#sun valley serenade

[angstystoryteller]

MILTON BERLE as NIFTY ALLEN in SUN VALLEY SERENADE (1942)

#welcoming my new deceased man hyperfixation !! #obsessed with him oops #milton berle #nifty allen #<333 #sun valley serenade #glenn miller #mr television #uncle miltie

[marcosernestomarsal]

MOVIE PICs

Sun Valley Serenade

#sun valley serenade #movies

[tavoit]

Sweater weather is here.

#john payne #Sun Valley Serenade

[cinemajunkie70]

Happy Birthday in the afterlife to Milton Berle!

#it’s a mad mad mad mad world #the Milton Berle show #batman 1966 #comedy #actor #comedian #legend #who’s minding the mint? #let’s make love #sun valley serenade

[braineyboxd]

Classic Films on YouTube (Pt. 1)

Easy Living (1937) - Jean Arthur, Edward Arnold, Ray Milland, dir. Mitchell Leisen

Merrily We Live (1938) - Constance Bennett, Brian Aherne, dir. Norman Z. McLeod

Sun Valley Serenade (1941) - Sonja Henie, John Payne, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, dir. H. Bruce Humberstone

The Farmer's Daughter (1947) - Loretta Young, Joseph Cotten, Ethel Barrymore, dir. H.C. Potter

For more classic films on YouTube, check out my list on Letterboxd.

#classic film #classic movies #old movies #old hollywood #classic hollywood #youtube #on youtube #classic films on youtube #easy living #merrily we live #sun valley serenade #the farmer's daughter #jean arthur #ray milland #constance bennett #brian aherne #sonja henie #john payne #loretta young #joseph cotten

[deterioratingxprisons]

Tag dump: Ezekiel Zhorr

#serenading the masses~ ezekiels playlist #dry bones baking in the sun~ ezekiel zherr #flesh forming~ ezekiel desires #staring down in the valley~ ezekiel musing #deteriorating prison~ face of ezekiel

[naffeclipse]

Have you considered writing a cowboy DCA au? Or a vampire AU?

I have ideas for both! I mention my Vampire AU in my Laundry List of AUs Post, but I haven't talked about a Cowboy AU yet!

For my cowboy AU, Y/N owns a prairie house and a small patch of land out in the wild west. You work hard and make do even though you're falling behind on payments and falling deeper into debt and danger of the bank taking your property back. It's a tough life. You know that.

Nothing exciting happens around here until one day you see a figure riding in from the distance. An animatronic on a horse. You're a bit weary of strangers, especially out here, where cattle rustlers and outlaws are aplenty, so you greet the rider with a shotgun. He's all smiles and hand waves, his sun rays partly hidden underneath his hat. There's a shiny pistol in the holster on his belt and a rifle hanging off his back. A large bag is strapped to the saddle. He's careful to not reach for something he shouldn't, and you let him dismount to talk to you, lowering your weapon.

He reassures you he means no trouble and that he just needs shelter for the night, if you don't mind. He's more than willing to offer a helping hand in exchange. He's a talker, sweet and charming, and you're not in a position to refuse extra farm help. You put him to work. He does it all without complaint which you appreciate.

There's a moment when you take a break from the back-breaking work to lie down in the field, staring up at the sky. Your eyes end up closing. You feel a gentle shadow over you. When you look up, Sun is there, casting blissfully cool shade and asking if it's alright for him to stand here. You tell him it's just fine. You ask him if there's any worry of him overheating. He says no, but thank you kindly for the concern.

Later, when you check in the barn, you notice that the large bag that was on his horse is now gone.

You don't want any trouble.

At sundown, when you call for him to come inside, you're greeted with a different animatronic, still smiling and soothing and promising that it's the same cowboy, please put the shotgun down. You've never met an animatronic like him. Sun. Moon. You let him come inside.

You spend a quiet night with the cowboy. He helps you clean up your dishes even though he had no part in the mess-making. There's little talk of where he came from or where he's going, but he mentions lying low for a while. You don't want to know. You don't ask. He asks if he might touch the guitar you have there in the corner. You tell him that's fine. You haven't played it in a long time. He serenades the night with plucked chords and twaining strings, and somehow, you fall asleep listening to the gentle strums and wake up the next morning in your bed.

Sun greets you all cheerful. You don't know what to feel about having another around to talk to... but you're adjusting. He asks for another day's work for another night's lodging. You agree. He smiles so big you're afraid he'll burst.

You get a visit from a fellow farmer (Sun makes himself scarce on the rare chance a visitor comes) who talks about the news, the gangs rolling through the valley, the cattle missing, and a distant bank just recently robbed. You shake your head.

Later, in the barn, you're shifting hay on the hayloft when you step back and expect to find solid flooring but there's nothing but air and you're falling—then caught in solid arms. Sun exclaims how you have to be careful! You would have gotten hurt. You wish he would put you down already, holding you like this turns you all red and embarrassed. Even when he sets you on your feet, Sun insists he finishes with the hay up top. Your pride is awfully stung but the ghost of his arms around you chases you outside and it's only there that you can finally think clearly after all the excitement.

When night falls, Moon helps you deal with a fox in the chicken pen but in chasing off the fiend, something snaps along his arm when he hops a fence and you know that ugly sound means something's broken. Wires spark in the dark. You rush to his side faster than you've ever run. You gingerly hold his arm and guide him back home to fix the damage done even though you're only a support to his injury, and he, thankfully, can tend to himself. He says he's learned how to take care of little problems like these since he's been running by himself for a while. You almost ask what he did before he came here but you don't dare. You told yourself you didn't want trouble. Getting attached will do nothing but stir up your feelings. There will be no one else to blame if your heart gets broken.

He picks at the guitar strings to test his repair and sings a little song that you swear you won't fall asleep to but, again, you wake up in your bed when you know you didn't tuck yourself in. Sun is already outside, getting a jumpstart on the day's chores.

The cowboy stays another night, then another, and then a few weeks have flown by. You get a visitor from the bank asking for payment or else they're taking your land and everything on it. You chase off the man, spitting mad, but you're still in troubled waters. You're going to lose all you have. Sun witnesses the encounter from a distance but you don't speak of it all day. Then, Sun finds you when the sun burns red across the sky.

He talks softly to you and before you know it, he's leading you by the hand and spinning you in a little dance you've never danced before. Sun leads, and you follow because he's the last light you have, and when he dips you low, you rise with the Moon in the near darkness, dancing and dancing on dirt. You've never held a hand that felt so right with his arms twirling you around and around—you almost forget you're going to lose it all.

