#Erika 💕

[kalolasfantasyworld]

Thank you post #1

I think the tag limit is 5... so that's how many people I will tag.

Main post

all of these mentions are PH related

@thoughtfullyrainynightmare 🔥

I had to start with you, because you're the first person in the fandom to talk to me. You were also the first one who drew Helena and I will treasure this art forever 🥺 Just like you showed me how fun collabs can be, when we wrote the ballroom fic, which is fully PH canon. You also shared some of my PH arts supported me with your tags and comments. Believed in my story. There are so many reasons for why I can simply call you a good friend and I'm happy I got to know you.

@lyranova

You may not remember this well, but you were also one of the first people to support me in this fandom. You were always so sweet and kind and even when I was super shy I gathered the courage to text you and ask for fic advice, because guys let me tell you writing the break up chapters was hard.

@loosesodamarble

We started talking a bit later, but I'm so happy we did at the end and I got to know you. You're such an amazing person and your incorrect quotes always bring such a smile to my face. I mean I even your prompts in a smut fic 😂 I also always appreciate your reblogs on my art. You share your thoughts and I'm so happy to read them each time.

Just as I love the reviews you gave to the first few PH chapters. They were really in depth and I'm still amazed how you pointed out a really important part to Helena's character arc.

@koneko-pi

You're not really active anymore so I wonder when you'll see this. We literally missed each other when it comes to fandom engagement times, but I'm so happy I got to know you despite that. Your art inspires me so much and I mean literally few days ago you helped me go through an art crisis. This means so much to me.

I admit that I grouped the four of you, to write below thanks to the group. I send you overwhelming amounts of WIPs, drawing, writing and you always support me with each and every one of them. We joke we laugh, we come up with incorrect quotes and that's how some of my one shots came to be. You inspire me.

But also you help me when I feel down. When I have an art block, writing block I can talk to you about them and ask for advice. Or sob that PH will come to an end and you understand. 💕

@acacia-may

I'm really happy you're taking your time and a break right now and I hope you'll see this once you'll be ready to come back.

We started interacting through an ask you sent me regarding a PH illustration. It was just the sweetest thing ever and when we later talked I adored how we both focus on the siblings bond. You on the best space brothers and I on the birds. You were the first person to be genuinely curious about Gabriel, who's a very dear OC of mine. Honestly through some of the conversations with you a bit of his character developed. You also asked about the other Drazel siblings, such as Mateo 🥺

[kalolasfantasyworld]

A beautiful piece and something sweet I really needed right now. I'm glad Josele can feel again, her emotions unlocked and she forgave Nacht, despite that he still feels guilt. After all his words were harsh, not to say cruel.

Nacht makes a promise to be there for Josele, and she says she will love him back. Beautiful especially with that Morgen's whisper, because what he wants them is to be happy. They have his blessing.

Cookie's art is beautiful as always. <3

This wonderful piece that I commissioned from @crazycookiemaniac inspired me to write a short fic! Thank you for the art and the inspiration, Cookie!

Genre: romance, hurt/comfort

Word count: ~750

..........

Nacht knew he would find Josele there. Standing on the highest point of the base's roof. Basking in the fading light of the sunset. The silver moon and twinkling light of the stars took over the sky. Though he couldn't see her face, Nacht could sense her serenity from across the distance.

"It's so dreamy, isn't it?" Josele spoke without turning to face Nacht. "All that darkness in the sky, lit up by so many different lights."

Nacht looked up. The soft but dazzling lights reminded him of Josele. She was his star, his guiding light. The only difference, she was in reach of Nacht. His eyes found Josele's form again, noticing her hair flowing in a passing breeze.

Slowly, Josele turned. Her eyes, sparkling like the heavens, looked upon him. Her face was lit up by a gentle smile. The posture with which she stood was at ease yet remained steady.

All of it took Nacht's breath away. Was it the love he had felt for years? Or the relief of her returning from what felt like death itself?

"Nacht, you haven't answered me yet," Josele whispered, her voice so light it could've been lost to the wind.

"I suppose someone could enjoy the atmosphere of the night."

Josele's expression fell but didn't fade entirely. "Yeah." She walked closer to Nacht until they were in arm's reach of each other. "What brings you out here?"

Nacht opened his mouth but no words passed. There were too many to say. All of them fighting to come out first. But there was one thing that always came to mind when he saw Josele, even now. So he said it.

"I'm sorry," Nacht whispered, so quiet as if he feared shattering the peace around them. "For hurting you the way I have."

