#this is a trans safe witchy space

[sappy-witch]

This Blog is an LGBTQ+ Safe Space 🏳️‍🌈✨

Hello darlings 🥰

Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This blog is committed to providing a loving and accepting environment where you can be your authentic self; witch or not, cishet or not. 🌈💖

I encourage you to continue to express your thoughts, share your experiences, and connect with others who understand and respect your unique journey. Together, we can create a community that uplifts and empowers one another. 🌟 ✨

Love knows no boundaries, and embracing our differences only makes us stronger. 🌈💪

If you ever need a listening ear, a virtual hug, or a space to celebrate your true self, know that you're always welcome here. Let's spread love, acceptance, and positivity together! 🌈💕

____

🌞 If you enjoy my posts, please consider donating to my energies 🌞

✨🔮 Request a Tarot Reading Here 🔮✨

____

With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊✨

[littlestarryagere]

vampirina agere board 🦇🎀

[the-haven-keepers-collective]

Intro post

Hello! My name is Frog. Don't ask me why I'm not frogkin, but my name is Frog, I don't know. /silly

If you're coming from my main blog:

Yup, this is the "super secret" otherkin account of @tadpoles-and-daydreams. I decided to make a separate account and blog for dragonkin and dragon work rambles, since... well, to be honest I just wanted to separate my blog for witchcraft writing, tarot, etc. from this. This is a more personal blog in which I mostly reblog and post random little memes and tidbits, heavy UPG, dragon work, and what the hell does it look/feel like finding out your soul is draconic anyway?

And just in case: if you're coming from my main blog and are unfamiliar with any of the shit I'm talking about here in terms of otherkinity, dragonkin, being a dragon- please feel free to send in asks. I plan on writing more in-depth in a bigger post about what it is, what it's like, how I found out about it, etc. etc. but that will take a lot of time and energy that I currently don't have. Further down, though, I give the best TL;DR I can!

If you have no clue what the fuck the main blog is:

I talk about my experiences as a witch and meme about the funny side of witchcraft over there. Go there and check out my tarot readings if you want a dragon to throw some cards at you, or if you want to hear more about my craft outside of dragon work! I write a lot as a witch over there so if you like my witchy posts here, it's worth checking out.

He/him pronouns

Trans, panromantic, polyamorous, just generally queer

auDHD

20

My special interests include: Writing, Genshin Impact (I don't associate with most of the fandom they scare me), music, anime, the ocean, and "weird miscellaneous facts."

Dragonkin, specifically an amphitere.

local funny little witch man, I work with primarily with my deities and dragons and get bullied by a deck of cards a lot.

My familiar- though I hesitate to use that word due to its connotations as an "assistant" rather than a partner in my practice- is the one who kickstarted this by implying my energies were draconic in nature.

For everyone, regardless of how you found me:

This is where I plan to blog about my experiences when it comes to working with dragons, and fucking being one apparently. I want a safe space to write about my experiences, no matter how much I change. I feel like I've only dipped my toes into a vast ocean, a whole new aspect of my identity and my craft. I decided that I wanted to be able to write completely transparently about it- fears, mistakes, flaws and all- without it reflecting majorly on my main blog/my professionalism as a tarot reader who's just starting out.

So expect it all; the funny, the cool as fuck, the ranty posts, everything. This is just as much a tumblr blog as it is a journal, for me. I heavily value transparency, and that's something I can't be in public as an otherkin.

So I'll do it here instead. ^-^

Important posts:

A post I plan to update continuously of everything I know about my kintype:

The current closest reference I have for what I look like as a dragon, although admittedly not fully accurate:

[urielthegolem]

Having a really witchy day.

☕️ This morning, when I added creamer to my coffee and stirred it in, I stirred clockwise to bring the intention to fruition and I just asked for a good, positive day.

🍓 For dinner, I went over to my partner’s new apartment and brought a jar of strawberry jam which I read was a Sephardic tradition upon moving to a new place. My partner took a spoonful of the jam and placed it in a small dish I picked out. It was for the sheydim of the house to snack on as a sort of introduction and to prevent negative feelings from the sheydim.

❌ Then I looked into curses and hexes. I don’t think I’m quite ready to do that yet and I’m a little hesitant karma-wise, but there’s some politicians and transphobes that really have it coming, so I’m studying it and on the lookout for a good beginner one.

⚧ When I got home, I cleaned and organized my space lightly. I carved the trans symbol into my candle and lit it with the intention that it should strengthen the trans community (myself included).

🎵 Now I’m listening to one of the songs on my witchy playlist, watching the candle, and reading up on some low energy magic for spoonies.

🧿 I’m also wearing my new evil eye necklace and it’s so comforting and makes me feel powerful and safe and connected to my ancestors

[criminalmints]

ABOUT ME!!!

He/Him/It/Mint(s)

Bisexual/T4T/ masc pref

TAKEN 3 years :3

I take influence from Punk, Emo, Goth, Scene, Pastel Goth, lolita/Goth lolita, streetwear, and MORE

My name is Micah, I'm 19 years old, and I'm Canadian 🍁. I'm an artist and have been drawing since I was a kid. I Am Agender-Fluid.

Typically, my internal gender resides at Agender sometimes Demiboy/girl or Demigender

I present very femininely, wearing skirts and makeup mostly cause I think it's cute and because I don't like people staring at my body, so skirts feel less revealing (idk).

So yes, I am Agender-fluid, and yes, I use He/Him pronouns because when I dress feminine, masculine pronouns cancel the girl inside the clothes, making everything genderless. That's what I call Agender Math😎 (yes, clothes don't have gender anyway. I just think I'm funny)

Theriotypes...? (Questioning)

Red or Arctic Fox

Coyote

Domestic Cat

Wolfdog

Mink

MY TAGS

#Criminalmintart

Coming soon....

FANDOMS :0

-Furry

-Steven Universe

-My Little Pony

-Littlelest Pet shop

-Sanrio (CINNAMOROLL)

-POKÉMON

- Monster High

- Minecraft

-Heluva Boss

- The Sims

- Terraria

- Undertale

- Vocoloid

-Arcane

-THE OWL HOUSE

-Bojack Horseman

- Inside Job

- SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER

- AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER

- The amazing world of gumball

-Adventure time

- Greg

Fav Artists

-blackwinterwells

-Aldn

-Ellyotto

-Blxty

-Never get used to people

- 100 gecs + Laura les

-Crxw

-Rebzyyx

- ICP

-Melanie Martinez

-TOOPOOR

-Crystal castles

- Iìue

-xofilo

-vierre cloud

-Lil witchy

-Mother Mother

- Bird and the bee

-Bruno mars

-Mitski

-Billie Eilish

-ROAR

-Alex G

-Cavetown

- TV Girl

- Grimes

All in no particular order

SAFE SPACE FOR:

BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Therians, Alterhumans, AuDHD+ other disabilities, Agere and Petre, cis,trans and NB Femboys, Furries, people with basic respect and common sense

Go away...

