#in honor of the harvest moon tonight :)

[turtledotjpeg]

silly lil farming sim AU drawn for a discord server event :) i got a little too lazy to include all the characters i had wanted to, so please imagine for me:

linssen quietly surrounded by a flock of chickens on the nostrade farm. only successful chicken whisperer

canary and alluka hanging out at the flower shop/seeds shop and that killua's face looks less wonky

cheadle is the town mayor. we don't talk about the previous mayor.

#hunter x hunter #hxh #in honor of the harvest moon tonight :) #the event theme was retro anime/games so i tried to imitate the style of the promo artwork for the first couple harvest moon games #which are from the late 90s so juuust barely qualify hehe #too embarrassed to tag all these characters but i'll do one giant tag so it shows up in search #for anyone seeking out any possible mention of a certain character i guess (i've been there many times lol) #here we go: gon freecss kurapika melody senritsu basho leorio paladiknight machi komacine shizuku murasaki killua zoldyck

[badbtssmut]

Cult 0T7 fic.

What happens when one’s sin is too big for the highest deity to forgive? Seven individuals who have committed the most hideous crimes, show up at your town; paying the holy leader of the cult heaps of money to have you cleanse them of their sins. Whatever happens in a cult, stays in a cult.

Contains: cult themes, public sex, rough sex, members fighting over who can fuck y/n first, members are driven crazy by lust, double penetration in pussy, triple penetration ass and pussy, double blowjob, attempt at trice blowjob but fails, riding, idk what else

Admin note: I deliberately kept any details and references to any religion as vague as possible.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

It was the last full moon of the month, a time for celebrating the harvest and honoring the God that you and the people you cherished worshipped religiously, night to day, day to night. A special night, as it was only on this night where mortals were granted forgiveness for sins that wouldn’t be excused by human beings; sins that were too vile for any mortal to overlook, but a sin that a God could forgive, so long as you repented.

So long as you repented…

…and had sexual intercourse on the last full moon of the month, a practice that all of you were willing to participate in. Word got around quick and sex tourists desperately tried to participate, but your town shouldn’t be seen as some sort of sex theme park. No, this was a sacred ritual that you and the other people in the town participated in, to the point where you all saw it as an act of tradition without batting an eye at the freakiness of it all.

The head of the cult would never steer you wrong, he knew what was best for the town.

“Seven individuals have come to partake in our tradition tonight.” The wise man spoke, a smile plastered on his face. “We know that seven is a sacred number, don’t we? This cannot be a coincidence! It is the will of the Gods that this will be done. Our town will prosper, I assure you all of this.” He spoke to the crowd, his eyes gleaming in the light of the candle and fire.

He looked back at you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“Are you ready, my child?” He led you to the hot springs. “The Gods will surely be pleased with this outcome, as will we all be once the harvest is bountiful in our town.”

You were more than ready to go through with this, the Gods would bless the town.

You left the man behind as you were welcomed by the two elder sisters who prepared you for the tradition; scrubbing your body, soaping it, and then softening your skin with a blend of almond and coconut oil. Your hair was dried before they wrapped the silk robe around you, a hug and a kiss on the cheek given by one of the two, before you walked off and made your way to where the tradition would take place.

There was an open space in the far back of the town; far enough to scare off tourists but near enough for interested townspeople to come and have a look. It was surrounded by torches and candles, an altar placed at the center of the open area, decorated with roses, lilies, and daisies. A swing hung from a tree, a bed of soft furs and blankets a few feet from the swing, and water flowing nearby.

Seven wooden chairs were lined up in front of the altar, each seat occupied by seven strangers, before you could have a closer look, the leader of the cult spoke up.

“Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Jung Hoseok, Min Yoongi, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook, you are all welcome here.” The man glanced over to the crowd before looking back at the men. “May the Gods be gracious to us all, for we are all pure-hearted, and our intentions are true and good, we come together for one goal and one goal only: the will of the Gods!” The audience clapped, some of the older ones praying under their breath.

You sat on the furs, the silk robe still on, and you watched the seven men walk down the path that the people created for them. It wasn’t something you’d normally think about, but you couldn’t help but notice how handsome each of them were, every man holding a unique feature that made you stare.

You laid back on the furs, a pillow under your head, and waited, watching as they undressed themselves and like a pack of wild animals, they pounced on you. Hands roamed all over your body, fingers pinching and twisting your nipples, fingers rubbed your clit, lips sucked at your neck, hands caressed your thighs, tips were pushed at your entrance before you were forcibly pulled back by another member who was eager to fuck you first.

They argued, they bickered, they fought, they shoved each other, your body bounced back and forth as they wrestled and tried to pull you into their arms, Yoongi grabbed hold of you and dragged you across the furs and blankets, before the rest of the men piled on top of you, two cocks pushed into your mouth while another cock rubbed against your face.

You looked up to see that the three cocks belonged to Taehyung, Jungkook and Jimin. In your left hand, you held Namjoon’s cock, while your right hand held Hoseok’s cock. There were so many cocks that you were starting to lose count.

You felt Yoongi’s tip push in before it was abruptly pushed away by Seokjin’s tip, their cocks pushing and rubbing against each other before both slid into your pussy. You let out a gasp, mouth wide open, cocks slipping out, before they were hastily pushed back into your mouth. The two men inside of you fucked you in tandem, their cocks brushing against each other.

You took shaky breaths through your nose, focusing on sucking their cocks, while also focusing on rubbing the cocks that you held in your hands. Seokjin held onto your hips while Yoongi’s fingers dug into your ass, them both pushing you back and forth on their cocks, bouncing you back and forth. Taehyung who was rubbing his cock against your face, felt himself grow impatient, and pushed himself into your mouth, but when he realized it wouldn’t fit, he pulled back out.

The citizens watched, some bursting into tears, others clapping, a few cheering, the majority chanting and praying, but they were all proud of the ritual being carried out so far. They’d make sure to praise you after you’re done, bring you gifts and your favorite treats as a reward for your outstanding work.

You felt Seokjin’s pace turn sloppy and frantic, his moans louder than before, and not even a second later, he came. He filled you up first, panting, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. He stayed inside of you for a while longer, until he finally pulled out.

Yoongi didn’t allow anyone to take Jin’s place, he continued fucking you, his pace fast and hard. You couldn’t help the lewd noises that slipped past your lips, and you didn’t care how loud you were. The only thing on your mind was the cock slamming into your pussy.

Jimin switched places with Taehyung, now his cock in your mouth while Jimin stepped back and enjoyed the show. Jungkook tilted his head back as he pushed his hips further towards your face, digging his cock deeper into your mouth.

Soon after, Yoongi’s seed spilled inside of you, and you clenched around his cock. He groaned, biting down on his lip, pulling out of you. Your pussy was only left alone for a few seconds before Hoseok eagerly took the spot. He sat down next to you before he pulled you onto his lap, earning some annoyed groans and glares from the men as their cocks slipped out of your mouth and hands.

Hoseok lifted you up and down, bouncing you on his cock, and he held a smile on his face at how soaking wet and warm your pussy was. Namjoon took the opportunity to ram his cock into your needy pussy, both him and Hoseok fucking you in tandem, and the pleasure was too much. You screamed and moaned, the cocks stuffed inside of you were making you feel lightheaded. You could feel Hoseok’s tongue drag over your neck as Namjoon kneaded your chest, your breasts filling his large hands.

Your ears rang, your mind went blank, and everything felt blurry, but the men continued to fuck you. Your head tilted back as Namjoon and Hoseok changed the rhythm, Namjoon pounding into your pussy while Hoseok slowly fucked into you. The three of you continued to go on like this, the cocks stuffing you to the brim, until Hoseok and Namjoon both came, their seed filling you up.

One of the sisters on standby, stepped in to offer you a cup of water, before she bowed and stepped back, not wanting to stand in the way of you finishing. You took a minute to breathe and catch your breath, before the three youngest were left.

You were taken away from the blankets and brought to one of the chairs, where Taehyung sat down and pulled you onto his lap. He held you into place as he pushed his errection into your ass, stretching your hole and earning a squeak from you. As he fucked your ass, Jungkook and Jimin stepped over. Jungkook went straight for pushing his cock into your pussy, while Jimin decided to make you suck his cock for a few minutes before he also pushed in his cock into your pussy.

The chair creaked and shifted under the weight and force of the three men fucking you relentlessly, but you couldn’t even hear it, your hearing fuzzy and your sight blurry.

“Oh! Oh!” You gasped, eyes wide and mouth agape, unable to do anything but allow the three men to use your holes however they pleased. It was too much— too much pleasure at the same time, but it was so good, too good. Drool dripped down your chin, your hair a mess, your robe abandoned somewhere on the ground. First Taehyung would thrust, before pulling out, which was when Jimin pushed in, along with Jungkook, before they’d switch their pace and start alternating again.

Taehyung was the first to come, his seed spilling inside of you, and as soon as he pulled out, it was when Jimin and Jungkook came as well, filling you up with their seed.

You were left panting, drool dripping from your mouth and tears in your eyes. The sisters stood by your side and wrapped a warm towel around you. Your legs were shaking, and you felt wobbly so you sat back down, shit, you needed a break after that.

“Now I declare, that all of you have been cleared of your sins…

Jungkook, Battery

Jimin, Extortion

Taehyung, Kidnapping

Seokjin, Murder

Namjoon, Burglary

Yoongi, Cybercrime

Hoseok, Arson…”

#bts smut #bts requests #bts x reader #bts smut requests #bts fanfic #bts smut fanfic #taehyung smut #jungkook smut #jimin smut #namjoon smut #seokjin smut #yoongi smut #hoseok smut #bts ot7 smut #bts x female reader

[zelphin124]

Killer x Y/N short story

One of the few short stories I will be writing. Requested by the wonderful @itsxroxannex as her honorable mention prize.

I do write commissions and short stories! Do you want a story? I can work with a small price (:

I'm using an image from Bing Image Creator to help the readers visualize where they are at and who they are talking to. It's for visual purposes only, and I do not claim it.

Enjoy the story!

~o0o~

The light from the sun bouncing off the rock hallways started to fade as the moon rose. The dripping from the ceiling had stopped, and monsters and humans started filling the tavern. It was supposed to be very busy tonight.

The tavern was underground, just below the surface life. Dartboards hung across the walls on various barrels. Small candles were lit beside them, either hanging from the ceiling or resting on uniquely carved tables. Carpets were strung across the floor, filled with old designs and symbols that the humans didn't understand, and the monsters refused to explain.

The bar itself looked like any other bar, but the counters were carved into the rocks and the drinks were stored within the earth. The tables were made from woven branches, and the chairs were also made from scattered parts of trees that were no longer needed elsewhere.

You weren't much for drinking. You had only come to the bar to talk with your friend, Shiro. Shiro ran the place during slow hours. Now that the night rush was coming, his co-workers came in to help him run the shift. He wouldn't have much time to talk anymore.

You started to pack your computer, flinging your bag over your shoulder. Shiro had told you of the many tales and tragedies that happen during the night rush, and you didn't want to stick around to become one of them.

"Leaving so soon?" Shiro asked as he wiped the table where you just sat. His baggy white hair fell over his face, and he smiled softly.

"You know how I am with crowds," you responded, hoping he would get the hint.

He didn't. "Well, surely it shouldn't be that busy tonight-"

He was cut off as three skeletons walked down the entrance stairs. It was apparent that they were some sort of gang, as they all wore the same-colored jacket, pants, and shoes. Each of them stood proudly as everyone went silent.

The tallest one had a large hole in his head, and his left eye was huge. It glowed red and barely made any movement when he looked around. He hunched over and had a large ax on his back. He never stopped smiling, which left an unhinged feeling in everyone who saw it.

The shortest one wore a hood over his head. His eyes glowed red, and one of them had a purple and blue tint to it. Unlike his tall counterpart, he never smiled. He glared at everyone who even dared to look at him. Monster ash covered his clothes, sparking fear in all who noticed.

The third one seemed the most normal of the group. His smile was contagious, and his extroverted personality always drew attention to him. Big black stripes dripped from his void eyes down to his neck. His coat was fluffier than the rest, and his soul wasn't hidden. It hung in front of his chest like a big red target. He twirled a knife in his hand before resting it by his side.

The Murder Time Trio, you recalled. You recognized each of their faces from wanted posters across the town. Working under Nightmare, they worked to harvest negativity.

The Star Sanses - rulers of this AU amongst many others - wanted to bring them to justice, but with all of the Sanses abilities to travel alternate universes, they were hard to track down.

You couldn't buy into the fact there were other worlds than your own. The only reason you believed it was the evidence before you; multiple versions of the same person taking different paths.

Shiro glanced over as the tavern filled with noise and music again. He rolled his eyes, grabbing a notepad and pen before walking over to the table they sat at.

The dart games began. Multiple people threw darts across the room to the targets. According to Shiro, this was how all the drama started. Someone would think a shot was unfair, and a fight would break out.

Deciding it wasn't the best idea to stay any longer, you weave through the crowd of monsters and humans trying to get to the bar to drink. You glanced at the table where the trio sat as they talked with Shiro. You pray they don't do anything to your friend.

As you stood between the dart targets, waiting for the round to be over, you eavesdrop on Shiro's conversation. He seemed bored, surprisingly.

"I'll have a margarita," the striped face one said.

"A big beer, please," Horror lowered his head.

"Think you can handle one of those again, Horror?" The striped face asked.

Horror didn't answer him. He waved his hand in dismissal to Shiro as he looked at the menu.

"I see," Shiro scribbled down the orders on his paper. "And for you, Dust?"

"Nothing," the hooded skeleton replied. "Someone has to be sober when Killer isn't."

"Hey, I would do just fine," Killer smirked. "I don't see you..."

The conversation faded out of hearing as shouts echoed across the tavern. Glancing behind you, you see a human and a monster arguing about who hit the target first as they shot their darts at the same time. The shouts almost frightened you, and you didn't think before stepping forward. Your goal was to get away from the chaos before more violence broke out. Maybe you shouldn't have come here, maybe it was a bad idea after all.

A dart flew towards your face.

You didn't have time to react before you were pulled off your feet, resting in the mercy of someone's arms as he caught the dart. "Woah darling, careful there," he sighed, his head turning toward the people who threw it.

You realize the man, or the skeleton that saved your head was Killer. His grip was firm around your waist from when he had pulled you away from the weapon. He dropped the dart and continued to glare at the monster that had thrown it.

The people playing the particular dart game went dead silent, all pointing to the person who threw the dart. He didn't seem to care. "Oh, come on, she walked in front of it! It's not my fault!"

"Pay attention to your surroundings more, mm?" Killer smirked, tilting his head. He turned towards you before the others could reply. "You too, cutie," he smirked, poking your nose. "Gotta be careful in places like these~"

His grip on your waist loosened as you backed up. A blush painted your face as you stared up at him. As your blush increased, so did his smile, making you blush more. The blood rushed to your face as you tried to cover your cheeks with your favorite-colored scarf.

