#eliyah speaks

[eliyah-de-dark]

Oh to feel the unbridled joy my toddler feels when he sees a minecraft cow plushie

#eliyah speaks #minecraft #he yearns for the mines #he loves the cows especially

[thekrows-nest]

General Info + F.A.Q

General Info

This is is a blog for all things about Krow.

This is an 18+ blog so minors DO NOT INTERACT Any blogs that do not have their age listed in their bio or haven’t DMed me their age proving they're 18+ WILL be blocked! I'm serious, please PLEASE have your age in your bio OR DM me it.

I’ll be posting art, musings and the like. Share fan creations from others, answer asks and questions. May or may not do some sort of project with this nasty gremlin, in which case I’ll use this space to document the journey.

Be sure to check down below and read the FAQ too! Your question could be answered there already!

If you enjoy my work here on the blog, and wanna support me, you can donate at my Ko-Fi! Please DON’T feel pressured to do so. It’s completely optional!

TO NOTE: Update (as of 1/26/2023) So I’ve had Krow for a few months now. Not nearly as long as my other OC’s but decent length of time for me to have figured out some things. However, even so, this blog is mainly for fun, just a means of me writing and drawing for this goofy boy, so some answers may just be silly. Don’t take EVERYTHING I say as the end all be all canon of Krow. I may change my mind on things (and I have before, a number of times).

Below is my old To Note but I’ll keep it up anyway ndfgbl.szf

Krow is a very new character for me, which is to say; until/unless I say otherwise, do NOT take everything said here for absolute canon, lore and fact. You’re basically seeing and experiencing the messy process that is... creating a character, and in many ways, helping me develop him further. Things can and will change with him. Design, lore, bits of personality and so on. Just so you’re aware. (: 

(Anon asks are OFF because I am simply not comfortable with having them on. Apologies.)

Krow’s Ref(s): Main Ref Krow’s Eyes and Teeth Krow’s Back Tattoo Krow Ship Chart (Blank) Mer!Krow Untraumatized Krow

Gabby Ref(s): Doodle

Eliyah Ref(s): Doodle

Luke Ref(s): Doodle

Mary Ref(s): Doodle

Naila Ref(s): Doodle

Tag List (will probably update as more tags become relevant):

#about krow #krow art #krow asked and answered #krow in character #the krow’s nest #naughty krow #krow fluff #krow angst #krow stories #dove aviary #winndy talks #krow fanart #krow’s murder flock #silly krow #bird call #about gabby #gabby asked and answered #LT asked and answered #LT in character #the krow’s nest verse #about eliyah #eliyah asked and answered #eliyah in character #eliyah art #luke asked and answered #about luke #luke in character #luke art #about mary #mary art #mary asked and answered #mary in character #about naila #naila asked and answered #naila in character #naila art

F.A.Q.

(Probably put more here later)

Does Krow have a VN? When is he getting one? I’ve gotten a number of asks and questions about this from numerous people since I first started this blog and the answer is still the same: I don’t know.  I created Krow mainly as just a way to entertain myself and because games like 14DWY and RH inspired me to. Krow happened to strike a chord with the community, I was asked by a few friends to make a blog so they could send in goofy asks. Now Krow has a decent following (which I am grateful for!) and so I’ve been getting asked this more and more. If I were to seriously consider a VN though, I would have to do a LOT of work. When I made Krow, I created him “in a vacuum” as I like to put it, by which I mean... he doesn’t HAVE a story. There aren’t other defined characters, a setting or such besides him and Dove. So if I were to make a VN, I would need to think of other characters, the setting and so on. While I am not settled on the idea of a VN yet, I HAVE been muddling on expanding the “Krow Verse” as it were. I hope to introduce some other characters to you all soon!

How old is Krow? So *I* personally headcanon Krow at 25, HOWEVER, generally speaking, he can be whatever you headcanon him at as long as he’s 18+. My other headcanon is that he is always a year older than you/Dove. How tall is Krow? Similar to his age, you can headcanon him at various heights. However, his MAX height (and what I headcanon him as) is 5′1″, but he is always at least one inch shorter than you.  Krow is absolutely fine with Dove being much taller than him. 

What ethnicity is Krow? Krow is Indian + Bengali, though he was born in America! And this will ALWAYS be canon.

What’s Krow’s job? He works as a crime scene/forensics cleaner! He works for a very small (as in about five people including him) licensed company to go around and clean up the scenes of murders, not so wellness checks and the like.  He also does some black market organ selling as a side hustle, which come from his own murders. He is also sometimes commissioned to do art! (In particular his other yandere friends go to him for art pieces.)

So Krow’s an artist, what kind of art does he do? The answer is... a bit of everything lmao. Mostly draws and paints, since that’s the easiest and most portable. But he also sculpts (as in using clay but he also buys blocks of marble or such to literally carve into when he can afford it), wood carving and widdling, has done metal working, sometimes writes poetry, customizes and even builds dolls. Pretty much any (traditional) visual art medium there is, Krow has done/does. 

Does Krow have a speech impediment? He does! He’s had his stutter for many years, but has never gotten any kind of correctional therapy for... spoilery reasons.

How did Dove meet Krow? There isn’t really a “canon” way (as of now) that Dove meets Krow, just that it was purely coincidental. So you can headcanon pretty much almost anything of how Dove and Krow meet. Examples I’ve listed before have been at the park, out just walking in public, the grocery store, maybe even your work. To Dove, it may have just been some run of the mill encounter. For Krow however, it was life changing.

FOR ALL THAT IS HOLY WHERE IS THE NSFW ABC’S??!!! I finally got you bae’s. It is right here

Okay what about his SFW ABC's? They are right here!

#general info #the krow's nest #about krow #krow asked and answered #krow in character #naughty krow #krow fluff #krow angst #krow stories #dove aviary #winndy talks #krow fanart #krow's murder flock #silly krow #bird call

[dam-peace]

This Ask is for VV

So MC is watching a horror movie in their office and they haven't noticed them enter their office what would they do.

Would They scare the life out of MC by waiting for the scare that's about to happen, Either way their gonna get scared so how would they react to MC letting out the girlyst scream they ever heard and them trying to play it off but are extremely embarrassed.

Nicholas / Nicholette

When they realise what the MC is watching, they quickly try to announce themselves. Though when it's too late to do so, they cover their ears instead. Just as the MC releases a blood curdling scream, with a shake of their head.

Nicholas/Nicolette checks to make sure that the Detective is okay, before asking why they insist on watching these kind of things in a dark room, alone. Surrounded by closed homicide case files when they know they can't handle it.

Tobias/Taliah

They time the jump scare perfectly, speaking suddenly to make the Detective jump at their sudden presence. Then watching as the Detective leaps out of their skin at the actual jump scare, just when they thought all was well. With a roll of their eyes, Tobias/Tahlia then grabs what they came for and leaves.

Elias/Eliyah

Raises an unimpressed brow when the Detective releases a blood curdling scream. Staring down at the Detective with a blank expression, they grab the lighter that they had left behind and leave.

Kacey

Walks in, just in time to jump out of their skin along with the Detective. Kacey then starts swinging around wildly with their fists up, looking out for any danger and the cause for the Detective's sudden fright.

#VV-if #Team 1 #VV RO Ask

[henryenrix]

THE ANTICHRIST

APOLOS

The Vatican shalt be proud to present to the entire world the long awaited, and longed for Messiah of all time on the 2nd. day of the month of October of the year 2,025: A 30-year-old man with no hair on his head, face, or on his body, eyes the color of the sun, completely dazzling, gorgeous, and beautiful, son of Lucifer, and the spirit of Nimrod (Apollo), with a pectoral full of precious stones, of very tall stature, physical stamp of a model, who does not care about women at all, who speaks 70 terrestrial languages, coming from the Constellation Argus. The Antichrist shall descend from Heaven in an UFO, or VIMANA followed by thousands of them, and shall land in the Vatican City at sunset, and shall be welcomed by an impressive entourage made up of the Pope, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, monks, sacristans, and altar boys. The Pope shall introduce him to the whole world, and the Antichrist shalt make fire fall from Heaven in front of millions of millions of terrestrials. During midnight, he shalt say to the sun: "Come out!" and the sun shalt rise. He shalt command the sun: “Go down!” and the sun shalt go down. A golden statue with his image shalt be revealed, and the Antichrist shalt project his consciousness onto his image (his avatar), and the image shalt come to life, walk, speak, and blaspheme the Supreme God of the Universe, and say great things that even The Chosen Ones of God (the Elect) shalt believe him, and shalt worship him. The Antichrist shalt declare to the world that he is the TRUE GOD, and he shalt take six hundred and sixty six people from his entourage, and they shalt cross an open stargate in the Vatican City to appear in an instant in front of the Temple of God in Jerusalem, and he shalt come in, and sit on the Throne of God, and declare himself God. This period of abomination, and torment on Earth is called: THE GREAT TRIBULATION OF THE EARTH. Every human being shalt be sealed with THE MARK OF THE BEAST. He who refuses to be sealed shalt have his head cut off. Every Jew, every Messianic, and every Christian follower of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach shalt be persecuted, and their heads cut off. Every man who possesses a BIBLE, or just a page of the BIBLE shalt be put in prison, tormented, and his head cut off. Every man who mentions the word: GOD, or the name of God, shalt be imprisoned, tormented, and his head shalt be cut off. El Ha-Shamayim shalt send two angels to fly on mid air, all over the world, yelling with a great voice: “DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST! THE ONE WHO TAKES IT SHALT HAVE NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!!”. The destruction of the Earth by The Supreme God of the Universe (The Cups of God's Wrath) shalt begin on April 13, 2,029 when the star, or asteroid WORMWOOD, OR APOPHIS collapses with the Earth, and one third of humanity perishes, one third of the waters of the seas turns into blood, and one third of the ocean life perishes, one third of the sweet, fresh waters of the earth turn bitter, and poison men, and one third of the light of the sun, the moon, and the stars shalt diminish.