Racists/Supremacists

Homophobes

Feminist Appropriating Radical Transphobes (Farts aka TERFS)

Zoos MAPs ect

Anti Therian, Furry ect

Anti self diagnosis

Anti Vax

Generally Repectless ppl

[puppysdog]

i never really talk about it on here but my “retirement” dream has been to open my own cat cafe called the black cat cafe which helps rescue and adopt out black cats since they have the lowest adoption rate. its gonna be gothic/witchy themed and serve coffee and tea drinks, as well as pastries and some small lunch options. i wanna make it so it can be a cozy study spot with like a mini library lounge area in the lobby as well as reservable study tables in the actual cat room. i dont want a lot of staff as i want to do most the work with my partners help, but id hire queer or trans people that are worried about applying to jobs because of their identity, and give them a safe space to work where theyd always have a boss thatd have their backs. free staff lunches, paid lunch breaks and commute if needed, if you like a customer enough you can give them a discount, just overall a good fun place to work and hang out :)

[sapphicdemoness]

♡Introduction♡

Hello everyone! My name is Ren. I am 20 year old lesbian and I use she/they pronouns. This is a side blog for all things witchy and pagan. I am a chaos and eclectic based demonolatress, so there will lots of demonolatry content here as well as a wide range of topics. I am a devotee of Lilith and Asmodeus. I primarily work with them. I will not tolerate any bashing of my practice or my relationships with them, if that is a point of contention then just please scroll away. I also worship/occasionally work with Lucifer and Loki. The only other spirits I work with on a regular bases are crab spirits. My goal with this blog is to make connections with people as well as have a good time in a safe space. If you ever have questions about my practice/ in general my inbox and asks are open. I'll do my best to answer questions, I'd love to talk to you! I ask that questions remain respectful and kind, and I will reflect that back. Do keep in mind I'm not a expert and should not be treated or seen as an authority on anything. My main blog is @gloamingsapphic. I'm quite active there if it fits your tastes feel free to follow (or don't lol)

✖ Dni ✖

‣ Anyone with antisemitic, racist, islamophobic, lgbtphobic, misogynist, or any other bigoted/hateful groups beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Under no circumstances will I entertain them in any capacity. ‣ M//A//P//S ‣ Anti-Blm, anti-ACAB ‣ TER//FS, SWE//RFs, tran//meds, any other types of exclusionists This is a basic non-extensive dni list, I have the right to block as I see fit. Essentially: don't be gross and we will be good.

♡Other things of note♡

‣ I'm neurodivergent, mentally ill, and live with chronic illness. I ask you please be patient with me when it comes to interacting, I try my best. ‣ I don't know people here. If I reblog from someone and they are bad news give me a heads up! I'd appreciate it.

Welcome, it's nice to meet you!

[breelandwalker]

62, 83, and 105!

(witchy blog is @that-trans-death-witch)

62) What is your rune of choice?

I don't work with the futhark, but I do work with the ogham. In that system, my favorite is Duir (Oak). I have a special personal connection to willow trees, but oaks are the ones I always find myself returning to when I need to feel steady and safe.

83) Do you have a pre-ritual ritual? (I.e. Something you do before rituals to prepare yourself for them). If so what is it?

I don't do rituals very often. When I do though, I take a little time to make sure mundane things won't get in the way of completing the working. That may mean moving to a private space or tidying up a bit or tending to chores before I begin. I also make sure that my tools and materials are assembled and in easy reach so that I don't have to break momentum to search for things. (Also, if I'm going to be performing baneful magic, I find a dark room and recite Lady Macbeth's murder speech to get myself in the right headspace.)

105) What is a pagan or witchcraft rule that you preach but don’t practice?

Probably "document what you do." I'm really rubbish at remembering to take notes on my spur-of-the-moment workings or going back to record results when they manifest noticeably, but I like to think I make up for it with all the research and writing that I do in other areas of my craft.

Witchcraft Asks

[leblackwell]

This blog is unashamedly spicy. Minors DNI.

CW: Sexually explicit, “open door” writing. Consensual Dom/sub relationships (see kinks list at the end of this post). Tobacco and alcohol use.

*This post will be edited*

This is a safe space for Queers! Trans women are women and trans men are men.

A little about me:

She/her/hers | femme leaning androgynous | sub leaning switch | interested in all types of women

I’m an aspiring wlw smut writer and digital artist. My icon and banner were done by me! I’m hoping to share my writing and drawings of my original characters here. Some fanart and fanfiction too!

I’m open to constructive criticism, but please be kind and respectful.

My story begins when a timid, bi-curious femme meets an assertive, lesbian, muscle mommy in the gym. They quickly begin a consensual dom/sub relationship.

You can also expect coziness, wholesomeness, witchy vibes and cryptid sightings.

Kinks you are likely to encounter here -

Dom/sub

Age play

Bondage

Humiliation & Degradation

Collars

Edging

Latex gloves

Praise

Begging

Toys

Anal

Nipple play

[queerineverysense]

Hey there! I'm Kaley Regner (xey/xem/xeir), and I'm stoked to be the founder and CEO of Queer In Every Sense.

My journey of authenticity kicked off in 2014 when I came out for the first time. Since then, it's been a wild ride of self-discovery, full of twists and turns that has led me to fully embrace my true identity. Today, I stand proud as a queer, demisexual, trans, gendervoid person. But that's not all! I'm also a relationship anarchist, and I embrace my neurodivergence. Additionally, I navigate life with mental illness and a physical disability.

On top of all that, I wear many hats and have a bunch of passions! I'm an entrepreneur and activist, driven to make a difference in the world. I'm a nature lover who finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. When I'm not busy building Queer In Every Sense, you'll probably find me exploring new places as an avid traveler, or maybe even practicing some data science wizardry.

But hey, there's more to me than just labels. I'm a family member, a loyal friend, and a proud dog parent. My empathic nature makes me a compassionate and non-judgemental listener, and if you're looking for some positive vibes or a bit of magic, I'm just a little bit witchy too.

At the core of all these facets of my life is an unwavering commitment to living openly, honestly, and authentically. My hope in all things is to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone I encounter, encouraging them to embrace their true selves as well.

I can't wait to share my story with you—past, present, and future. We'll start with some written content on the website, and I'm also working on bringing you a podcast and video-based goodies soon. And who knows? Maybe we'll expand into art and print-based merch down the road!

If any of my content resonates with you, I'm available as a life coach. Additionally, I offer Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion consulting for businesses aiming to be more inclusive and welcoming to folks like me.

Together, let's create a community where authenticity thrives, and where we celebrate the beauty of diversity. I'm truly excited about the journey ahead, and I'm grateful for all of you joining me on this adventure. 

[littlestarryagere]

Disneyland Halloween 2024 Moodboard 🧡x

[torque-witch]

I am falling in love with my town.

My neighbor across the street has a vintage clothing shop and is fiercely anti-capitalist and used to work in politics. She has great townie gossip.

The neighbors behind us and next to us and across from us diagonally are anti-capitalist.

We have a queer witchy store that’s buying a bar to open a queer witchy bar with alcoholic and sober drinks.

There is a yarn shop with knitting/crochet meet ups. Hell, there’s a traveling yarn truck that goes around.

The community library has a vegan tea shop, a free food fridge, books, and a back patio and garden.

We have a separate other community garden.

We are opening a coffee shop in the queer witchy bar and a community fresh food market.

We are building trails in the local conserved land and raising money to buy more land for community gardening and community outdoor spaces.

We have a safe space for youth to hang out that is funded by the local trans and drag communities.

We are opening a dog park.

I am low-key trying to buy land here even tho I have $1000 to my name. Like???? I’m so tired of moving and community is so healing.

Sure, the other half of the town away from the shops is sort of still full of aging working class bigots, but you don’t see them actively trying to participate in the development of their own enrichment. We’re all poor here. Even more of a reason to participate in your local community. They’re literally offering free food from their backyards??? Smh.

[will-o-the-witch]

Making Magic More Inclusive

We don’t exist in a vacuum. While lots (even most) of us are solitary practitioners, if you’re out here interacting with other practitioners (or just people in the world) talking about your practice, asking questions, and participating in the dialogue, then what you do still affects people. It’s important to look at the impact our words and practices have and how we engage with the wider community. Even the most pure intentions aren’t free from our social conditioning. What are we doing to ensure the witchy scene is a safe, welcoming community for everyone who needs it? Who are we pushing out, even if we don’t realise it? Here’s some things everyone can do to make sure we’re doing our part to foster inclusion and unity:

Follow people that aren’t like you.  Follow witches of color. Follow disabled witches. Follow witches of different religions. Follow trans witches. Follow more witches of color. People are already out there discussing the specific needs and struggles different groups face, so put yourself in a place to listen. Once it’s in your immediate circle, issues become easier to see.