"Do you seriously have to flirt with everyone you see, Killer?" Dust snapped, opening a deck of cards and flushing them across the table.

"Look at them, they're pretty!" Killer replied. "I didn't want them to get scratched by a silly dart!"

"Then they shouldn't be in a place like this," Horror rolled his eyes, glancing at the deck of cards Dust had started dealing.

Instant guilt washed over you. You didn't mean to cause any trouble, and Shiro was nowhere in sight to defend you. You gesture to Killer, thanking him for saving you before telling him you'll leave to not cause any more trouble.

Killer looked you up and down, smiling as his eyes made their way back to your face. "What's your name, Hun?" He smirks slyly.

You tell him your name, scratching your head in the process. One of the most wanted men in the multiverse was talking to you. In fact, he smiled when he looked at you. How could this be?

"Y/N, what a beautiful name," Killer takes a step closer to you, extending his hand. "You plan to get on out of here? I can make sure you get home safely."

You open your mouth to accept the offer but hesitate. He, along with his friends, were mass killers. It was obvious by the dust and blood across their clothes. Was he going to kill you? You had no idea.

If he was, then why would he go out of his way to pull you away from an incoming dart?

"Killer, you play or not?" Horror asked, interrupting your thoughts.

"Not now," Killer didn't take his eyes off you. "I wish to walk this lovely human home."

"Oh, can I come?" Horror smirked, his hand reaching for his ax.

Dust slapped his hand. "Not that kind of walk home," Dust rolled his eyes. "Look at him! His soul his turning into a heart! Pathetic, really."

Dust wasn't lying. Killer's soul had taken the form of an upside-down heart momentarily. You tilt your head in curiosity, surely that was a good sign.

"Hey!" The monster that had thrown the dart earlier shouted. "You broke my dart with your disgusting fingers!"

Killer raised his eyebrows as he shrugged. "Oops."

"That dart cost me hundreds of G!" He growled. "You're gonna pay for that!"

You felt Killer's hands run along your shoulders. "Time to go~" he whispered behind you.

As the monster tumbled near, he suddenly faded from sight. Everything vaporized into stripes as the underground tavern disappeared and was quickly replaced with the cool breeze of the surface.

The moon glimmered in the sky next to the stars as it shined down on the slightly paved street. There were no streetlights, but you could see the village in the distance. Fireflies glittered the sky along with the stars. There were a few trees and a river to cross, and the bridge over the river linked the road.

"Whew, that was close," Killer chuckled, letting go of you. He walked over to your side and smirked down at you. "Don't worry, he won't catch us now."

"Thank you," you sighed with a smile before walking toward the village.

Killer started to follow you. "Hey, I know we like, just met, right? This is a little crazy," he glanced down at the ground as he caught up to you. His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he couldn't stop smiling. "But can I get your number?"

You widened your eyes, surprised. He really wanted your number after two minutes. Surely that couldn't be... This couldn't be happening, right? Wasn't that a red flag of some sort, and you, out of all people? You didn't see why someone as famous and as brave as him would pay attention-

You snapped back into reality, realizing that you had given him your phone, and he was already punching in his own number.

"Thanks, doll," Killer smiled to himself. "I didn't expect you to actually say yes. I'll fulfill my promise; let's get you home safely."

How the- you paused, unable to comprehend what just happened.

Despite the darkness and eerie noises surrounding you, you felt at peace. You couldn't help but wonder if that was because a skilled killer was by your side, ready to defend you if anything came your way. He made that clear with his actions at the tavern.

It didn't take long for Killer to start a conversation. He asked many questions and answered any questions you had. He often would laugh, smile, and tease you in such a way that made the butterflies in your stomach squirm. He was very charming, flirtatious, and unique. You couldn't recall if you met anyone like him.

And you liked that.

He was so different from everyone else that you had met, treated you well, and it was so easy to be yourself around him. He brought out a side of you that you thought died a long time ago. That side that made you feel... wild and free.

"Look look look," Killer begged, running off the path toward a lake. He picked up a rock and threw it across the water's surface. It must have skipped a hundred times before it plunged into the depths below. He picked up another one and did the same thing. "It's perfect water to skip the rocks on!"

You join his side and sit on a boulder nearby, watching him skip rocks as he continues to tell you about the first time won a card game, which you learned wasn't very often due to Dust having a special connection with cards.

"The look on his face when I won, hah! Priceless! Should've known better to have challenged me!"

You asked him if he had won the next two games after that.

"Uh, no, but that's not the point silly!" He smiled, heaving a great sigh as he looked up at the stars. He closed his eyes, letting the wind blow across his face as the ripples on the lake settled. The moon complimented his face and made him seem so peaceful and innocent. It highlighted his chest and showed the two small eyes that he had hidden within his skull.

You commented how he looks great in the moonlight. When he asked you how so, you got up and pointed out the various places the moonlight shined on him, and how it made him look so handsome.

"Tch, you're sweet," Killer snickered, brushing the hair out of your face. "But the moonlight on me is better on you."

Before you could recover from the sudden blush, he continued. "Have you ever skipped a stone across the water?"

As you shook your head, Killer frowned. He turned you around to face the lake and picked a stone up from the ground, admiring it in the moonlight. "Here, I'll teach you darling." He placed the stone in your hand and gestured that you try.

You tossed the rock into the water, it sunk in front of you.

"Heh, not like that." Killer came up from behind you and grabbed your wrists gently. "Here, let me guide you."

For the next thirty minutes, Killer moved your wrists in the correct motion. He gave tips on what to do with your fingers when you release the rock. You would have gotten it much sooner if you weren't so distracted by his sweet breath brushing against your cheek.

As you threw your hundredth stone, it skipped across the water more times than you can count. Joy filled your face, and your smile only increased when you heard Killer congratulate you.

"That was awesome!" He gleamed, running his hand along his skull. He quickly picked up a stone and skipped it across the water to catch up with yours. "Fast learner, eh?"

Before you could reply, Killer came up to you and embraced you. His hug was so snug, you felt safe in his arms. You wrap your arms around his back as the tension in your body flees. He was so warm, and he held you so tight... you didn't want to leave his arms.

Alas, it didn't last for long. Killer smiled and took your hand, guiding you up back to the path. "Alright, it's best I get you home, cutie," he smiled slyly. "The boys are probably wondering where I am."

You were closer to your home than you thought, to your dismay. Killer stood close to you, putting his hood over his skull to hide his face from the town as they turned down the street to your house. You almost had forgotten that he was a wanted killer with how enjoyable your time was with him. Surely, he wasn't all everyone said he was... he was so nice to you.

"Lovely house you have, I'll have to visit you sometime," Killer commented, smiling his usual charming smile as you approached the door. "Y/N, it was fun getting to know you, I'll call ya, alright? You're too pretty to say goodbye to, anyway."

You invited him to stay and watch a movie, but he declined.

"Nah, I'm sure Dust and Horror would be suspicious... besides, I cannot stay in the town for long unless I want Nightmare mad..." He took a few steps toward you until he was inches away from your face. He continued to smile as he took your hand. "However," he paused. He lifted your hand up to his face and kissed it gently. Once he met your eyes again, he smirked softly again. "I'm sure I could make an exception for you another night."

You didn't know how much more of his teasing you could take as your face turned red. You held your hand as if it was made of diamonds.

"Heh, you're so cute," Killer backed up into the street. "See ya later, Y/N."

You barely waved in time before he vanished from sight.

You couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the night. He treated you kindly, and his jokes were so funny... you longed for his company, despite his reputation. How long had it been since the tavern? A couple of hours? Were all monsters like this? Maybe there was a special thing about monsters where you grew attached quicker than another human. As if they understood the value of another living being and had a way to make another feel at ease around them. You tried to figure it out as you winded down for the night.

Maybe they were masters at this feeling that you felt: love.

Or maybe Killer was just special like that.

#undertale au #utmv #sans au #undertale #killer sans #killer sans x reader #Killer sans x Y/N #sans x reader #creative dumpster idea #oneshot #short story #au sans #killer!sans #yn

[fallenclan]

Rotting Berries, by Dice Anon

There are a million stars in the sky tonight.

They dazzle and twinkle without remorse.

A shadow flits across them, wings flapping.

A molding fruit, once ripe, shrivels.

It’s a shame, really.

It could not be stopped.

Cherries die all the time.

Bad harvest, I guess.

A thick branch of belladonna stretches up into the sky.

Woven among blackberries, it goes unnoticed.

It’s oppressive vines, slick with its own venous liquid.

Eyes of sapphire watch. 

“It’s for the good of my berries!” it cries.

Once that was true, but now?

It feels joy at cutting down those taller blackberries.

Its mission was once holy, but now blood covers his twisted crown.

He reaches up to those stars, and bathes himself in their holy light.

Swirls of color, shimmering like bismuth, dance in his vision.

He’s given his whole life to his clan, and taken others for his family.

The stars better welcome him wholeheartedly.

Mold covers his paws.

A carnivorous bird fests upon the flesh of another.

An ouroboro for his own honor.

He will destroy himself and everyone else for his family.

The stars will watch.

He will watch them back.

 -🎲

so. hows moon 222 treating everyone.

(beetle note: AUGHHHH???? dice i think this is my favorite one yet holy shit. "cherries die all the time. bad harvest, i guess" OHHOOOOHO)

#fallenfic #dice anon

[ladyveravincent]

Dancing? Dancing.

Even if one's partner is barely tolerable. Meet me at Rita's if you dare...

Excerpt from Chapter 23

“Running away again are we?”

“Oh!”

The smug reflection of Cerridwen glanced at Elain as she brushed the curls of her hair into an intricate updo, suitable for an evening of reels and jigs across the dance floor at Rita’s. 

“She’s not running away, she’s running straight into his arms,” teased Nuala as she appeared next to her sister. 

“I used to think it was my family who were busybodies. Seems it's a Fae trait,” scowled Elain, slamming the top of her jewelry box while the twins giggled. 

“Oh, we’re just having some fun,” snorted Nuala. 

“If you really must know,” she began, head tilted to consider earring options, “he is my good friend. And unlike my family, or you two, he does not pry.”

“Oh, I’ve heard he can pry alright,” Cerridwen murmured with a thrust of her hips before the twins burst into laughter. 

“Well, when you decide to come clean, Cerridwen and I will be waiting for the details,” Nuala laughed before the twins bid their goodbyes and winnowed away. 

“Busybodies… good for nothing…” she mumbled under her breath as she grabbed her shawl and smoothed her skirts.  

In her mortal years, the village’s Samhain celebrations were often a mild, uneventful affair, usually more of a gathering to give thanks for the harvest instead of a festival to honor the more tenebrous and occult energies of the Earth. The courage, whether inherent or liquid, of villagers who snuck off into the woods to conjure spirits for amusement delighted and fascinated a placid, polite Elain. But cowardice always seemed to win when she watched young girls clad in nightdresses run barefoot into the forest to dance naked beneath the yellow moon.

Oh, how close the moon was to bear witness to her bare breasts tonight. 

Samhain was Azriel’s birthday, and its carnality hung in the air as a promise to those who partook would be rewarded with such pleasures, mainly the joys of imbibing in the flesh. Of course, the Prince of Hewn City would be born on such a night. Perhaps, if she were lucky, she’d get to see him at work.

Each night, the Seer and Spymaster found themselves in dance halls across Velaris, more often in each other arms than other willing and amiable Fae partners. A few weeks ago, Az took her into the skies of Velaris, and since then, the two could barely dance without liquid courage and a dip into dangerous territory. 

She had two birthday gifts for Azriel: a salve for his wings, and what lay underneath her cobalt skirts. 

The suspense of poorly concealed affections tortured her mercilessly, and she decided to offer herself to him because the want had bloomed into something too strong to ignore. There was always some sort of pull to Azriel, but now, she needed to know if he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

As her cobalt-slippered feet rehearsed jigs and reels on the cobblestone streets of Velaris, a voice from the shadows caused her heart to leap in terror and titillation. 

“Found you,” Azriel whispered as he wrapped his arms around her waist and neck. 

The marriage of a heady cedar and honey scent caused a small moan to escape from her lips, her arousal slightly intensifying when to her delight, she discovered he was already drunk. 

Very drunk.

“One of these days, you won’t be able to find me,” she teased as he lifted and spun her around. When he sat her down, she finally turned to face him. 

She doubted she could ever forget his face. Tonight, he was just as handsome as ever, and perhaps a bit more devilish given Cassian and Rhys celebrated all last night, and apparently, this morning, too. 

“You underestimate how easy you are to find,” he taunted as he tucked a curl over her ear.

“For you,” she whispered and reached into her pocket to present his gift in her open palm. His eyes fluttered from her lips to the salve and gifted her a smile while he examined the tin. 

“Happy birthday, Azriel.” 

A blush crept over his cheeks while her lips faithfully formed his name, as they did so often alone under her bedsheets, and had only once before in his presence. Perhaps, if she were lucky, her throat would scream it tonight.

“For that wingspan I hear everyone talk about,” she teased.

“Careful Lain. That’s not something to joke about with an Illyrian,” his eyes darkened as a low laugh colored his warning.

“So you confess?”

“What?” he teased as he played with the ribbon that fluttered over her shoulder. 

“That it's only a joke, not fact? Tsk, tsk.”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Her heart raced, and suddenly she didn’t care for dancing. 

“Show me then.” 

In one movement she was slung over his shoulder while the two shot up into the sky. 

“Big enough for you, Lady Lain?” he cried over the wind and her screams of delight.

“I guess it’ll do- AHHHH!” He shrugged as she fell from the skies, dropped for her cheekiness.

“Sorry, my wingspan wasn’t big enough for you to ride,” he sighed as he flew next to her while she fell. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! You have the biggest wingspan!”

“Who has the biggest wingspan?” he questioned.

“You! You!” she screamed reaching for him, but he only gave her an evil grin.

“Azriel has the biggest wingspan!” As her hand skimmed the water of the Sidra, strong arms broke her fall, and they glided upward into the skies.

“You look very pretty by the way.” Her scowl softened for only a moment before she turned her head away.

“You’re not getting my first dance.”

“Many apologies, Lady Archeron. May I have the second?”

“Hmph.”

“What if I promise you all my dances, and I buy a bottle of whiskey?”

“Maybe.”

“What if I told you this is my favorite color on you?” he whispered into her ear.

“Two bottles of whiskey.”

“Deal.” 

The crispness of the late autumn air was replaced by the smell of liquor and sweat as Elain trailed behind a towering Azriel, guided by their interlocked fingers through the crowd. 

“First dance, Miss Archeron?” he asked over his shoulder as the fiddle started to play, and in response, her touch lingered on the silken skin of his wing, innocently tracing its veins as she passed.