Josele shook her head. Her smile, once again full of life, shined upon him. Looking at it, Nacht wondered how she could look at him in such a way after... After everything.

"I've long since forgiven you, Nacht. You never meant me harm. You know that."

"Yes, I know but..." Nacht bowed his head. "I haven't forgiven myself. I'm still not sure whether I have the right to be with you."

"Oh Nacht." Josele reached out and tipped Nacht's head up so they were eye-to-eye. "I can't make you forgive yourself but I will stay by your side no matter how long it takes. I won't give up on you. So please—" She sniffled as tears ran down her face. Nacht reached out and brushed the tears away. Josele let out a shaking breath while leaning into Nacht's touch. "Nacht..." Josele held his hand to her cheek. "I beg of you, don't say you don't deserve happiness. That I shouldn't love you. I've seen you at your best and worst, and I love you. I always will, no matter what, okay?"

"Understood." Nacht's own eyes burned with tears but he let them fall. After so long, they needed release. "And I love you, Josele, from the depths of my soul." His heart raced when he spoke those words. He said them once before but now, he was able to say it with a light heart. And he smiled, more freely than he had in years.

Nacht slipped his hand from Josele's. Then, he took both of her hands between his own. Josele's hands were warm. He reveled in that warmth, letting it sink into his flesh and bones. He would finally let himself treasure her touch, her whole being. He knew he was cursed but he still yearned for the blessing of her love.

"I know I'm not perfect like Morgen. I can't give you everything he could have. But if you'll have me, I'll give what I can and make up for lost time."

Josele nodded, smiling gently and shedding tears all the while. "That's all I can ask for. And I'll give you my love in return."

Nacht squeezed Josele's hands a bit tighter. Then, another warmth touched Nacht's hands. It spread through his body. It was like being embraced by someone.

"Take care of each other."

It was only a whisper, soft and reassuring.

Nacht wasn't quite sure if what he heard was real. But then he noticed Josele's eyes had gone wide like his own. At least to them, it must have been real.

Nacht and Josele's eyes met. Tears still ran down their faces. But their faces were still bright from their smiles.

Perhaps this was not a perfect ending. But it was a happy one. And it was theirs.

[mint-ty]

I love love how Jere was not just inspired by Erika. He also has a very strong sense of justice and it's obvious how public mistreatment of Erika makes him upset too.

So Jere full on went: "Why is it wrong to be sexy woman? 😠 Watch me be sexy woman too then! 💅✨️"

and by "sexy woman" I mean unashamed, unapologetic non-binary stage perfomance that leaves everyone weak in the knees 🎤🪩

[magalidragon]

❤️ ⚾️ Play Along ⚾️ ❤️ | a Jonerys AU

“C’mon wife, play along.”

“I think I might have a crush on my husband.”

In which the Winterfell Wolves’ highly overqualified athletic trainer Dany Targaryen wakes up in Dorne with a hangover and no memory of getting married to the team’s star shortstop Jon Snow, who is the most persistant man she’s ever met. Also the sexiest. Also the one man she cannot have if she has any hope of keeping her job.

In which star shortstop Jon Snow figures the best way to save Dany’s job after their drunken elopement is to pretend it was a planned event and they’ve been together this whole time. Dany’s not thrilled. Jon totally is. You see, he’s been in love with her since the day he met her and now he finally has his shot….if only she would just play along.

A Jonerys AU of Liz Tomforde’s book, Play Along.

For @youwerenevermine I should have waited until your birthday but I couldn’t help myself. 🤭 I made it while at the damn baseball game and had to share!

[vikman100]

via Erika's insta stories 03.01.2025

[awesomechocolatesauce]

Several weeks ago, I've finished the game with the British feminine voice for Rook (low register), and I love her voice so much.

A few days ago, out of boredom, I created me, but as an elf, and I decided to go with the American feminine voice (low register) for immersion purposes, because I, too, am American. I'm still getting used to it, and I didn't think I'd like it, but...I think I do. I still think I prefer Bryony Corrigan, because her accent is just so... unique in the game, but I'm really liking Erika Ishii's take, too. They did a great job for Rook.

[jeres-red-g-string]

warner music live via tiktok💕

[lyranova]

Here’s two fictional characters to choose between: Zack or William? 👀

And you know what, for my own silly satisfaction, who would you choose between Morgen and Nacht? 🤭

Aaaahhhh i forgot this was in my drafts, I’m so sorry Erika 😭!! I thought I answered and posted it but…I didn’t 😔. However, I shall answer it now even tho the dating ask game was a while ago!

