#unseelie pet series

[atzfilm]

— 『 𝐖𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋; 𝐨𝐭8 』 [seven.five.]

— 𝚠𝚘𝚗 • 𝚍𝚎𝚛 • 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚕, adjective. having someone who serves as a pillar in your life, who offers a sturdy place to lean in times of trouble. somebody you find yourself thinking about constantly and are completely infatuated with.

❝humans were such strange creatures. wretched in their mere existence. none of the eight were ever truly interested in them until they found you. they just find it strange that despite their status and rank, you'd rather spend time with your lover. that isn't much of a problem, though. one they can fix with ease.❞

— pairing; ot8 (general); 2.03k

— chapter warnings; death, death mentions, murder mentions

〘ʏᴀɴᴅᴇʀᴇ, ᴍʏᴛʜ, ꜱᴍᴜᴛ, ꜰᴀᴇʀɪᴇꜱ〙(m.list)

FIC WARNINGS: murder, manipulation, blood, blood drinking, torture references, dark magic, kidnapping. this series is very dark, if you're uncomfortable with the subjects listed do not read. warnings will change but be listed in each chapter. there is no tag list for this series.

“Negotiating without your spark behind you is brave, Hongjoong. Many would rather have some semblance of power behind them when they speak,” the Seelie speaks, leaning against the stone pillar.

“Why would I be afraid of your kind in my land?” Hongjoong merely states, arms resting against the small of his back. His gaze flickers to the Seelie’s partner, a dry laugh escaping him. “I desired for a conversation alone, Yeonjun. How hard is that to follow?”

“I am not stupid. You have already killed Beomgyu, no? Why would I enter this putrid realm myself?” His words are filled with venom, eyes narrowing as he looks down at the Unseelie leader. Fearsome gazes do nothing to Hongjoong, only satiating his desire for negative emotions. So Hongjoong smiles, head tilted.

“We have yet to fortify our treaty. Deaths are increasing on both sides - my home territory needs to be moved soon. I cannot have Seelie interrupting while we enter another realm of rowan trees.”

“Afraid?"

“Merely bothered.”

“A bothersome act wouldn’t call for a meeting between us, Unseelie,” he glances back, waving off his partner. The man disappears, leaving the two leaders alone. “You have yet to atone for killing one of my own.”

“I will not allow you to take out any of my spark, Yeonjun.”

Yeonjun laughs, his head thrown back to the skies. “I am not a buffoon, Hongjoong. My offer is a small price to pay for what you’ve done to my spark. Give up the human in exchange, and I vow to not interfere with Unseelie unless provoked.”

Hongjoong’s brows furrow, “You want the pet? Why?” His chest aches suddenly, but Hongjoong holds back his expression. What the hell was that?

Yeonjun’s smile only widens. “An Unseelie kills humans, Hongjoong. You wouldn’t have it around if it was not important to you.”

“If she is important to me, why do you think I’d give her up on a whim?”

“This discussion between us is not on a whim. It is either the human, or one of your spark’s lives. Make the decision. And soon, Hongjoong,” Yeonjun steps back, mist left in his wake.

He can feel that same ache again. He was not sure what exactly it was, the strange feeling scratching at his heart. He ignored it at first, pushing through the hallways, determined to finish his duties here so he could go back to his spark.

But then it grew painful.

Hongjoong stumbles as he crosses a threshold, gasping for breath. His fingernails grow, digging into the wooden slabs. Blood spills from his lips, splattering against the floor. The feeling is unlike anything he's experienced, but his body knows. He cannot tell who it is at first, his mind whirling. Until a part of him begins to tear at itself, ripping his heart from the inside out.

San.

“No.” He pushes past the pain, the phantom of a gaping hole in his chest. He hasn't been gone that long, how could this happen? Why isn't Hongjoong there now? His speech is stuttered as he stands, the air swirling in front of him. His incantation is slurred but he manages after a few seconds of struggle. The cloud flickers in and out of existence. He steps through just as it appears, body shifting into the garden of his home.

He does not see much at first.

His eyes flick up to the porch, a massive gap presenting itself to him. Glass shards are scattered across the wood. He thinks for a moment that he arrived in the aftermath, until shouting surrounds him. His steps are quick, hand out in front of him as he rips the doors from its hinges with quick incantations. The first thing he sees is Yunho and Yeosang in the midst of a fight with witchlings.

Little time passes between him watching the fight and tearing the witchlings apart, limbs dropping to the floor violently, blood splattering against his cheeks. The remaining creatures disappear from sight, leaving the solemn echoes of the hallway. Yeosang struggles to his feet, pushing past Hongjoong and falling to his knees in front of San. The wound on his body has not healed in the slightest, limp in Yeosang's arms. Hongjoong can barely stand as he looks at the sight, but he must. He looks around, entering your room.

Glass is scattered across the floor. The same scene he saw from the ground, the hold the size of the creatures, looking back at him. Wind rushes into the room as he makes his way forward. You're nowhere to be found and after a brief headcount, neither is Wooyoung. He cannot feel the loss of him, so he presumes that he is taken along with you. He runs his bloodied fingers through his hair, thoughts elsewhere.

Grief is not something he can let himself process now. He has to save Wooyoung. He has lost one, he cannot lose him too. Hands dig into his shoulder and turn him around. His eyes move up. Mingi's cold gaze on him. His eyes are vacant, mind elsewhere. Waiting for a command from his leader. Hongjoong’s lip trembles as he tries to speak, lids shutting. He cannot grieve for him right now. They rely on him, rely on his strength to pull them through. To save who he has left. He takes only a couple of seconds to pull himself together, sadness swallowed momentarily.

“Do you know where they came from? If the kumiho had something to do with it?” He asks Mingi.

“I–”

“Is that all you can say?” Seonghwa enters the room. Tears stain his cheeks, moist, tired eyes meeting his. He can feel the exhaustion through their spark’s connection, the feeling forcing Hongjoong to stagger ever so slightly. “San is dead, and that's all you can say?”

“I cannot afford to let myself grieve, Seonghwa. I have to save Wooyoung –”

“San… he…” Seonghwa rubs his face. “He sacrificed everything, everything to be with us. He turned against his own kind, forced himself to feast on tortured souls. He gave us his all, his life, and all you can say now is that you cannot grieve? Not even for a moment? Yeosang can barely hold himself together in there, your spark is hurt, and you cannot afford mere seconds to acknowledge the dead body?”

Hongjoong cannot respond. He cannot let himself wallow in sorrow. Not when there is so much to do. He dismisses Mingi with a small nod, letting him leave the room. Seonghwa's anger only grows at the silence, stepping forward. His fist grips Hongjoong’s shirt, knuckles digging into his chest.

“You are selfish, and you are pitiful. I am amazed that San even wanted to be with us when he saw you.”

Hongjoong reaches up, his fingers brushing against Seonghwa's chin. Seonghwa allows him to cup his cheek, grip loosening on his shirt. “You can say what you need to say to me after, Seonghwa. Would you like me to sink into my grief or help find Wooyoung?”

Seonghwa pushes his hand away, his anger only rises. “All you’ve ever done is care for Wooyoung and no one else. Even in death we are not enough for you, never the first thing on your mind.”

“Enough,” Yunho enters the room, glancing between them. His clothing is soaked in gore and blood, footwear sliding against the wooden slacks barely holding the floor together. Wounds cover his body, slowly healing. Mingi shadows him, gaze turned back to Yeosang’s grieving, hunched over figure only a few strides away. Jongho sits next to him, hand resting on his trembling shoulder. “We’ve lost so much already, we cannot lose each other and ourselves too.”

Hongjoong could have stopped the conversation long ago and demanded that Seonghwa stand down. Any other Unseelie leader would have barely acknowledged the death at all – likely twisting their face in disgust and burning the remains without thinking twice. It is what he has been taught, what has been passed down to him. But right now he cannot. He cannot just send San away without giving the others some time to accept what has happened. Give himself time to accept the cold, empty look in his eyes.

“How did this happen?” Hongjoong asks again, this time to no one in particular.

Seonghwa leaves with a flicker, Yunho and Mingi left alone with their leader. “We cannot say. Jongho mentioned something about pixies watching on the edge of the forest, but they wouldn’t summon these creatures. Seelie are incapable of controlling these beasts, especially when we just manifested the shield when we came back. No other majik should be able to penetrate the barrier. This shouldn’t have happened.”

“You think they attacked because I was not here?” Hongjoong looks behind Yunho, blood staining the floor in pools. “Would they have attacked even if I were?”

“It’s doubtful. A spark without its leader is greatly weakened in comparison to when they are here. They might have noticed you were absent and took that chance to attack. Taking y/n away makes sense since she is valuable, removing San–”

They can see how it pains Yunho, his lids tightening as he closes them. He takes a breath, before continuing.

“Removing San makes sense since he is powerful, but I just cannot wrap my head around taking Wooyoung. What purpose does it have – he is not even your second or third. He means much to us, sure, but in retrospect, his position in our spark is not as important.”

“Cruel words,” Mingi mumbles.

“Wooyoung knows how much he is cared for, he’d likely laugh,” Yunho says. “Still, my point remains.”

“Wooyoung is cared for,” Mingi speaks again. “He is important to us. The kumiho cares for him, and Hongjoong cares for him. The leader of all Unseelie favors one in particular. He is a weakness. They, whomever it is that has taken them, must know what they mean to us. They know what we’d do to have them back. It is strategic, Yunho.”

“Can you two give me a moment?” Hongjoong interrupts their speaking. “I agree with everything you are saying, but I need time. Not much, but just...”

“Understood,” Yunho nods. His fingers seek Mingi’s, theirs wrapping easily around each other. Before they leave, though, Yunho turns around. “Shall we do something with San?”

Hongjoong takes a slow breath. “Place him in our memorial chambers once Yeosang is … Do not light the flame yet and do not allow anyone else to. I need a moment to think.”

“Alright.”

They leave him in the room. Hongjoong whispers a spell into his palms, misting himself into his chambers. He locks the door behind him, taking slow steps into the room. It’s as he has left it, papers skewed about, books piled upon one another. The sinking feeling lets itself manifest in his chest, slowly rising up his torso. He slumps into his bed, the smell of rotting flesh enveloping him as he trembles.

He lost San.

It should not have been possible for any being, including Lilith's creatures, to break the barrier. It is what he has set up and has worked for centuries. Nothing should have been able to come in. To kill. Hongjoong could barely look at San’s body, the cold shell of what he once was. You would think that him being an Unseelie would have him used to seeing the dead. He killed his own spark leader, and that affected him less than seeing his mated gone. His teeth dig into his lips, breaking skin as he holds back his own wretched sobs. He lifts himself up from his sheets, gripping the wooden desk as he stands, looking over his work.

His eyes move to the side, caged spellbooks behind metal bars. His finger drags across his bloodied lip before pressing into the rounded button. Wooyoung would be able to protect the both of you himself momentarily. Losing this chance now would only make him lose San. The rusted bars creak open. He reaches for the one book he swore that he’d never use, flipping through the crusted pages until he lands on the spell he needs.

Necromancy.

[nebulousbrainsoup]

Insurrection

Chapter 1: Catalyst

⛧ SUMMARY: One choice, made to fan the flames of love, may be the spark to start a war. ⛧PAIRING: vampire!kang yeosang x hunter!reader ⛧GENRE: fantasy, angst (so much angst), smut ⛧AU/TROPE INFO: fantasy au, vampire au, forbidden lovers, hurt no comfort ⛧WORD COUNT: 4.8k ⛧TAGS/WARNINGS: major character death (i'm so sorry), blood, violence, lots of emotion, mental breakdowns, pet names ([my] love, darling, love, Sangie), protective!yunho and protective!yeosang, treating vampires as unseelie fae, not beta'd ⛧RATING: mature ⛧A/N: for @a1sh1teruu; happy christmas from your secret santa! very sorry i'm a few days late; life has been interesting lately and this baby got away from me! i hope i didn't go too hard on the angst you asked for, but i did ask for your hard limits and, uh... i'm an angst writer first and foremost. (if i did go overboard, please please let me know, and i will whip you up something warmer and fluffier.) this did begin as a standalone, but the lovely @kwanisms convinced me to make it a series, so here we are! there will be a few more installments; a prologue and at least one sequel. even if no one else does, zerda, i hope you enjoy this. much love, orion <3 ⛧ smut tags under the cut ; banner by momther ki (kwanisms) ⛧masterlist | join my taglist | buy me a coffee?

⛧ SMUT TAGS/WARNINGS: sex as a distraction/coping mechanism, yeo has vampire speed and strength (don't look too close i didn't logic), sensitive pointy ears, oral (f receiving), fingering, unprotected sex (boo), multiple orgasms (fem), pet names (Yeosangie, Sangie, baby, darling, love, my pretty girl ), mentions of exhibitionism & sharing if you squint, lack of aftercare bc they're both exhausted

In hindsight, perhaps you should have seen the signs. You had never seen Yeosang eat, no matter how many cafés you frequented together. He had been known throughout the village for his strange attire, the reverse of the seasons; he was covered from chin to fingertip to toe in the summers, while the dark winters found him showing a bit more skin. His pale complexion or the way he could throw you around in the bedroom without breaking a sweat may have given him away to you if you had paid closer attention. You hadn’t, though, and now you paid the price.

Your elders stood in a semicircle in front of you, stony faced, and your blood ran cold. Gideon glowered at you over the top of his steepled fingers, jaw tight.

“Kill or be killed, Y/N,” he spat, “the decision is yours. Kang Yeosang will not be able to protect you from us.”

It took every fiber of your being to hold back the shiver that threatened to tear down your spine. Your mind swirled as you bowed your head respectfully, hands clasped tightly in front of you. Something churned in your gut as you met his eye; whether or not his words would ring true was still to be determined, but you knew he and the rest of the council would try their absolute hardest.

“I understand, Elder Lewis. I will begin my preparations immediately,” you agreed, turning on your heel to see yourself out of the room. Three of the five sat straighter at your promise, one smiling proudly. You sighed in relief; so long as most of them believed you, you would survive the night. You could warn him and, if you were lucky, run.

For most, Yeosang and the rest of his coven were nearly impossible to find; he had told you some story ages ago, but now the secrecy made sense. Few were trusted with a map to their home, and you were thankful tonight to be one of those elites. Strategically placed vines guided you through the trees like flags, their leaves blending into the color of the evergreens’ needles to the untrained eye. Tears brimmed in your eyes as you hurried through the snow, fists clenched at your sides. The path was familiar and though time seemed to drag on in a blur, it felt like you arrived in seconds. The trees parted to a familiar, comforting sight; three cabins and a grand hall circled around a small clearing, and you beelined for Yeosang’s front door. 

It was his roommate, Yunho, who opened the door and tried to greet you but you pushed past him, body and mind set on your comfort. You practically collapsed into Yeosang’s arms, a small, pained sound leaving you as he bundled you into his embrace. His quiet questions and murmured comforts were lost on you. Your mind was running at a thousand miles a minute, a million questions running through your mind.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were vampires?” The first inquiry fell from your lips thoughtlessly, and you felt the air disappear from the room. Yunho’s footsteps halted where they were parting to allow you privacy, and you could feel the tension spike. The silence rang louder than any scream. “And don’t try to deny it; I’ve seen the evidence.”

“Who… how did you find this out, sweetheart?” 

You scoffed, shoving him away from you and taking a step back. Behind you, you heard Yunho shift to his friend’s defense, but a sharp glare from Yeosang seemed to halt him. “I’m a hunter, Yeosang. You’ve known this; don’t play dumb. My elders showed me your files today,” you paused, turning over your shoulder to glance at Yunho. “All of ATEEZ’s files.”

You watched as the elder coiled like a spring, ready to strike, still pinned in place only by your boyfriend’s scathing stare. Silence once again stretched for what seemed like an eternity, heavy across your shoulders. Finally, Yeosang broke it.

“Leave us, Yunho.”

“Absolutely not.” The reply was immediate, the taller boy standing straighter, his chin high. “I’m not leaving you alone with a hunter.”

You scowled, hearing your boyfriend growl a warning. You knew his expression must match your own. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with my girlfriend alone.”

Yunho opened his mouth to speak again but this time, you were the one to silence him. “I understand your worry and I appreciate your drive to protect your coven. I am not here to hurt Yeosang; I am here to… to ask for help,” you admitted, turning back to glance at your lover. “I forgot to even grab my knife before I left, if I’m being honest.” Yeosang let out a strangled noise of protest, worry painting his face, and you held up a hand to keep him quiet. “The elders… Gideon gave me a choice today. Kill or be killed. And I… I don’t want to do either.”

You could see Yeosang’s heart breaking, the corner of his lips curling down and his brow furrowing. “Yunho, please,” he murmured, “let us figure this out.” He gave no response, but a moment later, you heard the front door click shut, and Yeosang was bundling you back up into his arms. 

The moment you were alone, you shattered into pieces. You grasped his shirt in fists as tears flowed like waterfalls down your cheeks, his grip around you tightening like a vice. Sobs wracked your body violently, and you thanked the gods for Yeosang’s strength as, despite your knees buckling under you, you remained upright. He muttered quiet reassurances into your hair, hands running soothingly up and down your back. 

When you calmed, he gently guided you back, eyes soft and open as he cupped your cheeks and wiped the tears from them. You screwed your eyes shut and gripped onto his wrists like a lifeline, willing a fresh wave of emotion back. 

“It will be alright, my love,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “We’ll figure it out together. You can stay here for as long as you like, and we’ll protect you like our own.”

You whined in protest, eyes blinking open slowly. Sniffling, you shook your head. “I can’t ask that of you. If I’m tracked down, they’ll kill you all too. Hongjoong wouldn’t be willing to take that risk for a simple little mortal, much less one who has trained her entire life to hunt and kill him. He would be crazy.”

Yeosang giggled quietly, smiling gently. “I think you’ll find he is a little crazy when the situation calls for it. He trusts you like one of us already; he allowed me to show you the path here. You will be welcome.”

Hesitantly, you nodded, resigned to accepting your lover’s offer. There was little else you could do. “I will need a few things from the stronghold. I can go back to gather them tonight, and return tomorrow.” 

Peeking over your head and out the window, Yeosang frowned. It had been nearing nightfall when you had arrived, and the thought of you unarmed and stumbling through the dark forest unnerved him. He pulled you against his chest, carding a hand into your hair to scratch at your scalp. 

“Stay with me tonight, love. Let this be the first night of our new lives together. Let me protect you.” You felt your shoulders relax with every word he spoke, a soft smile playing at your lips. He had already convinced you but he continued, eyes flickering down to your lips. “Let me distract you.” 

You let your tongue flick out over your lips, drawing his attention back to them as you grinned. Hands slipping up his chest, you pressed closer to him. “What better way to spend our first night together?”

Yeosang grinned, tugging you in to crash your lips together. You hummed happily as you melted against him, one arm draping over his shoulder while the other carded into the hair at his nape. He held you to him tightly still, sighing against your mouth as you melted against him. 

“Take me to bed, Yeosangie,” you muttered when you parted for breath, and he was more than happy to oblige. Strong arms braced under your thighs and lifted you in one fluid motion. Before you had time to think, you were in his room with your back pressed to the mattress, and you let out a squeak of surprise. Your lover was grinning at you when you pulled away. “Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I assume you’ll be using all of your fancy vampire powers at every turn, hm?” 

“Maybe not all of them,” he teased, pressing kisses up your jaw. “I’ll only bite if you ask nicely,” he purred into your ear, his silky baritone sending a shudder down your spine.

You whined, tugging him back up by his hair to lock your lips, legs wrapping around his middle to pull him impossibly closer. He groaned, low and broken, as you ground against him, losing himself for a moment before he pinned your hips down to the bed. 

“Tonight is all about you, my love,” he hummed, hands running down your thighs as he sat back on his knees. You pouted up at him and he couldn’t help but grin, kneading at the soft flesh under his fingers. “I’m going to take my time with you and savor this. No more quick nights at the tavern, hm?” 

You shuddered under his touch, eyes flickering to the door. “What about Yunho?”

The grin on Yeosang’s face was purely wicked and heat ran through your body. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll make sure the whole coven can hear you.” 

Despite his promise to take his time, Yeosang stripped you down quickly, tugging your shirt off and trousers down to leave you in only your undergarments. The moment he could, he leaned down, nipping at your inner thigh and grinning triumphantly at the sound it pulled from you. His lips quickly found their way to your throat as he let your legs fall in favor of slotting himself between them, lips attaching themselves to your throat. The drag of his teeth over your pulse had you whining into his ear, breath ghosting over the subtly pointed tip. It was Yeosang’s turn to shudder, all of his blood rushing south at the feeling. He sighed, burying his head against your shoulder as he gathered himself.

Or tried to, because a moment later, you were tucking his hair behind his ear, fingers ghosting over the sensitive skin, and he was choking back a moan. “C-Careful,” he muttered, reaching up to grab your wrist and halt you. “They’re sensitive.” 

“I don’t see the issue,” you hummed, drawing his gaze back up. You were grinning down at him and it was a pretty sight, but the mischief twinkling in your eyes had Yeosang wanting to wipe it from your face. 

Pinning your wrist to the bed, he slipped down your body at lightning speed, face level with your clothed core. In an instant, his tongue was pressed against you, and you let out a choked shout at the wet warmth that joined your own arousal. Yeosang grinned proudly once more, letting his teeth graze lightly over your heat as he sat back. That particular friction was foreign but pleasant, pulling a pretty little whimper from you.

