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#like king among mortals of you to exist
bitterkarella · 4 months
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Midnight Pals: 2 Fisted Tales
Stephen King: hey patricia is it true you used to write comics? Patricia Highsmith: [long cigarette drag] Highsmith: who told you that
King: well, i just heard- Highsmith: was it stan lee? Highsmith: musta been stan lee Highsmith: never met a cat who talked so much Highsmith: might as well be a dame with all the yap yap yappin
Dean Koontz: wowwwww did you really meet stan lee, patricia? Highsmith: yeah Koontz: wowwww! what was that like? [flashback] Stan Lee: hey there comics fans its me, stan lee Lee: how bout a date? Highsmith: no dice
Poe: steve King: i just thought she'd like to tell us about her Poe: steve Poe: just no Poe: no King: ok fine Barker: i'm gonna hear the comic story Poe: CLIVE NO
King: ah but patricia i think we'd all like to hear a comics story Patricia Highsmith: i ain't gonna tell no comic story King: well maybe I can't convince you King: but I bet I know someone who can! Alan Moore: [appearing in a flash] who dares summon the arch magus? King: the arch magus! Poe: the arch magus! Koontz: the arch magus!
Moore: speak! what boon ask ye of the arch magus? King: hey alan you've worked in comics King: how about you tell patricia that comics aren't stupid Moore: Moore: i cannot tell her that
Moore: comics are the bane of my existence! a curse upon them! Highsmith: now this guy, this guy i like Highsmith: he's got a real noodle in his noggin Moore: the arch magus would do well to hear your counsel, mortal Highsmith: sure, we could jaw a bit
Highsmith: how you feel about snails, archmagus? Moore: be these your familiars? Highsmith: "familiars" Highsmith: listen to this cat
Highsmith: ok fine you mooks wanna hear about my comics Highsmith: i'll tell ya Highsmith: but only cuz i'm here among bros Highsmith: long as its just dudes Highsmith: cuz these stories Highsmith: they get a little rough Highsmith: and you know how dames are
Highsmith: so this story's just for us dudes Highsmith: so franz Franz Kafka: what? Highsmith: you gotta go Kafka: huh? what? Kafka: why? Highsmith: you just gotta go Kafka: i don't understand Barker: oh my god franz get a clue Poe: clive
Highsmith: submitted for the approval of the midnight pals Highsmith: i call this the tale of the crime puncher Highsmith: it's about this real swole square headed guy who punches criminals Highsmith: pow! punch! bam! Highsmith: that's what comics are all about
Highsmith: so there're these 2 palookas who fight crime Highsmith: named steve and ploopie Barker: i'm sorry what Highsmith: steve and ploopie Barker: steve and WHAT Highsmith: what, you got cabbage in your ears? ploopie Barker: Barker: i'm sorry WHAT
Highsmith: anyway steve and ploopie gotta do some punching Barker: there's a lot of punching in these stories Highsmith: that's what kids want in comics Barker: huh sure yeah Barker: Barker: i'm sorry steve and WHAT Poe: let it go, clive
Highsmith: so this world war i playing ace crashes into a polish swamp Highsmith: when he dies, it creates a big mud monster Highsmith: who goes to america to harass some kid for his model air plane Barker: i'm starting to see why you didn't want to tell these stories Poe: CLIVE
Highsmith: i didn't just do action comics tho Highsmith: i wrote educational ones too Highsmith: like the two-fisted tales of oliver cromwell Highsmith: or don't mess with galileo Highsmith: or catherine the great takes out the trash
King: why didn't you stick with comics, patricia? Patricia Highsmith: eh you know how the comics biz is King: but I've heard its actually a growth industry Highsmith: is that so King: yeah they tell me that there's lots of opportunities in comics for girls Highsmith: ugh pass
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hells-wasabii · 2 months
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Headcanons for Charlie, Lucifer, Lute, and Alastor with a m!reader who’s the Demi-god son of Zeus?
I would imagine that deities from other myths and cultures do exist in hazbin hotel/helluva boss but don’t really have much power like they did in ancient times, likely mainly due to when christianity started to grow larger pagans ended up being persecuted and killed if they did convert. And it would effect them to the point where either deities chose to live among mortals (like how deities do in American Gods), simply join Heaven and became powerful angels, or tried to fight heaven only to get killed and end up in hell and possibly be more powerful than overlords.
Y/n doesn’t really have a good father-son bond with Zeus, given how much of a terrible father and wife he is in the greek myths.
And with y/n being a son of zeus he also inherited some of his abilities (lightning, strength, etc.)
A/N: I really hope this one is formatted properly, I had to post this one from mobile. But I didn’t write as many headcanons as I normally would due to the number of characters in the ask. From this point on my max character amount will be 3 per ask. But in any case, I hope you enjoy what I got!
Characters: Lute, Lucifer, Charlie, Alastor
Type: Headcanons (x son of Zeus!reader, General)
Lute
When Lute first met you, she immediately saw an opportunity. She practically begged you to join the exorcists! She did admittedly get scolded by Adam for letting the exterminations and exorcists slip, but after that she went about trying to recruit you to their cause properly.
The greek gods wandered freely and let their powers go to waste, but you, you could do something with your powers! Sure, they may not be nearly as strong as your father’s but you’re powerful nonetheless. Which on top of that, there weren’t all that many demigods in heaven anyway, which made you all the more
So she goes out of her way to try to recruit you. She had met your father in passing, sure, but she didn’t particularly care for or about him. He was complicit, doing nothing when it came to the sinners, so frankly he was none of her concern.You on the otherhand were a well of untapped potential!
She would personally make you her project. Your uniform would be altered, an indication for other exorcists not to get to close on the battle field, after all electricity is hard to control especially surrounded by metal objects such as armor pieces or weapons.
Lucifer
Lucifer was initially confused to see you in hell. The other pantheons had their own afterlives, you knew that, right? You were a demigod, you were practically guaranteed a spot in elysium, especially with one of the old Olympians as a parent. Oh, you didn’t want anything to do with that sort of stuff? That’s fair he supposed.
When he finds out about your lack of a relationship with your dad, he initially would want to help fix it. He doesn’t have the best relationship with Charlie, something that the king of hell deeply regrets. He knows how much it can hurt.
That is until he finds out your dad is Zeus. Then he fully understands. See, he never really liked Zeus all that much, between how he he had the habit of acting childish and how he constantly cheated on his literal wife, (which that was a whole different can of worms that Lucifer was not about to open)
Charlie
Being the princess of hell, she wouldn’t exactly have any room to talk when it came to your lineage. But you were the son of Zeus, that basically made you royalty, right? Regardless, she’d still refer to you as such, even if your human blood prevented you from being heir to a now nonexistent throne.
Much like her father, your strained relationship with your own dad tugged at charlie’s heartstrings. She will actively want to help you reconnect with him.
She might initially be a little pushy about it, considering her views on forgiveness and redemption, but she would want you to try to better your relationship with your dad. She herself doesn’t have the best one with her own, but they had been working on improving it. She wants that opportunity for you too.
If that’s something you would want at least. As much as Charlie would love for you to have a better father-son relationship, if that’s something you’re uninterested in she’ll respect your decisions and help better set boundaries with the God, because lets face it. Zeus wouldn’t exactly heed any you might set on your own.
Alastor
Well, i think we all know how he would react. You were powerful, more powerful than a normal soul and he knew it. He could feel it. Sometimes, when you got too excited or let your emotions get the better of you he could feel the charge of electricity
He, in terms of sinners, is likely to be the most open to the idea of other pantheons existing, he dabbled in the dark arts after all.
He knew early on that he could use you to his advantage, and if he could do so by simply saying something along the lines of your father wouldn’t approve, that’s even better. However, if you were harder to get into a deal or to form some sort of alliance, then that meant you would need to be dealt with or steered clear from.
After all, radios and an abundance of electricity don’t exactly mix well.
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zapreportsblog · 8 months
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Hey babyyyyy,
Can we do some more poly!volturi kings x reader where the reader has a great family bond with the guards? And the kings are so proud like "that's the kind of queen we needed."
This sounds perfect, hope you enjoy it ✨
↳ bonds beyond blood ↲
➘ summary : the three volturi kings are proud that their mate is getting along so well with their top guards
➘ aro x reader x caius x marcus, twilight x reader , volturi x reader
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In the heart of Volterra's ancient citadel, where shadows danced and history whispered through the stones, the Volturi reigned supreme. Aro, the charismatic mastermind; Marcus, the contemplative soul; and Caius, the unyielding enforcer, ruled with an iron grip, their names synonymous with power in the supernatural realm.
But the immortal facade these kings presented to the world belied the intricate web of emotions they harbored for one human: (Y/N), a woman whose presence ignited a transformation within their centuries-old hearts.
The tale began on an unassuming evening, when (Y/N)'s fate collided with that of the Volturi. Lost in the labyrinthine streets of Volterra, she wandered into their world, unaware of the enigma that awaited her. Aro's gifted sight caught the glimpse of a mortal, a fragile soul amidst the immortal world. Intrigued, he beckoned her forward, a single interaction setting in motion a destiny no one could foresee.
As (Y/N) stood before the thrones of the three kings, her heart pounding, she couldn't ignore the inexplicable pull she felt. Aro's penetrating gaze, Marcus' contemplative demeanor, and Caius' unyielding aura seemed to draw her in, weaving a connection she struggled to understand.
The kings' curiosity grew as they observed her, each captivated by the essence she brought to their lives. Aro's laughter became more vibrant, Marcus' rare smiles more frequent, and Caius' stern façade softened in her presence. A silent understanding flowed between them, forging a bond that transcended human limitations.
While (Y/N)'s presence changed the kings, it also ignited an unexpected kinship among their loyal guards. Alec and Jane, the gifted twins who once struck fear into the hearts of enemies, found in (Y/N) a maternal figure they had never experienced. Her warmth and wisdom touched the depths of their immortal hearts, transforming their relationship into one of unwavering trust.
Felix, the formidable protector, discovered an unexpected gentleness in (Y/N), a trait that resonated deeply with his own spirit. Demetri, the master tracker, admired her determination, finding a kindred spirit in her unwavering resolve.
But it was Alec and Jane who held the most unique connection with (Y/N). With their childlike appearances frozen in time, they looked to her as a maternal figure they had never known. (Y/N) nurtured them with her wisdom, guided them with her love, and in return, the twins showered her with unwavering loyalty and adoration.
In the shadowed halls of the Volturi castle, an intricate dance of relationships unfolded. Kings and guards, vampire and human, became bound by bonds that defied tradition and expectation. (Y/N) stood at the heart of it all, an unwitting catalyst for change and unity.
As the days turned to nights, and (Y/N)'s presence continued to weave its magic, none could anticipate the challenges that lay ahead. Threats both old and new would test the strength of their bonds, and the very fabric of their existence would be shaken.
But in that moment, as the castle's stone walls whispered secrets of centuries past, the Volturi kings and their beloved human mate reveled in the newfound harmony they had forged. They were yet to understand that this harmony would become their greatest strength in the trials that awaited them.
In the heart of the grand Volturi castle, (Y/N)'s presence continued to illuminate the lives of both kings and guards. The bond she shared with Aro, Marcus, and Caius flourished, growing stronger with each passing day. It was a connection that transcended time, defying the very laws that governed their supernatural existence.
As (Y/N) navigated the intricacies of the immortal world, she found herself drawn into the lives of the twins, Alec and Jane. Their once-uncertain existence had transformed into one filled with warmth and acceptance, all thanks to the woman who looked upon them with the eyes of a guardian. She provided guidance, friendship, and a motherly love they had never experienced.
Alec and Jane, once feared for their devastating abilities, now wielded their powers with control and restraint, a testament to (Y/N)'s patient guidance. They had found in her the stability they needed, a figure of trust they could confide in and look up to.
Felix and Demetri, too, had been touched by (Y/N)'s presence. Felix's exterior, once unyielding, softened in the glow of her compassion. He had found solace in her calming influence, a touchstone of gentleness amid the tumultuous world he inhabited. Demetri, with his unerring tracking skills, marveled at (Y/N)'s strength and resilience. He respected her as an equal, an ally, and a friend.
As days turned to nights and the castle's halls echoed with secrets, (Y/N) embraced her role within the Volturi's inner circle. The kings, once distant figures of power, now confided in her their thoughts and hopes, their fears and aspirations. Their bond with her had opened a door to vulnerability, allowing them to share a side of themselves that had long remained hidden.
However, the tranquility that (Y/N) had brought to the Volturi world would soon be disrupted by shadows that lurked on the horizon. Rumors of a rising force, one that sought to challenge the very foundations of their rule, began to circulate. It was a threat that no one could ignore, and the unity forged among kings, guards, and their human mate would be put to the test.
As tension mounted, the intricate relationships woven within the castle walls would be shaken to their core. Loyalties would be questioned, and the limits of love and friendship would be pushed to their breaking point. The kings and their newfound family, bound by love rather than blood, would have to stand together to face the storm that approached.
And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast long shadows across the ancient city, the Volturi prepared to confront a challenge that would either strengthen their bonds beyond measure or shatter the delicate harmony they had built. (Y/N)'s presence, once an unexpected thread in the fabric of their lives, would prove to be the source of strength that held them together in the face of adversity.
Within the towering walls of the Volturi castle, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. As (Y/N) moved through the grand halls, her steps were now accompanied by an underlying tension. The threat that loomed on the horizon was palpable, casting a shadow over the unity she had helped foster.
The kings, Aro, Marcus, and Caius, convened in their private chamber, their expressions etched with a rare mixture of concern and determination. (Y/N) was there, a steadfast presence amidst their deliberations, a living testament to the bonds they had forged.
Aro's eyes gleamed with his usual curiosity, though there was an edge of worry that betrayed his usual confidence. Marcus, ever the observer, seemed to contemplate the future with a weight that surpassed his years. Caius, the embodiment of authority, clenched his jaw, his resolve unwavering in the face of impending conflict.
Beside them, Alec and Jane stood, their faces a mirror of their guardians'. The twins who had found a maternal figure in (Y/N) were now mature beyond their years, their commitment to the family they had formed unwavering. Felix and Demetri flanked the group, their expressions a mixture of vigilance and readiness, ever prepared to defend those they held dear.
As the kings deliberated, (Y/N)'s gaze shifted to the window, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She had become a part of this intricate tapestry, her life interwoven with those of kings and guards alike. The unity they had cultivated was a source of strength, but it was about to be tested in ways they couldn't predict.
News had reached the Volturi of a faction that sought to challenge their dominion, a group that believed their way of life was threatened by the kings' rule. The realization that their world could be on the brink of upheaval sent ripples of tension through the castle's inhabitants.
With a sense of resolve, Aro turned his gaze toward (Y/N), his voice steady yet tinged with urgency. "My dear (Y/N)," he began, "we are faced with a challenge that demands our unity. The bonds we have formed must not falter in the face of adversity."
Marcus, his usually somber eyes showing a glimmer of determination, continued, "We have faced countless challenges throughout history. Our strength lies in our ability to stand together."
Caius, the embodiment of authority, spoke with a conviction that sent shivers down the spines of all present. "We must protect what we've built, even if it means confronting those who seek to undermine us."
And so, a plan began to take shape, a strategy that relied on the unique strengths of each individual. (Y/N)'s role in this impending conflict was not to be underestimated; her presence had already proven to be a beacon of strength, a source of inspiration for those who fought beside her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and cast long shadows across the castle walls, a sense of anticipation settled over the Volturi stronghold. Bonds forged through love and shared purpose would soon be put to the test, as the unity of kings, guards, and their human mate stood against the gathering storm.
And as the first drops of rain began to fall, (Y/N) braced herself for the challenges ahead, ready to stand by the side of those she held dear and face whatever trials fate had in store.
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greenconverses · 3 months
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Richard saying, "we're going to end up in the same place, it doesn't matter how we get there" pissed me off so much ISN'T "HOW WE GET THERE" THE ENTIRE POINT OF STORIES?! ISN'T THAT WHY THE ENTIRE DAMN BOOK EXISTS?!
So, shocker, I have Thoughts about this post of his. My knee jerk reaction when I saw it last night was an eye roll and an urge to rant, which I kept contained because I'd already ranted and we gotta space that stuff out from time-to-time.
And now that I have had a full night's sleep and I am slightly less cranky, I'm gonna have to go on record and... DEFEND part of his logic, gasp.
For those not in the know, RR wrotes this reply to question on Threads (lol) a few days ago about changes to the plot in the sixth episode that apparently bugged a lot of people:
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And like, I'm deeply annoyed about the "it won't change anything" bit because OH MY GOD STORYTELLING which is a whole other thing but I do have something to say about the man's logic and the difference in the show premise vs the books that I think is flying over a lot of people's heads.
The plot of the show is Percy saving Sally and doing a quest along the way. Sally and Percy's relationship is the A plot, the mythology and conflict among the gods is the B plot. Percy knows from 1x02 that his mom is alive and that changes his priorities immediately; we see him start to care about the overall quest and his place in the world in 1x05, but he's still pushing forward because of his mom. You have to add another pearl to pay off that A storyline, to promise audience members that Percy is going to succeed until he doesn't.
Percy in the books has a feeling his mom is alive or that he can get her back from the Underworld, but doesn't know for sure. The quest and the setting up the overall Big Three backstory is the main plot of the books and what we the readers are focused on. I wouldn't even put saving Sally as a B or C plot in the original TLT. Percy doesn't get confirmation that she's alive until they're down in the Underworld and Hades reveals he took her for leverage, so then only having three pearls becomes a brief but important conflict.
This is where we're seeing a lot of the issues with the show's plot come to a head. It's fine to change the priority of the story from returning the bolt to saving Sally, because it delivers the same result in the end anyway, like Rick says. But you have to bulk up other parts of the script in a way to make up for it and the show has not delivered on that part. (See exhibit A: my rant about any lack of mystery with the monsters.)
