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vcsecretgifts · 3 years

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Snap shot in time

From: @auburnandamberangel

Merry Christmas @plopofcolour Qotd era Khayman and Armand interaction on the Night Island. Hope you like ^u^

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Armand watched Khayman looking at his upper terrace garden, the plants benefiting not only from the sunshine but also the seaspray. The cacti, the large Saguaros with their armed tall appearance especially had captured the ancients fascination. The silhouettes classic to many a western. They weren’t indigenous to Egypt, effectively a new world plant, and certainly capturing this until recently slumbering vampire. Perhaps as they too were long lived, slow in maturing. He had his cameras slung over his neck and shoulder wanting to capture the bloom on one of them, a first. He recorded all of them on this island. Mementos.

Khayman was a very good guest, polite, and surprisingly unaloof compared to other vampires of a similar age. ‘Mr manners leaves their bodies after the first few thousand years!’ Daniel had observed dryly not to long ago as they say in said same garden, watching the waves. Sitting on the stone steps, snuggly between Daniels stretched out legs. Barely dead himself, so manys ways appeared rude by his modern standards. “Not all are…impolite.” Daniel had nodded, smiling almost as if he’d read his mind and knew he was thinking of the Egyptian. Which was impossible, he just people watched very well. And surely he was an expert in Armand observations by now.

“Ahh but Khayman was nice as a human, not many airs on him plus he’s sweet on you. So you’re the last person he’d be short with.” Interestingly not too much jealousy in that statement. A small possessive kiss to the top of his head, caressing of his arms about his waist. Their guests came and went, things were more peaceful minus some of their vampire brethren. Peaceful between them even. Born in a time of crisis, his home even invaded it wasn’t ideal for them even with a notorious nosey parker like his fledgling. He’d borne so much strain at his hands before being turned, it worried Armand. Sometimes they fought as he instinctually pulled back.

“The fact he’s easy on the eye doesn’t hurt much either does it.” Daniel added laughter in his voice. Teasing. Armand smiled despite himself turning his head. “But I’m famous for a penchant for blondes darling aren’t I.”

“Except Louis.” His beloved kissing his dimples. And others he’d best not mention. Not eager to quote that book at him right now.

“Hmmmm. Nice to not always be predictable then.” Kissing Daniels matching smile. It had ended up being a very good evening that night. Allowing himself to bask in the glow of the memory of it.

Khayman found the sea soothing, the air fresh and the garden a magical oasis. A small movement betrayed his hosts presence, rare to not have an exuberant Daniel or hesitant brooding Marius in orbiting attendance around Armand. Moths to this ’cherubs’ - seraphin now surely more apts flame- A ethereal beauty no matter the flowery language. In his time one destined to be blessed by the gods. A soul just as full of substance as his appearance. To think without her, the mother waking he’d probably not have crossed paths with this one. So artful at cloaking his presence. Deep in thought he was looking at him, but not really seeing him. Caught in a recollection. Unguarded he looked so young, in the eyes the depth and knowledge in them gave his age away. This was the way with their kind. Trapped in their making, the soul grew seen through the orbs alone. Somehow still warmth there, if the mood was right. A miracle considering the heartache had been through in so far centuries. He would do much to make sure he didn’t make those eyes cold. Watching this former coven master navigate so many vampires in his sanctuary, first love mingling with last. Struck by the poise. The former parents guardian, the Roman made said face light up and close down in equal measure. Not his place to intervene ofcourse, though tempting. Best to announce his presence, so Armand didn’t feel too exposed.

“Armand, good evening. Was there something I can aid you with?” Smooth heavily accented voice totally interrupting his reverie. “Did you want private time in your garden?” Previously observed vampire catching him unawares, hoping he hadn’t left himself open to scrutiny thoughts wise. His mind usually locked up tight, some of the first brood lacked finesse with the mind gift, it coming to them later. But what they lacked in finesse, could be made up by brute force alone. Being Marius’ blood line vicariously provided some civility that otherwise may not exist, for a not even five hundred year old former cult coven leader. Ageism was alive and well in their surviving group from Akashas cull. As if age always came with wisdom… Khayman had been gentle and respectful in his manner towards him. Armand appreciated this from his most recent friend. He saw him as he was, no judgement.