“Do you still not see the issue with playing with sensitive areas, love, or shall I continue?”

Not one to be upstaged, you huffed a sigh, the corner of your mouth ticking up in a grin. “I don’t think I quite get it.” 

Yeosang chuckled, leaning back to lap a stripe up your thigh. Nipping at your hip, he slowly began a path up your body, leaving wet kisses in his wake. You sighed, the sound like music to his ears as you turned to putty beneath his hands. 

Your bra was the next garment to leave your body, tossed carelessly to the side as his mouth descended on your chest, lips quickly closing around your peaked nipple. One hand bracing himself, the other lit a contrastingly cool trail down your torso, coming to rest over your underwear. A quiet squeak left you and you squirmed under him, his icy fingers bringing a delicious new sensation to your warm arousal while his lips worked over your other breast. 

“Sangie,” you gasped out, one hand tangling into his hair and tugging encouragingly. “More, please.”

Chuckling lowly against your skin, he obliged, pushing the fabric of your panties to the side to slide his fingers through your wetness. You whined and writhed under him, hips seeking further stimulation—this wasn’t enough. The pad of his finger circled your clit and you jolted, a pitched whine leaving you that had Yeosang’s control snapping in an instant.

He needed more, and he needed it now. More of you, more of your lovely little sounds, more of your warm body pressed against his cold one. 

Pulling back from your chest with a wet noise, he sat back on his heels, tugging his shirt off and tossing it away from him. Your remaining undergarment was pulled off and discarded as he stood, quickly ridding himself of his final layers, too. He drank you in with a gaze that made you feel like prey, delicate and helpless underneath the ancient power that coursed through his veins. Pride swelled in his chest as he took in your open-mouthed, hungry stare. He chuckled to himself and ran a hand across his broad chest, letting you drink in the sight of him. His grin only spread as he watched you turn away from him, shy. 

“My pretty girl,” he hummed, running his fingers up the insides of your thighs as he settled between them again. 

Your pretty little whine had him preening as he lowered himself to your core, grinning up at you. Tossing your legs over his shoulders, he held eye contact and sighed against you as you shuddered, before his tongue flicked out to tease at your slit. He delighted in the way your hands flew to his hair, tangling in the soft strands as you urged him closer. His sharp, calculated gaze remained on you as he flattened his tongue against you, humming happily at the taste of you. His eyes rolled back in his head, finally slipping shut as he began to lose himself in the ecstasy that was your essence. 

Your sounds only grew as he began to eat you out in earnest and they went straight to his cock; Yeosang found himself rutting into the mattress within minutes, desperate to find any amount of friction. His pride fell to the wayside as he gripped your thighs hard enough to bruise, fucking his tongue into you with fervor. He barely came up for air as he buried his face in your pussy, pleasured moans leaving him as he chased both of your peaks. Your tugging on his hair was what brought him back into his mind and, though he shot you a glare, his fingers quickly replaced his mouth. 

You were gasping for breath as he sat upright, grinning proudly while your legs dropped to rest over his elbows. “What’s the matter, love?”

“C-Can’t, g’nna cum,” you gasped, hands coming to rest over his biceps as you melted back into the mattress.

“Oh, well if that’s all,” he hummed, slowly lowering himself back down. You whimpered, hands tangling back into his hair at the warmth of his tongue and the chill of his fingers, but gave no further sounds of protest as he dove back into you. Within seconds, your legs were clamping down around his ears and he was opening his eyes, drinking in the sight of your ecstasy as he worked you over the edge. With one final suck to your clit, he sat back on his heels and drank in the whine that left you, sighing happily.

“Gods above, you taste good,” he murmured, licking his lips hungrily.

“Yeosang,” you whined, hands clawing up his arms to pull him close, “need you baby, please.”

“Need what?” He grinned, shifting up to cage you in completely, his cockhead teasing at your folds. You whine, shifting lower, and he clicked his tongue as one hand came to rest over your throat, stilling your movements.

You whined, blinking up at him with wide, doe eyes, and he had to bite back a growl. “Your cock, Sangie, please.”

He grinned down at you devilishly as he pressed into you, drinking down every whine and moan that spilled from your mouth as he sealed his lips with your own. When he was finally sheathed within your warmth, he sighed happily and buried his face into the crook of your neck. You wrapped your arms around his and he felt secure, safe, as he began a slow and deliberate pace.

“So long as you’re mine,” he whispered against your skin, his speed building. “I will protect you. What is mine is the coven’s and what is the coven’s is mine.” You clenched around him, and he groaned lowly, his eyes squeezing shut. “We keep our own safe.”

You clung to him like a lifeline, the air crackling electric between you as you climbed to your second peak at record speed. The way his speed built in tandem with the passion of his words had you squirming, clawing for him. He shuddered, too, as your walls spasmed around him, his own orgasm catching him by surprise. He sat up straight and sheathed himself in you fully as you both rode out the waves of pleasure, his hips rolling in tiny circles to prolong it. 

With one last kiss to  your forehead, he pulled himself from you and collapsed to your side. He gave himself to the count of ten to bask in the warmth as he felt himself quickly falling into the meditative state he considered “sleep,” emerging from the brink of it to clean you. You sighed, basking in the attention, and Yeosang’s heart skipped a beat as he crawled back into bed with you—tired, cuddly, smiling, perfect you. He prayed you were asleep as he whispered into your hair.

“I love you, Y/N.”

You hid your grin in his chest and fell asleep in his arms.

When you awoke in a bed that was not your own, the curtains around you pulled shut, you startled. Yeosang was laid next to you reading, and as you stirred, he glanced up from his page. “Good morning, darling.” 

You smiled, turning over to press a kiss to his cheek, grinning when he flushed and turned back to his book. “Good morning, Sangie. What time is it?”

“Just after sunrise.” 

Huffing, you pushed yourself up from the bed. “You shouldn’t have let me sleep so late. I’ll have to hope no one has a route in this direction today,” you muttered as you went about gathering your clothes, strewn about the room. “And that no one decided to hang around near my room.”

Yeosang set his book aside, frowning. “I’ll come with you.” 

“You will do no such thing, Kang Yeosang,” you protested, continuing on before he could speak. “The moment you are within firing distance of the castle, the elders will see you taken out. Stay here and speak to Hongjoong; I’ll only be gone a few hours.” He frowned deeply, eyes tracking your movements carefully as you tugged back the curtains an inch. “It’s bright out today, anyway. You wouldn’t be very comfortable past the treeline.”

The fight was over before it had really started, logic winning out over Yeosang’s protective nature. You were right; in the full sun of the day, with the snow reflecting it back up at him, he would be weak. Not only would protecting you be a challenge, his presence might hinder the speed of your mission.

“Alright. I’ll speak with Hongjoong. I’ll give you until noon to be back before I start looking for you.” Grinning, you bounced back across the room, leaning down to press a kiss to Yeosang’s lips. He hummed happily as he carded a hand into your hair, gently tugging you back for more. 

With a hand on his shoulder, you kept him at bay, chuckling quietly to yourself. “You had enough of me last night, love. You can have more tonight, but you have to let me go get my belongings.”

The sigh that left him was half-hearted at best, and you huffed another breath of laughter. “Fine. Be safe and hurry back.” 

“I will.”

As the door shut behind you, something unsettling stirred in his gut. For inexplicable reasons, he felt as though you were lying.

“Yunho, you met this girl. Can we trust her?” Hongjoong questioned, folding his hands neatly in his lap as he leaned back in his chair. He looked relaxed, at ease in the safety of his own chambers, only the twitching of his jaw giving away his current inner turmoil. 

The man in question thought for a moment, shrugging and giving a small nod. “I think Yeosang coming back in one piece today is a pretty good sign.”

He nodded slowly, mulling the request over. It was a great risk for the coven to take in a mortal, both to the mortal and the coven. Word had spread on one occasion they did such a thing, and they had been forced to move rather abruptly. Y/N’s upbringing as a monster hunter added another convoluted layer to the whole ordeal; she could be playing them to spy for her order or, if they truly were on the hunt for her, she could end up getting them all killed. But no matter how stoic and strict he may look to outsiders, Hongjoong had an undeniable soft spot for his coven. So, as Yeosang stood there, a determined and pleading look on his face, the elder vampire caved. 

“Fine. But let her know that she will be expected to pull her weight. She can stay with you and Yunho until we figure out other living arrangements,” he conceded, huffing an annoyed sigh that held little weight. “Now go tell the others.” 

Yeosang beamed, practically bouncing toward the door and flinging it open. Wooyoung, who had just started up the front porch steps, startled and fell back against San.

“Y/N is coming to live with us!” He blurted out, and the pair shared a confused look. “It’s a whole long story. Speaking of, have either of you seen her? I can’t wait to tell her.”

Wooyoung recovered before San did, blinking back into himself and sharing a bright smile with his friend. “That’s great! I can’t wait for her to meet everyone else. Sannie, I think you’ll  really like her. I haven’t seen her around today; is she here?”

“She went to gather her things from the hunters’ stronghold. She should be back any minute.” Something unpleasant coiled in Yeosang’s gut, and he frowned. “You didn’t happen to see any hunters on your way back in, did you?”

San and Wooyoung shared a look that had Yeosang’s blood running cold. “We did,” San confirmed. “They were headed away from here, though. We didn’t bother with them.” 

Behind him, someone stirred, and Yeosang spun on his heel, eyes pleading with Hongjoong as he approached. “She said she’d be in danger if she ran into other hunters. We have to look for her.”

Resolutely, Hongjoong nodded, turning back over his shoulder. “Yunho, get Jongho. San, Wooyoung, go get Seonghwa and Mingi. We’ll head toward their stronghold and work outward—stay in pairs, stay out of sight, and do not eng—”

Before the leader could finish his sentence, a sharp scream echoed through the forest, and Yeosang’s eyes widened. He went rigid for a moment, keen ears twitching as they scanned the forest, tracking the echoes until he could pinpoint a near exact location of origin. He was moving before he could think, dashing down the path and into the treeline. Dodging trees and leaping over fallen branches as he tore through the brush, the warning shouts of his coven fell on deaf ears. They would follow, he knew. He only slowed for a moment when he caught the scent of your blood in the air, tripping over his own feet before pushing forward with even more purpose. 

In hindsight, he should have realized that your familiar yell was not one of fear, as he had been so worried about. He should have taken even a moment to breathe. 

You were still upright when he barreled into the clearing, wrestling with another hunter for what looked to be a blade. Your face was twisted in a grimace, desperation and anger marring the features he was so used to seeing alight with joy. He called your name and you turned, the panic-stricken look you sent him sending confusion and hurt lancing through him. He was here to help; shouldn’t you be happy to see him?

In hindsight, he should have realized why your cry was so familiar to his ears. Maybe he would have registered that it had been full of pure, white-hot rage; the same rage you directed at him during your first meeting.

Time slowed, and with the snap of a wire, Yeosang understood. 

The bolt burned as it pierced through his ribs, and his vision went white with the pain as he toppled forward, falling to his hands and knees with a shout of his own. This time, there was pain in your exclamation; he couldn’t quite make out the words, but he heard the break in your voice that he knew, all too well, meant tears were brimming. He tasted iron as he coughed, distantly registering the shadow of black that splattered the snow in front of him. 

It had been a while since he’d seen his own blood.

More shouts echoed as he fell to his knees, vision going black for a moment. When his sight returned, you were in front of him, and Yeosang’s brow furrowed. Humans like you, as far as he knew, couldn’t move that fast. He glanced over your shoulder, gasping—when had the coven gotten here?

Another blink, and he was on his back, staring up at your distressingly heartbroken expression. Your hands cupped his cheeks for a beat, and he melted into the fleeting feeling, grumbling in disapproval as they streaked down his neck to his sides. About halfway to his hips, they stopped, and the pain that sparked through him had him coming back to his senses, a shout choked behind his teeth.

“Leave it,” he hissed, and you made a pained noise. The iron crossbow bolt had embedded itself firmly and, despite his protests, you gave it another tug. This time, Yeosang shouted, bolting upright and batting your hand away from him. “Barbed,” he croaked, falling back to his hands and knees. “You’ll rip me up if you take it out.” 

“And it’ll poison you slowly if I don’t,” you urged, reaching for him. “You can heal the injuries, please.”

Yeosang frowned deeply, eyes squeezing shut as he took stock of his body. “Not… quickly enough.” 

“Please let me try,” you begged, hand settling below his wound. “Please give yourself a chance. Let me give you a chance, Yeosang, please.”

Oh, how weak he was for you. 

Swallowing thickly, he screwed his eyes shut and nodded, rolling once more onto his back with a wince. “If it pleases you.” 

“None of this pleases me,” you shot back, choking on a sob around your words. Your grip solid around the arrow’s shaft, you gave a strong tug, and Yeosang shouted through gritted teeth as it came free. “I’m sorry, love, I’m sorry,” you breathed, cupping his face.

“No more… apologies. This is not your fault,” he muttered between coughs. His mouth felt wetter than usual and he turned, dizzy as he watched more black mar the white ground. “Oh.” 

“Stay still, Sangie, please, let your magic work. Don’t make things worse. Just… stay here. It’ll be okay.” 

You didn’t sound sure. Yeosang huffed a laugh, coughed. “I won’t heal… fast enough,” he muttered, rolling once more onto his back. “H’ngjoong s-said… You can stay with us. Make sure he keeps… ‘s word.” 

His eyes fluttered shut. He was so tired all of a sudden. Distantly, he could hear you calling to him, could feel your hands on his cheeks. He smiled, leaning into the warmth of your palms, a stark contrast to the chill surrounding him. The world was turning to white noise; Yeosang sighed. 

One voice, familiar and filled with venom, cut through the roar. He was just used to listening for his Captain, after all, and he heard him clear as day now.

“You have just declared a war.”

Everything went quiet.

TAGLISTS: [open, apply here.]

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© December 2023 nebulousbrainsoup | all rights reserved. reposting and translating of author’s work is prohibited.

[skyclan-funny-name-squad]

More reasons it'd be really cool if Kittypets are fae

Gives Tigerstar more motive if it's seen more that his dad was stolen by the fae and he doesn't want Rusty to bewitch the rest of his clan or something

Tallstar and Jake are now even BETTER because Jake gets to show Tallstar kittypet tricks and Tallstar is like "wow i love my powerful fae boyfriend"

FAE SKYCLAN

I just really like the phrase pet-touched in the same vein of fae-touched

FAE SCOURGE FAE SCOURGE FAE SCOURGE TIGERSTAR SPENDS THE WHOLE SERIES TRYING TO DEFEAT A FAE FIGURES THAT A FAE MIGHT BE THE ONLY THING THAT CAN BEAT A FAE AND SCOURGE MURDERS THE SHIT OUT OF TIGERSTAR AFTER TIGERSTAR BREAKS THEIR DEAL WHICH JUST FURTHER MAKES THE CLANS CONVINCED KITTYPETS ARE FAE

I think Berrynose should be even MORE insufferable as a treat

I feel like Ashfur would accuse Squirrelflight of using fae magic to manipulate him and while he's a dick for doing it and I hate him it could be a really interesting scene

Graystripe having to deal with being pet-touched and people being very suspicious of his new fae girlfriend

Cloudtail using pretend fae magic to help Brightheart, putting like a flower in her fur and using her belief to be like "yeah this flower? ive imbued it with courage" and its very cute and then they can have a reveal that the courage was in Brightheart all along and yeah I know its cliche but dammit its CUTE

Does this make dogs also fae? Are dogs the Unseelie to the kittypets Seelie? Does this make people even more "hey what the fuck" about Millie when she reveals she can speak dog

Let Purdy learn about this and tell even WILDER lies because no one can tell him that he can't do a thing because fuck you he's a kittypet he can do lots of things you can't actually.

Firestar gets to say the word fuck and everyones like "gasp a kittypet word of power" which is hilarious to me

Jayfeather threatening people with fae magic and medicine cat knowledge sounds really funny especially if he uses his dream walking with it to scare the shit out of them

[faewhump]

Unseelie Pet: 27. Chapter

Alex tries to resist being put on display again, forcing Malachi to put him back in his place. And as if that wouldn’t have been enough, the arrival of an unexpected guest shakes Alex to his core.

Previous Masterlist Next

Content warnings: dehumanisation, captor bonding, abuse, cutting, blood, mentions of torture

Tagging: @galaxywhump @slaintetowhump @castielamigos-whump-side-blog @whumpsideblog @thewhiteraven73 @ohmywhump @deluxewhump @insanitywishes @u-n-o-f-f-i-c-i-a-l @astrobly @frnkieroismydaddy @ariirenn @swordkallya @a-terrible-pun

The night in which Malachi had shared his bed instantly became one of Alex’s favourite memories. He’d felt so safe and treasured waking up cradled in the Fae’s arms, happily enjoyed being fed breakfast in bed as well as the soft affection Malachi gave in abundance. Everything had been so perfect that he had almost forgotten about how awful he’d felt sitting in the cage the evening before. However, his memories came back quickly once he laid eyes on the oversized golden birdcage displayed prominently in the centre of the ballroom a week later.

This time the dominant colour of the decoration was red, and Alex’s heart sank as he noticed that he fit in perfectly with his rouged lips and the backless crimson robe that displayed the crest carved into his shoulder. Malachi had been ecstatic about how his pet had looked in the cage and how impressed the other faeries had been, so of course he wanted to recreate that. It had been naïve of Alex to think he wouldn’t just because he’d cried. He would have to sit still in the cage again, locked in, stared at and surrounded by faeries from every direction, unmoving, quiet, and alone while Malachi was busy entertaining his guests… the thought alone was enough to bring tears into his eyes.

Without thinking Alex stopped walking.

“N-no,” he stuttered and stemmed himself against the leash.

Surprised Malachi turned around. “What is it, darling?”

“I don’t, I don’t want to sit in the cage again.” Alex nervously watched the frown form on Malachi’s face.

“Why not? Is it not an easy task? All you need to do is sit on these soft pillows and stay still, that shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, you did so well last time, so why wouldn’t you want to do it again?”

“I didn’t like how everyone looked at me,” Alex explained. “I don’t want people to look at me like that again, please master, please don’t let them.”

Malachi huffed. “Ridiculous. The entire point of this installation is for everyone to look at you, after all you are the centrepiece.”

“But, but, but I don’t want to be,” Alex whined, giving Malachi his best pout and puppy eyes. “Please master, please don’t make me. Please, I’ll be so good, I promise.”

“If you want to be good, then stop making such a fuss this very instance and behave, pet,” Malachi reprimanded sternly. He gave the leash a sharp yank, and Alex stumbled as the collar dug painfully into his neck.

“No, please –“ He weakly tried to get away from the cage, but had no chance against the Fae’s superhuman strength.

“I said behave!” Malachi hissed and grabbed Alex’s arm, forcefully shoving him onto the low table in the middle of the room.

Alex whimpered, surprised at Malachi’s sudden roughness.

Malachi opened the cage door. “Get inside,” he ordered in a tone that left no room for argument, and Alex shakily obeyed.

“Please, master, please,” Alex begged again while Malachi arranged his limbs and clothes, hoping to sway him before it was too late. “Please don’t make me do this, please, I don’t want to do this, please, master, please don’t –“

He squealed at the sharp pain welling up in his cheek, only noticing belatedly that Malachi had used one of his claws to cut him. Too shocked to say anything he stared at the Fae looming above him.

“This is your last warning, pet.” Malachi announced, his perfectly manicured hands showing no trace of the claws that were hidden underneath the immaculate glamour. “Talk back at me again, and you will be disciplined. Understood?”

“Yes, master.” Unable to hold back his tears Alex began to cry.

Malachi sighed. “Hush, sweetheart, it’s alright,” he soothed and carefully wiped the tears away with his embroidered handkerchief. “Please don’t cry, darling. You’ll smudge the makeup.”

“Sorry,” Alex whimpered, trying his best to force the tears back down. The cut across his cheek hurt, and he could feel the blood slowly running over his skin.

“Hush, my sweet, hush. Don’t worry, you will do so well for me, just relax and wait here until I come to get you; there’s a good boy.” Malachi gently stroked over his hair until he calmed down, then went back to give his posture and clothes the finishing touches. Alex tensed when the cage door was closed and locked but managed to stay still.

“Ah, it’s gorgeous,” Malachi assessed. “As expected everything goes together perfectly, but oh, if I’d known before how magnificently a small cut would enhance the installation… that deep red line of blood against pale skin… simply beautiful.”

“Really?” Alex asked hesitantly, feeling rather embarrassed about the prospect of having the consequence of his disobedience displayed so openly. He wished he could wipe the blood away but knew that it would only make Malachi angry again if he moved out of position.

Malachi smiled and Alex’s heart fluttered. “Of course, darling. You look perfect, like a piece of art,” he assured, then checked his pocket watch. “The guests will arrive soon, so use the last minutes to compose yourself. Just stay as you are and relax, I know you’ll do great for me. Behave yourself, and I promise you will be rewarded. Doesn’t that sound nice?” Alex’s miserable nod was enough for Malachi.

This evening was somehow even worse than the last time he’d sat in the cage. The cut on his cheek burned, and he could feel the dried blood pulling at his skin whenever he moved his face. Just like Malachi the other faeries seemed to like it a lot, but instead of reassuring him it only left a bitter taste in his mouth. Something about the way his pain was perceived as artistic and beautiful made him feel sick to the stomach. All he wanted was to get out of the cage and back to his room, but he knew that he couldn’t possibly disappoint Malachi like that. And so he stayed where he was, unmoving and quiet, trying his best to distract himself by counting the rose petals strewn around the cage.