Understand the roots of your own practice. Many modern practices have roots in other traditions or outdated beliefs baked into the framework, so it’s important to know if our personal craft was built on anyones’ backs. If so, how long ago? Do any elements perpetuate harm today? How might people in these groups feel about it? How can you move forward in a way that honors these groups?

Deliberately create space for less-heard voices. It’s not enough to just say a space is inclusive, because culturally-dominant assumptions will still, well, dominate. Give lesser-heard voices space to talk amongst each other, but also a platform to speak with everyone. 

Consider your own impact. Nobody is perfect, but we can all look at how to improve. What privileges do we have in society-- or even within this subculture-- that we benefit from? Have we been active in our inclusion of others, or complicit in pushing them out? What does our speech reflect? I guarantee you can find one thing around you to enact positive change right now.

Denounce bigotry. This is probably the easiest one besides just following people. If you see people acting in a hostile way, perpetuating harm, or otherwise adding to the problems people face, call it out! Let it be known that kind of behavior isn’t acceptable. This can range anywhere from swiftly booting racists from your discord server, to politely and tactfully telling a friend their favorite Pokemon isn’t actually their Spirit Animal. 

But also show explict allyship! Hearing about how much you hate Nazis is nice, but what have you done to show Jewish people and people of color how much you love them? Alongside denouncing bigotry, make it clear that you welcome different groups. Send the message “You, specifically, are safe here. I see you and you are welcome.” 

I’d love to hear more people contribute their own ideas, suggestions, and tips for fostering this kind of environment. I kept this list general to start, now let’s get into the specifics. Naturally I’m limited by my own experiences and can’t speak for every group at once, so I especially welcome additions from POC, physically disabled people, trans people, people with autism, and any other group I can’t speak from experience on!

[rattusrattus3]

💖FAQ and Navigation Post💖

＊*♡( ⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎ ）hello! this is intended to help manage my ask box, and serve as a resource for navigating my blog! Thank you! 

｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.My Blog is A Safe Space.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*..

Links

My Etsy (use code GOBLIN for 20% off anything)

My Youtube (has makeup tutorials, room tours, video of my trolls and closet!)

My instagrams 

Personal account

My cats account

Costume account

Other stuff i make account

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

My outfits 

My Playlists (x)

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

Costume Tutorials (all costumes by me):

Floral Fairy (model: Gerhardt, she/they/he)

Mushroom (model: Amanda, they/them)

Dusk (model: Ren, they/them)

Night Sky (model: me, they/them)

Sun (model: Okong’o, he/him)

Moth (model: Sophie, they/them)

Cherry Blossom Fairy (model: me, they them)

Elf Wear

How I make my fairy bras

Flower crown tutorial

Fairy skirt Tutorial

DIY Fairy Wings

Pastel Knitted Blanket

My Zines (how i make them) (rookie mag tutorial)

How to make your own toiletries

Save the Bees

Fairy Food

Making Your Own Tea

Tuna (poem)

Personal Queer Experiences and The Scientific Gaze (check TW before reading pls)

NAVIGATION/MY TAGS

My Content

Personal / Me / rabbit rambles (my text posts/life updates) / goblin ootd (my outfits) / mine (general posts that are mine) /costume making / wip  (work in progress) / 

my hula hooping (escalator tutorial)

my hoards 

my room (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (ive lived in a lot of rooms)

My Crow Friends (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) 

My Recipes

vegan chocolate chip cookies

vegan lavander lemon loaf 

My Pals

Caige (my partner) (x)

Tuna (my and my partners tailless cat) (x)

Lemon (my and my partners cat) (x)

Ren (my best friend)

parents (x)

fan art (thank you so much to everyone who has ever made art of me, i love u with all my heart and u all deserve the world i am so blessed ‘-’ @emmylemonade @fern-draws​ @the-oblivion-gate @knittingnoodle @sacreddot @dawnoftheagez​ (i might have missed some and if i did im so sorry pls message me so i can tag u !!)

Reblogs

self care / mental health / fairy self care

fashion / makeup /shoes / hair

inspiration / fav

room inspiration

feminism / political / capitalism / fuck the rcmp

art / comics / lore

wlw / mlm

lgbtqia+ / lgbt / gender /sex

cats / bunnies / rats  / mushrooms / corvids

moodboards /stim

witchy

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.☆.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

FAQ

All asks

My hair (video tutorial) (written routine) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Armpit/body hair (x) (x) (x) 

My fashion (masterpost) (staples) (modifying clothes tips, x) (costume making tips, (x) (x)) (where i get patches and pins) (confidence tips, x) (thrifting tips x, x) (inspiration x) (punk/faerie fashion advice) (skirts advice) (closet tour video from my YouTube)

Room decor advice (x) (x), (how i hang sheets on the ceiling x) (room tour video)

My boots (x) (x)

Fake freckles (x)

My Makeup (every day tutorial) (tips)

Crow feeding tips (x)

My Trolls (x) (troll doll video)

How to use fae pronouns (x)

Music recs (playlists) (x) (x) 

My Ethnicity (x)

My Piercings (x) (lip piercings) 

My Tattoos (artist: Caige baker, my partner)

My backpack (x)

My art (x) (x)

My Moodboards (x)

Tea Recommendations (x)

my name (x), my height (x), substance use (x)

my job/career/idk (x) (x), what I do in my spare time (x)

Adding Magic to your life (x)

How I collect my shinies (x)

Book Recs (x)

Fae recs (x), (goblincore blogs (x), what’s gremlincore/goblincore? (x))

DIY ideas (x)

My gender (x) (x), (coming out tips), (my sexuality), (labels), sexuality asks (x) (x), feminism ask (x)

My self care (x), chill out routine (x), falling asleep tips (x), getting outdoors tips (x), staying focused at school tips (x) GNC period tips (x)

positivity and affirmations (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

How do I edit my photos? Snapchat, SNOW, and VSCO sometimes

Can I Draw You? YES please tag me/send it to me so i can see!

Will you make me a custom costume/art piece/piece of jewelry? YES message me to talk details and pricing! 

What do your tags mean?

#mb = moodboard

#goblin ootd = goblin outfit of the day

#rabbit rambles = just my talking about shit 

No blog rates (x) 

Sources of inspiration/influences: W.I.T.C.H. comic, Emily the strange, Neil Gaiman, Tony Diterlizzi, Jim Henson, Emilie Autumn, troll dolls, vintage toys and fashion, italian folk music, ramshackle glory/folk punk, folklore and fairytales, drag and gender fuck fashion, cats, mythical creatures, Rookie Mag, fairy kei, goth, punk, lolita fashion, pastel goth, creepy/cute aesthetics, post apocalyptic stuff, 

Mental Health Resources:

Mental Illness Happy Hour Podcast, i especially recommend using their search box for finding specific topics, and using the forum to chat about mental health stuff, the surveys are fantastic as well 

DEPRESSION

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433) – Can use in US, U.K., Canada and Singapore

Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-999-9999

National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Adolescent Suicide Helpline: 1-800-621-4000

Postpartum Depression: 1-800-PPD-MOMS

NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group: 1-800-826-3632

Veterans: 1-877-VET2VET

Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis: 1-800-233-4357

Suicide & Depression Crisis Line – Covenant House: 1-800-999-9999

Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness  www.nami.org

DOMESTIC ABUSE

National Child Abuse Helpline: 1-800-422-4453

National Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (TDD): 1-800-787-32324

Center for the Prevention of School Violence: 1-800-299-6504

Child Abuse Helpline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-548-2722

Healing Woman Foundation (Abuse): 1-800-477-4111

Child Abuse Hotline Support & Information: 1-800-792-5200

Women’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline: (UK Only) 0345 023 468

Sexual Abuse Centre: (UK Only) 0117 935 1707

Sexual Assault Support (24/7, English & Spanish): 1-800-223-5001

Domestic & Teen Dating Violence (English & Spanish): 1-800-992-2600

Rape and Incest National Network Online Help Center: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/

ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE

National Association for Children of Alcoholics: 1-888-55-4COAS (1-888-554-2627)

National Drug Abuse: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Al-Anon/Alateen Hope & Help for young people who are the relatives & friends of a problem drinker): 1-800-344-2666

Alcohol/Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Be Sober Hotline: 1-800-BE-SOBER (1-800-237-6237)

Cocaine Help Line: 1-800-COCAINE (1-800-262-2463)

24 Hour Cocaine Support Line: 1-800-992-9239

Ecstasy Addiction: 1-800-468-6933

Marijuana Anonymous: 1-800-766-6779

YOUTH & TEEN HOTLINES

National Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663

Youth America Hotline: 1-877-YOUTHLINE (1-877-968-8454)

Covenant House Nine-Line (Teens): 1-800-999-9999

Boys Town National: 1-800-448-3000

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

TeenLine: 1-800-522-8336

Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663 or 1-800-422-0009

Runaway Support (All Calls are Confidential): 800-231-6946

Child Helpline: (UK Only) 0800 1111

Kids Helpline: (Australia) 1800 55 1800

PREGNANCY HOTLINES

AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center: 1-800-560-0717

Pregnancy Support: 1-800-4-OPTIONS (1-800-467-8466)

Pregnancy National Helpline: 1-800-356-5761

Young Pregnant Support: 1-800 550-4900

Abortion Services Websites

https://exhaleprovoice.org

http://yourbackline.org

LGBTQIA+ HOTLINES

The Trevor Helpline (For LGBTQIA+ questions or problems): 1-800-850-8078

Gay & Lesbian National Support: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Youth Support Line: 1-800-850-8078

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard: (UK Only) 0121 622 6589

Lothian Gay & Lesbian Switchboard – Scotland: (Scotland Only) 0131 556 4049

OTHER HOTLINES/WEBSITES

Self-Injury Support: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288) (WWW.SELFINJURY.COM)

Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention: 1-800-931-2237 (Hours: 8am-noon daily, PST)

Eating Disorders Center: 1-888-236-1188

Help Finding a Therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

Panic Disorder Information and Support: 1-800-64-PANIC (1-800-647-2642)

TalkZone (Peer Counselors): 1-800-475-TALK (1-800-475-2855)

Parental Stress Hotline: 1-800-632-8188

National AIDS Helpline: (UK Only) 0800 567 123

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous www.slaafws.org

BetterHelp online counseling www.BetterHelp.com/mental

Crisis Text Line  text  741741

Sexuality and Gender Resources

Scarleteen

DNI: kink/NSFW/porn blogs, transmed/truscum, terf/swerf, racists, antisemites, nazis, thinspo/pro-ana/pro mia blogs, MAP/NoMAP/Pedophiles 

[iggy-x-lucien]

Introduction

Witch: Ignacio ”Iggy” “Nacho” Valdez - They/Them, It/Its, He/Him, She/Her

Concubus (gender neutral incubus/succubus): Lucien “Lucy” - It/Its, They/Them, He/Him, She/Her

Part actual Satanic Witchcraft practice and polytheistic Devil Worship, part queer romance paranormal shitposting ARG. Everything posted (not reblogged) should be taken with a side of skepticism. Kernels of Gnosis are wrapped up in Myth and Narrative. Names of individuals, both embodied and disembodied, had their name changed when mentioned. Events may have not transpired exactly as they are depicted. Makes use of “Glitch in the Matrix” and similar theories, such as “The Backrooms,” as a backbone of some cosmological worldbuilding in tandem with Gnosticism. Theological views, paradigms, and paracosms used here are meant to further the story, not necessarily actual beliefs or outlooks.

Not a place for minors! 18+ only! This is a safe space for sex workers, trans femmes, enbies, aspec, and intersexed individuals. Neo-Nazis, SWERFs, TERFs, and other such harmful, hate filled exclusionary groups are not welcome here. Hate mail will be deleted. I will not hesitate to block.

Contains NSFW content, including Exophilia and Teratophilia. May contain triggering content, such as mentions of self harm, death, gore, BDSM, and dysphoria. Part of this project is to vent, reclaim, and explore past traumas in a healthy manner, woven into story, in order to heal from hurt. My experiences might not be 1:1 with yours. Your understanding might not be the same as mine. If you think you might find this blog offensive, please leave instead of engaging with malicious intent. I will not apologize for being myself.

Althuman (Otherkin/Therian), Spirit-Spousing, Astral Adventures.

About Author: 21+, Mixed & Multiracial. Middle child. Queer, Trans*, Nonbinary/Genderfluid (chiefly demigenders - demiboy/demigirl - and agender/gendervoid). Traumagenic Multiple. Alternative, Punk, Goth, and Emo fashion. I enjoy living in an edgy witchy aesthetic not because I’m a LARPer, but because I find it empowering to be in and I feel attractive in it.

Ask Me stuff here [×]

As of right now, I'd prefer things to help speed along the narrative. Questions in regards to actual magic might be responded to with half-truths, within the context of the fictitious setting, so just be aware. I know most ARGs don’t admit to being such. I’m just here to be weird and witchy.

[clansayeed]

Bound by Circumstance ― Chapter 8: The Tower Upright

PAIRING: Nik Ryder x trans*M!MC (Taylor Hunter) RATING: Mature

⥼ MASTERLIST ⥽

⥼ Bound by Circumstance ⥽

Taylor Hunter (MC) has made it good for himself in New Orleans; turns out moving to a new city fresh out of college to reinvent yourself isn’t as hard as people make it out to be. Things only start to get confusing when he finds himself the target of a malevolent wraith. Good thing someone’s looking out for him though — because without Nighthunter Nik Ryder as his bodyguard he definitely won’t survive long in the twisting darkness of the supernatural underworld he’s tripped into.

Bound by Circumstance and the rest of the Oblivion Bound series is an ongoing dramatic retelling project of the book Nightbound and the rest of the Bloodbound series. Find out more [HERE].

Note: Circumstance only loosely follows the events and plotline of Nightbound, and features a separate antagonist, different character motivations, and further worldbuilding.

*Let me know if you would like to be added to the Circumstance/series tag list!

⥼ Chapter Summary ⥽

Ryder and Taylor head to local out-of-the-way voodoo vendor Laveau’s for the final ingredient in their protection ritual. While he waits, Taylor gets his fortune told by the real deal—a spirit medium descended from Marie herself.

[READ IT ON AO3]

Krom’s barely through the threshold before Taylor pounces; hovers around him comically short and buzzing like a gnat.

“So, what did they say? Do I need to call — I don’t have my phone, shit — please tell me I’m not cut from the show.”

Luckily the stone troll looks freaked-out enough to get him to stop and apologize. “Sorry,” he mutters, “I just…”

“No, no I completely understand!” Krom scratches the tips of his head and laughs it off, “I just didn’t want to step on you.”

“He’s not that short.” calls Ivy from her booth at the back.

Taylor shrugs it off. “But I appreciate it.”

“Anyway; the company manager’s a little mad no one could reach you but I convinced them to give you a week of sick leave? Even though there was this one weirdly giddy guy…”

They join Ivy on either side. Taylor groans and rubs his hand over his face.

“That would be Antoni. He doesn’t matter. I really appreciate you doing this for me, Krom.”

“It’s no trouble!” And the troll’s voice is so filled with sincerity he has no trouble believing it.

“That’s our darling Krom.” Garrus returns behind the bar with his tray of collected dirty steins and beer glasses. “He’s like an angel; always helping others. You’ve got nothing to prove sweetheart — you know that.”

Ivy answers Taylor’s question before he even has the chance to ask it; “Stone trolls have a bit of a rep’ around here. You saw their natural element at Persephone.”