FOUNTAIN OF KNOWLEDGE: The Hitgalut of Johannan, the Hitgalut of Eliyah, and the Hitgalut of Yeshayah, the Hitgalut of Yirmeyah, the Hitgalut of Yechesquel, the Hitgalut of Matiyah the Hitgalut of Daniel, the Apocalypsis of Nicodemus, etc...

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE EARTH BY HENRY ENRIX: https://www.amazon.com/DESTRUCTION-EARTH-WORLD-KNOW-Transhumanism-ebook/dp/B089DFPBZQ/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=henry+enrix&qid=1636444986&qsid=147-9366334-7222264&s=digital-text&sr=1-6&sres=B09L6KHBDS%2CB087BY8WH1%2CB08798T11K%2CB087CRD4K6%2CB087BBKN39%2CB089DFPBZQ%2CB08HH32QYL%2CB088BM468Q%2CB08B4P65DS%2CB087Q7DFDS%2CB087X364JQ%2CB08811WY2J%2CB0879HCXG7%2CB08F2DN6ZX%2CB087ZHM7TP%2CB0876WZVN4

[stained-carmine]

What do? Pt. III

Reiko has appeared! What to do?

Awkward hug Grope Caress cheek Hug

“Touch me and die.”

Raiya has appeared! What to do?

Leave Make them mine Woohoo Worship

“Why’s it always like this...?”

Sayumi has appeared! What to do?

Admire Kiss Throw drink Worship

“Woah, slow down! We don’t even know each other!”

Akiro has appeared! What to do?

Punch Fondle butt Leave Marry

“I’ll have to ask that you refrain from such advances until at least the second date—” THUD.

History repeats itself. It’s a vicious cycle.

Shino has appeared! What to do?

Play dead Blow a kiss Do "it" Feed them

You best be good at playing dead, else she’ll put another round in you.

Meanwhile Akiro’s just blowing her a kiss from a safe distance this time. Seems he learnt his lesson, for now.

Cherei has appeared! What to do?

Kick Leave Bang Violate

“...Please, just leave if you intend to hurt me...I don’t want any trouble.”

Kiran has appeared! What to do?

Play dead Kill Grope Kiss on the lips   

“W-W-WHY’S EVERYTHING SO EXTREME?!”

The Phoenix has appeared! What to do?

Kiss cheek Do "it" Confess Ravish

“No.” And she turns around and leaves.

Aliah has appeared! What to do?

Play dead Admire Marry Leave them

“What exactly do you think you are doing?”

Ivalinne has appeared! What to do?

Marry Scare Kiss cheek Ravish   

“Oh no, it is Sunday!” Good job Reimu, now she’s traumatized.

Eliyah has appeared! What to do?

Do "it" Kiss Violate Marry

“M-my apologies, but I have already promised my heart to another...”

Emil has appeared! What to do?

Flirt Cuddle Feed Ravish

“U-umm...Please don’t tease me like this...”

Noe has appeared! What to do?

Act cool Kiss Kick Worship

#Reiko #Only a select few are allowed to touch her without her giving permission #Raiya #Sayumi #Akiro #Shino #Cherei #Kiran #The Phoenix #Aliah #Ivalinne #Eliyah #Emil #Noe #That icon literally speaks for itself #Shindan #Shindan Memes #Shindan Maker #Feel free to use as an open starter #Crack #I'm a sucker for this shindan okay

[stainedcarmine]

A Brief Repose

—December 1st, 1357, Avra Zetal

Red eyes stared with gleeful fascination at the one before them. A smile upon her lips and arms behind her back, the daughter of the house waited for a response.

The boy could only stare back as his lip quivered slightly. It’s her...t-that girl...! A sense of dread paralyzed him upon the sight of her when he and his father had been greeted at the entrance of the manor by the Duke Rozka’cer and his daughter.

“So we meet again.” Her voice rang out, causing the boy to flinch faintly as his body tensed up.

Unable to muster any courage to speak of, the only thing that would depart his lips was a nervous stutter of sounds that couldn’t even be called words.

A curious hum resounded, sweet and innocent of tone, as she tilted her head to the side, smile not fading in the slightest as her bright eyes fixed upon him.

“Ivalinne, dear, is that any way to greet someone?” A soft chuckle left the duke’s lips as his hand came to rest upon the girl’s head, ruffling her hair slightly. An action that garnered a one-eyed wince from the girl.

“Mm...” She mumbled slightly as her father teasingly chided her. Patting down her ruffled hair, she inhaled and swiftly exhaled—a pout of sorts, before she straightened her posture.

“My name is Ivalinne Rozka’cer. It is a pleasure to meet you, Eliyah Williams.” She said as she offered an enchanting smile to the boy.

Eliyah, for his part, flinched upon hearing his full name spoken by the girl he had yet to introduce himself to. Shyly, the boy grasped a little tighter at his father’s coat as he shrunk back behind the man.

The Duke Rozka’cer merely exhaled in silent defeat as he shook his head. No helping it, I suppose... He thought to himself, shoulders shrugging slightly. The corners of his lips turned upward in a smile as he turned his attention to the Williams boy. “Forgive her, I had told her your name after your last visit. That is how she knows it.” A sideways glance to his daughter would reveal the expression he expected from her. A confident smile, proud of the fact that she had remembered the boy’s name. A suppressed laugh left the duke as an exhale as he turned his focus to the boy. “I do hope you two will get along.”

Eliyah slowly turned a timid gaze to the girl, one which she noticed immediately, causing the boy’s eyes to swiftly avert when their gazes met. As he’d lean a little closer to his father, he would feel the man take a step away from him, causing the child to gasp softly.

“I presume you have set aside a spot for us to discuss the preliminary findings of the annual report?” The merchant spoke up, lifting the sealed envelope in his hand.

“You assume correctly.” Anton responded with a nod. Turning his attention to his daughter, a soft smile would grace his features. “Ivalinne dear, could you show the Williams boy around our garden? I believe he has yet to become familiar with the layout, and I fear he may become lost on his own.”

The girl was quick to turn a curious gaze towards her father at his request. Awe-filled eyes focused on her father as she listened, before giving a quick nod and beaming at the man. “Of course! He shall not leave my sight!”

Anton simply sighed, shaking his head faintly as he placed his arms behind his back. “If you would follow me.”

Eliyah would watch as his father strode away, panic clutching at him briefly. But before he could protest, that exuberant girl was already upon him.

Grabbing hold of the boy’s arm, Ivalinne pulled the shy redhead along with her. “Come, come! Let us venture forth into the heart of this paradise.”

“A-ah, I—” He stammered, at a loss for words due to her overwhelming vitality. Offering no resistance, he was simply dragged along, off into the Rozka’cer gardens, completely at the mercy of this frivolous, crimson-eyed girl.

The soft sound of a hummed melody filled the air as the girl pranced forward, leading the charge on their little expedition through the garden.

Eliyah for his part, simply remained quiet, eyes glued to the ground as he followed along. His gaze low as it was, he wouldn’t notice when she had turned to look back at him.

A slight frown came over her, and with a twirl, she’d turn to face the boy. “So!” She piped up, just a bit too loudly, as the boy nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound. “You are not of nobility, are you?” She asked, head tilting to the side slightly as she crossed her arms behind her back.

“A-a-ah...! N-no, I—” He stuttered, cheeks flushing in embarrassment at his inability to give the girl a clear answer. Eyes still fixated on the ground, he’d fidget slightly before continuing. “...I-I...M-my father—” A pause was taken as the boy tried to calm his nerves. “...My father is a m-merchant.” He finally managed to get the words out.

“Huh... A merchant? Like a shopkeeper?” She responded as she looked him over, noting his nervousness.

“N-not..quite. M-my father runs the g-guild.” Still his eyes remained turned downward.

“Guild? What is that?” She chimed in with her question almost as soon as the words left the boy’s lips.

“W-well, it is...” As he struggled to find the words, the young duchess interrupted him.

“Eliyah.” She said firmly, coming to a stop.

“Y-yes...?“ His heart quickened pace, anxiety consuming him.

“What about the ground do you find so enrapturing?” She said, a smile upon her face that he couldn’t see.

“I-I...um—” The boy’s gaze would dart about—in every direction but up.

Placing her hands upon her hips, the girl pouted. “Are you to say that the dirt is by far more interesting than I?”

“N-no! Th-that is not what I—” Instinctively, he raised his head to glance up at her—a moment she was waiting for, as she  had moved in to lock gazes with the boy. Seeing her so close would cause him to panic, and he staggered backwards with a shocked yelp.

“Ah, that is more like it. Your eyes are quite pretty. It is a waste to keep them hidden from view like that.” She said, smiling at him as she leaned over him slightly.

“Wh-hah-huh??”“ Was all he could whimper in response. His heart felt as if it would burst out of his chest at any moment, what with how nervous he was. Something about her was strange. Perhaps that oddly forward behavior? Or maybe her bold mannerisms? As he wondered why, his gaze would fall to her eyes. In the same instant he realized the answer, he also lost it. Yet again at a loss for words before the young duchess, all he could muster was a weak-willed whimper.

The young duchess merely tilted her head, confused as to why the boy had frozen up. “Is something the matter?” She asked curiously.

He would try to answer her but words would fail him. Once again his head would lower, gaze falling to the ground in embarrassment.

“Ahhh!” The girl let out a frustrated huff as he once more shrunk back. “How very rude of you!”

“R-rude!?” Wait, had he inadvertently disrespected her? Oh no, this wasn’t good, he could cause trouble for his father if he were to upset the daughter of the house, or so he thought.

