hjxmalai

[hjxmalai]

Enjoy this Hanjeong-themed meme in honor of our current storm. Or, feel free to reblog your own to better enjoy your time in paradise.

Send 💦 for our muses to get caught in the downpour.

Send💧 for our muses to get caught in the beginning drizzle.

Send 🌊 for our muses to get caught in the ocean/on the beach during the storm.

Send 🧜🏼‍♀️for our muses to seek asylum in the ocean.

Send🌴for our muses to get stuck in the forest during the storm.

Send 🌕 for our muses to walk the island after the storm.

Send ⛈️ for my muse to comfort yours about the storm or vice versa.

Send 🦈for our muses to battle during the storm.

Send 🐬 for my muse to check on your muse or vice versa.

Send 🎶 for one or both of our muses to fall victim's to a siren song.

Send ☔️ for our muses to be trapped anywhere but home during the storm.

Send 💃 for our muses to dance in the rain.

Send 🍾 for our muses to throw/attend a storm party.

Send ☠️ for our muses to get trapped in a cave together.

Send ⛰️ for our muses to get lost in the mountains together.

Send 💐 for our muses to have a date during the storm.

[hjxmalai]

birthday girl//open

Cherry's birthdays were a mixed bag. The years after her mother died were awful, but that was mostly because Nan was grieving and she was still blaming Osuke. Times had changed since then and her birthdays were one of the few days of the years she was happy. Her father was at home, passed out, so she at least knew he was safe. She didn't have to worry about him for the evening.

Nan had built a cabin in the forest, mostly to make her mom comfortable. Nan still lived in it, having gotten used to it all those years they shared the space. It was a nice place for Sammy and Cherry to visit, even though Sammy had no technical relation to Nan.

Everyone had decorated the area beautifully, with twinkling lights. The dryads played music. She danced, feeling the earth beneath her feet. It was different than dancing among humans. Even though she probably seemed awkward to some of the dryads, she moved with more fluidity than most humans doing the steps. After all, she was one of them. She smiled. "Dance with me. It's my birthday."

[hjxmalai]

eye of the storm//cherry & talon

@talonxhj

Darkened skies brooded overhead, heavy with a blend of gray and purple clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, reverberating through the air. Streaks of lightning flashed. Palm trees shook, fighting being ripped out the ground. The wind nearly took her away. All that kept her going was sheer determination.

Cherry was not supposed to be out here. She was supposed to be at home, inside and safe with Osuke. As it was, she had begged him to make sure her father didn't go out. She wasn't worried that he would join her in looking after Sammy. No, she was concerned he would get himself killed for a drink.

She went towards the beach. That was her best guess. She wasn't a siren herself, so she didn't feel the same calling Sammy did. Cherry had thought they could ignore it, just like they had everything else. Normally, Sammy listened. Sometimes she bit, but immense guilt overcame her afterwards. Cherry always forgave her and told her it was alright. This wasn't her fault. It wasn't either of their faults. Neither of them had chosen their parents.

Cherry screamed for her. Sammy couldn't go back to the ocean. Who knew if Cherry would ever get her little sister back if she did? She kept yelling her name. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned sharply, wondering who was behind her. Sammy's name was still on her lips. "Have you seen her?" she asked, before she fully processed who was in front of her.

[hjxmalai]

Based on what she had heard, she didn't expect him to be so... soft. But Jiho was always like that with her. He made her feel safe. Taken care of. And, right now, desired. She kissed him back, unsure of what she was doing, but enjoying it nonetheless. She hoped the same could be said for him. Cherry had nothing else to compare it to.

Cherry forgot how to breathe until he pulled away. She felt lightheaded. She inhaled. Exhaled. Frozen in that moment. Her cheeks were now as red as her namesake. She wasn't sure how people could do this so casually. "Well... maybe a little." She was surprised by how playful she was feeling. Was it normally this way?

