, she leans in and kisses him, Julian lets out a satisfied sigh but pouts when she pulls away. “Now come on let’s go home”

 When they stepped out of the tavern Eliza didn’t realize how hot it was inside of it. The night air hit her like a wave of cold water, she shivered a bit and fixed her coat around her. The position of the moon overhead as they walked home told her it was well past midnight. Julian was staggering next to her half humming and singing a song from the band that played, he was hunched down with an arm over her shoulder, she insisted on him putting some of his Weight on her so he wouldn't fall on the uneven cobblestones that the lanterns barley helped light.

 Julian lays his head on top of hers and breaths in “You always smell like a field of flowers my dear.” He slurs, Eliza lets out a amused laugh “really? I just danced and was inside a smelly tavern for the last few hours, I Smell far from a field of flowers” she feels Julian shake his head into her hair “not trueeee, you smell of roses and your hair is so soft like..like soft angel wings!” His voice coming out slow and deep. He pokes her cheek “Your skin is also so soft like...” he pauses trying to find something to compare it too. “Ah! Like a baby’s-“ “don’t you dare finish that sentence” Eliza cuts him off. Julian barks out a laugh rocking both of them, Eliza tries to quickly steady them both. 

 “What I’m trying to tell you is that your beautiful, my love” his arms go around hugging her “I love you, you know that? I’ll never know how I got so lucky” He nuzzles his head on top of hers. Then sucks in a breath “I-I truly do love you Eliza! Its the truth! It’s not just the alcohol ‘talkin, I mean it! I really do. With all my heart” he sounds desperate for her to understand his feelings,  his pout being heard in his voice. Eliza’s heart warms at his words and actions.  she can’t help but to smile and puff out a laugh. She places her hands on top of his around her making him stop his rambling and she squeezes them reassuring him. “I know Ilya, I love you too” she tilts her head up to him and he gives her a kiss.

* * * 

 Once they entered through the door Eliza let out a relived sigh to be finally back home. The shops incense filling her head. Something wooden landed on the floor with a thud, quickly followed by a sluggish voice “s-sorry my bad” doing a spell to turn on the lights Eliza sees Julian trying to pick up the table he had crashed into but he was swaying forward in the processes missing it, clearly dizzy from drinking. She chuckled, going over and steading the table. She grabbed Julian again “Let’s get you upstairs and into the shower, hm?” Julian nodes but the movement makes his head swell. with a bit of a struggle trying not to fall back down the pair make it upstairs. Eliza helps shed Julian's coat, gloves and boots while he tries to do the same to her but Eliza laughed as she moved away from his grasps making Julian whine in protest.

“Alright, go take a shower” she tugs him towards the bathroom but Julian doesn't go inside, instead He looks at the bathroom and then her with a smug look “you know. I’ve heard that Vesuvias water source is getting low...” he leans in closer “shouldn’t we do our part in saving it?” 

‘Gosh why is he an adorable idiot?’ Eliza thinks as she rolls her eyes amused. but As much as she loves the idea she wants him to relax so he could rest thoroughly tonight and be fresh for tomorrow and also.... she  liked teasing him “we can save vesuiva’s water problem” she smirks and leans up to kiss him but pauses “later, for now go get in the shower you smell” she goes back down to her feet and pushes him gently towards the bathroom.

the doctor frowns but then his eyebrows shoot up “is that a promise?”

“It’s a maybe” she replies

“I’ll take it!” And without saying anything else he goes into the bathroom.

* * * 

Julian comes out of the shower looking refreshed. his wet hair still dripping on to the towel around his neck. After telling him to drink some water Eliza goes inside the bathroom to take a quick shower as well. It felt good standing under the warm water, letting her body Wind down from today’s activities. She steps out of the shower and changes into her night clothes. When she enters the bedroom again Julian is sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her, the glass of water she put for him empty. his hair still wet and dripping into the towel. She places her used one on a chair, “why is your hair still wet?” She asks

“I was waiting for you.” She turns to him an eyebrow raised in question “for me?” Julian's cheeks get a tint of pink on them “I...wanted you to dry my hair...” he averts his eyes. A smile makes its way across Eliza’s face “so you waited this whole time for me, so I could dry your hair?” Julian nodes his head looking up at her walk over to him trying not to laugh.

