#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞

[strywoven]

cont'd. / @suiiveur

Brow quirks , noting his stare , the ogling look he grants them ; slow , appraising.  Just to tempt him further , Kaen f l i c k e r s , the glimmer in the crystals adorning their body t w i n k l i n g in a soft hue as if to ENTICE INTO A TRAP ( the light they exude seems to offer an unspoken question : is this what you want ? is this what you like ? ) .

Teasing words are met with own cheeky smile.  ❝ Y’know , mos’ people would jus’ take th’ kindness an’ say THANKS , ❞ Retort comes as easily as drawing breath , hand giving a dismissive flick to dispel the fire once his cigarette catches alight.  They saunter closer , full hips a’swaying as they take up the seat next to him.  ❝ B’sides , ‘s m’job ta’ be friendly ta’ th’ Johns , innit ?  Figured y’could use it. ❞  He d i d look a little lonely , sitting in the back of the lounge , keeping to himself the whole night ( forgive them for being too curious for their own good ) .  They grin at him.  ❝ But dun’ go temptin’ me , this ain’t tha’ kinda’ gig , ❞ At least , not for them , though they know some of the other girls might take the proposition off-record.  Kaen tilts their head , their eyes sparkling in the dim , their presence a spot of l i g h t amid the sordid scene around them both , ❝ Ah doubt ye could afford me anyways , ❞ They tease , tone light and the least bit flirtatious.

#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | threads ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #suiiveur #... i have no excuses for continuing this #don't look at me #kaen thinks they're soooo smooth #boy are they in for it

[strywoven]

@astarab1aze has requested a story : together, they lie. together, they breathe in the stench of sulphuric sapphire mingling with honeyed gold, lips stained, eyes a'droop with satiated tiredness. a full meal, shared between the two, wholly unconventional and fraught with teeth. a back and forth, rather, and the hydra had been kind in the end - holding them snug against his chest, legs twined, nose buried into soft hair between antlers, fingertips smearing half-dried blood on their skin. he'd been so hungry before, famished really, and the godling had been won to provide; but now, he was full, guts twisting and roiling with caustic fervor, taking long, slow breaths and hoping for a little doze. aftercare, he supposed - he wasn't heartless, after all.   / hydre & kaen !

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Moment is one most t e n d e r , despite such a v i s c e r a l prelude.  Entirely worth every bloodied , barbaric second , if only to be rewarded with the world-ender’s gentleness each time ( something , kaen would confess , they covet from him , playing selfishly with his capricious offerings of kindness & grace ) .  It is strange to think they once were so STUBBORN to him before , but now ⸺ These affairs have become increasingly frequent ( we may liken them to trysts ; these secret intimacies where meaning holds within a most primitive creed bred through all gods — consume , possess , be as one ) .  And Kaen has realized , more and more often , that each of these occasions only further bring them t o g e t h e r .  For as assuredly as he devours them , swallows and satisfies himself with their bright-burning essence and flesh … Kaen so too , has buried their roots deep and DEEPER STILL within the great entity , sowing themself into his existence ( whether cognizant of the fact or not ) .

As is the nature of Gods , Kaen has begun to understand ; that to love is also to eat , to be eaten.  An endless cycle of dying and undying by the one who has cracked you open and enfolded within your heart , pouring themself into your pulse and breaching your soul ⸺ These , lessons Hydre has taught Kaen through the violence of e x p e r i e n c e and u n d e r s t a n d i n g .  And though Kaen would like to refuse all he’s offered , there is no denying the CALL OF IT ( a most instinctive knowing ) .

So is THIS what they have been missing ?  What they have been wrongly DENYING & NEGLECTING for all that time ?  A shame , to be sure , if only they had found each other sooner.

They nestle closer to him , nails trailing idly across his cold , hard flesh , teasing it with their native warmth , taunting it with the occasional brush of lips and teeth that linger and long for m o r e of whatever this is ( or for whatever it may lead to ) .  This feeling they have now – at peace , blissfully content , in a way fulfilled – is one Kaen tries to m e m o r i z e and cling to ( just as they do to hydre himself ) .  His heart beats steady and calm beneath their ear , a rhythm that lulls them into a trance-like sobriety.  Silence does not last long , however , as Kaen finds their voice , low and hoarse , ❝ … ‘S better’n sex , innit ? ❞  Not that they have a comparison , but the sentiment is there.  Head adjusts , turning to look up at him , eyes lidded and expression softened by fondness , ❝ Hydre … ‘Ave Ah said thanks fer this yet ? ❞  Probably.  ❝ Thanks.  An’... ❞  They stop , cutting off the thought.  It’s RIGHT THERE , a confession , but they shake their head , sighing and laying their head back down , instead saying , ❝ … An’ Ah’d be more’n glad ta’ ‘ave ye swallow me whole.  When th’ time comes.  Honored , e’en. ❞  That should be good enough , right ?

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #astarab1aze #astarab1aze | hydre #you: hydre is impossible to romance... #me & kaen: is that a challenge? #SIGHS WISTFULLY #such a shame they'll keep that secret to themself for another -checks watch- several hundred years... #OH WELL--

[strywoven]

@metrictita has requested a story : "don't play with me. don't dare." (from zaya, for kaen!)