I think the most egregious change that he says doesn't matter is the trio missing the deadline. In the books, we're told that natural disasters and weird things have been happening since the bolt disappeared as Zeus and Poseidon fought, and stuff was getting worse the closer the deadline came. We are briefly shown this in 1x05 with Ares and in 1x06 with Luke saying things are "bad" at camp, but imo, it doesn't feel super heavy. The consequences of missing the deadline is that gods go to war and bad shit happens! Lots of mortals are gonna die! Doesn't that matter?
The show could've stepped outside of the Percy and Sally storyline for little bit to give more of a perspective about what was happening at camp or the outside world to bring that weight - you're not limited to just Percy's POV storyline in the medium of a TV show! (Of course, we can step outside of it to give a LMM cameo/stinger because priorities but I digress.)
They didn't and I'm not sure how they're going to "solve" Zeus's response to Percy missing the deadline 'cause like... this is the unreasonable king of the gods that Rick has started yet another series based on the premise of him being a petty bitch who wants to ruin Percy's life. Is the guy gonna walk back starting a war? Is he waiting to start because Poseidon asked nicely? What's the consequence to the world going to be? Clearly nothing, since Rick said the story is going to end how it was always going to end, which is just poor storytelling.
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audreyscribes · 2 months
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Ω PJO DEMIGOD HEADCANONS: 👑HERA: QUEEN OF THE GODS, GODDESS OF MARRIAGE, WOMEN, MARTIAL HARMONY, AND THE PROTECTOR OF WOMEN DURING CHILDBIRTH 💒
Author's Note: Hi everyone, so some of you have been expecting this. I wasn't lying that I hadn't give it some thought but I didn't write this earlier since I wasn't sure how I could make it work. It might not be what you guys expected but here it is. This is going to be a stretch and please suspend your expectations for this. This is for the anons who asked if I could do Hera. I tried. This is what I came up with. Thanks for reading, liking, and reblogging! I really appreciate it! [PJO DEMIGOD HEADCANONS MASTERLIST]
*Warning: Immense wall of text below [Keep Reading]
I can only see this happening, given that Hera is very loyal to Zeus, and how a demigod child of Hera is born. 
You’re a child of Zeus when the King of the Gods became mortal (SOMEHOW) temporarily and Hera supported him like the loyal wife she is. 
You’re either born like how Athena births her children, where Hera thought about (a) mortal man, or like Hebe (in some mythological records) where she was born from Hera eating a piece of lettuce, from Hera by herself, but was somehow born half-mortal, instead of immortal. 
You were crafted out of clay by Hera? Maybe???
You were born when Hera had become mortal herself (SOMEHOW????), born with Zeus’s help *COUGH*. 
Regardless, your existence or any other demigod child of Hera is unheard of. Like it was not even a thought of possibility. 
No one is sure how to proceed or wrap their minds around your existence. I don’t think you’re told how you were born, but even if you were told, you’re sworn by the River of Styx not to tell anyone except outside a few very selective approved individuals. This is because out of the listed reasons above, only one doesn’t insinuate anything relating to the King or Queen of Gods being mortal; which would reveal a weakness to the two monarchs of the Gods and the harmony of peace among the gods, or indicate Hera of cheating which would break the foundation of marriage and the law behind it. This unfortunately creates a lot of gossip behind your back about your godly mother and you’re the physical representation of it. Something Hestia herself tells you about, in a disapproving way to your godly parent.  
There are immediate renovations to the Hera cabin, mostly because it is not livable at all. You’re temporarily put in the Big House until things are done to the Hera cabin. Annabeth has been given an official ‘pardon’ by Hera because of this, so there’s that? At least.
Annabeth isn’t sure how to interact with you, given Hera’s clear distaste to her, and how you’re her daughter, but at the same time you’re also innocent. 
Percy is also a bit conflicted given Hera was the one who gave him the amnesia and the whole camp Half-blood and Jupiter thing, but he goes about it a bit easier because he knows all about bearing their godly parents misdeeds and grudges and all that. 
On the other hand, you’re living with the knowledge that by technicality, a lot of people could’ve been married under the Ancient Greek laws. For example, Percy and Annabeth could be or would’ve been married when you heard that they were playing hacky sack with an apple and if Percy threw the apple at Annabeth, and she caught it, it would’ve technically counted as “accepting a marriage proposal”, and they were married-
Your mother’s domain is technically powerful and important but at the same time, it’s not very useful to you; considering there’s a lack of married individuals among the campers and the only one who is married is Mr. D, but you don’t dare to. But it’s not like you can do anything anyway since he is a god and you’re just a demigod…that and he’s been avoiding you.
Mr. D just avoids you and you’re not sure until someone tells you that Hera tricked his mother, Semele, into making Zeus reveal his true form to her to prove he was Zeus, evaporating her. 
If Camp Half-blood has the aura of uncertainty, then Camp Jupiter is the opposite. The treatment towards you is the opposite where they treat you with reverence but because Juno is so revered, being her child makes you feel isolated.
The cabins that are at odds with you are the Aphrodite, Zeus, Athena cabins, while the cabins that are more cordial with you are the Hebe, and surprisingly the Ares and Hephaestus cabins. 
At least there are a bunch of beautiful white lilies at Hera’s cabin, making the cabin more of a place to live than a renovated temple. The lilies are there because it is said they were born from her. 
Argus is also your bodyguard for a reason. He was created by Hera for the sole purpose of being a guard and watchman, and considering you are the daughter of Hera, you fall under his duties. Not long after you were born, when you have grown out of the age protection Hera can protect you from, and Hebe when you’re past 8 years old, the monsters start coming into droves. There are monsters immediately trying to kill you, not just fueled because you’re a powerful demigod, but because of also Lamia, who she personally comes hunting for you. This is because Lamia, when she was a mortal queen and had the eye of Zeus, Hera was responsible for killing all of her children and became what she is now, and is also responsible for monsters hunting demigods to this day. Argus is only able to protect you only for so long so sharpen your skills and fight for your life. 
When you get claimed, the world goes absolutely silent. Everyone stares upon the claim mark floating above your head, a peacock, like its a crown above your head. The spread feathers of the peacock does certainly make it look like one. With a crown above your head and a field of white lilies sprouting beneath your feet like a white carpet, it almost makes you think you’re a child of royalty being announced.  But you don’t let yourself be that deluded much longer. They stare at the mark longer than you like to admit, some blinking and rubbing their eyes as if they are seeing an illusion. You already know who your godly parent is, so you know the claim is just a message to Camp Halfblood. 
That you are the demigod child of Hera. A being that has not been thought of to even possibly exist. An impossible existence. 
Yet here you are. And you knew how. And yet you couldn’t tell any of them because Hera made you swear to not reveal that information to anyone outside of a very selected few confidants. If they knew any of the truths, then it would break the balance of the gods and would bring chaos to them; threatening them and you. 
The claim begins to fade, disappearing into glittering lights and as it falls upon you, so do the campers’ eyes. Thousands and thousands of eyes stare at you, not for you, but what you are. 
Argus stands beside you, standing like a guard and his protective stance only adds to the confirmation.
Mr. D drops his can of diet coke and as it splatters across the floor, Chiron finally breaks out of his stupor. He kneels and bows before you, his limbs shaking a bit as he stutters as he announces. 
“The bloodline is determined. Hera, Queen of the Gods, Goddess of Marriage, Women, Martial harmony, and protector of women during Childbirth. Hail, [y/n] [l/n], child of the queen of the gods.”
There is silence before chaos erupts as everything is turned over their heads.
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bunnyuki · 3 months
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UNSAID WORDS. toge inumaki
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ) gift for: @darlingspeach
CW!! AFAB READER, she/her pronouns. au fantasy/medieval. toge is a dragon, reader is a human. mentions of slaughtering/people dying/hunting. mentions of blood and injuries. he doesn't understand much of human language. this is very short and silly, i apologize. SFW, FLUFF.
YOU DON’T SEE as many dragons around as you used to. the kings of the earth and the heavens were destroyed by greed. their wings were struck by spears and cannons, their blood was collected and tested as a product. the rich wear their scales at dinner parties, because they become necklaces and delicacies. their teeth became hunters’ trophies. dragons had nothing against humanity, but humans had a desire to have everything. their ruin brought that of other peoples.
and so, the remaining dragons fled. running from the world, choosing the loneliest places to call home. deprived of reliable companions, of their companions with wings, dealing with the losses of their loved ones. nothing was left for them but memories and bones. so disappeared that they became merely legends.
fantastic stories that parents told their children to amaze them, or scare them. false and lying stories for merchants desperate to sell their products cheaply. one of the strongest, most influential and powerful races in the world. reduced to nothing more than tales. a small belief spread among the dragons. humans were dirty. rotten, spoiled. disgusting creatures that cared about nothing. the sick apple that would rot the rest of the basket. by extension, hatred for those creatures that had barely sustained themselves for a century grew. humans who encountered dragons and their treasures did not come out alive to tell the story. and no one heard from them again.
life in a village is not easy. taxes are merciless, and nobles drown in champagne while families in your village count coins to find out if they can eat. you are not exempt from this. the marquis who controls the region is obsessed with more amounts of money. the village has been going through difficulties, and with winter approaching, some have already said their goodbyes. people will die. that is a fact. for the king and his court, nothing more than numbers.
the sweet embrace of death comes to seek everyone, eventually. this is the mortal life. but that’s not how you’ll end up. huddled in a bed, on a cold morning, praying to a god who wouldn’t listen to you. you refuse. that will not be your end.
plantings have been disappointing. food becomes scarcer every day, and from what it looks like, this will be a year with lots of snow and abundant hunger. and for this reason, a good deal of adapted hunting became the main source of food and income.
the local forests are dark, specks in the middle of nowhere that is your village. full of trees and animals that need to hide from people like you. like a squirrel collecting dried fruit and nuts. all you have is a rusty knife, a crossbow with five arrows, and faith. not in god, not in greater forces. all you need is yourself.
the traps you planted exist in strategic points. hidden by grass and branches, abusing the natural environment to create the illusion of safety. merely for a noose to tighten around the body of a small animal, or a bear trap to bend into a cruel bite.
checking the traps daily has become part of the routine. just as many other villagers were forced to adapt, so were you. the skins are usually removed and worn by you. or sold.
instead of finding a small animal split in half by your bear trap, what’s in front of you now is a boy. a young one. maybe your age. his purple eyes seem to contain decades of wisdom you couldn’t dream of. his hair has an abnormal tone, like a very pale shade of blonde. he turns over and groans, his ankle caught in the trap. the metal teeth dig deeper into the flesh every time he moves, and the blood is thick and red.
but what really draws attention to him are his horns. and the tail. highs rising from the forehead and rising, white like the snow that will soon fall, with purplish tips. the same pattern for the long, tail full of scales. his nails are sharper than normal. when he opens his mouth to groan in pain, his teeth look like fangs. around his mouth, there's a strange pattern that doesn't seem to be a painting, but his skin. snake eyes and fangs.
he raises his arms to try to open the trap and free himself. the skin on the forearms has traces of scales of the same whitish tone.
his first instinct seeing you is hissing. actual hissing. like a scared snake, ready to pounce. the reaction of a scared, injured animal. you— pity him.
of course, you shouldn't. legends about dragons make it very clear what they think of your species. this boy would make you a forgotten corpse once he had the chance. but that didn't seem true. he was scared. alone, lost. his ankle caught in a trap that hurt more every moment. contrary to common sense, you choose to put the beast down and follow your instinct. approaching slowly, with your hands raised.
“easy there.” another hiss. it's a clear message. stay away. your steps are slow and you show that you are not holding any weapons. “i'm not going to hurt you. i'll help.”
no matter how sweet and loving you force your voice to be, the distrust in his eyes doesn't go away. you crouch before the stranger, staring for a moment. he is a pretty boy. you can't deny that.
your hands grip the bear trap, and you look him in the eyes. “I'm going to open this, and you're going to take your foot off. all good? on three. one. two. three.”
at the end of the count, you muster the strength your hungry muscles allow you to open the bear trap. the stranger quickly understands the message and moves away from it, allowing you to let the metal go without consequences. his hands release the trap, and it closes again with a click. the metal resonates as it strikes itself. there is fresh blood on his fingers and on the trap, and his face turns to look at the boy.
he's sitting by a tree, grabbing his injured ankle with a groan. you approach slowly again, and he nearly jumps out of his skin. his eyes narrow in suspicion.
“hey. hey, i'm not going to hurt you. okay? i promise. just let me help.” he frowns at your words, his lips parting to reply in a language you do not know. oh, well. this can be complicated.
“i don't— i don't understand.” you pause, moving to sit besides him. he furrows his brows, but doesn't say a word. “can you understand what i am saying?”
by his pout and frown, you think the answer is no. okay. what to do now, then? you quickly point to yourself, pronouncing your name out loud. then again, slowly. he repeats, the sound beautiful on his tongue. his pronunciation is a little bad at first, but the third time he's repeating it, he seems to have understood.
he follows the example, pointing to himself. “toge.” he states, and your eyes narrow.
“toge. okay. i think that's your name. you are injured.” you point out to his ankle, and he stares at you for a moment. if he could speak your language, you are sure he would be sarcastic right now. oh, don't say.
you gesture nervously, trying to sign you wish to help. after almost ten minutes of denying and hesitation, he holds out his injured foot to you. your hands are gentle, and you don't touch the injured area unless you have to. he hisses and groans in pain.
toge stares at you, decided to say something. his lips part, and he sounds confident when he says. “salmon.” you frown.
“what?”
he repeats again. salmon. seaweed. tuna mayonnaise. he only talks about...ingredients? toge is desperately trying to tell you something, confused why you don't understand the message. then it clicks. oh.
“you only know ingredient names. that's all you know in my language.” you murmur. he nods slowly, and you sigh. communicating like this won't be impossible, but it will prove itself as a challenge. but these thoughts are for later. he is injured. because of you.
it's your obligation to help this young dragon — secretly. the people in the village would take every last drop of his blood for gold coins. you'll have to improvise. “okay. uhh. does it hurt much?”
he pauses. “salmon?” another sigh escapes your lips.
this will be complicated.
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ruthlesslistener · 1 year
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happy 4/20 here's some headcanons about the shit bugs used to get elevated
Alcohol: good 'ol alcohol. Found everywhere in every tribe of Hallownest, brewed in pretty much every way possible. Unregulated in trade by pretty much all tribes except for the stuff the Pale King consumes, which is often strong enough to give an entire room alcohol poisoning (wyrms are resistant to pretty much all toxins). Even the Hive have fermented honey and nectar, though they are much stricter about who indulges; it's more often exported for trade than consumed. Among the tribes, limitations only exist among the beetles and mantises, as both have violent tendencies and are liable to pick a fight when drunk; mantises regulate it to festivals and mating season, when sparring is likely to happen anyways, while drunk beetles outside homes and bars are often picked up and stuffed into trash cans to sober them up (and hopefully teach them a lesson in the meanwhile)
Gulka venom: an intoxicating substance with mildly hallucinogenic effects. Unregulated in trade, though that's mostly because there is no trade- the Mosskin refuse to collect it for other tribes, going out of their way only for the snail shamans (who are herb-masters with great healing knowledge) You'll have to harvest it yourself if you want to indulge, and that means there's a bit of a black market for it in Hallownest
Shamanistic Death-Herbs: a blend of relatively common herbs that, when dried together in a certain way, creates an extremely toxic blend if consumed or inhaled (when burned). Typically used to give those suffering a peaceful, painless death, it has powerful hallucinogenic effect under its killing threshold, and is one of the few toxins that can affect void creatures in any way (it puts them to sleep/makes them high). The fear of the void worshipers using them in battle against her moths was one of the excuses the Radiance used for her genocide against the snail tribe, though the shamans themselves have strict oaths to use them only for healing, and have never broken those oaths or used them against another tribe (at least, as far as the few who remember the age of dark can recall)
Bitterroot: an anti-contraceptive and abortion drug that can have an intoxicating-but dangerous- effect if too much of it is chewed. Grows primarily in the Crossroad region, and is heavily regulated in Hallownest- it is easily attainable and available to all, but herbalists are required by law to cut it and sell it in specific portion sizes for different species of bug, to prevent fatalistic overdosing. Tribes with overlap of the growing range tend to follow this rule, though it is not as strictly monitored as in the City (where many different species of bugs congregate, and thus require different doses to be effective)
Lifeblood: A life-boosting substance with magical roots that invigorates the self, at the risk of overestimating limitations and causing irreversible harm to the body when infused with it. This risk, while minimal with supervision, was what the Pale King used as an excuse to ban it, when in reality the main reason for the ban is because it is directly tied to an unascended abyssal god (the Lifeblood creature). Pretty heavily regulated in the Pale King's realm, but is used pretty regularly outside of his lands because nobody outside the most religious of the Beetle Tribe gives a shit
Brightpede poison: an extremely bitter, cyanide-based toxin that, like the death-herbs, can get one high if consumed in extremely small amounts. Secreted by pink and yellow-banded millipedes in the Deepnest region, used most commonly to kill political enemies or ease the passing of mortally wounded individuals. Harmlessly intoxicating to wyrms and their kin
Smokeweed: marijuana. It grows pretty much everywhere in Hallownest where greenery thrives, and is used both recreationally and medicinally, though the extent of it varies from culture to culture. Among the mantises, it's reserved only for strong warriors, to ease pain, battle-rage, and battle-lust. In the City of Tears, use is limited to smokehouses to prevent air contamination in close quarters, but is perfectly legal in private quarters, cheap to buy, and is typically recreational or therapeutic (there is, however, more variation in strains and expensive variants available to those of higher social rank, with the blooms grown in the White Lady's gardens going for the highest). In Deepnest, it's technically limited from the working castes to prevent injury, but is allowed during times of leisure and is unlimited to the injured or sick (if trade allows it). The Mosskin, Snails, and the Moths typically used it for religious reasons. Only the Hive have strict regulations against it (as they do with everything else). 