She slowly reached out and grabbed his hand. Somehow, this was more terrifying than the kiss. After all, she had a lot of time to think about it. "Thank you for not letting me run off." She smiled at him. "Want to join me and Sammy?"

there he was, mentally droning on about how he hadn't been prepared for a hug. not one where she held him so tight. but if he had been surprised than... the kiss was something else. something else completely. the sort where she tried to walk away from him and talon found himself reaching for her gently. pulling her back towards him so he could kiss her again. this time, a little longer. a little deeper. so he could wrap his arms around her and keep her near him when he kissed her.

the moment wasn't lost on him. this wasn't a normal kiss he would participate in. only because there there was more behind. talon had been feeling it build between them for months. from there walk about to see art and eat together. to the night at triton's where she braved a predator's den to be with him in the end.

one beat, two. his heart finally told him to stop as he leaned away from her. looking at her with a smile he wasn't sure had ever graced his face before. "so you definitely missed me," he teased softly before bringing his eyes up from her lips to meet hers. "there is no way i could just let you walk away like that. i would have to be crazy."

[hjxmalai]

It was amazing how many thoughts rushed through Cherry's head at that moment. It had been an overwhelming few weeks. But, Jiho was here. He was alright and him smiling at her made her feel at peace.

She had always been the earnest sort. Everything showed on her face, but that didn't mean she was honest. She would always do her best to hide her grief. To protect people. Jiho was different. He cared about what she wanted. About her needs.

So, when he asked her if she missed him, she forgot everything for a moment. Blacked out and moved on instinct. She grabbed him by the neck and raised herself on her toes. And she kissed him.

Her brain restarted sometime in the middle. She stared at him for a split second, red all across her cheek. She cleared her throat and in a timid voice said, "Glad you're okay."

She turned to walk away. Would've run, really, if it weren't for Sammy.

honestly, he hadn’t been sure what to expect from the moment when he whispered in her ear. but the hug that he was quickly enveloped in, well, that certainly wasn’t it. still, talon wrapped his arms around her to answer the affection she was providing. pulling her close for a moment and letting her fresh scent wash over him. all of it was way better than that damn cell he had been in for days. nearly made his mouth water and he couldn’t say for which thing he found himself craving. chuckling after a minute, he nodded to pull himself away slightly so she could look in his face, “yeah. i’m good,” selfishly, he pulled her back again for another. “but this is much better than being interrogated so let me bask in it for a minute.” he murmured to the top of her head, knowing she would hear him as he caught sight of sammy staring up at him. winking in her direction, she smiled a smile that was missing a tooth or two, but he had to admit, adorable anyway.

“so tell me, did you miss me,” he questioned mischievously as he pulled away and smiled at her. “i can’t lie. i definitely missed you.”

[hjxmalai]

Even More Drabbles

[hjxmalai]

It had been a rough few weeks for Cherry. Though the saplings were getting better and there had been no fatalities, her emotional distress had been through the roof. Then, Jiho had been arrested. If she’d been able to, she would have visited him. However, crying children in her arms had kept that from happening. Besides, she had wondered if it would be appropriate. They had been on exactly one date before. Did that count as a date? Maybe that was a normal night for him.

She felt guilty, worrying about that stuff when it paled in comparison. She sighed. Cherry wished she hadn’t given in to Sammy’s begging. She wasn’t sure if it was the girl’s siren abilities, or just how cute she was, but it was hard to say no. Though the soil hadn’t affected her, she had gone through quite a bit. Those were her friends. Then there was Osuke, who was family.

So, Cherry had agreed to go to Pride. It was one of the livelier events in town and Sammy always enjoyed ‘all the pretty colors’. Sammy was wearing a tutu and Cherry was wearing a dress Sammy had insisted Cherry should wear.

She nearly jumped as she felt someone hug her from behind. Then, she heard his voice. She spun around quickly. She tried to contain herself, but her face betrayed all the worries she had felt. She barely even registered how scantily dressed he was (though, she would make a not of it later). “You’re okay.” She engulfed him in a hug. “I’m so happy.”

