faeristofthemall

[faeristofthemall]

Fuck you, CapCut. I'm best friends with VN now!

[faeristofthemall]

uncoloured version underneath 🔽

[faeristofthemall]

happy birthday leander, now please kindly exit my brain (●ˇ∀ˇ●)

[faeristofthemall]

I think he’s invaded my brain guys

[faeristofthemall]

happy birthday Leander! there’s actually 5 cakes in this photo iykyk

[faeristofthemall]

Happy Birthday Leander! 🎉

What do you plan on giving him for his special day? 🎁🙈

[faeristofthemall]

𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖚𝖆𝖌𝖊𝖘 ㅤꨄ︎

Prompt: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. These represent different ways people prefer to express and receive love

TW: second-person pronouns (gender neutral)

A/N: First time writing for Touchstarved! Lemme know how I do besties✌️

AIS - acts of service & quality time

Ais is someone who unexpectedly wears his heart on his sleeves. He’s very in tune with his emotions and is not afraid to let them show, even when it comes to matters of love and affection.

If he loves you, he will show you. Whether it’s a more obvious act such as protecting you from the random, heated drunkard or a voracious soulless, he isn’t afraid to put his life on the line in order to keep you safe if you've managed to win his heart. Your safety is now one of his top priorities, if not the top priority of his.

His less bloody acts actually makes him come across as quite the gentleman, and were likely the first signs that Ais may have a thing for you. Holding open doors. Pulling out a seat for you. Brewing you fresh tea during your odd visits to the Seaspring.

His acts of service are intended to lead to quality time together.

Granted, his pets will often appear during your times together with him, but who can say no to spending time with Princess??? She’s a darling!

His pets soon become yours. If he is ever busy or unable to be by your sides, expect them to take his place in the meantime. 

Expect him to outright carry you places later down the line. Doesn't matter your build, he’s strong enough to accommodate any weight!

VERE - gift giving & quality time

Vere isn’t ashamed to like the materialistic things in life. His tastes can run expensive and exotic, but why settle for anything less than the best?

However, if he is truly interested in you, expect to be on the receiving end and not the giver.

His mindset is that of showering the one who captivates him with the finest there is, cementing the idea to the object of his affections that to love him and him alone is to never be without.

Silken cloth, precious metals and gemstones, and the finest of cuisines. He loves you enough that the thought of you having anything but the best causes him worry.

Yes, Vere enjoys the finer things in life, even more so if he can share the joy of all that he has given you, together. 

Don’t expect him to let you be after he gives you a set of curated hair oils and skincare serums. Oh no, he intends to show you how good they truly are and how exactly to use them! 

Better yet, may as well make it a whole evening together! There’s also all those outfits he got you and he simply must make sure they fit you as intended, or he’ll have the tailor's head.

MHIN - acts of service & physical touch

Mhin is actually fond of physical intimacy, but their curse has made them a bit hesitant to pursue it out of fear of harming others, especially you, when it decides to take hold of their body without warning.

When Mhin cares for someone, they may forgo their initial concerns with a bit of reassurance. While cautious as always given the risks, even they can get swept up in the comfort of a warm hug or the comforting grip of your bandaged hand in theirs.

Most definitely, they are the type of person to press their forehead against your own, especially after a more tense situation occurs and they need to ensure that you are still here with them, safe and breathing.

When it's cold, they will scold you for not wearing weather appropriate clothing while also shrugging off their own cloak and bundling you up.

Ran into a steep incline and struggling to climb up? They may not look the strongest, but you’ll be surprised at the strength Mhin can muster in order to help you out.

If you are ever low on funds or worried about securing your next meal, you needn’t anymore. On top of feeding the various street cats in Lowtown, Mhin will take up an extra job or two to ensure you’re taken care of and never without a full belly.

Give them a kiss before their nightly patrols and you most definitely will be rewarded with them blushing profusely. 

LEANDER - physical touch & words of affirmation

Unlike Mhin, Leander is not at all hesitant about showing physical intimacy from the get go. You may even suspect he enjoys putting on a bit of a display in front of others. Especially in front of others.

In a way, his very open and handsy approach have marked you as off limits to nearly everyone in Lowtown. The only ones who would dare to make a move on you are either bold, stupid, or a blatant rival looking to stir up tensions.