“If you are so infatuated with the ground then I shall leave you to lovingly gaze upon it alone!” Turning on her heels, the young duchess would begin to storm off, intent to leave the merchant’s son behind.

“W-Wait!” Scrambling to his feet, he stumbled after her. “I am sorry if I offended you! Please forgive my rudeness!“

A soft chuckle came from the girl, before she burst into a raucous laughter. “Ahaha! What is with those eager pleas? Are you a lost puppy begging for affections? Haha!”

“Ah...aah?” All he could muster was that confused noise. B-but, was she not angry with me but a moment ago...? He thought to himself. He didn’t understand it, how she could be upset one moment and laughing the next. She is strange...

“That stern man, he is your father, yes?“ The girl asked nonchalantly as she continued to saunter through the gardens with carefree abandon.

“A-ah...um, yes. He is.” Eliyah responded meekly.

“Ah~ It makes me happy that Father is the way he is!” She cheered, spreading her arms to the side as she trotted along. “And what of your mother? Is she not with you?”

“Ah... No, she is at home.” The boy responded softly.

“Is she too as sullen as your father?” Ivalinne asked as she resumed humming the tune from earlier.

“N...no. She is quite kind in fact.” Staring at the girl’s back silently for a moment, curiosity would possess him, and after a moment of mustering the courage to speak, he would ask his question. “A...and what of yours?”

The girl’s humming would pause for a moment. A brief silence falling into the gap, but it wouldn’t last long before she continued as she had been. “Mother is away at the moment. She is visiting her family, so it is just Father and I here today.” She explained simply.

“Ah...I...I mean, what is your mother lik—” Before he could pose the question, the young duchess interrupted him.

“I’ve decided! From now on, we shall be friends, Eliyah!” She said as she spun around to greet him with a smile.

“Ah—What? Y-you cannot s-simply decide something like that without—”

“Yes! From now on I shall look forward to your visits, so do come frequently!” She cheered, disregarding his protests, almost as if she was purposefully trying to drown them out.

“A-ah...but—”

“I am certain my days spent with you within this garden will be much more enjoyable than studying and attending lessons with Mother!” With a beaming smile and a soft chuckle, the noble would turn around and continue on her way, humming that tune with a newfound vitality.

“Ah...” Eliyah paused in his thought process. Had she done that on purpose? Did she not wish to talk about her mother? Falling silent once more, the boy would contemplate the secrets behind that smile.

The Duchess Rozka’cer...what kind of person might she be...?

#Ivalinne | The Young Duchess #Eliyah | Merchant’s Son #Anton | Duke Rozka’cer #Narrative #World Building #A Blooming Rose | Chapter #A Blooming Rose #Story Chapter #200th Post

[fearsmagazine]

HAPPY TIMES - Review

Distributor: Artsploitation Films

Synopsis: It’s a seemingly friendly Shabbat dinner party at a lush Hollywood Hills mansion. The guest list is a typical assortment of LA transplants from Israel. What could possibly go wrong? A toxic mix of alcohol, egos, cultural differences, lust and greed derails the evening rather quickly and things spin out of control. The evening erupts into a night of violence and terror. An antique rifle, a pair of garden shears, various Jewish artifacts and even a garbage disposal become weapons of choice. Secrets are revealed, relationships are tested and getting out in one piece will be the ultimate challenge.

Review: Some viewers may know these characters, others may have lived through what they feel is a dinner party from hell. Director and co-screenwriter Michael Mayer takes those elements to a madcap conclusion that renders HAPPY TIMES a look at “It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” on speed. This close knit dysfunctional family has lots in common with the characters in last year’s Knives Out! And those of the classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

There is a fine line between comedy and horror, with graphic horror having a lot in common with slapstick. Director Michael Mayer skillfully choreographs his performances with the violence to leave the viewer gobsmacked and painfully laughing at the same time. The laugh out loud moments are as impactful as some of the film’s subtitler WTF scenes. The setups are incredibly shot, from the blocking and the framing, to the dialogue and performances. It’s simply a masterclass in this genre of filmmaking.

What truly makes HAPPY TIMES an incredible entertaining view are the sensational performances by this talent cast. What could have easily become stereotypes, the cast transform these characters into shockingly comedic executions of people you and I know. My favorite, of the many, fantastic scenes comes when the character of Sigal comes upon Aliyah in a car as she is trying to leave the party. These are characters you might know or have encountered, and they usually go to extremes. In this scenario the director makes them deliver on their idle threats. It is fresh, funny, and frightening, all at the same time.

The HAPPY TIMES is shot with the characters speaking Hebrew mostly, some English, and a bit of Spanish. The director creates this magical flow as the characters switch between the languages that draws the viewer in and adds to the depth of the performances. It is this poetic ballet that could have only been achieved by an intense rehearsing schedule, enhanced by some crafty editing.

Michael Mayer’s HAPPY TIMES is an extreme cinematic rush that is as filled with laughs as it is with gory violence. It’s a crowd pleaser that may suffer from not having the opportunity to experience this film with a crowd during this pandemic. Still, it is a must see and Michael Mayer is a talented filmmaker who should be on your radar for his next project.

Cast: Michael Aloni, Liraz Chamami, Iris Bahr, Alon Pdut, Stéfi Celma, Ido Mor, Guy Adler, Shani Atias, Daniel Lavid, and Mike Burstyn.

Crew: Director - Michael Mayer; Screenplay - Michael Mayer & Guy Ayal; Producers - Tomer Almagor, Paola Porrini Bisson, & Michael Mayer; Cinematographer - Ziv Berkovich; Editors - Michael Frost & Eliyah Aviv; Score - Guy Ayal; Production Designer - Michael Fitzgerald; Costume Designer - Gillian Talley.

Official: www.artsploitationfilms.com/film/happy-times Facebook: www.facebook.com/Artsploitation Twitter: twitter.com/artsploitation Release Date: Feb. 9th, 2021 Trailer: youtu.be/xpxKMDW7yNo

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 or 👎

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

#review #film #movie #happy times #artsploitation films #michael mayer #horror #comedy #dark comedy #Israeli #joseph mauceri

[samarooni]

Hiya kiddo!!!! I saw you were doing the question thing sooooo 2, 5 and 9! I hope I’m not to late or anything.....

Oh goodness I am so sorry I haven’t seen this ask till now!

2: What’s your dream pet? (Real or not)

5: What three things/people do you think of most each day:

9: Are you ticklish?

Answer to 2: A fuckin big fluffy dragon with bird wings! And/or a Trico (creature from a video game called The Last Guardian)

Answer to 5: I'm always thinking about my lovely girlfriend Eliyah most of the time, my characters/ocs I create, and my close friends (those are the good things on my mind. But I also have many scary and stressful things on my mind)

Answer to 9: yes I am indeed ticklish! But I shall not speak of where..

Thanks for the ask, pal!

[eliyah-de-dark]

To the people rooting for my downfall:

Please stop, I need a break from medical emergencies 🥺👉👈

#gallbladder last month #kidney infection now #on top of pregnancy #I can't y'all #eliyah speaks #eli lore drop

[thekrows-nest]

(anon)

Krow never learned Bengali? Nooo :( He’s so appreciative of his culture otherwise, enjoying flavourful or spicy foods/cooking, knowing and appreciating which dishes are complex, wanting to go to Indian restaurants and hating bland white people food.

(And uh, he is absolutely engaging in another religious/cultural Hindu practice for his intelligence and strength, one that I’m not going into. If you absolutely must know Google urdhva retas on your family computer and also consider his pendant related :) Oh man imagine if that rising energy theory explained his glowing eyes and almost supernatural competence - though that could simply be a visual metaphor for intense jealousy.)

Anyway I don’t see not learning Bengali as being his choice. Unless he’s only recently stopped rejecting his heritage?

But maybe he was less interested as a kid, was trying to assimilate or had nobody his age to speak it to, maybe he learned one of his parents languages but not the other, or maybe his family didn’t have time or the inclination to teach him. Maybe he’s third generation and his parents didn’t speak it either? We also assume he was raised by them… /Krowspiracy theories

(I also love how I knew from the start exactly what Krow is and remain semi sympathetic to him whereas with Eliyah it was Hands On Sight. I guess serial murder is fine but disrespecting women or being classist is not?

I didn’t miss him admitting to owning a long range camera lens and getting defensive about it. This entitles him to one free hot beverage on the house… ☕️ )

Alas, no he didn't. ): Well, nor Hindi for that matter. He only know English and it... bothers him.

As for why he never learned either languages (as well as your comment on him engaging in some Hindu practices) they all go in the pile of your Krowspiracy theories. There's something that has been mentioned that is... very intriguing though. 👀

Lmao that seems to be the trend in the yandere community. Murder is fine, but if you're at all some kind of asshole with even a sniff of bigotry, into the garbage chute you go.

( "How was I disrespecting women what?!" This isn't your ask Eliyah get out.)

#krow asked and answered #winndy talks #krowspiracy theories #I should probably find the other posts that have theories and tag them dznfbldfk #the krow's nest #the krow's nest verse #eliyah in character

[thekrows-nest]

Idk why, but Eliyah is sus to me. Gabby can tell me he's sus and I'll 100% believe it. Also, how dare he trash talk Krow! ಠ ೧ ಠ

Bro this you? /silly /teasing

Also that emoticon is EXACTLY the face I use for Gabby and her typical grumpy face. Just ಠ ೧ ಠ is Gabby energy.

"What?! How am I suspicious??"

"H-how are you N-NOT suspicious?"

"Excuse me? I don't need to hear that from you."

"O-oh, I-I'm sorry, d-do I need to g-get out a loan t-to speak to you? N-no, w-wait, I-I don't, you d-don't actually have class."

Meanwhile Gabby is sitting back with Dove and has gotten some popcorn. "Okay but actually it IS funny to watch these two dipshits go at it with each other. Popcorn?"