Fresh air

day: pride day one time: mid morning with: Cherry - @hjxmalai tw: talon is being talon, death, sorta cannibalism, sexual thoughts, murder mention..

being free of the tiny jail he had been dragged into was more welcome than he wanted to admit. it was also something talon never thought he would be seeing anytime in his life. no matter how long it was. the sirens truly terrible years were mostly behind them. there was once a trail of bodies no matter where he went for people to follow. that had long since laid to rest and now it was perhaps only a few here and there. well hidden. carefully taken apart and most certainly prepared as food for him.

but all of those thoughts were for another day. talon had decided to finally pull out his alibi to make sure he was out in time for pride. part of the delay was curiosity for the system and simple boredom. it was different then every other day. but pride celebrations were something he could always get behind. a lot of human shit still didn't make sense but pride, that shit did. so much so that he made sure to dress as scandalously as possible. shorts that were incredibly short, showing off his leanly muscles thighs. no shirt in sight, allowing his gills to be easily seen as well. he wasn't ashamed of being someone that would fuck anyone he felt like. also, wasn't bothered by being a siren and anytime he could force it down someone's throat to deal it, it pleased him. all of that being said, there was one mission he had right out the gate on the day. he had to find cherry. he was sure she would have been worried about him. after there... night together. could it have been a date? he knew humans were particular about that but he didn't truly know how dates worked. still, he hoped to ease her whatever worry she may have been holding. which was why he had been hunting for her all morning. when he finally caught sight of her, it was with sammy in toe. sneaking up was pretty easy with the people around. holding a finger up and a wink towards the little one got a grin in return and a nod before he swiftly moved and wrapped his arms around her from behind. gently bringing her against him with a smile on his face, "i hope you didn't miss me too much," he spoke softly in her ear as he practically hugged her from behind.

[hjxmalai]

Misty Mynx 2016 Summer New Arrivals Yaya Urassaya Photoshoot

[hjxmalai]

Gentle Cottagecore Emoji Asks

🌿 Herb: What is a scent you find relaxing? 

🌱 Seedling: What is something you want to begin learning? 

🥛 Milk: What is a food you find comforting when you are sad? 

🍯 Honey: What is one thing you like about yourself?

🍄 Mushroom: What is a quote you find comfort in?

☕ Tea: How do you take your tea?

🐄 Cow: What is one other tumblr blog you really appreciate? 

🌳 Tree: What is one thing in your future you are looking foward towards? 

🍑 Peach: What is a color that makes you smile? 

🌻 Sunflower: What is one thing that brightened your day today? 

🐓 Chicken: What is a comfort movie/show for you?

🧵 Thread: What is a recent creative project that you are proud of? 

🐈 Cat: Do you have any pets? Are there some pets you really want? 

🍅 Tomato: Have you ever gardened, and if so, what is your favorite thing to grow? 

🍃 Leaf: What is a plant you find beautiful? 

🐝 Bee: What is a video game that you find comforting? 

🍞 Bread: Do you know how to bake bread? If so, what is something you’ve baked recently?

🐇 Bunny: What’s a song that you really like? 

🌲  Pine: Do you prefer the cold, or the heat?

🧶 Yarn: Knitting or Crocheting?

🐑 Sheep: What is a comfort item you own? 

🍓 Strawberry: Do you own any pink clothing?

🥞 Pancake: What is your favorite breakfast food? 

⛰️ Mountains: Would you rather live in the mountains, city, beach, or the forest? 

🧸 Teddy Bear: Do you ever want to raise kids someday? 

🕯️ Candle: What is something you can’t go to bed without? 

[hjxmalai]

Hello everyone! Here is a fun activity for the summer. Anyone who completes the activity by AUGUST 1ST (12AM CST) will receive a prize.

Keep reading

[hjxmalai]

Though today was a political minefield, Cherry was choosing to ignore it in favor of the kids. Mostly. Her eyes did get a bit watery as she pictured memories of her childhood, her mom holding her hand at the sapling plantings. Or when she saw kids swimming in the river. But, she could keep it together for the kids. Besides, today was a day to embrace her connection to the dryads.

"Thankfully, most of the kids don't realize what is going on," she said. "It's a bit hard to explain the entire situation."

Cherry smiled as she watched the children giggling and proudly displaying their handmade flower crowns. Seeing their innocent joy brought a warmth to her heart, momentarily easing the weight of the political tension that loomed over the revelry. "They're excited to decorate the sanctuary with everything. Though, I think Sunhee is going to end up giving you some of them."