At first his strategy seemed to work, and the happenings around barely registered to him, when suddenly a familiar voice cut through, sending an icy shiver down his spine. His head snapped up, wide eyes searching the room, a cold fear rising within. No, it couldn’t be, this was impossible; Malachi had said he was gone, it couldn’t be… Alex’s eyes locked on to a Fae halfway across the room. He froze.

Rían.

The Fae Lord was of medium height, had light brown hair and pale skin, and wore fine clothes made of blue brocade. With his strong glamour he looked almost deceptively human, the unsettling aura that usually surrounded faeries all but missing completely. And yet he was the one that had haunted Alex’s dreams all throughout the last decade.

Ten years ago Alex had met Rían an entirely different person, young, naïve, and awfully desperate. He’d known that deal he’d struck with the Fae would change his life forever, but he hadn’t expected any of the horrible things that had happened because of it. Rían had been so nice to him, acting all understanding and empathetic, and speaking in such a calm manner that made everything he said sound so very reasonable. But then Alex’s conscience had hindered him from following his orders and the Fae had reacted mercilessly, throwing Alex into a dark cell, and declaring him fair game for all of his vassals to amuse themselves with.

It had taken Alex months to escape, as well as many years to cope with the experience. He’d finally come to think of himself fully freed from Rían’s influence, reassured by Malachi’s insistence that the other Fae Lord hadn’t been seen around the Court for years. But now here he was, in the middle of the ballroom, eyes locked on Alex and walking towards him.

Alex was petrified by fear, everything in him screamed at him to run away and hide, but found himself utterly unable to move. Not that it would change anything, he was still very much locked inside this cage as well as strictly ordered to stay in position. Malachi would be so mad at him if he moved, but there was Rían, coming to a halt in front of the bars, standing right there less than a meter away from him, smiling. Frozen in place Alex trembled as his breathing turned fast and shallow, panic taking over.

Rían’s voice was smooth and pleasant as he spoke. “Now look at what an exotic little bird Malachi caught,” he said. “Hello there, Kieran. It’s been a while.”

Alex’s mind came up blank, incapable to even think of how to form words; this couldn’t be happening.

“I have to say, I hadn’t expected my visit to this Court to turn out quite so interesting.” Rían cocked his head and slowly looked him over, a small smile playing around his lips. “My, this is truly unexpected.”

No, no, no, this couldn’t be real, it just couldn’t be. Alex couldn’t think of a time when he’d ever been more scared than at this very moment, and yet all he could do was staying still and quiet, not leaving his position. What if Rían wanted to punish him for his escape? Sure, ten years had passed, but to an immortal faerie that kind of time meant nothing. Would Rían be satisfied with hurting him or would he, like Darerca, want to kill him? Alex felt like he was close to passing out from fear, when finally rescue came.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Malachi asked as he stepped up next to Rían.

Alex could have cried from relief, surely his master would protect him. He loved him and Alex had been so good, not moving out of position at all despite his fear. Besides, he had promised that he would never let anyone hurt him again.

Without faltering Rían turned to Malachi. “It truly is, you’ve always had an excellent eye for these kinds of things, Lord Malachi.”

“You flatter me, Lord Rían,” Malachi gave back, clearly pleased with the compliment. “I hadn’t expected to see you again so soon, what a pleasant surprise.”

Alex frowned slightly, why would Malachi refer to this as a pleasant surprise? He’d never mentioned having any kinds of positive relationship to Rían before, but then again, he was probably just being polite. Tensely Alex continued to watch the two Fae Lords.

“The sentiment is very much shared on my side, I am quite looking forward to catching up with you,” Rían assured. “However, I first just have to ask where and when you found your lovely new pet.”

“Oh, it stumbled right into my arms in this very room, about eight months ago,” Malachi replied with a small smile.

“That’s quite recent. How did you get it this docile so quickly?”

Alex shivered under Rían’s gaze.

“Oh, you know me, I’ve always been of the opinion that simple torture is horribly ineffective when it comes to taming pets. It appears that my approach is indeed the superior one to achieve the desired results.”

“Hmm.” Rían’s smile had disappeared. “Do you only use it for decoration?”

Malachi smirked. “Oh no, it's very much a multipurpose pet, this one, quite multifaceted in its talents.” His meaningful grin caused Alex to blush.

“I see.”

For a moment they regarded Alex in silence, who tried his hardest not to squirm.

“I am not sure whether you remembered, but this human used to be mine,” Rían began slowly.

“Oh, I know,” Malachi said light-heartedly.

“If that is so, you might also be aware that I have never actually withdrawn my claim on it.”

Alex flinched, terrified of what that might mean. Rían’s tone had sounded nothing but conversational, but he knew better than to assume that the disinterest it conveyed was real.

Malachi too sounded utterly unconcerned. “Pardon my bluntness, but after the, well, failure that your handling of this human was, I wouldn’t have thought that you’d still be interested in it.”

“Ha, I guess that’s fair,” Rían admitted, flashing Malachi a self-deprecating smile. “Of course I would be more than willing to reimburse you for the trouble. Name a price, and we’ll see what can be done.”

Alex’s eyes went wide with fear and he whimpered. No, this couldn’t be. Malachi wouldn’t sell him, right? He couldn’t do that; sure, he seemed a lot he more friendly with Rían than Alex would have expected, but he loved him. Malachi loved him.

Malachi’s eyes flicked to him as he couldn’t help shifting his weight restlessly. “Keep you position, pet,” he reminded him, and Alex froze again. Satisfied with his compliance Malachi turned back to Rían. “I’m afraid that there is no price you could provide that would be high enough to weigh up to pain of losing my beloved darling pet.”

“Are you certain about that? I’m sure we could –“

“No,” Malachi interrupted decidedly. “I am sorry, but I will not change my mind on this.”

“And if I decide maintain to my claim?” Rían pressed.

Malachi met his eyes calmly. “Then you and I will have to settle this with a duel.”  

His entire body wound up by tension Alex held his breath.  

Rían huffed. “Oh please, no human is worth getting that kind of animosity between us, you know how much I value your friendship,” he appeased.

Malachi smiled and clapped Rían on the shoulder. “As do I, my friend, as do I.”

[faewhump]

Alex: Bi

Malachi: Gay

What is your OC’s sexuality?

[thesoulspulse]

Ironic that I drew this after a sleepless night, but here we go. I was going to do more with this but I ran out of energy after layering all the different parts and effects. Still turned out pretty amazing though. In a previous post I mentioned how I might adapt the Fright Knight to my Unseelie Vlad AU and technically I already have roleplay-wise on my side discord server since I got the idea to have the Fright Knight be the soul of a fallen knight turned fae servant.

As a reward for his unwavering loyalty to Vladislav since the Unseelie King gave him a purpose again, the Fright Knight leads the Wild Hunt which in European folklore is a procession of ghosts and other spirits who ride eternally through the night in a never-ending hunt/battle. I know this sounds more like something Skulker would love being in charge of, but in the show we tend to forget he’s technically a blob ghost in a robotic suit...

I did mention adapting him as the ghost of a royal huntsmen, but that isn’t nearly as impressive as making the Fright Knight my Fae Vlad’s right hand servant that serves out of loyalty and not cause he wants to get anything out of it which is more Skulker’s style. At least in this version anyway. But we’re not here to talk about Skulker, we’re here about the Fright Knight.

So yeah, this drawing for the most part is a character concept of how he might look in my Unseelie Vlad AU. I gave Nightmare a new look too because for one, I’ve already drawn them several times in their canon version, and for another I just wanted to make them a unicorn instead because I mean...Nightmare’s already a ghost so the wings are a bit pointless don’t you think? I love drawing dragon/bat wings but it was just easier to leave them out this time around.

Also, there’s a color error in the title card of the Fright Knight’s first episode in the show so I wanted to make a nod to that by making Nightmare’s mane and tail (which you can’t tell but I have the mane and tail connect from head to the tailbone) purple just like the Fright Knight’s flaming hair...

In the series though, Nightmare has a green mane, tail, and flaming hooves. Personally I think they should have kept the purple because it would have made Nightmare feel more connected to the Fright Knight kind of like Johnny 13′s shadow, but I digress!

Moving on, my AU version of the Fright Knight as I said was a former knight who was betrayed by his mortal King when Vladislav found his wandering spirit and offered him a place in the Unseelie Court. The Fright Knight accepted and quickly proved his worth to his new King and was granted a magical sword to replace his previous one which he left behind since it was made of iron and hardly worthy of someone of his skill plus it kinda hurt him now as a Fae-Touched spirit. And instead of being called the Soul Shredder, this one is called “Shadowsnare” and it has the power to curse any soul to eventually become a rider of the Wild Hunt who is pierced by it whether they are sill living or already a ghost.

Lastly, the Fright Knight’s armor is also heavily rose thorn themed since this world’s version of Blood Blossoms are Vladislav’s calling card. This is the ultimate sign of how much Vladislav values him in his Court, especially after giving him some measure of control over the many mortal souls he’s captured/collected over many centuries. So yeah, this version of the Fright Knight is Vladislav’s most loyal servant and unlike the canon version he’s respected a lot better by the Fae King of the Unseelie Court than by his previous King who left him for dead when his usefulness came to an end and failed to see his true worth.

Ok, I’ve rambled long enough and seriously need to TRY and get some sleep if my pets will finally let me. Hope you enjoyed learning about this new au version of one of my favorite villains in the show.

[as-a-matter-of-whump]

Forest Day

@brutal-nemesis - enjoy! :)

Though this is based on motives from traditional folklore, a good part of it was inspired by my dear friend @faewhump 's Unseelie Pet series. If you haven’t read it yet I recommend you head over and do so ;)

CW: lost in the woods, drowning, kidnapped by fae

Devin stumbled along the overgrown path. It was already getting dark and he had no idea where he was - still he refused to admit that he was actually lost. He could still remember that he had been walking straight ahead for a long time, then he had turned left to pick some berries, then he turned left again, then… He sighed in frustration. He was lost.

'Guess I'll have to spend the night here,' he said to no one in particular and turned around to look for something that could serve as a makeshift bed and shelter him from the forces of nature.

He kept walking through the trees. The path had long since vanished, but all he wanted was to find a safe place to spend the night - he’d have all the time in the world to search for his way back home tomorrow when the sun would be up again. 

‘Oh, great,’ he muttered as the first drops started falling on his head and he hurried to get out of the rain. 

The ground was already soaking wet and he slipped a few times but now that it was pouring, he kept running nonetheless. He ran and ran, but there wasn’t a single spot in this whole godforsaken forest that seemed to fit as a shelter for the night. He was tired and wanted to sit down but there were thorns all over the place, the ground looked swampy and-

‘Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!’

In the dark, he didn’t notice that he had been standing on the edge of a steep slope and as soon as he took another step forward, he lost his footing and fell. He tried to get hold of the root of a tree, but it broke as soon as he tried to pull himself up. He hit the ground with a thud, relieved that he seemed to be rather unharmed. Looking back up, he realised that things could have been way worse since he had fallen at last a hundred metres. He got up on all fours and finally managed to stand again. There was a hole in his jeans and he was covered in mud but other than that he was alright, though still a bit wobbly on his legs. He started walking again, not too fast this time, but still eager to find a place to spend the night. The farther he went, the more his knee hurt; maybe this was an outgrowth of his fall even though there hadn’t been any visible damage. The ground was muddy again and he gave his best not to slip when he saw an overgrown piece of wood on the ground not far away. It was slightly elevated and seemed comfortable enough to sit down for a short moment. With a sigh, he took a seat and leaned back so he could rest his leg when a sudden noise made him flinch.

CRACK.

The solid ground beneath his feet had vanished and he fell again, head first, down into the darkness while the rain kept pouring down on him. His fall didn’t last too long, but when he hit the ground, another sickening crack could be heard - this time, it wasn’t a piece of rotten wood but his ankle. He tried to sit up and examine the damage done, but it was too dark. Fumbling around, he could feel walls of massive stone wherever he placed his fingers. And water. There was water all around him, not much, but the rain that kept falling on his head would make the water level rise very fast - it was the purpose of a well, after all. The problem was that it wasn’t the purpose of a well to house people. He had to get out of it as long as the water hasn’t risen high enough to actually drown him. 

Getting up hurt; standing on his injured leg seemed pretty much impossible. He looked up into the night sky and tried to perceive how far down he had fallen, but he couldn’t see where the wall ended and the outside world began. How should he ever get out of here again? The wooden planks that had covered the opening of the well had been barely visible; maybe it had been out of use for so long that no one even remembered it existed. 

He reached for one of the bigger stones in the wall and tried to pull himself up, but slipped off right away. He tried another stone, but the result remained the same. With a pained groan, he sank to the ground and leaned his head against the wall. He probably had to wait until the next day. Maybe someone would walk their dog in the forest and would hear him call for help. The only thing that scared him was the fact that the water kept rising while he wasn’t able to stand for too long. If it didn’t stop raining… With eyes widened by fear, he looked up at the dark sky again. He didn’t want to drown in this well. All alone. In a forest that seemed like a part of another world. Dark and scary. In the middle of the night, where everything was silent except for the pouring rain.

‘Help me!’ he screamed; his voice echoed between the walls but died down too soon.

He tried it again, a third time, a fourth… but no one came to rescue him. No one even heard him. He sat back against the wall and ran his fingers through the water that reached up to his ankles now. And it hadn’t stopped raining yet, if anything, the rain seemed to intensify.

‘What are you doing here?’

Devin jumped and turned around hastily. Had there really been a voice or was his mind already playing tricks on him? Looking up, he saw a dark shadow leaning over the edge of the well.

‘Who are you?’ he croaked and tried to get back on his feet again.

‘I own this forest and everything that’s in it.’

‘Please, I… I fell into the well and now I can’t get out again… please help me!’

‘You shouldn’t have come here in the first place.’

‘I know, I… I got lost along the way and then I fell down a slope and-’

‘Be quiet!’

Devin fell silent. The person looking down on him was his only chance to survive, so he really shouldn’t upset them. A few moments passed and he already thought that his rescuer had left when he suddenly heard the strange voice talk again.

‘What’s your name, clumsy human?’

What?! Did this person just call him-

The shadow seemed to vanish again and Devin hurried to answer the question.

‘Devin! My name is Devin Taylor. And may I ask who you are?’

‘You may. But you won’t get an answer from me.’

This strange person made him shiver, but since the water was still rising, Devin would’ve done anything to get out of his water-filled prison.

‘Please, will you help me get out of here?’

The other person seemed to consider this; with every passing minute, Devin got more and more devastated.

‘PLEASE!’

Moments later, a rope ladder was thrown down and Devin hurried to climb up. When he finally reached the edge, still covered by the broken planks, he found himself lying at the mysterious person’s feet. They were tall, their thin form covered in clothes that seemed to be made from dark blue velvet, with striking silver buttons and matching jewelry. Their hair reached down to their shoulders - soft waves shining in a silvery blue that looked natural and artificial at the same time. This person seemed like they had just escaped from a fairy tale.

‘Who are you?’ Devin whispered, crawling back in fear.

The otherworldly creature smiled down on him, baring teeth that were too sharp to still be considered beautiful.

‘Your master.’

[silverlysilence]

A Somewhat Mythology Lesson for the Fae’s Sake

I am now seeing a lot of questions regarding the Fae and have decided to do another of my HoaDS Reference Material Lessons because this was one of the things I researched a lot. Yet again, I will add links to Wikipedia as it has the most basic and easily understandable information, but this time I will also be linking to various Wikia fandoms as I relied heavily on them for inspiration.

First off, Fae (both plural and singular form) also known as fay, fey, fair folk or the traditional fairy are a type of mythical being that does not have a single origin as they are a collection of folk beliefs from a verity of sources.  Some see them as a form of spirit, sometimes spirits of the dead, while others believe them to be demoted angels or demons, minor deities, or even as elementals.  They are not always small-statured winged creatures, as at one-point goblins and gnomes fell into their category as well.  Thus, there is a lot of conflicting information on the fair folk.

More often than not, the fae are usually attracted to those who are beautiful as well as wealthy and seek them out for various reasons.  They are masters of enchantment and tend to only care about themselves even when dealing with humans but fae can be persuaded for a price.  Traditionally, iron (and by extension, steel) is inimical to them and is often referred to as cold iron when used as a weapon against the fae.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy

For Heart of a Dragon’s Soul, I relied heavily on both Merlin and Dresden Files as reference rather than relying on the folklore since that gave me a more narrowed down basis to work with rather than too much conflicting information.  However, as many of my readers have found out, I used the pixies from Disney Fairies for my Wyldfae as to not have to create my own characters.  I also stuck to using Fae(rie) for the fair folk in the series to distinguish them as different to Toothiana’s Fairies.

In most folklore, the two most prominent categories of fae are the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classifications_of_fairies) which I stuck with for the most part but incorporated the Wyldfae as well.  However, it should be noted, that the fae, no matter their classification, are still dangerous if crossed.  Something I adhered to in my writing as well since it paralleled the dragons who are also Creatures of Magic willing to work with the Hairy Hooligan Tribe but are dangerous creatures in their own right.  

The Seelie Court is the more beneficently inclined fair folk whereas the Unseelie Court, are more malicious in nature.  These courts are also referred to as the Summer Court and the Winter Court and in HoaDS, there is a reason for the difference between Seelie Court and Summer Court as well as the Unseelie Court and Winter Court. But I’m not sure how far I will go into explaining that as it is a part of the storyline I haven’t yet to post and carries potential spoilers (there is a reason I am the Norn of Silence after all, and that is because I don’t give spoilers if I can help it). However, just know for the most part, the Summer Court is the Seelie Court and the Winter Court is the Unseelie Court.  

The Seelie Court more often than not would seek help from humans and warn those who accidentally offended them, returning human kindness with favors of their own.  As stated before, they are still dangerous and were quick to avenge any insults to their persons. They also were prone to mischief by playing light-hearted pranks without realizing how the pranks affected humans.

The Unseelie Court, on the other hand, needed no offense to deem it necessary to bring down assault and often attacked travelers out at night.  Just like how the Seelie Court were not always seen as benevolent, neither were the fae of the Unseelie Court always malevolent as they too became fond of particular humans if they were viewed as respectful.  Though, those humans often times made into something of a pet, which reflected their darker aspects compared to the Seelie Court.

The last classification I use is that of the Wyldfae (inspired by the Dresden Files: https://dresdenfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Wyldfae).  These are the fae that are bound to neither of the faerie courts as they are oftentimes seen as insignificant in the eyes of the higher-ranked fae.  Though, in the event of a war, most Wyldfae will associate themselves with the side that they are most inclined.  For the most part, they lived in harmony in the Wyldfae Haven, home of Pixie Hollow and the Winter Woods before it’s fall.  Now, they mostly live in the Nevernever or have carved out a small place for themselves unseen by humans.

Now that classifications are out of the way, let's dive into fae ranks.  Here is where I will go into the Summer and Winter Courts as laid out by the Dresden Files as it gave me the groundwork for the fae hierarchy.

Sídhe (pronounced ‘shee’) literally means “people of the (fairy) hills”.  This comes back to the idea that fae were spirits of the dead since the ‘fairy hills’ were often burial mounts.  Furthermore, Sídhe was the original term for fairies in general but has since changed over time to refer to the nobility of the fae.

In HoaDS, the Sídhe are the nobility of the fae, the upper echelon which is not hereditary—though that can be a determining factor—but based on status and their abilities.  In short, they are powerful as fuck.  They have fought their way to the top and are still there because lower-ranking fae respect their rule and power but also because no one has managed to kill them off yet.

Originally, the Sídhe were made up of the Sídhe Elders which I envision are the Sídhe Kings of Old from Merlin’s time (https://merlin.fandom.com/wiki/Sidhe_Elder) who have seen the Great Purge and witnessed the Balance disturbed.  They might have gone a little insane from their immortality, they could have decided a purge of their own was needed, or they might have seen an opportunity to fill the vacuum of power left from the Great Purge (I’m not saying which), which lead to the destruction of Pixie Hollow and the beginning of the Sídhe War.

During the time of the Sídhe Elders, it was taboo to kill another Sídhe Elder and the punishment was death unless it was another Sídhe Elder that committed the murder.  In which case, the Sídhe who committed such an offense was cursed to live the life of a mortal in body and soul.  However, if the cursed Sídhe sacrificed a human of great worth, either royalty or one with great magical potential, they’d gain back their life as a Sídhe.

After the Sídhe War, both Courts have their own territories in the land of Faerie within the Nevernever governed by the three queens.  The eldest of the Queen, otherwise known as The Queen Who Was, is either Mother Winter or Mother Summer, according to the court she belongs to.  They hold no official power over the court but are extremely powerful beings as the former queens who were not killed during their reign.  The ruling queen, The Queen Who is, is often referred to as the Winter Queen or Summer Queen and she controls the courts. Lastly, the youngest of each court is the Lady Summer or Lady Winter, The Queen Who is to Come, and is considered to be a Queen in training. The rest of the Sídhe are akin to the Lords and Ladies of the court and take offense at not being referred to faerie rather than Sídhe because they are above normal fae.  (https://dresdenfiles.fandom.com/wiki/Faerie_Courts)

The Dresden Files also has a Winter King and Summer King, both of whom are technically Wyldfae but are associated with their respective seasons and are independent of the Queens.  In SoaD, the Winter King and Summer King are more or less the protectors of the Wyldfae. It is an alliance of convenience as the two are not truly their Kings but they call them that out of respect.