Hmm…this is a tough one…but I think I would have to go with Zack 😂! Look, I love William, I really do…but Zack has had my heart for a looooong time and is just so loveable and silly that I have to go with him 🥺💕!

AAAAHHH UHHHHH LET ME SEE…I THINK I WOULD HAVE TO GO WITH MORGEN, I’M SO SORRY NACHT 😭!! I LOVE NACHT BUT MORGEN’S JUST A LITTLE MORE MY TYPE I THINK??? BUT I LOVE THEM BOTH!

*slides Nacht over towards you because he deserves someone as lovely as you 🥺*

[acacia-may]

ACACIA! LONG TIME NO SEE SO I HAVE TO SEND YOU LOOOOOOVE! 💖💕💗♥️

Awwwwww thank you so much, Erika! 🥰 It's so good to hear from you. Sending lots of love right back to you, dear! 💖🩷💗💓💕

[wildflowercryptid]

new erika card just dropped

[kalolasfantasyworld]

2, 9, 17, and 20 for Helena from the interview questions?

Hi Erika! 💕

Thank you for your ask ^^ These are some interesting ones and Helena is reminiscing some funny situations.

2. Who is your best friend?  Tell us about them.

I don’t really like the term best, because it says as if someone was better than the others. I think that they’re just different and I don’t want to choose. However if I have to in this case the closest to the dictionary best friend of mine would be Vanessa. Hah, what do you want me to say? She’s just amazing. So funny and always has my back. She’s that kind of a friend you can go out drinking with and come over crying, good or bad, which she has proven to me many times. She’s also that devil friend of our friend group. She got me a wayyy too inappropriate swimsuit and did I mention that time, when she convinced me to buy a bunny suit? I obviously thanked her for that later, but it was risky... I had no idea how Nozel would react.

(Yes this is a teaser for a short fade to black one shot I wrote for the bunny suit Helena drawing. I'll hopefully post it some time soon.)

9. Are you a spiritual person?  If yes, what do you practice?

I wouldn’t say that I’m greatly spiritual. Yes I believe in higher power and I attend all of the appropriate spiritual events. My marriage was done by Clover faith as well, but I think I believe in people more. I’m not practicing a lot out of my own volition.

17. What makes you laugh?

Many things. Is that an answer? I’ll just pick a few then. Let’s start with… drumroll… Nozel’s eye-rolls! I’m being serious. I tease and instead of laughing he makes this affectionate eye roll or furrows his brows, it’s just so adorable I can’t help but giggle. Now for something else that makes me laugh… annoying Gabriel. I’m his big hermana I have to keep him in check… just that he bites back. However all the laughs are worth it. Another thing, so when Heinry tries to mimic No— now I’m starting to think that I’m a bad wife considering how much I laugh at my husband. I should stop talking, I feel like I’m digging an even bigger hole for myself. To sum up I laugh a lot. I’m a joyful woman.

20. Describe your biggest pet peeve.

As you know I’m a princess, I was raised a princess and I was taught all the appropriate court etiquette and manners. I know that most of the people are not taught the rules of Royal dining, but I would love for them to at least eat with their mouths closed and try to use utensils. I just… can’t stand it. It even happened during an official dinner once. This one noble house representative came to gain our favour and he would talk, while chewing. I’m usually great at controlling myself in social situations, but at the desert Nozel had to walk out with me for a minute, before I would say something inappropriate. 

[kalolasfantasyworld]

Hi! I’m finally back to my lecture!

I simply love the interactions between Josele and Solara. There is support, trust, there’s friendship.

And Josele can count on Solara for advice when it comes to such important matters as her marriage with Nacht.

Her concerns are valid considering how nobles perceived her relationship with Morgen. Thankfully Lara has just the right words to say. 

Gifts ^^ 

Daggers… are an interesting gift. I think I’m siding with Solara on this one. 

Josele already has a baby brain I think, let’s put that idea to the side as well...

Necklace. Thank you Lara. 

And Josele really is the star. 

“Not only that but I want Nacht to think of the future with hope.” 🥺🥺🥺

I love how intimate the scene of choosing the necklace is. Going through options, looking for a meaning

It’s great that she ended up ordering a custom piece, something truly from herself. 

The ending was so precious. Their relationship is truly beautiful.

Lovely fic Erika!

