#verse: mal

[vividwrites]

[ catch ]

While Penny loved every part of being a teacher, she had to admit one of her favourites was decorating her classroom. She had always had a crafty side to her, and exploring the décor aisle at the teaching supplies store always pushed her over budget, but getting to see the looks on her students’ faces when they walked into class, in awe of a new theme of dancing pencils or rainbow-coloured book pages plastered across their classroom always made it worth it. 

So the day before the first day of spring, Penny stayed late after school, making the switch from icy alphabet letters and sparkly snowflakes to tissue paper flowers, pipe cleaner bees, and construction paper grass. It was a long process, and she knew most teachers kept the same decorations year-round, which she assumed was the reason why when her co-worker, Finn, had walked by her classroom on his way out of the school, he offered to help. She had originally turned him down, thanking him for the offer but not wanting him to have to stay late after work when he surely had better things he could be doing instead of handing her tape loops and letting her know if her paper plate butterflies were hanging straight. He insisted though, especially after pointing out the ladder she had propped by her desk, and she agreed to let him stay. 

Finn had joined her when she was only halfway through taking down the winter decorations, and when she had caught a glimpse of the clock when her bin of spring decorations was nearly empty, she was surprised to see that Finn’s help had her classroom finished in much less time than she’d expected. She felt a small wave of sadness wash over her, though she knew it was misplaced. She should be happy that her classroom was redecorated so quickly, that she could call it an earlier evening than originally planned, but that also meant the time she was spending with Finn was ending early too, and the disappointment in that was unexpected.

She always knew she liked Finn; he was probably her favourite coworker. He was incredibly kind to not only her, but everyone around him, and he was especially good with the students. She was sure it took an unbelievable amount of skill, patience, and passion to introduce six-year-olds to music for the first time, teaching them to clap along to beats or sing along to melodies, and Penny found that extremely admirable. She’d even come early one day to escort her students from Finn’s classroom and got to see him play the drums for them, watching their faces light up as they oohed and aahed, asking him if he was a rockstar. It was just recently that when they greeted each other as they passed in the hallway or made small talk as they filled their coffee cups in the teacher’s lounge during recess, that she started to get a little flutter in her stomach that would only pass when they parted ways. But feeling that way was unprofessional of her, and besides, he hadn’t shown any signs of reciprocation, so she tried her best to push that feeling away and bury it as deeply as possible. It didn’t mean she was doing a good job at it, but she was trying, at least.

Finn was finishing with his pile of decorations, attaching a flower to the grass Penny had placed earlier, and then a bee to the flower, a scene of his own design. When he had stepped aside to show it to Penny, she gave him a glowing smile. “That’s perfect! The kids are going to love it,” she bubbled. She turned towards the decoration bin, pulling out the only piece left, a string of green and pink streamers. “Last one, then we’re all finished.”

Penny placed the streamers onto the table before grabbing the ladder, which she conveniently hadn’t had to use yet. Finn was much taller than her and was able to reach the places where she’d earlier planned to put the tops of trees and birds nests that she would’ve never been able to reach on her own without a ladder. She opened the ladder and placed it firmly on the ground near the wall, rocking it back and forth to ensure its sturdiness. Finn followed her over, suggesting that he could put the streamers up for her so she wouldn’t have to use the ladder, but Penny explained her vision to him, how she wanted them strung close to the ceiling, and twisted together in an extravagant way. She could tell he was unsure about her using the ladder, noting that it seemed like it had been stored in the school’s janitor closet since the 80s, and Penny acknowledged that was a good point. While she found it extremely gentlemanly of him to offer to do it instead, they decided on a compromise, that Penny would do the first few feet to show Finn the way she wanted it to look, and he would finish the rest. 

While Finn stood at the base of the ladder, Penny climbed to the top, taking the streamers and tape he handed her. She explained how she was making the twist and Finn nodded along in understanding, so Penny ripped off a piece of tape to secure the strand to the wall. When she reached out to place the tape, the ladder creaked, jerking forward, causing Penny to lose her balance as she perched at the top. She reached out to grab onto something in a panic, causing the ladder to rock and Penny to lose her footing, her heart skipping a beat as she fell from the ladder with a yelp. She was only in the air for a second, and the next she was in Finn’s arms, breathing heavily as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck to secure herself. 

“Oh my God,” she let out, turning to meet eyes with her hero. Her heart skipped another beat, for a very different reason this time. “Oh my God.” She tried to regulate her breathing while simultaneously trying to tear her eyes away from Finn’s perfect brown ones, but was only able to break her gaze away when he gently let her down from his arms and onto her feet. 

“Thank you so much. I’m so lucky you were standing there. Oh my God, thank you,” she repeated, smoothing out her dress from the fall. She tried to avoid looking directly at him, at least for the moment, not only out of embarrassment, but also because she worried that if she caught sight of his eyes again she’d get lost in them forever. “Maybe I just don’t do streamers this year. Or ever.”

[amytz24souls]

This is so funny , I'm sure maxime and René would get along great , gwen ...well idk maybe not lmao

[rv3rblog]

spanish nicknames 2 use when writing hispanic/spanish speaking characters

this is coming as someone who’s mexican, there might b other names other cultures use im not rlly sure. also these aren’t like ALL of them btw. these r ones i used on exs/have read.

gender neutral:

mi amor (my love)

mi vida (my life)

mi corazón (my heart)

corazoncito

mi luz (my light)

mi sol (my sun)

mi luna (my moon)

estrella/estrellita (star/little star)

bebé (baby)

amorcito (lover - not to b confused w “amanté” which means mistress (aka the other man/women) do not trust google !)

mi cielo (my sky)

mi alma (my soul)

fem.

ma/mami/mamas (i cnt think of an actual translation for this? it’s jus smth that’s used) (but like literal translation it means “mom/mommy”) (ok so turns out it is used as “baby/honey/sweetheart/sweetie”)

conejita ( (little) bunny but fem.)

gatita (kitty but make it fem.)

chiquita (shorty is like.. the literal translation for this)

masc.

papi/papa (again cnt rlly think abt how to translate this into a pet name but the literal translation means “daddy”) (again, turns out it is used as “baby/honey/sweetheart/sweetie”)

chiquito (again, means shorty but affectionate)

gatito (kitty but make it masc.)

conejito (same here. (little) bunny but make it masc.)

some phrases i like using/writing/reading

“eres mi vida” (literal translation “you’re my life” but i think of it in a more “you mean everything to me” way.)

“mi corazón es tuyo” (means “my heart is yours” it’s jus extremely cheesy it makes me giggle)

“todo es para ti” (means “everything (i) do is for you” makes me giggle 2)

“me vuelves loco mi amor” (so silly “you drive me crazy” like awe shucks.)

“cuanto te quiero”/“te amo con todo mi corazón” (1. “how much i love you” 2. “i love you with all my heart”. there’s a diff between “quiero” and “amo” btw. generally depends on the context and WHO the person is speaking to.)

“eres mi sol, mi luna y las estrellas. eres mi cielo” (so cute. means “you’re my sun, my moon and all the stars. you’re the entire sky to me.” ok but fr? “mi cielo” is hard to translate.)

“deme que eres mía/mío” (cheesy and possessive !! “tell me you’re mine.”)

like i said b4 these aren’t all of them but the ones i think r the most popular! enjoy and happy writing/writing. lmk if uve got any questions or need help translating :p always down to help !!

[dear-lacey]

(Their respective credits to the girl who made the edit)

Oh my god, it actually happened 4 times...

They need to stop making characters from different dimensions fall in love with each other...