Besides the crackle of the fire in your hearth that night, Moon coaxes you to talk about the money you owe and your pride almost bites your tongue off but you do it anyway. Moon asks when the bank man is going to come again. You tell him in the morning but you don't want charity. You don't need it. You owe enough debts as it is. He gives you a grin that is too mischievous for his own good.

That night, you lean against his shoulder when he plays a gentle song, a ballad about lovers falling and magnolias blooming. You wake up in your bed but it's still dark out and Moon is gone. You get up to find him but he's already at the door, holding a large bag—the one that was missing from his saddle. He tells you to pay the bank when they come and get a receipt. You ask him what in blue blazes he's doing with a bag full of money but he shoves it in your hands. Morning spills across the land. Then it's Sun winking at you. The bank is coming. He tells you he needs to go now, but he promises to come back for you.

You tell him you can't owe him like this—you'll never be able to repay it. Sun promises that you won't owe him anything, he'll get the money back.

You can hardly be angry before he's on his horse and taking off into the distance. You curse yourself out for being a fool and having a heart that wants to stick roots into anything that lingers longer for a day and for having this bag of money that isn't yours and for letting that cowboy dance and serenade you, but when the bank sends another man to collect, you pay it all. You get that receipt. The man accepts the payment and goes on his merry way, back to the bank that can no longer hound you. All of your debts are erased, thanks to the cowboy.

You don't know where he was hiding the money. You remember the news of a distant bank that was robbed.

It's only a few days later that you learn from a fellow farmer that the man carrying back your money to the bank was ambushed. An animatronic outlaw caught him alone. He stole the entire bag of cash. The farmer laughs when he says the bank man was madder than a wet hen. He also remarks that he's surprised they didn't come after you for more money, but you had a receipt. They can't touch you.

After the farmer leaves, you sit in a daze and then curse the cowboy out again. You still owe him.

You didn't want trouble, yet here you are, all twitterpated and waiting for when he comes down from the horizon.

#okay that's like the beginning but there's a very dangerous gang and sun/moon weren't always running on his own #and of course he comes back #but he accidentally brings the very thing he was running from back to you oops #turns out he's a slippery fellow and well someone wants him #and you're the sweetest honey to use to catch their fly #cowboy au #cowboy!sun #cowboy!moon #magnolias blooming #i didn't mean to write this much but uhhh here we are

[moonlit-midnight]

A Dance Towards the Light

Characters: Malleus Draconia.

Genre: AU, Romantic Fluff, Married life.

Summary: Wherein Malleus’s love for you was like dancing towards the light.

Warnings:

GN!Reader, is half fae half human but not mentioned.

Malleus is sunshine boy. Reader is the brooding/angsty partner, but no mention of angst.

—

Such a peculiar pair of lovers you were, you and Malleus Draconia, an ill-fated match made in heaven.

People mocked you that you wanted a tragedy, always taunting you that you will love him, and love him, and love him until it it kills you and destroys your heart beyond repair.

But they were entirely wrong.

With Malleus, you’ve fallen right into the love you’ve found.

His love was far from tragic. His love was beautiful beyond words, more beautiful than epic romance books and paperback fairytales.

When things ended for you, he was a fresh new start. He was the sun that rose in your life again.

He was everything you dreamed of.

He holds your hands during long walks until the sun sets.

He sits with you on a rooftop at one in the morning, and talks about how strange life is.

He dances with you when the sky is pouring rain.

He sends you lavender-scented love letters when he misses you during the days he can’t spend time with you.

He impresses you with his own composed songs, and serenades you with them late at night.

He writes stories about you, for you are his muse and writing is his favorite form of art.

He celebrates your happiness, respects your boundaries, and loves you greatly in the way you want to be loved.

People labeled your romance as straight out boring, utterly dull, and not worthy to gush about.

But what do they know? They only get a glimpse of the surface, but the depths of your bond was hidden from the prying eyes of repulsive onlookers.

A quiet, gentle, slow burn love was all you dreamed of, and those little moments were all you could ask for.

★ —

It was early Sunday morning when you woke up, sprawled on the wooden floorboards of the solarium.

The solarium was a dreamscape created by Malleus, a secret place where only the two of you had access to. It was a quiet place for you to rest in when the world gets too loud.

Slats of sunlight spilled dazzlingly through the cracks of the ceiling.

The room was drunk on the pleasant scent of lily of the valley, lilac and gardenia, pleasant enough to send a sense of tranquility through your body.

Blinking away the drowsiness, you rolled at your husband’s side, taking your time to marvel at his captivating beauty.

Malleus’s profile appeared so serene in the sunshine, his glorious black hair catching the bright rays, making him look like he was wearing a crown of daylight stars.

“The only thing I’ve been dreaming of is eternal happiness with you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect.” Gazing at him, you hummed to the song that you sang to him on your wedding day. “The only thing I want is you. Don’t worry, l believe. Always, l believe. I won’t forget this moment. In my arms, l believe your smile will never lose its light.”

“Cause your love is so sweet, you are my everything. I’m not just saying this because I’m happy.” A soft sigh escaped your lips as you carried on. “I will never change, I won’t change. I’ll only have eyes for you.”

“You’re the light of my life, you’re the one in my life. Even if I lose everything, I will never regret it.” Malleus cut you off in a voice so entrancing. “And keep loving you with the everlasting love in my heart.”

“Why do you always interrupt me when it comes to that part?” you chortled, quirking a brow at your husband who just woke up.

Or maybe he was awake all along.

“Because that’s my favorite part.” Malleus replied delightfully, his smile caught in the sunlight, an alluring smile that puts you in a dreamy state.

You blushed in return with a bashful smile adorning your face.

“Did you stay up all night writing a book about me again?” you asked when your eyes landed on the pens and the crumpled papers scattered on the floor.

“You know that that’s one of my ways to get rid of the tiredness of my day, right darling?” Malleus raised his hand, blue ink-stained fingers tracing your face with utmost gentleness. “And who else am I going to write about? You’re my one and only muse.”

“What’s the story about this time?” Taking his hand in yours, you kissed the inked smudged spots.

“I wrote about how loving you is truly a magnificent and splendid adventure.”

A shy flutter touched your heart. Even after all those years, your husband still managed to steal your breath away like the first time you met him.

“My dearest king, am I truly worthy of the love you write about?”

You never doubted him, but a little reassurance wouldn’t hurt sometimes.