“Only if you promise not to drop me,” she murmured. After a blissful shudder, scarred hands grabbed her waist, and her eyes were greeted by lush lips before her lashes raised to meet the Shadowsinger’s ravenous face.

“When? Dancing? Or something else?” he asked as the two started to spin fast around the room to the lively music. 

“How much have you had to drink, Shadowsinger?” she teased as he lifted her into the air.

“Not nearly enough to get what I really want for my birthday.” Lids heavy and scent heady, the whiskey and cedar merged to cause the pulsing need in her belly.

“Is my present not enough?” 

“Oh, Lain, I didn’t say that.” Not a drop of alcohol on her tongue but one taste, and she could be drunk. 

“Maybe you just need someone to put it on you,” she drawled as she spun into him, and let her ass lewdly roll against his hips.

“Switch partners!” cried the fiddle player. 

She extended a polite hand to a handsome Fae male, and shot a coy look over her shoulder, only to find she had won. Brown eyes faithfully watched the wide pupils and parted lips of her previous partner while he slowly stalked the skirts of the room to follow each spin and step she took with a new male.

“What’s your name?” cried the Fae as he spun her out. 

“I’m E-” 

A scarred hand grabbed her outstretched arm to pull her into his embrace, the two now still in a vast sea of dancers, and the tip of their noses touched as he leaned forward to let his lips brush the shell of her ear.

“Careful, lovely fawn. There are fanged beasts who would love nothing more than to devour you," he whispered. The gentle pull of his fingers coiled around her curls and pulled to expose her neck. Absolutely wild and ready to devour. 

Her eyes fluttered shut. Offer and permission. 

“Az!” The two snapped their heads to see a flash of red and blonde hair push through the crowd. 

“Mor!” The warmth of his body vanished as he strode to greet the blonde.

Suddenly, the heat of the dance hall merged with a jealous fury she pushed down before joining a vibrant Azriel and bubbly Mor.

“Oh, Elain! How sweet you look tonight!” Her cheeks turned as red as Mor’s revealing dress, and suddenly the decision to wear a long-sleeved silk gown and weave bluebells into her hair seemed like the silliest idea in the world. 

“Happy birthday, Az,” Mor beamed.

“Thanks, Morrigan,” he replied with an arrogant grin. She was two things: a fool and an idiot. From one glance at the cockiness that radiated off his wide wings, Elain and her stomach sunk into the floor.

“I’ll go get us some drinks,” Elain offered, desperate to shake the shame from her earlier actions, and turned from the pair. 

“Wait! Here.” Mor grabbed her shoulder to place several gold coins in her palm. 

“Thanks, Mor, just wine?”

“You know me so well! Thanks, El.”

“Just wine, Mor? If I seem to remember correctly, there was a time you liked something a little harder,” he smirked.

Azriel was a vicious, licentious, rakish flirt who was going to feel wrath like no other if he dared to-

“Whoops!”

The push of another dancing couple sent a flustered Elain tumbling onto the floor.

“Careful, Lady Lain,” Az laughed and dove to help her, but another hand reached for the fawn.

“Come here often?” Oh great, giant fiddlesticks. 

“Hello, Lucien,” she gulped. The candlelight glittered off of her mate’s golden eye, his handsome smile wide as she apprehensively raised her hand to accept his help, but, the fox’s grin faded as a strong arm tightened around her too-tightly corsetted waist to lift her off the floor. 

“Lucien!” Mor’s tense smile did nothing while Lucien growled at the Shadowsinger. The three stood between waltzing couples, Azriel’s arm tight around a nervous Elain and stare lethal at an infuriated Lucien.

“May I join you?” Lucien blurted out.

“It’s Azriel’s birthday,” she replied dumbly. 

“It’s my birthday,” Azriel echoed with a murderous expression.

“Happy birthday,” Lucien spat at the Spymaster. 

Foxes hunted fawns, but fanged beasts devoured any threats, perceived or confirmed.

On lapping lake waves in warmer months, feelings about the bond were finally unearthed when an outstretched wing drew a wince after a brush against sore ribs.

“Oh Gods, I’m sorry,” Az said quickly. 

“No, no. It isn’t your fault,” she murmured between a few deep breaths. 

“Does it hurt?” he asked quietly. Her only response was a sad nod. 

“Do you know who your mate is?” Dusk lulled over the lake’s horizon as ribbons of pink hues fluttered into deep purple hazes. 

“I don’t have one,” he replied after a long while.

“You’re lucky. It’s a curse,” she admitted.

She waited for him to tout Lucien’s good character, but rather, that brave confession saved her from countless unfortunate circumstances. Whispered messages would announce unprompted visits moments before a knock rapped on the door, or the tendril of a shadow would save her from tea services set with an extra saucer beside her seat. As the summer faded into fall, the Autumn Court male spent more time with the Band of Exiles than in Velaris, and her ribs softened into a welcomed silence. 

But now they screamed.

This is beyond fiddlesticks, she thought.

“Elain was just getting us some drinks. She could use a hand?” Mor wondered aloud with a wink at Elain. 

“Oh yes, do you like ale?” asked the fox.

“I like whiskey-”

“She likes whiskey,” Azriel interrupted. Somehow his chest was broader, height taller, and bravado even more spine-chilling in its understated delivery compared to a fiery Lucien’s blazing eyes. 

“You two go ahead, we’ll wait here,” gritted Mor and pushed him away from the mates. 

“Shall we go?” 

Ribs weren’t supposed to ache, were they?

~

“What in the hells was that?” Mor chastised a brooding Azriel in the corner of the dance hall. 

“Elain doesn’t like him.”

“Elain is his mate.”

Two years ago, the thought of those rich brown eyes and blonde tresses within arm’s reach at a dance hall would have been his only birthday wish. Now to welcome another year of immortality, he yearned for a pair of gentle brown eyes and honey-kissed hair. Mor was his friend, and the flame he kept alive for almost five centuries was easy to kindle when conversations skirted around awkward silences with Cassian tempering the two. He idolized her, but he never knew her, truly. Now, he realized how little his infatuation was rooted in what sort of love he ached to hold. 

“I said, she doesn’t like him.”

“Well, Elain’s got some growing to do and-” 

“She’s not a child, Mor. We all need to ask Elain what she wants.” 

Mor’s red lips parted in surprise and annoyance at the rude quip, but a ferocious hazel stare led her to find Lucien and Elain at the bar. After a tense laugh, Elain’s gaze drifted over to Azriel, who did not hesitate to step forward. 

The truth was revealed.

“Azriel. You cannot be serious.” Her red skirts swished to stop the leather-clad Spymaster.

He gave no reply.

“Cauldron, Az. She’s a mated female.”

“And?” he sneered.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Perhaps I am,” he admitted as he pushed past her.

“Azriel-” After 541 years, Mor’s hand held his, and nothing more than the heat of her warm skin sat on his scars. It did not soothe, it did not sear, it was not the touch of something very precious. It was not Elain.

“He’s a good male, Az. You and I both know that. She’s so, so young. It’s been only two years into her immortality. She might not want him in this century, or even the next, but with a bond as strong as that, it's only a matter of time.”

“And what about what she wants?”

“What about you, Az? Huh? What are you going to do if your mate shows up ten, twenty, or even two hundred years from now? Would that be fair to her?” Az looked at her hand wrapped around his wrist, the red nail polish so bright against his golden skin.

“Don’t you want to be with someone who is your equal? You deserve that-” Azriel stilled.

“You think Elain is beneath me?” came his terrifying reply. 

“You need someone who will challenge you. Hells, she barely could handle being on the battlefield, she’s… she’s too soft Az.” He leaned into Mor so close her eyes widened in fear. 

“I used to think there was no one else for me, but you. The battles we fought side by side, the trials we endured throughout the centuries, I was in love with you. And then, I met Elain. And in two years, I’ve felt more than I’ve ever felt in five hundred.” He dropped her hand. 

“But, you aren’t Elain’s mate. Lucien is.”

Upon a look at the fox and the fawn, it dawned on him. 

Azriel always loved the light, whether it was the sun’s prideful rays or the soft wicks of candles. Light cast on flesh conjured shadows, or banished blindness. It was a gift. Lucien’s aura blazed with that flame Autumn Court males warmed rooms with, their natural ease and quick wit entertaining and charming all those who basked in its glory. The two stood at the bar, the glow of their bodies bright against the crowds of Fae. Despite all the restless nights and curses at the stars, he understood. The Cauldron gave Elain to Lucien because she was the light, and Lucien could ignite. Like called to like.

They were mates, and who was he to steal her from that happiness?

Elain held his gaze, desperation in her eyes as she begged him to save her from Lucien, but he decided to save her from himself. Mor was right, they were not equals. She deserved better. 

“Good night, Mor.”

“Happy birthday, Az.”

When the music of the dance hall faded into the eerie air of Samhain, Azriel took to the skies.

Another year into immortality, another year losing to fate. 

A03

~ A Court of Bones in Bloom

#actoar #elain #elriel #fanfic #a03 fanfic #elain x azriel #azriel #azriel and elain

[bluiex]

The Watcher and The Con Man

Merry Christmas to you Blu and all Anon’s reading this :)

There is a simple short my brain has been thinking of. Don’t have much in terms of ideas, but it won’t leave me be.

This is a simple idea that I’m working on. You all get an exclusive as to what I’m thinking of. 

-

Scar petted the neck of his horse with a smile on his face. “Today was certainly eventful.” he commented to the mare as he thought back to what the man had told him before he left town. “A merchants gathering, not just merchants but any looking to sell things.” he chuckled. 

The Collectors Event.

Well he certainly had heard of it before, pirates, bandits, sleezy sales men of the likes gathered in the city far to the north. To sell their wares, treasure to make the eye sparkle with desire. Scar never really thought of making the trip himself, even if the event was certainly ear catching. 

Any sales man worth their salt would wish to see the cold, golden shores of the Sparkling Empire. Where the wares were amazing and making a quick buck was easy if you have the silver on your tongue. Come to think of it, Scar had never made the trip that far north. Finding life here, while not always eventful, was easy enough for him. Between the forests and valleys he had grown up in the Empire of Tia. 

He chewed on the jerky in his mouth leaning back on his wagon with a longing gaze up at the cloudless night sky. What would the life on a train to sell things around the Sparkling Empire be like? The wind in his face, conductor of a train that leads far into the mountains and valleys of the shining kingdom to the north?

Dreaming of that life made Scar long for it, but his dreams were cut short by his car suddenly moving. He jumped a bit and turned back to the cart with a startled sound. Normally one would be expecting it to have been a fox that jumped on the cart looking for food. Or even just Jellie having knocked something over.

One didn’t expect to see what Scar was staring at right now. His mouth falling open in awe and horror. Standing on the cart, with the moonlight to catch feathers of many colors, was a person. A Person with Wings! 

“W-What the…” Scar breaths out finally, catching a look of the male presenting winged man. The feathers were long, sliding along over the merchandise in the back of the cart. Traveling up to the face Scar saw the place where ears should be was also wings. Almost hiding the face from view as the strange creature stared up at the night sky.

Jellie was hissing, hackles raised at the large bird man. the creature hummed softly, “Beautiful moon tonight isn’t it?” he spoke, his voice light, an edge of mischief as brownish purple eyes turned to Scar. “Been a long time since I’ve last saw it.”

The voice was enough to snap Scar out of his fearful stare as he pulled out a knife. “W-What in the name of the Nether are you!?” he asked, though his was shaking as he held the knife tip in front of him.

A pause, the creature tilted it’s head almost bird like. “Don’t you know?” he asked bluntly, “You are the one who purchased my little amulet here.“ 

Lifting up the necklace from his shirt, the eye like pendant gleaming in the fullmoons pale light. Scar gapped at it, that necklace… he bought it only recently at the small shop nearby. It was a trinket the lady was selling, in honor of their god’s harvest festival. 

‘I will bring you luck and wealth, or so the legends say.’

The bird man grinned at him, “I didn’t mean to just hitch a ride out of town, but not many outsides take my amulets with them.” he put away the necklace. “Escaping was never an option until you came along,” a smirk, “Perhaps the fates have finally heard my own prayers.”

“prayers.” Scar echoed and frowned at the creature who stood on his cart.

“If you wish to know my name though, it is Grian.” Grian told him as Scar had a look of realization. 

Putting away the knife he stood upright, “Grian?” he echoed earning a nod, “The same name as the god the village worships, correct?”

A smile made it’s way to Grian’s face, calm, easy going, but had a hint of sadness almost. “The same yes.” he confirmed. “Though they name me God, I hardly think myself so grand. Just call me Grian.” the wings ruffled as he chuckled, sitting back down on the cart.

“Apologies, but it’s been a long time since I’ve taken on a human like form, I forget you humans don’t have wings or feathers.” Grian admits to Scar swinging his legs a bit. 

Scar noticed now just how… short Grian was to him, though his wings were huge, the height of the ‘god’ was quiet small. Grian smiled at him, “A rather short man who must either be delusional or a monster.” he smirked at Scar who looked startled, “Thinking something like that?” he teased.

Flushing a bit, Scar looked away as Grian chuckled a bit, looking back up at the night sky. “My home is far north of here.” he spoke softly, fondly. “A home where hybrids like myself roam the lands, protected by true gods and magics unlike any here.”

“Magic? Hybrids?” Scar echoed, such were just stories. Stories told to him as a child, of a day and age when humans with tails, wings, and horns roamed the early days of the earth. Yet here stood Grian, a man that looked like he came right from the stories he was told. 

Grian smiled sadly, “Yes, my home, Hermitcraft.” he said in a far away tone. “A land ever changing, tall trees, lush caves, gems of all sorts, and filled with the sparks of magic long lost to the plains here." 

For a moment, Scar pictured such a land, with trees bigger than any castle he’s seen. Of dangers told to him through only fairy tales of monsters in dark caves, and people who crafted things from magic and gems. It was like looking out into drawings he’s seen other humans make, plains going on forever, and the sky that never ended. 

Grian seemed also lost in these images himself as Scar blinked a few times. He turned to Scar, "I have a request of you.” he gazed deep into Scar’s green eyes, “You travel do you not? Wishing to go north? I ask of you to take me with you.”

Blinking a few times out of images in his head, Scar gapped, “But… why?” he asked.

“I wish to go home, but to do so, one needs to take my amulet with them so that I do not end up back here.” Grian held up the necklace again. “If you take me with you, I’ll be in your debt, and grant you what you your hearts desire.” he offered back a grin on his face as he held out his hand to Scar.

Staring again, Scar looked at the hybrid holding out his hand. A deal to make, he’s made plenty before. Accompany a ‘god’ to the northern lands… and he will get his hearts desire?

“My desire huh?’ Scar said trailing off as he stared into eyes that held magic in them… a chance to create what he’s always envisioned for his life…

-

And there you guys have it, this is an idea I’ve had of Grian being a god-like being who agrees to give Scar his desire, in return for passage north to home. Shenanigans ensue from the moment Scar agrees… and this is an idea for a very slow burn Scarian fic. 

