#violet delmar corbane

[tinybibmpreg]

day 23 // ft. Rhisiart, Valerie, Weylin, Weylin’s relatives, Yovak & Indigo & the twins & Violet

#58 / Threat

“I don’t know what’s wrong, okay? I’m just... really tired.” Although Rhisiart had apparently become something of a good liar while she was gone, Valerie could still tell when Rhisiart was lying about how he was feeling. It was like he broadcasted a ‘something is wrong, please help me’ signal whenever he was upset around her.

Valerie knew she couldn’t just say that, though. Whatever was bothering him had made him really nervous, and she didn’t want to risk making it worse. She rubbed his arm, and gently tugged him towards the stairs. “Then let’s get you to bed, alright?”

“Okay.” He followed her up, one hand hooked under his belly, the other holding onto her for support. Upon making it to the bedroom, Valerie noticed that his expression was openly worried. When he saw her staring at him, a slight frown on her face, he gave her a forced smile and said, “You know, I think it’d be nice if we could gather up all the kids- I could read them all a story. It’s been a while since I did that.”

He’d done that just three days ago, so that was just a cover for something. At least now she knew that whatever he was worried about involved the kids. 

She decided to test the waters. “I think Violet and the twins are busy learning from Rieka.” Weylin’s only female cousin often looked after their youngest child and only daughter, Violet. The toddler was very proficient in natural magic, and Rieka did her best to teach her how to control it alongside Weylin. “And Yovak is studying.”

“Valerie, please. Can you bring the kids here?”

“I will.”

-

“My cousin’s lover is frightened,” Rieka said as Valerie came over and scooped up Violet, ushering the twins up. “He wants to keep the children close in order to protect them. What is he frightened of?”

“I don’t know. Something must have spooked him while he was outside.”

“I do not sense any danger in the yard, nor feel anything on the property. Yet, he is scared. Shall I fetch my cousin?”

“Uh...” Valerie shrugged. “Maybe just tell him something’s bothering Rhis, that he’s worried about the kids.”

“Of course.” She dipped her head and took off. 

One of the twins whimpered, and Valerie looked down at him. Two pairs of worried purple eyes stared back up at her, little mouths twisted into frowns. “It’s okay, sweethearts. You’re going to be spending some extra time with Mommy and Daddyand your big brothers today, okay?” 

She dropped the three of them off with Rhisiart, who looked relieved to have them safe in his arms. He hugged the three of them, giving each of them a kiss on the head.

Yovak was sitting on the back porch, carefully reading from a book of runes. Indigo sat cross legged next to him, doodling on a few pieces of paper. “Boys, your dad wants you to come sit with him and your siblings upstairs.” They didn’t protest or ask any questions. Yovak closed his book and got up, while Indigo gathered up his things. They followed her back up.

Rhisiart gave them each a hug and kiss as well. Valerie sat down on the bed as well, close to Rhisiart so she could rub his back. The kids sat in a semicircle around him, Violet in his arms. “I’ll get a book and read to all of you, alright?”

-

After a story, the kids all laid down for a nap. Rhisiart laid down as well, sighing as the kids snuggled up to him. Valerie waited for her husband to fall asleep so she could leave and continue doing chores, but Rhisiart didn’t close his eyes, and held her hand.

“You should sleep, Rhis.”

“I don’t think I could if I tried.”

“I thought you were tired.”

“Yes, I am, but... I just don’t think I’ll be falling asleep for a while.” He stroked Yovak’s fluffy white hair, and that bothered look was back in his eyes.

“What’s got you all keyed up, Rhis? Rieka told me she couldn’t sense anything dangerous on the property. And Weylin’s been in the basement all day, so he couldn’t have upset you... Unless that’s what bothering you?”

“Not really. That’s part of it, I mean. It’s... Honestly, Val, it’s kind of stupid.”

“Whatever it is, I promise it’s not stupid. You’re scared, and I just want to help.”

“Then...” He bit his lip, and then winced as he almost pricked it with his sharp teeth. “Then can you stay with me until he comes back?”