[somerandomjewelleryonthefloor]

Through the Solace-Bolas-Verse.ೃ࿐

Chapter 3: Disgrace to all

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. · ───

Summary: "The bolas crew have found themselves in a world where the Nightbloom family have survived, but are soon horrified by what hides behind the clean marble walls..."

Characters: Solace (+ other versions seen), Nia, Mal, Tyril, Imtura, Aerin, Valax (+ other versions of them mentioned)

Word count: 4226

Warning?: This chapter deals with household verbal-abuse, childhood neglect (implied), and alcohol addiction (implied).

Extra notes: I am a teen, I haven't been through these scenarios. So if I get anything wrong I'm very sorry- please kindly let me know!

Tags: @lover-also-fighter-also @cadybear420 @choicesmc

────────────────────────

"SOLACE NIGHTBLOOM, HOW DARE YOU!!?"

A powerful voice boomed through the mansion that the party had ended up dropping into after they went through the portal, the portal quickly closing up behind them.

It felt as if the walls shook, and they had to cover their ears. Especially Tyril as that shout shook him to his core with his sensitive hearing.

"Well... We're definitely in the right place..." Valax whispered, looking towards Tyril as he pushed his hands into the sides of his head tightly with great force.

Shadow magic dancing at the tips of her fingers, and with the flick of her wrist- the screams were muffled a bit. They were still loud, but it definitely wouldn't cause any hearing loss.

She patted Tyril's back as unblocked his ears, looking at her. Nodding.

"Thank you..."

"What was that?..." Nia asked rhetorically, looking down a hallway.

The architecture was elegant, marble graced the walls and floors as large pillars on the side of the corridor held the roof up. Portraits of the Nightbloom family, from ancestors to present day members such as "Guyan Nightbloom" and "Navine Nightbloom".

Outside a window, Tyril recognised the sight. Tall buildings and winding staircases in the distance, elegant architecture yet high walls that signified a highly protected and sheltered society.

[Undermount.] Tyril quickly thought, before another muffled shout hit his and everyone else's ears.

"What do you mean I'm making a mockery of you? I'm doing everything BUT that-" Solace's voice boomed through the house, though it was overpowered by an older man's.

"You know damn well what your place is in this society, yet you dare try and make a name for yourself?" The sound of an exasperated sigh left his mouth, "you already have a title."

"And I don't like that one! It's not what I would've chosen for myself! That shouldn't be the only thing defi-" Solace was cut off, again. His voice gained more desperation and emotion each time.

Everyone went quiet as they realised what was happening fairly quickly. Standing still as they heard the horrible things that came out of, what they could only assume, was Solace's father.

"You're a WHORE child, Solace! You aren't supposed to do anything besides stay out of sight! NOT make yourself the center of attention!!"

There was the sound of a chair being pushed as someone banged on a table.

"Godsdamn it- why can't you listen to me!? WHY!? What have I done!?" Solace cried out, his voice cracking as his anger mixed with the tears he choked back.

"You EXIST is why! You're not supposed to be here! You're a mistake your mother had! And you RUIN THIS FAMILY NAME YOU-"

"FUCK YOU GUYAN!" The sounds of stomping, mixed with breathless crying filled the house.

Nia had to cover her mouth as she gasped, eyes widened and emotions running through her whilst Aerin and Imtura and everyone else were rendered speechless. Anger simmered under all of their skin, bubbling in their blood as the cries of Solace punctured their hearts like knives. Who would ever tell someone that? How could this man, say that to him so easily? Not even a moment of hesitation in his voice, just how was that possible?

Aerin's grip on the book he was able to keep from the last diamension tightened, his knuckles white.

"Does anyone feel the urge to hit this "Guyan" with something?" His voice was full of venom, looking down the corridor with a glare that could kill.

"Maybe a dagger or two, Princeling" Mal's hands now we're full of 2 daggers in each.

Tyril, despite his strong desire to find the man who just talked to a version of his beloved star and make him wish he could never speak again, had to take a deep breath and face everyone else who currently looked like they were ready for battle.

"As much as that'd be a lovely scene to partake in, we should prioritise Solace more... We should find him and make sure he isn't doing anything dangerous"

With an annoyed groan, Imtura sheathed her double axes. This made sense, getting to Solace as finding Solaces sped up the 'portal-opening to another dimension' process, which meant a step further to finding him. But it did leave them with great displeasure.

Walking quietly down the hall and passing by all the other things on display such as old diaries from past ancestors were kept in a glass case. Reaching the end of the hallway they got to a fork in the road, Mal peeked his head around a corner, seeing a hallway that led to 2 closed doors that had carvings in it. In front of them was a hallway that continued on to a different part of the mansion.

Mal reigned his head back and turned to face everyone else.

"All right, there're two different hallways and one of them has doors that go somewhere while one just goes on forever apparently" Mal looked towards Tyril, "Since this is undermount, which way would you say is our best bet at finding Kit?"

Tyril thought for a moment. The screaming match they all heard from earlier lightly rang in the back of his mind as he thought. Haunting him. He closed his eyes as he tried to formulate an idea, pushing that visual of Solace and his father yelling to the back of his mind for the moment.

Not all Undermount houses followed the same exact design, but usually most houses are 2 storeys so the common way to find a staircase to all the rooms upstairs would be from an open area. Ballroom, house entrance or otherwise.

"The hallway on the left. That usually leads to any open area like the entrance to mansions like these"

"Right, and what's our go to if someone finds us?" Aerin asked, "Mansions like these must have some servants right? What if we walk into one?"

"Knock em out" Imtura cracked her knuckles as she said that, though when she caught Nia's gaze she quickly added "Quietly. Quietly..."

With their (half-ass) plan, they ventured to the left hallway like Tyril said. Making it to the door Valax quietly opened one of the doors and peeked inside. It was another winding hallway, but at the end of said hallway was a long marble staircase. Though because of how long the hallway was and the angle she was looking at, she couldn't see if there were any doors.

Opening the door further, she slipped inside first with everyone else following.

It was honestly a headache. Seeing so many hallways in the span of 3 minutes, and they were all white marble with pillars on the sides to hold the ceiling. The lack of colour was astonishing, even for a high Elven mansion such as this. It was only greyscale, and it wouldn't help if they had to find a place to hide as it all looked the exact same.

Going down, they passed by several unmarked doors, and it was unsettling.

They had no trouble though as they passed the ghost hallway and got to the staircase. It winded in a spiral up to the second floor, and was purely marble with thick stone trailing.

Going up, the sound of cries in the far distance could be heard, they sounded breathless and pained, it gave them all a dreadful feeling.

Whilst they knew Solace cried, he rarely did it in public around them. The only time he cried was when he was absolutely done suffering mentally, as they all (besides Aerin) remembered that he cried before the war of Morella.

It was sickening, honestly. They diamension-hopped to 2 different universes, where Solace was somewhat happy and content- so to go from that to a universe where his parents are actively calling him a "mistake" and "whore child" to his face and making him cry was a lot to take in.

As they got to the second storey, they were all shocked at how drastic the change was. The entire upstairs was black marble, black curtains covering windows with only small cracks illuminating small spots on the floor and wall, and it was eerily quiet besides the pained crying.

As if this whole storey was designed for Solace, to spend his life here in the dark.

As they moved, their footsteps echoed as Nia made a large orb of light to illuminate the place. Upon lighting it up a little so they could see where they were going, they saw a rat scurry across the floor before a mouse trap went off somewhere under a table. The walls were full of wall marks and scratches, and the whole place looked unsafe to be in. It wasn't scary, it was depressing.

And knowing Elven society, Solace probably grew up here in this storey for most his life if he was an unwanted baby. Kept to keep a good image on the family, but behind closed doors he was pushed here.