#krow asked and answered #gabby asked and answered #eliyah asked and answered #krow in character #gabby in character #eliyah in character #the krow's nest #the krow's nest verse

[stained-carmine]

A Fated Meeting

—Spring, 1357, Avra Zetal

Blue eyes gazed about in wonder at the vibrant colors that filled the Rozka’cer gardens. Mouth agape in awe, a small hand would reach out to touch one of the many flowers that grew within.

“Eliyah, do not touch that.” Came a firm voice from behind, causing the boy to pull his hand back and turn to face the speaker.

Sitting at a table were two men. One with a stern, business-like manner, and one with a much softer visage.

“There is no need to scold him so, if he is curious, let him sate that desire for knowledge.” Said the man with kind brown eyes and raven black hair. “But do be careful.” Rising from his seat, the tall man would saunter over to the boy before kneeling at his side, a hand raising to carefully move aside the flower. “See, there are thorns hidden behind its beauty.” He said with a smile as he gestured to the barbed stem of the plant. “Roses are equal parts beautiful as they are dangerous, you must handle them with the utmost care, else you are liable to hurt yourself.”

The boy let out a small gasp as he saw the thorns, pulling his hands close to his chest as he imagined the pain that would come from recklessly handling such a flower.

Eyes softening, the man would give the child a pat on the head before returning to his seat. “You are welcome to venture through our gardens as you please.”

“—Though, do not wander too far.” The other man—the boy’s father—would chime in. “The Rozka’cer gardens are vast, a child could easily become lost in them.” Turning his attention back to the raven haired man, the redhead would clear his throat. “Anyways, to our business, Lord Anton.”

“Yes, let us begin with our meeting. I have heard there has been some trouble on the roads to the north of the city.” Giving the boy one last smile, Duke Rozka’cer would turn to the merchant, donning a serious expression.

“Indeed, we suspect bandits to be the cause. Caravans traveling from the coast have been attacked en route to Aciernha, and the tallies of goods that have reached the city do not match what was predicted for those shipments.”

“I see.” The Duke’s brow furrowed as he interlocked his fingers, resting his chin upon his hands. “Have you considered that perhaps someone is skimming off the top? Surely bandits alone wouldn’t account for the amount that is missing.”

“I suppose you are right...” The merchant said as he pondered the matter.

The boy, losing interest in the topic at hand, turned away from the two adults and headed off further into the Rozka’cer estate.

Strolling through the gardens, Eliyah would admire the multitude of flowers that lined the path. Roses, lilies, orchids, a medley of flowers in a rainbow of colors. Not only that, but during this time of year, the blossoms of the trees were in full view. It was breathtaking. Never before had the boy seen such beauty gathered in a single place. It was surreal, like a dream, a paradise that couldn’t possibly be real.

Eventually the boy found himself in the center of the garden, where an extravagant fountain laid. Letting out an amazed gasp, the boy rushed over to the side of the fountain, peering over the side into the calm, gently rippling waters.

“This place...it is so pretty...” He thought aloud, not thinking anyone was nearby to hear him.

“Why yes, it is!” Came a feminine voice from behind him, causing the boy to jump slightly as he let out a small, surprised yelp. Spinning around swiftly to greet the one who had spoke, he’d find no one there.

“Uh...” He mouthed as his brow furrowed in confusion. “Hello? Is someone there?” Glancing around, he’d see no one standing in the direction from which the voice had come. Stopping to listen, he’d hear only the gentle bubbling of water. Thinking it to be merely his imagination, he’d turn back towards the fountain.

—Only to find himself face to face with the one who had called out to him.

Reeling back from the shock of nearly running into her, the boy would fall backwards onto the stone walkway with a startled shriek.

The girl just gave an amused chuckle as she watched the boy fall over.

“Who might you be? It is not often that I see other children in our garden.” She said cheerfully.

“A-ah...” A soft whimper was all the boy could muster as his heart threatened to burst out of his chest. Unable to find the words to answer her, he merely stared at her with a dumbfounded expression upon his face.

“Whatever is the matter? Did you perhaps wander in here, not expecting anyone to be home? Or were you captivated by the beauty of these gardens and inadvertently lost your way?” Opening her eyes, crimson hues would peer into the boy as she smiled down at him.

Eyes wide and mouth agape, he stared in awe of those crimson orbs. Red likes the roses that filled this garden, he lost himself in her eyes. Caught in a trance from which he couldn’t break free, frozen in place before her gaze, all he could do was stare at the girl, until the voice of his father woke him from his daze.

“Eliyah, what is wrong?” The merchant called out as he rounded the corner and laid his eyes upon his son. The raven haired man with which he had been speaking followed after him, his brown hues fixating on the girl as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Ivalinne, what are you doing out here? You should be attending your mother’s lessons right now, should you not?” Despite the frown upon his face, his eyes were gentle, as if he was used to this situation.

The girl turned to look at her father, blinking for a moment before averting her eyes from the tall man. “I finished already. I did so well that Mother let me out early.” She said as she hid her fidgeting hands behind her back, as if trying to conceal the fact that she was lying.

“Oh did she?” The Duke said with a smirk as he waltzed over to his daughter. “Then you would not mind coming with me to confirm that fact, would you?“

“O-of course not! I d-definitely would not mind!” She said, her voice and face giving away her lie as plain as day.

The Duke let out a laugh as he patted the girl on the head. Turning his attention to the boy, he’d offer him a warm smile before extending his hand. “Are you alright? I hope she hasn’t caused you too much trouble.”

Snapping out of his stupor, the boy blinked, glancing around anxiously as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “A-ah...n-no, I am fine...” Taking the man’s hand, he was pulled to his feet. Dusting himself off, the boy lifted his head, gaze meeting with the girl’s briefly, before he nervously averted his eyes.

The girl tilted her head to the side a little, confused as to why he was avoiding eye contact with her. She gazed at the boy with curiosity, taking in his features. Auburn hair, blue eyes, and a faintly freckled face. He was shorter than she was by a fair margin, so he was likely younger than she was. He didn’t appear to be of any of the noble families, nor did he carry himself in the manner that one would expect of a noble. Turning her gaze towards the man who had called the boy’s name, she’d be met with similarly colored hair. His father, perhaps? She thought to herself as she looked back to the boy, who, catching her gaze, averted his eyes as he blushed slightly.

Seeing that his son was fine, the merchant would turn back to the Duke as he cleared his throat to speak. “Well then, if that is all, I should be going.”

“Yes, that is all I wished to speak with you about today. If I have anymore concerns about the matter, I will send word to the council post-haste.” Anton gave the man a serious smile as he held a hand out to shake the man’s hand.

After giving the duke respectful bow, the merchant turned towards his son. “Come Eliyah, it is time we left.”

“A-ah, o-okay.” Hearing his father call his name, the boy looked in the merchant’s direction, before rushing to the man’s side. Turning to give one final curious glance at the girl, he followed his father out of the garden.

The girl quietly watched as the boy and his father departed. Once they were out of sight, she turned towards her father to speak.

“Father, who was that boy? I have never seen him before.” She asked as she stepped closer to the tall man, gazing up at him with bright, curious eyes.

“That was the son of the Williams family, Eliyah Williams. His father is the Head of the High Council of Aciernha’s Merchant Guild.” He said as he looked down at his daughter with gentle eyes. “That is to say, he works to help keep our city running smoothly.”

“He does? I thought you were in charge though.” She said with a slight tilt of her head.

“I am, but everyone needs help, Ivalinne. No one person can do everything alone.” Kneeling down beside his child, brown hues would meet crimson orbs as he gave her a reassuring smile. “That is where humanity’s true strength lies. That we can spread out the weight of such great burdens across many shoulders as opposed to carrying them alone. Where one man will be crushed under the weight, many working together to lift it up will ease the pressure, and can carry it together. Our strength comes from our unity, from our trust in one another to catch us when we fall. That we are not alone in our struggles, and can depend on one another when it matters is what truly makes us strong.“

“Hmm...I do not quite understand...How can someone else help me with my burdens? There is no one who can attend mother’s lessons in my place...” She frowned slightly as she tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out how exactly the process worked—how someone could help shoulder the burdens that weighed upon her heart.

The Duke could only laugh at his daughter’s misunderstanding. “Well, in that case, I could help you with your burden by telling your mother I pulled you away for something of the utmost importance. How does that sound?”

“Really?!” She said with a gasp as she fidgeted with excitement at her father’s proposition.

“Yes, really.” He affirmed as he gave the girl a warm smile. Resting a large hand on the child’s head, the man ruffled the girl’s hair before patting her head. Rising to his feet with an exhale, he would offer his daughter a hand. “Well, shall we go and make sure that you do not get in trouble with your mother yet again?”

The young duchess watched her father stand, staring at the hand extended to her for a moment before nodding vigorously. “Yes! We shall!” She chimed as she took her father’s hand.

As the duke led his daughter out of the central gardens and towards the manor, the girl would turn to glance back at the fountain as she recalled the visage of that timid boy who she had met there.

Eliyah Williams...I wonder if we shall meet again one day... She thought to herself before turning her back on the fountain and leaving the idyllic gardens behind.

#Ivalinne #Eliyah #Drabble #Narrative #Side Story #I got inspiration for this #So have this instead of your regularly scheduled story segment #1400th Post

[stained-carmine]

High Priestess for all the muses!

          The High Priestess: One thing they wish they knew

“…” The Essence is silent for several moments after hearing the question, cold crimson glaring at the one who posed it.