“Bodyguards, hired muscle, and the like.” Krom agrees; pointedly trying to keep his voice his usual baritone despite Garrus’ casual compliments.

“So you’re a pacifist?”

“In the flesh — so to speak.”

There’s a thud from behind and all eyes turn to see a stack of crates stumbling out from behind the back room curtain. Not hovering in midair as Taylor originally thought but carried by a very red-faced Cal. Who still forces on a smile through his gritted teeth at Garrus.

“Where… where?”

The fae gestures with a bony finger. “Just leave ‘em behind here. I’ll unpack before the evening rush.”

He slams them down before Taylor can even try to offer help — grumbles under his breath about something he can’t quite catch but he knows Cal’s grateful to Garrus for giving him a place to stay. He must be paying off the stupor he drank himself into following their return as less-than-triumphant heroes.

“I should start taking in strays more often — pun not intended,” Garrus teases but all in good humor; especially when he slides a cool glass of water for Cal to chug when his hands are free, “someone to do the heavy lifting around here and all that.”

Krom shifts in his seat. Something so subtle only the two beside him notice it. But Ivy doesn’t give him the chance to let it go and kicks his rock of a leg with her heels.

“I — I could help with whatever you need, Garrus?” Even though it comes out as more of a question than anything.

The look the two exchange is strange but fond. Garrus’ eyes softening under the twinkling lights. Maybe he regrets what he said — or the implications behind it.

“But if you’re laboring around here then what would I have to look at for inspiration?”

Not the smoothest save, in Taylor’s opinion. But Krom acts like it’s the highest form of praise and brushes the compliment off with a wave.

“Are they always like this?” Taylor whispers to Ivy. The revenant just sighs and nods. A long-suffering struggle on her end no doubt.

Heavy footfalls on metal steps herald Ryder’s arrival from the apartments above. He looks around and beelines towards Taylor in a way that almost has him jumping and hiding.

“You, me; let’s go.”

“That’s not how you ask a man out on a date, Nik.” chides Ivy as she pushes the mortals together.

“What?” He blinks; shakes himself out of whatever thoughts compelled him to seek Taylor out. “Wh — shut up, Iv’.”

“Right,” she winks, “he’ll go with you anyway. It’s part of your brutish charm.”

“Shut up, Iv’.” Taylor parrots with a glare. “Is the spell finally ready?”

Not that he’s not enjoying his time at the Shift. And following the disaster that was the Bayou and Persephone he’s not exactly eager to go into other supernatural spaces any time soon.

But he’s never been one to stay cooped up for long.

Ryder huffs. “Not quite. Damn toad wart expired. Luckily though there’s a shop down the road that carries simple ingredients — so put away that grin Iv’. I’m done owin’ you for now.”

Probably a good thing judging by the low witchy cackle she gives instead.

“So let’s get goin’, hustle hustle.”

“But wait — is it safe?” Taylor follows anyway. Keeping at the Nighthunter’s heels is practically his new job. “You didn’t even want me leaving for the theater.”

“I’ll be right there.”

“With your hallelujah arrows, right?”

“Holy light arrows, Rook. You sound like an idiot when you say that.”

“Well now I’ll keep doing it to piss you off.”

“‘Course, because why would you do anything else?”

Their bickering continues out onto the ruins of another day of Mardi Gras fun. At least some things never lose a sense of normalcy.

It’s a small shop — one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ types. The shop name LAVEAU’s is hand-painted above a doorway embellished with the classic purple, green, and golden plastic beads of the season’s parties.

Taylor stops Ryder before he opens the door. “‘Laveau’s’ like…?”

“Read the signs, Rook.”

There they are clear as day; painted by the same hand as the top sign but with an artist’s frustration behind every black-painted stroke. One on the door declaring ‘Yes, like Marie herself’ and then one blue-tacked beneath it; ‘Not Affiliated with Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo.’

“Oh. Got it.”

While the outside may lack the flair and panache that attracts the usual tourist crowds the inside is a whole other looking glass. Probably looks the way it does to differentiate between those who want fake dolls to poke with pins and those who want a real hex to mess with.

God, he’s talking about real hexes. When had this become his life?

Together they weave through the cluttered mess of uneven shelves and their uneven products. Books stacked flat where they’d fallen over at some point and left that way with little concern. A bundle of glass-looking orbs balancing precariously without cradle to keep them from rolling off the edge. A plant hanger in the middle of the room holds a pile of sage sticks just there. At second glance some look a little used.

The back ‘counter’ isn’t even that. It’s a folding table with a frayed tablecloth unevenly distributed atop and an old and rusting register in the corner.

First Taylor sees the joint resting in an ash tray made out of a mason jar lid. Only when it’s picked up and placed between two pink lips does he realize the man sitting kiddie-corner to the till.

“Welcome, wayward souls, to another side of the witch you know,” he recites as if from a script; monotone — doing everything he can to dissuade those who might darken his doorstep, “everything you see is one hundred percent bona fide authentic to the craft. Don’t do the rhyme if you can’t do the wiccan time.”

Ryder stops abruptly. Arms folded and a raised eyebrow looking over the pile of scattered tarot cards strewn across the table. That which holds the proprietor’s attention more than customers.

Unbidden he reaches out and plucks a card at random. Turns it over to stare at glittering golden words ‘The Emperor’ upside-down.

There’s no way the shop owner should know what card was grabbed — not like he can see though the matte black backing — but he gives a low and throaty chuckle. Lets smoke billow in a thin stream around the same lips now curled in a smirk.

“You always picked predictably, Ryder.”

Ryder who frisbees the card back onto the table carelessly. “I’m not still unconvinced you don’t set me up every time, Luc.”

“For all the shit you see…”

“I’ll always be skeptical of some damn cards, yeah. What else is new?”

“Good question.”

Luc finally drags his gaze up and away from his reading. Gives Ryder an easy and lazy smile that might possibly be the friendliest greeting to the Nighthunter Taylor’s seen so far. Had he not joined Ivy in teasing Krom only a short while ago he might have run himself ragged trying to understand the electric connection he’s witness to.

There’s definitely a history here.

Ryder sighs; knows Luc isn’t going to answer him until he answers himself. “The usual, man. Another day another job. Not much changes for me.”

“That’s not what I hear. In fact — I hear quite the opposite.”

“Sure those aren’t just voices from a bad trip?”

Luc laughs and kicks himself up to balance on the back two legs of his chair. Teeters dangerously close to falling backwards. “Could be, brother, could be. But I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout the spiritual radio this time. Everyone who’s anyone heard tell of a gutsy break-in among the city’s most elite. And all the chaos that followed.”

Ryder’s teeth grind together; his brow gives an almost imperceptible twitch.

“What did I tell you about listenin’ to the rumor mill, Luc?”

“Are they wrong?”

Not giving an answer is answer enough. Makes Luc give a haughty grin so wide Taylor likens him to a shark.

“I said what I said; another day, another job. It got me a rare ingredient I needed. I figured I could get the rest from your sorry ass if I could get you to look away from that damn deck long enough to ring me up.”

Luc makes everything look easy; from getting on Ryder’s bad side to letting his chair fall forward so he can stand. Like he’s not moving through air and gravity but dancing through deep watery depths.

But there’s a defensive edge to his voice — the first emotion beyond amusement — as he starts to gather up his cards.

“I’ll have you know I’m fond of this deck in particular. They were given to me as an apology from someone who never apologizes.”

“Oh yeah, what for?” Judging by Ryder’s tone, though, he already knows.

Still he lets Luc’s bright hazel eyes bore into his soul.

“Skippin’ out come dawn without so much as an adieu.”

Taylor laughs because, well, it’s funny? Only to quickly realize it’s not the right thing to be doing when he catches the strange look Ryder throws back at him; halfway and in profile — like he stops himself before he can make it a whole confrontation.

The teasing’s gone, now. “Yeah — listen, any chance I still have that standing credit here? I need frog warts and a few other things for a protection spell.”

