#The Ocean of fate

[alienorstyx]

Russia and America from my fanfic The ocean of fate

Some sketches of the scene in chapter 2. It's a love story between America and Russia. With some drama and mysteries.

[gingermintpepper]

I think, perhaps one of the funniest things to come from EPIC popularising the Odyssey is that now a ton of people think Poseidon wanted to kill Odysseus.

In the Odyssey, Poseidon has no intention of killing Odysseus. In fact, part of the whole reason Zeus lets Poseidon do whatever he wants even though he thinks Odysseus is rad and should get to kiss his wife is explicitly because Poseidon had no intentions of killing Odysseus. Poseidon wanted to pay back the suffering/inconvenience blinding Polyphemus would have caused. It's a really abstract thing tbh. How do you pay back someone permanently disabling your son? Poseidon's solution was just to amputate Odysseus from his other half; i.e. Penelope. The end game was never murder, it was always an endurance race.

(Od. Book 1: Zeus reassuring Athena that he is not, in fact, a part of Odysseus Hater-Nation. Trans. Robert Fagles)

Also, for those wondering if there's any sort of in text reason for why Poseidon wasn't around in God Games - at the time in the Odyssey when Athena petitions Zeus to let Odysseus leave Calypso's island, Poseidon was -checks notes- on vacation in Ethiopia. Yep. He left to Ethiopia for a festival and thusly was very much absent for Athena's whole "please let Ody go? Please? 🥺" request.

(Od. Book 1: While Odysseus was suffering, Poseidon went to party in the east)

I am begging y'all to read the Odyssey. It's a comedy for everyone except Odysseus and Penelope who are, in fact, suffering 24/7 365.

[invisible-pink-toast]

[beanghostprincess]

Behind every evil gay priest there's a gayer more evil blond who encourages them to walk the path of sadism

[3-frogs-in-a-trenchcoat]

show percy will eventually make another very out of pocket comment about the fact that zeus' best idea to save thalia was turning her into a tree but that time he'll add the fact that his dad grabbed him from a free fall instead of turning him into seaweed or a seagull or a horse and i live for the reaction of whoever is on the receiving end

[pink-november]

There's something almost magical when you first meet with The Shifting Mound.

The way your options are staggered from the mirror to proceeding to the cabin to approaching her, like bated breaths waiting to be left out. The way the piano sounds when you're facing her, lonely keys being pressed, solemn and so so beautiful. Her soft melodic voice dances, like comfort and familiarity. You ask your first question, asking her what she is, and she responds with the most profound thing you've ever heard. I am solitary lights in an empty city. What are you?

You explore. Press her for more meaning. She responds with more metaphors, sketching out the barest lines of her budding existence. Then she says: We are oceans reduced to shallow creeks.

Then the vocals trickle in, filling the silence of The Long Quiet with her enveloping presence.

And you stare at her, basking in the song that follow, and think to yourself, oh.

[aurelion-solar]

LoR Fate's Voyage: Beyond - Elder Dragon Followers Ocean Drake - Gentle Gemdragon - Dragon Allegiant - Alatis the Gallant - Ottrani Dragon-Worshiper - Cloud Drake

[ashendalia]

Flowers bloom on the battlefield. Butterflies dance beneath an azure sky. A gentle breeze puffs over the horizon. And in the distance, his squadmates laugh.

//

The concoction of drugs is finally taking effect and she can barely stay conscious now. The pen falls out of her hand, her body slumping to the floor. With her final breath she gasps his name one last time and lets herself fade into oblivion.

[thatoldbooksmellsstuff]

me when Achilles is mentioned: :D

me when he's only mentioned for his strength and not his gay tragic whirlwind lovestory with Patroclus: D:

[moomoorare]

﹏𓊝﹏﹏ 𓆝*̥˚ -ˋˏ• ༻𓇼༺ •ˎˊ- 𓆝*̥˚﹏𓊝﹏

Exhale Inhale 🫧 - Scales of Fate AU

Art I made from a small moment in chapter 1: Crawl under the earth (to feel the hunger and thirst).

· · ── 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 ˎˊ- ⋆·˚ ༘ *

Chapter One Summary :

On the second day of festivities, the Knights and their Queen visit the dry side of the city.