#SUBMISSION #SUBMISSON #long post #THIS IS SO GOOD JADE OMGO MGOMGOMGG

[sandwich2451]

The Violinist, chapter 7: The Box Offer

Chapter seven:  The Box Offer

"The moon didn't appear tonight and the bleak sky made me so sad I couldn't even cry."

"The first Poe Cup took place in 1897 as a way not only to honor Nevermore's most famous alumni, but to celebrate those values that all outcasts share. Community, perseverance, and determination." And a whole lot of cunning and sabotage. 

Principal Weems handed the cup over to Ajax and Xavier, who stood in front of Vyama and Vezi. Ajax lifted the cup up, its black exterior catching the sunlight's reflection. A cheer rose up from the students. Weird, that the gorgon team consisted out of three gorgons and two psychics, Vezi thought to herself. She caught Weems glance at her, confusion and irritation clear in her eyes. Vezi tilted her head mockingly, as if to say, "is that all your team had?" and turned away. 

She slipped into the crowd of students, looking for Mel, who had promised her coffee in Jericho. Instead, she was met with Wednesday Addams, who stood glaring up at her. She said nothing, but grabbed Vezi's arm and led her into a hallway. 

"You stole our boat." Vezi frowned. "So now you want to speak to me? Yes, I stole your boat, because I knew you'd somehow have sabotaged ours. Have to outsmart people who outsmart you, you know." Wednesday's eye twitched. "You also stopped the siren before I did. You knew about him." "Kind of hard to miss a guy jumping into the water who uses Siren Song so much you could hear it in Jericho," Vezi responded, crossing her arms. "Why did you leave me at the Harvest Festival? Did you really hate my presence that much?"

Wednesday seemed slightly taken aback at the question. "I needed to get away." Vezi bit the inside of her cheek. "Well, you could've told me, instead of just deserting me. Could've apologized at school, or something, but the first time you talk to me again is when you lose." Vezi saw Wednesday ball her hand into a fist. 

"I found a dead body that night. Maybe I didn't want to talk to you." "Please, you wouldn't flinch because of a dead body," Vezi responded. "No, really, what happened?" 

After some hesitation, Wednesday started, "I was going to leave Nevermore." Vezi raised her eyebrows in half-surprise. "A normie had offered to drive me that night. I needed to get away, and you might've told Weems." "Weems has me under threat of suspension." Vezi laughed. "It's- well, okay. You don't hate me?" 

"I dislike the overall populace of this school. But you're not that bad." "You don't think I'm annoying?" Wednesday stared at her. "You're infuriating, actually. I should've won." "And you should've left Nevermore, then, but look where you are now," Vezi teased. Wednesday glared at her, but before she could respond, Vezi caught Enid walking up to them. 

"What are you doing down-" Enid realized who the two students she'd stumbled upon were. "Did she apologize, Vez?" Vezi chuckled. "No, but she tried to explain herself. Not the best at it, I'll say." 

"Congrats with taking down Bianca, by the way," Enid continued. "I wish it'd been me. I also wish you didn't bruise my rib and didn't cause this." She pointed at a bruise that had blossomed on her cheek. "Eh, you scratched me, "Vezi responded and she turned her arm, showing a slash that had started healing. "You're a good opponent. We should spar more often." 

Wednesday drifted towards the statue of Edgar Allan Poe, at the end of the hallway, while Enid and Vezi were talking. Vezi caught her in the corner of her eye, looking at the underside of the book Poe held in his right hand. "Find anything there?" she shouted at Wednesday. The girl looked up immediately and turned around. 

"Anyways, the reason I came here," Enid said, "was to ask Wednesday if she wanted to hang out later with the girls." "Yoko included?" Vezi asked. "Hm, yeah." Vezi tilted her head. "Eh, too bad."

"I'll think about it," Wednesday responded off-handedly, then walked back with Enid, leaving Vezi alone in the hallway. 

Before she could blink, Weems was standing in front of her. "Ophelia Hall would have won if it wasn't for you," she started. "I also saw your little brawl with miss Sinclair. You've been showing quite... violent tendencies lately." She pronounced 'violent' slowly, as if saying the word would trigger Vezi into going at her. Vezi was stumped. 

"Principal Weems, there are no rules to the Poe Cup. I was simply stopping Enid from sabotaging our boat." "After which you sabotaged it yourself and switched boats." Weems tilted her head. "Granted, I'm impressed. Usually, teams stick to their own canoes. And I was certain Wednesday would have pulled through for Ophelia Hall." "She got delayed. That was the only reason I could execute  my plan," Vezi admitted. 

"Your punch is sloppy," Weems remarked. "What?" "Your stance is weak. Miss Sinclair is not a trained fighter and it is obvious you aren't either. Would you like to learn?" Vezi couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Principal Weems, are you saying I should take fighting classes?" "I've looked into it. You can take boxing classes three times a week in Jericho. Your parents have agreed to pay for it." 

Vezi was grinning. "Really, principal Weems?" "You need to take your anger out on something. If you'd like, you can tell your friends about it as well. Miss LeClair, you are a very special student. It is not often mixed outcasts get both family traits." "Thank you, Principal Weems." "Go along now," she said, and suddenly her tone had switched to a very tired voice. "You'll get more information about the time and place in a few days." When Vezi left her, Weems was looking at the statue of Poe as well. 

Vezi saw the gorgons fawning over the cup. Instead, she chose to find Mel. Vezi couldn't believe she hadn't been found by her yet. 

"Vezi!" And now her day was complete. 

#wednesday #wednesday netflix #enid sinclair #tyler galpin #wednesday addams #xavier thorpe #fanfic #oc #fanfiction #the addams family

[stormyreadingsxx]

The date is January 11th, and the moon has faded from our sky in the sign of Capricorn:

“You might have a strong need for being useful to the society and you look for justification in the outside world. You may underestimate what you want from yourself and for yourself. Shyness may be accompanied by resentment of the fact that others ignore you. Do not seek approval from the outside, it will not help you get rid of your doubt and it is harmful to you. You have to trust your inner values.”

The lunar cycle is starting fresh, and so are the cycles in our lives. This is a good time to reflect on what’s working for us, and what isn’t. Need to take better care of yourself? Not satisfied with your job and feel it’s time to move on to something new? Today is a powerful day for compassionate (self) honesty and setting intentions. As our moon grows bigger, the energy for harvesting and manifesting will grow. But, you still need a plan. Some sort of theme or direction to go in. The moon asks you to take a look into the dark and visualize that future.

The energy is ever present, weaving through everything we do. I feel affirmed in that as I pulled three majors on this night of the New Moon:

The Devil:

Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, sexuality

How fitting and surreal I pulled the symbol of the hardworking Capricorn? Like other Major Arcana, this card comes with heavy themes regarding the pace of the next moon cycle.

Everyone has a shadow, including the goddess moon. What do you run away from when you see the shadows of your interior? For me, my lack of confidence and constant ‘shame’ makes just existing difficult. But, these feelings are normal. Human. And can usually be reasoned with if I am intentional about what I do about them. Everyone has things they’d rather not face, but in this card is the redemption of taking the harder and least gratifying path, instead.

The next card pulled was Temperance.

Temperance:

Balance, moderation, patience, purpose

Do you remember all the Sagittarian energy of the last few readings? This major is the symbol of the centaur, firing an arrow of intention. Mutable in modality but fire of element, these key words may not bring the fiery sign to mind. Temperance asks us to bring all the parts of our whole together in harmony. Things may seem (and be) difficult right now, but you may only need more patience. Grounding and stabilizing your own energy sometimes is all the situation is calling for (rather than rapid and explosive action). The middle path will accommodate all perspectives. Be still in the dark and find out what it is you can see. Like the Magician, this card calls for the alchemy of all your temperaments and qualities.

The last card pulled on this New Moon was:

The Hierophant:

Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, institutions

This card is often seen as a spiritual apprenticeship card. There is something we could all be teachers and students of. It is often good to get tradition down before we innovate and improve upon it. We’re paused in a moment of rest and looking inward, there’s no shame in looking to a a mentor or someone whose insight you trust. Honor yourself during this dark moon. Honor tradition and the legacies left to all of us. Anything mundane and normal can be a ritual, if it heals you. If it makes you whole. Practice your magick in whatever ways the world allows. The veil is thin, our humanity shines darkly tonight.

#lunar phases #the moon #tarot reading #tarot #tarot pull #lunar reading #New Moon #astrology #Capricorn #moon #oracle #divination

[lithellyl]

Blessed Samhain

Blessed be the spirits of this sacred night, dear Chylder, as we gather in reverence on this blessed holiday, Samhain Tonight, under the veil of twilight, we come together to celebrate the thinning of the veil between our world and the realm of the ancestors. As we embrace the onset of autumn, we also acknowledge the mysteries of death and the Endless one, the embodiment of Death Herself.

As the nights grow longer and the days shorter, the cycle of life mirrors that of our ancestors, and the boundaries between our realms become permeable. We are drawn together to remember and honor those who came before us, for they are never truly gone. They are simply on the other side of the veil, waiting for our prayers and offerings.

In the ancient wisdom, we find these words: "In the whispers of the fallen leaves and the hush of the autumn wind, our ancestors speak to us. They are the roots from which we grow, and we are the branches that reach for the sky."

Our ancestors are our guiding lights. They have left us a legacy of wisdom, strength, and resilience. On this sacred night, we call upon their spirits. Let us share their stories, their memories, and their teachings. In doing so, we keep their spirits alive, and they continue to illuminate our path.

Tonight, we pay our respects to the Lady Death and the many names She has come under, Hades, Thanatos, Anubis, Osiris, Hela, Yama, Izanami, Mictecacihuatl, Mot, Anshar, Ereshkigal, Xolotl, Papa Ghede, Charon, Santa Muerte, Orcus, Ankou, Crobh Dearg, Dziwożona, Erlik, Arawn, Marzanna, Itzpapalotl, Manannán mac Lir, Tuoni and many many other names the Endless, the eternal guardian of souls. She is the gentle hand that guides our departed loved ones to the next realm. She is the keeper of the keys to the mysteries of the afterlife. Death, with her compassionate embrace, reminds us that life and death are intertwined, two aspects of the same eternal cycle.

it has been told though none can say if it is true "Death, the Keeper of Keys, the Whisperer of Souls, beckons us to understand that death is not an end but a new beginning. As the leaves fall from the trees, so too do our loved ones journey into her care. It is She who trumps and defines all of existence"

In the light of the moon, as the veil grows thinner, let us commune with our ancestors. Light a candle in their honor, place an offering before them, and speak their names. Share with them your gratitude, your love, and your memories. In this act, we bridge the gap between worlds, reminding our ancestors that they are cherished.

The ancient wisdom teaches us: "In the whispers of our ancestors' names, we breathe life into their spirits. We invite them to walk beside us, to guide us in times of need, and to bless us with their eternal love."

This holiday is not only a time for somber reflection but also a celebration of the abundance of the harvest season. As the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth. We give thanks for the bounties of the earth and the blessings of our community.

As the night deepens, and the veil continues to thin, let us carry the spirit of this holiday with us. Let us remember our ancestors' teachings, the wisdom they have passed down, and the love that transcends death. Embrace the cycle of life, for it is an eternal dance that unites us all.

In the ancient wisdom it is said "Life and death are threads in the same cosmic tapestry. Our ancestors remind us that in the grand design, we are never truly separated, but eternally connected."

May The Lady of the Final Breath , watch over our departed loved ones, may She guide them with the sound of Her wings and may our connection with the spirits remain strong. As we go forth from this sacred gathering, let us be guided by the knowledge that life, death, and the sacred veil connect us all in a never-ending circle of existence.

This final wisdom I share with you, “Blessed be to all of you, and blessed be to the spirits who walk with us this night. As the veil thins and the seasons turn, we are reminded that in the dance of existence, we are bound together in love, memory, and eternal grace."

Blessed be.

I have included in this post a Samhain ritual I wrote, if anyone wants to use this ritual by all means feel free, and let me know in the comments if you did

(it's a coven ritual but can easily be redone for solitary work)

Ritual Title: "Circle of Veil Embrace: Communion with the Ancestors and Farewell to the Departed on Samhain

Introduction: Gathered under the cloak of the autumn moon, the Faeborn Gallae community comes together to perform a sacred ritual, celebrating Samhain, the thinning of the veil, the reverence of the ancestors, and the bidding farewell to those who have passed in the last year. As we gather in unity, we shall begin by casting a sacred circle around a bonfire, and invoking the guardians of the four elements to create a protected space for our mystical journey.

Ritual Setup:

Create an altar or sacred space adorned with autumn leaves, candles, and offerings, such as fruits, nuts, and grains.

Each participant should bring a photograph or memento of their departed loved ones from the past year to place on the altar.

Begin the ritual at twilight, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.

Casting the Circle: "In the name of the sacred energies of the earth, air, fire, and water, we cast this circle to create a space between the worlds. As we step within, may we be protected and blessed in our communion with the ancestors and our farewells to the departed."

Proceed to walk clockwise around the circle, symbolizing the creation of sacred space. Once the circle is cast, return to the center.

Calling the Guardians of the Four Elements: High Priestess (facing North): "I call upon the Guardian of the North, element of Earth, to watch over and bless this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"

Participants respond, "Hail and welcome!"

High Priestess (facing East): "I call upon the Guardian of the East, element of Air, to watch over and bless this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"

Participants respond, "Hail and welcome!"

High Priestess (facing South): "I call upon the Guardian of the South, element of Fire, to watch over and bless this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"

Participants respond, "Hail and welcome!"

High Priestess (facing West): "I call upon the Guardian of the West, element of Water, to watch over and bless this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"

Participants respond, "Hail and welcome!"

The sacred circle is now cast, and the guardians of the elements stand watch.

Building the Farewell Altar:

As each participant places a photograph or memento of their departed loved ones from the past year on the Farewell Altar, the High Priestess offers the words of remembrance and blessing.

The Farewell Altar is now prepared alongside the main ancestral altar.

with the protection of the sacred circle and the presence of the elemental guardians, guiding the participants in their journey to embrace the veil, honor the ancestors, and bid farewell to those who have passed.

Opening: The High Priestess, standing before the congregation, begins the ritual with these words:

High Priestess: "Blessed be, dear Chylder, as we gather under the waning light of the autumn moon. Tonight, we embark on a sacred journey to embrace the veil and honor our ancestors. Let us be guided by the wisdom of those who came before us and the eternal presence of Lady Death, The Whispering Comforter The Gentle Guide, The Inevitable Release, She Who Turns Out the Lights and Locks the Doors."