"I definitely think I am having the most fun at the revelry with them around." As she spoke, Cherry absentmindedly plucked a delicate blossom from her hair and twirled it between her fingertips. The floral scent filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest. The familiar grounding presence of nature calmed her racing thoughts, if only for a moment. "Do you ever miss being that young?"

he gives sunhee a smile and a little wave as she heads back to the other children, waving hello to some of the other children as they notice his arrival and start waving excitedly at him. at least they're happy to see him. more than he can say for some of the others at the revelry, who view him as untrustworthy, or worse, a traitor, given his... complicated history with the royal families and the humans alike.

rubbing at the frosting on his pants with a frown - blue, of all things. he'd have to spot treat it if he wanted any hope of salvaging the pair - bit hums noncommittally. "as much as i can be, i suppose." he won't bore her with the politics of the whole thing. it's not her business anyway, despite her ties to the nymph community. besides, it's enough to make his head spin, and he's used to dealing with it, so he can only imagine how convoluted it looks to any outside eyes.

"it's horribly boring of me to admit, but i think that i mostly enjoy the revelry vicariously through the planning of it, rather than through the actual event itself." not because he didn't like the revelry - quite the opposite in fact - but more so that it always meant he was especially busy, as the face for human and nymph relations. "this year that's especially true." it's not as if the anti-nymph sentiment had gone away, just because of the event, and they all could feel it permeating through the cheer and good will.

he shakes his head, however, as though to indicate he didn't want to bring the conversation down further by talking about it. "and yourself? it seems that the children are having fun, at least." it always makes things easier when they are. nothing like upset children to ruin one's day.

[hjxmalai]

"They're surprisingly resilient," she said. Though, Sammy also had the added benefit of being a siren. Most of the time, Cherry was more concerned for her babysitters than for Sammy herself. "All you can do is love her and do whatever you think is best. At the very least, she will appreciate that." He was already a better parent than her own father. As the years had gone past, she still wasn't sure if he loved her, though she was fairly sure he had at one point.

"Look, my father is off gambling with some buddies for the night, so why don't you two stay here? I'll set up some of Sammy's old stuff and you can worry about buying everything in the morning. I can take her to the day care while you get situated," she said.

She hugged Lock. "Don't worry, we are going to get through this together. When you're ready, you'll figure out the right name. I picked out Sammy's, if you need help," she said. Her father was so far gone he didn't even bother. Though, he went along with it.

"thank you." he sighs in relief, shoulders sagging. "sorry for coming over so late. i honestly didn't know what else to do." nobody else he knows has all that much experience with kids, other than his uncle, who has already put up with way too many of lauren's shenanigans, and it's not as though he could call up his mother, given her current locale at the bottom of the ocean. "i just have to get through tonight, i guess, and then tomorrow i can worry about what to do from here."

already, his mind is racing - he doesn't own anything to take care of a kid. would he be able to source everything he needs on short notice? what is he supposed to do whenever he's at work? shaking his head to clear the thoughts away, a problem for future lauren, lock hums softly.

"mm, not yet. i didn't see one on any of the care instructions her plant came with, and i came right here as soon as i found her, so... i guess she's still nameless." poor thing. she doesn't seem to have noticed, though, seeing as she's pretty content with the bottle provided to her. "i guess that means i'm supposed to pick one, yeah? as her... parent." father doesn't feel right, makes bile burn the back of his throat. mother doesn't quite fit, either. mothers were... well, they weren't like him, at least.

[hjxmalai]

Cherry tried not to laugh in amusement. Sunhee had frequently drawn pictures of "Mr. Bit", asking Cherry to give them to him if she couldn't do it herself. Whatever the attachment was, she found it adorable. Well, when Cherry wasn't filled awkwardness. After all, Bit was a longtime advisor for the old royal family and Cherry was best friends with Osuke. Despite her complicated relationship with the current royal family, he had always been there.

Cherry's place in Hanjeong was always questionable, even among the nymphs. There was no world she could fully belong to, but today, she could embrace that part of her culture. Unfortunately, she also got to embrace the current anti-nymph sentiments plaguing Hanjeong. And she had to look after her little saplings to make sure they'd be fine.

"Thank you for returning them to me. Clearly, she doesn't understand the concept of placing roots," she said. That was what she told the kids when they needed to stay put. "Looks like someone wanted to explore a bit early."