Shrooms: Several species of mushrooms in Deepnest and the Fungal Wastes offer a variety of intoxicating and hallucinogenic effects, with a variety of different toxicity/fatality levels. Really only the Mantids know how to correctly harvest and identify each species responsible for each effect, a secret they hold closely guarded within their own tribe, but that doesn't stop certain individuals from different tribes to come in and sample the shrooms (and, if overdosed, become a fun little treat for the mantises)
The sap and nectar of the White Lady: really only attainable if you go praying to her for reproductive help, as it is an intense healing agent and potent aphrodisiac. Momentarily cures infertility, and brings about a high, but also induces heat. Tea can be made from her bark with similar (but less potent) effects, but again it must be provided from her willingly, and such examples are rare. Technically intoxicating, but only given to those struggling with infertility, miscarriages, suffering from injuries related to childbearing or birth, etc
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sn0wbat · 2 months
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a row of einarrs because.... why not tbh.
honestly i just wanted to have a reference for his hair and skin colors at different ages. he changed a bit
details under cut
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toddler
born very light blond
still very baby
child
hair may start darkening, as is usual with most natural blondes.
turned out to be surprisingly good at sewing, placing him with the women at an earlier age than usual. :^)
he was trying to give his dress a more masculine tunic cut, because he liked it more for some reason. unfortunately, he did it maybe a little too well.
still a bit clueless about his gender situation, but Something Felt Off
really liked roleplaying... you will never guess what gender all his best characters were. (boys. they were all boys.)
teen
so apparently lye bleach was a thing?? anyway he probably did that with his hair at this point.
came out as a boy 🏳️‍⚧️
going by einarr for real now
father immediately accepted him, mother not so much.
constantly wearing an oversized capelet over his entire torso because he was dysphoric as hell.
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fledgling vampire (age 24-40)
ah, the hubris of exploring on his own while the rest of the group were trying to pillage this mysteriously empty castle. it's an old ruin. and those just intrigue him a lot. they are fascinating to him
anyway so basically he ran into a vampire while going viking. ended up in a duel. died.
in his early vampire years, his growing bat form's white fur started to overtake his existing hair color. kinda similar to graying hair.
once he realized how hardy vampires were, did top surgery on himself with a sword.
then he had to stitch himself up. with his existing sewing skills - a skillset deemed to be very feminine at the time. something poetic about that i feel
stuck in a castle. doesn't escape until he's like 50
middle vampire (age 200-700)
hair has already gone fully pale a long time ago.
skin is getting paler. more purple in tone.
ears are slowly growing in size, gaining transparency along with it
however, has also figured out how to blend in with humans again at this time (through vampiric illusions that make him look mortal)
peasant for a while. growing dislike of kings and authority figures. ends up joining the pirates in his seventh (?) century
has been caught drinking blood from humans, has been caught stealing from the rich, and has been to jail several times. usually escaped pretty easily with vampire powers. has been responsible for at least one mass jailbreak
the look of his clothing actually shifted a lot over all these centuries, but this art wasn't really focused on clothes, so i just picked something basic
ancient vampire (900+)
skin gone blue. fangs gone long.
ears reached their max size a while ago.
gotten quite nostalgic; started to wear norse-style clothing in his own time again. it's comfy and familiar!
among the mortals it has been many centuries of trying to match contemporary fashions. genuinely enjoys working with textiles though, so it's no big deal. yeah he still does this.
cannot keep up a human disguise for more than a couple hours... maintaining an illusion gets exhausting when it's so many things at once.
mostly goes for fish blood these days. it's not the greatest blood, but he likes the taste of it the most and it's less of a hassle to get when he's at sea all the time.
avoids the greater vampire community. he feels it's too much drama all the time, all while they just tend to think of him as a hermit, and well. they're not wrong.
has been known to take some odd jobs here and there, pretending to be mortal.
i did not actually intend to write down this much but!! i just like him a lot. gotta stop myself from writing too much. there's so much more i could say about him, but we'd be here forever
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cafeinthemoon · 9 months
Text
King - Chapter VII
Chapter VII
Wordcount 4,3k
Title The Quake
Fandom Shuumatsu no Valkyrie / Record of Ragnarok
Previous chapters
1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6
Symbols ⭕ . ➕ . 🖤
Warnings: basically the same warnings as the previous chapters; harassment against reader (from a guard); mentions of death, blood and use of weapons
Tagging @cloveradora @the-dumber-scaramouche @mikkies @sl33py-zer0 @nooneknows8976 (If you want to be tagged in any of my stories, just leave a comment on this chapter or send an ask or a message)
N. A.: So, this chapter was becoming too long and I decided to divide it in two, so the next one will be published soon and it will be a direct continuation of this one, with a return to a ~familiar scenario and a deep conversation between reader and her not so soft husband 😅
I know the time between one chapter and the next has been too long, and I'm sorry for that, but something that might explain this is that this ff in particular brings a big volume of information in each chapter, and I have to be careful to share the right amount of it each time I post an update. There are still secrets to be unveiled and challenges to overcome here, and I'm using this story to train my patience (and yours as well lol)
Hope you enjoy this one and wait for the next 👀🔥
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After staring at the basket for a few more seconds, Suriah put it back on her lap and raised her eyes to you again. There was no sign of sadness or shame in them; instead, you saw a glimmer of mental peace that you’d never suppose to exist in someone who has been enduring this number of adversities.
– I understand your shock – she commented with a smile – After all, a human girl would never survive this. But you don’t need to be so worried about my well-being. Our species are stronger than yours in this sense. Usually, a woman among us would deliver half of this number of eggs a year, and I myself didn’t want to deliver a single one. Besides, in case you’re wondering, they weren’t all delivered in just one day, just like they weren’t formed in one day. It took me at least three days in a row to produce all these ones – she sighed, as if recalling the tiredness provoked by the task – It was such a labor, but after the first time, I started to believe that, if I managed to do this, nothing could be impossible to me. It was sort of liberating.
The silence among the girls persisted. Since you had nothing to say in response, you stood quiet as well. But that didn’t mean you had no feelings towards it.
Liberating? What could be liberating in such situation? And after all of this, how can she still have the guts to say he loves us? How?
Your inner debate might have shown in your face, for Suriah looked at you with sympathy, speaking specifically about this.
– You seem to be struggling to understand how I was able to endure all of this – she shrugged – But I think it was only fair. I pleaded, my husband offered me a deal, I accepted the conditions, but lost the game. I knew where I was getting into since the start, but I said yes anyway. I am the one to blame in this case, am I not?
That was just too much for you. Suddenly, your tongue was released and from your mouth leaked everything that was in your chest; you didn’t care about the possibility of your words reaching Poseidon’s ears, provoking indignation among the wives who agreed with Suriah or hurting her feelings; you just spoke.
– You said that the game was popular among the gods – you started – This can only mean that it’s unknown to most of us mortals. Besides, he gave you an incredibly short amount of time to learn all the rules before sending you to compete with an expert – you took an unconscious step closer to the table – Of course, your chances were few, and he knew it since the start! He gave you an impossible task and he was aware of this! I don’t understand how this is fair! – you lowered your tone a bit, but your rage was still felt in your words – I don’t understand how you can say this is love…
Another low voice was heard before Suriah could think of a reply.
– You see, this is one of the reasons why Poseidon-sama doesn’t like bringing humans to his domains.
It was Melian. You turned to her and saw no sign of provocation or disdain in her expression, only sadness.
– Your love and your justice are just not like the ones of the gods – she continued, serious – You’re always bringing contention and dissatisfaction with you, always trying to unveil things that are supposed to stay out of your reach. You just don’t fear the gods. This is what they used to say around here, and now that we have not only one, but two of you with us, we can say how much of this is true.
That time, the response came from Alyssa.
– We do fear the gods – she spoke with a firmness in her tone that was new to you – We just can’t accept what is unacceptable.
Melian swallowed. Apparently, she would never get used to the human way of thinking. Suriah, still maintaining her calmness, brought the attention back to herself again.
– Tell me, human, what is your name again? – she spoke to you.
– Y/n.
– So, y/n, can you satisfy our curiosity and tell us what kind of offer you’ve received from our husband?
Contrary to what you imagined, you didn’t feel that request as something intrusive: instead, you found in yourself an urge to speak about the contract you sealed, and a weight was taken off of your chest when you did it.
– I was given one year to observe his children training and learn about their most effective combat techniques. After this, I have to find ways to counteract these techniques by figuring out their weaknesses. The methods I will use to fulfill this task don’t matter, but if I’m unable to do it – you swallowed – I shall be just like you.
Suriah seemed to thought of this for a moment before replying, and a new wave of tension built across the room: the girls stared at you with a sort of compassion and fear, as well as relief for not being in your place. Besides, just like you, they were eager to hear what Suriah had to say.
And this was what she had for you:
– A task with its own difficulties – she frowned – It might be harder than mine in some aspects, but easier in others. Also, it might hide surprises, not all of them sweet. How do you feel about it?
Now that everyone knew about your mission, you had no reasons to disguise how you felt.
– I’m nervous. Even scared.
Suriah nodded.
– It’s a good sign. Only a fool would not feel like this after receiving a task from Poseidon-sama. But what exactly do you fear?
– I’m not a warrior – you shrugged – I’m a merchant, daughter of merchants. I only know how to negotiate. My knowledge cannot be applied to anything but this.
The older woman kept her composure. She took a moment adjusting the basket on her lap, then turned back to you.
– Hm… As far as I can see, every human is a warrior, and you are not different from your pairs. Just a few moments ago, you almost swore you wouldn’t have children. Such determination is rare in someone this young. Do not let it die. Take the time you have, girl, and work with all you got. You say your knowledge cannot be applied to your task, but every knowledge is necessary, and it can save us when we least expect.
You swallowed.
– I remember my parents saying something similar when I was a child and didn’t want to study certain topics.
Suriah smiled with sympathy.
– And they were right, and I wish I learned this when I did my negotiation – she pointed at you as someone who gives a mixture of alert and advice – My task was impossible, and I knew I lost since the start. But maybe you have a chance to make a difference, even with these delicate arms of yours. And, honestly, it would be fun if you succeed and entertain our husband.
***
When you left the hall in the company of Alyssa, you had more questions than answers.
– The only thing I know for sure now is that I still have many things to learn about these people – you were saying – The way they take slavery for love is something that I just cannot accept.
Your friend was taking slow steps beside you, with her arm entwined with yours.
– If I was you, I’d give up while I can – she laughed – This got me surprised when I arrived here too, and even now I feel uncomfortable whenever they talk about it, which, fortunately, only happens in rare occasions. But they’re not entirely wrong. For example, when Suriah said our husband doesn’t get along with rebel women, it is true for both mortals and goddesses.
The conversation you had about Amphitrite came back to your memory, but you said nothing about it. Instead, you focused on Suriah.
– I don’t understand how she knows so much about us. Did you make friends with her when you came here?
– Not exactly, but she helped me in the first days – Alyssa explained – She’s one of the oldest women here, so she does this for each new girl. There aren’t rules about experienced wives supporting the younger ones, but it’s a sort of tradition she built around herself. You know, her people are notorious for their incredible lifespan among the mortal species, and their capacity of reproduction, as she explained. She has known many people from many folks over the years and, since she’s been here for years and is one of the most fertile wives, she has some status. The other girls and the servants respect her. And as far as I could see, she sympathized with you.
– I see… – you turned to Alyssa and lowered your tone – And how does he see this?
The girl became suddenly serious. It was unnecessary to explain to whom you were referring to.
– If she has succeeded in her task, I guess it would have been a problem for him. But, since things happened differently, he doesn’t mind. He gets what he needs from her, and that’s all that matters.
Your conversation was interrupted by a voice behind you.
– Excuse me.
You both turned to the voice’s owner, and you recognized the noble girl from the Northern Waters, the same people of the priestess who ran to the waves the day you arrived. You saw her at the dining room, but she took a seat in place away from you. Given that she was a member of her species’ high society and displayed a quiet behavior, you didn’t focus your attention on her, convinced that she held the same disdain for humanity as many of the other women, but now that you had the chance to observe her from close and without the interference of a noisy and unfavorable environment, you started to think you were wrong.
And the shy manner with which she spoke to you reinforced it.
– Are you y/n, the human girl who just talked to Suriah?
You nodded.
– Yes, I am – you indicated your friend – And this is Alyssa. She’s also human.
The girls greeted themselves and the noble introduced herself.
– My name is Taulah. We arrived together with the latest carriage.
– Yes, I remember you – and, recalling the other girl’s fate, – I’m sorry for what happened to your pair that day.
Taulah gave you a sad smile.
– Her name was Doonah. She was my childhood friend. Despite being one of the most dedicated priestesses of our region, she never felt comfortable with the idea of being trapped. To her, the sea represented freedom and movement, so when she found out that she was chosen to marry the god she always loved and served, she was radiant… – the girl lowered her tone, and part of the glow in her eyes disappeared as she recalled the incident – However, after what that servant said, all the happiness and expectations died inside her… and she didn’t see any reason to keep living…
You three spent a moment in silence. Alyssa was the first to speak.
– They did the same when I arrived. There was one girl who succumbed to the guide’s provocation and did the same as your friend. Later, at night, I listened to a melody that entered through my room’s window. It was a sad song that reminded me of a flute. The morning after, I asked a maid about this and she said it was Poseidon-sama’s whistle, coming from the Main Tower.
You and Taulah looked at her at the same time.
– They explained that, every time a wife or a bride dies, he walks to the highest spot of this tower, opens the window and whistles to the outside – Alyssa continued – At the same time, he sends a sacred shell to the depths of the sea in honor of her. When they told me this, I didn’t know if I should cry or be shocked.
You held your breath. So, that was the answer for the mysterious tune, followed by that light you witnessed that night. You’ve been wanting to ask about it for days, but the opportunity never came.
– I heard when he whistled in honor of Doonah – you revealed – It was heartbreaking... and beautiful at the same time.
Taulah’s response to this was composed, as expected from someone of her position, but didn’t lack emotion.
– An appropriate way to honor a loyal, honest priestess. She would’ve loved it.
Alyssa and you agreed. Taulah changed the subject.
– Well, I came here to say that I’m impressed with your courage, y/n – she told you – The way you stood up for your friend and for yourself in the middle of so many strangers… – she smiled – That was incredible.
Your face warmed up to this compliment: getting unexpected recognition from someone you misjudged provoked a strange feeling.
– We’re kind of alone here – you glanced at Alyssa – We need to have each other’s back.
– Yes – Taulah agreed with enthusiasm – Anyways, I wish you luck with your task. And if you need anything, I’ll be here.
– Thank you, Taulah.
The girl nodded, and that marked the beginning of a new friendship, the second you conquered in that strange world, but one that made you think that, whatever the future had for you, it might not be impossible to overcome.
You said goodbye to each other like close allies.
– I’ll take Alyssa back to our room now – you said – She needs to rest.
– Go. Be safe.
You three separated right after, with the girl from the Northern Waters rushing back to the dining room and you giving your arm to Alyssa, following on a slow walk back to the lodge.
***
You helped Alyssa to get comfortable in her bed, adjusting the pillows behind her back, borrowing a cushion for her to rest her feet and covering her with a blanket: she used to take a nap for two hours or three after lunch, while you spent this period reading the books brought by the servants.
That time, however, you would try something different.
– Where are you going? – Alyssa asked with her eyes half closed.
You were preparing yourself to leave the room, changing your shoes for a more comfortable pair and wrapping the shawl you were given by your husband around your shoulders.
– I’m going to visit the Library – you explained – I found out we have permission to use it for both studying and diversion, so I’m heading there to research some things.
– Is it about your task?
– Yes – you walked to the door; and, turning the knob, – My father used to say that a good merchant is always taking opportunities to gather knowledge, and Suriah spoke about my abilities being useful in this task. I need to find something that helps me in this sense.
– I see – she whispered, adjusting her blanket – Just remember that the way to the Library is long from here. So, be careful.
You replied that this was precisely why you changed your shoes, then left the room.
***
Since the wives are previously informed about the premises of the palace they were allowed to go to, one day you took the opportunity to ask a servant how you could reach the Library, the rules for using the books and the periods of the day when it was open to visitors. Now, while recalling the information you gathered, you walked through the corridors searching for the passage between the tower that housed the women’s lodge and the one where the Library was, which, according to the servant’s explanation, was a narrow bridge that connected the two towers in the inner side of the building, at the North Wing.
You were now walking down a staircase that should lead to the place through which the bridge could be accessed, your heart racing with the perspective of approaching the desired place. You looked around and quickly recognized the servant’s description, and the bridge was almost under your sight’s reach...
When a sudden, strong quake hit the floor and spread to the walls and the stairs, reaching your spot and making you fall before you could think of grabbing the handrail.
It came fast, and left even faster. When it was over, you tried to stand up, but found out your entire body was aching, as if your fall happened from a higher place and not the few stairs you still had to walk down. You found that strange, but for now the pain wouldn’t allow you to think too much.
You breathed deep and tried to stand up again when you sensed you were ready. You adjusted your clothing and massaged your forehead on the spot that hit the floor.
You just witnessed your husband’s bad mood.
It was just like the day we arrived… With such a man ruling over it, I don’t know how this castle is still standing! Anyways, thank Heavens he’s far away from here, and I can only hope he stays like this.
It was when you realized your surroundings were no longer the same.
What you saw before the quake was the end of the stairs before you, and the connection between it and the small passage that would lead to the bridge, located at your left. Now, instead of this, you saw yourself in the middle of a long, empty corridor surrounded by high, bluish walls and a ceiling from which a soft, white light descended; you didn’t take long to see that its end was far from your spot. However, the scariest thing was that, when you turned around, you saw that the staircase just disappeared, being replaced by the other side of the same corridor, and this end was closer to you, with a wall identical to the ones on your sides to indicate it, and a parallel corridor that preceded it.
You started walking in that direction, observing this strange location.