Invocation of Death: Light a black candle and speak these words:

High Priestess: "Mistress Death, Keeper of Keys, Whisperer of Souls, Goddess of the Veil, in your loving grace, we find our goals. Guide us through the threshold to the ancestral realm, Lead us to our loved ones, under your protective helm.In your embrace, our final journey sings, welcome us when it is our time to be borne upon the sound of Your wings."

Ancestral Invocation: Light a white candle and speak these words:

High Priestess: "Ancestors dear, whose blood runs in our veins, Whose memories linger, in our hearts, the love remains. We call upon your spirits, beyond the mortal scope, To join us in communion, to share our earthly hope."

As each participant places their photographs or mementos on the altar, they may speak the names of their ancestors and share stories or memories.

Ritual of Communion: High Priestess: "As we gather here, under the veil's embrace, May the ancestors' presence fill this sacred space. We invite you to join us on this hallowed night, To guide us, to bless us, in the soft, silvery light."

Each participant takes a moment to sit in meditation, focusing on the photographs and memories of their loved ones. Visualize a door opening to the ancestral realm, where the spirits of your ancestors stand waiting.

Offerings and Blessings: High Priestess: "Tonight, we offer gifts, as tokens of our love, Fruits and grains, from the earth and above. As we share this bounty, our gratitude and thanks, May the spirits accept these offerings from our ranks."

Participants may place fruits, nuts, or grains on the altar as offerings to the ancestors.

Dismissal and Closing: After all have shared their memories and farewells, the High Priestess concludes the ritual:

High Priestess: "We give thanks to the guardians of the elements and the sacred space we've created. May you depart in peace, knowing that your presence was welcomed and appreciated. Hail and farewell, guardians of the earth, air, fire, and water!"

Participants respond, "Hail and farewell, guardians of the elements!"

High Priestess: "We now close the sacred circle. As we do, we release the energy and protection that has encompassed us during this rite."

Proceed to walk counterclockwise around the circle, symbolizing the releasing of the sacred space.

High Priestess: "Thank you, Mistress Death, and our honored ancestors, for your presence and blessings. May you continue to watch over us. The circle is open but unbroken. Until we meet again, blessed be."

Participants respond, "Blessed be."

The participants disperse, carrying the essence of the ritual, their connections with the ancestors, and the solace of having bid farewell to their departed loved ones. The sacred space is released, returning to its natural state as the autumn twilight deepens.

[dfroza]

it’s the Harvest (Full Circle) moon

rising full in the night sky tonight and reaching the full moon state in the early hours of Saturday morning

September 10 of 2022

the 82nd day of Astronomical Summer (simultaneously the 10th day of meteorological Autumn)

[U.S. Department of the Interior]

Calling all stargazers ⭐️🌕

The Harvest Moon will first appear this evening and will reach its peak illumination very early tomorrow morning. This full and bright moon occurs closest to the start of autumn. America’s public lands are excellent places for watching cosmic wonders like this!

Photo by NPS

9.9.22 • Facebook

we don’t worship the moon (or the stars) or nature on earth since we look to our Creator who made these things

and we don’t worship people but we do show honor and respect for authority that bears integrity

even though all people are flawed, yet to strive towards honesty and Justice is something people in positions of power should heed.

@RoyalCentral

The King & Queen are nearing the end of their first full day as monarch & consort.

For Charles III, the private period of grieving is over.

Tomorrow, there will be pomp & ceremony like we haven't seen for 70 years as a new King is proclaimed.

Join us from 9am for coverage.

9.9.22 • 5:39pm • Twitter

[opaljm]

turbulent – kth

➻ female reader x taehyung

➻ greek gods/olympians au  +  hades!taehyung + persephone!reader + enemies to lovers + marriage au

➻ genres: angst, romance, future smut

➻ length & status: 2k words; incomplete

➻ rating & warnings: 16+; nipples are mentioned but otherwise, not really anything

➻ summary: You wandered away from home only to find yourself in Taehyung’s grasp and being quickly transported to his underworld kingdom where he had you live as his queen. Your mother does not respond well to Taehyung’s abduction of her daughter and decides to raze Gaia to the ground until he finally agrees to let you spend time with her for half the year.  A self-indulgent hades!taehyung drabble series.

➻ disclaimer: Not historically accurate or mythologically accurate. Mild anachronisms (avoid this fic if that annoys you). Unedited. Thank you for the cover @jamaisjoons​ ♡

⋆ my masterlist ⋆ 02 ⋆

Your mother had been reprimanding you as usual, gone into one of her spells of insanity where she thought you would never catch a man. She berated you for your laziness and general unkemptness, derailing you for long tangled unbound locks and the grass stains on your gown. You had slipped your toes under the flowing edge of your frock to conceal your bare feet, the bottom of which were covered by a light dusting of dirt.

She had caught you out in the pastures in the back of your large farm style manor, frolicking in the field of newly grown grain, your hair a flowing curtain in the wind and your lightweight muslin gown clinging to the crevices and curves of your form. She dragged you back home while you had loudly protested all the while, failing to understand why your mother, the goddess of harvest was suddenly acting so uptight all the time, pulling you away from the wide open fields that spanned your mother’s vast properties to the indoors where she stacked books on your head and taught you her many recipes training you to be the proper wife.

You had stood still while your mother took a hot iron rod to your hair and tied it up with an emerald green ribbon, leaving a few curls to frame your face, you sighed. Perhaps you were not being entirely truthful with yourself. After all, Mother had only been falling into her spells after your father, Zeus, the god of the skies and the king of Olympus, had deemed the two of you with a visit. You had gotten the feeling that your father, the most important deity, had not been very impressed with you. Your mother had let you grow up wild, racing along the long stretches of open land and frolicking in nature like a free-spirited nymph, not taking care to learn about the societal expectations of women, especially those like your father’s other daughters. You had gotten the sense that you had disappointed him.

When he had left, your mother who always became a little sad after he left, a reminder that he had picked their sister Hera over her, grew into a tyrant, dictating your every action. Your mother, though an Olympian herself, would despair that your father would never pick you to live alongside him in Olympus, giving you the distinction that he gave his other children, a seat of honor besides him, a place in the pantheon with the most important deities of the time.

But now the night had fallen, your mother had gone to bed long before, claiming a headache with an underlying harsh edge to her words that suggested that you were the cause of it. Deciding to take your chance at freedom, you had unbound the thick restraining fabric your mother had claimed you had to wear to constrain your upper half and slipped off your thick soled shoes and stockings. You ran through your home on your toes, with your skirts held up to your knees, your feet knowing which steps to take after years of practice, allowing you to leave your manor with ease. Your mother was none the wiser, sleeping fitfully in her room.

The moon was out tonight, a full gleaming one that lit your complexion with a luminous blue-tinged light as you skipped to the very outskirts of the fields, where they met the thick cluster of trees that lined the edge of the forest. You loved the forest, often sneaking away to go to bath in a hidden pond in the midst of it during the days where it was particularly warm. You had never gone into the forest in the night but for some reason it was drawing you in. It carried an aura of magic and mischief and inexplicable sensuality that had you easily tripping over loose pebbles and exposed roots as you scampered into the woods. As you went deeper within the trees, you stepped over a fallen branch. It snapped loudly, causing the birds to go shooting into the skies at the disturbance. You thought you could hear a horse rearing up and braying further in the depths of the forest. You stumbled closer to the sound, fighting your way through a thicket of heavy bushes and brambles, the thorns catching at the delicate thin fabric of your gown. When you finally made it to the clearing, everything seemed calm. You would have thought that you had imagined it all if you had not seen the long dark stallion that was quietly nosing at the dirt besides a male who was reclining peacefully atop of a tree stump. His face was tilted towards the moon as he sat lightly humming as though he had all the time in the world.

His face looked as though it had been sculpted by the gods, perfect smooth skin that looked as though it had been made of the highest quality marble in the lands thanks to the moonlight shining on his face. His lips were a pouty rosy pink, and his nose had a smooth slope that was unmarred by any bumps. His eyes which had been closed with its long dark lashes brushing the tops of his cheeks opened suddenly and the powerful weight of his dark poignant eyes pierced into your very soul as he fixed his glance on you, looking at you from head to toe.

You stood still at his heavy examination, blushing hotly as he tracked his eyes over your form. You thought that his eyes had stopped at your chest where your breasts were no long bound, and your pointed dark budding nipples were surely visible from under the light-colored fabric in the moonlight. His eyes finally moved away from your chest as he started his perusal of your face. You stared at him while he glanced at you. There was something deeply attractive about his tousled dark locks and the faint shadow of facial hair that lined his hollowed-out cheeks and chiseled jaw. His clothes were all shades of black and gray. His pants were a fitted dark leather than clung to his legs like a second skin and he wore a billowing dark gray silk shirt underneath his heavy cloak which seemed to be lined with black feathers, covering his form almost like a pair of oversized wings.

"Hello beautiful,” he rasped. His voice was low and sensual making your body go taut as a pool of something dark, heavy, and inexplicable settled around your middle.

Your fingers curled up against your sides, bunching up the fabric that made the skirts of your dress. You were fighting with an emotion that was foreign to you, one that you did not even understand fully. But you knew one thing for certain, you were enthralled by this man, unwillingly captivated by his form as he stood before you in the luminous glow of light from the moon and stars.

“Who are you?” you breathed.

He smirked, “I am known by many names, as are you my dear Persephone,” you scowled at the reminder. You preferred to be called Y/N above all else. “But you can call me Taehyung.”

As Taehyung spoke in his silken mesmerizing voice, his horse chortled near the two of you, breaking the spell the two of you had been in. Swiftly, Taehyung took the reins of the stallion, and straddled him, now looking at you from his seat up high. As you stared him down, he murmured, “Would you like to join me for a ride, Y/N?”

…

There was a warmth in the air that disrupted your slumber, waking you up instantly. You blinked your eyes rapidly until your vision adjusted to the darkness that was caused by both your drawn curtains and the blackness that seemed to entomb the entirety of the underworld. You reluctantly moved away from comfort of the thick bundle of blankets that covered the surface of your bed to slowly set your bare feet on the sleek obsidian tiles that made the surfaces of Taehyung’s cavernous underground palace. The glass floor was cool, a welcome respite from the slightly warm air that enveloped you in its midst. Making your way to the black iron door that closed off your living quarters from the rest of the palace, you quickly snuck out of your room to go out in search of one of the massive open balconies that lined the palace walls on multiple levels. You might have been in the underworld, but you were still on Gaia, which meant that even if Taehyung had willed it, he could not escape from the many things that affected the earth. The ever-changing seasons' effects permeated the earth even deep within the underworld.

Light on your toes, you slinked towards Taehyung’s enormous throne room, where your husband often sat in his massive throne made almost entirely of bones that had been encased by hardened lava. The first time you had seen the monstrosity that was your husband’s royal seat he had grinned and said he would make you a matching one soon. And sure enough, the throne that was next to Taehyung’s was a “daintier” version of his made with smaller more delicate bones over which gold had been poured, gold that had long since hardened.

To your dismay, his giant three-headed hellhound had been sleeping near the door to the throne room and growled when he saw you. A loud, reverberating bark came out of Yeontan’s mouth which awakened the other two heads, Tata and Soonshim, who both quickly joined him. Your ears rang as you glared at the insolent three-headed Cerberus. Of the three heads, Yeontan was the one you hated the most, always staring you down with his angry eyebrows making thick livid slashes across his forehead.

Like clockwork, your husband suddenly appeared, “Yah Tannie, stop barking I was trying to sleep. You are such a bad influence on Tata and Soonshimie.”

He fawned over the overgrown puppy, scratching all three heads under their chins and behind their ears before he finally turned to you.

You sucked in your breath at his disheveled appearance. Taehyung no longer looked like the man you had met many months ago, his hair was long now, perhaps even longer than yours, flowing down the back of his robes to stop near his hips. You had the feeling that your husband might have been bare as the day he had been born underneath the wrapper of his black robes. From what his improperly wrapped dark colored robes revealed, you could see the hard planes of his chest, a golden stretch of smooth skin over hard muscles and peeks of his dusky round flat nipples as your husband folded his arms over his chest.

“I suppose you can sense the changing of the season,” Taehyung mused, looking at you with his hardened eyes. His eyes changed color from the lightest blinding silver to a dark inky black depending on his mood. Currently his eyes were so dark that you could not even make out the distinct separation between his irises and pupils.

“You are after all the new Primaveral goddess. Take care not to appear too excited, however Bride,” he intoned, “You’ll find that I am not the most understanding of husbands.”

After ducking down to scratch the Cerberus’ tummy, he walked away, likely in the direction of his own private chambers. You were no longer excited to find a balcony and breath in the air from the outside, to reminisce that even thousands of miles away underground that you could still sense the first breath of Spring and know that now for the first time since Taehyung had stolen you away to the Underworld, you would finally be able to go up to the surface and reunite with your mother.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial - No Derivatives 4.0 International License

©OPALJM 2020

#vantaenet #kwritersworldnet #bangtanhq #thekimlinenet #magicshopnet #bangtanshadowfamily #btsghostie #kim taehyung scenario #kim taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung angst #kim taehyung smut #hades taehyung #persephone reader #bts greek gods #bts hades au #taehyung smut #taehyung fic #bts smut #bts scenarios #bts fanfic #kpop smut #kpop greek gods au #turbulent #bts greek gods au #property of opaljm

[away-from-anthills]

chapter nine-

Of all the Clans, RiverClan perhaps had the most detailed- and, in some places, slightly odd- burial ceremony.

In WindClan, at least, burials were a sordid- but simple- affair. The Clan would set the body in the center of camp, where the deceased’s clanmates could look at it and touch it- and therefore realize that their friend wasn’t there. That was a curious thing about death. Only when you really got a good look at the body; felt how stiff it was, how the muscle and fat hanged in a way they never would in life, you realized they were gone. It was hard to comprehend otherwise. Object permanence was a strange thing, that way.

Then, a spot was found, and they were buried. It wasn’t a matter of -final resting place- (StarClan existed for that) so much as it was to dispose of them, in a way where they couldn’t be accidentally dug back up again and cause horror. Peaceful places were nice, but not necessary, and often only reserved for those who had lived hard, lonely lives. And then it was gone, done with. Grieving in WindClan was a solitary, quiet thing that cats only did openly among their closest friends. After all, StarClan was there- they were not gone so much as they were simply someplace else. There were exceptions- the sudden death of Rainleap came to mind- but generally, death in WindClan was something to be reserved and polite about.

RiverClan, however, was a different story.

WindClan had a front row seat to the burials that RiverClan did, as RiverClan had let the Clan come and stay at Sunningrocks for the rest of the day. It was sunset, now, the sky already darkening into a smooth velvety magenta as the sun bled ginger. Some were hunting. Some were chatting. Some were playing among the stones. For all the chaos and bloodshed that had existed earlier- all the hard decisions, all the thrashing, all the loss- there was sudden peace.