From the moment you two met in the Wet Wick, he has always been smooth and purposeful with his words. It’s almost as if he can read your very soul. There are times you needn’t utter a word of complaint to him. Leander knows exactly when to give you comfort and how.

While he enjoys displaying his physical love for you to more watchful eyes, you’ll find that his carefully crafted words are reserved for you and you alone.

Those moments may be the only time where you witness him let down his walls a bit. Leander most certainly puts nothing but his best foot forward with his clients and the other Adderstones. Only someone who has truly gained his trust and stuck by him despite his well hidden shortcomings and secrets will ever witness such vulnerability.

If you have truly cemented yourself into his heart then congratulations, expect a ring and a heartfelt proposal within the next year. You will also gain some authority over his gang after exchanging vows.

He has an entire list of compliments and little nicknames he uses with various people in order to maintain his foothold within the lower districts of Eridia. They're superficial and corny at first, but as your relationship progresses they start to take on a much more impactful tone when he uses them on you. 

His favorites: Beautiful, Sweetheart, Love, My dear, My flower, My rose, My soul. 

KURAS - quality time and physical touch

One of the telltale signs that Kuras had a genuine interest in you beyond that of a patient is when he began to pet you on the head after your, now routinely, checkups at his clinic.

His ministries didn’t stop there. In a way, he was testing to see how far he could go before you would catch on. A simple head rub eventually turned into a bold but chaste kiss to the back of your bandaged hand, which in turn navigated its way to pressing his lips against your temple.

Honestly, it got to a point where the man himself had to stop and consider whether or not he was abusing his authority as your doctor when you seemingly didn’t respond to his signals like he expected you to. This isn’t his first time initiating the chase after all, so why wasn’t it working like before?

Kuras decided it best to take his affections outside of the clinic, which was most likely the cause for confusion given it is his place of business. Although he has no reason to eat, the same cannot be said about you. Expect frequent invites to small bakeries, cafes, and local street vendors some of which you question if you can afford without his generously offered coin.

If he takes you out eating then he will feed you small bites, although it begins to happen too much. It’s cute at first and he assures himself that this will surely win your heart when he sees how happy and fulfilled you look, but then you mentioned how parental his care feels one evening and he almost recoils his hand away out of shock. 

It’ll be a cute little moment to look back upon in the future, but in that moment he was truly at a loss for words and embarrassed for giving the wrong signals. This may be the one time you see him get flustered and trip over his own words. It’s rather cute!

He enjoys leisurely strolls by the river ways and will invite you if you indicate having some free time. Whether you two are engaged in deep conversation the entire time or simply wish to enjoy your walk in a comfortable silence, he can adjust to either. While he prefers to frequent quieter areas he is also not avoidant of more crowded and hectic areas like the Amaryllis district. You will be in safe hands there, as everyone knows not to push their wares or their luck when he quite obviously has a gently placed hand on the low of your back as you two engage with each other in your shared bubble.

requests are open!

[faeristofthemall]

"No... impossible! That spell should have driven you insane!" "Buddy, lookie here. I AM insane."

[faeristofthemall]

I've been thinking about Sen (as she is my 2nd fav right now but I feel when we finally learn more about her Shynah will be like Leander? No, I only know a Sen 😂 but I could be wrong) but anyway basically what we know about her so far is that she used to be dead but someone brought her back and now she's pissed (honestly same, like I'm nice and cosy in my after life and someone has the audacity to bring me back to the horrors yeah no thanks) and wants to kill them but then my brain went: wait! If Leander is messing with necromancy and is kind of like a Dr Frankenstein down in the crypts what if Sen was one of his first experiments with his dark powers but she gained too much awareness than he intended her to have and now she's out to end him!

[faeristofthemall]

Saw @grimalkinscribbles beautiful Touchstarved tarot works and got inspired to give it go. Think I went way too over my head T_T

~|Briar as The Tower card|~

Close ups under the cut

[faeristofthemall]

"What's the deal with Leander?"