For That Special Day

Summary: After the union between herself and Fuegoleon, Solara assists Josele in preparing for her own happily ever after, as it were. A collaboration between myself and Laura (@thoughtfullyrainynightmare).

Genre: general

Word count: ~4300

..........

If there was one word Solara could've used to describe Josele it would've been "earnest." She was a woman once dead to the world in all but body now lived again, not with great energy but with a deep appreciation for all that was around her. Solara saw it in the way Josele would drink her tea at a slow, thoughtful pace. In the way she paused to watch a simple act such as a florist tending to bouquets in a window. How she smiled with tears in her eyes for the joys of another person.

Their initial introduction was poor, yes, but Solara could confidently say that she was glad to have become acquainted with and befriended Josele.

In that moment, Solara's hand moved up and touched the pendant that had been gifted to her from Josele. A gift given out of love to celebrate love. Truly something meaningful for both giver and receiver.

"Solara, the necklace looks positively lovely on you, no need to be self-conscious," Josele's teasing voice pulled Solara from her thoughts.

The two women walked together through a lively, though thankfully not crowded, marketplace. They were without their squad robes, as they walked not as knights on patrol but as friends on an outing.

A giggle made it past Solara's lips. "Oh, I wasn't worrying. But I probably don't need to tell you that."

"True. A moment of appreciation?" Josele guessed, to which Solara nodded. "You're welcome." The warm smile she gave Solara softened as she turned her head to look ahead. However, there was something else to Josele, in the way her eyes so quickly flicked away from Solara, from the wedding gift.

Perhaps it was Josele's affinity which made her easy to read or perhaps Solara had become all too familiar with tension, with the sense that there were words that wanted to be said but did not come out easily. Solara reached out a hand and touched Josele's shoulder.

"If there's something you wish to discuss, Joey, I'm all ears," Solara said with gentle reassurance. "Is there?"

Josele looked at Solara. She smiled, though there was a heaviness to the gesture.

"Nacht and I, we finally decided to marry." A sigh, one that was light and dreamy, left Josele though her smile remained somewhat sad.

"Well that's certainly something of note," Solara remarked with a nod. "But there's more?"

"Much more." Josele's hand reached for her own necklace, or rather the rings. "See, the trouble is that... Right now we've decided to make our union a small affair."

"Ah, I presume just yourselves and your squad. Don't worry. I'm not offended for not being invited. Being told is sufficient to me."

At that, Josele shook her head, perplexing Solara.

"We're not doing a ceremony at all. We don't want to make a big deal out of our union."

Solara couldn't help but laugh, though she kept it minimal. "Sounds difficult. It's marriage after all."

"I know, I know." Josele flushed and shook her head. "It doesn't make much sense but that's how we feel. But it's my idea to forgo a ceremony entirely. Even if it's just the Black Bulls, I don't want one. Because it reminds me of..." She gripped the rings more tightly. "With Morgen, there was going to be a ceremony, a big one because of how well-connected he was. You should've seen how nervous I was. Me, some common woman, marrying the most admired man in the noble realm. But..." Josele's expression brightened with such warmth that Solara felt it in her own heart. "Morgen had this way of making me forget when people were watching us. And so I felt it would be okay since he would be waiting for me at the end of the aisle."

Solara remained silent for a moment. She had an idea of how Josele must've felt back then. Solara marrying Fuegoleon, one of the kingdom's royals, meant having many eyes on her. And it did shake her a bit. But the joy of marrying her dear Fue outweighed the anxiety. So Morgen had that effect for Josele.

"But it's different with Lord Faust?" Solara asked softly.

"It's not a problem with him, it's just..."

"I understand. And I'm sure Lord Faust feels the same."

Josele nodded. But still there was something so.... well not quite... wrong in it. Which, however, didn't mean that it didn't feel right either.

"He does..." she tried to smile, still fumbling with the rings.

"But?" Solara asked, searching for Josele's gaze with faint glances, almost as if to ask if she wanted to tell.

"But," Josele begun, not averting the gaze per se, but rather letting it travel freely. "Marriage tends to be something that is celebrated with one's friends and loved ones. Both of the couples friends and loved ones."

There was a brief pause, during which they both thought about it. Though within Josele there was a tug of two emotions, rather than a flow of thoughts.

"Well," Solara begun, thinking out loud more than anything. "I think that... ultimately marriage is between the people in the marriage itself. And... it's... I think it's a union, that speaks about the emotions of those two people, as long as it's a marriage out of love, but that's another topic entirely."

Josele nodded. Because there was more to the subject of what marriage means to people, but this wasn't one of those conversations.