Antstar watched as two elders- an ginger tabby with thin, tightly-packed stripes and a pale, scarred molly with silver points- picked up Redfeather’s body and loaded her onto a large piece of driftwood they had harvested from a decaying log. Two more elders loaded Trufflepelt onto the same piece of wood. The two bodies were only beginning to stiff up, so there was little problem with them settling.

“Would you like your fallen Clanmate to be included in the ceremony?” asked Tulipstar, walking up to Antstar gently. “I understand if you would rather bury her at home.”

“No, I think it’ll do good by Sandwhisker. She always wanted to go out with a bang.”

Tulipstar nodded and motioned to the last pair of elders, who had not assisted with Redfeather and Trufflepelt, to retrieve Sandwhisker’s body from Whitetooth, who had been carefully watching over it.

Redfeather and Trufflepelt’s nests were dragged to Sunningrocks. Antstar had always marveled at what he heard about RiverClan’s nests, and these did not disappoint- they were adorned, top to bottom, with shiny things and trinkets the two cats had picked up in life. WindClan had never been ones for material belongings, but Antstar could understand RiverClan’s fascination with them.

The beds were dissected. Tufts of fur were kept and distributed to family and friends- perhaps for them to keep in their own collections of knickknacks. An apple flower and a preserved squirrel tail were the centerpieces of Redfeather’s nest, and they were taken out and placed on the driftwood to either side of her head. Trufflepelt, meanwhile, had an extensive collection of shiny stones, each matching the coat color of the apprentices he had. Those were laid around his belly in a circle. More and more items- shells, flower petals, animal bones, pieces of things Twolegs left behind- were added to the driftwood, until it was nearly at the point of sinking.

“Does Sandwhisker have anything she would like to have been taken to StarClan with?”

Antstar shook his head.

“Here, then.” Several of the senior warriors ran off. Within a few minutes, all of them- including Tulipstar- had taken an item from their own nests, and placed it next to the WindClan body so she would not look plain compared to the two bodies besides her.

Eventually, when the driftwood was in danger of sinking from all the weight, the decorating stopped, and Tulipstar climbed the tallest rock in Sunningrocks.

“Let all cats old enough to swim gather beneath me for the Crossing.”

This was another thing- RiverClan called their burial ceremonies Crossings. In their minds, it was because they were not burying the Clanmate so much as they were letting them cross over. The river, to them, eventually led not to an ocean or another river but to StarClan, where the bodies would wake up with all their belongings and join the heavenly ranks.

When RiverClan and WindClan were gathered, Tulipstar began.

“I say these words before StarClan, so the spirits will know and approve of the spirits that will join them tonight. Trufflepelt, Redfeather, and Sandwhisker have fulfilled their lives as warriors. They lived well and followed the guidance of the world around them, and now, we shall follow their guidance.”

There was a pause, and then:

“Trufflepelt was everything I wanted in a deputy. Punctual, peaceful, ever-understanding; he was the very first cat I ever bestowed a warrior name upon, and I could not be happier with knowing that. He was an incredibly patient mentor to all that trained under him. I remember how he would always make it important that he attended one patrol a day, because he felt a good deputy always partakes in the work, and he did not want to make Clanmates do what he could not. He will be sorely missed in RiverClan. I always thought that, if he became a leader, I would feel honored to be his predecessor.”

Another pause, and then she continued.

“And Redfeather… oh, what couldn’t I say about Redfeather? One of my closest companions and one of my dearest friends. She and I were in the nursery together. She was not my mentor, but she was a teacher to me- and one that was always ready to learn in return. She was also a dedicated mother- and when one of her sons died in tragedy, she did not let that stop her from continuing to be there for her other son.”

Antstar looked over at Squirrelface, who was the dead molly’s spitting image. He looked more alone than ever- none of his family was alive, now.

“I had a…. very fond regard for Redfeather,” said Tulipstar, who’s voice was beginning to fizzle with grief. “I bid her and Trufflepelt well in their next lives.”

Another moment of reflection. Tulipstar met Antstar’s gaze.

“Now, would the leader of WindClan like to speak some words about his fallen Clanmate?”

Antstar scaled the tallest stone as Tulipstar leapt to the side, careful not to lose his balance as two entire Clans looked on. The sunset was behind him, which gave his fur a tinged orange glow.

He couldn’t mess this up.

“Sandwhisker was an established warrior many moons before I was brought to WindClan,” he started shakily. But soon, he encountered a rhythm. “She was one of the most dedicated cats I’ve known. Even in great blizzards, or floods, or humid summer heat, she would insist on doing her job. She had a wicked, wonderful sense of humor that could brighten even the most stoic face on a tough day.”

WindClan looked up with approval- it hit Antstar like a warm sun beam. He kept going. “She was an excellent mentor, in addition. While I did not have her, several of our great warriors- Birchshine, Emberheart, our deputy Russetfoot, and the late Sootshade and Horsepaw- both of whom shall greet her in StarClan.” He saw Toadpool smile fondly when he mentioned Sootshade – she had been his mother, although he had never truly gotten the chance to meet her.

“It is hard for us to say goodbye to a cat who has been with us for so long. But Sandwhisker always said she wanted to die in battle, fighting for something important. At least we can rest with the knowledge that her final wish was granted.”

He leapt down, and felt Russetfoot and Emberheart lean on him. There was a warm reminiscing in the air- he had done, at last, a good job of speaking.

Tulipstar returned to her spot. “Before the Crossing can start, we must end the unfinished business of our fallen Clanmates. Trufflepelt has left behind an apprentice in his stead, as well as a deputy position. Spottedpaw, come forth.”

A small, golden tabby, with rosettes spangling his flank, solemnly walked before her. Antstar had heard about Spottedpaw- it was rumored he and Sharppaw, another RiverClan apprentice, had come from the same place the medicine cat of ShadowClan had- a strange place with many rosetted tabbies just like him, and cages, and comings and goings.

“I call upon Trufflepelt’s spirit, so he may hear of and approve my choice. Spottedpaw’s next mentor will be Bluespring.”

A smooth blue-gray tom with velvety fur came forward and touched noses with Spottedpaw. The two walked off together, whispering in each other’s ears.

“I have thought hard about who I want to be RiverClan’s next deputy- someone who will carry on the same hardworking spirit Trufflepelt had. I say these words before StarClan, so our ancestors may know of and approve my choice…”

There was a moment of anticipation, and then:

“The new deputy of RiverClan is Smokebark.”

The brown tabby tom with ragged ears made his way next to Tulipstar. He was not a large cat- he was weary and unusually thin for a RiverClanner- but next to his tiny leader, he looked massive. There was a moment of doubt and uneasiness in his amber-yellow eyes, but it softened to a warmer sense of duty as his Clanmates cheered his name.

“Now that all matters have been dealt with, the Crossing may begin.”

The six elders gathered and gently pushed the driftwood off of the shore of Sunningrocks, walking with it deeper and deeper into the river. When they could barely keep their heads above water while still touching the ground, they let go and returned. The driftwood and everything in it- the three bodies, the apple flower, the preserved squirrel tail, the stones, the knickknacks, the leaves and shells and pebbles and feathers and little animal skulls and tufts of fur from their Clanmates and all else they had been given- floated away, carried on by the river. Cats tearily waved goodbye and safe travels as the driftwood shakily continued on. As it traveled on, it became smaller and smaller, until Antstar could only see a vague shadow of it- then it turned a corner and was gone.

“They are on their way to StarClan, now,” Tulipstar reassured. “I declare this Crossing ceremony to be over.”

As the evening hazily faded into night, Antstar watched his clan and RiverClan together.

He was relieved that despite Sandwhisker’s death, the Clan seemed to still like RiverClan. Oatwhisker and Sparrowpetal playfully splashed each other in the shallow end of the water. Audrey, Crowflower, and Silverbelly were sharing tongues with three RiverClan elders, who Antstar had learned were named Halfwhisker, Gingerstripe, and Swanshadow. Russetfoot and Smokebark chatted about deputyship.

Even the kits were getting along. “Be careful with them, they’re younger than you,” urged Cherrycloud as Amberkit and Brindlekit play-fought Magpiekit and Frondkit. Patchkit was buried into her mother’s fur, overwhelmed by the sight of so many cats.

Antstar heard arguing, and turned in a moment of worry- had someone started an argument between the clans? He felt relieved seeing it was just Coalclaw and Spiderfoot.

…Strange, however. The two were usually very close.

“I tell you,” started Spiderfoot, raising her paw with an air of attempted omnipotence, “you have no reason to feel bad about Stoneclaw. He attacked our leader. It was self-defense.”

Coalclaw was unusually quiet and stared straight into the river, eyes wide but bleak. He hadn’t changed expressions since Stoneclaw had died. “I didn’t mean to kill him.”

“Well, he clearly meant to kill Antstar.” Spiderfoot looked as enthusiastic as ever. She had obtained a massive gash during the battle that slid from one shoulder to the other like a feather boa. “You did right by your Clan.”

“…I don’t think-“

“Oh, come on, you wuss! It’s war. Cats die. That’s how it is.” She turned in annoyance and left her brother to continue staring into the waters. She sat down by Antstar.

“You shouldn’t be so mean about it,” reprimanded Antstar gently.

“I’m just annoyed he’s valuing some SkyClanner’s life more than your own.”

“Just take it easy.”

He heard whispering. Turning his head, he heard Stoatslink talking with Longsnout and Willownose- two of the cats who had found Sparkthistle’s body.

“Did you notice anything strange about the body?” asked Stoatslink steadily. His eyes were narrowed; his ears drawn back. He looked deathly serious.

“… No? It looked quite normal,” said Willownose, clearly wracking her brain for answers.

“… There was one thing.” Longsnout leaned in. He was a gaunt black tom with a white bib and two white dots where the whiskers on his brow ridge protruded from his face. He looked quite old, like he could retire any day now.

“What was it?”

“I thought nothing of it when we pulled her out- I assumed it was battle wounds, because I heard she was known for getting into scrapes. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more it’s confused me. …She had the faintest bite mark on the back of her neck, like… like someone had dragged her.”

Stoatslink’s yellow eyes grew wide.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s nothing. But that’s what I saw.”

Antstar felt sick. He had to stop Stoatslink from finding the truth out somehow- but he wasn’t sure how he would manage to do that. For if Stoatslink was anything, he was stubborn…

He got up and left, motioning to Spiderfoot that he’d be back later. He scanned the area for Whitetooth, and found them lounging on a long, smooth stone with Marblepaw and Pebblesky.

Antstar had found himself finding more and more security in Whitetooth. Perhaps it was because he felt he could be honest around the van-patterned medicine cat. Perhaps it was their mannerisms: the round eyes, the blank expressions, the antiquated speaking style, the warm, comforting deep voice that sounded a touch like an operatic bass crooning soft reassurance.

Perhaps it was because Antstar knew that if one of them went down, so did the other.

He lay down and curled his paws beneath him, slightly leaning his side into Whitetooth’s pale fur.

“Oh- hello, Antstar,” greeted Pebblesky. Pebblesky had been in RiverClan so long that she was practically indistinguishable from them. Sure, she had many ThunderClan features- the square jaw shape, the thick, coarse fur that developed a mane around the neck and bunched at the claws, the stocky legs that supported all of her muscle. But her fur had grown silkier and less prone to matting as RiverClan cats groomed it, and her ThunderClan muscles had given way to RiverClan plumpness. She was a pleasant blue-gray color, like a lavender field in a faint fog at dawn, with a white underbelly that went up to the bridge of her nose. Her amber eyes looked like coins.

“Hello, Pebblesky. I’m… sorry about what happened to you today.”

“Oh, it’s alright. I’ve gotten used to it.” She flicked her ears as she looked at the edge of Sunningrocks, towards ThunderClan’s camp.

“You should not get used to it. Your children have no right to treat a medicine cat with such evils,” said Whitetooth. “You have an important employment, and family matters have no place in such employments.”

“I can’t say I don’t understand them. They’re right- I did leave them for RiverClan. It was a personal matter, and they were adults when I left, but… I’ll always regret I’m not there for them.”

“Why did you move to RiverClan?” asked Antstar. “Your birth Clan-“

“I never really got along with them,” she admitted. “I just never fit in. I hate the thought of battle- always have. But in ThunderClan- well, battling’s nearly all they do.”

“Well, couldn’t you be a queen?”

“I was. But in ThunderClan, every cat fights. Even the queens and medicine cats go to battle.”

Antstar had never really thought of it that way. It was hard to envision such differences- but that was how ThunderClan always was, he assumed.

“So what made you RiverClan’s medicine cat?”

“Well, it was when I had my last litter, which was just Emberblaze.” She stared wistfully off into space, like she was there in the ThunderClan nursery all over again. “I had really gotten very tired of all the battles ThunderClan was fighting in. We were in a big war with ShadowClan, and many cats I was close with- my brother, a fellow nursery queen, and the cat I had Cloudclaw and Daffodilfur with- nice tom, if a bit daft- had all perished in the most recent battles. I remember being in this big haze, and I wasn’t even sure if I could raise Emberkit properly. But then- the previous medicine cat, Cloudpuddle, told me that Emberkit was interested in becoming a medicine cat apprentice.”

“How is Cloudpuddle, by the way?” asked Whitetooth. “Last I heard she had retired as an elder.”

“Oh, she’s still kicking, Emberblaze tells me. She and I were very close friends beforehand; I named Cloudclaw after her. Anyway, through my daughter’s apprenticeship I saw a whole other side of what it means to be in a Clan. Sorting herbs, speaking with StarClan… it just felt right, you know? It was this whole other life I had never even considered- or, if I had, I tried not to think about it because I thought I just wouldn’t be good at it.”

Pebblesky stopped to clear her throat as she looked at the sky. The evening was cooling into night, and the first stars were showing their faces upon the earth.

“So I told Cloudpuddle about it- how badly I wished I were a medicine cat- and she told me… there was nothing stopping me from becoming one. There was no rule I couldn’t. We arranged things- after all, Emberpaw was becoming a less reliant apprentice- and then, I was training right along my daughter. A while after that, once she had gotten her full name and I was self-reliant at it, the RiverClan medicine cat died. He was very old, so it was expected- but the issue was that he left no apprentice behind. So Tatteredstar and Tulipstar made an arrangement, as the ThunderClan medicine den was crowded. I’d go over, train a RiverClan apprentice, and then come back.”

She grinned softly- not in an eager way, but in more of a knowing way, like a mother about to read the last page of a picture book to her child.

“I never did. I loved RiverClan too much to consider leaving. They didn't fight nearly as much. Tatteredstar understood. I still haven’t found an apprentice, anyway…”

“But what about Cloudclaw and Daffodilfur? What did they think?”

“They always felt betrayed. I think they always will- RiverClan and ThunderClan have never got along, after all. I regret that I can’t go back and do things differently. But I know they’re in safe hands, in ThunderClan- Cloudclaw just became a father to two little mollies, and Daffodilfur, I hear, has been courting her own special someone. They have their own support systems. And nothing I do can go back and fix what is.”