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Oh , forgive them , even for as s w e e t as might intend to be , they cannot resist being such a PEST , now can they ( one mouthy little creature who might seem better-dressed with a muzzle ) ?  Zaya’s biting rebuke is more than enough to cause the darling doe to burst with laughter , swelling with that innate LIGHT which exudes from them in warm beats and pulses attuned to every note of their mirth ; a full-bodied brightness not many can ignore ( how can we disregard their joy ? how can we say they are so cruel when they stand radiant like the sun for you ? ) .  They mean no harm , though , it’s always simply IN GOOD FUN ; after all , isn’t this part of being friends ?  To dick around and get under each other’s skin ( with love , of course ) ?

❝ Aw , c’mooon , ❞ Kaen drawls , leaning over the back of the couch , arms lacing ‘round Zaya’s shoulders from behind , heads gently knocking together in playful show of affection.  They smush their cheek against his own , nuzzling at him , setting the sharp prick of their stones AGLOW , ❝ Ah thought ye liked it when Ah teased ye a bit , huh ?  Wha’s wrong ?  ‘Re ye feelin’ cranky t’day ? ❞  They beam , grinning all silly and giddy , their hold on him t i g h t e n i n g just slightly.  Their fauny features soften , their blue hues trailing down to the notebook perched in their companion’s lap , furred ears perking and flicking to attention.  This was always something the two had in common : MUSIC .  It might well have been the impetus for their relationship to begin with , and Kaen never failed to take a vested interest in Zaya’s projects , no matter how small they seemed.

With softer cadence , Kaen speaks up again , ❝ Ah’m not playin’ wit’ ye , though , Zaya , Ah think th’ song y’re werkin’ on sounds great !  If - um - if ye need anyone ta’ rehearse wit’ , Ah’m ‘ere fer ye , y’know ? ❞  A tentative offer.  They were nothing compared to someone with r e a l stage experience , but they could not deny that there was SOMETHING about moments of making music with Zaya that felt … m e a n i n g f u l , significant in a way that only the two could understand ( & kaen could only hope he felt it , too ; that inexplicable pull , that magnetism , that connection — something special to the two of them ) .

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #metrictita #metrictita | zaya #... i confess i really like them

[strywoven]

@astarab1aze has requested a story : hydre could sense something off about the little creature before him - kaen, was it? he didn't really care - some drop of divine blood dissimilar to his own. interesting enough; they probably tasted like versus did the first time he ate her. strange, sickly sweet, but also bitter and foul - this had the hydra most curious. gathering kaen into his long arms, casually lifting them off the ground, nuzzling into the crux of their neck. he breathed in their scent, soft and off-kilter, unusual and comforting in a way, like a cool breeze on winter's first frosty morn. peculiar, fantastic even, he couldn't help but unhinge his jaw as they babbled on, awkwardly, amusedly, whatever--

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Not wholly oblivious to the actions of the greater ( o’eater , o’glutton , have you no sense of compromise ? no shame ? you may take all my good graces , but bargain not for the fruit of my flesh ) , the way arms spool as snares ‘round such delicate curves and hoist them to dangle off the ground.  T r a p p e d , yes , caught ; lo’ what can they do but heed the inhibitions of given prey-creature ?  How TRAGIC an ordeal as this , to be felled by their very friend ( how utterly , completely predictable of him , too — ) !  Only a fool would have put faith in such a wretched creature … And Kaen so loved to make risky bargains ( almost too often ) .

It grows remarkably quiet , all their rambling on and on , their body limp and still as if in ACCEPTANCE of his eternal hunger.  But then , remarkably , the young god l a u g h s ( yes , mocking the face of death ) , tilting antlered head just so to provide better vantage of an open throat , their pulse beating strong and calm despite it all.  Is this funny ?  No , just a little foreplay before the inevitable ; Kaen knows how this ends , they simply want to t e a s e and t o y a little is all ( any good hunter would respect that ; the chase is part of the pleasure of a meal ) .  ❝ Ah thought we ‘ad a deal , huh ? ❞  Low , coy comes their voice , a playful warble , ❝ Y’re only e’er allowed ONE BITE , ‘member ?  Cannae let ye spoil yer appetite , Hydre. ❞  Yes , they would h a t e to do that.  Their gaze drifts , looking at him – poised and ready , practically d r o o l i n g over their flesh – out of the corner of their eye.  One hand lifts , raising back to sift into pale tresses , to tangle and YANK , wrenching his head away with immense , surprising force ( just a reminder , they are not simply a docile little doe ) .  ❝ If ye wan’ extra t’day , y’re gonna ‘ave ta’ feckin’ EARN IT ! ❞

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #astarab1aze #astarab1aze | hydre #me typing this like: evil.. gross.. yucky.. i hate you both.. #hydre really do just like... bring out the *worst* in kaen i'm telling u

[strywoven]