“Ain’t like you to run around on an empty wallet.”

“Yeah, well… this job ain’t just another.”

And as ‘Another Job’ Taylor kind of takes offense to it.

Luc jerks his head towards a doorway shrouded with a curtain of thick wooden beads and the occasional bird feather. “You know where the stores are, cher. Just consider ya’self lucky Mardi Gras is a prosperous time for us all.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Luca. And if it makes you feel better the life you’re savin’ ain’t even mine.”

Taylor’s a step behind his heels when Ryder turns and keeps him at bay with a palm to his chest. His heartbeat stutters; spandex yielding to the firm press, but Ryder says nothing of it.

“Stay up here.”

Taylor scoffs. “Why? I’m not going to accidentally cast a spell or anything.”

“Maybe not, but the last thing I need is you gettin’ clumsy on the wrong object and fuckin’ us both even deeper.”

While he fumbles for a retort worthy of the witty comeback, though, Ryder makes his escape. Calls back; “don’t touch anything, don’t look at anything — and don’t let him suck you up in that damn deck!” before he’s gone in a clatter of beads.

They both know he’s not going to listen — he only says it so he can tell Taylor off when something inevitably happens. That seems to be how they function. Not that he plans on flailing his arms and messing with the first thing he hits, but…

“Since you ain’t dead I’m gonna assume Ryder’s not takin’ on the role’a teacher of the nighthunting arts.”

Snaps Taylor’s attention back to Luc; back in his chair and shuffling the deck in long and ring-adorned fingers.

“No.”

“Good. You might just stay alive then.”

“Apparently that’s a hard thing to do so, sure.”

Luc gestures to the chair across from him. It’s an offer, not a demand, but out of spite for Ryder’s twenty different moods — follow me, don’t follow me, around and around again — he takes it up. Watches Luc shuffle and reshuffle with naught but the soft collision of the cards as music.

When he realizes Ryder’s going to take his time, he figures the best way to start might be an introduction.

“I’m —”

“Pick a few cards for me, Taylor.”

He hadn’t even realized the man had started a spread; each card turned down and black as the void in a soft arc reaching out to him across the table.

Luc is courteous enough not to blow smoke in his face. Sits back slightly hunched and letting his focus flicker between Taylor and the cards. Like both are equally likely to speak to him in the silence.

“It’s probably useless asking how you knew my name, huh?”

“Smart boy. Sometimes they whisper an’ sometimes they scream, but I gotta say it’s been a good long while since I heard the cards call out the way they do to you, Taylor Hunter.

“So help me out here. Pick a few and let them show us why they’re so damn chatty.”

He wants to point out that the only chatty one around is Luca himself, but again that’s one of those useless things he’s finally starting to come to terms with. Knows another useless thing would be to ask why he can’t hear anything… but that’s because hearing is the only word he can think to describe it too.

They’re cards — just plain tarot cards. But like inky tendrils they’re reaching out to him across the table on another plane of reality. One where they have soft black fingers that wrap around his wrists and bring his hands to hover over them. Like safety.

Ryder said… “Well, Ryder said…”

The look Luc gives him cuts him off. Yeah, that was a bit of a stretch, wasn’t it?

He points at random; watches Luc pull a card out without flipping it over. Keeps going until a curt nod cuts him off and nine rectangles of shadow form a square across from him.

“This ain’t your average reading,” that much being obvious by the reverent way the shopkeep looks down at his selection, “and I ain’t your average reader. You’re not from around here.”

“Are you asking?”

“No. But I figure that means you did what all newcomers do — got yourself one of those back room phony shows at the House of Voodoo.”

He wants to say he hasn’t only for how ashamed Luc’s tone makes him feel about it. But yeah — yeah he had. Doesn’t remember much about the event itself but knows somewhere buried in the clutter of his desk back at his place there’s a piece of paper from whatever the alleged ‘psychic’ had him ask.

Luc nods slowly. “Mmhm. Sometimes — ‘bout as oft’n as pigs fly — the cards they play don’t listen and give out an ounce of truth. Nothing life-changing, but a slip enough to tempt the handler into believing.

“You won’t get none’a that here. Whatever’s shown when I flip these babies around has been, is, or will be whether you know it or not. But they only tell as much of a tale as you’re ready to hear.”

The unasked question: are you ready to hear it? And Taylor isn’t sure he knows how to answer.

He knows a lot about himself; inside and out. Has lived through too much and shoved too much inside for too long not to. It’s something he’s proud of. A lot of people spend their lives with no understanding of their inner self but he’s never had that problem.

But there’s a difference between knowing it and seeing… whatever these cards might show him.

What if what he knows isn’t what they say?

Life would be easier if Ryder took that opportune moment to reappear and save him the trouble of having to make the choice.

But life isn’t easy.

He nods — but before Luc can flip over the first card he reaches out and stops him.

“I’m not, like, sealing a deal with a demon or something, am I?” Judging by the look he gets he really shouldn’t have asked.

“Do I look like a demon?”

“I don’t know what demons look like.” He knows it’s a lie but says it anyway; can think only of that skeletal face sneering at him under the moonlight.

Luckily it’s not enough to deter the shopkeep who just bats Taylor’s hand away. “Judgin’ by your ghostly pallor I’m gonna call your fib on that one. But if it eases ya mind; no. No deals here. I get as much outta this as you do.”

Well that’s okay then, isn’t it?

Luc flips the first card over and has himself a little laugh. And why wouldn’t he — The Fool isn’t just an apt card but an apt description.

Taylor’s humor is, however, short-lived. “Seriously?”

“You drew the card. Only one to blame is you.”

“So I’m gonna be even more of a joke in my future or something?”

Luc shakes his head; spreads his fingers as far as they’ll go as the shadow of his palm casts over the center card. “This ain’t your future, but your self. This is you, Mister Hunter.”

“A fool.”

“A man of innocence,” comes the quick correction, “and oftentimes a free spirit. You do your own thing; march to your own drum. Ev’ry Sally and Joe likes to laugh at the Fool but he’s got his eyes set on the horizon and that’s worth admirin’. So don’t sell him — or ya’self — short.”

Innocent — not quite. But the rest Taylor doesn’t disagree with. Seems he knows himself as well as he thought.

Luc’s painted nail traces along a jagged line on the image. “But see here; the Fool stands at the cliff’s edge. He’s a card so it ain’t in his nature to look anywhere but where he’s told but you’re not a card, are ya?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you lookin’ forward at the horizon or down into that abyss,” — he flips over another card before Taylor can answer — “or maybe you see the Tower on the other side.”

The Tower card is actually at the Fool’s back but he’s learned enough now not to question the metaphors.

“All that love for life might come at a cost. An’ hey — maybe it’s one you’re willin’ to pay. I don’t judge.”

No matter how hard he looks he knows he isn’t going to see the same thing as his reader. But… “I’m gonna need you to be a little less cryptic and a little more straightforward.”

“This ain’t science. Everything’s up for interpretation when the cards are involved.”

“Okay so interpret what exactly you mean by a cost. What cost?”

His rings drum on the plastic surface slowly before Luc clicks his tongue. “Looks to me like you’ve been through some shit lately. Life-changin’ shit — shit that skips right over dippin’ a toe into destiny and pushes you right in the deep end tied to an anchor — or ten.”

Finally Luc looks back up but his gaze is guarded; carefully and excellently so. He can’t get a thing out of just a look.

“I could have told you that.” He mutters a defensive reply. “A couple of days ago everything was fine and then my best friend’s in a coma, I find out the shit I’ve been hallucinating my whole life is real, and on top of it some big scary Ugly wants my skinny ass for a meal.”

“That explains our friend Ryder, then.” Luc almost seems to peek at the row’s last hidden card. When he turns the Eight of Cups over the hum he hums reminds Taylor of endless weeks of therapists and their noncommittal noises failing to cover the scratching of pen on paper. “And it’s all a helluva lot, I bet.”