She looked to the sky, clicking her tongue.

“Sometimes, a wrong is committed- but no apology will fix it, and the best we must do to honor that is to keep on living.”

That night, Antstar eased himself off to sleep, staring up at the stars. Tiredness soothed his brain as he thought about the ceremony from before. Perhaps, in some strange way, that river did lead to StarClan.

What was it like, up there? Was Sandwhisker happy?

Do they tell truths, in StarClan? Did they all know what he did? Or- somehow- had the cover of clouds saved him from that?

He soothed himself. If they knew, they would have told the Clan by now, right? So he had to be safe.

“Hey!”

He was jolted awake by a white tom standing over him. It was Stoatslink.

“I have something I think you’ll want to hear.”

“So you’re saying she had bite marks in her fur?” They sat on the edge just above camp, staring ahead. The night was clear enough that Antstar could see the windmills that lay just beyond the farms.

“That’s what Longsnout told me. And he has no reason to lie. Shame we can’t dig up the body to check- she’s probably half-decayed by now.”

Antstar’s gut twisted, as if it were dancing a jig of fright. “You really, truly think she was murdered?”

“Absolutely, now. Before I was on the fence; I thought it was my flight of fancy. But… a bite mark on the neck, right where a cat could drag her into the open gorge?” He shook his head. “It’s too obvious. We have to tell the Clan about this.”

No. Antstar couldn’t let that happen. He was having trouble leading WindClan as it was. He didn’t need WindClan to become a crowd of conspiracy theorists, chasing the trail that led to his doorstep. If one soul, save Marblepaw, found out-

“With all due respect, Stoatslink… I don’t think this is an important matter to focus on right now.”

He wasn’t looking at the white tom- he was staring into the earth- but he could already feel Stoatslink’s face twist with hot indignance.

“WindClan has other matters. We must prepare for no-leaf season. We have SkyClan against us, and I worry they could lead an attack against us to settle personal scores. We-“

“Are you listening to me!?!” Stoatslink’s white fur bristled. His teeth drew back to reveal his pale, thorn-like teeth. “I just told you that there’s a killer on the loose. We’re in danger! My daughters are in danger!” He pulled back, lips bared, his yellow eyes consumed with fury. “You’ve been endangering us so much recently. We had no reason to fight with RiverClan; their Sunningrocks business has nothing to do with us! Did you see Goldenpaw’s injury?”

Antstar recalled having seen one warrior lash out at the little yellow-and-white molly. He shook his head.

“Well, she has a massive scar on her side now. Whitetooth said it’s a miracle her leg wasn’t torn off! That’s my daughter I’m talking about! Antstar, I swear to StarClan above, you have to get off your ass and investigate this.” He narrowed his eyes. “Who knows who could be next?”

Some vile, crooked inkling in the back of Antstar’s mind, one he pretended didn't exist, already began to think it knew.

And then, something ruddy-colored flashed by.

Antstar looked at the stranger- a boxy red stranger, sprinting towards the bridge like his life depended upon it, like all the world crumbled behind him. It was Currantstar, again- just as he had run past the night before.

“ShadowClan? On our territory?” Stoatslink’s brow furrowed with suspicion.

A welcome distraction, Antstar thought. Stoatslink turned to him and nodded, and Antstar nodded back- and off they went, to find out what Currantstar was doing- and, to Stoatslink, to see if he had anything to do with it.

#bit of a cooldown chapter after. gestures @ chapter 8 #warrior cats #warrior cats ocs #story

[i-miss-you2512]

June 24th 2021, tonight is the Full Moon, also the Strawberry Full Moon.

Every full moon has its own name based on the month or the season in which it appears. Creating a name for each full Moon allowed for people to reflect on each season and to contemplate how it affects us AND the natural world around us.

Named for the wild, ripe, strawberry harvest that occurs during this time of the year.  It’s said that picking strawberries beneath the light of the moon honors the crops and ensures a bountiful yield next season.  Strawberries are considered a food of love, representative of the goddess Freya, and they symbolize love and luck.

June’s Strawberry Moon spiritual meaning embodies the magic and fullness of life. This is the time  to make difficult decisions or to face responsibilities you’ve been avoiding. Start fresh, and dive into personal growth.  Evaluate your goals and intentions to make sure they are realistic and achievable.

Things to do this Strawberry Moon:

Sun Tea – This time of year Summer Solstice is very close and the sun’s energy is powerful. Use that power to add a kick to your intentions placed into a refreshing tea! Place 8 tea bags in a gallon jar full of water. Feel free to add additional strawberries, fruit, or herbs of your choice depending on your intention. Place where it will soak up sunlight for approximately 3-5 hours.

Use the Strawberry Moon to have some fun in the kitchen by creating cakes, pies, muffins, cupcakes, pound cakes, or maybe some chocolate covered strawberries! Eating food that is in season and local keeps you aligned with Nature and the Moon. It helps you to remember that you are not separate from Nature, but connected and deeply rooted with it.

Go berry picking at a local farm or check out the farmer’s market

Go for a back road country drive. Get out of the city, blast your favorite tunes, and bring along your best conversational loved one

Talk a walk in the park or somewhere out in Nature. Find a quiet spot where you can just be still and silent.

Sit outside beneath the moon, or someplace quiet where you will not be disturbed. Reflect on 3 things you are grateful for right now. Feel free to say the following chant or repeat it in your mind: Tonight I sit beneath this Strawberry Moon feeling grateful for (say the 3 things you chose above). I’m grateful for the Moon above and the Earth below me. As the season turns I wish strength, abundance, hope, and love for myself and those I care for. Feel the white and glowing energy of the Strawberry Moon fill you up. Spend the next 5-10 minutes meditating quietly.

#lunarwitch #moonmagic #strawberrymoon #fullmoon #witch community #witchy #nature #magic #witchcraft #yourcraft #moon phases #moon #moonwitch #crystalwitch

[thevelvetlotus]

🌾🌞Surprise! I made another candle for Lughnassadh! I just love this holiday so much, and I love everything that ties into it. I also love the feeling of Autumn sneaking right behind the corner. Here in New England you can see the leaves start to change about a week or two after Lammas which is VERY exciting!🍂I wanted this candle be in honor and dedication to not only the harvest but to the Sun that makes all life possible. It’s hard to see in this photo but that white circle is a Sun Face with a Strawflower and a piece of (ht) Citrine. Going to the local fairs growing up, I loved seeing the dried flower bouquets full of Strawflowers. The soy wax candle is gently scented with some herbs collected from my garden. A warm mixture of Marigold, Apple Leaf, Yarrow, Goldenrod and Vervain. I also put a pinch of White Sage and Rosemary to give it a delicious aroma! Dressed with warm Sunflower, Calendula petals and a spray of Cornflower petals to help accent the lovely shades of yellows and golds. This candle is a perfect addition to your Lughnasadh altar or harvest spread! I only made a few and it won’t be available again until next year. Will be listed in the shop within the hour. I hope you enjoy the Full Moon tonight! Stay enchanted my friends!🌞🌾 SHOP LINK IN BIO! #lammas #lughnasadh #firstharvest #lunasa #lùnastal #harvest #harvestcandle #candles #candle #candlesofinstagram #candlelover #candlemagick #candleshop #candlelight #candlelovers #crystalcandles #handmade #craft #yellow #witch #witchythings #witchywoman #aromatherapy #nature #naturelovers #thevelvetlotus #thevelvetlotusshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CRpj2wHhcEF/?utm_medium=tumblr

#lammas #lughnasadh #firstharvest #lunasa #lùnastal #harvest #harvestcandle #candles #candle #candlesofinstagram #candlelover #candlemagick #candleshop #candlelight #candlelovers #crystalcandles #handmade #craft #yellow #witch #witchythings #witchywoman #aromatherapy #nature #naturelovers #thevelvetlotus #thevelvetlotusshop

[owlswing]

SO I’M A TERRIBLE PERSON...

Hahaha! Guess who dropped off the face of the earth AGAIN? This guy! Well, anyways: Here is my contribution to the 2020 ROTBTD gift exchange! I swore I wouldn’t get on tumblr again until it was finished, but then life went insane.

@siodymph I am so sorry that it’s taken so long, and that this is so short, but I really hope you like it! Your very, VERY late Secret Santa!

Seashells

Rapunzel bit her bottom lip, squinting at her latest painting. It wasn't that she hated it or anything, but it just seemed off. No matter how hard she tried there was just that little nagging thought in the back of her mind slowly driving her insane the longer she looked at it.

"What do you think?" She asked without looking at the others who were standing there with her, staring at the painting with tilted heads.

"Rapunzel... It's white." Jack said.

"But it's not the Right white!" Rapunzel threw her arms up in the air, turning away from the painting so she could pace across her room. "I promised Eugene's dad that I would make the perfect flag for the Moon Kingdom in honor of their reconstruction and the treaty with Corona, but it won't be perfect if I can't even use the right colors!"

"What's the difference? It's white!" Merida questioned, looking between Rapunzel and the painted canvas.

"No! This is cotton white! I need pearl white! The flowers just don't look right without it!" Rapunzel huffed, looking through all of her paints and art supplies to see if by some miracle she still had some hidden somewhere. "Moon Flowers are the designated symbol of the Moon Kingdom, and if this flag is going to fly above their castle for the next few centuries, the least I can do is make it the right shade of white! But of course I don't have anymore and I've already been to three different shops in the city; No one has it!"

"Well, you know how to make all your paints, don't you? Why don't we just get the ingredients and you can make it yourself." Hiccup suggested, and Rapunzel sighed.

"It's not that simple! This paint is made from special seashells found on a specific beach three days away from here. Gothel only ever got them for me once! Okay, well, twice! But the second time is when I asked her to go get them so I could leave the tower and I never actually got the shells so I never got to make the paint! Not to mention to boil it down and make the paint would take at least a full day . Already that's a whole week and we have to leave for the Moon Kingdom in five days!" Rapunzel stressed, part of her brain told her that if she kept biting her lip like that she was going to split it.

"That's an easy fix! With Toothless it should only take a day to get there. We'll spend the night and be back with plenty of time for you to make the paints." Hiccup said, looked over at Toothless who looked up from where he was napping at the foot of Rapunzel's bed upon hearing his name.

"Sweet! Flying Trip!" Jack pumped his fist into the air.

"It has been a while since we went adventuring." Merida grinned.

"I don't know," Rapunzel hesitated. "Normally when we try to do something like this, something happens and then we end up in some kind of trouble. Remember last time? When Hiccup had a cold?"

"It was not my fault!" Merida snapped to attention, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Never again." Jack muttered, shivering.

"I don't remember much from that one, but even if it does take a little longer than it's supposed to, Toothless and I can fly you to the Moon Kingdom to make up for time. Just tell your dad it's super important, I'm sure he'll understand." Hiccup shrugged.

"Or, don't tell him anything and if he comes looking, we stall for as long as we need." Jack offered, leaning against his staff with a playful smirk.

They all looked at each other for a few minutes, considering their options...

~*~*~

"WHOOHOO!" Rapunzel shouted, her hands up in the air as Toothless and Hiccup angled along an air-current, gliding across the sky in a smooth swoop.

Jack popped up next to them, floating along on his staff with his arms behind his head as her reclined backwards. Merida rode on the back of Toothless's saddle, reading the map as best she could while it flapped in the wind.

"We're almost there now!" Merida announced, glancing down below at landmarks and pathways. "There's a town just a few miles from the beach coming up. If we're lucky, they might already have the paint made there."

"We should take a rest. Toothless isn't used to carrying so many people, and it's usually better to go in on foot then to land a dragon in the middle of town." Hiccup reminded them with a wry smile, peering over the Night Fury's shoulder to look for a good landing place.

"Oh, so we're not going to strike fear into the hearts of innocent villagers today. Good to know." Jack chuckled, flipping around and grabbing his staff in one hand to look down at the earth.

"We've never tried to scare people, Jack!" Rapunzel argued.

"Speak for yourself!" He quipped and Hiccup snorted, trying to hold in a laugh. Toothless didn't bother hiding his dragon-chuckle.

"Anyways," Merida cut in, sticking her tongue out at Jack, who was rolling his eyes at her. "There's a forest down there. Plenty of space for Toothless while we go into town!"

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go, bud!" Hiccup grinned patting Toothless's shoulder.

The two moved in sync as they tilted to one side and began their descent towards the earth. Air rushed up around them, and Rapunzel's heart fluttered in her chest at the exhilaration from it all.

Within the hour, Toothless was settled by a nice rock formation that offered him a decent enough hiding place and a small clearing to stretch his limbs while the Four made their way towards the town. The town had a port, so there was more activity than in most with ships sailing in and out, goods coming and going, people traveling. Though it was small and less visited than the larger ports like Corona itself, the town was still thriving and teeming with excitement.

The crossroads before the town had a tall picket with road signs nailed into it. One way led into the town, another path led to the beach, and a third path led out to the pasture land where sheep and cattle with grazing. Right below the picket was a fairly new-looking sign in red paint: Unauthorized Collecting of Seashells is strictly Prohibited! Violators will be Arrested!

"Now what's that about?" Merida demanded, her fists on her hips.

"Looks like we need to come back tonight with Hiccup in a wig." Jack said.

"I am not going to be the distraction! You like being the center of attention so much, you go and do it!" Hiccup grumbled.

"Okay, fine! How about plan B?" Jack asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Plan B only works if we get caught! The whole point of this is to not get caught!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"We are not breaking the law!" Rapunzel told them. "I'm sure it's just regulation to keep people from over-harvesting the seashells. Let's go into town and see if we can find a vendor who knows more."

"Okay, but remember we can always just tell Bunny that some guy in town said the Easter Bunny's a total wuss, and that'll be plenty of distraction!" Jack grinned.

"This is why the Yeti's don't let you go anywhere in the Pole unsupervised." Merida told him as they walked towards the town.

The fast-paced bustle of the town was even more intense when one was right in the middle of it, but Rapunzel had gotten used to crowded environments from living in Corona and exploring the city, and also with her traveling with her friends. Haggling though, was a skill that she just couldn't seem to get the hang of, so when they reached the market and began looking at the different vendors and shops, Rapunzel and Jack took a step back and followed after Merida and Hiccup.

Merida had the attitude of a pauper and, much to her mother's chagrin, had spent a good portion of her childhood haggling with townspeople and sailors whether on her own or alongside her father. Hiccup, by comparison, was simply a Viking. Trading and Haggling was one of many occupational necessities and also something he was especially trained in as future Chief.

Ambling up to the different booths and extracting goods for reasonable prices, or even just information with little trouble, was something the pair had down pat. So it wasn't surprising when fifteen minutes after entering the market district, Merida returned to the group with information on where to find the Seashell vendor.