...Imagine if Shynah had the good sense to ask her beloved cards this question, and her guardians spoke forth the answer she needed to hear? Well, this is what they would say:

Leander hides his secret well & does not get caught by foolish folly for the secret he keeps is one of terror and tragedy. In his youth, he made a deal with a higher power, not thinking of the consequences, and when that being finally tracked him down and asked for its just reward. Leander could not give it up, for to be asked for his soul and his power would mean the end to his success. So he begged and he bargained until a new deal was struck, one that would make both parties satisfied. Now no one is safe from his calculating gaze, especially those closest to him; his seemingly beloved adderstones are but a meal for a salivating beast. His loyal puppets, primed for the harvest and the collection of their souls, their life energy and the power it gives to him, is too delicious to deny and oh, sweet little Shynah, now you walk into the viper's nest seeming just like a naive little mouse to his hungry eyes, and in you burns the most powerful meal yet so I urge you to run and run far for his reach extends farther than one might see. Your power he covets above all else, so if you wish to escape entrapment once again, steel your courage and trust only Us. Keep your distance from his gaze, however enticing it may seem; it means only death!

Alas, Shynah does not ask this question, for if she did, the story would never happen, she'd be running away over the hills, and no tragedy could occur, but where's the fun in that?

So that ^ was a bit of fun to live in Shynah's world for a moment, but I have some real theories based on the cards below the read more sign. Though it does kind of repeat the message above but with a few more details and thoughts of my own added...

SO with the oracle cards, I asked the question:

"What is Leander (from the game touchstarved) hiding?"

and yes, my cards and guides were like "*sigh* you seriously want to use time and sacred tools to snoop into the story of a game character?" and I was like "Yeah, it's good fun" and they were like "very well..." because they're good sports and understand fun.

From the cards, my intuition and the stories represented here I have deduced this -

(Whether it is true or not, only time will tell)

Leander is collecting souls, taking people's lives and then draining them of their souls in some manner, which helps in giving him access to more power, aids him in using dark magic. This may be through giving the souls to another entity, who in turn, grants Leander access to more magic beyond what an ordinary mage is capable of.

From a different card I got while doing a test spread with a different deck than the ones used here I got a card with the key word scientist to describe leander so I know there is a theory going around about necromancy being part of the dark arts that Leander uses and I do think that those people who came up with that theory are very close to what the truth is but when I saw that card the word "Frankenstein" was said loudly within my mind so I do wonder seeing as there was a quiz made by the RSS team a while back and they had a question comparing the cast to classic victorian horror characters (Though they never revealed which character they were comparing to the other) if Leander is like a Dr.frankestein character?? It would be funny to me because this would be the 2nd time my favourite love interest from a game is based on Frankenstein, I would be inserting that meme "if I had a nickel for every time..."

Anyway, with that purity card with snow white, I did get the message he does prefer to seek out pure souls, but pure doesn't mean "good little boys/girls who have done no wrong in their life" I was more hearing the message pure as in untainted. Untainted from what, unfortunately, my intuition can't access the words being shared with me, I guess the universe wants to keep it a surprise for the real game.

Now for the tarot cards I asked the question:

"What is Leanders intentions towards the mc/shynah?"

Now because I did add shynah to the question please take these theories with a lot of grains of salt! As my guides may have just being providing story ideas. Especially as they made the High priestess card fly out in spectacular fashion and as shynah is an unnamed mc this card represents her and other unnameds really well.

But the message I heard was, Leander intends to trap the Mc, to make their power work for him. To use them and their abilities to further his cause. Which seems pretty obvious, I have heard others say stuff along the same lines. Though what is his cause?? The cards don't quite show me that, so I'll have to do another reading further down the line to work that mystery out. I don't think it would just be ultimate power and control no, I think it would be something deeper.

What I find very interesting is the repitition of the fairytale of Vasilia the brave showing up, this is it the story of understanding one's own true power, trusting in those beyond us and of escaping our shadow and death. So I wonder for a good end to occur does Mc have to come to a realisation of how they can use their power as a tool of protection and for good, realise they don't need a "cure" and understanding our connection to the shroud (for I do believe the mc either comes from the shroud or is a child born from some kind of monster and human union).

Another message I received from the repetition of this story was actually from another character that appears in this story which is baba yaga, she's not quite the villain of the story but she's not a helpful ally either so if Leander has made a pact/deal with some witch-like demon/God(ess) perhaps they have similar themes to baba yaga so a being of limbo not quite death but not quite rebirth either, a being that makes one look at their fears and its up to them wether they let the fears destroy them or they destroy the fear. I might also add baba yaga is cannibal and, while I hope leander is not that, I was more getting the repeated message of him or the being/deity he is working with consuming the souls/magic within others which does still mean he may be a bit of serial killer....yeah, that's not hot leander you need to stop.