"Fuck..." Imtura couldn't stop herself swearing as she and everyone looked around.

"Reminds me of those stories Mal & Nia tell the children about at the orphanage, beasts of castles being in the darkness, shunned from society." Valax went over and touched a claw mark that was etched deep into a broken wooden table. Feeling how deep it was. The wood was covered in dust and splintered, and

*ACK-CHOO!* Aerin sneezed, as he backed away from a curtain he was trying to open.

Aerin was coughing into his elbow, dust flying up his nose after attempting to open it to add light to the place. This area isn't even cleaned properly, which means that Solace also grew up being sick most likely with all the dust and rodents living about.

How cruel.

"I can't believe anyone would treat a child like this. Even if they weren't planned, it's horrid..." Nia wanted to cry, and also throw someone down the stairs at the same time.

Mal was sick to his stomach as he could smell the strong scent of alcohol as they all walked further along this dark hellsscape of a hallway. It smelt like honey-wine, but stronger. It was kind of disgusting, as it got stronger the closer they got to the crying.

Covering his nose, Tyril pressed his ear to a door, the cries had grown softer and muted as the sound of glass shattered inside.

They found his room.

Taking a deep breath, her decided that maybe knocking would work. So backed up and lifted a first, knocking gently.

The crying stop, and a growl could be heard inside.

"Who the hells is it." Pure disdain was in Solace's voice.

"S..." The switch from sadness to anger caught him off guard, but he kept his tone gentle. "Solace?..."

...

The sound of feet running to the door on the other side could be heard, and the door unlocked.

Only peeking out from a crack of the door, a dead deep purple eye was seen as Nia's orb of light followed the group.

"Tyril?" The light of hope in Solace's eye could just be seen fading away the minute he took a look at him.

"Y... Am I that drunk already?" Solace backed up from the door, holding his head.

Peeking in, the smell of alcohol was so strong and the pitch black made him uneasy. He was honestly scared to see what his room looked like if light entered.

Opening the door a bit, Tyril saw Solace's appearance.

His eyes were absolutely clean of any hope, light, only a dead look as deep hollows existed under his eyeballs, and he was bony beyond compare. In a floor-length dress, it didn't hide his frail figure. His skin could be seen as an unhealthy grey instead of the healthy shimmering purple-black tan they were used to seeing. The golden markings were a dull bronze, and his hair looked tangled up together. It wasn't put in a braid, just dragging along the floor.

His fingernails were longer than usual, usually 6 inch- but he had 10 inch claws that curled at the ends. They were sharp and dirty as they were stained yellow, instead of the pale blue that the group has grown used to.

He staggered back, palms covering his eyes as he hissed.

"Dammit I am..." He walked back into the darkness, leaving Tyril alone with the group outside.

Everyone shared a look of hesitation. Should they really go in and follow Solace? He looked horrible, and he wasn't in a good mood.

Nia made the orb of light smaller as she cautiously looked inside. 2 glowing eyes of purple and gold could be seen as the sound of him flopping on his bed could be heard. He rolled over and groaned as he muttered.

"Shit..."

"Yeah... Uhm... Maybe some of us should stay outside. I don't think he could handle too much..." Mal frowned as he covered his nose. The stench of spilt and dried wine on the carpet made him gag a bit.

"I'll stay behind with Mal..." Nia went over to him, leading him away from the doorway to keep the smell from getting to his head.

"I will stay behind as well- ACHOO!" Aerin sneezed again, before going into another coughing fit, clutching his book to his chest as he coughed into his elbow.

As Nia guided Mal and Aerin away from the door, down the hall and by the stairs so they could sit down, Imtura and Valax looked at Tyril. Imtura sighed as she crossed her arms.

"I'm coming in with you. I've been sloshed hard before, I'll probably be able to understand him and handle what he throws..."

"Hopefully he doesn't throw anything," Valax said, looking past Tyril and peering into the darkness. The orb of light followed them as Tyril turned back to the door.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and went inside.

The light of the orb helped light up the room only a little bit. By their feet was a shattered wine bottle, and as they moved, they could see the walls were clawed at and that there were clothes thrown everywhere. The ottoman by the end of the bed was broken, and they could see the bed sheets and blankets were ripped into scraps. By the bedside table where Solace was drunkenly sleeping, there was a diary page open.

As Tyril sat in front of Solace, Imtura eyed the damage with a frown. It was like an animal was locked up in here and went wild, she could almost imagine it. Solace throwing things around and scraping the marble after banging on a locked door because guests are over.

Valax was looking around. Seeing a mirror that was broken, in the middle was a fork wedged deep into the wooden panel that was behind the reflective surface. There were also glasses of goblets, 2 empty bottles of wine, and a small bottle of champagne that was on its side.

It made her scowl as she remembered the argument that happened when they first got there.

"How horrible, what pain caused by a parent does to someone" She clicked her tongue as she turned to Tyril.

Tyril was moving a strand of hair from Solace's face. Seeing Solace's face now closely, he could see his face was flushed and a small bubble of snot appeared as he breathed.

He was gorgeous still; he'd always be gorgeous in his eyes, though it pained him deeply that this was what would happen if Solace grew up with his biological parents and in Undermount. He couldn't believe this was real, that they were in a universe where all Solace felt was hurt and pain.

Imtura picked up a newspaper that was sitting on the bedside table and read it.

"Shocking... The bastard child of Navine of House Nightbloom shows face at Duskraven ball... Disrespects his role in- the FUCK is this!?" Imtura then ripped it up before crinkling it up into a ball and kicking it into the door.

She then turned to Tyril, eyes full of fury.

"You're telling me you grew up in a society this toxic?" She asked.

Tyril could only glance at her before looking back at Solace, nodding. She ran a hand over her face as her eyebrows flew up.

"Gods... I'm so sorry for you, that's terrible as shit." She sighed. Her anger only intensified as she looked at Solace.

On top of being yelled at, there's Elven society that shames him for doing anything besides stay in the shadows.

Valax looked at Solace's sleeping face as Nia's orb of light hovered over them. She noticed how his eyebrows were knitted together and his breathing was a bit ragged. She wanted to curse Solace, as because of him, he made her become her own person- which meant she gained emotions she was perfectly fine without. She felt a small ache in her heart, seeing her friend so distressed that he couldn't escape pain in his dreams.

She leaned over and tucked a piece of hair behind his ear as Solace's breathing hastened.

Imtura was by Solace's dresser, reading a diary entry that was left open. The writing was messy as the ink bled into the paper, but she could follow what it was saying.

"3/11/XXXX.

It's been 3 whole weeks ever since Tyril disappeared. Kaya said she was going to try and investigate where he went, but it was no use. He left undermount, and I don't blame him.

While he was gone I picked up my drinking habits again. I tried so hard to resist it, but I couldn't help it. I'm so sorry, Tyril; I know you said you wanted me to stop, but I can't."

As she read that entry, a small gasp could be heard behind her. Turning her head, Solace was up and looked at Tyril with tears in his eyes.

"Tyril?... You're..." Solace's hands grazed his face, his nails lightly picking at Tyril's skin as Solace teared up.

"You're back?... Wha- when- h..." His grip on Tyril's face tightened as he looked him over, "You- you've changed!..."

Whilst Tyril wanted to tell Solace that it wasn't his Tyril, her couldn't bring himself to tell the truth after seeing the light in his eyes come back again. So he lied, but only for now.

Letting himself be pulled into a hug by Solace

He could smell the alcohol on his breath, his frail body, his greasy hair, and the feel of his wet tears as he rested his face on Tyril's bare shoulder.