“Of course, love.”

-

Weylin came into room, all smiles and bustling with excitement. “The evening meal is ready! Are you kids hungry?”

“Hungry?” Yovak echoed, brows furrowing with confusion. He was fully weaned off of eating physical foods now.

“Yes! Every few years, the Corbane family gathers up enough mirages to feed everyone, and we eat our year’s worth all at the same time. There’s also ritual prayers and such, but we completed that. There’ll just be one prayer before we eat, and one after.”

“Mirages...”

“So, ah... Valerie, my dear, if you and Indigo would rather sit this one out-”

“Yeah, I think we will.” She pulled Indigo closer to her.

“Delmar, I’ve prepared some food for you as well, and will give the baby their dose of proper fae food through...” He gestured to his mouth. Rhisiart made a face. “The entire family is taking their seats now. Come on, my dears, I know you’ll love it.” He helped Rhisiart up, and then picked up Violet.

Rhisiart grabbed his arm. “Weylin, wait, I need to talk to you about something.”

“Whatever it is can wait, Delmar. I have to get you all down to the basement and start the prayer.”

“But-”

“Ah, ah. Hush.” Weylin gave him a kiss, and then nipped his lip. Rhisiart winced, tongue darting out to the now bleeding spot. “Mercies, I got a bit carried away! Come on, children. Say goodbye to your brother and mother. We won’t be seeing them for a couple of hours.”

-

Rhisiart was hardly eating, and Weylin frowned when he saw him continue to pick at his food. The kids were all eating heartily, both fae and human food. Violet was even enjoying some mushed up mirage. He kept a close eye on him, trying to figure out what was wrong. He’d gotten more rattled as they came down to the basement, and was almost shaking with anxiety as he sat down at the table.

Maybe he should have listened to him when he said he needed to tell him something.

Well, it didn’t really matter. He’d prayed to the Gods to reveal to him what he needed to know as family head, and if they willed it, he would know eventually.

Yovak asked one of his father’s cousins to pass him a knife, and Rhisiart stared at the exchange, glass of water stopping halfway to his mouth. As Yovak took the knife, his cousin glanced at Rhisiart. The glass dropped out of his hand and shattered on the floor.

“S-sorry, sorry-”

“Oh, that’s bad luck,” his cousin said. “Don’t expect things to go your way the next few days.”

The terror that radiated off of Delmar was exquisite, but strange. He’d only been terrified of the family once before, shortly after he gave birth to Yovak, when he’d thought they were trying to trap him in Otherland. He shouldn’t have been scared of any of them now.

The Gods had revealed the cause of his husband’s anxiety.

“Cousin, so specific. Bad luck doesn’t have a time limit. It could occur any time between now and next meal. Yet you sound so certain.”

“Just a feeling.”

“Only Rieka and I have such feelings.”

“He’s probably right, Weylin.” Rhisiart twirled his fork in his food. “You know how unlucky I am.”

“Even with all the good luck charms the kids and I give you?” Ah, there. Rhisiart seemed to shrink in on himself, and his cousin’s face hardened. “Is there something wrong, Cousin? You look upset.”

“Nothing, Cousin.”

“Are you sure? Because if I’m not mistaken, I’d say you were angry with me! But whatever for? The prayer was adequate, the food plentiful, the ritual done without any error-” He gasped in mock surprise, bringing a hand to his chest. Rhisiart pulled Violet from her highchair and held her close, looking between them. The other children got the hint and scooted closer to their human father. Weylin pouted, tilting his head. “Is it our attendee list that upsets you so, Cousin?”

“I would never doubt your choice of guests.”

“Strange that you call any of your family members guests. The Gods demand our presence.”

“May I speak freely, Cousin?”

“Weylin...”

“Hush, husband.” He gave Rhisiart’s arm a squeeze. “Keep eating. You need enough food for the baby as well as yourself.” It didn’t escape his notice that no one else was eating.

“Please...” Rhisiart gave him a pleading look, blue eyes shining with worry.