“I wish I had known then what I do now. That I hadn’t spent five hundred years believing in an empty promise. That I hadn’t spent a thousand years praying for something that was never going to happen. That so much of my life hadn’t been wasted hoping for idealistic endings that were impossible from the start.“

“…I wish I had known about this monster that lives inside me before things got so out of hand. Maybe then, her father wouldn’t have…”

“Something I wish I knew?” She repeats, frowning slightly. “Hmm…I don’t think there’s anything currently…” Placing a finger on her lips, she ponders the matter for a moment. “…Though…”

“I guess I wish I knew that would be the last time I’d ever get to see him.“ She falls silent as her gaze lowers. “To get the chance to tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I enjoyed spending time with him…”

“Now I’ll never get to tell him how I feel.”

“Something I wish I knew? Hm. Nothing in particular really. I make it a habit to know about all that’s happening under my watch. Why do you think I keep a close eye on Raiya and that girl? I know there’s something…different…about them. Stumbling onto these two was quite fortunate. I can’t wait to see what other mysteries they have hidden within them.”

The blonde woman is silent at first, as if contemplating the question. After a moment of silence, she lets out a sigh, before donning a frown, and in a flat tone, she speaks up.

“I wish I’d known how much of a pain in the ass it was going to be working for him…”

“…”The short woman is silent for a moment, what was once a smile, now shifting into a pained grimace. “…I…” At a loss for words, the brunette clutches one of her arms, eyes reflecting the guilt she felt at the thoughts that entered her mind. “…I know it’s selfish of me to think this…but…at times…I wish I had known that one of children had contracted this disease…if we…if we had known, maybe there was something we could have done…” Tears well up in the corners of her eyes as she recalls the horrors she endured, watching as one by one, the kids that she cared for died, and soon, she would follow suit. “Maybe if we had…i-isolated them…maybe we could have prevent it from spreading to the rest of us…” Tears slide down her cheeks at the thought of such a thing. However, she knew in her heart that she wouldn’t have been able to do such a thing. She was too kind for that. “Maybe if we had known before any of us got sick…maybe we could have all made it…” Her face contorts in pain as the tears flow freely down her face. Was it my fault? Was it because I took care of them all? Did…did I…pass it on to the other children…? And who else did I infect before I was told about my condition? “…I-I’m sorry…I need some time to myself…if you’ll excuse me…” She says as she swiftly departs, not wanting anyone to see her break down into a fit of sobs.

“I wish I knew why my memory is like this.” She says with confusion and concern on her face. “Like, everything seems fine, but when I try to think too deeply about it, things don’t add up.” A small groan emanates from the blonde as she wracks her brain trying to figure out how to explain it. “Like for example, if someone asks me about my parents, what they were like…I…can’t remember. All the details are hazy. That’s not normal, right? What’s wrong with me…”

The researcher looks up from his desk as a frown creases his face. He’s silent, as if he was reminded of bad memories. “I wish I hadn’t been so foolish. I should have put my foot down, and not let them rush development, perhaps then I would have known…”

“Mm, I do sometimes wish I knew more about my husband’s family and his upbringing, he doesn’t like to talk about it much.”

The scarred woman turns around, a scowl on her face, as though she didn’t like what had been asked. “…I wish I had known that accident would happen, I would have never suggested we volunteer…” She averts her eyes as she mutters to herself. “…I’m so sorry Blaire…”

“I wish I had known the consequences of my freedom before I had taken even a single human life. It took me too long to realize the cost of being so selfish, and three souls were erased thanks to that. I regret each one of them. I snuffed them out before they got a chance to even live…” She trails off, a pained expression upon her face. “That is why I have sworn to never let such a thing happen ever again. No more shall I live at the expense of others. My kin who freely abuse humanity, as if they’re no more than toys for us to play with, dolls crafted for us to occupy, I will never forgive them. If it is within my power, I swear to put an end to their cruelty, so that no more human lives will be lost to their greed. That, is how I shall atone for the sins I have committed.”

“I wish I had known what it was I felt for Eliyah before it was too late. I am such a fool for not realizing it sooner…and because of that, I have hurt him…I never wanted that…”

“I wish I had known that she felt the same as I, perhaps if I had known sooner, then I could have prevented that marriage from happening. Maybe then, she would still be alive…”

“I wish there was something I could have done to save him…from himself, from that demon, from fate itself……And now…he’s gone…” Her voice is shaky as she speaks, as if she was trying desperately to hold back tears. “I miss him…”

“There is nothing I wish I knew. I am content as I am. While I might have been defeated, it means little. I will never give up in my quest for revenge.” If she had the capability for it anymore, she likely would have expressed the desire to know that her husband had turned against her and that the result would be the death of her son, but such a thought doesn’t cross her mind now. Or rather, it can’t. She has purified herself, and all that remains is her grudge against the Lunarians. Regret, remorse, guilt…all of it is lost to her now.

“…I wish I had known about my powers before they first surfaced. Maybe my parents wouldn’t have died if we had known about them. If I knew how to control them back then, maybe I would have been able to have a happy life.”

“…” The rokurokubi casts a sideways glance at the one who posed the question, before returning her attention to her current task. “…Nothing really.” She mutters. No further answer comes, so it appears she either has no answer, or is refusing to give one.

“Something I wish I knew? Hmm. I suppose that would be that my home was to be swallowed up by a sealed land, and me along with it. A warning would have been nice.”

“………” The android is silent for several moments, staring with empty eyes for nearly a minute before she speaks up. “I wish I had known we were disposable to them. Maybe if we’d known how it would end up, we could have abandoned our mission before anyone died. Then, they’d still be here…”

“I wish I could have gotten to know Aster…” He would say more, but the question was specifically about something he wished he knew rather than any wish at all.

“There are many things I don’t know, things I am obvious to. It’s come to my attention that I’m far too naive. There’s much I have to learn.” He pauses, letting out a sigh. “I wish I knew more about the world, about the things around me, the people around me. I want to know why.”

“But for one thing I wish I knew, it would be that Louis was a Curse Bearer. Maybe if I had known, I could have done something…” Another pause as the vampire lowered his head. “Even more, if I had known then what I do now, that it’s possible to save them using the Book of Vanitas…That standing by and doing nothing is not the only option…Then I would have stopped at nothing to save my friend.”

#Reiko #Raiya #Sayumi #Akiro #Shino #Cherei #Kiran #Shin #Shiika #The Phoenix #Aliah #Ivalinne #Eliyah #Phia #Junko #Flandre #Sekibanki #Iwanaga #A2 #Emil #Noe #FINALLY #GOOD LORD THIS TOOK FOREVER

[stained-carmine]

As her consciousness returned to her, the young duchess slowly opened her eyes, gazing up at a monochrome sky.

Her body ached with a dull, numbing pain as her senses gradually returned to her. All around her was silent, while all above her was grey. Dust lingered in the air, giving the world a hazy filter. With raspy, heaved breaths, she turned her head to the side, gazing upon her surroundings with glassy eyes.

All around her was rock and rubble, remnants of the ancient spire that had once stood as a monument to civilizations of the past, now nothing more than ruins, debris strewn across the landscape haphazardly. “...What happened...? Where am I...?” As she drew in air, she felt a throbbing pain within her chest, causing the young noble to let out a grunt of pain.

As she tried to sort through her muddled memories with a clouded mind, she recalled the last few moments before she had lost consciousness. Screaming her objections to the marriage her parents had arranged to a man she couldn’t stand, Cyril of Falorre. Unable to play along with the union any longer, Ivalinne had let her bottled emotions loose, shouting her rejection of this reality—this future which had been chosen for her without her consent—for all to hear. She had rebelled, she had fought back against what fate had decided for her. Taking a stand against the injustice of being forced to marry a man she didn’t love, she let the fires of rage that she held within her soul burn bright.

Had she been successful? Had the wedding been canceled? Could she return to her life in Aciernha, where she spent her days happily playing with Eliyah in the gardens? Ivalinne scanned her surroundings, looking for signs of anyone else who might be in the vicinity. “Mother...?” She called out, cutting through the silence with her words. As the echo of her own voice faded, she listened carefully for an answer, but nothing came. “Mother? Where are you? Agh!”

As Ivalinne attempted to roll onto her side, she was met with resistance—something holding her in place, not allowing to move from the spot where she laid. Sharp pain wracked her body, originating from her chest. Reflexively, she reached a hand to her torso, placing her palm upon it.

Wet. Her right hand, which she had placed upon her chest instinctively, to clutch at the source of her pain, was met with the dampened silk of her wedding dress. Her mind, which had been slowly working to process her current situation, came to an abrupt halt when her hand made contact with her soaked gown, emptying of all thoughts.

What is...? She removed her palm from her torso, bringing her hand before her face to gaze upon it.

Red. Her palm was drenched in a rich, sickly crimson—the same color as her irises. Her hand trembled as she stared in disbelief. Her mind began to spin as dread encroached upon her thoughts. Slowly, she craned her neck, fighting against the pain that accompanied every move she made, she lowered her gaze towards her chest.

Ivalinne’s eyes widened in horror at the sight she was faced with. There, at the source of her pain, was an iron rod, protruding straight through her chest.

“Ah...aah...!” Panic ignited within her like a wildfire, consuming all. Her entire body trembled violently as the full force of reality hit her all at once. “No...! No!” The young duchess whimpered as she grasped at the iron rod desperately, as if she wanted the scene her eyes witnessed to be a lie. Her hands frantically clutched at the rod, sliding along it to its origin, to the hole that it had made when it had pierced through her body.

“Aah...!” Tears streamed down her face as she felt the undeniable proof that this was no illusion, that it wasn’t just some terrifying dream from which she’d be able to wake. She wished with all her heart, that in a moment she would open her eyes, freed from this nightmare, lying safely in her bed, unharmed. That everything would be all right and she would just go back to her idyllic life as if none of this had ever happened. But no matter how much she prayed, how much she begged and pleaded, nothing would change. No, this was reality. Unforgiving, uncaring, reality.