"Guy was pretty tight-lipped about it, and he said the old hag's a bit crazy, but I told him we've dealt with worse. Anyways, he said she'll be down the road, 'round the corner from the tavern." Merida explained.

"Great! Let's go see her, then!" Jack jumped up from the fountain ledge he and Rapunzel had been seated on, pulling Rapunzel to her feet beside him.

Again the Four were off to their next destination, finding themselves walking deeper into the town. The closer they got to the large storehouses by the docks, the more dreary things became. No one was about on the street, and those who were looked on with watchful, skittish eyes. Rats ran about underfoot and the seagulls perched on lamp posts looked slightly deranged.

"Are we sure this is the place?" Hiccup asked, his eyes moving over to the tavern as a man stumbled out and barfed into the gutter.

"That's what the shop handler said, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he'd lied. He was a bit seedy looking." Merida shrugged.

"Merida! I'm sure he was a very nice man! We haven't even seen the inside yet! I'm sure as soon as we cross through that door, we'll see the Seashell vendor!" Rapunzel smiled confidently, turning towards the door and tapping out a cheery tune with her fist.

The door swung open very slowly with a low creak and they all tilted their heads to see inside the crack the door caused. It was dark inside.

"Well, that's creepy." Hiccup muttered.

"Come on, guys! It's not that bad..." Rapunzel tried, tiptoing closer as she gently poked the door open with her index finger. The door gave a louder creak as it swung open further, and Rapunzel's voice wavered a bit at the sight of more dark shadows. She gave a nervous chuckle. "Okay... Well, I'm sure it'll look better from the inside."

"I'd rather not get jumped in a dark room in the back of an alley today, thank you." Hiccup said, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture.

"I might have to agree with Hicc on this one." Jack glanced between Rapunzel and Merida, looking rather hesitant.

"Oh, honestly!" Merida huffed, stomping passed them and up to the door. "Here, I've got a flare in my bag."

"Why do you have a flare?" Jack wanted to know.

"In case I have to see inside creepy dark rooms, or get lost in the woods, or want to have a party with explosives." Merida said with a smile. "But also my brothers bought some off of a foreign trader last week. I promised not to tell mom as long as they gave me a couple."

"I love your brothers!" Jack grinned.

Merida pulled out the flare and struck it against the stone wall of the building. A bright flame sparked to life and Merida held it up as she and Rapunzel stepped further into the room together. The boys quickly followed in behind, and the Four shuffled forward quietly and slowly. The flare threw strange, flickering shadows across the room, and the four friends pressed closer together as they stared at all of the figures of fanged and clawed creatures.

"Are these... Bears?!" Merida exclaimed.

"What are they made of?" Hiccup asked, squinting at the closest figurine.

There were sculptures, cutouts, carved plank art, toys, moving trinkets, clocks, plant holders, and so much more. Everything had Bears. Small bears, big bears, slim bears, big round bears. There were so many bears made out of little white...

"These are shells." Jack said.

"And this whole thing seems very famil- AHH!" Merida screamed jumping back and slamming into the other three. They all stumbled, and Rapunzel fell against a shelf, rattling everything on it, but the tall sculpture on the very top tipped over and fell to the floor, shattering with a loud clattering of a hundred different shells.

"What is going on in here?!" A new voice shouted. There were two claps, and suddenly the blinds were thrown on the curtains and several candles were lit, filling the whole room into light.

The Four looked up from where they were piled on the ground, finding themselves in the middle of a shop filled to the brim with bear-themed shell-crafts. At the very center of it all, stood a woman that had Merida's jaw dropping open.

"You!" Merida shouted, throwing a finger towards the old woman standing before her.

"Oh! Hello there, dearie! So good to see you again! I hear that spell worked out pretty well for you, hmmm?" The old Bear Witch beamed at her, with her wide eyes that blinked slightly out of sync, the same ragged-looking crow looming on her shoulder.

"YOU?!" All four of the young adventurers shouted, recognizing the old witch almost immediately from their first major calamity of a quest in Scotland.

"What are You doing here?!" Merida demanded, stomping to her feet with her arms stuck straight by her sides and her hands clenched into fists.

"Oh, oh, oh! Well, Dearie, after you bought all of my carvings, I had to set up shop elsewhere! Getting wood out in these parts isn't so easy, though. But they've got plenty of these nifty little shells laying around!" She cackled, gesturing to all her art pieces. "Course I had a bit of trouble getting around those pesky bandits who decided they owned the beach! A few cakes seemed to do the trick just fine!"

She snapped her fingers and several larger pieces flew to the sides, revealing a cage with two bears inside wearing scrappy-looking vests and hats. One of them had a gold tooth. Merida stared at them before looking back at her friends, but they seemed as speechless as her.

"Well, anyways, what can I do you for? A paper weight? A planter box? Oh! How about this lovely little wall piece I finished just the other day!" She beamed, holding up a rather tacky sea-shell image of two bears reaching for one another.

"Oh, hehehe, we, um," Rapunzel coughed a little to clear her throat and then twirled her fingers around each other as she continued. "We just came here to collect some loose shells to make some paint. We thought maybe we would have to speak with the beach owners, but I guess that's not too much of an issue now."

"Oh, not at all dearie! There's a pile in the back! Help yourself! I need to get this cage ready! I've got a circus leader coming to pick these boys up in just a few hours!" The old witch grinned and then let out a shrieking cackle.

She turned and hobbled towards the back of the shop as Merida took a large, decisive step backwards to rejoin her friends.

"Should we do something?" She whispered to them.

"I really don't want to get turned into bears." Hiccup replied.

"But it can't be right to just leave those guys as bears... Is it?" Merida nodded at the two bears that... well, they didn't look unhappy with their forms. One was napping, and the other was licking himself.

"I mean, they're bandits. Let's be honest. If we'd gotten here first, we would've argued over how it's not right for them to claim ownership of the beach, they would've disagreed, then we would've fought them, eventually win and turn them over to the police. They'd spent the better part of the rest of their lives in jail. At least like this they can spend their time in the circus. That sounds pretty fun, right?" Jack offered, his tone wavering back and forth as he tried to make it sound less terrible.

"Jack, that's terrible!" Rapunzel said.

"What? I'm just saying; she gets to enjoy her creepy witch powers, they don't go to jail, we don't get tied up in something that will lead to Another lecture from your parents and North and Eugene. This seems like a win-win situation all around." Jack tried to be reasonable.

"He does have a point! I mean, we generally do good things, but that doesn't mean our moral codes have to be perfect." Hiccup remarked, and Jack nudged Hiccup's arm with a grin.

"That's not funny!" Rapunzel retorted.

"It's a little funny. But you two have definitely spent way too much time with Snotlout and the twins." Merida amended. Rapunzel snorted and turned towards the witch, much to her friends' horror.

"Um, excuse me? Miss... Miss Witch-Carver?" Rapunzel said as politely as possible.

"Yes, dearie? Find something you like?" The witch turned, grinning enthusiastically at the thought a possible sale.

"Ahem, not exactly... I was just wondering; those two aren't going to be like that Forever... Are they?" Rapunzel cringed at the way her voice squeaked even in her own ears, and the witch raised one large eyebrow at her before cackling and waving her off.

"Oh, no! Of course not! This spell is only temporary! The circus leader owes me a pretty penny for a marvelous piece I gave to him two weeks ago. He promised to send the payment, but never did. I'm going to change these two back into blundering buffoons right before show time! That'll show that slimy circus man!" The witch grinned, and Rapunzel's arms hung at her sides. She had no idea how to respond to the old woman.

"So, what I'm hearing is, you already caught the bad guys trying to own the beach and we can go collect our own shells without the risk of becoming bears or being subject to strange witchy-revenge later down the line." Jack stated, looking back at Hiccup and Merida, who both nodded frantically.

"Aren't you a bit worried about what all of them will do after you cause such a big fiasco?" Rapunzel wondered.

"I'm a witch, dearie, not one of them is going to come around here again if they know what's good for them!" She said, whacking the cage bars with a broom to emphasize her point.

Rapunzel opened her mouth to continue, but Merida grabbed her arm and started pulling her out of the small shop as the bears growled and roared while the Witch shouted back at them angrily. Jack held the door open, and Hiccup gave a small wave.

"We'll just be going now. Thanks for all your help." He forced out a grin, but there was a grimace in his tone, and then the four quickly filed out of the shop onto the front porch, letting the door slam shut behind them.

They stood side by side there for a few moments, processing, until Jack finally broke the silence.

"Pretend that never happened?" He suggested.

"Agreed." The others immediately nodded and they hurried back up the street they had come from.

Collecting the shells from the beach and returning to a napping Toothless was a quick and easy affair. They arrived back at the castle with plenty of time for Rapunzel to make her paint and finish the flag for the Moon Kingdom, and she even convinced Eugene to talk his father into extending her invitation to include Jack, Merida, Hiccup, and Toothless. Though, that was only under the agreement that they remain with the group at all times and agree to have Cass and Varian watching them the whole time.

Rapunzel knew it was a bit of a stretch to promise that nothing happen, so she simply agreed that they wouldn't try to cause, or go looking for, any kind of trouble. Jack, Merida, and Hiccup had all agreed with varying degrees of less-than-enthusiastic, but were happy to be attending.

Later that week, when the festivities were coming to an end and Rapunzel had finally found a quiet moment alone with Eugene, he asked about what they'd gotten up to while he was away helping his father.

"I mean, knowing the four of you, I probably shouldn't be asking, but also I'm concerned because I wasn't there and Cass and Varian haven't taken a single one of my warnings seriously because they haven't Seen the sort of stuff you four get into!" Eugene was rambling a bit, and Rapunzel chuckled nervously as she rubbed her arm.

"Well... No one got arrested this time." Rapunzel offered.

"What kind of a response is that?!" Eugene blurted out, fear washing over his face.

"I mean, we may have come across a gang war between a witch and some bandits who tried taking over a small beach town and a circus leader, but we all agreed to walk away before things got weirder!" Rapunzel explained. "I think it was mostly because Hiccup and Jack didn't want to get turned into bears, and you know Merida's had her fair share of bear stories."

"Most people don't have Bear Stories." Eugene informed her with a rather dry look.

"I like to think that we're special." Rapunzel smiled, and Eugene sighed rubbing a hand down his face.

"You most definitely are." Eugene chuckled, smiling back at her. "And I'm going to go with my first instinct of 'I don't want to know'."

"That's probably for the best," Rapunzel said. "It wasn't the most eventful trip we've had anyways."

"Oh, yeah, sounds like it." Eugene agreed easily, and Rapunzel made a face at him for the sarcasm. They both laughed, but were cut off by a loud crashing noise from another room.

"IT WASN'T ME!" Jack's shout came after a few seconds of silence and Eugene sighed heavily, trudging off to find the others with Rapunzel close on his heels.

#rotbtd #the big four #mini adventure #rapunzel #jack frost #merida #hiccup #toothless #seashells #not a beach espisode #it's kinda random #humor #oneshot #writing #I cannot apologize enough

[primordialsoundmeditation]

Astrology for the week ahead: August 30th – September 5th

The week at a glance: A bit of a tricky week for navigating with Mars, the planet of initiating action, opposite other-worldly Neptune, the planet of illusions. Imagine being in a house of mirrors and not knowing what is real and what is not. Artists and spiritual seekers will get the best of this, knowing how to direct their imagination to that which inspires and uplifts. At the lower level, Neptune can lead to illusions, deceptions, and escapism, but at the higher level, Neptune is the doorway to the spiritual realm, leading to compassionate action when linked together with Mars.

Neptune rules the seas and water, and with potentially catastrophic hurricane Ida arriving during this aspect, it is likely to be more of a water event with storm surge and rains causing as much trouble as the powerful winds. This compassionate action theme of the Mars/Neptune aspect will hopefully spur an outpouring of support for those affected.

Neptune’s function at the highest level is to dissolve the separate ego identity so that one becomes aware of a higher spiritual source. Honorably, this aspect can lead to selfless service in helping to improve the lives of others. Less favorably, this can lead to sacrificing ones needs for an illusionary cause. If the ego dissolves in meditation, we call that bliss—but if the ego dissolves during an interview, we call that an identity crisis!

Mars opposite Neptune is a “bubble popping” aspect, in that Mars’s keen analytical perception will burst any fantasy, soap bubbles, or illusions one may hold. This aspect can also bring deceptions to light with its bubble popping energy, particularly around Thursday at its peak.

Fortunately, the weekend holds great promise of improved cosmic weather for clarity returning with Mercury in Libra in harmony to clarifying Saturn and the Moon in fun loving Leo.

Monday: The week starts on a positive note with Mercury entering diplomatic Libra enhancing relationships with a greater ability to find the common ground. The Moon in mentally active Gemini is benefited by stabilizing Saturn as well as delightful Venus in Libra—a good day for business transactions, learning opportunities, and light-hearted interactions with others.

Tuesday: Expect a bit of confusion and chaos to deal with at the start of the day with the Moon in easily-distracted Gemini in a T-square to the Mars opposition to Neptune. Storm clouds clear this afternoon with a trine to fortunate Jupiter, improving communications, learning opportunities, and socializing.

Wednesday: You might have some reticence about jumping into this day with the Moon in emotionally sensitive Cancer at odds with rational Mercury in the morning, giving you mixed messages as to what feels right versus what makes sense. However a smooth day unfolds with an empowering aspect to Sun—a great day for harvesting and food preservation for gardeners.

Thursday: Mars opposite Neptune is exact today and is good for spiritual activities, yet not so favorable for making worldly decisions. A bit of a topsy turvy day all in all, with the Moon in sensitive Cancer vulnerable to hurt feelings with a square to Venus this afternoon. Uplifting comes this evening by harmonious aspects to inspiring Neptune and fortifying Mars.

Friday: The Moon enters high-spirited Leo this morning and in harmony to Mercury in Libra adds positive uplifting energy to conversations. The playful energy continues into this evening until the Moon opposes restrictive Saturn late tonight—so play hard, and know your limits, would be the way.

Saturday: A fun day is in store. You might be looking for something exciting and out of the norm with the Moon in playful Leo activated by “outside of the box” Uranus. Mercury in Libra in harmony with disciplined Saturn stabilizes the day and enhances communications, negotiations and finding the common ground with others.

Sunday: The Moon in heartful Leo in harmony to Venus makes for a lovely morning for relationships and opposite “never too much” Jupiter encourages a bit of indulgence—breakfast in bed? Indulge this morning perhaps, but you will want to tuck it in this afternoon as the Moon moves into health-conscious Virgo this afternoon. Venus square Pluto this evening can bring buried issues in relationships to the surface.

May the Stars be with you!

I am available for consultations if you would like to see how your astrology chart suggests how you can best align with these transformational times. Contact us by email, phone, or through the “Services” tab on our website, to set up a session.

David Pond

email: [email protected]

Website Davidpond.com

Phone: [phone]

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