– What kind of place is this? – you murmured unconsciously – No doors, no windows, no decoration…
You came to the conclusion that it was just a passage, where people wouldn’t stop to do anything – not even appreciate its beauty, since there was no art in there. Not only this, but the absence of doors that would lead to rooms or to other corridors indicated that this wasn’t an access many people would use.
It was when you stopped suddenly, your heart jumping inside your chest.
What if I’m in a forbidden place?
The idea came to you only when it was too late.
When you were a few meters before the end, a pair of tall, green-skinned guards wearing helmets and holding tridents similar to the one of their master appeared from the right corner and turned it to take your corridor, advancing in large steps toward you.
You took a step back, tightening the shawl around yourself; there was no way to escape, whether running back to your previous spot or trying to pass through them: their legs seemed too long, ideal for a marathon, and those tridents were too long and too sharp besides, you couldn’t tell if they would forgive an attempt to evasion even if it came from one of their Lord’s wives.
The guards were so entertained with their chatting that they almost bumped into you, not coming to this point because you jumped back with a little scream. When they finally became aware of your presence, they fell silent, and the smiles on their faces slowly faded into a suspicious expression.
The guard at the left, who seemed to be the older one, was the first to speak.
– What are you doing here? – and, since you kept quiet, – Don’t you know this area is forbidden for mortals?
You considered saying that you were looking for the Library when you fell there after the quake, but something made you think your explanation wouldn’t be accepted, so you just replied like anyone would in a situation like that.
– I didn’t know that… – you glanced beyond the men – Can you lead me to the exit?
The guard’s response was to glance at his partner, then turn back at you with a grin.
– Of course, we can – he started, taking slow steps toward you – But not without giving you the appropriate punishment.
You swallowed. You didn’t know what that man had in mind, and certainly didn’t want to find out. Before he could reach you, you stepped back and uncovered your ears, exhibiting the pearls on your lobes. The younger guard, who stood in the same place, tightened his lips in apprehension, while his companion frowned. Yes, faking a courage you weren’t feeling was risky, but it was your only chance.
– You can’t speak about punishment to me when I am one of Poseidon-sama’s wives – your voice echoed across the place, though you didn’t speak loud – Touching me the wrong way will mean a problem for you.
The two guards had opposite reactions to your words.
The younger one kept his position, not taking a single step toward you, and even tried to warn his partner.
– We should just lead her back to the women’s lodge – he was saying – We’ll be in trouble if someone sees her with us here…
The older guard, on the other hand, showed no worries for this advice and no regard for your earrings.
– These pearls don’t prove anything to me, girl – he replied in challenge – You might have faked them, just like others did before you. Besides, our Lord has taken hundreds of women as his wives. One more or one less in the counting would mean nothing to him!
– You can just take me back to the lodge and I will grant you my silence in return – you insisted – If nothing happens here, nobody needs to know about this encounter!
The guard laughed.
– Well, I think I’ll pass!
You held your breath. Your strategy worked partially, but that wasn’t enough to grant your safeness, and there wasn’t much you could do about it.
Sorry, Alyssa. But I couldn’t be as careful as you recommended.
The guard stretched his hand to grab you, and you jumped back, but you never managed to take more than two steps away from him. You thought you were going to stumble and hit the floor, at the mercy of that man…
But you actually bumped into someone who was right behind you, and who seemed to have appeared there by magic. The person held you by your arms, keeping you in place.
You raised your eyes, thinking you just got trapped by a third guard, ready to apologize and beg for help, when you recognized him and felt your words dying before passing your lips.
– This is the first time I meet you casually and you are already in danger, dragonet – were his first words; and, with a slight smile, – Why am I not surprised?
You couldn’t believe what you were seeing: how did he reach that spot so fast? And how did he do it without making the slightest noise?
Before you could say or do anything, he turned his attention to the older guard, and a transformation occurred on his face: the suggestion of smile disappeared from his lips, turning his face into an emotionless sculpture of marble, and the blue of his eyes decreased to a darker shade, close to black. You sensed the air getting cold around you, almost like the sea water during winter, and shivers started spreading through your skin.
You glanced at the guards, and the unexpected appearance of their Lord in that isolated place provoked different feelings in each of them, judging by what you saw in their faces: the younger one had his anxiety increased now that his worst fear just came true, while the older simply panicked.
– P-Poseidon-sama…!
You were surprised that he was able to say even those few words: his massive body was shaking in a way you didn’t know to be possible, his eyes were almost leaving their orbits and the green of his skin gave place to a sickly yellow that you supposed to be the equivalent of paleness in human skins.
To anyone who would look from a distance, it would seem that Poseidon showed no sign of his feelings, but to you, who were between his arms, the story was different: though no wrinkle appeared on his forehead nor his lips were twisted while he stared at the guard, the change in his eyes’ color was the clearest evidence of his wrath.
His next words, however, weren’t for the man.
– Stay here – he held your shoulders and made you turn your back on the men – Do not look back.
He took a few steps toward the guard, and you never knew exactly what happened after this. There was no scream, cry or plead from any of the men; you just heard a fast sound, as if something sharp just cut the air behind you, followed by a wet, disgusting noise, that started and ended as fast as the previous one. At your right, you saw a red stain appear on the wall, profaning the blue as it descended violently to the floor.
Poseidon’s composed voice was the next thing you heard.
– Send servants to clean this mess – he was saying – And inform your detachment’s leader about this casualty. He will designate a substitute to work with you.
The younger man’s voice mumbled a relieved “yes, my Lord”, and he left as soon as he could.
When the sound of his steps disappeared in the parallel corridor (you didn’t know in which direction), you sensed your husband approaching you again. You tried to glance behind, but before you could see anything, his hand covered the side of your face and you were forced to look ahead. He took you in his arms and started to walk, without saying a word about what just happened.
Just as decreed by Poseidon during your wedding votes, those pearls were indeed their only warning.
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road-kill-eater · 3 months
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what do you think of people making their own tonitrui characters? I love your work, the faces are super nice to look at, teeth and all
i dont mind at all! tonitrui are very close to my heart as theyre by far my oldest original species/headworld, but ive yet to actually do anything with them and dont really have much motivation to do so. the tonitrui i primarily draw are ocs from another story entirely which is fundamentally a human story, but i vastly prefer drawing the weird goats over humans.
i suppose this is also as good a time as any to "officially" describe tonitrui.
there are some rules that come with them since they are designed to inhabit a specific setting and play a certain role within their world. but at the same time i dont really care much, and have always enjoyed seeing other peoples takes on the species in the past, even if they break some rules
theyre a primarily carnivorous species which is on average 2 feet taller than the average human, ranging between 6-8 feet in height. this great size, along with their diet has forced the southern portion of their population to rely heavily upon fishing and animal agriculture to support a substantial population/military, and to eschew many of the superfluous aspects of their historical culture. as a result tonitrui are generally very utilitarian, what few festivals and art they have is generally related to bloodsports and ritual combat. they are a race strongly influenced by the pressures surrounding them, this primarily being other equally sapient but different races which they compete with for land and resources. unlike other races they have no allies, and either conquer or destroy their foes, however their colonial and expansionist tendencies can't keep up with a dwindling population, subseptibility to disease, civil war, corruption, and general hubris.
as for religion, monarchist tonitrui have a historical theistic framework that they have mostly abandoned, for good reason. many generations prior (to the general timeline) their corresponding creator god (each race was created by an individual god, the many civilizations acting as a living chess game, this is not known to the mortals below, they dont know they exist to better the social reputation of another entity entirely) walked among them as a god king. this was of course seen as blatant foul play by the fellow players so they locked it in that mortal form, and being confronted by mortality drove it mad. the specifics of whether or not the god king killed itself, or was murdered by his own subjects is widely disputed, but the impact of that betrayal has turned much of the kingdom off theism entirely. luck and chance are the spirits that tonitrui pray to now, even if ever since, their civilization has begun to crumble from within and without. their every enterprise fails, their wars of conquest fold back in on their own territory, plague strikes them endlessly.
the northern population is technically part of the southern kingdom, however their way of life (more nomadic, hunter-gatherer based) has typically set them apart. there is still free trade and travel between them, and they still pay taxes and obey military conscription, however there is increasing resistance to these, and governmental authority weakens as the northern population becomes more preoccupied with their own struggles.
in terms of morphology, tonitrui have two sets of flat incisors much like a horse, prominent canines which can occassionally stick out between their lips, and canine-like carnassials and molars. their faces are rather stiff for the most part and they primarily emote through their eyes, the corners of their mouths, their ears, and the tilt and posture of their big heads. they can just barely lift their top lip, and the muscles that control snarling and snout wrinkling in mammals are quite reduced or nonexistent in tonitrui, they compensate for this by opening their jaws very wide as an aggressive signal, and sometimes slamming their lower jaw shut to clack their teeth, but the latter is super rude, its basically a death threat.
their horns are primarily for display purposes, with a huge amount of variety that distinguishes individuals and family lines. generally their horns are relatively small when compared to those of existing ungulates, and particularly large horns are seen as ungainly and may be trimmed down in order to keep appearances and prevent them from being used against them in combat. young tonitrui naturally have the desire to ram their nubby horns against things, much to their parents exasperation, and everything breakable has to be well hidden in the household. though this is considered a childish and unrefined form of combat by the mainstream population, some more isolated villages still hold contests of strength where one must push their opponent past a line with only their horns.
their feet have no distinct nails and the toes are progressively keratinized until they are quite hard at the very tip, useful for gripping a variety of surfaces. in appearance they sort of resemble a blend of claws and hooves, clooves if you will.
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tonitrui are generally covered in a short, peach fuzz fur that thickens around their head, neck and down the length of their spines, and this is generally accompanied by a dorsal stripe of darker fur and lighter patterning on their chest and bellies. their patterning is usually very basic, darkened extremities tend to be more common in northern populations, and piebaldism pops up a lot in the south. their colors range from white to gray to black, to tan to gold to brown. northern tonitrui generally have shorter, broader snouts, smaller ears, and a mane that covers the entire circumference of their neck rather than just the top ridge. however the two populations have mixed to the point that these traits can be found across their entire range.
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tonitrui always get their tails docked as infants, and if it isnt done by their families for some reason, individuals will often have the procedure done later in life to prevent the associated social rejection. tails are considered an unnecessary extravagance and liability, especially given how long and thin they are by nature. in a duel or battle they are easily broken, or used to pull an enemy off balance. back during the formation of their kingdom and the conquering of atomized clans into one entity, soldiers would often cut the tails off the locals and whip them with them as punishment for crimes real and imagined, so docking became a practice of integration, and preemptively avoided such humiliation. and whatever practice is compulsory in the military quickly becomes unofficially expected in the rest of the population.
in terms of gender norms, tonitrui arent beholden to anything resembling the human concept. they arent even mammals, and while they have the two typical sexes, they have far less sexual dimorphism than humans, and both sexes have the capacity to feed their young via specialized glands in their throats. females are on average smaller and slighter than males, but this remains the primary difference, and as a result social norms and gender roles are far reduced in tonitrui culture. personal wealth does tend to accumulate with the matriarch of a family because they are more likely not to die in battle. historically females have never been conscripted in the military, although there was no rule against them signing up until relatively recently, due to the powers that be realizing that males are far less crucial to the longevity of a society, especially one with a dwindling population.
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ackerfics · 1 year
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a devoted believer (lover) like no other: levi ackerman
— let the world ridicule me, for life anew i still pray; whether earth or heavens, my place is by your side.
levi ackerman x reader
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when levi first saw you, he thought you were a blessing sent from the heavenly realms.
you were in the middle of the most gilded of cities, the one above the rotting pathetic excuse of a home for a young boy of thirteen, dressed in the most luxurious woven material that didn't just accentuate how beautiful you were, but also showed how you were almost one of the deities overlooking the continents. you were a literal blessing from above, a miracle born from a dying, withered hand while the typhoons thundered the mortal realm. the reason behind your miraculous existence that had scholars praising odes of your achievements was not because you emerged a thief of your mother's life, but because you silenced the raging winds and drained the flooded villages — almost like your birth calmed the celestials above with your cries of greetings. and for a miracle reaching a year of another age, you're a spectacle in a sea of worshipping eyes, waiting for a smile from their revered crowned heir.
among those was him, a street rat who escaped from the undercity to quench his curiosity of what colors a festivals boasts or what extravagances the illegal traders below-ground have witnessed in the past. he was in the middle of pushing individuals screaming for the next in line for the throne of the city, in hopes that their handkerchiefs could wipe the moving shrine you're seated in. levi thanked his smaller figure because he could squeeze in between bodies as well as snatch a couple of trinkets from unsuspecting citizens here and there. what he didn't expect was to be pushed to the large road, right in the middle and in front of the gigantic shrine carrying you.
your brilliant distinctive eyes that were once jaded flashed with alarm, meeting levi's that were shadowed with what remained of his fate. talks of how ruthless your father, the king, was spread far and wide. everything that would pose a threat to you and your precious being would be eradicated. even a measly street rat who simply stumbled amidst your birthday parade. levi accepted that he would be beheaded at the prime age of thirteen. though, it was too soon for him to meet his mother again in the land without ends.
instead, the entire festival stopped.
you descended like a deity punished with mortality, your ethereal garb trailing like the waves against the shore. the guards stationed around you stood on high alert. you sat on your haunches in front of levi, his eyes wide almost as if he was ingraining every feature carved on your face into memory. he was tense, more wary than he ever was in his entire lifespan. all that vanished like the healing hands of apothecaries when you place a small, gentle hand on his head. the smile you had on your face could be akin to that of homely warmth that soothed every miserable memory levi had in his head. you were like his healing and it was only his first meeting with you. maybe you were truly a miracle born from the highest stars or a deity wrapped in mortal skin to grace people like him a taste of the heavenly realms.
"are you alright?" carried your euphonious voice.
levi might have looked like he was about to assassinate you but he was only gobsmacked.
"do you need some help? that was quite a fall."
"no, i'm alright," finally, he had the strength to answer your queries.
the smile you donned grew, crinkling your eyes in relief. "that's good. how about taking a ride on the shrine? it seems like you gained an injury from the fall." you glanced behind you and gestured for the guards to calm themselves. "don't worry, they won't do a thing to you. come, don't be afraid, i'll be sitting there with you."
he ignored the jeers from the crowds and let himself be pulled by you up the stairs of your moving shrine.
it was that day when he swore that you were worthy of being worshipped for you have a heart that was unlike any he encountered. you were truly a polished gem among ragged stones and pebbles.
years cultivated your relationship with him, the witness being your retainers and the walls of your palace. every day since that fateful parade and festival, you welcome levi into your home, offered him the best delicacies and clothes, basically ridding him of his past, which he greatly accepted without a second glance. you were offering him a chance to redeem his life of killing and stealing and just like breathing, he would follow. it came to a point that you appointed him as one of your guards, an act so baffling that it required you to bow in your father's throne room just to have levi by your side. being your guard, you became a teller of fascinating stories for him, introducing knowledge, both foreign and local, that he never head of before. then, he picked up on the smallest things about you — how you fidget with your fingers when a potential suitor walked in, how you look away when you were overwhelmed with emotions after he told you something borderline romantic, how you smile a little wider around him, and many things that he could list and never be bored.
you were like an existence he wouldn't dare erase.
every moment with you is a memory until the downfall of your great city. a war broke out and your city was the target.
when levi first saw you bloodied and vulnerable, he thought he heard a painful cry somewhere.
enraged with the need to protect you, levi wreaked havoc in the vicinity, ultimately beheading the soldier who pierced their sword into your torso. what was once the beautiful garb he loved seeing on you, became something that only an abstract painter could conjure.
it was only then that he realized that painful cry was coming from his lips.
he cradled your dying body into his chest, his tears dripping like starlight on your cheeks. despite the pain raking your limbs and muscles, you lifted a hand and gently caressed his head the same way you did when you two first met. cries spilled from levi's lips — his face open to those who wish him harm that his one weakness had always been you.
"levi," you said in your dulcet tone.
"no, no, no," he murmured against your forehead, his hands already stained with your blood. it made him sick. "don't you fucking dare close your eyes."
"but the light is too harsh, levi. i'm tired."
"no, i beg you, please don't."
"i've defended this city to my last breath, just like what my father and mother always drilled into me. i hope they get to witness my zenith before they passed on and meet my ancestors in the land without ends." you were looking above like it was an old friend. levi gripped you tightly to his chest, closer to his heart, in hopes that your staggering breath becomes stronger with each thundering beat.
"don't say that!" he was angry but he had no idea who to direct this to.
"but, levi, it's why i was born."
"fuck them! i want you to live — longer than this stupid city did, than any of your ancestors ever did."
you smiled, your hand trailing down to his cheek. "oh, levi. thank you for being with me, for giving me a chance to experience something blinding when my life was too hopeless to shine some light to."
levi covered your hand with his warm palm. "and i want you to be here with me, please, my love."
"i promise to be with you in the heavenly realms."
"no, no, no, NO!" levi shouts the syllable as each one comes out of his mouth. you were losing light, the smile still on your face. his face contorts into the worst pain he felt in his lifetime, much worse than the poisoned dagger he took for you during one assassination attempt. desperate to breathe life into you, levi pressed his lips into yours. he thought so much of finally connecting your lips with his but instead of the warmth he envisioned, he only felt the cold. he continued fitting your lips together but you were still limp in his arms.
and when the hand that was on his cheek met the ground, levi screamed so loud that even the heavens pitied him.
it felt so wrong that the moment you were brought to the heavenly realms, the entire courtyard where your death happened bloomed with flowers as if the seasonal deities decided that spring should be welcomed. the scent of flowers could only mean one thing — a new deity is born.
in the years that you're gone, levi became a vengeful spirit, vanquishing dominions and territories like a mind game. he misses you deeply, waiting for any sign that you might be here in the mortal realm. he watches the trees change color a thousand times. and it's also a thousand years that he does his pining. and with it comes the news that a deity descended, doomed with the punishment of collecting millions of believers.