On that note, I'll stop here before I ramble on too far. If you've actually read all of this, then thank you for indulging me, and if the tarot is correct (it usually is, but the game storyline could undergo more changes that make the message obsolete), then I will be very happy!

[faeristofthemall]

hi clem! i really like your writing so far and i was wondering if i could request smth for touchstarved 👀 recently i’ve been wondering what vere would be like with the sweetest fucking spouse/partner u have ever met. like they might be more angelic then kuras 💀 (honestly i wonder abt all the li’s)

Hey hi hello! Thanks for the kind words! Really appreciate them! I had alot of fun with this but idk if this is what you had in mind, they're mostly a bit angsty , but I hope you like it!

🌸It's hard to imagine Vere with a sweet partner, unless they're rather strong willed. Which you would have to be to deal with him in general. I think the best possibility would be what Dracula and Lisa from castlevania have. Even then, I imagine it would take an eternity for him to come around.

The start of such a relationship would be rocky for sure. I think he would take such a personality as a challenge. He's seen wanna be mother Theresas before, and he knows their resolve crumbles at the slighest hint of danger or when they realize helping the fallen in a place like Eridia takes more than half thought out platitudes.

He would expect you to be the same and pull the usual antics; cornering you in alleyways, baring his fangs or his bloodsoaked claws ect... And turn around each and everytime expecting the looks of fear, disgust before he could proudly prove to you that your own deeply held convictions are a lie. Oh how delicious would the look in your eyes be.

Imho the best way to react to those antics is either indifference or mild annoyence. Why? Well for one it's not like he can go on a killing spree without the permission of the senobium(except for feeding, but I'll consider that a separate thing for the sake of this lxhdhsb), so his displays of violence were mostly confined to dangerous soulless wandering the alleyways. And two because it pisses him off. What? You're not gonna call him an unredeemable abomination? Well that's just not fair. How is he supposed to have his fun now?

His disappointment annoyance morphs into curiosity, then derision. You're not the Wretched creature that runs the clinic in lowtown, you're far easier to kill. Surely you know that right? No one takes those silly little values seriously. If you want to break your curse you'll have to grow a spine.

Yeah sorry, but it would take him a while, years maybe, to fully accept that part of who you are.

When he does though, I think he would develop a bit of a protective streak. He'll never stop pestering you about helping people who clearly wouldn't spit on you of you were on fire, but the remarks would grow less biting and more affectionate.

You might even convince him to do an act of charity here and there but that's where he stops. Having someone who genuinely cares is... nice.

It's a nice thing, and he doesn't have alot of those.

🌸I cannot write this man as anything other than a toxic menace so; Leander resents that part of you. To be precise, he resents that it's not just for him. Part of him is touched by your gentleness and perhaps he tells himself that keeping you under his thumb is the easiest way to preserve your light. But he cannot help the burning pit of envy in his stomach whenever he sees you share thay same light with others. Not that he ever shows it. If Leander has any say in how things turn out, you'll never know the extent of his obsession or how short a leash he wants to keep you on. It's all manipulate mansplain manslaughter with this guy. Some people who have been particularly greedy for your time find opportunities they'd never dream of and are never heard of again.... Weird.

He's not above intentionally getting hurt and then running to you for pampering. Loves it when you fuss over him, loves the hint of worry in your voice as you chastize him for being so careless. Loves loves loves loves LOVES the way you touch him so gently. As if he could break under the lightest touch. As if you could break him. And its so earnest its adorable. Might hiss in faux pain just to have you cup his cheek and murmur "sorry". How kind. How cute.

He's never letting anyone else have you.

🌸Ais would also, much like Vere, be skeptical about your mother Theresa vibes. But he wouldn't be too much of an ass about it. I think the aspect he would crave most from such a partner would be total recognition and acceptance.

The sea spring is a curse in and of itself, so many souls sharing too few bodies and its easy for your own consciousness to be lost in a see of others. And it, in turn, can lead to a loss of autonomy (and identity) thats difficult to deal with. Ais understands that better than anyone, and he strives to give that sense of autonomy to others where he can. Thats why Vere likes him so much imo. It would make sense thats its something Ais himself would appreciate in return.