He could feel a smile appear on Solace's face, a small one that was strained, but a smile nonetheless.

Tyril wrapped his arms around Solace's back and waist, using his hand to pat his back as he sighed.

"If I knew you'd be back, I would've tried to look decent... I look horrible don't I?" He chuckled, though he didn't sound thrilled.

"You look fine, given your situation..." Tyril whispered back to him.

Finally paying attention, Solace pulled back. Looking at Valax with an expression of a gentler gaze.

"And who... Who is this? Your entourage of sorts? Or..."

When he looked over at Imtura, his face lightly flushed as he saw her tall stature and her muscles bulged when she crossed her arms. Though he quickly looked away, back at Tyril.

"Seems you've gotten out of your shell and finally made friends. I'm glad..." There was a small light in Solace's eyes as he gently looked at Tyril.

Solace's claws made their way into Tyril's hair, pushing back some of the hair there. He caught a whiff of the unicorn lick he got a few hours ago and sighed calmly.

"And why do you smell like taffy?"

"I do?" He tilted his head, not remembering he got licked by a unicorn.

"Yes. Your hair is slicked back and smells of taffy"

Tyril shrugged. He simply held Solace's face, which shocked Solace. His eyes widened, and he almost let himself melt into his touch. His eyebrows knitted together for a moment.

"And what's this for? Your new friends cuddle bugs? Or did you forget that in Elven society- if you're friends with someone like me, touch like this is a scandal?"

"..." Tyril got severely confused. Friends. He's just friends with him in this universe? That's weird... And stupid. Solace is a wonderful person, how did this version of himself not fall for him? Especially with those gentle eyes and that smile? And his soft voice when he wasn't yelling? No doubt they saw each other if the house Nightbloom was as grand as the Duskraven household and the Starfury house. Unless other Tyril was holding back his feelings for some reason.

Though he was lying his way through peace. So he shrugged and tried to seem casual.

"I just missed you a lot. Is that a good enough answer?"

"... I guess... I'll accept that..." Solace lightly closed his eyes as he looked at Tyril, his own hand wrapping around his wrist, feeling the veins that popped on his blue skin in a slow caress with the edge of his nail. His gaze beneath his half-lidded eyes stayed on Tyril's.

It made a dark violet fill Tyril's cheeks, he was convinced this other version of himself was just waiting for the 'right moment' to confess. The sparks that flew between them were strong, they'd burn an entire forest down 3 times over if they were tangible and real. And this wasn't even his Solace, which was something.

Though he was too preoccupied trying not to give away that he isn't this Solace's Tyril, as they had a moment.

Imtura was on the bed, lying on her back with her hands behind her head as she looked at the ceiling. Valax sat on the floor as she looked over a box stuffed underneath the bed, it was full of marbles that glittered different colours in the dim light of the floating orb.

Tyril slowly slipped from the eye contact, his gaze roaming over Solace's features. His beautiful white patch in the middle of his face was the shape of a diamond, the intricate bronze marking on his forehead and under his, his skinny cheeks and dark eyebags, his long and straight nose, his thick eyebrows, and his plump lips with a bronze ring on the bottom lip, his long eyelashes. While he looked unhealthy from his condition growing up, he was still the Solace Tyril knew him to be.

He was still gorgeous. Maybe he looked different as he took less care in himself to be ethereal 24/7, but he still effortlessly looked so gorgeous. He almost let himself slip as he stopped himself from inching closer to his kissable face and those irresistible lips...

[Stop yourself damn it, you can be wanting to kiss all the Solace's you meet. No matter how stunning they all look...] He scolded himself in his head, his gaze going back to Solace's eyes which were closed as he let himself indulge in Tyril's touch.

"I wonder what their purpose is..." Valax whispered as she looked at the marbles much more closely.

Hearing her, Solace opened his eyes and looked over at Valax

"Maybe you can find out yourself... I can't figure out what they actually do, and I never use them for anything anyway..." He then laid back down on his side.

"Are you saying I can take them for study?"

"Sure, knock yourself out. Otherwise if left here, I might get angry again and rage and break em..." Solace yawned, covering his mouth as his eyes closed.

"I'm gonna enjoy my first sob-less nap, okay?... I'll see you next time I see you, Tyril and... Friends..."

Solace then went into a small sleep. A smile on his face as he rested.

Imtura grabbed a ripped-up blanket from her end, sitting up and throwing it over Solace's shoulder.

"We should check if everyone outside is fine."

"Agree. This was a peaceful moment; let's keep it that way and get out..." Valax stood up, 4 marbles in her hand she put them in the small bag that was around her hips.

Imtura got up, stretching. She went over to Tyril and helped him up on his feet.

Though it was silent, Imtura gave Solace a longing look before he left with Valax out the door. Tyril stayed a moment more, going over and leaning down to give Solace a kiss on his forehead before he walked away.

Going towards the door, the orb of light fizzled out when he opened it and closed it behind himself. In the dark hallway, he walked to where everyone was by a new portal.

"So, are we fine? No one lost anything valuable?" Nia asked.

"Besides my temper, nope." Imtura looked down at everyone.

Everyone shook their heads before facing the portal. Another portal yet again. It was kind of fun though, Dimension-hopping. Though it could be really sad like this universe, it was fun to see what was different and what stayed the same. It kind of broadened their perspective on the world as a whole.

Tyril looked back at the closed door of Solace's room that he could barely see, before he walked into the portal with everyone.

...

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[Part 1]

[this-wrecker-this-crafter]

Descendants ABO Headcanons (Part 1)

Mal - alpha Wild mulberry, wet paint, charred wood

Evie - beta Crushed rose petals, chalk, apple

Carlos - omega Cotton, freshly fallen snow, ozone

Jay - beta Walnut wood, allspice, mud

Lonnie - alpha Jasmine tea, steel, fire

Jane - beta Vanilla bean, peach blossom, chamomile

Doug - beta Oakmoss, pencil shavings

Ben - omega Warm lavender honey, wet fur, vanilla musk

Uma - alpha Brine, apricot, driftwood

Gil - alpha Toasted marshmallow, hay, gunpowder

Harry - omega Petrichor, licorice, a sharp metallic tang that's either steel or blood

[stardustedstories]

Hi, I'm at work, so this is going to be less in-depth than I'd like, and I'll probably expand on it later, because I have THOUGHTS. Under a cut for the latest miraculous special spoilers.

One of the other things that's SUPER fucked up about not telling Adrien about everything? The fact that when he finds out, he's also going to have to come to terms with the fact that he Cataclysmed his dad. And not only that, but one of the few people he thought he could trust with ANYTHING, he CAN'T anymore, and he's going to have no one he can turn to about that. This lie is going to fuck him up SO badly in so many different ways. You thought his depression was bad before? When this comes back to bite everyone in the ass, he is going to be DEVASTATED. Not only will he have to grieve his father all over again in a different way, he'll have to deal with everything else, too, on his own. Because how do you trust ANYONE after that?