Unable to contain the emotions which swelled up inside her heart, she cried out. Fear shook her body relentlessly as the gravity of her predicament dawned upon her. Sorrow filled the tears that ceaselessly flowed from her crimson eyes. Desperation fueled a worthless struggle as she clawed at the large slab of stone that she laid upon, pinned like a butterfly in a glass box.

“Mother! Father! Where are you...?! Someone, please! Help! Please...anyone! If anyone can hear me....PLEASE!” She shouted as loud as she could, only to be met with an eerie silence. “SOMEONE PLEASE!” Agony resounded as she wailed hopelessly, her pleas devolving into sobs as she reached out pointlessly, praying that someone would come. That someone would appear to save her, to rescue her. That this wasn’t the end, that this wasn’t it for her. “Please...I do not want to die here! Not like this...!” Her flailing slowed as she felt the strength fade from her. Blood seeped out of her, faster and faster with each panicked motion. Sickly crimson pooled beneath her as she writhed. Pain filled her entire being, drowning out her thoughts and numbing her senses.  “I...I do not...want to die...!” She gasped between screams as it slowly became harder and harder to speak. Blood bubbled forth to trickle down her lip as her lungs filled with fluid and collapsed, causing the girl to choke on her own blood. Her voice soon after died down as she devolved into weak sobs. “I cannot die here...! I need to live...! I need to...”

The tears that had once streamed down her face furiously, came to a gradual halt as the light faded from her eyes. “I...cannot die....I need to...keep my...promise...” Her arms fell to her sides, going limp, as her body ceased to move. As a haze began to settle upon her mind, the face of her dear friend, her love, appeared in her mind. “...Eli...yah...” Clinging to the memory of his smile, even as her vision succumbed to darkness and her thoughts receded into nothingness, the final moments of her consciousness, spent focused on that boy, who she loved so dearly, and who loved her just as much. Ivalinne’s breathing slowed to a halt and her heart ceased to beat. The embers of her soul extinguished.

With the last life lost amidst the ruins, all went silent. No longer were there cries of pain and sorrow, agony and despair. No more did voices call out to illusory saviors, praying to be saved from this cruel twist of fate. All was still. Serene, calm, peaceful.

As if the heavens themselves were crying out in anguish, rain began to fall upon the land, soaking the earth and washing away the blood of those whose lives were lost in this tragedy. Their futures stolen, the ripples of these events would surely be felt for years to come as each city mourned the loss of their leaders, left to pick up the shattered pieces of a broken dream of unity and everlasting peace.

#Ivalinne #A Blooming Rose #Narrative #Drabble #Content Warnings #tw #800th Post #Spoilers for Ivalinne's story if you haven't read all other 9 parts #Yes I will judge you if you spoil yourself #Spoilers

[stained-carmine]

It had been a week since Eliyah had last been to the Rozka’cer manor, opting to stay home and give Ivalinne’s wrist time to heal from the sprain she had gotten from her selfless dive to catch him from his fall.

He let out a sigh as he gazed out the window. The weather had turned out to be rather warm and pleasant this afternoon. It would have been a fine day for the two to play in the garden, had prior circumstances not been so unfortunate. With not a cloud in the azure sky, the sun shone down with a fierce intensity, marking the subtle shift of seasons, spring slowly giving way to summer.

I wonder how she is doing... The boy wondered to himself as he absentmindedly gazed off in the direction of the Duke’s estate. As her visage filled his mind, a hint of sadness shone in his eyes. I do hope she is taking good care of herself. Knowing Ivalinne as well as he did only made him worry more, however. She was such a lively girl, always doing things that others of her social status would never do—if they did, they would be shunned for acting in that manner—such as climbing trees and lying on the ground in her expensive gowns, getting them marred with dirt and damaged with sharp sticks in the process. Indeed, a few times he had been within earshot when the Duchess found her daughter and laid into her, promptly giving her a scolding for her unruly behavior and unkempt appearance.

The more Eliyah thought about it, the greater his worries became. What if she is not resting as she should be? What if she is still undergoing her violin lessons and is pushing herself to use her hand as normal? What if her mother found out and punished her? A soft whimper escaped the boy’s lips as he imagined each scenario. Lowering his gaze, he mentally debated whether or not he should check in on her to see how she’s doing. He didn’t want to trouble her if she was still resting, but he also wasn’t sure if she even had been resting during the week they’d been apart in the first place.

After several more moments of internal debate, the boy let out a sigh, biting his lip lightly before turning away from the window and making his way out of the house, heading for the Rozka’cer gardens.

Ivalinne sat on her bed, head upon her knees, which she held close to her chest. The only light that dared intrude into the dimly lit room was that of the sunlight which shone through the window, ignorant of the world, and of the girl who holed herself up in her room to cry, the silent darkness her only solace against the cruel reality that had been thrust upon her.

It had been a week since she had received news that she was to marry the Duke of Falorre. She had tried to protest to her mother, who would shout and reprimand her for her selfishness, and then to her father, who would look at her with a regretful gaze as he told her there was nothing that could be done.

It was already decided, they both said. The agreement had been set in stone, established without her consent, and there was no overturning it now.

It didn’t matter what she said, how much she screamed and cried, how much she begged and pleaded for her parents to reconsider. The answers were always the same.

Her approval was not required. Her opinion—her feelings—what she wanted, it didn’t matter.

Today her father had summoned her, wishing to speak with her regarding an important matter. It was then that she learned that her engagement with Cyril of Falorre, Duke of Arden, would be announced to the public this evening. Soon, everyone would know that she was to be that man’s bride. It would be made public that she was to wed next month, on the summer solstice, June 21st.

All Ivalinne could do was try to hold back her tears until her father had dismissed her, at which point she had retreated back to her room, where she had been crying ever since.

Eyes red from crying, the young duchess—soon to be the Queen of Arden—stared forward with soulless eyes, as if she’d been stripped of her meaning to live. A vast emptiness filled her heart. At times, she felt that she would drown in the misery she had been wallowing in—at times even wishing for it perhaps—but she remained, sitting in the darkness, alone, tears soaked into the pillow which she had used to muffle her wails.

“...linne!”

Lifting her head off her knees, Ivalinne gazed towards the window with sore eyes. ...Is that...? Could it be...? She wondered, silencing her sobs to listen for the voice that called out to her.

“Ivalinne!“

“...Eliyah!” She gasped as she rose from her place on the bed, rushing over to the window to peer out into the garden.

Sure enough, there Eliyah stood, looking around the garden as he occasionally called out to her.

“Eliyah...!” With due haste, the girl threw off her tear soaked nightgown and dressed herself. Wiping the last of the tears from her eyes, she flung open the door to her room and dashed out into the corridor.

Please, let me make it to him in time! Do not let him leave, not yet! Her pleading thoughts resounded in her mind as she rushed through the halls, almost tripping a few times as she ran. Before long, she reached the main entrance of the manor, and with all the might she could muster, putting her entire body behind her push, she opened the large doors that led to the outside.

Eliyah scoured the central area of the garden, looking for his dear friend. The garden was—as it usually was when pair were not shouting and running about—peaceful, the songs of birds filled the air as the fountain bubbled gently.

Finding no sign of the girl, Eliyah let out a dejected sigh. Of course she is not here...I was a fool for thinking she would be outside instead of resting... The boy gazed at the ground with a solemn frown. Glancing up to her bedroom window, he turned to depart through the hole in the hedge he had came through. I hope she is resting well and that we will be able to play once more soon...

“Eliyah!”

Hearing his named called, the boy spun around to meet the all too familiar voice of his friend. “Iva—”

As he turned, the young duchess flung her arms around him in a tight embrace.

“I-Ivalinne...” He gasped slightly, surprised by the sudden hug, before it occurred to him that she was clutching him with both hands. “I-Ivalinne! You mustn’t! Your wrist has not yet healed!” He reprimanded as he squirmed within her grasp.

“...Stupid Eliyah...!” She mumbled under her breath as she only squeezed him tighter. How can you worry about something so trivial when—! She paused for a moment in her line of thought. ...That is right, he does not know that I am to... Swallowing the lump in her throat, Ivalinne exhaled to regain her composure, before letting go of the boy and pulling away from him.

“Silly Eliyah! It has been more than a week! Of course it has healed by now!” The young noble donned a smile, albeit a forced one, as she chuckled at the boy as if he had made an amusing joke.

“No, it has been just a week! You need more time than that to heal such a severe sprain!” The boy pouted, furrowing his brow at the other. “Please, go back inside and—” Before he could finish speaking, Ivalinne pulled up her sleeve, revealing her left wrist.

There was no longer any sign of the bruise that had developed shortly after her injury had occurred. No swelling, no cuts, there was nothing to indicate she had ever injured it in the first place. As if it had merely been nothing more than a bad dream.

“See? It is fine! It was not as bad as we had thought! It healed in no time at all!” As she spoke she rolled her wrist, flexing it to demonstrate that she felt no pain and that the full range of motion she had prior to the injury had returned. “I am fine Eliyah, you need not worry so.”

Eliyah instinctively reached out and grabbed a hold of her wrist, staring at it intently, as if looking for some kind of sign that his eyes were fooling him. Examining her delicate hand, the boy blinked several times, before rubbing his eyes. Indeed the bruise was completely gone and not a single sign of the injury remained. How...? But she seemed to have been in so much pain...! It had to be more than just a simple bruise!

“Eliyah?”

The young noble’s voice startled him, causing him to jump slightly. “Ah?” He turned his gaze up to her, staring at her for a moment before it occurred to him that he was still holding onto the girl’s hand. Eyes widened as the boy let out a gasp, releasing her hand and pulling his away. “I-I-I am so sorry...! Th-that was rather uncouth of me! Please forgive me for my impudence!” His face flushed red as his gaze darted across the ground nervously.

Ivalinne stared at the boy for a moment, speechless, before letting out a soft chuckle that grew into a hearty laugh. “Ahahaha! Eliyah, you are so cute!”