They eat out and enjoy a look around the festival food stands and small stage shows, they roam the city.

A sense of dread juxtaposes the joy of the event.

.˚₊‧༉︶︶︶︶( 𓆉 𖦹*ੈ‧ 𓇼 ₊˚ 𓆡 )︶︶︶︶༉‧₊˚.

[ftm-dick-grayson]

Being a Dick Grayson fictive sucks for a pretty solid myriad of reasons but chief among them (amongus) is that I keep getting the aerial zoomies but I can't do shit about it because I'm stuck in a body thats vision blacks out a little bit when we stand up for too long in the shower

[alienorstyx]

The Ocean of fate

Previous part: 3

Chapter 3: Finally on the Island

The fresh morning air awakened America, who wondered if all that had just happened was a simple dream, or a vulgar nightmare due to all the sweets devoured with New Zealand at last night’s dinner. However, it was not her fault that France had brought so many sweets, such as chocolate, marshmallow bears, fruit candies, fruit pastes, Italian biscuits (to make anyone addicted), a few lollipops, and cupcakes, all these treats were intended for the birthday of New Zealand, which had just celebrated her 8th birthday. Their father only tasted the various cupcakes, and the one he liked the most was the lemon one, while her brothers ate some sweets and cakes with their girlfriends. And France like their father only ate some cupcake, but she nevertheless preferred the chocolate/ coconut one. The rest of the treats were swallowed up by New Zealand and America, eating almost everything,if the United Kingdom hadn't prevented them to do it. It was necessary that some remains for breakfast otherwise there would be only simple rusks to put under the tooth.

With difficulty she opened her eyelids, as her body wanted to stay here to sleep, exhausted by all the efforts made to survive. Last night’s dining room was now dark. Yet it was time to rise, the sun had been shining for several hours on the surface. The fish were swimming over America’s head. We were supposed to be around 8:00 am.

I feel like it’s cold and wet today. It’s weird, I feel like I’m surrounded by water. Iiikkk!!! What just got in my hair?!! It keeps moving!

Her fingers brushed against the unknown creature. She just hoped it wasn’t some sort of insect, and especially not a cockroach, she hated them, this mistake of nature. How many times had it happened to her, that those filthy beasts climbed on her while she was sleeping peacefully. Their little paws twisting in her thick hair. A real war to remove them. Too many times it happened that she stop keeping track of it.

It’s a dream! It’s not possible that this is what I’m thinking. It's skin looks like a snake or a fish, so cold, so slippery. These are scales! I will put my hand in the fire!

Her eyes opened wide, as she reflexively raised her upper body. Her head hit an oil lamp, that was turned off. Thus she could see a light flickering like a lighthouse in the darkness. The lamp was found to be hanging on one of the bearing walls. The girl tried to stand up. Without much success. Realizing too late that her legs were non-existent. 

Instead, she could not see what was holding her against the ground. But whatever it might be, the weight that put her down, was enough to anguish the girl. To reassure herself, the American touched with her trembling hand what should have been her right leg , sadly she had the unpleasant feeling of touching thick scales.

What is it that...  WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ! I’m still in the middle of a nightmare! My legs... I can’t feel them anymore. I have to drag myself to the light to see more clearly! Let’s go a little courage, you can do it girl. it’s only a few meters. It must just be a small flood, It often happens on these islands during bad weather. I hope New Zealand and Dad are all right. Canada and Australia will be fine, they are like cockroaches, indestructible and boring. With difficulty, She crawled, getting hit by absolutely all the objects that floated.

Finally arriving under the light, it was with shock that she discovered what her legs looked like. From the top of her belly to the bottom of what was previously her feet, rested a huge and long green and golden tail. The fins had golden tips while the rest was transparent.