Weylin gave him a soft smile. “Relax, darling. Stress isn’t good for the little one.” He turned back to his cousin. “Now, of course you can speak freely.”

“I don’t see how it is the Gods’ wishes to allow you to pollute this family with human blood. All your half-breeds, this human broodmare you’ve taken- it’s disgusting!”

“Cousin... I am the family head. You mustn’t question my decisions.”

“I fail to see how this mockery of our culture- these little parodies-! I don’t see how they’re in accordance with our traditions!”

“So, you do question my decisions. Cousin, I hope you realize what that means.”

“I told your human pet that if I were to defeat you, I would allow him and your offspring to live in the house, keep their wastes of mirages. As long as he kept the children in line, he’ll be perfectly safe.”

“And if not?”

“Children can be replaced.”

“Really! I don’t agree. Now, it’s a pity to ruin the holidays, but...”

-

Taking Rhisiart’s face in his hands, Weylin kissed him and then sighed happily. “There, no need to fear my cousin any longer. The Gods have him now.”

“Thank you...”

“Delmar, you know I would do anything to protect this family and her structure. You, Valerie, and the children are just as much a part of the family as any one of my full-blooded relatives.” He put a hand on the man’s swollen belly, and leaned in close so it would bump against his own thin frame. “So if any of them threaten you again, come straight to me and don’t shut up until I’ve heard what happened.”

“Okay, I will.”

“Good! And tell Valerie the same. Now, let’s return to her and Indigo. I’m sure she’s worried about you.”

[tinybibmpreg]

Day 34 // ft. Weylin, Rhisiart, Yovak, Indigo, Violet, and another one of the kids

#76 / Rot

“It feels like everyone just forgot that I existed.”

Indigo raised an eyebrow and looked at his younger brother. Yovak was staring out at the rolling landscape below them, hundreds of feet below the clifftop they were seated on. The deep red rock gave way to a swirling field of reds and purples, gradually changing to blues as it stretched out to the horizon. A pink lake was seated off to the side in the field, and Indigo could see some large animals near its edges.

He reached over and squeezed his brother’s shoulder. Yovak looked at him, and Indigo assured him, “I haven’t forgotten about you.”

“Thank you, Indy. I’m glad.”

“And I know our parents haven’t forgotten you, either. They’re just busy.”

“I know. I just miss having them worry about me. Is that strange?”

Indigo thought for a moment. One of the animals swam across the lake, and he wondered if it was a crocodilian of some kind. “I don’t think it is.” Then, catching his brother’s hidden meaning, he asked, “Did something happen that you think they should be worried about you?”

Yovak hummed, and then picked at his fingernails. Indigo leaned in closer, and he could see that Yovak was actually missing a few of them. He picked at the nail on his left ring finger, and it snapped in half. “I think I’m falling to pieces, Indy. I’m rotting. I lost part of a tooth, as well, and I’ve been coughing up blood.”

“Oh.”

“I’ve been taking blood from Father’s oldest cousin, but… I’m not strong like all the rest of our siblings. I’ve always been so weak, compared to them.” He huffed a laugh, and Indigo noticed that Yovak looked tired, his scales pallid.

“Yovak, what are we doing out here?”

“I’m not strong enough to make it back home. I think it would take them a long while to find me, if you didn’t say anything.”

Frowning, he got up and clenched his fists. “I won’t let you die out here!”

“You’re really nice, Indy, but I think this is what the Gods desire. I was always fated to suffer. The second son, the first hybrid. I’m a medical marvel, a magical mystery. Yovak-Indigo, the first Corbane to die before reaching of age. I hope our parents can learn from me so our siblings can survive past adulthood.”

“I’m taking you home. Come on, get up.” Yovak didn’t move. “Get up! Come on, you’re fifteen years old, you can walk on your own!”

“I… Indy, I don’t think I can. I’m hungry. I’m so hungry that it hurts.”

“Then take a few bites from me! I’m a mirage, I’m food!”

“Indigo, I couldn’t eat you.”

“These marks on my face are proof that I’m only to be eaten by you!”