The boy gave a displeased whimper in response as he turned his gaze back toward the girl’s face.

“I have missed you this week we have been apart.”

His heart skipped a beat as he was met with her smiling visage. “Ah...I too...missed you, Ivalinne...” Relief washed over him as she beamed at him. She is okay...she will be okay...I am so glad...!

“That settles it then!” Her sudden shout causing the boy to flinch.

“Se-settles what?” He responded with a dumbfounded look upon his face, worried about what she might be scheming.

“I shall have you take me beyond the boundaries of this garden. We shall venture into town today!”

“E-Eh?!” He exclaimed, face turning bright red as he began to panic. “Wh-wh-what do you mean?! Go beyond the gardens?! B-but we cannot!”

“And why not?!” She retorted to his frenzied screeching.

“Well, um...if your mother were to find out...!” The boy lowered gaze, fiddling nervously with his hands.

“She will not!” Ivalinne shouted back, loud enough to cause the timid boy to reel back slightly instinctive fear. “Do you have any more objections? Or shall I just leave you here and go into town myself?”

“N-no, I do not...” Eliyah replied meekly, cowering from the girl’s anger. “W-wait! Have you ever been to town?”

“No, I have not!” She replied bluntly as she began for the hole in the hedge wall.

“Ah...! If you go alone you will surely get lost! I cannot allow that to happen!” He chased after the girl, fretting about what he would do should he lose sight of her.

“Then come with me! It is that simple!” The young duchess lifted her skirt off the ground, stepping carefully through the hedge, trying not to snag upon the tangled branches that jutted out from the mass of greenery. However the girl released her dress a moment too soon, and got caught on some wayward branches near the ground. Looking back in annoyance at the boundaries of the gardens which tried to restrain her, she gave a swift tug, tearing her dress loose.

Eliyah’s heart felt as though it would pound out of his chest at any moment. What should I do?! We cannot just leave the estate so casually! What if something were to happen?! Thoughts raced about in his head as he desperately tried to come up with a solution to his predicament. “C-can we not just play in the gardens like we usually do...?” His voice was shaky as he spoke.

“No, we cannot!” She shouted back at him, thrusting a hand through the hedge to grab hold of his arm before yanking him through to the other side. “It must be today!”

“Eh?!” He mouthed as he was dragged across the estate’s boundary. Wait...why must it be today? He paused from his panicked cries for a moment to ponder the question before Ivalinne turned to face him.

“So! Are you coming with me? Or are you staying here?” She asked in a demanding tone as she placed her hands on her hips.

“I uh...” Eliyah glanced around as if looking for the right answer to her question. “I...I will accompany you...” He answered meekly, gazing up at the young duchess with a concerned expression.

“Good!” She said with a smile as she took his hand and led him into the streets of Aciernha.

A soft whimper escaped his lips as Ivalinne dragged the boy along. With a hint of red in his cheeks, a gentle smile slid onto his face. Everything is back to normal... He thought to himself, happy to see her smiling again.

The pair, hand in hand, wandered about as they made their way to the center of town.

Every so often, strangers would stop and stare, before letting out a gasp and whispering to one another.

“That’s the Duke Rozka’cer’s daughter is it not?!”

“What? No way! What would the Duke’s daughter be doing here? Without so much as a single guard?”

“But those clothes...And I could’ve sworn her eyes were red, as the Duke’s daughter’s are!”

“Wait, really?!”

Eliyah cast a sideways glance at the gossiping strangers as Ivalinne led him past them. A frown slid onto his face as worry began to sprout within his heart. This is not good...Ivalinne being out here is sure to cause an uproar...There is no way her mother will not hear of this escapade... Turning his attention back to the young duchess, the boy would speak up anxiously. “I-Ivalinne...perhaps we should head back now...I think this is enough for now...”

“What are you saying, Eliyah? We have yet to even reach the center of town! We cannot turn back now!” She said in a giddy tone as she pranced onward with her friend in tow. Occasionally the sheltered noble would stop and gawk at something that caught her attention before excitedly inquiring about it to her escort, who answered to the best of his abilities. Like a bird freed from her cage and allowed to fly for the first time, Ivalinne fluttered about ecstatically, unable to contain her joy at being able to experience freedom for the first, and probably last time.

Eventually the pair found themselves at the town square located in the center of Aciernha.

“Wow! The fountain here is even bigger than the one in the garden!” The young duchess exclaimed as she rushed over to the fountain’s edge. Peering out across the water, Ivalinne noticed a gentle sparkling beneath the ripples. “Ah! Eliyah, look! Somebody dropped their coins into the fountain! I wonder if they fell in and lost them...”

Eliyah had to suppress a laugh at the young noble’s naivete. “Ah, no, people toss them into the waters and make a wish. They throw the coin into the fountain and close their eyes and pray for something they want dearly. Would you like to try it?”

“Yes, I would!” The young duchess cheered as Eliyah dug around in his pocket, shortly after producing two coins, one for each of them.

“You flip it into the water like this.” He said as he demonstrated the technique to his friend, who nodded enthusiastically. Handing her one of the coins, he turned back to face the fountain. “Are you ready?”

“Yes!” She chimed, readying herself to send the coin flying into the fountain.

“Go!” At the signal, both of them flicked their coins, sending them spinning through the air before landing in the fountain with a plop.

Closing their eyes, the two softly muttered their wishes, not loud enough for anyone but themselves to hear over the bustle of the city square.

“I wish that these days that I spend with Ivalinne shall never end, that we may be by each other’s sides until the day we depart from this world and begin our journey to the next...”

After wandering about the center of town, browsing the wares of various street vendors who had set up shop in hopes of getting plenty of business, Ivalinne and Eliyah returned to the plaza to sit at the side of the fountain.

“There really are so many wonderful things here in town!” The young duchess said with a chuckle. “There is so much I have missed out on...I really wish this day would last forever.”

“Yes, there really is so much to see and experience here.” Eliyah replied, giving the girl a soft smile. The boy gazed out upon the many stalls that made up the central marketplace. Glancing to the side, the boy’s eyes would be met with the facade of the guildhall where his father worked. I wonder how father is faring with work today... He wondered silently as he absentmindedly stared at the building.

A gentle breeze blew through the plaza, carrying with it the faint sounds of a familiar instrument.

“Hm? Is that not...” Rising from her place at the side of the fountain, Ivalinne turned her head to try and locate the source of the music. Finding the musician across the other side of the fountain, the young duchess grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled him to his feet. “Come, come, Eliyah!”

“Ah? What is the matter Ivalinne?” He asked in confusion as he was yanked to his feet. Those within earshot who had heard him call her name glanced in the pair’s direction before quickly turning to whisper to one another.

“Ivalinne...? As in...? Wait is that the Duke’s daughter?!”

“What is she doing here?!”

“Does that mean the Duke is nearby?”

“Who is that boy though? The Duke has no other children...”

“Is he of one of the noble houses?”

“Wait, I think I’ve seen him before, coming out of the guildhall.”

“A merchant’s child? With the Duke Rozka’cer’s daughter?! How absurd!”

Eliyah felt a twinge of pain in his heart as onlookers shot him scornful glares. Letting out a soft whimper, the boy shuffled along with his friend, who was oblivious to the discomfort he felt in the wake of the disapproving looks he received from the crowd.

“Eliyah, look!” Ivalinne said as she pointed to the man playing the violin across the plaza. Before he had time to respond, she darted off in the man’s direction with the boy in tow.

As the two made their way closer, the beautiful melody the man was playing become clear. A piece equal parts beautiful and sad, but which oddly felt empowering, as if it said to never give up hope, that the future was bright and to face forward and walk proudly down the path that life had laid out before you. That despite what hardships you may face, you will prevail. A song that touched the hearts of all who listened and inspired them to keep going.

“Such a beautiful melody.” The young duchess said as she released her grip on Eliyah’s hand. “It is such a wonderful sound, that produced by a well-played violin. Do you not agree?”

“Yes, it really is beautiful...but it also sounds so sad. I wonder why?” The boy watched as the man skillfully drew his bow across the instrument’s strings, carefully monitoring his own movements, ensuring his strokes were not in err. With masterful precision, his left hand danced along the fingerboard, not giving any thought to whether he actually had an audience or not, his focus solely on his instrument. The only thing in his world was his own body and the violin he held in his grasp. “He is really good...” Eliyah said as he closed his eyes and listened to the music that flowed through the air, filling the plaza with a rich, harmonious melody.

“Eliyah, come, let us dance!” She said as she took the boy’s hand once more, causing him to startle when she suddenly spoke up, waking from the trance the music placed him in.

“Ah—” He let out a gasp as he was pulled along once again by the young duchess. “B-but I do not know how to dance!” He replied in a flustered tone as he glanced about anxiously. Onlookers whispered to each other as the young noble pulled Eliyah into place, repositioning herself and taking both of his hands. Intertwining her fingers with his, she would ready herself to begin.

“No worry, I shall teach you!” Ivalinne paid no heed to their audience, oblivious to the judging eyes that peered at the two, focused only on the music and the boy who stood before her.

“Bu-but! What will people think if they see us dancing here?! You are—!” Catching himself as more and more strangers turned their gazes his way, he lowered his voice, leaning in to whisper the rest of his objection into the girl’s ear. “...What will people say? Of you, a noble, dancing with someone like...like me?” He felt a throbbing in his chest as he uttered the words, admitting to himself that he and his dear friend stood in separate worlds. Worlds which had a clear and staggering divide. One that they could not hope to bridge in just a single generation, if not their entire lives.

Eliyah glanced about at the many strangers who had their attention focused on the pair. What would people think seeing a commoner and an aristocrat intermingling in the streets as if such a thing was commonplace? Eliyah’s heart sank at the thought of the rumors people would surely spread. “I do not wish for you to besmirch your name because of me...! Please consider what others will think of—”

“What of it?”