Dewdrop Faeries are the weakest of the fae.  They typically only have the magical talent for one type of magic, be it a certain element or skillset, but not much else as their magical reserves are quite low. Their size is in direct correlation with their magical capabilities, the more magic they have, the larger they are but if they expend all of their magic, the dimmer their light shines. The majority of which are Wyldfae since neither of the courts see the need to recruit such lowly creatures into their services.

Brownies are what some would be considered domesticate fae as they come out at night while the owners of the house are asleep to perform various chores and farming tasks.  However, they are far from domesticated as they only complete the tasks in trade for a bowl of milk or cream or some other offering for the brownie left by the hearth. They are easily offended and will leave their homes forever if they feel like they’ve been insulted or taken advantage of in any way.

The Wee Folk are less of a faerie rank and more of a generalization of all the small size fae which include Dewdrop Faeries, Brownies, and the likes.

Pixies are a step above Dewdrop Faeries in power and were the original creators of Pixie Hollow, hence the name. However, upon seeing their power and capabilities, the Sídhe from both the Seelie and Unseelie Courts swayed them to their side with promises of power, forever garnering them as loyal servants to the Sídhe.

Please let me know if this clears things up and if there is still any confusion that doesn’t count as a spoiler, I will do my best to answer.  Hope you enjoyed the lesson.

[deluxewhump]

what are some of your favorite stories on whumpblr!

@faewhump Unseelie Pet Series, 

@ashintheairlikesnow anything to do w Red Danny is gold

@go-ahead-and-whump Blondie

@whumping-every-day  Gabe (and bb Ash!)

@haro-whumps Group Whumpees

there’s more but its late and im like uuuuuuuuh!! I can’t think lol. also, side note, never be afraid to self-rec to me. :)

[demonssanctuary]

The Shadowhunter Chronicles - Ask Game

Nephilim - Favourite character(s) from each series

Vampires - Plot twist you didn't expect

Werewolfs - Plot twist you did expect

Warlocks - Favourite book (main series books or companion books)

Faeries - Favourite anti-hero

Demons - Favourite (main) villain

Angels - favourite (main) hero

Tarot Cards - Favourite artist (painter/musician/fighter/magician/scientist [there are a lot of different arts])

“Cats, man.” - Favourite animal/pet from TSC

Devon, England - Favourite family motto

Fairchild Manor - Favourite family symbol

The Spiral Labyrinth - Character that does deserve redemption

Faerie Courts - Character that doesn't deserve redemption

Seelie Court - Best constructed lie

Unseelie Court - Worst constructed lie

Vampire Clans - Favourite relationship(s) (platonic/romantic/villain-hero-dynamics)

Werewolf packs - Favourite family (Downworlders/Shadowhunters/Mundanes)

Clave - Favourite line from the Shadowhunter's children's rhyme (Black for hunting through the night...)

Council - Favourite headcanon

Downworlder and Shadowhunter Alliance - What do you think needs to change in the Shadow World to bring peace

Covenant - What do you think is the stupidest law/belief nephilim have

Accords - If you could decide would you want to be a Shadowhunter, a Warlock, a Faerie, a Vampire, a Werewolf, an Angel, a Demon, a Mundane without the Sight or a Mundane with the Sight

Codex - What's your favourite demon

Institute - Favourite quote/favourite scene

The Gard - What do you think is the slowest book to get through

Lake Lyn - What do you think is the fastest book to get through

Alicante - Favourite place out of all the books

Idris - What were/was (a) moment(s) you just felt happy, comfortable or relaxed reading

Edom - What were/was the creepiest, scariest or most unsettling moment(s) for you in any book

Thule - (A) Scene(s) that made you cry (happy/sad/angry tears) (or very nearly)

Heaven - What's your favourite angel

Steles - What is/are your favourite rune(s)

Seraph Blades - Favourite weapon in TSC (including magic and other kinds of downworlder strengths/powers)

Adamas - A plot twist you want to see

Electrum - If you could change one thing about TSC what would it be

Ichor - The most annoying thing about the story/a character/ect

Silent Brothers - Favourite healing scene/healing process

Iron Sisters - Favourite fight scene

Daylighters - What do you think is the bravest and at the same time most stupid thing a character did

Warlock Mark - Underappreciated character

Wings - Overhyped character

Spell book - Favourite book series/time

Claws - Best scene

Fangs - Worst scene

Faerie dust - Favourite piece of jewellery that appears in TSC

Yin Fen - A death you wish you could reverse

Dark Artifices - Favourite latin phrase used in TSC

Mortal Instruments - Favourite literary influence used in TSC

Infernal Devices - Favourite historic influence used in TSC

Heavenly Fire - A question that's not on here

[aratilightwood]

Characters from ‘The shadowhunter chronicles’ as youtubers.

Clary:

(1) ‘Draw my (tragic) life.’

Thumbnail: Clary pointing a paintbrush to her head like a gun.

(2) ‘Vlog 37 - Isabelle made me sit through one hundred wedding dresses.’

Thumbnail: Clary rolling her eyes inside a wedding boutique.

(3) ‘The (useless) boyfriend tag.’

Thumbnail: Clary strangling Jace because he gets most of the questions wrong.

(4) ‘Underrated artists.’

Thumbnail: Clary holding a palette with a dreamy expression in her face.

(5) ‘One of my favourite pass times.’

Thumbnail: Clary surrounded by a big collection of Manga.

Simon:

(1) ‘Cover of ‘Always’ by Gavin James.’

Thumbnail: Simon sitting with a guitar on his lap.

(2) ‘My first experience with virtual reality.’

Thumbnail: Simon standing with a piece of headset over his eyes.

(3) ‘Vlog 23 - buying our first cat, Yossarian.’

Thumbnail: Simon in a pet shop with Isabelle, who’s holding a tabby kitten.

(4) ‘My girlfriend gives me a makeover.’

Thumbnail: Simon before and after a complete wardrobe change.

(5) ‘Why ‘Java Jones’ is the best coffee shop in Brooklyn.’

Thumbnail: Simon sitting at a table in his apartment with a coffee cup.

Jace:

(1) ‘My day-day morning routines.’

Thumbnail: Jace styling his hair in the mirror with a comb.

(2) ‘A tour of my weapons room.’

Thumbnail: Jace sharpening a short sword with tools.

(3) ‘Cover of ‘The Rains of Castamere’ by Sigur Ros.’

Thumbnail: Jace sitting at the piano with his head tilted back.

(4) ‘Mannequin challenge with my family.’

Thumbnail: Jace posing with everyone in the institute, while trying to keep a straight face.

(5) ‘Lyric prank on my girlfriend: ‘Girls like you’ by Maroon 5.’

Thumbnail: Jace’s screenshots of texts to Clary.

Isabelle:

(1) ‘My boyfriend does my voice over.’

Thumbnail: Isabelle holding foundation in her hands, and preparing to do make up.

(2) ‘Step by step guide to walking in five inch heals.’

Thumbnail: Isabelle standing in training gear and high heals.

(3) ‘Dollar store vs. branded products.’

Thumbnail: Isabelle holding a facial cream with a disgusted look on her face.

(4) ‘Vlog 29 - how many stores can I visit in a day?’

Thumbnail: Isabelle walking with a tired looking Simon, who’s carrying six bags.

(5) ‘Recipe for fish stew.’

Thumbnail: Isabelle cooking while Jace is gagging behind her.

Alec:

(1) ‘Vlog 14 - planning Rafael’s surprise birthday party.’

Thumbnail: Alec hanging up balloons, while Max is covered in glitter on the carpet.

(2) ‘Ice bucket challenge on the roof of the institute.’

Thumbnail: Alec unhappily sitting in a chair while he’s soaked in water.

(3) ‘First three months as Consul of a broken government.’

Thumbnail: Alec sitting at a desk with a cluster of papers.

(4) ‘Story time: our adoption of Max.’

Thumbnail: Alec sitting with his entire family, and Max is on his lap.

(5) ‘One hundred reasons why my Parabatai is a drama queen.’

Thumbnail: Alec frowning at Jace.

Magnus:

(1) ‘My boyfriend does my make up (fail).’

Thumbnail: Magnus sitting with too much eye shadow on his eyelids.

(2) ‘Every time I’ve had to save the shadowhunters from their own stupidity.’

Thumbnail: Magnus shrugging with a look of amusement.

(3) ‘Vlog 8 - buying my sons their first present.’

Thumbnail: Magnus smiling while Rafe and Max are opening a collection of the ‘Harry potter’ books.

(4) ‘A tour of my walk-in closet.’

Thumbnail: Magnus holding up a pair of Ralf Lauren trousers.

(5) ‘The most memorable moments of my long life.’

Thumbnail: Magnus reading from the same notebook he gave to Alec.

Mark:

(1) ‘Weird (not so weird) food combinations.’

Thumbnail: Mark happily putting chilli sauce on one of Julian’s pancakes.

(2) ‘Vlog 28 - impressing mundane girls with poetic pick up lines.’

Thumbnail: Mark bowing in front of someone with a mischievous look.

(3) ‘The whisper challenge.’

Thumbnail: Mark, Cristina and Kieran sitting with headphones over their ears.

(4) ‘Truth or dare based on viewers’ requests.’

Thumbnail: Mark sitting at his desk unhappily, with pink ribbon in his hair.

(5) ‘Q&A: how did our polyamorous relationship start?’

Thumbnail: Mark sitting with Kieran and Cristina.

Julian:

(1) ‘Recipe for pancakes.’

Thumbnail: Julian flipping a pancake while Emma is placing an entire strawberry in her mouth.

(2) ‘DIY: building inside forts.’

Thumbnail: Julian holding up a tent and Tavvy sitting underneath.

(3) ‘Tour of my art studio.’

Thumbnail: Julian standing inside the studio, near a blank canvas.

(4) ‘Vlog 53 - we went to best reviewed restaurant in Los Angeles.’

Thumbnail: Julian sitting with Emma and eating spaghetti bolognese.

(5) ‘One of my childhood habits.’

Thumbnail: Julian holding two lizards that have fallen asleep on his palm.

Ty:

(1) ‘Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books ranked from my most favourite to least favourite.’

Thumbnail: Ty holding a big pile of his ‘Sherlock Holmes’ book series.

(2) ‘Every extraordinary pet I’ve brought to the institute.’

Thumbnail: Ty standing with a ferret draped over his shoulders.

(3) ‘Introducing everyone to Watson.’

Thumbnail: Ty sitting at his computer desk, with a thoughtful expression.

(4) ‘Reacting to movie adaptations of books.’

Thumbnail: Ty looking unimpressed while staring at the TV.

(5) ‘Bean boozled challenge with my brother.’

Thumbnail: Ty sitting with Tavvy, who’s holding a sweet packet.

Drusilla:

(1) ‘My response to being exiled from Alicante.’

Thumbnail: Drusilla holding two middle fingers up towards the camera.

(2) ‘Try not to get scared challenge with my sister.’

Thumbnail: Drusilla making a fake terrified face, while Helen is hiding her face.

(3) ‘Life hack: how do you pick a lock?’

Thumbnail: Drusilla holding a box full of paper clips.

(4) ‘Modern v.s classic horror movies.’

Thumbnail: Drusilla holding a dvd of ‘The conjuring’ film.

(5) ‘My daily hairstyle routine.’

Thumbnail: Drusilla holding onto her two pigtails.

Tavvy:

(1) ‘Try not to sing challenge with my brother.’

Thumbnail: Tavvy sitting next to Mark and smiling gleefully.

(2) ‘How long can I hide in a bag full of sugar, before everyone finds out?’

Thumbnail: Tavvy covered liberally in powdered sugar.

(3) ‘The best way to get rid of nightmares.’

Thumbnail: Tavvy sitting with a glass of warm milk, colouring books and stuffed toys.

(4) ‘Vlog 11 - trip to New York.’

Thumbnail: Tavvy, Rafe and Max standing together in Central Park.

(5) ‘DIY: making holiday cards for everyone.’

Thumbnail: Tavvy covered in paint and holding a small card that has a Christmas tree drawn on it.

Emma:

(1) ‘Lyric prank on my boyfriend: ‘I think I want to marry you’ by Bruno Mars.’

Thumbnail: screenshots of Emma’s texts to Julian.

(2) ‘100 layers of hats.’

Thumbnail: Emma standing with lots of hats on her head, including sombreros.

(3) ‘Vlog 29 - ‘Hidden treasures’ never fails to impress.’

Thumbnail: Emma holding an expensive dress while standing inside the store.

(4) ‘My training routine.’

Thumbnail: Emma looking down at her knuckles that have become sore.

(5) ‘Reasons why my boyfriend is the best cook.’

Thumbnail: Emma swooning over Julian, who’s standing in an apron.

Diana:

(1) ‘Story time: I really chopped off his arm.”

Thumbnail: Diana shrugging and pretending to look guilty.

(2) ‘My ideas for the new government.’

Thumbnail: Diana standing in a classroom, and pointing towards the whiteboard with a stick.

(3) ‘How do I balance my time in faerie and the mortal world?’

Thumbnail: Diana standing outside the entrance to faerie.

(4) ‘Life hack: how do you ride a flying horse?’

Thumbnail: Diana sitting on Orian’s back, with Gwyn behind her.

(5) ‘Vlog 41 - my boyfriend surprises me to a romantic picnic.’

Thumbnail: Diana sitting on a green hill, and watching the sunset.

Kieran:

(1) ‘Compilation of General Winter losing his temper.’

Thumbnail: Kieran standing in his royal attire, with General Winter glaring behind him.

(2) ‘An unexpected gift from an unlikely friend.’

Thumbnail: Kieran holding many animal calendars, including baby otters.

(3) ‘Vlog 62 - a surprise present.’

Thumbnail: Kieran holding a black Kitten with blue eyes, while Mark and Cristina are sitting with him.

(4) ‘Reacting to movie adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.’

Thumbnail: Kieran holding a dvd of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

(5) ‘Story time: how did I become king?’

Thumbnail: Kieran sitting in the throne room of the Unseelie court.

Cristina:

(1) Homemade vs. Shop bought Mexican food.’

Thumbnail: Cristina sitting at a table, surrounded by different enchilada wraps.

(2) ‘A tour of my rose garden.’

Thumbnail: Cristina planting new seeds so they can blossom.

(3) ‘Reasons why coffee will help get you through the day.’

Thumbnail: Cristina holding a giant mug of warm coffee.

(4) ‘Story time: my eventful travel year in Los Angeles.’

Thumbnail: Cristina making a terrified, yet funny face at the camera.

(5) ‘Spill your guts of fill your guts with my boyfriends.’

Thumbnail: Cristina sitting at a table with Mark, Kieran and weird food combinations.

Jem:

(1) ‘A century’s old wedding gift to my wife.’

Thumbnail: Jem standing with a violin against his shoulder.

(2) ‘Preparing for fatherhood.’

Thumbnail: Jem hovering over a baby doll, with a nappy in his hand.

(3) ‘Vlog 54 - weapon’s shopping with Kit.

Thumbnail: Jem looking at Kit with exasperation, because he’s holding a staff like a lightsaber.

(4) ‘Reasons why ‘Mulan’ will always be my favourite Disney movie.’

Thumbnail: Jem holding a dvd of the movie with a smile on his face.

(5) ‘In appreciation of Lilly Chen.’

Thumbnail: Jem sitting and holding up a list the nicknames Lilly gave him.

Tessa:

(1) ‘Preparing the baby nursery.’

Thumbnail: Tessa smiling while Kit and Jem are behind her, painting a pink room.

(2) ‘Vlog 13 - how do you make brownies?’

Thumbnail: Tessa standing with Kit while he’s mixing ingredients.

(3) ‘Underrated authors.’

Thumbnail: Tessa holding a giant pile of classic books.

(4) ‘Who played Darcy better: Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen?’

Thumbnail: Tessa holding pictures of the two different actors.

(5) ‘Tour of my bookshelf.’

Thumbnail: Tessa happily standing in front of a large bookshelf in her bedroom.

Kit:

(1) ‘Prank wars on my adoptive family.’

Thumbnail: Kit standing next to Jem, who’s covered in sticky syrup and white feathers.

(2) ‘Baby gender reveal.’

Thumbnail: Kit standing near a balloon that’s either filled with pink or blue confetti.

(3) ‘Try not to dance challenge with Jem.’

Thumbnail: Kit and Jem posing in funny dance moves.

(4) ‘The demon pox song.’

Thumbnail: Kit smiling at the camera while Jem is frowning at him.

(5) ‘Chubby bunny challenge with Tessa.’

Thumbnail: Kit and Tessa sitting with a big bag of marshmallows.

[runonthewind]

Shotor week Bonus Day - AU/Free Day

!!! I keep wanting to do Shotor week but last week has been a pretty busy week irl for me but...i made it... for the bonus day at least.... wheezes

Anyway this is urban fantasy Fae AU Shotor slow dancing in the firefly forest :3c

Backstory;

Shiro, when he was still a student, somehow got tricked into seven years of servitude to a fae named Sendak. What he didn’t know, was that fae are tricky and sly, so instead of seven years straight up, it’s actually seven years accumulated of like a couple of hours at a time, which Sendak uses to make Shiro compete in underground fae fight rings, where they pit their human “pets” against each other. 

One day, Lotor, heir to the Unseelie throne, wins Shiro’s contract from Sendak. A tired and jaded Shiro tries to plead with Lotor to release him from the contract, but the binding can only be pardoned by the Unseelie King. Lotor is midway through a series of quests in his bid for the throne. Separated from those loyal to him, Lotor proposes an alliance between them: Shiro helps him in his quests, and when he gets the throne and becomes King, Lotor will pardon the contract.

Thus begins a big roadtrip adventure where they hike through forests and idk punch magical creatures in the dark corners of the cities and like have to stay in motels or camp out under the stars and somewhere along the way they fall in love (bc of that sweet sweet BUT THERES ONLY ONE BED trope mostly). 

[amandahoyle]

Gwyn ap Nudd is the second pov for this series. Even though Croi has more scenes from his pov. I try to do as many from Gwyn’s as I can because I adore both of them.

It is a bit harder with Gwyn because I’m not used to serious characters. I did his description later in the book from Croi pov because I found it cuter and more intense to do it from his

But I will drop a description here for you all:

He’s darker skinned, very tanned in comparison to Croi who is like white pale and probably could glow in the dark. He has dark curly hair that falls past his shoulders. Not sure on the actual length because he rarely wears it down and has it up in braids and pins to keep it out of his face. Pointed ears hidden with the curls of his hair. Dark writing on his face which is just part of him being the Lord of the Wild Hunt. One eye was white like moonlight or freshly fallen snow, and the other was like looking through amber. He’s taller than Croi, I’d say at least 6 foot. I don’t really tend to put direct numbers to their heights but Croi isn’t short either so Gwyn being taller by a head or so makes him still pretty freaking tall in comparison to a lot of my other characters.

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Getting summoned by either court wasn’t unusual, usually, they wanted something. Something he couldn’t help them with, but they still asked because both of them wanted the upper hand. It wasn’t his place to pick a side and even if he could and should, he wasn’t going to pick either of them if it came down to it. It was one of the many blessings of being separate from their courts. He got to stay as far away from their politics as he wanted to. Most nights anyways. Then there were nights, like tonight, where he was requested. Him alone. Gwyn knew the trouble that his hunters could and absolutely would get into when they were allowed among other fey. He didn’t blame them, most of them missed the outside world. Away from the night air and forests, they spent their time in. The comforts of the courts were something he knew they enjoyed, while he didn’t. Not these courts anyways. There were some of the smaller ones and unheard of ones that he didn’t mind at all. But the bigger ones were always over the top and got on his nerves. One always wanted to be better than the other, while forgetting the people they were supposed to be looking after. Instead of just looking after themselves.

Perhaps it was just because his role was so different, compared to theirs. But he actually looked after his people and his responsibilities. Not abused them. Like now, requesting him right before winter, when most of his responsibilities kicked in high gear. They didn’t truly understand what he did, they just found ways to use him when they wanted too. Especially the new Unseelie King, every couple of months, he tried something new to get Gwyn to bow to him like a pet dog. It was annoying, and it was getting the man nowhere. One day maybe it would get him a blade through his heart if he pushed too hard. Not Gwyn’s own, unless he had no choice, but someone would end his life. He would push someone past the breaking point and they would seek his death. Gwyn would happily let his hounds feast on the cruel king’s soul when the time came.

For now, he pretended to not notice and not be bothered. To be indifferent to the leash trying to be put around his neck. He left his hunters deep in the forest, it was safe there for them as well. Not that he was too worried, they were excellent at defending themselves or they wouldn’t still be alive. No one went into the forest, other than them anyway. Just those that lived there, and they had never been any threat to the Hunt. Not when their old King had been alive and not now without one. He occasionally visited them, it was what you did for a friend that had passed. Loyal and honorable were both things that meant a lot to him.

Gwyn did not go alone, he brought one of his hounds with him. His beautiful Dormarth. Black as night and he came up to Gwyn’s hip in height alone. His other two hounds rode with the Hunt but not always with him. Dormarth never left his side. He had considered bringing all of them with him, but he was neutral and to bring them all would seem like he was taking an aggressive stance. He still wanted someone at his back, someone who was loyal to him and could not be persuaded by anything. His precious boy was exactly that. Which is exactly why he never went into any court without him at his side. He was there currently as Gwyn made his way out of the forest, stepping gently past the purple flowers that decorated the hill there.