“Indy…”

Biting his lip, Indigo tried to think of a way he could help his brother. He doubted that Yovak would bite down on him if he stuck his arm in his mouth. Looking around, he stopped when he heard rustling. They both turned to see a person stumbling out of the forest underbrush.

The person stared at them, fear in their eyes. Seeing Indigo, they relaxed. “A human! Oh, god, where are we?”

“This is… This-”

“Is that a fae?” they asked, looking down at Yovak.

“Yes. This is my friend, Yovak. Please, he needs help. Can you help me carry him? His house is just a mile away from here.”

“Oh, uh… Is there a phone there? I’d like to get home too.”

“Yes,” Indigo lied. “Please, he’s ill.”

Nodding, the person came over. “I didn’t know fae could get sick.”

“I’m only half fae,” Yovak told them. “My human blood makes me prone to sickness and rot.”

“Ah.” Indigo knelt down and took one of Yovak’s arms around his shoulder. He gave his brother a slight nod, and when the other mirage knelt down, Yovak lunged at them.

-

“Thanks, Indy. I think I can walk now.”

Mirages could bleed, Indigo thought, as he looked at all the blood and gore splattered on his brother and the ground. It slowly faded away, though, and Yovak was soon clean, as if he hadn’t just eaten someone. Indigo helped him limp home.

Their only sister jogged up to them when she saw them. Seeing how ill Yovak looked, she helped support him as well. “Brother, are you alright?”

“Just fine, sister dear. Just fine and rotting…”

“He’s really sick, Violet. Go get Father, I’ve got him.” She nodded, and darted off. Indigo brought Yovak onto the back porch, and had him sit down on the rocking chair. One of their youngest brothers came out from underneath it when it moved. Indigo picked him up. “Hey there, little guy. Want to keep your big brothers company?”

“Ah!”

Right as Indigo set their brother down next to Yovak, the half-fae doubled over and coughed up a mouthful of blood all over his lap. Their brother whined, reaching back up for Indigo. Yovak kept coughing, and the blood kept coming, gradually turning from pure liquid to being full of chunks and strands of goo. Indigo sat next to him and patted his back, unsure of what to do. Their brother started wailing, and Indigo could see tears falling from Yovak’s eyes.

Their father arrived, not looking too worried. When he spotted the two of them, however, a look of horror overcame his features. The expression was quickly schooled into neutrality. Approaching them, their father asked, “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know! I followed him out to the cliff, and he started talking about how weak he was, how he was going to die, or something… He ate a mirage, but then he started coughing up blood. Which he said he’s been doing, and he kept saying he’s rotting-”

“Oh, my dear child, you should have said your usual blood supply wasn’t working.” He cupped Yovak’s face in his hands. “I could have nipped this little problem right in the bud. Hush, Yo-go, your-” “Weylin Corbane / Fae father of you.” “-will take care of this.”

“Request.” “Help to me.” Yovak choked out.

“Vi, dear, hand me your knife.” He reached out one hand, and Violet dropped her carving knife into it. “Indigo, hold up your brother’s head, and Yovak, chew and swallow what I give you.”

He brought the knife to the meat of his palm. Indigo averted his eyes. Though he’d gotten used to seeing blood and some manners of gore in the Corbane household, he didn’t like to watch his parents or any of his relatives hurting themselves.

-

Rhisiart felt something grab his leg, and looked down to see his youngest child staring up at him with wide, teary, purple eyes. “What’s wrong, kiddo?” He lifted the toddler up, and set him next to him. His belly was getting too big for the boy to sit on his lap. The boy pointed towards the front door, and after a moment, Indigo was holding it open as Weylin walked through, Yovak in his arms. Violet was close behind.

Seeing the blood all over his son’s face and shirt, his heart dropped. “Corbane?”

“Ah, Delmar- would you mind giving me a hand with cleaning up Yo-go?”

He passed off his youngest to Violet, and then followed his husband upstairs to the kids’ bedroom. Weylin laid Yovak down on his bed, and tugged off his shirt and shoes. He tossed them to Indigo. “Throw that away, would you? It’s tainted.”