“Of course.” Malleus pressed a lingering kiss on your forehead, a kiss filled with a love so deep and sincere. “You’re my wonderfully chaotic partner. A beautiful perfectly put together mess. You’re always worth it to me.”

No doubt, even if you were a walking catastrophe, he would still choose you.

Even if the flowers wilt and the roses wither away, his love for you would keep on blooming.

Even if the stars burn out, he would be the light that never fades and he would still love you the same.

You’ve never heard a declaration of love so honest and so sweet, a love that has found a home within your heart and soul.

#🌸hannah’s musings #malleus draconia x reader #malleus x reader #malleus x you #malleus x y/n #malleus draconia x fluff #twst malleus #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland #twst #twst fanfic #twst fanfiction #twisted wonderland fanfiction #twisted wonderland fanfic #twst x fluff #twst fluff #malleus draconia

[lovesongbracket]

Reminder: Vote based on the song, not the artist or specific recording! The tracks referenced are the original artist, aside from a few rare cases where a cover is the most widely known.

Lyrics, videos, info, and notable covers under the cut. (Spotify playlist available in pinned post)

Like Real People Do

Written By: Hozier

Artist: Hozier

Released: 2014

Alternate version included: Live in America, 2015

This song is a metaphor. Hozier uses “bog bodies” in Ireland, bodies which are exhumed after centuries of natural mummification, to describe a new relationship.

[Verse 1] I had a thought, dear, however scary About that night, the bugs and the dirt Why were you digging? What did you bury Before those hands pulled me from the earth? [Chorus] I will not ask you where you came from I will not ask and neither should you Honey, just put your sweet lips on my lips We should just kiss like real people do [Verse 2] I knew that look, dear: eyes always seeking Was there in someone that dug long ago So I will not ask you why you were creeping In some sad way, I already know [Chorus] So I will not ask you where you came from I would not ask and neither would you Honey, just put your sweet lips on my lips We should just kiss like real people do [Chorus] I could not ask you where you came from I could not ask and neither could you Honey, just put your sweet lips on my lips We could just kiss like real people do

At Last

Written By: Henry Warren & Mack Gordon

Artist: Etta James

Released: 1960

Originally recorded by: Glenn Miller and His Orchestra feat. Pat Friday & John Payne, 1941

A song originally written in 1941 by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and originally performed by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra for the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade, this ballad found its greatest success in the hands of the late Etta James in this 1960 recording. The tune became James' signature song. The song is featured on several “best of” lists, including inclusion in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

[Verse 1] At last My love has come along My lonely days are over And life is like a song (Oh, yeah, yeah) [Verse 2] At last The skies above are blue My heart was wrapped up in clover The night I looked at you [Bridge] I found a dream that I could speak to A dream that I can call my own I found a thrill to press my cheek to A thrill that I've never known (Oh, yeah, yeah) [Verse 3] You smiled, you smiled Oh, and then the spell was cast And here we are in heaven For you are mine at last

#polls #poll tournament #poll bracket #tournament #bracket #lovesongbracket #round4 #hozier #like real people do #etta james #at last

[petals2fish]

Chapter 16: The Druids (Lily’s POV)

The druid encampment lay nestled in a tranquil valley, shielded from the dangers of dragon territory, their path guided solely by James' remarkable sense of direction. Despite his assurances, they strayed off course twice, prompting Marlene's frustrated outbursts to steer them back on track. Lily's initial excitement, evidenced by the bouquet of flowers she had collected, dwindled as they pressed onward, passing James' water flask between them to quench their thirst. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a chill settled in the air, causing goosebumps to rise on Lily's skin.

"We're almost there," James reassured her, noticing her fatigue evident in her third yawn within twenty paces. "We'll need to stay with the druids tonight, I have a friend there who will help us."

"The whole night?" Lily blinked wearily. "James, I can't afford to delay—my mother's life is on the line."

"We are well aware that Ruber is behind us," James said calmly, "so we can spare a few hours. Marlene insists you look on the verge of collapse."

Marlene's cry from above echoed, earning a glare from Lily as she glanced up at the elegant falcon. “Alright– but only because I'm hoping that dragon killed Ruber for us.”

That was our Great-Aunt Hilda, Remus interjected with a snort. Based on our last Hatch Day, she's probably got them all roasted on a spit. 

Lily shivered as she glanced behind them, ensuring Ruber's iron men weren't in sight. “I hate to break it to you, Remus, but Ruber likely escaped before your aunt did.”

As they pressed forward, Lily's exhaustion began to weigh heavily on her, each step becoming a struggle against weariness. Unintentionally straying from the path behind James, she found her head drooping as she fought to remain awake and alert. The sun was going down, casting dark shadows everywhere she stepped. Suddenly, her foot slipped on loose ground, sending her tumbling. 

Her cries reverberated through the air as her hair whipped around her face. Lily's heart raced as she plunged into the abyss, her breath catching in her throat as she descended further. Swallowed by darkness, her screams were muffled, her hands scrabbling against a smooth stone wall in a frantic bid to halt her fall.

From above, cries of surprise from the wyverns mingled with Lily's own cries as she fought for a grip on the slick walls. With a sickening splash, she crashed into water below, the impact driving the air from her lungs as she struggled to stay afloat in the icy depths. Her clothes clung to her skin, the feeling unpleasant even after years of playing in the waves by the shore with her father. 

For a moment, panic threatened to overwhelm her, the darkness pressing in on all sides as she struggled to orient herself in the murky depths. But then, fueled by determination, Lily kicked against the water, propelling herself upward toward the faint light filtering down from above.

Her lungs burned with exertion as she broke through the surface, gasping for air as she clung to the rough stone walls of the well.

“Help me!” She screamed, “James!”

"Lily!" James's voice echoed down to her, filled with concern, as he called out her name, his words distorted by the distance between them.

“James!” Lily coughed, her voice strained. “I fell into a well!”

“Hold on!” James’s voice sounded distant, distorted by the echoes reverberating through the stone shaft.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept through the stagnant air within the well, caressing Lily's hair and whispering softly in her ear. She imagined it to be Aura, the wind spirit, serenading her with an unfamiliar melody from distant realms. The delicate spirit danced around her, playing with strands of her wet hair while Lily clung tightly to a rough protrusion on the well's wall.

“James!” She sobbed, looking up at the only light above, “Please get me out of here!”

There was no answer.

She felt her chest tighten, wondering if he’d left her for dead. 