@astarab1aze has requested a story : ' iunno wha'chu think yer signin' up fer, buh i promise ya, pippy long-antlers, i ain't 'bout all 'is...sof' shit. ' a lie, but who could really tell? loux was already there and he wouldn't have come had he not enjoyed the affection, however small and simple it'd been in the first place. his interest was piqued, to say the least, and he wasn't actually about to let the magic little shit get off without a thorough bothering. a professional pest, loux was, aiming to get right under their skin and stay there for a while. ' thinkin' jus 'cause yer cute i'ma sit 'ere an' letcha treat me like a princess... nah, nah. siddown, baby cakes. i came t' bug the shit outta ya an' tha's wha' 'm finna do-- '

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Oh , Gods alive !  Of all the things to be called … ‘ PIPPY LONG-ANTLERS ’ ?  Certainly not the most offensensive of nicknames Kaen has heard in their career ( indeed , they can conjure up much harsher monikers in recent memory ) , but it does cause them to w i l t , to p o u t over the sting to their smothered ego it provides ( this guy , he really thought so little of them sometimes , huh ? ) .  Can’t he do A BIT BETTER than that ?  Weren’t they … Close ( & shouldn’t that mean he might call them nicer things — ) ?

He is h e r e , though , in their apartment ( a space both cozy & meticulously organized , scented sweet of spices & sugary goods ) , and Kaen cannot be happier for it.  They have noticed he’s taken to doing so more and more often , even if they don’t make the offer at first.  And despite Loux’s claim , how he denies his interest in their approach , Kaen is beginning to suspect his change of heart could have been spurred by their gentle affections ; there must be more to it , though , there usually is ( why else be so persistent ? why else try to pull them closer only to shove them away again ? ) .  Kaen is never the sort to push , nor to pry , but sometimes with Loux they get to wondering if it might be easier to SHAKE SOME SENSE back into him ( yes , perhaps literally ) .

A chuff escapes them , puffing cinders from their mouth and left cracking into the air about their antlered crown.  The godling wears a look upon their countenance which expresses a thought of ,  ‘ yeah , sure ’ , but far be it for them to goad him ( for now ) .  Instead , they trot over to Loux , doing promptly as he asked : sitting down … right in his lap.  Just as with the few times afore , Kaen fits neatly against him , their figure a seeming compliment to his own.  Never one to let him have the upper-hand , Kaen quickly interjects , ❝ — Sorreh ta’ say , y’re ne’er a bother ta’ me , Loux.  Gonna take a lot ta’ make me regret lettin’ ye inta’ m’life. ❞  They tip forward , enough to dapple kisses across his face ( less chaste and more lingering , their lips drifting longingly against his skin as if wordless ask for more ) .  They smile against him , ❝ Hm , would be a cryin feckin’ shame ta’ keep bein’ sweet on ye , huh ?  Bet Ah could ruin yer whole career , Loux … An’ Ah’ll enjoy it. ❞  Their tone is unusual , low and mocking , a sensual drawl rife with t h r e a t .  Head tips off to the side , teeth grazing along the pulse in his throat , nipping just so.

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #astarab1aze #astarab1aze | loux #hm hm hm #what do we have here-- #whiplash-- #kaen ; sweetly: ah'm gonna destroy you hehe~

[strywoven]

@memorieskept has requested a story : "life is full of decisions; best to make the one you want before the one you get."  ─  kairos for whoever responds faster/best!

a prompt i lost.

This , A WISDOM , to be sure ⸺ Haven’t they heard it before ?  Something similar , at least ( from their sire : the idea that life is a realm of choices & choices must thus always be made ) .  Kaen blinks , furred ears flicking and antlered head cocking as they absorb the fae’s information.  ❝ Aye , ❞ They say , finger thoughtfully tip-tapping against their stone-dappled cheek , the glimmer roused from the crystals embedded into flesh echoing each movement of their digit , ❝ Ah’ve ‘eard some similar things b’fore ! ❞  And it makes sense , that’s what matters.

Posture straightens , rightens , hand lowering and folding with its mate in front of them as the doe sways idly to and fro upon their soles.  ❝ But , fer me , there’s also gonna be a difference ‘tween wha’ Ah wanna do an’ wha’ Ah should do , y’know ? ❞  Briefly , Kaen frowns , only for their smile to shortly return to their face , no memory of that fleeting evidence of lurking darkness within.  The faun continues , carrying on as easily as ever , ❝ ‘S a’ways kinda’ ‘ard ta’ know when ta’ make certain choices , innit ?  ‘R like , th’ ‘right’ choices ?  ‘Cause there’s a’ways gonna be paths ta’ take , Ah know tha’ , an’ wha’ Ah do ‘s gonna change where Ah go in life , but Ah dunno ! ❞  Hands wave , shoulders shrug , ❝ ‘S ‘ard fer me ta’ say tha’ Ah know wha’s gonna be totally right ‘r wrong all’a th’ time.  An’ tha’ scares me , knowin’ tha’ m’choices can impact others somehow , someway … Ah know Ah’m a God , but Ah dun’ like ‘avin’ tha’ kinda’ power o’er things. ❞  And in fact , most everyone has that power.

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #memorieskept #memorieskept | kairos #unfortunately it's kaen (crowd boos) ... but they *did* have a lot to say abt it so!! #that's always fun #just imagine the yapping emoji when they babble like this ; that's what i do

[strywoven]

@villain-he has requested a story : ❛ promise me you’ll still be here when i wake up. ❜   slow ,  syrupy blinks as he tries to shove away sleep and hang on to the land of the awake.