 “Julian you could get a cold” she says, sitting on his lap her legs on either side of him, his hands instinctively going to her hips. He looks up at her and gives her one of his grins “good thing I’m a doctor that has a lovely nurse to take care of him” Eliza laughs ‘what an adorable idiot’ she cant help but think again.  she takes the towel around his neck and puts it over his head. “Mmhmm sure, a nurse that will spend the entire day hearing the complains of a doctor that got a cold more like” she says and shakes the towel against his hair. Julian chuckles at her response, closing his eyes.

 Once his hair was deemed dry by Eliza she starts to run her fingers through his scarlet hair making Julian lean into her touch, resting his head on her shoulder. With the feeling of her surrounding him and with the calming silence of the shop, even maybe due to the salty bitters in his system. Julian’s tired mind couldn’t help but to wander, thinking of all the moments that he had missed with her because of his work. 

How many breakfasts ,lunches, dinners  had he missed with her? How many of her smiles and laughs had he not seen or heard? How many nights like the one they had tonight could have happened? A guilt came over him as he heard Eliza’s voice. “all done” he lifted his head to look at her, even though she had said she was finished her fingers still ran through his hair slowly, making curls with her finger.

“Thank you”

Eliza hummed “No need, I don’t mind”

He moved her closer “I mean, thank you for everything.  thank you for putting up with me, for being by my side for being here.” He pauses and sighs, he starts to rub her sides “I know.... I haven't been with you as of late. I’ve been so busy with work that I haven't been giving you the attention that you deserve... a-and for that I’m truly sorry, I certainly don’t deserve-“ Julian gets caught off by Eliza kissing him, when she pulls back he stares at her wide eyed. She places a finger to his lips and shakes her head “none of that kind of talk anymore, understand?” 

Knowing if she didn’t stop him he would go on a talk that would only lead to a dark place. Julian goes red “but its true I-“ she kisses him again and he smiles against her “understood” he says and kisses her again. Eliza pulls back, she puts one hand on his shoulder while the other one swipes away a already formed curl from his face. “Ilya. I love you and with that I understand that you love the work that you do which in turn makes me proud and happy. You don’t have to be sorry, we get moments like these don’t we? And I appreciate them even more when we do.” she kisses him again and he sighs happily “Thank you” . Eliza traces a finger down his cheek and following his sharp jaw “besides, I have you all to myself for three days and I plan to use that time wisely” Eliza insides do a somersault at what she just said, this confidence definitely coming from the alcohol in her system. She tries to not blush but fails as she sees Julian also redden but gives her a smirk.

“My love, you can’t say those types of things to me right now, I will not be able to sleep” he shifts under her, making her cheeks warm up, he captures her lips in his kissing her softly she kisses him back just the same. after a moment Eliza reluctantly pulls away looking at his hooded eyes. “But sleep we must. If we want energy for tomorrow’s activities” she says rubbing his shoulders.  the doctors eyes flicker with interest before falling back onto the bed bringing Eliza down with him. She lets out a startled laugh on top of him and fixes herself on the bed. “Then sleep we shall, so tomorrow’s festivities come faster” Julian says letting out a soft chuckle, wrapping an arm around her waist putting his head close to her chest wanting to be held by her, she complies his silent request. “Someone’s eager” she teases him stroking his head again, “can’t blame me” he mumbles heavy eyes starting to close “goodnight my love” he gives her a small squeeze Eliza smiles into his hair giving him a kiss “goodnight Ilya”

[grapenamjams]

Your Kisses

Genre: Fluff 

Character: Julian Devorak from the arcana 

A/N: This is my first time writing in MC perspective but I still hope you like it!  

The morning light drifted it’s way though the windows of the shop cascading it’s soft glow around the structure and across the sheets where two bodies were bundled up against each other. One was still asleep, his eyes closed and mouth slightly parted, a soft expression taking over his face. The other propped themselves on their hand and looked down at him smiling at the fact that his face did not show any signs of worry or discomfort due to the images that would play inside his head sometimes causing him to startle awake in the middle of the night. They were happy that this time he was able to rest through the night.