An angel to him then, would be someone who can tell him where the hivemind ends and where Ais begins. And then love the complicated, temperamental, monster-who-came-from-the-shroud Ais. He is not so different from the soulless, and being seen but rejected might be worse.

To get clarity on who he is, to have his identity redefined and given to him without being encroached upon and on top of it all loved? That would be true companionship. The end to his isolation.

Also not above getting hurt and asking to be pampered. It says in his bio that he likes bar fights. I like to think that it's beacuse it silences the cacophony in his head and the pain reminds him its his body. That he is in still in there, mostly because he feels the pain more than the rest of them.

Being pampered by you serves the same purpose. You love him. You are taking care of him. No other mind is the recipient of this love. He knows he is alive because he can feel the touch of his beloved.

To quote one of my favorite books "The God of small things" by Arundhati Roy:

[...] her body existed only where he touched her. The rest of her was smoke.

The parts of Ais's body that you leave untouched are smoke.

As for the " This is the skin of a killer Bella" duo, well.

🌸Mhin cannot have feelings for you because such a kind person is a beautiful, fragile thing. They have destroyed many beautiful, fragile things. They won't let you be on that list.

It will take a very long time until they somewhat trust that having you around is not a death sentence for you. But a key aspect of being in Mhins life as a lover is figuring out how to reassure them because they are afraid.

What if whatever solution you came up with fails?What if their curse has some other terrible aspect they didn't know about because they haven't been this close to anyone since it befell them? What if your curse and theirs interacted and something happened to you? What if -

You might tease them for being a worry wort, despite their cool and moody exterior chastizing you will take their mind off the anxiety for a second. Tasking woth sharing the food at the local soup kitchen would also help.

Truth is, they would feel a bit embarrassed by their own single mindedness. You are so much weaker than them, but here you are, doing everything you can to help others, even at the detriment of your own quest for a cure. And they..... are doing what, exactly? Loitering by the Senobiums gates?

Be careful not to let their mind wander too long, lest their self deprecating nature take the upper hand.

🌸Kuras hates himself too much to let himself be happy as well. He believes that he doesn't deserve half of what you give him, even before you guys get together.

And I don't think you guys get together before a long long while. I think that you would dane around it. You would help around the clinic, offer food to the residents of lowtown ect..... And that work would bring you together.

At this point in his life Kuras is likely at the end of his rope so he would be to let you linger around him. Let these budding feelings grow and take root.

He can ignore the voice in his head that calls him unworthy as long as there is plausible deniability. Fingers brushing as he passes you your favourite coffee mug.Your breath on his cheek when he bends down so you can whisper something in his ear. Your knees bumping under the table in the cramped space of the clinics kitchenette. Your hand in his as he helps you navigate the crowded streets of lowtown.

It's almost enough, which means there is restraint, which means there is pain. So it's ok. He's not indulging. He knows he doesn't have the right to and he is not.

The problem, of course is that there is pain on both sides. Of course you wouldn't let his reasoning fly. Of course you don't believe he is a corrupt existence. Of course you love a Wretched being like him.

And of course he can't let you ruin yourself like that for him.

I will be upfront dear reader, you will love him for decades before Kuras lets himself love you back. Your insistance will win him over evantually, but centuries of guilt won't magically disappear. Certainly not when Kuras feels you are too good for him.

It is with Kuras that I most clearly see a mariage happening. The years you do get are pure marital bliss and Kuras's only regret is that he lost so much time with you being stubborn.

That a being as short-lived as you could be so kind will mark him forever.

[faeristofthemall]

These three form the trinity, a group of powerful Gods that the mountain temple, where Shynah was raised, was built to worship. With the arrival of Shynah and her oracle powers, Illwedyn was favoured among the three, but the other two still received some attention and rituals in honour of them, as without the others, Illwedyn would not exist, and vice versa, at least that is what the legends state.

While the Gods have a preferred gender form to be perceived through human eyes, they do not have a constant male or female link and can change gender forms whenever they wish. The God Illwedyn is more fond of their female form, but the other two gods are not picky about the forms they show up in.

I was, of course, inspired by the Gods I know, and some I work with, so it is only right to include the inspirations behind the three.