"I was... Well. I can't say that I wasn't a little bit upset when my sister decided to marry in secret. If one can call it as that, because she did tell us. But they didn't have a reception. A proper wedding. Similarly, they just signed the papers. Perhaps celebrated it amongst themselves, but that's...." She paused for a while, choosing her words, because she was happy for Selena. "Their marriage isn't about me."

Josele blinked. Her face reflected surprise for a moment before giving way to relief.

"Goodness." Josele brought her hand to her mouth as she laughed. "Why didn't I see it sooner?" Then, she smiled to Solara. "Thank you. I think I've got my thoughts in order at last."

Solara twirled her hand and bowed her head in a playful gesture. "Happy to be of service."

Josele laughed a little harder. "Well, I still need your service actually."

"Hm?" Solara raised a brow. "Reconsidering the private affair and need my expertise on wedding planning?"

"No no!" Josele, suddenly flushed pink, stepped back and waved her hands in the air. “Nothing like that!”

The people in the street with the women sent passing glances, making both flush. They giggled as they briskly walked away. Once they had turned a corner, Josele spoke up again.

"I was hoping that, as a recently married woman, you might have some advice on what to get my husband to be," Josele explained and rubbed the back of her neck. "Since there won't be a wedding party... we're getting gifts for each other."

"Ahhhh..." Solara touched a hand to her chin and looked up.

There was a lot to consider. Since it would just be Josele and Nacht exchanging gifts, it had to be something genuine. A gag gift is acceptable from a friend. Something racy, even from a spouse would send the wrong message. There was also the fact that Solara couldn't suggest something definitive, not knowing what Nacht would appreciate. But she could still help Josele determine that for herself.

Solara looked to Josele and found the woman with an apprehensive look.

"Too big of an ask?" Josele said. "Perhaps I should've asked—"

"No, not too big," answered Solara and nonchalantly waved a hand in the air. "Just a careful subject."

"Mm, true."

“So what have you considered giving him so far?”

To answer, Josele removed a dagger from her belt and unsheathed it about an inch. The handle and sheath were made of ivory and carved with an intricate pattern of twisting ivy. The blade was impossibly pure steel that reflected like a mirror.

“Nacht and I actually met when I caught him trying to steal this dagger from my father. I thought it might be nice to give him the very item that brought us together.”

Solara stared at Josele with wide eyes. Josele surely couldn’t be serious? But Solara saw the fondness in Josele’s eyes and was reminded that Josele was not only raised in another country but another station in society. Their worldviews, while overlapping more than Solara initially believed, were still different. Solara turned her head and coughed into her fist.

“Ah, Joey, not to shoot down the idea too harshly but, at least in Thean culture, gifting knives to others is considered rather poor etiquette.”

Josele raised her head and tilted it to the side. "Really? My dad said the dagger was a gift from my grandpa on his own wedding day."

Solara paused, blinking rapidly as she took in the information. They really did inhabit different corners of the same world.

"So it was already given at a wedding?" Solara yelped. She quickly covered her mouth at her outburst. She grinned despite the heat of embarrassment in her cheeks. "See, at least in Thea, gifting a dagger or knife to another person has the implied meaning of 'take this blade and use it on yourself.'" Solara noted the way Josele's eyes grew wide and her face visibly lost color. Josele averted her eyes and slowly put the dagger away. Attempting to ease the sudden tension, Solara forced herself to laugh. "Supposedly, it comes from ancient times when traitors were expected to stab their own hearts if they were caught in the act. I don't actually know if what I'm saying is relevant to Clover though."

Josele tucked her hair back then rubbed her neck.

"To be honest, I am reminded of how Morgen and Nacht caused a bit of a stir when they gifted me my sword." Josele's hand wandered down to the hilt of her primary weapon and ghosting her fingers along the grip and tracing the guard. It wasn't particularly ornate but the combined material and craftsmanship certainly looked like it would be out of the price range of a commoner. To think that the weapon would've lasted Josele all these years. "I think, even though many nobles as Magic Knights create weapons through spells, using physical weapons is seen as... beneath them."

Josele's voice carried a weight to it. Not sadness or anger but rather something that dulled her spirits.

"Even if they never used it, the twins gifting me a sword might've been seen as controversial in noble circles."

"I'd chalk it up to the dearth of teyus in Clover. It's shaped the culture here in a rather..." Saying "odd" or "strange" since Thea's culture would be considered as such to Clover. "Distinct" doesn't quite work because all culture are distinct in some way. "In a way, let's say."