The light coming through touched julian’s face making his eye lashes cast a small shadow and making the Reflection from the hanging crystals on the wall decorate themselves amongst his cheek. His dark Scarlett hair ruffled against the pillow, Mc couldn’t help but run there fingers through it, brushing it away from his face. He looked so calm and worried free, drastic change from his usual work expression, furrowed eyebrows and constantly pinching the bridge of his nose as he runs around taking notes while studying a new technique and checking patients at the clinic.... which he should be getting ready to leave for right now.

 Mc leans down slowly and presses soft a Kiss on his forehead. “Ilya, wake up”they mumble softly against him. Julian stirs lightly but dosnt wake up. Mc kisses his cheek “you’ll be late”they look up and see nothing has changed. “Jules” they kiss his lips “you gotta go to the clinic today” that action also does nothing to wake the sleeping doctor, but a tint of red blooms across his cheeks and nose and there’s a tiny curve at the corner of his mouth.

Mc smiles and sighs “you better not fuss to me about being late today, I tried to wake you up” Mc leans back down and plants a kiss on his neck, a sigh comes from above them, they moves their lips and kisses the spot between his neck and shoulder. The hand that rests on their waist tightens, mc leans up again, smiling. “I know your awake, Ilya”

 His smile broadens as his eyes flutter open to look up at them. “Ah, I’m caught” he says his voice rough from waking up, he smiles as he looks over mc’s face “good morning, you look Beautiful as always” Mc blushes at his words “there you go again complimenting me in the Morning when I look like-“

 “Like what? Lovely? charming? How about exquisite?” He grins and holds Mc tighter against him. They laugh and shakes their head at him, “ you should’ve woken up sooner, now you don’t have time to eat an actual breakfast... like always” they poke his cheek.

 His grin widens and looks up at their eyes lowering them a bit “And stop these? He runs his thumb over mc’s lips. “How could I possibly think of doing that, my dear?” Mc laughs again and rolls their eyes “you’re impossible” they lean down and gives him a quick peck to which Julian makes a sound of protest to

“come on, get up, you gotta go” Mc turns to get out of bed but Julian tightens his grip around then, bringing them back to him as he nuzzles his face into their neck and let’s out a groan “just I few more minutes, they’ll be fine without me for a few more minutes” he grumbles looking up at them “although... I seem to not be able to go a few minutes without your kisses” he moves up so he is looking down at mc , he leans down to kiss them. “Hmmm if you think about it” Mc starts, making Julian pause his movement’s. “You can have way more of my kisses and something extra when you come back from the clinic in the afternoon” julian reddens again “buuuut” Mc fakes a sigh of disappointment “seeing that you are going to be late right now means that you are going to have to stay late and probably won’t get any kisses and such because I will be asleep when you come back” they look up at him with a smile “concluding that you won’t get any kisses until tomorrow...maybe”

 Julian’s eyes widen at the report Mc has given him and his studious features on his face come out. He stammers a bit “Your-your right Mc!” and suddenly he’s up and out of bed grabbing his clothes “I’ll have to be quick I can still make it! Oh hoho! I’ll be faster than I have ever been before and I’ll come back home as soon as the evening colors come to the sky!” He rambles on dramatically.

 Mc is getting out of bed when he comes back “goodbye my dear I am off!” He kisses them “don’t miss me to much, I’ll be back before you know it” he kisses them again “Ill long for this” he pecks their lips once more “all day” he leans in again but Mc puts a hand on his chest stopping him they let out a laugh “just go already!” He smiles at them and goes towards the door dashing out “don’t forget to eat something!” Mc calls out after him and what they hear in return is the doctors joyous laughter.

[grapenamjams]

Myrrh

Genre: Angst, maybe some fluff? 