"Sunhee, let go of Mr. Bit," she said, firmly. The child reluctantly let go of Bit. "Now, go play with your friends." The child wandered away, albeit pouting. However, the child would forget soon enough. Kids were resilient like that. "I swear, she'll give me gray hair one of these days. Are you enjoying the revelry?"

"mister bit, mister bit!" a voice from behind him gives him about three-seconds heads up to turn around, before a tiny body crashes into his legs, wrapping around them in as tight a hug as a four year old can muster. he'd thought he'd have more time before the children took notice of him, but sunhee had always sworn that bit was her favourite, despite the fact he only helped out in the daycare sporadically, whenever he had free time or there was an emergency.

"hello, sunhee." he rests his hand gently on top of the dryad's head, looking around to see if malai or any of the other daycare employees are in sight. "what are you doing out here by yourself, hm?"

"we're walkin' round! look!" the little girl presents bit with a half-eaten cookie, the frosting of which he's positive is now smeared into the knee of his pants. so much for looking nice, then. not like she hasn't seen him look worse before, but he'd wanted to make a good impression, for once.

"wow, a cookie! that's lovely." spying the rest of the children on the other side of the lair, relief floods him that he doesn't have to be in charge of a child on top of everything else. "let's go see miss cherry, hm? i want to say hello, and it's time for you to go back to your friends."

it's a little bit awkward, as she won't let go of his legs, forcing him to take stilted steps, attracting attention as the little girl squeals with glee as she's given a ride with each step, but he eventually makes it back to the group of children from the daycare, shooting malai an awkward smile. "i found this one. sunhee, you need to let go now."

"noooooo!" the girl whines, holding a handful of bit's pants tight in her little fist. "wanna stay with you." bit sighs, shutting his eyes for a moment to collect himself, before giving malai a pleading look. he doesn't mind entertaining the children, usually, but with this being the new mayor's first spring revelry in office, bit's been playing host and tour guide for the better part of the morning. he's not sure why she doesn't just ask the monarch, or even gaeul, but nooo, it has to be bit. why be seen interacting with the nymph monarchy during these turbulent times? not like that's important.

@hjxmalai

[hjxmalai]

an explanation on cherry's last name

ruan: to cook meat (of any type) until it's almost cooked by stir frying it in a pan or pot.

sri: majesty; glory; honor; splendor

khok: hill or mound

Cherry's family created their last name as a blend of her mother's and father's family histories. Prior to his marriage, the family last name was Ruansri (as it was a matter of pride for them, even though they were the lowest in terms of the pirate descendant class system). Khok was added in honor of her mother's adoptive dryad ancestry and the mountain she traversed to survive.

[hjxmalai]

Cherry felt a flurry of emotions. Despite her brave front, she had not expected for this plan to actually succeed. In all honesty, she had convinced herself she would miss Jiho and have to head back home empty-handed. Maybe accept that nothing would come out of this. However, this was keeping that tiny sliver of hope inside her alive.

She definitely had not thought this through though. How was she supposed to explain why she was here? It's not like she could claim that she frequented this or that she just wanted a casual drink on the wrong side of the town.

Cherry also hadn't planned for anyone else to pay her any attention, and honestly, she barely registered them. Jiho was now close. Very close. She actually stopped breathing for a moment but slowly willed herself to let oxygen back in to her body.

She flushed slightly at Jiho's words.

"Well, I thought I could use a night out," she said. Cherry internally flinched as she said it. A night one? In this part of town? While being human? Sure, he would believe that. "It's good to see you. Would you... like to join me?"

The night had been relatively calm. A day full of tattoos and avoiding various people with all of the extra side eyes he had been getting over that damned police report. It took everything in him to not roll his eyes anytime shifted across the street when he walked. Humans were like sheep. Easily gullible, easily eaten. So, Talon needed a drink. Needed to shed that Jiho skin he wore for the humans and simply be himself.

That was the plan when he walked into Triton. Get himself a drink and curled his lip in something like a snarl when some merfolk eyed him. He would fuck them up too. Despite what others may think, there was no doubt in his mind the siren rumors and hear came from them. They usually did. But he was determined to enjoy himself a bit, and having a drink was the start.

Of course, that changed when he caught a flash of someone walking in that he was…. Certain he knew… but they wouldn’t be coming there. Right? No, no, sane person would if they were human at that time of night. But it was how the other sirens and even some merfolk perked up at their entrance that had him on alert.