Porius is inspired by Loki, Aengus Og, Lugh and Dionysus Illwedyn (elwyn) is inspired by Brigid, Mother Mary (not exactly a God, but she is revered as a powerful saint), Ceridwen, Persephone and St.Lucia/Lucy Lervisa is inspired by Hecate, An Morrigan, Hel, Lillith, Nike and Nyx

I have still tried to make them their own unique Gods, and I have stories for each of them, which I will perhaps share in later blogs.

Now obviously the word trinity is most commonly thought of as a Christian/Catholic holy word, though many triple Goddesses do exist in the pagan pantheons, so I am going to blend both pagan and catholic religions together in this fictional world's universe, or at least my take on it.

[faeristofthemall]

This has not been proofread. Please enjoy, though.

Warnings: implied grooming of a child, A tiny bit of body Horror, maybe its not that descriptive.

©️ Faeristofthemall 2025 - Do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work. Do NOT put my work anywhere near AI or the Gods will smite you!

Prologue

I had only turned five when they held the first ceremony. Father Samuel had deemed me old enough now to use the knowledge he was instilling in me. I had felt so special, so very grown-up in my robes of red and white, jewels draped over me generously to signify my title.

I had spun around in my new dress, laughing until Father Samuel had rebuked me, his eyes fierce and cold as he scolded me for not showing enough respect towards the Gods and the ritual about to take place.

I had hung my head and whispered my apologies, for I was a good girl, that was what they all said. I would try harder to be so and please them, as well as the Gods.

A sheer white veil had been placed around my face, secured with golden chains and though I was never fond of it. I did not complain. Such things should not be done by those who are blessed as I was. I had walked as gracefully as I could for a five-year-old, the hanging jewels around my bodice and skirts jingling as if to announce my arrival.

As I walked down the temple halls, priests and visiting travellers all stopped to stare, wide-eyed and a whisper upon their lips to finally see the chosen one was not just a rumour or a grand tale to encourage tourism.

I remember being very nervous for the important role I was to play. I hoped to prove myself as Father Samuel had instructed me. I could not let him down. I, especially, could not let the Gods down. They chose me alone to be their divine oracle, and I must live up to the title, lest I arouse their anger.

I was led by Father Samuel to a round room, which was nearly empty, only containing a raised round floor podium in the middle of the room with an altar positioned behind it, dripping in wax and with even more candles ablaze upon it. This was where I was positioned, in front of the altar and raised up like a holy statue come to life.

The room was quiet but for the wind, which rustled and whined through the iron-gated windows. My eyes became fixed on the golden doors in front of me. Images of the trinity and symbols depicting their stories were etched into the metal.

Behind those doors, travellers and townspeople were gathered to finally gaze upon me, awaiting the touch of salvation, seeking surrender. I was the one entrusted to do it, to bestow the Gods' will upon mere mortals. I was to be the prophetess for the Gods. Being only five, such a title escaped my awareness; all I knew was that I was very important.

They were let in one at a time to gaze upon me and renounce their sins in hopes that the Gods would accept them. Let them join the great hivemind of the divine. I remember the first one more than I do the others, a young farmer boy from the lands below the mountain. His eyes had been so hopeful, so trusting. Those eyes still haunt me to this very day.

He knelt in reverence before me, his head bowed as he renounced his sins of desire, temptation and doubt and then came the fateful moment as I did as Father Samuel had instructed I was to do in all the lessons before this day had arrived. I raised my tainted hands and reached out, pressing them against his forehead.

The change had been sudden. I had screamed (much to Father Samuel's annoyance), for where once knelt a gentle farm-boy was now a foaming beast. He had tried to launch himself at me, hands outstretched for my neck. He was not fast enough, as the two priests who had led him grabbed him and proceeded to hold him down as he snarled and squirmed upon the ground.

"Have I done something wrong?" I had cried, backing away until I had hit the altar, the candle flames swaying close behind me.

Father Samuel had approached, leaving his position in the shadows to step into the light. A grin was on his face as he laid a tight grip on my shoulder. "No, my child, you have done everything right"

I had glanced between him and the snarling man, confusion evident upon my face. He spoke again, his voice silky and smooth.

"This is simply the process one must go through to connect with the divine" He turned me sharply and placed a hand upon my cheek, making sure I did not take my eyes off him, as they dragged the man away through a secret back door, covered by hanging tapestries.