Characters: Muriel from the arcana and my apprentice Eliza

A/N:  This is my attempt at a reversed ending for Muriel's route, at the time of writing this his endings have not been posted so I made one of my own and i was sad for the whole day :(  

a little bit about my MC

Her name is Eliza (she/her. Female.) She is 5′2 has brown wavy hair, brown eyes (with specks of green) she also has adorable freckles across her nose. lastly she has a artic fox, named Nell as a familiar who is enchanted to keep cold during the summer and whenever Nell walks she leaves behind snow prints on the ground (think of what Olaf from frozen has lol)

- The Arcana is a Mobile story game where you get to choose your path and get a ending according to the choices you made. created by nixhyrdra, can be found on the app store-

They had fought with everything they had but it wasn’t enough. How could it had not been enough?, Eliza was so sure that they could beat the devil, but as the chains tighten around her she begins to curse herself for being so naïve, so stupid- No! She couldn’t let those thoughts enter her mind now, there has to be a way out, there...there has to be, she just needs to focus, if she could just muster more energy she could-

 “Still trying to fight even when you know you’re beaten? How...pathetically amusing” the devils cold voice washes over her. “You both look like wounded animals that know they are on the brink of death but still fight against their predator, how sad you two look. I thought you both would have the decency to know when to give up.” The devil laughs “but I also thought you two wouldn’t be dumb enough to try to fight me in my own realm! Especially you.” He turns to Eliza who’s on her knees with chains covering her whole body up to her neck. “You knew i would be most powerful here and yet you still came, risking his life in the process” the devil points to Muriel who’s a few feet away from her also wrapped in chains, the devil was right she had known. and yet she brought him here, knowing what the consequences would be. She had done this, it was her fault. anything that happens to him would be her fault.

 “You done talking? Your voice Is annoying.” Muriel’s voice comes out as a dark growl making Eliza’s head snap up to him. His teeth are clenched and his eyes set on the devil with a murderous glare. The devil laughs. “So impatient. trust me, I want to get rid of you both as soon as possible. As you know I’m a busy man with a grand plan. But I am also a generous man.” The devil pauses and opens his arms “I’m prepared to offer you a deal my dear Eliza”

“You are crazy if you think I’ll do any sort of deal with you!” Eliza bites out but quickly lets out a gasp as she feels the chains tighten around her. The devil pinches between his eyes “please refrain from interrupting me, I truly do hate it. As I was saying, your magic would be beneficial to me. adds to my power, would make the merging of the realms become reality much sooner than expected.” The devil waves his hand forth lifting Eliza from the ground bringing her to him. So close that Eliza could smell his rotten breath she holds back a gag. “So how about it dear Eliza? Help me make a better world And You and your warrior lover here will be greatly compensated.” Eliza stares at his red eyes. His offer was insane, how could he think that she would ever accept his offer? Unless.. he did know. “NO! TAKE ME.” Eliza’s heart Drops. ‘No.’ She looks at the devil, a sneer growing on his goat face. His eyes flicker to Muriel who’s voice echo's in her head.

 Muriel strains against the chains. iron digging into his skin, his stomach churning at the sight of the devil before him holding Eliza beside him. “Ah so the gladiator speaks again. And what’s this? Sacrificing himself to save his magicians life? How pitiful you humans are really, throwing your lives on the line for someone else”

“LET HER GO!” He tries to stand but the chains drag him down again. The devil puts a finger to his chin. “Hmmm now that I think about it I can use this pitiful human action of yours. you could be a very good asset for me.” “NO!” He hears Eliza scream “Mur- ahhhh!” Eliza shuts her eyes in pain as the chains begin to glow and fade just as quickly. “ELIZA!” Muriel yells his heart pounding, fury coursing through him. “Really, do you not listen? I told you no interruptions!” The devil sighs “Again as I was saying, you could be a asset to me. As you already know my companion lucio was taken down by your pesky friends. So I am now in need of another to replace him and continue on with the plan. of course lucio was strong in some ways but he was weak, as are those who do things for greed and fortune. But you, my fellow gladiator you don’t want those things do you? All you want is to save your beloved Eliza, isn’t that right?” The chains around Eliza begin to glow again and she lets out a scream, tears start to flow from behind her shut eyes. “STOP! PLEASE STOP!” Muriel yells the chains restraining him. panic rises within his body at seeing her in pain, his mind is scattered He needs to stop this, there’s no other way. he needs to stop this, he needs to save her. Another scream comes from Eliza’s body “just say the words and all of this will be over. I’ll return her safe and sound to your world, I promise”