As the cold water seeped into her bones, tears welled up in Lily's eyes. "I'm so frightened, Aura," she murmured, her voice trembling with fear. "Please, please tell James not to leave me. Please."

Lily!  Sirius' voice interrupted Aura’s reassuring touch on Lily’s cheek. James ran off, I think he left you behind. 

"What?" Lily gasped, disbelief washing over her. "He really left me?"

Her heart skipped a beat as she considered whether James had anticipated this turn of events all along, despite their shared experiences of the past day. Had he, after all this time, been waiting for one misstep to abandon her and pursue Excalibur alone with the falcon? Lily couldn't fathom it, no, she refused to believe it.

Remus' head appeared, displacing Sirius' silhouette against the light from above as he shouted down to her, He didn’t abandon her, you fool, he went for help. 

“Oh Remus,” Lily nearly sighed with relief. "Thank goodness. Where’s he gone?"

The druid camp is nearby, Remus informed her, his voice carrying reassurance amidst the darkness. James says they'll be able to help, since he's useless. 

"He's blind, not useless, Remus," Lily snapped, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.

He said it himself, Remus retorted, his words echoing in the chilly air, not me. 

“Is Marlene with James?” Lily sought confirmation, her voice quivering with a mix of hope and anxiety.

Yes, the falcon is with him, Remus confirmed.

Lily leaned her head back into the water, feeling the cold seep deeper into her bones as tears continued to stream down her face. “Merlin, I hope they hurry.”

In the depths of the well, darkness engulfed them as the sun vanished beyond the horizon, leaving Lily in total obscurity. Shivers wracked her entire body uncontrollably, and she imagined her hands turning a shade of blue, if only she could see them. Warm tears mingled with the frigid water, tracing cold paths down her cheeks. She had to have been in the water for a while now.

James still hadn't come back for her.

What if he never did? 

“I say, Lily, what's the matter?” Sirius' voice broke through the silence, laced with genuine concern.

“I’m scared,” Lily confessed, her words heavy with fear. She had never felt more isolated, even with the comforting presence of the wyverns above her. “I’m cold. I’m tired. Until now, I’ve never strayed far from my family's farm. I've always had warm meals, clean clothes, and a bed to sleep in. But now, my mother is being held captive, and I find myself trapped in a well in druid territory after narrowly escaping being a dragon's meal. I just wanted to be a knight, but I can’t even walk in a straight line without falling into a well!”

Her voice cracked as she poured out her pent-up emotions, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her like a heavy burden. She felt as though she might sink, letting the water engulf her. Her father would be so disappointed if he saw her now, crying like a child at the bottom of a well. 

So much for being a lioness. 

It's okay to be scared, Remus' voice echoed off the well. Look at Sirius, he's never been brave a day in his life.

Remus yelped, as if Sirius retaliated for that comment, before Sirius' smooth voice joined Lily at the bottom where the water swirled around her legs. If I can brave living with this lump on my neck for five hundred years, you can do anything Lily. 

Lily laughed though her tears, "have you two always bickered so terribly?"

"Lily!" James' voice echoed in the darkness, breaking through the cold silence just as Lily's nose started to blow bubbles in the chilly well water. 

"James!" Panic surged within her, but she managed to respond amidst the chattering of her teeth, "I'm here! Did you bring help?"

Suddenly, flames burst at the well's mouth, casting eerie shadows on the walls, and a woman's face appeared, illuminated by the flickering light, her features pale as moonlight. Taken aback, Lily fell back into the water, her red hair fanning around her as she stared up at this woman.

"Well, she's quite the sight, James," the woman remarked to her companion teasingly.

"Just toss her the rope, Mary," James urged, a note of urgency creeping into his voice, tension thick in the air. 

"Touchy," Mary teased, her tone light.

"Watch it, or I'll offer you to the wyverns," James retorted, his voice oddly calm, though Lily knew he didn't mean it.

"See, this is why you're still single," Mary teased James playfully before Lily saw something slender being tossed down into the darkness. Like a lifeline, Lily watched as the rope descended, its end splashing into the water at her left ear.

"Grab hold!" Mary called down urgently. "James and I will pull you up!"

Lily's heart surged with relief as she instinctively seized the rope, her grip firm as she readied herself to ascend from the frigid, murky depths of the well. Inch by inch, she ascended, the darkness gradually yielding to a dim light above. Her fingers stretched out eagerly, grasping for the swaying grass as she emerged, drenched and trembling.

Collapsed on the ground, her body shaking violently, Lily felt James drop his staff and kneel beside her in an instant. Though tears and water obscured her face, she sensed his concerned gaze searching for her. Another sob escaped her lips, a silent admission to the one person she wished didn't witness her vulnerability. James shook his head at the sound of her cry. 

"Oh Lily," His warm hands cupped her face, sending a soothing wave of heat through her freezing skin as he whispered, concern evident, "Are you hurt?"

“C-cold,” Lily managed to utter through chattering teeth, feeling the air's chill seep into her bones. "So cold." 

James' hands didn't leave her cheeks, he just held her, pressing his forehead to hers. "You scared the life out of me."

"Imagine how I felt." Lily's entire body was seizing up with every shiver. 

"Here," Mary, the woman who had thrown the rope, came into focus amidst the dimness. "Take my cloak, Lily." 

Lily glanced up just in time to see Mary gracefully unfasten a long emerald cloak from her slender frame. In that fleeting moment, Mary appeared to Lily as the embodiment of beauty, her fair features softened by the flickering light of the flames she held aloft on a stick. Her braided hair gleamed like spun gold, and her sapphire eyes shimmered with an intense luminosity even in the night's darkness.

With a gentle touch, Mary draped the cloak around Lily's quivering figure, nestling it securely around her shoulders. Instantly, the warmth of the garment enveloped Lily, offering a welcome relief from the bone-chilling cold of the well's depths.

"Th-thank you," Lily stammered, her voice trembling with gratitude as she wrapped the cloak tighter around herself. The soft fabric offered a small comfort amidst the turmoil surrounding her.

James released her face, rising with the support of his staff as he cleared his throat. "I'm so thankful you were easy to find tonight, Mary."

"You're going to owe me big time," Mary replied, a hint of jest in her tone as she assisted Lily in standing. "After this and leaving me to patch up our failed engagement, I have half a mind to demand your balls be chopped off for ceremonial reasons."

Lily was so cold and uncomfortable, she barely registered the conversation. 

"Failed engagement?" James raised an eyebrow, amusement mixed with confusion on his face, as he stood in between Lily and the beautiful woman. "I don't recall that."