Ring ring ring

America opened her eyes to the sound of the alarm, hoping to be back in reality, her eyes stared at the arched ceiling. What a funny dream. Me,  becoming a mermaid? It would be pure science fiction, I’m not in one of those B-movies, where after suffering a near death experience, a poor girl finds herself in a body that is not her own. All her senses are altered and she decides to take revenge on the mad scientists who turned her into a monster. And all those who tried to oppose her revenge against the organization Y. To finally end up impaled by an alcoholic fisherman who is admired throughout the film by the blonde and brainless heroine, who falls madly in love with him, thinking that she could change him. Actually, no. He will remain a depressed alcoholic and their romance will be unhappy and short-lived. And there, the camera fades the happy vision of the two main characters and glides gently at the surface of the water, we see them now blurred, leaning over each other to kiss and then a shadow quickly passes on the screen. The camera stopped filming on a wreck. We heard resonant noises coming from inside the ruin. Which implies that a continuation is possible for a second movie. And finally, the credits of all the beautiful team that participated to write such a scenario. Well, it’s not all that. I should  get up, nature calls me.

The American stretched her limbs out from under the thick sheet, not noticing the hand-stitched embroideries, representing small flowers and long perpendicular lines. The girl was still in the living room from the day before, the pot was at her feet, a thick copper lid now rested on it, to keep food safe from possible insects. Difficult to find under the sea. But you never know, if there was not one hidden in a crack.

The antiquity that served as an alarm clock still sounded loudly as America finally managed to stop it's infernal noise by pressing on the head of the small metal object. A small noise on the side, attracted the attention of the girl. Hidden under the sheet, was her kind hostess of the day before. The pretty woman must have fallen asleep shortly after America did. Her face seemed so peaceful. Her skin, as white as the moon, bore no trace of suffering or pain. In comparison, her lips were of the darkest red. So sensual. Her whole body seemed so silky, so soft to caress. That temptation was strong for the American.

Hold it together, America! You wouldn’t want a stranger to come and caress you while you sleep! Hold it. You don’t know what she’s thinking about you. Hell! You don’t even know if she’s attracted to girls at all. Don’t get the signs wrong. This could cause more embarrassment than anything else. You will normally chat with her when she wakes up. You’ll invite her for coffee or dinner to thank her for saving your life. And then you’ll see if there’s chemistry between you and her. We’re not just trying to do a one-night stand. Get to know her before you try your luck like a 44-year-old truck driver on a highway when he sees at the gas station, a pretty girl in a red convertible.

Slowly, the hostess awoke. Her eyelids shook twice before opening halfway. Her gaze turned directly to the American woman, who was standing in front of her, seating closely, and who avoided her gaze without great discretion. This amused Russia. Who rose gracefully from the carpet. Knowing full well that her tunic reflected wonderfully the curves of her body. This attracted without surprise the look of the American who contemplated it while blushing.

" For breakfast, I can offer you a very simple porridge with fruit. I’m sorry I can’t offer you more...but I haven’t made provisions for the next few months." Her gentle tone immediately conquered America who did not want to appear insolent, saying that she absolutely did not like porridge. Especially the half-burned one of her father, where she still didn't know how he managed to have such a result in the kitchen.

"That’s fine. I... I love porridge! Don’t worry!"

" Perfect. I will prepare it. If you want to wash, I can prepare a bath for you. It won’t be ready until after breakfast, I’m sorry."

"Thank you...thank you! A good bath can revitalize any woman! Ahaha..."

" Yes. " Without saying another word, Russia got up, lit the oil lamp and disappeared into the corridor.

Why did I say that? She’s going to think I’m weird. You couldn’t hold back! Huh! ? my  damn brain! I have to break any misunderstanding. Or it will create even more embarrassing situation. Arg!! I do not know what to do...

While America was lost in her thoughts, her host worked to prepare the best fruit porridge. Looking for seasonal fruits in her boxes, she still had two pears, three apricots, an apple, a banana and a peach. That will do it perfectly fine. While cooking she waited for the water destined for the bath to heat. In about twenty minutes everything will be ready.

Russia quickly returned to the living room. She noticed that the sheet had been folded and put to the side, this little attention made her smile. With a calm gesture, she handed the bowl of porridge to America who took it and thanked her timidly. Hesitant, America took the first spoon of porridge.

"Hmpf! It's really good." She said, with the spoon still in her mouth. Before looking away, her whole face was bright red.

"I am glad to know that you liked my recipe."

"It’s delicious." It’s not just the recipe I like, you’re as appetizing as this dish. But it would be too embarrassing to say out loud.

Once breakfast was over, Russia showed America the bathroom. Which was a bit rustic. A simple bathtub in which Russia poured the last bucket of hot water.