"a beautiful flower-like deity, dressed in this distinctive garb that existed a millennium ago. i think this deity was known for eternal kindness and empathy so, why would the heavens banish such a feat?"
that's enough for levi to venture the next sighting of this descended deity. however, at the entrance of one isolated village teeming with spirits, he thinks. it would be best to conceal his identity for the meantime. changing his appearance, he musters the strength to face you.
when levi first saw you after a thousand years, he thinks you're still as beautiful as the day you made the festival stop.
"traveler, do you need any help freeing spirits?"
you turn around, an amiable smile painting your face. "are you a citizen of this village? if so, will you accompany me?"
"always."
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wearepaladin · 3 months
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If you do end up writing that scene about your RT, please share it with us!
Orphic Hymn 64 to Nomos (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "Hymn to Nomos (Law). The holy king of gods and men I call, heavenly Nomos, the righteous seal of all: the seal which stamps whatever the earth contains, and all concealed within the liquid plains: stable, and starry, of harmonious frame, preserving laws eternally the same. Thy all-composing power in heaven appears, connects its frame, and props the starry spheres; and unjust envy shakes with dreadful sound, tossed by thy arm in giddy whirls around. 'Tis thine the life of mortals to defend, and crown existence with a blessed end; for thy command alone, of all that lives, order and rule to every dwelling goes. Ever observant of the upright mind, and of just actions the companion kind. Foe to the lawless, with avenging ire, their steps involving in destruction dire. Come, blest, abundant power, whom all reverse, by all desired, with favouring mind draw near; give me through life on thee to fix my sight, and never forsake the equal paths of right."
It always begins and ends with numbers. In a material universe, there are laws written unto the foundation of everything, from the most ancient stars to the machinery of atoms, the edicts that dictate the fundament are written eternal. In this place absent of meaning, walls of metal and the hollow men who loomed over the lost and the damned, did Thane Solcar fortify her mind with numbers, the digits providing rhythm, the equations lyrics, and solutions a chorus.
Estimated population of the Imperium between (10 to the 15th power) and (10 to the 24th power).
Thane Solcar had been someone small as opposed to negligible value in the Imperium of Man. The younger daughter of a minor nobility, an off shoot of some distant ancestor of greater significance whose wayward progeny had used their inheritance to separate from the greater dynasty to find their own way as a merchant noble making their travails among the stars. Not content to settle into a sedentary life upon anyone one location in the Empire of Humanity, they had been wayfarers upon the void. And her parents had ensured she'd never lacked the respect in the machine spirits and their codices on the proper maintenance and direction, and she had taken well to it, learning keenly and adapting what could be safely learned for one technically not part of the Followers of the Omnissiah, but like any of the voidborn, their ship was the world, the galaxy distant compared to the great emptiness that fills it. And the reliance upon the Light that allowed one to navigate it.
Tithe requires 1,000-4,000 subjects daily. In a single year, 365,000 to 1,460,000 are brought to Holy Terra. They are brought...
The Astronomican, the Light that spanned across the Imperium, allowing The Imperium to exist, was known to any Voidborn who bothered to use their ears. The need to have it and the Navis Nobiliti, who alone could used that Light as a point of reference across the infinite. Thane knew the Navis were psyker mutants, and thus not trusted by many of the ground walkers, but the necessity of them, both in the immediate wellbeing of her family's fortunes and mankind as a whole, went a long way to smothering the hatred that Thane was told she should feel for such beings. What use was hate for something that you needed to live? This thought process proved beneficial, a passive acceptance of the need of psykers. It helped when she learned that she herself was one.
...before the Astronomican, and aid in its care, under the gaze of His Divine Majesty. This has been the case for the last 10,000 years. Therefore...
It began innocently enough. Thane thought she heard choruses outside the hull and tried to imitate them, trying to find harmony, and Things began listen to and object to the harmony. The discordance (Chaos) overtook so much, and only the harmonies that sought brought a notion of defense even as ice began to freeze her surroundings. The Caretakers of the Black Ships thus found her, lost in the harmonies and the numbers she mumbled like a shield, even as everything else was lost. ...those brought to the Astronomican in the history of the Imperium thus number between 3 to 8 billion depending on the consistency of those provided by the Black Ships. But....where do they go, the numbers of people, they need somewhere to go...where are...
Thus it had been for the days of the journey on Black Ship, the vessels whose purpose was to find and transport the Tithe, the psykers the Imperium could provide. That the Imperium needed. She could not trust her newfound senses, but Thane had been using the far more trusted sense of her ears, and listened to what little the guardians on the ship had said. She knew they were going to the homeworld of mankind, to serve The God Emperor in some way related to the Astronomican. Unknown to her, two women observed her briefly as they studied Thane and the other Psyker prisoners. They spoke with their hands, having long ago made an oath of silence. (This one?) (Too weak willed. Mumbling throughout the journey, insane due to what happened to her kinsmen aboard the ship we found her. She will serve the God-Emperor by providing him the kindling He needs) And with that, her fate decided, they walked by, moving on to determine fate of the next imprisoned, and Thane Solcar was sentenced by the servants of The Emperor. And that should have been the end of it. -----
The Golden Throne is often invoked by the denizens of the Imperium of man, nearly as synonymous as their empire and the god they are devoted to as the emblem of the Aquila, the icon of their empire. But the Throne itself is often less depicted beyond a simple chair that the iconography of the Emperor at rest. In truth, it is more than that. Housed in the holy mountain that had once been known as Everest as a sign of human pride or Chomolungma for those who'd been born under her shadow and thus knew her as Mother of the world, the Mountain had been hollowed long ago, and it was here and among the sister mountains that the Imperial Palace resided, respledent with a majesty that silenced the past natural beauty in favor of the crafted golden glory of the relatively recent Imperium of Man. It was here, that Thane Solcar was brought, her newfound senses blinding her to any notion of Imperial Opulence, as the Light of the Astronomican burned so brightly, making even the sun seem a distant comparison to the Light that crowned this world. And beneath that crown sat Him, The Emperor. She could not see Him, hidden away in a labyrinth of gold, iron, and stone, but as she was laid out among the rows upon rows of other Tithed, she could feel Him, like a crystaline spike that all reality seemed to twist through. One by one, then multitude by multitude, she watched as the Tithed became part of that light, their souls as bright as myriad stars, were taken, absorbed, added ot the conflagration that was Him. Death, she realized. Death was what awaited those sacrficed before Him on Earth. With comprehension did not rouse panic, not yet, but as she hummed her harmonies, her soul beginning to be dragged into the cosmic bonfire that was Soul of the Master of Mankind, she dared something that some would consider blasphemy as her soul made contact with the Emperor.
Why?
The Light overtook her, and Annihilation or Consumption did not claim her. Instead she Saw, her single question answered in the form of a galaxy long burning. Thane Solcar saw the galaxy burning over a period of fifteen thousand years and humanity and xenos alike lost to that conflagration. Once great nations and dreams forever lost, be it to Man's own Folly, the machinations of dark powers from within and without reality, or the simple cruelties of fate. She saw the Emperor's dream of uniting mankind after the Long Night, a belief in the destiny of her species, their species, for He spoke to her now in a way that rendered others to embers, a fire she was now, and yet still herself.
She saw the events leading to the Great Crusade, the Crusade itself and the endless wars that followed, of Heresy, of Conquest, of Glory and Purpose. She saw why He had decided the neccessity of it all, paid in blood and lives uncountable.
And yet she counted. It pained her to, counting not only the psykers given to bonfire that was the Astronomican, but those lost to war and pogrom, genocide, betrayal, and hatred. So much hatred. She saw the nations that had been rebuilding before the Emperor had forced Compliance, and how many could have built back the lost empires and federation of humanity, not as a single beast with a emperor deified, either in faith or reason, but the lost cultures and hopes of peoples across countless worlds. She counted them all, considered them all, and this, more than anything, became a new flame that burned bright in her chest, the lost harmonies finding a home within Thane Solcar.
Thane looked at the Emperor, what remained of the man upon a dying throne. And named him Demiurge, master of much but not all, wise but flawed, alive but dead. More hollow god then broken man. She left the mythology he'd created with the Imperium as its spiritual demesne, and took her own faith with her, seeking Nomos elsewhere. Thus she was found, strange and heretical notions buried deep, alone alive among thousands given in blood and spiritual sacrifice, the mark of the Aquila branded in gold upon her brow. The sanctity of the Emperor, it was decided, and all the better for it. A Rogue trader house, distant ancestor of the Solcars, had been seeking this one errant psyker. Perhaps there she could be made to serve the Emperor and all His great works.
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mirisss · 5 months
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Path of Crowned Shadows
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Vampire! OT9 SF9 x afab! reader
 Soulmate, vampire au. 
Wordcount ≈ 8.5k
Warnings: None I think, 
Thank you for the request! And of course, I still write for Rowoon! 
Bolded words are a skip in time or the start of a new chapter. 
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Third Person POV
In the shadowy expanse of the dark kingdom, where the moon held sway over the night, there resided nine vampire princes. These enigmatic beings were intricately bound together by the mystical influence of the moon, their destinies interwoven like the phases of the celestial orb that adorned the night sky.
Driven by an ancient prophecy, the nine princes embarked on a quest to find their elusive soulmate, the one fated to complete the circle of their existence and unlock the dormant powers within them. Despite the captivating allure of the dark kingdom, their search proved to be a seemingly fruitless journey.
As the cycles of the moon waxed and waned, the princes pressed on, fueled by an unwavering determination to fulfill their destiny. The dark kingdom held its secrets close, and only time would reveal whether the celestial dance between the nine vampire princes and their soulmates would ultimately illuminate the shadows or forever remain veiled in the enigma of the night.
Youngbin, the second oldest among the nine vampire princes, possessed a unique blend of strength, charisma, and a natural inclination for leadership. Despite being younger than Inseong, the eldest of the princes, Youngbin assumed the role of the group's leader and, by virtue of a peculiar twist in their heritage, was designated as the heir apparent to the throne.
His demeanor reflected a balance of regality and approachability, making him not only a respected leader but also a figure his brothers could turn to for guidance. Youngbin's eyes, a mesmerizing blend of deep amethyst and the moonlit glow held a spark of determination that mirrored the responsibility he bore as the leader destined to guide their kingdom.
Youngbin's powers were uniquely attuned to governance and protection. He could command the elements, creating barriers of shadows and manipulating the very fabric of the dark kingdom to shield it from external threats. His leadership extended beyond the physical realm, as he proved adept at navigating the intricacies of vampire politics and ensuring the cohesion of the princely brotherhood.
In the quiet moments of reflection, Youngbin would often find solace in the moonlit gardens of their castle, contemplating not only the challenges of their quest but also the responsibilities that came with his imminent role as king. The moon, a silent witness to his thoughts, seemed to offer both guidance and reassurance in the face of the unknown.
Inseong, the eldest of the nine vampire princes, stood at the forefront of their quest with a regal demeanor that reflected both centuries of existence and the weight of the prophecy that bound them together. His eyes, like pools of ancient wisdom, gleamed with a timeless knowledge that surpassed the mortal realm. As the moonlight bathed him in an ethereal glow, it also highlighted the solitude that lingered in the recesses of his gaze.
Inseong's powers surpassed many, a testament to the accumulated strength of centuries lived under the moon's watchful eye. He could manipulate shadows, command the night, and communicate with the nocturnal creatures that inhabited the dark kingdom. Yet, for all his might, the one power that eluded him was the ability to unveil the identities of their elusive soulmate.
In the quiet moments between their pursuits, when the moon hung low and the kingdom slept in an uneasy stillness, Inseong would gaze at the night sky with a contemplative expression. The stars, distant and unattainable, mirrored the essence of the soulmate they sought—shrouded in the vastness of the unknown.
Jaeyoon and Dawon, the third and fourth vampire princes in line, complemented each other in ways that mirrored the delicate balance between dusk and dawn. Jaeyoon, with his captivating charm and beguiling aura, was a master of illusions, able to weave shadows into illusions that confounded and intrigued. Dawon, on the other hand, possessed a unique connection to the natural world, with the ability to manipulate flora and fauna at will.
Jaeyoon's powers of illusion made him a valuable asset to the group, capable of creating diversions and concealing their movements as they traversed the dark kingdom. His silver hair, like moonlit strands, framed his face in an otherworldly elegance, and his eyes sparkled with mischief as he navigated the shadows with an enigmatic grace.
Dawon, in contrast, had a deep affinity for the living realm. He could coax flowers to bloom in the moonlight, summon creatures of the night to aid their cause and draw strength from the very essence of the earth beneath their feet. His connection to the natural world brought a sense of vitality to the group, a reminder that even in the darkest of realms, life could flourish.
The bond between Jaeyoon and Dawon was as inseparable as day and night. Their complementary abilities often intertwined, creating a synergy that enhanced their effectiveness as a duo. In the moments of stillness, they would share quiet conversations beneath the moonlit canopy, reflecting on the journey and the mysteries that surrounded their quest.
As the group ventured deeper into the heart of the dark kingdom, Jaeyoon's illusions wove a protective veil around them, shielding the princes from prying eyes and malevolent forces. Dawon, in turn, would breathe life into the desolate landscapes they encountered, a testament to the enduring power of nature even in the face of darkness.
Zuho, the fifth vampire prince and known as the "dark one" within the kingdom, carried an aura of mystery and intensity that set him apart from his brothers. His icy glare, often accompanied by a stoic demeanor, earned him a reputation that echoed through the shadowed halls of the dark kingdom. Yet, beneath this façade of darkness, Zuho harbored a profound yearning for the love that the prophecy promised—a yearning that ran deep in the veins of his immortal heart.
His powers were as formidable as his reputation. Zuho commanded the element of ice, able to freeze time itself with a mere glance. The chill of his presence sent shivers through the hearts of those who crossed his path, reinforcing the moniker bestowed upon him by the kingdom's inhabitants. Yet, in the solitude of his thoughts, Zuho wrestled with the duality of his nature—the chilling exterior that concealed a warmth he dared not show.
Zuho's gaze, sharp as the moonlight reflecting off icy landscapes, held a complexity that mirrored the struggle within him. The shadows he cast were both a shield and a prison, a defense mechanism born of centuries spent navigating the intrigues of the vampire realm. Yet, as the moon waxed and waned, so did the longing in his immortal soul for a connection that transcended the cold solitude he had grown accustomed to.
On the moonlit nights, when the kingdom lay in a hushed slumber, Zuho would find himself standing on the parapets of their castle, gazing out into the vast expanse of the darkened landscape. His thoughts, like the swirling snowflakes around him, danced between the desire to embrace the warmth of love and the fear of exposing vulnerabilities that had long been buried in the frost of self-preservation.
Among his brothers, Zuho remained an enigma—a puzzle with edges that hinted at both strength and fragility. The other princes sensed the depth of his yearning, the silent plea for understanding and acceptance that echoed in the icy corridors of his heart. Yet, the path to unraveling Zuho's true self-proved to be as treacherous as the frozen landscapes he could conjure with a thought.
Rowoon, the sixth vampire prince, walked in the footsteps of Zuho, creating a striking contrast that seemed to embody the duality of their immortal existence. If Zuho was the embodiment of darkness, Rowoon emerged as the radiant counterpoint—the prince known for his charming and warm looks that endeared him to the inhabitants of the dark kingdom.
Tall and commanding, Rowoon possessed an otherworldly allure that drew eyes like moths to a flame. His golden hair, reminiscent of the sun's glow at dawn, framed a face that radiated kindness and approachability. His eyes, pools of warmth, held an innate ability to dispel the shadows that clung to the kingdom, earning him the affectionate moniker of the "light bringer" among the subjects.
Rowoon's powers were attuned to healing and restoration. He could mend wounds with a touch and infuse the air with an invigorating energy that dispelled the weariness that often accompanied their quest. His presence, like a beacon in the night, brought comfort to his brothers and a sense of hope to the kingdom that lingered in the perpetual embrace of darkness.
The dynamic between Rowoon and Zuho was a fascinating interplay of opposites. While Zuho's gaze could freeze time, Rowoon's smile had the power to thaw even the coldest hearts. Their connection, akin to the delicate balance of night and day, added a layer of complexity to the brotherhood, highlighting the diverse strengths that each prince brought to the collective journey.
Despite their differences, Rowoon and Zuho shared an unspoken understanding that ran deeper than the superficial contrasts in their appearances and abilities. In the moonlit nights, when the kingdom lay still, they would find moments of quiet contemplation, reflecting on the intricacies of their intertwined destinies and the significance of their roles in the prophecy.
Taeyang, the seventh vampire prince, brought a unique passion to the brotherhood—one that transcended the mystic powers and political intricacies that surrounded their quest. His heart resonated with the rhythmic beats of dance and the moon's warm glow served as both witness and inspiration to his profound yearning.
His name, meaning Sun, captured the essence of his vibrant spirit. Taeyang's movements were a fluid expression of grace and power, a dance that mirrored the celestial dance of the moon and the stars. His dark hair, like cascading shadows, framed a face adorned with the glow of someone who found solace in the rhythm of the night.
Taeyang's powers were intricately linked to his affinity for dance. As he moved, shadows swirled around him, creating ephemeral patterns that captivated the eyes of those fortunate enough to witness his artistry. His dance was not only a form of self-expression but also a means of channeling the very essence of the dark kingdom, infusing the air with a magical energy that resonated with the moon's warm embrace.
The moon, with its silver radiance, became both a muse and confidante to Taeyang. Under its watchful gaze, he would lose himself in the rhythmic flow of his own movements, imagining a future where he and his soulmate would dance together, creating a symphony that echoed through the darkened realm.
Among his brothers, Taeyang's passion for dance added a dynamic layer to their collective journey. The moonlit nights transformed into impromptu stages where the vampire prince would weave his spells, inviting his brothers to join in the celestial dance that bound them together.