“No not at all. I take pleasure in seeing enjoyment from my garden. The cacti have you in their thrall I see.” Genuine smile to the ancient. Moving closer. The garden lit by coloured uplights here and there to make it appealing.

“They are exotic to my old eyes, yes. Beautiful yet dangerous. So like us I feel.” Small smile back. “Your a gracious host, I know it’s not in most of your nature’s to live on mass for long. You’ve been patient where you could have been firm. Silent when you could have spoken.” Khaymans turn to watch and enjoy the view that had nothing to do with the garden, but more it’s creator.

“Ah well, tact or diplomacy is something I’ve always had to have. Never to speak unless it improves the silence or my position in it.” Being quite open now in this admission. Unusually candid for himself truly. He didn’t think he’d regret it in this situation.

“The lone jackel is a hard role to break, though it’s served you well.” The ancient replied. Looking back at the cacti. “How old is this one then?”

“This one is around seventy years. It’s the first year it’s flowered, you’re lucky to have witnessed it.” Itching to take a picture of the flower, and perhaps Khayman too if he was truthful with himself. Just incase his stay was brief and centuries passed until another meeting of minds. “But they can live to around one hundred and seventy five perhaps even two hundred years. Not bad for a desert dweller.”

Khayman eyed the camera, that was the term wasn’t it. One of the magical picture capturers. “You’ll record it with this?” He hadn’t tried anything new in a while. Armand was patient, the best person to ask to try. “How?” He uttered before he had time to edit.

Inquisitive and open to instruction, not your average elder. Refreshing like the sea breeze. “I need a tripod, unless you can hold it steady as a rock. I’ll do both.” Zipping inside and then back out to get it. “I’ll need a long exposure to make the most of the moon light, and a flash for my close ups. The window inside opens for the picked time, the light hits the film and makes an imprint like an eye I suppose but in reverse, or inverse a negative. We can use the darkroom next.” Twinkle in his eye as he saw the ancients eyes widen. “The Polaroid develops as you shake it.” It must sound odd to the others ears.

“Witchcraft then. I’m an apprentice to a modern sorcerer.” Pleased by the laugh this comment brought from Armand.

“Usually I’m called bewitching. But I’ve been accused of worse.” Daniels words echoing in his head, pleased he didn’t blush as easily as said youngblood.

Gingerly taking the camera and going still, statue like as he could. A trick you learnt which came easily with age. Though it usually unnerved younger immortals. *Direct me as if I’m a tripod.* He said is the mind voice. Armands softer hands aiming the slr camera for a closeup. Physical contact was a luxury being a nomad rarely afforded.

Hearing the snap of the inner workings, turning of the spool. With each shot, the flash singing. Armand liked this process, methodical, practised yet still room for error and surprise. *Move back a little so I can get a portrait of it. Perhaps one of and for you to take with you?* Because people leave - eventually. This was always a possibility. Sentiment came with a cost, this he always knew.

A photo to keep. An anchor would be good for times Khayman felt unsteady. Stronger by the year, but wispy in his soul sometimes. A welcome light in the Night Island Villa, to concentrate on. *Yes. A portrait of plant, myself and it’s guardian even better.*

Warm glance, nodding his answer. “This also has a cable to take a photograph at a distance. A bellow balloon, a tube and a metal press.” Screwing it into the button. Then retrieving it from the taller elder. Fixing this on the tripod via it’s own foot. Let’s set ourselves up. Standing and leaning into the framing arms of the cactus, as if the plant was behind them, reaching to hold them close.

Khayman followed the younger ones lead. Moving in closer and realising he could smell Armands hair. Wondering if this was his shampoo or just his natural scent. Vampires sometimes exuded a odour that was unique to them, a spice in the blood perhaps. Marius had made him, imbued with donations by Akasha during his guardianship. Perhaps he had smelt like this in Venice as a mortal. Not something he could easily ask the child of two millennia. Nor share a want to share his blood to strengthen those below a thousand in their coven, truthfully only this one piqued his interest.