Finishing his drink quickly, he moved to the bar. Just barely sliding in between the first siren that had made their way to her. It was her. Cherry. “I wouldn’t say you were in my way. But this guy looks like he is just leaving,” he let out with a laugh, eyeing the younger siren with a threat clear, forcing them away before looking at her completely.

He got in close, almost inappropriately close, clearly claiming her so there were no questions about who would be taking her out of that bar. “I’m more than a little surprised to see you here.” He started; his voice low but friendly towards her. “can’t say I am mad about it though...” even flirty towards her.

[hjxmalai]

"Been there," she said. Though she hadn't birthed her, Sammy had essentially become her child. And, much like with Lock, she had not been prepared. To this day, she didn't know her sister's origins. Her dad refused to tell her who exactly Sammy's mom was, much less if she had a name before she came to them. She didn't even know if her dad was aware of Sammy before he came back with her.

"Look, if I could do it at eighteen, I think you can do it now," she said. Cherry put a comforting hand on Lock's shoulder. "And, I'll be here if you need any help. You can count on me."

Cherry was certainly not going to make Lock do it on his own. She would have certainly appreciated more help with Sammy. "Thankfully, dryads are relatively self-sufficient. Some never have parents. Just feed and water her... and take care of her plant. She will then be fine."

Cherry looked at the little girl. "So... does she have a name yet?"

"it's a t-shirt." it's his, obviously, given that it's much too large for a child, and also features the word 'maneater' and a picture of one of the xenomorphs from the alien franchise. "i don't exactly own anything for her to wear. she's too big for all my doll clothes." it's hard to tell whether or not he's kidding, his expression giving nothing away.

he enters the house either way, shifting the toddler from one arm to the other as she looks around, taking in the new surroundings. "god-" he laughs incredulously. this is really his life. this is really happening.

passing the bottle to the girl, lock's relieved to see she seems to be capable of holding it on her own. he knows fuck-all about milestones for kids, so he's not sure what he should be expecting. "i mean..." he hadn't really thought that far. stop kid from crying. find kid something to wear. ask cherry what to do next. that had been the thought process. "i don't know, honestly? like..." there's no good way to put it, honestly. "i'm like, kind of a mess. and i wasn't really prepared to have a kid."

whenever the toddler starts to breathe loudly through her nose in order to keep drinking, seemingly intent on downing the whole bottle as fast as she can possibly manage, lock brings up his hand, gently pushing the bottle away so she's forced to pause. "not so fast, little one. it's not going anywhere." watching the little girl for a moment, he waits until she's caught her breath before removing his hand and allowing her to continue. "anyway... they wouldn't have given me a kid as a prank or something, right? like, if she... chose me, i guess, or if someone chose me on her behalf, they had to think i was capable of it." he's... not exactly confident, but he's also not ready to just give up without even trying. "besides, what can i do? send her back? stick her some place that's already overcrowded with orphaned kids? if i can't hack it, sure, my ego's not that big. but if i can... i don't know, figure it out, then i'd like to do that."

[hjxmalai]

Enjoy this Hanjeong-themed ask meme. Or, feel free to reblog your own to better enjoy your time in paradise.

Send🍄 for our muses to get lost in the Mistwood Grove.  

Send🧜🏼‍♀️ for our muses to go to the beach after dark.

Send🌴for our muses to go the beach during the daytime.

Send🧚‍♂️for our muses to get invited to a nymph ceremony.

Send🐙 for our muses to spot a kraken (or think that they do).

Send🐚for our muses to collect shells along the beach and find something strange among them.

Send🐬for our muses to swim with the dolphins.

Send🦀for our muses to get a meal at the Cove.

Send🍃for our muses to take a walk in East Side Park.

Send🪸for our muses to visit the coral forest.

Send🏴‍☠️for our muses to get into chaotic situations at the Ship.

Send🔱 for our muses to go to Triton’s Horn.

Send 🔥 for our muses to hang out around a bonfire.

Send 🪄 for our muses to be nosy at the Sea Witch’s hut.

Send ⛰️ for our muses to watch a movie on the mountain together.

Send 🌊 for our muses to go surfing together.