One hand was at his side and the other was on top of Dormarth’s head as he walked. He moved from grassy hills and towards the fires in the distance. The market was always active, it never seemed to matter how much time had passed. It was never quiet, and there were so many people that he couldn’t get by them without touching them. The hood of his cloak was up and it kept his face hidden from view. Dormarth at his side was enough for the crowd to know exactly who he was. They backed away, from him, soft gasps and whispering. He ignored it at all, as he made his way to what was once a beautiful structure that was now falling apart. Once it had stood tall when Mab had ruled. That was a long time ago now. Long enough to see how much her beautiful court was falling apart. Once he enjoyed being invited here, now it was just as bad as the Seelie court.

Tag list: @raven-is-weird @cawolters @fierywords

[lilcutieana]

~~Masterlist~~

One Shots  master list 

                            ~ Series ~

SAFE HAVEN ( Hybrid Baby Bangtan/ ot7 ) ( PG)

Abandoned as kids, they finally find a safe haven in your home. How long would it last? As they grow up, will jealousy, territoriality, and love come in between, or would it make you stronger as a family?

Safe Haven ~ || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten

                ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════

OBLIVION (Hybrid Min Yoongi )  { Completed} (M)

Min Yoongi, a beautiful and rare snow leopard hybrid, struggling to survive under the care of a ruthless owner who sells him for underground fights and sex. In a world where mistreating hybrids is a natural and where hybrids have been seen as worse than animals and treated beneath humans, would he make it out alive?

Chapter 1 Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5 (final)

               ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════

PANACEA (Angel / Fae/ Demon AU) (Completed) (M)

Kim Taehyung is a very loved and adored by many, ten-year-old boy who has big dreams and a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts.

One chance encounter with the angel of death herself, Azriel, seems to be more than just a chance encounter.

One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven ||

Eight || Nine || Ten || Eleven || Twelve || Final 

                 ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════

Summer Love ~ Kim Taehyung (mermaid AU)  (M){Completed}

It was Summer when he lost his whole world, his family and his identity. And it’s summer again when he comes across the girl he swore was his enemy. 

Join Taehyung, as he tries to find his true identity-- as a human and as a merman, along with the mystery of his parent’s demise.

One || Two || Three ( FINALE)

                ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════ 

ALIVE ( Robot Kim Seokjin )   (M)

A world where hybrids are no longer seen as pets and have been replaced by robots instead. Where robots have feelings, emotions and adapt just the way you need them to. 

So... Which robot would you like to order?

Prologue || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter Six

Chapter seven || Chapter eight || Chapter nine || Finale 

               ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════

The Fae Prince ( Sequel to Panacea/ Park Jimin) (M)

{ Coming Soon}

The Fae realm is now under the rule of the sole prince and heir to the Unseelie Court. He needs to find a bride to be able to accept the throne. Who would he choose? 

A fae princess to follow tradition or a human to create new traditions? 

One || Two || Three || Four || Five

              ══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ═══════

[riddledeep]

CLASS OVERVIEW: PIXIES

An in-depth look at Pixies and Pixie society.

Fairy Class Overview || Anti-Fairy Class Overview || Refract Class Overview

WHAT IS A PIXIE?

Small, orderly spirits capable of flight, teleportation, and other magic

A young race with a small population who manage magical paperwork (and chew on paper in general)

As a society, they tend towards the ISTJ personality stereotype- Calm, logical, hardworking, and insensitive

Pixies can hover, but not truly fly; in open air, they will plunge

Average lifespan: Inconclusive data

TAXONOMY

Kingdom: Fantastica

Phylum: Ljósálfar

Class: Ellyllon

Order: Tylwyth Teg

Family: Fae

Genus: Faedivus

Species: Pixie (Faedivus quadratum)

Fairies and Pixies are collectively known as Seelie Courters, or members of the Seelie Court (as opposed to Anti-Fairies and Fairy Refracts, known collectively as Unseelie Courters, or members of the Unseelie Court).

Pixies were classified as a Fairy subspecies until 90,000 years pre-series, just after the War of the Angels. Being their own class means they are no longer affected by Fairy decrees such as war drafts, magical quarantines, investigations made by bureaus of security, property taxes, and orders to immediately withdraw from Earth. However, they are still subject to Da Rules.

‘Pixies’ is capitalized when referring to the class and/or culture as a whole, but lowercase when referring to an individual. There are no Pixie subspecies.

BASICS

Body Type: Stocky; gynes are much larger than drones

Body Heat: Warm; ectothermic and can’t thermoregulate

Body Notes: Oily skin; they sweat a lot and feel sticky to the touch

Chromosomes: 108

Sex Chromosomes: ZZ or ZW - All functional males due to the feminization phenotype of Wolbachia

Teeth: Born with almost all their sharp teeth; bite to defend themselves

Average Height: 3′10″ (≤ 3′0″ is short for fae; ≥ 3′8″ is tall)

Average Weight: 6 - 9 pounds (5 is underweight, 11 is overweight)

IDENTITY

Loyalty and Diligence - “Treat everyone equally and never go back on your word. If you pursue a project, do it with pride and give it your all.”

Traits Seen as Most Desirable: Meekness and Dependability

Traits Seen as Most Shameful: Betrayal and Hypocrisy

Stereotype: Identical boring snobs with wishy-washy loyalties and a ton of cash on hand who have been deprived of joy and need encouragement to open up

Known For: Sticking to their ways, having close-knit herd mentality, being almost entirely hands-off the ladies, managing all paperwork, and constantly whining for attention and begging everyone else to chill

HISTORY

The most commonly accepted version of history among Pixies is that Primary, Anti-Fairy, and Refract counterparts were once a single united being known as an ao, of the Aos Sí people. They had furry bodies, six arms like an insect, bat-like ears, and colorful feathers. They were hermaphrodite, so either sexual partner was capable of becoming pregnant. They could perform a type of magic known as core magic.

Modern Fae consider the Aos Sí to have had the intelligence and technology level of cavemen. They’re portrayed in art as having loincloths and bare chests, and are sometimes depicted as centaurs who wielded tridents. Like the Fae of modern times, they’re thought to have been marsupials.

Many Fairies believe that when the Sealing War broke out among several of the ancient races of the universe, the Aos Sí were involved, but the stress of war eventually shattered their minds- and their bodies. When placed under high stress, overwhelmed Aos Sí coped by splitting into three separate beings: One insect-based, one bat-based, and one bird-based. Eventually, these three counterparts developed into the Fairies, Anti-Fairies, and Refracts we know today. Daoist Fae believe that three counterparts naturally long to reunite into a single being, and will indeed become one in the afterlife (a form is known as the Daoine Sìth form, which resembles the Aos Si body type but is thought to be a more sentient creature).

Another theory, equally accepted among Pixies as the splitting theory, is the theory of Domestic Fae. This theory suggests that modern Fairies evolved from the Aos Sí, and that Anti-Fairies and Refracts evolved from the smoke, and mist (respectively) that mixed with leftover Aos Sí magic until they took on solid form.

This theory suggests that Fairies settled down and learned to farm, thus earning them the nickname Domestic Fae. Sentient conglomerations of smoke latched onto them emotionally and took on animal forms, acting as spirit guides for generations until they eventually began adopting the physical appearance of the Fairy they’d bonded with. These smoky forms were known as Solitary Fae. Solitary Fae acted as guides and protectors to the Domestic Fae, and most Anti-Fairies would be offended if you referred to them as pets. The sentient conglomerations of mist gathered together in “flocks” and were known as Trooping Fae.

Those who hold Daoist beliefs favor the former interpretation of history, whereas those who hold Zodii beliefs favor the latter. Either way, both sides agree that their ancestors were mischievous troublemakers until Da Rules came along, and that eventually, their people settled in the cloudlands around Planet Earth and have thrived ever since.

LIFE CYCLE

Nymph: Babies are born as “shapes.” These shapes are actually a layer of chitin that helps protect the soft baby as they adjust to the world and their ability to fly and use magic. They shed it about the time they wean; around a year on average. All pixies have hexagonal exoskeletons. During their Terrific Twos, they briefly become overwhelmingly emotional, sensitive, and experience rapid mood swings. Nymphs are called nymphs until age 50.

Juvenile: The juvenile stage of the life cycle begins at age 50. Fairy children develop rapidly before their mindset stabilizes to the equivalent of a human ten-year-old. They remain mentally 10-15 throughout most of their juvenile life, developing gradually. Juveniles undergo twelve wing moults before moulting into their adult wings (and thus undergoing puberty) sometime between the ages of 140,000 - 180,000. Those who come into their adult wings earlier are generally more emotionally unstable than those who come into them later.

Adult: Regardless of when they get their adult wings, a Pixie is not considered a legal adult until they reach age of majority at 250,000 (Mentally 22). In this stage, a pixie is in the prime of their life. Their magic is very powerful, and their brain functions at an adult level. Adults can legally move out of Pixie World, purchase sugar and soda (although the Head Pixie might look the other way even when he knows they’re enjoying it underage), and vote. They undergo twelve wing moults before moulting into the senescent stage of the life cycle.

Senescent: The senescent stage is characterized by a final growth spurt, the whitening of hair, difficulty channeling magic, wrinkled faces, and longer wings. These wings are the last the pixie will ever have; once they wear out, they’re gone for good. Gyne freckles pale against the skin, and pheromones gradually weaken. The immune system also weakens during this time of life; this is the only stage of the life cycle where a pixie can die from illness.

HOW PIXIES BREATHE

Pixies breathe magic from the energy field around them. They absorb it through their pores, and it runs through their veins until it reaches the life-giving organ in their head (the core), which filters the magic and runs it out to the rest of their body. After magic is filtered, it reaches one’s counterparts for the first time; pixies breathe on behalf of their counterparts.

Pixies are connected to the energy field through “magic lines” or “breathing lines,” which are actually part of the karmic weave and invisible to the naked eye. They’re constructs of magical energy. Lines are bestowed by the father after birth (with occasional exceptions; for example, Poof received his breathing lines from H.P. during the “Open Your Eyes” Prompt, and “breathes like a pixie” as a result). These lines are removed from the donor’s core and braided into the infant’s core. A newborn who does not receive lines soon after birth will asphyxiate and die. A pixie grows a new line about every 10,000 years, so you could count their lines and estimate how old they are in human terms (exception being for those who’ve given their lines away in the past).

Once a pixie’s body has become adjusted to breathing with many lines, they require a high amount of lines to breathe easily. For example, Longwood has asthma due to giving away six of his breathing lines to a pair of newborn twins. He’ll recover eventually, but for now, he has asthma.

When a pixie is aroused (either sexually or by overindulging on sugar), they fall into a drunken state known as being “tingle-fritzy.” In this state, their lines “fritz” in and out of contact with the energy field, drastically impacting the stability of their magic. Tingle-fritzy pixies cannot maintain their magic for long. They soon lose their ability to fly, and cannot hold a shapeshifted form for longer than a minute at most. In my ‘fic Baby, You’re a Rich Man, we also witnessed H.P.’s and Sanderson’s lines fritzing during a storm. Pixies don’t like being near lightning because it zings down their lines and jolts them.

It’s also worth noting that the Big Wand plays a role in a pixie’s ability to breathe by filtering raw and polluted magic from the energy field. When the Big Wand in Fairy World shuts down, pixies lose their access to filtered magic; they do not have an antenna like the Big Wand of their own in Pixie World.

HEALING AND HEALTH

The Fae are resilient creatures built to last for hundreds of thousands of years. In their prime (Juvenile stage through adulthood), they can get sick, but won’t die from viruses or disease. Pixies have a lower body temperature than Fairies and are more prone to getting sick because of this.

A pixie’s life-sustaining organ, the core, is kept in their head. The core does not normally pump and beat like a heart does, but instead “wafts” magic through the body like the scent of a candle. Sometimes characters I write acknowledge that their core is beating. It only beats when it’s necessary to push a burst of magic through the body (such as when aroused or injured). Technically, fae don’t have blood- they have liquid magic that “hovers” around set points in their bodies. I use the term “blood” for reader convenience.

Magic resists magic. A pixie who gets stabbed with a magical blade will feel no pain; the blade will pass through the skin very easily, and although the Fairy can feel it, it doesn’t hurt and won’t damage the body. The wound will seal within seconds after the blade is removed.

Pixies naturally heal quickly; however, large wounds will only heal with time and sleep. Cuts in a wing made by an unenchanted blade can’t be healed, and those caused by a magic-touched weapon will heal only if one sleeps while holding their wand or something, since it requires that much magic and rest to repair the damage.

WING ANATOMY

As a reader of my fanfics, you’ll want to know what costas are. The common fairy subspecies (the former classification of pixies) has a tradition of cutting notches into the costas of each other’s wings, since their subspecies mates for life. Different patterns have different meanings. Cutting their costas causes small gashes to appear in the wings of their counterparts. The notches remain even when wings moult. H.P. has notches in his costas.

Pixie wings are much smaller than they should be for their body weight; they are unable to fly if their access to magic from the energy field is cut off. Their clothing is specially designed to fit around their wings. Pixies fold back their wings and slide them through the slits in their shirts. Many dress themselves with magic because it’s easier to simply wave a wand.

Between the wings is a bumpy, perforated patch of skin known as the dorsal trachea. A pixie doesn’t technically breathe from that area since they breathe magic from the energy field, but that area helps them cool down and move their wings. Because there are literal gaps there, that patch of skin fills with water if a pixie is submerged. Pixies can’t drown while they remain in contact with the energy field (they breathe magic, after all), but they sink quickly.

MINDSETS

Gyne: A gyne can be identified by his facial spots and large size. Gynes produce more powerful pheromones than drones. Gynes are territorial, and biologically predisposed to fight (and kill) one another. Gynes gather retinues of drones, whom they are expected to care for. Gynes are most likely to take mates, and drones will back down if a gyne makes a move towards their love interest.

Drone: A non-freckled pixie who is drawn to a gyne’s pheromones, similar to a retinue of worker bees who follow the queen around the hive all day. Drones who are deprived of regular exposure to dominant pheromones will fall into depressive slumps. Widely considered to be natural-born servants, they frequently get caught in the crossfire of extremists who believe they should remain silent in public, and extremists who believe they’ve been enslaved and should fight the world. Drones are stereotyped as having narrower hips, more submissive personalities, and more “feminine mannerisms.” They also produce weaker pheromones.

PHEROMONES AND PREENING

Like Fairies, pixies young and old produce pheromones from glands on their neck. Gyne pheromones are stronger than drone pheromones. Pixies are scent-based creatures, and obtain important information about an individual (such as species, mood, age, dominance, strength, and sex) from the pheromones they produce. Pheromones are not a form of mind control, but they do influence other pixies. Confident pixies produce more dominant pheromones. Pixies naturally submit to those more dominant than they. If two dominant pixies clash, one of them will either have to back down or challenge the other. Pheromones can be exchanged through a ceremony known as “preening” (when it’s calm and intimate) or “giving dominance licks” (when deliberately putting someone in their place). Dominance licks are licked on a subordinate’s face, and subordinate licks are licked on a superior’s neck. Preening is considered a form of deep emotional intimacy and trust.

Preening involves a dominant and subordinate partner, and its main purpose is to exchange pheromones via licks to ensure both parties are clear on which one is which. Times this is useful include meeting with important political figures, arriving as a guest to someone’s home, or sorting out the pecking order among roommates. Dominant pixies don’t always have to fight one another- fights only break out if one of them refuses to submit. If one party willingly submits to the other, there won’t be a problem. Preening allows them to make that distinction clear, because it literally triggers a pheromone response in the other party: a dominant pixie can use his pheromones to suppress another, temporarily shifting another dominant pixie into a subordinate one unless the subordinate directly challenges him, or until the pheromones wear off a few hours or days later (The more dominant you are, the longer your pheromones last; H.P. is widely accepted as the most consistently dominant gyne in the cloudlands and his pheromones would last much longer on someone than Poof’s would).

Preening is divided into two categories- shallow preening and deep preening. Shallow preening is quick and casual and simply involves licking someone’s face or neck for a minute or two. Deep preening is far more intense; a full-body wash beforehand is expected and the session can easily last for an hour or two. Shallow preening is usually performed while standing, while deep preening usually begins with sitting down and transitioning to lying down. It’s an emotionally intimate ritual that involves a lot of trust and vulnerability on both sides. Since he’s older than most fae and was raised with traditional Fairy values, H.P. considers deep preening to be more appropriate than cheap corner-cutting shallow preening, so it’s his default (and is thus the default of Pixie culture). Due to the sheer amount of drones in Pixie World, shallow preening is a necessity for the sake of time, but Pixies hold great respect for deep preening and would never mock it the way some Fairies do.

A retinue is a group of drones who tend to a gyne’s needs, perhaps reducing stress levels by delivering paperwork, or offering a massages or manicures. The alpha drone leads the retinue group (ranging between 3-8 total individuals at a time) and runs things smoothly so the gyne can relax. The alpha’s job is to locate drones in need of pheromone exposure and bring them to the gyne; the alpha attends every retinue session daily, but the other drones rotate frequently. The alpha must build organized teams by finding those who work well together, and the alpha is responsible for writing performance reviews for each individual. If the alpha is struggling with the workload, he can delegate the position of overseeing retinue sessions to a beta drone, who leads retinue groups and writes reviews but has no real authority beyond that.

Preening is a very common aspect of Pixie culture. A company’s dominant gyne is expected to distribute pheromones to his workers on a regular basis. It’s acceptable to preen in front of other company members since pixies are comfortable around their co-workers, though they’re hesitant about preening in front of guests. The current Head Pixie is the only regularly dominant gyne found at Pixies Inc. He therefore suppresses the fertility of other pixie gynes and performs frequent preening rituals with drones. Other Pixie companies, such as PixieCo (the Hawthorn Haven subsidiary), are headed by a Chief Pixie, who is the dominant gyne of the company but is expected to take the subordinate role when interacting with the Head Pixie. 

A crucial aspect of preening is the idea that it’s a ritual of subordinate figures humbly offering themselves to dominant figures, not dominant figures holding subordinate figures down and forcing them to submit. The subordinate partner should be the one to make all position changes and major movements. If the pair are long-term committed partners (say a gyne and his alpha drone), the dominant partner can guide the subordinate one more than would be socially acceptable with most people. Still, the subordinate partner is usually seen as the one who holds the power during preening.

In modern day, many Fairies view preening as an arousing activity (the younger generation in particular are stereotyped as preening with arousal and pleasure as their goal). All pixies are closely related and view preening as a necessary life requirement, not as a sensual or inappropriate thing. Pixies in general are stereotyped as having very chaste, non-energetic preening rituals (even the young gyne Finley, known to his high school as a massive flirt). Pixie drones are seen as hard workers with high loyalty to their gynes, but since they’re viewed as dull and boring (sometimes evil), most Fairies don’t try to lure them away from Pixie World. Especially since many fear the Head Pixie will literally kill them if they try.

That said, a very particular stereotype clings to H.P. Since he has deep preened with Anti-Fairies, and since he’s considered a figure of neutrality, most Fairies believe he’s attracted to both Fairies and Anti-Fairies. It’s widely assumed he’s had affairs with both Jorgen and Anti-Cosmo and that these affairs are hidden behind the socially acceptable label of deep preening. Fairies who don’t realize his pixies are his offspring often believe he takes advantage of them for his own dark desires too.

Anti-Fairies didn’t have political power until after the War of the Sunset Divide; once they began interacting with ambassadors and the Fairy Council, high-ranking figures stopped preening during meetings. H.P. is the only political figure who has deep preened with an Anti-Fairy as an equal- he has deep preened with both Anti-Bryndin and Anti-Cosmo and his successors will presumably continue this tradition of preening despite borders; this has won Pixies considerable favor with Anti-Fairies.

THIS post depicts the twenty-four official preening signals and their meanings. You may also be interested in the full transcript of the Cosmo Waterberry interview, wherein he discussed his life as a drone and his views of preening with a gyne who has a wife and kids, which can be found HERE. It’s worth noting that Cosmo was the first drone H.P. ever took under his wing.

PROGRESSION OF PIXIE SOCIETY

(You may be interested in “7 Billion Years In Brief” HERE)

Past: The H.P. we know from FOP canon is known as Head Pixie the First. He was classified as a common fairy in his youth, but during his adult life he became infected with the real-life bacteria Wolbachia pipientis. This bacteria alters the reproductive system of the host insect, preventing its host from reproducing naturally and instead forcing its host to asexually reproduce genetic clones.

H.P. (previously known as Fergus Whimsifinado) was studied and eventually reclassified as a pixie. He chose to take the name Head Pixie as a result. He has since become parent to the entire pixie race, though he attempts to keep his offspring at a distance and denies any fatherly attachment towards them. Sanderson is his firstborn.

Pixies made their home at the edge of a woodland that later became known as Pixie Woods (See also, “Cosmonopoly”). They began as a village, then progressed to a town, a city, and a micronation before being officially recognized as an independent World. Pixies are a young race and do not have much history to speak of other than that.

Present: 90,000 years ago, the War of the Angels (the war mentioned in the episode “Balance of Flour”) broke out between the Fairies and the Anti-Fairies, as both sides disagreed on how to treat the human race. Pixies abstained from the war at first, but were eventually forced to pick sides. They picked both.