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Lines between FRIENDS & LOVERS so often blurred for the doe ⸺ In truth , Kaen always had trouble seeing the difference ( love is love , they said , i should not have to refrain from loving ) .  And , tragically , it feels no different with Saint ; a friend to them , but their heart weak to the mercy of a most mortal longing for something more , for something long-neglected ( i can’t , i won’t ) .  They refrain from indulgence , contented on the memories made , each one meaning more to the godling than Saint likely realizes.  What AN HONOR , verily , to even be his friend at all — !

Kaen barely registers the other is drifting , dozing off.  Not until he speaks up , breaking the comfortable silence between them and pulling their attention away from their book.  A few blinks are given , surprised at first , before his odd request brings about a quiet laugh , delicate notes falling from those sweet-smiling lips , a h u m o r sparkling in their blue eyes.  ❝ Shh , ❞ Godling hushes , standing and gingerly pulling up a quilt from nearby , furling the well-worn fabric ‘round their companion as he groggily , vainly , clings to the waking world.  ❝ Ye’ve been werkin’ too ‘ard , y’know , ye needa’ res’. ❞  Though that’s none of their business , is it ?  Saint never talks about his work with them , but they can tell when he’s withdrawn and exhausted ( much like he is now ) .  ❝ Ye dun’ gotta’ worreh ‘bout any’a tha’ , okey ?  Ah wun’ go anywhere. ❞  Scarred fingers brush through the dark of his hair , trail an affectionate path along the fine carve of his cheek , l i n g e r i n g against his skin ( though they ought not to ) .  Remembering themself , Kaen quickly withdraws.

Their expression turns tender , ADORING , the light they exude softening to a hearth-like glow , bathing and swaddling the other in gentle warmth ; this , an unspoken BLESSING .  ❝ Trus’ me , Ah’ll ne’er leave ye , Saint , ❞ They assure him , hesitating for a moment before bowing down to press a chaste kiss to his crown , their vow sealed with a , ❝ Ah promise.  A’ways. ❞

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #villan-he

[strywoven]

@ofthescatteredstars has requested a story : "i have to be strong because other people can't be." // let's go with... Garur and Kaen?

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

❝ Sounds like somethin’ Ah’d be sayin’ … ❞  Such a w r y remark comes thoughtlessly , the words haplessly falling from a sarcastic smile before the godling even considers better of it.  But they speak more to themself than their company , antlered head shaking at the face of i r o n y which once again comes to greet them ( after all , how many times have they thought to be that strength for others ? that light ? that love which many lives – even their own – seems to lack ? ) .

Apologetic glance is offered to the orc ( garur , is that what their name is ? ) , hand lifting and waving off their own comment.  ❝ Sorreh , sorreh ! ❞  Sheepish giggle traces their words , furred ears drooping off to the sides in mild embarrassment , ❝ Ah - uh - Ah jus’ meant Ah get wha’ ye mean.  Ah’m also th’ kinda’ person tha’s lookin’ ta’ be strong fer others.  It … It feels like th’ right thing ta’ do. ❞  A pause , teeth chewing at lip as they appear to hesitate on the cusp of m o r e to say before finally , ❝ But dun’ ye e’er get tired o’ it ?  Bein’ strong all’a th’ time ?  Like , if y’re strong fer e’ryone else , who’s gonna be strong fer ye , y’know ? ❞  It shows the godling has sat with this particular conundrum for a LONG TIME ( & they truly never get to talk about it much , either ) for the way they start rambling about it to someone they hardly know.  ❝ … No-one can stay th’ protector fere’er. ❞  Though Kaen has personally ( vainly , wrongly ) TRIED .

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #ofthescatteredstars #ofthescatteredstars | garur #!!! hello again ! #gosh it's been awhile ; good to see you !!

[strywoven]

cont'd. / @hearthtales

Instinct rules the nature of most ( if not all ) creatures.  In a scene such as this , confronted by an entity which radiates such WRONGNESS , a wiser animal would heed the advice of such natural inhibitions : do not trust it , RUN⸺ !

This godling is no such creature.  Though born of the wilds , with veins alive of blood which sings the song of divine beasts , they heed not to fear but instead to the CALL OF CURIOSITY , that contemptible recklessness of courage and brazen need to u n d e r s t a n d and be u n d e r s t o o d .  And indeed , this moment is just such a moment where it comes forth ; those sapphire hues wide and awestruck , not a touch of terror to be found.

Thus , there they stand , practically g l o w i n g in anticipation , rife with EXCITEMENT like a wee child gazing upon the grandest sight they’ve ever seen !  Such a characteristic would kill them , they know , but it is a sincere innocence just the same ; for no matter the horror which thinks to greet them , Kaen would take it into their heart with all the love they could muster.  Maude’s warnings and cautions fleetingly cross Kaen’s mind— But forgive them , what is done is done.  And this interest , Kaen speculates from the great entity’s demeanor , seems to go BOTH WAYS .  So they are fool enough to play its game ( or , perhaps , brave enough where none other were afore ) .