Armand had the cord behind his back to depress at just the right moment. Khaymans strong heartrate was hard to ignore so close. “Ready. One two three.” Not using cheese, referring to a dairy product as slang for smiling usually put older vampires in a spin. So a countdown better. Not flinching at the flash or the next long exposure. “Always take more than one for practicality.” Moving to replace the lens cap and concentrate on the Polaroid camera in front of him now. “Arguably this one is like magic.” He stated with a smile. “As Daniel can attest I took so many in our early years here.” Boxes and boxes of them, indulgent expression on his face. He was rich, but some things were priceless that had little monetary value in his collection. “Strike your next pose. Make yourself comfortable.”

Khayman liked Daniel. He was full of life, and hoped that energy didn’t turn downwards into madness. Knowing Armand was concerned with this too, any elder making a first fledgling would be - especially one as fond of forward planning as his host. Smiling nervous about doing something wrong. Hoping irrationally it wasn’t magic, as magic never bode well. Flash and snap. Painless. Wondering what the twins back in Sonomo thought of this new family, Mekare learning after her travelling the wilderness. Focus on Jesse, their link to Miriam.

Armand handed the Polaroid by its framed white bottom edge to the elder. “Now shake it, and you’ll slowly appear.” Charmed by Khaymans expression, bouyed one so old could still feel the wonder of the new. Despite intermittent sleeps. Hope for all of them surely. Watching Khayman watching the photograph as it developed. “What do you think?”

Bit by bit the image appeared - the dark background shading in firstly, the bright green cacti appearing next with its vibrant blooms. Then the paled by time figure, a smile all for the taker. Now one such photo of Armand with or without himself would be wondrous. “A fine picture.” So excited he placed kisses on Armands cheeks stopping before he daren’t put any on those rosy lips. Moving faster than he usually did, enveloping the younger vampire in a hug would perhaps be too much of a liberty. They had time. “One of us next, yes?”

Armand didn’t have time to start at the sudden movement of the ancient. Stealing himself to be squeezed, fortunate it didn’t come to pass. Khayman smelt inviting though, heady blood from their fount. Marius would be jealous no doubt. But he wasn’t here was he. Attending to Pandora, a promise of a return soon. As ever time would tell. Trying not to stare at Khaymans lips. “Yes. An instant portrait next.” Glad of someone who gave as much as he took.

#2020 VC Secret Santa #VC #Vampire Chronicles #submission #plopofcolour #auburnandamberangel

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mononoke-no-ko · 6 years

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Emperor x Lelouch, Comparing Objects

Requested by https://gelinepot.tumblr.com. This is a short story from “Talkin’ Rebellion” novel that was featured in The Complete (2008) guidebook with C.C. narrating her brief interaction with Charles and then with Lelouch at separate times. Translation below.