Father Samuel had continued, "A test of sorts, after all, one cannot expect to be accepted by the Gods without suffering for them first"

I had nodded, the chains around me jingling with the movement. I had chosen to believe him, even if it didn't sit right in my heart. Father Samuel was wise and honest in my young eyes; he had raised me when others would have turned me away. So I would be good and do my job. As long as it pleased him.

I stepped back into my place as the doors creaked open and a different set of priests guided another seeker towards my altar.

I had steeled myself with a deep breath, and so it began, my illustrious career as the divine oracle, chosen and blessed by the Gods themselves above all others. The one who would guide humanity back into God's salvation and regain their love. I roll my eyes now at the grand speeches I had so eagerly taken in during my youth.

I don't know how many seeking souls I transformed into maddened beasts. I lost count over the years; far too many would be my only answer. Yet they live on, their eyes and screams haunting my every moment, reminding me of my sins.

I would like to know why Father Samuel did it, why he thought such suffering was a blessing but I do not have the courage or the time to face him. For I must go soon if I do not want to miss the travelling cart to Eridia, the far-off land where the Senobium awaits. Maybe there I will find the truth I seek. Maybe there I will be cured.

I can only hope that the mage spoke the truth and that Father Samuel won't be too mad to find I am gone, with money pilfered from the treasury to aid me on the journey ahead.

Now I must go before the sleeping potion I gave him wears off on the guard stationed at my door. I only hope the Gods may be in my favour.

[faeristofthemall]

This has not been proofread. Please enjoy, though.

Warnings: implied grooming of a child, A tiny bit of body Horror, maybe its not that descriptive.

©️ Faeristofthemall 2025 - Do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work. Do NOT put my work anywhere near AI or the Gods will smite you!

Prologue

I had only turned five when they held the first ceremony. Father Samuel had deemed me old enough now to use the knowledge he was instilling in me. I had felt so special, so very grown-up in my robes of red and white, jewels draped over me generously to signify my title.

I had spun around in my new dress, laughing until Father Samuel had rebuked me, his eyes fierce and cold as he scolded me for not showing enough respect towards the Gods and the ritual about to take place.

I had hung my head and whispered my apologies, for I was a good girl, that was what they all said. I would try harder to be so and please them, as well as the Gods.

A sheer white veil had been placed around my face, secured with golden chains and though I was never fond of it. I did not complain. Such things should not be done by those who are blessed as I was. I had walked as gracefully as I could for a five-year-old, the hanging jewels around my bodice and skirts jingling as if to announce my arrival.

As I walked down the temple halls, priests and visiting travellers all stopped to stare, wide-eyed and a whisper upon their lips to finally see the chosen one was not just a rumour or a grand tale to encourage tourism.

I remember being very nervous for the important role I was to play. I hoped to prove myself as Father Samuel had instructed me. I could not let him down. I, especially, could not let the Gods down. They chose me alone to be their divine oracle, and I must live up to the title, lest I arouse their anger.

I was led by Father Samuel to a round room, which was nearly empty, only containing a raised round floor podium in the middle of the room with an altar positioned behind it, dripping in wax and with even more candles ablaze upon it. This was where I was positioned, in front of the altar and raised up like a holy statue come to life.

The room was quiet but for the wind, which rustled and whined through the iron-gated windows. My eyes became fixed on the golden doors in front of me. Images of the trinity and symbols depicting their stories were etched into the metal.

Behind those doors, travellers and townspeople were gathered to finally gaze upon me, awaiting the touch of salvation, seeking surrender. I was the one entrusted to do it, to bestow the Gods' will upon mere mortals. I was to be the prophetess for the Gods. Being only five, such a title escaped my awareness; all I knew was that I was very important.

They were let in one at a time to gaze upon me and renounce their sins in hopes that the Gods would accept them. Let them join the great hivemind of the divine. I remember the first one more than I do the others, a young farmer boy from the lands below the mountain. His eyes had been so hopeful, so trusting. Those eyes still haunt me to this very day.

He knelt in reverence before me, his head bowed as he renounced his sins of desire, temptation and doubt and then came the fateful moment as I did as Father Samuel had instructed I was to do in all the lessons before this day had arrived. I raised my tainted hands and reached out, pressing them against his forehead.

The change had been sudden. I had screamed (much to Father Samuel's annoyance), for where once knelt a gentle farm-boy was now a foaming beast. He had tried to launch himself at me, hands outstretched for my neck. He was not fast enough, as the two priests who had led him grabbed him and proceeded to hold him down as he snarled and squirmed upon the ground.