Kaen preens a bit at the compliment ( so they think it is ) it pays them , grinning a bit , giggling softly.  ❝ ‘Course Ah’m a little afraid , ❞ They admit , their voice lilted by a heavy , musical accent and playful verve , almost as if t a u n t i n g it , ❝ But tha’s ne’er stopped me b’fore.  An’ Ah’ve ne’er seen anythin’ like ye !  Wha’ ‘re ye ? ❞  It might be a bit much to get answers , but it doesn’t hurt to make an effort to converse with it , either.  They add on , continuing to prattle on eagerly , daring to TAKE A STEP NEARER , ❝ Miss Maude said ye were scary ta’ guests but … Y’re not so bad ! ❞

#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | threads ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #hearthtales #hearthtales | feldmire #i am... v excited abt this i *had* to reply asap #likewise you don't have to match length either!! #and please feel free to tyt with replying!! #brother's got no fear... no shame... #STAND UP GUR COME ON NOW WHAT ARE YOU DOING

[strywoven]

cont'd. // @inkbleds

The way he antagonizes them has become nothing short of COMMONPLACE ; routine , ritual , the o n l y thing that makes either of their painstaking days any the better.  And though neither may likely admit to it – not to each other ( no , never ! ) – these little meetings are worthwhile.  In a rather ODD sort of way ( would not call this friendship , would we ? wherein words are bestowed with bite & venom ; where affection is in tandem to mean-spiritedness — ) .  Kaen regards the artist with a smirk when he takes his cup , giving it and them a rightfully skeptical look ( though , have they not proven themself by now ? time & again ? have they not gone above & beyond to appease him ? ) .

❝ Hm , aye , tha’ would really suck if tha’s th’ case , ❞ They say with an uncaring shrug , head shaking.  It goes unsaid that if he happened to want ANYTHING ELSE , the faun would not hesitate to abide ; such is their job.  That did not mean , of course , they wouldn’t give him flack for it the whole while.  ❝ ‘Cause Ah busted m’ass ta’ make t h i s one jus’ right fer ye. ❞  As they a l w a y s do ( not that he deserves their effort , they’ve noticed ; why break your back for someone who doesn’t even seem to appreciate it ? ) .  ❝ Y’know , ye could try saying ‘ thank ye ’ fer a change , it would be nice. ❞  Teasing , tone biting and sharp , ❝ But hey , if ‘s not hot enough fer ye— ❞ Fingers snap together , catching scarred digits alight in wisps of radiant flame , a cheeky grin splaying their maw , ❝ —Ah always come PACKIN’ HEAT . ❞  Is that a euphemism ?  

#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | threads ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #inkbleds #says i won't get to this for like 50 years #also me: immediately makes a reply for it :clown: #KAEN REALLY THOUGHT THEY ATE BY SAYING THAT SHIT #HOW EMBARRASSING WOW #also yes - yes that IS a euphemism #min - min - brother - with all due respect... do NOT follow that retort... do NOOOTTTT FEED INTO IT #or do :smirk:

[strywoven]

@vonerde has requested a story : With a gentle smile & chuckle would Gaia watch as the clock counted down to midnight, throwing her hands up into the air with a happy squeak. “Oh my god! Happy New Year, Kaen!” She chirped before leaning closer to them and pressing a soft kiss to their forehead with a smile.

new years things.

Rare is it that Kaen has company for New Years ( this , the rare time of the year kaen settles for taking time for themself after over-exerting themself the entire year ) .  But how could they say no to spending their evening with Gaia ?  Gaia was not only their friend but also someone they looked up to.  Kaen was wise enough not to put their foot in their mouth by mentioning it over the phone , but they were h o n o r e d that the Goddess had thought of THEM ( is it perhaps that she is just as lonesome ? that she might not have as many people in her life as kaen suspects ? perhaps they are more alike than kaen knows ) .

Thankfully , it made for one of those LOW-ENERGY / LOW-MAINTENANCE sort of evenings : ordering out for dinner , leftover cookies from Kaen’s holiday baking rush for dessert , and simply sitting around talking , drinking , and enjoying each other’s company while the hours whittled down until midnight.  It dawns on them , t h i s is what they have been missing !  Amid all that time spent worrying about keeping up their average , fending off threats from The Wyrd as the barriers between realms weakened , and all the other stuff in their life— Kaen always forgot to make time for themself ( & for the people that loved them ) .  Gods alive , another year of living in the human world and all they have done is waste it ( again ) working themself to the bone !  When will they l e a r n ?

A new year’s resolution , then : find the time , somehow.