In a wide corridor at the deepest part of Britannia court, I was leaning against the marble wall doing nothing, as I heard footsteps began to echo from far away. The owner of the footsteps is a combination of a large build in full apparel. He stopped before me, so I decided to say some words to him. "Oi, Charles." "You... it's been awhile. How did you come in here?" "'How'? Foolish question. I'm C.C. you know." "I see." "I've had enough of admiring flowers and butterflies in Aries Villa. Once in awhile I want to amuse myself by looking at your stiff face." "Well, it's natural to quickly get tired of beautiful things." (TN: the word he used can also refer to "beautiful maiden") He's the common example of emperor's bad habit. Because we're talking about women, I decided to ask. "By the way, I heard you’ve taken another new royal consort. What an amorous guy." "Just some lower class people willingly offer their woman... Well, it's a flow of nature for female to cling on to powerful male." "And so you shrewdly accepted the offering, was it not for your own convenience?" "Peasants conceived the wrong idea just like a peasant they are. When did I ever agree to accept their deal?" "...impressive, Charles. Good for you. Did you get a good woman?" "There's no good or bad for a woman whose face or name I don't know." Huh? What is this? "Oi, it's your own wife right?" "There are too many of them, I can't visit every one of them." "...Charles, how many spouses do you have?" "Hmm... still not up to one hundred yet." ... What a remarkable thing to happen. One hundred wives you say? "...good grief, not even those from medieval era would go that far." "Exactly. There’s no modernity in the heart of this country. Just like primitive organism, it simply grows excessively from eating other nutrients." "It's your country, right? Is Britannia Empire a slime mold?" "Yes it is." Stated matter of factly huh. To my amazement, as if he just suddenly remembered something, Charles said, "....Did Marianne say something?" "Curious?" "I'm not. That person is a woman who will come to me directly if there's something she wants to say." "She laughed heartily. 'Lechery is a hobby for heroes, as expected from Emperor, the scale is enormous' she said. Good for you, your royal consort has a big heart." "C.C., do you also want to join my beloved harem?" All of a sudden, Charles said some really dreadful thing. "What a joke. My body is not for the likes of you to touch." "Well, I thought you were waiting here for that purpose." "To think so conveniently for yourself, you must have lived an enjoyable life." "Is that how it looks?" "That’s how it looks. Though what you're thinking inside that huge skull of yours, I'm not interested to know that far." Really, Marianne. What's so good about a stiff man like this? Only her taste in men I could never understand. As for me... right, I like them to be a bit cuter and more refreshing to look at.

***

...after seeing a dream from distant past, I open my eyes. Turning over my body to look around, I'm in my room in Ikaruga. Just a little while ago I lived together with Lelouch, but now that person is in Tokyo doing this and that work. Talking about Lelouch, I was asked by him to look for the whereabout of Geass cult. Although the cult's general position had been narrowed down, the exact location couldn't be identified yet. Sigh, he will probably nag and complain, but it couldn't be helped. Let's give a report to Lelouch for once. Ah, working this diligently, I'm really something. I get up slowly and stand in front of the video communication terminal. I get connected to Ashford's communication channel, right when there's only Lelouch on the other side. He's in panic while talking to someone on the phone. He told me to "wait and be quiet for a moment" with a gesture. For some reason his face looks deeply troubled. "...As I said, on Cupid's Day with Shirley... No, even if you said you can't give up... I'm already... That's why, it’s no use, that's the rule after all... No, it's not just because of the rule... hmmh... (piip)" Ah, he ran out of patience and ended the call one-sidedly! Piririri piririri. Lelouch's phone rang again. "Yes... Oh, it's you... eh? As I've said, at that event with Shirley... No, even if you said I'm lying... Even if you said it doesn’t matter..." Haha. Somewhat, I understand the situation. Oi, Marianne. What's with your kid? Or rather, this must be running in the blood. As I listen, I catch an urge to do some mischief. With a shrilly voice, I look at the other side of the monitor to make sure my voice could reach the mic of Lelouch's phone, and try to say this following line. If it's just acting, I can say this kind of line without much trouble. "Mm geez Lelou~ch who are you calli~ng? When you're alone with me, if you don't make sure to look at only me, I hate☆it☆" At the moment Lelouch showed a ‘good’ expression, I wanted to keep it as a picture. He immediately pulled the phone away from his ear. From his phone's speaker, a deafening hysterical voice of some girl could be heard even from here. Hahahaha. Trapped in a quagmire. (TN: I used the Chinese translation for this, since I don’t know how to translate “死沼だなー”) Lelouch tossed his phone into the safe and securely covered its lid. He squared his shoulders and came in front of me on the monitor. "...what did you mean by that, C.C.?" "'Look at the person's eyes when you talk to someone', I was talking about very basic common sense, you know?" "That's NOT the tone you used!" "As always, looking closely, you seem to be leading an interesting life." "...is that how it looks?" "That's how it looks." "For me it's not interesting at all!" Hoho. "Lelouch, let me tell you something good." "When you put that kind of pretense, there's no way it could be anything decent." "Lelouch, lechery is a hobby for heroes, isn't it?" As soon as I said that, Lelouch regained his composure and sneered. "Hmph, as expected from immortal witch, even the things you said are ancient." ....hoho, pleased to hear that, Lelouch. What an uncute boy. Just now that was quite expensive you know~ Well well, I wonder how I will make you pay for that. Look forward to it, Lelouch~

Fin.