In present day, Pixies are a very corporate society. They portray themselves as businessmen and maintain a stiff demeanor around outsiders, though they are close-knit and more casual with one another. The majority of pixies are drones, and are naturally drawn to dominant pheromones (such as those the Head Pixie produces).

Historically, Pixies have always strived to act as a neutral party in all matters of Fae discourse, and have no qualms about switching allegiances if it benefits them. Fairies and Anti-Fairies grudgingly accept this; they realize that Pixies will never be truly good nor truly evil, and will simply express complete loyalty to whichever side they happen to be collaborating with at the time. As a result, Fairies and Anti-Fairies regularly play tug o’ war with Pixies, as whichever side can claim them as allies holds an advantage over the other. 

Pixies don’t see the other fae classes as “good” and “evil” and instead see both sides as chaotic. They consider their own race the only sense of true order in the universe. They will collaborate with whichever side is running more efficiently at the time and withdraw if order can’t be maintained.

Future: Post-series, Pixies Inc. expands beyond the borders of Pixie World. A subsidiary known as PixieCo is established in the cloudland colony Hawthorn Haven (located near the planet Boudacia). Plans are made to establish additional subsidiaries throughout the universe as time goes on. Each of these subsidiaries is to be headed by a dominant gyne known as a Chief Pixie, who becomes subordinate when interacting with the Head Pixie. The proper way to address these Chief Pixies would be “Chief Pixie [Surname]” or “PixieCo’s Chief.” Commonly, Chief Pixies are addressed as C.P. or Chief even in personal interactions, and the surname is only used to differentiate between them or show respect at times when using a full name is appropriate. So a Pixies Inc. worker would greet the C.P. of PixieCo as “Chief Smith” but a PixieCo worker would simply address him as “Chief.”

Eventually, H.P.’s fertility runs out and his offspring begin having offspring of their own. They reproduce asexually just as he did, as they were born already infected with Wolbachia pipientis. The Pixie population increases exponentially at this time as more and more pixies enter their reproductive phase of life. The Gen 2 pixies (H.P.’s offspring) begin managing small businesses of their own. My final FOP ‘fic, Devil’s Backbone, examines this period in more detail.

WOLBACHIA PIPIENTIS

The four phenotypes of Wolbachia:

Asexual reproduction (Parthenogenesis)

The inability to produce kids naturally (Cytoplasmic incompatibility)

All asexually-reproduced nymphs (who all carry Wolbachia) will be born male (See also, “Gender Dynamics” below)

All female fae who become infected with Wolbachia quickly die (In insects the males die, so this is known as “male killing”)

Male fae who become infected will begin reproducing asexually according to their heat cycle peak while females will die a painful death within a few days. Fae refer to Wolbachia as Pixalchia. February 12th is a Pixie holiday, Pixalchia Day, and celebrates their species.

H.P. became infected with Wolbachia after touching dead wasps that carried the bacteria. Similarly, touching the lifedust that Fairies and pixies leave behind when they die will transfer Wolbachia (assuming the dead Fairy was infected with it). Because of this, it’s against Fairy law for a Fairy to crawl into bed with a pixie, just in case they die and the Fairy becomes infected. Pixie marriages are not legally upheld in Fairy World. Technically, pixies aren’t even supposed to leave Pixie World in the evenings.

Wolbachia cannot be transferred through physical touch with a living pixie. Pixies live perfectly normal lives. The only way for a Fairy to contract it is touching infected lifedust, or touching a dead infected insect. No law prevents Anti-Fairies from hanging around pixies at night. Anti-Fairies cannot contract Wolbachia directly, but will be affected if their counterpart contracts it.

Most masculinized pixies have no idea they were born with damseline sex chromosomes since they developed the drakian reproductive system. They tend to be taller than most pixies, have slimmer hips, grow less facial hair, and specialize in magic that requires long-term endurance rather than rapid bursts of strength.

Technically there are a few antibiotics that can cure Wolbachia (tetracycline and rifampicin), but because Wolbachia is inherently tied to a pixie’s biology, the pixie will die if their Wolbachia is “cured.” Fae who became infected with Wolbachia (and were not born with it) will not die if cured; they will continue reproducing asexually, but all offspring will be stillborns.

SOCIAL

Leadership: At this time, the pixie race is small enough that all pixies are subject to the authority of the Head Pixie. As the population increases, adjustments to the system may be necessary. For now, Pixie society functions like a benevolent(?) dictatorship, with the Head Pixie holding sole political power without a system of checks and balances. 

The Head rules for life or until official retirement and raises a hand-picked heir (the Vice President of Pixies Inc.) to succeed him. By law, all Head Pixies and Vice Presidents are gynes unless all pixie gynes are dead when the time comes to choose a successor. If a subsidiary company loses all its gynes, a new one will be transferred there. If all known pixie gynes are dead, the eldest pixie drone takes the role of Head or Chief.

The Head Pixie is the dominant gyne of Pixies Inc. and therefore preens with all the drones in the company in an almost-constant cycle similar to a queen bee’s retinue. The Head is assisted by an alpha retinue drone, who holds more authority than other drones in the company, but less authority than the vice president. Other drones defer to the alpha unless given direct instructions from the Head. The alpha’s job is to organize drones in groups called “circles” so multiple drones can receive pheromone exposure at the same time without stepping on each other’s toes. The alpha can also assist the Head in spreading his pheromones on a regular basis if the alpha takes the dominant role during preening with subordinate drones (after the alpha himself has been preened by the Head to get the Head’s pheromones that day).

Pixie World (Inkblot City) is a city-state located in the middle of the Fairy World cloudlands. It is found within the Central Star Region, so when Robe elections roll around, pixies can cast their votes for who they think should fill the position of Purple Robe on the Fairy Council. Pixies are legally allowed to run for the Purple Robe position, though none have successfully won that title yet.

The Fairy Elder and the Keeper of Da Rules are also important figures to mention. The Fairy Elder is a figurehead who holds no political power, and the Keeper of Da Rules, well, keeps Da Rules. It’s possibly worth noting that H.P. has a major crush on the Fairy Elder, which is unrequited.

Honoraries: Mr. is the appropriate address for Pixies; some people may address them as Drk. but the Mr. honorary is preferred.

Greetings: Pixies shake with their right hand, bringing their left hand around to clasp the backs of the knuckles. Fairies, who shake with the left hand, tend to find the experience uncomfortable.

Pixie gynes should be greeted before drones; they are, again, identifiable by their freckles. If a gyne is clearly accompanied by a retinue drone, the appropriate greeting is a simple “Nice to meet you,” or “Hello.” Saying, “And this must be your retinue,” would not be appropriate. Under Canterbury v. Oakwing, if you suspect someone of being a drone, you aren’t supposed to out them and are supposed to treat them the way you would treat a kabouter.

If you were arriving in a meeting room with Jorgen, Anti-Cosmo, Anti-Wanda, H.P., Anti-Sanderson, and Sanderson, you would greet them in that order.

Groups: Pixies bond neatly with other pixies, but rarely with outsiders. Relationships with other pixies could be described as, “Friendly but professional,” while relationships with outsiders tend to be stiff and all business.

Pixies fall in behind more dominant figures. They generally prefer others to make decisions for them and will follow whomever takes the lead with little question. Pixies are stereotyped as being efficient workers, but not that bright. They are also viewed as being highly suspicious and slow to trust; most Fairies will assume your friendship is genuine, but pixies are skeptical by default.

Friendships: Pixies, who are closely related to Fairies, make friends more easily than you might expect. They consider all other pixies their allies by default, but frequently befriend people outside their own race. The friendship between H.P. and Anti-Cosmo is an excellent example of this; despite the fact that their beliefs and values are very different, they have forged a bond. Sanderson is good friends with Anti-Phillip Anti-Coppertalon (and a self-declared friend of Norm the genie, though the genie might not return the sentiment).

If you hang around a pixie enough, chances are they consider you a friend- they just aren’t likely to tell you so outright. You will know a pixie accepts your presence if they hover close to the ground and don’t scoot away when you come near. If they relax their guard a little more, showing postures that are less stiff and expressing a bit more body language, they consider you a friend (even if their voice stays monotone and their eyes stay hidden). If a pixie invites you to a soda bar, you’re moving up. If you’re asked to dance with them or attend a rave, you’re on the next level. If a pixie touches you without you touching him first, you’re in the club, kid.

If a pixie decides he likes you, expect him to beeline for you any time he sees you out and about. Pixies have social wasp DNA and feel most comfortable around familiar people. Their small talk may be dry and they’ll probably follow you around until you convince them you’re leaving for a faraway destination. As long as you don’t mind the company, a pixie can be a helpful friend willing to help you carry shopping bags, sort through your mail, or buy you a soda.

Pixies are naturally loyal and, like Fairies, will assume your friendship is at a comfortable level unless you directly tell them otherwise. If you end a friendship with one, he’ll probably be surprised. Expect to have to explain why or subject yourself to pestering nosiness for the next several months (This is where having written a note explaining your intentions to end the relationship would come in handy). Normally, pixies do not take rejection hard; they will simply see a closed friendship as a risk that didn’t work out, and will review their options for new friends before trying again with someone else. Fairies tend to return to friends who reject them because they get closely attached, but pixies can normally move on once you explain why you terminated the friendship. Normally.

Expectations: Being part of a large corporation is an enormous part of a pixie’s identity. When you meet with a pixie, they expect to do their job, do it well, get paid, and then be permitted to relax after hours. Pixies expect to be treated in a professional manner; they anticipate honesty, compliance, and efficiency, and might become impatient with disagreeable customers (though they’ll do their utmost not to show it).

Pixies prize delivery- coming through with what you promised when you promised. As a result, most pixies panic at the thought of being late or cancelling plans. They’re not great about changing minds once something has already been scheduled and agreed on.

Pixies are all about loyalty and diligence. They’re less obsessed with sticking to the exact rules than Fairies are, and may actually be impressed (even flattered) if you put in the effort to figure out how to exploit a loophole against them. They like things to be done right, but “What is right?” is a question they’re willing to hold debate on; pixies consider themselves a neutral party between Fairies and Anti-Fairies. In their minds, order is good and chaos is unpleasant. Lawful Evil societies that are orderly are better than Neutral or Good societies that tend towards chaos.

Pixies are natural sugar addicts, particularly since they’re based on paper wasps (an insect famous for seeking out sugar when the queen is away). Most pixies enjoy candy and soda, and tend to show more emotion the more sugarloaded they get. However, they are still expected to remain somewhat professional in public, enjoy sugar in moderation, and not consume sugar while on the job.

Pixies try never to break a promise, and avoid promising anything that isn’t in their power to uphold. Keeping their word is something most all of them take great pride in. On that note, be aware of their handshakes- they regularly chew on paper from magical trees much like a paper wasp would. If one spits in his hand and holds it out to you for a shake, whatever deal you’re making is going to be magically binding.

Intimacy and Partnership: Because emotions are frowned on in Pixie society, their post-lekking courtship practices aren’t commonly observed. Some time after the War of the Angels, it became illegal for a pixie to stay in Fairy World after a certain evening curfew (Exception being the Head and his alpha retinue if they’re on official political business). This law (Eros v. Longwood) prevents Pixies from partying well into the night and from having sleepovers with Fairies (Staying in Anti-Fairy World late is fine though).

The intention of this law was to discourage affairs with pixies- and more importantly, prevent them from dying in public locations where their lifedust and its deadly Wolbachia pipientis bacteria can easily spread. It’s thought that pixies are more likely to die after mating than Fairies are since pixies are not a very cheerful species; pleasure is required to activate yellow magic when mating, and if yellow magic isn’t achieved then a pixie can easily die. See the Eros Family post HERE for more details about this subject.

When it comes to intimacy, Pixies are stereotyped as being inexperienced and hesitant, but curious about every sensation. It’s said they kiss with their eyes open, carefully analyzing the reaction of their partner. Kissing pixies is a fantasy some fae have, but few experience. Some people imagine kissing a pixie to be stiff, sloppy, awkward, and unemotional while others imagine it to be a pleasant experience with someone whose only thought is pleasing them. Generally, Pixies fall into a sexually subordinate role- certainly the drones do and even many gynes. Some, valuing confidence, may take a “Fake it ‘til you make it” approach, but others take a “The customer is always right” standpoint and wait for instructions or movements to mimic.

As for Pixies, their views towards intimacy vary. To some, the concept is nerve-wracking or just plain uninteresting. To others, it’s that big, mystical, semi-forbidden thing they’re told not to experiment with, which of course kicks their need to collect information into high gear.

See also, Courtship and Lekking (Under “Customs”).

Power Dynamics: Political Rank (if applicable) > Pheromone Strength > Subspecies > Physical Strength > Company Rank / Hard Work > Emotional Stability > Age > Magical Strength

Above is the general ranking system. The corporate hierarchy is as follows:

Head Pixie > Vice President of Pixies Inc. > Chief Pixies > H.P.’s Alpha Drone > V.P.s of Subsidiaries > Subordinate Gynes > Beta Drones > Other Drones

Pixie society follows a social hierarchy system, with those who prove their dominance (via a history of workplace success and diligence) being rewarded with high positions in the company. Confidence influences pheromones, which in turn influences how others react. Gynes tend to be the most dominant, drones the most submissive. There are exceptions: some pixie gynes are very young and submissive, while some drones are more aggressively dominant.

Every Head or Chief Pixie is assisted by an alpha drone. The alpha organizes lower ranked drones into groups (retinues) and directs them as needed. The local vice president outranks the local alpha drone in corporate matters (i.e. if both gave an order during work hours inside the building, you’d listen to the vice president), but the alpha outranks the vice president in social matters outside the company’s inner workings (See also, Pheromones and Preening above).

The current Head Pixie insists on being everyone’s dominant gyne; he’s strongly opposed to the idea of younger gynes managing retinues of their own and becoming dominant. He insists on having his own pheromones spread to every single drone, even though it’s stressful and inconvenient to make such an effort on a regular basis. Longwood has expressed interest in adjusting company dynamics when he takes over as Head Pixie. He believes it would be best to organize perhaps a hundred drones each under the care of the younger gynes, and let drones be exposed to those gynes’ pheromones instead of the Head’s. Longwood himself doesn’t care for preening and would prefer to preen only with a few drones he’s close to. He feels letting other gynes preen can improve their mental health (and his own), satisfy the drones more regularly, and it’s good practice for gynes who’ll become Chief Pixies someday anyway.

Gender Dynamics: Lots of people consider pixies to be inherently sexist, as they come from an all-male species. They often are, but it’s still up to some debate. Most likely, you’ll stumble across pixies who are just curious to see damsels up close. Given that they’re from an asexual race, they have very little concept of what might be viewed as inappropriate, so you may have to slap a little sense into them if they’re closely examining your breasts or repeating the high inflections of your voice in an annoying loop.

Due to the feminization phenotype of Wolbachia pipientis (or in this case, the masculization phenotype), all pixies are male and identify as such. Some pixies technically have damsel sex chromosomes, having been converted from females during early development. Pixies with damsel sex chromosomes are still born with drake reproductive parts. There are no visual or behavioral differences between pixies with ZW and ZZ chromosomes, but it doesn’t stop the media from hunting for them (no matter how many times pixies ask them not to). Pixies do not normally test their sex chromosomes and only know which ones they have if they go out of their way to check. Pixie culture doesn’t care, so 99% of them don’t know.

Currently, the sole exception to the “all pixies are male and identify as such” rule is the pixie damsel Commelina. See also, the Origin of the Pixies chapter “The Fading of Light.”

Rules of Speaking: Drones tend to defer to gynes who are older than them, though they don’t defer to juvenile gynes. Because Pixies are a close-knit group, Pixie drones tend to speak up more in public than Fairy drones. Especially when they have snippy commentary to toss out. One stereotype of pixie drones is that they have an obsession with completing things and will keep talking until they’re finished with their thought, even if you try to cut them off. Drones have a harder time breaking away from their internal thoughts too, so it often takes them a few seconds longer to respond if you speak to them while they were in the middle of thinking about something else.

When speaking to a dominant gyne who is accompanied by a retinue drone, the appropriate thing to do is pretend the drone isn’t there, the same way you would treat a service dog like a cane or wheelchair rather than a dog to play with. If you did have information you wished to share directly with the drone, then it would be acceptable to address the drone by name to signal the shift in conversation partner, or ask the gyne if he could introduce you to his friend.

Personal Space: Pixies communicate through scent, and come from a culture where pheromones are crucial to social interaction. If not sitting in a chair behind a desk, they tend to get in close when they speak, to the point that Fairies and Anti-Fairies feel uncomfortable and begin backing away.

Pixie architecture favors squares, sharp edges, and skyscrapers. Efficiency, not creativity, is the word that comes to mind. Pixies reside in apartment complexes with other pixie roommates rather than having houses and family units. At social gatherings, pixies tend to find a single person they’re interested in and tail them for the majority of the event- probably, the person they’re most interested in networking with. This habit contributes to the stereotype that pixies are annoying, invasive pests.

Pixies keep their hands to themselves when interacting with authority figures or clients, but if they consider you part of their inner circle of trusted friends they’ll engage in absentminded physical touch. Be flattered if a pixie puts his hand on your arm and leans in to whisper in your ear. You’re on the next level. Physical touch is the sign that a pixie is ready to “progress the relationship,” so to speak. If you were going to court a pixie, preen with a gyne, or take a drone under your wing, keep your eyes out for the physical touch cue.

Pixies find it extremely rude to be suddenly poofed away from whatever they were doing without warning, unless the person who summoned them is the Head Pixie. H.P. normally gets his pixies’ attention when he needs them through phone calls or texts (scry bowls before that), but if he doesn’t receive a response within five minutes, your butt is getting pinged. Assuming you’re where he thinks you are. If you aren’t at your workstation, it will take him some time to find you and he’ll be increasingly annoyed. He’ll still hunt down the pixie he had in mind for whatever task he needs done even if there are other pixies available who could do it. He’s stubborn that way.

Social Faux Pas: Showing emotion is frowned upon in Pixie society, and so is removing your shades to show your eyes during work hours. Pixies consider themselves a logical race who are above troublesome emotions. However, if one feels emotions coming on and doesn’t feel able to withhold them, they ought to excuse themselves from the room until they’re in control of their feelings again. They’re not taught this directly since again, they prefer to believe they’re above emotions, but they’ve quietly figured it out.

Relations With Fairies: Fairies are largely viewed as chaotic free spirits who tend to oppress the other Fae races; they’re a necessary evil to deal with. Pixies, normally neutral, have officially sided with Fairies over Anti-Fairies at times; Fairies and Anti-Fairies tend to fight over who has the Pixies’ favor (especially as the race grows). 

Relations With Anti-Fairies: Anti-Fairies are frequently viewed as chaotic troublemakers, but thanks to H.P.’s friendship with Anti-Cosmo, Pixies sometimes consider them allies. Pixies fought alongside the Fairies but later switched to the Anti-Fairies’ side during the War of the Angels, and Pixie/Anti-Fairy relations remained close after that. However, Pixies sided with the Fairies against the Anti-Fairies during the May Blossom War, prompting Fairies to see Pixies in a neutral/good light again and increasing Pixie/Anti-Fairy tensions (Read more about these wars HERE).

Relations With The Refracted: Refracts are typically viewed as priests and priestesses with high status, and are greatly admired.

Relations With Alien Races: Pixies rarely interact with Aliens directly, as the Fairies do most of that on behalf of the cloudlands. However, Aliens are seen as potential consumers for products, and are treated as such.

CUSTOMS

Art: Pixies value writing more than visual art, but when they do search for visual art they're biased towards digital art over physical paintings and sculptures. Pixies will read anything you give them, and as a race they have addictive personalities. They never stop at the first book in a series and will continue hunting until they’ve read the whole collection. The same rules apply to fanfiction... Some pixies will read everything in a certain genre, others everything involving certain characters, and others works from a certain author, but it’s very, very difficult to stop them once they get started.

Pixies are not known for producing physical art. Few of them choose to pursue artistic activities in their free time, and fewer still pursue things they can easily market. A few writers, painters, and sculptors do work to turn their interests into something that can earn them extra pocket change, but their work doesn’t particularly stand out against the skills of Fairies and Anti-Fairies. However, very few Fairies and fewer Anti-Fairies have attempted digital art in the first place, let alone mastered it. Pixies may not stand out in the field their competitors rule, but when it comes to digital art they are kings. Digital art is difficult to market in a world of magic, but some people commission pixie artists for the novelty of it. They’re gaining popularity with younger fae generations slowly but surely.

Pixies don’t look like they’re big on parties at first glance, but anyone who’s gotten to know them knows loud musical festivals with repetitive beats and flashing lights are a beloved part of Pixie culture. Raves grant pixies the chance to shed their gray suits and dress a little less identically for the night. While a few pixies shy away from raves, most of them embrace it. Rave clothing isn’t easily found or publicly sold in Fairy World and certainly can’t be found in Anti-Fairy World, but in Pixie World, all sorts of curious clothing items and interesting accessories are readily available for purchase and there’s no end of pixies who’ll happily help you customize a look that’s just right for you. Who knows? If word of what you’re looking for reaches the Head Pixie’s ears, maybe he’ll ping down to size you up himself.