It’s a bit hard to play off the full-body adjustment to hide his discomfort but Taylor likes to think he pulls it off pretty well.

“Understatement of the century.”

“Makes a world ‘a sense. You’ve tried gettin’ away from it.”

“Actually I haven’t really had the time.”

Only Luc disagrees; shakes his head curtly and offers the Cups to Taylor like it’s written on the surface in plain sight. “The cards ain’t just talkin’ ‘round the physical. Sometimes we do all the runnin’ in our minds and we don’t even know it. It could be as simple as connecting new things in ya life to old ones and convincing ya’self they’re the same; whether they are or not.”

Oh, there it is — on the surface and in plain sight. Struggling for Cal and Donny. Taking blame for what happened (not that he’d tell Cal, he’s got enough to feel bad over). Jumping down Krom’s throat about the theater company.

“Don’t beat ya’self up too bad,” continues Luc in a way that makes him freeze in the sudden fear that he can read thoughts as well as tarot cards, “a little escapism is good for the soul. The hard part’s when you gotta come back to reality an’ doin’ it without a fight.”

Taylor offers the card back and watches it settle home beside the Fool. The same Fool he’s now a little reluctant to identify with so quickly. “Yeah. I guess.”

“Got it — now cut the ramblin’; you’re talkin’ over the cards.”

Only hasn’t he been the one doing all the talking? Arguing won’t help but that little nugget of petulance persists.

This time Luc reveals three cards one after the other. Makes sure to let each one rest face-up before moving on. Letting them breathe. Letting them speak.

Strength. The Hermit. The Two of Swords. The first two facing Taylor this time as if in judgment. No; they haven’t drawn that card just yet.

He realizes he’s waiting on bated breath when his lungs start to burn and beg for fresh air. Why is he so quiet all of a sudden?

“Tell me more about those hallucinations ya mentioned, Taylor.”

That’s not where he was expecting that to go at all; catches him off guard. “Sorry?”

“Don’t be,” but the other man sounds distant; lost in his thoughts, “jus’ tell me. Said you been seein’ things ‘your whole life’ right?”

“Yeah. But I’d really rather not, uh, go into…” Wasn’t his life story down on the cards? It was hard enough explaining everything to Kristin — and they knew things about one another bound to secrecy by the sanctity of roommate-dom. So he tries to keep it all in the realm of the reading; “I mean I know what they are now. I was seeing glamours. Like through them — without a charm or spell or whatever. I dunno, Nik can explain it better.”

When Luc doesn’t give the same shocked jaw-drop the trio at the Shift had he entertains the brief hope that the same talent runs through the psychic’s veins. But that’s dashed when he catches sight of the unconscious way Luc grabs onto one of the numerous stone pendants draped over his neck — the way he thumbs over the polished surface and tugs on the leather cord.

It’s not the same one Ryder has but pretty damn close; close enough to assume his glamour-charm used to have a home in this very shop.

“That kind-a inner sight’s awful rare.” He practically mumbles.

“Yeah, it’s been mentioned.”

“Not unheard of, mind you. Not in things that ain’t entirely mortal by blood and bone. When you draw Strength in reverse it’s not the opposite like you’d think; it ain’t sayin’ you lack strength.

“Think of it more like the meanin’ is just turned about. Upright’s outside and the other is inside.”

“So it’s inner strength.” He can get behind that.

“Or lack of it.”

I’m fucking sorry? “Who—what-now?”

“This row,” he gestures a little too grandly for the subject matter, “is your past, present, and future. I told you the cards were screamin’ — and they still are — but not this one,” — not Strength — “this’un’s more of a whisper. And it makes sense given that you called ‘em ‘hallucinations.’”

“And an explanation for us ‘card’-of-hearing?”

Luc bites his tongue — really and without metaphor; wince and all. Grabs a stray bit of crumpled receipt from god-knows when his last sale was and scribbles on it in blocky letters.

“‘Note to self,’” he enunciates his writing harshly, “‘add sign to shop: ‘Owner Has the Right to Refuse Service on Account of Shitty Fucking Puns.’”

The glare that follows tells Taylor it won’t be long before that sign has his name added to avoid confusion.

No regrets. None at all.

Puns aside, though? The level eye he gets across the cards takes a turn for the serious.

“I think it tells me a lot more than you’re ready to share. About ya life before this; about the things you done to make the pain go away. Some of us may be human but that don’t mean we ain’t still animals. And animals lash out when they’re scared.”

He’s right. It’s a lot more than Taylor’s ready to share. Makes him want to scramble the deck — flip the table on its end. And maybe the old version of him, the version in those cards, might have.

In his silence Luc gets the answer — “moving on…” he almost sing-songs — lets his fingertips dance on the card showing the present: the Hermit.

Which Taylor tries not to take personally. Who is there to be angry at other than himself?

“So since that one’s reversed too that means… what, that I’m a hermit on the inside?”

“I can see how you’d think that,” laughs Luc, “but not quite. How about we let the professional do his profession?”

Taylor gestures. The professional carries on. “It ain’t easy comin’ into this life so late. ‘Specially when you end up seein’ all the bad before a lick’a good comes your way. But you’re drownin’ in it — that’s what the Hermit’s tellin’ us. No time to ruminate?”

He scoffs. “Something like that.”

“Well make time. Lest it all starts crashin’ down and you get the proverbial water in ya lungs.”

“It’s not by choice. There’s things after me and —”

“And excuses ain’t gonna keep you afloat.” The man reaches over faster than Taylor can move back; actually flicks his forehead dead center.

“Ow!” He swats Luc’s hand away.

“It ain’t me sayin’ this, Hunter. It’s them,” he gestures to the cards, “and they know more about this world than either of us could learn in a hundred lifetimes. Take ya damn time and really work out how you feel. Else you won’t be able to face this here future with a clear head.”

Luckily Taylor doesn’t have to ask; isn’t certain he’d be able to as he looks at the Two of Swords card and feels sweat start to bead at his temples.

Playing with tarot cards is all fun and games when you don’t believe. Even when you do — a measure of healthy skepticism is good for the soul. But with everything he’s seen; been told?

Who would willingly ask for their future foretold after that?

“I think we can skip to the next cards.”

“Oho, this don’t work like that.”

“Why,” doing his best to keep his voice level, “it’s my reading, right? I don’t want to know.”

“Sucks to be you, then. You draw; you listen. That’s how all true readin’s go.” Luc leans back on the creaky chair and lets the Swords card flip and twirl between his fingers.

He could make it easy on them both; stop arguing and just get up and leave the reading unfinished. Find Ryder in the back and apologize for doing what he said not to do — again — and book it out of there right quick.

But he doesn’t.

“Now I get why Nik said not to do this.”

“Ha — well, hindsight ain’t much use in a house of foresight baby. So listen; an’ listen well.

“In proper tarot some cards are real close in meanin’. That’s where the spread comes in — the order, the intent; not to mention the cards all ‘round it. The Swords in your future point to some hard fuckin’ choices. And if ya keep on the path ya’re on you won’t be makin’ ‘em with all your marbles.

“I ain’t talkin’ about decisions that can be made for you, neither. When it comes down to it you’re likely to find ya’self alone — not only in the act a’ choosin’ but in dealin’ with the consequences.”

“So what kind of choices? What do the cards scream about that?”

“They don’t —” he tosses the card back down and it’s probably not a coincidence that it slides magically askew back in the reading’s place, “— on account of all the changes between now and when that time comes.

“The cards give truths where mortals lie; hope where the world pushes despair. But at the end’a everythin’ they’re just cards — bound by the same circumstances as you or I.”

It’s probably meant to be poignant; something that might be sold on a re-purposed wooden palette hand-painted and polished. In a shop similar to this — right between the mismatched crystal balls and Ryder’s coveted frog warts.