Kaen turns their attention to the TV , a broadcast of the annual ball drop showing a live countdown until the new year.  Only a matter of time now !  3 - 2 - 1 — !  They jump slightly when Gaia squeaks in joy , her hands flung in their air.  The faun gives her a smile , ears folding to the sides ; she’s cute when she wants to be , isn’t she ?  Even as they open their mouth to give their own piece , the Goddess has already captured their cheeks in her hands , leaning forward to bestow a friendly k i s s to the top of their fiery crown.  Kaen comes ALIGHT at the gesture ; pink , yellow , orange , a show of flickering , gleaming hue all dancing through their crystalline accents at once like an array of flattered / flustered charm.  They g r i n at her , furred ears perking upright and giving a happy little wiggle.  ❝ ‘Appy New Year , Miss Gaia ! ❞  Kaen chirps back , followed by a giggle , ❝ Ah’m real glad ta’ be spendin’ th’ first moments wit’ ye.  But ‘ere’s ta’ many more years t’gether , aye ? ❞ The godling jumps to their feet , striking a pose , fist thumping their breast , divine fire brimming around them ( lo' how dramatic ) . ❝ New adventures , new wonders , nothin’ can stop us as long as we're wit' each other ! ❞

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #vonerde #we've entered the phase of the friendship #where gaia now has to deal with kaen acting openly like a theatre kid in front of her #i'm so sorry

[strywoven]

@stellarhistoria has requested a story : [ lex to kaen ] 

he smiles brightly at the new friend he's found, leaning against the short wall with both hands and giggling. "You think so?" he sighs. "My teachers say I'm "special", but I've never felt the need to flaunt it. I'm just me! And if I'm the type of person everyone trusts and likes, then that's good, right?"

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Funny to think the two have become such FAST FRIENDS— Why , it feels as if only yesterday they had stumbled one another in the wood and first began talking.  And like many friendships , they never stopped talking.

Today is no different.

Conversation carries easily as ever between them , a complementary back and forth as Kaen perches contentedly beside their friend upon the stone wall , listening to Lex speak.  Furred ears perk to attention at the sound of his laugh , antlered head canting just slightly as a smile plays at the seams of their lips.  ❝ Well , aye , all’a tha’s good.  But , ‘re ye so sure y’re not all tha’ ‘ special ’ ? ❞  The godling counters , teasing lilt in tow to words , red brows raised slightly.  T w i n k l i n g they are , their natural light shimmering and gleaming with A GENTLE WARMTH as if some living heartful hearth ; a sentimental inferno , so full of j o y merely to talk to the good knight , merely to spend time with a r e a l friend after so long gone without such company their fragile heart longed for most.

Briefly , Kaen looks away , turning gaze skyward in thought ( the sky vivid in blue , parched with afternoon sun & graced with the distant melody of birdsong ) .  ❝ B’sides , e’ryone’s special ta’ someone , Ah think , an’ frankly , ❞ They look at him again , reaching out to rest their hand on his shoulder , lightly jostling him in an affable manner ,  ❝ Y’re pretty special ta’ me , so Ah’d say tha’ counts fer somethin’ ! ❞

#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #stellarhistoria #stellarhistoria | lex

[strywoven]

@inhumann has requested a story : excuse harlow she's quite literally launching herself into kaen's arms (pls catch her she's fragile).

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

How NEUROTIC they must look , they’re sure , checking their phone incessantly again , again , again— And each time , Kaen is greeted only by the same ‘ i’m coming !! ♥ ’ text from about half an hour ago.  Every minute which ticks by only compounds their nervous excitement to see their friend ( can they say they still see her that way ? kaen lately catches themself teetering between whatever friendliness might otherwise mean , once again at the mercy of falling so easily in love ) .  But can you blame them ?  Absence only makes the heart grow f o n d e r – as it goes – and it has been over a month since the two have had a chance to get together properly ; between the two’s insane schedules , there is hardly any time for each other ( & yet , kaen would consider dropping everything – just as they likely did tonight – if it meant a chance to see their beloved bestie again ) .

A month is TOO LONG , though , especially for a silly little faun and their silly little feelings they have tried so d e s p e r a t e l y to conceal , to ignore , to repress— Gods alive , w h a t is wrong with them ?!  Pocketing their phone , Kaen begins to pace , their boots tracing furrows into the snowy sidewalk as their muttering is made visible in the frosted air while they wander back and forth.

Neurotic indeed , if only because love should drive them to be so.  But they know how this goes , the moment they say a n y t h i n g at all , IT’S OVER .  So choke it down , suck it up , there’s nothing you can do.

They pause , head lifting , furred ears flicking to and fro.  The normal din of the city fades in favor of the sound of approaching stride , a certain gait they recognize.  Kaen turns in time to see Harlow push through a flock of people and fling herself at them.  They don’t even think about it , their arms are already open to receive her , easily catching her and hoisting her small figure aloft , TWIRLING HER about the sidewalk , neverminding the annoyed looks passers-by grant them for making travel that much more frustrating.  The godling comes ALIGHT WITH JOY , their natural glow brightening and swelling , turning WARM & RADIANT ; beaming , of course , in all definitions of the term ( & all because of harlow’s presence ) .  Kaen gives an elated cry , ❝ HARLOWWWW !  ‘Oly shit , Ah’ve missed ye sooo much ! ❞  Then gingerly returns the other to her feet against the sidewalk , grinning brightly at her , positively twinkling and shimmering like an all-too-giddy sunspot.