Hwiyoung and Chani, the eighth and ninth vampire princes, brought a youthful energy to the brotherhood, their presence a reminder that even in the timeless realm of immortality, the essence of youth and discovery remained. Despite being the youngest, they carried a weighty responsibility as integral pieces in the celestial puzzle that bound them together.
Hwiyoung, with his tousled silver hair and mischievous eyes, possessed an affinity for the winds that whispered through the night. His powers allowed him to command the air, creating gentle breezes or powerful gusts that carried the secrets of the dark kingdom. His playful spirit added a lighthearted touch to the group, a refreshing breeze amidst the shadows.
Chani, on the other hand, was a creature of the moonlit forests. His connection to nature surpassed even that of Dawon, as he could communicate with animals and navigate the dense woodlands with an almost supernatural intuition. Chani's eyes, reflecting the deep hues of the nocturnal landscapes, held a wisdom that defied his youthful appearance.
The duo of Hwiyoung and Chani, inseparable like the moon and the stars, brought a sense of camaraderie and exploration to the brotherhood. Together, they discovered hidden pathways through the kingdom and reveled in the enchanting mysteries that lurked in the corners of their world. Their laughter echoed through the moonlit nights, a testament to the enduring spirit of youth even in the midst of their quest.
In the grand scheme of their quest, Hwiyoung and Chani, like the final strokes on a canvas, added a sense of completeness to the brotherhood. The moon, their ever-watchful companion, observed the unfolding destinies of the vampire princes, each step bringing them closer to the revelation of their soulmates and the fulfillment of the prophecy that bound them as one.
In the outskirts of the small town, nestled in the shadow of the dark kingdom, lived a girl by the name of (Y/n). Her humble existence unfolded in a small, weathered house, where she shared the simple comforts of life with fellow orphans from the town. The flickering candlelight and the warmth of shared stories painted the walls of their modest abode with a sense of camaraderie and resilience.
(Y/n), with her expressive eyes that mirrored the myriad hues of the moonlit night, navigated life with a quiet strength that belied her circumstances. Her days were filled with the simple joys of laughter and shared meals, and the nights brought the solace of a sky adorned with stars that seemed to echo the tales whispered by the elders of the town about the mysterious dark kingdom nearby.
Living on the outskirts allowed (Y/n) to catch glimpses of the kingdom's enigmatic silhouette, its dark spires reaching into the night sky. The tales of the vampire princes and their quest for soulmates were woven into the fabric of the town's folklore, a source of fascination and trepidation for the orphans who dared to dream beneath the moon's silver glow.
Among her fellow orphans, (Y/n) stood out as a source of comfort and inspiration. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to find joy in the simplicity of life endeared her to those around her. As the moon cast its glow upon the outskirts, (Y/n) would often find herself gazing toward the dark kingdom, a spark of curiosity flickering in her eyes.
As (Y/n) went about her days, weaving the threads of her existence with those of her fellow orphans, the moon continued its watchful vigil over the unfolding tale. The dark kingdom, with its mysteries and the nine vampire princes bound by destiny, loomed ever closer, casting its enigmatic influence on the small town and the girl who lived on its outskirts.
The news of the impending arrival of the nine vampire princes stirred a mixture of excitement and trepidation throughout the small town. Whispers of their quest, their otherworldly powers, and the elusive search for soulmates spread like wildfire, casting a magical anticipation over the community.
As the summery day unfolded, the air buzzed with palpable energy, and the townsfolk couldn't help but feel the magnetic pull of destiny drawing near. The sunlight bathed the cobbled streets in a warm embrace, casting a golden hue over the town that contrasted with the mysterious shadows of the approaching dark kingdom.
In the outskirts, where (Y/n) lived with the other orphans, a sense of wonder mingled with the everyday routines. The small house, usually filled with the comforting sounds of shared stories and laughter, hummed with an added sense of anticipation. The orphans exchanged eager glances, their imaginations ignited by the prospect of encountering beings from the fabled dark kingdom.
Preparations buzzed throughout the town as its inhabitants readied for the arrival of the vampire princes. Merchants adorned their stalls with vibrant colors, flowers bloomed in window boxes, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air—a collective effort to welcome the enigmatic guests with open hearts.
The summery day turned into a hazy evening, and the town's folk gathered in the central square, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns and the flickering anticipation of the impending arrival. The air shimmered with excitement, and whispers of hope and curiosity echoed beneath the moonlit sky.
The rhythmic sound of horse hooves hitting the ground echoed through the town, gradually growing louder until it became a steady and distinct beat. As the anticipation peaked, nine silhouettes emerged on the horizon, riding toward the town on majestic steeds. The moonlit night unveiled the figures of the vampire princes, their dark cloaks billowing in the night breeze as their horses gracefully carried them forward. The townspeople, collectively holding their breath, watched in awe as the nine mysterious figures drew nearer.
As the nine princes approached, the air became charged with a blend of curiosity and reverence. Rowoon, with his radiant charm, indeed drew the gaze of many despite his cloak covering his face, and the young girls couldn't help but marvel at the reality of the living legend before them. The collective heartbeat of the town seemed to synchronize with the hoofbeats of the approaching steeds, creating a harmonious symphony that underscored the significance of the moment.
The nine princes came to a graceful halt in the center of the town square, dismounting from their steeds with an otherworldly elegance. The small crowd hushed in anticipation, watched as the princes lowered their hoods one by one, revealing features that seemed to transcend the mortal realm.
Inseong, stood with a regal poise, his gaze sweeping over the assembled townspeople with a wisdom that spoke of centuries lived beneath the moon's watchful eye. Beside him, Youngbin exuded a calm confidence, a leader born of both authority and compassion.
The other princes followed suit, revealing faces that held a unique blend of mystery and allure. Jaeyoon, Dawon, and Zuho each bore expressions that hinted at the complexities beneath their exterior. Rowoon, with his warm and charming looks, smiled gently as he observed the townspeople.
Taeyang, the dancer, moved with a fluid grace that seemed to echo the very essence of the moonlit night. Hwiyoung and Chani, the youngest, exuded an energetic vibrancy that added a touch of youthful exuberance to the group.
As the princes faced the townspeople, their piercing eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a connection that would fulfill the prophecy. The air, charged with the unspoken hopes of the townspeople, crackled with a sense of destiny unfolding.
The townspeople, caught in the collective gaze of the vampire princes, held their breath as the celestial search began. Whispers rippled through the crowd, speculation and excitement intertwining in the moonlit night. Each prince, in his own way, sought the elusive soulmate who would complete the cosmic puzzle that bound them together.
In the midst of the town square, (Y/n) felt a mix of nervous anticipation and quiet curiosity. The gaze of the vampire princes, each with a unique allure, seemed to linger on the faces of the townspeople, a silent search for the one whose destiny would intertwine with theirs.
The moon, casting its ethereal glow upon the scene, bore witness to the unfolding drama beneath its celestial canvas. The small town, caught between the realms of ordinary life and the extraordinary fate promised by the prophecy, awaited the moment when the threads of mortal and immortal destinies would finally entwine.
A moment of quiet despair settled among the princes as their piercing gazes scanned the townspeople, and the weight of an uncertain future pressed upon them. The air, thick with anticipation, carried an undercurrent of melancholy as the possibility of not finding their soulmates loomed.
Yet, just as a shadow falls across a sunlit path, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught the attention of the vampire princes. As their eyes swept over the crowd, the shadows seemed to part, revealing a figure standing at the back of the gathering. (Y/n), hidden from their direct sight, had inadvertently caught the attention of the princes through the revealing dance of the shadows.
The townspeople, unaware of the unfolding drama, continued to exchange hopeful glances, oblivious to the profound moment that hung in the air. The princes, guided by the serendipity of the shadows, felt a sudden surge of energy as their eyes locked onto the girl who stood at the periphery of the crowd.
At that moment, the world seemed to be still. The moon, the silent witness to the cosmic dance, bathed (Y/n) in its silver glow, casting her in a radiant light that captivated the vampire princes. The revelation unfolded like a dream, and the connection between the princes and the hidden girl felt palpable as if destiny had guided their eyes toward an undeniable truth.
The air shimmered with newfound hope as the princes, driven by an instinct that transcended the ordinary, began to move toward the back of the crowd where (Y/n) stood. The townspeople, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, turned their attention to the unfolding spectacle, their murmurs of anticipation giving way to a collective realization that something extraordinary was taking place.
As the princes closed the distance, the shadows continued to weave their silent narrative, revealing the connection that had eluded them moments before. Destiny, it seemed, had a way of illuminating the path even in the darkest corners of the unknown. And in that moment, beneath the watchful gaze of the moon and the curious eyes of the townspeople, the nine vampire princes and (Y/n) stood on the threshold of a fate that would bind them together in an immortal dance written by the hand of destiny. 
(Y/n), standing at the back of the crowd, felt a mixture of confusion and bewilderment as the nine princes, guided by an unseen force, began to move in her direction. The sudden attention, the weight of their collective gaze, left her feeling like the epicenter of a cosmic shift she couldn't comprehend.
The whispers and speculations of the townspeople reached her ears, adding to the surreal atmosphere that surrounded the unexpected turn of events. (Y/n)'s eyes darted between the advancing princes, each step they took amplifying her sense of disorientation.
As the princes closed the distance, their eyes, filled with an intensity that bordered on recognition, seemed to lock onto her. (Y/n) questioned the nature of this inexplicable connection, her thoughts racing to catch up with the unfolding reality. Why had the attention of the vampire princes turned toward her?
The moonlit night, usually a source of comfort, now felt like a silent witness to a mystery that eluded her understanding. The shadows, playing tricks with the light, seemed to dance around the princes and (Y/n), casting an ethereal glow on the scene.
Among the townspeople, a murmur of curiosity rippled through the air. The small community, caught in the currents of destiny, watched with bated breath as the princes and (Y/n) stood on the precipice of a revelation that promised to rewrite the narrative of their lives.
In the midst of confusion, (Y/n) couldn't escape the feeling that she had become a central figure in a tale that transcended the ordinary boundaries of her life. The questions lingered, and as the vampire princes drew closer, the answers seemed poised to unfold beneath the watchful eye of the moon, the silent orchestrator of a celestial dance that defied mortal comprehension.
In the moonlit glow, Youngbin, with an air of regal charisma, extended his hand toward (Y/n), breaking through the veil of confusion that enveloped her. As he stood in front of the much shorter girl, his eyes held a warmth that contrasted with the initial intensity, and a genuine smile graced his lips.
With a gentle gesture, he introduced himself and his brothers, each prince revealing a unique presence that mirrored the diverse facets of the moonlit night. Youngbin's voice, a soothing melody that resonated with authority and kindness, echoed through the square as he spoke of their quest. 
As the introduction concluded, Youngbin, still extending his hand, looked at (Y/n) with a sincerity that transcended the supernatural circumstances. "And what might be your name?" he asked, his gaze inviting her to step into the unfolding tapestry of destiny.
(Y/n), still bewildered but feeling a sense of reassurance in Youngbin's presence, took his extended hand with a small nod. Bowing respectfully, she introduced herself, "I am (Y/n)."
As (Y/n) took Youngbin's extended hand, an inexplicable spark ignited within her, a sensation that resonated with a force beyond her understanding. The touch, seemingly ordinary, carried a subtle current that whispered of connections woven by the hands of destiny.
Her world shifted when Youngbin, with a sincerity that mirrored the glow of the moon above, revealed a revelation that echoed through the quiet town square. "(Y/n)," Youngbin began, his gaze unwavering, "you are our fated soulmate,"
The words hung in the air, carrying a weight that transcended the ordinary. (Y/n), caught between the realms of disbelief and destiny, processed the profound declaration. The townspeople, overhearing Youngbin's words, fell into a collective hush as they witnessed the unfolding of a tale that defied the boundaries of their understanding.
The moon, casting its ethereal glow, seemed to intensify its radiance as if acknowledging the significance of the moment. The shadows, playing their silent dance, whispered secrets that only the celestial realm comprehended.
As the realization settled within her, (Y/n) met Youngbin's eyes, searching for confirmation in the depths of his gaze. The connection between them, sparked by the touch of their hands, resonated with the unspoken threads of destiny that bound the vampire princes together.
The small town, now a stage for an extraordinary chapter in the tale of the nine princes, held its breath as the cosmic dance of fate unfolded beneath the watchful gaze of the moon. In that moment, (Y/n) stood at the intersection of two worlds, her ordinary existence now intricately intertwined with the extraordinary destiny that awaited her and the vampire princes.
The weight of Youngbin's revelation hit (Y/n) with such force that she felt the ground shift beneath her. The shock nearly caused her to lose her footing, and she stumbled, the world tilting on its axis. However, before she could fully lose her balance, Jaeyoon, with reflexes as quick as moonlight, appeared by her side in an instant.
His strong and steady presence became her anchor, and Jaeyoon's supportive grasp ensured that (Y/n) regained her balance. The touch, though brief, carried a comforting reassurance, as if the vampire prince, with a silent understanding, sought to ease the overwhelming impact of the revelation.
"(Y/n), are you all right?" Jaeyoon asked with genuine concern, his eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and curiosity. The townspeople, still caught in the collective hush, observed the unfolding scene with a sense of awe and wonder.
Taking a moment to compose herself, (Y/n) met Jaeyoon's gaze, a myriad of emotions swirling within her. The reality of being the fated soulmate of the nine princes began to settle, and the cosmic significance of the moment lingered in the air.
The moon, a silent witness to the unexpected turns of fate, continued to cast its glow upon the small town square. The shadows, now holding a different resonance, danced around the group, adding an ethereal quality to the unfolding drama.
As (Y/n) steadied herself, the realization of her newfound destiny intertwined with the journey of the vampire princes. The moonlit night, once ordinary, had become the stage for a tale that would leave an indelible mark on the quiet town and the girl who stood at the center of a prophecy that transcended the boundaries of mortal understanding.
Inseong, with the authority befitting the eldest of the vampire princes, raised his hand, dismissing the rest of the crowd to allow him and his brothers some private time with their newfound soulmate, (Y/n). The townspeople, a mixture of awe and curiosity, began to disperse, giving the group of vampires the space they needed.
However, a handful of curious onlookers, drawn by the mysterious allure of the vampire princes and the unfolding saga, hesitated to leave. They lingered at the edges, attempting to catch a glimpse of the extraordinary encounter between the immortal beings and the girl who held the key to their destiny.
Among those who lingered, some tried to push the boundaries of Inseong's order, perhaps fueled by a desire for proximity to the supernatural spectacle. This disobedience didn't sit well with Zuho, the "dark one" of the vampire princes, who sensed the treacherous undertones in the lingering presence of the onlookers.
Zuho, with a stern expression and an icy glare that matched his reputation, decided to take matters into his own hands. In a swift and almost imperceptible motion, he summoned the power of ice, causing an ephemeral frost to trail from his fingertips. The temperature dropped, and a chill permeated the air, sending shivers through the lingering onlookers.
The sudden manifestation of Zuho's powers, coupled with his intimidating demeanor, sent a collective shudder through the crowd. The frost danced in the moonlit night, a warning that echoed the boundaries set by the vampire princes. The lingering townspeople, now thoroughly spooked, scattered like leaves in the wind, yielding to the will of the supernatural beings in their midst.
With the unwanted spectators dispelled, the town square returned to a semblance of calm. The vampire princes, flanked by the enigmatic presence of (Y/n), were left with the solitude needed for a conversation that would unravel the intricacies of the prophecy and the destinies entwined in the moonlit night. The moon, casting its serene glow upon the scene, bore witness to the unfolding tale that danced on the edges of the extraordinary and the ordinary, a tale that defied the boundaries between the mortal and the immortal realms.
Feeling the sudden drop in temperature induced by Zuho's display of power, (Y/n) couldn't help but shiver in response to the chilling atmosphere that surrounded her. The unexpected frost in the air sent a wave of cold through her, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, seeking to ward off the sudden chill.
Noticing her discomfort, Hwiyoung, the gentle and breezy vampire prince, reacted with swift kindness. Without hesitation, he removed his cloak and, with a graceful motion, draped it around (Y/n). The fabric, imbued with the essence of Hwiyoung's powers over the winds, enveloped her in a cocoon of warmth.
"There, that should help," Hwiyoung said, his voice carrying a soothing quality that echoed the breeze. The cloak, with its ethereal touch, seemed to respond to the elements under his command, creating a pocket of comfort for (Y/n) amidst the lingering traces of frost.
The gesture didn't go unnoticed by the other princes, each of them keenly aware of the small yet significant interactions unfolding in the moonlit night. The group, now standing in a more secluded part of the town square, prepared for the conversations that would shape the next chapters of their intertwined destinies.
As (Y/n) stood enveloped in Hwiyoung's cloak, the warmth and protection it offered became a tangible symbol of the bond forming between the vampire princes and their fated soulmate. The moon above, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of emotions, continued to cast its serene glow, setting the stage for the unraveling tale that lay ahead—a tale in which the ordinary and the extraordinary danced in harmony beneath the celestial canvas.
As the moonlit night embraced them in a quiet solitude, (Y/n) found herself standing with the nine vampire princes, a question weighing on her heart that she couldn't ignore. In the hushed stillness of the moment, she mustered the courage to voice the inquiry that lingered in her mind.
"What does it mean to be your soulmate?" she asked, her voice a gentle yet earnest murmur beneath the night sky.
The princes, their expressions a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary curiosity, exchanged glances as if silently communicating the gravity of the question. Inseong, the eldest, stepped forward, his eyes holding a depth that spoke of centuries lived beneath the moon's watchful gaze.
"To be our soulmate," Inseong began, his words measured and resonant, "means that your destiny is intricately tied to ours. It means you hold the key to unlocking the dormant powers within us, powers that, when united, can reshape the very fabric of our existence."
Youngbin, with his charismatic presence, continued the explanation. "It means that, together, we fulfill a prophecy that binds us as one. Your connection with each of us is unique, and through that connection, the magic that resides within can be awakened."