Besides the flashy clothing they offer, Pixies are also known for dominating the disco, rap, electronic, and several other music genres in the cloudlands. Parties and festivals experimented with many different genres before then, but pixie-mixed music instantly became standard the moment it was released. H.P. takes enormous pride in this. Other pixies are allowed to get into the music industry if they like, but no music (be it on disc, digital file, or sneaky recording) is permitted to leave Pixie World premises until he’s approved it. He protects the Pix-eez brand better than his own children and runs new songs through dozens of test groups, tweaking and fiddling until he’s absolutely satisfied.

Calendar: Pixies normally use the Anti-Fairy calendar since its Year 0 approximately aligns with H.P., but they are very familiar with the Fairy calendar since that’s what H.P. grew up with and what most of their clients use. Both calendars measure auroras (times the Aurora Fairyalis has occurred). Read more about calendars in the Fairy and Anti-Fairy class overviews.

Child-Rearing: Pixies are an all-male species and can’t provide milk for newborn pixies. Most pixies live with foster families for their first two years before they’re brought back to Pixie World, post-weaning and post-Terrible Twos. Pixies Inc. has a history of sponsoring a couple’s biological children through school in return for looking after a pixie nymph. Upon their return to Pixie World, young pixies are treated as interns, and assigned a mentor who will look after them and show them the ropes. In present day, the Head Pixie rarely interacts with nymphs more than he has to.

In Pixie society, raising children is an unavoidable necessity: Wolbachia commands a pixie’s reproductive system, forcing them to reproduce asexually throughout their adulthood whether they want to or not. Pixies usually become parents at a younger age than Fairy or Anti-Fairy parents, but teenage pregnancies are impossible. Sanderson comes into his fertility 1,000 years after Season 10 ends with other drone pixies gradually following suit. In pixie drones, fertility begins between the ages of 200,000 and 255,000. 

Gyne fertility is suppressed by dominant pheromones, so only dominant gynes are capable of reproducing. Finley (Poof’s and Foop’s roommate at school) wears a vial of H.P.’s pheromones on a chain around his neck, allowing him to expose himself to dominant gyne pheromones every once in awhile. Regularly painting them on his face prevents him from coming into his fertility early despite being a dominant gyne. Theoretically, teenage pixie pregnancies are possible, but only for young dominant gynes who came into their adult wings early. Finley takes precautions.

Coming of Age: Moulting into one’s adult wings is considered an important stage in a pixie’s life, and is celebrated more than coming into age of majority at 250,000. The Pixie coming-of-age custom involves the Head Pixie (Chief Pixie in subsidiary companies) spending some one-on-one time with the newly-moulted adult as soon as possible. Traditionally, the new adult selects an activity for the day and the Head or Chief complies. 

This day out can include taking time off work to visit a famous landmark, attending a social event, or just hitting the soda bar. The two commonly have lunch and a dessert together. The idea is that the Head or Chief should touch base with the new adult and allow them to speak openly about any needs, concerns, or expectations they may have.

Courtship and Lekking: Casual flings, not committed relationships, are the standard for the Pixie race. The magical exchange of intimacy is more common than the physical one. Just as with Fairies, mating triggers a pheromone switch; mated pixies produce different pheromones than virgin pixies, so everyone knows. Sharing magic does not trigger the switch, which is another reason pixies often favor magical intimacy over sexual intimacy. Many don’t like the Head knowing what they’ve been doing after hours.

Like paper wasps, pixies are a lekking species. It’s rare for one pixie to seek out a fling on his own, and more common for a group of pixies to visit bars or attend parties together, claim one corner of the room, and use that space to compete with each other for the attention of 1-3 figures they’ve mutually picked out. If they’re trying to impress a Fairy, they’ll focus on showing their strength with a little play-wrestling in the air. They will outright ignore the Fairies they’re interested in, trying instead to attract their attention without flirting with them directly. Groups of pixies who are close friends usually take turns letting each other win on different days while groups of pixies who are less close usually let the pixie they already know is the most dominant win. Most pixies defer to Sanderson, who as alpha retinue drone is outranked by only Longwood and the Head. Generally, Fairies are more interested in pixies who scuffle with Fairies rather than with other pixies. The bigger and more attractive the Fairy they fight, the better the pixie looks. These scuffles are playful and contained to a small area, and wouldn’t disrupt an entire party or involve a lot of shouting.

After finishing the scuffle, a victorious pixie will look over at the person they’re trying to impress to see if they were watching. Even if the Fairy looked away for a moment, if they are close enough to sense the pixie looking at them, they often turn around. If eye contact is made, it’s understood that the Fairy has granted the pixie permission to approach and make small talk. At this point, the Fairy knows the pixie is flirting with them even if their conversation is somewhat dry; after a few minutes of opening small talk, the pair might withdraw to a quieter place like a hallway for more probing questions and deeper discussion. Many Fairies don’t mind kissing and sharing magic for the evening, especially at parties. Those who are completely against the idea won’t lock eyes with a pixie who glances at them after a lekking scuffle (or if they lock eyes accidentally, they’ll give off uninterested signs during the small talk stage). Most pixies prefer sharing magic mentally over the physical act of mating, but some are more willing to experiment than others.

It’s more acceptable for Pixies to flirt with Anti-Fairies than it is for Fairies to flirt with Anti-Fairies, and in fact it’s widely assumed they don’t preference race being as neutral as they are. Pixies have figured out that Anti-Fairies aren’t easily impressed with fake sparring and that different tactics are required in different situations. Anti-Fairies have sensitive ears and are not normally found at large parties, so pixies are more likely to encounter them at competitive events (like auctions and the Fairy World Games) or formal events (like the Fairy Reunion and Autumn Masquerade).

Again, pixies rarely initiate interest in someone if they’re alone, and prefer to have other pixies nearby. Most Anti-Fairies prefer to circulate gatherings in pairs or trios, so if a large number of Anti-Fairies is present at a location, there are many small groups to approach. Pixies split off to approach such pairs or trios alone, though their friends don’t go far. When trying to impress an Anti-Fairy, a pixie won’t drag on the small talk. They’ll instead ask a pair or trio deeper questions in search of thoughtful answers. Anti-Fairies tend to be cautious of the spotlight since they’re used to being focused on for negative reasons, so calling attention to them by suggesting you won a fight in search of their approval doesn’t usually go well. Expressing curiosity through genuine questions is the key to an Anti-Fairy’s trust. 

In this case, pixies meet their lekking instincts by competing with one another mentally rather than physically; it’s generally thought that Anti-Fairies are far too intelligent, complex, and/or snobby to be impressed by a lowly pixie, so the longer a pixie can hold an Anti-Fairy’s interest, the more victorious that pixie is compared to his peers. Not singling out an Anti-Fairy from the duo or trio is important, since Anti-Fairies quickly feel insulted if it seems you approached them for self-serving reasons (i.e. with the intention of seeking a fling). A pixie’s goal is to impress two or three Anti-Fairies at a time, and if one of their targets is interested in them then the Anti-Fairy will initiate the next step of securing privacy away from their friends. Anti-Fairies like to have that power in their hands, but don’t like feeling pushed around- they get enough of that from the Fairies on a daily basis. Some Anti-Fairies see Pixies as “basically Fairies” and have no interest in flirting with them at all, while others see them as close allies of the Anti-Fairies and are at least willing to give them a chance.

If you are a Fairy or Anti-Fairy, it looks better socially if a pixie approaches you rather than you approaching him; it suggests a neutral race that rarely takes sides is leaning towards you, which is something it may benefit you to take advantage of, without you looking like a weirdo who hit on this emotionless and boring guy you met at a party. Even so, sometimes pixies are the ones who get approached rather than the ones who seek out others. Pixies are famous for fluttering their wings and backing away from someone who makes them uncomfortable, so if they remain calm and near the ground, it means they’re at least somewhat interested in you as a conversation partner. Making tearing motions with their hands (if they can’t actually tear paper at the time) and nibbling on things while they look at you are signs a pixie is encouraging you to continue what you’re doing.

See also, Intimacy and Partnership (Under “Social”).

Death and Mourning: Pixies turn to dust when they die, but leave their core behind. Deceased pixies take their clothes and anything in their pockets with them, the same way they do when they change shape. Anything that was separated from them, such as glasses or a torn wing, remains behind. An item previously soaked in rosewater will also remain behind. Notably, the Head Pixie hat has been soaked and always remains after the death of the reigning Head Pixie for the successor to take.

As described above, pixie lifedust is capable of transferring the Wolbachia bacteria to any fae who comes in contact with it; under O’Weskar v. Pixies Inc., pixies are solely responsible for gathering pixie lifedust, and sick pixies need to be quarantined if admitted to the hospital. Lifedust must be disposed of properly so it doesn’t infect any Fairies, so it cannot be kept as a memory.

Only the death of the Head Pixie is mourned openly, as expressing sorrow for even the loss of the vice president is frowned upon in unemotional pixie culture. The death of the Head Pixie would be honored by shutting down all outside contact with Pixie World for 48 hours while a funeral is organized; plans should have been made in advance and may be carried out by the alpha retinue drone or another high-ranking pixie. The Head Pixie’s successor (his vice president, presumably of Pixies Inc.) must prepare for his coronation and is the sole contact between Pixie World and non-pixies at this time. Chief Pixies would be contacted and invited to attend the funeral, though non-pixies would probably be barred entrance.

Pixies are not much for elegies, and funerals would not revolve around speakers reminiscing over memories before the public. Rather, bells may be rung and mournful monotone songs may be sung; the religions or philosophical beliefs of the individual Head Pixie will likely influence the ceremony. Pixie funerals are a new concept and will take time - perhaps generations - to figure out. Besides honoring the Head Pixie, pixies do not have visible funerals and only mourn internally. They strive to continue work without revealing any emotions. 

Disagreements: Fairies spar to force submission while Anti-Fairies hug to soothe, but Pixies, comprised 99% of drones, are not a very argumentative species. They’re a fairly placid race and defer to strong leaders without a lot of complaint. They may whine on occasion, but for the most part they are a species known for being agreeable. Some will voice opinions if asked, but will generally keep their mouths shut if they don’t agree. Many pixies fall into a rut of being yes-men, much to H.P.’s annoyance.

Family Relations: Pixies are all related and consider one another allies by default, even if they don’t know each other personally. Pixies will relay company secrets to one another even if they’ve never met, simply because they’re a massive but tight-knit corporate family.

A group of pixies is called a company; this is a term for a “family” group, not just a business in general. Each company is headed by the founder, who fathered the offspring in that company. Every pixie receives a branding mark on the underside of his left wrist around age 5, which marks him as belonging to a certain company. This mark is called the company logo and appears on all identification information such as birth certificates and licenses.

Sanderson’s wrist marks. Click HERE to read more.

Young pixies work as interns, performing low-rank work under their boss’s eye. Bosses look after young pixies on the clock by teaching them life skills and making sure they eat lunch and aren’t worked too hard. Off the clock, youth are looked after by their company founder (father), who ensures their other life needs are taken care of. Interns forward their paychecks to their founder and he manages his company’s funds. The founder should not take any of his offspring’s money for himself, merely manage it until they’re old enough to do so themselves (using his own funds to look after himself).

In the workplace, promotions and demotions are at the discretion of one’s boss (who himself is subject to his own bosses, with the Head Pixie at the top of the ladder). How a pixie is raised, rewarded, or punished outside of working hours is up to the discretion of each founder. The Head Pixie (Chief Pixie in a subsidiary company) has the right to micromanage family lives if he chooses to, though the local Vice President does not have such authority; a company’s vice president is responsible for assigning interns to mentors and rotating them to new areas as appropriate, but does not involve himself in a company’s family life.

If you’re a pixie kid, you’ll probably have a closer relationship with your founder than any other adult pixie. Some may feel closer with the boss they work directly under at work, with the alpha drone that oversees their company, or with their Head (or Chief), but generally pixies have positive, respectful relationships with their founder.

See the Power Dynamics and Child-Rearing sections for more on this topic.

Homes: In modern times, pixies do not have individual homes and instead share apartment suites. Four pixies close in age are assigned to a two-bedroom apartment, with two pixies sharing a room and bathroom. All four pixies share the living area and kitchen. Most Fairies, territorial by nature, find this set-up claustrophobic. However, pixies are a social species so it works for them (as long as they’re on good terms with their roommates). Even pixies who don’t get along can still live civilly with each other- Sanderson and Longwood are a good example. At present, older pixies live in one apartment building, with rooms filled from top to bottom. A second building also exists and will gradually fill as more pixies are born.

Pixies live fairly minimalist lifestyles. Apartments contain necessities like beds and food, but they are clearly designed as places to rest and sleep between working hours and are not meant to be cozy homes. Most pixies have breakfast, dinner, sleep, and wash in their apartments but don’t use them for much else. See the “Leisure” section for more about hobbies outside the apartment.

I built a typical Pixie apartment which you can view HERE.

Hygiene: Early morning hygiene can be complicated for pixies. Their schedules tend to be tight, so if their hygiene time lasts longer than anticipated, it can throw off the rest of their day. Pixies live in apartments rather than homes, meaning they share bathrooms with a roommate. Generally the more dominant roommate will take the first shower while the subordinate one eats breakfast, then they switch off. After breakfast they clean each other’s wings quickly but efficiently. Some pixies have different work schedules than their roommates, so this doesn’t always work, but most pixies are able to keep up with their hygiene well.

Magic doesn’t affect magic, so scrubbing away the grime of a magical world requires a physical process. Pixies are stereotyped as a clean people (the cleanest of all four fae classes). That said, they are thought to pay more attention to their hair than their wings. Pixies share their genetics with paper wasps, so their wings look a bit more yellow or orange than most Fairy wings, which makes them appear more dirty. As a race, Pixies pride themselves on their cleanliness; if you imply a pixie has dirty wings, he will be offended. 

Pixies have very active sweat glands- they secrete oils and magic dust from their skin all day long. This dust clings to them, allowing them to use small amounts of magic on occasion (shapeshifting for a very short time or poofing a short distance away). If they are deprived of their wands, this small amount of magic may save their life. Producing this dust also allows pixies to naturally disguise themselves from non-magical beings, like humans, who don’t expect to see them. This natural ability is less reliable than shapeshifting, but it prevents a pixie’s cover from being blown unless the non-magical being who sees them has reason to feel like something about this person is weird and takes a closer look. This ability is known as the Principle of Observation. Only Pixies and Fairies produce dust from their skin (Anti-Fairies and Refracts do not). If they scrub their skin with soap while bathing, Pixies wash away the dust. It takes a few hours for them to secrete enough magic to build the ability back up again.

Baths are not common in Pixie World (In fact, the Head Pixie’s penthouse has the only actual bath). Most pixies shower every morning, and if they don’t then it’s probably because they were unusually busy and didn’t have the chance. It’s uncommon for pixies to shower in the evening (unless they have a night shift at work) because evenings are usually saved for free time and few pixies want to spend their free time washing up if it can be done before work instead. H.P. is an exception to this usual rule; he washes his face and rinses his hair in the morning, and uses his evenings for more intense hygiene.

Cleaning wings is a different process entirely. It can’t easily be done in the shower due to lack of space and balance. Furthermore, it’s a difficult thing to do by yourself. Because pixies prize cleanliness, they will clean the wings of any other pixie who requests it, with the expectation that when they are in need of an emergency cleaning someone else will volunteer time for them. Usually roommates clean each other’s wings as part of their morning routine. 

Cleaning wings properly requires a brush and damp cloth, similar to cleaning a floor with both a broom and a mop. Wings are first brushed of loose dust and stale magic (usually brushed from the ends to the joints). Then they are attended to more carefully with circular motions of the cloth to wash away the grime that stuck to wings because of natural oils. Freshly-cleaned wings feel light, shimmer more, and are very healthy, while wings that aren’t cleaned regularly become milky in color, will start to weigh you down, and affect your sense of balance. Sanderson cleans H.P.’s wings every evening as part of regular retinue duties, and often throws a shoulder massage in there while he’s at it. H.P.’s father raised him right, so he always cleans Sanderson’s wings in return because that’s proper manners (though not every Fairy gyne is willing to do this for their drones, even their alpha drones).

Most pixies brush and wash their wings every day (as opposed to Fairies who give theirs a scrub every other day). Pixies preparing to attend parties outside of Pixie World will usually take a quick shower and give their wings a quick brush before they go out, even if they already washed up earlier, just to keep up the image that they are a very clean people.

Inheritance: Among pixies, money that was in possession of the deceased is turned over to the Head or Chief of their company. Possessions are given to the eldest living offspring, who may distribute them among his brothers as he sees fit. This legal system only applies to pixies who live in the company hierarchy; pixies who choose to abandon the company lifestyle and make their permanent homes elsewhere are subject to that world’s legal system. If a Fairy or Anti-Fairy dies while legally residing in Pixie World, all possessions except money are handed over to the eldest living offspring.

Leisure: On the clock, pixies are expected to pour their time and energy into the company. Off the clock, they’re permitted to do whatever they want, as long as they aren’t dragging the brand image through the dirt. Company founders are expected to provide for their offspring’s needs before they enjoy leisure time for themselves, of course (See “Family Relations”).

Despite their small population, Pixies have a food court with several restaurants at Pixies Inc., and a bar called The Anthill exists nearby for those who want candy and soda. Inkblot City also has its own golf course, library, gym, hiking trails, and a special recreational hall. In the rec hall, pixies can work on their own hobbies in their free time (reading, sewing, playing musical instruments, etc.) while also being around other pixies. This way they have plenty of space to work, have locker-like closets where they can store their hobbies without clogging their apartments, and they can mingle. Hobbies and social needs met in a single place at the same time. Pixies are descended from Fairies, so wrestling is part of their culture. However, while Fairies grapple for fun, Pixies grapple only to sort out the pecking order. It’s all business with them.

Pixies view consuming sugar as a leisure activity. They drink soda and eat candy both as a way to socialize and as a way to relax on weekends. Pixie saliva actually has the magical ability to clear one’s head- a drunk fairy who kisses a pixie will instantly be alert again (though they may suffer a hangover in a few minutes). Because of this, pixies will not stay wasted for long. Their saliva ebbs and flows in their mouths, briefly canceling out the effects of sugar only for the influence to take over again a few minutes later. A pixie who continues consuming sugar will waver between sober and sugarloaded. Once they stop ingesting it, they’ll be completely sober within twenty minutes.

Meals: Pixie apartments contain kitchens where food can be prepared if one chooses not to eat out. Each pixie is responsible for his own food (in contrast with Anti-Fairies, where those lower in the hierarchy prepare meals for superiors, and Fairy culture where the most dominant one is expected to provide). Despite being a eusocial species, pixies are individualistic like that; you alone are accountable for your success in life.

H.P. is a picky eater, and this has rubbed off on his offspring. Pixies prefer foods that don’t have strong flavors. Pixie breakfasts usually consist of eggs, toast, water, and either oatmeal or cereal. Lunch foods are usually sandwiches, rice, or leftovers. Dinner may include soup and potatoes, with soy products and corn on the cob being the foods Pixie World is best known for. All pixies are allergic to honey, and are deathly allergic to a cloudland grain product called honeywheat if they consume it.

Pixies are not opposed to eating meat, but usually eat deli slices on sandwiches instead of a separate serving of meat at dinner. They normally get by on grain products, vegetables, and fruit. They do not consume dairy products, favoring soy instead, and seem to be lactose intolerant as a species (Lactose won’t kill them, but it will give them indigestion- not that they’ll let on when their stomachs are upset). Pixies eat peanut butter more often than Fairies do, but don’t eat much jam or jelly. Spicy foods are not normally served in Pixie World, though pixies do enjoy eating spicy food with a straight face in front of staring onlookers.

Pixies do not rush meals unnecessarily, but do not savor them much either. They set time aside for meals, eat food, and then do something else. Though they won’t show it, they dislike the Anti-Fairy tradition of lengthy meals. They equally dislike it when Fairies bolt down their food and dart off again.

Media: Although they’re influential in many ways, Pixies don’t have their thumbs in Fairy media. They stick to their own newspaper in Pixie World, though don’t have their own news channels. Large blocks of info are delivered to Pixie World residents through the paper while short bursts of urgent info are delivered via mass text (If you live in Pixie World, you aren’t allowed to deny either of these). Pixies are close-knit and gossip travels quickly; a common quip is “The Head knows every fart by noon.”

Fairies and Anti-Fairies alike portray pixies as the neutral race among the fae. They tend to overplay this angle by writing pixie characters who wax poetic about the balance in the universe, second-guess themselves constantly, or betray one race for the other (Non-pixies are notorious for portraying them as people who’ll do anything for even a small amount of cash). Pixies are more likely than any of the other fae classes to be portrayed as bumbling drunks or sugar addicts. They tend to disrespect damsels and mock those who have less money than they do. Many Fairies and Anti-Fairies are not fully educated about Wolbachia pipientis, so they often assume pixies have mothers. A common media trope is pixie damsels strictly staying home to do domestic things while their husbands work in one of several unremarkable skyscrapers. Pixie damsels are often portrayed as bitter about living in a society that suppresses them just for being girls (by Fairies) or as ideal hardworking women who keep households on schedule despite having husbands who are addicted to drinks and gambling (by Anti-Fairies). Curiously, many plots and tropes revolve around the existence of pixie damsels despite them not really existing in the first place; since there are so many fae who don’t understand Wolbachia, they merely imagine pixie damsels to be a fascinating secret kept behind extremely tight doors. Careful research about how their society really works goes a long way towards impressing a Pixie audience.