❝ D’ye know how lame ‘s been wi’out ye ‘round ? ❞  They tell her , swaying in place , hardly able to contain themself , hardly able to stop themself from the d r a m a t i c s of throwing a hand over their stone-dappled face and tossing their head back in LAMENT ( top of the class theatre major , here we are ) , ❝ Oh , oh Harlow , ❞ Kaen drawls , feigning agony , ❝ It was such m i s e r y !  Such c r u e l t y !  Ah could ‘ardly stand it ! ❞  They hold the scene for only a moment longer before giggling , shaking their head.  It might be a bit , but something in their demeanor suggests their words are not entirely u n t r u e , either.  A small , cheeky smile splays Kaen’s lips , their ears flicking.  ❝ ‘Ey , y’know we still ne’er actually went ta’ dinner when we planned … ❞ They trail off , blue eyes sparkling.  ❝ Ah can- uh- take ye out now if yer not busy ? ❞

#❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #inhumann #inhumann | harlow #:))) #i give u content #i give u the drama (tm)

[strywoven]

@princeoftides has requested a story : fire burns around them, earth scorched and it's only so long in the volcano that he doesn't flinch back from them.  instead he pushes closer, ignores burns and blood of a training session turned too harsh.  he'd pushed too far, but doesn't he have to?  to prove they're good enough, to coax them, call them, break them?  rath pushes into their space, his tail already winding around their waist, curved blade fitting perfect on the amble swell of their hip, made to measure.  claws come up to brush over gem speckled cheeks, cut careful to draw barest amount of blood.  there's been enough spilled but this is done with love.  he licks it away a moment later, relishes the burn of it against his tongue.  "you did well sut."  his mouth trails along their cheek, towards faun ear he nips at with too sharp teeth.  to watch them flinch, to feel it.  "i'm proud of you."

𝑼𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Routine it has become for these two to sneak off beyond the suspicious gazes which follow them amid the castle and court ( the worst of which comes from the good king nen’bayo , where often it feels as if he has come with them , watching their affair with plain displeasure & concern ) .  The rumors are the worst of it , Kaen thinks ; the faun never knew dragons were such NASTY GOSSIPS ( so much like gods ) , spitting out cruelties behind the knight’s back as if they cannot hear ( though it is purposeful they should ) , mocking their name and embellishing how this ‘ darling little trinket ’ the king thinks to keep beside him has all but thrown away their loyalty to him in exchange for bedding a wretch of a war ward ( & are we so surprised ? they laugh , have you seen them ? they say they’re a god but how pathetic they are ! i’ll never understand the king’s fascination with them ) .  Their pride is jaded , but they worry more for their king , for the way they have l i e d to him and have gone about behind his back to fool around with his thrall— They have just recently begun to wonder : Would he understand if they tried to explain why ?

Grateful are they for the distraction of once more seeing Rath’li ( but they know , still , that they ought to refuse his company , that they should turn up their nose & dismiss him ; they cannot , they are already too far deep into his charms ) , where again they steal time , wandering to some secret place that no respectable character in the court might consider following them to.  And here alone , NOTHING IS BETWEEN THEM ; no rumors , no judgments , no need to hide from one another nor from anyone else.  It is in these moments that they are f r e e to be , committing to a great clash of POWER & PASSION ; all a flurry mess of fire , frenzy and fury.  Kaen feels it ( & they are certain he must as well ) , the connection between them that burns bolder and brighter with every blow exchanged and every cast of blood smeared onto smoldering earth— In a way , through their rage , they might very well be o n e force ( & perhaps , one heart ) .  And indeed , is that not his goal ?  Is that not what he has been trying to teach them to achieve this whole time ( to be unstoppable , to be his ) ?

Such bouts always leave the godling spent and shaking , their form trembling as the other approaches and curls his tail about the swell of their full hip.  They hardly resist the pull , tipping their body towards him , against him.  Try as they like , Kaen cannot help but to w i n c e slightly at the bite of his teeth to their furred ear , the loving tear of his claws to their cheeks.  But the pain is addled with a warming PLEASURE , the sensation swelling through their blood and putting a rosy hue in their stones.  His little pet-name for them urges them to grin , a breathless laugh given in return for his words as they tip their head to rest against his.  ❝ Ah- Ah think ye jus’ say shit like tha’ ‘cause y’know wha’ it does ta’ me , ❞ Smoke curls from their smiling mouth , their words twisted with a playful , almost admonishing lilt.  But it doesn’t stop them from p r e e n i n g at the compliment ; he’s proud of them !  They love to hear it , it makes their heart race all the faster.  ❝ Say it agane … ❞  It doesn’t sound like a request , the way it's practically purred in d e m a n d , coaxing him to continue praising them.

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #princeoftides #princeoftides | rath'li #just a *crumb* of kaen being demanding... #as a treat for rath ofc

[strywoven]

@seeasunset has requested a story : book, sender helps receiver get a book from a higher part of the shelf. (@ Kaen)

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Going to THE LIBRARY !  Can you even imagine a more pleasant , a more positively wonderful venture ?  Should it ever be left to the godling’s choice of scene ( though for good reason it usually isn’t ) , the bookstores and libraries are most often their selection.  Books , to them , are their very best friends ; reading has always been their first love and their facet of peace in the world.  Through and through , Kaen would call themself a BOOKWORM , likely always living with one foot in a story at all hours of the day ( & they themself would make for a good , though tragic , tale , should they ever think to speak it ) .