Hwiyoung, ever attuned to the winds of change, expressed, "Being our soulmate means becoming a part of a cosmic symphony, where each note, each thread, contributes to the grand design of our shared destiny."
Chani, with his connection to the natural world, added, "It means finding harmony not just with us but also with the elements that surround us, a balance between the supernatural and the ordinary."
In this exchange, (Y/n) gained glimpses into the complexities of the prophecy, each prince offering a piece of the puzzle that was their shared destiny. The moon, casting its silvery glow upon the group, seemed to listen to the unfolding dialogue that would shape the path ahead.
As the explanation unfolded, (Y/n) absorbed the weight of her role in this cosmic narrative, her ordinary existence now intricately woven with the extraordinary destinies of the nine vampire princes. The moonlit night, witness to their revelations, held the promise of a journey that would transcend the boundaries of the known and venture into the realms of magic, fate, and the timeless dance of the celestial.
Dawon's words echoed through the moonlit night, each syllable carrying the weight of an eternal promise. As the youngest among the vampire princes, his expression softened with a sincerity that transcended the ages.
"It also means," Dawon continued, his voice gentle yet unwavering, "to spend the rest of our lives together, an eternal bond of love."
The revelation hung in the air, a profound declaration that resonated with the timeless nature of the vampire princes' existence. The moon, casting its ethereal glow upon the gathering, seemed to embrace the weight and beauty of the commitment being offered.
The other princes, their eyes reflecting the depth of emotions that accompanied Dawon's words, nodded in agreement. In that moment, the small group stood at the threshold of an extraordinary journey—a journey that would unfold not just beneath the moonlit sky but across the vast expanse of time itself.
"(Y/n)," Taeyang spoke, "you are the missing piece in our eternal puzzle. The completion of our bond heralds an ageless love that transcends the boundaries of mortal understanding."
As the revelation settled, (Y/n) felt a mixture of awe and trepidation. The prospect of an eternal bond, a love that spanned lifetimes, held both the allure of the extraordinary and the weight of profound responsibility.
The moon, now a silent witness to the unfolding vows, continued its watchful gaze. The vampire princes and (Y/n), standing beneath its silvery glow, became a testament to the enduring power of love that, like the moon itself, wove through the tapestry of time, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of an immortal tale.
With the weight of the eternal bond and the unfolding destiny settling in the air, (Y/n) decided to lighten the atmosphere with a question that hinted at the practicalities of their newfound connection. A playful smile graced her lips as she inquired, "So, will I be moving to your castle, or are you all planning to live in my small town?"
The question brought forth a chorus of chuckles from the vampire princes, a welcome respite from the weighty discussions of destiny and eternal bonds. Each prince exchanged amused glances, their laughter reflecting the camaraderie that existed among them.
Chani, spoke with a twinkle in his eye, "Well, (Y/n), the castle does have a certain timeless charm, but we are more than willing to adapt to the comforts of your small town if that's your preference."
Youngbin, with his charismatic presence, added, "After all, the magic lies not just in the grandeur of castles but in the simple joys of everyday life."
The other princes, in turn, expressed their willingness to embrace the lifestyle of (Y/n)'s town, acknowledging that the choice was a shared one. Jaeyoon, with a warm smile, mentioned the appeal of a close-knit community, while Dawon playfully commented on the prospect of exploring the town's charms.
Zuho, known for his icy demeanor, surprised everyone with a teasing remark, "Who knows, perhaps the 'dark one' might find warmth in the quaint corners of your town."
Rowoon, with his charming demeanor, chimed in, "Whether castle or town, our home is where our soulmate is."
The playful banter continued, creating a lighthearted atmosphere amidst the profound discussions. The moon, still casting its serene glow, seemed to appreciate the balance between the weight of destiny and the joy found in the simplicity of shared laughter.
As the vampire princes and (Y/n) stood beneath the moonlit sky, the question of where their shared journey would unfold became a topic of mutual consideration. The choices ahead, whether within the walls of a castle or amidst the familiarity of a small town, reflected the harmonious dance of the extraordinary and the ordinary—a dance that would define the chapters of their eternal bond.
Youngbin's words, infused with the weight of responsibility as the crown prince, conveyed the practical necessity of returning to the castle. The reality of ruling a kingdom required their presence in the realm they governed. As he spoke, there was a sincerity in his gaze that sought understanding, recognizing the potential complexities that such a decision might carry.
"However, truthfully, we must return to the castle. We cannot rule the kingdom from here. Will you come with us?" Youngbin's question hung in the air, carrying the weight of the choices that (Y/n) now faced.
(Y/n), with a thoughtful expression, considered the implications of such a decision. The life she had known in the small town, with its simplicity and shared moments, tugged at the strings of familiarity. Yet, as she reflected, she found no binding strings that tethered her to the town. The unfolding connection with the vampire princes, the promises of an eternal bond, and the destiny that awaited seemed to beckon her toward a path that transcended the boundaries of her ordinary existence.
In the quiet moments that followed, Youngbin's gaze held a blend of anticipation and respect, recognizing that the choice was a significant one. The other princes, standing beside him, awaited (Y/n)'s response with a mixture of curiosity and understanding.
As (Y/n) pondered the question, the moon, the silent witness to the ebb and flow of destinies, continued to cast its gentle glow upon the scene. The night, pregnant with possibilities, held the promise of a journey that could unfold within the storied walls of a castle, where the echoes of their shared destiny would resonate through the corridors of time.
The decision, a pivotal moment in the tale that bound the vampire princes and (Y/n) together, awaited a choice that would shape the course of their eternal bond.
With the weight of the decision hanging in the air and the moon casting its serene glow upon the scene, (Y/n) took a moment to contemplate the choices before her. The prospect of life within the castle intertwined with the destiny of the vampire princes, and the responsibilities that came with ruling a kingdom were not decisions to be taken lightly.
After a minute or two of thoughtful consideration, (Y/n) looked at the vampire princes, her eyes reflecting a newfound determination. With a soft yet resolute voice, she answered, "Yes, I will come with you."
The words, like a gentle breeze, carried a promise that resonated with the destiny written in the stars. The vampire princes, their expressions a mix of joy and gratitude, exchanged glances that spoke volumes about the significance of (Y/n)'s decision.
Youngbin, the crown prince, nodded with a sense of responsibility fulfilled, recognizing the gravity of the commitment. The other princes, each harboring their unique connection with (Y/n), welcomed her decision with a shared understanding that their shared journey was set to take a new and extraordinary turn.
As (Y/n) stepped into the path of the unknown, the moon above seemed to smile upon the gathering, casting its approval upon the choice that would shape the destinies of mortals and immortals alike. The night, now filled with the promise of a shared future, stood as a testament to the enduring power of love and the harmonious dance of ordinary and extraordinary moments beneath the watchful gaze of the celestial realm.
And so, the vampire princes and their fated soulmate embarked on a journey back to the castle, where the tapestry of their eternal bond would continue to unfold in a tale written by the hand of destiny.
Taeyang's thoughtful inquiry about (Y/n)'s belongings, met with her admission of only having a handful of half-broken clothing, prompted a kind and considerate response from the gentle prince. "We'll make sure you have everything you need," he assured, a warmth in his eyes that mirrored the promise of care and provision.
Jaeyoon, known for his charming and affable nature, leaned down and whispered in (Y/n)'s ear. His voice, a soft murmur against the backdrop of the night, carried a reassurance that hinted at the opulence awaiting her in the castle. "At the castle, you'll have the most beautiful things and clothes," he shared, his words weaving a vision of a life beyond the confines of the small town.
The prospect of a new beginning, adorned with the luxuries and splendors of the castle, brought a glimmer of anticipation to (Y/n)'s eyes. The contrast between her humble belongings and the promise of a life filled with opulence seemed to symbolize the transformative journey she was about to undertake.
As the vampire princes and (Y/n) prepared to leave the small town behind, the moon, casting its silver glow, bore witness to the exchange of promises and the anticipation of the extraordinary destiny that lay ahead. The night held the echo of whispered assurances, the rustle of cloaks, and the collective heartbeat of those bound by the threads of an eternal bond.
The journey back to the castle, where the vampire princes and their soulmate would begin a new chapter, unfolded beneath the celestial canvas. The night, with its mysteries and promises, embraced them in its tender embrace, marking the commencement of a tale that transcended the boundaries of time and mortality.
As the decision was made to begin the journey back to the castle, the vampire princes, with an air of purpose, started to mount their horses. In the midst of this organized activity, Zuho, the "dark one," extended his hand toward (Y/n). The gesture was an unexpected yet graceful invitation—a hand offered not just in assistance but in a shared journey.
Zuho's icy gaze softened for a moment, revealing a depth of consideration and perhaps a hint of the vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior. The hand he extended toward (Y/n) held a silent promise of companionship on the path that lay ahead.
With a small yet appreciative smile, (Y/n) accepted Zuho's hand. His touch, surprisingly gentle, conveyed a silent understanding that transcended words. With his guidance, she mounted the horse behind him, finding herself positioned to ride alongside the "dark one" as they embarked on the journey back to the castle.
The other princes, mounted on their steeds, glanced back with smiles that held a mix of camaraderie and anticipation. The moon, now a celestial companion to the riders, continued to cast its ethereal glow upon the scene, blessing the beginning of a journey that promised to be as magical as the night itself.
As the group set forth on horseback, the clip-clop of hooves echoed through the night, harmonizing with the rustle of cloaks and the whispers of destiny. The small town, now a fading memory in the distance, marked the point of departure for a tale that would unfold within the walls of the castle—a tale written by the hand of fate, guided by the moon, and carried forward by the eternal bond that bound the vampire princes and their fated soulmate.
Life at the castle unfolded like a dream for (Y/n), a dream adorned with opulence, enchanting corridors, and the company of the vampire princes. Each passing day brought a cascade of romantic moments that seemed to transcend the ordinary boundaries of time and space.
The castle, with its majestic halls and secret passages, became a backdrop for shared laughter, whispered promises, and stolen glances. (Y/n) found herself immersed in a world where the extraordinary mingled seamlessly with the ordinary, where the moonlit nights held the promise of eternal love.
Her heart, once beating to the rhythm of a small town's simplicity, now quickened with every romantic gesture, every shared gaze, and every touch exchanged with the vampire princes. The bond between them deepened, and the feelings (Y/n) harbored for the boys grew, a symphony of emotions that resonated within the castle's grand walls.
As the moon continued its watchful gaze over the castle, the love story within its walls unfolded like a tapestry woven with threads of magic and destiny. The small town, now a distant memory, had given way to a life where each romantic moment marked a page in the timeless narrative that celebrated the extraordinary connection between mortals and immortals.
The romance, woven into the very fabric of their shared existence, became a testament to the enduring power of love that defied the constraints of mortality. Whether it was a dance beneath the chandeliers, a shared moment on the castle battlements, or a stolen kiss in the moonlit gardens, each romantic interlude added a new verse to the eternal ballad that bound the vampire princes and (Y/n) together.
In the castle's vast library, Youngbin and (Y/n) found a shared haven among the shelves of ancient tomes and modern novels. Engaged in passionate discussions about literature, their intellectual connection blossomed into something deeper. Amidst the scent of aging parchment, they shared stolen kisses, each one a promise sealed between the pages of a romantic novel.
In the serene castle gardens, Inseong became (Y/n)'s patient guide in the art of drawing. Surrounded by blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves, their afternoons were spent capturing the beauty of the world on paper. With each stroke of the pencil, a silent dialogue unfolded, expressing emotions that words could not convey.
Jaeyoon, with his affinity for nature, led (Y/n) through the enchanting castle greenhouse. Amidst vibrant blooms and exotic plants, they explored the hidden corners of the botanical sanctuary. The air filled with the sweet scent of flowers as they discovered the magic that flourished in the heart of the castle.
Dawon, with a penchant for elegance, whisked (Y/n) away on a shopping spree through the castle's extensive wardrobe. As he selected the most exquisite gowns, each fitting (Y/n)'s figure like a dream, their bond deepened amidst the swirl of silk and the shimmer of jewels.
In the heart of winter, Zuho created an enchanting ice rink within the castle grounds. Hand in hand, they glided across the frozen surface, the crisp air echoing with laughter and the scrape of skates. Under the starlit sky, Zuho guided (Y/n) through a dance on ice, a metaphor for the delicate balance of their shared journey.
Cozy nights in the castle's private theater became a sanctuary for (Y/n) and Rowoon. Snuggled under warm blankets, they watched movies that spanned genres, their laughter and shared commentary creating a soundtrack to their growing affection. In the dim glow of the screen, Rowoon held (Y/n) close, each frame capturing a moment frozen in time.
Taeyang, with the rhythm of a dancer's heart, twirled (Y/n) under the moonlit sky. The castle ballroom became a stage for their shared dances, each step a declaration of love set to the music that echoed through the grand halls. In the embrace of the waltz, Taeyang and (Y/n) found a harmony that transcended the ordinary.
Beneath the blanket of the midnight sky, Hwiyoung and (Y/n) shared intimate picnics on the castle battlements. Surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns, they exchanged innocent kisses as the stars bore witness to the quiet moments that illuminated the night.
In the castle's music room, Chani became (Y/n)'s patient instructor in the art of piano. Guiding her hands across the ivory keys, they created melodies that echoed through the castle corridors. In each chord and refrain, a symphony of emotions unfolded, expressing the depth of their connection in a language that only music could convey.
The castle, once a vast expanse that echoed with the footsteps of nine vampire princes, had held an air of grandeur that seemed to stretch into endless corridors. Despite the camaraderie among the princes, there lingered a sense of solitude, a quiet loneliness that whispered through the empty spaces.
However, with the arrival of (Y/n), the castle underwent a transformation. The once seemingly boundless halls now resonated with shared laughter, the warmth of companionship, and the echo of shared moments. The castle, once a majestic but solitary fortress, began to feel alive, each room infused with the energy of newfound connections.
The presence of just one more person had turned the castle into a home. The grandeur of its architecture and the opulence of its halls became the backdrop for a tale of love and shared destinies. The once-lonely corridors now held the imprint of shared footsteps, and the walls, witnesses to individual and collective moments, seemed to radiate a newfound warmth.
As (Y/n) navigated the castle's twists and turns, she found comfort in the familiarity of the vampire princes' presence. The once-never-ending halls now felt like a tapestry woven with threads of shared experiences, a testament to the bonds that had transformed a fortress into a home.
The castle, with its storied history and timeless architecture, became more than just a residence for the vampire princes. It became a haven, a sanctuary where love, laughter, and the echoes of shared moments filled the air. The once-lonely castle had found its heart, and that heartbeat in harmony with the collective rhythm of its newfound residents—a home that embraced the extraordinary and celebrated the magic of connection.
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An Ineffable Meeting
This is my first time writing for Dream of the Endless, but I thought it turned out okay. This takes place after season one’s events, and is a crossover between The Sandman and Good Omens. As always characters are not mine, and I hope you all enjoy it!
Description: Morpheus and Y/N, who happens to be Anthony J. Crowley’s sibling, have been dating for a while. Morpheus thinks it’s time for him to meet Crowley, but Y/N is all too aware of how their brother can be
Warnings: suggestive at the end, otherwise none (but if you catch something that I missed please let me know!)
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Morpheus had witnessed countless beings and entities in both the Dreaming and the mortal realm. Some divine and others horrific, the many faces that the Lord of Dreams viewed seemed to blur after a century or two. However, he never expected that a demon would stand out the most to him.
After being ushered out of the Dreaming by Lucienne, Morpheus found himself seated on a park bench feeding the pigeons. Lucienne claimed that he had become overly stressed the past week, but Morpheus did not see the need for relaxation. A century of imprisonment created a void of pressing matters that could not possibly be ignored. Still, he found some enjoyment from the soot colored avians pecking away at his feet.
“You do know that pigeons prefer sourdough over a baguette, right?”
Morpheus looked to his left, annoyance etched on his face from being disturbed. His displeasure was replaced by curiosity as he took in the person before him. They appeared to be human, at least in the physical sense, but Morpheus was not naive. He could pick out a demon without a second glance, but for once in the several eons of his existence he did not feel the normal disgust that came with meeting members of Hell.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I know these creatures on a very personal level, and they are incredibly picky about their bread.” The demon smiled at Morpheus as they pushed their aviator sunglasses up, the dark lenses preventing him from seeing their eyes. “The name’s Y/N, by the way.”
Morpheus observed the snake tattoo under Y/N’s right ear, the symbol oddly familiar to him, before rolling his eyes and focusing his attention on the birds once more. “It appears that they like this bread well enough.”
“You are rotten at introductions, Mr. Dark and Brooding.”
Morpheus was taken aback by the unexpected nickname. Did this demon who called themselves Y/N truly not comprehend that they were standing before one of the Endless? Y/N tilted their head as they smirked. “Do I know you from someplace? Where exactly have I seen you before?” They tapped their chin in contemplation before snapping their fingers triumphantly. “Twilight! That has to be it!”
“Perhaps you will recall my visit to Hell. Your sovereign, Lucifer Morningstar, called upon every demon to stand before me so I could find my stolen helm. You would have been among those numbers,” Morpheus stated coolly. “I am Morpheus, King of Dreams and ruler of the Nightmare Realm”
“Funny story that,” Y/N admitted with a nervous chuckle as they rubbed the back of their neck, “I may have skipped that call to go to a book signing. Hastur was pissed at me for weeks, but that uptight asshole got over it eventually. On the bright side, guess I can ditch these now, huh?” Y/N removed their sunglasses, and their serpentine eyes met the lighter ones of the dream lord. The realization hit Morpheus as he straightened his back against the bench. “You're a Crawley? The same to have infiltrated the Garden of Eden and tempt humanity. ”
“That was my brother, Anthony J. Crawley, but we go by Crowley now. We found it to be a better fit for us both.”
The chimes from the nearby clock tower located at the center of the park made Y/N jump. “Oh shit, I’m late! We will have to finish this conversation another time, Dream Lord.” The demon rushed off before Morpheus could even offer to take them where they wished to go.