"In a way." Josele repeated.

"But we're in agreement that the dagger is off the table."

"Yup." Josele made the "p" sound pop at the end. "The only other thing I considered was sewing something like a baby blanket or onesie. As a look to the future instead of the past. But that kind of gift wouldn't be for Nacht's use."

Solara nodded her head and sighed.

There was her sewing baby socks and Fuegoleon buying lion plushes for future children in their spare time. And then there was giving a baby item as a wedding gift to one's spouse. Very different contexts. And different implications.

From what Solara knew of Josele and Nacht...

"I think the frankness might be a bit much too."

However, Solara’s mind repeated what Josele had said. About “a look to the future.” The her knowledge on it was sparse, the past was a heavy topic for Nacht and Josele. So a gift that brought to mind the future might’ve been the better option. There was also the fact that Nacht was a man of subtlety. In most cases. So too would the gift have to be discreet. A discreet gift would also keep attention from being drawn to Nacht and arousing suspicion if the union was to be as lowkey as possible. Subtle and future-oriented. Not impossible criteria to fulfill.

So where to start?

Solara looked at Josele, whose eyes were closed in concentration. Taking the opportunity, she looked at the rings. She never had the chance to see them up close but with the small distance, Solara could make out just enough. The rings were so different, one wouldn’t think that they were to be a pair. But there was one similarity to them, not in looks but in sentiment. They were rather simple. Not the plainest of rings by a considerable margin but there could’ve been more to either; more jewels on Josele’s or a pattern in the metal of Morgen’s. But no. They were simple and straightforward. She looked at the rings for a moment longer, then to Josele herself.

“Are you and Nacht already exchanging rings?” Solara asked a bit abruptly given how she and Josele had lapsed into silence for a moment.

Josele’s eyes opened. And the sadness reflected within answered all too clearly for Solara. But when Josele opened her mouth to speak, Solara let the words flow out of her.

“I’m not opposed to getting a new one but…” Josele touched the ones that hung from her neck. “We decided against it. For now.”

That alone spoke volumes for Solara.

“Then perhaps… a trinket or token to stand in for a ring?”

That wasn't a bad suggestion. Even if Nacht wasn't, despite being rather fond of belts, prone to wearing accessories or jewelry, for that matter.

"Perhaps..." Josele uttered. "Though that leaves the question of what kind."

Solara thought for a while. She still couldn't argue knowing Nacht, or what he... liked and did not like. But surely he'd take whatever Josele would give him. And thus, though the sentiment of getting something that would suit him, would be preferable, but allowed for some wiggle room.

"Does he... have a fondness for hair accessories? Considering that he has long hair?" She asked, which brought an amused smile to Josele's lips.

"No, he's not one to style his own hair. Not more than necessary, at least," she replied, though she couldn't help but muse to the thought of making an elaborate braid crown for Nacht some day.

Solara nodded to her. It might not have been a solution, but it was narrowing down the options.

"Then, I suppose that the most common trinkets, to be worn, would be either a necklace or a bracelet," she thought out loud. "Unless you want to give him an ankle bracelet."

Josele hesitated for a moment. Because though the suggestion of a bracelet was logical enough, it bore more than unfortunate connotations to her, and Nacht.

"No bracelet..." she uttered with a rather melancholic tone, which she couldn't help, as it brought her hand back to the rings around her neck.

Solara said nothing but nodded. Whatever it was that made Josele turn down the idea of the bracelet, that could be left to her. It didn't matter, not to Solara. What mattered in that moment was the woman standing with her and her wish to celebrate a happy future to be made.

Solara reached out and set a hand on Josele's shoulder. When Josele's eyes met her own, Solara smiled faintly. Josele's own smile returned to her face, a warm gratitude coming across as clear as the sky above them.

"A necklace would actually be appropriate. Something to accompany the relics." Josele colored up and there was a shine in her eyes that Solara was certain was directed to the man whom Josele would soon pledge herself to.

With the type of token decided, Solara and Josele made their way to the nearest jeweler's store. After all, Solara pointed out, having examples set before Josele would give her ideas of what she would actually want to get Nacht.

“Perhaps,” Josele said while peering into one of the glass display cases, “something with a moon. He always calls me his ‘star’ and so what goes better with the stars than the moon.”

“Oh that’s a lovely idea,” Solara replied. “It complements his pet name for you and I’m sure there’s more you have in mind.”