Lily just stood there, shivering, as the wyverns wrapped their slim body around her, curling their tail like a snake. Their scales were impressively warm, and Sirius placed his head on hers, eyes gleaming in the firelight. Lily dug her hands into the warm underbelly, her entire body shivering. Marlene watched from nearby, her intelligent eyes not leaving Lily’s. 

She's freezing to death. Marlene screeched, but James didn't hear her because he was still arguing with Mary. 

"He's too busy flirting, Marley." Lily said under her breath to the bird. 

"Flirting?" James had caught wind of Lily's words at least and sounded offended, "Ew, Lily, I have self respect."

Mary shot Lily a pointed look with a hand on her hip. "Did you know my father tried to arrange a match between that idiot and me, and a day later he left without telling anyone just to avoid the possibility of marrying me?"

“F-failed to m-mention it.” Lily muttered, her breath choppy.

"To be fair," James interjected hastily, "they believed our marriage would fulfill some prophecy or religious nonsense."

“Is there a point to this?” Lily asked bluntly.

Mary frowned at Lily's less than enthused expression. "Oh dear, we're being terribly rude, James. She's barely standing. Let's get her to my tent for dry clothes."

Lily nodded weakly, still shivering, tears continuing to flow down her cheeks. "Please," she whispered, carrying the weight of exhaustion and fear in her voice.

James raised his staff, halting Mary in her tracks. "Wait, what about the wyverns?"

"What about them?" Lily furrowed her brow as the animal in question unraveled from Lily, both heads resting on either of her shoulders as if still trying to warm her. 

"They can't come back to camp," Mary interjected. "Magical creatures aren't welcome in druid society, unless they're part of rituals."

So dead, Sirius said, his eyes devoid of humor.

Remus showed his white teeth in Sirius' direction. You'd make a lovely stuffed head, Sirius.

"You two had better stay away from the camp," James directed towards the wyverns. "Just wait for us on the outskirts of the village."

Mary exchanged a peculiar glance with James, a silent understanding passing between them. She sighed and rolled her eyes. “You’re still talking to animals, I see.”

“You’re still jealous, I take it?” James retorted.

Lily blinked in realization and turned to Mary. "You can't understand them?"

Mary faced Lily. "No, can you?"

"Lily has wild magic, like I do," James clarified, lowering his staff and wrapping an arm around Lily's waist for support. "Now, enough talking. Help me get her back to camp before the pookas come out."

"What the hell is a pooka?" Lily grimaced as she attempted to walk, her frozen joints protesting with each step.

"Nasty little beasts," Mary explained with a shudder. "They lure people into traps and then feast on their hearts right out of their chests."

“Lovely,” Lily remarked dryly.

"We tend to avoid nighttime travels around these parts," Mary continued, glancing up at Marlene circling overhead. "Luckily, your bird seems to be smart enough to recognize a pooka when she sees one."

Do pookas like wyverns? Remus inquired from behind the humans, his voice tinged with apprehension.

"You two have two hundred teeth between you," James commented, still holding tight onto Lily's side. "I think you can handle a creature a quarter of your size."

Two hundred teeth, Sirius remarked, swiping at the air with his tail and accidentally hitting James in the back of the head. How do you know? You can't even see us! 

"You know what, Mary?" James redirected his attention to the blonde beside him. "I take it back, you can have my magic."

"Why?" Mary asked, intrigued.

"Then you'd be stuck listening to those wyverns whine all the time, and I'd have peace and quiet," James muttered.

Mary chuckled, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "You haven't changed at all, have you?"

"Has he always been this grumpy?" Lily interjected, feeling the warmth returning to her toes as she regained her energy to speak.

"Oh, yes," Mary responded with a grin spreading across her red lips, "but he grows on you... like fungus on a tree stump."

James's tone carried a hint of irritation. "Lay off, Mary. You know you're just mad you didn't get to marry me."

"I pity the fool who does marry you," Mary shot back with ruthless precision.

Suddenly, up ahead, hundreds of fluffy white sheep were gathered under the starlit sky. A few people strolled among them, their outlines visible against the darkness, each holding a firestick, much like the one Mary held in her free hand.

"Now's the time to get lost," James instructed the wyverns sternly. "And keep your claws off the sheep."

That's cruel, Sirius remarked, a drool slipping from his mouth.

Unbelievably so, Remus concurred, though the wyverns obediently retreated and disappeared into the long grass.

“Please don’t kill them,” Lily begged, “they’re so cute.”

I’m cute too, Sirius snarled, but you aren’t begging the sheep not to eat me. 

Double standards, I tell you. Remus remarked casually. 

"Do you think they'll take a sheep out?" Mary queried James, her distrust evident.

"I do," James admitted. "But likely just one, and they'll probably lie about it later."

"Well," Mary sighed, her concern palpable, "as long as they don't harm any of the people."

"I don't think people are on their menu," Lily chimed in. "And they don't strike me as skilled hunters either, so your sheep are probably safe."

Hey! Remus hissed, making Lily laugh into James' arm. 

James jumped a bit when he felt her breath cover his skin, her nose brushing against his warm bicep. Lily looked up at him through her tangled wet hair, seeing he was a tad red in the cheeks. Her smile lifted even more widely as she purposely tucked her head into his shoulder. His hand tightened at her waist in response. 

If Mary noticed, she said nothing. Instead, she was watching the wyverns slink off into the dark without being spotted by anyone but a few sheep who ran in the opposite direction, startling some of the sheep dogs standing at attention. 

The sheep, mostly dozing, stirred occasionally as they traversed the landscape, guided by Mary's steady gait. Eventually, they arrived at a perimeter of stones enclosing a camp of white canvas tents. Arranged in concentric circles, the tents gradually decreased in size towards the center, leading them to a central bonfire where an elderly man sat cross-legged, his hand moving gracefully over the flames.

"Father, can you help my friend?" Mary's voice cut through the crackling fire, breaking the night's silence.

The man turned, his square-cut jaw framed by long black hair, and his piercing gaze first met Mary's, who held Lily tightly. By Lily's side stood James, his demeanor tense. Lily yawned, falling even more into James grasp as her knees wobbled. The air was cold, and she was still wet, it wasn’t getting any warmer…not even near the fire. 

"James?" the old man uncrossed his legs and rose, recognition flickering in his eyes. "Is that you?"

"Hello, Gregory," James greeted with a slight bow. "A pleasure to hear your voice again."

"Have you come to finally accept Mary's hand in marriage?" Gregory inquired, a hint of surprise softening his features, eyes fluttering to Lily warily. 