But all Taylor can think is; “Well that’s absolutely useless to me beyond freaking me out.”

Luc gives another one of his gap-toothed grins — “C’est la vie, mon petit,” — and doesn’t wait for permission or argument to reveal another card.

“If it makes ya feel any better —”

“Doubtful at this point.”

“— Fair. But they won’t leave ya hangin’. Unless the Hanged Man is drawn, a’course. Naw, rest easy knowin’ you won’t be goin’ the journey alone.”

He frowns; confused. “But you just said —”

“Hush. All the best journeys are made with friends. Though I… I ain’t sure I’d call the Nine a’Wands a friend…”

Curiosity replaced by twists and turns of his bewildered head; Luc bites down on his thumb nail and scrutinizes the seventh draw. “In fact, I’d call whomever this bad draw represents —”

“Ryder!”

The Nighthunter emerges in a wave of beads carrying a pearly sphere the size of his head tucked in the crook of his arm. At the same time Taylor jumps — a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar — and swears when his knee bangs under the table.

Luc doesn’t notice — or doesn’t care; still fixated on the black-and-gold design in front of him. Mutters “could be him, but…” under his breath so low that no one catches it.

Taylor fumbles for an explanation — which is a pretty stupid move seeing as he was ready to just come clean only a minute ago — but doesn’t get the chance. Though he would like to state that it probably would have been an extremely convincing and well-versed one had Ryder not just held up a hand and rolled his eyes.

“I figured you’d ignore me. Already took out my anger with a mortar and pestle in the back.”

Well he’s a little offended now. “I wasn’t blatantly disobeying you or anything,” then; “I’m a grown adult and can make my own choices.”

And doesn’t that karma come around to bite him in the ass pretty damn fast. He makes a great effort not to look at what is no doubt a haughty look of ‘I told you so.’

“Yeah yeah, cry me a river.”

He props the sphere on a large cushion nearby to keep it from rolling and drags the last free seat over into Taylor’s personal bubble. Already looking at the spread like he, too, can hear these alleged screams from the deck. “So, Luc? Any tell on whether or not I’m gonna get paid for this gig?”

“Wha — hey!”

Taylor knows he doesn’t hit Nik’s arm that hard but the offended look he gets back is more than enough.

“Ouch. That hurt.”

“If that hurt I need a new bodyguard.”

“Don’t tempt me to pawn you off.”

“Please do.”

A tinny click draws their focus away from each other and to Luc’s newly lighted blunt. No longer puzzled by the cards — his eyes are brighter; they shine with understanding.

“Nevermind. I get it, now.”

“Get what?” barks Nik a little too defensively.

“Didn’ I jus’ tell ya not to mind it?”

Taylor cuts Nik off before he can continue arguing. They’ve been here too long already. “If we can’t leave until this is finished — can you finish?”

Two cards remain to be revealed. The fortune teller takes his sweet time with a few puffs before agreeing, if reluctantly. Maybe he just doesn’t like an audience?

All sense of the mysterium is gone. Luc flips the cards one at a time with one hand while sucking in his joint with the other.

The Five of Swords. The Wheel of Fortune.

It’s totally the secondhand high that makes the golden wheel glitter and seem to turn before their eyes. Totally.

He braces himself for another round of cryptic semi-explanations. Only they don’t come. Luc’s eyelids droop heavy — almost closed. And judging by Nik’s frown that’s not a normal part of the reading.

“Luca? Hey —” — he snaps in front of the man’s face — “— Laveau!”

He doesn’t quite jerk out of his momentary trance; eyelids flutter as if awakening from a dream.

“Maybe you had a point, Hunter,” after a throaty cough, “maybe it’s best this go unfinished.”

“What seriously? After all that earlier shit?” He balks. Beside him Ryder grabs the Swords and looks it over back to front.

“You’ve never left a reading hanging. What gives?”

“He’s still new to the life. I think he’s had enough bad news for today.”

Taylor practically snatches the card from Nik. But it seems just as reluctant to give up its secrets to him, too. Makes him toss it back down in frustration.

“Just tell me,” even he can’t believe what he’s saying, “since I dunno if it’s worse to know or to guess.”

“Trust me. The worst one’s knowin’.”

“I’ll take that as you’ve never encountered crippling anxiety, then.”

In rare sympathetic form Ryder reaches out and rests a hand on Luc’s exposed forearm. They aren’t hiding behind quips or dancing words any longer; you could see the remnants of intimacy between them from space.

“Luc — come on. For my sake, too.”

The doubt doesn’t ease off from the fortune teller’s brow. In fact it looks deeper than ever before. Finally he yields. “All right — but don’t blame me or the cards. We’re jus’ messengers after all.”

No longer in need of a familiar touch Luc shakes the hand off. Mutters something unintelligible under his breath and takes another few puffs to calm himself down before he covers the Five of Swords like he can’t do the reading while looking at it.

“There’s more than difficult choices ahead for you — and for those what end up around you. A fight looms —” he turns the Swords card on its back atop the revealed Wheel of Fortune, “— on a bigger horizon than that’a the Vieux Carre. Might even be one bigger than this world of ours.

“Not so much a fight as a battle; a war. Turnin’ and churnin’ at the banks of the river and out into the ocean. Ready to flood the whole damn city — every corner of the earth. And it’ll keep ragin’ and screamin’ with every body what falls to it.”

Ryder goes still as stone beside him. Taylor finds himself revisiting the notion of it being better not knowing.

“What does any of that have to do with me?”

“You, Mister Hunter — you’re smack dab in the middle of it. More’n that… you belong there.”

Apologies. Sympathy. Condolences. Luc can’t seem to settle on one way to look at Taylor so instead he just focuses on packing his deck back up. He isn’t as careful this time around — like he’s angry at the cards and what they had to say; to scream. Two separate entities working off of one another but, at the very least, both unhappy with the outcome.

“I’ll get a box for that crystal ball — the warts are yours but I’ll need interest on that relic.” He can’t get away from the pair fast enough. Shuffles the tarot deck in his hands as he goes.

He wants to be surprised that Nik doesn’t follow; doesn’t go to check on someone he obviously has a past and present connection with. But in the goody bag of his emotions he just keeps pulling out resignation — even when he cheats and peeks inside.

That’s all there is. All he can feel.

Where’s that opportunity for escapism the cards had mentioned earlier? He could use a bit of that at the moment.

Doesn’t know when exactly Nik started trying to comfort him; hand on his upper back, the gentle back-and-forth of his thumb. Taylor’s not a big fan of touch but that seems to be how Ryder connects to the world; through the physical.

And oddly it’s working. The comfort thing.

“You okay?”

He’ll sass such a ridiculous question later. “Uh, honestly I don’t really know what I am right now.”

Ryder’s face is unusually close when Taylor looks his way. The barest flicker — a crack in the bravado. Nik is worried for him.

“That can happen after Luc’s readings. You think I warned ya away to keep you from somethin’ fun? Knowin’ his connection with the spirit world makes it all really…”

He struggles for the right word. Weird, coming from him.

“‘Real?’” offers Taylor, and gets him a nod.

“Yeah, really real.”

Noises of shuffled boxes and Luc’s grunts draw them out of Taylor’s personal space and back to the world around them. Up near the back curtain Luc gently eases the crystal ball into a wooden box.

“So, question.”

“Yeah Rook?”

“What do we do now?” Because if turning tail and running like a shameless coward away from this war is an option, he’s taking it.

“We keep on going,” Nik answers, “We get back to the Shift and finish up this blasted protection spell and then we dive into findin’ your attacker and punch a bunch’a holy light holes in it’s ugly-ass face.”

This time when he reaches into the bag of emotions, luck gives him a break and lets him pull out the barest ghost of a smile.

“Man, it is ugly. Like — fugly ugly.”

Ryder’s smile is just as small — but no less sincere — than his.

“It damn sure is.”