***
That encounter had taken place half a year ago, and since then Morpheus and Y/N Crowley had formed a close bond. It had taken some time, for Morpheus was hesitant when it came to relationships. He was not new to partnerships, far from it in fact, but this relationship was not one that he wanted to lose. This was the reason that Morpheus had summoned Y/N to his throne room.
“Did you really miss me that much, darling,” Y/N quipped as they strutted across the marble floor that stretched in front of Morpheus’ throne. “You are lucky that I finished my demonic business this morning.”
Morpheus rose from his throne to meet the demon halfway, his coat floating gently with his movements. The corner of his lip raised slightly as he stood before Y/N. “Do you find gluing a penny to the sidewalk to be demonic work?”
“It’s the oldest trick in the book, and it has fooled many humans! There are countless times that-”
Morpheus silenced Y/N’s rant as he placed his lips against theirs. Y/N smiled through the kiss as they raised their hand to feel the soft ends of Morpheus’ dark hair. The two parted as Morpheus moved his hand to cradle Y/N’s cheek, his thumb caressing the skin there. His eyes glittered with adoration for his lover, but Y/N had learned every slight detail of his facial expressions. There was more to this look.
“Why are you acting so lovey dovey? I can tell by that look in your eyes that there has to be another reason for calling me here, Dream King.” Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as they tried to deduce what Morpheus could possibly be up to, and the demon caught on to his plan. Y/N shook their head in disagreement as their slitted eyes averted to the floor. “No, no! Absolutely not! We can’t do this now, Morpheus.”
Y/N only ever used Morpheus’ name when they were serious, but he pursued the idea nonetheless. “If not now, then when? We cannot delay this any longer, my love. By now Crowley is more than aware of our relationship, and he will be expecting to meet the one who is with his sibling.”
Y/N could not meet the icy blue eyes that pleaded with them to give in. The demon always crumbled if they looked into his eyes. “I-I just don’t know how he will react. You are one of the Endless, the greatest beings on this or any plane of existence, and to bring someone so powerful around my brother…he may feel threatened.”
“Then I will reassure him that I am capable of loving you despite my reputation and my position. Please, Y/N, arrange a meeting with Crowley.”
Morpheus rested his forehead against Y/N’s, and he felt their shoulders relax. “Fine, but only if you are on your best behavior.”
Morpheus smiled, a rare occurrence that seemed to happen more frequently when he was with Y/N, and he placed a quick but sweet kiss on the end of the demon’s nose. “Only the best for you, my little serpent.”
***
Morpheus and Y/N walked arm in arm down the London street, which was surprisingly empty despite the warm rays of the sun shining down upon them. Y/N was wearing their classic aviators just in case a human happened to pass by, but even the dark lenses did not stop them from taking in Morpheus. How was it possible that this gorgeous being was with a low level demon like them? With that spiky hair that was soft to the touch and eyes that reflected the afternoon light, even the small wrinkles that formed around his eyes as a gentle grin rested on his face. He could be with anyone in existence. Yet, here he was, fully devoted to them and only them. Y/N squeezed Morpheus’ arm as they pressed closer to him, their own smile forming despite the nerves bubbling in their stomach. “We are almost there. Are you sure that you want to do this? We can turn back if you want.” Y/N tried to plant their feet in the ground and move back the way they came, but Morpheus held them close.
“Yes, I want to do this. There is nothing to fear, and everything will be well.” Morpheus intertwined his fingers with Y/N’s as they strolled the final length to their destination. The sign above the corner shop read, A.Z. Fell and Co., and the door was answered by a curly haired blonde before the couple even had the chance to knock.
“Oh Y/N, it is such a pleasure to see you again! It is also a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Morpheus, or Lord Morpheus if you would prefer? Of course I can use any term that you would like…” The man who opened the door continued to ramble as he fiddled with his tie.
“Please,” Morpheus stated, “Morpheus will suffice, I assure you.”
“Brilliant! Oh, I do apologize for not introducing myself. My name is Aziraphale, and I own this little shop. Please, do come inside. Your brother is waiting in the parlor.” Aziraphale stepped aside to let the couple in before rushing off to the kitchen. Y/N escorted Morpheus through the thin path that weaved between stacks and shelves of books, many of which were covered in dust. The two entered the parlor, and Y/N braced themselves for what was to come next.
“Hello, brother dear! Hope you and Aziraphale left plenty of dessert for us. Your sweet tooth has stolen many delicious treats from me,” Y/N spoke as they hugged Crowley.
“Angel is the one with the sweet tooth, little Sis, not me. I did manage to save you some this time, though.” Crowley wrapped his arms around Y/N briefly before turning towards Morpheus. Crowley reluctantly offered his hand, a glare evident despite the sunglasses he wore. “Morpheus, I presume?”
Morpheus clasped the hand that was presented to him. “You are correct, Mr. Crowley.”
“Don’t call me, “Mr. Crowley”, it sounds like that bloody Ozzy Osbourne song. Crowley is fine.”
“As you wish, Crowley.”
Crowley moved back to his previous spot while Y/N and Morpheus sat on the couch opposite of the one he was on. Y/N removed their sunglasses and placed them on the table. “You can take yours off too, brother. I promise you that Morpheus is not one to judge.” Crowley took off his sunglasses with an audible groan, clearly wishing to keep them on. “That’s surprising considering he is one of the Endless.”
“Hold your tongue,” Morpheus growled. If looks could kill, Crowley would have been disincorporated instantly. Y/N began to fiddle with their hands, a clear sign that they were uncomfortable with the conflict, and upon noticing their movements, Morpheus moved his hand to encompass their own. “What I meant to say was that my siblings and myself have been portrayed as heartless beings who do not care for others. This is nothing but a rumor, and I have been looking forward to meeting you, Crowley.”
Y/N was put at ease by the new reply, but Crowley was still very tense. “I’ll go see where Azi is with those desserts,” Y/N mumbled quickly as they clamored into the kitchen. Surely, Aziraphale would be able to help their brother relax. In the meantime, this left Morpheus and Crowley alone in the parlor.
“Your sibling means a great deal to me. My life remained stagnant before they arrived, and now I could not see my future without them. The Dreaming prospers more than ever, and I believe it is due to them being by my side.” Morpheus meant every word he said, but Crowley wasn’t buying it.
“I’ve heard all this before. “ ‘Y/N is my world’ this, and ‘I would never hurt Y/N’ that. Well, they did hurt her. You will be the same.” Crowley sat with his arms crossed as Morpheus began to feel agitated.
“Why do you assume that I would dare to hurt Y/N? They have told me about the past and the lovers who have harmed them, and I am showing them the love they deserve and should have received long ago.”
“I assume these things because you are one of the Endless!” Crowley was standing now, his face matching the fiery color of his hair. “Beings like you take what they please and then throw it out just as quick! That will not happen to Y/N. Not on my watch.”
Morpheus pushed himself up and stepped towards Crowley. Even though the Dream Lord towered over Crowley, the demon did not budge. Y/N and Aziraphale entered with the desserts. “Look! Aziraphale ordered those mini pies that I adore,” Y/N said giddily. The chipper sound of their voice caused both Crowley and Morpheus to snap their heads towards them.
“Oh, I told Angel that you would enjoy having some of those,” Crowley replied with a shrug as he backed away from Morpheus. Aziraphale escorted Crowley to sit, his soft expression counter to the grimace that Crowley still wore. Morpheus was still standing as Y/N passed him a mini pie. “You must try this, my darling. These are absolutely to die for!”
Morpheus felt a wave of calm at the melodic sound of his lover’s voice, and he took the pastry with a smile. “Thank you, but I have no doubt that this human dessert does not compare to the sweetness you show me every waking hour.”
Y/N blushed as they scurried over to sit on the sofa again. Aziraphale could not contain his joy as he looked between Morpheus and Y/N. Crowley on the other hand was making no attempts to hide the rage he felt towards Morpheus, the unspoken actions of their broken up disagreement on the verge of exploding from him. Morpheus sent back a displeased glare of his own.
“Did I miss something?” Y/N asked.
“Other than Morpheus proving my point, no,” Crowley sneered as he reached for his own mini pie. Aziraphale swatted his hand, causing him to gape at his normally peaceful boyfriend. “What was that for?!”
“You know what it was for, Crowley,” Aziraphale commented sternly. “Morpheus is our guest, and it is obvious that Y/N is smitten with him, so please behave yourself, dear.”
The sip of champagne that Y/N had attempted to take almost ended up all over their brother sitting across from them. “Azi, you are too kind.”
Y/N shot a look at Crowley, catching him and Morpheus competing for dominance in a staring contest. That was the last straw. “Would you two knock it off! This is precisely why I didn’t want to bring Morpheus here in the first place!”
“How do you know you can trust him? I will not let you be hurt again, especially by an eternal being with a stick up his ass!”
“Morpheus, we are leaving.” Y/N angrily put on their sunglasses, hiding the tears of frustration that threatened to fall from their golden eyes. Crowley knew that he upset his sibling, and that familiar twinge of guilt took over. “Y/N, please, I didn’t mean it-,”
“Crowley, if I may,” Morpheus interjected. “I understand your apprehension about me. In the past I was unkind to many beings and closed myself off from the world, but I swear to you that is no longer who I am.” Morpheus grabbed Y/N’s hand, his eyes soft and welcoming. Y/N accepted and leaned into their lover. “My life is no longer filled with sorrow now that Y/N is with me. I do not wish to cause them more pain, but I will be the one to heal their broken soul.”
Y/N gave a short laugh. “I don’t have a soul, Morpheus, but I appreciate the kind words, love.” Morpheus feigned offense, but the way the corner of his lip curved upwards revealed how he truly felt. Crowley, after listening to the words of the Dream Lord, understood why their sibling fell for him in the first place. The red head let out a defeated sigh. “Fine, I may have jumped the gun a little here,” Crowley admitted. Aziraphale nudged Crowley in the ribs, urging the demon to keep up his apology. “And I am glad that you will be there for my sibling, Morpheus.”
Y/N smiled now that the tension evaporated, and both Crowley and Morpheus were equally happy to see them so pleased. The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter and Crowley telling as many embarrassing stories about Y/N as he could. After the sun disappeared and the onyx sky spread over the earth, Y/N and Morpheus stepped out of the bookshop.
Aziraphale waved excitedly from the entryway, Crowley’s arm resting securely around his waist. “Please do visit again, you too! Next time I will cook a proper meal!”
“We will be back soon, Aziraphale! Love you, big brother!” Y/N called back as sand swooped around them and Morpheus.
“Love you too, Y/N, and don’t be too flirty with my sister, Morpheus, or I will come to the Dreaming and deal with you myself!” Crowley threatened with a smirk. The sand already engulfed the two beings before Morpheus could throw his own witty quip, but that did not stop him from telling it to Y/N as they stood before his throne. “Your brother is quite the character. He reminds me of Desire, but he is much more tolerable than them.”
“That tiff you had with Crowley says otherwise, and I am not sure if I have forgiven you entirely.” Y/N crossed their arms and turned their back to Morpheus, a playful smile unrevealed to Dream. Y/N was caught off guard when Morpheus scooped up the demon and moved to his throne. He sat down and placed Y/N onto his lap before layering a row of kisses up their neck. Morpheus stopped when he reached Y/N’s ear.
“Do not forget who rules this realm. Still, I do not wish for you to leave here upset.” Morpheus pulled back, his eyes darker and full of yearning. “Allow me to show you how genuinely sorry I am, my beautiful serpent.”
Tags: @pinksirensong , @literaturememesfordummies , @bryandechartisasmolbean , @unaviodabledirewolf , @igotanidea , @iloveangstposts , @chevvsgotanumbrellatattoo , @onyxblackwinchester , @malevolent73
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stealingyourbones · 2 years
Note
*Appears from thin air*
*Gives you a book*
*Disappears*
It's a book. Made of paper and leather. It has star patterns on it.
Read the book?
Y/N
Y/N
Danny, after going through time and fixing a lot of timelines, comes to be regarded as a 'star'.
Owing to the fact that he glows, his cloak looks like a gateway to the cosmos itself and the fact that whenever he appears he comes down from the sky like a shooting star. (Minus the falling bit)
No one knows how he appeared, or why he came to be. To them he just exists.
Throughout history there doesn't seem to be rhyme or reason as to how he knows when something is going wrong, or why he even bothers himself with helping mortals.
He's just the guiding light that appears to save mankind at its worst moments.
He was known as a being of unfathomable power and unparalleled kindness.
He was known as the guardian of humanity and protector of earth.
Now what would you do when such a powerful and benevolent being falls?
There was no explanation for it.
The being who millions and anyone that know their history has regarded as the guardian and savior of mankind throughout eons.
Came down to the earth, but he wasn't walking this time.
No, he was falling.
His fall caused damage to the surrounding area, and the level of magic that came with his fall created a wave that went around the world.
Magic users around the globe felt it.
The insane level of magic that came over the world when he fell. The amount caused all but the strongest magic users to fall to their knees.
The Justice League were among the first to respond to this abnormality. Thinking it was a threat that came to take over the earth.
But when they found the 'threat'. It wasn't a threat at all.
People knew him as the guardian and savior of humanity.
The protector of earth and all the beings residing within it.
The star that guided all throughout the toughest of times.
But this. This was nothing they expected.
For the star was none of those things but all at the same time.
The guardian of earth, the savior of humanity, the guiding star.
Was naught but a child who fell from the sky.
(OH, SWEET MAMA WHAT A MOUTHFUL, if you get the reference nods to you. Anyways this might have been a little cringey or whatever, but I like what I did here, I'm debating whether this should be Ghost King Danny or not and have his title be Space King or something along those lines, anyways have it :D)
Bro this is fucking fantastic. The crushing realization that someone you thought of so highly and in an almost legendary status being just another person. Not just a person, but a teenager, that really will fuck up a person.
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tegarrianlore · 7 months
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Freia the Eternal
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Freia the Eternal, the goddess that defined an era and the world to come.
Ruling for a hundred millennia, Freia was born out of the desperation of mortalkind.
To understand Freia, one has to understand how gods function in this world. Infinite in nature, each god is a manifestation of a concept or set of concepts and ideas. There can be extensive overlap between certain deities - the Archons rule seven elements of nature that also have had other gods throughout history. Certain gods can rise in reach and power, and the strongest among them ascend to a greate classification: a Greater God. There have only been four Greater Gods in the Tegarrian Lore. Irkathame the Scion-keeper, an ancient deity of a now-exctint species of octopus-like beings that ruled most of the galaxy millions of years ago; Adam El Asem the First Man, who created all of mankind and whose mistakes led directly to the birth of Freia; and Freia the Eternal, whose original purpose became buried under an epoch of corruption. The fourth god deserves a whole another post, so I won't mention her.
Freia began life as a minor deity, travelling across the world to help mortals with tasks they could not accomplish by themselves. These tasks were usually the vanquishing of monsters and other threats. She became the Goddess of many things. Goddess of Hope, of War. Of Love and Lust, of Crops and Famine, of Gold and Wealth, of Magic and the Afterlife (just like the irl Freyja), etc. All those concepts she still represents, even after her death.
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However, Freia was born in the shadows of a devastating collapse of civilization. When Adam El Asem's million-year-long Empire came to a close, the very foundations of the world were left in shambles. A war among the Gods themselves raged across the universe, the devastation still felt well into the modern day, 400,000 years after the fact.
After the fact, a huge power vacuum was left open for anyone to grab. A certain Demon Ofnir and his Kingdom of Blood almost conquered half of the world; the Queendom of Sarthes Azura and her two patron deities provided a semblance of order after the First Rapture. An object, an Artifact of Creation was left unused. The Ring of Life, spread over multiples Runes that control all things living, dead, in-between and beyond. This was up for grabs, and Freia quickly began wielding it.
However, the Ring of Life was all but a trap, for a higher being - the Powers That Be - had corrupted it eons before.
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Freia with her daughter Promethea, the Angel of Death
The influence of the Powers That Be was strong. Freia grew distant.
Twenty sons she had with the last of the Fae gods; Dewuulf, the God of the Wild Hunt. Of these, the first of them became corrupted by It as well and had to be excised from history all-together. After this, a certain madness claimed Freia's mind. Of her original twenty or so sons and daughters, history only remembers seven of them: Promethea, the Angel of Death, was her Executioner. Godranni, the Weaver of Fate, was her oracle into the future. Aasir, the Red Khan, was her brute-force solution to any problems. Maistorm, the King of the Under-realms, was the only one allowed to perform necromancy. Ulaatan Castellan, the Hammer of Justice, was her perfect general. Kaedriel Mallacht, the Nightbringer, was her soon-to-be successor. Indoral Addarach, the Clockwork Disciple, was the brightest mind allowed to exist. Everyone else would be forgotten by History all-together.
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Ms. Adalgard Lund, Emergency Director of the Dämmerung Foundation.
Freia's Golden Empire would soon crumble too. Driven to insanity by the whispers of the Powers That Be, she would end up shattering the Ring of Life itself. This brought an unpredecented age upon the entire Tree of Life - to the entire multiverse. An Age of Undeath.
The Goldenborn beckon for a bright future, but that will not be possible. Of thee, only seven will exist.
Faylane, you the Eternal Muse of Mankind, loved and wanted by all mortals, your presence must come to a stop. Ihnaros, the King of Sands, you have helped the Nightlord settle her lands and establish her rule, and for that I am eternally grateful; for she will forget you. Oljme, Prince of the Hunt, you who enjoy slaying beasts and protecting the wildlife, I must vanish thee. You will join your brother of whom you hold no memories, Audwynn, in eternal un-existence. To fight the war within, I must not falter, ye Forsaken Demigods, for all of Reality depends on it.
READING RELATED TO FREIA THE ETERNAL:
DCA-6000 - The Leytree of Freia the Eternal
DCA-001 - Dr. Elrod's Proposal - The War in Heaven
DCA-5031 - The World Serpent
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