#code geass #lelouch #c.c.#charles zi britannia #marianne vi britannia #Miscellaneous #translation

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wonhos-monbaby · 5 years

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K-drama watched list

Because I lost my note on my old phone so here's a list of all the Kdramas I've watched... I’ve added some comments and opinions on some of them

Boys over flower

This was the first drama recommended to me and the first one I ever watched. It’s a great introduction to K-dramas. Rich guy-Poor girl is a common trope and this one is really entertaining, great first drama to watch because you’re diving straight into it.

Healer

Now let me tell you! Ji Changwook is RIGHT at the top of my favorite actors and this is the first drama I ever saw with him in a lead role. And let me tell you, after this, nothing will convince me faster than Ji Changwook as the lead in an action drama. Number one on my must watch recommendations. If you haven’t seen it yet, this should be next on your watch list!!!

Dream

Ooooh I watched this one for the lead and only the lead.... Kim Bum is adorable and though I don’t remember much of this one I enjoyed it. Here’s a fan made MV ‘cause I literally don’t remember anything except it’s about boxing?

Personal taste

Lee Minho pretending to be gay so he can rent a room in a girl’s home... I’m letting you imagine everything that could go wrong... Fun and lighthearted it’s a fun drama.

You're beautiful

Playful kiss

Ooooh I have some issues with this one but it’s cute and fun and maybe I wanted to bitch slap both leads at some moments, and cringed at some moments (second hand embarrassment was present a few times there). Like I said though it’s cute and fun and gets your mind off of things.

Dream high

Dreal high 2

Heartstrings

Flowerboy ramyun shop

Flowerboy next door

Shut up flowerboy band

Okay so I got a little mad at the choices for the beginning in this one because holy shit the end of episode 2 ???? I was not okay with that ... Still a fun drama, I remember enjoying it though it doesn’t stick with me much... I remember the music being pretty good too....

To the beautiful you

School 2013

School 2017

Pinocchio

I may or may not have crushed hard on Lee Jongsuk and this drama convinced me to watch a lot of the drama he’s stared in. But this one was fun and like at the top of my recommendations... The chemistry between Lee Jongsuk and ParK Shinhye is a little meh but if you don’t pay too much attention to that the rest is worth it!!

I hear your voice

The good doctor

Doctor stranger

Lee Jongsuk is the son of a doctor who got sent to North Korea for a secret operation that stops him from going back to South Korea. His lead is a genius and becomes a surgeon like his father... He defects and manages to get back to South Korea... Man that one had me confused on whether or not I liked it but to say it’s not entertaining would be wrong...

The heirs

Empress Ki

Ji Changwook as the lead for 51 episodes in a historical drama? I didn’t need more than that to convince me to watch this one.

My love from another star

Oooh this one is a popular one and for a good reason ! This love story is beautiful and the chemistry man the chemistry is amazing 100% recommend if you’re looking for something that makes you soft and warms you up inside.

Marriage not dating

Blood

The only thing I remember of this one is that it’s about vampires and a vampire doc....

Jekyll and Hyde

Kill me Heal me

Disclaimer on this on: depicts dissociative identity disorder or D.I.D, I can’t say if it was depicted correctly or not. But the lead male actor did an amazing job at making sure we differentiated the 7 alters of his character. I enjoyed this one a whole lot and the OST is pretty good.

I remember you ( Hello Monster)

If you like thrillers this one is for you. Plays a little with your mind and tries to put you off the tracs ...

Noble my love

Moorim school

Descendants of the sun

If you haven’t watched this one put it at the top of your list! Because this was THE drama of 2016! The story line, the plot, the acting, the OST everything was amazing in this one !!