Thus it comes as no surprise to anyone how e x c i t e d Kaen is to discover that there even is such a place locally.  Forgive them for the way they hurry Vasco out the door just as soon as he makes the offer to take them there.  They cannot quite express how g l a d they are for such an occasion ; having little outings like these with Vasco are certainly one of Kaen’s FAVORITE THINGS ( perpetuated , of course , by the nauts having also adopted kaen into the fold , embracing them as their adoptive sibling in all ways ) .  And the whole trip there , Kaen is practically v i b r a t i n g with eagerness ‘til they arrive , causing them to all but rush up the stone steps and hurry inside the building to gawk around and soak up the rustic environment cluttered with assorted tomes and texts adorning every corner and shelf.  They look at Vasco , grinning and gleaming with childlike glee , plain in their JOY simply to be here.

And then , off they go again , hardly hesitating before disappearing behind a shelf in the fiction section and beginning to sort through the various , gathered titles.

After several moments , Kaen pokes antlered head back out , ushering Vasco over with an insistent wave of their hand.  As he approaches , they point up to a higher-up shelf they can’t quite reach.  ❝ Would ye mind gettin’ tha’ book fer me ?  Please ? ❞  They ask in a quiet voice , smiling up at him.  When he does so , reaching up and plucking it free from amongst the others , offering it to them , their smile blooms into a g r i n .  ❝ Thank ye !  Y’know Ah’ve been lookin’ fer this one , ‘s th’ third in a trilogy Ah’m readin’ right now an’ Ah ‘aven’t been able ta’ find it anywhere so Ah— ❞  Oh dear , looks like our dear Captain has ONCE AGAIN been inadvertently been dragged into one of Kaen’s many , babbling tangents.  Seems like he’ll be here a while.

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #seeasunset #you ever see someone be so *thrilled* abt a gd library? #me either #god i love them

[strywoven]

@bonesofchaos has requested a story : "there’s no need to get so worked up." // nara @ kaen

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

❝ No need … No fuckin’ need … ! ❞  Wee doe has done nothing but pace , stuck in an ongoing motion of worrying a hole into the polished floor of the fae-god’s temple whilst he looks on at them with bemusement.  His complete l a c k of concern is what truly ruffles them , it only adds to their heated grumbling , fueling the blaze of their ire ( & they are indeed ablaze , every motion back & forth marked by cresting cinders crackling wildly from their soles ) .  It feels a lot as if the greater god is m o c k i n g them , coddling them by altogether dismissing their worries with humoring , beguiling words as one might a fitful infant.  And if Kaen truly admitted themself to be the bastard of the fae ( as they’ve oft’ been called ) , they might think to e m b r a c e the character of one and act accordingly , to consider causing some REAL HAVOC right there within the temple.  Yet they also know it would do no good ; it would win them no favors nor blessings.  Already they have disgraced their father’s blood , it would not suit to tarnish their name f u r t h e r by instigating the scorn of another God.

A deep , calming breath is drawn into lungs , exhaled as fiery smoke through the mouth.  They pivot in place , turning to acknowledge the deity peacefully observing them nearby.  Tightly , the godling balls their fists , holding their hands ( & their fire ) dormant.  ❝ Ah think Ah’ve got e’ry right ta’ be upset considerin’ w h e r e Ah am , ❞ Head tips , moving to glance warily about the place , furred ears lowering atop their antlered head.  And so soon is their agitation beginning to fade into a roused a n x i e t y , the marks of fear beginning to etch over their fawny features.  It is true , they entered his territory by pure HAPPENSTANCE , but fae rite dictates that they MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE , either ; a trespass is still – unfortunately for Kaen – a trespass , no matter one’s heritage or place amid the eternal hierarchy.  ❝ An’ w h o Ah’m speakin’ ta’ , ❞ They add on , their gaze shifting back to him , eyeing him , sizing him up with a curious scrutiny.

❝ Ye’ll ‘ave ta’ fergive me , Ah dun’ really talk ta’ this side o’ m’family anymore , ❞ The fae , they mean to imply , ❝ So Ah’m not sure wha’s proper an’ wha’ isn’t. ❞  Do they bow ?  Do they express gratitude for his not immediately butchering them ?  All they r e a l l y want to do is spit on the floor and march right back into the wood— But their soul feels SHACKLED , rooted into place.  They cannot leave without his saying the word.  ❝ … Will ye lemme go … m’lord ? ❞  The moniker seems like an afterthought , tossed in with no sore lack of forced , embittered reluctance.  How bold of them to question this creature so d i r e c t l y , too , though Kaen knew to be ballsy when it mattered ( or when it could get them killed ) .

#❧ ⸺ how can ( queue ) say there is no story here ? ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | answered ❞ #❧ ⸺ ch. kaen | verse i: main ❞ #bonesofchaos #bonesofchaos | nara #these two have only said like several words to each other & i'm already here for their dynamic #kaen really almost was like “my father will hear about this!” #but the joke is that cernunnos doesn't give a shit anymore ksdjcn #what if they were besties but they hated each other & had some tension-- #i'm just saying it'd be FUNNY