" I hope the water will be at your temperature. I am afraid it will be too hot for a girl with as delicate a skin as you."

"That will do. My father says that my skin is as hard as the one of a bull. Eh eh!"

"Good. I will let you enjoy this bath. I will prepare your belongings, which are still damp, unfortunately. You can keep this dress."

"Thank you. But it is not necessary, I can wear my clothes very well, a little bit of moisture will not kill me."

"No, no. They smell too much like seawater and I’m not sure it’s very comfortable in the state they are right now."

"Oh, then could I offer you a coffee or dinner at the restaurant to thank you for all that you have done?"

" Uh... Okay. Just in a little crowded place."

"All right. Are we discussing this later?"

"Yes, take a bath before the water gets cold."

The hot water did America a great feel. She relaxed completely. Once out of the bath, she took the towel on the wooden stool. Dried quickly. And joined Russia in the living room. The two young women decided to meet the next morning for a coffee near the city center and then lunch at the port or in one of the alleys of the city.

To get to the surface, Russia showed America the simplest way and the one she used the least, but this little detail she did not specify to the other woman. Together, they climbed into the elevator, which after a few squeaks began to rise. Very quickly they were on the surface. Arriving in a small house. The door opened inside the living room. What surprised America was the very dusty state of the house, but she did not comment on it. The young woman indicated her which way to follow to reach the beach then her hotel. Wishing her good luck.

Happily, America crossed the thick forest following the hidden beacons against the trees or in the branches. Her bag full of wet clothing was hooking to all brambles and branches. As for her feet, they were hurting like she walked on glass but in about 30 minutes she could relax in the hotel and annoy her brothers and then play with New Zealand.

[akkreti]

Imaginary Scramble as an event holistically is just above average. There are some good parts, some iffy parts, some bad parts, and some amazing parts, but as a whole it definitely doesn't hit as hard as Atlantis or Avalon le Fae.

The ending though, the final message, the whole theme the story is trying to bring to bear:

You are created by something larger than you could ever imagine. You have a purpose set for you since your creation. Your skills and your passion are not your own. Everything that you are belongs to someone else first, your passion, your personality, your identity, all of it is patchwork made by taking it from someone else. Someone better than you.

Strip away all that the world has forced unto you, and you will find barely anything good.

You are a cheap knockoff, you are the off-brand product someone has to settle with because the real deal is too expensive and out of reach, you are a tasteless exploitation of someone else's hard work and struggle, the only positive quality the world thinks you have is the profit you can bring to your creator, your skills that are not your own

But, you are alive. You are here, you have desires, you have hopes and dreams, you want and you want and you want, and the world condemns you just because of your existence, but you are here, right here and right now, and you are trying and you are living and-

I love you, Clytie van Gogh. From one tasteless gutter copycat to another, I love you Miss Van Gogh.

It's been nearly a year since you gave me this self-portrait. Despite everything, it's your face.

With my unwavering loyalty and friendship, a handshake to you. 

[ominous-feychild]

✦ Beach Episode Tag ✦

Joining in on these open tags by @the-golden-comet and @jev-urisk!

What would your ocs do in a beach episode? 🌊⛱️ Can they swim? Any activities they would particularly love or hate?

Characters from Sun and Shadow: Freya, Crow, Daleira, Valyarus, Soren, Grimnir

Characters from the Arcane Rifts: Gene, Tazin, Mislav, Ludmila, Rada, Alyona, Ivan Oska, Rieka, Liesel, Nikolai, Damaris

Featuring tAR's characters mid-book 2, respectively aged (listing because there's lots of timeskips throughout the series and Gene literally starts it at 7 years old, so it's uh... very relevant): 15, 17, 17, 17, 16, 19, 24 32, 29, 34, 31, 33

Sun and Shadow

Freya

(assuming it's before SaS begins--) Absolutely loves the ocean! Would create herself a little reading nook under an umbrella and right up against the waves, so the tide would occasionally sweep over her feet (while her chair keeps her and her book(s) comfortably dry)! Might even get a surfboard and try to learn how to surf--I mean she's lived by the ocean for so long! Why hasn't she learned yet? (after SaS has begun--) Terrified of the ocean and stays FAR away from the water. Much more comfortable making sure everyone else's stuff stays dry, thank you very much! Still makes a reading nook under an umbrella, though.