[taintedlxve]

Young Mal

[quietlyblooms]

for her modern fantasy verses, i’ve never considered that chiyo might be angry at mal for giving her the gift of foresight, which is kind of silly of me bc overall? being a witch was a burden on her growing up — that’s how she viewed it, at least. kids picked on her or avoided her at school, and bc she and her family were unaware of her gift, she was in and out of therapy for a long time trying to figure out her drawings. when chiyo moves to the city for college, it’s 100% to get away from everyone who knows her and her family. she just wants to feel normal.

when she temporarily moves back home, it’s not so bad bc she has thicker skin and a sharper tongue; it’s not so bad bc she’s more involved with the supernatural community, but there’s still that feeling of “ otherness. ” there’s still the oddly dark art pieces and the the realization that no matter how far she travels or how much she grows, this town and this life will always be part of her. and chiyo’s trying to make peace with that, accept it rather than reject it.

and then she gets murdered.

i’m still operating on the idea that a cult of an old god just happens to recognize chiyo’s gift in her paintings, and though she’s oblivious, they don’t want to take any chances. they’re the reason she’s killed. they’re the reason her cousin scrambles to bring her back, resurrecting her as a vampire. they’re the reason that, eventually, mal approaches chiyo himself, frustrated that despite his efforts to protect her, she still died and put herself in this position… you can imagine how she reacts to him phrasing it that way :’ )

she’s furious. if he cared that much about her, saw something in her future that troubled him, then what the hell has he really done to help? so he sent her familiar to her. so he gave her foresight. he never directly spoke to her. what would have been so hard or terrible about telling her point blank that she had this useful gift? if he still cares so much, why can’t he make her mortal again?

i think he can make her mortal again, but he won’t. chiyo is harder to kill if she’s a vampire. she still has her magic but has the benefit of physical strength and resilience. he won’t make her mortal again “ for her own good, ” though probably tries to bullshit his way through a lie. he knows chiyo won’t like his reasoning — she won’t like the lack of choice over her own fate.

and there’s still more to unpack here asdgh but ummm i just rambled for five paragraphs :’ )))

[mictlanreina]

@therelentless liked for a starter

"So. What do you do in the shadows, señor vampiro?"

[smileflowcr]

Jugar el papel de chico bueno no le queda, se nota por la frialdad que asesinaba a sus presas cuando el wendigo dejaba la cabaña para visitar a los príncipes o esa estúpida hada que deja parte de su glitter sobre las ropas. Adamas es posesivo desde que tiene memoria, disfrutando de corromper a jóvenes príncipes cuyos ojos brillaron, en algún punto, repletos de sueños por descubrir el mundo y que encontraron un trágico final en la boca del dragón. Kristall sigue vivo y por ende, su obsesión por él lo llevó a fingir ser un dragón perdido y abandonado por sus familiares con tal de encontrar refugio en los brazos que alguna vez lo sujetaron, pero que lamentablemente ahora parecían rodear otra cintura. "Bienvenido, te eché de menos." dice con una voz clara y una radiante sonrisa en su rostro, dando saltitos hasta quedar frente a su príncipe de cristal. "¿Qué hiciste hoy? Yo limpié parte de la casa y salí a cazar, este lugar es aburrido sin ti."

[helldustedstories]

@madefate asked: ❝ Hey. ❞ Blitz doesn't feel the pavement beneath his knees when he slides to a stop, or the force at his back when he drapes himself over Stolas, still kneeling, palms slamming to the other side of him, determined to provide cover no matter what. His eyes close for a second until the dust settles, and when they open again, his expression is proud. It's protective and fierce and completely determined, and he wastes no time getting an arm around Stolas' middle to get them both the fuck out of dodge.

❝ Like I said - never again. I'm never leaving you alone again. ❞

unprompted // always accepting

He should have known that Andrealphus had been manipulating all of this behind the scenes; he'd always been hungry for power, and Stolas' divorce to Stella had set back his own ambitions. But if he could vacate Stolas' seat, then maybe he could convince Paimon that he was the logical next step to take the throne, instead of Octavia. And failing that, he would try to get his niece on his side, so that he was the real power, the one making the decisions.

Andrealphus wasn't like Stella; his schemes were subtler; he kept his hand close to the vest until it was far too late to do much to stop him. Despite not being much older Stella herself, he had had some input on their marriage, for one thing. And now he had managed to turn most of the Goetia family against Stolas.

When the prince had stood up to him this time, refused to allow him to influence Octavia, to get her under his thumb as well, the peacock had made a case that he was a traitor to the Goetia, to all that they stood for, and that he should be excommunicated, something that hadn't happened in eons. But when everything had gone wrong, Stolas had ended up on his own, trying to keep his daughter safe when almost everyone he knew seemed to be against him.

And then Andrealphus had shown up, had caught him off-guard, and hit him with something that kept him from accessing his powers. He could still feel them, but it was like they were locked behind a wall, as though he couldn't reach them. But even with that obstacle, there was no way he was going to let the bastard get away with this, not when he'd threatened the only people Stolas cared about.

Stolas thought he'd managed to get a message to Blitz, using the connection they now shared: a way for them to communicate in emergencies, especially if they couldn't access their phones. He was very glad Blitz had insisted upon using the spell he'd developed; he just hoped he'd gotten through before whatever Andrealphus had shot him with took hold. It was hard to tell much of anything with his magic as inaccessible as it felt, which meant he was going to have to fight a different way.

He'd held out as long as he could, doing what Blitz had taught him, taunting his former brother-in-law, trying to get him to slip up and make a mistake. But Andrealphus was not Striker, and all he'd done was manage to make him mad.

While the marquis had seemed content to play with his food, when Stolas struck a nerve, ice-blue eyes narrowed, and a spear of ice shot towards Stolas, who managed to twist enough out of the way that it only grazed him, leaving a trail of black blood in its wake. There wasn't even anything for him to take cover behind, not with where Andrealphus had herded him.

He was going to have to make his stand here in the drive, mostly powerless, on his own. But just as Andrealphus started to approach once more, as Stolas was about to get to his feet, he heard the voice he'd both been hoping for and dreading. Because it meant that Blitz was here…., but it also meant that he was here. That just meant that he was going to fight even harder, that he couldn't give up, not that he'd been inclined to, not anymore.

Blitz throws himself in front of Stolas, using himself to protect the prince, and he can feel his heart leap into his throat at the idea of him getting hurt. But he was here, and Stolas would not let anything to happen to him.

Stolas feels Blitz's arm around him, and he practically clings to him, looking around for Andrealphus.

"I wasn't sure I got through," he admitted, but then his eyes widen, pupils pinpricks in crimson depths, displaying just how serious this situation is. "We have to get out of here; Andrealphus--"

But before he can finish that statement, the Goetia in question seems to glide slowly down the drive of the palace, leaving shards of ice in his wake.

"Do you really think you're going to get out of here?" the peacock sneers, tail feathers fanning out behind him, even as ice begins to gather around him.

And Stolas laughs at him, even from his position on the ground, Blitz's arm still around him. "I've never been afraid of you, Andrealphus…., but clearly you can't actually face me, without trying to make me powerless." His words, though directed at Andrealphus, are carefully chosen to let Blitz know what's happening, why he wasn't fighting the way Blitz knew he could.

[theaccursedninth]

“what else have you been hiding?” (villain meme but she's genuinely interested in his interests)

The former Dark Elf paused. He leaned forward, mouth meeting the center of his interlocked fingers. His eyes, always so dark, looked her up and down, wondering how much of his recent life he ought to share. She knew him near well enough by now...but there was a difference between a soldier's duty, a survivor's grief-stricken gut-reaction and the boiling bloodlust he'd acquired since regenerating (in his defense, it usually followed blinding rage.)

How far was too far for a fellow ancient being?

"Vigil," he said finally, using the nickname he'd grown fond of. "There are some questions you're better off not asking."

[somerandomjewelleryonthefloor]

Through the Solace-Bolas-Verse .ೃ࿐

Chapter 4: Life of the Party

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. · ───

Summary: "Arriving in a dimension that's really close to home, the bolas party find out a version of Solace who is MUCH more intriguing..."