"No," James replied, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his tone, eliciting a small smile from Lily. "We were passing through, and my... my friend fell into one of your abandoned wells."

"She's freezing," Mary told her father, "and dead on her feet." 

Gregory turned his full attention to Lily, his blue eyes assessing her with concern. "I will gather some herbs. Mary, take her to your tent and help her change into dry clothing. James, please accompany me so we can...catch up."

Though James hesitated, he finally released his grip on Lily's waist and followed Gregory's lead. Marlene followed the boy, ever the loyal guide.

Meanwhile, Mary guided Lily slowly towards a tent on the left, offering her steady support every step of the way. The tent resembled the others closest to the fire, with a square shape and embroidered roses adorning the flaps.

As they stepped into the tent and Lily's eyes adjusted to the dim light, she realized the druids lived with nothing but comfort in mind. Mary's abode was adorned with an array of rugs, animal skins, and plush fabric seats arranged for lounging. In the center of the room, a small fire crackled, sending tendrils of smoke spiraling upwards through a hole in the tent's roof. Lily noticed the scent of various herbs mingling in the air, carried by the smoke, causing her mind to feel pleasantly heavy with their soothing aroma.

“Sorry the fire’s low,” Mary told Lily as she sank into one of the two mattresses available, “I was actually on sheep watch with my dog, and lucky I was, because James would’ve taken longer to get into camp unnoticed by my father.”

“Is your father the–the one in charge?” Lily wasn’t sure what to call the man she’d met with the long dark hair.

"He is our king, for all intents and purposes," Mary explained, her voice carrying a sense of reverence as she tended to the fire, coaxing it to burn brighter with some sticks before crossing the tent to a wooden chest overflowing with fabrics. "The people choose our priest, as is customary, and the priest leads according to the laws of the druids."

As relief flooded Lily, she swiftly shed her tunic, the damp fabric sticking and pulling as she hastily removed it. Grimacing, she noted the bruises still marring her skin, remnants of Ruber's vicious assault. Mary gasped at the sight of the purplish marks scattered across Lily's body, her concern evident in her widened blue eyes.

"What happened to you?" Mary's voice trembled with worry. "James—he didn't give much detail, only mentioned you were traveling together."

"My farm was attacked," Lily explained, "James and I crossed paths incidentally."

She struggled to peel off her leggings, grappling with the stubborn fabric until she finally succeeded. However, halting at her shoes, she realized she needed to remove them first. Despite the slow and awkward process, Lily persisted, determined to rid herself of the soggy attire.

"Forgive me if I pry too much," Mary murmured, kneeling beside Lily and laying dry clothes beside her damp skin. "I rarely encounter new faces. Are there farms beyond dragon territory?"

Lily shook her head softly. "No," she answered. "Beyond dragon territory, there's mostly forest. It shifts into marshy lands where James resides. My home lies farther, at the border of the forest and the sea."

Mary nodded thoughtfully, her blue gaze contemplative. "So, James didn't cause those bruises?"

Lily shook her head vigorously. "No, he's been nothing but kind…if not a little prickly at first meeting."

"Sure, he can be a bit prickly," Marlene grinned, her eyes crinkling with amusement, "but he's as loyal as our sheepdogs, and incredibly sharp."

Lily hesitated, then asked, "Did you... want to marry him?"

"James?" Marlene chuckled and shook her head. "No, my father is just ambitious. He hoped James would lead alongside me if he could swing it."

“Why?” Lily inquired. “Because James has wild magic?”

Marlene nodded. “Exactly. It’s been decades since anyone in our tribe possessed wild magic. But before my time, there was supposedly another tribe not far from here. They were said to be witches with wild magic.”

Lily noted Mary's yearning for wild magic, detecting the envy in her tone. "You wish for wild magic." 

Mary, however, remained nonchalant. "Maybe with it, I could become the lead priest, liberating our community from the confines of religious chains and instead encouraging a new era."

Captivated by Mary's vision, Lily inquired with concern, "But must one possess wild magic to become a priest?"

Mary clarified, "Being a woman, I face insurmountable barriers to leadership. Wild magic might sway the elders to consider me, but as it stands, I'm dismissed as just a girl."

"Just a girl?" Lily scoffed. "I believe girls are just as resilient and capable of leading as boys."

Mary's smile waned as she gazed at Lily. "You were raised beyond the forest realm; surely girls elsewhere have more opportunities."

Lily shook her head. "Not all."

"But there are queens, witches, and priestesses," Mary countered. "Girls can aspire to anything!"

"Not everything," Lily murmured, combing her long red hair. "Not a knight."

Confusion flickered in Mary's eyes. "A knight? Is that your aspiration?"

"More than anything," Lily confessed. "But it seems–so far from my grasp lately."

Mary reached out, her golden hair shimmering in the light. "Any girl who endures as you have and embarks on quests through the forbidden forest deserves knighthood."

Grateful, Lily smiled. "And you deserve to lead, regardless of your sex."

"We both deserve our dreams," Mary affirmed. 

Lily reached for the dry set of clothes as Mary worked on braiding Lily’s hair back for her. The clothes matched Mary’s current attire, but were dark blue with pearled beads on the edges. Lily slid the skirt over her bare legs, relishing the feel of the wool against her skin. Once she pulled the blouse over her head, she realized it buttoned up at the back, so she turned to let Mary fasten it for her.

With Mary’s help, Lily settled back against the soft mattress, sighing deeply and closing her eyes. Mary moved around the tent, attending to tasks as they awaited the return of James and Mary’s father. The smoke from the fire, heavy with herbs, caused Lily to drift in and out of sleep, especially when Mary began to sing a sweet lullaby, soothing Lily into her dreams.

She stirred from her slumber, roused by James' nearby voice. Opening one eye, she noticed the fire had dimmed once more. Mary lay on a mattress across the room, with James standing guard in front where the wind kept knocking the flaps of the tent back and forth. He leaned on his staff, his gaze directed generally towards Lily, though she knew he couldn't see her. His voice, as soft as Mary's singing, lulled her in and out of sleep.

"He wasn't too upset about me leaving without explanation," James's voice carried a weary tone, "but we've been advised to depart by sunrise."

"That's the consequence of breaking his precious daughter's heart," Mary remarked playfully.

"Oh, absolutely," James retorted, nudging Mary's shoulder with his staff, "you seem utterly devastated."

Mary giggled, pushing his staff away. "Go on, get some sleep, I'll keep watch over her."