Comeback Mister

Moonlight drawn by clouds

Lucky romance

Uncontrollably fond

Doctors (Doctor crush)

Oooh I didn’t like this one much, I kind of had to force myself to watch it, more because I was bored and it was somewhat entertaining... but the Teacher-student type romance isn’t for me....

W: two worlds

Lets fight ghost

Beautiful Gong Shim

Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Boy Oh Boy. Where to begin with this one? okay

1. Put this right next to Healer on the must watch list if you haven’t yet!! It is beautiful

2. The Cast : IU, Lee Jonggi, Byun Baekhyun (EXO), Nam Joohyuk, Ji Soo, Kang Hana, Z.Hara, Kang Haneul, just to name a few

3. It’s a historical drama base in the Goryeo era

4. Prepare the tissues because this will set you up for 20 episodes of laughter followed closely by heartbreak, picking the pieces up and trying to piece them together only for those pieces to be broken and stepped on and broken again... I’ve never cried so much

5. Beautiful scenes, chemistry, scenery!

Thumping Spike

Cheese in the trap

Hwarang

Jealousy incarnate

Bong Soon cyborg in love

Legend of the blue sea

Lee Minho and Jeon Jihyeon (My love from another star) take you on a journey of people finding each other over and over again and history repeating itself? Beatiful drama, amazing chemistry! On top of my recommendations as well

Cinderella and four knights

Ji Changwook as the lead in an action drama was all I needed to convince me to watch this one

Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok Joo

Goblin

If Descendants of the sun was the drama for 2016 this one follows closely, starting to air end of December 2016 and finished in January 2017 This is the drama for 2017. Again, from the OST to the story line to the little details everything about this one was perfect! Absolutely loved it

Solomon's Perjury

Oh ! This one is the one I recommend if you’re looking for something a little more serious. This one follows a student lead trial in high school after a student is found dead at the foot of one of the buildings. This one stuck with me!

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Chief Kim

Introverted boss

Queen of Ring

Radio romance

Suspicious partner

My secret romance

Oh so you know how we never get any action before the end of like episode 8 or something and it’s usually one of the hella awkward kisses. Hohoho this one focuses on a one night stand and boy of boy we get a full on make out session (in kdrama equivalent) in episode 1!

Fun and cute rom com-ish this one is a really fun one!

The Last Empress

Ah this is more recent as well, it’s set in today’s time if South Korea were a Constitutional Monarchy. Follow it’s last Empress in a palace where manipulation and corruption reigns and secrets are deeply burried.

Terrius behind me

Come and hug me

Remember those tissues you got for Scarlet Heart Ryeo? Yeah stock up this one’s going to make you weep from start to finish. The acting is beautiful and heart wrentching

Tempted

A modern twist on the story Les Liaison dangereuse ( Dangerous Liaisions) this one left me half satisfied half disapointed at the end... It wan’t what I was expecting and hoping for... But I wasn’t the mindset for this type of ending.

Hwayugi: A Korean Odessy

Longing heart

Cheer up

Orange Marmelade

My love Eun Dong

I'm not a robot

Page turner

High society

Emergency couple

Highschool love on

Fight for my way

Master's sun

Another miss Oh

Madame Antoine

Wednesday 3:30pm

The greatest marriage

Ma boy

Somehow 18

Save Me

Oooh this one probably needs a trigger warning... It deals with cult-religions, manipulation and how hard it is to get out once you’re in and everyone around you is endoctrinated... serious, dark and mindblowing, this one might leave you a little uncomfortable at the end but if you’re up for it it’s really really really good.

Apparently there’s a second season?

Hotel del Luna

Break my heart some one IU will you? I am completely in love with the tone of nostalgia and melancholy there always seems to be in the dramas I’ve seen her in... It’s not ne of my favorite dramas but it is a rather enjoyable one

Moments of 18

Lawless Lawyer

When the devil calls your name

#Kdrama #Recommendation #Korean drama #To be updated #update

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