Characters: Solace (+other versions), Nia, Mal, Tyril, Imtura, Aerin, Valax (+ other versions mentioned)

Word count: 4144 lol

Warning?: none that I am aware of

Extra notes: this is all SILLY. THIS IS GOOFY AND A SILLY SERIES. Do NOT come into this work expecting professional writing, pls & thanks!

Tags: @lover-also-fighter-also @cadybear420 @choicesmc

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Dropping on a dock, the portal of light swirled out of existence as wooden planks creaked underneath them.

"So... Where are we?" Aerin asked as he looked around.

Burning straw in glass bottles hanging from wire lit up the walkway of the docks as tall boats on boats on boats up on one another made walls around them. In the distance, the loud bass of drums and horns and other sounds that were unidentifiable could be heard as faraway yells of singing and laughter were the only source of sound.

The smell of smoke was thick, and Imtura let out a long sigh.

"Flotilla, Princeling."

"THE Flotilla?... Well it certainly lives up to its description" Aerin looked up, his neck almost breaking as he looked at the ships stacked on top of eachother. It certainly felt intimidating.

"Hm... If I guessed correctly, we're going in pattern from the first to last person Solace recruited to the party. And these universes seem to be in favour of one of us strongly..." Tyril looked around at everyone. "If so, here's a universe where Solace lives in Flotilla..."

He then muttered "Don't know if that's a good or bad thing though."

"Now that you say that, it sounds accurate! Great thinking!" Nia did a small clap before focusing on Imtura who was looking at Flotilla with a blank expression.

She didn't know whether she felt annoyed, or if she was happy to be back at Flotilla. She leaned more towards happiness as the party that went on in the background sounded like a rager she wanted in on.

"Wild guess, maybe we'll find out where he is if we go to that raging party" Mal suggested.

"With how convenient the places we've gotten dropped at, had Solace, sure." Imtura then picked up her feet.

Following, Aerin and Valax couldn't help but stare at the city around them. Aerin had only heard stories about how Flotilla could sail off as one gigantic ship and raid cities as a whole, and Valax never even saw anything related to this place.

Walking along the planks, there were also other Orcs roaming around. They passed by taverns where the sound of drunkards sang, and passed by orcs having conversations as they fished.

It was really calm for some reason, though this was a different universe so of course things wouldn't be completely identical.

As they got closer to the raging party, they saw it. On the top of 3 boats stacked together, bright lights of multiple colours pulsed through the air as people screamed. The area shook a little, as the beat moved through the ground and could be felt in their bodies.

Nia took out 2 cotton balls she had in her pocket and put them in her ears.

"If anyone needs any earplugs, I have some extra!"

Tyril immediately held out a hand towards Nia, who quickly grabbed out 2 more cotton balls and put them in his hand. Stuffing them in his ears quickly.

Imtura felt the music in her body and they weren't at the actual party yet, and she could feel a smile spreading across her face. It's been so long since she's been in Flotilla, she missed the strong bass and the crazy partying, she was honestly itching to get back in the scene.

She grabbed Mal's hand tightly.

"I don't know if this Flotilla is that different, but stay close to me. It's easy to get lost in crowds." She warned the party, before she pulled him forward.

Mal held onto Valax's with his crew hand, who held onto Nia's hand, who held onto Aerin's hand, who held onto Tyril's hand. A chain of hand-holding as Imtura got them inside the boat.

Going up flights of stairs, the bass had gotten stronger, and it vibrated through them as they finally made it onto the deck of this boat-party.

Orcs of all sizes, of all colours, of all types were partying together. It was LOUD. Like a death-metal concert loud.

Aerin had immediately asked Nia for earplugs and put them in after he felt his ears were about to burst. Valax let go of Nia for a moment to muffle everyone's hearing even more with her shadow magic before quickly grabbing her hand again.

"Thank you, Violet"

"..." Valax thought about hitting him, but decided against it.

The beat, the bass, and everything else about the song currently playing was something she never heard before. She could hear wild playing on a horn, someone making a hypnotic bass with their voice as large drums were slammed into a constant beat of being hit every 2 seconds, there was a tamborine being shaken as someone hit 2 sticks together to add to the music.

She could feel her body moving on her own as the sound entered her ears. DAMN. Whoever thought of this deserved drinks on the house.

The group decided that, because this is only a boat, that they'd be split up into 2 smaller groups. 3 in each- Valax, Aerin, and Imtura in one. Tyril, Nia, and Mal in the other.

As they split up, they went to opposite sides of the boat and planned on sweeping through on their ends before meeting up again in the middle.

Mal had his arms wrapped around Nia & Tyril's necks as they slipped through the large crowds. Surprisingly, they got through easily with only a small bump from someone drunkenly staggering over to the railing to chill out.

As they slipped through, they found a quieter place where some people were sitting down and having a chat with bottles in their hands. Looking back at the reading party, Nia looked back at Mal.

"So... Since you're a master at slipping through large crowds-"

"Thank you" Mal pushed some of his hair back, a dazzling smile on his face as he adjusted the flower behind his right ear.

"- what should we do?... I mean, we are smaller than everyone here. We can get through, but we could also be... Crushed..." Nia looked back at the crowds.

Mal looked with her, seeing the way everyone moved. He could see windows opening up for them to get through, but they also closed up as quickly. The beat controlled everyone, making them move either sensually or erratically.

"Oh, just follow my lead closely" Mal then grabbed Nia's hand, who then grabbed Tyril's hand.

Before they could talk further, in a blur- they swiftly made it from that quiet area to a place inside the dance floor. Near the sidelines so they could look around, they all peered around.

They couldn't find a glimpse of white long hair, but they heard the sounds of people getting far more excited as some of the crowd looked up.

"Oi pretty boy! Get your ass DOWN HERE!" An orc woman screamed as she pointed towards the rigging of the boat they were on.

Tyril tried to look up, but the crowd in front blocked their view.

"Well someone's the life of the party" Mal snickered before he moved along again with Tyril and Nia at his whim.

With Imtura, Valax, and Aerin- they were near the make-shift stage that was made with crates tightly held together with rope. Imtura looked over the crowd like it was nothing, trying to find anything resembling Solace. White hair and black skin were pretty easy to spot in an orc party, but with parties like this where people (at least on her end) were yelling and laughing loudly and dancing close together, it would be hard to spot at a party run by orcs.

Holding onto Valax tightly, who was holding one of the marbles she got from the last universe they went, she dragged her along as Imtura pushed through the crowds without a sweat. Aerin was staying as close as possible, clinging to Valax with one hand on her clothes as they went through the crowd.

People didn't seem to actually mind Imtura all that much. People would give her nods of respect if they caught her face, but they wouldn't make a big deal out of her- which made this a LOT easier.

As they went through the crowd, there was a sudden uproar in noise.

"Pretty boyyyyyyy!"

"Oi! Landrat!"

"WOOOOOO!"

There was a small dance circle forming, and Mal bumped into Imtura as they crossed paths again.

"As if this place couldn't get louder" Valax mumbled as she put her marble away.

"Fancy seeing you" Mal looked up at Imtura, before looking towards the dance circle being formed. "Wanna go there and see what the hubbub is?"

Imtura just stood on her tiptoes and looked over the crowd to look at the small dance circle. Of course for some reason, probably that Voice's doing, they always found Solace so conveniently. Of course it was for the plot but who cares about that right now just vibe.

Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of beautiful long white hair in multiple braids.

"Yeah, I do actually..."

She then got them all through the packed crowds towards the very small dance circle, the people who were at the edge of the dance circle were whooping and hollering at this "pretty boy".

They've all seen him, various versions of him, and for some reason he kept getting more gorgeous. But in this universe? Solace was an ethereal-yet-unnerving type of beautiful.