"Have I done something wrong?" I had cried, backing away until I had hit the altar, the candle flames swaying close behind me.

Father Samuel had approached, leaving his position in the shadows to step into the light. A grin was on his face as he laid a tight grip on my shoulder. "No, my child, you have done everything right"

I had glanced between him and the snarling man, confusion evident upon my face. He spoke again, his voice silky and smooth.

"This is simply the process one must go through to connect with the divine" He turned me sharply and placed a hand upon my cheek, making sure I did not take my eyes off him, as they dragged the man away through a secret back door, covered by hanging tapestries.

Father Samuel had continued, "A test of sorts, after all, one cannot expect to be accepted by the Gods without suffering for them first"

I had nodded, the chains around me jingling with the movement. I had chosen to believe him, even if it didn't sit right in my heart. Father Samuel was wise and honest in my young eyes; he had raised me when others would have turned me away. So I would be good and do my job. As long as it pleased him.

I stepped back into my place as the doors creaked open and a different set of priests guided another seeker towards my altar.

I had steeled myself with a deep breath, and so it began, my illustrious career as the divine oracle, chosen and blessed by the Gods themselves above all others. The one who would guide humanity back into God's salvation and regain their love. I roll my eyes now at the grand speeches I had so eagerly taken in during my youth.

I don't know how many seeking souls I transformed into maddened beasts. I lost count over the years; far too many would be my only answer. Yet they live on, their eyes and screams haunting my every moment, reminding me of my sins.

I would like to know why Father Samuel did it, why he thought such suffering was a blessing but I do not have the courage or the time to face him. For I must go soon if I do not want to miss the travelling cart to Eridia, the far-off land where the Senobium awaits. Maybe there I will find the truth I seek. Maybe there I will be cured.

I can only hope that the mage spoke the truth and that Father Samuel won't be too mad to find I am gone, with money pilfered from the treasury to aid me on the journey ahead.

Now I must go before the sleeping potion I gave him wears off on the guard stationed at my door. I only hope the Gods may be in my favour.

[faeristofthemall]

u dont know it but u love him guys

edit time 1hr 36min

art creds: @serafisolaris (yes im using their art again..) @mawrrbid @artbycourage

[faeristofthemall]

Art Credits!

What you see may not be the truth, for the form he takes right now does not show his true self. Yes, this is Puck, Shynah's familiar, but she's not 100% aware of what he is

Puck is actually a strong goblin/spirit that was sent by a higher source (The Goddess Illweydn) to protect Shynah; she needs all the help she can get, especially with the company she keeps.

As for what the rest of the cast feels about Puck...

Vere hates them; they know exactly what Puck is, and though they say they could turn him into a stain upon the ground, they don't know for certain if Puck is hiding his true power level, so they can't actually be certain. What they do know is that they can't get teasing or annoying Shynah as much as the goat will kick up a fuss, literally kick and bite if he gets an opening, he doesn't seem to fear Vere one bit.

Kura's would not be fond of his presence, but he does not do anything to cause bad blood between them; if anything, he tries to ignore them the best he can. He can see that Puck is loyal to Shynah and seems to only want to protect her the best he can. While Kura's finds this fascinating and unique behaviour for a goblin/spirit, he decides to keep his inquisitive nature out of this one situation.

Mhin feels uneasy around him, they know there is something not quite right about the "goat" Still, Mhin doesn't hang around Shynah that much anyway, as I've mentioned before, they go running when they see her, unless Shynah finds a way to block their path, which is a rare occurrence. This, in turn, suits Puck fine, even if it upsets his mistress, as he can see the monster tied to Mhin's soul and does not want it near Shynah at any cost.

Leander is suspicious of him, being a mage, he can probably sense there is some sort of strong magic surrounding the "goat", but he doesn't have much else to go on because Puck does his best act of "I'm nothing but a dumb goat" around him so Leander just does the minmum of getting along with him, as it keeps Shynah content and that works in his favour, of course. Puck would probably like to run his horns through Leander, but he is merely biding his time...

Ais is indifferent to him, and Puck feels the same towards him. Yeah, there's not much to say about these two meeting, for they both don't even care if the other is there.

Anyway, I know Puck will not be able to appear in the real game, but I am free to imagine! That is one thing that shall always be free, I hope.