Crow

Has never actually been on the beach despite living their whole life in a port city! Spends at least 10 minutes in a bubble of darkness Daleira made, debating what to do, before finally deciding to enjoy the beach! Turns on their anti-curse charm to turn completely human and walks out from the shade like a boss. Acts like a little kid spending their first day on the beach. Did not listen to Freya, did not put on sunscreen, and ends up with a nasty sunburn! Turns out, even normal humans sunburn! The fuck???

Daleira

Hides under the umbrella with Freya! Was the one to make Crow's darkness bubble (and sassed anyone who questioned the giant bubble of nothingness following behind her on the way there) while they decided what to do. Tries going in the water a few times, but hates how the bubbly waves feel on her skin and fur and abandons the idea pretty quickly. Spends a majority of the time she's not under the umbrella collecting shells! Alsoooooo spends a majority of her time there cursing out the sand. Will (literally, with her magic) completely destroy every single grain of sand from everyone else's bodies before and after they leave. No grain of sand escapes. Not. One.

Valyarus

The asshole who spreads his stuff out obnoxiously far to claim as much space as possible even though it's a public beach. It's debatable whether he's doing it intentionally to piss others off or just because he's just that clueless of common decency. Spends a majority of his time sunbathing and doesn't touch the bajillion things he brought and are actively taking up beach space. Gets in an argument with someone's dad about how disrespectful he's being, but just mocks the man. Gets the cops called when the dad tries to punch him and he instead slammed the dad into the sand, knocking him unconscious. Had a great time!

Soren

Lying dead or unconscious in the sand. (Would've been the dad Valyarus knocked out, but no. He was there long before that. Hope he's okay, though!)

Grimnir

Still has every single bit of his skin covered in one type of clothing or another despite being on the hot beach. Yes, with the leather trenchcoat collar flared, turtleneck sweater, gloves, wide-brimmed hat, and one of his signature masks affixed over his face. At least he's under an umbrella. It is unknown how, but he survives the day without heatstroke. Spent a majority of his time people watching and didn't ever go in the water. Maybe he was there for a case?

The Arcane Rifts

Gene

Puts on an obscene amount of sunscreen because he did a deep-dive research on beaches before they went there. Carries out all of the suggested "beach activities". Forgets to have fun because he obsesses too much over what he "should" be doing. Also hates the feeling of the sand, the sounds of kids screaming, and so many sensory things associated with the beach that aren't commonly discussed. Isn't diagnosed with autism because "it doesn't exist" in Glavnran, so doesn't know about sensory overload and can't accommodate for it. Which is an absolute mood btw, sorry, Gene. Still gets a bad sunburn despite repeatedly putting it on every two hours even AFTER the obscene amount he started with. Screwed over by his genetics again. Dammit. Why can't he just catch a break? Oh, right, because I'm writing him.

Tazin

Spends the first half hour randomly shouting at Gene that he won't put on sunscreen and that he won't burn. Even though Gene dropped it after asking the second time. Bickers with Mislav about this exact thing. Spends a majority of his time trying to set sand on fire, testing the sand-to-fire ratio for it going out, and messing around with the waves. Actually plays in the water, hangs out with Alyona, and enjoys himself! Not that he'll admit it. Only gets a minor sunburn despite never putting on sunscreen. Gene silently seethes.

Mislav

Spends the first half hour anxiously playing with the sand to ignore his body issues and periodically shouting back at Tazin to shut up and that Gene dropped the sunscreen thing a long while ago. Eventually gets reassured by Gene that it's okay, there's nothing wrong with him, and puts on his swimming trunks to go into the water. Despite his previous worries, genuinely enjoys his time at the beach! Didn't put on sunscreen anywhere near as obsessively as Gene, but still put it on. Gets a minor sunburn. Mislav glares at Tazin in his (secret) boyfriend's stead and emphasizes with Gene for his sunburn. Picked out a bunch of pretty shells for him though! Gene appreciates that.