Lily closed her eyes, drifting back into a sleep, as if the herbs in the air induced a coma like sleep. She wondered how Mary wasn’t half asleep as well. Lily took in a deep breath and then let it out, the sigh releasing some of the tension in her shoulders. The sheep skin she was on was the softest thing ever, and she hadn’t felt so safe in days. 

"What are your thoughts on her?" James suddenly asked Mary.

"I think whoever inflicted those bruises on her deserves a few," Mary's voice dripped with disdain.

James's voice wavered for a moment like Mary had shocked him, "What bruises?"

"She's covered in bruises, from head to toe," Mary explained matter-of-factly. "I noticed them when she changed. She mentioned someone did it to her back home, during an attack on her farm. Do you know who it was?"

James fell silent for a moment before responding solemnly, "Yes, I do. And if I ever come across him again, he'll pay dearly for his actions."

Mary perked up at his protective tone, “wait, what do you think of her?”

“G’night Mary," James began to walk quickly out of the tent flaps, disappointing Lily.

“Come back here!” Mary hissed after him. “Coward!”

Lily decided she really liked Mary.

#jily #lily evans #james potter #jily fanfiction #jily fic #jple #quest for camelot

[fairy-verse]

Are there more error facts? Hes my fav

Despite having terrible eyesight, Error is quite skilled at manoeuvring his way through his and the other Firstborn’s domains. However, whenever he has to travel outside familiar grounds, then he’ll use his strings to map out areas out of sight for him. Some will trail along beneath him, whilst others will reach out and search for possible obstacles in front and above him. Even after his winter fairies created glasses for him, he still prefers to use this method most of the time, as it brings him comfort and reassurance.

A master at utilizing the word cosy. He loves to nestle into his nest atop the peak of his highest mountain, and he just loves to create snowstorms whenever he’s laid among his silks, moss, fluffy leaves, pillows, and wools. It makes it all the cosier inside his nest.

He’s extremely easy to fluster, especially after he learned that he had many suitors. Now that he can properly see them, their admiring faces, their gifts, and their dances, he’s… He often must retreat to his nest to hide out of sheer embarrassment. He’s oddly charmed and flattered, though it can be a bit much sometimes, and he’ll need a moment – or three – to recover.

When he’s in his own mind as he’s busy knitting or crocheting, then he’ll often hum and flutter his wings in contentment, and the snow atop his mountains suddenly seems all the brighter, and the ice glitters beneath the light of the sun as his mood is at its best.

It’s embarrassing, but his blush will change colour, going between blue and yellow depending on what time of the year it is. During spring and summer, it will be yellow, whilst, in autumn and winter, it will be blue. Error doesn’t know why this happens, so don’t ask.

It is said that should you gain his favour, then the winter skies will clear and allow the aurora borealis to shine through as it happily dances above the island.

His wings are fuzzy and comfortably warm to nestle against, according to Ink, though also confirmed by Nightmare and Dream, who both will abuse their cuddle times with Error to rub their faces against his wings. Error, in turn, always grows flustered.

Don’t tell anyone, but Error is… Well, he’s weak for someone who’ll serenade him. Someone who’ll sing for him, perform an especially personal dance created for him, or will gift him handmade things… It will melt his frozen soul. He wouldn’t know how to react, but the thought often makes him hide his face against a leaf or a pillow.

Error doesn’t want to visit Nightmare when Killer is nearby because the stupid hybrid won’t stop flirting with him.

Cross is decent enough, but he becomes very stiff around Error, probably because he feels that he’s “betrayed” him by moving from the mountain halls to Dream’s Valley. Error doesn’t really care.

Error enjoys spending time with Nightlight because the quiet fairy will often read to him whilst they nestle atop soft cushions and flowers. Error will usually fall asleep at some point, but Nightlight doesn’t mind it.

Error has an evil (cute) maniacal laughter when he realises that Ink has forgotten to call in spring; again. The longer he can prolong his winter, the happier he is.

Subsequently, he’ll curse Ink out for – quite literally – making colours, plants, and flowers explode all over the island when he rushes to call in warmer winds. The only solace he finds is the fact that the Big Folk struggle with rapid melting snow, which often floods their houses and brings them many problems.

Nothing brings him more joy (lies) than seeing the Big Folk suffer because of him.

He is at his happiest when the annual gathering of the Firstborns takes place, and he can finally stay with them all and enjoy their company. He will take pleasure in pretending like it’s just them; together again.

He might have tried to kill Killer for “ruining the mood” once, but the hybrid only laughed and blew him a kiss as he flew away and left them to their cuddle pile. Nightmare needed to restrain him, and Dream needed to kiss his anger away. Ink wasn’t allowed to speak until he calmed down, less he angered him even more.

Alas, the unique kisses, and caresses that only Ink can bring will usually help once Error’s anger is dwindling and cooling down. The spring fairy has a certain place in his soul, and he’s not a weed that will be easily plucked.

Error is complex and full of flaws, but when he loves, he does so deeply, and will protect and care for those he holds dear with his very life.

#aufairyverse #utmv #ask for the fairy #fairy!error #error sans

[shmaptainwrites]

New Doctor on the Block

Pairing: Hawkeye Pierce x fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is the new surgeon at the 4077th M*A*S*H and finds herself, amidst trying to settle in, constantly butting heads with the chief surgeon.

Word Count: 13 697

-Updates Thursdays-

- T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S -

Chapter 1: A Warm Welcome

Chapter 2: Confession

Chapter 3: Devil’s Advocate

Chapter 4: Dear Dad

Chapter 5: The Truth Always Comes Out

Chapter 6: Enemy Fire I

Chapter 7: Sun Valley Serenade

Chapter 8: Fear of the Unknown

Chapter 9: Second Chance

#hawkeye pierce x reader #hawkeye pierce #hawkeye pierce x you #hawkeye pierce x y/n #mashblr #mash 4077 #mash fanfic #mash fic #mash fanfiction #mash fandom #m*a*s*h #hawkeye pierce fanfiction #hawkeye pierce fanfic #hawkeye pierce fic #hawkeye pierce fluff #hawkeye pierce angst #hawkeye pierce hurt comfort

[tinybrightthings]

24 Classic (Non-Holiday Related) Films to Give You Vintage Wintery Vibes

Movies for when the Christmas and Holiday season is over, but you still want to watch something to evoke winter from another time.

*I went for anything pre-1980 for those who were looking for something more on the vintage/retro side. I also tried to pick from a selection of different genres to suit whatever mood you might be in.