“The moon changes constantly but is always present, just like how he and I will change with time but still share in love,” Josele whispered, swaying a bit with the romantic thought.

Solara hummed, thinking to the moon in her own life. No matter how Selena, or Solara herself, changed, they would forever be sisters and care for each other. Not only that, but even when things looked dark, like a new moon, there was a comfort in knowing they could be there for each other.

Solara surveyed the jewelry. “What of that one?”

The necklace Solara pointed to was a circular pendant with a crescent of white gems in it while black gems were embedded in the rest of the circle, giving the impression of a crescent moon.

Josele let out a snort.

“Too bedazzled for your dark shadow prince?”

“Maybe a couple jewels too many,” Josele answered between giggles. “But… something about it does look nice…”

Josele waved over a worker and asked to be shown a collection of lunar themed pendants. It didn’t take long for a tray of samples to be brought out. Drumming her fingers on a glass counter, Josele stared at the necklaces. There was a pout on her face.

“They’re lovely but… the crescent… It kind of feels like there’s something missing.”

“It’s unfortunate that it’s the most distinctive shape for a moon.” Solara set down the pendant she had been examining. “Is there any other, I suppose, sentiment you want to convey to Lord Faust with the gift?”

Josele leaned back and away from the counter.

“Well, I wanted the moon for how it changes but also… it’s a light in darkness. Nacht is similar, though he doesn’t realize it. He cared for me when…” She shook her head, not wanting to finish the thought. “Not only that but I want Nacht to think of the future with hope.”

“Caring and hopeful? Like a guardian angel?”

“Yeah actually!” Josele exclaimed. “And maybe there could be a gem centerpiece…”

Solara raised a fist and grinned. “Let’s get looking then.”

There was something so amusing in her gesture to Josele. It seemed more like something Fuegoleon might do, rather than Solara herself. But maybe that's what growing to be a couple was about, adopting little maneuvers from each other, and knowing what the other was going to say, before they said it.

And perhaps gestures like that were more visible to those who were observing from the sidelines.

They asked the clerk if there were any pendants with a more angelic theme, and after a while, there was an assortment of various wing, and halo, pedants presented before them.

But, just as before, all these beautiful pieces of jewelry seemed to have something missing.

Solara looked at the melancholic expression on Josele, guessing that this wasn't it either.

"Something not quite right with these either?" She asked.

"No... not, not quite," Josele shook her head, though only faintly. "They're all so... bright?" The question in her tone was more so a question on if that was the right word to use, rather than about the quality of the pendants themselves. "Because... he's... Well. He was a bit of a troublemaker in his past, and... though I want him to think of the bright future ahead of us, with the sentiment of hope, I… don't think that such a 'bright' piece of jewelry is... fits his image."

Solara hummed in thought. But it was fair and fitting. Because Nacht certainly didn't try to appear like a knight in a shining armor.

"He's..." Josele continued, as a wide smile rose to her lips. "My darling devil divine..."

"With the heart of a gem," Solara continued. And paused. "No, wait, it's 'a heart of gold,' isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," Josele giggled.

“A man with dark powers and a shining heart, that’s my Nacht,” Josele stated with a sigh. As though the thought of the man alone took her breath away.

Not that Solara could judge. That was the nature of love at times. And Solara believed such wistful behavior was showing more because of what was in the near future for Josele.

Josele traced a finger around one of the angel wing pendants. There was a thoughtfulness, even admiration, in how carefully she looked at it. She nodded to herself then asked the clerk if they had any pendants of similar design—she had taken a liking to the wing motif—but made with a darker material.

The third selection had a mix of pendants that resembled bird or bat wings. Some were encrusted with jewels and others were embellished with finer details in the metal.

“I think we’re getting close,” Solara said, plucking up a pendant depicting bat wings curling around a gem to form a heart shape. “I don’t want to presume but these have an elegance like the night which feels apt.”

“No I agree.” Josele beamed, her eyes surveying the selection in excitement. “The darkness can be beautiful, kind even. Like the devils’ power…”

Josele, seeming to have caught what she just said, looked to the clerk with an apologetic look.

“It’s, uh, not what…”

Solara stepped between and quickly took over the situation. “If you’ll recall, it was reported that it was a Magic Knight wielding a devil’s power that struck down the King of Devils. I believe my friend is making reference to that.”

The clerk pursed her lips and nodded. “I… see…” They turned and stepped away, leaving the women to evaluate the jewelry left out.

Solara turned to Josele who hid her face behind her hands.