He was dressed in high-waisted loose Magenta harem pants that had long slits in the fabric that showed off his hips and entire legs, black ballet-style slippers, and with a matching cross-over wrap top. But that wasn't all, no.

He was bejewelled with necklaces and bracelets and arm cuffs, he was covered in body jewellery. He had long tassels of bejewelled metal that laid in front of his body and his back with only 2 tassels barely covering his exposed hips, with coin-fringe arm cuffs and finger bracelets on both hands, his ears were filled to the brim jewels and his nose held a spiked wishbone-style septum ring. He had bejewelled leg chains wrapped tightly around his thighs and calf that had loose metal tassels that moved at the smallest movement.

His hair was tied back with a coin scarf, and he had 2 thick braids that poured onto the floor and had pearls braided into his hair.

When he walked, he created a cacophony of mystic music himself as the jewellery all hit eachother. It sounded like small bells, like wind chimes. It was nice on the ears.

As he danced, he moved his body almost in a hypnotizing way, like a snake. He rolled his body, his hips following as he turned around and twisted his waist slowly, his arms were in the air and reaching for the stars before they travelled down his body sensually. He was moving slowly, enjoying every vibration of sound that entered his body. His eyes closed the entire time.

Nia was clapping along with the beat, seemingly the only one doing so. Valax wasn't paying attention as she brought out another marble from her bag, studying it.

Aerin was facing the opposite way to where Solace was dancing. Nose buried in the book he somehow didn't lose as he ignored the pretty sounds.

Tyril was doing the same. Why? Their faces were flushed violet and red, and they didn't want to look at the enticing dance in fear of exploding. Thats why.

Mal however was watching Solace's moves next to Imtura Imtura with great concentration. He was in a trance, he knew that, and he was happy. This is where he wanted to be.

"..." He just blinked slowly, his eyes wide, his head resting on Imtura's large bicep. Just gazing at Solace dancing with no care in the world.

Honestly it must've been the jingles that kept his attention, it was mesmerising to watch the mix of rose gold, gold, silver, and platinum metal blend together as he moved, the light from high above illuminating him. Or maybe it was his muscular thighs that were flexed as he moved like water.

"Fuck." Imtura couldn't help herself. Her eyes went over him once, twice, thrice- oh dammit, he was absolutely fit.

Her cheeks were a deep brown, and her golden eyes were focusing on how calm he seemed despite the aggressive music.

The crowd shifted as the yelling died down, and the dance circle closed as Solace moved his way from the crowd to somewhere else on the ship. Keeping him in her sights, Imtura pushed through the crowd as everyone else got moved by the 'current' of the party. Getting seperated.

Whilst Imtura did notice this, she didn't feel as worried. They were together, they'd be alright without her as they had eachother to stick to.

Getting through the crowd, she followed the sound of jewels hitting eachother, the sound was louder than the music for her ears (or maybe she was focusing so hard on it that every other sound was blocked out), and after following it for a good minute, she found herself at a ship railing.

Solace was leaning against the railing. Arms crossed as he leaned on the wood and looked up at the sky. He wore a hooded cape as he stared at the stars with absolute awe and wonder. Not even noticing Imtura approaching him.

"..."

"Solace?"

At the sound of her voice, he looked over almost immediately. His eyes widened as he looked at her, but they were full of joy.

"Imtura! You're back..." He smiled at her, "I'm glad, it's been so-"

His gaze swept over her appearance, and his smile fell. Now confused.

"... W... Who are you? Imtura is much bulkier, has a blackout sleeve and long flowing hair out... Not..."

He backed up, suspicion growing as he eyed her with narrowed eyes. Seeing this, she leaned on the railing, sighing.

"Yeah, funny that you mention that..." She started, but she didn't know how to continue without sounding clinically insane.

She just shrugged, looking down at the ocean water that was miles down from her.

"Let's just say I'm in the wrong timeline, that enough? I... Really... don't want to explain, I'll twist my tongue." She let out a deep breath before looking over him again.

"... Well at least you're... Honest about something?..."

Solace didn't know what else to say. This isn't his Imtura, but it looks just like her and sounds like her? This was confusing. Did he have fermented fruit earlier or something?

He shook his head, not wanting to question anything anymore.

"Whatever, doppelganger, just don't heckle me." His voice wasn't gentle or soft like it was in the other universes she was flung into. It was cold and harsh.

He looked back at the stars, eyebrows furrowed as he paid her no mind.

Imtura just looked at him, giving him a glance. A vein throbbed in her neck as she huffed. This was irritating, of course he had a reason to be cold to her- she was essentially a doppelganger here, but it still was irritating hearing him talk to her like she was nothing.

Hm.

A long beat of silence went between them, the jewellery Solace wore lightly jingled as the oxidative occasional wind flew by, and it let Imtura focus on her surroundings a bit more.

The music vibrated through the boat and she could feel it in her blood, in her bones. As the smell of alcohol, saltwater, and fried fish sandwiches hit her nose, it made her feel... Reminiscent. In a way. While this was Flotilla, it wasn't HER Flotilla. The one she grew up in, the one that she left in search of the seas, the one that she helped with uniting all clans to face the Ashen army for the battle of Morella.

The throbbing vein in her neck left as she thought about home. It was doing good the last time she saw it, and she hoped it would stay that way for at least until she got back.

Feeling the pure wood under her arms, she could feel small splinters raised up from wood, a small chip in it. She could smell it as well, and it smelt of dried seawater mixed with a hint of freshly cut oakwood.

She was focusing on everything she could, such as how the metal rings in her braids reflected onto the ground as the lights from the party and the shine from the moon hit it.

The silence was too much. She needed to hear something from his pretty voice, no matter how cold it could have been.

"What's your Imtura like?" she asked, curious as to her other-self's character.

"Why. So you can copy her?" She could see him rolling his eyes in the corner of her eye, and it made her want to throw him overboard.

"No, I'm just curious, gods sake."

Solace looked back at her, giving her a side-glance before looking back forward at the sea that was illuminated by the moon.

[Honestly fuck it. She couldn't imitate his Imtura even if she tried hard enough] Letting out a sigh.

"MY Imtura..." He emphasized, "She's a lovely captain, the most gorgeous I know, she's hardcore when fighting and sparring, and she's brash. But she can be nice when you have a one-on-one conversation with her..."

Solace's cheeks flushed as he talked about her, and Imtura couldn't help but smirk as she noticed it.

"Sounds like she's taken your heart" she elbowed his side lightly.

That pissed him off. He moved away a bit more, before looking away with a huff.

"Yeah, well she won't give it back and it's honestly rude as all hells." He muttered.

"How? Is it a "she knows and is teasing" situation?"

"No. it's a "she doesn't care about me and I still like her" situation." He then sat down next to the railing. Leaning against it with his back as his knees touched his chest. His arms were on his sides as he looked towards the party.

Imtura took a long thought at hearing that. Could she not care about him? Past her wouldn't have given him another glance, true, at least during that Gobtar attack on "The Sun Maiden" a year ago she'd not care.

Looking down at him, she turned around to face the party as well, arms crossed.

"Have you told her?"

"I have, like 3 times, but she thought of it in a 'friendly' way... Honestly I wish she'd just tell me straight up instead of friend-zoneing me."

"Oof." She grimaced at that, hearing herself do that to him hit her like a ship hitting a rock out at sea.

She took another look at him. Seeing him look at his long nails, not paying attention anymore. She took a look at the party, at the people dancing specifically.

An idea popped up in her mind.

She felt a bit bashful, not exactly asking people this- but it was Solace. He could be an exception.