--------

Action/Adventure:

The Call of the Wild (1935)

The Call of the Wild (1972)

Day of the Outlaw (1959)

Snow Trail/銀嶺の果て (1947)

Comedy:

Charade (1963)

The Gold Rush (1925)

Hit the Ice (1943)

Winter A-Go-Go (1965)

Drama:

Anna Karenina (1935)

Anna Karenina (1948)

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

The Idiot/白痴 (1951)

Love Story (1970)

Portrait of Jennie (1948)

Horror/Crime Noir:

The Abominable Snowman (1957)

On Dangerous Ground (1951)

The Snow Woman/怪談雪女郎 (1968)

Spellbound (1945)

The White Reindeer/Valkoinen peura (1952)

Musical:

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Ski Party (1965)

Snow Gets In Your Eyes (1938)

Sun Valley Serenade (1941)

Wild Wild Winter (1966)

#I am so late with this one; I'm sorry #film recommendations #film recs #period films #winter films #vintage films #vintage movies #audrey hepburn #classic movies #classic films

[vvictuss]

Silence's Song

Intro for a work-in-progress fanfic inspired by a single line (included at end of post) in The Buried Dagger by my favorite WH40k author @jmswallow.

Setting is on Barbarus before Mortarion is found by the Emperor. Took some liberties with Silence's description and Barbaras’s worldbuilding, as in adding a single tree, I guess. I'm still new when it comes to lore too so apologies for any conflicting points. (also I know my writing isn't perfect, pls forgive the odd mistake and lmk so I can fix it lol)

======

A glint of pale light bounced from her cold metal as Silence sang. 

She was beautiful as ever, polished in blood. Well cared for, the instrument cut through Barbarus’s pestilent sky with harmonious joy, like a spring bird delighting in the sun. Ichor pooled at the edges of her steeled blade at the conclusion of fading translucent streaks, then dripped from the toe’s end with a quiet pattering, like a distant drum beat to accompany her tune. 

So much more than a tool, Silence brought a crescent omen of end, whose handle was grasped firmly by her hooded maestro. The young man wielded his instrument with the reverent steadfast and command of a conductor readied at the podium. Delicate, yet sharp, precise, dictatorial. Silence’s snath curved out like a crane’s neck captured in elegant Barbarusian willow wood. Shoestring strips of paled leather wrapped her grip and stem, darkened and indented where his hands had laid day after day -- worn, sculpted by time and strength. Silence fed on the crops gleaned by the Reaper of Men with grace and obedience -- in return, he respected her service through harvesting what evil had been sown before them. 

Together, they danced. There were times Mortarion entertained the thought of humming along as his deadly companion serenaded their damned enemy. Ever since he heard that beautiful noise from the villagers on Barbarus the first night spent free from Necare’s prison, no sound met his ears without being composed into song. Everything was music, when he finally learned of its existence. Wind blasting through the valley as a deep horn’s bellow, noxious fog plucking its wheat strings, percussive cracks and pops of the village’s nightly fires. 

Most of all, though, he heard it with the swing of his scythe. 

She was an orchestra. She was an ensemble. She was a choir to rival that of mighty cathedrals. Named Silence, yet she trilled when her chine’s blade split skin and bone as effortlessly as a knife through paper, like the smoothness of breath pushed under a woodwind’s reed. 

(Quote from The Buried Dagger and more below)

The inspiration:

"'Silence' was still moving, coming around, and the Death Guard heard the air sing as the blade cut again before the guardian could register that it had already been killed."

I loved the imagery of this whole scene, so vivid and fantastical yet grounded. Easy to follow, exciting, and James Swallow's technical writing skills push me to improve. I've tried to pay attention to the way he keeps the flow going while still taking the time to set the scene and immerse the reader.

It's been less than a year since I let myself pick up writing again and I'm proud of the direction I'm headed. Obviously I have a long way to go, if anyone has critiques, please comment or shoot me a DM/ask! I'd appreciate feedback very much.

#my writing tag #my art tag #warhammer 40k #wh40k #writing #warhammer 30k #warhammer 40000 #mortarion #daemon primarch #warhammer primarch #the horus heresy #horus heresy #warhammer fanfic #wh40k novels #james swallow #the buried dagger #death guard #fanfiction #nurgle #prose #flowery bs #games workshop #the black library #black library #horus heresy series

[gatutor]

Glenn Miller-Sonja Henie-John Payne "Tú serás mi marido" (Sun valley serenade) 1941, de H. Bruce Humberstone.

#Sonja Henie #John Payne #Glenn Miller #H. Bruce Humberstone

[dane-ffxiv]

Prompt #5: Barbarous

(Note: This is an AU of a rejoined shard. Parts one, two, & three.)

Dane continued down the ruined path, ignoring the man behind her as he called out to her. She wanted to be alone and rarely had the opportunity since their star was on the brink of destruction. Devastating flames were this shard’s calamity– not even a horde of mages could temper them. Endless valleys, mountains, and fields turned to ash, while vibrant blue skies became polluted with smoke, leaving permanent hues of orange in this otherwise colorless world.

And it was all his fault.

That persistent thought stopped Dane in her tracks, chipping away at her fleeting moment of respite. The faster she acknowledged him, the faster he would grow bored of antagonizing her and return to his miserable existence. Truthfully, they both were miserable. Their fate was laughable– surely the gods above had their share of entertainment. A pair of young lovebirds, broken by tragedy, forged separate paths. At the end, they stood worlds apart. The hero, and the villain.

She turned to him in silence and waited.

"Paloma."

The moment that word left Joseni’s lips, her eyes clouded with tears. He used to serenade her when they were young and called her every beautiful name in both their native tongues. But ‘Paloma’ was her favorite.

It meant everything to her. And now it sounded like a shard of glass scraping against metal. It pierced her like a dagger soaked in venom.

"Don't call me that." She spat through gritted teeth. Her golden eye began to shimmer, radiating a dangerous warmth from her entire body. "You have no right."

"...Still as bright as the sun, it seems." He reached for a strand of her hair, marveling at the light reflecting off of it. She took a step back and turned away.

"It shines for you no longer." Her lie convinced no one. Even as she steadied her breathing and dried her eyes, his resolve never faltered. To inflict pain the best method he could– reminding her of what they had, and how he willingly walked away from it all. From her.

“It will always be mine.” He growled. “Even when the flames engulf this star, leaving ash and despair in its wake, you will still belong to me. You will never fly free, my dove."

#ffxivwrite2023