"You handle yourself with such poise, Solara."

"It comes with years of etiquette training," Solara replied, brushing aside the interaction. "And you were just speaking your mind. No real shame."

"I'm sure your husband would disagree," Josele tried to joke to alleviate the tension.

An amused smile passed over Solara's lips for a second, which was followed by a sigh, and a look towards Josele.

"Well. At least you didn't suckerpunch him like I did with William."

Josele pursed her lips. Solara's confession was a reminder that she was not merely warm sunlight but the sun itself, burning with passion. And that passion had been directed towards a, quite justified, show of force.

Josele shook her head, bringing her back to the present issue of the gift.

Blackened metal shined. Jewels of darker hues shimmered. Josele's attention was especially drawn to a necklace that had two wings made of rounded feathers curved to form a heart. No gemstones for embellishment, just beautifully polished dark silver. She set it side-by-side with the necklace Solara had picked out earlier.

Taking elements from both would look nice, Josele mused, imagining a gemstone being framed by the feathered wings. But... "These would suit his image better and I would like for Nacht to take it as a reminder to take pride in himself and his abilities. I don't think it's right though, having something with a darker aesthetic symbolize hope for the future, that is."

"Ah, yes. As much as we say 'it is darkest before the dawn,' we still fear the dark." Solara looked at Josele's choices. "Perhaps if you want a gem centerpiece, we can pick out one of a lighter hue. To brighten it just a little?"

"Or..." Josele didn't look at Solara but instead kept her eyes fixated on the necklaces. She tilted her head to the side. "Shadows... Wouldn't you say they're the meeting point of pure light and pure darkness?"

"That sounds like an accurate description to me." Solara leaned forward against the counter. "I take it you have an idea for what to do."

Josele answered with a smile and nod in Solara's direction. "Yes, and I think it'll be more than suitable."

It didn't take long for Josele to explain to a worker the idea she had in mind. Solara agreed to have news of progress on the custom piece sent to her lest Nacht find it amongst the rest of the Black Bulls' mail and ruin the surprise.

As the women left the shop, Solara noted how brightly Josele smiled.

"My, I don't believe I've ever seen a smile like that from you before. You really are enthusiastic, aren't you?"

Josele shyly turned her head away. "Well... I'm not sure how this might come across but... I feel..." She tucked some loose hair back. "I feel the same way I did the day I found Morgen's ring." When Josele reached for the silver band that hung from her neck, it was not with melancholy but overwhelming joy. "I remember seeing it and knowing in my heart that it was meant for him. Nacht's gift took a little more work but I still feel like it's meant to be."

Solara grinned. She couldn't think of something to say in reply, if there even was anything to say. She didn't have Josele's experience. Of having and losing love then finding it again. Sure, Solara and Fuegoleon had concerns with their own relationship but those were unique to them. And Josele's love for Morgen and Nacht were uniquely hers. That left Solara at a loss despite wanting to voice something on that happiness that Josele found again.

Josele suddenly stopped and turned to Solara.

"Thank you," she said plainly. "For helping me with this errand." Josele placed a hand on Solara's upper arm. "And for what your heart tells me."

Solara flushed then giggled. How could she have forgotten? There hadn't been a need for words in the first place. Josele simply knew.

"I'm happy to help."

More than happy really. Even if Solara would not be in attendance for the union, being able to help it come together was enough. And she could now look forward to a letter addressed from one Josele Faust.

[flx-res]

Aww i can't believe it my favorite couple wearing WEDDING RINGS! Thank you for your new update of my favorite OTP

⭐❤️😈

Thank you 🥰💜💛 I always try to never forget the wedding rings when I draw them as king and queen 😌👌✨

[seiwas]

Hi dear Sel! Just wanted to drop by and say a nice sweet howdy and wish you a fantastic rest of your day!! 💌☺️

erika!!!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 omg howdy!!!! u are so sweet!!! i am AAAAAH 🤧 wishing YOU the loveliest day too 🥺💕

and i’ve been meaning to say!!! that!!!! i rlly liked all of this (& heaven too) 🥺 i think i freaked out abt it in the tags a lil but !!!!!! AAHH i’ve been too shy to say it in the server and all 🫣 the worldbuilding is so rich!! and how you integrated everything & everyone into the au is so so so so clever and seamless AAAAH

read erika’s hades!gojo piece (so good!! 🤧🥹)

[mint-ty]

I love Erika so much 😩💕💕

[kaarijapeach]

Erika 💕💕💕💕