Ludmila

Is convinced by Gene to put on sunscreen every few hours, but spends a majority of her time under the beach umbrella. Hates the heat, and only occasionally goes into the water when urged to by Gene, Mislav, and Rada because it'll cool her down. Won't admit it, but hates that they're right. Despite everything, does enjoy herself because she got to watch everyone else have fun. Guess the "leader" thing never dies, even when you're trying to relax. Only got a very mild sunburn! Still hated the heat. Poor ice mage.

Rada

Doesn't need convincing on the sunscreen thing, because she helped Gene do the research. Figured out how to make a magical timer with rune magic before they got there and sets it to go off every two hours to remind everyone to reapply sunscreen. Only Gene fully listened, though most of the others reapplied at least once. Alternates between walking on the shore, looking for shells, and spending time with Ludmila under the umbrella. Definitely didn't sneak peeks at her two crushes while she didn't think anyone was looking. As such, she also didn't enjoy the sights and nobody had a thing to suspect about her motives for convincing everyone to go to the beach. Didn't get a sunburn. Pities Gene.

This was really fun! I would highly recommend you guys trying it out!

Tagging (with no pressure): @the-letterbox-archives @honeybewrites @yourpenpaldee @darkandstormydolls @themboty + anyone else who wants to join!

This is part 1! Check out part 2!

Divider by @cafekitsune

[renrenkaaa]

I swear I’m so normal over my visions of Oberon’s abs being proven by the game

[astral-express-family]

Wedding fic! the drawing is still in progress but i do have this <3 as usual, fic will be utc

Dividers came from here

Taglist, since i actually remembered this time: @violetsareblue-selfships, @silver-heller, and @aego-philautia

Aslia hasn't gotten much sleep. When she finally gets to sleep, it's nearly two in the morning. And of course, she wakes up at six-thirty am. Lynette's still cuddled against rose, her arms wrapped snugly around Aslia's torso. Aslia just laughs softly trying to let roseself relax. It's hard, though, considering the date. August 17th. Her and Lynette's first anniversary, and also their wedding date.

“Mmm… already awake, firefly?”

The sound of Lynette's voice, admittedly, makes Aslia jump. She replies with a laugh and a warm, “How am I supposed to sleep, knowing today's the day we finally get married?”

Lynette just laughs, warm and affectionate. She says, “Well, the ceremony’s not until three this afternoon. Let's try to get a little more sleep, hm?”

And it works. When she next wakes up, it's to Lynette climbing out of the bed at almost ten o'clock. “What's for breakfast, love?” ro asks as she climbs out of bed herself.

Aslia, unable to argue with this point, just nestled herself back into Lynette's embrace and tries to fall back asleep. 

“Knowing my brother, he probably has made us a full breakfast spread just so we didn't have to do it ourselves on our wedding day,” Lynette replies casually. Aslia laughs, and shakes her head fondly. She replies, “Yeah, sounds like something Lyney would do.”

When they leave the bedroom, hand in hand, they find that's exactly what had happened. Lyney is standing in the kitchen, surrounded by fresh pancakes, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and eggs. When he sees them he greets them with an excited, “Ah, there are the lovebirds! Good morning, and perfect timing! I just finished making you guys breakfast!”

Aslia and Lynette sit down - Aslia’s plate loaded up and Lynette’s plate with a smaller but still substantial amount of food. The two of them sit in the breakfast nook, cuddling up against each other. Lyney cleans up the kitchen then takes his leave, saying, “Well, I’ll see you at the wedding.”

After breakfast, it’s time for them to go. Aslia has to go meet up with Chiori, who had designed rose wedding dress and is in charge of rose makeup.

“About time you showed up, Aslia.” Chiori greets.

Aslia just smiles. Chiori just huffs affectionately, and tuts, “Well, let’s get you in your dress.”

The dress isn’t anything too elaborate, fancy but not overly so. It still takes a few minutes to get into the dress, but it’s so worth it. That’s what Aslia thinks, at least. She thinks it looks beautiful. Chiori did a great job with the design, Lynette will love it, she thinks. Once Aslia’s in the dress Chiori pushes her gently into a chair, and starts or rose makeup. It’s a known fact that Aslia isn’t super fond of makeup, so Chiori keeps it light. A little bit of eye shadow to bring out the color in Aslia’s eyes, some lipstick to highlight her lips, and a little bit of blush to add some color to her cheeks.