“It’s sizzling…”

“Like I said, tainted.” Rhisiart sat down next to Yovak and wrapped an arm around him. The blood on his face was sizzling, and the skin around it was turning an irritated shade of dull purple. Where the blood had started to seep through his clothes, there was already a rash.

“Question.” “Rhisiart Delmar / Human father of I.”

“Hey, Yo-go… You’re going to be alright, your father will take good care of you.” He shot a desperate look at Weylin, a silent plea. Will he be okay? What’s happening?

Weylin nodded, giving Yovak a soft smile. “That’s right. I’ll go get a cloth and some water. Delmar, keep him comfortable, alright? And don’t touch any of that blood or where it was with your bare skin. It’s toxic.”

“Okay.” As his husband walked off, Rhisiart tried to make Yovak more comfortable, while also taking in what was visibly wrong with him besides the blood and rashes. He wanted to hold the boy in his lap, but he couldn’t, not at this stage in his pregnancy. Instead, he pulled over a few pillows with his magic and leaned Yovak against them. He kissed his temple, frowning at how cold he felt.

Taking the boy’s thin hand in his own, Rhisiart noticed that his knuckles and joints were bruised, and his fingernails were either missing or broken in some way. Now that he was so close, he realized that Yovak’s skin had taken a translucent sheen, his pure white skin unable to go any paler.

Swallowing, he leaned against his son, giving him a light squeeze. How could he have gotten so sick so quickly? Rhisiart couldn’t remember seeing him with any of these symptoms recently. But now that he thought about it… He hadn’t really been paying too much attention to Yovak. He’d been spending most of his time with the younger kids. Yovak was fifteen, so he had brushed off the boy, thinking that because he was older he didn’t need as much attention. Yet, he did. He’d always been sickly compared to his sibling, he needed extra attention.

Gods, how could he have let Yovak get so sick? He should have spent more time with him, noticed that something was off. Children didn’t get so sick in just one day, he must have been getting weaker and weaker for a long stretch of time. He always did this to him, always failed him…

“Question.” “Rhisiart Delmar / Human father of I.”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

“I’m cold.” Rhisiart brought his legs up onto the bed, and shifted close to his son, to try and warm him up. Weylin came back with a cloth and some water. After saying a spell over the water, he wiped it over the rash on Yovak’s chest. Yovak’s face scrunched up in pain, and he whimpered. Rhisiart hugged him, murmuring against his hair. The boy grabbed his arm, squeezing it.

Weylin hummed quietly. He said a different spell before moving on to wipe the blood from his son’s face. Yovak cried out as the wet cloth made contact with him. “Delmar, hold him steady. Yovak, my dear, this is for your own good. Don’t worry, it’ll only hurt for a minute.” He forced his mouth open and made him rinse out his mouth.

Yovak sobbed bitterly through the pain, and Rhisiart’s heart broke. “It’s okay, baby, it’s okay… It’ll be over soon. Shh, you’re going to be okay…”

Finally putting the cloth away, Weylin told him, “It’s safe to touch him, now.”

Rhisiart wrapped both arms tightly around his son. He ignored how uncomfortable it was. Yovak needed to be held. The boy buried his face in the crook of his neck. After a few moments, he loosened his hold so he could rub Yovak’s back.

“It’ll take a few days before he's back to his old self.” Weylin sat next to them and threaded his fingers through their son's soft hair.

“I’ll stay with you, sweetheart, okay?” When Yovak finally fell asleep, Rhisiart grabbed Weylin’s elbow and asked, “What's wrong with him?”

Eyeing their son, Weylin sighed and then responded, “Delmar, do you remember how I told you that if Yovak didn’t come with me to Otherland when he was a baby, that he would die?”

“Yeah. It’s the only reason I came here.”

“This what would have happened to him. The rotting. I know I told you that he might last with essence from other fairies, but… Even my closest blood relative’s essence wasn't good enough for him. He would have rotted in a week.” Weylin gave him a wide smile. “But now that I know better, I’ll make sure to feed both you and him from me, exclusively!”