“When you return her you promise to never touch her again. You promise you will not harm her in anyway” Muriel breaths out, tears forming in his eyes. The devil nodes “agreed, no harm will come her way”

 “No! Muriel you can’t!” Eliza is shaking her breath uneven. He looks into her eyes, fear and saddens fills them, those emotions should haven never reside there he had promised himself that they would only be filled with happiness, but look, he couldn’t even manage that. He had failed, but he could make it right, when he said he would protect her he meant it. he would do anything for her, even make a deal with the devil. “I’m sorry Eliza. You have to be safe.” Her eyes widen in horror changing into desperation. “No! You said we were a team! You promised!” Tears flow down her face “We’ll figure things out together like we always have! Muriel please, listen to me! Please don’t do this!” Muriel’s own tears fall as he looks away from Eliza’s face and glares at the devil speaking the words that would save the women he loves and bind himself to a new master. “I accept your deal.” The gladiator says, the devil lets out a dark chuckle “good doing business with you.” There was a deafening crack in the throne room red lighting appears around them. But all he could her was Eliza yell his name “MURIEL!” As the chains around her body began to engulf her. “ELIZA!” He didn’t register that his own chains slackened as he ran towards her. He reaches a hand to her outstretched one but before he could grab her a flash of red appears before him blinding him. When he came too and opened his eyes everything is silent say only for the dark rumble of the grey clouds above. Muriel looks at the spot were he last saw her only to find the chains that wrapped around her on the floor and Eliza no where in sight. The gladiator drops to his knees in front of them. replaying the image of her being engulfed by the chains in his head “Where.... is she?” His voice takes a dark tone as he addresses his new master.

“Safe and sound in your world as agreed.” Muriel lowers his head and notices there’s a familiar weight to his body, he feels his neck and finds his old metal collar resting there, looks at his wrists and isn't surprised to find grey cuffs on his wrists, they are the same metals Eliza had freed him from when they had kissed for the the first time. Saddens was replaced by well known anger, the same anger he had carried for so many years before meeting her was taking place in his heart again. “What now?” He growls

“For now I have no use for you. we will have to wait till things have calmed down to try the ritual again. So I will send you back and call on you when I need you.” The devil sits on his throne and moves a hand. Chains slowly wrap around Muriel who’s still kneeling to tired to do anything. “Oh I had almost forgotten to tell you. This is a secret between you and I meaning we can’t have any witnesses.” Muriel looks up his skin rubbing against the metal. “What do you mean.”

“You called it a gift when I first gave it to you, isn’t that right? I wonder how you will feel about it now. It’s quite useful, makes it easier to clean up this whole mess” Muriel’s brain is foggy he can’t quite grasp what the devil means, before he can ask again  chains wrap around him completely and then everything goes dark.

 Muriel wakes up gasping for air, his eyes fly open being met with the darkness of his hut. It all comes back to him in a flash, the devil, the deal, Eliza. His hand shoots out to his right were she usually sleeps, but his hand comes in contact with nothing only the cold among the furs. He sits up to see emptiness, the fire has gone out, Inanna isn't in her bed. Muriel tries not to panic, ‘she's probably outside.’ He stands up, moving quickly to the door opening it wide. It was the afternoon, he raises a hand to block out the sun as his eyes get used to the light while he searches for any sign of Eliza. He reaches the chicken pen and there is still no sign of her, he feels his breath quicken but feels Inanna’s presence and turns to see her running towards him, he lets his shoulders relax a bit at the sight of her, he kneels down before her and pets her. “I’m glad you’re okay.” Inanna nuzzles her head against his hand. “Do you know where Eliza is?” He asks the wolf. Inanna steps back ‘shop.’ Her voice states in his mind. ‘Of course she’s at the shop, she’s probably working.’ He thinks, Inanna lets out a small whine. he needs to go see her, he needs to make sure that she’s okay. Without a second thought he starts running. running as fast as he could ‘Please be safe, please be safe. I’m sorry. I’m sorry’ repeating through his head as his feet take him onward.