"Do you think dancing would help get rid of that icky feeling? At least for a bit?"

"... Are you asking me for a dance, doppel-Tura?"

Her hands tightened their hold on the wood behind her, but she tried to seem calm.

"Yes... That's... Exactly what I'm asking, landrat."

That got a small chuckle out of Solace. He got up, grabbing one of Imtura's arms and pulling her off the railing.

"Fine, I'll humour you, doppel-Tura." He held on her arm right, his nails lightly pinching her skin.

She didn't even feel the pain, just rolling her eyes as they went into the crowd.

────────────

On the dance floor, they had been dancing. Solace was mostly swaying to the beat, his arms swinging gently side to side as his body moved on it's own. His eyes were closed the entire time, his head lightly bobbing.

"Is that the best you can do? I saw you earlier!" Imtura yelled above the music. While moving her body to the beat, her feet moving side to side as her hands stayed on her hips.

Opening one of his eyes, he looked at her, almost laughing.

"Is that the best YOU can do? That's laughable!" Solace rebutted.

"Then get over here, landrat! I'll show you something!" She reached out and pulled him close.

Pulling him almost flush to her, she put one arm across his waist and held his other hand in hers and put it behind his head, putting one of her legs between his and vice versa.

"A good buddy of mine calls this "huapango" I think, anyway- just follow my lead!"

"Uhm- alright!?" He put his free arm over Imtura's neck, holding on tight.

Their legs swayed in harmony of eachother, as Imtura jumped in place. Following her moves, she moved backwards before turning them both around. Dipping a little, before spinning him around a bit too strongly.

He let out a small scream before she moved around again. He found himself adjusting to this dance easily, and after another spin around he giggled. His eyes closed, following her and letting her lead him around.

Smiling and laughing the entire time, he found the world disappearing around him. He could only see himself, see her, and this moment.

This doppel-Tura was alright, maybe a bit more than alright.

Breaking from eachother, Solace did a small twirl before finally letting go of her hands. He was still in a giggle fit, which was fucking adorable to her. His eyes were as bright stars, as his smile was big like a cheshire cat. His entire face was full of glittery silver blush, and Imtura had to hold a hand over her heart for a second.

"Your laugh is cute, honestly-"

"Immy!" Imtura was cut off from what she was going to say, hearing a familiar Volari yell out.

She almost snapped her neck at him as he appeared through the crowd with Nia, and Aerin.

"Fucking call me that again and I swear..."

Mal put his hands up immediately, doing a stitching movement on his mouth. Though his attention turned to Solace who was still giggling, hands over his mouth as he tried to recover. It tugged at his heart, and Aerin blushed a little again hearing that.

Nia went over and grabbed Imtura's arm.

"There's a portal that's opened underneath the deck, I think we're gonna have to leave now"

"Damn, really? I was just having a good time..."

Nia nodded gently, looking over at Solace who finally recovered. Looking over at Imtura, and the people around her. He looked over at Mal and Aerin specifically though.

"Is this your group, doppel-Tura?" He looked at them both, looking at them up and down, before rolling his eyes and clicking his tongue.

Mal's eyes widened, his confidence took a big hit at that. Touching the flower Stellatus-Solace gave him for reassurance.

"I'm apparently leaving, so you won't have to see me again, landrat."

"Oh. Well, I guess you have to go back to where you came from eventually..." Solace looked a little wounded at that, the happiness he felt a few moments ago was replaced with a small somber expression. His hand fiddling with one of the various necklaces on his neck.

Nia waved goodbye to Solace, before she took a wounded Mal and Aerin back to through the party and down under the deck.

Before Imtura left, something was thrown into one of her horns.

Feeling it, it was a pearl and diamond necklace bonded with gold chains.

"What the...?" She looked over at Solace.

"See ya" he gave a small wave before he disappeared into the crowd.

Grabbing the necklace off her horn, she held it in her hand as she walked away, pushing herself through the party and to underneath the deck.

Under the deck, Aerin was gone, same with Valax, Mal, Tyril- everyone but Nia was already on the other side. Must've been really impatient or what.

Nia looked over at Imtura, seeing the necklace in her hand.

"Did This-Solace give that to you?" She looked at it as Imtura held it up.

"Yup. I don't know exactly why..." She threw it over her head and let it rest on her neck, "but whatever... Ready to go?"

Nia had disposed of the cotton balls in her ears, lightly touching them as she got used to hearing fully again, though Valax's magic was still working for the music above.

"Yeah, I'm ready to see what Aerin's favoured world is"

"Oh yeah, Tyril had that theory and shit..."

As she walked to the portal, she put a hand over Nia's neck as they passed through the bright light. Hoping the world they were going to had their Solace finally... Or if they had to endure another mind-awakening...

...

────────────────────────

[Part 1]

[sarastuss]

BATTLE BEHIND, : BUT THE VICTORY IS NOT COMPLETE. for the reward was that some escaped with their lives, whilst some were left to be burned. ( a harsh truth to swallow still, is it not? ) BUT EVEN SO, now that golden hues settle upon him, it feels like enough. ... she has seen more battles than she can count, she can find the strength to be the guiding light, even amongst great grief. forge ahead. the valley of imladris provided a safe haven ; though there was a limit amount of time that would last. DARKNESS WOULD SEEK THEM OUT, THIS TRUTH THEY WERE ALL AWARE OF. ... but whatever time that was left, would be used to build a safe realm, a home, &. prepare to defend it when time came. the ever wandering divine myth had promised to give her aid, &. even for all the centauries she has lived, she had yet to break a promise made. ... THIS PROMISE ANGELIC TUNE HAD SPOKEN OUTLOUD TO HIM, whenever he had made the resolve to stay here, to aid to build this into a secure realm ; she was knelt down beside him as he sits upon a rock, somewhere a hint more secure from the crowds, tending to the cut upon his cheek. they still waited for galadriel to wake up once more, anticipation within chests of all who had survived.

@elr0nds you don't have to come with me.

FINGERTIPS HOVER ABOVE THE WOUND, : THE BLESSING OF THE VALAR SUCH A COMFORTING WARMTH. the faintest golden glow emits from her fingertips, it was no fatal wound, so it did not require much of her strength to heal it. but adamant had she been to share her strength regardless. no matter what it would have taken. ... HIS WORDS REACH HER, a reassurance that she has a choice. &. to this, a hum escapes past her lips, as gaze moves from the wound to meet with his. ❝ i know. ❞ is her response, spoken gently. with a duty upon her shoulders, &. a force so dark awake, no longer hiding. ❝ but i want to. ❞ even if it was to only give whatever she could, she would do just that. THERE WOULD BE TIMES WHEN DUTY TAKES HER AWAY, such is her fate ; but just as she was needed elsewhere, she was needed here too.

[stardustedstories]

I'm thinking about narrative parallels and paying off character arcs and development again.

Lotor should have been the Black Paladin. He's able to use the black bayard, which doesn't just happen, and it would have been such a good parallel to his father. Because Zarkon was the first Black Paladin, who ended up forming the Galra Empire, becoming the thing that everyone was fighting against for so long. And Lotor was around during that time; he saw first-hand what his father's reign was like! And he wanted to end it. Not so HE could take over and become the new Emperor, but to bring peace. Because that was genuinely what he wanted.

And the idea of seeing this half-Galra, half-Altean man, the son of Zarkon, as one of the people spearheading that change, of working so hard towards peace that the Black Lion accepted him, chose him to be her pilot? It could have been so good.

I have so much more I could say, really, and maybe I'll sit down and write a huge thing about Lotor's entire arc at some point, but I wanted to finally actually write this down and say it.