Ivalinne’s question, which she had asked him so plainly, caught him off guard, leaving him unable to respond.

“What does it matter what people say of me? It is no more than words, hearsay. I do not care what others think of me. If someone is to judge me on the words of another, to not see me for themselves, with their own eyes...Then they are truly ignorant.” Finding the rhythm, the young duchess took a deep breath. “Just follow my lead, Eliyah. It will be fine.” And with that she began to dance.

Eliyah followed suit, moving with her as she took each step. Slowly, the world surrounding them began to fade into the background, the whispers of the crowd turning into ambiance that was drown out by the musician’s song.

With Ivalinne leading the way, the two moved with elegant and graceful steps, swaying and turning gently as they let the music guide them on their course.

“See? It is not as hard as it may look.” The young duchess said softly as they moved in delicate spirals across the plaza. “Are you having fun, Eliyah?”

“Y-Yes...” He replied, cheeks containing a hint of red. “This is...quite nice indeed...” He exhaled, releasing the tension that still remained in his body. A gentle smile made its way onto the boy’s face as they continued their waltz to the melody played by the violinist. Dancing like this with her...It gives me such a wondrous feeling... He thought as he took in her visage. Raven black hair and rich crimson eyes. She really is quite beautiful... After the thought slipped through his mind, his face became flushed at notion. W-wait...! What am I thinking?! Ivalinne is my friend! There is no way she feels that way about— Flashes of memories appeared in his mind, bringing him pause. No, but did she not already say as such...? The words she had said to him only a few weeks prior echoed in his mind.

     ‘...I shall remain with you. I would never leave you Eliyah. You give my life so much meaning…’

     ‘...That most important thing…is you.’

Is that not to say...that she feels the same as I? The boy felt a tight feeling in his chest at the thought. The desire to know and the fear of that knowledge, they filled him equally. Torn between the two, unsure of what to do, he remained silent on the matter. Face still red from his errant thoughts, Eliyah tried to push the subject from his mind and calm his racing hear.

“Hehe~” Ivalinne, catching his embarrassment but oblivious to the cause, let out a giggle at his flustered state. “You really are quite cute you know~”

“I-Ivalinne, Please!” The boy protested in vain, garnering yet another amused chuckle from the girl. “Why must you tease me so?”

“I have already told you why! Because it is fun!” She said with a laugh.

Eliyah let out a displeased groan in response to the ridicule that his friend unleashed upon him. However, despite the frown and furrowed brow on his face, inside he felt comforted by her presence. As if her being here, in this moment with him, made all right with the world.

After the song had finished—ending the pair’s dance along with it—Ivalinne had told Eliyah that it was about time she should be getting back to the manor. With no argument from the boy, the two departed from the town square, making their way back to the aristocratic district of Aciernha.

Finally within sight of her home, Ivalinne turned to give her dear friend a cheerful smile.

“Today was wonderful. The outside, the world beyond these hedges...It really is quite marvelous. I do hope to see it again, this lively town and all it has to offer.“

“Perhaps we could go sightseeing as we did today again some day.” Her words were a little odd to the boy. She speaks as if she will never get another chance to do so...I wonder why? Perhaps her mother is enforcing more lessons upon her? Satisfied with his conclusion, he gave Ivalinne a warm smile. “It really is quite beautiful during autumn, with all the colors...Oh, and when it snows, it is very pretty!” He said with a chuckle.

The young duchess remained silent for a moment, Giving pause at the thought of experiencing the changing seasons of this town, beyond the cage that was the Rozka’cer estate.

Noticing her silence, Eliyah’s bashful laughter slowed to a halt. “...Ivalinne?” Turning his gaze to her, however, he would be met with a smile.

“I think that is a wonderful idea, Eliyah. I would love that.” Turning away from the boy to gaze in the direction of the manor, she spoke up once more. “I must be getting back now, so perhaps we shall continue this discussion at another time?”

“Ah...O-okay, I will stop by again soon, Ivalinne.” The boy said shyly.

“Goodnight Eliyah, I too hope to see you again soon...” And with that the young duchess sped off towards her home, ducking into the alley where the opening in the hedge wall was located.

Left standing alone in the middle of the street, Eliyah let out a sigh. I hope she is okay...Something seemed to be bothering her. A frown creased his lips at the thought. Ivalinne...

Finding no answers in the silence that surrounded him, the boy let out yet another sigh, before reluctantly turning away from the Rozka’cer estate and heading for home.

Opening the door and making his way into the house, Eliyah called out. “Mother! Father! I have returned.” No answer came however. The boy paused for a moment, furrowing his brow before heading further into the house.

Entering the den, he found his mother sitting in a chair reading a book. “Mother?”

The woman looked up from her novel, a moment later donning a welcoming smile. “Ah, there you are, Eliyah. I was wondering where you had gotten off to.”

“I-I...” The boy fidgeted nervously, recalling that he’d left the house without informing his mother where he was headed. “...I was worried about a friend...so I went to see them.”

“Is that so? Well, I hope you had a good time with them.” Setting her book down on the stand beside her, she rose from her seat. “Dinner is already made, Would you like to join me?”

Eliyah gave his mother a confused look for a moment before nodding. “Yes, I shall. But where is Father?”

“He sent a courier with a note stating he would be home late tonight.” Leading the way into the dining room, she would lay out a plate for herself and her son, before retrieving a roast from the oven.

“Oh? Did something happen?” Eliyah asked as he took a seat at the table.

“Yes, apparently some new trade deals have been established with the city of Arden to the south.” Having finished plating the meal, the boy’s mother also took a seat at the dining table.

“Oh? Last I had heard those were still in the negotiation phase.” Eliyah said as he took a bite of tender meat.

“Yes, well. There have been some sudden occurrences that have shifted things in favor of a partnership with Arden.”

“I see. Did father say what happened in his note?” Eliyah said as he raised his fork to his mouth to take another bite.

“He did, actually. It seems the Rozka’cer family has announced their plans moving forward. The Duke’s daughter is to marry one of the dukes of Arden come the summer solstice.”

The clatter of the boy’s fork falling to his plate rang out, bringing forth a sudden silence. His mother turned a questioning gaze to him. “...Eliyah? Is something the matter?”

Eliyah gazed forward, eye wide in horror as a jolt of pain pierced his heart. Wh...at...? His mind refused to accept what he heard for a moment, paralyzed by terror. His thoughts were a blur, spinning ceaselessly, spiraling ever downwards. His body began to tremble as the words sank in, thrusting the knife of realization deeper and deeper into his soul. Despite his mother calling out to him, no sound registered in his ears, the world drowned out by static. Jolts of pain surged through him as his heart pounded and throbbed. Everything ached as his entire being pleaded for it to all be a lie. Her words from earlier now made so much sense. Her odd phrasing, her hesitance, that somber light that reflected in her crimson eyes. Even her sudden demands to have him take her into town.

It all made sense now.

Ivalinne!

#Ivalinne #Eliyah #A Blooming Rose #Narrative #Drabble #World Building #Long Post #More like the Longest Post my god

[stained-carmine]

“Lady Ivalinne!” The young boy shouted as he took a few paces after her before coming to a halt as she began to climb a nearby tree.

“How many times have I told you, do not call me as such!” She shouted back to him, turning her head for a moment to shoot him a frustrated glare before continuing her climb.

“M-my apologies...” The boy flinched in response to her ire, lowering his head slightly. “B-but if your mother were to find out...I woul—I-Ivalinne!” When he raised his head to speak to her again, he would be greeted by the sight of the petticoat lying beneath the skirt of her dress. Were it not for the branch upon which she sat, and the sheer volume of the petticoat, her bloomers would have been in full view.

“Ivalinne! Please, come down from there! If you stay where you are, everyone will be able to see up your dress!!” Just the sight of her petticoat alone had made the boy’s freckled face turn bright red.

Ivalinne blinked for a moment, a little stunned that the normally quiet, nervous, and shy Eliyah had shouted in such a firm manner. Raising a finger to her lips, she thought about his words, before flashing a devious smile. “So it would not be an issue if one could not see up the dress, yes?”

“W-well yes, but...” Eliyah glanced about nervously for a second. Such a simple question had been enough to shake him from the firm stance he had given her moments before. “Please, Ivalinne, have some dignity...” The boy shuffled anxiously, averting his eyes from her, so as to not gaze upon the underside of her dress. With his focus shifted, he had missed the devious look she held for a fraction of a second, and with it, he had missed an obvious clue to her intentions.

“I understand.” She said calmly, as she began to reposition herself, rustling the leaves and branches as she did so.

“Ah...! Thank you Iva—” As relief washed over his heart, face still red from before, he lifted his gaze back to where she had been seated, in hopes of seeing her make her way down the tree. Though, what he saw instead made his heart skip a beat. “I-IVALINNE!!!”

The young duchess now hung upside down from the branch, her legs bent around the tree’s limb to keep her from falling. As dictated by the laws of gravity, her skirt would fall upwards relative to her body, giving a full view of her bloomers now. With one hand, she would hold her skirt down—or was it up? Either way, ensuring that her skirt would fall no lower than her hips. With her inversion complete, she turned her upside down gaze to her friend. “Is this more suitable?” She asked, her tone a pretense of innocence and naivety, but her expression showed the truth, that she fully intended for this result.

“N-NO IT IS NOT!!!” Eliyah shrieked back at the girl, face flushed a bright red, heart racing—nearly pounding out of his chest.

His panicked reactions would cause the young duchess to let out an amused chuckle as an overwhelming warmth filled her heart. It was a feeling she didn’t quite know the name of, but even so, it was a feeling that was extremely important to her.

A feeling she only felt when she was with him.

#Ivalinne #Drabble #Eliyah #Side Story #A Blooming Rose