 He goes through the back trail that Asra had made for him so he could come and go from the shop without going Into the Main Street. When he reaches the back door he pounds on the door twice “ELIZA! Are you in there?” Silence greets him, he pounds on the door again calling out for, her, Asra, anyone. But all he gets is again a still silence. tears brim his eyes as he tries to calm down his breathing. ‘Did he not keep his end of the deal? Did he lie to him? How stupid was he to believe the devil? Is she....gone?’

 “Alright! hurry back” Asra’s voice reaches his ears. Muriel snaps back to the world around him, his heart filling with hope. He runs to the front of the shop were Asra is undoing the protective spell on the door. “Asra.” Muriel says looking over his friend for any signs of injury and is glad to not find any, however there is something on his face, wariness. Asra looks at the Gladiator up and down stepping down into the street away from the shop door. “Can I help you?” Muriel is taken back at the defensive tone in his Friends voice. something starts slowly churning in his stomach. “It’s me” Muriel pushes back the hood of his cloak but the expression on Asra’s face doesn't change. “I’m sorry but the shops closed, I’m going to have to ask you to leave” Muriel freezes. not wanting to accept what his brain is telling him. He shakes his head “Asra please don’t. Tell me where-“ he gets caught off as another voice is heard a little ways ahead. “Got it! It was under the seat. I don’t know what I would do if I lost it!” Eliza comes running towards them her blue bandana in hand. Muriel’s heart leaps as he sees her stop before them. She’s alive, she’s okay. Muriel starts to take a step toward her to touch her and confirm that she really is here and okay but his blood runs cold when he sees her go behind Asra

“who is that?” She asks in a small voice

“I don’t know, but get inside Eliza.” Asra answers her.

 Muriel steadies himself  feeling like he got the wind knocked out of him as realization strucks him. “Eliza, it’s me. It’s me Muriel” he steps forward, she takes a step back from him and he tries to ignore the clench in his chest when he sees her do it. “You have to remember.” Eliza shakes her head “I’m sorry, I don’t remember you, truly” her eyes waver with something and to his horror he sees that she's scared. Scared of him, she’s never looked at him that way before hitting him with another blow to the chest. A idea  passes through his head, Frantically Muriel goes through his pockets “this- this will help!” he finds a small leather bag of myrrh and goes to Eliza opening the bag for her to smell. This will do it, once she smells the herbs all of this will be forgotten and she will remember him once again, all of their memories that they had shared won’t be lost, she’ll come back to him, his light will come back.

 suddenly his thoughts were cut off by a  dark chuckle echoing in his head. “Oh you foolish human, if only it was so simple? Didn’t I say no one could know our little secret? Those herbs won’t do anything” he laughs again “This is still a gift, isn’t it?” The devils presence leaves him taking his torn heart with him because as he looks at Eliza’s face that has no smile, no recognition of him in her eyes after smelling the herbs, his heart completely shattered around him. if the pieces weren’t going to be picked up by her, he didn’t want it. Muriel hadn’t realize that he was crying, hadn’t realized that he was grasping Eliza’s wrist until he heard Asra speak “I suggest that you let go of her right now and leave” Muriel Winces slightly but with all the power he had left with all the energy he had, he lets her go. Eliza held her hand to her chest holding the small leather bag and placing a hand over her wrist that he held, she looked over him once more, “I’m sorry” she said softly for him alone to hear and began walking up the steps to the shop disappearing inside with Asra. Muriel looks at the hand that had touched her last he could still feel the warmth of her, it still hadn’t fully settled within him that the nightmare that lived only in his head at night had just became reality.

* * *

His world was dark once more. Days, weeks, had passed or has it been years? Muriel didn’t care for all he knew it could’ve been the same day still when Eliza looked at him as a stranger, as the true monster he had always been. Everything reminded him of her inside his hut and outside. he tried to sleep to escape but quickly stopped when even in his dreams were filled with memories of her. He only let himself rest before her face would appear in his mind. Yet He couldn’t stop himself from going to the shop and watching her from afar, knowing that she was alive and happy was enough to distract him, but slowly the pain in his chest would return again, he didn’t entirely hated it, it reminded him of what he had done for her, giving her a chance at a life of freedom and he would do it again in a heartbeat.