H.P. understands that media featuring Pixies will likely acknowledge the Head in some way. Unless he particularly hates you, he’ll probably grant you permission to include him as a character in your fiction work (so long as you aren’t writing explicit material... without showing it to him for revisions first). He’ll surely find a persnickety reason to dislike your portrayal, but his ego is too big to deny himself those fifteen seconds of fame. He goes out of his way to obtain copies of every book, magazine, and movie that portrays pixies in any way and has assembled an impressive collection over the years.

Pixies do not often portray themselves in fiction, but when they do they depict themselves as creatures of order more than creatures of neutrality. Pixies believe both Fairies and Anti-Fairies to be chaotic, and ally themselves with whichever side is more orderly (a detail many Fairies and Anti-Fairies struggle to grasp since they tend to get hung up on thoughts of good vs. evil). Pixies consider themselves extremely devoted to those they care about, in contrast to the stereotype that they’re wishy-washy with their loyalties. Pixie-written pixie characters do not pay as much attention to money as they are stereotyped to, and their characters adhere to unwritten social etiquette rules that outsiders don’t easily pick up on. Pixie literature is meant to be taken literally and doesn’t contain a lot of personification or figurative language.

Pixie media frequently mentions preening with the alpha drone or Head Pixie; pixies usually depict preening scenes rather than skipping over them the way most Fairies and Anti-Fairies do (since most Fairies and Anti-Fairies consider preening a tender, intimate thing and are horrified to see it displayed in media accessible to children). Affection is rarely expressed in Pixie World, but the majority of it is done through preening- cutting out preening scenes means knifing the one form of intimacy they actually value. Pixies often struggle with subtleties in Fairy and especially Anti-Fairy media, so such scenes are a cue for them that a pair have a lot of trust in each other.

Commonly, you’ll see painfully slow, detailed scenes describing exact licks to replay who the dominant one is and exactly how they feel about one another. Skipping over a preening session without giving details just elicits a stream of questions. Confused pixies will seek out others for advice on how a scene they came across should be interpreted, and suddenly everyone nearby is buzzing about the topic and no one is on schedule anymore. H.P. is always alerted quickly if there’s confusion in the ranks, and he’ll grab the book or rewind the TV so he can explain the nuances. Content with his judgement, his pixies will wander off and he’ll return to his office with a fond shake of his head.

Names: Traditionally, pixies have been named by the Head Pixie, the first of whom gave his offspring unique surnames in an attempt to distance them from himself and craft the professional workplace feel of Pixie society. A pixie’s legal middle name is selected by the Head Anti-Pixie, as anti-pixies are exclusively called by that name until they turn 150,000.

Most pixies treat the name H.P. gave them as their first name even if it sounds like a surname. Often, they’ll adopt the name of their foster family and treat it as either a surname or a second middle name. For instance, when introducing himself to peers at school, Finley identifies as Finley Gavin Hammerfall even though in Pixie society his legal name is Mister Gavin Finley. He introduces himself to Fairies and Anti-Fairies as Finley because that’s the name he wishes to be addressed by, but all Pixies know the young drake introducing himself as Gavin Finley really expects to be called Finley, not Gavin. Pixies cringe when media portrayals get their naming system wrong.

Once Sanderson begins reproducing, a new naming system comes into play: Young pixies are named by their father and also take on his name. This allows pixies to distinguish each other and relations easily. Sanderson’s son Cavatina uses the name Cavatina Sanderson. If Cavatina had a son named Fergus, Max would use the name Fergus Cavatina. The surname comes from the father’s name, but is only passed down one generation.

Some pixies name their own kids, but if they’re feeling tapped for ideas, they can ask the Head Pixie (or Chief Pixie if they belong to a subsidiary) to name their offspring instead. Pixie society is progressing towards a future where the Head or Chief ceremonially names all children born into his care.

Preening: An intimate exchange of pheromones; see above.

Starpieces: Pixie starpieces change as technology advances. They used wands, but gradually upgraded to other items such as quills and pens before settling with the cell phone system. In the future, they will also use starpiece watches before finally transitioning to hands-off earpieces. Pixies carry their starpieces however is convenient and don’t have a cultural expectation to keep their starpieces visible. Fairies and Anti-Fairies find this unsettling as they come from a culture where wands are almost always sheathed in plain sight. Pixie cell phones and all their future upgrades simply do not work in Anti-Fairy World. Pixies have to rent wands if they plan to use magic while visiting.

Technology: Pixies are the most technologically advanced race of all the fae. They interact with the majority of Fairy merchant skyships and even have a few of their own that venture to other planets. Pixies are not grounded in old traditions; they’re new money people who are quick to adopt foreign technologies and always strive to improve themselves and their world. You can assume they’ve experimented with all flashy human technologies that caught their interest, and a lot of Alien ones too.

Electricity isn’t a thing in most of Anti-Fairy World, and certainly not in Fairy Refract World. TVs are rare and outlets are almost nonexistent in both places. Few pixies stay there long if they can help it. While outlets are not as plentiful in Fairy World as in Pixie World, there are still enough to consider them common. In Pixie World, you’ll find outlets near most tables and chairs, along with a variety of adapter cords that let you charge most electronics in the known universe. Many pixies charge their laptops and phones during lunch; it’s unusual to see unoccupied outlets near a group of pixies on break.

RITUALS

Instar: A newborn’s transition from being shaped like a hexagon at birth to having a more pixie-shaped body. Also known as the first moult, or the time of shedding your baby skin.

Pooferty: A nymph’s transition from being pre-verbal to developing the ability to speak.

Internships: Young pixies are assigned a mentor practically as soon as they say good-bye to their foster family. Mentors give interns a tour of the company, educate them in the ways of the world and Pixies Inc., and take on the majority of parenting duties until the young pixie can effectively look after himself.

Daoist baptism: A Daoist tradition of baptizing those who’ve studied and can explain the teachings of Daoism, a Fae religion based majorly off Celtic folkore. 100 hours of silent reflection then follow. H.P., being Daoist, tends to steer his offspring towards the Daoist teachings. His Vice President, Longwood, leans towards the Zodii beliefs and tries to intervene- not necessarily to point young pixies towards the Zodii philosophies, but simply to give them time to come to their own conclusions rather than be pushed.

Moulting into adult wings: A period of several days or weeks when a pixie experiences puberty. They briefly lose the ability to use magic and fly, and usually suffer a rash as they shed their wings and some skin. The new wings that grow in are notably larger than juvenile wings, hence the term “getting your adult wings”. Anti-pixies don’t have a close parallel of this beyond puberty / sexual maturity. Pixies have coming of age ceremonies for getting one’s adult wings, but no official ceremonies for reaching age of majority at 250,000.

Soul Carriages: The practice of representing immediate and extended family members in your home by means of a personal shrine for each individual you have personally met and consider your family. Soul carriages (or animpa) are vases with three wands sticking out to represent the three parts of the soul (Hands, breathing lines, and the core).

H.P. grew up with this Fairy custom and practices it by keeping soul carriages around for his father and sister (and later Anti-Cosmo). He has built a soul carriage for each of his pixies and instructs it be kept visible in their workspace (office, cubicle, or at least their room if they truly have no good workplace surface to place it on). However, it would be impractical for every pixie to maintain hundreds of soul carriages representing every other pixie, so each merely keeps an eye on his own. It’s not appropriate for one to tend to his own soul carriage, so if the vase breaks then the Head Pixie must be summoned to repair it. When pixies leave the company, H.P. will no longer keep a soul carriage for them on his property- he will instead send it off with them along with his best regards. Many Fairies find this horrifying, as it suggests ties have been cut, but H.P. believes this is the most appropriate way for Pixies to balance familial ties with their corporate lifestyle.

HOLIDAYS

The Fae holidays are described in detail in the celebration post, HERE.

REPRODUCTION

Attraction: If questioned about their sexuality, pixies are trained to reply that they are incapable of feeling attraction. “Mates are unnecessary, marriage is pointless” is the usual quip. Due to the influence of their culture, many pixies are uncomfortable with any sign that someone is attracted to them (or any sign that they’re attracted to someone else). Some pixies maintain straight faces while others become flustered and excuse themselves from the room. A few random pixies are more curious about their sexuality and interested in exploring it. H.P.’s official policy is that his pixies are allowed to have flings as long as they don’t progress to committed partnerships that interfere with work, and as long as he doesn’t have to hear about it happening. He doesn’t like thinking about it.

Pixies as a species are generally considered unattractive. They are considered physically and magically weak (a turn-off to most Fairies) and low in intelligence (a turn-off to most Anti-Fairies). Their square features are considered a genetic mutation, so pixies are usually seen as sickly. Because of stereotypes regarding their culture, it’s widely assumed they are terrible at expressing affection (if they’re capable of expressing it at all). A few people think having a fling with a pixie would be an interesting experience (usually those who believe the stereotype that pixies are diligent and obedient and will focus on customer satisfaction) but most are not interested in long-term partnerships with them. Since pixies themselves favor flings over commitment, this works out for them too.

Obviously, pixies seek partners outside their own species. Pixies are most comfortable interacting with other pixies and are usually guarded and socially awkward around Fairies and Anti-Fairies. If searching for a partner, Pixies tend to gravitate towards those with relaxed personalities who seem confident and fairly dominant.

In modern times, Pixies are widely stereotyped as creatures who are equally attracted to Fairies and Anti-Fairies; although many Fairies still find it strange, they accept Pixie/Anti-Fairy relationships more easily than Fairy/Anti-Fairy ones due to the belief that pixies embody neutrality. Many people do not consider Pixies closely related to Fairies at all (despite both being labeled as members of the Seelie Court) and consider Pixies an entirely unrelated third race. Ergo, a Fairy or Anti-Fairy who dates a Pixie is considered odd and usually looked down upon, but it’s seen as equally acceptable for a Pixie to have an Anti-Fairy partner as it is for them to have a Fairy partner.

Many Fairies, Anti-Fairies, and even some pixies believe H.P. has had flings with both Anti-Cosmo and Jorgen. Anti-Cosmo and Jorgen are generally judged for this while H.P. somehow isn’t; the former two are expected to “hold to a certain standard” while H.P.’s standard is to be neutral in all things- he actually gets judged more whenever it looks like he favors one side over the other. Fairies feel more at ease when they notice him hanging around Jorgen more often than Anti-Cosmo, that’s for sure.

Anatomy: Pixies are born with the same reproductive structure as Fairy drakes, so their lower parts resemble the parts of female sugar gliders. However, the Wolbachia pipientis bacterium prevents them from bearing children naturally. Wolbachia restructured their insides and left them with a bizarre birthing method: nourishing nymphs in the forehead chamber, where cytoplasm is most abundant.

Pixies have forward-facing pouches on their stomachs in place of a belly button, similar to like sugar gliders. A colony founder can tighten his pouch while his nymph is inside to ensure it doesn’t squirm out during flight. After birth, nymphs nurse milk from their foster mother or bottle-feed, and nurse liquid magic from the pouch either their founder or foster father.

A nymph who does not receive sufficient magic will develop into a tomte (a pixie incapable of flying or using any magic at all). Their counterparts will be unable to use magic as well. A tomte can mate physically, but will die afterwards since mating deprives them of magic. The milk of winged mothers contains the hormone buohyrine; a baby who does not receive this hormone will never be able to fly even if they have wings. Nymphs wean at about one year of age and grow too large for the pouch by age 2 (unless they’re extremely small).

Notably, the last two pixies H.P. produced (Finley and Southmark) were both tomtes. His body could no longer produce excess magic and needed to keep its reserves for itself, so it stopped reproducing. H.P. began reproducing late in life, so it’s likely his younger pixies will stop reproducing earlier since they started earlier. His older pixies will likely produce more offspring due to receiving more magic than later pixies; Sanderson might produce 500 offspring while later-born pixies may produce as few as 100, 50, or 10 before their magic tapers out.

Magical Intimacy: Although pixies cannot reproduce naturally, it’s worth including the magical intimacy information from the Fairy Class Overview here. Pixies who engage in passionate kissing or other forms of foreplay with another fae transition to sharing breathing lines. When two partners come apart, it takes time for their lines to untangle back to normal, so for several minutes to a few hours, they continue sharing one another’s lines and magic pools. Partners whose lines are tangled are known as “snared.” “Snared” can be used as a verb in the sentence, “I heard Sanderson snared with Smith last night.” While sharing magic in this manner can be thought of as a sexual thing, it is widely viewed as a platonic equivalent: a deep and caring bond expressed between extremely close friends.

Pixies almost universally favor magical intimacy over physical intimacy, as it’s a way of expressing closeness to a partner without the pixie feeling he’s going against the “mating is pointless” mindset. “Flings” usually consist of sneaking away to a quiet hall, garden, or closet at a party and exchanging magic with a partner, still dressed in professional attire.

For many gynes and drones, deep preening triggers the sharing magic response, which is Sanderson’s drug. While Seelie and Unseelie Courters can’t interbreed, they are capable of sharing magic in this sense (unless they’re doing it with their own counterpart, because it’s the same magic pool so there’s nothing new there to share). It’s possibly worth noting that Anti-Cosmo and H.P. are on the “regularly sharing magic” level of their relationship. Sometimes.

Crossbreeding: Pixies infected with Wolbachia cannot conceive naturally, with one exception: like infected insects, pixies are capable of reproducing naturally with infected females. But since Fairy damsels can only become infected with Wolbachia after coming into contact with dead infected insects or with pixie lifedust, and they die shortly after contracting the bacteria, you can guess how often that happens.

CHARACTER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Pixies are genetically identical, so their looks don’t vary by much. By default they have paper wasp wings, pale skin, black hair, lavender eyes, and rather square features. They also have poor eyesight, and produce similar-smelling pheromones too. Hair styles and dialogue patterns are the most distinguishing features between them.

Pixies have fairly weak magic, so their hats bob close to their heads.

Thanks to H.P.’s genetics, pixies are a naturally tall, broad-shouldered race. Gynes are even larger than drones. Pixies look square (drones especially), but gynes show wider hips and more pronounced curves. 

All gynes have freckles. These freckles are not inherited genetically and are linked to the amount of jelly eaten before shedding the baby form. In pixies, freckles can range in color between pink, red, and brown. They are always found on the face, neck, and shoulders. Some gynes have freckles ranging down the arms to the elbows or even the wrists; however, chest freckles, back freckles, and torso freckles are not patterns that exist in their gene pool. Gynes with more freckles are considered more attractive, especially if freckles are symmetrical.

Pixies dress professionally while on-duty. Off the clock, they have a bit more freedom in how they present themselves. White and gray remain common colors, and jewelry is very uncommon (unless it’s a candy or kandi bracelet). Each company of pixies alters their standard of dress slightly- Pixies Inc. employees wear black ties and PixieCo employees wear navy blue ties.

Pixie suits are made of linen and fine, lightweight wool. Cotton is rare and very expensive in the cloudlands, so pixies are much more likely to own cotton clothing than Fairies or Anti-Fairies are. Silk is practically nonexistent in Pixie World; silk has special connotations with intimacy when it comes to preening and is worn ceremonially if at all.

Most Pixies wear plain, simple white underpants and don’t wear undershirts since such things are considered an Anti-Fairy custom. H.P. personally found that Anti-Fairy drake undergarments (single-piece undergarments that have separate leg holes and reach down to the knee) work very well for drakes with small nymphs since they allow the pouch to be accessed easily, and the garment is loose enough to fit comfortably without a tight elastic pressing against the stomach. 

WRITING PIXIES: WHAT TO REMEMBER

Fae get drunk on sugar; candy and soda are drugs and alcohol, but wine and beer have no notable effects on them.

Hygiene: Pixies rely on pheromones and don’t use deodorant. The majority of the species is made up of drones, who produce the faintest pheromones. If you have a Fairy or Pixie nose, you can smell a gyne coming down a nearby hallway. You might not scent drones so easily.

When a pixie feels threatened, his hat will lower closer to his head.

Pixies cannot fly when their wings are wet. Their inability to fly when wet does not affect their anti-pixie counterparts, who can still fly as long as the pixie remains in contact with the energy field via their magic lines.

Most pixies struggle with subtleties and need things spelled out for them. They like to have all the details.

Pixies have 270° physical vision.

Pixies have the ability to flip their eyes into backwards into something called field-sight, which allows them to briefly trade physical vision for magical vision (the magical equivalent of heat-sensing goggles).

Pixies can sense the presence of magic around them (average diameter of 2.5 meters). Without trying, they can notice the approach of a magical being. With this magical sense, they can pick up on shapes, movement, body language, and evidence of facial expressions even while their back is turned.

Non-magical creatures (humans, aliens, animals) are invisible to this magical sense. Pixies are often startled when non-magical beings approach.

Pixies perceive the world largely through scent. If scent and sight don’t line up, they’ll be very confused. Technically, they pick up scents more through their mouths than their noses. They have the ability to smell whether or not a fairy or pixie is a virgin. While they probably won’t breach the subject in public, one’s sexual status is never a secret. 

Pixies will die if they consume the antibiotics tetracycline or rifampicin (the “cures” for Wolbachia pipientis). They’re also allergic to honey, and will become extremely sick if they consume it (a reference to the fact that bees will immediately kill wasps who break into their hives).

Pixies will “drop their lines” (lose contact with the energy field) and struggle to breathe when sugarloaded (drunk), tingle-fritzy (aroused), or if the weather is bad (rainy / windy / snowy).

Take pride in what you do and always do your best!

[illthdar]

Yessss!! Uncommon Question Game! How about: 1, 3 and 38 And for the Creator Portion, E and G! Please and Thank!

Thanks for the question, apologies for the delay, I had seen the ask but then forgot all about it when I finally got to my computer to answer. As you’re very aware as one of my very awesome beta-readers, there’s a lot of characters. As such, today I’ll the character questions on Abaddon’s team from the first book (Abaddon, Scyanatha, Nyima, Magnilla, Vyxen and Zercey). 

For those who aren’t so familiar, the inspiration and design of this this dream team came from people who weren’t me, though I did obtain permission to use their characters and breath life into them on my own.

1. What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Abaddon: they’re pretty patient, they can sit still and not do anything, though they might go to sleep after awhile.

Vyxen: Nope. She’s gone, she would last all of maybe 2 minutes on her own. She’d last longer if she had company, but I doubt asking seven-million questions counts as doing nothing.

Scyanatha: A couple of hours, I’d say. She wouldn’t do it for the fun of it, but she is capable of keeping a straight face and holding her spot with nothing to do with herself. As a member of the Unseelie court, she’s had to endure her share of courtly drivel.

Nyima: She can manage a fair amount of time doing nothing, but she wouldn’t do it without a reason. Nyima values her time and wasting the good hours of a day on literally nothing would probably irritate her after awhile.

Magnilla: She’d say she absolutely is the best at being quiet and still and she’s so good at it, you’d think she’s a statue. She’s the queen of hyperbole. She can���t be still unless doing so means she is the absolute centre of attention.

Zercey: She can be observant. Short of being locked in a room with nothing to see, in which there is no choice but to wait, Zercey is capable of entertaining herself by watching other people. She’d manage about a half-hour, tops.

3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)

Abaddon: They like to do minor crafts with their hands to unwind at first, then they’ll settle under their dozen or so blankets and pillows to mentally digest the events of the day.

Vyxen: After feeding and cuddling her pets, though she’d probably deny it if asked, she spends a great deal of time laying in bed thinking about home an family and looking forward to the next day. 

Scyanatha: She likes to unwind by writing in one of her journals. She keeps them to keep a log of her very long life - they’re her memory more than her mind.

Nyima: She might have considered singing if she could, but she’s more of a hummer, though she doesn’t even do that with any sort of regularity. Instead, she’d take off the jewellery and check to see if her hair needs to be redone. After that, it’s contemplation time.

Magnilla: She likes to summarise and regale anyone listening the events of her day in true Thies-werewolf spirit. She’ll tell you about how her clan is home to the best storytellers and writers in all of Illthdar, how she learned from the best of them. As for her routine, being practically perfect in every way, she doesn’t have much of one - she’ll take a bath and do the typical female-things to keep herself at her best - because of course she doesn’t think she’s pretty but still feels an obligation to try - appearances for her love-interest.

Zercey: She likes to read. The language of Illthdar sounds every bit like a poorly spoken version of several languages, she’s got some experience with learning Germanic and Latin roots, and has a leg up on being able to decipher some texts. 

E) Are they someone you would get along with? Would they get along with you?I think all of them have their issues, but they’re mostly amiable. No one is without their flaws and, as the writer they’d probably want to see me a million ways dead before they’d want me as their friend - let’s be real. Were these real people, though, and I wasn’t the person toying with their lives, I think I could work with them professionally in an office environment. I don’t know how close I could be with them, though. I’m a strange personality in my own right and making a ton of friends isn’t my MO.G) What trait of theirs bothers you the most?

Collectively, I’d say the biggest flaw that the characters of the Illthdar series have is that they often fail to empathise with the other side of the argument. It’s idealistic of me to want people to see all sides of a situation - I can’t even do it myself, though I try not to be a hypocrite - but it’s the root of a lot of frustrations I’ve had with the characters as I’ve been writing.

That said, if they could see things so completely, there wouldn’t be half of the tension that there is, so to quote the Tao Te Ching: “value is in what is there, usefulness in what is not.” Moreover, it isn’t realistic for everyone to always understand each other - especially when everyone comes from different ways of life. There are going to be things that one character thinks is perfectly normal that others can’t accept and perhaps shouldn’t accept. The series was written to be intentionally conflicting in that regard; how else are people going to look at their own lives objectively if the characters aren’t doing it?