“There we go. Your mother should be here soon, to walk you down the aisle.”

Aslia nods, standing up. She gives Chiori a tight hug and says, “Thank you, Chiori. I appreciate you putting in all this work for me.”

Both too soon and not soon enough, it’s time to walk down the aisle.

Chiori again just huffs affectionately, but hugs back.

A few minutes before, she meets up with her mother figure, Ningguang. Ningguang is wearing a nice dress, formal yet simple. Aslia gives her a tight hug, and lightheartedly says, “Mama Beidou’s here, right? And let me guess, she’s still grumbling about feeling old?”

Ningguang laughs. “Right you are, Aslia,” she says fondly, “Beidou is indeed lamenting how your wedding makes her feel old.” Aslia's laughing at that, a smile on her face, “I'm sure Kaz is sick of hearing about it.”

“Indeed. Now, your love and her ‘father’ have probably reached the altar, so let's be off.”

So Aslia, dressed in rose wedding attire, links her arm with Ningguang's. The music swells as Aslia walks through the crowd full of Aslia and Lynette’s closest friends and family. Ro is to avoid scanning the crowd, looking forward instead. Lynette is standing next to her brother, dressed in a fancy suit. Aslia can feel her face getting red.

Because he's her best man, Bennett is also waiting there. When she and Ningguang get to the front, she drops Ningguang’s arm and takes her place at the altar.

The flower girls, Aslia’s adopted daughters, are standing at the front of the crowd in their matching dresses. Diona looks somewhat comfortable and relaxed for once, which makes Aslia smile. Sayu, meanwhile, appears to be falling asleep. Diona nudges her, causing the younger girl to startle awake.

The ceremony passes quickly. The best part, in Aslia’s opinion, is when they finally share their first kiss as a married couple. Bennett and Lyney are cheering from their places next to the happy couple, and most of the audience cheers and claps.

After Aslia takes rose place, the ring bearer comes down the aisle. The ring is being carried by Aslia’s adopted son, Chouji. His suit matches Diona and Sayu’s dresses, and he mostly just looks happy to be included.

Then, it's time for the reception. The catering comes from one of the finest kitchens in Fontaine. Dinner is a fairly simple affair, the guests chattering amongst themselves. Lynette and Aslia, meanwhile, sit at the head table and talk. Aslia takes Lynette’s hand in rose own, holding it tightly.

Then the first dance.

The finest live band possible starts playing, and Aslia walks with Lynette to the dance floor. Neither of the two women are great at dancing, but neither of them mind. They're giggling as they dance, and Aslia feels her heart swell with love. This is her wife now. Her wife!

After the dance floor opens to all guests, the happy couple begin to mill about.

“So, what's it like being married?” Aslia startles at the sound of her older brother’s voice. But then she just casually smiles, saying, “Feels good, Kae. I did marry the love of my life, after all.”

Kaeya laughs fondly, picking Aslia up and spinning rose around. Diluc, Jean, and Barbara are all standing nearby, all smiling. Aslia hugs the other three as well, squeezing them tightly. Then she says to Jean, “Hey, who's in charge of the Knights right now? Given that most of the authorities are here right now, I mean.”

Jean chuckles, and Kaeya outright snickers. “I have a couple of the more trustworthy knights in charge, I'm sure the Knights can survive for a few days without Kaeya, Lisa, Amber, Eula, Albedo, and I.”

“Yeah, they’ll be fine,” Aslia laughs. Her attention is then drawn by the sound of wind. The wind races towards her, before Aslia finds herself with an armful of her youngest child. She holds Sayu tightly and fondly, spinning her daughter slightly. Diona and Chouji are close behind. She greets them, “How are you doing, kids?”

“Lynette had better treat you right, or she’s gonna pay!” Diona proclaims, her hands on her hips as she huffs.

“I promise, I’ll make sure to treat your mother with the utmost care.”

They continue milling about, spending the evening and into the night talking to their loved ones and dancing and eating cake.

Diona jumps when Lynette speaks, and Lynette chuckles fondly. Aslia shifts the way she holds Sayu in her arms, to kiss her wife on the lips.

“I love you, Nettie.”

“I love you too, Little Light.”