* * * 

Eliza had been collecting wild herbs in the forest when she realized that Nell wasn’t beside her. She closes her satchel and looks around for her fox calling her name when suddenly she sees her bounding towards her, kneeling Eliza catches her in her arms. “Nell you had me worried! Where did you go off too? Hmm?” she pets her white fur. Nell barks and jumps out of her arms running again, Eliza laughs and follows her familiar’s snow prints. she reaches a clearing with a hut in the middle that’s being engulfed by the roots of a huge tree. Eliza hears Nell bark again and turns to see a very large figure come around the hut. it was a man wearing a cloak around his shoulders, underneath she could see a heavy metal collar around his neck, his large green eyes meet hers and she sees them widen in surprise. 

“What are you doing here?” Eliza swallows slowly the way he watched her makes her heart quicken. She clutches her bag strap “um, I’m sorry. I was following Nell and she lead me here” the man looks at her fox as Nell goes to him and puts her front paws on his leg asking for a pet ‘big man Friend!’ ‘Friend?!’ Eliza eyes widen, she searches the face of the man in front of her, but she can’t remember ever meeting him. So how does Nell know him? She’s pretty sure she would remember a face like his, meaning! The face of a man that lived in the woods... of course his face is handsome and attractive... although his face clearly showed how tired he was, dark bags sat under his eyes and his features had a heavy weight to them. The green eyed man pets Nell once and that was enough for the fox to stick her tongue out and smile up at him, her tail going crazy. “She-she remembers you” the man looks at her. “I’m sorry, but have we met before?” Eliza asks earnestly. He lets out a sigh “Yeah, Something like that.” he states plainly but she catches saddens behind his words. Eliza feels guilty that she doesn’t remember him at all, but with her condition it was to be expected.

“Oh, I’m sorry I probably met you a few years ago. I had a memory loss incident a few years back. But, maybe if you tell me how we met I might remember!” She smiles at him swaying on the balls of her feet. The dark haired man looks her over something flickers in his eyes before disappearing quickly, longing? Saddens?. “It’s not that...” he averts his eyes. "You don't need to know. You should go, it’s getting late.” He begins to move away but she calls for him to wait still keeping her eyes on him. “Can I know your name?” Still looking away he answers her “why?” She moves closer “so I know what to call you?” She has a small smile on her face. “Then don't call me” he grumbles Eliza can’t help but let out small laugh making the man turn to her confused at her reaction. “Well man that won’t tell me his name. Am Eliza! But I think you already knew that... anyway, I want to give you something. I can sense you haven't been able to sleep and I know that feeling perfectly well so here.” Eliza looks down at her satchel and opens it “you don’t-!” She hears the man say as she pulls out a vile and looks up at him blinking in confusion at his panicked expression. Eliza smiles “it’s alright, here” she grabs his hand gently and she feels him tense up she turns his hand over placing the vile into his large hand. She looks up to see the man staring at her in shock, his eyes looking at her like she had grown a second head. “Um. The vile is liquidized myrrh, its known to help calm and relax the mind if smelled. But one drop of this in any drink will help your body relax her eyes widen realizing how weird she sounds offering someone a vile that could help relax their bodies. “I-I’m a magician I work at the magic shop in the city with my master Asra! I promise it’s safe!” the man ignores her rambles only looking down at his hand with the vile. “myrhh...”

“Yeah! I always have some on me” she grabs a small leather bag from her satchel “I don’t know why, but it’s a familiar scent to me, i use it when I’m feeling Anxious about something and when I can’t sleep” she puts the bag away. “Muriel.” Her head goes back to the man “pardon?” His gaze softens “my name is muriel” he repeats himself. Eliza smiles at him “Muriel” she tries it out. it feels...familiar somehow, like it belongs to be said by her. “I like it” she says and she sees Muriel get a tint of pink on his cheeks. He coughs and averts his eyes “you should go.” Eliza looks at the sky and sees it darkening she pouts not wanting to leave him. “I guess I should” she steps back and calls Nell to her side. “It was really nice meeting you Muriel, i hope to see you again and I do hope the myrrh helps!” She waves at him before turning to leave. She didn’t know it then how could she? But when Muriel was watching her leave, an old forgotten feeling lit inside of him, the feeling of hope began to bloom.